SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 10/21/17 Anaheim Ducks Colorado Avalanche 1079164 Ducks finally enjoy 'best start' in high-scoring win over 1079198 Avalanche loses J.T. Compher and Tyson Jost to Canadiens, but it comes at a cost significant injuries 1079165 Cam Fowler’s knee injury dampens Ducks’ victory over 1079199 An Avalanche rally ended in shrugs Thursday night. Did Canadiens the NHL screw up the ending? 1079166 Ducks Notes: Power play unit must pull trigger quicker 1079200 NHL admits Avs' should've counted on coach's 1079167 Ducks Gameday: Ailing offenses struggle in search for challenge cure 1079201 Blue Jackets: Jenner practices full-go, may return 1079168 Arizona Coyotes' Rick Tocchet teaching now more than Saturday night ever 1079202 Blue Jackets | Boone Jenner may make season debut 1079169 Seguin scores twice in 3rd, Stars beat winless Coyotes 5- 1079203 Blue Jackets | Struggling faceoff a sore spot 4 1079170 ‘Yotes Notes: Reunion week for Coyotes at Gila River Arena 1079204 Was 'noisy' third period for new-look Stars a sign they're 1079171 Coyotes’ Clayton Keller playing with poise, leads NHL turning the corner? rookies in goals 1079172 to appear in documentary, have Detroit Red Wings number retired 1079205 'Things are changing' between Detroit Red Wings, RFA Andreas Athanasiou 1079206 Red Wings' Martin Frk re-emphasizes shooting as 1079173 Bruins’ Adam McQuaid out eight weeks with broken leg opponents try to silence him 1079174 Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid out with broken right 1079207 Detroit Red Wings keep chins up after week of losses to fibula elite opponents 1079175 Bruins notebook: Paul Postma set to play for injured Adam 1079208 Detroit Red Wings stunned late by , McQuaid 4-3, in OT 1079176 Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid’s leg is broken, will 1079209 Red Wings nearing deal with holdout Andreas Athanasiou have surgery Monday 1079210 Red Wings brace for dynamic Capitals 1079177 Bergeron’s return also a boost for Bjork 1079211 Capitals overtake Red Wings, win in OT 1079212 Red Wings defensemen embrace shot-blocking hazards 1079213 Red Wings, Andreas Athanasiou close to one-year deal 1079178 Pride, wins lacking as Sabres' season-opening stumble 1079214 Red Wings' lineup vs. Capitals: Petr Mrazek's first home continues start 1079179 Sabres Notebook: Johnson feels good about his game, 1079215 Nice hockey homecoming for Michigan native Corey except for the results Elkins 1079180 The Wraparound: Canucks 4, Sabres 2 1079216 Late penalties cost Red Wings in overtime loss to Capitals 1079181 Sabres Notebook: Fedun recalled for insurance 1079217 Red Wings ponder moves to get cap compliant with 1079182 Five Things to Know as Sabres host Canucks Andreas Athanasiou 1079183 For Kyle Okposo, 600 NHL games has gone by in the 1079218 Red Wings, Andreas Athanasiou agree to one-year deal blink of an eye 1079219 Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals live chat 1079184 Recalled for insurance, Taylor Fedun is ready to contribute to the Sabres Oilers 1079185 Sabres recall Taylor Fedun, place Jacob Josefson on IR 1079220 Win over the Blackhawks allows the Oilers room to breathe 1079221 rookie Kailer Yamamoto makes late push 1079186 Flames' Kris Versteeg suffers scary shift, getting hit hard to stay the season with puck twice 1079222 Oilers get some breathing room with 2-1 win over the 1079187 Game Day: Wild at Flames Blackhawks 1079188 In wake of bad , Flames come to Tkachuk's defence 1079189 ‘It’s the whacks that are killing us’: Flames coach laments 1079223 Florida Panthers cough up two-goal lead, lose to his team’s penalty woes 1079190 Q&A with Glen Gulutzan, frustrated about his Calgary 1079224 Panthers still adjusting to new penalty-kill system Flames taking too many penalties 1079225 MacKenzie Weegar to make Panthers season debut as part of shifted defensive pairings 1079226 Panthers face Patric Hornqvist for first time since hit on 1079191 Blackhawks allow most shots on goal in NHL — here's Colton Sceviour how they can fix it 1079227 Panthers lose to champion Penguins as Roberto Luongo 1079192 Backup goalie Anton Forsberg has looked the part in 1st 2 leaves game injured Blackhawks starts 1079228 Preview: Panthers at Capitals, 7:30 p.m., Saturday 1079193 Uncharacteristically physical ‘energy line’ gives Hawks a boost 1079194 For Chicago Blackhawks, simple play is probably better 1079229 LIVE BLOG: REIGN VS. CONDORS – 10/20/17 play 1079195 Three Things to WATCH: Blackhawks visit Niklas Hjalmarsson, Coyotes 1079196 Anton Forsberg is giving the Blackhawks exactly what they need 1079197 The world's best teams for watching hockey prospects NHL 1079230 Boudreau wants to see better defense from Wild 1079272 Hockey's Hotspur tells all 1079231 Wild- game recap 1079273 Ken Dryden: Hockey’s concussion discussion is about 1079232 Boudreau: "It seems like we're afraid to win'' more than just the game, it’s personal 1079233 Wheeler scores 200th NHL goal, Jets beat Wild 4-3 1079274 Youth hockey must take concussions seriously 1079234 Still-porous Wild defense can't protect lead at Winnipeg 1079308 Curtis McElhinney finds his groove as backup for the 1079235 Wild-Calgary gameday preview Maple Leafs 1079236 Wild's Marcus Foligno faces Winnipeg, wears protective face shield Senators 1079237 After slow start, Wild ready to get busy 1079275 Brennan: Top 5 Senator stars for first two weeks of the 1079238 Wild’s Marcus Foligno won’t change the way he plays … NHL season or fights 1079276 Leafs now oddsmakers' favourites for Cup. Don't say you 1079239 Wild’s loss leaves Boudreau wondering if club is ‘afraid to weren't warned win’ 1079277 Sens' Craig Anderson has keepsake of ' four-goal game MontrealCanadiens 1079278 Senators coach Guy Boucher says best choice was made 1079240 Game Day: No changes to Canadiens lines in Anaheim in OT 1079241 What the Puck: Canadiens' lack of character players a 1079279 Senators are ready for the Battle of against Maple glaring weakness Leafs 1079242 Canadiens at Ducks: Five things you should know 1079280 Doug Crossman wasn’t sure he was in the right place 1079243 About last night ... third-period collapse sinks CH in 1079281 Senators' Boucher believes he made right choices in Anaheim overtime 1079244 Liveblog: Anaheim blows open close game, beats 1079282 Battle of Ontario has extra meaning this time around Canadiens 6-2 1079245 Hickey On Hockey: Losing the "C" could lift Canadiens' Philadelphia Flyers Max Pacioretty 1079283 Flyers face challenge from Connor McDavid, slow-starting 1079246 In the Habs Room: Claude Julien's frustration level 'very Oilers high' 1079284 Flyers' Brian Elliott set to face Oilers; Brandon Manning 1079247 Ducks hand Canadiens their seventh straight loss, 6-2 unlikely to play against Connor McDavid 1079248 Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Shea Weber doesn't need the 'C' 1079285 Five observations from Flyers' loss to Predators to be a leader 1079286 Where's the jam? Predators squeeze it from Flyers in 1-0 win 1079287 Flyers founder Snider honored with statue outside Wells 1079249 Predators' young forwards still finding way offensively Fargo Center 1079250 Predators tightening up defensively after porous start to 1079288 Flyers notes, quotes and tidbits: Connor McDavid comes season to town; Matt Read to play? 1079289 Flyers-Oilers thoughts: Welcoming the best player in the New Jersey Devils world to Philly 1079251 The Devils' odds made this giant jump after 1079290 Why Scott Laughton may be Flyers' best shot at stopping hot start Connor McDavid 1079252 Devils place Cory Schneider on injured reserve | What it means Pittsburgh Penguins 1079253 Devils rally past Senators: 8 observations | Nico Hischier's 1079291 Penguins overcome sluggish start to edge Florida goals; Cory Schneider's injury 1079292 Penguins notebook: Defenseman Zach Trotman could 1079254 What fuels John Moore's knack for OT heroics with have impact Devils? 1079293 Penguins could get extension on redevelopment of old 1079255 Devils Daily Faceoff: Three storylines for Oct. 20 Civic Arena site 1079256 Devils' offense quiet in shutout loss to Sharks | Rapid 1079294 The Penguins will try to quell the shot-happy Panthers reaction 1079295 No ice time questions after this performance from 1079257 New Jersey Devils vs. LIVE score Penguins' fourth line updates and chat (10/20/17) 1079296 Penguins resilient while nabbing another win over 1079258 Devils' lines, pairings vs. Sharks (10/17/17) | How long will Panthers Cory Schneider be out? 1079297 Power-play has provided steady heartbeat for Penguins 1079259 Sharks 3, Devils 0: Post-game observations 1079260 Devils fans rescue young anthem singer San Jose Sharks 1079261 Devils go into a week-long break with 3-0 loss to Sharks 1079298 Three things to know: Sharks’ Meier, Devils’ Hischier and 1079262 Game 8 Live Blog: Sharks blank Devils, 3-0 the rise of Swiss hockey 1079263 Devils place G Cory Schneider on injured reserve 1079299 Three takeaways: Sharks’ Pavelski scores goal for uncle 1079264 Devils Taylor Hall not looking forward to week-long break in wake of his passing 1079265 Devils’ offense goes dry, while Schneider goes on IR 1079300 Jones blanks Devils as Sharks improve .500 1079301 Martin Jones shuts out Devils in Sharks’ 1st road game of New York Islanders season 1079266 Islanders need to clean up sloppy play 1079302 As Joakim Ryan returns home, Sharks reunite with a former top prospect 1079303 Sharks win second straight, beat Devils to start road trip 1079267 Alain Vigneault blames Rangers’ early struggles on ‘combination’ of everything 1079268 A solution to the NHL’s advanced stats problem 1079269 Rangers can’t will way out of slump no matter how hard they try 1079270 Pavel Buchnevich responds to demotion with game he needed 1079271 Rangers fight to stay off bad season precipice St Louis Blues Websites 1079304 NHL says Colorado goal should not have been waived off 1079339 The Athletic / Duhatschek Notebook: Russia determined to 1079305 NHL admits it goofed on review end Olympic drought, Canadian team taking shape, Duck 1079306 Vegas off to great start as Blues visit 1079340 The Athletic / A Minnesotan takes a perilous journey to North Korea in the name of hockey, and friendship 1079341 The Athletic / From Aneroid to : Who is Patrick 1079307 What's not to like about Lightning's start? Marleau? 1079342 The Athletic / LeBrun: Andrei Markov is happy in the KHL, but still keeps tabs on the Canadiens 1079309 Leafs are Stanley Cup favourites, says oddsmaker 1079343 The Athletic / While Shea Theodore waits for his NHL 1079310 Saturday NHL preview: Maple Leafs at opportunity, Brandon Montour thrives in Anaheim 1079311 Today's Leafs prefer to intimidate with speed: Cox 1079344 The Athletic / Bourne: Has Mitch Marner been bad enough 1079312 Battle of Ontario has extra meaning this time around defensively to deserve the fourth line? (Yes) 1079313 Leafs shrug at latest Vegas odds that has them Cup 1079345 The Athletic / LeBrun: Players, officials, and league all favourites learn from confusing offside challenge 1079314 Game Day: Maple Leafs at Senators 1079346 .ca / Canucks look dominant against 1079315 Collectors cherish sticks of fellow NHL stars disorganized Sabres team 1079316 They're not draft busts — yet: Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart 1079347 Sportsnet.ca / Quick Shifts: Why Babcock likes his Leafs headline host of NHLers off to underwhelming starts uncomfortable 1079317 The Toronto Maple Leafs are now Stanley Cup favourites 1079348 Sportsnet.ca / Should Oilers rookie Kailer Yamamoto stick — and they don't care with the team past nine games? 1079350 Sportsnet.ca / Flames coach angry with penalties, will start punishing players 1079336 Canucks defenceman Gudbranson suspended one game 1079351 Sportsnet.ca / Flames Notebook: Why the 3M Line for hit on Vatrano shouldn’t be split up 1079337 Markstrom's tour de force, a Boeser reveal, Green's latest 1079352 Sportsnet.ca / The good, bad and ugly from the Oilers’ hunch and a media wars variety pack start to the season 1079338 Canucks 4, Sabres 2: What we learned after a bounce 1079353 TSN.CA / Matthews, Leafs happy to share stick-collecting back in Buffalo stories 1079354 TSN.CA / Leafs find themselves in unfamiliar favourite role Vegas Golden Knights 1079356 TSN.CA / TSN Hockey's Top 10 Storylines of the Week 1079318 Jonathan Marchessault on the mend for Golden Knights 1079357 TSN.CA / Dreger Report: Heat on the Habs 1079319 Golden Knights face serious test against fast-starting 1079358 TSN.CA / Insider Trading: Could Galchenyuk be a fit in Blues Saturday Pittsburgh? 1079359 TSN.CA / NHL admits error on offside challenge in Denver Washington Capitals 1079360 TSN.CA / Hot Button Issues: Dahlin continues to dazzle 1079320 Caps center Jay Beagle to play 400th NHL game against 1079361 TSN.CA / The Year of Swedish Defencemen Red Wings, the team he loved growing up 1079321 Alex Ovechkin lifts Capitals past Red Wings with overtime goal 1079327 Lemieux ready, willing... and Maurice confident he's able 1079322 Ovechkin scores in OT, Capitals beat Red Wings tonight 1079323 In just one week, Madison Bowey already looks like a 1079328 Minnesota Wild @ Winnipeg Jets much improved player 1079329 Wheeler's 200th the deciding goal in Jets victory over Wild 1079324 Game 8: Capitals at Red Wings Date, Time, How to 1079330 Claude Lemieux enjoys rookie son's NHL debut in Watch, Game Thread Winnipeg 1079325 Andre Burakovsky responds to demotion with his first goal 1079331 Arenas exploring facial recognition of the season 1079332 Jets look for success vs Central Division rival 1079326 Tarik's three stars: Andre Burakovsky rises to the 1079333 Jets top Wild on big night for Maurice challenge 1079334 Jets doing better job with discipline (so far) SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1079164 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks finally enjoy 'best start' in high-scoring win over Canadiens, but it comes at a cost

Mike Coppinger

Finally, seven games in, the Ducks found the start they were looking for. One by one, the bodies hit the ice as the Ducks set the tone with two crushing hits on the opening shift, one delivered by Josh Manson that sent Ales Hemsky crashing to the ice. Moments later, the Ducks were on the board after Dennis Rasmussen’s stick tapped in Jaycob Megna’s blast. The Ducks found the net again minutes later after Derek Grant banged home a Francois Beauchemin rebound for his first NHL goal. In one fell swoop, the Ducks cashed in on the power play for the first time in 22 opportunities — the last NHL team to score one this season — and corrected their opening period struggles. They rode that hot start — two goals in the first four minutes — to a 6-2 victory over the struggling on Friday before a sell- out crowd of 17,174 at Honda Center, but it came at a cost as Cam Fowler was knocked out of the game with a lower-body injury. “That’s the best start we’ve had this year for our hockey club and we’re going to have to start more games like that,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We have to show that energy and that spark and that grittiness to go out and compete night in and night out, and tonight was hopefully a sign of things to come.” But, as always this season, it didn’t come easy, even against a club that hasn’t won since opening night. John Gibson was forced to make 28 saves on 30 shots in the second period, a feat that eclipsed the Ducks’ previous mark for shots deflected in a period by four. The Ducks returned to their undisciplined ways with four minor penalties in the second, and the Habs found paydirt on the final try. The Ducks resembled the team that bullied the Habs in the first once again in the third — “We played in three parts,” Carlyle said — and fired three goals in 97 seconds, with Grant netting his second, to salt the contest and chase former Vezina Trophy winner Carey Price from the net. It was hard for the Ducks to celebrate their third victory of the season, though. Fowler, the top-pairing defenseman who signed an eight-year, $52-million contract in the offseason, awkwardly twisted his right knee backward in the opening minutes and was carried to the locker room by trainers. He didn’t return and it didn’t look good. The Ducks are already without top-four defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen, both of whom underwent offseason shoulder surgeries. They’ve been practicing and are nearing returns. But if the team must also contend with Fowler’s absence? “When you lose a guy like him, it’s tough to replace,” said Gibson, who was named the first star with 49 saves, just two shy of the team record. “Hopefully we have guys who can step up.” Carlyle is hopeful Lindholm will return for the Ducks’ Tuesday contest in Philadelphia against the Flyers. By then, just maybe he’ll also have the services of missing top-line players Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves, too. But for now, the Ducks can take solace in the fact they finally started off on the right foot while they hope for the best on Fowler’s right knee.

LA Times: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079165 Anaheim Ducks After scoring three first-period goals in their initial six games, the Ducks matched that in one dominating 20-minute stretch. Four days in between games gave them plenty of energy and the goals were the rewards for Cam Fowler’s knee injury dampens Ducks’ victory over Canadiens dictating the game with their physical play. It began with Josh Manson leveling Montreal’s Ales Hemsky and continued with Francois Beauchemin, Kevin Bieksa, Corey Perry and By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register Jared Boll also delivering big hits. And it went sideways in the second but the Ducks were upright at the end. PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 10:18 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 11:18 PM “We have a template that we try to play to,” Carlyle said. “We just want to play the game the right way. And for, I guess, 40 minutes of the hockey game, we were pretty good. There was 20 minutes that we need some work on, that’s for sure.” ANAHEIM — If only the sight of a deeply-pained Cam Fowler having to be helped off the ice didn’t exist, the Ducks would have reveled in a night of many firsts that ended with an opponent in total collapse. Orange County Register: LOADED: 10.21.2017 A spirited three-goal first period segued into a horrific second to survive before the wild contest with Montreal morphed into free-for-all third, where the Ducks put away the woeful Canadiens with three goals in 97 seconds and took home a 6-2 victory before a sellout crowd at Honda Center. There was enough drama to make a network executive blush but the lingering storyline will be the condition of Fowler, who couldn’t put any weight on his right leg while being assisted off the ice after an awkward spill into the side boards while being pressured by Montreal’s Phillip Danault. The Ducks (3-3-1) only gave a brief update on Fowler during the game, saying that the bedrock defenseman and current alternate remained under evaluation. The injury looked serious, with his knee bending in a manner it shouldn’t. It would be another critical loss for the Ducks, who have been ravaged by injuries to key players from the opening days of training camp. The defense had grown accustomed to dealing without Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen as the two fully recovered from offseason shoulder surgeries. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said Fowler would continue to be assessed Saturday morning, where they would “find out the extent of the damage.” A sprain would likely put Fowler out for weeks. A tear will mean months. Carlyle was already calling on Lindholm, who figures to open his season on the team’s upcoming four-game trip. “You can look at it a lot of different ways,” Ducks goalie John Gibson said. “Hopefully we’ll get it out of the way now and we won’t have to deal with it at the end of the season. it seems like every team goes through it, but hopefully we go through it now. Smoother roads ahead.” Fifty-one shots allowed showed they need Lindholm and Vatanen more than ever. And they can use impact forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves, while already knowing they won’t have Ryan Kesler for the first half of the season. But they busted out without any of them, taking advantage of a Montreal meltdown. Thanks to Gibson and his team-record 28 saves for one period, stopping all but two in the second, the Ducks emerged with a 3-2 lead. The frustrated Canadiens (1-6-1) watched Derek Grant score his first two NHL goals, with his second sandwiched between tallies by Brandon Montour and Chris Wagner. “You don’t really think about that, I don’t think,” Grant said. “Kaser (Ondrej Kase) made a great play on the second one to give me an easy one. All the credit to him.” After Wagner scored on an odd-man rush, Montreal goalie Carey Price took his stick and smashed it against the goalpost before skating over to the Canadiens’ bench for a replacement. Price carried a 3.56 goals- against average heading into the contest. Gibson stopped 49 shots in all to conjure memories of last New Year’s Day, when he made a career-high 51 saves in a shootout win over Philadelphia that became a regular-season franchise mark. There were other notable subplots. Most of them also occurred in the first period, one that was clearly the Ducks’ best opening frame of the season and would have been the highlight if not for the Fowler injury. Dennis Rasmussen kicked it off by scoring his first goal on a neat deflection of Jaycob Megna’s shot that also gave Megna his first NHL point. Grant, who is on his fifth team, followed that with his first goal in his 93rd career game. The score on the power play gave them their first with the man advantage after opening the season without one in their first 21 chances. The Ducks were the last team to get a power-play goal. 1079166 Anaheim Ducks neither dressed Friday. The two will accompany the team on its upcoming four-game trip.

Sami Vatanen (shoulder) is also expected to travel. It isn’t clear if Getzlaf Ducks Notes: Power play unit must pull trigger quicker will do so, though he appears to be in better position to as Carlyle said the center hit the ice before the morning skate. Eaves had to see a specialist and his status may be further than day-to-day. By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register

PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 9:05 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 9:08 PM Orange County Register: LOADED: 10.21.2017

ANAHEIM — Jakob Silfverberg chuckled when the topic arose. Not a hearty chuckle in response to a joke. More like a nervous one to pleasantly address an issue with the Ducks that hasn’t been humorous. A power play that progressively worsened last season is simply nonexistent to open this one. The Ducks came into Friday night’s home game against Montreal as the lone remaining team that hadn’t scored with the man advantage. It was 21 chances and counting before facing the Canadiens. Nothing is funny about that. Injuries have robbed the Ducks of key personnel in every situation and the power play has been impacted by that. Still, it has been absent and an important reason why they’re near the bottom of the NHL in offense. “Power play is one of those things that can change the momentum of a game,” Silfverberg said. “I think so far this year, we haven’t had that opportunity where when we get an opportunity, get a goal and get the energy from that side of it. “If we can get our power play going, that would be not only a boost for the power play itself but the game itself. Having that confidence that once you get a power-play goal, you’ll get some momentum swinging your way and get some chances and you’ll get some looks.” Silfverberg is a right wing by trade but he turned into a prophet Friday. The Ducks broke through on the power play, with Derek Grant doing the honors during a three-goal first period. Ironically, Grant nearly had one against the New York Islanders but had it wiped out after getting caught for going offside. Grant’s presence on the power play’s second unit is an example of how injuries turned their usual personnel upside down. Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves are usually penciled into the first unit but both remain sidelined because of nagging lower-body injuries. It has Silfverberg occupying a prime role on the main group. He has put on the right side recently, operating as a shooter off the half-wall in the Ducks’ 1-3-1 power-play set up. Joining him are Rickard Rakell, Corey Perry and Ondrej Kase, with Cam Fowler as the lone defenseman. And that figures to change with Fowler leaving the game in the first period due to a leg injury that looked serious. The injury-ravaged Ducks did get Kase back after three games away because of a head injury. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle breaks what his team has to do on the power play into four elements – a shoot-first mentality, presence at the net, effective puck recovery and simply outworking the opposing penalty killers. The last one is often the most important. “That’s not always easy because if you guys have been around the game long enough, you know that the people who are playing the penalty killing situations are usually your hardest-working players on your team,” Carlyle said. “They’re the shot blockers. They’re the guys that lay it on the line. And they take pride in their penalty killing.” Silfverberg said he feels the structure they operate on is something they can lean on when the power play is successful or not. A problem he sees is too many players, including him, who take too much time to settle the puck for a big shot. The momentary pause has allowed for the defender to get in position to block the shot or the goaltender to make a save. A one-timer off a pass, even if it isn’t cleanly struck, might be more effective. “We take a little bit too much time to wind up and go for the Hail Mary, the heaviest shot you can do,” he said. “A lot of times, when you see goals being scored, it’s more just getting the puck there. It doesn’t always have to be hard. “Sometimes you can almost just lay it in his pads. If you have numbers in front of the net, you’re going to get a bounce and you make sure you win that battle.” The availability of Hampus Lindholm (shoulder) and Ryan Miller (wrist) appears imminent in that they’re full participants in Ducks workouts but 1079167 Anaheim Ducks Orange County Register: LOADED: 10.21.2017

Ducks Gameday: Ailing offenses struggle in search for cure

By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 6:57 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 7:02 PM

ANAHEIM — Two struggling teams that have found it challenging to score goals meet up Friday night when the Ducks host the Montreal Canadiens at Honda Center. Coming off a four-day break, the Ducks (2-3-1) are averaging just two goals per contest and have only seven goals in five games since opening night. Andrew Cogliano leads them in scoring with six points (two goals, four assists) but others have gone cold or stayed frozen. Rickard Rakell and Corey Perry have one assist between them since each opened up with three-point nights against Arizona. Nick Ritchie and Jakob Silfverberg have no goals and one assist between them. A dreadful power play hasn’t helped as the Ducks are the lone remaining team without a goal on the man advantage. They’ve come up empty in 21 chances, with Derek Grant’s disallowed score against the New York Islanders the closest to them getting one. Not having top offensive personnel has also put added pressure on the secondary scorers. Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves remain sidelined due to lower-body injuries they aggravated when attempting to start their seasons after being hobbled in training camp. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said Getzlaf skated before the team’s morning skate but Eaves had to see a specialist, which he also had to do during camp. Getzlaf and Eaves remain day-to-day for now, though the former is further ahead of the latter in terms of progression toward better health. It had appeared that defenseman Hampus Lindholm (shoulder) and goalie Ryan Miller (wrist) were in position to suit up but neither will. Both and Sami Vatanen (shoulder) are expected to travel with the Ducks on their upcoming four-game road trip. Ondrej Kase (head) does look like he is a possibility after missing the last three games. John Gibson (2-2-1, 2.66 GAA, .924 save percentage) will start for the seventh consecutive time. Just one team has found it tougher to get goals. That would be the Canadiens (1-5-1), who have a league-low 10 after seven contests. Consider that Washington superstar Alex Ovechkin has nine on his own. One player – Jonathan Drouin – has more than one. Drouin is centering a top line that has goal scorers Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk off to remarkably slow starts. Pacioretty and Galchenyuk each have one goal for their only points. In his second turn coaching the Canadiens, Claude Julien has been trying to prop up his group as it has stumbled out of the gates. “We’re very well aware that a lot of our players right now are not at their best and that’s certainly not helping our cause,” Julien told the Montreal Gazette. “But at the same time, if this is going to be a stretch that we’re going thorugh right now, you hope that we can build from that, we can get better because of it and that the rest of the season will be a little smoother.” A young forward the Ducks had coveted while he was with Tampa Bay, Drouin is making the transition from the wing to center in Montreal. He has a team-leading five points but has struggled on faceoffs, winning just 43.1 percent of his draws. The Canadiens are nearly as impotent on the power play, with just two goals scored in 26 chances. They are killing penalties at an 82.8 percent success rate as opposing teams have converted five of 29 power-play opportunities. Montreal has scored six of its goals in the first period but has just one in the third. Since opening the season with a shootout win at Buffalo, the Canadiens have been outscored 25-8 in losing six straight. Carey Price (1-4-1, 3.56 GAA, .885 save percentage) jumps back in net after getting Wednesday off as Al Montoya started in Los Angeles. Price is trying to find his form as he has allowed four goals in three of his seven starts.

1079168 Arizona Coyotes “If you go on the ice and do the right things consistently,” Tocchet said, “good things are going to happen.”

Arizona Coyotes' Rick Tocchet teaching now more than ever Arizona Republic LOADED: 10.21.2017

Sarah McLellan, azcentral sports Published 5:30 p.m. MT Oct. 20, 2017

Huddled in the corner along the boards was Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet and assistant John MacLean with a handful of players. At the other end of the rink, assistant Scott Allen and goalie coach Jon Elkin were overseeing another group. The remaining players were off the ice. Rather than reconvening for a hearty practice like the Coyotes usually have after each game during their winless start, the Coyotes changed up their routine ahead of their Saturday meeting at home with the Blackhawks and scattered inside Gila River Arena Friday. “As a coach, you always want to keep the players’ energy level (up),” Tocchet said. “Sometimes you have to go off the grid a little.” Since taking over behind Arizona’s bench before the season, Tocchet has focused on the X’s and O’s to help players implement the quick, aggressive style he covets. But being at the helm of a 0-6-1 group that ranks last in the NHL – this only months after Tocchet was crowned a Stanley Cup champion as an assistant with the Penguins – seems to have magnified his role as teacher. “He’s been great,” defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson said. “You almost feel a little bit guilty, too, not to be able to give him that first win. We really want to give him that one, so hopefully we can do that soon. But, yeah, I think he’s been doing a tremendous job here and keeping the spirits up. “He’s more of a modern coach with the new NHL. He’s been in Pittsburgh and sees how things are around there. Obviously, we don’t have the same team. We have a little bit younger team, and I think he’s a good leader to show those guys the right direction.” During his 18-season playing career, Tocchet was a model of sustainable success with 440 goals, 952 points and a Stanley Cup. But he recalls being mired in slumps and suiting up for losing teams. He also remembers how former colleague Mike Sullivan began his tenure as coach of the Penguins amid a winless streak. “The one thing I learned from him he stayed with the battle,” Tocchet said. “He didn’t waver. Just because you lose five, six games, you’re not going to all of a sudden change everything.” Tweaks, however, happen, and one adjustment Tocchet has made during the Coyotes’ rough start is to teach even more. The Fox Sports Arizona broadcast of Thursday’s 5-4 loss to the Stars showed Tocchet inside the Coyotes’ dressing room drawing instructions on the white board during intermission – an in-game tactic he’s started to do more this week. “Young guys, you can’t assume that they know anything or know stuff,” Tocchet said. “You gotta strip it down, and I decided that last week we’re going to strip it down and I think it’s helped.” That performance against the Stars was the team’s best so far, trumping their effort two nights prior when they faced the same team in Dallas. Still, it wasn’t enough to finally coax out a win and despite the lack of results, the Coyotes are trying to stay committed to the process they feel will eventually bear rewards. They’ve decided to have T-shirts made with sayings that represent the team, an idea that Tocchet brought up, defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson said. “We just picked four words that this team stands for to remind everybody when we walk around in there that if we bring this every day," Ekman- Larsson said, "we’re going to have a better chance to win hockey games.” Ekman-Larsson declined to share the words the group selected, but Tocchet mentioned accountability and attitude as two of the team’s keys – tenets that he identified before the season as essential to the makeover the Coyotes were attempting. And while the wins that are also necessary to complete this transformation have yet to roll in, the current wave of adversity certainly provides players with the opportunity to hone those important traits. 1079169 Arizona Coyotes the first time in three games. … Stars Hall of Famer Mike Modano attended the game.

Seguin scores twice in 3rd, Stars beat winless Coyotes 5-4 foxsportsarizona.comLOADED: 10.21.2017

Staff Report Oct 20, 2017 at 1:57p ET

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — In a close game on the road, the Dallas Stars turned to a pair of playmakers on their top line. Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn came through. Seguin scored two third-period goals and the Stars held off Arizona 5-4 on Thursday night, sending the winless Coyotes to their seventh straight defeat to begin the season. Seguin put in the rebound of Benn’s shot at 8:20 of the third, less than 90 seconds after the Coyotes had pulled even. He added his fifth of the season with 2:54 left to make it 5-3. Clayton Keller scored his second goal of the game with 22 seconds left to trim the margin to one. Derek Stepan also scored twice for Arizona (0-6- 1), the only NHL team without a victory. Benn had a goal and two assists, both in the final 20 minutes, as Dallas beat the Coyotes for the second time in three days. “We knew it was going to be greasy. The early road games to start a season in this league always are,” Seguin said. “Almost like playoff hockey until everyone in the league settles in. No one’s settled in yet. Sloppy game at times, but found a way to win.” Stepan scored his first two goals for Arizona. The veteran center arrived in an offseason trade with the New York Rangers and scored in each of the first two periods. The Stars defeated the Coyotes 3-1 on Tuesday night in Dallas, with goalie Ben Bishop stopping 27 of 28 shots. Bishop wasn’t as effective on Thursday, though he made a few quality saves and stopped 27 shots in all. “You just have to be happy with your big guys stepping up in an important moment like that,” Bishop said. “Some big shots by some great players. …. We don’t want to be giving up those chances when we get the lead in the third period.” Adin Hill, playing his second straight game in net for Arizona, made 25 saves. Hill is the third goalie the Coyotes have started this season. The Coyotes got off to a promising start when Stepan redirected a shot from Oliver Ekman-Larsson into the net at 5:50 of the first period. Dallas answered quickly when Benn was left alone in front on a power play, and after a deke deposited the puck past Hill to tie the score at the 6:23 mark. The goal was Benn’s third of the season. “The Seguin line was a killer,” Coyotes coach Rick Tocchet said. “They are elite players. Our top line produced for us.” Then came a play that encapsulated the Coyotes’ start to this season. centered a pass that Hill stopped. The rebound came out to Arizona defenseman Luke Schenn, whose attempt to clear turned into an accidental own-goal. Radek Faksa was credited with the goal because he was nearest to Schenn. It was Faksa’s second goal in two games. Keller, who had an assist on Stepan’s first goal, hit the post with a shot in the first period. Keller blocked a shot on defense, then beat Bishop on a breakaway at 6:41 of the third to make it 3-all. Stepan was in the right spot early in the second period when Max Domi’s shot went between his legs. The rebound off Bishop’s save came back to Stepan, who scored from close range to tie it at 2. “We’ve just got to find a way to outscore the other team one time, and just kind of relieve the pressure of not getting a win,” Stepan said. Bishop kept it tied when he stopped shots from Domi and Stepan in the final minute of the second. NOTES: Keller’s five goals lead NHL rookies. … Arizona C Brad Richardson missed his second straight game with a lower-body injury. … No. 1 goalie Antti Raanta missed his third consecutive game with a lower-body injury. … Dallas D Julius Honka was scratched for the third time in seven games this season, with D Jamie Oleksiak on the ice for 1079170 Arizona Coyotes Ekman-Larsson said there was a simple formula. “I felt that I had the puck a little bit more,” he said. “That’s my game. That’s when I’m feeling better when I have the puck instead of chasing it ‘Yotes Notes: Reunion week for Coyotes at Gila River Arena around all the time.” LOOSE PUCKS BY CRAIG MORGAN — Goalie Antti Raanta (muscle strain, lower body) and forward Brendan OCTOBER 20, 2017 AT 3:49 PM Perlini (upper body, IR) remain day-to-day but they will travel with the team when it departs Sunday on a five-game road trip through the three New York-area teams, Philadelphia and Detroit. GLENDALE, Ariz. — It feels like reunion this week at Gila River Arena. A — Center Brad Richardson (lower body) is questionable to play on pair of ex-Coyotes have visited or will visit the team that drafted them Saturday against Chicago. when Dallas Stars center Martin Hanzal faced the Coyotes on Thursday and Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Connor Murphy comes to town Blackhawks at Coyotes Saturday. Records: Coyotes — 0-6-1. Blackhawks — 4-2-2. “I think it’s always going to feel weird because I spent such a long time Injury report: Coyotes — D Jakob Chychrun (knee) and F Brendan Perlini here,” said Hanzal, who has a goal in seven games for Dallas. “It’s (upper body) are on injured reserve. G Antti Raanta (lower body) is day- probably never going to go away.” to-day. C Brad Richardson (lower body) will skate Saturday morning and Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said he’s still not sure what he has in Hanzal be a game-day decision. Blackhawks — Fs Marian Hossa (progressive due to missed time with an ankle injury. skin disorder), Jordin Tootoo (upper body) and D Michal Rozsival (upper body) are on long-term injured reserve. “He plays a lot in every situation,” Hitchcock said. “He’s got a defensive role but the offensive role to me is still the emerging one because he Blackhawks scouting report: — The Blackhawks are 1-2-1 in their last hasn’t been able to play with anybody on a consistent basis. We don’t four games after a 4-0-1 start. … F Patrick Kane has a goal and four know where that role is going to go, but we know the other role is solid as points during a four-game point streak. He leads Chicago with three hell and it helps us win games.” goals and 10 points in eight games. … Former Coyotes D Connor Murphy has only played in six of Chicago’s eight games. Hanzal bought a home about halfway between the Stars’ practice rink and American Airlines Center and said he is enjoying playing for a team that has Stanley Cup aspirations this season. Arizona Sports LOADED: 10.21.2017 “I want to win,” he said. “I’ve been in this league a long time. Look at our lineup. We’ve got skill, we’ve got a great goaltender, we’ve got hard workers and a solid D. They don’t hide it. They want to win and they want to win now.” Hanzal is also enjoying watching his son, Marty Jr. (6) play hockey. “When you see your son growing up and now I watch him play, it’s the best feeling you can have,” he said. “You watched his first footsteps and now he’s playing the same game.” Things haven’t gone as smoothly for Murphy. He has been a healthy scratch twice, but was in the lineup for the last two games, both losses. “Whether it’s a rotation or one guy’s in there for a stretch, it’s early and we want to get a better idea too on everybody,” coach Joel Quenneville told The Athletic Chicago. “Everyone wants to make a contribution, not just one guy, everybody in the depth position we’re in. But it’s still part of the decision-making process and some nights they’re easier, but I like when we have to make tough ones.” Murphy’s numbers haven’t been great. He has no points and a 45.10 Corsi For percentage in six games. Murphy, 24, has four years remaining on his contract at a $3.85 million cap hit. Here are some numbers to keep an eye on for Coyotes rookie forward Clayton Keller, who led all NHL rookies with five goals heading into Monday’s action. Keller has five goals, two assists and seven points in seven games. Peter Mueller holds the Coyotes (not including Winnipeg years) rookie records for goals (22) and points (54). Max Domi holds the Coyotes rookie record for assists (34). We won’t tell you that Keller is on pace for 59 goals and 82 points because he probably won’t keep up this pace. Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson got off to a rough start this season. That’s nothing new. “If you look back at the seven years I’ve been in the league, I’ve always been a slow starter,” he said. “I wish I knew why because then I could do something about it, but at the same time, this is a little bit different because there is so much new stuff you need to focus on and kind of get your legs under you a little bit. Sometimes, you’ve got to take a couple steps and do the right things and don’t complicate it.” Ekman-Larsson took a step in that direction in Thursday’s 5-4 loss to Dallas. He had an assist, and he consistently drove possession and offense. “He led tonight,” coach Rick Tocchet said after the game. “He controlled the play and he played a lot of minutes tonight (25:24) so that was great. I thought Oliver was really good tonight.” 1079171 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes’ Clayton Keller playing with poise, leads NHL rookies in goals

BY MATT LAYMAN OCTOBER 20, 2017 AT 1:34 PM

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Today’s NHL has become so much about youth, skill and speed that it’s nearly becoming a cliche. Listen to NHL pundits discuss the league, and all eyes are on the youngsters — the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid, Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews and the Boston Bruins’ David Pastrnak, just to name a few. The Coyotes are likely hoping 19-year-old rookie Clayton Keller can join the club of elite young talent. “Clayton is, what is he, a 19, 20-year-old?” head coach Rick Tocchet said Thursday. “He’s going against — (Dallas Stars forward) Jamie Benn’s a hell of a player — this is a learning process and Clayton delivered. He did a nice job.” Tocchet was also complimentary of Keller’s performance against the Stars on Tuesday. But on Thursday night, Keller looked even more comfortable than ever in his short tenure in the NHL so far. The Boston University alumnus had two goals, an assist, a shot that beat goalie Ben Bishop but rang off the crossbar and a play in which he set up Derek Stepan for a near-goal. On the latter of those plays, Dallas was beginning to move the puck out of their own zone when Keller jumped right into a short passing lane along the boards to swipe the puck away. His pair of tallies on Thursday put him in the NHL lead among rookies for goals (5) and tied for second in points (7). It helps that he’s playing on a top line with Stepan and Max Domi, but Keller nonetheless seems to have a knack for generating offense. When asked about the success of his line, Keller kept his head down and explained what he thought he could do better. He said if they can do some things right, “the offense will take care of itself.” Stepan opened up a little more about it. “It’s funny how things work sometimes, you just kind of mold together quickly,” he said Thursday. “Max and Clayton just work so well together and I’ve just kind of found a little hole in between them. We work well on the ice, we cover a lot of the ice and I thought we won a lot of battles tonight as a line.” The Domi-Stepan-Keller line had four goals between them on Thursday. Having drawn comparisons to Patrick Kane, Keller was the No. 7 overall pick by the Coyotes in the 2016 draft. There’s no certainty yet for what Keller will become, but his performance so far has shown why he could be one of the names rattled off some day when people talk about the 2016 draft class — one that also includes Matthews, Patrik Laine, Tyson Jost and Charlie McAvoy (and for good measure, Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun). The Coyotes are still winless on the 2017 season and face one of the toughest parts of their schedule. On Saturday, they host the Chicago Blackhawks (4-2-2) before going on a five-game East Coast road trip. Entering Friday, the ‘Hawks have the fourth-most goals scored in the NHL through eight games played. They have 28 on the season, including 10 on opening night against the reigning Stanley Cup Champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins. Chicago also has the eighth-best penalty kill in the league at 83.3 percent. Puck drop for Saturday’s tilt is slated for 6 p.m. at Gila River Arena.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079172 Arizona Coyotes

Craig Cunningham to appear in documentary, have number retired

BY MATT LAYMAN OCTOBER 20, 2017 AT 10:27 AM

The will retire the number of former captain Craig Cunningham, who will also appear next week in a documentary on TSN in . Cunningham, 27, collapsed on the ice prior to the Roadrunners’ game on Nov. 19 last year. Serving as the captain of the Coyotes’ AHL affiliate at the time, it was found that Cunningham’s heart had suddenly stopped working. The event cost him part of his leg, and nearly his life. He played just more than 30 games at the NHL level, but his career has now shifted to pro scouting after he was hired into that role with the Coyotes organization late last season. TSN will air a feature called “All Heart” on Wednesday. Two days later, on Oct. 27, the Roadrunners will retire Cunningham’s No. 14, and fans will receive a Cunningham bobblehead as part of “Craig Cunningham Night” in Tucson.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079173 Boston Bruins “For me, I would love to personally play more.” Khudobin, who made 26 saves against the Canucks and picked up an assist on David Pastrnak’s coast-to-coast power-play goal, tried to Bruins’ Adam McQuaid out eight weeks with broken leg explain the advantage of playing more frequently. “I think [reading the play] is just a bit slower in your mind than when By Barbara MatsonGLOBE CORRESPONDENT you’re not playing, and then you get there and — whoa! — everything is just flying by you,’’ he said. “That’s what I feel like. OCTOBER 21, 2017 “There is nothing easy in this game. Just to stay in rhythm, mentally and physically, you’re just kind of more slowly. It’s not actually slowly, but it’s just the way you read — like maybe you automatically do something.” Miss any episodes of the Globe’s sports podcast “Season Ticket”? Now’s your chance to catch up. It can’t hurt for Khudobin to pocket a couple of wins and gain confidence. But when Rask is healthy, Khudobin will have to step aside. Defenseman Adam McQuaid left the Bruins’ 6-3 victory over the Canucks Thursday midway through the third period after taking two shots to his Moving into the backup goalie role is Zane McIntyre, recalled from right leg, and he isn’t coming back anytime soon. Providence Thursday. McIntyre, like Khudobin before him, was called up to the varsity last year and, in the words of Cassidy, “It didn’t go that McQuaid sustained a broken right fibula and is scheduled to have great.” surgery Monday at Massachusetts General Hospital. He will miss approximately eight weeks. He was recalled for eight games, with desultory results (0-4-1 with an .858 save percentage). But when he returned to Providence, he found his It’s still October, and the team has had to juggle the loss of five core form, posting a .930 save percentage in 31 games. He played three players to significant injuries: Patrice Bergeron, Torey Krug, David games this season for the Baby B’s, with a .914 save percentage. Backes, Ryan Spooner, and Tuukka Rask. Now the Bruins have to cross off a rugged, dependable top-six defender in McQuaid. Canucks defenseman Erik Gudbranson was suspended for one game for boarding Bruins forward Frank Vatrano Thursday night. The Bruins The next defenseman up is Paul Postma. The former Jet, who hasn’t scored three times on the 5-minute major penalty to Gudbranson. played in the first six games, has had to make an adjustment from Winnipeg’s man-to-man defensive scheme to the more zone-oriented Bruins. Boston Globe LOADED: 10.21.2017 “He’s working diligently to close quicker, to understand what his assignment is,’’ coach Bruce Cassidy said. “We’re more zone-oriented in terms of layers, so we’re not going to chase people around in our end, chase away from net. “So that’s an area where he has to understand when he can close down low and when he has to pass off to our low forward. The puck movement part of it . . . that’s s one of his strengths, so . . . we’re going to expect that from him. He’s got a big shot, lots of offensive blue line presence.” McQuaid had plenty of company on the sideline Friday. Also not practicing at Warrior Ice Arena were Bergeron, David Krejci, and Kevan Miller, all given maintenance days for various ailments. Bergeron played his first game of the season Thursday after recovering from a lower-body injury, and Cassidy said the Bruins want to be sure he gets rest. Krejci left the game after taking a hit to the upper body, and Miller “got whacked,” according to Cassidy. The coach expects all three to play Saturday when the Bruins host the Buffalo Sabres. Rask is in concussion protocol, and though Cassidy couldn’t say where he was in his recovery, he said he had seen Rask at the team’s practice facility in the morning and that “he’s not in a dark room somewhere.” Postma, an eight-year veteran, has been the odd man out before, and he called it a “mental battle.” But he tries to make good use of his time watching. “When you’re sitting up in the press box, it’s a totally different game,’’ he said. “You see how much room you have. When you’re on the ice, you have no time, but you actually have a little more time than you think.” Anton Khudobin has been the loyal backup goalie for the Bruins for a long time. Suddenly, he’s the No. 1 guy. With Rask in concussion protocol for an undetermined length of time after a practice collision with Anders Bjork Wednesday, the 31-year-old from is understudy no more. He’s the goalie for as long as Rask is out. “All of a sudden it’s a Wednesday and he’s starting the next day,’’ said Cassidy. “He wasn’t expecting to. You’ve just got to be ready, that’s the role of a backup goaltender.’’ Khudobin has always said things like “it’s my job to be ready,” but there’s little question he’d like more work. That is the rhythm and the routine he likes. “I would like to play more,’’ he said Friday after practice. “It’s always great. I think for goalies it’s really important when you stay in a rhythm and you play more. It’s just the way it is. “Maybe for some goalies, it’s not that important; maybe they just play one game and sit on the bench for another six, 10, whatever. 1079174 Boston Bruins

Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid out with broken right fibula

Steve Conroy Friday, October 20, 2017

Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid will undergo surgery after suffereing a broken right fibula in the team's win Thursday night. General manager Don Sweeney said in a statement that McQuaid will have surgery on Monday at Mass. General Hospital, and is expected to miss approximately eight weeks. McQuaid left Thursday's game after taking a pair of shots off the legs during a third-period penalty kill. With McQuaid out, Paul Postma is ready to be the next man up for the battered B's. “Obviously I haven't been in the lineup, but I've been taking care of myself, working hard in practice, watching video and watching the games," Postma, expected to be in the lineup for the B's first divisional game against the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday," said Friday. "I've been through this stuff before. It's a physical and it's a mental battle. You jut have to be mentally ready when you get your chance to get in the lineup. “You never want to see injuries. Adam's a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. Those things happen and we obviously wish him the best. We're going to miss him a lot, but it's up to the other guys to step up. I get a chance to play now and I want to make the most of it.” The McQuaid injury is another in what is already a long line of them for the B's. Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask, David Backes, Ryan Spooner and Torey Krug have already missed time in a season that's just six games old. The 28-year-old Postma, a right shot, was signed on July 1 to a one-year deal worth $725,000. Coming from a Winnipeg, where the Jets used a man-to-man system as opposed to the B's zone, Postma said the preseason was a period of adjustment. “I've been playing the same system for 10 years and this system here's a little different, so it took me a little bit to adjust. But I think by that last preseason game, I felt really good. I felt real comfortable. I just have to remember what I did there and bring it into this.” Coach Bruce Cassidy realizes Postma has had to adjust, but he likes what he's seen from him in practice. “He's working diligently to close quicker, understanding what his assignment is,” said Cassidy. “Winnipeg is more man-to-man and we certainly want to close quick but we're more zone-oriented in terms of layers so that we're not going to chase people around and chase away from our net. That's an area that he has to understand, when he can close down low and when he can pass off to our low forward. The puck- moving part of it will always be there. That's one of his strengths. He's got a big shot and he'll add some offensive presence.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079175 Boston Bruins “I saw a couple of replays of it. He’s a big, strong man and I think he was trying to make a hockey play by pushing me up against the wall. But I feel like I was a bit too close,” said Vatrano, sporting a couple of stitches Bruins notebook: Paul Postma set to play for injured Adam McQuaid on his nose. “The good thing is I saw (Zdeno Chara) come in and Schallsy come in to stick up for me. It shows the kind of guys that are in this room, good team guys that are pushing for everyone.” . . . Steve Conroy Saturday, October 21, 2017 Bergeron, David Krejci (who left Thursday’s game with an upper body malady) and Kevan Miller were given maintenance days, but Cassidy believes they’ll be ready to play tonight. . . . It is not how a player wants to get into the lineup. But with Adam Cassidy said Rask, who is out with a concussion, was at Warrior Ice McQuaid expected to miss approximately eight weeks with a broken right Arena yesterday. fibula after taking a shot off the leg in a 6-3 win over Vancouver on Thursday, Paul Postma is ready to be the next man up for the battered Bruins. Boston Herald LOADED: 10.21.2017 “Obviously I haven’t been in the lineup, but I’ve been taking care of myself, working hard in practice, watching video and watching the games,” said Postma, expected to play against Buffalo tonight. “I’ve been through this stuff before. It’s a physical and it’s a mental battle. You just have to be mentally ready when you get your chance to get in the lineup. “You never want to see injuries. Adam’s a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve. Those things happen and we obviously wish him the best. We’re going to miss him a lot, but it’s up to the other guys to step up. I get a chance to play now and I want to make the most of it.” The McQuaid injury is another in what is already a long line of ailments. Patrice Bergeron, Tuukka Rask, David Backes, Ryan Spooner and Torey Krug have already missed time in a season that’s just six games old. McQuaid is scheduled to have surgery on Monday at Mass. General Hospital. The 28-year-old Postma was signed on July 1 to a one-year deal worth $725,000. Coming from Winnipeg, where the Jets used a man-to-man system as opposed to the B’s zone, Postma said the preseason was a period of adjustment. “I’ve been playing the same system for 10 years and this system here’s a little different, so it took me a little bit to adjust,” he said. “But I think by that last preseason game, I felt really good. I felt real comfortable. I just have to remember what I did there and bring it into this.” The B’s had done a pretty good job of dealing with the stricter enforcement of slashing penalties, but on Thursday they piled up four of them — two by Charlie McAvoy and one each by Kenny Agostino and Brad Marchand. Coach Bruce Cassidy said he’ll have to stay vigilant in reinforcing that those penalties are now going to be called. “Check with your feet,” said Cassidy. “Sean (Kuraly) is going through that. He’s a dog-on-a-bone type of player, so this will work against him. Marchy periodically is going to get stung with it. “I think with the refs, there’s a protocol to call it. Without getting myself in trouble, sometimes they single out the younger guys at first so that they can stick to their standard and not get an earful from veteran players, so we have to monitor that as well, tell them to be extra cautious. At the end of the day, a slash is a slash and we just have to be careful because there’s a lot of teams going through it.” Marchand’s not a fan of some of the calls, but knows he’s got to watch himself. “Every play is different, and there might have been a couple of soft ones, too. I think sometimes games are reffed according to scores at times,” said Marchand. “But they’re trying to crack down on it. They’re trying to set that precedent where it seems like anything on a stick is going to be a penalty. “It can be frustrating at times because there’s a lot of stick battles, but it’s just the way it is.” Cassidy gave props to Tim Schaller not only for the way he has been playing but also for how he stood up for Frank Vatrano after the winger was hit from behind by Vancouver’s Erik Gudbranson. “Those are the things that bring a team together,” said Cassidy. “It’s as important as anything. Your player gets hit, you stick up for him. It’s a reactionary thing. That’s in a person, it’s in their character. You don’t have a lot of time to think about it and all of a sudden you’re up against a pretty big opponent. “So good for Timmy. That brings a lot of street cred, not only with your own locker room but the other team notices those things, too.” Gudbranson was issued a one-game suspension yesterday. 1079176 Boston Bruins

Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid’s leg is broken, will have surgery Monday

By Joe Haggerty October 20, 2017 1:29 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass – Another serious injury has hit the Bruins in the first few weeks of the season. Adam McQuaid’s right leg is broken, he'll have surgery Monday and he’ll miss some significant time after he blocked a shot that knocked him out of the Thursday night victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The rugged, stay-at-home defenseman took multiple pucks of in successive games off his leg in the past two games against the Golden Knights and the Canucks. Bruins GM Don Sweeney, in a Bruins statement released after practice Friday, said McQuaid sustained a broken right fibula and is scheduled to have surgery on Monday at Mass. General Hospital. He is expected to miss approximately eight weeks. It’s a tough blow for McQuaid, 31, after he was able to play 77 games last season before missing the playoffs with an injury and has consistently battled injuries in his career while playing a hard-nosed, fearless brand of hockey. “Adam [McQuaid] is seeing the doctors as we speak, so there will be an announcement about him,” Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said earlier Friday at practice. “With Bergie [Patrice Bergeron] it’s a maintenance day where we felt it would be better after 20 minutes of ice to let it rest, and the same with [David] Krejci. Miller is a maintenance day as well. He got whacked, but he should be fine as well. We’ll have a better idea in the morning, but we expect all of the [maintenance players] to play.” Bergeron, David Krejci and Kevan Miller were all missing from practice on Friday morning at Warrior Ice Arena, but it was maintenance days for all as they’re expected to be back in the lineup on Saturday against the Buffalo Sabres. Tuukka Rask is out indefinitely while in the concussion protocol after his practice collision earlier this week, but the good news is that Bruins goaltender was up and around at the practice facility on Friday rather than at home convalescing in a dark room.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079177 Boston Bruins

Bergeron’s return also a boost for Bjork

By Joe Haggerty October 20, 2017 12:31 PM

BOSTON – Clearly, the return of Patrice Bergeron had a positive effect on all things Bruins up and down the lineup, but it might have individually done more for rookie Anders Bjork than anybody else. The 21-year-old from Wisconsin and Notre Dame had his first breakout game for the Bruins with a couple of goals, three points and a plus-2 rating in a 6-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks at TD Garden on Thursday night. It’s no coincidence that Bjork’s rookie breakthrough arrived in his first game lining up at right wing alongside Bergeron and Brad Marchand after the youngster skated with those two forwards pretty exclusively through training camp. Bjork jumped right out with the immediate chemistry when he hopped to the front of the net and smacked home the rebound of a Bergeron shot for the important game-tying score, and both Bjork and the Bruins were off and running. “He’s an awesome little player, and you can tell he’s really finding his stride right now. You know, he had an awesome game tonight, and [he’s] so good at reading the ice, open areas and where to go,” said Brad Marchand, of his rookie linemate. “It takes a little bit of time to build chemistry, but I think we’re coming along.” Bjork cashed in his second goal of the first period on the power play after getting a centering pass from David Krejci and then firing under the bar from the slot for his third goal of the season. He had a couple of chances at the hat trick in the first period but missed high and wide with a couple more scoring chances, and instead finished with a career-high four shots on net and seven shot attempts in 12:28 of ice time. “[Bergeron] obviously brings a lot of skill and passion and he brings a lot of other things that you don’t really realize – in the locker room and on the bench and stuff. So I mean, you can definitely see why he’s one of the best players in the NHL, not just because of what he does on the ice, but in the locker room as well. “These guys are so easy to read off of. They’re going right away and they’re in the right spot all the time, so it makes it easy for me to get open and receive a puck like I did [on his first goal]. [The two] of them just playing the right way and also with that much skill…it’s pretty deadly.” The Bruins hope Bjork continues to be a deadly combo for other teams when paired with Bergeron and Marchand now that things are starting to look like they were drawn up in training camp.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079178 Buffalo Sabres long as I've been in the league it's a different answer or explanation than they gave.

"I'd call that 10 out of 10 times offside, and I'd continue to challenge that Pride, wins lacking as Sabres' season-opening stumble continues again." Few would challenge Scandella's comments about the game as a whole. By John Vogl | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017 "It's unacceptable," he said. "We weren't ready to play. You can't do that at home especially. We've got to come out harder, for sure. This is disappointing." Eight games. It took Marco Scandella only eight games to learn what Sabres fans have been saying for years. "We need more pride in this dressing room," the defenseman said Friday Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 night. Scandella sincerely meant it. The offseason acquisition was clearly embarrassed by the 4-2 loss to Vancouver, a defeat that was way worse than the score would indicate. He shuffled and looked away, pained to be part of the discussion. "We've got to figure this out," Scandella said in KeyBank Center. "That's unacceptable. The product we put on the ice tonight is just ... disappointing." There are, of course, words other than the one Scandella settled on. Sabres fans have heard them all. They've been said ad nauseum by an organization that has missed the playoffs 11 of the past 15 years. They've been uttered continuously by the current group. Yet here they are again, watching opponents skate past them while mistakes pile up. The Sabres scored in the opening minute, then watched the Canucks' shot advantage grow to 12-1 to 15-2 to 23-7 to 30- 9 to 36-10. Vancouver finished with a 41-22 cushion. The uglier number is 1-5-2. That's the Sabres' record, barely better than the tank years. Buffalo started 1-6-1 in 2013-14 and 1-7 in 2014-15. "That was gross," right wing Kyle Okposo said. "We didn't come out ready to play. That's what we had stressed. That's what we had talked about, and we didn't do it. We didn't execute, and that's on us. "We've got to win some hockey games here because this isn't that much fun." Okposo had less fun than anyone. The alternate captain – in the second season of a seven-year, $42 million contract – was sentenced to spectator by coach Phil Housley. Okposo skated just 11 seconds during the final 12:23 of the second period and got only one shift during the third despite Buffalo trailing by one. "I've just got to play better. Plain and simple," said Okposo, who has no goals, one assist and a minus-7 rating in six games. "I haven't really liked my game up to this point. I seem to be thinking a lot. I've just got to settle down and make some plays. I've played in this league a long time. I know I can do it. I can make some plays, and I've got to go out there and prove it. "It's not fun. I just have to be better. I've got to be better. I've got to play better. I've just got to make some plays, move my feet, do the things that I know how to do that make me a good hockey player. I've got to look at myself, and I've got to get going. "I've got to prove that I can play." 0:00 Said Housley: "Kyle's got to get his feet moving. I just went with the guys that I thought we were going to have success with." 0:00 It would be one thing if Okposo was the only problem. But Buffalo gave up its sixth short-handed goal, yet another two-on-one after Nathan Beaulieu got beat pinching and Matt Tennyson failed to close down the odd-man rush. Puck management team-wide was also an issue, forcing the Sabres to chase the Canucks. Even what seemed like an obvious replay review went against Buffalo. It happened to be the tiebreaking goal midway through the second period. Vancouver's Jake Virtanen was past the blue line without the puck on his stick prior to a goal by Daniel Sedin, yet the NHL denied the coach's challenge by saying Virtanen had possession. "I disagree with the call – totally," Housley said. "He knocks the puck out of the air. He never has possession. If you call that possession, then as 1079179 Buffalo Sabres Friday morning, Housley said the Sabres recalled defenseman Taylor Fedun for insurance.

They may be cashing in that policy in Boston on Saturday. Sabres Notebook: Johnson feels good about his game, except for the results Nathan Beaulieu did not play in the third period Friday night, which could put Fedun in the lineup for his first NHL game of the season.

"Nate suffered an upper body injury. He's day-to-day right now," Housley By Amy Moritz | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017 said after the game, adding he did not know Beaulieu's status for Saturday. The Vancouver Canucks kept on coming. Wave after wave of shots and Fedun was brought up as the Sabres injury list continued to grow. rebounds and a healthy dose of odd-man rushes. They nearly doubled Defenseman Josh Gorges (lower body) is listed as day-to-day while blue up Buffalo in shots on goal, peppering Sabres goaltender Chad Johnson liners Justin Falk (undisclosed) and Zach Bogosian (lower body) are both with 40 shots. on injured reserve. The forwards have taken a hit as well, with Zemgus Girgensons (lower body) day-to-day, Jacob Josefson placed on the He made 37 saves against the endless wave of Vancouver pressure. disabled list with a lower body injury, and Evan Rodrigues still on the Johnson made good saves. He made some big ones. He made the injured reserve with a wrist injury. routine ones. But he needed one or two more to help the Sabres, who dropped a 4-2 decision to the Canucks in KeyBank Center Friday night. Fedun, who is an alternate captain for the Amerks, has one assist in three games as Rochester has started the season, 2-1. It was the fourth start of the season for Johnson and the 31-year-old feels good about his game. He's liked his preparation and has felt ready to go. "It's a completely different team with the energy in the locker room and, I If only the games ended with as much of a positive note as they began. think, with the way guys are getting along," said Fedun, who had 23 points in 29 games for Rochester last year. "Right from the start, even the New Jersey game and the last game in Vegas, I felt good about my game and where it's at but at the end of the "For me, it's the style that we're trying to play here. It's something that day it's about results and winning," Johnson said. "I haven't been getting should be good for my game with the style that I try to play, in terms of the results I've wanted in the games. I just try to stay positive and move trying to get back to pucks and move them up and jump into spots on to the next shot and just try to get the team in position to win hockey offensively. I think that's something where it's still early in the season, but games. I feel good about my game but at the end of the day it's about it's something I hope will be a good fit for me." winning and results. Again, it's not there tonight." Johnson faced the heaviest barrage in the first two periods. He faced 17 Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 shots in the first, allowing a goal from Markus Granlund at 11:56. In the second he faced 20 shots. Vancouver converted on a short- handed rush then scored just over two minutes later to take the lead. The Canucks would add an empty-net goal to seal the win. "I think any time you're leaving your goalie out to dry like that, you want to give him a push back," Sabres forward Justin Bailey said. "I think it's definitely frustrating when you're trying to make plays, make things happen but we're just not clicking. Our goalie stood on his head tonight." So what went so wrong in front of Johnson? He doesn't really know. "For me, I don't try to worry about the Xs and Os and all that kind of stuff," Johnson said. "I try to keep it pretty simple. That's why I'm a goalie because I like the main focus of stopping pucks. It's nice and simple. Again, it just seemed like they were moving pucks and having good looks. Why that is, I don't really know but I just know they made some good plays and had some good looks and were getting the rebounds. I can't tell you why, but I'm sure the coaching staff will look at it." Here's what Chad Johnson said after the game: 0:00 In his three games with the Sabres, Justin Bailey has played like he was shot out of a cannon. The Williamsville native has put a premium on his first shift, and it's paid off with two goals in three games. Friday he scored his fourth in the NHL, but first in Buffalo, a minute into Friday's game. "For me, I'm trying to build confidence," Bailey said. "I'm trying to make an impact every single shift. For me to get that one early and help the team have success in the first was something I wanted to do coming in. "I think just going into the game I'm making sure that I'm starting fast, whether I score or not. I want to have a big hit or a good play, just to get the game going and get the guys going also on the bench." Bailey was one of the last cuts from Sabres training camp and has been looking for an opportunity to stick in the NHL. He's been making a strong case. "He's provided a spark, scoring in his first game in Anaheim and then has had a consistent, solid effort," Sabres coach Phil Housley said about Bailey. "His speed up there is very evident. You can see it. He's getting in the forecheck. He's provided a really good spark for us." Here's what Justin Bailey said after the game: 0:00 1079180 Buffalo Sabres Victor Antipin returned to the blue line after being a healthy scratch for four straight. He dressed in place of Josh Gorges, who is day-to-day with a lower-body injury. The Sabres recalled defenseman Taylor Fedun from The Wraparound: Canucks 4, Sabres 2 Rochester to serve as an extra. Forward Zemgus Girgensons sat with a lower-body injury, so Seth Griffith returned after being scratched in the previous two. Buffalo placed center By John Vogl | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017 Jacob Josefson (foot) on injured reserve to open a spot for Fedun. Rochester return: Forward Sean Malone, who suffered an injury prior to the Sabres Prospects Challenge in early September, made his season The Sabres didn't catch a break Friday. They didn't really deserve one. debut Friday night for the . Vancouver skated into KeyBank Center for its second game in two Honoring the fallen: The Sabres held a moment of silence before the nights, and it thoroughly outplayed the rested Sabres to pick up a 4-2 game for Buffalo Police Officer Craig Lehner, who died in the Niagara victory. Buffalo fell to 1-5-2 in its forgettable start to the season. River during an underwater exercise. The ice was bathed in blue light during the silence. The Canucks outshot the Sabres, 41-22, and had a 36-10 lead late in the second period. Before the teams took the ice, the Sabres played their normal highlight package set to the song "Courage" by the Tragically Hip. When it ended, As bad as the Sabres played, there were within a goal throughout the the words "Thank You Gord" popped onto the scoreboard and ribbon third period until Derek Dorsett scored into an empty net with 21.7 board in honor of Hip singer Gord Downie, who died this week following a seconds left. fight with brain cancer. Vancouver Canucks 4, Buffalo Sabres 2 Next: The Sabres boarded their charter following the game and flew to Disputed goal: The Canucks took a 3-2 lead with 11:50 left in the second Boston. They'll face the Bruins at 7 p.m. Saturday in TD Garden. Boston period – or did they? The NHL said yes, and that was all that mattered. is 3-3 after a 6-3 shellacking of Vancouver on Thursday night. Vancouver's Jake Virtanen corralled a pass out of the air near the Sabres' blue line. Still frames show that both of his feet were across the Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 line while the puck was still on the blue paint and not on his stick. Quick puck movement allowed Daniel Sedin to score from close range. The Sabres' Phil Housley issued a coach's challenge for offside. After a long, long review, the officials counted the goal. It was much to Housley's dismay. The NHL Situation Room sent the following explanation: "After reviewing all available replays and consulting with the Linesman, NHL Hockey Operations staff confirmed that Vancouver's Jake Virtanen had possession and control of the puck as he entered the attacking zone prior to the goal. According to Rule 83.1, 'a player actually controlling the puck who shall cross the line ahead of the puck shall not be considered "off- side," provided he had possession and control of the puck prior to his skates crossing the blue line.'" Home sweet home: The fourth career goal for Williamsville native Justin Bailey was his first at home, and the Sabres winger celebrated accordingly with just one minute gone. He flexed his arms then animatedly yelled as his teammates approached for a congratulatory hug. Center Ryan O'Reilly set up the goal, chasing down a dump-in and putting a no-look backhand onto the stick of Bailey at the top of the crease. The winger sent his backhand past goaltender Jacob Markstrom. Rally: The Canucks certainly didn't sulk after allowing the early goal. They rolled up shot leads of 12-1, 16-2 and 17-3 while tying the game with 8:04 left in the opening period. Markus Granlund collected a rebound in front of the net and banked his shot home off the post. Turning it around: Teams rarely head into intermission with applause after getting outshot, 17-5, but Jack Eichel made the first period worth it. Starting from his own faceoff circle, the center streaked up the right boards, stickhandled between the legs of defenseman Ben Hutton in the Canucks' zone and beat Markstrom between the pads. The goal with 2:40 left woke up the crowd of 17,050 and sent the Sabres into the break with a 2-1 lead. One-sided second: There was no applause from the locals after 40 minutes. The Sabres were in a 3-2 hole and getting outshot, 37-13. Vancouver had a 20-8 advantage in the second. Again? Yes, again: The Sabres gave up their sixth short-handed goal in just eight games, allowing the Canucks to tie it, 2-2. It was another odd- man rush. Chad Johnson stopped the shot by Brandon Sutter, but Derek Dorsett came from behind defenseman Matt Tennyson to easily deposit the rebound with 5:52 gone in the second. The record for most short-handed goals allowed in a single season is 22, done by the Minnesota North Stars ('91-92), Pittsburgh Penguins ('84-85) and Colorado Avalanche ('95-96). The Sabres are on pace to give up 62. Disappearing: Sabres defenseman Nathan Beaulieu did not come out for the third period. Kyle Okposo sat on the bench for the second half of the second period and first half of the third. Lineup changes: With a long list of injuries, the Sabres mixed things up on forward and defense. 1079181 Buffalo Sabres Last season, his first with Buffalo, Okposo had 19 goals and 26 assists in 65 games.

Old friend Thomas Vanek is back in Buffalo, this time as a member of the Sabres Notebook: Fedun recalled for insurance Canucks. He's been lighting things up. Vanek has three goals in six games, including the last two. He scored By Amy Moritz | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017 during Thursday night's 6-3 loss in Boston, a setback that dropped the Canucks to 2-3-1.

"He's definitely a guy that we'll have to keep an eye on," said Sabres He was the last player off the ice Friday morning. And while he didn't forward Jason Pominville, who played with Vanek for the Minnesota Wild know the plan, Taylor Fedun had a pretty good guess that he would be from 2014-16. "He could put the puck in the back of the net and can the odd man out when the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Vancouver make plays and can be a difference. Canucks a few hours later in KeyBank Center. "I think things will work out pretty well for him there if he can be healthy Fedun was recalled from the Rochester Americans on Friday and was and play the way we all know he's capable of playing." the only healthy extra skater on the Sabres roster. The Canucks also have former Sabres goaltender Anders Nilsson. He is The defenseman's presence was an insurance policy, particularly with 1-1 with a .918 save percentage in two appearances. back-to-back games Friday against Vancouver and Saturday in Boston against the Bruins. The pregame video that plays before the Sabres take the ice has used the song "Courage" by The Tragically Hip this season. At the end, the However he got to Buffalo, he's in the NHL for now. And any step toward screen faded to black with the words "Thank You Gord." Lead singer his goal is a good step. Gord Downey died this week from brain cancer. "There hasn't been a ton of games for us down in Rochester," Fedun said The team also had a moment of silence for Buffalo police officer Craig in KeyBank Center on Friday. "We've only played three, so it's a pretty Lehner who died during a diving training session this week. small sample size down there, but so far so good. It's always been my goal to get back here. It's one step in the right direction." Fedun was one of the final cuts from Sabres training camp. In his Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 seventh year of professional hockey, the 29-year-old has played in 39 NHL games – 27 of them coming with the Sabres last season. He had a strong camp, was one of the last players assigned to Rochester, and was seen as a key piece of the Sabres depth. And Buffalo already needs to use its depth. Defenseman Josh Gorges (lower body) is listed as day-to-day while blue liners Justin Falk (undisclosed) and Zach Bogosian (lower body) are both on injured reserve. The forwards have taken a hit as well, with Zemgus Girgensons (lower body) day-to-day, Jacob Josefson placed on the disabled list with a lower body injury, and Evan Rodrigues still on the injured reserve with a wrist injury. "We're pretty banged up. We've got to get some bodies up here in case something happens," Sabres coach Phil Housley said. Fedun "had a strong camp, and it's unfortunate he wasn't on our team, but he's been called up." Fedun, who is an alternate captain for the Amerks, has one assist in three games as Rochester has started the season, 2-1. "It's a completely different team with the energy in the locker room and, I think, with the way guys are getting along," said Fedun, who had 23 points in 29 games for Rochester last year. "For me, it's the style that we're trying to play here. It's something that should be good for my game with the style that I try to play, in terms of trying to get back to pucks and move them up and jump into spots offensively. I think that's something where it's still early in the season, but it's something I hope will be a good fit for me." Time sure flies. Especially in the . Kyle Okposo remembers his first game vividly. That was 599 games ago. The Sabres forward will play in his 600th NHL game Friday night as Buffalo hosts the Vancouver Canucks in KeyBank Center. "When you hear Patty Marleau's played 1,500, it doesn't mean a whole lot," Okposo joked Friday morning, referencing the Toronto Maple Leafs center who just reached that milestone. "Six hundred is pretty cool. Any time you hit one of the hundreds you kind of reflect a little bit. You think of the last hundred games or so and what you've done. You know, it's been a lot of ups and downs in my career, but hopefully trending in the right direction. I feel like I'm trending in the right direction the last number of years here." The 29-year-old forward made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders on March 18, 2008. Three nights later he picked up his first goal and assist against the New Jersey Devils. "It goes by fast. It goes by really fast," Okposo said. "I can remember my first game like it was yesterday -- in the Colosseum against Toronto. It doesn't feel that long ago and it was over 10 years ago. It's pretty neat when you kinda look back at it like that, but it does go by fast." 1079182 Buffalo Sabres The netminder has Buffalo's only victory and is 1-1-1 with a .863 save percentage.

Five Things to Know as Sabres host Canucks Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017

By John Vogl | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017

After an up-and-down road trip, the Sabres are home again. Here are Five Things to Know as Vancouver visits KeyBank Center on Friday (7 p.m., MSG, WGR-AM 550). 1. Fully completely The Sabres finished with a strong third period during Tuesday's 5-4 overtime loss in Vegas, but coach Phil Housley was critical of a lackadaisical start. It won't be acceptable Friday. "Once we're in the room here altogether, everyone seems like they're ready to go," right wing Jason Pominville said after the morning skate. "But at the same time, you're kind of on your own to get yourself ready and make sure you're ready to get your body moving before the puck drops. "It's getting your mind and body ready to go." 2. Escape is at hand for the traveling man Russian import Victor Antipin was sent to the press box for the previous four games, but the defenseman will be in the lineup against the Canucks. Antipin had no points, one shot and a minus-4 rating in the opening three games. He said watching the NHL game was good for him, and the Sabres hope he puts his newly gained knowledge to use. "Just overall defending," Housley said. "He's come a long way in that regard with a good stick position and body position. He's got to use his speed. That's one asset he has is just to close quickly and create that body position early so we can control that guy getting to the net. And just making that first pass out of the zone. "He's got to use his strengths, which are his skating and his mobility, and then hopefully add to the rush." The Sabres' defense pairs are expected to be Marco Scandella-Rasmus Ristolainen, Nathan Beaulieu-Matt Tennyson and Jake McCabe-Antipin. Taylor Fedun will be the healthy scratch after getting recalled from Rochester. 3. Looking for a place to happen Sam Reinhart has goals in two straight games, and they were his first tallies of the season. They came at right wing, but injuries are forcing him back to center. Housley expects the same Reinhart no matter which position he plays. "Sam early on in the exhibition games was pretty good at the center position," Housley said. "He found his niche going back to the wing. He was contributing. That's not going to take away any area of his game going to the middle. He's still going to be effective. He's got to play a 200- foot game." 4. Fireworks Old friend Thomas Vanek is back in Buffalo, this time as a member of the Canucks. He's been lighting things up. Vanek has three goals in six games, including the last two. He scored during Thursday night's 6-3 loss in Boston, a setback that dropped the Canucks to 2-3-1. "He's definitely a guy that we'll have to keep an eye on," Pominville said. "He could put the puck in the back of the net and can make plays and can be a difference. "I think things will work out pretty well for him there if he can be healthy and play the way we all know he's capable of playing." The Canucks also have former Sabres goaltender Anders Nilsson. He is 1-1 with a .918 save percentage in two appearances. 5. Long time running Sabres goalie Chad Johnson will make his third straight start. Robin Lehner returned to practice after skipping Thursday's workout due to illness, but Housley is going back to Johnson. 1079183 Buffalo Sabres

For Kyle Okposo, 600 NHL games has gone by in the blink of an eye

By Amy Moritz | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017

Time sure flies. Especially in the National Hockey League. Kyle Okposo remembers his first game vividly. That was 599 games ago. The Sabres forward will play in his 600th NHL game Friday night as Buffalo hosts the Vancouver Canucks in KeyBank Center. "When you hear Patty Marleau's played 1,500, it doesn't mean a whole lot," Okposo joked Friday morning, referencing the Toronto Maple Leafs center who just reached that milestone. "Six hundred is pretty cool. Any time you hit one of the hundreds you kind of reflect a little bit. You think of the last hundred games or so and what you've done. You know, it's been a lot of ups and downs in my career, but hopefully trending in the right direction. I feel like I'm trending in the right direction the last number of years here." The 29-year-old forward made his NHL debut with the New York Islanders on March 18, 2008. Three nights later he picked up his first goal and assist against the New Jersey Devils. "It goes by fast. It goes by really fast," Okposo said. "I can remember my first game like it was yesterday -- in the Colosseum against Toronto. It doesn't feel that long ago and it was over 10 years ago. It's pretty neat when you kinda look back at it like that, but it does go by fast." Okposo is still looking for his first point of the season. Last season, his first with Buffalo, he had 19 goals and 26 assists in 65 games.

Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079184 Buffalo Sabres

Recalled for insurance, Taylor Fedun is ready to contribute to the Sabres

By Amy Moritz | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017 | Updated Fri, Oct 20, 2017

He was the last player off the ice Friday morning. And while he didn't know the plan, Taylor Fedun had a pretty good guess that he would be the odd man out when the Buffalo Sabres hosted the Vancouver Canucks a few hours later in KeyBank Center. Fedun was recalled from the Rochester Americans on Friday and was the only healthy extra skater on the Sabres roster. The defenseman's presence was an insurance policy, particularly with back-to-back games Friday against Vancouver and Saturday in Boston against the Bruins. However he got to Buffalo, he's in the NHL for now. And any step toward his goal is a good step. "There hasn't been a ton of games for us down in Rochester," Fedun said in KeyBank Center on Friday. "We've only played three, so it's a pretty small sample size down there, but so far so good. It's always been my goal to get back here. It's one step in the right direction." Fedun was one of the final cuts from Sabres training camp. In his seventh year of professional hockey, the 29-year-old has played in 39 NHL games – 27 of them coming with the Sabres last season. He had a strong camp, was one of the last players assigned to Rochester, and was seen as a key piece of the Sabres depth. And Buffalo already needs to use its depth. Defenseman Josh Gorges (lower body) is listed as day-to-day while blue liners Justin Falk (undisclosed) and Zach Bogosian (lower body) are both on injured reserve. The forwards have taken a hit as well, with Zemgus Girgensons (lower body) day-to-day, Jacob Josefson placed on the disabled list with a lower body injury, and Evan Rodrigues still on the injured reserve with a wrist injury. "We're pretty banged up. We've got to get some bodies up here in case something happens," Sabres coach Phil Housley said. Fedun "had a strong camp, and it's unfortunate he wasn't on our team, but he's been called up." Fedun, who is an alternate captain for the Amerks, has one assist in three games as Rochester has started the season, 2-1. "It's a completely different team with the energy in the locker room and, I think, with the way guys are getting along," said Fedun, who had 23 points in 29 games for Rochester last year. "For me, it's the style that we're trying to play here. It's something that should be good for my game with the style that I try to play, in terms of trying to get back to pucks and move them up and jump into spots offensively. I think that's something where it's still early in the season, but it's something I hope will be a good fit for me."

Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079185 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres recall Taylor Fedun, place Jacob Josefson on IR

By John Vogl | Published Fri, Oct 20, 2017

The Sabres' battered lineup is getting a reinforcement. Buffalo has recalled defenseman Taylor Fedun from Rochester. To make room on the roster, the Sabres have placed center Jacob Josefson on injured reserve. The Sabres practiced with six defensemen Thursday. Josh Gorges is day-to-day with a lower-body injury, while Zach Bogosian (lower body) and Justin Falk (undisclosed) are week-to-week. The Sabres host Vancouver on Friday night in KeyBank Center. Fedun has one assist in three games with Rochester. He appeared in 27 games with the Sabres last season, recording seven assists.

Buffalo News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079186 Calgary Flames guys didn’t like that it hit him. So unfortunately, these things happen. I’m just glad Steeger is fine (Friday).”

“The referees couldn’t have called that. They can’t blow the whistle Flames' Kris Versteeg suffers scary shift, getting hit hard with puck twice unless it looks like it’s a facial or severe injury. They’ll blow it right away. If he gets shot in the knee with a puck, they’re not considering that a life- threatening situation or a dangerous situation. That’s the rule. They can’t ERIC FRANCIS blow it. We scored a goal in pre-season the exact same way with a kid (Andrew Copp) rolling around on the ice versus Winnipeg.” Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:55 PM MDT Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.21.2017 Lying on the ice, writhing in pain, Kris Versteeg had two thoughts running through his mind as play continued Thursday night. The first revolved around his long-term future. The second was about the imminent danger he knew he might still be in. Late in the first period of Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the , Calgary Flames forward Versteeg blocked a Jeff Skinner shot with the inside of his right knee, dropping the veteran like an election promise. “I thought I was done,” said the 31-year-old winger, figuring his NHL season was over. “My leg went dead. I don’t know what I thought it was, but it wasn’t good.” What turned out to be even worse was the fact that as play continued Skinner was winding up for a one-timer from the point that hit the prone Versteeg in the back of the helmet, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd as his head then slumped to the ice. “My helmet shattered,” said Versteeg. “I was in a bad spot. I was trying to get out of the shot lane, but I couldn’t move. When you’re done, you’re done.” It was only after the insult was added to the injury the officials blew the play dead, prompting the team trainer to race out to Versteeg’s aid. After almost a minute on the ice, he was helped off by two teammates and whisked into the dressing for treatment and concussion protocol tests. To many people’s surprise, including Versteeg’s, he came back to the bench early in the second period and finished the night. All told, he played just under 10 minutes as the coaching staff kept a close eye on him. He took very little solace in being credited with both blocked shots. “More than anything, it just sucks to lose,” said Versteeg, whose night was typified late in a 2-1 game when he botched a chance to intercept a pass on his own blue line that would have put him in alone. “I had the breakaway, and it was ugly, to say the least.” Suffering little more than a deep bruise to the knee, Versteeg knows it could have been much, much uglier. Seconds after Skinner’s second perilous blast, the previously subdued crowd responded with hearty boos for the speedy Hurricanes forward, as if he should have known better than to wind up with Versteeg so prone. However, replays show Skinner with his head down as he stepped into the shot, perhaps unaware of the pending danger of his shot. Versteeg held no ill-will after the game, fully understanding why the officials didn’t blow the play dead earlier. “It’s kind of a dangerous rule in a sense, but it’s an understandable rule,” said Versteeg, well aware officials aren’t to stop play with the opposition pressing, unless a player is suffering from a catastrophic injury. “I know I’ve been fortunate to score on those plays sometimes. It’s just kind of rough.” The whole night seemed that way for an uninspired Flames club that understandably drew the ire of head coach Glen Gulutzan afterwards for the six minor penalties that ultimately cost his club the game. “I’ll always give the benefit of the doubt to the players,” said Gulutzan of the minor debate over whether Skinner should have shot the second puck (of course he should have) or if the officials should have stopped the play (no, they did the right thing.) “These are professional players. He didn’t mean to hit him. But he’s going to take a shot towards the net, and that’s what he did. You can tell from the reaction of the players — even from the other team — that the 1079187 Calgary Flames

Game Day: Wild at Flames

Kristen Odland, Postmedia Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 4:08 PM MDT

THE BIG MATCHUP Eric Staal vs. Johnny Gaudreau It was the slash that was felt by Flames fans all the way in Calgary on that November night last season. Eric Staal’s whack on Johnny Gaudreau broke his finger and kept him out of the lineup for 10 games. It brought up some serious debate in the NHL and caused the league to crack down on the slashing and hacking on players. The teams squared off with each other twice after that game, winning all three meetings. And there wasn’t any on-ice fall-out from the incident. But you can bet that the referees and linesman will be watching closely. FIVE STORYLINES: 1. JUMP ON IT: The Flames, well-rested and motivated to bounce back, need to come out with a quick start against the visitors who played in Winnipeg on Friday night. Doing so would: A) give them a boost after Thursday’ 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes and B) throw the Wild off- guard after a quick turnaround. Minnesota can be a frustrating team to play against and if the Flames can score a couple goals early, it would make it much easier on the Flames in the end. 2. STAY OUT OF THE BOX: This one is obvious. Heading into Friday’s action, the Flames had taken the fourth-most penalties in the NHL (40). They also had the fourth-best powerplay (humming at an 88.9 per cent clip). But it’s not sustainable. On Thursday, Glen Gulutzan’s frustrations reached last year’s train-ride levels and had him fuming about another six powerplays served to the Hurricanes. They have to clean it up and the hacks and the whacks need to stop. 3. TOP LINE VIBES: The story this week had been about Calgary’s first line with Johnny Gaudreau, Sean Monahan and their new band member Jaromir Jagr. The trio practised together all week and also spent some time skating together on Friday during first-unit powerplay drills. Although the coach wasn’t pleased about the line’s performance in the first half of Thursday’s game, signs of chemistry were visible. 4. SMITH SAVING THE DAY: Mike Smith is looking like an early candidate for the Flames MVP. Just ask Glen Gulutzan who has said, multiple times, the only reason why they’re 4-3-0 — and not 2-4-1, like they were through seven games last season — is because of their goaltending. Smith has definitely been their saviour and has been their best penalty killer. In seven appearance, Smith has put together a .930 save percentage and 2.51 goals against average. 5. MORE TURNOVERS THAN A BAKERY: The Flames had 13 giveaways on Thursday to the Hurricanes four and are eighth in the league when it comes to giveaways (heading into Fridays action). It’s not a habit they want to continue, giving up so many turnovers to the opposition. The Flames must be smarter and stronger on the puck. Minnesota is the best team in the league for their offensive zone face-offs (56 per cent). So, too many turnovers when playing a team that is so good in the offensive zone could be problematic.

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079188 Calgary Flames “You have certain guys that are willing to chew their arm off to win. He’s one of them. He just has to decide when he’s taking the bites, I guess.”

In wake of bad penalty, Flames come to Tkachuk's defence Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.21.2017

Kristen Odland, Postmedia Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:41 PM MDT

The Calgary Flames are a better team when Matthew Tkachuk is playing like he usually does — agitating, annoying, grinding, making plays and generating offence. Sometimes it comes at a cost and the 19-year-old left winger winds up in the sin bin. Most times, it results in an opposing team’s penalty. And Glen Gulutzan, weighing the risks versus the rewards, is willing to accept both sides. “With Chucky . . . he’s in the fabric of the game,” the Flames head coach said. “He’s in the trenches of the game. He’s in the bowels of the game. For me, you have to live with some of those penalties. But he draws a lot of penalties. He draws more than he takes.” By the coaching staff’s internal calculations, Tkachuk finished second on the Flames last season for plus-minus of the penalties he takes compared with what he’s taken. That doesn’t change the fact that Gulutzan was furious on Thursday after the sophomore delivered an unnecessary shove to Josh Jooris after the horn had sounded at the end of the second period which led to the game- winning goal in the Flames’ 2-1 home loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Speaking with media post-game, Tkachuk owned up to the penalty and accepted blame for the game’s final outcome. On Friday, however, it was a fresh slate. When asked if he beat himself up over the penalty, he responded: “No, not at all.” “You just come in with the mentality that it’s a long season and it’s a new day,” said Tkachuk who has two goals and three assists and 12 penalty minutes in seven games. “I just want to try and be better and try to be prepared for the next game. “You’ve gotta clean it up and clean up all parts of the game. I’m in the green, though — I’m still drawing more than I’m taking. But, yeah, definitely still want to cut down on them.” Prior to Friday’s action, Tkachuk was tied for third in the NHL with , teammate Sam Bennett and Antoine Roussel with six minor penalties this season. But that doesn’t mean Gulutzan wants him to alter the way he plays — even despite the fact the Flames have taken the fourth-most penalties in the NHL (prior to Friday’s action), adding to that total on Thursday with another six. “The penalty (Thursday)? I will sit him for that penalty,” Gulutzan said. “And I did (Thursday). But the other (penalties Tkachuk takes), there’s some you have to live with because he’s in there. He’s not in the quiet, fluffy, fun zones. He’s in the tough zones. I don’t mind that. We need that. That’s how we’re ultimately going to win here. “He just has to make sure he’s on the line better than he was (Thursday). Plain and simple.” Flames captain Mark Giordano agreed. “He’s gotta play on the edge — that’s his game,” Giordano said. “He gets in people’s faces. He agitates. That’s when he’s at his best. As far as (Thursday), there’s so many different things that happen that affect the outcome. You can’t look at one penalty or one instance . . . it was magnified because we’re taking a lot of penalties right now. Six, seven a night. We’ve gotta cut those out . . . but that’s his game — he’s on the edge.” Considering the amount of penalties he draws compared with the penalties he takes, there’s a bit of a longer leash with Tkachuk. However, Gulutzan, who explained after Thursday’s game that he would be taking away some players ice time if they continued to take bad penalties, had no time for Tkachuk’s second-period gaffe. “That kid is a winner,” Gulutzan said. “He is in the trenches . . . we need that kid, and we’ll win with that kid . . . and I’ll live with some of it. But I won’t live with the one (Thursday). 1079189 Calgary Flames to go through the process again. And we are going to get through this and we are going to get out of it a little quicker. but I have a little less patience with this group because they should have learned something ‘It’s the whacks that are killing us’: Flames coach laments his team’s from last year … and I’m tired of talking about a year ago, but we are penalty woes going to come out of it.” Are you seeing that same sense of urgency from your players? Kristen Odland, Postmedia “I am seeing it and maybe some of the penalties we’ve been taking are because we’ve been wound a little tight and we’ve got lots of bodies in Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 2:48 there. But that’s the league and it’s not warm and fuzzy. And if you’re not PM MDT getting the job done, other players are coming in there. That’s just the way it is. You have to get the job done. You have to play disciplined. You have to play under pressure — that’s what playoffs are all about. We’ve gotta get used to that now and too bad if we can’t.” It’s only seven games into the 2017-18 National Hockey League season and the Calgary Flames are 4-3-0. About Matthew Tkachuk’s penalty on Thursday night… Not bad, to the average fan. But to head coach Glen Gulutzan, his team “With Chucky, there’s none of us that know the game (like he does). He’s desperately needs to clean up some areas of their play. Chief among his in the fabric of the game. He’s in the trenches of the game. He’s in the concerns are the amount of penalties they’ve been taking. bowels of the game. For me, you have to live with some of those penalties. But he draws a lot of penalties. He draws more than he takes. Heading into Friday’s action, the Flames were sitting fourth in the league In fact, he was second on our team last season on plus-minus of the with 40 penalties, an average of 13 minutes of penalties per game. penalties he takes compared to with what he’s taken. The penalty Thirty-five of them have been minor penalties. yesterday? I will sit him for that penalty. And I did yesterday. But the But, that’s not all that has Gulutzan frustrated with his group that was, other ones, there’s some you have to live with because he’s in there. supposed to be, way ahead of the pack to start this campaign. He’s not in the quiet, fluffy fun zones. He’s in the tough zones. I don’t mind that. We need that. That’s how we’re ultimately going to win here. The second-year bench boss had a few things to say after Friday’s He just has to make sure he’s on the line better than he was yesterday. practice — 24 hours after another penalty-riddled contest resulted in a 2- Plain and simple. But to take anything away from that kid’s game? that 1 loss to the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. He believes his club is in no kid is a winner. He is in the trenches. And I’ll live with some of it. But I better spot than they were a year ago. won’t live with the one yesterday. That’s the message to Chucky, that’s the message to everybody. Plain and simple. It’s as easy as that. We Here’s why … and, also, how he thinks they can turn it around: need that kid and we’ll win with that kid.” Does Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes look any different 24 “You have certain guys that are willing to chew their arm off to win. He’s hours later? one of them. He just has to decide when he’s taking the bites, I guess.” “You look at the Vancouver game and everyone’s happy and we’re going And more on the 4-3 start to the season… to have a parade. But we were worse in the Vancouver game than we were in the Carolina game. That’s the reality. I don’t like dealing with the “I’m not going to back off my team because I think we should be farther perception — ‘Oh, we’re 4-2, yay. Great start.’ We haven’t been that ahead than we are. But I’m also not going to (criticize everything they’re good. Then, compare those two games — we took the same amount of doing) … we have a great group of guys that are invested, in my mind, in penalties. We just won the game and actually we were worse. We out- the process of being great pros. This team came in fantastic shape. This chanced Carolina five-on-five yesterday. We didn’t out-chance team cares. This team has practised harder than any other team that I’ve Vancouver five-on-five. To get caught up in wins and losses … I know it’s had. Including last year’s team. They’ve worked their tails off. They’re a league where you need results. But at the end of the day, I’m caught up committed to the process. We just have to get out of our own way. Those in how we’re playing. Win or lose, if you play the right way, over a long guys are all good pros in there and they all work and that’s what is going period of time in this league, you will come out on the right side of it. You to make us great in the end. But we just have to get out of our own way can fool the league for a while. But, eventually, it’ll put you in its’ place. … ” And, eventually — if we don’t get going — it’s going to put us in our place.” What about Sam Bennett (who has taken as many penalties this season as Tkachuk)? Does that theory apply to the penalties you’ve been taking? “He’s in (the conversation). He has to start drawing more penalties than “For sure. You’re not going to win that way. Our record, when we won the he’s taken. Plain and simple. It’s a bank account. If you take out too specialty teams game last year — meaning that we scored a powerplay much money — or take too many (penalties) — you run a deficit. That’s goal and they didn’t — was 19-5. When we lose it, our record is 5-13. what’s going on right now. He needs to clean up that area of his game. You can’t win if you’re going to spot somebody six powerplays a night. Dougie Hamilton needs to clean up that area of his game … you have to You’re not going to win. It’s just not happening. Now, we cheated it. We make sure you’re cleaning up your area and that’s what we’ve asked all cheated it a couple of games — we cheated it in Vancouver. But that’s of our guys to do. We have guys that haven’t generated many chances, going to come back and kick you. That has to get cleaned up. And that’s we have had guys that haven’t finished their checks. All of that has been the reality of the league.” addressed (Friday). Clean up your area. We’re all responsible for it. It’s not the team getting 20 per cent better. We’re actually pretty good. It’s How do you get your team to stop taking penalties? each guy cleaning up his area until there are 20 guys getting one per “We’re taking penalties — not many out of frustration, but many are cent better. Then we’re cooking with gas. We’ll get there. I just want to defending. We have to adjust to the rules and it’s the whacks. It’s the make sure we get their sooner than later.” whacks that are killing us. The penalty at the end of the second period wasn’t a smart penalty. But lots of our penalties are stick violations. We need to control that mentally. The way you stop doing that is — and Calgary Herald: LOADED: 10.21.2017 we’ve identified who is taking penalties and what we’re doing and who has bank accounts and who doesn’t. For instance, Johnny Gaudreau, if he puts his hand on a puck in Vancouver — even after we’ve taken five in a row — he’s not going to sit because, guess what, he’s drawn 35 penalties and taken one. He’s got a bank account. And those guys that don’t have a bank account, they’re going to sit on the bench.” Are you getting the sense that your players are committing to the process? “Now, listen, this isn’t a road we haven’t been down before. We’ve been down this road. Last year, we sat here and you thought, ‘Oh no, they’re going to be bad.’ We stayed to the process and I stayed calm and we stayed to the process and we made the playoffs. We were maybe the best team in the league in the second half. Now, my frustration is at a higher level because we know what the process is. I shouldn’t have to go through it and I’m going through it and I’m not happy to go through it a second time. Obviously, it hasn’t sunken into our memory. But I am going 1079190 Calgary Flames going to get through this, and we are going to get out of it a little quicker. But I have a little less patience with this group because they should have learned something from last year … and I’m tired of talking about a year Q&A with Glen Gulutzan, frustrated about his Calgary Flames taking too ago, but we are going to come out of it.” many penalties Q: Are you seeing that same sense of urgency from your players? A: “I am seeing it, and maybe some of the penalties we’ve been taking BY KRISTEN ODLAND, POSTMEDIA are because we’ve been wound a little tight and we’ve got lots of bodies in there. But that’s the league, and it’s not warm and fuzzy. And if you’re FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 08:08 PM MDT not getting the job done, other players are coming in there. That’s just the way it is. You have to get the job done. You have to play disciplined. You have to play under pressure — that’s what playoffs are all about. We’ve gotta get used to that now, and too bad if we can’t.” It’s only seven games into the 2017-18 National Hockey League season, and the Calgary Flames are 4-3-0. Q: About Matthew Tkachuk’s penalty on Thursday night ... Not bad, to the average fan. But to Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan, A: “With Chucky, there’s none of us that know the game (like he does). his team desperately needs to clean up some areas of its play. Chief He’s in the fabric of the game. He’s in the trenches of the game. He’s in among his concerns are the amount of penalties they’ve been taking. the bowels of the game. For me, you have to live with some of those penalties. But he draws a lot of penalties. He draws more than he takes. Heading into Friday’s action, the Flames were sitting fourth in the league In fact, he was second on our team last season on plus-minus of the with 40 penalties, an average of 13 minutes of penalties per game. penalties he takes compared to with what he’s taken. The penalty Thirty-five of them have been minor penalties. yesterday? I will sit him for that penalty. And I did yesterday. But the But that’s not all that has Gulutzan frustrated with his group that was, other ones, there’s some you have to live with because he’s in there. supposed to be, way ahead of the pack to start this campaign. He’s not in the quiet, fluffy, fun zones. He’s in the tough zones. I don’t mind that. We need that. That’s how we’re ultimately going to win here. The second-year bench boss had a few things to say after Friday’s He just has to make sure he’s on the line better than he was yesterday. practice — 24 hours after another penalty-riddled contest resulted in a 2- Plain and simple. But to take anything away from that kid’s game? That 1 loss to the visiting Carolina Hurricanes. He believes his club is in no kid is a winner. He is in the trenches. And I’ll live with some of it. But I better spot than they were a year ago. won’t live with the one yesterday. That’s the message to Chucky. That’s the message to everybody. Plain and simple. It’s as easy as that. We Here’s why … and, also, how he thinks they can turn it around: need that kid, and we’ll win with that kid.” Q: Does Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes look any different A: “You have certain guys that are willing to chew their arm off to win. 24 hours later? He’s one of them. He just has to decide when he’s taking the bites, I A: “You look at the Vancouver game, and everyone’s happy, and we’re guess.” going to have a parade. But we were worse in the Vancouver game than Q: And more on the 4-3 start to the season … we were in the Carolina game. That’s the reality. I don’t like dealing with the perception — ‘Oh, we’re 4-2, yay. Great start.’ We haven’t been that A: “I’m not going to back off my team because I think we should be good. Then, compare those two games — we took the same amount of farther ahead than we are. But I’m also not going to (criticize everything penalties. We just won the game, and actually, we were worse. We out- they’re doing) … we have a great group of guys that are invested, in my chanced Carolina five-on-five yesterday. We didn’t out-chance mind, in the process of being great pros. This team came in fantastic Vancouver five-on-five. To get caught up in wins and losses … I know it’s shape. This team cares. This team has practised harder than any other a league where you need results. But at the end of the day, I’m caught up team that I’ve had. Including last year’s team. They’ve worked their tails in how we’re playing. Win or lose, if you play the right way, over a long off. They’re committed to the process. We just have to get out of our own period of time in this league, you will come out on the right side of it. You way. Those guys are all good pros in there, and they all work, and that’s can fool the league for a while. But, eventually, it’ll put you in its place. what is going to make us great in the end. But we just have to get out of And, eventually — if we don’t get going — it’s going to put us in our our own way …” place.” Q: What about Sam Bennett (who has taken as many penalties this Q: Does that theory apply to the penalties you've been taking? season as Tkachuk)? A: “For sure. You’re not going to win that way. Our record, when we won A: “He’s in (the conversation). He has to start drawing more penalties the specialty teams game last year — meaning that we scored a than he’s taken. Plain and simple. It’s a bank account. If you take out too powerplay goal and they didn’t — was 19-5. When we lose it, our record much money — or take too many (penalties) — you run a deficit. That’s is 5-13. You can’t win if you’re going to spot somebody six powerplays a what’s going on right now. He needs to clean up that area of his game. night. You’re not going to win. It’s just not happening. Now, we cheated it. Dougie Hamilton needs to clean up that area of his game … you have to We cheated it a couple of games — we cheated it in Vancouver. But make sure you’re cleaning up your area, and that’s what we’ve asked all that’s going to come back and kick you. That has to get cleaned up. And of our guys to do. We have guys that haven’t generated many chances. that’s the reality of the league.” We have had guys that haven’t finished their checks. All of that has been addressed (Friday). Clean up your area. We’re all responsible for it. It’s Q: How do you get your team to stop taking penalties? not the team getting 20% better. We’re actually pretty good. It’s each guy A: “We’re taking penalties — not many out of frustration but many are cleaning up his area until there are 20 guys getting 1% better. Then we’re defending. We have to adjust to the rules, and it’s the whacks. It’s the cooking with gas. We’ll get there. I just want to make sure we get their whacks that are killing us. The penalty at the end of the second period sooner than later.” wasn’t a smart penalty. But lots of our penalties are stick violations. We need to control that mentally. The way you stop doing that is — and we’ve identified who is taking penalties and what we’re doing and who Calgary Sun: LOADED: 10.21.2017 has bank accounts and who doesn’t. For instance, Johnny Gaudreau, if he puts his hand on a puck in Vancouver — even after we’ve taken five in a row — he’s not going to sit because, guess what, he’s drawn 35 penalties and taken one. He’s got a bank account. And those guys that don’t have a bank account, they’re going to sit on the bench.” Q: Are you getting the sense that your players are committing to the process? A: “Now, listen, this isn’t a road we haven’t been down before. We’ve been down this road. Last year, we sat here and you thought, ‘Oh no, they’re going to be bad.’ We stayed to the process, and I stayed calm, and we stayed to the process, and we made the playoffs. We were maybe the best team in the league in the second half. Now, my frustration is at a higher level because we know what the process is. I shouldn’t have to go through it, and I’m going through it, and I’m not happy to go through it a second time. Obviously, it hasn’t sunken into our memory. But I am going to go through the process again. And we are 1079191 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks allow most shots on goal in NHL — here's how they can fix it

Chris Hine Chicago Tribune

In the first period of the Blackhawks' 2-1 overtime loss to the Oilers on Thursday, the line of Patrick Kane, Nick Schmaltz and Ryan Hartman performed a clinic on how to keep possession of the puck in the offensive zone. They cycled the puck and passed it around while taking a few shots for more than a minute, wearing out the Oilers defense. Finally the Oilers got hold of the puck, iced it and were able to get a change shortly after the ensuing faceoff. The sequence, which drew a standing ovation from the United Center crowd, was most important for what didn't occur: any Oilers shots. The Oilers finished with 42 shots on goal, bringing the Hawks' average to 36.8 shots allowed per game. That's the most in the NHL. It's a concerning stat early in the season, and the best remedy has little to do with the Hawks defense. It has to do with the offense. "We've got to play in the other team's end more right at the start," defenseman Duncan Keith said. "Whether that's just getting quick to pucks or playing harder. I can do better in that regard. Spend less time in our own end, they're not going to get as many shots." The Hawks' puck-possession metrics have slipped the last two seasons from their Stanley Cup years, when they were among the league's elite in relative shot attempts during five-on-five play. And they're off to a bad start in that department. The Hawks' Corsi percentage, which measures the overall shot attempts a team takes compared with its opponents, is 46.6 percent, 25th in the league through Thursday, according to naturalstattrick.com. "Puck possession ... the last four games hasn't been great," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Puck management, protecting it, keeping it — we make a lot of tough plays with not a good probability of getting the puck, and that's an area where we have to get better." The Hawks are also 25th in high-danger Corsi percentage at 47.2 percent, meaning they are allowing more shots in areas with a high probability of scoring than they are generating on offense. "I don't think it's at the point where we're looking at those possession numbers," Kane said. "We've got a pretty good feeling as a coaching staff and as players how we play throughout the game. … (We need to) get more pucks on net and try to create some momentum by having some shifts in their end." The Hawks have been in the defensive zone more than they would like. Strong goaltending from Corey Crawford and Anton Forsberg in his two starts has helped them secure 10 points through eight games, but allowing fewer shots would reduce the likelihood of allowing soft goals. "We come in on the rush and we're one-and-done, and they're going back down the ice," Hartman said. "If we keep the puck and create a minute or even 45 seconds of zone time, it's a lot (fewer) opportunities for them."

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079192 Chicago Blackhawks

Backup goalie Anton Forsberg has looked the part in 1st 2 Blackhawks starts

Chris Hine Chicago Tribune

A season ago Anton Forsberg was catching buses as he made his way through his second season with the Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. On Thursday he was trying to prevent reigning NHL MVP Connor McDavid from scoring on him. "You have to be aware when he's on the ice, for sure," Forsberg said. "He comes with a lot of speed and makes all his players on the ice better. You really have to know where all the other guys are. At the same time you have to keep up with his pace. He's a good player." It has been quite the change of scenery for Forsberg, the Hawks' backup goaltender. Forsberg has filled the role well in his two starts — and has seen plenty of action in those outings. He made 39 saves in an overtime loss to the Maple Leafs on Oct. 9 and had 40 on Thursday in the 2-1 overtime loss against the Oilers. "I feel way more comfortable out there," Forsberg said. "I feel like I can keep up the pace and make the right reads and just follow the puck." Forsberg said he felt better as the game went on Thursday but was frustrated he could not help the Hawks secure a victory. "It was kind of a slow start," Forsberg said. "It didn't happen a lot in the first (period). I got a couple (of) shots from outside. Second (period) I started to get a couple more and then I got into (the game) more and more." Coach Joel Quenneville said he has been impressed with Forsberg's play during his limited time in net. "He's had excellent games," Quenneville said. "Both games he got it to overtime. It would've been nice to get him a win." Forsberg's strong play should ease pressure on Quenneville to rest Corey Crawford when the Hawks have games on consecutive days. If Forsberg wasn't playing at this level, Quenneville might be tempted to play Crawford and overuse him. Instead, Quenneville can give Crawford his regular rest. "It helps my confidence," Forsberg said. "I've got two games where I felt comfortable playing. It's just that win I've got to get."

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079193 Chicago Blackhawks

Uncharacteristically physical ‘energy line’ gives Hawks a boost

10/20/2017, 11:47PM Mark Lazerus @MarkLazerus | email

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Since Joel Quenneville took over as coach nine years ago this month, only one team in the NHL has delivered fewer hits than the Blackhawks: The Golden Knights. Of course, the Knights have played 706 fewer games in that span. The Hawks don’t hit, they get hit. They don’t chase the puck, they control the puck. That has been their modus operandi ever since Quenne-ville arrived, and it has helped them win three Stanley Cups. But the way the Predators pushed them around and ran them over in a first-round sweep last spring didn’t sit well with Quenneville and general manager Stan Bowman. They wanted the Hawks to be “harder to play against.” That meant being faster, yes. It also meant being a little meaner. Enter what Quenneville has been calling his “energy line.” , Tommy Wingels and John Hayden have spent most of the season together, and they’ve been throwing their weight around. Wingels is averaging 3.8 hits per game, Hayden is averaging 3.6 and Bouma is averaging 2.8. The most physical regular on the Hawks last season was Richard Panik, who averaged just 1.8 hits while playing more minutes than Wingels, Hayden and Bouma have been. The Hawks aren’t going to become the Kings all of a sudden — they lead the league in hits since 2008-09, doling out about 7,500 more than the Hawks have — but a well-timed hit can jar the puck loose and be just as effective as a quick stick. As long as the energy line isn’t racing around looking for trouble and getting out of position to smear a guy into the glass, there’s nothing wrong with being a little more physical. “There’s two sides of it,” Hayden said. “You definitely want the puck all game, and when you have the puck, you’re obviously not the ones hitting. But I think it does play a role and can wear teams down. A good balance serves its purpose.” The Hawks’ fourth line has typically defied convention. For most depth- challenged teams, it’s three fringe players playing a fringe role. But in all three of the Hawks’ Cup runs, the fourth line has been a highly effective shutdown line, playing against some of the opponents’ top lines. In 2013, it was Marcus Kruger, Dave Bolland and Michael Frolik. And in 2015, it was Andrew Shaw, Kruger and Andrew Desjardins. Tanner Kero was pegged as Kruger’s replacement at fourth-line center, but Wingels — a winger by trade — impressed Quenneville while Nick Schmaltz was injured and Kero bounced around. Thursday against the Oilers, Quenneville had Artem Anisimov on the fourth line in an effort to get him going. But the trio that Quenneville has been happiest with is the most physical one. Bouma got a taste of life on a scoring line when he had as his center, helping him score 16 goals in the 2014-15 season. But he said the mentality is the same no matter where you are in the lineup. “That year, it was just the same thing — you’re trying to be hard to play against and take advantage when you have a chance offensively,” Bouma said. “We want to be a line that’s hard to play against.” They don’t fit the Hawks mold in general, or the Hawks’ fourth-line mold in particular. But while they haven’t scored yet, they’ve been generally effective at getting and keeping the puck by any means necessary. And whether they’re on a line together or not, the trio indeed makes the Hawks “harder to play against,” just as they’d hoped. “None of us are trying to re-invent the wheel out there,” Wingels said. “We’ve been responsible defensively, and we’ve created some shifts in the offensive zone. We’re tough to play against. When other teams’ top ‘D’ pairs are out there, they know it’s going to be a hard shift for them physically, and I think we’ve created some energy.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079194 Chicago Blackhawks Edmonton also blocked a whopping 23 attempts, many coming with the Hawks on the power play.

But the Hawks still must learn from these last four games that simpler For Chicago Blackhawks, simple play is probably better play hockey means: A) They can set up in the offensive zone and wear down defenders, and John Dietz … Follow @johndietzdh B) They won't be allowing all kinds of odd-man rushes going the other way.

"We've got to play in the other team's end more right at the start," Keith Remember that 3-0-1, 21-goal start to the season that had Blackhawks said. "We're playing in our own end (too much). Whether that's just fans jumping out of their seats, couches and bar stools so often that they getting quick to pucks and sorting it out or being harder, I can do better in didn't dare take their eyes off the ice or their TV sets? that regard. (If we) spend less time in our own end, they're not going to get as many shots. The skinny: At 0-6-1, Arizona is the only team in the NHL without a victory. In 5 of the 7 losses, the Coyotes have scored 1 or 2 goals. … "I think that would be the start." Keep an eye on 19-year-old center Clayton Keller, the seventh overall pick in 2016 as he already has 5 goals and 2 assists. … Hawks fans will get their first look at Niklas Hjalmarsson in an Arizona uniform. He has a Daily Herald Times LOADED: 10.21.2017 minus-5 rating in seven games. … The Hawks went 3-0-0 vs. Arizona last year, outscoring the Coyotes 14-6. Of course it wasn't, but some of what we've seen since is likely a byproduct of how successful the Hawks were during that stretch when every pass seemed to connect, every risky move paid off and plenty of shots found their mark. In the last four games -- three of which came against highly structured, defensive-minded divisional opponents -- very little of those Showtime- like plays panned out. It should serve as a lesson that keeping it simple is oftentimes the way to go. "Puck possession over the last four games hasn't been great," coach Joel Quenneville said after a 2-1 OT loss to Edmonton on Thursday. "We make a lot of tough plays with not a good probability of getting the puck back. That's an area where we've got to get better." Amen to that. The Hawks also need to be tougher along the boards because they seem to be losing almost every 50-50 battle. Let's look at some glaring examples from the last half of Thursday's game. Second period: 2:35 left -- Patrick Kane and Nick Schmaltz enter the offensive zone with plenty of speed, but Kane's pass to a well-covered Schmaltz is off the mark and Edmonton quickly heads back the other way. 1:03 left -- After a good rush by Jonathan Toews and Brandon Saad, Edmonton ices the puck. Toews then wins the faceoff, but seconds later loses a board battle behind the Oilers' net and another scoring chance evaporates. Third period: 18:11 left -- Schmaltz enters the 'O' zone with possession but tries to dish to a double-teamed Kane. The puck is easily poked away and Edmonton is immediately off on a 4-on-3 break toward Anton Forsberg. 11:57 left -- A double-teamed Schmaltz comes in over the blue line with Kane across the ice about 30-35 feet away. Schmaltz blindly backhands a pass into no man's land -- something we saw far too much of in the 5-2 embarrassment in St. Louis -- and Edmonton once again regains control. That last play by Schmaltz is the perfect example of how the first four games may have given the Hawks a false sense of security that fancy, fun hockey is the way to go. Against most opponents, it's clearly not. "Obviously the 100 percent plays are the better play," Hartman said. "Unless you know for sure, it's tough to make a blind play unless it's toward the net." The 100 percent plays are dumping it behind the opponent's net and doing your best to forecheck to get the puck back. Tanner Kero, Lance Bouma and John Hayden -- the Hawks' fourth line -- did an excellent job of this on two separate occasions in the third period. Before we put all the blame on the Hawks -- who actually did attempt 68 shots -- let's give the Oilers some credit. First off, Cam Talbot stopped plenty of high-danger opportunities -- most notably a Toews one-timer with 9:54 left in the game and another blast by Toews with 7:11 remaining. 1079195 Chicago Blackhawks

Three Things to WATCH: Blackhawks visit Niklas Hjalmarsson, Coyotes

By Charlie Roumeliotis October 20, 2017 9:50 PM

Here are Three Things to Watch when the Blackhawks take on the Arizona Coyotes Saturday night on NBC Sports Chicago and streaming live on the NBC Sports app. Coverage begins at 7:30 p.m. with Blackhawks Pregame Live. 1. Niklas Hjalmarsson's new home. Brace yourselves, Chicago. It's going to be a weird site seeing Hjalmarsson in a different sweater other than the Blackhawks, where he spent his first 10 NHL seasons and won three Stanley Cups. Now he serves as an alternate captain and blue-line anchor for the Coyotes, who are the only team still seeking its first win of the season. You know they'll be hungry to snap that skid, especially when there's extra motivation for a player on their team facing a bunch of old friends. 2. Connor Murphy returns to Arizona, too. The man Hjalmarsson was traded for will also be returning to a place he called home for four years. Murphy's role with the Coyotes increased every year before he was dealt to the Blackhawks as part of a shake-up for both teams, so you know he's going to play with something to prove. Murphy is a physical defenseman, and has laid several notable big hits this season. His former teammates surely know it, and may want to keep their heads up. 3. Patrick Kane 2.0? Ever since he was drafted with the No. 7 overall pick in 2016, Clayton Keller has drawn comparisons to Kane. They're both undersized, offensive playmakers, possess supreme stick-handling abilities and are American-born players. Keller got a brief taste of NHL action last year, but he's secured a full- time spot with the Coyotes this season and has been arguably their best player so far. The 19-year-old forward paces all rookies with five goals and ranks second with seven points, and leads the Coyotes in both categories. Expect to see his name as a finalist for the Calder Trophy for the league's top rookie at the end of the season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079196 Chicago Blackhawks

Anton Forsberg is giving the Blackhawks exactly what they need

By Tracey Myers October 20, 2017 6:30 PM

Anton Forsberg had just finished an extended morning skate Wednesday morning in St. Louis. The backup goaltender had played in one regular- season game for the Blackhawks to that point, so getting in extra work to stay sharp was helpful. “I try to keep my focus in practice and work extra every day, get a few extra shots in practice with the extra guys who are out there, work with Jimmy and try to keep my game shape,” Forsberg said, referring to Blackhawks goaltending coach Jimmy Waite. Whatever Forsberg’s working on in practice and skates seems to be working, because in two games with the Blackhawks he’s looked sharp. Forsberg probably deserved a victory on Thursday night when he stopped 40 shots in the Blackhawks’ 2-1 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers. It’s the backup life to wait and see when that next start will come, but Forsberg has been ready. “For sure I felt more comfortable today, more used to the speed,” he said following Thursday’s game. “I felt I read the game better, felt I had more time moving around. It’s tough, again, to lose in overtime. Obviously I wanted to win and it’s frustrating.” Frustrating for sure, but Forsberg is giving the Blackhawks exactly what they want and need: a dependable backup that gives them a chance to win. The two goals Forsberg gave up on Thursday weren’t softies, either — Patrick Maroon’s goal off a ridiculous Connor McDavid pass and Mark Letestu’s over game-winner that deflected off Brent Seabrook’s stick. “He kept us in a tight game like he did in Toronto, got us to overtime. I kind of feel bad we didn’t get him a win in either of those,” Ryan Hartman said. “He played well both of those games. It’s nice to have a guy on the back end like that.” Forsberg has blended in well with the Blackhawks. It helps that he already knew two of them, Brandon Saad and Artem Anisimov, his former teammates in Columbus. He and Corey Crawford already have a good rapport. Same goes for he and Waite, and Forsberg has soaked up any information they’ve given him. “I feel like both him and Corey teach me a lot. We talk about different situations, especially all the reads,” Forsberg said. “I get to know how (Crawford) thinks the game. He’s been around a long time and has been doing well, so it’s interesting every day to hear what he has to say. Even Jimmy’s been around same thing there, discussing my game, what we want to improve, what we want to do different, what to keep the same and go from there.” The extra work in practices and skates appears to be working as Forsberg has done a lot right in just his first two games, which were 10 days apart. The Blackhawks have had a good run of backup goaltenders; two games is a small sample size but Forsberg could be the latest reliable backup.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079197 Chicago Blackhawks

The world's best teams for watching hockey prospects

7:30 AM ET Chris Peters

With early-season rosters pretty much set, we have a good idea where everyone is going to be playing. That also gives us a great idea of which teams are loaded with prospects to start the season. With the way hockey is set up, you can find teams at all different levels that are loaded with prospects, from the top minor league farm teams to European pro clubs to the junior ranks to the NCAA. Even as the NHL skews younger, the lower levels continue to be teeming with players worth monitoring. Here is a look at some of the top teams when it comes to watching prospects this season: Boston University (NCAA, Hockey East) Key prospects: Brady Tkachuk (2018), Shane Bowers (OTT), Jake Oettinger (DAL), Dante Fabbro (NSH), Jordan Greenway (MIN), Brandon Hickey (CGY), Chad Krys (CHI), John MacLeod (TB), Patrick Harper (NSH), David Farrance (NSH), Kasper Kotkansalo (DET), Logan Cockerill (NYI), Cam Crotty (ARI) Superstars like Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin would be tough to lose, but their teams are good enough they could survive a stretch without them. Losing these indispensable players would put their clubs into a tailspin. If you're looking for a high volume of drafted prospects, Boston University has you covered. The Terriers have been dominating on the recruiting trail under head coach David Quinn. There are three first-round draft picks -- defenseman Dante Fabbro, goalie Jake Oettinger and center Shane Bowers -- on the roster, and a 2018 draft-eligible in Brady Tkachuk who is a projected top-five pick. On top of the players with first-round pedigree, BU boasts junior winger Jordan Greenway, who is in the mix for the 2018 U.S. Olympic team. Additionally, Predators prospect Patrick Harper should be in the mix for the Hobey Baker award as a sophomore. Senior defenseman Brandon Hickey has big-time NHL upside while anchoring a blue line that boasts seven drafted players, each of whom were selected in the third round or earlier. As good as this BU team is right now, they also had two of this season's early Calder Trophy favorites -- Clayton Keller (ARI) and Charlie McAvoy (BOS) -- on the roster in 2016-17 and Buffalo Sabres star Jack Eichel the year before that. The Terriers have always churned out pro prospects, but these last few years have been ridiculous.

ESPNChicago.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079198 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche loses J.T. Compher and Tyson Jost to significant injuries

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 1:31 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 1:33 PM

Young Avalanche forwards J.T. Compher and Tyson Jost will miss extensive time with a broken thumb and lower-body injury, respectively, coach Jared Bednar said Friday. Compher, 22, is out indefinitely and Jost, 19, will miss 2-3 weeks. Both were injured in Thursday’s 4-3 loss to the visiting St. Louis Blues. The Avs will call up a forward or two from San Antonio of the over the weekend but Bednar wants to scout Rampage games Friday and Saturday before choosing the player(s). “We’re going to watch what happens there tonight and tomorrow and then make an educated decision and probably get some guys up for Sunday (practice),” Bednar said after an optional practice Friday. Defenseman Patrik Nemeth, who also left Thursday’s game with an injury, is day-to-day but probably won’t miss the next game. The Avs (4- 4) don’t play again until Tuesday against the visiting Dallas Stars. They will take Saturday off and resume practice Sunday. Avalanche is trying to halt losing skids that scuttled them last year. Nail Yakupov knows how. Avalanche may juggle a top line to key Nathan MacKinnon. “I don’t think they’ve been dangerous enough,” Bednar says. Only eight skaters and two goalies participated in Friday’s light practice. First-year Avs forward Nail Yakupov, who was benched by Bednar in Thursday’s game for insufficient effort, declined to speak to reporters about the benching Friday.

Denver Post: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079199 Colorado Avalanche Perhaps to his credit, Bednar on Thursday night was more concerned with how his team should have won the game outright, specifically calling out at least one player by name — Nail Yakupov — for poor effort. An Avalanche rally ended in shrugs Thursday night. Did the NHL screw up the ending? Denver Post: LOADED: 10.21.2017

By NICK GROKE | [email protected] | The Denver Post PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 1:16 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 1:50 PM

A lively Avalanche rally late in the third period Thursday night against the St. Louis Blues ended in shrugs after a video review overturned a would- be game-tying goal with less than three minutes remaining. Confusion set in on all sides. On Friday, the NHL admitted a blunder. “The goal should have counted,” the NHL said in a statement. Mikko Rantanen’s open-net goal seemed to tie the game at 4-4, but St. Louis coach Mike Yeo challenged the result, claiming the sequence only unfolded from an offside position. The Avs’ goal should not be allowed, Yeo claimed. After a long review, the referee and linesmen agreed. The goal, at first called good, was overturned and the Blues won 4-3 at the Pepsi Center. To be clear, Avs’ forward Sven Andrighetto was offside before he keyed a rush from the left side. The puck cleared St. Louis’ zone and he did not recover outside the blue line before the puck reached his stick. Even Colorado coach Jared Bednar seemed to acknowledge the offside. “Our guys thought there was a chance he was offsides,” he said. But here is where the confusion set in. Video showed that Andrighetto was clearly offsides. But in the moment, the linesmen missed the call. And when the puck cleared the zone, it essentially reset the sequence. NHL video review rules allow a challenge on the same sequence, the same zone entry. Once the puck left the zone, it should have kept Yeo from challenging. The mistake was in allowing a challenge. Even though Andrighetto was offside, the video challenge should not have been allowed. And the goal should have stood. Avalanche is trying to halt losing skids that scuttled them last year. Nail Yakupov knows how. Avalanche may juggle a top line to key Nathan MacKinnon. “I don’t think they’ve been dangerous enough,” Bednar says. The rulebook in this case, unfortunately, is not exactly clear. And in the moment, St. Louis defenders seemed to stop skating, thinking an offsides call was obvious. The NHL said in its statement: “St. Louis requested a Coach’s Challenge to determine whether Sven Andrighetto of Colorado was off-side prior to the Avalanche goal. The video review decision determined the play was off-side but that determination was based on a play prior to the puck clearing the zone. “Per Rule 78. 7 (Note 1) Coach’s Challenge: ‘Goals will only be reviewed for a potential “Off-Side” infraction if: a) the puck does not come out of the attacking zone again; or (b) all members of the attacking team do not clear the attacking zone again, between the time of the “Off-Side” play and the time the goal is scored. “Although there was an off-side, it occurred prior to the puck clearing the zone which nullifies any goal review related to that off-side. The entry in to the zone immediately prior to the goal was on-side, therefore the goal should have counted.” Yeo had already used a coach’s video challenge, on an Avs goal from Blake Comeau early in the third that was allowed. Comeau charged down the ice and seemed to push Blues defender Robert Bortuzzo into goaltender Carter Hutton. St. Louis claimed goalie interference. The Blues were overruled. Alexander Kerfoot’s goal with less than five minutes remaining drew the Avs to within 4-3. 1079200 Colorado Avalanche

NHL admits Avs' goal should've counted on coach's challenge

Staff Report By: Associated Press October 20, 2017 Updated: -21 minutes ago

NEW YORK (AP) — The NHL has acknowledged video review incorrectly nullified a late-game goal by the Colorado Avalanche during a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. In a statement released Friday, the league said it made a mistake by taking away Sven Andrighetto's goal late in the third period on a coach's challenge for offside. The review determined that the play was offside, but on a previous entry into the zone, which is not supposed to subject to a challenge. By rule, challenges can only be made on the entry into the offensive zone before a goal. Because of that, the league says "the goal should have counted." If the goal had counted, the Avalanche and Blues would have been tied at 4-all at 17:26 of the third period and St. Louis would have been given a two-minute minor penalty. This is the first time since coach's challenges were instituted before the 2015-16 season that the NHL has admitted a mistake was made on an offside review.

Colorado Springs Gazette: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079201 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets: Jenner practices full-go, may return Saturday night

By Steve Gorten The Columbus Dispatch Posted at 2:13 PM Updated at 2:28 PM

The Blue Jackets activated winger Boone Jenner from injured reserve Friday, paving the way for him to make his season debut Saturday at home against the Los Angeles Kings. Markus Hannikainen was reassigned to AHL affiliate Cleveland. Jenner, who suffered a “middle-body injury,” believed to be a back issue, a couple of weeks before the start of training camp, skated on the second unit during line rushes at Friday’s practice, taking Matt Calvert’s place alongside center Nick Foligno and right wing Oliver Bjorkstrand. Afterward, coach John Tortorella would say only that Jenner is “day-to- day” when asked about his progress and pending return. Jenner also didn’t reveal when he’ll be back, but said he feels “real close” to 100 percent and that playing Saturday is a “possibility.” He added he’s “definitely” anxious to return. “It’s tough watching. You always want to be out there with your team,” said Jenner, who was vague about how he was injured, noting only that it happened during training. “It’s definitely not fun, especially through camp, and then starting the season. You want to be out there. Anytime is not a good time to be out, but especially at the start of the season.” He added of his conditioning, “I’ve been working really hard to be in the best possible shape, even though it’s tough to mimic a game and the battles that can happen.” Jenner played in all 82 games each of the past two seasons. He averaged more than 16 minutes of ice time both years, netting 18 goals and 16 assists in 2016-17 after 30 and 19, respectively, in 2015-16. “We all know what Jenns is,” Tortorella said. “He’s a complete player, body to the net, in the blue. He killed penalties well for us last year. He’s the full package.” Foligno said Blue Jackets players were excited to have Jenner take part in a full practice with them. “He just brings his tenacious style of play. That’s one thing about Boone. He drags guys into the fight with him. The way he plays, he’s a reckless player, and that’s a compliment,” Foligno said. “He can play that bang- crash style, but also has the skill to go along with it and brings pucks to the front of the net. It just brings everybody into it when you see a guy battling all night long. So it will mean a lot to us to get him back in the lineup.” Also Friday, the team activated injured center Sam Vigneault (hand) and assigned him to Cleveland.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079202 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets | Boone Jenner may make season debut

By Steve Gorten The Columbus Dispatch Posted Oct 20, 2017 at 9:09 PM Updated Oct 20, 2017 at 9:33 PM

The Blue Jackets’ lineup is about to get a boost. Indications suggest that injured left wing Boone Jenner will make his season debut Saturday night when the Jackets, coming off their first loss in nearly two weeks, take on the Los Angeles Kings in the second of four consecutive home games. “I’ve been feeling good,” Jenner said. “I’m itching to come back and help the boys.” Jenner skated alongside Nick Foligno and Oliver Bjorkstrand during line rushes Friday while participating in the full practice at Nationwide Arena. Coach John Tortorella was tight-lipped about Jenner’s status afterward, saying only that Jenner is “day-to-day” when asked repeatedly about the alternate captain’s potential return. Minutes later, the Jackets announced Jenner had been activated from injured reserve and wing Markus Hannikainen had been sent to minor- league Cleveland. Sam Vigneault was sent to Cleveland as well after he was activated Friday. Jenner didn’t reveal if he will play Saturday, but noted it’s “a possibility” and he feels “real close” to 100 percent healthy after suffering an injury while training a couple of weeks before the start of camp. The team has termed his injury “middle body;” it’s believed to be related to his back. Jenner said he’s “definitely” eager to return. “It’s tough watching,” he said. “You want to be out there. Anytime is not a good time to be out, but especially at the start of the season.” Jenner’s return, whenever it happens, will shuffle the second, third and fourth lines. During Friday’s practice, Pierre-Luc Dubois skated alongside Brandon Dubinsky and Josh Anderson. Matt Calvert, who has been on the second line with Foligno and Bjorkstrand through the first seven games, could move to the fourth line centered by Lukas Sedlak. Regardless of the combinations, Jenner, an alternate captain who has played all 82 games each of the past two seasons while notching 48 goals and 35 assists, should provide a spark to a team that needed one Thursday in a 2-0 loss to the Lightning. The Jackets were admittedly lethargic in the first period, and after reviewing a replay of the game, Tortorella noted Friday that, contrary to his initial impression, the Jackets weren’t that good in the second or third periods either. That shouldn’t be an issue with Jenner, who said he likes to lead by example. “The way he plays, he’s a reckless player, and that’s a compliment,” said Foligno, who raved of Jenner’s “tenacious” style. “He can play that bang- crash style, but also has the skill to go along with it and brings pucks to the front of the net. It just brings everybody into it when you see a guy battling all night long. So it will mean a lot to us to get him back in the lineup.”

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079203 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets | Struggling faceoff a sore spot

By Steve Gorten The Columbus Dispatch Posted Oct 20, 2017 at 9:08 PM Updated Oct 20, 2017 at 9:08 PM

The Blue Jackets didn’t just fail to score on their power play Thursday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. They also didn’t manage to win a faceoff while having a man advantage three times. That’s not all that surprising considering the Blue Jackets have won 43.3 percent of those jousts for the puck through the first seven games, worst in the NHL. “We’re not a team that should be dead last in the league in faceoffs,” captain Nick Foligno said. “But I do like that we’re tenacious to get (the puck) back. It hasn’t cost us right now, but down the road it could so we have to shore that up for sure.” Foligno and fellow center Alexander Wennberg attributed some of the team’s struggles to the NHL’s new crackdown on faceoff procedures this season. Foligno said referees and linesmen aren’t consistent in their enforcement of rules, causing uncertainty among players. “It’s so different right now with new rules where you can get kicked out, and you try to adjust to that,” added Wennberg, who lost nine of his 14 faceoffs Thursday. “You have to try to get in there and dig in on faceoffs. Obviously that’s not something I’ve been really good at. I have to improve.” Coach John Tortorella said he’s “not a big analytics guy” but said faceoffs are important, particularly on power plays because “you get an advantage with a faceoff in the end zone. “We did nothing with that advantage. That was part of the issue.” Rookie wing Sonny Milano scored in each of his first three NHL games, notching four goals with a plus-2 rating. In the past four games, he doesn’t have a point and is minus-3. “It’s dipped, but it’s expected,” Tortorella said of Milano’s performance level. “Some nights it’s going to be awful. Some nights it’s going to be terrific. That’s what it is with a young player. But with a guy with skill like that, we have to spend some time and teach the game.” If the Blue Jackets are to end their power-play drought Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, they’ll have to do it against the NHL’s best penalty kill. While the Blue Jackets have just one power-play goal in 19 opportunities so far, the Kings’ penalty kill has allowed just one on 24 chances (95.8 percent success). ... Sergei Bobrovsky is expected to make his second straight start in goal. Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets likely will face a hot goalie for the second consecutive game. After suffering their first shutout loss since Feb. 28 on Thursday vs. the Lightning’s Andrei Vasilevskiy, they will try to solve the Kings’ Jonathan Quick, who ranks second in the NHL with a 9.50 save percentage and third in goals- against average (1.59) among goalies who’ve faced at least 100 shots.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079204 Dallas Stars "They took it upon themselves," Hitchcock said proudly when talking about the players. "They want to win, they're turning a leaf right now, they're turning the corner, they dug in deep today. They deserve the two Was 'noisy' third period for new-look Stars a sign they're turning the points, that's a good sign." corner? A sign that can be heard, as well as seen.

By Mike Heika , Staff Writer Contact Mike Heikaon Twitter:@MikeHeika Dallas Morning News LOADED: 10.21.2017

One of the odd observations about last season's Dallas Stars is that they were "quiet." You'd be sitting in an empty arena for the morning skate, and the hollow sound of skate blades and bouncing pucks echoed as the players themselves said little. You'd hear the in-game audio and the bench was orderly and focused. At the time, you wondered if it was a bad thing, but they had just won the division the year before, so you shrugged it off as no big deal. But when Tyler Seguin talked about what happened in the second intermission before a third period eruption that led to a 5-4 win over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday, he brought up the subject. "The main message was not to get quiet on each other," Seguin said. "Especially when they were finding ways to stay in the game and make it close, we had to stay up on the bench and keep positivity. There have been times in the past where we would keep quiet, but the boys responded." It was an interesting turn of events that could be a turning point in the season. The Coyotes are off to an 0-6-1 start, and they were desperate for a win, so they were putting a lot of pressure on with their speed. The Stars are a stacked team with a big payroll that is still seeking the "right way" to play hockey games. So when Alexander Radulov tried to mule the puck out of the defensive zone in the final minute of the second period and was chased down from behind for a turnover, the Ken Hitchcock term "time and score" was ringing in your ears. Arizona rookie Clayton Keller was able to get the puck to center Derek Stepan for what seemed a sure goal that would give Stepan a hat trick and give the Coyotes a 3-2 lead. Stars goalie Ben Bishop used all of his 6-6 frame to come up with a poke check that saved the day, and that probably made the second intermission a little easier to take, but it was clear there was going to be some yelling. "We had a chat," Stars captain Jamie Benn said, while Hitchcock said it was "a conversation." Whatever happened, the team came out and played differently. The top line took the mistake as motivation, and the entire team took the third period as a challenge. Benn said the best players have to lead, and that was part of the "chat." "We need to be the best players and let the other players follow us," he said. "We talked with Hitch about that, and we understand it." And truth be told, they're not the only best players. Defenseman John Klingberg was a consistent leader all game. Bishop had one of the best four-goal games we've seen around here in a while. The top line isn't filled with noisy personalities, so turning up the volume is going to have to be a team effort. Stars' 'big boys' came to play as Dallas sweeps home-and-home vs. Arizona "We have to expect to win in that type of situation. You have to have the expectations on yourself that you're going to find a way to win," said Bishop, who is going to be a pretty outspoken goalie. "It's enjoyable, it's part of the process. You want it to be hard, you want to have to dig deep...that makes the winning that much more fun. There's a lot of guys talking in here, so we don't have to worry about it being too quiet." There are going to be a lot of comparisons to last season...it's what we do here in the media. And, it's not always fair, because there have been so many changes - new coaches, new players, new way of doing things. But we saw what didn't work last season, we saw why there were so many changes, and that does bring some strange perspective to these issues. Y'know, "those who don't study history..." and all of that. But let's leave Thursday with one important observation: Whatever happened in the second intermission was important to where this team is going. 1079205 Detroit Red Wings

'Things are changing' between Detroit Red Wings, RFA Andreas Athanasiou

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 2:56 p.m. ETOct. 20, 2017 | Updated 3:35 p.m. ETOct. 20, 2017

There’s finally movement on the Andreas Athanasiou front. Detroit Red Wings general manager Ken Holland told the Free Press Friday afternoon that “things are changing.” The two sides have been in a stalemate as Athanasiou has rejected offers by the Wings to sign the restricted free agent. At this point, it appears Athanasiou will agree to a one-year contract that will leave him with arbitration rights next summer. He will need a work visa before he can join the Wings. Detroit Red Wings takeaways: Team looks to halt slide against Capitals Athanasiou’s agent, Darren Ferris, told the Free Press that as of Friday Athanasiou is still in Switzerland. He flew there at the start of this month and has been skating with a team there while debating whether to play in Europe or the KHL. The Wings also had made Athanasiou a two-year offer for $1.9 million a season. He has lost money daily in the NHL since paychecks began with the regular season. Athanasiou, 23, had 18 goals and 29 points along with a minus-7 rating in 64 games last season.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079206 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' Martin Frk re-emphasizes shooting as opponents try to silence him

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 2:42 p.m. ETOct. 20, 2017

Martin Frk wants to go to his shot first, but figures he can also serve as a decoy. Frk was a highlight story for the Detroit Red Wings during their opening week as the goals poured in, but then came a quiet stretch as opponents adjusted to his blistering, right-handed shot. “That’s what happens,” Frk said after Friday’s morning skate. He was penned in to play on a line with Frans Nielsen and Justin Abdelkader in the evening game at Little Caesars Arena against the Washington Capitals, as well as on Dylan Larkin’s power play unit. Frk was especially successful early on getting set up for one-timers in the left circle during power plays. “You just have to play differently then,” Frk said. “We have to find our options from the other side, from the right side. I mean, it will happen in the games, they will stand there with you, but if I have the shot, I want to make sure I put it on net or score a goal. “If there is a guy with me, I just have to maybe drag him away - I just put myself completely out of the play but they still have advantage, my guys - it will be four against three there. Something will open up there for sure.” Entering the Washington game, Frk had registered just three shots on net the previous three games, and nine shot attempts. He totaled 10 shots on net and 23 shot attempts after four games. Head coach Jeff Blashill said that, "we haven’t gotten him a whole bunch of opportunities to get the puck over there on the power play. Certainly teams are going to lean towards him when they can to try to take away that shot, but that is part of having a weapon on your power play - it should open up other opportunities for other people. He just needs to keep shooting it - if it gets blocked, doesn’t matter, shoot it again. Those are hard to block over and over and over again. And then other guys have to make sure they make plays when they have those opportunities because of the fact they are overplaying one guy." One such candidate is defenseman Mike Green; he has a good shot himself, and could sneak one off from the blue line as opponents expect him to set up Frk in the circle. “As they overplay Frky, you might have opportunities for Greener to get shots through, especially when it goes low to high, and they start to sprint over and take away Frky,” Blashill said. “Then Greener - we’ve talked about making sure he shoots it.” If Green doesn’t have a good shooting lane, Larkin might be open, or Anthony Mantha, or either of Frans Nielsen or Riley Sheahan. Frk said he hasn’t particularly looked to Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin for inspiration, though blasting one-timers from the left circle is Ovechkin’s trademark. Green, who played in Washington before joining the Wings two seasons ago, said that Frk’s and Ovechkin’s “shots are similar - both are extremely hard. For goaltenders, it is hard to read the way it comes off their sticks.” Chances not shots: Blashill had talked about more Wings players needing to go to their shot, even as the Wings were 0-2 when outshooting opponents and 3-1 when outshot by opponents. Again, it’s quality over quantity. “I judge the game on chances more than anything else,” Blashill said. “Shots matter - I think if you go through the course of a season and you outshoot teams on a regular basis, generally that means you’ve carried the play, especially if you get chances. The biggest thing you want to avoid is big-time opportunities against, and you want to try to create as many grade-a chances as you can. The game comes down to chances more than it comes down to just shots.”

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079207 Detroit Red Wings Detroit Free Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 Detroit Red Wings keep chins up after week of losses to elite opponents

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 1:38 a.m. ETOct. 21, 2017 | Updated 2:13 a.m. ETOct. 21, 2017

A tough week demonstrated the Detroit Red Wings can’t afford any letdown. The Wings squandered a late lead Friday and lost in overtime to the Washington Capitals, 4-3, at Little Caesars Arena. It's the third straight loss for the Wings, after regulation losses at Toronto and home to Tampa Bay. The Wings did good things in each game — Friday they got terrific goaltending from Petr Mrazek — but keep coming up short against elite teams. “We did a lot of good things again,” Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. “We’ve got to stay the course here. We’ve lost three in a row but I can’t really say we’ve been playing bad. We’ve got to keep our heads high and keep working on things. “We know in here we are a good team when we do the right things. We’ve been playing systems-wise pretty good. We know we can skate. We’ve got to four lines that can play against anyone.” The Wings got a shorthanded goal from Darren Helm and two goals from Tomas Tatar against the Capitals. It looks like coach Jeff Blashill’s prediction post-Toronto will pan out; he said he thought Tatar would get hot. On the other hand, Martin Frk went without a goal for a fourth straight game after scoring three goals the first four games. He, Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha had tremendous chemistry but that line was broken up last week. “We’ll look at it for certain,” Blashill said when asked if he will considered reuniting the three. “There’s give and take on every line combo. We’ve got a little bit of a sniper on each line, and that is something that I think is important as well. So we will see.’ Tatar and Mrazek both said the Wings deserved better against the Capitals, with Tatar saying “a few minutes to go and you are leading, you are feeling like you are going to win this game. We took an unfortunate penalty and they score on power play. “It’s frustrating. I think still we are playing really good, doing a lot of good stuff out there. We are just hoping it’s going to flip for us — we have to do everything right to flip that coin for us. But I think we are going in the right direction.” The Wings have come up short against teams that boast enviable lineups with more than one superstar player. It’s why Blashill continually reiterates the Wings cannot afford to be lax. “I use the term every player, every play,” Blashill said. “We’ve got to do it right just a little more than the group we are facing. You are going to have some mistakes, that’s life, but we’ve got to make sure there are not too many unforced errors out there.” Quick hits: The Daley penalty: Fans rightfully booed when Trevor Daley was called for tripping Alex Oveckin in overtime since replays showed Daley did not, but as Zetterberg pointed out, “it’s always easier when you see the replay. If you see that in real time, maybe it looks like a trip. So, can’t really say much about it.” Mrazek’s play: Mrazek made 37 saves, six of them on Ovechkin. Mrazek looked especially good coming out of his net to challenge Ovechkin in the second period, stopping a blistering slap shot. Ovechkin ended up scoring in OT. Mrazek called it “a big disappointment. I felt pretty good, I had early in the game some shots so you keep going, trying to save as many as you can. But I would be more happy with two points. I think we deserve to win.” Power-play boost: For a team that had gone 0-for-10 on power plays the previous three games, it was a shot in the arm to get one Friday. “It was nice to see Tuna score there,” Zetterberg said. “I thought we had some chances again today. Just another thing that we have to keep working at.” Bad ice: It was the third home game of the season, seventh overall at LCA counting exhibition season. The ice remains a problem. “It’s really soft," Tatar said. "When you try to make a move there is a lot of snow. We are just hoping it will be better and a little easier to play.” 1079208 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings stunned late by Washington Capitals, 4-3, in OT

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Published 10:29 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 10:40 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

Tomas Tatar scored twice as the Detroit Red Wings salvaged a point at home. The Wings scored shorthanded, at even strength and on a power play but were beaten on power play goal in overtime to lose, 4-3, Friday to the Washington Capitals at Little Caesars Arena. Petr Mrazek had made a handful of big saves before giving up a goal to Andre Burakovsky in the last minute of the second period. Darren Helm had given the Wings a 1-0 on a shorthanded goal near the start of the period. Tatar had back-to-back goals in the third period. Here are major story lines from the game: Third-period highlights: For a second straight game at home the Wings gave up a shorthanded goal. The Wings began the third period with 1:33 left on a power play but Jay Beagle got a hold of the puck and raced up the middle and beat Mrazek. Tatar scored for a second straight game, at 5:24. Dylan Larkin fired a shot that took a high bounce off Tatar’s stick to make it a 2-2 game. Luke Glendening had a breakaway near the midpoint but lost the puck before he could get off a shot. Tatar scored on the fifth power play when he tapped in a perfect pass from Henrik Zetterberg. Niklas Kronwall also assisted, in what was his 800th career game. The Wings faced a fourth penalty kill with 2:43 left in the regulation. Mrazek denied Ovechkin for a fifth time, on a slap shot. T.J. Oshie scored on a power play with 1:01 remaining in regulation. Second-period breakdown: The Wings were 49.1 seconds from coming out of the period with a lead when Andre Burakovsky snuck a shot through from the top of the left circle. The Wings had just a had a couple of good shifts with really good offensive-zone time, too. Helm shortie: At the start of this week, Helm put the puck in Tampa Bay’s net only to have what would have been his first goal of the season disallowed because of goaltender interference. There was no contesting the one he scored against the Capitals, as he stole the puck after intercepting an Ovechkin cross-ice pass and sped off, firing a rising shot from the top of the left circle to beat Braden Holtby during a Capitals power play at 4:31 of the second period. First-period breakdown: The Wings had good energy to start for a third time this week, and again came away with nothing to show for it, even with five shots on net during four minutes of man-advantage time. Mrazek looked sharp, making a left-toe save on Evgeny Kuznetsov as a Capitals power play expired. The Wings had the edge in shots most of the period but ended up trailing, 14-13. Gardenhire on hand: New Detroit Tigers manager Ron Gardenhire attended the game and was cheered by fans when he was shown being interviewed on the Jumbotron. It didn’t hurt he wore a Wings cap.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079209 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings nearing deal with holdout Andreas Athanasiou

Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News Published 1:27 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 5:01 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

Detroit — The Detroit Red Wings and holdout free agent Andreas Athanasiou were nearing agreement on a new contract Friday, a source confirmed to The Detroit News. Athanasiou, who scored 18 goals last season, did not appear for training camp or the start of the season while negotiating with the Wings. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported a one-year deal is at hand for about $1.35 million. Athanasiou, 23, is a restricted free agent without arbitration rights, limiting his leverage. But he and his agent, Darren Ferris, sought to optimize their strategy by dangling the possibility of Athanasiou of playing in either Russia or Switzerland this season. Some teams were interested in a trade for the talented forward, who along with Dylan Larkin and Anthony Mantha, offer the Wings prospective future stars. Larkin and Mantha are restricted free agents whose contracts end this season. If Athanasiou signs a one-year deal, he the Red Wings will likely need to negotiate during this season and, likely, the offseason. The franchise has almost no space under the salary cap, and a roster move is likely to make way for Athanasiou. He will likely begin the year in Grand Rapids, to attain game conditioning. Friedman reported later in the day that the deal cannot be finalized until the Red Wings make another roster move. A new deal would allow Athanasiou to play for the Wings this year and negotiate a contract knowing that he has arbitration rights with the franchise if they cannot reach an agreement. Red Wings general manager Ken Holland was scheduled to meet with the media at 6 p.m. Friday.

Detroit News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079210 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings brace for dynamic Capitals

Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News Published 12:54 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 1:19 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

Detroit —A day off may have given the Red Wings a new perspective on porous defense. After the morning skate Friday they were talking about a better effort against the offensively charged Capitals and Alex Ovechkin Friday. They managed so poorly, especially in the early going against the high- flying Maple Leafs Wednesday in Toronto, the Wings were down 4-1 at 16:26 of the first. Two days after the onslaught, the Leafs vaulted to the top as a favorite to win the Stanley Cup, according to Bovada, the online bookmaker. “I didn’t play a great game,” said Anthony Mantha, who is counted on to improve defensively in his second full season, even as he is increasingly relied on for scoring in the Red Wings lineup. “I know it. I mean every player knows when they play a good one. Every player knows when they play a bad one. “For me, it’s just to step back up today and have the best performance.” Mantha is to play in his 78th NHL game and has seven points (three goals and four assists) through seven games this season. He is a zero plus-minus overall, but finished minus-3 against the Maple Leafs with no points and just one shot on net. “Toronto was sort of as step-back game,” said Nick Jensen, who is expected to appear in his 57th NHL game Friday. “I talked with some coaches, and I know there is some things I have to work on.” On the ice for two Leafs’ goals, Jensen also assisted on all three Red Wings tallies, for a plus-1 on the evening. Petr Mrazek is expected to start in goal for the Red Wings. Howard’s rough outing against the Maple Leafs, when he allowed three goals on four shots, led to him watching the last 44:14 from the bench. Mrazek game up a goal on the first shot he faces, but then stopped 19 of the last 20. The Capitals are 12-4-3 against the Red Wings since the Wings last Stanley Cup in 2008. They were 2-0-1 last season. So far this season, goalie Braden Holtby is 3-2-0 with a .931 save percentage. In his career against the Red Wings, Holtby is 8-2-1 with a 1.87 goals against average and .929 save percentage. Barry Trotz, whom the Wings played frequently as the longtime and first coach of the Predators, will coach his 1,450th NHL game, passing Dick Irvin, the former Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Blackhawks coach and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, for sixth, all-time.

Detroit News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079211 Detroit Red Wings With the puck on Dylan Larkin’s stick on the left wing near the blue line, he suddenly spun and fired a hard wrist pass down low in the left circle.

Waiting there, Tomas Tatar thrust out his stick and deflected the shot 20 Capitals overtake Red Wings, win in OT feet, at a 45-degree angle, up over goalie Holtby’s left shoulder. Holtby, seeming as surprised as anyone, flailed with his catching glove, to no avail. Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News Published 10:29 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 12:09 a.m. ET Oct. 21, 2017 Then, at 12:45 of the third period and on the power play, Henrik Zetterberg sent another one of his fine passes across the front of the goal mouth to Tatar, low in the faceoff circle to the left of Holtby. Detroit — The Red Wings' old late-period-goals bugaboo that helped Tatar blasted a shot that beat the goalie cleanly after he tried to move derail them last season reared its ugly head against the Washington quickly across the crease, tracking the pass. Capitals on Friday, and they lost a game they played well enough to win. It was 3-2 until Oshie scored 6:14 later on the power play to tie it, and The Wings yielded a 1-0 lead at 19:10 of the second period and a 3-2 Ovechkin added the winner. lead at 18:59 of the third. The Capitals outshot the Red Wings 39-36 in regulation and 2-1 in Alex Ovechkin put it away with a power-play goal at 1:56 of overtime, overtime. after T.J. Oshie tied the score with 1:01 left in regulation. After the game, Zetterberg recognized Kronwall’s achievement. Oshie’s goal came after a delay-of-game penalty to Dylan Larkin. “Amazing,” he said, of the 14-year veteran’s 800th game. “I know what Ovechkin’s came after a tripping penalty to Trevor Daley, who may have he has gone through with his body. For him to still be playing here, at this saved a goal when he flailed at Ovechkin cutting across the crease in the level — he got an assist tonight, too — I think he’s been better and better slot and dumping the vaunted goal scorer. in the more games we’ve played. Without the penalty, Ovechkin would have been alone point blank on Petr “So, good we’re all happy for him.” Mrazek.

Mrazek played well throughout the game. Tomas Tatar scored twice and Niklas Kronwall played his 800th game. But unhappiness prevailed in the Detroit News LOADED: 10.21.2017 dressing room afterwards. “We lost the specialty-team battle, so that was the difference,” Jeff Blashill said, referring to one short-handed goal for both teams and the two power-play goals for the Capitals but just one for the Wings. “So, we have to make sure we turn that edge,” he said, of the 1-for-5 performance on the power play. Mrazek battled hard and well throughout, and gave signs of turning the corner on his game after a rough season last year, and then not being protected by the Red Wings during the expansion draft after he yielded the No. 1 position to Jimmy Howard. “We wanted the two points,” Mrazek said. “We were very close, a minute left in the game. So a big disappointment. “I felt pretty good. But like I said, if we left with the two points I’d be happy.” A slap shot from close range by Ovechkin in the second period ricocheted and caught Mrazek in the chin. He went down, but popped up quickly. The Capitals outshot the Red Wings in the scoreless first period, 14-13. Darren Helm got the scoring going in the second. He intercepted Ovechkin’s cross-ice passing attempt as the Capitals captain played on the left point on a power play. Within a stride or two, Helm was gone up ice. He fired a 20-foot wrist shot from the left wing, after entering the faceoff circle, and it beat Capitals goalie Braden Holtby cleanly. It was Helm’s first goal of the season and the Wings’ second short- handed goal of the season. But with 50 seconds left in the period, Andre Burakovsky scored for the Capitals. After a faceoff in the circle to the right of Mrazek, Burakovsky got the puck back at the point and fired a shot through a player or two screening the goalie and it went in. Dmitri Orlov and assisted. The puck might have been deflected on the way in. At 1:25 of the third the Capitals scored short-handed. A blocked shot from the point wound up on Alex Chaisson’s stick and he lifted a high pass out of the zone that Jay Beagle swept up. He broke in on Mrazek on a breakaway and fired it by. The Red Wings were down by one, but Tatar took care of that, tying the score at 2 on a wild goal. 1079212 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings defensemen embrace shot-blocking hazards

Gregg Krupa, The Detroit News Published 4:44 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 4:44 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

Detroit — It is not the easiest task or a pleasant experience. But blocking shots in the NHL can frustrate even high-skilled and potent offensive attacks like the Lightning, Maple Leafs and Capitals, which are teams the Red Wings have faced this week. A coach like the Blue Jackets' John Tortorella stresses shot blocking as a “natural part of defense.” That natural part of the game has the Red Wings' Danny DeKeyser out of the lineup. The defenseman was still a bit gimpy walking around the dressing room after skating Friday morning. He may be out another week or more, after standing in front of a shot that struck him on the inside of his skate in a 4-2 loss to the Stars Oct. 10. DeKeyser, hoping for a bounce-back season, has played in only three of the Red Wings eight games. Nonetheless, he is the team leader with 10 blocked shots. The Wings lag the NHL leaders in shots blocked heading into action Friday: the Blues' Joel Edmundson has 28 blocked shots in eight games; Flames' Mike Giordano has 26 blocks in seven games and Lightning's Nikita Zaitsev has 23 in seven. So, when Xavier Ouellet blocked three shots in two periods against the Lightning in Little Caesars Arena Monday, it was noteworthy. Ouellet has nine blocks in seven games, entering play Friday. He is just ahead of Trevor Daley with eight, and Mike Green and Nick Jensen both with seven, through seven games each. I’ve kind of always done it,” Ouellet said. “It’s part of my game. “I think to be good defensively, you need to find a way to bring this to your game, get in lanes and you want to sacrifice your body to save some goals.” Ouellet says it really is not a matter of practicing it outside of games, but more of mastering in-game reactions and understanding where and how the puck will be delivered. “I think it's instinct,” Ouellet said. “You can obviously practice being in lanes, but it’s more of an instinct about when he is going to shoot it.” Ouellet and Jensen are logging significant time on ice together as the third pairing for the Red Wings, and although they were longtime teammates in Grand Rapids, they did not play a lot together then. Despite a bit of a rough night for everyone, especially defensively, against the Maple Leafs, both guys say they are comfortable and mostly playing well. It is happening even though, they have only about half of the 300 games played that traditionally marks the NHL training period for a young defenseman. Ouellet, 24, played in his 103rd game in Toronto and Jensen, 27, his 56th. “I think we played together a few times in Grand Rapids, but it’s easy to adjust,” Jensen said. “He’s a really smart player and really easy to play with, and I think we’ve been pretty successful.” After the disappointment of last season, the Wings said they would emphasize better “gap control,” the distance between oncoming attackers and the Red Wings defenders. So far, so good with their pairing, Jensen said. “I think we’ve had great gaps,” he said. “I think that’s one of the best things we’ve been doing together, and I think we’re going to continue improving as partners as long as we’re playing together.” Jensen still wears some protection on his right thumb but says he is recovered from the injury.

Detroit News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079213 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings, Andreas Athanasiou close to one-year deal

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 1:13 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 12:46 PM By Ansar Khan [email protected]

DETROIT -- The stalemate between the Detroit Red Wings and forward Andreas Athanasiou appears to be coming to an end. The Red Wings are close to signing Athanasiou to a one-year contract, a source told MLive. It is expected to be in the $1.5 million range. The club initially offered the restricted free agent one year at $1.25 million or two years at $1.9 million a season. It increased the one-year offer this week in order to expedite a deal. The one-year deal makes Athanasiou eligible for salary arbitration next summer, when he can cash in on a bigger deal if he has a good season. Athanasiou traveled to Switzerland on Oct. 6, where he has been skating with HC Lugano. The fast-skating winger who has demonstrated a scoring touch had been contemplating offers to play in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League since late August. He had until Dec. 1 to sign with an NHL club or he wouldn't have been eligible to play in the league this season. Athanasiou, 23, ranked second on the Red Wings with 18 goals last season and had 29 points. He appeared in 64 games, averaging 13:28 in ice time. He has 27 goals and 43 points in 101 career games over parts of two seasons. He has been assured his ice time will increase to between 15 and 16 minutes per game and that he will play a regular role on the power play and the penalty kill.

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079214 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings' lineup vs. Capitals: Petr Mrazek's first home start

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 12:12 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 11:57 AM By Ansar Khan [email protected]

DETROIT -- Petr Mrazek will make his first start at Little Caesars Arena tonight, his third of the season, when the Detroit Red Wings face the Washington Capitals (7:30, Fox Sports Detroit). Mrazek is 1-2-0, with a 2.98 goals-against average and .900 save percentage. He is 2-3-1 lifetime vs. the Capitals, with a 2.18 GAA, .925 save percentage and one shutout. Both teams are looking to snap two-game skids. Detroit is 4-3-0 and Washington is 3-3-1. Washington Alex Ovechkin leads the NHL with nine goals but has scored only two in the past five games, after notching seven in his first two games. He has 10 goals and 18 points in 20 career games against the Red Wings.

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079215 Detroit Red Wings On the ice, Elkins provides a strong option as a third or fourth center who's strong on the faceoff and can contribute on the power play. Martin said scouts watched him in the playoffs in Finland and came away Nice hockey homecoming for Michigan native Corey Elkins impressed what he could do as a two-way center as well as how he handled himself off the ice.

"He's a guy that has a lot of different experiences," Martin said. "... He's Updated on October 20, 2017 at 1:07 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at been around a lot of different types of players who have mentored him, 10:30 AM and he has a lot of really strong leadership qualities." By Peter J. Wallner While it was a hockey decision, the homecoming wasn't lost upon Martin, either.

"From his perspective, he grew up watching the team and following the GRAND RAPIDS - It's taken more years than Corey Elkins cares to team," he said. "And, to really almost come full circle with the remember, but he is finally back playing hockey in Michigan. organization in sort of the twilight of your career, what a great opportunity." It's not the Detroit Red Wings, but that doesn't matter at this point to the 32-year-old West Bloomfield native who has embraced his role as a That was not lost on Elkins. veteran mentor and big goal-front presence at center this season with the Grand Rapids Griffins. "I really want to help out the team and I'd really like to make this home," he said. He has a one-year contract, well worth the chance after an eight-year pro hockey journey that took him across the country (AHL's Manchester Monarchs to the NHL's Los Angeles Kings) and out of it, too (Czech Republic for one season and the past five in Finland). Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 Elkin's last dose of Michigan hockey came as a part of the Red Wings development camp while at Ohio State in 2008. Before that was midgets in 2003. So, to go from Helsinki to his home state after so many years away was not only gratifying, it was somewhat amazing. "This organization has been a huge part of me growing up and watching hockey and loving hockey," Elkins said. "I have a young family, so coming home, having extended family nearby, it's really awesome." Coach Todd Nelson likes what Elkins provides. "He's very strong; there's a reason he has the nickname 'Moose,'" he said of the 6-foot-2, 214-pounder. "He strong down low, strong in the faceoff dot and he does a good job killing penalties. But he's also a big net-front presence." Heading into Friday's game at Rockford and Saturday's home game against Hersey, Elkins has a goal and a minus-1 rating in four games. Elkins wasn't drafted out of college and signed with the Kings organization, where he got into three games his first pro season in 2010. After that, he bounced around before he went overseas. He played four-plus seasons with HIFK in the Finnish Elite League where he played well with three 10-plus goal seasons, including 15 goals and 40 points in 2013-14. His leadership was rewarded as an alternate captain the past two seasons. Through most of that period, Elkins said, he kept an eye on Grand Rapids and the Griffins' roster situation, looking for the right opportunity. By mid-point last season, Elkins sensed HIFK would make wholesale changes. "So, I reached out (to the Detroit organization) because I was over there, off the radar a little bit as an older guy and, in the past, there were too many veterans here (in Grand Rapids) for it to happen," he said. "So, it seemed like an opportunity where they might have room for a veteran guy. That was part of it, too - just seeing if there was a place." Turns out, there was a place at center, in the eyes of the organization, which knew Tomas Nosek would be either in Detroit - picked up via waivers or selected in the expansion draft (he was the later) - and Kyle Criscuolo would be an unrestricted free agent (he eventually signed with Rochester). "He checked all the boxes for us," said Ryan Martin, the Red Wings assistant general manager who oversees the Griffins. After a couple exchanges, Elkins signed May 2. "There was a phone conversation I had with them (Martin and general manager Ken Holland) and we were discussing contract and they officially offered," Elkins recalled. "It was that moment when I hung up the phone and we had some time to decide if we were going to do it and talking to my wife. And that's when it set in. There was a whole lot of excitement at that time. That was the best." There was an extra Michigan touch, too. Elkins, who has lived in Waterford the past nine years and has three children with wife Genevieve, took the call at the home of his in-laws. That's notable since his father-in-law is former NHL forward Dwight Foster, who played three- plus season with the Red Wings in the mid-1980s. "That just added to it," he said. 1079216 Detroit Red Wings

Late penalties cost Red Wings in overtime loss to Capitals

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 10:18 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 10:17 PM By Ansar Khan [email protected]

DETROIT - Penalties at inopportune times cost the Detroit Red Wings on Friday. The Washington Capitals tied the game on a late power-play goal and prevailed 4-3 when Alex Ovechkin blasted a shot past Petr Mrazek during a man-advantage at 1:56 of overtime. Trevor Daley's tripping penalty against Ovechkin put the Capitals on the power play. Tomas Tatar scored twice in the third period to give the Red Wings a 3-2 lead. T.J. Oshie tied it 3-3 on the power play with 1:01 remaining in the third period. It was a six-on-four advantage after the Capitals pulled goaltender Braden Holtby for the extra skater while Dylan Larkin was in the penalty box for delay of game. Tatar snapped a 2-2 tie by scoring on his team's fifth power play of the night with 7:45 remaining in regulation. He buried a pass from Henrik Zetterberg. Niklas Kronwall, playing his 800th game, also assisted. Tatar tied it at 2-2 at 5:24 of the period with a nifty redirection of a shot by Larkin. Tatar, who signed a four-year, $21.2 million deal in the summer, has three goals in the past two games after going six games without a goal. Mrazek made 37 saves in a strong performance in goal but the Red Wings (4-3-1) are winless in three (0-2-1). The Capitals are 4-3-1 as well. Each team tallied a shorthanded goal. Jay Beagle's shorthanded breakaway tally put the Capitals up 2-1 at 1:25 of the third. Mike Green's shot was blocked. As Green moved up to retrieve the puck, Alex Chiasson knocked it ahead for Beagle, who took off down the ice. Darren Helm broke the ice at 4:31 with a shorthanded goal, his first of the season. Helm intercepted Alex Ovechkin's pass in the high slot and carried the puck down the ice, firing a wrist shot from the top of the face-off circle past Holtby. The Red Wings have two shorthanded goals in eight games, after scoring only three all last season. The Red Wings were scrambling around in their own zone late in the period, chasing the puck, and it cost them. Andre Burakovsky whipped a hard wrist shot from the top of the circle past Mrazek with 49.1 seconds remaining to tie it. Mrazek appeared to be screened by Niklas Kronwall.

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079217 Detroit Red Wings be good for him. In some cases, we've done it and in some cases, we haven't."

A player still counts toward the cap when he's on a conditioning stint in Red Wings ponder moves to get cap compliant with Andreas Athanasiou the AHL.

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 7:56 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 7:14 PM By Ansar Khan [email protected]

DETROIT - Now that the Detroit Red Wings and Andreas Athanasiou have agreed in principle on a one-year contract, the process begins to get the young forward back into the lineup. General manager Ken Holland said before the deal can be signed officially, the club must shed an equal amount of salary ($1.378 million) because it is already at the cap limit. "Ultimately, we're going to have to do something on our roster, whether it's short-term or long-term," Holland said. "We've got time to figure out what we're going to do, watch some games. "You're in a sport where you do have injuries, Hopefully, we don't have injuries, but if we do, that certainly affects any decision we make. Ultimately, in some point in time in the next few days to a week-to-two weeks we have to make some type of moves to get Andreas onto our roster." Options include trading fourth-line forward Riley Sheahan, who has a cap hit of $2.075 million. The Red Wings and Penguins had talks in the off- season about Sheahan. Pittsburgh was seeking a third-line center. Other teams inquired about Sheahan as far back as before last season's trade deadline. The club could also assign forward David Booth ($700,000 cap hit) to the Grand Rapids Griffins (he cleared waivers on Oct. 4) in conjunction with another move, such as waiving forward/defenseman Luke Witkowski ($750,000 cap hit). It is still going to take some time to get Athanasiou in the lineup. He has been in Switzerland the past two weeks skating with HC Lugano. Holland said the team will apply for Athanasiou's work permit, which he estimated could take anywhere from a few days to a week or two, and he needs to pass a physical. Having missed training camp and the first few weeks of the season, Athanasiou will need several practices to get up to speed. Holland said the completion of the paperwork will determine if Athanasiou can travel with the team on its trip to Buffalo, Tampa Bay and Florida, which starts on Tuesday. "Obviously, there's conditioning, battle drills, people leaning on you, people trying to hold you off," Holland said. "He went to Europe to skate and I'm sure he's in decent shape, but as we've seen with people who are injured (or in this case, not playing games), they got to go through a process of practicing every day to get into game shape. "He's missed all of training camp. We're still talking another week or so to get his paperwork to allow him to work in the United States. Three weeks of training camp, three weeks of the season, you start talking about being six weeks behind, so to be fair to Andreas, it's not like you're just going to jump onto the roster." Holland said they discussed these issues in a conference call Monday with Athanasiou, his agent, Darren Ferris, and coach Jeff Blashill. "You're not all the sudden on the power play and the penalty kill and playing 14-15-16 minutes, it's going to have to be a bit of a process to get him to the level of conditioning where he needs to be at," Holland said. "You got to be fair to him. I think it's going to take a little bit of time. Hopefully he can hit the ground running. "He's a young player, very talented player, had a real impact on our team the last year-and-a-half. Certainly, a player at 23 years of age you project should improve. How good are young players going to be? You never know until you watch the process play itself out. But when he's up and running we think he's a player who's going to make our team better." Holland said he doesn't think Athanasiou will need to go to Grand Rapids for a conditioning stint. "I haven't really thought about it," Holland said. "Let's go through the process. My take is I don't think he needs to go down there. Maybe after a day or two, the coach and the player think that's something that would 1079218 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings, Andreas Athanasiou agree to one-year deal

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 5:56 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 5:52 PM By Ansar Khan [email protected]

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings and forward Andreas Athanasiou have agreed to a one-year contract worth $1.378 million. Athanasiou is expected to join the team by the middle of next week to begin practicing. He has been in Switzerland the past two weeks, skating with HC Lugano. The Red Wings are up against the cap, so they'll need to trim some salary before making the deal official. More details shortly.

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079219 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals live chat

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 6:32 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 6:30 PM By Brendan Savage [email protected]

GAME INFORMATION * Who: Detroit Red Wings (4-3-0) vs. Washington Wizards (3-3-1) * Where: Little Caesars Arena * When: 7:30 p.m. * TV: Fox Sports Detroit * Radio: 97.1 WXYT-FM and Red Wings radio network * Social media: Follow MLive sports on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Michigan Live LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079220 Edmonton Oilers

Win over the Blackhawks allows the Oilers room to breathe

ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:46 AM MDT

CHICAGO — The weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders… for one day, anyway. It’s hard to imagine that any team not involved in a playoff series could need a win any more than the Edmonton Oilers needed that 2-1 overtime thriller Thursday in Chicago. After four grim and lopsided losses in a row, in which the only thing worse than Edmonton’s intensity was its execution, a hard-fought and reasonably complete effort against a pretty good Blackhawks team must have felt like a life preserver around a drowning team’s neck. “When you start losing three or four games it’s very easy to get frustrated and almost a little panicked,” said defenceman Oscar Klefbom, who looked a lot more like his old self Thursday than the nervous and indecisive train wreck who helped lay the foundation for Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to Carolina. “But the way we played last year and the way we had the same positive feeling in the room, it was just a matter of time before we were going to play some better hockey. There was no better time than to do it.” No better time than when you’re in 29th place, so far in the dust that the expansion Vegas Golden Knights can’t even see you in the rear view mirror. Had they not scored that overtime goal, it still could have been said that the Oilers played a strong and solid game, that Cam Talbot looked like Cam Talbot of old and Connor McDavid looked like Hart Trophy Connor McDavid, but it’s hard to polish and admire a loss when it’s your fifth in a row. That Mark Letestu goal allows them to breathe. “Coming into a building like this against a team like that and being able to get a win is going to be huge for us moving forward,” said Talbot, who recovered from his worst goal of the year to deliver his best game of the season. “Hopefully we can build off this and continue the road trip the right way.” That’s the key. The Oilers looked great in the home opener against Calgary, too, and and then it vanished, so there’s no guarantee the recent change is permanent. But it’s a start. And it stops the bleeding. “We had a good game in Game 1 and let it get away from us,” said Talbot. “We have to just continue to do the things that made us successful and we’ll be good.” Head coach Todd McLellan, who has been short with his leashes and quick with his anger in the first two weeks of the season, finally liked what he saw out there. But he, too, knows that they still aren’t out of the weeds yet. “Better, yes,” he said. “Certainly better. We’re happy with the win, happy with the way we played. But we’re not anywhere close to cruise control. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Lay another stink bomb in Philadelphia Saturday afternoon and it will be like the Chicago win never happened. Or, at the very least, like it was the exception rather than the norm. They can’t have that. “If we come up with a poor effort in Philly, shame on us,” said McLellan, whose club is still only 2-4. “(The same level of play) doesn’t mean we’re going to win the game, but the commitment level has to stay the same. We have to keep digging our way out.”

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079221 Edmonton Oilers Sending him back to junior might be best for Yamamoto in the long run, but it might not be what’s best for the Oilers in the here and now. It’s a predicament the organization thought it had outgrown, but that doesn’t Edmonton Oilers rookie Kailer Yamamoto makes late push to stay the seem to be the case. season They need him. And he’s fine with that. Robert Tychkowski “I had a tough rookie camp, but once pre-season started, I thought I Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 4:41 could play in the league,” said Yamamoto. “And now, playing with Connor PM MDT and (Patrick Maroon), it’s been a whirlwind, but I get more comfortable as every game goes on. It’s been a wild ride, but I’m looking forward to it.

“Every day I’m here is an honour. I just try to have fun and enjoy it while PHILADELPHIA — What do you do with a first-line winger on a three- I’m here. Hopefully, I’ll be here for the rest of the year.” game point-scoring streak who just played 18 minutes in a clutch win over the Chicago Blackhawks? The quick answer isn’t usually ‘Send him back to junior.’ Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 10.21.2017 And that might not even be the long answer anymore as Kailer Yamamoto continues to cloud the issue in his tryout with the Edmonton Oilers. Yamamoto is making a hard charge as the countdown to nine games, and a decision on his future in the NHL this season, draws nearer. “I feel a lot more comfortable, I’m starting to make plays that I would normally make,” said the rookie winger, who lead the Oilers in shots in two of the last three games, putting up six against the Ottawa Senators and eight against the Blackhawks. “Every game, I’m learning new things, and it’s starting to help me out a lot.” There have been some pretty wild mood swings in Yamamoto’s short time here. He stole the show in training camp and looked like a lock to be an Oiler. Then the regular season hit him like cold water in the face and it looked like he wasn’t ready. Now, with five games under his belt and three assists in his last three, he is looking more at home as a top six NHL forward. “He’s getting more and more comfortable,” said linemate Connor McDavid. “I know when I was playing with him in the pre-season, after every shift, he was asking a new question. “As we go along, he’s asking fewer questions, he knows what he’s supposed to do now and that’s what you want. You just want him to go out and play his game. “He’s a first-rounder for a reason. Everything he’s done has made him successful, that’s why he’s here. He has to play his own game.” His own game is starting to look pretty good, and getting better by the night. “He’s done a heck of a job for himself,” said McDavid. “He came in and earned a spot in the top six. He wins battles, he really does, he wins little stick battles in front of the net and on the wall. You have to give him credit.” Yamamoto has been good, but it has also helped his cause that nobody else on the right side is making any noise whatsoever. So when head coach Todd McLellan looks down his bench, a 155-pound 19-year-old remains one of his best options. He also has a lot of faith in the kid. “I wouldn’t be playing him 20 minutes a night if I didn’t,” said McLellan. “My usage of Yamo can answer that question. He continues to be involved in the offence, he continues to strip and come up with pucks. As he gets stronger and a little quicker around the net, those will go in. “He’s still learning the defensive side of the game, and we’re asking him to do a lot playing 20 minutes a night, but we believe in him.” It’s not something McLellan thought he’d be saying when he first laid eyes on the kid last summer. At least he didn’t think he’d be saying it four months later. “I knew our scouting staff liked him and I heard good things about him, but when you physically see him come up to the table and you take a look at him, you’re thinking he’s going to need a little bit of time,” he said. “But he’s defied those odds and proven he has the ability to play in any type of game, tight-checking, heavy game, he seems to find a way to have an impact. The hockey world uses his size against him and it’s not fair, he’s very capable of playing at that size.” 1079222 Edmonton Oilers

Oilers get some breathing room with 2-1 win over the Blackhawks

BY ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 06:42 AM MDT | UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 06:48 AM MDT

CHICAGO — The weight of the world has been lifted off their shoulders… for one day, anyway. It’s hard to imagine that any team not involved in a playoff series could need a win any more than the Edmonton Oilers needed that 2-1 overtime thriller Thursday in Chicago. After four grim and lopsided losses in a row, in which the only thing worse than Edmonton’s intensity was its execution, a hard-fought and reasonably complete effort against a pretty good Blackhawks team must have felt like a life preserver around a drowning team’s neck. “When you start losing three or four games it’s very easy to get frustrated and almost a little panicked,” said defenceman Oscar Klefbom, who looked a lot more like his old self Thursday than the nervous and indecisive train wreck who helped lay the foundation for Tuesday’s 5-3 loss to Carolina. “But the way we played last year and the way we had the same positive feeling in the room, it was just a matter of time before we were going to play some better hockey. There was no better time than to do it.” No better time than when you’re in 29th place, so far in the dust that the expansion Vegas Golden Knights can’t even see you in the rear view mirror. Had they not scored that overtime goal, it still could have been said that the Oilers played a strong and solid game, that Cam Talbot looked like Cam Talbot of old and Connor McDavid looked like Hart Trophy Connor McDavid, but it’s hard to polish and admire a loss when it’s your fifth in a row. That Mark Letestu goal allows them to breathe. “Coming into a building like this against a team like that and being able to get a win is going to be huge for us moving forward,” said Talbot, who recovered from his worst goal of the year to deliver his best game of the season. “Hopefully we can build off this and continue the road trip the right way.” That’s the key. The Oilers looked great in the home opener against Calgary, too, and and then it vanished, so there’s no guarantee the recent change is permanent. But it’s a start. And it stops the bleeding. “We had a good game in Game 1 and let it get away from us,” said Talbot. “We have to just continue to do the things that made us successful and we’ll be good.” Head coach Todd McLellan, who has been short with his leashes and quick with his anger in the first two weeks of the season, finally liked what he saw out there. But he, too, knows that they still aren’t out of the weeds yet. “Better, yes,” he said. “Certainly better. We’re happy with the win, happy with the way we played. But we’re not anywhere close to cruise control. We’ve got a lot of work to do.” Lay another stink bomb in Philadelphia Saturday afternoon and it will be like the Chicago win never happened. Or, at the very least, like it was the exception rather than the norm. They can’t have that. “If we come up with a poor effort in Philly, shame on us,” said McLellan, whose club is still only 2-4. “(The same level of play) doesn’t mean we’re going to win the game, but the commitment level has to stay the same. We have to keep digging our way out.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079223 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers cough up two-goal lead, lose to Pittsburgh Penguins

BY CLARK SPENCER [email protected] OCTOBER 20, 2017 10:39 PM

Don’t expect the Panthers to book a trip to the Poconos anytime soon. They’ve had about all they can take of Pennsylvania, losing three in a row to teams from the Keystone State within the past week. The latest setback came Friday when the defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins made a two-goal deficit disappear in a blink, coming up with three second-period goals en route to a 4-3 win. Conor Sheary caused the Panthers a lot of damage. Sheary not only scored the go-ahead power-play goal late in the third that put the Penguins on top for good, but took out goalie Roberto Luongo earlier in the period when he nearly ripped the right hand off Luongo while flashing past the net. Luongo was in obvious pain and came out for James Reimer. Panthers coach Bob Boughner said following the game that Luongo was still being evaluated. Boughner didn’t specify the type of injury suffered by Luongo nor indicate whether X-rays were taken. “We’ll know probably (Saturday) morning,” Boughner said. “We’re still trying to figure this out right now. It’s unfortunate obviously.” It’s been that kind of week for the Panthers, who sandwiched a bad loss to the Flyers between their two to Pittsburgh. But it was the Panthers’ penalty killing that was most to blame for Friday’s loss. They gave up three power play goals. “I think their power play and our lack of killing was the difference,” Boughner said. “We know they have one of the best power plays. Our penalty killing is struggling right now. And it just seems like everything that’s coming at us is finding its way to the back of the net.” It looked promising for the Panthers in the very beginning. But after the Panthers took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission, the Penguins struck back in the second period, with goals by Evgeni Malkin and Carter Rowney coming less than 30 seconds apart. Then came a Sidney Crosby score, who directed a Malkin pass in front of the net and put it past Luongo. The Malkin and Crosby goals came on power plays. “Anytime you lose a 2-0 lead, it’s tough to swallow,” Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle said. “They’ve got high-end skill (on the power play) and I think at the end of the game when you’re trying to kill, it makes it a little tougher.” But the Panthers tied it midway through the third when defenseman MacKenzie Weegar slapped one past Penguins goalie Matthew Murray for his first NHL goal. Weegar was playing in only his fourth game ever and first this season. “I think this is the only time you’ll see me smile after a loss,” Weegar said. “But I’m happy to get my first goal.” Smiles were hard to find elsewhere in the Panthers’ dressing room, though, and even Weegar acknowledged the need for improvement on killing penalties. “They’ve got a tremendous power play over there,” he said. “They move the puck well. If we can figure out a few things, we’ll be all right.” Said Boughner: “It went sideways when we started taking penalties. And it came down to a penalty (Radim Vrbata for tripping) with three minutes to go.”

Miami Herald LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079224 Florida Panthers

Panthers still adjusting to new penalty-kill system

Matthew DeFranks Sun Sentinel

In a 2016-17 season shrouded by shortcomings and off-ice turmoil, the Florida Panthers found a positive in their penalty kill, one of the best units in the NHL. A year ago, the Panthers’ penalty kill ranked second in the league by killing 85.3 percent of penalties. Only the Boston Bruins (85.7 percent) were better than Florida. This year, though, the Panthers have allowed a power play goal in each of their first five games heading into Friday night against Pittsburgh. In the small sample size, the Panthers rank 25th in the NHL by allowing five goals on 21 penalties (76.2 percent penalty kill). Just two teams in the Eastern Conference have a worse penalty kill percentage. “It’s obviously got room for improvement,” coach Bob Boughner said. “There’s some good things and some things that we need to clean up. We’ve been working a lot on that in the last two days.” Boughner and associate coach Jack Capuano have installed a new penalty killing system this year that parks two defensemen by the goal and uses one forward to pressure the puck while the other occupies the middle of the ice. Visually, the formation resembles a triangle with the forwards rotating through the top of it. Forward Vincent Trocheck is one of the Panthers’ most heavily used penalty-killers, averaging 3:09 of shorthanded ice time per game. He said the new system suits his style of play. “It’s just kind of, again, a different system than we had last year,” Trocheck said. “It’s a little bit getting used to it. It’s more aggressive style, so it plays into my style a little more. It can definitely lead to more gaps if we’re not in the right positions. As long as we stay structured to the script, I think it’ll be better.” Below is video from a penalty kill in Tuesday’s loss to Philadelphia. Trocheck pressures the puck to the right of the goal, even nearing the blue line. Meanwhile, Derek MacKenzie operates in the slot before going to battle for a puck in the corner. The same general structure can be seen in Saturday’s loss to Pittsburgh, though MacKenzie does not press the puck as high as Trocheck did in Philadelphia. Penguins forward Sidney Crosby scored a power play goal when the Panthers defensemen shifted to the right and left him next to the crease. Defenseman Alex Petrovic said the structure is tighter and more concentrated in the middle of the ice than it was last year, and that the forwards are trying to push opponents down the wall. “It’s a little bit of a new system the way that we’re killing it this year, coming off last year where we were one of the top PK guys in the league,” Petrovic said. “I think everyone’s starting to get what we’re doing. It’s starting to become second nature.” The Panthers have also taken a lot of penalties early on, averaging 14:35 penalty minutes per game (fifth most in the NHL), though some can be attributed to Micheal Haley’s 27 penalty minutes. The extra time on the penalty kill creates a conundrum for the Panthers. Two of their best offensive players — Aleksander Barkov and Trocheck — are also key penalty killers. By spending so much time on the ice shorthanded, it takes away from their ability to contribute offensively. “But when you’re taking five or six penalties a night, and they’re out there and they’ve got four or five minutes on the kill a night, it’s tough for them to have a lot of juice on the offense,” Boughner said. “We’re trying to introduce guys onto the penalty kill, spread some ice time out that way.” Against Philadelphia, Jared McCann saw his first time on the penalty kill this season and Connor Brickley played 3:38 on the kill, second-most on the team.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079225 Florida Panthers

MacKenzie Weegar to make Panthers season debut as part of shifted defensive pairings

Matthew DeFranks Sun Sentinel

Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar will make his season debut on Friday night when Florida hosts the Pittsburgh Penguins, igniting a defensive corps shuffle. Weegar was a healthy scratch in the season’s first five games as Ian McCoshen earned playing time. McCoshen will sit out Friday, Panthers coach Bob Boughner said. “We’ve had a lot of talks with [Weegar] about staying positive, staying patient and being ready for his chance,” Boughner said Friday morning. “Tonight, he’s going to get his chance. Pittsburgh’s a fast team, obviously, one of the fastest. Weegs’ advantage for him is he’s got great feet. He’s a puck mover, so hopefully he can help us there tonight.” Weegar will play on the right side of a defensive pairing with Mark Pysyk. Pysyk previously played with Mike Matheson, but Matheson will be with Alex Petrovic on Friday night. The top pair of Keith Yandle and Aaron Ekblad remains the same. The Panthers defense has been one of the most porous early in the NHL season, allowing 4.0 goals per game. Only two teams (Pittsburgh and Arizona) have allowed more goals per game than Florida. However, the Panthers rank 13th in the league by allowing 33 shots on goal per game. While McCoshen is regarded as a defensive defenseman, Weegar is more skilled on the offensive side. Last season with AHL affiliate Springfield, he scored 14 goals and assisted on 22 more. He played three games with the Panthers at the tail end of last year. Petrovic lauded Weegar’s total game, rattling off praises of his instincts, smarts, effort and hitting. “Overall, he’s just a good player,” Petrovic said.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079226 Florida Panthers

Panthers face Patric Hornqvist for first time since hit on Colton Sceviour

Matthew DeFranks Sun Sentinel

A few sets of eyes will be focused on Penguins forward Patric Hornqvist when the Florida Panthers host Pittsburgh on Friday night. It’ll be the first meeting between Pittsburgh and Florida since last Saturday’s 4-3 loss, when Hornqvist knocked Colton Sceviour out of the game with a late, high hit to the head. In the third period, Sceviour shoveled a puck along the blue line to keep it in the offensive zone. Hornqvist reached for the puck with his stick before finishing the play with an elbow to Sceviour’s head. No penalty was called and Hornqvist did not receive any discipline from the NHL for the hit. When asked if he was surprised the hit went unnoticed by the NHL, Panthers coach Bob Boughner said he moved past it. “I didn’t spend too much time dwelling on that,” Boughner said. “I thought it was a high hit, but the game’s so fast and it certainly was not the reason that we lost the game. He’s healthy. He’s playing tonight, which is good.” Sceviour missed the Panthers’ 5-1 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday night, but should return to the lineup on Friday against the Penguins. He’ll be on the fourth line with Micheal Haley and Derek MacKenzie. Haley leads the Panthers with 27 penalty minutes through five games, including three major penalties for fighting.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079227 Florida Panthers and the way they push the pace, they’re the best at it. A lot of the same things we’ve tried to instill here.”

The Penguins scored three goals in the second period — including two Panthers lose to champion Penguins as Roberto Luongo leaves game within a 30-second span to erase an early 2-0 deficit. injured After victimizing the Panthers last Saturday with two goals, Sidney Crosby potted another in the second period Friday night. Crosby’s tally at Matthew DeFranks 11:12 of the second period was Pittsburgh’s second power play goal of the game and came after a potential offside call. Sun Sentinel As the Panthers attempted to clear the puck from their zone, officials ruled Kris Letang held it in at the blue line. Later on the possession, Crosby tipped in a feed from Evgeni Malkin to give the Penguins their In the third period of the Florida Panthers’ 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh first lead of the night. Penguins on Friday night, Roberto Luongo removed the blocker that shields his right hand to examine his fingers. At times, he held his hand Boughner and the Panthers elected not to challenge the call. A new rule straight out. Other times, he reeled it towards his body. this year serves as a deterrent for challenging goals for offside. A wrong challenge results in a two-minute penalty while teams simply lost timeout As Luongo and Panthers trainers inspected his extremity, the BB&T a year ago. Florida did not chance it. Center crowd of 15,756 held its collective breath. Moments before, Luongo was curled over on the ice, writhing in pain. The injury emanated Evgeni Malkin scored 2:14 into the second period to get the Penguins on from Penguins forward Conor Sheary, who in crashing the net pinned the board. Thirty seconds later, Carter Rowney slotted a shot past Luongo’s hand between Sheary’s body and the goalpost. Luongo after the puck deflected off a Panthers defender’s skate. Luongo exited the game with an apparent right hand injury and did not The two-goal lead was gone. The scoring chances disappeared. But return. After the game, Panthers coach Bob Boughner said he did not defenseman MacKenzie Weegar notched his first career NHL goal with a have an update on Luongo’s status. He hadn’t talked to team doctors yet shot through traffic that beat Murray midway through the third period and and didn’t know if x-rays had been taken or if there was concern that tied the game at three. Luongo could be out long-term. But the story returned to Luongo. He missed the end of last season after “It’s unfortunate, obviously,” Boughner said. “He played well and made hip issues flared up and now has to deal with another injury with some big saves for us tonight.” unknown severity. Boughner said he wasn’t sure if the Panthers would need to add a backup goalie before their game Saturday in Washington. Luongo finished the game with 33 saves on 36 Penguins shots, including a flurry of first-period saves that kept Pittsburgh off the scoreboard. There “We’re still trying to figure this out right now,” Boughner said. was the stop on in alone. There was the stop after Owen Tippett turned the puck over in the defensive zone. There was the stop on a Sidney Crosby slap shot. Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.21.2017 Luongo demonstrated why he’s playing his 18th NHL season and why he’s tied for fourth on the all-time wins list. But now, he waits and hopes. “It’s tough to see when you see one of your teammates, one of your leaders, a guy like Lu,” Panthers defenseman Keith Yandle said, “it’s tough to swallow.” When Luongo departed through the Panthers tunnel into the dressing room, backup goaltender James Reimer replaced him. Reimer made 11 saves, but gave up the game-winning goal to Sheary with 2:53 left in the game. Sheary’s goal was the Penguins’ third of the game on the power play. The Panthers only killed one penalty on Friday night. The Panthers have allowed a power-play goal in each of their first six games. “Different pressure points that we got to have better reads on,” Boughner said. “But again, we haven’t had a lot of puck luck. … Just keep working through it. It’s all we can do. We have an identity that we want on the penalty kill and right now, it’s something that needs to improve. There’s no doubt about it.” Florida jumped out to an early lead less than six minutes into the game behind goals from Jamie McGinn and Aleksander Barkov. It was the first time this season the Panthers scored the first goal of the game. The opponent scored first in the opening five games of the season. The Panthers displayed their new style. Then the Penguins flashed why they’ve lifted the Cup the last two springs. The Penguins served as a measuring stick for Florida, the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions morphing into a barometer for the Panthers and Boughner for the second time in a week. Florida remained short. The Panthers entered Friday night’s game just five games into Boughner’s maiden season behind the bench in Sunrise, a bunch of up- tempo, high-shot volume games that led to a 2-3-0 record. The Penguins, on the other hand, have dominated the sport recently, and are looking to be the first three-peat champions since the Islanders in the 80s. The Panthers, like many teams around the league, would like to replicate Pittsburgh’s success. So they adapted their playing style to match the Penguins. They’re part of the reason Florida infused its lineup with speed in the offseason. They’re part of the reason Florida plays an aggressive forecheck and penalty kill. They’re even part of the reason Boughner discounts puck possession statistics. “A lot of coaches probably say the same thing: You take a page out of Pittsburgh’s book,” Boughner said before the game. “The way they play 1079228 Florida Panthers

Preview: Panthers at Capitals, 7:30 p.m., Saturday

Matthew DeFranks Sun Sentinel

Scouting report: The Panthers make their only trip of the season to Washington on Saturday night, looking for their first points on the road this year. In three games away from Sunrise, the Panthers are 0-3-0 and have been outscored 14-7. Florida allowed the first goal in all three games and went 16-17-8 on the road last season. … James Reimer figures to start in goal after Roberto Luongo got the call for Friday’s home game against Pittsburgh. It would be Reimer’s third start of the season. … The Capitals will also be on the second half of a back-to-back after they played at Detroit on Friday night. Alex Ovechkin got off to a hot start for Washington, scoring seven goals in the season’s first two games. Evgeny Kuznetsov was the first player in the NHL this season to reach double-digit assists.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079229 Los Angeles Kings

LIVE BLOG: REIGN VS. CONDORS – 10/20/17

JOEY ZAKRZEWSKI OCTOBER 20, 20170 COMMENTS ONTARIO REIGNUNCATEGORIZED

Facebook Stream 3rd Period: -Nick Ellis with the same of the game two minutes into to the frame, denying Jonny Brodzinski with split glove save. Great pass by Amadio to find Brodzinski along for the quality chance. – Condors continue to adjust nicely to the Reign push. ONT now with just 10 shots since the 1st period. 13:13 left in 3rd period. 2-0 BAK – Condors Penalty: Ziyat Paigin trips Brett Sutter with 11:16 left in 3rd. Chance for ONT to change momentum. – Campbell pulled with 2:15 left – Reign buzzing around Ellis with 64 seconds left in the contest. Ellis stays strong. Timeout ONT – Condors blocking all passes/shots. 17.6 seconds left. BAK hold 2-0 left. End of Game: Reign fall to Condors 2-0. 2nd Period: – Great shift fro the Reign. Shots from the point with plenty of traffic in front of Ellis. Devane camped on top of crease. 15:06 left in 2nd – Reign continue to buzz. Maillet draws a tripping call. Reign on PP for 2nd time tonight. Looking to tie 1-1. Mitch Callahan off for tripping at 5:34. – PP comes to a close for ONT. Good puck movement, but not shots through to Ellis. 1-0 BAK lead remains. – Condors Goal: Condors go up 2-0 at 13:57 of the second period as Joe Gambardella snaps in his first of the season under the blocker of Reign goalie Jack Campbell. – Condors with a great 2nd period adjustment. After allowing 17 ONT shots in 1st period, ONT with just 5 in 2nd period. 2-0 BAK w/ 1:34 left. – Best chance of the night for ONT. Crescenzi floats a pass to Amadio on 2on1. Tipped wide with 10 seconds left. – 2 periods come to a close. BAK takes a 2-0 lead to the locker room. 1st Period: – BAK Penalty: Joe Gambardella takes a seat for slashing at 4:24 of the first period. Reign looking to snap an 0-for-13 stretch on the PP. – Boko Imama and Ben Betker drop the gloves at 6:55. Imama looking to ignite ONT. – Good heads up play by Luff. Intercepts clearing attempt for Grade A scoring attempt. Ellis with a piece of it. 0-0 w/ 9:58 left in 1st. – Condors Goal: Lintuniemi coughs up the puck and Chad Butcher puts it over the glove of Campbell at 11:19. – Reign battling the puck. Passes not connecting, HOWEVER Philippe Maillet generating quality chances around Ellis. – ONT fire 17 shots to BAK 8 after one period, but trail 1-0. Turnovers and miscommunication for ONT.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079230 Minnesota Wild

Boudreau wants to see better defense from Wild

By Rachel Blount OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 1:32PM

After starting the season with some large gaps between games, the Wild embarks on a much busier stretch beginning Friday at Winnipeg. The game kicks off the team’s first back-to-back set of the season, with the road trip finishing Saturday in Calgary. Coach Bruce Boudreau said the Wild will have only three real practice days between now and early December, after holding three practices last week during a five-day break in the schedule. Much of the time was spent tuning up a leaky defense that has surrendered 15 goals in four games. With the lineup missing scorers such as Charlie Coyle, Nino Niederreiter, Mikael Granlund and Zach Parise, Boudreau said it’s more important than ever to make sure the defense is on point. “It doesn’t matter who’s in the lineup, you can play defense,’’ Boudreau said. “When you’re missing skilled players, it’s a little more difficult to score, so you have to play better defense. “It’s something we’ve been talking about a lot. This is a team that year in and year out is probably known way more for their defense than their offense. They took great pride in it. Last year, until March 1st I think, we were first (in the NHL) by a good margin in defense. I think they do take pride in it, so when you get three of four games with four goals against, it’s tough.’’ Boudreau said it’s a game-time decision whether Granlund, who is recovering from a groin injury and practiced Thursday, will play. Devan Dubnyk is expected to start in net. Winnipeg won three in a row before Tuesday’s loss to Columbus but also has suffered from some sketchy defense. The Jets are allowing 3.83 goals per game, though they have played much better in support of Connor Hellebuyck than Steve Mason. Hellebuyck, expected to start Friday, has a goals-against average of 2.11 in four games. Mason has played three games with a GAA of 5.96. Plymouth native Blake Wheeler has a team-high six assists for the Jets this season and has 20 points in 26 games against the Wild. Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien of Roseau has returned to the lineup after missing two games because of a lower-body injury. Byfuglien has 29 points in 35 games against the Wild, including four game-winning goals. Defenseman Tucker Poolman, who has played three games, also is from Minnesota (East Grand Forks). Matt Hendricks of Blaine has not played a regular-season game after injuring his foot while blocking a shot in a preseason game. Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079231 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Winnipeg game recap

OCTOBER 21, 2017 — 12:47AM Staff

STAR TRIBUNE’S THREE STARS 1. Patrik Laine, Winnipeg: The dynamic 19-year-old winger netted two goals on eight shots Friday. 2. Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg: The Plymouth native was stopped on a couple of early chances but had seven shots, an assist and the winning goal. 3. Jason Zucker, Wild: Another strong game for the winger yielded two assists, and he added three hits. BY THE NUMBERS 600 Victories for Jets coach Paul Maurice, making him the 17th coach to reach the mark. 5 Consecutive games in which Chris Stewart has a point, after scoring Friday. 200 Career goals for Wheeler. Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079232 Minnesota Wild

Boudreau: "It seems like we're afraid to win''

By Rachel Blount OCTOBER 21, 2017 — 12:36AM

It was a grim scene in the Wild’s locker room late Friday, after a 4-3 loss at Winnipeg. The team glumly packed up for a late-night charter flight to Calgary, where it will play Saturday and try to move on from another costly third-period stumble. Coach Bruce Boudreau pointed out that the Wild has led or been tied in the third period in all five of its games. It has won only one of those and gained points in two others, with an overtime loss to Columbus and a shootout loss at Carolina. Friday, the Wild gave up the tying goal with 32.7 seconds left in the second period and mustered only four shots in the third, as the Jets’ Blake Wheeler—the Plymouth native and former Gopher—scored the winner with 6:46 left. “In the last 10 minutes of the first (period), we started to get our legs,’’ Boudreau said of the slow-starting Wild, who were down 2-0 in the first 10 minutes. “We took the play to them a little bit, and I thought we took the play to them until we got the lead. “Then, it seems like we’re afraid to win. Because all five games, we’ve been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go. And you look at our record, and it’s not good enough. When you’re that close in every game, no matter who’s in the lineup, and you come away with nothing, we’ve got to do some soul-searching.’’ Other notes from Friday’s game: --The latest forward to be injured is Landon Ferraro, who saw five shifts and 3:30 of ice time in the first period before he was sidelined. Ferraro has a hip flexor injury. The Wild didn’t have any additional details about the severity, but it sounded as if Ferraro definitely won’t play Saturday. Boudreau said team officials would discuss the situation on their postgame flight to Calgary. Defenseman Gustav Olofsson was the lone healthy scratch Friday, and the easy solution—though an imperfect one—would be to move him to wing for Saturday’s game. It seems improbable that Mikael Granlund will play Saturday, since Boudreau didn’t mention him. “I don’t know if that’s the answer,’’ he said of moving Olofsson. “For a young man in the NHL who’s never played wing before, I don’t think it’s a fair situation for him. We’ll think about it.’’ --Boudreau didn’t want to cast too much blame on the defensive duo of Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin, though they struggled. Brodin was on the ice for three Winnipeg goals, and Dumba was on for two. Both made significant mistakes; both were out of position on the Jets’ second goal, and on Winnipeg’s winner, Wheeler beat Dumba on his way to the Wild net. “I think you could find fault with a whole bunch of guys,’’ Boudreau said. “On (Wheeler’s goal), we put Erik (Staal) out there to have two centers on the faceoff; we don’t get the puck out, they come back in and beat (Dumba and Brodin) again. “These are guys we rely on. We can sit here and talk about (Zack Mitchell and Luke Kunin and Ferraro), but those guys are not making the mistakes. It’s our guys that are supposed to be our better players that are making our mistakes when we’re losing games.’’ Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079233 Minnesota Wild

Wheeler scores 200th NHL goal, Jets beat Wild 4-3

Associated Press OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 11:51PM

WINNIPEG, — Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice and captain Blake Wheeler shrugged off their milestones. Wheeler scored the 200th goal of his NHL career with 6:46 left and the Jets held off the Minnesota Wild 4-3 on Friday night for Maurice's 600th victory. "You just want to win games, 200 or not, it's nice to contribute to a win," Wheeler said. Maurice is the 17th NHL coach to reach 600. "I don't think there's a significance to it," Maurice said. "Most of them looked just like that — hold your breath for 2 1/2 hours. I won't think about it a whole lot. It's nice." The Wild turned the puck over just outside their blue line and Kyle Connor fed a pass to Wheeler, who used a deke to beat goalie Devin Dubnyk at 13:14. The former University of Minnesota star's score made up for a disallowed Winnipeg goal midway through the period. Jets center Mark Scheifele appeared to have poked in the go-ahead goal, but it was overturned on a Minnesota challenge that Wheeler interfered with Dubnyk. Patrik Laine had a pair of power-play goals and Nikolaj Ehlers added his sixth goal of the season for Winnipeg. Scheifele and Dustin Byfuglien each had two assists, and Wheeler added one. Mikko Koivu, Mike Reilly and Chris Stewart scored for the Wild, and Jason Zucker had two of assists. "I thought we took the play to them until we got the lead," Wild coach Bruce Boudreau said. "Then it seems like we're afraid to win because all five games right now, we've been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go in the third period. "And you look at our record and it's not good enough. When you're that close in every game, no matter who's in the lineup and you come away with nothing we've got to do some soul searching." Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for the Jets for his fourth victory of the season. Dubnyk stopped 26 shots for the rested Wild. They were playing their first game since their home opener last Saturday. NOTES: Jets forward Brendan Lemieux, the son of former NHLer Claude Lemieux, made his NHL debut with his family in the crowd. Lemieux arrived in Winnipeg in the 2015 trade that sent Evander Kane and Zach Bogosian to the Buffalo Sabres. ... Stewart extended his point streak to five games. UP NEXT: Wild: At Calgary on Saturday night. Jets: At Pittsburgh on Thursday night. Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079234 Minnesota Wild

Still-porous Wild defense can't protect lead at Winnipeg

By Rachel Blount Star Tribune OCTOBER 21, 2017 — 12:46AM

WINNIPEG – As threadbare as the Wild roster may be, coach Bruce Boudreau doesn’t believe that should have any impact on its ability to play effectively in its own zone. “No matter who’s in the lineup, you can play defense,” he said. The question remained, though, whether the Wild would actually follow through with a better defensive effort Friday at Winnipeg. And the answer wasn’t enough to placate Boudreau, after his team again squandered a lead in a 4-3 loss at Bell MTS Place. While the Wild had its moments, a slow start, some blatant mistakes and another late-game lapse left Boudreau unsatisfied. Playing for the first time in six days, the Wild spotted the Jets and their high-powered offense a 2-0 lead by leaving two players wide open for first-period goals. Chris Stewart, Mikko Koivu and Marcus Foligno scored consecutive goals to put the Wild ahead 3-2 with four minutes, 21 seconds left in the second period. Winnipeg got the last word, as so many Wild opponents have done in this young season. The winner came from Plymouth native and former Gopher Blake Wheeler with 6:46 remaining after the Wild could not gain control of the puck in the neutral zone. That prompted Boudreau to suggest his team do some “soul-searching,” knowing points lost in October can loom large in April. “[The Jets] got four, and that’s not as good as you want,” Boudreau said of a Wild defense that has given up fewer than four goals only once in five games. “Look at the end of the year, at [teams whose] goals-against average is three and over, and see where those guys end up. They’re never in the playoffs. “It seems like we’re afraid to win. All five games, we’ve been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go. When you’re that close in every game, and you come away with nothing, we’ve got to do some soul- searching.” His players didn’t argue. The Wild spent much of its abundant practice time last week working to tighten a shaky defense, only to give up two goals in the first 9:49 and successfully kill only one of three penalties. The second defensive pair, Matt Dumba and Jonas Brodin, had a particularly rough night. They miscommunicated on the second Winnipeg goal, as both went to the same area and left Nikolaj Ehlers alone in front of the net. That goal came after sniper Patrik Laine scored from the left circle on a power play with no defenders nearby. Wild center Eric Staal said his team took some time to get up to game speed because of the five-day gap between games. They found their legs late in the first period — propelled by the line of Stewart, Koivu and Jason Zucker — and closed fast, as Stewart shoveled a backhander over Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck with 53 seconds left before intermission. “We got better and clawed our way back,” Staal said. “But it’s frustrating right now. We’ve got to find ways to raise our compete and just get the job done.” The Koivu line struck again to tie the score in the second period, and Foligno’s redirection of a Mike Reilly shot on a power play put the Wild ahead 3-2. But Winnipeg tied it when Laine’s shot on a power play deflected off Koivu’s stick with 32.7 seconds left in the second period, and the Wild had no answer. “We’ve got to figure it out,” Zucker said. “We can’t keep doing this. All these games matter.” Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079235 Minnesota Wild

Wild-Calgary gameday preview

RACHEL BLOUNT OCTOBER 21, 2017 — 12:48AM

9 p.m. at Calgary • FSN, 100.3-FM Preview: The Wild concludes its first back-to-back games of the season with a stop in Calgary, where it has gone 14-23-6. The Flames are 4-3 this season and are third in the Pacific Division. The game ends a season-opening string in which the Wild played five of six games on the road; beginning Tuesday, the Wild has six home games in 12 nights, its longest homestand of the season. Players to WATCH: G Alex Stalock, the likely starter for the Wild, stopped 38 of 42 shots in his lone start this season, a 5-4 shootout loss at Carolina. Stalock is 1-2-2 against Calgary, with a 2.61 goals-against average and .887 save percentage in six games. … Flames F Johnny Gaudreau is one of the top scorers in the NHL, with two goals and eight assists in seven games. Numbers: The Wild is 11-5-2 in its past 18 games at the Saddledome after a 3-18-4 start there. … Last season the Wild had a 7-5-2 record on the first night of back-to-back games and a 7-4-3 mark on the second. Injuries: Wild F Zach Parise (undisclosed), F Charlie Coyle (broken fibula) and Nino Niederreiter (sprained left ankle) are out. F Mikael Granlund (groin) is questionable. The Flames report no injuries. Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079236 Minnesota Wild • Wild forward Landon Ferraro left the game with a hip flexor injury after the first period and did not return.

Star Tribune LOADED: 10.21.2017 Wild's Marcus Foligno faces Winnipeg, wears protective face shield

By Rachel Blount Star Tribune OCTOBER 21, 2017 — 12:47AM

WINNIPEG – Marcus Foligno had to reach back quite a ways to recall the last time he wore a full cage mask. “I was 15,’’ the Wild forward said. “I was used to it my whole life before then, so it’s just something you’ve got to get used to again.’’ Foligno returned to the Wild lineup Friday at Winnipeg, sporting the cage to protect a still-bruised left cheekbone. The protective gear allowed him to come back quickly, missing only one game after breaking a facial bone in an Oct. 12 fight against Chicago’s John Hayden. With Mikael Granlund sitting out his fourth game in a row because of a groin injury and Charlie Coyle, Nino Niederreiter and Zach Parise out for much longer, getting Foligno back gave the Wild at least some measure of relief. At Friday’s morning skate, Foligno still was getting accustomed to the view from behind the grid. His bigger concern was reining in his instincts to flash his fists again, should the need arise. “I just need to make sure my emotions are in check,’’ said Foligno, who with Chris Stewart forms the Wild’s one-two punch of enforcers — but both scored goals Friday. “I’ve still got to play a physical game. I can’t get away from that, or else I’m not effective. “It’s going to be tough, for sure. When someone gets hit, or you want to stick up for a teammate, you really can’t. I’ve just got to play smart, play physical and just keep it clean.’’ Before his injury, Foligno had two assists and a team-high five penalty minutes. Happy anniversary Saturday marks a golden date in Minnesota’s NHL history. The North Stars played their first home game 50 years ago, on Oct. 21, 1967. The finishing touches were still being put on the brand-new Met Center when the North Stars brought NHL hockey to Minnesota with a 3-1 victory over the California Seals. The charismatic Bill Goldsworthy, the franchise’s first star, scored its first goal. Wild radio analyst Tom Reid, who played for the North Stars from 1969-78, recalled being a visitor at Met Center that first season. “I was playing for the Chicago Blackhawks that year,’’ Reid said. “I remember the building was very full; they definitely had good crowds. And the men wore hats and suit coats.’’ Reid, a defenseman, also recalled playing one game at right wing at Met Center that season, when some of his Chicago teammates couldn’t get to the Twin Cities because of a snowstorm. Minnesota maulers A pair of Minnesotans who play for the Jets — Plymouth native Blake Wheeler and Dustin Byfuglien of Roseau — continued their productive play against their home-state team. Wheeler, who had six assists through the Jets’ first six games, set up Winnipeg’s first goal with a cross-ice pass to Patrik Laine, and he scored the winner. Byfuglien assisted on two goals in the first two periods. Wheeler has 22 points in 27 career games against the Wild, and Byfuglien has 31 points in 36 games. Winnipeg forward Matt Hendricks, a Blaine native who played at St. Cloud State, remains on the injured list and did not play Friday. Hendricks injured his foot while blocking a shot during the preseason. He has resumed skating but has yet to play a regular-season game. Another Minnesota native — defenseman Tucker Poolman of East Grand Forks — was scratched Friday. Etc. • The Wild scratched defenseman Gustav Olofsson. • The Jets offered a touching pregame tribute to Gord Downie, leader of the Canadian band The Tragically Hip, who died last week of a brain tumor at age 53. Downie’s picture appeared on the video board as the crowd joined in a robust rendition of the national anthem. The band’s music also was played throughout the pregame warmups to honor Downie, a beloved musician whose death has been mourned throughout Canada. 1079237 Minnesota Wild

After slow start, Wild ready to get busy

By DARRIN BAUMING | Special to the Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 3:12 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 3:12 PM

WINNIPEG — Following five days off, the Minnesota Wild finally return to game action Friday night against the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. It puts an end to the Wild’s slow rollout to the scheduling to start the season, with just four games in the first 15 days. But Friday begins a stretch of six games through the final 12 days of October. “We try to always get the advantage of it and we’ve been getting some practice time and all of that,” Wild captain Mikko Koivu said following Friday morning’s skate in Winnipeg. “So we’re excited to be back and playing and starting tonight, and then start building again towards the regular season here. It’s been a while since the last game, but it is what it is. I think we’re more excited about what’s ahead of us.” For forward Marcus Foligno, the gradual start to the season has presented its challenges. “It’s been kind of tough when you’re not playing games and just getting used to it. We’ve had a lot of practices, so I think we’re tired of practicing. It kind of still feels like a training camp,” said Foligno, who returns to the lineup after missing Minnesota’s home opener last weekend with a fracture in his left cheekbone. “We’ve talked about it now where our season feels like it starts now, with games on a more consistent basis.” The game against the Jets is the first of 15 back-to-back this season as the Wild head directly to Calgary for a Saturday night match-up with the Flames. SICK BAY The Wild have been hit with a rash of injuries to key players, including Zach Parise (undisclosed), Charlie Coyle (right fibula fracture) and Nino Niederreiter (high left ankle sprain), all of who will miss Friday’s game, plus Mikael Granlund (groin) who has missed Minnesota’s past three games but came on the Canadian road swing and is expected to play Saturday in Calgary. “A lot of teams go through injuries,” Koivu said. “We had this break, and time for the guys to recover faster and not miss as many games as they usually would, probably. It is what it is. We’re facing that right now and we’re trying to get guys healthy, but at the same time we have that depth. We know we have that.” The Wild recently recalled forwards Landon Ferraro, Luke Kunin and Zach Mitchell from their American Hockey League team in Iowa. “I think (when) we get (Nino) Neiderreiter, and (Charlie) Coyle back it’s going to help our lineup,” Foligno said. “But missing guys like that, that hurts. And (Michael) Granlund, too, and (Zach) Parise. We’ve got some key names out, but this is the time to collect as many points as we can.” “It doesn’t matter who’s in the lineup,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “When you’re missing skilled players it’s a little more difficult to score, so you have to play better defense.” DEFENSIVE WOES The Wild have allowed at least four goals in three of their four games this season, with the 5-2 win at Chicago a week ago the lone outlier. It forced the question to the bench boss: Based on the defensive style the Wild are known for, has their pride been wounded? “Well, I hope so because it’s something that we’ve been talking about a lot,” Boudreau said. “This is a team that, year in and year out, probably have been known way more (for) their defense than they have been about their offense. They took great pride in it. Like I’ve said, last year until March 1, I think we were first by a good margin in defense. And I think they do take pride in it. When you get (three out of four games) with four goals against, it’s tough.” Pioneer Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079238 Minnesota Wild

Wild’s Marcus Foligno won’t change the way he plays … or fights

By DANE MIZUTANI | PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 2:16 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 2:16 PM

Wild tough guy Marcus Foligno has been told he hits like a truck. Well, he looks like he got hit by a truck after a fight with Chicago Blackhawks winger John Hayden last week. “It was a good haymaker that came from way downtown,” Foligno said. “It wasn’t going to keep me down. I popped right back up. It was one of those things at the end of the fight, I let my guard down, and I got popped. That happens. You don’t want to shy away from things like that. A fight is a fight. I’ve done it, and now I’ve received it. You get licked every once in awhile. You’ve got to keep on going.” Foligno suffered a broken cheekbone thanks to the haymaker and missed last weekend’s home opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets. He returned to practice Thursday, sporting a nasty shiner as blood filled the outer parts of his left eye, and has been cleared for games at Winnipeg on Friday and Calgary on Saturday. His injuries mean he will have to wear a full cage on his helmet for the first time since he was 15 years old, for the next two weeks at least. “As long as it doesn’t get touched again or bumped, I’ll be fine,” Foligno said of his cheekbone. “There are little things down by the feet where I’ll have to look for it a little bit harder with the cage than the chinstrap there. I’ll get used to it pretty quick.” While he won’t be looking for a fight until his face fully recovers, Foligno said he will have no hesitation to drop the gloves in the future. “Not at all,” Foligno said. “That’s what I didn’t want this to be about. You can take a puck off the cheekbone and it could break too. I just took a fist to it. It’s the same outcome. I just have to be a little bit smarter with my guard next time. It was a fight where I was winning it and then I just got popped at the last second. It don’t think that’s going to change the way I play the game or the way I approach fights.” Asked to assess Hayden’s fighting style, Foligno responded, “He’s a tough kid. Maybe I’ll see him again.” Pioneer Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079239 Minnesota Wild

Wild’s loss leaves Boudreau wondering if club is ‘afraid to win’

By DARRIN BAUMING PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 10:52 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 11:43 PM

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Coach Bruce Boudreau fears his Wild club — despite a rash of injuries to key players and a quirky scheduling start to the season — is fearful of winning hockey games when the chance presents itself. The Wild fought hard Friday night, erasing deficits of 2-0 and 3-2 before falling 4-3 to the Winnipeg Jets at Bell MTS Place. The opening period saw a somewhat expectedly sluggish start for the Wild after they played just four games through the first 15 days of the NHL season. “I thought the last 10 minutes of the first we started to get our legs. We took the play to them a little bit. And then we took the play to them until we got the lead, and then it seems like we’re afraid to win,” said Boudreau, with his team coming off a five-day layoff. “Because all five games right now we’ve been tied or ahead with less than 10 minutes to go in the third period. And you look at our record (1-2-2), it’s not good enough. When you’re that close in every game, no matter who’s in the lineup, and you come away with nothing, we’ve got to do some soul searching.” “We’re fighting. Obviously, being down two, and we kind of found our legs and got better and clawed our way back,” said veteran forward Eric Staal, who was held off the score sheet for the first time since the season opener. “But (it’s) frustrating right now losing that one in regulation. We’ve got to find ways to raise our compete and just get the job done.” The Jets went up 2-0 early, as Patrik Laine scored his first of two power- play goals midway through the first period, and was followed less than two minutes later by 21-year-old Nikolaj Ehlers, who notched his sixth goal of the season and eighth point in his past five games. The five-day break between games for the Wild led to some rust that needed to be shaken. “It makes it a tougher start. It took us a little bit just to get the pace of the game,” added Staal. “I think that’s pretty normal for having that much time off. This game is all about pace and execution, and when you’re out of game speed for that many days, it usually takes a period or so to get back to that. And that was evident for us.” Trailing by two late in the first period, the Wild suddenly woke up and scored three straight goals in a span of 16:33 to take a 3-2 lead late into the second period. Chris Stewart continued his impressive start to the season, extending his seasonlong point-per-game streak with his fifth goal and seventh point of the season, while Mikko Koivu notched his third goal of the season to tie the score, and Marcus Foligno’s power-play goal extended the Wild’s power-play goal streak to four games. The first meeting of the season between the Central Division foes saw wild swings in offensive momentum. “I think we can negate that by playing better defense,” said Jason Zucker, who notched a pair of assists on Minnesota’s first two goals and drew a holding penalty on Winnipeg’s Dustin Byfuglien that lead to Foligno’s power-play marker. “I think we gave them their opportunities, and I think we created a bunch by good forechecks and being in their zone. But we’re giving up too many right now to that high-powered of an offence.” Blake Wheeler, a Plymouth native and former Gopher, scored the game- winner for the Jets with 6:46 to play, as the Winnipeg captain deked Devan Dubnyk with a move to the backhand for his 200th career NHL goal. Dubnyk stopped 26 of the 30 shots he faced, falling to 1-2-1 on the season. “They got four (goals). It’s not as good as you want it,” said Boudreau. “You need it better if you want to win in this league. You can’t let three and four goals a game.” Pioneer Press LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079240 MontrealCanadiens

Game Day: No changes to Canadiens lines in Anaheim

Stu Cowan, Montreal Gazette Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 5:06 PM EDT

ANAHEIM — The only change Canadiens coach Claude Julien will make to his lineup Friday night against the Anaheim Ducks is putting Carey Price back in goal (10 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio 690). The Canadiens (1-5-1) are on a six-game losing streak and coming off a 5-1 loss to the Kings Wednesday night in Los Angele with Al Montoya in goal, stopping 37 of 42 shots he faced in his first start of the season. “For 50 minutes we were in the game last game,” Julien said about the Canadiens giving up four goals to the Kings in the third period. “We made some real bad mistakes, but we don’t feel right now that there was any change that was gonna, I guess, make our team better tonight so we’re sticking with our lineup.” That means forward Torrey Mitchell and defenceman Brandon Davidson will be the healthy scratches again. Price will be looking to improve on his rough start to the season with a 1-4-1 record, 3.56 goals-against average and .885 save percentage. The Canadiens have been outscored 10-3 in their first two games of this California road trip, losing 5-2 to the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday. Paul Byron scored the only Canadiens goal against the Kings, fighting off a check in front of the net to get his stick on a rebound in the crease. The Canadiens have the worst offence in the NHL, averaging only 1.43 goals per game. “First of all, we got to keep the puck out of our own net,” Julien said after the Canadiens morning skate at the Honda Center. “That’s the No. 1 criteria. But if we’re going to score more goals they got to be a lot more like Paulie Byron, wanting to go to the net and throw more pucks at the net. That’s what this league has turned into lately it’s just been a lot of pucks thrown at the net, deflecting off players’ skates, bodies into the net. And we need to do a little bit of a better job in that area. So we need more guys than we have right now to have that focus and that determination. That will certainly help our production.” The lines Here’s how the lines and defence pairings are expected to look for the Canadiens against the Ducks: Pacioretty – Drouin – Galchenyuk Lehkonen – Plekanec – Hemsky Byron – Danault – Shaw Hudon – De La Rose – Gallagher Mete – Weber Alzner – Petry Morrow – Benn Birthday boy Happy birthday to to Pierre Gervais, the Canadiens’ longtime head equipment manager, who turned 56 on Friday. There might not be another man in the world who has sharpened more skates than Gervais, who joined the Canadiens as an assistant equipment manager for the 1987-88 season after spending five seasons with the AHL’s Sherbrooke Canadiens and five more in the QMJHL with Trois-Rivières and Sherbrooke. When it was mentioned to Gervais after Friday’s morning skate that he appears to be ageless, he laughed and said: “I feel it.” What’s next? The Canadiens will fly home from California on Saturday and enjoy a day off Sunday. They will practise at 11 a.m. Monday in Brossard to prepare for Tuesday night’s game against the Florida Panthers at the . Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079241 MontrealCanadiens It’s not a French-English thing. It’s a character thing. The Hip were a character band. They weren’t the best band. But they gave it all each and every night. That’s what the Canadiens need to do. What the Puck: Canadiens' lack of character players a glaring weakness I remember seeing the Hip at a packed Montreal Forum in 1994 and guess who was sitting right in front of me? Lyle Odelein, Mike Keane, and Kirk Muller, three key members of the Canadiens squad that had Brendan Kelly, Montreal Gazette won the Cup the year before. Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 2:15 Three English-Canadian character guys. Three guys who loved the PM EDT Tragically Hip. So who are the character guys on the 2017 Montreal Canadiens?

Patches? It’s nice that he comes out and admits he is one of the worst The talk of the town this week for Montreal hockey fans was the guys on the ice, but I don’t want to see my captain all mopey and absolutely disastrous start to the season for the Canadiens. But that depressed. Price? When the going gets tough, as in when the stakes are storyline was pushed to the back burner Wednesday morning when the high in the playoffs, he has never brought Patrick Roy/Martin Brodeur-like news broke that Gord Downie had died. character to the table (or the rink). I was in my car leaving the Maison Radio-Canada after doing my music They need someone to stand up in the room and get in everyone’s face column on Daybreak on CBC Radio and was tuned to TSN 690 to try to to say that the way they’re playing is an embarrassment to the legacy of get the latest on our Habs. But instead I heard a very emotional Conor hockey’s greatest franchise. Who is going to do that? McKenna and Bob McKenzie talking about the loss of the Tragically Hip frontman. I then flipped over to CHOM and Terry DiMonte was just losing I was not surprised to learn this week that the late, great Pat Burns, a it, as person after person called in openly weeping, sharing their grief former Habs and Leafs coach, loved . Of course he did over the passing of one of the most iconic rock musicians of our because Burns was a character guy. generation in Canada. Character means not tolerating mediocrity. I immediately thought of my favourite Hip song, Fifty Mission Cap, which may be the greatest rock song written about hockey, relating the story of Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Bill Barilko, who scored the Cup- winning goal against the Canadiens in 1951 and then disappeared on a fishing trip in northern Ontario four months later. His body was only discovered in 1962 when a helicopter pilot found the wreckage of the single-engine airplane that had crashed 11 years earlier. It’s a song about the mythology of hockey in Canada. The last goal he ever scored Won the Leafs the cup They didn’t win another till nineteen sixty two The year he was discovered I stole this from a hockey card It speaks to how much hockey means to us in Canada and gives some kind of explanation as to why the collapse of the Canadiens means so much to us. A buddy sent me a video of him and his beer-league hockey teammates in a loge at the Bell Centre for the Hip’s last show there in 2015 and they’re all shouting along to Fifty Mission Cap. It’s a remarkably moving moment. Canada is hockey and nowhere more so than here in Montreal. People think I hate the Habs. But I don’t. It just kills me to see how far the mighty have fallen. I get letters every week from fans, young and old, who are just gutted by the failures of this team. I walked into one of my favourite sandwich shops this week to grab a bite and I always love talking hockey with the owner because, invariably, he is able to find a silver lining even in the darkest moments for the team. But he didn’t have any positive thoughts this week. Like everyone else, he can’t understand how general manager Marc Bergevin let Andrei Markov and Alex Radulov slip away. Like everyone else, he can’t understand why Carey Price and Max Pacioretty look like they’d rather be anywhere else than playing with the Habs. A tribute photo of the Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie, who died on Tuesday night at the age of 53, is shown on the scoreboard prior to first period NHL hockey action between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings in Toronto on Wednesday, October 18, 2017. NATHAN DENETTE / THE CANADIAN PRESS I watched the Los Angeles game at the Next Door pub in N.D.G. and the place went into a collective funk when, after a strong two periods, Les Boys collapsed like a house of cards in the third. There are no positives to be taken from this month of hockey for Habs fans. The guy at the sandwich emporium said they need to get more francophone Québécois players but, sadly, that train has left the station. It’s true that the last time they won the Cup, in 1993, the roster was chock full of local francophones, but la belle province is producing fewer A-list NHL players. I told my friend that what the Habs actually should be doing is trying to fix what’s wrong with minor-league hockey in Quebec to try to ensure that the province starts developing more quality players. 1079242 MontrealCanadiens

Canadiens at Ducks: Five things you should know

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 9:59 AM EDT

ANAHEIM — The Canadiens (1-5-1) will be looking to end a six-game losing streak when they face the Anaheim Ducks (2-3-1) Friday night at the Honda Center (10 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio 690). The Canadiens haven’t won since the season opener in Buffalo on Oct. 5 and they needed a shootout goal by Jonathan Drouin to beat the Sabres 3-2. Where’s the offence? The Canadiens come into the game with the worst offence in the NHL, averaging only 1.43 goals per game, while the Ducks are tied with the Arizona Coyotes for the second-worst offence with an average of 2.00 goals per game. The Canadiens rank 27th on the power play with a 7.7 per cent success rate, while the Ducks have yet to score a power-play goal this season, ranking last. Jonathan Drouin leads the Canadiens in scoring with 2-3-5 totals, followed by defensive defenceman Karl Alzner with 0-3-3. That’s not good. Andrew Cogliano leads the Ducks with 2-4-6 totals, followed by Rickard Rakell (2-2-4) and defenceman Josh Manson (0-4-4). Manson is the 26-year-old son of former Canadiens defenceman Dave Manson. Where’s the defence? The Canadiens also have the fourth-worst defence in the NHL, allowing an average of 3.86 goals per game. There isn’t a single Canadiens player with a plus in plus/minus. Jeff Petry and Charles Hudon are tied at the bottom of that list at minus-6. The Canadiens are also struggling with penalty-killing, ranking 25th in the NHL with a 76.9 per cent success rate. The Ducks actually aren’t that bad on defence, giving up an average of 2.83 goals per game and ranking ninth in penalty killing at 82.8 per cent. Goalie John Gibson has played a role in that with a 2.66 goals-against average and .924 save percentage. Veteran goalie Ryan Miller, signed to a two-year, $2-million deal as a free agent during the off-season to back up Gibson, has yet to play a game for the Ducks because of an upper-body injury suffered during the pre-season. Price back in goal: Carey Price will be back in goal for the Canadiens after Al Montoya got his first start of the season in the Canadiens’ 5-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday night, stopping 37 of 42 shots. The numbers for both Canadiens goalies aren’t pretty so far: Price has a 1-4-1 record with a 3.56 goals-against average and .885 save percentage, while Montoya is 0-1-0 with a 4.22 GAA and .863 save percentage. They haven’t had a lot of help from their teammates on defence. Wounded Ducks: The Canadiens probably won’t have to worry about Ducks forwards Ryan Getzlaf and Patrick Eaves after they both missed a second consecutive day of practice Thursday recovering from lower-body injuries. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said it was “very doubtful” either of them would play. Getzlaf, the captain, has two assists in two games this season, while the big-bearded Eaves has one goal in two games. Optional practice for Habs: The Canadiens have lost six straight games, but with their third game in four nights in California coming up against the Ducks coach Claude Julien made Thursday afternoon’s practice optional. Only eight players took part: Price, Montoya, Max Pacioretty, Torrey Mitchell, Jacob De La Rose, Jordie Benn, Joe Morrow and Brandon Davidson. The full team did have video sessions with the coaching staff. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079243 MontrealCanadiens Do you like their chances? Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 About last night ... third-period collapse sinks CH in Anaheim

Mike Boone Published on: October 21, 2017 | Last Updated: October 21, 2017 1:47 AM EDT

So is 2018 going to be a good year for draft choices? Too soon to be speculating? Maybe so. But a mere eight games into their season, the Montreal Canadiens are looking very much like a team that’s headed for its highest draft pick since 2012. That was the year when a last-place finish in the eastern Conference got the Canadiens the third overall pick in draft. They chose Alex Galchenyuk. Let’s not even go there … The 2018 draft is still nine months away. And eight games into the season, it’s probably too early to speculate about a dismal record and the resultant high pick. But man, this team … How do you set a FRANCHISE RECORD for shots on goal in a period – 30 on John Gibson, Friday night in Anaheim – and still lose a hockey game … to a wounded Ducks team stocked with AHL call-ups. Anaheim started the game down two Ryans, Getzlaf and Kesler, plus Sami Vatanen, Hampus Lindholm and Patrick Eaves. Then their top defenceman, Cam Fowler, was injured and out of the game after two shifts. The depleted lineup didn’t stop the home team from outshooting the Canadiens 21-7 and zipping off to a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes. But then something surprising happened. The Canadiens dominated the second period, set that record with 30 shots and climbed back into the game on goals by the mighty mites, Paul Byron and . The stage was set for a great third period. And the guys in white jerseys looked good in the early going before they suddenly realized “Hey, we’re the Montreal Canadiens. We suck this season.” Three goals in 97 seconds by Ducks you’ve never heard of and that was the ballgame. And although Max Pacioretty played his best 60 minutes of the season, the captain’s effort – on a new line with Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw – wasn’t enough to ignite his teammates. There was plenty of blame to go around – from the crease out. Once again, Carey Price wasn’t Carey Price. Of course, he spends every game in a shooting gallery behind the weakest D this team has had in years. The final stat sheet showed minus figures for every Canadien except Tomas Plekanec, Jordie Benn (!) and Ales Hemsky (!!!). After a promising start to the season, Jonathan Drouin looks lost. Alex Galchenyuk has been lost since last season, and he took another dumb-ass first-period penalty. Not much point assessing individual performances. Everyone was awful … and they have been since opening night in Buffalo. There was an interesting graphic on Thursday night’s Antichambre: Of the 16 teams in playoff positions last November 1, only three – Tampa Bay and Detroit in the Eastern Conference, Vancouver in the West – did not make it to the postseason. Between now and Nov. 1, the Canadiens play four games: Florida, L.A. and the Rangers at home, then a trip to Ottawa on Oct. 30. They sit six points south of a wild-card playoff berth. 1079244 MontrealCanadiens

Liveblog: Anaheim blows open close game, beats Canadiens 6-2

HIOBLOGGER Published on: October 21, 2017 | Last Updated: October 21, 2017 12:56 AM EDT

The beat goes on … Anaheim scored three times in 97 third-period seconds to blow open a close game. Brandon Montour, Derek Grant (with his second of the game) and Chris Wagner were the scorers who squelched Canadiens’ hopes of a comeback. The Canadiens dominated the second period – Anaheim didn’t have a SoG for more than 10 minutes – and got an early goal from Paul Byron. Then Brendan Gallagher scored a power-play goal on the Canadiens’ 26th shot of a middle period in which the Canadiens had a mind-boggling 30 SoG. When the game began, the Canadiens were down 2-zip inside of four minutes. Dennis Rasmussen’s redirect opened the scoring and was was followed, two minutes later, by Grant’s power-play goal. Then 14 minutes in, Antoine Vermette’s shot ticked off Karl Alzner and past Carey Price to make it 3-0. Shots were 51-45 for the team that can’t win a game. Canadiens take their losing streak to Anaheim. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079245 MontrealCanadiens the Buffalo Sabres didn’t offer him a contract last spring. He is staying in shape by practising with the AHL Rochester Americans.

Ladies invade Quebec: Canada and the U.S. resume their women’s Hickey On Hockey: Losing the "C" could lift Canadiens' Max Pacioretty hockey rivalry Sunday at Centre Vidéotron in Quebec City. It’s the first of six exhibition games for the women leading up to the Winter Olympics. Game time is 2 p.m. and all seats are affordably priced at $25, with PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE youngsters 16 and under paying $20. Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 5:49 Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 PM EDT

Max Pacioretty is his own worst critic and there are few things in this business more painful than watching the Canadiens’ captain go through a drought. With the Canadiens struggling to start the season and Pacioretty sitting on one goal and no assists after seven games, the media were treated to another exercise in self-flagellation. “That is the challenge … how am I going to go tell my teammates that we’ve got to be better when I’m the worst one on the ice,” Pacioretty said after an optional practice Thursday in Anaheim. “That’s what keeps you up at night … that’s what keeps me up at night. Trust me, if you guys think I don’t care you got it all wrong. If anything I care too much.” Pacioretty went on to say his situation was “overwhelming.” What we have here is a cry for help and there are some simple solutions that could help ease the pain. For starters, Pacioretty should get rid of the “C” on his chest. It’s a great honour to be a captain, but if the responsibility affects your play on the ice or your mental health, it’s not worth it. Pacioretty might also benefit from a change in linemates. A lot was made of the friendship Pacioretty forged with Jonathan Drouin during the summer but, in the early going, it hasn’t worked. Maybe it will, but how about going back to a tried-and-true formula by reuniting Philip Danault and Pacioretty? Pacioretty started last season on a line with Alex Galchenyuk and wasn’t very productive. He scored 29 of his 35 goals after Galchenyuk sustained a knee injury and most of those goals were scored on a line with Danault at centre. There’s a tendency to dismiss Danault as a top-line centre, but he complemented Pacioretty, wins faceoffs (54.8 per cent this season) and he’s responsible in his end. As for Drouin, let’s see what kind of chemistry he can develop with Galchenyuk. It might even be fun to see if Galchenyuk can play centre with Drouin on the wing. Sergachev making his mark: When the Canadiens traded defence prospect Mikhail Sergachev to acquire Drouin from the Tampa Bay Lightning, I thought it was a good idea to get some offence. But I hoped that, in three years, we wouldn’t saying: Wouldn’t the blue line look great if we still had Ryan McDonagh, P.K. Subban and Sergachev. Canadiens’ Max Pacioretty, right, and general manager Marc Bergevin laugh during a news conference in Brossard on Sept. 18, 2015, naming Pacioretty as the new captain of the team. GRAHAM HUGHES / THE CANADIAN PRESS We might not have to wait three years. Tampa Bay is easing Sergachev into the lineup, but he’s shown some offensive spark. He scored his first two NHL goals Thursday against Columbus and has six points — one more than Drouin. Checking the grades: A lot of people were wondering how Canadiens prospect Jake Evans would fare after linemate Anders Bjork left Notre Dame early to sign with the Boston Bruins. While Bjork has two goals and three assists for the Bruins, Evans is doing just fine at South Bend. The Canadiens’ seventh-round draft choice in 2014 (207th overall) has three goals and five assists in four games for the fifth-ranked Fighting Irish. Speaking of U.S. college hockey, the top scorer among NHL rookies this season is New Jersey Devils defenceman Will Butcher, who played for former Canadien Jim Montgomery at the University of Denver. The 5- foot-10, 190-pound Butcher has nine assists in seven games and is a plus-4. Gio eyes Olympic duty: Former Canadiens captain Brian Gionta has been named to the U.S. team that will compete in the Deutschland Cup next month in Germany. Gionta became an unrestricted free agent when 1079246 MontrealCanadiens “It’s frustrating, no doubt,” Price said. “I don’t know a human on Earth who wouldn’t be frustrated at this point. But I think the biggest thing right now is we know to park it and move on once we leave this rink.” In the Habs Room: Claude Julien's frustration level 'very high' Is going back home a good thing or a bad thing the way this team has been playing? STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE “It’s always a good thing to be at home,” Price said. Published on: October 21, 2017 | Last Updated: October 21, 2017 5:00 Julien was asked where his frustration level was after the game. AM EDT “Very high … very high,” he said. “I’m not going to lie. But at the same time, as frustrated as I am I’m the one who’s got to find some solutions here, who’s got to turn things around. I also have to stay the course here ANAHEIM — It was only the eighth game of the season, but for the and find the solution. It’s part of my job and I can’t be excused from Canadiens it was already a big one. what’s happening because I’m part of this group. Through thick or thin, I’m going to be part of this group and I’m going to take as much of the Coach Claude Julien even admitted that after the team’s morning skate blame as anybody else.” Friday at the Honda Center before facing the Anaheim Ducks. Julien knew this was a big game. “It is big,” Julien said. “You don’t want to go back (home) having lost three games. We need to find a way to win hockey games … it’s as Too bad his players didn’t play like it was. simple as that. How important is this game? I think how important is our team to play better is what we’re looking at right now because it’s not Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 good enough. “We’re a much better team than what we’ve shown so far,” the coach added. “This group can be much better and it has to show people that it is much better by having a better commitment to certain areas and that’s what we need to do here tonight.” The Canadiens sure didn’t play like it was a big game — especially in the first period — eventually losing 6-2 for their seventh straight defeat and their third on the California road trip as their record dropped to 1-6-1. The only team in the NHL with a worse record than the Canadiens now is the Arizona Coyotes, who are 0-6-1. The Canadiens were already down 2-0 on goals by Dennis Rasmussen and Derek Grant and being outshot 8-0 before Jordie Benn got Montreal’s first shot on goal at the 5:22 mark. The Canadiens were outshot 21-7 in the first period and Antoine Vermette also scored for the Ducks to put them up 3-0 at the intermission. This against a Ducks team that had seven players on the injured list — including captain Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler, their two leading scorers last season. “I don’t have an explanation,” Julien said after the game about his team’s first-period performance. “All I know is it’s not acceptable and the second period was the team that we should be from start to finish. It’s pretty simple. We show how we can play, but we’re not capable so far of doing it for 60 minutes.” The Canadiens outshot the Ducks Ducks 30-10 in the second period and got goals from Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher. Did Julien read his players the riot act during the first intermission? “That’s stuff we can keep internally,” the coach said. But things fell apart again in the third period as the Canadiens gave up three goals in 97 seconds to Brandon Montour, Grant and Chris Wagner. Game over. The Canadiens outshot the Ducks 51-45, but Carey Price didn’t play like Carey Price again and his goals-against average is now 3.94 and his save percentage .881. Things are going so bad for Price that he couldn’t even break his goalie stick on his first attempt after the sixth goal, smashing it against the goalpost. The stick did shatter on his second swing. The Canadiens have the worst offence in the NHL, scoring only 1.50 goals per game, and the second-worst defence, giving up an average of 4.13. The Coyotes are the only team worse on defence, allowing an average of 4.29 goals per game. Right now, the Canadiens are a lot closer to being in the lottery for the No. 1 pick at next year’s NHL Draft than they are to making the playoffs. Last season it took 95 points to make the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, so the Canadiens will now need 92 points over 74 games to hit that mark. That works out to a 46-28 record — depending on how many loser points they might get in overtime. So yes, it’s early in the season but games are already getting big with the Canadiens back in action Tuesday night at the Bell Centre against the Florida Panthers. Another loss at home and this could really get ugly in a hurry with a disgruntled and disappointed fan base. Actually, it’s already very ugly. 1079247 MontrealCanadiens Hemsky injured: Ales Hemsky suffered an upper-body injury in the first period after getting flattened twice by solid bodychecks and didn’t return after the first intermission. Hemsky has yet to record a point in the seven Ducks hand Canadiens their seventh straight loss, 6-2 games he has played. Iron men: Ducks forward Andrew Cogliano played in his 793rd consecutive game Friday, the longest current ironman streak in the NHL. STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Alzner played in his 548th consecutive game, moving into a tie with former Detroit Red Wings captain Alex Delvecchio for the 16th longest Published on: October 21, 2017 | Last Updated: October 21, 2017 5:13 streak in NHL history. Former Canadien Doug Jarvis holds the record of AM EDT playing in 964 consecutive games. What’s next? The Canadiens fly home to Montreal on Saturday and will have the day off Sunday. Their next game is Tuesday night at the Bell ANAHEIM — The Canadiens suffered their seventh straight loss, Centre against the Florida Panthers. dropping a 6-2 decision to the Anaheim Ducks Friday night at the Honda Center, but it could have been even worse. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 Much worse, believe it or not. The Canadiens were totally dominated in the first period — on the scoreboard, the shot clock and physically — falling behind 3-0 on goals by Dennis Rasmussen, Derek Grant and Antoine Vermette while getting outshot 21-7. The score easily could have been 5-0 and it looked like a game of Men vs. Boys. But whatever coach Claude Julien did during the first intermission worked as the Canadiens came out flying and outshot the Ducks 30-10 in the second period and got goals from Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher to make a game of it. The 30 shots in one period set a franchise record for the Canadiens. But a lucky break — literally — resulted in the Ducks’ fourth goal when defenceman Kevin Bieksa broke his stick on a slapshot during a delayed penalty call on the Canadiens and the puck went softly to Brandon Montour for a perfect one-timer that beat a surprised and out-of-position Carey Price high to the short side from a bad angle at the 5:58 mark. Everything fell apart for the Canadiens again after that with Grant scoring his second goal at 7:12 and Chris Wagner getting another at 7:35. Three goals in less than two minutes and this one was over, except for Bieksa putting a beating on Andrew Shaw with a bunch of gloved punches at the 8:40 mark following a goalmouth scramble. Bieksa received a double- minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct, while Shaw received a 10-minute misconduct. Shaw was the Canadiens player with the most fight on this night — literally. Bieksa was an imposing figure all night long for the Ducks and seemed to intimidate a lot of Canadiens. The Canadiens finished 0-3 on their California road trip, were outscored 16-5, and now have a 1-6-1 record to start the season. Bad start: Rasmussen opened the scoring for the Ducks at the 1:46 mark of the first period and Grant made it 2-0 at 3:46 when he scored on the power play with Alex Galchenyuk in the box for tripping. It was the first power-play goal of the season for the Ducks and came on their sixth shot of the game. The Ducks had eight shots on goal before the Canadiens got their first from Jordie Benn at the 5:22 mark. Vermette put the Ducks up 3-0 at the 13:42 mark. New team: The Canadiens looked like a different team in the second period. Byron scored his second goal in two games at the 2:47 mark, taking advantage of a lucky bounce off the back boards on a point shot by Karl Alzner that left goalie John Gibson with no chance. It was the fourth assist of the season for Alzner, who had 10 last season in 82 games with the Washington Capitals. Gallagher cut the Ducks lead to 3-2 when he scored at 17:24 on the power play, banging in a rebound in the crease off a point shot by rookie defenceman Victor Mete, who picked up his second NHL assist. Line changes: Canadiens coach Claude Julien mixed up his lines in the second period, putting Max Pacioretty with centre Phillip Danault and Shaw, while Jonathan Drouin centred Galchenyuk and Artturi Lehkonen. It seemed to light a fire under the team — but only for a short while. Pacioretty finished with a game-high 10 shots but the captain has now gone seven games without a goal. Wounded Ducks: The Ducks were missing seven players who are injured: Ryan Kesler (hip surgery), Sami Vatanen (shoulder surgery), Hampus Lindholm (shoulder surgery), goalie Ryan Miller (upper body), captain Ryan Getzlaf (lower body), Ondrej Kase (upper body) and Patrick Eaves (lower body). Cam Fowler added to the Ducks’ injury problems when left the game early in the first period with what looked like a serious knee injury. The only injured Canadien coming into the game was David Schlemko (hand surgery). Imagine what might have happened if the Ducks were healthy. 1079248 MontrealCanadiens by his dedication working in a saw mill for 28 or 30 years. It’s not an easy job. It’s hard and he was up at 5:30 every morning and gone to work before we’d even see him before going to school. He’d come home after Stu Cowan: Canadiens' Shea Weber doesn't need the 'C' to be a leader work and he’d be coaching our hockey team at 5:30 or 6. His hard work and dedication to us and our family showed what we have to do in work ethic in whatever we do, not only hockey. My brother is a mechanic. He always taught us that no matter what you do, you just have to work hard.” Stu Cowan, Montreal Gazette Max Pacioretty is still learning to be a captain. He doesn’t have to look far Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 8:25 in the locker room to find a willing teacher. PM EDT Montreal Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017

ANAHEIM, Calif. — There are different kinds of leaders in this world with more than one formula for success, whether it be in hockey or anything else. There are vocal leaders and quiet leaders. There are kind leaders and tough leaders. Some people are born to be leaders, while others need to learn and develop leadership skills. Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty falls into that latter category. Pacioretty wore his emotions on his sleeve when he met with the media at the Honda Center Thursday afternoon ahead of the Canadiens game against the Ducks Friday night. The Canadiens were off to a 1-5-1 start and Pacioretty had gone six games without a goal. “How am I going to go tell my teammates that we got to be better when I’m the worst one on the ice?” Pacioretty said about the challenge facing him during both a personal and team slump. “That’s what keeps you up at night … that’s what keeps me up at night. Trust me, if you guys think I don’t care you got it all wrong. If anything, I think too much and I care too much.” They probably don’t teach you to say stuff like that in leadership seminars, but one thing a leader can’t be if he wants to succeed is a phoney. Pacioretty was just being himself, open and honest — maybe to a fault. But Pacioretty is who he is and his teammates voted him to be captain before the start of the 2015-16 season. In his third season wearing the C, Pacioretty is still learning to be a leader and honesty can go a long way. Having said that, it’s hard to imagine Shea Weber ever speaking the way Pacioretty did. Different people, different personalities. “I think we’re all hard on ourselves … that’s why we’re at the level we’re at,” Weber said during a one-on-one interview after the Canadiens’ morning skate Friday. “We’re never satisfied with what we’ve done or what we’ve accomplished. We’re always striving for more, so I think it’s a good thing to have to a certain extent where you’re not pampering your play.” Weber said he has had a one-on-one conversation with Pacioretty. “I don’t think there’s any point in me saying it to you,” Weber said when asked what they talked about. “Obviously, that’s for us to talk about and we have talked. He’ll get through it … it’s a tough stretch for all of us and we’ve all got to get through it and we’ve got to stick together and that’s the only way we’re going to get through it. “He’s obviously hard on himself and he’s got high expectations,” Weber added. “He’s a competitive guy and he always wants to get better. So that drive and passion is obviously a great asset.” Weber knows a thing or two about leadership. He was captain of the Nashville Predators and won the Mark Messier Leadership Award at the 2016 NHL Awards in Las Vegas. Only one week later, Weber was traded to the Canadiens in exchange for P.K. Subban. Weber now wears an “A” on his Canadiens jersey as an assistant captain, but his voice and actions still carry a lot of weight in the locker room. I asked Weber if his leadership skills came naturally, and he said it’s not a subject he likes to talk about — at least not with the media. But he did talk a bit. “I don’t know,” he said. “To tell you the truth, it’s not anything particular. I think guys can develop leadership skills, for sure. You can learn a lot from guys you’ve played with or people in the public … motivators, anybody like that. But I think there are some guys that are just natural leaders and they don’t really have to do much. I think it’s just part of their DNA, I guess.” Weber’s DNA comes from his father, James, and mother, Tracy, who died seven years ago from brain cancer. “The biggest thing from him was just work hard in whatever you do,” Weber said about his dad. “He showed our family and my brother and I 1079249 Nashville Predators

Predators' young forwards still finding way offensively

Adam Vingan, USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee Published 11:44 a.m. CT Oct. 20, 2017

NEW YORK — Kevin Fiala sat hunched at his locker Thursday morning in Philadelphia and offered a frank assessment of his early-season play. “Not that good right now," he said. A few stalls over, Colton Sissons wasn't as harsh, but also emphasized improvement. “Still think I can contribute more offensively points-wise," he said. "I feel like it’s going to come a little bit more and more." As if by design, the two forwards combined on the Predators' lone goal in their shutout win against the Philadelphia Flyers that evening. Fiala's slick breakout set up Sissons' game-winner, his second goal in as many games. Encouraged by the postseason play of their youngsters, the Predators turned over their forward roster during the offseason, handing secondary- scoring responsibilities to those players. The transition, perhaps as expected, still is in progress. "I think that we all have a little room to grow still," said Sissons, 23. How Nashville's young forwards played in the playoffs established higher expectations. Sissons, who recorded a hat trick in the Predators' Western Conference- clinching win May 22, and 24-year-old Pontus Aberg, who has been a healthy scratch twice in seven games, were top-line forwards during the Stanley Cup Final. Frederick Gaudreau, 24, matched a 73-year-old record by scoring his first three NHL goals in the final, but started the season in the minors. Fiala, 21, experienced a breakthrough late last season before breaking his leg in the second round. He hasn't scored yet, though he's been more active in recent games. “I think I’m in the right direction," Fiala said. "I’m just going to try to get back where I’ve been. … I feel it will come. I think if I just score one goal, maybe they will come.” To be fair, the Predators' five-on-five offense hasn't exploded to start the season. Nashville has eight such goals in seven games, which was tied for fifth-fewest in the 31-team NHL before Friday's games. “I do think that we’ve started to take strides in the right direction," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "The first couple games, I didn’t see our offensive identity at all.” Those players will have to come together to replace the lost production of former Predators forward James Neal, who had six goals in his first four games for the Vegas Golden Knights. Neal is one of six active NHL players to score at least 20 goals in each of his first nine seasons. “(Neal’s) a tough commodity to find around the NHL that puts up 20 (goals) a year almost automatically," Sissons said. "That’s no easy task to fill in that role, but I think we’ve got a couple younger guys that can chip in offensively and fill that void collectively.” NEXT GAME PREDATORS at RANGERS When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM Tennessean LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079250 Nashville Predators

Predators tightening up defensively after porous start to season

Adam Vingan, USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee Published 7:30 a.m. CT Oct. 20, 2017

PHILADELPHIA — Never before has a playlist featured Duran Duran's "Hungry Like the Wolf" immediately followed by Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York." There isn't a way to actually prove that, though it seems plausible enough to assert it as fact. The Predators, who curated that mix, victoriously bussed to New York on Thursday evening after a shutout win against the Philadelphia Flyers. The Predators are bringing a stretch of strong defensive play to their Saturday matinee with the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden (11:30 a.m., Fox TN). Nashville, which gave up 13 combined goals in its first three games, has allowed four total in its past four games. "After the first two, three games, I think that was the main thing, to play tighter as a team and make good decisions," said Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne, who has a .965 save percentage in his past four starts. "By no means are we a defensive team. I think we play a fast game and play up and down the ice, but as a five-man unit, not (getting) separated too much, things like that, that's been our focus." There have been signs of improvement in each subsequent game this season. The Predators stifled the NHL's second-highest scoring team Thursday; Philadelphia had 18 goals in its previous three games. "You can't fix the mistakes until you know what they are," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. "Once you find out what they are, then you can work on them, then you can teach. There were a lot of things we weren't doing right. We didn't have much of an identity in the first couple games." Tennessean LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079251 New Jersey Devils

The Devils' Stanley Cup odds made this giant jump after hot start

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 3:39 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 3:22 PM By Chris Ryan

The Devils weren't viewed to be as a team under any serious consideration as a Stanley Cup contender entering this season, and their odds to win it reflected that view. Bovada had the Devils at 150/1 odds of winning the Cup -- tied for lowest in the NHL -- entering the season. Two weeks and six wins in seven games later, those odds have improved dramatically. The latest odds released on Friday put the Devils at 40/1, and they're far from the bottom of that list anymore. They are currently tied with the Flyers and the Detroit Red Wings at 40/1, and eight teams now have lower odds than the Devils. While their odds are dramatically better after their 6-1-0 start, Las Vegas isn't biting on the Devils as serious contenders just yet. The eight teams they rank ahead of on the odds chart all missed the playoffs last season, too, and the closest playoff team from last season is the Ottawa Senators, who have Stanley Cup odds of 33/1. The Toronto Maple Leafs have the best odds in the NHL two weeks into the season, coming in at 8/1/ The Tampa Bay Lightning are right behind them at 9/1. The Devils beat both of those teams during their 6-1-0 start. The Pittsburgh Penguins opened the season as the favorites to win their third straight Stanley Cup at 8/1, but their 4-2-1 start was apparently enough to sour bettors and drop their odds to 12/1. Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079252 New Jersey Devils

Devils place Cory Schneider on injured reserve | What it means

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 3:37 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 2:44 PM By Chris Ryan

The Devils have been one of the most impressive teams in the 2017-18 season, jumping out to a 6-1-0 start, giving them the best record in the . But if the Devils want to stay on top, they will need to do so without No. 1 goaltender Cory Schneider. The club placed Schneider on injured reserve Friday with what is being described as a "lower body injury." Schneider went down in Thursday night's 5-4 overtime win against the Ottawa Senators, with Keith Kinkaid coming in off the bench. Kinkaid stepped in and stopped all nine shots he faced in the third period and overtime, including a point-blank glove save to rob Senators forward Bobby Ryan when the game was tied 4-4 with less than three minutes to play. Kinkaid was mentally preparing for his next appearance on Friday, but he was ready at a moment's notice on Thursday. "That's my job as a backup goalie. Be ready for anything, whether it be injury or just coming in to give the team a boost," Kinkaid said. "That's all I wanted to do tonight and I know this team never gives up and is very resilient. It's fun to see and it's a fun group to be a part of." The Devils recalled goalie Scott Wedgewood from Binghamton of the AHL to replace Schneider on the roster. Kinkaid is expected to be in net Friday when the Devils host the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center. After Friday night's game, the Devils have a week off. They will return to action when they host the Senators on Oct. 27. That's the same day Schneider is eligible to return from injured reserve. Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079253 New Jersey Devils

Devils rally past Senators: 8 observations | Nico Hischier's goals; Cory Schneider's injury

Posted October 20, 2017 at 06:15 AM | Updated October 20, 2017 at 07:58 AM By Chris Ryan

OTTAWA -- The Devils used John Moore's overtime winner to cap off a tough rally in a 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday. Before Moore delivered the heroics, the Devils saw a breakthrough from Nico Hischier, a ridiculous pass from another rookie and a resilient rally by the offense to erase a two-goal deficit. Here are eight observations from the Devils' sixth win of the season. Before the comeback and the overtime winner, No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier scored his first NHL goal to open the scoring early in the first period. For good measure, he added his second goal less than two minutes later. Hischier came close on multiple occasions in previous games, but he finally broke through. And in typical Hischier fashion, getting the win was more important. “I knew at some point it would come. I just have to keep going," Hischier said. "The guys were telling me that. It happened today, and it’s even better if you win the game after your first goal. So I’m happy tonight.” Some of Hischier's best scoring chances have come over the past two games when he was paired on a line with Taylor Hall and Drew Stafford. Hall assisted on both goals while Stafford picked up the primary helper on the first. So far, the three seem to have the chemistry and skill to stick together. “It’s a big goal for our team, it’s a big goal for him," Hall said. "Give him some confidence in the scoring department, and it’s fun for a guy like myself to be a part of those moments and be on his line. He’s a fun guy to play with. I thought we played well as a line. Our whole team played well tonight. Congrats to Nico and all that, and we have a game that we have to continue to play, and it’s a lot of fun.” Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079254 New Jersey Devils

What fuels John Moore's knack for OT heroics with Devils?

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 8:13 AM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 6:00 AM By Chris Ryan

OTTAWA -- As the Devils poured onto the ice to celebrate an overtime victory on Thursday, they were surrounding a player familiar with walk- off heroics. Defenseman John Moore scored his fifth career overtime goal and his fourth with the Devils to cap off a gutty 5-4 comeback win against the Ottawa Senators. After Taylor Hall pulled the puck out of the Devils' offensive zone, he fed Moore as the Senators were changing lines. Moore flew down the right side into the zone, where he fired a wrist shot into off goalie Craig Anderson and into net. While Moore has found himself on the scoring end of several overtime goals, he credited the players around him for that success. "I'm fortunate I get to play with great players, and I have that opportunity from the coaching staff," Moore said. "I just try to use my skating with the open ice out there. To be completely honest, I think I'm just the beneficiary of some really good plays by really good players. Hallsy made a great play bringing it back, regrouping there, being able to catch them being a little aggressive." But at a certain point, Moore's success has to come back to him. Moore is often one of the first defensemen on the ice for overtime, and in the 3-on-3 situation, the open ice and shooting space suits his game. "Johnny's been really good for us in overtime the last couple years," Devils coach John Hynes said. "He's a good skater, he's got a good shot, he's shown a knack in those situations to be able to be a guy who comes through for us." Moore's second goal of the season capped a three-goal rally for the Devils after they entered the third period trailing, 4-2. After outshooting the Senators 30-24 through 40 minutes, the Devils didn't try to change much in the third period. That led to more chances and the shots that forced overtime. "In the second period, I think they just got some really good bounces," Moore said. "They come hard, they're very structured, they're very detailed. But there's no quit in here. We were able to regroup and come back with a strong third, and we got some good bounces to lead us into OT there." Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079255 New Jersey Devils

Devils Daily Faceoff: Three storylines for Oct. 20

Andrew Gross, Published 7:19 a.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 7:19 a.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

NEWARK – The Devils return home tonight to face the Sharks at Prudential Center (Faceoff: 7 p.m.; Television: MSG Plus; Radio: digital One Jersey Network) to complete their second of 16 back-to-back sets this season after beating the Senators, 5-4, in overtime at Ottawa but possibly losing No. 1 goalie Cory Schneider to a lower-body injury. Of course, after tonight’s game, the Devils get some extended time off. Their next game isn’t until the following Friday when they host the Senators for the start of a, yup, back-to-back that concludes against the Coyotes at The Rock on Oct. 28. The Sharks (2-3-0), who beat the visiting Canadiens, 5-2, on Tuesday, are beginning a five-game road trip that also includes games against the Rangers and Islanders. Here’s what to watch for: First period – A Cory Schneider update: There was none forthcoming from coach John Hynes immediately after Thursday night’s game but Schneider seemed to be walking fine as he moved around the dressing room and when he exited the arena. Schneider wasn’t slated to start tonight anyway. Keith Kinkaid, who entered the game to start the third period and stopped all nine shots he faced, had already been announced as the starter against the Sharks prior to Thursday night’s game. The 28-year-old Kinkaid, who signed a two-year, $2.5 million extension rather than becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career, has looked sharp since the opening of training camp and stopped 85 of 89 shots he faced in his two and a half preseason games. Second period – An encore? No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier scored the first two goals of his career – both within the first 4:21 of Thursday night’s game – and the thought is that, given the scoring opportunities he’s been creating, more goals would quickly follow once he netted the first (and second) one. Meanwhile, the Devils have found a top line that’s gaining chemistry as Drew Stafford scored twice in Tuesday night’s 5-4 shootout win over the Lightning and Taylor Hall had four assists against the Senators. Third period – Looking ahead? The Devils can’t get caught on their heels as they anticipate their upcoming break. To be fair, unlike their NHL mandated bye week Jan. 8-12, Hynes will be able to keep his players moving despite having no games for six days. After an off day on Saturday, the Devils are scheduled to practice Sunday through Tuesday and also on Thursday. Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079256 New Jersey Devils

Devils' offense quiet in shutout loss to Sharks | Rapid reaction

Updated on October 21, 2017 at 1:14 AM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 9:32 PM By Chris Ryan

NEWARK -- For the first time this season, the Devils' offense was quiet. San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones stopped all 28 shots he face while shutting out the Devils, 3-0, on Friday at the Prudential Center. The Devils dropped the second leg of a back-to-back and fell to 6-2-0 this season. Keith Kinkaid made 30 saves in his second start of the season, but the Sharks did more than enough to support Jones' effort. San Jose entered the game last in the NHL in even-strength goals, but three of that variety started the scoring. Melker Karlsson scored off a feed in front from Tomas Hertl at 14:11 in the first period for a 1-0 lead, and the Sharks doubled their advantage when Joe Pavelski tipped in a Justin Braun shot at 5:49 of the second period. The Devils killed off a four-minute high sticking penalty by Miles Wood late in the second period, but the Sharks countered by getting a Joonas Donskoi goal at 18:50 for a 3-0 lead. While the Devils struck for two goals on 11 shots in the second period, the Devils sent just six on goal. They struggled to generate much offensive zone time throughout the night. Schneider's injury Goalie Cory Schneider was placed on injured reserve prior to Friday's game with a lower body injury, but the Devils are hopeful Friday will be the only game he misses. The Devils have a week before they play again, when Schneider will be eligible to be activated. "Cory was going to backup tonight anyways," Devils coach John Hynes said, "We'll see how he does over the next couple days and hopefully he's back at practice early next week." The Devils are off on Saturday, and Hynes ruled out Schneider from practicing on Sunday. He is hopeful the veteran goalie will return to the ice early next week. Schneider finished the second period on Thursday, which is when the injury occurred. Hynes called it a "tweak," and with how it played out, he remained optimistic it won't be a long-term issue. "That's why we're not thinking it's overly serious," Hynes said. "He did finish the period and after getting evaluated on it, it was a smart move to pull him." Next up The Devils have one week before their next game. They will host the Ottawa Senators at the Prudential Center on Friday, Oct. 27, before the Arizona Coyotes visit The Rock on Saturday, Oct. 28. The Devils will be off on Saturday and resume practice on Sunday. Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079257 New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils vs. San Jose Sharks LIVE score updates and chat (10/20/17)

Updated on October 20, 2017 at 6:31 PM Posted on October 20, 2017 at 6:30 PM By Chris Ryan

NEWARK -- Nico Hischier, Keith Kinkaid, Mirco Mueller and the New Jersey Devils will wrap up a back-to-back when they host Brent Burns and the San Jose Sharks at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Prudential Center. Mueller will be playing his former team for the first time, while Kinkaid will make his second start in goal this season. Join NJ.com's live chat during the game in the comments section below. You can also follow along with live score and stat updates above. Here is everything you need to know about the game: What: New Jersey Devils (6-1-0) vs. San Jose Sharks (2-3-0) When: 7:00 p.m. Eastern, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 Where: Prudential Center, Newark, New Jersey TV: MSG+ Live stream: MSG GO Radio: The One Jersey Network More to know: The Devils will start Keith Kinkaid in goal after placing Cory Schneider on injured reserve prior to the game. Schneider was injured during the second period of Thursday's 5-4 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators, where Kinkaid made nine saves in spotless relief. Scott Wedgewood will serve as the Devils' backup goalie after being called up from Binghamton in the AHL. Jimmy Hayes, Mirco Mueller and Ben Lovejoy will enter the lineup on Friday after sitting on Thursday. They will replace Stefan Noesen, Dalton Prout and Steven Santini, who will all be healthy scratches. Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079258 New Jersey Devils "Santini's played a ton of minutes," Hynes said. "Played 25-plus minutes against Tampa Bay, played a lot of minutes for us. It's an opportunity for us, we have eight defensemen, we have guys that we feel, that's three Devils' lines, pairings vs. Sharks (10/17/17) | How long will Cory sets of new, fresh legs for us tonight. That's why we made the change." Schneider be out? Mueller facing former team Mueller will enter the lineup again and play against the team that drafted Posted October 20, 2017 at 05:24 PM | Updated October 20, 2017 at him and traded him to the Devils over the offseason. 05:29 PM "We thought Mirco played well the last game he played.," Hynes said. By Chris Ryan "Again, we felt with the back to backs, we'll use the bodies we have when they're fresh, It's can only help us. The fact Mirco can come in and play against San Jose only adds to something that's probably important to him." NEWARK -- The Devils will complete the second half of a back-to-back and play their eighth game in 14 days when they host the San Jose Star Ledger LOADED: 10.21.2017 Sharks at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Prudential Center. Coming off their second straight overtime game in a 5-4 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday, the Devils will have several lineup changes. Coach John Hynes also provided a further update on goalie Cory Schneider, who was placed on IR on Friday. NHL: New Jersey Devils at Ottawa Senators FORWARDS Taylor Hall - Nico Hischier - Drew Stafford Marcus Johansson - Adam Henrique - Kyle Palmieri Jesper Bratt - Pavel Zacha - Brian Gibbons Miles Wood - Blake Coleman - Jimmy Hayes DEFENSEMEN Andy Greene - Damon Severson John Moore - Ben Lovejoy Mirco Mueller - Will Butcher Devils rally past Senators: 8 observations | Nico Hischier's goals; Cory Schneider's injury GOALIES Starter: Keith Kinkaid Backup: Scott Wedgewood SCRATCHES Forwards: Stefan Noesen (healthy) Defensemen: Steven Santini (healthy), Dalton Prout (healthy) Goalie: Cory Schneider (IR, lower body) Devils place Cory Schneider on injured reserve | What it means GAME NOTES Sean Kilpatrick | The Canadian Press via AP Schneider injury update Schneider was placed on injured reserve prior to Friday's game with a lower body injury, but the Devils are hopeful Friday will be the only game he misses. The Devils have a week before they play again, when Schneider will be eligible to be activated. “Cory was going to backup tonight anyways," Devils coach John Hynes said, "We’ll see how he does over the next couple days and hopefully he’s back at practice early next week.” The Devils are off on Saturday, and Hynes ruled out Schneider from practicing on Sunday. He is hopeful the veteran goalie will return to the ice early next week. Schneider finished the second period on Thursday, which is when the injury occurred. Hynes called it a "tweak," and with how it played out, he remained optimistic it won't be a long-term issue. "That’s why we’re not thinking it’s overly serious," Hynes said. "He did finish the period and after getting evaluated on it, it was a smart move to pull him.” Why Santini is out Defenseman Steven Santini will join Dalton Prout and Stefan Noesen as healthy scratches on Friday, but Hynes credited that move to Santini's big workload in recent weeks, and the fact they are finishing a back-to- back. 1079259 New Jersey Devils 2. The Devils are giving up too many shots. Flat out. Here’s the how the first eight games have gone: 41-25-50-28-31-37-33-33. And whereas they only allowed six goals over the first three games of the season Sharks 3, Devils 0: Post-game observations (including a 6-3 win over the goal-machine Maple Leafs), an average of 2.0 per game (math major), the Devils have now allowed 18 goals over their last five games (3.6 per game, went to the calculator). That’s a bad trend. Andrew Gross, Published 12:33 a.m. ET Oct. 21, 2017 | Updated 12:34 a.m. ET Oct. 21, 2017 “Obviously, you don’t want to go into the break with a loss but you can learn from this one,” said goalie Keith Kinkaid after making 30 saves in his second start of the season. “We can’t score four goals each game. Early in the third period of what turned into a 3-0 Devils loss to the “We’ve just got to get to our game every night, we can’t stray from that,” Sharks on Friday night at Prudential Center, Sharks veteran right wing Kinkaid added. “I don’t think we got to our game tonight.” Joe Pavelski looked like he deliberately jabbed his stick into rookie left wing Jesper Bratt’s groin. 3. About that, captain Andy Greene said part of the reason was how the Sharks defended and prevented the Devils from doing what they wanted. Bratt, in obvious pain, skated to the Devils’ bench and Pavelski went But the other part, Greene said, was the Devils being too stubborn in how unpenalized. they tried to attack the Sharks. It was that kind of night for the Devils, now 6-2-0 as they head into a “I think they did a good job of creating turnovers,” Greene said. “I think week-long break before their next game, next Friday against the that falls on us a little bit. The way they play in the neutral zone, it forces Senators at The Rock. you to do a lot of chips and having the weak-side guy slash across and use his speed. We were a little stubborn tonight. We didn’t do that and New Jersey Devils right wing Drew Stafford stakes against we fed right into their game.” “Yeah, it did (hurt),” Bratt said, of the stick to the groin, not the loss. “I 4. To put a bow on Nos. 2 and 3, Sharks goalie Martin Jones played a was skating in one direction and he was skating to the other and he got a heck of a game. Perhaps the Devils could have gotten more sticks on little bit of a spearing right to my balls. It hurt a lot. He maybe tried to get shots around the crease. But Jones also came up big on the Devils’ me out of the game, or something. numerous Grade-A chances. “Of course it hurt,” Bratt added. “I couldn’t breathe so much. That’s why I San Jose Sharks goalie Martin Jones rests at his net was skating right to the bench. Of course, I tried to get a penalty. Getting a power play is always a good thing.” “He played a really good game,” Palmieri said. “He’s a really good goaltender with the success he’s had. He’s a big guy and takes up a lot Penalties and special teams were one part of the two-part discussion of the net. He did a good job of controlling the rebound and making sure points in the Devils’ room following this loss, which followed Thursday there wasn’t too many easy looks for us. We could’ve done a better job of night’s 5-4 overtime win at Ottawa. getting some pressure on him and some more second opportunities but Both teams went 0 for 5 on the power play so both teams penalty kills you tip your cap to him.” played well. 5. The Devils, after a back to back, are off on Saturday. They have a New Jersey Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid, center, dives practice scheduled for 11 a.m. on Sunday at the Barnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center. This is a practice open to season For the Devils, this was especially welcome after the Senators had gone ticket holders (though all tickets for the practice have already been 2 for 6. claimed). But the other discussion point was taking too many penalties. The Devils are also scheduled to practice on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, though that schedule is subject to change. And, frankly, coach John Hynes has seen enough. 6. Jesper Bratt, , “…He got a little bit of spearing right to my balls…” It He benched Kyle Palmieri for 10 minutes in the second period for taking just doesn’t get old. a cross-checking penalty and he benched Miles Wood for the rest of the game after a four-minute double minor high sticking penalty later in the 7. It dawns on me I hope I can use the word “balls” in this blog. second period. Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 New Jersey Devils left wing Miles Wood skates against Hynes, in showing what he expects from this team, has not been shy about taking away ice time and that’s something players both notice and respect, as long as there is a logical pattern/explanation to the benchings. Hynes also sat forwards Jimmy Hayes, Pavel Zacha and Marcus Johansson for essentially the final two periods of Saturday’s 3-2 win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Hynes and the players have talked pretty consistently about the identity the team wants to establish this season. And that’s one that is hard to play against, because of the team’s resiliency, because of the team’s tenaciousness, because of the team’s speed. And one part of establishing a culture of a team hard to play against, is consistently setting the bar higher and higher for the expectations. So, yes, the Devils have started 6-2-0 when many expected more of the same from last season, when the Devils finished last in the Eastern Conference. But there’s absolutely no way the Devils can take a breath here and feel satisfied. This 6-2-0 start is only a good start if it establishes the foundation for further success this season. And Hynes is letting it be known that the team has to get better. Some post-game observations: 1. I would not want to be speared in the groin by Joe Pavelski, or anybody. So I’m not making light of the pain Bratt felt. But his quote, “…He got a little bit of spearing right to my balls…” is an early favorite for quote of the season. 1079260 New Jersey Devils

Devils fans rescue young anthem singer

Tom Nobile, Published 10:02 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 12:00 a.m. ET Oct. 21, 2017

NEWARK — Devils fans at the Prudential Center didn’t miss a beat Friday night when they rescued a young girl who stumbled halfway through the national anthem. A crowd of about 14,381 took over for Lauralie Mufute when the Jersey City youngster forgot the words at the song’s midpoint. Fans quickly realized this after Mufute took a long pause, and the crowd picked up where she left off to finish the anthem, according to eyewitnesses. Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079261 New Jersey Devils first period and Blake Coleman, on a shorthanded rush, backhanded a puck off the iron at 17:58 of the first period.

Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 Devils go into a week-long break with 3-0 loss to Sharks

Andrew Gross, Published 9:47 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 11:32 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

NEWARK – The Devils haven’t had to dwell on too many defeats this season. But they’ll have plenty of time to think about this one. The Devils went into a week-long break with a 3-0 loss to the Sharks on Friday night at Prudential Center, a game in which they never were able to effectively use the speed or tenacious puck battles that have fueled this surprising 6-2-0 start over a 14-day stretch. “Yeah, it’s been a good start for our group,” right wing Kyle Palmieri said after the Devils were shut out for the first time this season. “We knew it was going to be a tough segment but it was a good segment. Now it’s time to put it to bed and we have an opportunity in front of us, a week to work on some things.” Keith Kinkaid, already scheduled to start, made 30 saves for the Devils after No. 1 goalie Cory Schneider was placed on injured reserve earlier in the day after exiting Thursday night’s 5-4 overtime win at Ottawa with a lower-body injury. Devils coach John Hynes said he was hopeful Schneider would be available when the Devils resume play next Friday against the Senators at The Rock. Scott Wedgewood, 25, was recalled from Binghamton (AHL) to back up Kinkaid. Martin Jones made 28 saves for the Sharks (3-3-0), who opened a five- game road trip. Pretty much the only positive for the Devils, 0 for 5 on the power play, was their penalty kill, which thwarted all five chances for the Sharks while generating some of their better scoring chances. Still, Hynes is frustrated with the Devils penalty taking. The Senators were 2 for 6 on the power play on Thursday and the Devils have now given up at least five power plays in six of their eight games. “I think we all agree we’ve taken far too many penalties,” Hynes said. “We’ve talked about it. We’ve addressed it. We’ve watched video. We’ve reviewed the rules.” So Hynes benched Palmieri for 10 minutes after he cross checked defenseman Brenden Dillon at 6:07 of the second period. Miles Wood sat the rest of the game after taking a four-minute double minor for high sticking Joe Thornton at 13:59 of the second period. In a momentum swing, Joonas Donskoi skated through the Devils’ zone and backhanded in his own rebound for a 3-0 lead at 18:50, less than a minute after Wood’s penalty expired. “We just have to put an end to it,” Hynes said. “Guys are going to sit.” So put that on the list of things the Devils can work on. The Devils’ NHL-mandated bye week is Jan 8-12. Unlike that week, Hynes can put his team through practices this coming week. Yet the long layoff come at an inopportune time for the Devils – save for allowing Schneider some recovery time – as they’ve built momentum through a strong start. “I had all summer to rest,” left wing Taylor Hall said. “I’d rather be playing hockey than getting these breaks. It’s really tough to take seven days off and get back to game speed right away. It’s tough at this age. When I was 16, I didn’t know any better. Now that I’m 25, I’m so used to playing and playing and playing. It’s unfortunate but you’ve got to deal with it.” Devils captain Andy Greene assesses what went wrong after team's first shutout loss of the season. Andrew Gross/NorthJersey.com The Sharks took a 1-0 lead at 14:11 of the first period as Melker Karlsson slipped unchecked to the left post to convert Tomas Hertl’s feed from behind the crease. Joe Pavelski, getting to the low slot, deflected in Justin Braun’s blast from the right point at 5:49 of the second period to make it 2-0. The Devils had their near misses. Ex-Shark defenseman Mirco Mueller, 22, playing against his former team for the first time since an offseason trade, knuckled a shorthanded slap shot off the crossbar at 10:43 of the 1079262 New Jersey Devils 2. The Sharks are still a dangerous team under ex-Devils coach Pete DeBoer, even with Patrick Marleau with the Maple Leafs. The top line with ageless Joe Thornton center Joe Pavelski and Staten Island’s Kevin Game 8 Live Blog: Sharks blank Devils, 3-0 Labanc, can cause havoc down low in the offensive zone. 3. Those of us in the East just don’t see enough of Brent Burns. Like the Senators’ , he can control a game. Andrew Gross, Published 6:48 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 9:36 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 4. Calling another goal for Nico Hischier now that he scored his first two at Ottawa. He’s getting plenty of chances and now that he’s scored, there is that lift of knowing you can do it. Playing on a back to back, John Hynes has inserted some fresh legs into 5. Think Brian Gibbons gets a goal, too. his lineup when the Devils face the Sharks tonight at Prudential Center. 6. The Sharks are starting a five-game road trip after beating the The Devils won for the sixth time in seven tries when they rallied for a 5-4 Canadiens, 5-2, on Tuesday. No matter the sport, it’s always tough for win at Ottawa on Thursday night. West Coast teams coming east. Also, prior to putting up a five spot on the not-so-good Habs, the Sharks had scored a total of eight goals in Tonight marks the end of a grueling stretch to start the season – eight their first four games. The Devils, if they stick to their defensive structure, games in 14 days with this being the second back-to-back set – but the should be able to limit the goals against tonight. Devils now don’t play again until hosting the Senators next Friday. Devils (6-1-0) Keith Kinkaid was already scheduled to start before the Devils placed No. 1 goalie Cory Schneider on injured reserve this afternoon with a lower- Taylor Hall-Nico Hischier-Drew Stafford body injury. Scott Wedgewood, recalled from Binghamton (AHL), will serve as Kinkaid’s backup and be with the team, presumably, until Marcus Johansson-Adam Henrique-Kyle Palmieri Schneider is healthy. Jesper Bratt-Pavel Zacha-Brian Gibbons Which, Devils coach John Hynes said, might be this week as there’s Miles Wood-Blake Gibbons-Jimmy Hayes hope Schneider has suffered a “tweak.” Andy Greene-Damon Severson Anyway, for tonight: John Moore-Ben Lovejoy In: RW Jimmy Hayes Mirco Mueller-Will Butcher Out: RW Stefan Noesen Keith Kinkaid (2-0-0, 1.48 goals-against average, .950 save percentage) In: D Mirco Mueller (acquired from the Sharks this summer for a second- and fourth-round pick) Sharks (2-3-0) Out: D Steven Santini (hold on, explanation coming) Kevin Labanc-Joe Thornton-Joe Pavelski In: D Ben Lovejoy Tomas Hertl-Logan Couture-Melker Karlsson Out: D Dalton Prout Timo Meier-Chris Tierney-Mikkel Boedker Re: Santini – “We’re in a back to back,” Hynes said. “Santini has played a Joonas Donskoi-Ryan Carpenter-Jannik Hansen ton of minutes. he played 25-plus minutes against Tampa Bay (Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout win at The Rock). He played a lot of minutes last Joakim Ryan-Brent Burns night (21:02). It’s an opportunity for us. We have eight defensemen. Marc-Edouard Vlasic-Justin Braun That’s three sets of fresh legs in the lineup, that’s why we made the changes.” Brenden Dillon-Tim Heed It’s true that Santini, 22, leads the Devils with an average ice time of Martin Jones (2-2-0, 3.38, .895) 20:58. It’s also true that his game at Ottawa might have been his shakiest of the season. There were several plays where he looked tentative with Devils starters: Kinkaid, Greene-Severson, Hall-Hischier-Stafford the puck in his own zone, or was knocked off the puck. Devils scratches: Steven Santini, Dalton Prout, Stefan Noesen Still, overall, Santini may be the Devils’ best defensive defenseman so far Sharks starters: Jones, Ryan-Burns, Labanc-Thornton-Pavelski this season. Sharks scratches: Barclay Goodrow, Joel Ward, Dylan DeMelo So, he gets one day added to his break. First period: Devils nearly cough one up early as Kinkaid gives it away And, Re: Mueller facing his former team as he’s been a healthy scratch in and that leads to Boedker’s close-range chance that Kinkaid turns aside. three of the last four games, Hynes said, “That comes into it. We thought The Devils get the first power play at 2:09 as Hischier draws another Mirco played well the last game he played (18:33 against the Lightning). penalty, a slash from local product Labanc. Two shots on the power play We felt with the back to backs, we’ll use the bodies we have when they’re and Kinkaid, with his glove, turns aside Burns from the right five minutes fresh, it can only help us. The fact that Mirco can come in and play in. Shots even at four at 7:08. At 7:34, smart little play by Bratt as he against San Jose is probably something that’s important for him.” gains the puck off the forecheck. He was on a sharp angle from the left As for what Mueller needs to do to be an everyday player, Hynes said, and he flipped the puck at Jones. Best case: Jones, surprised, gives up a “Just basically be more assertive. When he gets in physical battles, use rebound near the crease. Worst case? Jones holds on and the Devils get the size and the skating that he has to be able to end plays and transition a faceoff in the offensive zone. Sharks get their first power play after pucks. We’ve really liked him. We think he’s moved the puck very well. controlling puck in the Devils’ zone as Moore holds Meier at 9:52. He skates very well. He’s got a good shot. He can play at a high pace. All Shorthanded, Mueller lines up a slap from the left point that knuckles and those things are important. Now, for him, it’s understanding there’s a time goes off the cross bar. At 12:40, Tierney redirects a shot toward the and a place where you have to engage and be hard and if he can do that, crease and Kinkaid stays on it. Sharks outshooting the Devils 8-6. But he’s going to be a very good player for us.” the Sharks take a 1-0 lead at 5:49 as, behind the Devils’ net, Hertl spins away from Moore and Karlsson sneaks to the left post. Devils lose their Devils place G Cory Schneider on injured reserve coverage and Karlsson one-times in Hertl’s feed. The Devils get their second power play at 14:32 as Pavelski high sticks Coleman. Stafford is Devils Taylor Hall not looking forward to week-long break robbed by Jones as he gets off a slap in the slot at 16:48. Jones is then What to watch for in tonight’s game (quickly): helped out by the iron as Coleman, on a backhander, puts the puck where the left post meets the corssbar. Wood penalized for holding the 1. Keith Kinkaid’s been feeling good about his game and he stopped all stick at 17:19 and the Sharks nearly take a two-goal lead as Meier slips nine shots he faced against the Senators in his relief appearance. With behind Greene and Lovejoy but hits the left post. Kinkaid scrambles and no morning skate today (actually, Kinkaid hates the morning skate when covers up. Shorthanded, Bratt leads a rush but Jones stops Coleman – he’s starting), getting in last night was probably a good thing for tonight. who’s been really good in the first period – at the crease. The Devils kill it Guess here is Kinkaid stays sharp. off and then go back on the power play with 38.7 seconds left as Hansen is called for holding Zacha in the Sharks’ zone. Shots are even at 13 but the Sharks have won 15 of 23 faceoffs. Second period: Well, there was nothing to report about the end of that Devils power play. Nothing. The Sharks pin the Devils in for about, let’s call it a minute, 45 and Kinkaid finally covers. A couple of blasts went wide as the Sharks’ fourth line outworks a tired Devils’ crew. Kinkaid finally covers at 4:15. Devils can’t hold off the Sharks playing this way, with the Sharks getting all the puck possession and it’s 2-0 at 5:49 as Pavelski gets to the low slot and deflects in Braun’s blast from the right point. Thornton gets the secondary assist and now has 1,395 career points, passing Luc Robitaille for 21st place all time in NHL history. Palmieri off for cross checking Dillon at 6:07. The Devils penalty kill produces the most consistent offense the Devils have shown in the game as Henrique, off a rush, got off a backhander that rolled slowly past Jones and hit off the left post. Potential big moment in the game (presuming Devils can kill this off and mount a comeback). Wood called for a four-minute double minor for high sticking Thornton at 13:59. Really good kill by the Devils, who escape still trailing 2-0 and do not allow a shot on the four-minute power play. Now comes the having to mount the comeback part. Uh, about that. Donskoi skates through zone, gets off a shot and backhands in his own rebound at 18:50 for a 3-0 Sharks lead. Sharks up on shots 24-19 through two and the Devils in real danger of being shut out for the first time this season. Third period: Early chance for the Devils, 0 for 3 on the power play, as Burns cross checks Coleman at 3:22. Devils can’t convert but go right back on the power play as Donskoi slashes Gibbons at 5:43. Pavelski gets away without being called for spearing as he gets his stick into Bratt’s groin region without a whistle. Wood has not played since taking that double minor. First shutout loss of the season as the Devils were outshot 33-28. Sharks played a really sharp game, that’s a lot of the reason the Devils never got to their game. Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079263 New Jersey Devils

Devils place G Cory Schneider on injured reserve

Andrew Gross, Published 6:05 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

NEWARK – The Devils placed Cory Schneider on injured reserve on Friday with a lower-body injury suffered in Thursday night’s 5-4 overtime win at Ottawa. But they’re hoping their No. 1 goalie only misses one game. Schneider is eligible to be activated on Oct. 27, when the Devils resume their season against the Senators after playing the Sharks on Friday night at Prudential Center. Scott Wedgewood, 25, was recalled from Binghamton (AHL) to serve as Keith Kinkaid’s backup against the Sharks. “Cory wasn’t going to back up tonight anyways so we’ll just see how he does the next couple of days and hopefully he’s back in practice during the next week,” said Devils coach John Hynes, adding Schneider would not participate in Sunday’s practice – the team’s next time on ice – and would be re-evaluated on Monday. Devils Taylor Hall not looking forward to week-long break Nico Hischier scores, Cory Schneider hurt in Devils' 5-4 OT win over Senators “I’d classify it more as a tweak,” Hynes added after Schneider exited Thursday’s game after stopping 20 of 24 shots through two periods and was seen exiting the arena walking fine and without aids. “That’s why we’re thinking it’s not overly serious because he did finish the period but then, after getting evaluated, it was a smart move to pull him.” The 31-year-old Schneider, reunited with Roland Melanson after the Devils hired the former Canucks goalie coach this summer, is 4-1-0 with a 3.30 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage. His GAA and save percentage have suffered over his last three outings as he made 23 saves in a 5-2 loss to the visiting Capitals on Oct. 13, stopped 33 shots in a 5-4 shootout victory over the visiting Lightning on Tuesday. Mueller’s chance Defenseman Mirco Mueller, 22, a healthy scratch in three of the four previous games, was in the lineup against his former team after the Sharks dealt him to the Devils for a second- and fourth-round pick on June 17. Hynes, looking for fresh legs, also inserted veteran Ben Lovejoy, a healthy scratch in five of the first seven games, for Dalton Prout while Steven Santini, 22, leading the Devils with an average of 20:58 of ice time sat for the first time this season. “We thought Mirco played well the last game he played,” Hynes said of his 18:33 in Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout win over the visiting Lightning. “The fact that Mirco can come in and play against San Jose is probably something that’s important for him.” Right wing Stefan Noesen also was a healthy scratch as Jimmy Hayes was back in the lineup after sitting out Thursday. Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079264 New Jersey Devils

Devils Taylor Hall not looking forward to week-long break

Andrew Gross, Published 3:58 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 | Updated 5:11 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017

NEWARK – As far as Taylor Hall is concerned, summers are for resting. This upcoming week-long break the Devils have is just an unfortunate halt to their schedule, though the timing now isn’t all that bad with news that No. 1 goalie Cory Schneider landed on injured reserve on Friday after suffering a lower-body injury in Thursday night’s 5-4 overtime win at Ottawa. Schneider is eligible to be activated on Oct. 27, when the Devils resume their season against the Senators at Prudential Center. The Devils faced the Sharks on Friday night at Prudential Center to end a stretch of eight games in 14 days to start the season and conclude their second back-to-back after a 5-4 overtime win at Ottawa on Thursday night in which Hall tied a career-high with four assists. “I had all summer to rest,” Hall said. “I’d rather be playing hockey than getting these breaks. It’s really tough to take seven days off and get back to game speed right away. It’s tough at this age. When I was 16, I didn’t know any better. Now that I’m 25, I’m so used to playing and playing and playing. It’s unfortunate but you’ve got to deal with and hopefully we can get better from it.” The Devils’ NHL-mandated bye week is Jan 8-12 The Devils entered Friday having won six of their first seven. Hall, the top-line left wing on a trio now centered by dynamic No. 1 overall pick Nico Hischier and with steady veteran Drew Stafford, had a goal and eight assists in his first seven games after tying Kyle Palmieri for the team lead in points with 53 on 20 goals and 33 in his first season with the Devils. Hall, who has yet to make the playoffs as he starts his eighth NHL season, said he is “cautiously optimistic” about the Devils’ strong start, remembering the how the team got off to a good start last season before finishing last in the Eastern Conference with a conference-low 183 points. “Last year we were 9-3-3 to start the year and then we all know how we finished,” Hall said. “It’s about staying focused every day and staying committed to what we’re doing as a team.” Still, every point helps, be it in October or March. “It is huge,” Hall said. “You get points now, it just makes it so much easier later on. And, we’re not fully healthy. We’re missing probably our No. 1 center [Travis Zajac, torn left pectoral muscle] and our third or fourth center [Brian Boyle, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia]. “It’s important for us to maintain our place in the standings and our identity as a team and the way we want to play,” Hall added. “You want to start off well, I’m not discounting that at all.” After an offseason in which Palmieri said in training camp the Devils were well aware they had a reputation as a “soft” team last season, the strong start has gained notice. Online odds maker Bovada.com released its updated Stanley Cup odds early on Friday. The Devils, who opened the season a 150-1 choice to win the Stanley Cup, are now listed at 40-1. The residual effect of the Devils’ strong start is that opponents are surely more aware of their talents now. Led by the infusion of Hischier and fellow rookie Jesper Bratt’s speed and ability to contribute five on five as well as on the power play and the penalty kill, ex-Capital Marcus Johansson’s insertion among the top six forwards, and rookie defenseman Will Butcher’s playmaking abilities, the Devils have become one of the NHL’s faster, better puck-moving teams. “I’m not in the other dressing room, I can’t really say if they think we’re soft or easy to play against,” Hall said. “If teams do want to take us lightly, it’s on us to counteract that. Eventually, you want to get to the point where you get respect in the league and teams don’t want to face you.” Bergen Record LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079265 New Jersey Devils

Devils’ offense goes dry, while Schneider goes on IR

By Associated Press October 20, 2017 | 10:20pm | Updated

Even a healthy Cory Schneider might not have made a difference for the Devils. Martin Jones made 28 saves for his first shutout of the season and 16th overall in the Sharks’ 3-0 victory over the Devils at Prudential Center on Friday night. Melker Karlsson, Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi scored and Justin Braun had two assists to help the Sharks open a five-game East Coast trip. Keith Kinkaid, the top goalie for the Devils with Schneider on injured reserve, stopped 30 shots as New Jersey’s three-game winning streak came to an end. The Devils placed Schneider on injured reserve Friday with a lower-body injury and recalled Scott Wedgewood from Binghamton of the AHL to serve as Kinkaid’s backup. “We were a little stubborn tonight,” Devils captain Andy Greene said. “We weren’t using our speed to create chances and to put them in foot races. We did it [in] spurts and we had some great chances, but we didn’t do it long enough and hard enough.” The Devils couldn’t muster a strong push in the later stages against the rested Sharks. It was the Devils’ second game two nights following a 5-4 overtime victory in Ottawa. And it showed against the Sharks, who played a solid road game, pressed their advantage and solidly supported Jones. “He played a really good game,” Devils forward Kyle Palmieri said of Jones. “He was solid. He’s a really good goaltender obviously with the success he’s had in San Jose. He’s a big guy who takes up a lot of net. He did a pretty good job of controlling his rebounds and making sure there weren’t too many easy looks for us.” Karlsson scored the lone goal of the opening period at 14:11 on a close- in shot following a slick behind-the-net setup pass from Tomas Hertl. The shots were 13 for each team in the evenly played period. The Devils came close on several occasions as former Shark Mirco Mueller and Blake Coleman both hit the crossbar and Jones robbed Drew Stafford on a dead-on drive from the slot. Pavelski and Donskoi got second-period goals as the Sharks steadily tightened their grip on the game. Pavelski tipped in Braun’s point shot at 5:49. Joe Thornton got the second assist, his 1,395th point, to pass Luc Robitaille for 21st on the career list. Donskoi backhanded a rebound shot with 1:10 left in the period in which the Sharks outshot the Devils 11-6. The remaining drama centered on Jones’ shutout bid. New York Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079266 New York Islanders

Islanders need to clean up sloppy play

Updated October 20, 2017 7:47 PM By Arthur Staple

Thursday’s win felt good, but seven games into the season, the Islanders still aren’t the team they hoped they would be. In fact, their last two victories — Thursday’s 4-3 shootout win over the Rangers at Madison Square Garden and a 3-1 win in San Jose last Saturday — have featured some of the team’s sloppiest play this season. Coach Doug Weight started Thursday’s game with 11 forwards and seven defensemen and essentially cut down to 10 forwards and six defensemen for the third period, when the Rangers surged and took away any semblance of an Islanders forecheck. Josh Ho-Sang, who passed up a couple of good scoring opportunities in the first two periods, got only one early third-period shift. Ryan Pulock, dressed as the seventh defenseman to give the power play a boost, got only two shifts in the third. Similar to the win over the Sharks, who will visit Barclays Center on Saturday, the Islanders had trouble handling wave after wave of Rangers in the first 15 minutes of the third period on Thursday. Despite some good possession numbers through the first six games, the Isles not only couldn’t build on a 3-1 lead entering the third but seemed unable to exit their zone without a calamity. “That starts with me. I really got them going,” said center Anders Lee, whose turnover inside the blue line led to Mats Zuccarello’s goal to start the Rangers’ comeback. “You have to be able to make smart decisions and put the pressure on when you’re ahead, and we definitely didn’t do that. Myself most of all.” Weight didn’t reveal any lineup changes for Saturday’s game other than to go with Thomas Greiss in goal. Greiss was the star of the win in San Jose with 40 saves against his former team. Jaroslav Halak let in a bad tying goal on Thursday but was superb in overtime and the shootout, finishing with 38 stops. Weight must decide what to do with hard-working forward Anthony Beauvillier, 20, who has been scratched the last three games. If he’s out again Saturday, the Isles will have to consider sending him to Bridgeport to play; Beauvillier does not need waivers to go to the AHL. Ho-Sang, a healthy scratch on opening night in Columbus, might be the one to return to street clothes. “We talk about rolling lines over. The shifts were a little too long and, full disclosure, I didn’t like that he came out to the point, did a couple circles and it doesn’t look like it’s his guy [getting a scoring chance], but it is,” Weight said of Ho-Sang. “There’s habits you’ve got to break. It’s not about him not caring. He just loves to play and he got himself carried away a little bit.” Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079267 New York Rangers

Alain Vigneault blames Rangers’ early struggles on ‘combination’ of everything

JUSTIN TASCH Friday, October 20, 2017, 7:25 PM

In examining why his club has been getting off to so many poor starts, Alain Vigneault says it's "a combination of all of the above" with respect to structural issues and poor puck decisions. The Rangers know they need to make less riskier plays early in the game so they don't have to scratch and claw their way uphill for most of the contest. This is a mental hurdle the Rangers need to clear when they host Western Conference champion Nashville Saturday afternoon. It may sound crazy that a team faces a must-win situation after only eight games, but sitting at the bottom of a highly competitive division with only four points, the Rangers badly need a victory. "This group is together. It's accountable. It's focused," said Vigneault, who added players were doing extra on-ice and video work. "They want to succeed. They want the Rangers and their fans to be happy, and that's what we're all trying to do here. Obviously right now because of the circumstances it's a little bit challenging on the ice and obviously mentally, but as you can see guys don't give up. Guys play the right way, battle hard, and that's what we're gonna do (Saturday.)" As of Friday afternoon the Rangers were giving up the eighth-most goals per game in the league (3.63,) tied for scoring the fifth-fewest goals per game (2.5) and were dead last in the now 31-team NHL in penalty-kill percentage (73.3.) The mounting number of poor starts has led to some players forcing things within the first few shifts. "I think as it's built up here, we started early on and it still seems like we're trying to do a little something extra at the start to make sure that we don't have a bad start," Kevin Shattenkirk said. "It feels like we're trying to play out of our structure and out of our game to get the first goal, and just need to be a little more patient. (Thursday) night was a tough one going on the penalty kill early on. But I think as far as a team, we played our game for a longer amount of time. We need to continue to really hammer that home in our minds." More goals should come. The team and especially Rick Nash - whom Vigneault called a "beast" and "the image of our team right now" - have been unlucky at times not to score more, a trend which generally corrects itself over time if the number of scoring chances is maintained. But for all the positives they're trying to focus on from their two games this week, that hasn't manifested into wins. Defensively they must be more sound, make things harder for the opposition in the neutral zone and must handle the puck with more care and make smarter decisions right from the puck drop. "There's so many different variables," Brendan Smith said. "I know it's early, but we have to clean those up soon so we can start putting some wins on the board." New York Daily News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079268 New York Rangers J.T. Brown’s message Tampa Bay forward J.T. Brown has been the only NHL player to take part in any anthem protest thus far, raising his fist back on Oct. 7. A solution to the NHL’s advanced stats problem pic.twitter.com/8yoo1PH6ct

— steph (@myregularface) October 8, 2017 By Brett Cyrgalis October 20, 2017 | 12:16PM He then released a statement on Wednesday explaining why he is no longer doing it, and what he is doing instead. And this surely seems like During a recent casual conversation with someone who has been the appropriate way to utilize this platform — bring attention to yourself intimately involved in the NHL for decades, he jokingly said this: “You by protesting, and then shift the attention to the issues you want ever think that all of these off-ice officials are actually the same people in addressed. Good for J.T., and good for the Lightning, the NHL and the every arena?” NHLPA for sticking up for him. It was a funny take on this gaggle of people in each city who keep the Malicious vs. unfortunate official stats for the league, sitting up in press boxes all clad in starched Here is the line in the sand for the new head of the Department of Player white shirts and black blazers with the NHL shield sewn to the breast Safety (DPS), George Parros. The hit from Vancouver defenseman Erik pocket (and into their hearts). The overwhelming majority of them are Gudbranson on the Bruins forward Frank Vatrano on Thursday is a tough retired white men with poorly veiled rooting interests in the home team. I situation, and the major boarding call was the right one. laughed and added that I always thought the guy with the mustache was in charge. (And Boston sure has to be happy they put three power-play goals on the board during that five-minute man-advantage.) But the real point is that these are the people who are responsible for all the numbers that have such an influence on the perception of the game. Gudbranson gets a major for boarding pic.twitter.com/nQ9fEWpmRF A player and a team go into an contract arbitration hearing with reams of data to prove that he is either worth more or less than the money being — steph (@myregularface) October 19, 2017 offered, and all of that data is based on these off-ice officials properly But the hit from the Stars’ Martin Hanzal on Nashville’s Yannick Weber recording a game that is damn near impossible to properly record. from last week was awful, and didn’t draw a suspension at all. In fact, Goals, assists, and even plus-minus rating have been used forever, and some people are arguing it shouldn’t have been a penalty?!? are somewhat indisputable. But so much of the “advanced stats” are Hanzal major for this hit on Weber pic.twitter.com/X8DSQq5kaK based on shot attempts, and those can be very difficult to accurately report. — steph (@myregularface) October 13, 2017 I like the idea of tracking possession, and I find stats like Corsi and Weber put himself in a vulnerable position reaching for the puck, but isn’t Fenwick occasionally useful. But how about a shift when a player’s team it on Hanzal to not bury his shoulder into Weber’s head? If it’s possible has three attempted shots from the blue line that all go wide, and then he for that not to be a penalty according to the rulebook, and to not be a loses his man in the defensive zone and gives up a great scoring suspension according to DPS, then player safety is a joke. chance? He finishes that shift plus-2 in Individual Corsi. Was that a productive shift? Stay tuned . . . But now we’re talking about the value of that specific stat, when the issue Hischier first NHL goal pic.twitter.com/SruzhDfJ0h here is how the stat is actually kept. — steph (@myregularface) October 19, 2017 Which is why teams aren’t spending all day on the league’s website . . . to the Devils. Yes, that’s right, the New Jersey Devils. They were pouring over the section of stats they call “enhanced.” Goodness knows supposed to be bad again (don’t know who would’ve thought that), but how much commissioner Gary Bettman and the owners paid the software they’re in first place in the Metropolitan Division at 6-1-0. company SAP in developing that and now maintaining it. The No. 1-overall pick, Nico Hischier, scored his first two NHL goals on Because the livelihood of those people who work for teams is based on Thursday night and rookie defenseman Will Butcher — arguably the most winning, they track their own stats, keep them private and use them for important and overlooked signing of the summer, coming out of their own internal evaluations. University of Denver as the reigning Hobey Baker Award winner — has Rick Nash against the IslandersAP nine assists in his first six games, the most for a rookie in that span in league history. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault is open about his team’s tracking of scoring chances, for and against, while a player is on the ice. Surely they Finally, interesting times out at The Rock. value “Grade-A” with more importance — good and bad, as in for and Parting Shot against — than what they would deem “Grade-B” chances. So quickly, how’d Rick Nash play in Thursday’s 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders? This just about says it all concerning Connor McDavid: Let’s estimate and say his team had about 10 scoring chances while he was on the ice, maybe five of them “Grade-A,” and about three of them Connor McDavid. We are not worthy pic.twitter.com/b3MPlfOveQ Grade-A with him the shooter. The team probably gave up three or four — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) October 20, 2017 scoring chances against with him on the ice and even the goal that Mathew Barzal scored while beating Nash to the outside wasn’t exactly a New York Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 terrific look. So the Rangers probably have a number value to quantify how well Nash played, which he certainly did. Traditionally, he finished without a point and minus-1. In advanced lingo, he had a relatively ambiguous Corsi-For percentage of 53.85 (meaning that percent of shots with him on the ice went for his team). So here’s a proposal: How about the league takes minimal effort to find someone who recently worked in a front office and hire them to keep stats the way teams do. This person can oversee the league’s whole statistical universe, which includes monitoring the quality control of the off-ice officials. It is easy to first do away with giveaways and takeaways — the most woefully kept stats in all of sports, with hits being a close second — and bring in scoring chances, and grade them. It won’t create any more work if done right, only different, more intelligent work. Then the fans and media would have the resource to properly evaluate players and teams, and better understand the decisions made by coaches. Because now, despite the label of “advanced” or “enhanced” stats, we’re all still living in the dark ages with the same people in every arena leading the way. 1079269 New York Rangers

Rangers can’t will way out of slump no matter how hard they try

By Brett Cyrgalis October 20, 2017 | 8:49PM

Brendan Smith not only didn’t hesitate, he couldn’t even wait for the question to end before answering. “Yes, 100 percent,” the Rangers defenseman said after practice Friday when asked if players have to guard against trying to do too much when they’re in a rut like his team, now with a historically poor 1-5-2 start to the season, as the Stanley Cup-finalist Predators come to the Garden for a Saturday matinee. “That’s the biggest thing, whenever you’re chasing something, that’s when you try to do too much,” Smith said. “And you get the KISS method — Keep it Simple, or Smart, however you want to talk about it. For sure, you don’t want to overdo it because you almost put yourself in a more hurtful position.” So that is where the Rangers are, with rehashed acronyms and tired sayings about doing the right thing, because what else is there? They have gotten off to slow starts in almost every one of their games — allowing the first goal on the first shot of the game twice and on the third shot three times, including a 4-3 shootout loss Thursday to the Islanders at the Garden. But why that is happening is hard to nail down except that the Rangers are just trying so darn hard not to let it happen that they’re getting in their own way. “With the willingness of the individuals, it’s normal to want to be the difference maker, want to be out there, want to do a little more,” coach Alain Vigneault said. “We have to get them focused on the right things — short-shift hockey, make the right plays.” In being asked to analyze their games and why things have gone awry, the Rangers are aware that talking about all the good things they’re doing — which are plentiful — sounds hollow in the wake of another loss. But it’s true there is a lot of good, especially with their resiliency to come back. It’s also true none of that matters if it doesn’t result in wins coming soon. “We’re a team that could easily give up the first goal and get down on ourselves and let the rest of the game slip away,” defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. “But we’re hungry. We’re hungry for a win and it’s hurting just as much in here as it’s hurting everyone away from the rink.” Shattenkirk was the big addition this offseason in general manager Jeff Gorton’s attempt to rebuild the back end. But it has been a slow adjustment for him and his blue-line mates, who still seem to try for that home-run pass that just isn’t there early in every game. “Our defense is such a big part of how we play,” Vigneault said, “both to defend and offensively.” Even as the Rangers stormed back from a 3-1 deficit against the rival Islanders, there were times when certain players were trying to do it all by themselves. The same could be said for coming back Tuesday against the Penguins and Saturday against the Devils. But there were comebacks in all three games, the results undercut by lapses in judgement when players were trying to do too much by themselves. “Our last three games at home, you can analyze them any way you want — New Jersey, Pittsburgh and [the Islanders], we played well,” Vigneault said. “We played against good teams and we played well. Could have been a different outcome. It’s not. Get back at it.” This type of situation can also fracture teams from within, but that’s something these Rangers are adamant isn’t happening — at least, not yet. “You look at our guys, you look at the attitude, nobody is pointing the finger or trying to blame anything,” Vigneault said. “We’re all working through this, we know it’s going to be challenging.” But the only way out is with wins, and every game is another opportunity to start turning it around or to fall deeper into the abyss. “It’s a fine line,” Vigneault said, “and right now we’re on the wrong side of that fine line.” New York Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079270 New York Rangers

Pavel Buchnevich responds to demotion with game he needed

By Brett Cyrgalis October 20, 2017 | 7:08PM

As Rangers coach Alain Vigneault shuffled his lines, talented 22-year-old Russian winger Pavel Buchnevich fell to the fourth line. That has limited Buchnevich’s ice time in each of the past two games, as the Rangers are 1-5-2 to start the season with the Predators coming to the Garden for a Saturday matinee. But Buchnevich’s skills were on display Thursday late in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Islanders, when Vigneault shortened his bench and put either Mika Zibanejad or J.T. Miller as the fourth-line center in place of Adam Cracknell, with Michael Grabner on the left wing. “When I shortened up the bench, I thought [Buchnevich’s] line with Grabs was real effective,” Vigneault said after practice Friday, when the lines and defensive pairs stayed the same as they have been. “They had some real good minutes in the offensive zone. “Butchie is a young player. Played [41] games last year, is learning to become a pro, is learning to be consistent. He’s still out on the ice with our first power-play unit. He’s got a tremendous amount of skill and he’s going to get better for us.” Vigneault found an interesting way to describe the start of Rick Nash’s season. The alternate captain has been a force — fourth among forwards with 34 shots on goal going into Friday with just one goal to show for it. “He’s a beast, he’s the image of our team right now,” Vigneault said. “He’s working his bag off, he’s getting tons of scoring chances and he’s only got one goal. Do I go to Rick and say he’s got to do more? “Finishing is the end result, but I believe if you do the right things, the right reward and right outcome it will come. I believe for Rick, like the rest of our group, the right outcome is going to come.” is set to get the start in goal Saturday, his third straight start and eighth out of the first nine games of the season. Defenseman Brendan Smith said he still couldn’t believe his third-period goal Thursday was taken off the scoreboard after a video review determined he kicked it in. “I did watch it, and I was more frustrated after watching it,” Smith said. “I knew in my heart that I didn’t kick it, and that’s what makes it hard. … It’s like a flip of a coin now with these calls.” New York Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079271 New York Rangers

Rangers fight to stay off bad season precipice

Updated October 20, 2017 5:20 PM By Steve Zipay

GREENBURGH, N.Y. — When the Rangers were in West Point in early October for team-bonding activities, esteemed mountaineer Ed Viesturs spoke to them about the challenge and the teamwork required to scale the world’s highest peaks. Hopefully, they took his advice to heart because the Blueshirts, bogged down in the snow of a 1-5-2 start, have a long, difficult climb ahead of them. The pressure is on the players, head coach Alain Vigneault and general manager Jeff Gorton to collectively dig out. At this juncture, players can’t focus on past defeats or playoff possibilities. Based on recent years, it may take 96 points for a wild-card spot. The Blueshirts have four. This inconsistent and somewhat unlucky group desperately needs some wins and confidence, beginning by not falling behind early in games. “As it’s built up here, we’re trying to do a little something extra so we don’t have a bad start,” said Kevin Shattenkirk. “It’s never a place you want to be, coming from behind all the time. But that shows a lot about us. We’re hungry for a win. It’s hurting us in here, but we’re still fighting.” The next round is Saturday afternoon against Nashville (4-2-1) in the fourth game of a season-high six straight at home. The Blueshirts can point to the Predators, who were slow out of the gate last year at 2-5-1, and made it to the Final, or the Ducks, who made the playoffs after a 1-5- 2 start in 2015-16. Isles beat Rangers on Tavares’ shootout goal “We’re just going to try to build off the way we played in the third period (against the Islanders),” said defenseman Brendan Smith, referring to the third-period rally that tied and erased a two-goal deficit in the 4-3 shootout loss. The Blueshirts also came back against the Penguins in Tuesday’s 5-4 overtime loss. “Other teams, after they play us, I’ve talked to them, and they’re like ‘Wow, you guys are really good, we just got some fortunate bounces,’ Smith said.” During a brisk, short practice Friday, Vigneault ran the same line combinations that started against the Islanders and said Henrik Lundqvist would make his seventh start against the Predators. Vigneault also pointed to veteran forward Rick Nash as the “image” of the team’s current state. “He’s been a beast, he’s working his bag off, getting tons of scoring chances, and he’s only got one goal, ” said Vigneault. “I’ve been through a few of these situations, like any coach who’s been around a while. They want to succeed . . . it’s a little bit challenging, on the ice and mentally, but our second half of the (Islanders) game, we played as a five-man group. That’s how we have to play. It’s a fine line and right now, we’re on the wrong side of that line.” Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 10.21.2017

1079272 NHL Avery gets through it fine, but you can see him acting. Face screwed up, eyes narrowed, mouth twisted. Kimball's soothing him throughout, speaking in an exaggerated whisper. She reminds him to project to the Hockey's Hotspur tells all centre and back of the room, where I'm sitting.

Avery's not entirely happy with his performance. He's starting to get frustrated. CATHAL KELLY "Back when I was playing, this would be easy," he says. "I would be like 10 HOURS AGO …" – his face changes suddenly, becomes slack and expressionless; his eyes deaden; his shoulders fall; he's bent over, but he looks bigger – "… OCTOBER 20, 2017 I'm going to kill you. I'm going to kill you. You better not get out on the ice. I'm going to two-hand you. I'm going to baseball-swing you. And it's going to hurt." Sean Avery wants to start off with some Shakespeare. Maybe Henry IV, Part 1. He's staring directly through me.

"The Hotspur?" his acting coach, Kim Kimball, suggests. And you suddenly get why people were afraid of Sean Avery.

The formerly most hated man in hockey nods to himself. He's done this He still keeps a hockey schedule – two workouts a day, morning and one a lot. Hotspur – a brawling, charismatic loudmouth who finally picks night, with a nap in the afternoon. the wrong fight and gets done in for it. "I told my wife that if I start to go, tell me. That's a slow death." Avery raises a hand, Olivier-style. Eight months ago, she told him. So here he is at an upscale gym at 8:30 "My liege, I did deny no prisoners. But I remember …" – a small pause of in the morning, doing wind sprints on a treadmill. This is where Avery forgetfulness – "… FUCK." wants to start the interview.

Kimball, a small woman with a big presence, flinches. Avery paces A few stationary joggers stare over with a, "Wait, isn't that …?" look. But around the makeshift stage in her Greenwich studio. He's dressed in tight since it's New York, no one says anything. tip-to-toe black, like some beatnik bodybuilder. He's ignoring the Though he has often said he played a character on the ice, Avery isn't photographer crouched beneath him, while giving her his best side. much different in civilian life. He's a chatty provocateur who likes liking Avery, 37, has done a bunch of things since falling sideways out of the things – film, art, fashion – that hockey players aren't supposed to care NHL five years ago. He's been a fashion person, a restaurateur and a bar about. Did you see Wind River? Because he saw it four times the week it owner. The sort of things rich, connected New Yorkers who bore easily was released. do. Most off-duty pros walk around in public with their heads down, terrified About a year ago, Avery decided he wanted to become an author and an of being spotted. Avery has the chin-up swagger of a man who enjoys actor. being noticed.

The writing didn't come easily – though his memoir will be released He didn't finish school and that has created a small gap in his self- shortly – but the acting seemed natural. Few hockey pros have ever perception. Over the course of his memoir, he reminds you three times treated the game so much like a one-man show. that he modelled tuxedos on Good Morning America and once that he made out with Scarlett Johansson. He found Kimball online. Like just about everything Avery has ever done, he overdoes this, too. He goes every day of the week, often twice. In person, he's easy to like – earnest, funny, enjoys people. When a 40- ish woman approaches him in a diner for an autograph, Avery is so at "Which is more than any student I've ever had," Kimball says. "Times ease with her that at first I think they're friends. five." He goes to Broadway two or three times a month to see a play. Any play. After he's got through the Shakespeare, Avery wants to find something He's lived here for most of a decade and still approaches Manhattan like more prosaic. He's flipping through a four-inch-thick binder he's brought a teenager who has just popped out of Penn Station for the first time and along. It contains every monologue he's learned, tabbed and colour- can't get over how tall the buildings are. coded. He's very quiet in here. There is no hint of the darkness that occasionally fell over him during his Does everyone have one of these binders? career, and always to his detriment. All of that energy is focused backward. "Only Sean," Kimball says, then mouths, " Very anal." "They're either going to pretend it didn't happen, or they're going to come Kimball didn't know who Avery was when he arrived, but other people in after me," Avery says. the studio spotted him straight off. Since he's a working-class New York Rangers cult hero married to a supermodel, Hilary Rhoda, Avery's Page Toradol was the reason I couldn’t wait for the playoffs. I knew I’d be Six glamour has proved resilient. getting a shot before every game.

Kimball found one of his mid-game freakouts on YouTube. Like most SEAN AVERY, ON THE PREVALENCE OF PAIN KILLERS IN THE NHL hockey scolds and Defenders of the Great Tradition, she was horrified. Friends suggested she hire security to just happen to hang around He's talking about the NHL's reaction to his coming autobiography, whenever Avery was there. Especially at the more "volatile" improvs. Offside.

That wasn't necessary. Avery says he has trouble accessing anger now (In a nod to America's hockey IQ, it'll be called Ice Capades in the United that he's given up hockey. States.)

Shortly after he started the lessons, he burst into tears while driving You probably have an idea of how Sean Avery would write a book. alone to Muskoka. A Tragically Hip song came on and flipped a switch in Whether you admired his iconoclasm or tolerated his boorishness or him. despised him on general principles, you probably think you have Avery pegged. If you were to visualize his literary process, it'd be a man "I was thinking about Gord and life and the paradox and the journey and attacking a box of paper with a machete. all that," Avery says. "I hadn't cried in years." Though it is often sharp and keenly observed – especially its insights on But since tough guys and sociopaths are his likeliest route into the NHL lockout and the rhythms of life as a pro – there is a lot of that Hollywood, Kimball is pushing him in that direction. She calls this sort of thing in there. "locating the rage spot." On his former L.A. coach Andy Murray: "… an alien impersonating a At her suggestion, Avery's next effort is a piece from Glengarry Glen human, and not doing a great job of it." Ross, the "Who ever told you could work with men?" speech. On teammate Jason Williams: "… a kiss-ass, one-dimensional Avery cocks a grin, "Toradol was the reason I couldn't wait for the automaton." playoffs. I knew I'd be getting a shot before every game."

On Dave Lewis, but somehow looping in John Tortorella: "Lewis was a Is it like this for everyone? very good coach, but even John Tortorella would have to work pretty hard not to win with this crew (still, he could manage it.)" "Everyone. That's another thing they don't want you to know."

On Martin Brodeur: "a fucking dirtbag." There are a lot of things the NHL doesn't want you to know that Avery would really like to tell you about. This book is Ken Dryden's The Game Forget about not pulling punches. Avery gets his enemies down on the rewritten by Hunter Thompson. Some readers may get lost in recaps of page and kicks them bloody for several paragraphs. Brodeur is a the "sloppy seconds" incident, but it would be a shame. This is the NHL particular target, with a bunch of ugly stuff about the goalie's private life you don't get from post-game scrums. that a lot of people know, but choose to leave alone. Avery says the book is a way of sealing off the past. In a couple of years, As he runs, Avery is anxious to get my thoughts on the book. Did I read it he'd like to be an established actor. He's been on a couple of auditions all? Did I like it? Is there anything there I would have changed? Is it too for major parts in the past month. His buddy, director Peter Berg, has much? promised to put him in his next movie.

When he asks the last question, I mention Brodeur. That one seemed But if you could, would you still play? excessive. Avery is of two minds. He says he doesn't regret leaving when he did, Avery jumps off the treadmill, pulls back and bugs his eyes so that he having just turned 32. can fully take in my softness. "I wasn't growing with anyone. They were all staying on the same "Why? He did it, didn't he? He is a dirtbag," Avery says. "Am I wrong?" wavelength," Avery says. "Growth made me an outcast."

Well, maybe not if you're Sean Avery. But … "I could play today in a heartbeat." He figures he'd need two months to get in game shape. There are two types of people in Avery's world – those who are on his side, and those who must be destroyed. When Avery says he can play, he's not talking about shoring up the third line for some mid-table team. He means adding something to an If you fall in the latter category, there is no sense of proportion in his entertainment product trapped in robotic stasis. response. It's full-on war. A lot of pros bring this attitude to the park. Avery lives it. "There is zero individuality in the NHL today. You don't see anybody in the league with any flavour," Avery says. "That's what I don't understand His main targets, like his coach in New York, Tortorella, get repeated about the young guys. None of them have the urge to be stars." literary beatings. A few others get drive-bys (on one opponent: "I asked what it felt like to be the only NHL star player making millions a year to He waves his hand in the air – "They all look the same to me." actually get dumped by his wife in his prime.") We're getting near the end of this thing, but Avery still has a lot of Avery is taken aback that I am taken aback. questions. How does journalism work? Who do you talk to? Do they all tell you things, or what? I have never met a published writer who is so At first, he's defensive – "I never took a shot that was above and beyond innocently taken by the 'glamour' of the exercise. the truth." One thing bothers him. The idea that people will read this and take away But Avery has a way of talking himself through things. It's like watching a from it things he may not have intended has got into Avery's head. Like man put himself on the couch and do auto-psychoanalysis. Shanahan. On the stuff about him and Chelios falling out over the way "I honestly don't even think about it." the players' union handled the lockout. It'll be okay, right? He'll see what I meant? Small pause. I suggest to him that the issue may be that people don't read the whole "Does that make me a bad person?" – said like it's an honest question. book. They may just skim a single page and take it amiss.

Another pause. "Right," Avery says. "I didn't think of it like that."

"Now I'm wondering if people are thinking about it." We're standing on the sidewalk in front of his Noho apartment building. Avery has a faraway look. You feel the need to reassure him. In the space of 10 seconds, Avery has gone from indignation to something verging on remorse. I say that while the book is full of liaisons, it has three real love interests – Shanahan, Chelios and Hull. They are the focus of romance here. The bile is leavened by Avery's reverence for everyone who was ever kind to him, especially older men. Avery just nods.

His key triumvirate is taken from his first experiences in the NHL – Red We stand there for another minute silently and when I look back over Wings veterans Brendan Shanahan, Chris Chelios and Brett Hull. They Avery is about to cry. His eyes have reddened. His lower lip is trembling. are "gods" and "savages" – highest praise in the Avery lexicon. If you think NHLers live like rock stars, Avery is here to tell you that you "I get emotional thinking about it," he says. "How they shaped me. They guessed right. turned me into a man, even more than my own father."

Those will be the highlights for readers looking for the hockey soap It's a moment. Avery is showing you the uncomfortable kid who never opera, the who-did-what-to-whom and this-one-crazy-night stories. That quite fit in, and handled it by inviting – sometimes begging – people to won't bother the NHL. hate him. This is the real Avery, the one that very few people in hockey understood. What may bother the league very much is the more substantive, process- oriented stuff. Like how agents manipulate players. Or the general As he says it, a guy in his 30s glances over while walking by, takes a incompetence of many of the top people in the game. Or the routine use second to register what he's seen and turns on his heel. This has of prescription drugs. happened a few times already, but you just know this guy's going to be the one to say something stupid – "AVES!" or "What up, bro?" or "Are Avery says he played many games on a combination of painkillers you crying?" (Toradol) and amphetamines (Adderall), administered by a trainer under a doctor's supervision. Toradol in particular comes off as one of the Avery has felt him turn. The guy is still thinking about it. Just as he's book's most compelling characters – "You feel indestructible. While about to take his first step, Avery's head pops up. I can't see his eyes, having a permanent orgasm." but the guy can.

It goes on like that. When Avery asked for my key takeaway from the Whatever he sees in there persuades him to turn again and walk away. book, I said it was that I need to get some Toradol. Globe And Mail LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079273 NHL They had told their own postinjury story many times to doctors, but now, years since their injury, little enough had changed that nothing had seemed to change, and nothing would. They were there needing to tell Ken Dryden: Hockey’s concussion discussion is about more than just the their story again. game, it’s personal On stage, just a few minutes earlier, they had heard me say how, in hockey, there are answers. Very doable answers. Answers that have to do with prevention – no head hits – no excuses – not with the limitations KEN DRYDEN of treatment and repair, something they live with every day. After they had told their stories, many asked the same question: "Do you think Gary 7 HOURS AGO Bettman will do something?" Again and again, "Do you think … ?" OCTOBER 20, 2017 Gary Bettman is a public person. He is an easy target. Anything nasty that is said about him will bring laughter and applause. Yet this question wasn't asked with anger in their voices. It was hopeful. Generous. This week, I visited the Vancouver Writers Fest to speak about my book, Game Change: The Life and Death of Steve Montador and The Future of Globe And Mail LOADED: 10.21.2017 Hockey, which was being released on Oct. 17. That night, I would be on stage to do a one-on-one interview about it.

I did several media interviews in the two days before. It wasn't until I had done a few of them that I began to sense something was different. My interviews always run long – I talk long – but these were longer: tightly scripted five-minute TV segments ran seven; seven-minute radio ones ran 10. One that was scheduled for five minutes went 15. And this time the hosts seemed in no hurry to end them. No matter what they were hearing their producers say in their headsets, their eyes said to keep going.

And these weren't sports shows. They were drive-to-work, drive-home and talk shows that let people know what was going on in their community, such as the Writers Fest. When a former player comes to town, it's usually the guys who do the interviews. (This may seem like a cliché, but that's been my experience.) But many of these hosts were women. Two mentioned that they have sons who play hockey. In one interview, with the program's female program host and the male sports reporter, I knew he would take the lead; except she did. She has two kids in hockey.

Before when I'd done interviews about my hockey career, the hosts wanted to talk. This time, they needed to talk. It's as if together they were saying – I want to know about concussions and head injuries and hockey.

I want to know because it's my job as a journalist to know and to help my audience know. But really, here, now, I want to know because I have kids, or grandkids, or my friends or co-workers have kids, and I know this matters. And it doesn't matter that I didn't play as a kid, and I know nothing about hockey. I know hockey is there, all around me. And I know it's going to be there, and I know if my kids want to play it's not very likely I'm going to be able to stop them. They are going to play. So I have a stake in this game. A very big stake. It affects my life. It has to be wonderful; it has to be safer. It just has to be. The interviews were intense. Sometimes desperate. This was personal.

About 175 people were at the Writers Fest event. The CBC's Alison Broddle and I talked for more than an hour, about Steve Montador and his life, about his hockey life, about being a player, about injuries, brain injuries and CTE, about how we play and how hockey has changed through its history. We talked about the problems, about no head hits – no excuses – what can be done, the steps it would take, about the limits of awareness and the central importance of decision-makers. In hockey, one decision-maker – Gary Bettman. There were lots of questions, we went well beyond time. Alison Broddle needed to cut things off and end the night. Just before she did, I asked the audience: how many of you have had a concussion? About 40 per cent of the room raised their hands. I asked: how many of your kids? – this time, about 25 per cent. Finally, I asked, taking all of this together, you, your kids, your friends, and co-workers and their kids, how many of you feel a personal connection to concussions? About 80 per cent of the room raised their hands.

I signed books afterward. But again, this was different. It wasn't a signing line. This was a story line.

People handed me their books to sign, told me their names, and began to tell me about their kids, some now grown up, some still playing, and about their concussions. How lost their kids looked when their injuries happened, after they happened; as parents, how helpless they felt; how after that moment, these moments, some of their kids had regressed, or never progressed – it was as if these parents were living the experience again. Others in the line had been athletes themselves, until their injury. 1079274 NHL no matter the cost, and to hide symptoms of concussions that can already be hard enough for a parent to spot.

I never played team sports myself. The very thought of a ball or a puck Youth hockey must take concussions seriously spinning in my direction gives me a panic attack. But I believe deeply in the virtues of being part of a team. Especially now, in this fractured world, I want my kids to learn and appreciate what it means to work in sync with SARAH MEEHAN SIRK others, and if they gravitate to a sport in which that skill can be developed, I want to encourage them. That alone (almost) makes it worth 7 HOURS AGO the risk. OCTOBER 20, 2017 But I can't just cross my fingers, or pray my kids never want to play at a level where checking is permitted and the risk of concussions is highest. If we get into the game, I know we'll have to be part of its shift. I know I'll Sarah Meehan Sirk is the author of the short-story collection The Dead have to speak up against the lingering machismo that contributes to the Husband Project and a mother of two. prevalence of head injuries. I'll have to seek out and celebrate good coaches and champion efforts to reduce concussions. I'll have to support When I was a kid, I'd boast of my hockey lineage to anyone who'd listen. embattled parents of talented kids who've been pulled from the game to I'd flip through the photo album to the black-and-whites of my uncle, fully heal. I'll have to fight to make strength and toughness characteristics Gerry Meehan, in his Buffalo Sabres uniform, the self-generated wind in of those who have no tolerance for play that can damage brains, instead his hair as he sped helmet-less down the ice (it was the 1970s). I was too of those who will play through anything, no matter the cost. young to remember his playing days, but he went on to manage the Sabres and I became an ardent fan of Alexander Mogilny and Pat La-La- It's easy to say that now, I know. We're not even in the bleachers yet, nor La-La-LaFontaine whose poster hung over my bed, and whom I waited are we the first parents to think these things. And no matter our for outside the dressing room in Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium one winter intentions, we still lose some control when our kids step out on the ice. night in 1992, clutching my autograph book, my heart in my mouth. It's a risk. But I believe the game is moving in the right direction, and if my kids continue to love it, I think it's a risk we're willing to take. I have always loved hockey. I still drift to the amber-lit warmth of my childhood living room when I hear the play-by-play crescendoes of NHL Globe And Mail LOADED: 10.21.2017 broadcasters. I was one of the kids huddled around a TV whenever the latest Rock'em Sock'em came out, wincing and ooh!-ing along with the boys. I am comforted by the smell and chill of arenas. Meditation is watching a Zamboni trace its winding path between periods, the ice clean and new in its wake.

There was never a question: If I have kids, they will play hockey.

They're both still too young now to even be enrolled in house-league, but they've already shown an early and natural affinity for the game. My husband and I have marvelled at the way they picked up sticks and, by some instinct, manoeuvred makeshift pucks into imagined nets, before they could even talk. I've carried my two-year-old daughter, literally kicking and screaming, into the house on summer nights as she's bawled, "I want to play hockey! I want to play hockey!" while her dad and older brother take a few last shots on the driveway net.

But, before they were born, I worked at a sports network at a time when concussions and three letters took over the headlines: CTE. Chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a disease found in the brains of some football and hockey players who'd received repeated blows to the head. I listened to the cracking voices of broken men who stepped out of the shadows of obscurity to say they'd been irrecoverably altered by the sports that they loved. I heard bereaved loved ones describe how their fathers and husbands imploded in front of them. The waves of suicides were already rippling, some players shooting themselves through the heart so their brains could be studied and their pain validated. It changed the way I looked at sports, and it changed the way I felt about hockey.

Yes, these players were pros who took multiple hits over multiple years, and there are thousands (upon thousands) of people who played hockey as kids and never had a head injury or aren't dealing with postconcussion issues. But as we learned more about concussions, we learned that the developing brain is particularly susceptible, and even one concussion can have lasting effects on cognition, mood and personality. We learned how hard they can be to diagnose, how easy it is to get another after your first, and how often kids were playing injured without anyone realizing the lifelong harm that could result.

I believe the culture of youth hockey is changing, I'm just not convinced it's changed enough. It's heartening to read that minor leagues have stepped up their injury prevention, to hear about Hockey Canada's concussion app, or the Greater Toronto Hockey League partnering with a children's hospital that specializes in concussion research. It helps to know that there are guidelines and pamphlets, lists of what to look for, and to hear that kids are pulled from games and told to see a doctor at the first sign of a head injury.

But there are still people who think that taking measures to minimize concussions is "wussifying" the game. There are still parents who berate coaches, refs and young players, who roll their eyes when a kid is taken off the ice as a precaution. Kids are still pressured to "get back out there" 1079275 Ottawa Senators

Brennan: Top 5 Senator stars for first two weeks of the NHL season

Don Brennan Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 8:17 PM EDT

Here are my picks of the top five Ottawa Senators stars for the first two weeks of the National Hockey League regular season. No. 5. Fredrik Claesson Starting a season in the NHL for the first time, Claesson’s contributions aren’t evident on the scoresheet — he’s the only guy on the team that has played all seven games and has yet to register a point — but for the most part he has been a Steady Freddy on a blue-line missing its star for the first five. Claesson is fourth on the team in shifts per game while averaging 19:53 of ice time with a minus-1 ranking and 14 hits, behind only Mark Borowiecki in the latter category. No. 4. Erik Karlsson We hesitated to even put him on this one because he only played two games, but, by the second, he was in mid-season form. After playing a “rusty” 22:25 and posting a minus-2 against Vancouver, Karlsson had three assists (something he managed only twice all last season) while assuming his regular work load of 27:08 even without a single second in OT (you might have heard about that) versus the Devils. Yes, he’s back. No. 3. Craig Anderson Won two games and backed the Senators to a single point in three others in his six starts. Not vintage Anderson (2.40 goals-against average, .917 save percentage), but he did post a shutout in Calgary and made 41 saves to salvage something in a game against New Jersey that Ottawa could have easily lost in regulation. And he was without the Norris Trophy winner in four of his games. No. 2. Derick Brassard Picking up where he left off in last year’s playoffs. Brassard has four goals (it took him until Dec. 3 to score his fourth last season) and three assists to maintain a point a game pace that goes with a plus-6 ranking, second best on the team. Looks like he’s headed back to the 60-point neighbourhood after dipping to 39 last year, his first with the team. No. 1 Kyle Turris It’s not so much the three goals and team-high eight points, or the impressive 60.6 per cent success rate on faceoffs that jumps to 72.2 per cent in the defensive zone. However, Turris is maintaining his usual pace of performance while dealing with trade speculation and distractions that come with being in the last year of his contract, and that makes him the Senators first star of the initial two weeks. Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079276 Ottawa Senators NEXT UP: Did you know that, when John Moore scored to beat the Senators on Thursday, he moved atop the list of defencemen to score overtime goals since 3-on-3 was implemented in 2015. Moore has five Leafs now oddsmakers' favourites for Cup. Don't say you weren't warned OT goals, while Brent Burns and Shayne Gostisbehere have four … I wonder if Colin White is going to be as eager to block shots when he does return to the Senators lineup … Saskatchewan’s Duron Carter seems like a flighty fellow during his interviews — and trouble has DON BRENNAN followed him throughout his football career — but I had a lot of faith in him being able to play cornerback. The kid has loads of talent … I can’t Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 8:03 remember. When Marshawn Lynch was last in the NFL, were players PM EDT allowed to manhandle referees?

PERSONALLY SPEAKING: It’s not “the” . It’s You laughed. Canadian Tire Centre. Nobody calls it “the” Madison Square Garden, do they? … Who else is kicking themselves because they could have had When I picked the Toronto Maple Leafs to win the Stanley Cup in our Amari Cooper in a fantasy league trade the past couple of weeks? … To season preview, I was mocked, ridiculed and threatened. the guy who emailed TSN1200 to say I “snubbed” him at a gas station Thursday morning, really? You recognized me and said my name. That’s Yes, threatened. all. I smile and rushed to the cash register because I was running late. “You’re an idiot,” stated an email signed by SenzToTheEndz, or And, as Steve Warne, why would you want my autograph anyway? … something like that. “You need your ass kicked.” Survivor pick of the week: Tennessee Titans. It’s not an easy Sunday … Shania Twain is a Canadian icon who is only getting better with age, but, This may be so, but there’s also a small chance I know my stuff. just in case something happens and she can’t perform during halftime at the Grey Cup, Charli XCX should be put on standby. Through two weeks of the season, the Maple Leafs are tied for second in the National Hockey League’s overall standings. It’s only seven games, CRUNCHING NUMBERS: Making his debut for the in or 5.74 per cent into the schedule (could an idiot figure that out?), but a 5-2 win last Saturday was Ethan Werek, who scored twice and added there’s every indication the Buds are picking up where they left off in last an assist. A 6-2, 205-pound centre, the 26-year-old Werek is an spring’s playoffs, when they gave a first-round scare to the Presidents’ interesting prospect on paper. He was the ninth pick of the 2007 Ontario Trophy-winning Washington Capitals. Hockey League priority draft, behind guys like Ryan O’Reilly (first), Taylor Hall (second) and Matt Duchene (fifth), but ahead of Cam Fowler (18th), Toronto’s high-powered offence and flashy 6-1-0 start has even made a Kyle Clifford (37th), Marcus Foligno (39th) and Calvin de Haan (50th). believer out of Bodog, the online gambling site that on Friday came out Two years later he was a second-round pick of the NHL’s New York with a fresh new set of Stanley Cup odds. Rangers. However, skating is a weakness for Werek, and that’s why he The Maple Leafs are listed as the betting favourites at 8/1 odds, followed has never played an NHL game … With four points in his season debut by the Tampa Bay Lightning (9/1) and then (at 12/1) the Chicago on Thursday, Patrice Bergeron’s career total reached 675, one ahead of Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins. Ken Hodge for seventh on the Bruins’ all-time scoring list. It was also Bergeron’s 900th game with the B’s. Hodge had his 674 in 572 games. The Oilers and Penguins led the list at 8/1 on Oct. 4. Times sure have changed. Now these numbers will fluctuate throughout the season, but I believe the Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017 Maple Leafs will remain near the top of the column. They have Auston Matthews, who Capitals coach Barry Trotz has tabbed “a young Mario Lemieux.” (How’s that for feeding the beast?) They also have William Nylander, Mitch Marner, Patrick Marleau, Nazem Kadri, James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak, not to forget a solid goalie in Frederik Andersen and Mike Babcock, who is the highest paid coach in hockey and therefore must be the best. I’d say the Maple Leafs need to add a defenceman or two, but the Penguins won the Cup without any last year, so they should be fine as is. What I don’t understand about the Bodog calculations is this: How are the Ottawa Senators 17th on the list at 33/1, tied with the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights and Montreal Canadiens? I mean, I wouldn’t put a dime on the Senators, but they’re an even bet with the expansion Golden Knights and the lousy Habs? Seriously? The lack of respect given the Senators continues to confound. Guy Boucher brought them within an overtime goal of the Cup finals last spring and could get that far again if he doesn’t outsmart himself and the injury bug doesn’t bite the lineup too hard. What I do think is that there’s not a huge gap separating the Maple Leafs and the Senators, and their rivalry is about to be reborn as the best in the NHL. I also now think, after watching Thursday’s game in Ottawa, that I’m going to lay a chunk of cash on the New Jersey Devils at 40/1. OFF THE BAT: Centres Kyle Turris and Derick Brassard said the Senators were caught off-guard by the speed of the Devils. Boucher insisted he was not surprised. Is there a communication issue here, gentlemen? … Put me down in the big group that would have had Erik Karlsson on the ice to start overtime Thursday. I even agree with the analogy used by TSN 1200’s Todd White, who said he’d have Karlsson on the ice for the first, third and fifth minute of OT, the same way a baseball manager would start his ace for Games 1, 3 and 5 of a five- game series. And I don’t like to agree with big groups or White … The worst part about the elimination of the 2016 World Series champs is that this season’s Javier Baez Show is over. The Cubs’ 24-year-old second bagger is the most entertaining player in baseball both offensively and defensively … The Habs can’t fire the coach they brought in as saviour last February, changing the GM during the season is pointless, they can’t trade Carey Price and his mega-bucks contract and what could they ever get for Max Pacioretty? In other words, this should be fun to watch. 1079277 Ottawa Senators

Sens' Craig Anderson has keepsake of Auston Matthews' four-goal game

Bruce Garrioch Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:50 PM EDT

Craig Anderson has a keepsake of his own from Auston Matthews’ first National Hockey League game. Somewhere in the basement of his off-season home in Coral Springs, Fla., the Ottawa Senators goaltender has the stick he used in the 2016- 17 season opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs in which Matthews, then a rookie, scored four goals on Anderson at the Canadian Tire Centre. While Anderson, 36, isn’t the type to usually collect mementos, he figured a couple of days after that game that he’d get a staff member to have Matthews sign the stick and, of course, the kid didn’t miss a beat. “Thanks ‘Four’ making my first game memorable,” Matthews wrote. Don’t worry. Anderson took the dig from the slick No. 1 pick in the 2016 National Hockey League draft with a sense of humour. “Yeah, it’s funny. It’ll be up on my wall and it’ll be a good story for the grand kids one day,” Anderson said Friday. “It was creative. I guess it’s kind of expected of a guy that’s that creative on the ice to be that creative intelligently. I’m not creative, so I probably would have just signed it because that’s my personality. “It seems like he’s got a very creative personality. It shows with the way he plays and it shows with the way he signed it.” So, on a night many would just as soon forget, why did Anderson get Matthews to sign the stick? “It’s probably going to be a National Hockey League record for as long as I’m alive,” Anderson said. “It’s just kind of a cool memento and something I can giggle at with my kids. “I’m not one for memorabilia. I’ve got a few things here and there, but that’s one of the few times I’ve asked another player for something.” Of course, Anderson may have had a different feeling about the whole night if the Senators had lost the game, but they were the ones who went home with two points after Kyle Turris scored the winner in overtime. “I just asked one of the guys (to get it autographed). I had the stick lying around and I thought, ‘Maybe I should get it signed,’ and, the next time (the Leafs) were in town, he signed it for me,” Anderson said. Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079278 Ottawa Senators couple of games and we’re starting to realize what works and what doesn’t,” Anderson said. “I’m really anticipating getting out there for the next one and seeing how much we’ve grown.” Senators coach Guy Boucher says best choice was made in OT Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017

Bruce Garrioch Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:13 PM EDT

Guy Boucher won’t be taking any advice from his critics. And the head coach was getting plenty of criticism Friday after the Ottawa Senators’ 5-4 overtime loss against the New Jersey Devils at home on Thursday night. Instead of starting 3-on-3 with three of the club’s best offensive players, such as captain Erik Karlsson, centre Kyle Turris and winger Mike Hoffman, Boucher opted for forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Tom Pyatt and defenceman Cody Ceci. Everything would have been fine with the decision if the Senators had won the game, but they had already blown a two-goal third-period lead, and then John Moore scored 80 seconds into overtime, before Ottawa’s best offensive players had a chance to get on the ice. Boucher noted he used the same approach last National Hockey League season, and it worked then. “It depends every game and it depends on who the opponent is sending out there,” Boucher said Friday. “Those were high-end offensive guys (New Jersey had), and, when I saw that, even last year we’d put our best defensive guys to shut them down and then attack after. “That’s why we had (Pageau) and Pyatt, who normally did that last year, and I was going to throw Erik out the shift after because I was expecting some of their (other) players to come out the shift after and that would be a great matchup playing with Turris with Hoffman. We got caught out there and we weren’t able to get that. “But that’s what overtime is: a crapshoot. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t work. We had some of our offensive guys last year we lost with. You win some of those, you lose some of those, and the game after that you have to make decisions based on your team and your opponents. It varies from game to game.” Boucher said he wasn’t listening to the noise from people who suggested he was playing to lose rather than playing to win in that situation. “We won last year like that, so what (do the critics) say now?,” Boucher asked. “I was in Tampa and we couldn’t win a shootout and, after about seven losses I thought let’s go with guys that have less pressure and then we won six in a row. “One game was on NBC and I sent the same guys that (helped) us win, and then all of a sudden I was the devil because I didn’t send my big names out there, who had been having trouble shooting, but it was the same guys I’d be winning with. When you pay attention to that … There’s, what, eight billion people in the world? If I go to bed thinking of eight billion opinions, I’m going to have all kinds of issues.” OFF THE GLASS: Already without defenceman Mark Borowiecki, the Senators learned Friday they would be without rugged forward Zack Smith for at least a week because of an upper-body injury after he was hit by New Jersey’s Damon Severson in Thursday’s game. The Senators have recalled winger Chris DiDomenico from their American Hockey League affiliate in Belleville. … Yes, Borowiecki is listed as day-to-day, but there’s little chance he’ll play against the Maple Leafs on Saturday night and there’s no timetable on when he’ll play again. “He wasn’t on the ice and we would need a bit of luck there,” Boucher said. General manager has been trying to find a forward, but there are candidates within the organization that the Senators wants to look at first. … Senators players were joined during the skate by injured centre Colin White (wrist) and defenceman Ben Harpur (unspecified). Both wore blue “non-contact” jerseys, and neither is close to returning. It would make sense for them to spend time in Belleville before playing with Ottawa. THE LAST WORDS: Goaltender Craig Anderson, who will start for the Senators against the Leafs, will appear in his 300th career game as a Senator. He surpassed as the franchise leader for games played by a goalie last season. Anderson has a 13-6-3 lifetime record, 2.69 goals-against average and .920 save-percentage against the Leafs … With a 0-1-3 record at Canadian Tire Centre this season, the Senators know these points are going to be valuable in the end. “We’re learning. This is a learning process for us. We’ve grown as a group in the last 1079279 Ottawa Senators Phaneuf said he was fortunate to have participated in both the between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers and the Battle of Ontario. Senators are ready for the Battle of Ontario against Maple Leafs “I”m lucky to be able to say I’ve gotten to participate in both of those rivalries because they’re similar,” Phaneuf said. “Both cities are very competitive, it’s a battle of province, and there’s a lot of pride involved Bruce Garrioch with the fan base. Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 6:30 “You can feel it in the community when we play Toronto in the Battle of PM EDT Ontario (because) everyone has got a little more excitement to their day. Whether you’re picking up your dry cleaning, whether you’re out for dinner, people are excited about it. It’s a rivalry that’s got history and it’s about us playing for our city and them playing for their city. It’s going to Finally, a Battle of Ontario with meaning. be fun to be a part of.” As the Ottawa Senators prepare to face off against the Toronto Maple Game Day: Toronto at Ottawa Leafs on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre in Round 1 of the 2017-18 edition of the provincial rivalry, there are two points on the line that will Canadian Tire Centre, 7 p.m. TV: CBC. Radio: TSN 1200, Unique 94.5 come in handy when the National Hockey League hands out playoff FM spots in April. Special teams After a trip to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in a decade last spring, the Senators are trying to get back to the playoffs again this Ottawa: PP 18.9% (17th); PK 95.2% (2nd) season, while the Maple Leafs, led by superstar centre Auston Matthews, look as if they could be on the verge of something special after getting off Toronto: PP 30% (1st); PK 83.3% (7th) to a 6-1-0 start. The Big Matchup: Craig Anderson vs. Frederik Andersen There have been a lot of lean years where these games didn’t mean No, Anderson didn’t look good on the OT winner by New Jersey’s John much, but that’s not the case now. Moore on Thursday, but the Senators goalie faced 46 shots and didn’t “The Battle of Ontario is special every time you play just because of the receive a lot of help. Anderson has a 13-6-3 lifetime record against the rivalry itself,” alternate captain , who has been on both Leafs with a .920 save-percentage. Andersen’s .899 save-percentage sides of this battle, said after the Senators’ 35-minute practice on Friday. isn’t great, but he has five wins and that’s all that really matters. Makes “There’s always the energy, always the rivalry and always the history of the necessary saves. the Battle of Ontario. Five keys to the game “Now, the points are so important because the teams are both 1. Win at home: This is starting to sound like a broken record, but the competitive and both trying to finish as high as they possibly can. It’s Senators are 0-1-3 at home to start this season. This trend has to change great to be part of these games as a player. They’re fun to be a part of and quickly. the atmosphere. Whether they’re in Ottawa or Toronto, they’re great. 2. Hold a lead: The Senators squandered a two-goal third-period lead on “The energy in the building is aways fun. It brings excitement. The fans home ice for the second time this season when they let it slip away love it, the community loves it and we enjoy playing it as players.” against the Devils. That’s a no-no. The Senators haven’t had a full house of 17,000 yet this season, but 3. Stop Matthews: Nobody can forget Auston Matthews’ four-goal night ticket sales have been brisk for Saturday night’s contest and, if it isn’t against the Senators in the 2016-170 season opener. He has six goals sold out. it’ll be close. already this season and is a force. Ottawa winger Alex Burrows, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks last 4. Goals from Ryan: Through seven games this season, the Senators’ February, couldn’t hide his excitement at the chance to play in the Battle Bobby Ryan has five assists. He set up Derick Brassard with a nice pass of Ontario atmosphere. Thursday, but it would be good for Ryan to get on the board himself. Burrows used to get to the Canucks’ dressing room early on game days 5. Keep up the good work: The Senators are No. 1 in the 31-team NHL in and turn the television to so he could watch the penalty killing and they’ve got to keep that up by limiting the Leafs’ early game broadcast on Saturday,so he has a pretty good idea already chances. about the Senators’ rivalries with the Leafs and the Montreal Canadiens. Rosters “These are the games that are easy to wake up for because you’re looking forward to those kinds of matchups,” said Burrows, who scored Senators forward lines his 200th NHL goal in the Senators’ 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils on Thursday. “There’s going to be a real buzz in the building, Ryan Dzingel-Kyle Turris-Alex Burrows there’s going to be a lot of energy in the building. Bobby Ryan-Derick Brassard-Mark Stone “I’ve watched a lot of those on TV. We always watched Montreal-Ottawa, Mike Hoffman-J.G. Pageau-Tom Pyat Toronto-Montreal and the Battle of Ontario. Even as a kid, I have some great memories of watching playoff hockey with those two teams and Nate Thompson-Logan Brown-Chris DiDomenico now, to be part of it, that’s going to be a lot of fun.” Defence pairings The Senators won three of four regular-season matchups with the Leafs last season. There’s a pretty good chance both teams will be in the Johnny Oduya-Erik Karlsson playoffs next spring, but, given they haven’t met in the playoffs since the Dion Phaneuf-Cody Ceci lockout that wiped out the 2004-05 season, there’s something special that surrounds every game between them. Frederik Claesson-Chris Wideman It helps that the Maple Leafs have Matthews and are considered Stanley Goaltenders Cup contenders under head coach Mike Babcock. The Senators are 0-1- 3 on home ice this season and, quite frankly, given the expectations for Craig Anderson Toronto, Saturday’s game could be looked at as a measuring stick. Mike Condon “It’s a divisional game, they’re four-point swings and we know the Maple Leafs forward lines importance of the points, and Toronto has started very well,” said Phaneuf, a former Maple Leafs’ captain. “They’re a team that’s been Zach Hyman-Auston Matthews-William Nylander playing very well and it’s a challenge for our team to come in and we’ve got to raise our level of play.” Patrick Marleau-Nazem Kadri-Leo Komarov While still with the Maple Leafs, Dion Phaneuf battles with the Senators’ James van Riemsdyk-Tyler Bozak-Connor Brown Milan Michalek during a game at Canadian Tire Centre on Jan. 21, 2015. Tony Caldwell/Postmedia Tony Caldwell / Tony Caldwell/Ottawa Matt Martin-Eric Fehr-Mitch Marner Sun/QMI Age Defence pairings Morgan Rielly-Ron Hainsey Jake Gardiner-Nikita Zaitsev Andreas Borgman-Connor Carrick Goaltenders Frederik Andersen Curtis McElhinney Injuries Ottawa: Mark Borowiecki, Ben Harpur, Zack Smith, Colin White Toronto: None Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079280 Ottawa Senators

Doug Crossman wasn’t sure he was in the right place

DON CAMPBELL Published on: October 20, 2017 | Last Updated: October 20, 2017 8:46 PM EDT

Doug Crossman wasn’t sure he was in the right place when a taxi driver dropped him off at TD Place arena on Friday evening. From the fall of 1977 through the spring of 1980, Crossman spent almost every Friday night at the old Civic Centre. “All I remember was the rink, the old barn (Cattle Castle) and some building (the Coliseum) on Bank Street,” said Crossman, who would play 914 National Hockey League games after producing 200 points in 198 games as an outstanding offensive defenceman for the 67’s. “This is amazing.” Crossman, now 57, even went on a tour of the nearby stadium on Friday. Then it was time to reconnect as the 67’s took time before facing off against the Oshawa Generals to honour stars from the franchise’s second decade, its best-ever run from 1977-78 through 1986-87, including 67’s legend Bobby Smith and his older brother, Dan, the former McGill University quarterback. Then came a loud “R-A-L-P-H!” That was Hall of Fame coach Brian Kilrea welcoming Jim Ralph, a 67 from 1978 to ’82, the franchise leader in wins as a goaltender and also in being yanked. Kilrea told the story how he pulled Ralph three times in one game. “Ralph would make a save, then let one in, so out he came,” Kilrea said. “Then the other guy would make a save and let one in and out he came. Neither one could make two saves in a row.” Kilrea couldn’t wait to rip Ralph over wearing jeans with a suit coat. Then in walked Joe Bowen, the former play-by-play man who now works with Ralph on Toronto Maple Leafs radio broadcasts. “I hope you’re here to (call) our game,” Kilrea joked. On and on it went for the likes of Richard Adolfi, Alan Hepple, John Hanna Jr., Buddy Clouthier, Kevin Konings, Jeff Vaive, the always subdued John Odam, Mike Vezina and others. Someone jokingly asked Ralph is he was surprised by the turnout to see his jersey No. 1 retired. “The only way my jersey is going up in the rafters is with me in it,” he deadpanned. Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079281 Ottawa Senators Goaltender Craig Anderson, who will make the start for the Senators against the Leafs, will appear in his 300th career game for the franchise. He already surpassed Patrick Lalime as the franchise-leader for games- Senators' Boucher believes he made right choices in overtime played last season on March 18 vs. the Montreal Canadiens in a 4-3 shootout loss. Anderson has a 13-6-3 lifetime record against the Leafs with a 2.69 goals-against average and a .920 save-percentage ... The Senators need to clean up their act at home and they know it. With a BY BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN record of 0-1-3 at the CTC, the Senators know these points are going to be valuable in the end. “We’re learning. This is a learning process for us. FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 08:25 PM EDT | We’ve grown as a group in the last couple of games and we’re starting to UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 08:32 PM EDT realize what works and what doesn’t,” Anderson said. “I’m really anticipating getting out there for the next one and seeing how much we’ve grown.” Guy Boucher won’t be taking any advice from his critics. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 And, the Ottawa Senators’ coach was getting plenty of criticism Friday after the club’s 5-4 overtime loss to the New Jersey Devils Thursday night at home. Instead of starting 3-on-3 with three of the club’s best offensive players, Boucher opted to use forwards Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Tom Pyatt along with defenceman Cody Ceci against the Devils ahead of the likes of captain Erik Karlsson, centre Kyle Turris and winger Mike Hoffman. Everything would have been fine with the decision if the Senators had won the game, but they already had blown a two-goal third period lead and then John Moore scored at 1:20 of overtime before the club’s best offensive players had a chance to get on the ice to show what they could do. Boucher noted he used this exact same approach last year and it worked. “It depends every game and it depends on who the opponent is sending out there,” Boucher said Friday as the club prepares to face the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night at home. “Those were high-end offensive guys (New Jersey had) and when I saw that, even last year we’d put our best defensive guys to shut them down, and then attack after. “That’s why we had (Pageau) and Pyatt, who normally did that last year, and I was going to throw Erik out the shift after because I was expecting some of their players to come out the shift after and that would be a great matchup playing with Turris with Hoffman. We got caught out there and we weren’t able to get that. “But that’s what overtime is: A crapshoot. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t work. We had some of our offensive guys last year we lost with. You win some of those, you lose some of those and the game after that you have to make decisions based on your team and your opponents. It varies from game to game.” Boucher said he’s not listening to the noise from people who are suggesting he was playing to lose rather than playing to win in that situation. “We won last year like that so what (do the critics) say now?,” Boucher asked. “I was in Tampa and we couldn’t win a shootout and after about seven losses I thought let’s go with guys that have less pressure and then we won six in a row. “One game was on NBC and I sent the same guys that (helped) us win and then all of a sudden I was the devil because I didn’t send my big names out there, who had been having trouble shooting, but it was the same guys I’d be winning with. When you pay attention to that ... There’s what eight billion people in the world? If I go to bed thinking of eight billion opinions, I’m going to have all kinds of issues.” OFF THE GLASS The job just got a little more difficult for the Senators. Already without defenceman Mark Borowiecki, the Senators learned they’ll be without rugged winger Zack Smith for at least a week after he suffered an upper body injury after getting hit by New Jersey’s Damon Severson in the club’s loss to the Devils. Trying to end a four-game losing streak as the prepare to face Toronto on Saturday night, the Senators have recalled winger Chris DiDomenico from their AHL affiliate in Belleville to suit up. Yes, Borowiecki is listed as day-to-day, but there’s little chance he’ll play against the Leafs and there’s no timetable on when he’ll play again. “He wasn’t on the ice and we would need a bit of luck there,” Boucher said. GM Pierre Dorion has been active working the phones trying to find a forward but there are options within the organization that the club wants to look at first. ... The Senators were joined during the skate by injured centre Colin White (wrist) and defenceman Ben Harpur (undisclosed). Both were in blue non-contact jerseys and neither are close to returning. It would make sense for both players to spend time in Belleville before playing with Ottawa. THE LAST WORDS 1079282 Ottawa Senators "I"m lucky to be able to say I've gotten to participate in both of those rivalries because they're similar," Phaneuf said. "Both cities are very competitive, it's a battle of province and there's a lot of pride involved Battle of Ontario has extra meaning this time around with the fan base. "You can feel it in the community when we play Toronto in the Battle of Ontario (because) everyone has got a little more excitement to their day BY BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN — whether you're picking up your dry cleaning, whether you're out for dinner, people are excited about it. It's a rivalry that's got history and it's FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 04:37 PM EDT | about us playing our city and them playing for their city. It's going to be UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 04:43 PM EDT fun to be a part of." Let the Battle of Ontario officially begin. OTTAWA — Finally, a Battle of Ontario with meaning. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 As the Ottawa Senators prepare to face off Saturday against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Round 1 of the provincial rivalry, there's two points on the line that will come in handy when the NHL hands out playoff spots at the final buzzer in April. After a trip to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in a decade this past spring, the Senators are trying to get back to the playoffs again while the Leafs, led by superstar centre Auston Matthews, look like they could be on the verge of something special after getting off to a 6-1-0 start. There have been a lot of lean years, when these games didn't mean much. That's not the case anymore. "The Battle of Ontario is special every time you play just because of the rivalry itself," Senators alternate captain Dion Phaneuf, who has been on both sides of this battle, said Friday after a 35-minute practice. "There's always the energy, always the rivalry and always the history of the Battle of Ontario. "Now, the points are so important because the teams are both competitive and both trying to finish as high as they possibly can. It's great to be part of these games as a player. They're fun to be a part of the atmosphere, whether they're in Ottawa or Toronto, they're great. "The energy in the building is always fun. It brings excitement. The fans love it, the community loves it and we enjoy playing it as players." Not everybody has had the chance to experience first hand the rivalry between the Senators and the Leafs. Ottawa hasn't played before a full Canadian Tire Centre yet this season but ticket sales have been brisk for this one and, if it isn't sold out Saturday night, it'll be pretty close. Senators winger Alex Burrows, dealt here from the Vancouver Canucks at trade deadline in February, couldn't hide his excitement at the chance to play in the kind of atmosphere that surrounds the Battle of Ontario. Burrows used to get to the Canucks dressing room early on a game day and flip the television to Hockey Night in Canada. He has a pretty good idea already about the rivalry the Senators have built up over the years with the Leafs as well as the Montreal Canadiens. "These are the games that are easy to wake up for because you're looking forward to those kinds of matchups," said Burrows, who scored his 200th career goal in the club's 5-4 OT loss to New Jersey on Thursday. "There's going to be a real buzz in the building, there's going to be a lot of energy in the building. "I've watched a lot of those on TV. We always watched Montreal-Ottawa, Toronto-Montreal and the Battle of Ontario. Even as a kid, I have some great memories of watching playoff hockey with those two teams and now to be part of it that's going to be a lot of fun." The Senators finished 3-1-0 against the Leafs last season and there's a pretty good chance both teams will be in the playoffs next spring. They haven't had a playoff series since the lockout ended in 2005-06, but there's just something special that surrounds every game between these two teams. It does help that the Leafs have Matthews and are considered a Stanley Cup contender under coach Mike Babcock. The Senators are 0-1-3 on home ice this season and, quite frankly, given the expectations for Toronto, this game could be looked at as a measuring stick for Ottawa. "It's a divisional game, they're four-point swings, and we know the importance of the points and Toronto has started very well," said Phaneuf, a former Leafs' captain. "They're a team that's been playing very well and it's a challenge for our team to come in and we've got to raise our level of play." Phaneuf said he's fortunate that he's gotten to participate in the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers and now the Battle of Ontario. 1079283 Philadelphia Flyers days Friday and did not practice. Jordan Weal practiced after missing Thursday’s game with an undisclosed injury.

At Friday’s practice, Matt Read, who was recalled from Lehigh Valley on Flyers face challenge from Connor McDavid, slow-starting Oilers Thursday but did not play that night, took Simmonds’ spot on the second line, which included Weal and Val Filppula. Jori Lehtera was on the fourth line. Updated: OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 3:12 PM EDT It will be a game-time decision on whether Simmonds, Leier, and Weal by Sam Carchidi, can play Saturday. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 10.21.2017 Despite Thursday’s 2-1 overtime win in Chicago, Edmonton is off to a surprisingly slow start. The Oilers, projected as one of the NHL’s best teams, are 2-4 and entered Friday ranked 29th in goals scored (2.17 per game) and 21st in goals allowed (3.33). Still, the Flyers, who will host the Connor McDavid-led Oilers on Saturday afternoon in their lone Wells Fargo appearance of the season, realize Edmonton is better than it has shown. They know McDavid is, well, McDavid, and that high-scoring Leon Draisaitl, who practiced Friday, could return after missing three games with a concussion. They also know Edmonton is built for the long run, and that the Oilers are capable of going on a scoring barrage at any moment. McDavid has three goals, eight points, and a minus-two rating in six games. “He’s fast, he’s skilled,” said Ivan Provorov, the fast-rising defenseman who figures to spend a lot of the day matched against McDavid. “We’ll try to take time and space away from him and make it as difficult as we can. If we play with the puck, he can’t score.” The Flyers split a pair of games with the Oilers last season, winning 6-5 at home on a late goal by Michael Raffl, and dropping a 6-3 decision in Edmonton. McDavid, now 20 and in his third NHL season, had a goal and two assists in each game. Flyers goalie Brian Elliott called the now-you-see-him-now-you-don’t McDavid someone “you have to be aware of at all times. He can make plays that others can’t. You just have to be on your toes.” Elliott (3.25 GAA, .884 save percentage) is expected to get Saturday’s start. He struggled against the Oilers while playing for Calgary last season, going 0-3-1 with a 3.58 GAA and .870 save percentage. Michal Neuvirth, off to an outstanding start (1.36 GAA, .957 save percentage), dropped a 6-3 decision to Edmonton last season. After praising McDavid, Elliott said the Oilers should be wary of a Flyers offense that is averaging 3.71 goals per game, fourth in the NHL entering Friday. “We have a lot of guys who can score on our end, too,” Elliott said. “They have to be looking out for us.” The season is young, but the Flyers have four players with more goals than McDavid: Wayne Simmonds, Claude Giroux, Sean Couturier, and Val Filppula. Shayne Gostsibehere (10 points), Jake Voracek (10), and Giroux (9) have more points than the league’s reigning MVP. Couturier’s line figures to get lots of time against McDavid and his linemates, former Flyers farmhand Patrick Maroon and diminutive 19- year-old rookie Kailer Yamamoto. “You have to have a good forecheck and get on them and limit their speed and their chances to get going,” fourth-line center Scott Laughton said. “If you can do that, they’re going to be stuck in the defensive zone and be tired, and then they can’t get the speed going….It’s got to be a group effort. You can’t do it with one guy.” Forget about the well-documented McDavid-Brandon Manning feud/rivalry. Based on Friday’s practice, Manning will be a healthy scratch, and Travis Sanheim, coming off a strong performance against Nashville, will remain in the lineup. Manning said the feud was “not something you forget about” but that it doesn’t affect his play on the ice. He said he would be disappointed not to play, saying the rivalry with McDavid “sparked me last year. For me, I think when my emotions get going in a game, I play a little better.” Simmonds, who appeared to labor during Thursday’s 1-0 loss to Nashville from a lower-body injury and received medical attention on his injured mouth after the game, and Taylor Leier were given maintenance 1079284 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers' Brian Elliott set to face Oilers; Brandon Manning unlikely to play against Connor McDavid

Updated: OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 12:38 PM EDT by Sam Carchidi,

Based on Friday’s practice in Voorhees, Brian Elliott will get a chance to stop Connor McDavid and Edmonton on Saturday afternoon in the Oilers’ only Wells Fargo Center appearance this season. While playing with Calgary last season, Elliott lost all four games (0-3-1) against Edmonton and had a 3.58 goals-against average and .870 save percentage. He has a 3.25 GAA and .884 save percentage in four starts this year. Michal Neuvirth, who has been outstanding in his three starts (1.36 GAA, .957 save percentage), allowed six goals in his lone appearance last season against Edmonton. The Flyers, provided some of their injured forwards can play, are better- suited to match Edmonton’s speed this season. On Thursday, Edmonton (2-4) scored a 2-1 overtime win in Chicago, while the Flyers (4-3) dropped a 1-0 decision to visiting Nashville. Forget about the well-documented McDavid-Brandon Manning feud/rivalry. It appears Manning will be a healthy scratch Saturday, and Travis Sanheim, coming off a strong performance against Nashville, will remain in the lineup. The Flyers and Edmonton split a pair of games last season. The Flyers won at home, 6-5, on a goal by Michael Raffl with 1 minute 29 seconds left. The Oilers won the rematch, 6-3, in Edmonton. McDavid had a goal and two assists in each game. Wayne Simmonds, who received medical attention to his injured mouth after Thursday’s game, and Taylor Leier were given maintenance days Friday and did not practice. Jordan Weal practiced after missing Thursday’s game with an undisclosed injury. At practice Friday, Matt Read took Simmonds’ spot on the second line, which included Weal and Val Filppula. Jori Lehtera was on the fourth line. It appears it will be a game-time decision on whether Simmonds, Leier and Weal can play Saturday. The Flyers, who have been shut out twice in six games, are 2-1 on their five-game homestand. After hosting Edmonton, the homestand ends Tuesday against Anaheim. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079285 Philadelphia Flyers

Five observations from Flyers' loss to Predators

Updated: OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 10:04 AM EDT by Sam Carchidi,

Here are five observations from the Flyers’ 1-0 loss Thursday to visiting Nashville, which was played exactly 50 years after the Flyers’ first-ever home game, a 1-0 victory over Pittsburgh at the venerable Spectrum: In a fast-paced first period that had few whistles, rookies Taylor Leier, Travis Sanheim, and Nolan Patrick each had good chances turned aside by Pekka Rinne in the opening six minutes. If one of them had connected, it may have been a different result because the Flyers have had a knack for holding onto early leads. They are 4-0 when the score first, 0-3 when they don’t. Playing like a No. 1 Michal Neuvirth has a losing record (1-2), but it has nothing to do with his play and everything to do with his goal support. Neuvirth has a 1.36 GAA and a .957 save percentage. The Flyers have been shut out in both of his losses. Manning or Sanheim? After being benched in the previous two games, Sanheim had perhaps his best performance of the young season. Sanheim, 21, needs to play to continue to grow his game. That said, coach Dave Hakstol figures to be tempted to use Brandon Manning on Saturday because he has had a way of distracting Edmonton superstar Connor McDavid. Weally important The Flyers list injured winger Jordan Weal as day to day with an unspecified injury. The sooner he returns the better because his creativity and speed help make the second line and the second power-play unit click. Solid D A positive from the loss: The Flyers didn’t allow many Grade A chances. “I felt like there were some orange sweaters around us whenever we got the puck,” said Colton Sissons, who capitalized on one of Nashville’s few odd-man rushes and scored early in the third period for the game’s lone goal. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079286 Philadelphia Flyers Said Flyers coach Dave Hakstol, “If I generalize, in the first 30 minutes of this hockey game we had some opportunities we didn’t make our best play or execute as well as we could. I didn’t think that was the case in the Where's the jam? Predators squeeze it from Flyers in 1-0 win third period. Give the man credit in net. He made some real good saves.” True. Rinne made 12 of his 28 saves in the third period, and some, like a stop on Sean Couturier, were stellar. But the game’s lone goal began Updated: OCTOBER 20, 2017 — 9:20 AM EDT with a defensive play deep in Nashville’ zone, an active stick flicking the puck away from Andy MacDonald as he charged aggressively into the by Sam Donnellon, slot for a pass from Wayne Simmonds, sending an odd man rush the other way. Carlton Sissons beat Michal Neuvirth at 3:49 of the third

period and for the first time since that game in Nashville, the Flyers were The Nashville Predators won for the fourth time Thursday night by chasing a lead. playing the kind of game Peter Laviolette is not famous for – and “They didn’t get to the Stanley Cup Finals with luck,’’ said Flyers captain probably not too fond of either. Claude Giroux. “They’re a good team, they have a good system and they Save a small stretch of offensive zone play during the second period, have a lot of good players. As frustrated as we are right now that we they clogged up their own zone when they were not wafting around in the didn’t get the win, we have to stay positive and play some good hockey. neutral zone. Pucks were habitually shimmied up and down the boards, We have to be ready for Saturday.” they often volleyed with the Flyers at mid-ice, and in doing so continually Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 10.21.2017 tested the patience and resolve of a Flyers team that maybe had fallen a little too much in love with the pretty play. There was nothing pretty about Thursday night’s 1-0 Nashville victory at the Wells Fargo Center. If not for the speed that has increasingly defined this league this decade, it had all the charm of a Lindros-era Devils game. At the game’s halfway point, the shots stood 13-10 in favor of Nashville and even that seemed generous. Passes were made, pucks shot, but rarely did they find their way through the thicket of bodies pushing and shoving in front of Predators goaltender Pekka Rinne. “I mean, that was a lot of battle,’’ Rinne said. “I was able to see the puck for the most part and make the first save always. “But a lot of times guys were bailing me out, too.’’ It looked like a free buffet when sportswriters are around. “Defense for me comes in a lot of different layers, right?” Laviolette had said earlier in the day after his team’s morning skate. “One, go play offense. That’s good defense. Two, as you have the puck and you’re trying to transition, make good decisions. That’s all about defense, because you’re talking about an odd-man rush the other way. And then the third part of it is, just making sure, inside the defensive zone, that you’re doing the right thing, keeping the numbers there. That you’re not thinking about offense before you’re done playing defense. Those things for me add up to defense.’’ I know what you’re thinking: Who is this guy? As the Flyers coach from late 2009 until he was fired early in 2013, Laviolette championed a more aggressive attack mentality that often – too often towards the end – resulted in the other team flooding your zone with numbers. But the overall speed of the NHL, particularly over the last few years has forced a tinkering of that philosophy. “Back when I was here, very rarely did you see a two-man forecheck,’’ he said. “It was always a 1-2-2 or a 1-1-3. It was always layered. And some teams pinched, maybe one defenseman but not the other? “Now everybody slams the wall. Everybody pinches. Just seems that there is a lot of aggressiveness. Everything is just being done faster. Fast players, fast systems, fast mindset. All of that leads to fast hockey. We’re trying to get faster. We stunk in Boston in Game 1 because we weren’t fast enough. It’s all about speed right now.’’ When the teams had played 10 days before, too much happened. The Predators took a three-goal lead, the Flyers countered with five straight goals. The game, won by Nashville 6-5, was decided via petty penalty calls as Flyers coach Dave Hakstol learned a hard lesson about unsuccessful offsides replay challenges. Cool passes were made, juicy rebounds converted, the crowd was noisy from start to finish. Since then, the Predators have allowed just three regulation goals in four games. “I thought we did a really good job, just hanging in our end, not getting ahead of ourselves out into the neutral zone or the offensive zone,’’ said Laviolette. “When we do we get going in the right direction, we’ve been making better decisions in the neutral zone… which is leading to more offense, leading to a better looking game.’’ Better looking? Only if you were being paid to watch. That said, Thursday night’s success had as much to do with the Flyers early lack of “jam” – Laviolette’s trademark phrase for energy. On the scoresheet, they were out-hit 22-12, and Radko Gudas and Robert Hagg accounted for half of those. Given two early power plays inside those first 30 minutes, they mustered just a single shot on goal. 1079287 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers founder Snider honored with statue outside Wells Fargo Center

The Associated Press 8 hrs ago 0

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Philadelphia Flyers founder Ed Snider was honored with a 9-foot bronze statue outside the Wells Fargo Center. Snider founded the team in the 1960s and remained chairman until his death in April 2016. The statue was unveiled before the Flyers played Nashville on Thursday to mark the 50th anniversary of the Flyers' first home game in 1967. Chad Fisher, of Fisher Sculpture of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, created and built the 1,300-pound bronze statue, which stands on a 3-foot base encased by granite. Snider's statue has a Stanley Cup championship ring on his left ring finger that fans are encouraged to rub for good luck. Flyers President Paul Holmgren was one of the first to rub the ring on the statue. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said the statue, like Snider's accomplishments, "were larger than life." The Flyers won Stanley Cups under Snider in 1974 and 1975. Hall of Famers Bernie Parent and Bobby Clarke and dozens of former Flyers greats attended the dedication. "Everything I am as a human being, thank you Ed Snider," Parent said as he threw a kiss toward the statue. Snider's daughter, Lindy, spoke on behalf of the family and encouraged fans to rub the ring. "Paul, especially you," she told Holmgren. "The pressure's on. You're not off the hook." Snider was arguably the most influential executive in Philadelphia sports. He was chairman of the 76ers, was once a part-owner of the Eagles and had a hand in founding both Comcast's local sports channel and the city's largest sports-talk radio station. Snider was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1988. Burlington County Times LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079288 Philadelphia Flyers Flyers forwards Wayne Simmonds and Taylor Leier both missed Friday's skate with what the club termed as maintenance days.

Simmonds was already dealing with a lower-body injury before he was Flyers notes, quotes and tidbits: Connor McDavid comes to town; Matt clipped in the face by a stick during Thursday's 1-0 loss to the Predators. Read to play? It doesn't sound like anything that should prevent the 10-year veteran from suiting up against the Oilers, but clearly, he's banged up right now. By Andrew Kulp | The700Level October 20, 2017 2:15 PM Leier's absence was a bit more of a mystery, and given the 23-year-old rookie's inexperience, missing practice would seem to point to an injury of some kind. VOORHEES, N.J. — Believe it or not, the Flyers are aware of 20-year- In a bit of good news on the injury front, Jordan Weal returned to practice old Oilers phenom Connor McDavid. That doesn't make preparing for the for the Flyers. However, he refused to let on as to whether he'll be on the 2017 Art Ross Trophy (most points in NHL) winner any easier, let alone ice Saturday. slow him down. “Just got out there, went for a twirl," Weal said. "It's day to day right now, “You have to be understated a little bit and say you're going to be aware so just taking it day by day.” when he's on the ice, but obviously there's more to it," Flyers coach Dave Hakstol said Friday. "He's a heck of a player and a guy that can make Matt Read replaced Simmonds during the skate and could be preparing something happen at any time.” to make his regular-season debut. Read joined Weal and Valtteri Filppula on Simmonds' unit, while Jori Lehtera took Leier's place on the fourth McDavid has picked up right where he left off last season when he led line. the NHL with 100 points and 70 assists. Six games into the '17-18 campaign, the third-year centerman already has three goals and five Don't read too much into those combinations, however, as the availability assists, and he's doing it in style. His two helpers helped lift Edmonton of Simmonds, Weal and Leier will no doubt play a role. over the Blackhawks on Thursday, one of which led to the game-winner Sanheim sticks in the lineup in overtime, the other — a no-look, behind-the-back pass — making highlight reels everywhere. Following his strong showing against Nashville on Thursday, it appears rookie defenseman Travis Sanheim will suit up for his second game in a So, yeah, the Flyers are well aware of McDavid and what he's capable of. row. That doesn't mean he'll be easy to stop. Sanheim was a healthy scratch for the Flyers' previous two contests but "We just have to take time and space away from him," defenseman drew rave reviews for his performance against the Predators. He was Shayne Gostisbehere said. "That's the biggest thing. You just can't give paired with Radko Gudas at practice, while Gostisbehere and Robert him space out there. He's going to wind it up and wheel. Hagg continued their partnership. “We're aware of it. We're going to stick to our gameplan, nothing special, Manning may be the odd man out on Saturday, despite his history with but obviously be aware when he's on the ice.” McDavid. Ivan Provorov and Andrew MacDonald remained a unit at The Flyers knew all about McDavid last season, too. He still managed to practice, with Manning getting some work in MacDonald's spot. find the back of the net twice and rack up three assists in those two Manning was hopeful he would be in uniform. Hakstol, on the other hand, meetings. downplayed Manning's personal rivalry with McDavid as it pertains to any McDavid has also experienced success against both of the Flyers decision about which defensemen will skate. netminders. As a member of the Flames, probable starter Brian Elliott “It's a situation for us every game where we have that tough decision," posted an 0-3-1 record with a .870 save percentage in four appearances Hakstol said. "Regardless of whether it's one particular team, we'll look at against the Oilers in '16-17. Michal Neuvirth was 0-1 and allowed six it situationally and consider all of those factors as to who the six are that goals in his only meeting. dress tomorrow. There's a lot of different factors involved." It seems all the Flyers can do is be aware of the challenges McDavid Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 presents. "Probably everywhere they go, they have reporters asking the other team what their plan is against him," Elliott said. “He's just a unique talent that you have to be aware of at all times. He's able to make plays that a lot of other guys aren't. You just have to be on your toes. You have to respect him, but you have to play your game and make sure you're tough no matter who it is out there.” Laughton confident Brandon Manning isn't the only member of the Flyers who has experience with McDavid. Scott Laughton has been up close and personal with the budding superstar, having played against him in juniors and in some camps. With Laughton centering the fourth line, he should have some opportunities to put his familiarity of McDavid to the test. The Flyers are going to need any advantage they can get — no matter how small or insignificant it might seem. "I went to a pro camp with McDavid in Toronto in the summer, and he's special," Laughton said. "He's got the best hands I've seen. He's a world- class talent. “At the same time, tomorrow I'm going to try to limit his space, get in his face and make it hard for him to get going and get speed. I think I can try to keep up with him once I get my speed going.” Laughton seemed confident about potentially matching up against McDavid. At least he has a plan, anyway. “There's not much you can do," Laughton said. You just have to be hard to play against, be in his face all night and kind of get him off his game that way.” Injury report 1079289 Philadelphia Flyers 2. Shayne Gostisbehere’s 10 points are the most by a Flyers defenseman through the team’s first seven games dating back to the 1987-88 season. Flyers-Oilers thoughts: Welcoming the best player in the world to Philly 3. Michal Neuvirth leads NHL goaltenders with a .957 save percentage. He was the worst qualified goalie last season in that category. By Tom Dougherty | NBC Sports Philadelphia October 21, 2017 12:00 • The Oilers again will be without center Leon Draisaitl because of a AM concussion. Draisaitl practiced Friday but is still feeling symptoms. He hasn’t played since Oct. 9.

• Kailer Yamamoto, the Oilers’ 2017 first-round pick, has seen an Flyers (4-3-0) vs. Oilers (2-4-0) increased role with Draisaitl injured. Edmonton has four more games to decide whether it’ll keep Yamamoto or send him back to junior. 1 p.m. on NBCSP, NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports Yamamoto enters today on a three-game assist streak. App; Pregame Live at 12:30 Here is the Flyers' projected lineup: The best player in the world comes to South Philly today. Get your popcorn ready. Forwards The Flyers, coming off a 1-0 loss to the Predators, host the Oilers in their Claude Giroux-Sean Couturier-Jakub Voracek first matinee of the season at the Wells Fargo Center. It’s Game 4 of the Flyers’ five-game homestand. Jordan Weal-Valtteri Filppula-Wayne Simmonds Let’s dive into some pregame thoughts before puck drop. Dale Weise-Nolan Patrick-Travis Konecny • Move over, Sidney Crosby. There’s a new sheriff in town. It’s time to Taylor Leier-Scott Laughton-Michael Raffl anoint Connor McDavid as the best player in the world. Many already Defensemen have. I’m fully on board now. Ivan Provorov-Andrew MacDonald This kid is special, and each game he does something that blows your mind. On Thursday night, it was a ridiculous spin-o-rama assist against Shayne Gostisbehere-Robert Hagg the Chicago Blackhawks. Travis Sanheim-Radko Gudas You thought he was good going forward... #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/vOuAkFhS1D Goalies — Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) October 20, 2017 Brian Elliott What made the play exceptional was who he did it against, Blackhawks Michal Neuvirth defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook. Between the two are Scratches: Forwards Jori Lehtera and Matt Read, and defenseman seven All-Star Game appearances, two Norris Trophies and one Conn Brandon Manning. Smythe Trophy, so that’s no joke. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 McDavid has three goals and five assists in six games this season. He has 156 points in 133 career games. He’s 20 years old. He should be the face of the league yesterday. Market him better. I don’t care that he plays in Canada. • It’s time to put the Brandon Manning-McDavid storyline to bed. It was fun while it lasted, but it’s overplayed (see story). If Manning is in McDavid’s head, it’s not for the better. McDavid scored a goal and an assist last season in Philadelphia in his first game against the Flyers since Manning broke McDavid’s collarbone with a clean hockey play. Then, in Edmonton, McDavid had a goal and two assists. Manning played both games. So if anything, it’s adding extra motivation for the best player in the world. • It appears Travis Sanheim will remain in the lineup, a positive for two reasons: 1. Thursday against Nashville was Sanheim’s best game. 2. Sanheim’s speed and skating is a plus when having to defend McDavid. Will Sanheim see much ice time against McDavid? I sure hope not. But the Oilers are a decent skating team, and McDavid’s speed is insane. You want as much speed against them as possible. • You sure hope Jordan Weal can return after missing Thursday with an injury to part of his body. Weal is an important piece for the Flyers, and without him, Dave Hakstol will have to shuffle up his lines. Simply can’t replace Weal with Jori Lehtera on the second line with Valtteri Filppula and Wayne Simmonds. That unit against the Predators was a disaster. If Weal is out again, I’d insert Matt Read into the lineup. He’s better suited for what the Flyers are doing now than Lehtera. The good news is Weal practiced Friday. He’s expected to play. • Three random Flyers stats: 1. Jakub Voracek needs two more points to reach 500 in his career. He will become the 23rd Czech player with 500 career points. 1079290 Philadelphia Flyers “Probably everywhere they go they’ve got reporters asking the other team what your plan is against him and stuff like that,” said goalie Brian Elliott, who figures to get the nod in goal Saturday. “He’s just a unique Why Scott Laughton may be Flyers' best shot at stopping Connor talent that you have to be aware of at all times. He’s able to make plays McDavid that a lot of other guys aren’t. you’ve just got to be on your toes and respect him, but you’ve got to play your game and be tough no matter who it is out there. D men just have to make a decision and go with it. That usually works out.” Dave Isaac, Published 1:45 p.m. ET Oct. 20, 2017 Well, it didn’t for the Blackhawks.

Courier-Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 VOORHEES — Luckily, Scott Laughton was able to keep his long-time skating coach. Technically, Dawn Braid was off the market when she was hired full-time by the Arizona Coyotes last summer, the first female assistant to have a full-time position in the NHL. Braid, a native of Ontario like Laughton, was allowed to maintain her non- Coyotes clients for 1-on-1 training in the summers like Laughton and her most tenured patron, New York Islanders captain . “I did a lot of tight edges. I actually did a lot of crossovers to try to develop speed,” Laughton said. “I think everything comes together. Your off-ice training combined with that and just getting stronger as I get older and coming into my body.” Braid comes from a figure skating background, but has recently incorporated stickhandling with the skating so her hockey clients could see a better result. So far this season it’s paying off for Laughton and his biggest test will be Saturday when the Edmonton Oilers come to town and he will at least share the duties of attempting to shut down a dynamic playmaker. If Connor McDavid isn’t considered the best player in the NHL yet, he’ll soon surpass Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. He was the only player in the league to score 100 points last season and likely would have run away with the Calder Trophy two years ago if he hadn’t broken his collarbone and missed 37 games. That brings us to another thing McDavid shares with Crosby: a hatred of playing the Flyers. Or at least defenseman Brandon Manning, who says the death threats from Oilers fans “calmed down pretty quick,” after the collision in November 2015 that led to McDavid’s injury. “It’s not something you forget about. Obviously it became a bigger deal than it needed to be,” said Manning, who appears to be the odd man out of the defense corps for Saturday’s game. “Things were said and some things were probably taken out of context and taken the wrong way. For me, it doesn’t affect what I do on the ice. It doesn’t affect my day-to-day.” McDavid has six points in four games against the Flyers, but Manning sure seems to get under his skin. The Flyers defenseman thought it was all over last season when he fought ex-Flyers farmhand Patrick Maroon, but then McDavid told reporters after the game that Manning owned up to purposefully injuring him two years prior, when his left foot clearly hit a rut in the ice and he fell into the boards. That came as news to Manning, who said he admitted no such thing. Even if Manning were in the lineup, McDavid can still clearly produce so the Flyers need to find ways to stop him. “He’s a heck of a player. You’ll be understated a little bit and say you’ve got to be aware of when he’s on the ice, but obviously there’s more to it than that,” said coach Dave Hakstol. “He’s a heck of a player and he’s a guy that can make something happen at any time.” That was evidenced Thursday night when he spun through the attempted checks of Chicago Blackhawks defensemen Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, leaving Maroon an easy tap-in goal. Laughton saw similar work from McDavid who has “got the best hands I’ve seen” in person over the summer during a pro camp in Toronto. “He’s a world-class talent,” Laughton said. “At the same time, I’m going to try to limit his space and get in his face and make it hard for him to get going and get speed. I think I can try to keep up with him once I get my speed going and kind of do it that way.” There are more than 20 other players on the Oilers’ roster and center Leon Draisaitl reportedly practiced with the team after missing three games, but all the questions were about McDavid. Even in different languages. Finnish reporters in town to speak with Valtteri Filppula and Jori Lehtera were asking questions in their native tongue, but “Connor McDavid” came through with no need for translation. 1079291 Pittsburgh Penguins “All three of those guys played a huge role in scoring that goal and that was a big goal for us,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “I thought that line had a really strong night.” Penguins overcome sluggish start to edge Florida Tribune Review LOADED: 10.21.2017

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, 10:36 p.m. Updated 4 hours ago

SUNRISE, Fla. — When the Penguins fell behind by two goals in the first six minutes of Friday night's game, Sidney Crosby figured his team would need at least one power-play goal if they expected to mount a comeback. They got three. And the third was a clutch winner in the waning moments of the third period. Conor Sheary scored on a backhand move on a breakaway with 2 minutes, 53 seconds left in regulation as the Penguins rallied past the Florida Panthers, 4-3. The Penguins have scored at least one power-play goal in five consecutive games. They've won five of their last six. “You can't expect to make a habit of that, but I think our power play knew we had to at least chip in with one if we wanted to get back in it,” said Crosby, who also scored a power-play goal of his own in the second period. The Panthers came into the third down 3-2 and hit a potentially serious roadblock when goalie Roberto Luongo, who made 33 saves, left with about 15 minutes left in regulation when he suffered an apparent hand injury in a collision with Sheary. Still, Florida rallied to tie the score less than five minutes later. Rookie defenseman Mackenzie Weegar scored on a shot through traffic from the top of the right circle to make it 3-3 midway through the third. The Penguins responded with Sheary's goal, which was set up when Radim Vrbata tripped Bryan Rust with 4:24 to play. Sheary took a long, pinpoint pass from Olli Maatta as he crossed the blue line and beat back- up James Reimer. Maatta ran his career-long points streak to six games. “He can't do anything wrong right now,” Sheary said. “That was a great pass, though. Saucer right on my stick.” There were two huge momentum swings in the first half of the game, and both centered around calls involving defenseman Ian Cole. Seven seconds into the game, Cole was whistled for high-sticking. The Panthers didn't score on the power play, but they took control of the game, getting goals from Jamie McGinn and Aleksander Barkov in a 99- second span a few minutes later. Sheary said the Penguins might have been in vacation mode after spending the previous three days in sultry South Florida. “That's not a great way to start,” Cole said. “That's on me.” The Penguins stabilized in the second half of the first period, then poured in two goals 27 seconds apart early in the second. Cole started the surge when he plastered Jonathan Huberdeau into the boards and stood over him until the Panthers forward retaliated with a slash. The Penguins scored seven seconds into the power play when Phil Kessel zipped a pass from the left circle to Evgeni Malkin at the far post. “You obviously want to finish him hard, and I did,” Cole said. “You obviously don't want to let him get back up and skate right to the net, so I tried to keep him out of the play for as long as I could. I was fortunate enough that he took a penalty. That's not a super smart play. Made him pay for it.” Thirty seconds later, the fourth line, which has seen limited ice time in recent games, chipped in a critical goal. Ryan Reaves obliterated Weegar behind the net on the forecheck, and Tom Kuhnhackl centered to Carter Rowney streaking in toward the right post for a shot past Luongo. 1079292 Pittsburgh Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 10.21.2017

Penguins notebook: Defenseman Zach Trotman could have impact

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Friday, Oct. 20, 2017, 8:06 p.m. Updated 4 hours ago

SUNRISE, Fla. — Over the last four months, the Penguins have built up an overflowing stockpile of depth defensemen. In July, they added Zach Trotman, Chris Summers, Jared Tinordi and Kevin Czuczman in free agency. Earlier this month, they traded for Andrey Pedan. They already had Lukas Bengtsson and Frankie Corrado, among others, in the fold. Of the deep group of call-up hopefuls, Trotman, who was promoted from Wilkes-Barre on Thursday to fill in as seventh defenseman while Matt Hunwick is out with a concussion, might have the greatest potential to make an immediate impact. A simple look at the back of his hockey card shows why. At 6-foot-3, 227 pounds, he's big, right-handed and proficient with the puck on his stick. “My game, when I'm playing well, I'm moving pucks and getting pucks out and getting shots through. I think those are the two staples of my game,” Trotman said. “Anytime I can raise that physical element, it's an added bonus. It's something I've focused on, too. But the puck moving, getting the puck to the forwards here is a really big thing. It's definitely a key for me.” Boston's seventh-round pick out of Lake Superior State in 2010, the 27- year-old Trotman turned pro in 2012 when the Bruins had a plethora of prospects on the blue line, ranging from Torey Krug and Kevan Miller to Matt Bartkowski and David Warsofsky. He had to battle just to get a jersey on game night when he was with Providence of the AHL. “You couldn't take a practice off. You couldn't make a mistake. Nothing,” Trotman said. “It was good to learn that and get taught how to come to the rink every day focused and stay mentally into it.” Before last season, Trotman hit free agency and tried his luck with the Los Angeles Kings organization. In his ninth AHL game of the season, he hurt his shoulder in a fight and needed surgery. The injury knocked him off the NHL radar for a while. With the Penguins, he's in the process of rebuilding his profile. “Just an exciting place to play, and they've obviously got something going on with the winning recipe,” Trotman said. “I've got to see what that's all about.” LINEUP DECISIONS The Penguins went with the same forward lineup Friday night that they've used for the past five games, which made Scott Wilson and Josh Archibald healthy scratches. When deciding whether the time is right to work fresh legs into the lineup, especially during a set of games on back-to-back days, Sullivan said his process remains the same. “We have lineup discussions after every game before the next game,” he said. “The question I always ask the coaching staff is, ‘Which lineup gives us the best chance to win?' That's where we start, then we have some discussion. We'll do the same thing.” GOALIE DECISION Even though Matt Murray started Friday against Florida, that doesn't necessarily mean Antti Niemi, who has an .809 save percentage in two starts this season, will get the nod Saturday against Tampa Bay. “We consider all options,” Sullivan said. ODDS AND ENDS Two weeks into the NHL season, the public is off the Penguins bandwagon. According to Bovada.lv, the Penguins opened the season as Stanley Cup co-favorites with Edmonton with 8-1 odds. After a 4-2-1 start, the Penguins dropped to third on the list, tied at 12-1 with Edmonton and Chicago. A hot start has Toronto (6-1-0) the favorite at 8-1 and Tampa Bay (6-1-1) right behind at 9-1. 1079293 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins could get extension on redevelopment of old Civic Arena site

MARK BELKO 12:39 PM OCT 20, 2017

The Pittsburgh Penguins are getting a little more time to start work at the former Civic Arena site. But it could be just a prelude to bigger changes in the deal that gave the team development rights to the land. Pittsburgh-Allegheny County Sports & Exhibition Authority board members voted unanimously Friday morning to give the Penguins five more days, from Oct. 22 to Oct. 27, to buy the first parcel needed for development. That was followed by a vote of city Urban Redevelopment Authority board to do the same. Without the extension, the Penguins would have had to forfeit one development parcel on the 28-acre arena site. The team has come to end of the two years of extensions it is permitted to take on a parcel that had been slated for the construction of a new U.S. Steel headquarters, SEA executive director Mary Conturo said. It has struggled to find a new office tenant for that site after the steelmaker backed out amid financial struggles. The development rights agreement calls for the team to forfeit a parcel at this point, Ms. Conturo said. "We're in good faith talks with them to see if something beneficial to both sides can be negotiated, something beneficial to the public could be negotiated in return for something," she said. Under the agreement, the Penguins would get to select the parcel they would forfeit should it come to that. A short extension also allows for secondary appraisals on the land the Penguins hope to use to start a 1,100-unit housing development, Ms. Conturo said. The Penguins, working with developer McCormack Baron Salazar, have been planning to start the first phase of that development this fall. Ms. Conturo said the extension is part of a broader deal the SEA and the URA are trying to negotiate with the team that could involve the elimination of all or a significant portion of the $15 million in credits it received as part of the 2007 agreement to build PPG Paints Arena. "We're just looking to see in the course of doing this there's an opportunity to provide some amendments to the option agreement that would be beneficial to the public," she said. "Eliminating the credits is something that would be helpful." She said the authorities are trying to "eliminate as much of that obligation with respect to credits as possible." The parties also are discussing ways to try to simplify the way the Penguins take down, or purchase, parcels for future development. "If the Penguins, SEA and URA are able to come to an agreement, we would present the terms of the proposed amendments to the URA and SEA" boards, said Kevin Acklin, chief of staff to Mayor Bill Peduto and URA board chairman. "We are hopeful this can occur early next week." Ms. Conturo said the Penguins are still working to purchase the land and start work on the residential development. Penguins spokesman Tom McMillan said the team is "working with all involved parties" in the overall negotiations but declined further comment. Should the Penguins forfeit a parcel, it would revert back to the SEA or the URA, the owners of the land. The authorities then would have the right to develop the land or hire someone else to do so. Post Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079294 Pittsburgh Penguins There are plenty of things the Penguins can do better to limit what Florida does offensively. There’s also the possibility that Florida could limit what Florida does offensively. The Penguins will try to quell the shot-happy Panthers The Panthers are coming off their worst game of the season, a non- competitive 5-1 loss in Philadelphia Tuesday. They’re not happy about it, and coach Bob Boughner has re-jiggered some of his forward lines. JASON MACKEY You’ll likely see Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau and Evgenii 9:56 AM OCT 20, 2017 Dadonov together on the top line; Jamie McGinn, Upper St. Clair’s Vince Trocheck and Radim Vrbata on the second; and Nick Bjugstad moved to left wing with Jared McCann and rookie right wing Owen Tippett on the third. SUNRISE, Fla. — The last time the Penguins played the Florida Panthers — a mere six days ago — the Penguins allowed 46 shots on Getting some semblance of scoring depth was an issue Boughner hit on goal, a number they met or exceeded just five times last season and a during his meeting with reporters following the Panthers’ Thursday career-high workload for Matt Murray in the regular season. practice. A 4-3 win was delivered thanks to a pair of ridiculous tip-in goals from Roberto Luongo will start in goal, and he’s been shaky thus far: 1-2 with Sidney Crosby and a key shorthanded tally by Greg McKegg, but there a 3.41 goals-against average and a .901 save percentage, allowing four was no shortage of lessons learned in that game. Essentially, don’t let second-period goals Tuesday. that happen again. The Panthers are looking to bounce back in a big way at home. As they prepare to face the Panthers again Friday, this time for a 7:38 p.m. puck drop at BB&T Center, the Penguins are hoping to cut down on “We’re five games in,” Boughner said. “There’s going to be a lot of ups, the number of shots on goal allowed and also the quality of some of and there’s going to be some downs. We’re going to continue to get those chances. better. But I think it’s important to see what kind of response we have.” “It kind of turned into a track meet a bit there,” Sidney Crosby said of that Post Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 Oct. 14 game. “We have to make sure that we maybe have some more offensive-zone time. They’re really good off the rush, and they’re really good in-zone themselves. “If we can hold onto the puck a little bit more in their end and take away a few more odd-man rushes, I think we give ourselves a better chance.” Probably wouldn’t hurt for Crosby to score a few times, either. And there’s a good chance of it happening: He has 10 goals and 18 points in his past 10 games against the Panthers. Overall, the Penguins are 8-0-2 in their past 10 against Florida. It’s their third-longest winning streak in a series behind Edmonton (13, 10-0-3) and Buffalo (12, 11-0-1). The Penguins are 3-0-2 in their past five in this building. So, to improve upon all those numbers, what has to happen? Well, one, you read Crosby talking about holding onto the puck more. Never a bad idea, especially when you possess the Penguins’ level of offensive talent. That’s something coach Mike Sullivan echoed following practice Thursday — the Penguins went hard and then canceled their gameday skate — and Sullivan also talked about limiting Florida’s transition game, a familiar refrain for the coach seven games into this season. “We’ve got to control the puck, take care of the puck and make sure that we don’t force plays that aren’t there,” Sullivan said. “Florida has a skilled team. They’ve got a lot of team speed. They have a good transition game. They shoot the puck from everywhere. They create a lot of offense because of it. It’s a sound gameplan. Ryan Reaves played a season-low 3:20 Tuesday night against the Rangers. “We have to make sure that we take care of the puck, we don’t feed their transition game, we hang onto the puck in the offensive zone and force them to have to expend energy defending us. I think that’s how you control momentum in games. You control territory. That’s when our team’s at its best.” The Panthers are a bit of a unique team in that they seem genuinely eager to ring up high shot totals — the quality of some of those chances be damned. They rank first in the NHL in shots per game in all situations at 41.8. Five-on-five, the Panthers are second in shot-attempt share (56.88 percent) behind only the Oilers (58.8). The Penguins, of course, know this. That’s why they want to hang onto the puck for longer stretches. Can’t shoot it if you don’t have it. Another thing that came up in conversation yesterday was simply defending better. Sullivan has been banging the it-starts-with-our- decisions-with-the-puck drum, and he’s not wrong. But don’t discount the idea that the Penguins have some work to do when it comes to actually defending. “It’s just being on the same page, little details,” said Olli Maatta, who’s riding a career-long five-game point streak. “Everybody has to do their job. I think that’s the thing. As a defenseman, we want to have our gaps. That helps a lot. I think forwards are doing a good job helping us defend as well.” 1079295 Pittsburgh Penguins Sheary’s game-winning goal was the result of a pass from Olli Maatta, who now has a six-point streak (1-6—7).

It was also something the Penguins apparently discussed pregame, as a No ice time questions after this performance from Penguins' fourth line way to exploit the Panthers when entering the zone. “We talked about that before the game, to use the weak side of the ice on JASON MACKEY the break-in,” Sheary said. “I was flying with a lot of speed. Their D was a little bit flat-footed. I had a breakaway opportunity." 5:52 AM OCT 21, 2017 And, of course, Sheary buried it for his fourth of the season. Only Crosby (five) has more goals this season for the Penguins. SUNRISE, Fla. – Go ahead, attribute the Penguins’ 4-3 win over the “I felt pretty good with the two days off,” Sheary said. “It was a pretty Florida Panthers on Friday at BB&T Center to their lethal power play, good time to recover. Coming out tonight, I just tried to work hard every which scored three goals for the second time in eight games. shift, be consistent, use my speed. I eventually got the goal there.” Won’t be wrong. The takeaway here is that Sheary has confidence. Made a couple jokes postgame. He's shooting the puck and going to the net. With him, when Neither would be discussing the resilience the Penguins showed in he's confident, the results tend to tick upward. When he's lacking, it pulling out of an early funk. usually spells bad news. What you shouldn’t lose sight of, however, was how important the fourth We're full of good right now, however, so ride it out as long as you can. line was in all of this. Yes, them. The guys with one combined goal on the season. With a right wing – Ryan Reaves – who was battered with Post Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 questions about his ice time being so low just a day earlier. Penguins right wing Carter Rowney, center, celebrates with defenseman Justin Schultz, right, after Rowney scored a goal during the second period against the Florida Panthers, Friday, Oct. 20, 2017 in Sunrise, Fla. “They were good,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “And they deserved the ice time that they got.” Reaves played 9:23, the most ice time he’s seen as a Penguin, and made a huge play on Carter Rowney’s goal, knocking Panthers defenseman MacKenzie Weegar off the puck. Rowney saw 14:04, won eight of 19 faceoffs and accumulated two hits and two blocked shots. Tom Kuhnhackl continued his strong play with 12:47, a gorgeous assist on Rowney’s goal, a game-high six hits and a blocked shot. “They did a real good job tonight,” Sullivan said. “They were getting in on the forecheck. Ryan Reaves had a couple of big hits. He makes a great play on the goal that they scored. He finishes his check behind the net that creates the loose puck. All three of those guys played a huge role in scoring that goal. That was a big goal for us. I thought that line had a really strong night.” Having a competent fourth line has been one of the biggest things missing from last season, when Matt Cullen and others did a tremendous job easing the strain on Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and others. The current trio doesn’t have some of the same speed that the Penguins relied on last season, but this group is much more physical. And on this night, they scored a goal at a key time, too. More is definitely need from this group. More stuff like what we saw Friday, the physicality, the zone time, the ability to wear opposing teams down. It's also a template for how the Penguins expected Reaves to be effective ... which, to this point, has not happened a ton. “I thought they were great,” Ian Cole said. “I was very fortunate enough to be out there with them for a couple shifts. They were in the offensive zone for like a minute. With the way that they not only track the puck but finish and reload up top, it makes it easy for us to stay in and keep pucks alive. How strong those guys are and how smart they are, it’s awesome to see them work in the offensive zone and getting chances. Not just keeping the puck but getting chances.” Sullivan shakes things up It didn’t take Sullivan long to tinker with his forward lines, swapping wingers on the first and third lines. That put Sidney Crosby with Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist, while Greg McKegg center Jake Guentzel and Conor Sheary. “We didn’t like how the game was going,” Sullivan said. “We didn’t like how we were playing. So we decided to make some changes and see if we could get a spark.” Will this hold long-term? Likely not. Crosby is still most effective with Guentzel and Sheary. Over the past season-plus, Hagelin hasn't converted at a clip where you'd think about him displacing Guentzel, and Hagelin also doesn't play the right side. Look for these combinations to be temporary, if that. Stick to the plan 1079296 Pittsburgh Penguins The second power-play goal might have been the prettiest. Malkin unleashed several one-time attempts from the right circle. It looked like Patric Hornqvist, an avid soccer fan, even attempted a header. Penguins resilient while nabbing another win over Panthers Kris Letang kept the puck in with his hand, extending the sequence, and Malkin set up Crosby for the in-tight goal. JASON MACKEY “It’s pretty good,” Letang said of the Penguins power play. 6:10 AM OCT 21, 2017 “Our power play, when it’s going, can be really dangerous,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan added.

The second period saw the Penguins produce a season-high 22 shots on SUNRISE, Fla. – Conor Sheary accurately described the first six minutes goal. of the game Friday night against the Florida Panthers. The Penguins probably could not have started the game worse — “We were still maybe in vacation mode,” Sheary said. against a team that had ceded the first goal in all five of its games to boot. Florida threw a bunch of shots at the Penguins, and the Penguins Almost looked like the Penguins were skating in flip-flops. Or looked like they had taken too many shots while on vacation. stickhandling with a beach umbrella. Don’t worry, though. Ton of time left. The Penguins went to work in a hurry. Matt Murray misplayed a puck, leading to Jamie McGinn’s goal. Then Aleksander Barkov scored from a tough angle. It had the next-one-and- Seems these days that no matter how putrid the Penguins play, no he’s-done feel for poor Murray, who was under siege. matter how awful the lapse, they’ve got a secret weapon they can rely on — their power play. “It’s not the smartest way to go into a hockey game,” Letang said. Penguins Carter Rowney fights for the puck during a game against the The Penguins steadied themselves in the second half of the first period, Florida Panthers at BB&T Center on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Sunrise, built some momentum and capitalized starting in the second. Doing it, of Florida. course, with the NHL’s most lethal power play at the moment. That was the primary takeaway from a 4-3 victory over the Panthers at Until it slows down, too, is there any deficit too big for this group to BB&T Center, which continued the Penguins’ dominance in the series. overcome? Probably not. After an awful start — that’s putting it kindly — the Penguins picked up “What I like that they’ve been doing is they’re working,” Sullivan said of three power-play goals, including Sheary’s marker at 17:07 of the third to his power play. “They’re not stationary. They’re on pucks. They’re seal it. retrieving pucks. If we lose a faceoff, they’re chasing it down. They’re doing all the little things that you can’t necessarily quantify. It just helps “Good teams always respond,” Ian Cole said. “There’s always adversity. power plays be effective. As long as long as they stay in that mindset, Whatever that adversity is, good teams respond to it.” they can be a dangerous group.” There was ample evidence of that in this. Can be a pretty resilient one, too. Take, for instance, MacKenzie Weegar’s goal at 9:19 of the third period. Around the boards The Penguins didn’t panic. They went back to work. Sheary took a nifty pass from red-hot Olli Maatta and scored. The Penguins improved to 71-4-2 when Crosby and Malkin score in the same game, 36-0-1 in the past 37. … Rowney’s goal was his first of the “He can’t do anything wrong right now,” Sheary said of Maatta, who has season. … Luongo left at 4:46 of the third period after injuring his right a six-game point streak going. “He’s playing pretty good. That was a wrist/hand on a collision with Sheary. great pass, a saucer right on my stick.” Post Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 The Penguins were trailing, 2-0, when Evgeni Malkin and Carter Rowney scored 30 seconds apart early in the middle period. Sidney Crosby added another second-period goal on the man-advantage. Pittsburgh Penguins Patric Hornqvist looks for pass Thursday September 7, 2017, at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Pa. That unit now has scored in five consecutive games, going 9 for 21 in that stretch. Crosby extended his run of dominance against the Panthers, too. He has goals in seven of his past eight against Florida goaltender Roberto Luongo. Against the Panthers, Crosby has 11 goals in his past 19 games. “We made some plays around the net,” Crosby said. “Had some good zone time. I think when you’re able to get zone time, you wear them down, wait for a mistake, and we did that [Friday].” Overall, the Penguins stretched their unbeaten streak against the Panthers to 11 games (9-0-2). They’re 4-0-2 in their past six visits to BB&T Center. The second-period turnaround came amid a philosophical change for the Penguins that actually mirrored what the Panthers like to do. They. Shot. Everything. And it worked. Phil Kessel drew a slashing call on Alex Petrovic and sent a hard shot- pass Malkin’s way. Easy re-direct. Goal at 2:14. Coming off a season-low 3:20 of ice time Tuesday in New York, Ryan Reaves saw significantly more Friday and made a difference on the Penguins’ second goal. He used his size and forechecking ability to separate Weegar from the puck, and Tom Kuhnhackl slid a sweet backhand pass to Rowney for an easy finish at 2:44. 1079297 Pittsburgh Penguins Could Sullivan insert one or both to get some fresh legs? “We have lineup discussions after every game, before the next game,” Sullivan said. “The question I always ask the coaching staff is, ‘Which Power-play has provided steady heartbeat for Penguins lineup gives us the best chance to win?’ That’s where we start. Then we have some discussion. We’ll do the same thing. We’re trying to win the game right in front of us right now. We’ll make those decisions moving JASON MACKEY forward.” 11:43 PM OCT 20, 2017 Those decisions, if they're made at all, will have to come Saturday, as Sullivan stuck with the same lineup, and the Penguins scratched Archibald, Wilson and Zach Trotman. SUNRISE, Fla. – Puck-management has been an up-and-down Hunwick update endeavor for the Penguins so far this season. Out with a concussion, Matt Hunwick is back in Pittsburgh, but he hasn’t How much they allow teams to create off the rush has varied game-to- skated since leaving the team in New York at the early portion of the game, too. week. Sullivan did say Hunwick was “making progress.” Even the penalty kill, a bit of a worry spot in the offseason, has seen No morning skate some highs and lows – 18 consecutive kills followed by a 10-for-15 stretch. It’s not uncommon for the Penguins to cancel their morning skate on the second leg of a back-to-back set. Or any NHL team, for that matter. The one constant? Pretty much as it should be: the power play. The Penguins, though, did it Friday, but not for any strategical reason. Penguins' Kris Letang passes during a game against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center on Friday, October 20, 2017 in Sunrise, “It was more logistical than anything,” Sullivan said. “The distance to the Florida. rink probably makes it counterproductive.” It had scored in four consecutive games before Friday’s game against Moving on the Panthers at BB&T Center, going six for 17 (35.3 percent) during that stretch. When these teams met last on Oct. 14, Hornqvist’s elbow caught Florida’s Colton Sceviour in the head. It caused Sceviour to miss a game. Overall, that unit was clicking at 27.6 percent, sixth-best in the NHL. It had scored in six of its first seven games for the first time since 2010-11. There was some fuss down here regarding whether or not it was legal, but Panthers coach Bob Boughner said he’s moved on. “There’s lots of things,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said, asked to explain the power play’s steadiness. “It doesn’t just go in by “I didn’t spend too much time dwelling on that,” Boughner said. “I thought happenstance. These guys are doing a certain thing out there that’s it was a high hit, but the game’s so fast and it certainly was not the allowing them to have success. reason that we lost the game. He’s healthy and playing, which is good.” “I think it boils down to the details. It’s winning faceoffs. It’s puck Post Gazette LOADED: 10.21.2017 retrievals. It’s shooting the puck when the opportunity presents itself. It’s retrieving off the rebounds, which is such an important part of it. It’s getting the people in front of the net to make the sightlines difficult for our opponents. “It’s all those things and execution, quite honestly.” Most impressive during the recent run is that those six goals have come from five players. Most surprising is that Evgeni Malkin isn’t one of them. It’s also no coincidence that the power play being so darn dominant has tracked back to Patric Hornqvist’s return from offseason hand surgery Oct. 11 at Washington. He’s the one guy with multiple power-play goals, and the unit sports a noticeably different look – a simplicity – with him wreaking havoc around the net. “These guys have done a nice job for us over the last handful of games,” Sullivan said. “We rely on them. We believe we have a very good power play and they can help us win games. Certainly they’ve done that for us the past few games.” As for Hornqvist, it goes without saying the Penguins are absolutely thrilled to have him back on a nightly basis. “We understand the value that he brings to the team,” general manager Jim Rutherford said Monday. “It’s not just what you see on the ice. It’s on the bench. It’s in the room. He brings those intangibles that are hard to find.” Lineup talk After playing behind a tired team in his first two starts – and scuffling as a result – Antti Niemi didn’t catch any breaks in Florida. Matt Murray made the start, meaning Niemi will again play the second leg after travel. That is, of course, assuming that Sullivan doesn’t go with Murray again. He didn’t announce Saturday’s goaltender – only the morning of, Sullivan said – but insisted the Penguins will consider all options, including playing Murray again. Such logic also applies to the forwards. Josh Archibald has been a healthy scratch in every game thus far. Scott Wilson has sat out the past four. 1079298 San Jose Sharks After we suggested Thursday that a regression to the mean was inevitable, the Devils went out and improved to 6-1 on the season with a clutch overtime win in Canada’s capital. Three things to know: Sharks’ Meier, Devils’ Hischier and the rise of The crux of the argument here is that the Devils are young, they have an Swiss hockey untested blue line and it’s unlikely that they’ll continue to boast the NHL’s best power play over an 82-game season. By PAUL GACKLE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Puck Daddy’s Ryan Lambert threw a little more meat on the skeleton by Group diving into the advanced stats this morning. PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 11:07 am | UPDATED: October 20, Without making a power point presentation, here’s some of the nuts and 2017 at 11:20 am bolts in plain English. — The Devils have a shooting percentage of 14 percent. Last year, the Washington Capitals led in the NHL in shooting percentage at 10.46 NEWARK — Timo Meier will never forget the excitement of watching the percent. The Anaheim Ducks were ranked 15th at 9.07 percent, so the Swiss national team upset Joe Thornton and Team Canada in the Devils number is sure to drop in due time. “Miracle on Swiss” at the 2006 Torino Olympics as a nine-year-old boy. — New Jersey ranks in the league’s bottom-10 in shots on goal for and Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, against, shot attempts for and against, unblocked shot attempts against commentary and conversation. and goals against per 60 minutes. Allow me to translate, they’re getting crushed territorially and it will come back to haunt them over the long With he and New Jersey Devils top pick Nico Hischier’s recent haul. emergence, Meier is hopeful that he’ll get his own taste of Swiss glory on the international stage before the sun sets on his young-NHL career. — One in every five goals that the Devils have scored have come from “low danger areas,” which is three times the league average. In short, the “That’s the goal,” Meier said. “We’ve been underdogs, but it’s not like that Devils are getting more than their share of bad goals and those will dry anymore. When you play against the Swiss, you know that they can up over the course of a season. play.” 3. The Devils backup goalie situation is similar to the Sharks. In 2015, Meier became just the second Swiss-born player selected with a top-10 pick at the NHL Draft, joining Nino Niederreiter, who was drafted Another reason why the Devils are off to such a scorching start is that at No. 5 in 2010. In June, Hischier, who Meier will square off against they’re getting exceptional goaltending from both starter Cory Schneider Friday when the Sharks meet up with the Devils at the Prudential Center and backup Keith Kinkaid, who will take the blue paint against the Sharks in Newark, became an instant-national hero when he was chosen with Friday. the first-overall pick in the 2017 draft. Kinkaid stopped nine of nine shots after coming in for the injured Between Hischier and Meier, Roman Josi of the Nashville Predators, Schneider Thursday night, improving his save percentage to .950 in two who’s widely considered among the best defensemen in the league, and appearances on the season. Kevin Fiala, the 11th pick in the 2014 draft, Swiss hockey is starting to lay down a solid foundation for success in future Olympics, assuming the DeBoer knows first hand what Kinkaid brings to the net as he coached NHL rejoins the world’s top-hockey tournament in the future. him during his final season with the Devils. Former-Sharks defenseman Mirco Mueller, who was traded to the Devils “He’s a good goalie,” the Sharks coach said. “It reminds me of our in June, is also a Swiss native. situation here where you’ve got a backup that’s capable of going in and winning games, stealing games. He’s a real-talented kid. They’ve got a Meier could sense the buzz around Swiss hockey when he returned to 1.a / 1.b situation here.” his native land to train over the summer.

“It never happened before that a Swiss player got drafted first overall,” Meier said. “It definitely made hockey bigger back home.” San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 10.21.2017 The Sharks power forward considers Hischier a friend. They played together on Team Switzerland at the 2016 IIHF World Junior Championships, and Meier helped Hischier get set up in Halifax after he was drafted by his former-junior team, the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Halifax Mooseheads, at the 2016 import draft. After seeing him up close, Meier isn’t surprised that Hischier, who was dubbed “the Swiss McDavid” as a 16-year-old, is already making an impact at the NHL level. The 18-year-old is centering the Devils top line with Taylor Hall and Drew Stafford, he’s collected seven points in seven games and he scored his first two NHL goals Thursday night in his team’s 5-4 overtime win over the Ottawa Senators. Like McDavid, Meier said that Hischier is the prototypical modern-NHL player. “He’s a very smooth skater,” he said. “He has a great view of the ice. He’s a very smart player. He can compete and make plays, and also put it in the back of the net, and he’s not afraid to go in front of the net in the dirty areas. “Overall, he’s a complete player.” Sharks coach Pete DeBoer is equally impressed by what he saw from Hischier during his preparation for Friday’s game. “The tape I’ve watched on him, you can tell why he went first overall,” the Sharks coach said. “He creates offense in a league where that’s hard to do. At his age, to be able to come in and do that… He got two last night, it looks like he could have had two the night before, and one or two the night before that. “It’s just the tip of the iceberg with what you’re going to see from him.” 2. Geeky stats suggest a Devils backslide, too. 1079299 San Jose Sharks In addition to Pavelski’s tally off a redirection of a Justin Braun shot in the second, Melker Karlsson got the Sharks on the board at 14:11 of the first, burying a below-the-goal line feed from Tomas Hertl. Three takeaways: Sharks’ Pavelski scores goal for uncle in wake of his But the bottom six allowed the Sharks to maintain the lead by keeping passing the puck in the Devils end throughout most of the game. Everyone on the Sharks fourth line produced a possession rating of more By PAUL GACKLE | [email protected] | Bay Area News than 77 percent (which means that they took at least 77 percent of the Group shot attempts while they were on the ice) led by Ryan Carpenter at 81.25 percent. October 20, 2017 at 8:42 PM The Sharks fourth line also iced the game by scoring the Sharks third goal at 18:50 of the second. Joonas Donskoi banked his first goal of the year, getting around former-Sharks defenseman Mirco Mueller to NEWARK — Joe Pavelski isn’t the most vibrant postgame interview in backhand his own rebound past Devils netminder Keith Kinkaid. the history of professional sports. The third line was strong, too producing an average possession rating of He’s careful with his words, he speaks in a docile tone and he’s quick to 64.11 percent. reach for the cliche, especially when the Sharks are struggling. “We need our depth,” DeBoer said. “All the guys on Tierney and Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, Carpenter’s lines were solid and we got good contributions from them. If commentary and conversation. not offense, then zone time, and offensive zone play. But the Sharks captain showed a flash of emotion when asked about his “That was the best that our depth forwards have played as a group and goal in the Sharks 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential that’s what we need.” Center in Newark Friday, a tally he notched for his Uncle Roger on his mother’s side, who passed away Thursday. On the other hand, the Sharks top line of Pavelski, Joe Thornton and Kevin Labanc appeared to struggle against the speedier Devils who had “That was the one thing from family that they said, get a goal for him,” last change, leading to matchups against Hischier, Stafford and Taylor Pavelski said with a slight crack in his voice. “I don’t think that goal Hall. probably should have went in, so I’m sure he had a little bit to do with it.” Pavelski, Thornton and Labanc posted possession ratings of 47.62 There isn’t anything better in sports than seeing an athlete triumph in the percent, 45.45 percent and 45.0 percent respectively. face of personal adversity. 3. Not your father’s Devils Here’s what we learned as the Sharks reached the .500 mark at 3-3 by winning the first game of their five-game East Coast roadie. Over the course of the last 25 years, the Devils became synonymous with boring, defensive, suck-the-life-out-of-the-neutral-zone hockey. 1. Martin Jones stays hot, regains elite form. Someone needs to call Webster’s to rewrite the thesaurus. As Martin Jones stumbled through the first two games of the season, surrendering eight goals on 59 shots, social media was ablaze with calls The new-look Devils on display Friday are young, fast and exciting. They for his removal as the Sharks No.1 goalie. fly through the neutral zone instead of clamping it down, showing off their skill, speed and promising future. Jones hushed the critics by outdueling Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey Price on Tuesday and he stayed hot against the Devils Friday, Will Butcher, Hischier and Jesper Bratt entered Friday’s game ranking making 28 saves to pitch his first shutout of the season. first, second and third respectively in rookie scoring with nine, seven and six points in seven games. Despite the outside noise, the Sharks never doubted Jones’ status as an elite netminder. But the Sharks proved that youth and a high-octane offense is still no match for veteran experience, solid goaltending and strong defense with “We have so much confidence in him. Right from day one he’s earned it,” a lead. Pavelski said. “There’s no questions there. If anything, it was on us giving up too many rushes. You can’t just give good teams a lot of rushes.” “You can see why they’re winning some games,” DeBoer said. “They create some offense, for sure, and when they’re getting big saves at the The Sharks gave the Devils (6-2) a handful of rushes Friday, but Jones other end, like they have been this season, you can see how you can win completely shut the door on an offense that came into the game ranked games doing that. second in the NHL, averaging 4.29 goals per game. “It’s an impressive skilled group. Jones made a remarkable-blocker save on a Drew Stafford one-timer from the slot with roughly 3:10 left in the first period. Less than 30 seconds later, he robbed Jimmy Hayes from the doorstep after he pounced on the rebound of Blake Coleman’s shot off the crossbar. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 10.21.2017 The Sharks goalie made another tremendous save in the second, using his pads to thwart 2017 first-overall pick Nico Hischier on a two-on-one opportunity. In the third, he got his left pad on a shot by Coleman after Joakim Ryan blew a tire behind the Sharks net, giving the Devils forward an open look from in close. “That’s what we need,” head coach Pete DeBoer said. “You look around the league and anybody that’s winning games is getting good goaltending. We expect that out of him, and he was, again, our best player tonight.” 2. Depth steps forward Anyone who followed the Sharks run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2015-16 became intimately familiar with the catchphrase, “roll four lines.” DeBoer’s brand of hockey depends on his ability to send out his lines one after another, possessing the puck and pressuring opponents by attacking in waves. The Sharks didn’t exactly own the possession game with all four lines Friday, but the bottom lines controlled the play while the top lines chipped in with a pair of goals. 1079300 San Jose Sharks

Jones blanks Devils as Sharks improve .500

By PAUL GACKLE | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: October 20, 2017 at 6:32 pm | UPDATED: October 20, 2017 at 6:47 PM

NEWARK — Martin Jones carried the momentum of his sensational performance Tuesday into the opening game of the Sharks five-game East Coast road swing, putting together his best performance of the season by making 28 saves against the NHL’s second-highest scoring offense. Like our Sharks Facebook page for more San Jose Sharks news, commentary and conversation. Jones pitched his first shutout of the 2017-18 campaign as the Sharks improved to 3-3 on the year by knocking off the New Jersey Devils 3-0 at the Prudential Center in Newark Friday. Melker Karlsson opened the scoring at 14:11 of the first, burying a below- the-goal line feed from Tomas Hertl, who used his bullish frame to protect the puck from Devils defenseman John Moore before sending the puck out front. Tim Heed picked up his second NHL point by earning the secondary assist. The Sharks added to the lead at 5:49 of the second when Joe Pavelski notched his second goal of the season by redirecting a point shot from Justin Braun while left alone in front of Devils goalie Keith Kinkaid. Joe Thornton sent the puck to the point, picking up his 1,395th career point to move into 21st place on the NHL’s all-time scoring list, passing Luc Robitaille. Joonas Donskoi put the Devils into a death grip with 1:10 remaining in the middle frame, beating former-Sharks blue liner Mirco Mueller to his own rebound and firing a backhander past a sprawled out Kinkaid. But before the Sharks broke the game open in the middle stanza, Jones made a flurry of big stops at the end of the first against a speedy-Devils offense that came into the game averaging 4.29 goals per game. Jones made a remarkable-blocker save on a Drew Stafford one-timer from the slot with roughly 3:10 left in the period. Less than 30 seconds later, he robbed Jimmy Hayes from the doorstep after he pounced on the rebound off Blake Coleman’s shot off the crossbar. The Sharks goalie made another tremendous save in the second, using his pads to thwart 2017 first-overall pick Nico Hischier on a two-on-one opportunity. In the third, he got his left pad on a shot by Coleman after Joakim Ryan blew a tire behind the Sharks net, giving the Devils forward an open look from in close. Prior to his 28-save performance against the Montreal Canadiens, Jones had struggled, posting an .880 save percentage in his first three starts. Team Teal returns to action against the New York Islanders at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn Saturday.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079301 San Jose Sharks

Martin Jones shuts out Devils in Sharks’ 1st road game of season

By Mike Farrell Updated 8:59 pm, Friday, October 20, 2017

NEWARK, N.J. — After a mediocre start at home, Martin Jones and the Sharks turned in a solid performance in their first road game. Jones made 28 saves for his first shutout of the season and 16th of his career in the Sharks’ 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. San Jose played its first five games at home, compiling a 2-3-0 record. “Our group was ready to get on the road,” Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer said. “Traditionally we’ve been a good road team. It was nice to get the group out on the road.” And an especially nice way to kick off a five-game East Coast trip. Melker Karlsson, Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi scored and Justin Braun had two assists as the Sharks played a smart and controlled game. And Jones was there to vacuum up any mistakes, particularly in the first period. “They came out pretty hard. We knew they were going to,” Jones said. “They have quick little forwards who are good around the net with quick plays, but I thought we were really good.” Keith Kinkaid, the top goalie for New Jersey with Cory Schneider on injured reserve, stopped 30 shots as the Devils’ three-game winning streak ended. The Devils, coming off a 5-4 overtime victory in Ottawa on Thursday, couldn’t muster a strong push in the later stages against the rested Sharks. Karlsson scored the lone goal of the opening period at 14:11 on a close- in shot following a slick behind-the-net setup pass from Tomas Hertl. The shots were 13 for each team in the evenly played period. The Devils came close on several occasions as former Shark Mirco Mueller and Blake Coleman both hit the crossbar and Jones robbed Drew Stafford on a drive from the slot. “Like most of the shots tonight, the guys did a good job around the net and I was able to see it and track it well,” Jones said of the save against Stafford. Pavelski and Donskoi got second-period goals as the Sharks steadily tightened their grip on the game. Pavelski tipped in Braun’s point shot at 5:49. Joe Thornton got the second assist, his 1,395th point, to pass Luc Robitaille for 21st on the career list. Donskoi backhanded home a rebound with 1:10 left in the period, during which the Sharks outshot the Devils 11-6. The remaining drama centered on Jones’ shutout bid. “You look around the league and anybody that is winning games is getting good goaltending,” DeBoer said. “We expect that out of him. Again, he was our best player tonight.”

San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079302 San Jose Sharks

As Joakim Ryan returns home, Sharks reunite with a former top prospect

By Marcus White October 20, 2017 11:24 AM

When Joakim Ryan suits up in his first NHL road game against the New Jersey Devils Friday night, he’ll do so in a familiar place. Ryan, a New Jersey-born Swede, played for the Devils’ youth program and nearby Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) in high school. In fact, he’s already played at the Prudential Center, skating in the state championship game with CBA in 2009. He’s not the only one due for something of a homecoming, as the Sharks may see a familiar face line up on the opposing blueline. This is the Sharks’ first matchup against New Jersey since trading 2013 first round pick Mirco Mueller ahead of June’s Expansion Draft. Mueller was once considered the future on the San Jose blueline, a smooth- skating defenseman with size to boot. The Swiss defender never fulfilled his potential, in part because his development was rushed from the start. He made the NHL roster as a rookie in 2014-15, almost by default. Other than Marc-Edouard Vlasic, the only defensemen ahead of him on left side of the depth chart were a far past-his-prime Scott Hannan and regular scratch Matt Irwin. Such was the nature of the Sharks’ “step back” that year. Mueller finally got regular playing time, albeit in the minors, during his second professional season. By then, he was pushed down the organizational depth chart by the team’s acquisitions of Brenden Dillon and Roman Polak, and the development of Dylan DeMelo. David Schlemko’s signing last summer kept Mueller there for most of 2016-17, but it was Ryan and Tim Heed that ensured Mueller’s NHL future would lie elsewhere. The Swedes surpassed him, and emerged as perhaps the AHL’s best defensive pair in the process. It’s fitting, then, that Ryan and Heed will be in the lineup tonight, and Mueller may not, as the fresh start he needed hasn’t quite panned out. He’s averaging a career-high 18:44 in ice time, but has been scratched in three of New Jersey’s seven games, including Thursday night’s overtime win in Ottawa. So Ryan comes home to New Jersey under much happier circumstances than Mueller will reunite with the Sharks. One prodigal son returns, and the other is simply trying to save face. It’s still early in his Devils tenure, of course, and Mueller may yet emerge as a regular on the New Jersey blueline. His Sharks reunion, though, will serve as a reminder of what once was, what could have been, and what is now San Jose’s future on defense.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079303 San Jose Sharks

Sharks win second straight, beat Devils to start road trip

Staff Report By Associated Press October 20, 2017 6:16 PM

NEWARK, N.J. — Martin Jones made 28 saves for his first shutout of the season and 16th overall in the San Jose Sharks' 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Friday night. Melker Karlsson, Joe Pavelski and Joonas Donskoi scored and Justin Braun had two assists to help the Sharks open a five-game East Coast trip. Keith Kinkaid, the top goalie for New Jersey with Cory Schneider on injured reserve, stopped 30 shots as the Devils' three-game winning streak came to an end. The Devils couldn't muster a strong push in the later stages against the rested Sharks. It was New Jersey's second game two nights following a 5-4 overtime victory in Ottawa. And it showed against the Sharks, who played a solid road game, pressed their advantage and solidly supported Jones. Karlsson scored the lone goal of the opening period at 14:11 on a close- in shot following a slick behind-the-net setup pass from Tomas Hertl. The shots were 13 for each team in the evenly played period. The Devils came close on several occasions as former Shark Mirco Mueller and Blake Coleman both hit the crossbar and Jones robbed Drew Stafford on a dead-on drive from the slot. Pavelski and Donskoi got second-period goals as the Sharks steadily tightened their grip on the game. Pavelski tipped in Braun's point shot at 5:49. Joe Thornton got the second assist, his 1,395th point, to pass Luc Robitaille for 21st on the career list. Donskoi backhanded a rebound shot with 1:10 left in the period in which the Sharks outshot the Devils 11-6. The remaining drama centered on Jones' shutout bid. NOTES: The Devils placed Schneider on injured reserve Friday with a lower-body injury and recalled Scott Wedgewood from Binghamton of the American Hockey League to serve as Kinkaid's backup. ... Mueller, a healthy scratch in three of the previous four games, returned for the Devils to face the Sharks, the team that drafted him in the first round, for the first time. He was dealt to New Jersey over the summer.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079304 St Louis Blues

NHL says Colorado goal should not have been waived off

By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch 36 min ago (…)

It's a technicality to be sure, but by league rule the Blues should not have been allowed to challenge the Colorado goal by Mikko Rantanen that temporarily tied Thursday night's game at 4-4 with 2:40 left in the third period. After a coach's challenge by Mike Yeo, claiming that Sven Andrighetto was offside _ and he was clearly offside _ the goal was waived off by the officiating crew headed by referees Brad Watson and Graham Skilliter. After that ruling, the Blues held on for a 4-3 victory at the Pepsi Center. But on Friday afternoon, the National Hockey League issued a statement saying that the original ruling Thursday night was incorrect and that the goal should have been allowed. In part, the NHL statement read: "Although there was an offside, it occurred prior to the puck clearing the zone, which nullifies any goal review related to that offside. The entry into the zone immediately prior to the goal was onside, therefore the goal should have counted." Sound confusing? Of course it does. But because there was a second entry into the zone _ Andrighetto was already in the zone when the puck entered, but then skated out of the zone with it and re-entered _ by league rule the play should not be reviewable. That's the rule. . .even though Andrighetto was clearly offside. PARAYKO'S STATUS Defenseman Colton Parayko left Thursday's game after taking a shot on the hand and did not return. The Blues provided no update Friday, but haven't made any roster moves either.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079305 St Louis Blues

NHL admits it goofed on review

By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch 4 hrs ago (…)

LAS VEGAS • Turns out there was one more wrinkle to the Blues’ “eventful,” as defenseman Robert Bortuzzo called it, win over Colorado on Thursday night. The NHL admitted Friday that officials messed up and that Colorado’s goal that tied the score at 4-4 but was waved off after a challenge should have counted. It’s a technicality that is so subtle that it was missed by the officiating crew, the video review crew in Toronto and, presumably, the Colorado coaching staff, since they didn’t say anything about it when it happened. But the league’s challenge rules say that only the last entry of a team into a zone can be challenged. While everyone involved agrees that Colorado’s Sven Andrighetto was offside when he initially received the puck, no call was made, in part because linesman Pierre Racicot was being run into by the Blues’ Oskar Sundqvist at the time and couldn’t see the play. Andrighetto then took the puck out of the zone and went back in. The two events happened within seconds of each other, but the fact that there was no initial call on the offside made the second entry into the zone, which was legal, the only one that could be challenged. If the league had interpreted its rule correctly, not only would Mikko Rantanen’s goal have tied the score, but the Avalanche would have had a power play for the Blues’ failed challenge. One of the things that made the goal possible was that the initial offside was so obvious to the Blues that for the most part they stopped playing, expecting the play to be whistled dead. “I looked at our defensemen,” said Blues forward Magnus Paajarvi, who was on the ice at the time. “First and foremost, it felt like everyone stopped playing except for two of their players. It was very weird. They looked at it and, we can’t really do anything about it now. It’s definitely a tough call. We got fortunate. If the league says it should have counted, it is what it is.” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong, speaking on Sportsnet’s Hockey Central, felt that justice was served. “The wording of the rule is wrong, not the call on the ice,” he said. “I don’t think anyone that watched the game last night or that knows hockey like the back of your hand think that’s a goal that we want to count. … We need to make sure that we change the wording in that rule so when it happens again, it is reviewable.” The Blues contributed to the problem by stopping play, expecting a whistle when there wasn’t one. “You get affected by what your opponents and teammates react to,” said Paajarvi. “If a couple players stop playing, you stop playing yourself. We’ve got to play to the whistle. But it was such a weird call. We’ll take the two points and look forward to the next game.” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko left the Colorado game with 16:23 to go after blocking a shot with his hand and didn’t return. The Blues had no update on his condition Friday — the team had meetings but didn’t skate on the day after back-to-back games – but Parayko’s hand isn’t wrapped, and the team hasn’t made any roster moves as it would if the hand was broken and he was going to miss games.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079306 St Louis Blues “What we do is for entertainment in the end,” Perron said. “If we can help that way and help people and the city deal with it and bring people together, that’s the goal of sports in general. It’s not much compared to Vegas off to great start as Blues visit real life. We’re fortunate that I’m safe, everyone’s safe around the team. It’s so bad what happened.”

Perron clearly misses St. Louis – he still follows the Blues and said he By Tom Timmermann • St. Louis Post-Dispatch 4 hrs ago (…) always will, even when he’s done playing – but he’s learning the benefits of life in the Southwest.

“The weather makes it really nice,” he said. “Every day you come out LAS VEGAS • Everyone who comes to Las Vegas, to this oasis in the here in flipflops and golf shirts. In training camp, I played golf more in the Mojave Desert, is in some way a dreamer. What are casinos but last month than I did in the summer. I haven’t played since the season monuments to the chance of striking it rich, of winning a fortune, to started, but in training camp and before. It’s nice for sure. change one’s life on the roll of the dice or the turn of a card? “I think everyone came with an open mind. You come to camp, you’re not The people who come here, to the miles of opulent casinos along Las too sure, you’re meeting so many people, trainers, everybody, and Vegas Boulevard, better known as the Strip, are hoping for something getting to know the city.” they don’t already have. At Perron’s suggestion, the team held a scavenger hunt earlier this week, Yet who could have seen the Vegas Golden Knights coming? sending players around town on an off day to learn more about their new home. The thought of a hockey team in Sin City was, in itself, a reach for many, but the way the team has started the season has been a surprise. “There’s a lot more outside the city than you can imagine coming in on vacation,” Perron said, “and it’s nice to get to see that. When you’re in The Golden Knights have won five of their first six games, putting them vacation mode, you’re on the Strip, you’re watching shows, doing things second in the Pacific Division and tied for third in the Western there. I think it’s different to live here for sure.” Conference with 10 points. Their 3-0 start was the best ever for an NHL expansion team, and their 5-1 start matches the 1917-18 Montreal And right now, along Las Vegas Boulevard, a dream lives on. Canadiens for the best mark by a team in its first season in the league.

Your odds of putting your money on any number on the roulette wheel are probably better than finding someone who envisioned this. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 10.21.2017 “Surprised for sure,” said ex-Blue David Perron, the player the team lost to Vegas (there’s no Las in the team name) in the expansion draft. “We’re going day by day and keep getting wins. We know there’s plenty of games left, it can change quick. “The interesting thing is, we’re still making mistakes and we find a way to win. If we can correct that, maybe we can sustain that success longer than people think. That’s what we’re looking at right now for sure, any time someone makes a mistake, I think we notice it. We all come from teams that have had success in the past, so we can all bring our experience from different places.” As a case in point, you can look no further than the team’s most recent game, a 5-4 overtime win over Buffalo. Vegas led 4-1 with 10 minutes to play, blew the lead, then won on a goal by Perron in overtime, his second of the game. “It’s not that we played extremely bad,” he said. “We got in a penalty situation, we played five on three, they score with the goalie pulled. But we got two points, that’s what matters.” “Everyone’s just playing hockey,” said defenseman Brad Hunt, whom the Blues lost on a waiver claim to Nashville last season and who then signed with Vegas as a free agent. “Everyone’s having fun, keeping it light. That’s what hockey’s all about. Having fun showing up at the rink and trying to get better every day. We’re just taking it day by day.” The Golden Knights have begun to play another role in the Las Vegas community. After the shooting at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival, less than a mile from the team’s home at T-Mobile Arena, left 58 people dead and 546 people injured Oct. 1, the team’s home opener Oct. 10 became a rallying point for the city. It was supposed to be a joyous celebration, but the team threw out its plans after the killings. There was no advertising on the rink’s boards, just the words “Vegas Strong.” Players took the ice accompanied by first responders. The names of the dead were projected on the ice before the game. And then there were the 58 seconds of silence. “I think the 58 seconds of silence was a very strong moment in my life,” Perron said. “You could not hear one thing in the rink. It was surreal in a way. “With the tragedy that happened, basically the team took a step and left, out of respect for the families and victims and first responders. I thought it was, I don’t want to say cool because it was a bad event, it was good that the team took a step back and put everyone up front other than the players. It was very emotional.” “We’re proud of all the first responders who helped so many lives,” Hunt said. “It’s something that’s really hard to talk about because you never want to see that happen to anybody. Team wise and city wise, I felt like everyone bonded through that. I’m really proud of everybody. But it’s not something you want to be part of.” 1079307 Tampa Bay Lightning

What's not to like about Lightning's start?

Martin Fennelly, Times Sports Columnist Friday, October 20, 2017 8:35PM

BRANDON — No one is engraving the Stanley Cup. No one has begun stuffing the league MVP ballot box for Nikita Kucherov. "It's just the start," Lightning defenseman Anton Stralman said. But how can you not like what we're seeing from the Lightning? It has jumped out hungry, as if it wants to squash last year's disappointing playoff miss right out of the gate. This season could be special. Jon Cooper and his players are 6-1-1 through eight games. Tonight they have a chance to beat the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at Amalie Arena for the second time in 10 days. The Lightning blanked John Tortorella's Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday night behind Andrei Vasilevskiy's 43 saves, great team defense and the first two goals of what should be a profoundly long NHL career for 19- year-old rookie Mikhail Sergachev. "I think the great thing is we still have more to offer," captain Steven Stamkos said. "The start, for me, means a little more just in who we've played," Cooper said. "I know it's early, but we took a couple of monkeys off our back. Because we didn't beat Pittsburgh last year, we didn't beat Columbus last year, and we barely ever beat St. Louis. Coming off a season where we missed the playoffs by one point — you never know where we lost that point — it's good to point munch to start the season." A win tonight and the Lightning would match the best start in franchise history, going back to the 2003-04 season, when the Lightning was 7-1-1 after nine games and, oh, won the Stanley Cup. Note of caution: The Lightning broke fairly well last season, 5-2, and missed the postseason. "It hasn't been perfect," Stralman said. "We've given up too many shots, too many chances. We probably shouldn't have won a few of these games. But that's something good teams do, find a way to win." There are still going to be slides this season. Make no mistake. But it was important that this team get off to a good start, especially after last season, so it doesn't feel like it's chasing early. Kucherov is chasing greatness. The 24-year-old wing scored goals in his first seven games and entered Friday as the second-leading scorer in the league, with eight goals and 13 points. Dead ahead of him: No. 91. Stamkos hasn't quite hit his stride but still has 12 assists and 14 points. "What I like about Kucherov's start is that I saw that kid land in Tampa in July," Cooper said. "I hadn't seen a player do that in my years here, come here in July and get on the ice five days a week. I was really excited. Part of you as a coach is going, 'Don't burn yourself out, kid.' But I loved it. It showed character. It showed everything you want in a player who is pushing himself to be better. We're reaping the rewards." Then there is the play of the 23-year-old Vasilevskiy, who has six wins, more than any goaltender in the league, and a .929 save percentage. "But we have to start leaving a lot of these games without saying our goaltender was our No. 1 star," Cooper said. But how do you not like this start? You'd maybe prefer 2-5-1? Note: Kucherov (body maintenance, according to the team) did not practice Friday.

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079308 NHL It was likely a gentle dig at Auston Matthews, the Leafs' superstar in the making who has six goals this season and has been drawing rave reviews for his inspired play. Earlier this week, Washington Nationals Curtis McElhinney finds his groove as backup for the Maple Leafs coach Barry Trotz compared the sophomore to Mario Lemieux. "It was pretty funny," Matthews said of Marchand's digital proclamation. "It's cool, I guess." ROBERT MACLEOD Toronto coach Mike Babcock, who likes to divide the season into five- TORONTO game segments as a barometer of success, said it is far too early to start planning any ticker-tape parades. 9 HOURS AGO "All that stuff is fluff," Babcock proclaimed, reminding reporters that he OCTOBER 20, 2017 coached the Detroit Red Wings when they won the Presidents' Trophy in 2005-06 after finishing with the NHL's best regular-season record only to

lose in the playoffs in the conference quarter-final. Curtis McElhinney does not have to look far should he need a shoulder to "It's hard to win the Cup, it's darned near impossible, so let's not worry lean on when discussing the travails of being a backup goaltender. about that," Babcock said about the attention the Leafs are attracting. McElhinney, currently plying his understudy role with the high-flying "Let's try to get into the playoffs, let's do that by winning a game in Toronto Maple Leafs, only needs to call his younger sister, Alana, the Ottawa." second member of the McElhinney family to tend goal at a competitive As for Matthews, Babcock said his young forward has the ability to mute level. the adulation. Alana, now a 26-year-old practising law in Calgary for Blake, Cassels & "I think all those things are great, but I don't think it's affecting his life," Graydon LLP, one of Canada's top business-law firms, was the backup said the coach. "I think that's just noise. And the more you win, the more goaltender for Bemidji State University, a Division 1 NCAA school tucked the noise is positive. And the more you lose, the more the noise is away in northern Minnesota. negative. She graduated in 2012 and acknowledges that there aren't many brother- "But you probably shouldn't listen when it's negative and you probably sister goaltending combos, even in a hockey-mad country such as shouldn't listen when it's positive." Canada.

"I loved it naturally and I loved it because of [Curtis]," Alana McElhinney said over the phone on Friday. "It's always been kind of inspirational to Globe And Mail LOADED: 10.21.2017 see how well he was doing, how much he loved to play and the fact at the end of the day he was able to make a career out of it." Having his younger sister follow in his goalie skates did not sit well in the McElhinney household in Calgary when 10-year-old Alana said she wanted to play hockey and in goal. At first her parents suggested she try other positions. "I don't think my parents were too happy about it," Curtis McElhinney said. "Honestly, that stuff [equipment] costs quite a bit of money, so for a parent it's probably hard to understand [why a child would choose goaltending]. "And you need a big garage and a big basement to air all that stuff out." Now in his 13th NHL season – and second with the Leafs – McElhinney inked a two-year contract with Toronto for $1.7-million (U.S.) in July. He made his only start of the season on Wednesday night and looked sharp as the Leafs turned back the Detroit Red Wings 6-3. Most of the time McElhinney's seat is planted on the end of the bench with Frederik Andersen getting the lion's share of the work. Andersen is expected to be back at his regular post Saturday night when the Leafs renew the Battle of Ontario in Ottawa against the Senators. The most McElhinney has played in a season was 32 games in 2014-15 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He also had stops in Calgary, Tampa Bay, Anaheim, Ottawa and Phoenix. Nobody ever sets out to be a backup goaltender and it was a bit of a bitter pill for McElhinney to digest when his NHL career was starting. "Obviously everybody set their sights on being the guy and early on that was probably the biggest challenge, trying to relinquish that thought," McElhinney said Friday after practice. "It's a challenge. It's tough to kind of go two or three weeks sometimes and not play a game and all you're seeing is practice shots. So mentally it can be stressful at times. "I think I've found my groove now after all these years, which is nice. I'm a little bit more at peace with it I would say." Having a ringside seat to watch the Leafs juggernaut this season is not too bad an option. Toronto is riding high, off to a 6-1 start with a league- leading offence – 34 goals in seven games. On Friday, online gambling house Bodog installed the Leafs as the 8-to-1 favourites to win the Stanley Cup. The rest of the league is starting to sit up and take notice what is transpiring in Hog Town. Brad Marchand, the truculent Boston Bruins forward, tweeted: "At what point do that Maple Leafs have to start playing Matthews 1 vs 5 to make it fair for other teams??" 1079309 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs are Stanley Cup favourites, says oddsmaker

By KEVIN MCGRAN Sports Reporter Fri., Oct. 20, 2017

The Toronto Maple Leafs are the odds-on favourites to win the Stanley Cup. That sort of sentence hasn’t been written about the Leafs in who knows how long, but on Friday, online oddsmaker Bodog put out a news release saying just that. “We’ll take it,” said centre Nazem Kadri. “But that stuff is a distraction. It’s nice to be considered the No. 1 team in the league, but it’s Vegas odds. That stuff is not real life.” The Leafs are at 8-to-1 now, down from 14-to-1 in the pre-season, and a shade ahead of the 9-to-1 Tampa Bay Lightning. “That’s great, I guess,” said Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly. “We’re pleased with the way we started the season. We’re just thinking about winning again tomorrow (Saturday in Ottawa). We’re not looking at odds. That’s a good thing. “I don’t know too much about betting, but when you’re the favourite it means you’ve done good things.” The betting-line change — and the line changes frequently—is a reaction to the team’s 6-1-0 start, which goes on the line Saturday in Ottawa against the Senators. “Ottawa has given us a tough time,” said Leafs coach Mike Babcock. “They’ve been real stingy against us. We haven’t played as good. They do a good job against us.” Babcock sounded far more worried about the here and now than about winning streaks and Stanley Cup odds. “All that stuff is fluff,” said Babcock. “I’ve coached teams that were No. 1 in the ranking, won the President’s Trophy, that tied for the President’s Trophy, that didn’t win the Cup. It’s hard to win the Cup. It’s darn near impossible. So let’s not worry about that. Let’s try to get in the playoffs. Let’s do that by trying to win the game in Ottawa.” The last time the Leafs started 6-1-0 wasn’t all that long ago. It was 2013-14, Rielly’s rookie season. “We were six and one in my rookie year?” said Rielly. It was an easy-to-forget season. The Leafs finished 2-12-0 to miss the playoffs. “I was 19 and I thought we were well on our way,” said Rielly. “Obviously that’s not the way it worked out. This year we have a little more confidence a little more ‘trust-the-process,’ if you will. It’s a different feeling because I’m older, I know how the league works.” MARCHAND TWEET: No one was quite sure what Boston’s Brad Marchand was up to when he tweeted about Auston Matthews. “At what point do the Maple Leafs have to start playing Matthews 1 vs. 5 to make it fair for other teams?” Marchand tweeted. It might have been full-on praise. It might have been a reaction to the media hype surrounding Matthews. “I thought it was pretty funny,” said Matthews, noting Marchand is a pretty good chirper on the ice. “It’s nice to get recognized like that, but I don’t think too much about it.” In Boston, Marchand smiled when asked about it. “Just playing. The kid’s sick,” Marchand told Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald. LINEUP NOTES: Eric Fehr is expected back in the Leafs lineup as coach Mike Babcock goes back-and-forth with Dominic Moore as the fourth-line centre. But Andreas Borgman will remain in the lineup ahead of Calle Rosen on defence.

Toronto Star LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079310 Toronto Maple Leafs

Saturday NHL preview: Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators

By MARK ZWOLINSKISports reporter Fri., Oct. 20, 2017

Senators captain Erik Karlsson returned Tuesday after off-season surgery on his left foot and left no doubt that his incredible skating and playmaking skills remain intact. The all-star defenceman led the Sens in ice time with 22:25, including four minutes on the power play, in a 3-0 loss to the Canucks. . . . Leaf Morgan Rielly, another excellent skater, is coming off a goal and an assist in Wednesday’s 6-3 win over Detroit. The Senators fell 5-4 in overtime against New Jersey on Thursday night and are still looking for their first home victory. . . . When the Leafs and Sens meet in Ottawa, it’s always difficult to tell which is the home team based on crowd support. Thousands of Toronto fans always turn out. . . . Rugged Sens defenceman Mark Borowiecki missed Thursday’s game, nursing an apparent shoulder injury after fighting in three straight contests. He also leads the NHL with an average of four hits per game. . . . Defenceman Chris Wideman stepped up with three goals while Karlsson was out. . . . Cody Ceci led the Sens in average ice time with 23:06.

Toronto Star LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079311 Toronto Maple Leafs in the lineup, at least in a traditional sense. These guys express toughness by being unwilling to give up the puck. They treat body contact like something that just slows them down from playing at a full sprint. Today's Leafs prefer to intimidate with speed: Cox Among the top nine forwards, only Leo Komarov and Nazem Kadri regularly take the body. Among the top four defencemen, none are even remotely close to classic stay-at-home defenders. The Leafs’ top D-men By DAMIEN COX Sports Columnist are mobile and fast. Fri., Oct. 20, 2017 Auston Matthews, first Leaf in a half-century to win the Calder Trophy last year, spends most of his time, despite his substantial size, seeking open ice and avoiding contact as unnecessary to what he’s trying to achieve. The next heavy bodycheck William Nylander and Mitch Marner deliver To become a strong young club that appears to be on the verge of will be their first, but both are wizards with the puck. becoming a legitimate Stanley Cup contender, the Toronto Maple Leafs have essentially abandoned their history. No NHL team is faster than the Leafs. No team is scoring more at the moment. Both Matthews and Nylander look like one day they might be How’s that for irony? able to do what Drillon once did, which was lead the entire league in Think about it. For virtually all of their existence, the Leafs have never, scoring. Meanwhile, in seven games, six of which have produced ever been primarily about speed, skill and emphasizing talent over grit. victories, the Leafs have one fight. They surely intimidate, but with speed. Quite the opposite, in fact. In other words, these are not your grandmother’s Leafs. Or your father’s. This was a franchise founded on the belief espoused by Conn Smythe Part of this is because the NHL has gone this way. The game is played at that if you couldn’t beat ’em in the alley, you couldn’t beat ’em on the ice. a blur. More than 90 per cent of players now wear visors, less than one- That was a reflection of the violent nature of the sport at that time, but quarter of games have a fight, enforcers are all but extinct (except in the also of Smythe’s belief, not surprising for a military man, that muscle and NHL’s player “safety” department) and young teams such as Carolina force could solve difficult athletic challenges. and New Jersey are using speed to work their way up the NHL ladder. To a significant degree, he was right. During the time when he was This team doesn’t play like Leaf teams were always expected to play primary owner of the team, from 1927-61, his Leafs won seven Stanley under the Smythe banner. There’s a good team approach, sure, but also Cups, including five in the 1940s. He was still on the lots of room for creativity and offensive pizzazz. Speedy Connor Brown scene when four more Cups were won in the sixties. scored 20 goals last year and started the season on the fourth line. So you can’t say the Smythe way didn’t work. This is all a good thing. The Leafs are ahead of the curve for a change, The emphasis was always on a strong team work ethic, sturdy not swimming against the prevailing tide. They’re embracing new trends goaltending, defensive play and good old-fashioned blood ’n’ guts. and science, not leaning on discarded dogma and hoary old theories Individual talent? Not really the Leaf way. Gordie Drillon won the NHL about how the game should be played, like when Imlach returned for a scoring title in 1938, and no Leaf has since. Defenceman Babe Pratt won disastrous second tour in 1979. the Hart Trophy in 1944, and no Leaf has since. Today’s Leafs couldn’t beat most other NHL teams in any alley. And they Individual brilliance was never what the Leafs were about, either by couldn’t care less. design or incompetence. At times, the club seemed to actively reject skill

players. Frank Mahovlich and defenceman Carl Brewer were both named to the NHL’s first all-star team in 1963. Both were essentially driven away Damien Cox from the team largely because of their disaffection for the old-school tactics and attitudes of head coach Punch Imlach. Toronto Star LOADED: 10.21.2017 Imlach thought intentionally mispronouncing Mahovlich’s name would motivate him. The standout winger was twice hospitalized due to stress- related issues and called being traded to Detroit a “great relief.” The quirky but immensely talented Brewer, meanwhile, was so distressed by Imlach’s domineering approach his hair fell out. He walked away from the Leafs in 1965. Mike Walton was a creative young centre who fought with Imlach, was suspended, came back and was diagnosed as suffering from acute depression. “I had the life and confidence sucked out of me after all those years in the organization,” he later said. He was traded to Boston in 1971 and won a Cup with the Bruins the following year. The last year the Leafs won the Stanley Cup, 1967, the Chicago Blackhawks had five scorers among the top 10 NHL shooters, and the Leafs had none. Toronto’s leading scorer, Dave Keon, had 19 goals. The Leafs won with veteran know-how and grit, not superstars and elite offensive players. Their objective was to slow the game down. When the club got back to being competitive in the mid-1970s under Red Kelly, they did it by proving they could match the Philadelphia Flyers brawl for brawl. Under Roger Neilson, who succeeded Kelly, popular Tiger Williams became the NHL’s penalty leader and the Leafs specialized in a suffocating style of defensive hockey. When Pat Burns arrived in 1992, he stressed defence. Doug Gilmour provided the skill, but he was also viewed as a nasty, aggressive player, and captain Wendel Clark was beloved for his fists as much as his goal- scoring talent. Under Pat Quinn, became a feared NHL heavyweight and a fan favourite. When the team spent, it was to acquire hard-nosed NHL free agents such as Gary Roberts, Shayne Corson and Bryan Marchment. Brian Burke arrived in 2008 and promised a return to truculence and aggressiveness just as the league was going in the opposite direction. By the 2012-13 season, the Leafs led the NHL in fights. So here we are in 2017, and it’s clear this Leaf team is the antithesis of most Leaf teams in history. It actively embraces skill, and rejects brawn. Not only is there no celebrated enforcer — Matt Martin fights a bit, but he’s not the scrapper Williams and Domi were — there is little toughness 1079312 Toronto Maple Leafs "I"m lucky to be able to say I've gotten to participate in both of those rivalries because they're similar," Phaneuf said. "Both cities are very competitive, it's a battle of province and there's a lot of pride involved Battle of Ontario has extra meaning this time around with the fan base. "You can feel it in the community when we play Toronto in the Battle of Ontario (because) everyone has got a little more excitement to their day BY BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN — whether you're picking up your dry cleaning, whether you're out for dinner, people are excited about it. It's a rivalry that's got history and it's FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 04:37 PM EDT | about us playing our city and them playing for their city. It's going to be UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 04:43 PM EDT fun to be a part of." Let the Battle of Ontario officially begin. OTTAWA — Finally, a Battle of Ontario with meaning. As the Ottawa Senators prepare to face off Saturday against the Toronto Toronto Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 Maple Leafs in Round 1 of the provincial rivalry, there's two points on the line that will come in handy when the NHL hands out playoff spots at the final buzzer in April. After a trip to the Eastern Conference final for the first time in a decade this past spring, the Senators are trying to get back to the playoffs again while the Leafs, led by superstar centre Auston Matthews, look like they could be on the verge of something special after getting off to a 6-1-0 start. There have been a lot of lean years, when these games didn't mean much. That's not the case anymore. "The Battle of Ontario is special every time you play just because of the rivalry itself," Senators alternate captain Dion Phaneuf, who has been on both sides of this battle, said Friday after a 35-minute practice. "There's always the energy, always the rivalry and always the history of the Battle of Ontario. "Now, the points are so important because the teams are both competitive and both trying to finish as high as they possibly can. It's great to be part of these games as a player. They're fun to be a part of the atmosphere, whether they're in Ottawa or Toronto, they're great. "The energy in the building is always fun. It brings excitement. The fans love it, the community loves it and we enjoy playing it as players." Not everybody has had the chance to experience first hand the rivalry between the Senators and the Leafs. Ottawa hasn't played before a full Canadian Tire Centre yet this season but ticket sales have been brisk for this one and, if it isn't sold out Saturday night, it'll be pretty close. Senators winger Alex Burrows, dealt here from the Vancouver Canucks at trade deadline in February, couldn't hide his excitement at the chance to play in the kind of atmosphere that surrounds the Battle of Ontario. Burrows used to get to the Canucks dressing room early on a game day and flip the television to Hockey Night in Canada. He has a pretty good idea already about the rivalry the Senators have built up over the years with the Leafs as well as the Montreal Canadiens. "These are the games that are easy to wake up for because you're looking forward to those kinds of matchups," said Burrows, who scored his 200th career goal in the club's 5-4 OT loss to New Jersey on Thursday. "There's going to be a real buzz in the building, there's going to be a lot of energy in the building. "I've watched a lot of those on TV. We always watched Montreal-Ottawa, Toronto-Montreal and the Battle of Ontario. Even as a kid, I have some great memories of watching playoff hockey with those two teams and now to be part of it that's going to be a lot of fun." The Senators finished 3-1-0 against the Leafs last season and there's a pretty good chance both teams will be in the playoffs next spring. They haven't had a playoff series since the lockout ended in 2005-06, but there's just something special that surrounds every game between these two teams. It does help that the Leafs have Matthews and are considered a Stanley Cup contender under coach Mike Babcock. The Senators are 0-1-3 on home ice this season and, quite frankly, given the expectations for Toronto, this game could be looked at as a measuring stick for Ottawa. "It's a divisional game, they're four-point swings, and we know the importance of the points and Toronto has started very well," said Phaneuf, a former Leafs' captain. "They're a team that's been playing very well and it's a challenge for our team to come in and we've got to raise our level of play." Phaneuf said he's fortunate that he's gotten to participate in the Battle of Alberta between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers and now the Battle of Ontario. 1079313 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs shrug at latest Vegas odds that has them Cup favourites

BY TERRY KOSHAN, TORONTO SUN FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 01:20 PM EDT | UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 05:14 PM EDT

TORONTO - If you had bet the Maple Leafs weren’t going to put a lot of stock in the latest Vegas odds, you would have cashed in. Betting website Bodog on Friday had the Leafs as the new Stanley Cup favourite, putting Toronto at 8/1 favourites to win the Cup. Right behind the Leafs, who opened the season at 14/1, is the Tampa Bay Lightning at 9/1. Big whoop, the Leafs collectively said. “All that stuff is fluff,” coach Mike Babcock said after the club practised at the MasterCard Centre. “I have coached lots of good teams that were (No. 1) in the ranking, that won the Presidents’ Trophy, that tied for the Presidents’ Trophy, and didn't win the Cup. “It’s hard to win the Cup. It’s darn near impossible. Let’s not worry about that, let’s try to get in the playoffs. Let’s do that by winning the game in Ottawa (on Saturday night against the Senators). “Ottawa has given us a tough time, they have been really stingy against us. We have not played as good (recently). They do a good job against us. We’re going to have to get ready and play them well.” The Leafs might not be playing to Babcock’s satisfaction, but they have been winning, including taking both games of a back-to-back set this week against Washington and Detroit. The Leafs have 12 points (6-1-0) and are tied for second overall in the National Hockey League, behind only Tampa, which has 13 points. Given their record, and the fact they lead the NHL with a plus-12 goal differential, it’s not difficult to see why Vegas has the Leafs as Cup favourites. Of course, a couple of losses in the next little while and that will change. “Sure, it’s great,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said with a grin. “We’re pleased with the way we have been able to start the season. We’re just thinking about winning again tomorrow and winning again after that. “We’re not looking at odds. It’s always a good thing. I don’t know too much about that, but I think when you’re the favourite, you’re doing something right.” Meanwhile, there was more recognition of what Auston Matthews has been doing, days after Capitals coach Barry Trotz called him a “young Mario Lemieux.” Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand, tongue in cheek, tweeted “At what point do that @MapleLeafs have to start playing Matthews 1 vs 5 to make it fair for other teams?” Said Matthews, who has 10 points (six goals and four assists in seven games) of the tweet: “It was pretty funny. I don’t know. I got to know him a little bit in L.A. during the all-star game (last season), so he has some pretty good one-liners. It kind of took me by surprise that he tweeted that.” As for the next game in the Battle of Ontario, Babcock confirmed that defenceman Andreas Borgman will remain in the lineup ahead of another rookie, Calle Rosen. It’s expected Dominic Moore will draw back in over Eric Fehr after sitting out versus Detroit, and Mitch Marner will remain on the fourth line while Connor Brown stays with Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. Frederik Andersen will start in the Leafs net.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079314 Toronto Maple Leafs

Game Day: Maple Leafs at Senators

BY LANCE HORNBY, TORONTO SUN FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 11:55 PM EDT | UPDATED: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 12:36 AM EDT

Toronto’s record of 6-1 is built largely on it pounding out 14 first-period goals to date. But there have been moments very early in the match where Leafs lapses and a goal or two against could put an entirely different spin on the outcome. Home ice advantage tends to go out the window in this building, with Bytowners griping about why so many tickets find their way into the hands of vocal Leafs supporters. Sens must win back their lost territory. Toronto is 2-0 on the road, both wins in Canadian cities, while Ottawa has yet to win at CTC. Steady Freddy Andersen lost his only start here as a Leaf last October in the Matthews game. and Ottawa goaltender Craig Anderson was marooned by his mates against the Devils the other night, peppered with 46 shots. If the Leafs get that kind of shooting room with their arsenal, 50-plus pucks on goal is not out of the question. Toronto coach Mike Babcock’s rotation of fourth line centre and the 5-6 defence position has paid off so far. He won’t want to change the lineup coming off this game, unless someone gives him a darn good reason to. Ottawa’s penalty-killing unit is No. 1 in the NHL and survived 10 of 13 Leafs minors in last season’s series. Auston Matthews vs. Erik Karlsson The two leading scorers in last season’s series hook up as Karlsson re- sets from an early season ankle injury. Sure, Matthews can strike fears in the hearts of the Sens after his four-goal game here a year ago, but Karlsson can get the Leafs off their balance beam in a hurry when he’s in full flight.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079315 Toronto Maple Leafs Patrick Maroon for a goal. “I’m glad we don’t have to play against them more than two times a year, is what I was thinking (as he watched the replays of the goal),” Gardiner said. That it came against the veteran Collectors cherish sticks of fellow NHL stars Blackhawks defence pair of Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, Gardiner said: “Even crazier.” … Babcock confirmed that defenceman Andreas Borgman will remain in the lineup on Saturday in Ottawa ahead of another rookie, Calle Rosen. It’s expected Dominic Moore will draw back BY TERRY KOSHAN, TORONTO SUN in over Eric Fehr after sitting out versus Detroit on Wednesday, and Mitch Marner will remain on the fourth line while Brown stays with Tyler Bozak FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 11:43 PM EDT | and James van Riemsdyk. UPDATED: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2017 12:36 AM EDT

Toronto Sun LOADED: 10.21.2017 Nazem Kadri isn’t much of a collector. Where several of his Maple Leafs teammates, and coach Mike Babcock, relish the thought of adding to their hockey stick collections, not so with Kadri. The Leafs centre doesn’t ask opponents for a stick, a tradition among NHLers who seek souvenirs. “Not really,” Kadri said. “I just enjoy the company on the ice. That’s all I need. I don’t really do the memento thing. “I’m not sure if anyone would want to give me a stick if I asked (considering his abrasive approach to playing the game).” Others in the Leafs room have quite the collection going. For Auston Matthews — who said he gets asked every so often for one of his sticks — cherished sticks include those once used by Joe Thornton and Alex Ovechkin. “I guess those are pretty hard to come by,” Matthews said of Thornton’s stick. “(Ovechkin’s) stick has a pretty big curve. It’s pretty cool to see what other guys are using. I’m always curious. “(Thornton) uses a two-piece, the blade is huge, the stick is just heavy in general and I don’t think I’d ever see myself using it. It’s pretty funny to look at.” How about 20-year veteran Patrick Marleau? “Probably the highlight one would be that (Sidney) Crosby gave one to my oldest son (Landon) from the 2010 Olympics,” Marleau said. “He was his favourite player and he took the time to sit with him and talk with him. It’s pretty special.” Among the sticks in Babcock’s collection is the one used by Leafs president Brendan Shanahan to score his 600th NHL goal, and another used by Hall of Fame defenceman Scott Stevens in a milestone game. Babcock has a Crosby stick as well, among others. “I have been fortunate to coach an Olympic team (twice) so I’ve railroaded the guys (for sticks),” Babcock said. “I shouldn’t say (he has so many sticks), someone will break into my house.” And as for that great message Matthews wrote on a stick for Ottawa Senators goalie Craig Anderson, the one that read “Thanks FOUR making my first game memorable” after Matthews scored four goals in the opener last season? Matthews said it was Leafs assistant equipment manager Bobby Hastings who came up with the line. “He ran it by me and I thought it was hilarious,” Matthews said. “I’m glad (Anderson) liked it.” What are among the biggest differences between the Leafs now and of four years ago, during Morgan Rielly’s rookie season? “Depth for sure,” Rielly said. “We have been able to build this group through drafting and trades and free agents and it’s a group we have a lot of confidence in. It’s tough to find that kind of depth.” The Maple Leafs’ recent drafting record has helped make players proud to wear the sweater. “Absolutely, it’s a great feeling,” Rielly said. “I think the Leafs do a great job of bringing the prospects in for prospects camp. “We get to know one another, we stay in touch. When you’re younger, keep in touch over the course of junior seasons, and they grow up together. I certainly feel that way. Me and Brownie (Connor Brown) have been close friends for a long time now. We create those relationships and it makes a difference, I agree.” Count Leafs defenceman Jake Gardiner among those who were blown away by Connor McDavid’s end-to-end rush against Chicago on Thursday, ending when McDavid, while skating backward, spun and fed 1079316 Toronto Maple Leafs RYAN STROME, Edmonton The player he was traded for () is playing on the top line for the New York Islanders, where he has four assists in seven games. But They're not draft busts — yet: Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart headline host so far, Strome has underwhelmed in Edmonton, where he has one goal of NHLers off to underwhelming starts and one assist — both came in the same game — in six games. The good news is that he is generating chances, with 18 shots, and has shown an ability to play centre, allowing Draisaitl to move back to Connor Michael Traikos McDavid’s wing when healthy. October 20, 2017 MAX PACIORETTY, Montreal 2:56 PM EDT The Habs are averaging the fewest number of goals in the league this season, and while it’s been a team-wide problem — Jonathan Drouin, Brendan Gallagher, Tomas Plekanec, Andrew Shaw and Alex Galchenyuk have combined for five goals — it’s hard not to point the BUFFALO — Sam Reinhart probably wouldn’t go No. 2 overall again. finger at their captain. Pacioretty, who has been the team’s leading goal- That’s a given. scorer in each of the past five seasons, has just one goal and no assists Sam Bennett at No. 4? Forget about it. in seven games. Go back in time and re-do the 2014 NHL Entry Draft — an exercise that ALEXANDER RADULOV, Dallas is equally fun and unfair — and it’s doubtful either player would even be Don’t blame the inability to re-sign Radulov as a reason for Montreal’s in the top-five. Personally, I’d still have Florida defenceman Aaron Ekblad early struggles. While the Russian playmaker had 18 goals and a team- first overall, with Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl (third), Toronto’s William leading 36 assists for the Habs last season, his production hasn’t Nylander (eighth), Winnipeg’s Nikolaj Ehlers (ninth), Detroit’s Dylan translated to the Lone Star State, where Radulov has one goal and a pair Larkin (15th) and Boston’s David Pastrnak (25th) also ahead of the of assists for the Stars. That goal, by the way, was an empty-netter. Buffalo and Calgary forwards. RICK NASH, N.Y. Rangers I might even have some more players, including Tampa Bay third- rounder Brayden Point and fourth-round pick Viktor Arvidsson of the Father Time really is a nasty bugger. Nash is experiencing that first-hand Nashville Predators, in front of them. this season. Though he’s only 33 years old, the Rangers winger is not even close to the player he was a few years ago, when he scored 42 Then again, check back in another 12 months. goals. With just one goal in eight games, Nash’s fall-of-a-cliff production That’s the thing to keep in mind when evaluating young players who are is part of the reason why New York is hanging out with Montreal at the still developing. We’re only three years removed from the 2014 draft and bottom of the Eastern Conference standings Reinhart and Bennett have not yet celebrated their 22nd birthdays, much

less played 200 NHL games. National Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 At one time, Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele was called a first-round bust after twice being returned to junior. The Maple Leafs nearly traded away Nazem Kadri because of his inconsistent play. Heck, even Nail Yakupov seems better today than he did a year or two ago. In other words, those same fans in Buffalo who might be watching Nylander fling saucer passes to Auston Matthews and wondering ‘what if’ shouldn’t write off Reinhart just yet. After all, he certainly isn’t. Two years ago, he scored 23 goals. There is no reason to suggest he can’t build on those numbers. And while he might not be producing at the same level as some of his peers — Nylander and Ehlers each have seven points so far this season, while Larkin and Point have eight points — Reinhart headed into Friday night’s game against the Vancouver Canucks with goals in back-to-back games and said he is “is starting to turn the corner and play with a little more confidence.” Part of that is because he is back to playing on the wing with Ryan O’Reilly, who also happens to be playing better than he was at the start of the season when he called himself “useless.” But the other part is that he is doing less thinking and relying more on his hockey instincts. “I think I’ve been able to hold onto the puck a little bit more,” said Reinhart, who had two goals and no assists in the first seven games. “My legs, skating-wise, have felt good right from the start. I’ve been more comfortable with the puck on my stick the last few games and that’s led to a little bit more success.” As for Bennett, who is still without a point in his first seven games, the clock is ticking on him and several other early-season underachievers to start producing. SAM BENNETT, Calgary The No. 4 pick in the 2014 draft had a down year last season, which might explain why he was only able to sign a two-year contract worth US$3.9-million in the off-season. Based on his play so far, it seems like a more than fair deal. Bennett is not only without a point so far this season, but with only five shots in seven games, he is not even really generating many scoring opportunities. BRENT BURNS, San Jose The defending Norris Trophy winner scored 29 goals and 76 points last season, but so far the puck isn’t going in for Burns, who has no goals and two assists in five games, or any of the Sharks as they adjust to life without Patrick Marleau. With a team-leading 20 shots, it’s just a matter of time before Burns starts to score. Until then, his minus-5 rating is sticking out more than his beard. 1079317 Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs are now Stanley Cup favourites — and they don't care

Terry Koshan October 20, 2017 2:57 PM EDT

TORONTO — If you had bet the Toronto Maple Leafs weren’t going to put a lot of stock in the latest Vegas odds, you would have cashed in. Betting web site Bodog on Friday have the Leafs as the new Stanley Cup favourite, putting the Leafs at 8/1 favourites to win the Cup. Right behind the Leafs, who opened the season at 14/1, are the Tampa Bay Lightning at 9/1. Big whoop, the Leafs collectively said. “All that stuff is fluff,” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said after the club practised at the MasterCard Centre. “I have coached lots of good teams that were (No. 1) in the ranking, that won the Presidents’ Trophy, that tied for the Presidents’ Trophy and didn’t win the Cup. “It’s hard to win the Cup. It’s darn near impossible. Let’s not worry about that — let’s try to get in the playoffs. Let’s do that by winning the game in Ottawa (on Saturday night against the Senators). “Ottawa has given us a tough time, they have been really stingy against us. We have not played as good (recently). They do a good job against us. We’re going to have to get ready and play them well.” The Leafs might not be playing to Babcock’s satisfaction, but they have been winning, including taking both games of a back-to-back set this week against Washington and Detroit. The Leafs have 12 points (6-1-0) and are tied for second overall in the NHL, behind only Tampa, who have 13 points. Given their record, and the fact they lead the NHL with a plus-12 goal differential, it’s not difficult to see why Vegas has the Leafs as Cup favourites. Of course, a couple of losses in the next little while and that will change. “Sure, it’s great,” defenceman Morgan Rielly said with a grin. “We’re pleased with the way we have been able to start the season. We’re just thinking about winning again tomorrow and winning again after that. “We’re not looking at odds. It’s always a good thing. I don’t know too much about that, but I think when you’re the favourite you’re doing something right.” Meanwhile, there was more recognition of what Auston Matthews has been doing, days after Capitals coach Barry Trotz called him a “young Mario Lemieux.” Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand, tongue in cheek, tweeted “At what point do that @MapleLeafs have to start playing Matthews 1 vs 5 to make it fair for other teams?” Said Matthews, who has 10 points (six goals and four assists in seven games) of the tweet: “It was pretty funny. I don’t know. I got to know him a little bit in L.A. during the all-star game (last season), so he has some pretty good one-liners. It kind of took me by surprise that he tweeted that.” As for the next game in the Battle of Ontario, Babcock confirmed that defenceman Andreas Borgman will remain in the lineup ahead of another rookie, Calle Rosen. It’s expected Dominic Moore will draw back in over Eric Fehr after sitting out versus Detroit, and Mitch Marner will remain on the fourth line while Connor Brown stays with Tyler Bozak and James van Riemsdyk. Frederik Andersen will start in the Leafs’ net.

National Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079318 Vegas Golden Knights

Jonathan Marchessault on the mend for Golden Knights

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal October 20, 2017 - 8:50 PM

Jonathan Marchessault is close to returning to the Golden Knights’ lineup. Marchessault, who is on injured reserve with a lower-body injury, practiced Friday at City National Arena, and Knights coach Gerard Gallant did not rule out the top-six forward for Saturday’s game against St. Louis at T-Mobile Arena. “He had a good skate (Friday), and that’s a good start,” Gallant said. “He’s not off the IR yet, he’s just coming back and trying to get ready for (Saturday). I don’t know if he’s going to play (Saturday) yet or not. We’ll see again (Saturday) morning.” Marchessault was injured early in the third period against Detroit on Oct. 13 when he was crunched in the corner by Red Wings defenseman Nick Jensen and fell awkwardly. Marchessault scored his first goal of the season in the first period and thought he was starting to get his timing back before being hurt. “I think my first few games I was just a little rusty,” said Marchessault, a 30-goal scorer last season with Florida. “I was actually finding my game a little bit back and had a good game that game. It’s unfortunate, but that why I want to be 100 percent ready when I come back, so I can start where I left off.” Marchessault skated Thursday on the team’s day off and wore a red, noncontact jersey at practice Friday. He is eligible to come off IR on Saturday, and general manager George McPhee will have a tough roster decision once Marchessault is healthy. Rookie Alex Tuch was called up Sunday when Marchessault officially was placed on IR. Tuch has two goals in two games with the Knights and has injected size and speed into the lineup, but he remains waiver- exempt and could return to the minors. Center Vadim Shipachyov also does not need to clear waivers and could go down to make room for Marchessault. “When you have injuries like that, you need guys that step up,” Marchessault said. “Tuch stepped up. It’s good for those guys, and we need those guys to step up. It just makes our team better.” Gallant said forward Erik Haula, who is on injured reserve with a lower- body injury, is set to begin skating Saturday. “He’s doing much better,” Gallant said. As for Marc-Andre Fleury (concussion), Gallant said he did not have an update when the team’s No. 1 goaltender would return. “I haven’t heard nothing about him today, and that’s just from the doctors and trainer,” Gallant said. Goaltender Oscar Dansk isn’t sure how long he will be with the Knights, but the 23-year-old from Sweden is looking to make the most of his time in the NHL. Dansk was recalled this week from Chicago of the American Hockey League and will serve as Malcolm Subban’s backup. He was called up to Columbus in 2015 and last season in the playoffs, but never appeared in an NHL game for the Blue Jackets. “Any time you get this opportunity, you’ve got to show something, right?” Dansk said. “I’m just going to go 100 percent like always, and after that, I’ve done what I can.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079319 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights face serious test against fast-starting Blues Saturday

By Steve Carp Las Vegas Review-Journal October 20, 2017 - 3:01 PM

So far, the Golden Knights have managed to hold their own in every game. Saturday, the expansion franchise faces its stiffest challenge. The St. Louis Blues come to T-Mobile Arena leading the NHL’s Western Conference with 12 points (6-2). They have a lot of firepower, led by Jaden Schwartz, who has six goals and 12 points in eight games, and Vladimir Tarasenko, one of the league’s top scorers who has five goals and nine points. What’s more impressive is how the Blues have started fast despite a rash of preseason injuries that saw defenseman (ankle) and centers Robby Fabbri (knee) and Patrik Berglund (shoulder) go down. Could this be the kind of wide-open, firewagon style game that will see both the Knights’ Malcolm Subban and the Blues’ Jake Allen counting pucks in their sleep. “I don’t think so,” Knights coach Gerard Gallant said Friday. “They’re a very sound defensive team with really good goaltending.” Gallant also isn’t looking at St. Louis or Tuesday’s game against Chicago as any sort of litmus test for his team, which has started 5-1 and has the hockey world buzzing with its early success. “Every game is a test for our team,” Gallant said. “I want to see the same effort from our team no matter who we’re playing.” The Knights have scored five goals in two of their six games, including Tuesday’s 5-4 overtime win over Buffalo. The offense is diverse as veterans Reilly Smith and David Perron scored Tuesday and Oscar Lindberg added three goals in his last four games. Still, it’s going to take a strong defensive effort to keep the Blues in check. St. Louis is tied for fifth in the NHL in goals scored with 26. “They’ve got a lot of weapons,” defenseman Deryk Engelland. “You want to play solid and take care of the puck and move it quickly out of your zone. We’ve been doing a good job of that, transitioning from D to O playing as a five-man unit.” Fellow defenseman Luca Sbisa said handling the pressure of Tarasenko, who tied for fourth in the NHL last season with 39 goals, Schwartz, who had 19 goals and 55 points last year, along with Paul Stastny (three goals, eight points in eight games this season) and offensive-minded defenseman Alex Piertrangelo (two goals, eight assists) may be the difference between gaining two points or none. “They’re a fast-skating team, and they’re looking to create turnovers in your end so you’ve got to play solid in your end,” Sbisa said. The Knights, whose 5-1 start equalled the best start by a first-year franchise in NHL history, will stay with Subban in goal for the time being. There is no timetable for Marc-Andre Fleury’s return as he continues to recover from a concussion. Subban has been working daily with goaltending coach David Prior since his arrival Oct. 3 as he looks to limit the rebounds and improve his puckhandling. “He’s working hard,” defenseman Colin Miller said of Subban. “The guys have confidence in him.” But from the goal out, the Knights will be tested Saturday more than any game to date. “St. Louis is going to be a challenge,” Gallant said. “They’re very structured, and they’re an elite team that’s well-coached. We just have to focus on ourselves, make good decisions and play to our strengths.”

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079320 Washington Capitals As the Capitals’ extra defenseman for the majority of the past two seasons, Chorney is no stranger to being in and out of the lineup, but this felt somewhat different because a starting role was Chorney’s to lose at Caps center Jay Beagle to play 400th NHL game against Red Wings, the the start of the season. He figured he might have just been “rusty” in the team he loved growing up first few games of the season. “It was tough, I’m not going to lie,” he said. “It was tough to sit out those games, but at the same time, it’s all a process. It’s such a long year, I By Isabelle Khurshudyan October 20 at 2:58 PM don’t want to get too caught up in it now. We’ve still got 70-something games left. There’s still a lot to be written here this season.”

Trotz put Chorney back in against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Tuesday, DETROIT — Though Jay Beagle was born and raised in Calgary, and though Washington lost, 2-0, it had one of its stronger defensive Alberta, and often attended Flames games at the Saddledome, he was showings against the NHL’s highest-scoring team. Chorney is slated to always a Detroit Red Wings fan. “Steve Yzerman,” he said as an continue playing on the right side of Dmitry Orlov on Friday in Detroit. explanation. The Hall of Fame center and Red Wings captain was Beagle’s favorite player, so Detroit became his favorite team. “I think he did well,” Trotz said. “The team game was better, so the individual game sort of always looks better. But I thought he was much “My brother liked the Avalanche and Joe Sakic, so it was just an easy fit better there. He adjusted.” that we were rivals. Whenever they would play in those rivalry games, it was always me versus my brother,” Beagle said. “We’d be fighting down in the basement, watching hockey.” Washington Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 Fast-forward to Friday morning, when Beagle and forward Tom Wilson took an early cab to Detroit’s new Little Caesars Arena before Washington’s morning skate. “Congrats,” Wilson told him on the drive. Beagle didn’t understand. “I was like, ‘Thanks, man. You know, life is great,’ ” Beagle said with a laugh. “And then he told me it was my 400th game.” Perhaps that milestone will be even more special considering the opponent: the Red Wings that Beagle loved growing up. But while a young Beagle admired Yzerman and tussled with his brother whenever Detroit played Colorado, he never envisioned he’d get one game in the NHL, much less 400 of them. “No. Oh, no. No,” he said. “I just liked to play hockey. As a kid, I was never really good or never the top guy, you know? I always was on good teams, but I was never a top guy. I just loved to keep playing. Obviously, every kid dreams of playing in the NHL, but I just kept playing and loved to play the game. It was fun. I just tried to play the next level, then the next level and it ended up bringing me here, which is cool.” Beagle’s path to his 400th game went from Calgary junior hockey to a full scholarship to the University of Alaska-Anchorage. After his sophomore season, he joined the ECHL’s Idaho Steelheads for 10 regular season games and a Kelly Cup run. During the playoffs, Beagle met Steve Richmond, currently Washington’s director of player development, and that turned into a tryout at the Capitals’ development camp. He parlayed that into an American Hockey League deal with the Hershey Bears, and his first game with the Capitals came Feb. 11, 2009. “Milestones like that, it’s obviously special,” Beagle said. “I’ll definitely enjoy it.” Speaking of milestones … Friday night’s game will also be meaningful for Barry Trotz, who will coach his 1,450th game, moving him past Dick Irvin for sixth on the NHL’s all-time list. But Trotz said he isn’t really sure how to feel about the distinction. “It’s just awkward,” he said. “You look up to the guys like [all-time leader Scotty Bowman] and some of the names that you start passing a little bit, and it’s just awkward. … You just have a lot of respect for what they’ve done in the game and all that. I just don’t think of myself as those guys.” Trotz had some free time when he got to the rink Friday morning, so he strolled along the Little Caesars Arena concourse to see what the new venue had to offer. Restaurants that are open all day line the outside of the lower bowl, making parts of the arena resemble the inside of a mall. “It’s top-shelf,” Trotz said. He also reminisced about one of his first trips to Detroit’s iconic Joe Louis Arena. “The coaches room my first year, I think we were in the bathroom with a long urinal in there,” Trotz said. “So this is a big upgrade. It actually was great. The Joe has a great history.” After the Capitals had played just three games, Trotz yanked defenseman Taylor Chorney from the lineup, replacing him with rookie Christian Djoos. The reasoning was that Chorney had been struggling to play his off side on the right, and Trotz wanted Chorney to spend some time working on that, even though he has played on the right side for the majority of his games with Washington. 1079321 Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin lifts Capitals past Red Wings with overtime goal

By Isabelle Khurshudyan October 20 at 10:35 PM

DETROIT — Alex Ovechkin had peppered Red Wings goaltender Petr Mrazek with six shots through 60 minutes Friday night, each one more frustrating than the last. While Ovechkin is a terror for most netminders, Mrazek has stymied Ovechkin over the years, the rare goalie Washington’s captain had never beaten. But less than two minutes into overtime, Detroit defenseman Trevor Daley was called for tripping Ovechkin, and Ovechkin’s seventh shot of the game, his signature one-timer on the power play 48 second later, finally got through. The tally lifted the Capitals to a come-from-behind 4-3 win, snapping a two-game losing streak. That game-winner was Ovechkin’s 10th goal of the season, and he has now scored 20 goals in overtime over his career, the most in NHL history. “Obviously, we knew it’s an important game for us, and we get the two points,” Ovechkin said. After forward Tomas Tatar scored his second goal of the game to lift the Red Wings to a 3-2 lead with 7:15 remaining, the Capitals appeared to be headed for a third straight loss in regulation. But Dylan Larkin received a delay-of-game penalty for sailing a puck over the glass, and that gave Washington’s power play an opportunity to equalize with 2:43 left in regulation. The Capitals put goaltender Braden Holtby on the bench for a six-on-four attack, and T.J. Oshie swatted in a nifty feed from Andre Burakovsky to tie it and send the game into overtime, where both teams would at least earn a point. Washington rarely lost back-to-back games over the previous two seasons, and the team’s only losing streak of three games or more came in March of last season. Washington’s players and coaches have acknowledged this team is still very much a work in progress after some offseason turnover, and rallying in the final minutes is an encouraging step and potentially something to build on going forward. “Hopefully you rally around something there,” Coach Barry Trotz said. Through the first seven games, the Capitals had lacked secondary scoring with 17 of the Capitals’ 22 goals coming from either Nicklas Backstrom, Ovechkin or Oshie. In response to that, Trotz made his first significant line changes, demoting young sniper Burakovsky to the third line with center Lars Eller while promoting power forward Tom Wilson to a top line with Backstrom and Oshie. The Capitals’ bottom-six forward corps answered the call for balance on Friday night. Just as Washington had eclipsed more than 128 minutes without a goal, dating back to the second period against the Philadelphia Flyers last week, Burakovsky ended his drought along with the team’s. He tied the game in the last minute of the second period with his first goal of the season. Fourth-line center Jay Beagle then lifted the Capitals to a 2-1 lead early in the third period with a shorthanded breakaway. “That’s how we want to be most of the year,” Oshie said. “Obviously, you’ve got [Ovechkin] over there, and he’s going to get a lot of goals, but we can’t rely on just him and a couple other guys to get it. We need to use our depth, and we’ve got players on those other two lines that can score goals, that can bring offense and I think you saw it tonight.” While it may be true that Ovechkin can be counted on to score on many occasions and give Washington a lift, he had historically struggled against Mrazek entering Friday. Mrazek famously saved 15 shots by Ovechkin in one game two years ago, and Ovechkin hasn’t even beaten the goalie in a shootout. Mrazek had stopped 40 shots from Ovechkin over his career before Friday night’s overtime. But after an Ovechkin turnover on the power play that led to Detroit’s first goal of the game — a shorthanded score by Darren Helm — the Capitals’ captain may have been especially motivated when overtime arrived. He drove to the net to draw the penalty from Daley, and undeterred by his history against Mrazek, Ovechkin fired again. “Ovi does what he does,” Trotz said. “He gets an opportunity, and he can put it in the net.”

Washington Post LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079322 Washington Capitals

Ovechkin scores in OT, Capitals beat Red Wings

By Noah Trister - Associated Press - Friday, October 20, 2017

DETROIT — Alex Ovechkin’s first significant play of the night led to a goal for the other team. His pass was intercepted, and Detroit scored short-handed. Ovechkin and the Washington power play would eventually make up for that mistake. Ovechkin scored at 1:56 of overtime to give the Capitals a 4-3 victory over the Red Wings on Friday night. The winner came on the power play, and so did T.J. Oshie’s goal for Washington that tied it with 1:01 left in regulation. “I had some chances in the second period, but I missed the net a couple times and he made some nice saves,” Ovechkin said. “It felt great to get that last one. We’ve been getting scoring chances, but we just needed to put some away.” Ovechkin drew a tripping penalty on Trevor Daley in overtime, then won it with his NHL-leading 10th goal of the season — a familiar slap shot from the left circle that beat Petr Mrazek to the glove side. “There’s a reason he’s scored a gazillion goals in this league,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. “He shoots it better than anybody out there. If you give him enough opportunities, they’re going to go in.” Tomas Tatar scored twice in the third period for Detroit. His second goal came on the power play after John Carlson was called for delay of game, but Dylan Larkin was whistled for the same penalty toward the end of the period, and Oshie was able to tie it at 3 with Caps goalie Braden Holtby pulled. Darren Helm scored a short-handed goal for the Red Wings in the second. Andre Burakovsky tied it for the Capitals in the final minute of that period, and Jay Beagle added a short-handed goal of his own in the third for Washington. “Overall, we did a lot of good things, but we’ve got to stay the course,” Detroit’s Henrik Zetterberg said. “We’ve lost three in a row but we can’t say we’re playing badly.” Helm opened the scoring when he intercepted Ovechkin’s pass and skated back the other way. His shot from the top of the left circle beat Holtby for the third short-handed goal allowed by the Caps this season. Washington, which was shut out by Toronto on Tuesday night, snapped its scoreless drought when Burakovsky’s wrist shot through traffic tied the game at 1. Beagle’s goal was set up by Alex Chiasson, whose diving clearance on the penalty kill sent his teammate in alone on a breakaway. Beagle put the puck past Mrazek for his first goal of the season. With the Red Wings down 2-1, Larkin’s shot was going well wide when Tatar was able to redirect it past Holtby from a tough angle. Then Tatar put the Red Wings ahead with 7:15 left in the third, but Detroit couldn’t hold on. Evgeny Kuznetsov found Burakovsky alone in front, and he cleverly moved the puck over to Oshie, who was also right around the crease. Oshie’s sixth goal of the season tied it at 3. “I thought it was back and forth, I thought it was a good hockey game,” Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said. “Again, I thought we played fairly well, but we’ve got to find a way to results.” NOTES: Detroit D Danny DeKeyser (lower-body injury) was scratched. … Red Wings D Niklas Kronwall played his 800th game and had an assist on Tatar’s second goal. … Kuznetsov’s assist on Oshie’s goal was his 12th of the season, tying him with Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos for the NHL lead. … Mrazek had 37 saves, and Holtby had 34.

Washington Times LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079323 Washington Capitals

In just one week, Madison Bowey already looks like a much improved player

By J.J. Regan October 20, 2017 9:45 AM

Madison Bowey’s second game went a lot better than his first and it’s not just because the Caps allowed only two goals as opposed to eight. Despite being thrust into a significant role in his first taste of NHL experience, Bowey seemed to settle in a bit in his second contest even as it came against the NHL’s best offense in the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Just everything in the first game felt like it happened so quick, I think,” Bowey said Thursday after the team’s practice. “It was obviously nice to come back in Washington and play in the home in front of the home crowd, get a practice in on Monday before the game Tuesday with the team. Just all the little factors that went into it definitely helped and I think it definitely felt a lot smoother out there on the ice.” Playing at home definitely has its benefits for the coaching staff as they try to protect the rookie defensemen. Home teams get the chance to change after the visiting team allowing the coaches to pick the matchups they want for Bowey. More favorable matchups certainly helped him, but Bowey also seemed to play with more confidence and a level of calm that was not there against Philadelphia. For Bowey, the difference was having time to settle in and practice with the team. “Obviously this team is one of the veteran teams in the league so to be able to practice against top players in the league, it goes a long way,” Bowey said. Bowey was called up for a Saturday game in Philadelphia after Matt Niskanen suffered a hand injury Friday in New Jersey. That means he quickly had to join the team and jump into the lineup for his first ever NHL game without any practice with the Caps at all. Bowey now has two practices and two games under his belt and even a team-building day at FBI training. The effect that has had on his game was noticeable on Tuesday. It should be even more clear on Friday as the team travels to face the Detroit Red Wings.

“I feel myself improving every day,” Bowey said. “It forces you to really work hard and be on your top every day you come to the rink so for me, just having those two practices already have been huge. I feel the development's getting a lot better early.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079324 Washington Capitals

Game 8: Capitals at Red Wings Date, Time, How to Watch, Game Thread

By J.J. Regan October 20, 2017 7:00 AM

Where: Little Caesar's Arena, Detroit, Mich. When: 7:30 p.m. ET. Coverage starts at 6:30 p.m. ET with Capitals FaceOff. Live Stream: You can watch the Capitals at Red Wings game on NBC Sports Washington's live stream page. The Capitals (3-3-1) take on the Red Wings (4-3-0) Friday, October 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Little Caesars's Arena. The Capitals-Red Wings game will be broadcast on NBC Sports Washington Plus. Capitals FaceOff gets things started at 6:30 p.m. ET followed by Caps GameTime at 7:00 p.m. Stay with NBC Sports Washington Plus following the game for Caps Extra followed by Caps Overtime and Caps in 30 for all your postgame coverage. (NBC Sports Washington channel Finder) The Capitals-Red Wings game, as well as the pre and postgame shows, is available to stream live here through NBC Sports Washington's live stream page and is available to authenticated NBC Sports Washington subscribers on desktops, tablets, mobile devices and connected TVs anywhere in the United States.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079325 Washington Capitals

Andre Burakovsky responds to demotion with his first goal of the season

By J.J. Regan October 20, 2017 9:26 PM

Andre Burakovsky needed a spark. In seven games playing alongside Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, Burakovsky had only two assists to show for his efforts. In order to spark the young winger, Barry Trotz moved Andre Burakovsky to the third line. It looks like that was a good move. In his first game on the third line on Friday, Burakovsky scored his first goal of the season as he wristed a blistering shot past Detroit Red Wings goalie Petr Mrazek. Watch it in the player above. The biggest issue for Burakovsky this season was waiting too long to get his shot off. Trotz's advice to him was, "Don't think too much." Burakovsky took those words to heart. After taking the pass from Orlov, Burakovsky had room to work. Rather than waiting for the Red Wings to close the gap while aiming for the perfect shot, however, Burakovsky turned and immediately snapped the shot away. It was a play he was not making in the first seven games. Will this goal spark the breakout season we have all been waiting for?

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079326 Washington Capitals

Tarik's three stars: Andre Burakovsky rises to the challenge

By Tarik El-Bashir October 20, 2017 9:24 PM

DETROIT— Did the Caps ever need that. Alex Ovechkin scored on the power play in overtime, and the Caps skated away with a 4-3 win over the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena. The victory snapped Washington’s two-game losing streak. My three stars of the game. 1-Andre Burakovsky Andre Burakovsky scored his first goal of the season in the second period, then made a nifty pass to T.J. Oshie with 1:01 left to play to tie the game 3-3 and force an extra session. As sweet as the assist was, the goal probably meant more to No. 65. With 50 seconds remaining in the second period and the Caps in desperate need of something, Burakovsky controlled a pass from Dmitry Orlov a ripped a shot through a Detroit player and past Petr Mrazek’s short side to send the game into the third period knotted 1-1. 2-Tomas Tatar The Slovakian winger tied the game 2-2 early in the third period with a beautiful, long range redirection that found its way past Braden Holtby. Tatar then struck on the power later in the final frame, finishing a world class crossing zone pass from Henrik Zetterberg that skated the Wings to a 3-2 lead. 3-Jay Beagle Burakovsky got off the schneid. Then Beagle followed suit just 1:25 into the third period…shorthanded no less. With the Caps killing off a penalty, Alex Chiasson made a diving play to get the puck up to Beagle, who raced away on a breakaway. Beagle made no mistake once he got within striking distance. The assist marked Chiasson’s first point as a Capital. Do you agree? Give us your thoughts in the comments.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079327 Winnipeg Jets WILD INJURY WOES: Minnesota is battling a number of injuries to key performers who will not suit up tonight, including right-winger Nino Niederreiter (ankle), Zach Parise (undisclosed), centre Charlie Coyle Lemieux ready, willing... and Maurice confident he's able tonight (fractured fibula) and right-winger Mikael Granlund (groin). Left-winger Marcus Foligno (facial fracture) returns to the lineup after missing one game. By: Mike Sawatzky "It doesn't matter who's in your lineup — you can play defence," said Posted: 10/20/2017 1:53 PM | Comments: 0 Minnesota head coach Bruce Boudreau. "I mean, when you're missing skilled players it's more difficult to score and you have to play better defence." Brendan Lemieux's game bears a striking similarity to his famous father, Boudreau has been emphasizing he wants improvements from everyone former NHLer Claude Lemieux. after the 1-1-2 Wild surrendered 13 goals in its three losses. Winnipeg head coach Paul Maurice is hoping Brendan Lemieux can "I hope so because it's something we've been talking about a lot," said provide something the Jets are sorely lacking. Boudreau. "This is a team, year in and year out, probably known way more for their defence than they have been for their offence. They take Lemieux, a 21-year-old left-winger making his NHL debut tonight against pride in it. Last year, until March 1, I think we were first by a good margin the visiting Minnesota Wild (7 p.m., TSN3, TSN 1290), has an edginess in defence." to his game that bears a striking similarity to his famous father, former NHLer Claude Lemieux. Goaltender Devan Dubnyk will make his fourth start of the season for Minnesota. "Just his game, he’s an intense, kind of grindy, maybe flirting with that new-age power forward," Maurice said of the younger Lemieux following this morning's pre-game skate. "He’s got a good, heavy shot, really good stick around the net, doesn’t mind heading to the front of the net. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.21.2017 "He’s one of the very few young players, I guess Brandon Tanev, possibly, that comes in and is not (here) on a pure skill, kind of outside, perimeter game. He plays a more physical game, a more driving game. We have lots of room for that here, so if he can get in there and, young players make mistakes, but get that energy level right tonight and not cross that line, but be a good physical presence, it should be a good opportunity for him. " The second-year pro will have his dad, mom Deborah, his sister and his girlfriend in the Bell MTS Place stands for his first game in the bigs. "Well, I think I’m here for a reason," said Lemieux, who had three goals, five points and nine penalty minutes in four games with the AHL's before being recalled as an injury replacement Tuesday. "So, they want to see my game and that’s what I’m going to bring. I mean I know what I do well. I like to stick to my strengths and play a simple, hard to play against game. Bring some sandpaper. And if the puck’s there and I can put it in, I’m gonna put it in. That’s kinda the idea. Originally, Lemieux was tabbed to make his NHL debut on Tuesday night against the Columbus Blue Jackets but Brandon Tanev was cleared to play, so Lemieux watched from the press box. "Early in the week I thought I was playing so there was a lot of emotions that came on," said Lemieux. "It’s probably a blessing in disguise because I was a little too excited. This hasn’t gotten too-too real yet. I’ve had a little bit of time to get more comfortable. Obviously I’m looking forward to it. I know there’s going to be some nerves but tonight’s about trying to contribute and showing what I can do and trying to get a win tonight." Naturally, he'll depend on dad, who played 21 seasons in the NHL, for guidance and support. "He was excited," said Lemieux. "He just wants me to stay calm. He reminded me that I can play in this league and that I belong and just to stay comfortable and stay calm. He knows there’s a lot of nerves that come into play in that first game. Just keep your eye on staying in the present and staying in the moment, and enjoying it and realizing that you belong here and you’re here for a reason." Lemieux is expected to slot in on the left side of Winnipeg's fourth line with centre Shawn Matthias and right-winger Nic Petan. "He brings energy, a force on the forecheck," said Petan. "Just keep our game simple. I know I’m going to flip a few pucks into his corner during the first period. He’s very fired up to get out there. His speed, his energy and his excitement will help for sure." Connor Hellebuyck is slated to start in the goal while blue-liner Ben Chiarot will slot in as a replacement for rookie Tucker Poolman. Chiarot had not seen any action in Winnipeg's first six games. "He’s worked really hard. He’s hungry. We’re expecting this to be a big, physical, strong game in the corners," said Maurice, explaining Chiarot's return to the lineup. "That’s what we’re really hoping he brings to the table. Tucker (Poolman) had been good at his off side in exhibition, he had a rougher night (against Columbus) along with the rest of the group, but tonight seemed like a real good place for Ben to get his chance. 1079328 Winnipeg Jets

Minnesota Wild @ Winnipeg Jets

By: Jason Bell Posted: 10/20/2017 7:45 AM | Comments: 1

Minnesota Wild's Chris Stewart, centre, celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks last Thursday. Minnesota (1-1-2) finally gets in a game after five days off since the Central Division club last performed. The Wild lost 5-4 in overtime last Saturday in its home opener to visiting Columbus. LW Tyler Ennis fired a pair of goals for Minnesota, while C Landon Ferraro, son of former NHL star Ray Ferraro, scored his first goal in a Wild jersey. Injuries have plagued the Wild early in the NHL season. LW Zach Parise (undisclosed) has yet to play, RW Mikael Granlund (groin) has missed the past three games, while LW Marcus Foligno (facial fracture), C Charlie Coyle (fibula fracture) and RW Nino Niederreiter RW (ankle sprain) have all missed one game. Recent call-ups Ferraro, Luke Kunin and Zack Mitchell are likely to play up front tonight for the visitors. RW Chris Stewart has registered at least one point in each Wild game this season, leading the club with four goals and six points in four games. C Eric Staal has scored a goal in three straight games. G Devan Dubnyk is 1-1-1 in three starts this season, with a 3.17 goals-against average and .894 save percentage. He earned the 100th victory of his time with the Wild last Thursday in Chicago.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.21.2017 1079329 Winnipeg Jets frame, while scoring just six of their 22 goals in that 20-minute window. It’s a similar problem to last season, when the Jets gave up a league- worst 94 goals in the second while scoring just 71. Wheeler's 200th the deciding goal in Jets victory over Wild "I really liked the way we started the hockey game. We weren’t pleased with the way it slid in the second, we felt maybe more self-inflicted, some things that we stopped doing that we got right back to in the third and By: Mike McIntyre played our best in the last 20, which is really important," said Maurice. Posted: 10/20/2017 9:51 PM | Last Modified: 10/20/2017 11:12 PM "We got big performances out of our drivers, (who) really became the | Updates | Comments: 8 best players on the ice and won the game for us." The Jets appeared to take the lead with just more than 11 minutes left in the third. Wheeler drove hard to the net with the puck, and Scheifele They’d been stuck in neutral the past couple of games, unable to take poked the rebound past Dubnyk. Minnesota challenged for goalie their high-octane offence out for a rip around town. But the Winnipeg Jets interference, arguing Wheeler made contact with Dubnyk. After a few found another gear Friday — albeit hitting a few bumps in the road along minutes of video review the referees agreed and waved off the goal. the way — as they sped past the Minnesota Wild 4-3 at Bell MTS Place. Wheeler made no mistake with his game-winner just a few minutes later. Blake Wheeler’s first goal of the year — and 200th of his career — with 6:46 left in the final period broke a tie and led the Jets to their fourth win. "It was a strong third. We kind of lost the momentum there after a good Kyle Connor made a spectacular play to gain the zone and feed a start and we were fighting it a little bit," Wheeler said. streaking Wheeler, who deked Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk. Hellebuyck made 24 saves to improve to 4-0-0 in his four starts this It was sweet redemption for the captain, as the Jets had the go-ahead season. Only four of those shots came in the third period as the Jets goal wiped out a few minutes earlier after Wheeler was found to have clamped down. interfered with Dubnyk. "You know what, I’m happy with the win and the guys prevailed for me," "Just trying to get a win, man," Wheeler said of his strong drive in the Hellebuyck said following the game. final frame. "You want to score goals that are meaningful. So with that being said, it makes it a little bit extra special. You just want to win "I think we managed the third period really well." games, 200 or not, it’s nice to contribute to a win." Winnipeg doesn’t play again until Thursday in Pittsburgh. It was a milestone night for Jets head coach Paul Maurice, who recorded the 600th win of his career. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.21.2017 "I don’t think there’s a significance to it. Most of them looked just like that. Hold your breath for two-and-a-half hours," Maurice said jokingly following the game. Minnesota (1-2-2) was playing for the first time since Saturday and was without forwards Zach Parise, Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Mikael Granlund due to injury. With Brendan Lemieux making his NHL debut and Ben Chiarot playing for the first time this season, the Jets seemed to have more than they did in their previous two home games, a sleepy 2-1 win over the Carolina Hurricabes and a lacklustre 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Winnipeg’s power play clicked early, as Patrik Laine ripped his patented one-timer past Dubnyk. Mark Scheifele skated the puck into the offensive zone and fed Wheeler, who threaded a perfect pass for Laine. It was just the third power-play goal of the season for the Jets — the same number of goals they’ve scored short-handed. Nikolaj Ehlers made it 2-0 less than two minutes later. Defenceman Toby Enstrom found him alone in the slot, and Ehlers made no mistake for his team-leading sixth of the year. Much of the focus Friday was on Lemieux’s first game. But it was another son of a former NHL star who nearly got Minnesota on the board, as Landon Ferraro (Ray Ferraro’s son) was sent in on a breakaway only to be denied by Connor Hellebuyck. The Wild got on the board in the final minute of the first. Chris Stewart crushed Josh Morrissey with a heavy hit behind the Jets net, then parked himself in front of Hellebuyck and got a pass after Jacob Trouba turned the puck over. Stewart beat Hellebuyck high while Morrissey was still hunched over in pain and unable to cover him. Maurice said after the game he thought Stewart should have been penalized. Minnesota tied it midway through the second as a bad pinch by Trouba led to a three-on-one. Jason Zucker fed it over to captain Mikko Koivu, who beat Hellebuyck with a backhander. The Wild took the lead late in the frame while Jets defenceman Dustin Byfuglien was in the box for hooking. Tyler Myers had a chance to clear the puck but threw it right back to Minnesota defenceman Mike Reilly, whose point shot was tipped by Marcus Foligno past Hellebuyck. Laine got it back in the final minute of the second, as his power-play slapper hit a Minnesota stick on its way past Dubnyk. Lemieux had done some good work on the previous shift to draw a slashing penalty. Laine is now up to four goals on the year. "That’s kind of my job on the PP, to find a way and get a shot off," Laine said. Winnipeg’s second-period woes are becoming an early story once again this season. They’ve now surrendered 13 of their 26 goals in the middle 1079330 Winnipeg Jets "This is just one game. But you can’t get to game two until you get game one. So you start from this, you build up and go ahead," he said.

"Playing in the playoffs is another notch, going another step and playing Claude Lemieux enjoys rookie son's NHL debut in Winnipeg in the Stanley Cup finals is another." Lemieux certainly knows a few things about that, having won four Stanley By: Mike McIntyre Cups in his career with the New Jersey Devils (twice), Colorado Avalanche and Montreal. Posted: 10/20/2017 10:49 PM | Comments: 0 Now he gets to experience the thrill of the game again, this time through his son. Claude Lemieux (right) has some fun with Guy Lafleur during Lafleur’s "You’ve got to experience it, you’ve got to live it," he said. farewell game with the Anciens Canadiens in 2010. Lemieux was in Winnipeg on Friday for his son’s first NHL game. Claude Lemieux has no recollection of playing his first of what would be Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.21.2017 1,215 National Hockey League regular-season games back in 1983 for the Montreal Canadiens. But he’ll never forget watching his son, Brendan, take to the ice for his debut Friday night at Bell MTS Place. "This is exciting. They kind of throw the kids out, I didn’t know about that," Lemieux told the Free Press moments after Brendan, 21, got the rookie treatment by taking a couple solo laps in the pre-game skate while the rest of the Winnipeg Jets hung back in the tunnel. Claude, his wife Deborah and their daughter, Claudia, flew in for Brendan’s first game against the Minnesota Wild. They were joined in section 121 by Brett Roenick, the son of former NHL star Jeremy Roenick, who is Brendan’s best friend. There were plenty of smiles and hugs, and even a few tears. "There’s an old saying, it takes more than family to raise a kid, it takes a village. There’s a lot of people who’ve impacted you. There were a lot of good people around him that helped him get here," Lemieux said. So what did Lemieux — who scored 379 goals, added 407 assists and took 1,777 penalty minutes over his decorated career — have for his son in the way of advice? "I just told him just try to calm your nerves. Everybody’s nervous your first game, I don’t care who it is," said Lemieux, who now works as a player agent. "I watch my clients. It doesn’t matter whether they’re skilled guys or grit guys, they’re nervous. Then they sort of settle. I just hope he gets in the rhythm, after he plays a few shifts. "I told him focus on the left wing, that keeps him focused on where he should be on the ice and what he should be doing." Brendan got a warm ovation from the crowd on his first shift and certainly had plenty of noticeable energy playing on a line with centre Shawn Matthias and right-winger Nic Petan. Lemieux said his only concern was that his son might be a bit too amped up. "That’s what you worry about. Those guys, they’re high. It’s not like some guys you have to kick in the butt. I know he’s not likely going to freeze. He’ll be fine," Lemieux said. "Whenever he’s been in situations like this, first year junior, first few games with the Moose, he’s always done well." Brendan said before the game he was looking forward to bringing some "sandpaper" to the lineup. He’s also been developing his offence in the minors, with three goals and two assists through four games with the Manitoba Moose this season. Jets head coach Paul Maurice described Brendan as having the potential to be a "new-age power forward" — citing his big, heavy shot, net-front presence and ability to play physical. "We have lots of room for that here, so if he can get in there and, young players make mistakes, but get that energy level right and not cross that line but be a good physical presence, it should be a good opportunity for him," Maurice said prior to the game. Claude Lemieux laughed at his own inability to recall his NHL debut, saying he’d have to Google it to refresh his memory. "I don’t even remember who it was against. I know it was when I was 18. They kept me up for the first couple months, and then in December I was sent down to junior," he said. Lemieux said a player’s first NHL game is just "one notch" in what could hopefully be a long career. 1079331 Winnipeg Jets

Arenas exploring facial recognition

By: Jason Bell Posted: 10/20/2017 4:00 AM | Comments: 0

While some NHL teams ponder installing high-definition cameras and facial-recognition software in their arenas, it’s not certain if the Winnipeg Jets plan to go that route to beef up security. A senior executive with one NHL club recently told TSN he expects facial-recognition technology will be adopted by his team and others in the league within the next two years. "One of the reasons we haven’t seen this adopted is because we’ve been lucky," the executive said, in a story by TSN senior correspondent Rick Westhead. "We’ve seen attacks at concerts, at the Boston Marathon, at the Olympics and at international soccer games. If there was an incident at a hockey game, (cameras and facial-recognition) is something that would have already happened in the NHL." If True North is contemplating installing the technology, the organization that owns the Jets and Manitoba Moose of the AHL isn’t tipping its hand. "True North is consistently looking at various new tools and technology in the marketplace as we strive to meet and exceed best practices for security in our venues," said Rob Wozny, vice-president of communications and community engagement for True North Sports & Entertainment. "For security reasons, we don’t go into detail about what resources we’re exploring. If and when facial-recognition technology is something we’re ready to bring into Bell MTS Place, we will keep you posted." The technology has improved as professional sports leagues come to terms with being terrorist targets, according to the TSN report. For now, Bell MTS Place is equipped with metal detectors at all entrances. Once fans have been given security clearance to enter, they are free to leave at any point, but may not return during the event. Wozny said True North is satisfied with its current security and safety protocols. "Yes, and furthermore, as part of our ongoing commitment to providing a safe experience for our patrons at Bell MTS Place, we have invested in a number of updated security tools, resources and policies, including the recent addition of our security dogs and the introduction of our no re- entry policy that took effect on Sept. 1, 2017," he said. "True North works closely with authorities, police departments and other venues across North America, ensuring we’re constantly reviewing and updating our security plans."

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 10.21.2017 1079332 Winnipeg Jets

Jets look for success vs Central Division rival

BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 01:35 PM CDT | UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 01:56 PM CDT

Brendan Lemieux is ready for audition and hoping to do enough to remain in the Winnipeg Jets lineup. The feisty forward will make his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on Friday as the Jets close out a three-game homestand. “Well, I think I’m here for a reason,” said Lemieux, who has three goals and five points in four games with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League this season. “So, they want to see my game and that’s what I’m going to bring. I mean I know what I do well. I like to stick to my strengths and play a simple, hard to play against game. Bring some sandpaper. And if the puck’s there and I can put it in, I’m going put it in. That’s kind of the idea.” Lemieux, 21, will start on the Jets fourth line with Shawn Matthias at centre and Nic Petan at right wing. Lemieux nearly replaced Brandon Tanev in the lineup on Tuesday, so he’s been able to get through the nerves of potentially making his debut once already. “Early in the week I thought I was playing so there was a lot of emotions that came on. It’s probably a blessing in disguise because I was a little too excited,” said Lemieux, whose parents Claude and Deborah will be in attendance. “This hasn’t gotten too real yet. I’ve had a little bit of time to get more comfortable. “Obviously I’m looking forward to it. I know there’s going to be some nerves but tonight’s about trying to contribute and showing what I can do and trying to get a win tonight.” Lemieux’s ability to get in on the forecheck and frustrate opponents could provide a boost to the Jets’ fourth line. “I know I’m going to flip a few pucks into his corner during the first period,” said Petan. “He’s very fired up to get out there.” Jets head coach Paul Maurice gave Lemieux the same speech he gives all players who are making their NHL debut and knows what to expect from the left-winger. “He’s an intense, kind of grindy, maybe flirting with that new age power forward,” said Maurice. “He’s got a good, heavy shot, really good stick around the net, doesn’t mind heading to the front of the net. He plays a more physical game, a more driving game. We have lots of room for that here, so if he can get in there and, young players make mistakes, but get that energy level right tonight and not cross that line, but be a good physical presence, it should be a good opportunity for him.” The Jets are coming off a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets and looking to regroup against the Wild as they play a Central Division rival for the first time this season. The Jets will make one other change to the lineup, inserting Ben Chiarot on defence for Tucker Poolman. It’s the first game of the season for Chiarot, who has mostly been a regular for the Jets for the past two-and-a-half seasons. “He’s hungry,” said Maurice. “We’re expecting this to be a big, physical, strong game in the corners. That’s what we’re really hoping he brings to the table. Tonight seemed like a real good place for Ben to get his chance.” Connor Hellebuyck starts in goal for the Jets, while the Wild counter with Devan Dubnyk. Hellebuyck is riding a personal three-game winning streak and boasts a 2.11 goals-against average and .937 save % in four appearances, while Dubnyk is 1-1-1 with a 3.71 goals-against average and .894 save %.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 10.21.2017 1079333 Winnipeg Jets there and reliable and contribute with energy. I felt like I did that pretty well considering. When you get the tap to go late in the game there, it means a lot. Jets top Wild on big night for Maurice “Now it’s a matter of putting one foot in front of another and keep moving in the right direction.” BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck extended his personal winning streak to four, making 24 saves as he improved to 4-0. FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 11:01 PM CDT One again, Hellebuyck helped steady the ship when the Jets were reeling during the second period, turning aside all nine shots directed his way during the third period. For the Winnipeg Jets, they had to overcome a poor second period, blowing a two-goal lead and having a potential go-ahead marker taken “I think we managed the third period really well,” said Hellebuyck. “I off the board after a video review for goalie interference. would have liked to have the second one but, you know, I’m getting nitpicky because that’s what I want to be, I want to be better and I need But instead of folding under pressure, the Jets showed some resolve and to get better. You know what, I’m happy with the win and the guys managed to earn a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild last night at Bell prevailed for me.” MTS Place. “We knew we needed to be better in the third period if we wanted to win Winnipeg Sun LOADED 10.21.2017 this game and everybody battled so hard,” said Jets forward Patrik Laine, who scored twice to lead the offensive attack. “It’s not a good feeling when you see they’re taking over but stuff like that happens during the game and you need to play your own game and try to be as simple as possible and good things will happen Pittsburgh Penguins. After a lacklustre effort in a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Jets were determined to come out strong in their first game against a Central Division opponent. Mission accomplished on that front, as the Jets jumped out to a 2-0 advantage after goals from Laine and Nikolaj Ehlers that came one minute and 42 seconds apart in the opening period. Mike Reilly. The Jets’ second-period struggles last season are well documented, as they were outscored 94-71 (minus-23). Although it’s only been seven games so far this season, the Jets have already been outscored 13-5 in the second period (minus-8). The Jets thought they had taken the lead at 8:42 of the third after Blake Wheeler drove hard to the net and Mark Scheifele poked in the rebound. As Wheeler cut through the crease, he did make contact with the blocker arm of Wild goalie Devan Dubnyk – which must have been what replay officials deemed was enough to call goalie interference. Several shifts later, Kyle Connor found Wheeler in front of the net and the captain converted the chance for the go-ahead goal, which was the 200th of his NHL career. “You want to score goals that are meaningful. It makes it a little more extra special,” said Wheeler. “You just want to win games, 200 or not, it’s nice to contribute to a win.” Speaking of milestones, Friday’s victory was the 600th career win for Jets head coach Paul Maurice – who didn’t seem all that impressed with the fact he became the second youngest bench boss (behind all-time wins leader Scotty Bowman) to reach the number. “I don’t think there’s a significance to it. Most of them looked just like that. Hold your breath for two-and-a-half hours,” said Maurice, who became the 17th NHL head coach with 600 wins. “I won’t think about it a whole lot. It’s nice Maurice might not be putting much stock into the 600th victory right now, but Wheeler spoke about the significance of hitting the mark. “For guys like that, there’s a reason why you have 600 wins,” said Wheeler. “(Maurice is) a quality hockey man who communicates incredibly well with the guys. It’s no mistake. You don’t stick around that long if you don’t know what you’re talking about. Hopefully, there are many more to come here.” The game featured the NHL debut of left-winger Brendan Lemieux, who did exactly what he was asked to do, taking 12 shifts, recording two hits while playing a disciplined game. Lemieux found himself on the ice with fewer than three minutes left in regulation, with the Jets holding onto a one-goal lead. Talk about a vote of confidence from the head coach. “I’m still smiling a little bit. It was really fun, “ said Lemieux. “All I kept thinking was I want to have a solid game, to be able to be trustworthy out 1079334 Winnipeg Jets “Started his career at it. Faceoffs are going to be (a challenge). This is such a powerful faceoff team here, you’re going to have a hard time getting 50% anyway,” said Maurice. “But working down low, size and Jets doing better job with discipline (so far) moving the puck. I thought he transitioned pretty easily and we need to get Nic Petan out of the middle of the ice and to the wing where he can find the puck in different areas on the ice.” BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN Although Petan remains on the fourth line, at least for the time being, he’s moved back onto the Jets’ first power-play unit – where part of his FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 10:29 PM CDT job will be to create good looks for Patrik Laine and Dustin Byfuglien with his passing ability.

Petan had no points while suiting up for five of the first six games going Report an error into yesterday’s contest. Discipline — or a lack thereof — has pretty much been a four-letter word How does he feel about his start to the campaign? around the Winnipeg Jets for the past several seasons. “It’s been all right,” said Petan. “Same sort of thing (as last season). It’s So when the topic was broached prior to last night’s win against the nice to be on the power play. I know we haven’t got that many power Minnesota Wild, Jets head coach Paul Maurice was quick to knock on plays the last few games. Being on the fourth line, it’s a challenge but I’ve the podium before proving an answer to the assembled members of the just got to stay positive and when you get your power-play minutes, media. you’ve got to show (your offensive ability).” “Not bad. You know, better for sure. Much better,” Maurice said following Injury update the morning skate. “Sticks on the ice and I think we’ve tried to adhere to the new standard slashing call. A lot of times our original position is much With five days between games, the Jets have an opportunity to better. Not bad. Incrementally better for sure, but it’s something we look potentially welcome a few players back from the injured list. at pretty much daily.” Defenceman Dmitry Kulikov and forward Matt Hendricks both took part in Going into the contest, the Jets had been shorthanded 24 times, an the optional morning skate and are candidates to get into the lineup next average of four times per game. Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Those are decent numbers for a squad that has often struggled in that Although centre Adam Lowry hasn’t been skating with the main group area. since dealing with an upper-body injury, there’s a chance he could return to action next week as well after missing the past three games. On the flip side, the Jets had only had 20 power plays during that time – which means they’ll need to use their speed to generate a few more The only player who is expected to be out for an extended period is man-advantages. Mathieu Perreault. During the previous four games, the Jets have actually scored twice while shorthanded and have only given up two power-play goals. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 10.21.2017 After the first two games, Maurice put Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele and Bryan Little back into the rotation of forwards involved on the penalty kill and that has led to an improvement while playing a man down. As for why the Jets have been dangerous offensively on the penalty kill, Maurice believes it’s a combination of speed and the personnel on the opponent’s power play. “We got some guys on the back end that can transition up,” said Maurice. “You’ve seen a significant shift in how power plays are run over the past few years where there are far more up with four guys to the net, which is very effective, very dangerous, but any rebounds that come out, anything that comes out into that area, if you have speed there, you can counter on that pretty quickly.” While the Jets have scored three shorthanded goals this season (Brandon Tanev, Tyler Myers and Joel Armia have the markers), they had only managed to score twice on the power play through six games. The shorthanded goal from Armia — which saw him poke the puck out at the defensive blue line and go end-to-end before toe-dragging Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson and beating Joonas Korpisalo high to the glove side — was still generating some discussion yesterday morning. When you see Armia make plays like that one, it’s natural to expect he should be contributing offence on a more consistent basis. “With Joel, we just feel it’s more mechanics than anything else. His first thought has to be to move the feet and then all those other good things will be there,” said Maurice. “He has a fantastic set of hands. He probably employs them far too much, far more than he needs too. Going back to thinking the goal he scored shorthanded against New Jersey last year, it was just a real brilliant piece of video. “Well, he toe-dragged a guy twice in the neutral zone to do it while we’re killing a penalty. We’re excited about the event, but if you’re able to create that over and over, I don’t think many players can. We’re trying to help Joel find the right places and right times on the ice to show those things he can do.” Jets forward Shawn Matthias slid over to centre for last night’s game after being used almost exclusively as a winger for the better part of five seasons. Matthias got a taste of centre during the pre-season and Maurice wasn’t concerned about him encountering any difficulty with the transition back to his natural position. 1079335 Winnipeg Jets “Started his career at it. Faceoffs are going to be (a challenge). This is such a powerful faceoff team here, you’re going to have a hard time getting 50% anyway,” said Maurice. “But working down low, size and Jets doing better job with discipline (so far) moving the puck. I thought he transitioned pretty easily and we need to get Nic Petan out of the middle of the ice and to the wing where he can find the puck in different areas on the ice.” BY KEN WIEBE, WINNIPEG SUN Although Petan remains on the fourth line, at least for the time being, he’s moved back onto the Jets’ first power-play unit – where part of his FIRST POSTED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 07:54 PM CDT | job will be to create good looks for Patrik Laine and Dustin Byfuglien with UPDATED: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2017 07:58 PM CDT his passing ability. Petan had no points while suiting up for five of the first six games going into Friday’s contest. Discipline – or a lack thereof – has pretty much been a four-letter word around the Winnipeg Jets for the past several seasons. How does he feel about his start to the campaign? So when the topic was broached prior to Friday’s game against the “It’s been all right,” said Petan. “Same sort of thing (as last season). It’s Minnesota Wild, Jets head coach Paul Maurice was quick to knock on nice to be on the power play. I know we haven’t got that many power the podium before proving an answer to the assembled members of the plays the last few games. Being on the fourth line, it’s a challenge but I’ve media. just got to stay positive and when you get your power-play minutes, you’ve got to show (your offensive ability).” “Not bad. You know, better for sure. Much better,” Maurice said following the morning skate. “Sticks on the ice and I think we’ve tried to adhere to Injury update the new standard slashing call. A lot of times our original position is much better. Not bad. Incrementally better for sure, but it’s something we look With five days between games, the Jets have an opportunity to at pretty much daily.” potentially welcome a few players back from the injured list. Going into the contest, the Jets had been shorthanded 24 times, an Defenceman Dmitry Kulikov and forward Matt Hendricks both took part in average of four times per game. Friday’s optional morning skate and are candidates to get into the lineup next Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Those are decent numbers for a squad that has often struggled in that area. Although centre Adam Lowry hasn’t been skating with the main group since dealing with an upper-body injury, there’s a chance he could return On the flip side, the Jets had only had 20 power plays during that time – to action next week as well after missing the past three games. which means they’ll need to use their speed to generate a few more man-advantages. The only player who is expected to be out of the Jets lineup for an extended period of time is Mathieu Perreault, who is out with a knee During the previous four games, the Jets have actually scored twice injury. while shorthanded and have only given up two power-play goals.

After the first two games, Maurice put Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele and Bryan Little back into the rotation of forwards involved on the penalty kill Winnipeg Sun LOADED 10.21.2017 and that has led to an improvement while playing a man down. As for why the Jets have been dangerous offensively on the penalty kill, Maurice believes it’s a combination of speed and the personnel on the opponent’s power play. “We got some guys on the back end that can transition up,” said Maurice. “You’ve seen a significant shift in how power plays are run over the past few years where there are far more up with four guys to the net, which is very effective, very dangerous, but any rebounds that come out, anything that comes out into that area, if you have speed there, you can counter on that pretty quickly.” While the Jets have scored three shorthanded goals this season (Brandon Tanev, Tyler Myers and Joel Armia have the markers), they had only managed to score twice on the power play through six games. The shorthanded goal from Armia – which saw him poke the puck out at the defensive blue line and go end-to-end before toe-dragging Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson and beating Joonas Korpisalo high to the glove side – was still generating some discussion on Friday morning. When you see Armia make plays like that one, it’s natural to expect he should be contributing offence on a more consistent basis. “With Joel, we just feel it’s more mechanics than anything else. His first thought has to be to move the feet and then all those other good things will be there,” said Maurice. “He has a fantastic set of hands. He probably employs them far too much, far more than he needs too. Going back to thinking the goal he scored shorthanded against New Jersey last year, it was just a real brilliant piece of video. “Well, he toe-dragged a guy twice in the neutral zone to do it while we’re killing a penalty. We’re excited about the event, but if you’re able to create that over and over, I don’t think many players can. We’re trying to help Joel find the right places and right times on the ice to show those things he can do.” Jets forward Shawn Matthias slid over to centre for Friday’s game after being used almost exclusively as a winger for the better part of five seasons. Matthias got a taste of centre during the pre-season and Maurice wasn’t concerned about him encountering any difficulty with the transition back to his natural position. 1079336 Vancouver Canucks

Canucks defenceman Gudbranson suspended one game for hit on Vatrano

Staff Report THE CANADIAN PRESS October 20, 2017 1:25 PM PDT

NEW YORK — Vancouver Canucks defenceman Erik Gudbranson has been suspended for one game without pay for his hit on Boston Bruins forward Frank Vatrano. Gudbranson hit Vatrano from behind at 6:13 of the first period of Vancouver’s game at Boston on Thursday night. The Canucks blueliner also received a game misconduct and a fighting major after being challenged by Boston’s Tim Schaller following the hit. The Bruins capitalized on the man advantage, scoring three power-play goals for a 4-1 lead after the first period. Boston won the game 6-3. Gudbranson will forfeit US$18,817.20 in salary and will miss Vancouver’s game Friday at Buffalo. • The Canucks announced Friday they are bringing up veteran defenceman Patrick Wiercioch from the . In 2016 Wierchioch played 57 games for the Colorado Rockies after spending the previous five season with the Ottawa Senators. He has played 268 games in the NHL since being drafted in 2008 in the second round.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079337 Vancouver Canucks As it turned out, Green was not. Remember the hunch about that Burmistrov line and how it won him the Ottawa game?

Consider this winning hunch No. 2. Markstrom's tour de force, a Boeser reveal, Green's latest hunch and a media wars variety pack “We decided at lunchtime,” Green said. “We were going back and forth. I thought it was a good fight.

“We played last night. I thought he’d add some speed to their line. I Jason Botchford More from Jason Botchford thought their line was really good.” Published: October 20, 2017 It was. Updated: October 20, 2017 11:09 PM PDT Jake had a chance early. Together they got a goal in the second, the winning goal. BEST EFFECT Before the Canucks tried to baby their lead to the finish line, after two The Mandela Effect is, at its root, collective false memories. periods, JV18 had been on the ice for 12 shot attempts. If you haven’t heard it before, Google it and use it as material at your Ten of them were from the Canucks. next social. Now, before everyone lavishes Green with praise for this, let me point out I am currently experiencing some heavy Mandela Effect when it comes to that if the Gman was still writing he would have already filed four or five Markstrom. columns on why JV18 should be playing with the Sedins. The Markstrom I thought I knew was curt, distant and, to be honest, That output would have been just since Oct. 1 too. some found him intimidating. BEST EXCITEMENT Heck, like three games ago he was in a media scrum with 10 people and JV18 was legit jacked about it all after the game. If you were surprised he only JPat generated the fortitude to ask a question out loud. was playing with the Sedins, just imagine how he felt. At least, I thought all this happened. We all know he’s young. But he also has all this fire inside him. He had a Maybe I misremembered. great summer. He had a great preseason. And since, he’s been used like the family’s new car your dad wouldn’t let you drive. Markstrom put on an elite post-game performance tonight. It was as good as anything Luongo rolled out. I don’t think I’m kidding either. It could not have been easy. It was long. It was honest. It was funny. It was revealing. “I check in with him every now and then,” Green said. “With young guys I think you need to be sure you’re picking out little things in the game, little First the goal everyone was talking about: mistakes they make. How would Markstrom react to questions? “I’ve told him he has to make an impact on the game. Last night, in Boston, I thought he did some good things. In the most beautiful way possible. “I also thought he did some things I didn’t like as well.” He was accountable: JV18 was billowing with happiness post-game. “The second goal was completely my fault. “I have felt really good out there. Travis kept telling me it’s going to come “I was really frustrated I let the guys down.” with time,” he said. He was revealing: “I wanted to play (the third) because I think late in games is usually when you play your best.” “Eichel has a weird curve (on his stick). I thought he was going to shortside. I saw that they had a net drive coming in and I wanted to keep Look, he wasn’t double shifted with five minutes to go. But with three it in front of me and not put it out on the side. minutes left, he had a 17-second shift. In all, he played a comparatively robust 3:10 in the final frame. “I lifted my leg a little to do that and it went in. This. Is. Progress. “It’s an error on my part. BIGGEST PILE ON He was honest: I have this sense people are all over Hutton lately. “I was mad in the intermission. And there have been some rather notable miscues. “I looked myself in the mirror. I had to be better. Especially that Eichel play above. As Green said: “I want to play hockey games too (a wonderfully subtle nod to the current internal competition in net). “You’d like to not see it happen,” Green said. “Beat? He got a shot off on a goal Marky would like back. “I had adrenaline going for sure.” “I think any time you talk to a defenceman at this level they don’t want to He was funny: be beat one-on-one. JPat asked about all his early goals: Is it a fair knock on you that the first “It doesn’t happen a whole lot.” one gets past you? I don’t think Hutton has been struggling quite as much as others do. Marky: “Maybe we should call the league and get them to move the games to 8.” I’m actually expecting to see a “Hutton isn’t as bad as you think” think piece churned out soon. He didn’t stop there. Please @ me when/if it happens. He was asked again how that Eichel shot went in (I’d be losing it by now). BEST ‘THERE WAS THIS TIME’ Marky: “Under my pad. I lifted it up for him so he would get it.” There was this time, 10 years ago when I suggested, in November, Sami It was a tour de force and it left me second-guessing everything I think I Salo had been the Canucks’ MVP. know. I got roasted in print by Coke Bottles and to this day I still haven’t lived it BEST RABBIT TRICK down (it made an appearance in the infamous Boat Capn throw-down Jake with the Sedins, you’re kidding, right? last year). So at risk of getting roasted again, here goes: In Dorsett’s first game, he played a big role in slowing down McDavid. And, uh, oh ya, that Booth dude. Since, he’s leading the team in goals. He has four. The Canucks, in fact, seem to like the Army enough they sell the gear in Can you have an MVP just seven games into the season? Asking for a the Team Store. friend. Now that’s something. BEST CALL BACK The Canucks are without a doubt aware of the Army. Are we gonna see more Dorsett jerseys now @botchford? pic.twitter.com/pT3NyDrFfj Wonder why they’d do that? — Lenny Goh (@lennygoh) October 21, 2017 BEST INITIATIVE I’ll be watching those sales when I get back. CanucksArmy: “We’re trying to get a charity initiative up and running for the Make A Wish Foundation. Can we get some shine?” BEST REVENGE Damn straight. There is a lot to love about Dorsett’s story. BIGGEST REVELATION A little less than a year ago, he wondered if he’d ever play again. Now he’s on the Canucks’ fourth line, or is it the Canucks’ first? So the Boeser PP usage is driving me bananas. I’m not sure. The Canucks use binary coding for their lines: 10 101 1101 I thought I’d seen him in that middle part of the 1-3-1. 101. Could be the Mandela Effect, granted. Point is, Dorsett is healthy and playing. A lot. More than 18 mins. It’s not He was everywhere tonight. all good. I see it. But it sure was good tonight. In the middle: It didn’t start that way. He was net front: “That first goal was kind of my fault,” he admitted. “I lost my guy on their set breakout. He beat me up the ice.” And for a while too, he starting working puck from behind net. Let’s see that again, Dorsett on the bottom of screen: He was high on circle, where he just crushed a couple of shots: “You know when you make that mistake. I wanted to get it back, coming That’s where some of us like him because that’s where he crushed goals off a 6-3 loss.” in college. He did do that. All of this is important, because I asked Green about it and it led to the strangest of intersections. BEST HEY NOW I presented the question starting with Boeser playing in the middle of the SNET-requested-disclaimer: 1-3-1. Hey now, these are the type of observations 1040 pays me for: Can you get the most out of his shot there? I feel like you’re mowing my lawn. Green started laughing. And Batch is correct, no one wants to see a penalty here. I started laughing. But to be fair to Burms, he was trying to prevent a great scoring chance JPat started. after he slipped: Why is that so funny? Did I just break The Batch’s The Provies cherry? Is that not a fair Q? I did. I did. “It is,” Green said. BEST RADIO WARS “I think he set up there (in Boston), but normally he’s on the outside Some good troll game all the way around here. looking to shoot.” BEST WHITE KNIGHT Hmm. Here comes Sat, thrusting his hammer out like Thor to save our universe! It seems then, Boeser is freelancing a bit. When you see him roaming Policing the Intrawebs. that middle part, is he not assigned there? All safe. It was suggested later, Boeser’s freelancing is what made the question so funny. Tmart would be proud. BEST INVESTIGATION BEST HASHTAG There are times, I think I know what will tweak people. Hoping the higher ups don’t quash all this fun. Other times I have no clue. Let the good times roll. Put Henrik being quizzed about 2011 after the Boston game in the latter BEST QUOTE camp. Green: “I tell players, any coach that says they’re always right is wrong.” I heard it. I heard Henrik laugh about it after a tough game too. It was light. BEST WHAT IF? And then I saw people lose their ish about it online. What if CanucksArmy had decided to stand up to the hockey team when played the heavy leaning on them all lawyerly to force them to change Tables were tossed. Fingers were pointed. The Savages at Canucks the name of a radio show? Reddit were implicated. Do the Canucks owe them? A little? At all? Investigations were launched. It became the biggest media whodunnit of the season. Yes, there are times it appears CA advocates ideas which run counter to what the Canucks are currently trying to do. Who was the masked man asking Henrik to re-live 2011? But they’ve also poured daunting word counts into propping up The truth is out there. prospects, proving negative team narratives wrong, opening discussion portals and supporting scapegoats, like, and these are just two that Follow the breadcrumbs. spring to mind, Dransen and MayRay. BEST DEFENCE Damn. And here I thought I was the one absorbing the shots. Not everyone sides with me on the Sedin ice issue, and they shouldn’t. There are valid arguments to be made that they can play more. How exactly do you pronounce ‘Patrick Wiercioch’? Glad you asked. “Language-learning app Babbel has identified the 15 newcomers to Canadian teams with the hardest-to-pronounce names, and created a phonetic pronunciation guide for hockey fans and commentators.” So …. what does Babbel say about the Canucks? Here we go: Guessing people aren’t going to stick with the “shon” part there. What about the just-inked Jonah Gadjovich? Yo-nuh gad-yo-vitsh. Hmm, not sure people are ready for a Yo-nah. Patrick Wiercioch: pat-rik weer-kosh. That’s what Babbel tells me. What about the player? Wiercioch: “Everyone asks me this. It doesn’t matter. It really doesn’t. “I have heard weer-kosh. I’ve heard “veer-kosh” and “weer-coch.” Is that right? “Weer-kosh?” He said: “You know what? My parents would say no.” What would they say? “They’d say “Veer-chuch” or something like that. “I’ve lost the accent pretty much entirely, so it doesn’t bother me. There are other things in life than mean more than pronouncing someone’s name. “I don’t take offence to it. It’s funny when people try though. It can be comical.” I have often wondered, can Pass it to Bulis even be considered Pass it to Bulis without Harry Moon? Or is this the Dead without Jerry? And if he does consider this change, why not something we can all rally around, something like this one: I couldn’t believe it when I read this in a Bulis-maybe-now-Wagner piece: Maybe it’s me, but I can’t escape people talking about it. My higher ups even laid some mustard on me for using this angle the same day another writer did the same — and that was more than a week ago. Henrik expressed some exasperation in reference to the line of questioning on the topic after the second game. I long ago lost track of how many times Green has been asked about it. If you told me 20 times, I would think that’s close. I was just in a big feud with DT about it and it seemed to last for days. Writers from Toronto literally just crossed the border to do the story today in Buffalo on this. Honestly, in my universe, it feels like the biggest story ever told.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079338 Vancouver Canucks In Dorsett’s first game, he played a big role in slowing down the Oilers’ Connor McDavid. Since then, he’s been leading the team in goals. He scored two and now has four. Canucks 4, Sabres 2: What we learned after a bounce back in Buffalo Can you have an MVP just seven games into the season? Asking for a friend! (If you can, is the Canucks’ guy Dorsett?) Jason Botchford “We have a 50-goal scorer on our team all of a sudden,” Brandon Sutter joked. Published: October 20, 2017 Humour aside, Dorsett’s hot start is the Canucks’ best story of the young Updated: October 20, 2017 8:55 PM PDT season. “A lot of it is opportunity,” Dorsett reasoned. “And I really feel like I’m playing with good players.” BUFFALO — Jacob Markstrom gave up one bad goal Friday. It was touch-and-go through the first six games. Granlund, who many Then he got angry. And then he got good. In fact, the same could be said picked as the goals leader this season, had been shutout before the for the Vancouver Canucks. Canucks landed in Buffalo. No goals and no points. The Canucks bounced back from a Thursday disaster in Boston to beat It was a problem because he was second among forwards in average ice up a bad Buffalo Sabres team. The Canucks got single goals from Daniel time. That all changed against the Sabres. Sedin and Markus Granlund and two from Derek Dorsett for a 4-2 NHL win. It wasn’t even midway through the second period, and the shots were 29- 8 for the Canucks. Here is what we learned: Think about that for a minute. The Canucks had 21 more shots than an Vancouver Canucks head coach Travis Green keeps an eye on his team, opponent on the road and the game wasn’t half over. The Canucks also which played its third game in four nights Friday and still managed a 4-2 had two key injuries, a defenceman suspended and were playing their win in Buffalo. third game in four nights. It was the line change nobody saw coming. Coach Travis Green united They looked like they had just traded for six all-stars. Before the game, the three players under the most ice time scrutiny. Buffalo media were eagerly predicting the Canucks’ struggling penalty kill unit would shine and even score. Sure enough, Dorsett scored a short- Jake Virtanen’s playing time has been a focus because he hasn’t been handed goal. playing third periods. Like, at all. The Sedins, because they haven’t been playing. At least not the type of minutes they’re used to. Green put them Have you ever thought: Is Del Zotto playing the game with his hair on all together and the results went surprisingly well, betting Virtanen’s fire? youth and speed would help the old men in back-to-back games. The answer, it seems, is yes. Del Zotto is this eclectic mix of shot-taking He was right. By the end of the second period, they had produced a goal and risk-taking. There are times it works and works well. There are and had been on the ice for 10-of-12 shot attempts. reasons Green plays him more than 20 minutes every game. “I think it was his best game,” Green said of Virtanen. “I think he got But when you play with fire, you can get burned. When the Sabres some energy off playing with Hank and Danny. scored their first goal Friday, on a play Del Zotto had a hand in, it was the 15th time this season he’s been on the ice for a goal against. “You know when you play with them it’s a pretty good opportunity. Somebody has to stick there.” At least, not significantly. Green is fickle but he’s stumbled here on something that works. It’s a When the game started, Henrik was averaging 14:52 a game. Green line, by the way, many in Vancouver wanted to see more of two years suggested that may be as good as it gets this season. ago. “I think we’ve had a couple of games where their minutes have been Troy Stecher of the Vancouver Canucks tries to clear the puck from in 12½. There’s been a couple others where it’s been 17,” Green said. “I front of Jacob Markstrom during the second period against the Buffalo see them going back and forth between those numbers. Sabres on Friday. “Sometimes depending on whether we’re down, we’re up, depending on That’s the positive. There didn’t seem to be many after another soul- how we’ve been playing what kind of chances they’re producing.” crushing goal slid under Jacob Markstrom’s pad. The Canucks were up Friday, and the Sedins hardly played in the final 10 Yes, Ben Hutton looked like he was trying to fix a PVR remote when Jack minutes. It was the third consecutive game Henrik didn’t play 13 minutes. Eichel glided around him on the slowest end-to-end rush you will ever see. But Eichel’s shot skimmed slowly across the ice and rolled through a Vancouver Province: LOADED: 10.21.2017 Markstrom hole so big you could have fit a bowling ball through it. Maybe even two. But then amazing things happened. The first as in the game, as Markstrom used adrenalin and anger to save the next 17 shots. Then, there was after the game. Markstrom hosted the best scrum that’s happened in a Canucks’ locker-room in years. He was accountable. “The second goal was completely my fault,” he said. “I was really frustrated that I let the guys down. After that I looked in the mirror and battled back.” He was funny, too. Asked about how he’s consistently getting beat early, he said: “Maybe we should call the league and have the games moved to 8 p.m.” When the bad goal came up again, he said: “I lifted my pad up so he would get it.” That’s some Roberto Luongo-like humour right there. Sabres’ defenceman Marco Scandella tries to keep an eye on Derek Dorsett of the Vancouver Canucks during Friday’s NHL game in Buffalo. Dorsett scored twice in a 4-2 win. It wasn’t that long ago he was wondering if he’d ever play again. Then this season started. 1079339 Websites provided he can get healthy and then get to playing somewhere, so that his form can be evaluated.

“I was waiting to see what Jarome wanted to do and if he wanted to The Athletic / Duhatschek Notebook: Russia determined to end Olympic come and play for us in this event, and I was going to give him that drought, Canadian team taking shape, Ducks getting healthy opportunity,” said Burke. “But he called back and he wasn’t healthy. My thought on it was, ‘listen, you called us originally.’ My answer was, ‘as long as you have a long-term plan here, and that you’re playing Eric Duhatschek somewhere in January at least, then we can still talk about it.’” 11 hours ago Former Oilers/Leafs/Kings’ goalie Ben Scrivens is still on pace to be one of Canada’s two goalies for the Olympics, after a 13-4-1 start for Ufa in the KHL. No one understands the value and importance of playing goal for a decided underdog better than Burke, a two-time Olympian, and Sean Burke is just back from 10 days of scouting Canada’s Olympic Canada’s all-time games-played leader at the world championships, hopefuls in Russia and it was as a sobering experience – not necessarily where he played five events and won gold twice and silver two other because of what he saw among the players he’s trying to recruit, but in times. the efforts Russia is putting into ending what, for them, has been a massive Olympic medal drought. Burke was also in goal for the 1988 Olympic team’s unexpected victory in the Izvestia tournament, against a stacked Russian team that included According to Burke, general manager of Canada’s 2018 team, the Igor Larionov, Sergei Makarov, Slava Fetisov and others. Russia is the emphasis on getting a positive result in these Olympics is massive in odds-on favorite in 2018, largely because – in the absence of NHL Russia. Russia has been shut out of the medals in men’s hockey for the players – it loses only 40 to 50 players to NHL commitments from its past three Olympics, and in the five Olympics which featured NHL overall player pool. Canada, by contrast, probably loses somewhere players, managed silver in 1998, bronze in 2002 and nothing since. between 500 and 700 of its top players, creating the same sort of uneven Canada has three gold medals in five tries, while Finland actually leads playing field it faced 30 years ago, before the Russian migration to the the overall medal count in the NHL’s Olympic era with four – one silver NHL. and three bronzes. One of the suggestions you frequently hear on social media is that To help end Russia’s lengthy losing streak, the KHL season will go into Canada should simply take its 2018 world junior team and compete in the an international break toward the end of January, which will give the Olympics with them, on the grounds that they will be a) talented; b) have national team time to jell. Moreover, most of the candidates on the developed a modicum of team play; and c) will be accustomed to some Russian team are playing either in Moscow for CSKA Red Army or in St. of the pressure and expectation associated with competing in a major Petersburg for SKA. Ultimately, when the Russian Olympic roster is international event. finalized, it will likely include four five-man units that will have played together for the larger part of the season. In many respects, that smacks And while those reasons are all perfectly plausible, the reality is that the of the old Soviet way of doing things – when coach Viktor Tikhonov major junior operators may not to want to release all that high-end talent drafted everybody he wanted into the army, obliging them to relocate to twice in one season to compete internationally. Moscow to play for a stacked Red Army team. On the other hand, with the way hockey at the highest levels is skewing “When you’re over there, and I’ve been over there a lot, this is all they’re ever younger, you wonder if they couldn’t find a way of plucking one kid talking about,” said Burke. “This Olympics is huge for the Russians and line and one kid defence pair off the world junior roster and adding them their level is going to be good. They’ve got eight or 10 guys on one team to the collection of experienced playing professionally in that are basically all going to be on the Olympic team – the (Pavel) Europe that will make up the bulk of the men’s Olympic hockey team – Datsyuks and the (Ilya) Kovalchuks. Those are good players. You can just to add chemistry and energy to the mix. say what you want about Datsyuk’s age (39), but he could still step into the NHL tomorrow and be an effective player. They’re going to be a good It would mean a sacrifice for the junior teams affected – losing a top team.” player for probably seven or eight games in February – although you could argue that the value at the box office of having a returning Canada, meanwhile, competed in two Olympic test events in the summer Olympian might offset that, as well as the chance to see their players with a roster mostly made up of former NHLers currently playing in grow and mature more quickly, when given the opportunity to play at Europe — and plays event No. 3 in the de facto Olympic trials, the such a major event so early in their careers. Karjala Cup, in Helsinki beginning Nov. 8. And the fact remains, if you were a 19-year-old Canadian and the Canada is also entered in the former Izvestia tournament, now known as opportunity to play for Canada in Olympics was presented to you, would the Channel One Cup, from Dec. 12-17 in Moscow, and then finishes off you say no? its preparation with the Spengler Cup, held over Christmas, in Davos, Switzerland. At some point, in mid-January probably, Canada will name And if you wanted to play, how could your boss reasonably stand in your its final Olympic roster which, according to Burke, remains a work in way to prevent that from happening? progress. It’s an interesting puzzle to ponder, as the days click off the calendar, Kovalchuk and Datsyuk are both having excellent seasons, with and the prospect of the first Olympics since 1994 without NHL players Kovalchuk No. 2 in KHL scoring with 17 goals and 28 points in 24 games inches ever closer. through Friday, while Datsyuk was eighth with 24 points in 22 games. All along, the plan in Anaheim was for the Ducks to waddle along in the Interestingly, the leading goal-scorer in the KHL is a familiar name from early going, until some of their key pieces – centre Ryan Kesler, plus the past — Winnipeg’s Nigel Dawes, now 32, and in his seventh season defencemen Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen – recovered from off- playing for Barys Astana in Kazakhstan. Dawes has 20 goals in 19 season surgery. Kesler is still months away, but Lindholm and Vatanen, games, playing mostly on a line with Linden Vey (Wakaw, Sask.) and who had virtually identical operations to repair labrum tears in their Matt Frattin (Edmonton). Vey, who spent most of last season playing for shoulders, are set to return imminently, which should eventually give a the Calgary Flames’ AHL affiliate in Stockton, is third in the KHL scoring boost to a team that was just 2-3-1 out of the gate. race, with 27 points, one behind Kovalchuk. Vey last played a full season in the NHL with the 2014-15 Vancouver Canucks, where he was coached Other than Cam Fowler, there is no defencemen on the Ducks’ roster by Willie Desjardins – who will be behind the bench for the 2018 men’s that coach Randy Carlyle trusts more. Usually, Lindholm and Josh Olympic team. Manson play together as the team’s No. 1 shutdown pair and that’ll be how they line up when Lindholm returns, possibly as early as Friday’s There was some thought that Jarome Iginla might have suited for date with the slumping Montreal Canadiens. Vatanen is probably a week Canada at the Karjala Cup, but that isn’t happening. Iginla, 40, is away, which means he could be back playing at some point on the four- currently without an NHL contract and settled this off-season in Boston, game road trip that will carry the Ducks to the East Coast next week, where he played for the Bruins in the 2013-14, largely for family reasons. their first major road outing of the year. Apart from those three, the Ducks All three of his children, Jade, Tij and Joe, play hockey and the travel have also played without Ryan Getzlaf, Patrick Eaves and goaltender isn’t as onerous in the U.S. Northeast as it was in Colorado. Iginla is Ryan Miller, the new back-up to John Gibson. Miller was signed because helping coach Tij’s team this year. of Gibson’s injury history – and the fact that he has yet to play more than 52 games in any NHL season – but it was Miller who hasn’t been ready Iginla’s participation in the Karjala Cup has been ruled out, according to to go. Effectively, the Ducks were playing without three top-six forwards Burke, because the former Flames’ captain recently underwent a hip and two top-four defencemen, so their unremarkable beginning is easy procedure and needs additional time to heal. Though the odds get longer enough to explain away. Once they get healthy, or even close to healthy with each passing day, Iginla remains on the radar for the Olympic team, because Kesler likely isn’t playing until the middle part of December at the earliest, then they should regain their accustomed perch at or near the top of the Pacific Division which the Ducks have won, remarkably, five years in a row. The Ducks’ crosstown rivals, the Kings, were left for dead in some quarters (though not here), but following a 5-1 win over the Canadiens, were the only team remaining in the NHL without a regulation loss (5-0-1) for 11 out of a possible 12 points to start the season. What’s worth monitoring under new coach John Stevens is if they can develop a new supporting cast to supplement their reliable core of Anze Kopitar, Jeff Carter, Drew Doughty and Jon Quick. That never happened much in the Darryl Sutter era, where the Kings preferred to solve their depth issues by bringing in experienced hands (such as Vinnie Lecavalier and last year, Iginla). Stevens has a rookie playing on the top line – Alex Iafallo – alongside Kopitar and Dustin Brown and against the Canadiens, Adrian Kempe – who had just six points in a 25-game cameo a year ago – exploded for three goals and an assist, to complete the third-period rout. Kempe is playing centre on the third line, though with Carter lost indefinitely because of surgery to repair a severed tendon in his left leg, he may have to play up the depth chart. The Kings did bring in one more veteran this past off-season – Mike Cammalleri, who started his career in LA back in 2002-03. Cammalleri got off to a slow start, and was a healthy scratch for two games, but he also had a big night against the Canadiens, one of his many former teams. In Carter’s absence, the Kings also signed former Capitals centre Brooks Laich, 34, to a one-year contract. Laich had been with the team through training camp on a professional tryout offer. SHORT TAKES –Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov saw his consecutive games goal-scoring streak snapped at seven, but he contributed two assists to the Lightning’s 2-0 win over the Blue Jackets. According to the Elias Sports Bureu, Kucherov and Steven Stamkos are only the third pair of teammates over the past 24 years to begin a season with simultaneous eight-game point streaks. The others were Radek Bonk and Marian Hossa with the 2003- 04 Ottawa Senators and Pavol Demitra and Doug Weight with the 2001- 02 St. Louis Blues. –Who says it takes time to get up to NHL game speed after time on the sidelined? Making his season debut, the catalyst of the Boston Bruins, Patrice Bergeron produced a mere four points in Thursday’s win over Vancouver. It was Bergeron’s 900th career game. –Rookie Nico Hischier had been playing well for the surging New Jersey Devils, but it took him until his seventh game to score his first NHL goal. He managed two in the end, plus an assist, as the Devils stayed hot by beating Ottawa Thursday night. At 18 years, 288 days, Hischier became the third youngest player in franchise history to produce a multi-goal game. Only Paul Gagne and Kirk Muller were younger. It will be interesting to see if the Devils can continue their strong early-season play if Cory Schneider, injured vs. the Sens, is out for any meaningful time. Schneider broke into the NHL full-time in 2010-11 and in his first six years, never had a GAA over 2.23 until last year, when it ballooned to 2.82. He was in the midst of a serious bounce-back season until he got hurt. For now, Keith Kincaid gets the call for the Devils between the pipes.

The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079340 Websites except two friends. One was Kyle Brett, his freshman year roommate at Connecticut College.

“I was right at the edge of committing to this trip and I trust and value The Athletic / A Minnesotan takes a perilous journey to North Korea in Kyle’s opinion,” Frecon said. “I called Kyle and said, ‘I have to ask you a the name of hockey, and friendship question, and if you say yes, I’m going to do this.’ He said, ‘OK, What?’ I said, ‘I’m thinking of going to play hockey against a national team.’ He goes, ‘Wait, what?’ And I go, ‘And here’s the other thing, it’s in North Michael Russo 21 hours ago Korea.’ “The phone went silent for like 10 seconds. Then all I heard was, ‘Dude, you’ve got to do this!’” It all started with a post on the Minnesota Wild subsection of Reddit. Brett, also 30, is an entertainment lawyer in New York. In college, Brett “Who wants to come to North Korea with me to play hockey?” Alex got accustomed to Frecon’s antics. Frecon recalls the headline reading. “We had various adventures, and it was usually me saying, ‘Frecon, Frecon thought, This is pretty cool if it’s really real, so he clicked the link that’s dumb, but good luck, have fun and see you later,’” Brett said. out of curiosity. And that’s how Brett reacted to his friend’s latest escapade. He never dreamed that weeks later he’d actually pack a few suitcases and all his hockey gear and head for a place few Americans would ever “I just remember thinking, If you do make it back, this will just be an dream of stepping foot. amazing memory to have of this country, this State, that’s going to become incredibly important in the near future,” Brett said. “I’d watched a He never dreamed that his life and overall perception of this mysterious few Vice documentaries on North Korea, so it seemed like things weren’t country would change forever when he discovered ordinary, everyday as crazy as I had always assumed they were. I just assumed this was a North Koreans just want to live their life like all of us. place in complete lockdown, that no one even smiles. But watching these documentaries, you learn it’s a little less than how it’s represented in the “You google, ‘Travel North Korea,’ and there’s a [State Department] imagination of the average American. So that gave me comfort. security warning. Reading that is the most sobering thing,” Frecon, 30, who grew up in Minneapolis’ western suburbs, said. “Plus,” Brett said, “sometimes you just have to do shit for the story.” “I mean, they lay it out: ‘Do Not Go There!’” Because he didn’t want anybody to worry and would be unreachable and disconnected from the rest of the world for more than a week, Frecon told Frecon’s not kidding. everyone he was vacationing in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong, The State Department makes it crystal clear that “due to the serious and China, which was partially true. His seven-day trip to North Korea did mounting risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. citizens” and technically originate and end with flights in and out of Beijing. “unduly harsh sentences for actions that would not be considered crimes Frecon supplied Brett and another pal with his full itinerary … and a last in the United States,” Americans should stay away from North Korea will and testament. because the U.S. has no means of getting you out. “I told them, ‘Here’s what to do if you don’t hear back from me by this In fact, after months of nuclear threats from North Korea leader Kim Jong time,’ so I definitely was prepared,” Frecon said. Un and after the June death of an American student who had been detained there, no American — unless on a special passport — is even When Brett received his friend’s will, he remembers thinking, If he permitted to travel to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. doesn’t make it back, I’m going to look like a fucking asshole. But Frecon’s an incredibly smart guy and I trust him in any environment, so I But this was in March, a few weeks before North Korea really started wasn’t worried that he was going to do anything dumb. I just didn’t know ramping up missile testing, and before the rhetoric between Kim Jong Un a ton about the North Korean government and whether they randomly and U.S. President Donald Trump really began to escalate. decide to seize an American tourist for leverage. I just remember Frecon loves the sport of hockey. thinking, Hopefully, Kim Jong just ignores this.” He loves playing it, loves watching it, and he was intrigued by the Alex Frecon sitting in the visitor's locker room at Pyongyang Ice Rink. opportunity to travel to the reclusive DPRK to play with and against North Frecon is self-deprecating when it comes to his hockey ability. Korea’s men’s national team. As a kid, he played until age 12, then stopped until his senior year at The trip was set up through the Howe International Friendship League, a Breck School in Golden Valley, Minn., when he played on the junior Vancouver, B.C.-based sports tourism organization that puts on a series varsity team because they didn’t have enough players. of international events with the goal of promoting goodwill and building friendship between cultures through the power of sport. They recently “So, I’m not very good,” he says. completed a trip to Costa Rica where tourists played flag football with kids. In December, they’re going to Jamaica to play lacrosse with the He played club hockey at Connecticut College, then intramurals at the national team. University of Wisconsin. There’s an important mission with founder Scott Howe’s trips to North After graduating, Frecon returned to Minnesota and got into the pond Korea. hockey scene as well as weekly beer league games in the Adult Hockey Association throughout the Twin Cities. “We’re trying to begin the dialogue to bring the Special Olympics to North Korea,” said Howe, 29. “I’m pretty fast. I can skate, but I’m not a gamer,” Frecon said. Once Frecon discovered there was an even larger purpose than playing Once arriving in Beijing, there are two ways to get to Pyongyang, the the sport he cherishes, his curiosity grew more and more and he began capital city of North Korea— plane and train. Americans must fly, so peppering Howe with questions. Frecon, Howe and two other Americans from the state of Washington flew to Pyongyang while the rest of the group — all Canadians and two Seventy-four emails were exchanged. Frecon asked everything from can Finns — weaved through the countryside by rail. he bring his GoPro to can he bring mini Snickers bars. “The scariest part for me was walking off the plane. You see all the “I just got to the point where I was confident if I behaved properly, I would guards, and that’s when you realize you’re in North Korea,” Frecon said. be safe,” Frecon said. “I weighed the pros and cons and the potential risks. I just felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime thing for me. The main He surprisingly breezed through customs. driving force was the hockey. I love the sport so much, and the idea of playing with and against an international athlete, I mean, I should never Shaking with nerves, Frecon handed his passport to an agent who simply have that opportunity with my skill level.” flipped through it and handed it back without a stamp. Alex Frecon standing atop the Grand People's Study House in Tourists must list every single item they’re taking into North Korea. An Pyongyang during his trip. agent asked to see a book Frecon was bringing into the country, a piece of nonfiction about a famous U.S. trial, Frecon recalls. Knowing that his family, especially his parents, and friends would fret if he told them he planned to travel to North Korea, Frecon told nobody “I gave him the book, he looks at it and walks off into a room,” Frecon said. “He was gone for five minutes, then comes back without the book and stands back where he was standing before. I’m standing looking at him and he’s not looking at me. I stood there for five whole minutes, then “There was so much camaraderie,” Frecon said. “It was like sports finally turned to another worker and asked, ‘Can I go?’ diplomacy. There were some uncomfortable moments where some of the guys were asking the North Koreans about their government and kind of “She goes, ‘Yes,’ and that’s when I realized,” Frecon said with a chuckle, running their mouths. One of our minders came over to me and said, ‘Did “I’m not getting the book back.” you see what your President just said?’ I was like, ‘No, my phone doesn’t Frecon and his three new friends were then met by two government work here.’ That made me a bit nervous. minders on the other side of customs. “But they all seemed to genuinely like us, and when you play hockey for “You’re with them 24/7. You’re not allowed to go anywhere on your own,” six hours a day together, you develop this kind of trust because you know Frecon said. “You hand them your passports. They hold on to them for you have this sport that you all love in common. ‘safe keeping.’” “Like, you know they’ve got to be a little cool because they play hockey. The rest of the team wouldn’t be arriving until the following day, so During the drills, the North Koreans joked around with us and tried to Frecon had a chance to begin playing tourist. help us chirp their teammates. It was a playful environment. The first thing he discerned is how clean and modern Pyongyang is and “Part of me wonders if world problems were discussed over a friendly how friendly the North Koreans were. Buildings were red, beige and what game of softball, would things get solved a lot easier?” he called “North Korean green.” That’s certainly what Howe hopes. Next month, he’s scheduled to make “I don’t know what I thought it would be like, but I figured it would be a his fifth trip to North Korea. gray, ugly place and that the people would be almost robotic, like nobody He’s not bringing a hockey team. Instead, he’s bringing two disability showing any emotions,” Frecon said. “This sounds dumb, but I remember experts to begin a dialogue with the government so they can hopefully standing outside one night and I looked up at the moon. begin the tall order of fulfilling certain requirements to be part of the “I remember turning to one person and saying, ‘I’d never think the moon Special Olympics. would be beautiful in North Korea. But it’s the same planet.” “Historically speaking, the DPRK has refused to engage with the Alex Frecon poses at Pyongyang Ice Rink with one of North Korea's top international community on the issue of disability,” said Howe, whose scorers. father, Dan, is currently CEO of Special Olympics B.C. and has been involved in the Special Olympics for nearly 40 years. “Over time, that has On Day 2, the rest of the group arrived via train. Frecon, his three new gradually eased on the physical disability side. For example, they do friends and their “tour guides” arrived at the train station to pick them up. have Paralympic athletes now and a few hearing-impaired and sight- impaired organizations. “It was funny,” Frecon said. “Twenty tall Caucasian dudes all carrying hockey gear walking in a line, and we were all met by a camera crew “But to date, nobody’s managed to really break through in the areas of because this was a big thing for the State — a bunch of Canadians intellectual disabilities. So we’re hoping to do so using sports programs coming to play their national team,” Frecon said. “These poor guys had as a catalyst to start discussions in these areas.” been on a train for 24 hours and we bussed straight to the rink for our first evening game.” On this next trip, Howe is also hoping to begin training potential Special Olympic athletes in basketball and soccer so when he returns with a The camera crew never left the next five days. It was almost like State hockey team in March, the country will show some advancement in those TV was watching every move, but Frecon said for the most part the trip areas. felt like any normal tourist trip. Unfortunately, Howe said, no Americans like Frecon will be able to travel “I went on this trip prepared to be intimidated left and right,” Frecon said. to North Korea on the March trip. “That I would be treated like a spy. The reality is that I met a bunch of polite, humble and curious human beings.” Howe International Friendship League Founder Scott Howe (left) during one of his four trips to North Korea. After arriving at the arena, things got funny. Frecon, who works at a worldwide ad agency, is well-known in Minnesota As the group from the Friendship League began suiting up in the locker circles for producing some comical hockey music videos on YouTube. room, it dawned on everyone that nobody knew each other’s positions. There’s the renowned “Cake Eater Anthem” making fun of the affluent How the heck would they cobble together line combinations and defense city of Edina, “Bruce is Loose” on the raised expectations coach Bruce pairings. Boudreau would bring to the Wild and the “Beer League Anthem.” There was a group of three from Montreal. One of the men, Felix Moffat, Frecon brought with him his GoPro to North Korea because he figured began going around the room asking, “What do you play? What position capturing video would be a cool keepsake to show family and friends. He do you play?” says he had no initial thought of making a YouTube documentary short until the North Korean team had no problem with him wearing his camera The only woman on the trip, Misty Seastrom, became Frecon’s defense during practices and games provided he didn’t break down and partner. broadcast their systems. “She pulled me through each game,” Frecon said. After reviewing all his footage at the end of his trip, Frecon thought, Maybe I can tell a larger story. Finally, the players from the Friendship League hit the ice for warmups. Frecon stayed two extra days in North Korea to sight-see with Howe. “Looking at their team, I knew right away we were going to get crushed,” They went bowling, attended a soccer academy for kids and toured an Frecon said, laughing. “Like, there was no doubt in my mind. These guys enormous soccer stadium. They even went to a library where Frecon got could skate. And they were coordinated.” to speak English to an English-speaking class. Plus, with all due respect, the Friendship League’s goalie, “a great guy The guides took Frecon and Howe outside of Pyongyang where they did named Mark,” was 71 years old. see some run-down outer farm towns. Frecon understands for the most The North Koreans, who are currently ranked 39th in the world by the part the government minders made sure their entire group saw what they International Federation, indeed smoked ‘em, 16-1. wanted them to see. “I accidentally got a high-sticking penalty. I literally smacked a guy in the “We were fed so much food, which was weird when you know there are face in the first game,” Frecon said, covering his hand over his mouth. “I shortages around the country,” Frecon said. “I’m not an expert on was so nervous, like, Oh my God, what’s going to happen to me? anything, and I always tell people to figure out things for themselves and make their own conclusions. But don’t just look at what someone else “But I just got two minutes.” says and be like, ‘That has to be it.’ Because that’s what I did. And then I went to North Korea and I got a completely different perception. In five days, the westerners practiced six hours a day and faced the North Koreans three times. One of those games was a mixed game “I went there thinking North Koreans hated us. I wondered, Do they have where the players from both teams were combined. The group from the cell phones, what are the cars like, what’s their food like? A lot of kimchi, Friendship League also ran two practices for both the men’s and by the way. And I was really surprised at how curious and interested they women’s national teams. were in me being American and how many questions they had for us.” The Howe International Friendship League and members of the DPRK Howe said it still even catches him off guard when he sees “ordinary national team posing after their second friendly match. human emotion” from the North Koreans like when “you meet somebody on the street and they say a funny joke or you drive past a soldier walking his young child home from school. I think a lot of the coverage in the western media can serve to dehumanize ordinary North Koreans because we don’t really have an adequate source of information on North Korea. “But every time I go back to the country, my impression of it changes and I feel like every time I go I learn how little I know about the country and how little the western world, in general, knows about the country.” The Pyongyang skyline. The colors stood out to Alex Frecon and reminded him of Soviet-era architecture. What Frecon has tried to convey to everybody, including his parents, who were not pleased when he informed them via cell phone from Beijing that he had fibbed and had actually spent a week in a place that scares the average American, is that ordinary, everyday North Koreans are a lot different than what's going on with their government. That’s what Brett discovered when watching his good friend’s documentary short. “I bought into North Korea being this total police state, and then when I saw him on the ice joking around with all those North Koreans and when I saw how much fun he had and how beautiful that place was, I was like, Man, I’m glad he did it,” Brett said. Frecon was aware of the risks. He returned from North Korea and had friends who wouldn’t talk to him and critics who said he just did it “to go viral.” “But my look at the world has changed a little bit because I realize more than ever now that everyone is trying to just live their life the best that they can,” Frecon said. “There are a lot of larger forces tugging at each other. But my perception of the world has changed dramatically.” In total, the trip cost Frecon about $3,500. He says the experience was invaluable. He spent seven days unconnected from the rest of the world. No cell phone. No internet. “It was surreal, I came back home and I was like, None of this really matters,” Frecon said. “I’ve got Instagram. I’ve got Facebook. I don’t feel the need to check these anymore. It was cool to be unplugged.” For the record, Frecon is back on his social media platforms. He is often asked what far-off land he’s headed to next. Usually, he doesn’t have an answer. After all, how can an American top playing hockey in secretive North Korea? Earlier this week, Howe reached out to Frecon about a hockey tour he’s planning next November to Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Frecon didn’t hesitate. He’s “super-psyched” and hopes other Americans — particularly Minnesotans — come along for the ride. “I could use a few more linemates,” Frecon said.

The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079341 Websites As kids, Richard would usually take the morning run of chores and Patrick would handle his lot after school.

“It was a family thing too because when the big jobs were coming it took The Athletic / From Aneroid to Toronto: Who is Patrick Marleau? everybody to pitch in and do something,” Marleau said. “A lot of teamwork that way.” Jonas Siegel 21 hours ago Jeremy Reich, a former NHLer and long-time friend of Marleau’s, also spent his earliest years on a farm. He argues that farm-life naturally breeds a hearty work ethic. Ask any hockey player from a farming community, he says, and they’ll tell you the “farm kids” work hardest. Legend has it Patrick Marleau needs only 40 seconds. Forty seconds to strip off all his gear and race to the cold tub for a quick dip in the icy “I think they have that mentality, you go on the ice and you just work,” water. All this, mind you, in between the second and third period. said Reich, who first met Marleau at a SaskFirst camp, a program for elite young hockey players in Saskatchewan. “There’s no other option, “I could barely get my shoulder pads off and he was in the cold tub and you go and work and get it done.” back in time before the coach got in for his meeting,” said Ryane Clowe, a teammate of Marleau’s for eight seasons in San Jose. Marleau says he was shaped by his parents' drive and the sacrifices both made to ignite his career in the first place. They were supportive, but not The mid-game dash to the cold tub was amusing for Sharks teammates. insistent, hockey parents, the kind who would willingly make the trip to They just couldn’t figure out how Marleau pulled it off — how he ripped Swift Current twice a week for practice with the Swift Current off all that equipment in no time, slipped into the freezing H20, got Legionnaires. dressed again and still made it back in time for the start of the third period. Russ Farwell, who took over as the Seattle Thunderbirds general manager after Marleau was drafted sixth overall in the 1994 WHL bantam They knew why he was doing it though. The frigid water drains away draft, says Denis and Jeanette were easy to deal with. lactic acid, making the legs feel brand new. Joe Pavelski, the Sharks captain, said more players would probably do it in the middle of the game He was struck most by their patience and prudence in consideration of if they could just find the time. But as Logan Couture pointed out, the Patrick's interest. When agents first started sniffing around their son, intermission lasts only 17 minutes. Farwell remembers the family sending out a letter which informed interested suitors that the choice would be made at the end of the season “There’s a rumour that he picked it up from Teemu Selanne,” Couture and only at the end of the season. Respect those wishes and you’d be said, “but I’m not sure if that’s true.” considered. Keep pestering and well, good luck. Marleau, the first-year Toronto Maple Leafs winger who became the 18th “That’s unheard of today,” Farwell said. “A lot of guys have agents by the member of the elusive 1500-game club on Wednesday night, didn’t time they go into bantam draft.” become one of the most durable players of all-time by accident. Sure, he needed the odd trick or two, but more than that, his remarkable durability Marleau did things his own way in the NHL after that. He wasn’t quite a and all-time great productivity seems to trace back to the tiny town in the reluctant star, just one who went about the job in workmanlike fashion. middle of nowhere from which he hails. He didn’t punctuate a goal scored with an exuberant, chest-beating celebration and hardly said a word to anyone – even to teammates who Aneroid, Sask., actually isn’t even a town anymore, but a special service admired him. area under the jurisdiction of a larger municipality. According to the former mayor, Elton Meikle, the population once got as high as 500 Couture had the stall next to Marleau in the Sharks dressing room from people. But that was a long time. his earliest days in the NHL to Marleau's exit last season. He said Marleau rarely spoke during games. “Now we’re down, I believe, it’s 42,” Meikle said from Aneroid, where he lives by the railway track in retirement. “He led by example,” said Farwell, recalling the two-year period where Marleau played for the Thunderbirds. “And when a guy’s really skilled The last census in 2016 put the number at 50 – up from a population of within the group the players defer to them. You guys are seeing it in 40 from five years earlier. The Leafs, for context's sake, invited 73 Toronto now, it doesn’t matter how old guys are, they defer to them players to Marleau's first training camp earlier this fall. because of how good they are. That’s the way Pat was on our team.” “Just a small farm community,” Marleau says of his hometown. “At the end of the day he was the same age as me, but I kind of looked “Everybody knew everybody. Everybody knows everybody’s dog’s name, up to him when I was living with him and playing with him,” said Reich, cat’s name.” who’s actually seven months older than Marleau. “Even at 16 and 17, he was such a professional even at that age.” Aneroid still has a town hall, according to Meikle, as well as a Canada Post outlet, a 50-plus club and up until last year, a rink. The nearest stop Marleau and Reich joined the Thunderbirds as 16 year olds, rooming for groceries is Ponteix, which lies about 18 kilometres west. For a full together with the billet family of Ken and Charlotte Jones. They shop though it’s an hour’s drive to Swift Current. The only school in town predictably came to be fast friends, both hailing from pint-sized farming appears to have shut down. towns in Saskatchewan; Reich’s hometown of Craik, with a current population of almost 400, is comparatively large next to Aneroid. Like most in the area, Marleau was brought up on the family farm. The best part, as he remembers it, was being able to skate anytime you Big city life was unusual for both of them. Neither had ever seen traffic wanted in the winter. like in Seattle. Aneroid sits above a highway, but is composed of only eight streets. Patrick had the car, a blue Chevy Cavalier Z24, so he did “We’d clear out the dug out, the little pond area,” he said, “and be able to all the driving – the run to practice usually taking 45 minutes. skate on that.” Marleau and Reich would continue spending time together even after the The Marleau farm, still operating to this day, raises wheat, cattle, different NHL came calling – later in the case of Reich, a Blackhawks second types of grain and specialty crops. rounder who didn’t reach the league until 2004 (seven years after Denis Marleau, Patrick’s dad, ran it for years before ceding control of it to Marleau). Along with a few other buddies, the pair rented a house in Swift Patrick’s older brother, Richard. Meikle, the retired mayor, has never met Current for about $800 a month in the summer and spent the warmer Patrick Marleau, but he’s curled with Richard, and shared coffee with days golfing, training and playing video games – some combination of Denis at the 50-plus club and describes him as “a wonderful man” who Nintendo and Sega. would help anyone. Marleau was low-key even then (Farwell says he’s “chatty Kathy” now Jeanette Marleau, Patrick’s mom, was a teacher who worked at the old compared to back then) with a professionalism that belied his age and school in town when Patrick was a kid. She went on to teach grades 1-8 skills. in a one-room schoolhouse on a Hutterite colony. “When he trained, he trained hard and again, that’s why he’s been able “She just retired for her third time now,” Patrick said. “She keeps going to sustain such a career and not get injured,” said Reich, now an back.” assistant coach and assistant general manager with the Canmore Eagles, a Junior A team in Alberta. “He knows how hard to push himself It’s here that Marleau would have first seen what hard work was all and when he needs rest. I think some guys might push themselves too about, what it meant to show up every day no matter what. There’s no hard or not hard enough. He gets it. He knows his body and he knows taking days off on a farm. The hay needs hauling and the cows need exactly what he needs to do to stay healthy.” feeding whether the sun shines or the rain pours, whether one feels sprite at first light in the morning or sluggish and out of sorts. He wasn’t the type though to flaunt his success. Reich describes him as “All those little things, they just kind of add up and give you confidence the kind of guy who would never let you know he played in the NHL. that you can play at your best,” Pavelski said. “You wouldn’t know if he has a penny or a billion dollars,” Reich said. “It’s a lifestyle,” said Jamie Baker, the Sharks broadcaster who played his last NHL game with Marleau in San Jose in 1998. “Patty Marleau has This past summer was the first in a few years that Marleau, busy moving made hockey a lifestyle. his wife and four boys to Toronto, didn't make it out to Canmore to help out at the local hockey school. He'd usually stick around at least a week “No detail gets unturned when it comes to, ultimately, the preparation to in the past, remaining on the ice far longer than any NHLer probably be an elite hockey player,” Baker said. “He doesn’t take two months off in would, Reich says. the summer. He takes a week or two and then he gets back at the training. It’s what he does. That’s a lifestyle. Eating well is a lifestyle. It The Leafs expect Marleau to have an influence on their youngsters, too. doesn’t mean that he doesn’t enjoy a pizza or a hamburger or some ice That was evident before training camp even got underway when, cream every now and then, it doesn’t mean that, it means for the most following one informal high-paced scrimmage, Marleau lingered on the part he’s eating well. Eighty to 90 percent of the time, if not more. He’s MasterCard Centre ice long after most players scampered off to the not going to In & Out burger three times a week when the season ends.” dressing room. He had to get up a few shots from each faceoff circle with Connor Brown, the Leafs 23-year-old winger, closely observing. What’s striking and perhaps even overlooked is Marleau’s longevity under some of the league’s toughest travel. According to Couture would do the same thing in San Jose over eight seasons. He OnTheForecheck, the Sharks were second in total miles logged last and Pavelski both pointed to Marleau and Joe Thornton, the Nos. 1 and 2 season and first the year before that. Clowe spent eight seasons with the picks of the 1997 NHL draft, as role models that way for each and every Sharks and is now an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils. He Sharks player. describes the difference in travel between the two clubs as a full 180 – “[For] a lot of people for a lot of years Jumbo and Patty were the reasons from worst to best. why the Sharks lost,” Couture said, starting in on a subject that still “There’s a lot of mornings where you’re getting into your bed at 2, 3 a.m,” grates on Sharks’ past and present. Couture says. “And Patty’s still waking up and doing stuff at home with “They didn’t perform and blah, blah, blah and all that. To me that’s his [four] kids and then showing up at practice after.” garbage. I played with those guys and I see how badly they want to win What often complicated travel for the club was a local curfew in San Jose and how well they play in the playoffs and all that. So that’s something which often meant landing in Oakland at the end of road trips. Oakland is that the media blows way out of proportion and people have that thought an hour’s drive from San Jose, meaning Marleau often wouldn’t arrive process that he’s an under-performer in the playoffs and he doesn’t want home until the middle of the night – that is until the last few seasons to win and he doesn’t this and that, but it’s completely false.” when the Sharks changed planes. “Patty’s not a dynamic personality,” Clowe added. “That’s not who he is. The entirety of Marleau’s career until this season in Toronto also came in He’s not a rah-rah guy. But if you can play 98 percent of your games, the west, long the NHL’s more punishing conference with division rivals that’s pretty good leadership right there. The fact that you’re there every like the Ducks and Kings continually boasting some of the hardest and day, you’re doing it right every day, you’re preparing right every day, heaviest lineups. you’re a true pro. That’s how Patty’s going to lead.” But Marleau, as Leafs coach Mike Babcock pointed out earlier this week, Clowe thinks Marleau chose Toronto this past summer, in large part, didn’t just play a whole bunch of games. He produced at a Hall of Fame because he wanted to finally get over the hump and win a Stanley Cup. clip. The numbers may not look like it at first glance with Marleau “If your goal is to win,” Clowe said, “where else would you want to go to?” currently ranked 41st all-time in goals and 60th in points. Adjust the It’s been almost nine years since Marleau missed a regular season numbers for the lower-scoring era in which he played though and the game. The day was April, 7, 2009 and the Sharks were hosting the stats start to pop. Avalanche when Marleau sat out his fifth straight with a lower body injury. Hockey Reference puts Marleau 18th in adjusted goals and 32nd in had only recently left the Leafs at that point, putting the final adjusted points. His 609 goals when straightened up for era are even touches of a Hall of Fame career with Vancouver. Raptors star Kyle with Mike Gartner, a Hall of Famer, and better than either Dave Lowry was still a frustrated, underutilized backup point guard in Houston. Andreychuk or Mats Sundin, both also with plaques. With another two, Drake was doing mix-tapes. And Auston Matthews, well, he wasn’t even maybe three more productive seasons, Marleau has a chance of even a teenager when Marleau last sat out. cracking the top-10. The streak is alive at 631 straight after Wednesday night. Adjusted numbers aren’t even required to know that Marleau has more (Marleau did sit out Game 1 of Round 2 in 2010 with a bad flu, but that’s game-winners (98) than all but six players in history – an elusive group it for missed games overall.) which includes Jaromir Jagr, Phil Esposito, Teemu Selanne, Brett Hull, Brendan Shanahan and Jarome Iginla. But his durability goes much deeper than that. Out of 1,524 regular- season games with the Sharks over 19 seasons, Marleau missed a mere Marleau has scored a game-winner against every NHL team but the 31 games, which means he suited up, as Clowe noted, 98 per cent of the Sharks, who he’ll face for the first time later this month, and the newly time. added Vegas Golden Knights. “I played with him for eight years and he didn’t miss a single game,” said During his first 19 seasons in the NHL, Marleau scored 20 goals 14 Couture, the now-28-year-old who joined the Sharks when he was 20. different times. The only players with more in that span (1997-2017) are “It’s not like he’s been healthy the entire time.” Jarome Iginla (16) and Marian Hossa (15), both locks for the Hall of Fame. Marleau was known to play through injuries and illness. Playing every game for the entirety of his three-year deal with the Leafs Couture recalled one game-day when Marleau was under the weather and Marleau would end up with 1,739 games played or within sniffing and didn’t show up to the morning skate. Teammates figured he wouldn’t distance of the all-time mark — currently held by Gordie Howe (1,767) play, but Marleau somehow dragged himself to the rink and Couture but likely to be overtaken soon by Jagr. thinks he probably even scored a couple goals. Clowe didn’t think Marleau was all that different from Jagr in longevity “He just finds ways,” Couture said. “He doesn’t like sitting out hockey terms. Both hung around with smarts, skill and supreme fitness. But games.” unlike Jagr, who expertly deployed his body (and thick rear in particular) to protect the puck as he slid past 40, Marleau got by on his legs, the Marleau has credited various tweaks to his diet, training habits and ones he’s been keeping fresh in those cold tubs. stretching over the years to his good health – the kind of things that “seem to help and put you in a good mindset to come to the rink and be “You add that to motivated player who sees a young team on the cusp of ready to play.” probably doing something really good, that’s a good recipe,” Clowe said. He’s also pointed to adequate rest and to coaches like Pete DeBoer in The Leafs, who could have Marleau in their lineup as a 40 year old, are San Jose who wisely limited practice time where possible. Marleau was hoping so. And as for the folks back home in Aneroid, the few of them known to rarely miss practice when it was scheduled. Teammates think anyway, they’ll have their eye on the hometown hero. he just loved the game too much to ever stay off the ice. “Everybody watches Patrick I’ll tell you,” former mayor Meikle said. “It’s Pavelski remembers seeing Marleau hit the gym more and more over the going to be interesting to see how well he does in Toronto.” years, ensuring his body was primed to play. He’d advise teammates to mix a little extra fish into their diets, too. The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079342 Websites why we decided to come back here. That’s the most important thing for me right now. My family is next to me.’’

While his 16-year-old son plays for the Moscow Dynamo organization The Athletic / LeBrun: Andrei Markov is happy in the KHL, but still keeps Markov has his five-year-old twin sons with him in Kazan as well as his tabs on the Canadiens newlywed wife and their one-year-old daughter. (Last season, colleague Jonathan Bernier wrote the heart-breaking piece of how the twins’ mother, Markov’s former girlfriend, died of ovarian cancer in 2016 and Pierre LeBrun how Markov made sure to take over responsibility for the boys.) 19 hours ago “We’re together and we’re happy, you know?’’ said Markov of the three kids and his wife all living under one roof.

On the ice, Markov has 14 points (4-10) in 21 games while averaging It is the voice of a content man at the other end of a phone line in Kazan, 20:44 minutes a night. Russia. The most obvious benefit of not being in the NHL is his eligibility for the It was a difficult decision to leave the Montreal Canadiens, but Andrei February Olympics, where Russia will be favoured to win based on their Markov sounded Thursday like a person very much happy in his life, KHL talent base. But Markov isn’t taking an Olympic nod for granted as freshly married this summer and living with his three youngest children. far as his own presence on the Russian Olympic team. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt his KHL club, , is in first place in “You never know,” he said. “I didn’t play for national team for a long time, the Eastern Conference. for the Olympics it’s going to be a big competition. A lot of young players here. I don’t know what the coaching staff is going to do with the national After 16 years with the Habs, the adjustment to KHL hockey hasn’t been team. So we’ll see. But it would be great to play there (in South Korea). too difficult. All I can do is play my best, it’s not my decision who goes there.’’ “It’s not bad, we have a pretty good team,’’ Markov told The Athletic. “Of Jaromir Jagr always says his time in the KHL extended his playing course there’s a big difference between the KHL and the NHL, with the career. I asked Markov if perhaps he sees himself playing for a while yet. system, the pace of the game, the rink, there are differences. But I’m familiar with that, I grew up here. No complaints, everything is going “Right now I still feel like I can play,” said Markov. “I still enjoy that. As well.’’ long as I enjoy hockey and step on the ice to play the game, I’m going to continue to play. The most important thing is to enjoy your work. If you’re Not so much with his old club in Montreal early in this NHL season, and not going to enjoy that, there’s no point to continue.’’ even if he had tried not to pay attention, the text messages rolling in from across the pond keeps him fully informed. Happy at work, happy at home. Things appear to have worked out just fine for Mr. Markov. Yes, of course, he knows what’s happening in La Belle Province.

“You know, I spent many years there and I still have many friends over there in Montreal,” said Markov. “Sometimes I receive text messages. I The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 spoke with a few of them. I mean, it’s tough for the fans, tough for the team, and of course tough for the players to have a start like that. “But I think they have to stay together and work through that. Those things happen. It’s not easy but all they can do is work hard.’’ Can the Canadiens turn things around? “You know, they have management staff and coaching staff who will figure out what to do. It’s not my decision, who cares about my opinion?’’ he said. Markov said he texted the other day with Alex Galchenyuk. Words of encouragement, perhaps? “It’s tough to suggest something in those kinds of situations,” said Markov. “The best thing you can do is work hard and do your best for the team, you know?’’ Where the veteran defenceman saw me coming a mile away is when I tried to walk back the steps of his departure. It’s widely known the Canadiens weren’t willing to do more than a one-year deal, while Markov asked for two years. No different than San Jose wanting to do a one-year deal with Joe Thornton, 38, there are CBA implications for players 35 and over that make it risky to give out term. I don’t blame Habs GM Marc Bergevin for holding the line on that with the 38-year-old Markov. In light of the Canadiens’ tough start to the season, Markov diplomatically cut me off at the pass when I tried to dig further into his exit. “Actually, I don’t want to talk about that, especially in this situation right now. If we open everything (up), it’s going to be even harder for them, so I don’t want to explain right now,’’ Markov said, simply not wanting to add a further distraction while his former team is struggling. (As an aside, given how well 19-year-old Victor Mete has played on the top defence pairing, it makes you wonder had Markov re-signed if the Mete experiment alongside Shea Weber would have even been tried at all? Food for thought, but I’m sure most Habs fans would have still liked to see Markov somewhere in the top six regardless). Does Markov miss it? Of course, you play 16 seasons for a famed franchise like the Habs, it’s going to be hard when you don’t wear that uniform anymore. “Yeah, of course, it wasn’t an easy decision. But I was thinking about my family first,” said Markov, who signed a two-year deal with AK Bars. “When I knew I wasn’t going to sign with Montreal, we decided to come back here to Russia, because it would be easy for my family to adjust. It would have been harder to move to another city in North America. That’s 1079343 Websites minutes, but Montour and veteran Francois Beauchemin are also above 19 minutes a night.

It must be difficult for Theodore to see the opportunity he probably would The Athletic / While Shea Theodore waits for his NHL opportunity, have had with his former team right now, but Montour knows to what Brandon Montour thrives in Anaheim extent he is accustomed to this by now, having watched how often Theodore made the drive back and forth from San Diego to Anaheim. Arpon Basu “He doesn’t deserve that, I don’t think, he deserves to be in this league and play for those guys,” Montour said. “He’s one of the best guys on 11 hours ago that back end there. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but he’s a good kid and he knows how to handle it.”

ANAHEIM – The Anaheim Ducks were one of the most vulnerable teams when it came to the expansion draft over the summer, with the Vegas The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 Golden Knights almost guaranteed to nab a high quality NHL player off their roster. Players like Sami Vatanen and Josh Manson were left unprotected, but general manager Bob Murray knew he was in no danger of losing them. Murray made a deal with Vegas GM George McPhee to make sure he selected Clayton Stoner, but the price was a young, puck-moving defenceman still on an entry level contract, Shea Theodore, whom the Ducks drafted 26th overall in 2013. Left standing in Anaheim was another young, puck-moving defenceman in Brandon Montour, the 55th overall pick in 2014 and Theodore’s former San Diego Gulls teammate in the AHL. Montour’s emergence in the 2017 playoffs, when he played on the Ducks top pair with Hampus Lindholm, vaulted him past Theodore on the Ducks depth chart. Theodore is still playing in the AHL, caught in a numbers game with Vegas carrying too many defencemen. Meanwhile, Montour is thriving in Anaheim. “He’s the new prototype NHL defenceman, very mobile, can get up and down the rink, very competitive, good skater, all of those things seem to be the new label that’s put on the defence,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “It’s about puck recovery, skating the puck out, puck movement, playing the game fast, all of those things are suits that he is very strong in. I would say that’s why he has evolved into an every day player. “But he’s still a young player, he only played I think 26 games last year (it was 27 games) then he played the playoffs. But when you’re on the stage in the playoffs that’s as intense as it’s going to get. We made it to the Western Conference final and he was a regular contributor to us getting there.” The Ducks face the Canadiens on Friday, who have their own version of Montour, rookie defenceman Victor Mete. Montour is listed at 6-foot, 192 pounds, Mete at 5-foot-9, 184 pounds, and each of them are in the NHL primarily because of their skating ability. The prototype does appear to be catching on. Montour was a prolific point producer in the AHL, with 89 points in 104 games over his last two seasons there. Playing that important of a role in a deep playoff run cemented his status in Anaheim, but it’s still difficult for him to see what is happening to Theodore in Vegas. “We started with each other in San Diego, in Norfolk really because we went up for the end of Norfolk’s season (in 2014-15),” Montour said. “Then we went to San Diego and we were good buddies, we kind of came in at the same age, played the power play together, played together (at even strength), we were close. Obviously it’s tough having a guy like that leave the organization. It’s a business, we know that, but he’s going to have success when he gets up there.” There is little doubt, speaking to the Ducks, that they held Theodore in high regard. Most teams will give their first-round picks a lot more benefit of the doubt than other prospects, which makes what Montour did in passing Theodore on the depth chart that much more impressive. “Obviously some hard decisions had to be made,” defenceman Cam Fowler said. “We always valued Shea, he’s going to be a great defenceman some day. Just when you look at the pieces that we had, ultimately probably something was going to happen on defence. As an organization that’s where we feel we’re very deep. “So it was hard to see him go, but at the same time it kind of gave him a new opportunity. We have some guys here that are really good players, so it can be hard to crack the top-6 here. So it gave him a new opportunity, but I think it showed that their belief in Brandon is pretty high.” The Ducks are dealing with massive injuries right now, including Lindholm and Vatanen, who are each on the verge of returning to the lineup. The result is the top pair of Fowler and Manson is logging a lot of 1079344 Websites smartly recognized Marner is beat, so he wants to cut that guy off from getting the back of the net. (Teams do this because when the puck changes sides, defenders have to make decisions about coverage and The Athletic / Bourne: Has Mitch Marner been bad enough defensively to make switches. The more you can make defenders make decisions, the deserve the fourth line? (Yes) more holes will open up.) But once Rielly leaves Chicago’s No. 17 in front of the net, Marner has to pick him up. He should just release his D-man to Rielly and switch. If you Justin Bourne pause the video as Hayden is throwing the puck in, you’ll see the guy who is now Marner’s standing all by himself. If that puck doesn’t go in, 12 hours ago he’s sitting on the doorstep ready to clean up the garbage. In the clip below, there’s no mental error made. He’s just not bearing down. The puck rims around the boards, and it’s on him to at least knock Mitch Marner, like many small and skilled forwards before him, has it down and get into a puck battle. If he’s unable to knock the puck down, officially been branded with the “bad defensively” iron. He’s been on the he’s got to fight through and jump out hard on the D-man. He just seems ice for eight goals against at even strength through seven games (and kinda resigned to the boards here. Now, I KNOW Toronto fans will be just three goals for), and has found himself demoted to the fourth line and screaming for a penalty there, and maybe there is one, but he doesn’t playing greatly reduced minutes. appear to be making much of an effort to get through Max Pacioretty, it On Wednesday against the Red Wings, Marner played 11:21, the lowest looks to me he’s just hoping he gets a penalty call. total of his NHL career that didn’t involve injury. His TOI has declined in It's not “bad” defence, so much as it a lack of the fire and relentlessness four straight games from when he played 16:21, a number he still you've seen him bring at the other end. surpassed over half the time last season. Needless to say, he’s fallen a little out of favor with the coaching staff. In all, my notes on Marner’s defensive play include a complete grab bag of negativity with little pattern to be found. “Turnover.” “Doesn’t get big in One thing that’s tough to argue, is that his linemates through the first shooting lane.” “Over-skates, misses next wave.” “Playing someone seven games (or, say, their entire careers) haven’t been great else’s position.” All these things amount to mental and physical effort, defensively either. Combined, it’s a talented unit with an affinity for red really, just “caring” about defence. That's all coaches can ask. lights, regardless on which end they show up. So, with Marner getting the demotion, I thought it would be good to go through his minuses, and see The kid is insanely talented and will be a mainstay within the Leafs if he really deserves the demotion and slashed minutes. I thought maybe offensive juggernaut. But to contribute you have to be on the ice, and to the “bad defensively” label was unjust and video would bail him out. be on the ice for a Mike Babcock coached team, you have to do things responsibly over all 200 feet. It’s amazing that players can watch Zach Spoiler alert: it didn’t. Hyman skyrocket to NHL success and still think the path to success with Players suck defensively in a variety of different ways: some don’t think the Leafs is “get points.” the game well so they miss reads (“who’s my guy in this situation?”), they The best part about being as deep as the Leafs are up front is they can cheat for offence (“If that puck jumps the D’s stick I’m on a breaka…ahh sort these issues out. When you’re a bad team, you have to keep crap now I’m in the neutral zone and my guy has the puck in our end”), throwing out your stars as much as possible, even when they’re shirking but the biggest, by far, is a lack of effort. Which, of course, drives their defensive duties. You don’t have the players to plug the holes while coaches the most crazy. you send your messages. The Leafs do, and then some. The lack of effort thing is generally an attempt to conserve energy for the There’s nobody in Toronto's management group or staff who wants to offensive side of the puck. Hockey is a sprint, and if you go as hard as see Marner playing 11:21 a night, and if they hope to have team success you can to stop a player from “maybe” getting a chance, you may not in the big picture, they’ll need him far more involved. But it’s early in the have the gas to create something the other way. But here’s the thing with season, and they have the players to allow them to force him to tighten it hockey. Six or seven plays decide a game each night, and you have to up. play like you’re in one of those moments every time. Players don’t win these battles with Babcock. They fall in line or out of Another piss-off for coaches is players who think the game brilliantly on favor. With Marner, it won’t be the latter. He’ll tighten it up, get his the offensive side of the puck, because they know they can play defence. minutes back, and put up numbers in short order. A little corrective zap in And this would be Mitch Marner. There’s no doubt he knows what’s going the shock collar can go a long way with younger players. The Leafs are to happen before most players on the ice. But he’s often on the wrong lucky they’re in a roster position to administer it. side of the play and reaching rather than really moving his feet and

working, presumably to save himself for when his team gets the puck back. The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 And, while he’s at the end of a shift in our first clip, that trend isn’t because he’s tired. Against the Rangers, he was on for a goal against 3:42 into the first period. Against Chicago, 3:46. The Canadiens scored just 2:19 into the game, again with Marner on the ice. In this first play, it’s the end of a penalty kill that Marner was presumably on for because the game was out of hand. He’s standing up in his spot in the 1-3 blueline stand, with the job of forcing the puck wide then pressuring it. I’ll give him passes as he’s not usually a penalty killer, and he’s been out for 45 seconds. But good defence involves moving your feet, and not reaching. Patrick Laine makes a ridiculous pass, but if Marner simply continues to move his feet (and takes a better angle) instead of stopping skating and reaching, he cuts Laine off no problem. And that’s the narrow difference between good defence and bad. One more stride, a few degrees better on the angle. In our second video, Marner makes a couple minor errors – he should have been in the lane of the low-to-high pass, and he lets Chicago’s John Hayden get the edge on him wide – but neither lead to anything of huge danger. That it goes in is unlucky. But if you’re on the staff trying to find breakdowns, it’s what Marner does after getting beat wide that bugs you, because next time, that will be what burns you. (It’s important to prioritize process over results.) One, he can probably recover after getting beat by taking a better route and skating (again), but two, where he goes when Hayden goes behind the net is bizarre. If you watch the Leafs defence enough, you’ve probably noticed that they don’t want to let the other team behind the net. The video here demonstrates that. Morgan Rielly gets tangled, but he’s 1079345 Websites

The Athletic / LeBrun: Players, officials, and league all learn from confusing offside challenge

Pierre LeBrun 16 hours ago

Call it a teaching moment for everyone involved. Including me. When I first saw the overturned Colorado Avalanche goal on Thursday night off a St. Louis Blues challenge, I felt it was definitely the right thing. Sven Andrighetto no doubt was offside. Ah, but that’s when it gets interesting. I reached out to the league on Friday morning and it acknowledged (then explained) an error in the offside challenge in Denver. I'm hoping this makes sense, but here we go: When you watch the video, it’s clear Andrighetto puts himself offside. And ultimately, that's what the review decided, too, so the Avs’ tying goal was nullified. However, upon further reflection, the league now realizes that since Andrighetto wasn't ruled offside by the linesman on the spot – which he should have been – you've got a new zone entry when he skates back into the zone with the puck. Hence, the NHL nullified a goal on a second zone entry which, as per the current video review rules, you can't do. Only the last zone entry can exist for any review. When Andrighetto re-enters the zone without the play being blown dead, it's by definition a clean zone entry. So what should have happened is the goal stands, and the Blues get a penalty for a failed challenge. Now, by the spirit of it all, because you know Andrighetto was offside originally, it feels right that there’s no goal. But what we're saying here is that you can't review on a second zone entry. Well, unless the GMs, when they next get together, want to alter the rule. But that’s a conversation for another day. Under the current rule, that goal should have stood. There were other factors confusing things on the play, too, including a hand pass from a Blues player before all this, and the linesman being bumped by a player, which hampered his view of the whole thing. Not to mention that the same player who should have been called offside brought the puck back in on the new zone entry, too. And, finally, even the Blues players themselves appeared to stop playing because they thought it was offside. The bottom line is that once Andrighetto was allowed to re-enter the zone with the puck, it's a new zone entry and that's as far as back as the video review process can go. Not before that. In the end, these offside challenge review calls are introducing some unusual plays, so it’s learn as you go in some cases. They key indeed is to learn from this one, and no doubt the league will.

The Athletic LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079346 Websites Dorsett, who underwent career-threatening neck surgery last season, added an empty-netter and now leads the Canucks with four goals in seven games. The 30-year-old had 44 goals in 495 games in his career Sportsnet.ca / Canucks look dominant against disorganized Sabres team before this season. “Obviously, we wish our record was better than what it is right now because we feel we’ve played some decent hockey games where we Iain MacIntyre could have won,” Dorsett said of the 3-3-1 Canucks. “From (lines) one to four, we’re pretty balanced. One of the things I’ve noticed with this group @imacSportsnet is guys are realizing what their roles are and everyone’s buying into it.” October 20, 2017, 9:57 PM Which meant, on Friday, Dorsett played on the first line and Danny and Hank Sedin on the fourth. Yes, times are changin’.

“We know we don’t have any superstars, any 100-point guys – unless BUFFALO – It is difficult to know what to make of the Vancouver Dorse keeps up his pace,” Sutter cracked. “We’re a team that’s going to Canucks’ 4-2 win on Friday because it is impossible to know what to have to rely on 12 forwards every night. That’s something we haven’t had make of the Buffalo Sabres. the last few years.” All that highly structured, systems-based play that’s all the rage around But they’ve always had goaltending, which remains an uncertainty for this the National Hockey League doesn’t appear to have gained a foothold in season given neither Anders Nilsson nor Jacob Markstrom has been an Buffalo, where the Sabres looked either positionally reckless or simply NHL starter. Nilsson was hooked from the loss in Boston after allowing disorganized. four goals on 17 shots. Markstrom was allowed to finish the win in Buffalo Vancouver outshot Buffalo 30-8 through 30 minutes and were ahead 35- despite allowing two goals on five shots in a first period that saw 8 at one stage before the Canucks, perhaps believing it must be some Vancouver put 17 pucks on Johnson but arrive at the intermission trailing kind of trap, sat back in the third and defended their 3-2 lead. The 2-1. Sabres, with one win in eight games to start the Phil Housley coaching Jack Eichel’s go-ahead goal for the Sabres at 17:20 of the first was a era, had nine of their 22 shots in the final 20 minutes. stinker, as defenceman Ben Hutton and then Markstrom made terrible The Canucks finished with 40. plays on what looked like a half-hearted rush by the Buffalo star. Let’s put the Canucks’ territorial domination in context. Few people “You look at the shot clock, 17-5, that’s a great period for us,” Markstrom believe Vancouver is a “good” team, and even fewer, like none, predict said. “That’s what everybody said here, too. What I did on the second it’s a playoff team. goal, that was the only bad thing. I came in (to the dressing room) and I got a little, uh, I got a little bit of adrenalin going for sure. You’ve got to The Canucks are partway through a rebuild, transitioning away from get a little mad.” Daniel and Henrik Sedin and waiting for prospects to develop. They were also playing for the second time in two nights, and the third time in four Then the Canucks got more than even. on their current five-game road trip. And still the Canucks dominated the

Sabres for two periods like the Montreal Canadiens dominated the late 1970s. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 They did not need to find the path of least resistance to the Sabres net. Instead, there was an eight-lane superhighway open without tolls carrying the Canucks to the Buffalo end. “We found our energy and legs right away and then we were going,” centre Brandon Sutter said. “I don’t know what the shots were but we kind of managed to hem them in a bit five-on-five. We didn’t give up a whole lot either.” Canucks defenceman Michael Del Zotto said: “We were assertive tonight. We had a lot of shifts (where) we were in their zone for 45 seconds or a minute. When you’re in there for sustained periods, you know it’s going to lead to scoring chances and, of course, goals.” The two goals that gave the Canucks a bounce-back win after Thursday’s 6-3 loss in Boston arrived early in the second period. Derek Dorsett banged in the rebound from Sutter’s shot to tie the game 2-2 on a short-handed 2-on-1 at 5:52 of the middle frame, which also put opposition penalty-killers ahead of the Sabres power play for the season. Buffalo has surrendered six short-handed goals and scored only five on the power play. Another room-service rebound from goalie Chad Johnson, who could hardly be expected to also control the pucks at the rate he was required to stop them, allowed Daniel Sedin to score the winner at 8:10. It followed nice passes by Henrik Sedin and Jake Virtanen and more inept defending by the Sabres, who played what looked like a 3-on-3 into a 2-on-1, then a quick breakaway for Daniel. The goal also preceded a marathon video review after a coach’s challenge for offside. Virtanen had control of the puck, but did not have it on his stick, as he crossed the blue line. Housley was outraged the goal stood. But the flow of traffic was entirely one way before the contentious goal, and continued to be so after it. Officiating was way down the list of Sabres problems on Friday, just like it was down the list of Canucks issues on Thursday when a non-call for instigating against the Bruins gave Boston a five-minute power play instead of a three-minute advantage. Considering the atrociousness of the Canucks’ penalty-killing Thursday, Vancouver would have been torched on a three-minute disadvantage just like they were on the five. And the Sabres were so awful Friday they’d have been beaten by the Canucks regardless of how the offside call went. 1079347 Websites them to their limits. He wants the best version of the Leafs to happen in the spring, not in October, and I think we’re seeing that.”

2. John Tortorella is the coach who let his guard down the most during Sportsnet.ca / Quick Shifts: Why Babcock likes his Leafs uncomfortable the replay—to Custance’s surprise. Friend Mike Sullivan, who sat in on the session, called Torts one of Luke Fox hockey’s most misunderstood people. @lukefoxjukebox “You’ve seen it. He can be combative. He can be short with the media. We got into that,” Custance says. “In our conversations, he was the October 20, 2017, 12:21 PM opposite. He opened up. I got to see a side to him I’ve never seen.” In addition to his own life story, Tortorella detailed his coaching philosophies and bristled when Custance compared his style to Mike A quick mix of the things we gleaned from the week of hockey, serious Keenan’s or ’s. and less so, and rolling four lines deep. “John was like, ‘Don’t do that. I’m my own guy. I’m my own person. I 1. Six years after he coached Canada to 2010 Olympic glory, Mike coach things my own way.’ Babcock opened the door of his summer home and welcomed a reporter to sit down and watch Sidney Crosby’s golden goal and the 67 minutes “Torts very consciously uses conflict to develop a team and develop and 40 seconds of thrilling hockey that led up to it. players,” Custance explains. “He’s trying to push players beyond limits they don’t realize they can get beyond.” “Exactly what you’d expect,” says NHL insider Craig Custance. “He was very intense.” Tortorella is a different man on a sunny July morning talking hockey with his pal Sullivan than he is after a winter blowout in New York. Custance wrote hockey for ESPN at the time, and the day he arrived at the Babcocks’ place in the summer of 2016, his outlet had just released “Look, you guys see me five minutes after a loss,” Tortorella told its 2016-17 pre-season power rankings. Custance. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who had just won the draft lottery and Auston But it’s not just us media. During his first season in Columbus, general Matthews, were expected to finish 30th. The worst. manager Jarmo Kekalainen pulled Torts aside and said, “I can’t be around you after a loss.” “Look at this. I am aware of this,” said Babcock, who had read the article. Then he laughed. The GM needed to wait a day to speak with his own coach. “I know what the perception of this team is. But it’s wrong. Just watch. “Oh. I thought I’d gotten better,” Tortorella recalled. “I was surprised to Just watch this team.” hear that from my GM.” As Custance relived that Canada vs. USA classic on the winning coach’s Custance called up Brad Richards for insight. television — an informative afternoon that would fuel one chapter of his excellent new book, Behind the Bench: Inside the Mind of Hockey’s If guys can’t air it out with him in the open and get over it, they ended up Greatest Coaches — Babcock was the one scribbling notes on a pad. getting shipped out, Richards explained. Torts needs his troops to fight through conflict. He has no patience for percolating problems. “Stop. Rewind. Let’s watch that again. Great. I got a clip,” Babcock would bark. “He’d rather it explode and get it out in the open on Monday because there’s going to be another issue on Tuesday,” Custance says. It was a sunny summer afternoon on the lake, and Babcock was devising plans for Team Canada’s 2016 World Cup squad that fall. (That team “I would’ve been one of those guys who got shipped out. I’m not a guy would do OK, too.) who could MF my coach back and forth in a dressing room.” “He’s not using this session for an interview. He’s using it as a chance to 3. Joel Quenneville was Custance’s most reluctant subject for the book, get better as a coach. That, to me, is Mike Babcock,” Custance says. only agreeing to the exercise when he understood his chapter could be more about the Blackhawks and their Game 6 victory over the The coach showed the author his text-message history with the Maple Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final and less about Q Leafs assistant coaches; they’d been brainstorming what the team’s himself. slogan should be for the upcoming season. They begin watching the game, and Q turns to the author: “Hey, let’s “His first text went out at five in the morning. He’s just in this nonstop, fast-forward to the part Jonathan Toews gets hurt.” relentless pursuit of getting better.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Custance replies. “We didn’t As the two men watched this good, old hockey game, Babcock made it know Jonathan Toews got hurt in that game.” clear that he missed having access and interacting with elite players on a great stage. His Red Wings of recent years had dwindled to early-round “Oh, yeah. Johnny gets hurt.” playoff fodder, and Toronto hit rock bottom in Year 1 on the new job. During one of the Flyers’ goals, Toews injures his knee and it goes “He basically said it wouldn’t be long until the Leafs were going to be completely undetected. there. He would have another crack at that [championship stage],” “The rest of the game I’m only putting him out for shifts as a decoy so the Custance recalls. “This is at a time when I was working for ESPN and we Flyers don’t know how injured he is,” Quenneville reveals, three had them dead-last in the league. So this is a confident guy.” championship rings after the fact. “I don’t know if he would’ve been able I have a theory on the 2017-18 Leafs: Babcock is purposely trying to to play Game 7.” keep them all on edge. The extended tryouts for Calle Rosen and “I had no idea. And I covered that game,” Custance says. “They win in Andreas Borgman, the flip-flopping of Eric Fehr and Dominic Moore, the overtime on this awful goal by Patrick Kane. How different does history line demotion of Mitch Marner, the trade for a second backup goalie, the look if Jonathan Toes doesn’t play a Game 7?” sour post-game criticism of a 6-1 first-place team … it’s all a calculated effort to keep everyone on their toes. As good a reporter as Toews is a faker, Custance followed up with Patrick Sharp — who visited Toews in the summer of 2010 and saw that Custance does see a mini parallel to Canada’s 2010 Olympic squad. his captain was still limping — and depth centre John Madden, whom Q “They lose to the Americans early on [in the preliminary round]. It was a tapped for extra draws toward the end of Game 6. team that was getting better as the tournament progressed. There was a “I did think it was weird I was getting all these extra face-offs,” Madden goalie change form Martin Brodeur to Roberto Luongo. There was a chuckled. “I thought maybe Joel thought I was playing well, so he kept constant search to find Sidney Crosby linemates,” Custance says. “We’re putting game out there.” talking about a very small window, but it was intentional. Custance shared more gems, but if you like nerding out on this stuff like “On some level, that’s how he’s approaching this Leafs season. You me, just go buy his book and support good hockey writing. You won’t don’t want to peak on Oct. 18. He’s going to be tinkering and trying to regret it. find combinations. He loves the phrase ‘You got to be comfortable being uncomfortable.’ Well, he’s trying to make them uncomfortable, to push 4. Back to Babcock for a second. In addition to Crosby, he uses Henrik “I don’t want to take credit away from him, but I think sometimes it’s going Zetterberg as a video example for Leafs centremen on how to do things so hard, maybe not even he knows where it’s going. It’s going so fast, The Right Way. you really try to anticipate where he’s shooting. It’s a tough release too because he’s got that big curve, and he can shoot it from any position. “I understand why Mike would do that,” Babcock’s Detroit Red Wings successor, Jeff Blashill, said Wednesday. “I’ve seen that goal earlier this year where he spun around with a turnaround slap shot [and beat Carey Price]. Pretty impressive, yeah. But “When [Zetterberg] is your teammate, it’s so much more powerful to see so tough to read. And then he’s got that power.” it every day. What you can’t show in clips is how hard he works in practice, how he pays attention to detail every day. The completeness of Andersen read Ovie’s shot well enough for a shutout. his game totally rubs off. 7. Here’s a pretty cool field trip if you’re a hockey-loving kid from “There’s lots of players in this league who score points but don’t ever win. Denmark. We’ve got one of the best winners, certainly of this generation, and our guys get to learn from him every day.” Andersen hosted a bantam team from Rodovre, the Mighty Bulls, on Monday to watch the Leafs practice. The goaltender got to go on a Zetterberg is 37. He’s led the Red Wings in scoring the past three similar excursion when he was a young Dane. seasons, and last year it wasn’t even close. He already has four goals this month and is a good bet to be the most productive Wing again. “You go out in the community to earn money or do a job for a team sponsor who will help you out,” Andersen explained. “You earn the right If he were Canadian or the voters were Swedish, would Zetterberg have to come over.” been named to the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list released last winter? I wonder. Sell candy bars, raffle tickets, do odd jobs … whatever it takes to pay your fare. “The way his brain works, it’s like a computer. He doesn’t do anything that’s not calculated. You watch his feet. You watch the pace he plays at. “It’s a great tradition we have in my hometown. When you’re 15 or 16, With age, it’s hard to keep up with it,” observes Morgan Rielly, who’s you save up and take a trip to North America, usually to Toronto or a big been matched head-to-head with Z many a time. hockey city in Canada,” Andersen said. “The way he thinks the game, it’s almost like he can play the game “We went to Columbus to play two games at Nationwide Arena against blindfolded. He knows where everybody is. He’s still the smartest player local kids and saw the Blue Jackets beat the Sharks 4-1 and then get on the ice every time he’s out there. The way he’s able to create room for beat 6-0 by Detroit. Babs might have been the coach for Detroit then. his linemates. He likes to pass on his backhand, which is tough to do. Kind of funny when you think about it.” Not many guys do it as well as he can.” Andersen said once Frans Nielsen, now 33, made the New York Rielly tries to cut down Zetterberg’s space because he views Zetterberg Islanders, the rest of Denmark — himself included — began to believe as a pass-first centre, but once he passes, he goes and finds space of they could make the NHL too. He says Copenhagen and Herning’s his own to get the puck back. hosting of the 2018 IIHF World Championship will do wonders for youth hockey in his homeland. 5. Rielly calls Dylan Larkin “one of the fastest guys in the league.” 8. Montreal Canadiens wunderkind Victor Mete found himself in an odd But in 2016-17, speed wasn’t enough. position Saturday as he dressed in red to battle his favourite childhood team. Larkin embodied the sophomore slump. His goals and assists both dropped heavy. He plummeted from a plus-11 to a minus-28. The “You can’t miss that the Leafs are doing good this year, especially being struggles weighed on the kid. from Toronto. All my friends are excited for them, like, ‘Wow, this team could maybe win the Cup in the next five years.’” “I thought I had everything figured out,” Larkin says. “I didn’t.” Mete, 19, grew up a Mats Sundin fan in Woodbridge, Ont., and became Representing Team USA at his third world championships and taking on friends with the Leafs’ Mitch Marner when the two were seven-year-old a national-team leadership role was “awesome,” he says. It helped that minor hockey players. They won a together in 2016 with Blashill was the country’s coach. London. Mete said his parents felt a little funny switching their “Last year was a hard year for him. Some of that was certainly my fault. I allegiances to the Habs. needed to make sure he became the complete player that’s going to “As long as I’ve known them, they’ve been Toronto fans,” Marner said, make him a great player in this league. Some of that didn’t show up. “so it’s pretty funny seeing them in a different jersey.” Most of these guys get to learn that in the American League,” Blashill says. 9. Mike Green is second among all defencemen in points (eight in seven games) at age 32. He’s a right shot in a contract year, and if the Red “He’s got a burning, burning desire to be a great hockey player. That’s Wings fall far enough out of the Atlantic race by February, he’s a prime his best asset.” rental candidate. Larkin excelled overseas, boosting his confidence heading into the I heard one analyst say Green would never be traded within division. summer. Now, Blashill has him killing penalties as well as working power Remember, Ken Holland rented a productive Thomas Vanek to Atlantic- plays. rival Florida at the 2017 deadline. When you’re selling, you just go for the “With my speed, I can break up plays and get down the ice and maybe best return available. even create offence,” Larkin says. Blashill says Green endured “a feeling-out process” after he left He started on the wing, but now the 21-year-old has a better handle on Washington and came to Detroit as a free agent. what it takes to be a complete NHL centreman. “He’s a great, great skater. He’s 32 years old, he went home in the “You have to make your linemates better. You have to battle every face- summer and got a skating instructor all summer. That’s the type of off, every play. If you’re not ready to play, you put everyone else in a commitment it takes to be an elite athlete, and he’s got that type of care tough spot,” Larkin explains. level,” Blashill says. “He works extremely hard every day.” “When I’m in the defensive zone, I’m not thinking about offence as much. 10. I mentioned the new Stanley Cup–inspired art installation outside the I’m thinking about keeping the puck out of our net. That calmness in the Maple Leafs dressing room in a column on Leafs Nation this week. defensive zone has helped me a ton.” I was looking through the wires at the names engraved on the replica He has seven points through seven games and is a plus player again. Cup plates, and for four of Toronto’s Cup winners, the Leafs had the mascot’s name engraved on the trophy: Stafford Smythe (Conn’s 11- Teammate Tomas Tatar puts it succinctly: “He learned how to play year-old son) in 1932, Hugh Smythe (Conn’s other son, and later a team better. He’s playing the right way now.” doctor) in 1942, and Kerry Day (son of Hap Day) in 1945, 1948 and 1949. 6. Toronto’s Frederik Andersen was amped up heading into Tuesday’s revenge match in Washington. Carlton the Bear, will you be etched in silver for all eternity? I asked the goalie to break down Alex Ovechkin’s shot, seeing as how he 11. In light of Todd McLellan’s public calling out of “superstar” players on got familiar with it last April. his slumping Oilers, I asked Custance if he thought McLellan was equipped to deal with a player of Connor McDavid’s magnitude. “Unpredictable. He just rips it so hard,” Andersen says. “Todd’s certainly a people person. He’s intelligent. When I talked to him, he’d won a world championship with Canada, and that was the year Sid entered the Triple Gold Club. That’s why I wanted to do that game,” Custance said. “Here’s the iconic player of his generation. The Penguins got eliminated early, yet he went over to Prague to play in this tournament that, in the U.S., we don’t realize how big a deal this is to these guys. “Todd wasn’t the Oilers coach yet, but I know he had conversations with Sidney Crosby about how to approach Connor McDavid. Todd’s a smart guy by asking Sid how to handle Connor, and I think he’ll be fine.” 12. A ton of hockey folks chimed in eloquently on the life and death of Gord Downie. I liked Blashill’s comments. The American coach fell in love with The Tragically Hip while playing college hockey in the early ’90s (“They were huge in our locker room”) and still keeps a list of Downie’s tunes on his iPhone. “The one thing that was neat as they went through their final tour is seeing the impact Gord had on a lot of people’s lives. It’s a huge reminder,” Blashill said. “The impact you have on people is the biggest mark you’re going to leave in this life, and he left a helluva mark.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079348 Websites “I think I have a lot more,” Yamamoto said before hopping the charter for Philly. “I can only control (what happens) on the ice, and I can’t control if I’m staying or not. Sportsnet.ca / Should Oilers rookie Kailer Yamamoto stick with the team “When the pre-season started, I thought I could play in the league. Now, past nine games? playing with Connor, it’s been a whirlwind. But I get more comfortable as each game goes on. It’s been a wild run.” Mark Spector @sportsnetspec Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 October 20, 2017, 5:34 PM

PHILADELPHIA — As Kailer Yamamoto readies for his sixth National Hockey League game Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, his status as an Edmonton Oiler boils down to this: Can these Oilers, a team in “win now” mode for the first time in ages, afford to send a Top 6 forward back to junior simply to protect their salary grid three years from now? Do they have so many Top 6 players that Yamamoto can be sacrificed for salary cap concerns? Because, through his first five NHL games, the 19-year-old Yamamoto certainly looks like a Top 6 NHL forward. The other side of that question, of course, is this: When we’re 30 games into the long grind of an NHL season, will Yamamoto still command Top 6 ice time? How about in January? What about March? Make no mistake: McLellan wouldn’t have this kid on his top line if he didn’t think he was the best option on Connor McDavid’s right wing today, with Leon Draisaitl (concussion) on injured reserve. “I wouldn’t be playing him 20 minutes a night if I didn’t,” McLellan said. “My usage of Yamo can answer that question.” “We believe in him.” So, let’s walk through this. Can the 5-foot-8, 155-pound Yamamoto, who nobody in this Oilers organization saw making the NHL this season, actually stick in the NHL as a 19-year-old? Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. • Yamamoto is scheduled to play game No. 6 on Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia, on Edmonton’s top line. His entry-level contract does not activate until he plays his 10th game. He can still be returned to junior, the way Draisaitl was after 37 games in his rookie campaign, but burning a year of his contract under those circumstances is not smart. On Thursday in Chicago, Yamamoto led Edmonton in shots on goal (eight) and missed the net or was blocked on three others. He had more scoring chances than any Oiler, and after five pre-season goals, we would predict that games six through nine are likely to produce the kind of goal production that will be very difficult to ship back to the Spokane Chiefs of the . “I feel a lot more comfortable,” he said after the Chicago game. “I’m starting to make the plays that I would normally make. It’s just time. Every game I’m learning new things, different things.” • Yamamoto has not scored yet, but currently rides a three-game points streak. Only his linemates McDavid and Patrick Maroon have accomplished that this season. He’s tied for second on the team with 20 shots on goal, and ranks sixth in ice time per game (15:27). “You almost get that feeling that once one (puck) goes in, he’s going to be really, really good,” McDavid said. “I know when I was playing with him in the pre-season, after every shift he was asking a new question. He knows what he’s supposed to do now and … everything he’s done has made him successful. That’s why he’s here.” • Edmonton is not a particularly fast team on the wings, particularly with Drake Caggiula (concussion) out of the lineup. Yamamoto picks up their pace, and is an excellent speed option on the opposite flank of big plodders Maroon or Milan Lucic. As well, the No. 4 overall pick from 2016 — right winger Jesse Puljujarvi — is in AHL Bakersfield, and requires some time and patience. That will have no bearing on whether the Oilers keep Yamamoto this season or not, but if he’s ready to help that will buy some time for Puljujarvi, whose offensive skills are said to be above average, but needs work defensively. 1079349 Websites them to their limits. He wants the best version of the Leafs to happen in the spring, not in October, and I think we’re seeing that.”

2. John Tortorella is the coach who let his guard down the most during Sportsnet.ca / Quick Shifts: Why Babcock likes his Leafs uncomfortable the replay—to Custance’s surprise. Friend Mike Sullivan, who sat in on the session, called Torts one of Luke Fox hockey’s most misunderstood people. @lukefoxjukebox “You’ve seen it. He can be combative. He can be short with the media. We got into that,” Custance says. “In our conversations, he was the October 20, 2017, 12:21 PM opposite. He opened up. I got to see a side to him I’ve never seen.” In addition to his own life story, Tortorella detailed his coaching philosophies and bristled when Custance compared his style to Mike A quick mix of the things we gleaned from the week of hockey, serious Keenan’s or Bob Hartley’s. and less so, and rolling four lines deep. “John was like, ‘Don’t do that. I’m my own guy. I’m my own person. I 1. Six years after he coached Canada to 2010 Olympic glory, Mike coach things my own way.’ Babcock opened the door of his summer home and welcomed a reporter to sit down and watch Sidney Crosby’s golden goal and the 67 minutes “Torts very consciously uses conflict to develop a team and develop and 40 seconds of thrilling hockey that led up to it. players,” Custance explains. “He’s trying to push players beyond limits they don’t realize they can get beyond.” “Exactly what you’d expect,” says NHL insider Craig Custance. “He was very intense.” Tortorella is a different man on a sunny July morning talking hockey with his pal Sullivan than he is after a winter blowout in New York. Custance wrote hockey for ESPN at the time, and the day he arrived at the Babcocks’ place in the summer of 2016, his outlet had just released “Look, you guys see me five minutes after a loss,” Tortorella told its 2016-17 pre-season power rankings. Custance. The Toronto Maple Leafs, who had just won the draft lottery and Auston But it’s not just us media. During his first season in Columbus, general Matthews, were expected to finish 30th. The worst. manager Jarmo Kekalainen pulled Torts aside and said, “I can’t be around you after a loss.” “Look at this. I am aware of this,” said Babcock, who had read the article. Then he laughed. The GM needed to wait a day to speak with his own coach. “I know what the perception of this team is. But it’s wrong. Just watch. “Oh. I thought I’d gotten better,” Tortorella recalled. “I was surprised to Just watch this team.” hear that from my GM.” As Custance relived that Canada vs. USA classic on the winning coach’s Custance called up Brad Richards for insight. television — an informative afternoon that would fuel one chapter of his excellent new book, Behind the Bench: Inside the Mind of Hockey’s If guys can’t air it out with him in the open and get over it, they ended up Greatest Coaches — Babcock was the one scribbling notes on a pad. getting shipped out, Richards explained. Torts needs his troops to fight through conflict. He has no patience for percolating problems. “Stop. Rewind. Let’s watch that again. Great. I got a clip,” Babcock would bark. “He’d rather it explode and get it out in the open on Monday because there’s going to be another issue on Tuesday,” Custance says. It was a sunny summer afternoon on the lake, and Babcock was devising plans for Team Canada’s 2016 World Cup squad that fall. (That team “I would’ve been one of those guys who got shipped out. I’m not a guy would do OK, too.) who could MF my coach back and forth in a dressing room.” “He’s not using this session for an interview. He’s using it as a chance to 3. Joel Quenneville was Custance’s most reluctant subject for the book, get better as a coach. That, to me, is Mike Babcock,” Custance says. only agreeing to the exercise when he understood his chapter could be more about the Blackhawks and their Game 6 victory over the The coach showed the author his text-message history with the Maple Philadelphia Flyers in the 2010 Stanley Cup Final and less about Q Leafs assistant coaches; they’d been brainstorming what the team’s himself. slogan should be for the upcoming season. They begin watching the game, and Q turns to the author: “Hey, let’s “His first text went out at five in the morning. He’s just in this nonstop, fast-forward to the part Jonathan Toews gets hurt.” relentless pursuit of getting better.” “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Custance replies. “We didn’t As the two men watched this good, old hockey game, Babcock made it know Jonathan Toews got hurt in that game.” clear that he missed having access and interacting with elite players on a great stage. His Red Wings of recent years had dwindled to early-round “Oh, yeah. Johnny gets hurt.” playoff fodder, and Toronto hit rock bottom in Year 1 on the new job. During one of the Flyers’ goals, Toews injures his knee and it goes “He basically said it wouldn’t be long until the Leafs were going to be completely undetected. there. He would have another crack at that [championship stage],” “The rest of the game I’m only putting him out for shifts as a decoy so the Custance recalls. “This is at a time when I was working for ESPN and we Flyers don’t know how injured he is,” Quenneville reveals, three had them dead-last in the league. So this is a confident guy.” championship rings after the fact. “I don’t know if he would’ve been able I have a theory on the 2017-18 Leafs: Babcock is purposely trying to to play Game 7.” keep them all on edge. The extended tryouts for Calle Rosen and “I had no idea. And I covered that game,” Custance says. “They win in Andreas Borgman, the flip-flopping of Eric Fehr and Dominic Moore, the overtime on this awful goal by Patrick Kane. How different does history line demotion of Mitch Marner, the trade for a second backup goalie, the look if Jonathan Toes doesn’t play a Game 7?” sour post-game criticism of a 6-1 first-place team … it’s all a calculated effort to keep everyone on their toes. As good a reporter as Toews is a faker, Custance followed up with Patrick Sharp — who visited Toews in the summer of 2010 and saw that Custance does see a mini parallel to Canada’s 2010 Olympic squad. his captain was still limping — and depth centre John Madden, whom Q “They lose to the Americans early on [in the preliminary round]. It was a tapped for extra draws toward the end of Game 6. team that was getting better as the tournament progressed. There was a “I did think it was weird I was getting all these extra face-offs,” Madden goalie change form Martin Brodeur to Roberto Luongo. There was a chuckled. “I thought maybe Joel thought I was playing well, so he kept constant search to find Sidney Crosby linemates,” Custance says. “We’re putting game out there.” talking about a very small window, but it was intentional. Custance shared more gems, but if you like nerding out on this stuff like “On some level, that’s how he’s approaching this Leafs season. You me, just go buy his book and support good hockey writing. You won’t don’t want to peak on Oct. 18. He’s going to be tinkering and trying to regret it. find combinations. He loves the phrase ‘You got to be comfortable being uncomfortable.’ Well, he’s trying to make them uncomfortable, to push 4. Back to Babcock for a second. In addition to Crosby, he uses Henrik “I don’t want to take credit away from him, but I think sometimes it’s going Zetterberg as a video example for Leafs centremen on how to do things so hard, maybe not even he knows where it’s going. It’s going so fast, The Right Way. you really try to anticipate where he’s shooting. It’s a tough release too because he’s got that big curve, and he can shoot it from any position. “I understand why Mike would do that,” Babcock’s Detroit Red Wings successor, Jeff Blashill, said Wednesday. “I’ve seen that goal earlier this year where he spun around with a turnaround slap shot [and beat Carey Price]. Pretty impressive, yeah. But “When [Zetterberg] is your teammate, it’s so much more powerful to see so tough to read. And then he’s got that power.” it every day. What you can’t show in clips is how hard he works in practice, how he pays attention to detail every day. The completeness of Andersen read Ovie’s shot well enough for a shutout. his game totally rubs off. 7. Here’s a pretty cool field trip if you’re a hockey-loving kid from “There’s lots of players in this league who score points but don’t ever win. Denmark. We’ve got one of the best winners, certainly of this generation, and our guys get to learn from him every day.” Andersen hosted a bantam team from Rodovre, the Mighty Bulls, on Monday to watch the Leafs practice. The goaltender got to go on a Zetterberg is 37. He’s led the Red Wings in scoring the past three similar excursion when he was a young Dane. seasons, and last year it wasn’t even close. He already has four goals this month and is a good bet to be the most productive Wing again. “You go out in the community to earn money or do a job for a team sponsor who will help you out,” Andersen explained. “You earn the right If he were Canadian or the voters were Swedish, would Zetterberg have to come over.” been named to the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list released last winter? I wonder. Sell candy bars, raffle tickets, do odd jobs … whatever it takes to pay your fare. “The way his brain works, it’s like a computer. He doesn’t do anything that’s not calculated. You watch his feet. You watch the pace he plays at. “It’s a great tradition we have in my hometown. When you’re 15 or 16, With age, it’s hard to keep up with it,” observes Morgan Rielly, who’s you save up and take a trip to North America, usually to Toronto or a big been matched head-to-head with Z many a time. hockey city in Canada,” Andersen said. “The way he thinks the game, it’s almost like he can play the game “We went to Columbus to play two games at Nationwide Arena against blindfolded. He knows where everybody is. He’s still the smartest player local kids and saw the Blue Jackets beat the Sharks 4-1 and then get on the ice every time he’s out there. The way he’s able to create room for beat 6-0 by Detroit. Babs might have been the coach for Detroit then. his linemates. He likes to pass on his backhand, which is tough to do. Kind of funny when you think about it.” Not many guys do it as well as he can.” Andersen said once Frans Nielsen, now 33, made the New York Rielly tries to cut down Zetterberg’s space because he views Zetterberg Islanders, the rest of Denmark — himself included — began to believe as a pass-first centre, but once he passes, he goes and finds space of they could make the NHL too. He says Copenhagen and Herning’s his own to get the puck back. hosting of the 2018 IIHF World Championship will do wonders for youth hockey in his homeland. 5. Rielly calls Dylan Larkin “one of the fastest guys in the league.” 8. Montreal Canadiens wunderkind Victor Mete found himself in an odd But in 2016-17, speed wasn’t enough. position Saturday as he dressed in red to battle his favourite childhood team. Larkin embodied the sophomore slump. His goals and assists both dropped heavy. He plummeted from a plus-11 to a minus-28. The “You can’t miss that the Leafs are doing good this year, especially being struggles weighed on the kid. from Toronto. All my friends are excited for them, like, ‘Wow, this team could maybe win the Cup in the next five years.’” “I thought I had everything figured out,” Larkin says. “I didn’t.” Mete, 19, grew up a Mats Sundin fan in Woodbridge, Ont., and became Representing Team USA at his third world championships and taking on friends with the Leafs’ Mitch Marner when the two were seven-year-old a national-team leadership role was “awesome,” he says. It helped that minor hockey players. They won a Memorial Cup together in 2016 with Blashill was the country’s coach. London. Mete said his parents felt a little funny switching their “Last year was a hard year for him. Some of that was certainly my fault. I allegiances to the Habs. needed to make sure he became the complete player that’s going to Mitch Marner sent Victor Mete a "good luck" text before Mete's 1st NHL make him a great player in this league. Some of that didn’t show up. game in BUF. Old London teammates going head to head tonight Most of these guys get to learn that in the American League,” Blashill says. — Kyle Bukauskas (@SNkylebukauskas) October 14, 2017 “He’s got a burning, burning desire to be a great hockey player. That’s “As long as I’ve known them, they’ve been Toronto fans,” Marner said, his best asset.” “so it’s pretty funny seeing them in a different jersey.” Larkin excelled overseas, boosting his confidence heading into the 9. Mike Green is second among all defencemen in points (eight in seven summer. Now, Blashill has him killing penalties as well as working power games) at age 32. He’s a right shot in a contract year, and if the Red plays. Wings fall far enough out of the Atlantic race by February, he’s a prime rental candidate. “With my speed, I can break up plays and get down the ice and maybe even create offence,” Larkin says. I heard one analyst say Green would never be traded within division. Remember, Ken Holland rented a productive Thomas Vanek to Atlantic- He started on the wing, but now the 21-year-old has a better handle on rival Florida at the 2017 deadline. When you’re selling, you just go for the what it takes to be a complete NHL centreman. best return available. “You have to make your linemates better. You have to battle every face- Blashill says Green endured “a feeling-out process” after he left off, every play. If you’re not ready to play, you put everyone else in a Washington and came to Detroit as a free agent. tough spot,” Larkin explains. “He’s a great, great skater. He’s 32 years old, he went home in the “When I’m in the defensive zone, I’m not thinking about offence as much. summer and got a skating instructor all summer. That’s the type of I’m thinking about keeping the puck out of our net. That calmness in the commitment it takes to be an elite athlete, and he’s got that type of care defensive zone has helped me a ton.” level,” Blashill says. “He works extremely hard every day.” He has seven points through seven games and is a plus player again. 10. I mentioned the new Stanley Cup–inspired art installation outside the Teammate Tomas Tatar puts it succinctly: “He learned how to play Maple Leafs dressing room in a column on Leafs Nation this week. better. He’s playing the right way now.” I was looking through the wires at the names engraved on the replica 6. Toronto’s Frederik Andersen was amped up heading into Tuesday’s Cup plates, and for four of Toronto’s Cup winners, the Leafs had the revenge match in Washington. mascot’s name engraved on the trophy: Stafford Smythe (Conn’s 11- year-old son) in 1932, Hugh Smythe (Conn’s other son, and later a team I asked the goalie to break down Alex Ovechkin’s shot, seeing as how he doctor) in 1942, and Kerry Day (son of Hap Day) in 1945, 1948 and got familiar with it last April. 1949. “Unpredictable. He just rips it so hard,” Andersen says. Carlton the Bear, will you be etched in silver for all eternity? 11. In light of Todd McLellan’s public calling out of “superstar” players on his slumping Oilers, I asked Custance if he thought McLellan was equipped to deal with a player of Connor McDavid’s magnitude. “Todd’s certainly a people person. He’s intelligent. When I talked to him, he’d won a world championship with Canada, and that was the year Sid entered the Triple Gold Club. That’s why I wanted to do that game,” Custance said. “Here’s the iconic player of his generation. The Penguins got eliminated early, yet he went over to Prague to play in this tournament that, in the U.S., we don’t realize how big a deal this is to these guys. “Todd wasn’t the Oilers coach yet, but I know he had conversations with Sidney Crosby about how to approach Connor McDavid. Todd’s a smart guy by asking Sid how to handle Connor, and I think he’ll be fine.” 12. A ton of hockey folks chimed in eloquently on the life and death of Gord Downie. I liked Blashill’s comments. The American coach fell in love with The Tragically Hip while playing college hockey in the early ’90s (“They were huge in our locker room”) and still keeps a list of Downie’s tunes on his iPhone. “The one thing that was neat as they went through their final tour is seeing the impact Gord had on a lot of people’s lives. It’s a huge reminder,” Blashill said. “The impact you have on people is the biggest mark you’re going to leave in this life, and he left a helluva mark.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079350 Websites Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 Sportsnet.ca / Flames coach angry with penalties, will start punishing players

@RoryBoylen October 20, 2017, 4:49 PM

While the Calgary Flames aren’t off to as poor of a start as their Alberta rivals in Edmonton, there are aspects of their game that head coach Glen Gulutzan is not at all happy about. After finishing last season as the most penalized team in the league with an average of 11.5 penalty minutes per game, Gulutzan expected improvement from his team this season. Through seven games they’re averaging 12.4 PIM/G, but because penalties are up around the league, they’re currently the ninth-most penalized team. Matthew Tkachuk took a needless roughing penalty at the end of the second period, which led to Carolina’s second, and eventual game- winning, goal a little more than a minute into the third period. The Flames head coach was frustrated that his team is slipping back into the bad habits from the start of last season. “We’re in the exact same situation that we were last year at this time,” Gulutzan said after the loss. “The only difference is we’re getting better goaltending and better special teams. “Sometimes when you have four days off between games you come out a little rusty. What’s disappointing is we’re doing the exact same thing we should have learned from last year and did learn from in the second half of the season. We’re right back to where we started.” Tkachuk’s penalty on Thursday was costly and afterwards the forward said he took the full blame for the loss. And while Gulutzan benched Tkachuk in the third period because of it, the coach didn’t feel it was fair to put the full blame of the loss on Tkachuk. In fact, the coach defended the 19-year-old because while he takes his fair share of penalties, leading the team with 12 PIMs, he draws more than he takes. “With ‘Chuck’…he is in the fabric of the game,” Gulutzan said on Friday. “He is in the trenches of the game, the bowels of the game. You have to live with some of the penalties. But he draws more penalties than he takes. He’s second on our team last season in plus-minus. “That kid is a winner and I’ll live with some of it, but I won’t live with the one yesterday.” The coach is clearly fed up with his team’s lack of discipline and threatened a loss of ice time for those who don’t smarten up. He spoke of each player having a “bank account” and those in the red (take more penalties than they draw) may not be removed from the lineup, but would certainly see a downtick in time on ice. By that measure, Sam Bennett and Dougie Hamilton are players to watch, as they have been taking more penalties than they’ve drawn. Hamilton has a minus-3 penalty differential and Bennett is minus-2. Those two players were minus-18 and minus-9, respectively, last season and that kind of continuation is what Gulutzan is fed up and frustrated with. Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. “It feels like to me it’s the same guys taking penalties, the same types of penalties,” the coach said. “And those guys are gonna dress, but unfortunately are going to lose some of their prime real estate ice time. We’ll just clean it up with the guys who can control themselves.” Gulutzan pointed out that the Flames out-chanced the Hurricanes 5-on-5, something they didn’t do against the Vancouver Canucks in a 5-2 win on Saturday night. He said the team played worse against Vancouver, but that it wasn’t noticed because they earned the win. Against a quality team like Carolina, those shorthanded situations are more likely to come back to bite you, and it’s not a way to play for sustained success. “Win or lose if you play the right way over a long period of time in this league you will come out on the right side of it,” Gulutzan said. “You can fool the league for a while, but eventually it’ll put you in its place. And if we don’t get going, it’s going to put us in our place.” 1079351 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Flames Notebook: Why the 3M Line shouldn’t be split up

Pat Steinberg October 20, 2017, 6:44 PM

While the schedule has been light for the Calgary Flames this week, Thursday’s 2-1 loss to Carolina isn’t sitting well with both players and coaches. Will there be lineup changes or any roster tweaks? We look at those stories and more in our Flames Notebook. The Flames aren’t thrilled with their 4-3-0 start to the season, and there’s good reason for that. Calgary has been too reliant on goaltender Mike Smith and they find themselves defending far too much. As such, the conversation about lineup changes has already begun, and that conversation is valid. One area that doesn’t need to change, though, is the line of Mikael Backlund, Michael Frolik, and Matthew Tkachuk. The 3M Line remains the most consistent, two-way threat for the Flames through the first two weeks of the season. With 12 points combined, the trio has produced at a decent rate, but it’s their work in the possession game that remains at an elite level. Essentially, the 3M Line has picked up right where they left off last year. It’s still facing among the toughest competition on the team, getting buried with defensive zone starts, and spending far more time on the attack. There’s no reason to split it up at this stage of the game. • The Flames need to think about moving Sam Bennett to the wing. Once again, Bennett is struggling with the responsibilities at centre, and his 41.7 per cent possession rate speaks to just that; only Tanner Glass has spent less time in the offensive zone than Bennett. A move to the wing would allow Bennett more flexibility and creativity. • Jaromir Jagr has looked solid in a pair of games with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau. He generated a number of scoring chances in Thursday’s 2-1 setback to Carolina and I can’t see that trend stopping if he continues playing on Calgary’s top line. If head coach Glen Gulutzan plays to their strengths and uses them in an offensively slanted role, points for Jagr should come at a fairly regular clip. • When is Eddie Lack going to start? And does it really matter? Mike Smith has played so well for the Flames in his first seven starts, there really isn’t a need to relieve him at this point. Calgary’s four-day break earlier this week allowed Smith maintenance time, and the team’s October schedule is relatively light. It could be a while until Lack sees his first game action. • The team isn’t happy with the way it’s played, and that comes right from the head coach. “If we don’t get going, (the league) is going to put us in our place,” Gulutzan said on Friday morning. Let’s not forget, though, the Flames are 4-3-0. Sure, Smith has been a huge reason for their decent start, but picking up points while rounding into form can still be viewed as a positive. Most importantly, the Flames aren’t digging themselves a huge hole as they try to get their game in order.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079352 Websites different just ahead of the Maple Leafs, and we’d surely be looking at this team and their start to the year in a much different light.

We can chalk some of Edmonton’s shot clock dominance up to the fact Sportsnet.ca / The good, bad and ugly from the Oilers’ start to the they’ve been down big for large swathes of their games, having trailed a season staggering 70 per cent of the time thus far. More specifically, they’ve gone down by multiple goals early on throughout that aforementioned four-game swoon: @DimFilipovic When teams are defending a lead they tend to play a more conservative October 20, 2017, 12:45 PM brand of hockey, and the Oilers have been feasting on the defensive shells they’ve been going up against, peppering the puck at the opposing goaltender. After spending years as the NHL’s punching bag, the Edmonton Oilers The shot metrics are adjusted for taking score state into account, but had newfound success in 2016-17, which led to understandable optimism within reason; they’re not necessarily designed to accommodate for this around the team heading into this season. type of disparity in time spent trailing. The sledding would presumably be tougher if Edmonton’s opponents weren’t willingly eating their jabs and Expectations were so high, in fact, they started the year with the second- playing against the clock as much as they’ve been playing against the best Stanley Cup odds, behind only the two-time defending champion Oilers. Penguins. The season is only two weeks old, but those odds have already plummeted from 9-to-1 to 12-to-1 in the blink of an eye. The Ugly (Truth) Losing four of your first five games tends to lead to that kind of reaction. Heading into the season it was easy to see what Oilers believers saw in But even more than that, it’s the manner in which they’ve lost that’s the team they liked so much. At the same time, the reasons for stirred up a level of consternation. Prior to their overtime win in Chicago pessimism were equally transparent: on Wednesday night, they’d given up 16 goals combined during that four game tailspin, having to switch goalies on two different occasions just to 1. Cam Talbot’s workload: Talbot was nothing short of spectacular last try and stop the bleeding. season, earning every single vote he received in finishing fourth in Vezina Trophy voting. It’s been awfully rewarding seeing him vindicate As dreadful as they’ve looked at times, this type of early-season turmoil the bet the Oilers made on him after he had thrived in limited viewings always serves as a good reminder of why it’s important to be pragmatic during his time with the Rangers. Especially since you never really know and level-headed over the course of an 82-game marathon season. how well a goalie will handle the transition from sparse usage as a While it’s fair to question whether the Oilers should’ve ever been as backup to being an everyday starter. hyped as they were, things also aren’t nearly as bleak as they appear right now. The truth likely lies somewhere in the middle of those two That said, the Oilers overdid it with how heavily they leaned on their extremes, and it stands to reason a five-game sample like this in January shiny new toy last season. It’s no accident that the league has wouldn’t be as big of a deal. progressively transitioned further and further away from the days when starters were playing 70-plus games. Since the start of the decade Let’s take a closer look at what’s gone wrong in Edmonton, whether there there’s only been eight examples of a goalie starting more than 70 are any silver linings to hang on to, and what we can reasonably expect games, and only Cam Ward’s ridiculous 74-start campaign in 2010-11 from this team as currently constructed. top Talbot’s workload last season. There’s surely a segment of readers who’ll immediately roll their eyes Knowing what we know about peak performance and the effects fatigue and start typing ‘Yeah, but..’ in the comments section when they read can have on it, sending a goalie out there 70-plus times in a season this. But hockey is ultimately a process-oriented game and and with such these days is borderline malpractice. a small sample in the early portion of the season, shot metrics are illuminating. Talbot will ultimately be fine and there’s no reason to believe he can’t regain his form after this uncharacteristic early season dip in individual The reason why we put stock in things like ‘who’s taking the shots’ and play. He didn’t suddenly go from being a goalie stopping around 92 per ‘how often are they taking them’ is because it’s well established that the cent of the shots he faces down to 90 per cent over the summer. answers to those questions are a better predictor of future success than goal data itself. With that said, the Oilers would be well served to not make a habit of running him into the ground with how often they use him in the regular Sure, there’s the odd team that captures lightning in a bottle and finds season. success in spite of their underlying numbers, but it’s typically fleeting and those exceptions only reinforce the rule that winning teams are the ones 2a. Health and injury regression: Last season the Oilers were hovering that dominate at even strength. It’s a fairly straightforward formula: to win somewhere around the middle of the pack in terms of injury impact, but games you need to score goals, to score goals you need to shoot the that’s not necessarily representative of how fortunate they really were in puck, and to shoot the puck you need to have possession of it in the first the health department. Some of the depth pieces were in and out of the place. lineup for various reasons, but for the most part their core – top six forwards and top three defencemen – all played in at least 79 of their 82 That’s good news for the Oilers, because they’ve controlled the run of games. play at five-on-five so far, tilting the ice in spectacular fashion as they sit perched atop nearly every single category we’d use as a proxy for puck The regular season tends to be an unforgiving grind, and injuries possession: inevitably happen. We’re already seeing them be less fortunate on that front early on this year, with Leon Draisaitl and Andrej Sekera most More on the goaltending in a second, but for now let’s focus on the notably missing time. Not always having a full lineup is a reality of the offensive side of things. league, and something you need to account for by stockpiling a requisite amount of depth. Speaking of.. The positive spin here is that there’s no conceivable way they can continue to convert this small of a fraction of their opportunities into 2b. Blue line depth: One of the main criticisms of Peter Chiarelli’s off- goals. If you’re betting on their showing so far being representative of a season was that he didn’t really do anything to address the team’s depth fundamental problem and not just a statistical blip on the radar, you’re issues, particularly on the blue line, even knowing full well that Sekera betting against history because: would be out of action for the foreseeable future. They instead chose to try and cover that hole with in-house options, which has made them a Last season this same Oilers team shot 8.29 per cent at five-on-five one-dimensional team sorely lacking a second reliable defensive pair. when adjusting for game score. There was always a heightened baseline floor for this team with a From 2007 to 2017, the league as a whole shot at an average of 7.81 per generational talent such as Connor McDavid in tow. But it’s tough to get cent at five-on-five. over the nagging thought that not nearly enough was done to supplement During that time frame the 2014-15 Coyotes and 2013-14 Sabres, both of him and optimize this final year in which Edmonton has the good fortune whom were openly tanking, were the two most offensively feeble teams of having McDavid on a rookie salary. and they still shot 5.72 per cent and 5.84 per cent, respectively. Considering all of the above the Oilers’ early struggles can’t come as a The Oilers are currently being outscored 12-7 at five-on-five, tied with the surprise. What is jarring, however, is the fact that all of the red flags we Sabres for the fourth worst goal differential in the league. Based on their highlighted in the pre-season materialized so quickly and converged into underlying performance, we’d expect that ratio to be flipped to 15-9 in one big worst-case scenario in Edmonton. The end result is a team that’s their favour. If that were the case, they’d be first in the league in goal sputtered coming out of the gate, and one that could desperately use a few bounces to start going their way any day now.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079353 Websites "No, not really. I just enjoy their company on the ice. That’s all I need," he said with a smile.

Is that a byproduct of how he plays? Maybe it's hard to ask guys for a TSN.CA / Matthews, Leafs happy to share stick-collecting stories stick when you're a pesky player? “Ahh, yeah," Kadri said with a grin. "I don’t know if anyone would want to By Mark Masters give me a stick even if I asked.” Babcock on Vegas odds: 'All that stuff is fluff' TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes The Maple Leafs are tied for second in the NHL with 12 points and have from Maple Leafs practices and game-day skates. The Maple Leafs lost just once in regulation through seven games. Despite that early practised at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto on Friday. success and odds makers making them an early Stanley Cup favourite, the Leafs know it's too early to be worried about where they'll wind up * It was after Auston Matthews scored a record four goals in his NHL when the season ends. debut that he got an unexpected request from Craig Anderson. The Senators netminder, who allowed all four goals, was wondering if the Leafs downplay being BoDog Cup favourites 2016 first overall pick would sign his goalie stick from that historic game. Toronto has won six of seven to open the season and oddsmaker BoDog Matthews was happy to oblige, even adding a message, "Thanks 'FOUR' now lists the team as the Stanley Cup favourite. making my first game memorable." Although, apparently the witty inscription wasn't Matthews' idea. "Someone should’ve bet on us at the beginning of the year," Kadri said with a grin. "I don’t think we were No. 1, were we?" Kadri was quick to “Actually, Bobby (Hastings), one of our equipment managers, came up add, "That stuff’s a distraction for all we know." with the whole, ‘Thanks FOUR making my first game a memorable one,’" Matthews revealed. "I guess he wanted something funny, so Bobby came BoDog had Toronto's Cup odds at the start of the season at 14-1 and up with a pretty good one and he ran it by me and I thought it was that number has since improved to 8-1. hilarious. I’m glad he liked it." Babcock, predictably, was not interested in discussing the development. Anderson, who rarely asks other players for memorabilia, keeps the stick at his home in Florida. “All that stuff is fluff," he said. "You know, I’ve coached lots of good teams that were No. 1 in the ranking, that won the Presidents’ Trophy, "It's probably going to be a National Hockey League record for as long as that tied for the Presidents’ Trophy and didn’t win the Cup. It’s hard to I'm alive," Anderson told TSN's Brent Wallace. "Just kind of a cool win. It’s darn near impossible so let’s not worry about that. Let's try to get memento and something I can look at and giggle at with my kids. It will in the playoffs and let's do that by winning the game (Saturday night) in be a good story for the grandkids one day." Ottawa. And Ottawa's given us a tough time. They've been real stingy against us. We haven't played as good (against them)." Anderson gets memorable memento from Matthews' first game Babcock's message right now? Craig Anderson took a light-hearted approach to giving up the first four goals of Auston Matthews' career, asking him to autograph his goalie “Be diligent, be solution-based, get better every day and then we got a stick. While Anderson doesn't have a large memorabilia collection, chance to be successful. I know you (media) don’t want to hear any of Matthews and some of the Leafs discuss theirs and some of their most- that. You want something way more flamboyant and all that. (Shakes treasured possessions. head) I don’t got it.” Matthews said he gets a "decent amount" of requests for his sticks, but What does Matthews make of all this praise? that's OK, because ... he has started his own stick collection. His favourites, so far? "I don’t really listen to it," he said. "I didn’t hear the Barry thing or Marchand’s tweet so, I don’t know, I guess it’s nice to get recognized like “I got a Joe Thornton," the 20-year-old said with a smile. "I guess those that. I don’t really think too much about it. I just play hockey and have are kind of hard to come by and he’s got a pretty interesting stick so I like fun.” that. I got an (Alexander) Ovechkin as well and that one’s got a pretty big curve and it’s pretty cool to see what other guys are using.” Matthews has scored six goals and added four assists in the first seven games. Many of the goals have been of the highlight-reel variety. But What makes Thornton’s interesting? Matthews comes by his modesty honestly, according to teammates. “Well, he uses the two-piece, but the blade’s huge and the stick’s just “You wouldn’t be able to tell if he had zero goals or six," said Marleau. heavy in general. It obviously works pretty well for him throughout his "He goes about his daily routine the same way.” career, but I don’t think I’d ever see myself using it, but it’s pretty fun to look at.” Kadri was once caught up in the Toronto hype machine as a young prospect so he can appreciate the way Matthews is navigating Other players were more than happy to share their own stick-collecting everything. stories. “When you have that kind of hype, especially coming into the league, you "It kind of takes you back when you do get asked," said Patrick Marleau got to understand how to handle it and he’s done a great job doing that of the stick trade. "It’s kind of nice, guys wanting your stick.” and he’s certainly impressed me not just on the ice, but off the ice," Kadri said. “Inside this dressing room, you know, we don’t try and fill his head Marleau, who played his 1,500th NHL game on Wednesday, has picked up with too many of those things (compliments), but he understands the up a few over the years. greatness he has and the special talent and that guys like him don’t “The highlight one for me would probably be (Sidney) Crosby gave one to come around very often.” my eldest son from the 2010 Olympics and he was his favourite player After Brad Marchand asked when Auston Matthews would have to play and he took the time to sit and talk with him so that was pretty special.” all of his shifts 1-on-5, Matthews was quick to dismiss Marchand's Tweet. "I have a ton of them," said Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. "I’ve been High praise aside, Matthews hasn't let the attention go to his head during fortunate to coach some Olympic teams so I railroad the guys into that. I his time in the league, something that has impressed his teammates. got, it’s not the actual stick, but Scott Niedermayer made the play and When asked about his top line, Babcock started talking about Kadri, (Jarome) Iginla made the play and Crosby scored the goal and (Roberto) Marleau and Komarov. Luongo was in net at the 2010 Olympics so I have all that kind of stuff." The coach paused and smiled. "I shouldn’t say that, because someone "Well, I think Marleau's heavy on the forecheck, I think Leo's in there, too; will break into my house." they compete with and without the puck," Babcock said before pausing. "That's not what you wanted?" Nazem Kadri said his linemate and good friend Leo Komarov has a pretty big roster of sticks. That created some laughter early in Friday's media session. Babcock is doing his best to keep the hype from getting out of hand. And, so far, the "When I went over to Finland to see him a few years ago he had quite the coach likes the way Matthews has handled everything. collection," Kadri said. "He almost had a room full of sticks so he had some interesting players in there." “I think all those things are great, but I don’t think it's affecting his life," Babcock noted. "That’s just noise. The more you win the more the noise Is Kadri a collector? is positive, the more you lose the more the noise is negative, but you probably shouldn’t listen when it's negative and you probably shouldn’t listen when it's positive.” “We got a young group, so everybody’s pretty energetic," Matthews said of the current mood. "But we’re seven games in, we’re not getting too excited about it yet ... A lot of teams can start off well and end up dying off halfway through the year, toward the end of the year so we want to just make sure we’re on a steady upslope.”

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079354 Websites TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017

TSN.CA / Leafs find themselves in unfamiliar favourite role

By Kristen Shilton

TORONTO – The Maple Leafs have gone beyond just a team to believe in. Some consider them a team worth betting on, too. The Leafs have jumped out to a 6-1 record, tied for the franchise’s best opening stretch in 24 years. They’re hovering near the top of the NHL standings after briefly taking over first place on Wednesday night. And on Friday, online oddsmaker Bodog added to the hype, anointing the Leafs’ the odds-on favourite (8/1) to win the Stanley Cup. It’s the first time in the 20 years Bodog has been keeping track of their picks that the Leafs have been favoured to win. “I don’t know too much about that, but I think when you’re the favourite that means you’re doing something right,” said Morgan Rielly after practice on Friday. “It’s great. We’re pleased with how we’ve been able to start the season. [Now] we’re just thinking about winning tomorrow and then winning the game after that.” The Leafs were longer shots to win hockey’s biggest prize when the season began (14-1), but they’ve separated themselves from the pack with an emphatic start offensively that shows no signs of slowing. The quiet confidence that began building in the Leafs’ room over the second half of last season is what they’re leaning on now to stay focused on the reality of their situation – there’s still 75 games left in the regular season. “Sure, we’ll take it. Someone should have bet on us at the beginning of the year,” said Nazem Kadri. “[But] that stuff is a distraction for all we know. It’s nice to be considered one of the best teams in the league, but it’s Vegas odds. That stuff isn’t real life.” “All that stuff is fluff,” added Mike Babcock. “I’ve coached lots of good teams that were number one in the ranking, that won the President’s Trophy [in Detroit]…that didn’t win the Cup. So it’s hard to win the Cup, it’s darn near impossible, so let’s not worry about that.” Just as Babcock’s history has taught him hard lessons, so too has Rielly’s. He was a rookie in 2013-14 when the Leafs also started 6-1, but that team ended up missing the postseason entirely after losing 13 of their final 15 games. “I was 19. I’m sure at that time I thought we were well on our way,” Rielly recalled. “But obviously that’s not the way it worked out. I think this time we have a little more confidence, a little more ‘trust the process’ if you will. I know how the league works a bit more, so it’s just different.” Experience gained by the whole of Toronto’s roster these last 12 months has been invaluable to their early success. The Leafs have improved their goals-against average over their last two outings, moving from third- worst in the league to 14th (from 3.8 to 3.14 goals against per game). More importantly, they've tackled adversity in the form of blown leads and stingy goaltenders with cooler heads than last season. After the Leafs' only loss this season, Frederik Andersen expressed hope that the team would learn to build success from the defence out. He’s seen signs of progress already. “It’s kind of a way of thinking where every mistake could cost you,” said Andersen. “We want to be able to win every kind of way. We’ve shown we can win high-scoring games, but it’s nice to win in a [defensively] good way too. We’ve had the lead going into the third and shut teams down too. If you compare that to last year, we weren’t as comfortable early playing with that lead and that got better as the year went on.” Toronto has little choice but to continue doing the same this season, regardless of how rosy their outlook is now. Before play on Friday, 11 teams were within four points of each other at the top of the NHL standings. And Toronto has a challenging week of opponents ahead, starting on Saturday in Ottawa. Babcock is already hell-bent on preventing the noise around them from going to the Leafs’ heads. “Sometimes in life when things go too good you get a little complacent. That’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen, to do everything I can about that,” Babcock said. “But our team has to understand if you get ahead of yourself, you don’t win. So we just have to be diligent, be solution-based, get better every day.”

1079355 Websites Is that a byproduct of how he plays? Maybe it's hard to ask guys for a stick when you're a pesky player?

“Ahh, yeah," Kadri said with a grin. "I don’t know if anyone would want to TSN.CA / Matthews, Leafs happy to share stick-collecting stories give me a stick even if I asked.” Babcock on Vegas odds: 'All that stuff is fluff' By Mark Masters The Maple Leafs are tied for second in the NHL with 12 points and have lost just once in regulation through seven games. Despite that early success and odds makers making them an early Stanley Cup favourite, TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes the Leafs know it's too early to be worried about where they'll wind up from Maple Leafs practices and game-day skates. The Maple Leafs when the season ends. practised at the MasterCard Centre in Toronto on Friday. Leafs downplay being BoDog Cup favourites * It was after Auston Matthews scored a record four goals in his NHL debut that he got an unexpected request from Craig Anderson. The Toronto has won six of seven to open the season and oddsmaker BoDog Senators netminder, who allowed all four goals, was wondering if the now lists the team as the Stanley Cup favourite. 2016 first overall pick would sign his goalie stick from that historic game. "Someone should’ve bet on us at the beginning of the year," Kadri said Matthews was happy to oblige, even adding a message, "Thanks 'FOUR' with a grin. "I don’t think we were No. 1, were we?" Kadri was quick to making my first game memorable." Although, apparently the witty add, "That stuff’s a distraction for all we know." inscription wasn't Matthews' idea. BoDog had Toronto's Cup odds at the start of the season at 14-1 and “Actually, Bobby (Hastings), one of our equipment managers, came up that number has since improved to 8-1. with the whole, ‘Thanks FOUR making my first game a memorable one,’" Matthews revealed. "I guess he wanted something funny, so Bobby came Babcock, predictably, was not interested in discussing the development. up with a pretty good one and he ran it by me and I thought it was hilarious. I’m glad he liked it." “All that stuff is fluff," he said. "You know, I’ve coached lots of good teams that were No. 1 in the ranking, that won the Presidents’ Trophy, Anderson, who rarely asks other players for memorabilia, keeps the stick that tied for the Presidents’ Trophy and didn’t win the Cup. It’s hard to at his home in Florida. win. It’s darn near impossible so let’s not worry about that. Let's try to get in the playoffs and let's do that by winning the game (Saturday night) in "It's probably going to be a National Hockey League record for as long as Ottawa. And Ottawa's given us a tough time. They've been real stingy I'm alive," Anderson told TSN's Brent Wallace. "Just kind of a cool against us. We haven't played as good (against them)." memento and something I can look at and giggle at with my kids. It will be a good story for the grandkids one day." Babcock's message right now? Craig Anderson took a light-hearted approach to giving up the first four “Be diligent, be solution-based, get better every day and then we got a goals of Auston Matthews' career, asking him to autograph his goalie chance to be successful. I know you (media) don’t want to hear any of stick. While Anderson doesn't have a large memorabilia collection, that. You want something way more flamboyant and all that. (Shakes Matthews and some of the Leafs discuss theirs and some of their most- head) I don’t got it.” treasured possessions. What does Matthews make of all this praise? Matthews said he gets a "decent amount" of requests for his sticks, but that's OK, because ... he has started his own stick collection. His "I don’t really listen to it," he said. "I didn’t hear the Barry thing or favourites, so far? Marchand’s tweet so, I don’t know, I guess it’s nice to get recognized like that. I don’t really think too much about it. I just play hockey and have “I got a Joe Thornton," the 20-year-old said with a smile. "I guess those fun.” are kind of hard to come by and he’s got a pretty interesting stick so I like that. I got an (Alexander) Ovechkin as well and that one’s got a pretty big Matthews has scored six goals and added four assists in the first seven curve and it’s pretty cool to see what other guys are using.” games. Many of the goals have been of the highlight-reel variety. But Matthews comes by his modesty honestly, according to teammates. What makes Thornton’s interesting? “You wouldn’t be able to tell if he had zero goals or six," said Marleau. “Well, he uses the two-piece, but the blade’s huge and the stick’s just "He goes about his daily routine the same way.” heavy in general. It obviously works pretty well for him throughout his career, but I don’t think I’d ever see myself using it, but it’s pretty fun to Kadri was once caught up in the Toronto hype machine as a young look at.” prospect so he can appreciate the way Matthews is navigating everything. Other players were more than happy to share their own stick-collecting stories. “When you have that kind of hype, especially coming into the league, you got to understand how to handle it and he’s done a great job doing that "It kind of takes you back when you do get asked," said Patrick Marleau and he’s certainly impressed me not just on the ice, but off the ice," Kadri of the stick trade. "It’s kind of nice, guys wanting your stick.” said. “Inside this dressing room, you know, we don’t try and fill his head up with too many of those things (compliments), but he understands the Marleau, who played his 1,500th NHL game on Wednesday, has picked greatness he has and the special talent and that guys like him don’t up a few over the years. come around very often.” “The highlight one for me would probably be (Sidney) Crosby gave one to After Brad Marchand asked when Auston Matthews would have to play my eldest son from the 2010 Olympics and he was his favourite player all of his shifts 1-on-5, Matthews was quick to dismiss Marchand's Tweet. and he took the time to sit and talk with him so that was pretty special.” High praise aside, Matthews hasn't let the attention go to his head during "I have a ton of them," said Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. "I’ve been his time in the league, something that has impressed his teammates. fortunate to coach some Olympic teams so I railroad the guys into that. I When asked about his top line, Babcock started talking about Kadri, got, it’s not the actual stick, but Scott Niedermayer made the play and Marleau and Komarov. (Jarome) Iginla made the play and Crosby scored the goal and (Roberto) Luongo was in net at the 2010 Olympics so I have all that kind of stuff." "Well, I think Marleau's heavy on the forecheck, I think Leo's in there, too; The coach paused and smiled. "I shouldn’t say that, because someone they compete with and without the puck," Babcock said before pausing. will break into my house." "That's not what you wanted?" Nazem Kadri said his linemate and good friend Leo Komarov has a pretty That created some laughter early in Friday's media session. Babcock is big roster of sticks. doing his best to keep the hype from getting out of hand. And, so far, the coach likes the way Matthews has handled everything. "When I went over to Finland to see him a few years ago he had quite the collection," Kadri said. "He almost had a room full of sticks so he had “I think all those things are great, but I don’t think it's affecting his life," some interesting players in there." Babcock noted. "That’s just noise. The more you win the more the noise is positive, the more you lose the more the noise is negative, but you Is Kadri a collector? probably shouldn’t listen when it's negative and you probably shouldn’t "No, not really. I just enjoy their company on the ice. That’s all I need," he listen when it's positive.” said with a smile. “We got a young group, so everybody’s pretty energetic," Matthews said of the current mood. "But we’re seven games in, we’re not getting too excited about it yet ... A lot of teams can start off well and end up dying off halfway through the year, toward the end of the year so we want to just make sure we’re on a steady upslope.”

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079356 Websites After finishing 28th in the standings last season, the Devils have turned in a 6-1 start through seven games, and only the Maple Leafs have scored more than New Jersey’s 4.29 goals per game. TSN.CA / TSN Hockey's Top 10 Storylines of the Week Not only are the Devils getting production from their most established scorers, Taylor Hall and Kyle Palmieri, but the Devils also have three of the top rookie scorers in the league: D Will Butcher (9 A), C Nico Hischier By Scott Cullen (2 G, 5 A), and LW Jesper Bratt (3 G, 3 A). Can they keep it up? They’ve just lost starting goaltender Cory Schneider to an injury and the Devils are still on the wrong side of the possession Karlsson returns, politics in Calgary, a Lightning supertar, Maple Leafs ledger, but at the very least they are a much more competitive, and more hype and more in TSN Hockey’s Top 10 Storylines of the Week. exciting, team than expected. The Ottawa Senators went without a regulation loss for the first five The other big surprise team has been the expansion Vegas Golden games of the season, all played without superstar defenceman Erik Knights, who have won five of their first six games. Karlsson, who was recovering from ankle surgery. A favourable schedule, including two games against Arizona and home While they haven’t managed a win in either of the past two games, the games against Detroit, Boston and Buffalo, has contributed to Vegas’ hot good news for Ottawa is that Karlsson has returned from ankle surgery start, but this is still remarkable for an expansion team. and doesn’t look any of the worse for wear. In two games, he’s contributed three assists and 10 shots on goal in 24:47 average time on Like the Devils, the Golden Knights have lost starting goaltender Marc- ice, which is a few minutes less per game than where he was last Andre Fleury to injury, and they do tend to get outshot, but not by a lot, season. which is why Travis Yost is pretty high on Vegas’ early-season performance. Even though the Senators haven’t immediately vaulted up in the wake of his return, it’s a pretty big deal when the third-best player in the league Two teams that were in the playoffs last season have started on an comes back from injury. Maybe not a big enough deal to have him start in especially tough path this season, perhaps putting a postseason berth the first overtime shift against New Jersey Thursday, but a big deal this year in doubt. nonetheless. The New York Rangers have won one of their first eight games. The National Hockey League which, on one hand, doesn’t want players Goaltender Henrik Lundqvist hasn’t bounced back from a down 2016- to be involved in political issues, wasn’t so hesitant to get involved in the 2017 season, and wingers Rick Nash, Jimmy Vesey and Chris Kreider Calgary municipal election, attempting to shift voters towards challenger have combined for one goal between them. Bill Smith who, presumably, would offer a more favourable new arena deal for the Flames than incumbent mayor Naheed Nenshi. As miserable as their start has been, the Rangers’ only win thus far came against the Montreal Canadiens, a team having its own troubles. Well, Nenshi won again, and the Flames are left to negotiate with someone who has established a position of not rolling over to give tax Montreal’s biggest concern is their inability to score. The Habs’ 1.43 breaks to billionaires for their new arena. It was not well-received. goals per game is more than half a goal per game worse than the 30th- ranked Anaheim Ducks. None of Montreal’s returning players has more This doesn’t make for an easy future for the Flames, who are trying to get than two points this season – the only players on the team with more public money for an arena at a time when the public, in general, appears than two points are first-line centre Jonathan Drouin (2 G, 3 A) and less interested in offering those tax breaks. Certainly, the issue wasn’t defenceman Karl Alzner (3 A). enough for Calgarians to vote for change, and it likely means difficult negotiations in the years to come. It’s fair to question the talent on Montreal’s roster, and goal-scoring should be a legitimate concern, but they aren’t going to keep shooting The Tampa Bay Lightning have the league’s leading scorer, and it’s not 3.9% as they have through the first seven games. that much of a surprise. Nikita Kucherov has 14 points (8 G, 6 A) in eight games, following up on a 2016-2017 season in which he ranked fifth in Results will get better for both the Rangers and Canadiens, but they are the league with 85 points in 74 games. starting the season in a hole. Kucherov, who is playing with Steven Stamkos and Vladislav The Insiders say that teams are starting to come back around to the Namestnikov, could see this kind of production when they started Colorado Avalanche, once again investigating the asking price for Matt together last season, telling Sovsports.ru, “I had a great chemistry with Duchene, who is tied for the team lead with seven points (3 G, 4 A) in Namestnikov and Stamkos at the start of the season. We understood eight games. each other very well. And then Stamkos was injured. I think those nine Even with Duchene playing well, it appears that the Avalanche are still games were my best in the NHL.” considering a Duchene deal and that apparently is Duchene’s preference Kucherov ascending to the game’s elite probably happened last year, at this point. given his production even after Stamkos was injured, and he was ranked Another player who is finding his way into trade rumours (as I suggested No. 7 on TSN’s Top 50 Players before the season. might be worthwhile last week) is Montreal forward Alex Galchenyuk. The Where this really gets interesting is that Kucherov is on a grossly Pittsburgh Penguins were mentioned as a potentially interested team. underpriced contract, on a cap hit under $4.8-million, but he will be One more early trade rumour was that the Los Angeles Kings could eligible for an extension next summer and the Lightning may have to consider moving one of their top four defencemen, with Alec Martinez prepare to pay through the nose to get the 24-year-old signed long-term. and Jake Muzzin potentially drawing real interest around the league. Sometimes that bridge deal can be costly further down the road. Muzzin, in particular, would surely command a nice return. It’s been some kind of start for the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team that Tampa Bay Lightning winger J.T. Brown was a Top 10 Storyline last showed promise last season, but has jumped out to a 6-1 start with an week, when he raised a fist for the national anthem, but there hasn’t astounding 4.86 goals per game, making them the highest-scoring team been much in the meantime because Brown has been a healthy scratch by more than half a goal per game. ever since. Franchise centre Auston Matthews is leading the way, with six goals and This isn’t necessarily unusual. Brown had six points in 64 games last 10 points in seven games, and that has resulted in some rather lofty season and didn’t play well in the one game that he dressed for this year. comparisons. The Lightning were also winning with him out of the lineup, so it fits with This brilliant start has suddenly lifted the Maple Leafs into an unusual standard hockey behaviour to not change a winning lineup, but Brown’s place, Stanley Cup favourites, according to the latest odds from Bodog. absence was at least a little notable, and then he put out a statement. Maybe that’s a reflection of optimism from Toronto-based bettors, or Maybe this is nothing but, from a distance, it did look like that statement maybe the Maple Leafs are simply the best team in the league at this could possibly have been a pre-requisite to Brown getting back into the early juncture. These are unusual days, indeed. lineup. The Maple Leafs’ start is perhaps mildly surprising, but nothing like early I'd feel better about J.T. Brown's statement of organizational support if he showings from the New Jersey Devils and Vegas Golden Knights. hadn't been healthy scratched since his one fist-raised game. Now, it turns out Brown was still a healthy scratch for Thursday’s win at Columbus, but this was always going to be a complicated situation for Brown, especially because he’s lower on the depth chart and his absence can more easily be attributed to a hockey decision. Former NHL goaltender Ken Dryden has written a book, Game Change, and in it discusses how to limit brain injuries in hockey. Dryden’s two-step plan to limiting brain injuries is to penalize hits to the head, which is an established idea, but also to eliminate the notion of “finishing your check”, which allows players to be hit even after they have given up the puck. This comes at a time when concussions are more and more a central issue in the sport. Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask, Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl are among the players to be sidelined currently because of a concussion. The lead singer of The Tragically Hip, the quintessentially Canadian band, died this week at the age of 53. The Hip were the soundtrack to many hockey dressing rooms for many years and while Gord will be missed, we are fortunate enough that his music lives on. Many Canadians have their own Tragically Hip memories. I was always a fan, and was an easy mark for all of their hockey references, but also never to the level of real diehard fans that I knew. I only saw them live once, but it was with someone I loved, and I will always cherish that memory.

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079357 Websites Although his birth certificate suggests Marleau is now in the twilight of his career, Granato has high praise for Toronto luring him east. In part, because of the influence he will have on Auston Matthews and the Leafs TSN.CA / Dreger Report: Heat on the Habs young stars on and off the ice, but also because his hockey sense and talent level remain high.

“He skates so well...he's so smart. He's always been an honest player By Darren Dreger and one of those guys you want to play with and you want to see do well,” Granato said. “He's the real deal.”

Gord Downie's passing this week hit hard. Arguably Canada's most There might not be another team in the National Hockey League that valuable player, Downie succumbed to cancer, leaving our country in draws more attention when they're losing than the Montreal Canadiens. mourning. The outpouring of profound loss has been incredible. The hockey community has been deeply impacted, and not just by those Everyone has a theory. Everyone has a fix. proud to be Canadian. From firing general manager Marc Bergevin to trading captain Max Matt Lashoff is an American hockey player who clearly feels a connection Pacioretty, pretty much every knee-jerk reaction to Montreal’s painful to Downie and the Tragically Hip, a connection he believes was made in start has crossed my desk in the past week. 2003 when he joined the OHL’s Kitchener Rangers. However, Lashoff's Unless my read on Habs’ ownership is off, and those close to the Molson appreciation of The Hip goes deeper than simply the background music clan aren’t as close as they think, it’s highly unlikely we'll see any in a dressing room. dramatic change in management during the season. “The Hip kind of defined my life throughout my professional hockey As for trading Pacioretty, even though he's not scoring goals, he is a career,” Lashoff told The Dreger Report. “That was the one thing that proven goal scorer, supported by 30-plus goals in five of his last six was always a constant – The Hip’s music. It was always there.” seasons. If the Habs sink to a point where their captain is put on the Lashoff spent time in Boston, Tampa Bay and Toronto trying to establish block, the lineup of willing trade partners eager to take him will be long. an NHL career that just never took off. In many ways, The Hip and Montreal isn't at that point. Yet. hockey are contributing to the next exciting step in Lashoff’s life. What’s more likely is the Canadiens return to form. If Carey Price starts At 31, the former first-round draft pick is contemplating his next move in standing on his head on a nightly basis and Pacioretty fine-tunes his hockey. Scouting, coaching, player development – Lashoff is open to nose for the net, it will reduce the heat in Montreal down to a slow boil, anything and says he’s had discussions with teams about his future. which is the norm in a market with high expectations and a fan base that But for the moment his days are filled by chasing around his two children, demands results. a five-year-old and three-year-old, and making music. Habs showing they were never as good as we thought they were For a number of years Lashoff would finish his playing season and then OverDrive guest host Scott MacArthur with Jeff O’Neill & Jamie spend a few days each month of the summer in Nashville, working with McLennan are joined in studio by TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie to writers and artists developing what became much more than a hobby. discuss the panic in Montreal over the Habs poor record. A true Canadian icon, Tragically Hip lead singer Gord Downie lost his Sour Senator? battle with cancer at the age of 53. We remember his life as a storyteller who touched the lives of all Canadians, hockey fans, and players alike. Did anyone else notice the headshake and sour look on Erik Karlsson’s face Thursday night when he took his place on the bench, absent from “Songwriting was always my outlet,” Lashoff said. “Writing or strumming Ottawa's starting three in overtime? on the guitar – that was always the thing that kind of got me through a bunch of stuff.” Sens coach Guy Boucher is a very defensive coach and could probably see another one slipping away as Ottawa gave up a 4-2 lead in the third Songwriting has been his release and means of unwinding when the period to the New Jersey Devils. However, in just his second game back twists and turns of trying to find his way in pro hockey were hard to from injury, Karlsson had a hand in three of the four Senators goals and manage. Lashoff says, ballpark, he's probably written close to 150 songs. looked eager to further his heroics in overtime. He's a gifted writer and talented musician who was affected by the Instead, he watched the Devils' John Moore fire home the game winner senseless massacre in Las Vegas. Rather than sit quiet, Lashoff joined 1:20 into the extra frame, leaving the Sens winless in their first four the chorus of support for “Vegas Strong” by writing and recording games at home. Stronger Together, with some of the proceeds from the song directed to the VGK Foundation. NHL: Devils 5, Senators 4 (OT) “The core of the whole thing is to help people out,” he said. “I think that’s 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier scored the first two goals of his also the core of the song, and whether it’s the vibe or lyrically, if it helps career, Taylor Hall had four helpers, and John Moore helped the Devils somebody get through something that's gold in my mind.” complete their late comeback by burying the overtime-winner 1:20 into the extra frame. Ottawa fell to 0-5 at home to start the season. Patrick Marleau played in his 1,500th NHL game this week. TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 Undoubtedly, Marleau was swamped by messages from friends, family and ex-teammates, congratulating him on a remarkable milestone. Among the many to reach out to the 38-year-old Maple Leafs forward was Tony Granato, head coach of the NCAA Wisconsin Badgers and a former NHL player who helped welcome Marleau into the league as an 18-year-old in San Jose in 1997-98. “He had so much speed...We all just said, ‘Wow’ when he first stepped on to the ice,” Granato recalls of Marleau’s rookie season. “As an older player you're looking for kids to step in and raise the energy level and Patty certainly did that. “He was so respectful. He was quiet and didn't say much. He just smiled and quietly did his thing. He was a pro right out of the gate." Nicknames in hockey are common and often spun from first or last names, but Granato and Gary Suter, another Sharks veteran in 1997, strayed from the norm. Instead of just sticking with Patty, Marleau's nickname was Jack. “We called him Jack because of his energy,” Granato said. “It was just a little thing to bring him into the group and it helped get us all fired up. He would get jacked up before each game. It just stuck.” 1079358 Websites And it might be a little ill-timed given what’s going on with Marc Bergevin and the Montreal Canadiens although I don’t expect that there will be change in Montreal in season there.” TSN.CA / Insider Trading: Could Galchenyuk be a fit in Pittsburgh? TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 TSN.ca Staff

TSN Hockey Insiders Darren Dreger and Bob McKenzie joined host James Duthie to talk about the latest rumours swirling around the NHL including an update on a possible Matt Duchene trade, what the Kings are going to do without Jeff Carter and whether Alex Galchenyuk would be a fit in Pittsburgh. Are the Colorado Avalanche closer to making a Duchene trade? Embedded Image“Well it depends who you ask. Some believe that Joe Sakic is actually mulling over some legitimate interest and pieces, part of a package perhaps, that he finds at least enticing at this stage. But, look, if I took you back to the draft in June there were opportunities at that point and there were packages presented to Sakic in the moment that he found interesting. So, it’s hard to say. What it is is an endless cycle. The New York Rangers are classic examples of a team that was initially in, then they were out. Recently they’re back in, they’re just revisiting, but they don’t think there’s anything remotely possible. So it could happen, but it might not.” What do the Los Angeles Kings do without Carter? “Well, obviously, it’s a big blow to their team because he is such a dynamic performer, but in the very short term Brooks Laich has signed a one-year, two-way deal , $650,000 in the NHL, $50,000 in the minors. Now this was agreed to, the Laich deal was agreed Embedded Imageto even before Carter injured his ankle last night in that game against the Montreal Canadiens. What it does, though, it accelerates, instead of having Laich maybe in the minors for a couple weeks, he’s going to find himself on the Kings' roster sooner rather than later. Now we did talk about the possibility that the Kings could trade one of their defencemen, like Jake Muzzin or Alec Martinez, because they feel like they have the depth to be able to do that. Sample size so far on their young defencemen is still too small that they’re prepared to give up one of those top four defenceman for a forward. So they’ll monitor the situation as they go and in the meantime just try to get by with Laich and everybody else pitching in.” Embedded Image“Jim Rutherford and the Pittsburgh Penguins are in the market for a centre and he has been for quite some time, I would say. Just augment what they have in considerable talent up the middle of the ice there. There’s been some speculation as to who might be available as to players who aren’t and Matt Duchene probably isn’t a great fit financially for the Pittsburgh Penguins. But Alex Galchenyuk from the Montreal Canadiens, his name has surfaced. We shouldn’t be overly surprised by that, again given the fact that more often than not Galchenyuk seems to be in the doghouse there and given the play of the Montreal Canadiens as of late, perhaps there’s a fit there that could make some sense.” What’s going on with the Athanasiou situation? Embedded Image“It can only go to Dec. 1 because if he’s not signed by then, he’s out of the NHL for this season, but here’s the latest development. The Detroit Red Wings had offered Athanasiou a two-year deal at $1.9 million per year. And now that the season is on and the Red Wings are in LTIR situation, they can no longer give that deal to Andreas Athanasiou, so if Athanasiou is going to sign with the Red Wings, it’s likely going to be a one-year deal now at a shave more than the $1.25 million that the Red Wings were offering him in the summer. There is an incredibly high level of exasperation on both sides, from the Red Wings and Athanasiou. This thing is either going to get done here in the next day or so, or it’s likely he’s going to sign to play in Europe and who know when or if he’ll be back in the Red Wing lineup.” What is Patrick Roy’s future with the NHL? “Well, look, he’s more or less a NHL recluse. He’s acknowledging though that he does have interest in getting back into the National Hockey League. Now a quote was provided because obviously there was interest in the golfer and they swarmed Patrick Roy to Embedded Imagetalk about his potential future. Both FM 93 and Le Soleil providing quotes.” Roy Quote – “If ever a team called, for sure I would listen, but the more it goes the more I’m sensing that it’s the management side that interests me more. It’s not that I’m not interested in coaching, but the management side…is more interesting for me.” 1079359 Websites

TSN.CA / NHL admits error on offside challenge in Denver

By Pierre LeBrun

When I first saw the overturned Colorado goal on Thursday night off a St. Louis challenge, I felt it was definitely the right thing. Sven Andrighetto no doubt was offside. Ah, but that’s when it gets interesting. I reached out to the league on Friday morning and it acknowledged (then explained) an error in the offside challenge in Denver. I'm hoping this makes sense, but here we go: When you watch the video, it’s clear Andrighetto puts himself offside. And ultimately, that's what the review decided, too, so the Avs’ tying goal was nullified. However, upon further reflection, the league now realizes that since Andrighetto wasn't ruled offside by the linesman on the spot – which he should have been – you've got a new zone entry when he skates back into the zone with the puck. Hence, the NHL last night nullified a goal on a second zone entry which, as per the current video review rules, you can't do. Only the last zone entry can exist for any review. When Andrighetto re-enters the zone without the play being blown dead, it's by definition a clean zone entry. So what should have happened is the goal stands, and the Blues get a penalty for a failed challenge. Now, by the spirit of it all, because you know Andrighetto was offside originally, it feels right that there’s no goal. But what we're saying here is that you can't review on a second zone entry. Well, unless the GMs, when they next get together, want to alter the rule. But that’s a conversation for another day. Under the current rule, that goal should have stood. There were other factors confusing things on the play, too, including a hand pass from a Blues player before all this, and the linesman being bumped by a player, which hampered his view of the whole thing. Not to mention that the same player who should have been called offside brought the puck back in on the new zone entry, too. And, finally, even the Blues players themselves appeared to stop playing because they thought it was offside. The bottom line is that once Andrighetto was allowed to re-enter the zone with the puck, it's a new zone entry and that's as far as back as the video review process can go. Not before that. In the end, these offside challenge review calls are introducing some unusual plays, so it’s learn as you go in some cases. They key indeed is to learn from this one, and no doubt the league will.

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079360 Websites

TSN.CA / Hot Button Issues: Dahlin continues to dazzle

By Craig Button

TSN Director of Scouting Craig Button on the latest news and notes in the world of hockey prospect evaluation: 1. Rasmus Dahlin, a 17-year-old playing for Frolunda in the (2-3-5 in 10 games), is no ordinary defenceman or teenager. He has every single attribute necessary to be an elite number- one defenceman in the NHL and stands alone as the consensus top pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. You can see with your own eyes why everyone is excited about his potential. 2. Oliver Wahlstrom, a right wing with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, was a YouTube sensation as a nine-year-old with this nifty shootout move at a Boston Bruins game. Is Rasmus Dahlin good enough to be the top pick in 2018? Find out as TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie unveils his annual pre-season draft rankings. Wahlstrom continues to develop (9-5-14 in eight games) and is a gifted offensive player with excellent puck skills. He possesses arguably the best shot and release of any player available in the 2018 NHL Draft. 3. Matthew Phillips, a right winger with the Victoria Royals and sixth- round pick (2016) by the Calgary Flames, leads the WHL in scoring with 10 goals and 16 assists in 11 games. The diminutive (5-foot-7) winger scored 50 goals in 2016-17 and was the WHL Rookie of the Year in 2015-16. Phillips was invited to Team Canada’s 2017 World Junior summer development camp and continues to make a case to be on the roster when the tournament begins on Boxing Day in Buffalo. 4. Dmitri Zavgorodny is a Russian forward playing with Rimouski in the QMJHL, where he has six goals and 12 points in 10 games. He’s not tall (5-foot-9) but he’s a very talented offensive player who finds ways to create offence. He was the leading scorer at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup with five goals and 10 points. He’s been a prolific scorer and shows elite ability, but I’m sure the narrative will be about his size instead of his obvious talent – just as it was with players like Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Alex Debrincat. He was rated No. 19 on September’s Craig’s List. 5. Jacob Olofsson is a 17-year-old centre playing for Timra in the Swedish Allsvenskan league. It’s the same team that produced Henrik Zetterberg and Vancouver Canucks’ 2017 first-round selection Elias Pettersson. Olofsson has four goals and five points in 10 games, and has the skill, intelligence and competitiveness to be a top-two centre in the NHL. He has a style similar to Ottawa’s Derick Brassard. Expect him to be a first-round pick in the 2018 NHL Draft. Injury update: Andrei Svechnikov, a power winger for the Barrie Colts who has 10 goals in 10 games and is a certain top-5 pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, will have hand surgery next week. He’s expected to miss eight weeks.

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017 1079361 Websites Dahlin is projected not only as a top-pair NHL defenceman, but potentially an elite No. 1 blueliner.

“Speed, skill, strength, offensive ability, physical play, defensive TSN.CA / The Year of Swedish Defencemen awareness - he has it all,” another scout said. Boqvist, on the other hand, is going to get a lot of the Karlsson By Bob McKenzie comparable, and for good reason, another scout says. “I have no idea if he'll ever turn out to be as good as Erik Karlsson because Karlsson really is something special, but I can tell you this – Let's call the 2018 NHL Draft the Year of the Defenceman; the Year of (Boqvist) is better, further ahead of Karlsson, at the same age. I've Swedish Defencemen, actually. scouted them both. As 16- or 17-year-olds, Boqvist is better than Karlsson was. Physically, their size, and the way they play the game, Two of the top four prospects on TSN's Preseason Top 20 2018 NHL there's a [Karlsson] comparison to be made.” Draft Rankings are Swedish blueliners, including the morning-line favourite to go No. 1 overall. Boqvist plays for Brynas in the Swedish junior league. He wowed scouts with a one-goal, eight-point tournament for Sweden at the Ivan Hlinka That would be Rasmus Dahlin, the 17-year-old, 6-foot-2, 181-pound left- Under-18 tournament in August. shot defenceman who is playing his second season for Frolunda in Sweden's highest-level league, the SHL. This is the second consecutive year a member of the Tkachuk family is expected to be taken in the upper echelon of the first round. In 2016, the Nine of 10 NHL team scouts surveyed by TSN ranked the dynamic Calgary Flames took Matthew Tkachuk sixth overall and the abrasive, blueliner first overall. He first came to international prominence last year agitating, offensive-minded winger made a significant and immediate as a 16-year-old, playing against men in the SHL and putting together impact, playing on Calgary's second line with Mikael Backlund and impressive YouTube and Twitter highlight reels of dazzling goals, Michael Frolik. creative playmaking and big hits. Could Brady be the best Tkachuk yet? If Dahlin were to go wire-to-wire as No. 1 and be taken first overall in 2018, it would be the first time a Swede has attained that honour since He's the latest in a family line of agitators. Brady Tkachuk looks to follow Mats Sundin, whom the Quebec Nordiques chose first overall in 1989. in his father's and brother's footsteps as he makes his way to the NHL. That isn't to say Dahlin won't be pushed for the top spot over the course Brady and Matthew, of course, are sons of former NHL power forward of this season. Keith Tkachuk and the apples didn't fall far from the tree. If anything, Brady is considered to be even more physical, abrasive and agitating The most obvious challenger to Dahlin is big Russian winger Andrei than his older brother, but also possesses a strong nose for the net and Svechnikov, who is No. 2 on TSN's preseason list. The 6-foot-2, 188- ability to make plays. pound left-shot right winger, who will play this season for the Barrie Colts of the , received the only other No. 1 vote from It's something of an oh-no-Canada, year for the draft with two Swedes, a TSN's scouting panel. Eight other scouts have Svechnikov as No. 2 to Russian and an American in a group of four at the top end, in preseason Dahlin while one scout has Svechnikov at No. 4. rankings anyway. Watch as top NHL prospect and next year's projected No. 1 overall pick “I see Dahlin and Svechnikov as the clear top two in the draft starting out, Rasmus Dahlin dazzles with a pair of slick goals at the Newport Next but I also see those two plus Tkachuk and Boqvist as the clear top four Skills Competition, that would make and Pavel Datsyuk proud. going into the year,” a scout says. “It gets scattered after that.” Svechnikov projects to be a potential elite goal-scoring NHL winger who Saint John Sea Dog centre Joe Veleno is the flag bearer for Canada in can play the game any way you like. this draft, at least to start the season. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound pivot was officially designated by Hockey Canada to have “exceptional” status in “He has a real power element to his game,” a scout said. “He can 2015, which allowed him to enter the Quebec League a year early, as a dominate on the cycle, he goes hard to the net and isn't afraid to score 15-year-old. the gritty goals from in tight in traffic, but he has great speed and high- end skill to beat people one-on-one. He has a fantastic shot that allows Veleno’s development was hindered somewhat last year when he missed him to score from far out, too. He's ultra-competitive, doesn't take shifts a significant portion of the season with injury, but he plays a strong, hard off. He's the total package as far as what you want in a No. 1 winger in two-way game and captained Team Canada at the Ivan Hlinka the NHL.” tournament in August. Svechnikov is already acclimated to North American life and ice surface. The rest of TSN's Top 10 preseason rankings are as follows: He played for Muskegon in the United States Hockey League last season. He’s expected to play on the right side in Barrie with fellow 6. Quinn Hughes: A small (5-foot-9, 167 pounds) but supremely skilled Russian Alexei Lipanov, Tampa's third-round pick (76th overall) last and gifted offensive defenceman who will play his freshman season at June, at centre. the University of Michigan this year. The young American is the son of Jim Hughes, who formerly was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs The early consensus, recognizing the 2018 draft is a long way off (June management team. Quinn's younger brother Jack, a centre who is 22-23 in Dallas), is that Dahlin and Svechnikov are in a class of their own playing for the U.S. Under-17 program in Ann Arbor, Mich., is projected atop this year’s draft eligible. as a potential elite pick in the 2019 NHL draft. The only other prospect to get a vote at No. 2 is Dahlin’s countryman 7. Filip Zadina: A skilled, smooth skating left-shot right winger from the Adam Boqvist, a 5-foot-11, 168-pound blueliner who is said to have Czech Republic who will play for the Halifax Mooseheads this season. electrifying offensive ability. But there's a wider divergence of opinion on Zadina is 6 feet, 198 pounds. He has the ability to make plays and finish Boqvist, probably rooted in his sub-six-foot size. Three scouts surveyed them. by TSN did not include Boqvist among their top 10. Boqvist is the younger brother of New Jersey forward prospect Jesper, who was taken 8. Ty Smith: A Canadian who plays for the Spokane Chiefs of the by the Devils in the second round of the 2017 draft. Western League, Smith is one of six defencemen in the top 10. Even though the Canadian pickings appear slim at the very top of this draft, Boqvist checks in at No. 4 on TSN's preseason rankings, behind Boston Smith heads up a rather large contingent of smart and skilled Canadian University freshman winger Brady Tkachuk. Seven of 10 scouts surveyed defencemen under six feet tall who populate the rest of the first round have Tkachuk as a top-five prospect in this draft and none of the 10 and well into the second. Smith is 5-foot-10 and 176 pounds, but gets scouts had him outside their top 10. high marks for excellent hockey sense and poise under pressure. Smith isn't an elite offensive point-producing attacker or a punishing physical Naturally, with two offensively gifted Swedish defencemen in the top four defender, but scouts say he's above average in most facets of the game, preseason rankings, there are bound to be comparisons to Ottawa using his smarts and skating to be effective in all three zones. Senators captain Erik Karlsson. One comparison may fit; the other, not so much, according to the scouts. 9. Ryan Merkley: An offensive dynamo now in his second season with the Guelph Storm after being the first overall pick in the 2016 OHL draft. “Karlsson isn't a good comparison to Dahlin because Dahlin is so much The 5-foot-11, 170-pound right-shot may be among the purest offensive bigger and plays a more physical game,” one scout said. “No one is talents in the draft – a temperamental but creative, high-risk blueliner saying [Dahlin] is going to be Nick Lidstrom or Victor Hedman, but in who some scouts think has the potential to be a star while others wonder terms of style, he's probably closer to those guys than Karlsson.” if he's closer to former offensive star OHL defenceman Ryan Murphy, who has yet to establish himself as a full-time NHLer. 10. Bode Wilde: A 6-foot-2, 197-pound defenceman with tremendous physical tools and high-end skating that, if his game comes together, could be a blueliner who impacts at both ends of the ice. Wilde is a dual American-Canadian citizen but for international hockey purposes has opted for Team USA. Wilde's mother is from Montreal, a former member of Canada's national downhill ski team. Wilde played last season for the U.S. U-17 program and is currently on the roster of the U.S. U-18 program. He originally committed to attend Harvard University next season but has since decommitted and is now talking to other schools.

TSN.CA LOADED: 10.21.2017