SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 01/18/18 1093550 Ducks take down Penguins 1093586 Red-hot Colorado Avalanche building on excitement at the 1093551 Ducks Gameday: champion Penguins on roll Pepsi Center as they begin California trip 1093587 Everything you need to know about San Jose Sharks at 1093552 Ducks stun Penguins with strong 2nd period to begin key Colorado Avalanche homestand 1093553 Home stretch offers Ducks chance to feast or stay hungry 1093588 Blue Jackets say Milano to miss 4 to 6 weeks with torn oblique muscle 1093554 After 'candid' meeting, Coyotes defenseman Jason 1093589 Blue Jackets claim veteran winger Jussi Jokinen off Demers is hitting his stride waivers 1093590 Blue Jackets | Jack Johnson, coach talk out trade issue Bruins 1093591 Blue Jackets | With Sonny Milano out, veteran Jussi 1093555 Claude Julien returns to Boston as coach of Canadiens Jokinen brought in 1093556 Bruins anthem singer Rene Rancourt to retire 1093557 Adam McQuaid will return to Bruins lineup vs. Canadiens Dallas Stars 1093558 Bruins anthem singer Rene Rancourt to retire at end of 1093592 In a season of transition, the Stars might've just found out season how to use Jason Spezza and Martin Hanzal 1093559 In return to Boston, Claude Julien dishes on Bruins, rivalry, city 1093560 Adam McQuaid could make return for Bruins tonight 1093593 Detroit Red Wings mailbag: Playoff chances, power play, 1093561 Power Rankings: Is this the end of the NHL road for possible trades Jaromir Jagr? 1093594 Six people facing increased pressure in second half of 1093562 Legendary national anthem singer Rene Rancourt NHL season announces 2017-18 is his last season 1093595 Wings’ Bertuzzi makes big impact with ‘little plays’ 1093563 Bruins notebook: Bruins recognize contributions of Willie 1093596 Despite penalties, Wings’ Witkowski not going to change O’Ree 1093564 Harris: Same old Claude Julien in return to TD Garden 1093565 Bruins keep on rolling, beat 1093597 Lowetide: Back in Bakersfield: Laurent Brossoit 1093566 End of an era - Rancourt to retire as Bruins' anthem singer 1093598 What's wrong with Edmonton's horrifying kill? 1093567 Haggerty: Julien returns to 'great city' and deserves one 1093599 Wheeler: The complete Edmonton Oilers prospects more moment ranking 1093568 McQuaid expected to return for first time since October tonight Los Angeles Kings 1093569 Morning Skate: Bruins might part with prospects in right 1093600 Kings' Jake Muzzin is hopeful he can play Thursday after deal missing three games with upper-body injury 1093570 Spooner's strong play continues as B's dominate Habs 1093601 ‘Helpless’ Jake Muzzin on cusp of returning for Kings 1093571 Bruins spoil Julien's return to Boston with victory over 1093602 Kings’ Drew Doughty makes his time on ice well spent Canadiens, 4-1 1093603 JANUARY 17 NOTES: CARTER VIDEO; MUZZIN ON THE VERGE; JOKINEN CLAIMED; CHLA PICS 1093604 JANUARY 17 PRACTICE QUOTES: JOHN STEVENS 1093572 Sabres Notebook: Big doings over break for Girgensons, Housley 1093573 Sabres find motivation after the bye week 1093605 Bruins beat Canadiens 4-1 in Claude Julien’s return to Boston Flames 1093606 Canadiens Game Day: Habs face 'challenge' at centre, 1093574 Goaltending dominoes for Flames falling into place Claude Julien says 1093575 Flames goaltending vision finally taking shape 1093607 Punchless Canadiens no match for streaking Bruins in 1093576 By the numbers: 's breakout season Beantown 1093608 About last night ... Bruins stomp Canadiens 4-1 1093609 Basu: Claude Julien has challenged his players like he 1093577 This NC hockey game goes on despite the snow – but one never has before key thing is missing 1093610 Three things we learned in Boston 1093611 Basu: Julien’s greatest legacy in Boston will be lining up against his Canadiens 1093578 Some NHL teams hide injury information, but it might be hurting players 1093579 3 goalies Blackhawks could pursue if Corey Crawford is 1093612 Predators are short-handed, but they're stacked — at a out for season bargain rate — in 1093580 If Corey Crawford is out, can the Blackhawks still save 1093613 Predators, Juuse Saros conquer , their season? but lose Ryan Johansen 1093581 Kid Rock as an NHL All-Star Game entertainer got an icy 1093614 Predators' rotten injury luck strikes Ryan Johansen, entire reaction. But approves. first forward line 1093582 says he thinks Corey Crawford’s injury 1093615 Predators place forward Viktor Arvidsson on injured concussion- reserve 1093583 Ever-improving Oesterle proving to be quite a find for Blackhawks 1093584 Hawks' Bowman says he'd be surprised if vertigo causes Crawford to miss season 1093585 Why Corey Crawford situation is tricky for Blackhawks New Jersey Devils 1093616 How Devils snapped losing streak vs. Islanders: 8 1093649 With Victor Hedman out, Lightning’s Slater Koekkoek observations | Damon Severson, Taylor Hall come up big finally gets chance to prove himself 1093617 How Devils captain Andy Greene finally had 1st NHL fight 1093650 Vegas-Lightning, of all things, is the biggest show in town 1093651 Could Mikhail Sergachev replace Hedman on All-Star team? 1093618 Some surprises among injured Islanders returning to practice Maple Leafs 1093652 Leafs shoot for elusive target in dog days of winter 1093653 Veteran Moore just scratching surface with Leafs 1093619 Staal, Hayes injuries may force Rangers ‘to call someone 1093654 Babcock not hitting panic button despite Leafs' slide up’ 1093655 Thursday NHL game preview: at 1093620 Rick Nash shows Rangers he still has what they desperately need 1093656 Moore's sour mood about sitting could change this week 1093621 Rangers look to build momentum after Tuesday’s win over 1093657 'They hired me to decide': Maple Leafs' Babcock hears Flyers grumbling as homestand ends 1093658 Leaf sophomores have their moments NHL 1093659 SIMMONS: Struggling Leafs need to reward Brown 1093622 Will hockey’s T-birds and Silvertips be OK if the NHL 1093660 Maple Leafs blow late lead in OT loss to Blues comes to Seattle? 1093661 'He's a legend': Philadelphia Flyers fans reminisce about Eric Lindros — and welcome him back to town with ope Senators 1093623 Senators feeling pretty healthy coming out of bye week Canucks 1093624 Borowiecki returns against St. Louis, with Chabot as his 1093677 Botchford: Stecher finding confidence with Canucks as his defence partner game evolves 1093678 The cases for and against the Canucks trading Ben Hutton Philadelphia Flyers 1093627 Flyers try to bounce back; Michal Neuvirth expected to get Vegas Golden Knights rare start 1093662 Jason Garrison’s patience pays off in return to Golden 1093628 For Eric Lindros, buzz about the Eagles has a familiar feel Knights 1093629 Rangers 5, Flyers 1: Five observations from Philly's 1093663 Chicago Wolves follow Golden Knights’ lead to defy listless loss underdog role 1093630 Where is Dave Hakstol's sixth sense? 1093664 Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault relishes time in 1093631 Trip to Voorhees brings up old memories for Lindros Florida 1093632 Fences mended, Flyers and Eric Lindros take another step 1093665 Vegas Play of the Day: Penguins at Ducks forward 1093666 Edmonton influx shows how visiting fans can influence pro 1093633 Flyers 5 takeaways: A clunker at the worst time sports in Las Vegas 1093634 Flyers give Taylor Leier chance to keep his lineup spot 1093667 Some NHL teams hide injury information, but it might be 1093635 Penguins' Andrey Pedan might provide flexibility hurting players 1093636 Penguins goalie Matt Murray out indefinitely after dad dies 1093668 The Capitals will be well-rested against the Devils 1093637 Penguins call up Jean-Sebastien Dea from Wilkes-Barre Thursday. That might be a problem. 1093638 Penguins rally but can't overcome Ducks on road 1093669 It’s easy for Braden Holtby to rack up wins with the 1093639 Penguins on the warm West Coast, battling travel fatigue Capitals. It’s also extremely hard. 1093640 Matt Murray out indefinitely following father's death 1093670 For game at Naval Academy, the Caps will blare the blue 1093641 Penguins call up Jean-Sebastien Dea for Ducks game instead of rock the red 1093642 Penguins fall, 5-3, to Anaheim 1093671 Capitals unveil 2018 Stadium Series uniform 1093672 Where do the Caps most need to improve in the second San Jose Sharks half of the season? 1093643 Three thoughts: Sharks are actively shopping for a fourth 1093673 Caps will rock the blue in March as they reveal blue line center Stadium Series jersey 1093644 Pavelski a shootout hero in midst of a career-worst cold 1093674 Caps prospect WATCH: Colby Williams suspended 3 streak games for high hit St Louis Blues 1093645 Hutton, Dunn earned another in Blues lineup 1093646 Tales of the Century Line: Thorburn in, Upshall out 1093647 Preview: Blues at Senators 1093648 Dunn likes St. Louis, and so do his parents Websites 1093679 The Athletic / LeBrun: On eve of Flyers number retirement, Eric Lindros says, 'I don't focus on the negative' 1093680 The Athletic / Custance: The impact of Spezza's benching and why it's not a problem unique to the Stars 1093681 The Athletic / No. 88 goes to the rafters: How Eric Lindros and the Flyers found peace 1093682 .ca / Leafs’ van Riemsdyk soaking up advice ahead of free agency 1093683 Sportsnet.ca / Trailblazer O’Ree still makes an impact 60 years after NHL debut 1093685 Sportsnet.ca / Why the Canadiens should get a massive return if they trade Max Pacioretty 1093686 Sportsnet.ca / Dominic Moore in an endless tryout for Maple Leafs 1093687 Sportsnet.ca / Treliving talks Flames’ turnaround, evolution of NHL defencemen 1093688 Sportsnet.ca / Louis Domingue ‘almost quit hockey’ after Coyotes cut ties 1093689 Sportsnet.ca / NHL Power Rankings: Hot Takes Edition 1093690 Sportsnet.ca / Bruins past and present reflect on having Julien as their coach 1093691 Sportsnet.ca / How the Jets have become ’s best NHL team 1093692 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens turn in pathetic effort in Julien’s return to Boston 1093693 TSN.CA / Bozak: Marner playing well despite OT error 1093694 TSN.CA / Babcock shrugs at cries for change 1093695 TSN.CA / 'Suck it up and find a way to win games' 1093696 TSN.CA / Five new names join TSN’s Trade Bait board Winnipeg Jets 1093675 Jets should add depth: Six weeks to bolster roster via trade 1093676 An overtime story: Why the Jets are 0-6 in OT and the one thing they can do to improve

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1093550 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks take down Penguins

Mike Coppinger

With a nationally televised game against the defending Stanley Cup champions, this was the kind of performance the Ducks needed to show just what kind of force they could be. Their forecheck was strong. Their play around the net, relentless. And even though they fell behind early to a dynamic team with three offensive stars playing some of their best hockey (they had a four-game winning streak), it didn’t matter. The Ducks survived a late Pittsburgh Penguins surge and used two breakaway goals to win 5-3 on Wednesday before 17,291 at . “It was disappointing, obviously, that we took two penalties and they scored two goals to make it exciting. … We shot ourselves in the foot with two undisciplined penalties. I don’t know any other way to describe it,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We had a neat and tidy game and we gave them life. We gave them an opportunity. And when you continue to give teams opportunities, they’re going to make you pay.” Especially a team like the Penguins, who boast three offensive stars in Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and . It was Kessel who was involved on both late-game goals as they threatened to tie the once seemingly out-of-reach contest. First, he ripped a beautiful top-shelf snap shot over Gibson, and later found Jake Guentzel, who bent the wrister around the goaltender’s right arm. The Penguins almost tied the score a short time later, but a sprawling Gibson slid over to the other side of the crease to stop the Conor Sheary attempt with his glove. The victory completed the season sweep over the Penguins for the first time since the 2001-02 season, and earned the Ducks standings points in six of their last eight games. The Penguins got on the board late in the first period after Kevin Bieksa and Cam Fowler combined for a costly turnover in the defensive zone with Malkin there to collect the puck and snipe it home. The Penguins would chase the game for the majority of the contest, though. All-star winger Rickard Rakell deflected a Francois Beaucheim point blast that was first redirected by Ryan Getzlaf early in the second to tie the score 1-1. Almost 90 seconds later, Adam Henrique executed a perfect wraparound goal off his own rebound to take the lead. The Ducks didn’t let up from there and ratcheted up the pressure on the forecheck. And when the Penguins’ league-best power play took the ice at the midway point of the second period, it was instead the Ducks who scored on a Chris Wagner breakaway with backup goalie Tristan Jarry beat through the five hole. It was one of four breakaway chances for the Ducks (two of them on the penalty kill, two of them goals). Ondrej Kase converted the other such opportunity after he burst through the offensive zone untouched and beat Jarry with a double-deke on the breakaway “They take chances,” Wagner said, “and they play run-and-gun, so you’re going to get your chances and tonight we buried a good amount of them and that’s what got us the W.” LA Times: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093551 Anaheim Ducks the Penguins for practice Tuesday but is returning to the family’s home in Thunder Bay, . Casey DeSmith will back up Jarry.

Forwards Carter Rowney (upper body) and Bryan Rust (upper body) are Ducks Gameday: Stanley Cup champion Penguins on roll as they begin on injured reserve, as is defenseman Chad Ruhwedel (upper body). California trip Eric Stephens has been covering the Ducks and the NHL for news outlets since 2005 and for the Orange County Register since 2009. Now By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register happily spreading the hockey gospel throughout the Southern California News Group. Has covered three Stanley Cup Finals and (sadly) one NHL lockout. Once took up an invitation to a fan's tailgate barbecue at the College . Has all sorts of genres on his iPod and tries his Staying out of the penalty box has been a Herculean task for the Ducks best in whatever he does most of the time. Only the grits at Waffle House to pull off but they would be wise to limit their trips Wednesday night come close to his. Eternal goal: Be better. when they host the Pittsburgh Penguins in a nationally televised affair at Honda Center. Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.18.2018 The Ducks (20-16-9) are coming off a 3-1 road loss to Colorado as they returned home to open a five-game homestand, which ties for their longest stretch this season. Penalty problems were part of that defeat as they allowed the Avalanche to operate with six power plays. Though their penalty killing has remained one of their strongest assets as a team, the Ducks are back to giving opponents too many situations where they have the man advantage. After a solid stretch of limiting penalties, they’ve had to kill off four or more power plays in five of their last six games. Colorado’s Colin Wilson had a key score late in the second period Monday after the Ducks had trimmed the Avs’ lead to a goal. Now they’re dealing with the potent Penguins, who come into Wednesday with the NHL’s top power play as its converted 43 of 162 chances for a 26.5 percent success rate. “This isn’t rocket science,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “You can’t take six minors and expect your penalty killing to keep potent power plays (quiet). Any power play, let alone the No. 1 power play in the league. We have to play the game the right way. Play with the rules. “We understand if you have to take a penalty to defend a [possible] goal and to make sure that there’s a scoring chance that looks like a goal, you take that away. But these lazy penalties in the offensive zone, high- sticking, hooking – those things should be way by us right now.” Francois Beauchemin will draw back in on the blue line after sitting Monday, taking his usual place alongside as Korbinian Holzer logged 12 minutes against the Avalanche. Jared Boll also comes back in after a game off. Derek Grant will sit out for the second time in three games. John Gibson (14-13-5, 2.63 GAA, .923 SV%) will get the start in goal. Gibson stopped all 29 shots he faced in shutting out the Penguins in his hometown right before the Christmas holiday break. His last outing was a 23-save effort Saturday to beat the Kings. The two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions may be playing their best hockey of the season after a first half that saw them plagued with inconsistency as they dealt with the hangover from hoisted the silver chalice. The Penguins (24-19-3) come out for their three-game California swing with wins in four straight that ties their season best. And the run – which has had them score 19 goals during it – is being powered by their stars. Sidney Crosby (17 goals, 30 assists) has erupted for three goals and eight assists. Leading scorer Phil Kessel (20 goals, 32 assists) has three goals and five assists. Evgeni Malkin (19 goals, 27 assists) has five goals and three helpers. Carlyle said they’re in a different place than when the Ducks visited Pittsburgh in December. He watched their comeback win over the New York Rangers on Sunday and said “they’re on a roll here.” “They’ve got lots of offensive power and their blue line, I guess, would be closer to what it’s expected to be with [Kris] Letang back and [Justin] Schultz back. They’ve got people slotted where they expect them to be. That always helps any hockey club when you have your defense corps back together. “You can’t help but notice they got 87 and 71 down the middle also. They’re a pretty dynamic group when they get it going. And we just got to make sure we limit their time and space.” Pittsburgh opted not to skate Wednesday morning after practicing in Anaheim on Tuesday. Tristan Jarry (9-3-2, 2.33 GAA, .923 SV%) will make his first career start against the Ducks. Jarry relieved Matt Murray in the 4-0 loss on Dec. 23. Murray will be away from indefinitely after Pittsburgh media outlets reported that the goalie’s father, James, has died. He was with 1093552 Anaheim Ducks Some fine work early by Jarry allowed Pittsburgh to grab the lead. The Ducks had one of their most effective power plays in a while as they moved the puck crisply, kept the puck in the Pittsburgh zone for nearly Ducks stun Penguins with strong 2nd period to begin key homestand two full minutes and put shots on net that created rebounds. Jarry snuffed all the attempts out in killing off Kessel’s slashing penalty. And when the game was back at even strength, the rookie turned away By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register Ducks defenseman Josh Manson after he was left alone in front. Brought up from the Penguins’ affiliate at the end of October, Jarry has allowed General Manager Jim Rutherford to A rousing second period stunned the overflow crowd of 17,291 at Honda feel comfortable about his goaltending while Murray has had some ups Center. The Ducks shocked Pittsburgh with four unanswered goals and and downs in his second season as Pittsburgh’s No. 1 netminder. used those repeated blows to beat the Penguins 5-3 and kick off an important homestand Wednesday night. Murray left the Penguins to return to his home in Thunder Bay, Ontario after his father, James, died Tuesday. The Ducks, who got 30 saves from The Ducks (21-16-9) swept the two matchups this season but this one Gibson, were happy to exploit the Penguins’ rookie counterpart. had more significance. Back on Dec. 23, Pittsburgh was still dealing with its Cup hangover and slumping. Fast forward three weeks later and the “They take chances and they play run and gun,” Wagner said. “You’re Penguins were soaring, bringing a four-game winning streak to going to get your chances. Tonight, we buried a good amount of them. California. That’s what got us the ‘W’.” And they took a 1-0 lead into the second on Evgeni Malkin’s goal to cap Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.18.2018 a strong forechecking shift. When the teams came back out from their respective locker rooms, the game itself took a dramatic, improbable shift. Rickard Rakell struck first. Adam Henrique landed his shot. Chris Wagner connected. Ondrej Kase finished with a forehand fake and a backhand strike. The Ducks beat goalie Tristan Jarry with four scores – their first four-goal period of the season – on 14 shots. “For us, I feel it never really comes easy,” Wagner said. “A couple breakaways. The goalie got stuck in the net on Rico’s goal. It’s time for us to get a couple of bounces there.” This was needed. The Ducks have to start collecting points as they looked up at a host of other regular Western Conference combatants that have the edge when it comes to jockeying for playoff position. With everyone else idle, the Ducks got within two points of the second wild- card spot. “With the standings, we know where we’re at,” Ducks defenseman Brandon Montour said. “It’s a tight race right now. We still got a lot of games left, but it’s one of those where we got to stay with it and keep winning games. That’s definitely going to help us in the long run.” It wouldn’t be the Ducks without them making a game more thrilling than it should be. Penalties taken by Corey Perry and Kevin Bieksa gave the desperate Penguins some life in the third and the NHL’s top power play connected twice, with Phil Kessel and Jake Guentzel scoring in a 5:41 span. Kris Letang nearly tied the score late in flipping the puck over Ducks goalie John Gibson as the Penguins pulled Jarry for an extra attacker. The puck bounced in the crease and Josh Manson managed to clear it away. Hampus Lindholm finally extinguished the comeback by beating the clock into an empty net. Outside of doing what they could to put the game in doubt, Ducks coach Randy Carlyle found a lot of satisfaction in beating a two-time Cup champion that’s “playing the right way right now.” “We shot ourselves in the foot with two undisciplined penalties,” Carlyle said. “Those are undisciplined penalties. I don’t know any other way to describe it. Those are things that are unnecessary. We had a neat and tidy game going. They didn’t have anything going. We gave them life. “We gave them an opportunity. When you continue to give teams opportunities, they’re going to make you pay. But we found a way to win the hockey game. And that’s the most important thing. We gutted it out in the end and found a way.” Until the third, the Ducks seemed to grab complete control. Rakell deflected in a Francois Beauchemin point shot and Henrique scored on a wraparound after he and Kase had extra whacks at the puck. Wagner then scored with a shorthanded breakaway and Kase got his on another break into the clear. Henrique got his second goal in six games after going six without one. Kase has three goals and two assists in his last three contests. A post- game scoring change gave Ryan Getzlaf his franchise-leading 600th career assist after replays showed that he redirected Beauchemin’s shot on the Rakell goal. “I thought we did a good job sticking with it,” Henrique said. “We had some big plays. Couple big saves, blocked shots and clears. That’s a huge win for our team.” 1093553 Anaheim Ducks

Home stretch offers Ducks chance to feast or stay hungry

By ERIC STEPHENS | [email protected] | Orange County Register

ANAHEIM — Honda Center is well down the list of arenas that offer an imposing atmosphere to make it difficult for visiting teams to handle. It isn’t going to be called the Den of Doom any time soon. There are the Ducks fans who are vocal and the many others who need to be prodded into action – whether through in-game entertainment or the impromptu chants of supporters of the opposing club. It has been the Ducks themselves who have created their great home advantage in recent years. It has to be that again. Starting now. Given their position outside the Western Conference playoff picture, the Ducks have to make their home a place where they rack up wins and build the kind of momentum that’s been fleeting throughout this season. Coming into Wednesday’s game against Pittsburgh, the Ducks held a pedestrian 10-8-3 mark with 19 dates left at Honda Center. Now consider that they had eight regulation losses all of last season. Or just eight in 2013-14. The victory totals dating back four years are impressive: 29, 25, 26, 29. And with a .713 home winning percentage during their five-year run of Pacific Division titles, the Ducks’ work in front of a friendly crowd has been lacking in comparison. But they’ve got a five-game homestand to start making it the advantage they’ve used in the past. “It’s going to be huge,” defenseman Hampus Lindholm said. “You want to be a team that plays really well at home and have teams know that it’s going to be a tough one. I think we can really show, with these five games here, how determined we are to have success.” The five games will be challenging tests. After the visit from the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Penguins, the Ducks host the Kings on Friday and face San Jose on Sunday in matchups against teams ahead of them in the Pacific Division. Games against the New York Rangers and Winnipeg close it out. Extenuating factors do play into the so-so results on their own ice. The Ducks, of course, were besieged with injuries to top players at an unprecedented level. Lindholm points that out, but also notes that they’re healthier now than at any other point. Now is the time to make a move. There are only four home games in February. From March on, the slate is much more beneficial but they’ve got to make it an edge they possess before then. They’ve won consecutive home games twice. Momentum isn’t retained that way. “I don’t know if we’ve created that this year yet,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “We’re looking to take and build on a strong home record. We know that’s paramount in having success here down the stretch with the number of home games we have. “We have to take advantage when it’s, as I like to say, our serve. We have to hold serve. We know that the points that are available to us, specifically in our own building, are must-wins. But again, it’s one game.” Lindholm said success in their building is a point of pride for them. “Obviously the guys in this room feel like this is our home and we’re going to protect it,” he said. “Teams that come here, they’re going to have to bring their ‘A’ game if they’re even going to steal a point from us.” ICE CHIPS Defenseman Francois Beauchemin and right wing Jared Boll got back in the lineup after being scratched Monday in Colorado. Beauchemin, in what could be his final season, has appeared in 38 of the Ducks’ 46 games. Korbinian Holzer and Derek Grant sat out, with Grant scratched in two of the past three games. Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093554 Arizona Coyotes Former Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue did not hold back when discussing his tumultuous start to the season in Arizona.

Domingue, who is currently serving as a backup with the Tampa Bay After 'candid' meeting, Coyotes defenseman Jason Demers is hitting his Lightning, appeared on a local podcast and opened up about his issues stride with the Coyotes this season before being traded on Nov. 14. Despite being reportedly offered a spot with an ECHL club while the team Richard Morin, azcentral sports Published 6:02 p.m. MT Jan. 17, 2018 searched for a trading partner, Domingue claims he was "left without ice or a gym or any support from the team."

Louis Domingue opens up about how he was treated by the Arizona Rick Tocchet isn’t the type of coach who pulls punches with his players, Coyotes. https://t.co/SbNX1VmvsVpic.twitter.com/kIAJFNd3dd and Jason Demers isn’t the type of player who accepts mediocrity. — Achariya (@tanyarezak) January 17, 2018 That’s what made a candid, person-to-person meeting between the Coyotes' first-year coach and the top-pair defenseman so effective. And After acquiring goaltender Scott Wedgewood from the New Jersey Devils since that talk, changes have been evident. on Oct. 28, the Coyotes had no place for Domingue with the big club or with their AHL affiliate in Tucson, where three of the organization's young After the Coyotes suffered one of their more gut-wrenching losses of the goaltending prospects — Hunter Miska, Marek Langhamer and Adin Hill season in a 3-2 defeat to the on Dec. 19 at Gila River — currently reside. Arena, Tocchet — along with assistant coach and defensive specialist Scott Allen — sat down with Demers for an informal meeting. Left with no other option, the Coyotes reportedly offered to send Domingue to the ECHL while they facilitated a trade — an offer “Around the Florida game, we just had a good talk,” Demers recalled. “I Domingue evidently refused. talked with him and (Scott), saw some video and (Rick) just kind of asked me what I thought of my game. It was a pretty candid conversation, and I Domingue took to Twitter in an attempt to defend his course of action enjoy that. I like being told straight up where I’m sitting and how I’m against Craig Morgan of Arizona Sports, likening an ECHL assignment to playing in their eyes.” a professional journalist taking a job with a high school newspaper. And although there were positive takeaways from that meeting, the Let’s play this one out Craig. Your employer fire you and offer you a gig subject matter wasn't all fun. at the local high school newspaper. I bet you you jump on that? Listen guys everything worked out in the end the whole point of this was to talk “We just talked, and for me it wasn’t even a coach-to-player thing,” about how I moved on from all of that. https://t.co/gTjlF1tgPu Tocchet said. “Just two guys talking and I felt like I really count on him for leadership. The way he was playing, I just thought he was very average. I — Louis Domingue (@domingue35) January 17, 2018 told him that, and he agreed with me.” Domingue spent parts of four seasons with the Coyotes and compiled a Demers’ role with the Coyotes is one that comes with a heavy burden. 27-41-7 record to go along with a 3.00 goals allowed average. Playing on the top defense pair with Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Demers is Thursday’s game among the team leaders in ice time and is staked with significant responsibility. Coyotes at Predators At 29 years old, Demers is the second-oldest player on the team and is When: 6 p.m. expected by his coaches to be a leader. That’s exactly what Tocchet has seen out of him since the meeting. Where: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville. “I love when a player acknowledges not playing well because then you TV/Radio: Fox Sports Arizona/KMVP-FM (98.7). can roll up your sleeves and come up with a solution,” Tocchet said. “For Outlook: The Coyotes (10-28-8) will embark on a brief two-game road trip me, he’s been one of our better — maybe our best — defensemen over that begins with a matchup against the Nashville Predators (26-11-6) on the last 10 games. He’s been very vocal on the bench, and I really like Thursday in Nashville … The Predators are in the middle of a five-game the way he’s trying to lead this team. I think it’s all gone up a notch.” homestand and have won their last three contests … Nashville’s last For Tocchet, who served as head coach of the Tampa Bay Lightning defeat came at the hands of the Coyotes on Jan. 4, a game that ended in from 2008-10, honesty is the best policy with his players. Even though a 3-2 overtime victory at Gila River Arena … The Predators are led in some players might not want to hear it, Tocchet wants them to know it. scoring by defenseman P.K. Subban (33 points) and Roman Josi (25 points), as well as forwards Kyle Turris (28 points) and Ryan Johansen “I think players respect when you’re honest,” Tocchet said. “They might (26 points) … Starting goaltender Pekka Rinne (21-8-3, 2.43 GAA) is not want to hear it. … When I played the game, I didn’t want to hear expected to be between the pipes on Thursday against the Coyotes, who some things that a coach told me. But when you leave the rink, the one faced backup Juuse Saros in the team’s lone previous meeting this thing you can say is the guy was honest. You might not always agree, season. and you can agree to disagree, but the fact of the matter is the acceptance of getting your game back together … I think at the end of Arizona Republic LOADED: 01.18.2018 the day, players respect you more for those conversations.” Demers said that a young team like the Coyotes can especially benefit from Tocchet’s “open-door policy,” but it’s also a helpful tool for veterans such as himself to understand their role. For Demers, who is playing in his ninth NHL season, he has never been an offensive blue-liner but rather a stay-at-home defenseman. Now 46 games into his first season with the Coyotes, he feels like he’s finding a sweet spot with his new club. “Just moving my feet and making the play at hand instead of looking for the extra play,” Demers said of his recent adjustments. “Just playing hard and every shift playing consistently hard. Not having those lulls, even game-to-game and shift-to-shift. I’ve been trying to stay consistent with my game defensively and let the offense come.” According to Demers, he has the candidness of Tocchet to thank for his recent strides. “Sometimes it’s good to see it from a different perspective,” Demers said. “I thought it was good, and I thought I needed to work on some things. They were very helpful, and since then, it’s kind of put me in the right direction. But it’s just on me to keep it going.” Former Coyotes goaltender Louis Domingue now serves Domingue fires back 1093555 “That’s not for me to say,’’ Julien said “People can decide on their own. All I know is there’s a lot of new faces here and a lot of faces that are gone that were here with me. That’s just a team that was trying to rebuild Claude Julien returns to Boston as coach of Canadiens and that’s what they’ve done. They gave their young players some time to develop in the minors and those guys are paying off right now. When you have a good, strong leadership group, that’s the best thing for a young player coming in, and they have that here.’’ By Barbara MatsonGLOBE CORRESPONDENT Julien is an experienced hockey guy and he knows what he’s got with the Canadiens. Wednesday night he didn’t have much. Claude Julien put down deep roots in Boston during his 10 years as “We weren’t in it from the get-go,’’ Julien said. “We’ve been playing well Bruins coach. He reached the playoffs in each of his first seven years, the last four or five games and tonight we laid an egg. Obviously, it’s a leading the team to its first Stanley Cup since 1972 in 2011. And he disappointing loss for us.’’ brought the team back to the Cup Final in 2013. While there were complaints he was not keeping up with the faster pace Julien nurtured a cadre of young talent, including , Brad of the NHL toward the end of his stint with the Bruins, Julien said he felt Marchand, David Krejci, Torey Krug, and Tuukka Rask. He grew his his success in Boston came because he was ready to change. young family in Boston. “I was fortunate to have good players, but at the same time we just From June 2007, when Julien took over a ragtag group that had seemed to evolve with the game every year,’’ he said. “I tried to bring struggled to a 35-41-6 record under , until February 2017, something new and keep the guys interested and excited, and I think when he was fired with the 26-23-6 Bruins grasping for a playoff position, that’s what coaches have to do today. You can’t keep coaching the way Julien shaped Boston hockey. He amassed a 419-246-94 record with the you did 10 years ago and expect that it’s going to work today. Players Bruins and is the franchise’s all-time leader in coaching victories. Julien evolve and so do you as a coach. You need to evolve with the game as a was beloved when he held the Cup over his head, and second-guessed coach. I felt I was able to do that in a lot of different areas and kept the when the team missed the playoffs in 2015 and 2016. guys motivated and excited.’’ On Wednesday night, Julien returned as coach of the Montreal The challenges have been renewed in Montreal, where the fans hang on Canadiens, the Bruins’ archrival who hired him a week after Boston let every shift the Canadiens take. Julien still has a foothold in Boston, as him go. Including their 4-1 victory on Wednesday, the Bruins are hot (8-0- his wife and three children have remained in the area. 3 in their last 11, with points in their last 14 games). And the Canadiens are cold (3-6-2 in the last 11). “Just because you work in Montreal doesn’t mean you have to think of this as a host city in your mind,’’ he said. “We built some roots here, but On Saturday night, the teams played in Montreal and Boston emerged we’re looking forward to also have the same kind of life we had here in with a 4-3 shootout victory. Julien didn’t pause to reflect about his former Montreal, and that’s the plan.’’ team that night. But on Wednesday morning, after he found his way into TD Garden through new construction sites, he talked about returning to Boston Globe LOADED: 01.18.2018 Boston wearing the blue, blanc et rouge of the Canadiens. “It was a little different . . . a little strange,’’ Julien said, moving seamlessly between French and English for an array of reporters. “There’s a lot of construction going on around here and things seem to be moving ahead. So it is a little strange, but at the same time I think I’ll get comfortable soon enough.’’ Julien’s memories are rich. “It’s a great city,’’ he said. “This is a great sports town that supports its teams. Fans support their teams. There’s nothing to dislike about this city.” Julien looked forward to seeing old friends among the staff and crew at TD Garden, as well as the players he once coached. The Stanley Cup is a lifetime connection. “There was a bond that was built here with players,’’ Julien said. “You don’t win a Cup and all of a sudden you disappear from each others’ lives. It’s been said before: It lasts forever. I’ve had the proof of that in just what’s happened in the last year — players texting me after the game last time we played, guys are going to say hi to me today at some point. That’s the off-ice stuff. The on-ice stuff is two teams trying to beat each other, to earn the 2 points.’’ Julien was determined to let homecoming distractions fall away to focus on the game. When the Bruins played a short video tribute to Julien in the first period, he looked on from the bench abashed but gave a quick wave to the crowd, which gave him a long standing ovation. “It’s always something that you dread a little bit,’’ he said. “It’s a little emotional and you’re trying to keep your emotions intact so you can coach a game. I appreciate what they did for me.” Including Wednesday’s loss, his new team is 18-21-6, 9 points out of a playoff spot in the East, while Julien knows his old team, which sits second in the Atlantic Division, has made some long strides since he left. “When you look at [the Bruins], they made some room for some young players to come in and they cleaned out some situations here in the last year,’’ Julien said. “They allowed some of their young guys to grow in the minors, you look at [Jake] DeBrusk, and stuff like that, you look at [Charlie] McAvoy that’s come in, and their leadership group is still the same. They’re trying to play with a pretty good pace. At the end of the day, in the standings there’s a bit of a difference there, but I think when the two teams played each other, there didn’t seem to be a big difference.’’ Julien turned down a chance to speculate what might have happened had he had some of those younger players available when he was in Boston. 1093556 Boston Bruins McQuaid may get another opportunity soon. After Wednesday’s 4-1 win, Cassidy said Miller was not expected to travel to Brooklyn for Thursday’s game against the Islanders for fear of his illness spreading. It’s possible Bruins anthem singer Rene Rancourt to retire Miller could travel to Barclays Center on his own on Thursday and play. But it’s unlikely, meaning McQuaid will remain in the lineup for a second straight game. GLOBE STAFF By Fluto Shinzawa O’Ree honored

On Wednesday, the Bruins and the NHL celebrated the 60th anniversary Bruins anthem singer Rene Rancourt will retire at the end of the 2017-18 of Willie O’Ree breaking the league’s color barrier on Jan. 18, 1958. season. Rancourt has been a regular singer since 1975-76. The native of O’Ree played for the Bruins against the Canadiens at the Montreal Lewiston, Maine, will be honored at the final regular-season home game Forum. on April 8 at TD Garden. Mayor Martin J. Walsh proclaimed Wednesday Willie O’Ree Day. The “Mother Nature is calling,” said Rancourt during Wednesday’s first Bruins and NHL also announced the dedication of Willie O’Ree Rink, a intermission. “I’ve been trying to act very young. I’m fooling a few people. street hockey rink in Allston. The rink is scheduled to open in the summer But Mother Nature cannot be fooled. I’m 78. Maybe I started to think at Smith Playground. about retirement at 68. So I’m a little bit late.” “This man behind me accomplished something very special, becoming The TD Garden gave Rancourt a rousing ovation before Wednesday’s the first black player ever to play in the ,” Walsh game. Prior to his performance of “,” Rancourt touched his said at TD Garden. “Back when he did it 60 years ago, it was a whole hand to his chest in recognition of the applause. After “The Star- different world than it is today. Spangled Banner,” Rancourt issued four of his famous fist pumps. “It was an incredible feat, an incredible accomplishment. He set the tone Rancourt recalled how John Kiley, the former organist at , for so many other young people to come. Many black players who played inquired whether he’d be interested in singing the anthems at Bruins in the league since Willie O’Ree have come and skated for the Bruins games. Rancourt never believed he would find a niche on the ice. and for other teams around the NHL.” “I would never have gone to a hockey game,” Rancourt said. “I am an The NHL presented O’Ree with a framed copy of the game sheet from opera singer. I was at Boston University, way deep into opera and his historic appearance. The Bruins and Canadiens wore uniforms with a Boston Conservatory. I would never think to go to a hockey game. ‘What 60th anniversary patch, while an O’Ree logo was painted on the ice is that?’ But I sang at Fenway Park one day. The organist there, the behind both nets. famous organist John Kiley, said, ‘Can you sing for the Bruins?’ I said, ‘Where do they play?’ He said, ‘.’ I said, ‘Oh, yes.’ When I Boston Globe LOADED: 01.18.2018 saw the fan reaction, it was a far cry from the grand old opera, I’ll tell you. It was unbelievable. I said, ‘These are my people.’ ” One of Rancourt’s signature moments was on April 17, 2013. It was the first game following the Boston Marathon bombings. Midway through “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Rancourt stopped singing and allowed the crowd to complete the anthem. “I was petrified to get out there,” Rancourt said. “I had planned, of course, to stop singing in the middle of it. I was very, very afraid of doing that. The reaction was something I will never, ever forget. That’s my proudest memory.” McQuaid back in Adam McQuaid has returned from injuries more often than he’d prefer. On Wednesday, however, McQuaid was experiencing something new. Not only did he play for the first time in three months, but the veteran was back in only because of Kevan Miller’s illness. Good team performance and three clicking pairings ahead of McQuaid delayed the defenseman’s reentry longer than anyone expected. But McQuaid’s return went as well as anyone expected. McQuaid landed four shots in 15:12 of ice time. He helped initiate Ryan Spooner’s game- winning goal by closing on Jacob De La Rose in the Bruins’ end and forcing the Montreal forward to turn the puck over. “It was nice to be back and be part of the win,” McQuaid said. “Happy to be back.” Wednesday’s matchup with the Canadiens marked the end of a 36-game absence. McQuaid broke his right leg Oct. 19 while blocking two shots against Vancouver. McQuaid, however, was declared fit to play earlier than this. Had the Bruins needed the rugged right-shot defenseman, he would have been ready for action even before the calendar turned on 2017. But he was behind Miller, Charlie McAvoy, and Brandon Carlo on the right side. Coach had other options if he wanted McQuaid to play earlier. One move would have been to shift Miller to the left side behind Zdeno Chara and Torey Krug. But Matt Grzelcyk has performed above expectations as the left-shot defenseman on the No. 3 pairing. The other possibility would have been to dress seven defensemen and 11 forwards. It would have cost Cassidy one of his fourth-liners. Cassidy likes the sum of Tim Schaller, Sean Kuraly, and Noel Acciari, and would have been uncomfortable taking one of them out simply for the sake of activating McQuaid. So McQuaid had to wait for an unfortunate circumstance — an injury or illness to a fellow defenseman — to get his chance. 1093557 Boston Bruins

Adam McQuaid will return to Bruins lineup vs. Canadiens

By Fluto Shinzawa

Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid will play tonight for the first time since breaking his right leg Oct. 19 against Vancouver. McQuaid will replace Kevan Miller, who is sick, against the Canadiens at TD Garden. The veteran blue liner will skate with Matt Grzelcyk on the No. 3 pairing. McQuaid has been practicing with the team and was considered healthy enough to play. But there was no room for the right-shot defenseman ahead of Miller, Charlie McAvoy, or Brandon Carlo. “Try and play simple, not overthink things,” McQuaid said. “Just go from there. Let everything else take care of itself. Just focus on playing.” The Bruins had rolled the same lineup for the last six games. They will not make any changes up front. Jake DeBrusk and Noel Acciari will play after missing yesterday’s practice. Tonight’s projected lineup: FORWARD LINES Brad Marchand-Patrice Bergeron-David Pastrnak Jake DeBrusk-David Krejci-Ryan Spooner Danton Heinen-Riley Nash-David Backes Tim Schaller-Sean Kuraly-Noel Acciari DEFENSE PAIRINGS Zdeno Chara-Charlie McAvoy Torey Krug-Brandon Carlo Matt Grzelcyk-Adam McQuaid GOAL Tuukka Rask Anton Khudobin Canadiens at a glance ■ When, where: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at TD Garden. ■ TV, radio: NBCSN, WBZ-FM (98.5). ■ Goals: Brendan Gallagher 16, Max Pacioretty 12, Paul Byron 12. ■ Assists: Phillip Danault 16, Alex Galchenyuk 15, Jonathan Drouin 15. ■ Goaltending: (13-14-4, 2.95 GAA), Antti Niemi (0-1-1, 2.79). ■ Head to head: This is the second of four meetings. The Bruins picked up a 4-3 shootout win Saturday in Montreal. ■ Miscellany: Drouin snapped a 13-game scoreless drought with a goal in an overtime loss to the Islanders Monday . . . Danault is out with a concussion after taking a Zdeno Chara shot off the head Saturday. Fluto Shinzawa Boston Globe LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093558 Boston Bruins

Bruins anthem singer Rene Rancourt to retire at end of season

Herald sports staff Wednesday, January 17, 2018

The Bruins announced an end of an era today. Longtime anthem singer Rene Rancourt, who has performed the national anthems at Bruins games for over 40 years, will retire at the end of the season. Rancourt started serenading Garden crowds back in the 1975-76 season. His signature fist-pump following his performance was modeled after the "Stump Pump" made famous by former Bruins winger Randy Burridge. Rancourt, who hails from Lewiston, Maine, actually first began singing the national anthem at Boston Red Sox games. The Bruins will honor Rancourt at their final regular season game on April 8 against the Florida Panthers. Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093559 Boston Bruins

In return to Boston, Claude Julien dishes on Bruins, rivalry, city

Ross Gienieczko Wednesday, January 17, 2018

It was quite the run for Claude Julien with the Bruins, and the Canadiens coach opened up about his time in Boston and the evolution of the young B’s in his first press conference back at TD Garden on Wednesday morning. “I said it before, it’s a great city. People that come and visit the city love it. I liked it. As a family, this is where our roots really grew, with a young family and stuff like that,” said Julien, who still has family living in the Boston area. “There’s lots to be said. I said it before, certainly not ashamed to say that this is a great sports town that supports its teams. Fans are great. So there’s nothing to dislike about this city. Right now it’s about coming in here, unfortunately, and hopefully making them not like you so much by the end of this one.” Julien led the Bruins to the playoffs in each of his first seven years with the team and guided them to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years during the 2010-11 season. He said he’s stayed in touch with guys from the Cup- winning group, and he reflected on the run of success and what went right for the team during his tenure. “We just seemed to evolve with the game every year. Try to bring something new and keep the guys interested and excited. I think that’s what coaches have to do today,” Julien said. “You can’t coach the way you did 10 years ago and expect that it’s going to work today. Players evolve and so do you as a coach. You need to evolve with the game. I felt I was able to do that in a lot of different areas and kept the guys motivated and excited.” His departure midway through last season coincided with a youth movement and change in playing style under Bruce Cassidy, one Julien can see paying dividends for the Bruins today. "When you look at this team, they made some room for some young players to come in," he said. "They allowed some of their young guys to grow in the minors. You look at (Jake) DeBrusk, you look at (Charlie) McAvoy that’s come in, and you know, their leadership group is still the same. They have a strong leadership group and they tweaked certain things. They try to play with a pretty good pace.” He also dished on the evolution of the Bruins-Canadiens rivalry and discussed why there isn’t as much fighting between the teams as there was at times during his tenure in Boston. “(The rivalry) is there. I know a lot of people would love to see the gloves flying off again and all these five-on-fives and stuff like that. It’s not so much because there’s not a rivalry. I think it’s because the game’s changed," he said. "There’s consequences now that are a lot more severe than they were back then. In my estimation, anyway, the last game we played, even though there might not have been fights, there was a good intensity and you could tell both teams were playing some of their best hockey. To me, that game meant a lot against each other. You’ll probably see the same thing again tonight. Whether it builds up here because it’s three (games) in eight (days), we’ll see.” Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093560 Boston Bruins

Adam McQuaid could make return for Bruins tonight

Steve Conroy Wednesday, January 17, 2018

Not only will tonight's Bruins-Canadiens game at the Garden be Claude Julien's homecoming, it may mark the first time the B's will have a change to their lineup in seven games. Coach Bruce Cassidy said that Kevan Miller (illness) is not definitively out for tonight's game but that he is doubtful. If Miller can't make it, Adam McQuaid, out since October 19 when he suffered a broken fibula blocking a shot, will return to the lineup. The oft-injured McQuaid has dealt with lengthy absences before in his career, but not in a while. He played a career-high 77 games last year and 64 and 63 in the two previous seasons. “There are probably more (butterflies) than just a regular game after missing some time, but it's probably excitement more than anything,” said McQuaid. McQuaid, who has missed 35 games, has been healthy enough to play for a couple of weeks. But with the B's on a 9-0-4 streak, it's been a tough lineup to crack. “It goes without saying (that it's been difficult), but it's been good to watch how the guys have come together,” said McQuaid. “You really feel that off the ice on practice days and stuff. I'm excited to hopefully feel that in a game. You see it, but it'll be nice to be on the bench and hopefully add to this run that the guys have been on and just continue to play well.” Though he's a trusted and respected veteran, McQuaid also has to show that he belongs in the lineup with the way the team has been going right now, which could add even more pressure to the situation. He's trying to keep that part of the equation out of his mind. “I'm just going to go out and play, play simple, not over-think things and just go from there. Let everything else take care of itself and just focus on the playing,” said McQuaid. McQuaid was looking forward to seeing his old coach on the opposing bench. “It'll be different for sure. It would be my first time," McQuaid said. "Most of the guys have played them already. He obviously gave me my opportunity and stuck with me through various ups and downs. I'm sure it will be different, but at the same time I'll have to focus on the game." If McQuaid is indeed in, he'll start in Miller's spot next to Matt Grzelcyk, though Cassidy could always decide to put him back with his long-time defense partner Torey Krug. “There's going to be rust, it's inevitable. It's his first kick at the cat since his injury," said Cassidy. "Probably for him mentally, it'll be about playing through the physical part of it early on. We understand that, so we just have to allow him to be himself and play. Hopefully he's able to play his one-on-ones, close quickly in the D-zone, get the job done there. There'll be some rust with the puck. He hasn't been under a lot of pressure, practices have been very short for us so he'll probably want to get rid of it quickly because he hasn't had a lot of reps. The other part of his game hopefully he gets back quickly — his strength.” Noel Acciari (upper body) and Jake DeBrusk (illness), who missed Tuesday's practice, participated in the morning skate and will be in the lineup. Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093561 Boston Bruins Last week: 25 (-1) Record: 18-19-6 Power Rankings: Is this the end of the NHL road for Jaromir Jagr? Other than the seven-goal outburst against St. Louis, the good work leading into the New Year hasn't carried over.

25. Detroit Red Wings Jeremy Fuchs, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED Wednesday, January 17, 2018 Last week: 26 (+1)

Record: 18-19-7 At the age of 45, Jaromir Jagr’s second swing through the NHL may be coming to a close. Since the calendar has flipped to 2018, Detroit has beaten mediocre-to- bad teams and lost to good ones. Seems to define the season, too. The placed the forward on injured reserve with a lower- body injury on Sunday, his second stint on the IR this season. He has a 24. Edmonton Oilers goal and six assists in 22 games on the season, his 23rd in the league. He’s the active leader in goals (766), assists (1,155) and points. Last week: 24 (-) “We knew coming in, hey listen, Jaromir is one of the all-time greats in Record: 20-23-3 our sport,” Flames GM Brad Treliving told TSN’s Jermain Franklin. “I Even when goalie Cam Talbot plays well, it's not enough—but even then, think he’s shown flashes since he’s been here. If you couple it with the he hasn't played well enough. fact that he was unable to participate in training camp, he’s battled some nagging stuff and at the end of the day the age that he is at, that’s difficult 23. Carolina Hurricanes to go through those things at 20, never mind at 45 or 46 years old.” Last week: 16 (-7) According to multiple reports, it’s believed his brief stay in Calgary is over as he and the team work on an exit and there appears to be little trade Record: 20-17-8 market for the 13-time All-Star and five-time league scoring champ, The Sebastian Aho injury could be devastating, and it seemed like no though nothing will be decided until Jagr is healthy. one showed up in a 4-1 loss to Calgary. A long-time fan favorite, Jagr could head back overseas—he spent three 22. Philadelphia Flyers seasons (2008-11) with Avangard Omsk of the KHL—and there is speculation he could be released from his contract in time to take a Last week: 23 (+1) He would certainly bring some cachet if he were to join a European outfit, Record: 20-16-8 something he considered before signing with the Flames over the summer. But Jagr isn’t hurting the Flames. The hottest team in hockey Tuesday's loss to the Rangers notwithstanding, four game streak, things has proven they don’t need him. And right now, it's hard to find a team could be turning around for the Flyers. Prior to falling at MSG, Philly had playing better. run off five consecutive wins, including victories over the Lightning, Penguins, Islanders, Blues and Sabres. Here’s how we see teams stacking up this week, from 31-1: 21. New York Rangers 31. Arizona Coyotes Last week: 15 (-6) Last week: 31 (-) Record: 23-17-5 Record: 10-28-8 Injuries haven't helped, but this is starting to look like a team destined to Richard Panik was an interesting piece to get in the Anthony Duclair become sellers at the deadline. trade with Chicago, but it seems like he could be destined for a third team by the deadline. 20. Anaheim Ducks 30. Buffalo Sabres Last week: 17 (-3) Last week: 30 (-) Record: 20-16-9 Record: 11-24-9 The best thing to say about the Ducks is that they're close. The returns of Ryan Getzlaf and Ryan Kesler will be a serious second-half boost in the ? Pacific Division playoff race. Nice win against Columbus, but there needed to be more of them at this 19. Chicago Blackhawks point. It's about time to see some assets traded. Last week: 20 (+1) 29. Record: 22-17-6 Last week: 29 (-) Journeyman goalie Jeff Glass is a fun story, but he's not going to be Record: 15-18-9 enough to carry them. Things could get especially dire if reports surrounding Corey Crawford's season-ending vertigo-like symptoms are At least there's some hope following a rebound game against Toronto true. after getting crushed by Chicago. Wins on back-to-back nights against the Sharks and Lightning showed some promise. 18. New York Islanders 28. Last week: 18 (-1) Last week: 28 (-) Record: 23-19-4 Record: 18-21-6 With 10 points in a three-game stretch, Matthew Barzal has been a rookie revelation, but it will mean nothing until they can upgrade their There are signs of life with wins over Columbus and Minnesota, but those goalie situation. came after losing five straight. It can't be just Brock Boeser. 17. Colorado Avalanche 27. Montreal Canadiens Last week: 18 (+1) Last week: 27 (-) Record: 24-16-3 Record: 18-20-6 They might be the most fun team to watch in the league, especially with There's trade rumors abound, and it might be good to have a clean slate Nathan MacKinnon (20-34-54 in 43 GP) having found his game again. in Montreal. We can't wait until next year—they may be legitimate playoff contenders. 26. Florida Panthers 16. Pittsburgh Penguins Last week: 21 (+5) Undefeated in regulation in their last 13 and goalie Tuukka Rask has turned around his season in the most fantastic way. There's still more to Record: 24-19-3 get out of forwards David Krejci and David Backes. They've won five of their last six. Interesting that Mike Sullivan went back 5. Nashville Predators to No. 2 goalie Tristan Jarry after he gave up five goals to Boston. Last week: 6 (+1) 15. New Jersey Devils Record: 26-11-6 Last week: 8 (-7) Not sure of the last time David Poile made a bad trade. Between Record: 23-12-8 acquiring Norris Trophy candidate P.K. Subban last season and Kyle Tuesday's win over the Islanders ended a six-game losing streak, but Turris a few weeks back, there have been some strokes of genius by the matchups with Washington, Boston and Nashville loom. This will be the GM. defining stretch for the young team. 4. Washington Capitals 14. San Jose Sharks Last week: 3 (-1) Last week: 13 (-1) Record: 28-14-3 Record: 24-13-6 This is a fantastic season for Alex Ovechkin (28 goals), and somehow it's Defenseman/Resident Wookiee Brent Burns is starting to score, but the flying a bit under the radar. The team's bad start didn't help, but he's a Sharks' big names still are way off their pace from a few seasons ago. Hart candidate. 13. Columbus Blue Jackets 3. Winnipeg Jets Last week: 11 (-2) Last week: 7 (+4) Record: 25-18-3 Record: 26-13-7 Columbus is 4-5-1 in its last 10, and even reigning Vezina winner Sergei Jump on the bandwagon, because it's time. Blake Wheeler is an MVP Bobrovsky is starting to look human. The injury to Brandon Dubinsky has dark horse. Connor Hellebuyck is turning into a top-five goalie. Give them turned into a back-breaker. one more defenseman and watch out. 12. Dallas Stars 2. Vegas Golden Knights Last week: 12 (-) Last week: 2 (-) Record: 26-17-3 Record: 29-11-3 Man, is Tyler Seguin good. When he's on a line with Jamie Benn and Tough losses to Edmonton and Nashville—they've now lost three of their Alex Radulov, there might not be a better trio in the league. last five. One thing to keep an eye on with the Knights: their power play hasn't scored in its last 14 tries. 11. 1. Tampa Bay Lightning Last week: 14 (+3) Last week: (-) Record: 24-17-5 Record: 31-10-3 In a 4-1 win over Minnesota, Devan Dubnyk was fantastic. He's only lost twice in his last seven. He's in fine form. Even a relatively bad week can't keep them down. Don't read too much into the loss against Calgary. 10. Los Angeles Kings Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 Last week: 5 (-5) Record: 24-15-5 Still need some offense... how much would it take to pry Max Pacioretty from the Habs? 9. Toronto Maple Leafs Last week: 9 (-) Record: 25-17-4 In their last three games against big-time contenders (Vegas, Tampa Bay, and Columbus) the Leafs are 0-2-1. They can't just be an Auston Matthews team. 8. St. Louis Blues Last week: 4 (-4) Record: 27-17-3 It would have been fun to see them healthy for a full season. Was last week's three-game losing streak a blip, or a sign of things to come? 7. Calgary Flames Last week: 22 (+15) Record: 25-16-4 The Flames are finally playing like the contender they are. Does any team want to play them in a seven-game playoff series? 6. Boston Bruins Last week: 10 (+4) Record: 24-10-8 1093562 Boston Bruins

Legendary national anthem singer Rene Rancourt announces 2017-18 is his last season

Stephen Harris Thursday, January 18, 2018

An era is coming to an end for the Bruins, who yesterday announced that Rene Rancourt, who has been singing the national anthem before home games for more than 40 years, will retire after this season. Introduced as always as, “A Garden legend,” Rancourt received a thunderous ovation from the sellout crowd before singing the Canadian and U.S. anthems before the B’s and Habs faced off last night. Finishing with his usual flourish, he provided several extra fist pumps. Afterwards, he chatted with reporters in the press box about his decision to walk away. “Mother Nature is calling,” said the Lewiston, Maine, native. “I’ve been trying to act very young. I’m fooling a few people. But Mother Nature can’t be fooled. I’m 78. Maybe I started to think of retirement at 68, so I’m a little bit late.” Rancourt recalled the unlikely circumstances that led him to the Garden ice during the 1975-76 season. “I would never have gone to a hockey game,” he said. “I’m an opera singer. I was at Boston University, way deep into opera and the Boston Conservatory. I never would think to go to a hockey game. What is that? “But I sang at Fenway Park one day and the famous organist there, John Kiley, said, ‘Can you sing for the Bruins?’ I said, ‘Where do they play? They said North Station. “When I saw the fan reaction, it was far cry from the grand old opera, I’ll tell you. It was unbelievable. I said, ‘These are my people.’ It was a completely new experience in my life. When I saw that fan reaction, that was it, I was sunk from that moment on. I kept showing up, whether they wanted me there or not.” Rancourt has always been a fan favorite, and often hears from fans on the street. “It’s great,” he said. “You’re walking down the street deep in thought and you hear, ‘Oh, Canada…’ — he sings in his standard dramatic voice — and I’ll turn and sing, ‘Don’t quit your day job now.’ “It’s wonderful, the fan reaction. They take their hockey very, very serious. It took me time to learn that, but I did. “Every time I sing the anthem I imagine that it’s for the last time — (last night) it was almost for the last time — and I try to give it all I can, prepare as much as possible. Each year the preparation becomes longer and longer. So I had to make the decision. It was a tough one. “They tell me that I will miss it grandly. Forty years, times 40 home games is somewhere around 1,600, not counting the playoffs. In the old days we seemed to be in the playoffs a lot more than we are now.” He recalls the Bruins game days after the Boston Marathon bombing as the pinnacle of his career. That night, he began the “Star-Spangled Banner,” but quickly stopped singing — letting the sellout crowd belt out the song with tremendous emotion in an all-time Boston sports moment. “Nothing comes close to that, the marathon bombing game, where the Bruins just happened to be the only professional sports team playing right afterwards,” said Rancourt. “I think it was two days after. I was petrified to get out there. I had planned to stop singing in the middle of it. “I was very, very afraid of doing that. The reaction is something I will never, ever forget. That’s my proudest memory. (The fans singing) started building more and more. It was very, very exciting — the highest moment of my singing career and I didn’t hardly sing a note.” He’ll be long remembered for that night — and all 1,600 others. Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093563 Boston Bruins “It’s nice to be put in these situations. I think guys thrive off wanting to kill that and wanting to kill those situations. Even though I was a little winded at the end of that, it was good feeling, for sure,” said McQuaid. Bruins notebook: Bruins recognize contributions of Willie O’Ree Coach Bruce Cassidy said Miller was not going to travel with the team to New York, where the Bruins play tonight against the Islanders. Miller could, according to the coach, meet the team on the road. . . . Steve Conroy Thursday, January 18, 2018 David Krejci had a goal and assist and went 16-of-20 in the faceoff circle. . . .

When Willie O’Ree was just a teenager and an aspiring athlete, he was Tuukka Rask does not have a regulation loss in his last 15 games (13-0- fortunate enough to meet Jackie Robinson. Little did either of them know 2). at that time, nine years later, O’Ree would follow in Robinson’s trailblazing footsteps. Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 O’Ree told the story yesterday during a TD Garden ceremony at Legends in celebration of his 60th anniversary of breaking the NHL’s color barrier on January 18, 1958, in Montreal. “When I was 14, I was playing baseball in my hometown (Fredericton, New Brunswick) and we won the championship. The reward was our team was taken to New York to see the Empire State Building and Radio City Music Hall. I met Mr. Robinson at Ebbets Field down in the dugout, shook hands with him. Told him that I not only played baseball but I played hockey. And he didn’t realize there were any black kids playing hockey at that time. I talked to him for another four or five minutes before more media people came over,” said O’Ree as the now 82-year-old former Bruin was also honored in a pregame ceremony last night. “Then when I was traded to the Los Angeles Blades in 1961 in the Western League, the NAACP had a luncheon in Mr. Robinson’s honor in 1962. I got an invitation through the hockey club. I went to the hotel and Mr. Robinson was standing over in the corner talking to some media people. The coach and two other players were off to the side waiting for Mr. Robinson to finish. When he finished the coach said ‘Mr. Robinson, I’d like to introduce you to a couple players, especially Willie O’Ree.’ and Mr. Robinson turned and said ‘Willie O’Ree? Aren’t you the young fellow I met in Brooklyn?’ Now I met him in 1949 and he remembered me in 1962. Just made a big impact with him.” To commemorate the anniversary, the NHL and the Bruins are donating a refurbished street hockey rink to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to be named “Willie O’Ree Rink” in Allston. O’Ree, who said didn’t even know he’d broken the color barrier until the next day when he read about in the papers, did not enjoy the Hall of Fame career that Robinson did. His playing career did not end until the 1978-79 season with the minor league San Diego Hawks, he only played 45 games in the NHL, all with the Bruins. But it has been his post-playing career work as a diversity ambassador for the NHL and the Hockey Is For Everyone initiatives that has fortified his legacy in the game. Mayor Marty Walsh proclaimed yesterday Willie O’Ree Day in the city. Boston, which O’Ree refers to as “my second home,” often is painted as a racist community, but O’Ree said it is not unique in that regard. “You’re going to have racism, prejudice, bigotry and ignorance all over. I had it when I played. The one thing I did was I just ignored it. I just told myself ‘I’m a black player playing hockey. If people can’t accept me for the individual that I am — because I had the skills and the ability to play hockey at that time — then that’s their problem, not mine,’ ” said O’Ree.

“My older brother was not only my brother and friend, he was my mentor. And he told me all I needed to know about playing hockey. The first thing he taught me about was the fact that you’re going to be exposed to racism, you’re going to be exposed to name-calling. But what you should do is let it go in one ear and out the other. Don’t let it affect your game. Basically, that’s what I did. I fought a lot when I first started. I fought because I had to, not because I wanted to. But I never fought because of racial slurs or remarks because I would have been in the penalty box all the time. I fought because guys speared me and butt-ended. “It’s going to take a while for the racism and bigotry (to disappear) but we all have to work together to understand you can’t change the color of a person’s skin.” McQuaid back, strong With Kevan Miller felled by illness, Adam McQuaid made his return to the lineup after missing 35 games with a broken fibula. McQuaid has been ready to go for a couple of weeks, but with the Bruins going 9-0-4 in their previous 13 games, it was a tough lineup to crack. McQuaid was solid in 15:12 of icetime, including 1:34 of penalty kill time, 1:09 of which was a 5-on-3. 1093564 Boston Bruins “All I know is there’s a lot of new faces here and a lot of faces that are gone that would deal with me,” Julien said. “So, that’s just the team that was rebuilt, and that’s what they’ve done. They’ve rebuilt, and they gave Harris: Same old Claude Julien in return to TD Garden some young players some time to develop in the minors, and those guys are paying off right now.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 Stephen Harris Thursday, January 18, 2018

Bruins fans certainly don’t care much about the trials and tribulations of the Canadiens, other, of course, than to delight in the mediocrity with which the Habs are performing this season, and the likelihood that there will be no playoffs this spring at the . But Bruins fans ought to be fascinated by the postgame comments from Claude Julien, after his first homecoming to the Garden since coaching the B’s for 91⁄2 largely successful seasons turned out to be such a total flop for Les Bleu, Blanc et Rouge. The Canadiens proved little competition for the streaking Bruins, who beat them for the second time in five nights, 4-1. Julien’s remarks reminded us, one and all, just how great his analysis of this game can be. “We weren’t in it from the get-go, probably the first five minutes,” said Julien. “We had been playing good hockey; the last 4-5 games were good. (Last night), we laid an egg. “(It was) not good enough. Obviously it’s a disappointing loss for us, especially in the situation we’re in. We didn’t play well. It’s as simple as that.” He heard a fairly blunt question from the Montreal press corps, and he didn’t duck it: Given the importance of this game and tough predicament the team faces, have some players quit? “Well, I think that question is one you guys need to ask the players, not the coach,” he said. “I can’t answer for them. It’s important for you guys to ask the right people. That’s part of your job. My job is to tell you we weren’t good enough and we need to be better. “That’s my responsibility. I need to get this team to play better. No matter what they’re thinking, they need to change their approach if that’s the case. “We need to believe in ourselves. If you don’t believe, there’s no way in the world you’re going to get an opportunity or a chance. When you’ve got the kind of goaltender you have (in Carey Price) that’s going give you a chance every night and say, ‘You know what? Good things can happen if we decide to work together, work well, be on the same page.’ ”

Midway through the first period, the Bruins ran a nice video remembrance and tribute to their ex-coach on the Jumbotron. After, he waved and the fans gave him a very good ovation. It wasn’t easy for him, he said. “It’s always something that you kind of dread a little bit, because it does get a little emotional,” said Julien. “At the same time, you’re trying to keep your emotions intact because you’re trying to coach a game. “I appreciate what they did for me. As I’ve said, I’ve got nothing but good things to say about this organization that gave me the opportunity to spend 10 years here. “I’m kind of happy (my homecoming is) over, so we can move on now. But that doesn’t mean you can ever forget what’s happened here. It’d always going to be with you. But now I’m in another chapter of my coaching career.” While the Bruins have prospered under Bruce Cassidy, Julien’s Canadiens are a squad fraught with problems and a longshot, as we head in the season’s second half, to make the playoffs. The woes are not of Julien’s making. The club had a rough offseason, as longtime defenseman Andrei Markov turned down a new contract and opted to return to Russia to play. And big and talented forward Alexander Radulov also spurned the Habs, turning down their UFA offer to sign instead with the Dallas Stars. Those walkouts left two glaring holes in the Montreal roster and have left Julien, not for the first time in his career, forced to try and coach up a club lacking key pieces. Coaching a divisional foe, Julien is well aware of the infusion of youthful talent that is transforming the Bruins. He was asked whether he might have kept his job if the kids had arrived a year or two earlier. 1093565 Boston Bruins

Bruins keep on rolling, beat Montreal

Steve Conroy Thursday, January 18, 2018

The wheels on the Bruins’ bandwagon may have been getting a bit wobbly in recent games, but they looked pretty well aligned last night in their 4-1 victory over a Montreal Canadiens’ club fading fast from the playoff picture. After going 1-0-2 in their previous three games that all went to extra time, the B’s had control of last night’s contest after wiping out the Habs’ bad bounce goal on the first shift. The B’s stretched their points streak to 14 games (10-0-4) and opened a four-point lead over the third-place Maple Leafs with three games in hand. “It was way better,” said Torey Krug of the team’s overall game. “We had times where we were not great great, not crisp, but we overcame those times pretty quickly and that’s what is a strength of our team and it is going forward. But it was definitely a better feeling for a full 60 minutes. It felt like we were in control the whole time and didn’t give them any energy to propel them.” Tuukka Rask made 21 saves — the only “shot” to beat him was a deflection off Zdeno Chara’s stick 31 seconds into the game — while the B’s got goals from David Pastrnak (No. 18), Ryan Spooner (6), Brad Marchand (19, power play) and David Krejci (8, empty-netter). While former coach Claude Julien received a well-deserved ovation during a video tribute, it could not have been a pleasant night as his old squad showed it is a team on the rise while his new team is staring at what could possibly be a major rebuilding job. The confidence level the Bruins are feeling right now was visible with the way they responded to the bad-break goal, credited to Jakub Jerabek, on the first shift of the game. There were times in this rivalry — as recent as early last season, in fact — when that kind of goal from the Habs would have been an uh-oh moment for the B’s. Not so last night. “That’s how confident we are in our game right now,” said Krug, “and confident that Tuukka (Rask) is going to shut the door from there on out and we’re going to go out and score our goals. It’s a matter of time if we’re playing the right way that we’ll get rewarded.” They didn’t have to wait too long for that reward to come as they tied it at 6:50 on a pretty play from the top line. Pastrnak, who was close to being offsides on the zone entry but was able to drag his back skate, made a great play behind the net. From the seat of his pants, he poked the puck away from Jeff Petry and got it to Marchand, who in turn moved it to Patrice Bergeron in the slot. Bergeron made a nifty pass to Pastrnak, who had jumped up and gotten himself into shooting position on the right side of the net. Goalie Carey Price had no time to get over to stop Pastrnak’s shot. The B’s dominated the rest of the first period but could not forge ahead until 2:37 of the second. Jake DeBrusk transitioned the puck up ice after a Montreal turnover in the offensive zone and pushed it to David Krejci on the right wing. Krejci gained the offensive blue line before handing off to Ryan Spooner. Spooner, who butted heads a few times with Julien during the coach’s time in Boston, weaved his way down to the right side and sent a soft backhander into the crease that went in off of Jonathan Drouin’s right skate. With a little more of that kind of puck luck — they hit three bars on Grade A scoring chances in tight — the B’s might have blown the game open. But midway through the second, they found themselves in a bit of peril when Charlie McAvoy and Brandon Carlo incurred consecutive penalties, giving the Habs a 5-on-3 for 1:09. But thanks to terrific penalty killing from Chara, who was on for 2:25 of the 2:51 shorthanded time, and Adam McQuaid, in his first game back after missing 35 with a broken fibula, the B’s made the moment theirs. “You can’t say enough about those plays, those turning points in a game,” said coach Bruce Cassidy. “I thought we had been the better team, but they found a way to stay in the game on the road and that was their opportunity to take control of the game and we did a good job. A real good job.” Marchand finally gave the B’s some breathing space when he scored a power-play tally at 3:40. Julien pulled Price with the extra skater with 3:31 left, but just 19 seconds later Krejci sealed it with the freebie. Boston Herald LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093566 Boston Bruins

End of an era - Rancourt to retire as Bruins' anthem singer

By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 4:51 PM

BOSTON - The end of this hockey season will mark the end of an era for the Bruins. After more than 40 years singing the American and Canadian national anthems at the Garden ahead of Bruins games, singer Rene Rancourt has announced he’ll be retiring at the end of the season. Rancourt, 78, began singing the anthems for the Black and Gold in the 1975-76 season and has become an iconic part of the Bruins game day experience with his signature mustache, fashionable vest and animated fist pumps after he’s done singing. The Bruins have invited a number of guest singers over the past 10 years in Rancourt’s stead, but it was always Rene singing at the big games over the years. Perhaps his biggest moment came in the first game after Boston Marathon bombing in April 2013 when he stepped away from the microphone and allowed the emotional crowd to sing the words to the "Star-Spangled Banner" against the Buffalo Sabres. Rancourt was also known, of course, for singing Christmas carols between periods in the final home game prior to the holiday and for his operatic delivery of the anthems each time out. According to the Bruins press release, Rancourt, an Army veteran from Lewiston, Maine, is a trained opera singer who first began singing the national anthem at Red Sox games in the 1970s. The Bruins plan to honor Rancourt at the final regular-season home game on April 8 against the Florida Panthers, a makeup for the earlier date vs. the Panthers that was postponed by a snowstorm earlier this month. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093567 Boston Bruins truly moved on from a very solid 10-year run from Julien behind the bench.

The 42-18-9 record since the coaching change pretty much speaks to Haggerty: Julien returns to 'great city' and deserves one more moment that. Still, Julien will get one more well-deserved moment on Wednesday night before he truly becomes the double-agent coaching enemy behind the hated Montreal bench for the foreseeable future. By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 4:21 PM Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018

BOSTON - Claude Julien will get his rightful moment of adulation tonight in his return to the building he called home for a decade. Similar to the long, warm and appreciative ovation he received after passing Art Ross for the all-time victories in Bruins history, a video montage in appreciation of Julien’s 10 years leading the B’s will be playing upon his first trip back to the Garden as coach of the hated Montreal Canadiens. Another ovation from Bruins fans will undoubtedly follow and, true to his classy nature, Julien will surely acknowledge it in some way before jumping back into rivalry mode. He’ll also get stick taps and appreciative nods from his former players even in the middle of a hard-fought, divisional showdown with Montreal’s playoff lives on the line. “He’s a great coach and a great person. He taught me a lot about how to play the game the right way in certain situations,” said Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. “He was a great teacher. Anytime you have a teacher, you want to learn as much as you can. “He was here for a long time and he did a lot of great things for the team, the organization, the community and everyone. So he should be recognized for that definitely.” In the days leading up to his return for the first time since being fired last February, Julien has made no secret about the good feelings he still holds dearly from his time with both the Bruins and living in the city of Boston. “It’s a great city. People that come and visit the city love it. I liked it. I think as a family this is where our roots really grew. With a young family and stuff like that, I think there is lots to be said, and I’ve said it before and I’m certainly not ashamed to say that this is a great sports town that supports its teams. The fans are great,” said Julien, who finished his Bruins run with an incredible 419 wins, four division titles, seven consecutive playoff seasons, two Stanley Cup Finals appearances and the 2011 Stanley Cup championship. “There’s nothing to dislike about this city and right now, unfortunately, it’s about coming in here and hopefully making them not like you so much.” Clearly, it didn’t end well for Julien with the Bruins missing the playoffs in his final two full seasons and then headed that way again last season before he was replaced by Bruce Cassidy. The B’s then ripped off an 18- 8-2 stretch to get back into the postseason. The Bruins are playing an up-tempo hockey and utilizing five or six rookies in their nightly lineup this season and it’s difficult to imagine Julien, a conservative, defensive- minded coach, implementing those kinds of changes had he stuck around. It was probably wise, then, that Julien wasn’t going to go down that hypothetical road when asked about Boston’s new style of play on Wednesday morning. “We can dissect all we want and I don’t think it’s the right thing to do. I think you move on, and that’s not for me to say. People can decide on their own. All I know is there’s a lot of new faces here and a lot of faces that are gone that would deal with me,” said Julien. “So that’s just the team that was rebuilt, and that’s what they’ve done. They’ve rebuilt, and they gave some young players some time to develop in the minors, and those guys are paying off right now. But as I said, when you have a good, strong leadership group, it’s the best thing for a young player coming in. They have that here. “I think when you look at this team, they made some room for young players to come in, and they cleaned up some situations here in the last year. They allowed some of their young guys to grow in the minors. You look at [Jake] DeBrusk and stuff like that, you look at [Charlie] McAvoy that’s come in, and their leadership group is still the same. They have a strong leadership group and they tweaked certain things. They’re trying to play with pretty good pace, but when you looked at us against them [last weekend], I don’t think there’s a very big difference in the pace of the game. Sometimes it’s about bounces and sometimes it’s about certain teams making certain adjustments.” The record, however, says that there is a big difference between the Bruins and Canadiens this season and that Boston’s plan of attack, personnel and coaching style are all flowing into one, big growing Black and Gold success story. This season, the B’s have shown that they have 1093568 Boston Bruins

McQuaid expected to return for first time since October tonight

By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 2:36 PM

BRIGHTON, Mass – After waiting weeks for it to happen, it looks as if Bruins defenseman Adam McQuaid is going to draw back in for the Bruins. The veteran defenseman has been healthy since right around Christmastime after recovering from a broken leg suffered blocking a shot back in October, but McQuaid hadn’t been able to bust back into a lineup that’s been winning games. Now, B’s defenseman Kevan Miller has missed back-to-back practices while feeling “under the weather” and coach Bruce Cassidy termed him “doubtful” for tonight’s home game against the Montreal Canadiens. “Kevin Miller is still feeling under the weather, so he’s very doubtful for tonight. I don’t want to completely rule him out, but it doesn’t look good,” said Cassidy. “Adam would be in [if Miller doesn’t play] and it’s looking that way, but let’s give it a few hours. There’s going to be rust. It’s inevitable. We understand that, so we just need to allow him to be himself and play. We’ll expect he’ll want to get rid of the puck quickly based on the limited reps he’s had, but the part of the game he gets back quickly is hopefully his strength.” So, McQuaid is expected to play for the first time since Oct. 19 in a pairing with rookie Matt Grzelcyk and is excited to lace them up again after a long wait biding his time as a veteran coming back from injury. “It’s not a regular game because I’ve missed so much time, but it’s probably [a feeling of] excitement more than anything,” said McQuaid, who has an assist and a minus-3 in six games this season. “It probably goes without saying [that you want to play], but it’s been good to watch how the guys have come together. You really feel that off the ice and during practice days and stuff, so hopefully I’ll have a chance to feel that in a game. It will be nice to back on the bench and hopefully add to this run that the guys have been on.” It won’t be easy for McQuaid dropping right into an emotional Bruins- Canadiens game that’s also Claude Julien’s first game back at TD Garden since getting fired last season. Clearly, he’ll be trying to keep it simple when McQuaid might naturally start trying to do whatever it takes to stay in the regular lineup, but a veteran defenseman knows it’s really all about doing what it takes for the win. “I’m just going to go out and play, play simple and not overthink things. You let everything else take care of itself and you focus on playing,” said McQuaid, who has missed a span of 36 games headed into tonight. With McQuaid expected to return, here are the projected line combinations and D-pairings based on an optional morning skate on Wednesday at : Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak DeBrusk-Krejci-Spooner Heinen-Nash-Backes Schaller-Kuraly-Acciari Chara-McAvoy Krug-Carlo Grzelcyk-McQuaid Rask Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093569 Boston Bruins

Morning Skate: Bruins might part with prospects in right deal

By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 11:52 AM

Here are all the links from around the hockey world, and what I’m reading while it’s once again snowing in Boston. -- Interesting stuff as always from FOH (Friend of Haggs) . Among his 31 thoughts: His notion that the Bruins have told other teams they won’t be trading away any of their young players. I think it’s pretty clear they have no intentions of dealing Brandon Carlo, Charlie McAvoy, Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen or Anders Bjork, and rightfully so given the impact they’ve had on the NHL roster. But the Bruins certainly may be willing to deal some of their next wave of prospects if the right player becomes available, so I wouldn’t take that as a blanket statement that won’t be trading any of his organization’s young players. -- Scary stuff for the Chicago Blackhawks, as they’re worried that goalie Corey Crawford could be out for the season with vertigo issues. -- Kid Rock's being named featured performer at the 2018 NHL All-Star Game received very “meh” reactions from those around the hockey world. Personally, I was hoping for Chaka Khan. -- The Calgary Flames are finally living up to their big expectations after struggling in the first half of the season. -- So what exactly do the Ottawa Senators have to play for in their final 40 games of the season after losing their way out of playoff contention? -- Good piece from FOH (Friend of Haggs) Arpon Basu on the lasting legacy that Claude Julien has left with the Bruins. -- For something completely different: The synopsis is finally out for the new Han Solo standalone Star Wars movie, but still no trailer or teaser. Tags: Boston Bruins, Joe Haggerty, Morning Skate Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093570 Boston Bruins

Spooner's strong play continues as B's dominate Habs

By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 11:58 PM

GOLD STAR: It had to feel good for Ryan Spooner. The speedy forward played a great game, finished with the game-winning goal in Claude Julien’s return to Boston and had both four shots on net and four registered hits in 16:07 of ice time. His goal was a level of grit and buy-in that he didn’t always have when Julien was the coach, but it’s one that he’s found more and more since Bruce Cassidy took over behind the B’s bench. Spooner drove the puck straight toward the net, and attempted to throw a pass backdoor to Matt Grzelcyk. But instead the puck bounced off Jonathan Drouin’s skate and ended up in the back of the net to make it a 2-1 game in the second period. For a player that long struggled under the watchful eye of Julien, Spooner’s night continued a stretch of very strong play since coming back from injury. BLACK EYE: Jonathan Drouin was supposed to be a game-changing center for the Canadiens after being moved from Tampa Bay, but he hasn’t even been close to that, or actually being a center, for the Habs this year. Drouin really didn’t bring much of anything on Wednesday night with a couple of shots on net, a giveaway and a 1-for-9 on the draw in his 17:04 of ice time. He was like so many of the other players on the Montreal roster that didn’t show up with their best in a rivalry game between the Bruins and the Habs. Even worse than that they didn’t show up in a game they desperately needed to win if they wanted to stay relevant in the playoff race. With the minus game again on Wednesday, Drouin is also now a minus-20 on the season in what’s been a truly disappointing year. TURNING POINT: The Bruins bounced back strongly after giving up a goal on the first shift of the game, and really took things over after the fortunate bounce for Jakub Jerabek got the Habs on the board early. The Bruins outshot the Canadiens by a 25-13 margin in the first two periods, dominated play and posted a goal in each of the first two periods to get the B’s on the board. From that point on it was smooth sailing and Boston only needed to collect a couple of insurance goals in the third period to truly seal Montreal’s fate. What was surprising was that the Habs showed little fight or pride while slowly sinking into the mud during the game, and never ever provided any real challenge to the Bruins in a game that was still separated by just a single goal until later in the third period. HONORABLE MENTION: David Krejci had one of his better games for the Bruins with a goal, two points and a plus-2 rating in 15:58 of ice time. It was an empty net goal that rounded out the scoring in the third period, and he finished with four shot attempts, a takeaway and 16-of-20 face-off wins in 15:58 of ice time. In general the Bruins frontline centers absolutely and thoroughly dominated Montreal’s poor excuse for players down the middle of their lineup, and Krejci was a big part of that in helping set up Spooner’s game-winner as well. Krejci was also a player that had his differences of opinion with Julien when he was coaching the Bruins, so the big game for him on Wednesday night also must have felt pretty cathartic when it was all said and done. BY THE NUMBERS: 15 – the number of games for Tuukka Rask’s current point streak where he’s put together a 13-0-2 record that dates back to his four game benching in the middle of November. He finished with a solid night’s work of 21 saves in the win over the Habs. QUOTE TO NOTE: “We laid an egg.” –Claude Julien said that phrase in both French and English to discuss a truly pathetic performance for his Canadiens team in what should have been an intense Bruins/Habs rivalry game on national television. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093571 Boston Bruins

Bruins spoil Julien's return to Boston with victory over Canadiens, 4-1

By Joe Haggerty January 17, 2018 10:01 PM

BOSTON – It was a nice night for Claude Julien in his return to Boston with a well-done video montage and a warm ovation from the still- appreciative Bruins fans. But that’s where it ended for the Habs coach as his hockey club pretty much no-showed for the game and rolled over in a 4-1 win for the Bruins at TD Garden on Wednesday night. The Canadiens scored the game’s first goal just 31 seconds into the game when a Jakub Jerabek perimeter shot bounced off Zdeno Chara in front and skipped past Tuukka Rask. But it was all Black and Gold after that with David Pastrnak tying things up six minutes later, and the Bruins outshooting the Habs by a 13-7 margin in the second period while extending their lead. This time it was Ryan Spooner taking the puck to the net and watching as his centering pass attempt bounced off Jonathan Drouin’s skate and into the net. It was three goals in his last four games for Spooner, who had to feel a pretty big sense of satisfaction at netting the game-winner against a coach he clearly didn’t see eye-to-eye with early in his B’s career. Brad Marchand added a necessary power play strike in the third period to give Boston the insurance marker that they needed, but it didn’t really matter against a Canadiens team that was pretty lifeless for long stretches of the game. Tuukka Rask stopped 21 shots and went into lockdown mode after the first goal allowed, but truth be told the Canadiens didn’t have much in the way of quality chances throughout the game. David Krejci added the empty net goal late in the third for icing on the cake in a pretty one-sided affair for a Boston/Montreal rivalry game. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093572 Buffalo Sabres Victor Antipin is working his way back into the lineup. The defenseman has not played since Dec. 19. He was a healthy scratch for two games before coming down with the flu after Christmas, causing him to miss six Sabres Notebook: Big doings over break for Girgensons, Housley games, including the Winter Classic. He returned to practiced and was a healthy scratch for the last two games (Winnipeg and Columbus) for a grand total of 10 straight games out of the lineup. By Amy Moritz | Published Wed, Jan 17, 2018 | Updated Wed, "I'm feeling better," Antipin said after practice on Wednesday. "It was Jan 17, 2018 really bad. I lost 10 pounds. I had to eat, eat, eat to get it back. I have a good appetite now."

Antipin said he has regained the weight and is ready to play. The The bye week in the National Hockey League gives players and coaches message from the coaching to him as been that they "they want more five days away from hockey. Both usually get away, some to tropical skating from me, be more aggressive," Antipin said. locales and some just back home with family. In 24 games, Antipin has four assists with a minus-3 rating. But for two members of the Buffalo Sabres, big things happened during the five-day break. *** Coach Phil Housley returned to Minnesota and was part of the In Amerks news, Brendan Guhle landed on the injury update, listed as campaign launch for his wife, Karin, who is running for the U.S. Senate. day-to-day. Forward Zemgus Girgensons, meanwhile, went to California and "Too bad that he suffered a lower body injury his last game but you know proposed to his girlfriend. he's doing a great job down there," Housley said. "We want him back healthy. If he does come up we don’t want to put any pressure on him "We went to Santa Barbara," Girgensons said. "I had that planned. I and put him in a position not to succeed. popped the question there. Everything went smooth." "I really liked what he brought the last games he played with us. Since I met you I have only had one true friend and it has been you! It Especially in the Columbus game. A lot of times it was him and Jake has made it all so much more special that you are the love of my life! (McCabe) up on the rush. I'm all for that kind of hockey especially Can’t wait to spend the rest of it with you! #myfuturewife attacking the game the way he did." A post shared by Zemgus Girgensons (@zemgus94) on Jan 13, 2018 at The Amerks begin a season-long five-game road trip Wednesday against 8:51pm PST the Utica Comets. Teammates offered congratulations by pushing him into the center of the Buffalo News LOADED: 01.18.2018 team circle on the ice to lead pre- and post-practice stretching in KeyBank Center as the Sabres got back to work Wednesday. Meanwhile, Housley was in Stillwater, Minn., where his wife, Karin, officially launched her campaign for the Senate. I have never been silent about things that matter, which is why I am running for the U.S. Senate. GREAT CAMPAIGN KICK OFF today! Thank you to the hundreds that came out to support & join in the fun! Freedom matters. pic.twitter.com/K9Op5ARkU3 — Karin Housley (@KarinHousley) January 15, 2018 Karin Housley, a Republican, is currently a state senator in Minnesota representing the Stillwater and Forest Lake areas. She is running for the U.S. Senate seat that was vacated by the resignation of Sen. Al Franken. A special election will be held in November 2018. "It was great," Phil said of joining Karin for the campaign rally. "It's a great opportunity for her to jump into the U.S. Senate race. A good time and now with Tim Pawlenty backing out, she's pretty much in the pole position, so it's an exciting time." Pawlenty, a former Republican governor of Minnesota, announced Tuesday he will not run in the special election. Couldn't make it to the Housley for U.S. Senate kickoff? That's okay! Check out our video from the event. I cannot wait to spend the next 10 months traveling across this wonderful state and meeting Minnesotans from all walks of life!! #ANewVoice #HousleyforSenate pic.twitter.com/DeoFvEM0S1 — Karin Housley (@KarinHousley) January 17, 2018 *** Defenseman Casey Nelson was recalled from the and practiced with the Sabres on Wednesday. He was in for Nathan Beaulieu who is sick and listed as "day-to-day." Beaulieu missed five games in December with an illness. Nelson is on his second recall this season, but did not play in his earlier callup. Through 37 games in his second AHL season, Nelson has 11 points (two goals, nine assists) and leads the Rochester Americans with a plus-11 rating. "Hopefully I can capitalize on this opportunity," Nelson said adding that his season in Rochester as been "pretty good." "I've been focusing on my defense first. That's where I feel my game has taken a step this year and just playing responsible." *** 1093573 Buffalo Sabres better. I want to get to the place where every night I'm helping my team out."

Buffalo News LOADED: 01.18.2018 Sabres find motivation after the bye week

By Amy Moritz | Published Wed, Jan 17, 2018 | Updated Wed, Jan 17, 2018

Mathematically, the possibility still exists for the Buffalo Sabres to make the playoffs. But 20 points out of the wild-card spot with the fewest points in the Eastern Conference have the Sabres all but assured of sitting out the postseason for the seventh straight season. So after five days off from the National Hockey League with the Rangers up Thursday night in New York, the Sabres got back to work physically rested and mentally refreshed, but with what to play for exactly? "I don't think you ever lose your motivation," Sabres defenseman Marco Scandella said. "I do what I love. I can't speak for everyone in this room, but I definitely know that for myself it's always exciting to play hockey. I'm always motivated. I think what getting a break does for you just gives you time to heal. You get to get away from it for a bit so when you come back you're just that much more hungry and excited about it." The popular assumption is that once out of the playoffs, there's not much to play for outside of pride and individual future contracts. Scandella, in his eighth NHL season and first with the Sabres, doesn't see it that way at all. Instead, this is can be a crucial time for the Sabres to establish their identity, to ferment their culture, and set the foundation for the future. "It's the absolute best thing ever to play in this league so you can't take it for granted," Scandella said. "You just remind yourself every day that we're out of the playoffs but we're still building here, we're building for next year and we have to find a way to turn things around. We can't just say, oh this year's lost and let's just show up for training camp and it's all going to come together for us. I think it's up to us in this group, in this room, to figure things out, to make it happen this year so when we come in next year, we have confidence that we've done it before and have the group that knows how to do it." Coach Phil Housley echoes those sentiments. The Sabres have to learn how to win and throwing away these last 38 games would be a profound waste of time. Asked if it's a challenge to motivate players in this situation, Housley said, "No, I don't think so." "The challenge for us is that we're playing a lot of teams down the stretch here that are in the playoffs or in playoff contention. That's our challenge – see how we measure up day in, day out against really, really good teams. Columbus was a good example. We've got New York who is first in the wild-card spot. They're looking to move up and Dallas is right in the hunt so that's the challenge for us. You see where teams are and watch them and realize it's tough to win." The Sabres went into their five-day break after a well-played 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets. They return to action at 7:30 p.m. Thursday playing the Rangers in Madison Square Garden, where New York holds a 16-8-3 record this season. The Sabres come back to Buffalo to host Dallas at 1 p.m. Saturday in KeyBank Center with the Stars holding the top spot in the Western Conference wild-card race. Buffalo is in no race, other than the race to avoid last place overall in the NHL. The Sabres' 31 points (11-24-9) have them ahead of the Arizona Coyotes of the Western Conference, who have just 28 points (10-28-8). But there is no heroic run to 30th place in the NHL, so players have to be intrinsically motivated. For veterans like Kyle Okposo, that motivation is not terribly difficult to find. "You've always got to find motivation somewhere," Okposo said. "I don't think it's that hard. You come to work and you want to be at your best and prove to yourself and prove to everybody that you still have it, that you're a good player. I think we all should take that into consideration. "You find motivation in team success, personal success. You find it anywhere," Okposo said. "Anytime you come to work and you come to play, you want to be at your best. I really want to get back to the level that I know I'm capable of and being an elite player. I feel like it's been a trying year for me mentally but there's some things I've really liked about my game in the last 20 and I'm really looking forward to keep getting 1093574 Calgary Flames But wait … wasn’t Gillies was projected to be ‘the guy?’ The 75th overall back in the 2012 NHL draft, the 6-foot-6, 223-pounder who starred with the NCAA’s Providence Friars from 2012-15 before joining the AHL’s Goaltending dominoes for Flames falling into place Heat in 2015-16? He played seven games that year before undergoing hip surgery in what was supposed to be his first full season of professional hockey. Then, Kristen Odland, PostmediaKRISTEN ODLAND, POSTMEDIA last year, he was challenged by Rittich in Stockton and finished with an 18-14-1 with a 2.93 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

Heading into Wednesday’s game against the San Jose Barracuda, Gillies In the last five years, essentially defined as the post-Miikka Kiprusoff era was 11-8-2 with a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals against in this city, the Calgary Flames goaltending depth chart has been a average. revolving door rather than an escalator. Clearly the Flames management believe that Rittich is a little more suited Granted, a goaltender’s progression to the National Hockey League is for prime time (at the moment), while Gillies, who played one game for never linear. the Flames in November when Smith was injured and Lack had allowed five goals on 15 shots, could benefit from a few more regular Heck … the path to the NHL for most players can be unpredictable. And appearances in the AHL. sometimes, the best laid plans — even if just for a short-term — never work out exactly as a general manager envisions when plotting the plan Remember that linear pattern? Doesn’t always happen. of attack during the off-season. “Everyone wants everyone to get to the NHL really quick,” said Treliving, Exploring Calgary’s timeline of netminders since the 2013 lockout season who also has Mason McDonald, the second-round pick (34th overall) of proves that. Before 2017-18, 12 different goaltenders had played for the the 2014 draft now toiling with the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks. ‘It’s Flames since Kiprusoff — arguably the best goaltender in franchise not that easy, especially for goaltenders. We knew that, on our reserve history — sailed off into the sunset, never to be heard from again. Those list, we have some depth there, and we think those guys have a chance names, to jog your memory, are: Joey MacDonald, Danny Taylor, Leland to be good goaltenders. You look at David, you look at Jon Gillies, and Irving, Reto Berra, Karri Ramo, Joni Ortio, Jonas Hiller, Niklas down the line … It’s just a matter of when you think they’re ready.” Backstrom, Brian Elliott, Chad Johnson, David Rittich and Jon Gillies. Keep in mind, these decisions were spread between three general But wait … what about Tyler Parsons, the Flames’ 54th overall draft pick managers: Jay Feaster, Brian Burke and Brad Treliving. in 2016? Isn’t he supposed to be ‘the guy,’ too? But the fact that the Flames are finally approaching stable ground with a The 20-year-old’s story is interesting, too, as he began this year with the clear vision of the future should not come as a big surprise. ECHL’s Mavericks and, after the Flames traded Lack to the Devils, a spot opened for him with the Heat. And even this season isn’t going quite as planned … His first AHL game wasn’t entirely indicative of the final score, as Mike Smith is proving to be every bit the goaltender Treliving traded for, a Parsons kept the Heat afloat early in the game but wound up losing 7-2 nice surprise as the 35-year-old former Arizona Coyotes star was sitting as Parsons faced 40 shots. among the top-10 netminders who have won 20 games or more heading into the Flames five-day CBA-mandated bye-week. Competition will no doubt exist between the two Heat goalies, but Treliving has no plans to rush either netminder up to the NHL. Smith has played 38 games, going 20-13-3, which is also among the most heavily utilized netminders in the NHL. His 2.46 goals-against “Let’s just hold on … let’s let them develop on their own time,” Treliving average was fifth in the NHL among goalies playing 35 games or more said. “We don’t want to rush things. I like where we’re trending. We think (heading into Wednesday’s action) while his .924 save percentage had it’s starting to set up. But we’ll see. It takes time. You look at guys that him in a three-way tie for second in the league along with Jonathan Quick have had a year or two or three down there and it doesn’t hurt them, of the L.A. Kings and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. especially at that position.” But the Flames brought in Eddie Lack during the off-season as a Calgary Herald: LOADED: 01.18.2018 potential back-up, given that he’d played some NHL games and could, potentially, spell off Smith. It became clear early on that Lack wasn’t as dependable as they originally thought (and needed more live bullets), so the team put him on waivers Nov. 23. The Flames sent him to play with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat and eventually traded him to the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 30. “I don’t know if it’s changed,” said Treliving, when asked about his club’s goaltending landscape as of Jan. 14. “We brought Eddie in during the summer and wanted to be careful of rushing everyone … We got into the season, and Eddie didn’t get to play. But it was over that two-month period that the guys in Stockton were ready. They were ready for an opportunity. “We felt we could move Eddie along, and it allows us to give David a chance and a lot of reps for Jon.” David, of course, is Rittich, the 25-year-old Czech netminder who was a wildcard in 2016-17 when the Flames signed him to a one-year deal, his first season in North America. Originally brought in as competition for Jon Gillies, the heir apparent to the throne in Calgary, Rittich is now Smith’s back-up. Able to mentally handle the back-up role in stride, Rittich has played six games this season and has a 4-1-0 record. One of those victories was a 41-save effort, a 4-2 win over the host Florida Panthers on the second half of a back-to-back which helped extend the Flames’ current win streak. “He’s played well,” Treliving said of Rittich. “We thought he was a good goalie. You never know until you get here. But the other part to that position what people don’t understand is they have to have the right make-up. When you play as a back-up to Mike Smith, you’re going into tough situations. You’re not getting a rested team (in front of you). You’re playing in back-to-backs and, sometimes, on the road. You have to have the ability but also the mental makeup to handle it. David’s got it. We think highly of David.” 1093575 Calgary Flames But wait … wasn’t Gillies was projected to be ‘the guy?’ The 75th overall back in the 2012 NHL draft, the 6-foot-6, 223-pounder who starred with the NCAA’s Providence Friars from 2012-15 before joining the AHL’s Flames goaltending vision finally taking shape Heat in 2015-16? He played seven games that year before undergoing hip surgery in what was supposed to be his first full season of professional hockey. Then, Kristen Odland, Postmedia last year, he was challenged by Rittich in Stockton and finished with an 18-14-1 with a 2.93 goals against average and a .910 save percentage.

Heading into Wednesday’s game against the San Jose Barracuda, Gillies In the last five years, essentially defined as the post-Miikka Kiprusoff era was 11-8-2 with a .921 save percentage and a 2.43 goals against in this city, the Calgary Flames goaltending depth chart has been a average. revolving door rather than an escalator. Clearly the Flames management believe that Rittich is a little more suited Granted, a goaltender’s progression to the National Hockey League is for prime time (at the moment), while Gillies, who played one game for never linear. the Flames in November when Smith was injured and Lack had allowed five goals on 15 shots, could benefit from a few more regular Heck … the path to the NHL for most players can be unpredictable. And appearances in the AHL. sometimes, the best laid plans — even if just for a short-term — never work out exactly as a general manager envisions when plotting the plan Remember that linear pattern? Doesn’t always happen. of attack during the off-season. “Everyone wants everyone to get to the NHL really quick,” said Treliving, Exploring Calgary’s timeline of netminders since the 2013 lockout season who also has Mason McDonald, the second-round pick (34th overall) of proves that. Before 2017-18, 12 different goaltenders had played for the the 2014 draft now toiling with the ECHL’s Kansas City Mavericks. ‘It’s Flames since Kiprusoff — arguably the best goaltender in franchise not that easy, especially for goaltenders. We knew that, on our reserve history — sailed off into the sunset, never to be heard from again. Those list, we have some depth there, and we think those guys have a chance names, to jog your memory, are: Joey MacDonald, Danny Taylor, Leland to be good goaltenders. You look at David, you look at Jon Gillies, and Irving, Reto Berra, Karri Ramo, Joni Ortio, Jonas Hiller, Niklas down the line … It’s just a matter of when you think they’re ready.” Backstrom, Brian Elliott, Chad Johnson, David Rittich and Jon Gillies. Keep in mind, these decisions were spread between three general But wait … what about Tyler Parsons, the Flames’ 54th overall draft pick managers: Jay Feaster, Brian Burke and Brad Treliving. in 2016? Isn’t he supposed to be ‘the guy,’ too? But the fact that the Flames are finally approaching stable ground with a The 20-year-old’s story is interesting, too, as he began this year with the clear vision of the future should not come as a big surprise. ECHL’s Mavericks and, after the Flames traded Lack to the Devils, a spot opened for him with the Heat. And even this season isn’t going quite as planned … His first AHL game wasn’t entirely indicative of the final score, as Mike Smith is proving to be every bit the goaltender Treliving traded for, a Parsons kept the Heat afloat early in the game but wound up losing 7-2 nice surprise as the 35-year-old former Arizona Coyotes star was sitting as Parsons faced 40 shots. among the top-10 netminders who have won 20 games or more heading into the Flames five-day CBA-mandated bye-week. Competition will no doubt exist between the two Heat goalies, but Treliving has no plans to rush either netminder up to the NHL. Smith has played 38 games, going 20-13-3, which is also among the most heavily utilized netminders in the NHL. His 2.46 goals-against “Let’s just hold on … let’s let them develop on their own time,” Treliving average was fifth in the NHL among goalies playing 35 games or more said. “We don’t want to rush things. I like where we’re trending. We think (heading into Wednesday’s action) while his .924 save percentage had it’s starting to set up. But we’ll see. It takes time. You look at guys that him in a three-way tie for second in the league along with Jonathan Quick have had a year or two or three down there and it doesn’t hurt them, of the L.A. Kings and Henrik Lundqvist of the New York Rangers. especially at that position.” But the Flames brought in Eddie Lack during the off-season as a [email protected] potential back-up, given that he’d played some NHL games and could, potentially, spell off Smith. It became clear early on that Lack wasn’t as http://www.twitter.com/Kristen_Odland dependable as they originally thought (and needed more live bullets), so Calgary Sun: LOADED: 01.18.2018 the team put him on waivers Nov. 23. The Flames sent him to play with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat and eventually traded him to the New Jersey Devils on Dec. 30. “I don’t know if it’s changed,” said Treliving, when asked about his club’s goaltending landscape as of Jan. 14. “We brought Eddie in during the summer and wanted to be careful of rushing everyone … We got into the season, and Eddie didn’t get to play. But it was over that two-month period that the guys in Stockton were ready. They were ready for an opportunity. “We felt we could move Eddie along, and it allows us to give David a chance and a lot of reps for Jon.” David, of course, is Rittich, the 25-year-old Czech netminder who was a wildcard in 2016-17 when the Flames signed him to a one-year deal, his first season in North America. Originally brought in as competition for Jon Gillies, the heir apparent to the throne in Calgary, Rittich is now Smith’s back-up. Able to mentally handle the back-up role in stride, Rittich has played six games this season and has a 4-1-0 record. One of those victories was a 41-save effort, a 4-2 win over the host Florida Panthers on the second half of a back-to-back which helped extend the Flames’ current win streak. “He’s played well,” Treliving said of Rittich. “We thought he was a good goalie. You never know until you get here. But the other part to that position what people don’t understand is they have to have the right make-up. When you play as a back-up to Mike Smith, you’re going into tough situations. You’re not getting a rested team (in front of you). You’re playing in back-to-backs and, sometimes, on the road. You have to have the ability but also the mental makeup to handle it. David’s got it. We think highly of David.” 1093576 Calgary Flames That’s not to take credit away from Ferland though. He does a lot of things well in his own right that makes him a perfect fit next to these two players, mainly he knows how to find and sneak into the necessary By the numbers: Micheal Ferland's breakout season space where one of those two dynamic offensive players can feed him in a good spot.

That’s the main idea I got from watching all of his goals from this season: By Dom Luszczyszyn 13 hours ago his ability to not only go to the net hard, but also get there smart. He finds and creates empty space in dangerous areas and times it well enough that his linemates can get the puck to him. His goal on January 6 against Anaheim was a perfect example of that. He came down the lane and It’s mid-January and he already has career highs in goals and points. shifted away from the defender at the perfect time to free himself for a Welcome to the Micheal Ferland breakout party. split second in a dangerous area right as Gaudreau was coming around Ferland has been a real bright spot on the Calgary Flames' barren right the corner with the puck. The high-low pass from behind-the-net, one of side and it’s pretty astounding that a player who was treated as a fourth the most dangerous passes in hockey was icing on the cake. liner last season (earning just 11:34 in ice-time per game) somehow That goal, along with six others, is highlighted here (s/t to Justin Bourne, already has 19 goals in 44 games this season, a 35-goal pace. That’s who I think was really excited that one of the resident nerds at The tied for 14th in the league with elite scorers like Auston Matthews, Evgeni Athletic was adding video to his piece) to showcase what Ferland brings Malkin and Vladimir Tarasenko. His 14 5-on-5 goals might be even more to the table and how his linemates set him up for greatness. impressive, though, as it’s tied for sixth in the league behind only Nikita Kucherov, William Karlsson, Anders Lee, Brock Boeser and Alex There are two types of goals in there: his teammates find Ferland with Ovechkin. On a per-60 basis, he’s seventh (Matthews and Ondrej Kase time and space to score or he finds himself in a really greasy area and move ahead, Ovechkin moves behind). bangs home an easy tap-in. They both show him scoring from in tight but in different ways. The latter ones are very interesting from a data The funny thing is that Ferland actually got off to a pretty slow start. He standpoint and show how far we still have to go. On the three goals (and only had three goals, two at 5-on-5, in the 11 games he played in I’m sorry that one, the first one, was on the power play, but it fits with the October. His 16 goals since are sixth in the league, and his 12 at 5-on-5 other easy goals) that fit the latter description, Ferland had it so easy that are fourth. if he didn’t score I imagine there might’ve been a few broken TVs in Through 44 games, Ferland has been one of the league’s best goal Calgary. He’s practically standing in the crease with an empty net in front scorers and that’s not a sentence many expected to read going into this of him. The expected goal values for each were 0.53, 0.44, and 0.31, but season. He’s been top five since November and that’s even crazier. it’s hard to imagine the Actual Value wasn’t a lot closer to 1.00. Strap Calgary has struck gold in turning a fourth liner into one of its most some skates on me and I probably could’ve scored those goals, too. dangerous weapons up front. Current data won’t capture the amount of net he has to shoot at. It won’t How did it happen? capture pre-shot movement. It won’t capture screens. It won’t capture how much time and space he has. It won’t capture the speed of each The biggest reason Ferland has been such a prolific scorer this season is shot. All these factors matter, but there are currently no (public?) data for because he’s been in the right place at the right time – in more ways than it. All we have is location and a couple of contextual qualifiers like rush one. shots and rebounds that help paint a better picture. That’s a large chunk and immensely helpful, it helped uncover the underpinnings of Ferland's For almost the entire year, Ferland has been a fixture on the top line with breakout season, but it doesn’t capture the whole story of how likely a Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. He’s spent 80 per cent of his goal was to go in. season next to both of them, up from 31 per cent last year. I don’t need to tell you how important getting an opportunity like that is and it’s usually There were a number of goals Ferland scored where better data might’ve the biggest reason for any unexpected breakout season like the one helped illuminate just how good Ferland’s chances to score have been: Ferland is having. Who a player plays with matters more than any other 2-on-1s, breakaways, rebound tap-ins, one-timers, royal-road passes, situational context, and that’s especially true when you go from playing etc. Of his 14 goals, 11 came off above average chances, and half had with the inconsistent dregs of Calgary’s forward depth to two of the an expected goal rate of 0.19 or higher, but perhaps they could’ve game’s most talented offensive forces. actually been higher based on other factors that happened before the goal. That’s all speculation though, since the data doesn’t really exist to What guys like Monahan and Gaudreau can do is create higher quality test, but it makes hockey sense and we have some evidence from chances to score and Ferland has benefitted immensely from that. At 5- tracking data that a lot of these factors make shots much likelier to go in. on-5, Ferland has the ninth highest expected shooting percentage this season at 13.4 per cent, up from 9.4 per cent last season. That four per All of this is to say that Ferland’s been put in a great position to succeed cent shift is the fourth highest this season (minimum 350 minutes and 35 given his expected shooting percentage, one of the biggest changes this shots), and a majority of players who see a rise in their expected season, but the effect may be even greater than measured due to the shooting percentage end up seeing a significant rise in their actual skill and creativity of Gaudreau and Monahan that can’t currently be shooting percentage. quantified. It shows up when you see most of the goals he’s scored though and I imagine that a look at all the shots that didn’t go in might That’s the Gaudreau and Monahan effect. That doesn’t explain his reveal something similar, though to a much lesser degree as he is current 19.7 per cent shooting percentage and it’s, of course, likely to capitalizing more on his best chances. regress, but for what it’s worth the amount he over-performs his shooting percentage hasn’t changed much from year-to-year (47 per cent this What that doesn’t mean is that Ferland can stay a 19 per cent shooter at season vs. 41 per cent last season). That he can out-perform shouldn’t 5-on-5 forever. He’s getting great chances now, he’s finding space, and be surprising, he’s got a pretty heavy shot, and now that he’s taking them he’s making them count – but 19 per cent is a lot to ask for, even if his from better areas he’s become lethal in the offensive zone. linemates are finding him in great areas. As defences adapt to the unexpected scorer on the right side, those great chances might start Most of Ferland’s goals at even-strength over the last two seasons have being harder to come by. It's also possible that he simply converts on come from those areas: right down main street and right in front of the fewer Grade A chances than he already has, because as great as his net. This is where most goals from any player come from of course, but chances are they aren't all 100 per cent tap-ins. Ferland makes a very good habit of scoring from there, and he has a knack for getting to the dirty areas. But even if there may be some regression coming for him, it doesn’t lessen what he’s shown so far on the Flames top line. He’s a scoring- Getting him more of those opportunities is what’s driving his increase in machine and a perfect fit next to Gaudreau and Monahan. That dynamic scoring this year and it’s clear his teammates are finding him in that duo has helped him breakout into the type of player not many expected, space. Here are two density plots of Ferland’s even-strength unblocked but he’s been exactly what they needed to take their game to new shots from the last two seasons via special request of Micah McCurdy, heights too. He’s in the right place at the right time. the talented man behind hockeyviz.com. The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 The first is when he’s playing with Gaudreau and Monahan. The second is when neither Gaudreau or Monahan are on the ice with him. This is where the effect of his teammates becomes immediately apparent. It’s a massive difference and it’s a big part of what’s driving his special season. “Just go to the net Micheal, we got the rest covered.” 1093577 Carolina Hurricanes

This NC hockey game goes on despite the snow – but one key thing is missing

BY KATHERINE PERALTA

The Charlotte Checkers are still playing at home tonight despite the bad weather that’s caused schools, malls and offices to close. But one major component is missing: The fans. The team said on its website Wednesday that its 5 p.m. game at Bojangles’ Coliseum against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers is closed to the public. Fans can exchange their tickets for future games by calling (704) 342-4423 or by emailing [email protected]. The game was originally scheduled for 3 p.m., but pushed back two hours because of the weather. Checkers spokesman Paul Branecky said the team didn’t want to encourage fans to drive when officials are advising people otherwise. “Staffing is also a concern (security, ushers, concessions, parking attendants), as is the condition of the parking lot itself,” Branecky told the Observer in an email. “As for why we chose to still play the game as opposed to just postponing it, our opponent is already here (we played them last night) and it would be really difficult to have them come back for a single game at a later date.” This isn’t the first time the hometown American Hockey League team has played in an empty arena in Charlotte. In 2016, also because of wintery weather, the Checkers closed their game against the Chicago Wolves to the public. Fans were offered new tickets then as well. The Checkers’ home arena will be considerably quieter than it was on Tuesday, when 8,341 fans showed up for a 1950s-themed night, and bought more than 7,000 $1 hot dogs, the team said. The Checkers next play in Charlotte against the Rochester Americans on Saturday at 6 p.m. Katherine Peralta: 704-358-5079, @katieperalta News Observer LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093578 Chicago Blackhawks Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the NHL, said in an email that the league has the ability to fine clubs, "and [does] in fact assess club fines" for this matter. But he would not give examples or disclose specifics. Some NHL teams hide injury information, but it might be hurting players Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock prefers to stay the course by masking all ailments, even head injuries. Curtis Rush and Isabelle Khurshudyan "I don't like talking about head injuries because as soon as you say there is a head injury then there are all these things about concussions and half the time it's the neck or something," Babcock said. "I want the player and the right people to work that out." Ken Hitchcock was tired of the dance. In his 22nd year behind an NHL bench, the Dallas Stars head coach decided he would break from the Earlier this season, Toronto's standout center Auston Matthews missed prevalent, league-wide trend of referring publicly to player injuries only as six games because of what Babcock called an upper body injury. It was "upper body" or "lower body" ailments. later revealed by Matthews to be a concussion. "It's an injury and within two hours after we tell you [the media] it's upper Babcock said the Leafs would continue to stick with "upper body" and body, you know exactly what it is, so why not just tell you?" Hitchcock "lower body" descriptors. "The great thing about the league is every said earlier this season. coach can do what he wants," he said. The practice of vague, binary injury designations was adopted decades Others aren't so sure the practice is beneficial. earlier by coaches who believed they were protecting their players by being vague. They theorized that opponents aware of injury specifics "I have heard the argument that by not putting 'concussion' on the report, would target the ailing body parts or otherwise exploit the injured players. they are protecting players from being targeted by the other team," But Hitchcock does not buy that logic. Nowinski said. "I see it the other way: If there is transparency that a player has just returned from a concussion, the referees can better "The players don't go out and say, 'He has a broken left pinkie, and we're recognize and penalize targeting a susceptible player's head, and the going to go after that pinkie,'" Hitchcock says. "Nobody thinks like that." league can more severely punish and suspend a player who targets the head of a player returning from concussion in an attempt to injure them." The "upper body"/"lower body" convention has been allowed to persist because, unlike the NFL, the NHL does not have a policy requiring teams Ken Holland, the Red Wings' general manager, is among the minority to release injury information publicly. But the practice is under increased who falls on the side of injury disclosure, whenever he can. Secrecy can scrutiny in an age of distrust for corporate communication and of be a curse, he said, leading to unsubstantiated rumors on social media. increased concern around the treatment of concussions - an injury commonly lumped into the "upper body" category. "There are stories out there that are not true, so I disclose it during the regular season to put the rumors to bed," Holland said. "By hiding the final diagnosis, they avoid public scrutiny on their decisions to allow players to continue playing despite showing The issue is not on the NHL's front-burner, according to Campbell, who concussion signs on the ice," said Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO suggested the topic might be addressed at the general manager's of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. "Hiding the injury is also meetings in March. confusing to their audience, which includes youth hockey players and "It'd be nice if the NHL just said, hey, make it full disclosure," Carolina parents. Every properly managed concussion in a professional game is Hurricanes Coach said. "I'd have no problem with that - as an educational opportunity, and by hiding the diagnosis, the NHL is long as it's consistent across the board." promoting confusion around concussion signs in NHL players." Some players, including the Washington Capitals' T.J. Oshie, still prefer Anton Thun, an NHL agent for almost 35 years, feels so strongly about the protection. this campaign of secrecy that he calls it "a travesty" and said there's no reason why teams can't be honest with the public. "There's still a bunch of idiots in the league who don't care if they take a penalty, and if they know someone's got a bad wrist, they're going to "It's an attempt to confuse," Thun said. "It creates a veil around what the slash it," Oshie said. injuries truly are. And it encourages players to hide the injury." According to the current collective bargaining agreement, "for public The hockey culture is steeped in the tradition of hiding injuries. Mostly, relations purposes" the league, teams and/or the NHL Players' it's a protective measure against targeting, real or imagined. Association have the discretion to disclose the nature of a player's injury Going back to March 1905, Frank McGee of the Ottawa Silver Seven is as well as treatment and recovery timeline around injuries sustained in said to have worn a light bandage over his broken wrist against the Rat service to the team. So while some players may want the protection of Portage Thistles in a Stanley Cup challenge while his good forearm was secrecy, the league could institute a policy of transparency without wrapped in a full cast as a decoy, according to hockey historian Eric needing them to sign off, though the players' association could file a Zweig. grievance. By the 1990s, former NHL coach Pat Quinn, a lawyer in training, Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik questions whether popularized the inscrutable "upper-" and "lower-body" injury terms as a disclosing a player's injuries is a violation of privacy. way to shade the truth and throw media off the scent. "If I go to the doctor's office, do I have to tell everybody? It's HIPAA Quinn, who viewed hockey as war and reporters as spies, sought a way [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] laws, you know?" to protect wounded players from being targeted. Tired of being hounded Orpik said. "So why should my personal health be relayed to everybody? by the media, Quinn came up with the "upper body" and "lower body" It's kind of weird." labels, which over time became part of the NHL coaching lexicon. After Washington's Oshie missed six games earlier this season, he didn't But players dispute how much difference it makes. hesitate in revealing he had suffered the fourth documented concussion of his career. He said he's happy to disclose whatever was ailing him . . . "Do players target? Not really," Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor as long as he's fully recovered. Carrick said. "You have a good player on their team and he's struggling [physically], and you want to make it harder on him. That's just the "Usually it seems like you guys know anyways," Oshie said. competitive nature of the game." --- Colin Campbell, a former coach and the currently league's senior vice- Khurshudyan reported from Washington. president of hockey operations, doesn't believe teams target wounded players and said that if he were a coach today, he would come clean, at Chicago Tribune LOADED: 01.18.2018 least during the regular season. "I would tell them [media] as long my general manager agreed," Campbell said. "I would just say the guy's got a sprained knee and he's out. End of story. And I'll tell you when he's coming back; don't ask me the next day or the next day." The league policy on disclosing injuries warns against giving false or misleading information to the media, but it's hard to tell if any coach is lying because the league does not reveal violators. 1093579 Chicago Blackhawks Postseason: 0-1 with a .895 save percentage, 2.55 goals-against average in three games with the Rangers

Statistics through Tuesday 3 goalies Blackhawks could pursue if Corey Crawford is out for season Chicago Tribune LOADED: 01.18.2018

Paul Skrbina

Corey Crawford has missed 10 straight games since he was put on injured reserve Dec. 27 with what the Blackhawks called an upper-body injury. Though coach Joel Quenneville said he believes Crawford will return this season, he and other team officials have been vague about when that could be. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, there was concern last week that Crawford could miss the rest of the season. Hawks senior adviser Scotty Bowman told a Canadian radio station Wednesday that Crawford is working through post-concussion syndrome. A Hawks official told the Tribune on Tuesday night that the team was aware of the reports but declined to comment further, citing the team’s policy on injuries. If Crawford is in danger of missing the rest of the season, the Hawks might be on the lookout for an experienced goalie to try to keep them in the hunt. Backups Anton Forsberg and Jeff Glass have done fine — 5-4-1 in the 10 games Crawford has missed — but their inexperience might prompt the team to search for more help. But with the trade deadline looming Feb. 26 and the playoff race thick, finding a trading partner could be dicey for the Hawks. With that in mind, here are a few goalies who will be free agents after this season, should the Hawks find a willing trade partner, most likely a team that isn’t in playoff contention. Robin Lehner, Sabres Contract status: Restricted free agent after this season. Cap hit this year: $4 million. Experience: 26-year-old is in his eighth season, third with the Sabres. Has played in 199 games. Best season: 2016-17: 23-26-8, .920 save percentage, 2.68 goals- against average. This season: 9-16-6 in 33 games (10 starts), .910 save percentage, 2.94 goals-against average. Postseason: 0-1 with a .920 save percentage, 2.45 GAA in two appearances with the Senators Petr Mrazek, Red Wings Contract status: Restricted free agent after this season. Cap hit this year: $4 million. Experience: 25-year-old has spent parts of six seasons with the Red Wings. Best season: 2015-16: 27-16-6, .921 save percentage, 2.33 goals- against average. This season: 4-5-1 in 13 games (10 starts), .894 save percentage, 3.43 goals-against average. Postseason: 4-6 in with a .931 save percentage and 1.88 goals-against in 10 starts. Antti Raanta, Coyotes Contract status: Unrestricted free agent after this season. Cap hit this year: $1 million. Experience: 28-year-old who spent two seasons with the Hawks is in his fifth year. Best season: 2016-17: 16-8-2 with a .922 save percentage and 2.26 goals-against average with the Rangers. This season: 6-12-4 in 24 games (all starts), .915 save percentage, 2.68 goals-against average. 1093580 Chicago Blackhawks Crawford spent most of the season bailing out the franchise. The guys who are getting franchise-player money absolutely have to do it now.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 01.18.2018 If Corey Crawford is out, can the Blackhawks still save their season?

Steve Rosenbloom Steve Rosenbloom

If Corey Crawford’s “upper-body” injury keeps him out the rest of the season, which was a possibility indicated by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, then the Blackhawks will have a “lower-standings” issue. No, wait. They already do. They’re already three points out of the playoffs, and while they continue their five-day break that ends this weekend, they’ll continue to lose ground. Just guessing that “One Goal” was not about finishing last in the division and missing the playoffs, but hey, that’s one way to avoid getting swept by the Predators, eh? When Crawford was placed on the injured list on Dec. 27, the Hawks were two points behind the Wild for the second wild-card spot, but held two games in hand. Without Crawford, the Hawks have gone 5-4-1 and find themselves three points behind the eighth-seeded Kings, who also have a game in hand. To recap, their lot without Crawford has become worse, and it could get a lot worse if he continues to suffer from what Hawks senior adviser Scotty Bowman told a Canadian radio station Wednesday is post-concussion syndrome. Crawford has been the Hawks’ best player this season, and it’s not even close. He won a lot of games by himself when his teammates proved inept or inert. His play had been Vezina Trophy-worthy, and even now his .929 save percentage ranks third in the league while his 2.27 goals- against average stands fifth overall. It seems impossible to imagine the Hawks trading for another Crawford and they don’t have an extra one handy. Jeff Glass has a better backstory than a future as a playoff goalie from what I’ve seen. Anton Forsberg seems earnest and talented, but his goals-against average is more than a half-goal worse than Crawford’s, which is a bad thing for a once-dominant team that sadly sometimes can’t score even a half-goal a game. See Sunday’s shutout-loss-tank-job against the dreaded Red Wings at home on Sunday. The long-range view goes only to Feb. 26. That’s the trade deadline. The Hawks will play 18 games before then and have a little more than five weeks to get some good news on Crawford. But if the news remains bad, then what? If you’re thinking of tanking, many of the players you might spitball in trade scenarios — all your Stanley Cup heroes — have no-movement clauses. Even Artem Anisimov has a partial no-movement clause. They could waive that negotiated right, but it makes GM Stan Bowman’s job even trickier and perhaps more onerous. Failing that, then what? Give or take a Lance Bouma, Tommy Wingels or Patrick Sharp, the Hawks are left with young players they drafted and developed and imagined would extend the championship window that is slamming down like a guillotine, so now who are you trading to change your fortunes? I still expect Bowman to trade for some players, and I expect Joel Quenneville to eventually bench them. No matter. The demands and expectations come back to the players who are covered in glory and money, the players who have three Stanley Cup rings and take up the biggest chunk of the salary cap in a hard salary-cap league. That starts with Jonathan Toews, the captain and No. 1 center. Shouldn’t a No. 1 center do better than tie for 80th in the league in scoring? That burden then tracks to Patrick Kane, who has been the most productive forward, racking up 45 points that tie for 17th in the NHL. Kane has shown he can play with anybody, except on the power play, where nobody can play and which has been charged with numerous crimes against hockey. Duncan Keith, hello. Anytime you want to score a goal, fine by us. We’re coming up on the one-year anniversary of his last one. Brent Seabrook, you get a lot of money and will continue to get a lot of money, so how about changing a game? For the better, I mean. Take advantage of those sheltered minutes. 1093581 Chicago Blackhawks

Kid Rock as an NHL All-Star Game entertainer got an icy reaction. But Jeremy Roenick approves.

Des Bieler

The NHL proudly announced Tuesday its headlining entertainer for the league's All-Star Game, to be played in Tampa on Jan. 28. Apparently, more than a few fans felt that "Only God Knows Why" the league went with Kid Rock. In other words, plenty of folks were willing to give the NHL "All Summer Long" to come up with a more relevant, less polarizing act. Those have been references to Kid Rock's hit songs, by the way. "Bawitdaba," anyone? One way to measure the reception the announcement received is via the "ratio" earned by a pair of tweets the NHL posted. In both cases, the number of comments far outweighed the number of retweets, which is bad, and not in an "American Bad Ass" way. In fairness, the tweets got a notable number of likes, as well. In any event, one person who definitely liked the choice was former NHL star Jeremy Roenick, now an analyst who expressed great enthusiasm while helping interview Kid Rock (real name: Robert James Ritchie) Tuesday on NBC Sports Network. "When I talk to people about you, I say, 'Kid Rock is the most talented musician, I think, ever on the planet,'" Roenick said (via The Comeback), "because you can put any instrument in your hand or on your mouth, and you can play anything and rock a house, and sing any kind of genre." Kid Rock alluded to some of the backlash he has experienced for his expression of conservative political views, including support for President Donald Trump, opposition to Colin Kaepernick's protests during the national anthem and a penchant for displaying the Confederate flag during concerts after he switched to more of a country-rock music style. Last year, the Detroit-area native, who has also been accused of homophobia, teased the possibility of running for a Senate seat against Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., before acknowledging it was a publicity stunt to promote a new album and concert tour. "I haven't done TV in quite some time — no pun intended, but it's been kind of a turnoff, with all the politics that go into it, what you can and can't do, and blah, blah, blah," Kid Rock told NBCSN, which will televise his show during the second intermission of the All-Star Game. He praised the network for "really trying to make this a musical moment inside of a great weekend and a great event." Not everyone was of the opinion that adding Kid Rock to the all-star festivities was such a great idea. "Nobody chooses #KidRock for their event; they settle for Kid Rock when they can't get anyone else for the money they're offering.." one tweet read. Nevertheless, the NHL is likely to forge ahead with Kid Rock, even though he was booed at another recent sporting event, the Pistons' first game at their new arena. It's worth noting that the Pistons play in Detroit, where the locally produced, five-time Grammy Award nominee might reasonably have been expected to get a warmer welcome than in, say, Tampa. Then again, given Tampa's location, it may fit better with an artist whose most recent album was titled "Sweet Southern Sugar" and spawned singles such as "Po-Dunk" and "Tennessee Mountain Top." That said, many NHL fans are wondering why the league thought Kid Rock was a good fit for its 2018 All-Star Game. Chicago Tribune LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093582 Chicago Blackhawks

Scotty Bowman says he thinks Corey Crawford’s injury concussion-

Paul Skrbina

A new wrinkle was added Wednesday night to the mysterious Corey Crawford injury saga. Scotty Bowman, a senior adviser for the Blackhawks, said during a radio interview with CJCL-AM 590 out of Toronto that Crawford most likely has post-concussion syndrome rather than vertigo-like symptoms, as the Sun-Times reported Tuesday. “It’s not what they’re reporting,” Bowman told the radio station. “Apparently what he really has is post-concussion syndrome.” Bowman told the Tribune via phone after the radio interview that he had no confirmation about the specifics of Crawford’s injury and was speculating it was concussion-related based on his past experiences in hockey. “I’m anxious to find out,” said Bowman, a Hall of Fame coach and the father of Hawks general manager Stan Bowman. “I would be surprised if vertigo could keep you out for the season. That’s the way I should have put it — a guy possibly out for the season with vertigo, to me, is a stretch. I know people who have had it, and it doesn’t last very long. I’m just assuming; I’m not a doctor. Maybe you can have a concussion and have vertigo.” Vertigo is a symptom of post-concussion syndrome, but Bowman said he has no confirmation Crawford is suffering from the effects of a concussion either. Multiple messages left for Crawford’s agent this week were not returned. Crawford, 33, has not played since Dec. 23, when he allowed three goals on seven shots before he was pulled during a loss to the Devils. He was placed on injured reserve Dec. 27 with what the team called “an upper- body injury.” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Tuesday that as late as last week the team feared Crawford could miss the rest of the season. Crawford was placed on IR on Dec. 1 with an upper-body injury and missed three games, though it’s unclear whether that injury and the most recent one are related. Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said he “didn’t want to get into the details of all that” when Crawford was placed on IR in late December and added Crawford would be out “indefinitely.” Quenneville said recently he expected Crawford to return to the Hawks this season. Crawford is 16-9-2 with a .929 save percentage and 2.27 goals-against average. The Hawks return to the ice Friday for practice before playing the Islanders on Saturday night at the United Center. Quenneville said Sunday before the team’s scheduled five-day break that he hadn’t spoken to Crawford lately. Like Quenneville, Stan Bowman offered no details about when Crawford might return. “There’s no update right now,” Bowman said. “There’s not much to say until he’s back on the ice. It’s sort of status quo right now.” Chicago Tribune LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093583 Chicago Blackhawks His consternation didn't last long, though, because as fate would have it, the puck tumbled off Talbot, onto the ice and over the goal line to give the Hawks a 3-1 lead in a game they would win 4-3 in OT. Ever-improving Oesterle proving to be quite a find for Blackhawks "When I saw it bounce in I thought maybe Hartsy hit it," Oesterle said of teammate Ryan Hartman. "So I didn't get too excited, but when he said he didn't touch it then it was a full circle to score my first one against John Dietz Edmonton in Edmonton." After that, Oesterle's confidence soared. He scored in the next game at Calgary and again three games later at the United Center against the In the early stages of this season, Blackhawks defensemen Jordan Oilers. Oesterle and Cody Franson would often walk into the dressing room together after a practice or morning skate. "I thought I was playing with a fair amount of confidence before that," Oesterle said. "But it was a sense of relief. You don't really have your first Most of their teammates were nowhere to be seen, having taken off their NHL goal weighing on you anymore." equipment and begun preparing for the rest of their day. Now he goes out, trusting in his shot, his breakout game, his defense -- In late October, I approached them at their neighboring stalls and asked everything. He's also earned the trust of Quenneville, who is sending how difficult it was to stay positive as they sat out game after game after Oesterle out for 23-plus minutes a game against some of the best game. forwards in the game. "Definitely not easy," Franson said. "The hardest part is mentally. In "He has an offensive mind (in) making plays and seeing plays," some situations when you don't get talked to about things, it's tough to Quenneville said. "He's got a good shot, too. He finds a way to get that leave work at work. … seam -- and whether he's slapping it or snapping it -- it has some pace to it. "But it hasn't been like that here. The coaches have been pretty good about being in our ear, letting us know what their thought process is and "He thinks the game offensively and his defensive game may be a little why we're not playing." underrated." Shortly thereafter, Franson cracked the lineup, but Oesterle continued to Even if it took a bit of time for it all to come around. sit. Daily Herald Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 And sit. And sit. By early December, Oesterle had been a healthy scratch a whopping 25 times in the first 29 games, doing all the little things behind the scenes to be noticed by the coaching staff. He finally caught his break -- ironically enough -- when Franson was injured on Dec. 8 against Buffalo. Oesterle was immediately paired with Duncan Keith and hasn't sat out since, playing 16 straight games while scoring 3 goals and dishing out 6 assists. While Oesterle's first two months were enough to test anyone's mettle, it certainly could have been worse. "Going through it with Frannie kind of calmed me down a bit," he said. "Maybe if I was by myself I would have read into more things than I should have. … "He was a voice in my ear and (gave) me a little pick-me-up now and then whenever I needed it." • • • After playing three seasons at Western Michigan, Oesterle spent three seasons in the Edmonton Oilers organization, mostly with their AHL affiliate. The Dearborn Heights, Michigan, product is a left-handed shot but played almost exclusively on his off-side because the Oilers were overloaded with lefties. After last season ended, Oesterle was an unrestricted free agent and decided to sign a 2-year, $1.3 million deal with the Hawks because he knew there were openings on the back end. He impressed enough in camp to stick around, and since entering the lineup on Dec. 10, has managed to stick to Keith like Krazy Glue. Oesterle said the future Hall of Famer is often in his ear on the bench between shifts. "He's very influential with me right now," Oesterle said. "He shows me a lot of plays where I can help him out. … He's really helped grow my breakout game." A perfect example came when Oesterle hit Patrick Kane with a perfect 80-foot pass that sprung the Hawks' superstar to an easy breakaway goal against Minnesota on Dec. 17. "A great pass that was hard, it was flat, it was right on my tape," Kane said afterward. • • • Jan Rutta leads all Blackhawks defensemen with 5 goals, but Oesterle is tied for second with 3 thanks to a hard shot that finds its way through holes easier than most. His first tally -- believe it or not -- came at Edmonton when his shot hit the crossbar and somersaulted in the air and onto Cam Talbot's backside. "When I saw it hit the crossbar and saw it bounce back I was kind of shaking my head because I've had a couple of those," Oesterle said. 1093584 Chicago Blackhawks

Hawks' Bowman says he'd be surprised if vertigo causes Crawford to miss season

John Dietz

The what's-wrong-with Corey Crawford saga took a new twist when Scotty Bowman went on on Wednesday and said he didn't believe Crawford is dealing with vertigo. "It's not what they're reporting," said Bowman, who is the senior advisor of hockey operations for the Blackhawks and is the winningest coach of all-time. "What he really has is post-concussion syndrome. Vertigo -- that's a guess." Hours later, Bowman reached out to the Daily Herald and said he was guessing as well. Crawford has been on injured reserve since Dec. 27 with an upper-body injury. The Chicago Sun-Times, citing three sources, reported Tuesday that Crawford is suffering from vertigo and there is growing concern that he may not return. That part of the report shocked Bowman the most. "I can't believe that if it's vertigo that a guy would miss the rest of the season," he said. "I know people that have had vertigo. And it doesn't go away overnight, but it goes away in a few days usually with medication. … "But I don't have any information (in terms of) what it is with him. I don't get medical reports from them." Vertigo, which is often caused by inner ear infections or diseases of the ear, can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting headaches, a racing heartbeat or double vision. According to cbsnews.com, "vertigo is a specific type of dizziness that is characterized by the sudden sensation that you are spinning or that the world around you is spinning. The feeling can come and go or it can last for hours or days." It can usually be treated with prescription medication. Messages left for Crawford's agent Wednesday were not returned. Asked recently if Crawford could be out for the season, Joel Quenneville said "no" and that "it's been quiet" in terms of the coach or player having any contact with one another. On Sunday, Jonathan Toews was asked for his reaction when he found out Crawford would miss significant time. Here is Toews' answer in its entirety: "We're always concerned about our teammates first and then our team second. Crow knows he's trying to get better. He's one of those guys that we know we can rely upon as a person, as a teammate. "He'll do what he can to get himself better, so he can get back to playing and get back and help our team when he knows how to." The Hawks hit the ice again at 4 p.m. Friday for a practice at MB Ice Arena to prepare for their Saturday home game against the Islanders. Daily Herald Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093585 Chicago Blackhawks

Why Corey Crawford situation is tricky for Blackhawks

By Charlie Roumeliotis January 17, 2018 8:30 PM

The Blackhawks have been tight-lipped about Corey Crawford's status ever since he was placed on injured reserve on Dec. 27 with an upper- body injury, and it's fueled rampant speculation on social media about what's really going on. That came to an end on Tuesday when Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times reported that there's growing concern within the organization that its star goaltender could miss the remainder of the season with vertigo-like symptoms. (Blackhawks senior adviser Scotty Bowman went on Sportsnet 590 The Fan on Wednesday to clarify it's post-concussion syndrome). And while there's at least some clarity surrounding Crawford's condition, it's opened up more questions about what the Blackhawks may do going forward. On Monday we broke down the unfavorable playoff picture for the Blackhawks going into the bye week, which was a glaring concern in and of itself. Add in the possibility that Crawford could be sidelined for the rest of the campaign and those chances absolutely diminish. So what course of action should the Blackhawks take ahead of the Feb. 26 trade deadline? That's where the tricky part comes in. Because of the nature of Crawford's injury, the Blackhawks aren't at a point right now where they want to put him on long-term injured reserve because that would require him to miss a minimum of 10 games or 24 days, and they're still holding out hope that he could come back within that timeframe. The problem with it is that nobody really knows. It could be days, weeks or months, and putting a restriction on that doesn't make much sense in the middle of a playoff run even though it would open up significant cap space. Which brings us to our next point. There are certainly some decent rental goaltenders (Robin Lehner, Petr Mrazek or Antti Raanta, to name a few) on the market if the Blackhawks choose to go that route, but that might not be the wisest thing to do. Given their spot in the standings and the chances Crawford could return, why risk giving up future assets for a playoff run that may not happen? It would be different if the Blackhawks wanted to add some insurance for the stretch run and postseason, but there's no guarantee it'll happen. If the Blackhawks did, however, want to go that route, they would need to act quickly because there's no point in waiting closer to the deadline. Every point is crucial from here on out. Perhaps the best and most logical idea is to stand pat. Let it ride with Anton Forsberg and Jeff Glass and hope they can hold the fort down until a potential Crawford return. Let the young guys continue to grow. Maybe add a defenseman to patch up the back end, but don't empty the tank. There's no reason to. The Blackhawks are hoping to sign highly-touted prospect Dylan Sikura after his college season ends, which would serve as a deadline acquisition by itself. It will be tempting for the Blackhawks to be aggressive at the trade deadline in the wake of Crawford's injury, and they're surely already having these discussions as they continue to explore the different avenues. But this might be a rare case where doing nothing is the right way to go. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093586 Colorado Avalanche

Red-hot Colorado Avalanche building on excitement at the Pepsi Center

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

The buzz is back. Avalanche average attendance isn’t where the NHL or the team wants it, but the energy at the Pepsi Center during Colorado’s six-game home winning streak has been reminiscent of that in the glory years. “Hey, it’s exciting for us,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said after Wednesday’s practice. Colorado (24-16-3) has had two 18,000-plus sellouts in its last six home games and drew 16,090 in Monday’s 3-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Avs, who have won seven in a row, went 13-26-2 at home last season but are 16-7-0 at the Pepsi Center this winter. (They are 16-7-1 as the “home team,” including overtime loss against Ottawa in Sweden). Their average attendance sits at 15,027, ranking 27th in the 31-team league. In the 30-team NHL last season, they were 25th at 14,835. So there has been improvement. “After going through last year and starting out slowly with the attendance this year — that’s our responsibility as a team to build that trust back up, and build that belief back up,” Bednar said. “We’re building it up in our players, and I think our belief system is getting stronger and stronger. Guys are starting to feel it and having fun. It kind of fuels the fire. We want to get our fans and the city behind us. It makes the Pepsi Center a more difficult place to play (for opponents). The buzz energizes you, and we need it to continue.” Colorado hosts the San Jose Sharks on Thursday and the New York Rangers on Saturday before beginning a challenging road stretch. “This home streak’s been great. We have two more games, and we want to finish it out strong,” Bednar said. “Then we have a really road- heavy schedule coming up — 13-of-16 on the road and six in a row to start it off. That’s where the test comes in with the team. We have to mirror what we’re doing at home on the road, just like we did the other night in Dallas, which I think was an encouraging sign.” The Avalanche’s winning streak is the club’s longest in 12 years, and it has unfolded despite injuries to key players. Defenseman Tyson Barrie (fractured hand) has missed the last eight games, goalie Semyon Varlamov (groin area) has been out the last four and forwards Sven Andrighetto (leg) and J.T. Compher (undisclosed upper-body) have been unavailable for the last five and six, respectively. Compher, who began the winning streak with his overtime goal Dec. 29 against Toronto, will return to the lineup Thursday. “It speaks to our team depth, I think. It’s been pretty impressive,” Avs defenseman Erik Johnson said. “It’s a good challenge for everyone to stick to the game plan and keep playing the same way no matter who gets hurt and who’s not in the lineup.” Average attendance at Avalanche games since 2013 Season Avg. attendance NHL rank 2013-14 16,295 22 2014-15 16,176 23 2015-16 17,032 19 2016-17 14,835 25 2017-18* 15,027 27 * — Through 24 games in 31-team league. (Previous seasons had 30 teams.) Denver Post: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093587 Colorado Avalanche

Everything you need to know about San Jose Sharks at Colorado Avalanche

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

SAN JOSE AT COLORADO, 7 p.m. Thursday, ALT, 950 AM Spotlight on Joe Thornton The Sharks’ future first-ballot Hockey Hall of Famer has 16 points (seven goals) in his past 17 games and needs two points to tie Bryan Trottier (1,425) for 16th place on the NHL all-time scoring list. Thornton, 38, is also coming up on major milestones in 400 goals and 1,500 games- played. He has 395 career goals in 1,489 games. Thornton signed a career-high $8 million, one-year contract July 2 as an unrestricted free agent and is again scheduled to be a free agent this summer. He’s played the last 12 1/2 seasons of his 20-year NHL career in San Jose. Chambers vs. Kiz: Will the Avalanche make the NHL playoffs? Kiszla: Nathan MacKinnon and the Avs have made hockey fun again. How it happened might surprise you. Scoring first and killing penalties has the Avalanche in playoff position Sharks: They are 2-0 on a three-game road trip and take a three-game winning streak into Denver. They are 7-2-2 in their last 11 games. … San Jose blew a 2-0 lead Tuesday at Arizona but won 3-2 in a shootout. … Defenseman Brent Burns is the Sharks’ leading scorer and has 22 points (six goals) in his last 17 games. … San Jose is fifth in the NHL with a 2.60 goals-against average but is tied for 20th in goals-per-game (2.79). Avalanche: Rookie forward J.T. Compher will return to the lineup after missing six games with an undisclosed upper-body injury. Fellow rookie forward Tyson Jost will be scratched because of a leg injury he sustained by inadvertently blocking a teammate’s shot in Monday’s 3-1 win over Anaheim. Dominic Toninato, another rookie forward who was recalled from the minors Tuesday, could replace Jost as the fourth-line center but coach Jared Bednar hadn’t made a decision as of Wednesday. The Avs will scratch one defenseman and one forward. … Defenseman Tyson Barrie (hand) and goalie Semyon Varlamov (groin area) are skating on their own but not practicing with the team. Forward Sven Andrighetto (leg) remains shut down with an injury that originally pegged him as day- to-day. … Goalie Jonathan Bernier, who is riding a six-game winning streak, is the scheduled starter Thursday and Saturday against the New York Rangers. Denver Post: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093588 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets say Milano to miss 4 to 6 weeks with torn oblique muscle

By Steve Gorten

Rookie winger Sonny Milano will be out four to six weeks because of a torn oblique muscle, the Blue Jackets announced Wednesday. Milano was placed on injured reserve retroactive to Jan. 8 when he sustained the injury during a 3-2 overtime win at Toronto. Milano, 21, has missed the past two games. He has eight goals, five assists and a minus-2 rating in 35 games this season. With Milano out, the Jackets recalled winger Tyler Motte from their AHL affiliate in Cleveland and also claimed veteran forward Jussi Jokinen off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093589 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets claim veteran winger Jussi Jokinen off waivers

By Steve Gorten

The Blue Jackets claimed veteran forward Jussi Jokinen off waivers from the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday, hours before practicing for the first time after their five-day mandatory break with no activity. Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said an injury to rookie winger Sonny Milano was a factor in making the move. “We lost another guy that could play potentially in our top nine,” Kekalainen said. “Sonny’s been a bit up and down this year, but nevertheless has scored eight goals with five assists. He’s gotten his feet wet in the NHL. (With Milano out) we didn’t feel we had enough NHL players to get us 12 NHL forwards onto the ice. That’s why we took Jussi Jokinen.” Kekalainen said Jokinen would arrive in Columbus on Wednesday night and be available to play Thursday at home against the Dallas Stars. He also said it will be up to coach whether Jokinen plays left wing, right wing or center. Jokinen, 34, has 187 goals and 365 assists in 923 career NHL games with the Kings, Oilers, Panthers, Penguins, Hurricanes, Lightning and Stars. He also has 17 goals and 15 assists in 54 career playoff games. He has one goal and five assists in 32 games this season with the Kings and Oilers, and is expected to be a utility forward in the Jackets’ bottom six. “Jussi Jokinen is a player we know very well,” said Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. “He can line up at center or either wing, is good in the faceoff circle, and can play on the power play and kill penalties. He has been a very good player in the National Hockey League for many years and we believe he will add great experience and versatility to our lineup.” Jokinen’s contract was bought out by the Panthers after last season, and he signed as a free-agent with the Oilers, who traded him to the Kings earlier this season. A pending unrestricted free agent, his salary cap hit is $1.1 million, more than half of which has already been paid by the Oilers and Kings. [email protected] @sgorten Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093590 Columbus Blue Jackets “I’m comfortable and happy to be playing with Savvy,” Johnson said. “He and I have had a long history together. We love playing with each other, and are good friends off the ice.” Blue Jackets | Jack Johnson, coach talk out trade issue Said Tortorella, “Just on past performance, you’ve got to think they can get (their chemistry) back. You can’t change a D-pair, and say, ‘That’s it. I’m never going back to it.’ They played too well together for me not to By Steve Gorten say, ‘You know what? Let’s give them a whack.’ ” Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 Blue Jackets defenseman Jack Johnson initiated a private meeting before last Friday’s game to let coach John Tortorella know of his interest to be traded, but both said Wednesday their relationship remains strong and they can envision a future for Johnson in Columbus. “You slowly start getting a bigger role back,” Johnson said. “Hopefully it keeps trending in the right direction because I know I have a lot to give, and I know I can help this team out a lot.” Tortorella noted, “The onus that falls on me is to try to help him to get better. I’m certainly not going to go the other way because a player is talking about his future. ... Jack loves it here. His family loves it here. So if we get him playing better, and maybe win some games, who knows where it all goes here?” Tortorella said Johnson asked to talk one-on-one before the game against the Vancouver Canucks — their last game before a mandatory five-day break that ended with a practice Wednesday — during which he expressed concern about his dwindling playing time and how it might affect his chances of receiving a major multi-year contract as an unrestricted free agent this summer. “He didn’t come out and say ‘I want to be traded,’ ” Tortorella recounted. “He said, ‘I just think some stuff’s going to probably start coming out along the way. I want to talk to you face-to-face. I love it here. I want to improve as a player. I want it to work here, but I also have to think about my family.’ ” Tortorella’s reaction? “I don’t blame him for that,” he said. “I really respect him for his honesty.” Johnson said he loves playing for Tortorella and asked to meet with him to make sure he cleared the air. “It’s never good to let things fester, hold everything in,” Johnson said of his decision to approach Tortorella. “I’ve been holding a lot of things in for many years here. Yeah, it’s out. I own it. I have nothing to hide. That’s the situation.” Johnson added of his trade request, “Stuff like this happens for most people because they don’t want to be where they’re at, or they’re not happy with the team, city, coaches, whatever. This isn’t a case of any of that. I hope people can understand it’s a situation where you’re trying to do what’s best for your family.” Johnson said he thinks his Jackets teammates understand, and just as with Tortorella, “I walked in (the dressing room) today and nothing has changed.” Team captain Nick Foligno said he has been friends with Johnson since they were 16 and said the news of Johnson wanting to be traded was “hard to hear.” “I’m sad that’s the way he feels,” Foligno said, adding of Johnson’s situation possibly being a distraction, “he’s always a pro when he’s in here, so I’m not worried about that.” Johnson said he would like to think his unresolved contract situation hasn’t had an impact on his play this season, but he conceded it is something that has been on his mind and he has discussed often with his wife. “I don’t think it’s Jack Johnson pounding his fist on the table saying ‘I want out of here,’ ” Tortorella said. “I think it’s a player when he’s lost some minutes in his game, he’s at the end of his contract, maybe negotiations aren’t going on. ... He wants to know if there are other options. “This doesn’t change anything with me and my thoughts about him,” Tortorella added. “Jack and I have known each other for a long time in national tournaments. I know what he is. And I know he’s not a player that wants to get the hell out of here. I’m not sure how it’s being portrayed in the media, but it’s not that.” In an effort to give Johnson more minutes and a chance to improve on a season that has included two goals, five assists and a minus-5 rating in 46 games, Tortorella has reunited Johnson with his former defensive partner, David Savard. They will skate together Thursday against the Stars. 1093591 Columbus Blue Jackets Kekalainen said Atkinson would still be out “for some time.” Slap shots Blue Jackets | With Sonny Milano out, veteran Jussi Jokinen brought in With Milano injured, the Blue Jackets recalled forward Tyler Motte from minor-league Cleveland. Motte joined goaltender Joonas Korpisalo with the Monsters during the Jackets’ five-day break, and both practiced By George Richards Wednesday. ... Former Blue Jackets prospect Dillon Heatherington will make his NHL debut with the Stars on Wednesday. Heatherington was a second-round pick of the Jackets in 2013 but was traded to Dallas for Lauri Korpikoski in March. ... Defenseman Ryan Murray practiced again, With forward Sonny Milano out for what could be more than a month although his return to the lineup remains unknown. Murray has been out because of injury, the Blue Jackets found a replacement on the waiver since Nov. 27 because of an undisclosed upper-body injury. Center wire. Brandon Dubinsky (broken orbital bone) also took part in practice, as he has since last week in Buffalo. Just before announcing Milano would miss as much as six weeks because of a torn oblique muscle, the Jackets claimed veteran forward Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 Jussi Jokinen after he was waived by the Los Angeles Kings. Jokinen, scheduled to arrive by Wednesday night, is expected to join his new teammates for a morning skate on Thursday and be in the lineup that night against the Dallas Stars at Nationwide Arena. Jokinen, 34, originally was drafted in the sixth round of the 2001 draft by Dallas. “It’s a freebie, if you want to look at it that way,” general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said. “Instead of giving up an asset to make a trade, you can pick up a player who’s got a lot of experience, has been in the league for a long time, playing all positions, and special teams have always been a big part of his game.” This will be the eighth NHL team for Jokinen, and fourth in the past year. Jokinen spent three seasons with the Florida Panthers, but they bought out the final year of his four-year deal over the summer. He then signed a one-year contract with Edmonton for $1.1 million before being traded to the Kings in November. Jokinen struggled with the Panthers last season, scoring 11 goals with 28 points after being hurt playing for Finland at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto. The previous season, Jokinen had 18 goals and 42 assists as Florida won the Atlantic Division under coach . Before last season, Jokinen averaged 53.7 points in his previous three. In 32 games with the Kings and Oilers, Jokinen had a goal with five assists. “Two years ago, he had 60 points,” Kekalainen said. “I know he had a down year last year with Florida, but so did many of their players. ... His biggest asset is his hockey sense. That’s much bigger than the foot speed. “He’s a smart player. We’ll see where he’s at. It’s not like we’re making a five-year commitment here. We’ll see where he’s at, what he can do for us. He’ll get a good opportunity with us, and we’ll see where it goes.” Coach John Tortorella said Jokinen could see time playing center to start off his time with the Blue Jackets, and he is expected to land on the fourth line. “I had him a long time ago in Tampa,” Tortorella said. “Smart player. Good teammate. Has put points up in the National Hockey League. I’m not sure what’s gone on the past year. He has kind of bounced around a little bit. I asked him, when I talked to him this afternoon, if he has any gas in the tank. He’s ready to play. ... “With some of the injuries we have going through here, I think it’s a really good thing for our team.” Kekalainen and Jokinen go way back due to their ties with Team Finland, being part of the World Cup team as well as the Olympics. Bringing Jokinen to Ohio after he was waived by Los Angeles to help fill a need seemed like an easy decision. “I’ve known him for his whole career,” Kekalainen said. “I know him inside and out as a pro. Hockey, player, person, all those things, you can check every box. He’s a great pro. He’s a great teammate. He’s had a great career for a reason. We’ll see where he’s at right now and what he can do for us.” Atkinson skates Forward Cam Atkinson was back on the ice Wednesday before the Blue Jackets practiced at Nationwide. Atkinson suffered a broken foot on Dec. 23, with the team saying he would be out as long as six weeks after having surgery. 1093592 Dallas Stars

In a season of transition, the Stars might've just found out how to use Jason Spezza and Martin Hanzal

By Mike Heika , Staff Writer Contact Mike Heikaon Twitter:@MikeHeika

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jason Spezza isn't the only player going through a transition this season. Fact is, the center he is trading minutes and wingers with is doing much of the same. While Spezza has seen his playing time reduced and role changed because of the addition of Martin Hanzal, the 30-year-old Hanzal has also been forced to adapt. Hanzal finished a 10-year run in Arizona last season averaging 18 minutes a game. He was a key player and leader for a team that often had young players and was typically rebuilding. This season, Hanzal is averaging 14:32 a game for a team that has plenty of veterans with defined roles. Asked if he is slowly finding his form, Hanzal said with a nervous laugh: "It's very slowly." "I think I could be way better," he added. "I've still got some things I need to improve, so I have to keep working hard." Tuesday in Detroit showed how both Hanzal and Spezza could be used properly. Hanzal played on the "fourth" line but logged 15:51 in time on ice and took 12 faceoffs. Spezza played on the "second" line, logging 13:29 and 13 faceoffs. Spezza scored two goals on the power play, Hanzal scored one goal at even strength. What might have been most important was the fact Spezza played with skilled wingers in Mattias Janmark and Devin Shore, while Hanzal played with more physical wingers in Remi Elie and Brett Ritchie. "One line is a rush attack line and one line is a cycle line, so if you're looking at it on paper, Hanzal, because of his physicality, needs players with him that can control the boards along with him," Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. Hitchcock scratched Spezza on Monday and then returned him to the lineup in a place where he could succeed Tuesday. That moved Hanzal down the lineup, but it also might have uncovered a place where the big (6-6, 230) forward could succeed. Mix in the fact the coach wanted to balance minutes because the team played Monday in Boston, and the result was a balanced attack in which the Stars outshot the Red Wings 26-15 in a 4-2 win. That's an encouraging revelation in a season of transition. Hitchcock said the decision to have Tyler Seguin kill penalties this season has forced the team to play four lines on a consistent basis. Finding the right combination for those four lines means that every center will likely get at least 13 minutes a game. Hanzal has battled various injuries this season, so that's created some different looks for Hitchcock while the veteran has been out of the lineup. But the now healthy Hanzal has played in five straight games, and the team is 4-1-0 in that stretch, so it shows the potential of what the Stars can be and what Hanzal can add. "I said in the summer that the reason I am coming here is because I think there is a very good chance for this to be a very good team," Hanzal said. "Now, when I see us play a good game or play to our strength, I'm even more excited. I really do think that when we play our best that we can play with anybody." And to reach their potential, it might mean that Stars players have to "play with anybody" in a different sense. "I don't care who I play with, I don't care about my ice time, I just want to help the team win," Hanzal said. "That's the bottom line. We're on a good team with a lot of good players, and I think you have to do whatever is best for the team." Because all of this transition should lead to improvement when you draw it up on paper. "Winning gives you confidence," Hanzal said. "We started from scratch with a new coach and some new players, and maybe we were a little confused to start. But now we are sticking to the system and sticking to the plan, and it makes it more fun." Dallas Morning News LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093593 Detroit Red Wings from the back end, and that’s not going to change next season unless the Wings win the draft lottery.

Goaltender Petr Mrazek, 25, has looked better his past three starts (2-1, Detroit Red Wings mailbag: Playoff chances, power play, possible trades 2.67 goals-against average, .909 save percentage), his pro-rated salary is now less than $2 million, and he’s a pending free agent (unrestricted, as no team will qualify him at the $4 million he made this season). But Helene St. James, Jan. 17, 2018 he’s two years removed from being elite, and he hurt his reputation last season with his attitude.

Nyquist, 28 is having a good season (14 goals, 23 points) and has a year The Detroit Red Wings have a lull in the schedule, perfect time for left on his deal, at $4.75 million. (He has a no-trade clause, but can another mailbag with Free Press sports writer Helene St. James. consent to a trade). I doubt he would fetch much, but then again, Tomas Jurco yielded a third-round pick from Chicago last year, and Jurco hadn’t The team next plays Saturday, hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Hockey shown anything at the NHL level in two-plus seasons. operations personnel (management and scouts) are off to hold annual winter meetings in Las Vegas, where there will be meetings to discuss Red Wings mailbag: NHL trade deadline, prospects, Petr Mrazek the state of the team, free agents, and the NHL draft. I'll be discussing some of those topics from my kitchen table. Contact Helene St. James: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Here are a selection of questions from Twitter. Download our Red Wings Xtra app on Apple and Android! Is making the playoffs a feasible goal for this team, and if not, what is? Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.18.2018 — Jake Lahut (@JakeLahut) January 17, 2018 HSJ: I don’t think the Red Wings will make the playoffs. Their chance to solidify a foothold in the playoff picture came when they had 13 of 15 games at home stretching from mid-November to mid-December. They won just four times during that stretch (4-5-6) to emerge at 12-13-7. As it stands Wednesday, the Wings are 18-19-7, good for 43 points in 44 games. Standard thinking is if a team can bank at least 12 points per every 10-game stretch, 96 points should yield a playoff spot. The Wings were seven points off after 40 games, and are 1-3 to start the fifth segment. Looking at the Eastern Conference standings, the New York Islanders, Philadelphia Flyers and Hurricanes are the top three teams chasing the two wildcard spots, which, entering Wednesday’s games, were occupied by the New York Rangers and Pittsburgh. The Metropolitan Division looks like its going to claim to spots, which means the Wings’ only chance is to move inside the top three in the Atlantic Division. They trail Toronto by 11 points. I don’t see Tampa Bay, Boston or Toronto going into a free fall. While the Wings want to make the playoffs, the better thing for the organization is to miss and get into the 2018 draft lottery. Look at what winning the draft lottery last year did for New Jersey — Nico Hischier, the top pick in the draft, is third on the team scoring with 27 points. The Devils are second in the Metropolitan with 54 points after 43 games. Last season the Devils finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with 70 points. There are good players in this June’s draft beyond franchise defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who should go first overall. The Wings need an infusion of high-end talent. The Wings appear headed for the draft lottery, but as they get there, the important thing is to focus on playing well — playing to lose instills bad habits, and it doesn’t guarantee winning the lottery. The Devils moved up from No. 5 to No. 1 last year. The Flyers moved up from No. 13 to No. 2, and the Stars from No. 8 to No. 3. Clearly the first unit of the power play unit has struggled mightily. Aside from Zetterberg, at what point does Blashill leave off both Tatar and Nyquist and try some new blood? — Peter Van Dame (@PeterGRGriff) January 17, 2018 HSJ: Neither unit has looked good the past 10 games. Through the first 34 games, the Wings’ power play was at 22.6 percent, top 7 in the NHL. Since then, it’s operated at 6.1 percent (that’s third-worst for the stretch Dec. 21-Jan. 17 — Vegas bottoms out at 3.7 percent). The Wings have two power-play goals the past 10 games, from Anthony Mantha and Justin Abdelkader. I’d like to see Frans Nielsen get a shot on Henrik Zetterberg’s power-play unit, either in place of Niklas Kronwall or Gustav Nyquist. Nyquist only has four power-play points, even though he’s top three in average power-play time on the team. There really isn’t much choice, though, as far as altering personnel. Any players you think will be traded at the deadline — Rachel (@_rachel_hanson) January 17, 2018 HSJ: Defenseman Mike Green, 32, will interest teams looking to add offense. He’s a pending unrestricted free agent, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him traded and then end up re-signing with the Wings, provided he returns for a contract in the $3.5-million range. He really likes Detroit, and the organization likes him. He’s the only source of offense 1093594 Detroit Red Wings

Six people facing increased pressure in second half of NHL season

Jimmy Hascup, Jan. 17, 2018

As the Feb. 26 trade deadline nears and the playoff push kicks into high gear, pressure will mount across the league. Here are several people in the cross hairs: Alain Vigneault, New York Rangers coach. Vigneault has gotten the Rangers into the playoffs in each of his four seasons with them, but a lot of that success can be attributed to Henrik Lundqvist, who has posted a .919 save percentage in that span. After reaching the Stanley Cup final in 2013-14, the Rangers’ quality of play has fallen off in each successive season. Vigneault's handling of younger players and constant line juggling has drawn criticism. The team, which is currently in a 4-5-2 stretch, has given up at least 40 shots on goal 12 times this season. Continued struggles amid the constant pressure to win now in New York could signal a tipping point in Vigneault’s stay. Anton Forsberg; Jeff Glass, Chicago Blackhawks goalies. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford’s status for the season is in doubt because of vertigo-like symptoms. That puts the limelight on an inexperienced netminding group, especially because the Blackhawks have little salary cap room to maneuver. Forsberg, who has put up solid American Hockey League numbers, and Glass, a journeyman who made his NHL debut this year, have 31 career NHL games between them. Chicago is in last place in the Central Division, three points out of the playoffs, and extending its playoff streak to 10 seasons might depend on these two. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals captain. This will come as unfair to Ovechkin, who with 28 goals is projected for his eighth 50-goal season. But even as the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, the Capitals are not as dominant as they’ve been in years past. They are more top-heavy on offense and defense. That means that Ovechkin will have to continue to carry the offense, which ranks ninth in the NHL. Or the blame, unfairly, will be put on him if they disappoint again. Garth Snow, New York Islanders GM. The Islanders’ problem is clear: they rank second in offense and last in goals against and 30th in penalty kill percentage. Their .895 team save percentage is 28th. They desperately need a goalie. Fixing that could mean a playoff berth. But they also need some clarity on ’ future. He is set to be a free agent this offseason. It would behoove them to win now for myriad reasons. Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks captain. With nine goals, Pavelski might not reach 20 goals for the first time in a full 82-game season since 2007- 08. His 29 points are pacing him for his worst season since 2009-10 when he recorded 51. He has 1.18 points per 60 minutes at five-on-five, a mark that ties him with Boone Jenner and Noah Hanifin. The Sharks have the 20th ranked offense, and with more production from Pavelski — he’s scoring at 4% lower than his career average — they might be better than just be one point clear of the final playoff spot. Detroit Free Press LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093595 Detroit Red Wings …With his goal against Dallas, Trevor Daley now has one point against all 31 NHL franchises. Daley’s goal was his first point against Dallas, with whom Daley played 756 games between 2003-15. Wings’ Bertuzzi makes big impact with ‘little plays’ Daley also earned a point against expansion Vegas this season. … Andreas Athanasiou has multi-point games in four of the last six Ted Kulfan, Jan. 17, 2018 games, and has 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last 12 games. … Niklas Kronwall moved past Red Kelly into 12th place in franchise history for assists (311) with an assist on Athanasiou’s goal. Detroit — Tyler Bertuzzi is continuing to make quite an impression with the Red Wings. Detroit News LOADED: 01.18.2018 The young forward had two more assists in Tuesday’s 4-2 loss against Dallas but more than the offense, also showed the tenacity and hockey sense that could serve him well for many years. Bertuzzi has eight points (one goal, seven assists) in his last nine games, and is looking more confident with every shift. “I’m just getting more used to it every game,” said Bertuzzi, who coach Jeff Blashill now has playing on a line with Dylan Larkin and Andreas Athanasiou. “Playing with Larks and Double-A, it’s pretty easy on me.” Bertuzzi was expected to make the Red Wings out of training camp, but a wrist injury derailed those plans until December, when Luke Glendening was injured. Bertuzzi is definitely making up for lost time. On Athanasiou’s goal Tuesday, Bertuzzi patiently had the puck on his stick and looped a pass down the ice to Athanasiou — as Larkin has been doing lately — and Athanasiou went in on a breakaway. “Double-A doesn’t cheat, but he’s smart when he blows the zone,” Bertuzzi said. “If I can just get it off the glass, they’re going to have a foot race. “I tried to corral the puck and kind of wait. I saw Doubles (Athanasiou) was gone, so I just shot it down (the ice). Even if I didn’t get it to him, he was going to beat the icing out.” Blashill is pleased with the different elements Bertuzzi has brought to the NHL. “He was very good (Tuesday), maybe our best forward,” Blashill said. “That was our best line. Against a team that defends well, protects the ice, and makes it hard to get to the net, you need guys like him and that’s why he’s always been a good playoff performer. “When a game is wide open, you don’t notice him as much. But when the game is a grind, you notice him more and certainly he makes tons of little plays.” Blashill often has talked, since Bertuzzi was recalled, about Bertuzzi’s fine instincts on the ice and well-rounded game. Though not the biggest or fastest player, Bertuzzi has a knack for being in the right place and making the right plays. “He just has real good hockey smarts,” said Blashill, “and poise with a real hard approach. That’s a special combination and that is transferable to successful hockey.” Not so special teams For the Red Wings to make any sort of a positive run these final few months, the special teams have to be real good. Right now, neither the power play or penalty kill is playing particularly well. The Red Wings were 0-for-2 on the power play, and allowed two Dallas power-play goals, another key component of Tuesday’s loss. The power play has been a particular problem area. The Red Wings are 1-for-17 in the last four games with the man advantage, and the unit ranked 18th entering Wednesday’s games at 18.7 percent. The penalty kill ranked 20th entering Wednesday, at 79.8 percent. “If we want to be a real good team, and I said it at the beginning of the year, we have to have elite special teams,” Blashill said. “Right now, we don’t, so we better find a way to be better in those areas.” Ice chips The 15 shots on net the Red Wings had against Dallas were a season- low in a game. 1093596 Detroit Red Wings there when the other guy drops his gloves first. Maybe he shouldn’t defend himself. I don’t know.”

Captain Henrik Zetterberg was puzzled by the roughing penalty. Despite penalties, Wings’ Witkowski not going to change “To me, the roughing call is a made-up call,” Zetterberg said. “Either it’s instigator or nothing. I don’t know where he got the extra two from. They Ted Kulfan, Jan. 17, 2018 both dropped the gloves at the same time. “The first one (penalty) I don’t think he even hits him. As a player you have bad games sometimes. So do the refs.” Detroit — Are NHL referees keeping an extra-special focus on Red Wings enforcer Luke Witkowski? Blashill decided to sit Witkowski in the third period, fearing referees were going to focus on Witkowski, and the Red Wings didn’t need another It sure seemed like it Tuesday in the Red Wings’ 4-2 loss to Dallas. penalty kill in a tight game. Witkowski was on the wrong end of two questionable penalties — both of “It looked like there were eyes out for him before the game started,” which led to Jason Spezza power-play goals, leading to the Dallas Blashill said. “I talked to him on the bench (before the third period), so he victory. understood why I didn’t play him at the beginning part of the third just because it looked like if he did anything, it was going to be a penalty. “I don’t know that he is getting a reputation, I haven’t seen that before (Tuesday),” coach Jeff Blashill said of referees paying special attention to “(But) Luke’s got to do what Luke does in order to be effective — (and) Witkowski. “Maybe I’m dead wrong, I don’t know. I can’t get inside he’s been a pretty effective player for us.” people’s brains and vice versa. I can tell you this — he’s a good hard- nosed hockey player that can fill a couple of different roles. When I think Witkowski was adamant he’s not going to change the way he plays the it’s best for him to be in the lineup, I’ll put him in the lineup.” game, but admitted he might need to be more careful. Witkowski was suspended for 10 games earlier this season against “I have to stay out of the penalty box,” Witkowski said. “Try to stay out of Calgary when he returned to the ice after being told to leave after a fight positions (that) make it easy on the refs (to make) that call. It stinks both against the Flames. of them (Tuesday’s penalties) ended up in the back of our net. Witkowski was a physical presence for the Tampa Bay Lightning, before “But I can’t change the way I play. That’s why I was signed here. I have signing with the Red Wings on July 1, but always was viewed as a player to finish my checks.” who also can do more than simply protect a teammate. Detroit News LOADED: 01.18.2018 He is able to play both forward and defense, and a player who is strong on the forecheck and finishes his checks. Witkowski, too, feels he’s an “honest” player. “I’m not a dirty player,” Witkowski said. “I had the suspension, but I don’t throw elbows, I don’t hit guys in the numbers. I’d like to think I’m pretty honest.” In the first period Tuesday, Witkowski was penalized for elbowing Martin Hanzal — though replays showed the two players never made contact (think New Orleans Saints player Marcus Williams on Sunday on that game’s infamous final play). “(It’s) a quick play, he’s on his knees, I think I let up on him,” Witkowski said of the elbowing. “I don’t think I got him with my elbow, but I can’t say I did or didn’t.” Blashill could live with that particular penalty. “The elbow call ... hockey is a fast game, things happen fast, the refs don’t get a chance to hit stop and rewind,” Blashill said. “He (Witkowski) didn’t touch him, but that happens. That’s going to happen sometimes. “I get that.” But in the second period, Witkowski was given an extra two minutes for roughing, though Stars defenseman Stephen Johns was the first player to drop the gloves in the fight. “The second (penalty), he couldn’t call the instigator (penalty) because I didn’t instigate it, I didn’t touch him,” Witkowski said. “I don’t know how he can call it roughing. “(Johns) even said in the penalty box that was a terrible call. I said (during the fight), ‘Do you want to go?’ If he (Johns) doesn’t want to fight, he doesn’t have to drop his gloves. “I didn’t make him fight.” More:Wings’ Bertuzzi makes big impact with ‘little plays’ Blashill complained passionately on the bench after the roughing call — which Dallas ultimately scored on, putting the Stars ahead for good. “We want our guys to pursue the puck hard and Luke’s job is to make sure he’s physical on the forecheck and that he is skating hard,” Blashill said. “He’s already on his way. He wasn’t on the other side of the ice. He skates into the corner and he’s by Johns, (who) turns to him and Johns drops his gloves. “They engage and Luke still has his gloves on and there’s a roughing penalty. “The explanation I got was he (Witkowski) got a roughing penalty for forcing him to fight. To this moment I don’t understand at all how that’s a roughing penalty. I’m not sure if Luke’s expected to not defend himself 1093597 Edmonton Oilers Cam Talbot, signed $4,166,667 for one more year (through summer 2019)

Al Montoya, signed $1,062,500 for one more year (through summer Lowetide: Back in Bakersfield: Laurent Brossoit 2019) Laurent Brossoit, RFA By Allan Mitchell Nick Ellis, RFA Shane Starrett, signed to his entry-level deal through summer 2019 Reaching a career crossroads at age 24 isn't ideal, but in the wide, wide Dylan Wells, entry-level deal starts this fall, running through 2021 world of sports, Laurent Brossoit is hardly unusual. Edmonton's 'goalie of the future' was supposed to be establishing himself as a solid NHL Stuart Skinner, unsigned, is eligible to sign and turn pro this fall backup this season, having jumped through every hoop asked of him since arriving from the Calgary Flames organization. I'm not certain It's possible we could see the organization walk both Brossoit and Ellis, Brossoit was given a full shot at the backup job—when Cam Talbot was but that seems a distant bell. A more likely scenario would see the team: healthy, Brossoit got very few starts—and the young goalie struggled Wait one year to sign Skinner, who has to be given his entry-level deal by mightily when the starter was hurt early this season. It is safe to say he June 1, 2019. has entered a period of uncertainty with the Oilers organization. Trade one of Montoya, Brossoit or Ellis before the fall. Brossoit's build to NHL employment with the Oilers could be timed by sundial, as the club gave him the full minor-league audition. After being For Brossoit, that's probably of little comfort. It's basically impossible to acquired by Edmonton in November 2013, he spent time in the ECHL create a scenario where both Peter Chiarelli and McLellan are in () and AHL (Oklahoma City Barons) that first season agreement on him as an NHL player. With both men facing a tremendous before settling in for a long run with the AHL Condors. amount of heat over this season's results, and the coach hesitant to play his backup, Chiarelli pulled the trigger to acquire a veteran backup. There NHL teams look for consistency from matriculating goalies and Brossoit is all manner of scenarios that get Brossoit back in the NHL next fall, but was exactly that during his time in California. Although never among the the Oilers have two signed NHL goalies and a number of prospects league leaders in save percentage, Brossoit improved his play in the pushing. It hasn't turned out as planned for Brossoit, though his early AHL, reflected by his league ranking in the category: results in Bakersfield suggest the young goalie is determined to find his 2014-15 53 GP, 2.56, .918 (No. 17 save percentage among AHL way back to the NHL. Will it be this season? Will it be as an Oiler? We regulars) wait. 2015-16 31 GP, 2.66, .920 (No. 10 save percentage among AHL The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 regulars) By the fall of 2016, it looked like the organization was pleased enough with his work to look for an opportunity to bring him to the NHL for an extended period. Sly Rodrigue, Oilers' goaltending consultant: “What I see is more maturity in his game, the way he handles the management of the game. He’s better there. He has more experience. He was very good his first year in the ECHL. He brought a team that, I think we (started) 1-10 and reached the conference final that year against Alaska, so he was outstanding. The year after was more a transition year going to OKC. It was his first year in the AHL, so he was splitting the net with Richard Bachman there. It was a good year of learning (with) Richard, a real pro. Last year he played very well over here till he got called up.” (Bakersfield.com) Despite a three-game wobble in Bakersfield around Christmas 2016, Brossoit found his way to the NHL in January 2017 and was quality in eight games (.928, won four of five) for Edmonton. He won the backup job (there wasn't much competition) at 2017 training camp but was used sparingly in the opening weeks of this season. Brossoit played in three games in October, four in November and then on Nov. 30 came word Talbot was hurt and would miss at least two weeks of the schedule. Brossoit's first game as No. 1 goalie was a win against his old team, the Calgary Flames, but it wasn't a classic. Edmonton held a 6-1 lead through the early minutes of the third period, when everything fell apart. Goals were going in from weird angles, Brossoit didn't appear to be seeing pucks that were getting through and general mayhem ensued over the final 10 minutes of a crazy hockey game. Not every moment of that third period was the goalie's fault, but for coach Todd McLellan it had to be a difficult thing to witness. Talbot returned Dec. 16, and Brossoit made no subsequent appearances with Edmonton leading up to the acquisition of Al Montoya on Jan. 4. What happened? It might have been the Calgary game, or maybe McLellan was never completely comfortable with Brossoit's goaltending, but at this point, the young man would appear to be at a crossroads. Al Montoya has a contract for next year, Brossoit is an RFA, the Oilers are auditioning Nick Ellis in the minors. For now, Brossoit is getting plenty of work (and playing well) in Bakersfield. What's next? It's getting mighty crowded in goal at the pro level in the Oilers organization. The team traditionally carries five men (two in Edmonton, two in Bakersfield, one in Wichita) and then a minor-league contract is devoted to a player who can play in either of the minor leagues. There are several men signed to contracts for next season, creating a logjam for those on the outside looking in: 1093598 Edmonton Oilers side holding the line just wasn’t possible. Edmonton’s still in relatively good shape here, with two defencemen to limit entry depth and Letestu shifting to cover the King attacking down the middle of the ice, but L.A. What's wrong with Edmonton's horrifying penalty kill? has executed well and is guaranteed to at least get into the zone. Once the opposition gets into the zone, the Oilers get beat in lots of different ways. By Jonathan Willis Early in the year, the cross-seam pass in the high slot got a lot of attention; Edmonton’s two forwards covering that passing lane kept getting opened up and allowing the lethal one-timer. I wondered if that One of the nice parts of the Oilers’ current bye week is that it’s an was still the case, so I divided those 40 Grade A chance based on where opportunity to dig into those tough questions that can be hard to find time the opposition power play created them from: up at the point (high plays), for in the day-to-day, like: what on earth is going on with their penalty kill? high in the slot (mid plays) and down near the goal line (low plays). Over the past 20 games, the Oilers have allowed 16 goals power play High-zone plays: 16 chances, six goals against goals against on 63 different opportunities, for a total kill rate of 74.6 percent. Some of these high plays are the classic power play goal, the one that every old-school analyst calls for when a unit hits a dry spell: get the This represents a very marginal improvement on the team’s number for puck to the point, form a crowd in front of the net, and then blast it. the year (72.8 percent) and even that improvement is a lie. The NHL Others are more subtle, a variation on those cross-seam passes the officially counts the three goals L.A. scored on Patrick Maroon’s five- Oilers can’t seem to avoid giving up. minute major as going three-for-four on the power play rather than the more accurate (and far less flattering to the Oilers) three-for-one. This I’m of the view that there’s not a whole lot a penalty kill can do to avoid makes Edmonton the worst penalty killing team in the NHL. the occasional ‘blast it and hope’ chance. The opposition is going to spend some time in the offensive zone, and if they’re willing to settle for The vast majority of those goals against come off first-rate opportunities. sending bodies to the front and then blasting the puck from the outside it’s something they’re able to do. These chances can be limited, but Edmonton has allowed 94 shots on the penalty kill over the last 20 some are going to get through, and when the Oilers are in good position games. The tracking project I’ve worked on this year (with the Edmonton it’s a relatively minor problem for their penalty kill. Journal’s David Staples and Bruce McCurdy) rated 40 of those shots as “Grade A” scoring opportunities; those shots resulted in 14 goals against. A good example is Ryan Kesler’s goal in a recent game against The remaining 54 shots resulted in just two goals against. Most of the Anaheim. Cam Fowler blasts the puck from the point, where it’s tipped by Oilers’ problem over this period is what one would have expected: they first Jakob Silfverberg and then Ryan Kesler. Maybe the defence should let the opposition have too many golden opportunities. have been more aggressive on the Ducks forwards, but c’est la vie. Five of the 40 chances are this type of play, along with two more off rebounds What do those look like? Basically three kinds of shots: from this kind of initial shot. those fired from point blank range, often off rebounds There are also a couple of counterattack chances, like Andrew Shaw’s longer shots that change direction in the slot after being deflected power play marker on December 23. Both resulted in goals against. Again, there’s not much to do here, short of telling the penalty killers to one-time shots from within the scoring chance area that come off an stay home, but given that the Oilers have seven shorthanded goals that east-west pass from the other side of the rink (“royal road” passes) would seem an overreaction. There are a few caveats on this, mostly related to recorder bias and The bigger problem is one that my colleague Tyler Dellow identified in his sample size. We’re only talking about 40 dangerous shots, so we have to piece on this same subject, the one that’s had a lot of attention in the be careful about the conclusions we draw. As for recorder bias, if a shot early going: passes through the “royal road” at the centre of the ice. is a borderline A/B chance, the puck ending up in the net is going to make it seem more dangerous than if it were saved. Additionally, multiple A lot of these are plays through the high slot, which tend to victimize the replays are available on goals, revealing deflections that aren’t always forwards. But many of them also start at the point, with the opposition apparent from one angle in real time. point man victimizing an overly aggressive Edmonton defence (as Jeff Petry and Alex Galchenyuk did on December 9 in Montreal). We This data has some real limitations, but it’s interesting all the same. recorded seven such chances originating at the point in the last 20 Moreover, the coaching staff has some of the same disadvantages as it games alone: as many as the Oilers allowed off deflected point shots. It’s tries to make the penalty kill function. So let’s throw caution to the wind a problem, and one that grows more acute in the middle of the defensive and see what there is to see. zone. Ideally, we’d have zone entry information to work from here and be able Mid-zone plays: 12 chances, six goals against to compare how effective the Oilers are at preventing the opposition from gaining their zone relative to other teams. We don’t have that information, All 12 of these chances involved some sort of royal road pass. Some of but we know that the other guys’ best chances come when they’re able to them involved multiple such passes. Some of them were such utter get over the Edmonton blueline without losing the puck. disasters that the cross-ice pass was actually one of the lesser breakdowns on the play. The 40 “Grade A” chances came off the following types of zone entry: The nadir in all of this was the January 2 game against Los Angeles 23 controlled entries (entries where the power play kept the puck) wherein the Kings scored three times on a single five-minute power play, courtesy of Patrick Maroon. 11 defensive zone faceoff losses (Maroon, for those of you keeping score at home, is now minus-7 by four uncontrolled entries (where the power play dumped the puck in and penalty differential. He’s tied for the team lead with , who on then recovered it) the night in question could be heard to comment that “too many games two defensive zone faceoff wins (where the Oilers failed to clear the this year we’ve talked about our PK not getting it done.” Combined, they puck) account for more than half of the gap between the times Edmonton has sent out its power play (123) and penalty kill (147, for a total of minus- In all, 34 of the 40 best chances and 13 of the 14 goals were generated 24). For the sake of reference Benoit Pouliot, whose dumb penalties off entries where the opposition started with the puck, rather than having provided endless fodder for , was a combined minus-4 over to go and get it. Just six chances and one goal came off an aggressive three seasons in Edmonton.) forecheck winning battle(s) to get the puck back. The game was 1-0 when the Oilers allowed two consecutive cross-slot Again: with the data we have, it’s hard to say that Edmonton does a bad passes, one of which connected to Marian Gaborik, who shot through a job of holding the defensive zone; given that they’re down a man no Trevor Lewis screen for the 2-0 insurance goal. The Kings added a third matter how dedicated they are to the blueline at times they’re going to goal less than three minutes later, cracking open Edmonton’s formation allow the entry. and then charging the chaos in front of the net. This entry by the Kings is a good example of how even a strong blueline Just over 30 seconds after that, the Oilers’ shell-shocked penalty killers defence can be beat. collapsed entirely, with Zack Kassian wandering seemingly at random and Mark Letestu just ceding the high slot; it created a shot from Gaborik The Oilers had three men lined up along their line, with a single forward in the slot and a point-blank rebound to make it 4-0. (Mark Letestu) up, but with Los Angeles having two attackers on either This was a particularly bad night for Edmonton’s penalty kill, but it’s one Nurse isn’t noticeably worse when it comes to those high- or mid-zone that demonstrates what the opposition has been able to do. The Oilers plays that have so bedeviled this penalty kill, but he shows up all the time open up in the middle of the ice, and the opposition exploits it. on these lower plays. My guess is that’s just the price a team pays for developing defencemen; Nurse has taken massive steps forward in It’s what Philadelphia did on December 6, separating the forwards from terms of defensive polish at 5-on-5 this season, and it’s reasonable to the defence and putting in a beautiful tic-tac-toe goal. San Jose opened expect that with a bit more experience the 22-year-old will iron this out, the gap between the Oilers’ two forwards on December 18 and was then too. able to score on the rebound. On December 31, the Jets beat Edmonton on the rush and threaded a pass through that gap before scoring on the There are a few different problems here. rebound. The biggest one is the cross-ice pass the Oilers can’t seem to shut down, though it’s actually two different problems. Sometimes the opposition point man takes advantage of the gap between Edmonton’s forward pair This was followed by the Oilers’ January 2 disaster against the Kings. and its defence pair, while sometimes it’s an opponent on the half wall The Jets and Kings had other, similar chances they didn’t score on. exploiting the gap between the Oilers’ two forwards (when Edmonton’s Toronto had two on December 10 and was thwarted on both by Laurent skaters line up in a line or inverted T). Brossoit. Chicago had opportunities like this on both December 29 and A lesser problem, but still one worth noting, is the low play. Edmonton January 7. It’s been an ongoing concern and the unit’s single-biggest hasn’t been lit up by it yet but the scoring chances indicate that the team problem. is somewhat vulnerable to the low forward bulling the net. When Dellow broke down the penalty kill he was carefully conservative in A couple of other interesting items stood out in the data. The first is the his comments, but his guess as to the problem is borne out by this home/road split. The Oilers have an absurd one: they kill 55 percent of analysis: penalties at home and 87 percent on the road. “With that said, if I had to offer a guess as to why the Oilers are I’ve been looking all year and don’t have an explanation for that gap, but struggling so much against a 4F1D [power play formation], it would be there is an interesting trend in their last 20 games. In Edmonton, the that they're running an aggressive penalty kill high in the defensive zone opposition has scored on 12 of 22 Grade A chances. Outside of and, more often than you can live with, the opposition finds a way to beat Edmonton, they’ve scored on two of 18. That part of it seems like it has it.” to be mostly fluke. Low-zone plays: 12 chances, two goals against What may not be is the rate at which the Oilers give up those chances. The goals here aren’t all that representative of the kind of chances the Over the last 20 games, Edmonton has allowed those 22 chances in just Oilers are giving up. 38 minutes of shorthanded time at home. On the road, it has allowed 18 chances in 62 minutes. That’s a massive gap and one I can’t explain. One of these goals was a 5-on-3 marker, which is a relatively rare situation and an extremely difficult one to defend, though it’s interesting The other interesting thing is what might be the effect of the long change that the same general dynamic is at play: two defenders were playing in the second period. Of those 40 top-end chances from the last 20 relatively high in the zone, creating a situation where the Oilers couldn’t games, fully 20 of them take place in the second period, leaving just 10 defend the cross-ice pass. each for the first and third. The other saw Edmonton get burned as it transitioned into attack The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 posture. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins never got adequate control of the puck and Leon Draisaitl seems to have fixated on the potential offensive opportunity; that left Adam Larsson flatfooted and desperate and resulted in a three-on-one. More commonly, these chances are passes off the half-boards or from low in the zone to someone in front of the net, or passes from mid-ice to a player just to the side of the net, who then bulls between defenceman and goalie and tries a jam play (often the initial shot is not a high-end chance, but the rebound is). Interestingly, Edmonton has done pretty well by goal total here. After Mikko Koivu got not one but two good chances, both of which were turned aside by Cam Talbot, Minnesota’s commitment to a low attack left them unable to defend against a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins/Zack Kassian shorthanded goal. This is one of those spots where I wonder if the Oilers don’t have an inexperience issue. Of the 10 chances coming off these kinds of plays, Darnell Nurse on the ice for seven of them and directly involved in all seven. In part that’s because Nurse plays a lot on the PK, but he also tends to be on the ice for more bad things than most of Edmonton’s defencemen. Over the last 20 games, Nurse: has been on the ice for 117 unblocked shot attempts against/hour, the second-worst rate of Edmonton’s seven penalty-killing defencemen (Adam Larsson the worst) has been on the ice for 68 shot attempts against/hour, the second-worst rate among Oilers’ D (Adam Larsson the worst) has been on the ice for 12 goals against/hour, the second-worst rate among Oilers’ D (Matt Benning the worst) has been on the ice for 26 “Grade A” chances against/hour, the second- worst rate among Oilers’ D (Kris Russell the worst) The samples for individuals are even sketchier than for the team as a whole, and the different metrics show a lot of variety. Benning barely played while Larsson missed time; neither has been on for many ‘A’ chances. Nurse has spent a lot of time with Russell on the PK over this stretch, but Russell still outperforms him in three of the four categories above. I should add that there’s probably a quality of competition component to this, too: being the go-to guys on the kill means lots of time against top power play units, and the drop-off between first and second unit can be profound. 1093599 Edmonton Oilers Jones has struggled to adjust defensively in the AHL and it has been evidenced in some poor results at 5-on-5, but he has the tools to work out those kinks and position himself for a chance at the next level. It may Wheeler: The complete Edmonton Oilers prospects ranking take him some more time than Bear, or even Mantha, but Jones is smart enough with the puck and athletic enough without it that he should blossom once he becomes more assertive with Bakersfield. Because he's a decent handler, a heads up carrier, and a plus-passer, there's By Scott Wheeler considerable room for the rest of his game to play catch up. He'll be fine. 4. Tyler Benson, LW, 19 (Vancouver Giants) In the final Canadian NHL team prospect ranking, the series arrives in His health hasn't done his progression any favours and Benson now Edmonton, to rank each of the 23 eligible prospects who remain property looks more like a player who's going to need to marinate in the AHL after of the Oilers. this season is wrapped up, but I still believe there's enough in his game that he may still become a decent middle-six NHL forward in time. He sits The Oilers' pool of prospects presents an interesting dichotomy. The first 17th among under-20 WHL players in points per game (1.3) and he has thing you'll notice is that it's tied with the Flames for the fewest number of done it while playing on a team that until the last month was playing poor prospects. The second thing you'll notice is that its depth drops off hockey — and he's not relying too heavily on his linemates to produce. considerably after the top four. Both of these things are driven by losing He's still not going to be the prospect many once believed he'd be after so many young players to the NHL (Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, setting records during his minor hockey career that led to him going first Darnell Nurse), an undeniable positive. Still, part of the problem is a overall in the WHL's Bantam draft, but he's shifty and strong on his product of trading away picks. (In 2017, the Oilers didn't have a second- skates, which should help his game translate to the pros. round pick. In 2015 and 2014, they didn't have a second or a third rounder in either class.) 5. Filip Berglund, D, 20 (Skelleftea AIK) Jesse Puljujarvi was on the fringe of qualifying for the criteria in this Despite having played nearly 10 fewer games than most of his peers in ranking, but in order to remain consistent — and given that he's currently the SHL, Berglund is seventh among all under-24 defencemen with eight in the NHL — he was excluded. points in 28 games. He was so dominant in SuperElit in his draft year that his success at a young age professionally shouldn't come as a surprise. Here's a look at where every single one of the prospects they do have He's uniquely skilled for a player of his size and his solid defensive play stand and what they might offer down the line. has been rewarded with 16:31 in average ice time this season, including Note: As always, I have arbitrarily set the age cut off at 22 and under. more than that in three straight games on the team's second pairing. Data suggests that by the time a player turns 23, he is more or less done There is a lot in Berglund's game that coaches quickly fall in love with developing along his aging curve. Others, who are under 23 but aren't and it should translate well in North America should he decide to make signed to NHL deals or were drafted by the team but whose rights the jump. expired, are also omitted. That excludes former draft picks such as 6. Kirill Maksimov, RW, 18 (Niagara IceDogs) Miroslav Svoboda and Ziyat Paigin. That also means AHL players such as Nick Ellis, Dave Gust and Dillon Simpson won't be included. Full-time Here's the thing about players who rely on their size to be effective in under-23 players in the NHL are also excluded. As a result, the likes of junior hockey: Often, their points are secondary assist heavy because McDavid, Draisaitl, Nurse, Laurent Brossoit and Puljujarvi will not be they aren't great creators. Here's the thing about Kirill Maksimov: He's ranked (it almost seems funny to think the former three could be). not like those players. Maksimov, while very much still more of a scoring threat than a creator for his linemates, does an admirable job making For additional information on many of the prospects on this list, check out plays when his shot isn't available. And that bodes well for his Lowetide's Winter top-20 ranking from November, which used different progression moving forward. This season, 36 of his 43 points in the OHL criteria and included players like Brossoit, Simpson, Puljujarvi and Jujhar are primary. That 1.0 primary points per game pace ranks 16th and Khaira. places him ahead of the likes of Jonah Gadjovich, Jonathan Ang, Adam The Lists: Toronto Maple Leafs | Vancouver Canucks | Montreal Ruzicka and Dmitri Sokolov, other players who play a linear north-south Canadiens| Winnipeg Jets | Ottawa Senators | Calgary Flames | game. In time, he might have a real shot. Edmonton Oilers 7. Ryan Mantha, D, 21 (Bakersfield Condors) 1. Kailer Yamamoto, RW, 19 () Ryan Mantha is the best-kept secret in the Oilers organization. Don't let I'll be honest, Yamamoto hasn't had a great year. After looking capable his low offensive production fool you. If Jones and Bear are still a touch but a little out of place with the Oilers to start the season, Yamamoto hesitant in their rookie seasons, Mantha is their antithesis. Not only is he hasn't been the terror I expected him to be in the WHL — or at the world already the team's best shot generator but he's also driving possession juniors. In many ways, a lot has stayed the same: Yamamoto's deft stick- as a rookie, showing hugely positive results at even-strength, and handling, lateral quickness and cross-ice vision are all extremely high- performing whenever he's given significant minutes. Mantha is a 6-foot-5 end. Where Yamamoto has disappointed this season, is in the way he defenceman who can play and he's got the tools to become a good third- has forced his will on opposing teams as a scoring threat. He can make pairing option in the NHL. The Oilers need to make sure he doesn't get plays and be a creator from the perimeter in junior all he wants and still lost in the shuffle with the two 20-year-olds. find success but he needs to attack the front of the net in the same way 8. Dmitri Samorukov, D, 18 (Guelph Storm) he did all of last season on route to 42 goals (he has just three in 15 games this year). His 2.33 shots per game has taken a major hit from last Samorukov is another defencemen who's owed more love. He still has and his 0.73 primary points per game places him 55th in the WHL among room to grow into a decent frame and he has taken huge steps forward players who've played as many or more than his 15 games. I've long as an 18-year-old on a dreadful defensive team. He's worth keeping an been a huge proponent of Yamamoto's game and still believe he'll be a eye on and I still think he's nowhere near where he'll get to in the next second-line winger in the NHL who can play on PP1, but he needs to get year or two. His numbers this year are particularly intriguing because he's going again. third in line for power play minutes in Guelph behind McFadden and Merkley, who rely on the man-advantage to produce to a much larger 2. Ethan Bear, 20, D (Bakersfield Condors) degree. Only 12 of McFadden's 33 points (36 per cent) and 22 of Like Yamamoto, Bear needs to be more engaged as a shooter in the Merkley's 50 (44 per cent) have come at 5-on-5, versus 14 of AHL than he has been as a rookie (his 31 shots in 21 games places him Samorukov's 20 (70 per cent). outside of the top-100 AHL defencemen with more than 10 GP this year 9. Aapeli Rasanen, C, 19 (Boston College) on a per game basis). Throughout his junior career, Bear was among the WHL's best scoring threats from the back end (last year, he finished It has been a good year for Rasanen. He has played a significant role as second in the WHL in goals with 28). With time, he should develop the a freshman with BC (rare in NCAA hockey these days) and stepped confidence to attack the high slot or the backdoor from the point more away from school to lead Finland in scoring (four goals in five games) at consistently. Still, Bear has been solid in his first year with the Condors the world juniors. He's a reliable two-way centre who has four years to and has the ability to positively drive play and possession. His playoffs iron out some kinks in his game offensively. By the time he wraps up his with Seattle last year were historic and his back-to-back First All-Star collegiate career, I wouldn't be surprised if Rasanen is a star at BC and Team nods weren't a fluke either. He's going to be an NHL defenceman, the team's No. 1 centre. it's just a matter of when. 10. Ostap Safin, LW/RW, 18 (Saint John Sea Dogs) 3. Caleb Jones, 20, D (Bakersfield Condors) In the absence of Joe Veleno after his trade, Safin is Saint John's go-to offensive weapon. It can be hard, with players as big and physical as Safin is, to identify how much of their junior hockey success is reliant on given that chance and it has been reflected in his struggles away from that size advantage over teenagers, but I'm confident in his ability as a the puck in an attempted checking role. Still, I think he could play a shooter and give-and-go handler with the right centre. At 6-foot-5, he's scoring role effectively in the AHL — he just won't progress beyond that. also a well-above-average skater for his size and he has proven to be He has more to give, though. effective without much help as a first-year player in the QMJHL. 20. Markus Niemelainen, D, 19 (HPK) 11. John Marino, D, 20 (Harvard University) Niemelainen's a big kid who can fly — at least relative to his 6-foot-6 Marino played a big role in all situations as a freshman at Harvard last frame — but he's not talented enough as a handler, shooter or carrier to year and was the youngest player on the All-Ivy League Second Team as become an NHL defender and his time on an awful Saginaw team's a result. His start this year hasn't been what you would have hoped out of power play in his draft year skewed perceptions of just how talented he a player who played as well as Marino did last season, and he hasn't was with the puck. Live and learn. taken any major steps forward, but I still like what he has and he has time to become a more dominant offensive threat — he's already a great 21. Skyler Brind'Amour, C, 18 (Chilliwack Chiefs) defender. The Oilers took a risk on an athletic kid who didn't play a ton of hockey 12. Graham McPhee, LW, 19 (Boston College) last season and it's likely to burn them. Brind'Amour wasn't on my draft board and hasn't grabbed hold of the BCHL as a 19-year-old rookie this McPhee, Rasanen's new teammate, doesn't have the defensive season, either. The Oilers can afford to wait for him (he's the youngest awareness of his sometimes linemate — or the longterm offensive upside prospect in the system) to spend four years at Michigan State but I — but he has managed to find out what he's best at (driving the net off wouldn't recommend they hold their breath. the wall) and master it. A wiry project, McPhee has come a long way since arriving at BC last season. I still have my doubts about his upside 22. Vincent Desharnais, D, 21 (Providence College) but I'm intrigued by how fast he has progressed and the next two and a There's a theme here with big defencemen the Oilers took a chance on half years will be interesting for him. who aren't likely to pan out, but Desharnais is that list's kingpin. Luckily, it 13. William Lagesson, D, 21 (Djurgardens IF) was only a seventh-round pick, but Desharnais is what he is and it's pretty mediocre. I anticipate the Oilers will allow his rights to expire after Lagesson was good in his draft year. He played well at U17s, he thrived he graduates. in SuperElit and there was reason to believe he could build on some raw tools, including a heavy shot. That didn't manifest itself in Division I 23. Aidan Muir, LW/RW, 22 (Western Michigan University) hockey. Thankfully, he has already become a reliable defender and After two solids seasons after his draft year, one in the USHL and the successful penalty killer in his first season in the SHL, which bodes well other as a freshman at Western Michigan, Muir hasn't become more than for his odds of transitioning into a depth role in North America if he ever a depth forward with size in the NCAA. Now in his last season, this is decides to come back. Even as his offensive tools have stagnated, he probably the end of his road. has continued to become a more reliable defender. That's a positive, at the very least. 14. Cameron Hebig, C, 20 (Regina Pats) I have also broken down the ranking into tiers, in the same way my draft rankings are divided into tiers, in order to provide more context on their In a prospect pool bereft of centre depth, Hebig offers a glimmer of hope. potential fluidity. In his final year in the WHL, he's expected to be a scoring threat, but he has developed into one of the better pure goal scorers in the league The tiers denote players who are tightly grouped. Ranking one player a (seventh in goals per game). He could luck into a pretty significant role couple of spots lower than another doesn't always mean there's a huge next year with the Condors and he should be able to handle it if he's gap in their potential future development, or in their ceiling. By popular properly utilized (he may need to be sheltered early on, I don't love his demand, I have also added where the player was drafted and/or how play away from the puck). they were acquired. 15. Dylan Wells, G, 20 (Peterborough Petes) Stay tuned for a detailed, comparative ranking of the Canadian teams' prospect pools to wrap up this series and look ahead to where all seven There's a lot about Wells' game to like: his size, his athleticism, that he teams are going. has been given a chance to play a lot. But there are enough flaws in his technique (he gets beat blocker high a lot, he gives up a ton of rebounds) The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 to question whether he's going to be able to become more than a low- level pro goalie. After a strong post-draft season last year he has taken a step back and hasn't been able to find a consistent groove behind a Petes team that gives up a lot of quality chances. There's more to him than this year's numbers would suggest but that still probably isn't enough. 16. Stuart Skinner, G, 19 (Swift Current Broncos) Skinner is huge. In today's NHL, with the right goalie coach, that mean's anything is possible. He was great in last year's playoffs and has shown in spurts that he can be the kind of goalie Lethbridge hoped he be when they took him in the first round. After a trade to Swift Current, he was named the WHL's goaltender of the week in his first with his new team, stopping 49 of 50 shots in his first two starts (.980 SV%). After a rough start with the Hurricanes, that's good news. 17. Matthew Cairns, D, 19 (Cornell University) I like Cairns' game. For a big defender, he moves well and plays with poise and maturity. Did the Oilers reach when they took him in the third round? Yes. Is he a project who will need time to find his footing at Cornell? Yes. But he's a heads-up passer whose game should take off once he finally gets settled in the NCAA. 18. Philip Kemp, D, 18 (Yale University) Kemp does a lot of things really well defensively but I just don't see enough in his game with the puck to believe even four years at Yale can cure those kinks. Maybe he'll prove me wrong — he really is an excellent, aware defender along the wall and off the rush. 19. Kyle Platzer, RW/C, 22 (Bakersfield Condors/Wichita Thunder) Platzer is at his best in offensive, sheltered minutes. When given power play time and consistent top-six minutes at even strength in the ECHL, he has proven he can be a dominant threat. In the AHL, he hasn't been 1093600 Los Angeles Kings

Kings' Jake Muzzin is hopeful he can play Thursday after missing three games with upper-body injury

Curtis Zupke

The streak was and was not a point of pride for Jake Muzzin. The Kings defenseman played in 281 consecutive games, or more than three seasons, before an upper-body injury ended it this month. It was minuscule compared to the 830-game streak that recently ended for Ducks winger Andrew Cogliano, but Muzzin was mindful of enduring and preparing for the everyday grind, especially considering the modest beginning to his career. “You want to be healthy and take pride in looking after yourself and playing hard and being there for your teammates and for your team,” Muzzin said. He acknowledged he wasn’t very aware of his streak, though, until it ended. And that got his attention. “It’s not hurting me that it’s over,” Muzzin said of the streak. “It’s hurting me that I’m not playing with the team.” It’s hurting the Kings as well. They are 0-3 without Muzzin, who practiced again Wednesday and said that “hopefully it’s over and I’ll be back Thursday — hopefully.” Muzzin isn’t a cure-all but his absence has been noticeable during a four- game losing streak the Kings will attempt to end Thursday against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Muzzin is having one of his more complete seasons, back with partner Drew Doughty in the top pairing until he could no longer play through an injury suffered on Dec. 30. “I think he just solidifies your defense and your pairs, especially [against] a team like Pittsburgh,” Kings coach John Stevens said. “They’ve got a really balanced attack. They’ve got power on all different lines there. He’s become an important guy on our team. He has been for a while. So getting a guy who plays that kind of minutes back will be good for us.” The Kings could use Muzzin on their No.1-ranked penalty kill against Pittsburgh’s No.1 power play. Through Wednesday, about one-third of the Penguins’ goals — 43 out of 133 — came on the man-advantage. They use Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Phil Kessel, Kris Letang and Patric [cq] Hornqvist on the first unit. “We have a lot of confidence in our PK,” Doughty said. “Everyone works their [butt] off and obviously our goalies make big saves when they need to. We keep our structure in place and try to out-compete them, we shouldn’t have any problems. But it’s definitely something that we need to look over and make sure we have their plays imprinted on our mind. “Having [Muzzin] back is obviously a plus, and huge for our team.” Muzzin’s return would have a tinge of coincidence because he was drafted by Pittsburgh in 2007. The Penguins chose him after Muzzin played only 37 games in junior hockey that season, and he went through two training camps with them as a young, untested defenseman who knew he wasn’t ready yet. Muzzin remembers chasing Crosby in drills, and one thing went through his mind at the time. “Yeah, I’m far off,” Muzzin said. UP NEXT VS. PITTSBURGH When: 7 p.m. PT, Thursday. On the air: TV: NBCSN; Radio: 790. Update: Pittsburgh goalie Matt Murray returned home following the death of his father and will be unavailable indefinitely, the team announced. Crosby scored twice in his only regular-season appearance at Staples Center last season. The Kings have won four straight against the Penguins. Former Kings winger Jussi Jokinen was claimed off waivers by the Columbus Blue Jackets. LA Times: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093601 Los Angeles Kings

‘Helpless’ Jake Muzzin on cusp of returning for Kings

By ROBERT MORALES | PUBLISHED: January 17, 2018

EL SEGUNDO — Mired in a slump, during which they have lost four consecutive games, the Kings can use all the help they can get. It could be on the way in the form of defenseman Jake Muzzin. Muzzin was placed on injured reserve on Jan. 6 (retroactive to Jan. 4) with an upper-body injury. He has missed the past three games. Adding insult to injury, his consecutive games-played streak of 281 was halted. Muzzin proclaimed after practice Wednesday that he’s good to go, and he’s hopeful his return will be Thursday night when the Kings (24-15-5, 53 points) host the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins at Staples Center. It hasn’t been easy for Muzzin to sit and watch his team struggle. “Injuries are a part of the game, they’re going to happen,” he said. “When it’s your time off to watch, you can learn stuff and you learn about your team a little bit. So it’s definitely tough not to help. “It’s kind of a helpless feeling, really. You’re sitting there watching them. Team loses. And I know you’re not playing, but you lose with them. It’s tough. Hopefully, it’s over and we’ll be back Thursday, hopefully, and try to get some wins going here.” Muzzin using the term “hopefully” twice in the same sentence perhaps shows how badly he wants to get back in the lineup. He said he doesn’t even care that his run of consecutive games played was stopped. “The streak, I don’t even know what it was, to be honest,” said Muzzin, in his seventh season, all with the Kings. “I didn’t really focus on it. But it’s not hurting me that it’s over. It’s hurting me that I’m not playing with the team, is what.” Coach John Stevens would not guarantee Muzzin will be back Thursday. But like Muzzin, he’s very hopeful, and very much looking forward to the return of one of his top defenseman. “It would be really good if he can play,” Stevens said. “He’s an important guy, plays in all situations and plays big minutes for us. And I think he just solidifies your defense and your pairs, especially with a team like Pittsburgh coming in. “They’ve got a really balanced attack, they’ve got power on all different lines there and he’s becoming an important guy for our team; has been for a while.” Muzzin also contributes nicely offensively, with three goals and 20 assists this season. ICE CHIPS The Penguins (24-19-3, 51 points) have three high-scoring players. Phil Kessel has 20 goals and 32 assists for a team-high 52 points, Sidney Crosby has 17 goals and 30 assists and Evgeni Malkin has 19 goals and 27 assists. … The Kings play Friday night at 7 at Anaheim, then go back to Staples Center on Sunday to host the New York Rangers at 7:30 p.m. Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093602 Los Angeles Kings Doughty has done a lot for the Kings over 10 seasons. He helped them win Stanley Cup titles in 2012 and 2014. He has scored well for a defenseman, with 99 goals and 293 assists. Kings’ Drew Doughty makes his time on ice well spent His time on ice has been well spent. Orange County Register: LOADED: 01.18.2018 By ROBERT MORALES | PUBLISHED: January 17, 2018

EL SEGUNDO — Drew Doughty was told by a reporter the other day that he leads the league in time on ice. As if unsure of exactly what was said, he responded by saying, “I do, or don’t?” It really seemed like he didn’t know that his 27:09 of TOI does indeed rank No. 1 in the NHL. It’s no surprise, though. The Kings’ All-Star defenseman finished second, third and second the past three seasons in that category. It’s not for the reason some might think. “If you put a fitness test in front of us right now, I wouldn’t even come top five, maybe not even top 10, on our team,” said Doughty, who is 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. It’s something else. “It just comes down to working smart,” said Doughty, 28. “I work hard when I need to. I try not to rest out there, but sometimes you don’t have to move too fast, you’ve just gotta glide into position and if you’re in that position already, then you don’t have to work hard to make the play on it. “So I think a lot of it is just positioning. I think I’m pretty smart in that aspect, and I’ve been taught a lot in that aspect.” From the sound of the praise heaped upon Doughty by Coach John Stevens, Doughty wasn’t bragging one bit. If anything, he was being bashful. “He plays in every key situation,” Stevens said. “He’s the first guy over the boards. He should be. He’s earned the right to be.” Stevens was just getting started. He talked about Doughty’s spirit to play the game, that if it were Doughty’s druthers, he’d never leave the ice or want the game to stop. “I think he’s a better player if we can get his minutes down a little bit,” said Stevens, whose Kings (24-15-5, 53 points) host Pittsburgh on Thursday night at Staples Center. “But Drew’s one of the best competitors that we’ve ever had here and wants to play all the time, wants to be on the ice all the time and wants to make a difference. “And he would prefer there were no timeouts in a hockey game, no TV timeouts, just keep playing. So he’s a valuable guy who can really have an impact in a hockey game and it’s not surprising that his minutes are where they are.” Stevens also talked about how effortless Doughty is in his work, and painted a picture perhaps only a hockey person can enjoy. “He’s a rare breed,” Stevens said. “His recovery is second to none. His ability to come off a shift and be ready to go again is as good as I’ve ever seen. He doesn’t exude a lot of energy the way he skates. I mean, he’s such an efficient skater.” Doughty’s teammate, Alec Martinez, is a heck of a defenseman in his own right. He was asked this week what Doughty leading the league in TOI says about him. Martinez pulled out all the stops in his tribute. “I think it shows how big of a part of this hockey club he is,” said Martinez, who averages 23:53 of TOI, 26th in the league. “I know that there’s a lot of debate, but there’s no doubt in my mind he’s the best defenseman in the world. Obviously, he’s in every situation, he’s pretty much the first guy to go out. So when that happens, he’s going to get those minutes; he’s earned those minutes. “There’s a reason why he’s getting them and he’s our No. 1 (defenseman). Best players play the most minutes.” Doughty has made the All-Star team four consecutive seasons, including this one. He speaks in modest tones, but he will boast a bit. “I don’t know if this is a source of pride,” he said, when queried about the TOI. “I just want to be out there as much as I can, because I know I make a difference out there every time and I know I make a difference for our team. “It doesn’t have anything to do with other guys in the league, if I want to beat them in time on ice or what not. I don’t care about that.” 1093603 Los Angeles Kings Gaborik was one of the veteran players Stevens alluded to have spoken to coming out of the bye week who put in work over the break but still felt “sluggish” after having returned from a five-day interruption to their mid- JANUARY 17 NOTES: CARTER VIDEO; MUZZIN ON THE VERGE; season routine. JOKINEN CLAIMED; CHLA PICS He’ll likely get some time opposite Michael Amadio and on the second power play unit on Thursday. JON ROSEN JANUARY 17, 2018 “I think he helps us that way, to be honest with you,” Stevens said. “He becomes an important guy. He’s become an important guy on if you want to call it the second-unit power play. He’s done some really good things there. I think he’s a veteran presence that has a good rapport with the Good afternoon from El Segundo, Insiders. Stick taps to @Neil for the young players that can really help them. Gabby has the ability to move reminder that the Northridge Earthquake was 24 years ago today. around and always has.” Enough time has passed that the anniversary often slips our mind each January 17. The Kings were out of town at the time, having flown from Power play units were Kempe-Kopitar-Brown-Toffoli-Doughty and Philadelphia to Dallas the night before, but wives, girlfriends and families Gaborik-Lewis-Pearson-Muzzin-Martinez. were back in Los Angeles, as was Dave Taylor, who was injured at the time. Because the Kings practiced at Iceoplex in 1994, just north of the -There are many attributes that work in concert to make Sidney Crosby Van Nuys Airport, many players with families lived in the southern San perhaps the greatest player of his generation, and one aspect of his Fernando Valley and in close proximity to the epicenter. Four years ago arsenal is a backhander that’s as accurate and quickly released as many today – the day before Los Angeles lost a game at Joe Louis Arena when players’ wristshots. I asked Drew Doughty earlier today about respecting Nicklas Kronwall’s shot launched off the netting, caromed off Jonathan both his backhand and forehand shots, and learned that he’s more Quick’s back and into the Kings net for a late third period game-tying goal concerned with containing him down low in the zone. “When a guy’s – I spoke with several prominent Kings figures and published their coming down one-on-one with me, I’m usually just going to let him shoot recollections on the earthquake at LAKI. Several frightening memories it,” Doughty said. “For the most part, they’re not going to get pucks by our were also shared by Brian McClary, the NHL’s security representative goalies. Our goalies are really good, and really, any goalie in this league, with the Los Angeles Kings, who was a Los Angeles police officer at the you’re not going to see too many goals go in if it’s on the rush and they time working a nighttime Valley shift when the quake struck. can see the shot. If he’s coming down one-on-one with me, I’m just trying not to let him get close to the net and give him a shot from the outside, The Kings didn’t practice for quite as long as they did yesterday but were because I have full confidence my goalies will save it every time. To be still on the ice for structured work for a good 45-plus minutes. Their color honest, I’m not too worried about his shot. I’m more worried about what coding did not change from yesterday: he does around the net and what he does down low.” Gray: Kempe-Kopitar-Brown -A great match-up tomorrow: Pittsburgh leads the NHL with a 26.5% power play rate. Los Angeles leads the NHL with an 87.1% penalty killing Blue: Pearson-Lewis-Toffoli rate. Something’s got to give. The team will hunker down tomorrow and go over video to game plan for a traditionally explosive power play. Since Yellow: Iafallo-Shore-Mitchell-Gaborik 1990-91, Pittsburgh’s power play this season ranks second out of the Purple: Clifford-Andreoff-Amadio-Brodzinski 763 single season power play rates produced by all NHL teams. Only Washington’s 26.8% rate in 2012-13 connected with greater frequency. Notes! -The Penguins face the Ducks at 7:00 p.m. tonight on NBCSN. -Before the team practiced, Jeff Carter (IR/ankle surgery) took some light Goaltender Matt Murray has returned to Ontario to be with his family after laps around the Toyota Sports Center ice. It was his second day of his father, James Murray, passed away. Condolences to Matt, and skating. He handled pucks and snapped a few on net. There’s no warmth and support to the entire Murray family. timetable for his return at this time, but this represents a significant step in a long, arduous process. Casey DeSmith is backing up Tristan Jarry on the Penguins’ road trip. It wouldn’t be a stretch to see Jarry get all three starts; Pittsburgh Having resumed skating lightly, Jeff Carter takes some laps around the concludes its trip at San Jose on Sunday. TSC ice on Wednesday morning. -Other than perhaps some John Stevens quotes, this will likely be my last A post shared by Jon Rosen (@lakinsider) on Jan 17, 2018 at 9:27am post until Saturday. @PumperNicholl will be your LA Kings Insider for the PST next two days as I head back to the motherland to broadcast Michigan- Penn State hockey Friday night on Big Ten Network. (For a prelude to -Expect Jake Muzzin (IR/upper-body) to be activated before tomorrow’s Kings-Ducks, M-PSU will air at 5:00 p.m. PT Friday.) There will be fewer game against Pittsburgh. The defenseman was a member of the second LA Kings Insider Bucks updates over the next two days (though I’m told power play unit and took regular defensive pair rotations during line the PumperNicholl Giveaway Extravaganza will be updated tomorrow) rushes. The pairs were fluid, so it wasn’t really possible to get a good and regular team coverage, postgame quotes and the such. I’m gauge on who he’ll skate with tomorrow. He took a few loops with both scheduled to arrive back at LAX at 10:30 a.m. Saturday to cover Alec Martinez and Paul LaDue this morning. Drew Doughty was most Saturday’s (potentially optional) skate. frequently paired with Derek Forbort. Should the Kings activate Muzzin tomorrow, they would not have to make a corresponding move because -The Kings made their annual Children’s Hospital Los Angeles visit Jussi Jokinen was claimed off waivers by Columbus earlier today and is yesterday. Stick taps to Emily Griganavicius and the LA Kings for no longer on the roster. providing these great shots and the lead photo: Torts on Jussi Jokinen -> pic.twitter.com/X6d9kvunv7 LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 01.18.2018 — Brian Hedger (@JacketsInsider) January 17, 2018 Jokinen totaled one goal and five points in 18 games with Los Angeles. Useless Stat of the Night: Jussi Jokinen will join his eighth team. He is two teams short of tying the mark for most franchises played for by a Finnish-born player (or a Jokinen): pic.twitter.com/iuRDhoV7zb — Seth Rorabaugh (@SethRorabaugh) January 17, 2018 -John Stevens was asked about whether Marian Gaborik’s game against the Sharks represented a step forward. “I thought he did some good things with the puck,” Stevens answered. “He’s a fit guy, and explosive guy, but his legs still didn’t feel right coming out of the break there. The practice has been good for everybody, but good for guys like him, too. Gabby’s a guy that can really give us a balanced attack. We use him in all different situations. He’s a veteran guy that’s been a really good player at this level, and he can play left or right wing. He’s an important player for us to get him going.” 1093604 Los Angeles Kings

JANUARY 17 PRACTICE QUOTES: JOHN STEVENS

JON ROSEN JANUARY 17, 2018

PRACTICE QUOTES On what it would mean to have Jake Muzzin back in the lineup tomorrow: It’d be really good if he can play. He’s an important guy that plays in all situations. He plays big minutes for us. I think he just solidifies your defense and your pairs. Especially with a team like Pittsburgh coming in, they’ve got really balanced attack. They’ve got power in all different lines there. He’s become an important guy on our team. Has been for a while, so getting a guy who plays that kind of minutes back would be good for us. On game-planning for Pittsburgh when they attempt to keep Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on different lines: You can’t just count on one line or one group or one pair. I think our team game and commitment to checking and being on the right side of the puck is important. They’ve got Crosby playing with those two kids up top, and they’re both really working players. You’ve got Hagelin with tons of speed and Hornqvist with Malkin and the Guentzel kid who’s been impressive as a young player playing with Kessel and Sheary. I think their game has really rounded into form. I think they’ve had their struggles early on in the year, but I think they’ve probably played their best hockey lately, and I think that balance has really helped them, so our team game is going to have to be strong. On whether it helps Los Angeles’ team game to face a team with effective balance in its lines: Yeah, and I think even more than that, if you look at Pittsburgh analytically, they’re in the top two or three in every category you can find offensively. Zone time, rush attack, chances from the slot. Their power play’s dangerous. It really helps us put a focus on – not that it isn’t always there – but you’re right, it reinforces the need for the commitment from everybody to be on the right side of the puck all the time. On the importance of getting two full days of practice this week shortly after the bye week: I think the break is tough, but it’s tough for everybody, right? I talked to a few veterans on our team and they tried to stay active, they tried to work out, they tried to do things that make them feel good coming back, but their legs just felt a little sluggish. Every game seems to be different, but at the end of the day, if you lose four in a row in our conference and our division, it gets crowded in a hurry, and it has. I think it was good to have a couple days of practice, really get a chance to get a lot of good reps in, lots of detail in, and get reset for an important stretch. [Reporter: You won’t get this much time until after the break, right? In terms of practice time.] No. If you look at the end of the year from the All-Star Break on, practice time is a premium. I think a lot of your preparation is done mentally, video follow-up. The schedule gets so heavy at times that you’re rest, recovery, get ready to play again, so practice time becomes a premium. These breaks this year are odd with the five-day break built in close between the Christmas break and the All-Star break, but again, everybody’s going through it, so we just have to push ourselves mentally, push ourselves in all the areas of preparation and get over the hump. On which King would serve as a good model for Adrian Kempe’s responsibility as a wing: I think that’s the part of his game – he played lots of wing when he came over and it’s really improved. With the big rinks over there, his game is a little bit too circular. I think his straight line positioning has gotten a lot better from his time in Ontario. If you look at the guys on our team, I think Tyler Toffoli’s one of the better role players where he has a really good awareness on the wall and knows when to protect the puck, knows when to chip a puck, knows when to make a play. He can really get going offensively, and I think that’s where he’s a really sound defensive player is provably if you really look at his wall play and the stuff he does along the wall in terms of understanding all the aspects that go into it. Even though he’s a right shot, just in terms of wall play, I would try to emulate. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093605 Montreal Canadiens

Bruins beat Canadiens 4-1 in Claude Julien’s return to Boston

GREG M. COOPER/USA TODAY SPORTS

David Pastrnak and Ryan Spooner each scored an early goal, Tuukka Rask stopped 21 shots and the Bruins beat Montreal 4-1 Wednesday night in Canadiens coach Claude Julien's return to Boston. The surging Bruins have earned at least a point in 14 straight games (10- 0-4), their longest stretch since going 15-0-1 in March 2014. Brad Marchand added a power-play goal in the third period, David Krejci had an empty-netter and Patrice Bergeron had two assists for Boston, which posted its second win over the Canadiens in five days. The teams meet again in Montreal on Saturday night. Jakub Jerabek scored his first NHL goal for Montreal, and Carey Price made 28 saves. Julien, who coached Boston's Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011, was fired last Feb. 7 in his 10th season. He was replaced by assistant and current Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy, who opted for more up-tempo, charge-into-the-zone play from his defencemen as opposed to Julien's mostly defensive-minded style. Rask extended his career-best point streak to 15 games (13-0-2), including a 4-3 shootout win at Montreal last Saturday. Trailing 1-0, Boston tied it 6:50 into the first when Pastrnak took a pass from Bergeron at the bottom of the left circle and slipped a wrister behind Price. The Bruins took the lead early in the second when Spooner's backhander from just outside the crease caromed into the net off the right skate of Montreal winger Jonathan Drouin. Montreal had a two-man power-play advantage for 69 seconds midway into the second — immediately after Rask made a pad-stop on Drouin's clean break in — but Boston limited the Canadiens' shots to mostly lower-percentage chances from the outside. Marchand's team-leading 19th goal came 3:40 into the period. Jerabek's shot from the left point found its way through a group of players in front and slipped into the net 31 seconds into the game. NOTES: Julien got a brief ovation during a video tribute midway into the opening period, but the crowd's chance for prolonged applause was drowned out by loud music until the next faceoff. ... Willie O'Ree, 82, was honoured in a ceremonial puck drop before the game, commemorating the 60th anniversary that he became the first black player to play in an NHL game. He was with Boston and played at Montreal. ... Boston D Kevan Miller was out sick and Adam McQuaid took his spot, returning after missing 36 games with a broken leg. McQuaid had been healthy for a few weeks, but unable to crack the lineup. ... It was the 740th regular season meeting between the rivals. UP NEXT Canadiens: At the Washington Capitals on Friday. Bruins: At the New York Islanders on Thursday. Globe And Mail LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093606 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens Game Day: Habs face 'challenge' at centre, Claude Julien says

Pat Hickey, Published on: January 17, 2018

BOSTON — When Canadiens coach Claude Julien walked into the TD Garden Wednesday morning, he didn’t make the mistake of walking into the wrong dressing room. “It was a little different,” said Julien, who spent 10 years as the coach of the Bruins. “You come here as a home-team coach and now come in as a visitor. Obviously, I was familiar with what’s going on, but there’s a lot of construction going on and things seem to be moving ahead. I’m sure I’ll get comfortable soon enough.” Julien said he has run into people he worked with over the years, but catching up with old friends is a low priority. “I have to remember what I’m here for,” said Julien whose team faces the Bruins Wednesday (7:30 p.m., Sportsnet, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). “I have to be prepared as much as I’m asking players to be prepared for this game. Julien noted that the Bruins have retooled their roster since he was fired last February. “They made some room for some of their young players and they cleared out some older players,” said Julien. “They’ve developed some youngsters like (Jake) DeBrusk and (Charlie) McAvoy, but they still have a strong leadership group and they’re trying to play with a pretty good pace. But when you look at us against them (last Saturday) there wasn’t a very big difference in the pace of the game. Sometimes, it’s about bounces or certain teams making certain adjustments. When the two teams faced each other, there didn’t seem to be a big difference. We have to keep trying to improve, keep plugging away.” There will be a couple of differences from Saturday’s game. Centres Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw were injured in that game and are not available. And because the Canadiens are the visitors, it’s more difficult to match lines because the Bruins get the last line change. “I like to use the word challenge,” Julien said when asked about the difficulties facing the Canadiens. “You can’t lose two centres and everyone knows that’s probably our challenge position right now. We don’t hide from that fact. You lose one guy that’s there all the time and the other in Shawsy, who takes lots of draws. You have to ask your players to be conscientious on how they play. You have to be better and smarter and, as a group, you hope you can overcome those things. It’s always tough to ask one guy to do it on his own.” One player who is being asked to step up is Jacob de la Rose, who is tentatively pencilled in as a the centre between Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin. Reflecting on his days here, Julien talked about the players, most of whom are still active. “The leadership group is very strong here and there were guys I was able to be with from Day 1, the Krejcis, Bergeron,” said Julien. “I’m talking about the way guys came up, the Marchands, the Krugs, you can say Tuukka Rask, Pastrnak. I was fortunate to have good players and we just seemed to evolve with the game every year. You have to bring something new to keep the guys interested and excited, and that’s what coaches have to do today. You can’t coach the way you did 10 years ago and expect it to work. I felt I was able to do that in a lot of areas.” During the Canadiens’ morning skate, newcomer Logan Shaw was on the ice with spares Ales Hemsky, Joe Morrow and backup goaltender Antti Niemi. Julien said Shaw’s debut with the Canadiens is on hold until he gets a practice or two. “We’ll let him get his feet wet,” said Julien. [email protected] twitter: zababes1 Montreal Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093607 Montreal Canadiens

Punchless Canadiens no match for streaking Bruins in Beantown

Pat Hickey, Montreal Gazette

BOSTON — The Canadiens scored in the first minute, but the offence dried up after that and the Bruins defeated the Canadiens 4-1 Wednesday to spoil coach Claude Julien’s return to the TD Garden. It was the third consecutive loss for the Canadiens, who have dropped nine points behind the last wild-card spot. Quick strike: The Canadiens shocked the Bruins and the sellout crowd at the TD Garden when they took a 1-0 lead after only 31 seconds of play. Jakub Jerabek’s shot from the point was off target, but it hit Zdeno Chara as he was battling Max Pacioretty for position in front. It was the first NHL goal for Jerabek, who collected two assists against the Islanders Monday for his first NHL points. Getting even: The Bruins tied the score at 6:50 when Patrice Bergeron found David Pastrnak alone to the right of Carey Price. Defenceman Jeff Petry hit Pastrnak earlier on the play, but he lost his stick and never got back into position. It was Pastrnak’s 18th goal of the season. Bruins get the bounce: Ryan Spooner gave the Bruins the lead when he scored at 2:37 of the second period. Spooner drove the net and slid what appeared to be a harmless shot into the crease. Price tried to sweep the puck to the opposite side of the rink, but Jonathan Drouin was backing up Price and the clearing attempt caromed off Drouin into the net. Something special for Bruins: Brad Marchand made it 3-1 when he scored his team-leading 19th goal on a power play at 3:40 of the third period. The Bruins went 1-for-3 on the power play. The Canadiens failed to capitalize on a 5-on-3 advantage for 1:09 in the second period and were 0-for-2 with the extra man. David Krejci completed the scoring with an empty-net goal at 16:46. Shuffling the lines: Drouin started the game on the wing, but he was back at centre midway through the second period, playing with Alex Galchenyuk and Nicolas Deslauriers on the wings. Jacob de la Rose, who started the game between Drouin and Galchenyuk, finished the game on the fourth line. Bruins salute Julien: The Bruins saluted former coach Julien with a video tribute midway through the first period. There were shots of Julien getting excited, some family moments and a closing shot of Julien hoisting the Stanley Cup in 2011. He received an ovation from the fans and from the players on both teams. O’Ree honoured: Former Bruin Willie O’Ree was honoured before the game and performed the ceremonial faceoff. Sixty years ago, the Fredericton native became the first back player in the NHL, lining up for the Bruins in a 3-0 win over the Canadiens. Boston mayor Marty Walsh commemorated the occasion by proclaiming Thursday as Willie O’Ree Day and putting the pioneer’s name on a new street hockey rink. Music lovers rejoice: The Bruins announced that 78-year-old anthem singer Rene Rancourt will retire at the end of this season. Rancourt, who is best known for his fist-pumping finale to the U.S. anthem, started singing the anthems at Bruins’ games in the 1975-76 season. Coming up: The Canadiens will have a day off in Washington Thursday before facing the Capitals Friday (7:30 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN Radio- 690). They return to the Bell Centre Saturday to play the Bruins for the third time in eight nights. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093608 Montreal Canadiens

About last night ... Bruins stomp Canadiens 4-1

MIKE BOONE Published on: January 17, 2018

You have to feel for Claude Julien. Universally respected as one of the NHL’s good guys, Julien is coaching one of the league’s worst teams. And the Canadiens’ crappiness was amply in evidence Wednesday night in Boston. The final score was not indicative of how this game went. After Jakub Jerabek’s early fluke goal – which ticked past Tuukka Rask off Zdeno Chara’s knee – the home team dominated every aspect of the game. Men against boys … boys who got skates for Christmas and are still a bit hazy on how to use them. Mario Tremblay opened L’Antichambre by ripping Jonathan Drouin. Vincent Damphousse was more expansive. He reeled off the names of the Canadiens centres who started the game – Jacob De La Rose, Paul Byron, Tomas Plekanec and Byron Froese – and wondered how any team can hope to win with that pathetic group. On the Sportsnet telecast of the game, Doug MacLean described the Canadiens’ situation at centre as “a little bit frightening.” He’s wrong. Nothing “little bit” about it. The Canadiens situation at centre is flat-out terrifying for anyone who cares about the team. “You can’t expect miracles from a team that lacks talent, that lacks belief and lacks pep,” Damphousse added. Gaston Therrien weighed in with a critique of the team’s lack of the toughness, with the exception of two small players, Brendan Gallagher and Charles Hudon. To illustrate his point, Therrien cited the Brad Marchand goal on which Jeff Petry “covered” the smaller Bruins player. It’s just sad. And there are 37 games to play – including a visit to Washington Friday night – in this lost season. The Wednesday night stat sheet tells the game’s story. Boston – outshot 4-0 in the game’s opening minutes – had 63 shot attempts: 32 on Carey Price, 10 that missed the net and 21 blocked. Comparable numbers for the Canadiens: 39 attempts: 22 on Tuukka Rask, seven wide, 10 blocked. “We weren’t good tonight,” Julien said in his postgame scrum. “It was that simple … We laid an egg.” Someone asked Julien about the role of the team’s leaders. “I don’t think I have to answer that,” the coach said. “People saw the game. “You want your best players to be your best players. I don’t have to say more.” With the exception of Price, the Canadiens’ best players were no-shows in Boston. And when you compare Drouin, Max Pacioretty and Alex Galchenyuk to Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci … Or compare Petry to Zeno Chara and Victor Mete to Charlie McAvoy. On to Washington … Montreal Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093609 Montreal Canadiens A few weeks ago, on Jan. 3 to be precise, Julien mentioned publicly that he needed his best players to play better. It was calculated. He gathered those players in a meeting beforehand to tell them he was going to do Basu: Claude Julien has challenged his players like he never has before that, and in a sense, it worked. The Canadiens came out the next game and beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 in a shootout.

After the win, Pacioretty seemed stunned that we didn’t know Julien had By Arpon Basu gathered them together and told them they would be called out publicly. Julien had never mentioned to the media that he had done that, but it seemed obvious to Pacioretty. BOSTON – Most people have already written the Canadiens off. “Next time he says something like that,” Pacioretty said then, “assume he said it to us.” That’s because most people do not play or work for the Canadiens, so they can look at the standings, look at their record, look at their roster, Ok, so did Julien tell his team that he couldn’t – or wouldn’t – say and realize certain things that are obvious. whether his players have quit on the season? It was perhaps his most telling moment of the season, given that it was his first public display of But when you play or work for the Canadiens, it is ok to irrationally look at doubt about his own team, his own players. those same things and remain blind to what is obvious. It is ok to believe that it is indeed Santa Claus who comes down that chimney and leaves Then, he did it again. gifts under your tree on Christmas Eve, or that there is a fairy out there flying around the world leaving money under your pillow in exchange for “Again, part of our job is to make those guys believe,” Julien said, “but your nasty, discarded baby tooth. you often say you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t force them to drink. Part of the responsibility belongs to them and part of it belongs to The Canadiens still having a chance to make the playoffs is a similarly us to make them believe.” ridiculous thing to believe. But when you are only midway through the season and you are the ones playing or coaching or managing that The ability to maintain that belief for the Canadiens is hanging by a season, logic can be your worst enemy. thread, if it is hanging at all, because it is akin to believing in fairy tales. Julien might as well be Tinkerbell at this point. What we witnessed Wednesday night in Boston, however, might very well have been that logic finally dawning on the Canadiens, finally “We realize where we are,” he said. “At the same time, just a few years creeping into their brains and providing the realization that this is indeed ago Ottawa went on a run with a goaltender by the name of Hammond. a lost cause. Sometimes if you believe, good things can happen, you know? But it’s got to start with the belief. If you don’t believe, you’re wasting your time. There is no other way to explain how the Canadiens played in a 4-1 loss But we have a group of guys that if they get together and believe in to the Boston Bruins, an effort so listless that the Bruins should be themselves, that chance is still there. ashamed that the score was not more lopsided. There were about 15 different moments in this game you could point to as an example of just “We believe. It’s up to them to believe as much as we do.” how inept the Canadiens were, whether it’s Jeff Petry standing paralyzed without his stick as his man David Pastrnak got up off the ice and moved The 2014-15 Ottawa Senators did indeed go 19-3-3 down the stretch on into a position to score the tying goal, or Brad Marchand beating Petry to the back of Andrew Hammond to squeak into the playoffs before getting the front of the Canadiens net for an easy scoring opportunity that never knocked out by the first-place Canadiens in the first round. But even that came because the Bruins didn’t recognize it, or David Schlemko simply Senators team was 18-18-9 after 45 games. The Canadiens are 18-21-6. handing the puck to Riley Nash in his own zone, or Noel Acciari being left And really, when you’re clinging to making history as a reference point for all alone in the slot but putting his shot high. your belief, that belief can’t really be all that strong. And that was all before the first intermission. But if Julien still believes, power to him. This was him taking a stand, and he appeared to throw down the gauntlet on his players after being “It seemed,” Max Pacioretty said, “like no one really wanted the puck.” embarrassed in a building where he presided over so much greatness. Great. “When you look at our team, we looked like a team that maybe didn’t believe and gave up easily and all that stuff,” he said. “But I go back “We can’t afford to have off nights, especially against a team that’s again, four, five games before that we didn’t look like that team. supposed to be our biggest rival,” Brendan Gallagher added. “We’re supposed to show up. We’ve always loved coming into this building and “So it’s up to us to – probably next game – decide which way we want to playing. Tonight that wasn’t the case. go here. Are we going to want to bounce back and play some better hockey than we did tonight, or are we just going to drag on?” “At no point in the game did we have the effort level we needed to win, and like I said, we got what we deserved.” Whether the Canadiens players believe or not is probably irrelevant at this point. What is important is knowing what type of players they have, a There’s some honesty in those words, but it’s nothing we haven’t heard team supposedly built on character actually showing some after it was before. In fact, we’ve heard it all too often this season. publicly questioned by their coach. What was different was the tone of Claude Julien’s comments, his That, in the grand scheme of things, is more important than any push thoughts, and how he separated his coaching staff from his players in towards the playoffs. We’ll see Friday night in Washington. describing how unacceptable the game was from the Canadiens point of view. The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 Forget Julien’s homecoming, even though that surely added to his disappointment and embarrassment, but this game, this week was so vital in maintaining that delusional hope the Canadiens had of saving their season. Yet they showed up in Boston and looked like they quit. When Julien was asked by Sportsnet’s Eric Engels afterwards if he thought that to be the case, if he thought some of his players have quit, Julien didn’t immediately say no. He didn’t get angry that the question was even asked. He didn’t get angry at all. This is not normal. This is what Julien did. “I think those are questions you guys need to ask the players, not the coach,” he said. “I can’t answer for them. It’s important for you guys to ask the right people, that’s part of your job. My job is to tell you that we weren’t good enough tonight and we need to be better, and I think that’s my responsibility. I need to get this team to play better, and no matter what they’re thinking they need to change their approach, if that’s the case.” Whoa. 1093610 Montreal Canadiens

Three things we learned in Boston

By Arpon Basu

Bruins 4, Canadiens 1 • That was a nice moment for Claude Julien, a video of his time in Boston ending with him raising the Stanley Cup then seeing him awkwardly acknowledge the warm applause he got from the TD Garden crowd. That was during the first TV timeout of the game, and the Canadiens basically chose that moment to take an extended nap. A game that was so obviously important to their coach, one he reiterated over and over again that morning that he badly wanted to win, not necessarily because it was his first time back in a building where he spent 10 years as coach, but because his new team’s season hangs in the balance. The Canadiens allowed a goal to David Pastrnak just 35 seconds after the video tribute to Julien, and did so in a way that was comically bad. Jeff Petry getting his stick stuck in the glass, Pastrnak stealing the puck from Max Pacioretty while lying on the ice, Petry raising his hands pleading for a whistle, or something, while Pastrnak sheds Petry, puts himself in a position to score, and then scores. Excuse the grainy photo, but this sums up the goal perfectly. That was just one example of how sloppy the Canadiens were through 40 minutes, but somewhat miraculously, they ended the first period in a 1-1 tie and were only down 2-1 after two periods. They did not deserve to be in this game for that long based on their start. And their coach deserved a better start from his team considering how much this game, and this place, meant to him. • It lasted about 27 minutes. The great Jacob De La Rose as offensive centre experiment ended that quickly because, well, it wasn’t working. And really, who expected it to work? Anyone? Even Julien said before the game he was still mulling over whether or not he should actually do it, whether he should put his two most offensively gifted forwards with a player who has demonstrated no ability to do anything positive in the offensive zone. So maybe even Julien knew it wouldn’t work, but he had to try something. He began the game with Tomas Plekanec, Paul Byron, De La Rose and Byron Froese lining up down the middle, and in doing so maybe there was an alternative motivation for Julien going through with the De La Rose between Alex Galchenyuk and Jonathan Drouin thing. What it accomplished was it laid bare for everyone to see, a national audience across North America, just how bad the Canadiens situation is down the middle, and just how little he has to work with. I don’t actually believe that was Julien’s motivation, but that was the result regardless. • So, which offensive situation was more demoralizing? Was it the 69 seconds of 5-on-3 time that could not have been handled much more clumsily, resulting in one Canadiens shot on Tuukka Rask and a lot of difficulties getting set up in the offensive zone, with the three-man Bruins penalty kill proving to be too daunting of a defensive wall to penetrate? Or did it actually come moments later, after the initial penalty to Charlie McAvoy expired when Artturi Lehkonen found himself on a 3-on-1 break with Charles Hudon and Victor Mete, with only Torey Krug and Rask to beat, yet somehow managing to come out of that without so much as a shot on goal after Krug blocked Lehkonen’s pass attempt? Honestly, it’s a tough call, but by the end of the two Bruins penalties, a golden opportunity for the Canadiens to tie the game 2-2 and give themselves some life, it was clear this game was a mismatch, a 2-1 blowout. And it wasn’t because the Bruins were playing all that well. Adding salt to the wound, the Bruins converted on a power play in the third period to make it 3-1 when De La Rose – he had a tough night – was called for a neutral zone hook. Krug fanned on his initial shot but managed to poke the puck to Brad Marchand, who was standing on the lip of Carey Price’s crease behind Petry, who seemingly didn’t want to bother him because he looked so peaceful standing there. The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093611 Montreal Canadiens I am and what I can bring to the team, so I’m not surprised where I’m at right now.”

Right now Galchenyuk is challenging Brendan Gallagher for the title of Basu: Julien’s greatest legacy in Boston will be lining up against his the team’s best forward. He is consistently doing things that were absent Canadiens from his game before; covering for defencemen, backchecking hard, winning puck battles. All things that Julien preaches, and all things that have allowed Galchenyuk to gain the confidence of his coach. Arpon Basu “Part of our job as coaches is to work with those guys,” Julien said. “You don’t give up on people. You stick with them, you stick with them. And right now, offensively he’s really come a long ways. Defensively, we’re The stamp Claude Julien left on Boston is clear and obvious. It is silver, going to keep working with him because we hope the same thing will about 90 centimetres tall and has a cup on top. happen on the other side of the puck, that he gets to that level. Ask any of the Boston Bruins about it, and you will get the same answer; “And we’re going to keep working with him. He’s got the good attitude, he Julien’s mark on Boston is the 2011 Stanley Cup. Plain and simple. hears you and he wants to. As long as you have that attitude there’s obviously some hope there. I think right now he’s in a good place, he “He’s been there for a long time and he’s been part of a Stanley Cup feels good about his game, he’s producing. So we’ve got to keep him on team,” Bruins captain Zdeno Chara said. “That doesn’t happen every track and hopefully add to his game without subtracting.” year or for every coach. He’s always going to be remembered in Boston for that.” Jonathan Drouin has been a similar project for Julien, though handled completely differently than Galchenyuk. Where Galchenyuk was sent to It hadn’t happened for any hockey coach in Boston for 39 years before purgatory on the fourth line, Drouin has been allowed to play through his Julien put an end to that drought in 2011, one that began with an growing pains at centre up until this game in Boston, which should be his overtime win in Game 7 of the first round against his current team, the first back on the wing since he joined the Canadiens. Canadiens. Drouin’s difficulties adjusting to the middle of the ice have been on the But there is another legacy Julien left in Boston, one that could give fans front burner all season because of what gave up to get in Montreal some hope. him, and because the centre position has been a constant black hole for When Julien was hired as Bruins coach in 2007, Patrice Bergeron was the Canadiens. It was Julien’s job to make it work, which can lead to a three seasons into his NHL career and coming off a season with 22 goals tense relationship when it clearly doesn’t work. But Drouin didn’t feel that and 70 points, an offensive season second only to the 73 points he put was the case at all. up the year before in terms of his career best. But he was also a minus- “Some nights are good, some nights are bad and sometimes I’m in his 28 in 2006-07, and whatever you think of plus-minus as a stat, that is an office a little more than other days. But it’s not negative stuff. It’s more unthinkable number for Bergeron today. positive, building, making me better and better every game,” Drouin said. Julien helped mold Bergeron into the best two-way forward in the game. “He’s very calm. Sometimes, he’s won the Stanley Cup and has won a lot of games, you hear stuff. But he’s very calm in any situation. Bad game, “From the start, when he got to Boston, right away he established his good game, he’s always the same. system and what he wanted from each individual,” Bergeron said. “Just the little details and the video that I used to do with him really built me “I think Bergeron said it, that he’s a good coach but as a human being into the player I am. I know I’ve worked hard to get here and a lot of it is too, he wants to help you off the ice. It’s something you can feel when on me, but still, he’s definitely helped me along the way to work on you talk to him.” different things to make me a better player and a better person. I’ll Bergeron did indeed say that, and he did so repeatedly. always say that and always be thankful for what he did.” “Hockey is one thing,” he said, “but he goes beyond that.” Two years after Julien took over in Boston, Brad Marchand arrived as a rookie in 2009. He was not only seen as a pest, he believed he was as So while looking for Julien’s legacy in Boston when he coaches his first well. But Julien saw something in him and helped change him into far game against the Bruins since he was fired on Feb. 7, 2017, it will be more than that. Today, Marchand is one of the best wingers in the game, easy to find. It is hanging in the rafters at TD Garden. and he has no problem crediting Julien for helping him achieve that status. But his greater legacy will be lining up as two-thirds of one of the best lines in the NHL, with Bergeron and Marchand skating alongside David “He always wanted me to be a much better player and I think he saw Pastrnak and giving Julien headaches. that,” Marchand said. “That’s why he was hard on me at times, because he knew I could be better than being satisfied with being a fourth line Canadiens fans can only hope that one day Julien’s greatest legacy in player and sticking there. He gave me an opportunity to play second line Montreal will be Galchenyuk and Drouin becoming a similarly dominant with Bergy, penalty kill and power play eventually. It was a process and force together, and that his guidance will be the primary reason why. he really stuck with it, because there was a few times there he easily could have written me off and just kept me there. But he allowed me to The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 grow and just be a much better player.” Which brings us to Julien’s current job. He arrives back at TD Garden at the helm of a rudderless ship, a team without much direction that is all but assured of missing the playoffs in his first full season behind the bench. But the Canadiens also have some projects for Julien, and listening to Marchand talk about what he did with him, it was difficult not to think about Alex Galchenyuk. The real comparable in Boston to Galchenyuk is probably Tyler Seguin because they share some of the same strengths and weaknesses. And it is possible the lessons learned from the Seguin trade have shaped how Julien is handling Galchenyuk now. But the words Marchand used to describe how Julien worked with him could easily be applied to Galchenyuk today. He began the season being told he would not be playing centre and then broke camp playing on the fourth line. It was not an easy time and not something Galchenyuk is happy to talk about now, at one point saying, “It was so long ago I don’t even remember.” Who can blame him for eradicating that episode from his memory? But it remains an important period in his relationship with his new coach, even if he doesn’t want to talk about it. “Yeah, it was not a fun time,” Galchenyuk said. “I didn’t expect myself to be on the fourth line. But at the end of the day, I knew what kind of player 1093612 Nashville Predators But if he falters, there’s a viable fallback. Saros has flourished in his role and has tried not to focus on the fact that he’s playing to prove he should be Rinne’s replacement some day. Predators are short-handed, but they're stacked — at a bargain rate — in “That’s the ultimate goal, but I don’t like think about it daily,” Saros said. goal “It won’t happen if I’m always thinking about it.” Rinne, 35, is signed through next season at $7 million a year. Saros will Joe Rexrode, Jan. 17, 2018 be a restricted free agent this summer and is on his way to an enormous pay bump. He has played nine games in Milwaukee this season, representing a total of 17 minor-league days. That’s a hit of about $29,000 to his bottom line, with more to come. The Predators shut out the Western Conference-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. “If you’re sitting and only playing 15 games a year, it’s probably not great for your development,” Preds coach Peter Laviolette said after The Nashville Predators returned from a week off refreshed and ready. Tuesday’s game of the Saros shuttling. “It’s worked really well because, Some players got away, some relaxed in town, but a backup goaltender for this instance, to keep him playing during the break, he played who worked like a dog for a fraction of his usual pay during that week is extremely well (in Milwaukee), we’ve got a goaltender who has been the one who beat the Vegas Golden Knights. taking shots for the week, live action, and he comes back tonight and plays terrific.” It’s good to have Juuse Saros, who starred and sparkled in a 1-0 win Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. Just your basic 43-save shutout, The team benefits are ample. And the individual reward is coming. Rinne, making Saros the only player in franchise history to own two shutouts like many others on this team a graduate of the two-way contract, can with 40-plus saves. attest. It’s good to be Saros, too, so don’t take this as a whine column. And “It can be tiring, going back and forth, but he’s done a really good job,” don’t take him as whining. This 22-year-old Finn is so unassuming, he’d Rinne said of Saros. “Yeah, we get spoiled up here, nice hotels and probably apologize for imposing on your foot if you kicked him in the shin. charter planes and everything like that. Up there, life is different. But it’s And plenty of 22-year-olds would happily take $959, before taxes, for five also a good reminder of how lucky we are.” days of tending goal for the Milwaukee Admirals, the Predators' American Hockey League affiliate. Tennessean LOADED: 01.18.2018 Of course, had Saros just stayed with the big club and relaxed during those five days instead of shutting out the and splitting two games with the San Antonio Rampage, he would have made $9,486 before taxes. That’s a costly week of work. That’s the reality of the two-way NHL contract, which is prorated daily based on the two salaries — in Saros’ case, $692,500 annually with the Predators, $70,000 annually with the Admirals. In both of those cases, what a bargain. The next time an NFL quarterback or SEC coordinator gets a grotesquely massive contract that makes you want to question where we are heading as a society, think of this kid, who is 5-3-3 with a stingy 2.23 goals-against average and excellent .930 save percentage this season for the Preds. “It’s been good to get a lot of games,” Saros, who set the club record this season with 46 saves in a shutout, said after the win. “When you play more, things come more natural. It’s a little different going to Milwaukee, but I don’t complain. It’s still a good life up there. Great group of guys and it’s always fun to play with them and see them.” After a slow start this season, Saros has been on fire lately in relief of starter Pekka Rinne, a fellow Finn and close friend/mentor. Saros was so good Wednesday, he had Golden Knights center Jonathan Marchessault swearing at no one in particular. This after Marchessault broke free in the third period and was turned back by Saros on a point-blank opportunity — one of 10 Marchessault shots on goal that went nowhere, one of several moments greeted by a loud “Youuuuuuuuuuuuse!” from the crowd in honor of Saros. The loudest of those came after a second-period scrum with the Golden Knights on the power play, a wild scramble in front of the net that saw Preds forward Austin Watson kick the puck away just before it crossed the goal line. Saros didn’t realize what had happened at the time but, when he learned of it in post-game interviews, he walked across the locker room to give Watson a “thank you” and a bro hug. “I think you kicked it back at me,” Watson told Saros. “It was lucky, man.” And the Preds are lucky to have this goalie dynamic as they joust with the expansion Golden Knights for the top seed in the Western Conference. Nashville has missed star forward Filip Forsberg for nearly three weeks and might be without him for three more because of an upper-body injury. Viktor Arvidsson missed Tuesday’s game with a lower- body injury that isn’t expected to keep him out long, and Ryan Johansen took a high hit Tuesday and left the game. So the Preds finished it without their entire top line, and they are going to have to dig deeper for scoring until it is back intact. Reliable goaltending every night helps. So does a fresh Rinne (21-8-3, 2.43 goals against, .925 save percentage). Entering Thursday’s home game with Arizona, he will have played one game in the previous 11 days. There’s no question Rinne will be in goal in the postseason, based on how he is playing and how he played during last season’s Stanley Cup Final run. 1093613 Nashville Predators

Predators, Juuse Saros conquer Vegas Golden Knights, but lose Ryan Johansen

Adam Vingan, Jan. 17, 2018

The term “measuring stick” had multiple uses in Nashville on Tuesday. It could be used in reference to the several inches of snow that coated the region, but also the Predators’ matchup against the Western Conference-leading Vegas Golden Knights. The Golden Knights aren’t expansion darlings anymore, but actual contenders that the Predators hadn't been able to conquer this season until shutting them out 1-0 at Bridgestone Arena. Here are three observations from Tuesday's victory: Top-line shakeup The Predators, already without leading scorer Filip Forsberg, placed forward Viktor Arvidsson on injured reserve Tuesday with a lower-body injury. That put the Predators in the unenviable position of having to replace that lost offense against the Golden Knights, who are among the NHL’s highest-scoring teams. Coach Peter Laviolette flanked center Ryan Johansen with forwards Colton Sissons and Calle Jarnkrok on Tuesday. Those two don’t have the same scoring credentials as the 30-goal scorers that typically occupy those positions, but they attempted their best impressions. Sissons had a team-leading three scoring chances at even strength, narrowly missing on more than one occasion. Kevin Fiala ended his eight-game goal drought by hunting down a rebound in the third period. Johansen leaves early Nashville's rotten injury luck worsened Tuesday when Johansen didn't emerge for the third period after receiving a hard hit from Golden Knights forward William Carrier in the final minute of the second period. The Predators expectedly had no update on Johansen's status following the game. The team is scheduled to practice at noon Wednesday, and more information may be available then. Saros' strong stretch continues As his teammates dispersed for brief vacations last week, Predators goaltender Juuse Saros remained at work. He went to the American Hockey League, where he started three games for the Milwaukee Admirals and extended his stretch of high-level play. That compelled Laviolette to turn to Saros on Tuesday after the Predators’ week off. Saros was marvelous again, compiling a 43-save shutout and a highlight reel brimming with acrobatic stops. He has a 5-0-3 record in his past nine appearances (which includes one perfect relief outing) with a 1.53 goals- against average, .956 save percentage and three shutouts. Among the highest save totals in an NHL shutout this season, Saros ranks second (46 saves against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 14) and tied for third (43 against Vegas on Tuesday). Saros is the first goaltender in Predators history to record multiple 40- save shutouts and the second NHL rookie to do so in one season since the league began officially tracking shots on goal in 1955, according to Elias Sports Bureau. Tennessean LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093614 Nashville Predators

Predators' rotten injury luck strikes Ryan Johansen, entire first forward line

Adam Vingan, Jan. 17, 2018

The Predators shut out the Western Conference-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday. Ryan Johansen crumpled to the Bridgestone Arena ice surface Tuesday, the recipient of a hard right shoulder to the chin from Golden Knights forward William Carrier. As a dazed Johansen kneeled in discomfort with a trainer by his side, the Predators experienced unsettling déjà vu. Didn't they just have to place two other top forwards on injured reserve? And there went Johansen to the dressing room, where he remained for the third period of Nashville's shutout win. Under the circumstances, the Predators' grind-it-out victory against the Western Conference-leading Golden Knights felt more impressive. They already were missing dynamic wingers Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, who have accounted for 28 goals and 61 points combined this season. Remove Johansen, and the Predators toppled the high-octane Golden Knights without all three members of one of the NHL's most fearsome forward lines. "It's what you have to do," Predators forward Austin Watson said. "We're confident. It's kind of the same thing we talked about all last year during the playoffs. Whoever's playing, whoever gets the minutes, whoever dresses, we're confident in everybody in this room that we're going to get the job done. "When you're missing (Johansen, Arvidsson and Forsberg) for a good majority of the game, those guys are spectacular and they create a lot of offense for us, but we’ve got a lot of good hockey players in here and guys step up and take those minutes.” To state the obvious, the Predators would rather not experience life without those three for any significant length of time. Johansen fully practiced Wednesday but declined to speak to reporters afterward. The NHL won't levy any supplemental discipline against Carrier, who wasn't penalized on the play that knocked down Johansen. Arvidsson, who suffered a lower-body injury during Monday's practice and skated Tuesday morning, is now eligible to be activated from injured reserve. Forsberg needs at least a few more weeks to recover from a suspected hand injury. Neither participated in Wednesday's practice, but skated beforehand. In the meantime, the Predators are emboldened by the challenge. "I think it's great for our confidence going forward," said Predators forward Colton Sissons, who generated a team-leading three scoring chances at even strength Tuesday as a top-line replacement. "There's always moving pieces of guys coming in and out of the lineup with injuries and whatnot. "Missing those two guys for tonight was a big loss obviously, and we needed other guys to step up. We won a pretty greasy game at home. That felt really good." NEXT GAME PREDATORS vs. COYOTES When: 7 p.m. Thursday TV/radio: Fox TN/102.5-FM Tennessean LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093615 Nashville Predators

Predators place forward Viktor Arvidsson on injured reserve

Adam Vingan, Jan. 16, 2018

The Predators placed forward Viktor Arvidsson on injured reserve Tuesday with a lower-body injury, recalling forward Freddy Gaudreau from the American Hockey League as his replacement. Nashville appeared to avoid a major injury scare when Arvidsson emerged from the dressing room tunnel and participated in the team’s morning skate at Bridgestone Arena. Less than a day earlier, Arvidsson needed assistance from two trainers to leave practice. It's unclear how the injury occurred. Although Arvidsson skated Tuesday morning, he didn't do so at full bore, conferencing with trainers during the session. He already had exited the dressing room before reporters entered after the morning skate. Already without leading scorer Filip Forsberg for the past two-plus weeks and at least another couple of weeks, the Predators can't afford to lose another top player for a significant length of time. Arvidsson, who has 13 goals and 27 points this season, is eligible to return Thursday because his stint on injured reserve is retroactive to Jan. 9, the date of the Predators' last game before their five-day bye week. Injuries, however, haven't hindered the Predators' success this season. Before hosting the West-leading Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday, Nashville was in third place in the conference and fifth in the NHL despite not being at full health at any point. "Just look at last year, too," said Predators defenseman Mattias Ekholm, one of three remaining Predators players to have appeared in every game this season. "We had a lot of guys injured at different times throughout the year. When we really got together with 10 games to go or whatever it was, we really hit our stride. Hopefully we won't get any more guys out, but when we get (Forsberg) back, it's going to be a nice addition for us and (we'll) have the full group going." Tennessean LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093616 New Jersey Devils

How Devils snapped losing streak vs. Islanders: 8 observations | Damon Severson, Taylor Hall come up big

By Chris Ryan

NEW YORK -- The Devils finally got the 60-minute effort they wanted. Following one miscue on an early breakaway goal, the Devils kept a lethal New York Islanders offense in check before rattling off four straight goals in a 4-1 win on Tuesday at the Barclays Center, ending a 0-3-3 stretch. Here's how the Devils got their first win of the 2018 calendar year, including a big game from Damon Severson, a needed special teams performance and a red-hot streak extended for Taylor Hall. Severson strikes for 2 Defenseman Damon Severson struck for two goals for the second time in his career, giving the Devils a 2-1 lead in the second period before adding to it 1:26 later for a 3-1 advantage. Severson scored his first goal by settling a high puck in the right circle before driving it home. Following a strong forecheck by the Devils's top line moments later, fellow defenseman Ben Lovejoy found Severson at the point for a bomb from the blue line. "It was kind of a funny play. I wasn’t expecting the puck, and I was telling Lovejoy don’t pass it, because I saw their forward before he passed," Severson said. "He’s got that space, so good pass and I was definitely happy to get that second goal and pull ahead a little extra." Prior to the game, coach John Hynes talked about defensemen establishing roles, stepping up and playing to their strengths. All six did so Tuesday. Along with Severson putting to his offensive ability on display, Andy Greene, Lovejoy, Sami Vatanen, John Moore and Will Butcher combined to hold an opponent to one goal for the first time since their last win on Dec. 27. "I thought all six guys played well, and even tonight you could see certain guys played to their strengths," Hynes said. "That’s what we need this time of year. That’s what we needed from our group to win the game.” Star Ledger LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093617 New Jersey Devils

How Devils captain Andy Greene finally had 1st NHL fight

By Chris Ryan NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

NEW YORK -- Before Andy Greene knew what was happening, he was fighting. It took 749 career games, but the Devils captain finally dropped the gloves for the first time at the end of the first period in the Devils' 4-1 win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday at the Barclays Center. Following some pushing, shoving and jostling in front of the Devils' net with Islanders forward Brock Nelson, the two started throwing punches. Seconds later they were on the ice, being separated by officials. "We were battling hard in front of the net and he asked me to go, I said sure, and I blacked out after that," Greene laughed. "So I don't really know what happened. But like I said, we've battled hard against each other the last few years here, and that was it." Greene was surprised to learn that it was also the first career fight for Nelson, coming in his 363rd game. The Devils have made a point, going back to the preseason, about standing up for teammates and the brotherhood culture they've developed. With the Devils also aiming to snap a season-long six-game losing streak, getting that kind of emotion and outburst from Greene was something the Devils needed. "That's the kind of investment level you need to have to find ways to win and sometimes stop a losing streak," Devils coach John Hynes said. "And not just stop a losing streak, but be able to win and continue to win as the year goes on. To have a guy like your captain do that is definitely an emotional lift for your team. No different than (Marcus) Johansson's shot block in the second period. That's a bomb and he gets in front of it, and those things matter." Greene didn't go into the game looking for a fight, but for whatever reason, a physical play finally pushed him into fisticuffs. "That was just a heat of the moment type thing," Greene said. "It wasn't a staged fight or one of those things. It was two guys battling in front and playing hard for each other's teams, and like I said, it was fun to do. I'll have to look at the tape and see what happened." Star Ledger LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093618 New York Islanders

Some surprises among injured Islanders returning to practice

By Arthur Staple

Wednesday was an off day for the Islanders, but you wouldn’t have known that if you happened by Northwell Health Ice Center. Five injured Islanders were on the ice, giving the first real ray of hope that the impact of the injury wave is beginning to abate. Josh Bailey skated for a fourth straight day and, should all go smoothly on Thursday morning, it appears likely that Bailey will return to the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Bruins in Brooklyn. Bailey is still among the top 15 scorers in the NHL at 50 points despite missing the last four- plus games. He was injured in the first period against the Penguins on Jan. 5 and did not return. He would be a welcome sight on John Tavares’ right side. The four other Islanders were all taking their first steps back. Andrew Ladd, also injured in that Jan. 5 loss, was on the ice for the first time since that night. Johnny Boychuk, who will miss his 10th straight game on Thursday, had previously tried to practice and get back into action from his lower-body injury but was shut down after one day on the ice two weeks ago. Wednesday was his first on-ice workout since that failed return. Casey Cizikas, who was termed by Doug Weight to be “out a while” with a suspected hand injury suffered in Saturday’s 7-2 win over the Rangers, was a surprise participant in the injured skate on Wednesday. Cizikas, who missed 23 games last season following finger surgery, is not one to handle idleness well. He may still be out a while, but the hand injury will allow him to keep his skating legs. And Nikolay Kulemin was the last of the injured five, another welcome sight back on the ice. Kulemin suffered a shoulder injury that required surgery back on Nov. 7. It was thought at the time that his season and, since the 31-year-old wing is in the final year of his contract, his Islanders tenure was over. But he was back on the ice Wednesday a little more than two months removed from surgery. His return isn’t imminent but Kulemin was certainly a stabilizing force on the penalty kill, which has been one of the league’s worst for much of the season. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093619 New York Rangers

Staal, Hayes injuries may force Rangers ‘to call someone up’

By Zach Braziller January 18, 2018 | 2:42am

Defenseman Marc Staal will miss Thursday’s game against the Sabres after not practicing Wednesday, and center Kevin Hayes likely will be out, too. With the Rangers leaving for a four-game road trip out West on Friday, a move may have to be made to add depth to the active roster. Coach Alain Vigneault said he doesn’t believe either player will be out too much longer. That said, if neither is able to practice on Friday before the team leaves for Denver, it would leave the Rangers in a precarious position if they don’t add a player from AHL Hartford. “We might have to call someone up,” Vigneault said. Hayes has missed the past two games with a leg contusion he aggravated Saturday against the Islanders and Staal suffered a hip-flexor injury in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over the Flyers. Neither player skated on Wednesday. Staal rehabbed his hip, and Hayes did off-ice work and got in a workout for the second straight day. “I feel he’s real close to skating here, could be in the next 24 to 48 hours,” Vigneault said of Hayes. With Staal expected to be sidelined Thursday, defenseman will return to the lineup, according to Vigneault. He was a healthy scratch Tuesday after playing in the previous three games. “‘Kamp’ has played some good hockey for us this year when we needed him,” Vigneault said of the veteran, who has produced a minus-6 rating with one assist in 16 games. “He’s skating well, he’s moving the puck well, so we’re going to put him in. We feel real good about his game and what he brings.” Vigneault will stick with the fourth line of Michael Grabner-Peter Holland- Jesper Fast against Buffalo with Hayes likely remaining out. “I thought they played well and they were very sound defensively,” the coach said. Henrik Lundqvist will be in net against the Sabres on Thursday. New York Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093620 New York Rangers

Rick Nash shows Rangers he still has what they desperately need

By Zach Braziller January 17, 2018 | 9:41PM

It wasn’t a coincidence that the Rangers’ best performance in weeks coincided with one of Rick Nash’s most productive performances of the season. There was a connection between the eight-time 30-goal scorer snapping his 12-game scoring drought and his team responding in kind to seeing their top gun come alive with a responsible, smart and aggressive end-to- end effort. “He knows that we need him to score, get on the scoresheet,” coach Alain Vigneault said following practice Wednesday as the Rangers prepared to play host Thursday night to the Sabres at the Garden. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself, but I’m very confident yesterday is a step in the right direction for him and our group.” Nash snapped out of his scoring drought against the Flyers in the thorough 5-1 victory, scoring twice, just his second two-goal game of the season. He had managed just one assist in the previous 12 contests, entering the game against the Flyers with 18 points in 44 games. It was fitting the Rangers were a mediocre 5-5-2 in that stretch, averaging a shade more than two goals per game. “You give him those looks, eventually he’ll score. That’s what me and [Pavel Buchnevich] tried to do, tried to open it up for him, and tried to get him scoring opportunities, and he took advantage of those opportunities he had [Tuesday] night,” linemate Mika Zibanejad said. “Obviously, a guy like Nasher, a leader in this locker room and on the ice, and the way he plays, it’s good to have him scoring and feeling good about himself as well.” Nash scored on a breakaway for his first goal, tying the game at one in the first period, and he added a second from right circle, the kind of play the Rangers (23-17-5, 51 points) would like to see more of from everyone. A simple play, not looking to create the perfect chance. “Point of emphasis there is getting the puck to the net first and foremost,” captain Ryan McDonagh said. Vigneault and Nash’s teammates have credited the left wing for his determination and will during this trying season, refusing to get down despite the puck not bouncing his way, playing his same brand of physical hockey despite not finding the back of the net. “Rick is a big part of our team, big part of that leadership group that I rely on, and that our group relies on,” Vigneault said. “When he is getting the looks, and playing the way he is, and not getting rewarded, it’s a good example [for other guys]. You see a guy just staying with it, keeps working. … He stayed real positive.” Of course, it helps when he gets the payoff like he did Tuesday. It helps the Rangers, too. Now it’s up to both Nash and his teammates to build on the rout of the Flyers, starting Thursday at the Garden against the Sabres, and continuing in the four-game western swing that follows. “We can’t be satisfied with this win,” Zibanejad said. “We’re happy that we won, happy that we played well and played like we wanted to, but we got to follow this up somehow with another strong effort and strong game otherwise this game doesn’t mean anything as far as momentum goes.” New York Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093621 New York Rangers

Rangers look to build momentum after Tuesday’s win over Flyers

By Steve Zipay

GREENBURGH N.Y. — The Rangers may have a little more confidence after Tuesday’s 5-1 defeat of the Flyers, but it takes more than one good game to build any momentum. “We need to string together a couple of wins,” Mika Zibanejad said after practice Wednesday. “We can’t be satisfied. We’ve got to follow this up with a strong effort, otherwise that game doesn’t mean anything as far as momentum.” The next building block could be placed on Thursday, when the Blueshirts host the Buffalo Sabres. The Rangers beat the Sabres, 3-2, in overtime in the Winter Classic at Citi Field on New Year’s Day. The Sabres (3-5-2 in their last 10) are 20 points behind the Blueshirts in last place in the Eastern Conference, and the tendency to look past a team that is 5-13-6 on the road can be tempting. “There’s a lot of things we did the right way, especially our play without the puck, that has to carry over,” said coach Alain Vigneault, whose team snapped a three-game losing streak with the win over the Flyers. Rick Nash’s pair of goals, after a 12-game slump, set a good example for the team, he said. “I’m confident that those two goals will be a sign of good things to come for him and the rest of our group,” Vigneault said. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself and he knows that we need him to get on the scoresheet. He worked hard, stayed real positive.” The Rangers can’t afford to let any points slip away, especially with a four-game West Coast trip starting Saturday and without regulars Marc Staal (hip flexor) and Kevin Hayes (bruised leg) for Thursday’s game. Neither practiced Wednesday and the team is not scheduled for a morning skate Thursday, so the forwards who played against the Flyers will return, and Steven Kampfer will join the defense pairs, which have yet to be finalized. “Marc won’t be available, we don’t expect it to be long, but it’s day to day. Hopefully Kevin, in the next couple days, will be on the ice,” said Vigneault. With only 12 healthy forwards and six defensemen at the moment, there could be call-ups from Hartford before the team leaves for Colorado, the first stop before California. “By Friday, we’ll know if both Kevin and Marc are practicing or close to practicing. Marc rehabbed today and Kevin did everything but go on the ice — hard workout, hard bike ride. I feel he’s really close to skating in the next 24 to 48 hours,” Vigneault said. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093622 NHL The Silvertips counted nearly 4,000 season-ticket holders in 2008-09, but only about 2,700 today. Rajcic says the “honeymoon period’’ of a new team wore off, while changed demographics — like Boeing workers Will hockey’s T-birds and Silvertips be OK if the NHL comes to Seattle? relocating to other communities — also eroded the base. So, growing anew is important. Not just for the team’s corporate owners, but local taxpayers who built the arena in 2003. By Geoff Baker A 10-year, $7.4 million naming-rights deal for the city-owned arena, previously held by Comcast, expired last summer. Angel of the Winds Casino Resort last month inked a $3.4 million deal for those rights Early in the second period of a game last week, the folks running the through 2028, less than half what Comcast paid. freshly bolstered Everett Silvertips had to be antsy. The Silvertips are the arena’s anchor tenant and dramatically impact its The major junior team atop the U.S. Division of the Western Hockey bottom line. After making money yearly last decade, the building since League had scored just once on 25 shots to that point against the visiting 2010 only twice turned modest profits of just over $100,000 in 2015 and Tri-City Americans. Earlier that day, they’d capped a whirlwind trade 2016. deadline run-up by acquiring three new players to go with a prior blockbuster deal that brought in two others primarily to help convert more In Kent, where the defending-champion Thunderbirds are anchor tenants chances into goals. at the 6,500-seat ShoWare Center, average attendance has soared from 3,853 their first full season there eight years ago to 4,712 this season. “I thought we kind of came out a little sluggish,’’ first-year Silvertips coach Deep playoff runs the last two years trimmed the city-owned arena’s Dennis Williams would say afterward, attributing the early missed annual losses, but it’s yet to turn a profit since its 2009 opening. opportunities to a post-deadline easing up by players relieved at having not been traded. “We kind of sat back, instead of taking the attitude that Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell, who was GM of the we’ve got to prove ourselves every day.’’ Philadelphia Flyers in the 1990s, doesn’t see an NHL team hurting the “cheaper ticket” junior game. Williams addressed the situation midgame and the Silvertips eventually found the net for a 4-0 win as they enter a pivotal phase in their relatively “We don’t charge for parking,’’ he said. “You’ll pay more for parking at an young 14-season history. Both they and the rival in NHL game than for tickets to see ours.” Kent are still solidifying regional business toeholds and could soon face new challenges with the expected arrival of a National Hockey League Still, since the T-birds moved to Kent from KeyArena, they’ve yet to fully expansion team. tap into a fan base stretching south to Olympia. Winning now to strengthen their support bases would appear paramount, “We still have people that say ‘Geez, we didn’t even know that there was as neither is certain of what a shared future with an NHL team holds. a rink here,’ ’’ Farwell said. “We’re selling to people from the south and there was no hockey here before. So, we’ve still got lots of unconverted The and Edmonton Oil Kings, both owned by NHL teams people yet that we can get to.’’ in those cities, average a WHL-best mark of around 7,300 fans per game. But the Vancouver Giants are 18th of 22 teams in WHL The T-birds saw stars Mathew Barzal, Ryan Gropp, Keegan Kolesar and attendance at 3,274 fans, while the Brandon Wheat Kings in suburban Ethan Bear and head coach Steve Konowalchuk graduate to the pros Winnipeg are 12th at 3,761 while sharing NHL markets. The this season. Nevertheless, led by new coach Matt O’Dette and returnees Steelheads in suburban Toronto are second-to-last among 20 teams in Nolan Volcan, Donovan Neuls and Zack Andrusiak, they’d gone attendance at 2,599, while the Ottawa 67s do unbeaten in nine before losing twice last weekend to climb within six fairly well at No. 6 with 4,359 fans sharing with the NHL Maple Leafs and points of Everett with three games in hand. Senators, respectively. And that, more than anything, might have spurred the rival Silvertips into Montreal is the only NHL city in Canada without a major junior team, the trade-deadline action. last struggling one having relocated five years ago. Everett already had the WHL’s best goaltender in Flyers prospect Carter The two Seattle-area junior teams, featuring players ages 16 to 20, say Hart and had allowed a league-best 107 goals in their first 43 contests. they view the NHL as a positive that should spur hockey interest without But they’d scored barely three goals per game when GM Garry Davidson harming their business. The T-birds are eighth and the Silvertips ninth in last week acquired leading point-maker Garrett Pilon and the cannon WHL attendance and both, admittedly, have further room to maximize shot of defenseman Ondrej Vala from Kamloops to bolster an offense led support ahead of any NHL arrival. by Matt Fonteyne. The Silvertips finished first in the division last year, but the T-birds Pilon and Vala debuted against Tri-City, hours after Davidson made three eliminated them in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons en route more deals for two forwards and a defenseman. to their first WHL championship. Everett fired head coach Kevin Constantine and replaced him with Williams. The Silvertips amassed 57 shots against a Tri-City squad missing several regulars. But it wasn’t until defenseman Kevin Davis’ short-handed But despite another first-place start this year, attendance at the team’s breakaway goal for a 2-0 lead midway through the second period that the 8,300-seat arena is well off the average 6,000-plus of a decade ago. team’s scoring shackles were loosened. Everett has averaged 4,499 per game this season, and only 2,997 attended the Tri-City game on a rainy midweek night. Davis said players are excited by the moves and the message sent about going for it. “Absolutely, yeah,’’ he said. “We’re definitely excited with the Silvertips chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic shrugs that off, saying group that we have going down the stretch here. We’re really looking midweek games rarely draw well and sales for upcoming opponents are forward to it.’’ brisk. In fact, Rajcic says the January-through-April sales period — when junior hockey attendance typically spikes — bodes well given the Much as the team’s front office is equally excited about what a deep run Silvertips have mostly weekend home games remaining. could mean for a franchise still carving its niche in what could become a crowded hockey marketplace. If last week’s player additions keep them in first place — indeed, Everett combined for 11 more goals in subsequent wins last Sunday over Seattle Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 Portland and in a Monday rematch with Tri-City — Rajcic projects them possibly averaging beyond 5,000 fans for the first time since 2012-13. And if there’s a deep playoff run, longer-term benefits await. “People get more invigorated if the team does well and it helps the sales,’’ Rajcic said. “If you sell another 150 to 200 season tickets, that’s a big spike in our business.’’ Rajcic doesn’t see a future NHL team cutting into a fanbase running as far north as Bellingham. “I don’t think there will be a mass exodus of fans because of the cost of it,’’ he said. “The reason hockey works at our level is, we’re very family affordable. Four full-season tickets here in Everett for good seats will probably be the equivalent of what it costs for one or two good nights at an NHL game.’’ 1093623 Ottawa Senators “It’s the same like if you leave your car outside now. When it’s cold, it’s the same car, but it takes a little while to get going and revving. The first part of our practice was pace and long strides between drills and just Senators feeling pretty healthy coming out of bye week trying to get the flexibility and flow in our legs.” Considering the situation, it puts even more pressure on goaltender Craig Anderson, who will make the start. Anderson went into the break on a Ken Warren high note, stealing the victory in Toronto by making 44 saves. Published on: January 17, 2018 | Last Updated: January 17, 2018 10:37 PM EST Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 01.18.2018

First, the good news for the Ottawa Senators as they returned to the ice on Wednesday night following their week away. Bobby Ryan, who went into the break seriously concerned about the severity of the damage to the fingers on his oft-injured left hand — wondering whether he was in for yet another long layoff — declared himself ready to go. He was back on a line with Matt Duchene and Mike Hoffman, a unit that went into the break on a scoring tear. “When you’re starting to feel better and you’re getting back into those stick battles a little more, you’re aware (a slash) is going to happen,” Ryan said of the incident that knocked him out of the Jan. 9 game against Chicago and kept him out of the Jan. 10 contest against Toronto. “That’s the nature of a hand injury, but you can’t brace it and you know you’re exposed. And I took one. Luckily, it came at a good time where I could take eight days off.” The time away allowed the swelling to go down, but Ryan concedes that he will likely be playing with discomfort for the remainder of the season. While the appearance of Ryan will allow the Senators to have their top two offensive lines against St. Louis — Ryan Dzingel, Derick Brassard and Mark Stone are the other trio — the club is not at full health. As the Senators attempt their improbable climb toward a playoff spot, seven teams and 12 points out of a wild-card position, they will likely be without centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Pageau suffered an upper-body injury in the Jan. 10 victory against Toronto. While Pageau began practice on Wednesday, he left after 15 minutes. Senators coach Guy Boucher said the club would be recalling a forward from Belleville of the AHL to fill his spot. It will likely be Filip Chlapik, who played the first period of Belleville’s game against Syracuse on Wednesday, before being pulled out of the game. “We knew coming back that he was going to be one of the guys we wouldn’t be sure about,” said Boucher. Boucher is cautiously optimistic that centre Nate Thompson will be able to play. Thompson missed the final three games before the break with a lower-body injury, but he skated for the full workout on Wednesday night. “It was good timing for me, to rest up,” said Thompson. “I was able to work out, get some treatment while I was in California, able to take care of my body to make sure I was feeling good coming out of the break.” From a bigger picture, team perspective, Thompson believes the bye week provided a necessary mental break from what has been a turbulent first half of the season, including a dreadful road stretch in late November and early December. “Guys are generally really, really excited to get back this time,” said Stone. “We were playing some good hockey going into the break (3-1-1 in their final five games), so compared to the Christmas break, guys are a lot more excited about how we’re playing.” Reaching the playoffs is little more than a pipe dream, but Stone says there is still fight in the dressing room. “We can’t give up now, we still have half the year to make up for it, so we have to keep things simple game by game and day-by-day,” he said. “And we got better (Wednesday) at practice.” The Senators will be back on the ice on Thursday morning for a pre- game skate, doing everything they can to simulate game action as quickly as possible. Boucher, however, recognizes that catching up to the pace of the NHL game won’t be easy. In a perfect world, he says, both the Senators and the Blues would be coming in fresh following time away. Instead, the Blues arrive in Ottawa following a 2-1 overtime victory over Toronto on Tuesday. “We’re trying to get into game mode as fast as we can,” Boucher said of his practice set-up following the bye week. “Right now, we’re very aware that we’ve got to get through that first period. You could see in practice (Wednesday). The passing is off. The timing is off. 1093624 Ottawa Senators

Borowiecki returns against St. Louis, with Chabot as his defence partner

Ken Warren Published on: January 17, 2018 | Last Updated: January 17, 2018 9:38 PM EST

Ottawa Senators rookie defenceman Thomas Chabot continues to receive the royal treatment from his veteran teammates. Chabot is expected to be paired with Mark Borowiecki, who will make his long-awaited return from a concussion Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. He was originally a bit unsure of his next move when the club went into the bye week following a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 10. Told after the Toronto game that he wasn’t being re-assigned to Belleville of the AHL for the break, Chabot planned on going home for a few days. Then the veterans stepped up. “I was fortunate enough to get (Dion) Phaneuf to invite me on his (charter) plane, going to West Palm Beach. And when I was there, I was fortunate enough that (Derick) Brassard had an extra room at his place and he invited me to stay.” Brassard has also opened up his home to Chabot while the rookie has been in Ottawa and Chabot can’t say enough about the support he has received. But just because he’s in Ottawa now, he insists he’s not taking anything for granted. “I will say the same thing, nothing is confirmed, nothing 100%,” Chabot said following Wednesday’s late practice at Canadian Tire Centre. Chabot had been paired with captain Erik Karlsson before the break, but based on Wednesday’s groupings, he’ll be alongside Borowiecki against the Blues. While Chabot says he’s excited to play with “a solid, great defenceman” like Borowiecki, the veteran passes the compliment back. And then some. “Thomas is just such a skilled player and I can’t say enough about him as a kid,” said Borowiecki. “I’ve got a lot of respect for how he handles himself. His instincts out there, personally, I think they are off the charts. He’s like another franchise defenceman. He’s going to be a special player.” Borowiecki, of course, would be pumped to be playing with anyone, given that he hasn’t been in the lineup since suffering a concussion on Nov. 19 against the New York Rangers. While the competitor in him was pushing hard to return before the bye week, he now says receiving an additional week off can’t help but be beneficial. “The legs feel good, the lungs feel good, the hands don’t feel so good, but that’s usually the case with me,” he said, with a laugh. Borowiecki led the NHL in hits last season, but he recognizes that it may take a period or two to get his game timing back. “I would love to (get a hit early), try to set a bit of energy in this building, but when you chase it, that’s when things don’t go your way,” he said. “You have to find your spot. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re in the right places and being able to make those hits if they do come.”

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093625 Ottawa Senators

Borowiecki returns against St. Louis, with Chabot as his defence partner

Ken Warren January 17, 2018 9:38 PM EST

Pederson proves to be 'really excellent choice' Thomas Chabot of the Ottawa Senators shoots during the morning skate at Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, September 18, 2017. (Jean Levac/Postmedia) Ottawa Senators rookie defenceman Thomas Chabot continues to receive the royal treatment from his veteran teammates. Chabot is expected to be paired with Mark Borowiecki, who will make his long-awaited return from a concussion Thursday against the St. Louis Blues. He was originally a bit unsure of his next move when the club went into the bye week following a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Jan. 10. Told after the Toronto game that he wasn’t being re-assigned to Belleville of the AHL for the break, Chabot planned on going home for a few days. Then the veterans stepped up. “I was fortunate enough to get (Dion) Phaneuf to invite me on his (charter) plane, going to West Palm Beach. And when I was there, I was fortunate enough that (Derick) Brassard had an extra room at his place and he invited me to stay.” Brassard has also opened up his home to Chabot while the rookie has been in Ottawa and Chabot can’t say enough about the support he has received. But just because he’s in Ottawa now, he insists he’s not taking anything for granted. “I will say the same thing, nothing is confirmed, nothing 100%,” Chabot said following Wednesday’s late practice at Canadian Tire Centre. Chabot had been paired with captain Erik Karlsson before the break, but based on Wednesday’s groupings, he’ll be alongside Borowiecki against the Blues. While Chabot says he’s excited to play with “a solid, great defenceman” like Borowiecki, the veteran passes the compliment back. And then some. “Thomas is just such a skilled player and I can’t say enough about him as a kid,” said Borowiecki. “I’ve got a lot of respect for how he handles himself. His instincts out there, personally, I think they are off the charts. He’s like another franchise defenceman. He’s going to be a special player.” Borowiecki, of course, would be pumped to be playing with anyone, given that he hasn’t been in the lineup since suffering a concussion on Nov. 19 against the New York Rangers. While the competitor in him was pushing hard to return before the bye week, he now says receiving an additional week off can’t help but be beneficial. “The legs feel good, the lungs feel good, the hands don’t feel so good, but that’s usually the case with me,” he said, with a laugh. Borowiecki led the NHL in hits last season, but he recognizes that it may take a period or two to get his game timing back. “I would love to (get a hit early), try to set a bit of energy in this building, but when you chase it, that’s when things don’t go your way,” he said. “You have to find your spot. It’s just a matter of making sure you’re in the right places and being able to make those hits if they do come.”

Ottawa Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093626 Ottawa Senators part of our practice was pace and long strides between drills and just trying to get the flexibility and flow in our legs.”

Considering the situation, it puts even more pressure on goaltender Craig Senators feeling pretty healthy coming out of bye week Anderson, who will make the start. Anderson went into the break on a high note, stealing the victory in Toronto by making 44 saves. by Ken Warren Ottawa Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 First, the good news for the Ottawa Senators as they returned to the ice on Wednesday night following their week away. Bobby Ryan, who went into the break seriously concerned about the severity of the damage to the fingers on his oft-injured left hand — wondering whether he was in for yet another long layoff — declared himself ready to go. He was back on a line with Matt Duchene and Mike Hoffman, a unit that went into the break on a scoring tear. “When you’re starting to feel better and you’re getting back into those stick battles a little more, you’re aware (a slash) is going to happen,” Ryan said of the incident that knocked him out of the Jan. 9 game against Chicago and kept him out of the Jan. 10 contest against Toronto. “That’s the nature of a hand injury, but you can’t brace it and you know you’re exposed. And I took one. Luckily, it came at a good time where I could take eight days off.” The time away allowed the swelling to go down, but Ryan concedes that he will likely be playing with discomfort for the remainder of the season. While the appearance of Ryan will allow the Senators to have their top two offensive lines against St. Louis — Ryan Dzingel, Derick Brassard and Mark Stone are the other trio — the club is not at full health. As the Senators attempt their improbable climb toward a playoff spot, seven teams and 12 points out of a wild-card position, they will likely be without centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau. Pageau suffered an upper-body injury in the Jan. 10 victory against Toronto. While Pageau began practice on Wednesday, he left after 15 minutes. Senators coach Guy Boucher said the club would be recalling a forward from Belleville of the AHL to fill his spot. It will likely be Filip Chlapik, who played the first period of Belleville’s game against Syracuse on Wednesday, before being pulled out of the game. “We knew coming back that he was going to be one of the guys we wouldn’t be sure about,” said Boucher. Boucher is cautiously optimistic that centre Nate Thompson will be able to play. Thompson missed the final three games before the break with a lower-body injury, but he skated for the full workout on Wednesday night. “It was good timing for me, to rest up,” said Thompson. “I was able to work out, get some treatment while I was in California, able to take care of my body to make sure I was feeling good coming out of the break.” From a bigger picture, team perspective, Thompson believes the bye week provided a necessary mental break from what has been a turbulent first half of the season, including a dreadful road stretch in late November and early December. “Guys are generally really, really excited to get back this time,” said Stone. “We were playing some good hockey going into the break (3-1-1 in their final five games), so compared to the Christmas break, guys are a lot more excited about how we’re playing.” Reaching the playoffs is little more than a pipe dream, but Stone says there is still fight in the dressing room. “We can’t give up now, we still have half the year to make up for it, so we have to keep things simple game by game and day-by-day,” he said. “And we got better (Wednesday) at practice.” The Senators will be back on the ice on Thursday morning for a pre- game skate, doing everything they can to simulate game action as quickly as possible. Boucher, however, recognizes that catching up to the pace of the NHL game won’t be easy. In a perfect world, he says, both the Senators and the Blues would be coming in fresh following time away. Instead, the Blues arrive in Ottawa following a 2-1 overtime victory over Toronto on Tuesday. “We’re trying to get into game mode as fast as we can,” Boucher said of his practice set-up following the bye week. “Right now, we’re very aware that we’ve got to get through that first period. You could see in practice (Wednesday). The passing is off. The timing is off. “It’s the same like if you leave your car outside now. When it’s cold, it’s the same car, but it takes a little while to get going and revving. The first 1093627 Philadelphia Flyers Claude Giroux had a goal in each win over Toronto. … At practice, the Flyers worked on correcting breakdowns that led to easy scoring chances Tuesday. … Former Flyer James van Riemsdyk has 19 goals Flyers try to bounce back; Michal Neuvirth expected to get rare start for Toronto, which has lost three straight, each by one goal.

Updated: JANUARY 17, 2018 — 3:12 PM EST Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 01.18.2018 by Sam Carchidi, STAFF WRITER @BroadStBull | [email protected]

The Flyers hope to return to form when Eric Lindros returns to the Wells Fargo Center on Thursday night. After a 7 p.m. ceremony in which Lindros’ iconic No. 88 will be retired, the Flyers will face the Toronto Maple Leafs and try to erase the memories of Tuesday’s 5-1 loss to the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. “I want to say a short memory is the best thing,” right winger Wayne Simmonds said, referring to Tuesday’s drubbing, “but you can’t forget what we did to lose the game.” They had several defensive breakdowns, never got in sync on the power play, and allowed numerous odd-man rushes as their four-game winning streak ended. “We didn’t take care of the puck, and we made a few mistakes that turned into goals,” defenseman Ivan Provorov, who was minus-3 in the game, said after Wednesday’s practice in Voorhees. “We have to make sure we’re back-checking, we’re taking care of the neutral zone and not turning pucks over, and doing a better job defensively,” said Simmonds, whose line, with Jordan Weal and Nolan Patrick, was the Flyers’ best unit Tuesday. Simmonds said the Flyers have to have a “checking-first” mentality, “and from your checking, you’re going to get your offensive opportunities.” “After the Pitt game [a 5-1 loss Jan. 2], we just thought it was one of those games and moved on,” Weal said. “We have to do the same thing here. Keep moving forward. You’re going to lose games throughout the year, but it’s how you rebound that determines if you make the playoffs or not.” The Flyers slipped to three points out of a playoff spot. They are 12-5-1 since ending their 10-game losing streak. “I think over the last month, this group has done a really good job of narrowing our focus and the task at hand,” defenseman Brandon Manning said. The next task is trying to contain Auston Matthews-led Toronto (25-17-4), a team the Flyers (20-16-8) have beaten twice this season by 4-2 scores. Brian Elliott was the winning goalie in those games, but it appears Michal Neuvirth will get the nod Thursday. Neuvirth stopped all eight shots he faced after relieving Elliott at the start of Tuesday’s third period. “I’m happy I got the 20 minutes, and I’m definitely feeling better about my game,” Neuvirth said. Coach Dave Hakstol said he was impressed with Neuvirth’s last start, a 30-save performance in a 4-1 win over Buffalo on Jan. 7. “I felt Neuvy’s confidence and level of play was back to where we need it to be,” he said. Elliott has started 18 of the last 19 games. “Moose has definitely been one of our top players,” Neuvirth said, referring to Elliott by his nickname. “For me, I’m just focusing on myself, working hard every practice, and every chance I get to play, I need to be ready.” Hakstol said the Flyers will “absolutely” need both goalies in the season’s second half. “It’s a busy schedule both in the short term and in the long haul over the next 11-plus weeks of the regular season,” he said. Based on practice, it appears the Flyers will use the same defense that played in Tuesday’s loss. Rookie Travis Sanheim has sat out six of the last seven games. Asked if he was considering sending Sanheim to the Phantoms, Hakstol said: “I think every player’s development is going to be different. That’s not a decision for me to make, and Travis has been a really good part of our team. He’s just got to keep working hard. … He’s handled it and pushed hard to make the practice days valuable.” … 1093628 Philadelphia Flyers Allen Iverson — once walked this city as a god, rediscovers us through the eyes of a parent, an advocate, of that well-rounded man. He had never been to the Please Touch Museum until he took 3-year-old son For Eric Lindros, buzz about the Eagles has a familiar feel Carl there on Tuesday. “You guys are lucky to have that here,” he said with an air of amazement. “It’s a great spot.”

As is his. An icon who erred and excelled equally here, who has grown to Updated: JANUARY 17, 2018 — 2:13 PM EST embrace a city that has done its share of that, too. by Sam Donnellon, STAFF WRITER @samdonnellon | “The spirit that goes with getting into the playoffs, and just being in the [email protected] rink,” he said. “You leave your house, you come down three or four hours before the game, and it’s hard to get into the parking lot because people have already started to arrive. That says something, right? People are excited to get going. And that spirit just comes right into the rink. And Everywhere he went Wednesday, he felt that familiar anticipation, that when you’re playing in front of it, it’s second to none.” edge, that the people of this metropolis once conveyed to him. The Eric Lindros era that absorbed most of the 1990s might not have ever grasped that final prize, but it was filled with run-ups such as the one being experienced in anticipation of Sunday’s NFC championship game – Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 01.18.2018 elation, anxiety, analysis, all building toward the actual event. “I always keep thinking about the spirit and what goes on around here when it comes to a big game or a playoff round,’’ Lindros was saying before meeting with the current Flyers at Skate Zone. “Especially the deeper you go in the playoffs, the intensity of it all. And what occurs going into restaurants and grocery stores – people coming up and saying, `Good luck.’ Or, `We’re pulling for you.’ “It adds up. And then you get into the rink and they’re just going bonkers in there.’’ There will be some déjà vu in that regard Thursday night at the Wells Fargo Center when the Flyers raise No. 88 to the rafters before their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the team Lindros watched as a kid. People aren’t likely to go bonkers when he is introduced before the game, or when the jersey is raised to the rafters. But there will be a prolonged ovation and appreciative emotion. The bonkers part — that combustible mix of elation, anxiety, and analysis — well, just one team gets all that all this week, and it’s not the middle-of- the-road Flyers or the greatness of their past. Lindros understands that. He lived that. From the moment he moved into that bedroom atop coach Bill Dineen’s rented house in Haddonfield as a 19-year-old, “The Next One” — as he was unfairly dubbed then, in reference to “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky — was under a glare so intense that his eventual evolution into this seemingly well-adjusted 44-year-old husband and father of three might be his greatest achievement of all. He survived the glare, the unmet expectations, the constant personal warring that emanated from his own missteps and that of this dyed-in- the-wool organization. Barely. He even survived a near-death collapsed lung and a slew of concussions that has informed a post-career activism to improve both research and prognosis of head injuries. He was an early advocate of Rowan’s Law, Ontario’s first to mandate protocols following youth sports concussions. Named after Rowan Stringer, a 17-year-old rugby player who died after she suffered a second concussion inside of a week, it is at the crux of a far-reaching debate over prognosis and treatment that Lindros — who suffered as many as six concussions as an NHL player — knows only too well. “We’re trying,” he said. “Some of it deals with culture. It’s switching up a few things but just being aware. Better communication. It starts with basic research. Without basic research, we’re putting Band-Aids on things. And reacting instead of being proactive. No question, protocol has been improved. I just think the research side of things – people sharing information, doing it in a timely fashion, publishing on time and publishing full — letting everyone know what didn’t work so no one has to go through that again. If we worked more as a team, I think we’d get a lot further along.” Lindros will be the sixth Flyer to get his jersey retired, and the first since Mark Howe. He spent his first eight seasons in Philadelphia, amassed 290 goals and 659 points and led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup Finals in 1997. He and his parents also engaged in some infamous feuds with Flyers management during his tenure, culminating in a dispute about medical diagnosis and treatment after a 1999 road game in which the Flyers star suffered a collapsed lung and was later rushed to a hospital. The subsequent trade that ensued and the rift that followed have long been smoothed over through the efforts of current Flyers president , who reached out to Lindros several times in the summer of 2011, paving the way for his participation in the 2012 Winter Classic alumni game at Citizens Bank Park. “It was the spirit of `Let’s move on,’ ” he said. “ ‘Be positive about things. Let’s do better.’ ’’ Since then, he has returned for ceremonies honoring his induction into both the Flyers Hall of Fame and the Hockey Hall of Fame. And with each return, the supremely talented but impetuous youth who — with 1093629 Philadelphia Flyers

Rangers 5, Flyers 1: Five observations from Philly's listless loss

Updated: JANUARY 17, 2018 — 10:04 AM EST by Sam Carchidi, STAFF WRITER @BroadStBull | [email protected]

NEW YORK — Five takeaways from the Flyers’ 5-1 loss Tuesday night to the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden: The Flyers’ defensive coverage was sloppy. Their effort, except for the first 15 minutes, was not what they had shown in their previous four games, all wins. “We weren’t engaged in this game enough for a big game, for sure,” coach Dave Hakstol said. Though he didn’t get a lot of ice time, scrappy winger Tyrell Goulbourne had energized the lineup in the previous three games, but was a healthy scratch on Tuesday. Connect the dots. Defenseman Brandon Manning struggled, as the Rangers got behind him on two of their breakaway goals. Don’t be surprised if rookie Travis Sanheim returns to the lineup Thursday against visiting Toronto. The Flyers’ power play has been superb lately, going 7 for 14 during their four-game winning streak. On Tuesday, however, the Flyers did too much passing on the power play and were 0 for 3, managing a total of three shots in those six minutes. The defensive breakdowns paved the way for the loss, but the Flyers had very little attack time after the first 15 minutes. They finished with just 26 shots, and Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist barely had to work up a sweat. Since Dec. 5, the Rangers had been allowing 37.3 shots per game and averaging just 2.38 goals per contest. “I can’t remember the last time we were sitting here talking about playing a complete game,” said Rangers left winger Rick Nash, who had two goals to end a 12-game scoring drought. It was puzzling that Hakstol didn’t pull goalie Brian Elliott after the Rangers made it 4-1 midway through the second period. Hakstol said he didn’t yank the goalie because he thought the team had played poorly in front of him and he didn’t want Elliott to get the blame. Fair enough. But something needed to be done to change the momentum. If not a goalie change, a timeout after the Rangers’ fourth goal might have helped the Flyers regroup.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093630 Philadelphia Flyers Hakstol can attempt to correct X's and O’s, but at some point, his decision-making and ability to put his finger on the pulse of his team will become an X-factor. Where is Dave Hakstol's sixth sense? Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 By John Boruk | NBC Sports Philadelphia January 17, 2018 6:45 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — Movie director M. Night Shyamalan may have created the sixth sense, and some of the more successful coaches in the NHL actually possess it. No, not the ability to see dead people, but rather, the recognition of assessing in-game situations and taking an immediate and proactive course of action before the team and the game itself begins to unravel. Predators coach and former Flyers bench boss Peter Laviolette had an uncanny ability to utilize his only timeout at a moment when the team needed desperately to refocus during a stretch of poor hockey. Laviolette may have signaled for one during a lackluster first period or at the first sign of trouble in the third period. He’d rip the gum out of his mouth and begin the process of chewing out his guys. His face would turn red and his temperature would rise as if it was measured by the red liquid in a thermometer. More often than not, Laviolette’s teams responded swiftly and appropriately to his message. He had an ability to seize the moment when others may not have seen it coming. It’s a club Hakstol simply doesn’t have in his bag. Hakstol prefers to hold onto his timeout predictably when the Flyers are down a goal late in the third period to draw up a play on the dry-erase board or to give his players a breather following an icing call. Rarely, if ever, is that timeout taken in an effort to overcome the opposition’s surge of momentum. Same can be said for Hakstol’s decision to make a goaltending change. In the Flyers' two most recent lopsided losses, both 5-1 setbacks to the Penguins and Rangers, Hakstol chose to pull Elliott after two periods with the outcomes pretty much decided heading into the third period. Regarding the Flyers' loss to New York Tuesday night: "We put [Elliott] in a pretty tough spot," Hakstol said postgame (see story). "Looking back on it, I could make the change after the fourth goal, but I felt like we put him in pretty tough spots tonight with the opportunities that we gave up in the first 30 minutes of the game." While every coach seems to possess hindsight, not every coach has the appropriate sense of foresight. Goaltending changes can be the result of poor play in net and Elliott wasn’t great Tuesday night, but the decision can also take on a dual-purpose. Give the backup playing time while also attempting to ignite a spark up and down the bench. Send a message that it’s not the goaltender’s responsibility alone for digging this hole, but since he can’t bench all 18 skaters, bench the goalie as a result of everyone else’s poor play. In both losses to the Penguins and Rangers, once Hakstol decided to replace Elliott with Neuvirth, the Flyers were facing a 4-1 and 5-1 deficit, respectively, heading into the third period. The coach would have had better success creating a spark by rubbing two sticks together. Over the course of an 82-game season, it’s important for a coach to remain consistent with his message. Over the duration of a 60-minute game, that message is tailored around the team’s performance. Moments and situations elicit when a coach should be bold with his words or more reserved. Judging by his manner and behavior behind the bench, Hakstol’s barometer rarely tilts one way or the other, and the team has seemingly taken on the personality of its coach, especially at times when urgency is required. “It’s got to be the same this time of year,” Hakstol said when asked about the team’s mindset following a 5-1 loss. “It’s never as bad you think and it’s never as good as you think. Address the issues, be direct about it, fix them and move forward.” However, the Flyers are now 27th in the league when trailing after the first period and 25th when trailing after two periods. Against the Penguins and Rangers, the Flyers gave themselves no chance at forcing overtime when every single point matters right now, especially against the two teams they’re chasing in the wild-card standings. 1093631 Philadelphia Flyers

Trip to Voorhees brings up old memories for Lindros

By John Boruk | NBC Sports Philadelphia January 17, 2018 1:50 PM

VOORHEES, N.J. — Eric Lindros doesn’t have to lace up the skates and go through a physically exhausting practice, but the Flyers' Hall of Famer hasn’t had much time to catch his breath either, as he attempts to squeeze in as many activities and appearances during his week-long stay in the Delaware Valley. Lindros on Wednesday stopped by the Skate Zone in Voorhees to visit with members of the organization and players on the team. It was his first visit to the practice facility since December 2011 when he returned for the Alumni Game at Citizens Bank Park. “This is a beautiful facility they have here. We got off the highway and there’s Vito’s Pizza. That used to be the spot we’d pop in after practice,” Lindros said, realizing how landmarks have changed while others remain the same. “I always realized it was a big part (of my life). I came here as a 19-year-old with some great vets I had a chance to play with.” Lindros made numerous commitments, including Tuesday night’s “Skate with 88” event in West Chester, the Flyers' Alumni outdoor game in Hershey Friday night, a sold-out appearance at Oxford Valley Mall in Langhorne on Saturday all sandwiched around the marquee event — the No. 88 retirement ceremony prior to Thursday’s game against the Maple Leafs. “It’s an honor,” said Wayne Simmonds, who grew up in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough, Ontario. “He’s one of my favorite players growing up so to get a chance to watch his number raised to the rafters at Wells Fargo is going to be special. He’s one of the all-time greats if you ask me.” Along with Lindros' wife and three kids, Lindros’ family will be in attendance, including his father Carl and his mother Bonnie, as well as, his brother Brett and sister Robin. “Wonderful thrill. I just went through the walkthrough this morning,” Lindros said, “Certainly excited, really excited. I feel honored to be part of it. I feel like the names that are up in the rafters are incredible names and after tomorrow it will be extremely special.” Since sharing the stage with Legion of Doom teammate John LeClair during their induction into the Flyers' Hall of Fame in November 2014, Lindros was also enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto in November 2016, and Thursday night, he will become the sixth player in the organization to have his jersey number retired. “It’s been great," Lindros said. "The last year and a bit has been spectacular for us and our family. It gives you a chance to reflect and think back to good times and just how lucky you are to have played with certain guys.”

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093632 Philadelphia Flyers Lindros, who had 290 goals and 369 assists in 486 games in Philadelphia, will be a Flyer forever instead of a Flyers forgotten.

“I feel honored to be part of it,” he said. “The names that are up there in Fences mended, Flyers and Eric Lindros take another step forward the rafters right now are incredible names. After (Thursday)…extremely special. Extremely happy and looking forward to it.” Dave Isaac, @davegisaac Published 3:58 p.m. ET Jan. 17, 2018 Courier-Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 VOORHEES — At first, Eric Lindros didn’t think much of the phone calls. He had “a bunch” of conversations with Paul Holmgren, the first time someone from the Flyers had reached out in quite some time. It was August of 2011 and Holmgren was building toward something: getting Lindros to play in the Winter Classic alumni game. Thursday night, more than six years after that first phone call, Lindros’ No. 88 will be raised to the rafters in retirement along with Bernie Parent’s No. 1, Mark Howe’s No. 2, Barry Ashbee’s No. 4, Bill Barber’s No. 7 and Bobby Clarke’s No. 16. The honor comes after Lindros and John LeClair went into the Flyers’ Hall of Fame in 2014. Now also in the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, Lindros never could have guessed all this would happen. “I didn’t have that kind of foresight,” he said. “It was just to talk and hear what the idea was and the outdoor game part and it was exciting to come down and play in that. “It was in the spirit of, ‘Let’s move on.’ Let’s move on and be positive about things and let’s do better.” Things progressed quickly. By the time Lindros played in the alumni game, Holmgren, then the team’s general manager, asked Lindros to come back to the NHL at age 38 and be on the same team as Jaromir Jagr. “I told Eric, ‘Look, we don’t need you to be the focal point of our team anymore,” Holmgren told Hall of Fame writer Jay Greenberg in his book “The Philadelphia Flyers at 50.” “I said, ‘Maybe you can get in shape, play eight, nine, 10 minutes a night, but get out there on the power play with Jags. Take one last kick at the can and maybe we can win a Stanley Cup together.” To this day, Lindros’ mind is blown by the idea that the Flyers wanted him to return, nearly half a decade removed from his last year in the NHL with the Dallas Stars. After all the public spats between management and the Lindros family over how the player’s concussions were handled, Clarke himself endorsed Holmgren’s idea. “I keep saying,” Lindros joked, “I think the reason was because we were playing in that great big baseball stadium. (Holmgren) was so far away, he couldn’t see anything. He was misled through distance.” Thursday night will be a storybook ending, too. Not quite win-a-Stanley- Cup sweet, but a nice reunion with the team he built a Hall-of-Fame career with. The current Flyers have seen more of Lindros now than the organization had in a decade. They all donned No. 88 jerseys in warmups last season when they played in Toronto a couple days before Lindros went into the Hall of Fame. Some, like Wayne Simmonds, came into the fold just as Lindros returned to it. “He came out on the ice and skated with us in the pregame skate,” Simmonds remembered of way back in that 2011-12 season. “I thought that was pretty cool. I had no clue what was going on before that. “Ever since I’ve been around, he’s been put into the Flyers Hall of Fame and things like that. He’s been around. I think to get his number retired by the Flyers organization obviously that’s a special thing. He’s in the Hockey Hall of Fame. It’s going to be a great night for his family.” So much time has elapsed that the fights have been forgotten and current players model their game after Lindros. Simmonds, who grew up outside of Toronto, was a Detroit Red Wings fan that had great admiration for No. 88. “He had tremendous skill,” Simmonds said. “He could beat you any way you wanted it. You want a dangle? He could dangle. You want him to play physical? He’ll go right through you. You want him to fight? He’d beat the crap out of you. One of the all-time greats if you ask me.” The time was right, after all those phone calls from Holmgren, to complete the mending of the fence and immortalize one of the top players in franchise history. 1093633 Philadelphia Flyers season, expect Sanheim to come back in for Manning Thursday night against Toronto.

Elliott lasted only two periods, allowing five goals on 21 shots and Flyers 5 takeaways: A clunker at the worst time certainly didn’t get much help in front of him. He had to face two breakaways in the first period and let up goals on both. Dave Isaac, @davegisaac Published 10:40 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2018 “It’s not the easiest way (to start), but that’s my job,” Elliott said. “I didn’t have ‘em tonight. I gotta go back to work and try to feel good about my game. I mean, that’s not where I wanted to be tonight. I thought I didn’t really give us a chance to win. I’ve got to own a lot of that.” NEW YORK — By the end of the third period the Flyers heard a familiar sound at Madison Square Garden. It was his worst game as a Flyer and while he was left out to dry on numerous occasions, he wasn’t able to provide one big-time save that “HEN-RIK! HEN-RIK!” could have been something to build momentum around. There have been games where New York Rangers goalie Henrik Hakstol went with Michal Neuvirth, who stopped all eight shots he faced, Lundqvist has stolen a game for his team and they’ll probably count on in the third period. The coach also waited until the final stanza to put him to do so down the stretch toward the playoffs. Voracek back with Giroux and Sean Couturier, which had been a fantastic trio for them in the past. Tuesday, he didn’t need to. By then, the Flyers were in too deep. Mistakes aplenty and changes too few and too late left the Flyers on the wrong side of a 5-1 score in a game that could have put them back in “We put Ells in a pretty tough spot tonight,” Hakstol said. “Looking back playoff contention for the first time since late November. It was an on it, could take him and make the change after the fourth goal. I felt like extremely ill-timed clunker. we put him in some pretty tough spots tonight with the opportunities we gave up in the first 30 minutes of the game.” “They were better. They won,” Jake Voracek said bluntly. “We weren’t good. Move on.” One of the most disappointing parts of the loss was that it was a game both teams needed. The Rangers had lost three straight and allowed a If they could, the Flyers would turn the clocks ahead to Thursday on little dozen goals in their last two games combined. rest. They need to prove that their four-game win streak ending won’t start a losing streak that’s just as long, which is something they’ve been The Flyers got only 26 shots on net, their fewest in a loss since Nov. 28. guilty of all season. “I think when you walked in the locker room today you could tell everyone “Three more games this week. Three more games this week,” Wayne had a little chip on their shoulder and we had something to prove,” Simmonds said. “Obviously we want to learn from the negatives, but Rangers defenseman Brady Skjei said. “We really wanted to focus on our we’ve got three more games this week. We can’t dwell on this one.” defense and eliminating their odd man rushes, and I think we did that. We ended up scoring five goals and playing good team defense.” A couple weeks ago general manager Ron Hextall spoke of consistency being the team’s biggest issue and that, “You’re gonna have the odd “They try to block shots and take lanes away, but I think it’s on us clunker — every team does — but the clunkers have been too tonight,” Simmonds added. “We just didn’t play a good enough game, to consistent.” be honest with you. We weren’t competitive enough consistently. That’s what stung us.” Now they’ll be tested on that.

The Flyers actually started well and scored the first goal with Jordan Weal tipping a Radko Gudas shot behind Lundqvist at 2:06, but after that Courier-Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 they started falling in quicksand. A Rick Nash breakaway goal four minutes later didn’t do them in, but after Claude Giroux was stopped on a shorthanded chance the Rangers went the other way and scored on a power play. “We had a couple breakdowns and missed opportunities and they capitalized,” goalie Brian Elliott said. “That’s the name of the game, I guess.” The Flyers have now lost 13 of their last 15 in Henrik’s house, but it wasn’t New York that did them in. It was themselves. “I just thought in the first half of the game in all the areas of the game that mattered,” coach Dave Hakstol said, “they were the quicker and hungrier team.” Here are four more takeaways from Tuesday night’s game… Defenseman Brandon Manning had the kind of first period that would have gotten a rookie benched for the night. Need proof? Travis Sanheim had only one blunder in the first period of Saturday night’s win and saw only four minutes of ice time after that. Manning was on the ice for two of the three Rangers goals in the first period, with a forward getting behind him for a breakaway both times. “The first one, probably (need) a better read by me and Gudy,” he said. “We talked before the game, we knew that’s what they were going to do, try to stretch us out. I think that one we can probably eliminate. The second one, a bounce off the end wall and Weal falls down and they’ve got a couple guys taking off.” “Those we can prevent,” Hakstol said. “They’re a good transition team. When you give them opportunities, whether it’s a turnover out of their defensive zone or a turnover entering the zone (Michael Grabner scored on a turnover by Voracek right in front of Elliott), they’re a good transition team. Our awareness on those plays was not what it needs to be.” Manning still saw time on the second power-play unit as the Flyers rarely make changes to special teams in-game regardless of what players are doing at even strength. After one of the more lopsided losses this 1093634 Philadelphia Flyers Courier-Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 Flyers give Taylor Leier chance to keep his lineup spot

Dave Isaac, @davegisaac Published 1:28 p.m. ET Jan. 16, 2018

NEW YORK — There are times, the rookie knows, that he can be somewhat of a sacrificial lamb. Lose a couple games? The Flyers will make changes. Taylor Leier has been that change twice this season after Flyers’ losses. On two other occasions, he has come out after a defeat due to injury. The last three games he’s sat out followed a 6-4 win over the New York Islanders in which he was a minus-3. “When we lose consecutive games like that, obviously something is going to change. I’m not a dummy,” he said. “I know something’s gonna happen. Sometimes they do and I’m not going to get down and sulk about it. I’m gonna go the opposite way and keep my work ethic and drive up because I’m a part of this team and I want to be an impact player on this team someday. I’m just going to keep chipping away.” His latest opportunity came Tuesday. The Flyers came into Madison Square Garden on a four-game win streak, but Tyrell Goulbourne played only 4:56 in Saturday’s win over the New Jersey Devils so Leier, who turns 24 in a month, came back into the fold. To play the fourth-line role that Goulbourne and Leier have tried to is a challenge because it comes in limited minutes. It’s not usually less-than- five-minutes low, but still a condensed role. “We’re playing fourth line, so you gotta be simple, hard and smart,” said Scott Laughton, the center of that unit. “You’ve got to be smart against (the Rangers), especially the way they transition and move the puck up the ice. Especially in this building you’ve got to play a good road game.” When the Flyers took Leier on board after three years with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, it was a change in what they asked of him. He wasn’t playing limited minutes in the American Hockey League and was a big scorer with 37 points in 48 games. Before Tuesday, he averaged 10:48 of ice time with four of his last five games under the 10-minute mark. He had only one goal and three assists to his name. “I’ve never done it before. I’ve never played seven minutes,” Leier said. “It’s new for a lot of us like Scott and a lot of the other guys who came up through the American League. We played big minutes in the American League and even bigger minutes in junior. It’s a first, so you really have to make the most of the minutes that you get and try to contribute in whatever way you can to help the team win.” It’s a challenge the Flyers are aware of, just as they’re aware that a player might be even more motivated to stay in the lineup if he was taken out at no fault of his own. “Especially in Taylor’s case, he’s been out of the lineup for the last couple of games but he didn’t come out because he played a poor game,” coach Dave Hakstol said. “We put a different player with different abilities in the lineup injected into that line. For Taylor, just come back and do the things that he does well and he’ll help our team.” Therein lies another challenge for Leier: the mental game of being out of the lineup after a career of playing almost every day. He’s relied on phone calls with his parents, Cindy and Tim, to help him through the frustrations of not playing when he feels he can help the team. One of their happier chats came in September when the Flyers filmed Leier calling his parents and telling them he made the NHL. Recently they’ve offered advice instead of screaming in jubilation. Things have been taken up a notch. Times are tougher. Hakstol said he thinks the biggest challenge is the work a player has to do on days when they’re not in the lineup. Leier is hoping that he can stay in and be a key cog of the Flyers’ fourth line. “I don’t mind the work part at all,” Leier said. “I think that’s just been engrained in me since I was young. I’ve never really been a heathy scratch in my life before. This is definitely new to me. It kinda takes the rhythm of the game out a little bit, so I think that’s the biggest challenge. “I haven’t changed anything up whether it’s been good for me or bad for me. I’m just trying to stay the same and keep my habits the same and be the hardest worker and try to prove myself.” 1093635 Pittsburgh Penguins Tribune Review LOADED: 01.18.2018

Penguins' Andrey Pedan might provide flexibility

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, 9:20 p.m.

From Kris Letang to Ryan Whitney to Alex Goligoski, some pretty decent offensive defensemen have made a stop in Wilkes-Barre on their way to the NHL over the years. Last weekend, Andrey Pedan did something they never did. He became the second defenseman in the nearly two-decade history of the Baby Pens to net a hat trick, winning AHL Player of the Week honors for his efforts. Acquired from Vancouver in the Derrick Pouliot trade at the end of training camp, Pedan has moved to the front of the call-up line on defense in the Penguins organization. Don't be fooled by the hat trick, though. Pedan's calling card isn't his stick-handling skills. It's the fact he's a hulking, 6-foot-5, 218-pound presence on the blue line. He has 16 points in 31 AHL games this season, sure, but he also has 21 fighting majors to his credit in his five-year pro career. “I'm a big guy. Guys go at me. I just fight back,” Pedan said. “I don't know. It's just the way it is. I like to play hard. It gets the fans going, too, with big hits and stuff, and opponents don't like to play against physical teams.” In that sense, although their body types couldn't be more different, Pedan is carrying on the tradition of physical Lithuanian defensemen in the Penguins organization started by Darius Kasparaitis. “I've never met him, but I would like to,” Pedan said. “He's different. He's more the hip checks and stuff. I wish I could do that. With my size, I don't think it would work.” With Chad Ruhwedel ready to return soon from an upper-body injury, the Penguins don't have an immediate need for reinforcements on the blue line. That could change as the trade deadline approaches, however. Having an option like Pedan on the farm might make general manager Jim Rutherford more comfortable moving a defenseman like Ian Cole, perhaps in a deal for a third-line center. In the meantime, Pedan will continue toiling for a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton team that carried a seven-game winning streak into Wednesday night and sat atop the AHL's Atlantic Division with a 23-10-3 record. “One of the best teams I've been on,” Pedan said. “It just feels like a family, a family atmosphere. It's fun coming to the rink.” Here's a look at four other Penguins prospects in Wilkes-Barre who have yet to dress for an NHL game this season: TEDDY BLUEGER The 6-foot center is having a solid sophomore season, posting 11 goals and 11 assists in 36 games despite playing in the bottom six and not recording a single power-play point. A standout on the penalty kill. Leads the AHL with three overtime goals. ZACH ASTON-REESE The college scoring star isn't tearing up the AHL as a rookie, but he's on a positive trajectory. In the first two months of the season, he posted two goals and nine points in 21 games and had dental surgery. In the last month, he has been a fixture at first-line left wing and has put up three goals and 12 points in 13 games. ADAM JOHNSON The star of development camp after coming out of Minnesota-Duluth early, Johnson's had his growing pains as a rookie. He's playing primarily on the left wing rather than center and has four goals in 30 games. Heating up since Christmas, though, with seven points in seven games. THOMAS DI PAULI The second-year pro has had an up-and-down season. Seven of his nine goals came before Thanksgiving, and he missed some time around Christmas with an upper-body injury. Still, he projects as a bottom-six winger with speed who can kill penalties.

1093636 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins goalie Matt Murray out indefinitely after dad dies

Jonathan Bombulie

Goalie Matt Murray will take an indefinite leave from the Penguins due to the death of his father, James, the team announced. Murray stayed at home in Ontario while the rest of the team returned from a five-day off week last Friday and missed the first two games after the break. He traveled to California with the team for a three-game road trip Monday, but has since returned home to be with his family. "It's a difficult time for anyone, when you lose a loved one, especially one of your parents. It's never an easy situation," coach Mike Sullivan said. "It doesn't make it any easier, but certainly I know his teammates, his coaching staff, his management team and the whole Penguins organization are 100 percent supporting him through this process." The Pittsburgh Penguins offer our deepest condolences to Matt Murray and his family on the passing of Matt's father, James Murray, yesterday in Ontario.Matt is returning home from the west coast and will miss an indefinite period of time to be with his family. Murray's father, who died Tuesday, was a lawyer in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Murray has two flags painted on his back of his helmet, a Scottish flag and a Dutch flag. The Scottish flag honors his father's heritage. The Dutch flag honors his mother's. His parents' initials are written underneath. When Murray had his day with the Stanley Cup in 2016, his father displayed an 8-inch replica of the famous trophy made out of aluminum foil that he had kept since his son presented it to him for Father's Day when he was a child. "He didn't get any hockey sense or ability from me," James Murray said in an interview with CBC Radio in June. "I didn't even start skating until university days and didn't play sports as a kid for different reasons. I think the only thing he may have got from me that way is a love of the game. That probably rubbed off a little bit on him." Murray has said he thinks of his parents before every game. "My parents were unbelievably supportive," he told ESPN.com in 2016. "I can't thank them enough. You can't even imagine how much money it costs to play triple-A hockey in Thunder Bay, because it's a 100 percent travel team, so you have to pay for all the flights and all the hotels, and that's kind of combined into one lump payment at the start of the season. It's a crazy amount of money. "My parents paid that. I played five years of triple-A, so my parents paid that for five years in a row and never once complained about the equipment. Never once complained about paying so much money for me to play. It's crazy how supportive they were." While Murray is on leave, rookies Tristan Jarry and Casey DeSmith will make up the team's goaltending tandem.

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Penguins call up Jean-Sebastien Dea from Wilkes-Barre

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, 10:30 a.m.

Due to a series of injuries, the Penguins left for a three-game California road trip this week without an extra forward on the roster. They fixed that problem Wednesday morning, calling up center Jean- Sebastien Dea from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Dea, 23, is third on the Baby Pens scoring list this season with nine goals, 23 points and a plus-13 rating in 36 games. He has three goals and nine points in his last 10 games. Dea made his NHL debut in last year's regular-season finale against the Rangers. With Dea in the fold and Carter Rowney, Bryan Rust and Chad Ruhwedel on the injured list, the Penguins now have 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goalies on the active roster. They face the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday night. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton replaced Dea on its roster by calling up ECHL All- Star Cody Wydo from the Wheeling Nailers. The former Robert Morris star has 14 goals and 33 points in 28 games with the Nailers this season. He has a goal and an assist in nine career AHL games.

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Penguins rally but can't overcome Ducks on road

Staff Report The Associated Press | Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018, 1:12 a.m. Updated 5 hours ago

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Rickard Rakell and Adam Henrique scored 1 minute, 35 seconds apart to lead Anaheim during its four-goal second period, and the Ducks went on to beat the Penguins, 5-3, on Wednesday night. Jake Guentzel, Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin scored for the Penguins, who snapped a four-game win streak. Tristan Jarry made 28 saves in place of Matt Murray, who is out indefinitely after his father died. Whitehall native John Gibson stopped 30 shots to help the Ducks improve to 7-3-1 in their last 11 games. Malkin's 20th goal of the season gave the Penguins a 1-0 lead late in the first period. A sustained forecheck eventually resulted in a takeaway by Carl Hagelin, leading to Malkin scoring from the right circle. It was Malkin's sixth goal in the last five games and gave him 20 for the fifth straight season and 10th time in his career. He joined Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr and Crosby as the only Penguins with at least 10 seasons of 20 goals. Chris Wagner and Ondrej Kase also scored for Anaheim in the middle period, and Hampus Lindholm added an empty-netter in the final second of the game. Anaheim scored four goals in a period for first time since doing it in the third period last Feb. 9 at Buffalo. With the Ducks trailing 1-0, Rakell tied it on a redirect of a shot by Francois Beauchemin at 4:17 of the second. Henrique then put them ahead at 5:42, beating Jarry with a wraparound while the rookie was caught flatfooted at the opposite post trying to get his stick back. Wagner scored on a short-handed breakaway to make it 3-1 at 9:24, notching the third special-teams goal of his career, all of which have come this season. Kase's smooth breakaway backhand with 1:32 left in the period capped off the scoring deluge. Kase, who also had an assist, has five points in his last three games. Kessel had a power-play goal to make it 4-2 with 10:25 remaining in the third, and Guentzel added a power-play goal with 5:54 remaining to pull the Penguins within one. Sidney Crosby had assists on both goals, giving him 13 points and 10 assists during a five-game point streak. Hagelin extended his point streak to four games, with one goal and four assists in that span.

Tribune Review LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093639 Pittsburgh Penguins The Penguins recalled center Jean-Sebastien Dea from AHL Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Wednesday. Dea has nine goals and 14 assists in 36 AHL games this season. Penguins on the warm West Coast, battling travel fatigue Post Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 SAM WERNER Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [email protected] JAN 17, 2018 10:19 PM

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Penguins are spending the week more than 2,000 miles from home, and the weather certainly makes it feel that way. While the temperatures hovered in single digits back in Pittsburgh, it was 70 and sunny in Southern California Wednesday. But for as nice as the change of weather might be, traveling that far also brings its own set of challenges. The Penguins will play two games this week starting at 10 p.m. local time, with no morning skates the day of. To combat any sort of travel fatigue or jet lag, the team arrived in Los Angeles Monday and practiced at the Honda Center Tuesday. “We control what we can,” Mike Sullivan said Wednesday. “We had a spirited practice yesterday, we come out two days early to try to adjust to the time change as best we can. Now it’s just about making sure that we have the right mindset at the drop of the puck. That's really all we can do.” They’re certainly hoping for better results than their last trip out west: the Western Canada swing in late October and early November. On that four-game trip, the Penguins went 1-2-1 — including an embarrassing 7- 1 loss in Winnipeg against the Jets. But that could very well have been a product of how the Penguins were playing at the time, rather than an indication of travel problems. “As a coaching staff, we try to control the logistics of our schedule to give our team the best chance to be successful when the puck drops,” Sullivan said. “Now it’s just a matter of staying in the moment and competing hard.” Carl Hagelin only spent 43 mostly forgettable games with the Ducks, so Wednesday night’s game wouldn’t exactly qualify as an emotional affair. But Hagelin came into the building he called home for half a season playing some of his best hockey of the year. He has points in three consecutive games, and has been an important part of the productive second line with Evgeni Malkin and Patric Hornqvist. Sullivan said when Hagelin is playing the way he is now, it starts with his skating ability. “When Haggy’s at his best, he’s flying around out there,” Sullivan said. “He wreaks havoc, he chases pucks down, he’s forcing defensemen to have to make plays under duress and usually it creates an errant pass or a turnover, which provides our team an opportunity to create some offense off of. “Haggy’s always been a pretty responsible, diligent, conscientious two- way player. But certainly I think when he’s noticeable, it starts with his foot speed and just getting on pucks and making sure that he uses his speed in every aspect of his game.” Playing a simple, effective game is something Sullivan and the coaches preach to every player up and down the Penguins’ roster, but it seems especially applicable to Kris Letang. Letang has stepped up his game recently, and Sullivan said that has been in concert with him maybe simplifying things a little bit. Urging players to play within themselves isn’t necessarily tougher when you’re dealing with an elite player, Sullivan said, but it is a bit different. “I think when you look at elite players in the league, instinctively, they want to be difference-makers, they want to make plays, they want to be the difference in the outcome,” Sullivan said. “Sometimes, there can be a tendency to try too hard and try to force a play that maybe isn’t the right decision in a particular circumstance. From that standpoint, maybe it’s a little bit more of a challenge for an elite player, but certainly Tanger’s a guy that I think understands it and he simply plays his best when he plays an efficient game like that.” 1093640 Pittsburgh Penguins

Matt Murray out indefinitely following father's death

SAM WERNER Pittsburgh Post-Gazette [email protected] JAN 17, 2018 2:11 PM

ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Penguins announced Wednesday that goalie Matt Murray will take an indefinite leave from the team and return to his home in Thunder Bay, Ont., following the death of his father, James. Murray has not played in the team’s last two games while dealing with what the team had classified as a “personal family matter." He made the trip out to the West Coast Monday and was on the ice for the team’s practice at the Honda Center Tuesday. The team said Murray will miss an indefinite amount of time, and coach Mike Sullivan has previously said Murray will get “as much time as he needs.” “Well, it’s a difficult time for anyone when you lose a loved one, especially one of your parents,” Sullivan said before the Penguins’ game against the Ducks Wednesday. “It’s never an easy situation. Obviously we’ve been supportive of Matt through this process, and I think he’s a mature kid, I think he understands it. “It doesn’t make it any easier, but certainly I know his teammates, his coaching staff, his management team and the whole Penguins organization are 100 percent supporting him through this process.” Murray has often credited his parents with giving him the opportunities he needed to excel as a young goalie growing up in Thunder Bay. He has the flags of their heritage — Scottish for his father, Dutch for his mother — painted on the back of his helmet. “The back plate, you look at it right before you put your helmet on, so it’s just a little bit of personal inspiration before every time I go out there,” Murray told the Post-Gazette in 2016. Murray’s youth goalie coach, Rick Evoy, has also credited Murray’s parents with instilling in their son a sense of maturity that carries over into his role in the Penguins’ goal. “His parents made sure he was grounded,” Evoy said. “His parents had a big, big influence on his attitude in the net. You know how everybody says he’s so calm? That came from his parents.” For as long as Murray is gone, the Penguins’ goaltending duties will fall to the tandem of Tristan Jarry — who got the nod Wednesday against Anaheim — and Casey DeSmith. Jarry is 9-3-2 with a 2.33 goals against average and a .923 save percentage in his 17 games played as Murray’s backup this season.

Post Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093641 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins call up Jean-Sebastien Dea for Ducks game

PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE JAN 17, 2018 10:27 AM

The Penguins on Wednesday morning recalled forward Jean-Sebastien Dea from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. They play the Ducks in Anaheim on Wednesday night. The Penguins practiced with their normal lines on Tuesday. No injury or corresponding move was reported along with Dea’s recall. The team had been carrying three goalies on the roster in the wake of Matt Murray’s time away dealing with a family matter, though Murray practiced Tuesday. Dea, 23, has nine goals and 14 assists this season for 23 points, third on Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. Nine of those points (six goals, three assists) have come in his last 10 games. Dea has played in one NHL game — the Penguins’ regular-season finale last year — and was one of the team’s ‘Black Aces’ during the postseason. The Penguins have won four straight. After the Ducks game, they play the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

Post Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093642 Pittsburgh Penguins Sullivan, too, liked his team’s response, but couldn’t quite shake the reason they were facing a three-goal deficit in the first place.

“I thought we responded really well,” he said. “We pushed hard, we had Penguins fall, 5-3, to Anaheim some really good chances, we made it a game. We gave ourselves a chance to come back and win. We fell short tonight, we’ve got to make sure we heed the lessons and I think the most important takeaway is that January 18, 2018 12:57 AM we’ve just got to make sure that we take care of the puck in those critical areas of the rink.” By Sam Werner / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Post Gazette LOADED: 01.18.2018 ANAHEIM, Calif. — For large swaths of their game against the Ducks Wednesday night, the Penguins looked like the team they’ve been for most of January — lethal on the power play and dominant in their offensive zone. But for the brief intervals when they didn’t, it usually ended up with an Anaheim player bearing in alone on Tristan Jarry. Enough of those chances ended up in the back of Jarry’s net, as the Penguins saw their season-high four-game winning streak come to a halt with a 5-3 loss in Anaheim. They gave up four unanswered second-period goals, and a spirited third- period rally came up just short. “We did some good things, we just made some big mistakes in the second period,” Sidney Crosby said. “Give up that many goals and that many breakaways in a short period of time, you’re putting yourself in a tough spot. Besides some of those mistakes we made, we also generated some good chances and gave ourselves a chance to get back in the game.” The Penguins looked like the team they’ve been for most of 2018 early on Wednesday night, establishing a 1-0 first-period lead behind Evgeni Malkin’s 20th goal of the season. But when the puck dropped for the second, they seemed to give up chance after chance in on Jarry, who finished with 28 saves. Rickard Rakell scored on a deflection to tie the game, and Adam Henrique buried a wraparound to put the Ducks ahead. But then Chris Wagner scored on a shorthanded breakaway and Ondrej Kase scored when he got free in on Jarry after blocking a shot at the point. “I didn't feel like we spent too much time in our d zone, just gave them up those chances and they buried them,” defenseman Justin Schultz said. On Wagner’s goal, just the second shorthanded score the Penguins’ have given up this season, Malkin accepted responsibility after losing him in the neutral zone. “I’m upset because we gave up a shorthanded goal,” he said. “It was my mistake and they scored.” Giving up too many odd-man rushes against was an issue for the Penguins last month when they were going through their December doldrums, but Schultz said he didn’t think this was a recurrence of those issues. Rather, just a few momentary lapses of concentration that ended up in the back of the net. “I don’t think it’s an issue,” Schultz said. “We got a little sloppy in the second and weren’t as sharp as we could be. You lose your focus for a second in this league, and players are going to capitalize. That’s what happened.” For Sullivan, though, attention to details like that is critical to the Penguins playing the game they want to play on a consistent basis. “You can’t give up four breakaways,” Sullivan said. “We’re hitting shin pads, we didn’t take care of the puck in certain areas of the rink and when you don’t play a disciplined, diligent game in those areas then you’re vulnerable. The real estate inside and outside the blue lines are so critically important to becoming a team that’s harder to play against. When you don’t take care of the puck in those areas, you’re going to run the risk of those types of plays.” The good news for Sullivan and his players is that the poor play of the second didn’t carry over to the third. Phil Kessel and Jake Guentzel scored, both on the power play, to pull the Penguins back within one. They were inches away from tying the score on a couple of occasions before the Ducks got an empty-netter with less than a second remaining. “We scored two goals, two important goals, and we showed we came back,” Malkin said. “It was a good third period, great push, but not enough. We need to play more. We lose second period 4-0, we give too much. A couple of breakaways, shorthanded goals. It’s a little bit too much.” 1093643 San Jose Sharks “You’ve got to always assume the worst, be a little more cautious, because Burnszie is unique and a little unpredictable.”

DeBoer would certainly be pleased if Ryan were to grab hold of Martin’s Three thoughts: Sharks are actively shopping for a fourth line center former-job, but he’s also realistic about his expectations for the up-and- coming blue liner. By PAUL GACKLE | PUBLISHED: January 17, 2018 “That’s going to be a fluid situation all year,” the Sharks coach said. “You’ve got young guys you’re plugging in and they’re a little erratic. You get great games and you get average games. It’s on us to recognize when a guy needs to take a step back or someone else needs to go in DENVER — Sharks coach Pete DeBoer made clear Saturday night that and help the Burnses of the world out.” his top need headed toward the NHL’s Feb. 26 trade deadline is acquiring a bonafide fourth line center. Apparently, he and general San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 01.18.2018 manager Doug Wilson are on the same page. The Mercury News has learned from sources that the Sharks are actively shopping for a center to plug the glaring hole in the middle of their bottom line. The Sharks fourth-line center problem is a by-product of Patrick Marleau’s departure to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the offseason. DeBoer yanked Tomas Hertl out of the third line center position just three games into the season to help replace Marleau’s scoring punch on Logan Couture’s left wing. He then moved Chris Tierney into the middle of the third line, opening up a hole on the fourth line. The Sharks had initially hoped that former-Barracuda standout Ryan Carpenter would be the answer to the fourth line center headache, but the team waived him on Dec. 12 after just 29 games. In the aftermath, Danny O’Regan, Joel Ward and Barclay Goodrow have all failed to close the rotating door at fourth line center. With 14 games in February and 15 more in March, the Sharks will need to find an answer to this problem, so they can roll four lines on a nightly basis, wear teams down and keep their top-end players fresh down the stretch. 2. With that in mind, DeBoer and Wilson must be crossing their fingers in hopes that defenseman Paul Martin will convince someone that he can still play during his showcase with the AHL Barracuda. At this point, Martin might be the only asset that Wilson can afford to package in a trade if he wants to acquire a center that can give the Sharks a real matchup edge at the bottom of the lineup. As I mentioned last week, trading backup goalie Aaron Dell is no longer a viable option in lieu of Martin Jones’ struggles since his return from a minor injury on Dec. 2. The idea of trading a young defenseman, such as Tim Heed, Dylan DeMelo or Joakim Ryan, is off the table, as well, now that the Sharks have given up on Martin. The Sharks will need seven usable defensemen down the stretch. In addition, Wilson made it clear back in December that he won’t part ways with any of his young forwards. The Sharks are without second and third-round picks in the 2018 NHL Draft, as well, so it seems unlikely that he’ll swing a multi-player deal to bring in a fourth line center while also filling the team’s need for more scoring depth up top. Fortunately for the Sharks, fourth line centers aren’t the most-expensive pieces on the board. If Martin can prove he still has something left in the tank, Wilson might be able to satisfy his desire for a trade and solve the fourth line puzzle without giving up another draft pick. 3. The Sharks decision to place Martin on waivers this week certainly speaks to the team’s depth on the backend. At the same time, it’s becoming abundantly clear that the team still has a blue line hole in Martin’s former-spot to the left of Brent Burns. Right now, the Sharks have a pair of elite defensemen in Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic, a serviceable top-four blue liner in Justin Braun and a handful of third pairing guys. The deficiency was obvious during the Sharks recent five-game road trip when Burns and posted a minus-six rating as a pairing. The issue inspired DeBoer to replace Dillon with Ryan this week as the rookie defenseman played well alongside Burns early in the season. Ryan’s game is well suited for the role of Wookie whisperer and he might just be the longterm solution to this issue. But it’s a big ask to expect Ryan to fill a veteran like Martin’s shoes is his rookie year. Regardless, Ryan believes he’s better suited for the role now than when his first run as Burns’ partner ended on Nov. 24. “After being apart from him for a little bit, I feel more comfortable in my game,” Ryan said. “I also feel like I know how I need to play differently with him to be successful. 1093644 San Jose Sharks

Pavelski a shootout hero in midst of a career-worst cold streak

By Marcus White January 17, 2018

The shootout has been kind to Joe Pavelski all season. After scoring the shootout winner in Tuesday night’s win over the Coyotes, Pavelski has now scored the fourth-most shootout goals in a single season of his career, and there’s still 39 games left in the season. Only Artemi Panarin has scored more shootout goals (four) than the Sharks captain (three) on the year. The Sharks have needed Pavelski more than they have after 65 minutes far more than in recent memory. San Jose’s won three games in the shootout this season, one more than last year and one shy from matching their total from the prior two seasons. Again, there’s still 39 games to go. San Jose is on pace to win their most games in the shootout since the Todd McLellan era, when they picked up no fewer than five shootout wins each season. This season, those wins are currently the difference between home ice advantage in the first round, as the Sharks are tied for second in the Pacific with two games in hand, and missing the playoffs. They’ve needed every one of Pavelski’s shootout goals, too. File this under “statistics that are too good to be true,” but the proven postseason performer has scored each of his three shootout goals in San Jose’s three shootout wins, while failing to score in both of their losses. Pavelski’s needed to deliver in the shootout at least in part because he often has not delivered when actual hockey’s been played. Injuries, age, and an at-times unfathomable lack of luck have all contributed, but the Wisconsin product is in the midst of one of the longest scoring droughts of his career. He’s not scored an even strength goal since Dec. 1 against Florida. For those keeping score at home, that’s 19 games, a month, and a calendar change ago. If Pavelski doesn’t score at even strength on Thursday against Colorado, he’ll have matched the longest even strength goal-scoring drought of his career. In 2010-11 and the lockout-shortened 2013 season, Pavelski went 20 games without an even strength tally. To further put things into perspective, is tied with Joe Thornton and Melker Karlsson for sixth on the team in even strength goals. Thornton’s enjoyed a nice shooting resurgence, but this is an instance where the setup man scoring as much as the sniper is not a positive development. You can’t only fault for Pavelski for struggling so much, of course, as his team has scored the second-fewest even strength goals in the league this year. He’s also a victim of his own success, and subject to further outsized expectations because of the letter on his chest. Tuesday showed Pavelski’s still found ways to contribute, even if he hasn’t found the back of the net at even strength. But if Pavelski’s drought lasts beyond Thursday, he’ll be on an unprecedented schnide as far as his career is concerned. More performances like the former may ultimately be enough to get the Sharks into the postseason. More like the latter won’t get them much farther than that. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093645 St Louis Blues BLUENOTES Dunn's overtime winner was the first by a rookie NHL defenseman in OT this season, and the first for a Blues rookie defenseman in OT since Hutton, Dunn earned another shot in Blues lineup Bryce Salvador in Game 5 of the against San Jose in 2001. By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch • Alexander Steen's game-tying goal with 57 seconds remaining in regulation Tuesday was the first for the Blues with the goalie pulled since Vladimir Tarasenko against Chicago on April 7, 2016. OTTAWA, Ontario • A couple of things seemed certain following • After scoring only three goals by defensemen over a 22-game stretch, Tuesday's 2-1 Blues victory over Toronto in overtime. the Blues have now scored four goals by defensemen in their past four contests. No. 1: Based on the way Vince Dunn played, including of course the game-winning goal in overtime — how do you keep him out of Thursday's • Tuesday's victory marked only the third time all season the Blues have game against the Ottawa Senators? rallied from a third-period deficit for a victory. The other times were a 3-2 shootout win over Arizona on Nov. 9 and a 4-3 overtime win over No. 2: Based on Carter Hutton's performance, stopping 30 of 31 shots, Vancouver on Nov. 18. how does he not return to the nets Thursday as well? . Following the team's Wednesday practice at Canadian Tire Centre, coach Mike Yeo's answers were predictable to say the least. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 Dunn? "You know how it works," Yeo said, smiling. "We'll talk about that (Thursday)." Hutton? "We'll talk about that one again (Thursday), too," Yeo said. In other words, Yeo almost never talks about lineups until the day of the game. But even though the Blues have their full complement of defensemen now healthy — and in the case of Jay Bouwmeester, back from paternity leave — it makes all the sense in the world to have Dunn back in the lineup. Largely because of a flu-like illness, Dunn had missed the previous five games prior to Toronto. And even though Yeo most definitely isn't giving up on Jake Allen, how do you not ride the hot hand at least a while longer in Hutton? "I thought he did a heck of a job," Yeo said. "I don't know that he was tested a lot early. Obviously, the big moment for me was when they scored (a short-handed goal), I thought he made two, three really good saves. It could've been 2-0, 3-0 there right off the hop. And that was when he played his best and that gave us a chance to tie the game." And eventually win it in OT. Hutton's record improved to 9-3-1 as a starter. In 17 appearances overall, Hutton has a 1.78 goal-against average and a save percentage of .942. Among goalies who have played in at least 14 games in the NHL this season, only Vegas' Marc-Andre Fleury has better numbers _ barely _ with a 1.77 goals-against average and a .943 save percentage. "He's a competitor. And that' what you like," Yeo said of Hutton. "You can see the way he's battling around the net. And you're thinking that he's down and out, next thing you know he's getting in position for the next play. "He does a lot of things right, whether it's playing the puck and obviously seeing the game and reading the game. But it it's his competitiveness that we like." WEDNESDAY'S WORKDAY The Blues arrived at their hotel in Ottawa shortly after 1 a.m. local time Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, so they got a late start at practice, hitting the ice at Canadian Tire Centre early Wednesday afternoon. All 23 players were on the ice, but the team didn't form lines. Instead, the practice stressed fundamentals and drill work. "We've got an opportunity to get back to some practice, back to building into some of the structure," Yeo said. "We have to play with instincts. We have to play with passion. But we also have to play with a structure where we know where each other are on the ice. And that's both with and without the puck." That goes doubly for the team's power play which was a disaster Tuesday in Toronto. On the first of two power plays, the Blues barely could gain entry out of the neutral zone. And on the second, came the shorthanded goal by Toronto's Connor Brown. When asked about the Blues' power play against Toronto, Alexander Steen replied bluntly: "Not very good." 1093646 St Louis Blues Even with the myriad line changes that have occurred since Jaden Schwartz’s broken foot Dec. 9, the Blues’ frequent fourth line combination of Scottie Upshall, Brodziak and Thorburn has maintained Tales of the Century Line: Thorburn in, Upshall out an identity as the “Century Line.” So named because all three players are 30-somethings and their combined age tops 100 years.

But one of the most surprising developments in Tuesday’s lineup was the By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch absence of Upshall. After being one of only seven Blues to play in all 46 games, he was a healthy scratch in Game 47 against Toronto.

It was a strange turn of events considering just five games previously, OTTAWA • Before the crowd at Air Canada Centre could get settled in Upshall was playing wing on a line with Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tuesday in Toronto, Chris Thorburn of the Blues and Matt Martin of the Tarasenko. Maple Leafs were going at it. As fights go, it was hardly a classic — call it a draw. “Yeah, it was difficult to not play for sure,” Upshall said Wednesday. “It felt pretty good throughout the whole year playing every game. It’s kinda But Thorburn took offense to Martin leveling Kyle Brodziak behind the St. nice to be involved in every game. Louis net and let him know about it just 2 minutes and 21 seconds into the game. “But we got a lot of guys coming back, hungry to play. We’re trying to look for ways to win games and in our room, that’s the ultimate goal.” It was the seventh fight of the season for the Blues, and Thorburn has been involved in four of them. Upshall says he has a very good relationship with Yeo, adding that Yeo was open in discussing his decision. It’s a decision that has a lot to do Although he may not have the enforcer reputation of Ryan Reaves, with the fact that Upshall has drawn six penalties in the past 10 games. opposing teams know when Thorburn is on the ice — and when he’s not. “We’ve talked to Uppy about it,” Yeo said. “There were a few penalties “I just look at our team’s identity and we’re a team that’s hard to play heading into the break. Some stick infractions, that was part of it. against,” coach Mike Yeo said. “Part of that is a physical element and he’s obviously a guy that not only contributes to that in his own play, but I “So we talked about a couple things. Obviously he’s a veteran player that think he makes it a little bit easier for other people to do their job.” we have a lot of value for and he’ll get back in here at some point, and when he does we have a lot of confidence that he’ll play well.” Take Washington tough guy Tom Wilson, for example. During the preseason, Wilson got a two-game suspension for a hit on Blues rookie St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 Robert Thomas, and then about 10 days later, received a four-game suspension for an illegal body check on Sammy Blais. On Jan. 7 in Washington, Thorburn was in the lineup ... and if you weren’t looking you didn’t even notice Wilson on the ice. Two days later against Florida, Thorburn wasn’t in the lineup and the Panthers’ Micheal Haley was causing trouble even before the opening faceoff. Thorburn and Haley had fought way back on Oct. 12 when the teams met in Florida. In Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime victory over Toronto, Thorburn’s presence and early skirmish seemed to help keep the Maple Leafs in line. Apparently channeling his inner Chazz Michael Michaels from “Blades of Glory,” Thorburn said: “We preach all year that we’re a wolfpack, if you want to say that. We battle as a unit of five, but I’m there just in case something happens.” Then he laughed rather wildly, a fitting laugh for someone known as more than willing to drop the gloves. “I’m just excited we won,” Thorburn said. “That was a big win for us.” Thorburn’s chances have been few and far between lately. Before the Toronto game, he had been a healthy scratch in eight of the Blues’ previous 11 games. But he made his mark against the Leafs in just 6 minutes, 18 seconds of ice time. “I thought he brought momentum,” Yeo said. “I thought he brought a physical presence. And obviously, you look at the way he answered the bell early in the game, I thought it really set the tone that we were gonna have each other’s back. I thought he played a really strong game.” And until the late-game heroics of Alexander Steen and Vince Dunn, it was Thorburn, believe it or not, who had a couple of the team’s best scoring chances. On a second period breakaway, Leafs goalie Frederik Andersen got a piece of Thorburn’s backhand shot, which then sailed over the net. Thorburn had another excellent chance on a wraparound backhand 3½ minutes into the third period. But alas, no luck — and still no goals in 25 games this season. “These goalies are good,” Thorburn said. “Yeah, I had a couple great chances. It didn’t go, but just glad we got the win.” “It’s amazing how many chances he gets,” Yeo said. “It’s not like he’s not getting some good shots off. Goalies have made really good saves on him.” Thorburn hasn’t played in successive games since back-to-back contests against Wininpeg in mid-December, and Yeo can’t guarantee how much playing time Thorburn will get in the future. “And he knows that,” Yeo said. “He’s been unbelievable with that. He’s a great teammate and all he wants is for our team to win.” 1093647 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues at Senators

By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch

BLUES AT SENATORS When, where • 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Canadian Tire Centre, Ottawa TV, radio • Fox Sports Midwest, KMOX (1120 AM) About the Senators • Last season, Ottawa reached the Eastern Conference finals and came within a whisker of reaching the Stanley Cup finals. But the Senators are one of the NHL’s biggest disappointments this season — their 15-18-9 record, good for just 39 points, is 29th among 31 teams in the overall standings. With the trade deadline approaching in late February, several Senators have been mentioned as trade bait unless the team’s fortunes improve dramatically. Among them, forward Mike Hoffman (11 goals, 18 assists) has been linked to the Blues. Ottawa just returned from its open week, with a Wednesday evening practice its first work since a 4-3 win over Toronto on Jan. 10. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093648 St Louis Blues Blues television analyst was honored Wednesday as one of the top 50 players in the history of the Ottawa 67’s junior hockey team.

• Tuesday’s victory marked only the third time all season the Blues rallied Dunn likes St. Louis, and so do his parents from a third-period deficit to win a hockey game. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 01.18.2018 By Jim Thomas St. Louis Post-Dispatch

OTTAWA • Mom and Dad won’t be at Thursday’s Blues game watching Vince Dunn (presumably) play against the Ottawa Senators. It’s a working day, after all — and Tracy, his mother, works for a hospital. John, his father, is a police officer. No time to make the four-hour drive from Dunn’s hometown in the Toronto suburbs to Ottawa. Obviously, they got a memory to last a lifetime with their son’s game- winning goal in overtime of the 2-1 Blues’ victory Tuesday over the Maple Leafs. “I think that was their fourth or fifth game — somewhere around there,” said Dunn, the Blues’ 21-year-old rookie defenseman. A couple of those games were attended at Scottrade Center in St. Louis earlier in the season — a weeklong stay in which the Dunns became fans of the Gateway to the West. “Took them out a couple times, tried to show them around a little bit,” Dunn said. “They kind of went their own ways, too, a couple days. Good tour of the city. “They really liked it, actually. They were pretty impressed. St. Louis is a good little town. Not something that’s big on the map. But it’s kind of a special place for everyone that’s been there at least once.” Dunn had about 50 friends and family members in the stands for Tuesday’s game with Toronto. Most were wearing Leafs jerseys, but at least one sported a Vince Dunn jersey. “My buddy showed up with one — got me to sign it,” Dunn said. There are no comp tickets for players from visiting teams in the NHL, so Dunn’s friends and family members were on their own when it came to purchasing tickets. “Taking money out of their pocket to watch me play, that’s special,” Dunn said. Given how the game ended, most would agree it was worth every penny. Before Tuesday, Dunn had not played since Dec. 30, missing four games because of a flu-like illness and one game — Jan. 2 against New Jersey — as a healthy scratch. Following Dunn’s strong game — he had a season-high seven shots and was plus-2 — it seems a slam-dunk that he’s back in the lineup against Ottawa. Right? “You know how it works,” coach Mike Yeo said, smiling. “We’ll talk about it (Thursday).” WHAT ABOUT HUTTON? When it comes to goalie Carter Hutton’s status for Ottawa, Yeo also took his typical stance. With rare exception, he doesn’t talk about lineups until the day of the game. But given Hutton’s strong outing against the Maple Leafs, including a critical stop of William Nylander on a breakaway in overtime, it seems a certainty Hutton will get the call against the Senators. “I thought he did a heck of a job,” Yeo said. “I don’t know that he was tested a lot early. Obviously, the big moment for me was when they scored (a short-handed goal), I thought he made two, three really good saves. “It could’ve been 2-0, 3-0 there right off the hop. And that was when he played his best and that gave us a chance to tie the game.” And eventually win it in overtime. Hutton’s record improved to 9-3-1 in games he has started. In 17 appearances overall, Hutton has a 1.78 goal-against average and a save percentage of .942. Among goalies who have played in at least 14 games in the NHL this season, only Vegas’ Marc-Andre Fleury has better numbers — barely — with a 1.77 goals- against average and a .943 save percentage in 14 games following Tuesday’s games. BLUENOTES 1093649 Tampa Bay Lightning "This will be a test, no question," Cooper said. "When you lose a forward, you can hide some situations. But once you start getting closer to the goal line, those are harder guys to hide. We’ve just got to play as a team, With Victor Hedman out, Lightning’s Slater Koekkoek finally gets chance and there’s no question in my mind we can do that." to prove himself Bowness said the defense pairings will be switched up often based on situations. Just because Koekkoek is starting with Stralman doesn’t mean they’ll stay together through the first period. Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer Published: January 17, 2018Updated: January 17, 2018 at 06:13 PM But Koekkoek should get more of a chance. And that’s all he has ever wanted.

Joe Smith can be reached at [email protected] Follow TAMPA — When it comes to replacing its top defenseman, the Lightning @TBTimes_JSmith. realizes that’s not possible. Thursday "Let’s be honest," coach Jon Cooper said. "Nobody in that room is Victor Hedman." vs. Golden Knights, 7:30, But with Hedman out three to six weeks with a lower-body injury, it TV/radio: Fox Sports Sun; 970-AM means several other defensemen will have to chip in. Rookie Mikhail Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 Sergachev will step in on the top-power play unit, getting meatier matchups against top lines. Veterans Dan Girardi and Braydon Coburn could see bumps in playing time. Anton Stralman is now the No. 1 defenseman. But this also means Slater Koekkoek finally will get his shot to prove he can be a regular in the NHL. "It’s what I’ve waited for all year," Koekkoek said. Make that six years. Since Koekkoek, 23, was picked 10th overall by the Lightning in the 2012 draft, the puck-moving defenseman has struggled to find consistent footing in the league. The three shoulder surgeries certainly have hurt his efforts. General manager Steve Yzerman said the Lightning hoped Koekkoek could have been the sixth defenseman at the start of last season but he wasn’t ready. But still, you’ve seen flashes of good stuff from Koekkoek, like in the 2016 Eastern Conference final. But there remains curiosity about what the Lightning actually has in Koekkoek. Now it’s time to find out. Koekkoek, who has played in just half the team’s games this season, could start Thursday’s showdown with the Golden Knights on a pairing with Stralman. "Slater is an NHL player, and he’s done well for us when he’s been in there," Cooper said. "We just have a little bit of depth back there. And he hasn’t been able to get in on a regular basis. Now it is his turn. We’ll see what happens." This will be a telling period in both Koekkoek’s career and his tenure in Tampa Bay. He can be a restricted free agent this summer with arbitration rights. And with Koekkoek not playing a lot, other teams have come calling for his services. The Senators and Bruins have unsuccessfully tried to pry him from Tampa Bay via trade, Canada’s Sportsnet TV network has reported. And you better believe other suitors are ready to give Koekkoek a change of scenery. But Tampa Bay has held on to him for a reason. Despite averaging just over 10 minutes per game this season, Koekkoek has been productive (four goals, plus-5 in 22 games). All the improvements Koekkoek made in AHL Syracuse’s final run last spring have shown up. A gifted skater, Koekkoek is playing with confidence, setting a career high in shots (27). "I’m trying to do my thing out there," Koekkoek said. "I thought I’ve been playing well. I’ve got to keep it going." Associate coach Rick Bowness said Koekkoek getting scratched is not a reflection of his play but more of the depth on the defense’s left side with Hedman, Sergachev and Coburn. "When he’s played, he’s played very well," Bowness said. "His timing in terms of jumping up in offensively is much better. His reads defensively are better. There has been a big improvement from last year to this year. And the reflection of his game and minutes is not a fair indication of that. But now he’s going to be given that opportunity." This isn’t all about Koekkoek. The Lightning was having team defensive issues before its bye week even with Hedman in the lineup. It allowed 17 goals combined in the four games before the break that began Friday, the day after Hedman was hurt against the Flames. And that better be cleaned up quickly considering the Lightning on Thursday faces the offensively gifted and fast Golden Knights, the top team in the Western Conference. 1093650 Tampa Bay Lightning "I don't think the league knew they were going to be this good. I don't think anyone thought they'd be this good," Stamkos said.

Former Lightning defenseman Jason Garrison was taken by Vegas in the Vegas-Lightning, of all things, is the biggest show in town expansion draft. Garrison is now back with Vegas after a long stint in the AHL. Garrison looks at the Lightning and still sees something special. By Martin Fennelly January 17, 2018 at 06:26 PM "They have every kind of a dynamic of a good hockey team covered, from the goaltending to the coaching staff," Garrison said.

Back to Vegas. TAMPA — It's Vegas night. How did this happen? Who would have thought we would have been circling this one on the schedule before the NHL season began? The Golden Knights benefited from being the only expansion team this season. It made a killing in the expansion draft and Vegas general Vegas Golden Knights and Tampa Bay Lightning at Amalie Arena. manager George McPhee built from there, putting the right pieces in place. A cast of castaways has made Vegas a surprise winner. That We've circled it just the same. would include former Florida Panther (and Lightning wing Jonathan Marchessault, who leads Vegas in points, though he wasn't picked for the It's Vegas night. All-Star Game in Tampa. Any way to get the Seminole Hard Rock to drop the ceremonial first Add the hiring of coach Gallant, who played with Lightning GM Steve puck? Yzerman in Detroit. They remain close. Gallant took the Panthers to the Okay, it's not the 1977-78 Montreal Canadiens. playoffs in 2015-16 but was abruptly fired early last season. He has Vegas rolling and is a runaway favorite for coach of the year. It's the Vegas Knights, the miracle baby, the greatest expansion team in sports history. "You add it all together and you've got one hell of a hockey team," said Cooper, who likened the game in Vegas to a playoff hockey. "We all "They're one of the best teams we've played this year in the league," know how that game ended. I can't say we deserved to win, that we were Lightning captain Steve Stamkos said. "Their attitude is having fun and the better team that night. But any time you play 59 minutes and 57 play the game – and they're doing it." seconds, you think you'd get one point out of it." Oh, and we could be watching a preview of the Stanley Cup final. "They never take shifts off," Girardi said. "They're on top of you. There's never a lull in their game. They're coming, they're coming, they're Who would have thought? coming. We play that way, too." The Lightning and Vegas. "I hope we're like them," Gallant said. "They're a top team in the league. It really could happen. They're quick, and they're fast." Yes, the Lightning has hit a speed bump — Victor Hedman's injury and Something has to give. some sloppy play heading into the bye. Yes, Vegas is coming off a 1-0 It's Vegas night. loss at Nashville. That might have been a preview of the Western Conference final. Maybe it will happen down the road, too. But anything can happen. There are months to go. "I hope it works out that way," Stamkos said of a potential Cup final. "But it's so far away." But this is something, as far as mid-January goes. "That would be lot of fun, for sure," Garrison said. "It's still a long way Seriously, did you ever think Lightning fans — or fans anywhere — would away. But it's possible. Anything is possible." be standing around in the middle of the season and saying, "Hey, Vegas is coming in?" It's Vegas night. The Lightning has the best record and the most points in hockey; Vegas Who would have thought? is right behind. They are atop their respective conferences. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 "It's been a great ride so far," Knights coach and former Lightning player Gerard Gallant said. The Lightning, fortified by Hedman's injury not being a season-ender, is out to settle a score with Vegas and bolt from the gate after a bye week. Regular-season games can be overhyped. This one isn't. Even if it is, who cares? It's Vegas night. "I think it's definitely a good matchup for both teams — best in the East against best in the West," Lightning defenseman Dan Girardi said. "It has nothing to do with playoffs or anything like that. It's just two good teams. It was a great game in Vegas. It's going to be a fun night. They just keep coming at you in waves. It's going to be a really good test for us. That's a solid hockey team over there." I mean, did you see the sneak preview? The teams met for the first time last month, in Vegas' deafening arena. It might very well have been the best game in the first half of the season: back and forth, the Lightning jumping out to a 2-0 lead, Vegas storming back for the lead, the Lightning tying it late on a Hedman goal, only to lose it with 2.3 seconds left on a goal by Vegas' Shea Theodore with Lightning defenseman Braydon Coburn in the penalty box. The roof almost came off the Vegas arena. It's the Lightning's turn. It's Lightning fans' turn. It's Vegas night. How did this happen? 1093651 Tampa Bay Lightning

Could Mikhail Sergachev replace Hedman on All-Star team?

By Joe Smith January 17, 2018 at 10:43 AM

With Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman out 3-6 weeks with a lower body injury, he has to get replaced on the Atlantic Division team. There are plenty of strong candidates to fill the void, including the Maple Leafs' Morgan Rielly and Boston rookie Charlie McAvoy. But what about Lightning rookie Mikhail Sergachev? Sergachev, 19, ranks fourth among division defensemen with 24 points (behind All-Stars Hedman and Erik Karlsson, and Rielly). Sergachev's eight goals are most by a division defenseman. He's a plus-13, no doubt boosted by playing in the top-four with another All-Star caliber player in Anton Stralman (plus-21). This still is probably a long-shot, however, for Sergachev to make the team as an injury replacement. Would think Rielly (31 points) could get picked. or McAvoy (24 points, plus-15). Both play bigger roles (and more minutes) with their respective teams, McAvoy and Rielly averaging more than 22 minutes per game (Sergachev at 15:41, but rising). But Sergachev is an intriguing option, especially in 3-on-3 tournament. The fact we're even having this conversation speaks to how well Sergachev has played in just his first NHL season. And Sergachev will likely get leaned on more by Tampa Bay in Hedman's absence. You saw Sergachev step into the first power play unit Thursday when Hedman went down. The Lightning tried to ease Sergachev into the mix this season, picking his spots to face top-line competition, but he'll likely get more tough assignments if moved up to the top pair with Stralman for the next month. So while Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov and Andrei Vasilevskiy may be the only Lightning all-stars, there will likely be a great spotlight on Sergachev in the second half. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093652 Toronto Maple Leafs outfitted with a new message: “It’s a privilege. Not a right.” If the mantra was inspired by the late Johnny Bower, the all-time great franchise goaltender who died last month at age 93, it also speaks to an of-the- Leafs shoot for elusive target in dog days of winter moment battle to inject urgency into the daily grind. Not that the circumstance is co-operating.

It’s no easy trick to treat game 47 like a playoff Game 7 when Toronto’s By DAVE FESCHUK mid-January post-season probability is currently hovering around 95 per cent. But residing in the hollow-bottom Atlantic Division, this is where the Maple Leafs find themselves — practising playoff-style hockey in the midst of the regular-season dog days, shooting mostly blanks as When the Maple Leafs convened for practice Monday afternoon, Babcock implores them to shoot more often. concluding their bye-week vacation with a 40-minute skate on the usual pad, one of the first drills of the session offered a look into the It hasn’t been pretty. There’s no guarantee it’ll get prettier with one eye team’s current tactical thrust. on the five-day all-star break that arrives next week. Then again, given Toronto’s nearly guaranteed presence in a first-round playoff series — a Head coach Mike Babcock had his team work on two-on-one rushes with series that won’t begin for most of three months — the situation would be a specific competitive restriction. Babcock didn’t want a pass made more worrisome if the Leafs were peaking now. It’s a privilege, yes. But directly from one attacking player to the other. He insisted, instead, on these guys are playing like they’re also well aware it’s a marathon. what’s known in NHL jargon as a P.O.P. — a “pass on pads.” A P.O.P. is actually a shot, albeit one intentionally directed at the goaltender’s pads Toronto Star LOADED: 01.18.2018 meant to create a ricochet to an oncoming teammate. Hardly as precise as going tape to tape, it’s seen as a more viable creator of scoring chances when the net-front traffic is heavy and the defensive sticks are active. It’s a playoff-time strategy, in other words. And if Babcock has made anything clear of late, it’s that he’s attempting to teach his team how to achieve playoff-time success. Whether or not he’s actually an expert on current playoff methodology is debatable. For all Babcock’s accomplishments, it’s worth remembering he’s been on the losing side in six of the past seven playoff series in which he’s coached, including last year’s first-round loss to the Capitals. Still, he does own one more Stanley Cup ring than most Torontonians. So let’s hear the man out. “I think we’ve got to shoot the puck way more,” Babcock was explaining on Wednesday. “You can’t pass into the track — what that means is, pass to the five guys that are standing (in front). You’ve got to shoot and play off the goalie more instead of trying to make a cute play . . . Creates more randomness rather than thinking pretty plays are going to be there.” It’s not exactly a secret that the Maple Leafs, who led the league in scoring during the opening three weeks of the NHL season, haven’t been connecting on the pretty play — or any play — with much regularity of late. Whether or not the league is tightening around them, and it looks like it is, nobody is confusing these glum-looking Leafs with the free-and- easy alter-egos they inhabited in October. In six games since the dawn of 2018, they’ve scored a combined 10 goals, the lowest per-game rate in the league heading into Wednesday’s slate. Layer that power outage atop six losses in the past eight games and you can certainly manufacture a picture of a team in mid-season crisis. That’d be fun. It’d also be unnecessarily alarmist. As bad as it’s looked at times, the Leafs have scrounged seven points from those past eight games. If not for a couple of lamentable late-game gaffes that led to losses against Ottawa and Columbus — if not for William Nylander missing an overtime breakaway on Tuesday night — the Maple Leafs could easily be winners of five straight. In other words, the construction of the current narrative comes down, in some ways, to the luck of the bounces. The Leafs’ five-on-five shooting percentage since Jan. 1 is 4.4 — 30th in the 31-team league. Before the current downturn they’d been leading the NHL at 9.5 per cent. So whether or not Babcock chooses to tinker with his lineup — and on Wednesday his only practice-day change was swapping in Dominic Moore as the fourth-line centreman in place of Frederik Gauthier — it’s hard to imagine the puck luck isn’t due for a positive correction. Luck isn’t the only thing at play here. More than one player seems to be carrying around a noticeable lack of confidence. Nazem Kadri, who on Dec. 1 was tied for the team lead with 13 goals, has scored once in the 17 games he’s played since. Speaking of shooting percentages that don’t make sense, Kadri has managed one goal in 50 shots on net over that stretch — two-per-cent shooting from a career 11-per-cent marksman. And on nights like Tuesday, when the Kadri-centred shutdown line that also includes Leo Komarov and Patrick Marleau is on the ice for a last- minute goal against, it’s easy to make the case that something ought to be tweaked, even if Babcock doesn’t seem likely to agree. “We can move guys around if we feel it’s going to help us get better. I just think when I look at our last couple of games, I think we’re in a good situation,” Babcock said Wednesday. Forget line combinations and defence-corps rotations — Babcock’s biggest challenge in the here and now is overcoming a dressing room that’s become noticeably complacent. In lieu of a lineup shakeup Babcock used the bye-week break to have the dressing-room walls 1093653 Toronto Maple Leafs

Veteran Moore just scratching surface with Leafs

By MARK ZWOLINSKI

After 12 full seasons in the NHL, Dominic Moore understands how to deal with being a healthy scratch. That doesn’t mean he has to like it. But Moore, who looks like he’ll draw back into the Leafs’ lineup Thursday in Philadelphia, says he hopes the work he’s put in during practice will pay off with a run of games centring the fourth line. “For me, it’s a matter of trying to be prepared and being ready to do my job and play my game,” said the 37-year-old Moore, who has been a healthy scratch the past six games. “That’s all I’m focused on.” Of course, Moore also has to focus on his personal situation. No player likes sitting. In Moore’s case, he’s watched 22-year-old Frederik Gauthier slide into the lineup, and into coach Mike Babcock’s good books, as the fourth-line pivot. That changed in practice Wednesday, though. Babcock restored Moore to the fourth unit with the Leafs looking for answers and their losing streak at three games. “If these lines stick (for Thursday’s game in Philadelphia) then I’m in, but nothing’s been confirmed yet,” Moore said. For Moore, dealing with being a healthy scratch is unfamiliar territory. “It’s definitely tough to watch. I think there’s been three times I’ve been a healthy scratch (before this season), so it’s not something I’m used to,” Moore said. Babcock, like most NHL coaches, likes to roll out consistent lines, which means perimeter players rarely get a shot. For instance, Josh Leivo has remained with the Leafs since a recall from the Marlies on Oct. 28 to fill in for injured regulars James van Riemsdyk and Matt Martin. Since then, Leivo has been a healthy scratch in 23 of 34 games. Moore appeared on track to become the regular fourth-line centre when he signed a one-year, $1-million U.S. contract with the Leafs in the off- season. The club was remodelling its veteran leadership group and Moore joined Patrick Marleau as key off-season signings with Brian Boyle not returning. At the very least, he wasn’t expecting to be in a prolonged dogfight with Gauthier for his job. “Obviously no,” said Moore, who has four goals and five assists in 31 games while winning a solid 54.3 per cent of faceoffs — just off his average of 54.8 per cent over the past five seasons. “But the past is the past, and you put your focus on the present. My focus is always the same: Do my job the best I can and try to help this team win. That’s why I was excited to join this group in the first place.” Toronto Star LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093654 Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Star LOADED: 01.18.2018

Babcock not hitting panic button despite Leafs' slide

By MARK ZWOLINSKI

Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock didn’t change his lines at practice Wednesday. He didn’t change his power play. About the only thing he shifted was his fourth line, where he put Dominic Moore back at centre in favour of Frederik Gauthier — but that was just practice. With his team in a three-game slide, and losers of six of their last eight, the opposite was expected. And that was certainly the tone many of the questions took on after the practice ended. A line shuffle? Maybe try and get some of his slumping scorers out of a funk? “This is how I look at it,” Babcock responded. “I think they hired me here to decide. My wife was home when I got in last night (Wednesday) … we’re going on the road today and we’ll have a nice meal on the road … so I’ll keep on going on. “We can move guys around if we feel it’s going to make us better. When I look at our last couple of games, I think we’re in a good situation. I guess I don’t feel like you guys (media) do, how’s that? But when I do, we’ll change some things, how’s that?” Babcock wasn’t being disrespectful or obstinate. If he is stubborn — and he can be when it comes to the way he designs and operates his team — it’s based on his track record over the past 13 years. He’s been one of the most successful coaches in the NHL. Still, his team is trending in the wrong direction despite his best efforts. In addition to the losses, Babcock has several key players in slumps: Key players making bad decisions at key points of the game. It has led to a growing argument surrounding the balance between the Leafs natural tendency to play high octane hockey, and Babcock’s insistence on defensive responsibilities, because they lead to more time spent in the offensive zone. Babcock feels the Leafs’ current decline in goals is the result of too many pass-first decisions. The best thing he has going is Auston Matthews. The team’s top scorer, and best player, appears to be skating more like his regular self. That’s been a challenge ever since early December, when Matthews missed six games with a concussion. Matthews, who is a terrific skater, had been slightly below par with his skating, until this week. That recovery was also complicated by a four- game absence (back injury) and four more days off during the bye-week break last week. “I thought Matty looked more like himself,” Babcock said. “You know this skating you do here every day (practice), keep your motor running … well, when you are out for a while, you don’t have the same legs (skating). He’s (Matthews) going to be in a battle here, we have six games in 10 days, but I thought he was good (against St. Louis Tuesday).” Indeed, Matthews turned in a 54 per cent possession rating for the game, and dominated on the faceoff circle, winning 12 of 17 draws. But the challenge remains stiff for Babcock: The rest of the league has figured out his team, its strengths and weaknesses. They’ve figured out a powerplay that was among the league leaders a year ago (now ninth); they’re clogging the neutral zone, and having defencemen collapse around their goalie to thwart the Leafs’ normally-powerful offence. Despite the frustrating way the team is losing, the Leafs are solidly in the playoff picture right now, so there’s no elevated sense of urgency inside the dressing room. “I think what makes our team special is … we have a lot of talent and ability,” winger James van Riemsdyk said. “It’s the (bad puck decisions) that make their way into part of our game, it’s stuff you learn over the course of a season, and over the course of a career. There’s ebbs and flows to every season, and you the bottom line is you have to find ways to win when things aren’t going your way.” 1093655 Toronto Maple Leafs

Thursday NHL game preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Philadelphia Flyers

By Mark Zwolinski

WELLS FARGO CENTER FACEOFF: 7 p.m. TV: Sportsnet RADIO: TSN 1050 KEY PLAYERS Couturier/Marner Sean Couturier of the Flyers is on a tear, with seven goals in his last five games. He has reached a career-high 25 goals and is on pace to surpass 40, a formidable force on a Flyers team that is climbing the standings after a terrible November in which they lost 10 straight games. Mitch Marner is among the Leafs on the hot seat during an offensive cold snap and badly needs a breakout game. NEED TO KNOW The Flyers had a four-game win streak snapped by the Rangers on Tuesday night. . . . Claude Giroux leads Philly with 54 points, tied for second among NHL scorers heading into Wednesday night’s action. He’s also second to teammate Jakub Voracek (45) in assists with 40. . . . Giroux reached 700 games as a Flyer on Tuesday, just the 10th in franchise history, and passed Mark Recchi for 11th on the Flyers’ career scoring list with 629 . . . The Flyers will retire hall of famer and former captain Eric Lindros’ jersey prior to this game. Lindros spent eight years in Philly, and played 33 games for the Leafs late in his career . . . The Flyers are just six points behind Toronto and three points out of a wild- card berth . . . Flyer Wayne Simmonds, a Toronto native, extended his points streak to five games with an assist Tuesday. UP NEXT Saturday at Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m. Toronto Star LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093656 Toronto Maple Leafs

Moore's sour mood about sitting could change this week

Lance Hornby January 17, 2018

Not everyone on the Maple Leafs was happy to see The Goat return to his fourth-line grazing. Frederik Gauthier’s six starts, his longest consecutive stretch since an AHL playoff hamstring injury required surgery, came at the expense of Dominic Moore. The 37-year-old Moore thought the hardest part of keeping the fourth-line centre’s job in the first half was beating out Eric Fehr in October, but the bigger Gauthier emerged as coach Mike Babcock’s favourite. However a troublesome home stand, which could have used a goal or two from Gauthier, resulted in just two wins. So for Wednesday’s practice, Moore was reinstated between Matt Martin and Connor Brown. Moore’s heavy frown at the mention of the benching said it all. He recalled only being a healthy scratch three times in his career before this. “I want to do my job the way I can and help the team, that’s why I was excited to join this group,” Moore said. Moore, a scratch 14 games in all this season, envisioned a bigger role after choosing to re-sign in his home city. Having played more than 900 NHL games and knowing the shifting sands of time did not mean he was going to take a seat willingly. “I don’t think about my age at all,” Moore said. “If you can play, you can play and I feel great. To me that’s not a factor at all. You don’t think about age in any respect.” Rookie Travis Dermott continued as part of the regular six defencemen at Wednesday’s practice, meaning Andreas Borgman will likely sit again versus the Flyers. Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093657 Toronto Maple Leafs “You just have to find ways to win when the puck is not going in,” he said. “You find different skills to work on that you think will translate to your game. The less predictable you are, the better chance you have at 'They hired me to decide': Maple Leafs' Babcock hears grumbling as success. Those guys have played well for us and I’m not too concerned. I homestand ends think they’re smart players.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 Lance Hornby

Triple Gold Club member Mike Babcock didn’t get where he is by worrying about the whims of public opinion. Nor did Babcock, a Stanley Cup champion with gold medals at the hockey world championships and Olympics, expect to complete his Maple Leafs tenure without having his wisdom challenged by critics who think he could be ruining a good gig with his deployment of dynamic players in ultra defensive mode and refusing to change forward lines, power plays and defence tandems. However, a tepid homestand — two wins in six games, little offence and late-game breakdowns — left the coach open to more second-guessing than at any time in his two-and-a-half years in Toronto. Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues was a microcosm of those concerns and put Babcock’s thought process on trial. “This is how I look at it: they hired me to decide,” Babcock said with conviction after a Leafs practice at the MasterCard Centre. “We’re going on the road tonight (for Thursday’s game in Philadelphia), have a nice meal and I’m just going to keep on keepin’ on. “You get to decide what you react to. If you let the noise get in the way … can you imagine if every time someone in your life told you that you couldn’t do it, you listened to them? Where would you be?” He later added: “Things are never as good when you’re winning as you think and never as bad as when you’re losing.” The Leafs have to play better defence, no question, given that’s what wins in April. But people also got used to Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander — among others — winning games last season off crowd-pleasing goals. While that was going on, winger Leo Komarov held down a third-line wing position and worked under the radar, as did Roman Polak on the third defence pairing. When the team hasn’t scored at points this season — put veterans such as Patrick Marleau and Nazem Kadri in that group with the snakebitten kids — the likes of Komarov and Polak have been perceived as part of the problem. But they have Babcock’s support. “We can move guys around if we feel it’s going to help us get better,” Babcock reasoned. “I just think when I look at our last couple of games, I think that we’re in a good situation. I don’t feel like you (media) guys do, not one bit, but when I do, we’ll change some things.” “I think, the better teams play defensively, the more you shoot to break them down,” he added. “It creates more randomness rather than thinking pretty plays are going to be there. I thought St. Louis did a better job of that, early in the game, than we did.” Marleau, one of the free agents who cast his lot with the Leafs because he saw the potential in building a winner, says there’s no reason to question Babcock’s methods, particularly his lineup calls. “He wants the best and expects the best,” Marleau, 38, said. “You can call that stubborn if you want.” Nylander and Dermott at practice on Jan. 17, 2018 (ERNEST DOROSZUK/POSTMEDIA) The 40-60-game mark often includes the roughest stretch for NHL teams. The Leafs, their appetites whetted by last year’s trip to the playoffs, obviously can’t wait to get back. Babcock, though, is taking a firmer hand on the reins to try and get them playing the kind of two-way hockey he sees vital to extending their post- season residency. Finding middle ground with such a dynamic lineup has been hard. “That’s what makes our team special, a lot of talent and ability,” winger James van Riemsdyk said. “It’s just channeling that and using it in right situations in a game. That’s what you learn to do in the course of a career and a season.” If the younger Leafs don’t know by now the rest of the league caught up to some of their tendencies through both instinct and the magic of pre- scouting technology, van Riemsdyk says the kids will eventually figure out their own countermeasures. 1093658 Toronto Maple Leafs since Nov. 24, spending much of the elapsed time on injured reserve … Leo Komarov’s next game will be the 300th of his NHL career.

Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 Leaf sophomores have their moments

Terry Koshan January 17, 2018

Neither William Nylander nor Mitch Marner were on pace to eclipse their point totals of their respective rookie seasons, but that’s not a concern for Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock. “I think both players are substantially better when you look at what they are right now here today,” Babcock said Tuesday before the Leafs played the St. Louis Blues at the Air Canada Centre. “I think both of them have had their moments this year. “I thought Mitch started slow and really got going. I think Willie has had really good stretches and not-as-good stretches. “Part of it is them and part of it is the competition. The competition didn’t even know who they were last year. I think the league catches up to everybody. I think the league knows who you are.” With 32 points in 45 games prior to Tuesday, Nylander was on pace for 58 points; Marner had 31 points in 45 games, putting him on pace for 56. Each player had 61 points as a National Hockey League freshman in 2016-17. IN DEFENCE OF RIELLY When we had last seen defenceman Morgan Rielly, the fifth-year defenceman made a couple of uncharacteristic errors, leading to a crucial goal against in each of the Leafs’ final two games before their bye week. Did Babcock say anything to Rielly about the miscues? The coach had a bit of a sarcastic answer, but reminded that when a breakdown happens, it’s usually not because of the actions of one player. “Oh yeah, I asked him if he needed a hug,” Babcock said, tongue in cheek. “He didn’t go out there and try to … he’s a big boy. He knows what’s going on. It’s not just him.” Rielly, otherwise, has had a fine season, and we’re in the camp that believes he should be named to the all-star game in place of injured Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning (though a case could be made for Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins or Hedman’s rookie teammate, Mikhail Sergachev). “I think Morgan has been really good and he is getting better and better,” Babcock said. “What part (of that) is (Rielly’s defence partner) Ron Hainsey and what part is Morgan? I don’t know. I think that’s what pairs are all about — you’re supposed to have guys together who make you better.” SCHENN BOWS In 2011, when the world junior hockey championship was most recently held in Buffalo prior to the 2018 tournament, Brayden Schenn ruled over all other players. A Los Angeles Kings prospect at the time, Schenn led the event in scoring, piling up 18 points for Canada in seven games. Now, when Schenn glances across the Blues dressing room at teammate Vladimir Tarasenko, he is reminded of what happened in the gold-medal game seven years ago. Beating Russia 3-0 heading into the third period, Canada collapsed and lost 5-3. Tarasenko scored the tying goal and assisted on the winner as Russia stunned the Canadians. “There’s not really much I can say to Vladdy,” Schenn, who was traded to St. Louis from Philadelphia last summer, said with a smile. “They stole a gold medal from us. It’s junior hockey and things happen. Unfortunate.” Schenn wasn’t able to watch much of the 2018 tournament, but he was happy to see Canada prevail against Sweden to win gold. “I caught the last half of the gold-medal game, and it was nice to see get another gold,” Schenn said. LOOSE LEAFS Babcock indicated that Nikita Soshnikov, who skated on Tuesday as he recovers from a lower-body injury, will be sent to the on a conditioning stint once the winger is healthy. Soshnikov has not played 1093659 Toronto Maple Leafs He talks a lot about Zach Hyman and Brown, the two local guys, who approach the game with a sound professionalism and a motor that rarely quits. He wishes every one of his players could deliver the way they do in SIMMONS: Struggling Leafs need to reward Brown practice and in games. He respects their professionalism and their preparation and the fact they aren’t low maintenance, they are no maintenance. Steve Simmons January 17, 2018 But then the stubborn Babcock comes into play. He likes things to stay the same. He wants his lines to be his lines. And never mind this is two months without a goal for Komarov, one goal in almost two months for Kadri, five goals in more than half a season for the supremely talented TORONTO — Connor Brown doesn’t say much about the uncomfortable Marner: They get rewarded. place he finds himself trapped beneath. The kid from Etobicoke sits and watches far too often. It really isn’t who he is to say anything at all or make any kind of trouble. It isn’t what he has been taught in hockey or in life. He is smart and Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 strong and humble and modest and talented and forever surprising and basically, he’s being mistreated and misused by the Maple Leafs. Even his coach, Mike Babcock, offers that much. Brown has been banished to the fourth line for far too long and on Tuesday night scored a wondrous one-man effort, shorthanded goal that should have provided the Leafs with a victory and should now give coach Babcock some reason for wondering about what to do about his struggling lineup. The goal by Brown was his 11th of the season. That’s more than William Nylander and the grinder, Zach Hyman, have managed from the first line alongside Auston Matthews. That’s more Leo Komarov has scored playing with Nazem Kadri and more than Tyler Bozak has scored centring a regular shift. Making his way. #TMLtalk pic.twitter.com/GB4TSKS1VL — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) January 17, 2018 Kadri is in a dreadful slump, having scored just once in the past 17 games. Komarov has one goal in the past 20 games. Mitch Marner has five on the season. And Patrick Marleau, basically invisible on Tuesday night, has scored in two of his past 10 games, with no assists in the past six games: It’s difficult to find assists when your centre and fellow winger can’t find the net for any particular reason. And Brown scored the kind of great effort, gritty, talented, speedy goal that required a tip on a bouncing puck, a stick lift, a race against all-star defenceman Alex Pietrangelo, and then a shot upstairs that beat St. Louis goalie, Carter Hutton to make it 1-0 in the third period. There are shorthanded goals and there are those great, super effort goals, and this was a why your coach loves you, kind of goal. That was what Brown scored Tuesday night. He scored a change the momentum, bring life to the building, steal a win, and take advantage of Frederik Andersen, kind of goal. “That was a great play by him,” said Babcock, who rewarded Brown with nine minutes and forty seconds of ice time against the Blues, basically half the time Marleau was given, 10 minutes less than the ubiquitous Komarov. It was a fine play that in the end got him and his team nowhere. “I mean, he’s playing on our fourth line,” Babcock said. “Probably not getting the opportunity he deserves. He plays on our power play, play on our penalty kill, plays a regular shift when we were ahead at the end.” He plays on a line with Frederik Gauthier and Matt Martin. That’s like having Fred Astaire dancing with Wilma Flintstone. The Leafs numbers don’t register so long as Babcock insists on having Komarov on the Kadri line. That gives them 10 forwards for nine spots. Only Brown deserves more consideration. “He works every day,” Babcock said. “He’s an important guy on our team.” He’s so important that he played nine minutes, forty seconds Tuesday night. He played two minutes less than Kyle Brodziak played for St. Louis. He played a minute less than Magnus Paajarvi, the wannabe who has managed two goals this season, got for the Blues. And after almost winning the game shorthanded, he didn’t get a shift in overtime against the Blues. Marner and Marleau, gifted as they may be, were nonfactors all night long against St. Louis. They were rewarded with overtime play and were on the ice as Vince Dunn, no relation to Dave Dunn, scored the winning goal on an odd-man advantage. With Babcock, and almost every coach who has lived, not all players are created equal and the oddest aspect of the treatment of Brown is that Babcock basically adores the kid. 1093660 Toronto Maple Leafs The Leafs couldn’t hold on to a one-goal lead, as slim as it was, and the loss in a tight game followed a pattern set before their bye week.

Last Wednesday against Ottawa, the Leafs lost by one goal when the Maple Leafs blow late lead in OT loss to Blues Senators scored with less than four minutes to play in regulation. Two nights before that, a two-goal lead in the third period against Columbus disappeared and the Blue Jackets won in overtime. Terry Koshan “It’s getting (closer) to playoff time and teams are tightening up and getting ready for that,” Leafs forward Mitch Marner said. “It’s a lot different than the start of the season. There’s no space and you have to TORONTO — If there are lessons to be learned in losing close hockey adjust to it. games, Auston Matthews doesn’t want to hear it. “Fred was unbelievable again. It sucks you can’t win these games for The latest setback for the Maple Leafs came on Tuesday night at the Air him.” Canada Centre, in Toronto’s first game after its bye week. Toronto Sun LOADED: 01.18.2018 A tough battle with the St. Louis Blues ended in a 2-1 loss in overtime, the result coming after a short-handed goal by Connor Brown midway through the third period stood up until the final minute of regulation, when ex-Leaf Alex Steen scored with 57 seconds to play. A goal by Blues’ rookie defenceman Vince Dunn at 1:43 of the extra period sent the Leafs to their third one-goal loss in a row. “I don’t know if it’s a learning experience,” Matthews said. “We had enough of that last year. We have to find a way to win because this game should have definitely been our two points and we let it slip away.” The Leafs finished their season-high six-game home stand with a mediocre record of 2-2-2, and if coach Mike Babcock is concerned, he did not reveal as much during his post-game news conference. 2016/17 Matt Martin is back? pic.twitter.com/cUNTCLLwoB — Jeff Veillette (@JeffVeillette) January 17, 2018 With games in Philadelphia and Ottawa on the horizon, the Leafs have hit a rut, winning twice in their past seven games. Whether they have been close doesn’t matter. The fact this team can’t close out games is wearing on its fan base, which collectively might have thought the the Leafs had grown past such inconsistencies. That hasn’t happened. The Leafs still are in a good spot in the Eastern Conference as far as a playoff berth is concerned, but the points still have to be earned in the final three months in order to lock that spot down. “To me, this was a pretty high-level game,” Babcock said. “You want to win this, you want to walk out of here feeling good, you have more energy at practice (on Wednesday). “It’s simple. Life is about lessons. Suck it up and find a way to win games. You come to the rink, you need two points. You don’t need one, you need two. And that’s what makes you feel good. So find ways to win. “What you learn from good teams is you don’t cheat. You just keep doing things good and you stay patient and take your opportunities. When you cheat for offence, you lose.” Once Babcock gets past the obvious, it’s on the coach to find a way to get more out of his team. For no particularly good reason, Brown has been buried on the fourth line while the trio of Nazem Kadri between Patrick Marleau and Leo Komarov has struggled to the point it should no longer be together. Kadri’s offence is far past having dried up, as he has one goal in 17 games and not one assist in his past 20 games. Komarov doesn’t have the hands to produce much. Marleau has gone six games without a point. Switch Brown and Komarov, for a start. It couldn’t hurt. The Blues, meanwhile, remain the lone NHL team against which Matthews has not recorded a point. Matthews has played in four games versus St. Louis and emerged with zeroes each time. Goaltender Frederik Andersen made 40 saves and was the best Leaf; he could not be faulted on the winning goal. Dunn, who cut his teeth in the Ontario Hockey League in three seasons with the Niagara IceDogs, broke in on an odd-man rush and beat Andersen with a low shot to the stick side. That came not long after Blues goaltender Carter Hutton stopped William Nylander on a breakaway. Brown had burst past Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo to beat Hutton high on the glove side at 10:10 of the third, sending many of the 18,951 in the stands into a frenzy. Hutton was on the bench in favour of an extra skater when Steen, with Ron Hainsey unable to react in time, slipped a Pietrangelo rebound past Andersen. 1093661 Toronto Maple Leafs Here, Lindros let out a huge belly laugh. His memories of the city, of the team, of the eight years he spent in Philadelphia are positive ones these days. He doesn’t dwell much on the injuries that slowed and ultimately 'He's a legend': Philadelphia Flyers fans reminisce about Eric Lindros — stopped his career, or the nasty feuds with management over his medical and welcome him back to town with open arms care. He’s turned the page, moved on and put himself into a happier place.

“I was here for eight years,” he said. “We had fun. It was great.” Michael Traikos The same goes for the fans. While Lindros was painted as a whiny baby in the press during his final days in Philadelphia, we now know enough about concussions and the severity of brain injuries to realize that WEST CHESTER, Pa. — Over in the arena bar, the one that has a Lindros’ concerns about his health were more than justified. The things viewing window of the rink below and where pints of Yuengling go for $4, he was criticized for seeking a second opinion, questioning the care he a couple of patrons were watching the Philadelphia Flyers lose 5-1 to the received, not wanting to rush back — are things that are normal in New York Rangers on Tuesday night, while lamenting the team’s need today’s NHL. for a big No. 1 centre. “For me, a lot of fans didn’t have any hard feelings about him,” said Al It’s been a while since they had one, they concluded. Claude Giroux Perry. “I didn’t personally. I was always an 88 fan. But it’s nice to have came close before he was moved to the wing. Mike Richards and Daniel him back, welcome him with open arms. It’s a nice warm and fuzzy Briere were both good in their own right, but they lacked the necessary feeling.” size. Keith Primeau was certainly big enough, but he lacked the offensive skill-set. Eric Lindros believes NHL needs to build a ‘stronger base’ of research on the issue of concussions Like the team’s ongoing search for a No. 1 goalie, you have to go back more than a decade to find a centre who blended both skill and size and Jersey retirement is a chance to rewrite Lindros’ history with the Flyers everything else into one. You have to go back to Eric Lindros. After the “Skate with 88” event on Tuesday night, Lindros sat down with “There has not been a player before or after him like that,” said 47-year- fans and shared stories about his time in Philadelphia. There was no talk old Eric Berkey of Johnstown, Pa., who was wearing a Flyers toque and about the feud with then-GM Bobby Clarke or whether the Game 7 hit a black Lindros jersey. “He’s a legend.” from Scott Stevens was illegal. The legend, who held a “Skate with 88” event in a suburb of Philadelphia Instead, Lindros talked about why Dave Brown was the funniest earlier this week, will have his famed No. 88 jersey retired before teammate he had (“He used to pretend the middle aisle on a plane was a Thursday night’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs in a ceremony ski hill”), why Bobby Holik was the toughest player he played against (“80 that most agree is a long time coming. per cent of the plays wouldn’t develop because of him”) and how he knew it was time to retire in 2007 (“I started looking at the clock during Lindros only spent eight years in a Flyers jersey. But for fans, they were practice. When you’re having fun, it zips by”). an important eight years. From 1992 to 2000, the Big E was a big deal in Philadelphia. He scored 40 or more goals four different times, won a Hart Soon enough, the night was zipping by and there was only time for one Trophy as league MVP and led the Flyers to the Stanley Cup final. He more question. And so, with the Flyers currently out of the playoffs and in might not have always been the best player in the league. But he need of some help down the middle, a fan asked the seemingly certainly was the most physically imposing. inevitable. “He was the total package,” said 47-year-old Rich Georg of Summerset, “Can you still play?” Pa. “Skilled. Ferocious. He was scary to play against, not just physically but on the score sheet.” Lindros didn’t answer. Instead, he elicited one more belly laugh with a question of his own. Georg still has the ticket and the newspaper clipping from the first time he saw Lindros fight as a 19-year-old rookie in November 1992. “Lindros “Are you done with those those chicken wings?” Pounds St. Louis,” was the headline in the Philadelphia Examiner the Paul Holmgren remembers being blown away. following day. “The first time I saw Eric play, I was with (Bobby Clarke) in 1989 and we “I think it was Lee Norwood that he beat the hell out of,” said Georg. “In went to go to Toronto to see the phenom play for the St. Mike’s Buzzers,” the article, Lee Norwood said he’d wrestled a bear in the Pennsylvania said the Philadelphia Flyers president. “He would have been 15 or 16 at state fair and that the bear wasn’t as strong as that kid was. the time. It was like, ‘holy mackerel.’ And I remember Clarkie saying That’s not a bad description of just how impressive Lindros was at the after, ‘I’ve got to figure out a way to get this guy.’” time. Even as a rookie, the 6-foot-4 and 230-pound centre was strong Three years later, Clarke did indeed find a way to get Lindros, with the and mean enough to beat up a grizzly. But it wasn’t just brute strength Flyers acquiring the No. 1 overall pick from the Nordiques. But that struck fear into opponents. His hands were so soft and so skilled that after an acrimonious split in 2000, it was Holmgren who brought Lindros he could just as easily pet the bear into submission if he wanted to. back to Philadelphia when he invited the former captain to play in the It was that juxtaposition that made Lindros special. It was why Quebec 2011 alumni game at the outdoor Winter Classic. drafted him first overall in 1992 and why the Flyers and Rangers were “It was Paul Holmgren who said, “Let’s get going here,’” said Lindros. both willing to give up a boatload of prospects when Lindros sat out the year and refused to report to the Nordiques. Ultimately, an arbitrator was “I thought it was good that he came,” said Holmgren. “Everybody was brought in to decide which team would win his rights. happy and it was a great event. We had all the Flyers’ greats come back from the eras. If he wasn’t there, it wouldn’t have looked right in my “It was strange,” admitted Lindros. “I was watching TV and waiting for my opinion. The rest has moved along just the way it should.” agent to tell me where to report.” When the decision came on retiring Lindros’ jersey, it was Holmgren who It wasn’t just Lindros. Talk to anyone from Philadelphia and they will tell once again made the phone call. For Holmgren, raising No. 88 to the you where they were on the day the trade was announced. The closest rafters is a no-brainer. Not only did Lindros lead the Flyers to the Stanley thing today would be the draft lottery. Cup final and win a Hart Trophy as regular season MVP, he played the “I’ll never forget it,” said Mike Kool of Philadelphia. “I was 18, I was sitting game like no other before him or since. in my friend’s living room and we were listening to the radio and they “What a beast he was as a player,” said Holmgren. “If you were watching were announcing whether he was going to the Flyers or the Rangers. the Flyers anytime when he was with us, he could deliver anything you The Eagles had lost Randal Cunningham and the Phillies were here and wanted, whether it was a big hit, a beautiful pass, score a great goal. He there. It was all about the Flyers. They were just about to explode. It was could play it anyway you wanted. It really wasn’t fair the way he was built amazing.” for the rest of the league. Lindros hadn’t been to Philadelphia before the trade. Upon his first visit, “If you think back over that time, he probably had as much or more of an he witnessed his first celebrity sighting. impact as any player in the history of the franchise. The things he could “I remember walking down the hotel hallway and we walked right by Will do as a player — even though it wasn’t that long of a time — he’s in the Smith,” he said of the actor. “He was on Fresh Prince at the time. That Flyers Hall of Fame, he’s in the NHL’s Hall of Fame and voted as one of was jiggy.” the top-100 players of all time. He was a great player. And in a few hours here, his number is going to be retired here with the other Flyers’ greats. “It’s the right thing to do.” — Michael Traikos National Post LOADED: 01.18.2018

1093662 Vegas Golden Knights

Jason Garrison’s patience pays off in return to Golden Knights

By Steve Carp Las Vegas Review-Journal January 17, 2018 - 3:24 PM

TAMPA, Fla. — Jason Garrison hoped he would be back in the NHL sooner. But he can do simple math and the veteran defenseman knew there were too many players in front of him with the Golden Knights. He also knew the team was going through a successful first half and change wasn’t forthcoming for the sake of change. Garrison was recalled Tuesday from the Chicago Wolves, the Knights’ American Hockey League affiliate, and practiced with the team Wednesday afternoon at Amalie Arena. Garrison could be in the lineup Thursday when the Knights face the Tampa Bay Lightning, Garrison’s old team. “It’s good. Obviously a lot of my best years of being a professional, most of my best memories are from playing here,” he said Wednesday. “It’s always fun playing here and first time back it’s going to be fun seeing the guys on the ice.” Garrison, who appeared in four games with the Knights and had one assist, said he understood the situation and he played well with the Wolves. In 31 games, he had four goals and 14 assists, the most by a Chicago defenseman. “The situation is you’ve got to always look at the positives and the positives of the team is they’ve been really successful,” he said. “Whether you’re here or you’re in Chicago, you’re part of it. It was fun to watch and it’s fun to be playing again here.” Forward Tomas Nosek will be out indefinitely after suffering a right shoulder injury in the first period of Tuesday’s 1-0 loss to Nashvillle. Nosek returned to Las Vegas on Wednesday to be examined by team doctors. Coach Gerard Gallant had no details of Nosek’s condition other than to say he is not with the team. Cody Eakin and Brendan Leipsic practiced after sitting out Tuesday and both could return to the lineup against the Lightning. They were paired with regular linemate Alex Tuch while Ryan Carpenter took Nosek’s place on the fourth line with Pierre-Edouard Bellemare and Will Carrier. The Lightning will be playing their first game in seven days. Tampa Bay is coming off a 5-1 loss to Calgary on Jan. 11 and has lost three of its last five games. All-Star defenseman Victor Hedman is out three to six weeks with an injury to his left knee after a collision with Calgary’s Garnet Hathaway.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093663 Vegas Golden Knights

Chicago Wolves follow Golden Knights’ lead to defy underdog role

By Emily Polglaze Special to the Review-Journal January 17, 2018 - 1:26 PM Updated January 17, 2018 - 2:08 PM

A new club, a bunch of castoff players, starting from the bottom: the odds were thoroughly stacked against the Golden Knights. A rough start, slew of injuries, a tough division: the odds were just as harsh for the Chicago Wolves. Jump to midseason. The Knights have proven doubters wrong. And their example has been contagious to their minor league team. “We want to play the same way that they play. They play fast, they play hard, they take no nights off,” Chicago coach Rocky Thompson said. “I think since we’ve started to emulate that style, there’s been a shift in our game, and it’s encouraging.” The Knights and Wolves are both riding high, but Vegas was a force to be reckoned with from the start. The Knights shattered league records and became the first expansion team to win eight of its first nine games. Chicago set its own eight-game record too — a winless streak that’s still the longest of the AHL season. The Wolves improved in early December when they went on a league and franchise-best 14-point streak that lasted until Jan. 6. They jumped from last in the league standings to the top half, good for fourth in a tight Central Division. Where does some of that fire come from? The big club. “They’re known for outworking every team they play, they focus on the little things, and obviously they’re getting the results,” team captain Paul Thompson said of the Golden Knights. “I think that’s the perfect team for any team to look up to, and to say ‘Look what they’re doing, look at the way they work, and the results it’s getting them.’” The Golden Knights continue to defy expectations and set an example for their prospects, but Chicago is looking for its own identity midway through the season. Some players come from Knights contracts, some from former affiliate St. Louis, and others AHL-exclusive. The Wolves look to build on all of the success surrounding them, but to also forge their own path. “Coming from two or three organizations in some scenarios, I think our guys have done a great job persevering and playing for each other,” Rocky Thompson said. “At the end of the day, we’re the Chicago Wolves. That’s who we are and that’s what we represent.” The Wolves hit the road last week for a stint against three California teams. Chicago’s first opponent was the second-hottest team in the league — the — and the points streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss. The Wolves bounced back two days later with a 4-3 victory over Bakersfield, but closed out the road trip with a 4-2 loss at Ontario. Chicago headed to Iowa on Wednesday to close out the road trip. “We’ve set a standard for ourselves and how we want to play,” Paul Thompson said. “Even if we go a game where the results don’t come, we know how we can play and where we need to be at to win games, so it’s about not getting complacent with where we are.” A new member of the Wolves family has helped make Tomas Hyka an All-Star. Brandon Pirri was originally named to the the All-Star Classic Central Division team, but withdrew last week due to family considerations. Pirri’s all-star moment came Tuesday when his wife, Elyse, gave birth to a baby boy, and Hyka will now represent Chicago in the All-Star competition at the end of the month. Hyka, a Knights prospect, is third in points for the Wolves with 27 in his 28 games played. The forward is currently on a three-game points streak, including three assists at Bakersfield.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093664 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights’ Jonathan Marchessault relishes time in Florida

By Steve Carp Las Vegas Review-Journal January 17, 2018 - 8:24 PM

TAMPA, Fla. — Jonathan Marchessault is ready for his 48-hour trip down memory lane. The Golden Knights’ 5-foot-9-inch high-scoring right wing is back in Florida, where he got the chance to prove he could play in the NHL, first with the Tampa Bay Lightning and then the Florida Panthers. The Lightning host the Knights at 4:30 p.m. Thursday at Amalie Arena. “It was a great experience playing here, and a lot of good memories,” Marchessault said. “I got to play in a couple of playoff games and be part of a team that went to the (Stanley) Cup that year (in 2015) and then got to play in the conference finals the next year.” Marchessault was an undrafted free agent who originally signed with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2012 and played two NHL games in 2013 with the Jackets. He was traded to Tampa Bay in 2014 and found himself going back and forth between Tampa Bay and the Lightning’s American Hockey League affiliate in Syracuse, New York. But he didn’t get discouraged, and in 2015-16, he played 45 games with the Lightning and had seven goals and 18 points. He was living in a hotel with his wife and two children, and while that was challenging, it didn’t deter his development. “It was such a good group of guys,” Marchessault said. “They made you feel so comfortable right off the bat. It didn’t matter if you played two or 200 games. Everyone was so nice to each other. “Living in a hotel was hard. My first year, I was up all year, we’d put my little boy in bed and close the door and me and my wife and my daughter were sleeping in a sofa bed. It wasn’t great, but we made it work.” Now, with his recent six-year, $30 million contract extension signed, the 27-year-old can put down roots in Las Vegas. He has been one of the Knights’ best players, with a team-high 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists) and a plus-18 rating in 40 games. If the Lightning hadn’t given him an opportunity, he might not have the security of a long-term contract. “They gave me a chance, and I’ll always be grateful to the Tampa organization,” he said. He’s also grateful to the Panthers, whom the Knights will meet Friday in Sunrise, Florida. He signed as a free agent with Florida in 2016 and had his breakout season, scoring 30 goals and finishing with 51 points. His play made enough of an impression on Knights general manager George McPhee that he selected him in the NHL Expansion Draft in June when the Panthers didn’t protect him. He was reunited with Gerard Gallant, his coach for part of last season before he was fired by the Panthers in late November. “Marchy has worked really hard to become a complete hockey player,” Gallant said. “The biggest thing was he had to get better defensively and pay more attention in the defensive zone. We all knew he was good with the puck and is never afraid to shoot it. But he’s improved defensively, and I think that whole line (William Karlsson and Reilly Smith) has taken a lot of pride in their defense. “I think any player who puts his mind to it can do that. He’s got talent and skill and confidence in himself. But he wanted to develop a 200-foot game, and he’s done that.”

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Vegas Play of the Day: Penguins at Ducks

By Jesse Granger (contact) Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018 | 12:03 p.m.

We’ve entered the fourth season of the annual South Point-lined Play of the Day competition, effective July 1. Starting bankrolls have reset to $10,000, with the maximum bet being to win $1,000 and the minimum wager $300. Ray Brewer won back-to-back titles in the 2015-2016 and 2016-17 seasons, after Taylor Bern prevailed in 2014-2015. Pittsburgh Penguins at Anaheim Ducks Under 5.5 at minus-120: $480 to win $500 The NHL landscape is relatively barren tonight, with only two games on the slate. The late game features two teams that have had extremely disappointing first halves to their season, following deep playoff runs last year in Anaheim and Pittsburgh. The Penguins are playing much better, winning four straight and five of their last six games, but they still sit in fourth place of the Metropolitan Division. Goaltender Matt Murray is still away from the team dealing with a family hardship, but backup Tristan Jarry has played well in his place lately. Jarry has won five straight starts in net, allowing two or fewer goals in all but one of those. On the other side, Anaheim is certainly not pleased with its fifth-place standing in the Pacific Division. The Ducks have struggled mightily with injuries this season but are finally getting close to full strength with the returns of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. John Gibson will get the start in net for the Ducks after leading Anaheim to a 4-2 win over the Kings on Saturday. Gibson has been very good this season with a 2.22 goals against average and .924 save percentage, and I expect a good showing against the Penguins’ vaunted offense. The Ducks have had more games go under the total than any team in the NHL this year with 29 of their 45 games falling below the number (64.4 percent). I’ll lay minus-120 and take the total under 5.5 goals tonight. Current Standings: Granger (15-9, $13,819), Brewer (22-18, $10,910), Keefer (21-18-1, $10,786), Grimala (9-13, $6,485)

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093666 Vegas Golden Knights As part of another group of 16 fans from Canada occupying Section 103, Ryan Yamniuk and Nathan Carter looked the full Edmonton-to-Vegas part with visors honoring “The Hangover” and jerseys honoring their deity Edmonton influx shows how visiting fans can influence pro sports in Las Connor McDavid on his 21st birthday. Vegas “And it was minus-32 when we left Thursday,” Yamniuk said. Yamniuk didn’t leave all of Edmonton behind, though. By Adam Candee (contact) “It feels like home,” Yamniuk said. “It feels like we’re in Edmonton.” Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 | 2 a.m. Bubolz said the team cannot do much to prevent opposing fans from swarming their castle, though the Golden Knights do not allow resale of the roughly 1,000 tickets sold on game days. While they cheer for the Shirley, you can’t be serious — how cold did you say it was when you enemy, those Oilers fans still buy plenty of beer and merchandise — took off from Edmonton to watch some hockey in Las Vegas? lines to check out at the arena’s team store ran close to 50 people deep before the game Saturday night, including a man in a McDavid jersey “It was minus-30 when we left,” Shirley Hall said. “We had plane trouble waiting to purchase a Shea Theodore home sweater. because the steering on the front nose cone was frozen, so they had to thaw us out before we could leave town.” The Golden Knights lead the NHL in per-capita retail spending at their games, outpacing the next closest team by $4, according to Bubolz. Hall and her husband, Winston, joined thousands of fellow Canadians in While he declined to share the actual figure for the season, Bubolz said trekking south to T-Mobile Arena for Saturday’s game against the Golden fans at the team’s inaugural game spent close to $20 per person on Knights. Belting out “O Canada” and booing every Edmonton penalty in merchandise alone. full throat, Oilers fans created the largest opposing fan presence in Vegas’ short NHL history with close to 5,000 seats occupied. “This is good for Las Vegas business as a whole because that word is spreading by word of mouth and it’s spreading (on social media),” Bubolz In doing so, they supported the idea that no matter which team enjoys said. home-ice or home-field advantage, the seats will be filled for pro sports in Las Vegas because of the draw of the destination. Of course, it is difficult not to notice the Golden Knights as they sit atop the Western Conference with 61 points in January. They are on pace to “I think there’s been a lot more positive than negative (to opposing fans),” secure the most successful first season for an expansion team in the Golden Knights President Kerry Bubolz said. “Our community is built on history of North America’s four major professional sports. entertainment and inclusiveness, so we will welcome guests from other cities. That’s what this town is built on. We’re going to treat that customer That achievement isn’t lost on Korotash. that is coming to games from Winnipeg or Edmonton the same way we treat a Golden Knights customer.” “We did think we were going to be watching a No. 1-place team against a last-place team when we booked the tickets in August, and we are,” Vegas ranks fourth in the NHL at 103 percent of fan capacity in T-Mobile Korotash said. Arena through 22 home games, which includes selling out all seats and issuing a few hundred standing-room tickets as well. That equates to “It’s just the other way around.” 17,894 fans per game. The Golden Knights sold more than 14,000 season tickets, but Bubolz LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 01.18.2018 said the franchise anticipated many season-seat holders would sell off some on Stubhub to fans from out of town. Before the season started, the team ranked 11th in the league with an average resale price of $162 per ticket. While not all will back the Oilers or Jets or Blackhawks — the three teams that have brought to Las Vegas the most fans so far, according to Bubolz — many will make a trip of it. It’s not just the darlings of hockey either. Out-of-town fans are baked into the Raiders’ model for success in Las Vegas — up to half of their new stadium’s 65,000 seats will be filled with visitors for their eight home games, according to Raiders projections. Many will be Raiders fans swooping in for the day from Los Angeles and Oakland, but plenty will spend a weekend of escaping Kansas City or Denver in the winter to cheer their teams as well. The Golden Knights receive data from Stubhub on how many tickets were resold and who bought them for every game. For an expansion team like the Golden Knights, weathering a phalanx of Oilers fans comes with youth, as much as it irks team owner Bill Foley. “We did know that that would happen. We were prepared for it,” Bubolz said. “We even talked about it internally that, over time, if we build this brand the right way — and you see it in Nashville and Tampa Bay — that (opposing presence) will slowly erode as we build the depth of our fan base.” Take the Halls: Shirley bought the trip as a birthday present for Winston, first visiting Phoenix before spending the weekend in Las Vegas. “We’re diehard Oilers fans, but the ambience and the energy in this building is amazing,” Shirley Hall said. “I’d come back again. We might have to come back in February when the Oilers are back.” Neil Korotash wasted little time in planning his trip away from Edmonton’s brutal winter when he found out about Vegas’ new franchise. He brought 22 friends as well, each carrying a “big head” picture of an Oilers player that T-Mobile security would not allow inside. “As soon as Vegas got a team, we knew we were coming down and then we booked the seats through group sales in August,” Korotash said. “Who doesn’t like to come to Vegas? We have good flights from Edmonton, it’s warm, it’s an expansion market, so it’s just exciting to be a part of what Vegas is going through right now.” 1093667 Washington Capitals The league policy on disclosing injuries warns against giving false or misleading information to the media, but it is hard to tell if any coach is lying because the league does not reveal violators. Some NHL teams hide injury information, but it might be hurting players Bill Daly, deputy commissioner of the NHL, said in an email that the league has the ability to fine clubs “and [does] in fact assess club fines” for this matter. But he would not give examples or disclose specifics. By Curtis Rush and Isabelle Khurshudyan January 17 at 3:28 PM Maple Leafs Coach Mike Babcock prefers to stay the course by masking all ailments, even head injuries. TORONTO — Ken Hitchcock was tired of the dance. In his 21st season “I don’t like talking about head injuries because as soon as you say there behind an NHL bench, the Dallas Stars head coach decided he would is a head injury then there are all these things about concussions and break from the prevalent, leaguewide trend of referring publicly to player half the time it’s the neck or something,” Babcock said. “I want the player injuries only as “upper body” or “lower body” ailments. and the right people to work that out.” “It’s an injury, and within two hours after we tell you [the media] it’s upper Earlier this season, Toronto’s standout center Auston Matthews missed body, you know exactly what it is, so why not just tell you?” Hitchcock six games because of what Babcock called an upper body injury. It was said earlier this season. later revealed by Matthews to be a concussion. The practice of imprecise, binary injury designations was adopted Babcock said the Leafs would continue to stick with “upper body” and decades earlier by coaches who believed they were protecting their “lower body” descriptors. “The great thing about the league is every players by being vague. They theorized that opponents aware of injury coach can do what he wants,” he said. specifics would target the ailing body parts or otherwise exploit the injured players. But Hitchcock does not buy that logic. Others aren’t so sure the practice is beneficial. “The players don’t go out and say, ‘He has a broken left pinkie, and we’re “I have heard the argument that by not putting ‘concussion’ on the report, going to go after that pinkie,’” Hitchcock says. “Nobody thinks like that.” they are protecting players from being targeted by the other team,” Nowinski said. “I see it the other way: If there is transparency that a The “upper body”/“lower body” convention has been allowed to persist player has just returned from a concussion, the referees can better because, unlike the NFL, the NHL does not have a policy requiring teams recognize and penalize targeting a susceptible player’s head, and the to release the details of injury information publicly. But the practice is league can more severely punish and suspend a player who targets the under increased scrutiny in an age of distrust for corporate head of a player returning from concussion in an attempt to injure them.” communication and of increased concern around the treatment of concussions — an injury commonly lumped into the “upper body” Ken Holland, the Detroit Red Wings’ general manager, is among the category. minority who falls on the side of injury disclosure, whenever he can. Secrecy can be a curse, he said, leading to unsubstantiated rumors on “By hiding the final diagnosis, they avoid public scrutiny on their social media. decisions to allow players to continue playing despite showing concussion signs on the ice,” said Chris Nowinski, co-founder and CEO “There are stories out there that are not true, so I disclose it during the of the Concussion Legacy Foundation. “Hiding the injury is also regular season to put the rumors to bed,” Holland said. confusing to their audience, which includes youth hockey players and Will it change? parents. Every properly managed concussion in a professional game is an educational opportunity, and by hiding the diagnosis, the NHL is The issue is not on the NHL’s front burner, according to Campbell, who promoting confusion around concussion signs in NHL players.” suggested the topic might be addressed at the general managers’ meetings in March. Anton Thun, an NHL agent for almost 35 years, feels so strongly about this campaign of secrecy that he calls it “a travesty” and said there is no “It’d be nice if the NHL just said, hey, make it full disclosure,” Carolina reason teams can’t be honest with the public. Hurricanes Coach Bill Peters said. “I’d have no problem with that — as long as it’s consistent across the board.” “It’s an attempt to confuse,” Thun said. “It creates a veil around what the injuries truly are. And it encourages players to hide the injury.” Some players, including the Washington Capitals’ T.J. Oshie, still prefer the protection. Protection in deception? “There’s still a bunch of idiots in the league who don’t care if they take a The hockey culture is steeped in the tradition of hiding injuries. Mostly, penalty, and if they know someone’s got a bad wrist, they’re going to it’s a protective measure against targeting, real or imagined. slash it,” Oshie said. Going back to March 1905, Frank McGee of the Ottawa Silver Seven is According to the current collective bargaining agreement, “for public said to have worn a light bandage over his broken wrist against the Rat relations purposes” the league, teams and/or the NHL Players Portage Thistles in a Stanley Cup challenge while his good forearm was Association have the discretion to disclose the nature of a player’s injury wrapped in a full cast as a decoy, according to hockey historian Eric as well as treatment and recovery timeline around injuries sustained in Zweig. service to the team. So while some players may want the protection of By the 1990s, NHL coach Pat Quinn, a lawyer in training, popularized the secrecy, the league could institute a policy of transparency without inscrutable “upper body” and “lower body” injury terms as a way to shade needing them to sign off, though the players’ association could file a the truth and throw media off the scent. grievance. Quinn, who viewed hockey as war and reporters as spies, sought a way Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik questions whether to protect wounded players from being targeted. Tired of being hounded disclosing a player’s injuries is a violation of privacy. by the media, Quinn came up with the “upper body” and “lower body” “If I go to the doctor’s office, do I have to tell everybody? It’s HIPAA labels, which over time became part of the NHL coaching lexicon. [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act] laws, you know?” But players dispute how much difference it makes. Orpik said. “So why should my personal health be relayed to everybody? It’s kind of weird.” “Do players target? Not really,” Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Connor Carrick said. “You have a good player on their team and he’s struggling After Washington’s Oshie missed six games earlier this season, he didn’t [physically], and you want to make it harder on him. That’s just the hesitate in revealing he had suffered the fourth documented concussion competitive nature of the game.” of his career. He said he is happy to disclose whatever is ailing him . . . as long as he is fully recovered. Colin Campbell, a former coach and the league’s senior vice president of hockey operations, doesn’t believe teams target wounded players and “Usually it seems like you guys know anyways,” Oshie said. said that if he were a coach today, he would come clean, at least during Curtis Rush is a freelance writer and former Toronto Star journalist the regular season. covering the NHL. Khurshudyan reported from Washington. “I would tell them [media] as long as my general manager agreed,” Campbell said. “I would just say the guy’s got a sprained knee and he’s out. End of story. And I’ll tell you when he’s coming back; don’t ask me Washington Post LOADED: 01.18.2018 the next day or the next day.” 1093668 Washington Capitals

The Capitals will be well-rested against the Devils Thursday. That might be a problem.

By Jesse Dougherty January 17 at 3:25 PM

Of all the positive consistencies of the Capitals’ last two seasons — rock- solid goaltending, production from the first power-play unit, winning in the regular season — they will confront an unwanted trend Thursday night in Newark. The Capitals have been noticeably slowed following long layoffs, whether it be after last season’s bye week or longer-than-usual breaks between games this year. Now they will come off a four-day bye week with only Thursday’s morning skate to regroup. The team’s Wednesday afternoon practice, scheduled to take place in Newark at 4 p.m., was cancelled due to travel delays, which also means Capitals Coach Barry Trotz and players were not available to the media. The last time the Capitals were on the ice together was last Friday night in Raleigh, as they celebrated a last-second goal by Jay Beagle to head into the break with six wins in their last seven games. That improved the Capitals to 28-14-3, good for first place in the Metropolitan Division, and now they face the second-place New Jersey Devils (23-12-8). The Devils have the NHL’s seventh-ranked offense (3.1 goals per game), sixth- ranked power play (22.1 percent) and are coming off a 4-1 road win over the New York Islanders on Tuesday. In the other locker room, the Capitals are coming off a four-day break filled with vacations and time with family. Washington entered last season’s bye week on a six-game winning streak. When they resumed play, the Capitals dropped back-to-back games. After a four-day gap between games in October, the Capitals dropped a 6-2 result to the Vancouver Canucks. After a four-day gap between games in November, the Capitals lost, 5-2, to the Los Angeles Kings. And after after a three-day gap between games in December, the Capitals spoiled a great start by Philipp Grubauer and extended a losing streak to three with a 1-0 shootout loss against the New York Rangers. Statistically, the Capitals are not successful when well-rested. Soon, with back-to-back nights at New Jersey and hosting the Montreal Canadiens, they will have another chance to turn a brewing trend into hollow, forgotten numbers.

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It’s easy for Braden Holtby to rack up wins with the Capitals. It’s also extremely hard.

By Neil Greenberg January 17 at 12:16 PM

Washington Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby is having a solid season, one that earned him his third straight all-star nod. The 28-year-old netminder is 24-9-0 in 33 games this season, placing him second in the league in wins. That win rate puts him on a 44-win pace which, if attained, would give him four 40-win seasons; only Martin Brodeur (eight) has more in the modern era. To be fair, the Capitals make it easy for Holtby to win games. This season, Washington has provided Holtby with 3.3 goals per 60 minutes in support — only Andrei Vasilevskiy of the Tampa Bay Lightning (3.5) and Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets (3.5) get more goal support from their offense this season (minimum 1,500 minutes played). In addition, Holtby is enjoying the most even-strength goal support he has ever received from the team since Barry Trotz took over behind the bench. The goal support is so high it compensates for the deluge of scoring chances Holtby endures night after night. This season, Washington’s defense allows 33 scoring chances per 60 minutes with Holtby in net, the third most among netminders playing at least 1,500 minutes in 2017-18. Almost 13 of those (38 percent) are from the high-danger areas such as the slot and the crease, the fourth-highest among this group. At even strength, the 33 scoring chances per 60 minutes is the most Holtby has faced since 2014-15. When on the penalty kill he faces 61 scoring chances per 60 minutes, also the highest over the past four seasons. This helps explain why his win rate is so high despite having a slightly above-average .917 save percentage, one of the lowest marks of his career. Another way to look at it is via a metric called win threshold, which measures how difficult it is for a goalie to earn a win with his team. The formula is simply shots against minus goals for divided by shots against, which provides the save percentage at which the team would post a goal differential of zero over the course of the season. If the goalie’s save percentage is above that number, the team is likely to win more than it loses, while anything below the threshold means that the team should end up with a sub-.500 record based on the scoring rates in the shootout era. When Holtby is in net, the Capitals score 3.3 goals per 60 minutes while allowing 32 shots against per 60 this season. That gives him a win threshold of .898 — the fourth-lowest mark among netminders with at least 1,500 minutes played this season, meaning he has had the fourth- easiest time winning games. Holtby’s win threshold the year he won the Vezina Trophy, by comparison, was .894. Last season it was .886. So in the past, he has had it even easier. This is also why Holtby’s record looks so much better than that of his backup, Philipp Grubauer, despite them having almost identical save percentages and shot volume against. But because Grubauer gets just 2.2 goals per 60 minutes in support, his win threshold is a whopping .931 this season. Only Antti Raanta (Arizona Coyotes), Roberto Luongo (Florida Panthers) and Robin Lehner (Buffalo Sabres) have a more difficult time compiling wins. Given this context, it is debatable whether Holtby was truly worthy of his third all-star selection. He has saved just four shots more than an average goaltender this season, and his expected save percentage after adjusting for shot quality (.912) is only slightly lower than his actual save percentage (.917), indicating he isn’t doing anything extraordinary this season. His differential ranked in the top 10 the last two years and this year it ranks 14th, illustrating further that he is off his Vezina form. Lucky for him, Washington’s offense is helping pick up the slack.

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For game at Naval Academy, the Caps will blare the blue instead of rock the red

By Scott Allen January 17 at 11:34 AM

The Washington Capitals on Wednesday unveiled the jerseys and pants they will wear for their NHL Stadium Series outdoor game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on March 3. In a nod to the U.S. Navy, Washington will take the ice in Annapolis in a predominantly navy blue uniform for the first time in franchise history. “The overall design aesthetic pays homage to the U.S. Navy and highlights key elements of the Capitals’ identity,” the team said in a release. “Each element of the Capitals’ visual identity has been emphasized to create bolder, more visually pronounced uniforms that are meant to make a statement and be more recognizable in the larger outdoor stadium setting.” The front of Washington’s Stadium Series sweaters feature three white stars above a “Caps” wordmark, a shortened version of the traditional “Capitals” mark that appears on the team’s regular home and away jerseys. The pants feature above a ‘W,’ similar to the logo the Capitals sported for the Winter Classic at Nationals Park on New Year’s Day 2015. The jersey numbers are white, designed for better visibility in the 34,000-seat stadium, and “are accentuated with a perforated pattern based on Pierre L’Enfant’s original grid plan for the city of Washington, D.C.”

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Capitals unveil 2018 Stadium Series uniform

By Matthew Paras - The Washington Times - Wednesday, January 17, 2018

The Washington Capitals take on the Toronto Maple Leafs outdoors March 3 at Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium and will be wearing a new uniform for the occasion. The Capitals on Wednesday unveiled their new uniform for the 2018 Stadium Series. Designed by Adidas, “the overall design aesthetic pays homage to the U.S. Navy and highlights key elements of the Capitals’ identity,” according to the press release. That’s marketing speak for “the jersey is navy blue.” There are some neat little details, though, like the W on the shorts and the “Caps” across the uniform.

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By J.J. Regan January 17, 2018 12:42 PM

The bye week is a good opportunity to evaluate what happened over the course of the first half of the season and start to look forward. Capitals Insider Tarik El-Bashir and Capitals correspondent JJ Regan answer the biggest questions surrounding the team at the bye. Today's topic: Where do the Caps most need to improve in the second half of the season? El-Bashir: The area where the Caps must improve, without a doubt, is special teams. Let’s start with the talent-laden power play unit. After a protracted dry spell in mid-December (one goal in nine games), Alex Ovechkin and Co. have shown some signs of life lately. In fact, they produced five goals in the seven games preceding the bye week. Still, the unit ranks just 14th at 19.6-percent. Whether it’s overpassing, predictability or not getting enough production from the second unit, there’s simply too much talent there to rank near the middle the pack. The power play has also surrendered six shorthanded goals; only five teams have allowed more. The bigger concern, however, is the penalty kill. The unit appeared to have turned a corner in late November and early December when it gave up just one goal in 10 games. But it has struggled in 13 games since, surrendering 10 power play goals against (74.4-percent). The penalty kill was particularly porous in the Caps’ last game before the bye, a 4-3 victory over the Hurricanes in Raleigh. Carolina’s power play struck twice, and afterward Coach Barry Trotz called the unit out. “I think they maybe spent 10 seconds on the power play and got two goals,” Trotz said. “That’s an area where we’re going to need a little more commitment in some areas, a little more detail and get better.” So far, the Metro-leading Caps have managed to overcome their inconsistent P.K. But in the playoffs, where special teams often play an outsized role in determining outcomes, they may not be so fortunate. Whether the problems are being caused by scheme, personnel or taking penalties in bunches, the team’s capable coaching staff has 37 regular season games left to sort things out. Regan: There are two ways to approach this question. My biggest concern for the team is defensive depth, but the area in which the team most needs to improve is shooting. The Caps have not one, but two rookies on the blue line in Christian Djoos and Madison Bowey. Barry Trotz has sheltered them well this season, but that becomes much harder to do in the playoffs when coaches can focus on one specific team. Plus, we saw the trickle-down effect an injury to a player like can have. If they lose any of their top three defensemen, that means more minutes for two rookies, more minutes for a 37-year-old Brooks Orpik and no real replacement you can feel comfortable with plugging in for an extended period of time. But depth is an area the team can’t really improve on. You either have it or you don’t in which case you have to acquire it. Something the team absolutely can and must improve on is getting shots on goal. The Caps rank dead last in the NHL in shots per game with 29.0. Washington will not maintain its 3.04 goals per game (9th in the NHL), unless they get more shots. Washington is not chasing games as much as the possession metrics (shot attempts) seem to indicate. They simply are not taking advantage of their opportunities. They overpass the puck often giving up open shots in favor of more difficult set-ups which often results in giving up possession The Caps must absolutely learn from Lars Eller who is on a hot streak with five goals in seven games. His goals have been simple. He is not being too cute or getting fantastic setups, he’s just shooting. In games in which Eller scores, he averages 3.50 shots. When he doesn’t score, he averages only 1.61. Say it with me now everyone: Shoot the puck! 1093673 Washington Capitals

Caps will rock the blue in March as they reveal blue Stadium Series jersey

By J.J. Regan January 17, 2018 10:03 AM

Are you ready to rock the blue? The Capitals will trade their familiar red look for navy blue in March as they revealed their jerseys for the Stadium Series game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The team also released a statement explaining the inspiration for the new look. Inspired by the Capitals’ classic identity and fused with the most advanced uniform technologies available in the new adidas adizero Authentic NHL uniforms, the special edition Washington Capitals’ 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ uniform is a salute to the game’s locale – Annapolis, MD. Marking the first time in Capitals history the team will wear a navy-blue uniform, the overall design aesthetic pays homage to the U.S. Navy and highlights key elements of the Capitals’ identity. Each element of the Capitals’ visual identity has been emphasized to create bolder, more visually pronounced uniforms that are meant to make a statement and be more recognizable in the larger outdoor stadium setting. The Capitals’ special edition crest design centers around the team’s informal nickname, CAPS™, and is stylistically aligned to the team’s current wordmark. Additionally, the crest incorporates the three stars from the team’s primary moniker, which also honors the Washington, D.C. city flag. The pants feature a new contemporary "W" with three stars of the city flag, which also serves as a subtle nod to the Washington monument. Additional design details include a bolder one-color version of the Capitals’ numbers for better visibility in the outdoor stadium setting. As a historic tribute to team’s hometown, the numbers are accentuated with a perforated pattern based on Pierre L’Enfant's original grid plan for the city of Washington, D.C. A strong white shoulder yoke serves as a nod to the classic stars & stripes from the clubs’ past uniforms and the thick red stripes and hem stripes evoke thoughts of the city flag of Washington D.C. To complete the look, the jerseys are donned with a special edition 2018 Coors Light NHL Stadium Series™ patch on the right shoulder of the jersey. You will get to see these jerseys in action on March 3 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

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Caps prospect WATCH: Colby Williams suspended 3 games for high hit

By J.J. Regan January 17, 2018 6:00 AM

Capitals prospect defenseman Colby Williams has been suspended three games by the AHL for a high hit he delivered to Danick Martel of Lehigh Valley on Saturday. Per a statement released by the league on Tuesday: defenseman Colby Williams has been suspended for three (3) games as a consequence of an illegal check to the head of an opponent in a game at Lehigh Valley on Jan. 13. Williams was suspended under the provisions of AHL Rule 21.1 after being assessed a match penalty. He missed Hershey’s game vs. Lehigh Valley on Jan. 14, and will also miss Hershey’s Wednesday (Jan. 17) at Springfield and Saturday (Jan. 20) vs. Lehigh Valley. The hit came in the second period of Saturdays' game. Martel skated after a loose puck in the neutral zone, but Williams cut him off with the brutal hit. The hit appeared high and Martel was down on the ice for several moments. He ultimately had to be helped off by trainers. Hobbs was assessed a match penalty and ejected from the game. You can see the hit here. Martel suffered a broken jaw on the play. The suspension is a tough one for Williams. He was held out of Sunday's game and will also miss Hershey's games on Jan. 12 and the Outdoor Classic on Jan. 20 at Hersheypark Stadium. Missing that game will certainly sting. Other prospect notes: Riley Barber scored his 12th goal of the season on Saturday. He is now tied for the team lead in goals with Chris Bourque. Travis Boyd picked up an assist in Sunday's loss to Lehigh Valley. The assist is the 100th career assist for Boyd who has played in 193 AHL games. Garrett Pilon made his debut with the Everett Silvertips after getting traded from Kamloops last week. Head coach Dennis Williams offered glowing praise after his first game on Wednesday saying, "I think Pilon is going to get better and better. I think I might have to harp on him to shoot pucks a little bit more." Pilon responded with a hat trick on Saturday, just his second game with the Silvertips. In four games over the week, he recorded four goals and one assist. Brian Pinho scored a goal and an assist in a 4-1 win over Boston College on Friday. He now has 10 points in his last six games. “Brian always does the right thing,” said Providence coach Nate Leaman. “That’s part of him coming in and playing the wing the first year and learning what it takes. Having a lot of older guys ahead of him. But he had a lot of older guys to look up to when he got to the program. Now, I think Brian is that older guy and I think he’s doing a terrific job being that leader that our team needs. He’s really comfortable with that right now.” Who are the Caps' top 10 prospects? Find out here in his week's updated rankings.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093675 Winnipeg Jets could cut into the number of games he’ll miss, provided the recovery goes smoothly.

Given his makeup, Scheifele will do everything in his power to get back Jets should add depth: Six weeks to bolster roster via trade as quickly as possible, but adding a scoring winger or even a centre to this group makes plenty of sense even once he’s back. Ken Wiebe With the Ottawa Senators struggling after getting to Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final last season, one player that immediately comes January 17, 2018 1:39 PM CST to mind is Derick Brassard. Brassard, who has one more season beyond this one on a contract that carries an average annual value of $5 million, has 12 goals and 28 points Although Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has mostly made calculated and in 48 games this season. conservative moves when it comes to trades, might this be the year where he pushes a few more chips to the middle of the table and and Brassard’s playoff pedigree should appeal to the Jets. goes all in?Chris Procaylo / Chris Procaylo/Winnipeg Sun/QMI Agency A gifted playmaker, Brassard has 22 goals and 55 points in 78 playoff Kevin Cheveldayoff has made a habit of keeping his cards close to the games – the bulk of those coming with the New York Rangers, who vest during his tenure as general manager of the Winnipeg Jets. advanced to the Stanley Cup final in 2014 before losing to the Los Angeles Kings. Although Cheveldayoff has mostly made calculated and conservative moves when it comes to trades, might this be the year where he pushes Although Brassard, who is 30, carries a substantial cap hit, his salary is a few more chips to the middle of the table and goes all in? $3.5 million for this season and next, so that could make acquiring him more appealing to teams like the Jets (and other potential suitors). As the Jets enjoy the five-day break mandated by the collective bargaining agreement, Cheveldayoff and his staff now have fewer than On the back end, the Jets are happy with the development of Tucker six weeks until the arrival of the NHL trade deadline to decide which Poolman and Sami Niku and have Ben Chiarot as the seventh route to go. defencemen, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them bring in another experienced insurance policy for Toby Enstrom, who is due to become With the Jets in first place in the Central Division with 59 points and 36 an unrestricted free agent on July 1. games to go, the options for consideration are different than they have been in the past. Making an in-season deal is never easy, but the Jets have some salary- cap space available to them, several prospects that shoulder garner One thing you can be sure of is that the Jets won’t be selling. interest and for the first time since 2011, they might be willing to part with a first-round pick, especially if it was closer to the bottom of those 31 Their level of buying – and what they might be willing to pay – very much selections. remains a mystery. That’s why the Jets should be more active than usual in the weeks What should the Jets do before the NHL trade deadline? leading up to the NHL trade deadline. Thanks to a record of 26-13-7, the Jets are considered a legitimate

contender in the Western Conference at this stage of the proceedings. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 01.18.2018 There’s plenty of hockey left to be played, but the Jets have only suffered one three-game losing skid this season (and that third game was an overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning), so they’d need to stumble badly in order to miss out on qualifying for the post-season for just the second time in seven seasons. The Jets have more organizational depth at each position than they’ve had since the franchise relocated from Atlanta, but that should only encourage them to add a piece or two. One of the things the Jets don’t have much of is playoff experience – and history has often shown a franchise needs to endure some post-season heartache before making a deep run. The Jets/Atlanta Thrashers franchise doesn’t have a single playoff victory yet, so adding a bit of experience while not sacrificing a great deal of the future is the challenge Cheveldayoff has as he searches for a dance partner. Historically, the Jets haven’t dipped much into the rental market for players with expiring contracts and I wouldn’t expect that to change much this time around – unless the health of Steve Mason becomes a concern. Mason was sent back to Winnipeg on the weekend because he wasn’t feeling well and the last time the Jets said he wasn’t feeling well was after he suffered a concussion. If this turns out to be another concussion, it would be the second for Mason in fewer than two months. Although Connor Hellebuyck is expected to carry the bulk of the load during the stretch drive, the Jets are going to need someone else to play some games. With Mason’s availability in question, the Jets are expected to recall Michael Hutchinson later this week but it remains to be seen if they’re willing to go with Hutchinson for an extended period as the backup or if they would be in the market for someone else (most likely on an expiring contract). How long is it going to take for first-line centre Mark Scheifele to return from the suspected shoulder injury that knocked him out of the lineup on Dec. 27? The initial diagnosis was that Scheifele would miss six-to-eight weeks, but the arrival of the bye week and the All-star weekend later this month 1093676 Winnipeg Jets Thirty-three seconds into OT, Winnipeg’s trio of Bryan Little, Nik Ehlers, and Dustin Byfuglien have attacked the Blue Jackets' zone like a house on fire. Prior to the frame you see above, Winnipeg spent almost 30 An overtime story: Why the Jets are 0-6 in OT and the one thing they can seconds in the attacking zone generating shots and recovering its own do to improve rebounds. So why am I using this sequence to contrast against the example in Pittsburgh?

Look at what Little has to contend with as he approaches Ehlers’ pass By Murat Ates 12 hours ago high in the Blue Jackets' zone. He has a man on his back and a second man between him and Byfuglien in front of Columbus’ net.

Still, Little is first on the puck and Winnipeg has possession. The option Prior to January’s IR-parade, an awful lot of things had been going well that I want Little to take is readily available twice over: not only is Ehlers for the Winnipeg Jets. a passing option but Little’s momentum is toward the blueline – he could Take your pick: Winnipeg’s strong play at 5-on-5, the success of its skate it out himself. power play, Connor Hellebuyck — they've all been terrific. Even the Jets’ Why retreat? As I suggested above, all of that open ice makes it easier to penalty kill has been very good since increasing its puck pressure head all of the way back to your own zone for a change and a clean re- partway through December. There is a lot to like. entry. If Little retreats, Winnipeg can keep the puck, get fresh legs onto Since Mark Scheifele went down against Edmonton on December 27, the ice, and attack the Blue Jackets' zone all over again. Winnipeg has gone 5-2-1 and comes out of its bye-week alone atop the Instead: NHL’s Central division. I think it’s safe to say times are good. With Ehlers yet more wide open than before, Little attempts a button I’m not even worried about back-to-back losses against Chicago and hook into zero space with a man on his back. The puck gets turned over Minnesota. Instead, I look at their nine games in 18 nights since the and Columbus is free to head the other way. holiday break and their 12 games in 23 nights before that and I’m willing to give exhaustion the benefit of the doubt. It could be that Ehlers was open but silent; it could be that no one on the Jets bench called out that he had a man on his back. And after 33 For the purposes of this article, I’m going to ignore the Jets’ many areas seconds on the attack, it’s reasonable that Little is simply tired and of strength and focus instead on something they are surprisingly bad at: making mistake due to fatigue. overtime. To be clear, this isn’t even the play that led to the Blue Jackets’ game- In 2017-18, Winnipeg has played 23 minutes and 16 seconds of overtime winning goal. hockey and has yet to score a goal. They’ve been scored on six times, giving them an OT record of 0-6, and they’ve split two shootouts for a 1- That honour goes to this sequence from Little’s very next shift: 6-1 record in extra time. Had Winnipeg won even four of these eight points available to them, the Jets would be sitting alone in first in the The puck is about to be dropped in Columbus’ zone. This is a great spot West. for Winnipeg to be in and, even better, Little wins the draw.

With that in mind, I wanted to look at why Winnipeg has been so bad in The problem is he wins it a little too well. 3-on-3 overtime. I’ve taken a stopwatch, a spreadsheet, and multiple OK, that’s not a problem – Byfuglien just needs to go back and get it. He viewings to all eight of Winnipeg’s overtime periods and I’ve done my has plenty of time and a huge head start on Josh Anderson. best to be a good Winnipegger by focusing on process instead of results. Then Anderson steps on the gas… To me, 3-on-3 hockey is a game where puck possession is substantially more important than puck position. With so much open ice, zone entries …So much so that he’s nearly level with Byfuglien when the puck hits the are completed nearly at will. end boards. Even then, no one else is nearby and Byfuglien has good body position: In the eight games I tracked, Winnipeg successfully gained their opponents’ blueline on 84 per cent of its tries while opposing teams What percentage of the time do you think Byfuglien wins the puck from gained the Jets line on 90 per cent of their attempts. In short, it doesn’t this position – 80 per cent? 90 per cent? matter who you are or where your possession starts – if you can get the puck in OT, you are likely to be able to take it somewhere dangerous. He doesn’t win it this time – Anderson completes the comeback:

Also, as Pittsburgh demonstrates in this sequence from October 26, it’s From here, the Blue Jackets get two shot attempts and recover both of very easy to have a look at the layout of the neutral zone and decide them before an Anderson wrister beats Hellebuyck through traffic. nope: In eight overtime periods, a lot of things can happen. In the sequences This is Jake Guentzel on the puck following Pittsburgh’s faceoff win, five I’ve showed in this introduction, I’m a lot more critical of Little’s decision seconds into Winnipeg’s first overtime of the season. You can tell from to force the zone than I am of Byfuglien getting beat because he decided the body language that play has just started and that Guentzel has no not to hustle for a loose puck. real forward momentum. With two Jets between himself and Winnipeg’s Why? This is where I circle back to “process.” zone, Guentzel decides to reverse. To me, the process that went into Columbus scoring is a) less repeatable Your new puck carrier is Kris Letang and your new focus is all of that than Little’s turnover and b) fixed almost instantaneously by a open ice in the neutral zone. Guentzel and Crosby then circle back to conversation between a player and his coach. There’s no way Byfuglien Letang and two touch passes set up the following zone entry: didn’t feel terrible for getting beat like that – he’s a fiery player who knows I’ve skipped forward a few seconds but this is Pittsburgh’s first crack at his job – so there’s very little in the way of a teachable moment. Winnipeg’s zone after reversing it. Once again I’m asking you to go by In Little’s case, I think Winnipeg needs to adjust its strategy and there’s a body language but look how much speed Guentzel has this time around little bit more to that. – a successful entry is virtually assured at this point. The data: Pittsburgh’s reverse isn’t what won them this hockey game – that honour goes to a breakaway by Phil Kessel – but it’s important to introduce this I don’t want you to take me at a few screenshots and my word that concept right off the bat for two reasons: Winnipeg could stand to prioritize possession a little bit more in OT. Here is some data I collected: Winnipeg is generally reverse averse while its opponents generally are not. Winnipeg had the puck for nearly 20 fewer seconds per game than its opponents. One reason for this is the gaping difference in the number of Winnipeg’s more common approach took place during the following reverses by each team. Let’s put a pin in that for now and circle back to it night’s loss in Columbus: in a moment. About zone entries for a moment: the Jets generally gained their tweaked to prioritize decisions that lead to having the puck more. If, in opposition’s zone with ease, just as their opponents had no trouble eight overtime periods there were five times where they forced the play gaining Winnipeg’s zone – there is simply too much space for effective forward when the safe play was to reverse, there is a lot of room to zone entry prevention. Here, the biggest difference comes in the raw improve their time on the puck and their time in the offensive zone as a counts: Winnipeg attempted just 31 zone entries through eight while their direct result. opponents have attempted 41. This difference is not solely attributable to the 9-4 difference in reverses. For one example, in Winnipeg’s January 2 loss to Colorado, the Avalanche had 2:58 of possession to Winnipeg’s 1:52. That’s a huge Think back to those two plays vs. the Blue Jackets. Little’s turnover in difference – imagine going into a shootout where the other team gets Columbus’ zone necessitates a zone entry by the Blue Jackets. three shooters and you only get two. You would lose a lot of games that Byfuglien’s turnover in his own zone does not. The extra five zone entries way and Colorado tilted possession in their favour by reversing fully five Winnipeg gave up came from turnovers of the first kind – exactly five times for fresh looks at Winnipeg’s zone. plays that I tracked as “I wish” reverses. Perhaps the best example of how valuable this is came against Tampa Plays like this one: Bay on December 9:

That’s Jacob Trouba getting crunched after trying to gain Columbus’ That’s Little taking the defensive zone faceoff. This time, he is going to zone by going 1-on-3. As was the case with Little, there was a whole lot lose the draw. of trouble in front of him and a whole lot of space behind him. It’s this situation that is costing the Jets – in the eight games I studied, I tracked Tampa Bay comes out of the faceoff with possession but with terrific five “I wish” reverses for Winnipeg and zero by their opponents. We’ll puck pressure coming its way from Winnipeg. Other than the fact that it come back to that. began on a faceoff, this play is a mirror image of Little losing the puck in Columbus. Think back to Byfuglien getting chased down by Anderson in Columbus. That was an example of a goal against without a zone entry involved. Brayden Point has enough speed to challenge Myers at the top of the zone. He gives it his best shot… One other example is this play vs. Montreal: …But Myers stays with him. At this moment, Point has the same decision With Myers in the box for cross-checking, the puck is in Winnipeg’s zone. to make as Little had all of those screenshots ago: turn into traffic or Fortunately, Montreal has just misplayed it and Byfuglien is recovering it retreat into open ice. in the corner. Point reverses to Anton Stralman and the Lightning begin a scripted As two Canadiens try to recover the puck, Byfuglien has a moment to breakout. look up. Andrew Copp is pushing up ice and might even be looking at a breakaway if Byfuglien can get him the puck. Tampa Bay’s forwards have circled back and crisscrossed in front of Stralman in their own zone. Point, who was at the bottom of your screen This story is a tragedy and you knew that coming in. cuts is now at the top. Look at all of that space he’s about to skate into. Byfuglien off at the half wall and a chain of events begins that completes Montreal’s late-game comeback. By the time Point receives Stralman’s pass, he is flying through the neutral zone. Little steps up to challenge him… Weber pokes the puck forward and gives chase. Byfuglien’s in a hurry to make up for his mistake and he’s not far behind. This is when Toby But Point’s speed is too much. Enstrom gambles that he can beat both players to the puck. Point crosses him over and the rest is overtime loss history:

On the surface of it, Enstrom’s gamble was correct. In this frame he’s a Playoffs: step ahead of Weber to recover the puck. I was talking about overtime on TSN 1290 the other day and a poster on Turns out Weber has a long reach. He gives Enstrom a shove while Twitter was kind enough to mention that there is no 3-on-3 OT in the swatting the puck to Brendan Gallagher. Enstrom’s caught behind the net Stanley Cup playoffs. This is absolutely true and it’s probably great news and Byfuglien is still chasing. That means Max Pacioretty is all alone in for the Jets who are a very strong 5-on-5 team. front: That said, a few points in either direction would be the difference I don’t need to show you how it ends. between top spot in the West and missing out on home ice advantage in I’ll forgive you if you’ve come to this point in the article thinking I’m writing the first round. One way Winnipeg could earn more points is to maximize a Byfuglien hit piece. I’m actually using his example to make a very possession time and one way they can do that is to back out of the different point about Winnipeg’s overtime record: sometimes, shit offensive zone, regroup, and attack open ice with speed. happens. Do that regularly and we could be talking about home ice advantage Byfuglien was probably a 90 per cent bet to beat Anderson to the puck in throughout the playoffs unless, of course, the Jets find themselves back Columbus. He was also good bet to get the puck past Weber vs. in Tampa Bay. Montreal. And in the Pittsburgh game, whose winner I haven’t shown you, Phil Kessel scored on a breakaway as a result of this pass attempt: The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 Even with everybody in the building aware that Patrik Laine has Myers in his sights, this is still a reasonably high percentage pass and, if it works, Myers has a brilliant scoring chance.

In the end, Laine’s execution was bad and Kessel made an excellent play. Even then, breakaway efficiency is close to one-third – Kessel’s goal came on a very dangerous chance but not one in which he was guaranteed to score. You could run that play 10 more times and get by without a goal against on maybe eight of them.

Of course, that’s not what happened. By the middle of November, the Jets were 0-3 in OT on a series of plays you could run several times without anything bad happening.

They all involve mistakes – I’m in no way arguing Winnipeg should get a free pass – but the point is some portion of the Jets’ terrible overtime record can be attributed to bad luck

The part that isn’t luck:

Let me be clear: I’m not trying to suggest we can solve this by saying “have the puck more.” I am suggesting Winnipeg’s strategy can be 1093677 Vancouver Canucks “I think so,” he said. “My role definitely changed early on when I lacked confidence; that was on me.

“It was about me maturing as an individual, realizing where I am in the Botchford: Stecher finding confidence with Canucks as his game evolves organization, on this team and in this lineup.” He is a big part of the future for the Canucks, a key player in the Jason Botchford defensive corps. January 17, 2018 3:15 PM PST And maybe the Canucks should think about him on the power play again. Their blue-line has combined for one power-play goal on the season. Derrick Pouliot leads the defence with five power-play points. Michael Del Zotto is second with four. Troy Stecher should never have been the Vancouver Canucks’ best defenceman. Stecher had eight last season, and that was as a rookie. He was too undersized, undrafted and inexperienced. The power play has been good, but could it be better? It may be worth a look. But there he was, a slice of hope at the end of a dim season being feted last spring as the Canucks’ top blue-liner at 23 years of age. He won the popular vote and he had earned it. His engine never died Vancouver Province: LOADED: 01.18.2018 even as the Canucks’ doors, bumpers and wheels popped off all around him, and were left strewn along the littered roadside. Stecher played nearly every shift like it just might be his last. He finished fifth in the NHL among rookie defencemen with 24 points. He played 71 games, averaged 20 minutes in ice time, and was among the Canucks’ leaders in positively impacting shot-attempt differential. His season was so impressive, in fact, people wondered if he could help carry a top pairing, if not now then in the near future. After so many had dismissed his chances of an NHL career, and counted him out, Stecher had made it. Not so fast. The NHL doesn’t quite work like that. Progression and development is rarely linear. A few months after “making it,” Stecher had a new coach, a new role and new obstacles. He was off the power play, had his minutes cut dramatically. He was left trying to figure out what had gone astray. It didn’t happen overnight. It just felt that way. “As a young guy, it was kind of hard to adjust,” Stecher said. “I’m still trying to find my way in this league. Early on it was tough. “I had always been on the power play in college and juniors. I want to be on the power play here. But it’s not my role this year and it is what it is. The power play has been good. I’m not going to complain about it. I understand if I’m not on it, I have to do something else better.” Stecher has been better. He’s been doing other things, like impressing with the number of battles along the boards he wins. He has theories about it. Maybe it’s his low centre of gravity. At 5-9, he’s a lot closer to the puck than a six-foot-something forechecking winger. But theories like that don’t do him justice. He wins board battles because he’s good with his stick, smart and relentless. There’s never a game you leaving thinking, “Oh man, Stecher was coasting out there.” He’s all in, all the time, even when things aren’t going his way, and it sure didn’t look like they were back in October. But lately Stecher has been playing more and increasingly deployed in a bigger role since Bo Horvat was injured. In fact, in the 17 games Horvat has missed, you could make the case Stecher has been among the Canucks’ best two defenceman. Since the Horvat injury, he’s the only regular blue-liner with a shot-differential above 50 per cent, meaning the Canucks are controlling more than half the shots on net when he’s on the ice. Given how poorly this defence has played in the past six weeks, that’s pretty impressive. So is the change in playing time. Stecher’s minutes are up significantly. In October, he was playing 15:50 per game. This month, playing a lot with Alex Edler, he’s at 20:38 per game, almost all of it at even strength. “When I was going through that adversity, it was more confidence than anything,” Stecher said. “But once I talked to coaches, sat down with them and started to understand where I was in their system and plans, and understood the reasons behind it, I gained confidence.” In one of his more revealing moments on the Canucks’ recent road trip, Stecher was asked if he thinks he’s now playing his best hockey of the season. 1093678 Vancouver Canucks Whether Hutton's underlying results indicate that he's playing better than Del Zotto or Edler or not (and they mostly do) the coach's usage of the three suggests he's not a believer. The cases for and against the Canucks trading Ben Hutton That would make Hutton the Canucks' third-pair left-side defenceman. Hutton's playing in the first year of a two-year pact valued at $2.8-million a season. When that contract expires, it will cost the Canucks $2.8- By JD Burke 16 hours ago million to field a qualifying offer, but Hutton will have arbitration rights. There's a fair argument that Hutton's already overpaid, given everything he brings to the table relative to his circumstances at the time of signing What's been a difficult season for Canucks defenceman Ben Hutton his current contract. might not have reached its lowest point yet. And that's saying something. Let's imagine a scenario where Hutton remains on his current trajectory, The affable, fun-loving defenceman who won over the fan base in his which isn't outlandish in light of what we've learned in the public sphere rookie season, Hutton's since fallen out of favour with seemingly about when defencemen reach their peak performance years (it's closer everyone. It's his third season in the NHL and the first in which he's been to their age 23 or 24 seasons than their late 20's or early 30's). Here are a healthy scratch. Between Dec. 19 and Jan. 6, Hutton sat out four of the the Canucks' options at the end of next season: qualify Hutton at $2.8 Canucks seven games. million for another season or go to arbitration where they're at the whims of the arbitrator's ruling and either have to acquiesce to a set value for With just six points in 41 games, he's charting a course that will land him Hutton or let him walk in free agency. Is either scenario palatable? at around 11 points, assuming he remains in the lineup to the season's end. That would be the worst mark of his three-year career, down 19 set Whether the Canucks use Hutton as their third or sometimes fourth best last season, which came after Hutton amassed an encouraging 25 points option on the left side or not, there's ample evidence to suggest that's not as a fresh-faced rookie. where he belongs on the blueline hierarchy. In turn, Hutton's gone from a player whose personality and play once The 48.2 per cent of shot attempts that the Canucks control at 5-on-5 shone like light through the overcast negativity that's hung over the with Hutton on the ice isn't great by any stretch of the imagination, but it's Canucks to just another caught under the unending rain of fan scrutiny. considerably better than their share with Edler (46.2 per cent) or Del Zotto (44.9 per cent). It's no surprise then that as we encroach upon the Feb. 26 trade deadline, Hutton's name has come up in trade talks. According to a Jan. That's not just a result of Hutton getting lucky or playing a significant 7 report from the Ottawa Sun's Bruce Garrioch, the Canucks have been number of minutes with Chris Tanev either. Hutton's 0.91 per cent Corsi listening to offers for Hutton. for Rel. Tm (essentially an aggregation of a player's impact on his linemate's ability to control shot attempts) is comfortably in the black. “The Canucks are also listening to offers for defenceman Ben Hutton,” He's more than holding up his end of the bargain. Garrioch reported, after commenting on Erik Gudbranson's potential availability. What you'll find most surprising is that Hutton is doing the majority of his work in the defensive zone. According to the indispensable analytics Not so fast though, reported The Province's Jason Botchford a few days resource Natural Stat Trick, the 9,44 high-danger scoring chances the later in one of his always entertaining and illuminating Canucks post- Canucks are surrendering when Hutton's on the ice are the fewest game articles dubbed “The Provies.” among any Vancouver blueliner. The 44.1 unblocked shot attempts per There (w)as some buzz this week when it was suggested the Canucks 60 that the Canucks surrender with Hutton on the ice represents the are currently shopping Ben Hutton. third-best mark among his peers on the back end. Jim Benning stepped up for The Provies and strongly quashed it. As CanucksArmy's Jeremy Davis pointed out in his supremely thorough and excellent piece on Hutton, his skills translate from even strength to “It wasn’t true. We haven’t had any (trade) calls on Hutton, ” Benning the penalty kill remarkably well. said. “No one has called about Hutton.” The Canucks are in the bottom half of the league in shots against per In another edition of The Provies just two short days ago, Botchford game and the bottom-10 in goals against per game. It's fairly clear they added that he feels the Canucks are open to having their mind changed could use Hutton's skill set, which surprisingly lends itself especially well as it pertains to Hutton's future, but he just doesn’t see a team making an in the defensive zone — something that can be hard to appreciate at offer that’s going to make them do it, in his words. times, given Hutton's propensity for the glaring giveaway or defensive gaffe. It's not clear what Hutton's future holds, but the speculation such as it is, it's worth pondering the two outcomes at hand — one in Vancouver and It's in the Canucks' best long-term interests to move pieces from their another elsewhere. back end, but Hutton probably shouldn't be the defender they deem expendable. The Canucks have a logjam on defence. It's every bit as responsible for Hutton's spell in the press box as his on-ice results, I am sure. Hutton isn't alone in this regard. Derrick Pouliot, who's been mostly a revelation for the Canucks, has sat three straight as of Sunday's 3-2 overtime win Hutton's proven an extremely divisive player for those who follow the over the Minnesota Wild. Canucks on a regular basis. He's often on highlight reels for all the wrong reasons, and it can make it easy to overlook the many small things he With the trade deadline looming and injuries always on the horizon, the does well over the course of a game that adds up in the long run. Canucks are probably thrilled to have enough depth to sit legitimate top- six defencemen as often as they have been. They're likely to need it. By Regardless of which camp you fall in — pro- or anti-Hutton — deciding that same token, they have alternatives in their system that are going to whether to trade him or not should be considerably more difficult a need room to spread their wings. question to answer with any degree of enthusiasm. There's merit to either outcome, clearly. Canucks general manager Jim Benning signed Philip Holm last summer, and every indication is they sold him on the opportunity to prove his mettle in the NHL. Everything Holm's done in the AHL this season The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 suggests he's on the cusp of being ready for the show, if not already there. Then there's the Canucks fifth-overall pick from the 2015 draft, Olli Juolevi. In Canucks training camp, Juolevi looked a long way away from the NHL. The work Juolevi's put in with the Finnish SM Liiga's TPS Turku suggests that might not be the case after all. And his strong World Junior Hockey Championship performance drove the message home. With Alexander Edler, Michael Del Zotto and Hutton all signed for next season, the left side, which Juolevi and Holm both play on, looks packed. This says nothing of Pouliot, who's a restricted free agent at season's end, and a natural left-side defenceman. Among the three left-handed Canucks defencemen signed for next season, Hutton ranks third in 5-on-5 and all situations ice-time per game. 1093679 Websites good coaches, good managers; I’m a fortunate guy to have been part of it. I was here for eight years. That’s a long time. When you think of a career’s longevity, eight years is a big chunk in any sport.” The Athletic / LeBrun: On eve of Flyers number retirement, Eric Lindros He was a teenager when he arrived in Philadelphia. Those were says, 'I don't focus on the negative' formative years as a young man. “I had really good guys around like and Dave Brown, had By Pierre LeBrun 15 hours ago some real nice people to be around in terms of leadership and learning how this crazy thing called the NHL works,” Lindros, 44, said of his early NHL years in Philadelphia. No. 88 up in the rafters. The Big E staring up at it. Flyers fans on their That was a long time ago, to be sure. Now Lindros is a father of three. feet. And his hometown Maple Leafs in the building. His two-year-old twins likely won’t really know what’s happening Thursday night, but three-and-half-year-old son, Carl, has been digging Thursday night should be just about perfect. the trip to Philadelphia this week. “Just fantastic,” Eric Lindros told The Athletic on Wednesday. “I’m If little Carl didn’t know yet how big a deal his dad was as a hockey certainly looking forward to tomorrow. It’s a tremendous honour. To be up player, he’ll get an idea once the ovation kicks Thursday night. there with the names that are hanging currently already within the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center, that’s a big honour. It’s an incredible honour.’’ Eric Lindros has come full circle. This is a good thing. He is emphatic as he says it. He means it. The Hockey Hall of Famer is truly touched that his number will be retired by his old team Thursday night, joining the likes of Bobby Clarke (No. 16), Bernie Parent (No. 1), The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 Mark Howe (No. 2), Barry Ashbee (No. 4) and Bill Barber (No. 7). That it’s even happening is a reminder why people fall in love with sports to begin with. Everything is possible. One would have been hard-pressed to even imagine such a night when Lindros and the Flyers had their bitter, public divorce some 17 years ago; it was as heated a falling out between a franchise player and an organization as the NHL has had in the modern era. And yet, as clichés go, time indeed helps heal wounds. His number retirement Thursday night never happens perhaps without that moment six years ago when Lindros was welcomed back by the Flyers’ faithful in the Winter Classic alumni game, I was there and I’ll never forget the raw emotion you could feel emanating from the stands for the Big E. “Yeah, it was a great experience,” Lindros recalled Wednesday. “It all started that previous summer with conversations I had with Paul Holmgren and talking through a number of things. I can’t say enough about Paul Holmgren. He’s been fantastic. Yeah, we sort of took it from there.’’ Holmgren says it was a no-brainer to reach out to Lindros back in 2011 to part of that outdoor game. It was time. “We were trying to get all these former Flyers from all the eras and wouldn’t it be great if we got Eric’s line back, and Clarkey’s line, get [Jeremy] Roenick back, we wanted a lot of guys back,” Holmgren told The Athletic on Wednesday. “Eric was obviously one of the bigger names because of what he had done for the franchise. It’s good that he came back. It probably started the ball rolling on other things. A couple of years later he went into the Flyers Hall of Fame, then last fall (2016) he went into the Hockey Hall of Fame. So, the natural progression of this is what’s going on. He is one of the greatest Flyers ever.” It was also Holmgren who reached out to Lindros again last summer to inform him that No. 88 was going to go up to the rafters. “It will be a wonderful night and we’re all pretty excited about it,” said Holmgren. “You go around the city and you talk to fans, they’re all pretty excited about it. It’s going to be great. I’m looking forward to it.” The Flyers president has been central to Lindros returning to the Flyers family. That much is clear. What has also been made clear over the years was just how right Lindros was about concussions, really his family ahead of their time in the hockey world back in the late 1990s. Today, Lindros continues to be a major advocate for concussion research. One thing you realize when you talk to Lindros, as I’ve had the chance to do a number of times over the past few years, is that he’s much more focused on looking ahead than re-hashing the past. It’s probably a healthy thing for him to be that way. So whatever dark moments existed near the end of his Flyers tenure, he tries not focus on that in his mind, and certainly not this week as he’s had a blast being in Philadelphia with his wife and three kids leading up to Thursday’s ceremony. “I don’t focus on the negative part of it,” said Lindros, inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame two years ago. “I focus on the good times that I had, and moving forward. There’s lots of good things to look back on. We had some really good teams and I played with some great guys, had 1093680 Websites “Where he’s good is when he gets down low, he’s dangerous again,” Nill said. “He just has to figure out how to get there.”

The flare-up with Spezza isn’t unique to the Dallas Stars. It’s hard to find The Athletic / Custance: The impact of Spezza's benching and why it's an NHL roster that doesn’t have an aging player with a high salary that is not a problem unique to the Stars figuring out how to make an impact in an evolving league. Chicago dealt with it recently with Brent Seabrook. Ottawa is dealing with it in Bobby Ryan, who still has four years remaining on a contract that pays him By Craig Custance 12 hours ago $7.25 million annually. The contract for Milan Lucic in Edmonton is aging quicker than GM Peter Chiarelli would probably prefer. How these teams navigate this issue could ultimately determine their big picture success this season and beyond. It didn’t have the feel of a postgame interview focused on a guy who just scored two goals in helping his team win back-to-back games on the It’s a complex problem. These players are often popular, well-respected road. It was much more somber, right down to the way it was conducted. guys in the dressing room. That’s certainly the case with Spezza. Jason Spezza sat at a dressing room stall in the visitors room at Little After he was scratched, every teammate made a point of reaching out to Caesars Arena, with reporters sitting next to him on either side. A camera him, to show their support. person crouched in front of him. A few more gathered around the fringes. “It really means a lot. It shows that the guys respect you and know I want Spezza, for the first time in his career, was a healthy scratch on Monday to play,” Spezza said. “It didn’t go unnoticed. Every guy tried to pick me against the Boston Bruins — $7.5 million in annual salary and more than up. Every guy tried to encourage me. That’s something, I think, that stuff 800 in career points sidelined because of a coach’s decision. goes a long way.” And, it wasn’t easy. That makes a decision like Hitchcock’s a risky one. For instance, Klingberg is having a fantastic year. He’s a big reason behind the Stars' Not for the player. surge up the standings. He also credits Spezza for a lot of his success, “I was unhappy about it,” Spezza said after the Stars beat the Red Wings explaining that Spezza mentored him immediately after he arrived in the 4-2 on Tuesday night. “I didn’t like the decision but you have to get NHL. through that.” They play different positions but similar games. They like to have the Not for the coach. puck. They like to make plays with the puck. So Spezza pulls Klingberg aside and shows him a few tricks he’s picked up over the years. They “It’s a tough business,” Stars coach Ken Hitchcock said. “I’ve got to do look for each other on the ice. There’s a trust and bond that has been what I’ve got to do. No matter how I do it, my job is to get 100 percent out built together. of every player. That’s my job. I have to find a way to do it. When they play, I have to get 100 percent … that’s coaching up. You have to do Hitchcock knows that. There’s a fine line as a coach when a decision like that. If you’re going to be successful in the National Hockey League, this is made. The hope is you may spark the play of a talented veteran. you’ve got to coach people up. You have to use everything at your The risk is that teammates don’t understand the reason behind it. disposal. It’s not fun doing it.” The joke in Dallas during Hitchcock’s first tenure with the Stars used to Neither Spezza or Hitchcock would share any details about the focus of be that nobody united the team quite like Hitchcock. They all hated him. the conversations that surrounded the benching. But Hitchcock has been That is, until they raised a Cup together. around a bit. This isn’t his first public altercation with a skilled player and the friction tends to be centered around a few things. It’s a delicate thing. For one night, the Stars received a payoff. Spezza conceded that he was playing more aggressively. Hitchcock also gave Hitchcock is a coach who believes the most successful teams are those him time on the first power play. There’s a give and take while this team filled with players making second and third efforts. To Hitchcock, hockey finds its way together. is a game of sacrifice. Sometimes that sacrifice comes in the form of a relentless backcheck when the temptation is to coast. Sometimes it “You’ve got to have respect for that veteran player. You have to hope you comes in physically playing with abandon while engaging the opposition see change,” Hitchcock said. “This is always the last alternative. You and competing for the puck. hope it’s a starting off point and so far it looks like it is.” If you want to frustrate Hitchcock as a player, play a careful game. It’ll drive him crazy and it won't be tolerated all that long. The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 Stars GM Jim Nill sat and watched the veteran center he acquired and re-signed to a big deal from the spacious visiting management suite at Little Caesars Arena, a suite that must have felt so different from the countless games he was crammed into Joe Louis Arena while with the Red Wings organization. While Hitchcock probably didn’t mind the extra attention being paid to Spezza, a motivating byproduct of making a prominent player a healthy scratch, Nill downplayed it. It’s how he’s wired — calm, introspective and careful to protect the people around him. “I know people are going to make a big story out of it. He’s struggling, he’s been struggling a little bit. I think he’s a little bit frustrated,” Nill told The Athletic. “It’s not a big deal.” This isn’t a new issue in Dallas. There have been multiple meetings between Spezza and the coaches. There have been numerous film sessions. Nill has been in constant communication with the big center. That was the one thing Hitchcock would reveal after the game: You don’t scratch a player of Spezza’s caliber on a whim. This is a last resort. For Spezza to be an impact player on a playoff contender, both coach and GM want to see evolution in his game. “The game has changed,” Nill said. “The days of where he can stickhandle through the neutral zone are gone. There are 10 players in the neutral zone, everybody is backchecking. He knows that … that’s where the frustration has been — how can he be effective in different areas of the game?” Both the Stars and Red Wings got a glimpse of what that can still look like from Spezza, who deftly tipped a John Klingberg shot for a goal and converted a gorgeous pass from Alexander Radulov for another. 1093681 Websites by Clarke, to bring Lindros out of his then-three-year retirement to play again in Philadelphia.

It was an offer Lindros rejected for reasons of health, not bitterness. The Athletic / No. 88 goes to the rafters: How Eric Lindros and the Flyers That thaw was the forerunner of an invitation to participate in a morning found peace skate with the team in Toronto, a return to Philly in an alumni game at Citizens Bank Park that preceded the Winter Classic in 2012, and co- induction with longtime linemate John LeClair into the Flyers Hall of By Jay Greenberg Fame in 2014. A fair estimation was that at least 50 percent of the Flyers fans had blamed Lindros, not the team, for the break-up. As a visiting player, he Time heals, just as, presumably have the multitudes of NHL players once had been booed heavily. But with he and LeClair on the red carpet, there flattened by Eric Lindros. was nothing but warmth in the building. All the polarization that surrounded him in the game, starting with his rejection of drafts of both a He once picked up and threw Florida’s Stu Barnes aside on the way to a junior team and the NHL Quebec Nordiques, was gone. Clarke, now a goal, brushed off the great and powerful en route to the senior advisor out of the day-to-day operation of the club, has empty net to complete a playoff hat trick, brought a nasty six-game war encouraged every step in bringing Lindros back to the organization and against Tampa Bay to a winning and vengeful conclusion by beating will be in attendance Thursday night. series-long irritant Igor Ulanov to a pulp, and won an Ali vs. Frazier confrontation against the toughest enforcer in the league, Stu Grimson. Team Chairman and founder Ed Snider’s anger with the Lindros family was harder to crack. But he approved Lindros’ Flyers Hall induction But even at 6-foot-4, 229 pounds, the most prodigious combination of and, after that ceremony confided to Holmgren that it had been the right skill and power hockey ever has known, couldn’t steamroll over the thing to do. It is doubtful Holmgren is disrespecting the wishes of Snider, gaping wounds left upon he and the Flyers management in perhaps the who died of bladder cancer in April 2016, by putting Lindros in the most ugliest and most painful divorces between a star and his team in exulted place a Flyer can be. professional sports history. “I hope Mr. Snider would have seen it that way,” says Holmgren. “And I All that could heal that level of trauma was time and conciliation. Both believe he would have. have worked wonders that on Thursday night probably will be more worth celebrating than even Lindros’ Hall of Fame career. “You can’t argue with the kind of player Eric was and his impact on the league and the Flyers. “ No. 88 goes to the rafters of the Wells Fargo Center, an arena that was built during the nineties at least in part on the promise of what Lindros With Clarke, Lindros is one of only two Hart Trophy (MVP) winners in could do to restore the Flyers’ glory. Up, up, up the number will be Flyers history. raised; almost as high as the expectations generated by a teenage freak of nature who commanded the highest salary in the NHL before he In 486 regular season games with Philadelphia, he amassed 659 points, played a game and by the Flyers’ massive expenditure – six players, two a 1.36 points-per-game average, superior to that of all but four players in number one picks, and $15 million — to obtain him. NHL history. In an era in which scoring was starting to decline, he was the fifth-fastest player ever to achieve 500 points, the sixth-quickest to The man-child’s ceiling seemed limitless. In the disappointing end, that 200 goals and had 57 points in 53 playoff games. had something to do with Lindros, who played eight years in Philadelphia, three for the hated Rangers and finished up with single “Teams were drafting to play against him,” says LeClair, who combined seasons in Dallas and his native Toronto, winding up without a home in with Lindros to give the Flyers their most lethal one-two combination retirement. since Clarke and Barber. “Eric was dominant for five years.” The relationship with the Flyers began to fray in the Lindros family’s Lindros scored 85 goals in 126 games in his first two seasons for sub- belief that an organization that had spent hugely to obtain him was not .500 Flyers teams stripped down by the trade to acquire him. The next always supportive. It careened through general manager Bob Clarke’s year, by which time LeClair and Eric Desjardins arrived and playoff public accusations that the parents’ constant meddling was putting their participation resumed after a five-year drought, Lindros joined Wayne son above the team. The damage became irreversible when Lindros Gretzky as only the second player since 1927 to win a Hart Trophy by the himself criticized the team’s medical and training staff for not diagnosing third year of their careers. That spring, he carried the Flyers to the concussion symptoms that he simultaneously acknowledged he didn’t Eastern Conference final and two years later to the Stanley Cup final. report. The Big E used his long reach to shield a puck that he could deliver off While that controversy raged in 2000, the Flyers won two playoff rounds either the forehand or the backhand with a touch that belied his power. without Lindros and were on the verge of a third when he was medically “He created room for everybody,” said Hall of Famer Mark Recchi, who cleared. Team members felt compelled to have a vote on whether to scored a Flyers-record 123 points as Lindros’ linemate in 1992-93, before bring him back and approval was far from unanimous, but Lindros being traded to Montreal for LeClair and Desjardins. returned only to suffer his fifth concussion by a devastating open-ice shoulder check to the head by New Jersey’s Scott Stevens in Game 7 of “It was so hard to take the puck from him. But a larger part of our the Eastern Conference final. success together was from give-and-goes. In addition to everything else, Eric was a great passer. “ Rejecting a not-completely sincere offer of an extension by the Flyers, Lindros sat out an entire year waiting for his symptoms to subside. He If the results of the deal with Quebec — transplanted to Colorado, the was then traded to the Rangers, the only team that would satisfy the Avalanche won two Cups around Peter Forsberg, the key prospect Flyers with a player package. Although Lindros had a 37-goal season in obtained in the Philadelphia trade — are arguable, the organization’s New York, he acknowledges the Stevens hit had resulted in a fear of logic in making the huge transaction remains unassailable. Having won going over the middle. Lindros suffered only one more, mild, concussion two Cups with three-time MVP Clarke, then losing their next four finals with the Rangers before orthopedic setbacks ended his career at age 34, appearances to teams led by Guy Lafleur, Bryan Trottier and Gretzky, leaving his resume short of the Stanley Cup that the most hyped hockey the Flyers wanted the best player in the league again. prospect in history had been almost mandated to bring. And they had him, only too briefly, much to everyone’s disappointment, Nevertheless, following a six-year wait, Lindros became a Hall of Famer especially Lindros’. He has moved past that by now. in 2016, mostly because of the statistical evidence of his dominance, but “You know what, I got a chance to play a lot of good hockey in also because Clarke, the man largely responsible for making Lindros’ Philadelphia,” Lindros told reporters at the Flyers’ practice facility place in Philadelphia untenable, nevertheless argued as a member of Wednesday morning. As he did in his Hockey Hall of Fame induction, The Hall’s selection committee for No. 88’s election. Lindros thanked the fans for their passion and this time praised Holmgren Having retired the numbers of all their previous Hall members who for being “fantastic.” played either all, or their best, years in Philadelphia – Clarke, Bernie “Let’s move on and be positive,” Lindros said. Parent, Bill Barber and Mark Howe – a snub of Lindros by the Flyers would have been conspicuous. But the organization is not bestowing As he told this author in The Flyers at 50, “Many teams weren’t in the this honor begrudgingly. or Chris Chelios talks (when players of that caliber became available for trade or in free agency). Sometimes it happened, sometimes The ice began to melt when Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren — it didn’t, but at least there was an effort by the Flyers. now the team president and in Lindros’ eyes the good cop amidst all the bad cops in the team hierarchy — hatched a scheme in 2010, endorsed “I just wish I would have been a lot healthier. But I’m not the only guy who that ever happened to. That’s the way it was for me so I’m not going to look back and be upset or disappointed or frustrated because there’s nothing to be gained by that, there really isn’t. I really worked hard to rid my mind of anything negative. “If I had it to do over again, I would have dialed back the hitting about 25 percent. But I don’t care to go into the what-ifs. I’m just going to think of some real good teams that had chances to win. I’m grateful for that.” Happily married with three children, playing hockey finally for the fun that was saddled by stress in his teen years, and active in concussion education, Lindros, 44, never has been at greater peace. All that water under a washed-out rainbow bridge notwithstanding, it is nice to see the Flyers have come to peace with him, too. “I think Eric had to answer to a lot of other things that weren’t always taken into account,” says LeClair. “Like being the next face of the league. He was still the best player in it.” And also, after Clarke, probably ranking with Bernie Parent as the most impactful player in Flyers history. “Eric is in the Hall of Fame,” said Holmgren. “He was just voted into the top 100 players of all time. “This fits into with what we have done for all the other guys hanging from the rafters. He certainly qualifies. We’re excited to do this.”

The Athletic LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093682 Websites The Leafs don’t have another winger in the system with his size and skill, but need to be mindful of cap considerations when contemplating a long- term extension. Sportsnet.ca / Leafs’ van Riemsdyk soaking up advice ahead of free Based on comparables, van Riemsdyk’s market value should be agency somewhere around $6 million or a little above on a deal of at least six years. He’ll be entering his age 29 season on the new contract and has scored at a 29-goal pace over his last 300-plus games. Chris Johnston That was some of what he and Atkinson talked about in November. They @reporterchris go all the way back to their days playing minor hockey against each other as kids – "I’ve known him forever," said van Riemsdyk – and were January 17, 2018, 5:32 PM comfortable discussing a topic that can be personal for some. "At the time when I signed, his stats were better than mine, too, you know?" said Atkinson. "Whatever happens with him, he’s going to be They are the conversations that have helped James van Riemsdyk calm fine. He’s a hell of a player." his mind amid a season of uncertainty. These next few weeks will likely be among the most difficult for van With free agency looming and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs up Riemsdyk. As hard as it is to imagine the Leafs dealing away a in the air, the 28-year-old has been tapping into his well of contacts to productive member of the team before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, the see what other players have experienced under similar circumstances. possibility is always hanging over the head of every UFA-to-be. It is not unlike how he meticulously goes about his craft. The big winger Plus, van Riemsdyk has already lived through one round of rumours with a surgeon’s touch is famous for searching out new exercise routines when his name was involved in failed Travis Hamonic trade talks with the and supplements and ways to prepare his body. Anything to gain an New York Islanders at the draft. Odds are he’ll soon be faced with more. edge. Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada On the road, he’s the only member of the Leafs you’ll see walk off the bus wearing a backpack because he always travels with everything Celebrating heroes of the game, Sportsnet and Scotiabank unite to bring needed for an extensive pre-game routine. a 4-day hockey festival to Corner Brook, NL and a 12-hour national NHL broadcast to Canadian fans coast to coast. "That’s just naturally the way I am," van Riemsdyk said in an interview this week. "You try to be prepared for important things in your life. … I’m Celebrate #HockeyDay always just – I don’t know if curious is the right word – but I like to get knowledge and hear different perspectives on things." At least there should be a big payoff awaiting him on the other end of the uncertainty – not to mention the possibility of a playoff run in Toronto this Hence the phone call he placed to old friend Cam Atkinson soon after the spring. Columbus Blue Jackets winger signed a $41.125-million, seven-year extension in November. He’s also spoken with Paul Stastny, Matt Carle "The way I look at it: I’m excited," said van Riemsdyk. "I’m just focusing and a few others. on this year. I love the group of guys we have, love being here, love playing here. I’ve made no secret about how I’d love to play here for a A lifetime spent in the sport forges a lot of friendships, and van Riemsdyk long time. That’s obviously first and foremost what I’m worried about. sees value in gleaning everything he can from peers while facing the most important year of his professional life. "So we’ll see how it all shakes out from there." "It’s interesting: You’d think that everyone thinks about it the same exact There’s added comfort in knowing that he’s ready for whatever comes. way, but there’s definitely some different mindsets as far as approach," said van Riemsdyk. He’s asked other players about where their negotiations started and how Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 they progressed. What deal-making tactics yielded results, and which didn’t. How they knew the moment was right to put pen to paper. "Strategy for when it comes time to deciding and stuff like that," van Riemsdyk explained. "Without going too much into detail, there’s lots of things to consider. When it gets to that point, I’m confident that I’ll have the information to make the decision that’s best." While there were some informal discussions between the Leafs and his camp on a possible extension last summer, talks are believed to have fallen quiet during the season. That isn’t necessarily an indication that van Riemsdyk is heading to the open market on July 1 – general manager Lou Lamoriello is famous for using all the time at his disposal when making decisions – but it has planted a small seed of doubt in the back of the player’s mind. It’s something Atkinson understands well. He entered this season as a potential UFA and it ate him up inside, with Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen acknowledging that he hoped to remove a distraction by giving the winger security and signing him to the long extension on Nov. 16. "I just think uncertainty," Atkinson said last month, when asked what he found most difficult. "It’s one of those things where it’s out of your control. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you at any given moment. You could get traded, you can get hurt. There’s so much unknown." On the outside, at least, van Riemsdyk seems to have managed the unknown just fine. He’s tied with Auston Matthews for the team lead at 19 goals – putting him on pace for a career-best 35 despite playing the fewest minutes he’s seen since his second year in the NHL. His best work has been done on the top power-play unit, where the six-foot-three van Riemsdyk patrols the area around the net and uses his soft touch to redirect shots or roof loose pucks from in tight. 1093683 Websites Throughout his career, wherever he played, O’Ree was exposed to racial remarks and slurs, from both players and fans. He was physically abused and had to fight on the ice because of it. Sportsnet.ca / Trailblazer O’Ree still makes an impact 60 years after NHL “It wasn’t rough until I played in the United States, especially Detroit and debut Chicago,” he once said. “I was the only black player and I was exposed to racial remarks and slurs. But I let it go in one ear and out the other.” Scott Morrison And he refused to quit. @morrisonsnet It is impossible to even remotely understand what he had to endure to realize his dream. Being black was a difficult enough challenge, but in his January 17, 2018, 4:35 PM prime the NHL was also a six-team league, with limited opportunity. Under those circumstances, that he made it to the NHL, no matter for how long, and with sight in just one eye, speaks to his talent and character and perseverance. Willie O’Ree was a trailblazer. There wouldn’t be another black player in the NHL after him until 1974, He just didn’t really know it at the time. when Mike Marson of Scarborough was drafted by the Washington Sixty years ago, almost 11 years after Jackie Robinson had broken the Capitals. colour barrier in baseball, Willie O’Ree did the same in the NHL. But O’Ree helped to make that happen. He was the first. It was Saturday, January 18, 1958. Leading the way for the likes of Marson, Bill Riley, Tony McKegney, The . Grant Fuhr, Wayne Simmonds, Jarome Iginla, P.K. Subban, and so many others. And not just for black players, but players with diverse His first NHL game with the Boston Bruins…the first black player in the ethnic backgrounds. history of the NHL. O’Ree actually met Jackie Robinson twice. The first time was a chance But it wasn’t until O’Ree opened the newspaper the next morning that he meeting on the streets of New York, when a 14-year-old O’Ree and his truly understood the significance of his NHL debut. minor hockey teammates won a tournament, their reward a trip to Manhattan. Near the bottom of the story appeared the words: “The game…marked the debut of Willie O’Ree, the first Negro to play in the league.” “I shook hands with him after and told him that I not only played baseball, but I played hockey,” O’Ree said. “He said, ‘Oh, I didn’t know there were O’Ree actually felt quite comfortable in that first game at the Forum. After any black kids playing hockey’.” all, he had played junior hockey with the Quebec Frontenacs against the junior Canadiens, and after a season in Kitchener-Waterloo, he returned The second time was at an NCAAP luncheon to honour the Brooklyn to play minor-pro for the , playing against the Royals. So he Dodgers slugger 13 years later, just after O’Ree’s two stints with the knew Montreal and he knew the Forum. And they knew him. Bruins and his trade to the Montreal organization. So his debut that night was somehow less of a novelty even though it “Willie O’Ree,” Robinson said after he was introduced to the hockey was history in the making. player, “Aren’t you the young fella I met in Brooklyn? This was from 1949 to 1962. So that made a big impact, a big impact.” O’Ree, who was 22 years old, didn’t earn any points that night in a 3-0 Bruins win, or the next night when the Canadiens won 6-2 in Boston. He Today, 60 years later, Willie O’Ree is still making a big impact, serving as said he didn’t experience any racism that first game, again probably the NHL’s diversity ambassador, leading the Hockey Is For Everyone because of the familiarity with Montreal. program. “I felt I was just playing for the Boston Bruins,” O’Ree said afterwards, Forever a trailblazer. insisting he was just focused on playing and realizing his dream. “I just happened to be playing and I just happened to be black.” After those first two games, O’Ree, who was raised in a family of 13 in Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 Fredericton, N.B., was returned to the Aces, but he was promoted several weeks later to play the final six games of the season with the Bruins’ top farm club in Springfield. He had to wait almost three years before he got another call from the Bruins. But it was on New Year’s Day, 1961, that O’Ree made history again, scoring his first NHL goal. He took a pass from Bruins defenceman Leo Boivin, raced past a pair of Montreal defenders and then beat goalie Charlie Hodge. In 43 games that season, playing mainly on the left side on a line with centre Don McKenny and right wing Jerry Toppazzini, he scored four goals, including two game winners, and 14 points. The Bruins wound up trading O’Ree to the Canadiens in May, 1961. The same Canadiens who won the Stanley Cup for five straight seasons to close out the decade. Because of all that talent, O’Ree was stuck in the minors and was eventually sold to the Los Angeles Blades of the . When the NHL expanded to a dozen teams in 1967, O’Ree hoped he might get another shot, but by then a secret he had kept dating back to his junior days, was no longer. During his season in Kitchener-Waterloo, O’Ree was hit with a puck to his right eye, losing 95 per cent of his vision. Doctors told him he would never play again, but he somehow still managed to play and to play very well. He didn’t tell anyone about the eye and no one noticed for the longest time. Indeed, while he was playing with the Blades his coach moved O’Ree from left to right wing because of his vision problems. O’Ree wound up winning a pair of scoring titles before his retirement with San Diego at age 43. 1093684 Websites The Leafs don’t have another winger in the system with his size and skill, but need to be mindful of cap considerations when contemplating a long- term extension. Sportsnet.ca / Leafs’ van Riemsdyk soaking up advice ahead of free Based on comparables, van Riemsdyk’s market value should be agency somewhere around $6 million or a little above on a deal of at least six years. He’ll be entering his age 29 season on the new contract and has scored at a 29-goal pace over his last 300-plus games. Chris Johnston That was some of what he and Atkinson talked about in November. They @reporterchris go all the way back to their days playing minor hockey against each other as kids – "I’ve known him forever," said van Riemsdyk – and were January 17, 2018, 5:32 PM comfortable discussing a topic that can be personal for some. "At the time when I signed, his stats were better than mine, too, you know?" said Atkinson. "Whatever happens with him, he’s going to be They are the conversations that have helped James van Riemsdyk calm fine. He’s a hell of a player." his mind amid a season of uncertainty. These next few weeks will likely be among the most difficult for van With free agency looming and his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs up Riemsdyk. As hard as it is to imagine the Leafs dealing away a in the air, the 28-year-old has been tapping into his well of contacts to productive member of the team before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, the see what other players have experienced under similar circumstances. possibility is always hanging over the head of every UFA-to-be. It is not unlike how he meticulously goes about his craft. The big winger Plus, van Riemsdyk has already lived through one round of rumours with a surgeon’s touch is famous for searching out new exercise routines when his name was involved in failed Travis Hamonic trade talks with the and supplements and ways to prepare his body. Anything to gain an New York Islanders at the draft. Odds are he’ll soon be faced with more. edge. At least there should be a big payoff awaiting him on the other end of the On the road, he’s the only member of the Leafs you’ll see walk off the uncertainty – not to mention the possibility of a playoff run in Toronto this bus wearing a backpack because he always travels with everything spring. needed for an extensive pre-game routine. "The way I look at it: I’m excited," said van Riemsdyk. "I’m just focusing "That’s just naturally the way I am," van Riemsdyk said in an interview on this year. I love the group of guys we have, love being here, love this week. "You try to be prepared for important things in your life. … I’m playing here. I’ve made no secret about how I’d love to play here for a always just – I don’t know if curious is the right word – but I like to get long time. That’s obviously first and foremost what I’m worried about. knowledge and hear different perspectives on things." "So we’ll see how it all shakes out from there." Hence the phone call he placed to old friend Cam Atkinson soon after the Columbus Blue Jackets winger signed a $41.125-million, seven-year There’s added comfort in knowing that he’s ready for whatever comes. extension in November. He’s also spoken with Paul Stastny, Matt Carle and a few others. A lifetime spent in the sport forges a lot of friendships, and van Riemsdyk Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 sees value in gleaning everything he can from peers while facing the most important year of his professional life. "It’s interesting: You’d think that everyone thinks about it the same exact way, but there’s definitely some different mindsets as far as approach," said van Riemsdyk. He’s asked other players about where their negotiations started and how they progressed. What deal-making tactics yielded results, and which didn’t. How they knew the moment was right to put pen to paper. "Strategy for when it comes time to deciding and stuff like that," van Riemsdyk explained. "Without going too much into detail, there’s lots of things to consider. When it gets to that point, I’m confident that I’ll have the information to make the decision that’s best." While there were some informal discussions between the Leafs and his camp on a possible extension last summer, talks are believed to have fallen quiet during the season. That isn’t necessarily an indication that van Riemsdyk is heading to the open market on July 1 – general manager Lou Lamoriello is famous for using all the time at his disposal when making decisions – but it has planted a small seed of doubt in the back of the player’s mind. It’s something Atkinson understands well. He entered this season as a potential UFA and it ate him up inside, with Blue Jackets GM Jarmo Kekalainen acknowledging that he hoped to remove a distraction by giving the winger security and signing him to the long extension on Nov. 16. "I just think uncertainty," Atkinson said last month, when asked what he found most difficult. "It’s one of those things where it’s out of your control. You don’t know what’s going to happen to you at any given moment. You could get traded, you can get hurt. There’s so much unknown." On the outside, at least, van Riemsdyk seems to have managed the unknown just fine. He’s tied with Auston Matthews for the team lead at 19 goals – putting him on pace for a career-best 35 despite playing the fewest minutes he’s seen since his second year in the NHL. His best work has been done on the top power-play unit, where the six-foot-three van Riemsdyk patrols the area around the net and uses his soft touch to redirect shots or roof loose pucks from in tight. 1093685 Websites In the defensive zone, Pacioretty’s biggest even strength contribution is in controlled zone exits, where he’s behind only Brendan Gallagher on the team. It is no surprise that he and Gallagher are the two biggest Sportsnet.ca / Why the Canadiens should get a massive return if they drivers of shot attempt differentials on the Canadiens. trade Max Pacioretty While shorthanded, Pacioretty stands out defensively in both his ability to win the puck away from opponents, and recover those loose pucks in the defensive zone, starting transition going the other way and putting almost Andrew Berkshire as many scoring chances on net per minute as he does at even strength, which is sort of crazy. January 17, 2018, 12:54 PM In contrast to his versatile toolbox of strengths, all of Pacioretty’s weaknesses come in the same area: puck management. When Pacioretty is on his game he almost exclusively makes short passes, and As the NHL’s trade deadline approaches on Feb. 26, there could be more he’s decent at that, but when he’s pushing to make things happen he big-name players available than we’ve seen in several years. One of tries a little bit too hard to be a playmaker, and he just isn’t that type of those names, provided the Montreal Canadiens don’t suddenly get red player. hot, is Max Pacioretty. This season Pacioretty has been below 50 per cent in completing his Despite the Canadiens’ captain still having a year left on his extremely passes in the offensive zone, a career low, and part of that is due to lack team-friendly contract ($4.5 million cap hit) after this season, the rumours of confidence when goals weren’t going in. As he felt his shot wasn’t have been swirling for months that Pacioretty could be on the move, and going to work, he tried to make more passes, and it just hasn’t worked. his goal scoring struggles this season have only fanned the flames. In every area of the ice, Pacioretty’s passing game is below average, but Over the past five seasons, including this one, Pacioretty has scored the one thing to remember is it’s partly due to having to take on some of the eighth-most goals in the entire NHL with 153, and the fourth-most at even extra play-driving responsibilities that centres usually take care of. strength with 110. If you remove this season from the equation, Jonathan Drouin and Phillip Danault are good players, but neither are Pacioretty jumps to the fourth-most goals overall, behind only Alex top-end centres capable of dealing with opposing teams’ top checkers. Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, and Joe Pavelski. At even strength, only Pacioretty is often forced to make plays when most wingers are free of Vladimir Tarasenko scored more than Pacioretty’s 102 goals from 2013 the puck and skating to open areas, which exacerbates a weakness in to 2017, with 103. his game. For those who argue Pacioretty piles up unimportant goals, it’s true that Surprisingly, despite all those failed passes, the only area where he leads the league in empty netters the past five years with 13, tied with Pacioretty is a direct turnover risk is in the offensive zone, which is where Blake Wheeler and Michael Grabner. But that still leaves 140 more goals forwards commit most of their turnovers, especially skilled ones. This and 37 of them were game-winners (second-most in the NHL), 31 were isn’t a huge deal, but it is a weakness in his game. the first goal of the game (tied for fourth-most), and eight were overtime goals (tied for third-most). When playing in all situations and having the Overall, Pacioretty’s profiles as a player who would benefit more than goal scoring ability Pacioretty does, you’ll end up with some empty most from coming into a team where he has to do less. Keeping things netters along the way. simple and focusing on goal scoring could easily get him back into the 40-goal range, and that could be more than enough to turn a good team When I ranked the top-23 players in the NHL at each position coming into into a contender, or turn a contending team into Stanley Cup favourite. this season, Pacioretty came in fifth among all left wingers, with the weakest area of his game being transitioning the puck up the ice — and Players this good simply don’t become available. he still ranked as a high-end second line talent.

Based on his cap hit, production, and place in the Canadiens’ leadership group, it seems absolutely crazy to think the Habs, a team that can’t Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 score at the best of times, would consider trading one of the best goal scorers of his generation. But Pacioretty’s value as a trade piece might be the one way Montreal can solve its long-term issues up the middle of the ice. Seeing the massive haul the Colorado Avalanche pulled in for Matt Duchene, the Canadiens, if they choose to move Pacioretty, should be looking at a package that has significantly more value. Pacioretty, 29, isn’t as young as Duchene, but he’s bigger, cheaper, and better both offensively and defensively. Having played essentially his entire career without a No. 1 centre and always as the top threat for opponents to check, if Pacioretty moved to a contender it could unleash all-new levels of dominance in a slightly reduced role, similar to the career renaissance experienced by Phil Kessel in Pittsburgh the past two seasons. Unlike Kessel, though, Pacioretty is decent but not special on the power play, though he excels at even strength and shorthanded. A complete, top-line winger available at the deadline who comes with a cap hit almost any team could fit in? It’s tough to figure out how high the bidding would even start. Getting into the specifics, let’s look at where Pacioretty’s strengths beyond driving shot attempt differentials and weaknesses lie as of this season, as teams who are interested in him no doubt have the magnifying glass out. Pacioretty’s most elite skill without doubt is his shot, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that where he stands out from his peers has a lot to do with that. Pacioretty puts up a ton of shot attempts and shots on goal, which translates into a huge number of scoring chances. That didn’t lead to many goals over the first three months of this season, but the tide is starting to turn. Away from the puck Pacioretty is a high-level forechecker, leading the Canadiens in loose puck recoveries in the offensive zone over the past three seasons combined, though his numbers have taken a slight dip this year. 1093686 Websites “I make it real clear what I’m looking for, and then someone has to have it. It’s an area we just want to keep improving.”

Read: Don’t rule out Toronto seeking out a depth-centre rental as the Sportsnet.ca / Dominic Moore in an endless tryout for Maple Leafs Feb. 26 trade deadline creeps closer. Moore, 37, may have another hurdle to hop yet, but dismisses the notion Luke Fox that age may be a factor. @lukefoxjukebox “I don’t think about my age at all,” he said. “It’s about whether you can play, and I feel great.” January 17, 2018, 2:15 PM Babcock has openly gushed about the centre depth in Tampa and Anaheim. And to hear the coach talk is to believe 2013 Leafs first- rounder Gauthier has the upper hand on the 4C gig. TORONTO – Mike Babcock has a saying. “I’ve liked Freddy better in the NHL than I’ve liked him in the American Well, truth be told, the Toronto Maple Leafs head coach has about 67 League the whole time he’s been here. He’s been good for us when he’s sayings, but here’s the one he summoned after Wednesday’s practice, been here,” Babcock said upon sitting Moore after Christmas. and it perfectly suits our purpose. “We had to do things in the summer because [Gauthier] got injured and “Live scared every day.” we always planned on, ideally, he’d have an opportunity to play on this team. It’s real simple for him – he’s got to play well defensively, he’s got The way Babcock has handled Dominic Moore in his 14th pro season, to penalty kill, he’s got to win faceoffs and he’s got to be abusive. If he you couldn’t blame the free agent acquisition for feeling just a touch on can do all those things, he can play every day.” edge regarding the security of his role on the team he turned down other offers to join in the summer. For reasons unclear, Moore is still looking to establish trust and optimism from the bench. After sitting out six consecutive games as a healthy scratch, watching 22- year-old call-up Frederik Gauthier skate in his place and the Leafs play One particularly telling moment occurred during a pre-game scrum on mediocre 2-2-2 hockey, Moore returned to the 4C spot in Wednesday’s Dec. 20 in Columbus. Babcock was asked specifically about Moore’s practice. contributions to the Leafs and responded instead with praise for Patrick Marleau and Ron Hainsey. Curiously, Moore was not named. The veteran appears to be drawing back into the lineup between Matt Martin and Connor Brown Thursday in Philadelphia, although Babcock So, what can the player with 99 playoff games do to instill confidence did not confirm. heading into post-season that he’s the most trustworthy fourth-line centre in Toronto? “It’s obviously tough to watch. I’ve been scratched in my career probably three times before this year, so it’s not something I’m used to. I’m just What, specifically, is Babcock’s message of improvement to Moore? focused on preparing to do my job well, as I always have throughout my career,” said Moore, who has already been sat 15 times this season. “Not much,” Moore said. “For me, it’s just a matter of trying to prepare and being ready to do my job and play my game. That’s all you can do. “I can’t control things out of my control. I want to do my job to help the That’s all I’m focused on.” team win. That’s why I was excited to join this group.”

In training camp, it was 24-year-old Finnish prospect Miro Altonen, who’s having a nice AHL rookie campaign for the Marlies. Through October, it Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 was 32-year-old Eric Fehr, now lighting it up for the AHL San Diego Gulls. And fresh for 2018, it’s Gauthier, whose six-game stat line (zero points, minus-3 rating) hasn’t exactly overwhelmed. Just when Moore may think he’s cleared another hurdle, resurfaced on the happy side of an internal roster battle, another obstacle is plopped in his path. Moore had a perfect 82-game attendance when he killed penalties and scored 11 goals for the Boston Bruins last season. This season, Moore has found himself embroiled a never-ending tryout for a job he believed was his when, acting as his own agent, he signed a one-year, $1-million pact with GM Lou Lamoriello. Did Moore have any expectation that he’d to be clawing for ice time halfway through his deal? “No. Obviously, no,” he said. “The past is the past. I’m focused on the present.” Live scared. On paper and to the eye, Moore hasn’t been an ill fit for Toronto. “Faceoffs, I think I had a bit of a slow start, trying to calibrate to the rule changes. Traditionally, I have been a bit of slow starter faceoff-wise and I pick up as the season goes on,” Moore explained. “I wasn’t taking many, to be honest. Sometimes I took two, maybe three a game. That means it takes longer to find that rhythm.” Among regular centres, Moore’s 54.3 per cent faceoff win rate was only recently eclipsed by all-star Auston Matthews, and Moore’s chipped in with four goals, five assists and a plus-1 rating. The Leafs have a winning 17-13-1 record when they do dress Moore. So why, Coach, has it been so difficult for Moore to stick in the lineup? “That’s a good question,” Babcock said. “Every night, watching your team play, you’re looking for [it] to be as good as it can be. The fourth-line centre, what I’m looking for is you dominate the faceoff circle, you play well without the puck so I don’t get nervous every time you’re on the ice, and you’re a good penalty killer. 1093687 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Treliving talks Flames’ turnaround, evolution of NHL defencemen

Sonny Sachdeva @sonny_sachdeva January 17, 2018, 7:03 PM

When the Calgary Flames swapped their 2017 calendars for fresh 2018s, it’s safe to say things weren’t looking ideal for the Albertan club. Heading into the new year, the team ranked fifth in its division and 11th in the West overall, struggling to string together the consistency needed to hold onto a playoff spot. Just a couple weeks later, the Flames are sitting pretty in the Pacific Division’s top three, a seven-game win streak in their rearview. While some have looked to head coach Glen Gulutzan’s stick-throwing outburst as the catalyst for Calgary’s turnaround, general manager Brad Treliving pointed to a few astute roster changes as a key contributor to his club’s resurgence. “I thought there might be a little staleness. We were doing lots of good things but we needed to get maybe just a little bit of a zap,” Treliving told Bob McCown and John Shannon on Sportsnet 590’s on Wednesday. “People always think it’s a massive trade or a massive change, but I wanted to get a little more pace and tempo and speed in our lineup, so we tweaked a couple things. “We added some depth on our blue line and in the organization by adding Dalton Prout … We brought up some guys from the minors. We had Andrew Mangiapane added to our team from Stockton, (and) Marek Hrivik. So sometimes it’s tweaks around the edges that gets people’s attention a little bit.” Adding more youth to the roster has had an undeniable effect on the Flames’ effectiveness, no more so than in regards to young pivot Mark Jankowski. A long-term project for the team that began at the 2012 NHL Draft, the 23-year-old looks to have finally found his fit in the big leagues. “Mark Jankowski is an NHL player. We really felt that through training camp,” Treliving said. “He’s had an impact on our team. He’s still a young player — he’s still going to be growing, but he’s a big, six-foot-four, 200- plus-pound centre-iceman with reach and hockey sense and competitiveness.” While Jankowski has emerged from the AHL as a regular depth contributor for Calgary, one of the club’s more high-profile 2017-18 additions, defender Travis Hamonic, has had a more tumultuous adjustment period in his new threads. The Flames brass is pleased with how the former New York Islander has meshed with Calgary’s defensive corps though, said Treliving, acknowledging that it took time for Hamonic to settle in with his new blue- line partner T.J. Brodie. Part of the issue is simply how drastically the defence position has changed in the NHL, according to the Flames GM. “It’s a difficult position to play. Outside of goaltending, to be perfectly honest with you, I think it’s the position that’s evolved the most in the last number of years,” Treliving said of NHL blueliners. “When we all talk about this new game and the speed of it, I think the people that have been affected the most are defencemen. It’s hard to be the throwback, pin-and-hold guys. The rules on how you defend — the hooking, the holding, using your stick to knock guys down — it’s been taken out of it. It’s hard. “When you look at it, they’re spending most of their time skating backwards in a game that’s going a million miles an hour. And just the evolution of how teams defend now — it’s about getting the puck up the ice and out of your end as quick as you can … so I think we’ve found a real shift in how you find these players (and) what’s important in terms of the attributes of defencemen.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093688 Websites Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 Sportsnet.ca / Louis Domingue ‘almost quit hockey’ after Coyotes cut ties

Rory Boylen @RoryBoylen January 17, 2018, 6:09 PM

At the start of this season, with Mike Smith off to Calgary and a whole lot of roster turnover in the Arizona Coyotes organization, goalie Louis Domingue thought he saw an opportunity open up. Even though Antti Raanta was brought in to replace Smith as the No. 1, he got injured very early on and Domingue answered with a strong pre-season. After getting a shutout in his last exhibition start, Domingue was given the opening night start against Anaheim — a game the Coyotes lost 5-4 after blowing a 4-1 lead. Raanta made his Coyotes debut the very next game, but was injured less than a week later, forcing the Coyotes to turn back to Domingue as their de facto starter. The 25-year-old finished October with an 0-7 record, .856 save percentage and was put on waivers by the Coyotes, where he went unclaimed and sent to the AHL. Following his demotion, Domingue says “this is where the story gets interesting.” “They wanted to keep me at home while they were trying to deal me somewhere, or trying to find me a spot,” Domingue told Matt Sammon and on the Lightning Power Play Podcast. “For a good week and a half, I was left without ice or a gym or any support from the team. I was just home waiting for a call. And they told me to rent my own ice. And I was there – I gave a call to my old friend Shane Doan and he came out with me on the ice in the afternoon with his son. “I rented the ice at midnight just to shoot pucks and skate around because I was tired of being at home.” According to Craig Morgan, a Coyotes columnist for AZSports and Coyotes reporter for NHL.com, Domingue did decline an ECHL assignment from the Coyotes. The team had three goalies, Hunter Miska, Adin Hill and Marek Langhamer in the AHL already. Domingue got so frustrated with his situation that he says he started to think the end of his career could be near. He began looking at other options, including the Olympics. “If you would have called me a month and a half ago or so, I was going to Europe in my head. We were trying to work an out-clause where I could go to Europe. I called the league trying to go to the Olympics. “I was looking for answers. I didn’t…I almost quit honestly. I almost quit hockey.” Then on Nov. 18, Domingue was traded from Arizona to Tampa Bay along with Tye McGinn for Michael Leighton. He played for the Syracuse Crunch that night, stopping 25 of 27 shots in a loss to the Toronto Marlies. After losing his second AHL game, also to the Marlies, Domingue reeled off seven wins in a row, allowing just 15 goals against. Tampa Bay backup Peter Budaj went down to an injury at the end of December, which led to another NHL call-up for Domingue to serve in a backup role. He got one start, a 5-2 win over Detroit on Jan. 7, and was sent back down to the Crunch for Tampa Bay’s bye week. In the two AHL games he’s played since, he’s earned two shutouts. Domingue said it was of course exciting and refreshing to move from an NHL team at the bottom of the standings, to one near the top, but that he has no hard feelings towards the Arizona organization. “I mean, you see the difference right away. It’s an organization that they don’t accept losing,” he told the Lightning Power Play Podcast. And though Domingue still won’t likely be a big factor for the Lightning this season, he seems to have found comfort in the AHL again with the Crunch, where he’s taking over the top job. “How many times has a change of scenery had a positive effect on somebody?” Lightning coach Jon Cooper recently told the Tampa Bay Times. “Sometimes you’ve got to find your game. He’s most definitely deserved his chance to get back up here.” Call it a move that worked out for both sides. 1093689 Websites Evgeni Malkin is not one of the 100 greatest of all time, and two-time Stanley Cup champion Phil Kessel is not an all-star.

13. Philadelphia Flyers Sportsnet.ca / NHL Power Rankings: Hot Takes Edition Just imagine all the Hart Trophies Claude Giroux would’ve won had he been playing wing all these years. Luke Fox 14. Los Angeles Kings @lukefoxjukebox Dustin Brown only let his production tail off to send Darryl Sutter the January 17, 2018, 10:40 AM message that he wanted to be promoted back to the top line. 15. Chicago Blackhawks Full disclosure: We’re only doing it for the clicks. Healthy-scratching Brent Seabrook for a game should be all the incentive he needs to make sure the Blackhawks won’t regret his $6.875-million This week’s evaluation of the hottest teams in the National Hockey cap hit for the next seven years. League includes a scorching, fact-loose opinion on each of the 31 clubs. 16. San Jose Sharks As a wise mentor once advised, when it comes to sports chatter, it’s better to be memorable than right. Why a thatch of Joe Thornton’s beard tore out so easily is because it isn’t a real beard but a toupee beard. Anything to differentiate from the pack! 17. Minnesota Wild So, dear reader, slide on a pair of oven mitts. You’ll need them as you scroll through our first-ever NHL Power Rankings: Hot Takes Edition. Minnesota will advance to the conference final and dodge elimination by scoring on one final drive with zero seconds on the clock. Get ’em while they are. 18. Toronto Maple Leafs 1. Tampa Bay Lightning The Maple Leafs will absolutely re-sign impending free agents Leo You think you’re the only one who truly understands Victor Hedman’s Komarov and Roman Polak this summer because they’ve earned the value? Well, chew on this: With the Norris front-runner on the shelf for coach’s trust. Need proof? Look at their ice time. three to six weeks, the Tampa Bay Lightning will blow a 22-point cushion and miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. 19. Anaheim Ducks 2. Vegas Golden Knights The department of player safety should not punish players with incredible ironman streaks the same way it punishes players without incredible The Army is just jealous that the Golden Knights are about become the ironman streaks. first expansion team to win the Stanley Cup in its inaugural season. 20. Columbus Blue Jackets 3. Boston Bruins The Blue Jackets knew William Karlsson would thrive in Vegas, but depth If they all stay healthy, Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad at centre is soooo overrated. Marchand should finish the year with a five-on-five Corsi of 107 per cent. Do the math. 21. New York Rangers 4. Colorado Avalanche Renting 20-goal man Michael Grabner is worth mortgaging your team’s future. Nathan MacKinnon is the best hockey player Cole Harbour, N.S., ever produced. Check the standings, buddy. 22. Detroit Red Wings 5. Calgary Flames Henrik Zetterberg, a $6.1-million cap hit, will fulfill his contract and play out the 2020-21 season for rebuilding Detroit even though his actual When a head coach needs to inspire his boys into the playoffs, he has salary drops to $1 million. For the love of the game. one of three options: (a) give them a case of beer on a train ride, (b) throw his stick in a fit mid-practice or (c) Plan C will be revealed during 23. Carolina Hurricanes the Flames’ 2018-19 skid. Forget Quebec. Carolina’s new ownership should consider re-relocating 6. Washington Capitals to Hartford for the sole purpose of reinstating the greatest logo in NHL history. Merch sales, baby. Alex Ovechkin’s negative-35 plus/minus rating in 2013-14 should give the committee pause before electing the Russian into the Hockey Hall of 24. New York Islanders Fame. The Islanders are only one John Tavares signing away. 7. Winnipeg Jets 25. Montreal Canadiens Because it’s so dark and cold in Winnipeg, the Jets have opted to get The Habs are only one John Tavares signing away. better at hockey instead of going out at night, and here we are — atop the Central Division. 26. Florida Panthers 8. Nashville Predators If they didn’t let Jaromir Jagr walk, the Panthers would be hunting down a playoff spot. Right-shot defenceman P.K. Subban attended a Maple Leafs game during his bye week because he was dropping a subtle hint to Lou 27. Ottawa Senators Lamoriello that he’d be open to getting traded home to Toronto. Why would Erik Karlsson ever want to leave Ottawa — an organization 9. Dallas Stars that recently waved good-bye to his pals Kyle Turris, Daniel Alfredsson and Marc Methot — when he can be a big fish in a small pond? Deep down, Marc Methot/Alexander Radulov wishes he was back in Ottawa/Montreal so he could help turn around the Senators/Canadiens. 28. Edmonton Oilers 10. St. Louis Blues Connor McDavid is cool, but Mathew Barzal is so much faster. With Carter Hutton playing excellent in goal, the St. Louis Blues can 29. Vancouver Canucks finally put their search for a true Number 1 franchise goalie to bed. Vancouver should resist the temptation to rent Thomas Vanek for a 11. New Jersey Devils valuable draft pick at the deadline and instead extend him so he can help mentor Brock Boeser. See what happens when they don’t have to shave before every game? 30. Buffalo Sabres 12. Pittsburgh Penguins When Justin Falk called Evander Kane “selfish” during their confrontation in practice, he meant it in the good way, y’know, how you want good shooters to be selfish so they can score lots of goals and help their team win a whole bunch of games. 31. Arizona Coyotes The Coyotes will totally make the playoffs in 2019. C’mon, they’re due.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093690 Websites There was days he was tough on me, and I needed that. I will say he coached me very well. I will say I wanted a bit more ice-time here and there. Fourth-line guys always want more ice-time. But I knew what he Sportsnet.ca / Bruins past and present reflect on having Julien as their was doing, and he was always trying to get the most out of me. It was coach normal that we would butt head sometimes because we were both strong personalities.

SN: You think he’ll be celebrated when he returns to TD Garden? After Eric Engels all, he is coaching the rival Canadiens now… January 17, 2018, 9:33 AM Thornton: He is the all-time winningest coach in Boston. I think the people generally appreciated what he did while he was there. They had legit good teams almost every year that he was coaching. They overachieved in a lot of years—especially at the beginning of his run as BOSTON — Montreal Canadiens coach Claude Julien will make his first coach. He deserves a good reception. return to Boston Wednesday and while it’s unclear how the fans will receive him, those who played for him have nothing but praise for their Zdeno Chara (2006-current) former bench boss. SN: Aaron Ward (who was a defenceman with the Bruins from 2006-09) “With the utmost respect,” said Hall of Famer Mark Recchi. “He brought recently told a story on Joe Haggerty’s Great American Hockey Show the first Stanley Cup to Boston in 39 years (in 2011), coached there 10 podcast about how you once got up on the team bus and defied Claude’s years, and he was a big part of getting that franchise back on the map. order for the team to observe a curfew on the road following a bad loss to He was a big part of all their recent success and continues to be one— the Toronto Maple Leafs. What’s your version of the events? with all the players still there who came up under him. He instituted a culture of doing the right things. I have a deep and great appreciation for Chara: We were getting to Buffalo, and I felt the team needed a little bit what Claude is all about. I think the people of Boston do, too.” of a break. Maybe more of a casual routine. I just wanted us to be a bit more together and not just getting to the hotel and going to the rooms Ahead of Julien’s return to TD Garden, we spoke with Recchi, former and everybody just being alone. I felt like that night was a great Bruins pugilist Shawn Thornton and current players Zdeno Chara, Patrice opportunity for us to be together, to get away from the hotel, away from Bergeron and Brad Marchand to get some stories about their former the rink, and spend some time, have a nice dinner and a few beers and coach. watch a UFC fight. Claude understood. Everyone then relaxed a little bit and we regrouped and played very well that next game against the Mark Recchi (years with the Bruins: 2008-11) Sabres. SN: How would you describe Julien’s influence on your success in 2011? SN: What does that say about him? Recchi: The great thing about Claude was that he got to the point where Chara: I think the coach needs to feel that energy from his leaders to he just trusted everything we were doing. He knew we had his back. know what the players need, what they think. It’s needed for the team in There had been a lot of talk at one point during that year that he wasn’t order to go in the right direction. And other times we know it’s better to going to be back and they were going to fire him. The one thing I noticed rely on the coach to make those decisions. There’s a balance. He was is that it didn’t stress him out. good with that balance. The crazy thing is that it never got into the room. It never got there. It Patrice Bergeron (2003-current) was, ‘No, he’s our coach and we’re going to play our butts off for that guy.’ SN: What was the biggest thing Claude did to help you win? To me, that said everything about what the team thought of him. It was a Bergeron: He kept us accountable, kept us focused on the system, and real good time, and I just went in and told him—we had a real good he taught us to play the right way. relationship—I told him the dressing room was good and not to worry about it, ‘let’s just stay focused here and we’ll pull through this.’ SN: Does any specific memory of the 2011 Cup run come to mind when you think of him? The other thing is, he had a great knack for when to step in and when not to. That was the relationship we had as a leadership group with him. He Bergeron: There was a lot. had a great pulse of the room because he helped build it. Yeah, he could step aside, but he always interjected at the right time. He made his stamp We went down 2-0 to Montreal and there was a lot of talk about him when he needed to. getting fired. It was the kind of noise we were able to ignore because he took us to Lake Placid, N.Y., and put us in a bubble. You could say that SN: What is it about him that made you say he’s a great coach, but an decision solidified the team. We talked about the USA Miracle team of even better person? 1980 while there. That reinforced to us that you’re never out of it—even if you’re down a couple of games. We all came together. It was a great Recchi: Just because he is. He cares about people, he cares about their move. families. It’s not just about coming to the rink and doing his thing. If there’s something going on, he wants to know. He’s a very SN: Did you reach out to Claude after he was fired 11 months ago? straightforward guy, and he clearly cares, and he lets it be known and shown. I think that’s important. It’s a great thing. Some coaches won’t Bergeron: I spoke on the phone with him. We didn’t get together, but show that they really care about players. He’s about more than just the obviously I reached out to thank him for everything he did for my career hockey part. and talked about the things we accomplished together as a team. At that time he obviously didn’t talk about going somewhere else. He was Shawn Thornton (2007-14) excited about spending more time with his family. SN: What was your relationship like with Claude? I wasn’t surprised when he got a job a week later. Thornton: We got along really well, believe me. But we had our moments, Brad Marchand (2009-current) too. He always pushed me a little bit, and I always gave it right back to him. It was part of why we respected each other. SN: What’s the main thing you took from Claude? One funny story was when I took my option in the morning one time, and Marchand: We went through a lot of different things, but the biggest thing he came in and saw that I was taking my option. I was 35-years-old and I he preached to me was how to be a good pro and how to be consistent. had fought a lot, and sometimes my body just ached or I didn’t sleep the That’s one thing he preached a lot was that if you want to be in this night before in anticipation of a fight. So he came into the room and league a long time, you have to be able to play and bring your best game chirped me, ‘Oh, did you have one too many to drink last night?’ every single night, or close to it. That was probably one of the biggest things I took away. And I was like, ‘See, that’s why you’ll never figure me out. Every time I skate for the optional I’m usually sweating [the alcohol] out.’ He wasn’t hard with me, but he was hard on me at times. I knew why, and I expected that from him. He’d always say, ‘When I stop talking to I flipped it on him by basically saying, ‘If I’m taking an option, it means I’m you, that’s when you should be concerned.’ healthy. If I’m taking the skate, then that’s when you have to worry about me having a few beers the night before.’ I knew that everything he was saying and doing was because he wanted me to be better, and on the flip side, the reason he was talking to me was He had no clue how to react. It was hilarious. because I wasn’t doing my job. I had to be held accountable at times, and he was doing that. That’s part of the game. I think the biggest thing was he allowed me to go through the process. A lot of guys come up and they’re thrown into a scoring role and expected to produce, and when they don’t, they’re kind of let go and it’s onto the next guy. He allowed me the opportunity to grow into that player and become comfortable with the all-around game, the defensive game, and protecting pucks and being a good two-way guy…instead of just worrying about points. He allowed me to have that opportunity and pushed me into that role. Wanted me to be more of a player. It was a process over seven-eight years, and it took me that long to get it, but I think I did. SN: Did you ever push back? Marchand: I’d give it to him every now and again. We get along really well on and off the ice, and we had a good relationship—laughed and joked around a lot. I think I snapped back there one time on the bench when I was angry, and he let me know pretty quickly that was the last time I’d be doing that. He said, ‘You do that again and you’re going back to the room.’ I think that was the last time I did it. SN: How will it feel to see the Bruins pay tribute to him?

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 1093691 Websites player at 23 minutes than 27, asked to take a few less risks and concentrate on being a sound defender.

One senses a passing of the torch here. That this isn’t Byfuglien’s team Sportsnet.ca / How the Winnipeg Jets have become Canada’s best NHL anymore. It’s more like Wheeler’s team now, soon to be Scheifele’s. team Winnipeg Jets

• Matt Hendricks. As a Minnesota guy, we’re betting that if there any Mark Spector waters to be smoothed over in the “reshaping Byfuglien” department, @sportsnetspec Hendricks is quietly brokering that transition. He is one of the solid leaders coming off the fourth line in the game today, and with Wheeler January 17, 2018, 9:05 AM and Byfuglien both Minnesota natives, Hendricks speaks their language. Meanwhile, with Hendricks in town the Jets penalty kill has moved from 26th last season to 17th this year. And it’s not like they are taking any In a season of surprises, from success in Vegas to disasters in Ottawa less penalties. A Winnipeg team that was fourth in the NHL in minor and Edmonton, we bring you the Winnipeg Jets — Canada’s best penalties last season sits in sixth place this season, on pace for almost National Hockey League team. an identical number of minor penalties called against them. That’s right. The patient, draft-and-develop, trade-averse Jets have finally arrived. They’re big, deep, and fast with goaltending, an excellent defence, and talent up front that for the most part is only going to mature Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 and improve. The Jets are in first place in the Central, despite the fact Mark Scheifele — their best player, though Blake Wheeler fans may argue — has been on injured reserve since Dec. 27. He could be out another month. So it’s up to the captain Wheeler, having a career year at age 31, a fast- maturing Patrik Laine, and a focused Jacob Trouba to get this club to the finish line. Along with the rest of a lineup that is way deeper than most of us gave the Jets credit for when we were making our pre-season predictions. What is suddenly making head coach Paul Maurice so smart, after many folks questioned why he got a new three-year deal heading into the season? The talent at his disposal, that’s what. He’s never had horses like this — plus a goalie. Here are a few thoughts on what’s going right in this winter, and why we’ll be there this spring for only the second time since the Jets’ return. • It starts in goal with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck‘s coming of age. After a 2016-17 season in which a less consistent Hellebuyck gave Winnipeg a .907 save percentage, Jets management went out and signed Steve Mason. Do you think it was GM Kevin Cheveldayoff’s plan to have a $4.1 million backup this year and next? Yeah, me neither. Mason started the first two games of the season. Then Hellebuyck went in for Game 3 and hasn’t given the net back. Hellebuyck has 35 starts this season and just six regulation losses. Six! Goaltending like that does a Stanley Cup contender make. • Like almost every bottom-dwelling team that finds success, the Jets’ climb is based more on keeping pucks put of their own net as much shooting it into opponents’ goals. Last season Winnipeg raked 27th in goals allowed. This season it sits 12th in goals-against per game (2.74) and is on pace to cut 30 goals- against off its total. It’s simple math: better team defence, a better defensive corps, better goaltending and a better penalty kill — from 26th to 17th — makes for a better team. • Offence doesn’t hurt, however, and Winnipeg’s power play has improved from 16th last year to second-best in the NHL today. The Jets are one of just five teams that have six players with 10 or more goals (the Lightning, Penguins, Blackhawks and Hurricanes were the others at the time of this writing). Laine looks like he’s good for another 35-goal season, and lightning-fast Nikolaj Ehlers is headed for another 60-plus point season. More goals scored and less goals against makes for a path to success that is pretty easy to figure out. • The blue line: Trouba and Josh Morrissey have settled into the Jets shutdown pairing all year — two young players developed in-house. Big Tyler Myers has been healthy this season — the Jets only played one period of hockey with their Top 6 D-men last season — and Dmitry Kulikov may finally have found a home on Myers’ flank, turning in a solid, plus-4 season in Winnipeg after going minus-26 in only 47 games with Buffalo last season. Which brings us to Dustin Byfuglien… • Big Buff has always been a risk-and-reward player, and in the past the Jets had to roll the dice and play him a ton. Sure, he still leads the Jets in average ice time at 23:21 this season, but that’s a full four minutes less than the 27:26 he averaged in ’16-17. The point is, the Jets are a deeper, better team that doesn’t have to run Byfuglien out for nearly half the hockey game. And he’s likely a better 1093692 Websites The team, which already had its warts at centre and on defence, is missing Phillip Danault and Andrew Shaw up the middle and missing No. 1 defenceman Shea Weber. All of them are sidelined indefinitely. Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens turn in pathetic effort in Julien’s return to And it’s not as if the games get easier from this point forward. Boston The Canadiens played like a team resigned to its discouraging fate on Wednesday. Eric Engels "It just seemed like people were panicking with the puck and didn’t seem January 18, 2018, 12:07 AM to want it," said Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty. "That’s the difference between good teams and not, is when everyone wants the puck and everyone wants to make a difference." BOSTON—Claude Julien was back at TD Garden Wednesday for the When Julien was asked if he could sense that some players had thrown first time since being fired by the Boston Bruins just over 11 months ago, in the towel, he deflected, saying they were better-suited to answer than and the organization paid beautiful tribute to his tenure with a touching he was. 76-second video that played coming out of a first-period television timeout. And then Julien said, "Well it certainly looked like that tonight." Julien’s Montreal Canadiens did whatever the opposite of paying him "When you look at our team, we looked like a team that maybe didn’t tribute would be in their 4-1 loss, and it was inexplicable. Barring the believe and gave up easily and all that stuff," Julien added. "But I go back obvious — that the Canadiens are far inferior to a Bruins team that has again, four, five games before that we didn’t look like that team. So it’s up now picked up a point in 14 straight games and is 10-0-4 since Dec. 15 to us to — probably next game — to decide which way we want to go — the effort was several notches below desperate. here. Are we going to want to bounce back and get back to playing some better hockey than we did tonight, or are we just going to drag that on? Montreal had picked up six of eight points over its last four games, and had fought as hard as it could without managing to make up any "Again, part of our job is to make those guys believe, but you often say substantial ground in the standings. you can lead a horse to water but you can’t force them to drink. Part of the responsibility belongs to them and part of it belongs to us to make And on Wednesday night, the Canadiens looked like a team that was them believe." completely dejected by that reality. To say that will be an uphill battle for Julien after Wednesday’s "We laid an egg," said Julien afterwards. performance would be understating it. His team came into the game with an 18-20-6 record, 12 points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for third place in the Atlantic Division and nine points back of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who sit in the Eastern Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 01.18.2018 Conference’s final playoff position. It’s not as if they needed extra incentive – winning one for the coach in his old stomping grounds — to put in the work that might enable them to achieve an improbable outcome against the Bruins. But, after Canadiens defenceman Jakub Jerabek notched his first NHL goal 31 seconds into the game, he and his teammates allowed a goal from David Pastrnak and were outshot 12-6 in the first period. The Canadiens went down 2-1 before three minutes of the second period were played, they recorded their first shot of the frame at the 6:56 mark, and by the time intermission came around they trailed the Bruins 48-22 in shot attempts. They had also lost 57 per cent of the faceoffs, and they were out-hit 27-24. The team downgraded from listless to pathetic in the third period, showing no tangible desire to ward off the inevitable and allowing goals from Brad Marchand and David Krejci before the final buzzer blew. "We can’t afford to have off nights, especially against a team that’s supposed to be our biggest rival," said Canadiens assistant captain Brendan Gallagher. "We’re supposed to show up. We’ve always loved coming into this building and playing. Tonight that wasn’t the case. At no point in the game did we have the effort level we needed to win, and we got what we deserved. "There’s no feeling sorry for yourself. No one else is going to feel sorry for us. We got ourselves in this hole and there’s no point in quitting." About that last part, we’re not entirely sure how the players can find the necessary wherewithal at this stage. "We realize where we are," said Julien. "At the same time, just a few years ago Ottawa went on a run with a goaltender by the name of Hammond (the Senators went 24-4-4 down the stretch of the 2014-15 season to overcome a seemingly insurmountable deficit in the standings, and they made the playoffs). "Sometimes if you believe, good things can happen. But it’s got to start with the belief. If you don’t believe, you’re wasting your time. But we have a group of guys that if they get together and believe in themselves, that chance is still there. We believe. It’s up to them to believe as much as we do." The reality is that the Canadiens need to win at a clip that only the Tampa Bay Lightning and Vegas Golden Knights have been able to establish through the first 45 games of the season in order to make a miracle run to the playoffs. And they have shown no signs through the first half of the season of being capable of doing so. 1093693 Websites were last year and, if you remember, you didn't even know who we were either last year.

“Now you're just starting to take us seriously yourselves and so are the TSN.CA / Bozak: Marner playing well despite OT error other teams." Marner is on pace for nine goals after potting 19 as a rookie. His shooting By Mark Masters percentage this season is 5.2 down from 10.8 last year. How is Matthews so good at staying out of the penalty box? TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes Auston Matthews only has one two-minute minor is his last 64 games, from Maple Leafs practices and game-day skates. The Maple Leafs and no other top-scorer in the league is even close. So how does he do practised at the MasterCard Centre on Wednesday before travelling to it? The TSN Hockey panel weighs in. Philadelphia. Auston Matthews has now gone three games without a point, which Tyler Bozak likes that Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock is matches his longest drought of the season although it certainly appears sticking with his lineup status quo. as if Toronto’s top-line centre is poised to break out in a big way. "In my experience, when you have chemistry you stick with it," the "I thought we were pretty good, honestly," he said on Tuesday night after veteran centre said Wednesday, the day after a 2-1 overtime loss to the firing four shots on net against the Blues. "Our line especially felt pretty St. Louis Blues. "I don't think it's an easy thing to find, so when you do good out there, created some offence and didn't give up too much find it you stick with it. You can change it in-game if things aren't going against and had some good legs. A couple good chances, we just well, but last night I thought we were doing well and we had a lead with a couldn't capitalize." minute left." Babcock was asked if the Matthews line was looking like its old self. Bozak’s linemate, Mitch Marner, has just two assists in the last eight "Well, I thought Matty looked more like himself," Babcock said with a games and was caught out of position on the overtime winner Tuesday, smile. earning a rebuke from Babcock. Matthews has missed time twice this season due to injury and also had Babcock on Marner's OT gamble: ''If you cheat for offence you lose'' some time off over the holidays and during the bye week. Only now does Mitch Marner made the wrong read during three-on-three overtime on the coach see the 20-year-old returning to form. Tuesday night allowing Vince Dunn to lead a two-on-one rush up the ice. "This little skating every day that you do just to keep the motor running The Blues defenceman scored on the play and after the game head and keep going, that's a hard thing (to miss). When you're out for a while, coach Mike Babcock was unamused with Marner's ill-timed risk. anyone who’s played will tell you, you don't have the same kind of legs,” "You can't be on the wrong side of the puck, you just can't," Babcock said Babcock. “He's a guy who can get up and down the ice for us ... I said. "What you learn from good teams is you don't cheat, you just keep thought last night he had real good quickness through the neutral zone doing things good and you stay patient and take your opportunities. and that's usually a sign things are going good." When you cheat for offence you lose." Van Riemsdyk shares Lindros memories For his part, Marner admitted he made a bad read on the play that led to The Flyers will retire No. 88 in honour of Eric Lindros on Thursday night. the Vince Dunn winner. He was trying to prevent a reverse play to Vladimir Tarasenko. "Watching him growing up, he was as dominant a player as there was in that era, so it was cool to watch him play," said James van Riemsdyk, Simmons: 'Marner and Nylander are struggling to find themselves' who started his career in Philadelphia. "I got a chance to meet him once, Toronto Sun columnist Steve Simmons joins Mark Masters to explain but didn’t see him too often. I remember growing up a Rangers fan, why he thinks the Maple Leafs need to have three super stars if they watching those games and he was a guy you hated to play against and want to win a Stanley Cup and says right now Mitch Marner and William probably loved to have on your team." Nylander aren't doing their part to be the other stars alongside Auston Matthews. TSN.CA LOADED: 01.18.2018 The Leafs have not won in regulation since Dec. 28 and have produced just 10 goals during their recent six-game homestand (2-2-2), but the record during that stretch would be much better had they not allowed late goals in their last three games – against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 8, Ottawa Senators Jan. 10 and the Blues Tuesday at Air Canada Centre – which all resulted in losses. Babcock said he “didn’t mind our game last night. Actually, this last little bit I thought we played better and didn’t get the results. “Things are never as good as you think when you’re winning and they’re never as bad when you’re losing, so you just keep on going and try to get better.” The TSN Hockey panel looks at Mitch Marner's miscues on Vince Dunn's overtime-winner, discusses what went wrong for the Leafs in the final minute of regulation against the Blues, and explains how Frederik Andersen helped Toronto earn a point with his solid performance. Despite Marner's mistake Tuesday in OT, Bozak said the sophomore is playing well. "He's doing good," said Bozak. "Obviously (during) your rookie year guys aren't going to key on you as much, they don't know as much about you and this year everyone sees how great a player he is and they key on him more." Before Tuesday's game, Babcock echoed that sentiment when asked about the decline in production by Marner and fellow second-year player William Nylander. "The league catches up to everybody," the coach said in his morning briefing. "I think the league knows who you are. I think both players are substantially better, both of them have had their moments this year. I thought Mitch started slow and really got going. I think Willy has had really good stretches and not as good stretches ... Part of it is them and part of it is the competition. The competition didn't even know who they 1093694 Websites “We have to spend more time in the offensive zone rolling around,” said Babcock. “I think when you do that you force teams into making more mistakes.” TSN.CA / Babcock shrugs at cries for change That would be a pleasant change for the Leafs, who have been pushed into too many errors of their own lately. While the decision to leave his lineup as is may not be popular, Babcock is adamant it’s not driven by By Kristen Shilton complacency over that aforementioned 11-point playoff buffer. “I live scared every day – every single day,” Babcock said. “Not as much in the summer, but all winter. That’s how I live.” TORONTO – Mike Babcock has heard the criticism.

The Maple Leafs’ head coach knows all about the cries for change – to his line combinations, to his defence-minded structure, to his deployment TSN.CA LOADED: 01.18.2018 of personnel. But when the team convened for practice on Wednesday after losing for the sixth time in eight games the night before, Babcock’s lineup remained mostly unchanged, save for Dominic Moore slotting in at fourth-line centre for Frederik Gauthier. The message was clear even before he verbalized it: Babcock will not be swayed by the opinions of others. “This is how I kind of look at it: I think they hired me to decide,” Babcock told reporters Wednesday when asked about outside pressures. “So that’s kind of how I approach it. …I’m just going to keep on keeping on. In your lifetime, you get to decide what you react to.” No matter how you break it down, the last three weeks haven’t been kind to the Maple Leafs. Since getting top-line centre Auston Matthews back on Dec. 23 the Leafs are a mediocre 4-3-3. Their last regulation win was all the way back on Dec. 28 against the lowly Arizona Coyotes; that was also the last time Toronto’s once-potent offence produced more than three goals in a game. The numbers from Toronto’s best forwards have been similarly disappointing – Nazem Kadri has one point in his last 17 games, Patrick Marleau is in a six-game point drought, Matthews has two points in his last six games and Mitch Marner has two points in his last eight. That, coupled with Toronto losing their last three games by way of critical mistakes in the final minutes, is an easy recipe for change. In this case, Babcock doesn’t see shaking things up as a way back into the win column. “We can move guys around if we feel it’s going to help us get better,” he said. “I think when I look at our last couple games, I think we’re in a good situation…I guess I don’t feel like you guys [in the media] do, how’s that? Not one bit. But when I do, we’ll change some things.” Babcock mixed and matched his lines earlier this season, with varying results. But the season’s second half is a different story. Toronto is entrenched in a playoff spot with an 11-point cushion on their nearest Atlantic Division rival in Detroit. Assuming April will bring a postseason berth for the Leafs, the goal isn’t to still be searching for chemistry when it arrives. "This makes you stronger as a team and as linemates too,” Marleau said of the recent slide. “That little [bit of] perseverance where you’re getting the chances and you just stick with it. Sometimes working through spells like this will make you that much better.” While Marleau admitted there’s been “a tad” of frustration setting in with the continued lack of scoring, Babcock has a solution for that – shoot the puck. In the same recent eight-game stretch where wins have eluded Toronto, the Leafs have peppered goaltenders with more than 30 shots in six contests. Four of those games went to extra time, which pads the shot totals, but ultimately too many pucks were thrown away on pass attempts rather than being used to challenge opposing netminders. “We had lots of opportunity to shoot the puck which we passed on. I think that can lead to a lot more offence,” said Babcock. “I think the better teams play defensively, the more you have to shoot to break them down. That creates more randomness rather than thinking [about] pretty plays.” Another contributing factor to the Leafs’ lagging offensive numbers is a dearth of power play time caused by a struggle to draw penalties. Toronto sits 28th in the league in power play chances this season (129), and they've scored just three man-advantage goals since the Christmas break while averaging less than 2.5 opportunities per game. By comparison, over those same nine games, opposing teams have drawn 30 penalties against the Leafs (3.3 opportunities per game). 1093695 Websites Louis at bay through the Leafs’ many giveaways, poor D-zone work and a considerable lack of communication. Marner described the game as having a “playoff feel” and Andersen looked in postseason form as he TSN.CA / 'Suck it up and find a way to win games' turned aside 40 shots and gave the Leafs every chance to pull past the Blues. He made several key stops in the second period especially – Travis Dermott turned a puck over right into the high slot in front of Andersen, but the netminder gloved the ensuing shot. Then fourth-liner By Kristen Shilton Chris Thorburn managed to get loose behind the Leafs defence for a breakaway chance, but Andersen was there to deflect the shot high. The

rebound on Steen’s goal was the biggest blemish on his night, and the TORONTO – So much for starting to write a new chapter of their 2017-18 goal was aided by the Blues’ numbers down low and Ron Hainsey not NHL season. being able to tie up Steen’s stick. But that doesn’t diminish how strong Andersen’s performance was, and how good he’s been since Nov. 1. The story that played out for the Toronto Maple Leafs Tuesday night was Andersen has now given up fewer than three goals in 17 of his last 27 shockingly familiar: too many turnovers (12 in the first period alone), poor starts; in that same span, he’s faced 30 or fewer shots in just six of those defensive zone play and frequent miscommunications – all leading to a games as the Leafs gave up 42 shots to the Blues. His .952 save 2-1 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues at Air Canada Centre. percentage was Andersen’s best since Dec. 19 against Carolina. Feeling rejuvenated from their mandatory five-day bye week against the A season ago, Nazem Kadri was one of Toronto’s most potent offensive equally rested Blues, the Leafs battled through a tight game to hold a 1-0 weapons, putting together a 30-goal campaign that was perhaps his best lead with less than a minute to go in regulation. ever as a pro. This season has been a different story. Tuesday marked the 18th game of Kadri’s current scoring slump, a span during which he’s And then, just as they had in games leading up to the break, key tallied just one goal. That’s a single point in what has amounted to more mistakes piled up, and Toronto (25-17-4) let another one slip away for than a third of his season. It’s not for lack of trying on Kadri’s part to their third straight loss. break out of the drought, though. He said on Monday the bye week had “You want to win this, you want to walk out of here feeling good,” said re-energized him and he looked it on the ice against St. Louis through 40 head coach Mike Babcock. “But it’s simple, life is about lessons. Suck it minutes. After two periods, Kadri was pacing all Leafs players with three up and find a way to win games.” shots on goal and his line had been generating some solid chances. But puck luck continued to elude him and his linemate, as evidenced when That hasn’t been an easy assignment for the Leafs of late. Against the he had a terrific 2-on-1 opportunity to exploit with Patrick Marleau. But Columbus Blue Jackets on Jan. 8, Toronto blew a 2-0 lead with less than Kadri’s drop pass went sailing high off Marleau’s stick to keep the game five minutes left in regulation to lose 3-2 in overtime. Against Ottawa on knotted 0-0. Kadri wasn’t as noticeable in the third period when the Blues Jan. 10, a bad pinch by the Leafs led to the Senators’ game-winning goal started pushing back in search of an equalizer, but he did another with less than five minutes to go in regulation. admirable job keeping the other team’s big line (in this instance, Stastny’s) from being too much of a factor. He has maintained a positive So when Connor Brown’s short-handed strike midway through the third outlook throughout the slump, but with the Leafs dying to get some goals period on Tuesday finally broke the stalemate, giving Frederik Andersen lately, they need their best players to find a way to get back into form the goal support he deserved in what had been a one-man show sooner than later. And Kadri is at the top of that list. His line finished on between the pipes, the Leafs had victory in their sights. Tuesday with a team-low 37 per cent possession. With just over a minute to go, the Leafs’ first regulation win since Dec. 28 While the Leafs’ power play has lagged since Christmas (going 3-for-22), looked locked in. Toronto’s penalty kill has picked up the slack. Tuesday was the Leafs’ Toronto had dominated the Blues in the faceoff dot all night, winning 33 third straight game without ceding a power play goal, and they’ve allowed of 52 draws by the game’s waning minutes, but even that advantage just one in their last seven outings. The penalty kill is one of many units failed them when it mattered most. It was Paul Stastny who won a key Brown is utilized on, and it’s one of his prime opportunities to have an offensive zone faceoff while St. Louis (27-17-3) had the extra attacker impact on the game while tethered to the fourth line at even strength. with their net empty, to set up the game-tying score with 57 seconds to Brown made at least three good moves on his 11th score of the season go. (his first short-handed goal), assessing the situation quickly, getting past Alex Pietrangelo and stripping a puck at the offensive blueline, and then Andersen had been nearly flawless all night, and Carter Hutton was just landing a superb top-shelf strike past Hutton. Babcock admitted Brown as strong in net for St. Louis in a 30-save performance. But the rebound probably isn’t getting the opportunity he deserves on the fourth line, but Andersen gave up on the initial shot went right to Alex Steen, who was the fact he’s able to find ways to matter over the course of a game has free to knock it back in for the equalizer. always been a mark of his versatility and productivity. “One of their forwards came across, instead of just holding on their side, and then they ended up having an outnumbered situation on that side,” explained Babcock. “All you have to do is be patient and hold and stay TSN.CA LOADED: 01.18.2018 underneath … just settle down and play. We’ve done it lots and done it well, so we know how to do it, we just have to execute.” Execution has been the Leafs’ big problem of late, and it wasn’t evident on the Blues’ overtime winner, either. On that score, Toronto served up a 2-on-1 chance that started with a bad read from Mitch Marner along the boards. “I was just trying to take away a reverse to [Vladimir] Tarasenko,” Marner said, “Slowed up, kind of read it wrong and they got an odd-man rush and it didn’t go in our favour.” “In OT, you can’t be on the wrong side of the puck,” added Babcock. “What you learn with good teams you can’t cheat – ever. You just keep doing things good, you stay patient and you get your opportunities. But if you cheat for offence, you lose.” Toronto has now lost six of its last eight games, and scored three or fewer goals in all eight contests. Holding leads and finding ways to win late in games were two issues the Leafs had to overcome last season with a freshmen-heavy offence, but to be satisfied with taking lessons rather than points from games like Tuesday’s isn’t enough anymore. “I don’t know if it’s really a learning experience. We had enough of that last year,” said Auston Matthews. “We’ve just got to find a way to win because this game should have definitely been our two points and we let it slip away.” If any Leafs player merited two points from Tuesday’s game, it was Andersen. The netminder was Toronto’s best player (again), and held St. 1093696 Websites

TSN.CA / Five new names join TSN’s Trade Bait board

By Frank Seravalli

Five new names joined TSN’s latest Trade Bait board, but the focus still remains on Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane. The record was corrected this week on the asking price with Sabres GM Jason Botterill reportedly looking for not only a first-round pick, a prospect and a conditional draft pick should Kane re-sign in his new hometown, but also a roster player in addition. Asking price aside, the big question is: What kind of market exists for Kane? The Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks, Anaheim Ducks, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames and possibly St. Louis Blues are believed to be among the interested parties. Kane, 26, is one of 10 left wings with scoring prowess on the board. At least six NHL clubs are seeking a centre before the Feb. 26 trade deadline, according to our breakdown of the Eastern and Western conferences. But only three centres – Mark Letestu, Andrew Shaw and newcomer Jean-Gabriel Pageau – are on the board. Pageau joins the Trade Bait list alongside Michael Grabner, Jack Johnson, Nick Holden and Aaron Dell. The New York Rangers will be a team to watch over the next six weeks. They shellacked the Flyers on Tuesday night to move into the top wild- card spot, but goaltender Henrik Lundqvist has masked a lot of New York’s inconsistencies. The sense is GM Jeff Gorton is willing to listen to a variety of scenarios. Grabner would certainly shoot toward the top of the board if Gorton decides to sell. New York’s fleet-of-foot winger netted his 20th goal of the season against Philly and just about every team can afford his $1.65 million cap hit. One name who did not make the list was San Jose defenceman Paul Martin, who passed through waivers on Tuesday. Martin, 36, has another year remaining on his contract at $4.85 million and has appeared in just three NHL games this season. Instead, with a few teams sniffing around the goaltending market, Dell is a name to watch in San Jose. Some view Dell as the next starter-in- waiting in the NHL. He topped the Coyotes on Tuesday night for his eighth quality start in 13 tries this season, pushing his record to 10-4-2 with a .925 save percentage. With such a cheap ticket at $625,000 - and a pending UFA - Dell may be the goaltender teams target now with an eye toward next year, as a potentially better and less expensive option than Buffalo’s Robin Lehner or Detroit’s Petr Mrazek.

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