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SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 5/20/2020 Bruins 1174673 This Date in Bruins History: Tim Thomas shuts out 1174696 Nashville wants to host games if NHL resumes season in Lightning in East Final centralized locations 1174674 Bruins expected to get AHL reinforcements should NHL season resume 1174697 N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo doubles down on sports without fans in the stands: ‘Ready, willing and able’ 1174675 Sabres prospect Tage Thompson 'feeling good' while 1174698 NHL players’ fear of part of messy return rehabbing from surgery equation BuffaloSabres 1174676 Buffalo Sabres sue immigration officials over denial to 1174699 Rangers' David Quinn to do weekly interview show on grant green card for trainer MSG 1174677 Boston’s bountiful title banners evoke aspiration — and envy — in Buffalo fans Senators 1174700 ' conditioning staff keeping players ready Flames for every scenario 1174678 Flames prospect Dustin Wolf wins WHL's Del Wilson 1174701 NHL players returning to the ice in Ottawa this week Trophy, takes aim at career record 1174702 Mikkel Boedker signs two-year deal with Lugano in starting next season 1174679 The Carolina Hurricanes are close to a deal to remain at Flyers PNC through 2029 1174703 If NHL returns with gimmicky 24-team tourney, it shouldn’t 1174680 Raleigh native Alex Wilkinson found a different kind of use it beyond this season | Sam Carchidi hockey success at Army 1174704 Injuries again stall progress of former Flyers first-round pick | On the Fly Blackhawks 1174705 was the missing piece of the Flyers' puzzle 1174681 Blackhawks' playoff hopes on hold with US and 1174706 , candidate again? 3 questions border agreement that could incentivize Flyers 1174682 Hawks Rewind: Blackhawks' offense and Corey Crawford 1174707 The 10 best Flyers short-handed offensive weapons of the overpower Wild in Game 2 2010s 1174683 Blackhawks 2019-20 season in review: Zack Smith Penguins 1174708 Penguins’ foundation receives award from FBI for opioid 1174684 If NHL season resumes, should players have the option of charity work not playing? “This is serious stuff,” s 1174709 Penguins A to Z: Nathan Legare proves his value 1174710 Some goals. Some goons. A brawl. A building. The top 20 Stars Penguins grudges of all time. 1174685 Stars owner Tom Gaglardi calls NHL potentially returning 1174711 Seven questions the Penguins must answer if/when the without fans ‘a bit of a horrifying thought’ NHL season resumes 1174712 ‘He’s built to win’: Jim Rutherford’s view of Evgeni Malkin, Red Wings one year later 1174686 ' Jeff Blashill speaks to De La Salle 1174713 Doc Emrick on empty , and his first seniors in graduation video ‘event of gravity’ 1174687 NHL free agency preview: Red Wings likely to be in market for experience on defense 1174688 Jeff Riger, known for his tough questions, named Wojo's 1174714 On this date, 1995: Sharks win 2 OT, Game 7 thriller new co-host on 97.1 The Ticket 1174715 Sharks’ Ryan Merkley on his OHL season and not getting the World Juniors nod Oilers 1174689 Edmonton 'the safest place' for NHL, says Premier St Louis Blues Kenney 1174716 Robert Thomas holds his own as Blues dive into world with NHL 20 tourney 1174717 Ranking the most impressive NHLers at the NHLPA 1174690 Should the Kings try to sign ? Let’s weigh the Fortnite tournament pros and cons 1174718 With no sports, oh my, what are the broadcasters talking 1174691 Wild interested in St. Paul being an NHL "hub city" when about? games restart 1174692 Nation's governors expressing support for return of pro Maple Leafs sports 1174719 NHL’s plan to return faces possible border restriction 1174693 What’s up with ? Positive steps, hang-ups hurdle and options for the Wild 1174720 Jim McKenny healing himself as he helps those battling addiction Canadiens 1174721 ‘I’m ready right now’: Nick Robertson on why he can help 1174694 Canadiens netminding prospect Primeau named to AHL the Maple Leafs today all-rookie team 1174695 Why a 24-team postseason would be the worst thing Canucks imaginable for the Canadiens 1174733 Ben Kuzma: Canadian border closure extension shouldn't spook Canucks 1174734 Over-hyped or diamond in the rough? Analyzing Nikita Tryamkin’s NHL potential 1174722 Golden Knights’ Alex Tuch draws friend in NHL gaming challenge 1174723 Golden Knights make fans wait for name, logo of new AHL team 1174724 Henderson council approves controversial minor league hockey arena 1174725 Henderson OKs arena for minor league hockey, events 1174726 City of Henderson Agrees to Pay $42 Million for $84 Million Event Center Arena That Will House VGK’s Minor Lea 1174727 Washington, D.C. has become one of the winningest sports cities. No, really. 1174728 Hall of Famer Jari Kurri would be surprised if Alex Ovechkin caught 's record 1174729 Why the 2020 champion does not deserve an asterisk 1174730 Online at Yale, DIY, pedicures, ukuleles: D.C. sports folk on their new normal Websites 1174735 The Athletic / Ranking the most impressive NHLers at the NHLPA Fortnite tournament 1174736 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Why a 24-team playoff format means your team is winning the Cup 1174737 The Athletic / Which teams are most affected by the NHL’s potential playoff formats? 1174738 .ca / Canucks trade history: deal still bearing fruit 22 years later 1174739 Sportsnet.ca / Why the 2016 World Cup was a turning point for 1174740 Sportsnet.ca / Sharks GM Wilson talks preparing for NHL Draft over Zoom 1174741 Sportsnet.ca / Predators' Duchene: 'You don't want to have a COVID Cup' 1174742 TSN.CA / Border closure extension not expected to affect NHL planning 1174743 TSN.CA / Bernier talks flu game, Larkin's leadership and Lafreniere’s potential 1174744 TSN.CA / TSN Hockey's All-Time Women's Team Canada 1174745 TSN.CA / Yost: The evolving role of the modern NHL power-play Jets 1174731 NHL 'hopeful' border ban extension won't impact return- to-play plans 1174732 The Athletic’s 2.0 ‘Best Play’ tournament: A champion is crowned World Leagues News 1174746 Community sport may resume after the Covid-19 lockdown, but crisis has no end in sight 1174747 Giants, Jets can likely play without fans amid coronavirus outbreak, Murphy says 1174748 Democrats, Republicans agree: Sports leagues need to settle labor disputes, get back to work | Commentary 1174749 players face challenges trying to play sport 1174750 NASCAR set for 1st Wednesday start since 1984 because of coronavirus 1174751 NY, support post-coronavirus comeback for pro sports leagues 1174752 German football chief Fritz Keller proposes salary caps to help sport through coronavirus pandemic 1174753 NFL testing N95, surgical mask material on modified face masks in hopes of fighting COVID-19 spread 1174754 Colleges are cutting sports programs because of coronavirus cash-flow problems | Here’s the list 1174755 Premier League player coronavirus testing causing no strain on NHS, says Prenetics 1174756 Pro sports can soon return to ...but without the fans 1174757 Experts Say It Is Too Soon For Pro Sports To Reopen SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1174673

This Date in Bruins History: Tim Thomas shuts out Lightning in East Final

By Nick Goss May 19, 2020 2:38 PM

The Boston Bruins lost the first matchup in their 2011 Eastern Conference Final versus the Tampa Bay Lightning at TD Garden, but they bounced back with a Game 2 win thanks to a breakout performance from rookie .

The B's rode that momentum into Game 3 in Tampa Bay on and emerged with a 2-0 victory to take a 2-1 series lead. It's one of only two Bruins wins on May 19 in team history.

Get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App

Bruins Tim Thomas made 31 saves on 31 shots for his first of four in the 2011 . B's center David Krejci opened the scoring just 1:07 into the game with a nice move in front of the net, and defenseman Andrew Ference tallied an insurance goal at 8:12 in the third period.

The series ultimately was decided in Game 7 in Boston, where the Bruins won 1-0 on a Nathan Horton goal to clinch their first Stanley Cup Final berth since 1990.

Another memorable Bruins matchup from May 19 was Game 2 of Boston's 2013 Eastern Conference semifinals versus the rival New York Rangers. After winning Game 1 with a Brad Marchand goal, the B's pummeled the Rangers in a 5-2 victory to take a 2-0 series edge. Five different players scored for Boston.

The Bruins went on to eliminate the Rangers in five games.

Here are the other two Bruins games played on May 19:

1974 Stanley Cup Final: 1-0 loss at Flyers

1992 Prince of Wales Conference Final: 5-2 loss at Penguins

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174674 Boston Bruins

Bruins expected to get AHL reinforcements should NHL season resume

By Joe Haggerty May 19, 2020 2:16 PM

Things will be different for the NHL when the league does resume the 2019-20 season, and that extends to teams' rosters as well.

There will be no continuation of the AHL season if the NHL players get going again over the next couple of months, but there is expected to be an expanded NHL roster that would include extra players from the American League.

They will essentially serve as the “Black Aces” like during the NHL postseason while practicing with the team and potentially getting inserted into the lineup if/when injuries do strike.

Providence Bruins Jay Leach pointed toward young forwards like and Trent Frederic as players who would be in the mix for an expanded roster role in Boston, and it’s just as likely that guys like Jakub Zboril and would be included in that NHL- ready group as well.

For his part, the 21-year-old Studnicka has been working out and roller- blading in over the last couple of months and stands ready to contribute if his is called.

Certainly, Studnicka could be a big factor as his 23 goals and 49 points in 60 games for the P-Bruins would attest in his first pro season. He’s got the skill to play center or wing if needed and he’s still building strength into his 6-foot frame.

“I’m going to be ready. I feel ready,” said Studnicka, who got his feet wet with two NHL games this season including an NHL debut in the Bell against the Canadiens. “I haven’t heard much on the topic. You see the rumors about what the plan is and I would love for a scenario like that to play out. Hopefully the NHL comes back and I’m able to be a part of it. That’s something I’d definitely be looking forward to.

“Last year I went through the experience of [being a Black Ace] to see the competition live and it was unbelievable. This time around hopefully we come out on the other side. I feel like I’ve had a good season down in Providence and proved that I could help the organization win. Whether they decide if it’s as a Black Ace or playing [games], that’s for them to decide. I’m willing to do whatever they ask when the time comes.”

Clearly the 22-year-old Frederic could help as well with a sturdy 6-foot-2, 210-pound frame to go along with eight goals and 32 points in 59 games and a whopping 148 minutes. Frederic didn’t hesitate to drop the gloves this season while leading the AHL in fighting majors, but it was toughness and physicality up front that would be of big-time use to the Black and Gold.

“I don’t think anybody has a clue because from what I understand, we won’t know the size of the group,” said Leach during a Monday Zoom conference call with reporters, when asked if he could identify which P- Bruins skaters would be with the Boston team if and when NHL play resumes. “This is just my best guess, but I think it’s the guys that we talk about.

“It’s [Jack] Studnicka, it’s [Trent] Frederic. If we’re talking five guys it would be Studnicka, Frederic, Zboril, Vaakanainen and [Steve] Kampfer. I think [Karson] Kuhlman would be in that mix too since he’d been in Boston before. It’s tough to nail down, but that’s who I’d be going with to start. Where does it end? It depends on what the limit is and what they’re going to need. I don’t think anybody can forecast that right now. I can tell you there are plenty of candidates.”

Clearly there will need to be a healthy number of substitute players as nobody knows for sure how many players could end up getting sidelined if a player were to test positive for COVID-19 once play resumes.

And some of Boston’s best and brightest prospects would be a good place to start when fortifying a Bruins roster for what’s expected to be a slew of unknowns over the next few months.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174675 Buffalo Sabres The performance at the start of this season earned Thompson a recall when the Sabres were hit hard by injuries before they played the Blackhawks in Chicago on Nov. 17. He took his 11th shift of the game, Sabres prospect Tage Thompson 'feeling good' while rehabbing from and final of the season, with less than three minutes remaining in surgery regulation and the Sabres trailing 4-1. An awkward play against Blackhawks defenseman Olli Maatta along the boards left Thompson in agonizing pain.

By Lance Lysowski "I thought I played a really good game and it happened to be my last shift," Thompson said. "That’s kind of how those things usually work. I

remember feeling it pop out and I was in a lot of pain right away. When I Tage Thompson waited almost two months for his right shoulder to got back to the dressing room and things settled down, I was pretty respond to treatment and rehabilitation. A return of strength and mobility bummed. I knew it probably wasn’t a good sign for the rest of the season. might have allowed the Buffalo Sabres' 22-year-old to return to I knew I was going to be out, but I didn’t know for how long." the ice at some point this season. Thompson didn't panic. Previous injuries taught him how to handle the The breakthrough never came. inevitable negative thoughts, and he maintained hope that proper rest would allow him to salvage the season. The Sabres, though, announced "Those two months were brutal," Thompson said during a phone in January that Thompson underwent surgery and faced a five-to-six- interview with The Buffalo News. "It was kind of a waiting game." month recovery.

Thompson grappled with the uncertainty until he and the Sabres decided Thompson isn't allowed to disclose an exact diagnosis, but he detailed that surgery was the best course of treatment. Although the procedure how he's spending his days during the offseason. His weekly workout ended his season in January and began an arduous rehabilitation, routine includes four, two-hour lower-body workouts, a Wednesday bike Thompson finally had some clarity. Not for long, though. ride and three, 90-minute physical rehabilitation sessions near his home in Milford, Conn. The coronavirus pandemic canceled the season and the is concocting a plan to award Although Thompson will need to be cleared by a physician, he is on pace the Stanley Cup this summer or fall. It's likely neither league will begin to be at full strength in June or July. The timeline for recovery should next season on time, either. A later start date will provide Thompson with provide him with ample time to prepare for what will likely be another additional time to prepare for Sabres training camp, but social distancing difficult competition to make the Sabres' roster. mandates have prevented him from skating during his recovery. "It’s kind of a blessing in disguise," Thompson said. "I’ve got this time to "I’m feeling good, shoulder is feeling good," he said. "I’m just itching to put on strength, put on mass and use this time as fuel to round out other get back on the ice right now." parts of my game that honestly were priorities for me. The strength and weight was a big thing for me. I’ve got this time to go ahead and do it. Thompson, the centerpiece of the July 2018 trade that sent Ryan O'Reilly Now that the season is kind of been on pause for a while, too, it’s kind of to St. Louis, isn't resting much during the shutdown. The former first- like I haven’t missed too many games with injury. It’s a little bit of a silver round draft choice is using the additional time off to continue to add lining, I guess." muscle mass to his 6-foot-6 frame. An emphasis on diet and lower-body workouts have helped Thompson gain 10 pounds since training camp Buffalo News LOADED: 05.20.2020 last fall.

Thompson said he now weighs 225 pounds, an increase of 20 pounds since the end of last season, and he expressed hope that he can put on more weight once he's able to resume upper-body workouts. He gained approximately 15 pounds last summer through a 3,000 to 5,000 calorie- a-day diet and strength training.

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

"I worked really, really hard in the summer with my training and my diet," Thompson said. "I was skating a lot and put on muscle. I was feeling really good and really confident. I think a lot of that too is probably going down to Rochester at the end of the previous season. I think that helped boost my confidence after not playing a ton of minutes in Buffalo. I think that got confidence back in my game."

The plan propelled Thompson to an outstanding training camp under first-year coach Ralph Krueger. Thompson was among the Sabres' final cuts despite showing he could be an effective, skilled power forward for a team in need of scoring help. An assignment to Rochester didn't discourage him, either.

Thompson totaled six goals with six assists and a plus-5 rating in 16 games with the Amerks to start the season. There was noticeable improvement with his strength and speed. In addition to the goals and assists, Thompson was consistently generating scoring chances and made an impact on defense.

"I thought there was a disappointment with him coming out of training camp, but it didn’t affect his game at all," said Sabres in January. "He knew exactly what he had to work on and he was excited to work on those things. If you look at, not just his status, goals and assists, in Rochester, but how much offense he was creating, the chances he was creating down there. It was great to see the strides."

Every aspect of Thompson's play showed marked improvement from his 65 games with Buffalo last season. Thompson was sent to Rochester last March after totaling seven goals with five assists and a minus-22 rating with the Sabres. He went on to score eight goals over 11 games with the Amerks, including three in the Playoffs. 1174676 BuffaloSabres

Buffalo Sabres sue immigration officials over denial to grant green card for trainer

Gary Craig, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Published 1:50 p.m. ET May 19, 2020 | Updated 1:52 p.m. ET May 19, 2020

The Buffalo Sabres hockey franchise is suing immigration officials, saying they wrongly denied an immigration green card for a team trainer. Here, Sabres center Jack Eichel skates in a preseason game against the in 2019.

The owner of the Buffalo Sabres hockey franchise is suing federal immigration officials, saying they wrongly denied an immigration green card for a team trainer.

Hockey Western New York LLC, which owns the Sabres, say Immigration and Customs Enforcement should grant a green card for Dr. Edward Anthony Gannon, a Brit who is the team's head strength and conditioning coach.

"The Buffalo Sabres are sponsoring Dr. Gannon for permanent residency to utilize his services to ensure that their athletes operate at consistently high levels in order to compete against other world-class athletes," the lawsuit states.

In the federal lawsuit, Buffalo attorney Mark Davis contends that Gannon is eligible for what is known as an EB-1 visa, which grants permanent lawful residency. To receive the visa, applicants must show they exhibit extraordinary abilities in their fields.

Gannon showed in multiple ways that "he has risen to the very top of his field," the lawsuit says, citing in part Gannon's peer-reviewed research in his field. Multiple professional sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL, use his research for training regimens, the lawsuit contends.

"Dr. Gannon’s research changed the way strength and conditioning professionals in the field monitor and track lower body strength and power which are key indicators of training program responses as well as readiness to perform physically at a high level," according to the lawsuit.

ICE officials determined that Gannon did not meet the criteria for the visa. ICE decided that reference letters submitted for Gannon did not "illustrate how Dr. Gannon’s contributions are both original and of major significance to the field," according to the federal lawsuit.

Democrat and Chronicle LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174677 BuffaloSabres “It’s heartbreaking the way those Boston teams have taken over,” said Patrick Kaleta, a Buffalo native who played nine seasons with his hometown Sabres. “They’re just a thorn in the side every time you see it Boston’s bountiful title banners evoke aspiration — and envy — in because you want a Buffalo team to be able to hang up one of those Buffalo fans banners. You want so bad for that to happen.”

The disparity between winning and losing is obvious when you examine the fan bases. There’s a cockiness and air of superiority in Boston. By John Vogl May 19, 2020 Buffalo fans are exuberant but deep down have a sense of dread that something bad will happen.

“Boston definitely has the best sports fans for good reason,” former Red The picture arrived on Dave Hassett’s phone and, as expected, the Sox closer Keith Foulke said when he attended a Logan Airport banner anguish came through loud and clear. ceremony after the 2018 World Series. “Just look at these banners and “OH, MY GOD!” the Buffalonian said through a painful laugh. “It hurts me the long history of championships, and there’s really no sign of it — uhhh! — to even enlarge it. I can’t believe it. Oh, I can’t believe it. stopping.”

“It’s so painful!” The airport unveiled the display in April 2013. Six banners have been added since the inception: three for the Pats, two for the Red Sox, one The image that crashed down on his sporting soul was of the security for the Bruins and one for the Boston Marathon. checkpoint at Boston Logan International Airport. When flyers arrive at Terminal C, an excess of opulence greets them with the subtlety of a “What can we say, we like to root for our champs,” Logan Airport wrote sledgehammer. A dizzying display of 39 championship banners hangs on its Facebook page. (Massport officials did not respond to calls or from the ceiling, capturing the century of success enjoyed by the Celtics, emails for comment.) Red Sox, Bruins and Patriots. Johnson, the museum curator, said the banner display helps capture “Look,” Richard Johnson said, “if you’ve got it, flaunt it.” what sports mean in Boston.

Johnson is the curator of The Sports Museum in Boston’s TD Garden, “The four pillars here are politics, education, medicine and sports,” he which features a half-mile of exhibits celebrating the history of Boston said. “Sports have a separate section of the newspaper and are what we sports. He’s created displays in Logan Airport for 25 years. Though the turn to for diversion. Certainly, professional sports have always been part Massachusetts Port Authority is in charge of the championship banners of the driving force here.” at the security gate, Johnson is on board with showing off to those While visiting fans grumble enviously at the sight of the banners, waiting to board. Bostonians complain only that there aren’t enough up there. Johnson “It’s wonderful,” he said. “It’s a pretty substantial heritage and one that noted that the Boston Braves won the World Series in 1914. Fans of we’re very proud of, obviously.” women’s sports would like to see the Boston Pride honored for their Isobel Cup win in the National Women’s Hockey League, and the Boston Indeed, there’s no denying Boston is one of the royal cities of sports. The Renegades get a nod for capturing multiple titles in the Women’s Football Celtics have 17 championships. The Red Sox have nine. The Bruins and Alliance. Patriots have six each. A banner honoring Boston Marathon winners rounds out the display. Buffalo also has an Isobel Cup win from the Beauts. The Buffalo Bandits have four professional titles. The Bills won “For travelers, the banners are a reminder of the deep tradition of athletic League championships in 1964 and ’65. excellence that makes Boston the city of champions,” a spokesman for the Boston Athletic Association wrote in an email. “Boston Marathon But it’s the NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL that matter most to the majority of winners are celebrated both near and far for their hard work, sports fans. Buffalo has nothing but participation trophies. determination and success, just like each Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and “You should be proud of your sports heritage up there, too,” Johnson Bruins championship team.” said. “I have a feeling with the Bills. Their time is coming. As an old AFL Meanwhile, in Buffalo, Hassett summed up what a beleaguered fan base fan myself, I’ll be very happy when the Bills finally cross the threshold is thinking. because they’re long, long suffering and well deserving up there.”

“Just one!” he said. It might finally happen someday. The surging Bills could soothe the painful memory of Wide Right and four consecutive Super Bowl losses by Hassett knows that’s the dream of long-suffering Bills and Sabres capturing the Lombardi Trophy. The Sabres could eventually turn things backers. He created the Born in Buffalo clothing company in 2009. His around and ease the burden of No Goal with a Cup win. top-selling slogan — by far — is “1 B4 I Die.” It comes on T-shirts and hoodies in Bills and Sabres colors, encapsulating the hardship and “It will be an absolutely fantastic, fun and enjoyable riot that every everlasting hope of his hometown as it waits for that first NFL or NHL generation can participate in,” Hassett said. “People will call in sick to title. work. People will fly into town. All the ex-pats — we’ve sent more people out into the world than are here — will come back. It’ll be a giant old- It’s been a long, long wait. home days.

“I’m 50, so I’m as old as the Sabres are,” said Hassett, who trademarked “You won’t be able to get a ticket for a flight to Buffalo when the Bills or “1 B4 I Die” in 2013. “I’m sure it emerged in the midst of some Sabres Sabres break this drought.” disappointment because it came out in the spring. I said it out loud to somebody, and they said, ‘How long are we going to have to live for that And there’s no doubt the banner will be everywhere. The airport would be to be true?’ just the start.

“It took off. It was just a byproduct of year after year after year of ‘maybe “I don’t even know if there’s a word that would put it in perspective,” next year.’ That didn’t sum it up anymore. We took it all the way to the Kaleta said. “You can joke around about it and say the city will burn natural end.” down, but it would just mean the world to have a championship here in Buffalo. While “1 B4 I Die” references the pursuit of a championship banner, it could have been something as simple as making the playoffs. The “To be able to experience that with people who’ve never seen one, to Sabres are about to miss the postseason for the ninth consecutive time. have the Buffalo community experience that moment of joy of being the The Bills’ 17-year drought finally ended in 2017. best in the world would be spectacular. It’s so special that you can’t even put it into words.” The Bills haven’t won a playoff game since 1995. In that time, the Patriots have won six Super Bowls and appeared in four others. The The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 Sabres haven’t won a playoff series since 2007. The Bruins have advanced to three during that span, lifting the trophy and raising a banner in 2011. 1174678 Wolf, who relies on his athleticism and sound positioning to make up for his small stature, hopes to eventually follow their footsteps to the highest level.

Flames prospect Dustin Wolf wins WHL's Del Wilson Trophy, takes aim First things first, though. He’s aiming to put his name solely atop the list at career shutout record of the WHL’s career shutout leaders.

Hart and Tyson Sexsmith, ex of the , wrapped their Wes Gilbertson respective junior stints with 26 goose eggs.

Wolf, who has blanked 20 opponents in his three seasons in the league, figures he can surpass that total. t was no surprise that Dustin Wolf was saluted Tuesday as winner of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s top goaltender. It’s not just about the pursuit of history. It’s about the constant pursuit of perfection. As a rookie backup, Dustin Wolf watched as his crease counterpart put his name in the history books. “A shutout is always awesome,” Wolf said. “I’ve been able to do it numerous amount of times over the last couple of years, and I kind of like And then he set out to erase it. to think of it as just a routine now. I’ve done it so often and I expect myself to be able to potentially do it each and every game. It’s a fun thing Now the go-to guy for the and goaltender-of-the-future to strive for, for sure. candidate for the Calgary Flames, Wolf needs six more shutouts to match the WHL’s all-time record of 26. “Every goalie wants to put up a zero on the board every night. Obviously that doesn’t happen each and every game. But when it does happen, it’s “In my first year, I watched (Carter) Hart tie the record and I kind of set pretty satisfying to say the least.” out after that took place that I would do everything I could to try to beat it,” Wolf said. “I’m up to 20 now, so I need seven more to beat it. It’s kind Wolf is now a finalist for the ’s Goaltender of of unfortunate, because I feel like I could have maybe had another two the Year Award. within our last five games at the end of the season, which definitely would have helped. WHL CAREER SHUTOUT LEADERS

“It’s just another challenge to be had. Seven more … I think there’s a Tyson Sexsmith, 26 (179 GP) good chance.” , 26 (190 GP)

As long as the 2020-21 campaign isn’t delayed or shortened due to the Bryan Bridges, 21 (213 GP) COVID-19 pandemic, Wolf certainly has a good at it. , 21 (195 GP) After all, he posted nine shutouts this past season, making it no surprise that he was saluted Tuesday as winner of the Del Wilson Memorial Dustin Wolf, 20 (127 GP) Trophy as the WHL’s top goaltender. Dustin Slade, 20 (132 GP) Wolf was also the Western Conference nominee a year ago but finished as runner-up. Justin Pogge, 20 (151 GP)

“It’s definitely pretty awesome,” the 19-year-old netminder said shortly Kelly Guard, 19 (115 GP) after Tuesday’s announcement. “After coming up a hair short last year, I Darcy Kuemper, 19 (178 GP) wanted to come into this season and continue to prove myself and have another good season and put myself in a good spot to hopefully have an Calgary Sun: LOADED: 05.20.2020 opportunity at it. Obviously, I thought I did a fairly decent job of that. So to be named the winner, it’s something pretty special.”

‘Fairly decent’ doesn’t even begin to describe his performance in the truncated season.

The Flames’ seventh-round selection in the 2019 NHL Draft, Wolf was a shoo-in for the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy after leading the Dub in every significant puck-stopping category.

He tied for tops in the league with 34 victories.

He set the standard with a 1.88 goals-against average and .935 save percentage.

And he pitched those nine shutouts. Nobody else managed more than five.

The stats that his detractors continue to focus on are his measurements — he’s an undersized prospect at 6-foot and 165 lb. — but Wolf is certainly building an impressive resume in the junior ranks. As Flames general manager put it last month, “he’s been nothing short of dominant at that level.”

That doesn’t guarantee success in The Show, but there are a lot of familiar names engraved on the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy.

Wolf’s former teammate Hart, now an emerging star for the , claimed the award three times during his stint in Everett.

Other past recipients of the WHL’s goalie of the year nod include Carey Price, Martin Jones and Darcy Kuemper. Going back further, Flames legend Mike Vernon won twice while starring for the .

“There are quite a few names on there that are playing in the NHL currently,” Wolf said. “So it’s definitely awesome to have your name amongst those tremendous ’tenders.” 1174679 Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes are close to a deal to remain at PNC Arena through 2029

BY LUKE DECOCK MAY 19, 2020 01:06 PM

A term sheet is in place between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Centennial Authority on a five-year extension to the team’s lease at PNC Arena, although the financial implications of the coronavirus pandemic may delay a final agreement.

The authority, the city-county-state board which oversees PNC Arena, could potentially approve the extension as early as its next scheduled meeting June 4. But because the authority’s primary source of funding is Wake County’s hotel and restaurant tax, uncertainty over future finances could delay the process or even reopen negotiators.

“We’ve been discussing a term sheet but the board has not approved a term sheet at this point,” authority chairman Thomas McCormick said. “Obviously with COVID-19, and not being able to have any person-to- person meetings, it has been difficult. I can’t really comment on anything that might be in the term sheet since the board has not approved it yet.”

The Hurricanes’ current lease runs through 2024; the terms of the extended lease would take effect immediately and run for the next nine years.

The authority has discussed extensive renovations to the 21-year-old building and was promised $9 million per year in hotel and restaurant tax revenue through 2034 to fund them. The authority asked architects Ratio and HOK to prepare a menu of possible renovation options and expects those documents soon, but plans to “pump the brakes” on moving forward with any until it has a better sense of the economy, authority executive director Jeff Merritt said Tuesday.

The Hurricanes and new owner Tom Dundon have been seeking an increased operational subsidy from the arena authority as a condition of any lease extension. Last year, the Centennial Authority hired a consultant from CAA Icon, Dan Barrett, to represent it in negotiations. Barrett asked for, and received, access to the Hurricanes’ finances for assessment.

“I think it’s a fair deal,” Dundon said. “This gives us the flexibility to focus on Raleigh. We want to stay. This puts us in a position to stay here long term. It gives us all the time we need to focus on a long-term solution.”

Part of that long-term solution could potentially include the development of an entertainment district around the arena and Carter-Finley Stadium, amenities PNC lacks. Such an effort would require the involvement and approval of the Hurricanes, N.C. State and the authority.

The Centennial Authority last met in person March 13, a special meeting to discuss the proposed term sheet in closed session. Its next scheduled meeting, on April 2, was canceled. Later in April, the authority’s building and construction committee met by phone and cut its capital project budget for the next fiscal year by $2.6 million because of the lack of events in the building and expected decrease in tax funding.

“Our principal source of revenue is from the room and meal taxes,” McCormick said. “Those industries are hurting as badly as anybody else in the whole country, not just here. We have to be really careful about what we end up approving, if we do approve something, because we have to live within our means.”

News Observer LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174680 Carolina Hurricanes coronavirus pandemic, he’s not even on campus for the end of his final semester at West Point, although he’ll have to go back — and quarantine for two weeks — for graduation in June.

Raleigh native Alex Wilkinson found a different kind of hockey success at He has to shave for his Zoom classes, but there are no virtual Army inspections of his quarters. It’s an unusual finish to his time at Army, but he took an unusual route to get there.

BY LUKE DECOCK MAY 19, 2020 10:55 AM “I would almost certainly choose West Point again, knowing what I know now,” Wilkinson said. “It was always important to me that I was setting myself up for success after hockey. No matter how good you are, hockey is always going to end. I wanted to ensure I had something to fall back on There’s an ever-increasing number of hockey success stories out of whether my career ended after juniors or college or pro or whatever. Raleigh, but none quite like Alex Wilkinson, who is going pro in Being a cadet, learning what I’ve learned through the experiences that something that definitely isn’t sports. I’ve had, it has been a phenomenal path for me. I’d choose it again if I One of the last of the first generation of Triangle players to pick up the could go back.” game after the Carolina Hurricanes arrived, like many of his peers, It turned out to be the right fit, and at the end of one journey, he begins Wilkinson had to leave town to pursue his hockey dreams. He never another. expected where they would take them. News Observer LOADED: 05.20.2020 After a distinguished four-year hockey career at Army, Wilkinson will report to Fort Sill in Oklahoma in July to begin training as an artillery officer, giving new meaning to the old cliche of having a howitzer of a shot.

“It’s definitely going to take a little bit of time to sink and and grasp my journey and where I come from,” Wilkinson said. “Nowadays, hockey in Carolina has definitely progressed a lot. Some of the best coaches I’ve ever had have been from Raleigh and are still in Raleigh. Without those guys, there’s absolutely no way that I nor the seven or eight other kids who are still playing or have played at D-I levels, pro levels would have made it.

“Coming from Carolina has made me a better player. It improved my work ethic. Those opportunities were never just there. It was always something we had to go out and search for rather than just being where we were.”

Wilkinson was a second-round USHL draft pick in 2011, the top junior league for college-bound players, but was cut twice by the team that selected him. His junior career instead took him to Chicago and Connecticut, a four-year odyssey that led him to Army as a 21-year-old freshman.

He never saw himself at a military academy, but Army came looking for him after the coaching staff saw him play for the nearby Connecticut Oilers junior team, where everything clicked for him.

“He found a way,” Raleigh youth coach Colin Muldoon said. “And thrived.”

Wilkinson spent four years as the rock at the center of the Army defense from the day he stepped on campus, the Atlantic Hockey Association defenseman of the year in 2018 and AHA sportsman of the year and a first-team Senior CLASS Award student-athlete all-American in 2020 — the third Army hockey player to be so honored. Remarkably, he committed only one penalty over his final two seasons, none as a senior. In 132 games, Wilkinson had 17 goals and 58 assists.

It’s no coincidence these were four solid seasons for Army, which won 19 games in Wilkinson’s freshman year and went 17-13-3 this season and had a shot to win 20 games for the first time in more than 20 years.

“’Wilkie’ has been a huge part of that,” Army coach Brian Riley said. “He came in here and had an unbelievable career. He’s everything you hope players will be when they’re part of your program. It goes without saying he was a very good player, but even a better person. It’s hard to go through this place without having some tough days. You never would have known that from seeing Wilkie.”

Under different circumstances, Wilkinson might be taking a run at pro hockey, giving the ECHL a shot, in many ways a prototypical modern defenseman, undersized — 5-foot-10, 186 pounds — but able to skate and move the puck. That’s not an option for a cadet. After his training at Fort Sill, he’ll head to Fort Lewis, outside of Seattle, to join the 2nd Infantry Division Artillery. That’s his pro career.

“I just think he was a great fit for West Point and West Point was a great fit for him,” Riley said. “He has tremendous leadership qualities. I am so confident and excited to see this next journey for him as an officer.”

As for his college career, it ended abruptly when Army’s season was cut short on the eve of the AHA playoffs in March, and thanks to the 1174681

Blackhawks' playoff hopes on hold with US and Canada border agreement

By Scott King May 19, 2020 10:32 AM

A major road block may have just surfaced for the Blackhawks and other NHL teams looking to restart the season after there was hope play would resume.

The NHL has been paused since March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The league was reportedly hoping to move into Phase 2 of its plan to return — which would be ending recommended self-quarantine for players, opening team facilities and working in small groups together — within the next couple of weeks.

On Tuesday, CTV News reported that Canada and the United States came to an agreement on keeping the border closed to all non-essential travel for another month.

The extension on the previous agreement upholds border restrictions until June 21.

The idea of a 24-team format, which would include the Blackhawks (12th in Western Conference at time of pause) to resume the season was beginning to pick up steam before the border agreement extension.

If the NHL and its players aren't able to declare themselves a "essential business", it's uncertain at this point how much time would be required to jump start the 24-team format or if it would still be in play if the season were to potentially resume in some capacity.

It was previously reported by Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic that the NHL was considering not beginning the 2020-21 season until December or January.

"NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly says he's hopeful today's Canada- U.S. border announcement 'will not materially affect the resumption of play timelines we are currently contemplating,'" Sportsnet's Chris Johnston reported.

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Hawks Rewind: Blackhawks' offense and Corey Crawford overpower Wild in Game 2

By Scott King May 19, 2020 9:36 AM

For Game 2 of the 2013 Western Conference quarterfinals in Chicago against the Minnesota Wild — re-airing Tuesday on NBC Sports Chicago a 4 p.m. — the Blackhawks were looking to follow up Game 1's dramatic 2-1 overtime victory at the hands of with another win.

It wouldn't be as close a contest as game 1 with the Hawks offense exploding and Corey Crawford putting forth a superb performance in net for Game 2.

Michael Frolik scored his first goal of the 2013 postseason to put the Hawks up 1-0 in the first period and added another goal (shorthanded) early in the second. scored two second-period goals and Bickell again scored the final goal of the game, this time into an empty Wild net for the 5-2 final score.

Crawford made 26 saves to help capture the win and put Chicago ahead in the series 2-0.

"If we're moving our feet, we're playing our team game," Sharp told the media after the game. "The goals are going to come whenever they come, but if we're playing Blackhawks hockey, we'll be better off."

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Blackhawks 2019-20 season in review: Zack Smith

By Charlie Roumeliotis May 19, 2020 6:00 AM

The NHL put its 2019-20 season on pause March 12 due to the COVID- 19 pandemic but remains hopeful to award the Stanley Cup at some point. Although it's unclear if or when it could return, NBC Sports Chicago will recap the season of each Blackhawks player to date in our "season in review" series. Next up is Zack Smith.

The best types of trades are the ones that turn out to be a win-win for both sides. That was the case for the Blackhawks and Ottawa Senators when they made a 1-for-1 swap last July involving and Zack Smith.

From the Blackhawks' perspective, they opened up $1.3 million in cap space and acquired a player in Smith that could bring energy to the fourth line and help on a penalty kill unit that ranked 31st in the NHL.

For a budget team like the Senators, they added veteran center depth and saved money in the process. Anisimov’s cap hit of $4.55 million for this season and next helped them reach the floor, but the Blackhawks paid his $2 million signing bonus prior to the trade so the Senators owe him only $5 million total in actual dollars.

In his first season with the Blackhawks, Smith accumulated 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 50 games and drew significant defensive responsibility. No player on the team had more defensive zone starts on a per-60-minute basis at 5-on-5 than Smith.

"He’s done a great job killing penalties," head coach said in January. "He’s versatile and can play all three forward positions."

The biggest obstacle Smith had to deal with was his back injury, which nagged him all season long. He missed time in training camp with a lower back injury and also came out of the nine-day All-Star break and bye week feeling sore.

After pushing through it for most of the season, Smith had season-ending surgery on March 6 and was put on a three-to-four-month timetable. He should be cleared for hockey activities by June or July, which could be around the time the league is hoping to ramp things up as it looks to finish the 2019-20 campaign in some form.

If the Blackhawks are forced to make difficult financial decisions due to the ramifications of the COVID-19 crisis, you wonder if they could consider buying out Smith, who has one year left on his contract after this season with a $3.25 million cap hit. A buyout would save the Blackhawks $2.166 million in 2020-21 but the team would owe him $1.083 million in 2021-22.

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If NHL season resumes, should players have the option of not playing? “This is serious stuff,” Brian Engblom says

By MIKE CHAMBERS | The Post PUBLISHED: May 19, 2020 at 2:50 p.m. | UPDATED: May 19, 2020 at 3:10 p.m.

The NHL is working to iron out safety protocols in order to resume its season and award the Stanley Cup sometime this summer.

A 24-team playoff at two or four hub cities without fans seems to be the most popular idea. If that happens it may push the start of the 2020-21 season into next year. But former NBC and Avalanche analyst Brian Engblom sees a crack in any plan to resume the 2019-20 season before the U.S. and Canada have a better handle on the coronavirus pandemic.

A little more than 30% of all NHL players are from Europe, where COVID-19 case numbers are relatively small in countries like and . Maybe a guy like — the Avs’ star right winger from Finland — would rather remain home if he doesn’t feel safe in North America?

And what if players such as Montreal forward , a Type 1 diabetic, don’t want to return due to an underlying health issue?

“What if a player from one of the playoff teams says, ‘I’m not doing this. I’m not comfortable. I’m not playing, end of story?” Engblom said in a phone interview from Tampa, where he works as an analyst for the Lightning.

“And what if it’s a key guy? People are afraid and they have every right to be. If you have one player, and maybe he’s a real key player. What do you do? It’s a free country. That person is allowed to say no. These are unprecedented times. How can you make them do anything? What’s a team going to do? Are they going to fine them? You can’t, in my opinion. This is a person’s choice because of an unreal situation.”

NHL players are owed just one more regular-season paycheck, and they will collect that at the end of the month or, for players under contract next season, it will be put into escrow until play resumes. Players aren’t paid in the playoffs. A players’ bonus for advancing to the Stanley Cup Final is approximately $120,000 for the runner-up and $200,000 for the champion.

Thus, at-risk or concerned players don’t have a huge financial incentive to return this season in relation to what they make during the regular season.

Engblom starred at the University of Wisconsin and played 659 games over 10 seasons in the NHL. He would support a teammate if that person didn’t want to play during the pandemic. And he said the league should, too.

“I’m going to go, ‘Oh man, we’re really going to miss that guy.’ But at the same time, I’m fine with that….You have to do what you need to do for yourself and your family,” Engblom said. “I would not hold it against that guy. You can’t in this kind of scenario. This is not like a guy who has a bad groin or another minor injury and you’re saying, ‘C’mon, just play through it.’ This is different. This is serious stuff.”

Former Avalanche general manager Francois Giguere (2006-2009), now running a Denver financial planning company, foresees hockey at its highest level this summer. But he doesn’t expect next season to begin anytime soon.

“There’s going to be hockey to finish the 19-20 season — I feel confident about that — but the question is, will the ’20-21 season start in 2020 or 2021?” Giguere said in a phone interview. “I don’t see the NHL starting the 2020-21 season if they can’t have fans in the building. Financially, it won’t make sense.

“(Right now), there’s an incentive for them to play because of NBC — NBC with no Olympics. With no Olympics, they could play and fill the Olympic time slots. I think that’s the motivation to play this season.”

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Stars owner Tom Gaglardi calls NHL potentially returning without fans ‘a bit of a horrifying thought’

By Joey Hayden

The door to the return of professional sports has begun to crack open in some U.S. states.

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday announced that professional sports in Texas can resume without fans on May 31. While the NHL won’t be ready to get back on the ice by then, it’s still a necessary step toward hockey’s return.

A return to the ice without fans, however, would be a tough pill to swallow for Dallas Stars owner Tom Gaglardi.

“It’s kind of a bit of a horrifying thought, to be perfectly honest, and I sure hope it’s not a road we end up having to visit. And if we do have to visit to get our season completed, I hope it’s not for long,” Gaglardi said in an interview Tuesday with Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 AM The Ticket [KTCK- AM].

And while the thought of Victory Green-clad fans in the stands at may seem a little premature, the unknown future surrounding sports and the coronavirus has allowed Gaglardi and the Stars to at least map out some possible scenarios to allow an audience in the building.

“I don’t think we need a vaccine, per se, to start to see fans in arenas and stadiums,” Gaglardi said. "We’ve got models for 4,000 people in our stadium -- plus or minus – that we could possibly social distance. So, there’s all kinds of conversations and topics going on.

“Next week, we might have some sort of a way to prevent people from dying. It may not be a vaccine. And that could be a game-changer, too.”

The regular season has been suspended since March 12 and the league has not yet allowed practice facilities to reopen for small group workouts. The NHL and NHLPA’s reported Return to Play Committee has been hashing out protocols for what the return would look like.

“That’s the biggest challenge is the logistics of how to test, how often, what the protocols are,” Gaglardi said.

"It’s going to be crazy. Once we get these logistics figured out, we’ve got jurisdictions to worry about, we’ve got players to fly in from Europe – it’s a crazy amount of stuff that we have to clear over to get ourselves in position to play, but we’re determined to do it. And I think we’ll play.”

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.20.2020

1174686 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings' Jeff Blashill speaks to De La Salle seniors in graduation video

Evan Petzold, Detroit Free Press Published 1:12 p.m. ET May 19, 2020

Coach Jeff Blashill on his relationship with Detroit Red Wings general manager . Filmed Feb. 21, 2020 in Uniondale, N.Y. Detroit Free Press

Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill has made plenty of stops throughout Michigan in his lifetime.

He was born in Southfield, grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and played college hockey and later became an assistant coach at Ferris State. His head coaching gigs include Western Michigan and the (AHL) before taking over the Red Wings in 2015.

You can now check another city Blashill has impacted off his list.

Seniors at Warren De La Salle Collegiate are in the final week of their high school careers and Blashill checked in with those seniors virtually. Blashill's online graduation speech focused on fighting through the frustrations of the novel coronavirus pandemic and continuing to succeed through hard work.

"COVID-19 has brought unprecedented times to our doorstep and has robbed you of some great life experiences, but turbulence is part of life, and I have no doubt you will face it in your future," Blashill said in the video. "The question you have to answer then, as you do now, is when you get knocked down, will you get back up?"

His speech to the De La Salle seniors lasted two minutes.

[ Wings' coaching situation has been impacted by coronavirus. Here's how ]

The coronavirus forced the NHL to pause its season March 12 with the regular season scheduled to end April 4. The Red Wings were 17-49-5 with 11 games remaining. Having just 39 points, Detroit was the only team already eliminated from the playoffs.

Despite missing the postseason now each of the last four seasons, Blashill, in his fifth year as head coach, got a vote of confidence from general manager Steve Yzerman back in February.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174687 Detroit Red Wings Analysis: This season hasn’t gone well for Barrie, who likely will not return to the Maple Leafs. Barrie is more of an offensive defenseman who might have to settle for a little less than he expected. The Wings could be a possibility. NHL free agency preview: Red Wings likely to be in market for experience on defense T.J. Brodie, Calgary

2019-20 stats: Four goals, 15 assists, 19 points

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 12:24 p.m. ET May 19, 2020 | Cap hit: $4.65 million Updated 12:24 p.m. ET May 19, 2020 Analysis: Brodie has been a solid player in Calgary, but the Flames have several free agents and limited cap space. Brodie’s production fell this season, but the Flames are likely to work to retain him. This is the second in a three-part series looking at the Red Wings' position-by-position needs entering free agency. Today: Defensemen Justin Schultz, Pittsburgh

Detroit — The Red Wings’ defense likely will look much different next 2019-20 stats: Three goals, nine assists, 12 points season, whenever that’ll begin. Cap hit: $5.5 million Mike Green was dealt at the trade deadline — a few weeks before the Analysis: Schultz’s production fell this season during an injury-plagued season was paused due to the coronavirus pandemic — and Trevor season and he’s stronger offensively than defensively. But at age 29, Daley and Jonathan Ericsson are veteran unrestricted free agents who Schultz likely will draw interest for his experience and offense. will not return. Andy Greene, Defenseman is a Livonia native who starred at Michigan State. 2019-20 stats: Two goals, 12 assists, 14 points

Young players such as Moritz Seider, Gustav Lindstrom and Dennis Cap hit: $5 million Cholowski could be getting greater opportunities if they show they can handle the responsibility. Analysis: Greene, from Trenton, is 37 and spent his entire career with New Jersey before being dealt to the Islanders at the deadline. Would But the unit has to get deeper and more experienced, which means the Greene be interested in ending his career near his hometown, and play Wings likely will be busy sifting through the free-agent market for his (Ohio) coach, Jeff Blashill?

And there are players who could be potential targets — not just by the Brenden Dillon, Washington Wings, but many teams who may have some space to shop under the . 2019-20 stats: One goal, 13 assists, 14 points

The Wings figure to return Danny DeKeyser, who only has played eight Cap hit: $3.2 million games this season due to a herniated disk, Filip Hronek, Patrik Nemeth Analysis: Traded by San Jose at the deadline, Dillon has barely been and Alex Biega. able to make an impact with the Capitals. A big, defensive defenseman, Along with the young defensemen such as Seider, Cholowski and Dillon will attract significant interest because of his durability and big- Lindstrom, restricted free agent will be battling for roster game experience. spots. Sami Vatanen, Carolina

Though there are some interesting options on the free-agent market, and 2019-20 stats: Five goals, 18 assists, 23 points the Wings will have available cap space (only 11 players under contract currently for $46.2 million, while the cap of $81 million could remain flat), Cap hit: $4.875 million there’s still the issue of whether free agents will be attracted to a rebuilding situation. Analysis: At 29 in June, Vatanen is running out of time to show some of the promise he showed early in his career in Anaheim. Vatanen could Here are some potential unrestricted free agent defensemen who could have a good opportunity with the Wings. interest the Wings: Kevin Shattenkirk, Tampa Bay , St. Louis 2019-20 stats: Eight goals, 26 assists, 34 points 2019-20 stats: 16 goals, 36 assists, 52 points Cap hit: $1.75 million Cap hit: $6.5 million Analysis: Shattenkirk was bought out by the New York Rangers and Analysis: Pietrangelo, 30, is one of the premier defensemen in the NHL settled on a 1-year, low-money deal in Tampa Bay. He fit well there, and and is the Blues’ . Yes, St. Louis will have some cap issues, but has indicated he might re-sign with the Lightning for less than market it’s difficult to imagine these two sides parting. value.

Torey Krug, Boston Detroit News LOADED: 05.20.2020

2019-20 stats: Nine goals, 40 assists, 49 points

Cap hit: $5.25 million

Analysis: Krug was coached in junior hockey by Wings’ coach Jeff Blashill, and the Livonia native starred at Michigan State. So, there’s definitely some local connections. But Krug has become a key cog in the Bruins’ roster, a gr owing leader, and the Bruins do have some available cap space.

Defenseman Tyson Barrie has five goals and 34 assists for 39 points this season for the Maple Leafs.

Tyson Barrie, Toronto

2019-20 stats: Five goals, 34 assists, 39 points

Cap hit: $5.5 million 1174688 Detroit Red Wings

Jeff Riger, known for his tough questions, named Wojo's new co-host on 97.1 The Ticket

Tony Paul, The Detroit News Published 10:24 a.m. ET May 19, 2020 | Updated 10:43 a.m. ET May 19, 2020

He's gotten under the skin of just about every sports luminary in Detroit, asking the tough questions fans want answered. Now, it's his time to ruffle Wojo's feathers.

Jeff Riger was named Bob Wojnowski's latest co-host for 97.1 The Ticket's weeknight drive-time program. Riger replaces Kyle Bogenschutz, whose contract wasn't renewed last month after a breakdown in negotiations.

It's the first permanent show assignment for Riger, who's been at the station since 2002.

"I've done pretty much everything at the station, from running a board to getting kicked out of Jim Leyland's office several times, so it's exciting to take on this new role at the station," Riger said.

"Wojo's the best, he's a staple in Detroit sports radio and it's awesome getting a chance to work with him every day."

The show airs Monday through Friday, from 6 to 8 p.m. these days, with no sports going on. When the Tigers, Pistons or Red Wings are playing, the show often is shorter.

Riger, 44, a Canton resident, has been at The Ticket for 18 years, starting out in an entry-level board-operator position, but he quickly found his niche as an interviewer.

A staple at Tigers and Red Wings games, he always can be counted on to ask the pointed questions, which often aren't appreciated by the interview subject. In one memorable moment before a Tigers game in August 2013 in Cleveland, reporters were told not to ask Leyland about Jhonny Peralta's recent suspension for PED use. After allowing other reporters to get in their pertinent questions of the day, Riger then proceeded to ask Leyland about Peralta, prompting an enraged Leyland to clear his office.

In the summer of 2016, Riger served as a temporary co-host with Mike Valenti during afternoon drive, when Terry Foster had taken a leave of absence following a stroke. Riger also has hosted time slots in late night.

He is a graduate of Specs Howard School of Media Arts, and also attended Wayne State.

Detroit News LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174689 The NHL’s Return To Play Committee, which includes Oilers captain Connor McDavid, has been working toward a format to complete the regular season schedule and, according to sources. has been focusing on a 24-team plan involving two 12-team hubs and play-in series before Edmonton 'the safest place' for NHL, says Premier Kenney the traditional four rounds of best-of-seven series. There was no news out of an NHL board of governors meeting Monday.

It was interesting that earlier on Tuesday, Canada and the U.S. Terry Jones announced an extension to keep the border closed for another month to June 21. Many figured that might be a major blow to any plans along these lines. But NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly was quick to respond There’s no ‘bid book’ you have to produce to become an NHL Hub City to via e-mail that he didn’t believe that would be the case. play host to as many as half the games of the 2020 Stanley Cup playoffs. “I am hopeful that today’s announcement will not have a material impact There’s no trip to Monte Carlo to deliver a 15-minute pitch like the one on our Return to Play discussions and timeline.” Premier Ralph Klein produced to win the 2001 World Championships in Athletics for Edmonton. Kenney suggested it was still a go for him.

But his contemporary, Premier Jason Kenney, in taking questions “We continue to work very closely with the Edmonton Oilers franchise,” at the conclusion of a press conference Tuesday, was asked about an he said of the proposal. “I look forward to speaking to commissioner Edmonton bid to secure a bulk of the games here and definitely delivered Bettman, hopefully later this week, about all of that.” the pitch. Edmonton mayor Don Iveson was already one step ahead, having sent “I think we are the safest place they could find in the continent to come,” an official letter of support to the commissioner one week ago. he proclaimed. “I’m thrilled to lend my support for the Oilers Entertainent Group bid to be Kenney didn’t mention the city reported one positive COVID-19 test from a host/hub city for the NHL’s resumption of play,” Iveson posted Tuesday the 2,172 taken throughout the long weekend. Or the six positive tests on Twitter, along with a copy of the letter. “We hope the NHL will over the nine days prior to that from a total of more than 6,600 tests. consider bringing back hockey to one of Canada’s great hockey cities.”

But if safety of the players, referees, linesmen and everybody involved is To me, the NHL still appears to be a long way from declaring ‘Game on.’ indeed the NHL’s No. 1 priority, Kenney certainly emphasized that first But if it’s on, Kenney and Iveson have left little doubt. and foremost. Edmonton is in. “First of all, in terms of Alberta having been a star performer in North Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.20.2020 America on the public health response for the pandemic, particularly here in Edmonton, I think we’re down to 50 active cases in this population, in greater Edmonton, of 1.2 million people,” he said.

The Premier added only a “handful of people are in hospital where hundreds of acute care beds have been set aside for COVID patients.”

Another point he made was that “we have the highest per capita testing in North America, if not the world.”

He then made reference to the ability to keep those involved in a bubble.

“We have one of the best facilities — I would say the best facility — with the brand new Arena. It is attached to a brand new hotel,” he said of the J.W. Marriott connected to the arena by a pedway. “All of the services are right there to be safely integrated in a protected zone that would keep the players and staff insulated. So I think we have a very strong pitch to make.”

A bid book would have featured the calibre and number of dressing rooms, the practice rink within the complex and the fact Edmonton’s ice was rated by the NHL Players’ Association as second in the league to the in Montreal, and had something of a test event for this with last year’s hosting of the eight-nation Hlinka-Gretzky Cup U-18 event.

Kenney pushed another thought.

“The beating heartbeat of hockey and the NHL is the Canadian Prairies. I can’t imagine a better place to come to than the home of the Edmonton Oilers or this province that has done so much for the sport of hockey and for the NHL for decades. It just makes so much sense, so we will be making a significant pitch.”

A big question to many is why you’d really want to become an Stanley Cup playoff Hub City when the fans would not be able to go to any games. Or how there would be very little economic impact in playing host to likely three games a day in the empty building throughout the summer.

But Kenney said he believes there would be big benefits.

“It would be great for this province. We’re going to need to kick start our tourism industry as we come out of the pandemic and I can’t imagine a better way than for tens of millions of people to see the NHL playoffs coming out of Edmonton, Alberta.”

The NHL, which at one point had almost half the teams in the league expressing interest, recently indicated it was down to seven or eight possible hubs, including Toronto, Vancouver and Edmonton in Canada, and Las Vegas in the United States. 1174690 Los Angeles Kings franchise bookends Anze Kopitar and as they enter their final productive years.

It will cost quite a few dimes, no question. But the Kings have no free Should the Kings try to sign Taylor Hall? Let’s weigh the pros and cons agents that will be due significant salary bumps and could have more than $23 million available for 2020-21 along with being set up nicely cap- wise in subsequent seasons. It’s possible that Blake could get Hall under a long-term deal that will keep him under the average annual value of By Lisa Dillman and Eric Stephens May 19, 2020 Kopitar and Doughty so as to not disrupt the team salary scale.

Why not make a fair offer as to term and salary and see if Hall accepts or The Kings have their share of aging forwards under contract, so should opts to try doing better elsewhere? You can do something along the lines they consider deviating from their deliberate rebuild and add one more? of what San Jose did with Logan Couture in front-loading but make it a bit more lucrative given he’s a former MVP with higher offensive potential. No way, you say. Try $11 million for next season and then head downward to where his AAV sits in the $8.5 million to 8.7 million range. But stay with us on this one. What if that player happened to be a Hart Trophy winner from only two years ago? That would be You’re not abandoning the plan with that. There would still be plenty of left wing Taylor Hall, who will be the best available unrestricted free money left to make upgrades in other areas or stash some away when agent forward by a substantial margin when the NHL free-agent market it’s time to commit to Gabriel Vilardi or another youngster that breaks out. eventually opens for business. And Hall wouldn’t have to be a savior. This team already belongs to Just when free agency actually happens is another topic. We are Kopitar, Doughty, Dustin Brown and, to a lesser extent now, Jonathan reporters, not oracles. Quick. But he’d give L.A. what it needs now and into the future — a legitimate front-line scorer that will reignite those veterans and ease the Hall, then with the New Jersey Devils, shared the spotlight in Las Vegas pressure on a growing offensive lineup. This would not be a sequel to the with Kings center Anze Kopitar in 2018 when they were voted as finalists failed Kovalchuk experiment. for the Hart, along with Nathan MacKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. Adding Taylor Hall could send the Kings back into contention quicker The thought of Hall and Kopitar sharing the limelight on the Kings’ No. 1 than originally expected. (Matt Kartozian / USA Today) line and on the power play is intriguing enough to at least consider such a move. The case against Hall

Lisa Dillman and Eric Stephens of The Athletic examined the pros and Dillman: The downside is that the Kings have a plan, and, historically, cons of a potential free-agent splash and if the addition of Hall would once you veer away from a plan, it’s often a miscalculation. They’ve make sense for the rebuilding Kings. plotted a careful course for a reason. It was important for the franchise to reset. The case for Hall Oftentimes, the minute you veer off a plan and attempt to fast-track it, Dillman: Has Christmas come early for the Kings? you are chasing something that isn’t there. Impatience can be the enemy They finally climbed out of salary-cap hell and are among the rare teams of a rebuild. Sometimes you have to slow down, take a deep breath and in a position to actually have the money to go after Hall. Capfriendly.com take your medicine. lists the Kings’ projected cap space at $23 million for 2020-21. So stick to the plan and see where it goes. Especially when the Kings The Kings could take advantage of possible bargains on the free-agent have placed so much faith in their highly-touted prospects and market. And they could acquire an impact player without a player development staff rather than stretching the budget and signing someone acquisition cost, which is a critical factor since they are intent on keeping who will be turning 29 in November. their top prospects. Even at a discount, Hall would cost the Kings a lot of money and term. A In a late April interview, general manager told me that he long-term contract for Hall could end up being between $8 million and $9 thought the Kings’ big cap year would be in another year. While Hall or million per season. Hall spoke with our Pierre LeBrun in mid-April and any other specific player was not discussed, Blake did allow that the rejected the notion of a one- or two-year bridge deal to get through this changing landscape could give the Kings the chance to possibly look at time of economic uncertainty, saying he would rather get “some security some things. and try to sign a long-term deal.”

At times, Hall has been a difference maker and a dynamic player. When Even the best bargains aren’t without drawbacks. For a team that’s only he won the Hart in 2018, the award capped off a 93-point season, which recently wriggled free of salary-cap woes, a move like this could be included a 26-game scoring streak and carried the Devils to the playoffs viewed as squandering a potential advantage when the Kings are still for the first time in six seasons. years away from contending. Why not keep the cap space as an asset to be used down the road? What would work for Hall in Los Angeles is that he wouldn’t have to be The Guy. He would be a complementary piece of the puzzle. Stephens: While the idea of signing a player who is one of the NHL’s top left wings when he’s on his game is enticing, there are drawbacks to that Stephens: I’ve got to hand it to many Kings fans. From the comments I’ve intriguing idea. seen and read over the last two years, the majority of you got on board with the rebuilding plan and stayed the course as the team took in losses Hall is going to be heading into his age-29 season, whenever next the last two seasons. And Blake has dutifully made trades that needed to season rolls around. You’re not getting him on the way up. And it’s highly be done, stockpiled draft picks and let Mark Yannetti and his scouting possible that you’d have him in his declining years over a contract that staff go to work in refilling the pipeline with quality prospects. figures to be, at the very least, five years and could be six or seven taking him into his mid-30s. His game is predicated on speed, and once Now, Blake will have a club in position to start taking steps forward. It’ll that starts to go, what kind of player are you left with? be flush with loads of cap room. And this can be the time to reward fans with their patience by moving toward icing a competitive team and A potentially expensive, unproductive one. starting another arc of playoff contention. You have to factor in that Hall tends to get dinged and has to miss time Signing Hall would be a major signal that the Kings don’t want to stay on on occasion. He has played a full NHL schedule just once in his 10 a rebuilding plan forever. seasons. He was on track to play in 77 games this season, but it would have been only the fifth time that he hit the 70-game mark over his This is not a flier on an aging Ilya Kovalchuk that’s coming back from the career. KHL. This is a 28-year-old winger that still has quality years left in his legs and just two seasons removed from dragging New Jersey into the Without question, Hall has the ability to produce offense. But is he an postseason and winning the Hart largely because of that. Acquiring Hall elite producer? He has scored 30 goals only once and that was the 39- without giving up any of their precious top prospects will reinvigorate goal, 93-point MVP outlier. He has averaged a point per game only four times. Granted, he has played on his share of bad teams, but when you factor that he’d be joining a Kings team that’s lacking in explosive playmakers, then you might be talking about someone who could bring you 60 to 65 points at most and may be hard-pressed to hit that as he gets older.

Is that worth $9 million per season? As my colleague smartly pointed out, Blake might be better served to let the rebuilding process play out another year and then make key additions in multiple areas than put the focus on one position and hope Hall holds up well over time. Or you could throw $7.5 million per year at Torey Krug and address a huge need on defense. He’d be cheaper and possibly a better add.

Hall is tempting. He’s got personality, he can play and he’d bring some attention L.A.’s way. But the reward may not meet the risk.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174691 Minnesota Wild

Wild interested in St. Paul being an NHL "hub city" when games restart

A site would have to be able to host multiple games daily like X could.

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MAY 19, 2020 — 11:00PM

The NHL still is exploring the possibility of finishing the season in centralized locations, and St. Paul might be in the mix.

Two to four cities could be selected to host games when the league returns, and the Wild is interested in being one of those hubs, a source confirmed Tuesday.

During a digital interview earlier this week with Leaders Week, a sports business conference, Commissioner Gary Bettman said the league is evaluating “probably eight or nine different places” that can accommodate “a dozen or so teams in one location.”

This idea took center stage in the NHL’s relaunch efforts after the league backed off the concept of neutral-site games since arenas in non-NHL cities wouldn’t have the infrastructure necessary to stage multiple games each day.

That’s one of the expectations for these hub cities, along with a practice facility and four NHL-caliber locker rooms. has six locker rooms on its event level, and the Tria Rink — the Wild’s practice facility — is less than a mile away.

Despite the NHL focusing on this potential plan, Bettman said “a great deal of uncertainty” persists and there’s no fixed timetable to resume after the league suspended play on March 12 amid the coronavirus pandemic with a combined 189 games to go in the regular season.

Players remain scattered and getting everyone back to their NHL cities might not be easy with border restrictions and quarantine guidelines. The closure of the border between the United States and Canada for nonessential travel was extended another 30 days Tuesday, to June 21, and Bettman said 17% of players are outside North America.

How a centralized setup affects families is also a concern for players.

“Nobody with kids is going to want to be away for three or four months at a time,” Wild goalie said earlier this month.

“I think that’s a lot to ask out of guys.”

Testing is yet another hurdle.

Not only would the NHL need to implement protocols, especially in the event of positive tests, but ensuring it has access to the required resources could be a tricky issue to resolve.

“I am told that there can be enough capacity, and certainly over the next couple of months, there will be more capacity,” Bettman said. “But that is a fundamental question, and we certainly can’t be jumping the line in front of medical needs.”

Still, the NHL and NHL Players Association has a Return to Play Committee in place and a 24-team format is reportedly at the forefront of discussions.

And although the league has yet to open team facilities for small group activities — the next step that would pave the way for an eventual training camp — it believes it can play late into the summer without compromising a complete, 82-game schedule for next season.

“We’d like to complete this season,” Bettman said in comments reported on .com. “We’d like to award the Stanley Cup, the most treasured trophy and the most historic trophy in all of sports. And our fans are telling us overwhelmingly that’s what they’d like us to do, because people have an emotional investment in this season already.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174692 Minnesota Wild

Nation's governors expressing support for return of pro sports

MAY 19, 2020 — 7:34AM

Governors around the country are warming to the idea of the return of professional sports to their states, with two caveats: continued progress against the coronavirus and no spectators in the stands.

The heads of California, Texas, New York and spoke Monday of the return of professional sports to their states, possibly as soon as next month. Florida and Arizona earlier this month gave the go ahead for professional sports.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom tied the return of pro sports with the state's continued progress against the virus. The state has posted a 7.5% decline in hospitalizations over the last two weeks.

Newsom said if that trend continues, pro sports could be back in the “first week or so of June without spectators and modifications and very prescriptive conditions.”

That's welcome news for California teams wondering if they would have to make contingency plans to play elsewhere.

Major League and its players association are in negotiations about starting the season around July 1, with spring training to resume either in a team’s ballpark or in Florida or Arizona.

The NBA and MLS have allowed practice facilities to reopen for limited workouts. The NFL announced its schedule two weeks ago and intends on having a complete season. The National Hockey League is still assessing its plans.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday lifted most coronavirus lockdown orders in his state. The sweeping move set up the return of some professional sports by June.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday that western New York, including the city of Buffalo, met the state’s coronavirus containment goals and can begin to reopen its economy.

He also urged the state's pro sports teams to begin planning to resume playing without fans.

“New York state will help those major sport franchises to do just that,” Cuomo said. “Hockey, basketball, baseball, football, whoever can reopen we’re a ready, willing and able partner.”

The governor said he was eager to watch the Buffalo Bills play.

In Pennsylvania, Gov. Tom Wolf said NASCAR can hold its races at Pocono Raceway in late June if the coronavirus situation improves in the area, though the races might have to go off without fans.

Pocono Raceway is in Monroe County, which currently is under Wolf’s strictest pandemic orders. But the governor said if the county moves to yellow, then NASCAR may hold the two races June 27 and 28, as long as there are no spectators present and guidelines are followed to keep competitors safe.

NASCAR resumed its Cup Series schedule Sunday at Darlington, South Carolina, without fans.

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174693 Minnesota Wild are across the ocean, so the league has to figure out a way to get them back to North America, test them and then have them quarantined for two weeks before allowing them into team facilities.

What’s up with Kirill Kaprizov? Positive steps, hang-ups and options for It does not want to further complicate matters by allowing teams to debut the Wild players that would otherwise not be able to play. In other words, in normal times, hockey wouldn’t be played over the summer, so these players wouldn’t get to play at this time of year.

By Michael Russo May 19, 2020 Of course, the same could be said for established players like Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel, who was thought to have a season-ending

injury. But, in July, Guentzel could be healthy enough to give the What’s going on with Kirill Kaprizov, the KHL highlight machine, Olympic Penguins a serious boost. hero and long considered one of the best hockey players in the world not But the NHL’s position is that teams have already been set for this in the NHL? season and it would be unfair to allow clubs to have open access to bring This has been the question asked ad nauseam by Wild fans for years, in potential impact players like Kaprizov. but especially since the KHL suspended its season April 10 and So right now, the only option for the Wild is to wait. undoubtedly in the 19 days since the Russian star was eligible to sign his first NHL contract with the Wild. Wait, and hope that the more they talk to the NHL and the more the NHLPA campaigns on behalf of Kaprizov and the other players that the Well, we’re here to try to provide as much clarity as to what’s going on league will be convinced to change its mind. behind the scenes as we can. After all, again, if this was May 1 and the Wild were alive, Kaprizov would First of all, good news — kinda, sorta. be eligible to burn the first year of his deal and debut. Over the past 24 hours, there have been a number of positive But as general manager told The Athletic last week, he’s not developments as Kaprizov tries to conclude an agreement with his expecting the league to change its mind and sources continue to tell The eventual NHL team. Athletic that it’s very unlikely. According to multiple sources, things have moved in such a good “Kirill is aware of (the NHL’s likely decision), but we haven’t heard 100 direction that if Kaprizov knew once and for all he would be allowed to percent ‘no’ and we haven’t heard 100 percent ‘yes’ (on the 2019-20 debut this summer — assuming the 2019-20 season resumes at all — season),” Guerin said then. “More than likely, he won’t be able to play he’d be an electronic signature away from making his two-year entry- this summer, but until it’s a 100 percent ‘no,’ there’s really no rush on his level contract official. part to sign for the sake of signing. Kirill just wants to know.” That’s how much the KHL’s two-time leading goal-scorer wants to finally What are the options if Kaprizov can’t play this summer? sign and start this next chapter in his already impressive career. Well, this puts the Wild in a truly precarious position. But, despite all of the work being done behind the scenes, the Wild and Kaprizov remain in a frustrating holding pattern. Kaprizov fully intends to sign and wants to come to the Twin Cities as soon as possible. But if he’s not allowed to sign until next season and IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU HOW GOOD IS KIRILL KAPRIZOV, JUST “next season” doesn’t start until December, well, no horse wants to stand SHOW THEM THIS. #KHLMOMENTS in his stall and not run for six months. PIC.TWITTER.COM/AKTA0VNI2N So, if Kaprizov doesn’t want to wait until December to play hockey and — KHL (@KHL_ENG) MAY 17, 2020 the KHL does start on time, the Wild run the risk of him re-signing in the What’s the hang-up? KHL for a year. That would mean the Wild could lose another precious year of Kaprizov’s career. In a normal situation, if the Wild were still alive in the playoffs, Kaprizov would be eligible to sign and debut immediately because he’s an Once Kaprizov signs, he can become an unrestricted free agent when unsigned draft pick on the team’s reserve list. he’s 27 years old in the summer of 2024. So the Wild fully expect that they’ll need to re-sign Kaprizov to a very lucrative second contract when Stuff like that always happens. he’s eligible.

In 2012, Chris Kreider signed out of Boston College and joined the New What are the alternatives if Kaprizov can’t play this summer? York Rangers in the playoffs. Last April, Hobey Baker winner signed with Colorado in the second round of the playoffs after UMass lost One is to “loan” him to CSKA Moscow. in the Frozen Four final. Nikita Gusev also signed with the Vegas Golden In other words, instead of Kaprizov succumbing to the pressure that’s Knights in the middle of last year’s playoffs even though he never played surely there right now and re-signing with CSKA Moscow for a year, he a game for them. can sign with the Wild for the 2020-21 season but the Wild could “loan” So, the Wild and Kaprizov believe it’s only fair that this should be the him to Moscow until the Wild’s eventual 2020-21 training camp begins. case if this season resumes in July. Right now, the NHL’s Return to Play That gets dicey because the Wild will have to trust that Kaprizov will be Committee is negotiating the return of 24 teams this summer that would permitted to leave in the middle of Moscow’s season when there will whittle down to a 16-team playoff. certainly be pressure for him to stay. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the NHL to suspend its There is no transfer agreement between the NHL and the KHL, so even season March 12, the league altered its longstanding “reserve list” rule though this loan scenario typically would be permitted, there’d be nothing and prohibited any contract to be signed with a 2019-20 start date. And forcing the KHL to abide by the pact. as The Athletic reported last week, a well-placed league source said there’s likely “zero chance” that the NHL will change its mind if the Theoretically, the Wild could loan Kaprizov to play anywhere. For season resumes. instance, the Swedish Elite League may start on time, but if the KHL is playing at the time, Kaprizov signing in Sweden rather than the Red Army Deputy commissioner Bill Daly has made that clear to the Wild, sources team probably wouldn’t go over well for future international team service. say. Another option is for Kaprizov to simply sign for the 2020-21 season, get This only affects a handful of players, guys like Montreal’s Alexander his work visa and come over to the United States as soon as possible to Romanov, Florida’s , the Islanders’ Ilya Sorokin, spend as much time in the Twin Cities as possible to get accustomed to Chicago’s Ian Mitchell and St. Louis’ . his new team, lifestyle and U.S. culture. So, why is the league being so stubborn? The Wild and Kaprizov, sources say, are investigating if he’d at least be It’s already dealing with all sorts of challenges that make restarting this allowed to skate with the Wild when rosters expand this summer for the season problematic. One is that roughly half the NHL’s 300 Europeans 2019-20 resumption. The third option won’t sit well with the Wild, their anxious fans, and even Kaprizov himself. And that’s to wait a year.

One wrinkle is that once Jan. 1 passes, Kaprizov will be in his 24-year- old year even though he doesn’t turn 24 until April 26. That means he would only be able to sign a one-year entry-level contract, not a two-year deal.

So, what now?

Right now, both sides are waiting for a final resolution before potentially having to decide on the above multiple options.

When it came to Romanov, Denisenko, Mitchell and Perunovich, their respective teams issued press releases that the players “agreed to terms” on contracts with an unknown start date. Sources say the NHL was furious the releases were worded that way because it was in direct contradiction to the league mandating that no contracts could be signed for 2019-20.

While those teams wanted to give themselves insurance in case the NHL ultimately changes its mind during what’s believed to be soon-to-be- announced return-to-play rules, none of the “agreed to terms” contracts have been allowed to be submitted to Central Registry with that terminology.

Their contracts can only begin in 2020-21, the league maintains.

This is why the Wild and Kaprizov are in a holding pattern.

Even though Kaprizov is ready to sign, the Wild are not going to defy league rules and announce he has agreed to terms on two separate two- year contracts, one where he burns the first year this summer.

So, the eternal Kaprizov saga will likely drag on a little longer.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174694

Canadiens netminding prospect Primeau named to AHL all-rookie team

Author of the article:Pat Hickey • Montreal Gazette

Canadiens goaltending prospect has been named to the American Hockey League all-rookie team.

Primeau, 20, posted a 17-11-3 record in his first professional season with the . He had a 2.45 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. He also made two appearances with the Canadiens, posting a 1-1 record with a 2.52 GAA and a sparkling .931 SP.

Primeau, who is the son of former NHL player Keith Primeau, was drafted in the seventh round (199th overall) by the Canadiens in 2017. He played two seasons at Northeastern University in Boston, where he won the Award as the top goaltender in U.S. college hockey in 2019.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174695 Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens’ 11-5-3 record on Nov. 15 represented the sixth-best points percentage in the NHL but, more importantly, depending how those five regulation losses and three overtime or shootout losses were spread out, their 11 wins in that span replicated in a hypothetical best-of- Why a 24-team postseason would be the worst thing imaginable for the three play-in and two rounds of playoffs would find the Canadiens in a Canadiens conference final. And Price would be playing as rested as he’s ever been, which would represent a serious opportunity.

Not only that, but on Nov. 15, when they were fully healthy, the By Arpon Basu May 19, 2020 Canadiens were fourth in the NHL in 5-on-5 shot share, tied for first in the league in 5-on-5 goals for and second in 5-on-5 goals for percentage. In other words, they were a good team on several levels, one that could Think back, for a moment, to what Brendan Gallagher said almost a conceivably make a decent run under the playoff scenarios currently month ago. being discussed.

At the time, there was a thought that finishing the regular season was There would be benefits to that happening, let’s not disregard that. For important. It no longer seems all that important, and Gallagher’s primary one, the Canadiens players who have little to no playoff experience concern at the time seems to have gained importance. would get some, but it would be a watered down version of playoff experience, one with no home crowd, no grind of starting the playoffs “It always comes back to the same thing, it’s about winning,” Gallagher after an 82-game season. But still, for players like Max Domi who have said back on April 23. “If it’s going to interfere with our ability to prepare never played in the playoffs, any version of playoff hockey would be for next year where we have a chance, I’d rather continue my training valuable. Same goes for important core players like , Paul and continue to do all that. If it’s a situation where you have a chance to Byron, Artturi Lehkonen and others who don’t have a ton of playoff play and they expand the playoff bracket, obviously you’re going to be all games under their belt. for it.” But the downside to a surprise playoff run for the Canadiens would be far Again, at the time, the Canadiens having a chance to win seemed out of greater. If they were to wind up being out of the draft lottery and picking the question. But now, with talk of a 24-team play-in gaining momentum, somewhere in the bottom third of the first round – not to mention picking Gallagher’s primary concern – that the Canadiens would be forced to in the bottom third of every subsequent round – it would be a come back with nothing to play for – seems to be less of one. There is no catastrophe. doubt Gallaher would jump at the chance of 24 teams having a chance at the Stanley Cup, because he said as much. In theory, no player should Yes, a run to the conference finals would be thrilling for the city in the balk at that chance. That is what they play for. To have a chance. short term, and there is no doubt this fan base needs something to be thrilled about. That can’t be discounted here. But what would be far better And this is what should frighten the Canadiens to no end. To have that for the long-term success of the franchise would be the slight chance of chance. Because they would legitimately have one. winning the draft lottery and getting their hands on Alexis Lafrenière, but Not to win the Stanley Cup, no. They wouldn’t have a legitimate chance barring that, simply having a top-10 draft pick is of the utmost at that, though it should be said, anything is possible. But speaking in importance. realistic terms, no. The Canadiens would instead have a tremendous Losing that opportunity because an artificial return-to-play mechanism chance to go on an unlikely run that would cost them dearly, with little to and an untimely hot streak denied them that would hurt the Canadiens no upside. severely. Because this team is what it is, one with a goalie who can carry Now, this is assuming the NHL does not hold a draft prior to the season his team on his shoulders, but one that needs everything to go perfectly resuming, but a June draft appears to be a dwindling possibility with the for it to have any sustained success. amount of pushback the NHL has gotten from NHL general managers. Having that sustained success without everything going perfectly As we’ve noted before, a draft without the real possibility of making requires depth of talent, and while the Canadiens have a deep prospect trades for players would be an unmitigated disaster for the Canadiens. pool that may one day provide it, they would be better served by adding But having a draft before a hypothetical 24-team play-in would not to that pool with a high pick in this deep draft than they would by having a actually be all that bad. temporarily euphoric playoff run that would prevent them from doing that. Check out this quote from an NHL executive to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski. There is no doubt someone like Gallagher would want an opportunity to “Before it was about 31 teams coming back, but when you have 24 win in order to find motivation for a return to play this season. But teams in the playoffs, that has an effect on the draft. Bringing more Gallagher also said that the most important consideration he has in teams into the playoffs that would have made trades knowing they’re out deciding where he signs his next contract is the opportunity to win. If he of the playoffs a few months ago are now in the playoffs. There’s a wants that to happen in Montreal, he should be careful what he wishes balance the league has to maintain to figure that out,” a team executive for. told Wyshynski. “You have the advantage of being sellers (at the Because an opportunity to win this summer might come at the expense deadline) and still getting into the playoffs. A goalie gets hot, the other of an opportunity to win on a more sustainable basis with the Canadiens team gets an injury, things could change quickly. Now you have a team in the years to come. that’s picking eighth, and they’re in the third round of the playoffs.” The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 Which team has a goalie that other team executives would most fear getting hot in the playoffs? And which team would be picking eighth if the draft were to be determined solely based on either points or points percentage at the time play was suspended? The answer to both questions is the Canadiens.

If that were in fact the scenario the NHL goes through with, one where the Canadiens pick eighth overall in the draft and have a chance to win the Stanley Cup, then there is no way the Canadiens would or should object. But if the draft is held after the playoffs, a chance to reach the third round is the worst thing that could happen to the Canadiens.

Because remember how the Canadiens were playing when they were fully healthy? Through six weeks of the season, they were 11-5-3 after beating the Washington Capitals in Washington, a game in which they lost and Paul Byron to injury. At the time, Carey Price led the NHL in wins with 10, had a .917 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against average. 1174696 Nashville Predators

Nashville wants to host games if NHL resumes season in centralized locations

Gentry Estes, Nashville Tennessean Published 12:04 p.m. CT May 19, 2020 | Updated 4:20 p.m. CT May 19, 2020

Nashville is interested in serving as a neutral-site host city for the NHL should the league proceed with its 2019-20 season by playing in centralized locations.

Commissioner Gary Bettman said Monday the NHL is considering "probably eight or nine different places" as centralized locations to welcome "a dozen or so teams," according to the league's website.

"If the NHL wants to play without fans, we want to be a (host) city," Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, told The Tennessean.

These games, if they happen, would likely proceed without fans and include multiple contests per day.

Among the factors being evaluated for potential NHL sites, according to the league's website, are hotel space, the ability to test for COVID-19 "without doing so at the expense of the medical community," and multiple locker rooms "that can be sanitized as teams move in and out."

Bridgestone Arena uses auxiliary locker rooms — in addition to the Predators' team locker room — each year for the SEC men's basketball tournament.

Workers begin to disinfect seats inside after the Southeastern Conference decided to cancel the SEC Tournament over coronavirus concerns on Thursday, March 12, 2020.

"We have the practice facilities, the game facility, the walking distance of hotels," Spyridon said. "I think we're as well-equipped (as anyone), when you add in our geographic location for teams to get here."

It's unclear what format NHL would use upon the resumption of play, be it the conclusion of the regular season or a structure similar to pool play in an Olympic-style postseason format to determine a champion.

"We'd like to complete this season," Bettman said Monday. "We'd like to award the Stanley Cup. And our fans are telling us overwhelmingly that's what they'd like us to do, because people have an emotional investment in this season already."

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The ice at Bridgestone Arena has remained intact during the pause in play caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Predators president and CEO Sean Henry said last week.

Asked why the ice was left intact, Henry said, "... If we end up having to use the ice for anything in the next few weeks or months, it's better to have it in."

Bridgestone would be able to host games on short notice because the ice was never removed, while fresh ice would take days to prepare for play.

Henry declined to comment on Tuesday.

Spyridon said he has communicated with Henry about supporting the idea of hosting games, though Spyridon doesn't know where Nashville stands in the NHL's ongoing process.

"I think we should be considered," Spyridon said, "but I don't know whether we are or not."

Tennessean LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174697 New Jersey Devils

N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo doubles down on sports without fans in the stands: ‘Ready, willing and able’

By Mike Rosenstein

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is willing to do whatever it takes for sports to return amid the coronavirus pandemic.

One week after presented its plan to return amid the COVID-19 crisis, Cuomo said Monday at his daily press conference that the Empire State is on board with facilitating the return of sports, with one caveat. Per SNY:

“I also have been encouraging major sports teams to plan reopenings without fans. But the games could be televised. New York State will help those major sports franchises to do just that. Hockey, basketball, baseball, football -- whoever can reopen -- we’re a ready, willing, and able partner ... If they can make the numbers work, I say great -- come back. ... Why wait until you can fill a stadium before you start to bring a team back? If you can televise it in the meantime, great.”

On Saturday, Cuomo said he’s encouraged by recent talks to restart baseball and appeared to give his blessing for the to return to the Bronx this year. Per News’ Nick Reisman:

Cuomo on Yankees and Mets playing: “If you have an economic activity that can take place and generates economic interest and entertainment interest...when you look at the risk-reward, there’s a lot of reward with minimal risk.”

Last month, Cuomo called for the return of sports, but said fans shouldn’t be allowed in the stands.

“I would like to start watching sports. You know, whether or not we sit in a stadium with thousands of others, I don’t know that that is in the short term for the foreseeable future, but I don’t know why we can’t watch it on television, right? Why can’t you have games with no audiences, and just to start the sports and entertainment so people have something to watch and follow?”

One week ago, MLB owners approved a plan to reopen spring training as early as next month, with regular-season games beginning in early July (although fans wouldn’t be allowed to attend games).

In addition to the controversial move of cutting players’ salaries, the plan owners approved also calls for:

Teams to play in their home cities — and even use them for their spring trainings — so long as they’re not putting anybody at increased risk for the coronavirus.

A season that could last about 82 games with interleague play based on geography (i.e. AL East vs. the NL East).

14 teams qualifying for the playoffs, doubling the wild-card spots in each league to four.

Expanded rosters, jumping to approximately 30 players, with 20-man taxi squads.

The use of a universal DH in 2020.

The cancelation of the 2020 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

On Saturday, The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich reported on some of the proposed protocols MLB recommended to the players’ union. It includes: an aggressive plan to test (and retest) the players; limiting access to team facilities; rules players must follow on the field and in the dugout (including a ban on spitting and high fives).

Star Ledger LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174698 New Jersey Devils

NHL players’ fear of Carey Price part of messy return equation

By Larry Brooks May 19, 2020 | 9:47PM

Carey Price. That’s right, Carey Price.

For it is largely due to the remarkable reputation of the Montreal goaltender among his peers that much talk about the format of what appears to be a summer 24-team tournament has fixated on how unfair it would be to face Price in a best-of-three, multiple sources report.

We are told there is growing support for a best-of-five first round that would, to a degree, temper the impact of a hot goaltender in a short series. Price, who routinely tops players’ polls, is one of 10 netminders to have played in at least 60 postseason matches. He ranks eighth in save percentage (.914) and goals against average (2.53) with the fewest wins of the group while going 25-31. But perception in this case is reality.

The sides have not yet nailed down the specifics of testing, but we’re told that there will be frequent testing with rapid turnaround in the league’s hub cities. It is not yet decided the number of centralized locations in which the NHL will operate — probably two or four — but readiness and availability of labs and proper medical personnel are necessary components of the hub sites’ proposals to act as hosts.

Deputy commissioner Bill Daly has previously said that even multiple positive tests will not necessarily require cancellation of play. But rest assured no one wants to put that to the test.

Beyond that, figuring out the testing for Phase II, when players may voluntarily report to their respective teams’ practice facilities, is much more dicey. Those plans have yet to be developed.

Most of the focus from both the NHL and NHLPA has been on the format, testing and health-related issues. There are outstanding issues, but the parties each have devoted a significant amount of time on specifics. Certainly there is an awareness on the players’ side of the increased risk they are taking, but there is also strong support for returning to the ice.

Much of the discussion, as well, has regarded escrow and the possibility of extending the collective bargaining agreement that expires following 2021-22. The Post has learned that the parties have discussed the concept of placing a cap on escrow as part of an extension. Under terms of the current CBA, the players are responsible for making up the 2019- 20 carryover escrow next year. The players would obviously prefer to extend the payment over multiple seasons.

We’re told the anticipated escrow cap offer would be higher than 25 percent. The parties have been preoccupied with the escrow issue at the expense of give-and-take on other CBA-related matters.

There has been little discussion between the parties about the rules of engagement under which the games will be played this summer. Baseball is prepared to institute social-distancing away from the field and is discouraging all but the most necessary contact — no handshakes, no high fives. How is this going to work in hockey? It obviously can’t and still be hockey. So both sides here have many challenges.

There is also the matter of changing contract expiration dates so that players don’t become free agents on July 1. The teams and union are in contact with government authorities about extending work visas that expire June 30, but that is an outstanding issue.

Tuesday’s declaration that the U.S.-Canadian border would remain closed to nonessential travel for another month, through June 21, probably won’t have great impact on the NHL, given how anxious U.S. government authorities seem to be for a return of pro sports.

But there is that to consider. There is the 14-day self-quarantine when crossing the border to Canada to consider. There are travel restrictions and potential self-isolation regarding players returning from Europe with which to deal.

In other words, there is much to be done before the puck can be dropped.

New York Post LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174699 New York Rangers

Rangers' David Quinn to do weekly interview show on MSG

By Colin Stephenson

As momentum builds toward professional sports returning to play, MSG Network announced on Tuesday that Rangers coach David Quinn will take part in a new weekly interview series with Rangers studio analyst Steve Valiquette and reporter Michelle Gingras.

It will be shown every Sunday at 7 p.m. on the network’s broadcast and streaming outlets.

The program, called “Home Ice with David Quinn,’’ will be a 30-minute show in which the second-year coach offers insight into the Rangers' roster, as well as how Quinn is staying in touch with his players and staff.

The NHL remains on pause since play was halted on March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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1174700 Ottawa Senators while Mikkel Boedker has been participating from Denmark. Don’t fret if you don’t see Mark Borowiecki’s name here because anybody who follows on Instagram knows he’s hard at work.

Ottawa Senators' conditioning staff keeping players ready for every “From a scientific point of view we’ve been having hard weeks and then scenario lighter weeks and then harder weeks and then lighter weeks,” said Schwarz, who is also doing an online conditioning course for fans on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 8 a.m.

Bruce Garrioch “We’re also thinking about a double-tiered summer program where you get them back up and then let them take more time in the summer if they May 19, 2020 5:30 PM EDT need it. Where they’d normally take a week off, they might take two or three weeks off. It’s all about being ready in case we don’t play until next season but then not logging out (on this year).” Their lives are structured, schedules are set so they show up, get the job done and then at the end of the day they’re expected to get the proper The best analogy for the situation might be, instead of turning the amount of rest to get ready for whatever comes next. computer off, the Senators are just putting it to sleep from time-to-time in case they need to fire it back up again next month. Seventy days into the NHL’s pause because of the threat of the novel coronavirus and the Ottawa Senators don’t know the next time they’ll set Once the travel restrictions have been lifted, the Senators’ conditioning foot on the ice or if they’ll play again this season. and development staff will filter out to check in with prospects for one-on- one time and they’ve been doing sessions with them online as well. There were 11 games remaining in the season when the league halted Normally, the club would have a development camp after the draft in because of COVID-19 and though it’s doubtful the Senators will come June but that won’t be happening unless there’s a way to make it work in back this season even if the NHL does return to award the Stanley Cup the summer. in July, August and September nothing has been made official so the organization needs to make sure the players are prepared during what’s Schwarz is confident whenever the Senators do gather again they’ll be an unprecedented situation. ready because coach D.J. Smith is a stickler for fitness and won’t put up with second best while Belleville’s Troy Mann is demanding as well so The best bet for the players is to stay ready in whatever part of the world there will be regular testing over the summer as well if the club doesn’t they’re at in case they do return to the for a reconvene. shortened camp next month and that’s why many are spending time online with strength and conditioning coach Chris Schwarz, assistant Rob “The players know what the homework is and it’s right in front of them: Mouland and Belleville strength coach Jeremy Benoit to stay fit for a You better come in good shape, so they know the expectations,” said scenario that hasn’t been determined. Schwarz. “They know D.J. likes to skate and Troy likes things done in a certain manner. They know the expectation is they’ll be ready.” “We have a program that we can send out for online and it’s got a prescription of what we think that individual should do and it’s (accompanied with) video,” Schwarz said in a telephone interview Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.20.2020 Tuesday morning. “They all have programs or they have their own trainers that they’re with for the summer that we might work together with or we might say, ‘You know what they have is good and that’s going to transition you properly into what you’re going to do in another month or two if we don’t end up playing.’

“The balancing act here is, how good a shape do we stay in knowing that even though we’re not one of the teams in the playoffs so we could end up playing later on.? There might be a gap right now that we don’t know about. We used to know that we’re done for the season, maybe we didn’t make the playoffs, we’d have a couple of weeks off and then I’d know in 16-to-18 weeks we have to get a guy ready.

“We don’t know (what will happen) so getting somebody ready when you’re doing the sports performance stuff you have to think of the short- term and the long-term.”

And, that’s where it’s difficult for Schwarz, Mouland and Benoit to predict. There’s uncertainty surrounding the return to play and in a lot of cases this would be the first time in many of these players’ careers they’ve been off skates for this long. Yes, rinks are open in some places, but many haven’t been on the ice since everything came to a halt.

Sure, the players only missed about 24 days of the regular season, but if you listen to what’s being reported the club may not be back at training camp until mid-November. Between now and then, what are the rules of engagement going to be? The players, outside of their virtual one-on-one work with the staff, gather online every Wednesday at 10 a.m. with Schwarz and the staff to do some fitness training.

The biggest challenge is there’s no finish line to this season and nobody has idea about what will happen for the 2020-21 campaign with the exception of the fact the league is determined to play 82 games.

“We get somewhere between 6-to-12 guys depending on the week,” said Schwarz. “Some of the guys have their own trainers and others are guys we’re working with and most of them are keeping themselves in pretty good shape because it’s part of their day so they do training. It’s tough because they’re not skating, some in the States will be able to skate a little more and some have found artificial ice.”

Guys like Brady Tkachuk, Thomas Chabot, Christian Wolanin, Matthew Peca, , Logan Brown and Chris Tierney have been among the participants in the Wednesday along with Nikita Zaitsev from 1174701 Ottawa Senators rink, an area – allowing for proper physical distancing – will be set aside for a maximum of five people to lace up skates. Once those skaters take to the ice, the room will be thoroughly disinfected, preparing for the next group. Skaters will leave the ice through a separate exit room. NHL players returning to the ice in Ottawa this week As per custom, a Zamboni will resurface the ice following each 50-minute session, but no spectators will be allowed in the rink at any time.

Ken Warren “We worked in consultation with the province,” said Lawryk. “We’ve developed an entrance/exit strategy for the building where nobody is May 19, 2020 4:49 PM EDT backtracking or crossing paths.

“There are a lot of moving pieces. We’ll have a greeter at the door, like a The wait to skate again is finally over. a golf course. You talk to the starter, who advises people on the rules and we will have a supervisor inside, making sure the rules are In a small but significant step, NHL and OHL players will return to the ice being followed. in Ottawa Thursday for the first time since arenas were shut down for the novel coronavirus 10 weeks ago. “Some people might say it’s overkill, but we would rather be on the safe side.” The Minto Arena, a private facility on Lancaster Road, has received government approval to re-open, providing that no more than five people are on the ice at any time. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.20.2020 There will be other strict codes of behaviour in place, including maintaining proper physical distancing at all times within the building.

Not surprisingly, it hasn’t taken long for the word to spread and for the rink to fill.

Since Minto received clearance to go ahead with its plans, the building is booked solid from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. for 50-minute sessions on Thursday and Friday.

“It has been pretty busy from our standpoint and we’ve had lots of enquiries in the past 24-48 hours,” said Minto Arena general manager Scott Lawryk. “A lot of skating schools are checking it out, along with the pro and minor pro players.”

Senators players and other NHL players who live in Ottawa will be taking advantage of the opportunity to skate for the first time since the league shut down more than two months ago.

At this point, though, the idea of a formal practice or even informal games of shinny is a long way off.

The players who take to the ice will be looking to wear off the rust and fine-tune their strides with isolated skating drills, in most cases with a skating coach providing the instruction from a distance.

“Any activity on the ice has to abide by physical distancing,” said Lawryk, who contacted the provincial government for approval and guidance after Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that Stage One of the province’s reopening plan would begin on Tuesday. “A lot of people are using it as a coach and four players. You’re not going to have conventional hockey. You’re not going to have any situations, for instance, where you might have puck battles.

“We have three ice surfaces and we’re only using one – the international ice surface – so it’s easier to maintain the distance. Five people on the ice shouldn’t be an issue.”

The NHL continues to hold out hope of playing hockey in the summer, with the most likely situation being an expanded 24-team playoff with no spectators allowed in yet to be named locales.

The Senators, who sat 30th in the 31-team league when play was suspended, wouldn’t be involved in such a scenario, but summer training is vital for young players in their development.

Ottawa is also home to NHL players from teams that would be involved in the playoffs, along with Ottawa 67’s players and other promising teenaged prospects in the region.

Expect all of the above to be on the ice as soon as possible.

While Lawryk says “there’s no playbook” on how to gradually return to the business of operating rinks, the Minto Arena took some cues from , where the re-opening of the economy is a few weeks ahead. The Burnaby Winter Club opened on May 5, with a number of restrictions in place, including a limited number of skaters on the ice at all times.

It’s all about health and safety first.

Skaters are being asked to show up at the Minto Arena ready to go, wearing everything they’ll need on the ice except skates. Once inside the 1174702 Ottawa Senators

Mikkel Boedker signs two-year deal with Lugano in Swiss league starting next season

Bruce Garrioch

May 19, 2020 9:43 AM EDT

The Ottawa Senators haven’t even learned if their season is officially over but Mikkel Boedker has already decided where he’ll suit up next season.

The little-used forward, who is a unrestricted free agent on July 1, signed a two-year deal with HC Lugano in the Swiss league Tuesday morning.

While Boedker, who suited up for only 20 games with the Senators before the NHL went on pause March 12 with 11 games remaining on the club’s schedule, wasn’t going to be back in Ottawa next year, the timing of the signing is still a little odd.

Though the league hasn’t decided whether all 31 teams will resume playing if the league returns in July and August, the NHL is leaning towards a 24-team format which means the Senators’ season would be over. That hasn’t happened yet and unless the Senators gave Boedker permission to speak with teams overseas then he’s technically still under contract to Ottawa.

“I am very happy to play in Lugano and to get to know the Cornèr Arena audience personally,” Boedker said in the press release. “I have heard that the fans are exceptional and very passionate. I am very motivated for the challenge that awaits me in Swiss hockey and I hope that together we can achieve something great.”

Lugano GM Hnat Domenichelli said he understood that Boedker still had a contractual obligation to return to the Senators if they do resume playing.

“We are very happy to be able to count on a fast winger like Mikkel,” Dominechelli said. “He is a complete forward who has played twelve seasons in the NHL and will certainly be an important reinforcement for our team. His current team, the Ottawa Senators, are unlikely to play the 2019-20 season playoffs in the NHL. If so, we will wait for him.”

Boedker, 30, spent two seasons with the Senators but had no role under new coach D.J. Smith and the club tried to move him at the last two trade deadlines but had no luck. He was acquired as part of the deal that sent winger Mike Hoffman to the San Jose Sharks before he was flipped to the .

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174703 Philadelphia Flyers But it would make the 82-game regular season even more meaningless than usual.

If NHL returns with gimmicky 24-team tourney, it shouldn’t use it beyond Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.20.2020 this season | Sam Carchidi

by Sam Carchidi

If the NHL season is resumed and the Flyers win their first Stanley Cup since 1975, no one in these parts will question the integrity of the playoff format and call it a tainted title.

After all, the Flyers, who had the Eastern Conference’s fourth-best winning percentage when the season was paused March 12 because of the coronavirus outbreak, had established themselves as a worthy contender in coach ’s first season in Philly.

The league and the Players Association have a difficult job. Foremost, they are trying to return to action and make things safe for the players and staff members. They should be applauded for their cautious and slow approach.

Assuming the medical experts say the games can resume without fans in attendance, both sides want to be fair to teams that had a chance to reach the playoffs when the season was stopped.

And, so, the league has floated a watered-down, 24-team plan for its return. Under the plan, 12 teams from each conference, an increase from the usual eight, would still have a shot at winning the Cup. Details are still sketchy, but one idea is to have some teams compete in play-in games, with the winners advancing to a 16-team playoff field, the same as in a normal season.

It has also floated a scenario in which the top two teams in each division – like the Flyers and Capitals in the Metro – meet in a short series to determine who gets the top seed. Under one proposal, the next four divisional teams would play best-of-three series to determine if they get into the field of 16.

While it’s admirable that the NHL is trying to be fair to as many teams as possible, it says here the league is erring by looking to increase the bracket.

As this space has stated, have eight teams in the playoffs – the top four in each conference, based on points percentage – and then have three rounds, like in the old days. Play five-game series in the Stanley Cup quarterfinals and semifinals, and a seven-game championship series.

Lowering the risk

The fewer teams involved and the fewer games that are played will reduce the chance of someone contracting the coronavirus. There are no guarantees, of course, that players and/or staff members won’t get sick, but it would at least make the odds more favorable.

The league, however, seems to be making traction with its 24-team format. Is it because of the much-needed TV revenue it would generate, or because it wants to be more equitable to the teams that have worked hard to be in a position to win the Cup?

According to reports, the NHL can earn up to $500 million in TV revenue if a 24-team format is adopted.

While there has been no firm commitment made to the format, it is getting lots of discussion and appears to be the leader in the clubhouse. After teams have small-group, on-ice sessions at practice arenas for a short time, the league hopes to have a three-week training camp in June. In the 24-team scenario, the season would restart in July, and a Stanley Cup champion probably wouldn’t be crowned until (yikes) late August or early September.

In other words, the Boys of Summer will not only pertain to baseball.

If a 24-team field (including play-in games) is adopted, here’s hoping it would not become a part of the NHL moving forward. Yes, it generates more revenue – especially when fans are allowed in buildings – and, yes, it creates more interest in cities where teams are hopelessly out of the normal playoff picture. 1174704 Philadelphia Flyers Former Flyer says NHL should cancel its season because of health concerns, including depression.

One night earlier, Reggie Leach had too much to drink. The next night, Injuries again stall progress of former Flyers first-round draft pick German after teammate Bobby Clarke pleaded with Flyers coach Fred Shero to Rubtsov | On the Fly keep the right winger in the lineup, Leach equaled an NHL record with five goals in a playoff game.

Looking at the 2020-21 season by Sam Carchidi The more I talk to NHL executives, the more I believe this season will resume in July and end in September. If that happens, look for the 2020- 21 season to start in November or December. For Flyers prospect German Rubtsov, this was supposed to be his breakout season with the AHL’s Phantoms.. If the league bags its All-Star Game in 2020-21 and the one-week bye teams receive, there is a possibility they could still play 82 games next Instead, there were more injuries and more questions about a player who season. was selected in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2016 draft. To be truthful, 70 games is long enough, but that would cut into TV Rubtsov was making an impact with Lehigh Valley in 2018-19. He had six revenue, so the league is expected to try to play as many games as goals and 10 points in 14 games and played solid defense before possible. suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Important Dates: A natural center who can also play wing, Rubtsov looked fully recovered during the Flyers’ training camp in September after surgery and a Tuesday: Forty-six years ago from this date, Rick MacLeish scored a grueling rehab. He even flirted with making the team. first-period power-play goal and Bernie Parent was flawless in the nets as the Flyers defeated Boston, 1-0, in Game 6 at the electric Spectrum After being demoted to the Phantoms, however, the 21-year-old forward and captured their first Stanley Cup. ran into several obstacles, including a concussion. Wednesday: On this date in 2004, Simon Gagne’s goal gave the Flyers a “Ruby had multiple injuries, and he had some personal stuff with his 5-4 OT win over visiting Tampa Bay in Game 6 of the Eastern girlfriend’s family and had to go back to Russia for a while,” Phantoms Conference finals. The Flyers dropped Game 7 in Tampa. coach Scott Gordon said last week. Thursday: Thirty-five years ago, the host Flyers stunned powerful At one point, Rubtsov was recalled by the Flyers and made his NHL Edmonton, 4-1, in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. It would be their only debut Nov. 1, but he was sent back to the Phantoms after three games win in the series. without a point while getting limited fourth-line minutes.

“He went up and did OK, but with all the things going on, he never got into a stretch where he got into a rhythm," Gordon said. “Between being Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.20.2020 in and out of the lineup with injuries and the personal stuff, he never got a level of consistency in his play.”

With the Flyers, he ended up playing in four games and was pointless while averaging just 6 minutes, 48 seconds of ice time per game.

“It’s a hard thing for players to play five, six minutes a game for two weeks, and then when you come back down, you’re not at the same level you were when you’re accustomed to playing 15 to 20 minutes a game," Gordon said. "There always seems to be an adjustment period.”

By contrast, Nic Aube-Kubel thrived with the Flyers after being recalled from the Phantoms, even though he played fewer minutes than he did in the AHL.

“That’s the experience,” Gordon said, mindful Aube-Kubel has played four-plus pro seasons, while Rubtsov has played in just 60 pro games. “I’m sure at some point, [Aube-Kubel] said to himself, ‘I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure they don’t send me down.’

“And if you watched him play, he was terrific. I think he finally figured out that if he’s going to stay there, he can’t have any shifts off. As coaches in the American League, we see these players who come in from junior and college, they’re not accustomed to what it takes to bring it every night.”

The Flyers need Rubtsov to blossom. General manager took a gamble by selecting him 22nd overall in 2016. (He took Pascal Laberge at 36th overall.) Hextall and the NHL’s other general managers, except for Chicago, bypassed Alex DeBrincat, who went 39th overall to the Blackhawks and has become a high-quality left winger.

The Flyers still believe Rubtsov will be an NHL player, still believe he’s young enough to blossom if he can stay healthy for a full season.

They hope the 2020-21 season turns into his coming-of-age year.

Things to know

The NHL is hoping to return soon, and commissioner Gary Bettman points to fans’ “emotional investment.”

Flyers prospect Isaac Ratcliffe is progressing slowly, but Scott Gordon isn’t concerned.

Morgan Frost, the Flyers’ top prospect, could soon be permanently with the NHL team. 1174705 Philadelphia Flyers Producing on special teams also became one of his strong points — having four short-handed goals and being an absolute force on the penalty kill.

Kevin Hayes was the missing piece of the Flyers' puzzle Now, let’s get back to that fan-favorite aspect — and it has everything to do with him being mic’d up. There have been hysterical bits left and right that not only showcase the comedic side of him, but also the bond and relationships he’s been building with teammates. Athletes are still people By Brooke Destra at the end of the day and seeing the human aspect of moments like May 19, 2020 1:25 PM these put him high on the list of favorites. Accomplishing that in such a small amount of time is something that not every athlete in Philadelphia can say, but he has been welcomed with open arms.

If there was never a halt to the 2019-20 NHL season, the race for the If I were to rank how the Flyers did in free agency this offseason, I would Stanley Cup would have been in full force right about now. Conference say they won the whole thing thanks to Hayes. They didn’t have to go Finals games would have been underway and the Flyers would have after one of the top free agents and severely overpay — that was not the been pushing for their first taste of the Finals since 2009-10. Yes, I firmly need for the Flyers. The talent was already here and it was time to fill the believe what the Flyers were working toward this season was something gaps and find players that complimented the current roster. special. Going out and getting big-named talent doesn’t fix anything without It’s clear that there were many new elements being implemented during having a well-rounded team. If that were the case, Connor McDavid and training camp back in September. While new faces behind the bench the Oilers should have at least three cups by now. were added since last season, there was another crucial addition to the squad during the summer that should now be considered the missing Remember when the Devils “won” the offseason because they had the piece. first overall pick, drafted Jack Hughes and acquired P.K. Subban? They’re currently sitting at the bottom of the Kevin Hayes. because there are still far too many holes within that roster to become a threat of any sort in the East. At the initial point of his signing, no one knew the impact Hayes was going to have on his new team. The relationship he created with head The same goes for the New York Rangers after signing Artemi Panarin. coach Alain Vigneault during their time with the Rangers certainly helped Don’t get it twisted — Panarin was having a Hart Trophy caliber season, with the transition but it felt like the 28-year-old fit right in. which helped the Rangers get on the league’s radar at times. Though looking at the surrounding talent on their roster, things were never going “It’s old stuff obviously with a new team,” Hayes noted back during to grow since majority of the work was heavily relied on one person. training camp. “With the same coach that I had my first four years, it’s relieving to be able to get as comfortable with the coach as soon as Does that ring a bell? possible.” Giroux had been carrying the weight of the Flyers on his back for a At first, the level of normalcy in the locker room almost felt too good to be decade — and there is finally balance throughout the entire roster. This is true. Dating back to one of the first times Hayes spoke to media back in why the season was clicking on every level. If one player didn’t show up September — it was like he was meant to end up in Philadelphia. It one night, there were others right in line to step up and take doesn’t matter if that sounds a bit cliché, you could sense a different responsibility. In previous years, that was never the case. A slow night energy compared to what the room was like before he was a member of from Giroux often meant a loss of two points. it. One single addition in Hayes completed a puzzle that was in the works And it took little to no time before Hayes wanted to start making his mark for years. There is veteran presence being utilized the right way, a young in the organization by taking on a leadership role. core with proper guidance and trust from the coaches, new bench bosses with impressive résumés and the future of the franchise with Carter Hart “As soon as I signed here, I was getting text messages from some of the between the pipes. players,” Hayes said. “I’m an older guy now — kind of. Try to help all the younger guys, try to explain how quick the drills go from one drill to the If and when the 2019-20 NHL season returns — the finished product is other. going to be one for the ages and that all traces back to that final piece.

“When I was younger, I looked up to guys and I’m just trying to be that guy now.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 Things are always easier said than done and while it was something he noted during his early days — just how much of an impact was he really going to make in his first year? It turns out, quite a big one.

After signing a seven-year deal with the Flyers, he quickly earned the respect of his teammates and was named an alternate captain — which was announced leading up to the Global Series that was held in , . (It’s almost hard to believe the Global Series even occurred at the start of the season — feels like ages ago.)

It only took five periods and some change into the year before he found the back of the net for his first time as a Flyer — and a power play goal during the home opener definitely makes for a great first impression.

From that point on, Hayes became a crucial part to the core of this team and an absolute fan-favorite as the season evolved.

His contributions on-ice added much needed depth down the center. Imagine if Hayes didn’t sign with the Flyers and the news was still released about and his migraine disorder? Chances are, would have had to move back to the middle, which would have broken up the strong duo of him and … and fans would have rioted if productivity didn’t meet their expectations.

Thankfully — for everyone’s sake — that was not the case. So far through his 69 games played, he’s tallied 41 points (23 goals 18 assists). He sits fifth overall on the team in points, just behind (61), Couturier (59), Jakub Voracek (56) and Giroux (53). 1174706 Philadelphia Flyers defensemen (14 points and plus-11 rating in 26 games). His active stick and ability to quickly kill plays in the defensive zone have helped improve the Flyers' goal differential.

Shayne Gostisbehere, trade candidate again? 3 questions that could The chances of the Flyers re-signing Braun feel like 50-50. He's 33 years incentivize Flyers old and the Flyers will be cognizant of how many years they commit to a defenseman climbing in age when they have kids on the blue line climbing in the system. Braun has been a positive, though, and if the Flyers bring him back for one year (maybe two) on a cost-effective deal, By Jordan Hall playing opportunity will tighten at the position. May 19, 2020 4:10 PM As a result, the Flyers would have more flexibility to dangle a chip out there on the trade market, especially if their prospects prove ready to offer more depth. At this point, Shayne Gostisbehere is probably completely unfazed whenever he hears his name coincide with the word "trade." 3. When will York turn pro?

He has seen himself pop up in rumors over the past two NHL trade Keep an eye on Cam York and his sophomore year for the Wolverines. deadlines and last offseason. The Flyers' 2019 first-round pick is a mobile and modern defenseman with offensive strengths. Flyers general manager made a crack about it after the trading period had passed in February. York is not expected to be a four-year guy in college. With better health and an even larger role, the 19-year-old is poised for a path-altering "That’s been the interesting one," Fletcher said. "I’ve been here a year. I second season in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The 2020-21 campaign has the can’t say I'm always on social media but I’m amazed at how often I’m potential to be his last with the Wolverines. trading him." "He looks at home in the college game and displays the same offensive By now, everyone knows why Gostisbehere has been such a popularly characteristics," John Wroblewski, York's USNTDP under-18 head debated trade chip. He has sought-after qualities with an offensive- coach, said in March. "A kid that truly appreciates keeping the puck out of minded skill set, a prime age of 27 years old and an attractive contract his net first and then letting the offense come to him — those are (under team control for the next three seasons at a $4.5 million cap hit). characteristics that should prove worthy of him making a quick climb to So it is not surprising why Sportsnet's Rory Boylen highlighted the NHL.” Gostisbehere in an article identifying one offseason trade candidate for each NHL club. York's timeline for when he signs his entry-level contract to join the pro ranks will have a big say in the Flyers' plans. The quicker he rises, the Following the deadline, Fletcher said the Flyers were not looking to move more reason the Flyers have to listen on Gostisbehere and others. The Gostisbehere but teams did inquire about the blueliner. situation is similar with prospect Wyatt Kalynuk, who is creeping into the Flyers' pro picture. "Nothing really makes sense right now to me to move one of our seven D unless we’re getting a really great impact player back in some area," Fletcher said. "Those types of trades usually don’t happen right now." Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 Could it happen during the offseason or next season? Possibly. The Flyers, of course, still like Gostisbehere despite his difficult season as he's not far removed from a career 65-point campaign in 2017-18. But they're relatively deep on defense — and appear to be getting deeper — so they won't close the door on anything.

The outlook for 2020-21 could give the Flyers more incentive to listen on offers. Let's break down three questions that should factor into Gostisbehere's status with the club.

1. How fast can Zamula advance?

Egor Zamula, who has become one of the Flyers' top defensive prospects, is turning pro in 2020-21 and will garner many eyes.

The 20-year-old is smooth and skilled at 6-foot-4 with offensive upside. He'll have to get stronger (170 pounds) and he's coming off back surgery in late January, but Zamula looked impressively comfortable alongside during an NHL preseason game last September. He then backed himself up with a strong 2019-20 WHL season and 2020 IIHF World Junior Championship performance.

Zamula drew praise from Fletcher during rookie camp and head coach Alain Vigneault liked what he saw after the one exhibition contest.

If he shows a quick transition at AHL affiliate Lehigh Valley, he'll put pressure on the Flyers' decision-makers. Suddenly, the Flyers would have another defenseman knocking on the door, which would make the trade deadline next season much more interesting, depending on the club's needs in other areas.

2. Will Braun be re-signed?

When the Flyers traded for Justin Braun last June, they acquired a veteran stay-at-home blueliner with a $3.8 million cap hit on the final year of a five-year, $19 million contract. The hope was Braun's experience and goal-prevention track record would help stabilize the Flyers on the back end. If the move didn't pan out, they could let Braun walk in the offseason as an unrestricted free agent.

The acquisition has worked out pretty nicely. Braun had a rough start and missed time in January because of a groin injury, but from just before Christmas up until the stoppage, he was one of the Flyers' best 1174707 Philadelphia Flyers Laughton hasn’t finished on enough of the chances he creates, scoring on just 3.12 percent of his short-handed shots. Laughton isn’t a naturally terrible shooter — at even strength, he’s scored on 9.29 percent of his shots. But for whatever reason, he hasn’t found the back of the net on The 10 best Flyers short-handed offensive weapons of the 2010s short-handed rushes.

Could he have a season with three or four short-handed goals, if his shooting luck swings back around for him? I wouldn’t rule it out. By Charlie O'Connor 9. Kimmo Timonen May 19, 2020 4 goals, 6 points in 1,218 short-handed minutes

Unsurprisingly, defensemen don’t tend to score many points — and It’s my belief that no goal in hockey is more fun than a short-handed goal. especially not goals — during short-handed situations. After all, they are A game-opening goal can blow the roof off an arena that is primed to usually positioned deep in the defensive zone, entrusted to protect the explode. An overtime goal sends the crowd home happy. Penalty shot crease area and provide their netminders with some semblance of safety goals always have highlight-reel potential. But short-handed goals come should their forwards attempt a jaunt up ice with the puck. A blueliner when fans least expect them. Teams shouldn’t be able to light the lamp might deliver a nice stretch pass once in a while, or pick up a few cheap when they have fewer players on the ice than the opponent. So when a secondary short-handed assists, but unless his name is Mark Giordano short-handed tally happens, it serves as a jolt to the entire game, usually — who has a remarkable 10 short-handed goals since 2012-13 — he’s in the form of a fantastic individual effort. Fans go from mentally probably not lighting the lamp much. preparing for a 20-ish percent likelihood that their team will relinquish a Kimmo Timonen was a rare non-Giordano exception. goal to expressing the euphoria of celebrating one of their own — in about a five-second span. In fact, he posted back-to-back double short-handed goal campaigns in 2009-10 and 2010-11, easily leading all NHL defensemen in that span. In this week’s edition of Charlie’s Countdown, we’ll take a look at the 10 And Timonen was far from a risk-taker — he was known for his Flyers players from the past decade who were best at inducing that commitment to two-way play and his high defensive IQ. If Timonen joined short-handed euphoria. Production (regular season and postseason) a rush up ice, it wasn’t a decision he made lightly. It was because he from 2009-10 through 2019-20 was given the heaviest weight, but this list believed he could help his teammates create a goal. also subjectively judges “true-talent” short-handed ability. So if a player produced only a few points for the Flyers during our timeframe but was a 8. feared weapon on the penalty kill, that obvious talent can and should be taken under consideration in our rankings. 5 goals, 6 points in 885 short-handed minutes

Honorable mentions From a raw production standpoint, Matt Read is right up there with the Flyers’ best short-handed threats since 2009-10, ranking fourth in total Valtteri Filppula points behind only Giroux, Richards and Sean Couturier. His five goals are tied for second. And Read was a strong skater and did have an Who scored the most recent short-handed goal in a Flyers playoff game? underrated shot, particularly in his prime years, before his scoring touch Hint: the same player who is technically the club’s second-most efficient abandoned him in the wake of a 2014 high-ankle sprain. So why does he short-handed scorer (regular season and playoffs) from 2009-10 through merely rank eighth? 2019-20. That’s right — the much-maligned Valtteri Filppula. It’s important to recall that Read was given a lot of short-handed minutes So why does he earn merely honorable mention status? For starters, he with the Flyers, and all those extra minutes meant more opportunities to appeared in only a little over 137 minutes of penalty kill time for the fall into short-handed points. In fact, since the start of 2009-10, only Orange & Black. Then there’s the obvious factor: Does any Flyers fan Couturier and Giroux have spent more time on the penalty kill among think “short-handed dynamo” when Filppula comes to mind? This seems Philadelphia forwards. like an example of a small sample playing tricks more than anything else. Still, we’ll always have this surprisingly big goal from Filppula in Game 5 Five short-handed goals and six total points still isn’t bad. But his 0.41 of the Flyers-Penguins series in 2018, which tied the score and ultimately points/60 minutes rate puts Read behind Flyers short-handed luminaries helped Philadelphia stave off elimination in enemy territory. such as Michael Raffl and (nope, this isn’t a typo) Andrew MacDonald. Read was a volume short-handed scorer, but he wasn’t a dynamic or Simon Gagné efficient one. If you’re considering in-his-prime Simon Gagné, he’s a no-brainer for the 7. Sean Couturier list. With 24 career short-handed points (including 23 as a Flyer) and a reputation as a diligent two-way player, he’s one of the few Flyers 5 goals, 11 points in 1,497 short-handed minutes wingers over the past 15 years who could accurately be deemed a “sniper.” He certainly scared opposing power plays in his time. Speaking of short-handed points accumulators rather than true weapons, we now come to Sean Couturier. But by the the beginning of our timeframe — the 2009-10 season — Gagné’s days as a short-handed threat were largely over. It’s hard to Couturier is a very good all-around penalty killer. His defensive instincts even use the “true-talent” argument for him during the 2010s, as he had are top-notch, he constantly disrupts opposing power plays with a just 160 short-handed minutes during his final five seasons. Gagné would combination of expert anticipation and an active stick, and his underlying be a lock for a 2000s version of this list. But last decade? That just wasn’t metrics are strong, especially when considering he largely faces top his era. power-play units. No one is saying Couturier doesn’t excel on the penalty kill. 10. He’s just not a player who generates a ton of short-handed offense. 1 goal, 3 points in 430 short-handed minutes In fact, you have to go back to 2014-15 to find a season when Couturier Here’s the thing about Scott Laughton as a short-handed threat: He managed even two short-handed points during a full campaign. Part of it creates tons of shots and scoring chances for himself. Since the 2009-10 is Couturier’s mentality — he’s looking to shut down opposing power season, only Mike Richards and averaged more individual plays, not attack them in transition — and part of it is that, although his penalty-kill shot attempts per 60 minutes as Flyers than Laughton (when skating has improved over his career, he’ll never be confused for a looking at players with at least 200 minutes in the situation), and only burner, and skating ability is a big help in generating short-handed Richards, Claude Giroux and Max Talbot did a better job of creating breakaways and odd-man rushes. quality chances, per Evolving-Hockey’s expected goals model. Now, Couturier is obviously capable of scoring goals and points on the Those stats shouldn’t come as a major shock: Laughton is a speedy PK. (The above video from 2013 proves as much.) And you can’t leave a forward who has developed into one of the most tenacious players on the player off the list who ranks second on the Flyers in short-handed points Flyers, traits which tend to make for great penalty killers and short- since 2009-10. But his preferred style of penalty killing definitely leans handed scoring threats. The problem? To this point in his career, more on the conservative side. 6. Wayne Simmonds 3. Kevin Hayes

3 goals, 3 points in 195 short-handed minutes 4 goals, 4 points in 139 short-handed minutes

This is the biggest “what-if” inclusion on the list. The Flyers’ penalty kill is dangerous again. And the addition of Kevin Hayes might be the biggest reason why. After acquiring Wayne Simmonds in the Richards trade during the summer of 2011, the Flyers quickly discovered that they had one of the It isn’t all Hayes, of course. has done a stellar job since taking league’s best power-play forwards on their hands. Ninety-one goals later, over as the coach in charge of the unit, and improved goaltending and and they can legitimately say they helped unearth maybe the best non- better depth on the back end have given the forwards a bit more flexibility Alexander Ovechkin power-play goal scorer of the 2010s. to take risks than they had through most of the back half of the 2010s. But when you have a player who can do this … But what if they secretly had a high-end short-handed threat as well? And this … Simmonds wasn’t given a real chance to kill penalties for the Flyers until 2016-17, six seasons into his tenure with the club. He quickly scored And also this … three goals for Philadelphia while a man down, and they weren’t fluky goals, either. … you’re probably going to have a pretty fearsome short-handed offense.

During the 2016-17 season — his last healthy one for the Flyers — What’s fascinating about Hayes’ short-handed prowess is that he’s far Simmonds ranked seventh among NHL forwards in short-handed shots from a speed demon on the ice — while he does eat up a lot of ground on goal per 60 minutes, and in the top 20 in goals/60 as well. with his long strides, he’s not going to overwhelm opponents with Unfortunately for Simmonds, injuries struck the following year, and he dynamic skating ability. Instead, it’s his knack for disrupting puck hasn’t been the same since. But his stellar short-handed work at 28 possession, soft hands around the net and ability (so far) to ensure his raises the question of whether he could have become one of the team’s best short-handed rushes come at particularly important times of games best weapons at 4-on-5 during the entire 2010s, just as he was at 5-on-4. that have turned him into a favorite among Flyers fans, who were desperate for their penalty kill to be fun once more. 5. Jeff Carter Hayes won’t rack up short-handed goals at this pace forever, but he’s 2 goals, 2 points in 183 short-handed minutes averaged 1.73 goals per 60 minutes of short-handed ice time with Philadelphia. For reference, since 2007-08, Ovechkin’s all-situations per This is a case where the concept of “true-talent” short-handed scoring 60 goal-scoring pace has been 1.77. In a Flyers uniform, Hayes has ability looms large. essentially scored at Ovechkin-level efficiency rates with his club a man It’s fair to note that Jeff Carter didn’t exactly light up the short-handed down. Ridiculous. scoresheet during his final two seasons in Philadelphia. He scored two 2. Claude Giroux goals in about 130 minutes in 2009-10, and no points in 2010-11 after he was dropped down the penalty-kill forward rotation, usurped by Giroux. 8 goals, 20 points in 1,129 short-handed minutes

But Carter was between the ages of 24 and 26 during those years. Since If anything, raw point totals underrate just how fearsome a short-handed he was in his prime, it’s fair to guess that he was just as dangerous of a offensive threat that Claude Giroux can be — and likely still is — today. short-handed weapon then as he was over his first four seasons. And Carter was a ridiculously dangerous short-handed weapon over those Understandably, the Flyers have tried to pull back on Giroux’s penalty-kill first four seasons. time in recent years, looking to help the 32-year-old conserve energy for even-strength and power-play shifts. As a result, when Giroux does hit During his first five seasons (2005-06 through 2009-10), Carter scored 12 the ice for a PK shift these days, it often consists of him winning a short-handed goals, which tied for eighth in the league over that span. defensive zone faceoff, helping to clear the puck out of the zone and then And while he isn’t remembered by most fans as a “” forward, it’s not racing off the ice to be replaced by a teammate. It’s hard to score when hard to understand why he was so successful on the PK — Carter was you’re being deployed as a “faceoff, get off” guy. an incredible skater with a fantastic wrist shot, who also had the size and reach to regularly put his stick in passing lanes and force turnovers. Given the opportunity, however, Giroux can still do this:

He may not have possessed the relentless style that Richards In the early portion of the 2010s, Giroux was a short-handed force. showcased on a nightly basis, a style that endeared Richards to the fan Paired primarily with Richards in 2010-11, Giroux exploded for seven PK base in a way that Carter never could match. But in terms of raw talent points, which tied for second in the NHL. Then, in 2011-12, he proved he and physical ability, Carter was pretty much the ideal short-handed could dominate without Richards, scoring four short-handed points in 10 offensive weapon. games during the 2012 playoffs, including three points against the Penguins. Back then, it truly seemed too easy for Giroux to take apart 4. Maxime Talbot opposing power plays (and the beleaguered goalies he faced).

5 goals, 8 points in 480 short-handed minutes Since 2009-10, no Flyers player is even close to Giroux in total short- handed points — he nearly doubles up the nearest contender (Couturier) Max Talbot didn’t spend much time with the Orange & Black — a full by a 20-11 margin. Some of that is accumulation, to be sure. But it also season in 2011-12, the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign and 11 easily ranks him in the league’s top 20 in that span. Though he doesn’t games in 2013-14 before being traded to Colorado for Steve Downie. Yet get as many opportunities to show it these days, Giroux is one of the he still managed five short-handed goals and eight points — with two of most threatening short-handed weapons of the era. those goals and four of those points coming in the playoffs. 1. Mike Richards It’s Talbot’s work in the crazy 2012 Flyers-Penguins series that elevates him into the top 5; otherwise, he’d probably come in around seventh or 5 goals, 9 points in 421 short-handed minutes eighth. It wasn’t just that he scored two short-handed goals in that series — it was the timing of the goals, with the first coming as the Flyers trailed Let’s be realistic: It was never going to be anyone else at No. 1. When 2-0 in the first period of Game 2 (they would win 8-5) and the second in you have a short-handed goal on your résumé that was so memorable it Game 3, with the Flyers down 1-0. Philadelphia, of course, eventually has its own immediately recognizable name — “The Shift” — you’re turned that game into an 8-4 blowout. shooting to the top of this list.

Talbot wasn’t the most skilled penalty killer. Carter, Simmonds and Richards was rarely the fastest player on the ice in a given shift, or the Couturier all had more natural offensive talent. But Talbot’s combination strongest, or the most skilled. He simply was — to deploy a hockey cliché of defensive instincts and sheer relentlessness during those years only because it is so warranted in this case — the player who wanted the allowed him to function as something like a low-budget Mike Richards puck more than anyone else. It turned him into an on-ice short-handed replacement. In fact, despite his short tenure, only three Flyers finished cheat code. with more short-handed points (regular season and playoffs) than Talbot During our 2009-2020 timeframe — of which he was a Flyer for just two with eight. If nothing else, he made the most of his time on the regular-season campaigns and two playoff runs — Richards racked up Philadelphia PK. nine short-handed points, which ranks third among Flyers. But that total undersells the extent of his dominance. From 2005-06 (his rookie season) through 2011-12 (his first year with the Los Angeles Kings), Richards scored 30 goals and 39 points in penalty-kill situations — both of which easily led the NHL. Our No. 2, Giroux, was one of the best of his era at short-handed offense. Mike Richards was the best of his era.

As Richards’ body started to wear down, his incredible penalty-killing production fell off a cliff — after 2011-12, he managed just two more short-handed points during the remainder of his career. But in his prime, at the turn of this just-concluded decade, no player who wore a Flyers sweater was more dangerous while a man down.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174708

Penguins’ foundation receives award from FBI for opioid charity work

SETH RORABAUGH

Tuesday, May 19, 2020 5:52 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation has received the 2019 Director’s Community Leadership Award from the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office for its opioid addiction charity efforts.

According to a press release, the foundation works with FBI Pittsburgh’s Heroin Outreach Prevention and Education initiative.

The foundation provided a Penguins game experience to students who created public service announcement videos about the opioid epidemic. The foundation also worked with the Pittsburgh chapter of the Citizens Academy Alumni Association to provide incentives and grants to more than 100 area school districts and teachers.

“The Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and Penguins organization are honored to receive this prestigious award for our community efforts in 2019,” Dave Soltesz, President of the Penguins Foundation, said in the release. “The Penguins take extreme pride in creating impactful and meaningful off-ice efforts, which wouldn’t happen without the support from our fans, staff, senior executives, players and coaches.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174709 Pittsburgh Penguins productive top-six power forward who cleans up on the power play, protects pucks and initiates contact as a forechecker in the NHL.

While Rutherford was hesitant to entertain offers for Legare leading up to Penguins A to Z: Nathan Legare proves his value this season’s trade deadline, the Penguins’ current modus operandi always will make an asset such as Legare a candidate to be traded.

SETH RORABAUGH Tribune Review LOADED: 05.20.2020 Tuesday, May 19, 2020 3:26 p.m.

While the NHL is on hold because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Tribune-Review will offer Penguins A to Z, a player-by-player look at all 55 individuals under NHL contract with the organization, from mid- level prospect Niclas Almari to high-profile trade acquisition Jason Zucker.

Nathan Legare

Position: Right winger

Shoots: Right

Age: 19

Height: 6-foot

Weight: 206 pounds

2019-20 Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) statistics: 61 games, 71 points (35 goals, 36 assists)

Contract: Three-year entry-level contract with a salary cap hit of $809,167. Because Legare spent the season in the junior ranks, his contract can slide, or begin, in 2020-21 at the earliest.

Acquired: Draft, third round (No. 74 overall), June 22, 2019

This season: Given how aggressive the Penguins have been in pursing the Stanley Cup over the past decade-plus, they haven’t had a lot to work with when it comes to the draft. Dating to ’s regime and continuing through Jim Rutherford’s tenure, the Penguins have dealt away several high-end draft picks or prospects in exchange for players who can help the roster in the immediate sense.

So when they hang onto a fairly top-tier draft pick, it really needs to produce a legit NHL-caliber player.

They appear to have one of those in Legare.

To illustrate how highly Penguins amateur scouts thought of Legare, they convinced Rutherford to deal away three 2019 picks (fourth-, fifth- and seventh-rounders) to the Arizona Coyotes in order to draft the native of Montreal last summer.

Legare rewarded that faith by showing he could adjust to the NHL fairly quickly by scoring two goals in three preseason games this past fall.

(Video courtesy NHL)

While his strong showing in September prompted management to sign Legare to his entry-level contract, the Penguins still opted to return him to his junior team, Baie-Comeau Drakkar in the QMJHL. Serving as captain, Legare was the leading scorer for a team that finished eighth in the 10- team East division by the time the league canceled the remainder of its schedule in mid-March.

His 14 power-play goals were third-most in the league.

Laboring with a struggling team, Legare’s offensive totals took a tumble from the 2018-19 campaign when he put up 87 points (45 goals, 42 assists) in 68 games.

The future: Legare has an outside chance of making the NHL roster next season. The Penguins could part ways with pending unrestricted free agent wingers such as Conor Sheary and Patrick Marleau, and a strong preseason (assuming there is one, given the ongoing hiatus) could garner Legare at least nine games in the regular season. Any more than that would activate the first year of his entry-level contract.

Most likely, Legare will be returned to his junior team, and his contract will slide another year.

Long-term, Legare is one of the top prospects in the organization. While his skating could use some sprucing up, he has the tools to be a 1174710 Pittsburgh Penguins I can. Especially one that housed a 42-game winless streak. From Feb. 7, 1974 through Feb. 2, 1989, the Penguins were 0–39–3 at the Spec … uh … that place of which we will no longer speak.

Some goals. Some goons. A brawl. A building. The top 20 Penguins 7. Tom Wilson: For his hit on Brian Dumoulin. grudges of all time. For his hit on Zach-Aston Reese.

For laughing about it. All of it. This grudge is ongoing. And it should be. TIM BENZ Forever. Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:54 a.m. 6. Adam Graves slashes : I changed my mind.

That was so bad, it still has to be in the top 10. Last week, ESPN’s Emily Kaplan published a list of unresolved Look, I said I was repressing my rage. I didn’t say I was over it! grievances for every NHL team. 5. Dave Steckel concusses : OK. Crosby coming back a She got an assist from ESPN producer and Pittsburgh-area product few days later and getting smooshed into the boards by Denny Wolfe for some perspective. And it’s a pretty good list of the didn’t help. unresolved anger issues Penguins fans hold in the pit of their gut. I agree with the winning choice — David Volek’s Game 7 overtime goal in the But that hit in the 2011 Winter Classic started all of Crosby’s concussion 1993 Eastern Conference semifinals. problems.

That defeat prevented the Penguins from getting a deeper run at the He went on to miss the better part of two seasons as a result. fabled “threepeat” that the Chicago Bulls were accomplishing at the same time in the NBA. 4. Marian Hossa: Another example of, “Just because the Penguins won in the end, that doesn’t mean you have to bury the hatchet.” The second choice — Adam Graves’ slash on Mario Lemieux in 1992 — doesn’t bug me as much. Hossa came to Pittsburgh for part of 2008. He was really good here. In fact, he helped the Penguins almost beat the Detroit Red Wings in the Oh, it did at the time. But since the Penguins ended up winning that Stanley Cup Final. series and a Stanley Cup title anyway, I don’t need to see my therapist about my rage surrounding it anymore. Then he defected to those same Red Wings during the offseason despite getting just a one-year contract ($7.45 million). The Penguins offered him A few other nominations such as Jaromir Jagr sulking his way out of town a five-year deal at nearly the same money per season. in 2001 and the 1975 blown 3-0 series lead to the Islanders are in the discussion, as well. He strung along the Penguins during the negotiations. Then Hossa put the cherry on the sundae by saying he thought the Red Wings gave him So let’s go a little deeper. Because, as we all know, there’s nothing the better chance to win a Stanley Cup. Pittsburgh sports fans do better than carry a grudge or obsess over a perceived slight. Although, I think we all remember how that turned out when the two teams met again in the 2009 Final. Even Michael Jordan could’ve learned a thing or two from us in that regard. Oh! The look on his face after Game 7 ended!

Here’s my ranking of the top 20 Penguins grudges. Keep in mind that, at 3. The Islanders come back from 3-0 down in 1975: This is one I can’t age 45, my pre-Lemieux angst may not be as spicy as some of those a speak to personally remembering. little older than me. So if you’ve got some heat you want to spit from the However, Penguins fans of any generation are familiar with at least blue jersey days, be my guest in the comment section below. hearing about the Penguins blowing a 3-0 series lead to the Islanders in 10. knocking out Sidney Crosby’s teeth his rookie the second round of the 1975 playoffs. season: This probably falls under the Adam Graves category to a degree. And Ed Westfall’s goal in Game 7 to win it 1-0.

The Penguins won the game. Crosby scored the game-winning goal. He 2. Tom Fitzgerald beats Tom Barrasso: Losing to the Florida Panthers is going to the Hall of Fame. The Philadelphia Flyers haven’t won a and those flying rats in 1996 was almost as bad as how the Penguins Stanley Cup since 1975. And Hatcher isn’t even the best player in his were upset a few years earlier by David Volek and the Islanders. own family. Tom Fitzgerald? From that far out? Really? Like Graves slashing Lemieux, Crosby beating the Flyers that day is now part of the lore of his career. Ick.

That doesn’t mean we have to forget. Do the Penguins go on to beat the Colorado Avalanche that year in the Stanley Cup Final? I don’t know. I mean, c’mon! Neither of those hits to the mouth were called? And Crosby got an unsportsmanlike for complaining. Gimme a break. But I do know it was their last best chance before that Crosby kid came along. Maybe our gripe should be with the officials as much as it is with Hatcher. 1. David Volek. Overtime. 1993. Second round of the playoffs: See 9. Jaromir Jagr goes to Philadelphia: As ESPN intimates in its piece, it above. feels like we are in the “time heals all wounds” phase of Pittsburgh’s relationship with Jagr. Twice.

But try to remember how raw the emotions were back in the summer of Don’t look down. 2011 when Jagr came back to the NHL and chose to sign with the hated Flyers over the Penguins. At all.

I agree that how Jagr left wasn’t great. This felt worse, though. Told you not to look.

8. The Spectrum: Another Flyers-related one here. Notice a trend Oh, did you think we were done? Not a chance. Five Stanley Cup titles developing? doesn’t mean we have let bygones be bygones.

You can hold a grudge against a building. Can’t you? Even one that has About anything! been gone for about a decade? Here a few honorable mentions out of the top 10.

11. Zdeno Chara punches Sidney Crosby in his busted jaw: He knew what he was doing. 12. 1989 Hart Trophy: Lemieux had 199 points. It was given to Wayne Gretzky anyway. Lemieux had 31 more points than Gretzky. All of them goals.

13. Daniel Briere was offsides: Briere was so far offsides in Game 1 of the 2012 playoffs, he wasn’t even back across the blue line by the time Game 2 started.

14. Jagr’s exit in 2001: Say what you will about what was really meant by his infamous “dying alive” quote in the early portion of that season, Jagr pouted his way through much of those playoffs and was just generally an emotional drag until he was traded in the offseason.

15. The Jagr trade itself: Far be it from anyone to hold this against ’s legacy given the economic circumstances of that offseason. But , Michal Sivek and Ross Lupaschuk?

That’s it?

16. John Madden’s sneaky “Ace” move: Remember when the former New Jersey Devil suckered Lemieux into a blind drop pass by calling out “Ace” behind him in the 2001 playoffs?

17. SHHHH, Daniel Carcillo: Yeah. It was Max Talbot who baited Carcillo into the fight on purpose during the 2009 playoffs.

But Carcillo was such a jackwagon, regardless. He’s probably still proud of himself just for winning the fight.

18. ’s overtime goal in 2018: Man, I already hated that bird-flap thing back when Terrell Owens was doing it.

It was the goal (and celly) heard 'round the league… Kuzy's OT game- winner against the Pens in Game 6.

That brought it to a whole new level.

19. Jaroslav Halak brings down the old barn: The former Canadiens goalie stopped 71 of 76 shots over the last two games of the 2010 Eastern Conference semifinals, eliminating the Penguins and closing Mellon Arena.

20. Trevor Gillies: For all those who had some sort of blame for what happened during the 2011 Penguins-Islanders brawl, Gilles punching after he had already injured him in the first place touched off the whole thing.

In this week’s Export Tire hockey podcast, Brian Metzer of the Penguins Radio Network joins me to examine that list and air a few grievances of his own.

Plus, we talk about the potential of an NHL reboot, that weird social media thread about Matt Murray over the weekend, the Penguins front office layoffs, and the loss of the 2020 concert season.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174711 Pittsburgh Penguins combinations on the bottom-six line that was not the pesky one centered by Teddy Blueger.

Sullivan should start with Zucker on the second line and go from there. Seven questions the Penguins must answer if/when the NHL season 3. What is Bjugstad’s role? resumes Like Guentzel, Nick Bjugstad stands to benefit from the pause. The big

center was staring at a third stint on injured reserve when the season After a couple of months of watching and waiting and planning and was halted. pivoting amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL and the NHL Players He has played 13 games this season due to a core muscle injury and his Association in the coming days could agree on a format for the latest ailment. He had just one goal and one assist in those games, resumption for the season. though one figures health had something to do with that. Has he been The NHL and the NHLPA’s Return to Play Committee reportedly met 100% at any point? virtually last week to hammer out issues and continued to talk over the It sounds like Bjugstad should be able to suit up if the season resumes. weekend. What role does Sullivan, with 16 forwards to choose from, envision for When the dust clears and the players sign off a plan, we could be looking him? Does he center the trio most would label as the third line? Will he at a 24-team playoff field with the league skipping straight to some kind play right wing, the position he was initially pegged to play here? Any of playoffs. That is an effort to make it fair for teams on the bubble when chance he is in street clothes? the regular season was suspended March 12. But you can bet money Yes, Bjugstad has underwhelmed from a production standpoint since he was a factor, too. arrived last season. But the 6-foot-6 pivot is a skilled, capable player who Now, it may take a couple more months for any plan to be enacted. And has helped his line hog the puck in the past. The Penguins should find a more urgent matters out of the NHL’s control could still cancel the season spot for him. for good. But, hey, it would give hope that hockey might happen this 4. Who’s the guy in goal? summer. The Penguins are approaching another crossroads in the crease this So, if you don’t mind, let’s chat a little bit about actual hockey today. offseason, when both Matt Murray and Tristan Jarry are set to be The Penguins, who are third in the Metropolitan Division, are safely in the restricted free agents. One could be a goner. But in the short term, who playoff field. And despite a putrid stretch before the “pause,” they should will they pick for Game 1? remain on the list of legitimate Stanley Cup contenders if they get going Murray has two Cups on his resume. Jarry was a first-time All-Star this again. season, an honor Murray has yet to achieve, and Jarry’s stick-handling is But Mike Sullivan and company must come up with answers for a handful a nice perk. Since the start of January, their individual numbers are of questions if they want to go deep this summer (or fall). Here are seven similarly unspectacular. of them. The decision creates great debate online and over the radio. But all 1. Which guy gets Guentzel? things equal — and they look pretty equal — you don’t think Sullivan will go with Murray? Back in late December, Jake Guentzel crashed into the boards at PPG Paints Arena and was fortunate to skate away with just a shoulder injury Given Murray’s postseason track record and the confidence that inspires that required surgery. The team announced then that the All-Star winger in a veteran locker room, he should be the pick. But keep him on a short would be out four to six months. Barring something out of the ordinary, leash. If he looks shaky in the first couple of games, by all means, Guentzel’s season was over. consider a switch.

Obviously, not much in our lives right now is ordinary. Games on ice are 5. Any surprises on defense? far from our biggest worry, but they hopefully provide a welcome The Penguins would head into the playoffs with a pretty good top four. distraction. Kris Letang, despite driving a chunk of the fan base batty with his With the pandemic potentially pushing the start of the NHL playoffs until cavalier playing style, is still a good, productive player. His steady at least July, the Penguins expect to have Guentzel should they get the partner, Brian Dumoulin, will be a few more months removed from his green light to play. By all accounts, his rehab has gone smoothly, though grotesque ankle injury. Youngsters Marcus Pettersson and John Marino it’s fair to wonder if he will initially look like the guy who had 60 goals in formed a solid second defensive pair. his last 121 games. The only intrigue will be around whether Sullivan will shake up the third Guentzel was skating on a line with Evgeni Malkin when he went down. pair. Those two, along with Bryan Rust, provided plenty of scoring punch with Sidney Crosby sidelined. Guentzel had 12 goals, 29 points and a plus-11 Jack Johnson has been a bit better this season and is one of their most rating in his 22 games without Crosby. But the Penguins plan to reunite frequently used penalty-killers but remains the weak link among the him with Crosby. group. The alternative is Juuso Riikola, who doesn’t appear to have the trust of the coaching staff. And it’s the right call. The Penguins have to get Crosby going if they want to add another Cup to their collection. The captain was good, not great, On the right side, Justin Schultz was looking to rediscover his form from after returning from sports hernia surgery. His so-so supporting cast was a couple of years ago when the season was suspended. Schultz, a among a few factors at play. Getting Guentzel back on his wing would be pending free agent who won’t be getting big bucks here, has been out- a big help. played by Chad Ruhwedel.

2. Where does Zucker play? All that said, it would be a surprise if Johnson or Schultz was a healthy scratch at the start of the playoffs. So close your eyes and hope for the The Penguins traded a first-round pick and top prospect best. to acquire Crosby a new wingman. So what happens to Jason Zucker, who has six goals and 12 points in 15 games with the Penguins, should 6. Will the power play be OK? Guentzel return? The Penguins rank 16th in the NHL on the power play, converting at a They could potentially load up their top line by asking Guentzel to skate 19.9% clip. Last season, with Phil Kessel chilling in the left circle, they on the right wing. But in the past they preferred to keep Guentzel on his were at 24.6%. strong side. So it’s more likely they see how Zucker looks alongside Malkin and Rust. They are still looking to fill that one specific void left after they shipped Kessel to the Arizona Coyotes last summer. But plenty of firepower Another option is dropping Zucker to the third line. Sullivan likes to have remains. The quintet of Patrick Marleau, Zucker, Bjugstad, Schultz and scoring balance throughout his lineup, especially come playoff time. With Marino could be the top power play for a couple of teams. That looks like all those injuries, the coach had trouble coming up with acceptable Pittsburgh’s second unit. Despite having Crosby, Malkin, Patric Hornqvist and a few others who excel with a bad guy in the box, the whole has not equaled the sum of the parts. Four times they went four games without scoring a power-play goal. That included an early 11-game slump that threatened the franchise record for futility.

There are tactical issues the Penguins must iron out. They lack a right- handed forward who, like Kessel, can do some elite quarterbacking from the left circle. And despite Sullivan’s mandate for more movement, they can be stagnant.

But the thinking here is that some of the problem was between the ears. Due to all those injuries to key cogs, they were unable to find a groove. When their confidence waned and they started to think too much, it snowballed.

Sure, tweaks have to be made to get the Penguins back to the high level we saw in seasons past. But time away may prove to be beneficial in this area.

7. Will the hunger return?

The Penguins overcame injuries to Crosby, Malkin and so many others to post one of the league’s top records entering the All-Star break. But once the big names began to return, the team started to lose some of the discipline and determination that had made them hockey’s version of Jason Vorhees.

That largely showed up in the defensive end, where the Penguins left their goalies out to dry with too many odd-man rushes and high-danger chances.

So after getting a few months to think about what happened, will the Penguins rediscover that hunger? We won’t know that until the puck drops.

Matt Vensel

Post Gazette LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174712 Pittsburgh Penguins Geno was a big part of what we were able to do this season. He’s a great, great competitor, a very proud man. He doesn’t like to lose.”

Rutherford has known for more than a decade that he wouldn’t mind ‘He’s built to win’: Jim Rutherford’s view of Evgeni Malkin, one year later having Malkin on his side.

Malkin scored his famous spin-o-rama goal against the Hurricanes in 2009 of the Eastern Conference final, finishing off a hat trick and one of By Josh Yohe the great performances in franchise history. The Penguins went on to sweep Carolina on their way to winning the Stanley Cup. May 19, 2020 Rutherford, of course, was the general manager of those Hurricanes.

“I would say that I still think about that goal once every couple of weeks,” A year ago at this time, Jim Rutherford made significant waves when he Rutherford said. “You can go a whole lifetime and not see a goal quite refused to commit to Evgeni Malkin as a long term member of the like that. That was great. When Geno scored that goal, I thought to Penguins. myself, ‘I’d like to be on his team someday.'” It was April 25, 2019, when Rutherford said, “I’m not at the point where Rutherford has enjoyed that privilege for almost six years and wouldn’t I’m making any decision on that at this point. I just can’t answer that kind mind adding a few more. of question right now.” Maybe then Malkin will be recognized as one of the NHL’s 100 greatest Rutherford’s tone is considerably different these days. players. “First of all, what I what I said wasn’t related to just him,” Rutherford said “Oh God,” Rutherford said. “I still get mad.” Tuesday afternoon. “He kind of got lumped in. And we were all so frustrated at that point in time.” Rutherford was on the panel of voters that infamously decided that Malkin wasn’t one of the top 100 NHL players in history in January 2017. Rutherford strongly hinted that the 2018-19 Penguins possessed some If Rutherford’s loyalty to Malkin was ever questioned last offseason, his locker room issues. He doesn’t take back what he said last offseason but thoughts on Malkin as a hockey player probably dissolve such thinking cleared the air about what was happening behind the scenes. pretty quickly. “What I told you wasn’t blown out of proportion,” Rutherford said. “We “I think he just doesn’t get the respect he deserves because we happen were all disappointed and we were all unhappy with how things had gone to have two franchise players on the same team,” Rutherford said. “Him that season. There were things going on, things going on in terms of the not getting in the top 100 though? That just wasn’t right. It’s not right at inner workings of the team. And it wasn’t his fault, and nothing was all. In fact, that still bothers me a great bit. Very much. It bothered me a pointed at him. It wasn’t directly about him, what I said.” lot at the time, and it bothers me just as much now. He deserved that Rutherford only would have regretted his comments had Malkin recognition. Those things are hard, you know? Picking the top 10 is hard, responded with another disappointing season. Instead, despite dealing picking the top 100 is hard. But Malkin not one of the best 100 players of with an early injury, Malkin played at an MVP level, producing high- all time? I was really shocked, really disappointed.” caliber two-way play while managing 74 points in 55 games. Rutherford went a step further. “If he had come back and not responded the way he did, maybe I “I think I’d make the case that he’s top-50 of all time, absolutely,” wouldn’t have liked what I said,” Rutherford said. “But that’s not what Rutherford said. “Anybody in the Penguins family who knows him and happened. It didn’t hurt him.” who has watched him play was disappointed by that and disappointed That said, Rutherford takes no credit for Malkin’s success, as he doesn’t that he doesn’t always get the credit he deserves.” believe his words motivated him. Rutherford is hopeful to see Malkin go to work this summer on the “Not at all,” Rutherford said. “He motivates himself. He wants to win. He’s Stanley Cup playoff stage. so, so driven to win. He’s built to win. That’s just the way he is.” “He’s a special player and I give him credit for the season he’s had,” Malkin is two months from his 34th birthday but Rutherford doesn’t see Rutherford said. “He bounced back in a big way and of course he could him slowing down. The general manager, in fact, is comfortable offering be big in the playoffs. He’s the kind of guy who rises to the occasion.” the kind of assurance that wasn’t evident last year at this time.

“Geno is pretty darn safe in Pittsburgh, long term,” Rutherford said with a The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 chuckle. “I want that to be clear. He’s here to stay.”

Rutherford appreciates the hard work that Malkin put in during the summer of 2019 and said it speaks to his character.

“He didn’t have as good a year as he was capable of having the year before,” Rutherford said. “But to his credit, he recognized that. He talked to the proper people in the offseason and got the guidance that was best for him. And then he went to work. And he had a terrific season. That’s very much to his credit. We all know he has the ability to do that. He got a regular winger in Rusty (Bryan Rust), and I think that helped him. They had that chemistry right away and Geno just had a wonderful season. And he seemed like a happy guy doing it.”

Malkin has never displayed an inclination that he wants out of Pittsburgh and possesses a full no-trade arrangement in his contract. Thus, if Malkin wants to stay, he’ll be here for two more seasons, as his contract expires in 2022.

Rutherford isn’t expecting a drop-off from Malkin if there is a postseason played this summer. The general manager said that all of his players remain in top condition and the reports he has received regarding Malkin are especially encouraging.

“It’s probably really frustrating for him that the season was shut down when it was because he was playing such great hockey for us,” Rutherford said. “But based on the information I have received recently, he’s really sticking with it while we haven’t been playing and looks great. 1174713 Pittsburgh Penguins months ago — gee, it seems longer, doesn’t it? — that they might have to artificially bring in crowd noise because it would be missed so much.

I went back and forth with about a month and a half ago, Doc Emrick on empty arenas, Mike Lange and his first ‘event of gravity’ when we started thinking about it, and he said, “Well, it would be incumbent on the players to gear themselves up to play those games.” Because players oftentimes get energy from the crowd, especially the home team. Or there would have to be great pressure put on the events By Sean Gentille, Josh Yohe, and Rob Rossi coordinators, who we know have gained increasing importance in these May 19, 2020 arenas, to somehow or another have lots of crowd sounds that would vary in intensity with how the game is going.

Sean Gentille: Have you ever had to call a 24-team tournament, like it We should be listening to Mike “Doc” Emrick call the Stanley Cup looks like you may be doing here soon? That would be another playoffs. Thirty minutes on the phone with him, though, is a nice challenge. consolation prize Doc: Well, I suppose so, if that’s what it comes to. No. The closest thing The American voice of the sport was our guest on this week’s episode of was a national junior tournament held in South St. Paul. (Former Flyers Pen , where we talked Mike Lange, Sidney Crosby, the first player and executive) participated as a player, that’s how hockey game he ever attended and — of course — the Pirates. long ago it was, and his team won. The St. Paul Vulcans defeated the Minnesota Junior Stars. “My team has not lost a game in seven months,” he said. “Sadly, they haven’t won a game in seven months.” RR: A question I don’t think I’ve ever asked you — when you’re coming up through hockey, and you’re making your journey, at one point you’re We felt better after the conversation. Maybe you will too. calling games for teams that are opponents of the Penguins. You clearly You can subscribe to Pen Ultimate — and get our full discussion with have an affinity for the area, and an affinity for Mike Lange. Because Doc — via The Athletic app; Apple Podcasts; Spotify; or wherever you we’re about a year removed from Mike becoming pretty sick. How did listen to podcasts. What follows is a chunk of our talk, lightly edited for those things play themselves before you were a national voice? I was clarity. wondering what your thoughts were on Mike’s importance to broadcasting, and what it was like coming back to Western Pennsylvania Rob Rossi: I’ve known you a long time, and I’ve been thinking about you when you were on the other side, so to speak. a lot lately because you live in a place that’s been affected pretty heavily by coronavirus, up in Michigan. But also, this time of year you’d be calling Doc: Well, I became a Pirate fan because of . When it comes hockey games and following the Pirates, neither of which you can do. So to hockey, I am a fan of the (ECHL’s) Fort Wayne Komets. That’s the what are you going to stay busy? team that I support, even to this day. I would like to say that I was a fan of the Penguins or the Red Wings or the Rangers, but I can’t do that. I’m Doc: As I speak with you right now, Rob, I am staring at my gold and a fan of individual players but not of any one team. I’ve been a fan of black-billed Pirate batting helmet. That is on top of a miniature Stanley Mike’s ever since I heard him call the Penguins in the mid-70s because Cup on one of my top office shelves, here in the basement. So it is very at that time, we could get them all across the country. I was in various close to my heart at this time of year. My team has not lost a game in parts of the country, listening to games up and down the dial, and I seven months. Sadly, they haven’t won a game in seven months. thought his expressions and everything like that reminded me a lot of I didn’t get down to Florida this year before things shut down. Usually, I Bob Prince and how he called the Pirates during those years. try to get down, and NBC is always very understanding. They usually let It is one of those things that has often happened in life, when you me create a gap of about 7-10 days where I can go down to Bradenton compete for a job at the same time someone else does, you wish you’d and watch three or four games in the spring, but it just didn’t happen this have gotten the job — but boy, in retrospect I was one of three finalists year. And then, of course, we got the pause button put on us on the for the job the same time that Mike got it (in 1974). And I’ve admitted a morning of the 12th of March, and it just didn’t happen. So I’m missing number of times, boy, did the Penguins ever make the right call. Hiring two rather significant things, but as my wife is always gently reminding me would’ve been the wrong thing to do. I would’ve by no means been me, as in the prior three lockouts, I have relearned where the light the guy for that job that Mike has been. I am certainly sorry that he’s switches are. And I’m doing some very good things. But this is one of gone through this kind of illness, and I am perked up every time I hear those that has greater tragedy attached to it, of course, and even more him and the old 2-9er together, because that brings back great memories uncertainty than the lockouts had because we would have press of olden times. He’ll be enshrined — he’s already in the Hockey Hall of conferences every so often. You would always have a sense, wouldn’t Fame in Toronto with the Foster Hewitt award — but he’ll be enshrined in you, of what was at least being said between the lines and have a good the minds of so many people because I’m sure there are people that idea as to how long the pause was going to be. And we have no sense of come running up to him and talk to him about how when they were little that, this time. So it’s one of those unusual things, where you have no kids, he made them Penguins fans. Just like if Bob Prince were living way of really adjusting day-to-day other than agonizing over the loss that today, I’d tell him that he made me a Pirate fan. We all have our heroes, people are sustaining. And you see that on the news. And also admiring and Bob was one of mine. And Mike still is one of mine. Mike made a lot greatly the people that are going to battle every day. And at such time of people Pittsburgh Penguins fans. that we never do get back, great honor will be paid to them for what they have done to get us back to where we are. SG: We’re also talking to a fresh Fort Wayne Komets Hall of Famer. I heard you mention them in your last answer. How was that experience? I Josh Yohe: We’ve talked a lot about hockey players and what it might be know you’ve got a lot of stories and memories coming out of there. That like for them, having to play in an arena with no fans and in total silence. had to be a period of life that you cherished. But I have to think that impacts broadcasters as well. What would it be like for you to broadcast a game in a silent building? Doc: Well, we all know who we saw play in our very first game. Occasionally if I go to journalism classes and the class is small enough, Doc: I have no idea. The closest approximation I have of that was when I I’ll ask each student to tell a story about the first event that they ever saw, was in the (International Hockey League) in 1973-74, we had a team in an event of some gravity. It’s amazing the detail that they’ll remember. Lansing that was owned by a man named Paul Bright who earnestly And if we have time — and maybe we do — I’d ask each of the three of believed that hockey could appeal to people on Sunday afternoons in you to recall in brief. Mine was Dec. 10, 1960. It was Fort October and November at 2 o’clock. Now, it would work in January and Wayne/Muskegon. I’d never seen a hockey game before. And you February, after football was over, but not in October and November. And remember stark detail. I’d never seen brighter blue uniforms than one of those Sundays, when we were playing in Lansing, I was able to Muskegon wore. I remember the song they played when Fort Wayne count the crowd, and it was 35. That was the closest approximation I had came out on the ice. I’d never seen an arena before. I didn’t to what (playing in an empty arena would be like). I have no idea what understand that, when the ice got ground up by the Zamboni, that they that would be like. We’re getting some rough ideas of it, with golf and didn’t grind up the red and blue lines, too. And we had an overtime — it NASCAR coming back, because you do listen for the cheer of the gallery was a 10-minute overtime — and with two seconds left in the overtime — when an especially difficult shot is made, or you listen for the roar of the the game ended in a tie — there was a fight. And I thought, “Well this is crowd, especially at key moments like the finish of the race — but we really count on it. And I know the commissioner was quoted a couple truly spirited. It’s gonna end in a tie anyway. Why fight now?” But isn’t it Doc: Actually, if you can connect me with him, I’ll buy some from him. wonderful that they did? Thank you. You’re good men, all of you.

And to be taken in, really, as a fan of the team, with all of those great players that are already in the Komets Hall of Fame, was a wonderful honor back in March. It was the Saturday before we actually shut down. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 The Komets, of course, are in the ECHL, and their league long ago called it quits for the year.

RR: I feel like you’re qualified to answer — if you were to pick four athletes from Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania to go on “Mount Washington,” who would it be?

Doc: Oh, four? Well, it’s impossible. It’s impossible! How far back would you go? See, my arms are wide enough open that I would include George Blanda. I thought he was a magnificent quarterback even into his 40s. He’s still playing for Oakland, rallying the team, leading long rushes down and kicking field goals? I would have a hard time picking four hockey players!

SG: The top three were sort of unanimous, but the fourth spot, the guy who won the most votes, was Sidney Crosby. At this point, even though he’s 32 years old, that’s a tough one to deny. And he’s a guy, Doc, my gosh, you’ve provided the soundtrack for his career. This is a time of year where we’ve gotten so used to hearing you call his greatest moments, you’ve been there at so many steps of the way.

Doc: Well, between Mike and myself, yeah. And the radio calls, too. We’ve been very fortunate to watch him at his best — and there really hasn’t been a whole lot that wasn’t his best. I remember working with Peter McNab a lot of years, doing the Devils games, and he would pass on this great wisdom that Max, his father, had when he was the GM of several teams. And he would always talk about how the best years a player would have, especially an offensive player, would be in his late 20s. Well, with Sid and Ovi that hasn’t really happened. They’re still putting up great numbers. We’re probably seeing a new trend that was not present, maybe, 20 years ago. Maybe the way athletes are conditioned now, they just continue to go on, and continue to prominent. There’s been emphasis on the part of the league, talking about guys 25 and under and how the big scorers are 25 and younger. But, who are the exceptions? Those are two of them. Those guys are proving that you can be perennial top scorers in this league when you’re in your 30s.

JY: Doc, I’ve always wanted to ask you this. I know how much you love baseball, even though you’re synonymous with hockey. Would you ever consider orchestrating a coup of Greg Brown and taking over as the voice of the ?

Doc: No. No. No! I’ll tell you, I marvel at Brownie and how he continues to do 162 games plus all the preseason games. And the experience of, not only enjoying those guys when they allow me to sit with them for a couple innings down in Bradenton, but the one game I got to do with (in 2016), I was riding back in the car with him to the hotel. (They played) 19 games against the Cubs, and I got to do one of the four that they won. Mark Melancon got the save. I’m riding back, and I thought to myself, “How does Greg do another one tomorrow?” Because I’d used up all my stuff. I had prepared two weeks for it and used it all, and it was euphoric because they won, and I thought “how do these guys do another one tomorrow, and 160 more after that?” Plus all the preseason games? No. I would never have an interest, and I would never want to do that again, because it ended so perfectly, because they won. Greg is a marvel, and I love listening to him. It’s the voice of spring for me. And unfortunately, I haven’t yet heard the voice of spring talking about my Buccos. Win or lose, and we know there’s more of one than the other, it’s still a friendly voice to hear.

RR: And likewise yours. We want to wish you and everyone in your family a healthy pursuit during all of this. And remember Doc — it’s mid- May and the Pirates are in first place.

Doc: That’s it! We’ll take it! We’ll take it. And all the best to you and your family. And I am in search on the internet for some Pirates masks. I wear my baseball cap every day to go through the Tim Horton’s drive-through. I do wear a surgical mask, because I feel that’s good citizenship. But I am looking for Pirates masks. I’m scouring the internet for that because I do like to support the team, as the Hanson brothers would say.

SG: Well,Doc, my friend runs a screen printing business here. He’s been making Pirates masks. I should be able to scare one up and send it to you, if you like. 1174714 San Jose Sharks the third period and held on. In this one, the Sharks blew a two-goal lead in less than a minute, and had to come back in an angry building.

With eight minutes remaining in regulation, the Sharks were ahead by 4- On this date, 1995: Sharks win 2 OT, Game 7 thriller 2 and were following perfectly their strategy of putting the Flames and their crowd to sleep with their low-tech, low-octane offense. The Saddledome organist was also doing a fine job of keeping the crowd sedated with a medley of “Hockey’s Least Exciting Songs,” including the By MARK PURDY | Bay Area News Group theme from “Zorba The Greek” and “The Mexican Hat Dance.” May 19, 2020 at 5:30 a.m. Still, you had the feeling that the malaise couldn’t last, and with 7 minutes 22 seconds left, the Flames caught a break. With Calgary surging toward the goal crease, the Sharks’ semi-purposely dislodged the This story was originally published on May 20, 1995. net. And referee Kerry Fraser called his only penalty against San Jose — and only his third of the game. JUST WHEN you thought the Sharks had blown it, they hadn’t. Just when you thought it was over about six or seven times — including the Suddenly, the tepid building began to stir. Forty-four seconds later, the two occasions when Sharks goalie Wade Flaherty lost his stick while play stirring became a full scale noise blender. tapped in a continued madly around him — it wasn’t over. Just when you thought one power-play goal from the side of the net. And 56 seconds after that, overtime was all you could stand, there were two overtimes. Calgary’s German Titov tied the score by shoving the puck at Flaherty’s pads and watching it trickle through. And just when you thought that there was no way the Sharks could match the grab-your-skull-with-both-hands-and-scream thrill ride of last The Flames were a desperate team for more than the usual reasons. A season’s playoff run, along came to win the game. paranoid virus infests hockey-fixated Canada these days. With the Winnipeg Jets and Quebec Nordiques franchises apparently ready to Almost two minutes into the second overtime, Whitney tipped the puck. It scram south across the border to larger United States markets, many of went in the net. And the Sharks defeated Calgary 5-4, scoring a first- the other NHL cities in the Great White North are a little nervous and round upset in the Stanley Cup playoffs for the second straight year. hysterical. In Calgary, the Flames have begun an arena-upgrade San Jose, meet Cinderella. Cinderella, San Jose. Remember? Last program to build more club seats and luxury boxes, but most of them spring’s prom date? Get the dress and tuxedo out of storage. And oh, aren’t yet sold. yes. A round of free electrocardiograms for the entire Bay Area, please. Given that situation, plus the shaky status of Calgary Coach Dave King “I thought after last year, nothing could be more exciting,” said Sharks and General Manager — whose contracts expire in a owner George Gund while making a congratulatory handshake tour of few weeks — the Calgary papers were full of your standard apocalyptic the Shark locker room. “But this . . . ” rhetoric before Friday’s game.

This was not as improbable as last year, but it was far more dramatic. “We’re talking about saving jobs — lots of jobs,” wrote George Johnson The Sharks were outshot 60 to 30 — the equivalent of the 49ers stopping in the Calgary Sun, explaining what Friday’s game meant. “We’re talking the Cowboys about 50 times inside the 5-yard line in one game — while season-ticket renewals. We’re talking about big coin required to sign backup goalie Flaherty made every stop he had to make. several big free agents. It isn’t too much to hint that we may be talking ultimate survival.” And then, with everyone’s legs feeling like tree stumps as the second overtime began, the puck went to the Sharks’ oldest player, 36-year-old Maybe the Flames aren’t really doomed, but they won’t be playing any Sergei Makarov. He fed it toward the net, and one of the team’s youngest more this year. Friday’s game ended at 11:28 p.m. local time. By players, 23-year-old Whitney. As he rushed at the net, Whitney deflected midnight, the Saddledome crew was melting and scraping the ice off the the puck just enough to make it wobble just enough past the right leg of arena floor. And the Sharks were on their way to Detroit. Just when you Calgary goalie Trevor Kidd. thought the ride was over, it was only beginning.

“They kind of got confused down there,” said Whitney. “It’s unbelievable. I’m certainly glad it’s over. It’s been a long game.” San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.20.2020 Both overtimes were an immense raw nerve, just as you’d expect. Two dead weary groups of hockey players, struggling back and forth up the rink, trying not to lose stupidly while trying to win at all costs. Bodies flat on the ice, five car crashes happening at once, a helmet or suddenly spinning abandoned on the ice. Both teams sucking for air. Players sending their perspiration-soaked skates and gloves to the equipment room to be dried off with a blow dryer between periods.

“After the first overtime, I had no sweat on my body, because there was nothing left to sweat,” said , who also had an assist on Whitney’s goal. “There was just skin and bones. But I think it is tougher to play overtime mentally more than physically. If you get a chance to score and miss, again and again, it’s time to start making mistakes.”

Until at last, a goal goes in almost by accident. That is sort of what happened for the Sharks, although to reach that point, many Sharks had to make many great plays. Craig Janney and were the principals, combining to score three goals in regulation, either by passing or shooting. Larionov had the other.

“Just awesome,” Falloon said when it was over.

And perhaps further awesome moments await, in the next round of games against the Detroit Red Wings, which begins Sunday afternoon in Michigan.

First, though, this one should be savored. Because the Sharks franchise doesn’t exactly have a thick history book to make comparisons, you’d have to call it the most gutsy victory in franchise history. It was for sure more intestinally challenging than last year’s seventh-game victory over Detroit in the first round. In that one, the Sharks took a one-goal lead in 1174715 San Jose Sharks the game easy out there, especially at the junior level. They’re high-end talent, elite players. It was awesome.

Coaching-wise, too, (head coach Dale Hunter) was awesome with me. Sharks’ Ryan Merkley on his OHL season and not getting the World We did lots of video. They were obviously big on me with the defensive Juniors nod side (of the game). We’d only Watch video on the defensive side of the puck, and that half of the ice. They were great with me, they were awesome.

By Kevin Kurz The offensive part of the game has always been there with you. Wilson Jr. mentioned last week that your plus-minus got better every year, too, May 19, 2020 and this year you were a +20. We all know that’s not always a great stat, but do you feel it reflected the way your defensive game improved?

There is really no debate when it comes to identifying the Sharks’ top I certainly think I did a lot better in the defensive zone, playing less risky prospect. and taking my chances when needed. But I think it’s certainly a team stat. We were (45-15-2) and won 25 of the last 28 games, plus-minus Ryan Merkley, their first-round draft pick (21st overall) in 2018, just should be in the positive, for sure, if you’re winning every game. completed what will surely be his final season in junior hockey, posting 15 goals and 76 points with the . He was the second- What were the keys to your improving defensively? highest scoring defenseman in the OHL, while his 61 assists led all OHL For me, I think going to London with less of the offensive (burden), it was defensemen and ranked fourth overall. more spread out. We had more guys to lean on, so it gave me more At the time of the shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, London led opportunity to play smart and get the puck up to the high-end talent up its conference with a 45-15-2 record. Merkley was a key to their success. front. It just made me calm down a bit more, not trying to force plays or rush passes. “Ryan had a very good year,” Sharks scouting director Jr. said last week on a conference call. “In his career, every single season Wilson Jr. also mentioned that you should try and pattern the way you he scored more goals, he had more assists, he had more points and his play defense to . Is that something that they’ve expressed plus-minus got better all four years in the OHL. I’m very excited about to you? Ryan.” Yeah. He’s not the biggest of bodies, but he’s a great skater and closes Merkley won’t turn 20 until Aug. 14 and he’s growing into his body. At the up the gap well, makes that great first pass. I do think there are some time he took part in an NHL rookie tournament with the Sharks last similarities and things I can look up to. Obviously, he’s one of the best in September at the ’ practice rink in Irvine, he stood just the world. So Dougie and (the Sharks staff) were big on me watching him under 6-foot and weighed a little more than 170 pounds. Now, he’s and watching the way he defends. It’s just (about) growing, getting better around 182 pounds, working out with fellow Sharks prospect and former and getting more reps. OHL teammate Zach Gallant at Merkley’s parents’ house in Oakville, Despite your success this season with London, you didn’t get invited to Ontario, during the shelter-in-place orders. play for Team Canada in the World Juniors. How disappointing was that “We’re up every morning on the track, and come back to my house. My for you? dad was lucky enough to put in a gym in the garage, so been using that,” It sucks. Obviously, a big chunk of that is my fault, my past and my Merkley said. “It’s been going well.” history. So there’s really no one to blame. I thought I might have The Sharks, of course, have been keeping a close eye on Merkley ever deserved a chance. But that’s the way she goes. Short-term tournament since they selected him nearly two years ago. At the time of the draft, and they had a team that won it, so good for them. It worked out in their there were concerns that Merkley was immature and had anger issues favor. But, obviously, it sucked; it would have been awesome to go over both on and off the ice. Had those not existed, it’s likely he would not there and represent the country with the boys. have fallen so far in the first round. Why do you think you were left off? His talent level has never been in question, particularly in the offensive Yeah, I thought I had a good first half. But I figure it was my reputation end. Merkley has been arguably the best setup man among defensemen from the past. They weren’t big fans. I know (Knights co-owners and in all of Canadian junior hockey for the past two seasons. Like many Team Canada decision-makers Mark and Dale Hunter) were on the young players, though, it’s the defensive part of the game that will bench, so I know they were helping me, trying their best, but it’s alright. determine how long it takes him to reach the NHL. Perhaps he makes the Sharks right out of camp in time for the start of the 2020-21 season; Is that frustrating that two years later that reputation still follows you otherwise, he’ll begin with the AHL Barracuda. around?

“The biggest thing with (Merkley) was he’s never going to hit guys like It sort of does get annoying when everyone talks about that, and it gets Brent Burns or Radim Simek, he’s going to play defense more like Erik brought up. But I thought I had a good year this year. Kind of put a lot of Karlsson,” Wilson Jr. said. “If we can get him to use his stick to angle those people to rest. I thought I did a great job off the ice this year with guys off in the neutral zone and then get the puck going north faster, my attitude and stuff. I wasn’t getting caught in any trouble that much, or that’s how he’s going to play defense. I think that’s what you saw this acting lazy. year with him. Keeping control of your emotions on the ice is part of that, too, I imagine. “The kid, at the end of the day, (loves) being around the rink. You’ve seen with us, we try to get hockey rat-type guys, and that’s Ryan. We’re Yeah, exactly. Just not letting my emotions get out of check, trying to really happy with his season. He’s got to come in, though — pro hockey stay positive and take it shift by shift. I think I’m getting better with that. I is totally different. So it’s on him now to take this time to get his body into don’t think I broke a stick this year, so … a pro body, physical, work with (Sharks strength and conditioning You were paired with Mario Ferraro during rookie camp and roomed with director) Mike Potenza, get on a program. But if he puts the work into it, him during the week. Did you follow his success as a rookie with the he’s going to have a very good career with us.” Sharks this season? I caught up with Merkley on Tuesday for a brief conversation, which has For sure, it was awesome for him. I was excited for Mario. He got a good been lightly edited for clarity. chunk of NHL games. He’s a workhorse. I’ve never seen anybody (take The last time we spoke at the rookie tournament you were without a care of) the body and (do) what he does off the ice. It’s incredible. He home before you got traded from Peterborough to London. How did it go never stops moving out there, his work ethic is incredible. He’ll play a in London? long time in the league because there’s not many that take care of their body like that or work as hard as he does. It’s awesome, something I can I thought it was awesome. I had a great time in London. I couldn’t have look up to and follow. been happier. It went well, we had a good year, great team, lots of skill. Good high-end talent, so it made it a lot easier for me to make that jump. How much are you looking forward to the next step of your career and Playing with guys like (Liam) Foudy, (Connor) McMichael — they make turning pro? Yeah, I’ve been looking forward to this fall forever. I’m so excited. Warm weather all year round, pro hockey, a chance to make the NHL. It’s going to be exciting. I’m putting the work in, so I’ll be excited and ready to go.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174716 St Louis Blues The Blues created three divisions: two open divisions for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 and one for high school-aged players. They set a limit of 512 participants in both the Xbox and PlayStation tournaments and filled those easily. They had a goal of 16 high school teams, but with the help Robert Thomas holds his own as Blues dive into esports world with NHL of the university, they got 22. 20 tourney “We didn’t really know what to expect this first go-around into esports,” Gardner said. “We were pleasantly surprised to see how quickly both of those tournaments filled up for us. With new initiatives like this, you never By Jeremy Rutherford really know how they’re going to work out until you try something for the May 19, 2020 first time.”

The games began about a month ago, with the puck dropping at 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Week by week, players were dropping from Twenty-year-old Blues center Robert Thomas was an avid player of the the field — but not Thomas. He made it five rounds, showing off some EA Sports NHL series growing up. slick moves along the way. Check out this breakaway and one-handed finish in Round 4. “I played a ton against my brothers,” Thomas said Monday. “I’d say 2013 to 2016 is when I played the most. I probably haven’t played as much the I’ve been in the Blues’ locker room after many a game asking Thomas to last four years, just a game here or there.” take me through a play that happened on the ice that night, how his vision and skating helped him score a goal or set one up. Now I was Well, that’s understandable. asking him which buttons he hit on his Xbox controller to pull off the In 2016, he won a with his junior hockey team, the London move. Knights. “You have to hold the puck with your analog on one side and then click In 2017, he was taken in the first round of the NHL draft. both of your bumpers,” Thomas said. “People kept scoring on me with the one-handed deke, and I was just never able to score like that. I think I In 2018, he captured a gold medal with Team Canada at the World was up one or two goals at the time in that game, so I thought I’d try it out Junior Championships. and show it off. It turned out it was actually a really nice goal, so I’ll take In 2019, he won a Stanley Cup with the Blues. that one.”

“Yeah, it’s been a little busy,” Thomas said, chuckling. The Blues were live-streaming Thomas’ game, so with a camera focused on him playing, fans were able to see his reaction to the goal. He shrieks But when the NHL paused the regular season in mid-March due to the and raises his hands in real life, as his likeness on the video game, COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas was like the rest of us, quarantined at wearing Thomas and No. 18 on the back, celebrates on the TV screen in home with few responsibilities. So when the Blues reached out to him front of him. and teammate Colton Parayko and asked them to play in the Blues Gaming NHL 20 Showdown, he was on board right away. “That’s the coolest thing. People don’t expect you to have as much fun as you do playing NHL,” Thomas said. “It’s cool because I bet they would “Yeah, didn’t have much else going on at all,” he said. “It was a great never expect to play against somebody in the NHL, so it’s cool to show a opportunity to connect with fans and give a little hockey feel to everyone. little more of our personality and stuff away from hockey.” I was really excited about it.” Blues fan Cristiano Simonetta, who also played in the Xbox division, The Blues’ first foray into the esports world was successful, with more watched Thomas’ live-stream and took note of his style. than 1,000 participants taking part in the event and winners crowned over the weekend. The competition was well-timed, and while not all fans are “He plays a lot like he does in real life — he plays fast and he’s an gamers, seeing the players’ names and incredibly detailed graphics of offensive guy,” Simonetta said: “He’s a good player, and he’s definitely the game did give some their fix until the league resumes. got some skills. That was just awesome to watch a guy like that.”

“As we went into this (quarantine) period, we had a couple of big goals in Asked about the comparison between the way he plays on the ice and in mind,” said Matt Gardner, the Blues’ vice president of Digital Media and the game, Thomas replied: “In my opinion, it’s all about the way you think Emerging Technology. “The first was to make sure we’re using our the game; it’s similar to the NHL a little bit. Like for me, I’m always trying communication to support St. Louis and everyone that was going to be to pass it around. So I think there’s a little of similarity to how you think on impacted by this pandemic. The second was to entertain our fans at a the ice, but you just go out and play and try and have some fun.” time when they probably needed that more than anything — take their Simonetta also liked how Thomas was interacting with fans. mind off all the craziness that was going on in the world. To be able to launch this esports tournament was a great thing, so people could take in “He’s a Stanley Cup champion at that age, and he was really engaged on a little Blues hockey when they were missing it and not able to go to his stream,” Simonetta said. games.” But Thomas couldn’t engage with all of them, or he might have gotten The Blues actually began brainstorming how they could incorporate himself in trouble. esports in their content two years ago. There were already a few NHL “It was really neat to play against people from St. Louis and just have a teams who had jumped into esports, and in communication with those conversation with them before the game,” said Thomas, who also clubs, the Blues believed it was a viable platform. competed against gamers from Chicago and Dallas. “But I played against “But we decided to take a step back and spend a little bit more time going a couple of pretty good players and they weren’t too happy I beat them, over what we figured was going to be the direction for us … to best and I got a couple of chirps online after the game. I guess I was playing a activate through our local market,” Gardner said. cheap way. I don’t know how you can call it a cheap way. I guess he was a little upset. But it was all in fun.” Through a cooperation with Maryville University and the Rawlings Sports Business Management program, an esports association was created and Thomas made it five rounds in the tournament, which was more than he the idea to host an NHL 20 tournament in the spring of 2020 was expected. hatched. Registration was scheduled to take place in late March, but “I thought I would maybe get one or two rounds in, but I wasn’t expecting when the league paused earlier that month because of the pandemic, the five,” he said. “It was awesome. It was a great way, especially on the Blues bumped up their timetable. weekends, to come together and play. A lot of people were watching me, “We already had that in the works, and it allowed us to act very quickly to so it was really cool to share that.” get some content out there to our fans,” Gardner said. “We were able to The fact that two Blues were playing in the tournament was one of the expedite our plans there and get that launched to make sure we were selling points for Simonetta to sign up. The 23-year-old works as the getting our fans something at a time when they probably had a little more director of broadcasting and communications for the Lincoln Stars of the time on their hands than they normally would.” United States Hockey League, who, of course, had their season canceled in mid-March. “I saw that Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko were going to be a part of get a team-signed jersey with virtually everybody on the Stanley Cup- it, and I was thinking, ‘Hey, I’m not going to be doing anything on winning team is something I’m going to be able to tell my kids and Saturday and Sunday for awhile,” he said. “I hadn’t played competitively grandkids about. Then the $250 at the store, I don’t know, we’ll see. in a long time — I think seven years — but I just decided to throw my hat Maybe I’ll buy a new jersey, maybe even a Robert Thomas jersey. in the ring.” “It was a great opportunity that the Blues set up, and I just want to thank If Simonetta’s name sounds familiar to readers in this space, it’s because them as an organization for making this all possible. With the quarantine, he has appeared here many times. During the 2018-19 season, his this was an opportunity to market the players in a way that we’ve never detailed tweets of Blues highlights were often embedded in my Blues seen.” stories or retweeted from @TheAthleticSTL Twitter feed, and he and I teamed up to host The Blue Line podcast last season. The NHL will be back one day, but Gardner believes the Blues’ involvement with esports is here to stay, and hopes that fans’ connection Simonetta is from Carol Stream, Ill., a western suburb of Chicago about to gaming may lead to them coming to a game in the future. 45 minutes from the , where the Blackhawks play. His parents had ‘Hawks season tickets, but he was an Anaheim Ducks fan “We’re always thinking about new ways that we can reach different because of and switched his allegiance to the Blues when audiences, especially a younger crowd that is gravitating toward video Kariya signed with St. Louis in 2007. games,” he said. “We know there are people that play games like NHL 20, that take a love of the sport based on what they’re playing on video “I was 11 years old and said, ‘I’m going to stay with this team,'” he said. before they ever set foot in an NHL building. So if we can build that “Those days really cemented my fandom with the Blues, and it paid off all relationship with that fan through an esports experience or through a these years later when they won the Stanley Cup.” piece of content that we’ve put out on our platforms, that gives us a better opportunity to cultivate the lifelong relationship that we know exists Like a lot of children, Simonetta grew up on video games. between sports fans and professional sports teams.

“I played three sports (lacrosse, baseball and golf) in high school,” he “It’s definitely fun to see how the business has changed. It used to be, said. “No hockey. I was the youngest of three boys, and my mom could you sold tickets, you sold sponsorship, you sold retail, you sold deal with only so many practices, and the 5 a.m. (wakeups for practices concessions. Now there’s all these different avenues that you can have a or games) on Sundays weren’t something that she was too keen on. But touch point with your fans, whether it’s through video games or sports if I wasn’t playing real sports, I was playing video games with my friends. betting, which is on the horizon. This is a great start. We’re going to be Instead of hanging out at each other’s houses, we just hung out virtually surveying these fans to get their feedback and decide how to move and played Xbox for five straight hours a day, between meals and forward. The one piece of this whole activation that we weren’t able to making sure our homework was done.” have, we were going to have the finals on the video board at Enterprise Simonetta said that when he was 14 years old, his group of friends were Center. It would be a really exciting way to reward these fans for their ranked in the top 10 in the world as a team in the NHL game on Xbox. efforts in these competitions and really be able to take this esports But after graduating from high school, he attended the University of experience to the next level.” Illinois and began pursuing a broadcast career, and competitive gaming took a back seat until the Blues’ tournament. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 “I started playing the first couple of games and I was beating them pretty easily,” Simonetta said. “Then there were a couple of close games, and in the semifinals, I played the guy who is ranked No. 14 in the world. I beat him 4-2, so after that game, I thought, ‘OK, the person I’m going to play in the final is going to be a pretty good player,’ and he was. It was a very, very close game.”

Because there were several other gamers in the tournament playing as the Blues, Simonetta picked the Washington Capitals as his team. In the final, he was losing to the Blues, 6-5, with less than 10 seconds to play in regulation. But his opponent controlling the Blues lost the puck in the offensive zone, and Simonetta tied the game on a goal by the Caps’ Jakub Vrana.

“As soon as I forced the turnover, I thought, ‘OK, this game is tied,'” Simonetta said. “I got a lucky break and made a nice play. I’m heading to overtime thinking, ‘This is going to be mine.”

About two minutes into OT, Simonetta came up with the puck in his own zone, and fed a pass to Washington’s Alex Ovechin for a breakaway. He was tripped by Carl Gunnarsson, a penalty shot was awarded and Ovechkin converted for the victory.

“I made a nice little fake, and split the defense,” Simonetta said. “He tripped me, and how it works on a penalty shot is the user controls the goalie, not the computer, so it was me versus him. When a goalie tries to slide out and poke me, I just put on the brakes and have a wide-open net, and that’s what happened.”

Winning the championship in a field of 500-plus players was admittedly surprising.

“I never envisioned this after I graduated college,” Simonetta said. “I’m so into my career and I don’t have a lot of weekends off throughout the (USHL) season. The fact that the quarantine had a silver lining to it — me being able to enter this tournament and be able to win it — is definitely a good feeling.”

For first place in the Xbox division, Simonetta won a team-autographed Blues sweater and a $250 gift card to STL Authentics at .

“The team-signed jersey is especially important to me,” he said. “I lived and died with this team, and to see them lift the Cup in June 2019, it’s an indescribable feeling and I still don’t even believe that it happened. So to 1174717 St Louis Blues of 2.5, the best at the tournament. They were a sneaky team, but always found a way to get to the end putting a real emphasis on survival.

“Pittsburgh was so poised, a Mike Sullivan coached team,” Ferris said. Ranking the most impressive NHLers at the NHLPA Fortnite tournament “They were aggressive at the right times, but they really picked their battles.”

The broadcast didn’t show the Pittsburgh POV often, but anytime there By Dom Luszczyszyn was a wide-angle shot of the endgame chaos, sure enough, there was Pittsburgh’s trio tightly aligned. I didn’t see it first hand, but it looked like May 19, 2020 they had some good tunnelling plays which is a pretty advanced technique that your average Fortnite player can’t pull off.

On Monday, the St. Louis Blues defended their NHL title with proper Zach-Aston Reese was the captain, but Bryan Rust appeared to be the patience, poise, and positioning, not to mention the right amount of leader of the team’s patient approach, according to cbass. “He was aggression to go with a killer instinct. No, this wasn’t a Stanley Cup always the one in front.” victory, but instead the NHLPA Open, a Fortnite trios tournament Still, it’s hard to separate any one player from Pittsburgh as the trio was a specifically for NHL players. team through and through. It felt like all three were always sticking Truth be told, they weren’t half bad. Impressive even, which I guess together, rotating well. According to Aston-Reese, that was a big point of shouldn’t be surprising in a tournament designed to bring together the their game. “I know the point is to kill other people, but we were just league’s best Fortnite players. Now, none of them are going to quit their trying to get good rotations and attack from there.” day jobs to become full-time pros streaming on Twitch, but it was clear “Reese definitely watches the game, rotations isn’t a word you say if you from watching that they can hold their own in a box fight, unlike editor-in- don’t,” cbass said. chief Mirtle who prefers to hide in a cardboard box when he plays. Sure enough, Aston-Reese gave some credit to Twitch streamer Nick Eh The goal of Fortnite, a battle royale, is to be the last person standing. 30 who was casting the event, saying him and Rust put his stream on the Though the prize pool from this tournament was $200,000 to charities of big screen after a workout. the team’s choice, what you can’t take away from natural-born competitors facing off against rivals is how important bragging rights are. Anthony Bitetto

That was the goal of the tournament according to Zach Hyman who co- Early on it felt like Winnipeg would be running away with the tournament, orchestrated the even with former University of Michigan teammate J.T. taking the victory Royale in both of the first two games. That’s a huge Compher: Finding out who the best Fortnite player is. advantage when there are only four games.

Well, we know who the best team is, it’s St. Louis. Winnipeg’s strategy was to make it to endgame and then take ultimate high ground, something that Bitetto led the charge on. When the zones But the best player is a different question. Just ask Connor McDavid and change, they would make sure not to give up that high ground either. The the Edmonton Oilers. Fortnite works similarly where a weak link on the trio used a launchpad to rotate with the storm at the right time to connect squad can drag an elite player down. The best player debate is not as with a structure on the edge of the storm to maintain height. It’s elite definitive, but after watching the tournament several players have a case. game sense. Despite playing it extensively over the past few years and watching the “If you do it too early you run out of mats trying to hold it,” cbass said. “Do occasional stream, I’m not a Fortnite expert, but I know someone who it too late and you don’t have any left to take it over. It’s a different ‘time’ can help. Before the tournament, I asked Sabastian Diamond, otherwise that is entirely dependent on how each lobby is playing out, but the team known as cbass, who works for professional gaming organization FaZe who does it at the right time is usually the team who wins the game.” clan to watch and report on who had game amongst the NHLers. I also asked Hockey Twitter friend Shawn Ferris for his opinion as he’s been Winnipeg did it right both games. avidly tweeting about Fornite recently. Though Jack Roslovic has some of the best stats after Dunn (a 2.9 Based on the tournament, we all settled on a pretty similar list of names. kill/death ratio) and was stealing the show early with his play, it was Here are the NHLers who impressed the most at the Fortnite NHLPA Bitetto, the team captain, who cemented himself as the team MVP in the Open. fourth match. “He was the leader and came up big in that last game,” Ferris said. Vince Dunn In a 1v1 battle, few players can stand up to Nylander, who has some Dunn was a force for the Blues, unsurprising since he regularly streams solid mechanics and aggression that puts pressure on his opponents to on Twitch. That, and this isn’t his first big Fortnite tournament. At the end make a mistake. of April, he and teammate Jordan Kyrou participated in a Twitch Rivals: Supergames where athletes were paired with pro players in a four-team “Alex Nylander being nasty was a surprise,” cbass said. “He knows his squad. Dunn and Kyrou along with their pros finished second. fighting angles.”

The Blues big push came in the second match where they had 14 kills It was Nylander who put on a show in the fourth match as Team Sweden and Dunn was instrumental in that. In the third game, it was Dunn were the ones that decided to contest The Agency and knock Winnipeg fragging out in endgame that got them the win. That was despite having off its perch at the top. Nylander earned both eliminations and it’s that ultimate low ground (high ground is key in Fortnite). move that changed the game according to Ferris. The Blues should be sending Nylander a gift basket in the mail for his efforts. “They played low ground really well, held ultimate low all the way through endgame,” cbass said. “Jumped on whoever came down and double While Nylander was impressive in fights, I’m not so sure about the game teamed them immediately which is the only way low ground works, have sense in a tournament setting. Team Sweden was perhaps a little too to force them down.” aggressive, finishing with placement points just twice with just one top 10 finish, in ninth, in the second match. They took a lot of fights early on that Dunn was the best player on the best team and according to Fortnite they didn’t need to instead of focusing on rotating and making it far. Tracker, he has the resume to back up his play. His 3.24 kill/death ratio Team Sweden tied for second with 23 eliminations, but their six during Fortnite’s second season of chapter two is the highest of any placement points were good for 16th. In this format where placement player at the tournament. He’s also won 10.8 percent of his games this points were crucial, that wasn’t the right call. season, which is seriously impressive. The Kings were quietly languishing near the bottom of the leaderboard Pittsburgh with just three eliminations to show for their efforts through three games Of the 562 points handed out, 58 percent were given out for placement, and it was hard to envision Trevor Moore being a tournament standout, meaning the longer you lasted the more points your team earned. but then he had perhaps one of the highlights of the tournament: A team Pittsburgh didn’t have the most kills, but earned the most placement wipe on Team Sweden despite being down a man. That’s the team with points finishing third, second, fourth and then finally first, for an average the second most eliminations with a man advantage and Moore came This isn’t the fault of the event, but of Fortnite’s casting system in clutch, holding off a double team. general. Sometimes it can be great as you can see everyone’s positioning in a stacked endgame, but often you end up missing a lot of More impressive: It came after a revive. Credit to teammate Ben Hutton action. From a fan perspective, it would’ve been nice to get players on for pulling that off, though it helped that Team Sweden disengaged. their own dedicated streams. Even the players who have their own Ferris saw the potential early in the first game, even when the Kings were streams like Brown, Dunn and Marner weren’t allowed to stream struggling. “Trevor Moore can build.” Turns out he can fight too. themselves. Having the choice to follow your favourite player or team would make for a better experience. It would also allow viewers to see Honourable mentions the inter-team communication that’s pivotal in a game like this. That was sorely missed here. Those were the standouts from the tournament, but the event itself revealed each player’s stats in non-tournament games too. Some players To add to that, there were key fights that were missed not just because of who’ve got good numbers, but may not have been on the level of those the format, but simply bad decision-making. It’s tough when you don’t five on Monday include Calgary’s Buddy Robinson, Ottawa’s Jayce know who the best players are, but it took until Game 4 to even see Hawryluk, Montreal’s Cale Fleury, and Carolina’s and Pittsburgh play. Some teams weren’t shown at all. Some teams were Brett Pesce. The Hurricanes felt like a dark horse early and it’s no shown too much when they weren’t doing anything. The most egregious surprise why – the talent was there and Pesce especially had some moment though came at the start of Game 4 when the casters had been building finesse, but for whatever reason couldn’t put it together. hyping up that other teams should contest Winnipeg’s drop spot since the Jets were in first. Nylander and the rest of Team Sweden did just that, This was the first Fortnite tournament meant specifically for NHLers and I got two eliminations and we didn’t see any of it. don’t think it’ll be the last. Overall it was a surprisingly enjoyable event as far as competitive Fortnite goes and a nice sidebar as we all wait for There were 28 teams that were supposed to participate, announced these NHLers to return to the rink. But it wasn’t without a few kinks either. earlier that morning and confirmed again during the broadcast. We got 22 Here’s what worked and what didn’t at the NHLPA Open. for two games before Detroit and Edmonton joined for the final two. Arizona, Boston, Philadelphia and Vegas were no shows which kind of What Worked sucks when much of the talent pool wasn’t even NHL-calibre. Each of the It was cool they got pro streamer Nick Eh 30 to cast the games. He’s got four teams was three-deep in terms of NHL talent (well, maybe not the a strong knowledge of the game and provided great analysis of what was Flyers) and those teams missing out sort of put a damper on the star- happening from what players were doing well and why to pointing out power of the tournament. That it happened last second and decisions made that wouldn’t hold up in an actual pro game. Plus, he’s unannounced wasn’t cool. got clout. His stream peaked at around 20,000 viewers, four times as The usernames were a mess for half the teams and it was really hard to many as the official stream on ESPN. It was clear the players know who you were watching half the time. That’s all well and good, participating had respect for his game too. I wonder if he’ll get to hang but… at least give us a list of who’s who somewhere so we can keep out with Nathan MacKinnon (who’s a pretty solid player himself) now that track. their shared Nova Scotia connection is known. Overall, it was a great event and it’s great to see the NHL doing Some of the players have played in Pro-Ams before, teaming up with progressive things to market their players like this and bring some prop players and it was nice to see them fight amongst themselves in entertainment during these strange times. But now that that’s over, if their weight class. Some players were still out-matched obviously, but you’ll excuse me, I have my own date with Fortnite to get to. there was an element of surprise to the game that wouldn’t be there if they had to go up against Tfue.

Panthers centre Dominic Toninato hid in a bush. It didn’t work, but I The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 definitely respect the attempt.

Having players play with their real-life teammates was great and gives fans a chance to root for their city if there’s another event. That many teams had matching outfits was pretty adorable too. I respect it.

In light of that, some of the team and player based rivalries made it all the more entertaining. It seemed like every match had Tampa Bay and Columbus fighting. The Leafs were the first team to contest the Jets at their preferred drop spot (though they were very unsuccessful) in an all- Canadian battle. If this were something the players were able to practice for, I’m sure certain rivalries will play out even further. After St. Louis’ Game 3 win, Compher texted Hyman: “You guys are clearly scared by not telling us where you land.” They met them with a pointed “come meet us at Slurpy.” Even better? Neither team ended up there. The gamesmanship is real.

What you’ll notice is that a lot of the best Fortnite players weren’t exactly NHL superstars and it’s nice to see those players get their shine here. may be the better hockey player, but it was clear here who the better Nylander is in this virtual world. I will say though that I was hoping Minnesota’s JT Brown would take his team a little higher as he was one of the first NHLers to start streaming.

I was initially skeptical of a format that placed such a high emphasis on placement, but I think it worked wonderfully here. The stacked endgames are what make Fortnite an exciting (albeit often confusing) esport to watch and it was great to see it play out with amateurs instead of pros who can sometimes make your head spin with their maneuvering.

After every game, the winning teams were interviewed and though they weren’t all that illuminating, it was nice to see the players in a chill setting being asked about things that aren’t hockey. Did you know that MacKinnon and teammate Matt Nieto have been grinding Fortnite for up to six hours per day during quarantine? Now you do. The stars, they’re just like us. “Wake up, work out, get on the sticks,” MacKinnon said.

What Didn’t 1174718 Tampa Bay Lightning an admitted silver lining. “They are endless energy," he said. “Outside of their nap time, they don’t stop.’’

So they play, walk on the neighborhood trails, watch Frozen 2, Bluey and With no sports, oh my, what are the broadcasters talking about? other kids’ programs. Anderson’s biggest personal improvements during the months off? Diaper changing (“I’ve become a pro") and domestic chores.

Staff Report “You get up and repeat," Anderson said. “And I’m telling you something, you lose track of the days. Absolutely. For the first month of quarantine, I

don’t know how many times I missed our garbage day, and we have two They’re giving us play-by-play of a different sort when it comes to their a week." daily lives: new pets, meal prep, workouts and some familial The shutdown has opened up the competition between Walsh, a Gulf competitions. High product, and husband Matt Buschmann, a former Rays minor- "One ball, two strikes the count. 8-4 Rays are down in the ninth inning, leaguer and current Blue Jays coach. down to their final out and strike. The pitch is taken, outside corner, “I’m a couple of good ground strokes away from joining the tour called strike three. And that is your ball game. And we don’t know how when it comes back," she said. “Matt and I are really contemplating our long it’ll be our final ball game for a bit … ‘’ missed calling in the world of tennis. … We’ve just been playing tennis, We still don’t. arguing playing each other in tennis, just working out like crazy." When Walsh isn’t on the courts, she’s running on the streets, joking “I’m about Neil Solondz’s raysbaseball.com radio call to wrap up the Rays-Phillies to qualify for the New York Marathon." exhibition game at 4:34 p.m. on March 12 remains the final word for now on the baseball season, which is on hold due to the coronavirus Walsh, 42, who works on NFL and college broadcasts in the fall, was to pandemic. be hosting Fox’s soccer coverage, which as a former player she was extremely excited about. But she did only one game, the Major League With no scores to scream, updates to unload or analysis to add, here’s Soccer debut in Nashville. “I just don’t know when I’m going to work how some broadcasters and announcers are keeping busy. again," she said. “Which is a weird feeling."

As with his play-by-play calls, Mishkin packs a lot in. He runs almost When spring training was put on hold, they decided with 3-year-old twins every day. Spends more time with his wife and two middle-schoolers. they’d be better off staying in warmer Florida than returning to their Writes a column for the team website and app, mixing memories of past Tennessee home. They moved from their original Dunedin rental out to games that are being re-aired with family stuff, such as watching all 10 Clearwater Beach, with the benefit of having her parents close by to help seasons of Friends. Talks some hockey, doing Zoom interviews for the as they wait, though not knowing if the Jays are headed back to Toronto radio site, answering questions from others. if play starts or staying in Florida, which then impacts her schedule.

And, most interestingly, attends to the family’s new dog. ”The sports world being shut down affects our whole household," she said. “Every time Matt hears news about baseball, I look at it as a sign of And not just any basic dog, but a Bernese Mountain Dog named Stella. how does this affect soccer. … Our whole life is just one big contingency Mishkin being Mishkin, the story about why, how and where they got the right now." 80-pound dog that is native to , its acclimation with their other The 75-year-old veteran of the group has been playing it safe at home in dog (Roxie) and two cats (Charlie, Metro), and the backstories last nearly Tallahassee “looking like Ringo Starr all of a sudden," reading Tom 20 minutes. Early on, he admits there’s more detail than needed. Brokaw’s The Greatest Generation (“my wife found it for two bucks”) and “Obviously," he said, “I like talking about stuff." planning extensively for the football seasons with confidence they’ll be In short: He saw his first Bernese Mountain Dog when the Lightning played. “Saying prayers and crossing fingers," he said. played in Prague in 2008 and had been “jonesing for one” ever since. A 21-date spring tour of Florida State booster clubs alongside new Saw two at a dog show in Tampa last year. Met and swapped contact football coach Mike Norvell — whom he has only talked with in person info with the Tallahassee-based owners, who put breeding plan on hold just once — was canceled, but Deckerhoff is otherwise doing what he due to the pandemic, opted to sell one and reached out. Made the deal usually does in May. and pick up last month. “Stars aligned," Mishkin said. “My wife was like, ‘I think this was meant to be.’" Which means already composing matchup sheets for the 12 FSU and 20 Bucs games he is slated to call — though having trouble getting his usual The colorful commentator spent the first part of the shutdown wondering info on depth charts — and planning the now even trickier travel if he had the coronavirus. schedule that allows him to do both jobs. After a Super Bowl weekend of events in his offseason home state of “There’s a few that are tight," he said, pondering, for example, a likely 8 Ohio, Anderson spent 10 days in bed, fever spiking to 103.5, sheets a.m. arrival in Tallahassee with the Seminoles after a Sept. 19 game in soaked from night sweats. He eventually was diagnosed with flu and Boise, Idaho, then jumping right into his 24-foot RV for the 4 ½-hour, pneumonia. “As sick as I have ever been," he said. 249-mile drive to Tampa for a 1 p.m. kickoff against the Panthers. Anderson was still dragging when he came to Port Charlotte for his first “I’m ready to go," he said. “Let’s put toe to leather and kick this thing off." spring TV game March 11 — and paying more attention to coronavirus details. An article claiming that a flu diagnosis didn’t rule out also having The dynamic duo who sits side-by-side in radio booths for most of six- COVID-19 caught his eye. “So I wondered, ‘What were the chances?’" he plus months hasn’t been face-to-face (not counting those wonderful said. “I reached out to my doctor and he said (he) was kind of wondering Zoom work calls) since a March 11 broadcast in Port Charlotte. Freed the same thing." and Wills have done a few public service announcements, and other video and voice work for the team from home. Turns out, it apparently wasn’t the case, at least based on a negative test for antibodies done through a league program. “I did not realize how much I miss so many of the things I thought I was tired of doing," Freed said. “The day to day, the routine of it." And Anderson finally feels back to normal, enough to resume a daily “prison-style workout in the garage, making use of every little weight that Freed said his quarantined family life isn’t that much different than during we have, a little bench and a bike. … It gets nice and hot in there so I get the offseason. His wife, Amy, was already homeschooling 10-year-old an awesome sweat." twins Casey and Maddie and 17-year-old daughter Sarah, and Andy handles most of the household duties. He’s just not used to still doing so With a resting mode that is other people’s hyperactive, Anderson, 48, through March, April and May. may have met his match. He spends his down time chasing 4-year-old daughter Harper and 1-year-old son Baker — yes, he’s named after the “Dave jokes that I’m Alice from The Brady Bunch," Freed said. “I do the quarterback of Anderson’s beloved Browns, and born in Mayfield meals and the cooking and the cleaning and help out with school. ... The Heights, Ohio — around his and wife Jessica’s Carillon-area townhome, whole point is to give Amy as much leeway and room as possible to do whatever she needs to get those kids educated." He enjoys doing “mundane things with the kids” and taking care of the for April and May gulf sunsets that he normally doesn’t see, sitting nightly dog, Charlie Brown, they got in January. Also, watching and listening to with wife Carla on their Sand Key balcony. “I appreciate living in this area broadcasts of games from decades ago. “I put on the noise-canceling now more than I ever did," he said. headphones and I’m bee-bopping around listening to Vin Scully and Joe Garagiola call some Cardinals-Dodgers game from 1984." • Solondz doesn’t make much of his role in history, hoping games resume soon and that all the broadcasters have games to talk about. He Cooking has been the biggest challenge, with lasagna and chicken soup has continued his extensive season prep work, adding to his Freed’s best meals: “I’m not a natural cook. And we have a lot of food encyclopedic knowledge of Rays minor-leaguers, created ample content allergies in the house. So it’s really rewarding when you make a really for the team website between his RaysRadio blogs and video interviews, good meal the whole family likes. … It’s been much harder than I and spent an hour a day on learning Spanish, doing online lessons, realized. I was going to make hamburger soup one night and I screwed it working through a text book and watching YouTube interviews and up so bad I had to throw the whole thing out, and I was pissed off for Univision programming. days about that." He is also focused on self-care, physically, doing 150 pushups and 30 Wills has also been cooking more (“learned how to make a darn good minutes of low-impact aerobics a day, and mentally, spending at least 30 omelet”) and losing weight, down 16 pounds thanks to daily walks with minutes reading inspirational books. dog Bella and bike rides. Also, of note: “Infringing on my wife and daughter’s space. They’re obviously not accustomed to having me Solondz also is making a daily effort to reach out to five people outside around this much. Trying to stay married. I did find five pieces on their his immediate family via phone, text or social media messaging. “Just to 2,000-piece puzzle last week. Or maybe I should say five at most." check in, say, 'Hey, how you doing?’ We all need some sort of human contact outside of the people within our brick-and-mortar walls," Solondz • Yankees PA announcer Paul Olden, a St. Pete resident since his days said. “We all have extra time on our hands, why not make the best of it?" in the Rays radio booth, has become “reacquainted” with his guitar, set up a net in his condo that allows him take full golf swings (occasionally “Hopefully it only feels like a few hours until baseball comes back. For with regulation balls, though with some wall bruises to show for the Doug Waechter, I’m Neil Solondz. Again, final score, Phillies 8, Rays 4. misses), transitioned to a healthier diet and, despite a late March/April Thanks for being with us in Port Charlotte. And we’ll hope to see you bout with what he feared was coronavirus but tested negative, soon on the Rays Baseball Network." maintained his streak of running at least a mile through 1,271 days (as of Monday). Social distancing hasn’t been that big of an issue, Olden, 66, said. “Fortunately my personality was such that that was not very difficult Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 05.20.2020 to do. It’s almost like, ‘See, this is what the rest of you have been missing not being around people.’"

* Rays pre- and post-game host Rich Hollenberg, who also calls college basketball for ESPN, was searching for a fun and creative project. “I’ve got to do something," he said. Having tossed hundreds of media credentials into a box during an early quarantine cleanup, he settled on reminiscing about games based on looking at the passes. Wife Jill suggested he use their youngest son, 11-year-old Bryan, and the Twitter video series “Pick a Press Pass” has run for eight episodes. Hollenberg also is joining oldest son Jason in doing Texas coach Shaka Smart’s online burpee challenge (100 a day for 30 days) and baking with daughter Lindsey. For what it’s worth, Hollenberg called the last major men’s college game before the shutdown, Kansas State beating TCU in the Big 12 Tournament in Kansas City.

• ESPN analyst Michele Smith, a longtime Treasure Island resident, would normally be going “warp speed” between college tournaments and Team USA games. “It’s been quite depressing,’’ she said. “A hard month-and-a-half.’’ Not only is her main job on hold, but her side gigs aren’t doing too well either, owning three beach-area businesses, the Sunset Inn and 6 West Beach cottages, and the just- opened West Events wedding venue. “Everything in my life has been shut down by this,’’ Smith said. She is doing the 7 Innings podcast and some social media work for ESPN, training for a charity Peloton bike event the network is airing, providing coaching tips for youth-league players via apps and “learned to become a little bit more proficient with accounting methods."

• Rays sideline reporter Tricia Whitaker has been back home in Indiana, spending time with her fiancé. In addition to some FaceTime interviews with players and staff, she devotes much of her time handling a stray dog she is fostering, a 110-pounder named Dale, and posting videos of their entertaining adventures. "The light of my life right now,'' she said.

• Longtime Lightning and Magic TV pre- and post-game host Paul Kennedy has done video interviews with players paired with classic game replays, is reading more (war, history, non-sports biographies), and has watched all the Oscar-nominated movies on pay-per-view. But he is most enjoying an unexpected bonus as a result of the shutdown, “an extended honeymoon” with wife Joan, whom he married in September “after a whirlwind 15-year courtship," just before the seasons started. He got tips from his broadcast partners on living with a spouse and says they’ve had a good time hanging out in his downtown Orlando condo. “It’s been great.”

• Rays TV play-by-play man Dewayne Staats has read nine books in two months, including one that stuck with him on George Mason, whom he now considers among his favorite founding fathers. “I’m thinking about finding a picture of him to put up in my office," he said. Staats has also spent more time with his three grandkids, and gained a new appreciation 1174719 Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Star LOADED: 05.20.2020

NHL’s plan to return faces possible border restriction hurdle

By John Wawrow The Associated Press

Tue., May 19, 2020

And what that plan includes could be complicated further should the U.S. and Canada extend border restrictions to non-essential travel into July.

The person, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the discussions are private, spoke after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced border limits will stay in effect through June 21 — the second time they have been extended since March 18 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am hopeful that today’s announcement will not have a material impact on our return to play discussions and timeline,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly wrote in an email.

Though the NHL has left open the possibility of training camps opening as late as early August, it was unclear what effect further border restrictions will have on a league with seven of its 31 teams based in Canada.

On Tuesday, the Ottawa Sun reported that the Senators had received provincial approval to skate at a local rink — a maximum of five at a time, with physical distancing and other safety measures.

There’s also a question of how travel restrictions will affect players, many of whom have returned to their off-season homes — including about 17 per cent of players currently self-isolating overseas.

In a separate development, the NHLPA’s executive board voted to defer the final payment of players’ regular season salaries through the end of May. Players were owed their final cheques on April 15, before voting to defer those payments for a month.

The decision provides temporary relief to the NHL’s bottom line, opening the possibility of players foregoing some or the entire remainder of their final cheques. The players stand to lose some or all of what they are owed under the collective agreement. Players and owners split hockey- related revenue on a 50/50 basis, with a percentage of players’ salaries placed in an escrow fund. Owners can draw from the fund should their share fall below 50 per cent, which is projected to happen this season.

Owners considered the players’ previous decision to defer payment as a sign of good faith. Daly declined to comment on the latest deferment, saying it’s a decision left entirely to players.

The NHL paused its season on March 12, with commissioner Gary Bettman adamant the league intends to award the Stanley Cup, even it means extending the playoffs into September.

The decision on when and how to resume the season is being left with a committee made up of representatives of the NHL and NHL Players’ Association.

The topics of discussion include whether it’s feasible to conclude all or a portion of the regular season or go directly into the playoffs. The season was postponed with 189 games remaining and teams having played an uneven number of games.

Among the options discussed are an expanded playoff format, featuring as many as 24 teams, and the likelihood of having groups of teams gather and play games in a select number of hub cities around the continent and without fans present.

There is no set deadline before the NHL considers cancelling the season. Games could feasibly be played into October with the 2020-21 season potential opening in December or January.

New Jersey Devils defenceman Connor Carrick said both sides are attempting to make the best of a difficult situation.

“It’s going to be an interesting solution, and I think you embrace the novelty with it,” Carrick said.

1174720 Toronto Maple Leafs “I didn’t choose to be an alcoholic or a drug addict,” said McKenny. “And I defy anyone to say they chose that. You become one long before you realize it’s what you are. It’s nothing to do with having willpower or strength of character. You have to get (your) self and rebuild your whole Jim McKenny healing himself as he helps those battling addiction character.

“I can’t lie on the couch and watch TV and say I’m OK. I can’t do that. I have to have my meetings. I like the meetings with newcomers. The most Steve Simmons important person to be with is the newcomer … Maybe it’s only one out May 19, 2020 8:36 PM EDT of 100 (we can get to effectively) but that makes it worth it. That makes a difference.

“Alcohol kills people and it’s a terrible death because it takes so long. Jim McKenny was going to be the next Bobby Orr, or so the story went. You go to the liquor store, get hammered, pass out, get sick. And then you do it again. Its an awful way to die. And when I hear I’m a functioning And maybe after all these years, after 13 years on defence with the alcoholic, I think what the f–k is that? It means you’re dying of addiction Maple Leafs that could have been so much more, after his time on CITY- and you have a job.” TV, after too many seasons of drunken nights and drunken afternoons, he has become a superstar in his own world in a very quiet way. McKenny played parts of 14 seasons in the NHL in Toronto and Minnesota, and parts of seven in the minor leagues and now more than For more than a decade now, McKenny has spent his days and nights 10 years being motivated to help addicts. and weekends working with addicts, booze and drugs mostly, trying to save people’s lives, and all the while healing himself. “I’ve been really blessed,” he said. “I have friends from hockey, friends from media, and in recovery there are hundreds of people I have met. It’s Years ago, McKenny got a call from two guys he hadn’t met, asking if he like a gift. was interested in working with addicts. “Some people have one or two friends. That’s mind-boggling to me. “They wanted to open a treatment centre,” McKenny said in a lengthy Every day I’m meeting someone new.” interview. “I said: ‘I’m retired. I don’t feel like working.”

Then he made the trip from Toronto to Port Perry, took a look at the new facility being opened. They had a swimming pool, hot tubs, a chef and in Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.20.2020 the backyard was a golf course.

“And I’m thinking, this is meeting most of my criteria,” he said.

He said he’d try the work for a while and see how it went. “I’ve basically been doing it ever since.”

He’s moved from a facility in Port Perry to one in the appropriately named Port Hope to a place called Addiction Recovery Toronto in the Rexdale area.

“Addiction is a social disease,” said the lifelong addict. “It affects everyone around you. There’s no cure, really, that you’re going to get 100% better. It’s not like cancer. You can beat cancer. With addicts, about 5% get better.

“They don’t become addicts because they want to. They do it because we’re all a little insane,” said McKenny. “If you know that when you put a substance in you, you can’t stop, you wouldn’t put that substance in you. The disease is all about self, but you can’t (recover) on your own. You need help.

“And you can’t tell someone how to get better. That doesn’t work. You have to show them.”

McKenny understands. He was a kid easily distracted, easily influenced. When he was playing for the great junior Marlies teams at 15, one of his teammates took him under his wing.

“One day he said to me: ‘Do you want to go to school or do you want to go to Greenwood (race track)?” said McKenny. “That was basically the end of my formal education.”

McKenny has joked for years in a not-necessarily-funny way that he has lived his life backwards. When he should have been sober and in shape, he was playing in the NHL. Now that he’s 73 years old and sober, he runs 10 miles a day, he does hot yoga, he meditates daily, he still consumes horse racing and in between all that, he’s working from home through COVID-19, doing ZOOM classes every day.

“I have no idea how ZOOM even works,” said McKenny. “All I know is someone sends me a link and I click on it. And we go from there.”

More than 30 years ago, McKenny went to a doctor to try and quit smoking. The doctor told him that wasn’t enough. He had to quit drinking. In his own words, at the time: “I surrendered.”

And four years after that, at the age of 56, he had a major heart attack — he calls it a 17-hour heart attack. He had to be flown from Jamaica to Miami to Toronto to be treated. He wasn’t sure he was going to make it.

From then on, after his TV career ended, helping people, which he needed to get through the days himself, became his calling. 1174721 Toronto Maple Leafs with a foam roller and do some band work to get his muscles activated. After the team’s video session, he’d play one-touch soccer before getting into his gear.

‘I’m ready right now’: Nick Robertson on why he can help the Maple Once the equipment started to go on, the self-described locker room Leafs today chatterbox would emerge.

“You can hear my voice from far away,” said Robertson.

By Joshua Kloke With his gear halfway on, he’d start listening to his standard pregame rap, such as Juice WRLD or 21 Savage. He’d then get “dialled in.” May 19, 2020 “I just stare,” he said.

Robertson is proud of his ability to block out distractions. Over the course There is a hockey net at Maple Leafs prospect Nick Robertson’s family of two interviews for this story, he repeatedly mentioned how strong his home in Pasadena, Calif., that’s seen better days. mental state is and how he treated this season like it was “business.”

Robertson and his older brother, Dallas Stars prospect Jason Robertson, “Not to be really self-absorbed, but I think I’m one of the only (OHL have spent the past two months firing hundreds of pucks each day at a players) that will talk about it like it’s a business,” he said. backyard net that is falling apart at the seams. He gets that attitude from his father, a lawyer. He understands that to Nick is ready for a change. make the Leafs, the competition is going to be stiff. That’s why he put more attention than ever into preparing his mind and body for the NHL. “I’ve been shooting low lately,” he said with a laugh. “And trying to save the net as much as possible until I leave.” “Practice is a business for me. Working out is a business for me. Sleeping is a business for me. Everything I do is for a reason,” said Theoretically, the 18-year-old Robertson could return to the Robertson. Peterborough Petes for the 2020-21 OHL season. That includes getting to bed early, at 9:30 p.m., when games don’t get in Yet with the remainder of the 2019-20 OHL season cancelled, and with the way. Robertson having netted an outrageous 55 goals in 46 games this season, the most pressing question regarding the Leafs’ 2019 second- “Some guys come into this league and have a good time,” said round draft pick has become whether he should be called up to the Leafs Robertson. “But I’m here as a temporary stop. This is just the car to get if the NHL season resumes. me to the NHL. Let’s put it that way.”

If you ask Robertson, it’s time to start getting used to the idea of him Robertson scored 19 goals in his first 17 games before breaking his playing for the Leafs. finger on Nov. 5. When he returned a month later, he believed he still had to prove himself at another level: the 2020 world juniors. He surprised “My eyes,” said Robertson, “are on the NHL right now.” many with his strong performance at the 2019 U.S. world junior summer This past September, while playing his third game of the 2019 Traverse showcase, but there were still doubts he’d even make the team. City Prospects Tournament in Michigan, Robertson sat hunched over on He did and ended up scoring five points in five games as the U.S. fell to the bench. He called for a Leafs trainer. His legs kept cramping up. Finland in the tournament’s quarterfinals. The trainer handed him some electrolyte gel, and later, a little maple “I just proved to myself, and everyone that I know, that no matter what syrup. Looking back on his white-hot OHL season, Robertson said it was pick you are, or how tall I am, that I can still perform at the top level,” said from that moment that he learned how much more attention he needed to Robertson. pay not just to his recovery, but his entire game day routine. He realized that being a 5-foot-9 winger with a big heart and serious drive in his Once he returned to Peterborough following the world juniors, he focused relentless, forecheck-heavy game, would only take him so far. on increasing his hamstring and glute strength. He needs the power and stability in his legs to continue his intense forechecking. This season, packs of electrolyte gels the Leafs supplied him with would regularly fall out his stall in Peterborough. He drank five bottles of He would score 32 goals in his final 24 games, going goalless in just BioSteel on game days. He soon found he could maintain his energetic three of those contests. pace far longer. For the first time in his three-year junior career, he felt liberated. “I’m still waiting on a (BioSteel) deal,” Robertson said, laughing. “My second year, I had the pressure of the draft and the combine and After leading his team in scoring at the Traverse City tournament and interviews. Whereas in my third season, I know where I am. And I know signing a three-year, entry-level contract later that month, Robertson’s that I’m already drafted and signed. So I’m not saying I’ve got nothing to preparation became more regimented. Being around the Leafs staff and lose, but I can go out there and do my thing and be confident,” said seeing early glimpses of the professional environment in his first Leafs Robertson. training camp pushed him to become obsessed with mentally and physically preparing himself for the NHL. He again references how “superior” his mental state was compared to a year earlier. During the 2019-20 season, his days would begin at 7 a.m. with a breakfast of eggs and spinach with a smoothie made of almond milk, “People don’t see that,” said Robertson. spinach, banana, almond butter, protein powder, dry oatmeal and But what can be seen is the improved accuracy and power in his shot, avocado. the same one that’s made quick work of his backyard net. After practices “The taste of it makes me know it’s game day,” said Robertson. “As weird this season he put in additional time into improving his shot. That’s part as that sounds.” of what he believes makes him a candidate to join the Leafs right now.

He’d drive the same route to practice, always picking up friend and “It’s kind of my bread and butter,” said Robertson. “I think everyone in the teammate, Petes defenceman David Maier, along the way. He aimed to NHL has a great shot, but I think mine could definitely be a good addition be at the rink an hour before practice. Once he arrived at the to Toronto.” Peterborough Memorial Centre, he’d go through a dynamic warmup on “He can hammer the puck through you, or he can place the puck. In his his own for 10-15 minutes, before chugging some BioSteel. He was arsenal, his bag of tricks for scoring, he can do it so many different always the last player off the ice during the morning skate. Back at his ways,” said Petes head coach Rob Wilson. “And that’s what I think is billet home, he would watch “The Office,” snack on trail mix and then eat unique about Nick.” sausage and rice for lunch. He’d nap from 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. His pregame meal would consist of salmon, sweet potatoes and rice. When he’s not practising his shot, Robertson now spends his days trying to increase his mobility and strength. He’s asked if the workout plan he’s Following his pregame nap, he’d drive his GMC Denali to again pick up following was provided to him by the Leafs or the Petes. Maier and arrive at the rink for 4:30 p.m. He’d tape his sticks, stretch out “It’s all the Maple Leafs,” said Robertson. Back in March, Leafs GM admitted that Robertson’s play warranted more time with the Leafs during training camp. Robertson was He’s trying to figure out where he fits in the Leafs possession-heavy among the cuts on the third day of camp. system. He asked his agency to send him video detailing how the Leafs’ system functions. “I think looking back and reflecting on it, I think we probably should have given him more of a look in training camp and probably rewarded him He appreciates how much stock the Leafs place on video analysis as with an exhibition game or two to see how he did there,” said Dubas. well. He recalls being asked strange questions by NHL teams at the 2019 NHL draft combine, including one around whether he would share water Dubas added that he was particularly impressed with Robertson’s with a person if it meant they would both die together, or whether he defensive play this season in Peterborough, especially on the penalty kill, would keep the water for himself, live, and watch the other person die. and his ability to win the puck back and create scoring chances at the other end of the ice. But the Leafs, as Robertson recalled, were the only team that based their entire combine interview with him on his reaction to video clips of Marlies Today, Robertson finds himself at a crossroads. His play in the OHL this and Leafs games. He was asked what he thought should happen next in season has made a call-up to the Leafs an intriguing possibility. But he is different plays. still only 18, without having ever played an NHL preseason game. Pellerin is asked what Robertson still has to do to crack the Leafs lineup. He appreciated their detailed approach. Because Robertson is nothing if not detailed. “Ask Sheldon (Keefe),” he said, laughing.

A question about how a defender might evade him while he is on the Pellerin might be kidding, but Robertson has forced the Leafs to forecheck turns into a tactically comprehensive three-minute answer. contemplate more serious questions. Robertson barely pauses to exhale as he runs through a variety of techniques while pointing at various parts of the Peterborough Memorial And he is ready to answer those questions, sooner rather than later. Centre ice. “The way I operate is every stop I’ve been to leading up to the NHL is “I know guys who I played against who come up to me saying, ‘You’ve temporary,” said Robertson. “This ain’t the marker of my career. The gotta slow it down because sometimes it’s hard to defend,’” he said. marker of my career is going to be the NHL.”

He concedes these players might be kidding around. Nevertheless, Robertson’s confidence stems from his belief that he can elevate his The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 game when he plays with better players. He did so in 2017-18 when he finished fourth in the OHL in scoring among 16-year-olds. And he did so again at the recent world juniors.

And now he thinks he can do so again with the Leafs.

“When I’m playing with guys making millions and millions of dollars,” said Robertson, “you gotta play like you’re making millions of dollars, you know?”

It all adds up to Robertson believing, unequivocally, that he’s ready to play for the Leafs. He doesn’t believe he needs to change much in his game. The tenacity on the ice and work ethic off it are his X-factors.

“No one will have worked harder than Nick to prepare for the opportunity,” said Wilson.

“If I didn’t have (a) tenaciousness in my game, I wouldn’t say I’m ready right now,” said Robertson.

But he does have it. And that’s why if there is a Leafs training camp ahead of a return to play, Robertson should be in attendance.

And the Leafs don’t think Robertson will attend any future Leafs camp just for the experience.

“He’s going to (next season’s camp) to make the team,” Leafs senior director of player development Scott Pellerin said last month. “And that’s why he’s so focused that way.”

So where would Robertson fit in the Leafs lineup?

For his part, Robertson isn’t picky. He would welcome a spot anywhere.

“The great thing about me is that I don’t have to be a top-six player to be effective,” said Robertson. “It’s not just my scoring or my playmaking. It’s my tenacity. It’s the way I work. And I think that’s one of my priorities in the game is to work hard and always cause havoc for other teams.”

Robertson’s boatload of confidence could provide an injection of energy and scoring into a bottom-six role. He’s definitely part of the team’s long- term plans so there’s no need to slowly bring him along when he might be able to offer the team some point production now.

“Confidence is key in this business,” said Robertson. “And I have plenty of it right now.”

“He’s really determined,” said Pellerin. “And I don’t count any of those kids out. There’s a tremendous upside because he is a student of the game.”

It’s a rudimentary comparison, but considering a high-energy puck hound like Zach Hyman doesn’t just survive, but thrive when playing with skilled players, could give the Leafs added incentive to give Robertson an early look. 1174722 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ Alex Tuch draws friend in NHL gaming challenge

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

Golden Knights forwards Ryan Reaves and Alex Tuch will participate in the NHL Player Gaming Challenge on Thursday. The duo will take on Thatcher Demko and of the at 2 p.m. Pacific time in a best-of-three match on the EA Sports NHL 20 video game. Tuch and Demko were teammates at Boston College for two seasons. The NHL Player Gaming Challenge features players from all 31 teams, in addition to NHL Seattle, competing for charity. The matches are available at the NHL’s platforms on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook Premiere. The NHL and Electronic Arts will donate a combined $100,000 in support of the CDC Foundation’s COVID-19 relief efforts. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174723 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights make fans wait for name, logo of new AHL team

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

Golden Knights president Kerry Bubolz said the new American Hockey League team in Henderson will reveal its name and logo “in the not too distant future.” Bubolz released a statement Tuesday after the Henderson City Council approved spending up to $42 million to split the cost of a new arena that would serve as the home of the Knights’ top minor league affiliate. “Our team is committed to serving the great community of Henderson while creating memorable, positive experiences for our fans and their families,” Bubolz said. “Locals have responded to the idea of AHL hockey in Henderson with vigorous enthusiasm since the relocation was announced, as we have received over 7,600 season ticket deposits to date. “These deposit holders and hockey fans across the Valley can look forward to more exciting announcements regarding the team — including our name and logo unveiling — in the not too distant future.” Golden Knights majority owner Bill Foley confirmed in February his group submitted a trademark application for Silver Knights, and it was “right at the top of the list” as an option for the team’s name. Silver Knights was one of the final three names Foley considered for his NHL franchise along with Desert Knights. Foley told the Review-Journal he also considered team names based on local reptiles, as well as types of predatory birds such as hawks and falcons. The Golden Knights purchased the San Antonio AHL franchise Feb. 6 and relocated it to the Las Vegas Valley. The new minor league team is scheduled to begin play for the 2020-21 season at Orleans Arena. The AHL club will practice and be headquartered at the under- construction Lifeguard Arena in Henderson. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174724 Vegas Golden Knights “It is impossible to judge how long the community will suffer the social and economic impacts brought on by the current situation,” she wrote. “We don’t even know if people will want to return to be crammed into an arena with 6,000 other people. That may be a thing of the past.” Henderson council approves controversial minor league hockey arena Henderson has said investing in a project like this would help the city in its recovery from the coronavirus outbreak. By Blake Apgar Las Vegas Review-Journal Opponents have also expressed concerns with the prospect of increased traffic and an arena changing the face of the neighborhood. Their efforts to stop the deal have included protesting outside the pavilion and having A minor league hockey arena is coming to Henderson. former Lt. Gov. Mark Hutchison send the council a letter. The Henderson City Council voted 4-1 on Tuesday to approve the arena, On Monday, a group of residents filed paperwork with the city to start the which will be home to the future American Hockey League affiliate of the process of getting the arena project on the November ballot. It also filed Golden Knights. The city and the team will evenly split the $80 million an application for a restraining order to block Tuesday’s vote, but that cost of the 6,000-seat arena, which will replace the Henderson Pavilion motion was denied by a judge. at Green Valley and Paseo Verde parkways. Those opponents plan to keep the ballot initiative attempt alive, The series of arena-related votes on Tuesday closes one chapter of a according to John Dalrymple, spokesman for a citizen group called the project that angered some who live in the area. The announcement of the Henderson Coalition for Responsible Government. planned arena at the State of the City address in February sparked a Dalrymple, who told the Las Vegas Review-Journal he was not surprised monthslong effort to stop the project, and those opponents are not giving by the council’s vote, said residents intend to collect enough signatures up. to send the project to the ballot. “This is a great day for Henderson,” Mayor Debra March said in a However, it is unclear how or if the project timeline would be affected by statement. “As our city and our community recovers from the economic the group getting the necessary number of signatures. devastation of COVID-19, there is no better time to invest in infrastructure that will create jobs, drive investment and improve a facility “How that shakes out, I honestly don’t know,” Dalrymple said. that has been plagued with problems and is no longer usable as intended.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.20.2020 Ward 4 Councilman Dan Stewart was the only council member to vote against the project. He said during the meeting that the Knights were the right partner, but the timing and location of the project were wrong. The city has said the pavilion is limited as an open-air venue. It has faced issues with broken seats, poor sound quality and limited backstage facilities, the city said. Councilwoman Michelle Romero, who represents Ward 1, said during the meeting that it was always expected the pavilion would need up to $30 million in upgrades to be enclosed. With contingencies factored in, Henderson’s overall contribution to the arena is $42 million. The deal Construction on the arena is slated to begin by August, and the team would get to move in by July 2022, according to the project contract. The Knights will get a substantial discount on rent. The team will pay $150,000 per year, and its rent payment will go into a fund for venue improvements down the road, Assistant City Manager Robert Herr said. Fair-market value for rent is more than $3 million, but the city is giving the team a deal due to its contribution to the project cost and the projected economic benefit to the city, according to an agenda item. According to the city, $25 million of Henderson’s contribution will come from bonds that were authorized in April. Another $16 million will come from money set aside for a redevelopment area, and an additional $1 million will come from insurance money that the city received when the pavilion canopy was damaged, according to the presentation. Henderson will own the venue and the land, but the team will operate the facility and keep revenue from naming rights, food and beverage sales, merchandise, premium seating, and ticket sales (except for tickets to community benefit events). The council heard more than an hour of public comment. “The current pavilion has not served the needs of this community for many years and the new facility is exactly what we need — a first class, year-round venue,” resident Erik Christensen wrote to the council. Henderson has said the venue may host a variety of events, including the performing arts and graduations. The city will get 37 dates for community benefit events. Hockey will take up 34 dates. “Our team is committed to serving the great community of Henderson while creating memorable, positive experiences for our fans and their families,” Knights President Kerry Bubolz said in a statement. The fight Many who oppose the project submitted comment to the city for Tuesday’s meeting, including Rebecca Perlmutter, who wrote a letter telling council members that the pandemic should give the city pause. 1174725 Vegas Golden Knights

Henderson OKs arena for minor league hockey, events

By Justin Emerson

Construction will begin this summer on a new arena that will house a minor league hockey team in Henderson. The Henderson City Council voted 4-1 today to spend $42 million to help build a multipurpose facility that will host home games of the Golden Knights’ American League Hockey affiliate. The new Henderson Event Center will replace the Henderson Pavilion on South Green Valley Parkway near the 215 Beltway. “This is an opportunity to invest in Henderson’s infrastructure, to create jobs, to drive investment and to improve a facility that is plagued with problems and is no longer usable as originally intended,” Mayor Debra March said. The 6,000-seat facility will also house community events such as high school and college graduations, concerts, the Henderson Symphony Orchestra and youth sporting events. The project will cost $84 million, split equally between the city and the Golden Knights. Henderson will own the facility, but the Golden Knights’ AHL affiliate will operate it and benefit from things like naming-rights revenue. The Golden Knights will have a 20-year lease on the facility for $150,000 a year. Construction will begin this summer, with an expected completion date of June 2022, in time for the 2022-23 hockey season. “We’re excited about this new opportunity to partner together,” Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz said. “We will be great stewards of your investment.” Henderson is also considering making road improvements in the area to ease traffic congestion on event nights. Approval did not come without opposition, including a majority of the public comments submitted at the virtual meeting. Councilman Dan Stewart, who cast the dissenting vote, said the midst of the coronavirus pandemic is not the right time for the city to make such a large financial investment. “Until the effects of this pandemic can be quantified, I do not see how we can incur any more debt,” Stewart said. “Right partner, wrong location, wrong time, hence I just simply cannot support this project at this time.” The city in recent weeks has released a number of polls and studies showing support for the project. An April 30 poll showed 71% of 400 residents surveyed were in favor of it. Even though the arena won’t be finished for two years, minor league hockey is still coming to the valley this fall. The Golden Knights this year purchased the , the AHL affiliate of the St. Louis Blues, and got approval to relocate the team to Henderson. The to-be-named team will practice and be headquartered at Lifeguard Arena in downtown Henderson. The arena is about five months from completion. The team will play its home games at Orleans Arena while the Henderson Event Center is under construction. Tickets for the AHL team will be significantly cheaper than for the Golden Knights, whose tickets on the secondary market often rank near the top of the league in prices. Season tickets for the AHL team will start at $10 a game. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174726 Vegas Golden Knights

City of Henderson Agrees to Pay $42 Million for $84 Million Event Center Arena That Will House VGK’s Minor League Team

May 19, 2020 Alan Snel Kerry Bubolz, Rob Herr

The city of Henderson plans to spend $42 million for an $84 million arena public-private project to rehab the Henderson Pavilion into a 6,000-seat Henderson Event Center to house a minor league hockey team owned by the NHL Vegas Golden Knights. The city council approved the 50-50 partnership and 20-year lease deal with the Golden Knights to build the Henderson Event Center for the VGK’s new American Hockey League team. Many people believe the minor league team will be called the Silver Knights. VGK owner Bill Foley bought the former San Antonio Rampage AHL team, with the purchase deal announced in February. The team said minor league games in Henderson will be an affordable alternative to the costs of attending VGK games at T-Mobile Arena. The approval process this year came rapidly. A month after the VGK announced it bought the AHL team, the city of Henderson held an information meeting March 9 and then a virtual info meeting May 6. And less than two weeks later after that virtual session, the council Tuesday approved the $84 million event center deal with the Golden Knights. The city said $25 million of its $42 million contribution to the event center project would come from a $60 million bond, which would also be used for other city projects. The Knights will pay $150,000 a year to the city as rent and also taxes on the venue because it would be on the tax roll. Here are two graphics showing the elements behind the deal and how the city will pay for its contribution. The city of Henderson has argued that the pavilion venue needed improvements and that the city can save money by no longer having to maintain the Henderson Pavilion. City of Henderson Chief Infrastructure Officer/Assistant City Manager Rob Herr gave a presentation painting an upbeat picture of the pavilion/event center/hockey arena project at Green Valley Ranch Parkway and Paseo Verde Parkway. Herr He argued property values would be enhanced, not hurt, by the venue project. And he posted this graphic to try and prove his point. Golden Knights team president Kerry Bubolz also said at the council meeting that the newly-built venue will “complement the neighborhood.” But opponents to subsidizing the cost for the Knights’ minor league team arena in Green Valley Ranch were not too happy. They wanted a different location for the 6,000-seat arena and also a public vote on the subsidy deal. The Golden Knights are also building a training center and community ice rink facility in Henderson’s downtown area at Water Street and Atlantic Avenue where the minor league team will train. The city of Henderson is kicking in $10.75 million for that $25 million training center called Lifeguard Arena. Lifeguard Arena, the new ice rink training center in Henderson. The NFL Las Vegas Raiders also built their headquarters in Henderson near the executive airport, with the city giving the Raiders a price break of $6 million on the land deal for the football team’s HQ. Most comments read into the record at the meeting Tuesday morning opposed the hockey arena deal. One opponent called it a “major league ripoff” and another noted T-Mobile Arena — where the big league Knights play their games — was privately built by MGM Resorts International and Los Angeles-based Anschutz Entertainment Group. Others cited what they believe will be traffic problems, while some opponents don’t want their city subsidizing professional sports. Some comments supported the arena deal, supporting the pavilion being converted into a 6,000-seat event center for minor league hockey and other events. Here are a few of the events. LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174727 Washington Capitals By the way, you want to know what’s Philadelphia’s number of total wins within the last five years? Seven hundred and fifty-seven.

That’s 191 less than the District. Washington, D.C. has become one of the winningest sports cities. No, Washington Times LOADED: 05.20.2020 really.

By Matthew Paras - The Washington Times - Tuesday, May 19, 2020

For years — decades even — Washington fans had little to brag about but old Redskins memories. Boasting? That was for championship cities like Los Angeles or Boston. And people from those towns made sure you knew it, too. But the District is no longer a bridesmaid. Not with three titles in the last two years. And it turns out, Washington has become one of the winningest towns in America. No, really. Over the last five years, the District has the fifth-most wins among cities that feature at least one team from the four major leagues (NBA, NHL, MLB and NFL, according to a new survey. The Online Betting Guide (OBLG) found that teams in the District have racked up 948 wins in that span. That trails only New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and the San Francisco Bay Area. But the District has a winning percentage of .554 — topping places like New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. Fans can thank the Washington Nationals and the Washington Capitals primarily for that success. They not only won championships in the past two seasons, but the Capitals and Nationals have been consistent contenders in almost each of the last five years (save for a down Nationals year here and there). The Nationals, for instance, have gone 450-360 since 2015, good for the seventh-best record in baseball. The Capitals were even better in their sport, posting the second-best record in all of hockey: 253-115-42. Heck, even the Washington Wizards have a record that’s not entirely embarrassing. They’re 211-199 since the 2014-15 season, the 13th-best mark in the league. That’d qualify for the playoffs in a 16-team field. The Washington Redskins? Moving on. (OK, they’re 34-45-1 in the last five seasons, which ranks 24th in the NFL. But you can’t win ‘em all, as the old saying goes. Or most of them, apparently.) On one hand, the District’s success shouldn’t come as a surprise. There’s actual talent in this town. Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is perhaps the greatest goal scorer of his generation. Juan Soto is viewed as one of MLB’s brightest young stars. Bradley Beal was on his way to a historic season before the pandemic halted everything, and he makes a formidable duo with John Wall. The Redskins, jokes aside, have had some Pro Bowlers, too. Despite the victories, the District still can’t entirely shed its reputation as “minor league sports town,” something Michael Wilbon famously declared during the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The ESPN commentator made that remark on “Pardon the Interruption” and doubled down days later on a Washington Post podcast. “I ask people all the time: Why don’t you go to the Caps? Why don’t you support the Wizards? ‘Well, because I’m a Redskins fan,’” Wilbon said. “Well, see, that’s not the case in New England, and in Chicago, the upper Midwest, in Detroit, in New York. It’s not the case in Philly. People don’t say, ‘Well, I can’t go to the Sixers, because I follow the Eagles.’ See, that’s D.C., and if all you can do is follow one thing, you’re minor league.” Even after the Capitals’ Stanley Cup parade, that perception didn’t go away. In 2019, former Yankees slugger and current ESPN commentator Alex Rodriguez shared a similar opinion about the city when calling one of Bryce Harper’s first games with the . To prop Philadelphia up as a “sports town,” Rodriguez was more than willing to take a shot at the District. “D.C. is about 130 miles down the road, but let’s make it clear, it’s a world of difference between markets,” Rodriguez said. “If you’re over there, you’re thinking about politics and what happens in the White House. If you’re here, this is a sports town and they love their Phillies.” 1174728 Washington Capitals

Hall of Famer Jari Kurri would be surprised if Alex Ovechkin caught Wayne Gretzky's goal record

By J.J. Regan May 19, 2020 5:06 PM

Only 20 players in the history of the NHL have scored 600 goals and one of them is chiming in on Alex Ovechkin's quest to catch Wayne Gretzky's goal record. Hall of Famer Jari Kurri was the subject of NHL.com's "Five Questions" column on Tuesday and was asked if he felt Ovechkin could surpass Gretzky. While he said he thought Ovechkin can do it, he also mentioned he would be surprised if he got there. "It's still a long way to go," Kurri said. "He can do it if he stays motivated, stays healthy and all those things. He's the main man to do it, I don't see anybody else behind him doing it. I will be very surprised if he does it." Kurri scored 601 goals and 1,398 points in his NHL career. He played for several years with Gretzky both in Edmonton and Los Angeles. As exciting as it is to talk about Ovechkin chasing Gretzky, Kurri is certainly right in that Ovechkin still has a long way to go before he can catch him. Ovechkin currently has 706 goals while Gretzky's record stands at 894. Even if Ovechkin can continue scoring 50 goals a season, which would be incredible given his age, it would still take him four seasons to get there. "If he does, it will be great for hockey, but we have to see and wait," Kurri said. "There's still a long way to go, but it's amazing numbers he puts up year after year. It's amazing the way he scores night after night and opposing teams can't stop him." Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174729 Washington Capitals lockout-shortened seasons. The NHL has already had more regular- season games in 2019-20 than in either of the lockout-shortened seasons. Why the 2020 Stanley Cup champion does not deserve an asterisk CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE CAPITALS TALK PODCAST Obviously, this is different than a lockout as the disruption to the season did not happen at the start of it, but in the middle. Depending on how long By J.J. Regan May 19, 2020 6:00 AM it takes for teams to return, it may feel practically like a new season when play does finally resume, but with the trade deadline passed and extra time for players to heal, one could argue these teams are actually closer Momentum is growing for a finalized playoff format for the 2020 Stanley to those envisioned by the general managers and coaches at the start of Cup Playoffs. While nothing is set in stone, most recent reports seem to the year as it allowed players to recover from injuries such as Dougie point to a 24-team playoff field. But regardless of what the NHL may look Hamilton in Carolina or in Tampa Bay. And if you think like when play resumes, to some it won't matter. There are many who that's not fair, it was pretty unfair to see those players injured in the first argue that the 2019-20 season is already tainted and if the league does place, but that's life. insist on awarding the Stanley Cup, it should come with an "asterisk" as it The format for awarding a Cup winner has changed multiple times since was not won under fair or normal conditions. But that argument is it was first awarded ludicrous. Do you think the Stanley Cup Playoffs has to be a 16-team tournament? I While we don't know exactly what the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs will look guess every Cup before 1980 doesn't count then, right? That was the first like, we can be sure of one thing: it is going to look very different from the year the playoff format switched to 16 teams. Do you think the only valid 2019 playoffs. The trying times we currently find ourselves in dictates a playoff format is to have every round be a best of seven series? The first tweak to the playoff format, but I don't understand why a pause to the round was actually a best of five until 1987. season and a different format should simply invalidate the 2020 champions. A 16-team playoff with four rounds that are all best of seven is the established format for now and the 2020 playoff format is going to be Let me get one caveat out of the way. This is being written before the different, but it is important to remember that the way in which the winner playoff format is finalized. I don't want to give a blanket column saying was determined has changed multiple times since the Cup was first any format would be acceptable. There are limits. The Detroit Red Wings awarded in 1893. were on pace for 45 points this season which would make them the worst team since the 1999-00 (39 points) and the Thrashers If the playoff format to determine the Cup winner had remained the same did not have the benefit of the shootout. Any format that would include since its existence, changing the format now to accommodate the season the Red Wings in the playoffs this year is invalid. Any format that does pause would be a much tougher sell, but you can't argue the 2020 Cup not have the Stanley Cup Final decided in a best of seven series is winner should have an asterisk just because the playoffs look different invalid. To me, that's that minimum standard for awarding a Cup, but than the year before. otherwise, I am open to whatever else the league may decide. It's not the first time the playoff format has benefitted teams that may not I know there are many who don't agree so here are six reasons why the otherwise have made the playoffs 2020 Stanley Cup champion will be legitimate regardless of how they get there. By expanding to 24 teams, don't be surprised to see a low seed make a deep run. A team like Chicago, for example, ranked 23rd in the league Not liking the playoff format is not a reasonable reason to dismiss it standings, could suddenly get hot and go deep. That's just the nature of hockey. Some will see that and grumble that the Blackhawks should not So you don't like the playoff format. Guess what? The regular playoff have even made it so the fact that they advance is proof of how flawed format is pretty dumb. It has been since 2014 when the league the expanded playoff is. introduced the divisional format which is complete and utter nonsense. We see time and again the top two teams in a conference meeting in the Every hockey fan knows the iconic picture of Bobby Orr flying through the second round all in the name of "rivalries" which the format has air in the 1970 Stanley Cup Final. What you may not know is that that completely failed to artificially generate. I hate it and will continue to hate goal completed a four-game sweep of the St. Louis Blues, the third it until it's changed. But...that doesn't mean every winner of the Cup since straight season in which the Bruins swept the Blues int he Stanley Cup 2014 doesn't count. Final. How did St. Louis keep making it? In 1967, the league expanded from six teams to 12 and split the league into two divisions. It then put all Eventually, the NHL is going to finalize its playoff format. Your gut six expansion teams in their own division thus guaranteeing an reaction may be that you don't like it and that's OK. But just because your would make the Stanley Cup Final. In 1970, the Blues initial reaction is negative doesn't mean they would be better off finished the regular season in first place of the West Division despite canceling the season so as not to offend your delicate sensibilities. having fewer points than five of the six teams in the East Division. Home-ice matters, but not to the degree that the lack of it should If you are going to cross your arms at seeing any surprise playoff runs in invalidate the postseason 2020, then you can go ahead and throw out 1968, 69 and 70 as well, The Boston Bruins were the front-runners to win the Presidents' Trophy. including Orr's iconic goal. Over the course of the season, they earned the right to hold home-ice You won't care about the format if your team wins advantage in Boston heading into the playoffs. Instead, they will most likely end up playing in a centralized location with no fans at all. While When a team is finally crowned the Stanley Cup champion, you will hear there are still some advantages the top teams will get in the standings a lot more talk about an "asterisk" for the Cup winner...from fans of the such as the second line change reserved for home teams and matchups 30 other teams. But if you're a Caps fan and see Washington go all the against teams lower in the standings, there is no question the Bruins are way, are you really going to feel like the Cup is tainted while watching losing out on one of the top advantages of earning the top seed. Alex Ovechkin hoist the Cup for the second time? No, you're not and you know you're not. Home ice certainly matters, but it certainly didn't help any of the division winners in 2019, all four of whom were eliminated in the first round fo the You can't have it both ways. You can't say now that the winner of the playoffs. The last time the top team in the regular season won the Cup this year deserves an asterisk if you are going to change your tune Stanley Cup was in 2013 when the Chicago Blackhawks did it. The top as soon as your team wins. You also can't go all-in on cheering for your team has won the Cup only six times in the past 30 years. team and then say it doesn't count as soon as your team gets ousted. Either the playoffs count or they don't and when you see your team There is no question the top teams in the standings are missing out on celebrating the Cup, you are not going to care how they got there. home-ice advantage, but in a sport that sees more parity in its postseason than any other and shows each year how little home-ice Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 actually means, why would the lack of home-ice advantage suddenly be a reason discredit the eventual champion? Extra time for players to heal allows teams a second chance to use the roster they envisioned at the start of the season Seeing the season paused or delayed does not mean it shouldn't count. That's a pretty unreasonable standard. If you do feel that way then you better throw out the 1994-95 and 2012-13 seasons too as they were 1174730 Washington Capitals Tommy Sheppard (general manager, Washington Wizards): Swimming with our kids. My wife coaches their homeschool swim team and we have a lot of fun. Online at Yale, DIY, pedicures, ukuleles: D.C. sports folk on their new Charlie Slowes (Nationals radio voice): The ballpark, of course. Then the normal beach and favorite restaurants. Kurt Suzuki (Catcher, Nationals): Baseball field to play baseball! By The Athletic DC Staff May 19, 2020 Walt Williams (former Maryland men’s basketball/NBA player): I want to go on vacation to somewhere sunny with a beach but only when we’re pretty much back to some semblance of normalcy. “I have a completely wacky story idea,” the text read. “If you’re bored, hit 2. Since this is like Groundhog Day, are you taking any hobby to the next me up.” level? For sportswriters who haven’t had sports to cover since March, we Blackmon: My in-laws bought me a ukulele for Christmas, I finally tuned it zoomed (pun unintended) past ‘bored’ a month ago. By last weekend, the other night and practiced. desperation had set in. So we were all ears. Carlson: I haven’t picked up any hobbies during this time. I think if The idea? anything this quarantine has taught me how to really cherish the moments we have together. Kids grow so fast and I will be missing them Reach out to a random cross-section of Washington, D.C. sports figures. at this age very soon. Find out how they’re coping and whether they’ve picked up a hobby. Ask what’s the first place they plan to go when this is over and what wisdom Dillon: Been trying to learn a language better online, and then getting in a they’ll take from it. It’s a premise our colleagues Jeff Schultz and Dana better habit of being off my phone and reading (currently reading Tiger O’Neil executed broadly that Ben Standig, Britt Ghiroli and Tarik El- Woods’ book). Bashir turned local. Eaton: I’ve never turkey hunted before. I got to do it for the first time, and We heard back from a trio of Capitals, a couple of Nationals, a Wizards really have enjoyed the hunt. executive, a former Redskins player, a college hoops coach, two sports talk personalities, a play-by-play announcer and more. Hathaway: I tried learning the harmonica but somehow every morning, I seem to start back at the beginning. Some of the answers were, um, surprising. Unless, of course, you expected a tough-as-nails fourth-liner to be picking up the harmonica. Or Maloney: I still have plans to start a garden so I can have basil anytime I a major league pitching coach to be looking forward to a post-quarantine want — though I’m in the information-seeking stage. Do I need to buy pedicure. Or a 6-foot-4, 225-pound defenseman to be staying in shape special dirt? Hopefully, it’s not too late. In the meantime, I have learned by riding a road bike. to juggle. Just three tennis balls. I’d like to get to 4 or 5 balls in the air before I start bragging about it. Yeah, didn’t think so. Menhart: I am in the running for yard of the month. Enjoy! McNutt: I am exploring some business ideas that I didn’t have time to 1. The first place you want to go when we can? really dig into while ripping and running with hoops season. Will Blackmon (Former Redskins defensive back, NFL analyst): Take my Patsos: My new hobby: Watching lots of British procedurals featuring wife and kids to Bordeaux, France. Or Maui. Agatha Christie. John Carlson (defenseman, Washington Capitals): I think just getting Paulsen: It’s not a new hobby and certainly not one I’m any good at but back to normalcy and being around friends and family. It’s rewarding I’ve been able to golf more than I ever would have if recruiting events and being around our little family every day but I’m sure our kids would love visits had been allowed. Coaches don’t normally get “weekends” so that’s to see their grandmas and grandpas, cousins and friends. been nice. Brenden Dillon (defenseman, Washington Capitals): The rink first off, Santangelo: Cooking. I’ve never cooked this much in my life. I love to eat haha. And then home in Vancouver would be nice. Haven’t crossed the out but have been pretty creative and have impressed myself with my border yet with the whole pandemic going on. culinary skills. Hahaha. Adam Eaton (outfielder, Washington Nationals): Out to eat. Tired of doing Sheehan: Juggling. dishes, and cleaning up after my kids. Sheppard: Playing chess and reading. Done a ton in the off hours of Garnet Hathaway (forward, Washington Capitals): Any restaurant. each day. Anywhere. Slowes: No new hobbies, more foxes around the house, messing around Carol Maloney (“The Carol Maloney show” on ESPN 630): This is a with writing a book. tough question to answer. I have had too much time and too many thoughts on this. Most likely, my first escape will probably be some Suzuki: If doing spring cleaning of my house is a hobby then that. Haha. outdoor patio of a crowded restaurant waiting so patiently for a table Williams: I’m taking working out to the next level with consistency. I was inside. I can’t wait to get waited on!!! I’m equally excited to get a ticket for very sporadic beforehand. standing room only at Nats Park and, once again, start high fivin’ and hugging strangers. 3. What aspect of life are you now appreciating more? Monica McNutt (former Georgetown basketball player, MSG Network): Blackmon: Just being able to slow down in life. When I was in the NFL it Brunch with some people I love. was go, go-go, and so is being an entrepreneur. Paul Menhart (pitching coach, Nationals): Nail salon to get my toes done. Carlson: Well, if I’m being honest it has been pretty sobering being a stay-at-home dad. I think being stuck in the house for the most part, we Jimmy Patsos (Former Maryland men’s basketball assistant, analyst): have split the kids up and have special activities 1-on-1. Obviously, I’m Camden Yards, and then to the bar at Prime Rib for a cheeseburger. usually playing all kinds of sports with them and trying to introduce new Dave Paulsen (George Mason men’s basketball coach): 3-way tie. I want things as much as I can. to get back in the gym with our guys. I’m looking forward to going to the Dillon: I’m appreciating keeping in touch with family and friends more. beach with my family, and I want to be able to safely go visit my mom in FaceTime, texting, Zoom calls … during a hockey season we’re so busy Wisconsin. the days seem to fly by and whether it’s fatigue or time sometimes you F.P. Santangelo (Nationals television analyst): Obviously Nats Park but don’t keep in touch with people as best you should. as far as restaurants or bars The Salt Line. So many good memories Eaton: Being outside, and seeing the seasons change. I love the there from last year. outdoors, and I haven’t been able to really see spring come in on a day Kevin Sheehan (“The Kevin Sheehan Show” on the Team 980): Vegas. to day basis in 15 or so years. Hathaway: Slowing down in the morning and enjoying coffee at home. Maloney: As soon as I put my feet to the ground in the morning, I have Eaton: Baseball is very important to me. But there’s so much outside of it. an immense sense of gratitude that I’m healthy and my kids are healthy and my family is healthy. I remember that while I may have anxiety about Hathaway: Make the bed in the morning. You can start the day off what’s happening, it’s not soul-stopping worry. Feel lucky for that to this accomplishing something. day. Hope it lasts. Oh, that and toilet paper. I thank the heavens every Maloney: One piece of wisdom gained through this experience is I need day for enough toilet paper. people. I need to be around people. I need to smile at people. I need to McNutt: Hugs in particular but overall life as we knew it. hug people. And share stories and drinks and laughs. Some days, I’m ready to break the rules to make this happen. Other days, I bribe my Menhart: Definitely having quality time with the family binge-watching all teenage boys to spend time with me. I still walk or bike the Beach Drive sorts of shows. bike path every day and say hello to everyone. Most people smile back. Some will snarl if I have forgotten my mask that day. I don’t mind. Paulsen: All three of my daughters have been home with us for the past eight weeks. We had wondered if we could find three days when we McNutt: Don’t take things for granted. Literally I was on a set when the could all be together this summer. We are playing games, watching TV NBA shut down, by the weekend the world as we knew it was halted. and cooking dinner together more than we might ever again be able to Things can change on a dime. Make the most of the time you have with do. That has been an unexpected blessing. the people you love. Santangelo: Personal interaction on a daily basis whether with co- Menhart: There are so many ways to communicate with people while workers at the ballpark, fans, family and friends. stuck at home. Sheehan: A life with less rubbing alcohol. Patsos: Stay patient. We will get through this. Sheppard: Family time. Haven’t been late to a dinner in 50+ days. Old Paulsen: One piece of wisdom I’ve gained has been from our team video record was four days. calls. In trying to find ways for the guys to engage I’ve learned they are capable of giving more and leading discussions if I’m willing to step back Slowes: Appreciating family time mostly but really everything we love to and listen more. Creating a platform for more player-led discussions will do and who we love to do them with. hopefully be a really positive byproduct of our quarantine experience. Suzuki: Being around my family all day every day. Usually crazy baseball Santangelo: Acting positive and actually living it in order to get through and traveling. Spending quality time and helping them with schoolwork. this tough time is a challenge. It’s easy to be positive when things are Williams: Spending time with immediate family and also video access good. It’s a challenge to live it and practice it daily when times are tough. with extended family. I didn’t do much video chat before the pandemic if But it’s the only way. Because if you don’t it’s a slippery slope. at all. Sheehan: “She’s a seven in Scranton, more like a 6 in New York.” Ryan 4. Complete this sentence: The most random thing I’ve done during this from The Office. period is ______? Sheppard: Never ever take anything for granted. Enjoy the little moments Blackmon: Launch a wine club called “The Wine MVP.” Lol. It’s not that spending time with family affords us. random to me but it was to everyone else because a lot of people didn’t Slowes: Don’t take a single thing in your life for granted. realize how serious I am about wine. Suzuki: Don’t shake anyone’s hand for the rest of my life! Carlson: Join Zoom. Williams: I believe this was said by Helen Keller “Alone we can do so Dillon: Most random thing I’ve done during this time is taking up road little. Together we can do so much”. Be grateful for what you already biking … and liking it! have while you continue to pursue your goals. If you aren’t grateful for Eaton: Built a shed and a garden. I cooked tacos over an open fire. Made what you already have, what makes you think you would be happy with a swing set out of a tree. List is long, lol. more. Hathaway: A do-it-yourself patio lights project. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 Maloney: The most random thing I’ve done during this period is fix the kitchen cabinet. Who knew that it could be done? It only took one trip to the hardware store, a matching piece of hardware and a screwdriver. I did it. Me. New name: Mrs. Fix-It. McNutt: Became my own esthetician. Menhart: Became an electrician and a plumber. Patsos: Replaced all kitchen hardware (even though my wife did most of the work). Paulsen: The most random thing I’ve done during this pandemic is binge- watch “All American” seasons 1 and 2 with my 18-year-old daughter. Santangelo: Wasted hours on TikTok. I’m a savage, classy, bougie, ratchet. Sheehan: Rediscover Captain Crunch. Sheppard: Taking online classes at Yale. Slowes: Thinking about it. Nothing too random except contacting a few people I haven’t spoken to in years. Suzuki: Watch the news! Williams: Cleaning out my garage and making space for a gym set up. 5. What’s one piece of wisdom you’ve gained from this experience? Blackmon: Just to embrace change. I’ve learned in the NFL that there are times where you won’t get a fair shake, so embrace it, understand it and make the best of it. Carlson: That health is the most important thing. Whether it’s keeping family or loved ones safe or sane through this time, that’s all that matters. Dillon: One piece of wisdom which we can probably take with us out of this is nothing in life is certain and that things can change quick, have to learn to be flexible. 1174731 Winnipeg Jets The Jets have a significant number of American players and several who are residing in the U.S. or elsewhere during the pandemic.

TSN’s Pierre LeBrun reported Tuesday that the committee, which NHL 'hopeful' border ban extension won't impact return-to-play plans includes Winnipeg’s Mark Scheifele and Edmonton’s Connor McDavid, continues to work on the return-to-play plan. LeBrun said those involved remain hopeful of a resolution over the next 7-10 days. Scott Billeck But as LeBrun pointed out, there’s no guarantee on that, either. Overcoming the federal border hurdle will no doubt play a significant part in that timeline. A 30-day extension to the U.S.-Canada border restrictions has some wondering if, and how, it might affect the National Hockey League’s 1-2 INFECTED PLAYERS MAY NOT LEAD TO FULL-TEAM ongoing return-to-play planning. QUARANTINE The answer is still largely unknown, but there’s hope it won’t have any Speaking to The Philadelphia Inquirer over the weekend, Daly suggested effect at all. that if one or two players became infected with COVID-19, it wouldn’t necessarily mean the whole team would require quarantining. “I remain hopeful that today’s announcement will not materially impact our return to play planning,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in “That continues to be the medical advice that both we and the Players an email on Tuesday. Association (separately) are receiving,” Daly told the newspaper. That statement came after the current border ban, which was first That strikes as odd, for a couple of reasons. announced on March 18 and prohibits non-essential travel between the United States and Canada, was extended for a second time until June Contact tracing would need to be conducted to determine how a player 21, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed. Currently, it doesn’t include got the virus and how many people came in contact with that player. any specific provisions for professional athletes. Rapid testing is one option, but testing asymptomatic players, coaches “All persons entering Canada – no matter their country of origin, mode of and training staff wouldn’t necessarily yield accurate results as entry or occupation – MUST isolate themselves for 14 days if they have asymptomatic testing is not reliable. symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19 or quarantine themselves for 14 There is a reason why contacts of known cases are told to self-isolate for days if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19,” a spokesperson for 14 days, or one full incubation period of the virus. One or two cases Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada said in an email. could turn into a cluster or a full-blown outbreak. “Anyone arriving in Canada by air or land must complete a contact tracing form (either paper, online or mobile app) to help The Public And the problem only compounds itself if the infected player or players Health Agency of Canada monitor and enforce the 14-day isolation or played against an opposing team while infected. quarantine requirement.” A second team would then be a part of any contact tracing done, There are exemptions when it comes to mandatory self-isolation, potentially sending that club into quarantine as well. however, particularly for those working in critical infrastructure, essential services and economic supply chains, including truck drivers, firefighters Social distancing is just not possible during games, and contact is and medical workers. inevitable. While not specifically stated in the exemptions, provisions could be made And given how much work the trainers do, and the jobs that equipment for pro athletes, and may already be in place. folks on each team have, it only puts more and more people at risk of contraction. The border ban includes exemptions for travel when it comes to working purposes, as long as people are healthy — something that is screened Again, a reminder: nothing is set in stone in terms of a return or how it by border security upon entry into the country. will play out, safety-wise. Those exempt from quarantining or self-isolation are not required to fill Winnipeg Sun LOADED 05.20.2020 out a federal contact tracing form, which helps the feds monitor and enforce requirements under The Quarantine Act. So, would that mean total exemption from self-isolation? Health Canada/Public Health Agency of Canada referred the matter to the Department of Canadian Heritage, which recommended contacting the Canadian Border Services Agency, which said it is dealing with a backlog of calls and couldn’t offer a definite timeline for an answer. Manitoba’s chief public health officer Dr. Brent Roussin said Tuesday that international travel restrictions fall under federal rules stipulated in The Quarantine Act, but said some sort of restrictions “similar” to self-isolation would need to be in place for athletes crossing international borders. “It’s something that we’re looking at,” Roussin said, adding that he can’t speak specifically to the federal orders. “Our numbers in Manitoba have been favourable and so we need to be very careful of the importation of the virus. Anyone coming into Manitoba from outside is going to be subject to some sort of restrictions to ensure we protect the health of Manitobans.” One would speculate that Canadian cities wouldn’t be involved with potentially being a hub city if a return happens without some sort of understanding between provincial and federal officials. But public health officials are right to be wary. The U.S. is currently the virus’s epicenter, with over 1.5 million cases and approaching 100,000 deaths. Locally, Roussin has been very stern about thwarting the re-importation of the virus into the province. Roussin said the current mandatory 14-day isolation for inter-provincial travel would be up to the province to decide on how to proceed when it comes to pro athletes coming from other Canadian jurisdictions. 1174732 Winnipeg Jets going to have at least three chances to score and at least tie the game. So I think that was kind of our mindset.

And I mean, you’re in a series. There’s more to it and even if you lose The Athletic’s Winnipeg Jets 2.0 ‘Best Play’ tournament: A champion is that game 6-0, there’s going to be another game. So you can’t roll over. crowned Even if you lose Game 3, then you’re still playing to send a message and there’s going to be a Game 4. So I think going into the second period, that was kind of our mindset — even if we lose this game, this isn’t the end. Give yourself a chance. You can’t really give up or quit on the game. By Murat Ates May 19, 2020 Like I said, we’re probably gonna get three scoring chances and have a chance to come back. Every Jets fan knows the story of ’s first game against The first good bounce you guys got didn’t look like a scoring chance at Auston Matthews, the man who got picked before him in the 2016 draft. first. When you threw it on net and it bounced off Paul Stastny and in to make it 3-1, did you know it was a goal? Matthews’ breakaway: stopped by Hutchinson. No. I was just going to throw it down there knowing he was down there. Laine’s counterattack: hat trick, overtime, winner. But that’s kind of the thing that changes momentum a bit. Now you get The MTS Centre goes wild while Jets fans across North America and the bounce and you don’t want to get super high on it — yeah, you got a overseas celebrate in their living rooms. bounce, great, now you’re down two — but now you’ve got a chance, so it does built a little bit of momentum. One of Laine’s biggest fans on that night was restricted free agent Jacob Trouba, watching from 1,300 kilometers away in Michigan. Do you remember your view of the 3-2 goal that Dustin Byfuglien scored? “Oh, I remember it,” said Trouba of Laine’s winning goal. “I was sitting on I just remember that whenever Buff scores, it’s usually pretty energetic in my couch in Ann Arbor, watching like everybody else.” there. Then that brings us within a goal and, at this point, the building’s definitely buzzing. Momentum is definitely starting to fall to our side. As Jets fans know well, Trouba was not with the team to start the 2016- 17 season. Contract negotiations were stalled and a trade request had We all know what comes next, but I’m just curious: When is the last time been made. Trouba would eventually sign a two-year contract extension you watched your goal to make it 3-3? on November 7, 2016, and a one-year arbitration award when it ended in 2018. The last time was when I went back to Winnipeg this year and they played it in the highlight thing that they put on. That was the last time I’ve On Oct. 19, he was half a continent away from the star Finnish forward seen it. I have definitely watched it a few times. That’s definitely my who would eventually become his teammate. favourite goal as a Jet — probably in my career, actually. That didn’t stop Trouba from being captivated by the game. How well do you feel like you remember it? “It was definitely interesting to watch, knowing the back story of those two Like walk you through it? coming in,” Trouba said. “They both put on a show.” By all means, yes, please. And what a show it was. I can’t remember who was on like their team. I just remember going down When Toronto went up 4-0 early, one imagined parade plans being the boards. I think it was maybe a bad, pinch (laughs). I kind of took a prematurely laid down on Yonge Street. Then Laine called game. skate after — a loop that probably I shouldn’t have — behind net. And I remember Stastny got the puck somehow in the corner, passed it out to His first goal was a spinning top-shelf snipe to make it 4-2. His second Wheels, and I was kind of just sitting over there and I stopped when I was a power-play rocket that sent the game into overtime. When saw that and just kind of like hoping Wheels saw me, and he usually Matthews got stoned on his breakaway, Laine took the game into his does in those situations. So I got excited and he tried to one-touch a hands once and for all. pass kind of at an awkward angle. It was a special goal and a spectacular moment for Jets fans across the And I was sitting there going, “This is a pretty easy one-timer right in the globe. net.” And he tried one-touching the pass and the thing just blew up — And, by a final score of 220-218, Laine’s goal is the second-best play of and it started bouncing. it was six inches in the air, just fluttering, and I’m Jets 2.0 history. Your champion, Jets fans, is the moment Trouba tied the like, “Oh, no. I can’t get this puck.” score in Game 3 against Nashville and Bell MTS Place erupted with an The pass is coming and I think I’ve got to catch it. So I tried to kind of ecstasy that can be felt only in the playoffs. corral it and luckily it stayed on my stick, but I think it was on edge. And “We knew we were both very close teams,” Trouba said. “We were both then I knew if I caught it I probably had to shoot it high because he was very physical, and every time we played each other it was a little more gonna (take) some time to get over. So I think it was on a knuckle puck intense. I think that was a playoff matchup that everyone was looking for. and thank God it didn’t ride up my stick and go (over the glass.) But it went in and I just remember the chills and the energy and the momentum Author’s note: It was. It WAS the playoff matchup that everyone was that we had at that point in the game. You just get the chills, and it was looking for. definitely a pretty exciting time in that playoffs. “It ended up taking a pretty big toll on us,” Trouba continued. “It was the Half the comments I’ve seen about your finish rave about your patience hardest series I’ve ever played for sure with just how fast and physical it and ability to stay calm. The other half say it felt like a year went by was. You could play that series 10 times and you might get five wins before you buried it — they were that nervous. Seeing it on the replay each. The result definitely could have gone either way.” though, it’s clear the pass fluttered quite a bit. The thrilling seven-game series went Winnipeg’s way and gave the Jets Wheels makes 1,000 passes a game that are perfect — on the ice and a place in the Western Conference finals for the first time in franchise on your tape. My initial thought was it was going to be pretty easy. But it history. It remains the high-water mark for Winnipeg’s NHL teams, and all happens so fast, right? I made the decision to try to catch it. Because the Jets’ win over Nashville remains indelible in fans’ minds. if I try to one-time it and it bounces and I miss it, that would not be good. I figured I’d try to catch it and corral it the best I could and get it off. I’m To celebrate his “Best Jets 2.0 Play” Championship, Trouba recently took glad I went that route. the time to talk about the grueling series, the roller coaster that was Game 3 and the moment he scored the biggest goal of his life. You joked about curling around the net on a route that maybe you shouldn’t have taken. When I watch it, it looks like you shoulder check as Let’s do this. Game 3 starts 1-1 in the series, but things go terribly early you come around the net just in case Stastny can find you there. Were on: penalties, awkward bounces and a bar-down rocket from non-sniper you already thinking about a scoring chance? Austin Watson. How did it feel to go into the first intermission down 3-0? I think I skated by a guy that I probably should have hit and got back to You look at it as some tough bounces and a good shot. But are we really the defensive side. I ended up taking the loop and realized that I was playing that poorly, though? Are we not getting chances? Are we giving kind of lost — that their guy didn’t follow me and the guy in front of the up a ton of chances or are they — well, they weren’t flukes, but there net didn’t turn and pick me up and he didn’t know I was there. I just tried were a couple of tough bounces and a good shot. As long as you’re to stay there for a second knowing that Paul had it and then it went up to playing a good hockey game — I think at that point, we thought we were Wheels and I was still kind of over there. No one really knew I was there, playing a good hockey game — and if we stick with what we do, we’re so I just stayed there and hopefully he saw me. That was Roman Josi, a very good defender, who didn’t get you in front there. Yeah. Was it four-on-four or three-on-three? Four-on-four. So, usually, four-on-four is pretty man-on-man. I think he was responsible for Wheels and I just kind of — there was never really a switch — or there was a forward who got stuck over on the left side and I ended up on the right side. So he was kind of in a tough spot. In context, that whole shift was nuts. Byfuglien had just scored and then Wheeler flew into the zone to lay a hit, Stastny follows up and lays the body on Josi, and you come in from basically off camera to take the puck off Ryan Johansen on the wall. It just looked like if you stayed at four-on- four for long enough, there could have been a ton of goals. I think that was just everybody feeling the momentum. Momentum is a very real thing in hockey, and we pretty much had all of it at that point after Buff scored. I think everybody was just very excited. Maybe I shouldn’t have even gone down there at all — maybe got too excited. (Laughs.) But yeah, when you kind of have a team on their heels a little bit after scoring a couple goals, you just want to keep the pressure on, and that’s what we were trying to do. What do you remember from that series other than your goal? Honestly, I remember more from the games on the road in Nashville. I do remember the ones at home, but just that feeling. I’ve never felt more like our team being a team — us against literally everyone in the building. I remember that overtime game that we lost — just how crushing it was, how you have to pick yourself up and come back and go again. And then, obviously, Game 7 is one that really sticks out. And then the energy. That is what I remember from Game 3 is that goal. I don’t even think it was because I scored it — if anyone would have scored it, just how electric the place was. That was definitely the loudest hockey rink I’ve been a part of. I remember that everyone looked so far ahead to that series — that was the series we wanted in the playoffs. And by the time we got to Vegas, we were so beat up and everybody wanted to take a deep breath, but now you have another giant opponent in front of you. I feel like that kind of hurt us a little bit, but it was nice to win the series. I don’t know if this is fair, but if you play those series in a different order, do you think that you win both of them? I don’t know. You could never say that for sure. Probably not. I think you’ve got to play whoever’s in front of you. But I guess you’ll never know. And I’ll never know. Nobody will know. I try not to go down that road. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174733 Vancouver Canucks “There’s different language for entry that’s considered non-optional and non-discretionary and work is actually considered in that language,” he added. “But what we’re finding is that border officers tend to be interpreting that language. But because of the notoriety of hockey Ben Kuzma: Canadian border closure extension shouldn't spook players, I’d say if play was resuming and players needed to enter and Canucks they’re entering from the U.S., an officer would probably see that and come to a positive decision to let them in.”

As for those arriving from Europe, there’s the realization of a blanket ban Ben Kuzma on returning here unless clear exemptions are met. Work authorization is the obvious key. The NHL uses a “hopeful” summation to reflect a long, often bumpy road “Even if they met that criteria, their families might not be able to come — to the possible resumption of a season paused on March 12. it’s a lot less clear about that,” said Leo. “For players who have families that’s going to be something that might be quite difficult. The rules would Stanley Leo is an avid local hockey fan. He’s also an associate probably allow them to come, but then again, the border officers are kind immigration lawyer. of all over the place right now as to what they’re allowing. On Tuesday, his passion and his practice became more relevant. “But again, with the notoriety of hockey in Canada and being a professional sport, and if play was resuming, I don’t think they would When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that closure of the stand in the way.” Canada-U.S. border would be extended from May 21 to June 21 for non- essential services and travel — excluding trade, commerce and health- And a word of advice for those returning from abroad. care workers — pro sports obviously took notice. “Hopefully, they don’t have expired work visas,” said Leo. “That’s going to So did Leo. be a problem and a pain. But with the notoriety, they (immigration officials) might pay more attention.” With shifting timelines to resume or start seasons for the Vancouver Canucks, the Whitecaps and the B.C. Lions, the border issue comes with Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.20.2020 complexities and solutions. The NHL uses a “hopeful” summation to reflect the long and often bumpy road to possible resumption of a season placed on pause March 12 by the pandemic. From acquiring repetitive and accurate COVID-19 testing that wouldn’t burden the general populace seeking screening, to arena and accommodation logistics in hub cities for a proposed 24-team, play-in tournament, another border hurdle needs clearing. The Canucks are operating under the assumption, and hope, that the league’s latest self-isolation edict will be lifted by the end of the month. That would allow small groups to train and possibly skate in anticipation of a training camp, and eventual resumption of play. However, those arriving in Vancouver from the U.S. or Europe would face an additional 14-day quarantine period. Trudeau has placed a strict minimum quarantine for players returning from abroad, and his border dealings with the NHL are still in the discussion stage. The obvious question is: Are pro sports an essential service? “In layman’s terms for sure, but they fall more under entertainment,” said Leo of the Vancouver-based Lowe and Company firm. “To have hockey come back, the players would provide the entertainment. And if they make the argument that, even with empty stadiums, they provide for extra online sales, or partner with food establishments to help them survive, it would provide a positive factor. “Anything that can stimulate economic activity now, I don’t think they (governments) would turn away from that.” As for crossing the border into Canada, it can be simple or complex. With a work visa, residence in the Lower Mainland and the notoriety of the NHL, those returning to Vancouver shouldn’t encounter difficulties. “Hockey players aside, the travel restrictions the Canadian government has put in place since the pandemic was announced, have actually been quite fluid,” said Leo. “But there have been major differences about what they’ve written down into law and what we’re seeing at ports-of-entry when the border officers are actually in the process of admitting people to Canada. “There are different rules at play for people entering from the U.S. or outside North America.” What isn’t debatable is an additional 14-day quarantine phase when players return from abroad. And if Canadian cities factor in the hub-site arrangement for resumption of play, extra precautions only make sense. “There are deviations from it and we in the immigration law community continue to encounter what is essential (service). If it (NHL) is considered essential by national and provincial governments, then maybe they come back and get (quarantine) exemptions. I’m only speculating and not sure how that would be received by the public.” The answer is simple — not well. Same for the governments. Leo said the border-crossing process should be straightforward, even if those granting the consent can make it more tedious. 1174734 Vancouver Canucks reach those heights since and his game has actually trended in the opposite direction. Tryamkin’s ice-time has fallen in consecutive seasons to below 20 minutes per game and his point production has cratered to the lowest level since he was 20-years-old. Over-hyped or diamond in the rough? Analyzing Nikita Tryamkin’s NHL potential “I don’t know what happened in a year, but something changed,” Sports- Express KHL insider Igor Eronko said earlier this year. “Nikita and I are well acquainted, I know him a lot, I’ve had some interviews with him so I know him as a person and as a hockey player. But something wasn’t By Harman Dayal May 19, 2020 good for him after that year. He was kind of not feeling in the right place and right position.” Divisive, polarizing figures are a staple of the Vancouver sports market. This also included a period where he was stripped of the captaincy just one month after being awarded it, even as the team itself went on an Invoke the name of , Tyler Myers or Mike Gillis on social absolute tear to start the season. media and you’ll find that out for yourself in short order. Fans pick sides and spill into two segregated camps, exaggerated narratives often form “He got the ‘C’ on the jersey and then the coach took it off later because and it fuels endless arguments that are symbolic of the passion that this of effort,” Eronko said. “The coach saw three or four other D, showing city has for the Canucks. much better effort and he wants top determination from every player.” You’ll notice that a similar cycle is beginning with Nikita Tryamkin. The This year, Tryamkin was fourth among Avtomobilist defencemen in Russian defenceman fled for the KHL in 2017 but is now seeking a return points-per-game and was just narrowly second in ice-time (three seconds to Vancouver and it’s reignited the debate over what his value is. That ahead of the third-place blueliner and just 24 seconds ahead of the makes sense – determining Tryamkin’s NHL potential is the key to fourth-placed one). In other words, he was deployed and subsequently figuring out if he’s worth a short-term deal that could eclipse $2-million produced like a second-pairing option – not something that should inspire annually. a lot of confidence if the hope is that he can be a difference-maker in the NHL. The six-foot-eight giant’s KHL performance will naturally help us discern his NHL upside so let’s dive into his profile with both data and video. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the video to see where his game is at. Breaking down the numbers Skating, puck retrievals and transition ability Tryamkin’s age-22 season with the Canucks can firstly establish some What made Tryamkin such an intriguing player from Day 1 was how well sort of a baseline of what he could be capable of the highest level. During he moved up and down the ice for a giant. Here’s an example that the 2016-17 season, he suited up in 65 games, in which he resembled a demonstrates how well he moves in a straight line relative to his frame. passable No. 6 or No. 7 defenceman. He averaged just 16:52 per night in Skating is a multi-dimensional tool, however, and straight-line speed is 65 games, had a mediocre impact in driving 5-on-5 play and was worth - but one piece of the puzzle. Other components like acceleration, turns 0.7 wins according to Dom Luszczyszyn’s model. and lateral quickness can be equally crucial, even more so for a People remember Tryamkin’s time in Vancouver fondly, but I think the defenceman, and this is what separates Tryamkin from someone like narrative of his stint is being painted a bit too optimistically. Sure, he Tyler Myers as a skater. Sure, both are large bodies that move up and didn’t look out of place in an NHL uniform, but he was a replacement- down the ice well, but only Myers has the agility and footwork to level blueliner at the end of the day. I’d argue that hype for him wasn’t maneuver through tight spaces. rooted in how well he played, but how much upside people thought he This is most prevalent during puck retrievals – an important aspect of had. The belief essentially boiled down to: Tryamkin is far from a finished transitioning the puck up ice and ensuring you spend less time defending product and with how raw his physical tools (size and mobility) are, he in your own zone. There are situations like this one where Tryamkin can could have a lot of room to grow. get back and use his brute force to overpower his opponent. Tryamkin would have had access to resources to develop his puck skills, More often than not though, retrievals pose a challenge, with Tryamkin refine his skating stride and get him accustomed to the pace of NHL play routinely unable to gain clear possession on pucks that are sent behind at an age where he could have really taken strides in his development. him. The problem, of course, is that none of that manifested because he left For as big and strong as Tryamkin is, I was surprised by how many loose the organization. And when you look at his KHL results, you see a player puck battles he had trouble winning along the boards. See this here that’s largely plateaued since. again – this time in the offensive zone. Nikita Tryamkin's KHL Numbers The second issue inhibiting his retrievals is the lack of quickness and Season agility he shows with his footwork. Changing directions isn’t a strength of his and he can be slow trying to accelerate out of turns. Tryamkin’s GP biggest challenge during his previous NHL stint was getting back and moving pucks up the ice, an area that he hasn’t improved much since. Points The other problem with not having nimble feet is that when pucks are TOI placed in awkward positions, he can’t adjust himself quickly enough to handle possession. Watch how the puck goes right through his legs, 2017-18 leading to a great chance in this broken play. 51 His hands and feet aren’t suited to handling the puck well enough to be an above-average NHLer – this was true three years ago when he was in 25 the bottom five percent of the league in zone exit numbers and it’s still true today. Some players can compensate for this with how quickly they 21:52 can process the game, but this is where the yellow flags start to add up 2018-19 for Tryamkin. 41 Poor reads and lack of peripheral awareness 11 One part of Tryamkin’s game that confuses me is his tendency to activate and rove all over the ice, similar to the way an offensive 20:22 defenceman like Quinn Hughes would. He jumps up in the rush, joins the forecheck from time to time and makes aggressive pinches. These risks 2019-20 don’t lead to positive outcomes often enough and it’s a habit that forces 58 forwards to cover for him on the backend as he wanders out of position. 11 It’s a good thing to push up and close the gap when your team is in transition, but Tryamkin overdoes it in the clip below. When the puck 19:51 comes around the boards after the shot he’s out of position (pay attention to how bad footwork leaves to a slow recovery), which forces him to In his first year back, Tryamkin had a banner season. He scored nine reach, leading to a penalty call against. goals and 25 points in 51 games, was sent to the KHL All-Star game and was Avtomobilist’s best all-around defenceman. He’s never been able to You have to be aware of your limitations as a player and this is one case All in all, Tryamkin is held back by his puck skills, sluggish footwork and where a poor calculation leaves him in a vulnerable position. decision-making in all three zones. He’s just not quick enough with his hands, feet and brain to be a top-four NHL defenceman. This habit is evident in all three zones. In the defensive end, Tryamkin can be overzealous and skate up the ice prematurely from time to time – Could he a No. 6 or No. 7 defenceman? Sure, that’s what he was three only for a turnover to happen and for him to have to dart back the other seasons ago when he was with the team. I could see him providing way. The sequence below shows one such play where he inches too similar value to Jordie Benn and Oscar Fantenberg and I can see why a high. He recovers but isn’t in an ideal position and ultimately can’t cut off smaller rink might actually help him defend more aggressively. But it’s the pass across – a diving poke check from his partner bailing the team also possible based on these viewings that he’s not an NHL calibre out from a Grade A chance. defenceman and consistently performs below replacement level. The most prominent issue with the way Tryamkin sees the ice is in the Either way, my opinion is that there’s a low probability of Tryamkin being sort of tunnel vision he has. He doesn’t have the awareness and instincts a non-negligible upgrade on Benn and Fantenberg. There was once a to know where support around him is when forced to make a quick read. time when you could have realistically hoped for much more, but given that he turns 26-years-old in August, odds are that he won’t take the Take this offensive zone faceoff win below, for instance. He gets the steps necessary to be a true impact player. This isn’t to say he’s not puck at the point and despite having a man wide open in the slot, he tries worth signing at all, but if the price tag creeps up in the $2.5 million per to blast a slapshot through when there’s no shooting lane – the puck year range, for example, that’s a risk that a cap crunched team like ultimately bouncing out of the zone and killing a possession. Vancouver should not be willing to take. This lack of awareness bleeds into his defensive game as well. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 Defensive ability Tryamkin is effective in snuffing out 1-on-1 situations where he’s assertive and can use the walls to his advantage. He does well to eliminate players down low when they’re within reach and his wingspan obviously helps in taking away passing and shooting lanes. These are the positives of his defensive game and the scenarios where he’s able to break plays up. It’s his reads and awareness that once again holds him back, however. Tryamkin reacts to what’s happening directly in front of him, as opposed to keeping his head on a swivel, seeing the whole ice and making a calculated decision that accounts for all threats on the ice. He tends to fixate on one thing — it’s either watching and chasing the puck or tying up the man away from the play. What tends to happen on occasion as a consequence is that he’ll eliminate that single threat, but leave the more dangerous one uncontested. In other words, he can both chase the play and get dragged out of position, or he can sag back and stay too passive when engaging with a man off the puck. Here you’ll see him chase in a poor gamble and when he can’t stop the pass, it becomes a mini 2-on-1 with Tryamkin out of position. In the following clip, meanwhile, he’s only focused on the man away from the puck and tends to be passive in sagging back. Tryamkin has a teammate right next to him who can take the backdoor pass away and should challenge the puck carrier but falls while grappling as the attacker walks right to the doorstep. Clip via Daniel Gee All this is to say that I’m not a fan of Tryamkin’s defensive reads and the resulting poor positioning it creates. He can make the wrong read and be too aggressive, or be wandering in odd areas of the ice where he’s not taking something important away. The other important part of his role as a defensive defenceman is as a penalty killer and this is where he was a bit better on Avtomobilist’s second unit. Special teams are a lot more structured and you can see how this aids Tryamkin. Here, he makes smarter and more decisive reads, uses his massive reach to occupy passing lanes and protects the most vulnerable scoring areas. That’s not to say he’s flawless in this department either. He doesn’t get down on his knee to block the shot in this example and that creates a rebound that leads to a goal against. Despite his massive size and strength advantage, I’m not sure that his defensive attributes are strong enough to compensate for his offensive and puck-moving deficiencies in the NHL. The ice-time and point totals that Tryamkin has garnered in the KHL suggest that he’s plateaued in the last two seasons and hasn’t improved significantly from when he left three years ago. He still has the size and straight-line speed that made him so exciting as a raw talent prospect, but the other parts of his game just haven’t caught up. Tryamkin still won’t retrieve pucks and handle forechecking duress well given his puck skills and footwork, meaning he’s very likely to struggle handling and transporting the puck. System effects could be influencing his neutral zone defence results – which is why I didn’t dissect that aspect too critically – but I didn’t see him playing a tight enough gap to force oncoming attackers into dump-ins enough. I like the way he uses his size and strength in 1-on-1 situations where he can use the boards as leverage and his reach is a very useful asset, but poor reads hold him back positionally in his own zone. 1174735 Websites “Pittsburgh was so poised, a Mike Sullivan coached team,” Ferris said. “They were aggressive at the right times, but they really picked their battles.” The Athletic / Ranking the most impressive NHLers at the NHLPA The broadcast didn’t show the Pittsburgh POV often, but anytime there Fortnite tournament was a wide-angle shot of the endgame chaos, sure enough, there was Pittsburgh’s trio tightly aligned. I didn’t see it first hand, but it looked like they had some good tunnelling plays which is a pretty advanced technique that your average Fortnite player can’t pull off. By Dom Luszczyszyn May 19, 2020 Zach-Aston Reese was the captain, but Bryan Rust appeared to be the leader of the team’s patient approach, according to cbass. “He was On Monday, the St. Louis Blues defended their NHL title with proper always the one in front.” patience, poise, and positioning, not to mention the right amount of Still, it’s hard to separate any one player from Pittsburgh as the trio was a aggression to go with a killer instinct. No, this wasn’t a Stanley Cup team through and through. It felt like all three were always sticking victory, but instead the NHLPA Open, a Fortnite trios tournament together, rotating well. According to Aston-Reese, that was a big point of specifically for NHL players. their game. “I know the point is to kill other people, but we were just Truth be told, they weren’t half bad. Impressive even, which I guess trying to get good rotations and attack from there.” shouldn’t be surprising in a tournament designed to bring together the “Reese definitely watches the game, rotations isn’t a word you say if you league’s best Fortnite players. Now, none of them are going to quit their don’t,” cbass said. day jobs to become full-time pros streaming on Twitch, but it was clear from watching that they can hold their own in a box fight, unlike editor-in- Sure enough, Aston-Reese gave some credit to Twitch streamer Nick Eh chief Mirtle who prefers to hide in a cardboard box when he plays. 30 who was casting the event, saying him and Rust put his stream on the big screen after a workout. PIC.TWITTER.COM/CDI6W1MSXD Anthony Bitetto — DOM LUSZCZYSZYN (@DOMLUSZCZYSZYN) MARCH 17, 2020 Early on it felt like Winnipeg would be running away with the tournament, The goal of Fortnite, a battle royale, is to be the last person standing. taking the victory Royale in both of the first two games. That’s a huge Though the prize pool from this tournament was $200,000 to charities of advantage when there are only four games. the team’s choice, what you can’t take away from natural-born competitors facing off against rivals is how important bragging rights are. Winnipeg’s strategy was to make it to endgame and then take ultimate high ground, something that Bitetto led the charge on. When the zones That was the goal of the tournament according to Zach Hyman who co- change, they would make sure not to give up that high ground either. The orchestrated the even with former University of Michigan teammate J.T. trio used a launchpad to rotate with the storm at the right time to connect Compher: Finding out who the best Fortnite player is. with a structure on the edge of the storm to maintain height. It’s elite Well, we know who the best team is, it’s St. Louis. game sense. But the best player is a different question. Just ask Connor McDavid and “If you do it too early you run out of mats trying to hold it,” cbass said. “Do the Edmonton Oilers. Fortnite works similarly where a weak link on the it too late and you don’t have any left to take it over. It’s a different ‘time’ squad can drag an elite player down. The best player debate is not as that is entirely dependent on how each lobby is playing out, but the team definitive, but after watching the tournament several players have a case. who does it at the right time is usually the team who wins the game.” Despite playing it extensively over the past few years and watching the Winnipeg did it right both games. occasional stream, I’m not a Fortnite expert, but I know someone who Though Jack Roslovic has some of the best stats after Dunn (a 2.9 can help. Before the tournament, I asked Sabastian Diamond, otherwise kill/death ratio) and was stealing the show early with his play, it was known as cbass, who works for professional gaming organization FaZe Bitetto, the team captain, who cemented himself as the team MVP in the clan to watch and report on who had game amongst the NHLers. I also fourth match. “He was the leader and came up big in that last game,” asked Hockey Twitter friend Shawn Ferris for his opinion as he’s been Ferris said. avidly tweeting about Fornite recently. Alex Nylander Based on the tournament, we all settled on a pretty similar list of names. Here are the NHLers who impressed the most at the Fortnite NHLPA In a 1v1 battle, few players can stand up to Nylander, who has some Open. solid mechanics and aggression that puts pressure on his opponents to make a mistake. Vince Dunn “Alex Nylander being nasty was a surprise,” cbass said. “He knows his Dunn was a force for the Blues, unsurprising since he regularly streams fighting angles.” on Twitch. That, and this isn’t his first big Fortnite tournament. At the end of April, he and teammate Jordan Kyrou participated in a Twitch Rivals: It was Nylander who put on a show in the fourth match as Team Sweden Supergames where athletes were paired with pro players in a four-team were the ones that decided to contest The Agency and knock Winnipeg squad. Dunn and Kyrou along with their pros finished second. off its perch at the top. Nylander earned both eliminations and it’s that move that changed the game according to Ferris. The Blues should be The Blues big push came in the second match where they had 14 kills sending Nylander a gift basket in the mail for his efforts. and Dunn was instrumental in that. In the third game, it was Dunn fragging out in endgame that got them the win. That was despite having While Nylander was impressive in fights, I’m not so sure about the game ultimate low ground (high ground is key in Fortnite). sense in a tournament setting. Team Sweden was perhaps a little too aggressive, finishing with placement points just twice with just one top 10 “They played low ground really well, held ultimate low all the way through finish, in ninth, in the second match. They took a lot of fights early on that endgame,” cbass said. “Jumped on whoever came down and double they didn’t need to instead of focusing on rotating and making it far. teamed them immediately which is the only way low ground works, have Team Sweden tied for second with 23 eliminations, but their six to force them down.” placement points were good for 16th. In this format where placement Dunn was the best player on the best team and according to Fortnite points were crucial, that wasn’t the right call. Tracker, he has the resume to back up his play. His 3.24 kill/death ratio Trevor Moore during Fortnite’s second season of chapter two is the highest of any player at the tournament. He’s also won 10.8 percent of his games this The Kings were quietly languishing near the bottom of the leaderboard season, which is seriously impressive. with just three eliminations to show for their efforts through three games and it was hard to envision Trevor Moore being a tournament standout, Pittsburgh but then he had perhaps one of the highlights of the tournament: A team Of the 562 points handed out, 58 percent were given out for placement, wipe on Team Sweden despite being down a man. That’s the team with meaning the longer you lasted the more points your team earned. the second most eliminations with a man advantage and Moore came Pittsburgh didn’t have the most kills, but earned the most placement clutch, holding off a double team. points finishing third, second, fourth and then finally first, for an average More impressive: It came after a revive. Credit to teammate Ben Hutton of 2.5, the best at the tournament. They were a sneaky team, but always for pulling that off, though it helped that Team Sweden disengaged. found a way to get to the end putting a real emphasis on survival. Ferris saw the potential early in the first game, even when the Kings were To add to that, there were key fights that were missed not just because of struggling. “Trevor Moore can build.” Turns out he can fight too. the format, but simply bad decision-making. It’s tough when you don’t know who the best players are, but it took until Game 4 to even see Honourable mentions Pittsburgh play. Some teams weren’t shown at all. Some teams were Those were the standouts from the tournament, but the event itself shown too much when they weren’t doing anything. The most egregious revealed each player’s stats in non-tournament games too. Some players moment though came at the start of Game 4 when the casters had been who’ve got good numbers, but may not have been on the level of those hyping up that other teams should contest Winnipeg’s drop spot since the five on Monday include Calgary’s Buddy Robinson, Ottawa’s Jayce Jets were in first. Nylander and the rest of Team Sweden did just that, Hawryluk, Montreal’s Cale Fleury, and Carolina’s Sebastian Aho and got two eliminations and we didn’t see any of it. Brett Pesce. The Hurricanes felt like a dark horse early and it’s no There were 28 teams that were supposed to participate, announced surprise why – the talent was there and Pesce especially had some earlier that morning and confirmed again during the broadcast. We got 22 building finesse, but for whatever reason couldn’t put it together. for two games before Detroit and Edmonton joined for the final two. This was the first Fortnite tournament meant specifically for NHLers and I Arizona, Boston, Philadelphia and Vegas were no shows which kind of don’t think it’ll be the last. Overall it was a surprisingly enjoyable event as sucks when much of the talent pool wasn’t even NHL-calibre. Each of the far as competitive Fortnite goes and a nice sidebar as we all wait for four teams was three-deep in terms of NHL talent (well, maybe not the these NHLers to return to the rink. But it wasn’t without a few kinks either. Flyers) and those teams missing out sort of put a damper on the star- Here’s what worked and what didn’t at the NHLPA Open. power of the tournament. That it happened last second and unannounced wasn’t cool. What Worked The usernames were a mess for half the teams and it was really hard to It was cool they got pro streamer Nick Eh 30 to cast the games. He’s got know who you were watching half the time. That’s all well and good, a strong knowledge of the game and provided great analysis of what was but… at least give us a list of who’s who somewhere so we can keep happening from what players were doing well and why to pointing out track. decisions made that wouldn’t hold up in an actual pro game. Plus, he’s got clout. His stream peaked at around 20,000 viewers, four times as Overall, it was a great event and it’s great to see the NHL doing many as the official stream on ESPN. It was clear the players progressive things to market their players like this and bring some participating had respect for his game too. I wonder if he’ll get to hang entertainment during these strange times. But now that that’s over, if out with Nathan MacKinnon (who’s a pretty solid player himself) now that you’ll excuse me, I have my own date with Fortnite to get to. their shared Nova Scotia connection is known. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 Some of the players have played in Pro-Ams before, teaming up with prop players and it was nice to see them fight amongst themselves in their weight class. Some players were still out-matched obviously, but there was an element of surprise to the game that wouldn’t be there if they had to go up against Tfue. Panthers centre Dominic Toninato hid in a bush. It didn’t work, but I definitely respect the attempt. Having players play with their real-life teammates was great and gives fans a chance to root for their city if there’s another event. That many teams had matching outfits was pretty adorable too. I respect it. In light of that, some of the team and player based rivalries made it all the more entertaining. It seemed like every match had Tampa Bay and Columbus fighting. The Leafs were the first team to contest the Jets at their preferred drop spot (though they were very unsuccessful) in an all- Canadian battle. If this were something the players were able to practice for, I’m sure certain rivalries will play out even further. After St. Louis’ Game 3 win, Compher texted Hyman: “You guys are clearly scared by not telling us where you land.” They met them with a pointed “come meet us at Slurpy.” Even better? Neither team ended up there. The gamesmanship is real. What you’ll notice is that a lot of the best Fortnite players weren’t exactly NHL superstars and it’s nice to see those players get their shine here. William Nylander may be the better hockey player, but it was clear here who the better Nylander is in this virtual world. I will say though that I was hoping Minnesota’s JT Brown would take his team a little higher as he was one of the first NHLers to start streaming. I was initially skeptical of a format that placed such a high emphasis on placement, but I think it worked wonderfully here. The stacked endgames are what make Fortnite an exciting (albeit often confusing) esport to watch and it was great to see it play out with amateurs instead of pros who can sometimes make your head spin with their maneuvering. After every game, the winning teams were interviewed and though they weren’t all that illuminating, it was nice to see the players in a chill setting being asked about things that aren’t hockey. Did you know that MacKinnon and teammate Matt Nieto have been grinding Fortnite for up to six hours per day during quarantine? Now you do. The stars, they’re just like us. “Wake up, work out, get on the sticks,” MacKinnon said. What Didn’t This isn’t the fault of the event, but of Fortnite’s casting system in general. Sometimes it can be great as you can see everyone’s positioning in a stacked endgame, but often you end up missing a lot of action. From a fan perspective, it would’ve been nice to get players on their own dedicated streams. Even the players who have their own streams like Brown, Dunn and Marner weren’t allowed to stream themselves. Having the choice to follow your favourite player or team would make for a better experience. It would also allow viewers to see the inter-team communication that’s pivotal in a game like this. That was sorely missed here. 1174736 Websites Toronto Maple Leafs The Maple Leafs haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1967, as everyone

knows. But someday, that drought is going to end. That’s just the math. The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: Why a 24-team playoff format means Whether it’s this season or next or ten years from now or a century down your team is winning the Cup the road, the day will come. And when it does, Leaf fans are going unleash decades of frustration and run wild in an eruption of pent-up joy, unlike anything we’ve ever seen. By Sean McIndoe May 19, 2020 Unless! Let’s face if, Leaf fans, you know how this is going to go. After waiting your whole life to see the team finally win the Cup, of course, it’s going to It sure sounds like we’re doing this, huh? happen in a messed-up year with a bizarre format and empty arenas. Of Nothing is official, and we may still be weeks away from any kind of course, it’s going to be a win that absolutely nobody else on the planet formal plan being locked down. But recent reports have made it will count. Of course, you won’t be allowed to fulfill a lifelong dream by increasingly clear where the NHL is leaning: towards an unprecedented going to the game where they win and witnessing the moment in person. 24-team playoff, one involving a shorter play-in round and (maybe) some Of course, you’re going to have to hear about asterisks for the rest of round-robin games before that. your life. Of course, there won’t be a parade. Is that the right plan? Everyone has an opinion and plenty of questions. The Toronto Maple Leafs are the only team in pro sports that could win a I’ve heard fans pushing for everything from a leaguewide tournament to a championship and make it depressing. We all know this is happening. traditional 16-team format to just scrapping the whole thing and starting Florida Panthers over with a new season when we know it’s safe. There’s validity to all of those ideas. But at this point, it sure seems like the NHL has its eyes While nobody knows exactly how a 24-team tournament will play out, you firmly set on the 24-team option. And that’s going to be deeply weird. could make a not completely unreasonable argument that the three most important assets for a team to have would be a veteran coach (to Here’s the good news: Your team is going to win. navigate all the weirdness to come), young legs on your most important No, really. I’ve broken it down, and a 24-team format actually helps your players (who’ll need to get back to full speed after a long layoff and stay team. It’s practically rigged for them. I really think they’ve got this. there deep into what should be the offseason) and a goalie who can steal a playoff series (for obvious reasons). Let’s assume we get the format that’s been mentioned most often: the league’s top 24 teams based on points percentage, six teams per If that’s the case, is anyone in better shape than the Panthers? They’ve division, with the Rangers and Wild crossing over. I’m going to go got and his three Cup rings as the seen-it-all lifer behind through all 24 of those teams and explain why this unprecedented playoff the bench, most of their key players are 26 or under and Sergei format is going to help them. Bobrovsky was in goal for one of the biggest playoff upsets ever just last spring. They could absolutely do this. Just do me one favor: Only read your team’s entry. Montreal Canadiens You’re good with that, right? Of course you are. It’s what you do on most of my posts anyway. So let’s get to scrolling, find your team and figure Goaltending. We can analyze every matchup to death, and break down out why they’re going to win it all. Plan the parade! (The parade will be a how the new format will work, but in the end, the team that wins is Zoom meeting.) Here we go. probably just going to be whoever has the best goaltender. We’re already hearing about teams grumbling about having to face Carey Price, Atlantic Division especially in a short series. If he’s already in their heads now, imagine what it will be like when he makes a save or two. Boston Bruins Of course, Price wasn’t all that good this year, no matter what his fellow Let’s not overthink this. players say, so maybe teams shouldn’t worry. Then again, this is the Yes, a 24-team tournament will be unprecedented. Yes, a combination of Montreal Canadiens we’re talking about, so they’ll probably just have the expanded format and rusty players will lead to all sorts of some no-name rookie show up and stand on his head a la Ken Dryden, randomness, especially early on. But once we settle in, it’s still hockey, Steve Penney or Patrick Roy. Remember to act surprised when Cayden and that means the best teams are more likely to win. The Boston Bruins Primeau is making 55 saves to shut out the Bruins in a winner-take-all are the best team in the NHL. game. It’s easy enough to forget that now, since most of us hadn’t looked at the New York Rangers standings page in months, but the Bruins were running away with the Ride that OGWAC magic, baby. The Rangers will be huge underdogs, Presidents’ Trophy. And unlike certain other Atlantic powerhouses we but thanks to the Sharks cruelly refusing to send Joe Thornton to a good could mention, there are no worries here about knowing how to win home, New York will have the NHL’s best Old Guy Without a Cup story of because the Bruins were one game away from the Cup last year. True, the postseason in . Every generation has its Lanny teams that lose in the final often exit early the next season. But that’s McDonald, Ray Bourque or Teemu Selanne. And while I haven’t fully largely because of fatigue, and the Bruins (and everyone else) will be read the OGWAC rulebook, I’m pretty sure they don’t actually have to well-rested and healthy. They’ll also have “home ice” through the play all that much for the mojo to work. playoffs, which won’t matter much in empty arenas but should serve up easier matchups. Central Division Again, don’t overthink it. Pick the best team to win. That’s the Bruins. St. Louis Blues Tampa Bay Lightning Screw the Bruins and Lightning, here’s the real best team in the league. And while the whole narrative about teams knowing how to win is badly Everything we said in the last section about the best teams winning is overplayed, there’s something to be said for having been there before. true … except for the part about the Bruins being the league’s best team. The Blues never had it easy last year, going at least six games in every That would be the Lightning, who started slow and then tore through the series and facing elimination three times, including once in overtime. league for months. They weren’t going to catch the Bruins for first place They’re not going to panic here. overall, but their win-loss records are almost matched, and sorry Boston, they don’t give out loser points in the playoffs. Let’s face it, this year’s playoffs could be a mess, and some of the players may not even want to be there. The ability to stay focused will be On top of that, the Lightning are one of the few teams that might benefit huge. Eyes on the prize, and all that. And if that turns out to be the from playing in empty arenas. The atmosphere in Tampa is great, but we difference, you want to bet on the team that knows what that prize is all know what happened last year against Columbus. If the Lightning worth. were to get off to a slow start on home ice, everyone in the building would be thinking “here we go again.” Instead, the Lightning won’t have Colorado Avalanche to worry about the crowd, or about dealing with a crush of media or having fans stop them on the street to ask if they’re choking again. They’re another team that had a ton of injuries during the season and should be back to full strength. They spent the season chasing down the They can ignore all the narrative nonsense and just play hockey. And Blues to try to avoid what felt like a tough first-round matchup against the they’re really, really good at playing hockey. Stars, but a 24-team format means that instead, they’ll essentially get a bye while Dallas and the rest of the teams below them fight for their spots. Oh, and they’re really good, and they were probably going to be a There’s a thing in NHL history called the Decade Rule, and it goes like lot of people’s Cup pick anyway. this: Since the dawn of the era, the Cup is always won by a dynasty team when it’s a year ending in zero. (Also, this long layoff at home has presumably given them all enough time to figure out how to open a door, but we’ll see.) In 1950, it was the Red Wings winning their first for four Cups in six years. In 1960, the Habs finished their run of five straight. In 1970, it was Dallas Stars that Bobby Orr/ Bruins team that won two of three (and was We’re all going to be super excited to get hockey back, right up until the easily the best team in the league the one year they didn’t win). In 1980, games start and we watch a bunch of rusty players slogging their way the Islanders dynasty began, and in 1990, the Oilers dynasty ended. In through ugly, low-intensity contests played on bad ice. Every game is 2000 the Brodeur/Stevens/Niedermayer Devils won their second of three going to be an incredibly boring, low-scoring final. Guess who knows how Cups. And in 2010, the Blackhawks ended the drought and won their first to win a low-scoring game? Probably the guys who finished tied for 28th of three. in regular-season offense – ahead of only the Red Wings and Kings – It’s the Decade Rule, an immutable law of the hockey universe that never and still breezed into the playoffs thanks to team defense and a goalie fails. Have you heard of it? Probably not, because I just made it up right who’s nine feet tall. now. Still, it sounds like a thing, right? And if it is, the Penguins are as Nashville Predators good a pick as any to win their third Cup in five years in 2020. They’re going to end up facing Winnipeg in a play-in round featuring two Carolina Hurricanes mediocre teams that nobody outside of those two cities will pay any This year’s playoff format is going to be incredibly unique, and there’s attention to. Nobody will pick either team to win the Cup. Then whoever probably some secret inefficiency hiding somewhere for some smart wins the series will go on to run the table against the Blues, Avs and team to take advantage of. I don’t know what it is but I bet Eric Tulsky will Knights, then sweep the Stanley Cup final while everyone wonders what figure it out, and if he does, then I’m damn sure that Rod Brind’Amour will just happened. It’s the only fitting end to this messed up season and you deliver the world’s greatest motivational speech about it. Plus admit it, know it. you want to see a social distancing-inspired storm surge where they’re That team will, of course, be the Predators. skating around wearing face masks made out of one of Don Cherry’s old jackets. Winnipeg Jets (Possible counterargument: Wait, if the first round is a shortened best-of- They’re going to end up facing Nashville in a play-in round featuring two five or best-of-three, does Justin Williams’ whole Mr. Game Seven magic mediocre teams that nobody outside of those two cities will pay any still work? Does it have to be a seventh game specifically, or has he attention to. Nobody will pick either team to win the Cup. Then whoever secretly been “Mr. Deciding Game” all along? I’d be worried about this if I wins the series will go on to run the table against the Blues, Avs and was a Hurricanes fan.) Knights, then sweep the Stanley Cup final while everyone wonders what just happened. It’s the only fitting end to this messed up season and you New York Islanders know it. We know that goaltending will probably determine this year’s Cup winner That team will, of course, be the Jets. because it almost always does. But what does three months off in the middle of the season do to a goaltender’s game? I don’t know, and Chicago Blackhawks neither do you or anyone else because we’ve never seen this before. Sure, guys have been hurt and come back, but those guys get rehab and Yes, yes, they’re not very good and traded their best goaltender at the practice time to work out the rust. Now we’ve got a league full of goalies deadline. They’re also the NHL’s favorite team, and the one year they who’ve been sitting on the couch all spring, and suddenly they’re going to dropped to 23rd in the standings the league is mysteriously going to be back in action with only a few weeks of practice. expand the playoffs to 24 teams because of dot-dot-dot reasons. You do the math. Preferably while you’re watching them get 14 powerplays a What’s going to happen? Nobody knows, but if it comes down to it, give night. me the team with two solid goalies who it can trust. That’s the Islanders, where has done the two-man rotation thing to perfection. If (I do not believe this. Conspiracies aren’t real.) we’re going to be rolling dice here, I want my team to get two rolls instead of just one. (“Conspiracies aren’t real” is exactly the sort of thing sportswriters would be forced to write if a big old conspiracy was about to go down.) (But really, I do not believe this.) I’ll let my pal Justin Bourne handle this one: (I think.) SO IF THE NHL SEASON RESUMES THE BLUE JACKETS GET BACK FROM INJURY: SETH JONES, CAM ATKINSON, OLIVER Metropolitan Division BJORKSTRAND, ALEXANDER TEXIER, AND LIKELY JOSH Washington Capitals ANDERSON. WE’RE REALLY GONNA HAVE A “COLUMBUS WINS THE CUP IN OCTOBER IN FRONT OF NO FANS” TYPE FINISH Take your pick. They’re really good. They’re winners. Their most recent AREN’T WE? nemesis (Carolina) and their historical one (Pittsburgh) will both have to play an extra round, and might not even make it to the 16-team stage. &MDASH; JUSTIN BOURNE (@JTBOURNE) MAY 17, 2020 They have a key player on an expiring deal who’ll be motivated to earn a Is that good? It seems good. big contract (Braden Holtby) and history’s greatest goal-scorer who’ll be mad over being denied his customary 50 (Alexander Ovechkin). And they The Blue Jackets aren’t the only team that will be getting reinforcements, have a sneaky-strong OGWAC pick who most of us forgot even played but you could make the case that no team will get a bigger boost relative there (Ilya Kovalchuk). Plus, frequent washing will be important for to what they went into the pause with. Mix in a hot goalie story and some players’ health, and the Caps have been known to spend their summer “why not us?” swagger based on last year’s upset over the Lightning, rolling around in fountains. They’re pretty much a lock, honestly. plus that eerie feeling we all have that some unexpected team is going to make a deep run that we all get mad about, and the Blue Jackets start to Philadelphia Flyers feel like a legitimate threat. We don’t know what the schedule will look like, but it’s fair to guess that Pacific Division it’s going to be compressed. The hub concept means no travel or NBA conflicts to worry about, so we can probably say goodbye to those Vegas Golden Knights annoying multi-day gaps in the schedule that most years serve up. Instead, we’ll probably see teams get a day off in between games and They’re easily the best all-around team in the Pacific and maybe the that’s it, maybe right through until we’re done. West. The standings don’t show that, but that’s largely because they got substandard goaltending from Marc-Andre Fleury and (especially) his If so, that could play into the Flyers’ favor, because for some reason a backups. The trade deadline feels like it was years ago, so just in case single day off was their sweet spot this year. They played 32 games with you forgot, they solved that problem and then some, by adding Robin one day of rest and went 24-7-1 for a .766 points percentage, nearly 50 Lehner. I know we’re all a little out-of-practice on this whole pro sports points better than anyone else in the league. thing, but as a reminder: When a really good team addresses it’s one and only critical weakness, it’s often followed by a trophy engraving. Pittsburgh Penguins Also, it’s been impossible to get a decent haircut for the last two months and the only male that doesn’t seem to care is . Edmonton Oilers They’re inevitably going to end up playing Calgary, and every series ends with the Oilers winning and then going on to take the Cup, unless they feel sorry for the Flames and end up intentionally shooting the puck into their own net like a kind parent letting their toddler feel good themselves for a change. The Flames suck, this is going to be easy. Calgary Flames They’re inevitably going to end up playing Edmonton, and every Battle of Alberta series ended with Wayne Gretzky scoring 20 points right up until the Oilers didn’t have Wayne Gretzky anymore, at which point the Flames immediately won the Stanley Cup. Do the Oilers still have Wayne Gretzky? (Checks note.) They do not. They have the store brand knockoff version, which might also be at least moderately frightening if he had more than one teammate with a pulse. The Oilers suck, this is going to be easy. (Note: Don’t get mad at me, Oiler and Flames fans, you made a legally binding promise to only read your own entry.) Vancouver Canucks Do you know what’s going to be completely awful? Trying to run an NHL practice when every player has spent the last few weeks watching “The Last Dance” and convincing themselves that they’re Michael Jordan. Just twenty guys all pathologically berating each other over every little mistake and getting in fights with teammates half their size because that’s what it takes to have a winner’s mindset now. And that’s good news for the Canucks because apparently is way ahead of everyone and has already been doing this stuff for a while. OK, maybe not the part about fighting teammates, but most of the rest of it. Don’t sleep on the Jordan effect, because “The Last Dance” and Korean baseball are all we’ve had to shape our sports psyches over the last two months that felt like twenty years. Well, that and video games. Huh, this might be an issue. Arizona Coyotes This whole tournament is going to be completely random and come down to whichever undeserving terrible team happens to have things bounce their way on the right day, and that means Taylor Hall’s team is going to win. Minnesota Wild (Sighs wearily.) Sure, why the hell not, do your worst 2020. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174737 Websites Before the stoppage, two-thirds of the league had a legitimate claim to a playoff spot, though obviously to varying degrees. Sticking with 16 teams with 12 games left is too harsh to bubble teams. But opting for 24 teams is far too lenient. A 20-team playoff is in the Goldilocks Zone: just right. The Athletic / Which teams are most affected by the NHL’s potential playoff formats? From the projected standings above, it should be obvious that a 20-team playoff is the best answer for the NHL. It includes the electric excitement that a play-in series can deliver while being fair to the teams that proved their worth over the first 70 games. Teams are significantly closer to their By Dom Luszczyszyn May 19, 2020 pre-stoppage odds. In all, the total playoff inequity is just 158 percentage points, half the With the optimism surrounding the return of pro sports in the near future, amount of the 24-team playoff (319 percent). Only two teams would see it’s starting to feel like there’s light at the end of this dark, dreary tunnel. their playoff odds change by more than 20 percentage points: the The NHL has had plenty of meetings and discussions recently, and we’re Rangers (divisional format is the big issue here) and the Blue Jackets (a starting to see a clearer picture of what the format for a season return to health and a switch to the Atlantic hub is the likely cause here). resumption might look like. That’s compared with seven (Montreal, Chicago, Arizona, New York, Dallas, Carolina, Pittsburgh) in the 24-team format. To make a return as safe as possible, the NHL will be likely to use four hub cities, sequestering divisional teams into one area. According to In the Atlantic, Toronto would be closer to the 4-in-5 chance it had when Pierre LeBrun, it’s unlikely that teams at the bottom of the standings will the season stopped compared with a 3-in-5 shot. In the Metropolitan, be expected to play, meaning the league is likely to go directly to a there’d be no risk of Washington or Philadelphia missing (a small but real modified playoff scenario with 20 or 24 teams, with a 24-team format possibility in a 24-team setting — imagine that PR nightmare), and leading the charge. With four hub cities, 18- and 22-team playoffs look Pittsburgh’s odds would be identical to its pre-pause odds of 96 percent, like they’re out of the question, and I’m not sure there’s an appetite for as should be the case. The Hurricanes and Islanders would take a bit of just 16 teams because of the money that’s on the line. a hit, but that has more to do with the divisions. Both teams’ chances improve in a 20-team setting compared with 24 teams. In March, I looked at the inequity of potential playoff formats under the suspicion that there wouldn’t be enough time to complete the regular In the West, Dallas and Edmonton’s odds are restored to the 90 percent season. We’ve learned a fair bit since then about the league and players’ range, plus there’s a guaranteed all-Canadian series in the Pacific. The appetite to jump right into the playoffs, and though it’s unlikely that the league doesn’t get Leafs-Habs (a potentially epic clash that is the only regular season will be concluded, some games will probably be played reason I will allow for a 24-team playoff), but there was a chance that first. might not even happen after a round robin, anyway. What we might see, according to Scott Burnside, is a round-robin format The other thing is that though the round robin would be a game shorter, it within the hub cities in which every team plays the others once: five would actually mean something because of the proximity of the third- to games each in a 24-team scenario and four games in a 20-team fifth-place teams in the Atlantic and Pacific fighting for a third-place bye scenario. I helped project what the standings might look like under those (Burnside’s report suggests only one team per hub would get a bye, but two scenarios over the weekend, but it’s worth digging deeper into the three byes is the only way to get to the traditional 16-team format). It implications of the decision. would be less of a formality and would introduce a playoff atmosphere even earlier in the proceedings. Under a 24-team format, there isn’t as 24 teams much to play for until the inevitable play-in games. Here, almost every team has a real chance to earn a bye. This is the front-runner return scenario. Whether it should be is very much up for debate. The choice should be obvious to those without dollar signs in their eyes, but even that logic can be argued against. A 20-team playoff is It seems like the only reason for this format is monetary. More teams significantly fairer than a format with 24 teams and keeps the integrity of mean more revenue. It feels misguided, yet the reasons are easy to see: a playoff intact. New York, Chicago and Montreal. Three gigantic and historical markets that collectively are seeing their playoff chances jump 104 percentage Modified 24-team points. Montreal and Chicago, in particular, would go from almost zero percent at the pause all the way to 40 percent. There is a compromise, one that combines the best features of both formats: a modified 24-team format where the sixth team is dropped and And trust me, I do get it. Money matters in a time like this when the there’s only one play-in game between the fourth and fifth seeds (thanks NHL’s bottom line has absorbed a devastating blow. But it ignores this: to a Twitter tip for the idea). You get the third-seed security and round- Propping up those huge markets would likely come at the expense of the robin excitement from a 20-team format (especially if there’s the chance league’s biggest Canadian market (Toronto), an important U.S. market one team gets eliminated) while allowing for an expanded pool of teams with perhaps the league’s most marketable player (Pittsburgh) and a to earn back revenue. Canadian market with the other most marketable player (Edmonton). Meanwhile, Dallas, the team hurt most, is the fifth-biggest television Now, the road ahead would be quite arduous for Montreal and Chicago, market in the U.S. The league would be taking 85 playoff percentage but that’s the way it should be given the position each team put itself in points away from those four teams’ playoff chances — teams that through the first 70 games. Both teams would have to go on an almost showed in the first 70 games that they belonged. Dallas, a market that impossible run to even make it, making their inclusion a lot more has growth potential, would go from a near-lock at 96 percent before the palatable. A play-in game against the third seed is too much of a gift in a season was suspended to 61 percent to placate Chicago, a market that sport that can be as random as hockey. won’t grow much from a Round 1 exit. Here are the odds if the league opts for a 24-team format where the sixth It also ignores that those three teams would be better served long term seed in each division gets dropped before the playoffs. by being in the draft lottery, anyway. The collective odds of their making it You’ll notice Montreal is at zero percent. It’s not quite that, but it’s close: past the first round (after the play-in) is 31 percent, and doing so wouldn’t The team’s odds are roughly 2000-to-1. That’s because the team’s odds be a sign that the team deserved its place. It would mostly be because of of simply being the fifth seed are a little under 1000-to-1. This exposes sheer randomness. how insane it would be to even give a team this far out a chance against The other issue with a 24-team playoff is that seeding will depend on the the third seed in a three-game playoff where their odds would skyrocket play-in game, even after accounting for a round robin. That invites too to roughly 40 percent. Unfair? Not even close. Before the stoppage, much chaos. Only one bye, Edmonton’s, looks really up for grabs, but Montreal’s playoff odds were about 1,500-to-1. That’s equity. even that isn’t likely. The same thing goes for Chicago, with odds are just 1 percent. It’s a drop Chasing money and sacrificing equity in the process lessens the integrity from the 3 percent the team was at before the playoffs, sure, but it’s of the format. The Stanley Cup is supposed to be “the hardest sports much closer to that reality than the 40 percent the Blackhawks would get trophy to win,” but that messaging is hard to swallow when a team gets a otherwise. You may think “well, what’s the point at all then for a one chance to participate — no matter how tiny — that it didn’t earn during percent chance?” That in and of itself is exactly the point and why a 20- the season and any winner will undoubtedly be asterisked forever. team format is the best course of action. There’s a better way to do this. What this format does do, though, is give a real chance to teams like 20 teams Arizona and the Rangers, teams that weren’t quite out of it at the time, deserve some chance and shouldn’t be cast aside completely. Arizona is at just 8 percent here, so we’re being liberal with the words “real chance,” but that’s better than zero or 50 – the Coyotes were at 16 percent before the stoppage. The Rangers get a huge boost here by being in the Atlantic hub, but no format will be perfect and this satisfies the league’s thirst for giving a big-market team a bigger chance than it deserves. A Boston-vs.- New York first-round matchup, anyone? The divisional format that severely helps the Rangers really screws the Hurricanes, Islanders and especially Blue Jackets, though, where the round-robin fight to be in the play-in game would be very tough. All three teams see the largest losses in playoff odds. In all, eight teams would see their odds jump by 10 percentage points or more, which is comparable with the 20-team format, where there’s seven. The 24-team format with just two byes has 13. The boost in equity is massive, too, as the overall total from the modified format is 166 percentage points — not far off from the 20-team format and a massive improvement from the original 24-team format. The NHL has options, and all signs point to the league taking the wrong one. We’ll have no choice but to accept it and, hey, if it means hockey is back, sign me up. But it’s clear that if the league does go the way it’s headed, it will be leaving better options on the table and sacrificing integrity for revenue. The Athletic LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174738 Websites Given little chance to make the Canucks this season, Gaudette forced his way on to the roster and into the lineup and became a third-line regular. He had 33 points in 59 games and, if he survives the 2021 Seattle expansion draft, could be playing right behind Elias Pettersson and Bo Sportsnet.ca / Canucks trade history: Trevor Linden deal still bearing fruit Horvat for years. 22 years later Dec. 3, 2018

The trade: Josh Leivo from the Toronto Maple Leafs for Michael Carcone Iain MacIntyre | May 19, 2020, 7:26 PM Who is Josh Leivo? He was the consolation prize available to the 30 teams that didn’t sign William Nylander, the Maple Leafs star whose late and expensive arrival partway through the 2018-19 season forced The Vancouver Canucks have always traded better than they’ve drafted. Toronto to create a roster spot by trading Leivo, a 25-year-old fringe Their teams that went to the Stanley Cup Final in 1982, 1994 and 2011 player who was lowly-regarded by former coach . (The all featured impact players acquired in trades or National Hockey League feeling was mutual). free agency to surround those who were drafted by the Canucks. Toronto GM Kyle Dubas did the honourable thing by sending Leivo, who Most people can name the Canucks’ all-time best trades (Roberto spent five-and-a-half seasons in the Leafs organization, to a place where Luongo from Florida, Markus Naslund from Pittsburgh) and the worst he would get a real opportunity: Vancouver. Leivo was immediately (rhymes with ). But that doesn’t necessarily make them the deployed on the Canucks’ first line and this season became a valuable most interesting or surprising trades. Both Naslund and Neely, for and versatile middle-six forward before shattering his knee cap in example, always had the pedigree to become superstars but needed a December. The Canucks still need to sign Leivo after this season, but the trade before flourishing. power forward sure looks like an NHL player. But nobody could have predicted that a trade in 1998 would still be And all it cost Benning was second-tier, minor-league forward Michael yielding dividends to the Canucks in 2020. Or that a month-long Carcone, who just finished his fourth American League season by experiment with a Swiss journeyman could end with a transaction-wire scoring 27 points in 59 games for the Ottawa Senators’ farm team. mention that set a future Hobey Baker Award winner towards an Feb. 6, 1998 important role in the Canucks’ future. The trade: Todd Bertuzzi, Bryan McCabe and a third-round draft pick As subjective as they were arbitrarily chosen, here are five fascinating from the New York Islanders for Trevor Linden trades that helped shape the Canucks. There were a lot of tears the day had his hands on the March 6, 1990 controls long enough to jettison the iconic Linden to the East Coast. But The trade: Jyrki Lumme from the Montreal Canadiens for a second-round the trade turned into one of the top three in Canucks history and became pick even less painful four years later when Vancouver GM repatriated Linden in a deal with Washington. Mention a blockbuster trade between the Canucks and St. Louis Blues and those old enough to remember will immediately cite former general But this trade makes our list not because Bertuzzi developed in manager ’s massive haul of , , Vancouver into, albeit briefly, one of the best power forwards in the NHL, and Robert Dirk at the deadline in 1991. But Quinn but because the Trevor Linden Trade Tree belongs in the Hockey Hall of made a deal with the same team the previous year that felt, at the Fame. deadline in 1990, to be nearly as big. McCabe was sent to Chicago for the Blackhawks’ first pick in the 2000 The Irishman sent veterans Rich Sutter, fan-favourite Harold Snepsts NHL Draft, which gave Burke the assets he needed to select both Henrik and a 1990 second-round pick to the Blues in exchange for dynamic and . Burke’s successor, , built a package prospect Adrien Plavsic, as well as a first-round pick in 1990 and second- around Bertuzzi in 2006 to steal goalie from the Florida rounder in 1991. The swap of seconds — Vancouver was a much poorer Panthers — and Keenan — in another epic heist. And Nonis’ successor, team at the time, so its picks were more valuable — was a slight Mike Gillis, got eight All-Star seasons from Luongo before returning him sweetener to compensate St. Louis for surrendering its first-rounder, to South Florida in 2014 in a deal that brought Jacob Markstrom to which the Canucks used to draft Shawn Antoski. Vancouver. The interesting part of the transaction was the Blues’ second-rounder in Twenty-two years after the original Linden trade — and 12 since Linden ’91, which Quinn immediately traded to the Canadiens to acquire up-and- retired — Markstrom remains the Canucks’ starting goalie and was coming defenceman Jyrki Lumme. The mobile Finn became the best having a Vezina-candidate season when it was halted in March. player in either deal. He spent the next eight seasons as the Canucks’ There are numerous other branches to this trade tree, including Jarkko top defenceman, and by the time he left as a free agent in 1998, Lumme Ruutu, who agitated opponents for more than four seasons in Vancouver was tied with as the franchise’s all-time scoring leader after the Canucks used the Islanders’ third-round pick in 1998 to draft among blue-liners with 321 points in 579 games. him. And you thought Douglas Firs were big. March 5, 2014 Jan. 16, 1991 The trade: 2015 fifth-round pick from the New York Rangers in exchange The trade: Second-round pick from Boston in exchange for Petri Skriko for Raphael Diaz This is a smaller trade tree, but still loaded with stars. Stump your friends and family with this trivia question: Who was the player acquired then traded away by the Canucks on each side of the Skriko was nearing the end of an impressive run as an NHL scorer when Roberto Luongo trade in 2014? OK, we gave away the answer in Diaz, Quinn, who rebuilt the Canucks before someone on the internet invented the Swiss defenceman who played on five teams in five seasons during that label, squeezed a 1992 second-round pick for him from the Bruins. his mid-career foray into the NHL. The Canucks used it to draft a character junior centre named . Before he became an NHL captain and two-time Selke Trophy Fascinating as Diaz is, that’s not why this trade makes our list. When winner, Peca was traded by Quinn in 1995 in a package for Buffalo winger fell out of favour with Canucks coach superstar Alex Mogilny. The winger had a 55-goal, 107-point season in during the 2013-14 season, he was dealt on Feb. 3 to Montreal in Vancouver in 1995-96 before Burke traded him five years later to New exchange for Diaz. It took no more than 30 days for Torts to decide he Jersey for young centre . didn’t much care for Diaz, either, so soon-to-be-outgoing GM Mike Gillis reduced his losses by forwarding Diaz to the Rangers for a fifth-round Morrison joined Bertuzzi and Naslund to form the West Coast Express, pick the following season. one of the NHL’s best lines, before leaving the Canucks in 2008 — 15 years after Skriko left the NHL. In trading the 28-year-old Finn, the Under new GM Jim Benning, the Canucks used that pick in 2015 to Canucks got 16 years from Peca/Mogilny/Morrison. select a skinny, gangly centre out of the United States Hockey League who had 13 goals in 50 games for Cedar Rapids. His name was Adam Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.20.2020 Gaudette and he was scouted heavily by Judd Brackett. Gaudette became a scoring star and Hobey Baker Award winner at Northeastern University and Brackett became Benning’s director of amateur scouting. 1174739 Websites Since his World Cup clincher, Marchand has exploded for a minimum of 85 points in each of those four seasons, reaching 100 in 2018-19 and he was on pace for 102 in 2019-20. Sportsnet.ca / Why the 2016 World Cup was a turning point for Brad He’s finished among the top 11 in Hart votes and 16 in Selke votes every Marchand season since. He’s been named to both an NHL First and Second All- Star Team. He’s averaged a minimum of 19:26 ice time in all four seasons, seen more defensive-zone starts than ever and is still driving possession. Luke Fox | May 19, 2020, 10:25 AM Moreover, Marchy has averaged better than a point per game in the Bruins’ three playoff runs since 2016 and was integral in helping Boston Imagine being a world junior gold medallist twice over, a seven-year NHL come within one win of glory last June. veteran, both a Stanley Cup and IIHF world champion and still feeling like The narrative would be too tidy to say Marchand — playing arguably his you hadn’t quite arrived. Like you hadn’t earned the conviction to count best hockey at age 32 — vanquished his image as the sneaky irritant the yourself among the world’s elite. night he hoisted the World Cup trophy. That is how Brad Marchand felt when the 2016 Since that international championship Marchand has incurred three fines began. and two suspensions for a charcuterie board of nasty (tripping, diving, Sure, he’d been slotted on Team Canada’s top line, next to Boston cross-checking, spearing a man in the privates, elbowing another to a Bruins teammate Patrice Bergeron and Nova Scotia training mate Sidney serious concussion). And who could forget that time he licked a dude, Crosby. He was notorious. He’d been victorious. Ryan Callahan, from chin to nostril? But that doesn’t mean Marchand — a third-round pick — believed his Don’t get it twisted: Brad Marchand is still a pest. name belonged in the same breath as those on a roster overstuffed with But he’s also, without a doubt, an elite talent who would surely deserve a two-time Olympic gold medallists, Hart winners, Vezina winners, Norris prominent role on Team Canada were they drafting national squads winners and first-overall draft choices. today. “Obviously I think winning a (Stanley) Cup will always be the top thing, “I was really proud to be part of that team,” Marchand says now. but one of the things I’m most proud of is being part of the World Cup “Because it’s truly a huge honour and place for any Canadian team. I team with Canada. It kind of put me on a different level, a different calibre really set some big goals to make that team and so I was very, very of player,” Marchand said recently, asked to reflect on his most proud about that.” meaningful achievement in the sport. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.20.2020 “Before that, I never really thought I could play with guys that were on that team. I never put myself in the same category as anybody on that team. Coming out of that, I felt a lot more confident about my abilities and my game and where I could play in the league, and it just kind of elevated from there.” Marchand, then 28, didn’t just coast by on Sid’s wing in the tournament, squirrelling away secondary assists. The pest morphed into a force. Sports Illustrated remixed his dubious nickname, dubbing Marchand “The Little Ball of Great.” “He plays with great speed and creates turnovers for those guys and with tenacity. The only time he ever gets in trouble is when he tries to do too much,” Canada’s coach, Mike Babcock, said. “Let’s not kid ourselves. He’s still a pest.” Re-live the World Cup of Hockey on SN Catch the best games from the , including the semifinals and both finals games between Team Canada and Team Europe, on Sportsnet from May 18-23. Indeed, Marchand also led the tournament with eight penalty minutes. “He’s got to play on the edge, and he’s a guy that nobody wants to play against but you want to have on your team,” Crosby said at the time. The Marchand-Crosby-Bergeron triumvirate clicked for 25 points in six games, the left-winger more than holding up his end of the bargain with a tournament-leading five goals and three helpers. One day prior to the World Cup final against Team Europe, Marchand signed his name to a $49-million extension with the Bruins, the most lucrative contract of his life. Then he went out and sniped the World Cup winner. “The whole thing has been a bit of a whirlwind,” Marchand said that September. “When you come into a tournament like this, you’re just trying to take everything in. It’s the biggest stage in the world right now, and to be a part of it is an incredible honour. “I’ll cherish every second of this for the rest of my life.” With the benefit of four years’ worth of hindsight, it’s incredible how that ’16 World Cup accelerated Marchand’s individual performance (although, playing on a line with Bergeron and David Pastrnak sure doesn’t hold him back). Prior to that tourney, Marchand had never enjoyed a point-per-game season, never earned a single Hart Trophy vote, never made the NHL’s First or Second All-Star Team and never finished among the top 16 in Selke votes. 1174740 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Sharks GM Wilson talks preparing for NHL Draft over Zoom

Mike Johnston | May 19, 2020, 4:05 PM

The NHL announced back in March that the scouting combine and draft were being postponed and it was unclear when and how the draft lottery would be determined. Still, this hasn’t stopped front offices from preparing for the 2020 NHL Draft as best they can despite the circumstances. “It’s been unique, it’s been different,” San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said Tuesday during an appearance on . “We’ve been living on Zoom.” With the CHL, NCAA and leagues across Europe cancelling the remainder of their respective seasons due to COVID-19, there aren’t live games for NHL scouts to watch. This means teams have had to adapt. “We’re doing a lot of things differently, I guess, some of them we might continue to use in the future,” Wilson said. “But we’ve got action items that we’ve got prioritized and every day you’ve just got to get some work done. It’s just a different time for everybody. You know what you need to get done. We just don’t know what the timelines are to activate on certain things.” Hockey Central Doug Wilson taking notes from "The Last Dance" May 19 2020 Your browser does not support the audio element. With travel restrictions and social distancing practices in place, plus no combine, there aren’t the opportunities with which to meet prospects face-to-face. “I’ve actually found the Zoom interviews have been pretty good with some of these kids,” Wilson explained. “Whether they feel more comfortable in their own room, in their own setting, they don’t have other people around them so you can probably get into some more real subjects. “The thing for me, it would be nice to have the combine, it would be nice to sit in a room with them but it’s the same for every team, so whenever the draft comes our way we’re going to be ready. I know our (staff) they’ve done a boatload of work. I think they’re up to 160 or 170 Zoom interviews so they’re ready to go.” To date, it remains unclear when the 2020 NHL Draft will take place. The league sent a memo to teams on May 1 stating it hoped the draft could take place in June but nothing has been determined. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174741 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Predators' Duchene: 'You don't want to have a COVID Cup'

Mike Johnston | @MikeyJ_MMA May 19, 2020, 1:58 PM

As the NHL continues to figure out the best and safest way possible to resume the 2019-20 season, the idea of a 24-team playoff format has been discussed. If Nashville Predators star forward had his way, an expanded post-season wouldn’t be the top choice and instead he’d want the NHL to stick to a more traditional playoff format – even if it means “somebody’s gonna get screwed” by not having a fair shot at qualifying. Duchene was a guest on Hockey Central Tuesday and he shared his thoughts on what he’d like to see. “First of all, it needs to be safe,” Duchene said. “For the players, the coaches, the training staff. Everything. It needs to be safe. We can’t have any risk of anybody getting this thing and I think that’s going to be our ultimate biggest hurdle. … We can’t put sports and the business of sports, the revenue and all that, above that.” Elliote Freidman wrote in his 31 Thoughts column last week that there has been some pushback regarding a 24-team format. “I think the integrity of our game has to be maintained,” Duchene said. “I think with what the Stanley Cup means, with the guys’ names on the Cup, what they went through, 82 games and then 20-plus games to win the Stanley Cup. That sacrifice, going into another team’s barn and stealing a game in front of their fans in a hostile environment, pressure at home, all those things. That has to be maintained as best as possible. “I doubt we’re going to be able to do that 100 per cent if we are able to come back but I would like to see as traditional a format as possible.” Hockey Central Matt Duchene looking for a traditional playoff, not a 'COVID Cup' May 19 2020 Your browser does not support the audio element. If the league were to forgo resuming regular-season games, the 24-team format would eliminate any controversies around how to determine which 16 teams would qualify in a traditional playoff. “There’s no fair way to say who should be in and who should be out because of not playing the full season, not playing the full 82, but for lack of a better word somebody’s gonna get screwed,” Duchene said. “I believe let’s keep it as traditional as possible. I’d love to see us jump to a 16-team playoff. Normal (best-of-seven) playoff, maybe play a little more frequently because guys are gonna be fresh and you can play a game at 3 o’clock on Friday and at 7 on Saturday and there’s no travel.” Duchene’s Predators sat in the final wild-card spot in the Western Conference prior to the NHL’s indefinite hiatus, so his team would qualify regardless of which format the league lands on. “I just think you gotta keep as much integrity as possible,” Duchene added. “You don’t want to have a COVID Cup and I’m worried that if we force this thing and try and it’s a little gimmicky and it’s not quite right, whoever wins the Cup is gonna have people try to take it away from them for their whole lives and guys don’t deserve that. I feel very passionately about this part of things. “I think it’s sacrilegious if we don’t appreciate what (past champions) did and make it as big of a challenge and with as much integrity as possible. … I know guys are going to want this to mean something if we do come back.” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174742 Websites Or, players can vote to collect their final paycheques, which would leave a larger balance owing to owners in the future.

Players have been split on the issue. Any player who retires after the TSN.CA / Border closure extension not expected to affect NHL planning 2019-20 season or does not return to play in 2020-21 will not be subject to the amount owed to owners, and those players would like to collect their final cheques. Younger players, including players who have not yet entered the league, will be stuck with the bill. Frank Seravalli The NHLPA expects a final decision on the last cheque by May 31, at which point in time players hope to have a better understanding of the Canada and the United States agreed on Tuesday to keep their shared league’s return-to-play format and financial picture, with projections on border closed until at least June 21. potential revenue that could be recouped. But the National Hockey League and NHL Players’ Association do not Players would not be paid to return to finish the 2019-20 campaign since believe Tuesday’s extension will alter their plans as they continue to work they have been paid in advance; any revenue brought in would go toward resuming the 2019-20 season this summer. towards offsetting that larger payment due to owners in the future. “I remain hopeful that today’s announcement will not materially impact TSN.CA LOADED: 05.20.2020 our return to play planning,” NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly said. The reason for that hope is that the border only remains closed for “non- essential travel,” which is defined as tourism, recreation and entertainment. Healthy people may continue to cross the border for “non-discretionary” reasons – for work and employment purposes - and NHL players and team personnel fall into that category. Most non-Canadian players on Canadian NHL clubs hold a work permit, according to an immigration source, which would qualify them as a temporary worker and allow them to cross the border during the pandemic. A similar work visa exists for Canadian players who play for U.S.-based teams. Nearly half of the Winnipeg Jets and Vancouver Canucks rosters are comprised of American-born players, while stars on other Canadian clubs (Auston Matthews and ) are also American. Then there are Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens Carey Price and Frederik Andersen (from Denmark), who have both spent the bulk of their time during the NHL’s 10-week pause living in the United States. Border clarification remains one of the NHL’s biggest hurdles, setting hockey apart from its other major North American professional sport counterparts. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman disclosed in an interview Monday that approximately 17 per cent of the league’s players are currently riding out the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. The NHL still hopes to move to Phase 2 of its return-to-play protocol, which involves opening team practice facilities for players to train in small groups, before the end of May. That Phase 2 portion will be optional for players; they will not be required to return to their team’s city. Any player or team personnel crossing the border will be expected to quarantine for 14 days. “Your plan must include a place to stay for 14 days upon arrival in Canada,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s website says. “This is mandatory, even if you have no symptoms. When you arrive in Canada, we’ll assess your health and your quarantine plan before you leave your port of entry.” NHLPA defers again on final paycheques The NHL Players’ Association’s executive board, comprised of one representative from each of the league’s 31 clubs, voted on Tuesday to again defer a decision on distribution of the players’ final paycheques for the 2019-20 regular season. The NHLPA previously voted to defer payment in April. The final cheques, which were due to be distributed on April 15, account for approximately $140 million (U.S.) in pay and covered the final 12 working days of the regular season. Players had 14 per cent of gross pay withheld from their first 12 paycheques of the season into an escrow account to ensure a proper 50- 50 revenue split with owners, as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Players can vote to contribute their final cheques to that escrow total, which would bring their collective withholding rate to approximately 16.5 per cent for the season. That would make a small dent on the upwards of 35 total per cent they could owe to owners to make them whole for revenue lost due to the pandemic. 1174743 Websites Did the experience in Toronto help prepare you for this sort of environment?

"Definitely. I was still kind young in my pro career when I went to Toronto TSN.CA / Bernier talks flu game, Larkin's leadership and Lafreniere’s and to go through that in a market like Toronto was really, really hard. potential Everything I learned there, I brought that experience ... this year. For a goalie, the biggest thing is you can't worry about winning and losing when you're in that type of rebuilding year. You just got to bring out your best and make sure you're giving everything every night. Once you start losing Mark Masters three, four games in a row, it gets hard mentally. So I think you just got to cancel that and just worry about your own job." Red Wings goalie Jonathan Bernier woke up from his afternoon nap on — TSN (@TSN_Sports) May 18, 2020 Nov. 27 and knew something was wrong. What was the biggest challenge for you in Toronto? "Probably had some sort of flu," recalled Bernier, who was scheduled to "I'm sure a lot of guys who played in Toronto will tell you once you win start against the Toronto Maple Leafs that night. "The whole time when one game it feels like you're the best team and once you lose one game guys warmed up and were stretching and meeting, I was sleeping in the then you're the worst team. It's a matter of staying level. I tried not to back and going to the bathroom once in a while." read anything about hockey so I could stay more level. That's the biggest Jimmy Howard replaced Bernier in Detroit's crease to start the game. thing, just not getting too high from what the media is saying." Bernier wasn't even on the bench. The Leafs started strong scoring three The pain of finishing last is softened by the knowledge that the team will goals on 14 shots and then, midway through the first period, Howard got get a top prospect in the draft. There's a lot of excitement around hurt and was forced to leave the game. Rimouski winger Alexis Lafreniere. What do you know about him? Bernier immediately put his gear. He never considered calling for the "I've been, actually, training with Laffy for five or six years now, so he's emergency backup goalie. been in our program for a while now. To be honest, he's been the best "I couldn't do that to the guys," the 31-year-old explained. "At the end of player for the last four or five years – even when he was a kid. You could the day, we have him in case of a really big emergency. I wasn't injured, tell he's a special player. He's a great kid who works hard and he's so I just figured I'd go out there and give what I got." passionate. He's really dedicated to hockey. He's the type of kid that will change your franchise." Tyson Barrie on what Leafs were thinking during delay after Howard got hurt: I spoke to Arizona's , who played with Lafreniere at the World Juniors, and he said what stands out the most is his love for the "We had heard (Bernier) he had the flu or something so we thought we game. Did you notice that? might be seeing a (Scott) Foster or one of those guys come in. So, (smiles) we were getting a little excited." "He's in the gym every day and works really hard and he wants to get better. He's on the ice extra, longer than most guys and, to me, that's — Mark Masters (@markhmasters) November 28, 2019 when you know the person really likes what he does and is passionate about hockey and wants to try and be the best he can." The ice continued to tilt in favour of the highly skilled Leafs, who dominated possession and attacked in waves. From @markhmasters: #Yotes prospect Barrett Hayton explains how watching video of a young Jonathan Toews helped prepare him for life as "I was just trying to survive out there," Bernier said. "I probably had 50 an #NHL rookie and also relived the magical run to World Junior gold. shots in two periods, so it was a lot of work. It took me a few days to https://t.co/WQEE0XywV8#TSNHockey pic.twitter.com/nFvpoiGHiE recover from that." — TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 15, 2020 For the record, Bernier faced 37 shots turning aside 34. Who's in the summer training group? Where does that game rank in terms of challenging ones in his career? "I train with Antoine Roussel from Vancouver, Cedric Paquette from "It's up there, definitely," Bernier said. "It seemed like they didn't leave Tampa and we used to have some older guys that retired – [Pascal] the zone at all. They just kept coming and I was like, 'I need a break Dupuis used to work out with us, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, [Alex] Burrows here.' ... The team and my teammates appreciated what I did." and now I'm on the older side of the guys.” Jonathan Bernier is straight up not having a good time Larkin is considered by some to be a future captain for the Wings, how pic.twitter.com/OlcucDLEne did he handle this tough season? — Flintor (@TheFlintor) November 28, 2019 "He gets emotional sometimes during games and between periods, but Detroit's appreciation for Bernier only grew from there. He earned the that's what you want. You want guys that care about winning and that's starting job and posted a solid .914 save percentage over his final 31 how you get over that hump. We talk about a 'rebuild' but it's never easy. games while playing for the worst team in the National Hockey League. You don't want to be in an environment where you're losing and losing, And the Wings weren't just bad, they were historically awful. If Detroit because then guys feel comfortable losing. I think the biggest challenge doesn't play again this year, they will finish with the lowest points is when you have two or three bad years and you have to find a way to percentage (.275) in the salary cap era. start feeling what it takes to win, and I think he's the type of guy who understands that. It's a long season, but you have to put your foot down Playing in that environment is tough for any goalie, but Bernier had for the whole season and find a way to come out every night. He scored previous experience playing for a last-place team. During the 2015-16 some big goals and is a great leader." season he finished with a .908 save percentage in 38 games with the Leafs. Things got so bad for Bernier that season that he was sent to the There are some nice pieces on the Red Wings roster. What stands out American Hockey League at one point to regain his confidence. about Anthony Mantha? Bernier spoke to TSN via Zoom this week and explained how the "Unfortunately he had some injuries this year and we definitely missed tumultuous times in Toronto prepared him for life with the rebuilding Red him. He's a big part of this team. A great scorer. I shouldn't necessarily Wings. The Quebec native also provided insight on top prospect Alexis put it this way, but he's kind of like [Alex] Ovechkin where he's got his Lafreniere, a summer training partner, and 's leadership. spot with the one-timer on the power play. When came up, it felt like we had two good power-play [units] because those were two The following is an edited transcript of the interview. good shooters and all you have to do is find a guy to feed those guys. Tremendous player. He's got the size, he's got everything." It was a tough season for the Red Wings, but you personally had a strong season. What worked for you? How about Tyler Bertuzzi? "As a team, we didn't really have the season we wanted to. We're still in "He fulfilled his line. You've got [Mantha] who is a really good sniper, you that rebuilding phase, but I still believed we were a better team than what got Larks who has great speed and skill and then Bert goes into the we showed in the results every night. Personally, probably [coach Jeff corners and does everything well. Every night he shows up. He's a really Blashill] got confidence in me and he started to play me more and by hard player to play against." December I was playing almost every night. So you get in a rhythm and don't have to worry about winning and losing. It makes it easier, mentally, Last year you became a licensed helicopter pilot. Why is that something to go out there and play your game." you were so interested in? "I always had a passion for flying. I was going to get my plane license first, because usually that's what people do, because it doesn't cost as much, and you can get the feel of flying. One of my friends had a float plane at our cottage, so I went up with him and the next day I went to try a helicopter and I just fell in love with it. You can slow down and see things the way you want, and I like the challenge as well. It's definitely much harder than flying a plane, so it's a cool challenge to have." What's the biggest challenge? "The takeoff and landing are the most dangerous times, so you need to have the skill to do it. It's actually pretty hard to control the three controls at the same time and be able to stabilize it and talk to control and things like that. But the main thing for me is what you can do with a helicopter compared with a plane." Does flying help clear your head? "We have a busy schedule in the season, but I find when things are not going well, I can take an hour or two and go and fly and it takes your mind away from hockey and from the things that you're not happy about. I like when I'm up there. You're seeing the view and it's pretty special." Where's your favourite place to fly in the Detroit area? "We actually went to Traverse City once and that's by the water. There's water everywhere here so it's pretty amazing, the view, and I've taken my family and looked at downtown Detroit. But, really, where I fly the most is back home at my cottage." It's possible, if the season resumes, that some non-playoff teams will not return to finish their season. That would mean you don't play for nine or 10 months. What would that be like? "I find it hard to believe that some teams will be playing to September and some teams will be off from March to probably December. To me, it doesn't seem fair, but I think you got to find a way to generate revenue for the league and for the players and if that's the only way we can do it then that's the way we got to do it. It's going to be tough. It's going to be a really challenging summer, completely different than what we do usually. I'll probably end up coming back here [Detroit] in late August for my son's school and hopefully there will be a lot of guys here and we can all skate together and maybe hire a goalie coach and coach so we can run real practices instead of going through the motions. We'll have to pick up the pace at some point without playing games, which is going to be pretty tough.” TSN.CA LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174744 Websites Shutdown Pair: Kellar and Pounder, labelled the “Bobbsey Twins,” were teammates on seven gold-medal teams and were so relied upon almost exclusively in critical defensive situations. TSN.CA / TSN Hockey's All-Time Women's Team Canada RD Colleen Sostorics The ultra-competitive Sostorics won three Olympic gold medals and was known as the “Third Bobbsey Twin.” Steve Dryden LW Danielle Goyette – C – RW Angela James

The Hall of Fame Line. James and Wickenheiser were the faces of the Defining players and defining moments define the TSN All-Time women’s game and Goyette was the feet, blazing down the ice and scoring goals. Team Canada. James was a virtually unstoppable force of imposing strength and skill during her pioneering career. Wickenheiser holds virtually every major Superstars Angela James, Geraldine Heaney, Danielle Goyette, Jayna individual scoring record in Olympic and World Championship Hefford and Hayley Wickenheiser have more gold than the national mint competition. Goyette won a World Championship-record eight golds. between them. LW – C Marie-Philip Poulin – RW James won four gold medals, Heaney eight, Goyette 10, Hefford 11 and Wickenheiser 11. Ouellette is second all-time in Team Canada assists (157), Hefford is second all-time in goals (155) – including a dramatic 2002 Olympic gold They have all been inducted into the and are medal-winning marker - and Poulin scored five of Canada’s seven goals automatic choices for the all-time Team Canada. versus USA in the last three Olympic gold-medal games. Two of the Each of them is a flag bearer for the sport, metaphorically and literally in goals were championship-winners. the cases of Goyette and Wickenheiser, who carried the flags for the LW – C Nancy Drolet – RW Canadian team in the 2006 and 2014 , respectively. Two-time World Championship MVP Botterill joins two-time golden-goal The five Hall of Famers are joined by 19 others, including three players scorer Drolet and three-time Olympic gold medallist Piper – who had 30 who combined for four golden goals against USA along the way to points in 15 career Olympic games – on a line brimming with talent. Canada’s 14 gold medals in World Championship and Olympic competition. LW Gillian Apps – C – RW - Nancy Drolet scored overtime winners in the 1997 and 2000 World Match-up Line: Defenceman-turned-forward Campbell won two Olympic Championships. The 1997 winner was Drolet’s third goal of the game. golds as team captain, Sunohara was the ultimate glue player and power forward Apps carries on a historic family tradition. Her grandfather, Syl - Caroline Ouellette scored 1:50 into overtime to settle the 2012 World Apps Sr., was named to the Toronto Maple Leafs’ all-time team. Championship. LW - Marie-Philip Poulin forced a fourth period with a last-minute goal in the 2014 Olympics and then scored the winner in overtime. Agosta, fifth all-time in Team Canada goals, won three Olympic gold medals and was twice named to the Olympic all-star team. While the United States has dominated World Championship competition since 2008, winning eight of nine tournaments, Canada has saved its Foundational Player - C France St. Louis best for the Olympics, earning gold in 2010 and 2014. A team captain and model teammate, St. Louis won five World Canada lost to the Americans in a shootout in 2018. Championship gold medals and was named to the Order of Hockey in Canada in 2014. It was the sixth of eight consecutive Olympic and World gold-medal games that were settled in OT or a shootout. Head Coach Mel Davidson Three members of the 2018 Olympic team – Poulin, Meghan Agosta and Davidson was head coach of four global title-winning teams (including – are on the all-time team. two Olympic golds) and an assistant coach of three more (one Olympic gold). That means Davidson has been a coach for fully 50 per cent of Career spans listed represent first and last tournaments at the World Canada’s 14 total titles. Championships and Olympics. THE LAST CUTS Goalie Kim St. Pierre Among those absent from Team Canada are two right defencemen - Team Canada’s all-time leader in wins (64 games) won a record nine Carla MacLeod, a World Championship MVP and Olympic all-star, plus medals at the World Championship and played a major role in the 2002 Meaghan Mikkelson, a two-time World all-star - and netminder Sami-Jo Olympic gold victory over USA, stopping 27 of 29 shots and earning Small, twice named best goalie at the World Championships. tournament best goalie honours. G: Sami-Jo Small, 1999-04 Goalie Shannon Szabados LD: Judy Diduck, 1990-98 Szabados recorded a 28-save shutout in a 2-0 gold-medal win over USA and was named best goalie at the 2010 Olympics. RD: Carla MacLeod, 2005-10 Goalie Charline Labonte LW: Rebecca Johnston, 2007-20 Labonte shares the record for most Olympic gold medals (three) won by C: Stacy Wilson, 1990-98 a goalie with St. Pierre. RW: , 2005-13 LD – Geraldine Heaney TSN.CA LOADED: 05.20.2020 Ward was a tournament-leading plus-15 in the 2010 Olympic triumph and regarded as a player close to Heaney in style and impact. Heaney scored one of the most memorable goals in Team Canada history – a spectacular Bobby Orr-like effort in the first-ever Women’s World Championship in 1990. LD Jocelyne Larocque – RD Therese Brisson Brisson is second all-time in Team Canada points by a defenceman and set the team standard for fitness. Current national team member Larocque is a dominant defensive defenceman who complements Brisson perfectly. LD Becky Kellar – RD Cheryl Pounder 1174745 Websites It’s not as simple as “take all of your shots from as close as possible” – if it was, the jobs of coaches and players alike would be easy. You need the talent to run the systems you intend to implement. TSN.CA / Yost: The evolving role of the modern NHL power-play But if the evolution of the power play has taught us anything, it’s that defenceman defencemen have been marginalized both in how much they are deployed and how much of the offence they’re responsible for generating. Travis Yost TSN.CA LOADED: 05.20.2020

Last week, I spent some time looking at the power-play shot profiles for Alexander Ovechkin and Auston Matthews. One of the principal conclusions was that as players understand how best to optimize their offensive skill sets and those of their teammates, teams begin to develop their own identity. In other words: power play setups tend to be as productive as the talent involved. Looking at the Washington Capitals on the power play over the years, it’s interesting to note how they’ve utilized their personnel, particularly with respect to defencemen. Washington’s used a four-forward setup for a few seasons now, with the defenceman role shared between the likes of John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov. Carlson in particular has a fantastic shot and can act as a valuable relief valve, but the juice from this power play really comes from the forwards – a group that includes offensive talents like Ovechkin, T.J. Oshie, Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom. One thing that has always been noticeable within the Washington power play is that the defencemen shoot sparingly. This season, forwards in Washington accounted for 83 per cent of shot volume on the power play, the highest number in the league. (The league’s best power play, in Edmonton, was at 82 per cent.) By design, these power plays intend to funnel the puck through the playmakers on the wings and towards shooters in the slot or the circles. Shots from the blueline? Those are hard to find. It’s not a trivial data point. A few years ago, teams started to shift towards a four-forward power play because it yielded more scoring opportunities and, consequently, goals. We have started to see another shift, too – teams running power plays through the forwards more than defenders walking the blueline. If we look at the 2019-20 season, we can look at what relationships between shots and goals mean for forwards, defencemen, and power play productivity more broadly (here, a correlation of 1.0 indicates perfect positive correlation): What we find is that teams who saw forwards taking a higher proportion of available shots observed two changes: defenders shooting and scoring less, but the overall five-man units scoring more. Conversely, teams where defenders took a higher proportion of available shots saw forwards scoring less, and power-play units scoring less as a result. It’s not a one-size-fits-all scenario, and is certainly contingent on the talent available for each team. The St. Louis Blues – who feature plenty of defencemen on their power- play units including Alex Pietrangelo, Vince Dunn, Justin Faulk, and Colton Parayko – finished third in the league in rate scoring. But let’s consider two teams at opposite ends of the spectrum. I mentioned Edmonton earlier – league’s best power-play unit, with the second highest percentage of shots coming from forwards. On the other hand let’s look at San Jose, a team featuring two of the most prolific blueline scorers we have seen in Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson. I put each team’s power-play shot maps side by side, courtesy HockeyViz: The Oilers' power play may be predictable: there aren’t many threatening options from the blueline, but Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl were the most lethal scoring duo in the league. As a result, the Oilers worked aggressively at finding shooting areas in the low and mid-slot – areas of the ice where shooting percentages tend to skyrocket. It’s surely harder to pierce the interior of opposing defences as opposed to taking shots from the perimeter or the point, but the reward is also substantial. On the other hand, the Sharks – a team that’s seen most of its dynamic forwards age off of the roster and feature two electric offensive defencemen – tend to run a lot more of their offence from the blueline. But Karlsson and Burns aren’t just distributors. Plenty of shots tend to manifest from the point, where volume is easier to achieve, and quality harder. And whereas the Oilers shot a blistering 20 per cent on the power play over the course of the season, the Sharks shot just over 10 per cent – good for 31st in the NHL. 1174746 World Leagues News

Community sport may resume after the Covid-19 lockdown, but crisis has no end in sight

Mike Hytner

Community sport is facing a “crisis” as Covid-19 restrictions slowly ease, with many clubs facing financial black holes they may not be able to navigate their way out of, according to a sports charity. A nationwide campaign was launched on Wednesday to determine the impact of the shutdown on community sports clubs, amid concern many will be unable to survive the financial hardships brought on by the coronavirus restrictions. The Australian Sports Foundation will attempt to quantify the funding challenges facing community clubs across the country after the outbreak brought sport at all levels to a shuddering halt and caused financial chaos. Where problems are identified, the charity hopes to be able to financially assist clubs to get back on their feet and provide the mental and physical health needs communities rely on in more normal times. An initial pilot survey conducted by the organisation, which says it has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to thousands of Australian sporting clubs over the past 30 years, revealed major concerns. “There is a crisis in Australian community sport, which presents a real risk to the physical and mental health of our communities,” said Patrick Walker, chief executive of the foundation. “To the general public it may seem like the crisis is coming to an end with mooted openings of community sports clubs across Australia, but there are issues ahead that haven’t been addressed yet. “Trying to reopen and get members back onto sports fields is where the crisis for grassroots clubs will really start.” Since the shutdown of sport, clubs have suffered not only from a loss of income from decreasing member subscriptions and local sponsorships, but also from additional costs the virus has thrown up, such as the implementation of new cleaning and sanitisation protocols. With a resumption of winter sport seasons on the table – should the current trend of decreasing numbers of Covid-19 cases continue – some clubs may still be unable to reopen their doors given the unsustainability of their post-virus financial models. Once the scale of the problem is identified, the foundation aims to lobby the government and channel philanthropic funding to those clubs in need. “We will use the information to raise funds and advocate for more support for community clubs,” Walker said. “Sport has the power to bring communities together, to break down social barriers and to improve the health and mental wellbeing of everyone. “It will play a vital role as our communities recover from this crisis, and we want to make sure that our community sports clubs are able to survive and help that process.” Guardian News LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174747 World Leagues News

Giants, Jets can likely play without fans amid coronavirus outbreak, Murphy says

By Matt Arco

If the Giants or the Jets hit the field in MetLife Stadium, they’ll be likely to be playing minus the tens of thousands of spectators in the stands thanks to the coronavirus, Gov. Phil Murphy said Tuesday evening. The governor joined the ranks of officials like New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo who are willing to let major sports leagues open their seasons as long as fans cheer from home. “I would be very surprised if we don’t end up in the same place,” Murphy said in an interview on SiriusXM after he was asked about Cuomo’s decision and the two teams that play in the Meadowlands. “Yeah, I think that’s where we’re headed," he said. “I think that’s probably the right way, the right step. I just don’t see, at least this season, it’s hard for me to see a bunch of people jamming together, sitting crouched up next to each other in the near future.” Murphy mentioned during the interview that he would have likely have spoken with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell by the time it aired. The governor added he would support professional sports playing on fields without fans if it was done safely and didn’t put people’s lives at risk. And as odd as it would be to play without fans, Murphy said “there’s also some mental health reality here" to be “be able to give folks some of what they’re so used to and crave for” and to “let some steam off.” The governor was not asked about pro hockey or the New Jersey Devils, the other major sports team that plays in New Jersey, at the in Newark. Earlier in the day, Murphy said nonessential businesses may soon be able to accept customers inside their stores and that restaurants may be able to serve diners outside within “a matter of weeks." But the governor stressed his decision to lift the restrictions would depend on a continued decline in new infections and a continued decline in hospitalizations. The announcement came a day after Murphy signed an executive order that will allow “some additional outdoor recreational areas and businesses to restart their operations,” including batting cages, golf ranges, shooting and archery ranges, and horseback riding beginning Friday. He also unveiled a multi-stage reopening plan Monday for businesses, offices and activities ordered closed to slow the spread of the outbreak. Murphy has talked about his broad reopening strategy in the past, but this is the first time he gave clear guidelines on what activities would be grouped together on his roadmap to reopening. New Jersey is currently in “Stage 1," which asks residents to maintain strict social distancing practices and to “check in virtually with my loved ones.” The next phase, “Stage 2,” will call for a “broader restart of our economy" and allows for “moderate-risk activities restarted with safeguarding.” Stage 2 will also allow restaurants to provide outdoor dining and certain limited personal care businesses to reopen. Stage 2, Murphy said, could also include limited summer camp activities for kids and the reopening of some cultural sites and libraries. NJ.com.LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174748 World Leagues News viewers. It was the most watched NASCAR Cup Series race (other than the marquee Daytona 500) in more than three years and was 38% better than Fox’s last NASCAR race on March 8. Democrats, Republicans agree: Sports leagues need to settle labor Of course, team sports leagues like the NBA will need to return as safely disputes, get back to work | Commentary as possible with comprehensive testing for COVID-19, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation protocols, etc. Nobody wants these leagues to restart without the proper safety protocols in place. By MIKE BIANCHI But what American sports fans will consider absolutely intolerable is if sports leagues don’t resume because of labor strife. We have already seen baseball players publicly bickering about management asking them Gov. Ron DeSantis at a press conference on Thursday May 14, 2020 to take additional pay cuts because of the pandemic-curtailed season. announcing that Broward and Miami-Dade counties can reopen beginning Monday. Memo to millionaire athletes and billionaire franchise owners: We don’t care about your collective bargaining agreements and your salary cap Gov. Ron DeSantis at a press conference on Thursday May 14, 2020 formulas and your revenue splits. You guys need to figure all that out and announcing that Broward and Miami-Dade counties can reopen figure it out quickly. If you want to avert incurring the wrath of beginning Monday.(Susan Stocker / South Florida Sun Sentinel) economically devastated Americans and avoid contributing to the destruction of your sport, you will NOT shut down your season due to a OK, NBA, the ball is literally and figuratively in your court now. labor dispute. The same goes for you, MLS. As Americans, we have done our part. We have made immense And you, too, Major League Baseball. economic sacrifices, we have stayed home and practiced social- distancing and we have flattened the curve. Let’s get this figured out and come up with a plan — a real plan — on resuming professional basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, etc. and Now it’s time for sports leagues to do their part. restarting the pandemic-ravaged sports economy. It’s time for them get back to work. It doesn’t matter which side of the aisle you’re on, whether you’re a red These days, it’s the one thing both Democrats and Republicans can state or a blue state, this is something politicians everywhere are starting agree upon. to agree upon. Orlando Sentinel LOADED: 05.20.2020 Said President Trump a few days ago: “We want to get sports back, we miss sports. We need sports in terms of the psyche of our country." Said Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo: “Hockey, basketball, baseball, football — whoever can reopen — we’re a ready, willing and able partner. … I think this is in the best interest of all the people and the best interest of the state of New York.” Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said professional sports without fans could begin playing in his state at the end of May. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom said sports could resume without fans in his state as soon as the “first week or so of June.” And, of course, Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis was the first to welcome sports back when he declared WWE was an “essential business” a few weeks ago in Orlando and then opened the door for UFC to hold events in Jacksonville. Leave it to Florida Man to crank up the sports economy with two of our favorite activities — ‘rasslin and cage- fightin’!!! Yee-haw!!! “All professional sports are welcome here for practicing and for playing,” DeSantis said last week. "There’s been reports that may want to have their season in Orlando. Do it. We want to have you here. … All these professional sports are welcome in Florida. And so what I would tell commissioners of leagues is, ‘If you have a team in an area where they just won’t let them operate, we’ll find a place for you here in the state of Florida because we think it’s important and we know that it can be done safely.“ Are you listening, NBA commissioner Adam Silver? How about you Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred? And you and you, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman? Politicians across the country have given all of you the green light to go back to work, and, so, let’s figure out a way to make it happen. Just like restaurants, dentist offices and barber shops have. As Gov. Cuomo stated, “I think this is in the best interest of all the people." In other words, sports leagues are supposed to be leading the way out of the pandemic just as they led the way into it. When the NBA shut down its league on March 11, it was a flashing red signal to the entire nation that the coronavirus was not a hoax and was something to be taken seriously. Likewise, when the NBA or MLB start playing again — even without fans — it will symbolize a return to at least a semblance of normalcy. It’s obvious that self-distancing Americans sitting at home every night are craving live sports right now. We certainly saw it with NASCAR’s return on Sunday, when the Real Heroes 400 drew a 3.7 rating and 6.23 million 1174749 World Leagues News While Rayl had some stiff competition playing in the parks, he said kids today have good competition as well playing AAU and being able to play indoors. Basketball players face challenges trying to play sport “It’s going to help you more to play indoors because you’re playing in like a real setting that you’d be playing in in high school, whereas outdoors you’re dealing with the wind, the elements. I think you’re better off now Jacqueline Rans 11 hrs ago than you were back then,” Rayl said. However, Rayl agreed with Lewis that playing outside in the park made him a tougher offensive player individually. Additionally, he said with the EMPTY — The basketball court in Foster Park remains empty after the option of playing in the public park always available, it encouraged him to Kokomo Parks and Recreational Department took down the backboard constantly work on his skills. and rim. All recreational areas at the park are set to reopen this Sunday, May 24. “It benefited me because it made me want to go down there and play every day at the park … When you know you can ride your bicycle or get With the cancelation of sports leagues, both school and recreational, in the car with your buddy and drive down to park, you got a game every many athletes have been left to come up with ways of practicing on their single night of the week,” Rayl said. “You’re always going down there to own time. play because your friends are down there. You’ve always got a place to play basketball when you want to go play.” The Western High School boys’ basketball team typically spends the month of June practicing together, according to Head Coach Mike Lewis. Kokomo Perspective, LOADED: 05.20.2020 Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, high school teams will not be able to practice together until July 1 under the current orders given by the governor. Additionally, without the ability to spend time with individual trainers or Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) teams, athletes are experiencing a much different world in sports currently, said Lewis. “Almost all of these kids are either going to a personal trainer or playing on an AAU team. Now that those opportunities may not be as abundant as what they were prior to the current landscape with the COVID. These kids are going to have to readjust and now find time on their own. A lot of that is going to come down to whether [they’re] intrinsically motivated to get better,” Lewis said. Before high school teams met frequently in the summer and the AAU basketball leagues started becoming more popular in Indiana, many athletes spent their summer days playing informal games in outdoor parks. Although the recreational areas in Howard County currently are closed due to COVID-19, the public will see a reopening of the playgrounds and courts May 24, according to Kokomo Parks and Recreation Superintendent Torrey Roe. Lewis, who graduated high school in 2002, said he was an avid supporter of unstructured basketball games played at the park as long as it was safe under the current restrictions. He credited the improvement of his own basketball skills in high school from playing against men who were older, faster, bigger, and stronger than he was at the time. “I think informal, unstructured play is where you can really have a lot of skill acquisition because kids are learning how to play with these older guys that are bigger, faster, stronger, and understand the game,” Lewis said. “You just don’t see that as much anymore. It’s not the kids’ fault. It’s just the environment they’ve grown up in with technology. They just operate in a different framework than we did.” Now, more than ever, the world needs trustworthy reporting—but good journalism isn’t free. Please support us by making a contribution. Like Lewis’ hometown in Greenfield, Kokomo was home to many competitive outdoor games at Foster Park, according to Jim “Jimbo” Rayl. A 1985 Wildkat graduate, Rayl spent every summer throughout the 1980s and mid-1990s playing heated games of basketball with not only other local players but also players who came from out of town to participate in some quality matches. Around 5 p.m. was the time to start showing up, according to Rayl, because that was when the adult men would get off work and immediately head to the park. The “legends” on the park court at the time were Tim Harrison, Rick Yard, and Dave Tickfer, a trio known as “Harry, Rick, and Tick,” who were all in their mid-20s at the time, said Rayl. They started the games in the evenings with the next seven players who showed up. While the game was being played, several other players would sit in the bleachers, waiting to play in the next game. Players never wanted to lose, according to Rayl, because of the possibility of having to wait a long time before getting picked to play again. The games went on until between 9 and 10 p.m. “You’d have 10 guys out there who’d get out there and start playing. Then you’d have to call next game. There would be five or six people waiting to get into a game. Once you got into a game, you didn’t want to lose because you’d be sitting out if they didn’t pick you up for maybe an hour,” Rayl said. 1174750 World Leagues News Logano joked that when he was suiting up before Sunday's race, he had two left shoes out instead of one of each. After finding a backup right shoe, he finished 18th in the race and is thrilled to get another chance at NASCAR set for 1st Wednesday start since 1984 because of coronavirus a win. "Yeah, we only a couple of days to turn this thing around and come back down here," he said. "But we've never really had the opportunity to come By PETE IACOBELLIAP Sports Writer right back." The St. Augustine Record LOADED: 05.20.2020 DARLINGTON, S.C. — Whenever Joey Logano doesn't cross the finish line first at a NASCAR Cup Series race he says he tends to have the same thought: "Golly, I wish I could do that again." The 2018 NASCAR champion and rest of the field will get to do it again: They will run the Toyota 500 (that kilometers, not miles) on Wednesday night at Darlington Raceway just three days after the sport got back to racing after 10 weeks away due to the coronavirus pandemic. NASCAR teams are creatures of habit with a well-worn routine of mechanical sessions, strategy meetings and track breakdowns and tendencies for wherever they're headed. While each season typically sees a Monday race due to bad weather, the pandemic has forced NASCAR to add a couple of weeknights into its schedule as it tries to make up the eight races it missed. This will be NASCAR's first Cup Series race on a Wednesday night in 36 years and that one was pretty historic as Richard Petty won his 200th career Cup race at Daytona International Speedway's Firecracker 400 on July 4, 1984. Cup regulars will race at least five times over the next two weeks, including Sunday's return to racing at Darlington. Kevin Harvick led the most laps on the way to his 50th career victory. Like that one, Wednesday's race will be without fans and with only essential personnel inside. "I barely saw anyone all day" after getting into the car, Logano said. Logano's teammate, Brad Keselowski, said the nighttime start and varying weather conditions will make the track "Too Tough To Tame" a different animal and prevent drivers from just rubber-stamping Sunday's plans for the second race back. "I'm sure it will have a different feel," he said. NASCAR great Donnie Allison believes competitors will feel different getting back behind the wheel for competition so quickly. Allison, 80, won 10 times in 242 Cup events from 1966 until 1988. "I think I ran about every day of the week," he joked by phone. It was certainly a more rough-and-tumble time when Allison began with weeknight races just part of the Grand National Series, the forerunner of the Cup Series. He remembers in the late 1960s racing in Maryland on Wednesday, Georgia on Friday and on Saturday, the last a 400-lap event on a rugged dirt track. Allison was so worn down by the schedule, he said, "I couldn't sit up." Allison thinks today's racers are certainly fit enough to handle additional track time. The struggle might come mentally without time to adequately decompress. "We're going to find out who's got the best mind over matter," Allison said. There are a few ironmen who want even more racing: defending Cup champion Kyle Busch plans on running four Cup, two Xfinity and a truck race at Darlington and Charlotte from May 17-28. Chase Elliott, who finished fourth Sunday, liked not having any practices to test things out and just going racing. And the mid-week racing reminds the 24-year-old of how he got started in youth racing, running whenever and wherever he could. "Hopefully, we can kind of make this a trend and get back to our roots," he said. It's a trend plenty of race fans might enjoy, Darlington President Kerry Tharp said. A midweek race or two might be a kick to longtime fans and perhaps destination viewing like Monday night NFL games or Thursday night college football. "I think it's something they can be excited about," Tharp said. For now, NASCAR's best will manage without fans, families and perhaps even complete staffs they'd been used to before the pandemic. 1174751 World Leagues News

NY, California support post-coronavirus comeback for pro sports leagues

By Thomas BarrabiFOXBusiness

FOX Business' Charlie Gasparino says Major League Baseball will likely unveil its spring training plan and regular-season game schedule next week. Fox News Headlines 24/7 sports reporter Jared Max later says he supports the MLB having a season because it's one of America's favorite pastimes. Get all the latest news on coronavirus and more delivered daily to your inbox. Sign up here. Calls for the return of U.S. sports leagues from the coronavirus pandemic gained momentum Monday as governors of California, New York and Texas said play could resume without fans in the coming weeks. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said his state was a “ready, willing and able partner” to help sports leagues with the logistical challenge of safely resuming their seasons. The NBA, NHL and MLB have been on hold since mid-March, when it became impossible for leagues to continue play while adhering to social distancing protocols and shelter-in-place orders. "I think this is in the best interest of all the people and the best interest of the state of New York,” Cuomo said regarding the return of sports. “And then they’ll be up and running and when we can fill a stadium again, we can fill a stadium.” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio discusses why the state needs over $7 billion in the coronavirus stimulus package on ‘Sunday Morning Futures.’Video The remarks come as New York begins a phased reopening of the state’s economy. The state’s pro sports franchises include MLB’s New York Yankees and and the NBA’s Knicks and . Cuomo joked about his desire to watch the NFL’s Buffalo Bills this fall. Speaking at his daily press briefing, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said pro sports could begin in the state by as early as “the first week or so of June.” Newsom said sports could resume play "without spectators and with modification and very prescriptive conditions,” as long as the public health situation continues to improve. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the state would be ready to host sporting events without fans by the end of May. The NBA, NHL and MLB are in active talks to determine the best way to resume their seasons. MLB owners recently approved a plan to begin the long-delayed 2020 season in early July. Some sports have already returned to active competition, albeit without crowds. NASCAR held its first race in two months in South Carolina last Sunday, while UFC held a trio of events in Florida earlier this month. FOXBUSINESS.COM LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174752 World Leagues News

German football chief Fritz Keller proposes salary caps to help sport through coronavirus pandemic

The head of the German Football Association (DFB) Fritz Keller has proposed a salary cap to help make the sport more sustainable following the coronavirus pandemic. 's top two divisions restarted on Saturday with the Bundesliga becoming the first major European football league to resume after a continent-wide stoppage due to the coronavirus. Bundesliga scout report: 'Havertz hype is real' But DFB president Keller believes the global health crisis is a chance for football to adopt a salary cap system. "We must bring professional football closer to the people again," he told the federation's website. "We have to think about a salary cap. "Commissions for player advisors and huge transfer sums are increasingly irritating society and alienate it from our beloved sport. "[The coronavirus crisis] offers the opportunity to look ahead and to reposition football in order to preserve it for future generations." Keller also feels football's coronavirus testing capacity could help society in general after thorough testing of players and staff saw Germany's top two tiers successfully get back underway at the weekend. He said: "I see football as having a responsibility to contribute... Preventive and large-scale testing could help to contain the virus until a vaccine is developed. "Should politics and science decide in favour of preventive testing, football will make its contribution to the success of this measure: with its unifying power, popularity, logistics and infrastructure." Sky UK LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174753 World Leagues News

NFL testing N95, surgical mask material on modified face masks in hopes of fighting COVID-19 spread

Shanna McCarriston

Leagues are starting to get creative in an attempt to keep their players safe when and if play resumes during the global coronavirus pandemic. The NFL is doing their part and reportedly testing helmets that include face masks with surgical or N95 material. According to the NFL Players Association's medical director Thom Mayer, NFL engineers and Oakley, who are under contract to make all face visors for the league, are working together to make prototypes that could be used for the 2020 season. On Monday, Mayer spoke on The Adam Schefter Podcast about what he believes will occur this upcoming season regarding increased player safety. "There will probably be a recommendation" that the league uses a modified mask, Mayer admitted. He has seen some of the prototypes, which are drastically different than what fans are used to seeing on players: "They've got some prototypes. They're doing really good work. Some of them, when you first look at them, you think, 'Gosh, no' 'cause you're not used to seeing it. You're just not used to seeing it. But they're looking at every issue you can imagine, including when it fogs up. What do we do with that? But these guys are used to dealing with this stuff," he said. There is no word yet on what these innovations will ultimately look like, but Mayer says it could involve covering the entire face mask with surgical mask material. He suggested early in March, as the coronavirus outbreak was quickly spreading globally, that the NFL start brainstorming on making a modified helmet. "I had suggested that we should consider novel and emerging ways to handle the helmets and the face masks and the spread of the virus, and these guys, the bioengineers that we use and that the league uses, Oakley... these guys got the bit between their teeth." Mayer said. The NFL season has not started yet, but playing games in the middle of a pandemic will not be easy. Besides potentially wearing a different face mask, Mayer commented on what else players should do when the season does begin in order to stay as safe as possible. "...Getting the helmet off, putting a mask on right afterward, maintaining social distancing when not in the field as much as possible, using single- use hydration -- whether water, Gatorade, whatever it might be -- I mean, just every little detail," he said. "Anybody who's got a risk, I would advise them to be zealous, religious and, frankly, almost maniacally committed to minimizing the chance of spreading the virus." Even if face masks aren't different, this upcoming season will likely not look like one fans are used to seeing. There's a chance no fans will be in the stands at games and social distancing and altered pregame action could also occur to prioritize limiting exposure of the virus. CBS Sports LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174754 World Leagues News

Colleges are cutting sports programs because of coronavirus cash-flow problems | Here’s the list

By Mike Rosenstein

It’s the elephant in the NCAA’s room: money. Schools don’t want to send student-athletes back on the field without being able to open the rest of their campuses because of the coronavirus pandemic. But if football teams don’t return to action this season, the budgets for athletic departments across the country will be decimated. Remember, the NCAA canceled all winter and spring sports 10 weeks ago, including March Madness, so money is starting to dry up on campus. Buy coronavirus face coverings: MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA In fact, some schools have already started making tough choices as a result of cash-flow problems during the COVID-19 crisis: Furman is discontinuing its baseball and men’s lacrosse programs. Cincinnati is eliminating its men’s soccer program. Bowling Green is cutting its baseball program. Old Dominion is pulling the plug on its wrestling program. Akron is eliminating men’s cross country, men’s golf and women’s tennis. FIU is cutting its men’s indoor track and field program. Wisconsin-Green Bay is suspending its men’s and women’s tennis programs. The Charlotte Observer reports East Carolina is “looking to trim at least one of 20 sports.” In addition, the Mid-American Conference announced Tuesday changes to its postseason tournaments for 17 sports, including eliminating the tourneys for eight sports. Mlive.com reports that “beginning with the 2020-21 academic year, conference champions in field hockey, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s lacrosse, softball and baseball will be determined based on regular-season league records, rather than postseason tournaments.” Unfortunately, these painful cuts are probably the tip of the iceberg as colleges navigate a financial mine field during the age of the coronavirus. The fate of the Big Ten’s 2020 football season could be decided on June 7, when the presidents and chancellors of the conference’s 14 schools hold their annual meeting. On Friday, Northwestern President Morton Schapiro told ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg that “I don’t see that we’re going to have a Big Ten season with 12 of the 14 schools playing. I’d be surprised if we play and it’s not all 14 of us." Schapiro chairs the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors. Introducing Rutgers Sports Insider: Sign up for exclusive news, behind- the-scenes observations and the ability to text message directly with beat writers In a subsequent tweet, Rittenberg clarified Schapiro was not suggesting the Big Ten will be all-or-none when it comes to football season, saying he just “expects all 14 schools to be able to play this fall, unless state policies prohibit campuses from opening." Big Ten president Kevin Warren told CNBC earlier this month that the league is not rushing to make a decision. “I’m looking to be in a position in the next six to eight weeks to see if we will have sports in the fall. But even bigger than sports in the fall is we’re collectively focusing on what we need to do to have school in the fall. If we don’t have school in the fall, we don’t have sports in the fall.” NCAA President Mark Emmert told ESPN last week the NCAA will not mandate or oversee a uniform start time for the return of college sports during the COVID-19 crisis and it will defer to university presidents and local officials on when, and how, athletes return to competition. This sets the stage for a college football free-for-all this fall. nj.com LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174755 World Leagues News our clients. We're very mindful of the demand for such testing but, of course, we have to make sure that's managed in a way which sets expectations for all involved correctly. Premier League player coronavirus testing causing no strain on NHS, "As a company we feel quite privileged that we're in a position to work says Prenetics with sports, and any employer who's looking to get employees back to work. We're just thrilled that we have the opportunity to provide such a solution." By Bryan Swanson, Sky Sports News Chief Reporter Sky UK LOADED: 05.20.2020

Bryan Swanson talks to Avi Lasarow, Prenetics Chief Executive who is coordinating at least 1,600 tests a week for Premier League clubs Premier League players are not preventing people from testing for coronavirus, the company conducting the tests has stressed. Prenetics is providing at least 1,600 tests a week to assist clubs with a return to training during the global pandemic. The global digital health company also hopes to deliver test results quicker than the present turnaround time of up to 48 hours. "I can categorically say that the testing we're undertaking, the process we're undertaking from everything related to PPE [personal protective equipment] to the swabs to the actual laboratory analytical process, is not taking away from NHS resources at all," Avi Lasarow, Prenetics Chief Executive, told Sky Sports News. "We work with UK-accredited laboratories, within our consortium, and the capacity which is being made available for employers to take testing for their employees, does not impinge whatsoever on NHS capability." The testing contract, worth around £4m, has been approved by the government and paid for by the Premier League at no cost to the UK taxpayer. "I don't think we would be doing this if we didn't feel the Government were entirely comfortable that the things we were doing were not a burden on the national effort", said Richard Masters, Premier League chief executive, during a media conference call on Monday. Prenetics, and its group associates and suppliers, are also conducting tests for NHS England and the Bundesliga in Germany. They are working at providing quicker results than the present time of up to two days. "The end-to-end process is up to 48 hours. Of course, one strives to do that sooner," says Lasarow. "When it comes to testing generally, one always wants to strive to test and turnaround results as fast as possible. Certainly, from our company perspective, when we're working with employers generally, we anticipate having results available within 48 hours. "The process of taking the sample is relatively straightforward. It's an approved swab that is used to take a sample from the back of the throat as well as approximately 1cm from within the nasal passage. That then gets taken by a nurse, or a healthcare professional, and of course then taken back to a laboratory, in which we then process the actual analysis of the collection material to produce a COVID-19 result." Tests are not 100 per cent accurate but Prenetics says its accuracy is in line with government standards. "The testing itself is extremely accurate, [with a percentage] in the high 90s," says Lasarow. "In line with the NHS and government standards currently. So, as effective as what the NHS are doing themselves. The tests are aligned exactly with what the NHS are doing." Premier League clubs receive up to 80 tests a week, over two slots, which may increase or decrease depending on initial results. "I can't comment on the specifics of clients we're working with but if you look at the topic of increased tests, more generally, our goal is to provide testing to employers for their employees at the right time, when government policy allows to be able to do that," Lasarow said. Also See: Nev: More players may reject training return Deeney not training amid concerns for son's health PL aims for July finish and new term start in Aug/Sep Premier League training: Club-by-club update "We can cope with increased demand. As you'd expect on projects of this magnitude, this scale, one has to go through meticulous planning in terms of exactly how that gets delivered and that's what we do with all 1174756 World Leagues News

Pro sports can soon return to Texas...but without the fans

HOUSTON — Professional sports has been put on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic. But on Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott discussed a way for sports to get back on track in the state. Fans, though, will have to wait to see their favorite sport in person. In his press conference, the governor said professional sports, including basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball and tennis leagues can apply to the state health department for approval to hold events in Texas. Those events would take place on or after May 31. Fans won’t be able to cheer on their favorite teams just yet, though. Spectators won’t be allowed. The pro sports leagues need to submit plans that incorporate minimum stand health protocols recommended by the Department of State Health Services, as well as any additional safety steps they’re taking. Those plans will be reviewed and approved by the state health department, the Open Texas strike force and Gov. Abbott’s office. KHOU-TV. LOADED: 05.20.2020 1174757 World Leagues News BLAKE SNELL: I'm sorry if you guys think differently, but the risk is way now higher, and the amount of money I make is way lower. Why would I think about doing that? So in my head, I'm preparing for next season. Experts Say It Is Too Soon For Pro Sports To Reopen GOLDMAN: Most leagues are facing a similar decision in the coming weeks. Rob Manfred says if this season is permanently scuttled, baseball's losses would approach $4 billion. The financial and possible TOM GOLDMAN psychic cost across sports could be enormous, but it's being weighed against the cost of restarting the games too soon.

Tom Goldman, Major pro sports in the U.S. are still shut down due to the coronavirus outbreak, and the momentum has been building for them to restart. But NPR News.LOADED: 05.20.2020 some experts believe that it is too soon for a comeback.

MARY LOUISE KELLY, HOST: NASCAR returned to action yesterday, but, sports fans, this country's other major pro sports remain shut down because of the coronavirus. Momentum has been building for them to restart. Here's NPR's Tom Goldman on whether it's too soon for a comeback. TOM GOLDMAN, BYLINE: The short answer is yes, says Emory University epidemiologist Zach Binney. Right now is too soon for a major sports return. Binney says there still are too many cases of COVID-19. ZACH BINNEY: It increases the likelihood of somebody in a league being infected and then spreading it around a league. GOLDMAN: And he says there need to be more tests so leagues can in good conscience do the kind of rigorous screening they need to. BINNEY: If the general population and even first responders and health care workers don't have the tests that they need, then it would raise severe ethical questions for a pro sports team to be testing their folks on a daily basis. GOLDMAN: Still, these issues haven't stopped some sports. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) MIKE JOY: Green flag - NASCAR is back. GOLDMAN: Stock car racing's return yesterday, televised on Fox Sports, was notable for its numerous safety precautions. There were no fans in the grandstand at Darlington Raceway, and the number of support people at the track was limited. But there wasn't testing. Officials said they were being sensitive to the country's test shortage, but that might have increased the risk for those there. At a UFC event earlier this month, mixed martial arts made its return, also boasting rigorous health and safety measures. But there were violations even after a fighter and two of his cornermen tested positive for the coronavirus and were removed from the event. After fighter Justin Gaethje slugged his way to victory, TV interviewer Joe Rogan stood next to him, not socially distancing, and then shook Gaethje's bloody hand, saying, I don't care. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) JOE ROGAN: I don't care. Congratulations. JUSTIN GAETHJE: Corona's way worse, so blood won't kill you. GOLDMAN: Asked about the violations, UFC president Dana White promised to be better. Other leagues plotting their returns hoped to avoid problems like these. Last week baseball commissioner Rob Manfred described to CNN MLB's enormous set of proposed safety measures. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING) ROB MANFRED: They're extraordinarily detailed. They cover everything from how the players would travel, who has access to the ballpark, strict limits on number of people. GOLDMAN: As well as frequent testing with quick results. It's a daunting task to get all this ready for a projected June spring training and July start to the regular season. But epidemiologist Binney thinks baseball, the NBA, pro hockey and soccer could return this summer with restart plans that acknowledge the virus' uncertain path. BINNEY: As long as you recognize that any plans that you're making are provisional and you're not completely locking yourself in and saying, you know, this is going to happen. GOLDMAN: Money is part of the planning, too. Athletes in all sports face pay cuts in these interrupted seasons. Baseball players know it's a bad look to squabble over finances right now, but many say a reported second round of proposed cuts is too much, especially if they're potentially putting their health on the line by playing during a pandemic. This was Tampa Bay Blake Snell on his Twitch channel. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)