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-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 4/11/2020 1182557 Arizona Coyotes' billionaire owner lays off half the team's 1182585 Former Red Wings player, Windsor Compuware Spitfires staff. Remember that coach Tom Webster dies, 71 1182558 Arizona Coyotes to furlough half of their staff through June 1182586 'I just want to play again': Red Wings' Danny DeKeyser on 30 the way back after lost season 1182559 Coyotes' Conor Garland discusses life at home after 1182587 Who will Red Wings protect, lose in 2021 expansion draft? pandemic forced NHL season to stop 1182588 The Red Wings who surpassed and undershot 1182560 Coyotes to furlough half of club employees through June expectations this season 30 1182561 Guitar hero: Sean Burke providing online lessons, support with help from friends 1182589 ‘We’re all just praying’: Hockey community rallies around Colby Cave Bruins 1182590 My favourite player: 1182562 Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller suffered setback in injury 1182591 What does the Oilers best possible playoff lineup look rehabilitation like? 1182563 Bruins voice Jack Edwards not optimistic NHL will be able to finish season 1182564 Bruins GM Don Sweeney addresses Torey Krug, state of 1182592 The 1996 Panthers’ one-hit wonder keeps fans wondering the when team will rise again 1182565 Top 10 Bruins not named Orr: No. 6 — takes his place among the greats Kings 1182566 Sweeney: Bruins still hopeful Krug's time continues in 1182593 Kings re-sign defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to two-year Boston contract 1182567 Even if NHL season resumes, Kevan Miller won't return to 1182594 om Webster, former Kings coach and standout WHA Bruins lineup player, dies at 71 1182568 Will this time away hinder Zdeno Chara’s ability to play 1182595 Tom Webster, former Kings coach, dies at 71 longer — or help it? 1182596 Examining potential Kings and Ducks first-round draft pick scenarios 1182597 FORMER COACH TOM WEBSTER PASSES AWAY AT 1182569 MSG's Sabres Classics moving next week to 2006 'Scary 71; CONDOLENCES FOR BOWKUS; MORE FROM Good' Ottawa playoff series MCLELLAN 1182570 has 'a feeling' next Sabres season will be 1182598 KINGS RE-SIGN KURTIS MACDERMID TO TWO-YEAR his last hurrah CONTRACT EXTENSION ($875K AAV) 1182571 Flames mourn death of longtime scout Tom Webster 1182599 Wild defenseman Ryan Suter continues 'emotional roller 1182573 Report cards: Giving the Flames their (final?) regular coaster' season grades 1182600 Gophers, Minnesota Duluth each have four recruits in NHL draft scouting rankings 1182601 After a month without , what’s next for Minnesota’s 1182574 Blackhawks sign fast-rising prospect Michal Teply to pro teams? entry-level contract 1182602 Wild star Ryan Suter is willing to play in North Dakota if 1182575 Blackhawks, prospect Michal Teply agree to 3-year the NHL is contract 1182603 Wild notes: Don’t worry, but there’s a new twist in the Kirill 1182576 Michal Teply announces he has signed entry-level Kaprizov pursuit contract with Blackhawks 1182577 How was like Jonathan Toews and NHL Canadiens legend Gordie Howe 1182604 Why this may be the most Trevor Timmins draft the 1182578 How NHL pause could affect Corey Crawford's future with Canadiens have ever had Blackhawks 1182579 How the Blackhawks could impact decision for potential 24-team playoff 1182605 Why does George Kittle love Filip Forsberg so much? 1182580 Blackhawks future series: Ian Mitchell could assume big role sooner than later 1182606 Why Mathew Barzal isn’t focused on contract status with Islanders 1182581 What should the Avalanche do with Vladislav Namestnikov 1182607 Islanders' Mathew Barzal focused on resuming season, going forward? not upcoming contract negotiations 1182608 Islanders' Mathew Barzal finds other outlets to make up for lack of competition 1182582 Sweep memories | Sergei Bobrovsky’s save, Nick Foligno’s Game 1 turnaround 1182583 Michael Arace | Blue Jackets sweep replay, online chats offer links to normalcy 1182584 Benn Bowl, Sean vs. Saad: Which Stars team wins a 7-game series? Capitals 1182609 Tom Webster, former hockey player and coach, dies at 71 1182635 How are Lyla and Leni Oshie staying busy while 1182610 Ex-Rangers coach Tom Webster, known as ‘Hawkeye,’ quarantined? dies at 71 1182636 Best comebacks of 2019-20 bracket: Overcoming 1182611 Artemi Panarin ‘kidding’ about Rangers exit if NHL cuts Canucks vs Third period rally vs Pittsburgh pay over coronavirus 1182637 With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins 1182612 NY Rangers questions: Has Henrik Lundqvist played his of 2019-20: No. 1 final game for the Blueshirts? 1182638 Nicklas Backstrom recounts what it was like the day 1182613 NY Rangers questions: Who will man the left side of the hockey went dark defense in the immediate future? 1182639 My favorite player: Mike Knuble 1182614 Former Rangers coach Tom Webster, 71, dies 1182615 My favorite player: Sean Avery Websites 1182646 The Athletic / Q&A with new SC Bern GM Florence Schelling: ‘I know how to deal with pressure’ 1182616 Positive news on injured Flyers, except status quo on 1182647 The Athletic / 50 hockey accounts to follow right center Nolan Patrick now 1182617 An old school Zoom session with Flyers-bred coaches 1182648 The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: The worst players to 1182618 Flyers get good news on injury front with 2019-20 season wear every jersey number in NHL history suspended because of coronavirus outbreak 1182649 .ca / In Conversation: Connor McDavid and Brett 1182619 Does Carter Hart deserve to be in this group of NHL Kissel's Italian connection goalies? 1182650 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens confident arrival of top prospect 1182620 Remembering 18 of the worst Philly athlete performances Alex Romanov is imminent ever 1182651 Sportsnet.ca / 5 most intriguing Maple Leafs 1182621 How three prominent ex-Flyers turned out to be among the prospects to watch in 2020-21 best NHL coaches 1182652 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Claude Julien praises 1182622 Oral history of the Flyers' historic shootout win to get to intelligence of rookie Nick Suzuki 2010 1182653 Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down P.K. Subban's rapid decline, why he could still be effective 1182623 5 Penguins among best centers of past 53 years in NHL.com list 1182640 Jets struck gold with Connor's contract 1182624 Penguins' Brandon Tanev looks back on Frozen Four- 1182641 Connor felt 'sky was the limit' with current edition of Jets clinching goal five years later 1182642 Jets' Connor rues lost season, says 'sky was the limit' 1182625 Penguins on pause: Tristan Jarry's breakout creates conundrum in the crease World Leagues News 1182654 WHEN SPORTS PAUSED: Coronavirus causing indefinite break from high school sports 1182626 Why Sharks fans voted Golden Knights as San Jose's 1182655 UFC can be everything Dana White wants but not during biggest NHL rival coronavirus 1182627 How Sharks analyst is paving 1182656 International Champions Cup canceled due to coronavirus way for women in hockey pandemic 1182628 True confessions behind ‘Carpool Confessions’: Why 1182657 ‘Where is the line?’ How a sports doctor views MLB’s those ads were a gas chances at strange season 1182658 MLB weighing multiple factors in brainstorming extreme scheduling scenarios amid coronavirus concerns 1182629 Who wore it best? A debate on Tampa Bay’s iconic sports 1182659 XFL suspends operations due to Covid-19 with no plans numbers for 2021 return 1182630 The new normal: Behind Alex Killorn’s Jet Ski live chat 1182660 Too Young to Qualify for the 2020 Olympics? Not with Lightning teammates Anymore 1182661 'English football should not restart until players tested' 1182662 Renault furloughs 'vast majority' of UK staff 1182631 Communities feel the loss as NHL shutdown kills a ritual of 1182663 Coronavirus: Here's what's happening in the sports world spring on Friday 1182632 Tavares, group of Leafs make donation to ‘heroic’ health- 1182664 S.I. coronavirus diary: This former 2-sport athlete took care workers amid pandemic COVID-19’s best shot, but bounced back with authority 1182633 Meet the new Marlies: Former coaches dish on the latest 1182665 Magic Johnson says beating coronavirus should include free agent signings tackling racial disparities 1182666 FIFA outlines three key priorities in coronavirus battle Canucks 1182667 Coronavirus update: Will fans watch sports if stadiums are 1182643 Ed Willes: Vancouver's real dynamic duo resided in the empty? Survey says ... broadcast booth 1182668 Coronavirus, social distancing will change the way we 1182644 Communities feel the loss as NHL shutdown kills a ritual of attend spring 1182669 Day 30 without sports 😭: How much have we missed in 1182645 How a local charity with a Canucks connection is working the last month? to feed hungry kids 1182670 How long until sports can return? You might not like the answer. SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1182634 3 unanswered Golden Knights questions when/if the season resumes 1182557 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes' billionaire owner lays off half the team's staff. Remember that

Laurie Roberts, Arizona Republic’ Published 3:22 p.m. MT April 10, 2020 | Updated 3:39 p.m. MT April 10, 2020’

Opinion: Arizona Coyotes owner Alex Meruelo is a billionaire twice over. And on Friday, he laid off half of the team's minimum-wage and hourly employees.

Alex Meruelo is majority owner of the Arizona Coyotes.

This is Alex Meruelo, owner of the Arizona Coyotes, on March 16, announcing he and Gila River Arena would continue to pay part-time and hourly employees through the regular season.

“We pride ourselves on treating all our staff and players like they are part of our family. I value my team members and am committed to making sure that everyone remains safe, secure and part of our great team. We are going through a difficult time right now and how we respond to this challenge will define us. Through our resiliency and our ongoing commitment to our team members, we will emerge from this challenge stronger and more unified.”

And there was this:

“We value all of our employees as they are the heart and soul of this venue. They are committed to delivering amazing guest experiences to our fans and we are equally committed to them. We want to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to continue to stay healthy during this time.”

On Friday, Meruelo laid off half of the “heart and soul” of the team through June 30.

He owns an island and can't pay his staff?

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me and my family …,” he said, in a release. “It’s never easy to take steps that affect the lives of our team members and their families and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during this very difficult time. We will get through this together.”

Get through this together?

This guy is worth $2 billion. In addition to the Coyotes, he owns two casinos, a food manufacturing company and an assortment of radio and TV stations. He has an interest in banks, restaurants and construction.

He owns multiple mansions, trots the globe in his own jet – a sleek Gulfstream V – and he owns his own freaking Mediterranean island.

And he can’t scrape up the cash to pay his minimum wage and hourly workers for a couple of months?

Sorry, sir, I'm guessing your suddenly unemployed workers won't have much time now for "patience and understanding," consumed, as they are likely to be, with how to pay this month's grocery bill.

Granted, Meruelo only agreed to keep paying them for the few weeks remaining in the regular season and he is continuing to pay for their health insurance. But it's difficult to fathom that a billionaire twice over couldn't have done better than this.

That his employees didn't deserve better than this.

It's worth noting that none of Arizona's other three major sports teams -- the Diamondbacks, Suns and Cardinals -- have laid off anyone.

No word on where Mr. “We Will Get Through This Together” Meruelo is weathering the COVID-19 storm, but I’m guessing he won’t be nearly as shaken as the employees he cut loose on Friday.

Remember this, Arizona, the next time the Coyotes come begging taxpayers to build the team another arena.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182558 Arizona Coyotes The Arizona Diamondbacks organization also continues to pay its employees even though spring training was shut down and the regular season has been postponed indefinitely.

Arizona Coyotes to furlough half of their staff through June 30 The team's charitable foundation has donated more than $1 million to those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Craig Harris, Arizona Republic Published 3:16 p.m. MT April 10, 2020 | Diamondbacks Chief Executive Derrick Hall said he and Ken Kendrick, Updated 7:49 p.m. MT April 10, 2020 the team's managing general partner, want "to hold onto everyone possible" as they wait for the season to start. There are "no plans for eliminations or furloughs at this time," Hall told The Republic.

The Arizona Coyotes organization will furlough half its staff through June The Cardinals, whose regular season isn't scheduled to begin until the 30 because of financial problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall, also continue to pay all salaried and hourly employees at its Tempe NHL franchise announced Friday afternoon. training facility and State Farm Stadium, according to spokesman Mark Dalton. The team will cover 100% of the cost of health benefits for the furloughed employees. Arizona Republic LOADED: 04.11.2020 Team spokesman Rich Nairn declined to disclose the number of employees who would be furloughed.

The team, in a statement, said "this decision was necessary given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the sports, entertainment, casino and hotel industries." Alex Meruelo, the billionaire owner of the Coyotes, owns the Meruelo Group, a construction and real estate development firm, and casinos in Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada.

Meruelo purchased a 95% stake in the Coyotes last summer, promising to bring stability to a franchise that has had numerous ownership changes in recent years.

“The developing COVID-19 situation is having a huge impact on our community and, like many companies, we are working through the challenges during this unprecedented time,” Meruelo said in a statement. “This was an extremely difficult decision for me and my family. We never anticipated that the situation would escalate to the of shutting down some of our businesses."

He added: "It doesn’t appear that the NHL will resume play in the immediate future, so this decision was necessary. We all remain hopeful that hockey will be back soon and look forward to welcoming back our team members at that time. It’s never easy to take steps that affect the lives of our team members and their families and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during this very difficult time. We will get through this together.”

Coyotes had promised to pay employees

The decision comes less than a month after Meruelo said he and his family had partnered with Gila River Arena to "support the arena's part- time and hourly employees previously scheduled to work the remaining Coyotes eight home games through the end of the NHL's regular season (April 4)."

The franchise also pledged to pay all Tucson Roadrunners part-time employees affected by the suspension of play.

"We pride ourselves on treating all our staff and players like they are part of our family," Meruelo said on March 16. "I value my team members and am committed to making sure that everyone remains safe, secure and part of our great team. We are going through a difficult time right now and how we respond to this challenge will define us."

Nairn declined to comment on why the team had changed its position.

Other teams keep paying staff

Meanwhile, Phoenix's other major sports franchises — the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals — said Friday they will try to continue paying employees as the national economy has been stalled by efforts to halt the spread of the new coronavirus.

"Our goal is to not have any layoffs through this crisis, and I believe we will be able to do that," Suns owner Robert Sarver told The Arizona Republic. "My biggest concern is with the lower-paid workers and making sure we do what we can for them. If we need to make compensation adjustments, it will be with the very high end of our staff, our senior and most highest-paid employees."

Sarver said the Suns have notified part-time employees who work NBA games and concerts at Talking Stick Resort Arena that they will be paid for the rest of the scheduled NBA season. The league has suspended play. 1182559 Arizona Coyotes Arizona Republic LOADED: 04.11.2020

Coyotes' Conor Garland discusses life at home after pandemic forced NHL season to stop

Jesse Morrison, Arizona Republic Published 4:54 p.m. MT April 9, 2020

For Conor Garland, there isn't much else to do but wait at home and hope the coronavirus pandemic calms down and the NHL season resumes.

Garland, a second-year right winger for the Arizona Coyotes, was enjoying a solid 2019-20 campaign with a team-leading 22 goals to go along with 17 assists in 68 games before the season was suspended on March 12.

Garland, like so many others, is social distancing and hoping for a return to normalcy at some point in the near future. The 24-year-old, who lives alone, said his days have been "long" and it would be a "nice time to have a roommate."

During a video press conference Thursday, Garland said sticking to a routine is helping get him through this difficult time.

"I'm pretty routine oriented," Garland said. "I think during the year, I think a lot of guys are.''

He balances filling the time down-time with being prepared should games resume.

"Being home I try to do the same thing every day and kind of the same stuff. So, just try to figure stuff out,'' he said. "Try go for a walk in the morning and try to get a workout in or whatever it is. Because we really don't know when we're going to play again. So you have to be ready, but it's also a lot of downtime.

He noted one upside: "Talking to my family more and more every day because you don't really during the season, so that's one thing I've been taking advantage of."

Garland said it is difficult staying in shape while at home because nothing can replicate game shape.

Players will need at least a couple of weeks, if not a month, to prepare for resuming actual games when safe to return, he said.

In the meantime, Garland has been been going on runs and walks to practice and stay in physical shape. He uses a hockey stick and ball at home with him to help him stay sharp with stick handling.

Garland already was expected to miss some time with a lower-body injury he suffered March 6 against Calgary. He said he is nearly fully healed from the injury.

"I'm about five weeks out right now," Garland said. "So I'd say I'm at 95 percent. I think six weeks is when they say you start to feel exactly normal. But obviously, I've been in touch with (Dave Zenobi) our trainer and Donnie (Fuller) and all the guys there about doing stuff and making sure I'm taking care of it."

Garland also has been communicating with teammates during the current stay-at-home order, specifically the younger guys closer to his age, such as Clayton Keller and Jakob Chychrun.

He also said he has been in communication with his girlfriend, a nurse working in a Boston children's hospital. He said he and his girlfriend do not talk too much about the pandemic but he makes sure to check up on her to see how she is holding up.

When the season game to a halt, the Coyotes were four points behind Nashville for the second wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Garland said if the league decides to go straight to the playoffs rather than finish out the regular season and the Coyotes miss the playoffs, then its on the team for not putting themselves in the proper position to play for the after a strong start.

"That would be our fault," Garland said. "We didn't put ourselves in a position. Obviously, no one is preparing to have the season end at game 70, but you have to be in position for the playoffs. Unfortunately, that's out of our control." 1182560 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes to furlough half of club employees through June 30

BY MATT LAYMAN APRIL 10, 2020 AT 2:25 PM

The Arizona Coyotes announced Friday that they are furloughing 50% of the organization’s employees through June 30 as the coronavirus outbreak has put a pause on the NHL season.

The team said in a press release that it will still cover 100% of the health benefits for furloughed employees. The furlough is effective immediately.

“This decision was necessary given the significant impact the pandemic has had on the sports, entertainment, casino and hotel industries,” the statement said.

The Coyotes were purchased this summer by new billionaire majority owner Alex Meruelo, whose businesses include casinos and entertainment in Nevada. Like those businesses, his hockey team has surely been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic as the NHL put its season on an indefinite hiatus on March 12.

It’s not clear which departments will and will not be affected by the furlough.

In March, the Coyotes and Meruelo announced that he would “support” arena employees and Coyotes and Roadrunners full and part-time employees through April 15 as many faced lost income due to the postponement or cancellation of games.

“The developing COVID-19 situation is having a huge impact on our community and, like many companies, we are working through the challenges during this unprecedented time,” Meruelo said in Friday’s statement. “This was an extremely difficult decision for me and my family. We never anticipated that the situation would escalate to the point of shutting down some of our businesses. It doesn’t appear that the NHL will resume play in the immediate future, so this decision was necessary.

“We all remain hopeful that hockey will be back soon and look forward to welcoming back our team members at that time. It’s never easy to take steps that affect the lives of our team members and their families and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding during this very difficult time. We will get through this together.”

Forbes’ most recent valuation of the Arizona Coyotes, which came out in December, pegged the team’s net operating income at -$15 million. That was even before the coronavirus pandemic suddenly halted many of the revenue streams NHL teams depend on.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182561 Arizona Coyotes “We’ll go to these little holes in the wall and if there’s a solo guy singing on the side, he’ll say, ‘Go and ask him if he wants someone to join him.’ He’ll make me go do it,” Hirsch said, laughing. “We were at this little Irish Guitar hero: Sean Burke providing online lessons, support with help from bar with the game on in the background, having a pint while this guy is friends singing and I went up and said, ‘Hey, Sean Burke is here.’ I think the guy was right from Ireland and he had no idea who Burkie was, but the rest of Vancouver knew. He went up and played a song with him.”

By Craig Morgan Apr 10, 2020 When Burke is in Vancouver, he often stays with Hirsch and gives him some tips.

“I have a guitar so I think he only stays with me for my guitar,” Hirsch Sean Burke has always been a rock and roll fan. He loved Led Zeppelin, said, laughing. “I think it’s great what he’s doing with these lessons, KISS, Pink Floyd, and Canadian bands Rush and Triumph, but he has a especially in a situation like this. You need something to keep your brain particular fascination with guitars. During his years as an NHL goalie, he busy for your mental health, so what a great time to pick up something had Images of Eric Clapton, Van Halen’s Eddie Van Halen, Guns N’ like an instrument. Roses’ Slash, and Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page, painted on his mask. The Page image came with a bonus. “For me it is therapy. It’s my time. I’m not making songs and I’m not making money. It’s like golf for me. It’s not stressful. For me, it’s just “I never got to meet Jimmy Page, but (Megadeth guitarist/vocalist) Dave therapeutic. I love it.” Mustaine called me one day and said, ‘Hey, I’m going over the to have lunch with Jimmy Paige,’” Burke said. “So I drove down the 101 and While Burke is recording these lessons to open up a positive outlet of met him at a gas station off the 101 and gave him my mask. He took it expression for people, he said he hopes it leads to other opportunities to over to London and brought it back signed.” help people in need.

Burke learned to play guitar in 1988 from former Canadian national team Burke’s playlist teammate Mike Stapleton, who also played for the Coyotes. Burke remembers what a struggle those first few lessons were. I asked Burke to pick out five songs he enjoys playing. While he thinks that a few others will probably make their way into lessons, here is a “When you first start out playing it’s really intimidating and you don’t partial playlist of his favorites. really know where to start,” said Burke, now a scout for the . “I’ve had lots of guys over the years ask me to show them The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 the basics and I thought back to how tough that was for me, so I had this idea.”

The idea is this: Burke has taken to YouTube to teach even true beginners how to play his instrument of choice.

“I figured I’d just get one , see how it goes and then expand on it,” he said. “I want to tell a story in each one about a guitar I have or a mask I have.”

Burke hopes to do a lot more than that, however. He is hoping to enlist NHL players he knows to make guest appearances and provide tips. New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, goalie Ryan Miller and St. Louis Blues center Ryan O’Reilly all play, so Burke hopes to call on their expertise. He also hopes to enlist some of the many rock stars he has met over the years.

Burke played a pair of songs (Cat Stevens “Wild World” and Kenny Rogers’ “The Gambler”) on stage with Garth Brooks for a charity event at The Venetian in Las Vegas, and he has relationships with a number of guitarists including Mustaine and Keith Scott, who worked with Bryan Adams.

“Unless you come from a musical family or have an older brother who plays, it’s hard to begin,” he said. “But with this break right now from sports and everything else, a couple guys have called and said, ‘Hey, I think I’m going to pick up the guitar. Where do I start?’

“Playing guitar became my stress reliever when I played and it was what I would do when I came home from games at night. I even took one on the road with me. I think it can do the same thing for other people.”

That’s exactly how Corey Hirsch, another former goalie, views it. Hirsch has been a tireless advocate for mental health awareness and is using the guitar to get him through the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“You need an outlet,” said Hirsch, a Canucks analyst for Sportsnet 650 in Vancouver. “It’s why we love sports. As a fan, it takes you out of your day-to-day life and worries. It gives you something to look forward to. That’s the way music is.

“You can’t just sit there all day and worry about what’s going to happen. You have to find something to occupy your mind and give your brain a break for a couple hours in a positive direction. There’s just so much bad news right now. You’ve got to do something for you and music is a great way to do it, not to mention that every hockey player wants to be a rock star.”

Burke and Hirsch often go out for a bite and a pint when Burke is in Vancouver. In those instances, Hirsch transforms into Burke’s quasi- manager. 1182562 made for a more complex rehab because of the natural force the quad muscle exerts on the kneecap.

Miller skated a handful of times on his own last season. It is believed he Bruins defenseman Kevan Miller suffered setback in injury rehabilitation last took the ice in late January.

Miller’s career with the Bruins is in jeopardy because of a twice-broken “He needs to get back to being fully healthy,” Sweeney said. “I don’t kneecap. think, in a short span, we’re going to want to put him in any situation where we can jeopardize any further setbacks. He’s got a longer timeline.” By Matt Porter Globe Staff,Updated April 10, 2020, 4:49 p.m. Well-wishes for Cave

Sweeney opened his call with well wishes for Colby Cave, the ex-Bruins The Bruins career of Kevan Miller remains in doubt. center hospitalized by a brain bleed. Cave’s family said in a statement Thursday the 25-year-old remains in a medically induced coma in a General manager Don Sweeney said Friday on a video conference call Toronto hospital. He had emergency surgery Tuesday to remove a the rugged defenseman has been training, but would not be able to play colloid cyst, which was causing the bleed. “He’s a special young man,” even if the 2019-20 season were to resume this summer. Sweeney said. “He needs our love and support right now.” … Sweeney “Kevan’s just had some setbacks,” Sweeney said of Miller, who hasn’t said no Bruins player or staff member has tested positive for COVID-19 played in 53 weeks because of a twice-broken kneecap. “I don’t believe … Sweeney is hopeful the NHL will conclude the regular season and … it’ll be in his best interest to ramp up in a short span with the hopes of playoffs, but said any return should not be rushed. “We’ve been off the playing this year. Our intentions are for Kevan to be 100 percent healthy ice for almost a month now,” he said. “We can’t assume, regardless of so he can resume when we start the next season.” how much work players have done, that they’re going to be in game shape. We need a lot of lead-up, build time. We’ll have to cross our Intent aside, Miller could be squeezed out of the mix in Boston. fingers we’ll be able to do that.” … With the help of video, the Bruins’ scouting department is preparing for the draft, the date of which has yet He doesn’t have a contract for 2020-21. He did not play at all last to be announced. season. His combination of age (32), unfortunate health, and uncertainty with the salary cap makes it unlikely the Bruins would offer him anything Boston Globe LOADED: 04.11.2020 close to his previous number ($2.5 million).

With the end of this season hanging in the balance, and revenues uncertain, Sweeney and his GM peers do not know the parameters of the next salary cap, which was originally expected to rise from $81.5 million to between $84 million and $88.2 million. Sweeney said he is modeling several different versions of his roster, with different cap scenarios.

“I’ve been in touch with all the RFAs’ and UFAs’ agents,” he said. “I think we’ve all agreed, in some of those cases, it’s better to wait.”

The Bruins’ highest-profile free agent is defenseman Torey Krug, who is due a raise from his $5.25 million salary. Krug, represented by agent Lewis Gross, said Monday there has not been progress between the sides since the NHL paused March 12. Sweeney echoed Krug’s comments from that day, when he said he hoped he hasn’t played his last game as a Bruin.

“I dearly hope Torey hasn’t played his last game [with us] this year or going forward,” Sweeney said. “He’s a special player, on the off the ice. He means a lot in the locker room. I think everybody could acknowledge his attributes on the ice.

“In a cap world, we have to try to fit the pieces together. We’ve had very, very good discussions with Torey’s group. We just haven’t found a landing spot.”

Other UFAs: netminder Jaroslav Halak, who will be 35 on May 13, Zdeno Chara (now 43); and winger Joakim Nordstrom. Restricted free agents include wingers Jake DeBrusk and Anders Bjork and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk.

In Miller’s absence, rookies Connor Clifton and Jeremy Lauzon pushed to be the sixth defenseman. Clifton will count $1 million against the cap next season, Lauzon $850,000.

“We’ll entertain the opportunity to bring Kevan back,” said Sweeney, who signed him to a four-year, $10 million deal in 2016. “He will also entertain whether he wants to come back.”

The former Vermont captain has been with the Bruins since 2011, when he signed as an undrafted free agent. He has been a well-liked member of the organization. He has not been lucky.

A broken hand, fractured larynx and torn oblique limited him to 39 games in 2018-19. In the team’s 81st game of the year, April 4, 2019 in Minnesota, Miller tangled with Jordan Greenway and slid into the boards, fracturing his right kneecap. While working out in preparation for a return to skating — his eyes on Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final —Miller broke the same kneecap.

The first break, Miller told the Globe months later, ran vertically across the cap. According to Miller, the new break ran horizontally across the cap, near one of the surgical screws installed in the prior operation. It 1182563 Boston Bruins Edwards said the concept of shortening playoff series would be a disadvantage to favored teams such as the Bruins that earned their high seeds over the long season.

Bruins voice Jack Edwards not optimistic NHL will be able to finish “There would be low-quality games when the players return, because the season first week or 10 days would be like training camp again,’’ he said. “And the first two games — the ones when everyone is rusty — would be played at the site of the higher seed. That’s not right. By Chad Finn Globe Staff,Updated April 10, 2020, 11:23 a.m. “And you can’t shorten the series to five games, either. That’s not long enough. If the 2011 Cup Final ended in five games rather than seven, they would have had a parade in Vancouver rather than a riot.” NESN broadcaster Jack Edwards thinks about what might have been for the Bruins had the NHL season not been halted. Edwards, that familiar optimist when all is right in the Bruins’ world, said the scary state of the real world at the moment does not mean he’s In normal times, the would have started Wednesday become a pessimist. He says he’s just being realistic. night. “Unless some miraculous certain cure comes along and we can start The Bruins, who led the NHL in points (a nice round 100) when the getting people vaccinated immediately, I don’t see a legitimate playoff COVID-19 pandemic halted the season March 12, would have begun format for 2020,’’ he said. their journey against one of the Eastern Conference wild-card teams. They were in line to play the Columbus Blue Jackets. “I seriously question whether the NFL can start on time, whether there will be a season at all, whether the NBA can finish. Jack Edwards and Andy Brickley would have called the game on NESN. Edwards, forever excitable and always willing to share a soliloquy, might "I certainly hope that hockey can get back to something resembling have compared the Blue Jackets to the redcoats. Brickley would have normal soon, but for public safety and with our society at stake, I don’t chuckled, then, as always, astutely broken down the action. think it’s worth experimenting with peoples’ lives.”

The soundtrack to the beginning of another hopeful Bruins postseason Boston Globe LOADED: 04.11.2020 would have been familiar fun.

Yes, of course, Edwards thinks about what might have been.

“I thought they were poised to make a run at it,’’ Edwards said. “Of course, the motto in the postseason is, 'Be prepared to be surprised.’ But this team has demonstrated it can win games in many, many different ways.

"Tuukka [Rask] or Jaro [Halak] can stand on their heads and steal a game, the defense is robust and deep, they are getting secondary scoring, Charlie Coyle is playing the best hockey of his life. And the core players are all hitting their notes.”

But Edwards is blunt when it comes to assessing whether the NHL will return this season. He believes that the season will not resume, and the Bruins’ opportunity to win their first Stanley Cup since 2011 will not come this year.

“I hesitate to talk in the present tense,’’ he said, “because I think this season is gone.”

Edwards said he and his family have many friends who work in medicine, including a nurse at Mass. General and a friend from high school whose daughter is a doctor in New York.

Conversations with them quickly made him realize that the season probably was over.

“The more you talk to people who are in the hot spots or close to the hot spots,’’ Edwards said, “the more you realize how vicious and unpredictable this virus is, because of the contagion factor before you start showing symptoms. I quickly got pessimistic about the resumption of the season.

“If you watch the replays of the 2011 games on NESN, you notice and remember the atmosphere at TD Garden, and how much inadvertent expectoration there is, and how much saliva and beer there is everywhere, you realize how much of a bomb that could be.

"It’s going to be a long time before we can get people together like that again.”

Edwards said it would be foolhardy for the NHL to try to cram in the playoffs during the summer, for logistical reasons, but also for the sake of the players’ health.

“Say the Stanley Cup Final ends on Labor Day,’’ he said. “Do you go right back into action in the first week of October and ask the star players, the finalists, to play 130 games in a calendar year? That’s just idiocy, because you’re putting at risk the greatest equity the owners have, which is the players.

"You don’t want to ruin a guy’s career because of one eight-week playoff run that is disjointed because of the pandemic. It’s a really problematic situation.” 1182564 Boston Bruins going over character checks,” said Sweeney. “Obviously, the combine won’t be taking place, so you have to do a lot of things through FaceTime and Zoom… It’s not business as usual. We all know that. Life is not Bruins GM Don Sweeney addresses Torey Krug, state of the game normal for any of us. But we’re trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy as we go about our job.”

If the NHL is able to resume play, some teams will get back some injured By STEVE CONROY players who had been feared lost for the season. But it doesn’t sound like Kevan Miller will be one of them. The defenseman has been rehabbing

all season from a twice-broken kneecap he suffered last season and Bruins GM Don Sweeney echoed Torey Krug’s sentiments that he hoped Sweeney doesn’t think it would be an ideal situation for Miller to make a the defenseman has not played his last game as a Boston Bruin. return.

That seemed like a difficult promise to make back when it was business “Kevan’s just had some setbacks to where I don’t believe at this time it as usual in the NHL a month ago. Making any kind of promise in today’s would be in his best interest to try and ramp up in a short span with the coronavirus-shutdown environment is damn near impossible. hopes of playing this year,” said Sweeney. “Our intentions for Kevan are that he’s 100 percent healthy so that he can resume when we start the On a video conference Friday, Sweeney said that he and his staff have next season. I know Kevan’s a UFA, so we’ll entertain the opportunity to been holding internal discussions and running scenarios for different bring Kevan back and he’ll also entertain whether he wants to come salary cap situations. While he’s been able to sign some relatively minor back.” deals for undrafted college free agents — and added that the club could be offering some AHL contracts in the near future — Sweeney said he’s Sweeney voiced praise and gratitude for health workers and first been in contact with the agents of his pending unrestricted free agents responders during the crisis. He also asked for thoughts and prayers for and RFAs and has come to mutual decision that it’s best to wait until the former Bruin and current Edmonton Oiler Colby Cave, who remained in a financial landscape is clearer. medically-induce coma after suffering a brain bleed earlier in the week. He was a popular teammate in Boston and Providence. “I dearly hope Torey hasn’t played his last game (with the Bruins), this year or going forward. He’s been a big part of any success we’ve had as “Colby is a special young man and he needs our love and support right an organization. He’s a special player, both on and off the ice. He means now,” said Sweeney. a lot in the locker room and I think everybody could acknowledge his The GM also added that no players have tested positive for COVID-19. attributes on the ice and his importance to our team,” said Sweeney. Boston Herald LOADED: 04.11.2020 “In a cap world, we try to fit the pieces together. We have had very, very good discussions with Torey’s group, but we just haven’t found a landing spot and that’s understandable given the circumstances of where the cap is… As I’ve said, every discussion and every contract has its own timeline and we’re hopeful we’ll find a resolution with Torey and (agent) Lewis (Gross) but at this point in time we haven’t been able to do so. But it’s been very amicable. We’ve made our feelings perfectly clear that we respect what Torey has done and what he’s capable of doing for us as a member of the Boston Bruins and we hope that continues.”

Sweeney touched on a number of subjects:

On 43-year-old Zdeno Chara, also a UFA-to-be: “Zdeno himself has reported that he would like to continue to play. The really unique relationship that we have as an organization with Zdeno — and this started a bunch of years ago but in the last three or four in particular — he has exercised the ability to show patience and allow us to plan accordingly and then adjust in his own contractual situations. You saw him do two consecutive one-year deals, which was important for us in planning. Again, that’s an extension of the relationship that he and (agent) Matt Keator have afforded us with the impact and legacy he has with the organization.”

Sweeney was “hopeful” that some resumption of play for the 2019-20 season could happen at some point, adding that any decision in that regard would lay in the hands of the governmental and health organizations in both the U.S. and . But if the league can start up again, safety for the players, who have now gone a full month without skating and could go at least another month, is at the top of the concern list.

“I think logistically, the NHL and the players are going to work together here in being able to resume in some fashion,” said Sweeney. “I think everybody knows it’s going to take an extended training camp period of time to get back up to full speed. First and foremost, we have to be healthy. We have to have standards in place to uphold and ensure the well-being of the players and the people, if they are allowed to attend games, and that they remain healthy. That has to be in the forefront of any decision-making and it will be. The Commissioner (Gary Bettman) has made that pretty clear. But I do believe it’s going to take a partnership of the players and teams to be on the same page to find an equitable solution to resume… You just can’t jump into games.”

The NHL Draft show that was to be held in Montreal in late June has been postponed, but at some point the league will hold its annual meat market, whether it’s in person or by video conference. That work continues.

“We’ve had a lot of video work to do, there have been conference calls, our amateur group is meeting regularly, going over lists and names and 1182565 Boston Bruins After the 1995-96 season, Neely was forced to retire because of a degenerative hip condition at the age of just 31, the same age Orr had to call it quits.

Top 10 Bruins not named Orr: No. 6 — Cam Neely takes his place Because he played in the era of Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, Neely didn’t among the greats amass the same kind of hardware like some of the other players on the list. But anyone who watched him play, including those in charge of the (he’s class of 2005), know there’s no denying his By STEVE CONROY | April 10, 2020 at 6:00 a.m. place among Bruin greats.

Boston Herald LOADED: 04.11.2020 No. 8 comes in at No. 6

Cam Neely was the star of the very first Inside Track on Jan. 21, 1992.

Cam Neely may have grown up on the other side of the continent, and his hometown may have put first dibs on him when they drafted him ninth overall in the 1983 draft.

But Neely was born to be a Bruin.

At 6-foot-1, 215 pounds, Neely was the prototypical power forward, his fearsome physical presence belying a soft touch around the net that produced 344 goals in 525 games as a Bruin. Neely, who comes in at No. 6 on our list of all-time Bruin greats (not named ), had more 50-goal seasons (3) than any other Bruin in history except and, with David Pastrnak’s season on hold because of the coronavirus, he remains the last Bruin to hit that magical plateau.

It was a career that, like that of another man on this list, ended far too soon.

Neely, now elevated to team president, became a Bruin on his 21st birthday, June 6, 1986, when the Bruins and Canucks worked out a deal that would kick-start another terrific run for the B’s, though one that would fall shy of a Stanley Cup. The Canucks were keen to sign Bruins’ center and two-time 100-point producer Barry Pederson, a restricted free agent, but instead worked a trade with B’s GM Harry Sinden for Neely and a first-round draft pick that would become Glen Wesley.

Then-Canucks coach Tom Watt had Neely buried on the third line and deemed him expendable, but it didn’t take long for Neely to prove how wrong he was. In his first season with the Bruins, Neely posted 36-36-72 totals, but it’s the truculence with which he played that endeared him to the Boston fans who were weaned on the Big, Bad Bruins. That first year with the B’s, Neely dropped the gloves 13 times, according to hockeyfights.com.

That would be his high-water mark for fights as a Bruin, as his coaches Terry O’Reilly and later realized he was far too valuable on the ice to have him sitting for five minutes at a time.

His next season in Boston was a breakthrough, both for the team and him. While he cracked the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career, the team returned to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in a decade. Moreover, the B’s snapped a 45-year playoff hex that the Montreal Canadiens had over them. In the Game 5 clincher at the old , Neely scored a pair of goals, including a third-period breakaway tally against Patrick Roy to seal it.

The B’s would make it to the Final but go up against one of the great dynasties in ’s Oilers and lose in four straight.

Neely enjoyed his most productive year in 1990, scoring 55 goals and leading the B’s back to the Finals against the Oilers once again, this time losing in five. The B’s were again not as deep as the Oilers, but Gretzky had been traded to the and the B’s had a fighting chance. But they never recovered from the heartbreaking Game 1 triple- loss.

Still, it looked like Neely’s career was only getting started and there would be many more opportunities to lift the Cup. But things started to turn the next season. Neely potted another 51 goals in 1990-91, but in the playoff series with the eventual Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins, Neely took a brutally cheap leg-on-leg hit from defenseman Ulf Samuelsson, and then another one later in the series. A calcification in his thigh injury would lead to a knee injury.

Those injuries would limit Neely to just 22 games over the next two seasons, but it would also set the stage for one of his finest moments. In 1993-94, Neely scored 50 goals in 44 games. Unfortunately, he only played five more games that season. He played two more seasons, but was not able to play more than 49 games in either of them. 1182566 Boston Bruins

Sweeney: Bruins still hopeful Krug's time continues in Boston

By Joe Haggerty April 10, 2020 7:45 PM

Given the uncertainty about the remainder of the NHL regular season and the salary cap for next season, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney admitted there’s basically been a halt to negotiations with impending B's free agents, both restricted and unrestricted.

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

The name atop that list, of course, is puck-moving defenseman Torey Krug as he heads toward a big payday regardless of where he ends up signing for next year and beyond. Krug, who turns 29 on Sunday, has averaged nine goals and 54 points over the previous three seasons and was on pace for 11 goals and 59 points when the season was paused.

Given those numbers, Krug will easily be able to command anywhere from $6 million to $8 million per season on a long-term contract on the UFA market, even if there is some kind of rollback on the salary cap for next season. Sweeney had previously been evasive this season when talking about negotiations with Krug, but made it clear the Bruins would prefer to retain their productive power-play quarterback if possible.

“I’ve been in touch with all the RFA and UFA’s agents and I think we’ve all agreed that in some of those cases it’s just better to wait,” said Sweeney, while everybody tries to get an accurate forecast on the salary cap moving forward. “I do hope that Torey hasn’t played his last game [for the Bruins] either this year or moving forward. He’s been a big part of any success that we’ve had as an organization. He’s a special player both on and off the ice.

Haggerty: Krug hoping he hasn't played his final game for Bruins

“He means a lot in the locker room. Everybody could acknowledge his attributes on the ice and how they translate to our success as a team. In a cap world, we have to try and fit everything together. We’ve had very good discussions with Torey’s group, but we just haven’t found a landing spot and that’s understandable. Given the situation with where the cap is going to be and with his value both to us and also to his own situation, every negotiation has its own timeline. We’re hopeful that we’ll find a resolution. At this point, we haven’t been able to do so, but it’s been very amicable and we’ve made our feelings perfectly clear. We respect and acknowledge what Torey has done and what he’s capable of doing for us as a member of the Boston Bruins. We hope that continues.”

It’s nice to hear the Bruins effusively praise a player who's been their best offensive defenseman for the past five seasons, and it would be a tall task for players such as Matt Grzelcyk and Charlie McAvoy to step in and replace Krug’s production were he to sign elsewhere.

Still, with so much unknown about the cap and Krug’s contract options if he pushes to unrestricted free agency, nobody really knows what’s going to happen definitively at this point.

Not even Krug or Sweeney, who both genuinely sound as if they’re hopeful a deal can be worked out to keep Krug in Boston.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182567 Boston Bruins

Even if NHL season resumes, Kevan Miller won't return to Bruins lineup

By Joe Haggerty April 10, 2020 2:25 PM

The Bruins are still very optimistic that there will be NHL hockey again at some point over the next few months.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like they will be getting any additional reinforcements when/if they do return as Don Sweeney confirmed on Friday that Kevan Miller (knee) wouldn’t be able to join the Black and Gold.

Miller has been out for this entire season and hasn’t played a game in over a year dating back to the April 4 game last season when he fractured his kneecap against the Minnesota Wild.

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

The 32-year-old Miller had been skating on his own leading to the NHL suspending the regular season a month ago due to the coronavirus outbreak, but Sweeney said it wouldn’t be in the D-man’s best interests to try and play if regular season or playoff games take place this season.

“Kevan just had some setbacks that I don’t believe it’s going to be in his best interests to try and ramp up in a short span with the hopes of playing this year,” said Sweeney, during a Zoom call with Bruins media on Friday afternoon. “Our intentions are for Kevan to be in a 100 percent healthy state when we resume again next season. We know Kevin is a UFA, so we’ll entertain bringing Kevan back and he’ll entertain whether he wants to come back.

“But most importantly in his case, he needs to get back to being fully healthy. We don’t want to put him in any situations where he could jeopardize any further setbacks. He’s got a longer timeline to make sure he does things in smaller stages to afford him the opportunity to get 100 percent healthy and return to play.”

Hindsight 2020: What Cassidy could've done differently in Game 7

The reality is that Miller has only played more than 70 games once in his six healthy NHL seasons with the Bruins, and the wear and tear on his body from his physical, rugged playing style has taken a toll on him.

Sweeney said the door remains open for the impending UFA Miller and the Bruins to sign a contract that will keep him in Boston beyond this season, but there’s also a level of pessimism about the rugged D-man’s return given how long he’s been out of the mix.

The longer Miller sits, the lower the percentages go that a return will be in the mix for a defensive zone warrior and a guy who played like every Bruins player should.

The Bruins signed young defensemen Connor Clifton and Jeremy Lauzon to long-term, short-money deals that will be in place for next season, so the Bruins are well stocked in physical, bottom-pairing defenseman should this be the end of the road for Miller in Boston.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182568 Boston Bruins Even though Miller will be a free agent, Sweeney also said the organization will “entertain” the possibility of bringing back the veteran defenseman if he wants to stay with the Bruins.

Will this time away hinder Zdeno Chara’s ability to play longer — or help “He needs to get back to being absolutely fully healthy,” said Sweeney, it? who added the team won’t put Miller in any short-term situations that could jeopardize his future.

By Joe McDonald Apr 10, 2020 Figuring out a new deal for Chara is also on the docket. He’s shown a willingness to accept consecutive one-year, incentive-laden deals with base salaries of $5 million and $2 million, respectively, so that practice should be expected to continue. The Bruins organization and Zdeno Chara routinely discuss the captain’s future. Keeping those lines of communication open is particularly “The really unique relationship that we have as an organization with important in Chara’s case, as he’s 43 and has now played in four Zdeno, and this started a bunch of years ago, the last three, or four in different decades in the NHL. particular, that he has exercised the ability to show patience and allow us to plan accordingly, and then adjust his own contractual situations.” The man is outliving the game, but as each season turns into the next the question of how much longer he can play becomes more pressing. Yet Chara suffered a broken jaw in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup final against Chara has said those questions motivate him to defy the odds, and it the St. Louis Blues last June and did not miss a game. He had surgery makes one wonder if this current pause in the NHL season will hinder his after the season and had screws and plates inserted. He suffered a ability to keep playing — or help it? setback with an infection and needed surgery again in December to remove and replace the hardware. He only missed one game. “The ongoing dialogue is very healthy with Zdeno,” Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Friday. It was another example of his desire to continue playing and not miss any time on the ice. Once clarification comes on the rest of this season, the When the NHL announced it was suspending the season due to the Bruins and Chara will revisit the captain’s future. COVID-19 pandemic, Sweeney spoke with Chara and the captain said he would use the time during the hiatus to the best of his ability, both “He loves to play and exhibits all that passion and loyalty to us,” mentally and physically. He viewed it as a vital reset, since the veteran Sweeney said. “It’s unique in the fact that he’s able to communicate defenseman hasn’t had many long stretches of time off due to the effectively with us and it puts us in a better situation to plan accordingly, amount of hockey he’s played, especially over the last few seasons as and then make decisions in a mutual fashion to what’s best for us and the Bruins have gone deep into the playoffs. what’s best for Zdeno.”

In order to continue to train, Chara packed his wife and kids into the The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 family vehicle and drove to Florida to set up shop. Last week, he acknowledged he has been swimming and biking to stay in shape and plans to come back fresh and ready to go whenever the game resumes.

Chara told The Athletic in January that he wants to continue to play beyond this season. The Bruins also understand exactly what Chara wants. He also knows management has other pressing issues when it comes to pending unrestricted and restricted free agents.

Defenseman Torey Krug is atop that list. The 28-year-old is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and acknowledged this week that talks have been tabled during the league’s pause in its schedule, as the league’s finances and future salary cap uncertainty make contract negotiations somewhere between difficult and impossible.

Krug, though, said he hopes he hasn’t played his last game as a Bruin, and Sweeney agreed with those sentiments on Friday.

“I echo those same comments,” Sweeney said. “I dearly hope Torey hasn’t played his last game this year, or going forward. He’s been a big part of any success we’ve had as an organization. He’s a special player, both on and off the ice, and means a lot in our locker room.”

Sweeney describes contract talks as healthy on both sides, but they haven’t been able to find a landing spot due to the salary cap versus Krug’s value.

“We’re hopeful we’ll find a resolution with Torey, but at this point we haven’t been able to do so,” Sweeney said. “It’s been very amicable and we’ve made our feelings perfectly clear that we respect, and acknowledge what Torey has done, and what he’s capable of doing for us as a member of the Boston Bruins and we hope that continues.”

Besides Chara and Krug, defenseman Kevan Miller, forward Joakim Nordstrom and goalie Jaroslav Halak are all set to become free agents on July 1. Forwards Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork and Karson Kuhlman, along with defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, will be restricted free agents.

Miller has been sidelined due to a knee injury for one full calendar year now, and has dealt with surgeries and setbacks during that span. At this point, Sweeney said on Friday that Miller would not be available if this season does resume in some form.

“It won’t be in his best interest to try to ramp up in a short span with the hope of playing this year,” Sweeney said. “Our intentions for Kevan are to be 100 percent healthy, so he can resume when we start the next season.” 1182569 Buffalo Sabres

MSG's Sabres Classics moving next week to 2006 'Scary Good' Ottawa playoff series

By Mike Harrington Published Fri, Apr 10, 2020|Updated Fri, Apr 10, 2020

The next installment of MSG's "Sabres Classics" opens Monday night and will feature one of the most memorable playoff series in franchise history.

The Buffalo Sabres were underdogs in their 2006 second-round affair against the but pulled off a shocking five-game victory by winning three games in overtime – including the Game 5 clincher on Jason Pominville's iconic short-handed goal.

All games will air at 8 p.m. on MSG and the MSG Go app. They will then be available the next day on the Sabres Classic Games video channel on NHL.com.

The schedule:

Monday, April 13 – Game 1 at Ottawa: In perhaps the wildest single playoff game in franchise history, the Sabres battled back five times to and posted a 7-6 win on 's overtime goal after just 18 seconds.

Tuesday, April 14 – Game 2 at Ottawa: Ryan Miller made 43 saves as Buffalo held on for a 2-1 win and came home with a two-game lead in the series.

Wednesday, April 15 – Game 3 vs. Ottawa: Returning in front of the home fans in HSBC Arena, J.P. Dumont's overtime goal gave Buffalo a 3-2 win and a 3-0 lead in the series.

Thursday, April 16 – Game 5 at Ottawa: "These guys are good, scary good," roared Rick Jeanneret after Pominville's goal produced another 3- 2 victory and sent Buffalo to the East final for the first time since 1999.

Friday, April 17 – Sabres legends: An hourlong special will feature a "Beyond Blue and Gold" episode on the legacy of the Knox brothers, plus features on Jeanneret's most memorable calls and on Ted Darling, the team's original play-by-play man from its inception into the 1990s.

Buffalo News LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182570 Buffalo Sabres “Yeah, except when I go into the bank. I don't think it's really a good idea when you go into the bank,” he cracked. “Actually, my wife (Sandra) has made a ton of masks for people. Both in the medical business and just Rick Jeanneret has 'a feeling' next Sabres season will be his last hurrah for citizens.”

He considers himself “very fortunate” that he likes to read.

By Alan Pergament “Crime, courtroom dramas that type of thing. I'm big on that," Jeanneret said. "I have been for a long time. But even as much as I like to read, that's getting a little bit onerous. You can only read so much a day.”

Rick Jeanneret most likely won’t be needed to call any more Buffalo He is currently reading a John Sandford crime novel, “Bloody Genius,” Sabres games this season, but he doesn’t believe the interrupted season set in Minnesota. “I’ve read all of Sanford’s books and they’re great,” said was his last hurrah. Jeanneret.

He plans on being back for next season. You’d have to be a bloody genius to know if the NHL season is ever going to continue. “I did say that at the start of last season I would like to come back next year, depending on how I felt and how the organization felt,” the Hall of “I have no idea,” said Jeanneret. “I'm reading what you're reading. All I Fame play-by-play announcer said in a telephone interview. “Because it know is the longer it goes on the more difficult it will be to play any would be my 50th. It was the team’s 50th year this year, my 50th next regular season games. Obviously, you're just going to run out of the year.” calendar without impacting next season. And I'm sure they don't want to do that.” “I just think that that would be a nice personal milestone to reach,” added Jeanneret, who turns 78 in July. “I'm positive there won't be another guy, Buffalo News LOADED: 04.11.2020 an announcer type, to make it through 50 years. Not anymore. They don't hang around that long.”

Jeanneret started in the team’s second season, leading to the one-year difference between the team’s 50th anniversary and Jeanneret’s 50th as a Sabres announcer.

Jeanneret’s expected return would be one less thing for Sabres fans to worry about in the offseason.

Jeanneret felt before the 2019-20 season the Sabres would be making a playoff run, but he understandably avoided saying what went wrong as if it were a Zdeno Chara body check.

Ever the optimist, he expects the Sabres to be in position to make the playoffs next season for the first time since 2011.

“Well, they better or I won't come back for 51,” cracked Jeanneret before turning somewhat serious. “I got a feeling there won't be a 51 anyway. It has to come to an end.”

Why?

“I'm getting older, I'm getting slower, I'm getting all kinds of things that are slowing things down a little bit,” said Jeanneret. “You’ve got to come to grips with this. You know you can't go forever.”

Unlike many Sabres fans, Jeanneret hasn’t watched any of the classic Sabres games being carried on MSG because he lives in Niagara Falls, Ont., and the games aren’t available there.

“I would watch, I think,” added Jeanneret. “I know I could get it the next day on YouTube. I haven’t so far.”

He isn’t surprised that his former analyst working many of the classic games, Jim Lorentz, is getting a lot of love on Twitter. He noted that Lorentz started as the analyst next to Ted Darling, the late Sabres play- by-play man.

“He was awesome, he did a great job,” Jeanneret said of Lorentz. "By the time he and I hooked up, he had already done some work in the booth with Ted. When he came to be my partner, it wasn't that he was a rookie by any stretch of the imagination.”

He added when Lorentz came in the booth this season for the ’90s Night game with the Florida Panthers, “He just picked up where he left off. He blended right in again.”

He was surprised when Lorentz quit the broadcast team in 2007 after 27 seasons.

“There was no pressure on him to do so, that's for sure,” said Jeanneret. “I mean I thought he was doing a great job. I’m not sure why he decided to get out and we’ve never talked about it, to be honest.”

With his job on hold as the NHL suspended its season because of the coronavirus outbreak, Jeanneret said he hasn’t been doing much but staying home during the pandemic.

He ventures out only to go to the grocery store, practicing social distancing while wearing a mask. 1182571 Calgary Flames

Flames mourn death of longtime scout Tom Webster

Author of the article:Wes Gilbertson

The hockey world is mourning the loss of Tom Webster, who was well- respected around the rink and capped his career as an amateur scout for the Calgary Flames.

Webster, who played in both the NHL and the (WHA) and also coached at the highest level, was 71.

“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen, and I am honoured to have known him,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving in a statement. “But more importantly, Webby was even a better man. The intensity and energy that he exhibited for our game were matched by his compassion for all those he encountered in everyday life. He taught all of us so much. We honour him by living our lives with the same qualities that he brought to hockey and life every day. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.”

Webster skated as a forward for the NHL’s Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and and was one of the early stars of the now-defunct WHA, piling up 100-plus points on behalf of the New England Whalers in the first season of the rival league in 1972-73. The Whalers hoisted the Avco Cup that spring.

He eventually transitioned behind the bench and would serve as head coach for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and, on an interim basis, the Florida Panthers.

As the Kings’ skipper, he famously clocked Flames centre with a punch in 1991.

Years later, Webster left his mark on Calgary’s organization in a whole different way. Based in Windsor, Ont., where he had also coached the Hockey League’s Spitfires, he was a scout for the Flames from 2003-14.

Early on, he was instrumental in the signing of an overage out of the OHL … and Mark Giordano turned out to be quite a find.

He also played a role in the selection of Sam Bennett, TJ Brodie, Sean Monahan and others.

At the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, with Webster poised to retire, Treliving & Co. handed him the microphone to reveal the Flames’ final pick. The hockey community roared its appreciation.

“Webby was truly a gentleman and wonderful person,” said Tod Button, the Flames’ director of amateur scouting. “He had a tremendous impact on our scouting staff and while he was a fiery competitor in our meetings, he also had a tremendous respect for other opinions. His guidance, friendship and mentorship of so many people was punctuated by a never-before-seen standing ovation of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft upon the announcement of his retirement. That moment was a testament to Webby and all the lives he had touched and how universally respected he was.

“He played with Gordie Howe and coached Wayne Gretzky and his humble nature belies everything he accomplished. When you walked in to a rink with Tom ‘Hawkeye’ Webster you had instant credibility. He will be sorely missed.”

Calgary Herald: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182572 Calgary Flames

Flames mourn death of longtime scout Tom Webster

Wes Gilbertson

The hockey world is mourning the loss of Tom Webster, who was well- respected around the rink and capped his career as an amateur scout for the Calgary Flames.

Webster, who played in both the NHL and the World Hockey Association (WHA) and also coached at the highest level, was 71.

“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen, and I am honoured to have known him,” said Flames general manager Brad Treliving in a statement. “But more importantly, Webby was even a better man. The intensity and energy that he exhibited for our game were matched by his compassion for all those he encountered in everyday life. He taught all of us so much. We honour him by living our lives with the same qualities that he brought to hockey and life every day. Our sincere condolences go out to his family.”

Webster skated as a forward for the NHL’s Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings and California Golden Seals and was one of the early stars of the now-defunct WHA, piling up 100-plus points on behalf of the New England Whalers in the first season of the rival league in 1972-73. The Whalers hoisted the Avco Cup that spring.

He eventually transitioned behind the bench and would serve as head coach for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings and, on an interim basis, the Florida Panthers.

As the Kings’ skipper, he famously clocked Flames centre Doug Gilmour with a punch in 1991.

Years later, Webster left his mark on Calgary’s organization in a whole different way. Based in Windsor, Ont., where he had also coached the ’s Spitfires, he was a scout for the Flames from 2003-14.

Early on, he was instrumental in the signing of an overage defenceman out of the OHL … and Mark Giordano turned out to be quite a find.

He also played a role in the selection of Sam Bennett, TJ Brodie, Sean Monahan and others.

At the 2014 NHL Draft at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, with Webster poised to retire, Treliving & Co. handed him the microphone to reveal the Flames’ final pick. The hockey community roared its appreciation.

“Webby was truly a gentleman and wonderful person,” said Tod Button, the Flames’ director of amateur scouting. “He had a tremendous impact on our scouting staff and while he was a fiery competitor in our meetings, he also had a tremendous respect for other opinions. His guidance, friendship and mentorship of so many people was punctuated by a never-before-seen standing ovation on the floor of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft upon the announcement of his retirement. That moment was a testament to Webby and all the lives he had touched and how universally respected he was.

“He played with Gordie Howe and coached Wayne Gretzky and his humble nature belies everything he accomplished. When you walked in to a rink with Tom ‘Hawkeye’ Webster you had instant credibility. He will be sorely missed.”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182573 Calgary Flames and performed remarkably well. His lefty-righty versatility allowed the coaching staff to freely rearrange the blue line’s configuration. He had goals in three of his last four appearances.

Report cards: Giving the Flames their (final?) regular season grades Grade: B+

D Rasmus Andersson (70 games: 5-17—22 points)

By Scott Cruickshank Apr 10, 2020 This is a player the Flames love. Hence January’s robust re-up — six years with a $4.55-million cap hit. Taken with the second-round pick the club received from Vancouver for Sven Baertschi, the young Swede’s While there is a real temptation to give the lot of them “incompletes” — career is trending upward. Handled everything this season, from top- and wiggle out of the tricky task — 70 games is enough for a report-card pairing minutes to quarterback work on the second power play unit. Solid reckoning. defensively, improving offensively and a royal pain in the ass.

This, however, is always a slippery exercise for a bystander. Grade: B

How do you weigh a player’s year? For example, is a strong season- F Mikael Backlund (70 games: 16-29—45 points) ending fortnight enough to erase a lollygagger of an opening month? Should a bad finish be a grade killer? A wildly inconsistently campaign for the veteran, who turned 31 last month. Even though it’s not all about production for the two-way whiz, For a marker, there’s also unease about expectations, which, even four points in the opening 17 dates doesn’t cut it. And there had been no individually, become moving targets. Have goals been met? Exceeded? staying power for an assignment that plopped him on the right flank of Bobbled? Gaudreau and Monahan. But once back at centre? Backlund, in dominant fashion, offered probably the best stretch of his career, Hardly a science, at least in these hands. generating 22 of his 45 points in the last 16 outings. He was eighth in the Meaning all reader dissent will be considered valid. NHL in takeaways.

Without further fence-sitting/excuse-making, here are the (final?) grades Grade: B for the 2019-20 edition of the Calgary Flames, a squad that had been F Sean Monahan (70 games: 22-26—48 points) brutal and brilliant, often during the same week, frequently within the same game. For the seventh time in his seven-year career, the centre reached the 20- goal plateau. But there had still been concerns that he wasn’t dynamic F Elias Lindholm (70 games: 29-25—54 points) enough to be a first-line pivot. This past season, however, there had Following a breakout season, Lindholm became the team’s most been upticks. For starters, at 52.6 percent, he produced his best-ever consistent player, despite moving around the lineup, from wing to centre mark at the faceoff dot. And 65 hits are nearly 30 more than he was and back. Not only did the 25-year-old set a personal best with 29 tallies, credited with in the full 2018-19 season. Overall, though, production he led, or co-led, the Flames in most goal departments — even strength, dipped. power play, game-winning, first, home, road, empty net. An all-situations Grade: B presence earned, deservedly, the most minutes of any Flames forward. An excellent player, an excellent season. D Mark Giordano (60 games: 5-26—31 points)

Grade: A+ As reigning Norris Trophy winner, as captain, there had been expectations, of course. The leadership part of his job description was F Matthew Tkachuk (69 games: 23-38—61 points) ably fulfilled, yet again. Teammates respect, revere even, No. 5. But this At the time of the NHL’s pause, he was pacing the Flames in points (and winter his production dropped. Cut in half, in fact. Then again, he is 36. minutes). In the first year of a contract that makes him the club’s The deadline acquisitions, in part, had been about reducing his workload highest-paid player, Tkachuk rarely disappointed. Orchestrating the most — with Derek Forbort absorbing PK time, Erik Gustafsson absorbing PP amazing goal of the season (that one-of-a-kind overtime beaut in time. Giordano was seventh in the NHL in blocked shots. Nashville), singlehandedly rebooting the Battle of Alberta and providing a Grade: B nightly edge, give the 22-year-old high marks. G David Rittich (48 games: 24-17-6, 2.97, .907) Grade: A Thanks to the coaches, Big Save Dave had been allowed to embrace the F Andrew Mangiapane (68 games: 17-15—32 points) starter’s net. Fatigue be damned, he was soon piling up league-leading It was like the youngster got tired of hearing all the pre-deadline blather numbers of starts and minutes. And Rittich responded, performing well. about the Flames adding another top-six forward — and he decided to Heck, he even participated in the NHL’s All-Star weekend. But when the surge. Operating with Tkachuk and Mikael Backlund, Mangiapane calendar cranked, there was a noticeable decline in his play — going 7-7- produced 13 points in the last dozen dates and, with another dozen to 1, 3.36 GAA, .895, since Jan. 1. At the time of the pause, he was coping go, appeared bound for 20 goals — and a whopping raise. In his first full with an elbow injury. NHL season, he was playing on a $715,000 contract that made him one Grade: B of the lowest-paid players on the premises. D Travis Hamonic (50 games: 3-9—12 points) Grade: A- Like Brodie, this guy is a 29-year-old rearguard in the final year of his G Cam Talbot (26 games: 12-10-1, 2.63, .919) deal. A second-pairing fixture, Hamonic met his modest offensive goals. Brought in, in theory, to spell David Rittich, who was entering his first full He blocked shots — only Giordano laid down in front of more pucks for year as the starter, Talbot carried a reputation of being a low- Calgary — and exhibited his usual gritty enthusiasm. However, after maintenance stablemate. In other words, perfect. But he ended up being suffering an upper-body injury Feb. 8, he didn’t suit up again. When the much more than that. In fact, given his terrific work since the start of league paused he was very close to returning. Charity initiatives, alone, January (9-3-1, 2.55 GAA, .923), there was a chance that the 32-year-old make him a standout. would have been the Game 1 starter (if the Flames managed to seal a Grade: B postseason spot). Bonus points for his goalie fight. F Dillon Dube (45 games: 6-10—16 points) Grade: B+ After starting the year in Stockton — 13 points in 13 AHL games — the D T.J. Brodie (64 games: 4-15—19 points) 21-year-old made himself at home in Calgary. A popular teammate, Working on an expiring contract, he played under a cloud of rumours Dube, on a line with Derek Ryan and Milan Lucic, was able to find a level suggesting that he was about to be transferred out of town. But Brodie of consistency as the season wore on. On one night in particular, Jan. 5 came back from November’s frightening on-ice emergency — when, after at Minnesota, he had been a tiger, leading the Flames with energy, then toppling, he went into convulsions and left practice in an ambulance — capping the game with the shootout winner. Ice time, 15:43 (without an F Sam Bennett (52 games: 8-4—12 points) overtime shift), marked a season high. It’s the start for the kid. After his fantastic spring, it appeared that, yes, this was the year he Grade: B would break out. And there were sporadic appearances of Playoff Sam Bennett, but when the league paused, he’d been averaging less than a F Milan Lucic (68 games: 8-12—20 points) quarter-point per game, his lowest clip since entering the league. Worth A tough nut to crack, grade-wise. This is not the player who produced 30 noting: his average ice time was 19th on the team. That’s always been a goals and 62 points in 2010-11 — the year he helped the Boston Bruins chicken-egg debate with No. 93. If he played more, would he produce capture the Stanley Cup — nor, these days, is he expected to be. A fan more? If he produced more, would he play more? A work in progress, favourite supplying the muscle (on most nights), he led the Flames with still. 198 hits, 12th most in the NHL. On the third line, earning 13 minutes of Grade: C- deployment, he did offer a spark, he did fill a role, something that came more readily after the departure of Bill Peters. D Michael Stone (33 games: 2-5—7 points)

Grade: B- Imagine the past few months for this fellow: diagnosed with a blood clot in his shoulder; made a full recovery; got bought out; re-signed weeks F Derek Ryan (68 games: 10-19—29 points) later; endured frequent healthy scratches; went back into the rotation Much like the previous season, he inexplicably struggled at the faceoff because of injuries; marginalized after the trade deadline. All of which dot in the early stages. And, much like the previous season, he fixed it. may go a long way to making his up-and-down performances Since mid-December, Ryan worked at nearly a 58 percent clip. In understandable. addition, with his responsible approach, the 33-year-old provided a stable Grade: C- environment for his bookends, Dube and Lucic. Offensive production ended up a shade south of his career clip. And he was a team-leading F Mark Jankowski (56 games: 5-2—7 points) plus-9, for what that’s worth. A season after which he collected 32 points, including 14 goals and five Grade: B- shorties (only one NHLer authored more), the big pivot struggled mightily. Not a single point in the first 27 games. There were signs in the latter F Johnny Gaudreau (70 games: 18-40—58 points) stages that he was shaking the doldrums — five goals in one seven- This is a player who’s the victim of his own success. He led the team in game patch. And, to his credit, he was an everyday part of a penalty scoring for four straight years (Jiri Hudler paced the 2014-15 group). He killing crew that finished in the league’s top third. collected 99 points last winter (only six players had more). Yet for large Grade: D chunks of the current schedule, he appeared indifferent, to put it politely. Body language was poor. But, like many of his top-six teammates — D Derek Forbort/D Erik Gustafsson (seven games apiece) maybe with last spring’s criticisms ringing in their ears — he rallied with 16 points in his last 15 games. Grade: Incomplete

Grade: C+ The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020

D Noah Hanifin (70 games: 5-17—22 points)

In the season’s early going, it appeared that the gifted defender, big and mobile, was going to lead the locals’ about-face in the aftermath of the spring’s embarrassing exit. Looking stronger than ever, Hanifin played aggressively and sharply. Then, whether due to fatigue or injury or pressure to reach another level, his game began to wobble. Miscues and giveaways and poorly timed pinches. Still, the 23-year-old brings a heap of promise.

Grade: C

F Tobias Rieder (55 games: 4-6—10 points)

Arriving in Calgary on a professional tryout (and a 72-game goal-less slide), the German proceeded to wow the staffers in camp with his work on the penalty kill (which had been ranked 19th the season before). He signed a $700,000 deal, bagged a goal in the opening month and helped to push his employers to eighth in the PK rankings. For a bargain- basement price, he brought value to the fourth line. Great skater.

Grade: C

F Zac Rinaldo (19 games: 3-2—5 points)

Like Rieder, he showed up to Calgary as a PTO long shot. In camp, he was asked his strategy. “Kill or be killed,” the 29-year-old informed reporters. And while he didn’t maim anyone, he did do enough to latch onto a minimum-salary deal. After starting the season in Stockton, he arrived in Calgary in November, roughed it up (69 hits) and scrapped a bit (twice) and chipped in with a pair of two-point outings (in which he authored the game-winning goals).

Grade: C

D Oliver Kylington (48 games: 2-5—7 points)

Spared the indignity of reporting to AHL Stockton for the fifth straight year, the 22-year-old resumed his third-pairing deployment in Calgary, often alongside countryman Rasmus Andersson. Results, again, were mixed — offensive flashes, defensive lapses. Despite those terrific wheels and obvious upside, he was displaced by a trade-deadline pickup for the second straight stretch drive.

Grade: C 1182574 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks sign fast-rising prospect Michal Teply to entry-level contract

Teply, a 2019 fourth-round pick, had a fantastic debut season in Canadian juniors this past year.

By Ben Pope Apr 10, 2020, 3:54pm CDT

The fastest-rising prospect in the Blackhawks’ pipeline signed his NHL entry-level contract.

Michal Teply, the Hawks’ fourth-round selection in last year’s draft, announced Friday on Instagram that he inked his deal. The Hawks later confirmed the three-year deal with a roughly $826,000 cap hit.

View this post on Instagram

I am so happy and honored that I signed my first NHL contract with @nhlblackhawks. I wanna say thank you all people around me who has helped me to get this point. I would never make this without my family, my friends and @wpgicewhl. I can’t forget... my lovely team @bkhb_official thank you

A post shared by Michal Teplý (@mina_teply) on Apr 10, 2020 at 11:07am PDT

Teply, who won’t turn 19 until late May, evolved from a no-name reach of a pick to an increasingly exciting forward prospect practically overnight this season.

In 2018-19, he recorded just two points in 15 games with his Czech team, Liberec. But he decided to jump to North America for 2019-20, joining the rebranded Winnipeg Ice of the (one of Canada’s three major junior leagues), and became an instant star.

Playing alongside Vegas first-round pick Peyton Krebs, Teply exploded for 29 goals and 34 assists — 63 points — in 53 games, ranking second on the team and 32nd in the league. That was an incredible accomplishment for an 18-year-old rookie with no Canadian junior experience.

The 6-3 wing also starred on the Czech Republic’s U20 World Juniors team, tallying five points in five games.

Teply slid up to No. 5 on the Sun-Times’ midseason Hawks prospect rankings — ahead of No. 7 Evan Barratt, who signed his own entry-level contract to significant fanfare last week — and likely would’ve been a first- or second-round pick in a 2019 re-draft.

Teply’s deal cements that the Hawks were just as impressed by his 2019-20 campaign as the hockey world was. He’ll likely still return to the WHL next season, though.

Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182575 Chicago Blackhawks

Blackhawks, prospect Michal Teply agree to 3-year contract

Associated Press 4/10/2020 4:56 PM

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a three-year contract with forward prospect Michal Teply.

The team announced the deal on Friday. It has an average annual value of $825,833 and runs through the 2022-23 season.

The 18-year-old Teply was selected by Chicago in the fourth round of last year's draft. He spent last season with Winnipeg in the Western Hockey League, collecting 29 goals and 34 assists.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182576 Chicago Blackhawks

Michal Teply announces he has signed entry-level contract with Blackhawks

By Charlie Roumeliotis April 10, 2020 3:00 PM

Michal Teply announced on his Instagram page Friday that he has signed an entry-level contract with the Blackhawks, who later confirmed it was for three years that carries a $825,833 average annual value.

It's the fifth signing in the last week for the Blackhawks, who have already re-signed pending restricted free agents Matthew Highmore and Kevin Lankinen and locked up prospects Andrei Altybarmakyan and Evan Barratt.

View this post on Instagram

I am so happy and honored that I signed my first NHL contract with @nhlblackhawks. I wanna say thank you all people around me who has helped me to get this point. I would never make this without my family, my friends and @wpgicewhl. I can’t forget... my lovely team @bkhb_official thank you

A post shared by Michal Teplý (@mina_teply) on Apr 10, 2020 at 11:07am PDT

"I am so happy and honored that I signed my first NHL contract with [the Blackhawks]," the 18-year-old forward wrote. "I wanna say thank you all people around me who has helped me to get this point. I would never make this without my family, my friends and Winnipeg Ice. I can't forget my lovely team BK Havlíčkův Brod. Thank you."

Teply spent the 2019-20 season with the Winnipeg Ice of the Western Hockey League, where he led all rookies in goals (29), assists (34), points (63), shots on goal (210) and game-winning goals (eight). He also recorded five assists in five games for the Czech Republic at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship.

Teply was taken by the Blackhawks in the fourth round (No. 105 overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. He is a slide candidate, which means if he plays in fewer than 10 games next season, his contract won't officially kick in until the 2021-22 campaign.

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How Chris Chelios was like Jonathan Toews and NHL legend Gordie Howe

By Scott King April 10, 2020 8:30 AM

It's no secret that Hockey Hall of Famer and former Blackhawks defenseman Chris Chelios could do it all as a player. One of his former teammates in Chicago, NBC Sports Chicago Hawks analyst and color commentator Steve Konroyd, provided more insight on what a rare breed of blueliners he was.

"Just an all-around player," Konroyd said over the phone recently. "When you think of (Denis) Savard, it's all offense. But with with Cheli, it was offense, it was defense, it was toughness and being an instigator. It was getting under the skin of the opposition. I mean, he could do all those things. He had a really big toolbox. And he wore a lot of different hats, too: power play, penalty kill . . .

"Imagine a Jonathan Toews but with a little more of a mean streak. And I don't know if it was his upbringing . . . I know he grew up part of his life on the south side of Chicago, but he really had a mean streak in him and he'd just stick you than say hello on the ice. And I could say that comfortably because I played against him for a number years and then played with him. He's one of those guys you certainly want him on your side.

"The other thing, too, you hear those stories about Gordie Howe, how he used to switch hands to take a shot. I saw Cheli do that probably half a dozen times playing with him. Every once in a while I get paired up on defense with him and I see him change hands and take a slapshot from the blue line.

"And it's like, you know, I'd bet 90 percent of the fans in the stands probably wouldn't realize what he just did. But here's a right-handed guy, a right-handed shot, who's taking a left-handed shot with a stick that was curved the other way. That's just one of the little things that made Cheli special."

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How NHL pause could affect Corey Crawford's future with Blackhawks

By Scott King April 09, 2020 11:28 PM

Elliotte Friedman of "" joined Blackhawks pre and postgame host Pat Boyle and Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis on this week's episode of the "Blackhawks Talk" podcast.

One of the hot Hawks topics the Sportsnet insider touched on was the uncertainty of Corey Crawford's future with the Blackhawks.

When the two-time Stanley Cup champion goalie's six-year contract — with a $6 million average annual value and cap hit — expires after the 2019-20 season, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

Despite a history of concussions, the 35-year-old netminder proved this season that he can still be a valuable starting goalie in battling with 2019 Vezina Trophy finalist Robin Lehner — who had signed a one-year $5 million free-agent contract with Chicago — for starts before Lehner was traded at the deadline.

Friedman was asked if he thinks the Hawks would re-sign Crawford or go for a cheaper alternative between the pipes.

"I think both options are possible," he said. "Until we know what the cap is, now it's even a bigger question (due to the NHL pause amid the COVID-19 pandemic), some teams can do some business. Toronto signed a Russian player, a couple of teams have signed some of their draft picks and things like that. You can do small business.

"I think the big question is, 'What big business can you do?' And I think Corey Crawford, depending on what he and the Blackhawks are willing to do, is bigger business. I think it comes down to what Crawford and the Blackhawks . . . for him, can they find footing on what they think is an equal number.

"I don't think it's likely that Lehner comes back. I had heard and I reported that the Blackhawks were not willing to go past two years on him and that's why it kind of broke down. And so what that says to me is that for Crawford it's likely a similar kind of thing. He knows if he's coming back it's not for term and now it may be squeezed.

"I think it probably comes down to: A. Do the Blackhawks want him back?; B. Does Crawford want to come back for not a ton of term and possibly less money?; and C. There's a lot of goalies out there this year, a lot of good goalie options, even good 1A options. And what someone was saying to me the other day is this whole market has been thrown sideways. Nobody knows what this is going to mean, but the one thing they did tell me is that if you're a team looking for a goalie you're probably in the position of strength as opposed to the individual goalies."

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How the Blackhawks could impact decision for potential 24-team playoff

By Scott King April 09, 2020 10:11 PM

Elliotte Friedman of "Hockey Night in Canada" joined Blackhawks pre and postgame host Pat Boyle and Blackhawks Insider Charlie Roumeliotis on this week's episode of the "Blackhawks Talk" podcast.

With the Hawks sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference at the time of the NHL pause on March 12 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Montreal Canadiens at 12th in the East, Friedman was asked if the two big-market teams could factor into the NHL's decision to potentially have a 24-team playoff if and when play resumes to finish this season.

"I don't think we're going to have any idea until June as to what really the options and the opportunities are going to be, so we're guessing. But, I do think that if the NHL is able to do it, they're going to try to have a creative tournament. And one of the things they're going to want to do is capture eyeballs," Friedman said.

"And one of the ways you can capture eyeballs is make sure the Chicago Blackhawks and the Montreal Canadiens are in the playoffs. So if the calendar and opportunity allows for it to happen, I believe that the league is going to find a way to put those two teams in."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182580 Chicago Blackhawks Where Mitchell is expected to be able to jump in and make an impact immediately is with the puck and in the offensive zone. He knows how to move the puck out of the defensive zone, whether carrying or passing it. Blackhawks future series: Ian Mitchell could assume big role sooner than That was an area Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton spoke about later wanting to improve late in the season. Mitchell is also comfortable handling the puck in the offensive zone and getting involved in the play. He’s often most dangerous when he gets the puck behind the net and is able to distribute it. By Scott Powers Apr 10, 2020 Another area Mitchell focused on this season was creating more from the

blue line. He wanted to be able to make an impact with his shot. There has been so much focus on one question with Blackhawks “I think my deception on the blue line has been a big thing,” Mitchell said defenseman prospect Ian Mitchell for the past few years. in March. “I think last year the opposing team was able to read me pretty Will he sign? easily on the power play. I think me working on that in practice and getting shots through that first layer is something I think that has Will he sign? benefited our team and made me a better player as well. I’ve looked to shoot a lot more this year. I have a lot more shots than previous years. I Will he sign? think that’s made me more dangerous from the blue line.” Because of that, there has not been as much discussion about what type Whereas Boqvist is seen as the future quarterback of the Blackhawks’ of player Mitchell can be for the Blackhawks. In what will be an ongoing first power-play unit, Mitchell might just be the answer on the second series on how a number of the Blackhawks’ young players can affect the one. organization’s future, we’ll dive into Mitchell in the first installment. Mitchell and Boqvist are also expected to factor into the two right-handed And, yes, that is assuming Mitchell signs. According to multiple sources, spots in the Blackhawks’ top four for many years. Mitchell might even be it’s a matter of when and not if that happens. a better complement to Duncan Keith on the top pairing because of his Let’s start with Mitchell’s skating. It’s where his ability begins and what all-around game. Mitchell might also be someone who can help alleviate allows him to influence the game in so many ways. He moves so easily Keith from logging so much ice time. on the ice, forward or backward. He also moves well laterally and can Mitchell won’t be guaranteed anything going into next season, but build speed quickly. Whether it’s hunting down loose pucks, closing down Colliton will likely provide him ample opportunity to make the team out of defenders or creating in the offensive zone, his skating is where it all camp. It’s just a matter of where Mitchell can fit among the team’s right- starts. handed shots. Connor Murphy and Boqvist are expected to be in two Here are some examples: spots. Where Brent Seabrook is in his recovery and where his game is at could determine Mitchell’s fate. Mitchell’s skating is often where Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman begins when discussing him, too. It’s likely, though, that Mitchell will be in the Blackhawks’ lineup to open the 2020-21 season and many seasons after that. In Mitchell, the “He’s such a good skater, very involved in the play,” Bowman said earlier Blackhawks believe they have a key defensive piece to their future. this season. “He does a little bit of everything for (Denver) as their captain. I think it bodes well how he’s going to transition to the NHL. I The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 think his game lines up exactly how we want to play.”

Mitchell has learned to use his movement to become an all-around player and probably the most well-rounded defenseman prospect the Blackhawks have had in some time. He doesn’t have the offensive upside Adam Boqvist has, but Mitchell is a better skater and has better habits. While Boqvist made strides this season, Mitchell is expected to arrive as a more complete product. He displayed consistency in all zones throughout his junior season while logging 25-plus minutes per game. Mitchell’s upside is what made Henri Jokiharju expendable last offseason in the Blackhawks’ eyes.

Mitchell’s size at 5-foot-11 and 179 pounds gives him the distinction of being an undersized defenseman, but it’s an area he has focused a lot on in recent years. At the college level, often against bigger players, he’s learned how to use his skating and stick to defend. He defends the blue line aggressively, angles opponents and leads with his stick.

The Athletic senior NHL prospect writer Corey Pronman thought Mitchell’s game would fit the NHL.

“I think it will transition,” Pronman said recently. “He’s played big minutes. He can defend size and speed. He can make plays.”

Blackhawks director of player development Mark Eaton spoke about that transition recently, too.

“Probably by NHL standards he’s considered an undersized defenseman,” Eaton said. “So you see with some college teams, they have some big, heavy players, but it’s not up and down the lineup. For him, it’s just going to be a matter of learning to deal with playing against big, strong men every shift, game in and game out. I’ve said that’s the No. 1 thing for development for defensemen is just experience at the next level. He’s proven he’s such a focused and hard worker off the ice, puts in the time, that I think the learning curve is far less steep for a guy like Ian because he does put in the work and he’s able to learn from mistakes, learn from talking to coaches and whatnot and figure out what he needs to be successful. It’s just going to be putting in the time for him. I don’t think it’s a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. I expect him to make a quick transition.” 1182581 Colorado Avalanche San Jose tried moving possession behind its net when Namestnikov began pressuring star Sharks defenseman Brent Burns. He was immediately joined by MacKinnon and it led to Colorado getting the puck. What should the Avalanche do with Vladislav Namestnikov going Landeskog found open space in the slot, which led to MacKinnon giving forward? him possession at the left faceoff circle. There were three Sharks’ players hovering around Landeskog while a fourth was three feet away watching what was happening.

By Ryan S. Clark Apr 10, 2020 Burns remained near the net front with Namestnikov eluding him at the exact moment Landeskog played a pass in front of Martin Jones’ crease

for the go-ahead goal. Nine games. Maybe this is how long the Vladislav Namestnikov Completing the regular season plus the playoffs would have clearly given experiment lasts with the Colorado Avalanche before he moves on in free Sakic and the front office more data about Namestnikov’s potential agency. future. But for now? It appears the closest comparable they could Or it is possible this was a prelude of what is to come? potentially trust is examining what he did over 62 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2017-18. Namestnikov scored 20 goals and had 44 The Avalanche have gone from the worst season in the salary-cap era to points for a 0.71 points per game average before being sent to the a borderline playoff team and into a Stanley Cup contender in four years. Rangers in the deal that led to Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller going to Reaching that stage meant developing players from within such as the Lightning, who reached the Eastern Conference final. Gabriel Landeskog, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen. Another facet of those changing circumstances can be linked One could argue Namestnikov’s tenure with the Lightning is relevant to the external moves such as free-agent signings or trades. because it could provide insight for the Avalanche about how he fits within a highly skilled roster. The Rangers were going through a rebuild Determining what Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic and his front and missed the playoffs during his two seasons in New York. office staff will do with Namestnikov could fall somewhere in the middle. Namestnikov averaged 0.35 points over 99 games before he was traded earlier this season to the Senators, a team that was on pace to finish with Sakic parted with a 2021 fourth-round draft pick on deadline day to one of the poorest records in the NHL. acquire Namestnikov from the Ottawa Senators. Getting Namestnikov created the hypothetical that the Avalanche were receiving a two-way And as always, the salary cap will also be an item Sakic and the front forward who could generate production beyond scoring on the rush or office will use when it comes to making a decision. from natural talent alone. He scored four goals and two assists in nine contests before the NHL joined a collection of leagues that indefinitely Namestnikov, who is averaging 0.44 points, will become an unrestricted postponed their respective seasons because of COVID-19. free agent after coming off a two-year contract worth $4 million annually. Mikkel Boedker and Brett Connolly could be the closest comparable UFA His arrival was one that was supposed to strengthen the team’s middle- deals in terms of age and production when they signed. Still, there is six forward options. Namestnikov played two of his first three games on enough of a difference between those situations to suggest Namestnikov the third line while having a single game on the fourth line. Mounting might command a slightly different contract. Boedker averaged 0.54 injuries, however, unexpectedly resulted in him being promoted to the points before signing a four-year deal carrying an AAV — average annual first line where he played alongside Landeskog and MacKinnon. value — of $4 million back in 2016. Connolly averaged 0.36 points upon signing a four-year pact last summer with a $3.5 million AAV. It was a combination that, while short-lived, appeared to be effective. Landeskog’s and Namestnikov’s ability to win pucks either against the The upcoming UFA market features wingers such as Evgenii Dadonov, boards or in the corners allowed for them to deliver possession to Taylor Hall, Mike Hoffman and Tyler Toffoli plus Namestnikov. It MacKinnon in the hopes of creating an odd-man rush. Natural Stat Trick potentially places Namestnikov in a dynamic to be one of the more shows they were on the ice for six goals in 5-on-5 sequences while only sought after players at that position. The Avalanche are projected to have giving up two goals over the 65:28 in ice time spent together. It was a line $24.864 million in salary-cap space according to Cap Friendly, but have that created 31 scoring chances while surrendering 18. They also scored a number of decisions to make. five times out of the 11 high-danger scoring chances they received while allowing one out of the eight high-danger scoring chances allowed. Sakic and the front office have a UFA crop that also includes Mark Barberio, Kevin Connauton, Michael Hutchinson, Matt Nieto and Colin Perhaps the performance that was the strongest in illustrating what Wilson. There is also the group of restricted free agents featuring Andre Namestnikov provided came March 8 in the Avalanche’s 4-3 victory over Burakovsky, Ryan Graves, Vladislav Kamenev, Valeri Nichushkin and the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center. He finished with a goal and an Nikita Zadorov who are also in need of new deals. Burakovsky, Graves assist while receiving 18:04 in ice time, which was the most he was and Nichushkin all stand to receive increases after working their way into allotted under Jared Bednar. It was also the most minutes he had played key positions on the roster, which makes those financial considerations since late January when he was with the Senators. even greater.

Natural Stat Trick further illustrates how Namestnikov was active in the Colorado also possesses prospects who could be asked to fill in those defensive and offensive zones. holes. Right winger Martin Kaut, the team’s 2018 first-round pick, might be an option as he remains on his entry-level contract. He scored three What he achieved starts with the physical tone he set that evening with points in a nine-game audition while serving in a third-line role. Versatile three hits. Two of them were behind the net with the goal of controlling two-way winger Logan O’Connor, who is also going to be an RFA, has possession while the other was in the corner. He also patrolled the right featured in 16 games and could convince the organization he’s ready to point in order to block two shots in even-strength play. He also launched be a full-time bottom-six option. Defenseman Conor Timmins is still on three attempts that either came at the net front or in the slot, which was his entry-level pact and it is possible that one year of AHL experience one of the reasons why Sakic traded for him. could lead to him challenging for a roster spot. And Colorado Eagles A combined 54 percent of Namestnikov’s shot attempts originated from coach recently said forward Shane Bowers “was the net front and low slot prior to the trade, according to IcyData. Those dominating” opponents before the season was placed on hold. figures were even higher when it came to his goal return. Eighty percent Knowing Bowers, Kaut, O’Connor and Timmins could become reliable of his goals were scored from the low slot while another 13 percent were options while operating on cost-effective contracts has the potential to scored at the net front. The remaining seven percent of his goals all shape how Sakic and his staff evaluate certain personnel decisions. came from the right perimeter. An argument could be made the Avalanche already invested in The secondary assist Namestnikov had came because he took control of experience over the last two years by adding Burakovsky, Pierre- a weak neutral zone clearance that led to him giving possession to Edouard Bellemare, Ian Cole, Matt Calvert, Joonas Donskoi, Philipp MacKinnon. He drove down the ice and attracted the necessary attention Grubauer, Nazem Kadri and Nichushkin. Burakovsky, Cole and Grubauer that allowed Landeskog to recover the rebound and scoring into a gaping have four Stanley Cup rings among them while Bellemare and Donskoi net for a 2-1 lead early in the second period. have played in Cup finals where they coincidentally and unknowingly lost So what about his goal? to some of their future teammates. But it all comes back to a few questions that must be answered.

Do the Avalanche opt to keep Namestnikov knowing it comes with certain costs?

Or is the more prudent decision to trust prospects on cheaper contracts with the demands of what comes with playing for a Cup contender?

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182582 Columbus Blue Jackets Bobrovsky, who’d allowed all 12 goals in the first two games, exited straight to the showers after being pulled in the third period.

He was suspended a game for it, but three months later "Bob" was one Sweep memories | Sergei Bobrovsky’s save, Nick Foligno’s goal ignite of the Jackets’ biggest keys and question marks in a playoff matchup Game 1 turnaround against the Lightning. His spotty playoff history was also in the spotlight, and the first period against the Lightning did nothing to improve his standing. Brian Hedger The Columbus Dispatch Alex Killorn, Anthony Cirelli and Yanni Gourde scored three unanswered goals for a 3-0 lead, and Tampa Bay could’ve led 5-0 had it not been for an early save by Bobrovsky off a turnover and defenseman Markus They flew down after practicing in Columbus. Nutivaara’s quick stick poking a loose rebound out of the crease with It was two days before the Blue Jackets were to become a sacrificial 5:24 left. lamb in last year’s playoffs, and they were met in Tampa, Florida, with a Tortorella: "When it’s 3-0, everybody’s thinking just what they were tidal wave of blue and white. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s logo was talking about, some of the questions they asked me prior to the series." everywhere, on storefronts, T-shirts, hats and bumper stickers. Riley Nash: "It really was kind of how the regular season went against The chatter about winning the Stanley Cup was incessant and exactly them. It felt like we played some pretty good minutes. We just had what you’d expect in a town with a record-setting powerhouse like the nothing to show for it." Lightning. The excitement only intensified as Game 1 approached, and the Blue Jackets couldn’t help but notice. What the Jackets did have was an intermission.

The Lightning’s official Twitter account even turned it up a notch on the As they regrouped in the locker room, silence filled the team’s executive day of Game 1, sending a playoff-related tweet to the account for Bud suite occupied by general manager Jarmo Kekalainen, vice president of Light, their official beer sponsor. Along with a 10-second video of a blue hockey operations Bill Zito, former president of hockey operations John Bud Light can changing to "Bud Lightning" with the flash of a lightning Davidson and several others. bolt, the Lightning account asked: "Hey @budlight, how about a name change for the playoffs?" What was it like in there?

It took four minutes for a reply, which read: "Win it all and we’ll make Davidson: "Waaasn’t good. That was a stomach-turner." #BudLightning a reality." Zito: "You’re down 3-0 quick, but I don’t think anyone was really A press release followed a few minutes later, sent out by Bud Light’s emotional or angry. No one was real happy, though. I can tell you that." public-relations team, stating that if the Lightning "win it all," they would Elsewhere, a big question loomed as TV cameras turned their focus to rebrand their 16-ounce cans as "Bud Lightning" in Tampa. the tunnel behind the Jackets’ bench. Would Tortorella consider a goalie It was a clever marketing idea but didn’t sit well with the Jackets. change just one period into the series?

"I remember seeing that," said Blue Jackets forward Cam Atkinson, Tortorella: "Absolutely not. I remember people asking and there wasn’t a who’d set a career high with 41 goals last season. "We all saw it. We thought in my mind, as far as pulling Bob. It was Game 1 of a seven- were just in awe of the stuff that was being said. It was crazy. But it was game series. We got some jitters and I think Bob also had some jitters. a great opportunity to shut them up … and sure enough, we did." It’s supposed to happen that way. There wasn’t a chance I was pulling Bob." If Atkinson felt déjà vu, there was a reason. It didn’t take long for that decision to pay off. Nine years earlier to the day, April 10, 2010, he’d won an NCAA national championship with Boston College after scoring two goals in the third Counter-punches period against Wisconsin in the title game. Atkinson’s team had several The Jackets started the second killing off David Savard’s interference players who had been drafted by NHL teams, but the high-powered penalty and nearly gave up a fourth goal right away. Ondrej Palat Badgers and their 10 NHL draftees were the favorite at that Frozen Four threaded a backhand pass between Seth Jones’ skates from the right in Detroit. corner and created a 2-on-0 in front of Bobrovsky.

"I remember there was a banquet, a dinner with all four teams, and The two Lightning players? Wisconsin was picking up the trophy as if they’d already won before the tournament had even started," Atkinson said. "So, we saw that … and Only Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov, who’d combined for 86 goals that’s probably the closest thing I could relate to (facing the Lightning)." between them last season. Stamkos slid a rolling puck over to Kucherov for a one-timer from close range, but Bobrovsky sprawled in a flash and A half second later, he added a tag line: "And we crushed ’em 5-0." stopped it with his left pad.

Two of those Badgers, coach Mike Eaves and star forward Blake Jones: "Before I could even turn around, I knew it was going to be a Geoffrion, are now on Atkinson’s side. Geoffrion is a pro scout for the scoring chance, because the puck was going in the direction where Jackets and Eaves coaches the . Stamkos usually sets up. And then, I kind of saw the 2-on-0 … obviously, "Every time I see him," Atkinson said of Eaves, chuckling, "I have to rub it that was a hell of a save from ‘Bob.’" in his face a little bit." It flipped everything around, for Bobrovsky and the Blue Jackets. This is the second of The Dispatch’s six-part oral history on the Blue Kucherov also rung a one-timer off the right post less than a minute later, Jackets’ first-round sweep last season, which sent shockwaves through but "Bob’s save" stood tallest. hockey and gave fans in Columbus their first victorious playoff series to Nick Foligno: "I just remember the save. It’s funny how everything blurs celebrate. together. I was on the ice, and at the time you’re just like, ‘Holy (bleep)!’ Today, with sports on pause for the COVID-19 pandemic, we take a look Then you’re like, ‘OK, just get this puck out of here.’ You don’t have time back at Game 1 on its one-year anniversary through the memories of to think about anything, but in that moment ... if they score there, it’s Blue Jackets players, management, coach and others. probably a whole different story. That was a big turning point for us."

What about Bob? Kekalainen: "It just settled him. He got confidence or whatever it was. It just changed him and he was great the rest of the series." In three matchups during the regular season, the Lightning obliterated the Blue Jackets. Zito: "I mean, we needed something. Sometimes it’s a hit, sometimes it’s a fight. That was a big thing." They won by scores of 8-2 and 4-0 at Amalie Arena, and then swept the season series with a 5-1 rout in Columbus. Each was a new nightmare It was also the beginning of a memorable comeback. for the Jackets, including the second meeting in Tampa. Goalie Sergei As Bobrovsky slipped back into regular-season form, the Jackets’ new "stay above the puck" approach bogged down the Lightning. The game changed with every shift, and Foligno landed another stiff jab nine Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 04.11.2020 minutes later. Josh Anderson broke up a pass in the Jackets’ zone, the puck caromed off the boards to the Columbus captain and his breakaway goal cut it to 3-1.

The building quieted instantly.

Atkinson: "You could feel the momentum change. I would love to see what some of the reporters were writing at the end of the first period. I can only imagine." (Writer’s note: It wasn’t great)

Foligno: "I was late coming back in the play and I don’t remember why, but that whole time I went down the ice I just said, ‘I’m going to rip this as hard as I can to the low blocker.’ That’s kind of my shot."

Zito: "That wave of confidence … you could touch it. You could just feel the tension, one way and the other. One team is down, 3-0, and now they’re coming back. You could feel the wave."

Knockout blows

The Jackets still trailed 3-1 in the third, but they were riding a wave.

Their 1-2-2 neutral-zone setup created turnovers and scoring chances until Savard finally made it 3-2 at 7:56 by scoring off a turnover. It was a gorgeous goal, scored after a slick outside-in move that turned star defenseman Victor Hedman inside-out. Hedman had a late-season injury, but it was still quite a feat for Savard, a defenseman with a linebacker’s build and lumberjack’s beard.

Savard: "He was in a tough spot to come at me. He was so deep in the zone and I’m coming with speed. I don’t know how I did that move, but it just happened and it was a big goal for our team."

Foligno: "It was such a great goal. My goal kind of got us going, but Savvy makes that outside-in move and picks the corner on him and now we’re all going nuts, because ... ‘Oh boy, here we come!’ "

Savard tilted his head back and let out a primal scream. The Jackets were officially "standing right in there," as Tortorella had commanded in his pregame speech.

The wave continued to surge 3:58 later, when Anderson tied it 3-3 on a shorthanded strike that was followed by Killorn taking a high-sticking penalty on the next shift. With time running out the ensuing power play, Jones took a great pass from Artemi Panarin and sent the puck into the net off crossbar, with a little help from Atkinson in front.

The Jackets led, 4-3, and surrounded Jones with hugs and high-fives. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, exasperated, glanced toward the rafters and rolled his eyes.

Atkinson: "I was in front of the net screening that. I was playing in front of the net for some reason and I was like, ‘What the hell is going on?’ "

Jones: "(Panarin) can make that play any day, with his eyes closed, and the seam was wide open. I just tried to put myself in a good position to receive it … and it was Cam who screened it. Great screen by Cam in front of the net."

Classic finish, too.

‘What just happened?’

After closing out the remaining 5:55 for a shocking 1-0 series lead, the Jackets no longer needed hope. They’d discovered a river of confidence and bathed in it.

Atkinson: "We knew the way we played in the second and third periods, if we played like that every single period, every single shift, there wasn’t a chance they could keep up with our style. We took their time and space away."

Nash: "That was probably one my favorite highlights of my hockey career. When we’re down 3-0, probably a lot of people were writing us off, but we banded together and did some pretty cool things."

Atkinson: "I remember after that Game 1, just being in the locker room and on the bus thinking, ‘What just happened?’ And then I called my mom and dad right before I got on the bus and they were like, ‘Hope you had fun, because that was way more fun watching on TV!’ I was like, ‘Holy (bleep), what did we just do here?’ We understood that it was only one game, but still … we took the wind out of their sails and brought them back down to reality a little bit."

Bud Lightning, it seemed, was off to a New Coke start. 1182583 Columbus Blue Jackets "We’re just trying to keep the engagement going any way we can," Logan said in a telephone interview. "We’re here for the good times and the bad times."

Michael Arace | Blue Jackets sweep replay, online chats offer links to Over the past two decades, Logan’s outfit has lured and helped stage normalcy more than 550 NCAA, Olympic, professional and amateur competitions, large and small. It has generated hundreds of millions of dollars for the city. These days, she is thinking about the people who work concessions, Michael Arace The Columbus Dispatch Apr 10, 2020 at 5:31 AM sell tickets, provide security, maintain venues, and the folks who work in hotels and restaurants and parking lots.

A taste of normalcy is not normalcy, but it will have to suffice until there is It has been a month since Dr. Amy Acton, the Ohio Department of Health restoration. Have a nacho. director, signed an order that bans mass gatherings. It has been nearly three weeks since Gov. Mike DeWine ordered nonessential businesses Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 04.11.2020 to close and asked Ohioans to stay home. These days can be measured in dog years for all of us who pine for normalcy.

Another Ohioan, Warren G. Harding of Marion, once said, "America’s present need is not heroics but healing; not nostrums but normalcy; not revolution but restoration."

Harding is oft considered one of the worst presidents in American history. His VP and successor, Calvin Coolidge, liked napping and taking vacations. And his successor, Herbert Hoover ... Ah, we better stop here before James Buchanan drops in on us.

Judson Welliver, who wrote Harding’s speeches, looks pretty smart right now. Amid this coronavirus pandemic, we’re all grasping for a lifeline to normalcy. If you are a sports fan stuck between four walls anywhere in central Ohio, lifelines are available, largely online.

Recommend: FoxSports Ohio’s replay of the Blue Jackets-Tampa Bay Lightning first-round playoff series from last year. Upcoming are Game 3 on Friday and Game 4 on Saturday. Our Jackets beat reporter, Brian Hedger, is issuing a comprehensive oral history of the series in these pages. Good stuff. Check it out.

Recommend: Linda Logan, executive director of the Columbus Sports Commission, has Zoomed the first of what will be a series of Virtual Sports Reports.

The usual Columbus Sports Reports breakfast get-togethers featuring guests of note have been on hiatus since mass gatherings were banned. Thursday, Logan and her team, working from home, did a live, online version at columbussports.com The video is posted there. Good stuff. Check it out.

Thursday was supposed to be opening day for the Columbus Clippers, who were to host the Louisville Bats at Huntington Park. It was natural, then, for Logan to have Ken Schnacke, longtime president and GM of the Clippers, as a Virtual guest. Our Adam Jardy "covered" the video conference and has a piece on the most interesting wrinkle of it: Schnacke’s take on how the restart of major- and minor-league baseball might look. Check it out.

Did we mention that Thursday was supposed to be Opening Day? Is there a sweeter coupling of words than "Opening Day?" Absent the smell of a freshly mowed outfield, the sound of the crack of a bat, the taste of a tubesteak (let us not argue about the condiments) and the sight of a runner turning for home, what we had, instead, was Virtual Schnacke. It suffices as we shelter in place. I even found it nourishing.

Schnacke whetted the appetite right off the hop by noting the improvements made at Huntington: The video scoreboard has been heightened by a dozen feet ("It looks like a huge IMAX screen," Schnacke said); new LED lighting has been added, it needs no warm-up time and it can be used to color-accent home-run celebrations, fireworks shows and other such family-fair foofaraw; and extended netting has been installed down the lines, all the way to the foul poles, Schnacke said, "without putting up any cumbersome posts. ... It really looks good. Brand-new netting. You hardly even know it’s there."

Logan cut from Schnacke to Kayla Tukes, executive chef at Huntington Park. Tukes shows us how to make Clipper Ship Nachos and caramel corn. If you have napkins and paper towels, go for it. Opening Day!

Next week, the Thursday guest will be Crew president/GM Tim Bezbatchenko and the team’s chief business officer, Steve Lyons. One of the Crew trainers will Zoom in for tips on how to stay fit without use of a gym. I will be watching this raptly as I have been trying to stay fit without use of a gym for 30 years and there is something awry with my methodology. 1182584 Dallas Stars Sean Ok, I want to change my usage for game 2….

Dom: Do you want to have Saad put a recap out first?

Benn Bowl, Sean vs. Saad: Which Stars team wins a 7-game series? Sean: Yeah, do that.

Saad: Aha! The underdog comes out on top to start things off. Not going to lie, I was nervous there in the first period when scored in By Sean Shapiro, Saad Yousuf and Dom Luszczyszyn Apr 10, 2020 the opening minute but shoutout to Ben Bishop for showing mental toughness the rest of the way. A two-goal outing by to lead the squad to a 3-2 win is delightful! Earlier this week we held a draft to pick the two best teams we could construct using the best Stars season during the salary-cap era. Dom: This man called himself the underdog at 49.9 percent :joy:

It was an interesting adventure as Sean went in with a clear plan, while Sean: Coaching tactic, I guess. Saad took his backup goalie with the second overall pick. Based on the Anywho, some lineup changes for Team Sean. Taylor Fedun comes in first five or six rounds, fans of Team Saad were calling for a new GM — for Trevor Daley on the third pair, while we’ll have our defense go 25-23- Esa Lindell at No. 6 overall??? — but Saad was able to salvage a 14 in terms of minutes by pair after Benn scored both goals against the respectable team in the end with some shrewd picks late in the draft. Daley-Johns pairing. We are bumping up the minutes for the first line to We’ve got teams. Now it’s time to actually rate them and figure out who 22 per game, and the second line to 19. Jason Arnott bumps Mike wins the Benn Bowl, which is being played in the Cotton Bowl since that’s Modano down to the third line, which now plays 12 minutes, and the the site of the Stars’ most iconic home win of the salary cap era. fourth line is at 9.

This is where Dom Luszczyszyn enters the fray. His model will help us Dom: Going all-in after a single loss eh? haha deliberate results to see who wins the series. Using Dom’s model, we’ll Sean: It’s Dallas Stars hockey. You only make changes when you lose a project how these teams would have done in the regular season, with the game. better team awarded last change in Games 1, 2, 5, and 7. Dom: Saad, any changes on your end? Here is how the teams stack up: Saad: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We’re riding with the same lineup but How did Dom come up with those numbers? Let him explain. bumping the top line up to 22 minutes and second line to 20.

Basically, I used the Game Score Value Added (GSVA) for each player’s Dom: Power vs. power. I like it. respective season. For example, Tyler Seguin was worth 4.5 wins during the 2013-14 season and Ben Bishop was worth 5.1 during the 2018-19 Game 2 Odds: Sean: 55.3 percent season. GSVA is just Game Score (a combination of box score metrics) translated to a win value above replacement level. For players selected Computer does its thing… before 2007-08 (before the NHL started collecting real-time stats), we Saad takes Game 2! used their point production from the given year and merged it with their play-driving metrics from 2007-08. It’s not ideal, but it’s what we had to Saad: That game went about as we expected, given the intensity of the do as a workaround. first game. What a dull start, though — until Jamie Benn and Alexander Radulov took off the gloves in the first period after Radulov drove Benn Each game was “played” in the same way the current season is being into the boards and berated him in Russian. Jamie was not having it. simulated in this post: just once, using the win probability for each game That led directly to the John Klingberg power-play goal and then Denis based on the strength of each team. In order to squeeze every player Gurianov scored on a breakaway to put Team Saad up 2-0 going into the into a realistic lineup, we used their per-minute win rate and applied it to first intermission. That was the eventual final score. That’s right: Ben an ice time estimate based on each player’s slot in the lineup for that Bishop posted his seventh career postseason shutout. particular game. Postgame quote: “I guess Rads didn’t like the fact I don’t want to be Saad’s team projected out to a rather respectable 44.6 wins, while Sean stuck with him in quarantine,” Jamie Benn said. “I don’t even know what checked in at 48.7 wins. Meaning Sean gets last change in this neutral- the hell he said to me but, hey, it’s hockey. Good to get the win.” site series. Sean: That’s rather long for a Jamie Benn quote. Are you sure that was Fans on Twitter looked at the rosters and deemed Sean a heavy favorite. from him?

OK, SO WHO IS WINNING THE 7-GAME SERIES? Saad: I don’t think the adrenaline from the fight ever wore off. He didn’t HTTPS://T.CO/OVNFHD0N6G appreciate the follow-up, though, about how he felt about being up 2-0. — SEAN SHAPIRO (@SEANSHAPIRO) APRIL 9, 2020 Gave the reporter a death stare and said, “Miserable. What do you think?” Before we get into the series, here are the rules to remember: Sean: Meanwhile, there is a debate brewing over on Sean’s side of the 1. Dom’s model doesn’t project the score of the games, just the results. building. We need a captain to give generic cliches to a scrum, and Saad To manufacture some drama into the simulation, we’ve all agreed that happened to draft the last two captains, including the man who took the the winner of each game gets to dictate the narrative of how that captaincy from Modano. The team has been giving out too many “As,” particular contest unfolded. and the fans are clamoring for something. There won’t be a lineup change, but Tyler Seguin is now named the captain after he scored in 2. The first game of the series has to be played by the original lineup, as Game 1 and hit three posts in Game 2 as his team was shut out. set following the draft. After that, both teams can make changes to their lineup and usage throughout the series. If injuries arise as part of the Saad: Oh boy, so we’re winning on the scoreboard and in y’all’s heads! I created narrative, a player’s availability will be determined using Dom’s like it. Meanwhile, we’re still riding with the lineup that’s been working, random number generator — unless, of course, that injury is before but in addition to minutes for the forwards staying the same as Game 2, Game 7, in which case… c’mon, the guy is going to play. it’s time to bump up the top defensive pairing just a notch and go 25-20- 17. Something tells me Esa can handle the added workload. Let’s see how the Benn Bowl unfolds! Sean: When it’s reported Esa Lindell will be getting more minutes, Twitter Dom: Series Odds: Sean 51.8 percent user @Stars4Lyfe99999 quote tweets: “Where are all those Lindell Game 1 Odds: Sean, 50.1 percent haters now?”

This is literally going to be a fancy coin-flipping contest. Dom: Game 3 Odds: Sean 54.9 percent

Computer starts whirring.. Computer spits out smoke…

Game 1 goes to Saad Finally. Sean’s team wins, but the random number generated was very close to being on the wrong side Sean: Thank the random-number-generator hockey gods. Modano and Ribiero both scored on the power play, while Sergei Zubov scored twice from with the man advantage. The final score was 4-0. Despite being in an 0-2 hole, the Seguin line has been the best line on either team and that continued in Game 3, when they dominated the There will be no suspension for Roussel, who was fined $5,000. Spezza line head-to-head. Radulov scored twice, both times turning to Saad’s bench with what is loosely translated to “suck it” from Russian Roope Hintz is also feeling better. He confidently boasted in the press according to screen grabs on whatever network we’ve sold the rights to. box while watching Game 5. “If Denis can be fine, I can be fine.” Radulov avoids the media after the game, apparently getting treatment, Saad: And the first question at the press conference is about whether or so we are still waiting for a media response to Benn’s comments from not a goaltending change is in order. It’s a tough decision, but Bishop still after Game 2. In total it, was a 37-16 edge in shots, with the better team provides the best chance to win, so we’ll be staying with him. Despite the winning 3-0 this time. loss, Jamie Benn finally showed up again and looked good, especially on Saad: That was a tough one to swallow. Despite the score being 3-0, the his goal-scoring, second-period shift. He’ll need to carry that momentum defense really didn’t give Bishop much of a chance, and it’s hard to into a win-or-go-home Game 6. compete when the offense is just nonexistent. There were a couple of “We need to put this one behind us and focus on the task ahead,” Bishop good chances coming out of the second period, but aside from that, a said. “We know what’s on the line. It’s our entire season.” pretty lousy effort. Meanwhile in the locker room, players are still cool and confident. Robidas moves up to take Esa’s spot to form the top pairing with Klingberg. Everything else stays the same. “Look, did we expect to come in here and sweep them? No,” Pavelski said. “We’d sure like to, but it’s a long series.” Game 6 Odds: Sean 54.5 percent

Sean: The Stars Twitter hoard fires up the takes about relying too much Computer starts to go as Sean starts to write a victorious narrative in his on goaltending… heads….

Saad: As if that’s ever happened on a Bishop/Khudobin-led team. It is Saad wins. Unsurprisingly, the fancy coin-flipping contest goes to Game time to shake things up a bit, though. Pavelski and Eakin swap spots. 7. The minutes for the forwards are now 22-20-11-9 and defensive minutes Sean: Of course it does. remain the same. Saad: About damn time. Team Saad came out with all possible fury and Dom: I think your chances of winning Game 4 will drop as a result :joy: unleashed from the get-go. A turnover by Miro in the first period led to a Sean, any changes for you? 3-on-2 rush, and Morrow finished it off easily. Roussel kept up the physicality from the previous game but was able to channel it into a Sean: None here. positive outcome for the team. His fight with Jagr in the third period Game 4 Odds: Sean 55.6 percent ignited a critical power play in which Saad’s Stars scored twice; once on a one-timer from Klingberg and the other a rebound from Pavelski that Computer hums the tune to Pantera’s Puck Off found its way through. With the game 3-2 with 90 seconds left, Jamie Benn scored the empty-net goal to live another day. Series tied after another random-number nail-biter. Sean: Wait, Jagr in a fight? Sean: Dramatic! Like, seriously? The fact Saad has been playing Jussi Jokinen, a winger, at center finally came back to bite him in Game 4 — and his decision to put Cody Eakin The man never had a fighting major in his NHL career. between Zuccarello and Gurianov didn’t pan out nearly as well he’d hoped. There was a chance late in the first period with a loose puck in Saad: Strange things happen in a fantasy playoff series, and the stakes the slot when Eakin tried to pass instead of shooting into an open net ignite his first career fight. Roussel pushes all of the right buttons to get after Kari Lehtonen had slipped. If Pavelski had been there, maybe it’s a him to jump offsides and throw down. 1-0 Saad. Sean: It’s the type of moment that really puts this thing on the map. All of It didn’t matter either way in a game that Sean’s team won 4-1. Everyone a sudden, people across the country are paying attention after highlights forget that Jagr was even playing in this series until he scored to make and GIFs pop up on Twitter of the bout. Many yell at Roussel for elder the score 3-1 in the third period. There was a big collision in the second abuse; others call Jagr even more of a legend since he actually won the period between Roope Hintz and Denis Gurianov; both are questionable fight. for Game 5. Local radio stations, which had been paying attention but only slightly, go Dom: Reports came back negative for Gurianov, who’s good to go for so far to actually talk about the Stars for more than one segment before Game 5, but it looks like Hintz will miss at least one game, nursing what turning back to Cowboys draft needs. The build-up for Game 7 is electric. team doctors are calling a “general body injury.” Saad: Things also escalated after the game as “The Traveling Jagrs” Sean: That’s unfortunate, but Jagr — fresh off his goal and a made their way to the lower bowl and tried to jump the wall to get to remembrance that he’s playing — gets bumped up to the third line. Adam Roussel. Fortunately, Anton Khudobin showed up just in the nick of time Cracknell enters on the fourth line. Valeri Nichushkin watches wistfully and shielded Jagr with his right leg pad. The team was in high spirits from the other side of the locker room as Cracknell gets told he’s coming after the game, though. Everything will stay the same — no changes. in. Game 7 with 2018-19 Bishop in goal. What could go wrong?

Saad: We really need more from Zuccarello. but he’s been struggling to Sean: Meanwhile, I’m rolling the same lineup into Game 7 with Kari skate because of the ankle injury he suffered around the All-Star break. I Lehtonen leading the charge. All of a sudden a pit starts to develop in the thought the change at center could spark something, but it didn’t work. stomachs of fans for some reason. Nonetheless, it’s a brand new series now with a best-of-three. Having Dom: Alright, here we go. For all the marbles Gurianov back for Game 5 is huge, and we’re just going to go back to what was working in the best win of the series. Lineup and minutes for Game 7 Odds: Sean 54.5 percent forwards and defensemen are all restored back to what they were in Computer starts to make strange sounds then bursts into flames… Game 2. Boom. Comeback complete. Saad wins. Game 5 Odds: Sean 53.5 percent Sean: Should have switched to Turco in Game 7… Computer ignores an angry glare from Saad. Dom: I’m amazed Saad won with his third-line wingers being better than Sean wins. That’s three straight for the favorite. his second line wingers. Can’t question the coaching staff, I guess. Sean: Big, big win. And Brad Richards put on a show with four primary Sean: Somewhere, maybe even sneakily hiding behind the bench, Ken assists, all on the power play after Antoine Roussel racked up 12 minutes Hitchcock smiles after hearing the news. of penalties, including a major for trying to knee Steve Ott (he missed). Saad: Picking goalies with two of the top four picks in the draft pays off! Team Saad manages to win despite mediocre coaching because the general manager came through (though, incredibly, the top draft pick didn’t play a single minute). What a classic, though. Two Denis Gurianov goals in the second period gave Team Saad a big advantage, but a storm was coming in the second. Seguin and Modano both get a goal each to knot things up at 2-2. Both teams get a goal in the third period, but neither can get the deciding goal to end it, so off we go to overtime.

Ben Bishop turns into a human wall and turns down shot after shot, despite them being high-danger chances. The first overtime goes by without a score. Just a little over four minutes into the second overtime, though, Jamie Benn makes his way around the back of the net and beautifully finishes his wraparound shot. The (Saad) Stars raise the Benn Bowl Trophy!

Sean: A short-side goal against a Stars goalie in a big moment? Never seen that before…

Behold: Here is a condensed version of the Stars/Stars 20/20 posted soon after the game ended.

1. We all should have known the team with two Benns would win the Benn Bowl. It makes almost too much sense, as if someone is crafting this storyline. But that’s just sports, I guess.

2. The better team in this series lost. Ben Bishop was just that good.

Saad: No. 3: Ben Bishop wins tournament MVP

No. 4: Jamie Benn postgame at the podium: “We got on our horses after Game 5 and never looked back,” Benn said.

Jim Lites was seen turning red in the face not too long after.

Sean: You won with the lesser team, and you’re hijacking my job on the same day? Rough.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182585 Detroit Red Wings

Former Red Wings player, Windsor Compuware Spitfires coach Tom Webster dies, 71

Associated Press Published 7:19 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 | Updated 10:43 p.m. ET April 10, 2020

Tom Webster, the former NHL and WHA forward who went on to coach the New York Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, died Friday. He was 71.

The announced Webster’s death. Webster scored 53 goals and helped the franchise — then the New England Whalers — win the World Hockey Association’s first title in 1972-73. He also was an assistant coach in Carolina, and son-in-law L.J. Scarpace was the team’s video coach..

Tom Webster had 30 goals for the Red Wings in 1970-71.

“Tommy was down here a lot, over the past couple of years, just visiting,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “He talked to our group a lot, just telling old stories. He was a great man, that’s the best way to describe him.”

From Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Webster had 33 goals and 42 assists in 102 career NHL games with Boston, Detroit and California. He had 30 goals and 37 assists in 78 games for Detroit in 1970-71, then played only 12 games for the Red Wings and Golden Seals the following season.

Webster then jumped to the WHA, where he had 220 goals and 205 assists in 352 WHA games in six seasons with the Whalers. He was inducted into the World Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

Webster was hired in 1986 to coach the Rangers, but developed an inner-ear infection that left him unable to fly. He resigned in April 1987.

He took over the Kings in 1989 and led them to their first division title – topping the Smythe in 1991. He was 115-94-31 in three seasons with the team.

“It is very sad news for our organization,” Kings President said. “Coach Webster was a great man and my head coach for three seasons. He was also a tremendous part of a lot of the success our team enjoyed when Wayne Gretzky was playing in Los Angeles in particular.”

Webster also was known for his temper. In November 1991, he was suspended 12 games and fined $10,000 for throwing his stick and hitting in the foot, drawing the largest suspension ever for an NHL coach.

Before he coached in the NHL, Webster paid his dues behind the bench in junior and the minors.

Webster coached from 1979-81, winning the AHL as a co-coach.

He later served as head coach of the Ontario Hockey League Windsor Compuware Spitfires during two terms from 1985-1989, winning the J. Ross Robertson Cup as OHL champions in 1988 before losing 7-6 to Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat in that year's Memorial Cup final.

Webster also coached the OHL Detroit Junior Red Wings, who played at Joe Louis Arena in 1992-93.

Webster later worked an amateur scout for the Calgary Flames.

“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen and I am honored to have known him,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said. “More importantly, Webby was even a better man.”

Detroit News LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182586 Detroit Red Wings DeKeyser began gradually working out and in early December was working out on his own with the intention of returning to the lineup later in the month.

'I just want to play again': Red Wings' Danny DeKeyser on the way back But during a pre-practice skate in mid-December, DeKeyser’s season after lost season essentially ended.

“I was skating and doing routine drills, I went back to get a puck and I Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News Published 3:44 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 twisted one way and another, made a hockey move and made a pass, and all of a sudden, oh man,” DeKeyser said.

DeKeyser said the pain felt like an intense shock in his lower back. Detroit – A less than ideal season continued for Red Wings defenseman Danny DeKeyser into this coronavirus pandemic. “And it went right down my legs and into my foot,” DeKeyser said. “Right then I said, ‘This is not good.’ I got off the ice immediately and went to DeKeyser and his wife Melissa welcomed their second daughter, Claire, see the doctors. They had me push my foot into a (doctor’s) hand and I into the world Monday night – and that part of it was completely literally couldn’t push. wonderful. “Four days later (Dec. 17) I ended up having surgery.” Danny DeKeyser DeKeyser had been in the midst of rehabilitating when the virus But the birth happening amid the virus concerns at hospitals made it a bit pandemic hit. unnerving. Trips to Little Caesars Arena to work with the Wings' training staff ended, “This week was the peak at hospitals (virus patients), so that was not the but DeKeyser has a good enough gym at home, where he’s been able to ideal for sure,” DeKeyser said Friday. “But everybody did such a good job continue working out. at the hospital (Grosse Pointe Beaumont). Once we got there, I actually felt more comfortable being there than when I was thinking about how it DeKeyser thinks he’s about 90 percent to where he needs to be and is was going to be. eager to get back on the ice.

“It was a little chaotic but they did everything to minimize the spread of “Though I don’t know when that’ll be,” DeKeyser said. “Maybe over the things and were as careful as they could be.” next six weeks or so things will slowly start to open up.

Claire has provided utter joy after a winter marred by back pain, and “I just want to start skating again and get back out there and play again.” eventually surgery, for DeKeyser. Any sort of back surgery is always a concern for a pro athlete. But And very little hockey. DeKeyser said he received complete assurances from doctors his hockey ability won’t be compromised going forward. In fact, DeKeyser was limited to eight games this suspended season because of a herniated disc, contributing to as frustrating a hockey DeKeyser turned 30 on March 7, suddenly evolving into an elder season as the veteran defenseman has ever gone through. statesman on a roster that is getting progressively younger.

“The start of 2020 has been crazy, but hockey-wise, it’s been a “My first two or three years I was the youngest guy, by far,” DeKeyser frustrating year,” DeKeyser said. “I came into training camp feeling good said. “Guys like (Todd) Bertuzzi and (Mikael) Samuelsson were on the and I had a good start to the season, and we won three of our first four team, guys in the mid-30s, and I was just 22 or 23. But it changes fast games. and now I don’t know what the roster will look like, but I’ll be one of the older guys.” “I was feeling good about things.” Watching his teammates go through such a difficult season – the Wings But there was one nagging thing in the back of DeKeyser’s mind. will have the NHL's worst record, regardless of whether season resumes or not – made it that much tougher for DeKeyser. Not being around “I started to get a little bit of back pain in training camp, lower-back pain,” teammates was difficult, as well. said DeKeyser, and that would prove to be a much larger issue. "As a hockey player you never want to miss time," DeKeyser said. "The Still, DeKeyser never missed a practice during training camp and played last few years I've had some bad luck with injuries and it was tough all his scheduled exhibition games. sitting and watching. Not being with the team and helping out, it was But it was during the Oct. 10 game in Montreal – the Wings’ third victory tough, because I feel I can help the team when I'm healthy." in four games to begin the season – that DeKeyser felt something more. Missing nearly the entire season made DeKeyser feel disconnected from “I was lining up for a faceoff and being in that hockey position, slightly the rest of the roster. hunched over at the faceoff, and wondering, ‘What is going on, why am I "Not being on the road and doing all the stuff that brings you closer so tight?,’” DeKeyser said. together, that was the hardest part," DeKeyser said. "Anytime you're hurt, Danny DeKeyser: “I just want to start skating again and get back out you’re just on a different schedule all the time, so you feel a little different there and play again.” for sure."

A few days later the Wings traveled to and things began Despite all the defeats, DeKeyser believes the Wings did salvage to go downhill. positives that will benefit them in the future.

“Obviously it’s a long flight, and with the lower-back pain, it wasn’t great,” DeKeyser will be ready for the start of training camp in September – if it DeKeyser said. “I missed the Vancouver game because that morning I starts on time – and thinks better days are ahead for the organization. got on the ice and my back was just seizing up on me. "A lot of young guys got a chance to play this year and get a sniff of what “I had terrible back pain. I couldn’t move.” NHL hockey is really like," DeKeyser said. "It was one of those years where it was growing pains, and it's tough when you're losing a lot, and DeKeyser returned to practice and would play the next two games in team morale is low. You can kind of sense it at times through the year, Calgary and Edmonton, “and actually felt real good,” he said. when we were on a losing streak, there wasn't a ton of energy around the rink, guys got a little down. But it's hard when you go out there and play But after being in the lineup Oct. 22 at Little Caesars Arena against hard and lose, and mentally it can be a grind. Vancouver, DeKeyser played less than 19 minutes and realized something was wrong. He did not finish the game. "But when you go through a year like this it makes those winning years that much better." “I started to feel it and kind of felt it the whole game,” DeKeyser said. Detroit News LOADED: 04.11.2020 Medical tests revealed a disc protruding and pushing into the nerves, causing back spasms. DeKeyser received three injections, two weeks apart, and the inflammation improved. 1182587 Detroit Red Wings

Who will Red Wings protect, lose in 2021 expansion draft?

By Ansar Khan

Whether the NHL will return this season, even for only the playoffs, won’t be determined for several weeks, perhaps longer.

Whatever happens, there is no indication it will disrupt the expansion draft in June 2021 for the new Seattle franchise scheduled to debut in 2021-22.

The same rules used for the 2017 Vegas expansion draft will apply.

Teams will be allowed to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one (or eight skaters regardless of position and one goalie). Players with a no-movement clause must be protected. Players scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1, 2021 are exempt. Players who will have two or fewer years of pro experience (NHL and AHL only) will be exempt.

Clubs must expose at least two forwards and one defenseman that play at least 40 games in 2020-21 or more than 70 games in 2019-20 and 2020-21 combined and still be contracted for 2021-22. The exposed goalie must be under contract for 2021-22 or scheduled to be a restricted free agent in 2021.

Seattle must select one player from each club except Vegas, which is exempt. Teams will lose only one player.

How will the Detroit Red Wings be affected by the expansion draft? That is this week’s question from a reader.

Q: If the expansion draft were held today who would the Wings protect? – C Josepfs

A: Rosters, of course, will change between now and June 2021, when teams will submit their protection lists, but it doesn’t appear the Red Wings will be greatly affected in the expansion draft, much like 2017, when they lost checking-line forward Tomas Nosek.

At forward, the Red Wings are certain to protect Dylan Larkin, Anthony Mantha, Tyler Bertuzzi, Filip Zadina and Robby Fabbri. The other two slots could be used for Evgeny Svechnikov and Givani Smith. If they re- sign Luke Glendening, he could be protected or exposed. Or they might acquire someone in a trade or through free agency they would opt to protect.

The only other forwards under contract for 2021-22 are Justin Abdelkader and Frans Nielsen, who surely won’t be protected and are also buyout candidates in 2021. If Christoffer Ehn, Adam Erne and/or Dmytro Timashov are signed through 2021-22, they are likely to be exposed.

Center prospect Joe Veleno is exempt.

On defense, they would protect Filip Hronek, Dennis Cholowski and either Danny DeKeyser or someone acquired through trade or free agency. Moritz Seider and Gustav Lindstrom are exempt.

The Red Wings might need to acquire a defenseman or re-sign one through 2021-22 (like Patrik Nemeth, Alex Biega or Madison Bowey) to fulfill the requirement of exposing an NHL-experienced D-man.

The goalie they protect will be someone who’s currently not signed through 2021-22. It might be Jonathan Bernier if he plays well next season and is re-signed.

Prospect Filip Larsson is exempt since next season is only his second as a pro. As of now, Kaden Fulcher is the only other goalie in the organization under contract through 2021-22, so he can be exposed.

Based on the Red Wings’ current roster, who would Seattle select? Possibilities include DeKeyser if he’s available, since they could trade him, or Ehn.

Michigan Live LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182588 Detroit Red Wings As the Red Wings improve and their top prospects begin to arrive over the next couple seasons, Fabbri’s minutes may shrink a bit from the 17 he averaged this year. And his contract negotiation this summer, as a The Red Wings who surpassed and undershot expectations this season pending restricted free agent, will be an interesting one in part for that reason. But from the moment he was acquired from St. Louis, he re- established himself as at least a top-nine player for a good NHL team, and a clear top-six winger on this one. By Max Bultman Apr 10, 2020 Filip Hronek: His statistical profile wasn’t quite as flattering by season’s

end as it was at midseason, when he had a real case to be the Red In some ways, this Red Wings season was about as cut and dry as it Wings’ All-Star representative. But that shouldn’t get in the way of what gets. Detroit lost 54 of its 71 games, in arguably the worst season of the was ultimately a strong first full NHL season from the 22 year old. He salary cap era. (For now, with the season suspended, we still have to say played an average 23:54 a night and finished fifth on the team in scoring arguably.) at nearly half a point per game.

That part is clear. On the other hand, such an obvious verdict on the Now, ice time alone doesn’t tell you much about a player, and there are team results can make it tough to evaluate individual performances. always mitigating factors to it. Hronek is no exception there, as his high That’s true at both ends of the quality spectrum. Even the most workload came with Danny DeKeyser missing nearly the whole season, successful Red Wings lacked eye-popping stats this season, but on a and on a team that frankly didn’t have many great options down the team that didn’t score much, that’s to be expected. And for those who lineup. But high volumes of minutes can tell you that a player has earned deeply struggled, there wasn’t much help. his coach’s trust, and a young player leading his team in ice time by nearly two minutes is impressive any way you slice it. Beyond that, many of the Red Wings simply met their reasonable expectations, for better or worse. Their best players mostly had good, if Hronek played in every situation this season, whether it was ripping one- not exceptional, seasons. Their average players were pretty average. timers on the power play, protecting the team’s rare late leads or killing And those expected to be overmatched or over the hill mostly continued penalties. And for a player who’s not elite in any one area, that versatility to be that, too. and reliability are what allow him to project comfortably into the team’s top-four for years to come, and safely back on the top pair next season. There were, though, a handful of players who either surpassed or fell That was a breakthrough the team sorely needed. short of expectations. And so with our bodies now biologically wired to expect some season reflection at this time of year, that felt like a good Darren Helm: I’m prepared for some heat on this selection, considering place to start, even with the season still technically hanging in the Helm’s 16 points in 68 games still don’t make for good value considering balance. his $3.85 million salary. Nonetheless, this was a bounce-back year for him, considering he was teetering on the fringes of viability at the Surpassed expectations season’s start. Oddly enough, he scored a touch less than a year ago, but his underlying and possession numbers took real steps forward, Jonathan Bernier: Let’s start with the player who made a case as the especially in on-ice expected goals share at 5-on-5. After finishing two of most valuable Red Wing. Looking at Detroit’s record this year, it’s flat-out the last three seasons in the 44-percent range (and all three below 46), shocking that the starting goalie lost only seven more games than he he posted a 48.27 marker this season. Not world-beating by any means, won (plus a few losses in overtime). On a team that went 17-49-5, but respectable, especially on a team as bad overall as these Red Bernier managed to win 15 of those games, and he stole many of those Wings. contests. In the end, his .907 save percentage was far better than could be guessed on a team that allowed nearly four goals per night. Helm has only one year remaining on his deal, so ultimately the stakes were fairly low for both him and Detroit, and the cap hit colors all of this. And yet, that’s actually the diet version of the argument for Bernier, who But Helm made an impact on several occasions this season and ended since Dec. 1 saved nearly 5 goals above expected (GSAx), according to up as Detroit’s seventh most valuable skater by Goals Above Evolving- Hockey. That’s close to the top 10 in the league in that time Replacement. That’s worth acknowledging. frame, in line with Tuukka Rask and Elvis Merzlikins. Had he posted numbers like that over a full season, on a team even close to making the Undershot expectations playoffs, he might well be in awards discussions. Frans Nielsen: There had been signs that Nielsen’s game was on the October and November still matter, though, and so between that and a decline prior to this season. After seven straight seasons earning Selke miserable team season, that kind of leaguewide praise won’t be coming votes with the Islanders, he had fallen out of that conversation even Bernier’s way. But the way he finished 2020 should at least be a before the last couple years, and his production (likely not coincidentally) springboard into next season for him, when he’s earned the right to enter had taken a dip as well. He finished with 35 or fewer points in both the as the starter. 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons after previously finishing every full season since 2010 with more than 40. You could see the downslope. Whether he’ll get more help in front of him, of course, remains to be seen. But until this year, his net impact had still managed to stay a positive. That’s the difference in why Nielsen makes this list and, say, Justin Robby Fabbri: The Red Wings traded for Fabbri in early November — a Abdelkader doesn’t — his similar struggles weren’t too out of line with reclamation project from St. Louis who had clear upside but not much expectations. Nielsen, however, had given some reason to believe he remaining floor after some early-career injury troubles. Fabbri introduced could remain steady, even if past his prime. himself on Nov. 8 with a two-goal game (including the eventual winner) in a 4-2 victory over Boston. In a year that didn’t give Red Wings fans much That changed rather starkly, no matter which measure you want to use. to cheer about, that game stands out as a bright spot for Detroit. His scoring fell off a cliff, finishing with just nine points in 60 games. His xG% at 5-on-5 was the worst of his career, at 40.9. And his Goals Above In fact, Fabbri scored more goals that night than Jacob De La Rose, the Replacement cratered down to negative-7.5 after being solidly in the player he was traded for, scored all season for the Blues (one). Granted, positive his other seasons in Detroit (even last season, he finished at a De La Rose’s profile has never been that of a scorer, and Fabbri can’t perfectly respectable 4.3). match his defensive contributions. But as the year wore on and Fabbri stayed productive, the November trade quickly separated itself as Steve In one year’s time, Nielsen went from a still solid player simply being Yzerman’s best move thus far as general manager. asked to play too high in the lineup (and taking up an outsized amount of the salary cap) to one Detroit now has to hope can consistently turn in And most of that credit goes to Fabbri. His 31 points in 52 games were respectable fourth-line performances with two years left on his contract. certainly aided by the newfound opportunity (he played more than seven The $5.25 million he’s earning shouldn’t hurt Detroit because its not in additional minutes per night after the trade) but Fabbri did more than just any kind of cap trouble, but the two more years of term are a bit daunting, ride the opportunity to his best statistical season since 2016. He worked and will become even more so if Nielsen can’t at least rebound to some for his goals, and showed tenacity even after a scary run-in with New degree next season. Jersey’s Jack Hughes, which could have caused him to go into a shell considering his injury history. Jimmy Howard: Where to begin with Howard, who just never got going this season, one year after going to the NHL All-Star game. By now you’ve probably done the math from the Bernier section and realized Howard won just two games this season. Both of them came in October. His save percentage finished at .882, and his goals-against average was a staggering 4.20. At age 35 it was, simply, the worst season of his career. Now the question is: Was it his last in Detroit?

It would certainly be a tough way to end for one of the longest-tenured goalies in franchise history. Howard has played more games as a Red Wing (543) than any goalie but Terry Sawchuk and Chris Osgood. But after a season like this, with Howard’s contract expiring, it’s hard to imagine it making sense for the Red Wings to re-sign him.

Brendan Perlini: Why it never clicked in Detroit for Perlini, who the Red Wings acquired for prospect Alec Regula in late October, is a hard situation to parse.

He played in 39 games, but was also routinely a healthy scratch. Even when he was in, he averaged only about 10 minutes a night. It’s tough to establish a rhythm that way, particularly for a player like Perlini, who has the skating and shot to be an offensive threat, but who often was put on lines more suited to dumping the puck deep then slowing down and making a play.

But that doesn’t absolve Perlini, either. He could have done more to help his cause when he first arrived in Detroit, to earn a role higher in the lineup. He didn’t. And after about a month or so went by and he hadn’t made an impact, there weren’t many prime chances left to correct that.

The old-school take on a situation like that is the player has to find a way. I wouldn’t fault anyone for feeling that way, nor could I fault someone who thinks he could have performed in better opportunities. But either way, the result is the same: The Red Wings couldn’t realistically justify putting Perlini higher in the lineup based on what he had shown, and Perlini didn’t succeed in the down-lineup role he was playing.

It seems entirely possible that somewhere else, with the right linemates, he could still have the 15-goal potential he flashed early in his career. The talent is still there, and he’s a good guy, too. But in Detroit, this is looking like a trade that didn’t work out for the player or the club.

Dennis Cholowski: For most of the players in this category, there’s an air (or at least risk) of finality to these underwhelming seasons. That’s not the case with Cholowski, whose tough season at age 21 came with plenty of time to develop.

Still, it wasn’t the showing expected of Cholowski when he made the Red Wings out of camp for the second straight year. This time, the idea was he’d stick around for the full season. But familiar issues in the defensive zone arose, and Cholowski wound up back in Grand Rapids for much of the second half of the season.

I do know the Red Wings felt they were starting to see defensive progress from Cholowski. And oftentimes, focusing on that end of the ice can limit a player’s offensive impact, which will ultimately be how Cholowski makes his name. That’s important to remember as well.

Every prospect develops on a different schedule. But Cholowski could have helped the Red Wings by taking the next step this season, especially considering their power-play needs, and it didn’t happen. He has more time, but he’s going to have to show he can be counted on in his own end without sacrificing his offensive calling card.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182589 Edmonton Oilers “He was dominant. He could play the game any way you want to,” Lamb said. “He was physical. He could skate. He won faceoffs.

“That’s why he’s made it to the NHL. He can play a role for a team. He’s ‘We’re all just praying’: Hockey community rallies around Colby Cave the type of player coaches love – and teammates too.”

Cave’s pro career has been more in the journeyman category. Lamb By Daniel Nugent-Bowman Apr 10, 2020 calls him “a young guy who’s still finding his way.”

Cave was claimed off waivers by the Oilers in January 2019. After finishing last season in Edmonton, he played 11 games for the big club Mark Lamb, a former Oilers forward and assistant coach, had a sinking this season and 44 contests with AHL Bakersfield. That he’s played feeling when he saw his phone ring Tuesday morning and Dave Tippett’s fewer than 80 games (67) by age 25 with at least three years of pro name flash across the screen. experience had him slated for free agency.

Lamb played with and for Tippett during his long pro career and coached His time in Edmonton was limited to date, but his presence on the team alongside him in Dallas, too. They’re great friends. But he’d just spoken was much larger. to Tippett, the Oilers coach, the day before. “Colby is a guy who is so well liked in our dressing room,” Oilers captain “It’s one of those calls where you know you shouldn’t be talking to that Connor McDavid said. “He’s such a good guy. There’s no real way to guy that day. There’s something important that happened,” Lamb said. express how I’m feeling about it. It’s devastating.

“Before I answered the phone, I was like, ‘Something’s not right here.’” “You just pray that he wakes up and that the family’s OK.”

Lamb’s premonition was unfortunately correct. Tippett was calling to tell That, of course, is also what Lamb wants for his former player — him Oilers minor-leaguer Colby Cave — a player Lamb coached for parts someone he now calls a friend. It all comes down to the way he treats of five seasons with the WHL’s Swift Current Broncos — had been people. placed in a medically induced coma. “You’re not gonna hear anybody say a bad word about Caver,” Lamb “When I heard the news, it hit me right in the heart,” Lamb said. said.

Cave, 25, was airlifted to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto from a hospital Case in point: how Cave handled a difficult situation earlier this season. in Barrie, Ont., on Tuesday morning and had surgery to remove a colloid While in the AHL, he knocked out Martin Pospisil in a fight but was quick cyst that was causing pressure on his brain and bleeding. to reach out to see if his combatant was OK.

His wife, Emily, has since posted twice on Instagram, stating, “We need a “That’s the type of person that he is. He’s all class. He’s a very thoughtful miracle,” and explaining how she isn’t allowed to visit with Cave in the human being,” Lamb said. hospital because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cave and Lamb have kept in close contact since the Swift Current days. His family released a statement Thursday morning thanking the Oilers Cave was especially chatty over the summer when trying to get advice organization and the hospital staff and noting that Cave is still in the from Lamb for how to get in Tippett’s good graces. coma. “This is giving his brain time to heal and rest from all he’s been through,” the statement read. Lamb’s learned a few things, too, like the importance of showing respect and maintaining friendships. Keeping tabs on the situation from Prince George, B.C., where he runs the WHL’s Cougars, Lamb’s stomach has been in knots. “I’ve learned as much from him as I’ve taught him,” Lamb said. “It’s just been such a good relationship. He’s the type of guy that for the rest of “It’s just devastating,” he said of the hospital restrictions put in place our lives we’ll keep in touch.” because of the coronavirus. “How hard would that be? It’s heartbreaking. With Cave fighting for his life, Lamb just hopes those talks will continue “They’ve got their whole life ahead of them. There are always obstacles, for much longer. but this is real life stuff that’s happening right now. He doesn’t deserve this.” “A 25-year-old, healthy, professional hockey player that happens to – it’s unbelievable,” Lamb said. “We’re all just praying and hoping for the best Lamb has coached in the junior or pro ranks for most of the last two and hoping we can win this battle.” decades. He counts Cave as one of his favourite players from their time together in Swift Current, Sask. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020

Lamb acquired Cave in January 2011 when the centre was a 16-year-old as part of a package from the for star Cody Eakin. Cave was a full-time Bronco the next season and received the news in a way that still brings a smile to the coach’s face.

Cave was scratched for a preseason game and he figured it meant he’d been cut. He walked into Lamb’s office worried, wondering what more he should do.

“It was the exact opposite. He’d already made the team,” Lamb said. “He just worked for everything he’s got.”

Cave was a depth player as a rookie but gained his coach’s trust as a penalty killer. He rounded out his defensive game and evolved into a two- way force.

Cave captained the Broncos in his last two seasons, easily gaining admiration from his peers in the process. He encouraged teammates he felt had more to give, pushing them to play harder. He then walked the walk on the ice.

“He could tell guys what he thought,” Lamb said. “People gravitated to him because he treated everybody with honest respect.”

Cave went undrafted in the NHL but earned training camp auditions with San Jose and Arizona before the Bruins signed him in April 2015 after his over-age junior season. By that point, he’d posted his second straight campaign of at least 70 points. 1182590 Edmonton Oilers And while Curtis Joseph made the save on Joe Nieuwendyk and Todd Marchant scored the goal that created a whole new generation of Oilers fans, it was Smyth’s career arc that most closely mirrored Edmonton’s My favourite player: Ryan Smyth rise back to league-wide relevance. He’d outlast Joseph and Marchant in Edmonton and his star linemates, Doug Weight and Bill Guerin, too. In the pre-salary-cap NHL, Smyth’s tenaciousness came to represent the Oilers franchise itself — working so hard that what he gave up in size, By Murat Ates Apr 10, 2020 slickness, or shooting power, he drove results all the same.

I’ve never seen anyone put it better than our very own Lowetide, writing It’s May 10, 2006, in Edmonton, and everything is going wrong. at OilersNation in 2003:

Chris Pronger has lost a puck battle to Jonathan Cheechoo. Joe Smyth’s association with the Edmonton Oilers seemed preordained. Thornton is looking for Patrick Rissmiller, unmarked, in the slot. When he was just a kid, Smyth worked at the Banff Springs Hotel, and in 1987 Team Canada stayed there while training for the upcoming Canada The Sharks are already beating Edmonton 2-0 in Round 2 — handily, it Cup. A car in the parking lot driven by the Edmonton Oilers Glenn seems, despite the Oilers’ six-game upset of league-leading Detroit in Anderson hit him. Smyth was hospitalized but would be alright. The two Round 1 — and not even Dwayne Roloson has been able to stop them. would play together briefly as Oilers in 1995-96, one generation passing Thornton beats Brad Winchester, ever-so-briefly a hero against Detroit, the torch to the next. with his centering pass. Rissmiller scores, the Sharks go up 2-1 halfway through the game, and it looks as though San Jose is on its way to a 3-0 Ten years after he picked up his hero Anderson’s torch, Smyth gathered series lead. his teeth at Rexall Place and set up Shawn Horcoff for the triple-overtime goal. It was a playoffs-saving play by a player whose peak coincided with Then, minutes later, Ryan Smyth’s jaw explodes. Pronger has hit him in the best Oilers season of his generation. the face with an errant clearing attempt. Smyth falls to the ice, hands over his face, and stays down for six motionless seconds. He has lost Edmonton traded him the very next season, like it had traded all of his three teeth. A pool of blood is forming. Oilers heroes before him.

So Smytty does what Smytty does. He was the one star who I ever tried to play like. (He was probably the only NHL star whose style it was realistic for me to try to play like, but He decides he’s finished lying on the ice. that’s beside the point.) All guts and broken teeth, bruised shins and a huge heart, hardly a slick dangle to be found in his entire 1,363 game He collects his three teeth, jumps up onto his feet, and rushes off the ice career. He controlled the wall, he drove the front of the net, he parked in to get his mouth sewn back together. front of goalies and got to the puck first time and time again. He could Then, after returning to play in Edmonton’s game-tying third period, pass too, but no one remembers him for that. Smyth crashes the net to set up Shawn Horcoff’s game-winner in triple In 1997 and 1998, when I was rediscovering how much fun hockey could overtime. Smyth’s wraparound pass and Horcoff’s game-winning finish be, it was Smyth alongside Weight and Joseph and all of those guys who kickstart four straight Oilers wins, a 4-2 series win, a five-game somehow took a team with pennies for a payroll and carried them destruction of Anaheim, and Edmonton’s first appearance in the Stanley through powerhouses like Dallas and Colorado. In 2006, when Edmonton Cup final since they won it all in 1990. came so close to winning it all, it was Smyth whose line was out against The Oilers fall one game short. Nick Lidstrom in Round 1, who lost and found his teeth in time to set up the most important goal of Round 2, and who scored Edmonton’s first Still, everything about Edmonton’s story on that tooth scattering night in game-winning goal of the Stanley Cup final when all hope looked lost. He May is trademark Smyth. He played through a tremendous amount of came to play every single night, which is something fans of any sport can pain, drove play against any and all comers, and created honest to respect, and he was the kind of hockey player who always played for the goodness offence from within arms’ length of goal. crest on the front of his jersey and not the name on the back.

And less than a year later, Edmonton traded him. Even if he tried, his mullet would have covered his nameplate.

He was just a boy who grew up in Alberta and loved the Oilers so much The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 that, on the day they traded him, he promised that he would do everything in his power to win a Stanley Cup — not for New York but so he could bring it back to Edmonton, “where my heart is.” After stops in Colorado and Los Angeles, he returned to Edmonton in 2011 and eventually called retiring an Oiler the greatest honour of his career.

That honest devotion is what makes Smyth my favourite player.

I’ve never met Smyth.

I say that now because so many of the “my favourite player” stories I’ve read this week end with the sportswriter meeting his childhood hero. Hands are shaken, pictures are taken, and (most of the time, anyway) the athlete is the embodiment of class and the writer’s admiration is maintained. It’s hero worship come full circle and a humanizing portrait of both athlete and writer. This is not that story.

Still, I can tell you that his 39 goal sophomore explosion marks the year my family fell back in love with the Oilers.

My parents first discovered hockey as wide-eyed, heavily accented, 1980s Albertan immigrants. My dad’s desire to fit in at work coupled with his realization that the greatest player to ever play his adopted country’s favourite sport did so right in his adopted hometown turned us all into Oilers fans.

But the 90s were unkind to hockey in the province I was born in. My family picked up and left for the wide-open prairie skies of Manitoba, where our passion dwindled and, while child-me stubbornly declared myself an Oilers fan to anyone who’d listen, I privately wrote “Teemu Selanne” on the back of my minor novice hockey card — right where it asked for “favourite player.” It took Smyth’s 39 goals in 1996-97 to put the shame of my betrayal to rest. 1182591 Edmonton Oilers 2.21

There are a bunch of different combinations possible here, but we’re striving for the best possible combination of familiarity and talent. Kassian What does the Oilers best possible playoff lineup look like? and McDavid have played a ton together, and of the revolving wingers on his line in the post-deadline period Ennis was the most constant and the most successful. By Jonathan Willis Apr 10, 2020 Again, there’s room to tweak if it doesn’t work, but it’s not the time to try otherwise worthwhile experiments like trying to slot Andreas Athanasiou into what might ultimately be his long-term home. As I write this, the Oilers should be playing postseason hockey. They aren’t, but the NHL is stubbornly keeping its options open for an eventual Third line resumption of some kind, and if the league has its way Edmonton will still get to contest those delayed playoff games. Left Wing

An interesting side effect of the pause is that if and when the Oilers Joakim Nygard compete for the 2020 Stanley Cup, they’ll do so with a healthy roster. 1.27 Joakim Nygard and Mike Green, both on the shelf when the season abruptly stopped, have recovered from their injuries in the interim. Centre

OILERS COACH DAVE TIPPETT SAYS INJURED PLAYERS JOAKIM Riley Sheahan NYGARD AND MIKE GREEN WILL BE READY IF/WHEN SEASON RESUMES. 0.90

— DANIEL NUGENT-BOWMAN (@DNBSPORTS) MARCH 31, 2020 Right Wing

That means that if the Oilers get to play again, Dave Tippett is going to Josh Archibald have to come up with answers to a bunch of questions really fast, 1.20 especially if the league goes with an abbreviated regular season or jumps right into the postseason after an exhibition game or two. Sheahan and Archibald have been the heart of Edmonton’s penalty kill and defensive zone starts line all year, and that isn’t likely to change. The Including the trade deadline additions, Edmonton has at least 15 question is which player joins them. Nygard’s speed was a good fit in just candidates for regular employment up front and a blue line that runs four over an hour together, with the unit putting up a 49 percent expected goal pairings deep. It has a rotation in net with two goalies who have share and going 2-2 in terms of actual tallies. alternated starts all year. Fourth line With all of the options suddenly available, what does an Oilers playoff lineup actually look like? The following are my choices. Left Wing

First line Andreas Athanasiou

Left Wing 1.26

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins Centre

2.23 Jujhar Khaira

Centre 0.80

Leon Draisaitl Right Wing

2.89 Alex Chiasson

Right Wing 0.87

Kailer Yamamoto This is where the misfit toys of the lineup go. In a world where the entire game was played at 5-on-5, Khaira would be out in favour of Gaetan 3.16 Haas, physical nature of the playoffs be damned. However, Edmonton’s If the season was still on track, I’d be all for giving Nugent-Hopkins to penalty kill has been a key element in its success this year and this isn’t McDavid and experimenting at left wing. Now there isn’t time to the time to mess with that. Chiasson would likely have been the right experiment and the task is to put together the best possible units quickly, wing choice anyway, and at least one of him and James Neal should be and this line was dynamite. Over 318 minutes at 5-on-5 this trio had a 55 in for power play continuity. percent expected goal differential and actually outscored the opposition As for Athanasiou, stick an asterisk next to his name. He’ll get spot duty by a whopping 28-8 margin. on other lines, perhaps filling in for Nugent-Hopkins after penalty kills and It might make sense to tweak things a couple of games in, but this unit perhaps rotating with Ennis depending on what’s happening in-game. should be plug-and-play and stepping into a compressed schedule of Black aces highly important games that’s exactly what’s needed. Left/right wing Second line James Neal Left Wing 0.94 Tyler Ennis Centre 1.90 Gaetan Haas Centre 0.81 Connor McDavid Right Wing 2.84 Patrick Russell Right Wing 0.65 Zack Kassian Forward Markus Granlund Right Defence

0.75 Matt Benning

Left Wing 12.3

Tyler Benson Left Defence

0.88 William Lagesson

These five are the players with the best chance of seeing some kind of 10.0 action over the course of any kind of playoff run. Neal is a power play replacement and the top choice for 5-on-5 work on the wing, Haas is the Right Defence preferred reserve option at centre and Russell makes sense if a job Evan Bouchard opens up on the penalty kill or defensive zone line. N/A Granlund’s a jack-of-all-trades a little further down the list while Benson’s mostly here for the experience. Russell and Benning are the next men up on their respective sides of the ice, with Russell getting the nod if there’s an opening on the penalty kill. First pairing Lagesson and Bouchard should both certainly be capable of playing and Left Defence again there’s value in them getting the experience of a playoff run.

Darnell Nurse Power play

19.3 First

Right Defence Connor McDavid

Ethan Bear 10.2

18.4 12.4

Nurse and Bear have played together virtually all year, and this is not the First time to be playing around with defence pairings. They’ll play big minutes Leon Draisaitl and they’ll play against everyone. 9.4 Second pairing 11.7 Left Defence First Oscar Klefbom Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 17.9 5.1 Right Defence 11.5 Adam Larsson First 17.4 Alex Chiasson Again, no surprises here on the second pairing. I really like the idea of giving Klefbom a puck-moving partner, but Nurse needs Bear at least as 5.2 much as Klefbom does. Given the choice between his long familiarity 13.0 with Larsson and an experiment with Green it makes sense to stick with his established partner, at least out of the box, particularly since they’ll First also be a penalty killing duo. Oscar Klefbom Third pairing 4.4 Left Defence 11.9 Caleb Jones Second 13.6 Tyler Ennis Right Defence 3.7 Mike Green 5.0 17.7 Second This is going to be a difficult decision for the Oilers, given that they have eight defenders who legitimately deserve to play. I expect Green to slot in Riley Sheahan ahead of Benning on the right side and after that the decision comes N/A down to Russell’s experience or Jones’ performance. N/A On the season, Jones has much better expected goal numbers than Russell and slightly better actual goal numbers. The decision to me Second comes down to recent play. Over the last 25 games, the Oilers have a 44 percent expected goal share with Russell on the ice at 5-on-5 (vs. 51 Kailer Yamamoto percent for Jones) and are even by actual goals (as opposed to plus-8 5.0 with Jones). 7.5 Black aces Second Left Defence Darnell Nurse Kris Russell 4.0 14.1 6.5 brilliant over the last 25 games – allowing just a single goal in 48 minutes at 4-on-5. Second Goalies Ethan Bear Starter 2.3 Mikko Koskinen 5.7 0.924 No big changes here; the Oilers can stick with what has worked all season. The second unit is essentially a 5-on-5 line that gets 20-30 Backup seconds of power play time, and with Haas scratched and Gagner traded Sheahan gets the nod over Khaira for centre duties. Mike Smith

The one thing I would add is that for most of the season Chiasson and 0.900 Neal have rotated into the final forward slot on the power play, and it I wrote a whole piece on this question a month ago, and with only a might be desirable to continue doing that. With Neal scratched, single game played in the interim nothing has changed. Despite Smith’s Yamamoto’s the clear candidate for that treatment. late surge, Koskinen has been the better of the two for the majority of the Penalty kill season and has earned the right to be the team’s Game 1 playoff starter.

First The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020

Riley Sheahan

5.5

First

Josh Archibald

5.2

First

Darnell Nurse

4.9

First

Ethan Bear

4.6

Second

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

4.0

Second

Jujhar Khaira

2.4

Second

Oscar Klefbom

6.5

Second

Adam Larsson

3.1

Spare F

Leon Draisaitl

2.1

Spare D

Mike Green

N/A

The forward units are identical to what they have been over a very successful regular season, and this is the biggest reason for keeping Khaira in the starting lineup. Draisaitl has been the fifth man all year but given the minutes he’s going to play in other situations and the likelihood of a compressed schedule it seems unwise to ask him to take on more than that.

Defensively the only change here is substituting Larsson for Russell, and that’s something the coaching staff has already played with. Larsson has exceptional numbers on the penalty kill this year and his unit has been 1182592 Florida Panthers His first big move in an attempt to do so was a doozie.

In November 1996, Stu Barnes, one of the most popular players on the team, was traded along with Jason Wooley to Pittsburgh in exchange for The 1996 Panthers’ one-hit wonder keeps fans wondering when team will center Chris Wells. rise again Murray had said the Panthers needed to get bigger and stronger and Wells — at 6-foot-6 — definitely fit that bill. Barnes ended up having quite By George Richards Apr 10, 2020 a career. Wells, well, did not.

It was the first of many moves to come and was the beginning of the end of Florida’s lovable expansion era. SUNRISE, Fla. — There is one team in Florida Panthers history that is beloved and celebrated more than any other. Following the playoff loss to New York in 1997, more players left the team. Original captain Brian Skrudland took off for the Rangers as a free In 1996, the Panthers made the playoffs for the first time and, agent. considering they were only in their third season of existence, not much was expected of them. By the end of the 1997-98 season, the Panthers were almost unrecognizable as the team that stormed through Boston, Philadelphia The team crept into the postseason as the fourth seed after a late- and Pittsburgh just two years prior. season swoon, but soon enough, the Panthers caught fire again and beat the Original Six Boston Bruins in five, thanks to a diving goal from Billy The team was celebrating its fifth season although there was little to Lindsay at Miami Arena. celebrate.

The hard-nosed team, led by the goaltending of John Vanbiesbrouck, The popular goalie, the guy everyone lovingly called ‘The Beezer,’ made kept on trucking. it clear he wanted out.

Florida upset the Flyers in the Eastern Conference semifinals and then Doug MacLean, the coach whose local popularity in 1996 was only took out the highly favored Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux and Jaromir rivaled by Don Shula, was fired on Nov. 24, 1997, after the team got off Jagr, in the conference finals. to a 7-12-4 start.

Believe it or not, the Panthers (who?!?) were going to play for the Stanley By the end of Florida’s run at Miami Arena in 1998, many of the veteran Cup. players who led the Panthers to the Cup finals had left or were traded away. The fun did not last much longer, although the memories of that run to the Cup still endure. Two years after making it all the way to the , the Panthers finished in sixth place in the Atlantic Division, 20 points out of Florida was swept by the Colorado Avalanche — the relocated the playoffs. Nordiques playing their first season in Denver. The only thing saving the Panthers from last place in the NHL was their The Panthers were celebrated in South Florida in 1996 as they captured cross-state rival: Florida’s 63 points were 19 more than the 44 recorded the region’s attention and gave hockey a home in the tropics. by Tampa Bay that season. As an expansion team, the Panthers had finished 1993-94 with 83 points. Banners with the team’s logo were on every light pole on I-95 from Deerfield Beach to Miami. Tickets at the 14,372-seat Miami Arena were RELIVE THE YEAR OF THE RAT TOMORROW NIGHT ON INSIDE extremely hard to come by. THE PANTHERS LIVE WITH @FOXPANTHERS BEGINNING AT 4:00PM ET! PIC.TWITTER.COM/39RZKOXXY5 The only thing tougher to get than tickets to see the Florida hockey team were rubber rats. Stores sold out of those as soon as they arrived. — FLORIDA PANTHERS (@FLAPANTHERS) FEBRUARY 22, 2019

THE PANTHERS ARE PLAYING WELL SO FAR. ARE THE RATS The Panthers played their final game at Miami Arena on April 16, 1998, GOING TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE THIS SEASON? losing 7-3 to the Flyers. PIC.TWITTER.COM/3BWYXP183T The team moved into its new state-of-the-art palace on the edge of the — HOCKEY LISTS (@LISTSHOCKEY) NOVEMBER 28, 2019 Everglades in Sunrise to start the 1998-99 season.

After the Game 4 loss to the Avalanche (Uwe Krupp’s shot in triple “The Year of the Rat” was now just a memory. overtime was the lone goal), a celebratory pep rally was held a couple of days later at Miami Arena in which the Eastern Conference Since 1996, the Panthers have made the playoffs just four times. championship banner was raised to the rafters. The victory over Pittsburgh in the 1996 Eastern Conference finals These Panthers fell short of their ultimate goal, but it was one hell of a remains the team’s biggest victory and marks the last time Florida has ride. won a playoff round.

The next season seemed to pick up right where things left off. The The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 Panthers were 12-3-5 during the first month and made the playoffs as the No. 4 seed.

Those expecting a similar magic carpet sojourn through the 1997 playoffs were quickly disappointed.

After beating the Rangers 3-0 in Game 1 of the opening round, the Panthers lost 3-0 in the second. Florida then lost the next three by a single goal and was eliminated.

It seemed as soon as those playoffs started for the Panthers, they were over.

Big changes to the team had already started.

General manager Bryan Murray made a number of key moves in 1996, which helped the Panthers make their fantastic run. He had acquired goal-scorer Ray Sheppard in a deal with San Jose. Martin Straka was pulled off the waiver wire.

Months after the celebrations had ended, Murray was set on getting different style players for the team, so it could find sustained success. 1182593 Los Angeles Kings

Kings re-sign defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to two-year contract

By JACK HARRISSTAFF WRITER APRIL 10, 20202:11 PM

The Kings’ season might be on pause because of the coronavirus outbreak, but their planning for the future is still underway.

The club’s latest move came Friday, as it struck a two-year contract extension with pending restricted free agent Kurtis MacDermid. The 26- year-old defenseman will earn $875,000 of annual average value in the deal, which will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2021-22 season.

During three seasons with the Kings, MacDermid has 13 points in 90 games and a minus-14 rating. His 45 games this season were a career- high, as was his 13:43 of average ice time. After dressing in only 29 of the first 52 games of the campaign, MacDermid was in the lineup for all but three games in February and March, including appearances in each game of the Kings’ seven-game win streak before the season was suspended last month.

MacDermid was one of 11 players in the Kings organization set to become a restricted free agent this summer, in an off-season that will see the team’s rebuild enter a new stage. After shipping away five veterans before February’s trade deadline, including defensemen Derek Forbort and Alec Martinez, the Kings’ roster for next year is likely to trend younger and include few set roles from the start of the season.

Tom Webster, former Kings coach and standout WHA player, dies at 71

MacDermid, who will be on a one-way contract, could have the chance to increase his role on the blue line.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound former undrafted free agent is one of the biggest, most physical players on the Kings’ roster. He got in five fights this season, squaring off with fellow heavyweights such as Milan Lucic and Nicolas Deslauriers twice.

“That’s something I need to do,” MacDermid said on Feb. 12, after one of his fights against Lucic helped spark the Kings to a win over the Calgary Flames. “Sometimes, the game needs some of that. That’s all I’m looking to do, get a little boost for the boys, get things rolling.”

Over the second half of the season, however, other areas of MacDermid’s game began to materialize as well. In that same win over the Flames, he scored a goal and added an assist to earn a “Gordie Howe” hat trick. His ice time went up in the 11 games that followed, with coach Todd McLellan playing him almost 15 minutes per game and putting him on the ice for more penalty kill and late-game situations down the stretch.

Bringing back MacDermid made sense for the Kings, beefing up their defensive pairings for next season and adding potential flexibility for the league’s expansion draft in 2021. But it offers MacDermid an opportunity as well.

McLellan had described the end of this season as a de facto evaluation period for players such as MacDermid, younger faces with some experience trying to stake a spot in the Kings’ long-term future. MacDermid will now have a couple of extra seasons to cement his impression.

LA Times: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182594 Los Angeles Kings Webster was born in Kirkland Lake, Canada, and was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the fourth round of the 1966 NHL amateur draft. He couldn’t win a regular spot in Boston and was claimed by Buffalo in the om Webster, former Kings coach and standout WHA player, dies at 71 1970 expansion draft. However, he was traded to Detroit soon after and had a breakthrough in the 1970-71 season, when he had 30 goals and Tom Webster led the Kings to their first division title and coached the 67 points for the Red Wings. He jumped to the WHA for the 1972-73 team from the 1989-90 through 1991-92 seasons. season and helped the New England Whalers win the Avco Cup, which was awarded to the league champion. Back injuries limited him late in his

career, and he finished his WHA career with 220 goals and 425 points in By HELENE ELLIOTTSPORTS COLUMNIST APRIL 10, 202011:50 AM 352 games.

He became a coach and led the Central Hockey League’s Tulsa Oilers — an affiliate of the New York Rangers — to an unlikely title in the 1983-84 Tom Webster, a former Kings coach who was a standout player with the season. The team’s financial instability led to the cancellation of its lease New England Whalers of the now-defunct World Hockey Assn., has died. at its home rink, and they had to play the last six weeks of their season Webster was 71 and reportedly had been suffering from brain cancer. on the road. They won the championship and then disbanded.

“It is very sad news for our organization,” said Luc Robitaille, the Kings’ Los Angeles Kings v Vegas Golden Knights president. “Coach Webster was a great man and my head coach for three seasons. He was also a tremendous part of a lot of the success our HOCKEY team enjoyed when Wayne Gretzky was playing in Los Angeles in Kings hope new initiative will convince people to give blood amid particular.” donation shortage Former Kings goaltender Kelly Hrudey noted Webster’s personable Webster was hired to coach the Rangers for the 1986-87 season but manner away from the bench. “I’ll always remember Tom’s warm developed an inner-ear infection that left him unable to fly. He resigned in personality along with his laugh and smile. We were fortunate to have April 1987. The Kings hired him in 1989 to succeed . Tom in our lives,” he said. Webster later worked as a coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, who had “So sad to hear of Tommy Webster’s passing,” former Kings forward been the until they left Hartford, Conn., and moved said via Twitter. “He was a great man and a coach that I south in 1997. was lucky to play for! Prayers and love to the family.” Former Kings player and general manager Dave Taylor called Webster Webster coached the Kings from May 31, 1989, through May 4, 1992, “a good guy” who had “some pretty darn good teams” in Los Angeles. and compiled a record of 115-94-31. His tenure was highlighted by the “He is what I would call a ‘players’ coach’ and he treated the players with team’s first Smythe Division title in the 1990-91 season, still the only a lot of respect,” Taylor said in a statement issued by the Kings. “He was division title the Kings have won. But his term also was marked by well-liked amongst our group. Being an ex-player himself, I would call outbursts of temper that contrasted with his soft-spoken demeanor away him more of an offensive-minded coach — he was that himself as a from the ice. player — but it was mostly how he handled guys. He respected the He was suspended for four games and fined $5,000 for exchanging players and got his point across that way.” punches with Doug Gilmour of the Calgary Flames in March of 1991, and LA Times: LOADED: 04.11.2020 was suspended 12 games and fined $10,000 for throwing his stick and hitting referee Kerry Fraser in the foot in November 1991. It was the longest suspension imposed on an NHL coach. He previously had been ejected from a game for tossing his stick.

2020 CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game

HOCKEY

NHL releases prospect rankings ahead of yet-to-be-rescheduled draft

Webster drew the 12-game suspension during a game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Forum. Upset when he thought Fraser had failed to make a proper call, Webster hurled the stick from the bench. It hit the ice and grazed one of Fraser’s skates. “In handing down this decision, the league wishes to make it clear that there can be no excuse for taking physical actions against any official,” then-NHL vice president Brian O’Neill said in a statement.

Mike Donnelly, who works for the Kings’ player development staff, had a close-up view of Webster’s stick-throwing incident. “I just remember seeing the stick get launched over my head while sitting on the bench,” Donnelly said, via the Kings. “What can I say? He cared about his team so much and loved his players so much.”

Donnelly said he often saw Webster in later years, when Webster scouted for the Flames. “I was very fortunate that I got to know him really well after playing for him,” Donnelly said. “He was a great family man. Talked about his grandchildren all the time. Very well liked.”

The Kings were eliminated from the playoffs in the second round in each of Webster’s first two seasons and in the first round in 1991-92. He was fired after that season.

Tom Webster, Kings coach

Former Kings coach Tom Webster.(Los Angeles Kings)

“When you reorganize your team, unfortunately, the first place you look is the coach,” Rogie Vachon, then the Kings’ general manager, said at the time. “I don’t put all the blame on him. Some of the players also have to be held accountable.” 1182595 Los Angeles Kings past, including Gretzky and Teemu Selanne of the Ducks, onto the rosters.

The broadcast, featuring Kings and Ducks announcers, begins at 7 p.m. Tom Webster, former Kings coach, dies at 71 Orange County Register: LOADED: 04.11.2020 Former NHL and WHA player spent three seasons with the Wayne Gretzky-led Kings, with a 115-94 record with 31 ties

By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: April 10, 2020 at 1:37 p.m. | UPDATED: April 10, 2020 at 4:39 p.m.

Tom Webster, a former Kings and New York Rangers coach who also played in the NHL and became one of the first standout scorers in the upstart World Hockey Association, has died.

The American Hockey League confirmed his death Friday. Webster was 71.

Webster spent three seasons with the Wayne Gretzky-led Kings from 1989-90 through 1991-92, coaching them to their lone division championship in 1990-91. He was fired after they lost in the opening round of the 1991-92 playoffs. He had a 115-94 record with 31 ties.

“It’s very sad news for our organization,” Kings team president Luc Robitaille said in a statement posted on the team’s website. “Coach Webster was a great man and my head coach for three seasons. He was also a tremendous part of a lot of the success our team enjoyed when Wayne Gretzky was playing in Los Angeles, in particular.”

As much as he was known for coaching the Kings to three consecutive playoff appearances and a then-franchise record of 46 victories in 1990- 91, he also was renowned for losing his temper while behind the bench, including twice using hockey sticks as javelins.

Webster was given a 12-game suspension for hurling a stick onto the ice that struck referee Kerry Fraser in the skate during a heated moment in a Nov. 16, 1991 game against the Detroit Red Wings at the Forum. It was his second suspension for a stick-throwing incident in as many seasons.

In addition, Webster was suspended for four games, including two playoff contests, after a fight with Doug Gilmour of the Calgary Flames.

Webster was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, on Oct. 4, 1948. The Boston Bruins picked him in the fourth round of the 1966 draft. Webster made his NHL debut Dec. 21, 1968, against the Montreal Canadiens. He also played with the Buffalo Sabres, Red Wings and California Golden Seals.

He then jumped to the WHA’s New England Whalers, scoring 103 points, including 50 goals, and leading them to the league championship in 1972-73. He retired after the 1979-80 season and turned to coaching in the NHL, AHL and the junior-level Ontario Hockey League.

More recently, he served as an amateur scout with the Calgary Flames.

“It is disappointing for sure to hear this news,” said Dave Taylor, Robitaille’s ex-teammate and a former Kings executive who now serves as the St. Louis Blues’ vice president of hockey operations. “Tom was a really good guy who came to L.A. at a time when he had some pretty darn good teams there with ‘Gretz’ having arrived and all.”

Taylor also said Webster was a players’ coach.

“He was well-liked amongst our group,” Taylor said. “Being an ex-player himself, I would call him more of an offensive-minded coach — he was that himself as a player — but it was mostly how he handled guys. He respected the players and got his point across that way.”

MACDERMID SIGNS EXTENSION

The Kings signed defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to a two-year, $1.75- million contract extension. MacDermid, 6-foot-5 and 235 pounds, played in a career-best 45 games for the Kings before the NHL halted play March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

He set career highs with three goals and five assists.

SIMULATED FREEWAY FACEOFF

Kings and Ducks teams featuring current and former players will face off in a EA Sports NHL 20 simulation airing next Friday on Prime Ticket. Starting Monday, fans can vote to include their favorite players of the 1182596 Los Angeles Kings Moving on to the fun.

I played four rounds on Thursday night and came up with three winners. The highlights: Buffalo won twice, and in the fourth simulation, Ottawa Examining potential Kings and Ducks first-round draft pick scenarios came away with the first and second selections. At the time of the NHL’s pause, the Kings had the fourth-fewest points in the NHL and the Ducks had the fifth-fewest points in the league. By Lisa Dillman Apr 10, 2020 Round One

Winner: Buffalo. The Buffalo Sabres won the shiny 2020 draft prize, Alexis Lafreniere. The locals: Los Angeles (No. 6), Anaheim (No. 7). Karma for missing out on Connor McDavid in 2015. Round Two Minutes later, he became the property of the Detroit Red Wings. Winner: Detroit Sit back and watch The Athletic colleague Max Bultman smile and think about the next installment of the Lafreniere origin story. The locals: Los Angeles (No. 5), Anaheim (No. 6).

Then, Lafreniere ended up in the hands of the San Jose Sharks. Wait, Round Three not so fast … that pick belongs to the Ottawa Senators. Winner: Buffalo (again)

And Lafreniere shall forever be known as the man who saved hockey in Locals: Status quo. Los Angeles (No. 5), Anaheim (No. 6). Canada’s capital. Round Four It was (another) rainy night here in Los Angeles on Thursday. And what was a home-alone, self-isolating reporter to do but play a few rounds of Winner: Ottawa (from San Jose). Senators also had the second pick Tankathon — an homage to what-might-be/have been/will be … or whatever. Locals: Los Angeles (No. 3), Anaheim (No. 5)

You see, the NHL Draft Lottery should have been on Thursday. Some Experts weigh in Lottery Club members have grown accustomed to working on this day. It For this exercise, I spoke with two long-time draft gurus, one who works is one of our biggest days of the year. A year ago, all three hockey for an NHL team (which is why his name is not being used), and Craig writers from The Athletic Los Angeles site were primed and ready to go. Button, a former NHL general manager and TSN’s director of scouting. Josh Cooper was running a live chat for Kings and Ducks fans. Eric They discussed the merits of five players who could possibly fall to the Stephens and I were wondering which one of us would get to cover Jack Kings or Ducks, at least in my first batch of Tankathon simulations. Hughes. Tim Stutzle, LW, Mannheim-DEL Well, you all know what happened. NHL scout: “What he did this season, playing against men, was highly When the Kings dropped from No. 2 to No. 5 and the Ducks went from impressive. And what he did in the World Junior Championship — No. 8 to No. 9, hockey fans departed the live chat almost instantly, despite the fact he missed the last couple of games — was again highly making it feel like the cyber equivalent of closing time. impressive. He was a player that everyone probably knew about but the I understood and certainly didn’t take it personally. more they watched, the more they realized how special and how good a player he is. He probably belongs in that top-end category.” With a clouded future due to the hockey pause because of the coronavirus, no one has any idea when the draft lottery might occur. The Button invoked Hall of Famer Peter Forsberg when we talked about temporary substitute is the world of Tankathon.com — a place where a Stutzle. hockey fan can dream a little dream, of winning the No. 1 pick and where “The one thing that impresses me the most about him — well, there are I could step away from online Scrabble (temporarily) to run four draft many things,” Button said. “One of the standout qualities for me with Tim simulations. is that he grabs the game by its throat. He doesn’t wait for the game to Earlier in the day, I reached out to Matt Hoover, the creator of Tankathon, dictate what he’s going to do. The puck drops and it is, ‘Hey game, be who is based in Chicago and, like most of us, is self-isolating. ready because I’m coming.’ I’ve seen very few players have that kind of ability. Peter Forsberg had it. He said, ‘Game, get ready.’” The site started with the NBA in 2013, and Hoover added the NHL in 2015. Dating to July of 2018, hockey is responsible for about 15 percent Jamie Drysdale, D, Erie-OHL of the site’s traffic, he said. NHL scout: “Incredibly smart hockey player. Outstanding use of skating It all started because of one injured player — Derrick Rose, to set up his game with the puck. Very good offensively in terms of formerly of the Chicago Bulls. attacking and playing that new style where defensemen are constantly up in the play. Physically he’s got a ways to go at this point. It’s a negative “It was his second knee injury, the one that happened against Portland, but positive. Very creative player.” in the 2013-14 season,” Hoover said. “I was depressed and just kept checking the ESPN NBA standings in reverse order. And so I decided to Button: “You can’t go wrong with Jamie Drysdale. With all the forwards make my own tracker and then I put it out there and added a link to a few that the Kings have, Jamie Drysdale, to me, is a No. 1 defenseman. I’ll basketball forums and it’s just grown since then.” tell you what, rarely do I label a player as a No. 1 defenseman. He’s not a top pair but a No. 1 defenseman. The pause in sports, naturally, has had an impact on the site. “I try to use the type of player as kind of a visual of how a player plays “The numbers are down a lot, actually, from last year,” Hoover said. “I that game. He’s got some of that electrifying ability of Cale Makar think it’s mostly because there are no games happening, so the because he was always a really good offensive player. But the more I standings and the order aren’t changing. That’s one of the main things watched Jamie play, the more he reminds me of Sergei Zubov. An about the site is after the game finishes, within five minutes, you get the absolute master of the game in full control.” updated draft order.” Marco Rossi, C, Ottawa-OHL The Athletic colleague Craig Custance wrote last year about knowing what at least one NHL general manager did when killing time, playing NHL scout: “He’s a fire hydrant — 5-foot-9, 5-foot-10. He’s small but he’s Tankathon. An educated guess is that there are other GMs joining him in not small. Strong on his skates. Pucks come off his stick at a different the fun exercise. pace than most other players at his level of play in the OHL. He played in all situations and against top players throughout the year. His success “I remember Jack Hughes was getting drafted and I saw this interview was unmatched. He was leading the league in scoring.” with him where he said he was going on and seeing where he was going before his own lottery,” said Hoover, sounding amused. Button: “I could sit here and say that if you tell me that Marco Rossi should be higher than (Jack) Quinn, that’s fine. They’re different players. I say this about the draft all the time. , NHL teams included, spend too much time saying ‘Is the fifth guy better than the sixth guy? Is seven better than eight?’

“I try to get them into groups. I try to get them into clusters and then I evaluate from there. I said, ‘OK, here’s what Jack Quinn offers. Here’s what Marco Rossi offers. Here’s what Jamie Drysdale offers.’ So you got a defenseman, a right winger and a center. They’re all damn good.”

Lucas Raymond, LW, Frolunda-SHL

NHL scout: “Highly talented offensive winger and can individually create offensively. Very good instincts and skill level and impressive drive to score.

“He played this past season against men. Although his ice time was inconsistent at times, one thing that wasn’t, was his time on the power play which shows you the type of instincts and ability he has offensively.”

Button: “Lucas had a really unbalanced year. He had an illness where he missed about five weeks before the world juniors. You miss all that time and you’re trying to build your strength and get ready for a significant competition like the world junior. That hindered him.

“He’s clearly a dominant player at the junior level in . He’s too good for the junior level, not good enough for the Frolunda team to take a regular shift. So it was one of those unbalanced years, but Lucas is a really good player. He is a Mitch Marner type — brilliant mind, playmaker, underrated goal scorer.”

Yaroslav Askarov, G, SKA-VHL

(Last year, goaltender Spencer Knight went in the first round, No. 13, to the Florida Panthers but it was the first time a goalie went in the top 20 since the Lightning took Andrei Vasilevskiy at No. 19 in 2012.)

NHL scout: “Very impressive goaltending prospect — same level as the top guys in prior years — Ilya Samsonov (No. 22 in 2015) and Vasilevskiy. He didn’t have a great finish to the season, or WJC. That said, he is an elite talent with all the traits of a top goalie: size, athleticism, demeanor. Think his youth and immaturity got to him a little at times. Nevertheless, he is the top goalie in the draft by a wide margin.”

Button: “I think he’s as good as Carey Price entering the draft at the same age. He’s the best goalie I’ve seen since Carey Price entering the draft. I think he’s a stud.”

So there you go: Another series of simulations where the Kings and Ducks didn’t get a No. 1 or No. 2 draft pick. The highest selection for the Kings and Ducks in recent years came when Los Angeles took Drew Doughty at No. 2 in 2008 and the Ducks picked Bobby Ryan No. 2 in 2005.

But the NHL is still hoping to play some regular-season games, so plenty can change before there is a real draft lottery, not just a simulated one.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182597 Los Angeles Kings like before that, he hadn’t prepared Austin enough and he was so glad to be able to do that.”

— Speaking of Jim Fox, I’ll chat with him and several of his teammates to FORMER COACH TOM WEBSTER PASSES AWAY AT 71; learn a little bit more about Tom Webster, who coached the Kings from CONDOLENCES FOR BOWKUS; MORE FROM MCLELLAN 1989-92 and passed away Friday at the age of 71.

Webster’s .544 points percentage ranks fifth in club history, trailing Darryl JON ROSEN APRIL 10, 20200 COMMENTSALUMNICOACHINGMEDIA Sutter (.592), John Stevens (.561), Terry Murray (.560), and Rogie AVAILABILITY Vachon (.550). He led the team to its only divisional title in 1990-91, a year that ended on a sour note when the Kings didn’t make it out of an acrimonious second round series with Edmonton in which “a dummy of [Craig] Muni hanging from a noose was paraded around the Forum and a INSIDERS. Several notes to pass along. First, as the hockey world song sheet, containing the words to an ‘Ode to Muni,’ were handed out” expressed its warmth and condolences to the Bowkus family this past prior to Game 5, according to Steve Springer of the LA Times. week, there were a few figures and friends whose kind words didn’t make it into the final story. They range from Trent Yawney, a teammate of It was the second of Webster and the Kings’ three consecutive playoff Bowkus’ in Saskatoon, to Jaroslav Modry, who coached beside him with losses to the Oilers, and that lack of postseason success influenced the the Junior Kings and other former Kings and junior coaches like Grant team’s decision to part ways with its admired coach who took the Ledyard and Bill Huard. opportunity upon his dismissal to speak of falling short in his efforts to add support and structure to the coaching fraternity. “If there is one regret Todd McLellan I have as a coach, it’s that I didn’t get a coaches’ association started, like “Bowk was always full of energy, never had a bad day and was I wanted to,” he said, as reported by Springer. “We, as coaches, have to passionate about others having success. He always put others before do something to protect ourselves. A lot of coaches don’t know what they himself.” are getting themselves into. We need standardized contracts and more information on our pension plans. I still don’t know what the hell I’m Trent Yawney getting. … I want to coach again, whether it’s as an assistant, in the minors or in junior hockey. It doesn’t matter. I will not let my pride stand “When I think of Bowk as a player first thing to come to my mind was his in the way of something I love to do.” skill set he was very skilled player and also how tough he was in terms of being a smaller player in WHL at the time with the game being a lot And he did, serving as an assistant with Philadelphia and both Hartford different than it is now he would not back down from anyone play through and Carolina before an extended run as a Calgary scout capped by a anything I always admired that in Bowk.” standing ovation on the floor late in the 2014 draft, his final one in the NHL. Jaroslav Modry standing O at the Draft for Flames scout Tom Webster after playing, “Our heart goes out to Jack’s family as we hear about his passing. He coaching, and mentoring for 50 years. Wow pic.twitter.com/ivpERzcpxl was big part of our Jr. Kings hockey family. Not only a great coach, mentor and person he touched so many of us. We will miss him. RIP — Ryan Leslie (@SNryanleslie) June 28, 2014 Jack.” Webster will be familiarly recalled for punching Doug Gilmour in a fight- marred first period against Calgary in March, 1991 – one of the rare games in which the officials sent the teams back to their dressing rooms “Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family. As a former Blade myself, with time remaining in the first period to cool off while they sorted out we and our Saskatoon community are saddened by this news.” penalties – as well as for throwing a stick towards referee Kerry Fraser Bill Huard and grazing him the following season, an action that drew a 12-game suspension. “Jack’s commitment to the development of young hockey players was immeasurable.” Those who knew Webster well recalled his fierce protection and respect of his players. There was certainly an “old school” element to his Echoing the thoughts shared above, here’s both a Kings and LAKI salute approach and demeanor, one meshed with a generally higher degree of to Jack Bowkus and his impact on hockey development, and a warm two-way responsibility than usually associated with the Smythe Division. embrace and deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. “It is disappointing for sure to hear this news,” Dave Taylor said in a — It’s good to see Grant Ledyard’s name above. Jersey minutiae: Kings release. “Tom was a good guy who came to LA at a time when he Ledyard, the youth hockey director at the Amherst Youth Hockey has some pretty darn good teams there with Gretz having arrived and all. Association outside of Buffalo, is one of the very select few in franchise history to have worn #4. Remarkably, nobody has worn that number “He is what I would call a ‘players-coach’ and he treated the players with other than Rob Blake ever since the Hall of Famer’s 1990 debut, and a lot of respect. He was well-liked amongst our group. Being an ex-player only three players since the 1988-89 silver-and-black organizational himself, I would call him more of an offensive-minded coach – he was refresh: Blake, Jim Fox, whose final 11 games were played in #4 after that way himself as a player – but it was mostly how he handled guys. He graciously ceding the number upon Larry Robinson’s arrival, and Doug respected the players and got his point across that way.” Crossman. Other notable fours in addition to Blake (805 games) and More to come on Tom Webster next week. Ledyard (142) are Giles Marotte (271), David Hutchison (232) and Jerry Korab (200), who also played 11 games in a #5 jersey upon joining the So sad to hear of Tommy Webster’s passing. He was a great man and a Kings in the 1979-80 season. coach that I was lucky to play for! Prayers and love to the family! — Also, the Nick Vachon quote from the Bowkus story, in its entirety: pic.twitter.com/3nPIQytkWH

“When we traveled, Austin actually joined our coaching staff this year — Coach Tony Granato (@TonyGranato) April 10, 2020 around Christmas so that he could no to only work with the kids with us — A footnote from the LA Times’ story on Webster and Gimour: “One but also be with his dad and on the road with us, so he was a big part of day after he and Wayne Gretzky spent $451,000 to buy a Honus Wagner it. One thing that stuck with me was a year and a half ago when he first baseball card, King owner Bruce McNall, also the new owner of the got his cancer and then he beat it, one of the things that he said – and Toronto Argonauts of the , revealed he has there were a lot of things done and he worked closely with the Tour de made a two-year, $6-million offer to Notre Dame star Raghib (Rocket) Pier Foundation – he did a video one time, and one of the things he said Ismail to try to lure him away from the NFL. ‘I think he’s a player who that he hasn’t been able to do, he felt, was that he hadn’t been able to do would fit in with the CFL’s wide-open game,’ McNall said.” was teach his son, like really, really teach his son everything, and he was so happy that he had gotten through it the first time and was able to do — And, more from Todd McLellan that didn’t make it into last week’s that. I just thought that was amazing, because he was close with Austin update: and that was the one thing for him, he was so grateful that he beat Todd McLellan, on using video to evaluate the season: cancer the first time that he could spend more time with him son. He felt Yeah, I’ll try to tap into that. First of all, I went back to exhibition season, training summer in a few, so I think he can make real good gains, as far because I think it’s valuable to take a look at where players were and as his hockey engine, his ability to create separation on the ice, extend where they’ve come, not only for the ones that played with us, but also shifts out so that the last 30 seconds are as strong as the first…at the 30 comparing comments from the American League coaches moving second mark you’re as strong there as you were at the 15 second mark forward, because a lot of those players down there are our future. I and all of that’s just maturation. They both need that, they’re both going watched some of the clips, it’s interesting to see structurally where we to be great players, there still will be peaks and valleys with them, but were, and how far we’ve come, which is a real positive sign. Individuals that’s all part of the plan here, is to slowly work them in and get them up that were making mistakes on a consistent basis in certain areas have and running so that when we’re ready to strike again, they are big parts really shored their game up. I could throw names out, but it’s team-wide. of the organization. The group that we’ve had for most of the year, in any case, has adapted. They changed their way of approaching the game, their habits fit our McLellan, on the best team the Kings faced this season: team play a lot better. You talked about individuals and the way that Well, that’s a tough question because of the timing of it. We played St. they’re adjusting – Drew for example, on the backend, at the beginning of Louis early in the season and we played them around Christmas and we the year, he was wondering about positioning and where he would be. haven’t seen them since. I can watch highlights, I can see the type of He’s such a dominant guy now, on the backend, where he controls the pace teams are playing with. We played extremely well in Boston, yet I whole tempo or play of the game with his puck-moving skills. Up front, I think they’re one of the teams to beat. I think St. Louis would be up there. thought Kopi was playing some of his best hockey throughout the year. Where are some of the underdogs, Nashville was really beginning to play Brownie was playing quite well, I thought, once he recovered from his well, but we haven’t played them in so long that it’s hard to predict or pneumonia bout, in January he really began to take off. When your anticipate where they might be. The upper echelon teams, the teams that leaders are doing that, everybody else, they have no choice but to follow are in those top 7-8 spots, have to be considered favorites and have the and that’s exactly what we needed. Then you look at some of the mid- best chance at winning, but there’s always a team, and range guys, Kempe and Iafallo, how far they came in their seasons, and underdog team, that seems to make a run at it and we haven’t played how much more of contributions they’re making now than they were in now in almost three weeks. A lot of things can change if we get up and call it the first six, seven, eight games of the season, so that’s a real running again. Are players in good condition, are they mentally prepared positive. Then there’s the youth, Blake Lizotte, Walker and Roy on the to go again, where will the passion level be, is it going to be tough to play backend, and you can go all the way to the real young players, the ones in the middle of the summer? All of those factors, amongst many others, that were just entering, Vilardi and those type of guys, how quickly could influence the direction of teams and their success or failures. they’re picking things up right now is rewarding. With all that said, that sounds like a pretty positive report card and we’re still in 28th or McLellan, on the biggest impact on the Kings should the season not be whatever we might be right now. There’s a lot of work to do. I think, resumed: generally, the feedback that I get from a lot of people that follow us, Well, that’s a tough question to answer. If it does go away, we’re looking whether it’s my parents at home, or the general fan that I run into, is that at a very extended summer. If the regular season goes away, playoffs do there’s an excitement about finishing this year and getting on to next. I exist and they have to play late into July, August and we break for concur with that, but I’m also tempering expectations so that these another month, our training camp is going to start, and I’m just pulling a players can continue to grow. We want to move the needle, as we said, random date out, but it will probably be pushed back much later than we want to do it at the right pace, we want to make sure that they’re when we would normally start, so that would create a scenario where challenged to reach the next level and get comfortable with it and then we’re done from mid-March to call it October 15 training camp. That is a we’ll push them again. We’ve got to continue the excitement, but come huge period of time where we’re not involved hockey wise. Some teams back prepared. that will be playing, July, August, and then having a brief break and then McLellan, on Gabriel Vilardi and Mikey Anderson: heading to training camp, I think that’s a unique or distinct disadvantage to our group, so I see that being a downfall. I also would have really Two completely different scenarios. I’ll start with Mikey first, because that preferred to see how our team would react to this win streak that we’ve is a player that I’m familiar with going back a few years. I did get to see had. Right now, if we don’t get up and running, we could have the longest him play college hockey against my son on a regular basis, so I could win streak in the modern history of the game, because we’re at seven see the evolution in his game, the strength, the growth in physicality, the games now and it’s been another three weeks, so if you just go by days leadership skills that he took on with Minnesota Duluth, and how it we’re doing pretty good. In any case, I would have loved to see how our transferred over to training camp here. When he arrived, he arrived like group reacted to practices, to how they handle success, because we’ve any young rookie would be, a little intimidated, not sure what to expect or had enough share of failure throughout the year, and they handled it how things were going to happen. He had a pretty good training camp, quite well, but how were we going to handle success, how were we going but it was evident that he was going to need some time in the American to behave in practice, how were we going to approach games down the League. He certainly took advantage of his time there, the coaching staff stretch, I think that reveals a lot about your team and we’re probably not and his teammates around him did a tremendous job helping him get up going to get that opportunity. Now, even, if we start up again, it will feel and running and there’s the value in spending time in the American like a different season. League right there, he’s a perfect example of it. He wasn’t ready to play, shouldn’t be rushed into the league, needs time there, honed his skills, McLellan, on his contact with the players, coaching staff and front office: his game, understood the systems so when he got into an NHL situation, Well, every level that you spoke of is at a different level. When it comes he was comfortable for the most part. The nerves still exist, the to office and hockey ops, almost daily, other than the weekends we’ve intimidation, you get intimidated a little when you first come up, but he been on some kind of video conferencing, where we’re discussing the certainly settled in quickly. You can see that he’s a cerebral player, he’s team, potential scenarios, sometimes we’re talking about the draft or very smart, uses his skillset to his strengths, doesn’t play outside of the testing or anything like that, and I’m on it. I don’t participate as much in box too much, his own box, never really gets flustered. As we move that, but I can tell you that our staff continues to work hard in preparing forward, I think that his leadership skills are going to come out more, as for what might come tomorrow. Coaching wise, we’re in the same he feels more and more comfortable in the locker room, and the team scenario, where we’re talking about various scenarios, we do that via transitions. conference call or video. From a player perspective, we’ve had about Gabe Vilardi, on the other hand, basically for me, was a name. He was weekly updates from Rob Blake and Luc Robitaille, where everybody an individual that I hadn’t met until probably December, in that range, and gets on a conference call and they continue to discuss their updates, I didn’t know much about. Obviously, I had heard and read a lot about sharing everything with the players, the players are well aware of what’s him and his skillset in juniors – being drafted as high as he was speaks going on. Daily, every morning, our trainer, Kinger, he checks in with all volumes for the type of player he is – but not being able to watch him, not of the coaching staff. He’s concerned not only about the coaches, but being able to create a relationship at training camp, created a unique their families, he gives us a health update, usually it’s just a thumbs up situation for all of us. He has come in and worked extremely hard on through a text but he does that with all the hockey ops people and all of getting healthy, I think that’s been well documented, but what doesn’t get the players and their families. We have our team doctor that sends us, mentioned as much is the amount of time he has spent on the ice trying probably every two or three days, we get updates, just to make sure that to get his game up to speed. Extra ice sessions, extra training sessions, we’re getting the right information, whether we’re watching it on TV or just trying to work on his skillset and he was rewarded obviously with the not. He’ll talk about there’s been medicines that have been spoken of, recall. He made good on the games that he played. In both cases, they this might help, this might help, he’ll give us his opinion on that and we’ll still need work. Gabe, thus summer coming up, will be his first real follow that guidance. We feel like we’re very well cared for and the communication, although it being very different than what we’re used to, still remains strong.

McLellan, on using videoconferencing for his season review:

Only one other time in my career have I had to do that. It was done in Edmonton. The Humboldt bus crash occurred basically the night of our last game in Edmonton. Glen Gulutzan, who was in Calgary, and I woke up the next morning and we got on a plane and went to Saskatoon to help and that’s normally the day, or the days after, where you are dealing with individual player meetings. I’ve had one year of experience doing it over the phone. In some sense, it was better because players had a little more time to decompress and think about things. They were speaking on their terms. They were comfortable at home rather than being an office. There are some benefits to it.

The past and present meet on @FOXSportsWest.

Tune in on April 17 for a legendary simulated Freeway Face-Off Game presented by @MercuryIns. https://t.co/xc3gwc0DfI

— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 10, 2020

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182598 Los Angeles Kings

KINGS RE-SIGN KURTIS MACDERMID TO TWO-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION ($875K AAV)

ZACH DOOLEY APRIL 10, 2020

The LA Kings have signed defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to a two-year, one-way contract extension, which carries an AAV of $875,000. MacDermid was to be a restricted free agent, beginning in the 2020 offseason. From the team’s official release –

LOS ANGELES – The LA Kings have signed defenseman Kurtis MacDermid to a two-year contract extension, according to Vice President and General Manager Rob Blake. The contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $875,000.

The 6-5, 235-pound blueliner appeared in a career-high 45 games this season with the Kings, posting eight points (3-5=8) and 47 penalty minutes. He also set career-highs in goals, assists and points. In three seasons with the Kings he has played in 90 games, recording 13 points (4-9=13) and 115 penalty minutes.

A native of Sauble Beach, Ontario, MacDermid originally signed with the Kings as an undrafted free agent on Sept. 12, 2012. The 26-year-old defenseman has also played in 194 games with the (AHL) over the last four seasons, totaling 57 points (16-41=57), a plus-51 rating and 481 penalty minutes.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182599 Minnesota Wild So far, the lesson plans have included the Oregon Trail, spelling and writing.

“The hardest part is getting them to sit down and focus and do it,” Suter Wild defenseman Ryan Suter continues 'emotional roller coaster' said. “It’s constantly either Becky’s yelling or I’m yelling. I hope they listen As he copes with isolation he craves more hockey, for himself and Wild to their teachers more than they listen to us.” fans. Still, the 35-year-old misses hockey.

“Guys only get to do this for so long,” said Suter, who has five seasons By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune APRIL 10, 2020 — 11:08PM left on his 13-year, $98 million contract after this one. “I’ve been fortunate. I’ve been able to do it for longer than the average. At any age, I think you want to play and you don’t want to lose these opportunities.”

Wild players haven’t skated together in more than a month. When the season stalled, the Wild was one point out of a playoff position and cruising during an 8-3 run — this after the team was stuck around Some have even left the country, traveling to their offseason retreats. the bottom of the Western Conference standings early in the season on And as the coronavirus pandemic continues, it remains unclear when, the heels of the worst start in franchise history. how and where the NHL could resume play. Over his last 23 games played, Suter had 18 points and was tied for But if there’s a way to get everyone back on the ice to finish the season, second in assists (33) and tied for third in points (39) among NHL defenseman Ryan Suter is hoping for that outcome. defensemen since Nov. 19.

“This year has been such an emotional roller coaster,” Suter said Friday “Our top guys were scoring goals,” said Suter, who is second on the Wild during a video conference call from his Minnesota home. “We started out in points with 48 after recording eight goals and 40 assists through 69 terrible … [but] we battled back. We’ve gone through ups and downs. To games. “Everything was clicking. We had a good vibe going. … Things finally be in position to have an opportunity to make the playoffs says a were going good. We were clicking as a team, and guys were kind of re- lot about our group. energized. We made it kind of through the dog days of the season, and we were getting ready for our push to make the playoffs.” “Would it be disappointing to end it like this? Yes, just because I know that we do have a good group of guys, guys that want to win and want to Not only does Suter want a chance to continue, but another motivation of have a chance to win. So yeah, it would be disappointing.” his for getting back to work is to give the fans a distraction they can rally around and enjoy. Suter never imagined this reality before the coronavirus changed the world. “Sports, they bring people together,” Suter said. “I’m sure people are craving something to watch on TV and something to cheer for. So Even though the NBA had suspended its season the night before after a hopefully if this works out, we can get back to playing and [bring] some player tested positive for COVID-19, Suter was preparing for a morning normalcy there so people can sit at home and try to escape the real skate March 12 before being told to go home upon entering the Wild’s world, real-life issues.” locker room. Star Tribune LOADED: 04.11.2020 Later that day, the NHL also hit the pause button.

“It’s amazing how fast it has gone and how dangerous and serious it’s gotten,” Suter said. “Hopefully we’re getting toward the end of it soon and people can get back to their normal lives.”

Although players deal with downtime in the summers, this lull is different. Instead of having a target in place, like the upcoming season, the current outlook is fuzzy.

“None of us really know what the future holds,” Suter said. “So, you’re getting up every day and you’re working out but how hard are you working out? What stuff do you need to be doing? So, it’s a different animal right now, and we’re just trying to stay as in shape as we can.”

In Suter’s case, that’s meant push-ups and squats. He’s also gone back to his native Wisconsin occasionally and grabbed weights from his home there to bring to Minnesota

If the season did return, Suter believes he’d need only a week to get back into form. But there are other logistics to consider, like getting players to the Twin Cities from wherever they’re currently staying and ensuring everyone is healthy and able to suit up without getting hurt.

“There’s going to be a lot that goes into it,” Suter said. “For us, we want to play, for sure, and hopefully we can make it work.”

While he waits for a resolution, Suter has been keeping busy.

As part of the ownership group of the USHL’s Madison Capitols, Suter is in the midst of a coaching search and he’s even thought about the possibility of having the Wild skate at the Capitols’ rink if it’d be allowed; the ice is still installed.

Aside from playing baseball with his son, Suter also is helping his wife, Becky, oversee their children’s schooling. The Suters have four kids: 9- year-old Brooks, 7-year-old Avery, 5-year-old Parker and Beau, who turns 3 next week.

“When you get to see the homework, you really appreciate the teachers,” Suter said. “I don’t know how they have the patience to deal with that. You learn to appreciate the simple things and the little things, and spending time with the family is definitely one of them.” 1182600 Minnesota Wild

Gophers, Minnesota Duluth each have four recruits in NHL draft scouting rankings

By Randy Johnson APRIL 8, 2020 — 3:23PM

The Gophers and Minnesota Duluth each have four committed recruits in the NHL Central Scouting final rankings of North American skaters for the 2020 NHL draft, while St. Cloud State has two and Minnesota State Mankato one.

For the Gophers, defenseman Brock Faber of Maple Grove and the U.S. National Team Development Program is ranked No. 44, followed by Rosemount defenseman Jake Ratzlaff (90th), Edina defenseman Jack Boltmann (113th) and Blake center Joe Miller (180th).

Minnesota Duluth’s ranked recruits are Andover defenseman Wyatt Kaiser (37th), Hermantown center Blake Biondi (64th), center Carter Loney of Steinbach of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League (167th) and St. Cloud Cathedral center Jack Smith (169th).

St. Cloud State’s ranked recruits among North American skaters are Thief River Falls defenseman Evan Bushy (156th) and Greenway defenseman Christian Miller (205th). In addition, Huskies recruit Veeti Miettinen, a right winger from K-Espoo Jr. in Finland, is 72nd among European skaters.

Minnesota State defenseman recruit Dylan Abbott of Fairbanks of the NAHL is 181st among North American skaters.

Among those committed to college hockey programs, North Dakota had the highest-ranked player in U.S. National Team Development Program defenseman Jake Sanders, fourth among North American skaters.

Other players ranked from Minnesota high schools or Shattuck-St. Mary’s in Faribault, with college commitment, include:

75. Carsen Richels, LW, Blaine H.S., New Hampshire;

81. Nathan Schweitzer, D, Benilde-St. Margaret’s H.S., Colorado College;

112. Artem Shlaine, C, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Boston University;

113. Jackson Kunz, LW, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, North Dakota;

128. David Ma, D, Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Princeton;

131. Mason Langenbrunner, D, Eden Prairie H.S., Harvard;

152. Grant Slukynsky, C, Warroad H.S., Northern Michigan;

187. Matthew Gleason, C, Cretin-Derham Hall H.S., Colorado College;

203. Zachary Michaelis, C, Elk River H.S., Nebraska Omaha.

Star Tribune LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182601 Minnesota Wild It’s unclear how COVID-19 could affect the NFL. While there’s more buffer time until the season is scheduled to begin, training camp begins in July — the same month Gov. Tim Walz now is anticipating to be After a month without sports, what’s next for Minnesota’s pro teams? Minnesota’s coronavirus peak.

Two stadiums — Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas and SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — are still under construction with little wiggle room in case By BETSY HELFAND | PUBLISHED: April 10, 2020 at 4:18 p.m. | construction sites get shut down. Workers at both sites reportedly have UPDATED: April 10, 2020 at 4:51 p.m. tested positive for the coronavirus.

Beyond that, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he does not envision having fans at NFL games in his state, where three teams play, by On Saturday, one month will have passed since March 11, the day news August and September. That comment came after President Trump of Rudy Gobert testing positive for the novel coronavirus rocked the reportedly told commissioners on a conference call last weekend that he sports world. believes the NFL should start as scheduled and his hope is to have fans The NBA shut down immediately that Wednesday night. MLB and the back at games by that point. NHL suspended operations the next day, with colleges, high schools and UNITED FC other professional sports leagues following suit at a dizzying pace, one after another until the sports world ground to a halt. The Loons’ regular season, which began in early March and was scheduled to wrap up in October, remains on hold, though the club says While it may not seem like it as COVID-19 continues to spread through it is “resolute” to play a full season this year. the country — and the world — one month without sports means one month closer to sports. Here’s a look at how local teams have been Last month, MLS announced it was extending its initial suspension of affected in the past month and what it might look like when they return: matches, targeting a May 10 return after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had recommended canceling or postponing gatherings of TWINS more than 50 people until that date. has been floating creative ideas as it tries to The league has not released an official update since then, although that figure out a way to get in at least part of its season, which had been date seems ambitious, especially if games are going to be played in scheduled to begin on March 26. Minnesota, after Walz extended the state’s stay-at-home order to May 4 When the Twins come back, if it is in 2020, it doesn’t appear that they will this week. begin with games at Target Field. A plan that leaked earlier this week LYNX had all 30 teams playing in a sort of quarantine bubble in the Phoenix- area, using spring training facilities and Chase Field, the home of the The latest from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is that the WNBA Diamondbacks, for games with no fans. will be postponing the start of its training camps and regular season, which had been scheduled to begin on May 15. A new idea, which USA Today reported Friday morning, has teams playing at their spring training homes in Florida and Arizona. Traditional Engelbert said in a release earlier this month that the league “continues divisions would be realigned for the season and teams would play those to use this time to conduct scenario-planning regarding new start dates closest to their spring training facility. and innovative formats.” The league still plans to hold its draft next Friday as a virtual event. In this plan, the Twins, who train in Fort Myers, Fla., would play in the same division as the Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays SAINTS and Baltimore Orioles. MLB has not yet committed to either plan for its return. The St. Paul Saints are scheduled to begin their season on May 19. They’ve shortened their preseason by a week but are still planning as if WILD that is the date they will start, knowing it likely isn’t.

By this point, the NHL regular season would have wrapped up and the Saints executive vice president and general manager Derek Sharrer said league would have been on to the playoffs. So, if the NHL is able to the team’s league, the American Association, is expected to make an come back this year, it must make the decision on whether it would play announcement next week. The Saints, unlike major league teams, likely some regular-season games or go straight to the playoffs. And if it does will not start until fans can be allowed back in stadiums because they do go straight to the playoffs, will the field be expanded? not have the same cash flow from television revenue. That likely means that any start date would be later than MLB’s. It would be a tough pill to swallow for the Wild, who are on the periphery of the playoff picture but would be left out if the NHL went directly to the WHITECAPS postseason in its normal format. The National Women’s Hockey League season hit pause right before it Commissioner Gary Bettman told NBCSN earlier this week that the was about to conclude. The Whitecaps were scheduled to play the league is still looking at all options and nothing has been ruled in or out. Boston Pride for the Isobel Cup on March 13 as the Minnesota team tried What they do, he said, would be determined by how much time they to defend its title. would have to play so they do not disrupt next season. While the Whitecaps had a shot at back-to-back championships, it As for where they might play, Sportsnet.ca reported North Dakota could remains unclear whether they’ll actually be able to play that last game. be an option, and the Associated Press reported Buffalo, N.Y., could be Players currently are unable to skate and workouts are limited. in the mix. Pioneer Press LOADED: 04.11.2020 TIMBERWOLVES

The NBA is in a similar situation as the NHL with the regular season scheduled to have concluded next week. Unlike the Wild, the Timberwolves were not in the playoff picture and thus are potentially less impacted.

The NBA also has been thinking about creative ways to salvage the end of its season, with the idea of holding its postseason in Las Vegas as something that has been discussed, per reports.

In the meantime, the NBA will be putting on a HORSE competition with current and former NBA and WNBA players. It is scheduled to begin on Sunday night and be televised on ESPN.

VIKINGS 1182602 Minnesota Wild

Wild star Ryan Suter is willing to play in North Dakota if the NHL is

By DANE MIZUTANI | Pioneer Press PUBLISHED: April 10, 2020 at 1:07 p.m. | UPDATED: April 10, 2020 at 1:07 p.m.

Ryan Suter is willing to do whatever it takes to finish out the 2019-20 NHL season in some capacity. Even if that means doing it in North Dakota.

According to a report by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman last week, the NHL has looked into the possibility of playing games without fans in North Dakota at some point this summer.

While this is the longest of long shots in terms of actually happening, the fact that it’s being talked about as an option has piqued the interest of some players.

“You’re hearing a lot of ideas,” Suter said. “We are willing to do whatever. We want to play. Our team was really playing well down the stretch here and we want to see if we can continue.”

If the NHL decides to resume play with the playoffs, thus not finishing the rest of the regular season, the Wild would be out of luck. They were one point out of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference when the league suspended operations last month.

“We were clicking as a team and guys were kind of re-energized,” Suter said. “We made it kind of through the dog days of the season and we were getting ready for our push to make the playoffs.”

No matter what happens, if the the 2019-20 season resumes in any capacity, players would need some time to get back into shape.

How much time? That answers varies from player to player.

“If we had a week to get into shape and to get after it, I think that would be suitable for me,” Suter said, recognizing that some players might need longer. “There’s just going to be so much that goes into this.”

In the meantime, Suter is at his home in Edina, trying his best to stay in shape. He has gone back to the basics — pushups, situps, squats — to make up for the fact that he can’t skate right now. He also has been spending time with his family trying his best to play the role of teacher for his kids who are now learning from home.

“You get to see the homework and really appreciate the teachers,” Suter said. “I don’t know how they have the patience to deal with that.”

He admits he never imagined the COVID-19 crisis would get this serious, adding that it’s put a lot of things in perspective when it comes to his everyday life.

“It’s amazing how fast it has gone and how dangerous and serious it’s gotten,” Suter said. “Hopefully we’re getting toward the end of it soon and people can get back to their normal lives.”

As for playing in North Dakota, and the logistics of that, Suter said the weirdest thing would be playing in an empty arena.

“It would be different.I don’t know how it would feel. I’ve never experienced it,” he said. “It would definitely be a different vibe. But both teams have to deal with it, and after the first couple of games, I’m sure guys would get the hang of it and just go out there and play.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182603 Minnesota Wild included in an expanded playoff field, Kaprizov would debut this season as opposed to next.

That could mean that Kaprizov would agree to terms on two contracts: Wild notes: Don’t worry, but there’s a new twist in the Kirill Kaprizov one that starts this season if the NHL ever resumes and another that pursuit starts next season if this season is canceled.

As of now though, again, teams are not allowed to sign players to By Michael Russo Apr 10, 2020 contracts that start this season and it’s unknown if the Wild will get to even continue if the league returns. The Wild do hope and expect that even if no regular-season games continue that they’ll be allowed to take part in a play-in tournament or some sort of expanded playoff considering With Kirill Kaprizov on the verge of signing his first NHL contract, two they’ve played fewer games than many in the NHL. very significant things have changed since the most recent of our never- ending updates about the Wild’s most heavily-anticipated prospect. Guerin had previously said that Kaprizov’s contract would start next season, not this season. But if Kaprizov really does want to get started The biggest update: With the Wild anxious to sign Kaprizov, the young right away, as much as the Wild would prefer not to burn off the first year Russian star is seeking new representation. of his contract for potentially only a handful of games, the team’s not The second biggest update: If this NHL season, currently suspended due about to say no to him. to COVID-19, does happen to resume this summer, sources say At a minimum, that would give Kaprizov a head start on next season and Kaprizov wants to debut immediately. give fans a sense of what kind of player he is. If the NHL would allow that, the Wild would grant Kaprizov’s wish. Kaprizov turns 23 on April 26 and his contract is cut and dry. Because of Remember, the Wild had previously stated that Kaprizov’s contract would his age, the 2015 fifth-round pick can only sign a two-year entry-level start next season. contract. He’d surely receive the type of contract an elite blue-chipper at As of now, regardless, the league is not allowing any contract to be the top of the draft would normally get: A base salary of $925,000, which signed that would start this season. As of now, too, Kaprizov’s wish could includes a $92,500 signing bonus, and likely the max potential bonuses all be for naught for another reason: If this season resumes without of $2.85 million annually. regular-season games, the Wild are a point out of a playoff spot under Technically, Kaprizov’s KHL contract runs through April 30, but because the current format. he has no further obligations now that the KHL season has been But, conceivably, both those facts could change later this summer if the canceled, it’s believed Kaprizov is allowed to sign with Minnesota at any NHL finds a way to resume. time.

First, let’s get back to Kaprizov’s lack of representation. Right now, the Wild are in a holding pattern waiting for him to sign with an agent. Still, they’re convinced he’s coming nonetheless. The Athletic learned Friday that Kaprizov is no longer being represented by agent Dan Milstein. “There’s no rush to really get it done,” Guerin said. “Like I said, I’m not worried.” Milstein had been working as a liaison between the Wild and Kaprizov since the KHL’s two-time leading goal scorer and Russian Olympic hero Spelling is a chore for some fans fired his initial two North American and Russian agents three years ago. If you missed our Wild fan survey results Thursday, here’s a link. But Kaprizov apparently never officially signed with Milstein to represent him. As mentioned in the all-time favorite player question, Jared Spurgeon was actually bumped from being one of the top-five most popular Wild So, despite the well-known agent to many Russian NHL stars arranging players of all-time to sixth once editor Zack Pierce discovered there were three meet-and-greet sitdowns between Kaprizov and previous Wild several spelling variations of Derek Boogaard. general managers and Paul Fenton and current GM Bill Guerin and even serving as translator at each of those dinners, Kaprizov Google Forms groups all identical responses, but even one letter off has decided to go in a different direction. means a separate item on the results sheet. Thankfully, Zack went through the long list of names and recomputed the tabulations. Still, to this juncture, Kaprizov has given every signal to the Wild that he plans to come to North America. The many variations: Derek Boogard, Derick Boogard, Derick Boogaard, Derreck Boogard, Derek Boogaurd, Derek Booguard, Derrek Boogaard, First, according to sources, Kaprizov has turned down an extension to Derrick Boogard, Derick Boogaurd, Derrick Boogaard and the return to CSKA Moscow. Second, according to sources, Kaprizov Boogeyman, which Zack was so kind to count despite the blatant middle appears close to signing with another NHL Players’ Association-certified finger to his first and last name instructions. agency. Turns out many fans can’t spell Spurgeon either. Kirill Kaprizov Actually, “Jared” proved even tougher than “Spurgeon.” His variations: You could see Kirill Kaprizov in a Wild uniform in the 2019-2020 season Jared Spurgen, Jared Spurgon, Jarod Spurgen, Jarrod Spurgeon, Derek after all. (Eric Bolte / USA Today) Spurgeon (?), Jatod Spurgeon, Jerod Spurgeon, Jerod Spurgon, Jarred Third, Guerin seems to have hit it off with Kaprizov. Spurgeon, Jaren Spurgeon, Jerrod Spurgon, Jarid Spurgeon, Jared Surgeon (which is my personal favorite), Jared Spureon and 46 (we’re Guerin exchanges texts with Kaprizov often and has even a couple times assuming this reader just gave up trying to spell Spurgeon’s name and used Google Translate to send Kaprizov texts in Russian. Kaprizov, put the number). whose English is limited, replies in English. The most common spelling mistake? Marion (instead of Marian) Gaborik “I don’t know if he’s using Google Translate, but I sent him a really long — 106 times. text and (our Russian scout) Ivan (Nepriaev) was going to help him translate it, but he told Ivan he didn’t need help and he’d do it on his own, Sam Anas on his future and sure enough, he wrote back,” Guerin said Friday. “We’ve gone back Thanks to AHL leading scorer Sam Anas for joining my Straight From and forth a bunch. He’s such a good kid, so I’m not worried. … The Source podcast Monday on The Athletic. If you missed the podcast, “I’ve talked to Kirill directly and he understands how much we want him.” here’s the link. The previous two guests were Zach Parise and Alex Stalock (very fun podcasts, so please give a listen by clicking the This brings us back to the second update — the fact Kaprizov would love hyperlinks on their names), and former Wild coach Bruce Boudreau will to start his entry-level contract immediately rather than next season. be my next guest Monday.

That means, if rules permit and the Wild are allowed to burn the first year Anas, Iowa’s all-time leading scorer with 197 points in 259 games, leads of his contract if there’s a semblance of a regular season or if they’re the AHL with 50 assists, 70 points and 43 power-play points. The 26- year-old, in his fourth season with Iowa, was asked how hard it has been that he has yet to get a shot to make his NHL debut with Minnesota.

“I just focus on the day-to-day,” he said. “I think if you focus on the big picture and someone thinking, ‘Well, why did this guy get called up?’ or ‘This guy has less points’ … then you’re focusing on the wrong things and it’s going to affect you negatively.

“I control what I can control and come to the rink everyday with a smile on my face and know I’m going to work hard and go to the battle with the teammates. Anyone in the AHL that doesn’t want to be in the NHL is lying, if they say that. Everyone is here for a reason. That’s the motivation. … I’m still working to accomplish my lifelong goal to play in the NHL.”

If the AHL season is canceled, which could possibly happen as soon as May 1, Anas can become an unrestricted free agent. Asked if not yet getting a sniff of the NHL could influence his decision to sign elsewhere, Anas said, “We’ll see how everything plays out. I love it here in Des Moines and it’s such a great spot. I’ve been able to grow as a person here and get to know so many great people. … It’s been a special place. I’m lucky that I’ve been able to play in the same area for the last four seasons, which I don’t think most guys, especially at this level, get to do, so it’s been great. There’s a lot of fans that I’m close with. Des Moines definitely has become a home for me.”

Wild donate supplies to front-line doctors and nurses

Wild president Matt Majka and fellow executives Jamie Spencer, Wayne Petersen, Tim Groth and Jim Vanek donated bulk sizes of sanitizer, alcohol prep pads, masks and gloves to front-line workers at HealthPartners this week. The equipment was sent to Regions Hospital in St. Paul.

Majka said the Wild had a lot of the supplies at Xcel Energy Center and TRIA Rink and felt it was important it didn’t go unused with the season on hiatus.

YOU BET. PIC.TWITTER.COM/STFT3Q83OC

— SCOTT BEEDY (@SCOTTBEEDY) APRIL 9, 2020

European players chartered flights home

Didn’t realize this, but I was talking to Carolina Hurricanes winger Nino Niederreiter and a couple other players in the past couple days and it turns out many European NHLers worked together to charter flights to their home countries from centralized locations after the NHL gave permission for them to leave. So, Swedes chartered an aircraft for Swedes, Finns for Finns and Russians for Russians.

So, the hope is, if we get back to normalcy and hockey resumes that Europeans can return to North America the same way as long as all borders are open. The Wild’s Kevin Fiala, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jonas Brodin, Victor Rask and Mats Zuccarello have returned to Europe.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182604 MontrealCanadiens A year earlier, Timmins had said it is “always best player available” when asked the annual question of whether the Canadiens would draft for need. The Canadiens then drafted at No. 3 overall Why this may be the most Trevor Timmins draft the Canadiens have ever and went on to draft five more centres and two left-shot defencemen with had their next 10 picks. Their biggest organizational gaps that year? Centres and left-shot defencemen – surely a coincidence.

So when he was asked the same question at the 2019 combine, Timmins By Arpon Basu Apr 10, 2020 changed his stance.

“I think in today’s NHL game you’re seeing players play at a much younger age than in the past,” Timmins said. “Especially with a salary One of the most telling things Trevor Timmins has ever said in his time cap, having young players step into your lineup at a reduced cost is running the Canadiens’ amateur scouting department came two years important, and I think that’s why you’re seeing, in the draft, maybe teams ago at the NHL scouting combine in Buffalo. He was asked by a reporter drafting more for need and positional need than the best player available. about the 2013 draft, which was the last time the Canadiens had three second-round picks, and how he might learn from the last time he was in “Each team has different needs. Do we need goal scoring? Yes. the situation (they also had three in 2018). Defencemen, offensive defencemen, defensive defencemen, you can say left shot … But I think there will be a decision to be made, not only a Timmins spoke of how they were looking to add size in 2013, which positional decision, but players within that position as well.” would explain the selection of Michael McCarron in the first round as well as Jacob De La Rose with the first of those three second-round picks. About a month later, the Canadiens took the best goal scorer in the draft The Canadiens had just been beaten up in a five-game loss to the in the first round and used their next four picks on left-shot defencemen. Ottawa Senators in the first round of the playoffs a couple of months earlier, and this appeared to be a direct reaction to that by a raw Marc The Canadiens were clearly still drafting for need, but with the influx of 21 Bergevin, who had been Canadiens general manager for a little over a prospects over the 2018 and 2019 drafts, maybe they don’t have to do year at that point. that anymore.

Timmins answered with a question of his own. “I don’t think our philosophy’s going to change, but if we take a look at our prospect pool, I think we have more depth now at all positions,” “Of those three players, who’s got the most upside today?” he asked, Timmins said Thursday during a conference call with reporters. “So, referring to De La Rose, Zachary Fucale and Artturi Lehkonen. definitely, I always talk about asset value and that doesn’t change what positions and what type of players have more asset value than others. So When someone replied it was Lehkonen, Timmins responded, “Well, he that’s not going to change. was the smallest.” “But I do think there’s not a defining need that we have to really address It was a subtle way for Timmins to indicate the priority of adding size in during the draft.” 2013 was not necessarily his own. Lehkonen was the last of the three second-round picks the Canadiens made that year, and it is a fair bet that Over the first three rounds of the last three drafts, the Canadiens have the only reason Timmins brought him up was that he was his guy; of the added two first-round centres (Kotkaniemi and Ryan Poehling, not to eight players the Canadiens picked in that draft, Lehkonen is of course mention trading for another first-round talent in Nick Suzuki), some the only one still with the organization. potential scorers on the wing (Joni Ikonen, Jesse Ylonen and Caufield), help on both the right side (Cale Fleury and Josh Brook) and left side of It is the reflection of a stark reality for scouting directors around the NHL: the defence (Alexander Romanov, Jordan Harris, Jayden Struble, Mattias they work all season long on one thing and only one thing, only to have Norlinder and Gianni Fairbrother) as well as drafting a top-notch their general manager or assistant general manager or director of player goaltending prospect in the seventh round (Cayden Primeau). personnel jump into the game late and try to take things over. This is a real thing in the scouting community, where the people who do the actual The depth of their prospect pool, and the fact is it now so well-rounded, legwork must guard against the relatively uninformed opinions of their should allow Timmins and his staff the freedom to simply look for talent, upper management types leaping in with opinions based on a limited no matter the position, no matter the size, no matter all the other number of viewings and limited or incomplete information on a player. considerations that often go into a selection.

At the 2012 draft, Bergevin spoke in glowing terms about second-round “All I can tell you,” Timmins said Thursday, “is we pick the player with the pick Dalton Thrower of the Saskatoon Blades, relaying watching him play most upside when it’s our turn to pick, in our opinion.” live and get into a fight with a much more imposing player. Thrower came out on the winning end of the tilt, it stuck with Bergevin, so much so that Keeping the general manager at bay he told the story immediately after drafting him. It was a sign of character The biggest scouting event of the draft cycle was canceled this year. The in his eyes. It was also a sign that Thrower was his pick, and not under-18 world championships is the best opportunity for teams to watch necessarily Timmins’ choice, though perhaps they agreed. draft prospects play with and against their peer group, an important factor Still, the reality of external forces like hosting a draft (hello, Louis in the evaluation process. But the tournament is also a chance for Leblanc) or an overly enthusiastic general manager when it comes to a general managers to view these players just before the final scouting certain prospect are the things we are rarely privy to on the outside. We meetings, and it is often one of very few live viewings they will have of don’t know which picks were influenced or even dictated by people each player. A prospect who has a particularly good U-18 tournament higher up the team’s food chain and which ones weren’t. But we do know can therefore win some fans among those who fill GM roles, whereas the the draft is evaluated in hindsight and the person who takes the scouting directors are working from multiple viewings and a much wider responsibility – whether it’s blame or glory – is Timmins. The same is true base of knowledge. of his peers around the league. Take not only that tournament away, but all CHL, NCAA and European There are a number of reasons why Timmins and his amateur scouting league playoffs as well, and people who haven’t been scouting these director Shane Churla might feel influenced in their decisions, whether it players all season risk having less influence on how someone like means drafting players from Quebec, or to fill a certain organizational Timmins operates on draft day. need, or because of a fight in Saskatoon one night. “What ends up happening here is that management who had planned on The 2020 NHL draft will have a unique flavour, what with a pandemic scouting that event (the U-18 worlds) – general managers, assistant currently putting the world on hold. It would appear Timmins and his staff general managers, player development people – they’re not going to be might be liberated from some of those external influences this year. able to see those players,” Timmins said. “Whether or not they’ve seen Here’s how: them before – maybe, maybe they haven’t – they would have seen some at the world juniors, but they’re not going to have that chance to see Drafting for need those players live and maybe to have the same voice that they might have in scouting meetings.” Last year at the NHL combine, Timmins was asked something he is asked every year. Except his answer had suddenly changed. Showtime has been pushed back Rightly or wrongly, there is inherent pressure on the host team to make a If that does happen, if this winds up being the last kick at the draft can for bit of splash at their own draft. Think acquiring Cory Timmins with the Canadiens, it appears he’ll at least be able to say he Schneider for their first-round pick at the 2013 draft in New Jersey kind of struck out swinging on his own terms. thing. Or the Canadiens taking Leblanc in the first round kind of thing. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 The Canadiens are basically guaranteed not to be hosting the draft this year, and if they do it won’t be in a packed Bell Centre. So if that pressure to perform existed for Bergevin or or anyone else, now it’s gone, thereby simplifying Timmins’ life a great deal. In theory.

If there is no draft floor, trade activity might lessen

Just after the 2016 draft, when Timmins was asked why he hadn’t used any of the Canadiens’ six picks on a player from Quebec (he is asked this question annually), he had to seriously bite his tongue. Still, he couldn’t help but mention how Bergevin’s work on the draft floor prevented him from doing so.

The Canadiens entered that draft with the Nos. 39 and 45 picks in the second round, both of which were traded to the Chicago Blackhawks for Andrew Shaw. The Nashville Predators took QMJHL defenceman Samuel Girard at No. 47 that year.

This is the reality for any scouting director and it is one they live with. After all, Shaw was a solid contributor for the Canadiens and Bergevin eventually paid Timmins back, acquiring a second and seventh-round pick this year and a third-round pick in 2021 by trading Shaw back to the Blackhawks last summer.

But with the distinct probability there will be no traditional draft floor this year, perhaps there is less of a risk that Timmins will have the rug pulled out from underneath him by a trade, especially with three second-round picks and two picks in the third for Bergevin to use as ammunition.

“Having the draft on the draft floor with all 31 teams present and the staff and the GM, it allows for a lot of communication during the draft,” Timmins said. “A lot of deals thrown out there. A lot of deals falling through or getting made. There’s a lot of talking on the draft floor, so I think that would impede that.”

A change for the better?

No scout would ever say watching video is better than live viewings when evaluating prospects. There are so many things that happen off camera in a hockey game, it is perfectly understandable. But Timmins and his staff don’t have the option of watching players live right now, and maybe there’s a silver lining to that.

Who knows? Maybe it will change the way they view scouting in the future as well.

“Myself, I’ve been more busy on the computer and, in the end, watching more games than I do when I’m out there traveling around the world watching live games,” Timmins said. “We’re able to do that because we have the bulk of our live coverage done. If you went blind and never seen a player live and expect to get a good progression, that would be very difficult to do if you just went on video. But our entire staff has a big library of live coverage, which enables us to maybe look at things a little different (through) video, maybe look at different things.”

Video and analytics will be leaned on harder in this draft than they ever have. Timmins says they are tools he and his staff use in their evaluation, but maybe this process will convince them to rely on those aspects of the process more in future than they have in the past. And maybe, without discounting the value of live viewings, it will lead to a change for the better.

Timmins appeared to be acutely aware of the scrutiny his department is facing right now when he spoke to reporters Thursday. He began and ended the conference call with a detailed explanation of how hard his team is working to make this draft an exceptional one for the Canadiens.

The only player on the active roster at the suspension of the season who was a Canadiens first-round pick was Carey Price. Canadiens draft picks from any round played a cumulative 379 games for the team this season. Roster players who were drafted by a team other than the Canadiens played 921.

Something must change. The future success of the franchise is wholly dependent on that change already being in full swing with the last two drafts, but also this one. If something doesn’t change at the draft table, wholesale changes in the front office will assuredly be coming. 1182605 Nashville Predators on Oct. 10, he punctuated his goal by pulling out Kittle’s first-down signal — the “Zero Fear” taunt used by AEW wrestler Pentagon Jr.

Why does George Kittle love Filip Forsberg so much? “Everyone told me I was either shooting a basketball or taking it out of the cookie jar,” Kittle said.

By Adam Vingan Apr 10, 2020 FIL WITH THE LET’S GOOOOO!!!!! HTTPS://T.CO/JXWISXVUKY

— GEORGE KITTLE (@GKITTLE46) OCTOBER 11, 2019

It is one of Predators Twitter’s greatest mysteries. Through his friendship with Forsberg, Kittle’s admiration for hockey players has grown exponentially. Occasionally, 49ers tight end George Kittle will send a tweet about the Predators — most of which mention Filip Forsberg — to “The fact that Fil is more comfortable on skates than he is on land or his roughly 163,700 followers. grass is just insane to me,” Kittle said. “I have the fake ice and a hockey goal and I get out and shoot sometimes, especially now when I’m stuck How does an All-Pro football player who was born in Wisconsin, spent at home. I don’t know how they do that stuff while on skates. Everything most of his youth in Iowa, went to high school in Oklahoma and now that they do, they’re playing at high speed at all times. It’s physical. It’s a stars for an NFL team in California become a Predators fan? And why grind. It’s a ton of games. You’re traveling everywhere. I just respect the does he love Forsberg so much? grind.

FIL WITH THE NINERS HAT HTTPS://T.CO/B5QY6PI3RV “I just respect the whole game of hockey. I think honestly it’s just a beautiful masterpiece when it’s played well.” — GEORGE KITTLE (@GKITTLE46) APRIL 9, 2020 The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 The explanation is rather simple. For the past few years, Kittle and his wife, Claire, have made Nashville their offseason home. Claire and Forsberg’s girlfriend, Erin Alvey, are close friends, which is how Kittle and Forsberg were introduced.

“I play Xbox with him. I try to go to as many games as I can. We hang out,” Kittle said in a phone interview from his Nashville home Wednesday. “He came out to the NFC Championship Game during (the) All-Star break, which was pretty awesome. We’ve just become friends. We hang out in the summers whenever he’s off and back here and not in Sweden.

“It’s been really fun to be friends with someone in another sport. I think hockey is the hardest sport, because I can’t skate to save my life. I don’t understand how they can move like they do. I have an appreciation for it, and being able to be a friend with one of the best hockey players in the NHL has been pretty cool for me.”

Kittle supported the Predators before he met Forsberg; C.J. Beathard, his teammate with the 49ers and at the University of Iowa, is from Franklin and attended Battle Ground Academy.

“He’s a huge Preds fan, so I’ve been to a couple games with him,” Kittle said. “But then after meeting Fil, I now have three Filip Forsberg jerseys in my closet. He actually gave me the Winter Classic one. He signed that one for me. That was pretty sick. I have two of his hockey sticks, and then I have a home and an away jersey.” (Matt Barrows, who reports on the 49ers for The Athletic, said Kittle keeps a Forsberg jersey in his locker at Levi’s Stadium.)

Asked if he was previously a fan of another team, Kittle said, “In college, when I had five roommates, we would decide who had to do the chores in the house by playing ‘NHL.’ I always played with the Flyers, so for some reason, I was a Flyers fan for like five years. I always liked (Claude) Giroux just because his name sounds awesome, and he’s also savage. I do have a Giroux jersey, but I usually only root for the Preds.”

Kittle made sure to mention that he also supports the San Jose Sharks, for obvious reasons.

On Nov. 9, Kittle attended the Predators’ game in San Jose, a 2-1 Sharks win, but had to do so discreetly, as he was listed as doubtful on the 49ers’ injury report with knee and ankle injuries.

“I had to sneak down there,” Kittle said. “I couldn’t wear Preds gear because I was actually sitting in the Sharks alumni suite. It was pretty funny.”

Forsberg scored the Predators’ lone goal that night and borrowed Kittle’s trademark touchdown celebration, a take on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s beer bash.

LETS GO FIL!!!! WITH THE MATCHING CELLY HTTPS://T.CO/L49PPYMC6S

— GEORGE KITTLE (@GKITTLE46) NOVEMBER 10, 2019

It was not the first time that Forsberg channeled Kittle, a big fan of professional wrestling, this season. When Forsberg scored against the 1182606 New York Islanders

Why Mathew Barzal isn’t focused on contract status with Islanders

By Brett Cyrgalis April 11, 2020 | 1:56am

The way Mathew Barzal looks at it, the coronavirus pandemic that has paused the NHL season has not ended it. So the Islanders’ 22-year-old star center isn’t worried about the biggest question of this offseason. That would be his pending restricted free agency and a possible long-term deal from team president on the horizon.

“I don’t think there’s been too much communication, and not because there’s been anything negative or anything, it’s just Lou is getting ready for a playoff run right now,” Barzal said on a conference call Friday afternoon. “I’m not too, too worried about it because I don’t think the season is over yet. I think we’re still going to be playing, so there are bigger things we have to worry about right now in terms of heading into the playoffs this year.”

When the season was stopped on March 12, the Islanders were one point out of a playoff spot. They had two games in hand on the Blue Jackets, who held the second wild-card spot, with 14 games remaining. Lamoriello had traded for two-way center Jean-Gabriel Pageau, and immediately signed him to a six-year, $30 million extension.

The club is trying to win now before they hope to move into their new arena at Belmont Park for the start of the 2021-22 season. The squeeze on the salary cap for next season might make it a little tighter for a long- term extension for Barzal, but that still seems like the goal for both sides.

“Whenever we’re ready to sit down and get it done, I’d love for that to happen,” Barzal said. “But at the same time, I’m not a person that is going to rush this thing or get nervous about it or whatever. Just going about my day, and it’ll happen when it happens.”

As for those days without hockey, Barzal has been trying to work out at home with his family in Vancouver, while playing his dad in and his mom in cribbage. He has also started playing the guitar with some impetus from teammate Jordan Eberle, although Barzal said he had not really learned a full song just yet.

There have been some ideas floating around about how the NHL could reopen business, including starting the playoffs right away with an expanded format in one or two closed locations. But the pandemic still has not peaked in the , and commissioner Gary Bettman has been reluctant to publicly discuss any of the plans with no real idea of when it might be possible to safely bring players and team personnel together.

Yet Barzal is still thinking that this season can be saved, and, if so, the league has a chance to capitalize on a unique opportunity.

“I think I’d be cool with playing a different style or a different format or something cool like that to offset the year,” Barzal said. “I don’t think we’re ever going to have a season — as long as I’m playing — like this again, where it’s just an absolute halt during the middle of the season. And it’s an uncertainty if we’re even going to finish the rest of the year.

“So if they were going to switch it up and do something unique like that, I would be interested. I think the NHL has a great opportunity here, if we do get a chance to play, to make it a unique scenario because of what’s going on, and make it enticing for viewers to watch, and make something new and fresh for one season.”

If that extends the season late into the summer — and shortens the time for his own contract negotiation — Barzal would be fine with it.

“Personally, I’m 22, we’re still only a month off the season. I think if they would resume the season pretty quickly, I would have no problem going back to playing,” Barzal said. “At the end of the day, it’s the NHL’s call and they’re the ones that need to make money and have us under contract. It’s their call at the end of the day, and whatever they decide, I’ll be ready to go — and so will our team.”

New York Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182607 New York Islanders

Islanders' Mathew Barzal focused on resuming season, not upcoming contract negotiations

By Andrew Gross

The negotiations toward a new contract will come in the offseason. That’s because impending restricted free agent Mathew Barzal shares the belief of Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello that more hockey will be played, even with the NHL season on pause since March 12 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I don’t think there’s been too much communication, and not because there’s been anything negative,” Barzal said Friday on a conference call. “Lou’s getting ready for a playoff run right now and I’m still worried about this season as well. I’m not too, too worried about it just because I don’t think the season’s over. I still think we’re going to be playing, so there’s bigger things we’ve got to worry about right now in terms of getting into the playoffs this year.

“At the same time, whenever we’re ready to sit down and get it done, I’d love for that to happen,” added Barzal, who is completing a three-year, $2.775 million entry-level deal.

Barzal is back home with his family in the Vancouver, , area, but he stayed on Long Island for a couple of weeks after the season was paused, hoping he would be able to resume skating at the Islanders’ practice facility in East Meadow.

“I kept calling Lou to get updates because I was figuring if we weren’t going to be able to go back to the rink, I’d go back to Vancouver and hang with my family,” said Barzal, who leads the Islanders with 41 assists and 60 points in 68 games and is three goals shy of tying his career high of 22. “Lou gave me some really good advice, to just be patient. There’s a pause on life right now and we’ve just got to do the things we’re being told and that’s just how it is. That was really great advice he gave me. So I’ve just been trying to keep calm.”

The Islanders went into the forced hiatus on an 0-3-4 slide and a point out of a playoff berth with 14 regular-season games remaining on their schedule.

Barzal said he is “pretty confident” that the Islanders would have qualified for the playoffs if play had continued and said he is open to any format. That includes sequestering all the teams in one location.

“Yeah, I saw the rumors,” he said. “I’d be cool with playing a different style or a different format, something cool like that to offset this year just because it is a different year.

“I think the NHL has a great opportunity here if we do get a chance to play to make it a unique scenario because of what’s going on,” he added. “I just think they can be creative with it, if they do get the green light. Attract viewers for this one-time thing going on.”

NHL players are in self-quarantine through Wednesday — that still could be extended again — and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said this week that “nothing has been ruled out, nothing has been ruled in” with regard to whether the regular season will be completed or what the playoff format will be if play is able to resume.

Barzal, 22, does not think he would have an issue quickly getting back into playing shape if the season resumes, nor would he mind playing deep into the summer.

“It’s the NHL’s call,” he said. “They are the ones that need to make money and have us under contracts. Whatever they decide, I’m ready to go, and so will be our team.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182608 New York Islanders

Islanders' Mathew Barzal finds other outlets to make up for lack of competition

By Andrew Gross

Mathew Barzal was celebrating beating his mother at cards.

Hard.

“I think yesterday was my tipping point. I was going a little crazy,” the Islanders center said Friday on a conference call. “I think I played an hour of ping-pong and I didn’t let up on my dad once. Then I was playing crib and beat my mom a couple of times. I was celly-ing in the kitchen and really enjoying my wins. I don’t know what it was, but I would have played any game yesterday. I had so much energy. I just wanted to get competitive over something. I need to be doing something.”

Barzal is spending the NHL’s self-quarantine period to combat the COVID-19 pandemic with his family in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area.

He’s working out on his own, playing lots of ping-pong with his father and sister, playing video games and trying to learn the guitar, something teammate Jordan Eberle started teaching him this season.

But Barzal is missing the competition and his teammates.

“I’d say the hardest thing for me is just not being around lots of people,” he said. “I’ve got a lot of energy when I’m around the rink. I just like messing with the guys or being around my teammates and having fun at the rink. That’s my favorite part of life, really. Not being able to do that has been tough.”

Trying to figure out the guitar has been a good diversion, though.

“I think I’d surprise you guys right now if I was playing,” said Barzal, adding that he picked up a guitar for the first time two months ago. “It’s like starting from scratch, putting on skates for the first time. It’s difficult and I seriously respect people that can play guitar. You don’t just pick up a guitar and become good. You have to work at it. It’s kind of like hockey, to be honest. People that are really good at hockey generally have worked at it more than the next guy.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182609 New York Rangers

Tom Webster, former hockey player and coach, dies at 71

ASSOCIATED PRESS |APR 10, 2020 | 10:08 PM

Webster, the former NHL and WHA forward who went on to coach the New York Rangers and the Kings, died Friday, April 10, 2020.

Tom Webster, the former NHL and WHA forward who went on to coach the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, died Friday. He was 71.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Webster's death. Webster scored 53 goals and helped the franchise — then the New England Whalers — win the World Hockey Association's first title in 1972-73. He also was an assistant coach in Carolina, and son-in-law L.J. Scarpace was the team's video coach.

“Tommy was down here a lot, over the past couple of years, just visiting,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “He talked to our group a lot, just telling old stories. He was a great man, that’s the best way to describe him.”

From Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Webster had 33 goals and 42 assists in 102 career NHL games with Boston, Detroit and California. He had 30 goals and 37 assists in 78 games for Detroit in 1970-71, then played only 12 games for the Red Wings and Golden Seals the following season.

Webster then jumped to the WHA, where he had 220 goals and 205 assists in 352 WHA games in six seasons with the Whalers. He was inducted into the World Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

Webster was hired in 1986 to coach the Rangers, but developed an inner-ear infection that left him unable to fly. He resigned in April 1987.

He took over the Kings in 1989, and led them to their first division title — topping the Smythe in 1991. He was 115-94-31 in three seasons with the team.

“It is very sad news for our organization,” Kings President Luc Robitaille said. “Coach Webster was a great man and my head coach for three seasons. He was also a tremendous part of a lot of the success our team enjoyed when Wayne Gretzky was playing in Los Angeles in particular.”

Webster also was known for his temper. In November 1991, he was suspended 12 games and fined $10,000 for throwing his stick and hitting referee Kerry Fraser in the foot, drawing the largest suspension ever for an NHL coach.

Webster coached three minor league or junior teams titles, co-coaching Adirondack in the American Hockey league in 1980-81, then directing Tulsa to the Central Hockey League crown in 1983-84 and Windsor to the junior Ontario Hockey League championship in 1987-88 He also was an assistant coach with Philadelphia and worked an amateur scout for Calgary.

“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen and I am honored to have known him,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said. “More importantly, Webby was even a better man.”

New York Daily News LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182610 New York Rangers

Ex-Rangers coach Tom Webster, known as ‘Hawkeye,’ dies at 71

By Brett Cyrgalis

A hockey lifer has passed on, as former Rangers coach Tom Webster died Friday at the age of 71.

Webster, known as “Hawkeye,” was hired as the Rangers’ coach in 1986 but only coached five games before an inner-ear infection left him unable to fly. The road duties were then split between general manager Phil Esposito and assistants and , while Webster coached home games only. He returned to full-time coaching in January, but a relapse left him unable to coach and he resigned at the end of the season.

Webster took over as coach of the Kings in 1989, and with Wayne Gretzky on his team, they won the Smythe Division in 1990-91. In the next season while the Kings were playing in Detroit, Webster got infuriated with referee Kerry Fraser and threw a stick on the ice, hitting Fraser in the skate. Webster was suspended for 12 games. That season was his final one as an NHL head coach.

The Rangers sent out a tweet Friday afternoon, stating they were “saddened to learn of the passing of former head coach Tom Webster. Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Webster was drafted by the Bruins in 1966, and played 102 games in the NHL. But he made his name as a player during the inaugural season for the New England Whalers of the WHA, scoring 53 goals in the club’s first season of 1972-73.He played six seasons for the Whalers and left just before they moved to the NHL in 1979.

When the Whalers moved from Hartford to become the Carolina Hurricanes in 1997, Webster was an assistant coach on that first staff under . Maurice, now the head coach of the Jets — another relocated franchise — said Webster was “the guy” when it came to his coaching influences.

“He was my junior coach who I eventually hired as an assistant coach in the NHL. He would absolutely be the man who influenced me the most,” Maurice said earlier this season, according to the Winnipeg Sun. “Really, really intense guy but a big family guy, very emotional guy. Systems. That was kind of the first time I heard of the word systems, like, ‘Hey, we’ve got a plan here.’ ”

Webster had many other jobs in hockey, including as an assistant coach for the Flyers from 1994-96 and two different stints as head coach of the OHL , winning a league title in 1988, and then making his final coaching run from 1999-2003. Before retiring, he was a scout for the Flames, who honored him at the NHL Draft in 2013 in Philadelphia, where Webster got a standing ovation before making the team’s final pick in the seventh round.

New York Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182611 New York Rangers

Artemi Panarin ‘kidding’ about Rangers exit if NHL cuts pay over coronavirus

By Larry Brooks April 10, 2020 | 9:04PM

Rangers fans need not fear.

Artemi Panarin isn’t planning to bolt the team and sit out next season if the NHL’s finances take a severe beating as a result of the ongoing coronavirus crisis, despite a report circulating on a Russian website, in which the winger is quoted saying as such on Friday.

“Of course I was kidding,” Panarin said in a text to a Rangers executive that was shared with The Post. “I was laughing.”

The Russian outlet, Sports.ru, had picked up an Instagram conversation between Panarin and Aleksandr Kerzhakov, the retired top scorer of the Russian national soccer team, who is currently the head coach of his country’s Under-18 squad.

40-to-60 percent. Panarin responded that if that were the case in the NHL, he would probably skip the season. That was the crux of the translation.

But translation does not detect nuance and neither does social media, though there is an indication Panarin laughed when it was suggested he could return to the KHL.

The NHL is contemplating different scenarios for a summer return in centralized locations with games that would be played without spectators.

Panarin, who is spending the COVID-19 induced hiatus at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., stands to lose up to 35 percent of his $14 million 2019-20 pay to escrow if the season does not resume.

There may also be a significant hit next season — when Panarin will be wearing No. 10 for the Rangers.

New York Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182612 New York Rangers All of these decisions may hinge on a decision from Lundqvist himself. After essentially being pushed aside, receiving just four starts in 29 games after Shesterkin was recalled on Jan. 7, does he even want to NY Rangers questions: Has Henrik Lundqvist played his final game for stay? the Blueshirts? He's been careful with his words, but it's no secret that the reduced role stung his pride. He admitted in late February that his future would be a topic of conversation after the season. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL Writer Published 4:57 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 | Updated 10:31 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 "I’ve been very open with the management the two years I’ve been through this (rebuilding) process that, if there comes a day where they feel like I’m not a good solution, let’s talk about it," Lundqvist said on Feb. 23. "Let’s be open about it." In the last few weeks, we've examined almost all aspects of the New York Rangers. If a collective decision is made to move on, the Rangers' options will be limited. We looked at what we learned about the team in 2019-20, then a series of lingering questions as we dream of a post-pandemic world filled with Maybe they could pull a rabbit out of their hat and find a trade partner — hockey. which would surely require them to absorb a large portion of Lundqvist's $8.5 million salary — but a buyout is much more likely. That would save As I pondered what those questions were, there was one that felt $3 million on the salary cap next season, with the Rangers stuck owing especially prevalent. Not only is it the question I've heard most from fans the remaining $5.5 million. It would also result in an additional $1.5 lately — besides, of course, asking if and when the season will resume million cap hit in 2021-22. — but it may be the toughest to answer. Who knows if it comes to that, but it's not as far-fetched as it seemed just Has Henrik Lundqvist played his last game with the Blueshirts? a few months ago. And if the franchise leader in goalie wins has started That possibility has become impossible to ignore. his final game for the Rangers — a disappointing 5-3 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on March 1 — every fan would feel at least a twinge New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist reacts after giving up a of sadness to see it end so unceremoniously. goal to the Tampa Bay Lightning during the second period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019, in Tampa, Fla. Bergen Record LOADED: 04.11.2020

Across all sports, there's a common desire for legendary players to go out on their own terms. But history tells us that many aren't afforded that opportunity.

Whether it's due to diminishing skills or the emergence of young talent, circumstances can change rapidly for aging veterans. In Lundqvist's case, while he's certainly not the same goalie at 38 years old that he was at 28 or 32, it's more the latter.

One of the obvious takeaways from this season is that Igor Shesterkin is the new king of the nets on Broadway. The rookie exploded on to the scene, propelling the Rangers back into the playoff race by going 10-2 and stopping .932% of the shots he faced. He lived up to the hype as the best goalie prospect in the NHL and forced some difficult, but ultimately welcomed, decisions.

Whether Lundqvist would be content serving as Shesterkin's backup and mentor in the final year of his contract is still unknown. But adding an extra layer of complication is the presence of Alexandar Georgiev.

Georgiev, like Shesterkin, is only 24. And while he doesn't carry the same prospect status — he was undrafted and largely passed on by scouts before the Rangers signed him in the summer of 2017 — he's proven to be a valuable commodity.

After Shesterkin got into a car accident in February and had to miss time with a fractured rib, it was clear Georgiev had become the preferred option over Lundqvist. From Feb. 7 on, Georgiev started 10 games while Lundqvist started once.

It's unsustainable for the Rangers to keep all three goalies — and there are plenty of reasons to move forward with Shesterkin and Georgiev. They could make for a strong tandem in the years to come, and each carry more value than Lundqvist due to their age and low salaries.

But with Georgiev about to hit restricted free agency, his price tag is set to steadily rise. It would behoove the Rangers to listen to trade offers before making any final decisions. If they could net a desirable draft pick or prospect in exchange for what amounts to their backup goalie, they would have to consider it.

In that scenario, Lundqvist could play out his final season in New York and avoid a messy divorce. And with more goalie prospects in the pipeline — led by Adam Huska, Tyler Wall and Olof Lindbom — there would be plenty of options to take over as Shesterkin's backup in 2021- 22.

New York Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist makes a save against the Detroit Red Wings during the first period of their NHL hockey game, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019, at Madison Square Garden in New York. 1182613 New York Rangers Hájek got the first crack out of training camp, winning the job over Lindgren and Smith, but struggled in 28 games before his season was derailed by a knee injury and he wound up in the AHL. He didn't gain NY Rangers questions: Who will man the left side of the defense in the much traction there, either, and has seen his prospect stock drop as a immediate future? result.

It was an even bumpier road for Rykov, who battled lower-body injuries beginning at the Traverse City Tournament and lingering into December. Vincent Z. Mercogliano, NHL Writer Published 5:12 p.m. ET April 9, 2020 He eventually got on the ice for Hartford, but he was inconsistent and | Updated 6:16 p.m. ET April 9, 2020 even scratched for certain games.

Both are 22 — Rykov will be 23 on Tuesday — and still have time to get back on track. But there are no guarantees entering next season. They With the NHL season on pause due to the coronavirus, we'll be both have a lot to prove. producing a series of stories about the 2019-20 New York Rangers. First we looked at what we learned, and now we'll examine questions that The wild card is Tarmo Reunanen, a 2016 fourth-round pick who had a remain unanswered: strong season while on loan with Lukko in Finland's . European scout Jan Gajdosik told the USA TODAY Network that he "was not far As encouraging as the improved depth of right-handed defensemen has away from making the team" in the preseason and "is ready to turn pro." been for the New York Rangers, the left side is in a very different state. Reunanen will compete for a spot, but there's a good chance he starts off Sure, there's excitement surrounding recently signed prospect K'Andre in Hartford. There's also a chance the Rangers make a move to add to Miller, and recent draftees such as Matthew Robertson, Zac Jones and the competition, or try one of their right-handed defensemen out on the Nico Gross offer hope for the future. But as far as the immediate future, left side. particularly the 2020-21 season, there are more questions than answers. The only sure thing appears to be Lindgren, who went from fringe Can the Rangers continue to rely on Marc Staal and Brendan Smith to prospect to playing a pivotal role with fellow rookie Adam Fox. play prominent roles? Is Ryan Lindgren's rookie success sustainable? And is anyone else ready to contribute? Who would have guessed that a year ago?

When the 2019-20 season paused last month, the Rangers were using Bergen Record LOADED: 04.11.2020 the unlikely trio of Staal, Smith and Lindgren on the left side. That was necessitated by the trade which sent Brady Skjei to the Carolina Hurricanes.

The trade made sense for a variety of reasons. It brought back a 2020 first-round pick, freed up $5.25 million in cap space for the next four years and offloaded a player the Rangers felt was under-performing. But it also left a gaping hole.

Smith filled in admirably and made strides to reestablish his value, which came after a string of healthy scratches. But would the Rangers be comfortable pushing that luck into a new season?

Maybe, but that becomes an even riskier proposition if Smith and Staal — two aging, higher-paid players with diminishing skill sets — make up two-thirds of the left side. Preferably, they would only have to use one in a third-pair role.

Oct 3, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (18) celebrates scoring a goal during the first period against the Winnipeg Jets at Madison Square Garden.

The Rangers could opt to buy one out. In Staal's case, it would save $2.133 million on his $5.7 million salary while carrying a cap hit of $3.567 million for 2020-21 and an additional $1.067 million in 2021-22. For Smith, a buyout would save $1.567 million on his $4.35 million salary with a cap hit of $2.783 million in 2020-21 and $783,333 in 2021-22.

But with all of the buyout money the Rangers already have on the books for next season — a total of $7.494 million — adding to it would be a last resort. Cutting ties with either would push the dead money total over $10 million.

Both will be entering the final year of their contract — and don't be surprised if both play it out.

Staal has a no-movement clause, which, along with being an alternate captain and the preferred partner for Tony DeAngelo, makes it very likely we'll see him on the 2020-21 opening night roster.

Smith could be sent to AHL Hartford, which would save $1.075 million, but one of the younger defensemen would have to outplay him in order for that to happen.

Which brings us to the next question: Is anyone up for the challenge?

The Rangers have been fairly adamant that Miller won't be rushed to the NHL, so look for him to begin in Hartford until he forces management's hand. In the long-term, you can envision the talented 20-year-old filling the gaping hole next to righty Jacob Trouba, but a little patience will be required.

That leaves Libor Hájek and Yegor Rykov, who were supposed to be the leading candidates this season. 1182614 New York Rangers

Former Rangers coach Tom Webster, 71, dies

By The Associated Press April 10, 2020 7:45 PM

Tom Webster, the former NHL and WHA forward who went on to coach the Rangers and Los Angeles Kings, died Friday. He was 71.

The Carolina Hurricanes announced Webster’s death, but not the cause. Webster scored 53 goals and helped the franchise — then the New England Whalers — win the World Hockey Association’s first title in 1972-73. He also was an assistant coach in Carolina, and son-in-law L.J. Scarpace was the team’s video coach.

“Tommy was down here a lot, over the past couple of years, just visiting,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “He talked to our group a lot, just telling old stories. He was a great man, that’s the best way to describe him.”

From Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Webster had 33 goals and 42 assists in 102 career NHL games with Boston, Detroit and California. He had 30 goals and 37 assists in 78 games for Detroit in 1970-71, then played only 12 games for the Red Wings and Golden Seals the following season.

Webster then jumped to the WHA, where he had 220 goals and 205 assists in 352 WHA games in six seasons with the Whalers. He was inducted into the World Hockey Association’s Hall of Fame in 2012.

Webster was hired in 1986 to coach the Rangers, but developed an inner-ear infection that left him unable to fly. He resigned in April 1987.

He took over the Kings in 1989, and led them to their first division title — topping the Smythe in 1991. He was 115-94-31 in three seasons with the team.

“It is very sad news for our organization,” Kings President Luc Robitaille said. “Coach Webster was a great man and my head coach for three seasons. He was also a tremendous part of a lot of the success our team enjoyed when Wayne Gretzky was playing in Los Angeles in particular.”

Webster also was known for his temper. In November 1991, he was suspended 12 games and fined $10,000 for throwing his stick and hitting referee Kerry Fraser in the foot, drawing the largest suspension ever for an NHL coach.

Webster coached three minor league or junior teams titles, co-coaching Adirondack in the American Hockey league in 1980-81, then directing Tulsa to the Central Hockey League crown in 1983-84 and Windsor to the junior Ontario Hockey League championship in 1987-88 He also was an assistant coach with Philadelphia and worked an amateur scout for Calgary.

“Webby was one of the best hockey men that our game has ever seen and I am honored to have known him,” Flames general manager Brad Treliving said. “More importantly, Webby was even a better man.”

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182615 New York Rangers purpose of improperly interfering with and/or distracting the goaltender as opposed to positioning himself to try to make a play.”

This story, right here, starts to explain why Avery is my favorite. My favorite player: Sean Avery Some choice excerpts:

“That’s not something that anyone writing the rule book has anticipated, By Sara Civian Apr 10, 2020 and I don’t think that we view that as part of our game,” said then- Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford, an NHL goalie for 13 seasons. “With that being said, Sean Avery didn’t do anything to Editor’s note: This week, The Athletic’s writers are offering essays on break any rules.” some of their favorite athletes. Read more of them here. “He’s an idiot,” Penguins forward Gary Roberts said. Who is your favorite athlete? “Here we are trying to sell the game, and stuff like that is going on,” My colleagues from all over The Athletic have been interpreting this Devils forward John Madden said. “I just find it childish and I don’t agree prompt in their own ways, and I love that. with any of it.”

Favorite player I’ve ever covered? I think I’m too early in my career for As much as I respect John Madden and his son, Tyler, I have to disagree this one. Let’s circle back to that in five years. that Avery didn’t “sell the game.”

My favorite player because of family influence? I don’t have one. Tom On the contrary, Avery managed to sell the game so hard right there that Brady has mildly aggravated me for my entire life, for reasons I still can’t we’re still talking about it more than a decade later, during a pandemic. claim to understand. Something just seems off to me. Maybe it’s because And Avery didn’t even speak a word to a reporter that whole series. I was emotionally attached to Drew Bledsoe. Maybe it’s because everyone is supposed to love Tom Brady. I do enjoy the family bragging We all know Avery reveled in being a heel. But if you’ve ever read his rights with this situation now, though. We call that the long con. book, you know how much he loved and looked up to those he respected — and how much he hated letting them down. I love Danny Amendola for silently donating thousands of dollars to my mom’s inner-city school over the years. But that is not the point of this I think that has resonated with me ever since I was cast as Scar in my exercise. elementary school’s production of The Lion King.

My dad and I have always loved watching the Celtics together, but during My favorite thing about Avery? You don’t know what to do with him. my formative years it was “The Big Three” — there was never one Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m pretty sure he was the first NHL player to favorite. openly support gay marriage. And he did it because he believed in the Favorite player growing up? Oh, I don’t mean to show my age, but I cause, not because he was forced. He did it when it was still considered worshiped Zdeno Chara. Chara was my favorite, and he’s basically the controversial. reason I played defense. I remember trying to name my dog after him. He embraced , took an interest in fashion and once He’s been around so long that the dog, named Sadie (boring), has died. I interned at Vogue. think people forget how unreal he was — especially offensively — in his prime. When you Google “Sean Avery suspensions,” the players who have been suspended for retaliating against him pop up before the lone suspension I’ll never forget the first (and maybe the only) time I talked to him when I that actually kept him off the ice. Incidentally, that suspension had covered the Bruins for a brief stint a few seasons ago. I was early to his nothing to do with his on-ice behavior — he was suspended for postgame scrum and as the cameras made their way over he turned to comments he made about his ex-girlfriend. me and joked: “I think we’re gonna be on TV!” If you read his book, he actually regrets that one. I was like “Oh, my God, is Zdeno Chara cracking a joke with me right now?” I admire Avery’s ability to do his thing in the face of the hockey culture he continually condemned. I empathize with sometimes crossing an The only thing I can compare this to is when I met Taylor Swift and she imaginary line that only becomes real when it’s something bad. We both said hi. I just said “Oh, my God, it’s Taylor Swift.” love the Canadian alternative rock band Our Lady Peace.

Anyways, when I apply Occam’s Razor to this question, my favorite Sean Avery is my favorite. player is someone who managed to bend the rules so hard without breaking them that he changed the whole damn rule book. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020

My favorite player is Sean Avery.

“Sean Avery’s tactic of screening the goaltender is like nothing I’ve ever seen before.”

“Amazing, just walking that line.”

“He was facing (Martin) Brodeur the whole time. He didn’t even watch the play. At all.”

And then he scored.

“Call it tactics, call it antics. Call it effective, in the end. This is unbelievable. I’ve never seen anything like this. And then, the worst kind of payback.”

The next morning, an update to the NHL rule book was born. You might know it as “The Avery Rule”:

National Hockey League Senior Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell today issued the following advisory on the interpretation of Rule 75 — Unsportsmanlike Conduct: “An unsportsmanlike conduct minor penalty (Rule 75) will be interpreted and applied, effective immediately, to a situation when an offensive player positions himself facing the opposition goaltender and engages in actions such as waving his arms or stick in front of the goaltender’s face, for the 1182616 Philadelphia Flyers

Positive news on injured Flyers, except status quo on center Nolan Patrick

by Sam Carchidi,

Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher, perhaps feeling confident the NHL season will return at some point, gave an unexpected update on his five injured players Friday.

The season has been suspended since March 12 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Fletcher’s update was upbeat, with the exception that Nolan Patrick still is unable to absorb contact.

The updates:

Samuel Morin (right knee, ACL reconstruction): The 6-foot-7 defenseman is "progressing well and has begun skating and is expected to be cleared to play in time for the 2020-21 season,” Fletcher said.

Phil Myers (right kneecap fracture): Fletcher said the lanky defenseman was ready to play in NHL games.

Nolan Patrick (migraine disorder): The third-year center continues to work out daily but has not been cleared for contact, according to Fletcher. He has missed the entire season.

Nate Thompson (knee sprain): The center has been cleared to play.

James van Riemsdyk (fractured right index finger): The left winger has “full range of motion and good strength in his right hand," Fletcher said, adding van Riemsdyk is expected to be cleared to play within one to two weeks.

The NHL has not set a timetable for when or if the season will resume.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182617 Philadelphia Flyers "That is a big part of the fabric that I'm using to try to coach now, try to instill in our players," Tocchet said of that long-ago Flyers team. "I'm not sure there was a harder working team that I've ever been on. We always pushed each other. Wayne Gretzky is a good buddy of mine and he An old school Zoom session with Flyers-bred coaches always says, 'That was one of the hardest working teams I've ever played against.'"

For a guy with as much energy as Tocchet, who on Thursday celebrated By Rob Parent birthday No. 56 (yikes), a shutdown during a pandemic doesn't mean long stretches of boredom.

No NHL hockey for almost a month. No clear indication of when the While both Berube and Brind'Amour said they and their respective St. season, or perhaps next season, will resume or commence. Louis and Carolina colleagues have switched into "offseason" mode, working with scouts and management on draft preparations, etc., It's one big waiting game, but if you've been around long enough, you Tocchet isn't of a mind to be too far down the road as yet. know how to handle it. During the shutdown he's frequently commuted from his Arizona home to "You always try to find the positives in things going on," Carolina visit his girlfriend in Las Vegas, noting he socially distances himself by Hurricanes head coach and former Flyers strongman Rod Brind'Amour staying in the car for those 3-plus hour drives. But he's also keeping said Friday. "Right now it's that family time that you just never get during close tabs with his players and says he frequently reminds them that the year. That's kind of what we're taking advantage of right now." there's always something they can do to stay sharp.

Brind'Amour took advantage of his down time on this Friday afternoon to "I still believe we're going to play in the next couple of months, so I try to spend some time in the Zoom world with a couple of old teammates and be optimistic," Tocchet said. For that reason, he thinks it's extra important long-time friends, Craig Berube and Rick Tocchet. for his players to find a way to stay in game shape ... even if the fitness centers near their homes are closed up tight. Three rather iconic Flyers on an NHL video conference together, trying not to be overly serious, but also exhibiting some of the traits that carried "There really is no excuse for guys not to be ready," Tocchet said in them from overachieving players to leaders of teams and ultimately to looking ahead to an NHL re-start. "I was talking to some players and (told champions. them), 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' I'm a big believer on working on your game. If you're a guy that's an average shot you should be Brind'Amour, who won a 2006 Stanley Cup championship as a shooting pucks every day. I remember – old school – my dad used to put Hurricanes captain, is in Raleigh with wife Amy and their 8-year-old son. this parachute in our garage. I used to shoot a ton of pucks at it. I think But he's had time to frequently connect there with his three older children you can do that sort of stuff ... hockey specific stuff. from his first marriage, now all in college. "You have time, more than ever. There's no distractions. There's no, 'Hey "I don't get to see them too much," Brind'Amour said, "so we're spending we're going on a trip, hey let's go eat, hey let's go play golf.' There's no time there." excuses, no distractions." Berube, the former Flyers -turned-head coach who didn't play There's also no looking ahead right now in this period of limbo. That's with Brind'Amour until returning to the Flyers for a second tenure, said why three opposing head coaches with close ties that were broken but he's also taking advantage of family time in a busy New Hope, Bucks never lost along the way could revel in a nearly hour-long Zoom session County home. He has three kids there, his girlfriend has two. Three of the together. five are 11-year-olds. That can cause a problem for a guy like Berube, whose studies were usually limited to strategy on ice. "A lot of our coaching is from the gut, from feel," Berube said. "I played for a long time, and we all have, so you do have experience in those "There is quite a bit of schooling here that we do with them," said Berube, areas." the assistant who took over for fired Mike Yeo (now a Flyers assistant) in St. Louis during the 2018-19 season and somehow led the Blues to an Delaware County Times LOADED: 04.11.2020 unlikely Stanley Cup championship. "That's a little bit frustrating for me, I'm not going to lie to you. I'm having a difficult time with it, to be honest with you. But it's something I don't get to do every day and it's a little bit different. I'm enjoying myself, for sure."

With the NHL season and the world at large at a virtual standstill amid a scary coronavirus shutdown, even three hard-boiled, old hockey guys are finding the time to enjoy the kind of family atmosphere they all said they had as youthful players in Philadelphia.

"I always wanted to be in the game," said Tocchet, the young fighter with the choppy skating style who turned himself into an NHL star with the Flyers, and who took both the rookie Berube and a few years later a young Brind'Amour under his wing. "As a player as you go through playing and dissecting your game. You always look at the other team, too, and think, 'How do you beat this team?' You try to partake in coaches meetings, devising game plans.

"That was a big thing for me when I was done. I wanted to stay in the game. I'm not a management guy so I thought maybe coaching was the next best thing to being a player."

He cut his coaching teeth with Colorado and Arizona, got a shot as a head coach in Tampa, which before long let him go in an ownership change. But after a successful spin as an assistant in Pittsburgh, Tocchet is getting another shot as head coach in Arizona and is making a difference with a team that for years was in the dregs.

He also knows he has a long way to go. But Tocchet said he's long on practical experience in such a situation. He reaches back to the years that developed him and other young players into a team that didn't win a Cup in two near-misses in the 1980s, but won the respect of the hockey world. That was especially so when they pushed a team full of future Hall of Famers from Edmonton to the limit in 1987. 1182618 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers get good news on injury front with 2019-20 season suspended because of coronavirus outbreak

By Jordan Hall April 10, 2020 3:15 PM

A potential silver lining to the Flyers' 2019-20 run being brought to a halt was the time off to get healthier.

On March 11, the Flyers were about to push forward without James van Riemsdyk (broken right index finger), Philippe Myers (fractured patella in right knee) and Nate Thompson (left knee sprain).

On March 12, the NHL season was suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak.

As the Flyers have missed their final 13 games of the regular season and have gone a month without playing, they've gotten healthier. If the 2019- 20 season does resume, they'll be in good position.

The Flyers on Friday announced that Myers and Thompson have been cleared to play, while van Riemsdyk is expected to be cleared within one to two weeks.

In other health matters, Nolan Patrick (migraine disorder) continues to work out daily but has not been cleared for contact and Samuel Morin (torn ACL) is expected to be cleared to play in time for the 2020-21 season.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182619 Philadelphia Flyers

Does Carter Hart deserve to be in this group of NHL goalies?

By Jordan Hall April 10, 2020 1:55 PM

In 2018-19, Carter Hart proved himself at the NHL level, providing relevancy to a season that desperately needed it.

In 2019-20, he has established himself as a No. 1 goalie and solidified his status as the Flyers' future between the pipes.

All by the age of 21 years old. Not bad.

This season, Hart sports the NHL's eighth-best goals-against average at 2.42, better than guys like Andrei Vasilevskiy (2.56) and Jordan Binnington (2.56).

At 24-13-3, he owns more victories than guys like Sergei Bobrovsky (24) and Ben Bishop (21).

And in Philly, he has been the Flyers' top ticket seller, going 20-3-2 with a 1.63 goals-against average and .943 save percentage at home.

On Wednesday, the NHL on NBC Sports Twitter account put Hart in some good company, raising a fun question.

You need ONE SAVE to win the Stanley Cup.

Given his age and play this season, Hart deserves to be mentioned among the better goalies in the league. Something he has yet to do compared to the other three goalies? Take the net in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

He's got time.

"I was definitely excited to play a playoff game hopefully this year," Hart said Thursday on a conference call. "It’s every kid’s dream to play in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Hopefully we get that chance still coming up, depending on the circumstances here."

Hart's development has helped make 2019-20 a fun season for the Flyers. As the coronavirus outbreak has put the NHL season on pause, Flyers teammates have missed each other's company.

"We’ve all been pretty good at staying in touch," Hart said. "Our group chat has been kind of blowing up. I think we’ve done a good job, all of us, of staying in touch. We’ve had a couple group FaceTime calls with each other. Playing some video games online with each other. We’ve got a really tight group here."

They also have a goalie putting himself in good company.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182620 Philadelphia Flyers Joel Embiid, Nov. 25 2019 0 for 11 FG, 0 for 4 3P, 0 for 3 FT, 13 REB, 4 TOV, minus-9

It seemed impossible, the greatest current Sixer and one of the league's Remembering 18 of the worst Philly athlete performances ever best players, missing every shot he took, but it happened. The now-on- pause 2019-20 Sixers season has been (was?) one of the weirdest collections of games I've ever seen, and this one took the cake. By Adam Hermann April 10, 2020 9:45 AM Robert Covington, Dec. 29 2016

0 for 11 FG, 0 for 7 3P, 1 for 2 FT, 7 REB, 2 TOV, minus-18 With pro sports on hold indefinitely, lots of sports websites - like this one! - and sports fans have been re-watching highlights from their favorite This game actually happened as the Sixers were starting to pull teams and players. It's always fun to remember the highs that sports give themselves out of The Process's dark days, but that day was dark for us. Covington. When a Covington-style shooter can't get it going from deep, things sort of snowball. But he'll always have that one free throw. But it can also be fun to remember some of the low lights, the off nights and ugly shots, because being a sports fan is nothing if not a give and Allen Iverson, March 23 1998 take. 2 for 14, 0 for 3 3P, 0 for 0 FT, 8 AST, 1 TOV, minus-14 So I've pulled together a few truly brutal outings from Philly athletes over There were worse games between this one and the Covington game, but the years, including some of this city's greatest athletes, and some the idea that Iverson would make just two shots in 44 minutes is so mind- obscure names. boggling, I had to include it. He wasn't terrible elsewhere: his assist-to- I probably missed a few, because this is sports in Philadelphia, so don't turnover ratio was great! He just couldn't score. The Sixers scored 79. be afraid to send me the performances that made you yell at the TV or Flyers skaters storm out of the arena: My email is [email protected]. Joni Pitkanen, Nov. 2 2006 Let's get going. 0 points, minus-5, 2 penalty minutes, loss Phillies batters Just 17 seconds into a first-period Flyers power play, Pitkanen was called Jim Thome, July 2 2004 for holding and nullified the opportunity. It was downhill from there. 0 for 8, 5 strikeouts, GDP Pitkanen was on the ice for all five Tampa Bay goals in the 5-2 loss,

Thome really had a rough go here, during an otherwise great season (42 Ivan Provorov, Oct. 18 2016 HR, 105 RBI, .977 OPS, All-Star appearance), proving that even the 0 points, minus-5, loss greats can drop complete stinkers. I mean, eight plate appearances and just nothing. Yikes! Despite allowing seven goals and losing by three, just two Flyers players finished the game worse than minus-1: Mark Streit at minus-3, and poor Dale Murphy, Aug. 11 1990 Provy at minus-5. He didn't register a shot across more than 21 minutes, 0 for 6, 3 strikeouts, GDP and probably couldn't wait to get off the ice.

It's clear from the stat line that Murphy had a bad time in this 12-inning Dan McGillis, March 4 1999 loss. But you'll never guess who came up to bat in the top of the 11th, 0 points, minus-4, loss ball game tied, with the bases loaded... and popped out to right to end the inning. (It was Murphy.) The Flyers actually trailed, 1-0, heading into the third period. Then McGillis and the Flyers allowed four goals in the final 20 minutes, Odubel Herrera, May 13 2017 including three in the last three minutes. McGillis was on the ice for four 0 for 5, 3 strikeouts, GDP of the Senators' five goals. Not ideal!

The Phillies squandered a four-run lead in this 6-4 loss. Herrera Flyers goalies squandered five plate appearances, striking out three times and Ken Wregget, Jan. 25, 1992 grounding into a double play. He saw 25 pitches, and 17 went for strikes. Not an ideal day at the ballpark. 3 goals allowed, 0 saves, 9:11 time on ice

Phillies pitchers Wregget, like the two other guys included here, lasted just one commercial timeout. Like Hextall below, he made zero saves. And he did J.D. Durbin, Sept. 1 2007 it first, which makes his particularly remarkable. 0.0 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 19 pitches Ron Hextall, March 30, 1995 Durbin managing to allow seven earned runs on just 19 pitches - for 3 goals allowed, 0 saves, 8:26 time on ice those counting at home, that's an earned run every 2.7 pitches - is truly a feat. He finished with more walks than outs recorded. Hextall posted the same inauspicious 3-for-3 line as Wregget, but got pulled 45 seconds earlier, which makes his performance both better and Randy Wolf, Aug. 25 2003 worse at the same time. In any case, sheesh. 1.2 IP, 6 H, 9 R, 9 ER, 4 BB, 57 pitches Brian Elliott, April 4, 2019 This is a truly tragic tale. Wolf exited the first inning with three runs on the 4 goals allowed, 1 save, 6:58 time on ice board, an ugly three outs but not insurmountable. Fix it in the second, right? Well, that's when he allowed the other six earned runs. Not only This one is probably fresh in Flyers fans' minds. Allowing four goals in did he get chased unfathomably early, he still had to throw 57 pitches. less than seven minutes is insane. At that pace, Elliott would've allowed 34 goals across a 60-minute game. The all-time record is 16. Mark Leiter, May 16 1997 Eagles 0.1 IP, 5 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 1 BB, 20 pitches Quarterback: Ron Jaworski, Oct. 12 1986 Leiter's second pitch of the game was smoked to right field for a home run by Craig Biggio. Then came, in order: a double, a walk, a single, a 6 for 22, 50 yards, 1 INT single, a sacrifice fly (his only out), a hit by pitch, and a three-run homer. Then he was pulled. Jaworksi put this line up with Mike Quick running routes and Keith Byars in the back field. I... I just don't know, man. A second-year guy named Sixers Randall Cunningham relieved Jaworski and completed three of six pass attempts. The next year, Cunningham started 12 games. Jaws had expired.

Wide receiver: Miles Austin, Nov. 15, 2015

4 targets, 0 receptions, 0 yards

Austin's time with the Eagles was brief and unremarkable, but this game was a dang train wreck. He stepped out of bounds on an obvious touchdown catch. He straight-up didn't see a pass while wide open. He was as useless as you can be while playing wide receiver.

Running back: DeMarco Murray, Sept. 20 2015

13 rushes, 2 yards / 5 receptions, 53 yards

I know Murray had 53 yards receiving, but his ground game was truly a masterclass in futility. He picked up six yards on his first three carries, which means he lost 16 yards across his next 10 rush attempts. He looked like he'd just learned about football that day.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182621 Philadelphia Flyers Keenan’s relationship with Tocchet followed a rocky road that once came to a head in Calgary when Tocchet muttered something under his breath heading back to the locker room.

How three prominent ex-Flyers turned out to be among the best NHL “He said something I didn’t like and we kind of stopped and went at each coaches other,” Tocchet remembered. “He kind of backed away but Brad McCrimmon and Mark Howe are between us. The second period starts and I get a couple fights. I end up scoring a goal and we end up winning 4-3. Back then I had the long hair, so I’m blow drying my hair and he Dave Isaac, NHL WriterPublished 3:54 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 | Updated comes by me and hits me on the ass and hands me the team credit card 5:41 p.m. ET April 10, 2020 and says, ‘Hey, take the boys out for a couple beers.’ I took the credit card and threw it back at him and said, ‘I’ll pay with my own money!’ The next day we were fine. That’s the motivation he used to do.” A media scrum these days isn’t in a locker room or even seats in front of a podium. It’s a click of a mouse and making sure the speakers aren’t These days, things work a little differently. muted. It’s more about maintaining positive relationships and these three former No chance to ask questions live, let alone follow-ups. And when players Flyers can pull from their playing days to do that. are involved, especially when they’re from different teams, it feels forced. “You just know and you can kind of just tell the way things are going and This was more like being a fly on a digital wall as three friends caught up you just speak from the heart,” Brind’Amour said. “I think that’s the after some time apart, sharing funny stories, jabs at one another and self- approach I’ve had and that’s one of the advantages that we have as depreciative jokes at their own expense. former players. You know that each guy, where they’re sitting in that room, you’ve been there and you know what they’re thinking. I think that Between the three of them, Rick Tocchet, Craig Berube and Rod gives us an advantage.” Brind’Amour played 1,577 games for the Flyers. The only season they played together was part of the 1999-2000 campaign before Brind’Amour Courier-Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. In pairs, they overlapped other times as well.

Now they’re all coaches in the NHL. Each played a hard-nose style that may not have suggested a future behind the bench during their playing days but was something they individually considered.

“I always wanted to be in the game,” said Tocchet, in his third season coaching the Arizona Coyotes. “As a player, as you go through playing and dissecting your game, you also look at the other team. How do you beat this team? With this system? Do you do this? You try to partake with coaches devising game plans. That’s why I’m not surprised with Roddy and Chief how successful they’ve been in the league thus far as coaches and players because they’re diligent in how they approach the game and I think it’s no different as a coach trying to think outside the box.”

“I was thinking along the same lines as Tocc,” said Berube, who won the Stanley Cup in his first season coaching the St. Louis Blues last year. “How are you gonna stay in the game when you’re done playing? I really wanted to stay in the game. For me, just being in that locker room was the most important thing to me.”

It’s a different dynamic than playing or being an assistant, which all three did somewhere along the way.

Berube was an assistant in Philadelphia and ultimately took over for Peter Laviolette as the interim head coach in 2013. Tocchet was in Colorado, Arizona, Tampa Bay (where he was also a head coach for a season and a half) and Pittsburgh before getting the top job with the Coyotes. Brind’Amour worked for three head coaches with the Carolina Hurricanes before taking that title last season.

“You take a little bit from everybody,” Brind’Amour said. “You just do, the good and the bad. You know what didn’t work and you’re like, ‘Man, I’m not going that route.’

“I don’t really like getting up in front of the group and having stuff to talk about. I think I underestimated the amount of times you’d have to do that as a coach. It’s shocking to me because it’s like before every game, before every period, whatever, and every time you’re in front of your team it matters. You can’t just wing it. I think the art of coaching is relationships, but how you talk to your team.”

Throughout the 40-minute conversation, it was clear that all were formed in some way by their time playing in Philadelphia.

From Tocchet’s first trip across the Walt Whitman Bridge, realizing he wasn’t in Scarborough, Ontario anymore, to Berube’s first development camp where Pat Croce, the former Sixers president who was the Flyers’ strength coach at the time, told him, “You’ll never play for the Flyers, you fat bleep, bleep,” there was a motivating factor about their time with the Flyers.

They also got to learn from the coaches here, like Mike Keenan who was behind the Flyers’ bench from 1984 to 1988. 1182622 Philadelphia Flyers other shoe to drop. In that sense you’re like, ‘Oh man.’ You could sense that some were excited, but some were aggravated too at the way we had been playing.

Oral history of the Flyers' historic shootout win to get to 2010 playoffs Briere: I remember the one person with a paper bag. I know who it is, too. He’s a very dedicated fan, but he was frustrated as well. I remember pulling into the rink and seeing that and stopping and calling him by his name and saying: ‘Come on. This is not what we need. We need support Dave Isaac, NHL Writer right now.’ And then I just drove off. Published 7:00 a.m. ET April 10, 2020 | Updated 8:55 a.m. ET April 10, If that didn’t get under the Flyers’ skin, the first few minutes of the game 2020 did. At 3:27 of the first period, Shelley tipped in a shot from Michal Rozsival to put the Rangers up 1-0.

Before one of the biggest regular-season game in Flyers franchise He had also scored in Game 81. It was the only time in his career that history, Peter Laviolette had something of a premonition. Shelley, known more for his physical presence than goal-scoring ability, scored in consecutive games. On April 10, 2010, a day prior to the final game of the Flyers’ season, Laviolette, then the team’s head coach who had been on the job for all of Briere: Are you kidding me? The one guy who you don’t expect to score four months, pulled a handful of players aside before practice. The Flyers goes in and gets a big goal like this. This is not a good omen to start this lost 4-3 to the New York Rangers the day before at Madison Square way. Garden, and Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 24 saves. Laviolette Boucher: I just found it to be interesting that he got goals in back-to-back wanted Danny Briere, Mike Richards, Claude Giroux, James van games, but I didn’t think at that point like, ‘Oh man, we’re in trouble’ or Riemsdyk and Jeff Carter to practice shootout moves because Lundqvist anything like that. I think the focus just shifts to making sure you make had shown the capacity to steal a game. the next save and don’t get the game get out of hand. What happened the next day was historic. It remains the only time in A new acquisition, coming from the San Jose Sharks at the trade NHL history that Game 82 featured a head-to-head battle of two teams deadline, Shelley was feeling it. He almost had two goals in Game 81. fighting for the last available playoff spot. Shelley: Boosh was in net and he gave me the puck. It was a dead With with 10th anniversary upon us, several people involved in the game giveaway. He went out to play the puck in the corner and it went off the recounted the shootout win that sent the Flyers into the playoffs and side of the net and it was right on my stick. I had an open net and I just eventually to the 2010 Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately lost in six put it on the ice and he dove across and made the save. After that save, I games to the Chicago Blackhawks. remember the Flyers started rumbling. I was sitting on the bench and we Peter Laviolette, Flyers coach: You knew it was gonna be a tight game. had a little lead but I thought, ‘Ohhhhhhhh (crap). Here they come. I’m Coaches are always trying to figure out any way you can be a little better gonna be the goat here not burying that empty-net goal.’ Turned out they prepared. Players probably hate it because coaches are giving them didn’t. I had so much confidence because of the role I had on the team, more stuff now. At that point, it was a big game and if there was my linemates and how (Rangers coach John Tortorella) had slotted me in something that could be seen or learned…we had talked about it and and used me. I just had a care-free attitude and we all kind of fed off gone over it just a little bit. each other in those two games. I guess it was just confidence. After not scoring on that empty net, I thought, ‘You know what? I’ve got another Danny Briere, Flyers forward: They showed us I can’t remember how one in me here somewhere.’ many clips of shootouts of Lundqvist. They asked us to memorize one thing individually, a move that would beat Lundqvist. That was totally The Flyers took over shortly after the opening goal. They outshot the different for me because I was a guy that would go in on the shootouts Rangers 18-4 in the first and didn’t allow them a shot on goal in the 6:55 with three moves in mind depending on what the goalie was gonna give of the period. me and I would react. I had different options. In that specific shootout, There wasn’t much action in the second period other than New York’s there’s no other move. Aaron Voros challenging the Flyers’ Ian Laperriere to a fight after a Claude Giroux, Flyers forward: I was living with Danny and we were just neutral-zone faceoff despite the Rangers being ahead. talking, just saying how crazy it would be if we got to go to a shootout Shelley: So Voros was on the bench with me and he goes, ‘Is Lappy a and the winner moves on to the playoffs. We were kind of laughing about lefty or a righty?’ I’m like, ‘You’re not fighting him right now, are you?’ He it. For it to actually happen, it was pretty crazy. hopped over the boards and he asked him to fight. I’m like, ‘He’s a lefty. The Flyers had a 10-point lead on the Rangers with three weeks to go, Oh boy.’ You can’t fight in Philly in Game 82, up by a goal. but they lost eight of 11 games heading into the season finale and the Briere: I didn’t know it was Voros that approached him about that. I lead vanished because the Rangers got hot, going 7-1-1 before the final pegged it as Lappy being the ultimate team guy and just trying to find a showdown. Both teams had 86 points after 81 games. way to do his part to spark this team. That’s how Lappy was. He never Heading into a Game 82 matinee brought both pressure and excitement. sat back and waited for anyone else to get the thing going. He would always look at himself first and try to find a way to get things going and Jody Shelley, Rangers forward: We were living and dying by every single get rolling. minute and every single day. Then we get to Game 81 and we’re hosting the Flyers in a home-and-home. If we win Game 81, whoever gets a Few clear punches were landed before Laperriere wrestled Voros to the point for Game 82, they go to the playoffs. We were in must-win mode for ice in what would be his 207th and last NHL fight. He clapped and raised a long time there. I think that’s where we were kind of locked in during his arms, yelling “Let’s go!” as referee Kerry Fraser, officiating the that 10-game stretch. 1,904th and final game of his career, escorted him to the penalty box.

Matt Carle, Flyers defenseman: We did have that big letdown in New Things kept simmering until the third period, when the Flyers were on the York. It was almost like a mini-playoff series. We just had to win one power play after P.A. Parenteau interfered with Giroux in the Rangers’ game to punch our ticket. The other weird anomaly of the whole deal is end. Carle tied the score with 13:06 left in regulation. here we were playing not just Game 82 to get into the playoffs, but we Carle: It was a lackluster power play and there wasn’t much being knew if we won the game, we were gonna be the seventh seed and not produced. They were actually going the other way on a mini-break and the eighth seed. (Jeff Carter) made an unbelievable play to break up their rush. It was a There’s not a whole lot of games where I remember driving to the rink, quick transition. (Scott Hartnell) found Danny for a one-timer. It hit but I remember driving to the rink that morning and just having that Lundqvist up high and there was some traffic going to the net. I don’t feeling like, ‘Something good’s gonna happen today.’ even know what I was doing there. I was kind of following it up and hoping for exactly what happened, just for the puck to bounce out. I , Flyers goalie: I remember that morning, driving into the pounced on it and knew I would have to make a play on my backhand game, going down the tunnel and there were some fans who were and just prayed like hell that it was gonna be able to get into the back of cheering us on, a ‘Let’s go Flyers’ type of thing, but I also saw a couple of the net. bags on people’s heads. You could tell they were just waiting for the Briere: Even when we tied it up, I remember I never felt like they were a Giroux: I just wanted to give myself a chance with a shot. I think if I tried threat. I felt like they sat back and all they wanted to do was take this a deke it’s a little bit more high-risk. I was trying to go high glove and it thing to a shootout. Even in the 4-on-4 overtime, they were just waiting wasn’t open. Tried to go low blocker. Wasn’t open. So I kind of stopped a for the shootout. They knew they had the best goalie. little bit to give myself more time and when I got in close, I just went 5- hole. I’m not too sure why but it ended up working. Boucher: Once we got that one goal, I think they also knew they had another hand to play, which was the shootout. Boucher: When Giroux scored, the place was electric. I had a great view of that shot. Lundqvist was anticipating high glove. He thought Giroux Laviolette: They were a good defensive team and they had Lundqvist in was gonna go high glove on him. He had his left leg up and he had his net. glove up and Giroux just hammered it through the 5-hole. I could see that About a minute later, Simon Gagne nearly put the Flyers ahead. He hit 5-hole opening from my vantage point and the crowd went nuts. the crossbar, finding iron for the second time in the game and finished That meant it was down to one last battle: Jokinen against Boucher. the afternoon with seven shots on goal. Jokinen didn’t start his trek toward the net at center ice. He went all the Both teams finished overtime with two shots apiece, none of them way back to his own goalline before picking the puck up at center and particularly threatening. going in on Boucher.

The Rangers had the Flyers right where they wanted them. Boucher: When I saw him circle down at the other end I was like, ‘Oh my Shelley: We got to the shootout and that was back in the day where they God, what is this guy doing?’ Even when he came in, I backed in a little had to submit their three shooters and we had Lundqvist. We felt good quick as well. If he would have taken that from forehand to backhand and about it. The next thing, we’re on a train back to New York thinking, gone high glove, he had me because I was so deep in the net. He had ‘What just happened?’ It was crazy what was going on. his mind set on going 5-hole and it ended up being somewhat of an easy save. If you look where I am, I’m almost in the net because I got going Tortorella submitted his first three shooters: Erik Christensen, Parenteau back so fast. Maybe that’s because he was down at the other end when and Olli Jokinen. He didn’t have any of his top three scorers: Marian he started. You watch a guy skate 200 feet to get the puck so it’s a Gaborik, Vinny Prospal or Brandon Dubinsky. Laviolette’s card listed different feeling in that sense. Just a wild time after that. Fortunate to Briere, Richards and Giroux. make that save and experience that situation.

Briere: I was the first shooter to go. I knew how big this was. I remember Before this game, the Flyers had been 15-27 in shootouts since they thinking, ‘OK, this is for going home or going to the playoffs. This might were added to the game in 2005, the worst record in the league. Their be a huge swing for guys getting a contract or not in the future. It’s a 16th victory came against one of the best shootout goalies. huge swing for the Flyers’ business side making millions of dollars or not.’ Right away I stopped myself and said, ‘You’ve got to change your “I’m just so empty,” Lundqvist said at the time. “I don’t know what to say.” mindset here. You just gotta think about it’s just a shootout. It’s just one When Boucher made the stop, he had his own celebration before he was thing.’ I remember going on the ice and completely blocking the outside swarmed by teammates. Like others had shootout moves in mind, his world and just focusing on what I had to do and just seeing the net. celebration was predetermined also. It came from an angry train ride Lundqvist, to me, wasn’t even in the net. It was like I was coming down home after losing Game 81. Boucher kept picturing his view from the on a (cardboard cutout) and all I had to do was make my move and I bench after he was pulled, and time ran out. Lundqvist’s go-to celebration knew where he was gonna be and position himself. was to tap the post, followed by a fist pump with his blocker.

The move worked. Briere drew Lundqvist to his right with a forehand Boucher: I remember watching him do it and I was so mad that I said to deke, quickly brought the puck across on his backhand and beat the myself, ‘If we win Game 82 — I didn’t think it was gonna be a shootout — Ranger goalie on his glove side. but if we win Game 82, I’m doing the Lundqvist celebration.’ Lo and Boucher: Any time you go first in the shootout and you can score and go behold we win in a shootout and I go to get up and I slip, and I had to ahead, it’s big for the goaltender. You don’t exhale to the point where you regain my footing and then I gave ‘er the ol’ fist pump with the blocker. feel you’ve got this thing wrapped up, but it certainly gives you a good That was my salute to the King, saying, ‘. In your face.’ I don’t feeling knowing your team scored first. But you’ve got to follow it up with know what else I was saying, probably a lot of other expletives. a save, too. Briere: I think I was jumping over the boards as soon as Jokinen made First up for New York was Christensen, who was 53 percent in his career his move. I was really fired up and I don’t know, I had a feeling that in shootouts at that point and 1-for-3 on the season heading into the Boosh was making a stop. I was halfway over the boards when he picked game. He angled in toward the right side, cut across and tested Boucher up the puck. I was just waiting for it and was really, really excited. I stick side. remember one of the things I was thinking was, ‘I don’t want to go home and watch the playoffs from home in April. I want to play in the playoffs. I Shelley: Christensen? He was automatic. He was automatic. want to be involved in this. Maybe it’s just one round, because we’ll have a tough matchup in the first round, but I don’t care. At least it’s two more Boucher: I knew Christensen was their best shooter and I knew he was weeks of playing hockey guaranteed.’ That’s all I wanted. And it turned good on shootouts and I thought I played it as well as I could have. I out to be two months. followed him all the way. I didn’t back in too quickly and I ended up making a good blocker save on a low blocker shot that was a good shot Laviolette: Everybody will remember different things. I remember you by a left-handed shooter. Danny scoring right away, that certainly calmed would feel the intensity and the day like a Game 7. There was a lot that me down big-time. went to it. We had battled a long way back from say January 1. Christmas time we may have been in last place and we’re trying to make Richards, the Flyers’ captain, was next and Lundqvist stopped him with that climb to get up the standings and into the playoffs. Then it comes his stick, batting the puck to the corner. down to the final game. I remember when it was over, it was just this That gave Parenteau the chance to tie the shootout and he did. relief that we had gotten in.

Boucher: He lost the puck and that kind of screwed me up a little bit. I looked to my left through the glass and there was a lady, she was sitting What I did wrong on that play was I backed in way too quick. That’s a in her seat, she looked like she had gone 15 rounds with Mike Tyson. sign of nerves right there for me. I was backing in too quickly and when She was crying. She was a Flyers fan. It was draining. I looked at her he lost it, I wasn’t able to recompose myself. He shot it and it went off the like, ‘I’m feeling you!’ It was crazy. top of my (stick) shaft. I was paddle down and it went off the top of my Carle: I went out to dinner that night. My wife and I went out with Boosh paddle and ricocheted up and over me. and his wife. There was a funny interaction with the cab driver. He asked The building quieted down momentarily until Giroux was up with the us if we watched the Flyers game that day or something like that. We chance to put the Flyers in the lead. were sitting there laughing like, ‘Yeah, we saw it.’ The cab driver was so pumped for the Flyers to be in the playoffs and all this stuff and I think we Briere: The funny part in all that is Claude actually said he completely told him who we were or anything, but it was kind of funny. blacked out and changed his move last second and it worked. He saw something different when he came in and went in a different direction and Courier-Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 it worked out for him. 1182623 Pittsburgh Penguins

5 Penguins among best centers of past 53 years in NHL.com list

CHRIS ADAMSKI | Friday, April 10, 2020 9:41 a.m.

To fill space and provide content during the suspension of its season, the NHL is releasing top-16 lists on its official website.

It should come as no surprise for an organization so synonymous with scoring that the Pittsburgh Penguins are well represented on the list of the game’s best centers of post-expansion era. Centers who played after the 1967 doubling of the NHL from six to 12 teams qualified.

Five current or former Penguins are among the top 14: Mario Lemieux is second to Wayne Gretzky, Sidney Crosby is fourth, Bryan Trottier No. 8, Ron Francis No. 10 and Evgeni Malkin 14th.

Crosby and Malkin are in their 14th season together as Penguins teammates. Lemieux, of course, played 17 seasons for the Penguins between 1984-2005 and now is part of team ownership. None of those three has played for any other team.

Francis (1991-1998) played 7½ of his 23 NHL seasons with the Penguins. Trottier’s best days were while part of the New York Islanders’ dynasty in the 1980s, but he was part of two Stanley Cup championship teams over his final three NHL seasons with the Penguins.

Tribune Review LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182624 Pittsburgh Penguins “When we had our coaching change after my sophomore year, [Mike Sullivan] was mentioned in it,” Rodrigues remembers. “His name was getting swirled around. I don’t know how serious it was.”

Penguins' Brandon Tanev looks back on Frozen Four-clinching goal five Sullivan, a BU grad who played under Parker and still often references years later his old coach’s lessons, interviewed back in Boston. But the position instead went to another BU grad, David Quinn.

After a dismal 10-21 season in Quinn’s first season, the Terriers enjoyed Mike DeFabo: an 18-win improvement in 2014-15, the fifth-best turnaround in NCAA men’s hockey history. They won the tournament and earned

a No. 1 seed in the 16-team tournament. Five years before Brandon Tanev and Evan Rodrigues became Penguins Providence, meanwhile, had been eliminated in a Hockey East teammates, they found themselves on opposite sides of a high-stakes, quarterfinal series. They spent the next couple days crunching the college hockey chess match. numbers and sweating out their chances. When the bracket was finally In the 2015 national championship between Boston University and revealed, they earned a No. 4 seed and the final at-large bid in the NCAA Providence College, the score was tied with just more six minutes tournament. remaining. BU burned a timeout after icing the puck, giving both teams a “We knew we were a good enough team to go into the tournament and chance to get fresh bodies on the ice. At this critical moment, the Terriers win the national championship,” Tanev said. “I think all we needed was played their ace card: the highest-scoring line on the highest-scoring one of those spots.” team. Tanev’s Friars opened the Frozen Four at T.D. Garden in Boston by The line was centered by Jack Eichel, at the time a freshman sensation dominating Omaha. The Mavericks only briefly cut the score to one goal who led college hockey with 71 points and was just months away from in the third period when a shifty sophomore found the net — some kid becoming the second overall pick in the NHL draft. On his wing? named Jake Guentzel. But the tally from Sidney Crosby’s future linemate Rodrigues, a junior who ranked second in the NCAA in scoring with 61 wasn’t enough, as Providence advanced to the title game with a 4-1 win. points. Going into the national championship against BU, Tanev’s assignment Providence countered. To harass BU’s powerhouse tandem, the Friars was the same then as it often is today on the Penguins: Shut down the went to their shut-down third line. The trio featured now-Devils center opponent’s top line. In this case, that meant trying to slow the potent Kevin Rooney, Steve McParland and Tanev. Eichel-Rodrigues tandem. From the opening faceoff of the game, those As Providence assistant coach Steve Miller drew up an offensive-zone two lines went head-to-head. faceoff play that the Friars had practiced all season, Tanev looked at “You want to be able to shut down an opponent’s top line,” Tanev said. “I Rooney. think especially when you’re at that stage in college hockey, your dream “I swear to god, if you win this faceoff, I’m going to score a goal,” Tanev is to win a national championship. That’s what you play for. The stakes remembers saying. become higher. You want to elevate your game.”

Inside the Penguins dressing room, neither Tanev nor Rodrigues has The Friars struck first in a back-and-forth game. But BU answered by mentioned that defining play… at least not yet. But this week — when the scoring two goals just four seconds apart. Aside from setting an NCAA Frozen Four would have been played if not for the COVID-19 pandemic tournament record, the second goal showed the brilliance of Eichel, who — maybe it’s time to look back at that 2015 championship. won a faceoff at center ice, raced into the Friars zone and set up teammate Danny O’Regan beautifully. Though the game was played on April 11, 2015, the stage was set years earlier. At the end of two periods, BU led 3-2. The Terriers’ 40 shots on goal through two periods set another NCAA title game record. Providence and Boston University entered the matchup in different places in the college hockey landscape. BU was a perennial powerhouse Then, in the third period, Providence got a break on one of the flukiest with five national championship wins and 11 title-game appearances. goals in tournament history. Providence’s Tom Parisi dumped the puck Providence, meanwhile, was just a few years removed from futility. into the zone and headed for the bench. Like an outfielder camping under a can of corn fly ball, BU goalie Matt O’Connor gloved the harmless shot. When the program shook up the staff and hired former Union coach Nate But when the BU goalie dropped it, he accidentally knocked it into his Leaman in 2011, the Friars were floundering after five consecutive losing own goal, tying the game. seasons. Leaman began looking for fast, physical players to help him build something when he stumbled across Tanev playing in a summer The momentum swung toward Providence. After an icing, BU called that tournament. timeout, setting up the key faceoff. With the play drawn and Tanev calling his shot, the players from both sides took the ice. “I would say he was very much an unknown,” Leaman said. “I bet it was just the Union staff and our Providence staff that knew much about “Every faceoff play we ever ran, everything we did had to be through Tanny. And I would say [Rochester Institute of Technology] because Brandon,” Rooney said. “That’s the type of guy he is. He always wants that’s where his brother [Christopher] went.” the puck on his stick, especially at key moments of the game. That’s kind of what makes him so special.” Tanev was a late bloomer who even gave up hockey for a period of time during high school years. He stood only about 5-foot-9 at the time The faceoff was on the right circle. Tanev lined up on the right side next Leaman found him. In the British Columbia Hockey League that was to the wall, the farthest player away from the net. The puck dropped. known for offense, Tanev produced a whopping 33 points. But Leaman Using his signature speed, Tanev bolted across at the same time Rooney saw something. won the draw on his backhand.

“We were building a program at the time that was ranked 58th out of 60 “It’s almost like the puck sat there, waiting for me to pick it up,” Tanev teams in the country,” Leaman said. “I loved his speed. I loved his said. relentlessness. I loved his compete. That’s what we wanted to build the Tanev ripped a wrist shot over the BU goalie’s left shoulder. The play program with, speed and compete and relentlessness.” would later be described on Providence’s website as the biggest goal in Tanev joined the Friars’ rebuild for the 2012-13 season. At the end of that program history. same 2012-13 campaign, BU was in the midst of its own coaching In a blur of black and white, Tanev flew past the Providence bench in change. celebration. In the TV copy of the game, the camera panned to Longtime Terriers bench boss Jack Parker announced his retirement Rodrigues, dejected, and then back to Tanev fist pumping to the crowd. after 876 wins, three national championships and 40 seasons. One of As the horn sounded, the Friars hoisted the trophy and posed for a team those rumored for the job is another familiar name for Penguins fans. photo. Today, that photo hangs in Tanev’s father’s basement, along with Tanev’s No. 22 jersey and a piece of the net. It remains a lasting reminder of a game Tanev will never forget.

Post Gazette LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182625 Pittsburgh Penguins LONG-TERM OUTLOOK: Jarry will be a restricted free agent this summer. Ditto for Murray. Jarry, with just 33 NHL starts the past two seasons, doesn’t have a lot of leverage, unless another team tries to poach him. Big picture, the Penguins must decide if they want to commit Penguins on pause: Tristan Jarry's breakout creates conundrum in the to one goalie long-term and deal the other or kick that can down the road crease another year. Given that Rutherford is perpetually in win-now mode, don’t rule out them bringing both guys back in 2020-21.

Post Gazette LOADED: 04.11.2020 Matt Vensel:

The NHL has “paused” its season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear if it will resume. So, with one eye still on the future, the Post- Gazette’s Matt Vensel and Mike DeFabo are looking back at what each Penguins player did in 2019-20. We started with the captain, No. 87, and will count down by jersey number.

Tristan Jarry in 2019-20 carried the Penguins through another November swoon for Matt Murray, played in his first All-Star Game in January and was still among the NHL’s top eight in save percentage when the league shut down in March.

Not bad for a guy whose spot on the squad seemed uncertain in September.

Jarry was the subject of trade speculation over the summer, something the Penguins have never publicly disputed. They did not get a trade offer they felt was worth taking and hung onto the 2013 second-round pick, having him battle Casey DeSmith in training camp and the preseason for the backup goaltender gig.

Jarry didn’t exactly seize that opportunity. But with the Penguins bumping their beaks on the salary-cap ceiling, DeSmith was the one sent down to the American Hockey League. Afterward, Jim Rutherford and Mike Sullivan both acknowledged that factors beyond performance played into that decision.

Man, it sure feels like all that happened about four years ago, doesn’t it?

Anyway, Jarry proved he belonged in the NHL. He was sharp early despite playing once every week or two. Then when Murray struggled, he stepped up and carried the load. In December, Jarry set a franchise record for the longest shutout streak and was named one of the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the month.

After allowing 14 total goals in nine December starts, eight of them wins, Jarry cooled off in the 2020 calendar year. He went 7-7-1 with a .901 save percentage after Jan 1., opening the door for Murray to reclaim the net. Murray looked to be on the verge of doing that when the NHL suspended play March 12.

But even if Jarry, one way or another, doesn’t face another shot the rest of this season, the quiet 24-year-old took a giant leap forward in 2019-20.

Jarry’s first season with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was back in 2015-16. As is the case with many goaltending prospects, it took him quite a while to develop.

His athleticism and ability to impact games with his nonchalant stickhandling has long been apparent. But after he struggled with concentration and consistency in the past, his improved practice habits the past two years paid off.

With the AHL in his rearview mirror, Jarry is eyeing an opportunity to be a starter at the NHL level. But with Murray still here and Jarry under contractual control for at least another year, he is probably going to have to remain patient.

DEFINING MOMENT: In December, Jarry went 177 minutes, 15 seconds without allowing a goal. During that streak, he made 26 saves, including a few beauties, in a 2-0 shutout of the Arizona Coyotes in Phil Kessel’s first game back in the ’Burgh. That looked to be the match that ignited his scorching December.

STAT THAT STANDS OUT: Jarry made 31 starts this season. He allowed more than three goals in only five of them, giving the Penguins a chance most nights.

IF THE SEASON RESUMES: He’d likely have to take a backseat to Murray. Sullivan rotated both goalies in February and March, hoping one would emerge as a go-to guy. That didn’t happen. If Game 1 of the playoffs were tomorrow, you’d have to think Sullivan would go with the guy who helped him win two Cups. 1182626 San Jose Sharks

Why Sharks fans voted Golden Knights as San Jose's biggest NHL rival

By Alex Didion April 10, 2020 2:30 PM

Programming note: Watch the re-air of Game 3 of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Sharks and Anaheim Ducks tonight at 8:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports California.

Hate is a strong word.

But when it comes to Sharks fans and their relationship with the Vegas Golden Knights, it’s a pretty apt descriptor.

When asked who San Jose’s biggest rival is in a Twitter poll, fans responded overwhelmingly in favor of the NHL’s newest organization.

While the game fans will see tonight on NBC Sports California features the Anaheim Ducks, the Golden Knights come away as the team's fiercest adversary.

Vegas first began play in the NHL to start the 2017-18 season, but have had plenty of run-ins with San Jose in that short span.

The Golden Knights and Sharks have competed in 13 playoff games over the past two Stanley Cup Playoffs, and these postseason battles are the fuel behind the mutual dislike between fanbases.

Most notably, Game 7 of the 2019 first-round series in San Jose produced one of the NHL’s most improbable and controversial comebacks, as the Sharks rallied from a three-goal deficit in the third period to win in overtime.

But one year earlier, the Knights did get the best of the Sharks in the first postseason appearance in Vegas franchise history, finessing their way past the Sharks in six games in the 2018 playoffs.

Overall, including postseason contests, the two clubs have faced off 25 times, with Vegas winning 15 of the matchups. In addition to a pair of preseason games each season, the two have gone at it over 30 times in less than three full seasons. That amount of extreme familiarity has led to a handful of altercations.

Former Sharks head coach Peter DeBoer even had a war of words with Golden Knights bench boss Gerard Gallant, which became especially ironic after Vegas hired DeBoer in February to replace Gallant.

Similar to their Bay Area counterpart Golden State Warriors and the boiling contention they have with the Houston Rockets after years of playoff battles, the Sharks and Golden Knights arguably have become the NHL’s most hateful rivalry due to the extensive recent postseason history.

Even after the coronavirus pause ceases, it’s hard to imagine the mutual vitriol dying down anytime soon.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182627 San Jose Sharks to fulfill a role in broadcasting. And I think if you don't take advantage of the opportunities and if you don't seize those moments, you're hindering the opportunity to grow whatever you're trying to grow."

How Sharks analyst Kendall Coyne Schofield is paving way for women in Coyne Schofield feels just as much of an obligation to those that came hockey before her as she does to those who will come after -- as she did with Granato.

"I know I've grown up in an era where there have been so many women By Brian Witt April 09, 2020 7:01 PM who have fought for the opportunities that I've had in my career as an athlete," she said, "and so for me, we're not done fighting yet and I need

to carry on their legacy and continue to fight for more opportunities for Ever since meeting Cammi Granato at a girl's hockey camp after the U.S. girls and women in sports. And to me, that's a greater mission than Olympic Women's Team won the gold medal in 1998, Kendall winning a medal or an individual accomplishment." Coyne Schofield has been walking through the doors her role model Just like her role model, Coyne Schofield is paving the way for more helped to open for her. She equaled Granato's achievement in 2018, and women to follow in her footsteps. in 14.346 seconds at the 2019 NHL All-Star Skills competition at SAP Center, she made sure to pay it forward. They just might have trouble keeping up.

As she approached the red line at center ice as the very first contestant -- Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 and first-ever woman -- in the NHL Fastest Skater competition, instinct took over. As large as the moment was, it was something she had been preparing for her whole life.

"At that point, it was go time," Coyne Schofield told NBC Sports California. "There was no moment to be nervous anymore. There was no moment to think about the 'what-if'. It was just do what you've been doing your whole life, and skate like you know you can skate."

As "USA! USA!" chants rained down from the rafters, all of a sudden, she was off to the races. One trip around the ice later, she had changed the state of women's hockey forever.

Coyne Schofield originally wasn't even supposed to participate in the event, but an injury to Colorado Avalanche star Nathan McKinnon opened the door for a legendary moment, and she absolutely capitalized. Though she didn't win the event with that time, she certainly became the star of it.

Coyne Schofield's inspiring skate -- the subject of "As Fast as Her", which airs Friday at 10 p.m. on NBC Sports California -- served as an iconic moment in the history of women's hockey and the NHL. Just as she was motivated by the image of Granato receiving her gold medal in 1998, surely thousands of youth hockey players felt a similar motivation as they watched her zip around the ice that night.

"You need to see it to be it," Coyne Schofield said.

She has been quite the busy woman since her moment in the spotlight. In addition to her duties with Team USA, Coyne Schofield has expanded into broadcasting with NBC Sports, and has been a frequent analyst for San Jose Sharks games. She admits the adjustment has come with growing pains, but that her new "line mates" -- Sharks broadcasters , and Brett Hedican -- have been tremendously helpful in bringing her up to speed.

Just over one year after she went stride-for-stride with the best in the NHL, Coyne Schofield participated in the first-ever all-woman broadcast in NHL history this past March for a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues. While that is a source of pride for her, Coyne Schofield's favorite aspect of the entire occasion was the platform and voice given to so many women involved in the broadcast who typically work behind the scenes.

Having checked off the vast majority of boxes on her own personal goals list, Coyne Schofield is motivated by dedicating herself to bettering the next generation of women's hockey.

"As someone nearing the end of my career, that's my purpose," she explained. "That's my goal in this game is to open doors and create opportunities for the next generation. I've already accomplished my childhood dream of winning a gold medal, and that doesn't mean I don't want to win another one, but it's more impactful and more meaningful to create opportunities, to use my voice to leave this game better than when I entered it.

"In order to make history, you have to know history. So, of course, when I got to that red line at the SAP Center, I knew there was never a woman who had done what I was about to do. But I knew that the opportunities after that -- if I did well -- were going to open so many doors and create so much momentum for the game that, I needed to do this. The broadcast ... there has never been an all-woman broadcast, but we knew it would open the eyes and open doors for many other women who want 1182628 San Jose Sharks carpool back?” He was all, “Sure, that’s fine, just supplement my parking a little bit.”

Feldman: Then one day (in the studio) he was asking for a ride home and True confessions behind ‘Carpool Confessions’: Why those ads were a I said, “You know, you need to pitch in for gas.” And Ahmed says, “I’m gas two blocks away!” I said, “Dude, I take you every day. If we add up the 3 cents every day …” and you know, I’m just giving him a hard time. One of our marketing geniuses heard him and said: “That would be a good commercial!” And that was kind of how it started. That was the origin. By Daniel Brown Apr 10, 2020 Brent Ayres, former senior manager for on-air promotions: I had heard

about their carpool and just different stuff that they brought up and the Dave Feldman still has the car. It’s a black Audi A6 that he purchased in different stories they’d tell. I just asked them one day: “Can we just put a Washington just before moving back to the Bay Area in the summer of camera in your car?” … So all those early ones, that was literally them 2012. driving home after having done the show — unscripted, everything.

But when he drives that car to work these days, he does so alone. Feldman: And the first one we ever did, it was Ahmed and me in the car and I said, “You gotta pitch in for gas,” and he said you know, “It’s a block Ahmed Fareed, his reliable carpool mate, moved to Connecticut more away!” That was like Robert DeNiro — I was method acting. It was real. than a year ago. Also missing from the Audi’s backseat are the amateur (Laughs) comedians they used to pick up along the way, a list that once included names like , Draymond Green, Hunter Pence and Billy The early spots featured just the two anchors, but Feldman and Fareed Beane. figured it would be fun to add an athlete to the mix. Barnes, in his second season with the Warriors, was the first to jump aboard, in February of “Lots of good memories in that car,’’ Feldman said by phone this week. 2014. In the raw footage from that shoot, Barnes counts down his soundcheck by saying “Three … two … one … What did I get myself He was speaking for himself, but he could have been speaking on behalf into?” It was a fair question. The premise was that Barnes was a neat of anyone who watched sports on NBC Sports Bay Area from 2013-18. freak wielding a Dustbuster in the back of Feldman’s car. The long-running “Carpool Confessions” promotional campaign somehow lured the biggest local sports stars into a moving vehicle with only a bare- Fareed: I don’t think that came out of anywhere. I don’t think that, you bones script, a corny premise and no director. Three GoPro cameras know, Harrison was necessarily known as a neat freak. We just randomly inside the car recorded the inane banter and, about a half-hour later, came up with that script and he was so good with it. He was like, sniffing they’d return with enough heavily ad-libbed material for multiple 30- the roof and he was disgusted by that and taking out the Dustbuster. second spots. Barnes: Ha! I mean, I do prefer things to be clean. My wife is much worse “It was super relaxed improv,” recalled Harrison Barnes, the former than I am but … nah, when I saw the script, I thought that was hilarious. Warriors forward and pioneering first athlete to appear in the ads. “I would say most of those were done in one or two takes, just because Feldman: When you get one athlete to do it, other athletes are “Alright, they wanted it to be as organic as possible. it’s safe. Nothing happened to Harrison. He survived it. And he seemed to enjoy it.” Then it kind of just took off from there. “They didn’t want it to be super scripted. It was more so, ‘We’re going to press record, we’re going to have some fun and just see what happens.’” The reviews were good, aside from some ribbing in the Warriors’ locker room. Andrew Bogut teased Barnes mercilessly. “He was killing me,” How big a hit were those ads? By the end of the run, “Carpool Barnes said. But the 7-foot Australian wound up with a Carpool Confessions” emerged as the Wheaties box for the Bay Area. Being in Confession of his own. the backseat of that Audi was a stamp of validation. Fareed: With Bogut, it was Dave’s idea to have us sing the Men at Work “Listen, a lot of these things I normally wouldn’t do. But as soon as they song. You know, “I come from the land Down Under …” And we said to asked me, I was: ‘Oh, yeah, I’ll definitely do those’ because I enjoyed the Bogut, “We don’t know which is funnier: You can either sing along with us commercials so much,’’ said Beane, the A’s executive vice president who the whole time or you can just be miserable and be really annoyed with knows something about sports cinema. “I was excited about doing them.” the whole situation.” And to no one’s surprise, Bogut picked the annoyed version. Ostensibly, the goal of the ads was to promote “Feldy & Fareed” as the co-anchors of “SportsNet Central.” But they may have outkicked the Bogut: Even if I would have loved the song, I probably still would have coverage in that regard. The commercials overshadowed the show. been disgusted. (Laughs) Just to get out of singing, to be honest with Consider that Fareed’s career also includes two seasons on the MLB you. Network, Kentucky Derby coverage and extensive travel for his current national gig with NBC Sports. (NBC Sports Bay Area)

“And the thing that people most want to talk to me about is ‘Carpool Even during rides as short as 20 minutes, the carpool would have time to Confessions,’’’ he said from his home in Wilton, Conn. “That just stuck run through multiple script ideas — and they often wound up with multiple out in people’s minds to the point where, in the Bay Area, I would have to ads. In one of Bogut’s other spots, the center craned his neck out of the tell people, ‘You know, we do have a show that we do, too!’ top of the Audi’s sunroof.

“They’d say, ‘I don’t know that I’ve seen that, but your commercials are Bogut: That was not that easy. Cars are pretty small for me. But I’m all awesome.’” legs — my torso is pretty normal — so we had to chuck a few books underneath my butt when I sat down. Yeah, that was interesting. I was In this time of social distancing, when neither sports nor carpools are just making sure I didn’t get hit by something outside like a bird. … But I possible, buckle up that seat belt and fasten your Brandon Belt belt. Over think that was part of it. Just showing that you can have a laugh, you can the phone for the past week, we called around and jammed the be made fun of — and make fun of yourself. I think that’s very important. passenger seat again for a trip down memory lane. Feldman: Most of these were filmed when we were actually driving Because it was a gas. because when you’re at a red light you’re stopped. We wanted the visual of the car moving. And Bogut wasn’t shy about giving his opinion of Mark (NBC Sports Bay Area) Jackson or other things. And I’d always be careful to tell the editors when The “Carpool Confessions” ads were born out of Feldman and Fareed’s we came back, “Hey, listen, that’s off the record. That can’t find its way actual carpool. Fareed, out of sheer coincidence, had found a home on ‘SportsNet Central’.” Because these guys were having a conversation around the corner from his new co-anchor upon being hired by CSN Bay and sometimes they’d forget that the mic’s right there. Area in 2013. While Warriors players helped get the ball rolling, other Bay Area teams Fareed: My wife and I had moved into the city and we just happened to eventually joined the fun. Giants players became regulars, and the timing be a block away from Dave. We were right on the corner there at was good considering the number of colorful personalities on the roster. California and Pierce. I did have a car, but then with parking and all that Outfielder Hunter Pence did an ad that played off the bizarro signs that stuff, I was like, “Dave, can we just work an arrangement where we were popping up in stands around the country. In the spot, Fareed sits in the back seat and shows off several examples — “Hunter Pence eats Fareed: I remember getting some of the craziest looks from people when pizza with a fork” … “Hunter Pence puts ketchup on his hot dogs” — we were at a red light. There were three people in a car — two that they before getting to the punchline. The last sign says: “Hunter Pence does didn’t recognize and Steph Curry — and three cameras. I think a lot of not chip in for gas.” people were thinking, “OK, Steph, if you’re in trouble, signal me somehow and we will call 9-1-1 and help you out.” Pence: (Laughs) They threw me under the bus with that one. That was one of their scripted lines. Both those guys were really funny, and just fun (Courtesy of Ahmed Fareed) to be around and they’re both salt-of-the-earth types, so it’s hard not to root for them. And actually, those signs really were a special time in my Another casting favorite was Vogt, a noted clubhouse comedian well life. Fans are so funny and so creative. I’d get to a new stadium and known for his overzealous referee routine. In one ad, he wears the think, “There’s no way there will be any here.” And sure enough, there’d referee uniform and whistles Feldman for various driving violations. In be one. It got to the point where people would hold up their signs and another, he says outlandish things — spotting, in succession, Jessica stare at me until I acknowledged their sign and indicated whether or not it Biel, Michael Jordan and a unicorn, walking by on the surrounding was true. sidewalks. Fareed nods in agreement and says, “I believe in Stephen Vogt.” Fareed: With Hunter Pence, I know we had a couple lines in the script that made me unsure about how he’d react, but he would always say, Vogt: I’d like to say I’m versatile. (Laughs) I think for the majority of us “No, no, that’s a good line. That makes sense. I can see why you wrote baseball players — myself, especially — my humor comes just from that. I’d say that.” And so he was gung-ho. conversations. If you tell me, “Hey, I need you to do this scripted thing,” I’ll be OK. But if we just drive around and you leave the tape running and Pence: They were the creative minds. All I had to do was sit there, be let (Feldman and Fareed) drive the conversation, that’s when I think you myself and goof off a little bit. get your best content because it brings out our creativity and our ability to do some different things when it comes to talking about who we are. (NBC Sports Bay Area) Fareed: Stephen Vogt, he was just fun to have in the car. We didn’t want The rogue filming style had a side benefit of being low maintenance for to let him out. His 30 minutes were up, we wanted to keep him in the car. athletes. Filming a promotional spot can take hours upon hours with directors futzing around with lighting or reworking scripts. “Carpool Were the mythical celebrities chosen by the anchors or by Vogt himself? Confessions” got a lot of extra “yesses” just because they could knock it out in a 10-minute drive. Without a script, there were literally no lines, no Vogt: Definitely me. Because, still, to this day, my daughter wants a waiting. unicorn for her birthday.

Stephen Vogt, former A’s/Giants catcher: That helps because anytime There was no such thing as a blooper real, per se. “I feel like our you go into a studio or you go and put a TV camera in front of some commercials WERE the blooper reel,’’ Fareed cracked. But shortstop guys, we’re going to clam up. We’re going to be very by the book. We’re Brandon Crawford got the giggles while taping his spot at spring training going to be very careful with the way we respond because, let’s face it, a few years ago. everybody’s critical of everything that’s said by anyone at any time. And Fareed: I liked it when the athlete would just crack up. That happened (this style) gave us an opportunity to be in a comfortable environment with Brandon Crawford for this joke involving hair gel. We’re just stopped. and show that, “Oh yeah, they are real people.” And I’m just complimenting Brandon’s hair and he’s all, “Here. Here’s the Zaza Pachulia, former Warriors center: I’d never thought about acting. I’d hair gel that I use. Apply it.” And I was like, “Oh, alright.” And I just start been in a couple commercials, but this was different. There was no squeezing some into my hand and putting it in there. And he’s like, preparation. It was just in and out. I’m a fan of authenticity, you know. “More. Put a little more in there.” And it gets to a point where my head is When you’re true, when you really show your personality, it always looks one big giant ball of goo. (laughing) … And for whatever reason, I forget better when something is scripted. … It wasn’t like someone was telling what it was, we had driven to a place where we were boxed in. So I had me the moves and about a facial expression that they wanted. No, I was to get out of the car — this was not part of the shoot or planned part of showing my personality, basically. the shoot — I had to get out of the car and move a gate that was right by the Giants (parking lot). This was after a game and three people go, Beane: You gotta understand, it was a little bit unfair to everyone else “Nice hair, dude!” And Crawford just thought that was the funniest thing because I had some acting chops in my award-winning Frontier Ford ever that I made an absolute fool of myself in public. commercials (laughs). … I remember we filmed ours down in Mesa (during spring training) and normally when you do those things — for us Pence: That hair gel thing, that’s real. Brandon is way into that. (Laughs). Olivier-style actors — it’s with hundreds and hundreds of takes. But those They had the right guy. guys pulled it off. It took like 20 minutes to do! And actually, I was The ads were so easy-peasy to make that they could essentially bang thinking, “Can we do another couple takes so I can sort of get it down?” them out during a work break. , the longtime NHL But they had done it so many times. They were naturals. defenseman turned Sharks television analyst, arrived early at the studio (NBC Sports Bay Area) for his pregame show one night and had a bit of a window before going on the air. Asked about the most natural athlete/actor they worked with, Feldman and Fareed had the same answer: Stephen Curry. In one of his spots, Hedican: And they’re like, “Let’s just go do it now.” Before we can even Curry signs an autograph for the anchors — but that’s not what they think about it, we’re in this car. We start going around the block. wanted. Curry ups the ante by signing one of his signature sneakers — Feldman: Hedican was great. We had an idea where I’m picking on and that doesn’t fly, either. Finally, Curry hands over what both the Ahmed and I’m kind of threatening to beat him up, and Ahmed’s like, anchors really wanted all along: It’s two helpings of Ayesha Curry’s “Hey, Bret. Take care of this for me.” And then Bret would reach over and cooking, in plastic containers marked “Steph’s Lunch.” pull my shirt over my head and start pounding me.

Ahmed: There were quite a few athletes who took the lines that we gave Hedican: But we obviously can’t do that driving! So I said, “We’re going to them and made them better, but no one quite like Steph. Steph looked have to pull over at some point.” So that’s kind of what we did. We got over the script while we were sitting there in the car and was scratching driving, we got to chatting. And then next thing you know, they pulled the out lines and he was very comfortable in trying to improve upon our car over. (Laughs) I kinda grabbed Feldy by the corner of his shirt and comedic writing. He was a super active participant in the scriptwriting and was trying to beat him over the head with my fist from the back seat. … in the acting of it. Anytime you can kind of be less scripted and go off-the-cuff, it can be fun Feldman: Steph was a natural. Steph was great. … We did about four — particularly if you’ve got two pros like those guys. Not me, so much, with him and we just drove around Oakland and Lake Merritt. And but when you’re talking about Feldy and Fareed, those guys are so Steph’s in the back and we pull up to a stop sign and some guy just looks smooth at it. They’re just so used to ad-libbing every day in a lot of things over, looks back at his steering wheel and then just does this crazy that they do. double-take, right? Because it’s Steph Curry, just sitting in the car right Amenable as most stars were, Feldman and Fareed struck out on next to him! And he points to his wife and Ahmed and I kinda wave. We occasion, mostly with 49ers. They wanted Frank Gore or Colin pretend like they’re going crazy because they’re looking at us. Kaepernick, to name two. They had also had an idea of having 49ers owner Jed York in the back seat with Feldman’s old buddy from Palo Alto High — coach . “We had all these moonshot ideas that Feldman: I’m like, “The car works! We’re driving places! You have the were never going to work,’’ Fareed said. In the lone ad featuring a 49ers background, you’re moving. Where’s the elevator going? From Floor 1 to presence, former defensive linemen Dennis Brown (290 pounds as a Floor 5?” … Maybe you don’t want to push something that’s been player) and Dana Stubblefield (300 pounds) squeezed Fareed in the successful, but I always thought we had a little more run in them. middle seat — then ripped him for complaining. Fareed: Dave and I like to think that we were the originators of this whole Brown: It looked funny, but it was super easy to do because that’s what thing because I don’t think was doing “Carpool Karaoke” we do as D-linemen is bully everybody. That’s what made it kind of cool. yet. And then (Jerry) Seinfeld came out with his thing, “Comedians in We weren’t reaching. If we see a receiver or running back, we’re always, Cars Getting Coffee” or something like that. So even if there’s evidence like, “Get out of my way, little man, before I step on you.” So when you’re to the contrary, we’re going to disregard it because Dave and I think a big man, that kind of happens. I definitely avoid carpools and small we’re the originators of the carpool theme that we see now. cars. Feldman: I still will be walking down the streets in San Francisco and I Two of the more memorable shoots involved Giants pitchers. Fareed get, “Dude! Who’s in the car?” Or “Where’s Fareed?” or “Dude, I miss the really wanted the charismatic Johnny Cueto as a guest passenger, ‘Carpool Confessions’.” And they’ll cite which one is their favorite. So it’s despite the language barrier, so they also invited Erwin Higueros, who funny. Those things made an impression, for sure. broadcasts Giants games in Spanish. Another time, they also took extremely famished reliever Sergio Romo for a ride. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020

Feldman: That was a cool concept with Cueto. I think we used subtitles. “Oh, Johnny, I know you’ve won so many games, but this might be quite an honor to be in the car with us.” And he would say in Spanish, “Who are these bozos? I don’t even know who they are.”

Higueros: Then I would translate it back and say, “Oh, he said you guys look good on TV” or something like that. I guess the whole setup for that was how some people don’t think the translators actually translate what the guy’s saying. … The key to it was making sure that Johnny was up to it. Making sure that Johnny understood what we were trying to do — that it wasn’t about making fun of him or making him look bad. It was more to have fun and to let the fans know that other side of him, that he can be fun.

Fareed: With Sergio Romo, we picked him up in Arizona. It was the only Carpool Confession that ever ended with In-N-Out. He was super hungry from the start. Like, he got in the car and was like, “Hey, are you guys hungry at all?” I mean, “Good to see you to, Sergio. Yeah, maybe we are a little hungry, but we’ve got to do these commercials first.” So we made our way to In-N-Out Burger at the end of Sergio Romo’s “Carpool Confessions.”

(Courtesy Ahmed Fareed)

One oft-repeated ad features Giants first baseman Brandon Belt in the car as Fareed pitches his idea for a promotional giveaway. Instead of say, a Buster Posey T-shirt or a Madison Bumgarner bobblehead, Fareed proposed the Brandon Belt belt.

Fareed: Oh my God! I think we did that commercial four years ago, now? To this day, I get people messaging me, “When is the Brandon Belt belt coming out?” To the point where the Giants are missing a huge opportunity to have Brandon Belt Belt Day at the ballpark. That one, for whatever reason, that one stuck out the most (laughs) in people’s minds. That never happened. That never came to fruition. There was one prototype. And I don’t know who got to keep that. But my dream is that one day I’ll open up the Giants’ promotional calendar and in August there will be a Brandon Belt Belt Day and I’m gonna high-five Dave and say, “We did that.”

(NBC Sports Bay Area)

Despite the following of the ads, “SportsNet Central” never really took flight and was gone by late 2018. The “Carpool Confessions” faded, too. Feldman didn’t have his contract renewed by NBCSBA in 2018 but can still be seen locally after “Sunday Night Football” and NBC Bay Area’s “Xfinity Sports Sunday” with Jeff Garcia or Donte Whitner. Feldman also does college basketball games for ESPN. Fareed moved to NBC Sports in February 2019.

Beane: In those commercials, they were the stars. They could make anyone, the straight man, look good. Looking back, I wish they would have kept doing more and more. … They were so creative in everything they did. And obviously, it was unique to each individual player, which was great because that helped. It some sense, it gave you something personal about the player or the executive. It was great.

Fareed: You can bring this up to Dave because he always thought it was a terrible idea. I would say, “We’re going to get to a point where the car isn’t going to be funny anymore and we were going to have to make the transition.” So I always pushed to him and (the marketing executives) to put us in an elevator and expand the brand. “We’ve done the car thing. It had its run.” 1182629 Tampa Bay Lightning No. 10 Former Rowdies forward Rodney Marsh [Times]

Shaun King, Bucs quarterback (1999-2003) Who wore it best? A debate on Tampa Bay’s iconic sports numbers Rodney Marsh, Rowdies forward (1976-79)

Courtney Williams, USF basketball guard (2012-16) STAFF First we had to pick King over kicker Conner Barth, which was tough

enough, based on him leading the Bucs to the playoffs twice. Marsh was McQuay or Martin? Bishop or Bradley? You’ll find a bevy of Bucs, only with the Rowdies a short while, but somewhat became the face of Bandits, Bulls and more on this list. the franchise when soccer was a big deal here, drawing 45,000-plus to Tampa Stadium, and then returning to coach. Williams was a first-team To some athletes, it’s just a number, one they were assigned somewhat All-American, is first in single-season scoring at USF and second all-time, randomly and didn’t think much about. For others, it’s a somewhat and in her fifth season in the WNBA. monogamous relationship, steeped in personal meaning or professional homage, and one they will ask and even pay to keep. Wore it best: Marsh, for making Rowdies soccer a kick in the grass.

While it’s just a digit or two on their backs, it’s also how many of us know No. 12 Tom Brady or Steven Stamkos or Kevin Kiermaier. It’s how we keep Former Bucs quarterback Doug Williams [Times] track of them and, at times, argue about them. Wade Boggs, Rays third baseman (1998-99) It’s a debate you can have in a bar or (like everything else) on social media, and we present it here, looking over a wide spectrum of Tampa Doug Williams, Bucs quarterback (1978-82) Bay-based teams and athletes, to determine who wore what number best. Boggs took most of his swings with Boston and New York, then returned to his adopted hometown for his final two seasons and his crowning We know we didn’t get them all right, so let us know your choices via achievement, the 3,000th hit that insured his election to the Hall of Fame. email at [email protected]. Williams got most of his snaps during five seasons with the Bucs and made the first three trips to the playoffs, but went elsewhere for his most No. 3 celebrated moment, winning the 1987 Super Bowl with the Redskins. Former Rays third baseman Evan Longoria [Times] Wore it best: It’s close, but it’s Williams — for now. There’s a new guy in Evan Longoria, Rays third baseman (2008-17) town who may quickly lay claim as Tampa Bay’s best TB12.

Freddie Solomon, University of Tampa quarterback (1971-74) No. 13

Jameis Winston, Bucs quarterback (2015-19) Former Rays outfielder Carl Crawford [Times]

This seemed like a good place to start until realizing Winston wasn’t even Carl Crawford, Rays outfielder (2002-10) the best quarterback to wear No. 3. Sure, he passed for nearly 20,000 Mike Evans, Bucs receiver (2014-present) yards over five seasons, but there seemed to be a little problem getting the ball to the intended target. Solomon was dazzling in the option, If Evans continues on his impressive career track and stays in town, this drawing raves and comps to great runners such as O.J. Simpson, could be an ongoing debate given his six straight seasons of 1,000-plus finishing 12th in the 1974 Heisman voting and going on to play 11 years yards and three Pro Bowl selections. Crawford doesn’t get enough credit in the NFL as a receiver. But neither has Longoria’s resume. He was the as one of the Rays’ all-time best, making four All-Star teams over nine fresh face, then the heart of the Rays’ order for 10 years, crowned by the seasons while playing a key role in their rise. Saying “My heart is in signature moment of his 2011 Game 162 walkoff homer. He had hoped Boston” after signing with the Sox didn’t help. to spend his entire career here until being traded. Wore it best: CC, who might’ve been a big hit on the football field also. Wore it best: Longoria, no ducking the decision. No. 14 No. 5 Former Rays pitcher David Price [Times] Rocco Baldelli, Rays outfielder (2003-08) Brad Johnson, Bucs quarterback (2001-04) Jassen Cullimore, Lightning defenseman (1997-2004) David Price, Rays pitcher (2008-14) Cullimore spent seven years on the blue line, a somewhat important part of the Lightning’s 2003-04 Cup-winning team. Baldelli played only two full Johnson logged the biggest W, leading the Bucs to their only Super Bowl seasons and parts of six total — most before the Rays got good — championship during an otherwise pedestrian four-season stint. Price before being forced to retire due to a medical condition. He remains one won a lot — 19 games in 2010, 20 and a Cy Young in 2012, the 2013 of their most-liked players. His 2008 postseason heroics — seven Game 163 . He was a four-time All-Star and got the biggest out months after he seemed headed to a frustratingly forced retirement — in team history as a rookie, clinching the 2008 ALCS. can do that, as did sticking around as a coach. Wore it best: Price, taking quantity over quality.

Wore it best: Baldelli, somewhat sentimentally. No. 19

No. 9 Keyshawn Johnson, Bucs receiver (2000-03)

Former USF quarterback Quinton Flowers [Times] Scott Kazmir, Rays pitcher (2004-09)

Quinton Flowers, USF quarterback (2014-17) Brad Richards, Lightning center (2000-08)

Tyler Johnson, Lightning center (2012-present) Johnson was the mouth that roared, entertaining on and off the field, Flowers is arguably the most dynamic football player in USF’s 23-season posting a 100-catch season and helping the Bucs win a Super Bowl, but history given his multi-dimensional ability, though he has been snake- only lasted four seasons. Kazmir first popped off about making the 2008 bitten so far as a pro. Johnson is a speedy spark plug who has played a playoffs, and was a key part of the Rays’ breakthrough, making two All- key role for most of seven-plus seasons, usually in a complementary Star teams. Richards was the playoff MVP when the Bolts won their only role, though he stepped into the spotlight during the 2015 Stanley Cup Stanley Cup, ranks in the team’s top five in assists and points, and finals with a team-high 23 points. scored 150 goals in seven seasons.

Wore it best: Johnny be good, as the song says, but Flowers was better. Wore it best: Richards, who had the flow going as well. No. 22 Before you saw Culpepper as a big-time, slick lawyer on TV during seemingly every single commercial break, he was a pretty big defensive Chris Archer, Rays pitcher (2012-18) tackle — listed at 275 pounds. Hedman is a bigger deal, winning the Doug Martin, Bucs running back (2012-17) Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defenseman once and finishing in the top 10 four other times, and making three All-Star teams, as a Leon McQuay, University of Tampa running back (1968-70) cornerstone of the Lightning success.

Getting “All the Way” McQuay signed from Blake High as University of Wore it best: Hedman, even more aggressive and tenacious. Tampa’s first black scholarship athlete was big for new coach Fran Cursi, and it paid off as McQuay rushed for 3,039 yards and scored 37 No. 88 touchdowns over three seasons. Martin had two Pro Bowl seasons with Jimmie Giles, Bucs tight end (1978-86) 1,400-plus yards each (second in the NFL in 2015), but little else over his other four. Archer made two All-Star teams, did a lot of good in the Andrei Vasilevskiy, Lightning goalie (2014-present) community and had some big strikeout numbers, but frustratingly never reached his potential, with an overall losing record, 54-68, 3.69. Giles is among the team’s all-time best, evidenced by four Pro Bowl selections in six years, and a place in the Ring of Honor. Vasilevskiy, just Wore it best: Archer had the longest stay and Martin the best single 25, has already been an All-Star and a Vezina Trophy winner as the season, but McQuay gets the nod for his place in history. league’s best, leading the NHL in wins over the past three seasons.

No. 25 Wore it best: Vasilevskiy, who is forcing us all to learn how to spell his name correctly. Dave Andreychuk, Lightning center (2001-06) Five quick calls Jessica Dickson, USF basketball forward (2003-07) No. 24: Winger Ryan Callahan had a few good seasons for the Lightning Brian Kelly, Bucs cornerback (1998-2007) around a series of injuries. Rays swinger Dan Johnson had a couple Andreychuk came south to cap what ended up being a 23-year Hall-of- really big swings for the Rays, historic homers in 2008 and 2011 that will Fame career, and did so impressively. As captain, he helped lead the never be forgotten, nor will he. Bolts back to the playoffs for the first time in seven years, then to their, No. 35: Dan Wheeler helped transform the lowly Devil Rays into the and his, first Stanley Cup championship. Dickson is USF’s all-time winning Rays with quality pitching and needed professionalism, but leading scorer, men or women, with 2,402 points, averaging 19.2 over goalie Nikolai Khabibulin built the “Bulin Wall” that led to the Lightning’s 125 games. Kelly spent 10 seasons in the Bucs secondary, having his Stanley Cup championship. best season (an NFL co-leading eight interceptions) when they did, winning the 2002 season’s Super Bowl. No. 39: Roberto Hernandez was one of a few standouts among the early Devil Rays, and a 1999 All-Star while posting 43 saves and two W’s for a Wore it best: Andreychuk, well enough that he still works with the team. 69-win team. Centerfielder Kevin Kiermaier has covered more ground as No. 30 the master of his domain defensively, winning three Gold Gloves while healthy, and a lot of young hearts. Ben Bishop, Lighting goalie (2012-17) No. 53: Linebacker Shelton Quarles was in the middle of the Bucs Charlie Bradley, USF basketball forward (1981-85) defense for most of 10 years, including 113 tackles in their Super Bowl season. Pitcher Alex Cobb did more in less time with the Rays, battling Bishop won two Game 7s, provided stability in the net during parts of five through injuries to win 10-plus games four times and provide leadership seasons and helped groom current starter Andrei Vasilevskiy. Bradley by example in the mold of James Shields. was, and still is, USF’s greatest men’s basketball player, scoring 2,319 points overall, averaging 19.7 per game, playing most of his career No. 54: Richard Wood had a way cool nickname — Batman — playing before the 3-point shot was added. through the indignation of the early Bucs teams before enjoying some success. Lavonte David is making a name for himself as one of the Wore it best: Bradley; greatest ever is good enough for us. team’s all-time best linebackers. No. 32 Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 04.11.2020 Michele Smith, Olympic softball pitcher (1996-2000)

James Wilder, Bucs running back (1981-89)

Smith moved to Tampa Bay in the mid-1990s and brought two gold medals to her new home, remaining in the game as ESPN’s lead softball analyst. Wilder was a workhorse running back, including a remarkable 1984 season with 407 carries and 85 receptions for 2,229 yards, and still is the team’s career rushing leader.

Wore it best: Wilder didn’t get enough credit then, but he gets it now.

No. 43

Aric Almirola, NASCAR driver (2007-present)

Gary Anderson, Tampa Bay Bandits running back (1983-85)

Almirola has raced with several numbers, but made headlines and history with his 2014 win at the Coke Zero 400, the first for Richard Petty’s fabled No. 43 in 15 years, and for a Petty-owned car at Daytona since 1981. Anderson the Bandit was much better than Anderson the Charger or Buc, posting back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and scoring 35 TDs under Head Ball Coach Steve Spurrier.

Wore it best: Anderson, who ran his way back to the NFL after initially spurning the Chargers.

No. 77

Brad Culpepper, Bucs defensive tackle (1994-99)

Victor Hedman, Lightning defenseman (2009-present) 1182630 Tampa Bay Lightning Water is pretty rough here. “Now that I’m an influencer, I feel like I’ve got to get you guys some content,” Killorn said. “Our first guest of the show? Steven Stamkos.”

The new normal: Behind Alex Killorn’s Jet Ski live chat with Lightning “The views just went up really quick,” he quipped. teammates Stamkos walked from his home on his backyard area to the deck and chatted for a bit, taking a few fans questions.

By Joe Smith Apr 10, 2020 “Think you’re the last guy to score 60?”

“No. I think someone could have done it this year.”

TAMPA, Fla. — “Damn it, I dropped my mic in the water.” “Who?”

Social distancing makes you get creative. Including how you talk with “(Leafs star Auston) Matthews.” your teammates and fans. Though fans were eager to know how Stamkos’ rehab from core surgery This coronavirus shutdown has led to many — umm — interesting was going, Killorn picked different questions. Stamkos did say that he dynamics between NHL players, the media and fans. The three-way wants to be optimistic about the season resuming, that they’ve been Zoom chat with , Mitch Marner and Patrick Marleau, for talking a lot with the league and the NHLPA. “We’ve got to stay ready.” example. Another fan asked about the Brady signing. But Alex Killorn’s live Instagram chat via Jet Ski on Thursday might have “I’ve always been a huge Tom Brady fan,” Stamkos said.”So I was stolen the show. pumped. He lives down the street, so maybe he’ll give me a tour.” The Lightning winger popped on his watercraft and navigated the choppy “You watch Tiger King?” Killorn asked. waters of Davis Island and the bay for the first talk show of its kind, dubbed “Dock Talk.” He cruised through the channel and had three “Yes,” Stamkos replied. special guests (and neighbors), including captain Steven Stamkos, Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh. Former teammates, like Dan Girardi, “Did Carole Baskin kill her husband?” Killorn asked. crashed the chat, which got close to 1,000 live viewers at a time. “I think she did,” Stamkos said.

And there was a drive-by of Tom Brady’s mansion. The new Bucs “You heard it first here, everyone!” Killorn quipped. quarterback, who is renting Derk Jeter’s place, is the latest to join the star-studded neighborhood. Another fan’s question: “Best Canadian beer?”

Fans were eating it up. “Kokanee,” Stamkos said.

The idea was all Killorn’s, apparently. The Lightning were hoping to get With that, Killorn delivered two gifts to Stamkos, ones he requested. A him on a media video call, but Killorn had put out on his Instagram he dozen eggs, as the Stamkos household was low, and some antibacterial was planning on hosting a live chat. He said initially he was joking but got soap. He thanked Stamkos and peeled off. such a great fan reaction that he decided to roll with it (on the water). Maybe it was because Killorn was a fan of the Kenny Powers character “He hated every part of that,” Killorn joked. “But he’s a good guy.” from HBO’s “Eastbound and Down,” where the fictional baseball star “You guys ready for the second guest?” drove a leopard Jet Ski. Not too far away from Stamkos’ pad on the west side of Davis Island was But Killorn had the personality, and venue, to pull it off. good friend and Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman. Hedman came “Can some Tampa fans ask me a question so my friends stop chirping out on his deck, with his French Bulldog, Harry, not far behind. The me?” Killorn asked on the chat. Hedman family is fostering a couple other puppies, with Hedman saying one was already adopted. The other, Portia, still needs a home. It was a choppy day on the water, which made Killorn’s adventure an interesting one. He promised a few guests, and as he made his way Killorn passed along a fan’s question to the Norris winner. toward the first one, fans chimed in with their questions. They don’t chirp “You were voted best defenseman in the league by the players (NHLPA quite as well as teammates, as we found out in our Lightning player poll. poll). How do you feel?”

“Don’t you have some (golf) balls to hit?” “That is very special,” Hedman replied. “I know (Killorn) didn’t vote for “What’s your favorite quote?” me, so that makes it even more special. It was cool. It’s an honor to get chosen by the players. I value that very high.” “Are you the first player to score 25 goals without knowing how to skate?” “We’ve had some Halloween parties at this house, right?” Killorn asked. “Odds of playing this season?” “Has anyone jumped in the canal?”

“I have no idea what’s going to happen with this season,” Killorn replied. “(Anthony) Cirelli,” Hedman said. “And one of our equipment guys, “I have no idea, man.” ‘Bubba,’ (Rob Kennedy). But he had shoes on.”

“We’ve got three special guests,” he said. “One of which is confirmed. (Would love to hear that story.) Two of which are on the fence.” Another fan asked what was Hedman’s favorite career goal. He picked The first one was a big one in Stamkos, the face of the franchise who has the goal he scored in the NHL Global Series in Stockholm, Sweden, in been rehabbing from an early March core surgery, which was supposed early November, getting a chance to play five hours from his hometown. to put him out 6 to 8 weeks. Fans really haven’t seen him since he last played. “I don’t score a lot of goals,” Hedman said.”Scoring in Sweden was pretty cool. (Killorn) to this day said he tipped it in. It’s a cool feeling to score in As Killorn got to Stamkos’ place, he answered a fan’s question: “Who are your own country in front of the fans.” the real ‘Triplets’ of the Tampa Bay Lightning (referring to the 2015 star line of Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov and Ondrej Palat)? Killorn and Hedman talked about the Brady signing, too.

“The original Triplets are me, Andrej Sustr and Jason Garrison,” Killorn “Getting the GOAT to Tampa is the best thing to happen to everyone,” said.”Just so everybody knows.” Hedman said. “For him to choose here, we’re super excited.”

Woooohooo Killorn left Hedman with some parting gifts as well: a signed Killorn hockey card and a Harvard T-shirt. (That’s Killorn’s alma mater, not Hedman’s.) They had one more guest left: defenseman Ryan McDonagh, who lives three doors down from Brady.

“Oh, that’s a shark right there!” Killorn yells.

He swings the phone camera ahead of him. “Did you guys see that?”

Well, it might have been a dolphin. Either way, we’re getting into choppier waters here.

“All right, boys, we’re getting close to the GOAT’s house. I’ve got my security out here in case.”

He pans his phone to the massive, 30,000-square-foot mansion Brady lives in.

“Here it is!” Killorn said.

They reach McDonagh’s dock, and the defenseman pops out. They small-talk on how McDonagh could have gone to Harvard and been Killorn’s teammate before deciding to go to Wisconsin instead. “We would have been best buds,” Killorn said.

They talked about the Kan Jam charity event they held this year, raising more than $100,000 for adolescent/young adult cancer patients. And what it’s like to live next to Brady.

“I haven’t got a glimpse of him yet,” McDonagh said. “But there’s definitely been more traffic.”

As promised, Killorn offered another pair of gifts (where did he have room for this stuff?). He gave McDonagh a roll of toilet paper (always comes in handy during quarantine) and a bottle of red wine.

“Really appreciate you stopping by. See you, bud!”

Killorn, in his backward black cap, sunglasses and life jacket, turned away to head home on another choppy ride back.

“Thank you everyone for tuning in,” he said.”It was probably my first and last episode.

“But you never know.”

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182631 Toronto Maple Leafs “We hope this is going to be resolved sooner than later, but I don’t see where that could happen,” says Chad Hubbs, the general manager of Pint Public Houses in Toronto and Vancouver. The latter is within a few minutes’ walk of the Canucks’ home ice at , a popular Communities feel the loss as NHL shutdown kills a ritual of spring meeting place before and after games.

At this point, Hubbs says more than 700 employees at five Pint Public Houses in Canada and one in the United States have been placed on MARTY KLINKENBERG furlough. PUBLISHED APRIL 10, 2020 “Everybody was watching [the coronavirus] out of the corner of their UPDATED APRIL 10, 2020 eyes, but nobody saw this happening to the extent that it has,” says Dan Lussier, the chief executive officer of the Winnipeg-based Canad Inns. The chain operates hotels and eight Tavern United sports bars throughout the city. Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck is scored on by Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid during second period NHL action in Edmonton, All hourly wage-earners are temporarily laid off. “It was gut-wrenching,” Alta., on Wednesday March 11, 2020. At that time, the Oilers were shoe- Lussier says. “We are a company that prides itself on growth and ins for the postseason and the Jets held a wildcard spot. success in the marketplace. We have had businesses close and people laid off like never before. We are in very tough shape.” This promised to be a weekend to remember in a country whose national obsession has become a rite of spring. The first round of the NHL Only a few weeks ago, Lussier looked forward to fans filling rooms, playoffs would have just begun in five Canadian cities. In bars and wolfing down wings and quaffing beer. restaurants everywhere, prodigious amounts of beer and food would have been consumed by fans seated elbow to elbow. The Blue Jays were on their way to winning a second successive World Series when Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto opened on Aug. 17, 1993 – six Instead, hospitality businesses in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg years before the Great One retired. A generation of sports fans have and Vancouver will be closed, or at best, open for takeout only. The void convened there for pregame and postgame meals, and last spring left in communities is another toll exacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. packed the restaurant with skates as front-door handles to cheer for the Raptors on their way to winning the NBA championship. A month ago, the Flames, Oilers and Maple Leafs were shoe-ins for the postseason. The Jets held a wildcard spot. The Canucks were just a “Last year was such a remarkable year for us,” says Heather Santsche, hair’s breadth behind. the general manager of Gretzky’s. “It was stressful, but at the same time it was exciting and so very special. Then games ceased as the novel coronavirus spread. There is little in the way of sports to celebrate other than a new hockey quiz show hosted by “Right now, I miss that camaraderie we all felt last year. I think everyone P.K. Subban and an NBA game of H-O-R-S-E. The Masters, another rite craves that connection with sports. It brings everybody together.” of spring, won’t be played this weekend. Santsche remembers receiving an alert on her phone on the night of At a time when one joyful night should follow another, there is shared March 11, when the NBA was the first to announce it would suspend the gloom. season.

In anticipation of a first-round series between the Oilers and the Flames, “It seems like that was so long ago, but it really wasn’t,” Santsche says. Jerry Rota upsized the flat-screen television monitors inside the Central “For about the next five days, it was like time stood still. The only thing I Social Hall in Edmonton. He has been in the bar business for a quarter of knew was that I didn’t know.” a century and believed the postseason sparring between rivals would deliver the biggest windfall in hockey business he had seen. In early March, she wrote a note to herself musing that it would be interesting to see how tourism would be affected by COVID-19. “Our ultimate dream as bar owners in Edmonton was a matchup between the Oilers and Flames,” Rota says. “I thought we were going to slaughter “Suddenly, I realized it was a much bigger problem than that,” she says. it.” “Everyone and everything has been turned upside down. We are sort of approaching this day by day and hour by hour.” Instead, he and his co-owner have temporarily laid off 240 of 250 employees from two establishments, including the sprawling social house The restaurant’s staff of 55 employees has had to be temporarily less than a kilometre from the Oilers home rink. reduced. Grandma Gretzky’s meatloaf and other menu items are being sold only for delivery and take-out. At the Mercer Tavern, a slap shot from , Devin Pope and Bryan Schmidt have furloughed all 60 workers. Only weeks earlier, they “Our staff has been tremendous, so it is tough to make those decisions,” beefed up staff as they imagined Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Santsche says. “You want to be true to your employees. Without your a long playoff run. team, you don’t have a restaurant. And without a restaurant there is no team.” “Times have been tough financially in Edmonton for the last few years and the team hadn’t been very good,” Pope says. “Suddenly, there was a Gretzky’s is busiest on nights when the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Blue lot of life and encouragement in the city surrounding the Oilers." Jays are all playing. The NHL and NBA playoffs, and start of the baseball season on March 26, were all looked forward to. That was before March 12, the day the NHL joined the NBA, Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer in putting the season on ice. “You have to adapt," she says. "We have to keep our rhythm going so we are ready when the world is.” “I feel bad for Edmonton’s businesses and fans and for the players who had been doing so well,” Pope says. “Now, the restaurant industry is in a It has been decades since the Oilers and the Flames have been as good major crisis. It is very sad. We expected this to be a good time in our as they are now. Their previous two meetings this season in the Battle of lives.” Alberta were reminiscent of the wars fought between them in the 1980s, when both were among the elite teams in the NHL. Even their goalies There were 189 regular-season games remaining when hockey was fought one another when they met for the last time on Feb. 1. interrupted in an attempt to help control the contagious respiratory illness. Despite measures such as physical distancing and isolation, That whet the appetite of fans in Calgary and Edmonton and created more than 21,000 Canadians have become sick with COVID-19 and excitement around the league. It promised to be the most-watched series more than 500 have died. when the playoffs began.

In the United States, the numbers are more chilling: there have been “We finally got a bunch of Canadian teams in, and here we are now,” nearly 18,000 fatalities and nearly a half-million people are ill. says PJ L’Heureux, the founder and owner of the Craft Beer Market chain. He has two restaurants in Calgary, and one each in Edmonton, There is little hope professional sports will resume any time soon. It is far Toronto and Vancouver. more likely the NHL season simply won’t continue. All of them sit idle, although the franchise in downtown Toronto will reopen for takeout on Tuesday.

“We can see this is going to be a far more long-term thing than short term, so we have had to pivot to keep our concept relevant and keep some people working,” L’Heureux says.

He has nearly 1,000 employees, but for time being only senior managers, the general manager and chef are working at all locations. He has been a Flames season-ticket-holder for nearly 20 years. He listens to government and health experts, but finds it hard to predict what will happen.

“As restaurateurs we would like to profit, but right now it’s more about getting our people back to work, and communities having something to rally around," he says. "That is what sports does in our country.”

In February, Darren Moulds and Meg Mckee celebrated the Vagabond Pub’s fifth year in Calgary. Their restaurant sits directly across from the famous Stampede Grounds and is only a few hundred metres from the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Flames had eight home games remaining in the regular season and he had just placed a large order of food.

“For some people, there was a trickle-down effect,” Moulds says. “For us, the impact was instantaneous. In three days we would have easily made enough to pay the rent for April.”

On March 13, he contacted a bank-appointed receiver to let him know he would have trouble paying the rent. His landlord went into receivership in December. The bank appointee would not bend, so Moulds offered to go into a revenue-sharing agreement with the receiver so the business could remain viable. That offer was denied.

“I felt we came up with a reasonable way to deal with the issue, one that a lot of businesses could put forward to get through this,” Moulds says. “I have never missed a payment and I have never had issue.”

He has laid off his staff of 30 employees, including Mckee and his own mother. He is uncertain how much longer he can hang on. The hockey playoffs would have kept him going, and then some. He expected to take in $15,000 each night during home games in the first round, and $20,000 for a home game if the Flames reached the second.

“We have operated our place at break-even or earned a modest income from it for five years,” he says. “We struggled looking forward to the upside, and now it’s gone.”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182632 Toronto Maple Leafs July 2018, said the outbreak hits close to home personally because of the tragedy unfolding in New York City.

“I know so many people there,” he said of the disease’s current Tavares, group of Leafs make donation to ‘heroic’ health-care workers epicentre. “People I interacted with every day.” amid pandemic Tavares, who registered 26 goals and 60 points in 63 games in 2019-20, has been sticking to a routine since the NHL pressed pause March 12. He’s doing a lot of cooking, trying his best to stay in shape, taking By Joshua Clipperton advantage of the time with his young family, and going over video from the Leafs’ up-and-down first 70 contests in hopes the season eventually Fri., April 10, 2020 resumes.

The break has also given him renewed perspective. John Tavares lived in New York and his wife has worked in a hospital. “It shows how equally vulnerable we all are, no matter what you’ve done As the reality of the COVID-19 pandemic started to settle in the last few in your life or what kind of success you’ve had or whatever you do for a weeks — desperate calls for medical supplies, heart-wrenching personal living,” Tavares said. “It also shows how important it is that we come stories, social distancing, self-isolation — the captain of the Toronto together as human beings to do whatever we can to help.” Maple Leafs wanted to help. Like what he and some teammates decided on with their donation. Along with the city’s other sports franchises, Leafs players had already “It’s a simple act,” Risboro said. “But it’s amazing how much impact this made sure arena/stadium staff were taken care of through the Team has with our front-line workers.” Toronto fund as leagues across North America suspended their seasons amid the crippling novel coronavirus outbreak. Toronto Star LOADED: 04.11.2020 But after chatting with teammates, Tavares felt they needed to do something for the doctors and nurses on the front lines battling a disease that’s already killed thousands of people around the world.

“Everything they’re sacrificing and the risks that they’re taking ... it’s very moving and it’s very heroic,” the 29-year-old centre said in phone interview with The Canadian Press. “At times it’s hard to find the words.

“It’s a real challenge, but they’re doing everything they can to help everyone they can fight this virus and get things back to normal.”

With that in mind, Tavares and a group of Leafs have donated an undisclosed amount of money to support front-line workers at two hospitals in the Toronto area — Trillium Health Partners and Mount Sinai Hospital.

The players handed the funds over to the hospitals’ respective foundations to distribute as each saw fit.

“It was great the way guys came together with this initiative,” Tavares said. “We’ve seen through many other sports, many other athletes trying to find ways to help any way they can.”

In the case of Trillium Health Partners, where Aryne Tavares worked as a physiotherapist before the couple’s first child was born in September, that means a free post-shift meal for each of the 10,000 front-line employees at the hospital’s three campuses in Mississauga, Ont.

“We asked our front-line workers, ‘What are some of the most significant needs you have?’” Trillium Health Partners Foundation president and CEO Caroline Risboro said. “There’s a lot of discussion about personal protective equipment, but they’re also working exceptionally long hours.

“They’re having trouble getting to the grocery store to feed their families. It’s one more added pressure amidst a whole lot of other pressure.”

Each worker will receive a gift card from food-delivery service Uber Eats — a move that also helps with social distancing.

“We’ve had a lot of folks come forward and they say, ‘I want to do something,’” Risboro said. “But it’s challenging to do that for 10,000 people. This donation is allowing us to do that.”

Mount Sinai Hospital in downtown Toronto, meanwhile, went a different route, choosing to deploy the money on an emergency room training simulation during the COVID-19 pandemic for workers across the city.

It’s also expected to benefit intensive care unit teams that are used to performing standard intubations on patients, but can longer do so because of the risk of disease transmission.

“When a global pandemic like COVID-19 strikes, everybody is a rookie,” Sinai Health Foundation CEO Louis de Melo said in a statement. “Every medical professional can benefit from simulation training.”

Both foundations have links on their websites for donations that go directly to front-line workers.

Tavares, who played nine seasons with the Islanders prior signing a seven-year, $77-million (U.S.) contract to come home to the Toronto in 1182633 Toronto Maple Leafs Given the current Marlies roster, Hoefenmayer could very well slot into the opening night lineup. There are just three left-handed defencemen and it wouldn’t be surprising if Kevin Gravel, currently on a one-year contract, doesn’t return. Teemu Kivihalme will continue to play big Meet the new Marlies: Former coaches dish on the latest free agent minutes and Kristians Rubins will also move higher up the lineup. This signings could allow Hoefenmayer to start seeing minutes early on.

Bobby McMann, 23, C

By Joshua Kloke Apr 10, 2020 McMann entered Colgate University as a freshman in 2016 and is leaving the school as the men’s hockey captain. Colgate head coach Don

Vaughan said coaching a player like McMann is “part of the best part of Even with the AHL season on pause, the Toronto Marlies have been the job.” busy. In the past week they locked up four free agents, each player to Vaughan would lean on his “very coachable” captain to provide frank two-year AHL contracts, in an attempt to bolster their depth. assessments of whether his team was playing well enough within their The signings are necessary, and there’s probably more to come. structure, and valued his insight. According to CapFriendly, there are eight non-roster Maple Leaf forwards The 6-foot-1, 203-pound forward would never shy away from extra work and two defencemen who are either UFA or RFA at the end of this off the ice and at times, was a player who could dominate and completely season. Many of the veterans signed by the Leafs ahead of this season change the course of a game on his own. He was used as a power did not end up pushing for lineup spots as expected, so more turnover forward with Colgate and can use his release to roll off the wall and then could be on the way. shoot through traffic. His strengths include his acceleration with and These newly signed players represent a restocked prospect cupboard without the puck and his ability to separate himself from defenders and and an eye toward the future. create space for himself.

What are these four new signings capable of? And where might they fit “On a lot of nights, he was a one-man breakout. His entries were pretty within the organization next season? easy when he was coming through the middle of the rink with speed,” said Vaughan. The Athletic spoke to each player’s previous coach to get some answers. Vaughan, who has coached at Colgate since 1992, believes McMann is Noel Hoefenmayer, 21, LHD strong enough and skates well enough to play at the AHL level. He called him the team’s top forward and was used both on the power play and the The most intriguing signing is Hoefenmayer, in part because of his penalty kill. He has a physical element to his game, but it doesn’t emerge impressive offensive totals in junior but also because of how ready he often. looks to jump into the Marlies lineup. Hoefenmayer was a fourth-round draft pick (108th overall) of the Arizona Coyotes in 2017 but did not sign McMann’s recent offensive totals don’t look all that great (20 points in 34 an entry-level contract with the team. games last season) but he led Colgate in scoring in each of the last three seasons. The Ottawa 67’s defenceman led all OHL blueliners with 82 points in 58 games this season. Like Hoefenmayer, a critical element in the signing of McMann is how prepared he is to play in a possession-heavy style. Vaughan said the Ottawa 67’s coach Andre Tourigny, who was previously an assistant team’s system quickly evolved two seasons ago to one similar to what coach for both the Colorado Avalanche and the Ottawa Senators, said the Leafs play. this season the 6-foot-1, 196-pound defenceman conducted himself “like a 30-year-old man.” “We’re watching a lot of video from all different levels. We’re trying to play the game the same way. So I don’t think that would be as big of an Tourigny noted how his sleeping habits improved and how he was one of adjustment for him as maybe for some others,” said Vaughan. the first to arrive for personal appointments such as athletic therapy and team meetings. McMann’s high hockey IQ will allow him to easily adapt to new situations within the organization. Vaughan said he was able to soak up new “An unsung thing about Noel is how driven he is and how willing he is to information whenever possible and always wanted to learn more about make sacrifices and to commit himself,” said Tourigny. the game. He attended the Calgary Flames development camp on a try- On the ice, the Marlies are getting a defenceman who excels both at out agreement in the summer of 2018. moving the puck and finishing plays with a heavy shot. “He’ll grow into whatever role they want him to. If you give him a chance, The 67’s finished with a 29.8 power-play percentage, tops in the OHL, he’ll make the adjustments he needs to make to be able to find his way and Hoefenmayer was a vital piece of the team’s play with the man into the lineup,” said Vaughan. advantage. His 38 power-play points were second among OHL While McMann was used as a top-line forward at Colgate, it’s unlikely he defencemen. Of course, Hoefenmayer will need to be far more patient jumps into a top-six role with the Marlies or the ECHL’s Newfoundland and selective with his choices with the puck at the pro level, but Tourigny Growlers. The opportunity for growth appears to be there, but it remains said he learned to make smarter decisions with the puck and avoid high- to be seen whether he can create offence at the pro level. risk, high-reward plays. “I think his best hockey is ahead of him,” said Vaughan. The limitations in his defensive game stem from his skating, which needs to improve. His balance and mobility wasn’t where it needed to be and as Gordie Green, 23, F a result, he wasn’t able to pivot when defending one-on-one very well. Green is another interesting signing. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound forward’s And Tourigny also believes Hoefenmayer’s skating needs to become performance this season was a rare bright spot for a Miami University more explosive to adapt to the pro game. (Ohio) team that went 5-16-3-2 to finish second-last in the NCAA’s National Collegiate Hockey Conference. He served as captain and But beyond the need for select improvements, Hoefenmayer was likely showcased the necessary maturity to deal with his team’s tough season. targeted by the organization because of his ability to easily fit in to their style of play. From the top to the bottom, the Maple Leafs organization “He was able to keep things pretty positive in his own mind to make sure prioritizes puck possession, and he has shown those strengths. He is that he was out in front of his own game,” said head coach Chris strong on breakouts and can pick out forwards well with his passing. Bergeron.

Playing in a system that prioritizes puck possession is, according to On the ice, Green was relied upon to create offence on a consistent Tourigny, “right in his wheelhouse.” basis. That consistency in his game, in particular, is one of his strongest attributes but it will likely be challenged with the increased number of “He plays with a lot of passion,” said Tourigny. “He wants to be a games in either the AHL or ECHL. difference-maker every time he goes on the ice.” But Bergeron remains convinced Green will prevail. “His consistency was as good as anybody I’ve seen in a long time,” said Bergeron.

Green’s 14 goals in 34 games was seventh in the NCHC, but his 19.2 shooting percentage was far higher than his 16 percent college average. He led Miami University in scoring with 36 points this season.

What the Marlies are getting in Green is an energy player. Bergeron called Green the “engine” of the team’s top line.

He’s a decent enough skater with the puck on his stick, but could certainly stand to add some quickness. That quickness will help him continue to be the puck hound he was at the college level.

Bergeron compares his approach to Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher: an undersized forward who isn’t afraid to get to the dirty areas of the ice to win puck battles.

“When he’s at his best, it’s when he’s being greasier,” said Bergeron.

Whether he can continue to play a physical game at the pro level will be interesting, given his size. He will need to add some bulk to his frame this summer and into next season. Even as that continues to happen, he seems destined to start the season with the Growlers.

Jeremy McKenna, 20, RW

Through the past two QMJHL seasons, right winger Jeremy McKenna was the only player to have finished in the top three in league goal scoring.

And according to Wildcats head coach Daniel Lacroix, the Marlies are getting a player with a near singular purpose: finding the back of the net.

“He’s a shooter first,” said Lacroix. “He’s got a way of zeroing in his focus when he gets in the offensive zone and his focus is sharp on shooting the puck and getting volume at the net.”

Lacroix calls McKenna a tenacious and driven forward. He had 45 goals and 97 points in 68 games in 2018-19 and 40 goals and 82 points in 57 games this season. He can score off the rush with both his wrist shot and a slap shot.

His two-way game is strong and he’ll backcheck when necessary, but he’s not an overly creative player.

In an attempt to expand his game, Lacroix challenged McKenna this season and had him killing penalties in the latter half of the season. He was generally utilized toward the end of the penalty kill.

This helped McKenna understand how to read plays as they develop. Since his focus remains putting pucks on net, he doesn’t always read plays around him very well and see his teammates. If he’s going to thrive at the pro level, that element of his game will need to come around.

According to Lacroix, McKenna is not an overly vocal teammate off the ice and can sometimes be too critical of himself and his own game if the goals don’t come at times.

“He wants it so bad that sometimes that focus is over the top,” said Lacroix.

There were moments throughout the season that Lacroix had to encourage McKenna to remain committed to his game instead of trying to change his approach on a whim.

“He put a lot of pressure on himself to perform. That was good because he was demanded a lot from his teammates too,” said Lacroix.

So much of where McKenna lands next season depends on how quickly the goals start coming both in training camp and preseason games. I like the idea of him starting with the Marlies next season, if only because there will be questions on right wing with Pontus Aberg and Matt Read and their 33 goals combined possibly finding a home elsewhere. But if he struggles with his consistency, he could bounce back and forth between the Marlies and the Growlers.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182634 Vegas Golden Knights His systems haven’t clicked the same way with the Knights. The team ranks 29th (70.7 percent) since his arrival, which should make potential playoff opponents like the Edmonton Oilers, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks — who all have top-four power plays — salivate. 3 unanswered Golden Knights questions when/if the season resumes LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 04.11.2020

By Ben Gotz

April 10, 2020 - 12:15 PM

There’s only one question that matters to the Golden Knights right now: When will hockey be back?

The query dominates all NHL conversation with no firm answer in sight. Possible scenarios keep getting thrown around, but any sort of decision is at least almost a month away.

One thing, however, is clear: Everyone wants to finish the season. The league’s executives, players and coaches want pucks to be dropped, games to be played and the Stanley Cup to get lifted. Whether that’s realistic or not, it’s at least fun to think about.

With that in mind, here are three unanswered questions for the Knights if and when the season ever resumes:

1. Who’s No. 1 in net?

The trade deadline put the Knights in an enviable position with two quality in Marc-Andre Fleury and Robin Lehner. It’s possibly the best goalie tandem in the league. But only one can start.

Fleury is the face of the franchise, but he was not having his best season. He ranks 48th in goals saved above average (minus-6.50).

Still, it would be an upset if the 35-year-old wasn’t still atop the pecking order. Lehner — who ranks seventh in goals saved above average (plus- 12.67) — has been impressive, no doubt. He just hasn’t had much time to win over the locker room.

Fleury has nine times as many playoff starts with the Knights (27) as Lehner has starts (3). It seems unlikely Fleury could be unseated so easily, but a tight playoff series could ignite debate.

2. What does a (possibly) healthy lineup look like?

Few teams roll out their ideal lineup after the war of attrition that is the 82-game NHL regular season. That could change this year.

The league’s pause could buy time for battered teams to heal, including the Knights. When play stopped, forwards Mark Stone, Max Pacioretty, Alex Tuch and Chandler Stephenson were nursing injuries. Now they could be ready to play if the season resumes.

If Stone and Pacioretty are healthy, the top six seem set. Center William Karlsson would play between the two stud wings, with Paul Stastny centering Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith.

The defense — with Nate Schmidt and Brayden McNabb, Alec Martinez and Shea Theodore, and Nick Holden and Zach Whitecloud — also seems locked in. It’s the bottom six where coach Pete DeBoer would face decisions.

Stephenson, Tuch, Nick Cousins, Nicolas Roy, William Carrier, Ryan Reaves and Tomas Nosek have all contributed this season, but at least one would be scratched. Of Stephenson, Cousins, Roy and Nosek — all capable centers — only two could play in the middle.

These are welcome questions for DeBoer compared to the ones he’s faced in the postseason previously. They’d still require answers.

3. Can the PK improve?

The Knights’ penalty kill was, in a word, awful in March.

Opponents scored on five of eight power plays, with the Los Angeles Kings, Winnipeg Jets and Calgary Flames going a combined 5-for-5. It was a major red flag for a team that otherwise was rolling.

DeBoer would likely make the PK a massive point of emphasis in whatever practice time the Knights would get if play resumes. He’s not used to coaching weak units. The San Jose Sharks had the NHL’s fourth- best penalty kill during his tenure there. The New Jersey Devils, his job before that, had the third-best. 1182635 Washington Capitals

How are Lyla and Leni Oshie staying busy while quarantined?

By J.J. Regan April 10, 2020 3:58 PM

We are all looking for ways to stay busy while stuck at home due to the coronavirus, especially parents. Kids are little balls of energy and all of this social distancing and quarantining means having to find ways to keep the kids busy while at home. Who better to ask for advice than the Oshies?

T.J. Oshie took over NHL's Instagram story Friday to answer fan questions. He went through a range of topics from pets to his favorite donut to what he has been binge-watching.

But most important for parents, Oshie was asked what his daughters have been doing to stay busy.

Lyla, meanwhile, has been riding her bike. "Four days ago Lyla learned how to ride a bike and she's doing great," Oshie, the proud dad, said.

The saga of teaching her how to ride has been adorably documented on social media.

Oshie, of course, has a third child who did not make an appearance, his son Campbell, who was born on March 16. Oshie was asked how his daughters reacted to their new brother and he divulged that Campbell had peed and pooped on them both which ... is how a baby says "I love you."

At least, that's what I told myself when my son was born.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182636 Washington Capitals ultimately last six games. Not only did the Penguins lose six in a row, they also did not earn a single point.

Which comeback gets your vote? Best comebacks of 2019-20 bracket: Overcoming Canucks vs Third MZ: I have a feeling we could see an upset here because Capitals fans period rally vs Pittsburgh will want to vote for a win over an arch-rival rather than a win over a team from the Pacific Northwest. Resist the urge. Teams that earn a four-goal lead at any point in an NHL game win roughly 99.3% of the time. By J.J. Regan April 10, 2020 10:02 AM Vancouver had a four-goal lead with 20:01 remaining so I’m sure their odds of winning were even higher. Basic math tells me to vote for the

comeback in Vancouver. Plus, I’m sure the comeback totally ruined With the NHL hitting pause on the 2019-20 season, NBC Sports whatever JJ was writing for his game story and made his late-night even Washington is looking back at the highlights from the first 69 games of longer. That’s what I like to call a win-win. the regular season. The Comeback Caps dug many holes and climbed JJ: First, in response to Zaner, yes the win over Vancouver made my back out of a large number of them, so we created a bracket to identify night difficult. With the team out west, I was in Hershey. I was in my hotel the best comeback of the season. trying to simultaneously watch the World Series and this game and all I Round 1: Caps erase 4-goal deficit in win over Canucks (Mark Zaner) vs. really wanted to do was go to bed so I could go to the Bears' morning Caps score 4 in the third to rally against Pittsburgh (JJ Regan) skate, so yes, this was the kind of game nightmares are made of.

The Set-up n terms of comebacks, there's really no debate. One was a four-goal comeback, the other was a one-goal comeback which barely qualifies. MZ: Washington came to Vancouver less than 24 hours after losing in What makes the Feb. 23 game important is that it came against the overtime in Edmonton. Despite an early goal from Evgeny Kuznetsov, the Penguins and that it helped the Caps retake first place of the division. Caps looked tired and slept-walked through the first two periods. Whether that is enough to earn the nod over a four-goal rally in Washington gave up five straight goals, including one on a power play Vancouver is up to you. and another shorthanded. Considering the late start and the Canucks goal-fest, most Caps fans probably turned off their televisions and Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 headed to bed. With no postgame show to produce that night, I was among those getting a few extra hours of shuteye.

JJ: The Caps outshot the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-1 to start and took a 1-0 lead, but did not get another shot on goal for 16:57. After two periods, they had only 10 total shots on goal. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, erased the deficit with two goals in a span of 26 seconds thanks to Patric Hornqvist and Sidney Crosby. Entering the third period, Washington had no offense, no momentum and seemingly little chance to battle back against their hated rivals.

The Comeback

MZ: It started at the end of the second period. Kuznetsov scored his second of the game with six-tenths of a second remaining. That goal seemed to wake Washington up. Early in the third, Garnet Hathaway forced a turnover and found Lars Eller for a shorthanded goal. Suddenly it was 5-3 and there was plenty of time remaining.

Then the Caps turned to one of their biggest offensive threats. Just kidding, Michal Kempny tallied twice on identical screened slapshots from the blueline. Washington scored four goals in 7:42 of game time.

This thriller went deep into the night, eventually ending in a shootout. Nicklas Backstrom ended the game in the bottom of the third round by beating Jacob Markstrom on a wrister that rung off the post and in.

JJ: Tom Wilson scored less than two minutes into the third period on a 4- on-4 breakaway opportunity as he forced a neutral zone turnover which Backstrom tipped back to him to spring the breakaway. Washington restored its lead just over three minutes after Wilson's tying goal with Carl Hagelin scoring a key goal against his former team on a relentless scrum in front of goalie Matt Murray.

Just as Washington retook the momentum, however, Evgeni Malkin scored the goal of the night, nutmegging John Carlson before shooting it past Holtby. The Caps, however, would not be denied and T.J. Oshie responded less than two minutes later. Hagelin would add the empty- netter and the Caps would earn the victory.

The Importance

MZ: While this game was not a great overall performance by the Capitals, it started one of their most successful stretches of the season. This was the beginning of a six-game winning streak for Washington. By the end of the streak, they owned the best record in the NHL.

It also was a key cog in a very successful road trip. This was the fourth game of a road trip that spanned four time zones. Washington ended up getting nine out of a possible ten points during the trip.

JJ: The win snapped a four-game losing streak and the Caps vaulted back over the Penguins to reclaim first place in the . It was also Pittsburgh's third straight loss on a stretch that would 1182637 Washington Capitals the Stanley Cup playoffs. But this team has shown that it is comfortable playing catchup. The Caps have a winning record when allowing the first goal and they’ve outscored opponents by 21 in the third period.

With NHL season paused, a ranking of Capitals' best wins of 2019-20: Was this their best comeback of the season? You can weigh in on that No. 1 here on nbcsportswashington.com and at @NBCSCapitals as we have an on-going series of blogs on the best comebacks of the season. This gets my vote for best win of the season because it had a great comeback, a crucial win against a division rival and an Ovechkin hat By Mark Zaner April 10, 2020 8:00 AM trick. Thanks for reading. Stay safe and we hope to see you back on the network when hockey returns.

While we wait for the NHL to hopefully resume its season, NBC Sports Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 Washington is looking back at the 20 best wins of the Capitals' season so far. Mark Zaner, producer for Caps Faceoff Live and Caps Overtime Live, has watched every game. His rankings continue with No. 1, a 6-4 win over the New York Islanders on Jan. 18 that featured a premature celebration.

You can re-watch the game tonight on NBC Sports Washington at 8pm.

WHAT HAPPENED

The very best Capitals win this season started like so many Caps games do…with an Alex Ovechkin goal. But the Islanders responded quickly and often after that. New York scored twice in the first and twice in the second to lead 4-1 after 40 minutes.

Washington got on the board quickly in the third. Richard Panik and Carl Hagelin combined for a typical grind-it-out, third-line goal. Hagelin scored only his third goal of the year by being in front of the net at the right time.

Just moments later, John Carlson’s two-line pass sent Ovechkin into the zone with a head of steam. Scott Mayfield was in good defensive position, but Ovechkin curl-and-dragged through Mayfield’s legs and managed to get enough of the puck to beat former teammate Semyon Varlamov. I nominate this as Ovechkin’s best goal of the season. It also moved him past Mario Lemieux into 10th place on the all-time scoring list.

Barry Trotz called his timeout after Ovi’s goal and it seemed to calm down the Islanders. The score was still 4-3 with less than six minutes remaining. But the Caps tied the game on an innocent-looking slapshot from Dmitry Orlov. He shot into a crowd of players in front of Varlamov and the puck found its way in. The goal would later be credited to Tom Wilson.

Instead of trying to secure at least a point, the Capitals kept the pressure up. Josh Bailey coughed up the puck near his own blue line and right to Jakub Vrana. Vrana’s wrister surprised Varlamov and the Caps led with just 2:30 remaining.

Ovechkin added an empty-netter in the final minute for another hat trick. Washington scored five unanswered goals in the third and won 6-4.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

The moment most Caps fans remember occurred after Devon Toews scored the Islanders’ fourth goal of the afternoon. Toews decided to mock Evgeny Kuznetsov’s “bird” celebration with one of his own. It seemed like a good idea at the time with the Islanders up three. In retrospect, it was a bad decision by Toews. The Capitals didn’t talk a lot about it after the game, but you know they saw it and it may have added a little fuel to the fire in the third period.

WHY IT WAS SIGNIFICANT

For Ovechkin, not only did he pass Lemieux on the all-time scoring list, his empty-netter tied Steve Yzerman for ninth on the list with 692. This was his second consecutive game with a hat trick, the third time in his career he’s achieved that. It also gave Ovechkin eight goals in a three- game span.

For the Capitals, they went into the All-Star break on a three-game winning streak. All three wins came in the Metropolitan Division. Washington checked into the break with a 33-11-5 record and the most points in the NHL.

WHAT WE WERE TALKING ABOUT

The theme of the Capitals season has been comebacks. On one hand, you’re tempting fate falling behind constantly. It gives you a false sense of security that it doesn’t matter if you fall behind by a goal or two. Trying to continuously rally is not a sustainable way to win games, especially in 1182638 Washington Capitals

Nicklas Backstrom recounts what it was like the day hockey went dark

By J.J. Regan April 10, 2020 6:00 AM

The last game the Capitals played was March 9 against the Buffalo Sabres. On March 12, the NHL suspended the season. That's how fast things went when the coronavirus began spreading through the United States.

No NHL games had been played in front of an empty arena yet -- Columbus was scheduled to play Pittsburgh in an empty arena that night -- no team had missed a scheduled game and the NHL had only just implemented its new rules preventing media access to locker rooms. We went from the league implementing precautionary rules regarding the media to the complete pausing of the regular season in less than a week.

When things went bad, they went fast. Or, at least it seemed that way from the outside looking in. What was it like for the players?

"It was weird," Nicklas Backstrom said on a video conference. "You're coming in on a game day and trying to get prepared, but at the same time, we were like, 'Is there going to be a game? What's going on? Are we going to play with no fans?' It was just a weird day."

The Capitals were scheduled to host the Detroit Red Wings on March 12, but on March 11, NBA player Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the abrupt postponement of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Later that night, the NBA postponed all games. The NHL had a scheduled conference call with teams in the afternoon of March 12, but the league did not initially halt the season after the NBA's decision. That meant that teams like the Capitals had to prepare for a game that likely was not going to be played.

"Looking back at it, when we came here that morning, I think we all knew that the game was going to be canceled," Backstrom said. "We were starting to hear about it, the government started shutting down things. We were basically just waiting for the NHL to make an announcement and then NBA had done it before, so we kind of knew it was going to happen."

The morning skate was canceled before the players took the ice. The NHL followed with the announcement that afternoon that the season had been put on pause.

"After that, it was 'Alright, go home. See you later,'" Backstrom said. "So, it was kind of awkward back then, but at the same time, now we know why."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182639 Washington Capitals hotels during those two seminal Cup runs, or during the regular season grind, we spent time chatting.

He was always such a thoughtful, interesting guy. My favorite player: Mike Knuble His stint as a Ranger was followed by a trade to Boston in 2000 for Rob DiMaio.

By Scott Burnside Apr 10, 2020 It didn’t go great early on in Boston and in fact Knuble at one point asked then-GM Mike O’Connell for a trade.

O’Connell later said he didn’t believe that Knuble had shown all he was So, this is easy, right? capable of and declined to move the big winger even though that would have been the path of least resistance. Pick your favorite player. During the summer of 2002, Knuble turned 30 and that season he ended OK, I thought to myself, what about Ken Dryden? up playing on a line with captain Joe Thornton and Glen Murray. Growing up on a farm in northern Ontario where across the waters of He scored 30 goals. He had arrived. Maybe much later in life than he had Lake Timiskaming you could see the lights of Ville Marie, Quebec, our hoped or much later than most NHL stars arrive, but Knuble had black and white television relayed pictures on just two channels, both definitely arrived. CBC – one French, one English. And once he arrived he was determined not to leave. So hockey meant Montreal or Toronto on Saturday nights. Knuble scored at least 20 goals for the next eight seasons making it an The table hockey game in our living room, the ones with the tin men, incredible nine straight seasons with at least 20 goals, all at a time when featured two teams, the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens. It never most players his age were fighting declining production. occurred to me that there would be any other teams. And here’s the thing. Each time I ran into Knuble he was exactly the And since my father was always Toronto, it was easy to become same as the first time we chatted in those early days in Detroit. fascinated with the Canadiens and their scholarly goaltender who came out of nowhere (OK, Cornell University) to lead the Habs past powerful Humble, open, unflinchingly honest. Boston in the 1971 playoffs en route to a wholly unexpected Stanley Cup. And what also became obvious as time passed and Knuble flourished is Watching Dryden calmly resting his chin on his stick while the play was at that he became an integral part of every team for whom he played, from the other end of the ice even produced a fleeting desire to play goal. Boston to Philadelphia to Washington. And it wasn’t just the playing, the goals, the mauling of opposing players, that drew his teammates to him I remember being despondent when Dryden left the game to complete but something more, something better. his law degree, taking a clerking job during a contract impasse with the Canadiens. Later in my career Dryden would occasionally return my It was how he conducted himself with his family, his teammates, the phone calls, so that was kind of neat. media and the fans.

There was also John Elway. I was talking with John Carlson earlier this season and Knuble was one of the teammates Carlson mentioned as having watched closely in his I was already a big Denver Bronco fan – Craig Morton to Haven Moses – early years in Washington and how he imagined someday having his kids before Elway came into the league, but no other football player has made visit the Capitals’ dressing room in the same way he watched Knuble with the game so enjoyable to watch. his own three kids. I was at a party at my pal Ken Croft’s house outside of Essex, Ontario, At the 2011 Winter Classic in Pittsburgh there was no family that took early in my career as a news reporter at the local paper in Windsor, better advantage of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity than the Knubles, Ontario. I was sitting next to the television as Elway and the Broncos complete with goofy Winter Classic hats at the family skate. erased a 21-6 Houston Oilers lead in a divisional playoff game in 1992. That spring marked the second year in a row that I sat down with Knuble At one point, I actually yelled “look out, John,” as Elway was under siege for a story while working at ESPN.com. by the Oilers defense. I had spent time with Knuble a year earlier when the powerful Capitals My future wife – we were at that point early in our relationship – noted, were up 3-1 over the Canadiens in the opening round of the playoffs for a “you know he can’t hear you, right?” feature that was to run between the first and second rounds. Of course, I knew that. But Elway did elude the sack. Montreal, of course, won three straight to upend the Presidents’ Trophy- And I remember watching Elway defy the odds to break his personal winning Capitals. Super Bowl jinx against Green Bay in a dingy bar in Reno, Nevada, in In the spring of 2011, Knuble and I sat down again to the 1998. His spinning run for a first down deep in Green Bay territory in the story, which we planned to use during the second-round series between third quarter was simply glorious. Washington and Tampa. But the more I pondered the request – write about your favorite player – I But the Bolts swept Washington, so we once again were overcome by wondered what that meant exactly. events. There are lots of moments delivered by both Dryden and Elway that are By the spring of 2012, Knuble’s career was in a different phase than also signposts to other life markers. But maybe favorite player should when we’d started this process. Bruce Boudreau had given way to Dale mean something more. Hunter as head coach, and Knuble’s role and ice time had been I’m not sure I remember the exact moment I met Mike Knuble. diminished.

It was some time during the Detroit Red Wings’ back-to-back Stanley But by the time we sat down yet again during the playoffs, he was back Cup runs in 1997 and 1998. contributing in a significant way.

Knuble was part of the Black Aces, reserves called up to the big club, It didn’t matter that I’d chewed up several hours of his life for a story that during the 1997 run that ended a Stanley Cup drought dating back to hadn’t yet run. In fact, we joked about it sitting in an office in the Capitals’ 1955. He didn’t play a single playoff game that season and got into three practice facility. postseason games the next spring when the Wings swept Washington to Knuble’s wife, Megan, whom he had been with since high school, win their second straight championship. described how her husband had worked so hard for so long to make sure Before the start of the next season, the University of Michigan alumnus that their kids could watch him and remember him as an NHL player, and was dealt to the New York Rangers. But somewhere along the line, then, now near the end, they all had to come to grips with not being in the maybe it was during long playoff runs or crossing paths in arenas or lineup every night. Knuble used it as a teaching moment, though, working harder and never complaining, even though it burned him not to be on the ice every night.

These moments resonated with his teammates, too, and it was apropos that it was Knuble who set up the overtime winner in Game 7 of the first round against defending Stanley Cup champion Boston.

Over the years we talked about the two Stanley Cup rings he had from Detroit. The Ilitch family made sure players like Knuble who were not necessarily everyday players but part of those championships had rings regardless. Knuble, whose name is on the Cup for the 1998 win but not the 1997 one, kept those keepsakes in a safe deposit box.

He never wore them, getting them out only for his kids to look at or let the kids who attended his summer hockey camp ogle over.

It was simple for a guy like him. He never felt that he’d earned the right to wear those rings. He wanted more than anything to win a Cup on his own terms.

It didn’t happen, but it was a sentiment that always resonated.

The final thought in that story that took three years to write was how Knuble wanted to keep playing until they literally had to tear the jersey from his back.

“I want them to have to burn it to get it off me,” he told me.

He understood how lucky he was. He never took a single day for granted.

We should all be so self-aware.

Knuble finished off his NHL career with 28 games in Philadelphia after the 2012 lockout.

He played 1,068 games total.

He’s 47 now and helps out with the Red Wings’ AHL affiliate in Grand Rapids where he lives, and it wouldn’t surprise me if, as his family gets older, he returns to the NHL in some sort of coaching capacity.

We still talk occasionally and I’m always pleased when we do, regardless of what we end up talking about – family, state of the game, what’s next for him.

And maybe that’s why, when faced with the rather simple question of who is your favorite player, I asked myself who I would want to be like if I was a pro athlete.

What qualities would I like to possess?

And maybe more importantly, who would I want my son to be like?

In the end, the answer was a lot easier than I first thought it would be.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182640 Winnipeg Jets take a run at a number of unrestricted free agents (either internal or external) to surround his core with and keep the championship window open.

Jets struck gold with Connor's contract And, of course, ensuring there's enough room to get Laine, along with key players such as Neal Pionk, Andrew Copp and Adam Lowry re- signed the following summer.

Mike McIntyre Which takes me back to Connor, who acquitted himself rather nicely in the first year of his new deal. At the time the season was halted, Connor Posted: 04/10/2020 5:06 PM led the Jets with a career-high 38 goals, including eight in his last seven games. Only five players in the NHL had lit the lamp more than him.

Kyle Connor settled for immediate financial security by taking a long-term "I think that's what separates a lot of good players from the great players, extension. decided to bet on himself by taking a short-term is just the consistency of showing that high level of compete, and it bridge deal. shows every single night," Connor said during Friday's Zoom conference call with a handful of reporters. "That's something I've learned and I think At the time both new contracts were inked, a few days into Winnipeg Jets I've grown my game. I showed glimpses my first couple of years of how training camp last fall, they appeared to make plenty of dollars, and great I can be. Moreso now it's just more consistency and bringing that sense, for two of the brightest young stars on the team. Connor was the every single night." more consistent performer, so seven years at US$50 million seemed like good value. Laine was the streakier player, coming off a down year by There's no question the Jets were thrilled by what they were getting from his standards, so two years at US$13.5 million bought everyone a bit their new US$7-million man. Connor definitely didn't fall into the trap of more time to evaluate his true worth. getting comfortable. And, at just 23, there's still room for improvement.

But now? I'd suggest Connor should be laughing all the way to the bank, Any thought he might have left some money on the table in negotiations while Laine has plenty of cause for concern about what may be lurking has quickly been negated by what is sure to be a dramatically different around the corner. NHL landscape, one nobody could have envisioned just a few short months ago when he put pen to paper. In this scary new COVID-19 world, where the NHL is on indefinite pause and there are projections for as much as US$1 billion in lost revenue, As for those who have contract negotiations on the horizon, might I players such as Laine who were expecting to cash in on their next suggest they buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride. contract may be in for a rude awakening. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 04.11.2020 The league's salary cap ceiling, which was US$81.5 million per team this season and projected to rise sharply over the next two years, likely isn't going anywhere but down if the global pandemic quashes the rest of this regular season and the subsequent Stanley Cup playoffs.

And that bleak bottom line is going to have a significant trickle-down effect.

Good luck passing the buck to Joe and Jane Fan, who are dealing with their own personal hardships. The eventual all-clear from health officials and government isn't going to magically return everything back to normal. No, they'll be in absolutely no position to take a bigger monetary hit than they already have. And any attempt at that will quickly backfire and result in even greater losses.

And so the owners and players will have to bear the brunt, a hot topic no doubt in ongoing negotiations about the next collective bargaining agreement. At this point, a "flat" salary cap for a number of years seems to be the best-case scenario being discussed. Which, for a player such as Laine, is very bad news despite improving his overall game this season and still putting up 28 goals and a career-high 35 assists.

Short of some league-wide solution that sees already existing contracts somehow downsized, all that money that is already spoken for isn't going to leave a whole lot for those who were planning to get a significant piece of the pie.

"To roll back contracts is impossible," one player agent told me Friday.

Take the Toronto Maple Leafs, of example. They have US$60 million per season tied up on nine players under multi-year contracts, including an eye-popping US$33 million invested on just Auston Matthews, John Tavares and Mitch Marner. Imagine the salary cap taking a tumble from US$81.5 million? Now imagine trying to fill out a 23-man roster that can compete for a Stanley Cup with what you're going to have left to spend on your other 14 players.

Hey and Kyle Dubas, how you guys sleeping these days?

Closer to home, the Jets aren't in the same dire straits as long as Dustin Byfuglien's contract and the remaining US$7.6-million cap hit is mutually terminated, as is expected to happen. But general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has reason to be nervous as well.

Winnipeg still has US$66 million spoken for next season for 14 players who were on the active roster at the time this season was paused. Cheveldayoff was no doubt counting on an increased cap to help pay for upcoming restricted free agents Jack Roslovic, Mason Appleton, Jansen Harkins and Sami Niku, while using the rest of the available space to 1182641 Winnipeg Jets Connor signed a seven-year, $50-million extension during training camp last September which looks to be an even smarter move now, considering the financial uncertainty swirling in the NHL.

Connor felt 'sky was the limit' with current edition of Jets But that didn't stop him from taking his game to a whole new level.

"Just overall, understanding the NHL. Understanding it's a long season, 82 games is a grind, and it's a lot about consistency and bringing it every Mike McIntyre single night. I think that's what separates a lot of good players from the great players is just the consistency of showing that high level of Posted: 04/10/2020 11:40 AM compete, and it shows every single night." he said.

"That's something I've learned and I think I've grown my game. I showed Kyle Connor has no doubt the Winnipeg Jets were on the verge of glimpses my first couple of years of how great I can be. Moreso now it's something special when the NHL season was suddenly shut down by just more consistency and bringing that every single night." COVID-19. And he believes that personal growth extended to several other players They had won a season-high four straight to get back into a playoff spot. on the team, which he described as the tightest-knit he's seen during his They were as healthy as they'd been all year and the schedule down the three full seasons. stretch was allowing for plenty of rest and recovery between big games. "That all starts with Blake Wheeler, too, our captain. He sets the tone for "I think the sky was the limit with this team," Connor said Friday morning everything that we do in our locker-room and on the ice. With the during a Zoom conference call with several media members. "We were personnel that we lost over the past couple of years, starting with Buff, he just starting to hit our peak and come together as a team. Once was an assistant captain, one of our leaders, and the other defencemen. everybody as a team buys in, that's when you see teams go on to do We've needed to step up, and it's been a full team effort this year, great things." whether you lead by example or you're more vocal, everybody chips in in that department," he said. Connor was playing a big part of that, with a team-leading 38 goals that had him among the league's elite scorers. He had eight in his past seven "It’s just something that we grew as a team. We got to know each other. games, including a two-goal effort in that Mar. 11 contest in Edmonton We hung out more as a team and got to know each other. You’re just which is the last time the Jets hit the ice. battling for the guy next to you. That’s what makes teams successful, just that buy-in." "I thought myself, I was really getting in the groove, as well as the whole team. We were playing some great hockey, we were making that push. Connor finished his chat session by sending a message to front-line We knew every single game was so big at that point. That was kind of workers batting the pandemic. our mindset after going in and hearing about (the potential league "They’ve just been so important, everybody, in keeping us safe and we shutdown) after the first period as well," said Connor. want to say thank you to everybody who’s out there on the front lines, "You know if we win this game and get in a playoff spot, because who making it safe for us and to be able to enjoy life and keep doing your knows if they start the playoffs. That was kind of the way we approached work. It’s saving lives and making a difference, so thank you," he said. it for those last two periods." Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 04.11.2020 So much has changed in the world in the month that has now passed. There is no timeline for a potential return to NHL play, with all kinds of scenarios being tossed around that are ultimately at the mercy of health officials and government leaders.

"I really hope they do finish the season, but that's still up in the air. This team, the way it was playing, some of the best hockey we ever have. And it just sucks the way it all unfolded," said Connor.

He's back at his summer home in Michigan now, trying to do whatever he can to keep his body, and his mind, busy. That includes plenty of roller- blading around his neighbourhood, along with Xbox, Netflix and even puzzles.

"It’s tough, it’s tough for everybody," said Connor. "I think for everybody, as it starts to warm up we just want to go outside, but Michigan’s got a pretty tough quarantine. They’ve really cracked down. I don’t even think golf courses are open at this point so can’t do any golfing.

"I don’t have a lot of equipment with me, so I’ve been doing a lot of calisthenics. Just different motion exercises, that’s been good. It’s something that’s a lot less stress on the body, so that’s nice to kind of recover and let the body heal a little bit from the season. We were at such a grind at that point. It’s been tough, not being able to skate. Some different workouts, but they’ve been good."

Connor said if the NHL resumes at some point, there will definitely need to be a mini-training camp for players.

"I don't think anybody's skating at this point. And to be off the ice for that long, it's tough," he said. "You can't just jump into it and into a season. I think that's something we definitely need to talk about. There's talks going on about how we can finish the season we had and I think it's gotta start with a training camp. Everybody's gotta get acclimated again."

Speaking of golf, Connor said that's an easy choice as what he's missing most besides playing hockey.

"It was Masters week this week. That’s pretty sad that we’re not watching Tiger and all the other golfers tee it up at Augusta. That definitely sucks. And just all sports, but golf for sure," he said. 1182642 Winnipeg Jets If the season is cancelled outright, Connor will finish with 73 points (38 goals, 35 assists), all career highs, in 71 games.

He’ll look back on his fourth NHL season as his most consistent. Jets' Connor rues lost season, says 'sky was the limit' “That’s what separates a lot of good players from the great players,” he said. “I showed glimpses my first couple of years of how great I can be. Now it’s just more consistency and bringing that every single night.” Paul Friesen He’ll also look back on a team that lost some veterans, like Dustin Published:April 10, 2020 Byfuglien, Ben Chiarot, Tyler Myers and Brandon Tanev, and had to rely more heavily on young players, on and off the ice. Updated:April 10, 2020 3:45 PM CDT The 23-year-old Connor was one of them.

His 38 goals led the team. His 73 points tied him with Mark Scheifele. His He’d just scored two goals, grabbed a share of the team points lead and 239 shots on goal were also tops, even more than Patrik Laine fired. helped the Winnipeg Jets win their fourth straight game. A rash of injuries, some serious, like Bryan Little’s, only magnified the With eight goals in his last seven games, he was on fire, and his team need for the Jets to get leadership and contributions from all. was heating up at just the right time. Connor credits captain Blake Wheeler for leading the way, and young So yeah, Kyle Connor is just a little bummed out about the NHL shutting players for stepping up. down the season. “He sets the tone for everything that we do in our locker-room and on the “I was really getting in the groove, as well as the whole team,” Connor ice,” Connor said. “We’ve needed to step up, and it’s been a full team said in a Friday morning video chat with reporters from his summer home effort this year, whether you lead by example or you’re more vocal, in Michigan. “I really hope they do finish the season, but that’s still up in everybody chips in in that department. the air. This team, the way it was playing, some of the best hockey we ever have. And it just sucks the way it all unfolded. I think the sky was the “We hung out more as a team and got to know each other. You’re just limit with this team.” battling for the guy next to you. That’s what makes teams successful, just that buy-in.” The Jets’ last game, a 4-2 win in Edmonton, March 11, pulled them into a wildcard playoff position. That buy-in had the Jets on the cusp of the playoffs and a shot at making some noise in them. During the game, news broke of the NBA shutting down its season. COVID-19 couldn’t care less about any of that. Connor says he and his teammates immediately sensed the urgency of the situation. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 04.11.2020 “We knew every single game was so big at that point,” he said. “You know if we win this game and get in a playoff spot… who knows if they start the playoffs? That was kind of the way we approached it for those last two periods.”

One month later, all that momentum is slammed against the wall of the world’s first major pandemic in more than 100 years.

After spending the first few days of the shutdown in Winnipeg, Connor drove to Michigan when the NHL gave the all-clear to do so.

“You just had to pack up because we all heard rumours that the borders were going to shut down, too. It was just crazy times.”

The all-clear to return to play, on the off-chance that even happens, won’t be as simple as just packing up, returning to Winnipeg and slipping on the gear for a game.

“The NHLPA and the NHL, all the owners, gotta come together. I think they almost need a mini training camp,” Connor said. “Because I don’t think anybody’s skating at this point. Injuries, for one thing, will come into play if we just jump into play.

“You haven’t played hockey and had that type of training for so long, it’s almost comparable to coming back from summer and right into training camp, then kind of start the season with no real preseason.”

The closest Connor has come to skating is rollerblading around his neighbourhood. A little tennis, some fishing, calisthenics in his house – that’s been about it for activity.

“For everybody, as it starts to warm up we just want to go outside,” he said. “But Michigan’s got a pretty tough quarantine. They’ve really cracked down.”

For good reason. Detroit hospitals are becoming overwhelmed with patients.

There’s no sign of the situation easing up, let alone the prospect of players returning to their teams and resuming the season.

The league has indicated it’s willing to play games in July and August if that’s the only way.

“At this point, I’d just be happy to see hockey,” Connor said. “So however they do it, I hope they finish the season.” 1182643 Vancouver Canucks alone on the radio — that’s pre-game, post-game, between intermissions, the game, everything — before NW boss Ted Smith thought it would be a keen idea to team him with Larscheid.

Ed Willes: Vancouver's real dynamic duo resided in the broadcast booth “They were trying to save Jim’s voice,” Larscheid cackles. “He’d lose it every January. He lived on a diet of Fisherman’s Friends.”

Good line. It just didn’t reflect the early tensions between the two men. ED WILLES Former Vancouver Canucks’ colour commentator in a Published:April 10, 2020 previous incarnation as a football player for the B.C. Lions. Handout / Vancouver Sun Updated:April 10, 2020 10:39 AM PDT Larscheid, of course, took his own journey to the booth. An all-American

running back at Utah State — dude averaged 8.4 yards a carry in 1960 OPINION: Looking back, the wonder isn’t that and Tom — he played two seasons with the Lions before tearing up his knee, then Larscheid became synonymous with the Canucks. The wonder is they became Jim Cox’s colour man on NW’s Lions’ broadcasts. lasted the first couple of years without killing each other. Through the Lions, Larscheid built up his own following with his Jim Robson prepared for each game by writing down the talking points enthusiastic work. There were just a couple of problems when he joined he wanted to hit during the broadcast. Robson in 1978: 1) Nobody asked Robson if he wanted a partner and, 2) Larscheid didn’t know much about hockey. Most were predictable — injuries, hot streaks, lineup changes — and they would change according to the opponent. But, in 30 years of calling Loved it. Just didn’t know much about it. play-by-play for Vancouver Canucks’ NHL games, there was one “You could sense there was some friction there,” says Larscheid. constant to the notes Robson meticulously prepared for each game, one entry which had nothing to do with the game but everything to do with the “Tom and I had different philosophies,” says Robson. “He said we’re in man and his audience. the entertainment business. I thought we were reporting on a sporting event.” He’d write down “shut-ins,” and every night, usually in the second period, he’d say, “a special hello to all the hospital patients and shut-ins, those of Both were right. It just took them some time to figure that out. you who can’t make it out to the game.” The odd couple stumbled through their first years together and Larscheid “Some people thought it was corny but it did get a reaction,” says said the support of NW’s management was critical in the early going. Gentleman Jim, now 85. “(Smith) said I can get any schmuck off the street to read stats,” You might say. Those incarcerated in some of British Columbia’s finer Larscheid said. “But I can’t get anyone with your personality who can penitentiaries would rattle their bars with tin cups when Robson said connect with people. hello. Crews on fishing boats in the Pacific would cheer. Over the years, Robson got thank-you notes written in Braille. He got one from the “I loved hockey. It was genuine. I wanted people to connect with what I Ontario health minister, one from a nun in North Van. was watching. It wasn’t manufactured. I felt it.”

He’s asked if he ever thinks about his simple message when he and his Slowly, Robson felt the same thing. It helped Larscheid worked on his wife Bea cheer on the COVID-19 frontline workers each evening from craft, talking to hockey people, learning the game, building up contacts. their West End balcony. They also started meeting 90 minutes before puck drop at the Pacific Coliseum’s old media lounge to prepare. “I don’t know,” he says. “This is so different.” “I was meat and potatoes,” Robson says. “I like to think I helped him with But over in Richmond, one person makes that connection. preparation. He certainly loosened me up.”

“I do, absolutely,” says Tom Larscheid, Robson’s longtime colour man. One day they looked at each other and decided they no longer needed the meetings. Then the magic took over. Over the last several months, our two papers ran a series on the Canucks’ 50th anniversary, chronicling the events and personalities After a tour as sports’ director at CFUN, Larscheid returned to NW in the which shaped the franchise. Great players and no-so-great players were late ‘80s as Pat Quinn was laying the ground work for, to that point, the profiled. Highlights and lowlights were recalled. But, somehow, we best-ever Canucks’ teams. missed Robson and Larscheid, two of the most revered figures in Canucks’ history, two men who transcended the narrow confines of the There was adventure along the way. In Quebec City one night, Larscheid broadcast booth and came to mean so much to the Canucks’ raised his arms celebrating a Canucks’ goal and put his hand through a congregation. grill which covered the light in the booth.

There were any number of lean years in their time together. There were a “There was blood everywhere,” Robson said. couple of high points, most notably the 1994 playoff run. But always they Those were also the days of commercial travel which presented its own were there, providing the soundtrack to Canucks’ games, a soundtrack kind of fun. Robson remembers the time in the mid ’80s when the which lives on in the collective memory of the faithful even if they were Canucks were finishing off a road trip in Hartford and their privately a study in contrasts. owned plane was sent to Florida for maintenance. “Tom was the trumpet player,” says Robson. Of course the plane was sold while it was in Florida, which meant the And Robson, with his unerring play-by-play, was the rhythm section. Canucks’ entourage had to make their way home from Hartford, everyone going in 15 different directions. “If there’s a yin and yang, we were it,” says Larscheid. Try to tell today’s players that one. Which also explains why it wasn’t always easy. The Robson-Larscheid partnership reached its apex in the glorious run to Looking back, the wonder isn’t that Robson and Larscheid became the Cup final of 1994. There are at least three calls from that spring — synonymous with the Canucks. The wonder is they lasted the first couple ’s OT-winner in Game 7 of the first-round series against of years without killing each other. Calgary, punctuated by Larscheid’s “Yes!!!!”; “Greg Adams, Greg Adams”; and “He’ll play. You know he’ll play” — that will live forever in Robson was a radio lifer who worked his way from Port Alberni to the franchise’s history. to the big time and CKWX where he called B.C. Lions, Vancouver Mounties and WHL Canucks’ games. He picked up hello to In New York, they were forced to broadcast the game from the upper tier the shut-ins from Cal George, another CKWX personality. of Madison Square Garden, sandwiched among a French-language crew, a Swedish crew and USA radio with a young handling When the Canucks landed an NHL franchise in 1970, Robson moved the play-by-play. They were also exposed to the fans, MSG’s infamous over to the rights holder, CKNW. For the first seven years, he worked Galley Gods, which made for some interesting interaction with Larscheid, who doesn’t back down from anyone or anything.

According to Robson, there were four big guys in Rangers’ jerseys who sat in front of the Vancouver play-by-play team all four games in New York. In Game 5, and after some colourful back-and-forth, the Rangers scored three straight goals to erase a 3-0 Canucks’ lead. The Rangers’ fans expressed their glee to Robson and Larscheid in the time-honoured New York tradition when Larscheid whipped off his head set and said — we’re paraphrasing here: “Don’t count your chickens,” about the same time Dave Babych scored the go-ahead goal in a Canucks’ win.

“I told Jim after that run, ‘We had as good a year as any broadcasters could ever have,’” Larscheid says. “We were right on top of our game.”

Game 7 marked Robson’s last game as the Canucks’ radio voice. He was succeeded by , who gave way to — an incredible run of talent, like playing lead guitar for The Yardbirds — but continued to work TV with Darcy Rota and as his colour men. He retired in 1999, about the time Larscheid was starting to work with Shorthouse.

“I think the best broadcast team in Canucks’ history was John Shorthouse and Tom Larscheid,” says Robson.

Possibly, but you never forget the originals.

Larscheid, as it happens, celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday. The two men remain friends, maybe not bosom buddies but their shared history has created a bond.

“He texted me on my birthday,” Larscheid said. “He wrote, ‘You’ll never catch up to me.’”

He continues: “I thought where have the years gone? I started thinking of the people I’ve met, the places I’ve been, the experiences I’ve had. I’ve been so lucky.”

Larscheid and his wife Lesley have just spent 14 days in quarantine after returning from Palm Springs. At 7 p.m., every night, they put on masks, venture out of their condo and cheer for the frontliners with their neighbours.

In downtown Vancouver his friend, who used to say hello to all the shut- ins, does the same.

Remember that. We should all take time to say hello to the shut-ins these days.

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182644 Vancouver Canucks At this point, Hubbs says more than 700 employees at five Pint Public Houses in Canada and one in the United States have been placed on furlough.

Communities feel the loss as NHL shutdown kills a ritual of spring “Everybody was watching [the coronavirus] out of the corner of their eyes, but nobody saw this happening to the extent that it has,” says Dan Lussier, the chief executive officer of the Winnipeg-based Canad Inns. The chain operates hotels and eight Tavern United sports bars MARTY KLINKENBERG throughout the city. PUBLISHED APRIL 10, 2020 All hourly wage-earners are temporarily laid off. “It was gut-wrenching,” UPDATED APRIL 10, 2020 Lussier says. “We are a company that prides itself on growth and success in the marketplace. We have had businesses close and people laid off like never before. We are in very tough shape.”

This promised to be a weekend to remember in a country whose national Only a few weeks ago, Lussier looked forward to fans filling rooms, obsession has become a rite of spring. The first round of the NHL wolfing down wings and quaffing beer. playoffs would have just begun in five Canadian cities. In bars and restaurants everywhere, prodigious amounts of beer and food would The Blue Jays were on their way to winning a second successive World have been consumed by fans seated elbow to elbow. Series when Wayne Gretzky’s Toronto opened on Aug. 17, 1993 – six years before the Great One retired. A generation of sports fans have Instead, hospitality businesses in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Winnipeg convened there for pregame and postgame meals, and last spring and Vancouver will be closed, or at best, open for takeout only. The void packed the restaurant with skates as front-door handles to cheer for the left in communities is another toll exacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Raptors on their way to winning the NBA championship.

A month ago, the Flames, Oilers and Maple Leafs were shoe-ins for the “Last year was such a remarkable year for us,” says Heather Santsche, postseason. The Jets held a wildcard spot. The Canucks were just a the general manager of Gretzky’s. “It was stressful, but at the same time hair’s breadth behind. it was exciting and so very special.

Then games ceased as the novel coronavirus spread. There is little in the “Right now, I miss that camaraderie we all felt last year. I think everyone way of sports to celebrate other than a new hockey quiz show hosted by craves that connection with sports. It brings everybody together.” P.K. Subban and an NBA game of H-O-R-S-E. The Masters, another rite of spring, won’t be played this weekend. Santsche remembers receiving an alert on her phone on the night of March 11, when the NBA was the first to announce it would suspend the At a time when one joyful night should follow another, there is shared season. gloom. “It seems like that was so long ago, but it really wasn’t,” Santsche says. In anticipation of a first-round series between the Oilers and the Flames, “For about the next five days, it was like time stood still. The only thing I Jerry Rota upsized the flat-screen television monitors inside the Central knew was that I didn’t know.” Social Hall in Edmonton. He has been in the bar business for a quarter of a century and believed the postseason sparring between rivals would In early March, she wrote a note to herself musing that it would be deliver the biggest windfall in hockey business he had seen. interesting to see how tourism would be affected by COVID-19.

“Our ultimate dream as bar owners in Edmonton was a matchup between “Suddenly, I realized it was a much bigger problem than that,” she says. the Oilers and Flames,” Rota says. “I thought we were going to slaughter “Everyone and everything has been turned upside down. We are sort of it.” approaching this day by day and hour by hour.”

Instead, he and his co-owner have temporarily laid off 240 of 250 The restaurant’s staff of 55 employees has had to be temporarily employees from two establishments, including the sprawling social house reduced. Grandma Gretzky’s meatloaf and other menu items are being less than a kilometre from the Oilers home rink. sold only for delivery and take-out.

At the Mercer Tavern, a slap shot from Rogers Place, Devin Pope and “Our staff has been tremendous, so it is tough to make those decisions,” Bryan Schmidt have furloughed all 60 workers. Only weeks earlier, they Santsche says. “You want to be true to your employees. Without your beefed up staff as they imagined Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on team, you don’t have a restaurant. And without a restaurant there is no a long playoff run. team.”

“Times have been tough financially in Edmonton for the last few years Gretzky’s is busiest on nights when the Maple Leafs, Raptors and Blue and the team hadn’t been very good,” Pope says. “Suddenly, there was a Jays are all playing. The NHL and NBA playoffs, and start of the baseball lot of life and encouragement in the city surrounding the Oilers." season on March 26, were all looked forward to.

That was before March 12, the day the NHL joined the NBA, Major “You have to adapt," she says. "We have to keep our rhythm going so we League Baseball and Major League Soccer in putting the season on ice. are ready when the world is.”

“I feel bad for Edmonton’s businesses and fans and for the players who It has been decades since the Oilers and the Flames have been as good had been doing so well,” Pope says. “Now, the restaurant industry is in a as they are now. Their previous two meetings this season in the Battle of major crisis. It is very sad. We expected this to be a good time in our Alberta were reminiscent of the wars fought between them in the 1980s, lives.” when both were among the elite teams in the NHL. Even their goalies fought one another when they met for the last time on Feb. 1. There were 189 regular-season games remaining when hockey was interrupted in an attempt to help control the contagious respiratory That whet the appetite of fans in Calgary and Edmonton and created illness. Despite measures such as physical distancing and isolation, excitement around the league. It promised to be the most-watched series more than 21,000 Canadians have become sick with COVID-19 and when the playoffs began. more than 500 have died. “We finally got a bunch of Canadian teams in, and here we are now,” In the United States, the numbers are more chilling: there have been says PJ L’Heureux, the founder and owner of the Craft Beer Market nearly 18,000 fatalities and nearly a half-million people are ill. chain. He has two restaurants in Calgary, and one each in Edmonton, Toronto and Vancouver. There is little hope professional sports will resume any time soon. It is far more likely the NHL season simply won’t continue. All of them sit idle, although the franchise in downtown Toronto will reopen for takeout on Tuesday. “We hope this is going to be resolved sooner than later, but I don’t see where that could happen,” says Chad Hubbs, the general manager of “We can see this is going to be a far more long-term thing than short Pint Public Houses in Toronto and Vancouver. The latter is within a few term, so we have had to pivot to keep our concept relevant and keep minutes’ walk of the Canucks’ home ice at Rogers Arena, a popular some people working,” L’Heureux says. meeting place before and after games. He has nearly 1,000 employees, but for time being only senior managers, the general manager and chef are working at all locations. He has been a Flames season-ticket-holder for nearly 20 years. He listens to government and health experts, but finds it hard to predict what will happen.

“As restaurateurs we would like to profit, but right now it’s more about getting our people back to work, and communities having something to rally around," he says. "That is what sports does in our country.”

In February, Darren Moulds and Meg Mckee celebrated the Vagabond Pub’s fifth year in Calgary. Their restaurant sits directly across from the famous Stampede Grounds and is only a few hundred metres from the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The Flames had eight home games remaining in the regular season and he had just placed a large order of food.

“For some people, there was a trickle-down effect,” Moulds says. “For us, the impact was instantaneous. In three days we would have easily made enough to pay the rent for April.”

On March 13, he contacted a bank-appointed receiver to let him know he would have trouble paying the rent. His landlord went into receivership in December. The bank appointee would not bend, so Moulds offered to go into a revenue-sharing agreement with the receiver so the business could remain viable. That offer was denied.

“I felt we came up with a reasonable way to deal with the issue, one that a lot of businesses could put forward to get through this,” Moulds says. “I have never missed a payment and I have never had issue.”

He has laid off his staff of 30 employees, including Mckee and his own mother. He is uncertain how much longer he can hang on. The hockey playoffs would have kept him going, and then some. He expected to take in $15,000 each night during home games in the first round, and $20,000 for a home game if the Flames reached the second.

“We have operated our place at break-even or earned a modest income from it for five years,” he says. “We struggled looking forward to the upside, and now it’s gone.”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182645 Vancouver Canucks “The best thing for us currently is a donation,” King said when asked how people in the community can support its efforts. “It takes us $15 to provide an enhanced food bag to a child in our community, and that’s eight to 10 meals plus fresh fruit and snacks. We have found a way to How a local charity with a Canucks connection is working to feed hungry reach these children despite the challenges. We’re getting it done. kids “And on a more human level, people can spend some time looking around in their own community, people you’re connected to — friends, family. You might not realize that people are struggling to feed their kids, By Thomas Drance Apr 10, 2020 but that’s what we’re hearing now. Keeping your eyes peeled for people close to you in your network and offering support when you can.

Editor’s note: In an effort to support local businesses that are being “I think that’s going to be one positive outcome from this, that people are threatened by the devastating effects of the coronavirus, The Athletic is looking to help one another and maintain that sense of community.” publishing an ongoing series of stories to highlight our treasured It’s also worth being conscientious about your own buying. The communities. #supportlocal behavioural changes we’ve all made to safeguard one another have The impact of a global public health crisis is being felt everywhere. And disrupted the food chain completely. The shortages at a variety of for a lot of us, these are challenging times. grocery stores, however, are mostly on the demand side — and the result of hoarding and panic buying, in particular — rather than being Even beyond the extraordinary health risks posed by the coronavirus and about supply. the sacrifices of health care professionals and other essential workers, there are the economic challenges inherent in adopting necessary social These shortages, like so many other things about this moment in time, distancing measures. Our current moment is a dire one for a lot of have had an inordinate impact among those of us who have the least. businesses and individuals. “We’ve seen the complete disruption of the food supply chain,” King said. Unfortunately, in a moment like the one we’re living through, some of the “We have regular orders of products coming every three weeks, and most vulnerable people in our communities are the most affected. we’ve now had to source food from about six different new vendors, and we have no idea when it’s arriving or coming. We place orders and send As The Athletic looks to support and help tell the stories of a variety of a prayer up that food will show. So far we’ve been really lucky in getting local businesses struggling to adjust to the harsh realities of this our product to us, but the impact of panic buying is still being felt pandemic, in Vancouver, we reached out to Emily-anne King, tremendously. And it’s worth remembering, for those that are still granddaughter of beloved Vancouver Canucks matriarch Emily Gertrude shopping, there’s people in our community who don’t have the privilege Griffiths and the vice president and co-founder of Backpack Buddies. of panic buying.”

The Backpack Buddies program, founded in 2012, was originally As we settle into this period of social distancing and are buoyed locally in designed to help address the weekend hunger gap for food-insecure Vancouver by preliminary signs that infection rates are slowing and the children who rely on school meal programs. curve is flattening, it’s worth bearing in mind the necessity of keeping our heads up for those in our communities who still need help. There is work Working through local school districts in Metro Vancouver and Vancouver to be done. Children in our communities are in greater need than ever Island, Backpack Buddies provides backpacks — or enhanced food before. packs, which include eight to 10 meals in addition to fresh fruit and snacks — to food-insecure children locally. Last year, it donated over “There’s a ton of organizations that are working together right now to try 24,000 backpacks. to do this, but there’s no end in sight,” King said. “We just need to build a system that can withstand these times as long as they last, and I don’t With school closures and rising unemployment, the entire paradigm of its know what that is yet. But we’re super dedicated to figuring it out.” operation has shifted in recent weeks. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 “The hunger gap isn’t just two days long anymore; it’s seven days long,” King told The Athletic. “Children that rely on school meal programs Monday through Friday have limited to no access to food now around the clock.

“Our program was administered through schools, so we deliver our food bags directly to 72 schools across Metro Vancouver and , and they’re responsible for putting those bags into the hands of the children that need them. Now we have no access to the children who need our resources and support, and in fact, there are now more people who need us than ever before. It’s been a tremendous shift, and it’s like what someone said to us two weeks ago: ‘Take everything you’ve ever built, everything you know about your program and logistics and how it worked for the past eight years, forget everything, but do the exact same thing on a bigger scale.'”

The “bigger scale” part of that equation is an urgent sign of the times. As places of work and the economy as a whole are put, essentially, into the freezer, there’s more need for services like those that Backpack Buddies offers to address childhood hunger — and enhanced logistical issues in meeting that demand.

“Last week, I got an email from a school we support in Surrey, B.C.,” King said of the increased need her organization is scrambling to meet. “Typically, there’s 14 children in that school that use our program, and they’re now requesting support for 300 children.

“We’re inundated with calls from communities we’ve never been in. It’s a really big challenge.”

For the VIPs fortunate enough to do so, there are ways of helping. Usually, Backpack Buddies leans on an army of mostly school-aged volunteers and accepts donations of food, but of course, it’s had to adjust its practices to comply with social distancing regulations. In early March, it stopped using volunteers and accepting food donations. 1182646 Websites everything happening on the ice. Then I took the position of the U18s and I started having the side perspective and also the perspective of leading a team — how you actually teach and coach, what characteristics of a team are important in personal and individual characters, how you build a The Athletic / Q&A with new SC Bern GM Florence Schelling: ‘I know team together so in the end you’re going to be successful. I strongly how to deal with pressure’ believe that even though it’s been a short experience, it will definitely help me in my new position.

How much will that experience dictate what you look for in a coach for By Katie Strang Apr 10, 2020 SC Bern?

Obviously, Bern has already started looking into the new coaches and Florence Schelling made history this week when, at 31 years old, she the coaching market. They’ve already started doing that. Once I start was named general manager of one of the top Swiss men’s professional next week I’ll jump right into that and obviously bring my perspective into hockey teams, SC Bern. that whole discussion and see what candidates we have at hand or who we might want to contact. This is going to happen next week. Schelling, a well-decorated and longtime Swiss goaltender who represented her country in 10 world championships and four Olympic What qualities would you like in a coach? Games and was the first woman to play in the Swiss Men’s National B I obviously have thought about that, and I thought about it as I was League, takes the helm at a critical juncture for the organization, which coaching, too. I looked back at my career as a player and the many won a National League Championship in 2019 but missed out on the coaches I had and what I liked about them and didn’t like — what a playoffs after finishing ninth among 12 teams in the Swiss National coach made me feel like and how I developed under a certain coach. I League in the standings this past season. tried to become the perfect coach — obviously, nobody’s perfect — but I The Olympic bronze medalist, who played collegiate hockey in the U.S. tried to become that coach that when I was playing I always wish that I at Northeastern University (where she was a Patty Kazmaier Award had — all the different aspects of supporting you and still being hard and finalist), has amassed a wealth of hockey experience since she was a challenging players. This will be something I look at when we’re talking to young teenager and, most recently, completed a master’s degree in coaches. What kind of coaches they are, what strengths and business administration at Sweden’s Linkoping University and coached weaknesses they have, what sort of playing systems they want to the Swiss U18 women’s team. implement, how they develop younger players.

How will her diverse set of hockey experience prepare her for the path I’d be remiss not to ask you what representation means to you. How do ahead? And what does her hiring mean for other women trying to break you think the visibility of a woman in a position of power and authority will barriers in hockey and the greater professional sports world? impact younger generations of women who can now see this as a viable career path? Schelling spoke with The Athletic about how this new position took shape and what the job will mean to so many going forward. It’s very important. Especially now there’s women going through so many aspects of male-dominated industries. I’m not the first woman to go into Can you take me through how this job became a reality? hockey. There’s plenty of women who are in operational positions in hockey around the world and that’s very, very important that we talk Absolutely. So it all started approximately two weeks ago when I about this and that it’s visible to younger generations. And that still, received a phone call from (SC Bern CEO) Marc Luthi. It was very especially the path in ice hockey, it’s really difficult. There are a lot of surprising. Obviously, I didn’t expect to get a phone call from him. He told roadblocks along the way, but it is important that the younger generations me right away that they were looking for a new GM and that I’m one of see that, yes, we faced those challenges as well but we succeeded and the two favorites. I first thought it was a joke, but then quickly realized he developed our own path into something really meaningful. I think that’s was actually serious. We started discussions right away and then I went ultimately very, very important. to Bern for further discussion and it was all very good and positive. I realized right away they really believe in me and they support me in this Can you think of anyone you saw growing up, women in hockey, that you position. looked up to?

What attracted you to the position? Well, actually, growing up, I never had a female role model within hockey because I didn’t know women’s hockey existed for such a long time. My I think it’s the challenge in itself. Obviously, I’ve been dreaming about role models were goalies around the world, goalies I was able to see. I having such a position at one point in my life, and when you get a phone would take bits and pieces of what I saw. I’d try to apply it to my game. call like this it’s like “Whoa, this is happening.” I’m very well aware that Sometimes it worked, and sometimes it didn’t work at all. That’s just kind this is a big challenge, but at the same time I look at myself and I look at of how I grew up. what I bring to the table and that’s a very long hockey career, multiple world championships and Olympic Games. I have experience from But the first time I was actually confronted with strong women was when I playing abroad — I was in the U.S., I was in Canada, I was in Sweden — played at my first world championships, back in 2004. I remember it just and I speak multiple languages, I have a master’s degree in business like it was yesterday how much of an impact it had for me. I was just administration, and I look at all the things I bring to the table and I’m like, walking out of the locker room that we had in Halifax and Team Canada why not? was walking by and they had a photoshoot for team pictures. That was the first time I saw Team Canada. And those women on that team, they Playing goal is such a difficult, cerebral position to begin with, and you were so impressive. The way they behaved. How professional they were. obviously did so at an elite level and were in high-pressure situations on How supportive they were of each other. And just the power they brought an international stage. How do you think that will prepare you for this job? to the ice. And everything. It was just so, like … a “wow” moment for me. As a goalie, you have a very special position within the team. You have a I was 14 at the time and so it was unreal. That Team Canada has been lot of pressure and if you have pressure every single night you’re on the my role model ever since. ice, you can’t allow yourself to have a bad shift, and that’s exactly what I How does it make you feel knowing that seeing you in this position might bring to the table as well. I know how to deal with pressure. I’ve done it create a “wow” moment for someone else? multiple times before. I know I have a lot of pressure on my shoulders once I start as a GM but then, in the end, I have to do my job and I have That feels surreal (laughing). It’s great. It’s great if I’m able to have that to do my job really, really well. That’s my primary job – to do the job they moment with other girls around the world. That’s fantastic, but I’m not brought me in to do and then bring the team back to the top. That’s my consciously thinking about it. primary goal. Who have you leaned on throughout your career and who will you What about your experience as a coach? How did that prepare you? continue to lean on in your new position?

That was the first time that brought me away from the perspective of a Along the way, all my life, I’ve always asked a lot of questions. The most player. Obviously, as a coach you’re still very close to the player’s important thing for me is to really look back and see who along the way perspective, but all my life I’ve had perspective from the goalie side. I on my not-so-easy way has helped me. Obviously there’s my family, lots was always at the end of the (ice) and I had a good overview of of friends, but there’s also lots of coaches and staff members who have helped me tremendously that I want to continue to lean on. And now, in this position, I have a coach (executive coach Christian Marcolli) that will coach me to be in such a position and (I) also will reach out if I can get some mentors within that new position, within the GM world. To see if there’s anyone who will mentor me along the way. I’m always open to develop further and further, and I think one way to do that is through mentorship.

If someone was to give me a scouting report on you, what would they tell me about your personality and how that might relate to your managing style?

I’m very goal-oriented and ambitious. I love to learn and I’m very open to learning. I’m open to any constructive criticism. I’m very passionate. Very, very passionate. And I’m a hard worker. I will literally do everything to achieve the goal at hand. I think that’s how people would describe me.

What’s one thing about you that might surprise some people?

I think that I took this job? (laughing)

And why is that?

Because I’m the first woman. I’m young. I’ve never been in this position before. I feel like that takes a lot of courage. And at least from the comments I’ve read and the messages I’ve gotten, they’re surprised I took that step. That really, really big step.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182647 Websites Evolving Wild Their work drives a lot of hockey analytics discussion and even other

Twitter accounts, but this is the source. Their free-agent contract The Athletic / 50 hockey Twitter accounts to follow right now projections are invaluable for armchair general managers everywhere. They also shared recently they have other interests outside of hockey.

Sean Tierney By Mark Lazerus, Scott Powers and Harman Dayal Apr 10, 2020 Tierney creates hockey charts that are easy to read and understand. His website has a ton of them, but he also continues to make some of them available for free on Twitter. Most of us are bored. Mick Kern Most of us are scrolling. Bless any hockey-only radio host during these times as they come up Scroll, scroll, scroll, stay away from the trolls, scroll, scroll, scroll. with content. Kern has filling up the airwaves on Sirius XM and showing Hockey Twitter is certainly different than it would normally be this time of off his impressive jersey collection while playing in the KXHL, a fictional year, but there are still plenty of accounts to keep us entertained and hockey video game hockey league, with his son. informed. We’ve chosen 50 of them that we’ve especially been Chris Watkins impressed by during the pandemic — some perhaps lesser-known names that are worthy of your attention. We’ve excluded our full-time Watkins likes to stir it up on Twitter pretty much about every topic and Athletic writers and most big-name insiders, because we’re assuming he’s probably seen as a contrarian when it comes to his hockey you probably follow them already. We also realize we’ve probably missed viewpoints, but he’s smart, funny and ignites discussions. a ton of other great follows. Please share your own favorite accounts in the comments. Topher Scott

Ryan Hardy Scott has a brilliant hockey mind, and he shares it publicly in a variety of ways. He’s been active in the last few weeks, and you can find a variety Hardy, the Chicago Steel (USHL) general manager, was recently of content on his feed. featured as “the most interesting Twitter account you’re probably not following.” He has some interesting thoughts about hockey and with a lot Michael Grabner of time in hand has been quite willing to engage in recent weeks. Grabner has been another entertaining NHL player. He’s been engaging, Zac Bell funny and self-deprecating.

The 19-year-old Bell has become an internet hit with his trick shots. He’s William Douglas been posting many to keep us occupied in recent weeks. See if you can Now blogging for NHL.com, Douglas has for years been shining a do any yourself, but please keep social distancing. spotlight on hockey players of color from the game’s past, present and Alison Lukan future. An important voice in the Hockey is For Everyone campaign.

Lukan covers largely the Columbus Blue Jackets, but her feed is full of Michelle Jay interesting and informative hockey content from herself and others. She’s Jay does a little of everything in women’s hockey coverage. She shoots also just very positive and supportive. photos. She writes. She’s also set up virtual trivia to pass the time. Hockey Fights Flames Alumni If hockey fighting is your thing, you can still find plenty of content here. This probably only interests if you’re a Calgary Flames fan, but this is They’ve recently been running a tournament bracket for best fight ever. how an alumni account should be run. It only started in February and has Black Girl Hockey a small amount of followers, but it has a lot of interesting content from Flames alumni. A welcoming place for a woefully underserved part of the hockey-fan community. Partnered with the Pittsburgh Penguins last week for a virtual Jen Conway meetup. A daily treasure trove of fascinating and/or hilarious old photos and Connor Carrick interviews. If there’s an embarrassing draft-day photo or a bizarre behind-the-scenes story, Jen knows it, has it and shares it. Carrick, a New Jersey Devils player, was already more active on Twitter than a lot of NHL players, but he’s been even more so since play was Allan Walsh suspended. He’s even starting a podcast. A prominent NHL player agent — some of his clients include Marc-Andre Nick Mercadante Fleury, Max Pacioretty and Jonathan Huberdeau — rarely holds back with his opinions, regularly unleashing on the NHL and Gary Bettman, Mercandte is always a quality follow for goalie information, but he’s and anyone else in his crosshairs. Be prepared for silly client-centric become even more useful now for his expertise as a health-care hashtags. provider. Catherine Silverman Igor Eronko Silverman is tweeting a little less hockey these days like a lot of us, but There’s still hockey news in all parts of the world, and Eronko provides a she’s an entertaining follow regardless. As a goalie expert, she’s one of lot of it from Russia. The KHL is expected to have a number of players the precious few people who can translate “voodoo” into English so that join the NHL next season. regular humans can understand it. She also co-hosts a podcast and has been working on perfecting a headstand during the pandemic. Hayley Wickenheiser Dimitri Filipovic Wickenheiser, a 2019 Hockey of Fame inductee, is making a real difference in Canada during the pandemic. Filipovic is worth a follow just based on his entertaining tweets alone, but he’s also creating excellent content on his podcast by doing deep dives Edmonton Oilers of some of the best playoff classics of the past decade. Every NHL team is trying to stay active and relevant on social media. The Oilers have been doing it better than most. Ferraro is one of the best analysts in hockey and his account features a BU Women’s hockey collection of diverse, intelligent and funny tweets. This is another team account that does it right. Micah Blake McCurdy Meghan Chayka

Unique visualizations of advanced stats that go beyond the X and Y axis. A co-founder of analytics company Stathletes, Meghan is an evangelist Also, lots of shot heat maps that look like melting faces from a Salvador for analytics, working to educate fans and elevate other voices in the Dali painting. statistical community. Currently hosting analytics-centric webinars during the quarantine. Hannah Stuart Pete Blackburn A savvy prospect evaluator and all-around engaging follow. Hannah’s also a helpful gateway to other prospect evaluators and game-trackers. He has branched into other sports in his role at CBS Sports, but he still brings plenty of sharp-tongued hockey and pop-culture takes, and still Pavel Barber dabbles in the occasional in-game GIF. Also, it’s been fun to watch him Barber is a stickhandling wizard who’s trained NHLers like Jonathan slowly and steadily break down over Tom Brady’s decision to leave New Toews and Jake Virtanen and is still posting mesmerizing highlights of England. his dangles as well as drills that people can do from home. Jim Cornelison

Cam Robinson Cornelison, the Blackhawks’ national anthem singer, has been posting Robinson is still pumping out prospect coverage including NHL Draft videos of him signing a variety of songs. He also regularly engages with rankings for DobberHockey and Elite Prospects. fans.

Think Less, Play Fast Hockey SUNDAY SOUNDS

This account posts regular breakdowns of systems play so you can RMNB understand the tactics of hockey as well as the technical skill individual A Capitals-centric blog curating news, analysis and assorted fun items. players possess. The name “Russian Machine Never Breaks” comes from an Alex Shayna Goldman Ovechkin quote.

Goldman writes for an assortment of hockey outlets and shares a lot of Aivis Kalnins her work and opinions in her feed. She also tweets a good mix of Kalnins is another reporter plugged into the KHL and European hockey everything. news. Is your NHL team adding a KHL player? He’ll probably know.

Will Scouch Hockey 50 Years Ago

Scouch is another great NHL draft and prospect follow. He especially Rick Cole provides “real-time” NHL tweets on NHL news, stats and fun shares a lot of information and thoughts in his Scouching reports. facts from a half-century ago. And no, 50 years ago isn’t when the NHL Sidney Crosby Parody Account went on hiatus. It only feels that way.

There aren’t a lot of good parody accounts in the Twittersphere, but this Rachel Doerrie one for Sidney Crosby is definitely the cream of the crop. It’s active, but An analyst who worked for the New Jersey Devils, Doerrie is one of the won’t spam your feed with low-quality tweets and above all, serves as a brightest up and coming hockey minds. She blends the eye test and humorous antithesis to Crosby’s reserved personality. analytics in the Staff and Graph podcast which she hosts with Ian Tulloch Roberto Luongo — a show that’s currently breaking down modern tactics.

If you’re searching for a funny account that’s perhaps rooted more firmly Jashvina Shah in reality, look no further than Luongo. The legendary goalie won’t tweet Shah is a great follow for college hockey and hockey in general. As you very frequently, but each self-deprecating post makes you laugh harder wait for college hockey to come back, this bracket should help fill your than the last. time.

Brian5or6 Corey Sznajder

Brian5or6 is a Senators fan who gained notoriety after a passionate Sznajder has been catching up on all his game tracking and sharing tirade pleading the team not to trade Erik Karlsson and has since built up some of the information in his feed. a devoted league-wide following for creative and funny skits. Bailey Alyssa Turner The Los Angeles Kings’ mascot is the most prolific NHL mascot on Turner helps create content for the NWHL. She’s an interesting and Twitter. He’s a good follow for some lightheartedness right now. entertaining follow herself, too. The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 JFresh

JFresh posts visualizations for individual players that feature a multitude of analytics, but also for rosters of various NHL teams of the past and present. The account is in the midst of breaking down one team every day of the month in April.

P.K. Subban

Voted the best social media follow by the NHLPA, Subban’s quirky personality is on full blast in each one of his tweets. One of the best ambassadors of the game with his outgoing personality and generous humanitarian work.

Mike Commito

Commito reels off daily tweets reminding people of the historic NHL events that happened on each day of the year.

The Point Hockey

This account gives a peek behind the curtain at Sportlogiq’s proprietary data. Fantastic data-driven analysis and they’re getting set to apply it to classic games to keep you entertained in the quarantine. 1182648 Websites 4. Bill Mikkelson Some records will never be broken. Gretzky’s 92 goals. Brodeur’s 691

wins. Mikkelson’s -82 in just 59 games for the 1974-75 Caps. Good The Athletic / Down Goes Brown: The worst players to wear every jersey news: He switched numbers and wore No. 3 for the rest of his NHL number in NHL history career. Bad news: That lasted one game.

5. Yan Golubovsky

By Sean McIndoe Apr 10, 2020 You may remember Yan from our “worst players ever traded straight-up for a Hall-of-Famer” post. In his case, that was Igor Larionov, who went from Florida to Detroit for Golubovsky in 2000. The Wings got three seasons of Larionov, including a triple-overtime winner in the Stanley With no games to cover, we’ve spent a big chunk of the last few weeks Cup final. The Panthers got six games of Golubovsky before he headed debating the best players to wear every number. A group of us put back to Russia. Slight edge Detroit. together a list that covered the entire NHL, and various team sites have done lists for individual franchises. As a confessed history nerd, it’s all 6. Martin Strbak been a fun trip down memory lane. It’s always nice to remember the greatest to ever lace up the skates. He lasted one NHL season and the most memorable thing about him is that his name looks like what would happen if your hand slipped while But really, why should the best of the best get all the attention? We all trying to type “Martin Straka.” Here’s the thing: He was once actually know about the legends who wore numbers like 99, or 4, or 66 or 77. But traded for Martin Straka. This bothers me more than it should. what about the other 99.9 percent of NHL players who never came close to making their numbers iconic? They deserve some attention too. 7. Alan Hepple

Today, they’re going to get it, as I work through the very worst players to Hepple’s NHL career consisted of three games played over three wear every number in NHL history. seasons while wearing three different numbers: six, seven and five, in that order. Pick a lane, Alan. Here’s hoping the indecisive Hepple got Of course, “worst” is subjective, especially when you’re talking about better at making picks later in life. (Googles him.) Huh. Apparently, he guys who managed to crack the highest level of pro hockey in the world. did. In some cases, they might actually be the worst, based on their career output. In others, they’ll be players who had an especially bad game or 8. Lew Morrison stretch or season while wearing a certain number. A lot of these are just Hockey has never lent itself especially well to catch-all WAR-style names I remember and want to tell you a story about. Honestly, this metrics, and points share is far from a perfect stat. Still, it’s interesting whole thing is pretty much just an excuse to Remember Some Guys. that the list of all-time worst point share players is basically a who’s who Please don’t be mad at me if somebody you know is on the list. of enforcers and then Morrison, a winger who wore No. 8 for the Flyers With all that said, let’s settle in for some NHL History 101. Literally … and Flames in the 1970s and apparently didn’t do much else. that’s how many numbers we’ve got to go through. Let’s see how many I 9. Alexander Suglobov can get you to agree with. This is arguably hockey’s greatest number, worn by legendary wingers (Unless otherwise specified, all jersey number data is via hockey- like Rocket Richard, and Gordie Howe. To wear this number, reference.com.) especially for an Original Six team, you have to be a true sniper. Or you 0: Neil Sheehy could have zero points in 14 games like this overhyped bust.

The only No. 0 in modern NHL history was a decent player and went on 10. Steve Brule to become a better agent. He was also way too into getting his No, not that guy. The NHL’s Brule was a winger who was drafted by the teammates to do weird lip-synch videos, both in Calgary and later in Devils in 1993 and then waited seven long years to finally make his NHL Washington. He even got a producer credit. I’ll leave it to the reader as debut. That turned out to be the only game he’d ever play for New the whether that’s a good thing. Jersey, but it came in that infamous 2000 conference final against the 00: Flyers, meaning Brule got his name on the Stanley Cup as a Devil – listed right after Martin Brodeur – without ever playing a regular-season This is such a good number for a goaltender, but only Biron and John game for them. Davidson ever wore it. Biron lasted just three games and posted a 5.05 GAA, so maybe switching wasn’t the worst idea. 11. Vern Stenlund

1: Rick DiPietro He played four NHL games for the Cleveland Barons in 1977 and didn’t record a point. What a chump! Then he went on to earn his doctorate, Here’s the thing about DiPietro’s career: It was better than you remember become a professor and write a best-seller with Bobby Orr. When it. He obviously never lived up to the crazy contract, but he played for “making the NHL” is like your fourth most impressive career over a decade and had some good years, including one where he accomplishment, you’ve done OK. finished in the top ten in Vezina voting. He did all that wearing No. 39, though; it was only his rookie season where the Islanders had him wear 12. Thomas Rundqvist No. 1, apparently to remind everyone that they’d just used the first overall His NHL career lasted two games, both for the 1984-85 Habs. That’s not pick on him. No pressure, kid. He went 3-15-1, which seems like a bad all that bad for a guy who was the 198th pick in his draft. Unfortunately, sign, before switching numbers early in his second season. the guy who went one pick after him at 199th turned out to be slightly 2: Gilles Marotte better.

Marotte was a solid defenceman who bounced around the NHL for 12 13. Patrik Stefan seasons (and one monster trade), playing for five teams and wearing five Fun fact: The consensus pick as the single greatest bust in draft history different numbers in the process. But it was while he was wearing No. 2 wore No. 13 for the first three years of his career, then tried to change his in Chicago in 1967-68 that he set a dubious single-season record that luck by switching to No. 27. In that first season away from his unlucky still stands by taking 154 shots on goal without scoring once. original number, he scored 13 goals. That’s the hockey gods telling you 3. Bennett Wolf that you can’t outrun your destiny.

Wolf played two partial seasons with the Penguins in the early 80s while 14. Steven Halko wearing No. 6, and that was apparently enough to earn him a promotion This Hurricanes defenceman lasted 155 games and wore No. 14 for all to the more traditional defenceman’s No. 3. He lasted five games, had but the final six of them. That means he switched numbers more often zero points, got in a crazy fight with John Wensink in which he both than he scored; he holds the NHL record for most games played by a pulled his hair and punched him in the package, and was never seen in skater in a career without ever getting credit for a goal. the NHL again. 15. Martin St. Louis famous stint as the worst video game athlete of all-time, when he was rated a “1” overall with the Lightning in NHLPA 93. The game had him He wore the number for two forgettable seasons in Calgary, during which wearing No. 25, even though he actually wore No. 22 that year with time he managed four goals before being allowed to walk as a free Tampa. Real-life Chambers was a decent player. But it’s video game agent. He switched to No. 26 in Tampa and did marginally better. Chambers who remains a legend.

16. Randy Wyrozub 26. Gary Veneruzzo

In addition to having a name that sounds like something you’d run into He played seven NHL games, all with the Blues, and he wore four during a PG-13 game of Dungeons and Dragons, Wyrozub’s claim to different numbers while doing it. I don’t know why this upsets me but it fame is that he spent four seasons with the Sabres and changed does. numbers every single year. He wore No. 16 for more games than any of the others, but his career only lasted 100 games. Maybe it wasn’t the 27. Craig Adams numbers, Randy. Adams wore this number while becoming one of only two forwards in 17. Pat Falloon NHL history to play 80+ games in a season without scoring a goal, doing so with the Penguins in 2009-10. And he also wore it while becoming one He wasn’t as bad as you might remember, hitting the 20-goal mark four of just three forwards in NHL history to play 25 playoff games without a times. But when you’re the second overall pick in a draft where one, goal, with the Hurricanes in 2006. He won a Cup with both teams, so three and six all make the Hall-of-Fame, it’s going to leave a mark. maybe scoring is overrated.

18. Gary Croteau 28. Hugh Jessiman

Croteau was actually a pretty decent player, and his problems had less to It’s fine, Ranger fans, it wasn’t a very deep draft. do with the number on the back of his jersey than with the logos on the front. Man, did he play for some awful teams. Croteau spent the 1970s 29. Bruce Racine wearing No. 18 for the California Golden Seals, Kansan City Scouts and Colorado Rockies. Yes, kids, those are real teams, ask your Racine was the Blues backup goalie for most of 1995-96. That wasn’t a grandparents about them. All told, Croteau played 12 NHL seasons and, very important job, because that was the year that Mike Keenan decided with the exception of a midseason trade to the Red Wings in 1969-70, to just start every game. No, literally, he decided that the 33- was never on a team that finished with more than 60 points. year-old Fuhr would just play each and every game. It lasted all the way until the end of the season, when Fuhr was hurt with a few weeks left and 19. Jack Lynch the Blues brought in Jon Casey as a veteran insurance policy. That left Racine a unique stat line: He appeared in relief of Fuhr 11 times, but Lynch played 382 NHL games, and only wore No. 19 for twenty of them. never started. It was the only NHL season of his career, leaving him with But man, what a twenty games it was. After being traded to the the all-time record for goaltending appearances without ever getting a historically awful Capitals midway through the 1974-75 season, Lynch start. managed to post a -54 rating in just those 20 games. In other words, he was on the ice for an average of almost three more goals against than 30. Bernie Wolfe goals for, every night, for two months. He changed numbers the next season. It’s a minor miracle he didn’t change professions. Wolfe was the goalie for several of those awful 1970s Caps teams, so it goes without saying that his stats weren’t very good, even though he was 20. Andrei Zyuzin generally viewed as a decent player. He retired in 1979 and became a financial planner. Then he re-signed with the Capitals in 1992 as part of OK, so we already mentioned Pat Falloon, but why does nobody ever ’s attempt to defraud the expansion draft. It’s a long story. talk about the other Sharks second overall pick to be a huge bust? Zyuzin topped out as a journeyman third pairing guy who bounced 31. Zac Bierk around a half-dozen teams, and San Jose took him second overall when they could have had… (checks 1996 draft results)… you know what, I He wore the number in his one and only game with the Minnesota Wild, think they made the right pick, let’s never speak of this again. got shelled for six goals, took a penalty and didn’t get back to the NHL for almost two years, and it doesn’t matter because his brother is cooler than 21. Ron Francis yours.

Francis is a legend who had his best years in Hartford and Pittsburgh 32. Daniel Berthiaume wearing his iconic No. 10, and it remains deeply weird that when he returned to his original franchise by signing with Carolina they made him The Bandit had a cool nickname and some decent years wearing other wear a different number for two seasons. numbers, but he finished his career wearing No. 32 with the expansion Senators. His numbers in year one were bad, as he posted a 4.30 GAA. 22. Harrison Gray His numbers in year two were worse. A lot worse. Far worse than any NHL goalie in history, actually. That’s because Berthiaume’s entire 1993- Back in the days before backup goalies, Gray was pulled out of the 94 season consisted of entering a game against the Islanders with his stands in Detroit to play for the Red Wings after Terry Sawchuk was hurt. team trailing 4-0, giving up two goals on two shots to Pierre Turgeon in He played two periods and gave up five goals to take the loss; the official 39 seconds, and then being yanked. His final numbers for the season: box score records him as wearing No. 22, maybe because it was the only one game played, a save percentage of zero, and an almost impossible spare jersey the Wings had available. He’s often cited as the last non- GAA of 184.62. That’s not a typo. roster emergency goalie to actually see the ice until the Hurricanes used equipment manager Jorge Alves for the final seconds of a game in 2016. 33. Doug Soetaert

23. Jeff Ware Another goalie with a reasonable career but a historically awful game, Soetaert went into Minnesota on Nov. 11, 1981 and made 36 saves for There was a time in the mid-90s when both the Maple Leafs and the Blue the Jets. Unfortunately, he faced 51 shots that night, allowing a modern Jays had top prospects and former first-round picks named Jeff Ware. NHL record 15 goals in a single game. Both were busts. The baseball guy at least once gave up a home run to Michael Jordan. I don’t think the hockey guy did, but it’s the Leafs, so I 34. Gordie Dwyer can’t rule it out. He holds the record for most NHL games by a forward who never scored 24: Don Cherry a goal, with 108. But he did once take a 23-game suspension, so he’s got that going for him. Career minor-leaguer. Cracked an NHL lineup for one playoff game for the Bruins. Never heard from again. 35. Martin Houle

25. Shawn Chambers His entire NHL career consisted of making one relief appearance for the Flyers, playing two minutes, and giving up one goal to take the loss. He Chambers wore No. 25 for just two games of his 13-season career, those finished with a GAA of 27.27. Or, as Philadelphia fans call it, middle-of- coming with the Capitals in 1991-92. But that doesn’t matter, because it’s the-pack numbers. not his time in Washington that earns him this honour. No, it’s his more 36. Bobby Clarke 51. Mikael Lindholm

The Hall-of-Famer spent 1,142 games wearing his iconic No. 16. There Elias’s dad had an 18-game NHL career that saw him earn four points were also two games in 1981 when his jersey was stolen on a road trip with the Kings, three of which featured primary assists by Wayne and he had to wear the only replacement available. Gretzky. Not bad work if you can get it.

37. Jean-Claude Bergeron 52. David Emma

He was fine in his 18 appearances for the Habs in 1990-91. Honestly, I The former Hobey Baker winner and U.S. Olympian wore this number just want someone to tell the Bruins fans that I picked “Bergeron” as the while going pointless with the Bruins. His NHL career ended in 2001; worst player to ever wear No. 37 and watch them all lose their minds. Emma has been one of the most popular names in America since 2002. Coincidence? Well … yeah. 38. Scott Gruhl 53. Andre Racicot He played 20 NHL games and this was one of five numbers he wore. I’m invoking the Gary Veneruzzo Rule, that’s too many. A .500 save percentage and a 14.21 GAA. No, those weren’t Red Light Racicot’s career numbers; he wasn’t that bad, despite being stuck with 39. Peter Laviolette an all-time nickname. But it was the stat line he put up while making his Twelve games for the 88-89 Rangers. No goals. No assist. No points. No debut wearing 53, the first goalie to ever have the number. real future in the NHL that I can see. 54. Andre Savage

40. Tie Domi It sounds like a dream 1980s Wrestlemania main event. Instead, it’s a Domi had a hell of a career, one that saw him fight everyone from Bob center who managed one point in six games for the 1998-99 Bruins Probert in an MSG heavywight title bout to a Flyers fan in a penalty box. before finishing his career wearing numbers in the 20s. But this was before that, when he was a fresh-faced kid showing up in 55. Felix Potvin the Leafs lineup for two measly games in 1990 and easing his way into the enforcer ranks with just (checks notes) 42 PIM. 56. Marcel Cousineau

41. Jarrod Skalde The 1998-99 Islanders had a goaltender who wore No. 55 and a goaltender who wore No. 56 and that is completely unacceptable. Back in 1998, Dallas claimed Skalde on waivers, dressed him for one game during which he played four minutes, then lost him on waivers a 57. George Parros few days later, ending his Stars career. In all, he was claimed on waivers five times in six weeks that winter. I guess it’s nice to be wanted. He wore the number at each of his first two NHL stops, with the Kings and Avalanche, before wearing lower numbers for the rest of his career. 42. Sean Avery The experience apparently left such an impact that he’s dedicated his post-playing career to handing out numbers that are always lower than What’s the secret to life, the universe and everything? Probably not they should be. starting your career in Detroit by having 15 points in 75 games, annoying everyone in the league and getting schooled on trash talk etiquette by 58. Ben Hanowski . Any time you can trade a franchise icon for a package highlighted by 16 43. games and one goal, you have to do it.

It’s not that he was a bad player. It’s just that nothing he could do in real 59. Robert Dome life could ever measure up to the urban legend of him and showing up on the NHL 94 streak screen as “HOT Coffey, COLD Beers.” The Penguins picked him in the first round in 1997 and when he made the team that year, they gave him No. 15. He scored five goals and spent 44. Nick Boynton the entire next season in the minors, and when he made it back to Pittsburgh in 1999 they gave him 59 instead. This is called taking a hint. He knows what he did. 60. Brendan Mikkelson 45. Chris Durno That’s right, I’m picking on Bill Mikkelson’s son, because I figure anyone A living legend who made an impact on Hockey Night in Canada at a who’s read this far deserves some character continuity. He wore this young age, he didn’t succeed in the NHL only because the Avalanche number for three seasons and 67 games in Anaheim, during which he foolishly gave him this nondescript number instead of that childhood No. was a -6. Or, as his dad would call it, “a solid game.” 8. 61. Corey Perry 46. Pavel Skrbek You give a kid one bad number for his rookie season, and he spends the The highly rated blue line prospect never worked out in Pittsburgh or rest of his career lashing out at everyone around him. anywhere else in the NHL, but was traded for a future head coach. 62. Vaclav Nedorost 47. Tim Ramholt Would this former 14th overall pick have had a more successful career if The defenceman played one game for the 2007-08 Flames, lasted one he’d been named Ned Vaclavorost? We’ll never know for sure, but shift, gave up one goal against, got benched by Mike Keenan and never scientists agree that it’s likely. saw the ice again; his NHL career lasted just 45 seconds. Now he’s the lead singer of a rock band. 63. Matt Herr

48. Nikos Tselios His three-game stint in 2002-03 made him the second Boston player to ever have this number after Patrick Traverse in 2001, and to this day he The first draft pick in Carolina Hurricanes history lasted two games in the remains the most recent Bruin to wear it without running around licking NHL, falling just 1,649 short of the family record held by his cousin. people like some kind of deranged weirdo.

49. Danny Bois 64. Jason Bonsignore

He played one game for the 2006-07 Senators, spent four minutes on the Yeah, I know, you thought I would go with Nail Yakupov. But one time I ice, and seven more in the penalty box after holding his own in a fight was playing pickup hockey with a bunch of guys I mostly didn’t know and against . Hey, that’s more than you could have done. my friend told them I was petty good, so when we were choosing teams 50. Bob Jay they made me one of the first picks and then midway through the game when I hadn’t scored one of them called me “Bonsignore” and it was the The undrafted defenceman played three games for the Kings on a 1993 most devastating insult I’ve ever received. Seriously, stop giving this road trip, then disappeared right around the time these guys showed up. number to your prospects, Edmonton. Hmm … 65. Emerson Etem The towering center’s NHL career lasted only 34 games, including 26 wearing this number for the Blues. He scored just one goal, and it came Yeah, I know, he’s a decent player, but I’m sorry, he’s been forever against Andrew Raycroft so it barely counts. ruined for me by that Sean Gentille tweet. No, I’m not linking to it. You know the one. 79. Alexei Yashin

66. Milan Novy OK, worst player might be harsh, since he had a few decent years for the Islanders after switching from No. 19 to No. 79. Worst trade, worst There are only six names to choose from, as Mario Lemieux all but put contract and worst buyout? Probably. this number on lockdown. I like Josh Ho-Sang, T.J. Brodie is good, Yanick Dupre is a tragic story and I’m damn sure not looking to pick any 80. Ben Maxwell fights with Gino Odjick. That leaves Novy by default; the Czech legend beat Lemieux to the number by two years, becoming the first NHLer to Only 15 players have ever worn this number, and a third of them debuted ever wear it in his one season in Washington. it this season. That’s slim pickings for the rest of the list, but I’ll go with Maxwell, if only because his career also included stints wearing No. 61, 67. Brandon Kozun No. 49, and then No. 49 again for a different team. I like your style, Ben.

Wearing this number for the Maple Leafs is some Grade A trolling and I 81. Enver Lisin respect it. He was a reasonably well-hyped prospect who just never made it. He 68. Jamie Tardif and Marcel Hossa are the only Rangers to ever wear this number, because they don’t go handing weird numbers out to everyone who This will always be Jaromir Jagr’s number, but 19 other players have walks in the door like some Original Six teams I could mention. worn it over the years. That included Tardif, who wore it for two games with the Bruins in 2013. A few weeks later, they traded for Jaromir Jagr. I 82. Trent Frederic don’t think you’re getting your number back, kid. Seriously Boston, calm down already. 69. Mel Angelstad 83. Cody Ceci Oh grow up. There are certain NHL jobs that have so much history that they just feel 70. John Albert more important than others. Montreal Canadiens goaltender. Edmonton Oilers first-line center. Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman who gets He’s the only player with the last name “Albert” in NHL history, and he blamed for every goal against whether he was on the ice or not. managed one point in nine games. Huh. I guess the commercial lied. 84. Corey Locke 71. David Clarkson This was the last NHL number to be worn for the first time, by Guillaume One of the most annoying trends on social media is people who insist on Latendresse in 2007. It’s not easy to diminish the legacy of Latendresse, combing the archives and responding to any prediction that didn’t turn but Locke managed to do it. out to be 100 percent accurate with a sarcastic “Oh this didn’t age well.” That said, holy crap this did not age well. 85. Morgan Ellis

72. Only seven players have ever worn this number, and Ellis is the only one to do it for just a single season. That’s enough to earn him the nod over Are you noticing a lot of Bruins on this list? You’re right, there are a lot of the Oilers version of Martin Marincin. Bruins. Here’s the deal: It turns out the Boston Bruins really love giving weird numbers to random guys for a few games. I don’t know why – if 86. Nikita Nikitin anything you’d figure an Original Six team would be sticklers for tradition – but it’s definitely a thing. For example, only 41 players in NHL history Only 16 players have ever worn No. 86, but three of them are named have worn this number, and seven of them did it for the Bruins. That Nikita, including this guy who doubles up on it. Also, this song came out includes out friend Ben here, who had it six games in 2005-06 before in … 1986. This means something. I’m still working on what that might getting upgraded to, uh, No. 56. be.

73. Kyle Clifford 87. Vadim Shipachyov

He was wearing this number when he ran over Petr Mrazek, and now I’ll Remember when he lasted three games before heading home and we all never be able to hear the word “Zamboni” again without feeling deep laughed about how Vegas clearly didn’t know what they were doing? shame. 88. Garry Howatt

74. Paul Coffey Howatt wore the number for one season with the Devils in 1982-83, and He wore No. 7 with the Oilers and No. 77 everywhere else, then finished he wasn’t much of a player, with just five points in 38 games. But on one his career wearing No. 74 during 18 forgettable games for the Bruins. very weird night that season, he was a surprisingly decent linesman; he They love weird numbers in Boston, sure, but this one actually makes and Mickey Volcan remain the only two players to ever be forced by a sense; apparently some other guy had been wearing No. 77 there very obscure NHL rule to officiate their own game. recently and they weren’t quite over it. 89. Zdenek Blatny

75. Brett Lindros Yet another Bruin, and I’m pretty sure this one isn’t even a real guy.

Was Lindros the first top prospect to do the “birth year as jersey number” 90. David Ayres thing? I think he might have been, which is a neat historical legacy. Concussions derailed a promising NHL career, which ended after just 51 An .800 save percentage and 4.18 GAA? You’ll never beat a real Cup games and two goals. contender with numbers like that, rookie.

76. Kris Vernarsky 91. Kris Draper

Another Bruin. This one was drafted by the Leafs, then was traded to He wore the number for two partial seasons in Winnipeg, putting up two Boston and scored one goal in his career. To this day, it’s the only points. The Jets sold him to the Red Wings for $1, then watched him play Leafs/Bruins trade that doesn’t make every Toronto fan cry. over 1,100 more games while winning a Selke and four Cups. But, you know, they did get a dollar. 77. Rob Cowie 92. Steve Ott I just kind of love the fact that the Kings had living legend Paul Coffey for a few years, and when he left they almost immediately gave his No. 77 to He had one point as a Hab after coming over at the 2017 deadline, but I Cowie. Eh, close enough. have to say I kind of love the idea of a career bottom-six grinder deciding

78. Evgeny Grachev to upgrade to a superstar 90s numbers at the very end of his career. Shoot your shot.

93. Alexander Godynyuk

When he first showed up in Toronto wearing this number in 1991, we were all like “Wow, that’s kind of cool, this guy must be really good.” And sure enough, within just a few years, everyone in Toronto was wearing a 93 Leafs jersey. I may have left some details out of the story.

94. Stan Neckar

The mid-90s Senators apparently figured that if they gave high numbers to everyone, their fans wouldn’t notice that they had no good players. So the roster had a 91, 82, 61, 76 and a 78. Might as well give the teenaged defensive defenceman No. 94 while you’re at it, who even cares.

95. Olivier Michaud

His NHL career lasted just one game, a relief appearance for the Habs in 2001. But he stopped all 14 shots he faced, leaving him tied at the top of the NHL’s all-time leaderboard for most career saves without ever allowing a goal.

96. Fabian Brunnstrom

His NHL career began with a spirited offseason bidding war for his services, and a hat trick in his very first game. That’s pretty much where it ended too.

97. Per Ledin

There are only seven players to choose from, and I’m told that a few of them are pretty good. Let’s go with the guy who played three games and had no points and sounds like me drunkenly trying to tell Siri to text Pierre LeBrun.

98. Brian Lawton

Maybe this should be Jesse Puljujarvi. But I just love the audacity of a guy being picked first overall in 1983 and immediately being handed number 98. Is he going to be the next Wayne Gretzky? Almost! After two seasons and just 15 goals, the North Stars reconsidered and gave him a normal number.

99. Rick Dudley

Only three players in modern history have worn the number (although a few others apparently had it for the Habs back in the pre-Original Six days). Dudley only wore it for a few games in Winnipeg at the very end of his career, so he edges out , who actually had 40 goals and 97 points wearing the number back 1980-81. That’s probably the record, remind me to look that up sometime.

The Athletic LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182649 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / In Conversation: Connor McDavid and Brett Kissel's Italian connection

Sportsnet Staff | April 10, 2020, 6:37 PM

In Friday’s episode of In Conversation, Ron MacLean was joined by Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid and Canadian country musician Brett Kissel.

McDavid and Kissel reminisced about meeting up in Rome and how Oilers Nation fuels their love of the game.

In Conversation with Ron MacLean is a new digital roundtable show airing exclusively on Sportsnet’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, SN NOW and sportsnet.ca on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 7 p.m. ET/ 4 p.m. PT.

In the 20-30 minute show, MacLean will interview notable Canadians from all corners of the sports and entertainment worlds.

Future guests will be regularly announced on Sportsnet’s Twitter account.

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182650 Websites “You know what he said to me, because I told him he should come to the draft? He said, ‘Well, what if I don’t get drafted?’” recounted Milstein. “I said, ‘I’m going to buy you ticket and you’re going to get on a plane to train and spend some time with me, and we’re going to fly to Dallas for Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens confident arrival of top prospect Alex Romanov your draft.’ And he says, ‘Well, if I don’t get drafted, at least I can go to is imminent buy new sneakers at the mall.’

“All jokes aside, we knew Montreal—their Russian scout was so high on him since September of his draft year that they were all over him and Eric Engels | April 10, 2020, 2:33 PM basically saying they’re drafting him 100 per cent.

“Usually it never happens this way. Usually, you don’t know until your MONTREAL— Let’s just squash the ambiguity once and for all, because name is called up. And during those final interviews, everyone says the it’s abundantly clear there will be skepticism in the Montreal Canadiens’ same thing—that they’ll draft you if you’re there when they’re called up to fan base about Alexander Romanov signing with the team until he the draft—and then they pass on you. But we knew that Montreal was actually puts pen to paper and an announcement is made that it’s a fait going to draft him no matter what, but it was just a matter of where. When accompli. we got to Dallas and had final exit meetings with Columbus and Las Vegas, because I always take my guys and do final meetings with teams The 2018 second-rounder is going to be in that bleu-blanc-rouge uniform that want to meet with them because it always helps, we knew he was in short order. The only question is: Will it be for whatever remaining going to go early. We just didn’t know how early.” games get played in the 2019-20 season, or will his new contract commence once the 2020-21 season gets underway? Timmins said on the day the Canadiens drafted Romanov 38th overall that it was because they were following their draft board and that’s where “It looks like the GMs are in favour of having some kind of a regular they had him slotted. He confirmed that with Sportsnet on Friday, and season, and then as many as 24 teams would possibly make the said that, because several other teams had the opportunity to see playoffs,” Romanov’s agent, Dan Milstein, told Sportsnet Friday morning. Romanov play live on the international stage that year, it didn’t surprise “If I was Montreal, I’d probably be calling Romanov for this year.” him that at least a couple of others were as high on him.

As of right now, the rules wouldn’t allow for the Canadiens to sign It’s now fair to say everyone is high on Romanov. The 19-year-old Romanov and play him for the remainder of the 2019-20 season. But that Russian is widely considered to be one of the best players currently could change if and when the season is resumed. outside of the NHL.

Jeff Marek and Elliotte Friedman talk to a lot of people around the hockey That perception has largely been founded on what Romanov showed in world, and then they tell listeners all about what they’ve heard and what each of the last two world junior tournaments and, as Timmins pointed they think about it. out on Thursday, it hasn’t been tainted by Romanov’s KHL club (CSKA Moscow) diminishing his role from last season to this season. If it does, Milstein doesn’t believe the Canadiens would be concerned about Romanov burning the first year of his entry-level contract. “I think everyone over there was in the know that Alexander was going to come to the NHL the following season, so I don’t think there was an “He’s not going to get to 40 games and get a year closer to being a UFA impetus to put… they weren’t going to use him as much as in the past. (by playing right away). So if they burn a year, it doesn’t mean much.” That’s my personal opinion,” said Timmins. “But we’ve all seen him at the “I haven’t discussed it with Montreal, but I will when the time comes,” world juniors, so… I wouldn’t put any weight into his ice-time (with CSKA Milstein added. “It’s just, right now, I’d rather he plays this year. Why sit Moscow).” out and wait until October? Milstein would be in the best position to say whether or not Romanov’s “He’s definitely coming. He’s coming to be an NHL player, and so it’s just Russian team was aware of his player’s intentions for after this season. a matter of when.” “I have to agree with Trevor’s assessment,” he said. “It was clear this All that means is that until we know what will become of the remainder of year he could have been a top-four on that team.” the season, it’s highly unlikely a deal between Romanov and the Regardless of how anyone feels about that, the Canadiens feel it won’t Canadiens will be formalized. be too long before Romanov is a top-four defenceman on their team. It’s also not a stretch to believe that, like Milstein, the Canadiens would For now, as Bergevin told La Presse in this interview at the end of want Romanov playing for them as soon as possible. February, the Canadiens see him coming over and starting on their third “The team loves him. You know (Canadiens GM) Marc Bergevin told Alex defensive pairing. at dinner they have a name for him,” Milstein said. “‘The Destroyer’ is And it’s clear the management’s team excitement about that plan isn’t what they called him after the U20s (World Junior Championship).” solely based on the player’s on-ice accolades. The Montreal brass has been high on Romanov dating back to 2017, “He’s such an energetic guy,” said Timmins. “He’s always smiling. His when Russia-based scout Artem Telepin began vaunting his abilities to personality is a lot like Gally (Brendan Gallagher). He’s always smiling, Canadiens assistant general manager Trevor Timmins. he’s full of energy, and he’s fun to be around. So we’re hoping for the The Canadiens’ belief in Romanov picked up tremendous steam in the best for him and rooting for him, and hopefully, he can have a solid lead up the 2018 Draft. It was rooted in his steady progression in career and help our hockey team to get to the next level.” Russia’s top junior league, reinforced by his performances in the various Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.11.2020 under-18 tournaments, and outright confirmed at the team’s privately- held European combine.

“He just blew us away with his personality (and) his competitiveness in doing some of the fitness testing,” Timmins said during a 50-minute conference call with Montreal reporters Thursday. “Not only that, but being a team guy cheering on the other draft prospects that took part in our European combine that year—it was really impressive.”

It’s why when the Canadiens saw NHL Central Scouting’s final draft rankings and noticed the 5-foot-11, 185-pound Romanov listed as the 115th-best European prospect (not including goaltenders), they snickered.

So did Milstein.

Romanov, however, wasn’t sure what to make of it. 1182651 Websites “Barabanov’s definitely got what it takes to be a full-time NHL player,” tweeted KHL reporter Igor Eronko. “He won’t be a star, but he could become a great third-line player with ability to move up to replace injured guys. His skating is great as well as his work ethics, he’s very strong, Sportsnet.ca / 5 most intriguing Toronto Maple Leafs prospects to watch he’s a beast .” in 2020-21 3. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, C

GP: 55 | G: 12 | A: 63 | PTS: 75 Luke Fox | April 10, 2020, 9:08 AM Playing Adam Oates to Nick Robertson’s Brett Hull on the Peterborough Petes, Der-Arguchintsev’s lopsided stat line screams puck distributor: 18 goals to 103 assists over his past two OHL seasons. Few NHL teams depend on an annual influx of prospects to the big time as the Toronto Maple Leafs do — and that is by design. Adorable isn’t an adjective normally associated with hockey players, but the kid they call ‘SDA’ is as likeable as he is diminutive. That the 19-year- Since Kyle “We Can and We Will” Dubas committed to four high-priced old’s skill is so outsized in relation to his five-foot-10, 163-pound build core forwards, an emphasis on filling in the roster gaps with value talent makes him a fascinating test case for the prototypical Dubas prospect. on entry-level contracts has become a necessity to the club’s salary-cap puzzle. Der-Arguchintsev can’t learn much more in juniors after four tours, but how he swims around the angry shoulders of professional grown-ups will Glancing ahead to 2020-21 — when we expect NHL newbies like be something to see. Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren to graduate to the full-time roster — let’s look at the five most intriguing prospects within the Maple Leafs’ Skill. Determination. Ambition. system. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev sits down with @HockeyCrock to talk To be clear, this isn’t a ranking of the best prospects or the ones most about his development and the decision to come to Canada. likely to make the cut out of training camp, but rather the five players pic.twitter.com/9OjbnardHn whose development we’re most interested in seeing play out in 2020-21. — Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) August 7, 2019 5. Joseph Woll, G 2. Jeremy Bracco, RW GP: 32 | RECORD: 11-16-3| GAA: 3.75 | SV%: .880 GP: 44 | G: 4 | A: 30 | PTS: 34 Goaltending depth — or lack thereof — has been a significant talking point around the Maple Leafs since Oct. 2, 2018, the day the The 23-year-old finds himself high on our ‘intriguing’ list for not entirely organization lost both Curtis McElhinney and Calvin Pickard on waivers. great reasons. Hopes that Garret Sparks or Michael Hutchinson could become a solid It is telling of how the organization views Bracco that of the six Marlies No. 2 were dashed, so GM Kyle Dubas traded for Jack Campbell this forwards given a look with the big club in 2019-20, he was not one — year and brought some stability to the position. even after his record-setting 2018-19 performance in the AHL, in which But Campbell’s contract is up in a couple years, and undisputed No. 1 he posted a line of 22-57-79. Frederik Andersen will be due a significant raise under tight cap Bracco, who terrorizes defenders on the power play, followed that up with circumstances in 2021. Just ask the Philadelphia Flyers how nice it would just four goals, 34 points and a minus-10 rating this season. He found his be to have an entry-level goalie supplying wins. name volleyed in trade rumours (undenied) and took some time away Toronto is taking its time to groom the 21-year-old Woll, whose stellar from the Marlies in February on a personal leave. showing for Boston College didn’t immediately translate to pro showings. The kid’s hands and vision are such that it’s too early to write him off, but Playing behind a severely depleted Marlies blue line in 2019-20, Woll had Bracco will need a resounding bounce-back, a change of scenery or both a losing record and a sub-.900 save rate but didn’t lose his optimism or in 2020-21. An up-and-down prospect trajectory that’ll be worth following desire. in the coming months.

“He works incredible hard every day. His attitude is great,” Marlies 1. Nick Robertson, LW assistant coach A.J. MacLean said. “He smiles all the time. You literally GP: 46 | G: 55 | A: 31 | PTS: 86 have to drag him off the ice every day. He’s a true professional. I have no doubts in his game any time he’s in the net.” We’ve written extensively about Toronto’s 2019 second-round knockout pick, whose history is even more fascinating than his future. The athletic Woll has an opportunity to take a giant step in his second pro campaign and alter how we view the organization’s goaltending depth When you treat the Ontario Hockey League like your own personal chart for the future. bubble-hockey game and rip 55 goals in 46 games, you’re going to garner a little attention as an 18-year-old. 4. Alexander Barabanov, RW The last player under age 19 to match Robertson’s 1.20 goals-per-game GP: 43 | G: 11 | A: 9 | PTS: 20 pace in the OHL was some guy named Eric Lindros, who set the historic The 25-year-old Olympic gold medallist selected Toronto over several mark of 1.25 way back in 1990-91. other franchises that expressed interest as his contract with SKA St. Dubas said last week he will give Robertson every opportunity to make Petersburg expired in Russia. the Leafs’ opening-night roster in 2020-21, and the left flank of the club’s Dubas signed the undersized talent to a $925,000 one-year, entry-level top nine does present more room for improvement than the right. deal on April 7 and hopes Barabanov can follow in the footsteps of Robertson has the shot, determination and personality to survive under 2019’s KHL import, Ilya Mikheyev: overachieve in third-line minutes, pitch the bright lights as a teenager. His size, strength and defensive in on the penalty kill, create scoring chances and help alleviate the club’s responsibility will all be challenged. salary-cap challenges. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.11.2020 “We’re really excited to add another player to the fold here that we think’s got great experience and a great skill-set; very high character as well,” coach Sheldon Keefe said. “He just checks a lot of the boxes that you’re always looking for when you’re adding a player that you fully expect to step in and be an important part of your team.”

Despite his soft shot and short height (five-foot-10), the two-time Gagarin Cup champ will be given a long look in camp to make the cut. 1182652 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Claude Julien praises intelligence of rookie Nick Suzuki

Emily Sadler | April 10, 2020, 4:39 PM

Montreal Canadiens forward Nick Suzuki has been an intriguing rookie to watch this year. As the Canadiens continue to inject youth into their lineup, Suzuki has shown he belongs with the pros — just ask head coach Claude Julien.

Julien had plenty of praise for the 20-year-old during an interview on on Friday.

“I like Nick a lot,” Julien said. “He’s such an intelligent player, he sees the play well.”

Selected 13th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2017, Suzuki landed in Montreal’s prospect pool via the September 2018 trade that saw Max Pacioretty dealt to Vegas.

“I remember his first camp with us after we got him in that trade, and the one thing we had told him is to, ‘really work on the pace of your game because at this level you’re gonna need to take another step there,'” Julien said. “I watched some of his games in junior hockey and he’d already understood that and that’s why I thought he had a really, really good season his last year of junior.”

Your browser does not support the audio element.

Suzuki split that 2018-19 junior season between the and the Guelph Storm, following up an impressive 94-point regular season with 16 goals and 42 points in 24 playoff games to help propel the Storm to OHL championship victory.

“He comes to us, plays it the right way, understands the game so well,” said Julien. “You know, you talk about an intelligent player and he’s one of those guys where, you tell him once and you don’t have to tell him two or three times — he gets it. So, I like that about him.”

Through 71 games this year with Montreal, the forward registered 13 goals and 41 points, good for sixth in points among rookies league-wide.

Like his team, Suzuki hit a few road blocks as the season wore on, unable to produce down the stretch at the rate he’d been scoring throughout much of the year. Julien believes the reason for the slow- down is simple: fatigue.

“The only thing that happened to Nick this year, and certainly not to his fault, is that I felt that in the last month he’d really started slowing down because of fatigue. And that fatigue wasn’t necessarily because of playing with us,” he said. “Obviously, the year before, he had played with the world juniors, he went to the Memorial Cup all the way to the end in May, development camp at the end of June, rookie camp, and then our main camp and everything else. I just think he played too much hockey, and it caught up to him. That’s what I think happened in the last month.

“It had absolutely nothing to do with his play, it had nothing to do with his intelligence,” Julien continued. “I just think he hit a wall, and rightfully so — I don’t know anybody else who wouldn’t hit a wall after playing that much.”

Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182653 Websites In terms of shots, he’s still posting very strong numbers relative to his teammates, but the passes have been a big issue for him, so the shots against that do happen while he’s on the ice end up being far more dangerous than most. That isn’t typical for Subban either, who usually Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down P.K. Subban's rapid decline, why he could posts strong numbers in that area. still be effective However, the number of slot passes against a player is on the ice for is highly correlated with the strength of opposition they face, so some of his struggles there can be attributed to tougher minutes with weaker Andrew Berkshire teammates, but obviously not all.

The porous defence and lack of offence has sort of reduced Subban to a In last week’s analytics mailbag, I mentioned that I got a lot of questions high level transition player this season — if you read any of the top-20 about P.K. Subban. It’s probably a little fortunate for Subban that he’s player rankings by position I used to do, you would know transition was been in a smaller market like New Jersey this season, because outside Subban’s weakest area over the last few seasons overall. The biggest of Montreal Canadiens fans who either still love him or want to relitigate reason for that has always been his reliance on dumping the puck out of the trade that sent him to Nashville, there hasn’t been too much attention the defensive zone instead of making a controlled play, but still it was the on a disastrous season for him. offensive and defensive zones that he exerted most of his impact in his prime. I touched on Subban’s season back in early December in a piece on the players who had been most unlucky at that point in the season, and it’s Turning 31 in mid-May, decline is the normal pattern for a defenceman true that a big part of what ailed Subban’s surface-level numbers was Subban’s age, but that doesn’t mean a player is no longer effective. Mike about on-ice percentages more than individual performance, but that Green, for example, hasn’t been anywhere near what he was for the doesn’t mean that nothing was wrong. Washington Capitals in his prime, but has been an excellent defenceman into his mid-30s, still a decent No. 2 on a lot of teams at this point despite In order to see what, if anything, has changed in Subban’s game, let’s his offensive game evaporating. look at the broad strokes and compare him to his peers in league ranks, expressed as percentiles. What this means if you’re unfamiliar is that if a Subban’s decline does seem rapid the last two years though, with steep player ranks in the 99th percentile in a specific statistic, they are within drop-offs in specific areas that should be a little jarring to anyone who the top one per cent of all players in their position in that statistic. saw him in his prime. The cause behind those struggles has been speculated about for years with well-known issues with his back, and I do With SPORTLOGiQ data we can reach back five years into the past to wonder if he ever fully recovered from that collision with Alexei Emelin on Subban’s final season with the Canadiens, and contrast each of the his last shift with the Montreal Canadiens. following seasons. The time where Subban was among the super elite defencemen in the There are some areas where Subban hasn’t really fallen off compared to NHL is likely over, but as he recovered his transition game this year his past self, like his overall success or failure rate on plays — which following a steep drop-off last season, I don’t think I would throw in the measures both volume of plays a player is involved in and how often they towel on him finding ways to adapt and get other areas of his game back are successful in their attempts — along with maintaining a very strong to a reasonable area. defensive-zone-turnover rate compared to his peers, even before adjusting for team structure, which usually rockets Subban up the If the back issues are the reason behind it all, perhaps this extended time rankings even more. off caused by the global pandemic we’re all mired in will be a blessing in disguise for the charismatic defenceman Then there are the areas which are a bit more obvious to the eye, like Subban going from the 99th percentile in offence-generating plays in his Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 04.11.2020 last season in Montreal down to around 70th for the following three seasons in Nashville, down to below 60th this season. Those are steep drops in offensive contributions.

The drop upon landing in Nashville is probably partly due to joining a team that already had Roman Josi there as the primary offensive contributor from the back end, forcing Subban to take a decidedly less- risky approach to his game, which is reflected in going from the 80th percentile in defensive-zone-turnover rate to an average of 95th percentile while in Nashville.

Subban went from a wheeling and dealing risk taker, who was still excellent with the puck but also prone to some pretty big turnovers, to a lock-it-down defender who also managed to produce a strong amount of offence. It was a stylistic change that didn’t really mark a drop-off in his game overall for the first couple of seasons, despite some struggles in the first year during the regular season, and even led to a Norris Trophy nomination in 2017-18.

Last season however, he saw a gigantic drop in his ability to move the puck, down to the 53rd percentile in transition plays, barely above an average defenceman, despite his strength of opposition dropping a little.

This season has actually seen a return to form in moving the puck, with Subban back to approaching the 80th percentile there, but with his offence dropping off significantly it’s clear that most of his involvement isn’t showing up in the offensive zone.

At the same time, Subban has seen the highest strength of opposition of his career, while seeing more defensive struggles than he’s ever dealt with before. In the past, Subban was about average at defending his own blue line, while this season he’s in the bottom 4.5 per cent of all defencemen in denying entries into his defensive zone. That porous defence at the blueline has cascaded into other problems, which has resulted in Subban posting among the worst on-ice slot-passes-against per 20 minutes in the league. 1182654 World Leagues News Athletic Association voted unanimously on March 30 on a season that extends an extra week (to June 27) to accommodate playoff tournaments.

WHEN SPORTS PAUSED: Coronavirus causing indefinite break from Returning state champions (Hudson softball, Lincoln-Sudbury boys high school sports lacrosse, Wellesley girls track) and those that reached state finals (Hopkinton and Medway baseball, Algonquin girls tennis, Natick boys , L-S rugby) last spring are pining for the chance for additional success. By Tim Dumas Fans would hate to miss out on seeing Franklin’s Brennan Rivera rack up Apr 10, 2020 at 4:22 PM strikeout totals and Natick’s Will Haskell (.445 batting average last year) Apr 10, 2020 at 4:40 PM rake at the plate. Another look at lacrosse All-Americans Matt Lazaro (Franklin) and Erin Walsh (Franklin) would be must-see opportunities.

On the tennis court, Olivia Almy (Algonquin), Kirstin Hailey (AMSA), Jack The interruption for 9/11 was small. Nothing compared to the current Figgins (Hopedale) and Aryan Nijhawan (Westborough) have more situation concerning the coronavirus. strokes to savor. On the track, Jules Hogan (AMSA), Schuyler Gooley (Hopkinton) and Tyler Brogan (Franklin) have plenty in the tank for Editor's note: The Daily News recently spoke to players and coaches who another run - or in Hogan’s case, leap – at All-States. were part of championships during the fall of 2001, when sports paused briefly for the 9/11 attacks. Haley Lee-Burke of Westborough/Algonquin was a top-10 player at golf’s All-States a year ago and is a current senior. Celebration was the original plan. And Milford boys volleyball is annually near the top of the standings. Chris McCann was set to take his driver’s test. Jill Masterson was turning 17. All deserve another chance to showcase their talents, if only for a limited time. The attacks on our country that day – Sept. 11, 2001 – turned any festive ideas upside down. But will they?

Everyone remembers where they were on that late-summer Tuesday. No matter what the month of May brings, this is not a time to take the And how life stopped. larger view for granted.

But it didn’t take long for high school sports to return, despite all Ricky Santos, who led Bellingham High to a EMass. Super Bowl title in professional sports and most college games being canceled the following 2001 and is now the interim head football coach at the University of New weekend. Hampshire, calls the current situation for athletes “very challenging.

Many high school football games went on as planned that Friday and “The kids’ mental well-being is a huge concern. We tell them to control Saturday, although some practices were canceled. what you can control,” he said. “Take this opportunity to realize you are blessed that you’re healthy. It’s an opportunity to take a step back and The interruption was small. Nothing compared to the current situation realize you have it pretty good.” concerning the coronavirus. Santos is normally in the middle of Spring Practice this time of year, but The end of winter high school sports was cut off. While swimming, track feels fortunate to be able to spend more time with his two-year-old and field, gymnastics and wrestling were able to complete their seasons daughter. and crown state champions, the same was not true for ice hockey and basketball. And Medway High alum Brauninger, who teamed with fellow senior Masterson to win that state volleyball title in 2001, hopes current athletes Two basketball state championship games were played in empty arenas, get the chance to take the field next month. but four others were canceled. The entire girls and boys hockey finals were scrapped. She cannot imagine not having that lasting memory of competing with teammates in a sport she loves. For spring, not a single practice has been held. There is a chance the entire season may be lost. (Schools are closed until May 4.) “That was one of the best years of my life. I would relive that year all over again,” she said. “I can’t imagine giving that up.” “My first thought is of weddings and (high school) seniors playing sports,” said Tara (Dunn) Brauninger, who played on a state championship 9/11 led to a brief pause. The coronavirus has caused a break in the volleyball team at Medway High in 2001. action that has left athletes in limbo for an indefinite period.

Darren Eng, who won a state soccer title at Wayland that year, says the “I always take something positive out of things in life,” Brauninger said. routine of going to school, then playing sports after class is the type of “How are they going to take something positive out of this?” schedule many young athletes crave. Milford Daily News LOADED: 04.11.2020 He’s not sure what he would have done in the current situation.

“I’ve got to imagine that it’s really tough to have something that you look forward to after school every day that you rely on as your outlet – it’s got to be taking a huge toll,” he said. “I feel terrible for everyone. It’s not an easy time.”

Phil Marchegiani, whose Marian High football team – with McCann at quarterback – won the EMass Division 6 Super Bowl in 2001, wonders about the future of contact sports like football once the COVID-19 scare ends.

There are many questions with few answers.

“What about team hand shakes? Should there be a ban on water bottles?” Marchegiani said. “What’s the protocol for trainers, who already have enough on their plate. First there was how to handle the heat, then concussions, and bullying. This will be another type of protocol.”

Still a chance

High school athletes across the state are clinging to the hope that the spring season can start May 4. The Interscholastic 1182655 World Leagues News

UFC can be everything Dana White wants but not during coronavirus

By George WillisApril 10, 2020 | 10:27PM

Ultimately, the canceling of UFC 249 was the right decision even though you could tell it pained UFC president Dana White to do so. This wasn’t the time to put on an event when the rest of the world is telling you not to.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the “highest levels” of ESPN and Disney told White to stand down and not stage his pay-per-view fight card on the Santa Rosa Indian Reservation outside of Fresno, Calif. As determined as White was to put on his show, he had no choice but to cancel the card after going through the considerable expense and effort to make the fights happen. But this is not a time to go rogue.

Yes, it probably would have done huge pay-per-view numbers on ESPN+. The sports world is starved for live action. Watching replays of past NCAA Tournaments and Masters are one thing. Still, there is nothing like a live event, which is what White was promising and is still promising.

“We’ll be the first sport back,” he vowed even while announcing UFC 249 had been canceled. “Fight Island is a real thing. The infrastructure is being built right now. It’s going to happen.”

Staging UFC 249 sounded plausible in theory. The UFC planned to “screen” everyone involved in the production of the card: The fighters, the officials, the ESPN personnel on site. They intended to self-regulate the bout using rules and medical procedures established by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Social distancing except for the fighters was to be practiced. Still, ESPN and the UFC had too much to lose.

Fighting next Saturday would’ve been too soon. Hundreds of people are dying daily from COVID-19. Families and lives are being impacted in countless ways. Our healthcare system is under siege. The future of the world is uncertain.

We’ve all been asked to sacrifice and do our part by staying home. Ignoring the wishes of state and local governments and athletic commissions would not have been the proper thing for the UFC and ESPN to do.

Officials working the bout didn’t need to risk their own health and the health of their families to put on an MMA event. The rest of the world has been told tests are only for those who have symptoms and the resources of healthcare workers are needed for those already ill.

Ultimately, ESPN made the decision for the UFC.

“Nobody wants to see sports return more than we do, but we didn’t feel this was the right time for a variety of reasons,” read a statement from ESPN.

MMA fans know the deal and won’t lose enthusiasm for a fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Tony Ferguson, the original matchup that was set for April 18 at Barclays Center. Justin Gaethje, who was ready to fill in after Nurmagomedov couldn’t get out of Russia because of a travel ban, will get his chance, with Conor McGregor also in the mix.

This was not the best scenario for Gaethje anyway, taking his first shot at a UFC belt on 12 days’ notice against a very talented and ruthless Ferguson. Gaethje’s stock rose by making himself available, and he used Instagram to thank White for the opportunity to fight for the interim belt.

“I’m going to be working hard to be ready next time the opportunity arises,” Gaethje wrote. “Let’s get through this fight we are all facing right now by having a positive impact on our immediate surroundings [family, neighbor, community].”

White can still make the UFC the first sport back from this nightmare. Just not right now.

NY POST LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182656 World Leagues News

International Champions Cup canceled due to coronavirus pandemic

5:15 PM ET

Jeff Carlisle

The 2020 International Champions Cup has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, tournament organizers Relevent Sports Group announced on Friday.

This summer's edition would have been the eighth time that the tournament was held. But leagues around the world have been shut down due to the pandemic, and while a smattering of smaller competitions have continued -- like in Belarus and Nicaragua -- only in Germany is the sport scheduled to resume, with the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga targeting an early May return. That reality left little room for the ICC to maneuver.

"The health and safety of the players, staff, fans, and all who are involved in our matches is always paramount," Relevent CEO Daniel Sillman said in a statement. "The lack of clarity on when social distancing and shelter- in-place restrictions will be lifted and the uncertain international football calendar, with the potential for European domestic leagues and UEFA tournaments being played into August, means planning a Men's International Champions Cup this summer is unfeasible. We look forward to bringing the best clubs and most iconic matchups in the world to the U.S. and Asia in 2021."

ESPN LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182657 World Leagues News There is not much known about whether heat can and will kill off the virus from surfaces, but “the dryness in Arizona would not be helpful,” McClain said. “The virus does worse in a humid environment.”

‘Where is the line?’ How a sports doctor views MLB’s chances at strange If it sounds as if MLB is trying to thread a needle, well, it might be the season only major sport able to find an even vaguely plausible needle.

“When you look at baseball as opposed to … contact sports,” McClain said, “You’ve got a better chance of minimizing it.” Mark W. Sanchez KNBR LOADED: 04.11.2020 Posted on April 10, 2020

A health expert can answer so many questions, can analyze COVID-19 like Bill Belichick dissects defenses, can explain in detail the advantages of social distancing to talk even the most social creature back into the house.

But as far as when society — in particular, Major League Baseball — can and should return to at least a strain of normalcy, it can become less scientific and more philosophical.

“It depends on how you define ‘feasible,'” Rand McClain, a regenerative and sports medicine doctor based in Santa Monica, said when asked if MLB’s all-around-Arizona plan is feasible. “There’s no 100 percent safe way to [ensure you don’t get the virus] without being locked up. If you’re going to go out there and play baseball, you’re going to assume some risk. Can you reduce the risk to where you feel comfortable?

“… What are you prepared to do? The first thing you have to decide is where is the line. What’s the amount of risk you’re willing to take?”

That will be the question that major league owners and players wrestle with in the coming weeks as the two sides debate the importance of the TV money — which would be huge at a time when there are no live sports and the public is desperate — and the health risks before there is a coronavirus vaccine.

While there is not a cure for the infectious disease that has slowed the world, there is significant momentum for testing. MLB could start with antibody testing for all players, a blood test that shows if you’ve been infected and thus determines who is believed to be immune. Those without the antibodies could be tested before each game, McClain conjectured, using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) kits that soon will be more easily available.

The kits and testing would be expensive, but the profits would be big, too. Quarantining the players, only allowing them to go from hotel to ballpark and back and believing they will be mostly safe from outbreak is possible. Of course, you would also need to test the hotel staff, the people around the clubhouse, the chefs — all the previously anonymous folk who still come into contact with players all the time. There are so many people to consider if baseball wants to open up before the country does.

The game itself may have to change, too. The virus is easiest spread through infected droplets landing on surfaces that humans then touch, then proceed to touch their face. While so many sports are resistant to hygiene, baseball may be king, pitchers so often blowing on their hands, licking their fingers, then throwing a ball that could be touched by anyone next.

Maybe “you put some form of helmet or mask on a player,” McClain suggested over the phone Friday. “So when there is a slide into home plate and the runner [slides] into the catcher, maybe [N]95 masks for everybody to help protect that.”

And maybe latex gloves for all. Batting gloves will come in, well, handy.

And baseball could have “very strict rules about manager and ump confrontation,” McClain joked.

While it’s being termed as a plan, it’s less coordinated and more flung against the wall. Baseball wants to explore every possible crevice to see if it’s possible to begin play while the rest of the country waits inside.

ESPN reported all 30 teams could be sequestered in Arizona — while the players could sit in the empty stands a safe distance from one another. USA Today passed along a reorganization of the leagues, dissolving AL and NL and grouping teams by spring training sites, thus having half the league in Florida and half in Arizona.

There are other considerations to take into account in both plans, including an unrelenting sun in the middle of the summer. 1182658 World Leagues News long that will be. Unfortunately with this, as all of the world, it changes so rapidly every day.”

Last weekend, President Donald Trump held a conference call with a MLB weighing multiple factors in brainstorming extreme scheduling dozen commissioners of sports leagues and associations and expressed scenarios amid coronavirus concerns his desire for them to return to play “sooner rather than later.” In a statement this week, MLB restated that it would follow guidelines set forth by public health officials. by Scott Lauber, The financial implications of a long shutdown were clear before Forbes published its franchise values. MLB recently reached an agreement with

the players on partial compensation for a lost 2020 season, creating Within hours Thursday, new data arose that helps explain the push and security for owners who would experience diminished revenues. But pull, the tug of war, that Major League Baseball is facing over the owners are likely still shuddering at the thought of a shrinking balance propriety of opening a season amid a global pandemic. sheet, while players ponder lost wages.

First, Forbes released its annual appraisal of MLB franchises, with 23 of “I think everybody wants to play as many games as we can,” Phillies star the 30 teams recognizing an increase in value from 2018 to 2019. The Bryce Harper said recently. "I think that’s the goal for the NHL, NBA, and Phillies are listed at $2 billion, 8% more than the previous year and the NFL as well. But first and foremost, it’s the health of everybody in this second-largest hike behind the (up 9% to $5 billion). country. I mean, this is something that is really serious. We can’t just Overall, MLB raked in $10.7 billion in revenues in 2019, the 17th think about us getting back to playing baseball because we want to. I consecutive year of record growth. think there’s a lot of people out there that miss their sports and [athletes] miss the competition and things like that. But you also have an Later, though, came sobering news from Seton Hall University’s Stillman opportunity to keep spreading it and it coming back. We need to think School of Business. In a nationwide poll of 762 people reached by phone about our neighbors, our elderly, and our parents. over a three-day span from April 6-8, 61% of sports fans and 72% of all respondents said they won’t attend a sporting event until a coronavirus » ASK US: Do you have a question about the coronavirus and how it vaccine has been developed. Most medical experts doubt that will affects your health, work and life? Ask our reporters. happen until next year. “Once this all kind of blows over and we can get back into baseball and And so, with each passing day, word leaks of a brainstorm from that routine, then that will be at the forefront of our minds. But as of right commissioner Rob Manfred’s office -- each as extreme as the last -- for now, there’s nothing we can really do.” how a $10.7 billion industry can avoid the doomsday scenario of losing Except to continue thinking up contingency plans while realizing that the entire 2020 season, even if it means almost certainly playing in empty none of them might ever wind up becoming reality. ballparks. Philadelphia Inquirer LOADED: 04.11.2020 Earlier this week, ESPN and the Associated Press detailed a plan in which all 30 teams would play in nearly a dozen ballparks in the Phoenix area while living in what amounts to an isolation bubble and undergoing regular tests for COVID-19 at a time when such testing isn’t as available as it needs to be to the general public.

Privately, many players expressed concern over leaving their families for four months in the midst of a global health crisis. What would it mean, say, for Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler, whose wife is due to give birth in July? Others were skeptical that the plan would keep them safe.

Friday brought yet another, only slightly less insane-sounding idea. According to USA Today, MLB has considered sending each team to its spring-training site and realigning the divisions by geographic proximity in Florida and Arizona to enable the opening of the season with minimal travel and presumably lower risk of transmitting the virus. The Phillies would be grouped with the Yankees, , Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates, all of whom train within a 60-mile radius of Clearwater, Fla.

The latter proposal seems a bit less far-fetched. Then again, Florida reported 16,323 cases of COVID-19 through Friday morning, eighth-most in the country according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So, MLB can probably put a pin in this latest plan, too.

But April isn't even half over. More ideas are surely coming.

There’s isn’t anything wrong with that, of course. It’s incumbent upon MLB and the Players’ Association to spitball ideas. But they are also weeks and maybe months from knowing when it might be safe for the sport to reconvene.

Let the fans' voices in the Seton Hall poll serve as a stark reminder of that reality.

Even in South Korea, which has contained the virus as effectively as any country and possesses widely available testing, the preeminent baseball league is scheduled to open its season in early May in empty ballparks and without a timeline for when fans might be allowed back through the gates.

“There’s probably going to be something with the city as far as guidelines, a consistent amount of days where they have been a small amount of cases to where they’ll allow people to go,” said former Phillies pitcher David Buchanan, who will play in Korea this season. “I’m hoping that it’s not waiting until it’s completely gone because Lord knows how 1182659 World Leagues News

XFL suspends operations due to Covid-19 with no plans for 2021 return

Guardian sport and agencies

Fri 10 Apr 2020 13.40 EDTLast modified on Fri 10 Apr 2020 15.48 EDT

The XFL has suspended operations and laid off its employees.

The eight-team professional football league conceived by World Wrestling Entertainment chairman Vince McMahon as an out-of-season competitor to the NFL appears to be done for good after workers were informed of the layoffs during an in-house conference call Friday.

When it canceled the remainder of its 2020 season last month because of the coronavirus pandemic, the league’s official statement said it was “committed to playing a full season in 2021 and future years”.

Tom Pelissero

The XFL just held a conference call in which all employees were told the league is suspending operations. Said one: "The word they used was 'shut down'."

April 10, 2020

The XFL played five games out of a planned 10-game schedule. It drew decent TV ratings early on and had deals with ESPN and Fox.

But spring football is a difficult challenge, as the Alliance of found out in 2019, not lasting a full season.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported the league will pay employees through Sunday.

Shortly after Friday’s announcement, the Dallas Cowboys signed cornerback Saivion Smith, who played for the XFL’s Houston Roughnecks. The Roughnecks were the XFL’s longe undefeated team when the league stopped playing in March.

Smith led the University of Alabama with three interceptions in his only season in 2018. The Crimson Tide lost to Clemson in the College Football Playoff championship game. He signed with Jacksonville as an undrafted free agent last year but was waived before the season.

LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182660 World Leagues News Fonner Park stopped racing on March 16 because of the coronavirus but started up again a week later, without fans.

In March, betting on races at Fonner Park was up 272.2 percent over the Too Young to Qualify for the 2020 Olympics? Not Anymore previous year, even though there were 21 fewer races, according to figures compiled by Horse Racing Nation. The meet has been extended to April 29.

By Danielle Allentuck “It exceeded our expectations because we did not expect as many other tracks to cancel racing,” Chris Kotulak, the track’s chief executive, told April 10, 2020 The Grand Island Independent. “So the limelight that we believed we were moving into just got a lot brighter than we expected.”

The International Gymnastics Federation announced on Thursday that Bettors nationwide are suddenly desperately interested in Nebraska female gymnasts born in 2005 will be eligible to compete at the Olympic racing. “We got a call from some guy in Ohio who wants to buy a Fonner Games in Tokyo — postponed to July 2021 — even though they would Park T-shirt,” Kotulak said. The focus on Tuesday was on the Pick 5, not have been allowed to if the Games were held this summer. which requires selecting the winners of five straight races. The total bet by players trying to hit that jackpot on Tuesday was $3.6 million, plus That means some athletes who would have made the team if the another $500,000 or so bet earlier. Olympics were held as scheduled this summer, now may have their spot taken by a younger athlete. In the end, 203 gamblers — in Nebraska, Ohio, New York, who knows? — picked five winners, earning $16,888.40 for a $1 bet. It’s a pretty sure Konnor McClain, one of the top junior athletes, had her sights set on thing that many of them have never been anywhere near Grand Island, making the team in 2024. She will turn 16 next February, which now Neb. makes her eligible to compete for a spot on the U.S. team next summer. But it wouldn’t be a day at the races without some disgruntled fans. In the Her training plan had been designed to have her peak at just the right first leg of the Pick 5 there was controversy, the horse racing site Paulick time for the 2024 Olympics. McClain said her coach had been cautious Report said. Finisher Where’s Rufus crossed the line first but was not to push her too early to try to prevent her from getting injured. She disqualified for interfering with the second-place finisher Taylor’s Prince, has been practicing more difficult skills, but was not planning on a decision that seemed to be marginal. This could not have pleased competing them yet. those who chose Where’s Rufus in the Pick 5, and then hit the next four winners, missing out on the jackpot. “I think it’s a little more scary because she’s been on a path where she had four years to do everything,” her mother Lorinda McClain said in a Even as the world changes, horseplayers stay the same. VICTOR phone interview last month. “She’s on a great path. Her and her coach MATHER have a schedule going. It’s going to be a lot different for her and her coach.” Is This It for the XFL?

Many in the gymnastics community do not like the new rules, including While the pandemic has caused a steep economic blow to many sports Cecile Landi, who coaches Simone Biles. leagues, no major ones have yet gone out of business.

“I have nothing against the 2005 generation, but I don’t agree with this But there was disquieting news for fans of the XFL, the football league decision,” Landi said in a tweet. “It will be the 2020 Olympics so the rules that launched this season and made it through five games before being should remain the same as this year.” stopped by the virus. At the time, it vowed to return in 2021, but on Friday the league decided to suspend its operations and lay off most Latest Updates: Coronavirus Outbreak in the U.S. employees.

Trump says he’s ‘looking at a date’ to begin easing restrictions. It was not immediately clear if the league would be back next season, but certainly the signs were ominous. An email to a communications Seventy test positive at a San Francisco homeless shelter. executive at on Friday afternoon was returned as Citing virus, Trump moves to punish countries that won’t accept deported undeliverable. VICTOR MATHER citizens. New York Times LOADED: 04.11.2020 The federation also announced that there were no plans to move the 2021 World Championships, which are scheduled for Oct. 18-24, 2021, in Denmark.

The Mets, Featuring Mom

On Thursday we told you what the Yankees were up to. Now let’s observe the equal-time rule.

Mets’ catcher Wilson Ramos has a few new teammates: his children. His daughter and son got some practice off a tee on Thursday, with Ramos proudly watching behind them. Ramos also got a workout in, taking some swings and doing some catching.

Infielder Wilmer Flores, a former Met, got an assist from family too, with his mother tossing him balls during his workout.

With no access to fields, pitcher Marcus Stroman improvised and made his own bullpen on a dock. Last week, a barefoot Dominic Smith stood in as Stroman’s catcher as he practiced in a parking lot. The two also stayed competitive, participating in a virtual beer pong tournament.

They aren’t the only Mets practicing together. Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo have been working out together in Nimmo’s garage. McNeil has also been spending lots of time with his dog Willow, who he adopted at a Mets game last season.

Horse Racing Is Still Running (in Some Places)

Horse racing is about the only American sport that is still underway. And a little track in Nebraska that railbirds mostly ignore in normal times is suddenly getting outsize attention. 1182661 World Leagues News Bevan says he has taken a 20% wage deferral at the LMA and that many of his members have done the same.

"Most of the managers, if not all, have supported their clubs in some sort 'English football should not restart until players tested' of financial way," he says.

"Despite some managers who you might think don't have the loyalties of certain clubs because they terminate their contracts every 10 months, By Dan Roan they have been massively impressive in terms of how they've led."

BBC sports editor Bevan says that, outside of the Premier League, there has been "a lack of centralised thinking and a lack of respecting how you should lead in 10 Apr the modern world" in English football during the crisis.

"We're going to have some very difficult times and we've got to make The football season in England should only resume once all players have sure we've got good leaders and clarity of thinking." been tested for coronavirus, says the chief executive of the League When asked what he thought of the controversy surrounding Premier Managers' Association (LMA). League clubs furloughing non-playing members of staff, Bevan said: But Richard Bevan told BBC Sport "tests must be made available first" to "Maybe the learning for the government is that when the furlough period NHS workers and patients. comes to an end and they need to reset it for June, I would welcome them saying furloughing is only really focused on the people that really "Once that's happened, by all means let's access it in sport," he added. need it.

Professional football has been postponed indefinitely because of the "Maybe we should be seeing the clubs in League 1 and League 2 that pandemic. need the furloughing. I'd like to see the government setting better guidelines so that the wrong businesses don't take away the money from Bevan has criticised the English Football League (EFL) for failing to where we need it to be." consult his members over an estimate that the season could be completed in 56 days once it restarts. BBC sports LOADED: 04.11.2020 This week clubs were sent a letter in which the EFL said it was "hopeful" of a conclusion in the summer months.

Bevan described the proposed schedule as "amazingly tight", adding: "You're going to have to get the support of the coaches and managers. You do not do that by not talking to them. You do not get the end-product or working together if you just send a letter out without actually taking their advice or thoughts."

Bevan said he had now asked the EFL to discuss the restarting of the season with the managers from each league.

"You're going to have to get the goodwill of the players because you're going to have at least three weeks of training to get back on the pitch at least," he said.

"The most important thing guiding every principle is health, and getting back on the pitch without ensuring fully-fit players is a very big call to make. I would like to see more debate."

Bevan thinks testing is key to getting back to action as soon as possible.

"We're not really going to see more accurate forecasting about when we can get on the pitch until the end of April" he said.

"In Germany, if you look at discussions about coming back in May, that's probably a direct result of some very clear thinking from their government because they're doing 50,000 tests a day.

"In this country we're doing 10,000 per day, although the government are targeting 100,000 each day by the end of the month.

"Our managers do not want to be back on the pitch unless the players have been tested. But at the same time the government must confirm that is OK, because the tests must be made available first - if there's a shortage - to care workers, patients, NHS staff and their families."

How many in the UK have been tested?

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has already said the government has "a huge amount of work to do" to meet its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests a day in the UK by the end of April.

Tests are now being made available to doctors and nurses who have symptoms, or who live in a household with someone who does. Tests for other health and care workers will follow.

About 7,500 NHS workers and their family members have been tested, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.

Overall, 218,577 people in the UK had been tested by 7 April. And as of 8 April, 343 people have been tested per 100,000 of the UK population.

'We've got to make sure we've got good leaders and clarity of thinking' 1182662 World Leagues News

Renault furloughs 'vast majority' of UK staff

By Andrew Benson

10 Apr

Renault says "the vast majority" of staff at its UK Formula 1 base have been put on enforced absence until at least the end of May.

It is applying for the government furlough scheme, which guarantees employees 80% of their earnings up to a maximum of £2,500 a month.

Renault said it would top up the government money so all staff receive at least 80% of their salaries.

The company will review its position as the coronavirus crisis develops.

The move means the "vast majority" of its staff will have been on "total shutdown" from 1 April, Renault said.

In addition to its measures at its factory at Enstone in Oxfordshire, Renault said its engine base at Viry-Chatillon near Paris was put on a part-time schedule on 6 April for a period that will last at least 12 weeks.

"This decision was taken in consultation with employee representatives and was supported by a solidarity agreement aimed to protect the company and its employees," Renault said in a statement.

Renault Sport managing director Cyril Abiteboul, the company's F1 team principal, said: "The very difficult human and sanitary circumstances that we are experiencing and the strict lockdown in and England, as well as in most Grand Prix-organising countries, do not yet allow us to measure the impact on our sport.

"We therefore must use all the measures at our disposal to get through this prolonged period of uncertainty and inactivity as best as we can, while protecting the whole team we have built over the past four years."

Renault are the fourth team to say they are putting a significant number of staff on furlough, following McLaren, Williams and Racing Point.

F1, which is facing a significant drop in all its revenue streams, has already taken a series of cost-cutting measures in the face of the first nine races of the season being called off and uncertainty as to when and whether it can start again this year.

A major rules change for 2021 has been postponed until 2022 and teams will use the same cars next year as they built for this year, among other detail changes.

In addition, F1 bosses are discussing a move to lower the budget cap from its current level of $175m (£137.9m) when it comes into force next year.

F1 says it is considering "all possibilities" as it seeks to restart its season later in the summer, including races behind closed doors.

Managing director Ross Brawn says he believes the sport can hold a valid world championship season even if racing cannot start until October.

BBC sports LOADED: 04.11.2020LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182663 World Leagues News The first event on the calendar that has not yet been canceled or postponed is the Charles Schwab Challenge from May 21-24 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Texas. The memo acknowledges that start date is unlikely, however. Coronavirus: Here's what's happening in the sports world on Friday World Athletics president offers hope of track & field season

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe is still hoping that a belated The Associated Press · Posted: Apr 10, 2020 9:42 AM ET | Last outdoor athletics season can be staged from August to October this year, Updated: April 10 he said on Friday.

Like all sport around the world, athletics is at a standstill because of the coronavirus pandemic with little indication of when it will be able to The latest on how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting sports around the resume. globe: "We know that different countries are at different stages of managing this Olympics could be in doubt next summer hints Games CEO pandemic so we are trying to give a structure to our athletes and member Russia prefers to focus on future of Olympic movement federations so they can begin to plan for the year ahead," Coe said in a World Athletics statement. PGA Tour reportedly considering return to action "If it is at all possible, we will schedule a belated outdoor season from Track and field season could start in August August to October to help our athletes to figure out where they stand after the disruption of this year." FIFA warns against re-starting soccer too early World Athletics has set aside the weekend of Aug. 9-10 as the protected Soccer season to resume in Turkmenistan window for national championships. MLB players sign on for video game tournament FIFA won't rush into re-starting season No certainty of Olympics going forward in 2021 FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned against re-starting football As the coronavirus spreads in Japan, the chief executive of the Tokyo too early amid the coronavirus pandemic, telling FIFA's 211 member Games said Friday he can't guarantee the postponed Olympics will be associations on Friday that such behavior would be irresponsible. staged next year — even with the long delay. Soccer around the world has come to a standstill with domestic leagues Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued an emergency declaration on hold and major tournaments such as Euro 2020 and the Copa this week to battle the virus, putting the country under restrictions after it America postponed for one year. seemed it had avoided the spread. "Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions "I don't think anyone would be able to say if it is going to be possible to and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first," Infantino get it under control by next July or not," Tokyo organizing committee said in a statement on Friday which FIFA said was specially aimed at its CEO Toshiro Muto said, speaking through an interpreter at a news members. conference conducted remotely. "We're certainly are not in a position to "I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is give you a clear answer." worth risking a single human life. Everyone in the world should have this The Olympics were postponed last month with a new opening set for July very clear in their mind." 23, 2021, followed by the Paralympics on Aug. 24. Turkmenistan's soccer league to resume April 19 Russia says 'turn a new page' on doping ban The Central Asian nation will become part of a small group of countries International authorities should "turn a new page" and forget Russia's around the world where professional soccer is being played despite the Olympic doping ban because of the coronavirus pandemic, the country's virus outbreak. That includes the former Soviet nations of Belarus and sports minister said Friday. Tajikistan, as well as Burundi and Nicaragua.

The World Anti-Doping Agency barred Russia from the Olympics for four The eight-team Turkmenistan league was suspended on March 24. The years after ruling last year that doping data from a Moscow laboratory national soccer federation says it will resume on April 19. Fans will be had been manipulated. The Court of Arbitration for Sport is to rule on allowed to attend games. whether the ban is valid, but hearings have been delayed because of the Turkmenistan has not reported any cases of the coronavirus. health crisis. MLB players to compete in virtual season Russian doping ban heads to sport's highest court Blake Snell, Juan Soto and Bo Bichette are among the baseball stars Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin said the virus outbreak means the parties switching over to PlayStation with America's pastime on hold. in the legal proceedings should avoid a ruling against Russia because it would fracture the Olympic movement. Thirty big leaguers — one from each team — have signed on to play a round-robin regular season on the MLB The Show video game with the "The leaders of the International Olympic Committee, the World Anti- real season on hold due to the novel coronavirus. Doping Agency and the judges who will decide the ruling should understand that now we're living in completely different conditions and Snell, a Cy Young Award winner with Tampa Bay, will face Cincinnati this crisis which has been created, including the crisis in relationships, reliever Amir Garrett in the opener Friday night. That matchup will air on should probably come to an end, turn a new page and understand that Snell's Twitch feed, and other games will be streamed via Twitch and the main thing right now is to be together," he said. YouTube with MLB Network host Robert Flores providing commentary.

PGA Tour could restart season without spectators Players will complete a 29-game regular season — one three-inning contest against each team — through April. The top eight teams will According to a memo to players obtained by GolfChannel.com, tour qualify for the post-season, expected to mirror MLB's current format. officials plan to meet with the players advisory council on Tuesday to discuss a season that has been disrupted by the COVID-19 crisis. Canada rugby match in Montreal against French Barbarians cancelled

The memo said that play could restart "with or without fans" in Canada's rugby international against the French Barbarians on July 4 in attendance, and that players would be given a minimum of 3-4 weeks of Montreal has been called off due to the COVID-10 pandemic. notice before getting underway. Rugby Canada said Friday that the French invitational side had cancelled "We understand many of you may be impacted by travel restrictions its summer tour of North America, which included a July 11 match and/or the inability to practice in your area, thus we want to be able to against the U.S. give you as much time as possible to allow you to come back fully prepared," the memo read. "It was a very difficult decision but necessary in the current context," Denis Charvet, vice-president of the French Barbarian Rugby Club, said in a statement. "We must all act so that the situation evolves positively and that we can resume our activities. And unfortunately, it goes through this cancellation."

The game at Complexe Sportif Claude-Robillard, which would have been the first-ever rugby international in Montreal, was to have been the opening match of the 23rd-ranked Canadian men's quadrennial leading to the 2023 World Cup in France.

A match against No. 12 in Halifax on July 11 remains on the calendar, at least at this stage.

NBA teams seeking to delay draft

Many NBA teams are urging the league to delay the 2020 draft scheduled for June 25, ESPN reported Friday.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and shelter-in-place guidelines limiting their ability to gather information on draft-eligible prospects, teams want the draft pushed back to Aug. 1 at the earliest.

"Multiple top team executives" told ESPN that a delay would give the organizations more time to complete the pre-draft process, including interviews, medical exams and in-person workouts.

The NBA halted its regular season on March 11. Commissioner Adam Silver said earlier this week the league doesn't plan to make any decisions regarding the calendar until at least May 1.

With files from The Canadian Press, Reuters and Field Level Media

LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182664 World Leagues News Gibbs obviously didn’t want to get his wife and daughter sick and had minimal interaction with them despite being in the same house. It was extremely difficult for him, knowing LuAnn and Samantha were worried about his condition. S.I. coronavirus diary: This former 2-sport athlete took COVID-19’s best shot, but bounced back with authority To play or not to play

S.I. coronavirus diary: This Wagner College senior softball player has made a decision on her future Updated Apr 10, 2020; Posted Apr 10, 2020 The lone Islander on the Seahawks' roster mulled over the NCAA's By Charlie De Biase Jr. decision to extend eligibility in the wake of the pandemic

"Everything was done through the door,'' he said. "There were short conversations, just asking me if I needed anything. When I did, my wife Bryan Gibbs has been blessed with a 6-foot-7 frame that has enabled would leave it at the door or at the top of the stairs, almost like being in him to be a two-sport athlete in high school, earn a partial college prison. She’d walk away and only then would I open the door, grab it and scholarship and help him become an employee of the United Parcel then spray Lysol just in case. Service (UPS) for the last 15 years. "My daughter would tell me she loved me through the door and ask if she But as he found out almost three weeks ago, the coronavirus doesn’t could hug me,'' added Gibbs, who grew emotional. "It tore me apart, but I care how big or strong you are and will sneak up on you like a leopard knew I couldn’t take a chance. lurking in the weeds. "And honestly, the thought of her gave me the power to keep fighting,'' he "I got off from work on March 20th and went to bed with absolutely no continued. "I didn’t want her scarred for life God forbid something had symptoms,'' said the 40-year-old Gibbs, who works in midtown happened to me.'' Manhattan. "When I woke up on March 21st, I had full-blown symptoms -- everything. I had a 103.8 fever and was shivering like I was in a freezer; I Proud son had body aches like nothing I had ever experienced before -- a totally different kind of soreness, almost like I ran a whole marathon without Bryan Gibbs, left, poses with his dad, Gary, following his graduation from training. I couldn’t stand. St. Peter's in 1997. Gary Gibbs, who passed away seven years ago, graduated from the New Brighton school in 1971. (Courtesy of the Gibbs "And worst of all, I felt like I was drowning,'' Gibbs added. "I had a hard family) time breathing. It was surreal.'' Love and support Gibbs, a former two-sport athlete who played both basketball and baseball at St. Peter’s before graduating in 1997, would experience an Despite being in agony for several days, in addition to communicating 11-day nightmare -- and 16 consecutive days overall, mostly in his with his wife and daughter, he kept in touch with others via Facebook. He bedroom -- while waiting it out. also received a number of phone calls and texts, including from his mom, Ann, and sister, Ashley. There were times when he faced despair. He also heard from fellow St. Peter’s alums and a number of guys that "I think about it now, almost three weeks later, and I’m like ‘wow,’' he were in high school around the same time he was, including Timmy said. "There was a few times when I didn’t think I was going to make it. I Hyland (Curtis), Bo Kinard (New Dorp) and Luke Timmins (Curtis), who is actually started writing a letter to my wife (LuAnn) and daughter (9-year- also, thankfully, recovering from a bout with the horrible virus. old Samantha) that I, fortunately, eventually got to throw away.'' Gibbs said his appreciation for the show of support is immeasurable. The apple of his eye "It helped a lot. It kept my spirits up and helped me get through it, without Bryan Gibbs, who suffered from a number of COVID-19 symptoms for a doubt,'' he said. "A lot of guys, including some from St. Peter’s, kept in almost two weeks, said the thought of his daughter, Samantha, gave him touch throughout the time I was feeling my worst and I won’t forget it. It the power to fight the virus. (Courtesy of the Gibbs family) meant everything to me.''

The first few days The turning point

Gibbs said he believes, without a doubt, that he contracted COVID-19 Finally, after 11 days, the fever broke. Gibbs woke up one morning and while working for UPS. his temperature was 98.1 and although it was only the beginning of his recovery, it helped him emotionally a great deal. The Livingston resident waited four days before going to the South Beach Behavioral Health Center COVID-19 testing site, but went to the "That’s when i started thinking to myself ‘I’m going to beat this,'’ said emergency room before then because of his difficulty breathing. Gibbs, whose entire family graduated from either St. Peter’s Boys or Girls, including his late father, Gary (1971), mom (1974) and sister "The doctors in the ER said I 1,000 percent I had (COVID-19),'' he said. (2001). "I didn’t want to be a negative statistic on the news. I wanted to "I panicked ... I was sweating like Patrick Ewing on the free-throw line in be on the pro side of the story.'' the fourth quarter. They said it was severe, but I was at low risk because I had no underlying health issues. Gibbs recently had a video chat with his primary doctor, who asked him about his symptoms and how was feeling in general. "They sent me home where I was cooped up in my bedroom, where I had to wait it out. I felt like I was isolated from the world. I had the fever for "Eventually, I had no fever, body aches, dizziness and I never had a sore 10-11 straight days and I took Tylenol up to four times a day to control it.'' throat,'' he said. "I am still feeling weak -- I nap once or twice a day -- but the doctor said it’s part of the process. It won’t last.'' Gibbs said he had little appetite during that stretch, only occasionally having oatmeal and apples. He wound up losing 25 pounds since first The aftermath experiencing symptoms three weeks ago. Gibbs is so grateful to have what he considers a new lease on life that he Communicating with wife, daughter has a whole new perspective on things, and for the better.

To pass the time, Gibbs viewed a lot of old reruns from TV shows he He recently had a tearful, but joyful sit down with his wife and although watched as a kid. he still has to keep his distance for a few more days, he’s looking forward to getting back to normalcy. "There’s only so many classic pro games you can watch,'' said Gibbs, who earned a three-quarters scholarship to Long Island University after "There’s no words to describe the relief I feel,'' said Gibbs. "Just to be graduating from St. Peter’s before eventually earning an Associates alive feels amazing. I pulled through it and although I’m not 100 percent, I Degree from the College of Staten Island. "I tried to find some old footage feel good and I want people who still have it to keep their heads up, that of games from my high school days, but couldn’t find anybody that had there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m living proof it can be done.'' them.'' Gibbs is planning to return to work on May 4 and, although he had to postpone a 10-day vacation to Aruba beginning April 23, he said it will be rescheduled soon.

In addition, he’s also planning to help friends in the restaurant business during these tough times by occasionally ordering food, including such places as Ruddy & Dean, Jody’s Club Forest and The Kettle Black.

Gibbs is also expecting to hear from his doctor about giving blood for convalescent plasma therapy.

"I told my doctor ... give me a time and date and I’ll give as much blood as I can,'' he said, noting the antibodies from the blood of a person who has recovered from the virus can be used for transfusions to a current sick person with the disease. "I want to help other people as much as I can because nobody should ever feel the way I did.'' silive.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182665 World Leagues News

Magic Johnson says beating coronavirus should include tackling racial disparities

By Christina Maxouris, CNN

Updated 5:25 AM ET, Fri April 10, 2020

Magic Johnson calls out racial disparities with pandemic 02:56

(CNN)NBA legend Magic Johnson says he's hopeful health experts will soon come up with effective treatment to help patients beat coronavirus - - but added important parts in overcoming the pandemic will be expanding testing and healthcare access to African American communities who have been hit the hardest.

"We've got to make sure, first ... every American can get a test," Johnson told CNN Thursday night. The former Los Angeles Lakers player announced nearly 30 years ago he was HIV positive.

"The reason why I'm still living is because (of) early detection. I had a test, I had a physical. It came up that I had HIV and that saved my life," he said. "So people want to get tested. Until they get tested, people won't be comfortable because that's going to tell them whether they have this virus or not."

But tests, Johnson said, should be made available in all parts of the country so that all communities have equal access.

"The problem is people want us to drive to suburban America to get that test," he said. "Why can't you have that testing done right in urban America, right in the inner cities?"

But having more tests won't be enough. For African American communities which have so far been the hardest hit by the virus in the US, he said wider access to medical care as well as access to the right information about this virus will make all the difference.

"When you think about, first of all African Americans, we deal with a lot of health issues already. So we talk about HIV and AIDS, but obesity, when you think about diabetes, high blood pressure, so all these things we already deal with, then you add coronavirus on top of that, that's a tough situation," Johnson said. "And then the lack of access to health care, that's just an unbeatable situation."

Tracking the coronavirus in the US

Early data released by some cities across the US showed a staggering number of African Americans have been killed by coronavirus.

Chicago officials said earlier this week 72% of coronavirus victims were black -- despite the fact that African Americans make up 30% of the city's population.

In Louisiana, where 32% of the population is African American, those residents account for more than 70% of coronavirus deaths.

"There's been inequalities and injustice going on for a long time especially when you think about minorities," Johnson said. "Until those things change, we're still going to have a lack of health care. We're still going to be behind the 8 ball when you think about African Americans."

But there's also a lot of misinformation contributing to the problem, Johnson said, which is reminiscent to the rumors and beliefs that floated around when there was still little known about HIV, he said.

"Blacks thought they couldn't get HIV and AIDS. It's the same thing as the coronavirus. It reminds me going back 30 years, we were all wrong."

"That's why we see these (coronavirus) numbers so high, because ... people went out there spreading the word that blacks couldn't get it, and now we see that not only can we get the coronavirus but we can die from the coronavirus," Johnson said. "So, in our community, we got to do a better job of making sure everybody knows that they can get this virus. And it's deadly."

CNN LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182666 World Leagues News

FIFA outlines three key priorities in coronavirus battle

9:43 AM ET

ESPN

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has outlined his three immediate priorities to support football during the coronavirus pandemic: peoples' health, funding clubs in time of crisis and a plan for the future.

Infantino said that world football's governing body is ready to use its cash reserves to help clubs fight the growing financial concerns surrounding the sport. FIFA last reported cash reserves of $2.7 billion.

"We [FIFA] are today in a very strong financial situation," Infantino said. "FIFA enjoys a good reputation on the financial market. This has helped us consolidate a solid foundation with large reserves. But our reserves are not FIFA's money. It is football's money. So when football is in need, we must think what we can do to help. It is our responsibility and our duty.

"You have to know that we will be there and we will find solutions together. You will never be alone, the world will know where the money goes and, equally important, why the money goes there."

The FIFA president also said that the organisation is working to gain a clearer a picture around how the sport will look like after the crisis.

Infantino said that the consultation process is already underway to assess the financial impact across the sport, but he insisted that restarting play is secondary to the health of all those involved.

The pandemic has decimated the world football calendar, with all of Europe's major leagues on hold. Football in England, Spain, France and Germany has been postponed indefinitely, while the Italian Serie A is suspended until at least April 13.

"Our first priority, our principle, the one we will use for our competitions and encourage everyone to follow is that health comes first," he added. "I cannot stress this enough. No match, no competition, no league is worth risking a single human life.

"Everyone in the world should have this very clear in their mind. It would be more than irresponsible to force competitions to resume if things are not 100% safe. If we have to wait a little longer we must do so. It's better to wait a little bit longer than to take any risks."

ESPN LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182667 World Leagues News

Coronavirus update: Will fans watch sports if stadiums are empty? Survey says ...

Updated Apr 10, 2020; Posted Apr 10, 2020

By Joe Giglio

Maybe the atmosphere does matter more than someone like Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred thinks.

Just days after MLB’s wacky, sequester-in-place, baseball-in-a-bubble, no-fans-present idea hit the internet, a Seton Hall Sports Poll at the Stillman School of Business shows that not all fans would be up for watching games in empty stadiums on their television.

In fact, 16 percent of respondents said they would be less interested in watching games without fans amid the coronavirus pandemic.

As for the possibility of playing games with no fans present, a similar number – 76 percent – said they would watch broadcasts of the games with the same interest as before, with only 16 percent saying they would be less interested and 7 percent saying they would be more interested.

Now, that’s likely not enough (nor is the sample of 762 Americans called for their opinion on this matter) to stop sport leagues from trying to come back and have some sort of competition in 2020. But it is a glimpse into how some fans think.

Is the game truly the game without the roar of the crowd? Would an element be missing? Is something better than nothing? My guess: Yes, something will suffice and most fans (as the poll states) will watch either the same amount or more, even if the product and atmosphere isn’t what we’ve come to expect.

But if a true ratings boom for live sports (wherever and however they exist) this summer and fall is in the mind’s of television and sport executives, perhaps that thinking is flawed. nj.com LOADED: 04.11.2020 1182668 World Leagues News they would not attend if sporting events resumed without a vaccine for the coronavirus.

"The risk of transmission to the crowd is real," said Andrew Peterson, a Coronavirus, social distancing will change the way we attend games professor and sports medicine specialist at the University of Iowa. "Let's say there's a certain percentage of the population that is asymptomatic and can spread it: If you've got fewer people in the building, there's fewer people like that in that crowd. If you've got a small group of people, you 7:56 AM ET can do some things to mitigate some of that risk. You'd be a little bit Kelly Cohen better about cleaning services and maintaining space -- in a big crowded stadium, that's nearly impossible to do."

A stadium or arena can be a petri dish for any type of virus, Peterson Wearing a face mask to the ballpark to watch your baseball team? What explained. But he added that sports teams and leagues have known this about hand sanitizer at every aisle that you have to use before going to and have long dealt with the risk associated with close contact at games your seat at an NBA game? Should there be temperature checks when -- for example, mono in colleges, he said. entering the arena? And can fans say goodbye to high-fives, hugging and even group selfies? Sports returning in whatever form face challenges from the federal government. On March 15, the CDC recommended the cancellation or There are going to be many new realities when live sports return after the postponement of gatherings of 50 people or more for the next eight coronavirus pandemic, in whatever capacity that looks like, according to weeks. The White House has also advised against social gatherings of experts. any kind of 10 or more people. That puts every single sporting event, at least in the U.S., on the federal government's list of not-going-to-happen- Ronald Waldman, a professor of global health at George Washington anytime-soon. University who has also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, said that first there will have to be "The determination of crowd density and fan seating will be informed by "serious declines" in the rate of infection, and good estimates as to how knowledge we gain over the coming weeks as we get more information widespread infection was. on testing and the immune response protection that may exist after recovery from exposure. It is too soon to say what it will look like," Doug "To think that things are going to get back to normal soon, it may be a Aukerman, director of sports medicine at Oregon State University and mistake to think that things are ever going to get back to normal," senior associate athletic director there, said. Waldman said. When President Donald Trump said this past weekend that stadiums and Sports at every level around the globe have been canceled or postponed arenas would reopen "sooner rather than later," California Gov. Gavin since mid-March due to the spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID- Newsom -- who has five MLB teams, four NBA teams, three MLS teams, 19. three NFL teams, three NHL teams and the storied Rose Bowl and L.A. "Even though there is a lot of uncertainty right now, one thing is very Coliseum in his state -- shot back and said he doesn't anticipate that certain: People's expectations are going to change and our awareness happening for football games come fall. Santa Clara County chief levels are going to change," said Joseph Allen, a professor of exposure executive officer Dr. Jeffrey Smith said Tuesday that he doesn't "expect assessment science at Harvard University. "I think people will be looking to have any sports games until at least Thanksgiving, and we'd be lucky at the environment differently." to have them by Thanksgiving."

By the time sports do come back -- though Allen, like many other experts, So do Newsom and Smith have the right mindset? admitted he isn't sure when that will happen and what it will look like -- "I do think some of these half-measures of rolling things out slowly, we will have been already practicing social distancing for so long, playing in empty stadiums, they do make some sense," said Peterson, something that was once maybe awkward to do before "will stay the who is also the Iowa Hawkeyes' head team physician. "Nothing's going to norm." be perfect at first, but turning things all the way back on before this is Keeping people 6 feet or more apart helps minimize the person-to-person gone in the community is going to be hard." spread of coronavirus, according to the CDC. Peterson said rolling out sports in a controlled manner is the best way to Allen said sports have a "huge role to play" in the aftermath of bring them back. coronavirus, and that includes being a model in their behavior and "It would be nice for it to kind of roll out in either the isolated communities actions. Having every other seat or every two seats empty for fans or where we can monitor what it does [and] to do it with certain small having hand sanitizer at more stations throughout a stadium are easy leagues so we can monitor what it does," he said. "Worst-case scenario behaviors to change across every sport. is fall rolls around, and all of a sudden you've got NFL stadiums of 60,000 "That expectation will be there, too. It will be about perception, about how people and college football stadiums of 100,000 people, and 'boom' all at people do or don't feel safe going back into these crowded once, they won't really have any good sense. It might be that you roll it environments," he explained. out and everything goes smoothly and you can scale up pretty quickly and sports start to look more normal, but I think if you do the same thing Allen studies building science and health science, and the role indoor- everywhere and it's a big mass exposure, you might end up chasing your built environments play in human health. He's worked with some of what tail and having to pull back." he calls the "worst-case buildings" and believes "any building can be made better." That includes operational changes and behavioral In addition to having easier access to hand sanitizer, Waldman agrees changes, for example. with limiting attendance in a way that would allow for two seats in between fans. People also congregate around concession stands and Making those changes is imperative, as sporting events can be a drink stands -- should those be open? breeding ground for the spread of the virus. "The level of risk in the individual community needs to be determined. The average attendance during the 2020 season for an NBA game was And I think that there are going to be, within every community of sports between 15,000 and 20,600 fans. Home games at Dodger Stadium last fans, there are going to be some who are more risk-takers and some season averaged 49,065 spectators. A Green Bay Packers game -- cold more risk-averse," Waldman, the global health professor who has also weather and all -- averages 77,845 fans at Lambeau Field. SEC college worked with the CDC and the WHO, said. football games average more than 74,000 spectators per game. And more than 23,000 people pack into Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York ESPN LOADED: 04.11.2020 City to watch Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic and other dominant tennis stars every summer in the US Open.

Whenever sporting events do come back and in whatever capacity, a majority of Americans may not be ready to jump back into attending just yet. Some 72% of Americans surveyed in a new poll out Thursday said 1182669 World Leagues News "I don't think we should ever shake hands ever again, to be honest with you," Fauci told The Wall Street Journal in a podcast. "Not only would it be good to prevent coronavirus disease, it probably would decrease instances of influenza dramatically in this country." Day 30 without sports : How much have we missed in the last month? And it could impact sports in more dramatic ways, too. Maybe this is the time the NBA shortens its regular season to 70 games and starts its season later in the year, closer to December following Thanksgiving. Jeff Zillgitt And maybe it leads to greater change in college athletics where unpaid USA TODAY laborers are asked to generate millions of dollars for schools.

Will we look at pro athletes with more humanity rather than just A month without sports. Think about that. Thirty days, no games, no performers out there for our entertainment? major events, no tournaments, no competitions, no races. Regardless, sports will play some role as we find a new normal. Just like When was the last time that happened? Not even 9/11 stopped sports it did after 9/11, and there was a special sports exhibit at the 9/11 like that. But the coronavirus (COVID-19) did. Memorial and Museum.

When the NBA suspended its season after Rudy Gobert tested positive This Nelson Mandela quote has been floating around recently, "Sport has for COVID-19 on March 11, it set off a chain reaction of postponements the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the and cancellations. power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand." What have we missed in the last month? So many are counting on that. 208 NBA games VIDEO OF THE DAY: We miss the Masters 189 NHL games, plus playoff games that were scheduled to begin April 8. In 2005, Tiger Woods won his fourth green jacket at The Masters on the first hole of a playoff with Chris DiMarco. Before the playoff, however, 193 Major League Baseball games Woods' chip shot on No. 16 for birdie will never be forgotten.

67 NCAA men’s tournament games What to watch

63 NCAA women’s tournament games Golf: ESPN will televise the final round of the 2005 Masters — Tiger Woods’ fourth Masters championship. It required a playoff Five PGA Tour events, plus The Masters, and four LPGA Tour events for him to beat Chris DiMarco. Four ATP events and five WTA events Auto racing: NBC Sports will air the 2004 Daytona 500. It’s a special one. Four NASCAR races Dale Earnhartdt Jr.'s first Daytona victory — six years to the day after his father won the race. There’s more, too. Thousands of college spring sporting events have been canceled along with a near-impossible-to-count number high school Baseball: MLB Network has the classic Game 6 of the 1975 World athletic events. Series, featuring Carlton Fisk’s famous walk-off home run in the bottom of the 12th inning to force the decisive Game 7. And Dana White finally canceled UFC 249, scheduled for April 18, and postponed other events after being pressured from Disney and ESPN. USA TODAY LOADED: 04.11.2020

The world of sports changed, and it may be altered forever. Of course, that will play out over time when sports resume. Who knows when that will be. The brighter minds in sports say they are listening to what health experts are saying (and don’t listen to some college football coaches).

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Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former New York City high school point guard, has been the voice of reason and expertise, and he said there is no predetermined date when life, including sports, returns to some semblance of normalcy. The virus determines the timetable, not us, he said.

"If back to normal means acting like there never was a coronavirus problem, I don’t think that is going to happen until we have a situation where you can completely protect the population," Fauci said recently.

And when sports return, we don’t even know what that will look like — perhaps without fans, just as much their choice as a league’s choice. A poll (762 respondents) released Thursday by Seton Hall’s Still School of Business revealed 72% of sports fans said they would not attend games without the development of a coronavirus vaccine. Just 13% said they would feel the same as attending before coronavirus.

Major League Baseball must contend with fans falling out of the habit of going to the ballpark — at a time attendance has already decreased in six of the past seven years, a 14% decline since 2007.

The changes may be small. Giving players high fives and asking them to sign autographs with a pen a fan brought to the game could be off limits. Heck, players high-fiving each other may take on a new look. 1182670 World Leagues News disease doctor at Stanford. “I hate to say that because I’m a big sports fan.

“There’s also the scenario a lot of people worry about, including my friend How long until sports can return? You might not like the answer. Dr. Fauci, that if you relax the control measures too soon, you could potentially induce a second wave of transmission to susceptible people,” Winslow added when asked about professional and college football starting on time. “It’s a little too soon to make that prediction. I certainly Adam Kilgore don’t think it’s impossible that we’ll be able to start resuming things such April 4, 2020 at 5:30 PM EDT as sporting events by the early fall.”

The yearning among fans for sports’ reappearance collides with reality. The U.S. Tennis Association said this week that it still plans to stage the As fields, arenas and stadiums sit vacant and silent, the desire for sports U.S. Open as scheduled from late August through mid-September in to return far exceeds the capacity among those who oversee them to New York. The site of the tournament, Billie Jean King National Tennis determine when they will. Assessing probability is futile, but public health Center in Flushing Meadows, is being converted to a temporary hospital. leaders indicate that fans and leagues should prepare for sports to remain absent not just for the coming months but into next year. The leaders of the NFL, after its medical director addressed team owners Tuesday, expressed confidence its season would begin as scheduled, The novel coronavirus pandemic already has canceled or postponed the without conditions. But days earlier, ESPN college football analyst Kirk NCAA tournament, the Olympics and Wimbledon. It has jeopardized the Herbstreit, a bellwether for the sport, said in a radio interview that he NBA playoffs, the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Masters and the baseball would be “shocked” if any NFL or college football was played this fall. and soccer seasons. It is possible the rest of the 2020 sports calendar, including college football and the NFL, also will be lost, according to Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott told the Mercury News this week that interviews with and public comments from more than a dozen sports the conference has reviewed multiple models for how the college football leaders and public health experts. Most stressed the uncertainty in such season could unfold. In the most optimistic, training camp will be a fluid situation. standard and the season will start on time.

“From my point of view based on data — and I’m huge sports fan, so this “The most pessimistic,” Scott said, “has no season at all.” is really hard — I can’t really predict or truly speculate,” said Jared When to say when Evans, a senior researcher at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory. “We need as a population to be prepared for How will we know it is safe for sports again? It is a thorny question, as anything. And also be prepared for that disappointment.” other parts of the world have discovered.

Sports bodies at the professional and collegiate levels have planned for a In China, as coronavirus cases started to drop and everyday life range of contingencies that include playing in empty stadiums and appeared to stabilize, the Chinese Basketball Association targeted an canceling seasons altogether, and they are bracing for the impact of the April 15 return. Government restrictions pushed the date back to early worst of them. They are driven by both business and altruistic May. This week, as cases started to rise again, the league announced an motivations, eager to salvage financial losses and to provide diversion to indefinite pause. the public. Nippon Professional Baseball, Japan’s top league, could serve as a President Trump held a conference call Saturday with 13 commissioners cautionary tale for Major League Baseball. With the number of new cases and leaders from major American sports. At a news conference later in on the way down, NPB officials began preparing for a delayed start to the the day, he reiterated his desire to “open our country” and said sports 2020 season, pushing its scheduled Opening Day from March 20 to April leagues want to return soon. 24. Teams began playing exhibition games in empty stadiums.

“I want fans back in the arenas,” Trump said. “By whenever we’re ready, However, on March 26, three Hanshin Tigers, including star pitcher as soon as we can. And the fans want to be back, too.” Shintaro Fujinami, tested positive for the coronavirus, according to the Associated Press. The team responded by canceling its scheduled Sign up for our Coronavirus Updates newsletter to track the outbreak. All exhibition games, ordering players and staff to self-quarantine for 14 stories linked in the newsletter are free to access. days and disinfecting its home stadium. Asked specifically about opening stadiums and arenas to fans by August, NPB still planned to open the regular season April 24, but as Japan’s Trump said he could not commit to a date. coronavirus outbreak worsened, that became untenable. On Friday, “But I think it’s going to be sooner rather than later,” he said. “We’re not league officials announced an indefinite extension to its delayed start. going to have separation for the rest of our times on the planet.” U.S. experts said opening stadiums in this country would be among the Earlier Saturday, reporters asked California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) at a last stages of lifting pandemic-related restrictions. The first step would be news conference whether he expected major sporting events with fans in letting people go back to work, with social distancing still in place. Travel stadiums by August or September. “I’m not anticipating that happening in restrictions would thaw. Only after those changes could authorities this state,” he replied. consider allowing stadiums to open.

Disease experts suggest that the possibility feared most in the sports The best-case scenario, Winslow said, is that social distancing and other world — no major events for the rest of the year — may be more real restrictive measures combined with higher temperatures lead to a than many believe and that putting a timeline on their return is not yet dramatic decrease in cases by late May. feasible. “That would potentially give public-health people the incentive to at least “My crystal ball is not just cloudy,” Ali Khan, dean of the University of consider starting to relax these restrictions,” Winslow said. “That would Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health and former director mean allowing potentially sporting events and concerts and that sort of of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Public thing to happen by the early fall.” Health Preparedness and Response, said this week. “It’s black.” Jerry Brewer: As our sports venues become hospitals, there’s little to When Anthony S. Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and cheer but much to admire Infectious Diseases and part of the White House’s coronavirus task force, Even if the seasonal change provides relief, it may be temporary. The was asked this week about people looking forward to baseball games 1918 flu pandemic diminished over the summer, then returned in the fall and concerts this summer, he did not answer directly. He said the only and lasted into 1919. way to stop the virus is a vaccine, which experts expect will not be ready before early 2021. “The public health and epidemiologists are saying, ‘The biggest tragedy we could have would be if we think we’ve got a handle on this and we’re “Unfortunately, I think perhaps if anything, having large spectator sports still going to have whatever the projection is — it may be 100,000 deaths open back up may even have to be delayed a little bit longer than — and we allow people to go back to normal everyday life and then relaxing some of the other things,” said Dean Winslow, an infectious- infections happen again,’ ” Evans said. “That kind of slow rollout back to there are going to have to be considerations in place as far as making normalcy is going to be something that’s difficult for everyone.” sure the participants are tested. You have to have an understanding where they were, who they were in contact with.” Allen Sills, the NFL’s chief medical officer, addressed owners on a conference call Tuesday, and league leaders said afterward they were The idea of creating a closed system for self-isolating players may be focused on playing an uninterrupted 2020 season. easier said than done. In a best-case scenario in which the NFL convenes for training camp early enough to start its season on time, what “We’re looking at a full season,” NFL general counsel Jeff Pash said. “We happens if one player tests positive for the coronavirus? In the NBA, one did not discuss in either of our calls [with team presidents and owners] positive test caused the shutdown of the league. Could the NFL justify issues of a shortened season or any changes in the structure of the continuing its season? And could roughly 1,700 football players — plus season. We’re planning on going forward with a regular, complete an army of coaches, scouts and administrative staff — avoid infection? season.” “I don’t know how you let these guys go into locker rooms and let The NFL later softened its public stance, with Sills telling NFL.com on stadiums be filled up and how you can play ball,” Herbstreit said in an Thursday that “everyone’s hope” is a full season but it may not be ESPN Radio interview. “... Next thing you know, you got a locker room feasible. full of guys that are sick. And that’s on your watch? I wouldn’t want to “The reality is none of us know those facts for certain right now,” Sills have that.” said. For now, all leagues can do is wait. Sports can return only once the rest The best sports movies to watch during the coronavirus outbreak of society stabilizes, and that can happen only if social distancing guidelines are followed. It leaves sports fans in an unusual position: Despite the outward confidence, several franchises have pushed back Rarely can they help their favorite teams win; now they might be able to deadlines for season ticket buyers to make payments and reminded them help them play. of policies on canceled games. One high-ranking NFC team executive, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the matter frankly, “If you want to have football and college athletics in the fall, take care of said the NFL should be prepared for any possibility. “The biggest mistake yourself now,” Gee said. “That’s probably as good of a message as I can you can make right now,” he said, “would be to make an assumption.” put out right now.”

The NFL has an easier path to return than college football. It would be Dave Sheinin, Ben Golliver, Liz Clarke, Mark Maske and Samantha Pell unlikely and maybe impossible to start the season if students are not contributed to this report. allowed on campus; Ohio State is one of several schools that have Washington Post LOADED: 04.11.2020 declared all summer classes will be taken online. The NFL has an option to try to separate players from the broader public that college football does not.

“I can’t see us playing football without students, because athletes are students,” West University President E. Gordon Gee said. “I can’t see us playing football without fans in the stands and without students out there to support our team.”

The possibility of a canceled NBA postseason, coupled with lost sponsorship from China after a preseason ordeal, could push the NBA’s total revenue loss over $1 billion. The scope of the financial damage prompted Commissioner Adam Silver and other NBA executives to take 20 percent pay cuts. The NBA has made it clear that it is considering all manners of rescheduling, including delays that could push the 2019-20 season into the late summer or early fall and require, in turn, that the start of the 2020-21 season be delayed until Christmas.

The NBA has explored multiple scenarios for salvaging the postseason, most geared toward preserving a product for its television partners. Decision-makers understand that playing games in front of thousands of fans this summer is unlikely and that the league might need to switch to a single-site destination, such as Las Vegas, to host a quarantine-friendly tournament.

Quiet but safe?

In early March, MLB officials considered the option of playing games without fans to be a last resort. But in recent days, with the regular season on indefinite delay and concerns becoming more urgent, baseball officials have softened their stance toward the notion of playing games without fans.

“Very open,” MLB Players Association chief Tony Clark said when asked about the possibility of playing in empty stadiums. “That possibility exists. … The players are open to having a discussion about just about everything. Right now, no door is closed.”

Playing games without fans is safer. But is it safe? Winslow said once travel restrictions ease and transmission is proved to be down, it would be. “I don’t think that’s beyond the realm of possibility at all, that we might be able to do that safely a few months from now,” Winslow said.

First, the number of players and support staff required to stage a game would have to be less than any public-gathering restrictions. As college basketball tournaments were canceled this March, many conferences first banned spectators, then canceled games before ever employing that strategy.

“You want to be confident all the individuals that are participating have either no virus and a very low chance,” Evans said. “This doesn’t make it a short time frame. I’m not saying it’s going to be years. I’m just saying