SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 3/29/2021 1207113 Josh Manson scores in overtime as Ducks rally to victory 1207140 Takeaways from a 'Motown' letdown include a key over Blues question: Have the Blue Jackets quit? 1207114 Ducks’ Rickard Rakell suffers apparent head injury in 1207141 Red Wings blitz Blue jackets with sweep of back-to-back open-ice collision games in Detroit 1207115 Ducks’ Anthony Stolarz, Josh Manson work overtime to 1207142 Blue Jackets still battling inconsistency with their playoff beat the Blues hopes in jeopardy 1207116 Ducks management survey results: Fans overwhelmingly 1207143 Blue Jackets, Patrik Laine both running out of time to turn desire major changes things around 1207144 ‘We played awful’: Blue Jackets fail to show up for Arizona Coyotes weekend to forget vs. Red Wings 1207117 Phil Kessel’s hat trick lifts Arizona Coyotes past San Jose 1207145 Blue Jackets’ Sunday Gathering: Alexandre Texier, Emil Sharks Bemstrom are stalled, vaccines on the way, and more 1207118 Arizona Coyotes’ Nick Schmaltz fined for boarding 1207146 While Stars remain confident after loss to Panthers, 1207119 The hex continues for the Bruins, shut out again by they’re running out of time to turn the season around also-ran New Jersey 1207120 NHL reveals make-up dates for four Bruins’ games that were rescheduled because of COVID-related issues 1207147 Detroit Red Wings show 'unbelievable' response in taking 1207121 Trent Frederic’s smarts earning him top-line looks for both games against Columbus recovering Bruins 1207148 Detroit Red Wings need an influx of prospects. Here's who 1207122 Bruins drop another 1-0 game to the Devils is on the horizon 1207123 Bruins Notebook: Charlie McAvoy-Matt Grzelcyk pairing 1207149 Detroit Red Wings beat Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1: an eye-opening success Game thread replay 1207124 Talking Points: Boston Bruins Shut Down Again By the 1207150 On the rebound: Red Wings dismantle Blue Jackets Devils second straight day, 4-1 1207125 Boston Bruins And NHL Season Will Go Longer Than 1207151 Red Wings respond after brutal loss, tough practice; Planned steps up again 1207126 Game 31 Live Blog: Boston Bruins Vs. 1207152 Ex-Red Wing Mark Kirton battles Lou Gehrig's disease 1207127 Game 31: Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils, Lines, one day at a time Preview 1207153 Calvin Pickard prepared for big opportunity with Red 1207128 OTR: Hall Cost ‘Comical’. ‘Wild Wild West’ NHL Trade Wings, and delivered Deadline? 1207154 Red Wings have strong response to debacle by beating Columbus 1207129 Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark almost snared a win in Oilers first game back 1207155 Last chance for to figure out the Leafs 1207130 Eric Staal eager to put time with Sabres behind him after 1207156 JONES: Edmonton Oilers need more than OK to be trade contenders 1207157 Oilers fail to close out Maple Leafs in Saturday night Flames thriller 1207131 This week in Flames — 3 Things We Know, 3 Things We Don't Florida Panthers 1207132 SNAPSHOTS: Can Johnny Hockey and the Jolly Rancher 1207158 Panthers beat Stars, but expect Aaron Ekblad to miss co-exist at Saddledome? ‘extensive time’ with leg injury 1207159 Florida Panthers standout Aaron Ekblad taken off on Blackhawks stretcher with serious leg injury 1207133 fall to 5th in the Central Division with 1207160 Serious injury to Ekblad casts shadow on Panthers win at a 3-2 loss to the Dallas 1207134 Blackhawks’ ineptitude against Predators continues in loss 1207161 Aaron Ekblad injured, carted off in Florida Panthers game Sunday in Dallas 1207135 Despite COVID restrictions, Blackhawks still enjoy food selection at this season’s team meals Los Angeles Kings 1207136 Predators remain pests for Blackhawks in 3-2 loss 1207162 Kings look ahead to two-game series with Golden Knights 1207137 Dach returns to Hawks just in time for stretch run 1207163 WITH NEW CONTRACT SIGNED, MATT ROY READY 1207138 Make or break time for Blackhawks as Predators jump FOR ADDED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES them for playoff spot 1207164 JARET ANDERSON-DOLAN IS GROWING, DEVELOPING AND THRIVING WITH LA KINGS SO FAR Colorado Avalanche THIS SEASON 1207139 Avalanche rookie Bo Byram in concussion protocol as tensions mount with Golden Knights 1207165 Handling back-to-back starts affirms as Wild's No. 1 goalie 1207166 Wild-San Jose game preview 1207167 Wild return from short break recharged and ready to go St Louis Blues 1207168 NHL announces changes to Canadiens schedule 1207198 Blues notebook: Berube sits Hoffman, wants more effort 1207169 Quarantine will allow Canadiens' Eric Staal to give his 1207199 Blues start fast but fall in overtime 3-2 to Ducks body a rest 1207200 Berube juggles lines in search of offense, Hoffman not in 1207170 Stu Cowan: Eric Staal excited about getting fresh start lineup with Canadiens 1207201 Bobby Plager through the eyes of the Blues alumni: ‘He was the footprint’ Nashville Predators 1207202 Mike Hoffman’s healthy scratch: Bad fit or Blues not 1207171 Nashville Predators sign David Farrance, add youth to suiting his strengths? their defensive depth Tampa Bay Lightning New Jersey Devils 1207203 After back-to-back losses, it’s time for Lightning to get 1207172 Devils’ Mackenzie Blackwood makes spectacular save to back to basics cap off over Bruins 1207173 New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins FREE LIVE Maple Leafs STREAM (3/28/21): Watch NHL online | Time, TV, 1207204 Maple Leafs look to maintain dominance over Oilers after channel latest great escape 1207174 Tyce Thompson’s college coach explains what Devils are 1207205 Three Maple Leafs games rescheduled, and the NHL getting in newly-signed prospect season will end later 1207175 Instant analysis: Devils shut out Bruins after wild 1207206 Maple Leafs goalies Jack Campbell and Frederik review with 1.1 seconds left Andersen were both absent from Sunday’s practice. The 1207176 Devils top Bruins after two controversial calls Leafs hos 1207207 ‘We’ve got to be better.’ John Tavares and William New York Islanders Nylander know the Maple Leafs need more from them 1207177 Remaining even-keeled is latest step in development of 1207208 Marner and Toronto take on Edmonton Islanders rookie Oliver Wahlstrom 1207209 LEAFS NOTES: Simmonds taking a glance in the mirror ... 1207178 NHL Reschedules Postponed Game Between Islanders Leafs own Oilers ... Changes made to schedule and Bruins 1207210 Campbell passing evaluations from Maple Leafs teammates and coach Keefe 1207211 Muzzin tips cap to Oilers' McDavid-Draisaitl combo: 'Two 1207179 Rangers’ comeback bid falls short in loss to Capitals really good players ... it's a lot' 1207180 David Quinn returns to Rangers’ bench after COVID-19 1207212 SIMMONS: Government deal with NHL is wrong for absence Canadian seniors 1207181 Rangers coach David Quinn feeling good on bench upon return from COVID-19 Canucks 1207182 Late rally is good sign for young Rangers team, but it 1207221 Canucks prospects tracker: The Podkolzin experience, doesn't yield any points Zlodeyev returns 1207183 David Quinn returns to Rangers’ bench after 6 games 1207222 Canucks: Roussel riled by schedule discrepancies hurting away, just in time to face hot Capitals playoff push Senators Vegas Golden Knights 1207184 WARREN’S PIECE: Senators schedule re-jigged due to 1207213 A closer look at the ‘magic’ of Max Pacioretty’s shot Montreal's positive COVID-19 test 1207185 After North Dakota's surprise defeat, Senators await decisions from Pinto, Bernard-Docker and Sanderson 1207214 Capitals hold off furious rally to top the Rangers and move into a tie for league lead 1207215 Capitals hang on to win against Rangers, continue hot 1207186 Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher not in a favorable position as streak NHL trade deadline approaches 1207216 Capitals win wild one vs. Rangers 5-4 as Ovechkin scores 1207187 Flyers, ending a cruel month with two games in Buffalo, again trying to hand Sabres their 18th straight defeat 1207217 Capitals still winning, but need to "stay on the attack" 1207218 Tom Wilson continues to show his impact goes beyond big Pittsburgh Penguins hits 1207188 Injured Penguins forward Jason Zucker close to returning 1207219 Original Caps broadcaster first "fan" back at Capital One 1207189 Minor league report: Penguins' losing streak reaches Arena seven 1207190 Penguins forwards Mark Jankowski, Brandon Tanev rejoin Websites team 1207223 .ca / Corey Perry's passion, desire to win fuelling 1207191 Penguins assign forwards Jordy Bellerive, Josh Currie to season with Canadiens Wilkes-Barre/Scranton 1207224 Sportsnet.ca / Canucks' Nate Schmidt still learning new 1207192 Jason Zucker’s return to practice comes more quickly than city amid unusual season even he anticipated 1207225 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Jack Campbell must stay 1207193 Brandon Tanev, Mark Jankowski cleared for action one 'even keel' amid heavy workload day after entering COVID protocol 1207226 Sportsnet.ca / Stanley gets well-earned milestone moment 1207194 Penguins Practice: Zucker is a Full Go, Jankowski Back as Jets stumble vs. Flames 1207195 ‘Urgency’ and ‘Enthusiasm’: Penguins Newbies Changing 1207227 Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Galchenyuk shining in audition Team Dynamic on Tavares-Nylander line 1207228 Leafs plan to tighten up on McDavid, Draisaitl 1207229 Simmonds slowly working way back to full form 1207196 Quick Thoughts: Is Balcers a Top-6 Forward on Sharks? 1207197 Dubnyk Blasts NHL Goalie Interference Review: “It’s a Winnipeg Jets joke.” 1207220 'Pleasant surprise’ Stanley making strong case to be protected by Jets in expansion draft SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1207113 Anaheim Ducks

Josh Manson scores in overtime as Ducks rally to victory over Blues

By DAVID SOLOMON ASSOCIATED PRESS

MARCH 28, 2021 5:24 PM PT

ST. LOUIS — Josh Manson scored in opening minutes of overtime and the Ducks rallied from a two-goal deficit and beat the St. Louis Blues 3-2 Sunday night.

Adam Henrique and Can Fowler scored in regulation for Anaheim, which won its second straight.

Ducks Anthony Stolarz made 37 saves in his first start of the season. Stolarz started his first game since Mar. 11, 2020, also against St. Louis, in the teams’ last game before the COVID-19 shutdown. Stolarz won for the first time since Feb. 12, 2019, as a member of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Manson scored his first goal of the season 1:42 into overtime on a pass from Stolarz. Anaheim won for the first time in 15 games this season when trailing after two periods.

Jordan Binnington made 21 saves, and Ryan O’Reilly and scored for the Blues, who are 0-5-2 in their last seven home games.

Highlights from the Ducks’ overtime win over the St. Louis Blues on Sunday.

Henrique tied the game 2-2 when he skated around Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo and backhanded the puck past Binnington 2:13 into the third period.

Fowler put Anaheim on the board 8:44 into the second period when he scored off a feed from Ryan Getzlaf past Binnington for his third goal of the season to make it 2-1. Getzlaf has recorded an assist in each of his last three games and is eight points away from tying Teemu Selanne’s franchise record of 988 career points.

Tarasenko scored his second goal of the season on a power play with 4:01 remaining in the first period to put St. Louis up 2-0. It was Tarasenko’s first goal in since March 12 against Vegas, snapping a seven-game scoring drought.

O’Reilly scored his 12th goal of the season 2:27 into the game on a feed from Vladimir Tarasenko. It marked the first time St. Louis had scored first in its last nine games.

Gibson down

Ducks G John Gibson was scratched and is day to day with an upper body injury. Gibson stopped 33 of 34 shots in Saturday’s 4-1 win over St. Louis. Gibson had missed the Ducks’ five games before Saturday with a lower body injury. backed up Stolarz.

Thin up front

Richard Rakell left the game with an upper body injury with 6:33 remaining in the second period after tripping over Blues LW Kyle Clifford, who had lost his balance on the ice. Rakell’s injury left the Ducks with 10 forwards as the team dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen.

Schedule change

The NHL announced that the Blues play at Los Angeles on May 10 to makeup their game against the Kings that was postponed on March 15, with Los Angeles unable to leave Denver due to winter weather.

Up next

Ducks at Colorado on Monday night to conclude a five-game road trip.

LA Times: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207114 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks’ Rickard Rakell suffers apparent head injury in open-ice collision

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 5:10 p.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 7:41 p.m.

Coach Dallas Eakins couldn’t say how seriously left wing Rickard Rakell was injured after a neutral zone collision with Kyle Clifford of the St. Louis Blues in the second period Sunday at Enterprise Center. Eakins did say he saw Rakell up and about in the dressing room after the game.

Rakell’s status was uncertain for the Ducks’ game Monday against the Colorado Avalanche in Denver, the final game on their five-game trip. He appeared to strike the back of his head on the ice after Clifford, skating from the opposite direction, lost an edge and rolled into him.

Rakell’s legs went out from under him and he fell backward. Players from both teams gathered around Rakell as Ducks head athletic trainer Joe Huff attended to him. Rakell needed assistance leaving the ice and getting to the dressing room at 13:27 of the second period. Clifford was uninjured.

“A total 100 percent accident on the ice,” Eakins said, absolving Clifford of any blame for the collision or the injury to Rakell. “I haven’t spoken to him (Rakell). I just saw him walk by a few minutes ago, so at least he’s up on his feet. We’ll get an update on him (Monday).”

Rakell is the Ducks’ leading scorer with 22 points, including a team- leading 15 assists. He scored a goal in the Ducks’ 4-1 victory Friday over the Blues, ending an eight-game drought. His departure reduced the Ducks to 10 forwards after Eakins iced a lineup with seven defensemen and 11 forwards.

ZEGRAS SITS OUT

Trevor Zegras, a 20-year-old rookie left wing, was scratched from the lineup, and Eakins made it clear it was done only to give Danton Heinen a chance to play Sunday against the Blues. Heinen was out of the lineup for the past three games, but was back in for Sunday’s game.

“We’ve got lots of players around here,” Eakins said. “We’ve got six guys on the taxi squad and we’ve got a full roster. We’re trying to keep guys involved, as well. I know there’s such a great focus on Trevor Zegras, but the reality is he’s come in and he’s getting his feet under him.

“If you look at his draft class (in 2019), he’s played a whole lot more games than a lot of those guys who were drafted in that first round. He’s not fallen behind. He’s ahead of most. That’s it. It’s nothing to do with anything but this lineup is going to get moved around from night to night.

“Sometimes ‘Z’ is going to find himself on the sidelines.”

Zegras, the ninth overall pick in the 2019 draft, has one goal and four assists in 15 games since he was recalled Feb. 21 from the Ducks’ AHL team, the . He was scratched twice earlier this season for essentially the same reason, to give others a chance to play.

He’s expected to return to the lineup if Rakell can’t play Monday against the Avalanche.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207115 Anaheim Ducks could make a line change and he had the awareness to get it back up to me, which was a great play.’’

Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.29.2021 Ducks’ Anthony Stolarz, Josh Manson work overtime to beat the Blues

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 5:15 p.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 6:20 p.m.

Ducks goaltender Anthony Stolarz skated from his crease to accept a long back pass from defenseman Josh Manson in the early moments of overtime Sunday at Enterprise Center. Stolarz then returned the pass in a nanosecond, setting up Manson for the game-winning goal.

Wait, what?

Stolarz? Manson? Overtime?

Strange but true.

Stolarz, a replacement for the injured John Gibson, freed Manson, making a rare OT appearance, for the game-winning goal 1:42 into the extra period, rallying the Ducks for a 3-2 victory over the St. Louis Blues. Stolarz made 38 saves for his first win in more than two years.

“I kind of gave him a rocket of a pass,” Stolarz said of his first NHL assist. “It wasn’t the flattest thing, but he did a great job of picking it up, driving wide and chipping it over the goalie’s glove. It was a long time coming. I was excited for him and excited for me at the same time.”

Manson’s first goal of the season made a winner of Stolarz for the first time since Feb. 12, 2019 while with the Philadelphia Flyers. Stolarz played six games with the Edmonton Oilers after a trade from Philadelphia and then one with the Ducks after signing as a free agent before 2019-20.

Stolarz has spent most of this season on the taxi squad, but made his first start and second appearance with the Ducks after playing three games with their AHL team, the San Diego Gulls. He learned he would start Sunday morning, after Gibson was ruled out with an upper body injury.

“The way the season is set up, at least with our group, he’s probably had the most challenging time,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins. “He’s handled it very well. He comes out to practice every day and Gibson and (Ryan) Miller have got the nets. He gets his extra shots before and after practice.

“He hasn’t whined, hasn’t complained, and has worked his tail off.”

Like his teammates, Stolarz settled into the game after an uncertain start, when the Blues swarmed his net and took a 2-0 lead on goals from Ryan O’Reilly and Vladimir Tarasenko in the opening period. O’Reilly scored after a turnover. Tarasenko scored on a power play.

Unlike some games earlier this season, including four losses to the Blues at Honda Center, the Ducks didn’t crack under the pressure. In fact, they counterattacked with goals from Cam Fowler at 8;24 of the second period and Adam Henrique at 2:13 of the third to send the game to OT.

Ryan Getzlaf assisted on Fowler’s goal and moved within eight points of Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne’s franchise record of 988 for his career. Max Jones assisted on both goals, including the pass that freed Henrique for the tying goal off the rush. Stolarz blanked the Blues the rest of the way.

St. Louis never gained possession of the puck in OT as the Ducks won the opening faceoff and played keepaway. Manson jumped onto the ice unexpectedly and whipped a pass back to Stolarz, received the puck in return and then skated past a leg-weary Brayden Schenn.

Manson beat Jordan Binnington with a backhanded shot over the goalie’s glove and under the crossbar. J-S Giguere is the only other Ducks goalie to record an assist on an OT goal, setting up Andy McDonald for the winner March 31, 2007, also a 3-2 win over St. Louis.

“It wasn’t expecting a shift in the overtime, to be honest,” Manson said. “When (Eakins) called my name, I was excited and I was thinking about what I was going to do and I was, like, ‘If anything happens, I’m just going to throw it back to (Stolarz).

“Sure enough, I felt like I was under a bit of pressure and I didn’t want to turn it over, so I ripped it back to him. I think (the Blues) thought they 1207116 Anaheim Ducks Continuity has been a hallmark of the Samuelis’ ownership. In their 16 years, the Ducks have had only two general managers. They’ve never fired one. And there have been only four head coaches, with one occupying the position twice. Most of those years have ended with some Ducks management survey results: Fans overwhelmingly desire major level of success. Not now. Fans want change to happen among the two changes most important decision-makers. If you look at the results this way, 94.7 percent want a new GM or coach for next season. There were 454 of you

who pining for both moves. One wonders if the 65.5 percent represents a By Eric Stephens Mar 28, 2021 much greater group that did not take part in this survey.

Where has Murray most gone wrong with compiling this roster?

Following a recent practice in St. Louis, Dallas Eakins made a passionate Trades (or lack of them): 49.9 percent plea to all those who have witnessed the Ducks stumble and bumble Re-signing his own players: 24.6 percent through a season that was supposed to be defined by significant strides forward. Free-agent signings: 23.5 percent

“When you’re in a team in transition, a team rebuilding, it’s not for the Drafting: 2.0 percent faint of heart,” Eakins said. “Everyone, to a man, wants this to go fast. I want it to go fast. (GM Bob Murray) wants it to go fast. Our fan base This could be reflective of two things: the fact that Murray hasn’t been wants it to go fast. The reality is that it takes a high level of patience and very active when it comes to bigger, franchise-molding deals and the fact it’s hard to do.” that most of those he has made in recent years haven’t paid off in Anaheim’s favor. Acquiring Adam Henrique for Sami Vatanen has given If you have noticed recently, the “R” word – rebuild, not remake or the Ducks some level of return. But the trade is one reshape or rework – that once was met with scorn is now being slipped in some can’t get past. Some might never, as long as Theodore shines on here and there. It has come from Eakins and even from Murray, who the Vegas blue line. Kevin Shattenkirk’s struggles in his first season famously said it wasn’t in his vocabulary when the Ducks were winning. aren’t making a good impression when it comes to free-agent But they haven’t won for three years and this season has brought a cold, acquisitions. A sizable portion took aim at the extensions given out, and face-smacking reality. presumably, the meaty ones handed to Henrique, Jakob Silfverberg and even Cam Fowler top that grumble list. There does appear to be It is a reality that quite a few fans arrived at long ago. While a 4-1 road satisfaction and hope about recent first-rounders Trevor Zegras and win over the Blues on Friday night soothed some who have had their Jamie Drysdale, along with the rest of the Ducks’ young group. share of negative emotions about the team, the big picture of the franchise remains a sore subject that isn’t going to simply fade away. What has Eakins gotten wrong behind the bench?

Plainly put, there is unhappiness in Ducks Nation. There is unhappiness Here is a sampling of how you feel (answers lightly edited for clarity): within the season-ticket-holding, franchise-sponsored Orange Alliance. And it is painfully clear where the unhappiness about a last-place club is “His lineup construction/lineup choices have caused the team to ice a being directed. suboptimal lineup on most nights.”

Part of the reason why we did this fan survey was to get a sense of just “Relying on grinder/fourth-line types in important situations.” how much discontent is out there in a season in which supporters can’t “He doesn’t have any buy-in from his players. This Ducks team isn’t express it at Honda Center. Ownership would obviously love to have fans passionate, fiery, or willing to do any of the things that the team that in the building so credit cards could continue to be swiped but the GMBM inherited from BB would do for the coaches they played for, absence of them has kept the GM, the coach and even the players from namely (Randy) Carlyle and (Bruce) Boudreau. He was hired to develop hearing discontent directly. But just because they can’t hear the anger the young talent and in my eyes that has been a massive failure.” doesn’t mean it isn’t out there. “Inspiring the players to put in 100 percent effort, game to game, despite Over 700 people responded before we drew the line and assessed the less talent on the roster (he’s no D.J. Smith).” results. As you will see, there isn’t any doubt about where the fault should lie for a 10-19-6 record, coming off two other poor seasons. “Personnel decisions are awful. Never plays the best lineup. Punishes Thanks to everyone who participated. You can’t say this fan base doesn’t young guys for being offensively creative. The system is poor for this age care. of hockey. To be blunt I just don’t think he’s an NHL-caliber coach.”

Who deserves the most blame for the Ducks’ poor season to date? “He doesn’t play Zegras enough. He also switches up the lines way too much, hurting any potential chemistry. Powerplay is awful. Plays the Bob Murray: 73.5 percent fourth line way too much and also benches the vest for very petty Dallas Eakins: 13.7 percent reasons.”

The players: 6.5 percent “He keeps scratching young guys who’ve put up good underlying numbers — (Troy) Terry and (Dalton) Heinen specifically.” Ownership: 6.3 percent “Deployment has been mystifying at times. Icing Grant-Rowney-Desi Intentionally, we didn’t include an “all of the above” answer because we against the MacKinnon line? And then doing it again the very next game wanted to force people to make a decision rather than fall back on an all- after they got obliterated? Using Grant in those last-ditch offensive encompassing response. Owners Henry and Susan Samueli didn’t come efforts? Give me a break. I don’t think fans could run the team better, but out totally unscathed, as 44 people cast their votes for the couple. But I’d think fans would know better than to make some of the choices he has their hands-off approach and real commitment toward growing the game in regard to line matchups and player utilization.” in Southern California is valued and appreciated by many. A good portion of blame has been placed on Eakins, who hasn’t had a winning record “Doesn’t seem to have a plan. Tries out too many new line combinations with the Ducks since his first month on the job. However, 510 of the 694 without a reason why. To hesitant to give Zegras big responsibilities who voted came to an easy conclusion that Murray deserves the most although we’re not playing for anything.” criticism for the Ducks being in this position. “He overthinks everything. He’s also supposedly a good coach to What decision(s) should Ducks ownership make after the season? develop kids but I’d argue he’s actually stunted their growth. Benching Zegras late in periods and giving his shifts to guys like (Derek) Grant is Part with Bob Murray and Dallas Eakins: 65.5 percent not ideal for a youngster’s development. However, it’s not just Trevor. His treatment of other high-skilled players such as (Daniel) Sprong, (Sonny) Part with Murray only: 24.2 percent Milano, Heinen and Terry makes me question how ‘progressive’ Dallas Retain both Murray and Eakins: 5.3 percent really is. In addition, his obsession with icing ineffective players such as Jacob Larsson is maddening. Sometimes, I can’t tell the difference Part with Eakins only: 4.9 percent between Eakins and Carlyle. We should have listened to Oilers fans when they told us how inept Eakins is. Some guys just aren’t cut out to Losing may get you down but it isn’t making you go full Shark Tank and coach in the big league.” declare, “I’m out.” The Ducks have nine home games left on their schedule. Though the club has hoped to have fans back at Honda Center “Seems like he is just too nice of a guy. He needs to get mean.” before the end of the season, the Ducks have not made public any “He doesn’t appear to have the room, at least with some of the veterans.” concrete plans. But the Kings just expressed optimism about the possibility of having a limited number of spectators return, because the It didn’t take all weekend to sift through 538 written entries. It only felt combination of COVID-19 cases either leveling off or trending downward, that way. (Sometimes.) But this did allow you to get some things off your plus increased vaccination among the general public could make chest. Or shout it to the heavens. (Again?) The issues you have with his conditions right for people to get back into arenas. More than two-thirds direction run the gamut. The lines. Line deployment. Playing certain lines of respondents are ready to see live hockey. Even if it’s losing hockey. too much. Playing certain people too much. (Hi there, Derek Grant and Jacob Larsson!) Trusting veterans too much. Poor tactical adjustments. Will you purchase season tickets for the 2021-22 season? The power play. Listening to Bob Murray. (That was mentioned a couple This might be the part of the survey the Samuelis should pay the most of times.). “Almost everything” and “nearly everything” were also on the attention to. (That is, if this ever gets back to them or they actually read list. I’ll leave it up to you good folk in the comments below to determine any of our Ducks coverage.) As you can see, more than half don’t plan to what is bang-on and what creeps into overkill. But you had a lot to say. shell out for the full season-ticket plan in 2021-22. How much of that What has Eakins gotten right behind the bench? involves fans who already don’t pay for season tickets or those who will not renew? That part isn’t known. It is refreshing to see a sizable Here are some samples of how you feel (answers lightly edited for percentage that would buy season tickets if they had easier access, and clarity): that speaks to an appeal for the Ducks beyond Orange County. But the results also speak to a fan base that shouldn’t be taken for granted as “Your guess is as good as mine.” the franchise tries to climb up out of the well. “Emphasizing speed and puck movement.” It is going to take some time. That part is a given. Whether Murray and “When (Rickard) Rakell was going through his struggles, unlike other Eakins will be part of the climb isn’t a given. Their contracts are due to vets on the team, he didn’t bench him or chastise him. He believed in him expire after next season. and now he’s playing very well.” “Once we get on the other side of this, we’re going to look back on this “I think he’s done about as well as can be asked, given the overall lack of tough, tough time for our organization and I think we’re going to be glad top-caliber talent on the roster. He’s not flashy and also not terrible.” we went through it,” Eakins said. “I know it’s hard on our fans and the people around us to go through it. But I do think it is necessary and one “Even with lack of production, young players seem like they have the day we’re going to look back and actually be grateful that we did go right attitude and drive. Eakins delivers a correct message; execution is a through this to callous our brains.” different story.” The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 “Passing has notably improved from last year. Guys are actually hitting sticks now. The system emphasizes shorter exit passes and that has been largely successful, when the team’s overall lack of speed doesn’t cause them to get caught before they can.”

“Tanking, assuming that’s what he is trying to do”

“He brings a great amount of accountability to the organization. I’ve always been impressed with his interviews, as he comes across as someone who genuinely cares about his players both on and off the ice. I think he’s done decently in his role, given the poor hand he’s been dealt with the current roster in place.”

“We aren’t as bad as Buffalo so there’s that.”

There were at least 100 of you who had some version of “nothing,” “not much” and “not very much” in your answers. Hey, it’s not like I gave him a terrific grade for the first half of the season. And that isn’t counting the “N/A” responses or those who said they are waiting for him to get something right. But a few consistent themes did seem to materialize, among them holding players – most notably veterans – accountable for poor play, how he has handled the deployment and progression of youngsters like Max Comtois and Isac Lundestrom, how he is using Zegras and Drysdale and how his system isn’t as restrictive as the dump- and-chase that former coach Randy Carlyle designed the Ducks around. And there were multiple mentions praising his hair quality and his commitment to wearing a mask outside of the games.

How soon do you think the Ducks will be a winning team?

Three years: 50.1 percent

Two years: 34.8 percent

Four or more years: 12.6 percent

Next year: 2.5 percent

Pessimism is in full bloom. Or is it just reality? Only 17 of you were believers in a phoenix-like rise for the 2021-22 season. Meanwhile, 87 expect to soldier into a Buffalo-style run in which playoff hockey in April and May (when things get completely back to normal, of course) won’t be planned or even expected. The majority were in the middle, and that may be where realism and truth join hands on this rebuilding road. By then, the hope is that Zegras and Drysdale will be leading the charge.

Would you attend a Ducks home game if allowed? 1207117 Arizona Coyotes

Phil Kessel’s hat trick lifts Arizona Coyotes past San Jose Sharks

BY ASSOCIATED PRESS

MARCH 27, 2021 AT 10:12 PM

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Phil Kessel scored three goals for his seventh career hat trick and Adin Hill made 33 saves to lead the Arizona Coyotes to their third straight victory, 4-0 over the San Jose Sharks on Saturday night.

Clayton Keller had a goal and two assists for the Coyotes, who tied St. Louis for fourth place in the West Division with 37 points.

Kessel took over the team lead with 14 goals, including five in his last three games. Keller’s assist put him one point ahead of Conor Garland with 37.

Hill only had to make 20 saves in Friday’s 5-2 win, but he was tested by the Sharks in the first period, stopping 17 shots. The Coyotes only had 14 in the first two periods.

Keller opened the scoring with an unassisted goal 5:49 into the game, beating Devan Dubnyk to the stick side.

Kessel scored on a power play in the second period, scored on a rebound in front of the net with 5:57 left. and added an empty-net goal with 2:32 remaining to seal the win — and the hat trick.

Gabriel was called for a 5-minute major for interference, plus a game misconduct, with 12:58 to play after taking down Arizona’s Johan Larsson behind the play.

The Coyotes trimmed the shots advantage during the major, but couldn’t get one past Dubnyk despite seven shots on goal. It was extended for nearly two minutes when Radim Simek was called for delay of game at 11:56.

DURABILITY

Patrick Marleau played in his 1,756th career game Saturday night, tying Mark Messier for second place in NHL history. Marleau, in his 23rd NHL season, is 11 games behind Gordie Howe for the top spot.

Marleau has played in 887 consecutive games, a streak that dates to 2009. Kessel, who reached 1,100 career games on Friday, has played in 878 straight games through Saturday. Both veterans scored goals in Friday night’s game.

FINED

The NHL fined Arizona center Nick Schmaltz $500 for a hit in Friday’s game.

Schmaltz was penalized for boarding against Radim Simek in the third period in that game. Simek left the ice and did not play again Friday but returned to action Saturday night.

STREAKS

Kessel’s goal, his team-leading 12th of the season, extended his point streak to five games.

SORRY, COACH

Keller’s goal was his 65th as a member of the Coyotes, passing coach Rick Tocchet for 13th in team history.

UP NEXT

San Jose: Return home Monday night against Minnesota.

Arizona: On the road for the next nine games, beginning Wednesday night at Colorado.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207118 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes’ Nick Schmaltz fined for boarding

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

MARCH 27, 2021 AT 11:16 AM

Arizona Coyotes forward Nick Schmaltz has been fined $5,000 for boarding Radim Simek of the San Jose Sharks, the NHL’s department of player safety announced on Saturday.

Midway through Friday’s matchup against the Sharks, Schmaltz pushed Simek into the boards as the two were fighting for a loose puck.

Shortly after Schmaltz was issued a boarding for the hit on Simek.

On the year, the Coyotes forward has appeared in 34 games and capped off 19 points on the season thus far.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207119 Boston Bruins As Cassidy noted, his club didn’t lack for effort. It rarely does. From David Pastrnak (six shots, 11 attempts) to Karson Kuhlman (four

shots in 8:09), they were firing. They outshot the Devils, 17-5, in the third The hex continues for the Bruins, shut out again by also-ran New Jersey period, and 40-29 in total.

But Blackwood (3-0-1 against Boston this year) is looking like the new Braden Holtby. He has stopped 127 of 132 (.962) Black and Gold shots By Matt Porter,Updated March 28, 2021, 8:21 p.m. in the four meetings.

Tough to swallow if you’re the Bruins, but they do have a beef with officiating. In addition to the too-close review at the end, the refs missed The Bruins laid another two points at the feet of the Devils and their a clear trip on Krejci at the end of the second, with the Bruins on the impersonator in net on Sunday, falling a 1-0 victim to big power play. They needed a review to call a double-minor high-stick Mackenzie Blackwood and the capricious bounces of the black rubber against Charlie McAvoy. disc. “You can outscore some of those calls,” Cassidy said. “We’re not in that The 2,191 permitted entry into TD Garden rained boos after the final position, clearly.” buzzer, either believing the Black and Gold were denied a fair shake, or just letting off steam after a frenzied final sequence. After what the Bruins thought was the game tying goal in the final seconds of Sunday's contest was waved off, David Pastrnak (left) and The Bruins (17-9-5) were unable to break Blackwood (40 saves) for 58 Patrice Bergeron (right) howl at an official. minutes and change, but with Jaroslav Halak off for an extra attacker, a bloody-nosed Patrice Bergeron poked a loose puck out of Blackwood’s After what the Bruins thought was the game tying goal in the final crease and into the net with 1:10 left. For a few moments, the scoreboard seconds of Sunday's contest was waved off, David Pastrnak (left) and read 1-1. Patrice Bergeron (right) howl at an official.JIM DAVIS/

The Devils challenged for goalie interference, arguing that David Krejci GLOBE STAFF Bergeron, his nose busted and bloodied from an jabbed the puck loose after Blackwood covered it, and made contact with inadvertent Trent Frederic elbow that briefly sent him to the room for the netminder after that. They won the challenge. repairs, was already looking forward to the next game. He was determined to not let a few bad breaks sidetrack the mission. “There is, I’m sure, 20 angles to base it on and make a decision,” said Bergeron, saying he couldn’t determine if the goaltender interference call “It’s good,” he said. “It’s adversity. There’s a lot of teams that have been was correct. “You have to trust them that they make the right decision through [COVID] protocol, and had to pause their season, and lost some and move on.” key players. We’re no different. Ultimately we have to battle. We have to find a way.” With Halak (28 saves) off again in the final frenzied seconds, Nick Ritchie got the last whack at a puck out of midair. It dribbled toward the line with Boston Globe LOADED: 03.29.2021 8.3 seconds left, and appeared to go over. After a Devils icing with 1.1 seconds left, referees Jon McIsaac and Furman South took another look.

They ruled that Blackwood’s right skate kicked out the tumbling puck before it entirely crossed the line, and they may have been right. Bergeron believed they were.

Coach Bruce Cassidy didn’t feel the goalie interference call was “egregious,” but ultimately accepted it.

“I don’t know,” he said, noting his club’s hard luck on overturned goal calls in recent years. “What am I supposed to say on that?”

Blackwood blanked the Bruins for the second meeting in a row. Backup Scott Wedgewood left a 1-0 winner here on March 7, submitting an identical 40-save outing. The Bruins are 1-3-1 against the sixth-place team in the East.

The Devils (13-16-4), who had lost two in a row to the Capitals and meet the Bruins again on Tuesday, are headed toward the April 12 trade deadline squarely in the “sellers” category. The only reason they are not in the East basement is because the Sabres have moved in all their furniture.

And yet, New Jersey may wind up remembering the 2021 Bruins as the team that made them feel hope for the future.

The Bruins were missing Brad Marchand again, running out Trent Frederic and Anders Bjork in his place on the top line. The power play fired blanks again (0 for 4), and is 0 for 9 the last two games without their half-wall wizard. They could use Tuukka Rask, though Halak submitted a solid night against a subpar club — as usual, there were a few iffy moments. They would love to have the stoutness of Brandon Carlo and Kevan Miller on the back end, even though a young lineup of penalty killers, missing those two and Marchand, went 4 for 4.

The offense could use someone like Kyle Palmieri, who scored the game’s only goal with 3:23 left in the first by parking his wheels in a soft area in the high slot. Defenseman Ty Smith’s shot clanked off Charlie Coyle and the legs of Palmieri before beating Halak.

Palmieri, rumored to be of interest to Bruins general manager Don Sweeney the last few seasons, might be a wise add if just for damage control. The lucky bounce boosted his line to 4-1—5 in five games against the B’s. Palmieri is 3-8—11 in 27 games against the rest of the division. His shooting percentage against Boston: 25 percent. Everyone else: 3.8 percent. 1207120 Boston Bruins

NHL reveals make-up dates for four Bruins’ games that were rescheduled because of COVID-related issues

By Staff and wire reportsUpdated March 28, 2021, 7:19 p.m.

The NHL announced 19 reschedulings Sunday to its remaining regular season schedule, four of which involve the Bruins.

The two games Boston lost earlier this month at Buffalo and hosting the Islanders will be played on April 20 and May 10, respectively. That will require moves of two of their remaining four games with Washington.

Instead of Washington visiting Boston for the second time in three days on April 20, they’ll come on April 11, the day after the Bruins play in Philadelphia. Boston was to play in Washington that day, but will instead finish the regular season in the nation’s capital on May 11.

All four games are 7 p.m. faceoffs. The NHL regular season was scheduled to conclude on May 9, but now has five games scheduled on the 10th and two more on the 11th.

Boston Globe LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207121 Boston Bruins Kuhlman, playing in place of Chris Wagner (7:04 on Saturday) was likely hoping to kick-start the fourth line. Studnicka, like his mates, couldn’t get off the bench (7:08) on Saturday. Wagner, who was scratched for the fifth time in his last eight games on Sunday, seems to have a short leash. Trent Frederic’s smarts earning him top-line looks for recovering Bruins Fortunately for Boston in that win over the Sabres, the top three lines were going. And, well, Buffalo didn’t play the kind of game where a No. 4 unit was needed. By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated March 28, 2021, 6:45 p.m. Training wheels are off

Cassidy doesn’t want to limit Jakub Zboril, the young defenseman being The Bruins are trying to develop Trent Frederic’s offensive game. They trained as a left-side play-driver. He has made his share of gaffes in the want to convince him he can impact the game by throwing shots at the last few games, but entered Sunday with a vote of confidence from his net, rather than fists at someone else’s mug. coach. Is the 23-year-old a future top-line forward? That seems unlikely. But with “Just be assertive with puck play. I find there’s more offense there. He Brad Marchand remaining on the COVID list on Sunday, along with fellow sees the ice well. He’s got a good shot, but he’s not getting it through to left-shot forwards Jake DeBrusk and Sean Kuraly, someone had to take the net at all,” Cassidy said. “Probably has some opportunities to get up the plum assignment of riding with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. the ice.” Enter Frederic, for the second game in a row. Defensively, Zboril should know he won’t be stapled to the bench if he Frederic (three hits, one missed shot in 14:59) didn’t last. He was coughs up the puck, or gets lost. Keeping his shifts short, on a back-to- replaced by Anders Bjork after the first period, and had a hard-luck back, was a teaching point coming into Sunday. He was paired with moment in the second. During a board battle, his elbow caught Bergeron Steve Kampfer rather than Connor Clifton, Cassidy trying a veteran with in the face, sending the Boston to the dressing room for repairs. Zboril instead of someone else from the kiddie corps. Bergeron’s nose, cut and swelled to the size of a small tomato, “took a “As long as he’s showing second effort on plays, and to kill plays, we’re beating,” he said, “but I’m good.” going to allow him to play through mistakes just like every other player Absent an X-ray, he believed it might be broken again. It was busted would here. I think he’s done that for the most part.” before on a devastating 2007 hit by Philadelphia’s Randy Jones, and The Bruins need minutes, to say nothing of production, from the second again in the 2012 playoffs. and third pairs. Charlie McAvoy, who worked 26:32 against the Sabres, Meanwhile, Bjork provided a spark. In 3:55 on the top line, the unit was up to 18th in the league (and fourth in the East Division) in average outshot the Devils, 6-2, according to Natural Stat Trick. time on ice (24:04).

Frederic (4-1—5 in 11:32 per night) would come off the top line if Asked how he keeps McAvoy’s ice time in check, Cassidy said, “we Marchand is ready to go in Tuesday’s rematch with Boston. don’t.” It depends on the game.

He has nearly as many fights (three) as points, but he wasn’t dead “It’s it a physical game, or is there a little more room out there? I think weight up there in the eyes of Bruce Cassidy. After all, teams don’t with Buffalo, not as physical a team so it’s not as taxing, the minutes on usually spend first-round picks (29th overall in 2016) on players lacking him,” Cassidy said. “How much is PK? That’s always hard ... Pittsburgh offensive upside. when we were up there (March 15 and 16, when McAvoy played 25 and 30 minutes), it was a back-to-back, that was just a game we felt we “Get the puck to those two guys when that play is there,” Cassidy said needed to push. Let’s stop the bleeding. We had lost a couple. Those before puck drop. “When it’s not, make sure you’re getting to the net. situations will develop. Hopefully not a lot. When it’s your turn to shoot, shoot. Be a net presence for them. That’s it. “That’s how we look at it. How’s he feeling? Some days players just have “Freddy’s a smart player. He’s played with good players before. He was it. They have great energy. He’s young, so why not use it — depending with [Charlie] Coyle and Smitty [Craig Smith] and did some real good on the schedule, of course.” work with them. We went away from that for different reasons. He’s been around good NHL players and he can complement them. That’s the Quartet rescheduled message. Do what you do best. Learn from them. If they talk to you and The NHL announced 19 reschedulings to its remaining regular season ask you to do something, pay attention.” schedule, four of which involve the Bruins. The two games Boston lost He was coming off a decent outing against the Sabres. Frederic played earlier this month, at Buffalo and hosting the Islanders, will be played on with the Bergeron-Pastrnak duo for 10:52 at 5 on 5 on Saturday, the April 20 and May 10, respectively. That will require moves of two of their group carrying an 8-5 shots advantage over the moribund Sabres. Some remaining four games with Washington. of the pressure was off the youngster, since the second line of Nick Instead of Washington visiting Boston for the second time in three days Ritchie, David Krejci, and Smith was buzzing — two goals, a 13-1 shots on April 20, they’ll come on April 11, the day after the Bruins play in advantage. Philadelphia. Boston was to play in Washington that day, but will instead They couldn’t bring that into the back-to-back. finish the regular season in the nation’s capital on May 11.

Giving it the ‘ol college try All four games are 7 p.m. faceoffs. The NHL regular season was scheduled to conclude on May 9, but now has five games scheduled on His Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs had to push through an NCAA the 10th and two more on the 11th. Tournament-record five overtimes Saturday night to advance to the Frozen Four. A little hand soreness wasn’t going to stop Karson Boston Globe LOADED: 03.29.2021 Kuhlman.

The ex-UMD captain, who sat out Saturday after taking a slapper off the top of his left hand Thursday against the Islanders, was in the lineup Sunday against the Devils.

He slotted on a fourth line with fellow Providence call-ups Anton Blidh and Jack Studnicka, landing four shots. The hand seemed fine.

Blidh was playing his first game here since Feb. 5, when he appeared twice on the road against the Flyers. Cassidy tried him as a left-stick penalty killer, with the aforementioned three (Marchand, Kuraly, and to a lesser extent DeBrusk) out, and Greg McKegg submitting a no-show on Saturday in 4:04 on ice. 1207122 Boston Bruins With Brad Marchand missing his second game on the COVID protocol list, the B’s had not gotten much out of it’s top line. To start the second, Cassidy dropped Trent Frederic down to the Charlie Coyle line and moved up Anders Bjork to play with Bergeron and David Pastrnak. Bruins drop another 1-0 game to the Devils It did not produce any better results and, when he went back to Frederic on that line, it got even worse. In a puck battle along the boards, Frederic accidentally elbowed Bergeron in the head. Bergeron skated slowly off By STEVE CONROY | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 8:34 p.m. | the ice the and went down the tunnel. He missed the rest of the second UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 9:16 p.m. but returned for the third period, his nose considerably larger.

“I’m good. My nose took a beating, but I’m good,” said Bergeron, There is no team like the New Jersey Devils to highlight the Bruins’ managing a smile. ongoing scoring scoring woes. Meanwhile, Halak kept the B’s within reach, making several strong saves For the second time in as many meetings, the Devils walked into the on the Devils’ two power plays. Garden and needed to score only one goal to nab two points from the The B’s got to start the third period on the power-play when P.K. Subban offensively-challenged Bruins in another 1-0 game. tripped up Jack Studnicka with 17.9 seconds left in the second. They But the B’s thought they had scored not one but two goals with goalie could have easily had a 5-on-3 when Pavel Zacha tripped Krejci but it Jaroslav Halak pulled in the final crazy 70 seconds. was not called, perhaps the officials believing Krejci helped it along.

The Bruins appeared to have tied the game with 1:10 remaining when That call didn’t go the B’s way, and it would be a continuing theme Patrice Bergeron pulled a loose puck out of the pack in the crease and throughout the night. lifted it over goalie Mackenzie Blackwood. The Devils challenged the play Boston Herald LOADED: 03.29.2021 for goalie interference and it was overturned as it was ruled David Krejci interfered with Blackwood by pushing the puck out from under the goalie’s glove to keep it alive.

Then the B’s thought they had tied it again at with 8.3 seconds left, but Blackwood kicked out a loose puck before it could go all the way over the line. A video review upheld that call.

“I think the goalie interference could have gone either way,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “He signaled a goal, he was right in front of it, the official, so I thought typically it’s supposed to be something egregious. … I think if you saw an on-ice angle then David’s stick gets in there before he covers the puck. But I don’t know. What am I supposed to say on that? They make the call. It didn’t go our way. We haven’t had a lot of luck with those calls anyway. … We really, really have to work to score goals and, when we do, they come back”

Blackwood hung on for the 40-save shutout.

The Bruins have now gone five games against the Devils without a 5-on- 5 goal and, on Sunday, they went 0-for-4 on the power play as well, making it an 0-for-9 weekend on the man advantage.

The Bruins got a great opportunity to even the game at 4:49 of the third when Janne Kuokkanen high-sticked Charlie McAvoy. The call was initially missed but the officials got it right upon review, tagging Kuokkanen with a double minor.

The B’s did everything but score, keeping he Devils pinned down in the zone for long stretches and just missing the net on a couple of occasions. Then, with 14 seconds left in the advantage, McAvoy took a tripping call on Yegor Sharangovic.

“We can probably have a 15-minute discussion about where we’re at offensively and why but I don’t think this is the time and the place for that,” said Cassidy. “Certainly our power play could have helped us. We had some good looks. Bergie’s shot went right through him and typically it would go in but it went wide, and we had a couple of good looks around the net. The secondary scoring guys didn’t generate much and the top guys didn’t have any luck around the net.”

For the second game in a row, the B’s spotted the their guests a 1-0 lead in the first period. While the Devils outshot them 12-9 in the opening 20 minutes, the B’s did have some good chances when they crashed the net a couple of times but Blackwood held his ground. The B’s also had the only power play of the first and, despite some promising early sequences, it petered out in the second half of the man-up situation.

The Devils got the only goal they needed at 16:37 on a fortunate bounce. With Kyle Palmieri skating toward the net, defenseman Ty Smith fired a shot that went off Palmieri’s leg and past Halak (28 saves) for the 1-0 advantage.

It was the kind of goal Cassidy longed for, a defenseman simply getting his shot through from out high.

“It’s a lucky goal, it really is, and we didn’t get any of those breaks tonight. But the fact that (Smith) got it through the first layer is huge,” said Cassidy. 1207123 Boston Bruins thought Kampfer would better replicate the pairing Zboril had with the injured Kevan Miller, with whom Zboril played his best hockey.

“But the onus is on him. He’s been in the league now for a number of Bruins Notebook: Charlie McAvoy-Matt Grzelcyk pairing an eye-opening months, so he’s got to know how to manage his game as well,” said success Cassidy.

Marchand out again

By STEVE CONROY | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 2:13 p.m. | Brad Marchand remained on the COVID protocol list, missing his second UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. straight game. Jake DeBrusk and Sean Kuraly also remained in the list.

Cassidy made a couple of moves on the fourth line, inserting Karson Kuhlman and Anton Blidh to play with center Jack Studnicka and Whether you apply the old-fashioned eye test or run some basic, hard scratching Greg McKegg and Chris Wagner. McKegg, whose line with numbers, the defensive pairing of Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk has Studnicka and Wagner was on the ice for the only 5-on-5 goal against in been excellent. the B’s 3-2 over the Sabres, played only 4:04 in Saturday.

Here are just a few numbers for the Terrier 2.0 tandem, according to the Blidh was called up from Providence. Kuhlman’s availability was a website Natural Stat Trick: in 141:15 of 5-on-5 ice time with the McAvoy- surprise after he took a shot of his hand/wrist area on Thursday, but an Grzelcyk tandem, the B’s are outshooting opponents 96-35 and MRI taken Friday revealed no structural damage and Cassidy said it had outscoring them, 7-1, going into Sunday’s game against the Devils. It’s improved enough from Saturday to Sunday for him to play. tough to argue with that success. Save the date The proficiency of the pairing has coach Bruce Cassidy rethinking a bit the original plan for his defense corps once it gets close to healthy again. The NHL announced the rescheduling of four B’s games. The Jeremy Lauzon, who returned to action Saturday after missing five weeks Washington game originally scheduled for April 20 will now be played on with a broken hand, was originally McAvoy’s regular partner and the April 11. The game in Buffalo scheduled for March 20 will be played on pairing was jelling pretty well. Cassidy said once Lauzon gets up to April 20. The Islanders game in Boston scheduled for March 23 will be speed, he’ll see some time with McAvoy again. But it will be on a case- played May 10. The game in Washington scheduled for April 11 will now by-case basis. be played on May 11. All four games will start at 7 p.m.

“(McAvoy and Grzelcyk) have done well together. I think it will be Boston Herald LOADED: 03.29.2021 matchup dependent,” Cassidy said Sunday morning. “Some of the bigger lineups, Lauzy and Charlie will be a better pair. Right now, we’re OK with the way it’s worked out. Different teams, like Jersey, has bigger bodies so a different pair will see them. Pittsburgh I think is a team that would be good for Charlie and Grizz. But then when you get to, say, a Washington, then Grizz and Charlie against an (Alexander) Ovechkin and (Tom) Wilson, is that the best or are you better with Lauzon? So like I said, we’re going to let it play out depending on the opponent and depending on how those individuals are playing. Right now, we want to get Lauzy reps and games. There’s a lot on the schedule coming up so that shouldn’t be an issue, getting him back up to speed. We’ll probably toggle it as we see fit.”

In his return to the lineup on Saturday, Lauzon saw 18:32 of ice time with one shot on net and three blocked shots. Cassidy expects it will take time for Lauzon to get up to speed.

“He cramped up at the end, so obviously not used to the game situations. I don’t know if it was that warm, nobody else had issues so it might have been just his first game back and he didn’t hydrate enough,” said Cassidy. “I thought he was fine, played hard, played his game. It’s going to take him a while. He’s a bigger body and the way he plays the game maybe less natural for lack of a better word than some other guys who come right back into a lineup. We’re going to allow him the necessary time to get his timing back with the puck and the feel for the game. We do like his hardness, his difficulty to play against, his PK work, those things. I thought he was fine, helped us get two points and he’ll continue to get better.”

Cassidy looking for more from Zboril

Cassidy conceded that Jakub Zboril‘s game has slipped a bit and needs to pick it up.

“Just be assertive with puck play. I find there’s more offense there. He sees the ice well, he’s got a good shot but he’s not getting it through to the net at all, he’s not finding lanes for himself in the O-zone,” said Cassidy. “He probably has some opportunities to get up the ice. He did once (Saturday) and made a nice play. … A little more of that when it’s his turn to go. We’re not putting limits on him there. Push the pace a little bit. That’s where Jakub’s game’s got to grow. The competitive part, defending, and I’ve said this before, as long as he’s showing second effort on plays … then we’re going to allow him to play through mistakes just like every other player would here. And I think he’s done that for the most part. Where we’ve had some (issues) with Jakub, too, is some of these back-to-backs. Is the energy going to be there? So manage your shift length and mentally challenge yourself to be the best pair.”

Cassidy planned to tweak his second and third pairings, moving Zboril to a pair with Steven Kampfer and Lauzon with Connor Clifton. Cassidy 1207124 Boston Bruins

Talking Points: Boston Bruins Shut Down Again By the Devils

Published 5 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Joe Haggerty

Here are Talking Points from the Boston Bruins 1-0 loss to the New Jersey Devils at TD Garden, the second straight game where the Devils have shut them out.

GOLD STAR: Once again Mackenzie Blackwood had all the answers for the New Jersey Devils when it comes to the Boston Bruins. The Devils netminder stopped all 40 shots that he faced with a couple of assists from the NHL Situation Room in the closing minutes of the third period, when a goaltender inference overturned one B’s goal and a video review kept another close call off the scoreboard. Truthfully, though, Blackwood didn’t need any help as he was outstanding for New Jersey against a Bruins team that generated traffic around the net and threw 17 shots at the Devils goalie in the final period. He stood up to each and every one of the shots and made the key stop when he put a glove on top of a rebounded loose puck in the crease before David Krejci could pry it loose for the Patrice Bergeron goal that was overturned. That was the play of the game and it earned two points for the Devils.

BLACK EYE: The Bruins power play continues to fail to deliver when the B’s really need it this season. It’s a departure for a Boston Bruins group that has struggled in 5-on-5 play for years, but always had the top-ranked power play to bail them out. This season it’s been much more inconsistent and isn’t a top-5 unit anymore and the power play was kept off the board in four tries on Sunday afternoon. The biggest failure was when the Bruins got a four minute PP in the third period after Charlie McAvoy caught a high stick. They managed to get three shots on net during the extended power play possession, but they didn’t score and couldn’t tie up the game. Certainly missing Brad Marchand missing this weekend has hurt the man advantage, but this goes way beyond missing No. 63. This is about Torey Krug leaving in free agency and the Bruins not being the same anymore on the man advantage.

TURNING POINT: Obviously, it was the final 90 seconds when the Bruins appeared to score a pair of goals with Jaroslav Halak pulled that ended up necessitating video reviews from the NHL Situation Room. The first was a goaltender interference challenge on Patrice Bergeron’s game-tying goal that ended up getting the score wiped off the board, and the second was a Nick Ritchie near-goal that ultimately didn’t cross over the goal line. So instead of the Boston Bruins tying the game or even winning based on the two near-scores, the Bruins ended up losing a 1-0 shutout that was “close but no cigar” when it comes to offense. It was the ultimate bummer ending for the Black and Gold.

HONORABLE MENTION: The Bruins got another up-close view of a player that could help them as Kyle Palmieri scored the game’s only goal to beat the Bruins. Palmieri has four goals in five games against the Bruins this season, and this was done the old-fashioned way with a Ty Smith point shot bouncing off Palmieri’s knee before shooting past Jaroslav Halak. Palmieri finished with three shots on net and a goal along with a plus-1 rating in 13:58 of ice time this season. The seven goals and 16 points this season for Palmieri wouldn’t exactly be game-changing for the Bruins, but he’s done most of his damage during even-strength play. And that’s something the Bruins could use along with his willingness to go to the front of the net and manufacture offense.

BY THE NUMBERS: 3 – the number of shutout losses for the Bruins this season, including a pair of 1-0 losses to the Devils where the New Jersey goalie put up 40 saves. Last time it was Scott Wedgewood and this time it was Mackenzie Blackwood. The Bruins have been shut out three times in 31 games this season after getting shut out once in 70 games all of last season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: “Offensively, we’re not built to outscore teams.” – Bruce Cassidy, with the understatement of the year after the Bruins are shut out for the third time and can’t score a single goal against the New Jersey Devils.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207125 Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins And NHL Season Will Go Longer Than Planned

Published 6 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Jimmy Murphy

As most who have been paying attention to the recent rash of COVID pauses for NHL teams expected, the NHL will not end on May 8 as originally planned and the Boston Bruins will be one of the teams that will play past the original end date. As of now, the regular season will now end on May 11 when the Bruins play the Washington Capitals on the road.

Due to the recent COVID pauses of the Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, the NHL announced that 19 games from the original schedule that was announced back on December 23, have been rescheduled. The following four Bruins games were part of that rescheduling:

-Game 714, Washington at Boston, scheduled for April 20, is now scheduled for April 11 at 7 p.m. ET

-Game 483, Boston at Buffalo, scheduled for March 20, is now scheduled for April 20 at 7 p.m. ET

-Game 529: NY Islanders at Boston, scheduled for March 23, is now scheduled for May 10 at 7 p.m. ET

-Game 653, Boston at Washington, scheduled for April 11, is now scheduled for May 11 at 7 p.m. ET

Five Boston Bruins were put into NHL COVID protocol on March 19 and their games against the Buffalo Sabres in Buffalo the following day and against the New York Islanders at TD Garden March 23 were postponed. The March 20 game at Buffalo will now be on April 20 and the March 23 game against the Islanders is now on May 10. Two games against the Capitals have also been rescheduled with one nine days earlier than originally scheduled and one a month later.

Boston Bruins forwards Jake DeBrusk and Sean Kuraly were part of the COVID five from March 19 and remain on the NHL COVID Protocol list and as of Sunday night. Bruins alternate captain Brad Marchand joined them on Saturday and was stuck there on Sunday as well.

The Boston Bruins next game is this Tuesday against the Devils at TD Garden when they will try to snap what is now a four-game losing streak against New Jersey following another 1-0 loss Sunday.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207126 Boston Bruins

Game 31 Live Blog: Boston Bruins Vs. New Jersey Devils

Published 6 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Joe Haggerty

Here are five thoughts from the first period of Bruins/Devils with the Boston Bruins trailing New Jersey by a 1-0 score after the opening 20 minutes at TD Garden.

Not a bad period for the Bruins. They were getting traffic to the net and getting pucks on Mackenzie Blackwood to keep pressure on New Jersey after playing that same way in the third period against Buffalo on Saturday afternoon. David Krejci got a good shot on net through traffic to force Blackwood into making a good stop, and Anders Bjork fed Charlie Coyle for a redirect in front that bounced off Blackwood’s shoulder. No goals for their efforts, but they played pretty well all things considered.

Kyle Palmieri scores again against the Bruins. He’s another Bruins killer. That’s four goals in five games this season for Palmieri against the Black and Gold. This time it was a Ty Smith point shot that ricocheted off his knee on the way to the net, but it’s all a result of the veteran forward paying the price and getting into shooting lanes. Boy, he would look pretty good in a Bruins uniform.

I don’t know what’s going on with David Pastrnak, but he’s looked lethargic with the puck on the PP during the games this weekend. He’s fumbling around passes for one-timers, he’s slow to make plays with the puck and he just isn’t playing with his usual aggressiveness looking for his offense. No shot attempts for Pastrnak in 7:32 of ice time in the first period.

Charlie McAvoy is really at his full confidence level right now. Just one shot attempt in seven plus minutes of ice time, but he’s moving the puck with speed, precision and slickness and pacing the rest of the Bruins back end. He had one play where he carried it through traffic from behind his net up the middle, and that’s the kind of play a player only makes when he’s really doing the bull dance and feeling the flow.

No Brad Marchand again while he’s on the COVID list. Tough break for the Boston Bruins but they are surviving at this point.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207127 Boston Bruins -The Devils recently signed Providence College standout Tyce Thompson to an entry-level contract.

-Devils forward Nathan Bastien is week-to-week with a knee injury and Game 31: Boston Bruins vs New Jersey Devils, Lines, Preview Nico Hischier is day-to-day with a head injury.

-The Devils’ powerplay is ranked 27th in the NHL with a 14.1 percent success rate. The Devils are 13-for-92 on the man advantage. Published 12 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Jimmy Murphy -The Devils’ penalty kill has a 72.0 percent success rate and is ranked 29th in the NHL. They’ve killed off 57 of 93 powerplay attempts against them. The Boston Bruins (17-8-5, 39 pts, .650 points percentage) welcome a team that has been a thorn in their side this season as the New Jersey Boston Bruins Lines Devils (12-16-4, 24 pts, .438 points percentage) visit TD Garden for their third of four games in Boston this season. Forwards:

After going 1-0-1 in their season-opening two-game set in New Jersey, Trent Frederic- Patrice Bergeron- David Pastrnak the Boston Bruins have been unable to solve the Devils and more Nick Ritchie- David Krejci- Craig Smith specifically Mackenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood. Anders Bjork- Charlie Coyle- Zach Senyshyn “Good team speed, they’ve been opportunistic against us,” Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy said of the Devils when asked why the Bruins lost Anton Blidh- Jack Studnicka- Karson Kuhlman 3-2 (on Feb. 18) and 1-0 (on March 7) to the Devils. “And they’ve got good goaltending…I think we have three or four goals whatever it is, so Defense: obviously they’ve done a good job defending us. That starts with the Matt Grzelcyk – Charlie McAvoy goalie.” Jeremy Lauzon – Connor Clifton If the Bruins allow Wedgewood or Blackwood to creep into their minds tonight, they’ll likely lose their third straight against the Devils and they Jakub Zboril – Steven Kampfer know they need to stay focused on themselves. Goalies: “At the end of the day, I think it’s more about us,” Cassidy went on. “We’ve got to play our game – this is three in four [nights]. We’ve got to Jaro Halak find the energy. Having people in the building I think helps on a day like Dan Vladar today where you might be down a little bit on the energy because of the schedule. Hopefully, the crowd will give us a bit of a boost. I know it’s not New Jersey Devils Lines a full 18,000 but we sure heard them yesterday, so that will help, too, this time around whereas last time we didn’t have that.” Forwards:

Cassidy confirmed that Jaro Halak (7-4-3, 2.25 GAA, .915 save Janne Kuokkanen-Travis Zajac-Yegor Sharangovich percentage), will get the start tonight as Tuukka Rask remains sidelined Jesper Bratt-Pavel Zacha-Kyle Palmieri with an upper-body injury. Jesper Boqvist-Jack Hughes-Andreas Johnsson Blackwood (8-9-4, 2.94, .904 save percentage) gets the nod for the Devils tonight. Mikhail Maltsev-Michael McLeod-Miles Wood

Bruins Notes Defense:

-As mentioned above, Rask is out. As for the rest of the Bruins’ MASH Ty Smith-Damon Severson Unit, forward Karson Kuhlman had an MRI Friday after blocking a shot in Dmitry Kulikov-PK Subban the loss to the Islanders on Thursday. The results showed no structural damage in Kuhlman’s hand, and he’s feeling good enough to get back Ryan Murray-Sami Vatanen into the lineup on Sunday afternoon. Anton Blidh will also draw in for the Bruins after being called up from Providence, and Chris Wagner and Goalies: Greg McKegg will be healthy scratches against the Devils. Mackenzie Blackwood Defensemen Brandon Carlo (concussion), and Kevan Miller (knee) Scoot Wedgewood continue to skate and are getting closer, as is forward Ondrej Kase (concussion) but he’s not as close. Defenseman John Moore Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 (undisclosed) is done for the season after undergoing hip surgery.

Forwards Brad Marchand Sean Kuraly and Jake DeBrusk remain on the NHL COVID List, but per Cassidy, there is a chance Marchand be cleared just prior to game time. Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy hadn’t heard anything about Marchand’s status on Sunday morning when speaking with the media, so part of Blidh drawing into the lineup was replacing the PK ability lost if Marchand misses a second straight game.

–The Bruins’ powerplay went 0-for-5 Saturday. They are now 22-for-93 on the man advantage this season. They’re 11th in the NHL with a 23.7 percent success rate.

-The PK killed off the only two of the three Sabres’ powerplays Saturday and remains the best in the NHL with an 88.8 percent success rate. They’ve killed off 87 of 98 powerplay attempts against them this season.

Devils Notes

-Ever since the month leading into the 2020 NHL Trade Deadline, Devils winger Kyle Palmieri has been a constant in NHL Trade rumors, and with the recent news that Palmieri and the Devils are far apart on a new deal for the impending UFA, expect the rumors to intensify. You can also expect the Boston Bruins to be linked to Palmieri until he’s dealt or re- signed. 1207128 Boston Bruins ravaged by injuries and COVID Protocol since they met in Lake Tahoe back on Feb. 21, but both teams came into this season as favorites in the East.

OTR: Hall Cost ‘Comical’. ‘Wild Wild West’ NHL Trade Deadline? There have been too many nights where the leadership core of each team has not led their respective teams through the rough waters that other contenders have been able to navigate. It won’t surprise anyone if there’s major roster turnover in the offseason in Boston and Philadelphia. Published 17 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Jimmy Murphy But what about behind the Bruins and Flyers benches and in management?

The NHL Trade Deadline is two weeks from Monday. The Canadian Off The Record: quarantine, which caused frets and worries, was reduced from 14 to “That’s not as crazy a question as you might think,” a trusted NHL source seven days last week, so the hope is the floodgates will open, and we will told OTR Saturday. “Let’s see what happens here at the deadline and see some action on the trade front. what happens down the stretch here, but one of those teams is likely There’s already plenty of NHL Trade chatter. Just like the 2020 NHL missing the playoffs, and they’ve got some serious questions to ask and Trade Deadline, Buffalo Sabres winger Taylor Hall is smack dab in the answer about what direction their teams are headed in.” middle of that chatter, but some “Off the Record” sources had some stern Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 words for the Sabres asking rice.

Will we go back to the ‘Wild Wild West’ in the West Division?

Are big changes on the horizon in Philadelphia and Boston?

That and more in the latest ‘Off The Record.’

1. Hall Asking Price ‘Comical.’

When NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun tweeted just before 5 PM ET on Friday that the opening asking price for Buffalo Sabres winger Taylor Hall is believed to be a 2021 first-round pick, it provided some much-needed comedy for some NHL management and scouts from contending teams across the NHL. The UFA-to-be is certainly coveted by plenty of teams on the NHL Trade market. Still, skepticism regarding his attitude and character is once again casting a shadow over Hall’s value to Stanley Cup contenders. An acquiring team would only have to pay a prorated $2.8 million salary-cap hit for the 29-year-old former No. 1 draft pick, which is definitely attractive. Still, there is certainly a Proceed With Caution sign on a winger about to be on his fourth team in two seasons and the fifth in an underwhelming career.

Off The Record:

“That was comical, honestly,” said one NHL management source. “I mean, is Kevyn for real? Does he not think we do our due diligence? The sad thing is, I could still see some sucker paying that price. Maybe a GM that’s feeling the heat to win or else. So, I guess maybe that’s what he’s thinking? But there’s a reason he’s bouncing around, and teams he’s on never win.”

2. Arms Race In West About To Commence

We’ve got Reverse Retro jerseys in the NHL this season, but could we see a retro NHL Trade market for the next two weeks leading into the NHL Trade Deadline? In the late nineties and early 2000s before the 2003-04 NHL Trade Deadline, the Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, and Dallas Stars used to create a ‘Wild Wild West’ NHL Trade frenzy – and free-agent frenzy for that matter – as they’d battle it out for supremacy in an uncapped Western Conference and NHL. The Wings aren’t in the West Division this season and have since moved over to the current Eastern Conference, the Stars are in the Central Division this season, and the Sharks are obviously out of contention. However, based on recent NHL Trade chatter, one NHL scout believes the Avs, Blues, and Vegas Golden Knights could bring that retro feel to the NHL trade market in the next two weeks.

Off The Record:

“The Blues are barely hanging on, and that’s not where they expected to be right now,” the aforementioned scout said. “They still believe they can win the Cup, so Doug [Armstrong] is working the phones right now. Then you got the Avs and Knights. That’s the real arms race right there. I know neither of them has much cap space, but they know this could be their year, and I don’t see either of them sitting back.”

3. Big Changes In Philly And Boston Coming?

Two East Division teams that entered the season as teams with (Mass) mutual Stanley Cup aspirations could be facing big changes over the next two weeks heading into the NHL Trade Deadline and in the immediate aftermath of their seasons if they don’t make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Yes, the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers have been 1207129 Buffalo Sabres Meanwhile, the Flyers ended February with back-to-back 3-0 shutout wins in KeyBank Center, but their defense and goaltending have absolutely cratered this month. Philly is 5-9-1 in March and has given up an NHL-high 66 goals in those 15 games (4.4 per game). That's even Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark almost snared a win in first game back worse than the Sabres' average of 4.29.

The Flyers have given up five or more goals six times this month, topped by a pair of gruesome losses to the New York Rangers (9-0 and 8-3). Mike Harrington Mar 28, 2021 Updated 5 hrs ago Goalie is 3-3-1 in the month, but with a 3.60 goals-against

average and an .845 save percentage, while has completely It's not a stretch to say that there is no way the Buffalo Sabres are on a fallen apart at 2-6-0 with NHL-worst figures of 5.04/.815 for the month. 17-game winless streak if goaltender Linus Ullmark had not suffered the You would assume Elliott will start Monday's game after posting lower-body injury that knocked him from the lineup Feb. 25. Saturday's 2-1 win over the Rangers, and owing to his dominance of Ullmark returned Saturday in Boston to make 33 saves in the Sabres' Buffalo. gut-wrenching 3-2 loss to the Bruins, and is almost certain to be in the Elliott is 16-2-2, 1.67/.943 in his career against the Sabres, and his net Monday when Buffalo opens a four-game homestand against the numbers against them this season are downright absurd – 3-0 with two Philadelphia Flyers at KeyBank Center. , 87 saves on 90 shots, an 0.92 GAA and .967 save percentage. "As you would imagine, the salutations to No. 70 for the owner did not go Bruins makeup is April 20 over very well with the fan base," writes Mike Harrington. The NHL announced a bevy of makeup games and schedule changes There's a case to be made that the bottom of the Sabres' season fell out Sunday night, mostly to accommodate recent Covid-19 shutdowns in when Ullmark got hurt, and not when Jack Eichel left the lineup. The Boston and Montreal. They will stretch the regular season to May 11, Sabres were 6-8-2 when Ullmark got hurt in the first period of the first three days past its original end. game in this streak. They haven't won since. The only change involving the Sabres has the March 20 postponement On a team that's now an NHL-worst 6-23-4, Ullmark is 5-5-2 with 2.49 here against the Bruins being set for Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. That will goals-against average and .918 save percentage. create a three-game series vs. Boston over four nights, as the teams also The Sabres have simply gotten not nearly enough goaltending from meet here April 22 and 23. anyone else, nor have they provided Carter Hutton any goal support It will also create a brutal seven-game stretch for the Sabres over an 11- during some of his better starts. Hutton, Dustin Tokarski and Jonas day stretch from April 13-23. Buffalo opens it with road games at Boston Johnasson have combined to go 1-18-2, 3.66/.886. and Washington, then hosts matinees against Pittsburgh on April 17-18 In fact, the Sabres and Colorado are the only teams with just one win before the three straight home games against the Bruins. from backup goalies, and the Avs haven't needed any with Phillip Roster moves Grubauer second in the league with 20 wins. The Sabres were off Sunday and will skate Monday morning. They Among goalies who have played at least 10 games, Ullmark is 13th in the reassigned goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and forward Brett Murray to NHL in 5-on-5 save percentage at .927. The Sabres have supreme trust Rochester off the taxi squad. Prior to Saturday's game, forward C.J. in Ullmark. He quickly repaid them Saturday. Smith and goaltender Michael Houser were loaned to the taxi squad. "There were so many hurdles. There were so many things that just didn't Buffalo News LOADED: 03.29.2021 line up the way we had in mind," said Staal, who was traded to the Canadiens on Friday for two draft picks.

"He made a ton of good saves. He was very calm back there. He played great," winger Kyle Okposo said after Sunday's game, which was lost on Craig Smith's goal with 3:50 to play. "He's the type of goalie that can give you a chance to win every night. It was good to see him back."

Ullmark was steady the entire game, moving well in the crease and swallowing pucks with his glove to prevent rebounds.

"Awkward in the beginning, but saw the puck well in the beginning, too," Ullmark said. "Guys were helping to push their guys away ... which makes it a lot easier. And then it was just after a couple shots, you're in it and it's like you've never left."

Ullmark said he didn't feel helpless watching the streak during his injury time. He wasn't coming back until he was 100% cleared to play.

"You know that there's nothing that I can do to control it. I kind of got my mind off it as much as possible," he said. "But now when you're in it, you just want to get in there and help the boys out. Sadly, I couldn't keep the puck out of the net. I thought we had a great game. We just had some unlucky bounces."

Ugly numbers update

The Sabres are 0-13-1 in March and their only point came March 9 in a 5-4 shootout loss in Philadelphia. They've lost the last nine in regulation, and dropping the next two against the Flyers in 60 minutes would tie the Detroit Red Wings of March, 1977 for the most in any month in NHL history at 0-15-1.

Buffalo has an NHL-worst 2-11-2 record at home and is winless in the last 10 downtown (0-9-1). Incredibly, the Sabres have been outscored 39-10 in those games and have endured five shutouts.

Memo to the Islanders: Would a Taylor Hall model interest you?

Goals against haunt Flyers 1207130 Buffalo Sabres

Eric Staal eager to put time with Sabres behind him after trade

Mike Harrington Mar 28, 2021 Updated 5 hrs ago

When he met the Montreal media Sunday and was first asked of his terrible time with the Buffalo Sabres, Eric Staal initially said, "The good part for me right now is I don't really need to explain. I can kind of put that behind me."

But pressed on the issue later in the 30-minute call, Staal gave a window about life into pandemic-era hockey on the NHL's worst team.

"There were so many hurdles. There were so many things that just didn't line up the way we had in mind," said Staal, who was traded to the Canadiens on Friday for two draft picks. "The reality is we started OK. We had an up and down kind of first two weeks or so. We were kind of finding our game, filling our roles and then we got hit with Covid. It went through our room like wildfire and it wasn't great. Two weeks of guys battling that and a couple guys battling it pretty hard. It was difficult. When we we came back after that we never found any footing."

And that includes Staal, who had only three goals with the Sabres and none in his final 23 games.

"Obviously it has been a very difficult season for the Sabres and for me personally there," he said. "I think there's a lot of contributing factors ... I know Kevyn is going to do the best he can to recharge that organization, recharge that program. He'll do a good job but there's a ways to go. For me, having this chance to be a Montreal Canadien and join this team with a lot of great players, a lot of talent is exciting for me."

Staal had challenges off the ice as well. In the final year of his contract, Staal opted to come to Buffalo for the season without his wife and three sons as they stayed home in Minnesota.

"I had a few moments on the phone with my family back home. Some tough times for sure," he said. "I have three boys 11, 9 and 6, and they all play hockey. They all are busy with a lot of different things and they love having dad around.

"So when I’m not around and going through some of the things I went through the last couple months it was for sure difficult. It’s part of playing this game and part of life in it right now."

Staal said he's looking forward to playing meaningful games for the next few weeks in Montreal with former Team Canada Olympic teammates Corey Perry, Shea Weber and Carey Price as the Habs battle to stay in a playoff spot in the North Division

"There’s no place better to play. It’s always been my favorite place to play on the road and now I get to suit up for the home team," Staal said. "It’s a pretty phenomenal feeling and I’m just looking forward to it."

Buffalo News LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207131 3 THINGS WE DON’T KNOW 1. Who might be moved?

Forward Derek Ryan and goaltender David Rittich are potential This week in Flames — 3 Things We Know, 3 Things We Don't unrestricted free agents at the end of the season who might be valuable for a team looking to make a deep playoff run. Forward Sam Bennett is a potential restricted free agent, and his playoff resume might make him Daniel Austin interesting for teams, too.

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 7 hours ago • If Flames general manager Brad Treliving accepts that his team isn’t going to the post-season dance, it only makes sense to try to cash in if

the right deal is available. The Calgary Flames looked pretty good against the Winnipeg Jets on Will Treliving be taking calls about any of the Flames’ most prominent Saturday night, all things considered. stars? That’s a bigger question, and there’s been no indication one way The 4-2 win only changes so much, though. They’re still on the outside or the other. Given that the Flames are likely hoping to contend next looking in at the playoff picture and it’s going to take a special sort of run season, they’ll be looking for productive NHL players in return. That if they’re going to somehow get back in contention. might make summer moves more likely than anything at the trade deadline. With the April 12 NHL trade deadline a little over two weeks away, some of the focus is starting to shift toward what the organization’s strategy 2. Can Tkachuk get going? might be. So far, there hasn’t been any indication that a fire sale is about Matthew Tkachuk only has one point in his last five games, and while he to take place – or anything else, for that matter. does lots of things on the ice that make him useful for the Flames even The next two weeks may offer a fascinating indication of the direction when he isn’t scoring, they could use some more offensive productivity management wants to go with this group. from him.

Calgary Flames head coach Darryl Sutter looks on as his team leaves His ice time is down under Sutter, although the head coach has the rink after a 7-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers at the Saddledome on acknowledged he wants to play Tkachuk more, so that may change Wednesday, March 17, 2021. quickly.

Here are three things we know and three things we don’t about the One way or another, Tkachuk is central to so much of what makes the Flames right now: Flames tick when they’re at their best. Nobody should be losing too much sleep over his recent lack of points, but for the Flames to go on any sort 3 THINGS WE KNOW of run, they’re going to need Tkachuk to get back to his best.

1. It’s a longshot 3. Is Ritchie the guy?

The Flames’ win over the Jets on Saturday was impressive and the Sutter seems to have settled on playing Brett Ritchie at right wing players are certainly not giving up hope that they can go on a run and alongside Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. push for a playoff spot. It’s not necessarily what anyone was expecting before the start of the We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that they’ve got a serious uphill season, but things haven’t gone according to plan. battle ahead of them. The most likely ending to all of this is that the Flames miss the playoffs, plain and simple. They’re two points back of Playing Ritchie with Gaudreau and Monahan makes sense on several the Montreal Canadiens, who are in the fourth and final playoff position in levels. The Flames are going full dump-and-chase these days, and the North Division, but have five games in hand on Calgary. Ritchie is a big body who is effective at fighting for pucks along the boards. The Flames do have five games left against the Canadiens in the regular season, but even someone wearing the most rose-tinted of glasses has Is Ritchie the long-term solution? We don’t know. We also don’t know if to acknowledge that Calgary is probably not heading to the post-season. Gaudreau and Monahan are going to be in Calgary for the long-term, so it may be a moot point. 2. Sutter isn’t going to sugarcoat anything Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.29.2021 When he was asked on Saturday morning about Johnny Gaudreau playing in his 500th NHL game, Flames head coach Darryl Sutter responded by saying: “Hopefully he has more energy than his 499th game.”

When he was asked about benching Juuso Valimaki and Dillon Dube for Saturday night’s game, Sutter said: “They have to be better players for us. OK is not OK in this racket.”

Clearly, Sutter is going to be blunt in his player assessments. If they’re not living up to his standards, he’s going to let them know.

That’s different from the way a lot of coaches deal with players these days, and it’s going to be fascinating to see how this young group responds.

3. They won’t be deadline buyers

Given the uphill battle to make the playoffs, it’s safe to assume the Flames aren’t going to be dealing away prospects and draft picks before the deadline.

Moving important future assets just to increase the possibility of a miracle run to the playoffs doesn’t make sense, so we can comfortably take the Flames out of the list of teams that are going to be putting in offers for any big names on the trade market.

Calgary Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk plays with a puck during warm-up before facing the Winnipeg Jets at the Saddledome in Calgary on Saturday, March 27, 2021. 1207132 Calgary Flames Even with two points from Saturday’s triumph, most are projecting the Flames (16-17-3) will need to win 15 of their final 20 to earn a playoff invite in the NHL’s North Division. That’s a big ask.

SNAPSHOTS: Can Johnny Hockey and the Jolly Rancher co-exist at After several early exits, to be counted out so soon would be going from Saddledome? bad-to-worse. And if that’s the case, they couldn’t possibly return the same core cast for another kick, could they?

Gaudreau’s future with the Flames was going to be a hot topic again this Wes Gilbertson summer … with or without this blunt blast from his coach.

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 16 hours ago On one hand, he scores goals — he is currently tops on the team with 13 tallies this season — and sells merchandise.

On the other, he has underwhelmed in the playoffs and will become an Johnny Gaudreau was marking a significant milestone. unrestricted free agent after the 2021–22 campaign. While Gaudreau has His new boss, Darryl Sutter, was in no mood to celebrate. gone out of his way to express his love for the city and organization, there’s always been a fear that he’d prefer to sign closer to his family in The Calgary Flames’ wee winger skated Saturday in his 500th career the Eastern U.S. Many are adamant the Flames need to recoup some game — not bad for a fourth-round pick who was supposed to be too value now rather than risk losing him for nothing. (Sutter isn’t back for a small for the — but when Sutter was asked rebuild, so the package can’t be all picks and prospects.) about the achievement in the lead-up to a 4-2 home victory over the Winnipeg Jets, the cranky coach not only passed on offering a It doesn’t necessarily add up for a scoring-starved squad to ship out their compliment but instead ripped Gaudreau for his performance the most productive player, but if the higher-ups at the Saddledome are previous evening. ready for a major shakeup, a farewell to a face-of-the-franchise would certainly signal it. “Hopefully he has more energy than his 499th game,” Sutter deadpanned. Whether you view Gaudreau — with an annual salary-cap hit of US$6.75 million — as an important building block or better dangled as trade-bait, Oof. Saturday’s surprise shot won’t stop anybody from wondering if Johnny and Jolly are in for a rocky relationship, if one has gotta go now that the Gaudreau responded hours later by earning an early assist — he was other has returned. Even if you believe this type of accountability is originally credited with a pair of helpers before the statisticians changed overdue, it wouldn’t have hurt to say a few nice things about his career their minds on the first — and contributing a key defensive stop in the accomplishment during a pre-game presser, would it? late stages as the Flames snapped a four-game losing skid. For what it’s worth, Gaudreau was in the starting lineup against the Jets. “He was much better tonight,” Sutter assessed afterward. “I think his What’s more noteworthy is that he made a mark on the score-sheet. pace was better. Quite honestly, it was the best game he has played since I joined the team.” He factored on Josh Leivo’s early garbage goal, although his secondary setup eventually disappeared from his stat-line. He did, however, tee up Based on the way Johnny was buzzing during this rematch with the Jets, Mark Giordano’s man-advantage marker on his very next shift, which maybe that surly synopsis — not the sort of answer you expect to a would stand as his first assist since the night that Geoff Ward was fired. softball question about a games-played plateau — turned out to be a Of his 471 career points, impressive output in 500 big-league loggings, masterpiece of motivation. only three have come in 10 outings under the new boss. The 27-year-old certainly seemed like he was determined to prove a The Jets erased a two-goal deficit during Saturday’s middle frame, but point. the Flames rallied to end their string of back-to-back-to-back-to-back “Yeah, I heard it. Didn’t think much of it,” Gaudreau said when asked bummers. post-game about the sharp critique from his coach. “I’ve been playing Shortly after Andrew Mangiapane buried the go-ahead goal in the hockey for 24 or 25 years now, and I know when I haven’t played well opening minute of the third, Gaudreau hustled back to thwart Nate and I know when I have played well. Personally, it’s been going up and Thompson’s feed to Mathieu Perreault for a would-be one-timer. down throughout this season — obviously, not finding the net sometimes and stuff like that. Sutter ought to like that.

“But for me personally, I try to work as hard as I can each night for those “All coaches are different, whether you tell me personally or the way I 23 guys in that locker-room. I’ve played for a long time with a lot of those heard it tonight,” Gaudreau said in a post-game presser that focused guys in that locker-room. I’m sure a lot of them are really happy for me mostly on the one-liner that had been the talk of the Twitterverse. “I take after tonight. It was a special night, and it was a great night to win. a lot out of my game. I look at it and try to play as hard as I can each night. Obviously, I’m an offensive guy, and sometimes the numbers “Playing my 500th game, that’s awesome. And to do it with probably six, aren’t there and that looks bad on me, but I try to be smart defensively. I seven, eight guys in that locker-room that I’ve been with since I’ve been try to do the right things, and I feel like I’ve been getting better at that here, that’s pretty special too.” throughout my years here in Calgary. Saturday’s morning soundbyte had many questioning how much longer “When I’m not producing offensively, I feel like I can give a little more. But Gaudreau would be here. While Sutter has delivered plenty of messages tonight, it was a big win for us. I think that’s all we can really take out of through the media in the past, this sort of shade isn’t going to quiet it.” speculation that No. 13 could soon be a goner. OFF THE GLASS This has always seemed like an awkward combo — a hard-nosed, hard- ass skipper who has had success with a defence-first, dump-and-chase Calgary’s backup goalie David Rittich registered 22 saves for the victory, style and is known to be especially tough on his top guns, and a while winger Sam Bennett notched an insurance marker to end his 14- superstar forward who has oodles of offensive ability but lacks the size, game dry-spell … Sutter scratched the two youngest regulars on the strength, sandpaper and Selke-like qualities that the Jolly Rancher is so Flames’ roster for Saturday’s clash with the Jets, with speedy winger famously fond of. Dillon Dube and rookie rearguard Juuso Valimaki taking a seat. Both are 22. Asked post-game about the young’ns, Sutter replied: “They have to Johnny Hockey is, quite frankly, the furthest thing from a Sutter-type be better players for us. OK is not OK in this racket.” … Valimaki was player. replaced on the blue-line by Michael Stone, who was suiting up for his So can they co-exist? first NHL contest since Feb. 25, 2020, while Brett Ritchie returned for Calgary’s forward crew … The Flames and the Jets conclude this three- Barring an incredible run over the next six weeks, a reunion with the fiery game set Monday (8 p.m., Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). farmer won’t be the only major change at the Saddledome in 2021. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207133 Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks fall to 5th in the Central Division with a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators

By PHIL THOMPSON

MAR 28, 2021 AT 9:54 PM

Alex DeBrincat brought the Chicago Blackhawks from a two-goal deficit with third-period tallies two minutes apart, but Roman Josi quelled the rally with his third goal of the season during Nashville’s 3-2 win Sunday night.

The Predators’ second straight win against the Hawks propelled them to fourth in the Central Division while dropping the Hawks to fifth. Although the teams are tied with points each, the Hawks are 0-2-2 against the Predators, giving Nashville the tiebreaking edge.

“It’s frustrating,” DeBrincat said. “Obviously we lost too many games in this stretch to be OK with. We’ve got to find our way back to what we’re successful with. We have that in us.”

Early on, the Hawks had trouble shaking the same malaise from Saturday night, a 3-1 loss to the Predators.

“Not the start we wanted,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “Disappointed in the response, beginning in the first period, just understanding how big the game was.

“They were getting inside us and thought they created chances. It was too easy for them to create chances, and on the flip side of it they did a good job of keeping us to the outside and getting in between us and the net. Hard pressure all over the ice.”

Blackhawks goalie Malcolm Subban gave up two goals in the first period.

He was a victim of bad judgment and bad luck on Viktor Arvidsson’s goal 4:43 into the game. Subban went behind net to try to rim a pass to Patrick Kane, but Arvidsson blocked it and as Subban scrambled back in goal, Arvidsson’s shot from below the goal kicked off Hawks defenseman Calvin de Haan’s skate and banked off Subban’s side and into the net.

“They got two bounces,” Subban said. “Obviously the first one I probably could’ve made a better play behind the net, maybe prevent that. It’s tough, but at the end of the day we battled back, tied the game and had chance to win the game.”

On Calle Jarnkrok’s goal, Mattias Ekholm took a blast from the left circle and as de Haan defended Jarnkrok in front of the net, de Haan’s leg pushed Jarnkrok’s leg forward and the puck deflected in off Jarnkrok’s skate.

DeBrincat had his fourth two-goal game of the season and first since March 5 against Tampa Bay.

On his first goal Sunday, he took a deflected pass from Patrick Kane and fired through a tight window to goaltender Pekka Rinne’s stick side. On DeBrincat’s second goal, he raced off the left wall, then went forehand- backhand as he crossed in front of Rinne.

DeBrincat has a team-leading 18 goals on the season.

“Those are games that we’re going to have to win down the stretch to make it to the playoffs,” he said.

The Hawks managed just one shot on goal through three power plays and allowed a shorthanded shot attempt.

Rinne had 27 saves while Subban had 28.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207134 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks’ ineptitude against Predators continues in loss Sunday

By Ben Pope Mar 28, 2021, 9:40pm CDT

Forward Dylan Strome missed the Blackhawks’ game Sunday against the Predators because of the birth of his first child, daughter Weslie.

Outside of a two-minute takeover by best friend Alex DeBrincat, he didn’t miss much.

In a near-replay of the game Saturday, the Hawks were flummoxed by the Predators’ active forecheck and unable to find openings in the offensive zone for most of the night. DeBrincat’s two goals in the third period briefly gave them life, but the result was a 3-2 loss.

The Hawks are winless in four games against the Predators this season, scoring only six goals in those games, and now trail them in the race for the last playoff spot in the Central Division on the basis of regulation victories.

‘‘I’m disappointed in the response, beginning in the first period, [of] just understanding how big the game was,’’ coach Jeremy Colliton said. ‘‘It was too easy for [the Predators] to create chances. On the flip side, they did a good job of keeping us to the outside.’’

The Predators produced 26 scoring chances and held the Hawks to 12 — tied for their fewest in a game since March 2017. The Hawks also had only one shot on goal on three power plays.

With the Hawks trailing 2-0, DeBrincat beat goalie Pekka Rinne with a one-timer with 12:25 left, then blew past defenseman Dante Fabbro and around Rinne to tie the score with 10:35 to play.

But a sequence of blown coverages in the defensive zone gave Roman Josi an easy look on the tiebreaking goal with 6:33 left.

‘‘Those are games that we’re going to have to win down the stretch to make it the playoffs,’’ DeBrincat said. ‘‘We did a good job coming back, but we’ve got to stick with it and be able to hold that tie to the end.’’

Beaudin back with Hawks

Rookie defenseman Nicolas Beaudin drew back into the Hawks’ lineup for consecutive games Saturday and Sunday for the first time since Feb. 17 and 19.

Beaudin, who was a regular earlier this season, said he was able to continue his development seamlessly with Rockford of the , where he had nine points in six games while handling a massive 25-minute-per-game role.

“It was good for me to go there and play some games just to keep my momentum going,” Beaudin said. “For me, [the priority is to] play as many games as I can. If it’s in Chicago, it’s in Chicago. If it’s in Rockford, it’s in Rockford.”

Beaudin’s analytical mind helps him to identify where he needs to improve and focus on those areas.

“I’m working on my gap, trying to angle guys, not going backward,” he said. “[And] I’m trying to work on retrieving pucks, escaping left-right, making some plays down low for breakouts.”

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207135 Chicago Blackhawks DeBrincat admitted — regarding his chicken and pasta — that “when you’re on the road for so long, you get sick of it a little bit.” But that doesn’t stop him from going back to it every game day.

Despite COVID restrictions, Blackhawks still enjoy food selection at this Hagel has no remorse about his obsession. season’s team meals “I’m a ‘chicken parm’ kind of guy,” he said. “That’s where I need to get my strength from for games. That’s my favorite every day of the week.”

By Ben Pope Mar 28, 2021, 7:30am CDT So while COVID-19 might have made acquiring food slightly less exciting and more routine for the Hawks, they’re still clearly eating well.

After all, if Hagel still can charge into a four-man battle and come out with Aside from arenas packed with fans, what NHL players might miss most the puck during a pandemic, there’s no way it can stop him from getting during this COVID-19 season are team dinners on the road. his beloved chicken parm, either.

The 29-city NHL circuit across the U.S. and Canada takes the Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.29.2021 Blackhawks — and all their opponents — within close range of many of the continent’s most delicious restaurants every year. Those off- and practice-day dinners out with teammates provide rare, much-appreciated breaks from the physical, mental and even social grinds of weeklong trips.

This year, because of league policy changes designed to limit the virus’ spread, those restaurant visits haven’t been possible.

“On an off-day, usually you have a lot more freedom — lunch is provided, but maybe [for] dinner you go to a restaurant with a group of guys,” forward Ryan Carpenter said. “Now all the meals are provided for us, all the time.”

Those restaurant dinners have been replaced with an endless schedule of buffets, and not the typical kind of buffets, either. Players aren’t allowed to serve themselves, and sometimes each available item comes pre-packaged.

“We’re not allowed to dole it out ourselves; we have to get someone to do it for us,” defenseman Ian Mitchell said. “It’s a little bit different than in most years, of course.”

But while the NHL’s COVID-19 policy changes have affected where and how the Hawks get their food, the amount they eat — and the high quality of that food — remains unchanged.

Hockey players are notoriously ravenous. Simply to replenish their caloric output, Hawks players regularly consume food quantities that would add many pounds to the average person.

There is no McDonald’s on the menu, but there is some of everything else.

“We have meals pretty much all day, pretty much everything you can think of,” defenseman Connor Murphy said recently. “They coordinate with our trainers and nutritionists to make sure we’ve got the right stuff cooked a certain way.”

The Hawks have a reputation as one of the best teams, food-wise, in the league, Murphy said. That’s not only because of Chicago’s world-class array of restaurants, but because the food the organization cooks in- house or caters is especially tasty and abundant.

“That’s a perk that guys have here more so than other teams: the amount of food and everything being available to us all day long and on the road, [allowing us] to keep eating and getting recovered,” Murphy said.

“We have a full salad bar and pretty much any kind of food you can think of. A lot of guys go with the chicken and pastas and other cooked vegetables, so nothing too crazy there. But the food has been unreal.”

He’s not kidding about the fact most players, in spite of the unlimited options, seek the same regular order every time — at least for their pregame meals.

Consider how frequently chicken appears among these Hawks’ go-to choices:

• Carpenter: Salad, chicken with rice.

• Mitchell: Salad, sweet potatoes, chicken with rice.

• Mattias Janmark: Salad, breaded chicken with pasta.

• Alex DeBrincat: Salad, chicken with pasta.

• Brandon Hagel: Chicken Parmesan. 1207136 Chicago Blackhawks Dylan Strome became a father Sunday and did not play against Nashville. Matthew Highmore drew back into the lineup for just the second time in 13 days.

Predators remain pests for Blackhawks in 3-2 loss Slap shot:

Ian Mitchell had an assist for Rockford in a 5-4 loss to the Chicago Wolves on Sunday. Mitchell was assigned to the IceHogs on Saturday. John Dietz Defenseman Wyatt Kalynuk had a goal and an assist as Rockford fell to 6-10-1. Updated3/28/2021 10:54 PM Daily Herald Times LOADED: 03.29.2021

Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, the sky is not falling for the Blackhawks.

Not yet, anyway.

While it's true that coach Jeremy Colliton's team has lost eight of 11 -- including a 3-2 setback to Nashville at the United Center on Sunday that dropped them into fifth place in the Central Division -- it doesn't mean the season is suddenly over and their playoff dreams have been dashed.

After all, just four days ago everyone was giddy over the fact that the Hawks swept Joel Quenneville's Florida Panthers to theoretically get their train back on the track.

Well, another derailment occurred over the weekend, thanks in large part to a pesky bunch of Predators (18-17-1) who have won five straight and jumped over the Hawks (16-15-5) into the final playoff spot in the division.

"All teams go through ebbs and flows through the year," Colliton said. "This is ours, and we got to nip it in the bud. The positive is (because of) how we played earlier we're still in a good position in the standings."

Despite being throughly outplayed much of the night, the Hawks were still in a good position Sunday after Alex DeBrincat scored a pair of third- period goals just 110 seconds apart to make it 2-2.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, a Kirby Dach turnover in the defensive zone led to the game-winning goal by Roman Josi with 6:33 remaining. Viktor Arvidsson and Eeli Tolvanen assisted with some sweet passing that led to Josi walking down the middle and snapping a shot off that beat Malcolm Subban.

"Those are games that we're gonna have to win down the stretch to make it to the playoffs," said DeBrincat, who has 18 goals to equal his total from all of last season. "Obviously we did a good job coming back, but we've got to stick with it and hold that tie to the end or battle and get another one."

The Predators were a pain all night, getting in passing lanes, nipping at the Hawks' heels and yielding few scoring opportunities. They also took a 2-0 lead thanks to some crazy caroms -- the first of which was a double deflection of an Arvidsson pass that hit Calvin de Haan's skate and richocetted off Subban's right leg. The puck trickled into the net at 4:43 of the first period.

Calle Jarnkrok scored 14 minutes later when Mattias Ekholm's turnaround shot bounced off him and past Subban.

DeBrincat and Colliton both agreed the Hawks have gotten away from what made them so successful during the first half of the season.

The fire, the hustle, the decisiveness, the compete level, the physicality -- it's gone MIA for large portions of recent games.

"(Be) willing to play a zero-zero shift and just leave the next line in a better spot," Colliton said.

So stop guessing on no-look passes, assuming a teammate is there. Take an extra second or a different angle on a clearing attempt. Don't hand the puck to the opposition -- as Subban did to Arvidsson on that first goal.

"Do little things that will help your teammates have a chance at success," Colliton said. "It may not be you who makes the play to win the game, but you can set the table for them. And then hopefully they do it for you.

"I just feel like we were missing that edge to our game and just the commitment to do the little things that help you win."

Strome out: 1207137 Chicago Blackhawks

Dach returns to Hawks just in time for stretch run

BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

After missing the first 34 games because of a right wrist injury, Kirby Dach made his much-anticipated season debut on Saturday at the United Center. But the party was spoiled by a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators, who have pulled within two points of the No. 4 spot in the Central Division.

"It felt good," Dach said. "Obviously, there’s still some things that I’d like to get better at, but that doesn’t include what’s going on with my wrist and injury-wise. I felt good out there. It’s good to get back in the swing of things. I think there’s still another level that I can take my game to to help the team win here."

Dach started the game as the third-line center alongside Mattias Janmark and Dylan Strome but played with Patrick Kane in the third period when the Blackhawks were trailing by two. And he didn't look limited in any way.

The 20-year-old center recorded four shot attempts (one on goal), won four of 10 faceoffs and logged 20:08 of ice time, which ranked third among team forwards; only Alex DeBrincat (23:03) and Kane (23:07) had more.

"I thought he did well," head coach Jeremy Colliton said. "Skated well, was aggressive and won some races and made some plays. Obviously you can see he’s going to help us. And he’ll keep getting better the more he plays. So happy for him. He’s worked extremely hard to get back in. It’s big for our team he’s with us now."

Dach, who suffered the wrist injury in Team Canada's lone exhibition game at the 2021 IIHF World Junior Championship and underwent surgery on Dec. 28, was originally put on a four-to-five-month timetable. His season appeared to be in jeopardy at the time, but he never lost confidence that he'd be able to return at some point.

"I never had any doubts in my mind that I was going to play," Dach said. "I knew what was going to happen and the work I had to put in to get back here. I just put my head down and went to work that way. Feels good to be back but at the same time, feeling’s a little bit moot right now because we lost the game."

With Saturday's loss, the Blackhawks have dropped seven of their last 10 games in regulation and are trying to stave off three teams for the final playoff spot. The NHL trade deadline is April 12, but the Blackhawks essentially got a free acquisition in Dach, who returned way ahead of schedule and is back just in time to help his team for the stretch run.

"We’re right in the mix of things and we want to be in that playoff spot," Dach said. "It’s going to be a fight till the end. We've got to find a way to bring it each and every night and that’s that."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207138 Chicago Blackhawks 1. The Predators’ game-winning goal by Roman Josi accentuated one of the Blackhawks’ biggest issues in the game — getting the puck out of the defensive zone cleanly.

Make or break time for Blackhawks as Predators jump them for playoff The Predators can pounce on the puck quickly. Instead of clearing the spot puck and surviving for another shift, the Blackhawks twice tried to too passively pass the puck out of the zone, and the Predators made them pay for it.

By Scott Powers Mar 28, 2021 On the following play, Kirby Dach gives the Predators the puck back with his turnover. The video is stopped for a moment, so you can see his exit

options. After that, Brandon Hagel uncharacteristically gets caught flat- This feels like a crossroads moment for the Blackhawks. footed and watching the puck at the blue line and Josi past him into the slot. That moment is also stopped. With 20 games to go, the Blackhawks can go one of two ways. Either they fade away from here on out or they battle for the final Central playoff “We turned the puck over, and then the D jumped by our forward,” spot. Colliton said.

The Blackhawks lost slight control of their fate by losing to the Nashville 2. The Blackhawks had a similar issue on the Predators’ second goal. On Predators 3-2 Sunday at the United Center. With the Predators sweeping that one, Nicolas Beaudin allowed the Predators to remain in the the two-game series, they overtook the Blackhawks for fourth place in the offensive zone with a turnover. Central. They both have the same number of points and winning The Beaudin turnover was followed by a number of quality looks, percentage, but the Predators own the regulation-wins tiebreaker. including the final one, when Calvin de Haan wasn’t able to get position The Blackhawks made Sunday’s game competitive behind the individual at the net. brilliance of Alex DeBrincat, who erased a 2-0 deficit with consecutive “Probably gotta go through it clip by clip,” Colliton said of the exit issues. goals in the third period, but the Blackhawks didn’t win much of the 60 “Overall we can execute better. We can be cleaner with the puck. We minutes otherwise. The Predators had a 22-10 edge in scoring chances can do a better job being an option. If there is pressure, maybe you’ve and a 59.2 expected goals percentage, according to Natural Stat Trick. just got to hold the guy off, protect the puck, buy yourself a little more The Predators led 10-4 in slot shots on net, according to Sportlogiq. The time to make a play. Winning confrontations at the blue line against their Predators had a better scoring opportunity on the Blackhawks’ power pinch. There’s a lot of little things we could do to get out cleaner.” plays than the Blackhawks. The analytics, the eye test, it all came up in the Predators’ favor Sunday. 3. DeBrincat scored 18 goals in 70 games last season. He matched that total this season in his 32nd game. Considering that, it wasn’t surprising Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton had a long list of areas he’d like to see his team improve in to get back to Here was his first goal Sunday: where they once were. Later in the period, he scored another one: “Skating, work ethic, competitiveness, relentlessness, defending hard,” Colliton said. “Being willing to play a zero-zero shift and just leave the DeBrincat, of course, downplayed the achievement. next line in a better spot. Being harder to play against physically. Being “They’re just kinda going in this year,” DeBrincat said. “A lot of times willing to grind. The best thing you do may be just finishing in the those shots don’t go in, and you lose the puck. Been getting a lot of offensive zone, or maybe you start in D-zone and just don’t get scored chances this year. I’m playing with really good players. It’s been good. on. That can be a positive for the team. Draw a penalty. Do little things They’re giving me a chance to put the puck in the net.” that will help your teammates have a chance at success. It may not be you who makes the play to win the game, but you can set the table for 4. Malcolm Subban got the nod in net with it being the second game of a them. And then hopefully they do it for you. I just feel like we were back-to-back. This felt like a vital game for him to remain the No. 2 missing that edge to our game and just the commitment to do the little goalie. Since his shutout Feb. 27, he had allowed 18 goals on 140 shots things that help you win.” for an .871 save percentage in his last four games. If that trend continued, it would make sense to give Collin Delia a look again. What was most disappointing for Colliton was he didn’t see that edge when the puck dropped Sunday. Coming off Saturday’s loss and the Subban stepped up to the challenge. Aside from misplaying the puck on positive play he got from the third period in that game, he was hoping for the Predators’ first goal, he didn’t do much wrong in the game. He more come Sunday, and the Blackhawks didn’t give it to him. The finished with 28 saves on 31 shots. Predators were flying around making plays and the Blackhawks weren’t. This was probably his best save: There are people, especially those in analytics, who expect the Blackhawks to fall out of the playoff race during the final stretch. The 5. Dylan Strome became the newest father on the Blackhawks. He Blackhawks have defied the analytics much of the season thanks to their missed Sunday’s game because of the birth of his first child, Weslie goaltending and power play. They’re last in the NHL with a 45.34 Margaret Strome, who came in at 7 pounds, 7 ounces, the Blackhawks expected goals percentage in five-on-five play. Will they prove those announced. people right or wrong? Time will tell. The Blackhawks don’t hit the road until Friday, so Strome should have What is known is the Blackhawks’ schedule isn’t getting any easier. They some time to bond with his child. now host the Carolina Hurricanes for two games. The Hurricanes are 7- 6. David Kampf has to feel cursed not to have a goal on the season yet. 1-2 in their last 10 games. That’s followed by another game with the He was denied by Pekka Rinne’s helmet Sunday. Predators, then two games with the Dallas Stars, then two games with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Aside from two more games with the Detroit 7. Blackhawks prospect Lukas Reichel picked up another point for Red Wings, the Blackhawks’ other 18 games will all be against teams Eisbaren Berlin on Sunday in Germany. He has eight goals and 15 ahead of them in the standings or fighting with them for that fourth spot. assists in 28 games. His 0.82 points per game is the fourth-highest average among under-20 players in Germany’s top division ever. “They’re really important for us to learn and learn quick,” DeBrincat said. “We’ve got another game Tuesday, so we need points in that. Every Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently said he’d like to get game from now on is pretty much do or die. We’ve got to figure out what Eichel over next season. It wouldn’t be surprising if he pushed for an our identity is. We’ve got to go back to what we were doing earlier in the NHL spot right out of the gate. I wrote about him at length recently if you season: battling hard, getting cheap goals, going to the net, getting pucks missed it. on net and doing all that. We’ve gotten away from that a little bit, and that’s why we’re struggling right now. We’ll be fine. We have a good 8. Blackhawks defenseman prospect Slava Demin has not had any team. We’ve just got to figure it out real quick and we’ll be back and discussions about signing an entry-level contract, according to a source. ready to play.” Demin is a junior at the University of Denver. His rights were acquired as part of the Robin Lehner trade with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. 9. I need to go back and watch the Rockford IceHogs’ last two games, but I wonder if Evan Barratt might be the next prospect to get an NHL look? He’s had a goal and an assist in each of his last two games. He also has four goals and three assists over his last eight games.

When I watched the IceHogs early in the season, Barratt and Wyatt Kalynuk were the two players I thought would likely make their NHL debuts this season.

We’re recording a new podcast Monday. Email us at [email protected] or call us at 714-759-4529 to be included.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207139 Colorado Avalanche West Division-leading 47 points, one ahead of Colorado with a game in hand.

The teams will conclude their eight-game regular-season set April 26 and Avalanche rookie Bo Byram in concussion protocol as tensions mount April 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. with Golden Knights Denver Post: LOADED: 03.29.2021

By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 8:38 a.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 8:39 a.m.

Tensions between the Avalanche and its top West Division rival have become heated.

Two days after Colorado pounded the Vegas Golden Knights 5-1 at Ball Arena, Saturday’s chippy finale of the two-game set featured an early fight between Avs defenseman Dan Renouf and Knights winger Keegan Kolesar. The Knights ultimately won 3-2 in overtime.

Kolesar on Thursday delivered a questionable but unpenalized hit on Avs rookie defenseman Bo Byram, and the 19-year-old was scratched Saturday with an apparent head injury.

“Renouf gets in a battle and took exception of the hit the other night on Bo and he fights right away,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after Saturday’s game.

Renouf, a journeyman playing in just his 12th game of the season, was replacing Byram. When Renouf isn’t in the lineup, the Avs certainly aren’t as physically imposing as Vegas.

Colorado has traded size and toughness for skill and speed this season — partly because of injuries. The Avs traded shutdown defensemen Nikita Zadorov in the offseason and Ian Cole two games into the season, and defenseman Erik Johnson is on long-term injured reserve, and forward Matt Calvert is on his third injury stint.

“Sometimes we could probably have more pushback but we play to our identity and play to our game and play physical when we need to,” Bednar said.

Renouf and Avs center had multiple heated moments with Vegas forward Ryan Reaves, perhaps the toughest man in the league. At the conclusion of the first period, officials had to separate those players standing between the benches.

As for Byram, the first defenseman selected in the 2019 draft (fourth overall), he could return for Monday’s game against the Anaheim Ducks or he could miss weeks or months.

“I’ve got him day-to-day right now but it could turn week-to-week,” Bednar said. “We’ll just keep evaluating him on a daily basis here. He seemed to be doing pretty good today but just not well enough to get in the lineup.”

Key overtime moments. The Avs had two bad breaks in the 3-on-3 OT.

First, a Vegas defender tripped Nathan MacKinnon in the Avs’ offensive zone. Referees didn’t call the penalty and the Knights had a 3-on-1 rush the other way. Avs goalie Philipp Grubauer made a great glove save to thwart the attack.

A minute later, a shot from Vegas’ Max Pacioretty broke the stick of Avs defensemen Devon Toews. When the puck caromed off the post and in the crease, Toews tried to swat it out of danger but instead, his stick snapped and Pacioretty tapped it in.

“I didn’t like the non-call on MacKinnon,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said of the first play. “Especially when it puts them on a 3-on-1. Like if that puck is squirting back out to our point man and they feel like they didn’t see it clear, fine. But to give them that opportunity to win the hockey game. Grubi makes a huge save on that and keeps us in and we mess up a little later but that could’ve been an opportunity for us to go on the 4-on-3 for sure.”

As for Toews’ bad luck, “It was sitting there and I was trying to play it with my stick,” he said. “Next thing I know my blade is in the corner. I thought I had the leverage on it. I thought I had the play but unfortunately, the stick let me down.”

Bottom line: The Avalanche (21-8-4) “won” the series by going 1-0-1 and is 3-2-1 against Vegas on the season. But the Knights (23-8-1) have a 1207140 Columbus Blue Jackets The play was upheld for a 2-1 lead after it was challenged for goaltender interference by Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella. The NHL didn’t get into specifics about why the goal stood, citing only that “Video review confirmed that no goaltender interference infractions occurred prior to Takeaways from a 'Motown' letdown include a key question: Have the Michael Rasmussen’s goal,” and Tortorella wasn’t in a mood to discuss it Blue Jackets quit? with reporters afterward.

“Just got the (expletive) kicked out of us and you’re talking about a goaltender interference,” he said. “I’m not trying to disrespect you. I don’t Brian Hedger care about that. I challenged it. We didn’t get the challenge.”

Another sleepy start DETROIT – It wasn’t a good look. The Blue Jackets weren’t nearly as bad in the first period as they were The Blue Jackets didn’t just lose back-to-back games over the weekend Saturday, but they weren’t good either. to the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesar’s Arena. They got housed here, Detroit scored first on Evgeny Svechnikov’s goal and forged a 7-3 edge twice, against one of the NHL’s worst teams. in shots during another period the Blue Jackets were nearly invisible in No matter how motivated the Red Wings were after an embarrassing 7-1 the offensive zone. Things didn’t get much better in the second or third, loss Thursday to the Nashville Predators, no matter how close each outside of Jack Roslovic’s tying goal in the second, but the Jackets’ game was on the scoreboard, neither could change the fact Detroit came sluggish start was the biggest culprit in another head-scratching into this weekend matchup with 10 wins in 35 games. performance.

These are not your father’s Red Wings or your grandfather’s for that The Red Wings didn’t play that well themselves, but it didn’t matter. The matter. There are no Nicklas Lidstroms or Pavel Datsyuks to be found on Blue Jackets were outshot 29-17 and 63-39 in the two games combined. Detroit’s roster and the only Steve Yzerman is the one watching from the “We didn’t have enough shots,” Jones said. “I think we had three after the general manager’s box. first and 11 after the second. I don’t know what we finished with, but The Blue Jackets needed to win these games or at least come out with clearly not enough action at the net … it just seemed like an easy night additional points. They did neither, gliding around like zombies on ice for them to play an easy team.” skates most of the time and the sight of it caused many to openly wonder Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 if they’ve just given up.

Star defenseman Seth Jones said they haven't.

“There is absolutely no quit in this team and that’s up to each individual,” he said. “We’re still going to fight every single time we’re on the ice. We need to fight for every single inch, every single goal, every single blocked shot, every hit, because the little things are going to make us a better team. We’re obviously not quitting on this season.”

In this case, with stops in Tampa and South Florida on deck, words had better speak louder than actions. Soon.

"We can’t go into some games hoping to win," Jones added. "We have to be the aggressor in all these games, whether we win or we lose. We’re not going to go out without a fight, I can tell you that.”

Here are more takeaways from another Motown letdown:

Missed opportunities

The Blue Jackets are a combined 3-7-1 against the Red Wings and Nashville Predators. If they miss the playoffs by a handful of points, their failure against those two teams will sting most.

The Red Wings are in dead last of the Central Division and the Predators – prior to a recent surge that lifted them past the Blue Jackets – were labeled a “seller” weeks ago, after a terrible start. The Preds are now on the rise, but the Blue Jackets went 1-5-0 in the first six games of the season series and were swept in a pair of two-game sweeps in the Music City.

Columbus went 1-2-1 in their four games at Little Caesar’s Arena and has three games left against the Red Wings at Nationwide Arena.

Enough talk

The Blue Jackets have talked a lot in team meetings, including one that followed the loss Saturday, but Jones said those confabs don’t mean anything if they don’t lead to better results on the ice.

“There’s only so many meetings we can have and so many things we can talk about, Xs and Os wise, as a team,” he said. “It just comes down to personal, consistent effort from each individual and it comes down to just wanting to win … having pride in your individual game and playing for the guy sitting next to you in the locker room. Hopefully we can go to Florida and play the right way regardless of the results in Tampa and (South Florida).”

The failed challenge

Detroit’s winning goal was scored 2:51 into the third period by Michael Rasmussen, who charged into the crease and poked his stick under Elvis Merzlikins’s pad to pop the puck into the net. 1207141 Columbus Blue Jackets Jackets’ fate – much like Nick Foligno’s goal in the second period Saturday.

The Red Wings, a team that started this two-game set 10 points back of Red Wings blitz Blue jackets with sweep of back-to-back games in the Blue Jackets, merely shook it off and retook the lead in the third on Detroit Rasmussen’s goal.

Rasmussen put Detroit up 2-1 at 2:51 on a charge into the crease that resulted in his stick knocking the puck into the net after Merzlikins Brian Hedger appeared to stop it with his left pad. Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella issued a coach’s challenge for goaltender interference, but the call on the

ice was upheld. DETROIT – Another day brought another baffling performance from the The Red Wings made it stand up the rest of the way. Blue Jackets. “Tie it up going into the third, all we’ve got to do is win one period and get A day after being outplayed by the Detroit Red Wings in a 3-1 loss out of here with a split, which was tough,” Roslovic said. “But it is what it Saturday at Little Caesar’s Arena, the rematch Sunday went about the is, and it just wasn’t (meant for us) I guess.” same. Detroit, one of the NHL’s worst teams, completed a weekend sweep of the Jackets with a 4-1 victory and again was the better team Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 start to finish.

“It just seems like we took one step forward (against) Carolina and two steps back here,” said defenseman Seth Jones, referring to the Blue Jackets’ 2-1-1 record in four straight games against the Carolina Hurricanes the past two weeks. “We need to find a way to play consistent. It seems like we have brain lapses throughout games that (opponents) capitalize on and it’s in the back of our net sometimes. That’s the way it seems to be going right now.”

It was more than mental mistakes the past two games, though.

The Red Wings also outplayed the Blue Jackets in games that were never really in doubt. Columbus struggled to get anything going in either game and now heads off to Florida for the conclusion of the road trip with two games against the Tampa Bay Lightning – the defending Stanley Cup champions – and two more against a Florida Panthers bunch steamrolling toward the playoffs.

“Did we take these guys lightly?” asked center Jack Roslovic, who tied the game 1-1 late in the second period with the Blue Jackets’ lone goal. “I don’t know if that was the case, but it sure as heck seemed like it. Maybe going against Tampa, going against Florida at the end of this road trip … maybe we’ll be able to ramp our game back up.”

Evgeny Svechnikov and Michael Rasmussen scored goals for Detroit in the first and third periods, which were enough for the win. Calvin Pickard earned his second straight win in net, while Filip Hronek and Vladislav Namestnikov finished it off with empty-net goals.

Aside from Roslovic’s goal, the only other notable positive for the Blue Jackets was goalie Elvis Merzlikins – who made 25 saves and played well in handling a full back-to-back set.

He just didn’t get much help.

Detroit outplayed Columbus in the first period for the second time in as many days, only it wasn’t quite as one-sided this time. Puck-possession and scoring chances were closer than Saturday’s game, when Detroit dominated the first and built a 2-0 lead, but the Red Wings still led after the first 20 minutes and had a 7-3 edge in shots.

What the Blue Jackets had was another frustrating start, which included very little offensive success and multiple line shakeups at Tortorella’s instruction. They also allowed the game’s first goal on what should’ve been a harmless shot by Svechnikov.

After getting the puck in the Columbus zone, Svechnikov cut sharply to the middle in a 1-on-4 situation and fired a long wrister that split the Blue Jackets’ defenders. The puck got past Merzlikins, who never saw it because he was inadvertently screened by defenseman Gabriel Carlsson.

It was that kind of period for the Blue Jackets and that kind of game until late in the second, when Roslovic’s goal tied it 1-1 with 1:35 left.

Capping a play that could’ve been blown dead for icing, Roslovic got to the front of the net and tipped Oliver Bjorkstrand’s shot from the point past Pickard for his first goal since Mar. 2 – also scored against the Red Wings.

It was a heads-up play by Roslovic, who’d fallen to the ice behind the net after hitting on Detroit’s Christian Djoos. Roslovic’s fist pump was the Blue Jackets’ first sign of life, but it didn’t do a whole lot to change the 1207142 Columbus Blue Jackets The Blue Jackets announced Saturday that Trey Fix-Wolansky, a 21-year old forward, had reconstructive knee surgery to repair the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Fix-Wolansky, a seventh-round pick in 2018, led the Cleveland Monsters in scoring and will miss the rest of the Blue Jackets still battling inconsistency with their playoff hopes in season. He could also miss up to six months. jeopardy Other moves

The Blue Jackets also recalled rookie forward Liam Foudy from the Brian Hedger Monsters to the taxi squad Sunday. After recovering from an injury, Foudy had one goal, three assists and four points in four games for the

Monsters. DETROIT – The alarms started chirping about five minutes into the Blue The Jackets also had goaltending news this weekend, as top net-minding Jackets’ 3-1 loss Saturday. prospect Daniil Tarasov was assigned to the Monsters and Cam Johnson After being embarrassed by the Nashville Predators in a 7-1 rout two was recalled from the taxi squad to back up Elvis Merzlikins against the days earlier, the Detroit Red Wings came out with fire in their eyes at Red Wings on Saturday. Johnson was an emergency recall because of a Little Caesar’s Arena. They owned the puck, swarmed the Columbus lower-body injury that prevented Joonas Korpisalo from handling the role. zone and dominated the first period of a game the Blue Jackets were Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 supposed to use as a springboard for a six-game road trip — which included a 4-1 loss in a rematch Sunday in Detroit plus a pair of two- game sets this week against the Tampa Bay Lightning and Florida Panthers.

The Red Wings played for pride with more intensity than the Blue Jackets had while chasing a playoff spot, which was an alarming occurrence that prompted a postgame meeting.

“I just think we had to understand what we’re up against,” captain Nick Foligno said. “There has to be an understanding of how we have to play to have success at this time of year, whether you’re a team that’s trying to get in or a team that isn’t.”

In other words, opportunities are fleeting in this 56-game season, and the Blue Jackets have reached a point where they have to make a choice. They can either raise their intensity level for every game or continue to lilt along until they’re eventually erased.

The back-to-back losses were a stinging indictment of a season-long battle with inconsistency. It also opened the door for the Jackets to be overtaken for fifth in the Central Division by the Nashville Predators, who have already let it be known they’re a potential seller.

“The league goes in levels,” Foligno said. “It raises at certain points of the season. Right now, it’s just before the trade deadline, teams are trying to figure out where they’re positioned. And we’re a team that’s fighting tooth-and-nail to get into the playoffs, so we have to know there’s levels. Everyone’s playing at a higher level and we have to get there.”

The way this road trip began against the Red Wings, it didn’t look like the Blue Jackets were fighting “tooth-and-nail" for anything, let alone the Central’s fourth-and-final playoff spot. It remains a four-team race , with 20 games left, but that could become three quickly if the Jackets can’t raise their play to a level that’s needed for a playoff push.

They’ve done it the past three years, extending their string of postseason appearances to four, but there is a lot more uncertainty now. Coach John Tortorella’s postgame assessment Saturday wasn’t exactly encouraging and he wasn't in the mood to issue any further pearls of wisdom Sunday.

“You’re going to find out a lot about who we are — as individuals, as a team — as we go on this trip,” he said after the first debacle. “I saw some terrific things out of certain people today. I saw some things that worry me terribly with others.”

So long, Matteau

The Blue Jackets assigned forward Stefan Matteau to the taxi squad on Sunday and recalled recently-acquired defenseman Mikko Lehtonen, which ended a brief stint of Matteau, Ryan MacInnis and Eric Robinson teaming up to give Tortorella a physical fourth line.

Matteau has played six games this season, including the past five in a row. He hasn't recorded a point, averaging just under 10 minutes a game.

Lehtonen, whom the Blue Jackets were unable to sign as a free agent from the KHL, was acquired Mar. 12 from for goaltending prospect Veini Vehvilainen. He had three assists in nine games for Toronto.

Fix-Wolansky surgery 1207143 Columbus Blue Jackets lamented the frequent “shakeups” to the forward lines contributing to a lack of chemistry.

Tortorella looks at the situation more bluntly. Blue Jackets, Patrik Laine both running out of time to turn things around His team is in a heated race for the final playoff spot in the division and games are flying off the NHL’s 56-game schedule. He’s looking for more from his players, starting with those who’ve done things like score five Brian Hedger goals in a single game.

“We’re in a stretch of our schedule coming up here that our best players are going to have to be our best players and Patty (is) one of them,” he Patrik Laine's powerful slap shot has been largely quiet in his two months said. “Somebody has to put their hand up, or maybe both hands up, and with the Blue Jackets, and the former No. 2 draft pick has only one goal say, ‘Follow me.’ This is a very important part of our schedule, a very in the past 14 games. difficult part of our schedule. We can’t wade into it and we can’t wait for Patrik Laine once scored five goals in a game on the only five shots he someone else to lead the way. I expect Patty to be one of those guys to took. lead the way.”

His night of perfection with the Winnipeg Jets occurred on Nov. 24, 2018 @BrianHedger during an 8-4 victory in St. Louis. And it wasn’t a fluke. Blue Jackets at Red Wings Laine also notched two of his eight career hat tricks that month, and ran When: 3 p.m. Sunday his goal total to 19 in his first 22 games — a performance befitting a young star selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 NHL draft. TV: Fox Sports Ohio

The hot hand, however, turned cold. Radio: WBNS-FM (97.1)

Laine’s next 60 games in 2018-19 included two of the most prolonged Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 scoring droughts of his NHL career and resulted in his scoring just 11 more goals for a total of 30 — still a strong season, but well short of the 44 he had scored the year before.

After enduring a stretch with just four goals in 36 games, he ended that campaign with a 1-7-8 scoring line in the final 19 contests. That season is relevant now because Laine is ice cold again — this time for the Blue Jackets, who acquired him and Jack Roslovic in January for center Pierre-Luc Dubois.

Entering a critical six-game road trip that began Saturday with a game in Detroit, Laine had one goal and three assists in the previous 14 games. If Laine’s drought persists, it could seriously impair the Blue Jackets’ already tenuous playing chances.

“I’m not going to get into the scientific thinking or the deep thinking,” coach John Tortorella said Friday before his team's departure for Detroit. “I need our players to play better, Patty being one of them, as we embark on this trip. If you’re going to make a stand and you’re going to try to help the team and you’re one of the top players on the team, it’s staring you right in the face when we get on this plane today.”

That has been a battle for Laine since coming to the Blue Jackets. He referred to his ongoing freeze Friday as a “struggle bus” that he’d like to get off.

“I try to hide it as much as I can, but sometimes you just absolutely can’t,” said Laine, who has played on a line that has included a revolving door at center. “When you’re a player who’s used to scoring goals, getting points, expecting a lot from yourself, it’s the worst situation you can have when you’re not producing.

“So, it’s tough, but at the same time, you know, you’ve just got to work the same way (and) even harder to get out of it.”

The work he’s put in so far just hasn’t worked. Laine is averaging only 2.3 shots per game during the skid, scored on only 3.1% of them and his even-strength scoring chances have dried up.

Tortorella wants to see Laine “attack the game” with his skating, changing games as a power forward, while Laine feels more comfortable roaming the offensive zone seeking spots to launch his booming shot. Asked whether the Jackets’ attempt to turn him into a power forward was hindering his offensive output, Laine didn’t exactly squash the notion.

“I’ve never really been a guy who’s just playing in the corners and behind the net too much,” said Laine, who’s 6 feet 4, 201 pounds. “Usually, I’ve just been a high guy (in the offensive zone) looking for openings where I can maybe receive the puck and try to shoot it, since that’s probably what I’m good at. ... But you know, you’ve still got to do these other things. But I don’t know (the answer). It’s a tough one.”

Another hard question for him is whether the Jackets’ lack of an experienced No. 1 center is weighing him down. Laine said he doesn’t think he has been affected by the Jackets’ many changes at center, but 1207144 Columbus Blue Jackets “Clearly not enough action at the net. A lot of perimeter play. We made it easy on him. Not a lot of traffic. When the puck came to the point, myself and the other D couldn’t seem to find any shot lanes to the net. It seemed like an easy night to defend.” ‘We played awful’: Blue Jackets fail to show up for weekend to forget vs. Red Wings There were worrying signs all over the ice.

In the first period, Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno zeroed in on a Red Wings skater as he came around the net and released the puck. Instead By Aaron Portzline Mar 28, 2021 of a thunderous open-ice hit, Foligno pulled up to avoid contact.

In the second, after a long shift in the Blue Jackets’ zone, Carlsson was simply outhustled to a puck by Red Wings veteran Sam Gagner, who COLUMBUS, Ohio — So much for a response game from the Blue blasted Carlsson into the wall and gathered the puck to keep the shift Jackets on Sunday. So much for an impassioned performance on going. national television to help wash away the stench of Saturday’s ugly loss. Twice in the game, Detroit’s Darren Helm turned on the afterburners to The Blue Jackets played slightly harder but no better Sunday, losing 4-1 track down Jones and Zach Werenski as they took it easy going back on to Detroit and making it a weekend to forget against the lowly Red Wings. pucks in their own zone. If only it were that easy. And, finally, was the sight that surely perturbed Tortorella: Merzlikins “I’m not sure (what happened), to be honest,” Blue Jackets defenseman having to crosscheck and shove away Detroit players who confronted Seth Jones said. “I don’t have any answers for you.” him in the crease and took extra whacks at his pad and gloves with no grief from the other Blue Jackets. It seems preposterous that Columbus was considering its postseason chances just a few days ago, just as it seems ridiculous now to point out Tortorella always preaches playing hard “in the blue,” but the Blue that they’re only three points out of fourth place in the Central Division Jackets issued no citations Sunday. before some key games Sunday evening. “We just didn’t bring it,” Roslovic said. “Did we take these guys lightly? I The Blue Jackets looked nothing like a playoff club against the Red don’t know if that was the case, but it sure as heck seemed like it.” Wings, owners of the second-worst record in the NHL. The Jackets never Snacks led in either game. They barely challenged goaltender Calvin Pickard, who hadn’t won a game in 2 1/2 years, and has now won twice in two Forward Patrik Laine has gone eight games without a goal, the longest days. drought of his career. He has just one goal in his previous 15 games. He had just one shot on goal Sunday and after being held without a shot on Coach John Tortorella said late last week that this trip would tell him goal Saturday. something about his club, but he reacted angrily Sunday when asked what the back-to-back losses to Detroit have taught him. The Blue Jackets challenged the 2-1 goal by Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen at 2:51 of the third period, contending goaltender “Where do you want me to go with that?” Tortorella said. “I mean, we interference. There was significant contact between Rasmussen and played awful. I’m not going to sit here and criticize our group. We didn’t Merzlikins, but replay clearly showed the puck moving under Merzlikins’ play well. I don’t know why you ask me the question. right pad before contact was made. “Like I said (after Saturday’s game), you guys can write your stuff. I’m not It was a big goal, obviously, because it gave Detroit the lead for good. It going to be part of your story. I’m not going to do the team any good by also put the Red Wings on the power play, as the failed replay results in going up and down with what went wrong. A ton went wrong, I’ll give ya a delay of game minor penalty. Tortorella, however, cut off a reporter that.” when he started to ask about it: “Oh, for god’s sake. Who cares about The Blue Jackets had a team meeting after Saturday’s 3-1 loss. After that? My god. We just got the shit kicked out of us and you’re talking Sunday’s game, they got on a plane and flew to Florida to continue their about goaltender interference. I don’t care about that.” road trip against two of the best clubs in the NHL, Tampa Bay and Former NHL forward Ryan Callahan, who played for Tortorella with the Florida. New York Rangers, now works for NBC Sports Network. He made this “There’s only so many meetings we can have, only so many things we comment postgame: “The big thing is, the fashion in which (the Blue can talk about Xs and Os-wise on the team,” Jones said. “It just comes Jackets) are losing these games is shocking to me. They are not in the down to personal, consistent effort from each individual. And it comes game emotionally, physically. … It’s too easy through the middle of the down to wanting to win, having pride in your individual game and playing ice. I played for John Tortorella and this is not what he’s about.” for the guy sitting next to you in the locker room.” After a healthy scratch Saturday, Riley Nash was back in the lineup. The worst part of Saturday’s loss was the first period when Detroit simply Stefan Matteau was returned to the taxi squad, while Liam Foudy was jumped the Blue Jackets. It was widely expected that Columbus would try called up from AHL Cleveland and placed on the taxi squad. to return the favor Sunday — that’s what talented, prideful clubs do, The Blue Jackets recalled defenseman Mikko Lehtonen from the taxi right? — but the response was more of a yawn than a shove. squad, but he did not dress. The Blue Jackets managed just three shots on goal in the first period, This was the 100th meeting between the Red Wings and Blue Jackets. mostly because they were constantly in retreat mode. The Jackets are 41-45-1-13 in the series. On Evgeny Svechnikov’s goal at 10:40 of the first, four Blue Jackets were The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 defending on the play, but nobody confronted the puck-carrier, Svechnikov. As he cut hard to center ice, Jackets defenseman Gabriel Carlsson skated right into goaltender Elvis Merzlikins‘ sightline, keeping him from seeing the shot.

The Jackets tied it late in the second period on Jack Roslovic’s goal, but the Wings went back on top early in the third before adding two empty- net goals late.

Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets dialed up a grand total of 17 shots on goal against Pickard. They went nearly 10 minutes between shots in the first period and had only six shots on goal in what should have been a desperate third period.

“It just seems like we took one step forward against Carolina and two steps back here,” Jones said. “We had too many brain lapses throughout these games that they capitalized on. 1207145 Columbus Blue Jackets when he scored 23 goals and became one of the few teenagers ever to lead the Swedish league in goals.

It hasn’t transferred to the NHL. He had 10-10-20 last season — a decent Blue Jackets’ Sunday Gathering: Alexandre Texier, Emil Bemstrom are rookie season, really — but actually backpedaled this season. stalled, vaccines on the way, and more Bemstrom had 0-2-2 in 15 games before landing on the injury list a couple of weeks ago. He’d been in and out of the lineup, spending two weeks on the taxi squad. By Aaron Portzline Mar 28, 2021 Tortorella resorted to playing Bemstrom in the bottom six, and he was earning praise for his forechecking and such … but a bottom-six forechecker is not what Bemstrom, 21, was drafted to be. His signature COLUMBUS, Ohio — A collection of notes, insights, ruminations and did- shot, a rocket-launcher one-timer, is but a rumor on this side of the you-knows gathered throughout the week that was for the Blue Jackets: Atlantic Ocean. Item #1: Where’s the push? The career trajectories of Texier and Bemstrom should be a concern for At the end of the 2018-19 season, just after the Blue Jackets were the Blue Jackets, especially as the organization enters what appears to knocked out of the Stanley Cup playoffs by Boston, general manager be a highly transitional phase. This could be a tumultuous summer in Jarmo Kekalainen was asked if his “all-in” trade deadline approach had Columbus. been worth it. On one hand, Texier and Bemstrom are both still very young players with If you recall, Kekalainen not only kept the Blue Jackets’ two major plenty of time to figure it out. On the other hand, the NHL is very much a pending unrestricted free agents in Artemi Panarin and Sergei young players’ league now. There’s no waiting around for the chance to Bobrovsky, but he acquired two others in Matt Duchene and Ryan contribute. Dzingel, trading a first-round pick and two second-round picks along with They’ve each been given ample opportunities to excel. So far, they multiple prospects. haven’t grabbed them. That question — Was it worth it? — will resonate in Columbus for many The Blue Jackets have to ask tough questions: years. The Blue Jackets won the first playoff series in franchise history, sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in one of the great NHL postseason Have they overvalued these players? Do they still believe Texier and upsets ever. But they’re starting to endure the hangover now. Bemstrom can be offensive catalysts?

Kekalainen defended his moves that day by pointing to two prospects he Is Tortorella’s system or coaching style too difficult for Texier and believed were on the cusp of contributing in the NHL, at least as well as Bemstrom? Would they perform better under a less rigid coach? any of the players the Jackets could possibly have drafted with the picks they traded to land Duchene and Dzingel. If the answer is the first question, that’s on Kekalainen, and that’s a really worrying sign for the next few years. Every club needs a constant flow of Those prospects were Alexandre Texier and Emil Bemstrom. new blood and fresh talent, but the Blue Jackets appear to be languishing with a major gap in the talent pipeline. So many of the Blue Jackets’ best-laid plans have exploded this season. For example, their expected 1-2 center punch of Pierre-Luc Dubois and The only top prospects with AHL Cleveland are forward Liam Foudy, Max Domi was obliterated by the second week of the season when defenseman Andrew Peeke and goaltender Daniil Tarasov. Otherwise, Dubois forced a trade to Winnipeg and Domi struggled so badly that he the Blue Jackets’ other top prospects are currently playing in Russia. was pulled out of center. If the answer is the second, then maybe Texier and Bemstrom will look But it’s fair to say that the Blue Jackets, by now, expected Texier and like different players beginning next season if the Blue Jackets make a Bemstrom to be entrenched as top-six forwards, players who help could change behind the bench. drive the club offensively. The reality, so far, is that neither player seems capable of being a consistent difference-maker. Item #2: A shot in the arm

The Blue Jackets pegged Texier as the first-line left winger to open the Beginning Monday, Ohioans over the age of 16 will be eligible to get the season, but that was scratched (again, a good plan gone) when Mikko COVID-19 vaccines, which means Blue Jackets players will be able to Koivu caught COVID-19 and the Jackets moved Texier to the middle. join many of the club’s front-office members among the world of the inoculated. In the first seven games of the season, he had 4-2-6, which is impressive production for a first-time center in the NHL. But after that, Texier When the NHL drew up its return-to-play protocols, it emphasized that cratered. The player with a chippy edge and electric hands showed the league wouldn’t cut lines to try to get their players vaccinated ahead neither for about a two-month stretch. In 23 games, he had 0-3-3, barely of the general public. Good on them. creating scoring chances. But the process of getting players vaccinated will involve a few hurdles. It reached a nadir last week when Texier returned from an injury, only to Under the NHL protocols, players are permitted to visit a doctor’s office be sent to the Blue Jackets’ taxi squad. They opted to keep fourth-line or clinic, so players will be making their own plans and getting their own grinders Stefan Matteau and Ryan MacInnis in the lineup ahead of shots, a Blue Jackets club spokesman told The Athletic. Texier, and Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella explained why in a blistering evaluation of Texier. It would be considered a bigger breach of the NHL’s strict protocols for a healthcare worker to come to Nationwide Arena and inoculate the players “Remember how he started this year?” Tortorella said. “He was so all at once. Plus, there’s a risk in that, too, especially with such a jam- promising. That’s the way he practiced the other day. Now, practice is packed schedule. shit compared to playing games. If he wants to get … when he does get the opportunity, he has to play the way he played when he entered the The vaccines have proven to be safe and highly effective, but many season. people have reported flu-like symptoms in the days after getting vaccinated, especially following the second shot of the vaccines that “Time’s up, guys. Time’s up. This is a very important trip for us. I have to require a booster. make (lineup) decisions. If he does get the opportunity, I want him to want to play, because it seemed like he didn’t want to play when he was If the Blue Jackets — or any team, for that matter — were all vaccinated playing.” at the same time, they could have multiple players under the weather at the same time, which could make it difficult for Tortorella to fill out a Texier, 21, returned to the lineup on Saturday in Detroit and played pretty lineup card. well. His pass to Nick Foligno for the Blue Jackets’ only goal was one of the few bright spots in an ugly 3-1 loss to the Red Wings. The Blue Jackets medical staff will follow the guidelines established by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the spokesman said. But Bemstrom, who is currently on injured reserve, is a bigger concern. He they could also steer the players toward staggered vaccine dates to came to the Blue Jackets off a strong 2018-19 season with Djurgardens, avoid the risk of losing multiple players for a single game. Item #3: On the cusp Blue Jackets forward Trevor Letowski, who was the same size and played a similar game to Angle. It’s no secret that Tortorella is in the final year of his contract with the Blue Jackets, a deal that pays him $2.5 million per season. That’s a lot of Prospect goaltender Daniil Tarasov joined AHL Cleveland this weekend money for most people reading these words, but for a coach who’s won a after his KHL season in Russia ended in the second round of the Stanley Cup and two Jack Adams Trophies, Tortorella is drastically playoffs. Tarasov was not expected to play in either weekend game for underpaid. the Monsters, but could debut this week. Cleveland plays at Rochester on Wednesday and hosts Grand Rapids on Saturday. That’s among the reasons Tortorella could decide to move on, even if the Blue Jackets wanted to bring him back on a new contract. A parting of While Tarasov’s Salavat Yulayev club was bounced from the playoffs, the ways, should it come to that, could very well be a mutual decision. Blue Jackets’ three other top Russian prospects are still playing. Kirill Marchenko and SKA St. Petersburg will play either CSKA or Yaroslav It’s too early to build a list of Tortorella successors — although Lokomotiv in the West final while Dmitry Voronkov and Ak Kekalainen has to be thinking ahead, doesn’t he? — but we did some will face Yegor Chinakhov and Avangard in the East final. thinking this week about former Blue Jackets players who are now on the cusp of NHL head coaching jobs. Chinakhov was the surprise first-round pick (No. 21 overall) by the Blue Jackets in 2020. He scored a goal on Sunday to help guide Avangard There are four former Blue Jackets players on NHL benches: through to the next round, his fourth goal of the playoffs. He had 10 Ryan Craig, Vegas Golden Knights: Craig, 39, has been an assistant regular-season goals and was twice named the KHL’s rookie of the coach in Vegas since 2017, serving under two different coaches. He month. Chinakhov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, noted that Chinakhov’s 14 spent five years in the Blue Jackets’ organization, mostly as the revered goals (regular season + playoffs) are only one short of the 15 goals Alex captain of the AHL affiliate. Ovechkin scored as a 20-year-old with Dynamo Moscow in what was then the Russian Superleague. Derek MacKenzie, Florida Panthers: A heart-and-soul, fourth-line center for seven seasons in the Blue Jackets’ organization (2007-08 to 2013- The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 14), MacKenzie only recently (2019) retired. He’s been on the Panthers bench the last two season as one of Joel Quenneville’s assistants.

Manny Malhotra, Toronto Maple Leafs: One of the most astute, cerebral players to come through Columbus, Malhotra is a rising star in coaching circles. He spent three seasons as a coach in Vancouver before he was hired by the Leafs in the offseason. Malhotra spent five seasons with the Blue Jackets (2003-04 to 2008-09) and retired as a member of the organization, playing 23 games in 2015-16 for AHL Cleveland.

Luke Richardson, Montreal Canadiens: Only three seasons of his stellar, 1,417-game career were spent in Columbus (2002-03 to 2005-06), but Richardson was the Blue Jackets’ second captain. He’s got an impressive coaching resume now, too, having served as an assistant in three organizations — Ottawa, the New York Islanders and Montreal, where he’s been since 2018-19. Richardson, 52, also has four years experience as a head coach with AHL Binghamton.

There are also four former Blue Jackets players coaching in the AHL: Trent Cull in Utica (Vancouver), Kevin Dineen in San Diego (Anaheim), Greg Moore in Toronto (Toronto) and Ben Simon in Grand Rapids (Detroit).

The week ahead

Sunday: at Detroit, 3 p.m.

Tuesday: at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Thursday: at Tampa Bay, 7 p.m.

Saturday: at Florida, 7 p.m.

Snacks

Prospect right winger Trey Fix-Wolansky is out for the season after surgery on Friday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Wolansky suffered the injury last weekend in a game against Grand Rapids. The Blue Jackets estimated his recovery time at six months, which suggests he might not be ready for the start of training camp in the fall. Fix-Wolansky, 21, was on a point-a-game pace with AHL Cleveland (4-5-9 in nine games) after finishing 2019-20, his first pro season, with 11-14-25 in the final 32 games. A curious stat about Fix- Wolansky, who was a seventh-round pick (No. 214 overall) in 2018: nine of his 16 professional goals have been scored on the power play, including all four this season.

Jack Roslovic has learned tough lessons in the faceoff circle this season, but there are signs of progress. Over the last seven games, Roslovic is 31-for-66 (46.9 percent) on draws, despite a 2-for-10 vs. Detroit on Saturday. In his first 21 games, Roslovic was just 71-for-225 (31.6 percent) on the dot.

One bright spot in Cleveland has been forward Tyler Angle, a seventh- round pick (No. 212 overall) in 2019. Angle’s pro career is off to a strong start, with 4-3-7 in five games. He’s a 5-foot-10, 175-pound center who spent four junior seasons with the Hockey League’s . Angle’s coach the final three seasons in Windsor was former 1207146 Dallas Stars Bowness, alerted of Comeau’s comments, shouldered blame. “Listen, I am the head coach,” he said. “It’s my responsibility to get the

team ready. We weren’t ready to the level we need to be.” While Stars remain confident after loss to Panthers, they’re running out of If there’s proof a team can turn around, Nashville is the showcase. The time to turn the season around Predators were left for dead after they were ravaged by injuries and buried in the standings. But a scorching stretch has vaulted them past the Stars and on the periphery of the playoff picture. By Matthew DeFranks10:13 PM on Mar 28, 2021 CDT If there’s proof the Stars can do it, it hasn’t arrived. Maybe it does for a two-game set in Nashville this week, but that’s just hopeful right now.

This Stars season — a tapestry slowly being picked apart stitch by stitch, “The road trip is there for us if we want it,” Bowness said. “If we go on the most recently in Sunday’s 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers — has been road and win some games, we’re alive. We’re not that far out. Even as woven by the threads of hope. bad as we are tonight, we’re not that far out. But it has to come now.

There’s the hope that the injuries stop or that finishers finish. There’s the “We’re going to have to have a lot more fight in us than we showed hope that scoring chances evolve into goals or that the schedule doesn’t tonight.” bludgeon the Stars. The hope that Tyler Seguin or Ben Bishop can be saviors. The hope that Roope Hintz or even suit up. Briefly: Radulov remained out of the lineup with a lower-body injury. It was his sixth straight missed game. Hintz returned to the lineup after a With each passing game treading water in the Central Division standings, one-game absence, and centered the top line between Jason Robertson the hope becomes more desperate — a call to somebody, anybody, and Joe Pavelski... Duclair’s penalty shot was the second against the something, anything to repair the Stars. Instead, the oncoming reality is Stars this season (Columbus’ Emil Bemstrom was denied by Jake closing in to crush the ray of optimism. Oettinger on March 13). Duclair’s came after he was slashed by Andrew Cogliano on a breakaway. The last two successful penalty shots against Florida scored the final four goals Sunday to erase an early and brief 1-0 the Stars have both been scored by Florida. Last season, Noel Acciari lead. Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice, Anthony Duclair scored on a beat on Dec. 20. penalty shot and Owen Tippett added an empty-netter. Chris Driedger made 33 saves. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.29.2021 Jason Robertson scored the lone goal for the Stars, who finished a five- game homestand with one win. Dallas finishes the season with 16 of its remaining 24 games on the road.

“None of us in that room think we’re down and out,” alternate captain Blake Comeau said. “I still feel like we’re a very confident group. We’ve just got to go out and play with that confidence. We’ve got a lot of games against teams that we’re chasing. There’s going to be big swings, and we still feel like we’re right there.”

Even with the glut of one-goal losses and pile of overtime and shootout losses, the truth is that the Stars remain in the playoff hunt. But being in the hunt does not guarantee a team anything. Only wins do, and those have been tough to come by.

The Stars are stuck in a cycle that gobbles consolation points and spits on optimism.

Since March 4, the Stars have played 15 games. Split into three-game segments, those five sections of the schedule read identically: one win, one regulation loss and one overtime or shootout loss. Dallas is collecting points by losing and riding those points into a playoff crawl in a soft Central.

If the Stars want to be in the playoffs, the chance is still there for them. They play Nashville four more times. They play Chicago four more times. They play Columbus twice more. Want to prove you belong? Transform from a hopeful team into a winning one.

Coach Rick Bowness said he talked with the team weeks ago about their standing: “Do we believe we can do it, and do we want to do it?”

“You’ve got to look inside yourself, get the desperation level a little higher,” forward Jason Dickinson said. “The coaches can’t go out and win games. They put out the game plan for us, but we’ve got to go out there and do it, ultimately. If we’re not willing to do that, then it’s on us. I think we are.

“We’ve got a group in here that wants it. Nobody is sitting back and saying ‘Oh, next season. Oh, we’ve got all these injuries.’ Nobody’s saying that. We want to go for it. We’re trying, but that first period is not good enough.”

The first period Sunday was the Stars’ downfall. They were dominated in many aspects, and trailed 3-1 at intermission. Florida had 14 shots to Dallas’ seven. The Panthers cashed in on a penalty shot, a power play and a bad Jamie Benn turnover in his own zone.

“To come out flat like that was really disappointing,” Comeau said. “It’s just going to take everyone to take a look in the mirror individually, and correct it themselves. I don’t think there’s anything the coaches can do or say. It’s got to come within the locker room.” 1207147 Detroit Red Wings until Bernier returns. It's a nice development for a guy who started the season as the third-stringer, and his teammates couldn't be happier for Pickard.

Detroit Red Wings show 'unbelievable' response in taking both games "He brightens up the room," Larkin said. "He’s such a great guy. He’s a against Columbus worker. He’ll do anything in practice — he’ll stay out until the last guy is out there. Always has a smile, always has a joke or a one-liner. He’s just a great teammate and a great professional. We are all pretty pumped for him. We know he’ll be ready and he’ll perform for us." HELENE ST. JAMES Injury list grows

Bobby Ryan suffered an upper-body injury and did not return after the A couple former first-round picks helped the Detroit Red Wings feel much first period; the Wings already have been without top-six forward Tyler better about themselves. Bertuzzi since Jan. 30. Ryan scored his seventh goal of the season on Their Sunday matinee against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Thursday. He’s not only valuable in the lineup, but as a trade asset who Caesars Arena was buffered by two empty-net goals that gave the Wings will appeal to contenders looking to shore up for a playoff run. Blashill a well-earned 4-1 victory, their second in a row. said he would have an update on Ryan Monday, adding that this upper- body injury is unrelated to the one that sidelined Ryan for two games in "It was our most complete effort from start to finish of any game this mid-March. season," coach Jeff Blashill said. "We sustained our forecheck way more and because of that, the ice was tilted toward their end way more. I was Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.29.2021 proud of our guys for how hard they played."

Calvin Pickard did what he needed to do for a second straight start, making 16 saves.

It's only the third time the Wings (12-20-4) have won consecutive games this season. This nascent winning streak was needed after the 7-1 rout Thursday at Nashville.

"It’s everything," captain Dylan Larkin said. "With how it was going and having to answer the questions — it was tough. We all knew after that Thursday night game in Nashville that wasn’t nearly enough of the effort and compete and the way we need to play.

"We answered the bell. I’m proud of our guys."

Evgeny Svechnikov, the Wings' first-round pick in 2015, and Michael Rasmussen, the ninth pick in 2017, made it 2-1, and Filip Hronek and Vladislav Namestnikov scored empty-net goals 21 seconds apart late in the third period.

The Wings go back on the road, with games this week at the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning. They leave feeling significantly better than when they arrived, boosted by showing character.

"I really like our guys," Blashill said. "I like the competitiveness, I like the self-accountability, I like that they looked in the mirror after that game and they came out to practice Friday and practiced their tails off and then showed up on back-to-back games. It’s four straight days of it being pretty hard and they just kept working.

"They want to be a better team than our record is. We haven’t been a good enough team and they know it. They want to be better. They were embarrassed on Thursday and did an unbelievable job responding."

Svechnikov shines

He was placed on waivers before the season began, then left off the taxi squad. But when he’s given a chance, Svechnikov finds a way to make his case. Midway through the first period he got the puck from Darren Helm, skated to the middle and ripped a wrist shot behind Elvis Merzlikins.

"Geno is a big, strong guy and has a great shot, which you saw," Larkin said after Svechnikov’s third goal (and fifth point) in eight games. "Svech hasn’t been in the lineup a lot and he did a really good job," Blashill said. "He was coming off a change and talked to Helmer and was able to get the puck and bury it. And he can score. I think he’s working on his all- around game and he did a good job."

The X-factor

Larkin described Pickard as "rock solid. He was the X-factor these past two games. Anything they got, he was there to make the big save." Teams usually use different goaltenders on back-to-backs, but Pickard was the logical choice to make both starts. Thomas Greiss was pulled Thursday after allowing three goals on seven shots. He has won just two games, the second of which was the March 18 game against Dallas when Jonathan Bernier left late in the second period with a lower-body injury. Greiss’ goals-against average is 3.51, and his save percentage is .885. When Jack Roslovic scored, Pickard had gone 66:42 between goals. Until he gives them a reason not to start him, Pickard will be in net 1207148 Detroit Red Wings The 60th pick in 2019 is playing in the SHL with Farjestad, where he has eight goals and 10 assists in 40 games. “He’s come a long way the second half of the season, especially offensively,” Horcoff said. “I don’t think he realizes how good he can be offensively with the tools that he Detroit Red Wings need an influx of prospects. Here's who is on the has. He played pro early in his career, and I think a lot of games he just horizon played it safe. He’s a very, very good skater, and a lot of games he just relied on that, or passed the puck because he was hesitant to keep it

himself or join the rush.” HELENE ST. JAMES Johansson, 20, is at a disadvantage in that he’s only 168 pounds, but that will change as he physically matures. Once that happens, he’ll be able to defend against bigger opponents. The Detroit Red Wings need an influx of young talent before they can approach this time of year with the anticipation of a playoff run. “One thing we are happy with is where his offensive game is at right now, because he’s become much more aggressive up the ice, much more They'll be sellers at the trade deadline yet again this spring, with the likes active on the offensive blue line, shooting the puck more, and it shows,” of Bobby Ryan, Luke Glendening and Marc Staal among the names Horcoff said. who’ll draw interest as April 12 approaches. It’s not where the Wings want to be, 13 years after their last Stanley Cup, but the franchise has D Moritz Seider been here before: When Steve Yzerman lifted his first Stanley Cup in The 6-foot-4 righty has starred for Rögle this season, tallying 28 points in 1997, 14 years had passed since he was drafted by the Wings. 41 games. “Seider has really come into his own,” Horcoff said. “I’ve Two years into his reign as general manager, Yzerman already has put heard a lot people say he’s best the d-man in the league. Going to the his imprint on the rebuild. His first draft pick, defenseman Moritz Seider SHL was a really good move for him. He plays in a lot of situations, plays (taken sixth overall in 2019), is having a spectacular season in the a ton of minutes. He’s got a great partner in Eric Gelinas, he really enjoys . Seider is one of several Wings prospects playing with him.” playing in Sweden because of the pandemic. Lucas Raymond, the fourth Seider, who turns 20 on April 6, is already in his third season playing in a pick in 2020, was playing for Frölunda, but he’s recovering from surgery. men’s league and is all but a lock to be with the Wings next season. Jared McIsaac, drafted 36th in 2018, is recovering from shoulder surgery. D Antti Tuomisto The NHL isn’t a developmental league, so putting a date on when prospects will be ready to put on a Wings jersey is tricky. But help is on Drafted at 35th in 2019, he was Yzerman’s second pick as Wings GM. the way. Shawn Horcoff keeps close tabs on the next generation in his The 20-year-old also needs to gain strength — he’s 6-foot-4 but just 194 role as the Wings’ director of player development, and he shared his pounds— but his skill set will allow him to dominate as he matures. He insight into how select top prospects are faring. spent the 2020-21 season at the University of Denver, where he logged two goals and nine assists in 24 games. F Jonatan Berggren “He’s a big kid, just kind of skinny,” Horcoff said. “But he’s put about 10 The 33rd pick in 2018 has been the other great Wings story to come out pounds of good weight strength, of muscle, since last offseason. He’s got of Sweden this season. “He has been one of the best players in the a great shot. He moves the puck well under pressure. He thinks the league,” Horcoff said. Berggren, 20, has added muscle to his 5-foot-11, game well, has good sense. it’s just a matter of strength and working on 183-pound frame after missing significant time the previous two seasons his skating.” because of injuries. F Joe Veleno “I still believe that time off was really good for him, because he had a long ways to go in terms of his physical strength and just overall body Another pick from the 2018 draft (at No. 30), Veleno was earmarked for composition,” Horcoff said. “The injuries allowed him time to focus on another season with the Griffns until the pandemic, and instead has those areas. He learned a lot about his body and also about the played for Malmo in the SHL. deficiencies in his game that he really needed to work on. To his credit, he put in the work and he’s had a fantastic season.” It has benefited Veleno tremendously.

Berggren first played in the SHL in 2017-18. He came into this season “He had a really, really good summer last year,” Horcoff said. "He put a having appeared in 50 games, with two goals and 13 assists. This lot of strength on, and you see that on the ice. He’s a much more intense season, he has 12 goals and 32 points in 48 games with Skellefteå. player all over the ice — he hunts pucks better now, he’s physical.”

F Albin Grewe That mirrors the development of Filip Zadina — Veleno's fellow 2018 first-rounder — whose intensity level is significantly improved from last The 66th pick in 2019 debuted Friday with the , with season, and who now will chase the puck down instead of waiting for a whom he’ll stay while he waits to find out if the teammate to get it on his stick. will stage a season. (If that happens, he’ll join the , who own his rights through the OHL import draft.) The 20-year-old is a 6-foot, Veleno has played better than his numbers indicate — 10 goals and nine 176-pound barrel of grit — a personable pest who models his game after assists in 44 games — and has emerged as a more versatile player. NHL über-agitator Brad Marchand. That kind of game made Grewe stand “He’s played some games at center but he’s also learned to play wing,” out in his native Sweden. Horcoff said. “He’s running a power play. He’s become better ONE TO GREWE ON: 'He looks like a roommate you regret' defensively. He’s just become a better all-around player. Playing in the SHL was a very, very good move for him.” “He’s more your typical Canadian, really — he’s a kid who goes out there and gives it his all every shift,” Horcoff said. “He’s proven he can score D Eemil Viro as well, can play on the power play.” He projects as something of a stealth pick, drafted at 70th in 2020. Viro Grewe tallied three goals and three assists in 39 games with Djurgarden turns 19 on April 3 and is already in his second season with TPS in the in the SHL. This was the first season he didn’t also spend time in lower SM-, Finland’s top professional league. “He’s played the the entire Swedish leagues. “He’s figured out the sacrifice, the dedication that it year in the league; as an ’02, that’s very difficult to do,” Horcoff said. “He takes to be a pro and making a pro team,” Horcoff said. “He had a really, plays top minutes, he plays 18-19 minutes a night. He’s a kid we're very really good summer last year and it showed in his play in Djurgarden. He excited about.” Viro has 13 points in 45 games. He also looked good at carved out a nice little role there and played well.” the World Juniors, where he had two assists in seven games.

It should make for a fun sight down the road when both Tyler Bertuzzi Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.29.2021 and Grewe are getting under opponents’ skin.

D Albert Johansson 1207149 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings beat Columbus Blue Jackets, 4-1: Game thread replay

TYLER J. DAVIS

Detroit Red Wings (11-20-4) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (13-14-8)

When: 3 p.m.

Where: Little Caesars Arena.

TV: Fox Sports Detroit, NBC Sports Network.

Radio: 97.1 FM (Red Wings radio affiliates).

• Box score

Game notes: The Wings took down the Jackets, 3-1, on Saturday. Dylan Larkin had six shots on goal and two assists by himself. ... The Blue Jackets are 2-2 vs. the Wings this year and stay on the road for a two- game set vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning this upcoming week.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207150 Detroit Red Wings But despite controlling play, the Wings only led by a goal and lost that lead when Roslovic tied the game at 18:25 of the second period.

The Wings failed to get the puck out of the zone, and Jackets forward On the rebound: Red Wings dismantle Blue Jackets second straight day, Oliver Bjorkstrand lifted a shot that Roslovic redirected in front of Pickard. 4-1 But Rasmussen's goal, early in the period, turned the momentum the Wings' way again.

TED KULFAN And after a lot of questions, some doubt of how the rest of this season could look after three generally poor games, the Wings showed the resolve and character that was impressive.

Detroit — For these past two days it’s been difficult to distinguish which "They really want to be a better team than what our record is," Blashill team was chasing a playoff berth and the one in last place. said. "We haven't been a good enough team, and they know that, but they want to be better and they were embarrassed on Thursday and The Red Wings are the team in the Central Division cellar but didn’t look rebounded and did an unbelievable job." like it against Columbus, which looked lethargic. Detroit News LOADED: 03.29.2021 And the Wings took advantage both days, Sunday completing a two- game weekend sweep with a 4-1 victory Sunday.

Coming off a poor performance Thursday in Nashville, one of the uglier losses of the season, the Red Wings rebounded with two character victories.

"It was probably our most complete effort from start to finish of any game this season," said coach Jeff Blashill of Sunday's victory. "Certainly Saturday was real good and our first period Saturday was great, but we sustained our forecheck way more and because of that, the ice was tilted to our end for large parts of the game.

"When they did have the puck, we competed exceedingly hard. We felt it was important to win the work ethic and competing battles and I was real proud of the guys how hard they played."

Michael Rasmussen drove to the net and banged in a rebound goal at 2 minutes, 51 seconds of the third period, snapping a 1-1 tie.

Columbus challenged there was goalie interference, and there was some contact, but it was officially ruled a goal for Rasmussen, his first this season.

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Filip Hronek and Vladislav Namestnikov had empty-net goals, as the Wings clinched the outcome.

Evgeny Svechnikov scored the other Wings' goal, Svechnikov’s third, and goalie Calvin Pickard capped a memorable weekend with 16 saves and his first two wins as a Wing.

"We played hard, we competed all over the ice, and they got a couple of chances and Pixie (goalie Calvin Pickard) was back there all weekend rock solid," forward Dylan Larkin said. "He didn't give up any rebounds and swallowed everything up. He was the X-factor these past two games.

"We played hard and it was a much better effort than what we had in Nashville."

Jack Roslovic answered for the Jackets (13-15-8), who are winless in four games and slipping out of playoff contention.

Svechnikov opened the scoring with his third goal, midway in the first period.

Darren Helm fed Svechnikov on the wing, and Svechnikov cut through the slot. He snapped a shot that froze goalie Elvis Merzlikins, who was also partially screened, and barely reacted to Svechnikov’s shot.

The contributions from players such as Svechnikov, Rasmussen and Pickard, who came into the lineup after Thursday's loss, was big for the Wings.

"Those guys who've come back into the lineup have done a great job of giving a spark," Larkin said. "That's what it takes during a season like this one. A game every other day, and you need each and every guy, and those guys have come in and those guys had great games and gave us the spark we needed.

"We played together and as a team, which was great to see and that's how we have to play."

The Wings, for the second straight day, dominated in terms of shots, puck possession, and largely, energy. 1207151 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings respond after brutal loss, tough practice; Calvin Pickard steps up again

TED KULFAN

Detroit — The Red Wings knew Thursday's 7-1 loss in Nashville was not acceptable on any level.

No area of the game was good enough, but even more disheartening, the competitiveness of the team was questionable.

So the Wings returned home, and they arrived at practice Friday with renewed energy.

The way the Wings responded against Columbus, with two convincing victories Saturday and Sunday, was a testament to this roster's accountability and professionalism.

"We had a great practice Friday," forward Dylan Larkin said. "We got home and had one of the best practices of the year and we answered the bell this weekend.

"I'm proud of our guys."

Larkin knew the team understood Thursday's loss wasn't good enough in any respect.

"It was tough; we all knew after that game in Nashville that wasn't good enough," Larkin said. "The effort, the compete, the way we have to play. It was everything."

Coach Jeff Blashill was confident his team would rebound after Thursday's loss, but nothing is a given in the NHL.

Still, the way the Wings did come back and control play for large parts of these two games was eye-opening.

"I really like our guys, their competitiveness and self-accountability and they looked in the mirror after that (Nashville) game and came to practice and practiced their tails off," Blashill said. "It showed in back-to-back games. Three games in four days, four days of pretty hard (skating, work) and just kept working."

In both victories over Columbus, the Wings had a superb first period, out- working and demoralizing the Jackets, who are fighting for a playoff berth.

Larkin credited the checking line of Darren Helm, Luke Glendening and Adam Erne, whose physical and grinding style set the tone against a Columbus team that prefers to play that way.

"They set the example for the rest of us," Larkin said. "It was a tough first period, we had to get into the game, but those guys have been leading the way up front for a while. They just work and that's what we had to do, and work and win the puck back on the forecheck."

Detroit News LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207152 Detroit Red Wings Kirton said he plans on organizing a fundraising virtual concert with celebrities and is encouraged by ALS awareness by sports like , which will hold an annual Lou Gehrig Day beginning on June 2. Ex-Red Wing Mark Kirton battles Lou Gehrig's disease one day at a time "These are unprecedented times for ALS awareness," Kirton said. "We just had the 'Ice Bucket Challenge' and there are at least 180 trials going on in North America. It's only a matter of time before they get even better MARK FALKNER drugs and find a cure for this."

Detroit News LOADED: 03.29.2021 NHL coaches like Jeff Blashill of the Detroit Red Wings could always use a hockey player like Mark Kirton.

For six straight games from Oct. 22-Nov. 1, 1981, Kirton's high-energy, checking line with Paul Woods and Brad "Motor City" Smith either scored or assisted on the Red Wings' first goal of the game during a 3-2-1 stretch.

"He (Kirton) was a coach's dream," said Smith, now the head of pro scouting for the Stanley Cup-contending Colorado Avalanche. "He was underrated as a two-way center who could score a key goal, check the other team's best player or win an important faceoff in your own end."

Kirton's NHL career lasted 11 years, including 75 points in 134 games in Detroit before Mike Ilitch bought the team for $8 million in 1982. After retiring in 1989, Kirton started a successful real estate business in Oakville, Ontario, just west of Toronto. Woods has been the Red Wings' radio color analyst for 38 years with Bruce Martyn and Ken Kal.

It was those 11 years as a pro athlete which prompted Kirton to use his platform to raise awareness and fundraising for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which he was diagnosed with nearly three years ago in April 2018.

Commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the New York Yankees' first baseman who was forced to retire after developing the disease in 1939, Kirton is about to trade in a walker for a motorized wheelchair and his friends are building a ramp off the back of his house in Oakville to help navigate his days as a businessman at ReMax Realty, a husband (wife Lisa) and a father of three children (Taylor 29, Adam 27, Sarah 15).

"I know there's no cure," Kirton said. "But I'm not dying of ALS. I'm living with it. When you get told something like this, you can bury your head, get depressed and cry it out. Or you say, 'Hey look. It's what I've been dealt with and I've got to make the best of it and I've got to deal with it.' So I chose the second way."

Kirton's symptoms began in 2015 when his right bicep wouldn't stop twitching while sitting on a beach at Paradise Island in the Bahamas.

After three years of blood-work tests, orthopedic and inflammation appointments, numerous EMGs (electromyographies for muscle and nerve damage), visits to nutritionists and rheumatologists and a false- positive result for Lyme disease, he received the "devastating news" with Lisa while sitting nervously in a 6-by-12 waiting room at Toronto's Sunnybrook Hospital, the largest trauma center in Canada.

"When someone gets diagnosed with ALS, it's not just them that's affected," Kirton said. "It's also the family. It's really, really tough because they become caregivers on a daily basis. It's harder from them mentally and physically. So when people say, 'Mark has ALS,' it's not just Mark. It's Mark's family has it too.

"Someone also told me right away to put aside $200,000 for equipment, to renovate your house properly, the bathrooms, the ramps and all that. I thought no way but it's at least $200,000. The trick is to stay ahead of the curve. If you can't transfer from a bed to a chair with the right piece of equipment, you've got a problem."

Kirton said his ALS affects his arms, hands and legs ("My thigh strength is probably around 20 percent of normal") and he's been taking monthly edaravone treatments and daily riluzole pills to slow the progress of the neurological disorder which weakens muscles and eventually causes death.

"I may be in the third period of life but there'll be numerous overtimes," Kirton said. "Some ALS people live 20 years. You just don't know. I just try to make the best of every day, try not to lose my sense of humor and I get huge support from my family, friends and hockey friends. I've got nothing to feel sorry for." 1207153 Detroit Red Wings “The inner drive, work ethic that he showed these last couple months when he hasn’t played to make sure he’s getting the extra work … I think there’s days he’s been on the ice for upwards of three hours. That’s the commitment level you have to have, and you can’t let it slip.” Calvin Pickard prepared for big opportunity with Red Wings, and delivered Said Pickard: “It’s never easy. You’re a competitor, you want to play. Coming into this season, every team is carrying three goals (due to COVID-19 concerns). I’m kind of slated into that role, but it’s a good group to be around. They care about me. There’s always opportunities Updated Mar 27, 7:40 PM; Posted Mar 27, 7:40 PM throughout the year where the third guy is going to have to play, so you By Ansar Khan have to be ready for it.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.29.2021

DETROIT – Calvin Pickard had played one complete game in the past two months, in the AHL, along with two NHL relief appearances. And he spent a lot of time before and after practices getting in some work as the Detroit Red Wings’ No. 3 goaltender.

He was well-prepared when called upon Saturday to provide solid minutes for a team stinging from an embarrassing performance two days earlier.

Pickard’s 21-save performance gave the Red Wings an opportunity to win. His teammates did the rest with a strong response in a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena.

“That was awesome,” Pickard said. “Obviously, we weren’t too thrilled with our game in Nashville (7-1 loss Thursday). We had a hard practice (Friday) and obviously everyone wanted to bounce back today. We came out flying, had a great first period, set the tone and played really well for a full 60.”

It was Pickard’s first NHL win since Nov. 23, 2018, when he shut out the Rangers 4-0 with Philadelphia.

With Jonathan Bernier out due to a lower-body injury and Thomas Greiss struggling at 2-14-4, coach Jeff Blashill turned to the 28-year-old Pickard, who has played for five NHL clubs and three AHL teams, including the Grand Rapids Griffins, in the past six seasons.

“I thought Picks played well,” Blashill said. “Our guys really like him. He’s one of the better guys I’ve been around in my career. He cares a bunch, great personality. He’s really worked hard in keeping his game sharp. He’s grabbed our goalie coach (Jeff Salajko) a number of times and got in a lot of extra work. Guys have a lot of respect for him. Certainly, it’s a lift for our team.”

Pickard was a second-round pick for Colorado in 2010 and played 50 games for the Avalanche in 2016-17. He has made only 24 NHL appearances in six seasons since then.

“It’s been few and far between the last few years,” Pickard said. “I know what I’m capable of and know I can step in and give these guys a good start. Thankful our team came out flying and played really well and made it a lot easier on me.”

The Red Wings dominated the first period, outshooting Columbus 16-5 and getting goals 29 seconds apart from Adam Erne (his sixth) and Robby Fabbri (team-leading 10th).

“Not playing a whole lot this year, you don’t want to get in there and over- think things,” Pickard said. “With our first period, I only got five shots but got my feet under me and I knew they would come a little bit harder in the second period.

“Going back to play pucks kind of keeps me in it a little more. You just got to navigate through it. You’re going to be called upon at any moment, make sure you’re ready for it. It’s just nice to sit back and watch an absolute clinic in the first period. Seemed like it was a merry-go-round in the (Columbus) zone for the first 15 minutes or so.”

Dylan Larkin was Detroit’s best player, generating several chances and assisting on a pair of goals, including Anthony Mantha’s ninth at 4:42 of the third, which provided a two-goal cushion.

Pickard likely will start Sunday when these teams meet again at LCA (3 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit). But how much he plays the rest of the way will depend to a large extent on Bernier’s availability and Greiss’ performance.

“Picks went to Europe (Austria) before the season and that allowed him to get some game time,” Blashill said. “That was a great decision. He had to leave his family. 1207154 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings have strong response to debacle by beating Columbus

Updated Mar 27, 5:30 PM; Posted Mar 27, 5:30 PM

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT – The Detroit Red Wings were eager to show their previous performance is not who they are, and they did they just that on Saturday.

Looking like a completely different team in a span of less than 48 hours, the Red Wings defeated the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit (11-20-4) ended a three-game skid in a strong response from Thursday’s embarrassing 7-1 loss at Nashville.

The captain, Dylan Larkin, led the way with a pair of assists to go along with several scoring chances. Adam Erne, Robby Fabbri and Anthony Mantha scored goals.

Calvin Pickard made 21 saves in his first Red Wings start of the year and second with the club in two seasons. It was his first NHL victory since he Nov. 23, 2018, when he shut out the Rangers 4-0 while playing for the Flyers.

Columbus, which began the day just three points out of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division, fell to 13-14-8.

Third periods have been particularly rough for the Red Wings, who had been outscored 48-24 in that frame this season.

This time, they added to their lead when Mantha made it 3-1 at 4:42, tucking the puck past Elvis Merzlikins from the side of the net after a pass from Larkin. It was his ninth goal.

The Blue Jackets pulled Merzlikins for the extra skater with 2:42 remaining but the Red Wings locked it down to preserve the win.

The Red Wings pressured Columbus right from the opening faceoff with several scoring chances in the first few minutes. Larkin and Michael Rasmussen banged shots off the post and Larkin just missed on a two- on-one with Fabbri.

Erne opened the scoring at 8:29 by tipping in Filip Hronek’s long-range shot. It was his sixth goal, one short of his career high in 2018-19 with Tampa Bay.

Fabbri followed at 8:58 with his team-leading 10th goal in 26 games, one- timing a pass from Larkin.

Columbus scored the lone goal of the second period to cut the deficit to 2-1. Nick Foligno converted a wraparound pass through the crease from Alexandre Texier at 11:43.

The Blue Jackets pushed back after a couple of strong shifts by Detroit, which included Larkin’s second shot of the game off a post.

These teams meet again at LCA Sunday afternoon (3 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207155 Edmonton Oilers “I think the first four games of the series were back and forth, really tight games like this one,” he said. “We had the three games at home where we didn’t play very well, but we feel like we can play with anybody.”

Last chance for Edmonton Oilers to figure out the Leafs DEPTH PROBLEM

More than any curse, the Oilers are being sunk by a woeful lack of offensive support against Toronto. Robert Tychkowski McDavid and Draisaitl did some amazing things in Saturday’s game, Publishing date:Mar 29, 2021 • 50 minutes ago • pulling off plays that would have been spectacular in practice, much less a statement game against a first-place rival on Hockey Night in Canada.

That fact it ended up being all for nothing (just an overtime loss point) The time for sending messages has come and gone. must be tough to swallow. The sight of McDavid on the bench while As badly as the Edmonton Oilers want to let the Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto scored twice in the third period said it all. know they should be worried about seeing them again in a playoff series, There have been numerous times this season when the Oilers won it’s not going to happen. games with depth, either defensively or because the supporting cast The Leafs are 6-1-1 against Edmonton heading into the ninth and final chipped in offensively when the big guns had a relatively quiet night. But game of this season series Monday, so it will take something earth the rest of Edmonton’s forwards have been invisible against the Leafs. shattering to convince them they aren’t the better team in this matchup. Never was it more evident than when Tippett put his lead dogs on the And while you can never rule out Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl same line and let the rest of the forwards fend for themselves Saturday. doing something earth shattering, a lopsided victory over Toronto doesn’t In eight games against Toronto, the Oilers scored 16 goals, 14 of which seem to be in Edmonton’s cards right now. were either scored by Draisaitl or McDavid or set up by a primary assist No matter what happens Monday at Scotiabank Arena, you have to from McDavid or Draisaitl. believe the psychological dust has already settled. Draisaitl (10) and McDavid (9), have 19 points in those eight games while The damage has definitely been done. Toronto has made a killing at the the rest of the forwards combined for a grand total of 12 (only three of Oilers’ expense in this head-to-head series, earning 13 points to which didn’t involve McDavid or Draisaitl scoring or registering a primary Edmonton’s five. assist on the play).

It hurts, but after Monday, the Oilers don’t have to worry about Toronto That’s a big reason why things have been so one-sided. again until mid-May at the earliest, leaving them plenty of time to sort out “As a group, we can play better,” said Tippett. “There are things we can whatever it is about this matchup that doesn’t seem to agree with them. do a lot better as a team.” In the meantime, as Draisaitl explained after Toronto erased a 3-1 third Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.29.2021 period deficit and beat Edmonton in overtime Saturday, “It’s about points right now.”

Even though the team they’re chasing has owned them, the Oilers are still very much in the race for first in the North because of a sterling record against everyone else (18-4-0 since late January).

A regulation win Monday pulls them within one point of Toronto. That’s all that matters — not letting Toronto move five points ahead.

Any message the Oilers send now will only be internal, which wouldn’t hurt. Proving they can beat Toronto won’t do much to rattle the Leafs, but it will be good for Edmonton’s own peace of mind.

“We have an expectation that we can play with anyone,” said head coach Dave Tippett. “To come in and not play as well as we liked, nobody is happy with that.

“You have to come in here and find ways to win. We’ll be back and get at it again on Monday.”

STRANGLEHOLD?

There are two schools of thought regarding recent developments in the Toronto-Edmonton series.

One: That 13-1 debacle in Edmonton was just a glitch. Draisiatl was banged up and the Oilers weren’t themselves. The other five games, in which the Oilers are 2-2-1, tell the more accurate story.

Two: Since that four-game split in January, the Leafs figured something out and are now in control of this matchup — that this has become one of those weird strangleholds like the one Edmonton has over Ottawa, or Ottawa has over Calgary.

The Oilers, however, refuse to believe anyone has any sort of hold on them.

“I don’t think so,” said defenceman Tyson Barrie. “If there is, I don’t think we feel it. That was just a bad stretch in the third period.

“I’ll give (Toronto) credit, they ramped up their game the last little bit, but we have another crack at them on Monday. There is no mental hurdle as far as I can tell.”

Tippett isn’t going there either. 1207156 Edmonton Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was OK. Adam Larsson was OK.

Alex Chaisson was OK. JONES: Edmonton Oilers need more than OK to be contenders Kris Russell was OK.

Gaetan Haas was OK. Terry Jones Kailer Yamamoto, Ethan Bear, Devin Shore and Jujhar Khaira barely Publishing date:Mar 29, 2021 • 32 minutes ago rated an O.K.

And Dominik Kahun and William Lagesson definitely didn’t. It was actually down in Calgary that Darryl Sutter said it Saturday night, It’s not OK to be OK in this racket. And being just OK is definitely not OK referring to a couple of Flames he decided not to dress. two weeks before the NHL trade deadline. “OK is not OK in this racket,” said Sutter. General manager Ken Holland gets another chance to see how some of That was the problem with too many Edmonton Oilers in their fifth loss of these guys will measure up against the top team in the division. the season — admittedly much better than the previous three — to the If the Oilers best players show up and play like their best players again Maple Leafs Saturday in Toronto. They were just OK. and the rest return to the rink for their final game of the regular season Failing yet again to seize the moment to identify themselves as more Monday and prove ton be A-OK this time, maybe you can allow yourself contender than a pretender, the Oilers instead seized defeat from the to get excited for their potential in the playoffs. jaws of victory to claim their first loser point of the season. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.29.2021 Admittedly, there was some pretty bizarre puck luck involved in the Maple Leafs’ first and last goals of the game.

The first goal against Mike Smith was a little pop fly by that came down on the top of his helmeted head and bounced into the net.

The winner, by Auston Matthews in overtime, was a double deflection.

The thing is, in a meaningful game like that, you want your best players to be your best players. This time, for the Oilers, they were.

Three weeks earlier, when Edmonton came off a stretch of 11 wins in 13 games to give themselves a shot at first place in the Canadian division, only to watch the Oilers fold like a $24 tent and gagged on three straight games to Toronto at by the combined count of 13-1, they weren’t.

In those three embarrassing exhibitions, Connor McDavid, for only the third time in his career, went without a point back-to-back-to-back.

Leon Draisaitl managed a single assist.

In those three games, it was almost everybody from the top to the bottom of the lineup that flailed and failed for the Oilers.

But Dave Tippett’s team showed the kind of character they’ve been building here by winning seven of their next nine games to give themselves a double do-over in their final two meetings of the 56-game shortened Canadian-clubs-only coronavirus pandemic schedule against the Leafs in front of no fans in the stands.

This time, most of the stars came out.

Draisaitl was the first star of the game with a three-point night, including his 19th goal of the season. The defending Art Ross, Hart Trophy and Ted Lindsay Award winner was exceptional.

McDavid, playing in his first ever Saturday night game in hometown Toronto on Hockey Night in Canada, had two astounding assists and stretched his point accumulation total to 22 in the last 10 games to lead the way in the Oilers creating the second chance to play against the Leafs for first place.

Darnell Nurse showed up to be the same defenceman that has taken such a huge step forward replacing injured Oscar Klefbom and putting himself in contention for Canadian Olympic team consideration.

Tyson Barrie, who was a major mess in the three games against his old team, played up to the the starring-role status he’d rediscovered since.

And Smith made several sensational saves as he battled, big time, in net for Edmonton.

“Your goaltender gives you a chance to win. You’d like to win it for him,” head coach Tippett said of wasting such a great game in goal.

Jesse Puljujari this time didn’t disappear. He graded well. So did Josh Archibald and Zack Kassian.

But the rest of them? 1207157 Edmonton Oilers McDavid set up Darnell Nurse for a league-leading 11th goal of the season by a defenceman.

McDavid made it a fourth consecutive multiple-point game and 22nd Oilers fail to close out Maple Leafs in Saturday night thriller since the series sweep in Edmonton threading a pass to Draisaitl for his 19th goal of the season.

Then Draisaitl made it a three-point night setting-up former Leaf Tyson Terry Jones Barrie.

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 16 hours ago • Whale of a story to that point for Edmonton even if the Oilers weren’t technically playing a whale of a game.

It all caught up to them in the end, gassing a two-goal lead and losing It was sort of Connor McDavid’s “Mickey Mouse Organization” moment. their first game of the season in overtime. On a Zoom video morning skate session before Saturday night’s highly- “At the end of the day, that’s not the type of team we want to be when hyped Game 8 of the nine-game Edmonton Oilers-Toronto Maple Leafs you have a two-goal lead and give it up with seven minutes to play,” said series this irregular season, McDavid volunteered that it was the first time Barrie. he’d ever had the opportunity to play in Toronto on Saturday night on Hockey Night In Canada. The storyline switched to Matthews scoring the OT winner to move ahead of McDavid 22-21 in the league goal-scoring race. “The league likes to sneak us through here on a Monday or a Wednesday night,” said the NHL’s greatest player. “It’s exciting. As a kid, The good thing involved here is that the Oilers weren’t looking for or obviously you watch Saturday night hockey and growing up in Toronto finding any moral victories. that was always the Leafs. It’s exciting to play in Toronto. It’s my first time.” “We expect to play well. We have expectations as a group that we can play with anybody,” said Barrie. “It was a winnable game even though we While NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman insists that next year there will didn’t play very well. We didn’t win it. So we’ll be back and at it again be no Canadian division and we’ll be back to one visit a year by Monday.” Edmonton to Toronto, the one takeaway from the Oilers overtime loss was that you can expect for the next several years it’ll be on a Saturday Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.29.2021 Night on Hockey Night In Canada.

And after Saturday’s overtime thriller, there might even be one or two more in the playoffs this year. The Oilers weren’t successful this night, but unlike the previous three meetings with the Leafs, at least they gave them a game — a game that lived up to the build-up.

Wayne Gretzky’s first moment stepping out and making a statement in his career involved calling the New Jersey Devils after the 13-4 Edmonton victory.

For the longest time there, it looked like McDavid’s quote may have played a part in what might have been considered a key moment in the modern day history of this hockey club if they hadn’t blown a two-goal lead late and lost the game on a goal by Auston Matthews in overtime.

The Oilers after three straight embarrassing losses at home to Toronto, battled back to get back in the race for first place and move into a tie with Toronto with 44 points. And then they fell flat on their face again.

The difference was that they waited late and got a loser point out of it.

Since the Leafs three-game sweep in Edmonton, the Oilers would have been 8-2 and Toronto 3-7 if they’d been able to close.

The Oilers, the team that leads the league in first-period goals but was out-scored 6-0 in the three games they lost to the Leafs in Edmonton, was outshot coming off their surprise six-day break but left the ice with the scoreboard reading 0-0.

And, instead of massive implosions on defensive turnovers and absolutely abysmal goaltending, the No. 1 reason the Oilers didn’t start out chasing this game early like all three back in Edmonton was just- turned 39 goaltender Mike Smith.

With five minutes to go in the first period Smith made an enormous save, diving across the crease to make it.

Still, once again the Oilers gave up the first one. Five minutes into the second Smith watched one go into the net that wasn’t so much ghastly as it was goofy.

It went in off the top of Smith’s helmeted head.

But unlike the one Smith gave up early in Game 1 of the Qualifying Series of the Hub City of the Stanley Cup playoffs or the ones both he and alternated in giving up in the three losses to Toronto, it didn’t take all the air out of the Oilers.

Just over two minutes later, McDavid, who had been held off the score sheet for three consecutive games for only the third time in his career, made it 10 straight games putting at least a point per game since the embarrassments as the Oilers were outscored 13-1 by the Leafs. 1207158 Florida Panthers Huberdeau, who hadn’t posted a multi-point game since March 15 and hadn’t scored a goal since March 18, scored once at even strength to tie the game at 1-1, then on a power play with 6:23 left in the period to put Florida ahead 3-1. Panthers beat Stars, but expect Aaron Ekblad to miss ‘extensive time’ with leg injury The forward had just one goal in the Panthers’ previous 11 games before he scored twice in the first 14 minutes.

It was enough for Chris Driedger. The goaltender made 33 saves on 34 BY DAVID WILSON shots to seal a second straight win and move Florida back within one point of the second-place Carolina Hurricanes in the Central Division. MARCH 28, 2021 07:47 PM, “In the third period, we had to come out and play well,” Huberdeau said,

“and we got the win for him tonight.” Jonathan Huberdeau knew from the screams how bad Aaron Ekblad’s Miami Herald LOADED: 03.29.2021 leg injury must have been.

The defenseman stayed down on the ice for more than five minutes after he planted his right leg awkwardly after taking a hit midway through the second period. The Florida Panthers’ training staff came on to the ice, wrapped his left knee in a cast, then wheeled him out on a stretcher and back into the Panthers’ dressing room at the American Airlines Center.

Florida was on its way to a 4-1 win against the Dallas Stars, but it was impossible for the Panthers to shake away the emotion and long-term worry about its top defenseman. When the second period ended, a procession of teammates headed into the training room to check in with Ekblad.

“It got pretty emotional,” Huberdeau said.

Ekblad knew something was wrong as soon as he landed. Star defenseman Esa Lindell checked Ekblad up against the boards and he grabbed at his left knee as he crumpled to the ice. He pounded on the ice and summoned for help. At least half a dozen of his teammates surrounded him when he finally left the ice on a stretcher. After more than five minutes of silence, the crowd of 4,026 in Dallas rose for a standing ovation.

Ekblad will undergo an MRI on his left leg Monday, but Florida (22-9-4) expects it will only confirm its fears.

The Panthers’ injury list continues to grow and the latest addition seems to be the most serious.

“We think he’s going to be out for an extensive time,” coach Joel Quenneville said.

Ekblad left with 11:02 left in the second period and Florida struggled to regroup without the 25-year-old. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-1 lead in the first period by piling up 14 shots, then managed just four in the second, although three came after Ekblad’s injury. The Stars (11-12-9) ultimately outshot Florida, 34-23, and the Panthers had just seven shots after the injury.

The Panthers, who were already playing without star forwards Aleksander Barkov and Patric Hornqvist, were left without three of their top five scorers and now might be missing their best defenseman for an extended period of time.

“It’s tough to see that,” defenseman Keith Yandle said. “He’s been a huge part of the success that we’ve had.”

Ekblad’s injury came just a day after he played the hero in Florida’s overtime win against the Stars on Saturday. Ekblad scored an apparent game-winning goal in the final minute of overtime, only to have it wiped out because he was offsides. Less than a minute later, he actually scored with 9.3 seconds left to snap the Panthers’ season-long three-game losing streak.

On Sunday, Ekblad assisted Huberdeau on a goal in the first period for his 22nd point of the season — fifth most on the team. With 11 goals and 11 assists, Ekblad thrust himself into contention for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the NHL’s top defenseman.

Now Florida will have to get by without him.

“We know it’s going to be bad, probably,” Huberdeau said.

The All-Star left wing’s best performance in weeks, however, helped the Panthers survive.

Huberdeau scored twice in the first period to bust out of a weeks-long slump and push the Panthers out to a 3-1 lead, then he assisted on right wing Owen Tippett’s empty-net goal with 1:05 left to clinch the win. 1207159 Florida Panthers

Florida Panthers standout Aaron Ekblad taken off on stretcher with serious leg injury

By STEVE SVEKIS

MAR 28, 2021 AT 10:12 PM

Florida Panthers standout defenseman Aaron Ekblad was taken off the ice on a stretcher after sustaining a serious injury during the Panthers’ game Sunday in Dallas against the Stars.

With the Panthers ahead 3-1 and on a power play with 11:02 left in the second period, Ekblad was taken into the corner boards in his offensive zone by Dallas’ Esa Lindell.

Lindell appeared to catch Ekblad’s right skate with his stick, resulting in Florida’s alternate captain hopping airborne and then landing with his full weight on his left leg. It appeared Ekblad’s leg gave way, sending the former All-Star to the ice, writhing in pain. He immediately removed his helmet and grabbed below his knee as medical personnel arrived.

The arena fell silent for a handful of minutes until Ekblad, 25, was rolled off the surface, an air cast placed around his left lower leg.

There was no penalty called on what looked like a fairly routine play until the injury.

Panthers coach Joel Quenneville, who has seen standouts Aleksander Barkov and Patric Hornqvist also injured on the road trip, did not go into specifics pertaining to Ekblad’s injury, but said: “It’s not an easy game to go through... you have a defenseman controlling, playing big minutes and in all situations and you lose him. You lose his leadership. It’s tough. It will be a big test for us for sure.”

Ekblad is in his sixth season with Florida after he was picked first in the 2014 NHL draft.

The Ekblad injury came less than 24 hours after he had scored with 9.3 seconds left in overtime — after his apparent winner moments earlier was wiped out by a replay review — as the Panthers beat the Stars 4-3.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone score two overtime goals in the same game,” Florida coach Joel Quenneville said late Saturday.

Carter Verhaeghe got the Panthers to overtime with a hat trick and they snapped a three-game losing streak that marked their longest of the season. made 31 saves in the first of back-to-back games between the teams in Dallas.

Ekblad scored on a backhand on a 2-on-1 after being denied a goal with 47.8 seconds remaining in the extra period when a video review determined he was offside.

On Sunday evening, the Panthers got three points from Jonathan Huberdeau and a goal each from Owen Tippett and Anthony Duclair as they rallied to a 4-1 win in Dallas.

The 22-9-4 Panthers have 48 points — in third place in the Central Division, two points back of the Tampa Bay Lightning and one behind the Carolina Hurricanes — and begin a weeklong four-game homestand on Tuesday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207160 Florida Panthers For Huberdeau, who has been a close friend of Ekblad since he joined the team in 2014, Sunday was a tough blow.

”We have been together a long time,” Huberdeau said. “It is obviously Serious injury to Ekblad casts shadow on Panthers win at Dallas tough to see a teammate, a good friend go down like that.”

SCHEDULE UPDATE

Published 7 hours ago on March 28, 2021By George Richards The NHL finally got around to extending its regular season by a few days and, as expected, bumped back the Panthers and Lightning final series by a couple of days.

Jonathan Huberdeau scored twice in the first period but it was a serious- Florida was supposed to play host to the Lightning on May 6-8, but the looking injury to star defenseman Aaron Ekblad which cast a pall on the first game was postponed. It will now be on Monday, May 10. Panthers 4-1 win in Dallas Sunday night. So, the season-ending series between the Panthers and Lightning will Ekblad, the top pick of the 2014 draft, was having his best NHL season now be May 8-11 in Sunrise. before he had to be carted off the ice by Dallas EMTs after an awkward collision in the second period as his left skate appeared to be wedged HEPO RETURNS between the ice and the boards. The Panthers made one roster move on Sunday, calling forward Aleksi On Saturday, Ekblad scored twice in OT — only one counted, obviously Heponiemi back and placing him on the taxi squad. — to end Florida’s three-game losing streak. Heponiemi has only played in three games for the Panthers this season Sunday, it is possible his season may be over. Coach Joel Quenneville but his debut was memorable as he got the game-winner in Detroit on said he expects Ekblad to be out an “extensive” amount of time. Jan. 30.

”Tough blow for us,” Anthony Duclair said. In three games at AHL Syracuse, Heponiemi had four assists.

Before the injury, Huberdeau ended his five-game scoring slump in a big Florida may have to bring up another player for the taxi squad with the way, scoring twice in the first period to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead they likelihood Anton Stralman goes back into the lineup. Grigori Denisenko, would not give up. Brady Keeper or Chase Priskie would make sense.

Florida’s two-game sweep of the host Stars was most welcomed after the Defenseman Noah Juulsen is on a conditioning assignment and should team opened this five-game road trip with its first three-game losing be back as well. streak of the season. GAME HIGHLIGHTS But again, there were few smiles around the Panthers on Sunday. Dallas defenseman John Klingberg flipped the puck into the stands 55 The Panthers are back in Sunrise on Tuesday to face a Detroit team seconds in and gave Florida a power play chance early. coming off a sweep of its own as the Wings took out Columbus in The Panthers got three shots off but could not beat Oettinger — at least consecutive days. right here. Florida remains shorthanded, playing without Sasha Barkov for the fourth The Stars took the early lead as Roope Hintz’s shot from the right side consecutive game and Patric Hornqvist for a second. deflected off Radko Gudas and Jason Robertson as Ekblad seethed in Those two are expected back in the coming days. Ekblad could be out for the penalty box following a roughing call. some time. The fear is a broken leg as well as damage to the knee. But then Huberdeau broke loose, grabbing the puck off the side wall and Quenneville said Ekblad would be evaluated by doctors in South Florida went straight to the net without passing it up to tie it at 1. on Monday and they hoped to have a clearer indication of the severity of After Duclair scored to make it 2-1 on the penalty shot, Huberdeau got the injury. back on the scorecard but threading a shot from Keith Yandle (playing in Florida was coming off the emotional high of a 4-3 win the night before consecutive game No. 901) to give Florida a two-goal lead at 13:37. one in which Carter Verhaeghe got a hat trick and Ekblad got the OT Florida outshot Dallas 14-7 in the opening period and had a 23-13 shot winner with 10 seconds left. attempt advantage as well. “Momentum is obviously important,” Ekblad said before the game. The Panthers looked like the much better team in the first despite the 1-0 The Panthers did not have it in the opening moments Sunday night as Dallas lead early on. they trailed 1-0 on a power play goal at 4:32 (with Ekblad in the penalty GEORGE’S THREE STARS OF THE GAME box) but they got it right back. F Jonathan Huberdeau, Florida Huberdeau gave the Panthers much life as he picked off the puck on the side wall in the offensive zone, drove in and sniped one bar-down to tie it F Anthony Duclair, Florida 32 seconds later. G Chris Driedger, Florida Florida kept its legs moving and creating chances and less than 90 seconds after Huberdeau scored, Duclair was slashed on his way to the ON DECK: RED WINGS AT PANTHERS net. When: Tuesday, 7

Duclair was awarded a penalty shot and he buried the chance, giving the Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise Panthers a 2-1 lead at 6:29 of the opening period. Tickets: AVAILABLE HERE At 13:37 of the period, Florida led 3-1 as Huberdeau sent one through ’s skates on the second power play chance of the night. Season series: Florida leads 4-2.

Florida’s final tally came on Owen Tippett’s empty net goal off a feed TV/Radio: FSF/560-AM from Huberdeau with 1:05 remaining. Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 Chris Driedger made 33 saves for his ninth win this season.

”That was a very important win for us,” Quenneville said. “You lose a guy like Ek, and you know the severity of it, it is not an easy game to go through. We stayed with it and battled. Lose a guy who is having that kind of season … you lose his leadership. It is tough, will be a good test for us.” 1207161 Florida Panthers

Aaron Ekblad injured, carted off in Florida Panthers game in Dallas

Published 8 hours ago on March 28, 2021By George Richards

Less than 24 hours after he was the hero of the Florida Panthers overtime win in Dallas, star defenseman Aaron Ekblad appeared to be seriously injured and had to be carted off the ice Sunday night.

With 11:02 left in the second period, Ekblad chased down a puck toward the half wall, turned and was hit.

It looked like his left skate was caught in the small gap between the ice and the half boards, the impact of the hit apparently taken by his left leg.

Ekblad immediately hit the ice clutching his left knee and looked to be in considerable pain.

The game was stopped as soon as officials saw him writhing on the ice and, not long after Florida’s medical staff got to him, local EMTs came onto the ice with a wheeled stretcher.

Ekblad was stabilized on the ice and gave a wave as he was carted off.

Obviously, the severity of the injury is not known but it certainly does not look good.

Coach Joel Quenneville said after the game that Ekblad would fly back to Fort Lauderdale with the team and would be checked out by specialists Monday.

He said the team expects Ekblad to miss considerable time.

Ekblad, 25, is having perhaps his best season in the NHL since the Panthers selected him first overall in 2014 and losing him for an extended period of time — or the rest of this season — will hurt the Panthers.

Florida was already playing without two of their top players as Sasha Barkov missed the past four games and Patric Hornqvist two.

General manager Bill Zito was already thought to be in the market for an additional defenseman before the April 12 trade deadline and now he most certainly is.

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207162 Los Angeles Kings Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.29.2021

Kings look ahead to two-game series with Golden Knights

By ANDREW KNOLL |PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 7:23 p.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 7:23 p.m.

With two disappointing losses and four days without a game in their rearview mirror, the Kings hope to springboard off a rigorous practice Saturday and some special teams work Sunday as they face the Vegas Golden Knights for a two-game series beginning Monday.

While the Kings have been idle, the Arizona Coyotes have been anything but dormant, winning three straight games, including a 4-0 victory over the San Jose Sharks Saturday. San Jose beat the Kings in their previous two games. Those developments opened up a five-point lead for Arizona, albeit with three more games played than the Kings. Both teams trail St. Louis for the last playoff berth in the division.

The Kings face a “tough task” visiting the West Division-leading Golden Knights, Kings Coach Todd McLellan said. Though Vegas can also grind games out, speed and tenacity have been their trademarks across all four of the franchise’s campaigns to date.

McLellan said that surrendering fewer outnumbered chances and defending the rush better were emphases during the break.

“We went seven games back, starting with the Colorado series. We took a look at the type of chances we were giving up, who was involved in them and why they were happening,” McLellan said. “There’s causes and symptoms, and then there’s the execution to try to prevent and recover from the mistakes.”

McLellan said his players had recognized and owned their errors–which have them in a funk that has seen them accumulate just four wins in 14 games–and that they were ready to move on in a season that allowed no time to sit and stew.

The Kings took the opportunity to have over an hour of practice on Saturday, a rarity amid a condensed schedule. This season has had days off dictated by agreements with the players’ association as well as logistical considerations with games coming in quick succession on the slate.

Center Gabe Vilardi, who is in his first season played entirely at the NHL level, said the NHL schedule was more rigorous than that of minor and junior leagues.

“It’s different. It’s really different. Especially this year, we’re playing like every other day,” Vilardi said.

Vegas has maintained its perch atop the division, winning seven of their last 10 contests to keep pace with the even hotter Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild.

Right winger Mark Stone leads Vegas in scoring with 39 points in 31 games and has perhaps the most disruptive stick of any NHL forward in his defensive arsenal. Vegas Coach Peter DeBoer recently said he would consider Stone a candidate for the league’s most valuable player award, the Hart Trophy, calling Stone a “big-moment guy.”

Stone has notched four points in as many games against the Kings this year, and his running mate left winger Max Pacioretty has six points in three meetings. Pacioretty missed the only game the Kings won in the series to date, and most recently he was seen turning in a multipoint effort in a victory at Colorado.

Goalies Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner will likely split the series. Lehner won in his only appearance against the Kings, while Fleury has posted a 2-1-0 record. Fleury has four shutouts this season, one behind the league leader, Colorado’s Philipp Grubauer.

Kings at Vegas

When: 7 p.m. Monday/7 p.m. Wednesday

Where: T-Mobile Arena (limited in-person attendance)

TV/Radio: Fox Sports West (Monday)/NBCSN (Sunday)/iHeartRadio 1207163 Los Angeles Kings Similar to how Roy played with veteran Alec Martinez last season, as he broke in, Roy is hoping that as he continues to establish himself as a more experienced player in the league, that some of the things he does to be consistent are rubbing off on the younger defensemen in the WITH NEW CONTRACT SIGNED, MATT ROY READY FOR ADDED organization as well. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES “Personally, I just try to lead by example as best I can,” he said. “I’m not going to be one of the rah-rah guys in the locker room, we’ve got the older guys for that, but I try to learn from the older guys and just try to BY ZACH DOOLEY bring about my daily routines. Hopefully, some of the younger guys can MARCH 28, 20210 pick up on a couple of things and I’ve been playing with Toby a lot recently, Claguer, Mikey last year, so I think that there’s been a responsibility there and I just try to help them out as best I can.”

Matt Roy, the man Kings Head Coach Todd McLellan refers to as There was never a guarantee that a player like Matt Roy would become a “Steady Eddie”, is locked up for the next three seasons, after he signed a consistent, NHL presence. contract extension last week. Roy has been a solid presence on the Kings blueline, as he rose to the National Hockey League from the Selected in the seventh round in 2015, Roy has head to earn everything seventh round of the NHL draft. Now, he’s a part of the future of the LA he’s gotten, starting with his first development camp with the Kings and Kings organization moving forward. moving forward. Although, he almost wasn’t even sure if he would have the opportunity to. “It’s great, it’s something that, personally, I’ve been working pretty hard for,” Roy said yesterday. “I’m glad that we could get the paper signed, On his draft day, Roy was at home with his family as the internet went and I’m ready to get going here over the next couple of years.” out at his house, and with the draft already into the final stages, information at that time was released almost exclusively online. When it With Roy’s extension now inked, the right side of the Kings defensive finally kicked back in, Roy saw that a left winger from Canada named corps is now under contract through 2024. Drew Doughty signed his Matthew Roy was selected by the LA Kings. He wasn’t even sure at the massive extension and is locked in on the team’s top pairing for the time that it was him, but by the time he got the official call from the Kings foreseeable future, while Sean Walker signed his four-year extension this he was excited. past offseason, after the expiration of his entry-level contract. “We found out that there was a Matt Roy, left winger from Canada, that Roy and Walker are now under contract for the next three seasons after got picked and we weren’t really sure,” he explained. “Then I got the call this one, combining for a reasonable cap hit of less than $6 million per and everyone was just so happy and to get picked by LA was so special.” season. Locking in the Michigan native long term made a lot of sense for the organization and was well-deserved for a player who has earned Wonder if Canadian Matt Roy pronounces his name Roy or Wah…… everything he’s gotten so far in his career. Not all seventh-round picks earn second contracts in the NHL, let alone “As far as his extension, he deserves every little bit of it,” McLellan said. even make it to the league. Roy has proven to be the exception to the “We have a ton of confidence in him, I think he feels comfortable here rule. He wasn’t always the guy at the top of the “how is this prospect with the group and much like Walker, they’ll have an opportunity to grow looking” list of questions asked, of guys in college or junior hockey. By and get better as the team gets better.” the time he made his way to the AHL, and cemented himself as a top blueliner for Ontario, everyone had taken notice. The process started with Roy last summer, which came after his first full season at the NHL level. The right-shot blueiner provided a steady, “I think that being a late bloomer, I think I kind of flew under the radar a consistent presence, despite his inexperience, that earned himself a lot and I tried using that to the best of my abilities,” he said. “I just tried place in the longer-term plans of the organization. proving it to myself every night and luckily I’ve played with some great teammates, who can help me out along the way, and I’m glad to be Negotiations were eventually tabled until the season, and picked up where I’m at.” recently over the last few weeks. There was a mutual desire between the Kings organization, and for Roy himself, to get a deal done to keep Roy Late bloomer or not, Roy has arrived now. He has made that transition in the black and white for the foreseeable future. from an under the radar prospect, to an NHL regular, and now he has the contract security to prove it. “[The Kings] reached out last summer, we were going back and forth a little bit, but things really started to take off the last couple of weeks,” Roy Roy’s story is a successful one, for himself and the organization. The said. “I think that we both wanted to get something done and I’m glad we Kings got a Top-4 contributing defenseman off of a late-round draft pick, did.” and Roy has turned what was never a sure thing of an NHL career into one of the bigger late-round steals in hockey in recent seasons. With an extension now comes enhanced expectations. From the day he initially joined the organization, Roy knew he could hang Roy entered the NHL in the latter stages of the 2018-19 NHL season, with those around him, first in the AHL and then in the NHL. and earned a job out of training camp in fall-2019. He worked his way from a rookie entering the league, off of a successful year and a half in “When I signed my first contract, and went to Ontario, I realized that the AHL, to a contributor, as he earned an all-Rookie Team vote from his there’s a lot of good players, everyone is tough, strong and skilled, so I play last season. think from there, I always believed I could personally [reach the NHL], but I had to go out there and prove it,” Roy said. “I just took it one day at a Now, Roy has been identified as a member of the team’s evolving time, and one step at a time.” secondary core, the group of players in between the veteran five players, and ahead of, in terms of experience, the up and coming, top-ranked Whatever the approach has been, here’s to it continuing for the next prospect pool in the NHL. Roy has the added task of being a veteran three years, one day at a time! presence for this Kings team, helping to work with younger players LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.29.2021 entering the league.

“With the reward now comes a lot more responsibility and that’s a part of becoming a veteran in the league,” McLellan said. “As you move up in contract years, you also move up in responsibility and we will expect more from him, we’ll expect more from Walker and anybody else who continues to grow with our organization.”

Looking at Roy’s presence in the lineup, he has already begun to assume more of a leadership role, leading through example as he’s been paired alongside younger players such as Mikey Anderson, Tobias Bjornfot and Kale Clague so far this season. 1207164 Los Angeles Kings It hasn’t come without a bit of adversity though. Anderson-Dolan suffered an upper-body injury in Arizona last month,

which took him out of the lineup just as he, and his line, were finding their JARET ANDERSON-DOLAN IS GROWING, DEVELOPING AND stride. The injury was difficult, especially considering the timing, but when THRIVING WITH LA KINGS SO FAR THIS SEASON Anderson-Dolan finally returned to the lineup against St. Louis on March 17, he barely missed a beat.

In his time away from the game, the young forward focused on what the BY JACK JABLONSKI team was doing, and what he did in his short NHL sample size as much as he could, to ensure he’d be right where he needed to be when he got MARCH 28, 20210 healthy.

“Just watching video of the couple games I played there, to stay Going into this condensed 56-game season, there were many questions engaged, and watching our games, looking back at the games that I was as to who would fill in the “bottom six” and depth forward positions. Now, playing, what was allowing me to be effective,” he said, upon returning 32 games into the season, there are still moving pieces and line from injury. “Honestly, it was just to stay engaged and keep my hockey combinations being figured out, but forward Jaret Anderson-Dolan is mind going during that time off with the injury.” making his case to stop being moved. No matter who he credits his growth and success to, the center has Skating predominantly on a line with Trevor Moore and Carl Grundstrom, consistently contributed on a breakout line that has exceeded the trio, both as a group and as individuals, have shown their stuff expectations when healthy. Although the rookie forward has only played towards remaining in the lineup each night. in 11 games, thanks to injury, the production from he and his linemates have provided a need for the Kings. The tenacious and aggressive Centering that line has been Anderson-Dolan, a second-round draft pick forechecking trio has given the Kings something that was perhaps in 2017 out of Calgary, . Now in his third year with the Kings lacking before its inception. organization, he seems to have found his niche within the Kings roster as the two-way, hard-working, forechecking presence, who provides “It just seems that [our line] is a good combination of players that play a opportunity and offense for himself and his linemates. Yes, that’s a similar game,” he said. “We all skate well and are willing to get in on the mouthful of a description, but given the growth and development from the forecheck and that’s kind of been our bread-and-butter since we’ve been now second-year professional, Anderson-Dolan deserves the extended together. It’s working so we’re not looking to change that. We’re just list of attributes. looking to continue to grow as a line and as a team.”

Having seemingly found his stride at the NHL level, Anderson-Dolan Following the Kings’ win over the St. Louis Blues on March 17th, gave his reasoning on the Kings of the Podcast (KOTP), a podcast run Anderson-Dolan’s first game back, Head Coach Todd McLellan shared by John Hoven, an LAKI contributor. his thoughts on the line.

“I think I’m just playing a lot more relaxed this year,” Anderson-Dolan said “Sometimes things work with combinations of players and their play on the program. “In the past, I was trying to make a difference every shift, complements each other really well. Their style allows them to keep but in a way that I was pressing too hard. This year, I’m letting the game plays alive in the offensive zone and they can extend shifts a little bit,” come to me a little bit more. I’ve got a lot more confidence with the puck McLellan told the media. “JAD is an important piece on that line.” and I think that has come with playing more games [in the NHL]. It’s been With seven points (3-4-7) in 11 games, the evolution in Anderson-Dolan’s fun and I’ve been lucky to play with some great players. Things are really game has been one of several bright spots in the Kings lineup this clicking right now and it’s not just something I’m doing, but it’s our line season. With so many moving pieces and prospects in the pipeline, his working together.” performance thus far is proving to be a spot in the lineup that is trending Prior to the 2020-21 season, Anderson-Dolan had appeared in only nine towards becoming a mainstay. As expected, the man they call JAD games for the Kings and recorded just one assist, back in October of hasn’t focused on the outside noise or moving pieces, just about 2018. Outside of a five-game NHL stint to open the 2018-19 season, and controlling the things he can control. four additional games the next year, Anderson-Dolan spent the majority “I just try to focus on what I can control; that’s how hard you work and the of his time in the AHL with the Ontario Reign and the OHL with the details of your game. It’s all about helping the team win on both ends of Spokane Chiefs. For all aspiring NHL prospects, the goal is to make it to the ice.” the NHL. The next step is to stay there. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.29.2021 Having not been able to accomplish that second goal over the previous two years, Anderson-Dolan didn’t slouch his head; he took advantage of the opportunity that the AHL provided him, learned, and worked on his craft.

“I got a lot of experience last year, in every situation, with Ontario,” Anderson-Dolan said earlier this season. “Killing penalties, taking big faceoffs, playing power play, I think you just mature as a player and as a person. I’m quite a bit stronger, more explosive, just everything that comes with growing into a man a little bit more, and from playing against older guys. When you come in as a 20-year-old in the AHL, it’s a little bit of a learning curve.”

In 58 career regular-season games for the Reign, the 5-11 centerman recorded 30 points (8-22-30).

With the AHL currently in the rearview mirror, the lessons that Anderson- Dolan has endured since joining the Kings organization have shaped the former second-round selection into an NHLer, with the tools to make that title permanent. But for him, he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the Kings veterans who helped him to settle in.

“The veterans make us feel so comfortable here, and it’s helped me loosen up,” Anderson-Dolan told KOTP. “They’ve helped me understand that I need to play my game. They demand a lot from themselves but also from a lot of us young guys. Being around veterans and seeing how they work every day is contagious. It rubs off on you, especially when you’re a young guy coming into the organization.” 1207165 Minnesota Wild Talbot has won seven in a row before on home ice, a career-long run he initially set March 14-April 1, 2017, with Edmonton.

That was the body of work the Wild studied when sizing up Talbot as a Handling back-to-back starts affirms Cam Talbot as Wild's No. 1 goalie potential addition to the team, noticing the level he was at when he was a bona fide starter making 70-plus starts.

He eventually lost that distinction, bouncing from the Oilers to By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MARCH 29, 2021 — 12:16AM Philadelphia before recalibrating in Calgary, but with the Wild, Talbot once again is fulfilling that stature.

"He's fought his way back," Guerin said. "He's the character guy that we All season long the Wild had been splitting back-to-back games between thought he was, and he's been a perfect fit." goaltenders Cam Talbot and Kaapo Kahkonen, a trend that seemed likely to continue last week when the team played on consecutive nights Star Tribune LOADED: 03.29.2021 before having three days off.

But after Talbot backstopped the Wild to a victory over Anaheim on Wednesday, he didn't take a seat at the end of the bench on Thursday. He returned to the crease to face St. Louis, an audible by the Wild that even Talbot didn't see coming.

"I was actually pretty surprised," he said.

The decision worked out, with Talbot delivering his best effort of the season in a 37-save shutout that helped stymie the Blues 2-0, but the outcome also revealed another boon for the Wild: Talbot has re- established himself as the No. 1 goalie the Wild signed him to be.

"That's what I wanted to do," Talbot said. "I think I was able to showcase that last year in Calgary down the stretch when I was given the opportunity and obviously caught the eye of the Wild here and [General Manager Bill Guerin]. So, just trying to reward their confidence in me over the summer."

Despite how well he's played, this season hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for Talbot.

After signing a three-year, $11 million contract to replace Devan Dubnyk as the team's starter following his breakout season with the Flames, Talbot struggled to gain traction between the pipes. He was hurt in the home opener, leaving the action early before missing four games because of a lower-body injury. Once he healed up, he played just two games before the season was suspended by a COVID-19 outbreak that affected Talbot — sidelining him for an additional five games after the Wild restarted.

Although his effectiveness didn't waver when he was on the ice, Talbot just wasn't available all the time — a reality that opened the door for Kahkonen to receive more games. And since he proved he can handle the responsibility, navigating the majority of the team's season-high six- game winning streak in February and winning a franchise record nine straight starts as a rookie, Kahkonen continued to earn starts after Talbot returned from the COVID protocols.

Still, sharing the crease with Kahkonen hasn't minimized Talbot's impact.

And when given the chance to do what a No. 1 netminder does and finish off a back-to-back against a division rival chasing the team in the standings, Talbot showed he can get the job done.

"We're competitors," Talbot said. "We want the net, and we want to play as many games as possible. So when they asked me, it seemed like a no-brainer."

Over his past six starts, the 33-year-old is 5-1 with a 1.50 goals-against average, .954 save percentage and two shutouts. The lone loss in that bunch was when he was bombarded by 55 shots, turning aside 50 (a career high in the regular season) during a 5-1 loss at Colorado on March 18.

Where he has been particularly strong, though, is in St. Paul.

Since exiting the Wild's first game at Xcel Energy Center because of an injury, Talbot has won all seven of his starts at home — a stretch in which he has carried a 1.23 goals-against average and .956 save percentage.

"I don't know what it is about this building," said Talbot, who is 9-5 overall with a 2.34 goals-against average and .925 save percentage. "I always enjoyed coming into this building and playing as the road team. It's not the same atmosphere without the fans here. But for some reason, the building feels familiar. I've had some good games here as an opposing goalie." 1207166 Minnesota Wild

Wild-San Jose game preview

MARCH 28, 2021 — 9:29PM

SARAH McLELLAN

9:30 p.m. at San Jose • FSN, 100.3-FM

San Jose is first of four on the road

Preview: After a three-day break, the Wild (21-10-1) is back in action at San Jose – the start of a four-game road trip. The team has won three in a row and eight of its past 10 games. During its current winning streak, the Wild has given up only three goals. Before departing for San Jose, the team called up F Luke Johnson to the taxi squad from Iowa in the American Hockey League.

Players to WATCH: Wild LW Kirill Kaprizov has eight points in his past nine games, including five goals. In 17 career games vs. the Sharks, RW Mats Zuccarello has 16 points. … Sharks G Martin Jones is 3-1-1 over his past five starts. D Brent Burns is averaging 26 minutes, 30 seconds of ice time.

Numbers: The Wild has won six of its past nine games at San Jose. Goalies Cam Talbot and Kaapo Kahkonen lead the NHL in save percentage (.919). … San Jose (13-16-4) is coming off back-to-back losses, getting outscored 9-2 in those games by Arizona. F Patrick Marleau's next game will be his 1,757th — the second-most played in NHL history; Marleau is 11 games shy of Gordie Howe's record.

Injuries: Wild Fs Marcus Foligno (lower body) and Zach Parise (COVID list) are out. Sharks F Matt Nieto (lower body) is also out.

Star Tribune LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207167 Minnesota Wild

Wild return from short break recharged and ready to go

By DANE MIZUTANI | PUBLISHED: March 28, 2021 at 6:07 p.m. | UPDATED: March 28, 2021 at 6:12 p.m.

There was a light airiness inside the Xcel Energy Center in the minutes leading up to Sunday’s practice. Everyone from the players to the coaches to the equipment staff looked recharged after a couple of days off.

That type of break has been rare this season amid a condensed 56- game schedule. There’s been a game pretty much every other night, and the Wild clearly started to wear down with some uninspired play as of late.

That’s why coach Dean Evason encouraged his players to unplug over the weekend. Whether that be something as simple as hanging out with the family, or hitting some golf balls on the range, Evason wanted each player to do whatever they needed to come to Sunday’s practice feeling refreshed.

“Personally, for me, I think it’s very beneficial to go home and not open the computer,” Evason said. “Just watch something else or do something else. I think it’s very healthy to get away from it for awhile. But everybody is different. It’s an individual thing.”

Regardless of what each player did with their free time, veteran center Nick Bonino made it clear that the break itself was welcomed.

“It was huge,” Bonino said. “It seems like the majority of us had COVID and then within a couple of days of recovering we were playing games every other day for 20 games or 25 games. It’s definitely nice. The body feels fresh. A couple of days off isn’t something we’ve had the luxury to have.”

It wasn’t hard for Bonino to disconnect for a couple of days. He’s learned how to compartmentalize his life whenever he’s away from the rink.

“As I’ve gotten older and been in the league long enough I’ve been able to kind of keep them separate,” Bonino said. “I think it’s impossible to keep them fully separate. If things aren’t going well at the rink the last thing I want to do is be negative around the house and bring the whole mood down. That’s something that takes some work.”

“I’m still working on it,” Evason added. “This year I haven’t produced as much as I would like. Just a little bit snakebitten. It definitely frustrates me. My wife can see it. I think the most important thing is to keep that away from the kids and be happy and be positive with them. Just work it out at the rink and work hard. That’s all I can control.”

While some of the older players like Bonino used the break as a chance to spend time with their families, younger players like Joel Eriksson Ek simply used it as a time to relax.

“Just tried to rest up and get ready for the games coming up,” Eriksson Ek said. “It’s good to get away from the rink for a couple of days. I think it’s going to be really good for the energy and the team.”

That showed during Sunday’s practice. Now the key for the Wild is making sure that energy transfers over to Monday’s game against the San Jose Sharks.

“We have an opportunity to see how we respond after this,” Evason said. “It’s not a secret that before we weren’t playing our best hockey, even if we were having some success. We have to get back to playing Minnesota Wild hockey. That’s playing with pace and playing physically and playing ultimately as a team. Not that we didn’t do that when we didn’t have our best stuff. We are just looking forward to seeing how everybody responds.”

BRIEFLY

Zach Parise (COVID protocols) will not travel with the Wild on the upcoming road trip. Marcus Foligno (lower-body injury) also won’t travel as he continues the recovery process.

Pioneer Press LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207168 Montreal Canadiens

NHL announces changes to Canadiens schedule

Stu Cowan Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 8 hours ago

The Canadiens were originally scheduled to return to action Tuesday night in Ottawa against the Senators. Instead, the Canadiens will now play the Oilers Tuesday night at the Bell Centre.

The NHL announced changes to the schedule on Sunday evening after the Canadiens had four games postponed because of COVID-19 protocols.

The Canadiens’ Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia were placed on the NHL’s COVID Protocol Related Absences list last Monday and GM Marc Bergevin later confirmed that one of the two players had tested positive for a variant of the coronavirus, while the second had close contact. The Canadiens were supposed to play the Edmonton Oilers Monday, Wednesday and Friday, followed by a game against the on Sunday, all at the Bell Centre. Those games were all postponed.

The Canadiens were originally scheduled to return to action Tuesday night in Ottawa against the Senators. Instead, the Canadiens will now play the Oilers Tuesday night at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens will then play the Senators in Ottawa on Thursday and again Saturday at the Bell Centre.

The Canadiens were originally scheduled to finish the season on May 8 in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. The new schedule has the Canadiens finishing the season on May 11 at the Bell Centre against the Oilers.

The Canadiens have a 14-8-9 record and are in fourth place in the North Division. They will now play their final 25 games in this condensed 56- game NHL season over a 43-day span. They will play 17 games in 30 days in April.

When the NHL released its updated COVID-related absences list on Sunday afternoon, Kotkaniemi and Armia were joined by Eric Staal. The reason Staal was added to the list is because he has a mandatory seven- day COVID-19 quarantine after arriving in Montreal on Saturday. The Canadiens acquired the veteran centre from the Buffalo Sabres in a trade on Friday.

The Canadiens players and staff continue to be tested daily for COVID- 19.

The Canadiens are planning to practise Monday at the Bell Sports Complex in Brossard two hours after getting the results from their morning COVID-19 tests. The team expects to get those results between 2 and 3 p.m.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207169 Montreal Canadiens “It hasn’t been easy. I finished my career in Carolina with the (trade) deadline move that year and ended up signing with Minnesota. Four years is four years, but it goes fast. I was there for four and the change came this summer with being traded to Buffalo. It didn’t work out the way Quarantine will allow Canadiens' Eric Staal to give his body a rest I’d envisioned and now a different chance here in Montreal. This has been a weird season. My family stayed in Minnesota because we started

after Christmas and my kids are in school and in sports and going about Stu Cowan • Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 13 hours ago that. I’ve been solo here for the last couple of months, which hasn’t been easy when you’re with your family usually every day for the last number of years. So a lot of FaceTime, a lot of conversations on the phone with them. But there’s a lot of people dealing with a lot of other tougher "Now to be joining the group and joining the whole city, being a Montreal situations. I’m grateful that we get to play and there is hockey and a Canadien is pretty phenomenal,” Eric Staal says. "I’m excited." season. So I’m excited to be here and we’ll see how this finishes and Eric Staal made the six-hour drive from Buffalo to Montreal on Saturday, we’ll go from there after the year. a day after being traded from the Sabres to the Canadiens. “At this point, personally, I’m going day-by-day. I got a week on my own On Sunday morning, the veteran centre spent more than 25 minutes here and then I’ll get with the group. But my focus is getting started with answering questions from the media about Friday’s trade, in which the this group and integrating in and we’ll kind of see where it goes. This is a Canadiens sent a third-round and a fifth-round pick at this year’s NHL phenomenal place to play hockey and one of the best experiences as an Draft to Buffalo, while the Sabres retained $1.625 million of Staal’s NHL player. So I’m excited for the chance. Hopefully I can play well and US$3.25-million salary. This is the final season of the 36-year-old’s two- do well and our team can lead to a lot of wins. That’s what it’s all about. year, US$6.5-million contract. I’m just looking forward to the chance.”

The Carolina Hurricanes selected Staal with the No. 2 overall pick at the On the environment in Buffalo and how it may have impacted his 2003 NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder has played 1,272 career personal performance: regular-season games, scoring 439 goals and adding 592 assists for “There was so many hurdles. There was so many things that just didn’t 1,031 points. He has also played in 62 career playoff games, posting 21- line up the way that we had in mind or had envisioned. The reality is we 30-51 totals and won the Stanley Cup with the Hurricanes in 2006. started OK. We had an up-and-down kind of first two weeks or so. We In 32 games with the Sabres this season, Staal had 3-7-10 totals and were kind of finding our game, filling our roles and then we got hit with had a minus-20 plus/minus differential on a terrible Buffalo team that has COVID and it went through our room like wildfire and it wasn’t great. Two the worst record in the NHL (6-23-4) and was winless in its last 17 games weeks of guys battling that and a couple of guys battling it pretty hard. It (0-15-2), following a 3-2 loss to the Boston Bruins on Saturday. was difficult. After that when we came back never found any footing and then injuries started to mount. In that division when you’re playing teams After coming into Canada, Staal must now spend seven days in COVID- that don’t beat themselves it’s difficult and we just didn’t have enough in 19 quarantine before he can join the Canadiens. His wife and three boys the locker-room to be able to counteract that. It got tougher and tougher, — aged 11, 9 and 6 — have remained at their home in Minnesota this but the reality is that’s kind of how it went. It’s been tough, but for me season. The federal government recently reduced the mandatory being here now and having this chance, I’m excited to play some quarantine for players acquired by Canadian NHL teams from U.S. clubs meaningful games here down the stretch and hopefully get into the from 14 days to seven days. Staal said the 14-day quarantine was a playoffs and win a Stanley Cup. That’s why we play and being here gives reason why the Canadiens and other Canadian teams were on the you that chance, so I’m excited about it.” modified no-trade clause in his contract. What makes him think the Canadiens have what it takes to win? “That was definitely a factor,” he said. “I just felt like 14 days waiting is a long time, especially if you’re going to get traded in the middle of a “I think the pace that they play at is a level to be successful nowadays in season. To sit there and wait 14 days and then come back out and try the NHL. I think this is a fast team, I think they move the puck quick, they and get in the lineup and be a factor … that’s, to be honest, too long. A transition the puck. Obviously, they’ve got a strong back end starting with week is doable. I think for me, at the age I am, it’s a chance to recover (Shea Weber and Jeff Petry). They’ve got, obviously, great goaltending the body and use this as an advantage and now I’m excited to be able to with Carey (Price). There’s a balance up front that they can come at you join this group. A lot of guys I already know on this team and to be able to in waves. With the amount of games we have, the type of season it is, just integrate with them and get out there and compete, that’s all I want to you’re going to need everybody in your lineup. I think the way that they do. Hopefully this week goes fast and I’m excited that it’s down to a week played in the (post-season) bubble, beating Pittsburgh, I just think there’s and I can get with the group and be excited to play.” a lot of mix of some guys that have been around a while and understand the game and veteran experience, but also some youthful energy and Here’s some more of what Staal had to say on Sunday. that pace and play as a group is what excites me and I look forward to On his reaction to the trade: diving in and practise and then starting the games. There’s a great opportunity here and I’m going to try and take advantage of it.” “It feels a little bit surreal, to be honest. I’ve played in this building (the Bell Centre) many times and had some really fun games, some On possibly playing fewer minutes in his new role with the Canadiens: competitive games. This is the best atmosphere in the league, by far. “I’m a competitor. I want to play. I want to play 25 minutes every game. If Now to be joining the group and joining the whole city, being a Montreal you don’t have that mindset. … Obviously, you have to fill roles and Canadien is pretty phenomenal. I’m excited. A week’s going to hopefully there’s opportunity there, but you have to always try and push yourself to go by fast, but I’m just excited to get started with the guys. A great be at your best. I think that comes with coaches and staff and opportunity for me to hopefully finish strong here.” understanding what level or what amount of minutes we can get the best On crossing the Canadian border: out of this player and this person. But for me, personally, I’m always striving to have my name called as much as I can because I’m “The border was pretty quiet. It was just one lady working and she didn’t competitive, I want to play, I want to do what I can to help be successful. really say much. She was just kind of going through the quarantine But I also understand, hey, this night or this moment might not be mine, it protocols and all that stuff. But they were very nice.” might be someone else’s and you need to be supportive and be a good teammate. That’s what I’ll do and what I have done over my career. On his family’s reaction to the trade: Definitely, there’s some depth here, there’s some very good players, and “They were excited and also a little bit sad because they wanted to come for me that excites me. I’m looking forward to kind of just fit in and be with me. But they’re excited to be able to tune in and watch the Habs competitive along with them and hopefully push some guys and push here coming up. It’s going to be fun to see. I hope some of the (COVID- myself to find success and win games. 19) restrictions lift a little bit more so as time goes on maybe they could “I only talked to (head coach Dominique Ducharme) briefly and (GM Marc come and check out a game live because there’s no place better to play.” Bergevin) as well. I told them both I just want to win. I want to be out On joining his fifth team in the last six years, including the Hurricanes, there and win and be competitive and try and help our group win games, New York Rangers, Minnesota Wild and Sabres: wherever that is in the lineup I will do what I can. I feel like I’ve got some game left in me and I can be a contributor. So wherever they have me start I will work as hard as I can to make sure that I’m out there more “I think those are probably questions you’d have to ask those guys. But than that. It’s about trying to win games and that’s what I’m here for and as a teammate I’ve always just tried to throw a tidbit here and there if I looking forward to.” felt like the time was right or talked at a different moment if I felt like something needed to be said. But, for the most part, it’s about preparing Eric Staal is a member of the Triple Gold Club, having won a Stanley individually the best you can to help the team find success. I think when Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, a gold medal at the IIHF World you’re a young player you’re always watching, especially I know I did. I Hockey Championship in 2007 with Team Canada and a gold medal at watched guys that had long careers and had a lot of success because, the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. hey, I wanted to do that. I wanted to play over 1,000 games, I wanted to Stu Cowan: Adding Eric Staal will make the Canadiens a better team be in the league as long as I could. If a Rod Brind’Amour’s doing this and that, hey, which worked for him. I think you learn as your career moves Eric Staal #12 of the Buffalo Sabres skates in warm-ups prior to the on and I think for me it’s about doing what I can do individually to help the game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March team find success and when there’s moments to chat or questions are 16, 2021 in Newark, New Jersey. asked, always happy to share and always happy to pay it forward.”

Stu Cowan: Eric Staal excited about getting fresh start with Canadiens Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.29.2021 On possibly playing on a line with veteran Corey Perry:

“I’ve actually played a little bit with Pears before. I think at the Olympics I played with him and (Ryan Getzlaf) for a few games. Corey, obviously, a big, strong guy, loves to be around that net. I think (his) puck protection is very good. He’s got great hands and good skills. So if I end up with him I think it’s about reading the play, playing in the offensive zone, getting pucks to the net and using our D to our advantage and using our size and skills in front of the net to our advantage. So we’ll see where Dom sees a fit for me and for the success of our group. But Pears is a great player. He’s a winner. The guy wins wherever he goes and there’s reasons for that. So I’m excited to be able to join alongside him and the rest of the guys.”

On what goes into being a winner:

“I think it’s all about having success as a team. The individual success comes on its own, but if you’re committed to being there for your teammate and doing all the detail parts of the game that individual success just kind of comes with it. The biggest thing I’ve learned over my career is when you’re with a group that is together and everybody committed to doing whatever it takes to find success, individually everybody does. I think that’s how I’ve tried to approach every team I’ve been on and every situation I’ve been in is being a contributor, but also having the team in mind and trying to do whatever it takes to win games nightly. That may not be me scoring two or three a night, but it may be blocking a shot or doing the little thing at the end of a game to help ensure a win. So it takes everybody, it takes everybody in different roles. When you find that or you have that it becomes pretty fun to be a part of and it just snowballs. I’m looking forward to jumping in with this group and doing what I can to help us try and win.”

On being one of five players on the Canadiens with a Stanley Cup ring, joining Perry, Jake Allen, Tyler Toffoli and Joel Edmundson:

“I think it’s the understanding of knowing what needs to get done. Whether it’s a practice day or a day off or a game day, I think the focus is doing what’s right for each individual to help the team have success. When I was a younger guy watching the Rod Brind’Amours, the Glen Wesley, Ron Francis — guys ahead of me — watching how they prepared, watching how they took care of themselves, watching how they competed in practice, I learned a lot. I tried to emulate that over the course of my career and will continue to try and do that to help find success and help find team success. I think as a young guys you’re always eyes and ears are open and I think when you have a number of those guys in the locker room it can only be beneficial, especially for younger players. That mindset is clear and understood as far as what it takes. It’s exciting to be a part of this group, for sure.”

On being known as a Canadiens killer in the past, including an OT goal in Game 3 of a first-round playoff series at the Bell Centre in 2006 that the Hurricanes eventually won in six games before going on to winning the Stanley Cup:

“It seems like definitely a little bit of irony. It’s amazing how fast these years go by. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was in here in that first round of the playoffs that year and potted in the OT winner to kind of get the ball rolling for our group that season. It’s crazy and the fact that now I’m a Montreal Canadien is exciting. It’s an unbelievable market and, obviously, a phenomenal place to be an NHL player. So I feel grateful for that and an opportunity, I’m going to embrace it. I’m going to do what I can and I look forward to the challenge.”

On the impact he has had on young players like Luke Kunin in Minnesota and Dylan Cozens in Buffalo: 1207170 Montreal Canadiens exciting time for me as a hockey player and I’m going to try and take full advantage.

“Hopefully as we move forward here in the next time I’d love to see us go Stu Cowan: Eric Staal excited about getting fresh start with Canadiens on a run, we can get my family up here to enjoy a game here at the Bell Centre because there’s no place better to play. It’s always been my favourite place to play on the road as a player and now I get to suit up for the home team. It’s a pretty phenomenal feeling and I just look forward to Stu Cowan • Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 11 hours ago • it.”

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.29.2021 The drive from Buffalo to Montreal takes about six hours, so Eric Staal had a lot of time to think alone in his car Saturday.

“It definitely crossed my mind a few times entering back into Canada and now being a Montreal Canadien and playing hockey in Canada, and all those things crossed my mind a number of times,” Staal said during a video conference Sunday. “Kind of goosebumps here and there. It’s going to be fun. I’m going to embrace it. I mean, hey, I’m at the second half of my career and I get an opportunity to play for the Habs. So you got to love it and enjoy it. It’s a great chance and I’ll do my best to be very good.”

Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin acquired Staal from the Sabres on Friday in exchange for a third-round pick and a fifth-round pick at this year’s NHL Draft. The Sabres will retain $1.625 million of the 36-year-old centre’s US$3.25-million salary.

Staal must now spend seven days in COVID-19 quarantine before he can join the Canadiens. This has been a difficult season for the Thunder Bay, Ont., native and he’s happy to leave Buffalo in his rear-view mirror after posting 3-7-10 totals and a minus-20 in 32 games with the Sabres. Buffalo is by far the worst team in the NHL with a 6-23-4 record and is winless in its last 17 games (0-15-2).

Last season, Staal had 19-28-47 totals in 66 games with the Minnesota Wild before being traded to the Sabres in exchange for forward Marcus Johansson. Tomas Tatar, with 22-39-61 totals, was the only Canadiens player who had more points than Staal last season.

When Staal was asked if could explain what has happened in Buffalo this season, he said: “Well, the good part for me right now is I don’t really need to explain. I can kind of put that behind me and focus on what I can do for the Montreal Canadiens, which is what I’m going to try to do.

“Obviously, it has been a very difficult season for the Sabres and for me personally there,” he added. “I think there’s a lot of contributing factors. I’m not going to lay them all out as far as what my thoughts are. I know (GM Kevyn Adams) is going to do the best he can to recharge that organization, recharge that program and he’ll do a good job. But there’s a ways to go. For me, having this chance to be a Montreal Canadien and join this team with a lot of great players and a lot of talent is exciting for me. It hasn’t been the funnest time for the last number of games and parts of the season, but totally get to refresh and be excited about this new chance and start fresh Game 1 when I’m back in the lineup.”

Quarantine will allow Canadiens' Eric Staal to give his body a rest

Staal adds some much-needed experience at centre for the Canadiens, along with an impressive résumé that includes a Stanley Cup with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006, a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2007 IIHF World Hockey Championship and a gold medal from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. His Olympic teammates included current Canadiens Shea Weber and Corey Perry.

“I know those guys well and that helps when you’re coming into a locker room,” Staal said. “They know me as well. So it’s exciting for me to have some of that veteran experience already in the room and I can just kind of come in and be me and just fit and be excited.”

Staal’s wife and children have stayed in Minnesota this season and he hasn’t seen them since the Sabres started training camp at the end of December. He admitted there were some difficult times while he was in Buffalo.

“I had a few moments on the phone with my family back home and some tough times, for sure,” he said. “I have three boys — they’re 11, 9 and 6 — and they all play hockey and they all are busy with a lot of different things. They love having dad around. So when I’m not around, and going through some of the things that I went through over the last couple of months, it was for sure difficult. But it’s part of playing this game and part of kind of life right now. So this is for sure a new opportunity and an 1207171 Nashville Predators Now that David Farrance has signed, the Nashville Predators’ future is a little bit better.

A to Z Sports Nashville LOADED: 03.29.2021 Nashville Predators sign David Farrance, add youth to their defensive depth

Alex Daugherty -

March 28, 2021

The Nashville Predators announced today that they’ve signed defenseman David Farrance to a two-year, entry-level contract. This signing came one day after Farrance’s Boston University Terriers lost in the first round of the men’s hockey NCAA tournament to St. Cloud State.

While entry-level contracts are normally three years, Farrance’s deal is only two years because of his age. As On The Future explains here, Farrance will turn 22 before September 15th, mandating a two-year ELC according to the CBA.

But length of the contract aside, the real benefit of this signing is what it brings to the Predators in the short term.

Farrance provides skill, youth, and peace of mind

First, David Farrance is an outstanding young defenseman. Drafted by the Predators in the 3rd round of the 2017 NHL Draft, Farrance quickly blossomed into a productive defenseman for Boston University. He put up 88 points in 113 games for the Terriers, leading them to the NCAA tourney ever year of his career.

Farrance is an offensive-minded defenseman who skates well, has great attacking instincts, and is very coachable at both ends of the ice.

Eric Dunay, who covers prospects for On The Forecheck, had this to say about Farrance a few weeks ago:

“Farrance’s offensive skills are no secret, and it’s obvious why Nashville thinks he’s close to NHL-ready. There are plenty of pro defenders who cannot move the puck as he can, and I don’t think his defensive lapses are an immediate reason to be concerned. They happen, and they’re coachable. I think it’s important to see areas of the game Farrance has really improved on in college and what can still be worked on.”

Eric went on to say that “David Farrance has the potential to be an everyday, top-four defender in the NHL,” which puts him in very good company on the Nashville Predators. Dante Fabbro had similar expectations and is now playing top-four minutes for the Predators every night.

The Predators have had plenty of injuries on their blueline. Ryan Ellis might be out for the season, Mark Borowiekci has been injured most of the year, and Roman Josi just came back from an extended stay on injured reserve.

Adding a 22-year-old defenseman with high upside and skill to the defense can only help the Preds at this point. Farrance would probably push someone like Ben Harpur out of the lineup, or give Matt Benning some pressure for his job.

It would be unrealistic to expect Farrance to do too much in his first season, but you never know.

Probably the best thing about this signing? At least for David Poile, it’s a huge sigh of relief. Farrance eschewing a shot at the 2020-21 roster for his senior season at BU had many fans seeing visions of Jimmy Vesey back in 2016. Vesey infamously waited out the Predators, opting to sign with the New York Rangers instead of the team that drafted him.

Some thought Farrance might elect to do the same thing.

But he didn’t, and now the Predators have a much clearer picture about their short term situation. Maybe even their long-term future as well.

Does David Poile feel more comfortable dealing Mattias Ekholm now? Does their strategy around the Seattle expansion draft change? Do they have a different mindset going into the 2021 Draft now?

Plenty to consider. 1207172 New Jersey Devils

Devils’ Mackenzie Blackwood makes spectacular save to cap off shutout over Bruins

Updated 8:29 PM; Today 8:18 PM

By Chris Ryan

Mackenzie Blackwood picked up his first shutout of the season, and the potential save of the season capped it off.

In the closing seconds of regulation, Blackwood kicked a puck that was millimeters from crossing the goal line, preserving the Devils’ one-goal lead and clinching a 1-0 victory on Sunday at TD Garden in Boston.

That play was reviewed and upheld as no goal.

The Bruins appeared to tie the game with 1:10 left in regulation, but Devils head coach Lindy Ruff challenged for goaltender interference, taking the goal off the board. The official review said David Krejci dislodged the puck from under Blackwood’s glove before Patrice Bergeron scored.

The shutout marked Blackwood’s first of the season and his first since Feb. 8, 2020 against the Los Angeles Kings.

The Devils are now 4-0-1 against the Bruins this season, including 3-0-0 at TD Garden. The Devils have allowed only five goals in those games and zero at 5-on-5.

When the Devils last played the Boston Bruins on March 7, Kyle Palmieri scored the game’s lone goal in a 1-0 victory behind a Scott Wedgewood shutout. Palmieri’s was the game’s lone scorer again on Sunday.

Palmieri scored when he stood in the slot and redirected a Ty Smith shot. The puck fluttered high and went over Bruins goalie Jaroslav Halak at 16:37 of the first period. Jesper Bratt also picked up an assist on the play.

While that was the only scored by the Devils over the first two periods, they certainly appeared to have their legs again after fatigue likely played a role in Friday’s shutout loss to the Washington Capitals.

They also had a few golden chances to extend the lead, but the Devils couldn’t find a finishing touch. Nick Merkley banked a backhander off the right post when he had a wide-open net off a rebound midway through the second period.

The Devils also had a pair of power plays in the second period, but they couldn’t cash in on either of those. In five games against the Bruins this season, the Devils are 0-for-17 on the power play.

But the Devils’ penalty kill came through on Sunday. They needed to kill a double minor in the third period when Janne Kuokkanen went to the box for high sticking. During that kill, Bratt, Andreas Johnsson, Sami Vatanen and Dmitri Kulikov had a shift that lasted nearly two minutes, before they managed to clear the puck and get a change.

Next up

The Devils will wrap up their six-game road trip with another game against the Bruins at 7 p.m. on Tuesday at TD Garden. That will be the Devils’ final game in Boston this season.

Wednesday and Thursday will then mark the first time the Devils have consecutive games without a game since they returned from their COVID-19 pause in the middle of February.

They will return home to host the Washington Capitals on Friday and Sunday at Prudential Center in Newark.

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207173 New Jersey Devils Backstrom has been a constant as Washington’s best player and leads the team with 35 points. Kuznetsov took a while to get used to new coach Peter Laviolette and get his game back after missing almost a month recovering from COVID-19 and now has 11 points in his past nine New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins FREE LIVE STREAM (3/28/21): games. Watch NHL online | Time, TV, channel The Devils lost two in a row to Washington after winning four of their previous five games.

Updated Mar 28, 2021; Posted Mar 28, 2021 “It’s not like we played bad,” Devils center Travis Zajac sad. “Give them credit. They’re a veteran team. They know how to win games. They make By Brian Fonseca it tough. We competed today. We didn’t have enough to finish the job.”

Star Ledger LOADED: 03.29.2021 The New Jersey Devils face the Boston Bruins in a NHL regular season game at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Sunday, March 28, 2021 (3/28/21).

Fans can watch the game for free via a trial of fuboTV.

Here’s what you need to know:

What: NHL regular season

Who: Devils vs. Bruins

When: Sunday, March 28, 2021

Time: 5:30 p.m. ET

Where: TD Garden

TV: NBCSN

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Alex Ovechkin scored twice, Ilya Samsonov made 24 saves and the Washington Capitals rode their best players to a 4-0 victory Friday night and two-game sweep of the New Jersey Devils.

Ovechkin has scored 10 times in his past 10 games and has a team-best 17 goals this season. He’s eight shy of Marcel Dionne for fifth on the NHL’s career goal list after scoring his 722nd and 723rd and is tied for sixth in the league after putting up just seven in his first 19 games.

“I think he took it to heart when everyone was saying he had a bad start,” said Conor Sheary, who had a goal and an assist. “He’s probably the hottest guy in the league now, but it seems like every shot he takes is dangerous. It’s just amazing how many opportunities he’s able to get and how many goals he’s able to score.”

Nicklas Backstrom scored his 13th goal of the season, while Evgeny Kuznetsov and Tom Wilson each had two assists. Samsonov had to make a big stop 30 seconds in but wasn’t tested much after that, improving to 7-1-1 with his first shutout since Jan. 13, 2020.

“Not too much work,” Samsonov said. “Just (standing) back watching the game. Thank you, team.”

With Ovechkin rolling, the Capitals have won nine of their past 10 games and are back atop the East Division. They’re tied at 48 points with former coach Barry Trotz’s New York Islanders but hold the tiebreaker having played one fewer game.

Washington looked more like itself — a poised, veteran team — in the second game against New Jersey in two nights following four days off. While they came back to win Thursday, the Capitals never trailed in this one, their sixth in a row without center Lars Eller because of a lower-body injury.

Much like early in the season when they were without Ovechkin, Kuznetsov, Samsonov and Dmitry Orlov simultaneously and earlier this month when Wilson was suspended for seven games, the Capitals keep showing they can play at a high level without key contributors. T.J. Oshie shifted to center to take Eller’s usual spot, and Daniel Sprong looked comfortable on the first line with Ovechkin and Kuznetsov.

“We’ve got a lot of depth and versatility,” said Wilson, who has four points in four games since returning from his suspension. “Guys can jump in and take advantage. There’s nothing better as a teammate when a guy goes down than to see guys rally together.” 1207174 New Jersey Devils Thompson made that a focus during college, and it’s going to continue in the NHL.

“He’s gonna add 20 more pounds to his frame,” Leaman said. Tyce Thompson’s college coach explains what Devils are getting in Star Ledger LOADED: 03.29.2021 newly-signed prospect

Updated Mar 28, 2021; Posted Mar 28, 2021

By Chris Ryan

What Nate Leaman started recruiting Tyce Thompson to play at Providence College, the program’s head coach saw a small player. By the time Thompson — a fourth-round pick by the Devils in 2019 — finished his junior season at Providence, Leaman saw a completely different person.

“He’s just a late developing, late growing individual,” Leaman said. “When I recruited him, I think he was like 5-7. And now he’s 6-1.”

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Size aside, Thompson bloomed into one of college hockey’s top playmakers during his run at Providence, posting 94 points in his three seasons.

Given the hockey pedigree in his family, it’s not a major surprise. His dad, Brent Thompson, was a second-round pick in 1989 and played 121 NHL games, though he spent the majority of his pro career in the AHL. He’s now the head coach of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, the AHL affiliate of the New York Islanders.

Thompson’s older brother, Tage, was a first-round pick by the St. Louis Blues in the 2016 NHL Draft.

While Tyce Thompson didn’t have that same hype when he was drafted by the Devils, his work at Providence and his personality put him in position to make it to the next level.

“He loves being on the ice, loves working on his game. When the whistle blows, he’s ready,” Leaman said. “He’s a fun kid to be around. He’s always smiling, he’s always pushing. He’s lighthearted, the guys really like him.”

Because of the pandemic, Devils head coach Lindy Ruff didn’t get to see Thompson up close last summer with the team’s annual development camp canceled. Ruff said he doesn’t know at ton about Thompson yet, so he and the Devils’ coaching staff will be watching him closely once he’s cleared to participate following his COVID-19 travel quarantine this week.

Thompson served as team captain at Providence this season, and based on what he saw for three years, Leaman expects the forward to become a quick favorite for Ruff or any other coach he has in the future.

“Tyce is never going to be a super vocal guy. He leads with his actions, being first in line and doing it right,” Leaman said. “He leads with his effort, his competitiveness. That’s how Tyce leads. There’s never going to be a coach that’s disappointed with Tyce’s competitiveness or his effort. Ever.”

It’s unclear exactly what Thompson’s role will be within the Devils’ organization for the remainder of the season. His contract allows him to play in the NHL this season, so he could appear in NHL games with the Devils, AHL games with the Binghamton Devils, or a combination of both.

Wherever Thompson ends up and however the Devils elect to use him, Leaman views him as a player capable of handling the challenge.

“He’s got a really good release, he can see the plays,” Leaman said. “But I think the best thing about Tyce is whatever role that New Jersey decides to put him in, he’s well prepared for it and he can play that role. He’s played wing, he’s played center, he’s played third line, he’s played first line.”

While Thompson is likely done growing height-wise as a 21-year-old, Leaman said his 6-1, 172-pound frame still isn’t a finished product. During end-of-season meetings following each of Thompson’s three years at Providence, the message was always similar. Keep getting stronger. 1207175 New Jersey Devils for long periods of time, but came away unscathed with Blackwood stopping a pair of Nick Ritchie shots from in close.

"That was an important kill for us," Ruff said. "I think we got a big effort Instant analysis: Devils shut out Bruins after wild goal review with 1.1 out of everybody." seconds left The Bruins were playing without their points leader in Brad Marchand. The All-Star winger is one of three Boston regulars on the COVID protocol list, along with Sean Kuraly and Jake DeBrusk. Sean Farrell Meanwhile, Bruin goalie Tuukka Rask missed his second straight game due to an upper-body injury.

Mackenzie Blackwood came up with the big saves. Video replay came Bergen Record LOADED: 03.29.2021 through with the big assist.

Blackwood and the Devils hung on for a shocking 1-0 win in Boston on Sunday after the Bruins had two potential goals waived off in the last two minutes.

The final one came with less than 10 seconds left when Blackwood stretched to his right for an acrobatic kick save. The puck bounced off Devils forward Jesper Bratt and came an inch or two from crossing the line.

"To me, it looked like it didn't cross," Blackwood said. "Other people can see what they want to see."

"It was an unbelievable move on Blackwood's part," coach Lindy Ruff said. "That's some serious stretching. That's some serious yoga. That's some serious control on his part to make sure that he isn't the one that helps it go the rest of the way."

Ruff helped Blackwood complete the shutout with a successful coach's challenge.

A Patrice Bergeron goal came off the board with 1:10 left due to goaltender interference. David Krejci pried the puck loose from under Blackwood's glove before setting up his teammate on the doorstep.

"Immediately when I saw it, it looked to me like he pitchforked Blackie when he basically had the puck covered," Ruff said. "I just said then that we're going to challenge this."

Blackwood made 40 saves to record his first shutout of the season and his first since Feb. 8, 2020 against the Los Angeles Kings.

With the victory, the Devils (13-16-4) snapped a two-game losing streak. They will complete a six-game road trip on Tuesday in Boston.

"I've played long enough now to have experienced calls in the last minute," Blackwood said.

"The game's not over until the game is over. You can't get too excited or you can't get too frustrated. You got to hang in there and stay in the game until the final buzzer is over. I think we did a good job with that."

Somehow, the Devils have turned into the Bruins' worst nightmare this season.

A young and rebuilding New Jersey lineup has now gone 4-0-1 against the returning Presidents' Trophy winners. In fact, almost a third of the Devils wins have come at Boston's expense.

Along the way, Kyle Palmieri has developed a reputation as a Bruin killer. The Devils' winger scored the only goal in Sunday's victory and continued to do damage against a potential Trade Deadline bidder.

Of Palmieri's seven goals this year, four have come in the season series against the B's.

"Obviously, Mackenzie played a great game," Palmieri said. "I think he helped balance out when we made mistakes. Overall, I thought it was a really good response from the group."

The Devils took a 1-0 lead late in the first period when a point shot from Ty Smith bounced off Palmieri in front and fluttered past Boston goalie Jaroslav Halak. That gave Palmieri his third goal in six games after a slow start to the season.

"It was a really great effort," Palmieri said. "I think our group has a lot to be proud of with the way we played. The majority of the time, we were doing the right things and making smart decisions with the puck."

The Bruins had several chances to tie the score early in the third period when Janne Kuokkanen was called for a double minor after clipping Charlie McAvoy in the face. The Devils were hemmed in their own end 1207176 New Jersey Devils Bruins forward Anders Bjork broke in alone on a short-handed bid late in the second, but Blackwood dropped to make a pad save.

New York Post LOADED: 03.29.2021 Devils top Bruins after two controversial calls

By Associated PressMarch 28, 2021 | 10:34pm | Updated

BOSTON — Mackenzie Blackwood stopped 40 shots for his first shutout of the season, Kyle Palmieri scored and the New Jersey Devils held on to beat the Boston Bruins 1-0 on Sunday night.

The Devils improved to 4-0-1 against Boston this season, with each game decided by a goal.

Jaroslav Halak made 28 saves for the Bruins, who had earned at least one point in their last four games (3-0-1).

New Jersey had lost four of its last five. The Devils needed two replay reviews to go their way in the final 70 seconds of this one to seal the win.

The teams face off again in Boston on Tuesday.

With Halak off for an extra skater, Patrice Bergeron scored out of a scramble with 1:10 left when Blackwood was unable to cover a loose puck in the crease. But, the Devils challenged it for goaltender interference, and the score was overturned because David Krejci knocked it out of Blackwood’s glove.

“Immediately when I saw it, it looked like he pitchforked Blackie when he had the puck covered,” Devils coach Lindy Ruff said. “I said to the other coaches: ’I’m challenging it for sure.‴

Blackwood felt the replay would go his way.

“I knew I had it covered before they replayed that one,” he said.

Blackwood kicked out a rolling puck in the closing seconds just before it would have crossed the line. There was a long review that upheld the call on the ice.

“I saw the one angle and I saw the other angle, to me it looked like it didn’t cross the line,” Blackwood said. “They have to look at every angle.”

Boston coach Bruce Cassidy seemed somewhat surprised that Bergeron’s goal was disallowed.

“Typically, it’s supposed to be egregious,” he said. “I think they deemed it egregious. I don’t know. What am I supposed to say about that? They made the call and the call didn’t go our way.”

Halak stopped Miles Wood’s breakaway with 3½ minutes left in the third.

The Devils killed off most of a double minor penalty early in the third period when Janne Kuokkanen was whistled for high sticking Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy, before McAvoy was called for tripping late in the power play.

Boston had a few good bids on the power play, but Blackwood was solid.

Mackenzie Blackwood makes a crucial save late to preserve the Devils’ lead.

“Not a lot of puck luck for us,” Cassidy said. “When we score some goals they come back on us.”

Palmieri scored 16:37 into the first period when he redirected Ty Smith’s shot from the top of the right circle past Halak’s glove and inside the near post.

Bergeron went to the locker room after getting hit in the head on a collision with teammate Trent Frederic along the boards with 5 ½ minutes left in the second period. He didn’t return until the third.

The teams came out with good energy at the start of a tight-checking opening period that featured very few quality scoring chances.

Halak had the best save in the opening period, flashing his left pad to stop Yegor Sharangovich’s wrister from the left circle.

The Devils had some tough luck in the second when Nicholas Merkley hustled to the puck near the right circle midway into the period and unloaded a backhander with Halak scrambling across the crease, but it hit squarely off the post. 1207177 New York Islanders

Remaining even-keeled is latest step in development of Islanders rookie Oliver Wahlstrom

By Andrew Gross

Updated March 28, 2021 8:18 PM

There are highs and lows through any NHL season, and the Islanders are coming off a systematic failure heading into Monday night’s rematch against the Penguins to conclude their four-game road trip.

Remaining on an even keel has been the latest step in rookie right wing Oliver Wahlstrom’s development.

He had a five-game point streak snapped in Saturday night’s 6-3 loss in Pittsburgh, which was marked by the Islanders’ ill-timed penalties, costly defensive miscues and subpar goaltending. Wahlstrom managed only one shot in 17:24 and was called for two offensive-zone penalties, though he should not be singled out for the loss.

"I think the key is not to get too high or too low," he said after Friday’s practice in Pittsburgh. "Just stay the course. Yeah, I’m scoring some goals right now. But I’ve just got to stay competing. I think that’s the most important thing and keeping my game simple."

The Islanders did not practice on Sunday, but it would not be surprising if coach Barry Trotz altered his lineup on Monday, meaning Wahlstrom might be separated from center Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Beauvillier.

But there’s no simple solution to how Trotz can rearrange his forwards.

He had the speedy Beauvillier skating with former linemate Mathew Barzal in the third period, and Beauvillier knocked in Barzal’s rebound for the Islanders’ second goal.

Trotz has been looking for ways to ease the season-ending loss of Anders Lee (torn right anterior cruciate ligament) but has yet to try Wahlstrom, who has nine goals and 16 points in 28 games, with Barzal. Wahlstrom has a blistering wrist shot, but more of his goals lately have come from parking his 6-2, 205-pound frame at the crease, much as Lee does.

But that would mean moving Jordan Eberle, as Trotz does not want to use either Eberle or Wahlstrom on the left side.

Trotz did reinsert rookie sharpshooter Kieffer Bellows after a three-game absence on Saturday, but his line with center Brock Nelson and Josh Bailey generated little five-on-five.

"Generally, what happens with younger players is that you can see their potential and ability right out of the gate," right wing Cal Clutterbuck said. "Then it’s just a question of, more mentally for them, how quickly and how much they’re going to be able to wrap their heads around the way the game needs to be played for the entirety of the shift and the entirety of the game in the NHL.

"They spend a little time figuring it out. Usually, you see them pop in and out of the lineup. Then something happens in them where they kind of just get it and, all of a sudden, the results start to come for them and they’re able to showcase their ability."

Clutterbuck believes that’s where Wahlstrom is right now.

"He’s in the lineup every night and he’s contributing and he’s doing a really good job," Clutterbuck said. "I think you can point to that as an example of a guy who’s taken another step in that direction."

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207178 New York Islanders

NHL Reschedules Postponed Game Between Islanders and Bruins

Published 4 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Christian Arnold

The National Hockey League has set a new date for last week’s postponed game between the New York Islanders and the Boston Bruins.

Boston and the Islanders were originally scheduled to play on Tuesday, March 23, but the game had to be pushed back due to COVID-19 issues with Boston. The game will now take place on May 10 at 7 p.m. in Boston.

The delay gave the Islanders an extra day of practice before traveling to Boston later in the week to play them on Thursday. They defeated Boston on Thursday 4-3 in overtime with Anthony Beauvillier scoring the game-winner less than a minute into the extra period.

The Isles have a perfect 5-0-0 record against Boston this season.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207179 New York Rangers and has been dying on the vine on Chytil’s left side for the last nine games.

“He and I talked before the last Philly game,” said Quinn, who remained Rangers’ comeback bid falls short in loss to Capitals in communication with individual players through the coach’s quarantine. “You can just see he’s frustrated.

“This is a hard league, it’s a hard league to step into under these By Larry BrooksMarch 28, 2021 | 3:14pm | Updated circumstances and it’s hard enough when you have a one-week training camp, don’t have any exhibition games and have to hit the ground

running. It’s a really strange year, it’s a hard year for rookies, and you Somehow, in a flash, the Rangers scored four third-period goals within a can see that he’s getting frustrated. span of 9:24 in Washington on Sunday afternoon against a Caps team “To me, it’s the mental aspect of what he’s going through right now, and that had surrendered a total of 20 goals over the previous 10 games we’ve just got to help him through it.” while winning nine of them. New York Post LOADED: 03.29.2021 Somehow, that explosion keyed by Colin Blackwell was not enough to get the Blueshirts even a point out of David Quinn’s return behind the bench after his six-game absence while on the COVID-19 protocol list, the final score 5-4 against.

Except not quite, “somehow.” Because while falling behind 3-0 at 15:07 of the second period and 4-0 at 5:10 of the third, the Rangers did as little as possible to make life sticky for the Caps, now 15-2-1 over their last 18 to ascend to a share of the lead for the NHL’s best overall record.

Fatigue from going back-to-back on the weekend surely cannot constitute an explanation — or excuse — for a showing in which the Blueshirts went 17:46 without a shot bridging the first intermission in a stretch that produced only seven attempts, five of them blocked. It is difficult to be more futile than that.

“I thought our inability to shoot pucks and get pucks on net [was the issue],” Quinn said. “I thought there were some chances where we might have been able to sustain some zone time and maybe create some offense, but I thought we were looking for the perfect play.”

The perfect-play mentality pays dividends when the club’s elite skill players are sharp. This was not that.

Alex Ovechkin celebrates his goal near Ryan Strome during the Rangers’ 5-4 loss to the Capitals on March 28, 2021.

Artemi Panarin was unusually pedestrian for the second time in 26 hours, the winger’s game having been suppressed as well in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat in Philadelphia. Mika Zibanejad wasn’t much of a factor after his bizarre bank shot off T.J. Oshie’s face bounced on edge on the goal line before Dmitri Orlov could sweep the puck away at 8:28 of the first period of a scoreless tilt.

And no, You. Did. Not. See. Chris. At. All. until Kreider scored the club’s final goal on the power play to bring the Blueshirts within 5-4 at 16:08 of the third, after which the team had one chance — a straining Pavel Buchnevich redirect of a Filip Chytil feed with 3:30 to play — and none after pulling Keith Kinkaid for the extra attacker with 2:00 showing on the clock.

Kinkaid faced only 22 shots. And while he was beaten on a couple of funny ones, he did nothing to keep hold of the backup job. Beginning Tuesday when the Caps come to the Garden, the Blueshirts have five games in 10 days, with at least one day between matches. It is time to give Igor Shesterkin a run.

The game was scoreless until Tom Wilson, whom NBC spent much of the national telecast attempting to sanitize, banged in a rebound to give the Caps a 1-0 lead at 10:43 of the second. At that juncture, the shots were 15-7, Washington. It became 2-0 at 12:29 when Alex Ovechkin got one off a sharp-angle drive that may have hit Adam Fox’s stick and then 3-0 at 15:07 when Wilson picked a rebound out of midair with a backhand.

“With the back-to-back we wanted to keep it simple and some bounces went their way,” said Fox, another of the elites who was merely ordinary. “They were putting pucks on net and by the third, we were putting pucks there, too.”

Blackwell, celebrating his 28th birthday, scored the first two Rangers goals from around the net at 6:44 and 9:41 of the third to bring the Blueshirts within 4-2, but the Caps extended the lead to 5-2 on an Oshie deflection at 11:46 before Alexis Lafreniere drove home a rebound from the left circle at 12:18.

That was a notable one for the freshman, who’d gone 12 straight without a goal, played only 4:38 through the second period, finished with 8:13, 1207180 New York Rangers

David Quinn returns to Rangers’ bench after COVID-19 absence

By Larry BrooksMarch 28, 2021 | 11:44am | Updated

The coach of the Rangers coached the Rangers on Sunday afternoon in Washington, with David Quinn back behind the bench following a six- game absence after having contracted COVID-19.

“I totally get COVID. Basically the way things have gone, you’re always a little bit worried,” Quinn said before his team’s 5-4 defeat to the Capitals. “But I never really got sick at all and I was very fortunate to have a very mild reaction to it.

“You can never drop your guard with COVID. I think our organization has done a good job doing everything we can to stay safe and not put people in harm’s way but you can do everything right and still get it. We’re going to continue to follow the protocol and do everything we can to create a safe environment not only for our players but for the staff as well.

“It’s just something we have to manage and deal with.”

Quinn said he was “obviously climbing the walls, not able to get out of the house or go to work,” while lauding the efforts of Kris Knoblauch, the Hartford head coach who stepped in during Quinn’s absence to guide the club to a 4-2 record. Knoblauch is remaining behind the Rangers bench until New York assistant David Oliver is cleared from COVID protocol.

“Kris did a heck of a job. I know he was kind of downplaying his role through the whole situation,” said Quinn. “He and I talked an awful lot and the good news is that we play the same way in Hartford as we do here.

David Quinn is back with the Rangers after contracting COVID-19.

“It was an easy transition. We’re very fortunate we have a coach like him at Hartford to step in and do what he did. Every coach has different strengths and weaknesses and I think we continued to do the things we were doing and I know he added a little bit of his touch to the situation.

“We tried to keep things as normal as possible for the players. It really worked out.”

Quinn pointed to the March 13, 4-0 victory in Boston (in which Artemi Panarin returned from his nine-game leave) as the trigger for the Blueshirts’ recent run that reached 5-1-1 prior to Saturday’s 2-1 defeat in Philadelphia. The coach said that the time away from the team gave him an opportunity to “reset.”

“I think when you step away from a situation, you do get a little bit of a different perspective,” he said. “You see things a little differently.

“I think you give yourself the chance to do some self-evaluation. It was a good opportunity for me to kind of reset and watch things from a different light.”

Colin Blackwell, who scored twice within a span of 2:57 midway through the third period on his 28th birthday, was somehow on for four goals (two for, two against) on four consecutive shifts amounting to 1:25 of ice time. Blackwell’s 1.48 goals per 60:00 (eight goals in 323:28) is second on the club to Chris Kreider’s 1.7 per 60:00.

The winger also jumped T.J. Oshie after the Washington winger caught Kevin Rooney with a high hit a second or so after a delayed offside whistle blew.

“I took exception to the kind of hit on Roons and I know Roons would do it for me in a heartbeat,” said No. 43. “It’s just one of those things sticking up for each other. And I think that’s just how we play.”

The power play failed on its first three attempts while generating one shot on net before Kreider’s power-play goal at 16:08 of the third. The penalty- kill unit was spotless while shorthanded three times.

New York Post LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207181 New York Rangers

Rangers coach David Quinn feeling good on bench upon return from COVID-19

By Colin Stephenson

Updated March 28, 2021 10:35 PM

David Quinn was back behind the Rangers’ bench for Sunday’s road game against the Washington Capitals after missing the previous six games while dealing with and recovering from COVID-19.

Before Sunday’s 5-4 loss to the Capitals, Quinn said he was doing well.

"I feel good physically,’’ he said. "I didn’t get hit too bad by it. Obviously, climbing the walls, not been able to get out of the house or go to work, but Kris did a hell of a job with our team. Our team played well and that made it a lot easier.’’

Quinn and his three bench assistants — Jacques Martin, Greg Brown and David Oliver — were ruled out for the March 17 game against the Philadelphia Flyers at Madison Square Garden.

Knoblauch, who is the Hartford Wolf Pack’s coach, and Gord Murphy, who is his associate coach, came up that night to fill in behind the bench, along with Rangers associate general manager Chris Drury. The Rangers won the game, 9-0.

Martin and Brown returned for Thursday’s game against the Flyers in Philadelphia, but Quinn didn’t, so Knoblauch stayed on as acting head coach and presided over an 8-3 win.

The Rangers went 4-2 with Knoblauch calling the shots, and with Oliver not cleared to return for Sunday’s game in Washington, Knoblauch remained behind the bench as an assistant.

Quinn, who in college was diagnosed with the blood disorder Hemophilia B, said he never had any real concern that his preexisting condition would put him in mortal danger from the virus.

"I was told I was going to be OK; it wasn’t going to be anything that was going to create more of an issue for me,’’ he said.

"But any time you get COVID, basically the way things have gone, you’re always a little bit worried. But I never really got sick at all and I was very fortunate to have a very mild reaction to it.’’

Quinn, who was in constant contact with Knoblauch while he was out, said he spoke with Vegas Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer, who also had the coronavirus and missed games.

DeBoer told him the time away would be "beneficial’’ to him in a way, and Quinn said he has been able to see the game from a different perspective.

Quinn was asked what his message is to people about COVID-19. "You just can never drop your guard with COVID,’’ he said.

"I think our organization’s done a good job, doing everything we can to stay safe and not put people in harm’s way. But . . . you can do everything right and still get it.’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207182 New York Rangers

Late rally is good sign for young Rangers team, but it doesn't yield any points

By Colin Stephenson

Updated March 28, 2021 10:39 PM

The still-young, still-developing, far-from-finished-building Rangers will take plenty of positives from Sunday’s road loss to the red-hot, East Division-leading Washington Capitals.

Unfortunately for them, they couldn’t take away any points, which would have been very helpful in their attempt to earn a playoff spot.

Down by four goals, the Rangers rallied in the final 13-plus minutes of the third period but ultimately fell short in a 5-4 loss to the Capitals in the finale of their three-game road trip.

The loss, the second in a 23-hour span for the Blueshirts, left them five points behind the fourth-place Boston Bruins. The sixth-place Rangers have 22 games remaining and the Bruins have 25 left.

"I just didn’t think we were sharp during that second period,’’ said Rangers coach David Quinn, who returned to duty after missing six games because of COVID-19. "We had some power plays that we kind of didn’t get a lot from, and then I just thought our inability to shoot pucks and get pucks on net [hurt]. I just thought we were looking for the perfect play.’’

After a scoreless first period, the Capitals — who have won 10 of their last 11 games — took control with three goals in a span of 4:24 in the second, two from Tom Wilson and one from Alex Ovechkin (his 11th goal in the last 13 games and the 724th of his career).

"I think they just happened to get a bounce or two,’’ Rangers defenseman Adam Fox said of the Capitals’ second-period dominance. "That second goal deflects off a few sticks or bodies and in, and . . . it just wasn’t sharp. The puck seemed to be bouncing on us. But we responded well in the third and came up just short.’’

Evgeny Kuznetsov’s goal at 5:10 of the third period made it 4-0 before Colin Blackwell, on his 28th birthday, got the Rangers back into the game with goals at 6:42 and 9:41.

T.J. Oshie scored on a deflection to put Washington up 5-2 at 11:46, but Alexis Lafreniere scored his first goal in 13 games 32 seconds later to make it 5-3.

After Wilson took a penalty, Chris Kreider deflected in a pass from Ryan Strome on the power play to pull the Rangers within 5-4 with 3:52 left.

Notes & quotes: Strome (nine games) and Fox (seven) extended their respective point streaks . . . The Rangers’ penalty kill went 3-for-3 and has killed all 16 Washington power plays it has faced this season . . . Long Island native Keith Kinkaid started in goal for the Rangers and made 17 saves . . . Quinn wouldn’t say when Vitali Kravtsov, currently on the taxi squad, will make his Rangers debut. "The plan is obviously for him to continue to practice, and when we feel he can help, we’ll get him in there,’’ Quinn said . . . Quinn on forward Brendan Lemieux, who was traded to the Los Angeles Kings for a fourth-round pick after Saturday’s game: "Obviously, with Kravtsov here and [Brett] Howden getting healthy and some guys doing well in Hartford, it just seemed like the right thing to do . . . He was a good player for us and we’re gonna miss him.’’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207183 New York Rangers hell of a job with our team, our team played well, and that made it a lot easier.”

Quinn’s three assistants were, at first, quarantined after being put on the David Quinn returns to Rangers’ bench after 6 games away, just in time league’s protocol list. Jacques Martin and Greg Brown returned earlier to face hot Capitals this week. David Oliver remains sidelined.

Quinn, who had hip surgery during the offseason, said this was easy compared with that. By Rick Carpiniello Mar 28, 2021 “You can never drop your guard with COVID,” he said. “I think our organization’s done a good job, doing everything we can to stay safe and not put people in harm’s way. It’s inevitable you’re going to get it — not The latest bizarre portion of this Rangers season ended Sunday when inevitable, but you can do everything right and still get it. So we’re going coach David Quinn rejoined the team after six games on the NHL’s to continue to follow the protocol and do everything we can to create a COVID-19 protocol list. safe environment for everybody around here, not just our players but our The Rangers, barely having missed a beat during his absence (going 4- staff as well. It’s just something that we have to manage and deal with.” 2), this time ran into probably the best team in the whole league in Until the next adversity comes out of nowhere. Washington, which has now won 10 of 11 (oh, and that loss was to the Rangers) and 14 of 16. It was a mismatch for two periods, then the Thoughts Rangers rallied from 4-0 down to fall short, 5-4. 1. The Rangers, again, got too fancy with the puck — this time 40 That has been Quinn’s M.O. against Washington in his three seasons — minutes’ worth of too fancy. a ton of close calls, and this year three wins in the first four meetings, not allowing more than two goals to the high-powered Caps in any of them. Sometimes fancy hockey works, especially against poor defensive teams like the Flyers and Buffalo (three wins during Quinn’s absence). But this, this was different. More often, it doesn’t. We saw how bad that style looks in a postseason “I think when you step away from a situation you do get a little bit of a setting last summer in the bubble. Though if you blinked, you missed it. different perspective,” he said. “I actually talked to (Vegas coach) Pete DeBoer about it. Pete went through it a little bit when he got diagnosed “I just thought (it was) our inability to shoot pucks and get pucks on net,” and he missed a couple of games — not six … but he thought it was very Quinn said. “I thought there were chances where you might have been beneficial. Me being away from the team was a little bit longer than his, able to sustain some zone time, and maybe create some offense, but I so mine was probably a little more painful. just thought we were looking for the perfect play. You do that against that team, you’re going to be spending less time in the offensive zone and I “But you see things a little bit differently. I think you give yourself a thought that was a big problem in the second period.” chance to do some self-evaluation, and I think it was a good opportunity for me to kind of reset and watch things from a different light.” 2. He made a difficult decision, too, with assistance from Knoblauch and of course goalie coach Benoit Allaire, to go with Keith Kinkaid over Quinn watched the six games from his couch, where he was also in Alexandar Georgiev. Igor Shesterkin wasn’t an option for a third game in many-times-a-day touch with his substitute, Kris Knoblauch, about four days coming off a groin injury. lineups, strategies, game plans, practices, etc. He called it painful, though, to be locked in quarantine — and he did, indeed, have COVID- Yes, the guy who’s playing best should play. I’m not convinced that, 19, though his symptoms were minimal. overall, Kinkaid’s played better than Georgiev, and certainly in the big picture, Georgiev figures to be here next year and Kinkaid doesn’t. At “It’s hard, boy, it’s hard,” Quinn said. “It’s torture in a lot of ways. But least that’s my thinking. I suppose it’s possible Kinkaid winds up being when you’re scoring nine goals one night and eight in another, it certainly Shesterkin’s backup next year, but that means Georgiev really takes the edge off a little bit. regressed. Me? I’m trying to get Georgiev fixed, now and soon.

“You’re watching the things that we’ve been trying to do all year and the 3. The Rangers iced the puck at :27. My favorite. Then a minute in, things Kris is asking these guys to do and the way we’ve been playing Artemi Panarin sent Kaapo Kakko in alone. He made about 15 dekes, defensively and the way our top players, obviously, have really elevated and goalie Ilya Samsonov stayed with him and poked the puck off his their games, it was good to see.” stick. Panarin then hit the post.

Good, at least, until the Rangers ran into Washington, on the second of 4. Just a very choppy start, icings, offside calls, goalies freezing pucks. back-to-back games, with the Caps on such a roll. The Rangers gave Which I’m sure was OK, though not completely ideal, for the Rangers. them every opportunity to remain on such a roll. The Rangers had the puck a lot in the first period, but didn’t create a ton By and large, though, the Rangers handled yet another weird portion of — but this wasn’t like Philadelphia. This had more to do with Washington their season well. defending.

“This group has really done a great job of handling adversity all year,” 5. Zibane-jectory: Mid-first, Pavel Buchnevich fought through a crowd Quinn said, “from the Tony DeAngelo situation, to the (Artemi) Panarin and got the puck to Mika Zibanejad, who carried it over the icing line then situation, and every team has gone through the COVID situation but not threw it in front. The puck hit TJ Oshie in the face and flipped to the goal many have gone through losing their coaching staff. I’m sure some of line, where it came up fractions of an inch short of completely crossing them were happy to a certain degree.” He smiled. before Dmitry Orlov swept it away. Video review confirmed it did not cross 100 percent. Oshie was shaken up, but OK. “But this group has been pretty focused.” 6. Later in the period, Oshie slammed Kevin Rooney on a delayed offside The physical part of the virus wasn’t the worst part for Quinn, who said call. Rooney didn’t expect it, and Oshie may not have known the whistle he was assured he was in no danger because of the pre-existing was about to blow. Rooney’s head was hit because he was already going condition he had — he was diagnosed with hemophilia B in 1988, down. So I didn’t have a problem with the hit. But in real time, Colin virtually ending a promising career as a defenseman after he had been a Blackwell didn’t like it, tossed gloves and went at Oshie, earning a two- first-round draft pick. minute penalty and a Washington power play. Our fine, fine NHL officials “I was told I was going to be OK and it wasn’t anything that was going to decided it wasn’t a fight and that Blackwell didn’t deserve an instigator. create any more of an issue for me,” Quinn said. “But any time you get Oh, I forgot, they removed the instigator penalty from the rulebook. Or it COVID, basically the way things have gone, you’re always a bit worried. was the Sunday Matinee in DC Rulebook. The Rangers killed it. But I never really got sick at all and was very fortunate to have a very 7. Early second, Blackwell and Nick Jensen were in a chase for the puck, mild reaction to it. lost their edges and crashed violently into the end boards. Both survived “I feel good physically. Didn’t get hit too bad by it. Obviously, climbing the it. walls, not being able to get out of the house or go to work. But Kris did a 8. Brendan Smith went off for one of those modern-day Mr. Softee penalties, and the Rangers had to face that lethal power play again. As I’ve mentioned so many times, the Rangers have decided it’s best to take Morgan Barron call-up. They got only a fourth-rounder. What’s a fourth- away Alex Ovechkin’s office, unlike other teams, and it’s worked, at least rounder? Well, the Rangers have had a little luck there over the last 20- on Washington’s power plays this season. Ovechkin had a one-timer 30 years, but not much. Ryan Callahan. Dale Weise. Ryan Graves. Marc from 40 feet blocked by K’Andre Miller. Meanwhile, the Rangers didn’t Savard. Few and far between. have a shot on Samsonov for about 16 minutes, going back to the first period. With Brendan Lemieux’s departure via trade, I do think we’ll see 6-4, 221-pound Hartford defenseman Mason Geertsen’s capable fists at 9. But they got a power play, drawn by Blackwell. The Rangers didn’t get some point. a sniff on the power play, and when they finally got set up, there were two passes too many. “It just seemed like the right thing to do,” Quinn said. “And it’s going to give Pepe (Lemieux) an opportunity to maybe play more of a role he’s 10. Kakk-O-Meter: Kakko finally put one on goal, their first shot of the liking for. He was a good player for us and we’re going to miss him.” second period — even if it was headed wide — forcing Samsonov to glove the puck 9:59 in. 23. As for Kravtsov, he’s going to need a few practices, at least, and some lessons before he gets game action. The Rangers are off Monday 11. Teflon Tom Wilson blocked a shot and then did what makes him and play Tuesday, so it might be a little while. actually a good player — when he’s not trying to maim people. He followed the play. Kinkaid looked like he was going to play the puck as it “I literally just said hi to (Kravtsov) this morning for the first time,” Quinn rolled toward the net, but backed off. Jakub Vrana beat Ryan Lindgren to said. “We’ve got so much going on here. We haven’t talked in-depth yet it, and Kinkaid stopped him. Smith got back but didn’t stop at the front of about what the plan is. The plan is for him to continue to practice and the net, leaving a hustling Teflon Tom to bury the rebound. 1-0. when we feel he can help we’ll get him in there.”

12. Ovechkin, from a terrible angle in the left corner, fired one off the 24. I love it when NBC leads into a game with Joel Osteen’s pregame stick of Adam Fox and Kinkaid’s pad and in. Two goals in 1:46. 2-0. show. Such a commitment to hockey. Also, I was awaiting the noon start. I forgot that we turned the clocks back 25 minutes Sunday. 13. It sure looked, with the way Washington was defending, and the way the Rangers often have trouble producing offense, like two might be My 3 Rangers Stars enough. But Wilson put the Rangers on the power play with a chance to 1. Colin Blackwell quickly get back into it. First unit? Nope. Nothing doing. Second unit? Not a thing. 2. Kevin Rooney

14. Jack in the Box: OK, it wasn’t a classic Jack, like a breakaway or 3. Adam Fox something. But Wilson was released from the box, got into the play and The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 went to the net to bat a chest-high rebound past Kinkaid. 3-0. Three goals in 4:24. Second of the game for Mr. Wilson. First time in five games this season the Caps scored more than two against the Rangers. Game over, right?

15. Zibanejad quickly sent Chris Kreider in on a breakaway, stopped by Samsonov. Next time down, Zibanejad hit the post. Julien Gauthier drew a penalty, and again, the Rangers power play flailed as the period expired. The Rangers had 11 shots on goal through two periods. That won’t get it done.

16. Wilson drew a penalty to Libor Hájek early in the third. The Caps didn’t score at that point, and Miller had a short-handed chance from Buchnevich. But soon after the penalty, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored from Carl Hagelin. 4-0.

17. Blackwell, who was victimized on the Kuznetsov goal, went around Samsonov to tuck one past Oshie and break the shutout. 4-1.

18. Blackwell got another after Hájek took a big hit from Richard Panik to keep a puck in the zone. Rooney put it to the front, and Blackwell cashed it on his birthday. 4-2. But Washington threw a wet blanket on that as Oshie tipped a waist-high shot by Justin Schultz past Kinkaid. 5-2. How many tips (or rebounds) do the Rangers top six get? It’s rhetorical.

19. Laf-Track: Alexis Lafrenière, for example, followed a shot to score on a rebound of a shot by Gauthier. His fifth. 5-3. He’s obviously enduring the same crisis of confidence Kakko went through last year. Perhaps more so because of expectations and the whole pandemic effect.

“Yeah, he and I talked before the last Philly game and you could just see he’s frustrated,” Quinn said. “This is a hard league. It’s a hard league to step into under these circumstances. It’s hard enough when you’ve got a one-week training camp and you don’t have any exhibition games and you have to hit the ground running. It’s a really strange year, and it’s a hard year for rookies. You can see that he’s getting frustrated and to me it’s a mental aspect of what he’s going through right now. We’ve just got to help him through it.”

20. It’s also surprising to me how many people simply look at a player’s minutes and complain, not understanding that often a young player needs to be protected and sheltered against being mismatched against an Ovechkin, or even a Wilson, especially on the road.

21. Smith drew a penalty to Teflon Tom, and on the power play, finally some action: Fox to Ryan Strome to Kreider for a redirection. 5-4. Holy shish kebab. Almost immediately, Samsonov stopped Buchnevich from Chytil on the rush. Too little, way too late.

22. So the Rangers relieved a logjam of bottom-six forwards and created at least a little bit of space for the likes of Vitali Kravtsov and, perhaps a 1207184 Ottawa Senators Brady Tkachuk is taking ownership of the power play struggles. “I just think we have to bear down a little bit,” he said. “The last power plays been my fault (with) bad turnovers and that’s unacceptable. It shouldn’t happen. You’ve got to be ready in all aspects of our game, so I take a lot WARREN’S PIECE: Senators schedule re-jigged due to Montreal's of blame on the power play. We’ve just got to simplify a little more, just positive COVID-19 test make that simple play, not try to be a hero.”

WHERE DID THE SHOTS GO?

Ken Warren Dadonov, who was being counted on as a veteran goal-scoring leader on the power play, has no goals and one assist in his past seven games, Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 8 hours ago • two goals and one assist in his past 12 games and three goals and one assist in his past 18 games. In his past eight games, he has only 11 shots on goal. of the Ottawa Senators. Coach D.J. Smith says he has no fear putting Drake Batherson on the ice On a Sunday night when they were originally scheduled to play the whenever a game is on the line. Montreal Canadiens, the Ottawa Senators finally received some clarity on a re-designed schedule. WHERE DID THE GOALS GO?

With all the flip-flopping involved due to a Canadiens player testing As for Drake Batherson, who has two goals in his past 12 games and positive for COVID-19 last week, three Senators games have been Tim Stuetzle, who has one goal in his past 17, the shots are still coming. moved. Batherson has eight shots on goal in his past five games. Stuetzle has 13 shots on goal in his past five games. The Sunday game will now be played at Montreal’s Bell Centre on April 17, at 4 p.m. “It’s definitely frustrating a little bit, but for me, the only matter is if we win the games,” said Stuetzle. “So, if I don’t score and we lose, then I’m The game between the Senators and Canadiens originally scheduled to really frustrated. If I would score, I think maybe the games would be a be played Tuesday at has been pushed back to little better overall and maybe we would not have been tied late in the May 5 at 7 p.m. game. I need to score more, for sure.”

Due to all the changes involving other teams, the Senators May 5 date Smith insists he’s not concerned about the production. against the Toronto Maple Leafs will now be played at Canadian Tire on May 10 at 8 p.m. “Both of those guys get tons of chances, good looks and there are good goalies in our division and sometimes they make good saves,” he said. With all the changes and the two postponements, the Senators will have That likely means one of these days soon both of them will go off.” been idle for a full week when they return to game action on Thursday against the Canadiens in Montreal. They haven’t played since a 3-2 Ottawa Senators defenceman Erik Brannstrom. overtime loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs last Thursday. BRANNSTROM RETURNS PRACTICE ADJUSTMENTS After registering a pair of assists in Belleville’s 2-1 win over Stockton on With an expectation of that playing out, the first move for the Senators Friday, defenceman Erik Brannstrom was back working out with the was to cancel practice on both Friday and Saturday, a rare consecutive parent Senators Sunday. two days off in the middle of the season. He was paired with Erik Gudbranson, who has been a healthy scratch for When they returned Sunday, coach D.J. Smith emphasized hard skating the past three games. drills. “We’ll make that decision as we go,” said Smith. “I thought the defence “When you’re used to playing every other day, you’re in the grind and the played fairly well last game (including a third pairing of Braydon Coburn brain is turned on,” Smith said following Sunday’s workout. “Today was and Josh Brown). We didn’t give up what I thought was a whole bunch more of skating day, get up and down the ice, turn it on a little bit. We are against an elite team. We’re going to put the guys in who we think can going to have to mimic something the day before a game to really get our help us win on any given day.” game turned on to it.” Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 Smith says he isn’t overly concerned about losing rhythm in is currently a 3-0-3 run, the longest stretch without a regulation loss this season.

“We just have to keep doing what we do, especially in our building,” he said. “Our goalies are giving us a chance to win every night, so you expect to be in every game.”

WHERE DID THE POWER PLAY GO?

While Joey Daccord, Filip Gustavsson and Anton Forsberg have taken turns stealing points for the Senators lately, a few timely power play goals would have turned extra time losses into wins.

The Senators haven’t scored with the man advantage since March 14, going 0-for-14 in their past five outings. They now rank 28th in the league overall, converting at only 13.7 per cent for the season.

It’s no coincidence that Evgenii Dadonov, Tim Stuetzle and Drake Batherson are currently on extended scoring slumps.

Accordingly, when the Senators go back to work on the power play at practice Monday, Smith says he plans “to move around a few guys to spark something”, switching players to and from the first and second units.

Winger Brady Tkachuk has provided much of the punch for the Senators, but coach D.J. Smith says he’d like him to be more selective in picking his fights with opponents.

TKACHUK TAKES RESPONSIBILITY 1207185 Ottawa Senators Hockey’s National Team Development Program. The 18-year-old defenceman is projected to be an early pick in the 2020 NHL Draft.

The way North Dakota coach Brad Berry sees it, players shouldn’t turn After North Dakota's surprise defeat, Senators await decisions from pro unless they feel they have a legitimate shot at playing in the NHL Pinto, Bernard-Docker and Sanderson next season.

“It’s up to them, but it’s also about talking to the people around them,” Berry told Postmedia three weeks ago. “It’s their parents, their coaches, Ken Warren their advisors and talking to the people in Ottawa about the situation there. When you look at Bernard-Docker and Pinto, there has been a Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 11 hours ago progression in their strength and development. The next question is: are they ready to be full-time players for the Ottawa Senators?”

Shane Pinto at the Ottawa Senators development camp at the Bell What’s worth keeping in mind here is that the Senators have yet to find a Sensplex on June 25, 2019. solid third pairing on defence.

Brady Tkachuk represents a major piece of the first wave of the Ottawa Senators coach D.J. Smith has rotated blueliners in and out in search of Senators grand rebuilding project. a combination he can trust to play more than 10 minutes per game.

As Saturday night turned into Sunday morning, he lost sleep while Cole Caufield poses for a portrait after being selected fifteenth overall by watching pivotal pieces of the next wave suffer a crushing defeat in a the Montreal Canadiens during the first round of the 2019 NHL Draft at history-making NCAA match-up that went into the wee hours Sunday Rogers Arena on June 21, 2019 in Vancouver, Canada. morning. For what it’s worth when considering Pinto’s next move, former University Ultimately, though, North Dakota’s 3-2 loss to Minnesota Duluth in the of Wisconsin forward Cole Caufield signed with the Montreal Canadiens fifth overtime — the longest game in NCAA tournament history — could on Saturday. fast track the arrival of Shane Pinto, Jacob Bernard-Docker and Jake Caufield, Canadiens 15th overall pick from 2019, played two seasons at Sanderson into the NHL and/or AHL. Wisconsin. Like Pinto, he’s a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy. “I couldn’t sleep, thanks to them, just wondering what was going to While the Canadiens are battling for a playoff spot in the North Division, happen to them,” Tkachuk said after returning to the ice for Senators the Senators lost any such hope after their poor start to the season. practice Sunday. “I finally got to three overtimes (before going to bed). I saw (Sunday) morning that they lost. I can’t imagine how they’re feeling. They have less to lose by immediately giving the former college stars a It stinks. Five overtimes. Putting your heart and soul into that program.” shot to see how they match-up against NHL players. Under the NHL’s new COVID-19 policy, any player coming from the U.S. would have to And just like that, Pinto, Bernard-Docker and Sanderson face pivotal quarantine for a week before joining the roster of a Canadian team. decisions on whether to turn pro or stay in school for another year. (Tyler Kleven, another Senators prospect at North Dakota, is expected to return Smith says he watched “lots of the game” before falling asleep. for a second season). “It’s unfortunate for them, but that means some of these guys are going North Dakota entered the NCAA tournament as the top seed and didn’t to start their pro careers,” he said. even make it to the Final Four in Pittsburgh next month. “There are some really good players (at North Dakota) and they are Now, if the trio opts to leave the NCAA, they could even see NHL and/or going to complement the guys that are here now as they push to earn AHL action within the next couple of weeks. spots.”

“It’s your life,” said Tkachuk, who chose to leave Boston University in Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 2018, after playing only one season in the NCAA. “It’s probably the biggest decision to date of what you want to do.

“There’s no bad decision, it’s about if you feel you’re ready for this moment and you’re confident in yourself.”

The decisions are intriguing in that they’re at different stages of their NCAA careers.

Jacob Bernard-Docker at the Ottawa Senators development camp at the Bell Sensplex on June 27, 2019

Bernard-Docker, a steady defenceman, was drafted 26th overall by the Senators in 2018, 22 selections after Tkachuk.

A star for Canada at the 2020 world junior tournament, he has now played three seasons at North Dakota and was an alternate captain this season. He scored three goals and 15 assists in 27 games.

Pinto, 20, was taken 32nd by the Senators in the 2019 draft, and he also had a coming out party at the 2020 world juniors for the U.S.

A two-way centre, he was a finalist for the Hobey Baker Trophy as top NCAA player in 2020-21 — 15 goals and 17 assists in 28 games — his second season at North Dakota.

Sanderson, 18, was chosen fifth overall by the Senators in October, two spots behind Tim Stuetzle, and has just completed his first season at North Dakota.

He had an outstanding world junior tournament for the U.S. He scored two goals and 13 assists in 22 games in 2020-21 and by many accounts, was the best player on the ice in what became a devastating loss for North Dakota Sunday morning.

Montana-born Jake Sanderson, who spent several years in the Calgary minor-hockey system, skated for the past two seasons with USA 1207186 Philadelphia Flyers The Flyers will monitor Morin’s progress, but, as anyone who has watched the games this month knows, they still need a veteran defenseman, whether they get one for the stretch run or for next season. In March, the Flyers have gone 5-9-1 and have allowed 4.4 goals per Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher not in a favorable position as NHL trade game. deadline approaches Morin, no matter how well he plays, isn’t the sole answer to improve those numbers.

Sam Carchidi Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.29.2021

As the trade deadline approaches, Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher is not dealing from a position of strength.

Despite Saturday’s thrilling 2-1 win over the Rangers, the Flyers’ poor month has put them in a precarious spot. They have 23 games left and need an ultra-strong finish to earn a playoff berth.

And the team clearly needs a defensive upgrade to make that happen. Opposing general managers know that, putting Fletcher in a weakened spot.

That said, if Fletcher truly believes the Flyers can still make a playoff run, as he said last week, he would probably prefer to make a trade sooner rather than later.

Like during the next few days.

That’s not likely to happen because teams looking to deal usually wait until closer to the trade deadline — this year, it’s April 12 — when their players’ values typically escalate.

“If we can fill a box for the long-term right now, we can potentially explore that,” Fletcher said last week. “Certainly, if we can upgrade our team, we’ll do that.”

The Flyers face lowly Buffalo on Monday and Wednesday — losing is not an option — and then their schedule gets murderous.

That’s why it would be advantageous to acquire a player (Nashville’s Mattias Ekholm? Columbus’ David Savard?) as quickly as possible if Fletcher is going to be a buyer. That won’t be easy, of course.

Starting Saturday, the Flyers play five consecutive games against either the Islanders or Boston. The Isles are one of the East’s top teams, and though Boston has struggled lately, the Flyers have lost all five games (0- 3-2) against the Bruins this season.

If Fletcher is unable to acquire someone before Saturday and the Flyers (16-13-4) don’t have a productive five games against Boston and the Islanders, Fletcher might reverse his course and become a seller. Or try to add someone for the future, like injured Nashville defenseman Ryan Ellis.

That makes the next seven games, including the next two with the worst- in-the-NHL Sabres (6-23-4), critical for the way this team is molded moving forward.

Heading into Sunday, the Flyers were three points behind Boston for the fourth and final playoff spot in the East Division. The Bruins had three games in hand before Sunday night’s game against visiting New Jersey.

Fletcher has been contacting general mangers and discussing potential deals, but they haven’t been very receptive so far.

If he is unable to make a trade this week, it will at least give him a chance to see how 6-foot-7, 230-pound Samuel Morin progresses and how he affects the team’s defensive picture. Morin began the year as a converted left winger, but has been switched back to his natural position on defense. Recalled last week from the AHL’s Phantoms, he has been solid defensively in his last two games with the Flyers, played with physicality, and scored the winning goal in Saturday’s workmanlike victory over the Rangers.

“It was pretty hard,” Morin, who played sparingly in the previous three years because of injuries, said about the ill-fated experiment at left wing. “It’s hard when you’re a defensive defenseman and trying to go to forward. I was a little bit lost out there. I think everyone can tell. I tried my best. I went down and played defense. I played defense good. Got the call-up. Chuck told me that I’m a D-man now. I’m going to play defense for the rest of the year. That’s kind of what I wanted, and I’m extremely happy about that. For sure, I’m a D-man.” 1207187 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers, ending a cruel month with two games in Buffalo, trying to hand Sabres their 18th straight defeat

Sam Carchidi

The Flyers will end March – a month that has been cruel to their playoff hopes – by playing road games Monday and Wednesday against a Buffalo team that has lost 17 straight.

The Flyers will try to extend the Sabres’ misery and build off their 2-1 win Saturday against the New York Rangers.

Buffalo has the NHL’s longest skid since Pittsburgh lost 18 in a row early in 2004.

Entering Sunday, the Sabres were last in the league in scoring (2 goals per game) and 29th in goals allowed (3.52), while the Flyers were 13th in scoring (3.06) and 30th in goals permitted (3.58).

The Sabres are without captain Jack Eichel (18 points in 21 games), who is on the injured-reserve list and hasn’t played since March 7.

Buffalo has been outscored by a 70-32 margin during its streak, which includes three losses to the Flyers – a pair of 3-0 shutouts and a 5-4 shootout defeat on March 9 at the Wells Fargo Center.

In the latter game, the Flyers overcame a 4-2 deficit as they got goals from Claude Giroux and Shayne Gostisbehere (power play) late in the third period, then won in the shootout as Sean Couturier had the winner.

Buffalo also blew a third-period lead Saturday as it fell in Boston, 3-2.

“Pressure should be off right now,” Sabres winger Kyle Okposo, who has just two goals in 25 games, said after the latest loss. “Obviously we have the weight of this, of what’s going on, but we shouldn’t be squeezing our sticks right now. We should be playing free, playing the right way, trying to make things happen.”

The Flyers, who are 5-9-1 this month, are 4-1 against Buffalo this season; the team that has scored first has won each of the five games.

Moose call

Brian “Moose” Elliott, who relieved Carter Hart (three goals on eight shots) and got the win the last time the Flyers faced Buffalo, is expected to get his second straight start.

Elliott has been dominating this season against Buffalo: a 3-0 record with a 0.92 GAA and .967 save percentage.

Breakaways

The Flyers are 8-6-1 on the road, while the Sabres are 2-11-2 at home. ... Buffalo is 11-for-12 on the penalty kill this year against the Flyers, the Sabres’ best PK percentage (91.7) against any team this season. ... Joel Farabee leads the Flyers with 14 goals, one more than James van Riemsdyk. ... The Sabres are the NHL’s least-penalized team with an average of 6:16 per game; the Flyers are the 15th-most penalized team (8:05 per game). ... Sam Reinhart has four goals in five games against the Flyers this season.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207188 Pittsburgh Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 03.29.2021

Injured Penguins forward Jason Zucker close to returning

SETH RORABAUGH | Sunday, March 28, 2021 6:10 p.m.

If you’re surprised at the prospect of Jason Zucker potentially playing as soon as Monday, you’re not alone.

Jason Zucker is too, a little bit.

Nearly five weeks after he suffered a gruesome injury, presumably to his left leg, the Pittsburgh Penguins forward could return to the lineup for Monday’s home game against the New York Islanders at PPG Paints Arena.

“It’s definitely a lot quicker than I expected,” Zucker said via video conference Sunday. “Given the timeline, it was something that’s definitely a lot faster than I thought.”

Just based on how awful the injury initially appeared — to say nothing of Zucker screaming in pain, after the incident — the notion of him making any kind of recovery within the confines of the regular season, let alone a hasty one, seemed sanguine, at best.

During the third period of a 3-2 overtime road win against the Washington Capitals on Feb. 23, Zucker challenged a shot by Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen. As he approached Jensen, their right skates made contact and Zucker tumbled into the boards in front of the Penguins’ bench. His left leg became pinned underneath most of his weight as he fell to the ice.

Play was halted. Medical staffers attended to Zucker and assisted him to the visiting dressing of Capital One Arena in Washington.

“It was kind of a weird play,” Zucker said. “Went out to try to block a shot when Jensen shot it. My right skate ended up clipping his. So it kind of spun me a little bit weird, then kind of went into the boards awkwardly. It was just a weird situation that was honestly unavoidable. After I clipped his skate, it just kind of threw me a little bit off and I wasn’t able to catch myself.

“The second part of that, the recovery has been really, really good so far.”

At that time, there was little to suggest Zucker would make a quick recovery.

Yet, during Sunday’s practice in Cranberry, just a little more than a month since that ugly scene, he was deployed in his customary roles as the left wing of the second line and on the left wall of the second power-play unit.

He participated in practice in a full capacity and offered a pretty upbeat assessment of his well-being. Regardless, Zucker and coach Mike Sullivan each stopped short of suggesting he’ll be in the lineup Monday.

“I feel good right now,” Zucker said. “As far as the lineup goes, I don’t have any updates there. But this was a good step in the right direction, being back with the guys and being able to take some contact and just to be able to be part of the overall flow of the practice. So I thought that was a good next step.”

In 17 games this season, Zucker has seven points (four goals, three assists). Currently on long-term injured reserve, Zucker skated on a line with Jared McCann at center and Evan Rodrigues on the right wing during Sunday’s practice.

Having reached the 20-goal mark in five of the previous six seasons, the potential return of Zucker could substantially aid a lineup that has been pockmarked by various injuries in recent weeks.

“He’s an important part of this team, and we’re certainly a better team when he’s in our lineup,” Sullivan said. “He can help us in so many different ways. He’s a gritty player. He goes to the battle areas. He’s good in traffic. He’s got a skill level. He can score goals. He can help us on the power play. He brings a speed dimension. There’s so many aspects of his game.

“He’s a real important player for us. When we get (Zucker) back, certainly, he’s going to help us.” 1207189 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor league report: Penguins' losing streak reaches seven

SETH RORABAUGH | Sunday, March 28, 2021 3:50 p.m.

Goaltender Max Lagace made 27 saves on 29 shots for the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 3-1 road loss to the rival Hershey Bears at the Giant Center in Hershey on Sunday.

The defeat extended a losing streak to seven games for Wilkes- Barre/Scranton (5-7-3-1).

Forward Tim Schaller scored the Penguins’ lone goal.

Highlights:

The Penguins’ next game is a road contest against the Binghamton Devils on Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207190 Pittsburgh Penguins But Sullivan wasn’t watching that contest as it concluded at approximately 1:44 a.m. on the East Coast.

He was re-watching his game from Saturday night, a 6-3 home win Penguins forwards Mark Jankowski, Brandon Tanev rejoin team against the New York Islanders that was thankfully determined within the confines of regulation. Sullivan does that on a regular basis to prepare for future practices and meetings.

SETH RORABAUGH | Sunday, March 28, 2021 1:21 p.m. That said, he did admit he does watch the sport at various levels a fair amount when his schedule allows for it.

“I do enjoy watching hockey when it doesn’t relate to the Penguins,” Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Mark Jankowski and Brandon Tanev have Sullivan said. “It’s a more casual approach, I guess. But I think as been formally removed from the NHL’s list of players unavailable due to coaches, no matter what hockey games we watch, we’re always covid-19 protocol. watching it with some sort of an analytical eye, trying to figure out what They were initially placed on that list on Saturday. teams are doing and seeing what we can learn and what might be the next evolution of the game, whether it comes from the pro game or Jankowski resumed practicing Sunday in Cranberry while Tanev skated college hockey or wherever. I just think that’s how coaches are wired, at prior to practice with forward Teddy Blueger as well as with skating and least that’s been my experience of being around a number of coaches skill development coach Ty Hennes. Blueger and Tanev are currently on over the years. injured reserve because of undisclosed injuries. “I don’t think we ever watch it too casually. But sometimes it is nice to be By rule, teams and the league do not offer specific reasons as to why a able to watch a game when you’re not completely invested when it’s your player has been placed on the list. team.”

Being placed on the list does not necessarily indicate a player has tested Tribune Review LOADED: 03.29.2021 positive for covid-19. Something as seemingly mundane as a potential secondary exposure can merit placement on the list.

The Penguins have had six players placed on the list this season. In addition to Jankowski and Tanev, forwards Sidney Crosby, Kasperi Kapanen and Colton Sceviour and defenseman John Marino have been on the list.

In 31 games this season, Jankowski has five points (two goals, three assists).

Sidelined since March 18 because of an undisclosed injury, Tanev has 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 30 games this season.

Notes:

• Forward Jason Zucker was a full participant in practice. He has been sidelined since Feb. 23 because of a suspected left leg injury. Sullivan stopped short of offering a status for Zucker in regards to Monday’s home game against the Islanders.

In 17 games this season, Zucker has seven points (four goals, three assists). He is on long-term injured reserve.

• Defenseman Mark Friedman skated with the taxi squad. Sidelined since suffering a suspected head injury March 4, Friedman is currently on injured reserve. In two games with the Penguins, he has two points (one goal, one assist).

The Penguins’ primary lines and pairings in practice were:

59 Jake Guentzel - 87 Sidney Crosby - 17 Bryan Rust

16 Jason Zucker - 19 Jared McCann - 9 Evan Rodrigues

12 Zach Aston-Reese - 11 Frederick Gaudreau - 18 Sam Lafferty

7 Colton Sceviour - 14 Mark Jankowski - 57 Anthony Angello/67 Radim Zohorna

8 Brian Dumoulin - 58 Kris Letang

5 Mike Matheson - 4 Cody Ceci

28 Marcus Pettersson - 6 John Marino

50 Juuso Riikola - 2 Chad Ruhwedel

The top power-play unit included Crosby, Guentzel, Letang, McCann and Rust.

The second power-play squad involved Angello, Marino, Matheson, Rodrigues and Zucker.

• Like a lot of people with ties to college hockey, Sullivan, a product of Boston University, was up late on Saturday night and into Sunday morning as the men’s teams of Minnesota-Duluth and North Dakota battled into five overtimes during the championship game of the NCAA’s Midwest Regional in Fargo, N.D.

Minnesota-Duluth’s 3-2 win, at a tidy 142 minutes and 13 seconds, was the longest game in NCAA tournament history. 1207191 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins assign forwards Jordy Bellerive, Josh Currie to Wilkes- Barre/Scranton

SETH RORABAUGH | Sunday, March 28, 2021 10:40 a.m.

The Pittsburgh Penguins assigned forwards Jody Bellerive and Josh Currie from the taxi squad to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League (AHL).

Bellerive, 21, leads Wilkes Barre/Scranton in goals this season with six to go along with nine points total in 12 games.

The 28-year-old Currie, who serves as Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s captain, has played in nine AHL games this season and has seven points (four goals, three assists). He has also played in one NHL game this season with no points.

Tribune Review LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207192 Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins currently sit firmly in a playoff spot, just four points behind the first-place Washington Capitals. While they've got a huge game against the Islanders on Monday followed by a critical two-game series in Boston, the stretch gets much easier from there. Jason Zucker’s return to practice comes more quickly than even he anticipated Following the series in Boston, nine of the next 10 games are against the East Division's bottom-tier teams. The Penguins have five games against the East Division’s seventh-place team in the New Jersey Devils, two against the historically bad Buffalo Sabres and two against the sixth- Mike DeFabo place New York Rangers.

If they can take advantage of the softer schedule to rack up wins, it Jason Zucker’s scream echoed through Capital One Arena in appears many of the other injured players could be coming back to join Washington on Feb. 23, as he tumbled to the ice in pain. Zucker and the Penguins exactly when the team will need it most, at the tail end of the regular season – just in time to help make a playoff push. The speedy 29-year-old winger had attempted to block Capitals defenseman Nick Jensen’s shot. But as Zucker flew up to the blue line, Post Gazette LOADED: 03.29.2021 his skate clipped Jensen’s and he crashed awkwardly into the boards. Unable to put any weight on his leg, Zucker vanished down the tunnel with the assistance of two members of the club on his sides.

At that moment, it was fair to wonder if or when Zucker might reappear this season given his reaction and that of the team. Turns out … his return might come a lot sooner than anyone initially expected.

“It’s definitely a lot quicker than I expected given the timeline,” Zucker said. “I give our training staff a ton of credit for the hard work they put in to help me get back to where I am today.”

Zucker participated in practice Sunday at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in a full-contact capacity for the first time since sustaining the injury four-and-a-half weeks ago. He skated on the second line centered by Jared McCann and took part in power play drills with the second unit.

Coach Mike Sullivan didn’t tip his hand when asked if Zucker will play on Monday night, when the Penguins host the New York Islanders to close out the eight-game season series. However, the fact that Zucker was a full participant means he can’t be too far off.

“Zuck is a real good player,” Sullivan said. “He’s an important part of this team. We’re certainly a better team when he’s in our lineup.”

In 17 games this season, Zucker has recorded four goals and three assists. He had been playing a top-six role as ’s left winger prior to the injury. It will be interesting to watch what kind of chemistry develops between McCann and Zucker and if maybe that tandem could stick together once the Penguins have their full-complement of players, providing more balance to the lineup.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves. One step at a time, here.

“He can help us in so many different ways,” Sullivan continued. “He’s a gritty player. He goes to the battle areas. He’s good in traffic. He’s got a skill level. He can score goals. He can help us on the power play. He brings a speed dimension to his game. There’s so many aspects of his game that he helps our team become a better team.”

Zucker's return, whenever that comes, is almost like the first light at the end of a long tunnel.

His injury set off a chain reaction that’s left the Penguins digging deep to find healthy forwards. On Saturday, Pittsburgh had to play without half of its 12 regular forwards. Malkin, Kasperi Kapanen, Teddy Blueger and Brandon Tanev are all also dealing with injuries of their own and Mark Jankowski was held out as a part of the COVID-19 protocol. Jankowski and Tanev have since cleared protocol.

To this point, the Penguins have done more than just survive the injuries. They keep on racking up points two at a time.

Beginning that night in Washington when Zucker left the game, the Penguins went on to win 3-2 in overtime. Including that win, Pittsburgh is 13-5-1 in the games without Zucker.

“Sid’s line has been incredibly good," Zucker said. "But I think throughout the entire lineup guys have stepped up and played well, from [Radim Zohorna] getting his first goal to [Anthony Angello and Frederick Gaudreau]. So many guys come to the top of my head that have been playing really well. It takes an army when you have a ton of guys out.”

While missing so many significant pieces has tested the Penguins’ resolve and their depth, especially at center, Zucker’s reemergence hints at what may be possible in a few weeks. 1207193 Pittsburgh Penguins The stats certainly back up Sullivan’s observation. According to Sportlogic, the Penguins are the NHL’s second-best team at recovering rebounds in the offensive zone on the power play, doing so at a 68% clip.

Brandon Tanev, Mark Jankowski cleared for action one day after entering “They’re tracking pucks hard,” Sullivan said. “That’s such an important COVID protocol aspect of the power play.”

With the man-advantage, they’re also top-10 in the league in shot attempts that hit the net (56.4%, third best) and face-offs won resulting in Mike DeFabo a shot from the slot (32.1%, ninth overall).

Recently, the power play has a bit of a different look. With Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen out, Jared McCann has brought his big shot to the One day after Brandon Tanev and Mark Jankowski entered the NHL’s left-half wall position. COVID-19 protocol, both forwards were cleared to return to action. “He’s very good at coming off that strong-side wall,” Sullivan said. “Just Jankowski, who missed Saturday’s win over the Islanders, was back with coming off that wall, getting inside the dots. He’s such a threat with his the main group at practice on Sunday. Meanwhile, Tanev skated with shooting ability and his ability to score goals. It presents a different look skills coach Ty Hennes as he continues to work his way back from an for our power play.” upper-body injury. Injury updates The protocol is not only for players who test positive but also for players who have experienced a high-risk close contact or an initial positive test Jason Zucker returned to practice in a full-contact capacity for the first that remains unconfirmed. time since sustaining a lower-body injury on Feb. 23. Teddy Blueger (upper body) skated with Hennes and Tanev in the morning. Evgeni The Penguins have been fortunate that all players who have entered the Malkin has not yet begun his on-ice rehab. Defenseman Mark Friedman protocol this season have returned to the ice within days, likely a sign skated with the taxi squad. that they hadn't tested positive but instead were fulfilling the precautionary side of the regulations. Sidney Crosby missed just one Post Gazette LOADED: 03.29.2021 game as a part of the protocol and defenseman John Marino was absent for only one practice. Kasperi Kapanen was also technically on the protocol list, as he completed an NHL-mandated quarantine after arriving in the from Finland.

“We’re following the rules that the league has put forth,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “Every team is in the same situation as it relates to the covid protocols. There’s really not any latitude at all. The covid protocols are very explicit.”

With Evgeni Malkin and Teddy Blueger injured and Jankowski in the protocol, the Penguins were forced to play Saturday night’s game without their regular second, third and fourth-line centers. Jankowski stepped back into practice on Sunday to center a fourth line that also featured Colton Sceviour and Radim Zohorna on the wings.

Interestingly, Frederick Gaudreau, who was elevated to third-line center in Jankowski’s absence, remained in that role at practice. He skated between Zach Aston-Reese and Sam Lafferty.

Gaudreau’s place on the depth chart hints that perhaps a competition could be brewing for the last center spot if the Penguins ever get all their injured forwards back. Jankowski initially joined the Penguins this offseason when he signed a one-year, $700,000 contract as a free agent. He came out of the gate strong, tallying three points in his first two games.

However, in the subsequent 29 games he played, the 212-pound center has recorded just one goal and one assist and a minus-3 rating while playing mostly in defensive-oriented situations and on the penalty kill.

While the Penguins power play endured its rough moments to start the season, it appears they’ve begun to turn a serious corner over the last month.

Since the beginning of March, the Penguins power play has converted 12 of its 43 opportunities into goals, including four goals in the last two games alone. That’s a 28% success rate. For reference, the NHL’s top power play units are the Carolina Hurricanes (30.2%), Chicago Blackhawks (27.8%) and the Tampa Bay Lightning (27.7%).

It’s probably not a coincidence that the Penguins are 11-3-1 over that span.

“The power play has really gained a lot of traction here over the last little while," Sullivan said. "They’re scoring a lot of goals for us. They’ve been the difference in a lot of games.”

The recent surge has lifted the Penguins into the middle of the pack. They are now 16th in the league, converting 20.4% of their chances on the season.

Sullivan highlighted a number of areas in which the power play is clicking. Specifically, he pointed out that they’ve been doing a good job of tracking down rebounds and retrieving pucks to keep sustained pressure in the offensive zone. 1207194 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Practice: Zucker is a Full Go, Jankowski Back

Published 15 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Dan Kingerski

The Pittsburgh Penguins were not without center Mark Jankowski for very long. The day after Jankowski was placed in the NHL’s COVID protocol, Jankowski was back at Penguins practice on Sunday. And speedy winger Jason Zucker was a full participant at practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Tanev also joined Jankowski in the protocol on Saturday, but he is still dealing with a lower-body injury suffered nearly two weeks ago and was not part of the practice.

“I feel good right now, and as far as the lineup goes, I don’t have any updates there,” Zucker said. “…I thought that was a good next step, and we’ll just keep taking it from here.”

The Penguins injury replacements have played exceedingly well, including Frederick Gaudreau. Head coach Mike Sullivan said the “new guys” add urgency and enthusiasm to the locker room.

Frederick Gaudreau

The Penguins are now 10 points ahead of Philadelphia for the final playoff spot and only two points behind the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals for the top spot in the MassMutual East Division.

In the full-go black sweater, Zucker participated with the rest of the top- six crew and took a full shift in the practice drills with likely second-line mates Jared McCann and Evan Rodrigues, who moved to the right side. He missed the last 18-games after a scary lower-body injury, after which he required help getting off the ice and back to the locker room.

That was against Washington, on Feb. 23.

“It was kind of a weird play. I went out to try to block a shot when (Nick) Jenson shot it, my right skate ended up clipping his,” Zucker said of that night. “And so it kind of spun me a little bit weird and then kind of went into the boards awkwardly. So it was just a weird situation that honestly was unavoidable after I clipped the skate, I just kind of threw me a little bit off and wasn’t able to catch myself.”

Zucker also took a spot on the Penguins second PP unit along the right- wing wall and towards the point. You couldn’t wipe the smile off his face as the Penguins winger has played just 17 games this season and scored only seven points (4g, 3a).

Here’s a little power-play wrinkle to watch, especially for the second unit: Watch Matheson sneak in on the backside for a quick one-timer. He rang the post behind Jarry on the first surprise attack.

You can even watch Zucker playing catch with Marcus Pettersson and Juuso Riikola.

On Saturday morning, Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan said Tanev and Teddy Blueger skated with skills coach Ty Hennes, which is usually the first step of the three-part injury return process. First, skating with the skills coach, then non-contact in team practice, then full- contact.

And finally, a return to the lineup. Sullivan said their statuses remailed the same on Sunday. And updated Evgeni Malkin’s injury status, too.

“Geno has not skated yet. He’s continuing his rehab off the ice,” Sullivan said.

For what it’s worth, Zucker did not appear to be favoring anything or in any way hampered. He was clearly in good spirits for the practice session.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207195 Pittsburgh Penguins Gaudreau, 27, is a prime example. He spent three seasons with the Nashville Predators, but he split the first two seasons between Nashville and their AHL affiliate. In 2018-19, he broke through to play 55 NHL games but was banished to the AHL for the entire 2019-20 season. ‘Urgency’ and ‘Enthusiasm’: Penguins Newbies Changing Team Dynamic It’s called building up a little hate. Gaudreau won’t have to think very hard to remember his NHL career is in constant jeopardy.

Published 19 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Dan Kingerski He has outplayed Mark Jankowski, who began the season as the Penguins third line center then slipped to the fourth line. Jankowski is

now in the COVID protocol, but when he returns there is little reason for You have seen this movie before, and its sequel. The 2020-21 Pittsburgh him to leapfrog Gaudreau. But the threat will be there for both players. Penguins are using a cast of irregulars to patch holes, substitute for Lafferty squandered his big chance earlier in the season. Spotty play and injured players, and even improve their lineup. The results were evident bad penalties earned him a seat on the bench and a demotion. But he’s in the Penguins 6-3 win over the first-place New York Islanders as the back, and his play over the last few games has been the speedy, gritty supposedly understaffed Penguins team blitzed New York in all facets. game the Penguins want. Yes, you have seen this movie before and loved it. The 2016 Penguins Angello, too, has responded to the best of his abilities. He didn’t make used a wave of hungry young players begging to stay in the NHL as part the Pittsburgh Penguins roster out of training camp. He slotted behind of their Stanley Cup. The youthful and energetic injection detoxed the players like O’Connor, Colton Sceviour, and Lafferty and the club sent stale stench which emanated from a room reeling after a few whimpering him to the WBS Penguins. playoff exits. With his second chance, Angello still hasn’t become a big net-front The names then included Bryan Rust, Conor Sheary, and Tom presence, but he’s tossing his weight around everywhere else. He has Kuhnhackl. nine hits in his last four games and 47 checks in 16 games. When he The sequel wasn’t nearly as good in 2019 when the Pittsburgh Penguins hits, it usually more noticeable, too. rewrote a similar, and the ending included regulars returning at the last “I think when you look at the roster, we have right now, some of the guys moment. The cavalry did not save the day. The Penguins gave back their that are in the lineup, I think have brought us a certain level of energetic, fresh play and the predictable ending was a four-game sweep enthusiasm that has helped the whole group,” Sullivan said. “Freddy by the New York Islanders. Gaudreau comes to mind. Zohorna comes to mind. Anthony Angello. The 2021 ending hasn’t been written, but enough of the new guys have Some of these guys that we put in the lineup, they’re excited to be there. established themselves, and the internal competition alone should keep They want to prove that they belong here. And so they bring a certain the Penguins on their toes. level of urgency to their game, and that can be contagious through our bench. And I think these guys right now are having a positive impact on A demotion to the taxi squad is only a phone call away. our hockey team.”

“I think these guys that have an opportunity to play at the NHL level bring The stats aren’t overwhelming, nor will they be. Gaudreau has three a certain level of urgency and a complete level and an enthusiasm that points in six games. Angello has two points (1g, 1a) in 16 games. But it’s can be contagious,” head coach Mike Sullivan said. not the stats the Penguins new guys bring to the table. It’s the energy and urgency to get the next puck, to win, to stay in the show. There are so many new guys and irregulars in the lineup that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Frederick Gaudreau is the first that We’ve seen it before, and there are vacancies to fill permanently. That springs to mind. After setting up Zach Aston-Reese’s shorthanded goal motivation just might change the Penguins as much as play by any of the on Thursday with an eye-popping play, Gaudreau scored his first stars at the top of the lineup. Penguins goal on Saturday night when he finished the prettiest and perhaps most perfect breakout rush of the season. Even if you can’t remember their names.

Anthony Angello has been a big change for the Penguins, too. The big 6- Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 foot-5, 210-pound forward has been beating and banging around in the corners. He’s provided the Penguins with at least some physical presence along the wall and a tough cycle game down low.

Radim Zohorna is a 24-year-old free agent the Pittsburgh Penguins signed from the Czech Republic. He scored his first goal on Thursday, and the bench went bonkers for him. Forward Sam Lafferty is another player fighting to stick in the show, too.

It can be tough to keep them all straight. Just ask Kris Letang. And we did.

“It’s great. I mean, it shows how well these guys develop as hockey players. We had a lot of that coming to this season with like a guy like Gaudreau and (Drew) O’Connor that comes up,” Letang said. “We have two big guys that can throw the body around with Zohorna and…I have a blank…Sorry…Angello.”

I found the honest moment from Letang amusing and refreshing. It’s a lot of new guys in and out of the Penguins lineup, and even a team leader like Letang, who is notably engaged, had to pause to think of all of the names.

Yes, Anthony Angello, the big guy from Dartmouth Cornell who made his NHL debut last season and blocks a bit more light than all but Zohorna (6-foot-6) in the Penguins locker room.

“You know, it’s it’s great to see that these guys are out there able to perform and bring success to our team,” Letang finished.

There is no questioning that players desperate to stick in the NHL will play harder. Comfort and getting settled is the Penguins enemy. That’s when players slip or regress, and the newbie energy fades. 1207196 San Jose Sharks

Quick Thoughts: Is Balcers a Top-6 Forward on Sharks?

Published 15 hours ago on March 28, 2021By Sheng Peng

Is Rudolfs Balcers a top-six forward for the San Jose Sharks?

In terms of productivity and skill, he’s got a good argument.

He’s seventh among San Jose forwards with 0.44 Points Per Game, behind, naturally, the Sharks’ clear top-five of Evander Kane, Tomas Hertl, Logan Couture, Timo Meier, and Kevin Labanc. Ryan Donato is a shade ahead of Balcers at 0.45.

More impressively, he’s fifth with 1.87 Points Per 60 at 5-on-5, behind Labanc, Kane, Couture, and Hertl.

As for the eye test, Balcers and Donato have comparable skill, but Balcers is better defensively. Dylan Gambrell and Matt Nieto are more trusted, but they’re defensive specialists, lacking anything close to Balcers or Donato’s offensive upside.

On one hand, what a coup by Doug Wilson, to pluck a possible top-nine forward from waivers. On the other hand – let’s be honest – Balcers is not in the conversation for top-six forward on a deeper team.

That’s not a knock on the 23-year-old forward, who’s revitalized his career after being released by Ottawa. He’s a clear NHL talent — this isn’t his first impressive game.

We saw some of that talent on display early in last night’s 4-0 loss to Arizona.

00:03 Balcers (92) uses his speed to cut off Jason Demers (55), who’s trying to come out of the corner.

00:15 Balcers is battling with Jordan Oesterle (82) in front of the net. Look how hard he’s working to get open: He feints toward the high slot, before cutting back to the paint. As a Brent Burns (88) shot-pass skitters forward, Balcers stick checks Oesterle, making sure the shot gets through and Adin Hill has to make a save.

00:25 The Latvian winger ferrets out a loose puck off the wall.

00:30 Off the Tomas Hertl (48) tip, Balcers beats John Hayden (15) to another loose puck.

00:38 So far in his brief San Jose Sharks stint, Balcers has shown a nose for finding the soft spots. He finds it between four Coyotes. That is a hard pass for Hertl to complete though.

00:42 But as Hertl circles the net, Balcers is right time, right place for the rebound. It’s not counted as a shot, but it looks like Balcers snaps it off Hill.

According to the league’s play-by-play sheet, Balcers was a non-entity on this shift – no shots, shot attempts, hits, etc. – but that’s obviously not accurate. When he’s on, he’s fast, strong, and tenacious on the puck.

That’s the good. But there’s a bad – remember that Balcers, before this year, had just parts of two NHL campaigns under the belt. The 23-year- old still has something to learn, in terms of consistency and maturity.

It’s not just the two minor penalties that he took, which blunted the San Jose Sharks’ momentum in a must-win game – it’s the body language:

That’s, frankly, immature – the play is still going, you have to keep your feet moving. To Balcers’s credit, he does get back into the play, but this is clearly a learning moment.

As I noted, on a good team, he shouldn’t be your sixth-best forward, not even arguably.

But good news for the San Jose Sharks? If the impending RFA reaches his potential, he’ll be well worth the wait.

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207197 San Jose Sharks

Dubnyk Blasts NHL Goalie Interference Review: “It’s a joke.”

Published 1 day ago on March 28, 2021By Sheng Peng

Devan Dubnyk was unhappy not just with the San Jose Sharks’ 4-0 loss to Arizona.

Late in the third period, Phil Kessel jammed in a goal that was immediately challenged by Bob Boughner.

SCIENTIFIC FACT: Phil Kessel is both red-hot and cold-blooded!

The Sharks would lose this challenge and be assessed a minor penalty. This would make it 3-0.

“It’s a joke,” Dubnyk said of the decision to let this goal stand.

“Tonight, I was told that was Phil Kessel’s followthrough. Continued motion of the followthrough. You guys watched the play. I watched the play a bunch on the JumboTron. If you’re gonna sit here and honestly tell me that’s the guy’s followthrough…that’s tough,” the San Jose Sharks netminder volunteered. “If he would have shoveled my pad with the puck underneath it, would it have counted? If the answer is no, the answer is that shouldn’t count either.”

It’s been a tough weekend in this department for San Jose’s keepers. Last night, Boughner lost the challenge on this Dryden Hunt goal.

Dubnyk was equally frustrated with this goal too: “I don’t think the one on Jonesie should have counted last game. I think anybody watching that play, has any sort of idea about playing goal, knows that as soon as that guy touches him in his shoulders, you’re facing the other way, you have no chance to make the save. That’s what goalie interference is.

“He was in his crease, unprovoked skatethrough.”

For Dubnyk, it wasn’t just one bad weekend for the San Jose Sharks goalies. It was a microcosm of the veteran’s frustration with the NHL’s Goaltender Interference Review, instituted in 2015-16. That season, the league opened up replay review for goaltender interference to coaches’ challenges. Since March 2018, an off-the-ice official has made the final call on such challenges.

“Ever since goalie interference review has come into the league, I’ve found it pretty inconsistent,” Dubnyk said. “Unfortunately, it kind of stops the referees from making any calls on the ice because they’re kind of relying on the review process. I’m not going to be the only guy that tells you it’s been a little frustrating from the goalie side of it.”

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207198 St Louis Blues 2 series win over . Kostin had an assist in Sunday’s 5-1 clinching win.

• Anaheim goalie Andrew Stolarz had the primary assist on Josh Blues notebook: Berube sits Hoffman, wants more effort Manson’s overtime goal, making him only the sixth goalie in NHL history and the first since Eddie Lack of Carolina in 2015 to have the primary assist on an OT goal.

Tom Timmermann 8 hrs ago St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021

After the Blues were almost shut out on Friday, Blues coach Craig Berube said one of the ways to get his team to go to the net more was to use players who would do that.

On Sunday, just who that was got a name when forward Mike Hoffman was a healthy scratch.

“I just want more out of him,” Berube said after the Blues’ 3-2 overtime loss to Anaheim. “I made a decision to not play him, I want more out of him. That’s basically what it boils down to. . . . I need more effort and competitiveness from him. He hasn’t scored in 10 games. Basically that.”

Actually, he has one goal in 10 games, but the point is valid. The Blues had scored what looked like one of the steals of free agency when they signed Hoffman for $4 million, one of the top forwards on the free-agent market in the offseason, when the pandemic-induced flat salary cap chilled the offers for him. In each of his first six seasons in the NHL, Hoffman had scored at least 20 goals and two seasons ago in Florida, he scored 36.

While Hoffman is a goal scorer, Berube wants to see more than that, particularly on the defensive end — which has never been Hoffman’s strong suit. For most of the season, Berube has played Hoffman on the third line, something that limits his ice time and his scoring opportunities. In addition, the Blues have been using Hoffman on the second power- play unit, again limiting his scoring chances. Per hockeyviz.com, the Blues have been more effective at creating shots in front of the net when Hoffman isn’t on the ice than when he is.

In his 33 games — he also missed the season opener because of a delay in getting his visa to play in the U.S. — he has eight goals and 12 assists and his ice time is averaging 15:23, which would be his low since his first full NHL season by more than a minute. He has fewer goals and assists than Jordan Kyrou.

Berube has used the hammer of the healthy scratch only occasionally against big-name players. Shortly after taking over the team in 2018-19, he did it to David Perron, and this season he did it to defenseman Vince Dunn. In both cases, they were back in the lineup the next game.

Dunn misses game too

Dunn, coincidentally, was also out of the lineup on Sunday. He took a puck to the leg on Friday and was on the ice for pregame warmups on Sunday but couldn’t play. Jake Walman took his spot alongside Marco Scandella while Niko Mikkola stayed in the lineup and was paired with Robert Bortuzzo.

Berube said Dunn was day-to-day.

Bluenotes

The Blues regular-season will go a bit longer than originally planned. Their game with the Kings on March 15 that was postponed because the Kings were snowed in in Denver will be played on May 10, two days after the team’s season was supposed to end, in Las Vegas.

The league announced a bunch of rescheduled games on Sunday, including two to be played on May 11, so the playoffs won’t start for a few days after that.

• As part of the team’s refigured lines, Berube had Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko with Ryan O’Reilly and Brayden Schenn and David Perron on the wings for Robert Thomas. Sammy Blais came back into the lineup after a game as a healthy scratch.

• In an unlikely turn of events, defenseman Jake Walman led the team in shots on goal with six (and he played a career high 18:14) and forward Jacob de la Rose was second with five. He had eight total shots on goal in his 12 other games this season.

• Blues prospect Klim Kostin will be in Russia a little bit longer after his Avangard team advanced to the KHL’s Eastern Conference final with a 4- 1207199 St Louis Blues The Blues finished with 40 shots on goal, all in regulation because they barely touched the puck in overtime. In their past three games, they now have 111 shots on goal and three goals.

Blues start fast but fall in overtime 3-2 to Ducks “I guess there were a few more chances,” O’Reilly said, “but the puck’s got to go in the net and it’s frustrating right now, getting these opportunities and you can just tell we’re not confident in our shooting now. It’s frustrating because it’s a very winnable game. I think we’re all Tom Timmermann 9 hrs ago frustrated right now.”

In overtime, the Ducks got the opening draw and kept the puck. The If the image on Friday that best summed up the Blues’ loss in the first game ended with Anaheim goalie Anthony Stolarz, the team’s No. 3 game of their two-game set with Anaheim was David Perron smashing goalie filling in because John Gibson, who almost shut out the Blues on his stick in frustration on the net after an empty-net goal sealed the win Friday, was hurt, passing to defenseman Josh Manson at center ice. He for the Ducks, on Sunday it was Jordan Kyrou falling down. was able to get around Brayden Schenn and then backhanded the puck to the short side on Jordan Binnington 1:42 into overtime. The Blues were trying to build on a 2-1 lead in the third period against the Ducks when Niko Mikkola slid a pass out near the blueline to Kyrou on “Everybody makes mistakes,” Tarasenko said, “but the biggest part is the right. Kyrou moved slightly to gather it in, but, with no one near him, how you react to those mistakes. And if there’s a mistake after mistake lost his footing and fell to the ice. Eight seconds later, the puck was in the after mistake, it’s something. Turnover or something, we still can work Blues’ net and the game was tied. better for the guy who made a mistake. I don’t think we did this well enough today.” Kyrou wasn’t entirely to blame. Mikkola could have stopped the play along the boards, and then his defense partner Robert Bortuzzo got St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 turned around by Anaheim’s Adam Henrique on the way to the net and the goal. But just like Kyrou, the Blues’ lost weekend was one big pratfall.

It wasn’t a total loss, because the Blues got a point by taking the game to overtime before losing 3-2 on Sunday at Enterprise Center. But that one point was very small consolation for a loss that, like many other games lately, stung. The Blues now are winless in four consecutive games and have won just two of their past 11 games. In the process, they have scored two goals or fewer goals in seven of their past eight games.

And in the bigger picture, the Blues’ lead over Arizona for fourth place in the West Division is now one point, with the Blues off until Friday when they start a two-game set in Colorado. Arizona plays at Colorado on Wednesday with a chance to bump the Blues down to fifth.

“We didn’t score enough goals,” Blues coach Craig Berube said. “That’s the bottom line but I think that second goal has got to be defended. Maybe we win the game 2-1. Right now a mistake is going in too much into our net and it’s hard to play mistake-free hockey. Now, the mental mistakes are one thing, but it’s hard to play mistake-free hockey from a physical standpoint. Teams are going to get chances and you’re gonna make mistakes. We definitely obviously have to generate more goals. Trying to win 2-1 every day is tough.”

Trying to win any day in any way is tough for the Blues right now. Adding to the pain of this one, along with it coming against one of the worst teams in the league, was that from the start, it seemed so promising. In the face of his team’s struggles, Berube reworked all of his forward lines and, perhaps most glaringly, scratched Mike Hoffman, the high-scoring free agent forward the Blues invested $4 million in during the offseason. Hoffman’s goal-scoring history has not followed him to St. Louis and through 33 games he has just eight goals. Berube, not happy with Hoffman’s defense, was playing him on the third line, as well as on the second power-play unit.

The Blues responded to the changes by scoring two goals in the first 16 minutes, first when Ryan O’Reilly tipped in a no-look backhand pass from Vladimir Tarasenko and then when Tarasenko one-timed a pass from Torey Krug on the power play for his second goal of the season. With 4:01 to go in the first period, the Blues were up 2-0. Turns out that was it for the game.

“I think the big thing is we just kind of let them hang around,” O’Reilly said. “I think we had a good first and kind of thought we had it going and we just took our foot off the gas a little bit and we let them hang around in the game. Eventually they get a break and put us on our heels. We just lost the urgency for a bit and the desperation. We should have been up a couple more goals or a goal even and make it a little tougher on them. We let them hang around.”

“We have to find out why we can’t keep it for 60 minutes,” Tarasenko said. “Every one of us has to find out how to play all 60. Not only win the games but outplay the other team especially at home.”

The Blues are 0-5-2 in their past seven home games, but that seems almost incidental at the moment to the bigger issue of winning anywhere, especially since the schedule is about to get very messy, with its next eight games coming against the top three teams in the division. 1207200 St Louis Blues Goalie Binnington

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.29.2021 Berube juggles lines in search of offense, Hoffman not in lineup

Tom Timmermann 12 hrs ago

With the Blues' scoring troubles getting past serious, Blues coach Craig Berube gave everything a change on Sunday.

Ryan O'Reilly is skating with Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko, while Robert Thomas is centering Brayden Schenn and David Perron. Tyler Bozak is back to centering the third line, with Zach Sanford and Jordan Kyrou on either side. And Sammy Blais is back in the lineup in the place of Mike Hoffman, who is not in the lineup and appears to be a healthy scratch. He's on the fourth line with Jacob de la Rose and Kyle Clifford.

Hoffman, who was a big name on the free agent market and who fell to the Blues at a reduced price when the flat salary cap ruled out a big offer, has one goal in the past 10 games and two in the past 17. He has eight goals on the season.

When asked on Friday night about what he could do to get players to go to the net, Berube said, "Put guys in that will go to the net."

Jordan Binnington will be in goal as the Blues try to snap a three-game losing streak in their Sunday afternoon game with Anaheim at Enterprise Center.

It will be Binnington's fourth straight start. He's allowed two goals in each of his past two games but lost both of them.

Colton Parayko is not yet back in the lineup as he works his way back from a back injury.

Jake Walman will be in the lineup. He had played five straight games before sitting out Friday's game in favor of Niko Mikkola.

"I think Wally's done a good job," coach Craig Berube said. "He's a young guy that's new to playing in the NHL. We took him out last game because Mikkola hadn't played in a while and we wanted fresh bodies on a back- to-back night. So Wally has a good chance to go back in. He's got to use his feet, his feet are his best asset. He skates really well and he's got to skate the puck out of our zone like he's been doing, but I think he can move a little bit quicker and then in the offensive zone, use his shot. He's got a good shot, so his shot and get pucks to the net and just do a good job defending."

Among the messages to his team for this game: Get to the net.

"That's part of the message," he said. "I think defensively we're doing a pretty good job of limiting the other team right now. We're working hard defensively, we're checking, reloading and things like that. Offensively, we're getting enough shots, but we got to get to the goalie's eyes a little bit more and we got to get to the net a little more, creating second and third opportunities around the net."

The race in the West Division is getting tighter. The Blues and Arizona both have 37 points, with the Blues having played one game less, so they have a very narrow edge. Arizona, which played last night, is off until Wednesday, when it starts a nine-game trip at Colorado.

Lines and pairings:

Forwards

Schwartz-O'Reilly-Tarasenko

Schenn-Thomas-Perron

Sanford-Bozak-Kyrou

Clifford-de la Rose-Blais

Defensemen

Krug-Faulk

Scandella-Dunn

Walman-Bortuzzo 1207201 St Louis Blues Kelly Chase (1988-95, ’97-2000) Tony Twist got sent to the minors and Bobby told to me to go get Twister

from the airport and get him to be a part of this team because we need Bobby Plager through the eyes of the Blues alumni: ‘He was the footprint’ him. So I went and got him at the airport and he was pissed off that he got sent to the minors. I said, “Look, we’ve won like 11 or 12 games in a row, and you’ve got to do what everyone is doing.” So I took him to a bar and I told the guys to meet us there, and they were excited to see him By Jeremy Rutherford Mar 28, 2021 and knew we were going to be a better team with him.

Well, we pulled into the bar, and I was waiting for this car to pull out so I The Blues alumni suite has been pretty quiet this season. With a limited could pull in the parking spot, and this motorcycle comes in and takes my capacity allowed inside Enterprise Center and many still social spot. Twister wants out of the car! I’m like, “Relax!” He was like, “Nope.” distancing, the lights were out for several of the first 14 home games. So I park somewhere else and we walk around the front and he just kicks this motorcycle over. I mean, it’s on! This guy comes running out and But the box was packed Friday, as a dozen or so alumni gathered for the they’re yelling at one another. So I duck in and call the boys, who were first Blues home game without Bobby Plager, who died in a car accident like a block and a half away, and said “Get over here.” So we had this big last week at age 78. brawl and we ended up in jail and a bunch of guys got in trouble.

There were hugs, laughs and a few tears, and as one said, “you sort of Jimmy Vesey said, “Nobody’s calling Plager, we don’t need to, I can get expect Bobby to saunter in here at some point during the game.” everybody out of this,” but Dave Thomlinson had already called him. So the next morning, Bobby is skating up and down the ice, and he said, “I Of course, though, we only have the memories now. don’t know whose idea it was to call the coach when you get thrown in “It’s very hard to metabolize,” former Blues enforcer Tony Twist said. “So jail, but lose my f’ing number. I don’t need you guys calling the coach many emotions. Had to put those emotions in place. Memories, had to because if St. Louis calls, I’ve got to tell them the story. If I don’t know, I put the memories in place. You’re losing a family member. For me, it’s can say, ‘I don’t know.’ I just remember him reaming us out with about 90 losing a family member, and I mean that. It’s been very difficult.” f-bombs.

I asked many of the alumni for their favorite recollection or story about Chris Pronger (1995-2005) No. 5, and here’s what they said … When you look at what Bobby meant to the organization, the city, the Andy McDonald (2007-13) players, the alumni, it was how he treated everyone around him. He was around, but he wasn’t around. If you wanted to seek him out, he could be The thing I always remember about Bobby is, you’d see him around the found. I think for me, that first year in St. Louis was tough. With rink and you’d go to talk to him for a couple of minutes and you end up everything that was going on with Mike (Keenan), it was just crazy. I think talking to him for an hour. He was a wealth of information. For me at the time, you’re being booed and you feel like an outcast, and when personally, I just loved listening to him talk. He’s been through it all when you’re going through those moments, you don’t necessarily need he played, and even as a coach. I remember when I played in St. Louis, somebody telling you what to do. You need somebody to just understand we had some rough years, and Bobby would always come in and have a what you’re going through and how to deal with it. Everybody wants to coffee, and he would always be able to lighten the mood. He always had give you an answer, but they don’t want to ask a question. He was very a smile on his face. He was someone who you could always talk to. good at asking questions and being able to figure out if he needed to say Yeah, he’ll be dearly missed, that’s for sure. something, or not say anything.

Al MacInnis (1994-2004) Bobby was always there, like “Hey, relax, just play your game.” He was a Bobby made an impact on people, regardless of where he went. It was very calming influence. When you talked to him, you understood. He probably 10 or 12 years ago, he was gracious enough to go up to my golf would talk the same way to me the way he would to you, as he would to tournament in Nova Scotia. He was the guest speaker at the tournament the fan down the street. I think that’s what was so appealing about him, and just the way he interacted with the people, he made them feel and so lovable about him. It didn’t matter who you were, or what you did, comfortable. When he was on stage and we were telling stories, you he treated everyone with respect. I think that’s why he connected with so could hear a pin drop, and the people, they absorb all of that. Every many people because he had that ability to read a situation very quickly summer that I go back, I run into people who were at the tournament and and understand what he needed to do to make somebody feel at ease, or they always ask “How’s Bobby doing and when is he coming back? We help somebody along. You could see how the players today gravitated loved him when he was here, the stories he would tell.” And that’s in toward him and understood the history of the team. I think you’ll see the Nova Scotia. legacy of Bobby Plager, and what he meant to this franchise, continue on with the tradition that he started in ’67. He had an impact on anybody, no matter where he went. That’s such a compliment to a guy to be able to have that gift. It’s so unfortunate. You Tony Twist (1988-91, ’94-99) wish you could just tell him one more time what he’s meant to the You can’t use names to protect the innocent. There was a minor-league organization. He was the footprint. He identified every Blues team, you game where Chaser and I both got kicked out. We were playing a know, blue-collar, hard-nosed, tough to play against. They started that particular team and we knew another player on the other team. That will back in 1967, and it’s been the identity for the past 50-plus years. be important for the end of the story.

Mike Zuke (1978-83) So after we got kicked out, we were in the stands and we had the wise I have a couple of good ones. Bobby used to be proud of this one: He idea that we needed to get into the referees’ room. We said, “What we’re was the head coach in Peoria (Ill.), and they had a really good team. going to do is we’re going to cut the zippers out of their pants and the Everybody knows that he was a prankster, and he used to go into the pockets out of their pants and the buttons off their shirts.” Well, we had shower and put Sun-in (hair lightener) in the shampoo bottles. The an interested party in our office who was able to get the keys and we got shampoo bottle is always in there and everybody is using it. Nobody in there and we snipped the zippers, took the buttons and shortened the knew about it. So about halfway through the season, all the guys had ties. blonde hair. They didn’t know what the heck was going on. The game hadn’t ended yet. This was the second period. Well, a player The other one: He used to scout all of the time and go on the road. This who we knew from the other team had gotten kicked out right at the end is when the technology came out where you could put the remote control of the second period. As he’s getting kicked out, he’s yelling at the ref all on your watch. He had one of the first watches where you could change types of shit. He said, ‘I’m going to tear your shit up!” He was saying the channels on TV. So he’d go into a bar in Philadelphia and people are things that we had already done, so this couldn’t be any more picture- watching the Eagles play, maybe even a playoff game. Right in the perfect. So when the game was over, the refs went back to their room middle of a big play, Bobby would change the channel. The patrons and they had to walk out in Peoria Rivermen tracksuits because they had would go crazy. The owner would go up and change the channel back. no clothes. Who were they going to blame? He said he didn’t do it, but he Five minutes later — Boom! — he’d change it again. People were going got suspended. nuts, he’d just walk out of the bar, and they had no idea. What was funny, Bobby laughed. He told us we should’ve nailed their it. He was so full of energy. It was fun for us to see him out there doing shoes to the floor. We never thought about that. But that was the mindset that stuff at 70 years of age. I’m 45, and I can’t imagine skating in 25 of Chaser and I, and keep in mind, the mindset of us two was always the years. same as Bobby’s. Larry Patey (1975-84) Barret Jackman (2001-2016) Bobby was one of those guys that you looked up to. As a kid, I remember At my draft in 1999, after it was over, the Blues had all the draft picks up hearing his name on the radio back in Ontario, and then six or seven in a suite in Boston. So we’re up there, my family is there, and I look over years later being on the team with him, it was pretty amazing. I’ve always and Bobby was talking to my mom. So I go over and say hi, and he pulls had the same respect for him that I had from Day 1. out this pen and pushes the button. Well, it was a Viagra pen, so when he pushes the button, the pen flips up and he starts talking about how Jim Campbell (1996-2000) he’s going to take Viagra at night so he doesn’t roll out of bed in the Bobby is a classic pro. You see him in the alumni room in the hot tub, morning. So right from the moment I met him, he was making me and my telling stories and joking around. You see him going in the stands in family laugh and feel comfortable. That’s Bobby Plager’s great sense of Philadelphia and he told me one night that he went into a bar in humor. Philadelphia after a game. He got a bullet hole through his sport coat. Bruce Affleck (1975-79, ’80) Someone shot through his sport coat and he got a bullet hole through it. I was like, “That’s crazy!” He’s got some crazy stories. That guy lived a life So I get traded here my rookie year, and I haven’t played in the NHL. We of a true pro hockey guy! go on our first road trip and I’m Bobby’s roommate. Why the hell you would put a rookie with Bobby, who knows? So he goes, “Hey kid, here’s The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 the deal: when you come home tonight, I don’t care what time it is, make sure you have enough food for two people.” He said, “It doesn’t matter if I’m coming home or not, just make sure it’s here in case I come home.” I remember when of the first road trips, we were in Philadelphia and I got Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. I don’t know how it tasted in the morning, but …”

Jeff Brown (1989-94)

I remember we had Bobby for that short time as a coach (11 games in 1992-93). It didn’t last very long. I think the problem was that we all loved him so much as the ambassador, and then he walks in and he’s the guy that used to be telling the jokes and then all of a sudden he’s getting mad at us. We’re like, “No, this isn’t the Bobby we want!” He tried to yell, but it just wasn’t natural for him, right? Which is funny because back in the day he probably yelled when he played, but that was long gone. He was just the big, cuddly Bobby.

But Bobby always had everybody’s back. Anybody that played for the Blues, he was a fan. He truly was the Blues’ ambassador. There was no better team guy than him. Miss him a lot!

Cam Janssen (2008-11)

I’m going to give you an intimate trip we went on. Kelly Chase puts on a charity event in Nashville every year and my buddies got a private jet to take us down there. You have to bring a team down there and you only have 12 seats on the plane, so we have to decide who we’re going to take. Who do you think is the first guy? Bobby is the first one we pick. He’s our coach, he comes down. So we go down to Nashville and Bobby is hanging out with a bunch of 30- and 40-year-old guys.

So he’s with us every second of the day. We go to bed and he’s the first one up. We get up and we’re like, “Oh God.” He’s drinking his coffee and doing his thing, and he’s like “Get your ass up and get going.”

Well, when you play in these charity tournaments, you kind of have to go easy, but Bobby wouldn’t let us go easy. We had such a good team and we were kicking the shit out of everybody. Guys on the other team, like Mike Keane are getting so mad. Ryan Smyth, “Mr. Canada,” is losing his mind. But Bobby was getting us going and we just couldn’t stop. We were shitting-kicking them.

All of a sudden, we look in the stands and Chaser is coming down, and his eyes are bloodshot pissed. He comes down and starts yelling and then Bobby goes: “We’re winning this God damn game!” The only person ever that could put Chaser in his place, besides his wife, is Bobby Plager, and he put him in his place so bad. We went out there and scored more goals.

Then we go out afterwards, and we’re like, “Where’s Bobby?” We look over and there’s like 15 good-looking girls in the corner. We see them all laughing and Bobby is right in the middle. They don’t even know he is. That’s how charming he is.

Reed Low (2000-04)

Bobby was 78 and he was still skating with us six or seven years ago. He was still in our alumni games. I remember one night he taped two sticks together (length-wise) because he didn’t want to skate as much. Then one of the stick manufacturers got him a custom-made 12-foot stick, so he could just pokecheck. Bobby just laughed and joked and had fun with 1207202 St Louis Blues According to Naturalstattrick.com, the center with whom Hoffman has played the most minutes this season is Brayden Schenn (129:15), followed by Robert Thomas (116:12), Oskar Sundqvist (82:24) and finally Ryan O’Reilly (40:45). Mike Hoffman’s healthy scratch: Bad fit or Blues not suiting his strengths? At five-on-five this season, Hoffman has been on the ice for 14 goals for and 14 against. His best analytics have come with Schenn, with whom he’s been on the ice for four goals for and one against. Interestingly, with Hoffman and O’Reilly on the ice, the Blues have scored once and not let By Jeremy Rutherford Mar 28, 2021 any in, but they’ve only played the 40 minutes together.

Berube recently said that he’s a coach who seeks balance on his four Mike Hoffman walked through the press box at Enterprise Center on lines. “You always try to look for a guy that transports the puck, a guy Sunday afternoon while the Blues’ game against Anaheim was underway that’s a shooter, or a guy that’s a heavy guy in the corners and wins puck on the ice below. battles, so it just adds an element on each line,” he said.

He wasn’t injured. He was a healthy scratch. That perhaps plays into the reason why Hoffman hasn’t been on one of the top lines more regularly, but also, he has to produce more. “I just want more out of him,” Blues coach Craig Berube said after a 3-2 overtime loss to the Ducks. “I just made a decision to not play him. I want Hoffman is averaging 13:26 of even-strength ice time this season, which more out of him. That’s basically what it boils down to.” is the sixth-most among forwards who have played 12 games or more. But his goals per 60 minutes (.44) at five-on-five is 10th and his points Berube was asked what specifically he wants from Hoffman, and he per 60 minutes (1.18), which is the lowest of his career, ranks ninth. He replied: “I need more effort and competitiveness from him. He hasn’t has just three goals on 42 shots (7.1 percent) playing five-on-five, which scored in 10 games. Basically that.” is far below his shooting percentage from last season in Florida (13.3).

Hoffman actually did score six games ago against Los Angeles, but that’s Still, it’s interesting Hoffman was scratched on a team that had scored beside the point. The point is, the Blues were making a stern example of one goal or none in regulation in six of its past seven games before the 31-year-old winger, whose one-year, $4 million contract in January Sunday. Berube said last week that Sammy Blais was playing was seen as a deal that would give the club a bona fide goal scorer and disconnected and with no emotion, and despite no shots on goal in lethal threat on the power play. Minnesota on Thursday, was in the lineup over Hoffman on Sunday.

Two months later, in a game the Blues desperately needed to win, The usage of Hoffman on the power play has been even more of a head- Hoffman watched them blow a 2-0 lead and fall in OT, where he’s had scratcher. two game-clinching goals this season. The Blues rank No. 22 on the man advantage (18.6 percent), and he has With the NHL’s trade deadline two weeks away (April 12), the Hoffman just one goal and five points with the unit. But while Hoffman hasn’t piled trade speculation was in full bore on social media before he even took his up points like he has in the past, his 61 career power-play goals are third seat in the suite used by the Blues’ scratches. on the team behind Schenn (70) and O’Reilly (62) and he’s been on the ice for nine of the unit’s 19 power-play goals this season. As The Athletic reported in January, Hoffman’s contract does not include a no-trade clause, but it does not appear that a deal is imminent at this But his ice time on the power play has been far less than what he’s seen point. It wouldn’t make sense to sit a player who you were trying to move in the past. He’s averaging just 1:55 of ice time per game, which is the because you’re essentially calling attention to his poor play. Unless, of seventh among forwards. That’s compared to 3:39 and 3:26 per game in course, there was a trade in place, but that’s not believed to be the case, each of the last two years in Florida, and 3:06 and 3:11 the two years according to sources. This looks to be a legitimate case of the Blues prior in Ottawa. showing their displeasure in Hoffman’s performance and trying to light a fire under him. Meanwhile, Torey Krug leads the Blues with 2:48 of ice time per game on the power play, and while he’s a defenseman who’s also had a prolific Well, you couldn’t have seen this coming. Or could you? career on the unit, he has just one goal and six points with the man advantage. There was concern when Hoffman was signed that he wasn’t a Berube- type of player. The Blues coach wants to score goals, but he wants One could make the case that Hoffman overall hasn’t been a good fit with maximum effort from everyone, and if you’re not checking, you’re the Blues, but what is known now that wasn’t known when they signed probably going to hear from him. It’s the reason Robby Fabbri is in him, other than they’re now seeing him up close? There’s nothing wrong Detroit. with Berube holding him accountable the way he has with other players this season, but he can’t expect the result to be Hoffman turning into a Before signing with the Blues, Hoffman had scored 22 goals or more in checker at this point in his career. each of his past six seasons, including 36 with Florida in 2018-19. He’s got the fourth-most power-play goals in the NHL since 2016-17 (49), and So what now? he’s one of only 17 players in the league with 100-plus points on the man-advantage in that span. The Blues have four days off before playing Colorado and won’t practice the next two days. They’ll get a chance to find out Wednesday and In contrast, Hoffman has never been a defensive-minded player. His Thursday how Hoffman might respond. Expected Goals For Percentage this season is a career-low 43.43 percent, but he’s been below 50 percent in each of his five previous But moving forward, Berube either has to play him or general manager seasons. Doug Armstrong has to trade him. On a club that’s operating in Long- Term Injured Reserve (LTIR), the Blues will likely need the salary-cap The bottom line: The Blues knew what they were getting. space if defenseman Colton Parayko ($5.5 million) returns to the lineup, especially if there’s any desire to find a player who’s a better fit. So now the question becomes: Is Hoffman a bad fit, or are the Blues not suiting his strengths? Is the lack of expected success connected to the It’s hard to envision the Blues trading Hoffman if they’re still in contention fact that he’s not their typical style of player, or there’s not enough effort, at the NHL’s trade deadline. With the point from Sunday’s overtime loss, or is Berube not putting him in enough spots to succeed? they remain one ahead of Arizona (38-37) for the fourth and final playoff spot in the West Division, with 21 games remaining for both clubs. L.A. Hoffman started out the season playing on the second line, but in a sits six points back with three games in hand. season in which injuries have decimated the lineup, a forward who’s been healthy for every game this season has played a significant amount But if the Blues, who have lost four straight games and nine of their past of time on the third line. 11 (2-5-4), continue to swoon, which is possible with their last six games before the deadline against Colorado, Vegas and Minnesota, then In 33 games, he has eight goals and 20 points, which both rank fifth on perhaps Hoffman could be on the move. the team. He’s averaging 15:24 of ice time per game, which is 12th on the team and seventh among forwards. What could they get for him? A first-round pick seems possible for a player who was maybe the most sought-after forward in free agency last summer. But has his season tarnished his reputation as a potential contributor on a contending team?

If so, whose fault is it — the Blues’ or Hoffman’s? It’s tough to say, but the team has now made it clear that they’re not happy with him.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207203 Tampa Bay Lightning Note: The Lightning had their road game against the Florida Panthers originally slated for May 6 rescheduled for May 10, one of a number of rescheduled games the NHL announced on Sunday that will extend the regular season three days. After back-to-back losses, it’s time for Lightning to get back to basics Tampa Bay will now finish out its regular season slate with a pair of games against the Panthers at BB&T Center in Sunrise on May 8 and 10. Those games could have playoff implications as the top three teams in By Eduardo A. Encina the Central Division — Tampa Bay, Carolina and Florida — are currently Published Yesterday separated by just four points.

Updated Yesterday The final day of the regular season was May 8, but it will now be May 11. The postseason was slated to begin on May 11, so that date will also move back.

The Lightning have set such a high bar for themselves this season Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.29.2021 coming off their Stanley Cup campaign that losing just two games in a row sets off alarms.

Their 4-3 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes Saturday in Raleigh, N.C., wasn’t their best effort. The problem is that the Lightning can play inconsistently and still pull out a win on most nights, so it’s been a fine line between games in which they’ve overcome some blemishes and win and ones where they fall short and lose.

For a team that was the first in the NHL to 50 points this season, the losses sting more than the wins satisfy. That might be the curse they’ve created for themselves, but it’s reality. And while the Lightning could blame playing eight games in 13 days for their two-game skid, they won’t.

“Whether we’re tired or (not), we can throw all the excuses out that we want,” Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. “We’re a team that’s had a lot of success and we know how to work our way out of things like this, and I like the fact that if you do lose two games in a row that everybody (has) that surprised face on. And I like that about us. That’s a good thing. And now we’ve just got to dig our heels in and get ourselves out of this.”

The losses reveal their flaws, most notably mistakes that lead to odd- man rushes and high-danger scoring chances for the opposition. In Saturday’s loss, the Lightning saw a 2-0 lead disappear quickly when the Hurricanes scored two second-period goals on odd-man rushes resulting from bad line changes.

Minor penalties also continue to hurt the Lightning. They rank second in the league in minor penalties, and on Saturday they allowed six power- play opportunities, resulting in two goals against. Over their last 10 games, their penalty kill is operating at a subpar 63.6-percent success rate. Those things have put added pressure on goaltender , who faced 40 shots on back-to-back nights for the first time this season.

“We’ve got to be better defensively,” Lightning forward Pat Maroon said. “We’ve got to be sharper. The most concerning thing is turning pucks over. We did such a good job in the first period, and then we tried to play the long game. We tried to go east-west, and it fed right into their game.

“It’s who’s gonna do it the longest, and they did it the longest (Saturday). There’s a reason why they put up 40-plus shots. They could have had six (goals). Vasy, he made some unbelievable saves in the first period, and we can’t rely on our goalie every single night.”

Now, the Lightning will have two days between games for the first time since mid-February. To help players stay fresh, the team has made some recent practices and morning skates optional. So, Monday’s scheduled practice will be their first full session in several weeks. On-ice practice time has been replaced with meetings and video sessions. As coaches find things players need to improve on, they’ve added it to Monday’s itinerary.

“I know it sounds funny, but we’ve been talking about (Monday’s practice) as a staff for about three weeks now,” Lightning assistant coach Derek Lalonde said. “Every time we come out of a game, we say, ‘Well, we have that practice on Monday.’ it’s going to be probably a six-hour practice if we actually did everything we’ve talked about the last three weeks.”

Even the team with the best record in the game sometimes needs a reminder of how it got there.

“This is grind-time hockey now,” Maroon said. “This is going down to the nitty gritty here, and we’re gonna see great teams like Carolina down the stretch, so we get to match their intensity and play the right way here and find our game here and moving forward here. We’ve got to get mad now, play the right way, because when we do it, it works.” 1207204 Toronto Maple Leafs leaving the Oilers frustrated again. They have lost four in a row to Toronto and looked to at least have Saturday night’s game in hand.

“We have been in tight games where we have done a good job and Maple Leafs look to maintain dominance over Oilers after latest great closed them out,” said Barrie, who played for the Maple Leafs in 2019-20. escape “Certainly that wasn’t the case tonight. They wanted it more and had their way at the end.

“It is just disappointing. It is the nature of the sport. We want results.” MARTY KLINKENBERG There is just one more between them, at least until the playoffs. One PUBLISHED MARCH 28, 2021 more night to buckle in and brace one’s self for McDraisaitl and the Matthews and Mitch Marner show. UPDATED MARCH 28, 2021 Matthews’s winning goal was his league-high eighth of the season and

the 31st of his career. The only player with more since Matthews entered The Maple Leafs manufactured one of their greatest escapes of the the NHL is McDavid. He has 34. McDavid is also only one goal in arrears season with Saturday’s overtime triumph against the Oilers. The victory for the NHL lead. McDavid and Draisaitl are running away from everyone benefited from a dash of luck, but it was easily the most enjoyable of the when it comes to points. eight games thus far between division opponents. “They are two pretty good players,” Jake Muzzin, the Toronto Toronto has maintained the upper hand in the season series, which defenceman, said Sunday. “When you put them together, it’s a lot.” concludes Monday night at Scotiabank Arena. At least twice the Maple With that, he laughed a what-can-you-do laugh. Leafs have turned back the Oilers as they nipped at the heels of the leader in the NHL’s all-Canadian detachment. If Edmonton had not blown This is what fans imagined when this season was drawn up. Too often a late two-goal lead, it would be tied for first place with Toronto and the games between Toronto and Edmonton have lacked the drama that Winnipeg with a little more than five weeks left in the COVID-19- was expected. Until Saturday at least. abbreviated regular season. Globe And Mail LOADED: 03.29.2021 A shot by Auston Matthews ended Saturday’s 4-3 encounter in extra time spoiled a masterful performance by the Oilers’ Mike Smith. Matthews’s NHL-leading 22nd goal was unlikely to go in until it ricocheted off Darnell Nurse’s skate past the Edmonton goalkeeper.

Earlier, Toronto scored on a goal by Pierre Engvall that deflected off Nurse’s stick, flew straight up into the air like an infield pop-up and landed on top of Smith’s helmet before it bounced into the net.

Those two negated several of the saves Smith made on Matthews from point-blank range. One sprawling nab left the Maple Leafs’ star centre staring at Smith as he pondered how it had not eluded him.

Toronto is 6-1-1 against Edmonton and because of it could hoist the Oilers into a fight with Winnipeg for second place. Four teams from the North Division will make the playoffs; Montreal has a comfortable grip on the other slot. The Canadiens have just a two-point lead over Calgary, but have played five fewer games than the Flames.

The razzle and the dazzle that was expected during these numerous engagements between the high-octane Maple Leafs and Oilers finally came to fruition on Saturday night. Most of it was supplied by Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, who combined for a goal and five points.

It was not so much that they tallied them, but how: with wicked no-look passes that really aren’t fair to anyone daring enough to don goalie pads, grab a paddle and climb into a net.

McDavid never looked away from Toronto goalie Jack Campbell as he slipped a pass across to Draisaitl for the latter’s 19th goal of the year. Without even looking, Draisaitl later fed Tyson Barrie as the defenceman barrelled in close and buried it into the corner as Campbell flailed about helplessly.

Campbell, who has been terrific in place of starter Frederik Andersen, blamed himself.

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, I just didn’t have it tonight,” he said.

He was being overly critical of himself. Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur could have joined him in the crease and the three of them still would not have had a chance.

There is something magical about hockey when elite players accomplish these things so seemingly seamlessly, in this case before a national television audience on Hockey Night in Canada. It more than made up for the telecast’s dopey introduction in which Toronto fan Max Kerman of the Arkells and country musician Brett Kissel, an Edmonton supporter, prattled on about why each’s favourite team would win. There was even a cringe-worthy bet between them.

Toronto got goals in the third from John Tavares and William Nylander to knot the score. Then Matthews’s shot pinballed around until it went in, 1207205 Toronto Maple Leafs

Three Maple Leafs games rescheduled, and the NHL season will end later

Kevin McGran

Sun., March 28, 2021 updated 4 hrs ago

The NHL rescheduled three Maple Leafs games, fallout from the Montreal Canadiens’ week of postponements related to COVID-19 protocols:

Toronto at Winnipeg on April 21 moves to a 7 p.m. start from 8 p.m.

Montreal at Toronto, scheduled for May 7, will be played May 6 at 7 p.m.

Toronto at Ottawa, originally May 5, is now May 10 at 8 p.m.

Also, the NHL season will end on May 11, when the playoffs were expected to start, rather than May 8 as a result of schedule changes leaguewide.

What’s the deal? The Leafs signed unrestricted free-agent forward Alex Steeves to a three-year entry-level contract starting next season. The 21- year-old Steeves skated in 29 games for Notre Dame Fighting Irish with 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists), tops on the team and 10th in the NCAA, earning a place on the Big 10 second all-star team.

Toronto Star LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207206 Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs goalies Jack Campbell and Frederik Andersen were both absent from Sunday’s practice. The Leafs host the Oilers on Monday night.

Kevin McGran

Sun., March 28, 2021

The Maple Leafs’ goaltending has had a bit of a patchwork feel lately.

Frederik Andersen remains sidelined with an undisclosed injury that has to at least start raising a few eyebrows. He hasn’t been on the ice in a week, and it’s apparent his struggles through his last few outings were because he was playing through that — while Jack Campbell recovered from a leg injury.

“Nothing more on Fred yet,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said Sunday.

Campbell also didn’t skate — a “maintenance” day, Keefe called it. He’s a perfect 6-0-0 this season and has the confidence of his team.

“Jack definitely feels like he wasn’t at his best (Saturday) night,” the coach said about the Leafs’ 4-3 overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers at Scotiabank Arena. “That said, I think it was 3-2 and Connor McDavid goes in alone on Campbell and he makes a big save for us. At 3-3, Darnell Nurse is in alone. Those are game-saving saves. He stood tall and gave us a chance. If one of those goes in, we’re leaving that game without any points.

“There’s something to be said about that: When it’s time to make the save, you make it, no matter how you’re playing.”

The ever-changing goaltending situation also saw Veini Vehvilainen make his practice debut with the Leafs. He was acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenceman Mikko Lehtonen and just finished his quarantine after crossing into Canada.

“I see it as a good opportunity to come here,” said the 23-year-old Vehvilainen, who has played just 11 NHL minutes. “I have only heard good things about Toronto. We have a good chance to win everything.”

Toronto Star LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207207 Toronto Maple Leafs

‘We’ve got to be better.’ John Tavares and William Nylander know the Maple Leafs need more from them

Kevin McGran

Sun., March 28, 2021 updated 11 hrs ago

It hasn’t been a typical season for Maple Leafs centre John Tavares or right-winger William Nylander.

They’ve been more or less paired together since the first game of the season, getting slightly fewer minutes than they’re used to while their left- wingers come and go. The likes of Jimmy Vesey, Wayne Simmonds, Alex Kerfoot and even Zach Hyman have had a look-see there, to mixed reviews.

“There are games when we’ve been dominant, and there are games when we haven’t had a lot happening,” said Nylander. “It’s up to me and John to take care of that. Now we have Gally (Alex Galchenyuk) and he can help us a lot. We’ve got to be better for the most part.”

In a season that seems to have been filled with mini-crises — it’s the struggling power play and keeping enough goalies healthy heading into this week — coach Sheldon Keefe appears to have finally sorted out his second line with the arrival of Galchenyuk.

“Lots of energy, lots of speed, lots of purpose,” Keefe said of the second unit. “They just looked real committed to making a difference. That group stood out (on Saturday). I thought Galchenyuk really drove the line with his speed and his work ethic.”

It was Galchenyuk’s no-look, between-the-legs pass that set up Tavares for his 10th goal of the year — but only his second in eight games — on Saturday night. It was Galchenyuk again who helped set up Nylander for his 13th of the year and third in 10 games. Those third-period goals rallied the Leafs from a two-goal deficit, ultimately pulling out a 4-3 overtime win over the Edmonton Oilers.

“He’s been flying around out there: heavy forecheck, getting pucks back and making some great plays on the goals (Saturday) night,” Nylander said of Galchenyuk. “We’re just starting to find each other, and getting that read off each other.”

The Leafs are atop the North Division and face Edmonton again Monday, for the last time in the regular season. The Leafs are 6-1-1 head-to-head.

Keefe may finally have figured out the best configuration of his lines, but that’s only for five-on-five play. It’s fair to say the power play is in trouble.

Once the most feared in the league, the Leafs haven’t scored with the man advantage since March 9 against Winnipeg. That 0-for-17 slump over six games mirrors the scoring droughts of the team’s top players.

“Everyone goes through this stuff,” said winger Wayne Simmonds. “Sometimes you get hot, sometimes you get cold. We need to get some more action around the net. Teams have tried to take away Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews. I think we need to find ways to counteract that.”

To that end, Keefe tried something new at Sunday’s practice: Tavares joining the top power-play unit with Matthews, Marner, Simmonds and Morgan Rielly.

“We put John there to give that a look as a way to get John more involved,” said Keefe. “I think there are a lot of good signs there with our power play. I think we’re on the verge of getting it back into the net.

“I think when we look at the process, we feel positive about it and it gives us some confidence, but we do need to get results. We need our power play to be a difference maker for us.”

Joe Thornton was dropped to the second unit with Nylander, Hyman, Jason Spezza and T.J. Brodie.

Toronto Star LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207208 Toronto Maple Leafs

Marner and Toronto take on Edmonton

By The Associated Press

Sun., March 28, 2021

Edmonton Oilers (21-13-1, third in the North Division) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (22-10-2, first in the North Division)

Toronto; Monday, 7 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: Mitchell Marner and Toronto take on Edmonton. Marner ranks fourth in the league with 42 points, scoring 12 goals and totalling 30 assists.

The Maple Leafs have gone 22-10-2 against division opponents. Toronto has scored 114 goals and is fifth in the league averaging 3.4 per game. Auston Matthews leads the team with 22.

The Oilers are 21-13-1 against the rest of their division. Edmonton ranks third in the Nhl with 31.0 shots per game and is averaging 3.4 goals.

The teams meet for the second straight game.

TOP PERFORMERS: Marner leads the Maple Leafs with a plus-15 in 34 games this season. Matthews has four goals and four assists over the last 10 games for Toronto.

Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with 21 goals and has 62 points. Leon Draisaitl has nine goals and nine assists over the last 10 games for Edmonton.

LAST 10 GAMES: Maple Leafs: 4-6-0, averaging 2.7 goals, 4.6 assists, 2.8 penalties and seven penalty minutes while giving up 3.2 goals per game with an .882 save percentage.

Oilers: 7-2-1, averaging 3.9 goals, 6.6 assists, 2.7 penalties and 6.6 penalty minutes while allowing 2.3 goals per game with a .920 save percentage.

INJURIES: Maple Leafs: Rasmus Sandin: out (foot), Frederik Andersen: day to day (lower body).

Oilers: Alex Stalock: out (health protocols).

Toronto Star LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207209 Toronto Maple Leafs In the past 10 games, the power play has produced one goal on 22 chances. It has nothing to show for the past 18 opportunities.

“I actually thought our power play (Saturday) night was probably as good LEAFS NOTES: Simmonds taking a glance in the mirror ... Leafs own as it has been for quite a while,” Keefe said. “We put John there Oilers ... Changes made to schedule (Sunday) as a way to get him a little more involved.

“There’s a lot of really positive signs with our power play. I think we’re on the verge of getting it back into the net. We need to get results. We need Terry Koshan our power play to be a difference maker for us.”

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 9 hours ago Simmonds wasn’t overly concerned.

“Everyone goes through this,” Simmonds said. “Sometimes you get hot, sometimes you get cold. That’s just the nature of the beast. We need to He’s four games into his return to the Maple Leafs lineup from a broken get some more action around the net.” wrist and Wayne Simmonds wants more. SCHEDULE CHANGES Specifically, from himself. The NHL early Sunday night announced 19 changes to the remainder of “I need to be a lot better,” the rugged winger said. “I’m going to be a lot the schedule and three involve the Leafs: better. I need to start contributing now that I’m back in the lineup. n Toronto at Winnipeg, scheduled for April 21 at 8 p.m. ET, will now start “I don’t think I’ve been playing the greatest, but every day, my wrist is at 7 p.m. ET getting better and I’m able to do different things.” n Montreal at Toronto, scheduled for May 7, is now scheduled for May 6 Where does Simmonds seek progress? at 7 p.m. ET “It’s not about points,” Simmonds said. “For myself, it’s being able to n Toronto at Ottawa, scheduled for May 5, is now scheduled for May 10 shoot as hard as I can, go into the boards and be able to dig and have at 8 p.m. ET one hand on my stick and just be strong and confident. LOOSE LEAFS “Every day, that’s going to another level simply for the fact that (his wrist) is healing more. My first two games, I probably couldn’t even shoot the The Leafs have signed 5-foot-11, 187-pound forward Alex Steeves to a puck, but I was able to do other things to contribute to the team and the three-year entry-level contract, starting in 2021-22. The 21-year-old last couple of games were a lot better, but I have to find my timing.” recently completed his third season with Notre Dame, leading the Fighting Irish in scoring with 32 points in 29 games … Jake Muzzin on Saturday marked seven weeks since Simmonds suffered the injury in a what has impressed him about Alex Galchenyuk: “His work ethic. He has game against the , and he said he is “pretty close” to come in and he’s the hardest-working guy on the team right now.” … 100% on the wrist. Simmonds on Tavares: “Johnny’s a great guy to have lead the ship. Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe knows patience is required as Simmonds You’re going to have swings of emotion, and Johnny’s a guy who does a settles into a groove. really good job of keeping his emotions in check and keeping focused on the task at hand.” “What I’ve seen from him are some really good things, where he is calm with the puck, he makes a good play, gets to the net,” Keefe said. “We’ve Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 also seen times where you can tell he’s a little bit off, his timing is off, getting used to playing under pressure. Those things that come with game action, it takes some adjusting.”

THIS IS FOIL COUNTRY

When the Leafs and Oilers play on Monday night, their regular-season meetings in the 56-game schedule will come to an end.

No matter the result, the Leafs will have bragging rights. Through the first eight games between the teams, Toronto is 6-1-1.

“How dangerous their best people are, it really challenges us to be focused and committed defensively and taking care of the puck,” Keefe said. “Sometimes things go your way, bounces go your way, you find ways to play really well against certain teams and you feel really good when those games come on the schedule.

“Some teams you’re maybe not feeling as well and your record is not as good. You look across the division, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense in some of those situations.

“These are two very good teams at the top of our division. We’ve found a way to be on the right side of it, but no game has been easy.”

The Leafs haven’t kept superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl completely under lock and key, as the two have combined for 19 points (including eight goals). Edmonton is getting almost nothing in secondary scoring from the rest of its forwards, as the group has supplied just a total of 12 points (including six goals).

POWERING UP

If it’s broken, fix it. Or at least make a tweak.

That’s what Keefe did to his power-play units on Sunday, flipping John Tavares and Joe Thornton. The captain was with the No. 1 group with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, while Thornton was with William Nylander and Jason Spezza. 1207210 Toronto Maple Leafs Vehvilainen, who wore No. 35 at practice, got into one game with the Blue Jackets three weeks ago and that’s the extent of his National Hockey League experience. There’s plenty of potential in the 24-year-old, considering he was named the best goalie in Finland’s Liiga in 2017-18 Campbell passing evaluations from Maple Leafs teammates and coach and in 2018-19. Keefe “Very good reaction right away (to the trade),” Vehvilainen said. “It’s a good opportunity. I was excited.

Terry Koshan “(The first practice) was so much fun. It’s easy to see that it’s a very positive environment and guys are happy. It’s fun to be around so many Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 10 hours ago • skilled guys.”

That sounds like the kind of thing Campbell has been saying since the After picking up an OT win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, Leafs acquired him from Los Angeles last February. Maple Leafs goalie Jack Campbell was given a maintenance day on No matter what he says about himself, the Leafs, who aren’t expected to Sunday and didn't practise with the team. deal for a goalie before the April 12 NHL trade deadline, have confidence Give yourself a pat on the back, Jack. in Campbell.

With Jack Campbell expected to get the lion’s share of starts in the “It’s pretty high,” defenceman Jake Muzzin said. “We’ve seen what he’s Maple Leafs’ net as Frederik Andersen recovers from a lower-body capable of and what he’s been doing. injury, coach Sheldon Keefe is fine with the idea that Campbell be a little “He’s a tough critic on himself. That’s just the way he is.” more fair in his self-appraisal. Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 “That’s important,” Keefe said after the Leafs practised on Sunday at the Ford Performance Centre. “You have to be even-keel, especially the more you play.

“You have to recognize that there is going to be ups and downs.”

After the Leafs beat the Edmonton Oilers in overtime on Saturday night, Campbell was firm in saying that he had to be better, and promised he would be at practice. As it turned out, after allowing three goals on 20 Oilers shots, Campbell, taking into account his past troubles with lower- body issues this season, was given the benefit of a maintenance day on Sunday.

When Campbell is back in on Monday night against the Oilers, Keefe expects there will be a continuation of what the goaltender has been doing this season in a sample size that isn’t decreasing in value as it gets bigger.

Campbell is 6-0-0 with a .945 save percentage, a 1.48 goals-against average and two shutouts. On 164 shots, Campbell has allowed a mere nine goals.

On Monday, the Leafs, atop the North Division with 46 points, will go for their fourth win in a row.

“What gets lost in the game (on Saturday) is (Connor) McDavid is basically in alone, I think it was 3-2 (for Edmonton) and Campbell makes a huge save for us,” Keefe said. “At 3-3, (Darnell) Nurse is basically in alone, we get a huge save.

“Those are game-saving saves. He stood tall on those and gave us a chance. One of those goes in, we’re leaving the game without any points and we’re disappointed.

“You make those saves, all of a sudden you get overtime, you get a bounce (on an Auston Matthews shot) and win. There’s something to be said about that — when it’s time to make the save, you make it, no matter how you’re playing. And he did that for us.”

Keefe had said on Saturday that a return for Andersen — who has not played since losing to Calgary on March 19 — was not imminent. Keefe had no further update on Sunday, and Andersen again was not on the ice.

There was an intriguing development in the net, as Veini Vehvilainen, acquired on March 12 from the Columbus Blue Jackets for defenceman Mikko Lehtonen, took part in his first Leafs practice, manning the crease at the opposite end from Michael Hutchinson.

With his quarantine finished, Vehvilainen was added to the taxi squad and fellow goalie Ian Scott was reassigned to the Toronto Marlies.

“In terms of Double V, it was a chance for us to get a look at him,” Keefe said. “We’ve been through a lot with our goaltenders this season (with injuries) and the more guys we have available to us, the better.

“We’ll take it a day at a time and allow the organization to get more familiar with him and allow him to get more familiar with his surroundings.” 1207211 Toronto Maple Leafs

Muzzin tips cap to Oilers' McDavid-Draisaitl combo: 'Two really good players ... it's a lot'

Terry Koshan

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 11 hours ago •

Jake Muzzin had a great view of Leon Draisaitl’s goal on Saturday night.

For the veteran Maple Leafs defenceman, there’s no interest in seeing a repeat on Monday night at Scotiabank Arena when the Leafs and Edmonton Oilers complete a two-game set.

Muzzin was caught in no-man’s land when Connor McDavid set up Draisaitl, his Oilers linemate, for a terrific one-timer during the Leafs’ eventual 4-3 victory.

“Two really good players and then put them together, it’s a lot,” Muzzin said on Sunday, with a chuckle. “They know where each other is going to be, they look for each other, they find each other.

“You can’t let up. You have to be on every second they’re on the ice because they can make you pay.

“With those two guys and a couple of other guys, you can’t afford to make mistakes.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207212 Toronto Maple Leafs Brendan Shanahan type to go in and change the culture of the organization, and then begin to build over again … What Buffalo shouldn’t do: Trade Rasmus Dahlin. Trading young defencemen of talent can backfire. See Chris Pronger and Seth Jones, both traded at 21; SIMMONS: Government deal with NHL is wrong for Canadian seniors Dougie Hamilton traded at 22. Dahlin turns 21 next month … I’m a lucky man, I got to know Bob Plager. I wish all of you could have. I laughed

and marvelled at his stories. I always looked forward to seeing him. He Steve Simmons was a hockey original and the connection with the St. Louis Blues from Day 1 to last week when he passed away at the age of 78 … When the Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 • 17 hours ago • Blues were playing for the Stanley Cup, Plager was so nervous he couldn’t watch. “Now you know how I felt when you played for me,” said

Scotty Bowman, his first NHL coach, pulling a Plager on Plager. The quiet deal the Canadian government has made with the National SCENE AND HEARD Hockey League to allow preferential quarantine rules is a slap in the face to many Canadian seniors. The Kirby Yates signing and injury sure makes the Blue Jays look bad. The Atlanta Braves had interest in Yates until they saw the results of his Seniors who, frankly, don’t deserve any more of a challenge considering MRI. The Jays saw similar results and still signed him. Now he has had the ongoing state of the global pandemic. Tommy John surgery, probably will never throw a pitch for the Jays, and The government has signed off on a deal that will allow traded NHL will be paid $5.5 million for it. Nice work if you can get it … Rogers players going from American teams to Canadian teams to only bought the Blue Jays for $140 million 21 years ago. The value of the quarantine for seven days while the rest of Canadians face a 14-day franchise now, according to Forbes Magazine, not counting the stadium, quarantine entering Canada and a mandated expensive hotel stay. is 1.76 billion. I bought my house about the same time. My house is worth four times what I paid for it. The Jays are worth 12 times what Ted In other words, one set of rules for the NHL, another set for taxpaying Rogers paid for a team he didn’t really want … Poor Jays don’t have any Canadians, not just seniors but anyone travelling from the U.S. to luck. They paid huge money for George Springer, who should be worth Canada in these times of COVID-19. huge money. And before he plays his first game — and we don’t know You won’t hear a word of complaint about this from The Sports Networks when that will be — he has a Grade 2 oblique strain. Baseball people I in this country for obvious reasons. Trade deadline is coming up in the know say that’s a two-to-four-week injury and can stretch to four to eight NHL. That’s a big day of programming on TSN and Rogers Sportsnet. weeks under difficult circumstances. Springer is the type who will push it The more trades that happen, the better the television show. More trades to return as early as possible … So to recap, the closer won’t close, the will be made because the quarantine time has been shrunk. leadoff hitter won’t leadoff, the likely No. 2 starter, Robbie Ray, is out after tripping while carrying his child, No. 1 prospect Nate Pearson won’t That may be in the best interest of the networks. It’s not in the best start the season with the club that opens in New York on Thursday. Other interest of Canadian Snowbirds, who travel annually to the southern U.S. than that, give or take Cavan Biggio’s pinky finger, all is well with the to get away from Canadian winters, who have earned the right to enjoy Jays, who are just about everybody’s pick to contend this year in the their retirement years having paid taxes for 40-plus years or more. The American League … Now warming up in the Blue Jays bullpen: Pierre fact that a Canadian already vaccinated in the U.S. must still face a 14- Dorion. day quarantine, but Eric Staal, traded from Buffalo to Montreal, only has to do seven days, is both insulting and wrong. AND ANOTHER THING

THIS AND THAT This is Wild: Minnesota’s Bill Guerin and Dean Evason would be my picks for GM and coach of the year in the NHL … What Masai Ujiri hasn’t Rumblings continue that the Maple Leafs have interest in Nashville’s said: I’m coming back. I’m going to be running the Raptors next year. Mikael Granlund. The rumblings make no sense to me. Granlund has Don’t worry … I’ll be honest, I’m worried … If the NHL fired every referee scored two goals in his last 21 playoff games and is more of an who made make-up calls during a game, they wouldn’t have any referees unproductive, disappointing centre than a banging, space-creating winger working for them anymore … If the NHL is getting into the gambling … When John Tavares earned his reputation as a great NHL player, he business, which it is, the league’s coaches should be instructed to did so by playing with ordinary wingers who would then have announce starting goaltenders day before the game, the way starting extraordinary seasons. It happened with Matt Moulson, with Kyle pitchers are announced in baseball. You can’t be hypocritical by Okposo, with Josh Bailey, with P.A. Parenteau. It hasn’t happened with welcoming gambling and cutting off information from said gamblers … the Leafs. Now GM Kyle Dubas needs a left winger to play with Tavares The haven’t won an NBA title in 38 years. Why and doesn’t really have anyone that fits — and Tavares hasn’t elevated wouldn’t they do everything possible to deal for Kyle Lowry? Different his linemates play or his own for that matter, the way he did in New York circumstances, but I wonder the same about the Lakers with an injured … William Nylander recorded 61 points in his first full NHL season, 61 LeBron James and a banged-up Anthony Davis? James is in his 18th points in his second season. This year, in his fifth NHL season, he is on season. How many chances for a title is he going to have after this pace to score, guess what, 61 points were this a full 82-game season. season? … Can you name a single player on Toronto Six, the National That’s either remarkably consistent or remarkably unambitious … Since Women’s Hockey League team? Women’s hockey isn’t big enough to be being shut out by the Leafs in three games in Edmonton and heading into divided into two factions. It needs to have one league, one set of players Saturday night in Toronto, Connor McDavid has recorded 20 points in his … I’m not as sold on Tua Tagovailoa as the Miami Dolphins seem to be past nine games for the Oilers … Auston Matthews, clearly playing … The Raptors played .763 basketball last regular season; This year it’s through an injury that limits his ability to shoot, has just three goals in 10 .400 … Leafs goalie Jack Campbell was the 11th pick in the 2010 NHL games since returning to the lineup. How much does the Matthews injury Draft. The 187th pick that year was a guy named Frederik Andersen. If hurt the Leafs on the power play? Since Matthews returned, Leafs are 3- Campbell turns out to be the answer in goal, what a steal Dubas pulled for-25 with the man advantage, just a measly 12%. Before that, they off here, getting him from Los Angeles for Trevor Moore and a couple of were clicking at 31.9%. That’s an unsustainable number — but then so is middle-round draft picks …. Joe Thornton is 11 points away from passing the 12%. Paul Coffey in NHL scoring. Coffey is 13th all-time. Don’t know if Thornton can get 11 in the Leafs final 22 games … Alex Ovechkin is HEAR AND THERE closing in on Marcel Dionne for fifth in goal scoring all-time. Next year, Players I’d be inquiring about if I were the Leafs: Boone Jenner and Nick he’ll pass Brett Hull, who is fourth … I don’t remember a baseball season Foligno in Columbus; Sam Bennett in Calgary; Anaheim’s Rickard beginning without feeling as distanced from the Blue Jays as I do right Rackell. The Leafs would need to move some money around for any of now. Not having local television or radio through the exhibition season those deals but they appear quite willing to do that … Eric Staal is a nice was truly ridiculous … Happy birthday to John Anderson (64), Brit Selby pickup for the Canadiens. He can be a Jason Spezza type for Montreal. (76), Rick Barry (77), Luke Walton (41), Lou Franceschetti (63), Jeff And he’s a traditionalist — playing for the Canadiens will mean Beukeboom (56), Bobby Schmautz (76), Ed Phillion (51). Jonathan something special for Staal, who has been a Leaf killer over the years. In Drouin (26), Buster Posey (34), Randall Cunningham (58), and Keith 49 career games against Toronto, he has recorded 51 points … How bad Tkachuk (49) … And, hey, whatever became of Allan Bester? are the Buffalo Sabres? Frankly, as bad as any non-expansion team I’ve HOW CAN RAPTORS GET MOST OUT OF SIAKAM? ever seen. They’ve gone 17 games without a win and in that time they’ve been outscored 70-25 and shut out five times. The Sabres need a The smile seems an almost simple difference-maker for the young and Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.29.2021 sometimes confusing Pascal Siakam.

When he’s playing relaxed and happy, his body language is completely different than when he’s feeling pushed and pressured and unsure of himself.

We have seen numerous versions of Siakam in the past calendar year as he fights to find his game in the NBA. And most recently, after the blowup between the forward and coach Nick Nurse, we’ve seen him about as sharp as he has ever been.

The Siakam-Nurse encounter is what happens when coach and player are pushing in opposite directions. Nurse was and is hard on Siakam. Siakam is not necessarily the kind of player who responds well to that style of coaching.

Since the incident against Cleveland, in which Siakam was sat out the final quarter against the Cavaliers, and he let Nurse know he wasn’t pleased about the benching, Siakam has averaged almost 25 points a game, almost 10 rebounds, five assists. The kind of complete, star-like game, the Raptors need him to play.

The Raptors have Siakam, Fred VanVleet, O.G. Anunoby, Gary Trent Jr., and Chris Boucher as pieces to build around for the future. But what they really need is a star and at times Siakam has shown he can be that star. At times, though, completely the opposite. Both the Raptors and coach Nurse need to figure out what works best in getting the best from Siakam on a nightly basis. Without him, frankly, they’re more than lost.

It was just one night. But for a first night, and considering that, it was almost perfect.

An all-women’s crew making history, broadcasting a Raptors game for the very first time on TSN.

The question, though, post-game is: what now for the women broadcasters working the game? What now and what happens in the future?

Broadcasting isn’t something you pick up working one game. It’s like most things around sports: you need reps, lots of reps, to get to where you want to be as a player, a coach, a broadcaster.

One of Canada’s best broadcasters told me the other day that it took him 10 years to feel comfortable working games, to get where he needed to be as a professional.

So now that we know these women have potential to do just about anything, what kind of opportunity will they get? The Raptors aren’t about to replace Matt Devlin or Jack Armstrong or Leo Rautins? The Blue Jays aren’t moving Dan Shulman anywhere soon. The Maple Leafs have Joe Bowen on radio and either Gord Miller or Chris Cuthbert on television.

Where does that leave Meghan McPeak, who is calling WNBA and G- League games, but is ready for a step up? Where does that leave Kia Nurse, who is ready to emerge as a big-time basketball analyst? They are ready-for-prime-time players.

Is prime time ready for them?

VLADDY JR. STILL A BIT OF A MYSTERY

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turned 22 the other day and many believe this will be the season he emerges as a major league star.

Once upon a time, Guerrero was on the same list as Fernando Tatis Jr., as Ronald Acuna, as Juan Soto, as the next great emerging hitting sensation in baseball. His first two big league years, though, have been uneven. He hasn’t hit the way everyone gushed about him before he came to Toronto.

By the age of 22, Soto had hit 36 home runs in a season, knocked in 112 runs, with a crazy high .972 OPS. By the age of 22, Acuna had 41 homers in a year, over 100 RBIs, 37 stolen bases.

Tatis and Acuna are excellent in the field. Soto is a decent major league outfielder. Guerrero, still looking for a position, has hit 24 home runs in 183 games, has knocked in 102 runs, has a career WAR below one.

He has had a monster spring training, though, which many baseball people will tell you is meaningless. But with Guerrero, the Jays are searching for meaning. They know what they have in Bo Bichette. They know what they have in Cavan Biggio and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. They still don’t know yet what they have in Guerrero Jr. 1207213 Vegas Golden Knights “Goal scorers have that innate ability to find holes and ramp things up at the right time,” Knights coach Pete DeBoer said. “Max is a goal scorer.”

Pacioretty’s hockey IQ is one of the things that makes his partnership A closer look at the ‘magic’ of Max Pacioretty’s shot with right wing Mark Stone special. Stone can hang onto pucks in the offensive zone, buy time and pass as well as anyone else in the NHL. Pacioretty uses that time to find openings, and he only needs a sliver of space to get his shot off. By Ben Gotz Since the two joined forces on the Knights in 2019, the team has March 28, 2021 - 7:20 PM outscored opponents 80-47 with them on the ice at five-on-five. Updated March 28, 2021 - 7:28 PM “The good news is that when we leave a game, we can kind of think about the plays we didn’t connect on, and that’s just a sign of guys who are always hungry for more,” Pacioretty said of his line with Stone and The play is still burned in Marc-Andre Fleury’s brain more than seven center Chandler Stephenson. “I think we put a lot of, not bad pressure on years later. ourselves, but we feel that we can change games and expect ourselves to do so on a nightly basis.” The then-Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender was playing in Montreal when a Canadiens forward picked off a pass in the neutral zone. No problem. The full package The Penguins had two skaters back in case the attacker tried to get to the net. A good shot and awareness isn’t all Pacioretty brings to the ice.

Except he didn’t. He took two strides in the offensive zone, lined up a His speed is another factor that makes him difficult to defend. He also will shot and fired a wrister from above the top of the circles. Fleury was hit, block shots or whatever else is needed. He’s not a penalty killer, but flummoxed. This guy not only had the guts to shoot from that far away he’s hardly a defensive liability. but also was talented enough that it worked. “Sometimes scorers, you just think they’re one dimensional,” Pearson Fleury could only stare at the ceiling in disbelief. Meanwhile, his future said. “But he wasn’t. That’s what made him so special.” Golden Knights teammate Max Pacioretty was celebrating one of the Pacioretty’s work ethic sets him apart, too. It’s not an uncommon sight to many spectacular goals in his prolific career. see the former Canadiens captain and Knights director of hockey “Nobody shoots from there,” Fleury said. “But he did.” operations Misha Donskov on the ice before practice to get extra shots.

Luckily for Fleury, he doesn’t have to worry about getting beat by that That commitment is one reason Pacioretty has the sixth-most goals shot anymore. Other goaltenders aren’t as fortunate. among active American players, behind Patrick Kane, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Phil Kessel and Dustin Brown. He has a lot of items in his Pacioretty has remained one of the NHL’s premier goal scorers in his toolbox, and he keeps them sharp. third season with the Knights. The left wing is tied for the fifth-most goals in the league with 18, and he’s two from becoming the 209th player to DeBoer said Pacioretty, 13 seasons into his NHL career, still keeps reach 300 for his career. adding layers to his game. It’s an ability Martin saw early on.

He also would be the 23rd American skater to do it and the 20th active “(He) understands that you need to keep working at your game, keep player. Here’s how he got within range, according to those who have improving in order to stay the player that you are,” Martin said. “To be a played with and coached him: dominant player, you have to keep working at it.”

The shot

Michigan coach Mel Pearson has a simple way to describe the release LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.29.2021 on Pacioretty’s shot: “Magic.”

Almost everyone who has come into contact with the 32-year-old throughout his NHL career marvels at the way the puck comes off his stick. It’s something he developed at an early age.

Pearson, a Wolverines assistant in Pacioretty’s one season on the team, said it was there long before Pacioretty came to Michigan. College teammate Kevin Porter laughed when remembering seeing it for the first time.

“There’s not many guys that I’ve played with to this day that have a shot like he does,” said Porter, who played 777 games between the NHL and American Hockey League. “There’s probably a handful of guys that I would put in a category with him and their shot and release.”

Fleury said what makes Pacioretty’s shot so hard to defend is that it’s heavy and fast. It can get through holes that others can’t. Pacioretty is also an excellent shooter on the move, something goaltenders have to account for whenever he has the puck on his stick.

Fleury learned that the hard way that night in Montreal.

“He shoots really hard,” Fleury said. “It goes through your arm or somewhere, but it finds itself in.”

The sense

Pacioretty’s shot gives him a natural advantage as a goal scorer.

But a powerful weapon like that isn’t any good if it’s rarely used. Part of what makes Pacioretty special is his ability to put himself in positions to score.

Jacques Martin, Pacioretty’s first NHL coach in Montreal, said he excels at finding the “quiet areas” in the offensive zone. When he doesn’t have the puck, he finds open ice and prepares himself for a pass. 1207214 Washington Capitals The Rangers, however, continued to press. Alexis Lafrenière made it 5-3 at 12:18 before Chris Krieder scored on a power play with 3:52 remaining to trim the lead to one. But the Capitals held the line from there.

Capitals hold off furious rally to top the Rangers and move into a tie for “The positive out of all this is I don’t think we’ve truly played a full 60- league lead minute game this year that we can look there and say, first shift to last shift, we were solid defensively and all that — and we’re still continuing to collect points and get some wins,” defenseman Brenden Dillon said.

Samantha Pell Alex Ovechkin scores twice as the Capitals keep the Devils at bay

March 28, 2021 at 9:18 p.m. UTC Washington was again without center Lars Eller, who missed his seventh consecutive game with a lower-body injury. The Capitals have not

provided a detailed update on his condition. The pass came from Carl Hagelin, a dart from behind the net onto the Eller, who has been durable throughout his NHL career, has missed 12 stick of Evgeny Kuznetsov. Kuznetsov one-timed it past New York games this season, mainly because of injury. He missed one game Rangers goalie Keith Kinkaid, and then the Washington Capitals center because of a family matter. flapped his arms in his signature bird celebration. The Capitals were flying. The Capitals survived another injury scare in the first period when Oshie took a puck to the face. He headed off the ice with a towel covering his They staggered to the finish, holding on for a 5-4 victory over their East face to get treatment, but he was back on the bench before his next shift. Division rivals Sunday afternoon at Capital One Arena, surviving a frantic The puck that struck him nearly gave the Rangers the first goal of the Rangers rally that produced four goals in less than 10 minutes — but game. It was ruled a goal on the ice but overturned on review; never an equalizer. defenseman Dmitry Orlov had swept the puck off the goal line. The victory pushed the Capitals to 23-7-4, their 50 points tying them with “He’s been incredible,” Laviolette said of Oshie, who had two assists to Tampa Bay for the NHL lead. Washington has won 10 of its past 11 go with his game-winner. “He’s consistently been there for us. And he’s games. tough. He fights through things. He’s had things he’s had to battle “Every game’s very different, and you learn from it,” said winger Tom through in order to stay in the lineup. And he’s done it. He doesn’t make Wilson, who scored twice. “Each game’s different — different outcome, any excuses. different plays. That being said, if there’s a trend, we want to address it. “He’s playing different positions for us, and he’s doing a really good job The whole season is definitely just to get ready for the meaningful hockey of setting an example of how we need to play on a daily basis.” [in the playoffs]. I mean, you want to win games, you want to get there, and you want to build your game.” Note: The NHL announced two changes to the Capitals’ schedule Sunday. Washington will visit Boston on April 11 instead of hosting the Perspective | These Capitals might not be a dynasty, but they remain a Bruins that day; that game replaces a trip to Boston that had been juggernaut scheduled for April 20. The teams will meet May 11 in Washington, which Wilson’s goals came during a dominant second period for Washington. is now slated to be the Capitals’ final regular season game. Alex Ovechkin also scored during the middle frame, his 11th goal in 11 games and the 724th of his career. He is seven goals behind Marcel Dionne for fifth on the NHL’s all-time list. Washington Post LOADED: 03.29.2021 Ilya Samsonov finished with 16 saves on 20 shots to improve to 8-1-1. The second-year netminder was making his second consecutive start; he had posted a 24-save shutout Friday night against the New Jersey Devils. He made 37 consecutive saves before the Rangers’ first goal in the third period.

Capitals Coach Peter Laviolette said Sunday morning to not read too much into the decision to start Samsonov against the Rangers as it pertains to the team’s goalie rotation with rookie Vitek Vanecek. Laviolette said he was simply going with the hot hand, noting Samsonov’s strong performance Friday.

The Capitals will face the Rangers again Tuesday at Madison Square Garden to begin a five-game, eight-day road trip that also includes games against the New York Islanders and Devils. On Sunday, Washington improved to 2-3-0 against the Rangers this season.

“Things are just kind of clicking right now. . . . Some of the big dogs are really, really carrying us,” said forward T.J Oshie, who scored the eventual game-winner in the third. “Kuzy’s playing fantastic for us. He’s creating a lot of offense. Ovi, obviously, you see what he’s doing with Tommy. . . . We’re finding the net right now, and it feels good.”

Wilson’s first goal came at 10:43 of the second, when he cashed in the rebound of Jakub Vrana’s shot. Ovechkin scored just under two minutes later at 12:29, with a tight-angle goal that was redirected off New York defenseman Adam Fox’s stick.

Barely two minutes later, Wilson made it 3-0 with a backhand swipe out of midair at 15:07. Wilson has five points in four games since returning from a seven-game suspension for boarding Boston defenseman Brandon Carlo on March 5.

Kuznetsov’s goal at 5:10 of the third — his fourth in the past 10 games to go with eight assists — continued his hot run.

Then the Capitals went cold. The Rangers’ Colin Blackwell scored twice in about a three-minute span to halve their lead. Oshie responded with a deflection goal off Justin Schultz’s point shot at 11:46. 1207215 Washington Capitals

Capitals hang on to win against Rangers, continue hot streak

By Andy Kostka

Sunday, March 28, 2021

Before the cascade of scoring arrived in the third period, the Washington Capitals had Sunday’s game well in hand. They had controlled almost every category — shots, hits, and faceoff wins — and held a four-goal lead early in the final frame.

But then a familiar issue struck. Rangers center Colin Blackwell snuck a shot past goaltender Ilya Samsonov, the first of four tallies from New York down the stretch that turned a blowout into a nail-biter.

Still, Washington has surged to the top of the East Division through its ability to find points even when games appear to be getting out of hand. The Capitals held on for a 5-4 victory at Capital One Arena, closing out a six-game homestand with five wins while securing their 15th victory in their last 18 contests.

“The guys keep finding a way to win and push through it, and I think tonight was another example of that,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “The third period wasn’t perfect, but we still found another way to win and move forward.”

Washington had struggled against New York earlier this season, dropping three of the previous four matchups while scoring no more than two goals in each of those meetings. And a tight first period seemed to indicate more of the same.

A puck that deflected off winger T.J. Oshie’s face nearly dribbled over the goal line, but defenseman Dmitry Orlov preserved the scoreless period with a lunging sweep of his stick. That near-score was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in the opening 20 minutes.

Oshie said he didn’t require stitches, although he suffered a “bunch of little scrapes and some loose teeth dangling around in there.” He soon returned to the ice to play a pivotal role, finishing with two assists and a goal.

A flurry of action in the second period propelled the Capitals to a healthy lead, breaking down the Rangers’ defense at last. Wilson opened the scoring with a rebound goal, cleaning up winger Jakub Vrana’s miss. Then winger Alex Ovechkin continued his hot streak, scoring his 11th goal in his last 11 games.

“Some of the big dogs are really, really carrying us,” Oshie said. “[Evgeny Kuznetsov’s] playing fantastic for us. He’s creating a lot of offense. Ovi, obviously, you see what he’s doing with [Wilson]. Nick [Backstrom], some guys from the back end. We’re finding the net right now and it feels good.”

To wrap up the second period’s action, Wilson batted the puck out of the air and into the back of the net for his second of the afternoon. But despite grabbing a four-goal lead early in the third through Kuznetsov’s tally, New York halved that deficit with two goals in a three-minute span from Blackwell.

The trading goals continued from there, with Oshie redirecting defenseman Justin Schultz’s point shot into the back of the net for Washington before New York broke through again.

First, winger Alexis Lafreniere scored. Then 11 seconds into a power play — Wilson was called for tripping — winger Chris Kreider beat Samsonov on his near side with a redirect. But that would be the last breakthrough for the Rangers, with the Capitals hanging on to another win in what has been a dominant month.

“Obviously, when you get into crunch time here at the end of the year, you can’t be giving up that many goals in the third,” Wilson said. “But that being said, we found a way to win, scored enough tonight.”

Washington Times LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207216 Washington Capitals Colin Blackwell scored twice to give the Blueshirts some life. But two minutes later, Oshie wheeled around the net and stuck his stick out to deflect a shot from Justin Schultz for the goal. It was Oshie's third point of the game (one goal, two assists) and made the score 5-2. Capitals win wild one vs. Rangers 5-4 as Ovechkin scores again Knockout punch, right? Not exactly.

New York would continue to battle as Alexis Lafreniere and Chris Kreider / by J.J. Regan would both score to pull the Rangers to within one. Suddenly an Oshie goal that looked like passing ended up being the game-winning tally. The

Rangers have shown fight this season and it's what has them on the The Capitals jumped out to a 4-0 lead in the third period and managed to edge of the playoff race in the East. But the Caps played well enough this fend off a furious rally from the New York Rangers for the 5-4 win on time to get the win. Sunday. Tom Wilson scored twice and Alex Ovechkin continued his The two teams meet again on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden at 7 scoring hot streak in the win. p.m. on NBC Sports Washington. Here is how it happened:

Orlov cools red-hot Zibanejad Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.29.2021 Mika Zibanejad has been absolutely incredible for the Rangers of late with 16 points in his last six games including two six-point games. It looked like he was going to get off to another good start off a bizarre play from behind the net, but he was denied by the quick hands of Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov.

From behind the net, Zibanejad tried to chip the puck back in front, but it hit off the face of T.J. Oshie and trickled towards the goal line. Orlov swept the puck away just before it was able to cross the line completely for the goal. It was so close, in fact, that the play was called a goal on the ice, but a review showed Orlov clearly managed to get the puck out in time.

Zibanejad finished the game with zero points, snapping a four-game point streak.

Tom Wilson

Washington broke the game open in the second period. After a scoreless first period, The Caps scored three times in the middle frame to take a 3- 0 lead into the third and two of those goals came from Wilson.

Wilson blocked a shot near the defensive blue line that bounced into the neutral zone and was picked up by Jakub Vrana for the breakaway. Wilson trailed the play and was in perfect position to score off the rebound from Vrana's shot as both Rangers defensemen over-skated in pursuit of Vrana. Later in the second, Wilson was in front of the net for the screen and was able to hit a rebound out of mid-air off a shot from Nicklas Backstrom for his second goal of the game.

Wilson has five points in four games since returning from a seven-game suspension. He also drew an interference call in the third period, a team- high 10th drawn penalty for the season.

Ovechkin can't stop scoring

How hot is Alex Ovechkin right now? So hot that he is scoring goals without even trying.

Ovechkin chipped in a goal in the three-goal flurry in the second, but it was clear he wasn't actually trying to shoot at all. He had the puck along the wall near the goal line and slung the puck to the front of the net looking for the pass. Instead, it deflected off of Rangers defenseman Ryan Lindgren and in.

Ovechkin has 11 goals in his last 11 games. He now has 724 career goals and is seven shy of tying Marcel Dionne for fifth all-time.

Possession

Washington has had its issues against the Rangers this season, but on Sunday it really clamped down defensively for the first 40 minutes.

New York is a very fast team, but the Caps bogged down the neutral zone, held the blue line to prevent breakouts and really prevented New York from gaining any momentum. Through the first two periods, Washington gave up only 11 shots on goal. Yes, the Rangers found their offense in the period, but by then the Caps were already up 3-0 and they would ultimately need that big lead to hang on for the win.

Oshie's important 3rd period goal

It felt like Washington was in firm control of the game heading into the third period with a 3-0 lead. Evgeny Kuznetsov made it 4-0 and it looked like the game was over. The Rangers had other ideas, however, and 1207217 Washington Capitals Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.29.2021

Capitals still winning, but need to "stay on the attack"

Andrew Gillis

At one point late in the second period of Sunday's East Division showdown against the New York Rangers, both the scoreboard and the underlying metrics not only favored the Capitals, they showed total control.

The Capitals led by three goals. They hadn’t allowed a high-danger chance and attempted eight of their own. The Rangers still had a single digit shot total. The first 40 minutes were fantastic.

Then, the tide completely changed.

Washington allowed four goals in a 10-minute stretch in the third period and was outshot, out-attempted and out-chanced in the final frame. But a few timely third-period goals, paired with their fantastic start, lifted the Capitals to a 5-4 win at Capital One Arena on Sunday afternoon.

“Collectively as a team we’ve got to understand whether it’s 1-0 or 4-0 going into the third period all the teams in this division can score goals and be dangerous,” Washington defenseman Brenden Dillon said. “I think the positive out of all this is I don’t think we’ve truly played a full 60- minute game this year that we can look there and say first shift to last shift we were solid defensively and all that and we’re still continuing to collect points and get some wins.”

Of course, the final 25 or so minutes that Washington put its foot on the brake was preceded by a dominant stretch of hockey.

The Rangers didn’t have a high-danger chance at five-on-five as the second period wound down. The Capitals at one point were outshooting the Rangers 8-1 at five-on-five and didn’t allow much of anything in front of goaltender Ilya Samsonov, who flirted with his second straight shutout for much of the afternoon.

Then the Rangers flipped it into gear.

“Well, I don’t think it was a perfect third period for us tonight,” Washington coach Peter Laviolette said. “You know, we’re up in front and gave up a couple early, and that kind of put them in the game. And from there, they keep playing and keep pushing but they chip in another one. They get a power-play goal. Again, we’ll talk about it, try to get better from it.”

As Laviolette has mentioned all season, it’s nearly impossible for a team in the NHL to maintain such dominance, especially over a team with talented scorers, for 60 minutes. While that may be true, the Capitals still are looking for ways to prevent four-goal outbursts in the final period.

“We know teams are going to make a push,” T.J. Oshie said. “Any time you're down one, two, three goals, whatever it is and I feel like there's been times throughout the year where we've gotten ourselves in good position going into the third we maybe take our foot off the gas. Not a lot, but just a little bit on our forecheck or in our neutral zone. I don't know if it's really a case of turnovers, it was more so we didn't really stay on the attack.”

But even if the Capitals haven’t played their very best as Dillon indicated, they’ve set themselves up nicely for the postseason push in the coming weeks.

Sunday’s win tied them with the Lightning for first in the league with 50 points. The Capitals are 23-7-4, have won 14 of 16 games and have a 14-point cushion from the top of the division to the fifth seed, and thus no playoff appearance, with just 22 games to play.

They’ve done much of that with Lars Eller out of the lineup, Tom Wilson on suspension and, as Dillon said, not even playing their best hockey.

“Every game's very different and you learn from it,” Wilson said. “That being said, if there's a trend, we want to address it. The whole season is definitely just to get ready for the meaningful hockey. I mean, you want to win games, you want to get there and you want to build your game and feel good about it going into the playoffs so we've got to keep collecting points first and foremost and playing the right way is always nice.” 1207218 Washington Capitals

Tom Wilson continues to show his impact goes beyond big hits

J.J. Regan

Tom Wilson is not a well-liked player among the fan bases of the other 30 NHL franchises, but he is continuing to show why each of those other 30 franchises would absolutely want him on their team.

Wilson recorded two goals Sunday in the Capitals' 5-4 win over the New York Rangers. He now has four points in his last two games and five points in his last four since returning from suspension.

"I think the first game back he was getting his feet under him a little bit," Washington head coach Peter Laviolette said. "After that he’s been a difference-maker."

"It's nice when they go in, for sure," Wilson said -- though he credited his linemates with much of his current success.

Wilson received a seven-game suspension for his hit on Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo on March 5. That suspension, the fifth of Wilson's career, brought with it the same familiar criticisms he has faced in the past from people who see his hits, but ignore the impact he has on the ice and for his team.

For the season, Wilson now has nine goals and 22 points. In addition to his two goals on Sunday, he also drew an interference penalty in the third period. It was the 10th penalty he has drawn this season, which leads the team.

“Willy's just an all-around great player for us," Brenden Dillon said. "First and foremost, he creates a lot of room for his teammates when he’s playing physical, he’s getting into the forecheck. And offensively, the skill he has and how much offense he creates. He can make plays. He’s tough to handle when you get the cycle game going."

Wilson still lays big hits on opponents, but continues to make an impact on games in multiple ways.

Critics will always dismiss Wilson as a goon, but he is much more than that. He is a forward with top-six skill, who can skate and plays the game with a physical edge. He has become a vital piece of Washington's long- term success and that has been on display again since his return from suspension.

"He’s been really dominant out there," Laviolette said. "He’s been physical, he’s been fast, he’s been producing, he’s been a good defensive player for us.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207219 Washington Capitals

Original Caps broadcaster first "fan" back at Capital One Arena

Kevin Brown

Ron Weber, the original voice of the Capitals for the first 23 years of the team's history known for not missing a single game of his broadcasting career, visited Capital One Arena on Sunday for the first time since March 4, 2020.

The 87-year-old former play-by-play broadcaster was synonymous with the Caps for many of the team's original fans. Weber never missed a call for 1,936 games before he left the booth at the end of the 1996-97 season and he is a fixture in the press box at Capital One Arena at various times throughout the season.

But as the coronavirus pandemic halted the ability for fans to come to arenas, Weber has had to make due with radio and television, too, to follow along with the Caps these past 13 months.

That ended Sunday when the Rangers came to town. Weber joined the 106.7 The Fan's radio broadcast during the first period intermission with current play-by-play voice John Walton. The sights and sounds mean a little bit more live and in person.

Walton made sure Weber broadcasted his very first Stanley Cup Final game in 2018 during the Caps' title-winning season, and again paid tribute to the legendary Capitals voice upon his return to the arena. Weber retired the season before Washington's first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1997-98.

"The attendance for this game today on the sheet will be listed as “zero” but actually today it is one. It is you," Walton said to Weber. "So as you look here what’s it like being in a building, we’re doing this and other folks are doing other things, as you’re sitting here watching a game this afternoon, for all the hockey memories that you have this has to be surreal for you to be sitting in a building watching a game with no fans."

“I am proud to be that one!” Weber said. "Very different. Just think how far I am outnumbered by cardboard cutouts. No, it’s still, though, when you’re focused on the ice, as I am when I watch the game, the lack of fans I guess I’ve become used to it. You know what I mean? We’ve had a year to prepare. So I don’t even spend a lot of time thinking about that anymore. I just watch the game.”

Though the "new normal" has certainly become less foreign for hockey fans, Weber's appearance in the booth is a great sign for things to come as fans await clearance to return to the arena. That will be up to the District government, which has granted permission to the Nationals and D.C. United to host fans in April at their outdoor venues, but not yet to the Capitals and Wizards indoors.

The Capitals don't host another home game until April 8. The Wizards have home games on Monday (vs. Indiana) and Tuesday (vs. Charlotte) with another one scheduled on Saturday (vs. Dallas). Then they are away from home until April 16.

Weber's appearance came on an auspicious date. It marked the 46th anniversary of when the Caps earned their first-ever road victory in their truly miserable first NHL season in 1974-75.

Weber was on the mic that night having watched Washington lose 37 consecutive away contests. They finally won against the long-defunct Oakland Seals at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum and famously celebrated by skating a trash can around the ice as if it was the Stanley Cup.

"That night was really special," Weber said.

Here's hoping Caps fans can join him again at Capital One Arena sometime soon for more special nights in April and May as the Stanley Cup playoffs approach.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207220 Winnipeg Jets “We think we’ve got a good find here,” Jets coach Paul Maurice said. “Really happy with where he’s at. I’ve really enjoyed watching his confidence grow and the quality of his game. There’s not a lot of big men that can go bar-down like that.” 'Pleasant surprise’ Stanley making strong case to be protected by Jets in expansion draft For several years after the Jets made a trade to move up in the 2016 draft and take Stanley 18th overall, there was heavy criticism of both Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and Stanley’s game.

Ted Wyman But nowadays, it seems likely Stanley will stay in the lineup, even after veteran Nathan Beaulieu returns from a hand injury, and there’s a Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 growing number of fans who want to see the Jets protect Stanley for the Seattle Kraken expansion draft this summer.

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Logan Stanley (64) celebrates his goal The Jets will likely protect seven forwards and only three defencemen, against the Calgary Flames during the second period at Scotiabank and two of them will be Neal Pionk and Josh Morrissey. As a third-year Saddledome in Calgary on Saturday, March 27, 2021. pro — he played two seasons with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL before joining the Jets — Stanley would have to be protected. Article content Calgary Flames Andrew Mangiapane battles against Logan Stanley of It was midway through Saturday night’s game against the Calgary the Winnipeg Jets during NHL hockey in Calgary on Friday. Flames, when I suddenly started to receive a barrage of texts from the Winnipeg Jets fans on my contact list. That would mean the Jets would have to expose veteran defenceman Dylan DeMelo — Stanley’s current defence partner — who signed a four- They knew I was covering the game and wanted to chime in on one year contract worth $3 million a year last off-season. specific player, a certain 6-foot-7 defenceman that most had already written off as a bust prior to this year, five years after he was taken in the The question will be: “Which player has more upside? The 22-year-old first round in of the 2016 NHL draft. giant with decent hands or the 27-year-old DeMelo, who is dependable, if unspectacular?” The texts all had different wording but the general sentiment was “I love Logan Stanley’s game.” Both players would likely be attractive to the Kraken, although Stanley, a restricted free agent at the end of this season and due for a raise on his It’s a true testament to how far Stanley has come over the last year. In $863,333 salary, might be just the kind of player a fledgling franchise the 2019-20 season he was essentially a forgotten man in the Jets would want. organization, in the eyes of fans and possibly some in the organization, mired in the minors and not playing the kind of game that suggested he DeMelo has a modified no trade clause in his contract, which allows him was anywhere close to becoming an NHL regular. to veto moves to six teams, but it wouldn’t prevent him from being exposed in the expansion draft. But there he was Saturday night, scoring his first NHL goal in the Jets 4-2 loss to the Flames, not on some pinball shot from the point, but on a pure All this could bode well for Stanley’s future with the Jets. Tucker Poolman snipe from the top of the faceoff circle. and Derek Forbort will be unrestricted free agents at the end of the season and — barring a deal involving a top prospect at this year’s trade It was a bar-down goal that former Jets winger Patrik Laine might have deadline — the Jets could have a long-term defence corps that includes described as “classic top cheese.” Pionk, Morrissey, Stanley, Heinola, Samberg and even potentially DeMelo, if they can sneak him through the expansion draft. The goal came in the same week that the 22-year-old Stanley had his first NHL fight, against Vancouver’s Zack MacEwen, showed he could Stanley and Samberg would be the muscle men in that group and their absorb punishment from the likes of Flames bruiser Milan Lucic, and value would be high on a team that includes several smaller generally handled himself with aplomb on the ice. defencemen.

The reaction from Jets fans on social media started pouring in before For his part, Stanley is simply trying to soak in every bit of this Stanley’s first-goal puck was even fished out of the net and before CBC experience, while others make decisions on his future with the could bleep out his joyous exclamation of “(F—ing rights!) after he organization. scored. “It’s going by fast this year, lots of stuff going on,” said Stanley, who will Stanley, it seems, has gone from an absolute bust to a keeper after suit up for his 24th NHL game Monday night when the Jets and Flames playing his first 23 NHL games play the rubber-match of their three-game series at the Saddledome.

And if you don’t believe the fans on this one, how about Jets captain “It is kind of hard to take a breath and kind of look at what’s going on. I’m Blake Wheeler? just enjoying myself and trying to get better every day here and try and help this hockey club win hockey games.” “Stan’s probably been our biggest pleasant surprise this year,” Wheeler said. “We couldn’t be happier with him, so it was great to see him get rewarded. It was just a matter of time. He gets so many pucks through. He’s got such a heavy shot.” Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.29.2021

Stanley didn’t even enter training camp this season as potential member of the NHL club.

He started out in the second group, not practising with the top players, and was believed to have fallen down the depth chart below other prospects, such as Dylan Samberg and Ville Heinola.

It took veteran defenceman Luca Sbisa getting claimed on waivers by Nashville and some injuries for Stanley to even get a sniff, but somehow he found himself in the lineup for the second game of the season.

He hasn’t been in there every game since, but when he has played, he has shown well, using his long frame and 228-pound body to handle the rigours of the NHL.

He has only been a minus player once in 23 games and he’s shown an ability to both move the puck and get shots through to the net, an underrated skill in the NHL. 1207221 Vancouver Canucks Podkolzin ended the game with an assist, a plus-1 rating, one shot on net and one hit.

His six points (3G, 3A) in 10 playoff games leads all U20 KHL players Canucks prospects tracker: The Podkolzin experience, Zlodeyev returns this post-season. Podkolzin has a chance to tie or even surpass New York Rangers prospect Vitaly Kravstov’s (2018, 9th-overall) KHL U20 record of 11 points, done over 16 games during the 2017-18 post- season. Mike Raptis Vasily Podkolzin (#Canucks ) moves on to the Conference finals. Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 His primary assist puts him up to 6 points (3G + 3A), leading all U20

skaters. It’s the latest edition of the weekly tracker, where we tally up the efforts of He sits 5 points shy of tying for most points by a U20 (11 points) in a the Vancouver Canucks’ highest-profile prospects: single post-season. Vasili Podkolzin — Dave Hall (@hall1289) March 26, 2021 There’s no better teacher in life than experience. Considering that Podkolzin couldn’t even get into the SKA lineup during So for all the angst this season over his ice time and deployment, what stretches of the regular season, the teenager has come a long way over Vasili Podkolzin is getting in these KHL playoffs is nothing short of a PhD a short period of time. in prospect development. He’s now thriving in the playoff pressure-cooker, playing his power game The Canucks’ 2019 first-rounder continued to earn the confidence of the with the puck while checking off defensive assignments like the English SKA coaching staff this past week, notching three points in three games lessons he’s taking before his time in Vancouver. to help SKA dispose of Dynamo Moscow in five games to reach the third And with SKA waiting for their next opponent — either archrival CSKA round on the playoffs. Moscow or , who have a decisive Game 7 scheduled After going without a point over the first two games of the series, for Monday — the chance that the Canucks’ top prospect plays on this Podkolzin produced in Monday’s 3-2 overtime win. Just four minutes into side of the pond later this season appears to be slim to nil. the game, the 19-year-old helped steal the puck in the neutral zone It doesn’t work time-wise, with Podkolzin still under contract until April 30. before linemate Ivan Morozov found him streaking down the right wing. And it doesn’t make sense in practical terms, considering we’re still in the Podkolzin took it from there, lowering his shoulder and going hard to the midst of a global pandemic and quarantine protocols would have to be net before cramming in his own rebound. followed. Good evening to you too, Vasily Podkolzin.#GagarinCup Podkolzin may also get the call for Team Russia at the IIHF World pic.twitter.com/fbye3l9FwN Championships which begins on May 21, something he’d be obliged to — KHL (@khl_eng) March 22, 2021 suit up for before stepping foot in Vancouver.

Podkolzin, playing on the third line with youngsters Morozov and Kirill “Technically, his contract goes to the end of the World Championships,” Marchenko, finished the game with a goal, two shots on net and two Canucks GM Jim Benning told the media in December. “That’s when his blocked shots in 16:11 of ice time. contract technically ends.”

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound left-shot winger kept up his strong play in The only way Podkolzin plays with the Canucks this season is if SKA Wednesday’s 3-1 Game 4 win, getting two more shots on net (with one gets eliminated quickly in the Conference Finals and goes the same resulting in a rebound goal) while blocking a shot in 12:23 of ice time. route that Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg went with Anatoly Golyshev, when the team ripped up the 26-year-old’s KHL contract a couple of weeks ago Vasily Podkolzin grabs a secondary helper today to give him 5 points in 9 so the winger could sign a one-year deal with the New York Islanders. KHL playoff games. For Podkolzin and the Canucks, there’s no point in rushing him here and SKA leads the series 3-1 pic.twitter.com/EHr5ltshQG potentially burning a year off his entry-level contract to play for a team that’s most likely to miss the playoffs. — /Cam Robinson/ is on spring break (@Hockey_Robinson) March 24, 2021 He’s getting all the big game experience he needs in Russia anyway.

“Two even, high-quality teams are competing against each other, it’s a Dmitri Zlodeyev was a sixth-round draft pick, 175th overall, by the battle of character. The itself is completely different in Vancouver Canucks in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. comparison to the regular season,” Podkolzin said post-game. Dmitri Zlodeyev “The guys are following the coach’s plan, they’re competing hard across all zones of the ice. When you play in the correct way, you are Call an ambulance — but not for him. rewarded.” After six weeks on the shelf with a broken bone in his face, Zlodeyev In Friday’s series-clinching victory, Podkolzin played a role in the 4-0 win returned to action this past week for Dynamo Moscow of Russia’s junior- despite skating for a team-low 8:07. As the net-front presence on the tier MHL and helped sweep aside Krasnaya Armiya 3-0 in the best-of-five second power play unit, Podkolzin positioned himself smartly in front and quarterfinal series. provided a perfect screen as a point-shot was blasted past a blinded Zlodeyev, the Canucks’ sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL draft, played Dynamo goaltender. the role of third-line centre and collected two assists over three games, #Canucks KHL both to linemate Brogdan Trineyev.

SKA connects on another PP to increase their lead to 3-0 over Dynamo He skated for 13:15 in his return from injury and got his first assist in still early in the second period. #92 Podz net front with the screen during Tuesday’s 3-1 Game 2 win. On the play, the 5-foot-11, 183-pound centre the tally. pic.twitter.com/Hoket6mryh won an offensive zone faceoff, went to the net and set up Trineyev for a goal in tight. — CanucksAbbyFan2 (@Fan2Abby) March 26, 2021 Canucks prospect Dmitri Zlodeyev gets his first point since returning from Then Podkolzin played provider, picking off a pass in the SKA defensive a six week injury. zone before springing Vladislav Tsitsyura for the game’s fourth goal. He wins the faceoff and chases the puck into the boards to set up his boy Vasily Podkolzin picks up a primary assist to make it 4-0 SKA in the Brogdan Trineyev for the goal. pic.twitter.com/odRKuT7DZv third period. He springs his linemate in and joins him on a 2-on-1 before he rips a wrist show past the goalie. pic.twitter.com/wkBbmqePgg — ����� Faber (@ChrisFaber39) March 23, 2021

— ����� Faber (@ChrisFaber39) March 26, 2021 Then in Friday’s series-clinching 3-1 win, the defensive-minded Zlodeyev stole the puck in the offensive zone before finding Trineyev in the high slot for the game-tying 1-1 goal.

Dmitri Zlodeyev (VAN) forechecks to gain possession and then finds Bogdan Trineyev (WSH) for his 2nd goal of the Kharlamov Cup Playoffs.#ALLCAPS #Canucks | #ЛигаСильных pic.twitter.com/s8lUBauU2x

— Dylan Griffing (@GriffingDylan) March 26, 2021

Zlodeyev, who also saw time on the team’s penalty kill, had a scoring chance of his own late in the game, but fired the puck off the goaltender’s shoulder.

#Canucks MHL

#36 Dmitry Zlodeyev takes the final face off of the game in his D-zone.

Dynamo added an ENG to defeat Krasnaya 3-1.

Dynamo sweeps the Best of Five Quarter Finals playoffs series 3-0 and advances to the MHL Semi Finals. pic.twitter.com/9tgZjUJwSF

— CanucksAbbyFan2 (@Fan2Abby) March 26, 2021

“Watching your team play from the side is hard” Zlodeyev said last week. “I wanted to get on the ice sooner, I think it gave an emotional boost.”

No. 1-ranked Dynamo Moscow next face No. 5-ranked Tolpar in the semifinals. Zlodeyev, 19, had also played 19 games this season for Dynamo’s second-tier team (7G, OA), which was knocked out in the first round of the VHL playoffs.

Zlodeyev has two assists, four penalty minutes and a plus-3 rating in three MHL playoff games so far.

Elsewhere: The have been sidelined since March 10 due to “an abundance of caution in accordance with the AHL’s COVID-19 protocols” and have missed seven games since then. The team’s next game is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31 against the .

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207222 Vancouver Canucks “We’re a good team when everybody is healthy.” Canucks coach Travis Green has played the rest-and-recovery card

during this break. Canucks: Roussel riled by schedule discrepancies hurting playoff push He’s wary of players taxed to the limit, but also knows there’s need to work on improvements before hosting the Calgary Flames on Wednesday. The Canucks were off Thursday and Friday, practised Ben Kuzma Saturday and Sunday and are off again Monday.

Publishing date:Mar 28, 2021 “Rest is first and foremost,” said Green. “You don’t want to go any more than that in the middle of a season. It was good to get back on the ice

and the guys seemed refreshed. We pushed them harder yesterday How can you drag them into the fight when you lag behind them? (Saturday) than today (Sunday).

That was Antoine Roussel’s frank assessment after the outspoken “There have been challenges for sure and we talked about it at the Vancouver Canucks winger was asked Sunday to offer a perspective on beginning of the year. Probably more talk to it than we wished or the strain of the compact 56-game NHL slog. wanted.”

And, during the league-mandated, six-day break from the grind of too OVERTIME — Winger Tyler Motte missed practice Sunday with a many games in too short a span, there’s time for reflection. maintenance day and his lineup spot was taken by Marc Michaelis. UFA winger Tanner Pearson (ankle) is expected to start skating this week For everything that has hampered the NHL club’s pursuit of a North after being injured March 17. Centre (wrist) remains out Division playoff position — a coronavirus pandemic scare, a slow season from a March 1 injury and UFA centre Brandon Sutter (undisclosed) start and myriad injuries — not being able to skate on an even didn’t practice Sunday, but may play Wednesday. Restricted free-agent scheduling footing with rivals has particularly raised Roussel’s ire. winger Justin Bailey, who suffered a separated shoulder Feb. 11 against the Flames on a hit from Milan Lucic and was limited to three games this The fourth-line winger cited the Montreal Canadiens — who are in a season, was in New York over the weekend to consult with a specialist. COVID-19 protocol pause with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Joel Armia on the watch list because one tested positive for a virus variant — as having a much more manageable schedule in January, February and March. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.29.2021 The benefit is more healing time for Tyler Toffoli and a shorter seven-day quarantine window for unrestricted free-agent Eric Staal, who was acquired Friday in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. It may also allow first- round draft pick Cole Caufield to eventually work into the lineup after starting in the AHL. His favoured Wisconsin Badgers were upset Friday in the NCAA Frozen Four championship tournament.

“When I look at a team like Montreal, they’ve had three breaks and it’s not fair at all,” said Roussel. “We’ve played 37 games and it’s frustrating. We’ve been complying (with COVID-19 protocols) and almost perfect as an organization and we struggle with the schedule.

“We have to show up every night and not look at excuses, but it’s just pointing at facts. When we played in Montreal (March 20), we flew right after the game and it’s a five-hour flight. We got in at 5 a.m. Montreal time and played the next day (in Winnipeg) and in the first period we were flat.

“Our legs weren’t there. Our best players are playing more than 20 minutes a night and it’s been hard with the travel and jet lag.”

Roussel may be on to something.

The Canadiens had a break Jan. 24-27 and again Feb. 7-9. Their mandated six-day break came Feb. 14-19 and now they’re in what will be an eight-day COVID-19 protocol pause before they’re scheduled to play Tuesday in Ottawa.

They still have to make up four postponed games because of the safety protocols, but it’s not a stretch to suggest an attractive schedule has helped get them to this point.

The fourth-place Canadiens remain two points up on the sixth-place Canucks with a whopping six games in hand.

It’s why Roussel is so worked up. By comparison, the Canucks have been on a tiring treadmill.

They only had one-day breaks between games in a jammed January run that included a trio of back-to-backs, three injuries and a 6-5-0 record. That was followed by one two-day break in February after an arduous six-game road trip. The crazy pace produced two more injuries and a 2- 9-2 record.

This month, the club has had a pair of back-to-backs and just one two- day break before its six-day getaway. March has also produced an encouraging 8-4-1 spurt, but five more injuries.

“We’re hopeful and working hard in practice, but I’m hoping we get some people back because we’re decimated by injuries,” said Roussel. “When Bo (took) that shot on his foot (March 22), we could have been missing four centres and in this league, you can’t get away with that. 1207223 Websites “When I see the highlights, I see Corey Perry scoring Corey Perry goals,” Seguin said when we caught up with him last week. “He’s so good on the power play in front of the net, we didn’t talk enough about it in Dallas through the media. I don’t care if you’re 20, 30 or 40, it’s a special gift he Sportsnet.ca / Corey Perry's passion, desire to win fuelling season with has and he’s a special player.” Canadiens Perry started as one in Anaheim. The New Liskeard, Ont., native was drafted 28th overall by the Mighty Ducks in 2003, halfway through a prolific junior career with the Ontario Hockey League’s , Eric Engels and he made his NHL debut with them in 2005-06—their last season before changing their name to the Ducks.

MONTREAL—Why would a Stanley Cup winner, two-time Olympic gold Perry jumped from 13 goals and 25 points in 56 games his rookie season medalist, World Cup champion, member of the exclusive Triple Gold to 17 goals and 44 points in his sophomore year, which culminated with Club, former Hart Trophy winner, former Maurice Richard Trophy winner six goals and 15 points in 21 playoff games and a Stanley Cup and four-time NHL all-star who has earned over $85 million through the celebration. He then cemented himself as one of the best players in the first 15 years of his career decide to sign for the league minimum in his NHL, with five consecutive seasons of at least 70 games played, 27 16th season with a team that can’t even guarantee him a spot on the goals scored, 60 points notched and 104 penalty minutes served. roster? In 2010-11 he scored 50 goals and 98 points and won the Hart and Why would someone so accomplished make the heartbreaking choice of Rocket Richard Trophies. And Perry continued to score a minimum of 33 leaving his wife and three-year-old son for an extended period—and for goals in four of five seasons that followed (he had 15 in 44 games in the the second time in just months—to join a deep team that has warned him lockout-abridged 2013 season). it’s likely he’ll have to start on the taxi squad? It wasn’t until 2016-17 that the goals started to dry up—19 in 82 games “Because I love playing hockey,” Corey Perry said in an interview with that year, 17 in 71 the following one—and his decline became Sportsnet earlier this week. “I love going to the rink, I love being around undeniable. the guys, I love the camaraderie, I love the competitiveness and I know “It was tough,” said Perry. there’s still lots of good hockey left in me. But he seemed to be able to put it in perspective immediately, adopting “But the main thing is I want to win. I’ve had that feeling before—I was the attitude that he could contribute in other ways and still prove himself young, and I don’t know if I appreciated it as much as I should’ve. It was valuable every time he stepped on the ice. only my second year in the league and I thought maybe every year you could do this, but I’ve only been back to the Stanley Cup Final once and Perry’s role was reduced, but those close to him say he never let on that that was last year and we lost in six. You get that feeling and you’re so he was bothered by it. close that you want to continue that journey and you want to get to that final and win.” “I think the most impressive thing I’ve seen from Perrs, and I think it speaks to him as a person and teammate and it’s probably what I’ll When Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin made a contract offer remember most about him after we’re done playing hockey, is that he on Dec. 28, Perry, with the blessing and support of wife Blakeny, was a Hart Trophy winner and near the end in Anaheim it just wasn’t the immediately signed, packed up his gear and a few belongings, said a same—everyone reaches a point where those goals don’t go in and the tearful goodbye to his son Griffin and then drove straight from the family’s production goes down—but his attitude, how he was around the rink and London, Ont., home to his new place in Montreal. who he was towards us never changed,” said former Ducks and Stars teammate Andrew Cogliano in a telephone interview last Tuesday. “I “I got the call, it was like 9:30, 10 in the morning, and I was on the road wasn’t a player like him, and there’s not many who are, but I envision that by 1 p.m. driving to Quebec,” the 35-year-old said. “It was about a seven- when you are of his calibre and things aren’t the same, I’m sure there’s hour drive by myself and I had some time to think, get excited and reflect players whose moods change and perspectives change at the rink and on what’s at stake and where we can go.” on an everyday basis. Perrs’ never did. There had been conversations with other teams, but no official offers “I’m pretty confident anyone that ever played with Perrs would say the outside of Montreal’s. Perry had a sense something would come soon same thing. That's why I think he’s always on winning teams is because enough from someone else, but there was no guarantee another he has that attitude and that mindset, and he’s a guy that you just want opportunity would come with a team that would give him a chance to around.” resolve the unfinished business of last fall. A guy willing to battle through mental adversity, and one willing to fight The Canadiens, who had an unexpectedly good run in the Toronto through the physical grind, too. bubble before adding Jake Allen, Joel Edmundson, Tyler Toffoli and Josh Anderson to their team, presented exactly that. It was torturous for Perry on that front over the two seasons prior to this one. In his last year in Anaheim, he tore the meniscus in his right knee in “I jumped at it,” said Perry. “I knew a little bit about their team, and warmup of a pre-season game and then had surgery to repair that and a watching them in the bubble and seeing where they were going and the long-damaged MCL. It lead to a four-month rehabilitation before returning additions that Marc Bergevin made, I thought this team had a really good to play (nowhere near 100 per cent) for the final 31 games of the season. chance and I jumped at it right away.” “It felt normal,” Perry said. “But being comfortable on the ice? I’m Since landing in Montreal, Perry’s gone from taxi squad to utility vehicle probably looking back and saying, ‘Yeah, I was comfortable,’ but I wasn’t squad, from bottom six to top six within games—producing six goals and comfortable in doing the things that I do.” six assists in 24 games. *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. It’s not just Perry’s production that’s stood out, as he’s averaged only 12:24 per game, it’s the influence he’s had on a power play that’s scored The Ducks could tell. They bought out the final two years of Perry’s 10 goals in its last 29 attempts and soared to the top of the NHL since contract in the spring of 2019, after he produced just six goals and 10 Dominique Ducharme took over from Claude Julien and Alex Burrows points and finished as a minus-16. took over from Kirk Muller as Canadiens coaches. The 6-foot-3 right- hander put one in himself, set up two more and stood in front of the net Then he signed a one-year, $1.5-million pact with the Stars. It was an on another four. immediate shot at redemption, nearly spoiled by some more terrible luck.

The Canadiens have also scored three goals late in games with their net “It got off, no pun intended, on the wrong foot,” said Perry. “Walking down empty and Perry’s accounted for one, assisted on one and screened the your stairs to let your dog out and you trip on the last step and break your goalie on the other. foot the day before training camp starts—that doesn’t help. And you’re going to a new team. Tyler Seguin, Perry’s old Stars teammate who’s been sidelined from all games this season post-hip surgery, said no one should be surprised. “Not having a training camp, you miss four weeks and the first seven games of the season and you’re coming in—you’re around the team but you’re not skating—pretty much a fresh face and trying to learn everything on the fly. I think I had two practices and I played. It’s not easy. As much as people think you just go out and play, you’re playing with brand new people, you have no idea, no chemistry and all those things come into play.”

With only five goals and 21 points in 57 games, the idea that Perry was done being an effective player was gaining traction outside of the Stars’ room.

Inside it, the opposite was happening.

“I wish I could’ve been his teammate for a longer time,” said Seguin. “It’s kind of the clichés of the ultimate guy, the ultimate winner and the ultimate competitor, but that’s who he is. It was great to have another voice like that in the dressing room, and his insight and his passion for the game was contagious. Loved being around him. He was a pretty fun guy, but his resume speaks for how he is as a person and a player. He just knows how to win, knows what it takes, and when he spoke up he had everyone’s attention. It was great.”

Particularly in the playoffs, where Perry had five goals and nine points in 27 games and helped propel the Stars to within two wins of the Cup. It was a confidence-inspiring process.

Perry said it left him “wanting more, wanting to continue to play and wanting to have that chance to win.”

He feels the Canadiens have given him that chance. They signed him and have used him the same way the Stars did—mostly in a fourth-line role, but also on their top power play unit and as a rover who fills in on whichever line needs a boost or is most likely to come up with a rally goal late in games.

Perry has loved every second of it.

“Everything about being in Montreal has been great,” he said. “The organization has been phenomenal, and we’re trying everything we can to put a good product on the ice and go out there and try to win every single night. What I see of this team is that it’s a special group and we’re looking forward to continuing this season and making that push in those playoffs.”

Perry’s hopeful that will be with at least some fans back at the Bell Centre. And he’s expecting that, as COVID restrictions loosen in Quebec, once the majority of the at-risk population gets vaccinated, he can finally have his family join him.

“It’s been tough,” he said of being away from Blakeny and Griffin. “Obviously with a three-year-old at home, he’s got his pre-school and she has a little bit of help there…I talk to him every morning before he goes to school, and every day it’s a little bit more talking. He wants to tell me about his cars and his transformers and things like that. It’s been good that way in that FaceTime is live, but it’s been hard not being there and seeing him grow up, having a chance to skate on the outdoor rink that my buddy built in our backyard for the winter.”

But Perry’s chasing the dream while he still can, as his family and friends want him to.

“He’s a guy that really loves the game, and I think he loves being part of something special like that with a special organization, and he loves being in the heat of things in such a special hockey atmosphere and there’s no better place than Montreal and places like that,” said Cogliano. “I think you’re going to see big moments from him, I really do. I’ll be watching, and when it happens I won’t be surprised.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207224 Websites turnstyle of defence pairings as Vancouver bled scoring chances and goals, and coach Travis Green tried to find combinations that worked.

It wasn’t the start to the rest of his career that the 29-year-old Schmidt Sportsnet.ca / Canucks' Nate Schmidt still learning new city amid unusual envisioned. season “I wanted to come in and showcase everything in my game in the first shift," he said. "I can do this, I can do that, let me show you all at once. But that's not hockey. It's letting the game come to you. Iain MacIntyre 31 Thoughts: The Podcast March 28, 2021, 12:15 PM Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what they think about it. VANCOUVER -- Like anyone new to Vancouver who loves adventure outside, Nate Schmidt sees the mountains and the ocean and endless “With Braden here (former Washington Capitals teammate Braden possibilities. Holtby), at least I had somebody to bounce things off of. You can talk to him, like: ‘I'm friggin bumming right now. I'm trying too hard. It's like “Guys talk about salmon fishing, and that would be so cool,” the quicksand; the harder I work, the worse it gets.’ You don't want to let your Vancouver Canucks defenceman said. “I'd love to go whale watching, new teammates know that you're upset by how things have gone, maybe snowmobiling in the mountains. We're not allowed to go skiing, but feeling a little bit vulnerable. I felt like there were a lot of games I was maybe tubing. Could I go sledding? I think that's OK. A lot of outdoor trying to do so much. stuff, which is what I love.” “That's why the game has gotten so much better for Alex and I over the Traded to the Canucks last fall by the Vegas Golden Knights, Schmidt, a last couple of weeks. We've both gotten to the point where we know what Minnesotan, always wondered what it would be like to live in Vancouver. we expect out of each other. Those things mean so much to a pair, mean Now he knows — except he doesn’t. so much to your group. I feel so much more comfortable with him and NHL protocols in the season of COVID prevent players from doing most how much we talk on the ice. Jordie Benn one game said: 'You guys are things the rest of us are able to do even with provincial health like a bickering old couple.’” restrictions. Players can’t even go out for dinner. Schmidt said he took it as a compliment. The Canucks, who played more than anyone at the start of the season — He and Edler have been paired since the Feb. 8 game in Toronto that 16 games in 27 nights — are suddenly on a six-day break that makes started the uptick in Vancouver’s season. The Canucks dominated the about as much sense as the rest of their 2021 schedule. Maple Leafs for two periods and still lost 3-1. But they started managing It probably comes too late in the shortened hockey season to do much the puck better, played with more intensity and defensive structure. good for the team, which stumbled its way into a deep hole with a 6-11-0 The Canucks ended a six-game losing streak two games later, then went start and has been trying frantically, many would say hopelessly, to catch 10-5-3 before damaging their playoff chances by getting swept over a up in the Canadian division standings since then. two-game span by Winnipeg. But players, as tired mentally as physically, finally get a chance to rest Schmidt’s average ice time of 20:16 is down slightly from the 21:59 he even if there are practices before they play the Calgary Flames on logged in Vegas. With two goals and eight points in the past 18 games – Wednesday. after three points in his first 19 as a Canuck – Schmidt is starting to “Take a breath,” Schmidt said this week in a Zoom call. contribute to the attack like he did with the Golden Knights while filling a matchup role on defence that he became accustomed to in Vegas. In an interview with Sportsnet before the Canucks’ break began, Schmidt said it has been difficult to get to know his new home city, which was He loves playing with Edler, 34, but said he has had to tone down his on- always his favourite place to visit when he played for Vegas and the ice chatter. Washington Capitals. “It's kind of a bummer not having fans, for obvious reasons,” Schmidt Getting to know his new teammates, and especially their spouses and said. “But it's also a bummer that you can hear everything. So if I call for kids, has also been a problem. a puck from Eddie, the other guy (from the opposing team) is coming over. If I yell ‘wall,’ all of sudden their guy peels off and he's like: 'Sorry, “Eddie and I were talking the other night,” Schmidt said, referring to man, I literally heard the call so I went there.’ defence partner Alex Edler. “He said: ‘You know how wild it is that I haven't met Allie yet?’ I said: ‘Yeah, I haven't met your wife, your kids, “I'm not talking like a standard D-to-D (pass). Most of the time it's on the nobody.’ It's been tough on that end. The beauty of sports is that you breakout when you use your terminology for however you want to play it. automatically get a family with your team.” If there's time when I call it, their other guy is coming over. So sometimes, we've had to kind of adapt to it so I can't call it right away. I Usually, you do. have to be late so that they’re not sitting there picking apart what you're saying.” Allie Reinke, Schmidt’s partner, moved to Vancouver with him after the trade. They met at the University of Minnesota, although they didn’t go to During the interview, Schmidt asked the reporter questions about his school together. Schmidt was using his alma mater’s training facilities family. He said he likes to know about people he deals with. Even 37 when he spotted Reinke, who was on the Gophers' women’s soccer games into the season, Schmidt said he still doesn’t know his teammates team. as well as he’d like.

“We obviously didn't hit it off at that moment because she blew me off,” “I’m a people person,” he said. “Social stuff is usually my forte. At this Schmidt laughed. “Then she blew me off again. Maybe once more after point of the year ... all the things that you would have gotten already (in a that.” normal season) hasn't happened. Halloween party, Christmas get- togethers -- the stuff where you really kind of get to know everybody. I’m Reinke is a graphic designer, Schmidt said. She has been working out of still getting to know guys at the rink but we're not really allowed to be their Yaletown condo. together. It's just hard to get to the grassroots of somebody and really get “I’m not usually a huge walker but we’ve been doing a lot of seawall to know who they are. walks,” he said. “I like being by the water. I've been rocking the water *I understand that I may withdraw my consent at any time. taxis because it's outside and I'm still allowed to do that, which is fun, buzzing around.” “I don't like to play video games as much as I have been, but it's almost like you don't have a choice if you want to interact. I'm that guy who will In the first month of the season, Schmidt seemed mostly to be buzzing literally play anything you're playing just to be in a group again. It could around his own zone as the Canucks struggled to build structure and be Call of Duty, could be Fortnite, could be Madden, NBA, whatever. I'm cohesiveness. Schmidt played both sides of the ice and there was a mediocre at all of them.” Schmidt said what the team needed, but couldn’t get, more than anything during its difficult start was just a night out together on the road.

“Like, ‘OK, guys, local pub, 20 minutes, let's go,’” he said. “Just sit there and talk through things. But the protocols kind of forced you into isolation from the guys. It really kind of forced you just to stew on your own thoughts.”

As Schmidt said, those aren’t always positive.

He has probably been the Canucks’ best defenceman after Quinn Hughes. He’s finding his game, still getting to know teammates and a new city. But after the past five seasons in Las Vegas and Washington, Schmidt is also looking at missing the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time.

“I’m a competitive S.O.B.,” he said. “You always want to push yourself to be trusted in situations. As a new guy, though, that trust and those relationships are still building.

“This is the first time I've gone through this. This is the first time I've really been in a position where you’re fighting and clawing like we are now. That's been something that's been, you know, different. It gives you a new perspective on how important each game is.”

And how much it takes to win.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207225 Websites “I mean I don't know (if) there’s many players in the league that can make that pass and I don’t know that there’s many players in the league that can make that shot.”

Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Jack Campbell must stay 'even keel' amid heavy workload Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.29.2021

Chris Johnston

March 28, 2021, 4:25 PM

TORONTO -- Now that Jack Campbell has control of the Toronto Maple Leafs' crease, his coach wouldn’t mind seeing him go a little easier on himself.

Campbell was critical of his own performance in two recent victories, including saying, “I just didn’t have it tonight” after his teammates rallied for a 4-3 overtime win against the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.

There can be limitations to that kind of internal standard, especially with goaltending partner Frederik Andersen sidelined by a lower-body injury and a busy stretch of games on deck. Campbell has made three straight starts for the Leafs -- all victories -- and will likely shoulder the heaviest workload of his NHL career in the coming weeks.

“I think you’ve got to be even keel, especially the more you play,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said following a rare Sunday practice. “You’ve got to recognize there’s going to be ups and downs.”

Campbell allowed three goals on 20 shots to the Oilers, but Keefe pointed out that he still played a huge role in Toronto’s comeback -- stopping Connor McDavid on a Grade A chance late in the third period before staring down Darnell Nurse on a 2-on-1.

“One of those goes in, we’re leaving the game without any points and we’re disappointed here today. You make those saves, all of a sudden you get to overtime and get a bounce and win a game in overtime, and the team is feeling really good about itself today,” Keefe said. “So there’s something to be said about that: When it’s time to make the save, you make it, no matter how you’re playing, and he did that for us last night so he’s got no reason to be hard on himself today.”

The Leafs were in need of some stabilizing performances when Campbell returned to the lineup last weekend and have maintained their place atop the North Division after getting them.

The 29-year-old is playing some of the best hockey of his pro career, going 6-0-0 this season with a .945 save percentage. But he’s not one to rest on his laurels, nor blame his defencemen, say, after letting Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl connect on a gorgeous goal.

“I mean, he’s such a great guy,” William Nylander said of Campbell. “He’s won a couple games for us by himself, so all we can do is get behind him and help him win yesterday’s game.

“But for the most part he’s been great and he doesn’t need to get down on himself. We’re here for him.”

Campbell is a former 11th overall draft pick who took eight years to carve out a regular NHL job. He’s acknowledged having to learn when to let himself off the hook in the process.

The Leafs had him sit out of Sunday’s practice for maintenance and were urging him to clear his mind as well.

“He’s a tough critic on himself,” said defenceman Jake Muzzin, a former teammate in Los Angeles. “But if you guys know Soup that’s just kind of the way he is. He put it on himself, but it’s definitely a team thing, not just Soupy obviously.”

With the regular season series against Edmonton due to wrap up on Monday night, the Leafs are focused on doing a better job against McDavid and Draisaitl. They did a pretty good job of taking the middle of the ice away from the Oilers during Saturday’s game and still saw those two combine for five points.

“We’ve got to be better. We’ve got to do a better job,” Keefe said. “When you make a mistake when they’re out there, they’re that much more dangerous -- it’s not just one guy that you’ve got to contend with. You saw the way that they paired up on the Draisaitl goal. 1207226 Websites Stanley went back for two more seasons in the Ontario Hockey League and spent the first two seasons of his pro career with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League.

Sportsnet.ca / Stanley gets well-earned milestone moment as Jets There were signs of growth during that rookie campaign and a couple of stumble vs. Flames injuries to overcome last season, but Stanley was the first to admit he wanted more from himself.

He was determined to take a step forward and wasn’t afraid to share that Ken Wiebe opinion publicly during training camp.

March 28, 2021, 9:10 AM Well, after Luca Sbisa was claimed off waivers by the Nashville Predators and Tucker Poolman tested positive for COVID-19 following

the season opener, Stanley was thrust into the Jets lineup. WINNIPEG — The evidence was mounting and it was starting to get to Stanley made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Jan. 18 the point where it was looking to be a matter of when, and not if, Logan and suited up in 13 consecutive contests before he was replaced by Stanley was going to find the back of the net. Poolman. Given the high volume of shot attempts the Winnipeg Jets' towering Then, after sitting out for nearly a month, Stanley got another opportunity defenceman had been able to generate during his first NHL season, it’s when Nathan Beaulieu suffered a hand injury. not a stretch to suggest Stanley was operating in the realm of being due. Since returning to the lineup, Stanley is building confidence and showing But that’s part of the beauty of hockey: whether you’re a raw rookie or signs of growing into a steady NHL regular. seasoned veteran, goals can often be tough to come by. Sure, Stanley is being sheltered to a degree on the third pairing, but Some nights, a glorious chance rings off the iron or is quickly erased by that’s not uncommon for a player of his age and experience. an acrobatic save by the opposing goalie. “Early on, you kind of, you have the tendency your first few games in the But sometimes, the stars align and magical milestones end up on NHL, you don’t want the puck on your stick a whole lot,” said Lowry. “I national television. think now he’s gotten used to the pace, he’s gotten used to the speed, After showcasing an uncanny ability to get his shot through from the point he’s kind of gotten used to the positioning. He’s starting to use his body. during the first 22 games of his career, Stanley found himself in the slot You saw him in Vancouver, he steps up and kind of sets the tone for us with the puck on his stick during the second period on Saturday night with a good fight. He’s been real good at stopping the cycle in our zone against the Calgary Flames. and getting shots through from the point.

When he ripped his shot bar-down on David Rittich, Stanley let out a "So he’s continuing to get better every day. As the games progress, he’s guttural roar that told you all you needed to know about what it meant for looked more and more comfortable out there.” the Kitchener/Waterloo product to deliver his first NHL goal. Some of the subtle things Stanley does with the puck in tight areas have “It’s a pretty good feeling to get that one. Something you dream of as a caught the attention of the Jets’ coaching staff and his teammates. kid, playing your first NHL game and scoring a goal in the NHL,” said It’s tough not to stand out when you stand six-foot-seven, but Stanley is Stanley. “I’ve had some chances to score that haven’t went in. I try not to gaining trust and showing he’d love to secure his spot in the lineup even think about it that much. My primary job is to keep the puck out of the net. when the Jets are back to full health. Just nice to get one past the goalie. “You know what, he’s been so close. He’s had a couple of bars and he’s “My parents would say it’s because all the pucks I would shoot at the wall had a bunch of great shots,” said Jets head coach Paul Maurice. “But I’ve in the basement, maybe, working on that stuff. It’s just something I like to really enjoyed watching his confidence grow and the quality of his game. work on after practice and I like shooting the puck. When I get a chance, There’s not a lot of big men that can go bar down like that, so we think I like to shoot it. Sometimes, there’s other plays to be made.” we’ve got a good find here. Really happy with where he’s at.” Stanley’s marker made the score 2-2, but the story took a twist and Stanley has taken some time to appreciate what he’s been able to ended with the Jets suffering a 4-2 loss to a Flames team that played accomplish so far, even though the compressed nature of the schedule with the desperation required for a group trying to keep its fading playoff doesn’t always allow a lot of time for reflection. hopes alive. “It’s going by fast this year, lots of stuff going on,” said Stanley. “It is kind Despite the defeat, the praise for Stanley was pouring in from his of hard to take a breath and kind of look at what’s going on. I’m just teammates. enjoying myself and trying to get better every day here and try and help Given the appreciation for the journey Stanley has been on to reach this this hockey club win hockey games.” point, the reaction was expected. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for the Jets, who slipped “It was just a matter of time. He gets so many pucks through, he’s got to 21-11-2 and are now two points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs in the such a heavy shot,” said Jets captain Blake Wheeler. “(Stanley’s) battle for top spot in the North Division. probably been our biggest pleasant surprise this year. We couldn’t be Will the Jets view this as a missed opportunity, a chance to perhaps happier with him, so it was great to see him get rewarded.” leave the reeling Flames in the rearview mirror, since the cushion would There’s nothing quite like the look on the face of a player after they score have expanded to 13 points (instead of nine) with another regulation for the first time. victory?

“Yeah, it’s awesome. That’s one of those things you can carry with you Maybe, but for a team that responded to consecutive regulation losses to for life,” said Jets centre Adam Lowry. “It’s one of those great memories the Edmonton Oilers with three wins in a row, this looks more like a minor he’ll have. To see him come so close last game, ring one off the post. For bump in the road going into the finale of this three-game series on him to get a nice one (Saturday), we’re all really happy for him. Hopefully Monday. it’s the first of many.” Goaltending has been at the foundation of the Jets’ success this season, Stanley was viewed as a long-term project when the Jets made a trade but this was a rare off-night for Jets backup Laurent Brossoit. with the Philadelphia Flyers to move up to the 18th spot in the 2016 NHL Although two of the four goals changed direction off the sticks of Draft and selected him. teammates, including one in the opening minute of the third period, At a time when Jets first-rounders were routinely jumping into the lineup Brossoit directed the final goal into his own net when he misplayed a within a couple of seasons, let’s just say a portion of the fan base was shoot-in from Sam Bennett that appeared to be going wide. beginning to grow impatient with the progress of the defence prospect. The Jets certainly weren’t pointing the finger in the direction of the crease, since Brossoit is still sporting a .914 save percentage in his nine appearances so far this season and has done his part to instill belief with his body of work.

“You learn over time that these guys are really proud professional athletes, so you wouldn’t say anything to anybody after a game like that,” said Maurice. “You’d wait, slap him on the pads the next time you’re on the ice and have a chuckle about it and move on.”

Part of the Jets moving on is staring at another opportunity to regroup.

As the Jets get set to close out a season-high seven-game road trip against the Flames, it’s sure to be another test.

The Jets are 8-1-1 in games following a regulation loss and that bounce- back ability has become their calling card, a critical part of their identity.

Leaning on that foundation piece is something the Jets plan to do with regularity during the stretch run, since it’s the only way they’ll be able to remain in the race for first place.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.29.2021 1207227 Websites That line — Galchenyuk-Tavares-Nylander — has now generated 82 per cent of expected goals and 90 per cent of high-danger chances in the 30 minutes it’s been on the ice together.

Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Galchenyuk shining in audition on Tavares- Keefe had started Simmonds in that spot early, but once the Maple Leafs Nylander line started getting caved in and lost their legs — and the lead — in the second period, the coach peeked at Galchenyuk’s minimal ice time and gave him a promotion.

Luke Fox “I thought Galchenyuk had played well to that point. I hadn’t used him very much, yet the shifts that he had I thought were good,” Keefe March 28, 2021, 2:19 AM explained post-game.

“Galchenyuk hadn’t done anything to come off of that line. He had played TORONTO – Immediately after he was traded to Toronto Maple Leafs, quite well. It was more just about giving Simmonds that opportunity there. Alex Galchenyuk’s phone illuminated with a welcoming text message Just the way that it works out with how the game was going, needed to from Auston Matthews. make some changes. And it was nice to see that line continue the way that it had been playing.” The two top-three NHL draft picks with very divergent career trajectories had developed a relationship over the pandemic off-season, engaging in Remaining Time -3:44 some exclusive, private skills and skating sessions in Phoenix with Matthews never let up in game, enabled him to snag OT winner Galchenyuk’s father, Alexander Sr., and Matthews’ boyhood trainer Boris Dorozhenko. Especially nice for Tavares, whose strong work in the D-zone and the face-off circle hasn’t kept critics from noticing his lack of even-strength On Saturday night, Galchenyuk (now with his seventh franchise) and production. Matthews (destined to become the face of his first) were integral to the construction of a come-from-behind, 4-3 overtime victory over the On a night where the Oilers rolled McDavid and Draisaitl on the same dynamic Edmonton Oilers. line, conjured up wow moments and still lost, it’s worth remembering that the success of the Maple Leafs rests on the Matthews and Tavares units Matthews snuffed out his five-game goal drought by scoring his league- smacking defenders with a one-two punch at even strength. best eighth game-winner in the extra frame. Particularly when Toronto’s vaunted power play, now 0 for its past 18, But that opportunity would not have presented itself had Galchenyuk — gets stuck in the mud. bumped up to Line 2 mid-game by coach Sheldon Keefe — not played a helping hand in the set up of third-period strikes by linemates John "Nice to get one,” said Tavares, up to 10 goals in 34 games. “(Scoring) is Tavares and William Nylander. a big part of my game, and this year it hasn't seemed to be as consistent as I'd like. “It’s funny how things work out,” said Galchenyuk, following his first multi- point effort since three teams ago. “Definitely happy to be on the same “I'm still trying to figure some things out. Not a perfect science. Just got to team.” bear down on some opportunities. I'm good around the net at finding rebounds and plays in tight, and I haven't seemed to get as many of If you’ve played any left wing for the Maple Leafs this season, chances those." are you’ve had a tryout alongside Tavares-Nylander as Keefe searches for a third tenor to make his second line sing. Tavares credits Galchenyuk’s blend of talent, work ethic and playmaking sense as a complement to him and Nylander. Remaining Time -1:57 “He was drafted really high for a reason,” Tavares said. Matthews talks what drove Maple Leafs in gritty comeback win against Oilers “He's had really good success in this league. He makes plays quickly, and great two plays on the two goals that help tie it up. Just the energy Jimmy Vesey, Wayne Simmonds, Zach Hyman, Joe Thornton, Alexander that he brings. He won a lot of loose pucks, getting first to pucks and just Kerfoot, Ilya Mikheyev…. keeping possession and doing a lot of things like that that just help you At the risk of drawing conclusions from a four-game, three-point sample just make positive plays and over time wear the opponent down and size, maybe Galchenyuk is not only the one that sticks, but the one who create the openings that you're looking for.” makes general manager Kyle Dubas wonder if he already traded for his Hockey, as always, is a game of breaks. Of opportunity seized. top-nine winger. Galchenyuk, it seems, needed a club willing to be patient, to pump up his That low-risk, high-reward flyer the Leafs GM plucked off the Carolina confidence and comfort in the minors, then give him shifts him alongside Hurricanes, in part, because, hey, Galchenyuk was already in Ontario, high-end talent to jolt a revival. had already cleared waivers and wouldn’t require an extensive quarantine. And Matthews, after drilling posts and pounding Mike Smith’s pads all night, needed an OT puck to clink off Draisaitl’s stick and Darnell Nurse’s Saturday’s showdown between two-thirds of the North Division’s best foot before finally finding twine and quenching his drought. was loaded with blinding assist highlights: Connor McDavid’s top-speed, no-look rush pass to Leon Draisaitl. Draisaitl’s no-look, behind-the-back, Next one’s going in, next one’s going in, the Rocket leader kept thinking behind-the-net, give-and-go with Tyson Barrie. And Galchenyuk’s no- to himself as his attempts got denied. look, between-the-legs, backhanded drop pass to Tavares in the slot — on a rush that began off a D-zone draw and which triggered the Leafs’ “Sometimes those ugly ones help you get out of a big slump,” Matthews rally and further endeared castaway Galchenyuk to a Toronto team smiled. growing tighter by the win. “Not really how I drew it up, but I’ll definitely take it.” “He plays with a lot of energy,” Matthews beams. “He’s really passionate We could say the exact same for the Maple Leafs' incorporation of about hockey. He works extremely hard. He cares a lot. He’s been Galchenyuk into their top six. playing great over the games he’s been with us. He works hard every shift, he competes, and you can’t really ask for more. He’s got plenty of Funny how things work out. skill to go along with that. He made a couple of really nice plays tonight, and a couple of huge goals from that line.”

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McDavid makes unbelievable no-look pass to the trailing Draisaitl one- timer goal 1207228 Websites "I'm not going to sugarcoat it, I just didn't have it," he admitted afterwards. "Didn't like my game one bit. We won the hockey game so it makes it a little bit easier. I'll have a good practice and we'll go from there." Leafs plan to tighten up on McDavid, Draisaitl But Campbell didn't get a chance to take the ice at practice. He was held out for a maintenance day. The team is being cautious with Campbell's workload since he returned from injury on March 20. He twice hurt his leg By Mark Masters this season and now, with Frederik Andersen sidelined, is playing a string of games in a row.

The Maple Leafs practised at Ford Performance Centre on Sunday. "He's a tough critic on himself but, if you guys know Soup, that's just kind of the way he is," said Muzzin, who also played with Campbell in Los The Leafs held the Oilers to just 20 shots on Saturday night, but a couple Angeles. "He put it on himself, but it's definitely a team thing and not just moments of brilliance from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl forced Soupy, obviously." them to chase the game. Saturday was Campbell's third straight start and the schedule is starting "Two really good players and then put them together and," defenceman to get really busy. How big is the adjustment? Jake Muzzin said before pausing and starting to laugh, "it's a lot. They look for each other. They find each other. You can't make a mistake. You "Honestly, it's normally pretty easy, because you get in a nice rhythm and can't let up. You just got to be on every second they're on the ice, you're not thinking so much and you just go out and play," Campbell said. because they can make you pay. So, it is what it is, man." "That's typically when everybody’s at their best is when you’re just having fun and playing and, for whatever reason, I was thinking a little bit [on On Edmonton's second goal, McDavid jumped on a loose puck after Saturday night] but I'm not too worried about it. I didn't like my game, but Justin Holl failed to knock down a clearance at the offensive blue line. I know what to do to fix it." The Toronto defenceman did a good job of skating back hard and keeping McDavid to the outside, but the National Hockey League's Keefe suggested the goalie, who is a perfect 6-0-0 this season, was scoring leader still managed to find the reigning Hart Trophy winner for a being a bit too hard on himself. one-timer goal. Muzzin was back in time, but couldn't get his stick on the "You got to be even keel, especially the more you play," the coach said. pass. McDavid took a peek back during the rush up ice, but didn't look at "You got to recognize there's going to be ups and downs. Jack definitely Draisaitl when he fired the pass. feels like he wasn't at his best last night." "I don't know if there's many players in the league that can make that Keefe pointed out that Campbell made key stops late in the third period pass and I don't know if there's many players in the league that can make to keep the Leafs in the game. that shot," said Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe. "I'm not sure if people appreciate just how difficult that shot is. There's maybe less than five "It was 3-2 and McDavid is basically in all alone on Campbell and he players in the world that will make that shot. So, you got the combination makes a huge save for us," the coach noted. "At 3-3, two and a half of the pass and the shot together and it just goes to show you how minutes left, [Darnell] Nurse is in basically alone on a two-on-one, we get dangerous it is and how good you got to be." a huge save. Those are game-saving saves and he stood tall on those and gave us a chance. If one of those goes in, we're leaving the game Saturday was the first time this season that Edmonton deployed their two without any points and we're disappointed here today ... There's top weapons consistently together on the same line against the Leafs. something to be said about that, when it’s time to make a save, you "We got to be better," said Keefe. "When you make a mistake when make it no matter how you're playing and he did that for us last night. they're out there, they're that much more dangerous. It's not just one guy He's got no reason to be hard on himself today." that you got to contend with." Andersen, again, was not on the ice and hasn't skated since March 19 as On the third Edmonton goal, Draisaitl knocked down a Muzzin pass he deals with a nagging lower-body injury. There was no further update behind the Leafs' net and fed Tyson Barrie at the opposite point. The on his status. Oilers defenceman sent the puck back to Draisaitl, who made a no-look, Veini Vehviläinen skated with the team for the first time since being backhand pass from behind the net back to the ex-Leaf, who had moved acquired in a trade from Columbus. into the slot. Holl was at the side of the net looking to deny a pass to McDavid. "We've been through a lot with our goaltenders this season and the more guys we have available to us the better," Keefe said. "We'll just take it a The Leafs eventually pulled off a comeback win to improve to 6-1-1 this day at a time and let the organization get more familiar with him and season against the high-octane Oilers, including four straight wins. allow him to get more familiar with his surroundings." Toronto's only regulation loss to Edmonton this season was the first game between the two teams way back on Jan. 20. Three of the victories Leafs Ice Chips: Maintenance day for 'tough critic' Campbell by the Leafs came without the league's leading goal scorer, Auston Matthews, in the lineup. Jack Campbell was not impressed with his own play in the win over the Oilers on Saturday and was eager to get back on the ice at practice to "We know we're going against another highly skilled, top end skill-set work on his game. Instead, Sheldon Keefe opted to give Campbell a over there so maybe we're a little more dialled in defensively," Muzzin maintenance day as the team tries to manage his workload with Frederik mused. "We're a little tighter. Our back-checks are a little harder. We're Andersen still out with a nagging injury. not giving free ice out there so maybe it's something to do with that." While Campbell kept the Leafs in the game down the stretch, the second The Oilers are averaging two goals per game against the Leafs this line stepped up in a big way at the other end. season and 4.4 goals per game against the rest of the North Division. Alex Galchenyuk, who started the game on the fourth line, was promoted "How dangerous their best people are, it really challenges us to be really to the left wing spot with John Tavares and William Nylander and picked focused and very committed defensively and taking care of the puck," up a pair of assists. Keefe noted, "and just having so much respect for the opponent." "They just looked really committed to making a difference," Keefe said. NHL: Oilers 3, Maple Leafs 4 (OT) "Galchenyuk, in a lot of ways, really drove the line with the speed and work ethic he had off the puck and [gave] those other guys a little more Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid combined for five points in the space with it." second period to give the Oilers a 3-1 lead but the Maple Leafs battled back to tie it in the third before Auston Matthews sealed the comeback "He's been flying around out there," said Nylander. "I mean, heavy victory for Toronto in overtime with his 22nd goal of the season. forecheck, getting pucks back and obviously making some great plays on the goals last night." On Saturday night, Jack Campbell allowed more than two goals in a game for the first time this season. Galchenyuk owns a deadly shot of his own, but has impressed his new teammates the most with a positive attitude and determined approach. The 27-year-old is eager to make things work in Toronto after bouncing 'It's not a perfect science': Tavares seeks to be a more consistent goal around between teams the last few years. scorer

"He's the hardest-working guy on the team right now," said Muzzin. "It's John Tavares scored just his fourth five-on-five goal of the season on contagious. When you see a guy working like that you want to continue Saturday night. "It's a big part of my game and this year it hasn't seemed working. He's done a great job for us and we're going to need him to to be as consistent as I'd like," the Leafs captain admitted. "It’s not a continue." perfect science ... I’m good around the net, finding rebounds and plays in-tight and I haven’t seemed to get as many of those as I’d like.” Galchenyuk played three straight games with Tavares and Nylander Tavares, however, is playing better defensively this season. before Wayne Simmonds took that spot to start Saturday's game. Simmonds has one assist and five shots on net in four games since Tavares, Nylander growing in confidence as Galchenyuk provides a returning to the lineup. He missed six weeks with a broken wrist and spark hasn't shaken off all the rust yet.

It hasn’t been the smoothest season for John Tavares and William "It's coming along," he said. "Obviously, I don't think I've been playing the Nylander, but on Saturday night, Toronto’s second line came to life, greatest at the moment, but every day my wrist is getting better and I'm sparking a third period comeback against the Oilers. Tavares scored his able to do different things. I need to be a lot better. I'm going to be a lot fourth goal in five-on-five play this season, while Nylander snapped a better. I need to start contributing now that I'm back in the lineup." four-game drought and newcomer Alex Galchenyuk deserves a lot of the credit. Mark Masters has more. Simmonds had been heating up before the injury with five goals in six games. Tavares, Nylander and Galchenyuk stayed out late after Sunday's practice to fine tune their skills and have some fun. Tavares won a "It's not about points to me," he stressed. "It's being able to shoot as hard shootout game and the normally reserved captain raised his arm in as I can, go into the boards and be able to dig and have one hand on my celebration as he skated off the ice. stick and just be strong and confident with the wrist. Every day that is going to another level [as] it's healing more. My first two games I The line was all smiles throughout Sunday's workout. probably wasn't able to shoot the puck, but I was able to do other things "I think the confidence for us scoring those goals is going to help our line to contribute to the team and the last couple games were a lot better. But a lot," said Nylander. I got to find my timing here and be better."

Saturday's goal was just the fourth in five-on-five play for Tavares this As wrist gets stronger, Leafs' Simmonds vows to be better season. Wayne Simmonds admitted to the media on Sunday that his wrist still "Nice to get one, obviously," Tavares said. "It's a big part of my game doesn't feel 100%, but he continues to make progress with each passing and this year it hasn't seemed to be as consistent as I'd like. I'm doing day. Simmonds recognized that his game isn't where he wants it to be some good things and just trying to stay with it." and vowed that he will be a lot better as he inches closer to full strength.

What's been missing? Lines at Sunday's practice:

"I'm still trying to figure some things out," Tavares said. "It's not a perfect Hyman - Matthews - Marner science. Some of them I just have to bear down on my opportunities. I'm Galchenyuk - Tavares - Nylander good around the net, finding rebounds and plays in-tight, and I haven't seemed to get as many of those as I'd like so I think that's one area." Thornton - Kerfoot - Spezza

Keefe has repeatedly pointed out that Tavares has made strides Mikheyev - Engvall - Simmonds defensively. He finished last season at minus-seven and has improved to plus-12 so far this year. Barabanov, Robertson, Sabourin

"I know I can't sacrifice that part of the game and only worry about Rielly - Brodie producing," the 30-year-old said. "I want to be, in all facets, relied upon Muzzin - Holl so just continue to work at it and find my balance and hopefully you're able to really connect those two parts of your game. That's always the Dermott - Bogosian goal." Hollowell, Liljegren 'It's not a perfect science': Tavares seeks to be a more consistent goal Hutchinson scorer Vehvilainen John Tavares scored just his fourth five-on-five goal of the season on Saturday night. "It's a big part of my game and this year it hasn't seemed Power play units at Sunday’s practice: to be as consistent as I'd like," the Leafs captain admitted. "It’s not a perfect science ... I’m good around the net, finding rebounds and plays Rielly in-tight and I haven’t seemed to get as many of those as I’d like.” Matthews - Tavares - Marner Tavares, however, is playing better defensively this season. Simmonds Tavares has scored five of his 10 goals this season on the power play despite spending a lot of time on the second unit. But, at practice on Brodie Sunday, Tavares was promoted to the bumper spot on the top unit, which features Matthews and Mitch Marner on the flanks, Simmonds in front of Nylander - Thornton - Spezza the net and Morgan Rielly up top. Hyman "A way to get John a little more involved and have that option available to us," Keefe explained. "There's a lot of positive signs there with our power play and I think we're on the verge of getting it back into the net." TSN.CA LOADED: 03.29.2021 The Leafs are 1/22 on the power play over the last 10 games.

"We need to get some more action around the net," said Simmonds. "Teams have tried to take away Mitchy and Auston a little bit more. Not a little bit more, a lot more, and we need to find ways to counteract that and that's what we've been working on. That's why you see Johnny go in the slot there so we have another great shooting option in the middle."

Joe Thornton moved to the second unit at practice. 1207229 Websites you see [John Tavares] go on the slot there so we have another great shooting option in the middle.”

It’s a work in progress, just like Simmonds post-injury. With any luck Simmonds slowly working way back to full form though, Simmonds thinks a return to form isn’t too far off.

“I'm pretty close now,” he said. “We're at seven weeks [since the injury], so I'm pretty happy with the progression of my wrist and it's only going to By Kristen Shilton get better from here.”

TORONTO — It’s one thing to recover from an injury. It’s another to play TSN.CA LOADED: 03.29.2021 like you did before it happened.

Wayne Simmonds is at that space in between. The Maple Leafs winger is four games back from a wrist injury suffered on Feb. 6, right when he was finding a rhythm offensively. Since returning, Simmonds has registered one assist and bounced from Toronto’s top line all the way to its fourth.

“I don't think I've been playing the greatest at the moment,” Simmonds said after Sunday’s practice. “I think every day my wrist is getting better. I’m able to do different things. I need to be a lot better. I'm going to be a lot better. I need to start contributing now that I'm back in the lineup.”

What that looks like for Simmonds goes beyond the scoresheet. He didn’t score his first points from Toronto until seven games into the season, and then collected five goals in the six games prior to being sidelined (including two against Vancouver the night he was hurt).

Simmonds has one assist since coming back - oddly, his first helper of the season - but low output isn’t what’s troubling Simmonds most about his performances.

“It's not even about points to me,” Simmonds said. “It's being able to shoot as hard as I can, go into the boards and be able to dig and have one hand on my stick and be strong and confident within the wrist. Every day that is going to another level simply for the fact that it's healing more.”

Simmonds has found his progress to be pretty steady since stepping back in on March 19, although his assignment in the lineup has been anything but predictable. Coach Sheldon Keefe has shuffled Simmonds from Toronto’s top unit with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, to the second line with John Tavares and William Nylander, and now to the projected fourth line, beside Pierre Engvall and Ilya Mikheyev.

Through these last four games Simmonds has averaged 12:54 per game, including 2:32 on the power play, and he’s registered five shots on net. That’s a lot, considering how Simmonds felt initially upon his return.

“I think my first two games [back], I probably couldn't even shoot puck,” he said. “But I was able to do other things to contribute to the team. My last couple games were a lot better but I've got to find my timing here and be better.”

Keefe agreed Simmonds isn’t all the way back just yet, not entirely unexpected given the six-week layoff he went through.

“We’ve seen some really good things, where he's calm with the puck and makes a good play, gets to the net,” Keefe said. “We’ve also seen times where you can tell he's a little bit off, his timing is off, he’s still getting used to playing under pressure [again] and [dealing with] all those things that come with game action. [In a good game], he's obviously physical and he's involved and engaged, he’s around the net and helping us at 5- on-5 and on the power play.

Toronto needs all the help it can get right now on the man advantage and Simmonds is jonesing to be the one who can make an impact.

The Leafs are riding a woeful 1-for-22 stretch with the extra man over their last 10 games, a 4.6 per cent rating that puts them just ahead of Buffalo for the NHL’s worst power play since March 4.

Despite what time he’s missed, Simmonds’ three power play goals on the season is tied for third-most on the team. Keefe has placed him right back on Toronto’s first unit as the net-front man, but so far Simmonds hasn’t been able to break the Leafs out of their special teams funk.

“Sometimes you get hot, sometimes you're cold, that's just the nature of the beast,” Simmonds said of the Leafs’ struggles. “We need to get some more action around the net. Teams have tried to take away Mitch and Auston a lot more, you know, and I think we need to find ways to counteract that, and that's what we've been working on and that's why