SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 03/16/19 1136174 Corey Perry scores late, Ducks beat the Avalanche 5-3 1136207 Michael Arace | Second period was best, and worst, of 1136175 Ducks rally to defeat Avalanche in Troy Terry’s Denver times homecoming 1136208 against Bruins came as relief to Zach Werenski 1136176 Ducks say Ryan Kesler could be done for the 1136209 Blue Jackets 3, Hurricanes 0 | Sergei Bobrovsky stops all 46 shots he sees 1136210 Blue Jackets' top line confident that hot streak is coming 1136177 NHL Western Conference Wild Card tracker: Coyotes 1136211 It hasn’t been an easy season for Sergei Bobrovsky, but making playoff push he saved the Blue Jackets in a big win over Carolina 1136178 Coyotes sign former 2nd-round pick Bahl to entry-level 1136212 Blue Jackets primer: 12 games to go, and Friday against contract Carolina is huge 1136179 Charlie McAvoy is toughing it out . . . and other Bruins 1136213 Stars 2019 playoff tracker: Where Dallas sits in the thoughts Western Conference standings (updated daily) 1136180 Bruins return home following tough road trip 1136214 Stars fail to take advantage of 5 power-play opportunities, 1136181 McAvoy playing his best at a time of season when the B's fall to Golden Knights need him most 1136215 Stars rookie Roope Hintz riding surge of confidence 1136182 Brad Marchand on NHL playoff format: 'I don't think it's 1136216 Stars consider changes to goalie 's offseason fair' program 1136183 What We Learned in the B's 4-3 loss to the Jets 1136217 Stars 20/20: Rough schedule and 0-for-5 power play doom 1136184 Brad Marchand: 'I'm just too tired' to agitate this year Stars in loss to Vegas 1136185 Banged up? Taking inventory of Bruins' many injuries 1136218 Sports Sturm’s Weekend Riffing: Why all is quiet on Cowboys front, and which DFW team has brightest future? 1136186 Jack Eichel returns, hoping to prevent Sabres from making Red Wings dubious offensive history 1136219 Taro Hirose ( State): First 1136187 NHL community rallies around Evander Kane and family practice 'surreal' after loss 1136220 Ex-Spartan Taro Hirose anxious to get started with Red 1136188 Retiring after 26 years as an NHL linesman, Buffalo-born Wings Tim Nowak reflects on his life in stripes 1136221 So long, Van Andel: Griffins leave for long road trip on 1136189 Sabres’ lack of offense in Eichel’s absence makes his sour note importance even more evident 1136222 ’Cerebral’ Taro Hirose hopes to facilitate Red Wings teammates Flames 1136223 Ryan Kuffner ready to shoot puck in Red Wings debut 1136190 Storms, spiderwebs, serendipity and skulduggery: The Saturday stories behind how the Flames’ roster was put together 1136224 Red Wings’ returns to lineup Saturday 1136191 Tkachuk, Flames burn Rangers at Dome 1136225 Lightning show Red Wings need for elite talent 1136192 Flames close to clinching playoff spot with top spot now 1136226 On a night of USA Hockey records, the Red Wings’ draft next goal stakes have never been clearer 1136227 Red Wings prospect report: Keith Petruzzelli and Chase Pearson 1136193 Crunch time arrives for the Hurricanes 1136194 Hurricanes Are Legit Contenders 1136230 Former Edmonton Oilers Jordan Oesterle has found a home in the desert 1136195 'It's always fun coming back here': Recovered from illness, 1136231 Edmonton Oilers ready for a Game 7 against Coyotes is excited to face the Canadiens in 1136232 JONES: Keith Gretzky to run Edmonton Oilers draft table 1136196 'It humbles us': Blackhawks hope to keep momentum after 1136233 Edmonton Oilers expect to select good player in talented nearly blowing huge lead in 4th straight win draft class 1136197 Corey Crawford’s return to top form boosts Blackhawks’ 1136234 Willis: Analyzing how much the Oilers should be willing to long-shot playoff hopes spend on pending free agent Alex Chiasson 1136198 Scouting report: Blackhawks at Canadiens 1136199 Scouting report: Blackhawks vs. 1136200 Dollars and sense: The Athletic Chicago’s sports radio 1136235 Behind Panthers prospect Serron Noel’s transformation survey is in, and the winners are… from ‘baby giraffe’ to ‘beast’ 1136201 Does Ian Mitchell still want to sign with the Blackhawks? Avalanche 1136202 Avs coach blasts his players after losing a game they had to win 1136203 Avs-Ducks player grades: Right through the heart 1136204 How an Avs season so promising went so wrong 1136205 BSN Avalanche Watch Party on Tuesday 1136206 Perry scores late, Ducks beat the Avalanche 5-3 1136236 Kings equipment manager Darren Granger has been 1136273 Flyers blow 3-goal lead, fall to Maple Leafs as playoff steady presence on bench for nearly 2,000 games hopes almost vanish 1136237 What we learned from the Kings’ 3-1 loss to Nashville 1136274 On Flyers’ future, potential draft picks, and some advice 1136238 Kings rookie Austin Wagner grades out well through his for | Sam Carchidi 1st 50 games 1136275 Flyers-Capitals observations: What happened to Scott 1136239 Duhatschek Notebook: What causes good players to have Gordon’s magic touch? bad seasons and Mark Stone fitting in well with Knights 1136276 Maple Leafs 7, Flyers 6: On wrong end of wild game 1136240 NOTEBOOK: KOVALCHUK ODD MAN OUT? results in crushing loss WAGNER’S WORK WITH DEVELOPMENT STAFF 1136277 Flyers at Maple Leafs: Live stream, storylines, game time PAYING OFF and more 1136241 WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: MARCH 15 1136278 an illustration of how little leeway Flyers have left 1136279 Capitals 5, Flyers 2: 10 things we learned from a loss that 1136242 Wild face the Rangers on 3-game skid was never really close and its impact on the uphil 1136243 Wild needs higher level of play, greater sense of 1136280 DGB Grab Bag: Who wants to smell like a Flyers fan and desperation a new entry for the hockey dictionary 1136244 Gameday preview: Wild vs. NY Rangers 1136245 Wild not showing ‘the will and the want’ to get into 1136246 ‘We’ve done enough talking’: It’s do-or-die time for a Wild 1136281 Mark Madden: Penguins’ current play features team on the brink encouraging signs 1136282 Bryan Rust nears return, but where does he fit in Montreal Canadiens Penguins’ lineup? 1136247 Canadiens Notebook: Teammates offer some advice for 1136283 Patric Hornqvist heating up as Penguins mount late- Jonathan Drouin season charge 1136248 Stu Cowan: Canadiens in need of another attitude 1136284 Penguins turn to Matt Cullen, Nick Bjugstad and Patric adjustment Hornqvist to get out of jams 1136249 What the Puck: Andrew Shaw lights fuse as Habs' playoff 1136285 Kris Letang, Bryan Rust back to full participation in hopes fade practice 1136250 Hickey on Hockey: Canadiens' playoff push stalls as offence disappears 1136251 Melnick’s GBU: The Canadiens, and their , limp 1136286 Sharks’ Evander Kane ‘humbled’ by outpouring of support home after getting lost on their way to Uniondale 1136287 How Erik Karlsson's first Sharks season compares to P.K. Subban, Predators 1136288 Sharks pay tribute to Mike Hoffman, who was on team for 1136252 Preds coach mum on scratching Kyle three hours Turris against Kings 1136253 Catfish Corner newsletter: Sushi, pizza on Pi Day, return St Louis Blues of the Prius, a much-needed win 1136289 Tight race is just what Blues expected 1136290 Preview: Blues at Pittsburgh 1136291 O'Reilly to make emotional return to Buffalo 1136254 Devils rally from 2 goals down, beat Canucks 3-2 in 1136292 Friday update: Bouncing Kyrou is back with Blues shootout for second straight victory 1136255 Devils outlast Canucks to win marathon shootout 1136293 Vinny Lecavalier knew his goals record wouldn’t survive 1136256 Why Garth Snow deserves some credit for this turnaround 1136294 Lightning-Capitals: What will be revealed Saturday night in 1136257 The road factor Islanders are counting on for final playoff Tampa push 1136295 Lightning, Capitals meet for first time this season in Game 1136258 Islanders' Robin Lehner willing to accept dangers of No. 72 hockey 1136296 Lightning-Red Wings: Observations from Tampa Bay’s 5-4 1136259 Adam Pelech takes a big leap forward in second full win season with Islanders 1136297 Steven Stamkos’ Lightning goal record will be a signpost 1136260 Banged-up Islanders face a tough schedule to end season along a greater journey 1136298 ’s future remains uncertain after year behind the scenes with Lightning: ‘We’re still his team’ 1136261 Rangers fall to Flames, still winless in last six road game 1136262 Rangers avoided ejections, but that’s all that went right 1136263 Rangers no match for Flames as woes on Western 1136299 Luck of the Irish? Green Maple Leafs score 5 unanswered Canada trip continue goals to beat Flyers 7-6 1136264 Rangers do some bonding while curling in Calgary 1136300 Matthews and Muzzin ignite throwback Leafs’ comeback 1136265 unhappy with the Rangers' losing ways win over Flyers | The Star 1136266 Trade deadline sell-off finally hits home for Rangers in 1136301 Matthews helps Leafs save Andersen this time | The Star lopsided loss 1136302 Saturday NHL game preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at 1136267 Goldman: What end of the season experiments should the Senators | The Star Rangers try? 1136303 Maple Leafs rally at home, score five in a row to beat Flyers 1136304 Time for Maple Leafs to put some beef behind their words 1136268 Warrenspiece: Of rivalries here and across the pond, 1136305 The Leafs need the best versions of Auston Matthews and Veronneau takes on next challenge, Chabot not done yet Frederik Andersen later this spring an 1136306 Leafs Report Cards – Game 71 vs. Philadelphia 1136269 Game Day: Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs 1136270 How much is too much? No apologies coming from Wolanin after celebrating in rare Sens win 1136271 Hello and goodbye: Brannstrom returns to Belleville after promising debut 1136272 Senators vow they're going to rebuild around their young stars Canucks 1136323 Canucks Extra: Tanev done for the year 1136324 Devils 3, Canucks 2 (SO): A little like preseason in injury-plagued battle of also-rans 1136325 Patrick Johnston: Mechanical whiz Teves believes he has tools for making Canucks, too 1136326 In the end, it really has been all about bad starts for the Canucks 1136327 Canucks Game Day: Devils hope to put a fork in their inconsistent play 1136328 The Athletties: How Dekey Pete stopped time, the Tanev thing and why Marky is never really happy 1136307 Golden Knights edge Stars, 2-1, on Ryan Reaves’ goal — VIDEO 1136308 Valentin Zykov remains odd-man out for Golden Knights 1136309 Golden Knights face Dallas Stars following 4-day break 1136310 Ryan Reaves, Marc-Andre Fleury power Golden Knights over Stars 1136311 Duhatschek Notebook: What causes good players to have bad seasons and Mark Stone fitting in well with Knights 1136312 Capitals, Lightning have been eyeing each other all season. Now they play three times in two weeks. 1136313 'Let's call it a playoff series': Capitals, Lightning renew rivalry with three games in 15 days 1136314 Brett Connolly’s best season continues and the Capitals keep benefiting 1136315 No nights off: No one has a tougher schedule to finish the season than the Caps 1136316 By the numbers: The top 10 teams of the salary cap era 1136317 While winning the Metropolitan Division sounds nice, it matters little to the Capitals Websites 1136329 The Athletic / By the numbers: The top 10 teams of the salary cap era 1136330 .ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen remaining upbeat through struggles 1136331 Sportsnet.ca / Flames' depth about to be tested with Monahan sidelined 1136332 Sportsnet.ca / Canucks' future looks secure with Jacob Markstrom 1136333 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens could benefit from more rest before tough final stretch 1136334 Sportsnet.ca / Jets prove contender status by withstanding blue-line injuries 1136335 Sportsnet.ca / Truth By Numbers: Why Ben Bishop deserves some Vezina Trophy attention 1136336 TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Devils 1136337 TSN.CA / Leafs rally to edge Flyers, ‘win for Freddie’ 1136338 TSN.CA / Leafs need Andersen to find his game 1136339 TSN.CA / Canucks vs Devils gameday preview 1136340 TSN.CA / Weekend set vital as Leafs try to chase down Bruins 1136318 Roslovic plays role of hockey hack at The Forks 1136319 The blue-line blues 1136320 Twice-burned Jets prepared to battle fast-moving Flames 1136321 Better luck behind Wheeler's well-timed scoring streak 1136322 Flames and Gaudreau another pre-playoff test … Roslovic goes undercover … Why don’t Jets block more shots?… Ve

SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1136174 Anaheim Ducks

Corey Perry scores late, Ducks beat the Avalanche 5-3

By ASSOCIATED PRESS

MAR 15, 2019 | 9:00 PM

Corey Perry scored twice, including the goal-ahead goal with 56.9 seconds remaining, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the 5-3 on Friday night.

Perry knocked in the winner shortly after Mikko Rantanen was whistled for a high-sticking . Hampus Lindholm added an empty-netter to seal the victory.

Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Daniel Sprong all scored in the second period as the Ducks erased a 2-0 deficit. Colorado's Sven Andrighetto tied the game at 3 with 11:18 remaining, setting the stage for Perry.

The Ducks were coming off a 6-1 loss in Arizona the night before, but were the more energetic team most of the night.

Gibson had 12 of his 41 saves in the third period. He's now 7-2 in his career against Colorado.

A three-day break energized the Avalanche early as they got goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Rantanen in the first period. Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves.

With 11 games to play, Colorado now trails the Coyotes by five points for the final wild card in the Western Conference.

Andrighetto tied the game with his first goal since Feb. 14. After that, Gibson proceeded to make two big saves, one by knocking the puck away from the goal line with his stick and another by stopping Nikita Zadorov on a breakaway.

Perry started the Ducks rolling in the second period with his fourth goal of the season. Just 1:15 later, Getzlaf got into the act. Sprong then knocked in another to give Anaheim the lead and silence the crowd.

The Avalanche used long passes to set up both goals in the first period. On the first, Samuel Girard sent a deep strike to J.T. Compher, who fed it over to MacKinnon for the score. On a power play late in the period, lined a lengthy pass to Rantanen, who lifted a backhand shot over Gibson.

Denver native and Anaheim forward Troy Terry had a large contingent of family and friends on hand as he played at Pepsi Center for the first time in his NHL career.

“It's pretty special for me, to grow up here and now be back and playing against the Avalanche,” said Terry, who also played down the road at the University of Denver.

LA Times: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136175 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks rally to defeat Avalanche in Troy Terry’s Denver homecoming

By Elliott Teaford | PUBLISHED: March 15, 2019 at 9:07 pm | UPDATED: March 15, 2019 at 11:28 PM

DENVER — Troy Terry’s homecoming was a very big deal Friday at Pepsi Center. Friends and family and former teammates – Terry couldn’t say for sure how many, but believed it to be in the hundreds – made the trek downtown from throughout Colorado.

Terry played age-group hockey in Denver and its sprawling suburbs. Then he played at the University of Denver. Then he played with the against the in the AHL. Then he played his first NHL game with the Ducks in his hometown.

It would have made for a far, far better story if he had scored the game- winning goal in the final minutes on an end-to-end rush down the ice that led all the late-night highlight shows. His teammates picked him up with a 5-3 victory over the Avalanche, though.

Corey Perry scored the tiebreaking power-play goal with 57 seconds left, smacking home a loose puck after Nick Ritchie missed the mark. Hampus Lindholm then sealed the deal for the Ducks with an empty-net goal with 23 seconds to go.

In the end, the 33-year-old Perry seized the game and made it his, scoring twice from close range in a throwback game that overshadowed the 21-year-old Terry’s homecoming. Ryan Getzlaf, 34, had a goal and two assists in a vintage performance of his own.

“I’m glad we got a win here,” Terry said as he rushed from the postgame dressing room to meet with his fans before the Ducks’ bus departed for the airport and a flight to Southern . “I had a lot of people in the stands here, a lot of people who were probably Avalanche fans growing up.

“I’m sure they’re all Ducks fans now.”

In fact, chants of “Let’s go Ducks,” rang out from time to time as the Ducks rallied from a 2-0 deficit in the first period. They grew louder still after they took a 3-2 lead in the second and as they searched for the go- ahead goal after the Avalanche tied it 3-3.

“To have that many people sitting up there, and I saw them all, so it was cool,” Terry said.

Terry admitted to feeling a little bit nervous while skating in a building he last played in while an age-group player. He was in the starting lineup, skating on a line with Getzlaf and Ritchie, and warmed to the task. He didn’t have a goal or an assist but was credited with three shots on net.

“I thought he played pretty well,” Perry said of Terry. “He made some good plays. It’s exciting for him, coming home. What did they say? He had 250 or 300 people here? That’s a big crowd. We found a way to win and put on a good show for them.”

Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen scored first-period goals for the Avalanche, battling for a wild-card playoff spot. Perry, Getzlaf and Daniel Sprong countered for the Ducks, who took a 3-2 lead by the end of the second. Sven Andrighetto tied it 3-3 for the Avalanche at 8:42 of the third.

Perry then put the Ducks ahead to stay with his fifth goal in his 22nd game of the season, after missing the first 51 because of knee surgery. It also was first multi-goal game of the season and gave him three goals and five points in his past five games.

“Just being able to be effective, be myself, be confident and knowing I can still go out there and still do the same things I’ve done in my career, and so far it’s gone all right,” Perry said of his play in an surgery- shortened season. “I had no expectations.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136176 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks say Ryan Kesler could be done for the season

By Elliott Teaford | PUBLISHED: March 15, 2019 at 12:35 pm | UPDATED: March 15, 2019 at 2:03 PM

DENVER — More and more, as the days have passed, it seems likely that Ryan Kesler’s season is over.

Kesler hasn’t skated because of an ongoing hip issue since the Ducks’ loss March 6 to the St. Louis Blues and he didn’t join his teammates for their trip to play the Arizona Coyotes and the Colorado Avalanche.

“I don’t know if we’re going to see him again this year,” said Bob Murray, the Ducks’ general manager and interim coach.

Asked after Friday’s morning skate at Pepsi Center whether it would be better to simply shut down Kesler for the remainder of the season, treat his hip during the offseason and regroup for training camp in September, Murray said, “If he were willing to do that, that would be fine. We’ll see.”

Kesler underwent major hip surgery after the 2016-17 season and hasn’t been the same player since. Kesler, a Selke Trophy winner and a five- time finalist, played only 44 games last season, scoring only eight goals and 14 points. He has three goals and eight points in 60 games this season.

His last appearance, against the Blues, was the 1,001st game of his NHL career. One night earlier, against the Coyotes, he played his 1,000th game, reaching a milestone that drove him through countless hours of rehabilitation exercises and off-ice workouts after his surgery.

He became the seventh active United States-born player to reach the 1,000-game mark.

“It was a fun night, a fun day, just reminiscing on all the years in the past,” a cheerful Kesler said after his milestone game last week against Arizona. “I said I wouldn’t do it, but I ended up doing it. I’ve had a great first 1,000 games. I’ve had lot of fun in this league.”

Murray said there was no timetable for Kesler’s return to the ice or the lineup.

“I don’t know when he’s coming back,” Murray said. “He’s hurting pretty good.”

Kesler insisted on pushing through to his 1,000th game and Murray wasn’t going to stop him.

“I get why he wanted to do that,” Murray said. “It would have been very difficult to say no.”

Kesler, 34, has three seasons and a little more than $20 million remaining on a six-year, $41.25-million contract extension he signed with the Ducks on July 15, 2015. The Ducks could buy him out of his contract if they believe he can no longer be a productive player. They also could place him on long-term injured reserve.

NOT-SO-SPECIAL TEAMS

The Ducks went into Friday’s game against the Avalanche with their 25th-ranked power play clicking at a 15.7-percent success after going a combined 0 for 6 in the past three games, including 0 for 4 in a 6-1 loss Thursday to the Coyotes. Their penalty-killing unit ranked 23rd in the 31- team NHL.

“They’re both not good enough,” Murray said. “The power play seemed to be going in the right direction for a while and then got sidetracked, although we had chances (Thursday) night. The penalty kill, it’s hard work and discipline.”

Staying out of the penalty box seemed to be the best cure for a malfunctioning power play, Murray said. The Ducks had been shorthanded five times or more in five of their past six games going into Friday, and they had given up at least one power-play goal in four of six.

“That has crept back into our game again,” he said. “The numbers have crept back up again.”

Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136177 Arizona Coyotes

NHL Western Conference Wild Card tracker: Coyotes making playoff push

BY ARIZONA SPORTS | MARCH 15, 2019 AT 9:25 PM

UPDATED: MARCH 15, 2019 AT 9:29 PM

The Arizona Coyotes are in the hunt for the playoffs.

Their best chance at it will be via the Western Conference Wild Card race, which includes a group of teams that have stuck fairly close together in the standings for quite a while. The race was wide open even well after the new year.

The top two teams will earn Wild Card spots in the NHL Playoffs, so the Coyotes must finish second or better to qualify.

Here are where things stand in the Western Conference:

Place Team Record Points Last Game Up Next Games left

1 stars100 36-27-7 79 2-0 L at OTT March 16 at PIT 12

2 coyotes100 36-30-5 77 6-1 W vs. ANA March 16 vs. EDM 11

3 wild100 33-30-8 74 4-1 L vs. DAL March 16 vs. NYR 11

4 avalanche100 30-29-12 72 5-3 L vs. ANA March 17 vs. NJD 11

5 blackhawks100 31-30-9 71 5-4 W vs. TOR March 16 at MON 12

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136178 Arizona Coyotes

Coyotes sign former 2nd-round pick Bahl to entry-level contract

BY ARIZONA SPORTS

MARCH 15, 2019 AT 7:08 PM

The Arizona Coyotes announced Friday they have signed defenseman Kevin Bahl to a three-year entry-level contract.

The 18-year-old Bahl was a second-round pick by the Coyotes in the 2018 NHL Draft.

For the Ottawa 67’s this season in the Hockey League, Bahl has five points and 28 assists for a total of 33 points, along with 87 penalty minutes.

Known for his size, the 6-foot-6, 234-pound defenseman has played 181 career OHL games for Ottawa.

Bahl was the 55th pick in last year’s draft, a selection the Coyotes acquired from the Minnesota Wild in the Martin Hanzal deal from Feb. of 2017.

Arizona Sports LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136179 Boston Bruins Coyotes dating to Oct. 10, 2010. Arizona and Boston don’t play again until next season.

■ The Bruins must win eight of their final 11 to reach 50 wins for the Charlie McAvoy is toughing it out . . . and other Bruins thoughts second year in a row. It would be the second time in franchise history that has occurred (four years in a row under Tom Johnson and Bep Guidolin, 1970-74). By Matt Porter ■ Rookie , who started Thursday centering Joakim Nordstrom and Danton Heinen, had one of his stronger games. Winnipeg’s Brandon Tanev, who bit off more than he could chew Jan. 29 WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Thoughts and shots on the way home from a in his bout with Frederic, did not ask for a rematch. slowly melting Canadian prairie, where the Bruins dropped a close one to the Jets Thursday night: ■ David Backes turned the other cheek when Winnipeg’s Adam Lowry shook his gloves in the first period. Smart move by Backes, given how ■ Charlie McAvoy was no worse for wear after his fight Tuesday in shorthanded the Bruins were. Bergeron said he liked what Backes Columbus with fellow young star Artemi Panarin. Just a couple of brought to his line, and he had reason: No. 42 had his legs moving, and scabbed-over cuts on the hands for McAvoy, who scored a decisive win enough poise with the puck to be a contributor to that unit. over Panarin, whom he outweighed by some 20 pounds. ■ With Nordstrom quenching his 25-game, three-month goal drought, Panarin reportedly has taken boxing lessons. McAvoy said his own the longest scoreless streak among Boston forwards belongs to Backes technique was natural. There won’t be a rematch Saturday unless and Sean Kuraly, both of whom last scored Jan. 17 in St. Louis. Panarin takes a run at Chuck ’Em Chuckie. ■ Marchand’s eight-game streak came to an end Thursday. He On Thursday, when coach shortened his bench to offset remains stuck on 85 points. His next point will set a career high. the losses of a half-dozen key players, McAvoy skated a season-high 27:26 in the 4-3 loss to the Jets, scoring his sixth goal of the year (6-18— ■ Charlie Coyle, Chris Wagner, and Noel Acciari were sitting next to 24 in 44 games) with a wicked snapshot off the left post. each other in the visitors’ dressing room after Wednesday’s practice, looking like the South Shore Kings’ version of the Hanson Brothers. He continues to look every bit the franchise-D-in-training the Bruins hope Nearby, Kuraly and Heinen were playfully lamenting the addition of he’ll be. The passion is certainly there. another New Englander (Weymouth’s Carey, recalled that day). Not The most recent sports headlines delivered to your inbox every morning. enough room in there for all the hot air, Kuraly and Heinen agreed.

■ No word expected Friday on the status of David Pastrnak, Jake ■ Ever seen a stick fly as high as Mark Scheifele’s did Thursday, when DeBrusk, Marcus Johansson, , , and Kevan Chara’s upward spike sent it into the netting? I have, once: at a Miller. The Bruins are likely to provide updates after Saturday’s morning September preseason practice in Beijing, when Rask finished off a skate in Brighton. cracked goalie stick by snapping off the blade and tossing it into the net behin Krug (upper body, day to day) remained with the team through the end of the trip. He, DeBrusk (left foot), and Grzelcyk (right arm) appear closest Boston Globe LOADED: 03.16.2019 to returns. If they participate in practice Monday, before the team travels to Long Island, they are likely to be on the trip.

■ The Bruins remain buoyant with optimism, despite losing three in a row for the first time since early December (and second time all year). They expected to win Thursday, despite missing three of their top four wingers and three of their top six defensemen with injuries.

Their depth is solid, and it’s a silver lining that players at the fringes of the lineup, such as Steven Kampfer and , are getting reps. Never know when that might come in handy. Perhaps next month.

■ The other side of it: Cassidy hoped to get vets Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, David Krejci, and Zdeno Chara some rest down the stretch. That’s a lot harder with the current state of the team’s health and the schedule (after three on the road, they’re home Saturday vs. Columbus before starting another four-game swing Tuesday at the Islanders).

Home ice in an inevitable first-round series with Toronto is important enough that the Bruins won’t try to coast through the final 11 games. Despite the 0-3-0 road trip, they remain 2 points ahead of the Leafs.

■ The Bruins continue to stay a step ahead of the Leafs, who were doomed by slow starts in losses to Tampa Bay and Chicago this week before rallying to edge the Flyers, 7-6, on Friday night. If Boston is playing its brand — hard, heavy, and allowing nothing in the middle of the ice — it’s hard to see Toronto emerging from that series. The Leafs are looking shaky on the back end.

■ Meanwhile, Tampa Bay shows no sign of slowing down. The Lightning, who won their 54th game Thursday, have a shot at the NHL record of 62, set by Detroit in 1995-96.

The teams at the top of the list are considered some of the best ever: late ’70s Montreal (which won 60 in ’76-77, 59 in ’77-78, and 58 in ’75-76), 2005-06 Detroit (58 wins), 1970-71 Boston (57 wins) and mid ’80s Edmonton (57 wins in ’83-84 and 56 wins in ’85-86). Those are the top eight. With 11 games to play, bet on the Lightning to reach the Orr-Espo Bruins, at least.

■ Tampa Bay, which overcame a 3-0 deficit to beat the Red Wings Thursday, now owns the longest active winning streak (15-0-0) over a single team. They passed the Bruins, who are 14-0-0 against the 1136180 Boston Bruins

Bruins return home following tough road trip

By MARISA INGEMI | March 15, 2019 at 6:00 PM

WINNIPEG, Manitoba — Reinforcements are on their way, but the Bruins’ road stretch following their 19-game point streak is hard to define as anything but a failure amidst turmoil.

The Bruins have dealt with injuries and players in and out of the lineup all season, but for the past three contests — all regulation losses, the first such losing streak since early December — the loss of three of their top six wingers has been too much to overcome.

It’s tough to pin the losses on a lack of offense, with a near four-goal comeback in Columbus and putting up three goals against the Jets. Tuukka Rask allowed nine goals on 59 shots, and a depleted defense let up chances.

“I don’t like to lose one in a row, so there’s always concern. There’s different factors that go into it,” said Bruins Bruce Cassidy. “I think we played three very good hockey teams this week. That’s part of it. Part of it is we haven’t started on time, so we put ourselves in a hole. We’re playing catch up every night. That’s a bad formula in the .”

But it’s still tough to ignore the lack of scoring up and down the lineup from the forwards who are in there. Trent Frederic is yet to pick up his first point, and Charlie Coyle scored his first goal as a Bruin with time running down in Winnipeg.

Joakim Nordstrom tallied his first goal in 25 contests as well, despite having had time playing as a top-six winger at points. The Bruins don’t expect scoring out of their energy line — though Chris Wagner’s contributions have been welcomed — but Sean Kuraly is without a goal in 22 contests, as well.

Help is on the way, with Jake DeBrusk and Marcus Johansson likely to suit up again soon and David Pastrnak presumably progressing. It’s likely not a long-term issue, but it’s something to note when they finally have their full lineup and are figuring out where to place everyone.

“We have really good depth on our team, so that’s not an excuse,” said Nordstrom, whose goal was his first since December 17. “We have a good enough team to be able to win every night. We’re not happy with the way we started the games on this trip. That’s something that we have to work on.”

The Bruins have another road stretch ahead, with a trip to New York and New Jersey on the docket followed by two divisional games in Florida. They make one stop at home to face Columbus again, a squad that posted five goals on Tuesday night.

It’s one game on the schedule — one of just four remaining home tilts — but it’s an opportunity to get refocused for the stretch run of the season and recover from a road trip that could snowball.

“We’ve just got to regroup, look at video and realize what we can do better and simplify our game and have better starts,” said Patrice Bergeron. “Going home is probably a good thing. We’re gonna be on the road a lot, so we’ve got to make sure that we’re playing some good road hockey here. It’s got to be better on the next road trip.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136181 Boston Bruins a virtual must for any hockey team that wants to go on a two-month journey to win the Cup.

“The [offensive] production maybe might not be there, but I’ll take playing McAvoy playing his best at a time of season when the B's need him most consistent hockey, being relied on and being trusted by the coaches and the team,” said McAvoy. “I’ll take that any day, and I feel like I’ve been playing a consistent brand of hockey and trying to just continue that. By Joe Haggerty March 15, 2019 11:58 PM “That’s my goal every single game: to be relied on, to be solid, to try to play mistake-free hockey -- obviously that’s not possible -- but do my best. That’s the goal of mine. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself; I At the midpoint of this season, it sure felt like a long way from where try and just live in the moment and day by day, but I mean, down the everybody expected Charlie McAvoy to be this season. road, to mean to this team what [Zdeno] Chara’s meant to this team is, I The 21-year-old missed a big chunk of the first half of the season with a mean, I don’t know if I’ll ever get to that, but that’s a goal of mine [for the concussion, and he returned with an inconsistent game, where mistakes future]. like a game like today against those guys that are, aside from our in the D-zone and an inattention to detail where derailing his brilliance. line which we think is the best, they’ve been statistically one of the best Even worse, McAvoy seemed tentative and unable to tap into the lines in the league. physical aspects of his game that certainly play a part in his overall "So you know [Chara] is going to bring it, and I knew he was. He was effectiveness as a workhorse defenseman capable of excelling in all going to play one of his best games against them; he loves to shut guys situations. down. He loves that, and I kind of feed off that. I take as much pride in it It also put into question whether McAvoy was going to be able to cash in as him, and we were able to feed off each other today and kind of hold with the big second contract he probably had in mind for himself prior to that line at bay when we’re together." the start of this season. Clearly it bodes well for the Bruins, and for McAvoy, that he’s back to Well, a funny thing has happened to the second-year defenseman down workhorse defenseman form, and playing now like people hoped he’d he the stretch, for a Bruins team that just recently got done with a 19-game would from the very beginning of this season. McAvoy’s elevated level of point streak. McAvoy has basically taken over the mantle of No. 1 play was one of the biggest single factors behind the 19-game point defenseman from 41-year-old Zdeno Chara, and is playing like a D-man streak, and behind Boston’s push to the second overall spot in the that’s going to be at the center of things during Boston’s playoff run. Atlantic Division.

“The shooting for sure,” said Bruce Cassidy, when asked if the team It all begs the question as to what’s going to happen to McAvoy this would like to see McAvoy shoot the puck more. “The body, yep, when it’s offseason as his entry level contract expires. By all accounts McAvoy and there, take it. Only [McAvoy] can answer, but he’s missed some time with his camp believed they were headed toward an Aaron Ekblad-level different injuries. Maybe he’s starting to feel like now he’s into form, contract extension for his second deal that would have paid him right? It’s not that easy in this league to miss five weeks or four weeks, or something in the neighborhood of the $7.5 million per season Ekblad whatever the case was each time and then all of a sudden get back and signed on for in Florida for eight seasons. revved up to full speed. If McAvoy had enjoyed a healthy, dominant season this year that built “The expectations are high for Charlie. He’s had a good start here. Part upon last season’s impressive rookie campaign, then he’d even be able of that we try to temper with him without talking him down and not to make a compelling argument why he should be moving into Ekblad reaching his potential, but he has to understand it’s a tough league and territory. But the reality is that McAvoy has missed 27 games to injury this play the game in front of him. I think he’s starting to now play that, and season and his end-of-season numbers aren’t going to anywhere close then when the opportunities are there, he looks like to me that he’s taking to what he did as a rookie. advantage of the situation. He’s not forcing anything, so that’s a sign that A two or three year bridge deal at lower AAV (Average Annual Value) a guy’s in a zone when you have the puck a lot. You’re making plays, yet would make the most sense given how things have played out for you’re not forcing stuff and seem to be making a lot of the right decisions. McAvoy this season. He’s in a groove right now.” It will leave the Bruins in quite a predicament, though, if McAvoy finishes Just look at the time on ice for the two players, and that tells the story. up strong this season, has a dominant playoff and leaves the Black and McAvoy is averaging 23:04 of ice time during the month of March, and is Gold with a good taste in their mouths in a couple of months. Should they playing almost two minutes more per game than Zdeno Chara’s 21:14 of show McAvoy the money while banking on him getting healthier, better ice time. In February it was also the same story ,with McAvoy leading all and more consistent while still staying motivated after getting paid major Bruins with 22:23 of ice time per game and Chara once again trailed with dough? 21:28 of ice time in the very same 13 games played last month. It’s one of a of tough decisions facing Don Sweeney once this Over that span of February and March, McAvoy also has five goals and Bruins season has concluded, and lot of it might be dictated by what 12 points along with a plus-8 rating in 20 games, and is truly putting in everybody sees out of No. 73 over the next two months while the Bruins the time at both ends of the ice as the all-situation D-man. It’s certainly try to make a push. something that his teammates and the Bruins coaching staff has noticed as time has moved on, and as the D-man has recovered his complete Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 game after hesitation and tentativeness crept in after the concussion issues.

“[McAvoy] plays against anybody, plays on the power play, plays on the penalty kill and moves the puck, so a little more modern-day type of player, does a little bit of everything," Cassidy said. "If you look at the ’s the [Roman] Josi’s, [P.K.] Subban’s, whoever you’re going to put in those categories. We hope that he’s in that category [of a No. 1 D-man] at some point, but this is kind of where we were going earlier, we want to temper that [excitement] so that when Charlie has the usual 20-year-old hiccups we don’t get down on him. But yeah, he could very well .”

Who could have imagined a few months ago that McAvoy would be standing in there and throwing big right-handed punches with Artemi Panarin like he did earlier this in Columbus?

That as much as anything was a sure sign that the young defenseman is healthy, confident and playing like somebody ready to take the baton from Chara as the No. 1 defenseman on this team. That means he’s the guy capable of playing 30 minutes a night every other day in the playoffs, 1136182 Boston Bruins

Brad Marchand on NHL playoff format: 'I don't think it's fair'

By NBC Sports Boston Staff March 15, 2019 7:49 PM

The NHL re-did their playoff system in 2013. The three top teams in each of the league's four divisions make the postseason, while two wild-card teams from each conference also make the fray. The format has received scrutiny over the past five years, and Brad Marchand was the latest to speak out about the NHL playoffs.

The Boston Bruins star recently spoke to reporters in a video taken by TSN. In the video, Marchand spoke of the issues with the system that pits the second- and third-place finishers in each division against each other in the first round of the playoffs.

I don’t think it’s fair, not even looking at the way we’ve lined up the last couple years, that one would finish second and have to play a third- or fourth-place team compared to a seventh-place team. But it is what it is. It doesn’t matter who you play. If you’re going to win a Stanley Cup, you’re going to have to get through your whole conference anyway. So, at the end of the day, you play who you play and the best team will get through.

Marchand does have a point. And the past couple of seasons, the Bruins have gotten the short end of the stick on this front.

Following the 2017-18 season, the Bruins were the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and were behind the Tampa Bay Lightning by one point in the standings. This point ended up being costly. While the Lightning got to take on the eighth-seeded New Jersey Devils in the first round, the Bruins had to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs, the fourth-best team in the East. And that's because of the new playoff format.

The same thing may be happening again this year. The Bruins are currently in second place in the Atlantic Division, but they almost certainly won't catch the top-seeded Lightning. So, despite the fact that they may end up with the second-best record in the conference, they may, once again, have to take on a superior opponent. While having an rivalry take place in the first round is a plus, it still doesn't seem entirely fair.

And while the team would still have a tough first-round opponent no matter what, playing a team like the Carolina Hurricanes or Columbus Blue Jackets would probably be more palatable than facing off with Toronto.

Marchand isn't the only player to speak out about this. Lightning star Steven Stamkos recently voiced his concerns with the format and actually said that the format was unfair for Boston and Toronto. The NHL will likely have to address this issue at some point in the near future to ease tensions, especially if star-caliber players continue to speak out about it.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136183 Boston Bruins his best game in a Bruins uniform on the wing, which is interesting food for thought.

--Mark Schiefele finished with a goal and three points for the Winnipeg What We Learned in the B's 4-3 loss to the Jets Jets, and was really driving the engine for a deep Jets attack that was simply too much for the Black and Gold.

By Joe Haggerty March 15, 2019 2:57 PM Marchand says he's 'too tired' to agitate

Minus

Here’s What We Learned from the Bruins 4-3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets --Tuukka Rask allowed four goals on 24 shots and wasn’t really his brick on Thursday night to wrap up a rough three-game road trip for the Black wall best against Winnipeg. Certainly the defense in front of him wasn’t and Gold. great either as evidenced by a couple of tap-ins on the first few goals, but Rask also needs to find his best game at this late point in the season. 1) The Bruins need to focus almost solely on the bad starts right now. Once again they dropped down to a 2-0 deficit in the first period, and --Chris Wagner was on the ice for a couple of goals against, and was then had to start digging out as they did in both of the other games that part of a fourth line that got way too aggressive while up the ice and they lost on the three-goal road trip. Just as they also did in wins over opened up things for the Winnipeg transition game on the first goal teams like Carolina, Florida and Ottawa. This time the B’s allowed a goal allowed just 1:08 into the first. just 1:08 into the game when the fourth line made a crucial mistake with --Danton Heinen coughed up the puck to sharp-shooting Nikolaj Ehlers all three forwards caught below the goal line as Winnipeg went on the midway through the third period for the back-breaking fourth goal allowed counterattack. Sprinkle in a power play goal for the Jets a little bit later on to Winnipeg that ended up being the game-winner. The turnover right in in the period, and it’s all the ingredients needed for the Black and Gold to the slot area was a killer. dig a significant hole. They’ve tried starting the fourth line to give some energy right off the bat and they’ve tried going with Patrice Bergeron as a Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 way to set a standard for the focus in the first period, but nothing is working right now for the Bruins. If the B’s don’t find a way to fix this particular problem, they won’t last very long against playoff-caliber teams in the playoffs that can take full advantage of that.

2) One of the positives for the Bruins was the play of Charlie Coyle, who finally broke through his goal-scoring drought to start his career with the Black and Gold. It was a strong play where the 26-year-old got to the front of the net and tipped home a Zdeno Chara point shot with some pretty solid hand/eye coordination. It’s exactly the spot in the offensive zone that the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder needs to get to in order to create offense for whichever line that he’s on, and exactly the kind of thing Boston had in mind when they traded for him. It was beyond the goal for Coyle, however, as he finished with three shots on net, five shot attempts overall and a hit in 17:48 of ice time. It seems that Coyle has actually been a little more effective playing the wing in a top-6 spot rather than driving the third line as the man in the middle, and that will be something for the Bruins to keep in mind as they look for a fit with him headed into the postseason.

Talking Points from the B's 4-3 loss to the Jets

3) Joakim Nordstrom showed on Thursday night why he’s in the lineup ahead of young players that might not be quite ready for prime time (Karson Kuhlman) and young players that might not ever be ready for prime time (Peter Cehlarik). There’s a distinction between those two, but neither of them is as useful, reliable or capable of making an impact in these late season games as Nordstrom has become. That’s something the people grousing about Cehlarik’s trip back to the P-Bruins don’t seem to understand despite a pretty clear body of evidence that he was struggling at the NHL level in these big, late season games. Sure, the goal Nordstrom scored against Winnipeg snapped a 25-game goal- scoring drought where he wasn’t exactly bringing the offense. But he’s never going to be a prolific offense producer at the NHL level, and really shouldn’t ever be counted on to play top-6 minutes for a team making a Cup run. But he’s perfectly fine in a pinch when the B’s are missing three of their top-4 wingers with injuries, and he also gave a spark to the fourth line with his goal in the first period that finally got Boston moving in the right direction. It was pure grit as Nordstrom attacked the net for the rebound of a Sean Kuraly shot, and then was able to put it home to get Boston on the board. Beyond that he had three shots on net, a couple of hits and the goal in 9:51 of ice time, and made the most of his limited opportunities. That is something that guys like Cehlarik and Kuhlman really don’t seem capable of doing at this point in their young careers, and that’s why Nordstrom sticks around and plays while those players fight for playing time at the NHL level.

Plus

--Joakim Nordstrom snapped a 25-game goal-scoring drought with a hustle rebound goal early in the game, and packed plenty of quality in his 9:51 of ice time while bouncing around the Bruins lineup.

--Charlie Coyle scored his first goal as a member of the Bruins in the third period, and more importantly did it by using his size and strength to get close to the net for a tipped Zdeno Chara shot. Coyle arguably had 1136184 Boston Bruins

Brad Marchand: 'I'm just too tired' to agitate this year

By NBC Sports Boston Staff March 15, 2019 2:37 PM

Brad Marchand has developed a reputation in the NHL for being a pesky agitator. But it sounds like Marchand wants to put those days behind him.

From licking players, to throwing dirty hits, to having eleven instances of either suspensions or fines from the NHL, Marchand is not exactly known for his sportsmanship.

However, these competitive intangibles are also what make Marchand a valuable teammate—the way that he is able to get in the head of the Bruins' opponents.

But it sounds like Marchand wants to reform his wayward style of play. In a press conference with reporters, Marchand said:

[I've] really toned it down a lot this year. I'm just too tired to do it now to be honest with you. It's kind of gone up a little bit this year, but the refs are pretty tight on that stuff now, so it's just kind of pointless. It gets to be more tiresome throughout the game than anything, so I'm trying to get away from that stuff now."

"Well I had to do it to get in the league and I did it growing up. I wouldn't change that, it allowed me to break into the NHL, and I'll be forever grateful for that, but you need to evolve and change with the game the way it changes and the last couple years it's changed drastically—the way the league is cracking down on hits and penalties."

If the Bruins hope to make a solid playoff run next month, they will need Marchand—who is far and away Boston's top goal scorer, on the ice, not in the penalty box, or at home with a suspension.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136185 Boston Bruins

Banged up? Taking inventory of Bruins' many injuries

By NBC Sports Boston Staff March 15, 2019 11:12 AM

The Bruins are fresh off of a historic 19 game point streak, but have lost their last three games.

While it's easy to expect the team to be tired after such a run, the Bruins are beginning to rack up quite the list of injured players, as they prepare for their final push to the playoffs.

With only 11 games remaining in the regular season, the Bruins, who are in second place in the Atlantic Division, are currently dealing with the following injured players. The list has become staggering.

LW Jake DeBrusk is questionable for Saturday's game against Columbus with a lower body injury

D Torey Krug is questionable for Saturday's game against Columbus with an illness

D Matt Grzelcyk is out indefinitely with an arm injury

LW Marcus Johansson is out indefinitely with an upper body injury

D Kevan Miller is out indefinitely with an upper body injury

F Marcus Johansson remains out with a lung contusion

RW David Pastrnak remains out as he recovers from surgery on his thumb, which he injured in February

If the Bruins hope to go into the playoffs on a high note, and turn around their three game skid, they would be well served to have their star players heal sooner rather than later.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136186 Buffalo Sabres The most consecutive games an NHL team has been shut out

Team Season Games

Jack Eichel returns, hoping to prevent Sabres from making dubious Chicago Blackhawks 1928-29 8 offensive history Oakland Seals 1967-68 4

Pittsburgh Pirates 1928-29 4 By Mike Harrington|Published Fri, Mar 15, 2019|Updated Fri, Mar 15, 2019 Montreal Canadiens 1927-28 4

New York Rangers 1927-28 4

Jack is back. Now we see if that helps the Buffalo Sabres regain any 35 teams at 3, last by Buffalo Sabres in 2018-19 semblance of an offense. Teams shut out three consecutive games in back to back seasons

Captain Jack Eichel has served his two-game suspension for a check to Team Seasons the head and will return to the lineup Saturday night as the Sabres travel to meet the Carolina Hurricanes in PNC Arena. Buffalo Sabres 2017-18 and 2018-19

At practice Friday in Harborcenter, Eichel was back to his normal spot New York Rangers 1927-28 (4 games) and 1928-29 between Jeff Skinner and Sam Reinhart and in his role on the team's top Pittsburgh Pirates 1926-27, 1927-28 and 1928-29 (4 games) power-play unit. SOURCE: NHL.com "Whenever you miss a game, hurt, suspended, whatever it is, it's tough to sit in the press box, for sure," Eichel said. "I want to be out there The drought is made even more shocking when you consider the Sabres competing as much as you can. It stinks not playing, but it's good that it's had been having defensive troubles and not problems putting the puck in over and you must move past it." the net. In the seven games preceding this run, Buffalo had scored 23 goals and averaged 3.29 per game. The Sabres have slipped to 24th in "He's a big part of our team. He's our leader. He drives the bus," said scoring but still average 2.7 per game. coach Phil Housley. "I'm sure he's excited to get back." "For some guys, if it's been a while, it's just human nature that it starts to Eichel returns to find a Buffalo offense in the throes of a horrific slump, creep into your mind a bit and you're gripping your stick a little tight and the victims of three consecutive shutout defeats that have extended a thinking about it," Eichel said. "Just keep it simple. Try to get pucks to the season-long losing streak to six games. net, bodies to the net and it's bound to go in." "Obviously, we've had some chances but haven't capitalized," Eichel The goal drought has ratcheted up the heat on Housley and added said. "So we've just got to bear down on our opportunities. The goalies in pressure in the dressing room as players try to stay motivated with no this league are good. You've got to get to the net." playoff berth at stake. "Our goal every shift is to win the shift and to obviously score goals while "We're competitors. That's the biggest thing," Eichel said. "I think trying to prevent them," said defenseman . "I don't know everyone has something to play for here. The season is not over. We've how mental it is. Guys have to continue to put pucks in. A lot of teams got a big game tomorrow night against a team trying to get in the have similar droughts like that and they get a lucky bounce and all of a playoffs. We can play spoiler, we can play whatever you want to call it. sudden it's back to normal." This is about pride, about playing for the logo, playing for the guy next to Despite Bogosian's assertion, teams generally don't have similar you. I think that's what most important." droughts. This is no longer a normal slump. The Sabres are approaching "I believe guys want to win in here," added Bogosian. "When things aren't plenty of historic ineptitude. Consider these ghoulish facts: going the way you like them to, it's easy to point fingers, but we have to The Sabres have failed to score in a span of 197 minutes, 40 seconds stay together as a group, go through it as a group and grow as a group. since Kyle Okposo's third-period goal March 7 in Chicago. There's not going to be one or two guys packing it in."

Thursday's 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh made the Sabres the first team in the Storm Warning NHL's expansion era to endure three consecutive shutouts in back-to- The Sabres have lost eight in a row to the Hurricanes, their longest back seasons. It had not been done in consecutive seasons since 1929, current drought against any NHL team (0-5-3). They are 0-1-1 this when the Pittsburgh Pirates (yes, the Pirates) and New York Rangers season against the Canes, dropping a 4-3 decision Jan. 11 in Raleigh suffered similar fates. and a 6-5 shootout Feb. 7 in Buffalo. The Hurricanes have If the Sabres do not score Saturday, they will become just the sixth team scored 27 goals against Buffalo in the last six meetings. in NHL history to suffer four straight shutouts. It has not been done in the Lineup news expansion era since the first-year 1967-68 Oakland Seals. For those wondering, the record is eight games in a row, set by the 1928-29 Marco Scandella missed practice with an upper body injury, but Housley Chicago Blackhawks. said he would make the trip to Carolina. Bogosian returned to practice and will also travel. Housley said he'll determine the lineup Saturday but The Sabres were shut out three straight times last season during the practice the day before usually tells the tale, meaning Bogosian is likely week after Thanksgiving and came within 8 minutes, 42 seconds of a in and Scandella likely out. fourth goose egg before Jason Pominville scored their lone goal in a 5-1 loss at Pittsburgh on Dec. 2, 2017. So the only two times it's happened in Vladimir Sobotka and Scott Wilson skated as extra forwards in practice franchise history has been the last two seasons. Friday and are likely to be healthy scratches. Sobotka has missed six games this year due to injury, but this would be the first time he's been a Gooooooooooal! End of drought is tiny silver lining in latest Sabres healthy scratch. clunker Buffalo News LOADED: 03.16.2019 The Sabres would need to get less than 15 minutes into the second period Saturday to break the club futility mark of 232 minutes, 9 seconds set during last year's drought.

"We need a goal. We'd like to get a result with that too as well," Housley said. "I think we're still at times turning away opportunities to get pucks to the net. We've just really got to simplify our game, throw everything to the net. We've got to get people going there and getting dirty and hungry to score a goal."

Firing Blanks 1136187 Buffalo Sabres Sending lots of love & prayers to @evanderkane_9 & his wife who’ve recently lost a child. My twitter won’t allow me to DM you but here is a prayer I wrote to try to send to you and your wife. My wife and I are NHL community rallies around Evander Kane and family after loss praying for you guys’ during this time. 🙏🏿 God Bless pic.twitter.com/WJhmtzXaWp

— MG (@marquisegoodwin) March 15, 2019 By FROM NEWS & WIRE SERVICES|Published Fri, Mar 15, 2019|Updated Fri, Mar 15, 2019 Buffalo News LOADED: 03.16.2019

By Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News

SAN JOSE — Former Sabres forward Evander Kane, now a member of the San Jose Sharks, shared Thursday that he and his wife recently lost a child during pregnancy.

In a statement released via his Twitter account, Kane said, “I would like to thank everyone who has reached out to my wife and I during this extremely difficult time. Over the weekend, our daughter, Eva, at 26 weeks, passed away. As expecting parents, this past week has broken us.

“We’ve received a ton of support from family and friends, and we truly want to thank them. We would also like to thank our Sharks Family for their support, compassion, and allowing me to be with my family during this time.

“My family and I are heartbroken. Words cannot express how excited we were to welcome our baby girl into the world and watch her grow. Eva, you have been the absolute biggest blessing of our lives and we are all so grateful for all the joy you brought us in such a short amount of time.

“You gave us all, especially your mom and I, something to be incredibly excited about. And though we are devastated that you couldn’t stay with us longer, your mom and I will always cherish the time we had with your beautiful soul. Your spirit will give us strength, your love will give us comfort. We will love you forever.”

Kane, 27, had missed four games from March 1-9 with an injury, and did not travel with the team for its just-completed road trip through Minnesota and Winnipeg as the Sharks gave him time to be with his family. Kane was on the ice for Thursday’s morning skate with his Sharks teammates, but did not play against the Florida Panthers. He could play Saturday.

A tweet from the NHL’s official account said, “The National Hockey League family offers its deepest condolences to Evander Kane and his family.”

The NHL community rallied around Kane and his family.

Our thoughts go out to you and your family ♥️ https://t.co/sfEDw2pqy0

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) March 14, 2019

We were deeply saddened by the news of Eva’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family..The Savard’s ❤️

— Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) March 14, 2019

We are heartbroken for our teammate. Thoughts and prayers for @evanderkane_9 and his family. https://t.co/gLetq1Fc3T

— Dan Rusanowsky (@DanRusanowsky) March 14, 2019

Kane said Friday that he’s humbled by all the love he’s received in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“It’s actually been pretty surprising, to be honest. The amount of support and where it’s come from,” Kane told the Mercury News. “It’s been really nice. It’s definitely been helpful. Lots of different players around the league and management have reached out that I don’t even know. It really makes you appreciate how special the hockey community is. It was pretty humbling to have so many people reach out, especially people I’ve never really interacted with before.”

Kane thanked his coaches and teammates for helping him through the grieving process.

“The guys have been very supportive,” Kane said. “That’s made it easier, being able to step away and take my time. There’s so much experience in this room on and off the ice, so it’s been helpful.”

Former Bills receiver Marquise Goodwin also showed his support for Kane. Goodwin and his wife lost their twins during pregnancy in January. 1136188 Buffalo Sabres Well, this is my 26th year. I think back and if you would have told me that a kid from Depew, N.Y., would have a 26-year career in the NHL as an official, anyone would hope for that. Like everyone says, the time flies by. Retiring after 26 years as an NHL linesman, Buffalo-born Tim Nowak Luckily, I have a great support system at home in my wife and daughter. reflects on his life in stripes My daughter is graduating high school this year, and she’s off to High Point University in North Carolina, so we’re really excited about that.

You know, it’s time for my wife and I to enjoy the next chapter in our life. I By John Vogl Mar 15, 2019 look forward to that and our daughter’s next chapter more than the end to mine, really, because that’s what it’s all about.

You sound ready for that next chapter, but what are you going to miss? When Tim Nowak first put on the stripes, minor-league teams nickel-and- dimed him. For real. He’d get done officiating and spiteful owners who The game is awesome, plus going out there and trying to do your best. didn’t like a call would have his pay waiting in a bag of nickels and dimes. But like I said, my friends and family being able to associate with me. Whether I’m on the West Coast or wherever doing a game, my buddies Now Sidney Crosby and Carey Price go out of their way to shake here in Buffalo are at a bar and they see me on TV, I think that Nowak’s hand. It’s been a memorable ride. connection is what I’ll miss because I’ll get a text saying, ‘I’m just It’s also ending. The longtime linesman is putting down his whistle at the watching your game out in Anaheim.’ That part is what I’ll miss. end of the season, capping a 26-year career that’s included two As you mentioned, 26 years goes by fast. But how much has the game Olympics, the Stanley Cup finals, three Winter Classics and one of the changed in your time? NHL’s fiercest brawls. Oh, it’s fast. Oh, is it fast. I remember my first year, I think in my second The Buffalo-born Nowak worked the final game in his home rink game was the goalie, and I was amazed at how good he Thursday, taking one last twirl on the Sabres’ ice before heading to a was. And then I had to keep telling myself, This game is way too fast – long line of well-wishers. Hall of Fame announcer Rick Jeanneret offered even at that point – to watch the game. But the speed of the game now, his congratulations, as did off-ice officials, television executives, even from 10-15 years ago, is unbelievable, as is the skill that the players equipment guys, arena workers and hockey people. have. As his parents, Bob and Rita, proudly gushed about the 51-year-old’s Obviously, years ago, there was a lot of the clutching and grabbing and accomplishments, they were specifically touched by that night’s on-ice stuff. Now the skilled players can just fly out there. It’s very enjoyable to tribute. After the game, the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins lined up in front be out there. Even though it’s hard to understand, it’s kind of easier to of Nowak and shook his hand one-by-one. It was a show of respect the officiate because everything just kind of flows together in the game. You linesman earned by working more than 1,700 regular-season games and just have to anticipate and be in the right spot, hopefully, at the right time. another 114 in the postseason since 1993. But I think that would be the biggest thing that’s changed over the years. Standing in the officials’ locker room, which features a picture of Nowak Obviously, the physicality, too. There’s not as much fighting or fisticuffs. being honored for his 1,500th game, he talked with The Athletic about his Yeah, I saw your first game had 250 penalty minutes. You don’t see career, the changes he’s seen in the NHL and how a former goalie from those anymore. Buffalo State College keeps up with world-class skaters and instant replay. No. I came from the East Coast Hockey League. I think I still lived here and I drove down to Winston-Salem, and the players were in the stands I was talking to your parents while we were outside. I know what tonight fighting. I’m like, ‘What am I getting myself into?’ Then I did my first game meant to them. What did it mean to you? Was it was special? in Washington with all those penalty minutes, I was like, ‘I thought I left It was. Growing up here and going to games in the Aud, then I closed the this.’ I remember John D’Amico, he was the supervisor, and he came into Aud and opened this building in ’96. But everything’s got to come to an the game and said, ‘Welcome to the NHL, kid.’ I said, ‘I hope it’s not end. It was special coming here for one last time working. Thinking back, always like this.’ Because they were men. I was still young, and I was I probably worked about 75, 80 games in Buffalo. like, ‘Wow.’

I think the part I’ll miss the most is all my friends and family in the stands. Someone sent me a text the other day that I did the Philly-Ottawa game I don’t know how many text messages I got from guys at the game that I that has the record for most penalty minutes, and I was like, ‘Thanks. I went to high school with or college with that were here and say, ‘Oh, I appreciate that, too.’ know that guy.’ I think that’s the part I’ll miss the most, not being able to How much has the training changed through the years that you’ve had to give that to family and friends. keep up with? I’ve been standing here five minutes and I see how much respect people The training has changed a lot. Back when I was hired, linesmen were all from everywhere have for you. That’s got to mean a lot. tall or bigger guys (Nowak is 6-foot-5), so there was a lot weight training Yeah, you know, it’s great. At the end when the Penguins all came over, and stuff like that. But now it’s more foot speed because the game is so it kind of puts it in a way that they understand we have a tough job and fast and you’ve got to move quick. You’ve got to read the play and we’re all in this together. Not only for the older guys like Matty Cullen – anticipate and get to the spot. Like I said, it’s fast, so you go maybe less he just had 1,500 games as a player, and that’s unbelievable – but then on the physical because really we’re just neutralizing players if there was the young guys, when they’re part of that and see the older guys telling a fight or fisticuffs going on, but now you’re always skating hard. You’re them, ‘Come on, this is what we’re doing, this is how we show respect,’ always skating fast. they understand from a younger stage in their career that we’re not I know you’re still working so you probably haven’t had time to look back, perfect, but we tried to do the best we can for the game. We may not but your parents were just talking about how proud they were of the always be right, but that definitely shows a lot of respect for our job and Olympics and everything you’ve done. Have you had time to look back how tough it is. and say, “Wow, I did a lot”? I saw Montreal did that as well when you visited. I do look at these games that I’ve been able to do. We went to Salt Lake That was awesome being in the Bell . It’s such a hockey hotbed, (for the 2002 Olympics) and our daughter was too young to experience then Carey Price comes over and me being a goalie, I was like, Oh, my that, but it was phenomenal to be out there and experience that Olympic gosh. Then Ben Bishop the other day when they were here … I’ve just feeling. Then our daughter went to Vancouver (in 2010) when I was always liked the goalies, so it was great. fortunate to work there, too, so I look at that going, ‘How many people can say they went to the Olympics?’ The closing ceremonies and the And it was great in Montreal, the tradition there and the respect that they opening ceremonies, just to understand what that all is, it’s amazing. have for the game. Claude Julien has been a longtime coach in the league, and I’ve had so much respect for him, so when he found out this The game is the game, and when I teach younger kids it’s still the same is what they wanted to do, it was special. game. Yeah, there’s more pressure now, but whether it’s working the or Olympics or outdoor games, it’s still a game. I What made you decide this was it? think us as officials, the successful ones are able to block out the outside stuff and still focus on what’s in front of you. Like I said, it’s still the same game going on in the rink.

You mentioned the pressure. Video replay, did that change things for you?

I’ve been a person where I just want the right call made. So if I miss something, I’m glad that it’s there. Back then, we didn’t have it, but you never really thought about it as much because we always still try to do our best. I’ve never once when I’ve had a call overturned felt anything but, ‘You know what? I made a mistake, obviously, and I’m glad for the good of the game that we that mechanism there to make the right call.’

Obviously, you mentioned some of the games and experiences that you’re going to remember. Is there anything else that will stick out game- wise for you?

My first game in Buffalo, I remember that. It was at the old Aud, and back then it was well-known that Milt Ellis was the public-address announcer. I remember talking to him and hearing him announce my name. That was cool. To me, as a kid growing up, going to games and hearing his voice, then being out there and hearing that …

Rick Jeanneret stopped in tonight. I just always remember when he would do my games, my buddies would tell me he said, ‘Buffalo’s own Tim Nowak,’ and it’s just the little things like that. Everything along the way, it’s the relationships. It won’t be maybe the game itself, but one of the things is all the people I meet along the way. I’ve met so many new friends. One of my best friends is a bellman at the St. Louis airport Marriott. I flew him up for my 1,500th game. So the people that you connect with along the way and the people that I’ve been able to stay connected with, how hockey has been able to allow me to keep those relationships going is what is really special to me.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136189 Buffalo Sabres Eichel isn’t always around the front of the net, but his linemates can usually be found there when he’s taking shots from the slot or the circles. For other centers, trying to be like Jack will only take them away from Sabres’ lack of offense in Eichel’s absence makes his importance even their own games and likely frustrate them more because they’re not as more evident gifted as he is either in handling the puck or taking shots. That said, when it’s a mix of veterans who know their roles and stick to what works and young players still figuring out the NHL game, having them keep things simple is in their best interests. By Joe Yerdon Mar 15, 2019 “Obviously it’s a big loss, he’s a superstar. That’s tough but I think you’ve

just got to go keep playing,” Casey Mittelstadt said. “There’s a lot of BUFFALO — The best laid plans don’t always pan out and, boy, do the things I’ve built up over the year that I’ve got to keep getting better at. I’ve Buffalo Sabres know all about that this season. When Jack Eichel goes got to keep focusing on those and keep developing in that area. I mean, out of the lineup, it creates a sense of dread one way or another. On a it’s tough not having him for sure, but I think you’ve just got to go out and team with a lack of both scoring and center depth, the difference in play play, you can’t try to be Jack or try to do everything he does. You’ve just without the star center is evident. got to go out, keep playing your game, and hope everything works out.”

Eichel’s absence due to injury has been an unfortunate occurrence the Right now, nothing seems to be working out, but Eichel returns Saturday previous two seasons, so when he missed three games in January with to try and show them the way out. In a season filled with ups and downs an upper-body injury, it wasn’t an unfamiliar situation. In those three he’s been the constant, consistent performer and team MVP. They’re games, the Sabres went 2-1-0 with wins over Florida and New Jersey going to need him to help bring some stability and calm to a room that and a loss at Boston in between. At that point, the Sabres were still in a desperately needs it. wild card spot. Those days seem forever ago compared to where the The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 team is now.

Being without Eichel in their past two games came with the team mired in a losing streak and on its way to an eighth straight missed postseason. The home games this week versus Dallas and Pittsburgh saw their goalless streak extended to 197:40 in respective 2-0 and 5-0 losses and raised many uncomfortable questions with the Sabres tied for 12th in the Eastern Conference at 69 points with the New York Rangers.

“Anytime that you put on an NHL sweater, put on a Sabres sweater, you better play with some pride otherwise you shouldn’t fucking be here,” winger Kyle Okposo said Thursday after the loss to the Penguins. “I don’t believe that we’ve lost that, and if guys have, then they shouldn’t be here.”

In January it was Jeff Skinner, Sam Reinhart, and Tage Thompson who picked up the offense and scoring chances with Eichel out. In the past two games, the team hasn’t been able to do that. Do the players change how they approach the game when they know he’s not in the lineup?

“You know you’re going to go through stretches and stuff where you don’t feel as good, so I feel like I’ve got that again,” Reinhart said. “But no, I don’t think I try and change too much because (Jack)’s out of the lineup. Mentally maybe a little bit; you’re trying to be the go-to guy for the lineup for our team. You try and hold that with the preparation and how you go, but I try to do that regardless if he’s in the lineup or not or if I’m on his line or not.”

Finding the players that have stepped up in his most recent absence is a bit tougher.

Skinner put a pair of shots off the post in the 2-0 loss to Dallas. Connor Sheary, working with Reinhart and Evan Rodrigues, had a set of opportunities to get on the board and Stars goalie Ben Bishop was in the middle of a run of what ended up being three straight games with a shutout. The effort in that game wasn’t at fault, but sometimes luck isn’t there.

“It’s just the breaks,” Thompson said. “Certain ones you feel there’s something you could’ve done different and sometimes that’s just the way the puck bounces; sometimes the goalie makes a great save and that’s just the way the game goes sometimes. But that’s where you’ve got to dig in deeper and find a way.”

The players that did their damnedest to find a way were goalies Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton. Unfortunately, goalies don’t score goals very regularly and the Sabres’ winless streak moved to six games (0-5-1) after the loss to Pittsburgh. Hutton, who was under fire the entire way against Colorado, sped off the ice into the locker room after the final horn on Thursday against Pittsburgh. Whether he was mad at himself, mad about yet another loss, mad at what transpired in front of him, or a combination of all three, he can’t really be faulted for wanting to get away from it as fast as possible.

“We’ve got to do a lot of things,” Sheary said after the game Thursday. “It starts with getting to the net front and maybe getting a dirty one. I think we’re maybe a little bit too perimeter in trying to make plays, especially off the rush. I think we’ve just got to try and get inside more and bang home a rebound or something dirty in front.” 1136190 “Stuff happens underground that people don’t see.”

Of course, starting with …

Storms, spiderwebs, serendipity and skulduggery: The stories behind “The Gio story is still one of the best,” Button said. “This guy’s been in the how the Flames’ roster was put together Norris Trophy talk all year — and he was a free agent willing to go play for $15,000 in the East Coast league.”

That had been Sutter’s strategy — corral a herd of gung-ho kids, By Scott Cruickshank Mar 15, 2019 convince them to accept three-way deals, see what shakes out.

“Darryl thought that those guys would show up and work,” said Button. “If Mikael Backlund, during the Calgary Flames’ annual fathers trip, took they’re willing to go to the East Coast for 15 grand? They wanted to play note of Keith Tkachuk. hockey. That was his theory.”

The man is hard to miss. Big frame. Big personality. And suddenly July 6, 2004, the Flames announced the signings of seven faceless Backlund got curious. “I knew he’d had a great career, but I was like, ‘I’ve hopefuls — Richie Regehr, Dustin Johner, Patrik Nilson, Davin Heintz, got to look up his stats.'” Justin Taylor, Carsen Germyn, . (In the Calgary Herald the following morning, the news was attached to the tail end of a story So the centreman searched Eliteprospects.com to get a fix on “Mr. detailing Craig Conroy’s free-agent departure to Los Angeles.) Tkachuk’s” numbers. “Obviously, they’re impressive. Then I scrolled down …” But this was no random list of wannabe pros. In Giordano’s case, it had been amateur scout Mike Sands who first identified the OHL Owen And to his astonishment, Backlund discovered that the 2007 first-round Sound blueliner’s potential. For assurance, he encouraged Tom Webster, choice the sent to the St. Louis Blues to acquire Keith one of the Flames’ pro bird-dogs, to take a peek at Giordano. Tkachuk was eventually dealt to the Flames, who used it to select … him. “That’s teamwork, right?” said Button. “That’s reaching out to a guy with “Pretty cool,” he said. “That pick turned into me and now I play with his tons of experience and saying, ‘Give me another opinion.’ Everybody’s son.” not full of certainty or confidence when you’re watching a player at 17 or 18 (that he’ll) be in the NHL. Getting second opinions, especially from Naturally, Backlund shared this tantalizing tidbit with his left winger, who experienced guys, is really important.” acknowledged its excellence. And here Giordano is, a textbook captain with more than 800 games to “What a small world,” said Matthew Tkachuk. “Because of my dad, he’s a his credit. Flame.” For this overachieving collection of Flames, he was the first piece of the Backlund couldn’t help but smile at the serendipity. Then again, this is puzzle — and quite possibly the most critical one. It stands as an in- hockey, the Original Six degrees of separation. house illustration of how things can work. Scouts, amateur and pro, co- “With a lot of trades and things,” he said, “it’s a spiderweb.” ordinating with managers to deliver the goods.

Of that, there is no doubt. “Information is our capital,” said Treliving. “In this business, information is king.” Flames general manager Brad Treliving had not been aware of the Backlund-Mr. Tkachuk connection — nor was he surprised. It also came So you have area scout Mike Addesa being wowed by a lanky kid at a as news to Tod Button, who got a chuckle out of it. New England high school tournament. At the Flames’ first conference call of the year, he brings up the name of the centreman. So Button ventures “That’s a great angle,” said the team’s director of amateur scouting. off to see the prospect. “That’s a great story. I love that. That’s awesome.” Months later, literally one dark and stormy night, Flames assistant Button provided the circumstances behind the acquisition of Backlund. general manager John Weisbrod is in to watch blueliner Ryan Which started with bossman really wanting John Negrin, Culkin, who, it develops, is sidelined by injury. So he calls Button. two-way defender of WHL Kootenay. But he had already spent the Flames’ second- and third-rounders to get Alex Tanguay and David Hale. “It was, ‘Who do I go see?'” said Button. “I said, ‘Well, go down to Stanstead.'” “We knew we weren’t going to take Negrin with the first pick,” said Button, so the Flames decided to trade down, dropping six first-round So, with one player on his mind, Weisbrod points his rental car into a slots to 24th and adding a third-round holler, 70th, in the process. blizzard.

The plan worked perfectly. They got Backlund, then Negrin. (St. Louis, at “I can tell you I was in a bad mood — I was driving two and a half hours No. 18, landed Ian Cole.) through snow,” Weisbrod recounted for reporters at the 2012 draft. “But by the middle of the second period, I was laughing out loud by myself in And, as everyone knows, the Swedish kid would go on to become a my seat.” mainstay in Calgary, eventually operating as centre for Keith Tkachuk’s boy. He’d just clapped eyes on , a high school player the Flames would choose in the first round. A nifty enough backstory — and one of many. “He’s a long way away, he’s raw, he’s young, he’s still got to cross the Right now — post-deadline and pre-playoff — it seemed like an crocodile-infested waters and develop properly — it’s a long way from appropriate juncture to offer an outline of the Flames’ roster, one which draft day to play in the NHL — but the physical attributes this guy has,” has exceeded all reasonable expectations this season. Weisbrod said that day. “The athleticism. The skating. The hands. The fact that he’ll likely be playing at 6-(foot)-4, 215. I’ve said it to our scouts Like, how did these two dozen chaps wind up in Calgary? A simple all week long — he’s Joe Nieuwendyk.” enough exercise, you would think. OK, not quite. But Jankowski serves as a third-line pivot and a go-to But, as it turned out, there are few straight lines into the lineup. penalty killer, who, in the face of doubters, has surged past 140 NHL Sure, the takeaways from some draft weekends do happen to be cut and appearances. Another worker-bee in the hive. Another example of co- dried — scout ’em, choose ’em, enjoy ’em. Twice picking sixth overall, operation. the Flames grabbed Sean Monahan and Matthew Tkachuk. Going fourth Johnny Gaudreau’s tale is hardly different — a result of scouting (and one year, they took Sam Bennett. They used the 16th selection to get some skulduggery) and management’s trust. their mitts on Juuso Valimaki. From then-boss , Button got permission for two wild cards at “The top guys, you know those guys. Everybody knows who they are. the 2011 draft — two players who could be written into the margins of the The world knows who they are,” said Button. “(But) I like the quirkiness. team’s wish list. Free agents have stories. Guys you trade for have stories. The deeper you get in the draft, there’s more good stories. In other words, when Button felt the timing was right, he would be Then, minutes later and still itching for more blueline help, the Flames permitted to call an audible to select either Russian forward Nikita swapped two third-rounders — their own and the one they received from Kucherov (17th-ranked European skater by Central Scouting) or the 137- Washington for Curtis Glencross — for Arizona’s second-rounder, 60th. pound Gaudreau (193rd-ranked among North American skaters). With that, Oliver Kylington joined the Flames family.

“Jay could’ve said, ‘No, we’re not drafting a small guy,'” said Button. “Andersson’s worked out, Kylington’s worked out,” Button said. “Say we “Then somebody else takes him, and you’re saying, ‘Shit.'” picked somebody else — say we didn’t have Andersson or Kylington because we took forwards? Then where are you? You’re forcing yourself Already the longtime scout had devoted a lot of energy into appearing to trade for defencemen.” indifferent to Gaudreau’s cunning. Not wanting to tip his hand, Button never approached the player. He didn’t even talk to Dubuque’s coach. (Of course, these things — picks in, picks out — cut both ways. When Why? Because he knew that Peter Chiarelli, then general manager of the Sutter traded Wayne Primeau to Toronto, he included a pot-sweetener — Boston Bruins, had a stake in the USHL team, and he didn’t want a 2011 second-rounder, which, used by Chicago, turned into Brandon whispers of the Flames’ interest in the wind. Saad.)

“You want to keep everything close to your vest,” said Button. “If you start To scour the backcountry, the Flames employ 13 amateur scouts, nine of skulking around, people in this business are very connected. So there is whom are full-time. On the pro side, they have four men on the move — a lot of stuff you try to do on the down low.” MacKinnon, officially director of pro personnel; Hakan Loob, head scout in Europe; Boston-based Steve Pleau; Denver-based Eric Lacroix. Added Flames pro scout Derek MacKinnon: “You can’t appear to go to the games too often or it’s, ‘Hey, I saw Tod Button at 10 Dubuque Roaming, too, are the managers — Treliving himself, in addition to games, that means …’ So there is a fine line — intelligence versus assistants Brad Pascall, Don Maloney and Craig Conroy. counter-intelligence.” Coverage is integral because dealing even for live bodies requires input After Tampa latched onto Kucherov near the end of the second round, it from all of the branches of the club’s hockey operations division. Teams was time to reel in Gaudreau. Unfortunately, the Flames had traded their have books on established skaters such as Michael Frolik and Travis third-rounder to Edmonton for Steve Staios, so they squirmed till the next Hamonic and Noah Hanifin — not just from their pro level displays, but round — then, with relief, secured a future marquee player, with from their pre-draft assessments. Feaster’s go-ahead. It’s all considered when drawing a detailed picture of Player X. Which is no small thing, the boss’s blessing. Take Elias Lindholm. After the Flames learned that he was available, no Because nothing happens without it. one needed to scramble for his particulars.

Oft-told are the details behind David Rittich’s path to Calgary — “Those guys don’t fall off your radar. It wasn’t like we walked into a rink MacKinnon watching Sparta Praha’s forward Daniel Pribyl, but being one day and we’re like, ‘Wow. Elias Lindholm looks pretty good. Let’s go struck by the goalie for the other Czech club, Mlada Boleslav. That had trade for him,'” said MacKinnon. “He’s the (2013) fifth-overall pick. Our been merely the first step. amateur guys had him high. He wasn’t working out in Carolina, so that was one of the priorities for Steve Pleau, for myself, for guys that were on “I’d love to say, ‘Hey, Tree, give me the big extension because I alone staff — ‘Why is Elias Lindholm not performing the way we thought he got David Rittich,'” said MacKinnon, laughing. “But, really, it’s a group could?’ effort at every level — pro, amateur. Doesn’t matter.” “That’s where it connects, right? Your amateur guys have a profile and (a After that initial sighting, they got former Flames defenceman Ladislav projection for) the player. Your pro guys take over from there and say, Smid to ask his Czech contacts about Rittich. What kind of a guy is he? ‘Well, why isn’t he getting to where those amateur guys said he could?'” What kind of a teammate? Meanwhile, goaltending coach Jordan Sigalet was poring over the video evidence. Intrigue is certainly part of the fun.

“You have to use all the resources,” said MacKinnon. “At that point, when Behind-the-scenes diligence. Staff-wide brainstorming. Yay-or-nay the profile of the guy is built and you know what you think he is, you’re determinations. Then, down the road, payoffs. Or not. really just playing private detective.” There is no assembly-line approach to constructing an NHL roster, but it Despite Rittich’s promise, the process still required the supervisor’s sign- does begin with the same step. off. Not always a given. Agents in the field. “We’re going to Tree with a Czech free agent from a league that’s a step above a men’s league and saying, ‘Hey, we went through 12 goalies “That old bird-dog sitting at the game … where it’s, ‘Hey, here’s a nugget. (organizationally) last year, but let’s go sign this Czech guy,'” said I got a guy in Mississauga or Utica or wherever,’ and then you have to MacKinnon. “It takes a big leap of faith.” fight for him, have to draw attention to him in (team) meetings,” said MacKinnon. “The process is so collaborative, there’ll be many ins and With under-the-radar (and difference-making) acquisitions such as Rittich outs. We use so many of our guys — ‘Hey, Steve Pleau, you coached and Giordano and Gaudreau, is there a moral to the story? this guy here,’ or, ‘Eric Lacroix, you played with this guy who knew this guy. Can you make a call?’ It really becomes a group effort.” “For me — we say this to our scouts and they’re good at it — it is don’t just go to scout one or two players, scout the whole game,” said Button. With precious little credit. Which is why Button always gives shoutouts to “You might see somebody, right? You might pick up something you never his area scouts. Which is why MacKinnon, when he is singled out for the saw before. If somebody catches your eye, you make a note.” Rittich scoop, spreads the love across the organization.

Perhaps it’s unearthing a hidden gem. “We’re used to anonymity — hopping into a rink and making an evaluation and sliding out the back door before anybody notices,” said Perhaps it’s taking advantage of a draft-floor freebie. Players need to be MacKinnon. “People in this business are resigned to the fact that you’re opportunistic — scouts, too. never going to be a front-page headline.”

For instance, when the Calgarians failed to re-sign Brad Stuart — who’d This is not brought up as some bothersome gripe. Rather, it’s stated as a arrived in a mid-season trade from Boston — they received a conditional plain fact. The role, as they are all aware, is nearly glamour-free. draft choice, a 2008 fourth-rounder. No big deal, right? However, in that range, Sands had someone in mind — a rearguard he’d been monitoring, And it’s probably worth noting that MacKinnon, as he tells his side of a rearguard he’d once again got Webster to check out. And the Flames, things, is calmly steering his car through a snowstorm, heading for encouraged by their scouts’ thoroughness, hauled in someone named goodness-knows-what rink. T.J. Brodie. He chuckled. When Sven Baertschi, 13th-overall selection in 2011, couldn’t get comfortable in Calgary, he was shifted to Vancouver for what turned out “Until someone makes us any smarter, that’s the only way we’ve been to be the 53rd pick of the 2015 draft. Talk about depreciation. That is, till able to figure out how to do it — just consistently going to games and the Flames pulled Rasmus Andersson. filing reports.” And adding a couple of more strands to the hockey world’s spiderweb.

YOUR POST-DEADLINE/PRE-PLAYOFF FLAMES:

July 6, 2004 — D Mark Giordano (OHL Owen Sound), free agency

June 22, 2007 — C Mikael Backlund (Swe-1 Vasteras), 24th overall

June 21, 2008 — D T.J. Brodie (OHL Saginaw), 114th overall

June 24, 2011 — LW Johnny Gaudreau (USHL Dubuque), 104th overall

June 22, 2012 — C Mark Jankowski (MPHL Stanstead College), 21st overall

June 30, 2013 — C Sean Monahan (OHL Ottawa), 6th overall

March 24, 2014 — RW Garnet Hathaway (ECAC Brown University), free agency

June 27, 2014 — C Sam Bennett (OHL Kingston), 4th overall

June 27, 2015 — D Rasmus Andersson (OHL Barrie), 53rd overall; D Oliver Kylington (SHL Farjestads), 60th; LW Andrew Mangiapane (OHL Barrie), 166th

July 1, 2015 — RW Michael Frolik (NHL Winnipeg), free agency

June 10, 2016 — G David Rittich ( Mlada Boleslav), free agency

June 24, 2016 — LW Matthew Tkachuk (OHL London), 6th overall

Feb. 20, 2017 — D Michael Stone (NHL Arizona) for 2017 third-rounder, 2018 fifth-rounder

June 17, 2017 — G Mike Smith (NHL Arizona) for G Chad Johnson, D Brandon Hickey, 2018 third-rounder

June 23, 2017 — D Juuso Valimaki (WHL Tri-City), 16th overall

June 24, 2017 — D Travis Hamonic (NHL New York Islanders) and 2019 fourth-rounder for 2018 first- and second-rounders, 2019 second-rounder

Dec. 30, 2017 — D Dalton Prout (NHL New Jersey) for G Eddie Lack

June 23, 2018 — C Elias Lindholm (NHL Carolina) and D Noah Hanifin (NHL Carolina) for D Dougie Hamilton, LW Micheal Ferland, D Adam Fox

July 1, 2018 — C Derek Ryan (NHL Carolina), C Austin Czarnik (NHL Boston), C Alan Quine (NHL New York Islanders), free agency

July 2, 2018 — RW James Neal (NHL Vegas), free agency

Feb. 25, 2019 — D Oscar Fantenberg (NHL Los Angeles) for conditional pick

The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136191 Calgary Flames neatly slotted the puck past Georgiev, who stopped 26 of the 31 shots he faced.

With David Rittich standing tall in net for the Flames and turning away 22 Tkachuk, Flames burn Rangers at Dome of the 23 shots the Rangers fired at him, there was little reason to believe the visitors would be able to crawl back into the game when the teams went to their dressing rooms at the end of the second period. Daniel Austin It certainly didn’t help the Rangers’ cause that the Flames came out in the third looking to finish the job.

There were 60 minutes of hockey played on Friday night at the “I thought we did a good job in the third period,” said Flames head coach Scotiabank Saddledome. . “I think we came in wanting it to be our best period, and I think it was.” But before we get to the other 59 minutes and 55 seconds that went into the Calgary Flames’ 5-1 win over the New York Rangers, we’ve got to Tkachuk was again right in the middle of all of it. focus on the goal that got things started. First, he fed Michael Frolik in close to make it 4-1 just 5:12 into the third. It was a special one, after all. Then, he put the finishing touches on a dominant performance when he Just under 10 minutes into the first period, Matthew Tkachuk collected neatly accepted a pass from Mikael Backlund and fired into an essentially the puck behind the Flames’ (44-20-7) and casually flipped the puck empty net to make it 5-1. down ice. Game. Set. Match. It sailed over the entire Rangers (28-30-13) team and bounced right before the opposing blue line where a streaking Johnny Gaudreau Unfortunately for the Flames, Friday’s game wasn’t without bad news, as stretched out, gained control around 90 feet from the spot where it had first-line centre Sean Monahan departed the game at the end of the first left Tkachuk’s stick and then unleashed a dirty deke around New York period and did not return. Rangers netminder Alexander Georgiev. Afterwards, Peters said Monahan had come down with an illness similar Pick your superlative. It was pretty, it was dirty – in a good way — and it to the one that had kept Mike Smith out of practice on was the type of goal that will be on every end-of-season highlight reel. Thursday and would not be travelling with the Flames for Saturday night’s matchup with the host Winnipeg Jets (5 p.m., Sportsnet “Yeah, it was unbelievable,” said Flames winger Michael Frolik. “I think West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan) because the team wants to avoid any (Tkachuk) saw with his eyes that Johnny was leaving the zone, and that possibility of the bug spreading to other players. flip-pass was crazy. Even on the (ice), it kind of stops and it went to his stick … and Johnny made a nice move there. It was great vision, a great SHARK WATCHING? pass and a great play.” The Flames are paying attention to the San Jose Sharks whenever their It was a beautiful goal, but it was also an important one as it got the NHL Pacific Division rivals take the ice. Flames rolling and helped them collect two points that edge them past How much they’re paying attention seems to vary, though. the San Jose Sharks and back into first place in the NHL’s Pacific Division with 11 games left on the schedule for both teams. Head coach Bill Peters was pretty emphatic about wanting his players to focus on their own games instead of getting overly pre-occupied by the The goal also showed that Gaudreau’s six-point explosion on Tuesday points the Sharks may or may not be collecting. night against the New Jersey Devils wasn’t a one-off and that the Flames really have found the scoring touch that seemed to have deserted them a It’s a little hard to completely tune it out, though, and the Flames admitted week-and-a-half ago. Friday that they’d been keeping tabs on the Sharks’ 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on Thursday. Tkachuk has been front-and-centre for much of this mini-offensive resurgence. “You tune in a little bit and obviously check the scores throughout the night and I think, probably, everyone’s doing that right now,” said Flames The wonder-assist gave him just the first of five points — two goals and centre Sean Monahan. three assists — he would collect on Friday night, and the 10 points he’s picked up in the Flames’ past three games is as many as he compiled in Because the Sharks play on the West Coast, most of the Flames aren’t his previous 21. staying up late to watch their rivals’ entire games.

While Gaudreau’s six-point evening earlier this week drew the headlines, But they’re paying attention, there’s no doubt about that. Tkachuk had a hat-trick and an assist against the Vegas Golden Knights last Sunday, scored another against the Devils two nights later and was The Sharks overtook the Flames and were holding a one-point lead atop the best player on the ice Friday. the Pacific Division heading into Friday’s action, but the Flames had a game-in-hand thanks to the San Jose crew’s loss on Thursday. It was an impressive night all-round, but the assist on Gaudreau is going to be the one that gets replayed again and again. “I try and see the score, for sure, at the end of the game,” said Flames captain Mark Giordano. “Tough to night-in, night-out be watching games Deep down, Tkachuk probably knows that’s true, but he deferred credit to and stuff like that, but for sure we look at the results and for us it’s an Gaudreau when the media asked him about the play after the game. opportunity (against the Rangers) to get these two points and move ahead.” “Honestly, I think that the highlight about it was Johnny beat the (defenceman Neal Pionk) ,” Tkachuk said modestly. “They were together, With the third-place Vegas Golden Knights looking like a nightmare of a maybe (Gaudreau) was even behind him and he kind of roasted him with first-round opponent, winning the Pacific Division and getting a speed there and (the puck) honestly bounced really fortunate. I don’t presumably easier matchup against a wild card team feels even more know, I think the highlight should be that move he made on Georgiev.” important than it might otherwise.

Maybe that’s true, maybe it’s not, but Tkachuk’s performance on Friday And with the race as tight as it is, it’s inevitable that the Sharks are going night will surely be what is talked about in NHL circles on Saturday to get some of the Flames’ attention. morning. “You don’t want to get too caught up in scoreboard watching,” said After his Hail Mary helper on Gaudreau’s opener, Tkachuk then tipped-in Flames winger Matthew Tkachuk. “You do naturally, but you don’t really a Mark Giordano shot just 2:56 into the second period to give the Flames go out of your way to do it. No need for added stress in your life.” a 2-1 lead — Neal Pionk had evened things up for the Rangers midway through the first frame. The one person who seemed to prefer that the Flames not pay any attention to the Sharks was Peters. A couple minutes later, Tkachuk was back to playing provider when he found Garnet Hathaway right in front of the Rangers net. The fourth-liner “(Games) come on at 5 o’clock here in the west, so you can watch hockey from 5 p.m. until 1 (a.m) if you want, or you can go about your own business and concentrate on your own team — and that’s what we do,” Peters said. “Some guys will know (the score). They might have had it on when they were in stretching and figured it out, but we don’t go about that scoreboard-watching.

“We’re lucky enough to be in a situation where we don’t have to.”

NOT SO HEATED

Tkachuk and Rangers winger have a little history with one another and have never much seemed to get along.

But when he was asked about whether he thought the two might have trouble during Friday’s game, Tkachuk pretty much just dismissed the possibility.

“I didn’t even think about it,” Tkachuk said. “I honestly forgot he was on the Rangers. You don’t get caught up in the personal stuff at this time of the year, it’s all about the wins.”

Lemieux came close to dropping the gloves near the end of the first period of Friday’s game, but his potential opponent for the scrap wasn’t Tkachuk.

It was Garnet Hathaway.

But the linesman jumped in before the two could really start to throw down — although Lemieux and Andrew Mangiapane did manage to give each other a shot as the whole thing was being separated.

NOT BUYING IT

On paper, Friday’s game looked like a gimme for the Flames.

The Rangers have nothing to play for in the standings, after all, and had already lost to both the and the Edmonton Oilers on their Western Canadian road swing.

But Tkachuk dismissed the idea that the Rangers — or any other team — might already be thinking about their summer vacation plans.

“You could easily go into a game and play a team that’s out of the playoffs a little bit and (think) they’re just going to roll over, but teams don’t do that,” Tkachuk said. “If a team does that, then the players shouldn’t be playing. We were in that position last year and had guys coming up who were fighting for spots (on this year’s roster).”

Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136192 Calgary Flames A win or an overtime loss puts them in the post-season for only the third time in 10 seasons.

And putting an ‘X’ beside their name in the NHL standings — denoting a Flames close to clinching playoff spot with top spot now next goal clinch of a post-season spot — during those two previous playoff years was never decided this early in the regular season.

Todd Saelhof “When you get that ‘X’, it’s a good feeling,” Giordano said. “It’s definitely something we want as soon as we can. And then from there, you move on. We know we’re in a good spot. But we’re in a good battle here with San Jose for that No. 1 spot, and I think that our goal should be to win Pick your poison … the division. The San Jose Sharks or the Vegas Golden Knights. “It’s a nice thing to have. The goal, obviously, every year is to get in.” If the Calgary Flames want to make a deep run in the Stanley Cup For sure, it’s an accomplishment that can’t be overlooked in what’s been playoffs, they’ll have to meet — and beat — at least one of those two a sparkling campaign for the Calgary club. high-profile contenders. Especially for guys such as the captain who’ve been around through a The trick — or so it would appear — is to steer clear of both of those run of lean years. Something much of the Flames faithful can identify teams in the post-season, eliminating what many would view as a killer with, as well. first two rounds of playoff puck. “We’ve been in the spot before where we’re trying to chase a playoff Fortunately, the Flames have put themselves in prime position to control spot, and it’s tough,” Giordano said. “It’s definitely a different feeling. their own destiny on that front. By winning the NHL’s Pacific Division, When you’re in that spot, every time you lose, it feels a lot worse than it they would draw a wildcard team instead of either the Sharks or the really is. Golden Knights in the first round, forcing those two crews to battle it out against each other and avoiding back-to-back series action against one “But we’re having a good year this year, and our goal — as the year has and then the other. gone on — has become more than that. so we’ve got to take advantage of that. And a lot of good things come with that to set yourself up — Otherwise, it’s a daunting playoff gauntlet that would await them. home-ice advantage being the big one. Right?” No? Right again, Captain. “Well … the team that gets in as the wildcard is going to be playing really Calgary Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 well and playing really hard,” argued Flames leader Mark Giordano, throwing solid rationale behind his words.

“I’ve never been a fan of trying to pick and choose who you want to playoffs because the league’s so tight. The team that’s usually in the wildcard is feeling good and playing well. And if you want to go all the way, you’re going to have to go through a lot of great teams.”

True enough, Captain.

But in the same breath, Giordano knows full well the meaning of finishing tops in the Pacific and — moreover — the Western Conference.

Home-ice advantage is the big prize, of course.

And that becomes especially crucial when taking on the Sharks and their talent-laden squad in a prolonged series.

The same can be said — even moreso perhaps — of matching up against the Golden Knights, who are heralded right there at the top among teams who get a charge out of competing on home ice, but that’s more based on last year’s run of startling success since both the Flames (23-7-5) and the Sharks (23-6-5) sport better records in their own barns than the Knights (21-10-4) this season.

“You always want to be as high as possible, but either (finishing first or second place) works,” said Flames winger Elias Lindholm. “We’re here to win every game, but if you finish second or first, it doesn’t really matter. But you always prepare to win more games.

“Vegas is a good team and had a good playoff last year and made some changes this year and is a good team again,” Lindholm continued. “San Jose is a good team, too.”

Friday’s 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers at the Saddledome moved the Flames back on top of the Sharks in the division race, with both squads having played the same amount of games. The Flames (44- 20-7) now boast 95 points — one ahead of the Sharks (43-20-8) and well ahead of the Knights (39-27-5), who have 83 after Friday night’s road 2-1 win over the Dallas Stars.

“The points are important for us,” Giordano said. “We want to keep moving up — we want to get ahead of San Jose in the standings if we can. And more importantly with (11) games left, we want to get our game to the highest point before the playoffs start.”

Somewhat lost in all this season’s success is the Flames have a chance to clinch a playoff spot with Saturday’s tangle with the host Winnipeg Jets (5 p.m., Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). 1136193 Carolina Hurricanes The Blue Jackets are 5-5-0 in their last 10 but coming off a 7-4 blasting of the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.

“We know what our goal is and we’re not there yet,” Brind’Amour said. Crunch time arrives for the Hurricanes “The guys have pushed hard to try to get into the race and we certainly don’t want to take any steps back now.” BY CHIP ALEXANDER News Observer LOADED: 03.16.2019 MARCH 15, 2019 11:05 AM

Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole discusses the Canes' "quiet confidence" this season and the influence of first-year head coach Rod Brind'Amour, one of Cole's teammates on the Canes' 2006 Stanley Cup champions. The Carolina Hurricanes woke up Friday in the first wild-card playoff spot in the NHL’s Eastern Conference. That is, no change. Ahead of them, in third place in the Metropolitan Division, are the Pittsburgh Penguins, who picked up two points Thursday by topping the Buffalo Sabres 5-0. Behind the Canes, in the second wild-card spot, are the Columbus Blue Jackets. Still lurking: the Montreal Canadiens, beaten Thursday by the New York Islanders. The unavoidable truth is that one of the four teams is going to be left out of the playoffs, ending its season with a lot of what-ifs, second guesses and badly disappointed fans. The Canes (38-24-7), with 83 points, have 13 games left and have a Friday road game -- how big is this one? -- against the Blue Jackets. They follow it up Saturday at PNC Arena against the Sabres, starting a run of five home games that also includes matchups against the Pens and Canadiens. Crunch time, they call it. A little historical perspective: in 2009, the last time the Canes reached the playoffs, they were 9-3-1 in their last 13 games and finished with 97 points. In 2011, they also were 9-3-1 in the last 13, missing out on the final day of the season after a 6-2 home loss to Tampa Bay and finishing with 91 points. Former Canes forward Erik Cole doesn’t like to compare teams but remembers the anguish of 2011, when Carolina was squeezed out in the end by the New York Rangers. “That was the second time it had happened to us,” Cole said. “We had lost a few years prior in a home game against Florida. We needed to win one game in the last week of the season and didn’t get it done. So it was a couple of times where it was a real gut punch. “When you’re going down the stretch, it can get tough when you’re playing against some teams that may not have much to lose. They play a little looser and play a little freer. You’re almost better off having a schedule like the Hurricanes have where a lot of the teams they play in the last couple of weeks of the season are all going to be tough competition -- teams that are going to get them ready for the playoffs and teams they need to be competing with and beating to earn the right to be in the playoffs.” The Pens, despite some injuries, have made a strong move in the right direction. After a 5-0 win over the Sabres on Thursday, they’re 7-1-2 in their last 10 games to get to 87 points. Former Carolina Hurricanes forward Erik Cole discusses the Canes' "quiet confidence" this season and the influence of first-year head coach Rod Brind'Amour, one of Cole's teammates on the Canes' 2006 Stanley Cup champions. The Canes, 7-2-1 in their last 10, have two games-in-hand on the Pens and the Habs, and one on Columbus. The Canes have not played since Monday’s 3-0 road win over the Colorado Avalanche, with goalie Petr Mrazek earning the shutout. That’s a long break at this point in the season and one that Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour was not entirely comfortable with but is hoping can be beneficial. “I think it’s a mental challenge this time of year,” Brind’Amour said this week. “The guys have been grinding so hard, especially our group from where we’ve come from. We had to put it in high gear about game 30. Other teams had the luxury of not having to press that early. But we’ve pressed pretty hard and that takes a mental toll.” Physically, Brind’Amour said there are some “dings.” Defenseman Calvin de Haan was hit in the right eye by a stick at Colorado and his return remains uncertain. Forward Micheal Ferland, who missed the past two games with an upper-body injury, could return for the Columbus game, Brind’Amour said. 1136194 Carolina Hurricanes 13-3-1 in their last 17 games and have been a spirited group, leading to a 12 percent jump in attendance.”

A good example of the team’s season was, the 8-1 butt-kicking they took Hurricanes Are Legit Contenders at home by the Winnipeg Jets last week and how they responded. They had a game the next night against the Nashville Predators, and they beat the Predators handily, 5-3, in Nashville. BY MARK SHIVER MARCH 15TH, 2019 Curtis McElhinney, Blake Comeau, Radek Faksa

According to Allen, GM Don Waddell said of the team’s bounce-back When the Carolina Hurricanes take the ice these days, it’s different from game: “We got spanked in Winnipeg when we played our worst game of the past several seasons. After all, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman the year and then we bounced in Nashville in a pretty tough environment said that the Hurricanes are essentially in the playoffs now, and the with one of their better games of the year.” This is the essence of the importance of each game is magnified going forward. Hurricanes’ season. They got spanked in December and bounced back and have played some of their best hockey in years ever since. Bettman was in Raleigh on Feb 26. There were 20 games left in this season at that time, and the Hurricanes started their “playoff run” as The Hurricanes are shooting and scoring and winning. Their Bettman called it with a win that night over the Los Angeles Kings. They are playing stout hockey. They are a legit playoff contender. We’ll see if have gone 5-1-1 since, including that win. they can close out the season as such. As of this writing, the Hurricanes are in the first wild-card position in the News Observer LOADED: 03.16.2019 Eastern Conference with 83 points. They have 13 games left, including their Friday night contest against the Columbus Blue Jackets who are in a playoff chase of their own. Hurricanes Goaltending Is Legit Petr Mrázek and Curtis McElhinney have been quite the goaltending tandem. A large part of the reason for the Hurricanes’ success is having consistent goaltending. Mrázek has four shutouts this season and McElhinney has two. Their combined six shutouts in one season is glaring when compared with a total of six shutouts for Cam Ward from the start of the 2012-13 season through the 2017-18 season — his last with the Hurricanes. Ward has zero shutouts this season with the Chicago Blackhawks.

PETR MRAZEK IS NOT HUMAN  pic.twitter.com/SgJgb5jCry

— Carolina Hurricanes (@NHLCanes) March 12, 2019 One of my media colleagues remarked early on that the Hurricanes’ offense might not feel as much pressure with Scott Darling supposedly ready to go at the beginning of the season. Darling, the former goaltender who never got his game right with the Hurricanes, often put the offense in the position of having to score three or four goals every outing. That was an added game pressure that is difficult for any team to overcome. The ‘Canes are not feeling that pressure this season. Obviously, Mrázek and McElhinney cannot be expected to earn a shutout every time out, but it’s nice to be free of the pressure from scoring “X” amount of goals just to be in the game. McElhinney was brought in as a “fix” to the goalie corps when Darling was out with an injury. The fix has turned into a permanent goaltending solution with McElhinney and Mrázek being a tandem that has the Hurricanes legitimately eyeing a playoff spot. In December I wrote, McElhinney has single-handedly changed the environment from upheaval to stability. Together he and Mrázek have given the team confidence in the goaltender position, something the Hurricanes have needed for quite some time. The Hurricanes’ Chaotic Brand of Hockey Has Settled When this season started, new coach Rod Brind’Amour had the Hurricanes playing a wide-open brand of aggressive, offensive hockey. I called it a chaotic brand of hockey as the offense appeared to be wild and directionless but on closer inspection showed a control that made sense. It was forechecking without apology. The only problem was that it produced a gaudy number of shot attempts but not many goals. By the end of December, the Hurricanes were downcast and wondering where their season was headed. It seemed headed for the same end as last season, and the season before that, and on and on and on. Maybe the hockey gods were testing the team’s frustration level, but we may never know why the potent offense that was easily taking the most shots in the league was not scoring enough to win. But then came the new year. Sebastian Aho is the first player in @NHLCanes / Whalers franchise history to score the game-winning goal in three consecutive games. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/Aw8QU4frdi — NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) March 3, 2019 Things changed in January and the ‘Canes have not looked back. The chaos is gone and the team is shooting about as many times as their opponents. The difference is that they are scoring and winning. Kevin Allen of USA Today Sports wrote a few days ago, “The Hurricanes are 1136195 Chicago Blackhawks

'It's always fun coming back here': Recovered from illness, Corey Crawford is excited to face the Canadiens in his hometown

Jimmy Greenfield

Corey Crawford started to feel sick a few hours before Wednesday’s game against the Maple Leafs, but it wasn’t enough to keep him off the ice. The illness persisted, however, and after two periods the Blackhawks goalie left the game in favor of rookie Colin Delia. The fact the Hawks were leading by four goals — in a game they wound up winning 5-4 — factored into Crawford’s decision. “Yeah, I think maybe a little bit,” Crawford said. “It was nice that we didn’t have any (penalty kills) either with no sustained zone pressure. That helped too. I wasn’t feeling great, but our guys did a great job all game.” Crawford, who has won four straight starts, is recovered from what he said was a 24-hour bug, and coach said the Montreal native will start Saturday against the Canadiens. Crawford is 4-0-2 in six starts in Montreal, including four straight victories. “It’s always fun coming back here,” Crawford said after practice Friday at the . “After being here a few times, it’s not more relaxing but I guess (there are) a little less butterflies the day before. The first couple of times I was pretty nervous, even a couple of days before.” Boom Chicago: The Hawks’ resurgence can be tied to the decision a few months ago to switch up the lines — putting Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews together and Alex DeBrincat and Dylan Strome on another, hoping they could find their old chemistry. The team’s scorching-hot power play at the time helped too. Kane and Toews no longer are on the same line and the power play has cooled considerably, but the moves jump-started the Hawks. Since Jan. 20, they are 15-6 and have averaged 4.5 goals per game. "We kind of looked at our team in January and said, ‘You know what? We’re going to have to outscore teams,’ ” Colliton said. “We loaded up a line or two and said, ‘We're going to outscore you.’ That allowed us to stay in the race. “That's not a recipe for long-term success. That's not going to win us any Cups, but we made a decision that we're going to have to kind of play this way to get the wins we need in the middle of the year there.” The Hawks haven’t scored a power-play goal in six straight games and had only one opportunity over the last two. Chicago Tribune LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136196 Chicago Blackhawks bunch of shifts together where they kept coming at us, and obviously they’ve got a lot of good players who make plays.

“When they have momentum like that, they’re going to create chances. 'It humbles us': Blackhawks hope to keep momentum after nearly blowing We kind of fed that momentum, but we’ll learn from it.” huge lead in 4th straight win Chicago Tribune LOADED: 03.16.2019

Jimmy Greenfield

The uncertain mood in the Blackhawks locker room after their 5-4 win over the Maple Leafs on Wednesday was a bit confusing. It’s not often an underdog can take a tough two points on the road and come away ambivalent about the victory. But as they prepared to take on the Canadiens on Saturday, the Hawks were still processing how they nearly blew a five-goal lead. “We beat a team 5-4 in their building, they’ve won four in a row and everyone’s disappointed after that game," Patrick Kane said Friday. “So it humbles us a little bit.” Momentum can have an energy all its own. The Hawks had it in the first period when they scored four times against the Leafs, and they were working desperately to stop it when the Leafs started coming at them during the third period. “It’s hard,” defenseman Connor Murphy said. “Especially because you’re on the road and you’ve got the building getting louder and louder and you can feel that. As soon as you give up one or two, you start to feel that pressure. But it definitely takes a team effort for everyone to relax, take a deep breath and try to bear down and make the high-percentage plays. “We didn’t do a good job; we all talked about it today. But hopefully we learned and we’ll be better the next time it happens.” The third period was even more confusing when you factor in how well the Hawks defense had played during the previous eight periods. In back-to-back wins over the Stars and Coyotes, the Hawks allowed a total of two goals and 52 shots on net. With the firepower of John Tavares, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, the Leafs offense is better than that of the Stars and Coyotes. Yet the Hawks held them to 18 shots on goal through two periods and led 5-1. Then it all turned. And Murphy thinks he knows why. “One of the things that happens naturally in any game is when you’re winning by more than just a goal or two, you tend to think we have enough goals,” Murphy said. “We just want to hold them to not score. Sometimes, when your mindset is not scoring, you don’t play on your toes anymore. You end up just trying to defend and not to make mistakes, and that’s one of the worst ways .” The Hawks played so poorly in the third period against the Leafs, they arguably turned in the worst defensive performance of any team this season. They allowed 92 total shots to be taken at even strength — including shots on net, blocked shots and missed shots — which is the most any team has permitted in a game this season. The previous high was the 86 shots the Golden Knights and Hurricanes allowed, each time to the Canadiens. In the third period alone, the Hawks allowed 47 shots to be taken at even strength, including 28 on net. As a comparison, in the Hawks’ 7-1 win over the Coyotes on Monday, they allowed a total of 34 shots to be taken the entire game. “A lot of the chances we gave up, it was more self-inflicted about not playing smart at that time of game,” Kane said. “But sometimes in that situation — we’ve seen it a few times this year — we get up a few goals and we just sit back and start playing defense. We still have to play the same way that got us to that point in the first place.” The Leafs might have been motivated by seeing rookie goalie Collin Delia in net for the third period after Corey Crawford left with an illness. But that shouldn’t be a factor with so much on the line. Hawks coach Jeremy Colliton didn’t downplay the near-collapse or dismiss it out of hand as nothing to worry about. What the Hawks needed, he said, was somebody to do something to take the momentum back. And that didn’t occur. “At any time, you need a line to go out there and play in the offensive zone — win a puck back, win a race, draw a penalty, give us a hard shift in (the defensive) zone where you just win a battle and go the other way,” Colliton said. “That’s what you’re looking for. They were able to string a 1136197 Chicago Blackhawks

Corey Crawford’s return to top form boosts Blackhawks’ long-shot playoff hopes

By Mark Potash

MONTREAL — After his second return from concussion-related issues this season, Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford is getting back to his old self. ‘‘Definitely,’’ Crawford said after the Hawks practiced Friday at the Bell Centre in preparation for their game Saturday against the Canadiens. ‘‘Reading plays faster. Definitely feel way quicker than before. It’s nice to feel that way. Feel confident. ‘‘Then again, it’s not one or two guys; it’s everybody playing hard. I think in the Dallas game [a 2-1 road victory last Saturday], we really showed that everyone was battling and playing well and, I think, playing the right way. That’s just kind of been carrying over.’’ Crawford returned Feb. 27 after missing all or part of 29 games with a concussion suffered Dec. 16 against the Sharks. After allowing 13 goals in his first three starts (4.32 goals-against average, .865 save percentage), Crawford has been stellar in his last three starts (1.13 GAA, .957 save percentage) in victories against the Stars, Coyotes and Maple Leafs. The Hawks’ improved team defense in that span certainly has made things easier for Crawford, but improved defense magnifies Crawford’s importance down the stretch. When he only has to make three or four huge saves a game, he can make them as well or better than most goalies in the league. When it’s seven, eight or more — well, he’s not Superman. The Hawks’ 5-4 victory Wednesday against the Leafs was at least a small indication of Crawford’s importance. Crawford left after the second period because of an illness, and the Leafs scored three goals on 29 shots against backup Collin Delia in the third. No doubt the Leafs’ desperation ignited the rally, but Crawford’s absence likely fueled it, too. Crawford said he was feeling under the weather Wednesday and fought through it for two periods. With the Hawks leading 5-1, he gave way to Delia. ‘‘Just kind of tough luck,’’ he said. ‘‘But we were able to get two points, so that was nice. I think that was a great game by us in a tough building against a really good team. We played great defensively against a team that can create a lot. ‘‘Now we’re coming into a building against another team [the Canadiens] that needs points. I think it’s good for this team to be playing those playoff-type games. [It] brings our game to another level. I like where our team’s at right now.’’ With all due respect to Cam Ward and Delia, Crawford’s recent play is a reminder of how big a factor a goalie of his caliber can be when a team is playing at a higher level. ‘‘Ward and Delia have played really well for us,’’ wing Patrick Kane said. ‘‘We probably haven’t given them as much help as we could have. But Crow’s a top goaltender in the NHL. . . . Obviously, we’re going to feel confident with him in the net.’’ Coach Jeremy Colliton didn’t want to diminish Ward’s and Delia’s contributions, either. But he also acknowledged the lift an elite Crawford provides. ‘‘[Delia] and [Ward] have been great for us,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘They helped us to stay within striking distance to go on the run we’re on right now. But there’s no doubt Crow has a tremendous effect on the team. His presence, the confidence he has. He knows what to do in certain situations, whether it’s get a whistle or to play [the puck]. He’ll start the breakout for you. He means a lot to the team.’’ Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136198 Chicago Blackhawks

Scouting report: Blackhawks at Montreal Canadiens

By John Dietz

Blackhawks vs. Montreal Canadiens, 6 p.m. Saturday at Bell Centre TV: WGN • Radio: WGN 720-AM The skinny: Montreal (37-27-7, 81 points) is in a fierce battle with Columbus (81 points) and Carolina (83) for the two wild-card spots in the East. The Canadiens are 6-9-1 the last 16 games, playing 11 of them on the road. ... (30 goals), Max Domi (24) and Tomas Tatar (22) are the team's leading scorers. Former Hawks forward Andrew Shaw has 17 goals and 19 assists in 52 games. He has 6 goals and 6 assists in 16 games since returning from injury in early February. Three of those scores came in a victory Feb. 26 at Detroit. ... Goalie Carey Price has yielded 1 or 2 goals in nine of his last 12 appearances. ... Montreal's power play is 2-for-36 the last 15 games. ... The Hawks lost to Montreal 3-2 Dec. 9 when Tatar scored with 1:17 to play. ... Patrick Kane needs 1 point for his second 100-point season. He is third in the league behind Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov (115) and Edmonton's Connor McDavid (100). Next: Vancouver Canucks, 7:30 p.m. Monday at the United Center Daily Herald Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136199 Chicago Blackhawks

Scouting report: Blackhawks vs. Montreal Canadiens

John Dietz

Scouting report Blackhawks vs. Montreal Canadiens, 6 p.m. Saturday at Bell Centre TV: WGN • Radio: WGN 720-AM The skinny: Montreal (37-27-7, 81 points) is in a fierce battle with Columbus (81 points) and Carolina (83) for the two wild-card spots in the East. The Canadiens are 6-9-1 the last 16 games, playing 11 of them on the road. ... Brendan Gallagher (30 goals), Max Domi (24) and Tomas Tatar (22) are the team's leading scorers. Former Hawks forward Andrew Shaw has 17 goals and 19 assists in 52 games. He has 6 goals and 6 assists in 16 games since returning from injury in early February. Three of those scores came in a victory Feb. 26 at Detroit. ... Goalie Carey Price has yielded 1 or 2 goals in nine of his last 12 appearances. ... Montreal's power play is 2-for-36 the last 15 games. ... The Hawks lost to Montreal 3-2 Dec. 9 when Tatar scored with 1:17 to play. ... Patrick Kane needs 1 point for his second 100-point season. He is third in the league behind Tampa Bay's Nikita Kucherov (115) and Edmonton's Connor McDavid (100). Next: Vancouver Canucks, 7:30 p.m. Monday at the United Center Daily Herald Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136200 Chicago Blackhawks But Bernstein has more than made the best of his situation. As a father of two teenagers, his new schedule is a boon to his real life. And while he said the art of driving a show hasn’t changed, he doesn’t disagree with Dollars and sense: The Athletic Chicago’s sports radio survey is in, and the notion that he’s chilled out a little. It’s not by design, though, he said. the winners are… “I think a lot of it is I’m older,” he said. “I’m the same age now that Terry was when he and I started. I haven’t really been thinking about it. But maybe I’m feeding off the energy of a much younger partner. I haven’t By Jon Greenberg Mar 15, 2019 thought about it in those terms, but it’s perfectly reasonable. I have a younger partner and I’m in a different role.”

I’ve described the show as a nerdy father and son pairing and Bernstein Dollars and sense is an irregular column on sports business and media. raves about McKnight’s preparation and personality, while not comparing him to any of his former hosts. “Oh!” “I think our show is not quite as edgy and confrontational as Boers and Dan Bernstein, the longtime host at 670 The Score, is a man who knows Bernstein was,” he said. “These shows take on lives of their own. I don’t a few things about everything, but what I told him was surprising. think anyone goes in planning to be nicer or to be this or to be that. You He had won a key category in my Chicago sports radio survey: “Who is just let it roll. Connor is a very upbeat guy. The producers are both fun your favorite weekday sports radio driver in Chicago?” with upbeat personalities. My guess is in an effort to drive the show, to be the facilitator, (his easygoing demeanor) may just be a natural function, a But Bernstein is a pro and he quickly collected himself. gestalt of the show.” “What kind of sample size was it?” Yes, Bernstein used “gestalt” in a sentence about sports radio. He hasn’t changed that much. Just fewer than 2,000 votes. In the head-to-head matchup of “What station is your favorite?” it wasn’t “That’s not bad.” close. Rosen’s crew got upward of 66 percent of the vote. If you tally up It’s the one-year anniversary of Jimmy deCastro’s scythe-swinging all the categories, it’s clear voters prefer the overall Score product, from 5 renovation at The Score. On March 14, 2018, it was announced that Dan a.m. on Monday through the weekend. In a question about toggling McNeil was rejoining the station and moving to afternoons with the between the stations, more than half of the respondents say they go back current midday host Danny Parkins. Bernstein moved to the 9 a.m. to 1 and forth during the day, while nearly 34 percent said they only listen to p.m. shift to host with former Score contest winner Connor McKnight, The Score. who was most recently the pre- and post-game host for White Sox radio So it looks like deCastro’s lineup blender worked, right? broadcasts. Left without jobs were Matt Spiegel and Jason Goff, who were a popular midday tandem before Goff got Terry Boers’ old job to Well, it depends. host alongside Bernstein in early 2017. On the question “Did Jimmy deCastro’s lineup shuffle make The Score a The mood was dark and deCastro, among others, was heavily criticized better station?” 69 percent said no. when it happened. But a year later, the smoke has cleared and normalcy has returned. Meanwhile at ESPN 1000…nothing has changed. Which is To me, that says The Score is stronger than any set lineup. how they like it. “Overall I think it just says a lot for our brand,” Rosen said. “I think the Rather than rely on arcane Nielsen ratings, I wanted to know what actual sports radio format in Chicago is strong, there’s a choice. And the great sports radio fans think about the shows, hosts and stations. So I created thing is so many people tune into our format and at the end of the day, 20 questions in a non-scientific way, and put up a survey that ran for a between Nielsen and your poll, Chicago sports fans like our brand more week. There was no demographic breakdown, just 20 questions I thought than the other brand.” of one day. I probably should have done show vs. show matchups, and I For his part, Bernstein credited Rosen for being a leader during a year of had a few other ideas after the fact, but I think it worked. change. So, what were the results? Let’s break them down, starting with “He was a calming, steadying presence,” Bernstein said. Bernstein’s victory. The Score’s morning show, Mully & Haugh, which saw Chicago Tribune For the “best driver” award, Bernstein got more than 31 percent of the writer David Haugh replace Brian Hanley last summer in deCastro’s last vote in a six-host race. The next closest competitor was ESPN 1000’s big move, remains a consistent ratings winner, but neither host nor the Marc Silverman, who got 22 percent. This surprised me, as I thought show finished high in this survey. One would imagine a lot of the voters Silvy would win. But perhaps I underestimated Bernstein’s continuing aren’t awake for much of that show, which begins at 5 a.m. appeal and his longevity. Meanwhile at 190 N. State St., ESPN 1000’s anchor show Waddle & Bernstein’s old show, Boers & Bernstein, also easily won the “best show Silvy won the “best weekday show” award (chart below) with 32.3 of all-time” category with 43.2 percent, and his retired co-host Terry percent of the vote, beating McNeil & Parkins (24.7) and Bernstein & Boers — perhaps the only sports radio host in town to ever actually retire McKnight (23.7). on good terms — dominated his old partner Dan McNeil in the “best host of all-time” category with 49.9 percent of the vote in a five-host race. “It’s something that I don’t take lightly,” Silverman said. “And neither does Waddle. It’s all subjective, but it’s incredible to think that we’re one of Bernstein started hosting with Boers after a big shakeup at The Score 20 people’s favorite shows, in the best sports city in America, in my years ago this August, one that pushed Dan McNeil out the door to blaze hometown. I’ve looked up to many of the personalities on the list. After 12 a new trail at ESPN 1000. His show with Boers lasted 17 years, most of years, we take great pride in continuing to evolve and improve the show.” which were very successful in terms of producing money for the station. Bernstein hasn’t always been the most likable host, goofing on callers, One of my favorite quirks of the results was that McNeil & Parkins tilting at windmills and sometimes straying too far from Chicago topics for finished second in the best show category and also “won” the “least lengthy periods of time. But he’s also passionate, articulate and unique. favorite show” category with 22.2 percent of the vote, “beating” Kap & Co. (21.9 percent) by six votes. Bernstein & McKnight (20.8) finished A lot of people at the station feel like he’s mellowed with his move, which third in both categories. was seen as a demotion. Waddle & Silvy was the only show that didn’t crack the 13 percent margin Given deCastro’s not-so veiled “stick to sports” marching orders that sent in the “least favorite show” category. Goff, the only black daytime host in the city, packing, many wondered if Bernstein, who enjoys mixing it up on race and politics from a decidedly Tom Waddle beat Dan McNeil (38.2 percent to 28.8) in the best co-host liberal point-of-view, was next. One theory I heard at the time was that category and got the most total votes for any host (729-601 over Bernstein was still very popular with the sponsors, which saved him. Bernstein). Aside from making the NFL, being inducted into a handful of halls of fame, selling his house to John Fox and having a loving marriage Today, The Score’s operations director Mitch Rosen thinks Bernstein has and a Starting XI of smart, soccer-playing daughters, this must be up been “somewhat humbled” by the move to middays and is “more friendly” there in his life achievements. to listeners. “I’m sincerely flattered,” Waddle told me. “I bet Silvy is already planning a “With Bernstein it’s the same Bernstein, but he’s adjusted and adapted to parade!” this audience,” Rosen said. “I’m not surprised the people in the poll voted this way.” “Waddle has always been one the of the most fun people on and off the Predictable result. Bernstein has an unapologetic style that turns some air — especially if you’ve been around him while he’s drinking,” people off. But it’s clear he appeals to just as many, if not more. Silverman said. “But over the last 12 years, he’s gone from not just the Bernstein and Silvy are the best technical drivers on the air, good best football analyst, but a guy who has mostly coherent thoughts on all interviewers, and entertaining. of our teams. He can rant with anyone.” Q3 Who is the best weekday co-host? He also throws great parties, Silvy added, even though #ScoreHouse beat Waddle’s house in the all-important “Which house would you rather It’s weird to think of Mac as a co-host, not a driver. But that’s what he is party at?” question. Chalk that up to recency bias. now and, of course, he is popular. The fact Waddle is the clear-cut No. 1 tells you how good he is. Remember, two-thirds of voters in this poll Waddle & Silvy weekly guest Dan “Barstool Big Cat” Katz won the write- prefer the Score. Jurko only gets 6 percent of the vote? That’s surprising in vote for best regular guest by a substantial margin over Score regular to me. He’s still the best at breaking down a Bears game. And Hub Arkush. Given that Katz is a Chicago super-fan who also hosts sandwiches. arguably the most popular sports podcast in the world, that makes sense. Q4 Which is the best weekday show? One insider was surprised Arkush was so high in the voting, but as Bernstein said on the air Thursday, Arkush is like “football comfort food.” Hard to argue with the 32 percent here. There’s a reason Waddle & Silvy That makes sense too. is currently the longest running show in town. They have found the secret formula to a successful show…two talented hosts who enjoy being Bears reporter Jeff Dickerson was the other ESPN 1000 winner, taking around each other. the “best reporter” category with 21.7 percent of the vote, edging out his former colleague Bruce Levine in a crowded field. As former ESPN and Q5 Least favorite show? Score personality Ben Finfer noted at the bottom of this story, both This one split the voters more than any other question. Mac & Parkins is stations could use more reporters. the second most popular show while also somehow being the least The question “Does ESPN 1000 need a lineup shuffle?” was met with a popular show. Bernstein & McKnight has similar splits. Kap is the resounding yes with more than 65 percent voting that way. With David second-least popular (the “& Co.” thing is filler because it’s 100 percent Kaplan’s deal up this September, that’s certainly a possibility, but the two Kap’s show). He has a particular style you either love or hate. Or in Kap’s people who run the station, Jim Pastor and Adam Delevitt, value the terms, when it comes to his show it’s either “shot” or “no shot.” There is continuity of their core team. no in-between. Speaking of continuity, if you’re wondering if Spiegel is still popular Q6 Who is your favorite evening host? among sports radio listeners, wonder no more. Spiegel, now hosting fill-in Part of Laurence being the overwhelming winner here is he’s the only shifts and weekend shows on The Score, won both the “best weekend one whose hours are consistent and whose show is promoted. But the host” (49.7 percent) and the “former weekday host (not named Terry bigger part is he is really, really good. Doing a solo show is not an easy Boers) you miss the most” (38.7 percent) categories. In the latter task. Laurence makes it seem like it is. category, he edged out Goff, who is now hosting national shows on the ESPN network. Q7 Who is the best overnight host in town? Like an entrenched alderman, voting in the night-time show host category I’d actually love to hear a debate between Les Grobstein and the was a cakewalk for Laurence Holmes, whose show, which has an Grobber. The winner: America. irregular schedule because of The Score’s deals with the Cubs and Bulls, remains popular. Rosen, who complimented his other night-time host Q8 Who is the best weekend host in town? Julie DiCaro, said he thinks Holmes’ connection with the listeners is what Spiegel was a weekday host for a long time and built a solid audience. It sets him apart from the pack. Holmes won 60 percent of the vote, triple says a lot about him that he doesn’t see the weekend shifts as beneath that of his closest follower, ESPN 1000’s Jonathan Hood, who does more him. Listeners are getting “weekday” quality on Saturday mornings. And national than local shows these days. hopefully working with Bruce gets him a good table at Max and Benny’s. Overnight host Les Grobstein lost his matchup to The Grobber, who took Q9 Which host do you miss the most? 60.2 percent of the vote. Does that make Les the “bum of the week?” Again, people really like Spiegel. And Goff. Hey, that’d be a hell of a Joe Cowley, the acerbic Sun-Times Bulls writer, won the write-in vote for show combo. “Which local sportswriter is the best guest/analyst?” barely beating out the Tribune’s Bears expert Brad Biggs, 141 to 125. Q10 Who is the best radio team for game broadcasts? As expected, The Score’s Cubs trio of Pat Hughes, Ron Coomer and Of course Pat and Ron win this. Cubs are popular, duh. But the fact that Zach Zaidman won the best radio team for play-by-play broadcasts with (John) Wiedeman and (Troy) Murray didn’t get more support shows me 49.4 percent of the vote, beating WBBM’s Bears crew of Jeff Joniak, Tom not enough people have heard them. Which is understandable since they Thayer and Mark “New Zach” Grote (28.2 percent). I can hear Zaidman’s are hockey announcers. The question was “best” not “favorite.” The belly laughs from here. Hawks group, with (Chris) Boden, should be higher on the list. The Score’s Chris Tannehill, master of the soundboard, won 20.4 percent Q11 Which house would you rather party at? of the vote for the “favorite producer who chimes in” question. Score House was a radio bit (a very good one). But Waddle’s parties are What to make of these results? The Score has a lot to be proud of with legendary. How many former Bears head coaches are hanging out at the across-the-board wins, while ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy Show backed Score House? up their success. The fans have spoken, right? Q12 Best reporter? “Or it’s possible it’s just hackers,” Bernstein said. “We could be just overanalyzing everything. It’s Guccifer 2.0 or something.” I love JD, Jesse (Rogers) and Bruuuuuuuuuuuce. In fact, I like everyone on the list. My takeaway is that there aren’t enough radio reporters these The full results can be found here, but I want to stress that everyone is a days. That’s been one of the biggest losses as a result of shrinking radio winner in my book. These are difficult jobs, and I agree with Rosen, that station budgets. Chicago sports fans are blessed to have choices. Q13 Favorite chimer? I asked The Athletic’s Cubs podcast host Ben Finfer, who has produced and hosted at both stations, for his thoughts on the results. I was going to I have worked with almost everyone on this list so it’s hard to pick one. use a few answers in the column, but they’re so funny, I’m including all of But I can tell you, from experience, that most of them are funnier and them below. more informed about sports than any regular host. Pay them more money. Bernie Sanders should add that to his platform. Q1 Which station is your favorite? Q14 Best host of all time? I’m not surprised the Score has more fans because ratings have reflected that for a while now. The fact that it’s local will always give it an No Jay Mariotti? Terry and Mac are the best. As for the other three, talk advantage. The 2-to-1 margin is worth noting, though, because it helps to them if you want to know how legendary they are. explain some results throughout this poll. Also, don’t forget the famous Score House bump. Q15 Best show of all time? I assume Boers & Bernstein won only because there wasn’t an option for Q2 Who is your favorite weekday sports radio driver in Chicago? Quigs & Finfer. Jon Greenberg regrets the error. Q16 Lineup shuffle? I love this one because 70 percent say the shuffle didn’t make The Score better. Yet the new shows were all among the most popular (and yes, also among the least popular). One day the new shows will be changed and people will be upset about that too. It’s the circle of radio life. Q17 ESPN 1000 shuffle? The station is fine and the hosts have great chemistry. The only shuffle that would truly make a difference is the addition of a local morning show. But just like there must always be a Stark in Winterfell, apparently for ESPN there must always be a Golic in mornings. Q18 Toggle? Basically half the people say they toggle. The other half sticks with one because, I don’t know, maybe they’re partial to their station’s particular My Pillow spokesman. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136201 Chicago Blackhawks Mitchell skates well, can carry the puck or pass it, makes smart decisions in all three zones and has a strong shot. He’s played a key role on Denver’s power play over the last two seasons. He has four goals and 17 Does Ian Mitchell still want to sign with the Blackhawks? assists in 32 games this season. Ten of those points have come from the power play.

In a recent game against Colorado College, Mitchell displayed some of By Scott Powers Mar 15, 2019 those skills through the first two periods, but he wasn’t extremely active until Denver was in desperation mode, down a goal in the third period. Mitchell then kicked his game up a notch, handling the puck up the ice, carrying it into the offensive zone and trying to create for his teammates. DENVER – Ian Mitchell has heard the rumor. On one possession, he made two loops around the offensive zone with It stemmed from a broadcast during a Denver-Omaha game in January, the puck before delivering a pass into the slot for a scoring chance. He when one of the commentators allegedly said Mitchell, a Denver skated into openings and made himself target too. He was the most sophomore defenseman, was having too much fun in college and dangerous offensive player on the ice on a lot of shifts in that period. planned to stay four years rather than sign with the Blackhawks early. Mitchell knows he’s still a work a progress, and he has to be that The rumor was brought to my attention by a couple people on Twitter the aggressive player more often. following week. A team source told me Mitchell hadn’t indicated that “I think maybe in the first I was a little bit too conservative, honestly,” he sentiment to the Blackhawks. I decided to search for the audio myself, said. “I feel like in the third that’s how I need to play to be successful as paid $9.99 for the access and listened to a bunch of the Jan. 11 being involved in the rush and trying to create offense. I like to play how I broadcast. I couldn’t locate what was reportedly said. That doesn’t mean did in the third for the whole game.” it didn’t happen, but I couldn’t find it. Mitchell isn’t Boqvist when it comes to offense. Boqvist is on another There was only one way to determine whether it was true anyway. I had level than most NHL defenseman prospects. But Mitchell does have a lot to ask Mitchell. of offensive skill. There’s little doubt he can play in the NHL when it Did the Blackhawks and their fans have to worry about Mitchell staying comes to moving himself and the puck. four years in college and possibly becoming an unrestricted free agent? The question is whether Mitchell has enough offensive skill to counter his Could Mitchell be another , who signed with another NHL smaller size and some defensive limitations. One scout was skeptical team after waiting out his Blackhawks draft rights? whether Mitchell could be a top-4 defenseman unless he had the right “I saw that on Twitter too,” Mitchell said with a smile after a recent game. partner to complement him. “I don’t know where that came from. I want to play for the Blackhawks as The Athletic’s senior NHL prospect writer Corey Pronman had similar soon as I can.” thoughts about Mitchell. You can exhale. “I like him but don’t know if he’s dynamic enough for a small D to be a top Mitchell, a 2017 second-round draft pick, may sign with the Blackhawks 4,” Pronman said. “Very smart, good skill and skating, but he’s not like a sooner than later. There haven’t been any concrete discussions yet, but it Boqvist type who can take over a shift with his skill. I don’t think his size wouldn’t be surprising if Mitchell decided to leave Denver after this is that big an issue at the NCAA level because he’s smart and mobile season and begin his pro career. and defends fine, but it may keep him from playing against good NHL forwards.” The thought has crossed Mitchell’s mind. Mitchell is out to prove people wrong. He admits he didn’t care much “There’s definitely a possibility,” said Mitchell, who turned 20 on Jan. 18. about defense as a younger player, but he’s come around to it. He “I’ve been thinking about it too with my family and stuff like that. But with realizes it’s important for his present and future. the Blackhawks just saying to focus on the right now and the present, it’s kind of take their advice. But obviously your mind wanders to think about Two years of college hockey has been good for him in that respect. what the future could be playing with the Blackhawks. I definitely think of Denver had enough veteran defensemen last season that not too much it a bit. But like I said, nothing is set in stone.” responsibility was put on Mitchell as a freshman. As a sophomore, that’s changed. He’s been the go-to guy. He’s been playing about 25 minutes a The Blackhawks are excited about Mitchell’s potential and haven’t been game. He’s on the Pioneers’ top power play and penalty kill units and shy about it. Mitchell is often been mentioned alongside first-round picks sees a lot of 5-on-5 ice time against the opponents’ top lines. Henri Jokiharju, Adam Boqvist and Nicolas Beaudin as the future of the Blackhawks defense. Ian Mitchell played with Blackhawks prospect Blake Hillman last season at Denver. The two prospects still keep in touch. (Carol Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman recently commented on the Mackay/University of Denver) development of Boqvist, Beaudin and Mitchell. Denver first-year head coach David Carle, who was previously an “Mitchell and Beaudin have been standout players in their leagues,” assistant, has seen Mitchell make strides over the last two seasons. Bowman said on Feb. 25. “It looks very promising for where they are. I try not to put a timeline on it or handicap which one is ahead of the other “He’s a player who identifies his weaknesses and really wants to work on one. They’re all really progressing nicely. I don’t think any of them have them,” Carle said. “I think his defensive play this year is much better than stalled in their progression. They’ve all taken that next step forward, last year, and he’s earned the right to play in those situations and our which is great to see, and we want that to continue in the coming couple team needs him too. He’s done a really nice job with it. of years.” “I think as he continues to progress in his career it’s going to be using his Ian Mitchell was drafted in the second round by the Blackhawks in 2017. brain, his feet and stick more than anything. He’s just not blessed with a (Scott Powers/The Athletic) 6-foot-2 frame as some players are. I think there’s more room for guys like him in the National Hockey League. We have no doubt he’s going to Mitchell keeps tabs on the Blackhawks and was happy to see Jokiharju be there.” play a lot in the NHL this season. Against Colorado College, Mitchell showed that he wanted to defend. He “He and I are similar players, similar stature, seeing him have a lot of aggressively pursued puck-handlers in the neutral zone and tried to success was definitely confidence for me as well,” Mitchell said. “I break up plays. He was willing to battle for pucks behind the net. He definitely still have a lot to prove at that level. He’s already got his foot in wasn’t trying to overpower opponents, but he led with his stick and fought the door kind of thing. I still got to do that, so I still have a lot of work to dislodge the puck to gain possession. ahead of myself at the same time. “I think that’s huge for me,” Mitchell said. “Obviously I’m under six feet, so “It’s definitely exciting the organization thinks so high of all of us I’m not going to be running guys over with big body checks. I need to defensive prospects and me being one of them is pretty special. I’m just defend with my stick and being stick on pucks. That’s definitely going to try to keep improving and hopefully be a big-time player for the something I’ve been working on. That’s the best way I defend I say. Blackhawks one day.” “I think my just overall intensity, just the commitment to defense (has Like the other three defensemen, Mitchell is on the smaller side: 5-foot- improved). Coming out of junior, I wasn’t necessarily I guess always the 11 and 175 pounds. And like the other three, Mitchell’s upside is his most committed to playing defense. Where here in college you really offensive ability. need to have that. Coming up to the next level to the NHL, that’s huge. I think that and just my comfortability playing against bigger players, I think has really improved. I would say those two areas that I’ve worked on.” Mitchell stays in contact with Blackhawks director of player evaluation Barry Smith and director of player development Mark Eaton. “They’ve just been really positive,” Mitchell said. “Just saying coming into the season, there would be a decision (after the season), they’ll help me through that decision. Also said at this point don’t worry about it, focus my time at Denver because if I look too far ahead bad things can happen or get too far ahead of yourself. They just want me to focus on playing here at Denver and then let the other things take care of themselves.” Carle wouldn’t say whether he thought Mitchell was ready to make that next step yet. He said they’d have that discussion after the season. Mitchell seems confident he could play pro hockey next season. It helped his confidence playing for Canada in the World Junior Championship. He also feels he’s benefited from playing a second year of college hockey and being given a larger role. “I love it here, like I said,” Mitchell said. “I think playing another year was great for me. I’m really excited about the decision at the end of the year. Nothing’s set in stone yet, but everything I’ve heard is really positive. I’m looking forward to the future, for sure.” In other words, don’t listen to rumors. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136202 Colorado Avalanche just made it tougher for ourselves, but all the guys are going to keep pushing and keep riding and keep fighting for playoffs.”

Footnotes. The Avs played their third game without left wing and team Avs coach Jared Bednar blasts his players after losing a game they had captain Gabe Landeskog, who will miss the rest of the regular season to win with an upper-body injury. … Colorado concludes a four-game homestand Sunday against the New Jersey Devils. By MIKE CHAMBERS | PUBLISHED: March 15, 2019 at 9:54 pm | Denver Post: LOADED: 03.16.2019 UPDATED: March 15, 2019 at 11:12 PM

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar chastised his players Friday after his rested squad blew a 2-0 lead and lost to the road-weary Anaheim Ducks in a game Colorado had to win to keep its dwindling playoff hopes alive. “We were checking with our eyes,” Bednar said after the Ducks scored in the final minute of regulation for a 5-3 victory at the Pepsi Center. “We got to check with our legs. We’re supposed to be rested team. We didn’t win enough races. We didn’t check the puck back enough. We build a lead and it looked like we got comfortable with it and just stopped working. I didn’t think our work ethic was exceptional in the first period, either, to be honest with you.” Colorado took a 2-0 lead into the first intermission before the roof caved in on a team that had three days off between games this week. Ducks forward Corey Perry scored broke a 3-3 tie with a power-play goal with 57 seconds left and Anaheim added an empty-netter in the closing seconds. The Avalanche (30-29-12, 72 points) remain five points behind Arizona for the last Western Conference playoff spot, with just 11 games remaining. Anaheim was playing on consecutive nights, and the third time in four days. The Ducks (29-35-9) lost 6-1 on Thursday at Arizona. “As a team you can’t continually learn the same lesson. It just seems like we’re learning the same lesson, over and over on our losses,” Bednar said. “I know our guys care but we didn’t play an inspired game today, like we really needed it — like it was mandatory that we won. The urgency, for me, wasn’t there.” Colorado forged a 3-3 tie with Sven Andrighetto’s tap-in goal 8:42 into the third period. Andrighetto, who hadn’t scored in his previous 14 games, took a pass from defenseman Ian Cole and tapped the puck in diagonally on goalie John Gibson. But Avs forward Mikko Rantanen was issued a high-sticking penalty at 17:39 and Perry struck for his second goal of the game at 19:03. “I haven’t seen (the replay),” Rantanen said. “I guess it was a penalty. Nothing else to say.” He added: “What we did in the first period — we had the O-zone all the time. It was tough — tough second period. Just (upset). We pushed back in the third, but, I don’t know.” Anaheim dominated the second period — on the scoreboard, that is — getting goals from Perry, Ryan Getzlaf and Daniel Sprong at 6:08, 7:23 and 13:40. Perry beat goalie Semyon Varlamov off a fortunate bounce from atop the crease before Getzlaf used a wrist shot from the right circle to tie it 2-2. Sprong out-muscled defenders to slap at a rebound in front of the left post and the puck dribbled in off Varlamov. The Avs outshot the Ducks 13-12 in the second period but skated into the second intermission with nothing but a badly blown lead. “Disappointing is the first word that comes to mind,” Avs defenseman Ian Cole said. “We had a pretty (poor) second period there, able to battle back and tie it up. You know, PK has got to get a kill there (at the end), got to get the job done.” As planned, Colorado jumped on the Ducks early, getting timely saves from Varlamov before building a 2-0 lead from goals by Nathan MacKinnon and Rantanen (power play) at 6:54 and 18:10. MacKinnon capped a beautiful end-to-end play with a big one-time blast from the left circle. He received a circle-to-circle saucer pass from J.T. Compher, who accepted a long lead pass from defenseman Sam Girard near the Avs’ goalline. Rantanen doubled the lead when he drove to the net from the left wing and lifted a backhand shot inside Gibson’s far post. Avs defenseman Nikita Zadorov was similarly as critical as his coach. “It’s hard to win when we don’t play hard 60 minutes. It’s been hurting us all year. We had a great first period, pretty good third period, totally lost (the second) period, give up three goals — like that’s totally unacceptable. I mean, got to keep working, keep trying, like there’s no losers on this team. We all want to win and then we have 11 games, we 1136203 Colorado Avalanche with Nemeth out there either. I’m just not sure who was responsible for what on the game-winning goal. Nemeth talked a bit about it after the game and Zadorov took responsibility but there’s no doubt both guys Avs-Ducks player grades: Right through the heart needed to be better there. Mikko Rantanen (D) – Rantanen’s goal was perfection. He took what the penalty killers were giving him and instead of forcing the puck into the PP BY AJ HAEFELE MARCH 15, 2019 system, he kept his foot on the gas and made an aggressive move with the puck and then backhanded it perfectly past Gibson. The penalty just continues Rantanen’s crushing bad habit of having poor control of his stick defensively. He’s now 8th among NHL forwards in minor penalties. Andrew Agozzino (C) – He had one nice play where he chipped a Just a killer. centering pass on net. That was the end of his notable contributions tonight. Carl Soderberg (D) – Soderberg was involved in some great scoring chances but wasn’t able to put anything away. I sure felt like Soderberg’s Sven Andrighetto (A) – The fourth line was at times awful and one time it linemates created something good for him today and he just couldn’t was really good. Andrighetto’s biggest contribution, tying the game at 3-3 finish it off. Would’ve been a good night for it. in the third period, came when he was on the ice with Kerfoot and Jost. He needed that. The Avs needed that. It was big. And then it didn’t Semyon Varlamov (C-) – I don’t think Varlamov was at fault for matter. everything that happened but he just wasn’t anything close to what the Avs needed from him tonight. The third goal was an especially tough Tyson Barrie (C-) – His pass to Rantanen on Colorado’s second goal bounce with how he tried to push it to the corner and it hit EJ and was a straight dime. I’m not sure who really lost the coverage on dropped right in front. Four goals against in a must-have game is just not Anaheim’s first goal as Perry came across the defense and Barrie started good enough. to follow and stopped, thinking Cole would take him, but Cole stuck with the man he already had and it left Barrie too far behind to do anything. Colin Wilson (C) – He made three passes that could have very easily Regardless, it’s an inexcusable miscommunication for Colorado’s turned into goals, especially the one to Rantanen where it hit the post second-most used pairing this year. That’s November stuff. and the Ducks ran down the ice and scored. Those plays didn’t get finished, though, and Wilson’s night ends up defined by a blown Gabriel Bourque (C) – Made a nice pass to Agozzino for a scoring defensive assignment than the good he did offensively. chance. End scene. Nikita Zadorov (B-) – I think the game-winning goal was probably on Derick Brassard (C) – It was a nice start but I’m noticing him less and Zadorov. It looked like he was caught watching the puck (as he does a less. That said, his shot metrics were positive, he had two SOG of his frustrating amount of the time) instead of covering his guy and Perry beat own, he had a couple of hits, and he went 6-1 (86%) in the FO circle. him to the backdoor and put home what is probably the dagger in Production needs to be there though and it’s just not. Colorado’s season. It’s a brutal bottom line given the game Zadorov had Matt Calvert (B-) – He tied his career-high in points back on February 22 with five shots on goal, eight hits, and a breakaway with just under six at Chicago. He hasn’t scored a point in the 10 games since. Tonight was minutes left in the third period where the puck would not stop rolling long a pretty good look at why, too. Lots of really good process as he was part enough for him to make a real move. Zadorov was great activating of multiple odd-man rushes and quality scoring chances. He was part of offense, jumping into the play and keeping offense alive with an zero goals. aggressive mentality where he just went for it. Ultimately, if Zadorov played the way he did tonight more often, even with the mistake on the Ian Cole (B-) – I thought Cole had a hell of a game and he made a really PK, he’d be taking the next step towards locking down a top-four job on nice pass to Andrighetto for the game-tying goal. At 5v5, shot attempts this team. were 18-8 in favor of the Avs and shots actually on goal were 13-5. The reason I’m not grading him higher is that it sure looks to me like Barrie BSN DENVER LOADED: 03.16.2019 was expecting to take Perry on Anaheim’s first goal and that single breakdown started the slide from dominating the game to eventually losing a game they absolutely had to have. Again, that’s a November problem. Inexcusable for a breakdown like that in mid-March. J.T. Compher (C+) – It ended up working out so Compher gets credit but he telegraphed the pass to MacKinnon so hard the defenseman never respected the shot and Gibson looked like he even cheated a little. Again, it didn’t matter so you chalk it up to a great play but hoo boy that could’ve gone sideways. The rest of Compher’s game was just okay. Samuel Girard (B-) – There were a lot of good moments from G tonight but stretch pass he made to spark Colorado’s first goal is the stuff we’ve been waiting to see more of from him all season. That’s the kind of play that should provide him with the confidence to keep being aggressive with the puck. That’s when he’s at his best. Erik Johnson (D) – Each of the goals against he was on the ice for involved him losing a battle somewhere that helped create it. He gets paid to be Colorado’s best two-way defenseman and I’m not sure he’s come close to living up to that billing. Tyson Jost (A) – I thought Jost was really good again tonight. He picked up an assist on the game-tying goal and just couldn’t quite get all of the puck minutes later when Gibson was scrambling. At 5v5, the Avs led in shots on goal 11-1 with Jost on the ice. Alexander Kerfoot (C-) – This is overly harsh because Kerfoot was actually pretty good tonight. He was part of the very successful trio with Jost and Calvert who created plenty of chances and gave up almost nothing against. That said, Kerfoot just has to bury some of those chances. He’s getting excellent looks and firing them right into the goaltender’s chest over and over. At some point, he has to beat a goalie. Nathan MacKinnon (B-) – He was dominant early on and then looked like he was skating through quicksand the rest of the game. Had the game stopped in the first period, he would’ve been at an A+ running away. Unfortunately for MacKinnon and the Avs, 40 more minutes had to be played. Patrik Nemeth (C-) – The Avs were plenty good with Nemeth on the ice 5v5. That wasn’t an issue at all. They weren’t even particularly bad at 4v5 1136204 Colorado Avalanche to be fired over this season, but am I totally confident of that? Uh, this is the NHL. So, no.

I asked him if he’s had to look in the mirror himself over what’s happened How an Avs season so promising went so wrong and wonder if it’s his message that isn’t working anymore? “Yeah. We evaluate every day,” Bednar said. “The players, as a staff, BY ADRIAN DATER MARCH 15, 2019 what we have to do, what we want to do. We needed a big effort tonight and we got it from some guys and partially from other guys. But that’s a skill; Being consistent is a skill, as a player. We have good players. We have really good players. But being able to do it every night is a skill. This will be a tough postmortem to perform, if, as it appears more and We’ve got to work on it. We’ve got to mature to the point where we’re more likely, exactly how and why the Avalanche fell apart so badly in the good every night, not just once in a while.” second half of this season and missed the playoffs. This game was another microcosm, in the sense that the Avs just didn’t I don’t really get it, folks. On Dec. 6, the Avalanche had a 17-7-5 record play with any killer instinct, against a team it should have beaten easily. after a 5-2 win at the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla. I was there that night, Too many teams came into the Pepsi Center this year and outworked an and I remember the overriding thought I had on the ride back to my Avs club that had no excuses for that to be the case. This was a Ducks Airbnb after writing the story of the game: What seed will the Avs be team that played the night before in Arizona, was playing its third game in when the postseason starts? four nights and an Avs team that had been off since Monday. The Avs were a genuinely exciting team to be around that night. They Just like in the season, they got out to a good start in this one, then let had a dominant first line, a more improved defense from the playoff up. Then, they played with desperation after losing their cushion. But it squad of a season before, a seemingly strong 1-2 combo in goal and was too late. what was an unmistakable air of swagger in the dressing room. Not only that, there was the knowledge that Ottawa’s first-round pick would be Why a team that still hasn’t won a playoff round in 11 full years, a team theirs in 2019, along with D-men prospects such as Cale Makar and that seemed hungry for more after that unexpected run to the playoffs in Conor Timmins on the way, plus a bunch of other draft picks. 2017-18 but instead fell back into the deadly trap of self-satisfaction? “This is gonna be fun,” one player confidently told me, in forecasting the It’s a mystery, with no good solution, at the moment. near-term future and beyond. BSN DENVER LOADED: 03.16.2019 Friday night, the Avalanche dressing room was a morgue. When the final horn sounded on the shocking last-minute collapse and 5-3 loss to the lowly Anaheim Ducks, Avalanche players on the ice all hunched over with their sticks on their knees. That is the time-worn posture of players who know the season just ended. Technically, it’s not over. But it’s over for the Avs of 2018-19. How did such a young, talented and, most important, confident team from that night in Sunrise see the sun set on its season already? How did this particular Avs team manage to go 13-22-5 after that night? How did we get here? Barring a miracle, it’ll be a long, painful summer of trying to figure that out. “If we want to be a playoff team, we’ve got to deserve it, you know? Right now, it doesn’t look like we deserve to be in the playoffs,” said Avs defender Nikita Zadorov, who looked like the frustrated hockey version of Rodan’s The Thinker after the game, staring vacantly into the floor. “It’s hard to win when you don’t play hard for 60 minutes. It’s been hurting us all year. We had a great first period, pretty good third period, but we totally lost the second period. We give up three goals (after getting a 2-0 lead). That’s totally unacceptable I think…We’ve all got to look in the mirror and figure it out.” The final two minutes and 21 seconds of this game gives something of a big-picture answer of how it all went wrong. A microscosm of the season, since Dec. 6 at least, right in those 141 seconds: A late penalty, an errant stick by Mikko Rantanen, Anaheim on the power play in a 3-3 game. A pretty good PK for the first 1:24, clearing the puck a couple of times, until a defensive breakdown; A pass from the half-boards between the legs of Zadorov, over to the other side of the ice. A late-reacting Avs defense from there. Some scrambling around. A shot on net, stopped by Semyon Varlamov, but a rebound laying in the crease back toward Corey Perry on the other side. Corey Perry may be old and slowing down, but he doesn’t miss 1-footers with nobody on him. A spirited Avs rally on the ensuing faceoff, a golden chance for J.T. Compher to tie it back up. A point, and maybe another to come, and the Avs are back to within three points of the last playoff spot. But Compher is stopped. Empty-net goal. Game over, Avs players hunched over. And, probably, season over. “(Bleep) happens. It’s hockey sometimes. I take responsibility for that,” Rantanen told BSN Denver. “I don’t know. It is what it is I guess.” Jared Bednar was one pretty frustrated looking man afterward. “We were checking with our eyes,” Bednar said. “We gotta check with our legs. We were the rested team, but we didn’t win enough races. We didn’t check the puck back enough. We build a lead and it looked like we got comfortable with it, and we stopped working.” Bednar was plenty critical of his players in the macro sense, but he knows he could be the one blamed for all of this. I don’t think he’s going 1136205 Colorado Avalanche

BSN Avalanche Watch Party on Tuesday

BY BRANDON SPANO MARCH 15, 2019

WHAT: BSN Avalanche watch party with AJ, Dater, and Jesse WHEN: Tuesday, March 19th at 6:00 PM WHERE: Icehouse Tavern | 1801 Wynkoop Street # 150 Denver, CO. 80202 WHY: Watch the Avs battle the Wild and win another incredible prize pack! Join Adrian Dater, AJ Haefele, and Jesse Montano at the Icehouse Tavern in LoDo and watch the Avalanche battle the Minnesota Wild GIVEAWAYS – Once again, we are giving away multiple sets of luxury suite tickets to a future game. Everyone who comes to the party is entered to win and we will announce all of the winners throughout the game. – Just mention BSN Denver and your first Coors Light is on the house! – We’re giving away all of our BSN Avalanche shirts at the party! Dater, AJ, and Jesse from the BSN Avalanche crew will be doing a post- game podcast right after and inviting fans onto the podcast for analysis and reaction. If you are an Avalanche fan, you will not want to miss this event. BSN DENVER LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136206 Colorado Avalanche NOTES: Ducks F Ryan Kesler missed a fifth game with a hip injury. "I have no timeline. I don't know when he's coming back," general manager and interim coach Bob Murray said. ... Avalanche F Tyson Jost was Perry scores late, Ducks beat the Avalanche 5-3 taken out to dinner by his teammates to celebrate his 21st birthday on Thursday. ... Colorado captain was sidelined a third straight game with an upper-body injury. By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer Mar 15, 2019 Updated 3 hrs ago UP NEXT Ducks: Start a three-game homestand Sunday against Florida. DENVER (AP) — Corey Perry is making up for lost time in an injury- Avalanche: Finish a four-game homestand Sunday against New Jersey. delayed season. LOADED: 03.16.2019 Perry scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 56.9 seconds remaining, and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3 on Friday night. The 33-year-old forward didn't make his season debut until Feb. 2 because of a knee injury. Ever so gradually, he's finding his hockey legs. Perry knocked in the winner shortly after Mikko Rantanen was whistled for a high-sticking penalty. The goal was in typical Perry fashion, too — by crashing the net. "Starting your season in February is not easy," said Perry, who scored his fourth and fifth goals of the season. "Guys have been skating for four months, playing games every other day, and I've been trying to play catch-up." He certainly looked like vintage Perry to teammate Ryan Getzlaf. "His biggest attribute is his ability to get (to) the net, create havoc and find pucks," Getzlaf said. "He did that tonight." Perry, Getzlaf and Daniel Sprong all scored in the second period as the Ducks erased a 2-0 deficit. Colorado's Sven Andrighetto tied the game at 3 with 11:18 remaining, setting the stage for Perry. Hampus Lindholm added an empty-netter to seal the victory. The Ducks were coming off a 6-1 loss in Arizona the night before, but were the more energetic team most of the night. Anaheim goaltender John Gibson had 14 of his 41 saves in the third period. He's now 7-2 in his career against Colorado. A three-day break rejuvenated the Avalanche early as they got goals from Nathan MacKinnon and Rantanen in the first period. Semyon Varlamov made 32 saves. With 11 games to play, Colorado now trails the Coyotes by five points for the final wild card in the Western Conference. "There's still a possibility," Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. "As long as there are games left we still have a chance. Until we're mathematically eliminated we have a chance." Andrighetto tied the game with his first goal since Feb. 14. After that, Gibson proceeded to make two big saves, one by knocking the puck away from the goal line with his stick and another by stopping Nikita Zadorov on a breakaway. "The commitment and the urgency we needed earlier in the game, it didn't look like we had it. Either that or we just didn't have our legs," Bednar said. "It did not look like we had our legs tonight. We looked like the tired team." Perry started the Ducks rolling in the second period. Just 1:15 later, Getzlaf got into the act. Sprong then knocked in another to give Anaheim the lead and silence the crowd. The power of a positive mindset. "We didn't come in here two-down — we understood we had to change what we were doing, get our compete-level back to where it's been the last couple of weeks," said Getzlaf, who had two assists. The Avalanche used long passes to set up both goals in the first period. On the first, Samuel Girard sent a deep strike to J.T. Compher, who fed it over to MacKinnon for the score. On a power play late in the period, Tyson Barrie lined a lengthy pass to Rantanen, who lifted a backhand shot over Gibson. Denver native and Anaheim forward Troy Terry had a large contingent of family and friends on hand as he played at Pepsi Center for the first time in his NHL career. "It's pretty special for me, to grow up here and now be back and playing against the Avalanche," said Terry, who also played down the road at the University of Denver. 1136207 Columbus Blue Jackets

Michael Arace | Second period was best, and worst, of times

4:49 PM Michael Arace Posted Mar 15, 2019 at 11:22 PM Updated at 12:20 AM

The second period the Blue Jackets played against the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday night had to be one of the worst 20 minutes of hockey, or whatever it was, the Jackets have played all season. It’s a subjective thing, though. If someone said they could think of four or five worse periods the Jackets have played just in the past two-plus weeks — or since the Feb. 25 trade deadline — they could make a pretty good case. In any case, period No. 2 Friday night was ... how shall we put this? Let’s go with “exciting.” The Jackets were outshot 22-2 by the Hurricanes. The Jackets allowed zero goals, and that was exciting for the sellout crowd of 18,832 at Nationwide Arena. Goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky was sublime. The Jackets allowed 46 shots against, a season high, and came away with a 3-0 shutout victory. It might be a little much to use James Earl Jones’ voice and say “it was a critical Metropolitan Division victory in the final playoff push.” But it counted for something, that’s for sure. The Jackets (40-28-3, 83 points) are holding the No. 2 wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. They are chasing the Hurricanes (38-25- 7, 83 points) for the No. 1 wild card. The Hurricanes had won 15 of their previous 20 games — and, by the way, they put up 48 shots and beat the Predators in Nashville last week. On Friday night, Adam McQuaid — there he is! — gave the Jackets a one-goal lead three minutes into the first period. Here’s a stat: It was McQuaid’s first goal with the team since the Jackets drafted him 55th overall in the 2007 draft. (Yes, there is a catch.) Stat of the night? “No,” McQuaid said. “Forty-six saves. I think that was the difference.” Three minutes after McQuaid scored, another Jackets defenseman scored on another long-range wrist shot. The second goal was David Savard’s. It was his fifth of the season. Is he a sniper now? “No,” Savard said. “Technically, we shouldn’t have won. I thought they were the better team. But we have Bob. We’ll take the points.” Here’s a stat: The Jackets have allowed 40-plus shots five times this season and they are 5-0 in those games. So, we asked coach if that was the recipe for success as the Jackets head down the stretch here. Yeah. No, we didn’t ask him that. Are you kidding? Bobrovsky’s career high for saves is 52. Friday night was the second- most — and the most in a shutout. Bobrovsky was asked about this and many other things. Blue Jackets fans know what he said about following the process and focusing on the task at hand and so forth. He is phoning in his quotes, which is to say he is dialed in right now. Bobrovsky has won 12 of his last 18 decisions and, in that span, he has had four shutouts and three single-goal games. It seems that, as the Jackets have struggled and come out of it, Bobrovsky has been the steadiest thing going. And now, he is getting hot — just at the right time. There have been plenty of games where the Jackets should’ve had a point or two and blown it, or just came up short. There have been times, earlier this season, when Bobrovsky didn’t exactly look like a two-time Vezina winner. To say the least. As Tortorella said of the points, “Sometimes they come out in the wash.” And as Bobrovsky said of The Bob, you just have to follow the process, focus on the task at hand and so forth. On Friday night, two points came out of 46 saves. They came at a critical time, against the team the Jackets are chasing on a night when they played one of the worst periods of their season. Depending on how you measure. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136208 Columbus Blue Jackets

Goal against Bruins came as relief to Zach Werenski

Bill Rabinowitz Posted Mar 15, 2019 at 10:14 PM Updated Mar 15, 2019 at 10:14 PM

Zach Werenski’s gesture was premeditated. In fact, it was 2½ months in the making. After the Blue Jackets defenseman scored Tuesday in a 7-4 victory over the Boston Bruins, he motioned as if something had lifted off his back. It had — a figurative monkey. Werenski hadn’t scored since New Year’s Eve, a span of 30 games, which is stunning for a player with his skill. Earlier Tuesday, he had told a reporter that he needed to get the monkey off his back. When Werenski scored from the slot off a pass from Artemi Panarin to give the Blue Jackets a two-goal cushion after three consecutive Bruins goals late in the third period, he remembered that comment. “I was like, if I score, I’ll do that,” Werenski said Friday morning before a game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Nationwide Arena. Werenski had a 25-goal goal drought a year ago when he was playing through a serious shoulder injury. He said the just-ended one didn’t seem as long. “These games have been important and I’m just trying to find ways to help us win so I didn’t really think about it too much,” Werenski said. “But the longer it gets, the more you start to feel it.” Werenski, who’s only 21, has been trying to improve his defense this season. He’s not sure whether that has affected his play at the other end of the ice. “It shouldn’t,” Werenski said, “but I think just the nature of the game and how guys think when you’re trying to be better defensively is you’re not thinking offense as much. For me, a big focus this year was on being better defensively and ironing out that part of my game. Maybe I wasn’t thinking offense as much and maybe that’s the reason.” The Blue Jackets’ scoring has been hit or miss lately. Werenski, who has 10 goals and 30 assists, has the ability to help. “I think I’m capable of that as a defensemen whenever I get in a scoring area to bear down hard enough to put the puck in the net,” he said. “It was good to get that one. Hopefully they’ll start falling for me now.” New line clicking The addition of Josh Anderson to the line of former Ottawa teammates and Ryan Dzingel looks like it might have staying power. Anderson has certainly impressed Duchene, who called him “probably the most underrated player in the NHL.” With his combination of size and speed, Anderson resembles a locomotive when he accelerates. “He’s always wowed me when we’ve played against them, but he’s always kind of been in maybe more of a checking role or a two-way role,” Duchene said. “His offensive ability has flown under the radar. He does everything so well, so I think the three of us are a good combination, and we were excited to play together the past couple games.” Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136209 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets 3, Hurricanes 0 | Sergei Bobrovsky stops all 46 shots he sees

Bill Rabinowitz Posted Mar 15, 2019 at 9:49 PM Updated Mar 15, 2019 at 11:23 PM

Sergei Bobrovsky fully understood the importance of Friday night’s game against Carolina. The Blue Jackets’ goaltender has had his ups and downs this year, but he knows this is the time to round into the form that has made him one of the NHL’s best. Bobrovsky couldn’t have been any better against the Hurricanes. He stopped a season-high 46 shots, most of them long after the Blue Jackets’ offense vanished, in a 3-0 win in front of 18,832 at sold-out Nationwide Arena. Carolina entered the game two points ahead of the Jackets and in the first wild-card spot. That’s a coveted spot because the second wild card will play powerhouse Tampa Bay in the first round of the playoffs. After beating the Hurricanes 3-0 on Friday, the teams are now tied with 83 points, though Carolina has played one fewer game. “It’s a huge game,” Bobrovsky said. “That’s the time to play well. At this time of the season, every point is huge.” Most of the Blue Jackets’ offense came in the first six minutes of the game. They opened the scoring on a goal by defenseman Adam McQuaid on a pass from Artemi Panarin. With Pierre-Luc Dubois in front of the net, McQuaid snapped a wrist shot that beat goalie Petr Mrazek stick-side. It was only McQuaid’s third goal of the season and first since joining the team as a trade-deadline acquisition. The assist was the 50th of the season for Panarin. Less than 3 minutes later, the Blue Jackets made it 2-0. Boone Jenner won a face-off back to David Savard, who beat Mrazek to the far side with a wrist shot. Soon after that, the Blue Jackets’ offensive spigot turned off. “I think for some reason we lost our intensity,” coach John Tortorella said. “Against a team that’s desperate as Carolina and as good and quick as they play, it mounts on you.” But Bobrovsky was impenetrable. He was especially brilliant in the second period, during which the Hurricanes outshot the Blue Jackets 22- 2. “I felt good,” Bobrovsky said. “I saw lots of pucks. Lots of shots were from outside and that allowed me to get into my game and control the game.” Not all of the saves were routine. He made several that served as reminders of why he has won the Vezina Trophy twice. The biggest might have come when he made a pad save on Michael Ferland, who got behind the Blue Jackets’ defense for a mini-breakaway. “He’s been good for a while,” Tortorella said. “There have been some games when a number of goals have gone in, but it’s pretty misleading as far as how Bob is playing. He was seeing shots in traffic, especially in the second period. In the third period, we checked better.” But the offense largely consisted of flipping pucks into the neutral zone. The Jackets were outshot 46-20. With less than 3 minutes left and the Hurricanes’ already having pulled Mrazek, Savard took a tripping penalty to make it a 6-on-4. But Josh Anderson won a puck battle and pushed in an empty-netter to end any suspense. The Blue Jackets now go on the road for the next four games, starting Saturday in Boston and then to western Canada. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136210 Columbus Blue Jackets

Blue Jackets' top line confident that hot streak is coming

Brian Hedger Posted Mar 15, 2019 at 6:00 AM

Helmet off, sitting in the penalty box with a scrape on the bridge of his nose, Artemi Panarin looked happy. The Blue Jackets’ leading scorer had just taken a couple of straight right hands to the chops in a fight with Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy on Tuesday night, but he had a smile. His linemate, Cam Atkinson, thinks he knows why. “I was right there,” Atkinson said. “I think everyone was surprised in the arena but also look at the situation he’s in. It’s a contract year, maybe not sure what he’s doing (in free agency), hadn’t been on the scoresheet in (four) games. He’s so relied on to put the puck in the net or help us put the puck in the net. ... I’m sure he’d be the first guy to say he felt good after the fight.” Panarin, who later broke his offensive drought with an assist on a goal by Zach Werenski, wasn’t the only member of his line feeling a little pent-up anger. Pierre-Luc Dubois and Atkinson have, too, even though all three have generated some good scoring chances recently. As a trio, the goals just haven’t happened as frequently for them as they had earlier this season — when they were basically the only line scoring goals. In nine games since the trade deadline, Panarin has six points (one goal, five assists), Atkinson has five (four goals, one assist) and Dubois has just one assist. Statistically, that’s underwhelming compared to previous stretches, but stats aren’t everything. Atkinson still leads the team with 38 goals, Panarin still leads the team with 74 points (25 goals) and Dubois has already exceeded his rookie numbers with 23 goals and 54 points. They’re also generating scoring chances again and think a hot stretch might be right around the corner. “They come up with a chance sheet, and in the past five games I’ve gotten a lot of chances — as much or as many as I usually have,” Dubois center said. “The other guys have, too, as a line. That’s how it goes sometimes. The positive side is that if it turns around right now, and you start getting luck, it’s right around playoff time.” The Jackets’ other top-six line is also showing signs of life, with Josh Anderson helping the new guys, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel, find their top gear the past couple of games. Boone Jenner, who centers the third line, has also heated up with four goals in his past two games, including his first NHL hat trick against the Bruins. “It’s nice to see other lines stepping up and other guys contributing,” Atkinson said. “It’s great to see guys feeling good about themselves. That’s what you want at this time of the year.” So, is it his line’s turn to feel good next? “It’s not always going to be rainbows and butterflies,” Atkinson said. “It’s not always going to go your way, but if you’re not getting on the scoresheet, it’s ‘What are you doing away from the puck?’ We’re definitely not a liability out there and I think we all take a lot of pride in being that No. 1 line.” Panarin has the scrape on his nose to prove it Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136211 Columbus Blue Jackets “It snowballed on us. We started losing battles and making plays that we normally don’t make and shouldn’t be making. We couldn’t get it back on the rails. They played a good game. But sometimes we gotta take a step It hasn’t been an easy season for Sergei Bobrovsky, but he saved the back and simplify. We just made it too hard on ourselves.” Blue Jackets in a big win over Carolina We’ve seen the Blue Jackets get tangled up in these games many times the past few seasons. It’s almost unwatchable hockey. Hell, it’s barely hockey. By Aaron Portzline Mar 15, 2019 About these Hurricanes …

They are a team full of faceless bots, each of them 6-0, 180 pounds, with COLUMBUS, Ohio — For the first five months of this season, Sergei three legs, four arms, and the ability to play with eight sticks at once. Bobrovsky’s contract status — have you heard he’s a pending There are no passing lanes or shooting lanes against Carolina. There’s unrestricted free agent? — made more headlines than his play. Not that no flow, just two teams whacking each others’ sticks as if the object is to his play was worthy of much praise, at times, mind you. break the puck, not skate and score with it. These games are so hard to watch that they force you to lower your standards and become wowed by This has been a season like no other for Bobrovsky, from his preseason the most basic act. By the midpoint of the second period, you’re saying, dropping of the gauntlet on management to his midseason walking out on “Nice dump in!” and “Solid clear!” the team, for which he was suspended and subjected to public scorn. The Blue Jackets only survived because of Bobrovsky. He had more But since the NHL trade deadline, the veteran goaltender’s play has saves in the second period (22) than his counterpart, Peter Mrazek, seemed more … relaxed. On Friday, in a much-needed win over managed all night (17). Carolina, old-school Bobrovsky returned to the scene. “I felt good,” Bobrovsky said. “I saw lots of pucks. “Phenomenal,” said captain Nick Foligno. “There was lots of shots from outside. That allows me to get into my “Unbelievable,” said Seth Jones. game, to control the game. I saw a majority of the pucks. I was able to control the rebounds and control the game.” “Excellent,” said . After the game, the Blue Jackets formed a conga line for Bobrovsky Bobrovsky had 46 saves — the second-most in his 449-game career, hugs. It wasn’t just Foligno on this night. and the most he’s ever had in a shutout — and the Blue Jackets survived a ragged performance at other points on the ice for a 3-0 win. “It’s a big win, so obviously everybody’s happy,” Bobrovsky said. “It’s a huge two points for us. It’s a huge game. That’s the time to play well, at “We don’t talk to Bob much back there,” Dubinsky said. “Give him a tap this time of the season, every point is huge.” on the pads and, even then, he won’t even look at you. We just leave him alone, especially when he’s in the zone like that. Notebook “It would be like a pitcher with a no-hitter or a shutout. Just leave him • Good night for the Blue Jackets in Toronto, too. Philadelphia led 5-2 in alone and let him do his thing.” the second period but ended up losing 7-6 in regulation. That drops the Flyers seven points behind Columbus for the second wild card with 11 Adam McQuaid, David Savard and Josh Anderson (empty net) scored for games to play. It’s starting to look like a nine-team fight for the eight the Blue Jackets, who have won two games in a row for the first time playoff spots in the East. since Feb. 23. • The Blue Jackets flew to Boston after the game, where Saturday they’ll It was a four-point win for the Blue Jackets. With the win, they pull into a play the Bruins. No word on a starting goaltender. Bobrovsky was asked virtual tie with the Hurricanes for the first wild-card spot, staying in the after the game if he’d be able to start Saturday. “It’s tough to say right second slot because Carolina owns the first tie-breaker for now, having after the game when you are still hot, still warm,” Bobrovsky said. “It’s played fewer games. easy to say, ‘Yeah, I can play.’ But after you cool down you have to see If they’d lost, the Blue Jackets’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs where you’re at and how your body feels.” would still have been alive, but they would have been much more likely to • Bobrovsky’s career high for saves was a 52-stop performance at Florida face world-beater Tampa Bay in the first round. on Dec. 4, 2014. This marked the 12th time he’s had 40-plus saves in a “You get two points in this league, you get out of here and feel good game. His previous high save total for a shutout win was 39, which he about yourself, knowing there are things you need to work on,” Blue had done three times previously, most recently Dec. 23, 2018 vs. New Jackets coach John Tortorella said. “That’s the way we’re going to Jersey. approach it. • Bobrovsky now has 30 shutouts in his career, all with the Blue Jackets. “It’s a huge two points for this team, and I’m glad we play tomorrow.” That’s tied for 16th among active goaltenders. McQuaid’s seeing-eye wrister from the right side sailed into the net only • The top line had an off night … literally. Panarin played just 13:32, the 3:08 into the game. Savard scored on a similar shot from the left side lowest of his NHL career, with both Chicago and Columbus. Dubois had almost three minutes later. just 12:39, the second lowest of his career. He’s gone eight games without a point. But after that, the Blue Jackets buckled their seat belts and turned it over to Bobrovsky. It’s always ugly against the Hurricanes, but this was • Dubinsky played 14:20, had two blocked shots and won 16 of 23 lopsided ugly. faceoffs. Carolina had an unfathomable 83-29 advantage in shot attempts and a • One night before KISS was to take the stage in Nationwide Arena, 46-20 margin in shots on goal. Eleven Hurricanes skaters had as many legendary guitarist Gene Simmons caught a hockey game. Simmons, or more shots on goal than the entire Blue Jackets top line: Artemi who did a live hit with Fox Sports Ohio’s Dave Maetzold, had on-the- Panarin (0), Pierre-Luc Dubois (1) and Cam Atkinson (2). glass seats. Because of course he did. In the second period alone, Carolina owned the shot clock 22-2. • The Blue Jackets assigned forward Alexandre Texier to AHL Cleveland just one day after his season ended with KalPa in Finland. Texier is “We did a really good job in the first period,” Tortorella said. “I just think expected to make his North American debut for the Monsters on for some reason we lost our intensity against a team that’s as desperate Saturday in Rockford, Ill. as Carolina, as good and as quick as they play. And it mounts on you.” • Forward Trey Fix-Wolansky, a seventh-round pick (No. 2o5 overall) last Tortorella was miffed about the number of icings the Blue Jackets took, summer, signed his three-year, entry-level deal with the Blue Jackets on how they sailed pucks out of their end because they couldn’t manage Friday. He’s playing with the of the Western Hockey clean breakouts. League. The numbers: 12 icings in the game, 1o of them by the Blue Jackets, • More prospect news: G Elvis Merzlikins could be bound for North nine of them after the first period. America soon, too. His club, Lugano in Switzerland’s National League, is down 3-0 to Zug in the first round of the playoffs. Game 4 is Saturday. “There are going to be momentum swings,” Dubinsky said. “We played well in the first and we get up. We have to know they’re going to have a Analytically speaking push in the second and we have to be prepared for it. We weren’t prepared for it. I don’t think we handled it the right way. The Athletic’s hockey data dynamo Alison Lukan provided these insights into the Blue Jackets’ win: • Tonight’s win came primarily from the work of Bobrovsky. The Jackets scored two goals in the first six minutes but were otherwise stymied offensively for the rest of the game. According to naturalstattrick.com, in five-on-five play, Columbus had just 25.89 percent of shot attempts, 29.41 percent of scoring chances and 20.83 percent of high-danger attempts. That’s a season-low in shot share, and in terms of chances and high-danger looks, only the Dec. 8 loss to the Washington Capitals had a worse showing. • In terms of shot quality, according to moneypuck.com, the expected goal total was 3.43 to 1.13 in favor of Carolina, but to make that a reality, the Hurricanes had to get through Bobrovsky, and that was impossible. Bobrovsky’s perfect save percentage was 5.97 percent higher than what was expected based on the shots he faced. That equates to 3.88 goals saved. In the other net, Peter Mrazek was 4.27 percent below expectations, allowing .98 goals more than he should have. • Anderson considers to be a top performer. Even in a game when no Jackets player earned a shot advantage in any matchup they faced, Anderson created two of the team’s five high-danger chances and tied with Atkinson for the lead in individual scoring chances (3). Anderson’s expected goal total of .59 was the highest of any skater on the ice. • The best chance of the game came off Seth Jones’ stick 2:30 into the game. His tip-in had a 22.1 percent chance of becoming a goal. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136212 Columbus Blue Jackets After Canada, the Jackets have two back-to-backs on the road, which are never easy: March 30-31, at Nashville and Buffalo; and April 5-6, at New York Rangers and Ottawa, to end the season. Blue Jackets primer: 12 games to go, and Friday against Carolina is The good news is only one of those teams (Nashville) in the twin back-to- huge backs will still be fighting for playoff positioning. The landscape (Metro + wild card) By Aaron Portzline Mar 15, 2019 1. Washington (91) Games remaining: 11 (6 home, 5 away) COLUMBUS, Ohio — As of this morning, the Blue Jackets, according to Game remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 6 Moneypuck.com, have a 58.6 percent chance to make the Stanley Cup playoffs. While fans have been conditioned to target Washington and Notes: The Capitals are closing in on their fourth consecutive Metro title, Pittsburgh and even the upstart New York Islanders this season, it’s the but it won’t be easy. Three of their remaining games are against the NHL game Friday against Carolina that looms largest. top team, Tampa Bay. For now, anyway. 2. NY Islanders (89) The Blue Jackets, who hold the second wild card in the Eastern Games remaining: 12 (4 home, 8 away) Conference, have 12 games remaining in their quest to make the postseason for a third consecutive season. Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 6 Here’s a hardcore breakdown of the final kick. Notes: The Islanders end the season at Washington on April 6, a game that could decide the Metro. Added deliciousness: Islanders coach Barry Three biggies Trotz against his old club. Yes, of course, every game is huge this time of year, but there are three 3. Pittsburgh (87) games that hold incredible (potential) weight for the Jackets. Games remaining: 11 (6 home, 5 away) Tonight, vs. Carolina — The first order of business is to make the playoffs, obviously. But the Blue Jackets will likely have the pedal pushed Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 5 firmly to the floor the rest of the way because they do not want to be the Notes: The Penguins are set up for a strong final kick, perhaps their first second wild card. Metro title since 2014. Their final three games are a home-and-home Why? That would put the Jackets in a first-round matchup with Tampa with Detroit and the New York Rangers, two clubs way out of contention. Bay, the best team in the NHL. The Blue Jackets have lost six in a row to WC1. Carolina (83) the Lightning, including all three this season … by a combined score of 17-3. Games remaining: 13 (8 home, 5 away) The Blue Jackets (81 points) need to work their way into the first wild- Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 7 card spot or higher, and right now the Hurricanes (83) own that spot. Notes: The Hurricanes have a game in hand over almost everybody in This won’t be easy, though: The Hurricanes are 23-7-2 since Dec. 29, the Metro, but it’s hardly an easy walk home: two against Washington, and Carolina has won two out of three against Columbus this season. two against Pittsburgh, one each against Toronto and Tampa Bay. Even with a regulation win Friday, the Blue Jackets won’t leapfrog the WC2. Columbus (81) Hurricanes in the standings. They’d have the same number of points (83), but Carolina has played one fewer game. Games remaining: 12 (4 home, 8 away) But lose tonight, the Blue Jackets would slip four points back of the Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 6 Hurricanes. Not a death knell, certainly, but not ideal, either. Notes: The Blue Jackets busted out for seven goals Tuesday versus March 26, vs. NY Islanders — OK, we’re starting to take the Islanders Boston, as many as they’d scored in their previous six games. The seriously. They’ve won all three games with Columbus this season, the newbies are starting to settle in, but can the No. 1 line awaken? most recent two by shutout. Goaltender Thomas Greiss has made it look 9. Montreal (81) easy against the Jackets. Games remaining: 11 (6 home, 5 away) The Islanders, second in the Metro, are eight points ahead of the Blue Jackets, but who knows what that will look like 12 days from now? Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 7 This game will have meaning for each of these teams, you can bet on it. Notes: The Canadiens have sputtered of late — 6-9-1 since Feb. 7 — If nothing else, it would do the Blue Jackets well to beat the Islanders and they don’t have long to get their acts together. The final five games before they head into a possible postseason matchup with them of the season are against Columbus, Winnipeg, Tampa Bay, Washington and Toronto. March 28 vs. Montreal — The Blue Jackets and Canadiens have the same number of points (81), but the Jackets own the second wild card — 10. Philadelphia (76) Montreal sits in ninth place — because the Jackets have played one fewer game and because they have three more regulation and overtime Games remaining: 12 (5 home, 7 away) wins. Games remaining vs. current playoff clubs: 9 Still, Montreal and Philadelphia are the only teams Columbus needs to worry about in their rearview mirror. (The Flyers’ 5-2 loss to Washington Notes: Full marks to the Flyers, who are 18-5-2 since Jan. 13, a on Thursday was a blow to their cause.) resuscitation nobody could have expected. But they have the toughest remaining schedule among the contenders, with seven of their final eight This game is still two weeks away, but it could be a “four-point game” games against playoff clubs. with respect to the wild-card standings. The Jackets are 0-2 versus The math Montreal this season. After the games Thursday, per Moneypuck, the Blue Jackets have a 41 Home vs. road percent chance of missing the playoffs altogether and a 33 percent The Blue Jackets play eight of their final 12 games on the road, a fact chance of claiming the second wild-card spot. that would make most teams blanch. But this club has been better on the road (20-12-1) than at home (19-16-2), so maybe it’s not a big deal. Put another way: there’s a 3-in-4 chance the “all in” Blue Jackets will either miss the playoffs or face Tampa Bay in the first round. Not ideal. The toughest part of the remaining road schedule begins this weekend when the Jackets play in Boston on Saturday, then fly to Calgary on The Jackets have a 15.8 percent chance to grab the first wild card and Sunday for the start of the three-game Western Canada swing beginning still a 7 percent chance to finish third in the Metro. Tuesday. The Blue Jackets are 0-3 versus Calgary, Edmonton and Sportsclubstats.com is fairly more optimistic. Vancouver this season. They give the Blue Jackets a 68.4 percent chance to make the playoffs, a number that rose 6.3 percent with the losses suffered by Montreal and Philadelphia on Thursday. The Jackets have a 44 percent chance of earning the second wild-card spot and a 19 percent chance of finishing with the first wild card. How big is the game Friday night against the Hurricanes? If the Blue Jackets win in regulation, Sportsclubstats says their chances of making the playoffs will increase to 76.5 percent. If they lose, it’s only 56.8 percent likely. That’s almost a 20-point swing. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136213 Dallas Stars

Stars 2019 playoff tracker: Where Dallas sits in the Western Conference standings (updated daily)

By SportsDayDFW.com

The Stars need to finish in the top three of the Central Division or in the top two in the wild-card race to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. ROW -- regulation and overtime wins -- is the first tiebreaker for teams deadlocked in points with equal games played. Teams play 82 games. Here's the latest look at where the team sits in the standings. [Updated March 15] Central Division Wildcard Odds Making the playoffs: 93.5 percent (as of 3/16) Winning the Stanley Cup: 1.3 percent Odds via sportsclubstats.com. Sign up for our FREE Stars newsletter! Dallas' last 10 games Mar. 15 -- Loss, 2-1 to Vegas (Home) Mar. 14 -- Win, 4-1 over Minnesota (Away) Mar. 12 -- Win, 2-0 over Buffalo (Away) Mar. 9 -- Loss, 2-1 to Chicago (Home) Mar. 7 -- Win, 4-0 over Colorado (Home) Mar. 5 -- Win, 1-0 over NY Rangers (Home) Mar. 2 -- Win, 4-1 over St. Louis (Away) Feb. 28 -- Win, 4-3 (OT) over Los Angeles (Away) Feb. 26 -- Loss, 4-1 to Las Vegas (Away) Feb. 24 -- Win, 4-3 over Chicago (Away) Record: 7-3-0 Stars games this week Friday -- vs. Vancouver Canucks (29-32-10, 68 points) Stars' record vs. Vancouver this season: 1-0-0 Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136214 Dallas Stars

Stars fail to take advantage of 5 power-play opportunities, fall to Golden Knights

Gerry Fraley

When looking for moral victories, consider the Stars on Friday played their best second game in a back-to-back situation after overnight travel with their top goalie unavailable, according to coach Jim Montgomery. Unfortunately, the NHL does not award points for moral victories. The Stars failed on five power-play chances and put a familiar number on the scoreboard. It was 1, as in their offensive output in a 2-1 loss to Vegas at American Airlines Center. The Stars have produced one goal or none in 24 games, second-highest total in the NHL to lowly Anaheim with 27. The Stars are 3-19-2 in those games. "We've been talking about how we have to win 2-1 and 3-2 since Christmas-time," Montgomery said. The Stars have lost only twice in their last eight games. They dropped back into the Western Conference's first wild card. The Stars are tied with St. Louis in points, but the Blue have played one fewer game. The Stars played without record-setting goalie Ben Bishop, sidelined by the dreaded lower-body injury. Bishop incurred the injury during the first period of a win Thursday at Minnesota. Montgomery said Bishop showed improvement overnight, and he appeared to have no difficulty walking out of the arena. The Stars brought in Landon Bow from their Texas affiliate of the to back up starter Anton Khudobin. Bishop did not dress. "I think he's being smart," Montgomery said of Bishop. "He's trying to make sure it doesn't become a two-week thing." With Bishop riding a historic hot streak, there had been little playing time for Khubodin. This was only his second start in March. Bishop has played a consecutive 230 minutes and 53 seconds without allowing a goal, a club record. Khudobin did not make it through the first minute unscathed. Max Pacioretty beat him only 18 seconds into play with a low one-timer. "I've got to stop that," Khudobin said. "First minute of the game, maybe I was sleepy or whatever." "I've got to stop that -- bottom line." Anton Khudobin stood tall for the Stars, making 35 saves to give them a chance to win. But the veteran says he wishes he had Vegas' first goal back. pic.twitter.com/3fKq92xjfc — Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 16, 2019 Khudobin quickly steadied himself with 26 saves over the next two periods. One stood out above the others. With the Stars on a power play in the second period, William Karlsson took the puck from defenseman John Klingberg and had a clear path toward the goal. Defenseman Esa Lindell dragged down Karlsson, giving Khudobin a chance to stop a penalty shot, which he did. Lindell and defensive partner Ben Lovejoy had a trying game. They were on the ice for each Vegas goal. The Golden Knights went ahead for the duration on a tap-in by Ryan Reaves early in the final period. The Stars had scoring chances but failed to convert. The lax power play caused the blackout. Montgomery thought the power play executed well only twice: on its first and last chances. There was careless play on the other opportunities, he said. Of the five power plays, two came in the final 5:22, when in theory the Vegas penalty-killers should have been weary. "When you have five, you've got to get one,'' forward Jason Spezza said. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136215 Dallas Stars

Stars rookie Roope Hintz riding surge of confidence

Gerry Fraley

The sudden surge by rookie forward Roope Hintz can be linked to an influx of confidence, coach Jim Montgomery said. Hintz began play against Vegas with three goals in the last two games. Hintz was the best player on the ice during a 4-1 win at Minnesota on Thursday, Montgomery said. Hintz had three goals in his previous 36 games with the Stars. He also rode the Cedar Park shuttle three times this season when demoted to the American Hockey league affiliate. "Mentally, he's changed,'' Montgomery said. "He not only thinks that he can play in this league, he knows that he can make plays.'' Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136216 Dallas Stars

Stars consider changes to goalie Ben Bishop's offseason program

Gerry Fraley

The latest injury for Stars goalie Ben Bishop likely will make the club review his off-season conditioning program. The combination of age (32), size (6 feet 7) and up-and-down nature of the position make Bishop vulnerable to soft-tissue injuries such as strains to the hip flexor, groin and hamstring. "We have to look at his off-season training,'' coach Jim Montgomery said. "He's getting to the age where these type of injuries happen more and more. We have to re-evaluate how he trains in the summer so that we can try to avoid this.'' Briefly: Defenseman Roman Polak got a game off, with Jamie Oleksiak replacing him. Polak has missed only four games for the season. ... Forward Mattias Janmark was out of the lineup after taking a puck off a foot during the win at Minnesota. Val Nichushkin took his spot. Nichushkin has gone 66 consecutive games without a goal. He hit the crossbar with a shot in the third period. ... Goalie Anton Khudobin has stopped all four penalty shots in his career. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136217 Dallas Stars It was a matchup that before the game Montgomery said he was looking for.

Eighteen seconds into the game Vegas was enjoying that matchup when Stars 20/20: Rough schedule and 0-for-5 power play doom Stars in loss Max Pacioretty finished off a crisp entry and passing play with Mark to Vegas Stone and Paul Stastny. GOAL. MAX PACIORETTY SCORES JUST 18 SECONDS IN. By Sean Shapiro Mar 15, 2019 PIC.TWITTER.COM/KUAOYM4DC2 — KNIGHTS ON ICE (@KNIGHTSONICE) MARCH 16, 2019 The Dallas Stars’ win streak came to an end with a 2-1 loss to the Vegas It’s a goal that Anton Khudobin took the blame for. Golden Knights on Friday. “I got to stop that,” Khudobin said. “Bottom line.” Roope Hintz scored the lone goal for Dallas, which was completing a Khudobin later said he was, “sleepy, or whatever,” and then reaffirmed, back-to-back after playing in Minnesota on Thursday. “I’ve got to stop that.” 1. The Stars were dealt a poor hand heading into this one. 7. While Khudobin took blame for the first goal, his overall body of work They were playing the second game of a back-to-back and their third was once again deserving of a better fate in the standings. game in four nights. The Stars didn’t get back to Dallas until well after Khudobin made 35 saves on 37 shots and allowed two goals or fewer in midnight, while their opponent was ready and resting for them back in a start for the 14th time this season. Yet the Stars’ inability to provide Texas. goal support dropped his record to 7-5-2 in those situations and he’s now Vegas hadn’t played since Sunday, getting what felt like a mini-bye week 13-15-3 overall. during the stretch run, and the Golden Knights have been one of the 8. The Stars’ power-play struggles were highlighted by one of the game’s hottest teams in the NHL since the trade deadline. best chances for Vegas. The Stars were the home team in name, but in reality, it felt like Vegas In the second period William Karlsson got away for a shorthanded was the team with the advantages and comforts of home. breakaway and was hauled down by Esa Lindell, leading to a penalty But even in getting dealt a poor hand the Stars did enough to win this shot for the Vegas forward. game and for a tired team, this was a game you can chalk up as a On the penalty shot Khudobin came out aggressively and made the save, somewhat acceptable loss — if there is such a thing. avoiding further embarrassment for the Stars power play. 2. That was the feeling in the locker room after the game. “To be honest, I don’t remember when I had a penalty shot last time,” “I thought that was the best we played in back-to-back games with Khudobin said. “It’s kind of a little bit different approach than shootouts travel,” Stars coach Jim Montgomery said. “We created a lot, we made after the game. But nothing, just preparing for that, just try to stop and plays. We were smart, we worked hard in tough areas. We just didn’t take away his options and save the puck.” score.” 9. It was the second penalty shot the Stars have faced this season. Back “I thought we played a pretty sound game, had a chance to get some in October, Ben Bishop stopped a penalty shot by Artturi Lehkonen on points out of that game and fell short,” Jason Spezza said. “But I thought Oct. 30 in Montreal. we managed the game well.” Dallas’ lone penalty shot this year came against Washington on Nov. 3, “I thought we brought it,” Ben Lovejoy said. “I thought that we had our when Seguin was stopped in overtime by Braden Holtby. brains flipped on. I think that’s when you’re playing back-to-back, three- One-on-one showdowns are not common for the Stars. With 11 games in-four, we went to bed at 3, 4 o’clock last night. Guys were ready to go. remaining they still haven’t had a shootout and they appear to be in line That’s a very good team over there, a very fast team. We were mentally to finish a season without a shootout for the first time in since the into it, we had a good game and it could have gone either way.” introduction of the tie-breaking technique to the NHL. 3. It was the second time in less than two weeks the Stars and Golden 10. Hintz evened things up with a steal and score a little under four Knights went into the third period tied at 1-1. minutes after Vegas’ opening shot. In the prior meeting, back in Vegas, the Stars completely no-showed in Hintz stole the puck from Deryk Engelland and skated in alone on Marc- the final stanza. In this setting, the Stars outshot Vegas 16-11 and had a Andre Fleury before slipping a backhand shot through the goalie’s legs good number of chances, but couldn’t score or find a way to make a for his fourth goal in the past three games. bounce go there way. HINTZ STEALS AND SCORES. PIC.TWITTER.COM/E6JTDMH2B7 Taylor Fedun hit the crossbar, Tyler Seguin had two great chances late, Blake Comeau and Andrew Cogliano nearly connected on a rush, and — NHL GIFS (@NHLGIFS) MARCH 16, 2019 Marc-Andre Fleury made a handful of key saves in the final minutes. Hintz has nine goals this season; six have come after the NHL trade It was a frustrating offensive result for the Stars in the end, but it was an deadline. It’s already been stated, but it’s worth repeating: Hintz’ surge attack that wasn’t as bad as the final output is going to indicate. has made the loss of sting a little bit less than it really could have. 4. Vegas found a way to score the dirty goal it needed when Ryan Reaves put home a rebound. 11. Seguin hasn’t scored in seven straight games. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare had the initial shot and Reaves wasn’t This isn’t deserving of a Jim Lites-style call-out, but it’s a trend the Stars checked as he put home his ninth goal of the season. certainly need to be reversed. It’s another game where Reaves has had more of an impact than he 12. The Stars made some lineup alterations in the second game of a likely should have against the Stars. Just this time it was on the back-to-back after playing in Minnesota on Thursday. scoresheet. Mattias Janmark blocked a shot against the Wild in the first period and 5. The Stars went 0-for-5 on the power play, that’s where they really lost immediately went to the locker room, but returned for the start of the this game. second period. He played the rest of the game, but didn’t play Friday and had X-rays on his foot, and as of Friday afternoon there was no update When you get that many opportunities, including a two in the final five on his status. minutes of the game, you need to capitalize. Roman Polak was held out with nagging injuries and the Stars didn’t Overall the Stars have one power play goal in the past six games, and want to risk his health with three games in four nights. while there were some positives discussed postgame, the raw numbers and results speak to a much larger issue. Jamie Oleksiak entered the lineup for Polak, while Valeri Nichushkin entered the lineup for Janmark. 6. When Vegas rolled out its top line to start the game, the Stars countered with Faksa line and the newly paired defensive grouping of 13. With the injuries Dallas started with this lineup: Esa Lindell and Ben Lovejoy. Roope Hintz – Tyler Seguin – Alexander Radulov Jamie Benn – Jason Dickinson – Joel L’Esperance Andrew Cogliano – Radek Faksa – Blake Comeau Valeri Nichushkin – Jason Spezza – Brett Ritchie Miro Heiskanen – John Klingberg Esa Lindell – Ben Lovejoy Jamie Oleksiak – Taylor Fedun 14. There was more clarity on Bishop’s lower-body injury situation after he left the game in Minnesota in the second period without facing a shot in that stanza and riding a franchise-record 230-minute, 53-second shutout streak. “He was already feeling it after the first so then it just progressively started to bother him,” Montgomery said. “I think it was more preventive, than ‘I’m hurt.'” Montgomery said Bishop was feeling much better Friday and wasn’t overly concerned about the injury as a long-term ailment. “I think he’s being smart,” Montgomery said. “He’s trying to make sure it doesn’t become a two-week thing, trying to make sure it’s a day-to-day thing.” Montgomery also said it was an unselfish decision by Bishop, who by taking himself out of the game effectively ended any chance of becoming the first goalie in franchise history to record four consecutive shutouts. Bishop’s consecutive-minutes shutout streak will continue when he plays again, which currently ranks 25th in NHL history. 15. Montgomery was asked about Bishop’s injury history and if his age and size were leading contributors to the wear and tear he’s taken in his career. “I think when you are 6-foot-7 it’s hard to have a strong core as someone that is short (5-foot-10) as I am,” Montgomery said. “We have to look at his offseason training. Because he’s getting at the age where these type of injuries happen more and more. The hip flexors, the groins, and hamstrings. With as much as goalies go up and down, I think we have to re-evaluate how he trains in the summer so that we can try and avoid this.” 16. Landon Bow was recalled to back up with Bishop injured. While Bow has played NHL minutes this season, the Stars don’t really have a third option they trust to start an NHL game, especially at this crucial time of the season. That was also the case last season when Ken Hitchcock didn’t trust Mike McKenna and rode Kari Lehtonen into the ground during an eight-game losing streak. If Bishop’s injury lingers, the Stars would have to weigh the merits of giving Bow at least a spot start to make sure Khudobin doesn’t end up wearing down as well. 17. Earlier this season Montgomery talked about how much he trusted Comeau and that he’d be on the ice with the Stanley Cup on the line. On Friday with the game on the line and the Stars pulling the goalie, Comeau was the extra attacker and ended up shooting the puck into the netting before being replaced by Heiskanen. 18. The Stars dropped back from third place in the Central Division to the first wild-card spot since they’ve now played one more game than the St. Louis Blues. Both teams have 79 points at this moment and the Blues play the Pittsburgh Penguins in a Saturday matinee. If the Blues lose in regulation, Dallas will be back into third place by Saturday evening. 19. Vegas is now 7-1-0 since trading for Mark Stone. 20. Here is how the Stars did when it came to Montgomery’s Process: Win 56 percent of faceoffs: Failed. Vegas won 58 percent of the draws. Zero undisciplined penalties: Passed. Three or fewer odd-man rushes: Failed. Win net-front battle: Failed. In the key battle around the net Vegas scored the game-winning goal. Win special teams: Failed. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136218 Dallas Stars If you have been following the Cowboys over the last several seasons, though, you know free agency is not their jam by any stretch of the imagination. Especially in March when prices have not substantially Sports Sturm’s Weekend Riffing: Why all is quiet on Cowboys front, and dropped. which DFW team has brightest future? In 2018, for instance, they made a number of tiny deals in the month of March (signifying the opening of the free agency window). A year later we are still trying to find the significant effects: By Bob Sturm Mar 15, 2019 DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS

3/21/18 Cowboys • Joe Thomas signed free agent to a 2-year, 40 days since Super Bowl 53 in Atlanta, 18 days since the NHL Trade $3.6M contract through 2019 Deadline, 14 Days until Rangers Opening Day, and just two days before the NCAA Bracket is submitted… 3/22/18 Cowboys • Deonte Thompson signed unrestricted free agent to a 1-year, $1.8M contract We often refer to patterns that have been made clear through years and year of following the Dallas Cowboys. These trends help us prepare for 3/23/18 Cowboys • Allen Hurns signed free agent to a 2-year, what might lie ahead. $12M contract through 2019 That seems appropriate this week, after hearing from many of you about 3/26/18 Cowboys • Cameron Fleming signed unrestricted free agent your percolating frustrations that the Cowboys are never particularly to a 1-year, $2.5M contract active in free agency anymore. 3/26/18 Cowboys • Marcus Martin signed unrestricted free agent Owner Jerry Jones once had a reputation for signing major free agents. to a 1-year, $880K contract Deion Sanders was a signature deal amidst the comedy of a Pizza Hut (information courtesy prosportstransactions.com) commercial when the Cowboys and Jerry Jones vowed to moneywhip their way to continued NFL dominance by locking down the NFL’s best There was nothing wrong with these signings, of course. A few of them corner to a whopping seven-year, $35 million deal back in 1995. played decent roles with the team last year. As you can see, though, they didn’t really rock the NFL world. Jerry reflected on that during one of his many radio shows a few years back. He said that expenditure caused him some high-level anxiety: How about March 2017? “I flew all the way back to my home, where I was really raised, and DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS walked down the street and looked at an old telephone pole where I’d carved something on it when I was a kid and walked around the old 3/10/17 Cowboys • Nolan Carroll signed unrestricted free agent houses. And then walked back … down the street, went up to my old to a 3-year, $10M contract through 2019 house, looked at it just to say, have you completely lost your bearing on 3/10/17 Cowboys • Stephen Paea signed unrestricted free agent what’s happening here financially?” Jones said. “Boy, I got back in the to a 1-year, $2M contract car, headed back out to the airport, came on back, and I said, ‘Look, that was then, this is now. Go for it.” 3/14/17 Cowboys • Damontre Moore signed unrestricted free agent to a 2-year, $1.65M contract through 2018 Times have changed. As has the financial structure of the NFL, with a very hard and unforgiving salary cap. I have often said the only thing that 3/24/17 Cowboys • Byron Bell signed unrestricted free agent keeps the Cowboys from the sort of dominant run Real Madrid or to a 1-year, $2M contract Manchester United have enjoyed in the world of soccer is simply the structure the NFL desires for parity. There is no question that world Nope. soccer offers an opportunity for the richest teams to dominate via March 2016? financial muscle and the endless resources to not only buy the best players but also to write off poor purchases with a billionaire’s shrug. DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS That certainly is not an option in the NFL, for better or worse. This league 3/10/16 Cowboys • Cedric Thornton signed unrestricted free agent allows powers to emerge from literally any population base and to a 4-year contract ownership group as long as they can work under the balanced structure of equality. The league is set up to avoid decade-long dominance (or 3/22/16 Cowboys • Alfred Morris signed unrestricted free agent two-decade dominance, New England) and doesn’t seem to mind a world to a 2-year contract through 2017 where power shifts at around the same interval as four-year presidential terms or Olympiads. The NFL remains hugely popular, so this does not 3/22/16 Cowboys • Benson Mayowa signed restricted free agent to appear to be a mistake. But the Dallas Cowboys’ endless reserves of a 3-year contract through 2018 (Raiders declined to match offer sheet) cash really don’t seem to matter. 3/29/16 Cowboys • Joe Looney signed unrestricted free agent to a 2-year contract through 2017 Forbes told us in 2018 that the Cowboys’ franchise value is easily the highest of any team in the world. The franchise was estimated to be We shall not soon forget the four-year Cedric Thornton deal that lasted worth $5 billion and enjoyed an annual revenue total of $864 million with 13 games and the three-year offer sheet theft of Benson Mayowa. an operating income of $365 million. The fixed player costs in a salary cap world total $190 million. Perhaps I could interest you in March 2015’s big free agency swoop? I am no financial wizard, but if revenues more than quadruple personnel DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS costs, the Cowboys are the opposite of short on cash. The rules, however, dictate they cannot spend more than Buffalo or Green Bay. Do 3/13/15 Cowboys • Darren McFadden signed unrestricted free agent you know who the busiest teams are every year when the transfer to a 2-year contract windows open in Europe? The teams with the deepest pockets. If the 3/15/15 Cowboys • Andrew Gachkar signed unrestricted free agent Dallas Cowboys were a soccer club, they would run the world with the to a 2-year contract best players at every position. Is Khalil Mack unhappy? Come to Dallas. Odell Beckham and Antonio Brown? Cowboys to be. Sean Payton wants 3/18/15 Cowboys • Greg Hardy signed unrestricted free agent a bigger stage? There’s one in Dallas. And yes, they would have found a to a 1-year contract price for Aaron Rodgers that Green Bay couldn’t refuse years ago. But it doesn’t work that way. So what should they do with all of this money? That one-year, $13m deal with Greg Hardy at least got a Bob Costas interview and some unwanted publicity for the organization. Buy a yacht that costs $250m, silly. Let’s walk back another year. March 2014: So here we are at the end of the opening week of free agency. The Cowboys have secured three of their own free agents on small deals with DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS Tavon Austin, Cam Fleming, and Jamize Olawale all back in the fold. 3/12/14 Cowboys • Jeremy Mincey signed unrestricted free agent Additionally, they signed an interesting young defensive tackle in to a 2-year contract through 2015 Christian Covington away from Houston on a surprisingly cheap one- 3/12/14 Cowboys • Terrell McClain signed unrestricted free agent year, $1.6 million deal. None of these moves have produced even a to a 3-year contract through 2016 medium-sized wave in the NFL silly season. 3/17/14 Cowboys • Brandon Weeden signed free agent to a 2-year Let’s check a few Twitter questions before wrapping up. contract through 2015 WHAT DO YOU MAKE OF THE COWBOYS RECENT PHILOSOPHY 3/18/14 Cowboys • Henry Melton signed unrestricted free agent REGARDING FREE AGENCY? STRANGE THAT A FRANCHISE to a 1-year contract with 3 option years HEADED BY JERRY IS ACTUALLY ONE OF THE MORE CONSERVATIVE TEAMS IN THE LEAGUE & HAS NO INTEREST IN Here we find the Henry Melton offseason. I admit I wanted the Henry MAKING SPLASH SIGNINGS. IS THIS A GOOD THING OR A BAD Melton experience to really rock the foundation around here; I thought he THING? might be the true 3-technique we had been dreaming of. Aside from 15 tackles in 16 games, it also gave us a bit of a disturbance in a Grapevine — JASON LUSTIG (@JLUSTIG22) MARCH 14, 2019 night spot. But the Melton run did not last a second season. Jason, this whole entry is for you, but Jerry having no interest is probably March 2013? not true. The Cowboys often paint themselves into a cap corner. I wish they were better at signing deals a bit earlier with their own players, so DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS they could save some money. For instance, DeMarcus Lawrence 3/26/13 Cowboys • Justin Durant signed unrestricted free agent seemed to be looking for a deal in the four-year, $68 million range just 12 to a 2-year contract through 2014 months ago. That equates to $17 million per year. His price now seems to be up in the five-year, $110 million range, which comes out to $22 March 2012? million per year. That difference in cost can pay for several more players. All you needed was the intent to complete a deal early rather than late. I DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS wish they were better at reading the market because all the way back to Dez Bryant, they never get contracts done early. And they always end up 3/14/12 Cowboys • Brandon Carr signed unrestricted free agent costing more. to a 5-year contract through 2016 GIVEN CARLISLE’S TENDENCY TO RUN A DEEP BENCH, WOULD IT 3/14/12 Cowboys • Kyle Orton signed unrestricted free agent MAKE MORE SENSE FOR THE MAVS TO SPREAD CAP SPACE ON to a 3-year contract through 2014 MULTIPLE ROLE PLAYERS, OR SWING FOR THE FENCES THIS 3/14/12 Cowboys • Lawrence Vickers signed unrestricted free agent YEAR OR NEXT ON A KEMBA/DURANT/KAWHI/GIANNIS CALIBER to a 2-year contract through 2013 PLAYER? 3/14/12 Cowboys • Mackenzy Bernadeau signed unrestricted — AARON FERGUSON (@FERGUS_DC) MARCH 14, 2019 free agent to a 4-year contract through 2015 This is a great question. Conventional wisdom says to get the best three 3/15/12 Cowboys • Brodney Pool signed unrestricted free agent players you can and then fill the rest of the roster with whatever is to a 1-year contract available. I am not sure I buy that this is the best way, because this is definitely a sport that uses 8-9 players per team in huge roles. To reach 3/15/12 Cowboys • Dan Connor (a) signed unrestricted free agent the end of the road, however, you need a few players who are special to a 2-year contract through 2013 enough to make the playoffs and be part of the tournament. Golden State built their team slowly and then added a piece or two late. Boston 3/16/12 Cowboys • Nate Livings signed unrestricted free agent seemed to be following that expansive idea of drafting and adding. Other to a 5-year contract through 2016 teams are made up of two or three great players and then replaceable This would certainly qualify as the last big-ticket free agent order. The refuse everywhere else. Cowboys’ addition of young Brandon Carr from Kansas City for a princely So, as the Mavericks put their model together, I agree that Luka and sum of $50 million over five years guaranteed him $26.5 million. He Kristaps are a great start, but I would continue to take the draft very would play all five years in Dallas under that deal, although the final year seriously. Guys like Jalen Brunson are valuable pieces who seem to included a bit of a pay cut. make the difference once you get there. This is another reason I would I have nothing to report from March of 2011 and 2010. But we have a love for the Mavericks to get their pick back from Atlanta this year. It will couple small traces in March of 2009: take some lottery magic, but I would sure love to keep as many young and cheap players together to fill out the roster as possible. I don’t really DATE TEAM PLAYER TERMS believe the usual suspects like J.R. Smith, Lance Stephenson and Javale McGee are the answers. 3/6/09 Cowboys • Igor Olshansky signed unrestricted free agent to a 4-year contract/$18m IF THEY MAKE THE PLAYOFFS, WHAT POSSIBLE BRACKET/MATCHUP BENEFITS THE STARS THE MOST? 3/10/09 Cowboys • Gerald Sensabaugh signed unrestricted free agent to a 1-year contract/$1.75 — DREW IRWIN (@AREAYEYE) MARCH 14, 2019 There you go. That’s a full decade of free agency where we see the I love this thought exercise and will tell you my instincts are to not prefer Cowboys’ major purchases limited to Brandon Carr in 2012 and Greg anything in particular because the playoffs are a war no matter who you Hardy in 2015. play. The crucial component is making it in, something they’ve struggled with recently. But as we sit here this morning, the Stars have a 93% In fairness, it wasn’t always this way. chance to make the playoffs according to Hockey Reference. In 2005, the Cowboys snagged Marco Rivera from Green Bay on a five- With that said, I am really interested in a 7-game series against year, $20 million deal. Nashville. The Predators would be favored, but I still think the Stars play In 2006, they rocked the NFL by signing Terrell Owens to a three-year, them well and that rivalry could use a nice series before the outdoor $25 million deal (despite Bill Parcells’ protests). game next winter. In 2007, they awarded Leonard Davis a huge seven-year, $49 million Be careful what you wish for. Because of the collapse last March, nobody contract. is willing to get happy about where the Stars are right now. But this team sure looks like they are developing some swagger and they believe in Because of big deals for their own players — Tony Romo, Jason Witten, their system now. They have been playing “playoff hockey” for months DeMarcus Ware, etc — the Cowboys began to place a premium on now and are confident their defense can force an error and lead to keeping their group together, willingly dealing with cap issues and kicking scoring chances. Bring in Mats Zuccarello in another 10 days and maybe the can of expenditures down the road to make it all fit. they can get rolling at the perfect time of year. They just need to hope Ben Bishop is healthy and keep him that way. They were able to keep the band together. But when a team spends all of its resources internally, its only way to improve is through the draft. The After three straight weeks of excellent hockey at the most crucial time of conveyor belt would keep turning, and they would often put together year, it is reasonable to raise the Stars’ bar. They look like they are some decent enough rosters. capable of winning some playoff games. But two things have eluded them ever since. Free agency participation to WHICH MAJOR DFW SPORTS FRANCHISE IS BEST SETUP FOR find those final big pieces (which often are a mirage) and postseason THE NEXT 5-10 YEARS? success. Whether these two items are tied together so closely is open for debate, of course. But if you cover this team for a living, you seldom have — JAKE (@P1JAKE) MARCH 14, 2019 big news in March like so many other franchises seem to get every year. I don’t know how the answer could be anything but the franchise with They still have a few weeks left, but the clock is ticking. Luka Doncic on it, though Miro Heiskanen isn’t a bad consolation prize. And as we mentioned above, the NFL is designed to offer a surprise when you least suspect it. Have a great weekend! The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136219 Detroit Red Wings Larkin tried to tough it out after suffering the injury during an on-ice collision but realized he was doing more harm than good.

"I had increased soreness," he said. "It was something I tried to play Taro Hirose (Michigan State): First Detroit Red Wings practice 'surreal' through but it wasn't getting better. I felt like I was hurting the team. I wasn't able to turn my head with a full range of motion."

Dana Gauruder, March 15, 2019 Larkin had his neck and back checked out by a specialist in New York and gained peace of mind that it wasn't a serious issue.

"That was the best thing I did," he said. "I got some clarity and The Wings didn't have much of an answer for the Lightning. Filmed confidence that it wouldn't get worse." March 14, 2019 in Detroit. Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press Zadina gets some advice Taro Hirose got a taste of playing at as part of the "College Hockey in the D" series. Filip Zadina returned to Grand Rapids after his nine-game audition with the Wings ended on Thursday. The sixth overall pick in last June's draft The next time he suits up for a game there, he'll be playing at the highest collected one goal and two assists. He got some parting advice from level. Blashill.

The former Michigan State standout laced up his skates for the first time "I told him there's two things he can do," Blashill said. "One is to get that with the Detroit Red Wings on Friday at the team's in-arena practice rink. shot off just a little bit quicker and two, learn to crack his wrists and make He signed a two-year, entry-level contract earlier this week. passes when he's showing shot."

"It was sort of surreal to be out there with guys like (Niklas) Kronwall, Detroit Free Press LOADED: 03.16.2019 guys you've grown up watching," he said after practice. "Definitely a surreal past couple of days. Just happy to be a part of it."

Hirose, 22, participated in the Wings' development camp over the summer before finishing off a productive college career. He racked up 116 points in 106 games with the Spartans and intrigued the Red Wings with his playmaking skills.

More: Wings' losses to Lightning are 'learning lessons'

The 5-foot-10, 165-pound left wing led the nation this season with 50 points, including 35 assists.

"The biggest thing for me is to try to help my teammates be better and make them better players every time we're on the ice," he said.

Hirose counted Pavel Datsyuk as one of his favorite players growing up in Calgary, Alberta. His familiarity with the organization also played a role in his decision to sign with Detroit.

An underlying reason was the ability to join a rebuilding team willing to throw him into the fire and showcase his skills

"Wherever you go there's going to be competition," he said. "This was just sort of the right fit for my game."

The plan for Hirose is to make his NHL debut against the New York Rangers on Tuesday when the Wings begin a five-game road trip.

"Obviously, making your NHL debut at isn't the worst thing in the world," he said.

Kuffner to debut on Saturday

The other college player the Wings signed this week, Princeton forward Ryan Kuffner, had his NHL debut moved up to Saturday's home game against the New York Islanders. Justin Abdelkader will sit out due to what coach described as a "shot bruise" suffered during the Wings' 5-4 loss to Tampa Bay on Thursday.

Kuffner also went through his first full practice with the team on Friday.

"Just trying to get comfortable going one-on-one with these kinds of guys," he said. "They're unbelievable players and I'm just trying to do everything I can to push myself and challenge myself with these guys."

Kuffner, who had a school-record 75 goals in 132 games at Princeton, will see action on the power play.

"It's pretty valuable for them to be here and see what it's all about, playing in the NHL," Dylan Larkin said. "I wish I had this opportunity coming out of college and going into training camp."

Larkin ready to return

Larkin will return to action on Saturday after missing the past five games with a neck strain. He practiced on Friday and declared himself ready to go. The Wings have lost four straight and 12 of their last 13.

"I don't feel I'm rushing back," he said. "It's been pretty tough to watch this past week, sitting out. I want to be out there. I feel 100 percent and I feel ready to help this team out." 1136220 Detroit Red Wings “I just decided to see a specialist and it was the best thing I did. I got some clarity and confidence that it won’t get worse.”

Larkin wasn’t concerned he’d miss the rest of the season. Ex-Spartan Taro Hirose anxious to get started with Red Wings “I always thought I’d be back; it just needed time,” Larkin said. “Any time you miss games it’s not great, and for a guy like me nobody likes sitting Ted Kulfan, March 15, 2019 out and watching.”

Ice chips

Detroit – The whirlwind week is coming to an end for Taro Hirose, but it’s Abdelkader has a bruised foot after blocking a shot against Tampa and is not over yet. And it sounds as if the end will be quite memorable, indeed. day-to-day.

The former Michigan State forward had his first practice with the Red Kuffner, who will make his NHL debut, was part of the power play during Wings Friday, after signing a two-year entry-level contract earlier in the Friday’s practice, and skated on a line with and Thomas week. Vanek.

Coach Jeff Blashill confirmed after practice Hirose will be in the lineup “Ultimately if Kuffner is going to make our team better, he’s going to be a Tuesday, when the Red Wings visit the New York Rangers. guy who’s going to score, who is going to be a power-play type guy,” Blashill said. “We’ve got other guys who can penalty kill, be depth guys. “Obviously making your NHL debut at Madison Square Garden isn’t the So let’s put him in that position and see what he does. worst thing in the world,” Hirose said. “Definitely just excited and happy to get one (game) in.” “And it’ll be the same thing with Taro.”

Hirose, 22, and Ryan Kuffner – who’ll make his debut Saturday with … The Wings officially sent forward Filip Zadina to Grand Rapids after a Justin Abdelkader (bruised foot) unable to play – both will get a headstart nine-game trial with the Wings. Playing more than nine games would to showcase themselves heading into next season in these final games have activated the first year of Zadina’s contract, which the Wings didn’t of this season. want to happen.

There were several factors that made the Wings a fairly easy pick for “It was a useful endeavor,” Blashill said. “It was good for him to get a feel Hirose. for what he has to get better at and good for us to get a feel for him.

“Playing at Michigan State, you’ve sort of been around the Red Wings,” “The next step for him, anybody like him, is now you have to come back Hirose said. “We played in the arena a couple of times, and growing up in and show us how you can help us win. We didn’t win enough in that Calgary it was a big thing (rivalry), and (Pavel) Datsyuk was definitely stretch, and that’s not on any one player. But ultimately you are what you one of my favorite players. do and our record is reflective of the guys who were on the ice and he was one of them, and he had pretty good minutes and opportunities. “It’s just a great organization to be part of. Wherever you go there’s going to be competition, but this was a right fit for my game.” “That’s a lot to ask a 19-year-old, and it’s going to be a lot to ask of a 20- year-old. (But) if he wants to be a guy that’s here, he has to find ways to Hirose took part in the Red Wings’ development camp last summer and be an impactful player that will help us win.” received positive feedback from coaches. Islanders at Red Wings Shawn Horcoff and Jiri Fischer were two members of the Wings’ development and scouting staff who kept tabs on Hirose, and the Faceoff: 1 p.m. Saturday, Little Caesars Arena familiarity was a factor in Hirose joining the Wings. TV/radio: FSD/97.1 FM

“Just being at development camp added a sort of comfort to it, knowing Outlook: The Islanders (41-22-7) have been one of the surprise teams in the staff and coaches,” Hirose said. “It was a big part of my decision (to the NHL this season. … They’ve allowed the least goals (169) in the sign).” Eastern Conference. … C Mathew Barzal (39 assists, 56 points) is the While Kuffner is regarded more of a pure goal scorer, Hirose is Islanders’ leading scorer. considered a set-up guy, someone who was effective at Michigan State Detroit News LOADED: 03.16.2019 with the puck on his stick. He had 116 points, including 83 assists, in 106 games over three seasons at MSU.

“Sort of a cerebral player who likes to have the puck on his stick and also makes plays away from the puck,” said Hirose, of his self-scouting report.

Getting an opportunity to take part in practice Friday was another stepping stone in this entire week.

“It was kind of surreal, you’re out there with guys like (Niklas) Kronwall and guys I’ve grown up watching,” Hirose said. “Definitely I’m happy to be part of it.”

Larkin returning

Dylan Larkin (neck strain) will return to the lineup Saturday against the New York Islanders after missing five games.

Larkin completed his second practice Friday and reported no issues.

“A couple weeks ago I got tangled up with a guy and came out with a neck strain,” Larkin said. “There was increased soreness, and I tried to play through it but it wasn’t getting any better. I felt I was hurting the team. I wasn’t able to turn my head.”

Larkin went to see a specialist in New York who confirmed the strain, and nothing more serious.

“It was nothing major and nothing that needed more attention or will hold me back down the road,” Larkin said. “It’s a pretty sensitive, pretty serious part of your body. When you’re talking about a neck injury, outside of hockey, just in life, some serious things can happen. Some big words were being thrown around and a lot of doctor talk. 1136221 Detroit Red Wings

So long, Van Andel: Griffins leave for long road trip on sour note

By Peter J. Wallner

GRAND RAPIDS - The waved goodbye to and hello to the toughest part of the remaining schedule.

The Griffins yielded a goal each period Friday and lost, 3-2, to Rockford before 10,449 at Van Andel Arena in what was their last home game until March 29.

The Griffins got a first-period goal from Matthew Ford and Turner Elson closed the gap with five minutes in the third, but fell despite a season- high 48 shots.

The team board a bus afterward for Milwaukee and a game Saturday, and then will depart Sunday for San Antonio.

In all, they will be on the road for six games - their longest of the season - with four in Texas (against Texas and San Antonio) and won’t be back in Grand Rapids until after the March 26 game at Iowa.

They leave tied for second place in the Central Division standings at 33- 18-6-4 and 76 points.

Texas and Milwaukee are battling for fourth in the division, while San Antonio is last.

“It was important because we talked about it before the game that we won’t have another home game until March 29,” coach said of the final home game in awhile. “It’s a tough, long road trip we’re going on, but sometimes these road trips can be good for team building.”

In fact, most of the rest of the regular season is a road trip. Of the 15 remaining games, only four more are at home.

“If we want to have home ice for the playoffs, we’re going to have to earn it on the road,” Ford said. “We’ve been a good team at home but this where we’re going to kind of see our true colors coming into the end of the season.”

The schedule will be a challenge for the Griffins. They have one of the best records in the league at home (22-6-3-3) but are 11-12-3-1 on the road. Plus, the playoff race is tight with seven points separating teams in fourth through eighth.

“We’ve had a lot of success here this year,” Ford said. “This past month, we’ve had a lot of games at home but it doesn’t matter whether it’s home or away. As we get into this stretch run, it’s about playing the right way.”

Added Simon:

“We have to realize there are a lot of teams fighting for their lives for the playoffs. And it doesn’t matter where we are right now because that can change in a week and a half.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136222 Detroit Red Wings

’Cerebral’ Taro Hirose hopes to facilitate Red Wings teammates

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT – Taro Hirose grew up a Pavel Datsyuk fan, played hockey at Michigan State and attended the Detroit Red Wings development camp in June.

The Red Wings had the inside track on signing the free-agent forward who led the NCAA in scoring this season and inked him to a two-year entry-level contract on Tuesday.

Hirose joined the team for practice Friday and will make his NHL debut Tuesday against the New York Rangers.

“Obviously, making your NHL debut at Madison Square Garden isn’t the worst thing in the world,” Hirose said. “Definitely excited and happy to get one in.”

Hirose (5-10, 160) led the nation in points (50), points per game (1.47) and multi-point games (15). He tallied 33 goals and 116 points in 106 games in three seasons at MSU.

“I’m sort of a cerebral player that likes to have the puck on his stick, also sort of plays away from the puck,” Hirose said. “The big thing for me is trying to help my teammates be better and make them better players every time we’re on the ice.”

Hirose didn’t take part in line rushes Friday. Coach Jeff Blashill doesn’t know much about him, relying on the development and evaluation staff, led by Jiri Fischer and former Spartan Shawn Horcoff, for information.

“Taro is a really, really smart hockey player who’s got great poise with the puck,” Blashill said. “He had the puck on his stick a lot in college. Can that translate? Can he find ways to buy space and use his smarts to create space and play give-and-go hockey? If he can, if his game translates to this level, it’ll be great. But you just never know until they are here how their games are going to translate.”

Hirose, a Calgary native, called the Red Wings “a great organization to be a part of” and saw an opportunity on a rebuilding team.

“Wherever you go there’s going to be competition, but this was sort of a right fit for my game,” Hirose said.

The Red Wings liked what they saw from Hirose at development camp.

“I definitely thought I had a good camp and they said they were going to continue to watch me,” Hirose said. “So, I think just being able to go to development camp sort of added a comfortability to (signing here), knowing the staff and coaches was a big part of my decision.”

Hirose and Princeton’s Ryan Kuffner, who have the same agent, decided to go to the same team, even though that creates more competition. Kuffner will debut for the Red Wings Saturday against the New York Islanders.

“From what I’ve heard, we’re different players, sort of complementary,” Hirose said. “So, I think in that sense it wasn’t sort of a deterrent, maybe an opportunity for us to play together down the road and gel together.”

He knows fellow Spartan Justin Abdelkader and met Michael Rasmussen at development camp. Other than that, it’s all new faces.

“For the first practice it’s sort of surreal, you’re out there with guys like (Niklas) Kronwall, guys you sort of grew up watching,” Hirose said. “Just happy to be a part of it.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136223 Detroit Red Wings “And then the same with (Josh) Teves (another college teammate who signed this week). He’s in Vancouver and we’re kind of just catching up, seeing how the first couple of days are going. It seems really similar. Ryan Kuffner ready to shoot puck in Red Wings debut Saturday Everybody’s just trying to get as comfortable as possible, but also here to work and do whatever we can to help the team get better.”

Blashill said he can’t read too much about Kuffner from two practices. By Ansar Khan “Not enough to see. I’d be stretching a little bit,” he said. “I think even after a game you shouldn’t make a whole lot of judgement. I think you should watch as much as you can and then make judgement. We tend to DETROIT – The fanfare and expectations for Ryan Kuffner are different snap to judgement and enough times they’re wrong. I think also one of than for Filip Zadina, but the Detroit Red Wings’ message to both young the things that could be his great asset is his IQ and that’s really hard to players was similar – shoot the puck. tell in practice. Both him and Hirose are that way, so let’s keep watching.” Kuffner will make his NHL debut Saturday against the New York Michigan Live LOADED: 03.16.2019 Islanders at Little Caesars Arena (1 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

“I think with both of them, that (shot) is one of your best assets, do it,” coach Jeff Blashill said. “If you over-shoot a little bit, you over-shoot a little bit, especially early.

“One of the things I said to Zadina as he was leaving was as he goes into the summer and is working on things, learn to get that shot off just a little bit quicker and learn to crack his wrists and make passes when he’s showing shot.”

Zadina, the sixth overall pick in 2018, was reassigned to the Grand Rapids Griffins Friday following his planned nine-game stint in Detroit. Kuffner, a free agent from Princeton signed Tuesday to a two-year entry- level contract, wasn’t supposed to debut until next week, but an injury to Justin Abdelkader (bruise, day-to-day) created an opening.

Blashill said he’ll limit Kuffner’s minutes. Taro Hirose of Michigan State, the other free-agent forward the club signed on Tuesday, joined the team for practice Friday and will debut Tuesday at the New York Rangers.

“I don’t have an expectation level with either of these young guys, because I haven’t seen them play enough,” Blashill said. "I think you measure putting guys in opportunities to succeed vs. giving them too much, too soon. I’d like them to earn it enough, but yet be in position where they’re going to succeed.

“Ultimately, if Kuffner’s going to make our team better, he’s going to be a guy who’s going to score, who’s going to be a power-play type guy. We’ve got other guys who can penalty kill and be depth guys and stuff like that. So let’s put him in that position and see what he does. And it will be the same thing with Taro.”

Kuffner, 22, took part in Thursday’s morning skate and went through his first full practice Friday, skating on a line with Frans Nielsen and .

“I think the biggest thing was just trying to get comfortable,” Kuffner said, before learning he was playing Saturday. “Even in the laps, before practice, just trying to get the hands going. I think that’s the biggest thing. At the end of the day it’s just hockey. You’re just getting thrown into the corners and up the ice.”

He played on the right flank on a power-play unit with Nielsen, Tyler Bertuzzi, Michael Rasmussen and Niklas Kronwall. It’s a spot where the Red Wings hope to set him up for one-timers.

“I played a similar spot there and down low (in college),” Kuffner said. “I think we tried to work it around, but for the most part I was around there, looking for the one-timer and just trying to get open for the guys. Just try to attack as much as possible.”

Kuffner expected to have his family come in from Ottawa, plus some friends from college, for his debut.

“It would just be awesome to have them there, because those are people who have always supported me throughout the last 15 years, the grinding and the ups and downs,” Kuffner said. “They’re always there and they’re always trying to push me to be as good as possible. Even in the summer to just try to stick to my game plan as far as training and nutrition and sleep habits. They’re there to help me stay on track. Those are the people that I owe all of this to. It’s just awesome to have them.”

His college linemate, Max Verroneau, registered five shots and no points in 14:20 during his NHL debut Thursday with the Ottawa Senators.

“It was good to catch up with him,” Kuffner said. “It was funny, playing together the last six years and kind of growing up in the same neighborhood, just to hear what he went through, it’s just awesome. 1136224 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ Dylan Larkin returns to lineup Saturday

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT – Dylan Larkin will return to the lineup Saturday when the Detroit Red Wings face the New York Islanders at Little Caesars Arena (1 p.m., Fox Sports Detroit).

Larkin has missed five games with a neck strain.

“It happened a couple of weeks ago, I got tangled up with a guy and I came out of it with a strained neck,” Larkin said. “I don’t really know, increased soreness it was something I tried to play through, it wasn’t getting better. I thought I was hurting the team, I wasn’t able to turn my head full range pf motion. I decided to take some time off and get it looked at further and I had to go to New York to see a specialist and luckily it was nothing major or nothing that needed more attention or will hold me back down the road. So, lucky for that and now feeling 100 percent, feeling ready to play.”

Larkin leads the team with 27 goals, 35 assists and 62 points, one short of his career high from last season. He practiced Friday on a line with Anthony Mantha and Darren Helm.

Larkin said being shut down for the remainder of the season wasn’t discussed.

“I always thought I would be back, it just needed time,” Larkin said. “It’s unfortunate timing, an unfortunate injury. Any time you miss games it’s not great and for a guy like me nobody likes sitting out and watching. I want to be out there, it just needed time to heal.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136225 Detroit Red Wings

Lightning show Red Wings need for elite talent

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT –Tampa Bay is a cut above the rest of the NHL, and the gap between the Lightning and the Detroit Red Wings is enormous.

The Lightning boasts a collection of stars. The rebuilding Red Wings lack elite-level talent, which is magnified with the absence of their best player, Dylan Larkin.

Even when games between the teams are close, the Lightning find a way to win.

Tampa Bay overcame a three-goal deficit Thursday to defeat Detroit 5-4 at Little Caesars Arena.

The Lightning have won 15 in a row against the Red Wings. Much of the damage has been done by Nikita Kucherov, the league’s leading scorer. He excelled again on this night, with two goals and two assists, giving him an NHL-best 115 points. That is the most by any player since Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby tallied 120 points in 2006-07.

“It’s tough to put into words how good he is out there,” Detroit defenseman Niklas Kronwall said. “It’s not a thing that you understand until you play against him, just how he puts himself in position to get more space, how smooth a skater he is. Some of the best players in the league, they’re either a sniper or a playmaker. You’ve got the best of both worlds in him. Not a huge guy by any means, but his competitiveness is what stands out and that’s why he’s one of the best players in the league, if not the best.”

The Lightning also have two others among the NHL’s top 13 scorers in Brayden Point (86 points) and Steven Stamkos (81 points). Point produced a goal and two assists and Stamkos added a goal and an assist.

Tampa Bay has star defensemen in Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh and one of the best goaltenders in the league in Andrei Vasilevskiy.

“An extremely deep team,” Kronwall said. “They don’t really miss anything. And just the way they handle the puck, they got four lines that want to play with the puck. They can beat you on the forecheck, they can beat you on the power play, even their PK is the best in the league. They have a lot of different weapons back there and a world-class goaltender. They really have all the pieces.”

The Red Wings led 3-0 on goals by Madison Bowey, Darren Helm (shorthanded) and Justin Abdelkader before the Lightning scored the next five. A late goal by Michael Rasmussen closed the gap.

“I thought we were a little better today, but still that’s a really good hockey team and we can’t be giving them opportunities and we gave them too many and they scored,” Helm said. “So, it’s a tough team, we knew we had to be great and we weren’t good enough.”

The Red Wings (24-37-10, 58 points) are second from last in the league. The Lightning (54-13-4) have 18 more points than the No. 2 team in the overall standings.

“Their best players are elite and they’re playing the right way,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said. “In the end, to a large degree they outplayed our best players. Part of it is a lot of our best players are young. It’s just learning lessons, it’s measuring sticks. We’ve had a couple chances to measure up against them and hopefully our guys that we want to become elite players … ultimately, you need three elite players to be a real playoff team and they probably have five or six.

“I think Larks has emerged to becoming that elite-type player. We need other guys to take steps towards that. These are great challenges for them and tonight we didn’t do that.”

Michigan Live LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136226 Detroit Red Wings In the aftermath, Hughes talked about the feeling of passing names such as Keller, Matthews and Kane in the USA Hockey record book. He certainly appreciated what it meant to keep their statistical company.

On a night of USA Hockey records, the Red Wings’ draft stakes have But at the same time, the most telling peek at his competitive instinct may never been clearer have come as he spoke about what the moment meant to him. Even on a record-setting night, it was like he couldn’t help moving the goalposts for himself. By Max Bultman “To finally do it, it’s really cool,” he said. “Now you want to kind of push the pace, make the record pretty high.”

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — Under normal circumstances in hockey, when you And here’s the thing: Hughes hit this number in just 96 games. Keller’s reach a milestone, you get to keep the puck. When that milestone is a previous mark had been set in 123. career scoring record, so much the better — that puck becomes a piece of history, in addition to a memory to cherish. That’s the caliber of player Hughes is — if you want to quibble over how he would stack up against the No. 1 overall picks of recent memory, it’s Friday night at USA Hockey Arena, though, Jack Hughes and Cole certainly a fair critique … but it ultimately just reminds what a high bar is Caufield had to work out other arrangements. The same puck that made being set here. Hughes the U.S. National Team Development Program’s all-time points leader also made Caufield its all-time leading goal scorer. So, they will do You don’t just get compared to the likes of Kane. Not just anyone can put the only thing that makes sense: they will cut the puck in half. their numbers next to Matthews’.

If that sounds unheard of, add it to the list. So much about Friday was. But that’s the kind of player the Red Wings lack when they go into games Caufield, who entered the night with 99 career goals for the NTDP, against the league’s elite. scored six times to etch his place in history, passing Phil Kessel. Hughes “He can do everything,” Caufield said. assisted on four of them, and none of those were even his best pass of the night — a behind-the-net, behind-the-back assist to Matthew Boldy. Caufield, it should be emphasized, was really the star of this game. He scored six goals on 10 shots, and as insane as it sounds, his sixth goal of By the end of the night, the duo held all of the program’s major career the night felt almost inevitable once his fifth hit the net. He was going to scoring records: 105 goals for Caufield; 190 points for Hughes, passing break the record this night. Clayton Keller. (Hughes had already held the program’s career assists record.) “I think everyone in the building could (sense he was feeling it),” Hughes said. “Every shot he took I think it went in the back of the net.” All of this was part of an absurd night for the NTDP’s U18s, who ran up a 12-4 win over Green Bay. The Gamblers had just four defensemen in But Hughes is the one who will dominate the conversation around Detroit their lineup, so perhaps there are some contextual qualifiers needed as the lottery nears. He’s the one who could change the franchise’s here. But that’s not what anybody’s going to remember about this night. outlook, and ping-pong balls alone will decide who gets him.

“Once the game ended, kinda realized what just happened,” Hughes That’s why, even as the team was officially eliminated from playoff said. “When it happened it was all just like a blur, and then once you got contention this week, there still feel like high stakes for the coming month to share the moment it was really cool.” in Detroit. They’re not the April stakes of the old , but they’re the ones that represent the quickest path back there. Both players described how fitting it was for the records to fall the way they did, on a Hughes assist of a Caufield goal. Hughes is a passer. No one player can save a team alone, of course (no matter how much Caufield is a shooter. They’ve linked up for two years in the NTDP. It had Connor McDavid might try). But in their own backyard, the Red Wings to happen this way. can see a player who might just make a world of difference.

So why does this matter for the Red Wings? Well, for starters, it was And all they, and every other team, can do is sit back, watch him break legitimately a historic showing right in Detroit’s backyard. But more than records and dream. that, it was a night that should underscore how much is on the line in the next month, as the season winds toward what is becoming a crucial NHL The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 Draft lottery on April 9.

And for what it’s worth, you can bet that it did. Hughes scored a week’s worth of points in just a couple hours, and Ken Holland was in the building for the performance. Jeff Blashill made an appearance, too. So did Kris Draper and Chris Osgood.

It is obviously not the first time the Red Wings have seen him, the plays he can make or his incredible speed. But no matter how many times they may have seen it before, some of their key decision-makers saw the full extent of what a promising prospect Hughes can be, as well as what a special class of prospects the NTDP has brought together for this age group.

As many as eight of the players on the ice Friday could be drafted in the first round. But this is the year the Red Wings are truly in position to land the headliner.

Caufield’s six goals were genuinely astounding, but the casualness with which Hughes tallied his five helpers and soared to all-time heights was the perfect reminder of the rare opportunity Detroit could have, staring at the second-best lottery odds as of Saturday morning.

The fact is, the Red Wings may well be near the bottom of the standings again next year. But the better their young players get, the harder it’s going to be for them to have this good a shot at a player like Hughes — a game-changing, and now record-breaking, center. This season, they’re already right here, well in range to turn the player they saw up close Friday into the centerpiece of their future.

“He’s unbelievable,” Caufield said. “The stuff he does, even in practice every day, it just amazes you.” 1136227 Detroit Red Wings He describes Petruzzelli as wanting to know the “why” to the coaching he receives and likes the Xs and Os side of hockey. He also praised Petruzzelli’s skill handling of the puck — his calmness in the face of Red Wings prospect report: Keith Petruzzelli and Chase Pearson pressure to make an outlet pass, and the ability to pick up a puck off the wall on a rim-around — as unique dynamics.

But for now, there’s no real way to measure any of his progress in By Max Bultman Mar 15, 2019 games.

Quinnipiac is riding its hot goalie, and at No. 5 in the nation with a real shot at a title, you can’t fault the decision. The Red Wings prospect report is a series from The Athletic Detroit that gives an in-depth look at the future of the organization. Instead, the Red Wings will just have to keep hoping that Petruzzelli’s quiet progress continues — and that he makes his next opportunity The Red Wings are in need of a Goalie of the Future. count. That’s not news — there may be no position with more uncertainty in the A two-time captain at Maine, Chase Pearson draws rave reviews from his organization’s future — and much of that is due to the sheer coach Red Gendron (Allison Farrand / For The Athletic) unpredictability of the position. But at a point in time when everything around the franchise is forward-looking, it can be stark to look down the Chase Pearson, C, Maine (NCAA, age 21) team’s pipeline and not see any of its top goalie prospects kicking down the door to Detroit. As you might have heard by now, the Red Wings signed a couple relatively high-profile college hockey free agents this week. Instead, the next most realistic potential answers in net are still in the collegiate ranks, where Filip Larsson was named to the NCHC’s All- The Maine Black Bears’ season is still very much alive, as they enter the Rookie team, and Quinnipiac’s Keith Petruzzelli — in spite of sharing a quarterfinals Friday night, but it’s possible Pearson could net with one of the nation’s top goaltenders this year — has made plenty become the next college player to join the fold once his season ends. of progress in his own right. With one season of college eligibility remaining, he’s going to have a lot to consider, at the least. After a freshman year that started slow before trending upward, Petruzzelli has continued his development season, raising his save But for now his season is still going, and, sitting on 29 points in 32 percentage from .892 to .904. But one of the tough things about games, Pearson’s stats are solid — although they don’t jump off the page goaltending is that playing time is a zero-sum game. And if your team is compared to the two more recent signings. In fact, they’re fairly similar to winning with you on the bench, there’s a good chance you’re going to current Grand Rapids Griffin David Pope’s junior year, when he was at stay there — even if you’re otherwise making progress. Petruzzelli’s Nebraska Omaha. That may make Red Wings fans wince given Pope’s season has been a case in point. slow transition to the AHL.

Petruzzelli’s goaltending coach, Jared Waimon, said he has looked good But Pearson and Pope are quite different players, and reducing Pearson in the last month especially, but it hasn’t translated to much playing time to his stat line probably strips him of some of his most important qualities for the 6-foot-5 sophomore. He has played in just three games in 2019. as a player.

That’s never a good thing for a goalie prospect, but in this case there is He’s not going to make his hay as a scoring forward at the next level and, at least a good reason for it. His teammate Andrew Shortridge has a with the number of potential fourth-line centers in the Red Wings nation-best .944 save percentage. So yeah, good luck unseating that. organization, he’ll probably need to do something to separate himself if he wants to make the NHL. But Pearson’s college career has been “Despite the recent playing time, the past month has been very nice for defined by his willingness to improve and play an all-around game, and him when it comes to just formulating a foundation and a game plan that those are traits that tend to endear players to organizations. works best for him,” Waimon said. “You have a pretty unique goalie there — with his size as the obvious one, but there’s a lot of other things to his You don’t need to listen to his head coach, former NHL assistant Red game that are unique like his flexibility and being limber, and his balance Gendron, for long to hear that he’s made that kind of impression in for a big man are all very good.” Maine.

Of course, Petruzzelli’s numbers suggest he didn’t necessarily seize the “He showed up here with the type of attitude and work habits you early opportunities he did have, either. But Waimon said the harder normally associate with an NHL player,” Gendron said. “The games challenges he’s facing in college have highlighted what he needs to do to themselves exposed some things for him early on (in his career), and he have success at the AHL and NHL levels. had to get better, and he made steady improvements all the way through. So now his game is complete. There are no holes in his game and he’s Petruzzelli just turned 20 in February, so he’s still plenty young, and one of the best players in our league. That’s what it is.” Waimon said he has improved significantly in formulating better plans to utilize what works best for his game: “He’ll take kind of a big upshot in Normally you try and couch those evaluations by adding in the areas of a development and then hang out there for a little bit and then take another player’s game a coach cites as needing improvement. Gendron, though, jump.” had a hard time coming up with one. Pearson is about to wrap his second season as the Black Bears’ captain and he’s only been there And in practical terms, one of his biggest areas of improvement is also three years. This is a coach who really likes his player. one that Waimon feels will be most essential to continue. And it’s not hard to trace the roots of those traits for Pearson, either. His The coach pointed to Petruzzelli’s skating and play on the post as two of dad, Scott, played several seasons between the NHL and AHL. the biggest areas of improvement, but the number one thing was his Bloodlines don’t always translate one generation’s success to the next, recoveries. With Petruzzelli’s size, recovering clean is the part of his but it is fair to say that having a former pro as a parent can help establish game that can take him up a level and let him best utilize his advantages. some important habits from an early age.

“It’s going to allow him to keep the game more simple for himself — “He definitely played a very, very big role in that,” Pearson said of his which really means making him able to make easier saves,” Waimon father. “I think growing up around somebody who knows what it takes to said. “Our motto, if you will, is ‘Use your size to make an advantage for play in the NHL, and nutritional stuff and off the ice, working out, and just yourself, not to get by.’ In the sense that if you’re pushing and making sleeping. … As I got older, I realized that if I want to be successful, if I better recovery decisions, and it means you get hit in the middle of your really want to make a shot at doing this whole hockey thing and playing body, you’re going to make just that many more saves on those later in the NHL and living out my dream, then I’m going to have to do all plays because you are so long. Versus just kind of reaching and opening those little things that go into it that you might not really think about every up holes and in the end mathematically you end up even with the other day.” guy, so to speak.” Pearson says his biggest area for personal growth is defensively. He In other words, putting himself in a position to benefit from his size is the seems to know his shot at the NHL rests on being a reliable down-lineup key — not relying on it to bail him out of bad situations. player who can make some havoc with his 6-2 frame. He considers himself something of a 200-foot power-forward, and prides his growth in getting to the dirty areas and using his body.

The Red Wings, he says, see him as that kind of player — a power guy at the net who can be counted on to play the whole ice, too. Those assignments don’t always put you near the top of prospect watch lists at age 21, and usually for decent reason — there are probably more players who are theoretically suited to these things than there are highly skilled game breakers. And true enough, Pearson is far from alone in the defensively responsible-center category in the Red Wings pipeline.

But he also seems to have no illusions about that, and has demonstrated in college a willingness to adapt his game. If he can keep it up, it improves his chance of finding a calling card to which he can stake his game.

“I’m going to have to do something to get in the lineup,” he said.

The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136228 Detroit Red Wings The Bruins won a Stanley Cup in 2010-11 and found their way back to the final in 2012-13, but it was the team in 2013-14 that was arguably Boston’s best. In the regular season, the Bruins won the Presidents’ By the numbers: The top 10 teams of the salary cap era trophy by a single point, but there was no doubt they were the league’s best team, out-scoring the next best by 27 goals. The plus-87 goal differential is the fourth highest since 2005-06 and one of just seven seasons to be played at a pace of plus-80 or higher. By Dom Luszczyszyn Mar 15, 2019 Tuukka Rask was nearly unbeatable that season winning the Vezina

trophy on the back of a .930 save percentage, the highest in his career The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to chase history. On Thursday night, as a starter. That was a big contributor to the team’s stellar defence the Lightning earned their 54th win of the season, something only nine rating at even strength, but they were also very good at limiting shots. teams have done in the salary cap era. Their next one will be number 55, Combined, it’s the third best defensive season since 2005-06. Having the joining just three others. With 11 games left, it’s becoming increasingly dynamic duo of Patrice Bergeron (he won his second Selke trophy this likely that the Lightning hit 60 wins, something that’s only been year) and Zdeno Chara (Norris runner-up) was a big factor to that. When accomplished twice in hockey history. the two were on the ice together, Boston allowed just 23.5 shots-per-60 and 1.35 goals at 5-on-5, a preposterously low figure. The last team to do it was the Detroit Red Wings, who set the NHL record with 62 in 1995-96. The comparisons are natural given each It seemed that year that the team would cruise back to the Stanley Cup team’s respective dominance, but that was a different era. The salary cap final after stomping over every team during the first 82 games, but an has changed the league landscape immensely and it’s perhaps more upstart Montreal Canadiens team had different plans. prudent to compare this year’s Lightning to their peers in a salary cap Stanley Cup Odds: +400 world. Put an asterisk next to this one as it came in a shortened 48-game Based on each team’s results (record and goal difference), their season, but that doesn’t make what Chicago did any less impressive. underlying numbers achieving those results (shot rates and percentages After 48 games the Blackhawks were on pace for a 60-win season of at each strength), and how each category fared relative to other teams their own, winning 36 times that year and only losing seven in regulation that season (using standard deviations), these are the 10 best regular en route to the team’s second of three Cups during their dynasty. season teams since 2005-06. Of all the Blackhawks teams during the Toews and Kane era, this was by The Top 10 Teams of the Salary Cap Era far the strongest and the record shows that. They carried on the legacy of Stanley Cup Odds: +420 puck possession hockey passed on by the Red Wings and parlayed that to even strength dominance that very few teams could match, earning 56 The second season of ’ tenure was the one that got the percent of the shot share and 62 percent of the goal share. Jonathan Capitals fanbase to believe again. As the talented core aged, it was Toews was a huge part of that and earned his first (and only) Selke becoming difficult to imagine a path to success but this edition proved trophy that season. otherwise. They fully bought into Trotz’ system and became a strong 5- on-5 team in all three zones, while keeping up their electric power play The only thing keeping this team from ranking any higher was a strangely that had been frightening opponents for over half a decade. weak power play that ranked 19th in the league that season. When a team is that dominant at 5-on-5, they can get away with that. Led by Braden Holtby at his peak and Alex Ovechkin scoring 50 goals again, this team won 56 times, the second most in the salary cap era. Stanley Cup Odds: +350 They were a successful regular season team because they had very few This was The Year. After heartbreak with previous Presidents’ trophy weaknesses and yet they were still stifled in the playoffs by their arch campaigns in 2009-10 and 2015-16, this was the team that would finally nemeses in Pittsburgh in the second round. Playoff glory would have to win it all, bringing an end to the suffering in Washington. That’s obviously wait. not what happened, but it’s still difficult to fathom three seasons later. Stanley Cup Odds: +500 From front to back, this Capitals team was one of the most complete clubs the salary cap era has seen. Holtby was at the top of his game, as This might be a surprising one for some. The 2008-09 Bruins didn’t win too were the team’s collection of superstar talent in Ovechkin, Nicklas even win the Presidents’ Trophy that season, missing by a single point, Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson. Aside from them, but did carry the best goal differential for the season at plus-78. A Washington was deep at every position – there were no significant holes talented centre core of Marc Savard, David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron to be seen anywhere, and they even added the deadline’s top prize, was among the league’s best and of course there was Zdeno Chara at Kevin Shattenkirk, to patrol the third pair. On paper, this team was the the top of his game – he would win his only Norris Trophy that season. one.

This was the beginning of an elite era for Bruins hockey, championed by Throughout the regular season, it was difficult to see otherwise. The a nearly impenetrable defence. In 2008-09, much of that was thanks to Capitals once again earned over 100 points, finishing with 118, and likely incredible goaltending at even strength where the Bruins had the second could’ve finished higher if not for the boredom that came in the final two best season by save percentage relative to the field. In first and third months from winning all the time. The power play was as illustrious as were … also the Bruins in 2010-11 and 2013-14. At its peak, Boston was ever, but they added a capable penalty kill to that. At even strength, it nearly impossible to beat in their own zone, but that year they were wasn’t just the offence carrying the way either as the team was a beast ultimately bested in the second round by Carolina. on defence in terms of both suppressing shots and stopping them, earning the second-best defensive season on record. Trotz had this team Stanley Cup Odds: +300 running on all cylinders, but once again, the playoffs and the Penguins The one that got away. No Canadian team has won a Stanley Cup since snatched it all away from them. 1992-93 and this was the nation’s best hope. The Canucks were a Stanley Cup Odds: +500 juggernaut and the 2010-11 campaign — the heart of The Window — and it felt like destiny was on their side in their chase for their first Stanley We don’t have shot attempt data past 2007-08, but there is shot data Cup. Vancouver had star power led by its twin luminaries who both going back to 1966. In 2007-08, the Red Wings outshot teams 34.4 to eclipsed 90 points (with Daniel Sedin leading the league in scoring), a 23.5 on average, a margin of 10.9 shots-per-game – the largest margin in Selke trophy winner in Ryan Kesler and a Vezina nominee in Roberto hockey history. The Red Wings personified puck possession hockey like Luongo. But they had depth at every position too. no team ever has before or since, earning nearly 60 percent of the shot share. That year, the top 10 in Corsi were all Red Wings, with Tomas The Canucks were balanced on offence and defence, and especially Holmstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk all over 64 percent on potent on special teams where they ranked first on the power play and the season (with a goal rate to match). There have been 45 players third on the penalty kill. Combined, Vancouver has the third best rating of seasons north of 60 percent since 2007-08, and these three are the only any team, behind only the first and second best teams listed here. It ones to eclipse 63 percent over a full season. wasn’t enough though as the team fell one game shy of the Stanley Cup. The Red Wings weren’t the best finishing team leading to the lower Stanley Cup Odds: +400 offence rating, but that didn’t matter much as the team comfortably led the league in goal differential at plus-73. That number is especially since 1915, but only three ever 60-win seasons – that’s worth impressive considering the next best team that year was at plus-40 and celebrating. only five teams were above plus-15. Relative to the team’s respective field in a given season, it’s actually the most impressive goal differential Of the nine other “top” regular season teams, only two have gone all the season in NHL history. way. That seems paltry given each team’s brilliance over 82 games, but that’s simply the reality of this crazy sport. Two out of nine is 22.2 Of the 10 teams here, the 2007-08 Red Wings are just one of two to win percent, while the average Stanley Cup probability from each of the nine it all, demolishing opponents in all four rounds en route to a title. It was teams is 25.7 percent. A little less, but not far off. As it stands now, rarely ever close, and never really fair – Detroit owned the puck like no Tampa Bay’s Cup chances according to the market are higher than any other. team has ever seen in the salary cap era, but you’d still be wiser choosing the field – which is exactly why regular season success Stanley Cup Odds: +325 deserves more respect. Tampa Bay has earned that this season.

The most powerful offensive team of this generation. Their 3.82 goals- The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 per-game still leads the era, though this year’s Bolts are giving them a run. The firepower was evident at both even-strength and on the power play where the Capitals owned the highest rating in both, high enough to overlook a more modest defence and much weaker penalty kill. Ovechkin and Backstrom both hit 100 points that year, while Alex Semin turned in a 40-40 season. Mike Green was a point-per-game as defenceman for the second straight season – something that had only been done once, by Nicklas Lidstrom no less, in the last decade. The stars were shining brightly in the nation’s capital.

At evens, the Capitals shot and converted more often than any other team, giving them a lethal attack that was difficult to stop. Of the 39 teams to earn over 60 shot attempts per 60, the Capitals were the only team to convert at 10 percent or higher. On the power play, it was the exact same story, the team converted 3.4 percentage points more than the next best team.

They were one of the greatest offensive teams of all time, making their demise all the more staggering: they just couldn’t score. Simply put, the Capitals got Halak’d in what was the first of many disappointments for Ovechkin and company before finally breaking through last season, a disappointment that likely set the team back that far due to a narrative that they couldn’t win ‘that way.’ All the past failures made the victory even sweeter, but it’s still difficult to believe the first Cup for the Capitals didn’t happen a decade earlier.

Stanley Cup Odds: +400

The analytics era started in 2007-08 when the league introduced real- time stats, allowing hobbyists to track shot attempts and figure out which teams were controlling play. The fourth best team on this list is the single greatest team by that measure and the reason many became obsessed with puck possession hockey. I’d bet the team two years prior was just as dominant.

When you have a younger Lidstrom patrolling the blueline for 28 minutes per night and Datsyuk and Zetterberg closer to their peak, that’s to be expected. This team was loaded from top-to-bottom, earning the top even-strength goal rate and power play, the third-best penalty kill and the fifth best even-strength goals against rate. Few teams have been that elite across the board making it not at all surprising that they earned 58 wins and 124 points, both tops in the salary cap era – for now.

What was surprising was how it ended: in the first round with a stunning upset to the eighth-place Oilers in six games. There are few greater testaments to the randomness of the sport in a seven-game series than Detroit losing here and a warning for this year’s juggernaut: in the playoffs, anything can happen.

Stanley Cup Odds: +250

It’s very close, but at this juncture, it appears that this year’s Lightning could be the single best team in the salary cap era. Their record obviously speaks for itself, but so too do their numbers across the board, especially on special teams where the Lightning are gunning to be the second team ever to finish tops on both the power play and penalty kill. Much of the Lightning’s success this season can be attributed to lofty percentages at every strength, but that becomes less of a concern when a team is this talented. This isn’t just the best team in hockey this season, but the best team, period, since at least 2005-06.

The playoffs may alter that perception, but it shouldn’t. While everyone always focuses on postseason glory, regular season dominance often gets overlooked. What the Lightning are doing this year is truly special and should be revered, even if it doesn’t result in winning the big prize at the end of it all. Tampa Bay is in rarified air with their performance this year, needing just six wins in its final 11 games to hit 60 on the season. There has been a Stanley Cup champion in every season except one 1136229 Detroit Red Wings When he met with Jeff Vinik in July, the Lightning owner was shocked to hear Yzerman was going to step down. The two had shared a tremendous relationship since Vinik hired Yzerman in 2010, so everyone Steve Yzerman’s future remains uncertain after year behind the scenes was expecting an extension. with Lightning: ‘We’re still his team’ Yzerman had told The Athletic during the playoffs that “working for Jeff has been fantastic. It’s a tremendous position and I’m lucky to have it.”

By Joe Smith Mar 15, 2019 So when Yzerman had a change of heart, it caught everyone off-guard.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Vinik said.

DETROIT — The Tampa Bay Lightning had just wrapped up another Neither did Yzerman’s close friends and family. The day Yzerman victory on trade deadline day when Steve Yzerman took the elevator announced his decision, Sept. 11, his brother, Chris, got a puzzling text down from his perch in the Amalie Arena press box. from their mother, Jean, who lives in the same area of Ottawa.

As Yzerman, surrounded by several team scouts and executives, exited “Is it true?” the elevator and turned the corner, he deadpanned with his typical dry His parents had received a heads-up call that morning. So did Chris, who sense of humor: is a Lightning scout.

“I’ll catch up with you guys in 10,” he said. “I’ve got to clean up my office.” “He really kept it air-tight,” Chris said.

As the group laughed, Yzerman ducked through a back door and The truth was, this decision had been bubbling for a couple of years. disappeared from sight. Yzerman said he often thought about how he could balance his work life That pretty well sums up Yzerman’s presence in the organization over — a 24/7 job as a GM — and still be a good father to his three college- the past year: stealthy but significant. age daughters (Isabella, Maria and Sophia) and wife, Lisa, who still resided in Michigan. All the crisscrossing the country for Lightning home The Lightning had held their trade deadline day “war room” in Yzerman’s games and road trips, plus trying to make his daughter’s and office, making the decision — as a group — to stand pat and not make a equestrian events, took its toll. move. Yzerman may have shocked the hockey world by stepping down in September, moving to an adviser role so he could spend more time The day after the Lightning lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final with his family, but he’s still been very much involved with the franchise against the Capitals, Yzerman flew to Round Rock, Texas, to see Sophia behind the scenes. He’s not the one in front of the cameras, or even in play in the club lacrosse national-title game for the University of plain sight, but that doesn’t mean he’s spent the last eight months on the Michigan. golf course or working out in suburban Detroit. “I remarked several times, ‘Man I don’t know how you’re doing this,’” Yzerman is “the primary sounding board” for first-year Tampa Bay GM childhood friend told The Athletic. “The early morning wake- Julien BriseBois, and the two speak daily. Yzerman has attended roughly up calls, flying, to do everything 100 percent. It’s not easy. half the Lightning’s home games and has made three weekend trips with “He just loves those girls to death, and it’s an important stage in their life. BriseBois to watch Syracuse in the AHL. They’ve caught some junior He loves being a dad, going to school, going to football games. I’m sure games together, too. BriseBois is in charge, he makes the final calls. But like a lot of us, he’s missed a lot. He gets there and enjoys the moment. with every major decision Tampa Bay has made this year, from terminating Jake Dotchin’s contract to re-signing Yanni Gourde, Yzerman “The girls are in college, but I don’t think you’re ever done. My kids has had a voice. graduated and are both married, but you forever want to be around them. They love Michigan. Obviously, there are a lot of times where hockey “He’s a resource to all of us, whether it’s (coach ) or some of players live in a city for a long time and end up moving on to the next job the players, our staff,” BriseBois said. “I say, ‘Steve, what do you think and everyone comes with you. They fall in love with another city. But the about this?’ It helps me come up with decisions or direction.” Detroit area and Michigan have been great to the Yzermans, and they How much longer Yzerman stays in this role remains to be seen. The 53- just absolutely love it there. That’s home.” year-old is in the last year of his contract with the Lightning, and what Yzerman has been able to be home in Detroit more in his new adviser comes next is uncertain, even to those in the organization. It sounds like role. Unlike his years as GM, where he was a fixture on team charter Yzerman has enjoyed the balance in his life this new role has afforded flights and road trips, Yzerman has only been spotted a few times, most him, but he’ll likely revisit his future after this season. Yzerman has recently in Boston, where Maria attends Boston University. Yzerman will declined media requests all year long, so it’s hard to know what he’s often fly back to Tampa for homestands, sitting next to BriseBois in their thinking. press box suite.

That leaves everyone else wondering. Over Thanksgiving, the whole family was in Tampa to celebrate the And some, in Detroit, hoping that the iconic former Red Wings captain holiday. returns to the organization. “I heard he’s really enjoying being home and spending time there,” said During the first intermission Thursday night, two Detroit fans in old former Wings teammate Kirk Maltby. “His kids are older, it’s not like Yzerman jerseys popped up on the Little Caesar’s Arena Jumbotron they’re toddlers, but when you had a career like Steve had, he was gone holding a sign: a long time at young ages. I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I don’t know if anybody does.” “Come Home, Stevie Y!” The Lightning are not rushing Yzerman’s decision. Lightning players, most of whom were brought in by Yzerman during his eight years as GM, are curious how it will play out. None would say that it “He has the luxury of being able to wait a little later,” BriseBois said. “But has distracted them from their historic season, which many have we’ve discussed it. I think he’s happy right now. He’s found some compared to Yzerman’s 1995-96 team with the Wings. But he is far from balance that he’s happy with. But I can’t speak for him. I know I’ve forgotten. enjoyed working with him. I’m trying to make it so it’s a good experience for him. But that’s all I can say right now.” “We’re still his team,” center Tyler Johnson said. “I don’t think guys think about it too much. We’ll always have that special spot for him because he Johnson said Yzerman’s presence around the locker room is pretty brought us all in and hopefully he’s here forever. similar to how it was before.

“But everyone understands he wants some family time. I guess we’ll just “Pretty quiet,” Johnson said. “Even when he was technically the GM, it’s see what happens.” not like you really saw him a whole lot. He’ll talk to you when he wants to talk to you.” Red Wings fans hold up signs Thursday night during the Lightning game in Detroit. (Raj Mehta / USA Today) Johnson said Yzerman helped him a lot throughout his career, making sure he understood his role and offering tips on becoming a better two- Throughout this process, Yzerman has kept everything close to the vest. way player. “He looks at a lot more than what you do on the scoresheet,” Johnson With that, the small media scrum ended. Yzerman had the last word. He said. “It’s about the little areas you need to work on, what he expects shook some hands and exited the room. Whatever Yzerman decides to from you. He does that with everybody.” do with his future, you can bet he’ll follow that same mantra.

The ripple effects of Yzerman’s work with the Lightning franchise will be No matter where it leads. seen for years. The way Yzerman managed to re-sign Steven Stamkos — at a team-friendly $8.5 million annual average — in the summer of The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 2016 set the tone for negotiations to come. Stamkos said Yzerman helped build a culture they’ll continue to follow.

Yzerman also negotiated Nikita Kucherov’s extension, which will be a bargain at eight-years, $9.5 million AAV, and wrapped up the Ryan McDonagh negotiations at a cigar bar in St. Paul, Minn., in July.

Victor Hedman said Yzerman’s presence and what he built was a big reason why he signed his eight-year extension (at $7.875 AAV) so quickly, just two days after Stamkos and one year away from free agency.

“Part of the culture that we have here in Tampa is that team-first mentality, and if you want to keep a good team together, guys are going to have to make little sacrifices along the way,” Stamkos told our Max Bultman earlier this year. “Whether that’s in terms of money or term or ice time or role on the team.

Those sacrifices, Stamkos continued, are “kind of non-negotiable on this team in terms of doing whatever it takes to help us keep the core together and keep being a productive team. That message was pretty loud and clear early when Steve got here and established himself as a GM and continued to be that way.”

That said, if Yzerman wants to be a GM again, it’s hard to imagine it being anywhere else but Detroit. While Edmonton and the expansion franchise would no doubt have interest — and already have big fans of Yzerman running them (Team Canada boss Bob Nicholson with the Oilers and former Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke in Seattle) — it’s hard to imagine the Hall of Famer moving farther from his family for the same sort of 24/7 grind.

Yzerman could also decide he enjoys his current role with the Lightning, which gives him the best of both worlds — he is still involved in the organization while also having family balance. With Vinik in charge, Yzerman could have a lifetime advisor role with a Lightning organization that he’s rumored to have an ownership stake in.

Yzerman could become the next Jimmy Devellano, who stepped back from being the Red Wings GM to become an adviser for the past 22 years.

“There are a lot of parallels,” Devellano said. “When I took that type of job, Steve was still a player and knew I’d be around sometimes and others I’d disappear to Florida. I’ve been in Tampa a lot and we’d talk, and (Yzerman) would ask, me, ‘How would you handle that?’ and different little things. He probably said, ‘Jeez, that’s not a bad job: come to Florida for the winter, fly up to Detroit and the draft.’ He’s not grinding the day to day and making all the major decisions. If Steve Yzerman now becomes me, that’s not necessarily a bad thing for Tampa, if he keeps it beyond this year. Maybe he’ll do it for 10 years.

“I trained Kenny Holland, and he trained Julien BriseBois. It’s the same thing. Steve is a family man. They like Detroit. Forget about the Red Wings. They like living in Detroit. We’ll see how it plays out. He may fit into this role and say, ‘Holy cow, this is not bad. I can have my cake and eat it too.'”

Yzerman’s mentor, Red Wings GM Ken Holland, has a contract that runs through next year. Whether Yzerman joins him next year in the Detroit front office (or eventually replaces him) is anyone’s guess.

Stars GM Jim Nill, a former Red Wings exec with Holland and Yzerman, said earlier this season that he could see it happening.

“At his age, maybe he’ll get the fire back he needs to get back in,” Nill said. “Maybe he needs to get recharged for a year or two.”

Yzerman left that door open back in September when he announced his decision. He could have shot down the possibility. When it was brought up that cynics might say that a year or two from now he would be somewhere else, maybe back home in Detroit, Yzerman stuck to his guns.

“I can’t worry about the cynics,” Yzerman said. “I’ve got to do what I think is right.” 1136230 Edmonton Oilers “If you’re only rimming pucks, you’re just giving it back to (Connor) McDavid and (Leon) Draisaitl, You don’t want to do that.”

His size isn’t a problem at all to Tocchet because that’s the way the Former Edmonton Oilers defenceman Jordan Oesterle has found a home game is now. in the desert “They always say a defenceman has to go in first to get the puck, but if it’s a 50-50 battle against (Milan) Lucic — I’m just using him as an Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal example — you have to use your hockey IQ. Look at some of the best defenceman (NHL), they’re smart and they’re quick,” he said.

Tocchet, one of the game’s most competitive, fiery players, would have GLENDALE, ARIZONA — Under fish that got away, we bring you forechecked defenceman like Oesterle to death. defenceman Jordan Oesterle. “Yeah, but different rules in my day. You were allowed to grab guys, but I Not a whopper but a significant one. also wasn’t catching Paul Coffey. Charlie Huddy was my speed,” kidded Tocchet. Oesterle, 26, is playing 19 minutes a night for one of the most surprising NHL teams, Arizona Coyotes, currently in the second-wild card spot with Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 13 wins in their last 17 games.

Over the last half of last season he was partnered with Duncan Keith in Chicago before the Blackhawks included him in a deal with Arizona in July 2018, along with , so they could dump Marian Hossa’s contract.

He couldn’t make Edmonton Oilers, though. They made no effort to sign him when he became a UFA in 2017 and he signed in Chicago.

“They had (Matt) Benning and basically the same defence they have right now and (Eric) Gryba as their No. 7,” said Oesterle, who signed out of Western Michigan University in 2014, playing for former NHL head coach .

Murray liked him in college.

“His skating’s exceptional, he’s got good vision, he’s a smart player and he competes hard defensively,” said Murray when the Oilers signed him. “He needs to put on a little bit more muscle mass to play in the NHL.”

OK, he didn’t have to do that. He’s 182 with gusts to 185.

“I tried to play one year at just 200 in Edmonton and didn’t feel good for the first month of the season, so dropped that down,” said Oesterle.

He’s made them pay since they let him get away. He got his first NHL goal against his old Edmonton Oilers team and his third and also has one this season in three games and another that might have been going in but pin-balled off Conor Garland’s face and into the net in case you’re keeping score.

He has 11 NHL goals, three against Oilers, and should be on their blue line but the Oilers also didn’t sign puck-mover Erik Gustafsson, who’s in the first defence pair in Chicago. They could use them both, or at least one of them.

“They (Oilers) kind of went a different way with the defence … there was a logjam there,” said Oesterle, who played 25 NHL games over three seasons, but only two in 2016-2017, spending 99 per cent of it in the AHL.

He sat out for most of the first two months in Chicago in 2017-2018 but when he got with Keith he was very good. , always tough to please if you’re a kid, liked him. He liked the way his shots got through to the net, felt he was certainly capable defensively, for his size.

“I was kind of shocked I got traded (Arizona) because at the end-of-year meetings, Chicago seemed happy with me and thought I’d take on a larger role but when the dust settled and I saw how they planned on using me here, I was super excited,” said Oesterle, a left-shot D who can play easily play right and who just signed a two-year extension for $1.4 million a year.

“It doesn’t hurt (being able to play both sides) because you can keep playing in games and you look at forwards and if you can play all three positions, that’s valuable,” said Oesterle, who’s played first pairing with Oliver Ekman-Larsson and third with either rookie Ilya Lyubushkin or Jakob Chychrun.

“The one thing I like about Jordan is he can beat a forecheck … I love those kinds of defenceman,” said Arizona coach Rick Tocchet. “They can wheel around the net and don’t have to rim it off the glass. He can beat two guys, pass the puck and be up in the play. Nowadays if you don’t have that sort of player in your lineup, it’s hard to win.” 1136231 Edmonton Oilers intensity and energy of games. And it lets the players police themselves. I do wish it was more old-school, but how can you complain when you look at the skill that’s come in.”

Edmonton Oilers ready for a Game 7 against Coyotes A NEW KIND OF PAIN

Oscar Klefbom can laugh about it now, and he is, but taking a slap shot Robert Tychkowski in the groin earlier this week was on a whole other level when comes to discomfort.

“Obviously it was a tough one, the first time I’ve experienced something If you are among the dwindling number of people who still think like that,” said the Oilers defenceman, who had to be helped off the ice, Edmonton has a chance to make the playoffs, then Saturday in Arizona didn’t return to the game after the first period incident and didn’t practise is as good as a Game 7. with the team the next day.

Only without the advancing part. “It was a different kind of pain, but I feel better today.”

All it means if the Oilers win is that they’ve cheated death for another Klefbom said the shot from Rangers defenceman Brendan Smith came day. A loss, on the other hand, means they spend the last 11 games of out of nowhere. the season bleeding out. “I thought he was going to rim the puck, but he turned and took a clapper Win and they cut the gap on Arizona to six points with a game in hand. and it got me really good. It’s part of the game, I guess. I remember when Lose and it’s 10. we had Matt Hendricks here and he took a bad one (that shattered his protective cup). I’m glad I’m standing here and feeling better.” “It’s definitely a big matchup, we know it and they know it, too,” said Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “We’ve had hard-fought games LUCIC ON FIRST LINE against them all year so this should be no different.” Hitchcock had Lucic on the top line with Connor McDavid and Kassian The Oilers should be at their best, if not their most desperate, given all Friday at practice. that’s at stake, but after that soul-crushing 6-3 loss to New Jersey you never know what you’ll get. “For whatever reason, when he plays with a centre who plays with tempo, he plays with tempo,” said Hitchcock. “He’s played with good “Having some urgency is really important,” said . “At this players before, let’s give him a chance.” point in the year there should never be a game where you are not urgent. For whatever reason that happened (against New Jersey), but it’s in the Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 past now and you have to find a way to move forward.”

All of this might be for nothing, the deficit is likely too great with just 12 games remaining, but cutting it to six with a game in hand at least makes things interesting.

“We’re still fighting,” said Nugent-Hopkins. “We know that we have to string a lot together her but in our minds we can do it.”

Head coach Ken Hitchcock is calling for at least four points out of this three-game trip through Arizona, Vegas and St. Louis to set up their final nine games of the season.

“We have to get back home still in the race,” he said. “These are three opponents ahead of us in the standings, one (St. Louis) is stumbling a little bit, and we have to take advantage of it.”

BATTLE ROYAL

About the only thing worth remembering out of the Oilers-Devils game Wednesday was the epic fight between Milan Lucic and New Jersey’s Kurtis Gabriel.

It lasted 1:05, lit up Twitter and had Rogers Place on its feet.

“I know it was entertaining for a lot of people and it was a fun one to be in, giving some shots, taking some shots,” said Lucic. “But I can speak for both guys: it was pretty tiring. I think it took till the second period to get my legs back.”

Lucic didn’t know who Gabriel was until Kyle Brodziak, who played with the six-foot-four winger from their days in Minnesota, gave him a heads up.

“Then I remembered the game he was in two years ago with Minnesota where he was kind of running around. I think he fought Kassian in that one. So I got a quick heads up right before the game started.”

After it was over, the 25-year-old thanked Lucic for accepting the offer.

“He did. He actually had some really nice words after the fight. You respect a guy in that role trying to do what he can to help his team and bring that old-school type of play.”

The old-school way, much to the disappointment of a great many hockey fans, is fading away as brawn is replaced by skill and policemen are replaced by the ironically named Player Safety Department. Like a lot of players, Lucic still believes fighting has a place in the game.

“I do. When I first came into the league it was nice, sometimes when you were frustrated you could just take it out on someone on the other team. There were guys on the other side who were willing to go. It added to the 1136232 Edmonton Oilers Bear, who played 18 games with the Oilers with a goal and three assists, has spent the entire season with Bakersfield, developing at a different pace.

JONES: Keith Gretzky to run Edmonton Oilers draft table “He’s been bit by injury here and there and having had a taste of the NHL, I think he may have expected it to be easier to get back but he’s coming,” said Gretzky. Terry Jones Bear has played 44 AHL games this season with 22 points and is a plus- 24.

Keith Gretzky will run the June 21-22 NHL Entry Draft for the Edmonton Like Jones, Bear is one of the species of right-handed puck moving Oilers. defenceman that are so treasured today. He’s provided 31 points including six goals. “We’re going forward with the idea Keith will oversee the draft as he essentially has done anyway the last two years with Bob Green and the “He’s been very, very surprising. He’s taking a lot of pride in his amateur scouting staff,” Oilers Entertainment Group vice chairman Bob defensive play and Dave Manson has done a phenomenal job with him,” Nicholson informed me prior to the team heading out on a three-game Gretzky said. road trip to Phoenix, Las Vegas and St. Louis. The six-foot-three Bouchard, 19, Edmonton drafted 10th overall last “Our process of identifying and interviewing candidates for the vacant spring and returned to the after playing seven games positions of President of Hockey Operations and General Manager is with the Oilers and scoring his first NHL goal. You get the idea the Oilers going to continue to be exhaustive and we might not have the opportunity wished they’d have been able to send him to the AHL instead. to talk to all the potential candidates until well into the playoffs or perhaps even until they are over. “He’s almost too good for the league,” said Gretzky who figures he’s likely going to need AHL time to be reprogrammed. “We’d like to have the GM in place before the draft, but we are comfortable with Keith continuing in his current role to fill that transition “It’s going to be good for him turning pro. His natural ability got him period.” through most situations in junior.”

As assistant GM under Peter Chiarelli, Gretzky was almost entirely Bouchard has 49 points in 43 games including 13 goals. He’s a plus 30. focused on the drafting and development side that went from a Dmitri Samorukov has 44 points, including 10 goals in 58 games and is a continuous weakness to a significant strength since his arrival. plus 37 after the Oilers picked him in the third round last year.

Chiarelli wasn’t like a lot of GMs who became hands-on during the draft “Samorukov has been outstanding in Guelph. Just outstanding. He’s the and Gretzky believes in allowing Bob Green and the scouts who are out No. 1 power play guy and a very good two-way player,” said Gretzky. there watching 200 games a year to follow through to the end and trust their work. “The kid came over two years ago and didn’t speak a word of English. He speaks the language great now. He’s had a phenomenal year. We’re “I have a handle on the players in the first two rounds and Green and his really, really happy with him.” guys have a handle on the entire draft. I think they’re on the right page. I’ll see a little of the guys in the first two rounds again between now and Persson is another right side puck-moving defenceman. He stayed in the and I’ll be headed over to Europe as well.” to play in 50 games so far with Vaxjo Lakers where he’s recorded 31 points and has been a plus eight. Gretzky said he’s only interfered on one pick in the past two years, believing it would be worth the wait on six-foot-five American high school “Jones, Lageson, Persson and Bear should push for a shot at making it prospect, right-hand shooting Michael Kesselring, who had decided to go next year. They won’t all make it. And we’re definitely not going to rush the college route. Gretzky made him a sixth round selection. anybody. But they’re well on their way.

This year, you can bet, they’ll be looking hard at wingers. “Our plan is to have all these guys push and push until they force us to make a move.” One thing that’s happened this season, in which the defense has often looked like a fire drill, particularly while Oscar Klefbom and Andrej Sekera Gretzky says it’s making the big picture plan easier to deal with. With the were both out of the lineup, was become an entirely different entity from situation on defense soon to solve itself the organization can go to the an organizational point of view while that was happening. drafting, dealing and signing in free agency, with what little they have to work with when it comes to the salary cap. “Defence is the strength of our organization right now. We have a lot of guys coming. They’re not ready yet. But they’re definitely coming,” said “We have to find help up front,” he said. “The holes we can concentrate Gretzky. on filling are up front.”

Caleb Jones, William Lagesson, Evan Bouchard, Dmitri Samorukov, Head coach Ken Hitchcock made an interesting observation on that front Ethan Bear, Joel Persson and Logan Day have so clearly been between games this week. developing this hockey season that the organization is completely confident that they are all on their way, at one pace or another, to NHL “There are two things you look at when you’re gauging a team. How careers. many 20-goal scorers does a team have and how many double-digit scorers do you have. If you have nine or more double-digit scorers, you “Jones has been very good. He’s been a lot more physical lately and his pretty much know that’s going to be a playoff team. And if you get to four skating and puck-moving have been developing nicely, too,” he said of or five 20 goal-scorers, you know you’ve got a good hockey club.” the left-handed shot following the footsteps of his brother Seth of the Nashville Predators who played in 17 games with the Oilers with a goal With a dozen games to go, Leon Draisaitl has 42, Connor McDavid 34, and five assists in the fall. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 22, Alex Chiasson 20, Zack Kassian 12 and nobody else with more than five all the way down to Tobias Rieder with Jones has produced 23 points in 39 games including five goals in zero. Bakersfield and is a plus-nine. E-mail: [email protected] A real comer is Lagesson who is playing big minutes on the farm and has chipped in with 25 points on offence in 56 games including seven goals On Twitter: @ByTerryJones with a plus 23. Postmedia reporter Trevor Robb speaks with hockey writers Derek Van “His play has been outstanding,” said Gretzky. Diest and Rob Tychkowski on the possibility of the Edmonton Oilers making the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring. The Oilers have pulled “He’s a smart two-way defenceman. He’s not pretty-looking, but how well within five points of the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with he’s played in his first year in North America has been a pleasant, 13 games left to play. pleasant surprise. His compete level is off the charts.” Is there really an opportunity for the Oilers to get into the playoffs? They are playing their best hockey of the season, currently on a 7-2-1 run. The team is starting to turn skeptics into believers. And even the Hockey Gods seem to be cooperating.

Either way, it’s nice to have the Oilers play meaningful games in March.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136233 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers expect to select good player in talented draft class

Terry Jones

Last season, the Edmonton Oilers came out of the NHL Draft Lottery picking 10th and selected defenceman Evan Bouchard from the London Knights of the OHL.

With the Edmonton loss to New Jersey on Wednesday and Arizona winning Thursday, the Oilers fell eight points back of the Coyotes in the final wildcard playoff position as they headed on the road for a game in Glendale on Saturday.

With a dozen games to go, their odds of statistical/strength of schedule odds in the computerized website Sports Club Stats, dropped from five per cent back to 1.5.

If the NHL Lottery Draft were to be held now instead of April 9, and if the winners of the first three draft picks all went to teams sitting lower in the standings than Edmonton, the Oilers would be selecting ninth.

Current odds of winning the first overall pick: 1. Colorado (from Ottawa) 18.5%, 2. Detroit 13.5%, 3. Los Angeles 11.5%, 4. New Jersey 9.5%, 5. Anaheim 8.5%, 6. Vancouver 7.5%, 7. Buffalo 6.5%, 8. NY Rangers 6%, 9. Edmonton 5%, 10. Chicago 3.5%, 11. Colorado, 12. Minnesota 2.5, 13. Florida 2%, 14. Philadelphia 1.5% and Montreal 1%.

Keith Gretzky, the interim GM who has been informed he will be directing the draft said he expects the Oilers will end up with a talent, regardless of where they end up picking this year.

“We feel it’s a good draft,” he said.

“Lots of players. Lots of depth.

“We’ve been looking at different scenarios, depending upon who we draft, but we feel like we’ll get a player we like.”

The projected draft order in Bob McKenzie’s usually remarkably accurate polling of top scouts for TSN: 1. Jack Hughes, C, USA NTDP, 2. Dylan Cozens C Lethbridge WHL, 3. Kappo Kakko, LW, Turko, Finland, 4. Vasili Podkolzin, RW, St. Petersburg, Russia, 5. Kirby Dach, C, Saskatoon WHL, 6. Bowen Byram, D, Vancouver WHL, 7. Philip Broberg, D, AIK, Sweden, 8. Raphael Lavoie, RW, Halifax, QMJHL, 9. Payton Krebs, LW, Kootenay, WHL, 10. Ryan Suzuki, C Barrie, OHL, 11. Matthew Robertson, D, Edmonton, WHL, 12. Alex Turcotte, C USA NTDP, 13. Cam York, D USA NTDP, 14. Alex Newhook, C, Victoria BCHL, 15. Matthew Boldy, LW, USA NTDP.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136234 Edmonton Oilers goals per hour) as power plays he’s been on over the rest of his career (5.6 goals per hour). That to me is a natural result of lining up with McDavid and Draisaitl and Nugent-Hopkins – an expected outcome, Willis: Analyzing how much the Oilers should be willing to spend on rather than an outlier. pending free agent Alex Chiasson Notice something else: Chiasson’s involvement in the play hasn’t changed. IPP, or “individual points percentage,” at the far right of the chart, shows the percentage of on-ice goals where the player collected a By Jonathan Willis Mar 15, 2019 point. If Chiasson had 13 points instead of 14 this year, he’d be right at his career average.

My interpretation of this fact is that Chiasson’s doing the same things he Alex Chiasson scored his 20th goal of the year on Wednesday night. It’s usually does, but the results look a lot better because he’s playing with a big milestone. It’s especially big for a 28-year-old who has played six higher-end talent. If that judgment is right, it means his performance this seasons in the NHL and previously never scored more than 13 goals in a year is repeatable. And while I don’t think he’s a critical element in that single year. power play succeeding, he is a useful one. Chiasson is a rarity on the 2018-19 Oilers: an overachiever. Chiasson has been playing the net-front role previously held by Milan Four Oilers have 20-plus goals, but three of them carry a hefty price tag, Lucic and the Oilers have been better with him in that slot than they were with the cheapest being Ryan Nugent-Hopkins at a $6-million cap hit. previously. So far this year, they get a seven percent increase in shot Chiasson has done it for $650,000. He only received that modest volume and a 10 percent increase in goal production with the right- contract after entering training camp on a professional tryout, having shooting Chiasson in that role instead of the left-shooting Lucic. passed through free agency without a one-way NHL deal. It’s a small enough gap that it might not mean anything, especially since That won’t be an issue this summer. Twenty goals should guarantee him there was also a mid-season coaching change, but at the very least it a shiny new one-way deal well before October. The question for seems probable that Chiasson is as good as Lucic in the role. To my eye, Edmonton is whether they should be the team to offer Chiasson that he’s better at taking away the goalie’s line of sight, though that’s contract. debatable. Presumably, the coaches have their own reasons for why they prefer him in that role. Without looking at the data, the argument could go in either direction. Playing that net-front role is a valuable skill and one NHL teams pay for. On one side, there’s a natural desire to reward past performance. Lucic’s power play ability was mentioned by Peter Chiarelli as a Chiasson delivered for the Oilers and that’s the kind of player worth significant part of the reason that player was signed to a seven-year, keeping around. $42-million contract in the summer of 2016.

On the other side, anyone who has watched hockey for a while knows to “He’s net-front,” Chiarelli explained at the press conference announcing be suspicious of a sudden breakthrough by players in their late-20s. NHL the deal. “He’s net-front, he tips and stuff. He puck-retrieves too on the teams shouldn’t be paying for past performance; they should be paying power play. Puck recovery’s very important; he’s very good at that. for future performance. What happens if the Oilers pay Chiasson like a 20-goal man (and let’s not forget his low assist count) and he produces “The thing about Milan is he can play different roles on the power play. like the guy who could only get a tryout deal last fall? He’s a very smart player. He can play off of players. You heard him talk about Connor and we have other smart players also.” These arguments can be fun for fans, but for the Oilers organization, that kind of discussion is a waste of time. They should be looking at the data. It’s not enough to just be big; there is actual ability required to fill that slot on an NHL power play. At the same time, it’s the kind of role that doesn’t The first thing that leaps out about Chiasson’s year is his remarkable require a $6-million man, though the players who fill that slot often get scoring touch. He has scored on 20 percent of his shots as an Oiler. He paid big money because they produce points. Chiasson appears to be had scored on fewer than 12 percent of his shots prior to his arrival in better at it than Lucic, and whatever his next contract, he’s likely to be Edmonton. cheaper than any free agent replacement the Oilers might eye for that slot. It may sound counterintuitive, but in most ways, the 2018-19 version of Chiasson looks a lot like the 2012-18 versions of the same player. Here’s On closer examination, this doesn’t really seem like a fluke year for how his 61 games this year compare to an average 61 games from his Chiasson. A lot of his shots have gone in, but by the same token, he’s pre-Edmonton career at 5-on-5: been a little bit unfortunate in terms of assists at 5-on-5. His 5-on-5 scoring is in line with his career numbers and his is 5-on-4 scoring seems Ignore goals and assists for a moment and look at his overall point totals. likely to be repeatable if he’s placed in the same circumstances next At 5-on-5, Chiasson has about two points more this year than he usually season. gets in 61 NHL games. Yet he’s also averaging 2.4 minutes more per game than he usually does. Those cancel each other out – in fact, his 5- The bigger concern is one of age. Chiasson is 28. NHL history is filled on-5 point scoring rate this year is down a little bit from his career with guys who were good, useful bottom-six forwards at 28 and weren’t in average. the league at 30.

He’s scoring more goals, but getting fewer assists, and overall his team To assess that risk, we decided to run with the same basic principles we is scoring about the same number of goals-per-hour that it always does used for Patrick Maroon last season. when he’s on the ice. We wanted to find a collection of players who had similar profiles in both If anything, I’d say that Chiasson’s 5-on-5 numbers this year are probably a) the five-year age 24-28 period and b) their age-28 platform season. a little lower than we’d expect from his career as a whole, given the We decided to use points-per-game as our benchmark so as to have a people he has played with. His most common forward linemate is Leon larger sample; while a better stat like goals above replacement will Draisaitl; his second most common is Connor McDavid. It’s a little weird eventually become standard for this sort of analysis, right now that data he hasn’t done more with that at 5-on-5. only goes back to 2007-08. Using points/game enabled us to look back to the late 1990s. Where he has cashed-in is on the power play. Chiasson has so far played 356 games and scored 0.32 points/game Chiasson’s 5-on-4 ice time is almost double his career average this over the five-year span from age 24 to 28. So far this year, his age 28 season. Both goals and assists have spiked, as has his shooting season, he has 32 points in 61 games (0.52 points/game). Those are our percentage. If we’re going to make a case that he’s playing over his parameters. head, this is where we would make it. Using Hockey-Reference’s play index function, we compiled a list of I’m not going to make that case. It might be true, but the more I weight players who had played at least 200 games (the number has to be low so the data, the more I think Chiasson’s performance is reasonable. as not to exclude people who lost time to lockouts) between age 24 and If we scroll to the right on the chart, we see on-ice goal production. The 28 and scored between 0.23 and 0.41 points/game. We then eliminated power play Chiasson is on this year is almost twice as productive (10.2 anyone who hadn’t played at least 40 games and scored at least 0.32 Nevertheless, it’s clear that Chiasson is getting a raise. Given his age points/game as a 28-year-old. and history, he can’t really expect to cash-in; Patrick Maroon had to settle for one year at $1.75 million last summer and he’d done more scoring This resulted in a list of 30 players. They had very similar age 24-28 over a longer period of time than Chiasson. numbers to Chiasson. They’d also collectively had a good age-28 season, though one much closer to their career norms than the one The Oilers should be able to accommodate him. Two years isn’t much of Chiasson is having. It’s just not very common for a 30-point guy to a risk, and given his power play scoring, they could probably safely go as suddenly land on a McDavid/Draisaitl power play at age 28. high as a $1.5-million AAV on that term. If they’re willing to take the risk of burying a bit of money, they could probably even tack on a third year This estimate suggests that the Oilers should be fine on a one-year at the current league-minimum rate, for three seasons at a $1.23-million extension, and will probably be OK at two years, but shouldn’t want to go AAV. beyond that. It’s a conservative guess, though, because our group of comparables didn’t as a whole have the kind of spike that Chiasson did That would be a risk and a deal they could only make if ownership was this season. willing to potentially pay NHL dollars for a guy in the minors in that third year. The trade-off there would be an extra $270,000 in cap room in each I’m leery about going with a smaller group, but I’m also concerned that of the first two years, but a real possibility of the player being buried in the composite above doesn’t adequately factor in Chiasson’s the AHL with a $108,000 hit against the books. Better to keep the deal to breakthrough year. I decided to drill down on a subgroup of seven two years if possible, since spending the owner’s money makes sense players from the above list who had age-28 breakthroughs comparable to but spending it foolishly does not. that of Chiasson: Either hypothetical deal would be the richest contract of Chiasson’s The Red Wings have had better luck with this sort of player than most career. teams; both Johan Franzen and Dan Cleary pop up, and both of those players had several very good years afterward, not regressing back to The rationale underpinning that maximum-$1.5 million price is that their career norms. Chiasson is a fourth-line 5-on-5 winger on talent, that he’s capable of taking on more work on the penalty kill (where historically he’s been The non-Detroit version of this is players includes Tomas Kopecky and pretty good) and that he can specialize in a net-front role on the top Niklas Hagman. The less successful version features Mike Santorelli and power-play unit. Marcel Goc, who had trouble maintaining the pace. Nevertheless, this group of seven (’s unusual career is also technically a fit) If Chiasson can get more than that from another team, he should. was more successful than similar players who had less exceptional Careers are short and while he’s made good money in the NHL he’s only platform years. once had a seven-figure cap hit. The Oilers should not go above that figure, though. They can replace him at 5-on-5 easily enough in free What does that all mean? It’s likely that in terms of offensive production agency and they aren’t really using him on the penalty kill. Chiasson outperforms the group average presented in the first chart. This fits with our larger view of his production, which shows how much he’s It’s a risk to go out and audition someone else for the power play slot – or benefited from fitting in on the top power play. It’s reasonable to think that to stick Lucic back there – but it’s better to take that chance than to in those circumstances he can keep producing. commit too much for too long to Chiasson.

The question is how to value this contribution. One thing we haven’t The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 touched on here is the shot metrics and they paint a grim picture of what happens when Chiasson is on the ice. Together he and Draisaitl have a 46 percent shot share at 5-on-5. Draisaitl without Chiasson is 51 percent; Chiasson without Draisaitl is 42 percent.

The reality isn’t quite as bad as the top line numbers. Draisaitl’s time with Chiasson has been mostly without McDavid and his time away from Chiasson has been mostly with McDavid. Edmonton has major depth issues. Chiasson has been getting a heavy diet of defensive zone work when he isn’t playing with the stars. Bottom line, there are a lot of factors exaggerating those numbers.

There is, however, little doubt that Chiasson should be playing in the bottom-six, goal totals be damned, as we can see when we look at how McDavid and Draisaitl have done without him:

No matter how we work the combinations, the conclusion here is obvious: Chiasson is a drag on scoring in the top-six. He has plenty of goals this year, but these line combinations don’t work for the Oilers. The second fact is far more important than the first.

At even-strength Chiasson is what he has been over most of his career: a solid fourth-line forward. He scores points like one, even this year. The on-ice shot metrics and goal total reflect that level of ability.

That’s not a criticism. He’s a useful player to have around, especially if he is regarded as a positive veteran influence by the coaching staff. He can kill penalties, too, a skill set Edmonton hasn’t made much use of this year.

Mostly that’s the kind of player teams do well to keep to six-figure contracts. I liked the initial $650,000 bet. I would have been comfortable in Edmonton’s position going over Ty Rattie’s $800,000 for that set of talents, but not far over. What changes things is that these skills have now been married to genuine ability in a net-front power play role, which is the kind of thing that’s pricey to buy on the market.

Chiasson is one of 14 players with seven power play goals on the year. They range in price from Brian Boyle’s $2.55-million cap hit all the way up to John Tavares’ $11-million figure. Boyle is the only player on the list who is really even an approximate fit for Chiasson in terms of his broader game, and as a huge, faceoff-winning, physical centre he has some extra selling points. 1136235 Florida Panthers The added strength has helped him turn from a “baby giraffe” into one of junior hockey’s more feared power forwards. More than that, though, he turned his skating, which was once a weakness, into a strength.

Behind Panthers prospect Serron Noel’s transformation from ‘baby For his size, Noel’s speed has become somewhat of a marvel. giraffe’ to ‘beast’ It began with hard work — and hours upon hours of on-ice training with Generals skating coach Tracy Tutton and his personal skating coach By Scott Wheeler Mar 15, 2019 Shelley Kettles.

Under the recommendation of his spring hockey coach Jason York (a longtime former NHL player), Noel reached out to Kettles in his OHL draft When a barely 16-year-old Serron Noel first arrived in Oshawa to play for year. The pair have worked together in Ottawa for every summer since. the OHL’s Generals, he was a wiry, lanky, insecure kid — and it was tough. “If I had video it would be funny to go back. I always remember the ‘oh my God’ or the little sigh because he was being challenged. But he will “I mean, when he came here he was a shy kid, I would suspect not with a go far because he is coachable and has a strong work ethic,” Kettles ton of confidence in day-to-day life, let alone in the hockey piece. I don’t said. know if he even knew, or if anybody knew, how good he could be,” Generals general manager Roger Hunt said on Thursday. Together, Kettles and Noel worked to rebuild how he skated.

“It’s tough, these kids are moving away at 15 years old and some of them “The hardest thing for a player with height is to get them low to the ice are GTA players so they’re based not too far away but Serron is from but Serron has a presence on the ice and has learned to use it to his Ottawa so he’s four hours away and it’s not like he can just jump on a city advantage. Over time, as his body gets physically stronger, he will only bus and go see his folks and go home to see his family or his friends, so get better. Serron’s going to be a beast in the game,” Kettles said. that’s a big thing.” “I could go on and on. When we started he skated down the ice well, he Two and a half years later Noel is the latest signee of the Florida was very upright which at that time for his age and level was normal. Panthers, a second-round NHL draft pick and one of hockey’s bright Over the months we worked on transitions, edges and lateral skating. He young stars. worked very hard and felt and saw results, that is very rewarding for a player because the game changes and skating can bring confidence to His journey has been a long one, both personally off the ice and now his game.” professionally on it. Confidence has always been central to Noel’s success — and his As a young boy, he didn’t have any interest in playing hockey. His dad, failures. But it all started with his skating and progress made with Kettles. Dean, an immigrant to Canada by way of the Caribbean, was a running back in the League (CFL) for five seasons after In those early days in Oshawa, he leaned on fellow Ottawa native and playing at Delaware State University. But when injuries took their toll on Generals teammate Will Ennis. Ennis and Noel grew up playing against his career as much as on his life, Dean didn’t want his son to pursue each other and became fast friends. Hunt credits the former supporting football. the latter through a challenging time.

“He was never a big fan of me playing football, just because of all of the “Will was a huge crutch to help Serron and that growth process is injuries he has sustained over the years. Not to say you can’t get injuries important. These guys are coming here in formative years of their life, let in hockey but he knows how tough it is in football. So at a younger age alone formative years of hockey. And he has grown leaps and bounds. he kind of steered me to go towards hockey,” Noel said. He has that confidence now, he has a little bit of swagger to him and I think that he’s realizing that there’s something there and there’s a Eventually, after finally joining a road hockey game in his hometown of lifestyle ahead of him if he continues to work that obviously will pay off,” Ottawa with a handful of kids who’d already been playing together for Hunt said. years, Noel fell in love with the sport. “Firstly, he has grown as a person. Certainly, our scouts recognized it Late to start, he didn’t begin playing on the ice until he was seven years early and then when he came here, he just continued to prove it to us, old, more than two or three years after most kids had already begun that he was a good player and he was going to be a pro down the road. playing. There’s pro sports in his veins and certainly, I think the biggest thing that has helped him as a player is he has developed that confidence in day- As a result, his career didn’t follow the linear trajectory of most top to-day life.” prospects. He initially sorted into his local house league’s B division due to his skillset. By 13, when he had finally progressed to the Minor Bantam In his draft year, Noel nearly doubled his point totals, finishing with 28 AAA level, he finished just ninth on his team in scoring. goals (fifth among all under-18 OHL players) and a standout performance at the world under-18 championship with six points in five games (tied for When the Generals took him in the second round of the OHL draft two Team Canada’s lead). years later, they took a flyer on his towering size and raw frame more than his talent. Throughout, he leaned on teammate Allan McShane as the duo navigated the draft process together (McShane was ultimately selected As an OHL rookie the following fall, things didn’t go well. Noel looked lost by the Montreal Canadiens). McShane, alongside Ennis, became part of and uncomfortable. Noel’s inner circle as he adjusted to life away from home. Noel also “His game has grown in leaps and bounds where he had some raw talent moved in with his cousins in Bowmanville, 20 minutes east of Oshawa, but man oh man, that first year he would fall 25 times a game. He was so rather than a billet family. tall, he was like a bit of a baby giraffe out there at times,” Hunt said. McShane describes Noel as fun, easygoing and funny when he wants to “But as he grew into his body and his leg strength, and you see it now be. The pair spend a lot of time together outside of the rink. Before each being drafted as high as he was, signing a contract with Florida, they game, they share a superstitious handshake. don’t give out contracts just to anybody so I think he has earned it and “He can control the game when he wants to and he’s definitely a top deserved it.” player in the league. His progression has been consistent and he has just When Noel entered the league, he was 6-foot-4 and roughly 170 pounds. got better and better since he started in the league. I definitely look up to That season, he posted just 21 points in 63 games and he looked slow. him in a lot of ways in terms of his play style and I think there’s a lot to learn from how he plays and the aggression and speed he brings in his These days, Noel is now 6-foot-5, with his weight bouncing between 205 game. He’s fun to play with and fun to watch,” McShane said. and a little over 210 pounds. “Contracts are on some of the guys’ minds and he deserves it so it’s nice “My first summer, going into my draft year, I really focussed on getting to see him get rewarded for that. Everyone is really happy for him.” some weight behind me, I really had a good diet and ate a lot of tuna and put some pounds on me,” Noel said. These days, Dean also makes the 250-mile trip from Ottawa to Oshawa for most of Noel’s games. Due to ongoing health issues and a battle with gout, Dean’s ability to work on a consistent basis is limited, often Off the ice, Cornacchia describes Noel as laid back, approachable, requiring time off (and freeing him up to make the trip). friendly, well-liked by his peers and direct when questioned.

His mom, Dara, who works full-time at the Canadian Food Inspection On the ice, they’ve worked on everything from hand-eye, to receiving Agency, will catch Oshawa’s games in Ottawa and Kingston when her passes, getting his release off faster, or taking pucks off of the wall. schedule allows it. Cornacchia is a believer that the more time a player spends practicing with a puck on his stick, the faster he will perfect his skills. “It’s pretty tough for my dad. My mom has a pretty consistent job so she can’t really make it down as much. But she has sacrificed a lot. She has “I notice all the work he puts into his trade, the time he spends polishing paid for a lot of things, taken me to a lot of early morning practices, his shot, and coming out of his comfort zone. He knows, as an athlete, sacrificed her work time to take me to tournaments. She has been that he needs to do that in order to have success at the next level, he’s amazing. She is kind of a quiet person so she hides in the background got to have that versatility,” he finished. but she is just as important as my dad for sure in this whole career,” Noel explained. Now, he looks at the signing of his new contract as the beginning — a beginning forged with confidence, rather than timidness. “(Ennis, McShane and I) are like brothers now. And then my cousins are unbelievable, it’s the best situation for me. They have excellent food and “Signing the contract was exciting but I was pretty nervous, to be honest, I feel like I’m at home, plus my dad can come down and stay without just because it’s really where work starts. I have lots of support guys with having that awkwardness to it. It’s perfect.” the Panthers, get lots of text messages, I even got a call from GM Dale Tallon so that was pretty special. I’ve been taken out to dinner a couple This season, Noel’s game has exploded. His 77 points in 66 games rank of times and they’re always texting me, telling me what I can work on and fourth among all under-19 OHL players, behind only 2019 top draft just giving me tips, so it has been awesome,” Noel said. prospect Arthur Kaliyev, Los Angeles Kings prospect Akil Thomas, and Dallas Stars prospect Riley Damiani. Thus far this season, Noel, who The player and person Noel is today are nothing like the one who arrived turned 18 in August, has outscored his nearest teammate (McShane) by three seasons ago. 13 points, to lead the Generals to third place in the OHL’s eastern “Now he’s a very proud, upstanding young man. (Panthers head coach) conference. Due to his late birthday, only two OHL players younger than and his staff are going to have an incredible blank Noel have outscored his 60 primary points this season. canvass of talent coming in there and I really think that he will be molded It all started with that confidence he lacked when he began his junior into a power forward in this day and age’s game with such straightway career — confidence he has now begun to develop. speed that is second to none. I’ve got to believe that intimidation comes in many forms and his speed will be intimidating, even at the next level,” “(Things changed) when I began feeling that I have the ability to go out Hunt said. there and be dominant. Getting bigger and stronger really helped me out a lot. Coming in I was really raw and I didn’t really know how to play in He’s not done developing either. There’s still a yet-untapped ceiling. the league but I kind of understand it now and I understand that I can use “I really want to work on my hands in tight, just being able to in front of my size to my advantage,” Noel said. the net deke the goalie out and put it upstairs. And then my skating is still This summer, Noel intends to build a schedule with Kettles, rather than a long way away and just the factor of getting stronger and being able to simply skating with her whenever he can. He also wants to work more win battles to get to the net at the next level,” Noel said. with the team at Power Edge Pro (PEP), who provide on-ice technology In more ways than one, Noel’s OHL career has been transformational. that force players (their clients include Taylor Hall and Connor McDavid) to practice drills that require high-tempo movements in tight spaces. “He always had speed but he would fall down or there was contact made down low in the offensive zone and sometimes his legs would give out. Nick Quinn, son to PEP founder Joe and a former Oshawa General That’s not the case anymore. He is a powerful, big, 200-plus-pound man himself (though he jokes that he wasn’t quite as good as Noel), has now,” Hunt said. worked with the Generals for three years now as a skills-specific trainer. “It’s hard to get him off the puck and you don’t see him down on the ice “The development curve I’ve seen with him in the last year or two is as much now. Being that big that young, coordination and everything huge. When he first came to the team, you watched him play and you caught up to him and now he’s a threat every single time he’s on the ice thought, he’s got raw talent, he’s got all the potential, but I think that’s to blow by a defenceman or to separate from a backchecker. Those are what it was: it was potential,” Quinn said. things that are difficult to teach and he’s got them as a natural gift.”

“And now when you see the size that he is, his increased ability to be The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 able to multitask in tight spaces, for a guy of his size and stature to have that skillset, is huge. For a guy with his size, it is rare for somebody to be able to move his hands and his feet together like he can. Two years ago, he wasn’t the same player. He has improved – I mean, he looks like an absolute steal in the draft right now.”

Generals skills coach Anthony Cornacchia, who has worked with the team since 2013 and runs nearby Edge Hockey, has seen similar growth in Noel’s game in their 45-minute, bi-weekly skills sessions.

Ahead of his draft year, Cornacchia believed Noel was going to be a mid- first round pick and was surprised when he fell to the early second round.

“Serron came to us as a big body kid with very, very high-level skill, it took him maybe half a season to adjust in the OHL. In the second round he’s a steal,” Cornacchia said.

“He’s very easy to work with, he cares about his trade, and I would say with Serron that he’s always willing to want to get better. He has improved, he’s sometimes first and last on the ice, which is important because he’s putting more time into his trade and he wants to get better, knowing this is only the start for him.”

When Cornacchia heard the news of Noel’s entry-level contract with the Panthers, he was thrilled because he knew that work had paid off.

“That 6-foot-5 frame, that’s a big man that is able to use his body on net drives and power drives, shielding pucks and getting to the house. And he will definitely be successful at the pro level,” Cornacchia said. 1136236 Los Angeles Kings Wheat Kings and now an assistant general manager for the Winnipeg Jets, gave Granger his start, and he was hired by the Vancouver Canucks in 1992 and by the Kings in 2006.

Kings equipment manager Darren Granger has been steady presence on Granger has seen the evolution to composite sticks and removable skate bench for nearly 2,000 games blades. Ryan Smyth in 2011 was the last Kings player to use a wooden blade. Kovalchuk is the only Kings player who still uses decade-old skates with non-removable blades. By CURTIS ZUPKE MAR 15, 2019 | 5:15 PM What hasn’t changed is the players’ idiosyncrasies. Kovalchuk and Jeff Carter like using new sticks, while others, such as former Kings winger Jordan Nolan, got new sticks only if they broke. Brown goes through 10 Darren Granger still remembers the lost . pairs of skates in a season but rarely changes shoulder pads. As the clock ran down on franchise history and Granger recently changed the cage on goalie Jonathan Quick’s mask, combusted with 45 years of pent-up joy, it didn’t escape him. It was the and Quick used it for a few games before he abandoned it for his old end of Game 6 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Final, and in that historic one. Quick will change his glove, but he doesn’t like to change his chest moment, Justin Williams hurled his glove as chaos ensued and confetti protector and arm pads. streamed down. “He’s using stuff that was built for him 15 years ago,” Granger said. “His “It went about 10 rows behind the bench, into the stands, and we were [leg] pads still have the same material on the inside. They’re a little like, ‘Ah, forget it,’ ” Granger said. heavy. As the Kings’ equipment manager, Granger leaves no detail forgotten, “When I ask him, it’s a lot to do with the way he plays. He likes to stay even in delirium. He’s the caretaker of their tools of the trade, and a with his body, where other goalies are trying to take up space and try and behind-the-scenes rock through Cup conquests and franchise lows. He’s be as big as they possibly can.” usually the first person players see when they show up at the rink, and the last person they see when they leave the locker room after the game. Granger is one of the first people to be aware of a trade or a new player Saturday will mark Granger’s 2,000th game, his steady presence as because he has to produce a jersey. If a number is taken, Granger will much a part of the Kings as the jerseys on their backs. send the player a list of others to choose from, or he’ll choose it himself.

“His heart rate never goes above 60,” assistant equipment manager There are special times when a player such as Carl Grundstrom will Dana Bryson said. make his NHL debut, and Granger will have that player wear two jerseys, one of which is a keepsake version with a special stitching inside that If there’s one person who knows the Kings inside and out, it’s Granger. denotes his first game. He knows how the players feel, right down to crafting gear to help protect their banged-up bodies. But it’s more that Granger and his staff serve as “I think guys like that,” Granger said. a sounding board to players, a visit to his office akin to sitting in a barber’s chair. Granger helped goalie Jack Campbell adjust to the new rules for chest protectors and has seen Campbell go through everything from his first “With these guys, they know everything about me,” defenseman Drew NHL shutout, at the Montreal’s Bell Centre, to a deflating six-week injury. Doughty said. “They know every little thing. They know when I’ve done When Campbell changed his jersey from No. 1 to No. 36, Granger was stupid [things] and I come in the next morning and tell them about it. his first phone call. They know my emotions. They know me as a player. They know me as a husband. They probably know a little too much, to be honest.” “He’s just so chill,” Campbell said.

It’s that day-to-day interaction that Granger has enjoyed over the years. That calm demeanor masks the nocturnal hours of equipment managers, He’s seen the emotional flow on the bench, from the tears of Willie who are in constant transit to the next venue in the name of drying out Mitchell upon that ’12 Cup clincher to all the work that led up to that day. gear for the next morning.

“I think being a positive guy, and somebody that they trust fully, I think is “I think my family should get an award before anybody else,” Granger a big part of it,” Granger said. “It’s a big part of a job to be like that. I think said of 2,000 games. “It’s a lot of time away.” with that, it becomes a bit of a friendship. The Kings’ two Cup wins eased the sacrifice. In the catharsis and “One thing I do pride myself on is treating everybody the same and partying that consumed the scene of ’12, Granger had the forethought to making sure that, no matter who you are, you have what you need to get instruct the arena’s ice crew to retrieve all the gloves, sticks, helmets and your job done, and going above and beyond to do that.” whatever else was disrobed. But he wasn’t going to let it interfere with history. Granger, 47, is one of the last old-school equipment managers who can do repairs such as re-palm gloves and stitch skates. He recently had to “I’ll give him credit,” Bryson said. “He said, ‘I don’t [care] what happens to replace the sole in a skate of interim coach , an the equipment. We’ll find it eventually. But we’re going to enjoy this unheard-of fix in today’s age. moment.’ ”

“I think he might be the last guy left wearing Nike skates,” Granger said. One lost glove notwithstanding.

Bryson said Granger’s hand is rare in an age of readily available new UP NEXT gear that easily replaces broken equipment. VS. FLORIDA

“It’s almost like a lost art, and he’s an absolute wizard,” Bryson said. When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Dustin Brown remembers Granger cutting a hole in ’s On the air: TV: FS West; Radio: iHeartRadio (LA Kings Audio Network). skate and patching it to accommodate an inflamed ankle that Kovalchuk dealt with earlier this season. Brown has had his share of ailments too Update: Florida goalie Sam Montembeault has won three straight games over the years, and Granger has walked him through each one. since he made his NHL debut March 2. Jonathan Huberdeau is one assist short of tying Viktor Kozlov’s franchise season record of 53. The “Anybody can re-sew an elbow pad together, but he comes up with Kings lost to the Panthers 6-1 two days before the Feb. 25 trade material that he has in back or finds,” Brown said. “He’s really good at deadline. creating something that gives you better texture or support but doesn’t get in the way.” LA Times: LOADED: 03.16.2019

Granger hung around the rink as a kid in Brandon, Canada, near Winnipeg, because his father, Stu, was a linesman and off-ice official in the . A trainer for the asked Granger to help out, and he found himself working at the local skate shop. Craig Heisinger, formerly the equipment manager for the 1136237 Los Angeles Kings LA Times: LOADED: 03.16.2019

What we learned from the Kings’ 3-1 loss to Nashville

By CURTIS ZUPKE MAR 15, 2019 | 10:15 AM

Judging by the last two games, it will be interesting to see who will be the next Kings rookie to step forward.

Last Sunday, it was Carl Grundstrom. On Thursday, it was Austin Wagner. The winger returned from a lower-body injury and scored his team’s only goal in a 3-1 loss to the Nashville Predators at Staples Center.

The wins and losses only matter in terms of the Kings increasing their odds for getting the No.1 draft pick in June, but it was notable that their 37th regulation loss equaled their most since the 2008-09 season. Back then, they eventually emerged from the depths with Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown. This time around they’ve got other intriguing pieces for the rebuild, some of which were on display Thursday.

Here’s what we learned:

Wagner has the right approach. Hang around the 21-year-old and it’s easy to see that he maintains a big perspective while also exhibiting a healthy confidence. Many rookies would be negatively affected in a losing culture, but Wagner seems to understand this is a trying phase for the Kings and that it’s important to build toward the standard that’s been set.

“As a part of this organization, it’s been basically embroidered in me to win, and that’s all I want to do here,” he said. “I want to win games. I want to win the Stanley Cup. It doesn’t matter the score, we just need to win games, and that’s all I really care about right now.”

Wagner was not high on the radar in training camp, although he turned heads with some blazing speed in preseason games. The issue with him was being able to finish, and now that part of his game is showing.

“We missed him when he was out of the lineup,” interim coach Willie Desjardins said. “He’s got good speed. Every game he brings that and he adds to it. I think it’s something you need is those young guys going, and we’ve got to get those young guys going.”

This isn’t the greatest stretch for some of the veterans. Alec Martinez committed a giant turnover with a pass through the neutral zone that was intercepted and converted to a 3-1 lead. Ilya Kovalchuk committed a third-period giveaway and has made noticeable turnovers in each of the last three games. Jeff Carter looked a step slow and lost all eight faceoffs.

Even Jonathan Quick wasn’t at his usual level on Nashville’s second and third goals. With so much discussion about the Kings’ rookies stepping to the forefront, that edict applies to the older players as well, and they shouldn’t be immune from criticism when they fall short.

One exception Thursday was Drew Doughty, who blocked a shot with his face and didn’t miss a shift.

The Kings better get ready to play more contenders.

Thursday began a final stretch of the season that will feature several upper-tier teams. The Kings still have games against the Winnipeg Jets, San Jose Sharks, Calgary Flames (twice) and Las Vegas Golden Knights in the final 12 games.

The Predators swept the season series (6-0) for the second straight year after they turned the game around in a five-minute span in the second period and earned their first regulation win since Feb.21, against the Kings.

Nashville hasn’t looked like a Cup contender in recent weeks but it’s in the hunt for a Central Division title and who knows what could happen in the spring.

“It’s probably the best game we’ve played in recent weeks,” Colton Sissons said. “It feels good to put a complete effort in from start to finish and to just have everybody step up and play their best game. It feels good.” 1136238 Los Angeles Kings The Kings and Panthers have played once this season, with Florida routing the visiting Kings 6-1 on Feb. 23. Huberdeau had a goal and an assist.

Kings rookie Austin Wagner grades out well through his 1st 50 games KINGS VS. PANTHERS

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

By Robert Morales Where: Staples Center

Records: Panthers 31-27-12 (74 points), Kings 25-37-8 (58 points)

EL SEGUNDO — Kings interim coach Willie Desjardins was finishing up TV: Fox Sports West his post-game news conference after Thursday night’s 3-1 loss to the visiting Nashville Predators when he was asked about rookie forward Radio: Kings Audio Network (iHeartRadio) Austin Wagner, who scored the Kings’ only goal. Orange County Register: LOADED: 03.16.2019 “We missed him when he was out of the lineup,” Desjardins said of Wagner, who missed the previous four games with a lower-body injury. “He’s got good speed and every game he brings that and he adds to it, so I think it’s something that you need, is those young guys going and we’ve gotta get more young guys going.”

Wagner, 21, played the 50th game of his NHL career Thursday. His numbers are good, but not spectacular. He has 10 goals and seven assists, even though he typically plays on the fourth line and averages a team-low 8:41 of time on ice.

Asked to assess his performance over his first 50 games, Wagner spoke in honest tones after Friday’s practice.

“Up and down, I’d say,” said Wagner, whose team hosts Florida on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Staples Center. “I’ve had flashes where I’ve gone and scored well and even when I wasn’t scoring, I was playing well.”

Wagner suggested he was actually helped by getting sent down to Ontario of the AHL in late January during the NHL All-Star break.

“Since the All-Star break when I went down and came back up, I maybe had a little bit change of mindset of, ‘I’m here and I’m here to earn a spot and I’m here to work and keep this spot,’ because there’s always somebody from down there that could come up and take my spot,” Wagner said.

“I kind of learned that early in the year when I went down (in December) and then came back up. It is a battle when you’re a young guy. And there are young guys down there; it’s compete.”

The speedy Wagner said he is just trying to keep it simple and do what he does best.

“That’s skate, that’s forecheck, that’s shoot the puck and try and be a good teammate,” he said. “I feel like I’ve been doing good the last few games here.”

As does Desjardins, and not just offensively. Although the plus-minus ratio is deceiving, it’s interesting to note that Wagner is plus-2 on a team with mostly minus players.

“He’s gotten more responsible, for sure,” said Desjardins, who was asked to give Wagner a 50-game grade.

“I don’t know, grading’s always tough,” Desjardins said. “He’s been good, though. A grade? I don’t know. Maybe I’m an easy grader, but I think he’s pretty high. I think he’s a B-plus, A. He’s been good.

“To step in his first year, he really has contributed a lot. There are not many times lately we’ve taken him aside showing him things he’s done wrong. It’s been more things he’s doing right.”

Wagner said he wants to get better at every facet of his game, but his hands are key.

“My hands, they’re getting better,” he said. “They’re coming along. But at the same time, it’s hard to keep up with my feet.”

SCOUTING FLORIDA

The Kings (25-37-8, 58 points) were 19 points out of a Western Conference playoff spot with 12 games to play before Friday’s slate of games, so the postseason is not going to happen for them. But the Panthers (31-27-12, 74 points) were only seven points out of an Eastern Conference playoff berth, so they won’t lack motivation Saturday.

The Panthers are paced by forwards Aleksander Barkov and Jonathan Huberdeau, who have 78 and 74 points, respectively. 1136239 Los Angeles Kings “Just imagine how the pressure is so much more elevated when your team relies on you to be the guy every night. Phil Kessel, this year, went 16 or 17 games without a goal. That’s the longest (drought) of his NHL Duhatschek Notebook: What causes good players to have bad seasons career, going back to his rookie season. So, you’re in uncharted territory and Mark Stone fitting in well with Knights there with a guy’s psyche – and of where his confidence is at. Those guys are usually so automatic.”

Former NHLer , now an analyst on Los Angeles Kings’ By Eric Duhatschek Mar 15, 2019 broadcasts, has seen it go the other way too – and cited two players from his past, Bernie Nicholls and Luc Robitaille, that never seemed to lose

confidence in their scoring abilities. But according to Fox, they are the As a turbulent NHL season full of unexpected twists and turns winds exception rather than the rule. down and the playoff standings start to take shape, here’s a question to “Bernie Nicholls is a guy I would say has never, ever struggled with that – consider: ever,” Fox said. “You know the term ‘happy go lucky?’ That’s Bernie. I’ve What causes good players to have bad seasons? never seen him worry a day in his life. But for other guys, it can be an anxiety issue and there can be a trigger point. So maybe three games Now, I’d like to convince you that I’m asking purely for professional without a goal is, all of a sudden, a trigger point – and then your mind reasons – and to establish, if possible, the root causes for why a given starts to spin in a negative direction and it’s something that’s hard to player can have a consistent, productive season one year and then have control. Is it debilitating? No. You can still get up and do your job. But if it all go wrong the next. you’re worried about why you’re not scoring, where’s your energy going? It’s going there – and not to playing the game. But who’s kidding who? Like everybody else who plays in a fantasy sports league, at this stage of the season, you are trying to come to “As an athlete, you’re always trying to get to that moment when the game terms with what’s happened to your team – and are either frustrated by feels like it’s played in slow motion – when your mind is slowing it down the production of some of your underperforming players or gleefully to the point where you’re just in every second and you know exactly celebrating the unexpected output of others. what’s going on. How you get there and how you maintain that is a whole different question, but that’s what you try to train your body to do.” The NHL had eight 40-plus goal scorers last season. Five of them (Patrik Laine, William Karlsson, Eric Staal, Tyler Seguin and Anders Lee) are Another factor is injuries. Every team has them. No one ever really wants going to have significant drop-offs this year. Two of last year’s three Hart to reveal the truth behind them. Once upon a time, the NHL produced a Trophy finalists, Taylor Hall and Anze Kopitar, who had 93 and 92 points weekly injury list every Tuesday that addressed the specific injury that respectively, are also going to be way down, though in Hall’s case, it’s had sidelined a player. Eventually, the league phased out that practice, largely an injury issue. and allowed it to morph into that vague “upper body/lower body/day-to- day/out indefinitely” pattern that you see repeated nowadays. That At this time last year, Patrick Kane was finishing up a down campaign provides one level of uncertainty. after multiple seasons where he was a prolific scorer. In 2017-18, Kane posted a modest (by his standards) 76 points, only to roar back this year But what makes it even harder to evaluate is, once a player returns to the to 99 points in 69 games, good for third place in the Art Ross scoring lineup, what are the lingering effects of an injury. Generally, everyone race. Kane won the scoring race in 2016 with 106 points, which is his returning from an injury is playing catch-up when it comes to career high, one that he is likely to exceed in a major bounce-back year conditioning. Then there is the question of, is the player fully healthy? Or at the age of 31. are they playing at a fraction of their ability because the injury isn’t completely healed and might not be for the rest of the season? This is a question and a quandary that keeps the 31 gainfully employed NHL general managers awake at night – as well as those of us who For example, St. Louis’ Jaden Schwartz and Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell mirror their transactions in the world of fantasy hockey. missed time with undisclosed hand/wrist injuries this year. It’s possible – even likely – that when they returned to the lineup, they were not at 100 “It is a big mystery, it really is,” Colby Armstrong said, the former NHL percent; and probably won’t be this year. However, with time to heal in player who now works in television on both sides of the Canadian and the summer, they might be poised for significant rebounds. U.S. border. According to Armstrong, there are a number of identifiable explanations, but they all begin with the issue of confidence – how critical According to Fox, two years ago, when Kopitar slumped from 74 to 52 it can be to a players’ success and how easy it can sometimes slip away. points, a hand injury suffered in a game against the Ottawa Senators was a factor in his production decline. “I’ve gone through times, like after my first year in the NHL, when I had like 40 points in 47 games and life was great and I slept like a baby,” “We all saw it happen, but he kept playing and for the remainder of the Armstrong said. “Then in the summer, before the next year, I put all this season, he definitely was not the same,” Fox said. “I know trainers will pressure on myself. I ended up playing with (Sidney) Crosby and so I tell you that a hand injury, depending on its severity, you can still play started thinking, I have to have another big year.” with it, but to get back to 100 percent, it’s not happening until the beginning of the following season. It cannot recover while you’re still Armstrong’s point is sometimes hard for lesser mortals to comprehend – playing every day. It just can’t.” that even for the top players in the league, confidence can be a fleeting thing: Here today, gone tomorrow, and then back again for utterly Armstrong cited Schwartz and Rakell as two examples of players that unknown reasons. Laine, who has had a freakishly up-and-down season could be dealing with the lingering effects of an injury, which he says can from a goal-scoring perspective, will sometimes lament how his represent both a physical and a psychological hurdle. confidence can flag. “You get a couple of injuries and you’re trying to catch up and bounce But future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr was an almost annual poster boy back and all of a sudden, it gets away from you,” Armstrong said. “And for this phenomenon too. When things dried up for him, even if only for a I’m not talking about a long time. You can go eight games of not short time, Jagr had no issues admitting that his confidence had left him. producing like you should – and it already starts to weigh on a guy. The You always wanted to answer back: But you’re Jaromir Jagr! What time limit of elite players to break out of a hole is so much smaller and so chance does the rest of the world have if even Jaromir Jagr can have a much shorter than it is for a depth player, so the pressure mounts really crisis of confidence? fast.

Armstrong has seen that happen again in Pittsburgh, during Phil Kessel’s “Jaden Schwartz is a good example. I watch him play. He’s still a good goal-scoring slump over the past couple of months and even with player. It’s just one of those years. It really is tough to explain, especially Crosby, on the rare occasion that goals were hard to come by. with those elite guys. You think, ‘wow, that’s an off year for a big dog.’”

“These guys are human,” Armstrong said. “Even Sidney, last year, I saw Off-ice factors can also affect performance. Sometimes, a slow start – or him making passes and plays that he normally wouldn’t make. You could a bad patch – can be explained away by a change in a household. A new tell his confidence was shook a little bit – and it’s crazy to think that even baby arrives and disrupts everyone’s sleep patterns. What if triplets the great players have the same issues as third-line guys do. arrive, the way they did for the St. Louis Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo this past summer? Life isn’t just one episode after another of The Brady Bunch. It takes time They talk a lot on the bench and on the ice. But I think I could put him to welcome three squealing newcomers into your household and it is with anybody and he’d find his way through there. exacerbated by the fact that hockey players are the creatures of habit. “I thought the first week is obviously tough on guys when they gotta come from a new team and be here, but he’s played really well and done a Until new habits form; and if their lives away from the rink are out of sync; great job for us.” sometimes so is their play on the ice. Stone leads the league in takeaways with 101 (Florida’s Aleksandr “That’s the first thing I would think of is that there’s a personal issue Barkov is next at 91, followed by Connor McDavid at 84 and Ryan going on in their lives,” Fox said. “It doesn’t have to be an illness. It could O’Reilly at 82). Stone’s ability to play on both sides of the puck was be as simple as having a kid. It could be as simple as moving into a new immediately clear to his new teammates. house. Did your family change to the point where you’re now the head of the household and you’ve got challenges perhaps that you never faced “He does everything right out there,” Vegas forward Jonathan before? If there’s something new happening in your life, and the focus Marchessault said. “He doesn’t make any mistakes. It’s impressive how becomes the less on the game, before you know it, you’re in the midst of he’s always in the way, he’s always cutting plays, making those little a slump.” plays that make your linemates work better. He’s definitely a treat for our team.” Sometimes, too, it’s how a team’s collective season unfolds. You’ll often see, when things start to go south, players start trying to do too much. Marchessault said Stone reminds him of Stastny, another player that is a The Kings’ Drew Doughty, a Norris Trophy finalist a year ago, looks as if complete package. he’s spent most of the year trying too hard, trying to do someone else’s “They have good hockey sense,” Marchessault said. “They don’t have job and pressing the play instead of letting it unfold naturally. the best skating ability. They don’t have the best shot. They just do Teams that are in sync succeed mostly because everyone’s doing their everything right out there. own job – no more and no less. “Everybody talks about the new NHL now, with the speed and everything, “I say this quite a bit – that when you have a great year, the next year, but it doesn’t affect those guys. Those guys are smarter than a lot of teams don’t necessarily want more from you, they just want more of the them out there and they make it look easy.” same,” Fox said. What Marchessault is describing is something that’s hard to quantify – “But in your own mind, you don’t think like that. You think: ‘I need to give hockey sense – though it’s obvious to those playing with Stone on the more, I need to do more’ – and you can try too hard, you really can. You ice. Vegas defenceman Shea Theodore, for example, is seeing first-hand can try too hard and then you’re not yourself anymore. You’re trying to be how effective Stone can be on the backcheck. When I asked him how something that you’re not – and I think that happens regardless of age, you measure hockey IQ, Theodore answered: “I don’t think you can experience, salary. That’s just human nature and it’s a trait that I don’t measure it, but when you’re playing with him, you can really tell that he’s know if you could ever take out of an athlete.” always in the right spots. When he gets the puck, he’s really patient with it. He doesn’t force too many plays – and a lot of times, he’s making the A stepping Stone to the Cup? right ones.”

We’re almost three weeks past the NHL trade deadline now, a good time According to Theodore, Stone arrived in Vegas at the right time. to examine which of the so-called big fish that changed hands this year had an immediate impact on their new teams – and which ones are still “We were in a little bit of a rough patch there, and ever since he came, he trying to find their way. brought a little spark to our lineup and that was pretty important.”

Transitions usually take time, though some players make it happen far It’s interesting to see the Golden Knights willing to trade away significant more easily than others. player assets after last year’s trade deadline addition – Tatar – didn’t fit into the mix at all. The Golden Knights were a tight group, setting multiple For example, back in 2017, Patrick Eaves made the smoothest transition records for an NHL expansion team and there really wasn’t a place for imaginable, as a rental moving from Dallas to Anaheim, joining the top Tatar in the lineup. This year, the Golden Knights have remade last line alongside Ryan Getzlaf and scoring eight goals and 12 points in 19 year’s second line – of Erik Haula, David Perron and James Neal – games. But Martin Hanzal and Kevin Shattenkirk were just so-so fits in replacing them with Stone, Stastny and Pacioretty. Most times, the new Minnesota and Washington respectively. unit is still referred to as the second line, though based on pedigree, production and compensation, that doesn’t seem accurate anymore. If Similarly, in 2018, Evander Kane and Paul Stastny were good immediate anything, they are the first line, or at the very least, the 1B line behind additions in San Jose and Winnipeg, but Tomas Tatar, , Derick Marchessault, Karlsson and Reilly Smith. Brassard and Ryan Hartman were less impactful for Vegas, Boston, Pittsburgh and Nashville. The Golden Knights had a five-day break this week, which they believe will provide important rest and even more time to integrate Stone into the Just because a player produced at a point-a-game clip for a team before lineup. With only a dozen games remaining, they are essentially locked the deadline doesn’t mean he can immediately duplicate those numbers into third place in the Pacific Division, which gives them a chance to get in a new role for a new coach on a new team right after. Sometimes, it prepared for the playoffs and perhaps give starting goalie Marc-Andre doesn’t click right away. Fleury some rest down the stretch. The 35-year-old Fleury leads the NHL Among the big names listed on all the trade-deadline boards this season, in minutes played (3,455:13) and while he is used to being a workhorse Matt Duchene – after scoring 27 goals in 50 games for Ottawa this goaltender (seven times in his career, he’s played above 3,600 minutes), season, had just one in his first nine with the Columbus Blue Jackets. if the Golden Knights expect to duplicate last year’s deep playoff run, After scoring 22 goals in 57 games for Ottawa, Ryan Dzingel had zero Fleury could probably use a breather here. goals and three assists in his first seven Blue Jackets appearances. Marchessault, for one, thinks things are back on the rails in Vegas after Gustav Nyquist and Wayne Simmonds each had just a single point in an uneven start. their first five games with San Jose and Nashville respectively. “This year, our season was not necessarily the way we wanted it to go all The biggest catch of all – Mark Stone, who went to Vegas from Ottawa – year,” he said. “A big part of that is, teams being a little more ready to had just one assist in his first five games and then produced four points play us – and take us more seriously. But right now, the past month, in his next two appearances. But what the Golden Knights particularly we’re definitely back where we were last year – and definitely better also. liked about Stone was that he wasn’t on the ice for a single goal against So, I think we should be happy where we’re at, but there’s a lot of work until his seventh game, a loss last Sunday against divisional rival left.” Calgary. As for Gallant, he noted that it has been far tougher this year than last, in Where others have struggled, Stone seems to have fit in quite well. And part because Vegas played without Nate Schmidt, a 22-plus minute per when I put the question to Vegas coach – why no night stalwart last season, for the first 20 games. transition issues for Stone – he laughed and said, “I don’t know. “That was a big loss to us,” Gallant said, “but we got by that and we’ve “I mean, he’s a good hockey player, playing with some veteran hockey played really good hockey at times, but there’s been ups and downs for players – Stastny and (Max) Pacioretty and that really helps him out. us this season. “I think it’s good for a team in the long run. Last year, everything was too perfect, so … I think we’ve played our best hockey the last five or six games, and so hoping to continue to that.”

Fantasy vs. reality

Twice in the past couple of weeks, I’ve come across retired athletes turned commentators who also expressed an interest in fantasy sports. Martin Biron, the Buffalo Sabres’ color commentator, annually travels to Toronto to be part of the TSN Network’s preseason fantasy sports preview. (Biron’s broadcast partner, Brian Duff, used to play with us in Pierre LeBrun’s world-famous Media Hacks Pool). It turns out, Armstrong also started playing fantasy hockey this season and on Tuesday nights, as part of his regular Rogers Sportsnet appearance, he makes a fantasy pick to assist us all.

According to Armstrong, while he’s loving the experience, he was off to a relatively poor start in his Pittsburgh fantasy league. Like a lot of novice fantasy hockey players, Armstrong says he failed to make the distinction between players that he’d want on his team in the real world; and ones that you might only ever want to play on your fantasy team – because of the way their games come up short in ways that really matter on the ice.

But he’s also found that playing fantasy hockey is paying an unexpected dividend – in that it helps him in his preparation for his on-air duties.

“It forces you to know the intricacies of a team and a player inside that team,” Armstrong said, “the little things, of where he plays inside the lineup and who he is with, and how much action they’re going to see with top players in the prime areas of the ice. You have to all know that stuff.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136240 Los Angeles Kings –More on another fine Western Canadian boy. Austin Wagner joined the ranks of Los Angeles’ double-digit scorers by scoring his 10th goal of the season Thursday, providing the punctuation to a heavy cycling shift in NOTEBOOK: KOVALCHUK ODD MAN OUT? WAGNER’S WORK WITH which he combined with Kyle Clifford, Trevor Lewis and Matt Roy to beat DEVELOPMENT STAFF PAYING OFF Pekka Rinne and capitalize on a voracious forecheck.

Desjardins was asked to grade the NHL rookie and second-year pro.

JON ROSENMARCH 15, 2019 “Maybe I’m an easy grader, but I think he’s pretty high. I’d say he’s a B+, A, anyways. He’s been good,” he said. “To step in his first year, he really has contributed a lot. There’s not many times lately where we’ve taken him aside and shown him t hings he’s done wrong. It’s been more things A fine afternoon to you and yours, Insiders. The LA Kings took the ice he’s been doing right.” shortly before 11:00 a.m. at and got in a lot of special teams work as part of an extended skate. “Yeah, it was a good, Some notes on @lakings’ Austin Wagner hard day. I wasn’t very happy with the first period yesterday. I just think we had more. We just do, and I think all our guys, I don’t think anybody in Last year (w/ ONT): 50 GP, 10-7-17 our room would disagree with me,” Willie Desjardins said. This year (w/ LAK): 50 GP, 10-7-17

The antidote? Good hard practice. Teams aren’t always trying to He’s averaging 2.4 points per 60 mins, more than any regular in the reinforce structure between Game 70 and 71; a team of sound position lineup. Potential for regression, sure (shooting 19.4% on the season), but might be more apt to conserve their energy and get touches. When the he’s been a great addition. Kings were playoff-bound, skates this time of year often wouldn’t be much more than flow drills and pucks on goalies. “Now you’d like to be — Alex Faust (@alex_faust) March 15, 2019 going nice and easy and tapering, and we’re going the opposite,” Desjardins said. “We’re starting to work hard.” This, of course, is among the most promising developments of a rotten season. Wagner was projected to start the year in Ontario, but because Iafallo-Kopitar-Brown of his speed, his training camp, injuries to other wings and the commitment he’d shown in his development, he’s played primarily for Los Grundstrom-Kempe-Toffoli Angeles and has stuck around over the second half of the season while Leipsic-Carter-Brodzinski-Kovalchuk others have gone up and down. He has six goals, eight points and a plus-three rating over his last 13 games and has broken through in the Clifford-Lewis-Wagner second half as a player who has been putting his tools in concert to provide needed secondary offense. Forbort-Doughty “It sounds like it’s pretty easy – just shoot the puck,” said Mike Donnelly, Martinez-Roy Player Development, who is among those to have spent a good deal of Phaneuf-LaDue time with the young forward since he was drafted in the fourth round in 2015. “But there are a lot of details that go into becoming a good shooter, MacDermid-Walker so we spent a lot of time on that, like we do with all our prospects and all our draft picks. Wags, he really liked it and he really put a lot of time and They look like ants – a CENTER FOR ANTS?! – but that’s Lewis and effort into it, and it’s showing in his play.” Clifford again getting some netfront work in. Out 30 minutes before practice. pic.twitter.com/zkB7jiNkGG Donnelly made clear that Wagner put in immense work to get to the point where he could set a goal of making the Kings out of training camp and — Jon Rosen (@lakingsinsider) March 15, 2019 achieve it. He’s made tremendous strides in constructing his own identity Notes! with a work ethic that has allowed him to play some of his best hockey late in the season. –The vitals: It’s possible that Ilya Kovalchuk could be the odd-man out Saturday afternoon. During late-skate drills depicting line rushes, Jonny Though as a young player he’d been known as someone whose poise Brodzinski skated opposite on Jeff Carter’s line during and decision-making took some time to catch up with his pure, the first rotation. “Whenever you’re losing, you just can’t stand pat. You unadulterated speed, he’s built his game by adapting to a solid want to find ways to get better,” Willie Desjardins said. “We do want to forechecking role that incorporates many of the defensive attributes that get young guys in and playing, too. I think we’re always looking at came naturally to him while with the Regina Pats. NHL players are often different things we could do.” This isn’t set in stone, and it’s possible that accustomed to playing every role as stars at the major junior level, but in Kovalchuk could enter into another area in the lineup if he’s not a right one revealing statistic, of the 88 goals he scored his final 195 WHL wing on Carter’s line. That line did not perform well against Nashville, games, one was scored on the power play, and 17 while shorthanded. with Leipsic (11:33 5×5 TOI; 6 CF, 20 CA), Carter (13:01 5×5 TOI; 8 CF, “I didn’t play power play in junior,” he said. “My coach told me, ‘when you 23 CA) and Kovalchuk (11:10 5×5 TOI; 6 CF, 20 CA) losing the territorial get to pro, you’re probably not going to play power play, so why would I battle handily. get your expectations up so that when you go there you expect to play “I think Kovalchuk, he brings lots of energy. I like certain things he does, power play?’ I never expect anything, I and I know it comes with time and for sure. He’s a guy that’s been around quite a while and he has lots of work, but down there, penalty killing, I love it and try to work on it. In pride in his game,” Desjardins said. practice, even today the guys are running the power play, I can work on penalty kill and stuff like that – work on the little things like getting in –I’ll have more on this either later this evening or tomorrow morning, but lanes, using my stick better and reading plays, stuff like that.” stick taps to Darren Granger, who made his NHL debut in 1992-93 as a 21-year-old assistant equipment manager with the Vancouver Canucks That speed would look awfully tantalizing alongside Adrian Kempe on a and will work his 2,000th NHL game on Saturday against Florida. penalty kill some six, 12 or 24 months from now. It’s also something that could ultimately come to fruition. “It’s a good life, for sure,” Granger said after Friday’s practice. “I enjoy the job, I enjoy the people around it. That’s what I love about it, and I love the “I think as far as his opportunity on the penalty kill, it’s funny, I talked to game. I think my family, probably my wife and kids deserve an award as Dave Lowry today about that. And is he ready right now? I don’t know. much as anybody. They were away a lot and spend a lot of time at work But he’s a guy I want to get on that page,” Desjardins said. “Maybe we and at the rink, so I think about how much time they’ve put into it, too. can give him a look here later on. But we just want to get him used to it I’ve worked with two great organizations – Vancouver and here. and ready to go. At the same time, we’re still trying to find ways to win. Outstanding organizations to work for, good people around them.” We want to put out our best group every time, but maybe he’s got something that we haven’t seen yet.” Granger, who cut his teeth with former Winnipeg Jets equipment manager Craig Heisinger while with the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings “Opportunity’s number one, but our development guys have done a great before moving to Vancouver, has also represented Canada at the 2006, job with them, they really have. And they’re still doing it. That’s one of the 2008 and 2010 World Championships. He won gold medals with Canada biggest strengths out of the organizations since I’ve come here is they’re at the 2014 Winter Olympics and 2016 World Cup. taking extra time with these young guys on a daily basis. There are a lot of ex-Kings that are around here that help out and I think they’ve been keep working here, keep my head down and keep doing the little things doing a great job with these young guys.” right.”

Craig Johnson has also gotten onto the ice with Wagner and along with –Their vitals: Florida practiced in San Jose today before flying south for Donnelly and Jarret Stoll was among the figures within the organization tomorrow’s matinee. Jonny Huberdeau is the NHL’s reigning First Star of the 21-year-old praised for their work in helping to wrangle a number of the week and though he didn’t score in the Panthers’ 4-2 win over the aspects of his game that as a young player needed attention. Sharks Thursday night, still has four goals, nine points and a plus-six rating in his last four games. 22-year-old Sam Montembeault has been That body of work with the Los Angeles staff has gone on for the better hot in net, backstopping the Cats to points in each of his four career part of four years. It began when he was first drafted, and Donnelly would starts with a 3-0-1 record, a 2.24 goals-against average and a .911 save work with Wagner on his hands, details and fundamentals at percentage. A third-round draft pick in 2015, Montembeault has started development and training camp. last three games. The Panthers will complete the Southern California “I think the biggest thing for me, and when he came to training camp this back-to-back with a Sunday evening game in Anaheim, so it’s very fall, the goalies came up to me and him and said Wags’ shot has gotten a possible either the Kings or Ducks will face Roberto Luongo. lot better – better meaning he’s got more power,” Donnelly said. “We worked on his release, getting pucks released quicker. We worked on “Tomorrow is a big challenge, going up against a superstar like Anze getting his head up, looking to see what’s available and not just having Kopitar. It’s exciting. He’s so good defensively, and he’ll punish your his head down, skating a hundred miles an hour. It’s been a process, and mistakes.” -Aleksander Barkov pic.twitter.com/kc2Lcmk0Mb since he’s been drafted we’ve been working on these things with him. Each summer he’s put more time into it, and this summer we combined — Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) March 15, 2019 some on and off-ice stuff, a nd his focus was ‘I want to do everything I can to make the team,’ so we worked on the things he was sufficient at, LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.16.2019 and his hands and his shooting was part of it. Obviously we know he’s an elite skater, so we wanted to improve his scoring and we knew he was going to get scoring chances, so we’re doing everything we can to help him become better in those areas.”

The goal against Nashville served as the proper representation of the commitment he’s shown to bettering his game and ability to take advantage of an opportunity presented. He showed a quick release while shooting off Trevor Lewis’ pass after his accountable work along the trenches.

“I was working with CJ (Craig Johnson) before practice this week – just stuff like that, trying to get better,” he said. “It doesn’t have to be the hardest shot, but if I can get it off quick, I’m going to surprise some goalies, and I’m learning that. Last night I didn’t dust it off or anything – it was on my stick, off my stick. Goalies are so good nowadays and they move so well, that’s what it’s got to be.”

Setting aside for a moment the “goalies nowadays” remark – if we could all be 21 – he does rely on input from the goalies to make his own internal adjustments. “I’ve talked to Soupy, I’ve talked to Quickie, and I try to get some insight on what they’re thinking, and they definitely helped me out,” he said.

A player with game-breaking speed in search of sound fundamentals serves as a malleable figure for this development staff.

“With Wags, his skating is so elite that we just wanted to be able to add elements to his game,” Donnelly said. “If he can shoot in stride, if he can learn to hit open spots at the net, if we can learn to move pucks, change the angle on his shot, things like that can make him more dangerous as a shooter. I think we’ve added that, and there are still some things that we need to add to his game. We’re working on one-timers. We’re continuously working on his game, but I think we’re seeing results from Wags working on his game and details and fundamentals that we’ve taught him that he’s working on, and they’re applying to practice and games.”

There’s still ample room for Wagner to grow; entering Saturday’s game, he’s still only averaging 8:41 per game, a number that doesn’t benefit from any current special teams work. He ranks ninth in the NHL among players with at least 400 minutes of five-on-five play – between Alex DeBrincat and Matt Duchene – with 1.4 goals per 60 minutes.

Even if he doesn’t necessarily profile as a regular NHL goal scorer but as a role player and penalty killer with blazing speed and the ability to chip in offensively, he’s adding layers to his game that will put him in position to make the most of his pure athletic ability and score more frequently than had been projected before his breakthrough 2018-19.

“I remember watching clips this summer from me, my first year when I came down here when I was 18. I barely could shoot a puck, honestly, when you look at it then. And now my technique’s better, my release is better, I’m stronger, obviously. That comes with age and stuff like that, but Mel (Mike Donnelly), CJ, Stolly (Jarret Stoll), all those guys, they’ve helped me out tremendously. We’ve still got a long ways to go before I want to be where I want to be, and I want to be a 30-goal scorer. I want to be a 20-plus goal scorer every year. Obviously 10’s great to get, but I still want to hit 20. It probably won’t happen this year, but I’m going to 1136241 Los Angeles Kings

WAKING UP WITH THE KINGS: MARCH 15

JON ROSEN

The slog continues. In the latest rerun of a disappointing series, the LA Kings relied on an incomplete and inconsistent team performance and fell 3-1 to a Nashville Predators team that had lapses of its own. Los Angeles fell behind in an unfortunate sequence when Ilya Kovalchuk was robbed by Pekka Rinne – the dangerous chance on a power play that didn’t otherwise threaten – to set up a slick saucer pass from Ryan Johansen to the criminally underrated Viktor Arvidsson, who did as he often does at Staples Center. Though another power play failed to bear fruit, the Kings claimed the momentum early in the second period in a game clearly up for grabs by winning races and puck battles and used an excellent forechecking shift from role players to set up the equalizer. Austin Wagner won a race to the net, capitalizing on a number of battles won in a hard cycle that began when Kyle Clifford absorbed a hard Matt Irwin hit and retained possession of the puck. Lewis ultimately fed Wagner the puck for the rookie’s improbable 10th goal of the season, but credit Clifford and Lewis – two players mentioned yesterday who’ve drawn notice for the extra detail and work they’ve put in before practice – for their battles won against the likes of Irwin and Brian Boyle on the ice.

Los Angeles accentuated its push from there before the game turned quickly. Wagner’s goal was the first shot of a 9-2 run of shot attempts that brought the game to 8:49 mark of the second period. From that moment on, Nashville swarmed the goal and generated heavy and dangerous chances from close proximity of the net and between the dots, out-chancing L.A. 23-8 over the remaining 11:11 and scoring two goals. Interestingly, while the Predators had established zone time and heavy cycle play down low, the goals were scored in transitional rushes, with the insurance goal a late-period backbreaker that Jonathan Quick will want back. The Colton Sissons shot may have clipped a splinter of Matt Roy’s stick – the puck fluttered and dipped before beating Quick, five- hole – but a shot from that distance is one in which the goaltender still bears principal responsibility. It’s hardly fair to single Quick out here, because Nashville won the game in this stretch by wearing down the Kings in their zone and generating consistent pressure and scoring chances.

Jeff Carter’s no-movement clause has essentially been his play since returning from injury, and the question again has to be raised exactly where his health is at, and how it’s affecting the trajectory of what had been a career built on consistency, preparation and detail before Jeff Petry’s skate blade changed things. Is he still hampered by that injury, and/or the recent lower-body injury suffered at Madison Square Garden? He’s been cleared to play, so the requisite barrier of health and readiness has been passed, but he’s put up some ghastly numbers since returning to action February 16 against Boston. In those 13 games, he’s recorded two assists, 17 shots on goal, a minus-eight rating and in five-on-five play has compiled a team-worst 43.3% raw-Corsi-for while being on the ice for one goal for and 10 against, as well as 18 high-danger chances for and 31 against, per Natural Stat Trick. He was last a plus player in a game on January 15, two months ago. In a game in which he went 0-for-8 at the faceoff dot and was not credited with generating any rebounds, rush chances or personal rebound chances, Thursday’s game didn’t offer any signal that he’s nearing any sort of late-season resurgence.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136242 Minnesota Wild

Wild face the Rangers on 3-game skid

By The Associated Press

New York Rangers (28-30-13, seventh in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (33-30-8, fifth in the Central Division) St. Paul, Minnesota; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: Minnesota comes into the matchup with New York after losing three straight games. The Wild have gone 14-15-6 in home games. Minnesota has scored 42 power-play goals, converting on 20.1 percent of chances. The Rangers are 11-19-5 on the road. New York serves 10.4 penalty minutes per game, the most in the NHL. Brendan Smith leads the team serving 59 total minutes. In their last meeting on Feb. 21, Minnesota won 4-1. Eric Staal recorded a team-high two assists for the Wild in the victory. TOP PERFORMERS: Zach Parise leads the Wild with 55 total points, scoring 24 goals and registering 31 assists. Jason Zucker has scored seven goals over the last 10 games for Minnesota. LAST 10 GAMES: Rangers: 1-4-5, averaging 2.2 goals, 3.8 assists, 5.3 penalties and 16.4 penalty minutes while giving up 3.1 goals per game with a .907 save percentage. Wild: 5-3-2, averaging 2.4 goals, 3.9 assists, 2.4 penalties and 5.1 penalty minutes while giving up 2.5 goals per game with a .918 save percentage. Wild Injuries: Joel Eriksson Ek: out (lower body). Rangers Injuries: Libor Hajek: day to day (shoulder). Star Tribune LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136243 Minnesota Wild “If we get to that,” Boudreau said, “we will have gone down fighting, or we will have made it.”

Both outcomes would be an improvement from the Wild’s current plight, Wild needs higher level of play, greater sense of desperation but neither seems possible if the team remains lackadaisical. With stakes going higher, desperation has to rule. “[Saturday] night is the biggest game of the year for us,” Suter said. Star Tribune LOADED: 03.16.2019 By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MARCH 16, 2019

Problems were exposed all over the ice, from lapses that kept the Wild hemmed in its own zone to a continued lack of execution at the other end. Already trapped in a goal-scoring funk, it had stretches of six, seven and 13 minutes without a shot. But none of these glitches emerged as the most pressing issue for the Wild in a demoralizing 4-1 takedown by the Dallas Stars on Thursday at Xcel Energy Center. More alarming was the startling passiveness to a high-stakes game, with the team chasing the playoff pace in the Western Conference. And the players know it’s incumbent on them to address that concern as their five-game homestand continues with a back-to-back, starting Saturday against the New York Rangers. “I can’t make someone work,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “That comes from within. You can pressure them. If this was January, it’s a different story. You can sit them. We don’t have that option right now. It’s up to them.” Intangibles such as urgency, heart and togetherness were put on blast after the Wild drooped during its latest make-or-break test. That extended the losing streak to three, exacerbated its current rut at home to 1-6-3 and left it three points behind the Arizona Coyotes for the second and final wild card berth. The playoff chase: Where are the Wild? A look at the NHL standings by division, conference and wild card races. And these traits were still under the microscope Friday, even though the group reconvened for practice optimistic and not panicked. Boudreau met with most players to express a message that emphasized self- preparation. “Compete level’s gotta go up,” defenseman Ryan Suter said. “Work harder, work smarter, score first and build off that momentum that we create ourselves.” The Wild has wasted its playoff cushion. Even a recent eight-game point streak couldn’t save that from happening. That this team’s desperation is flickering isn’t unusual for this season. But it’s unique for a franchise that has advanced to the playoffs each of the past six years, partly by being clutch in crunch time. Rather than taking that experience for granted, and expecting it to swoop in and save them, players believe it reinforces the standard they’re pursuing. “It doesn’t get stale,” Suter said. “You have to find a way to do it, and we’ve been able to do that in the past. ” Doing so would seem to require the group to move past the growing pains that have surfaced after roster turnover leading up to the NHL trade deadline last month. The honeymoon phase appears to have passed, and the challenges of building chemistry in mid-March are glaring. This is perhaps most apparent on a power play that’s scored just once in its past 19 chances. Center Victor Rask has no shots in two games since returning from injury, and winger Kevin Fiala has scored only twice (in the same game). Even the team’s top scorer, Zach Parise, has struggled during the transition, stuck in a nine-game goal drought. Parise took a maintenance day Friday and did not practice. “The leaders in this room, us older guys that have been here, you gotta be able to pull everyone together and get that cohesive unit every night,” winger Jason Zucker said. Not only would more rhythm offensively ease the burden on the defense, but it could also cure the dry spells for shots. And putting more pucks on net seems vital for a lineup that has scored just once in the last 142 minutes, 5 seconds of action. “We’ve got a lot more to give,” Boudreau said. “A lot of people do.” Achieving this progress at home looks daunting considering the team’s grisly track record, but it’s necessary. With Boudreau targeting 90 points, the Wild needs to bank 16 from its last 11 games, six of which are in St. Paul. 1136244 Minnesota Wild

Gameday preview: Wild vs. NY Rangers

SARAH MCLELLAN

7 p.m., vs. N.Y. Rangers, Xcel Energy Ctr., FSN, 100.3-FM Desperation time for Rangers Preview: This is the second half of a back-to-back for the Rangers, who faced the Flames in Calgary on Friday. Before then, New York had one win in nine previous games. Players to WATCH: Rangers D Kevin Shattenkirk boasts 17 points in 29 games vs. the Wild. Injuries: Wild Fs Joel Eriksson Ek (lower body) and Mikko Koivu (ACL, meniscus) and D Matt Dumba (pectoral) are out, as is Rangers D Libor Hajek (shoulder). Star Tribune LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136245 Minnesota Wild

Wild not showing ‘the will and the want’ to get into playoffs

By Brian Murphy

A year ago the Wild were money at home, turning the Xcel Energy Center into a distinct home-ice advantage that made visitors vulnerable to the delight of sellout crowds who packed the arena every game. Those sellout crowds are still pouring into the building, but more often than not lately, they have been showering boos on their underperforming home team while visitors more often than not chortle out of town with two easy points. Friday was a day of reckoning for the backpedaling Wild, who were put on notice by their head coach that the team’s performances at the X have become unacceptable. “I wish I knew the home answer,” coach Bruce Boudreau said. “We were second in the league, only six (regulation) losses at home last year. If we had that same kind of record now, we’d be fighting for first place and the Presidents Trophy. It’s ridiculous. These people deserve to see good hockey and we haven’t given them a lot of it at home lately.” Thursday’s ugly 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars was Minnesota’s third straight at home and plunged the Wild to 1-6-3 in its past 10 home games, including Monday’s 3-0 shutout loss to San Jose. They have been outscored 18-3 in the past six defeats and have not won in regulation in St. Paul since Jan. 19. The Wild started Friday three points behind Arizona for the final wild-card berth in the Western Conference with games Saturday and Sunday looming against the Rangers and Islanders, respectively, before their five-game homestand concludes Tuesday against Colorado. “I don’t have an answer for what’s going on at home, but it’s not acceptable, it’s not good,” said winger Jason Zucker. “We’ve prided ourselves at being great at Xcel for years. Every year I’ve ever been here we’ve been great at home. It’s a bit shocking and something we’re going to have to shore up starting (Saturday) night.” Boudreau buttonholed several players on the ice at Tria Rink on Friday to deliver specific messages to each one. But the overall message was one of urgency, surprising given that there are only 11 games remaining for a team that is battling for a playoff spot. “There were a lot of messages sent to a lot of players today,” he said. “Hopefully we see the fruit of that tomorrow.” Boudreau said it is mostly about self-preparation, again something that theoretically should not have to be preached 70-plus games into the season. “They know how to play. It’s the will and the want,” Boudreau said. “You have the will to win more battles and you want to win more than the other team. Obviously, in the last game that wasn’t very evident. I can’t make someone work. That comes from within.” Boudreau figures it will take 90 points to make the playoffs. That leaves the Wild with 16 more to earn, or eight victories in their final 11 games. “The sense of urgency is three weeks ago,” Boudreau said. “It’s not an impossible feat. It’s not saying you need 14 wins in 14 games. If we get to that point, then we will have gone down fighting or have made it. And we’ll go into the playoffs feeling good about the way we’re playing.” BRIEFLY Center Joel Eriksson Ek remains sidelined with a lower-body injury, but Boudreau was more optimistic about his prognosis after talking to the training staff. “He’s getting better. It could still be a long thing, but it was encouraging this morning,” he said. “We’ll see after the weekend how it is.” Pioneer Press LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136246 Minnesota Wild

‘We’ve done enough talking’: It’s do-or-die time for a Wild team on the brink

By Jessi Pierce Mar 15, 2019

“There (were) a lot of messages sent to a lot of players today.” Head coach Bruce Boudreau said he met with nearly every Wild player on the roster on Friday to deliver the critical memo that every single one of them needs to play better. Now. Likely with some NSFW words scattered throughout the conversation. Another damning loss at home to the Stars on Thursday forced Boudreau to address the issues plaguing the squad that seem to go beyond systems and X’s and O’s. Instead, the all-encompassing problem, as pointed out by forward Marcus Foligno following Thursday’s loss, is that the team lacks heart. And work ethic. And effort. The intangibles that can rise a team above the disappointing losses that the Wild are frequently experiencing. “It’s the will and the want,” Boudreau said. “You have to have the will to win battles, and you want to win more than the other team. Obviously, in the last game, that was very evident. “I can’t make someone work. That comes from within. You can pressure them. If this was January, it’s a different story, you can sit them — we don’t have that option right now. It’s up to them. They saw how hard Dallas wanted it last night. If they watched the Phoenix game (a 6-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks that pushed Arizona three points ahead of the Wild), they’d see how hard they want it. The Chicago’s, these teams want it right now. We gotta find that.” Veteran leaders Ryan Suter and Jason Zucker admitted much of the same, each knowing that it truly is make-or-break time this weekend with back-to-back contests at home on tap, first against the New York Rangers on Saturday, followed by the New York Islanders on Sunday. “Compete level’s got to go up,” Ryan Suter said. “Work harder. Play smarter. … Show up. Do your job. Be the best at your job. Worry about yourself and the rest of it will take care of itself. Tomorrow night (against the Rangers) is the biggest game of the year for us. We have to go into it ready to go and be ready to perform.” “Yeah, we all know (it’s not good enough),” Zucker said. “We knew beforehand. We knew after the game last night. It’s not an acceptable game for us. It’s as simple as that. … At this point, we’ve done enough talking. There’s nothing else that anyone’s going to say that’s going to change anything for us at this point. We gotta go out there and we gotta play our game and we gotta win games. “If we don’t win these two games this weekend, then yeah, we definitely let (the playoffs) slip.” The last-minute reach for the playoffs is not a new position for the Wild, who have been in a wild-card spot three of their past six playoff appearances. But Boudreau still remains optimistic that the Wild aren’t out of the running yet. though he wouldn’t dare make another guarantee. “I still think 90 points is the number you want to look at,” he said. “To get to 90, we need 16 (points), so you need (to win) eight out of 11. It’s not an impossible feat, it’s not like you’re sitting there saying you need 14 wins in 14 games or something. If we get to that, we will have gone down fighting or we will have made it. And we would have made the playoffs feeling pretty good about ourselves and the way we were playing.” Parise/Eriksson Ek update Forward Zach Parise missed practice with a maintenance day and is expected to be in the lineup tomorrow as usual. Boudreau also provided an update on Joel Eriksson Ek, who was injured during the San Jose game on Monday. He noted the centerman is getting better and things look promising. “It’s a stupid thing, but it could still be a long thing. … We’ll see after the weekend how he is.” The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136247 Montreal Canadiens “I think at the start of the year when we were having success on the road we did a really good job of really killing the crowd, using our speed line after line, going at teams,” he added. “Lately, when you think of our road Canadiens Notebook: Teammates offer some advice for Jonathan Drouin games there’s been a lot of emotion in the crowd, they’ve had some pretty big chances. Obviously, Price has bailed us out a lot, but they still These are some tough times for the forward, who is pointless in 14 of his build momentum off those opportunities and the crowd gets into it. That’s last 15 games. when you kind of find yourself on your heels. There’s probably a little bit there that we can adjust and get better at.”

Gallagher was impressed by the Islanders, who have been one of the STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE biggest surprises in the NHL this season after losing John Tavares to the Toronto Maple Leafs as a free agent last summer.

“They’re tough to play against,” Gallagher said about the Islanders under Jonathan Drouin was already gone when the Canadiens locker room was new coach Barry Trotz, who won the Stanley Cup last season with the opened to the media after practice Friday in Brossard. Washington Capitals. “Everyone who’s played them will say the same These are some tough times for Drouin, who is pointless in 14 of his last thing. They don’t give you a lot. There’s a reason they’ve given up the 15 games. He had four assists in an 8-1 win over the Red Wings in least amount of goals. They play in-your-face hockey. We were right Detroit on Feb. 26. there at the end. It comes down to who breaks first and they were able to be stronger than we were. They came away with the two points. It’s The Canadiens have a 6-9-0 record during the last 15 games and have something to look at, but at the same time you move on. We got 11 fallen out of a playoff spot. Drouin has been the target of much criticism games here. Go control our own destiny and do what you can do the last in the media that covers the team and also from fans on social media. 11 games.” “That’s part of playing in this market,” Gallagher said. “For him, I think The lines you just look down the room at (Carey Price) and Pricey is the all-time wins leader (in franchise history) and he went through the same thing. I Here’s how the forward lines and defence pairings looked at Friday’s think that’s just part of being a star player for the Montreal Canadiens. practice: “The fans are so passionate, they have these expectations, but also they Tatar – Danault – Gallagher can get on you at times and it’s just about how you handle it,” Gallagher Lehkonen – Domi – Shaw added. “Whether you’re going good or going bad it can’t change the way you act and I think he’s actually been working really hard lately. He’s Drouin – Kotkaniemi – Armia been moving his feet. He’s not far off. He’s been working for it. You see good things in him, you see a positive attitude. So as a team, we’re not Byron – Thompson – Weal worried.” Extras: Weise, Hudon, Peca, Deslauriers Phillip Danault can relate to the pressure of being a French Quebecer playing for the Canadiens. Mete – Weber “It’s tough,” he said. “I don’t think it would happen everywhere, but it’s the Kulak – Petry market now and we’re in Montreal. It’s tough to describe, but it’s definitely Benn – Folin hard for Jo. We don’t want to read anything, but sometimes it comes to our ears and we don’t want to hear that. But he’s just got to stay positive Extra: Reilly and keep working hard.” Andrew Shaw and Phillip Danault lead team stretch near end of #Habs Another slow start practice in Brossard #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/VE6FzTMW0o— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) March 15, 2019 The Canadiens got off to another slow start in Thursday night’s 2-1 loss to the Islanders in New York — a problem that has plagued the team at What’s next? times this season. The Canadiens will have a morning skate at 10:30 a.m. Saturday in “When everything goes well, everybody likes the credit,” coach Claude Brossard before facing the Blackhawks at the Bell Centre (7 p.m., CITY, Julien said when asked who was to blame for the slow start. “When SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio). things don’t go well, nobody should hide from criticism. As coaches, you see what happened last night. What I did today was we’re practising, The Canadiens will have the day off on Sunday and have a practice we’re practising on the things we need to do. That’s my responsibility. So scheduled for 10:45 a.m. Monday as they prepare to visit the do coaches take responsibility? Everybody does. I think players have to Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 take the responsibility. We try and prepare our team the best way we Radio). The Canadiens will then play back-to-back home games against can. If it doesn’t work we need to find a way. So it’s about finding a the New York Islanders on Thursday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 solution. Nobody’s excluded from all that.” Radio) and the Buffalo Sabres next Saturday (7 p.m., CITY, SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio). That will be followed by a rare Sunday night Andrew Shaw said it’s up to the players to hold each other accountable. game against the Hurricanes in Carolina (7 p.m., SN, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). “I’m one of 31 teams here that’s going to tell you right away that every team talks about keeping each other accountable,” Julien said. “This isn’t Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 something that’s new. It’s something that goes around the league. You can interview all the players on different teams and they’ll tell you we try and keep each other accountable. That’s part of the process here. “I think as a coach we all know it’s your responsibility to keep players accountable,” Julien added. “But what ends up happening is teams that have success are able to separate the personal and the professional. So when your best friend on the team isn’t pulling his load, you let him know and it’s not personal. It’s on the professional side of things. And when guys understand that, they’re able to separate those kind of things and it usually works out in your favour.” Tough road ahead Five of the Canadiens’ last 11 games are on the road and they are 3-8-0 in their last 11 road games. For the season, the Canadiens have a 17-16- 3 road record. “It always gets tough to win on the road later in the year,” Gallagher said. “That’s not a secret. It’s like that every year. Teams really tighten up when points become so critical. Teams really try to take advantage of their home games. That, obviously, is a part of it. We knew that our road record was probably going to slip, but maybe not the way it has. 1136248 Montreal Canadiens “No, absolutely not,” the coach said. “That would be the lamest excuse we could ever find. I think right now it’s more about having the willingness to do it. We’ve given the guys lots of rest. There’s no reason to be tired. Stu Cowan: Canadiens in need of another attitude adjustment “We have all the tools that you can ask for and that we need to tell you Time for Habs' leadership group to step up since coaches can lead whether the guys are tired or not — and they’re not,” Julien added. players to the ice, but they can't make them skate. The Canadiens have gone 6-9-1 in their last 16 games while watching their chances of making the playoffs drop to 35.9 per cent, according to sportsclubstats.com, after Thursday’s loss to the Islanders. STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE “If you think about it — how hard we’ve worked all year — if we don’t just push a little bit more than everything we did through the year, it was for nothing,” Shaw said. “So you got to have that mentality of just digging The Canadiens look like they need another attitude adjustment. down, finding that next gear and keep going.” After Thursday’s 2-1 loss to the Islanders in New York, Andrew Shaw They better find that next gear pretty quick. spoke from his heart and sent a strong message to his teammates. Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 “We haven’t had a game where every guy in the room has been going on the same night,” Shaw said. “That’s the type of team that we are. We need to be a team, playing hard. Everyone … all lines, all D, goalie, everyone’s got to be playing their best every night. Lines are taking nights off, players are taking nights off. It’s just we don’t have that bite. “They came out to win the game from the start,” Shaw added. “They wanted to win more than we did.” The Canadiens got off to a slow start — again — against the Islanders and the game could have been over after 20 minutes, but goalie Carey Price kept them in it. It’s hard to understand how a team fighting for its playoff life wasn’t ready for the start of such an important game. Who do you blame? “It’s kind of hard to put your finger on it,” Brendan Gallagher said after practice Friday in Brossard. “To be honest, if I knew the answer I probably would have changed it last night.” It’s easy to point a finger at the coaching staff, but I’ll point mine at the Canadiens’ leadership group that was supposed to be much improved this season, with the departure of captain Max Pacioretty after GM blamed a bad attitude on last season’s disaster. Coaches can lead players to the ice, but they can’t make them skate. Players need to hold each other accountable and that’s what Shaw did. It’s not calling guys out. It’s just being on each other. We’re all men, we can handle it. We all want to win, we all want what’s best for this team.Canadiens' Andrew Shaw “I haven’t been perfect, either,” Shaw said after practice Friday. “We’ve got to hold each other accountable and go out there and work and have that last push we need. This is our playoffs right now, to push ourselves into a position here, and once you make playoffs anything can happen from there. I can’t tell you why (the urgency’s) not there, but I can tell you it’s going to be there. “It’s not calling guys out,” Shaw added. “It’s just being on each other. We’re all men, we can handle it. We all want to win, we all want what’s best for this team. I know if I’m not playing well I want someone to tell me that I need to pick it up and I’m going to do the same to the guy next to me.” Hopefully someone has spoken to Jonathan Drouin, who has no goals and four assists in the last 15 games — with all four assists coming in an 8-1 blowout win over the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 26. While Drouin ranks third in team scoring with 17-33-50 totals, there are too many nights when his effort level isn’t where it should be and he seems to be playing in his own little world — sort of like the kid on the outdoor rink you couldn’t get the puck off but didn’t want on your team. Drouin has averaged 17:23 of ice time this season, but Julien cut him back to 13:35 against the Islanders. Was the coach trying to send a message? “I don’t have to stand here and explain everything about every player,” Julien said Friday. “You guys see the games, you see the results, you see what’s happening. So I’m just coaching.” Former Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman and Lightning coach Jon Cooper can probably relate to what Julien is going through now after trading Drouin to the Canadiens last summer in exchange for Mikhail Sergachev. Drouin isn’t the only Canadien struggling, but Bergevin gave the offensively gifted player a six-year, US$33-million contract to put points on the board. When Drouin’s not doing that, he doesn’t contribute much else. Julien was asked if his players might simply be running out of gas after playing a demanding new system he put in place this season. 1136249 Montreal Canadiens said that as long as the Bell Centre’s packed to the rafters, nothing will change.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 What the Puck: Andrew Shaw lights fuse as Habs' playoff hopes fade With the loss Thursday to the New York Islanders, it now looks like it is going to be much harder for the Canadiens to make the playoffs.

BRENDAN KELLY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

The Montreal Canadiens’ playoff hopes are not dead yet, but they sure feel like they’re on life-support. Of course, the Habs can still make the post-season, but they will not make it if they perform the way they’ve been playing during the past couple of weeks. That heartbreaking loss in Uniondale, N.Y., on Thursday night makes life so much more difficult for the Canadiens in their race to grab a wild-card spot in the East. But it’s not even losing the points that’s the worst part of what happened in their 2-1 loss to the Islanders. It’s how they lost the game. Riddle me this: How do they start what everyone knew was effectively a playoff game with that kind of effort — or should I say lack of effort? The first period was an absolute disgrace. There was only one Canadien who came to play and, as has so often been the case during the past decade, his name was Carey Price. How do they not get pumped up for a game like this? I could see one or two players being in a funk, but the entire team? It really is mysterious. Obviously, blame has to be laid partly on head coach Claude Julien. And let’s just all admit he was handily out-coached Thursday by Barry Trotz, who will be winning the for his astonishing work with a team that wasn’t even supposed to be a factor in the Eastern playoff race. Montreal has been slumping for a while, but I think something cracked on that California trip. Maybe it was Julien’s decision to start struggling backup goalie Antti Niemi against San Jose, a move that essentially admitted the coach didn’t believe his team could beat the Sharks. The next night, they were simply destroyed by a weak Anaheim Ducks team. On Tuesday against the sad-sack Detroit Red Wings, Price had to stand on his head to eke out a win for his team. Then on Thursday, the Habs failed to show up for a must-win game. Something is very wrong in that dressing room. We haven't had a game where every guy in the room has been going the same night.Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw If you think I’m exaggerating to stir the pot, then you didn’t hear what Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw said after that brutal loss Thursday. Sitting in his stall, with anger in his eyes, he blasted his teammates. “We haven’t had a game where every guy in the room has been going the same night,” said Shaw, one of the team’s veterans and one of the few Canadiens who has sipped champagne from the Stanley Cup. “That’s the type of team that we are. We need to be playing hard, every line, all D, the goalie. Everyone’s got to be playing like this. But every night, lines are taking nights off, players are taking nights off.” Ouch! Those are fighting words and you know Shaw’s comments are going to be felt in the room. And the first one they are going to burn is Jonathan Drouin, who has become the lightning rod for fan discontent, with good reason. Every Canadien on the ice shares blame for the Islanders’ winning goal, but it all starts with Drouin. He zoomed in toward the net and then made a boneheaded pass to … no one. It was a play that led directly to the Brett Kulak/Max Domi mix-up and the goal. I mentioned the other day that Drouin only had five goals in 2019 and, sadly, I don’t need to update that stat. When the going gets tough and the games get more serious, he has basically disappeared. It’s unacceptable. But the star of so many Quebec TV commercials is not the real problem. The issue is he’s expected to be the team’s best forward and he’s simply not good enough to fill that role. The talent just isn’t there. So don’t get mad at Drouin. Get mad at the guy who brought him here and gave up an excellent young defenceman along the way. Seven years in, this is unquestionably general manager Marc Bergevin’s team. And there is a very good chance his squad will miss the playoffs again this year, for the third time in the past four seasons. At a depanneur on Friday morning, the talk was all about the Habs’ failure in Uniondale and the guy selling the smokes, beers and lottery tickets had his finger on the pulse, as those types of guys always do. He 1136250 Montreal Canadiens years with the Royals and the Canadiens, and Dick Duff, who was part of several Stanley Cup wins in Montreal after a long career with the Leafs.

And if you’ve watched the Canadiens during the last little while, you know Hickey on Hockey: Canadiens' playoff push stalls as offence disappears that Brendan Gallagher has to be Irish. The Canadiens have only two wins in their last six games and the Montreal Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 offence has produced only 12 goals during that span.

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

After the morning skate prior to the Islanders-Canadiens game Friday, Montreal head coach Claude Julien talked about the challenges the teams faced this season as they rebounded from losing seasons a year ago. The Canadiens, Julien said, had to learn to score, while the Islanders had to pick up their game on defence. The result Friday — a 2-1 win for the Islanders — would indicate the Islanders have done a better job of addressing their weaknesses. After two seasons at or near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division, the Islanders are closing in on a playoff spot because they have the best defensive record in the NHL. They have allowed only 2.34 goals a game. As for the Canadiens, they are a better offensive team than they were a year ago but, as they have reached that part of the season when playoff berths are on the line and it becomes more difficult to score, the Canadiens are coming up short. The Canadiens have only two wins in their last six games and the offence, which is averaging 2.96 goals a game, has produced only 12 goals during that span and two of them were empty-netters. Defenceman Jordie Benn was the only Canadien to score on Long Island and the failure of the forwards to produce means the road to the playoffs has turned into an uphill slog. And now for something different: It’s St. Patrick’s weekend and what better time to reflect on the Irish contributions to the great game of hockey? While hockey is associated with Canada and the game began here, its roots can be found in the Irish game of hurling, which supplied two of hockey’s essential ingredients — sticks and violence. The Irish were active participants in the game’s development and growth. The Montreal Shamrocks won the Stanley Cup in 1899 and 1900 and, while the Canadiens have always been regarded as a French team, it was the creation of Irish-Canadian John Ambrose O’Brien and son of Erin, George Kennedy, was the owner when the Canadiens began play in the NHL in 1917. There have been only two Irish-born players in the NHL and they both hailed from Belfast. Most fans will remember Owen Nolan, a hard-nosed forward who started his career with the Nordiques, but the other player is Jim McFadden, who is the answer to the trivia question: Who won the Calder Trophy is 1948? The Irish are known for their toughness and there have been numerous examples of that quality displayed by NHL players of Irish descent. Consider the case of Hall of Famer Lester Patrick. The Drummondville native first came to prominence playing for McGill University and went on to a pro career that saw him win six Stanley Cups as a player, coach and general manager. He was behind the New York Rangers’ bench on April 7, 1928, when his starting goaltender, Lorne Chabot, suffered an eye injury when he was hit by a puck in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup final against the . This was the era before backup goaltenders and the 44-year- old Patrick became the oldest player to play in a Stanley Cup final when he replaced Chabot. He stopped 18 of 19 shots and the Rangers won in overtime. Brendan Shanahan, president of the Toronto Maple Leafs, combined skill and toughness on his way to the Hall of Fame. He’s in the all-time top 30 in points (1,354) and penalty minutes (2,489). Then, there’s my good friend Chris (Knuckles) Nilan. He had 313 fights in the NHL to rank third behind Tie Domi and Dave (Tiger) Williams. Nilan collected 3,043 penalty minutes, which is the ninth-highest total in NHL history. The list of former Canadiens with Irish roots in the Hall of Fame starts with Joe Malone, who came from the once vibrant Irish community in . It also includes Dickie Moore and Bob Gainey as well as Buddy O’Connor, who won the Hart Trophy with the Rangers after many 1136251 Montreal Canadiens · First Period: Only Price, Jeff Petry and Brendan Gallagher were in the lineup the last time the Canadiens played in Uniondale. I don’t know, how else do you explain the way they started other than they had no idea Melnick’s GBU: The Canadiens, and their captain, limp home after where they were? getting lost on their way to Uniondale · Brett Kulak: Nothing wrong with Kulak heading down low to try to create offence in a tight game. But when you’re on the road, with three minutes to play, while attempting to hold onto a critical point in the standings, it is By Mitch Melnick Mar 15, 2019 not the time to go there. Kulak was also victimized inside his zone, losing more than a couple of one-on-one battles.

· Jonathan Drouin and Max Domi: Maybe Drouin’s off-season training It was the kind of loss that must have felt like the aftermath of a breakup. sessions that resulted in the loss of weight and made him look quicker That constant, dull ache that is the awful combination of heartbreak was geared for a 60-game schedule. He had plenty of company but his mixed with anger. first period, when he played barely three minutes, was embarrassing. He hasn’t scored a goal on the road since Dec. 28. For a brief moment, early Did the Habs think they were facing Detroit again? in the second period, it looked like that drought was about to end. In one Only their veteran goaltender seemed ready to embrace the moment. It of those rare instances when the Habs had some open ice inside the was Montreal’s first visit to the since 2015. They Islanders’ zone, Kotkaniemi delivered a perfect cross-ice pass to a matched up against a team that has been at or very near the top of the streaking Drouin who did the right thing. He didn’t hesitate, snapping a Metropolitan Division all season and is currently playing seesaw with the quick rising shot that was heading into the net before Greiss got in the defending Stanley Cup champions from Washington. way. It was just one of several high quality saves made by Greiss, who is having a career year (as is his partner in goal Robin Lehner) under Barry While Carey Price stood tall, almost everybody in front of him began the Trotz. On the play that led to the winning goal, Drouin carried the puck night with a seemingly collective case of stage fright. down low on the right side before dumping a pass in front of the net. To nobody. He clearly thought that’s where Max Domi would be but Domi They didn’t want anything to do with the Islanders’ in-your-face, this-is- didn’t read the play, failing to go to the net. If Drouin had his head up, he our-(old)-barn approach that was obvious before the puck was even might have decided to keep going to the net himself. Or to shoot it there. dropped when Barry Trotz started his highly effective fourth line of Casey Domi and Kulak eventually crossed signals and the train wreck of an Cizikas, Cal Clutterbuck and Matt Martin. I don’t want to say the Habs ran ending was under way. And so was more scrutiny for Drouin, who has away from this fight, so let’s just say they were highly disengaged. failed to score or even register a point in 14 of his last 15 games. It’s a strange part of the season to be partially checked out. · Philip Danault-Brendan Gallagher-Tomas Tatar: They were stuck on the The Canadiens, running out of time, appear to be jogging in the same ice before the Islanders finally opened the scoring 80 seconds into the spot. Like waiting for the red light to turn green. second period. It was an especially bad look for Danault, who just waved at puck carrier Brock Nelson, and then Gallagher who had a chance to Or maybe they’re just running on empty. clear Nelson’s rebound but whiffed on a tired-looking backhand attempt that eventually found the back of the Montreal net after a wrist shot by Since their impressive 5-2 home ice win over the Winnipeg Jets on defenceman Adam Pelech. It was the culmination of an overly long and February 7, the Habs have won just six of 16 games. terrible shift for the line, plus defencemen Kulak and Jeff Petry. But Too often of late, their better players have simply been outplayed. It’s really, for the first 30 minutes of the game, inside the Montreal zone, the one thing to point to bad decisions (or missed assignments), as a royally Habs were simply toyed with by the Islanders. pissed (bordering on livid) Claude Julien outlined after the game. But · Power play: So where have we heard this before – the power play was fatigue, be it physical or mental, often leads to lack of focus or given a chance to win the game in the third period when concentration and the inevitable poor decisions. tripped up Danault along the boards inside the Montreal zone. Result? To their credit, the Habs got back into the game and appeared to be No pressure, two consecutive bad passes by newcomer Jordan Weal headed for at least a point before a mistake, one that winning teams in and the most recent outage stretched to a mind numbing 2-for-36 mark. peak form do not make, resulted in the soul crushing loss. Still sitting 31st in the NHL at 12.1 percent, is there enough time left to dip even lower and finish the season out of double digit territory? Home ice, where they play three of their next four games, might help. But so would an additional shot or two of adrenaline. THE UGLY Where’s Dr. Recchi when you really need him? · injury: What’s worse than a late loss on the road while supposedly in desperation mode? A knee injury to this guy. Early in the It’s not dark yet. But it’s getting there. third period Weber’s right leg twisted awkwardly after he collided with Clutterbuck. He fell to the ice in pain, you could even sense some THE GOOD concern by the Islanders’ forward, before heading to the bench where he · Carey Price: Fully embraced the unique setting. “I thought that crowd was showing clear signs of discomfort. He was held back for a couple of was amazing,” he said after the game. “That building was rocking. It was shifts. Weber played almost four full minutes less than Petry. Even Kulak fun to play in. We played a team that looked like they were ready for the played more. At even strength, Weber’s 15:50 was behind Petry (22:11), playoffs.” What he didn’t say was more telling. Price picked up where he Kulak (21:30) and Victor Mete (17:15). There has been some suspicion left off against Detroit. Perhaps the manner in which the Red Wings took that Weber was already playing through some kind of lower body injury. Call it circumstantial evidence. But you don’t need to be a forensic expert the play to the Canadiens after falling behind by two goals foreshadowed to see his knee buckle the way it did. It was impressive but not exactly what we saw in Uniondale. There is a way for difficult losses to sting less. Price needs to lower his compete level, to where too many of his reassuring to see Weber back on the ice later in the period. The Habs’ teammates are. Then the games would be over much earlier. season is hanging in the balance. Their captain might be hanging on. If that’s the case, is there a skater or two with enough strength left, 71 · Jesperi Kotkaniemi: For the first time since he was a healthy scratch in games into the season, to lift him and the team back up? California we saw a fully engaged rookie who appeared ready to be a difference-maker. He was physically manhandled at both ends of the ice The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 – by Martin behind the Montreal net and later in front of the Islanders net by Scott Mayfield. But instead of shrinking, he picked himself up and dug in. He looked poised to win the game shortly after the Mayfield hit and a bad Montreal power play when he took the puck through traffic right to the net, before he was stopped by Thomas Greiss, who stopped him again on the rebound. · Andrew Shaw: He didn’t stand out but as a two-time Stanley Cup winner his words after the game should echo off the dressing room wall: “…lines are taking nights off. Players are taking nights off. We don’t have that bite.” And on the poor start, Shaw added, “They came out to win the game from the start. They wanted to win more than we did.” THE BAD 1136252 Nashville Predators

Preds coach Peter Laviolette mum on scratching Kyle Turris against Kings

Paul Skrbina, Nashville Tennessean Published 10:10 a.m. CT March 15, 2019

LOS ANGELES – Kyle Turris munched on a slice of pizza late Thursday night in the Predators dressing room. He was there with his teammates after they defeated the Kings 3-1 for their first regulation victory in three weeks, since they beat the Kings 2-1 on Feb. 21. Turris was dressed in a suit, though, a healthy scratch for the first time this season. Turris, who has five years remaining on a deal that pays him $6 million annually, had been an unhealthy scratch for 25 games this season thanks to foot and rib injuries. But he's struggled since returning from missing 17 with a foot ailment, recording just one goal and three assists in 16 games. He has just seven goals and 15 assists in 46 games this season. Turris addressed his struggles a month ago, but he hasn't seemed to be able to conquer them. "I’m going to leave it at this," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said after Thursday's game. "I made a lineup decision (Thursday). There’s been conversations with Kyle. I’m going to keep those internal between Kyle and myself." Reach Paul Skrbina at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @PaulSkrbina. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get Predators news from The Tennessean on your mobile device TICK-TOCK: Time running out for Predators to figure things out before postseason Next up Predators at Sharks When: 9:30 p.m. Saturday Where: SAC Center, San Jose, California TV/radio: Fox Sports Tennessee, ESPN-plus/102.5-FM Last meeting: Rocco Grimaldi scored his first goal with the Predators, Joe Thornton scored his 400th career goal and P.K. Subban left the game and ended up missing the next 19 after Nashville's 5-4 loss. Tennessean LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136253 Nashville Predators

Catfish Corner newsletter: Sushi, pizza on Pi Day, return of the Prius, a much-needed win

Paul Skrbina, March 15, 2019

LOS ANGELES -- The Predators celebrated their first regulation win in three weeks — and National Pi Day — Thursday with sushi, pizza and AC/DC. Most Nashville players proved handy with chopsticks and chose sushi over pizza after a 3-1 victory against the Kings at Staples Center. Even Kyle Turris, who was a healthy scratch, took part in the festivities. Arvy! Arvy! Arvy! Viktor Arvidsson scored a goal in his return to the top line, where he figures to stay for a while. And the Predators remained a point behind the first-place Jets in the Central Division. With the playoffs fast approaching, Nashville is still trying to work out some issues before it’s too late. The Prius, Part II Ran into my favorite Prius again, the one belonging to the father of Predators forward Rocco Grimaldi. We meet again, gray Prius. pic.twitter.com/o8uVpdyqMT — Paul Skrbina (@PaulSkrbina) March 13, 2019 This time it was parked at the Kings’ practice facility, where I also saw P.K. Subban picked up in a McLaren. I had met the proud Prius owner, Rocco Sr., and his wife, Susie, the day before in Anaheim, where the Preds fell to the Ducks in one of their worst games in recent memory. Rocco's cut from some good cloth. Oh, baby Mikael Granlund, who became a father the day after he was traded to the Predators – on his birthday, no less – plans to move his fiancée and baby to Nashville when the team returns home from this road trip. He also scored his first goal since joining the Predators during a loss against Carolina. Ready or not? Pekka Rinne started consecutive games for the first time in a while Thursday. Juuse Saros is making a strong case to play more for the Predators. Special delivery This week’s mailbag covered drama kings, free agency and more. Locks of love Scott Hartnell dropped by Bridgestone Arena to be honored by the Predators, and Peter Laviolette waxed poetic about his hair. Quote of the week "We've been saying that all season long. I feel like we’re a little bit lucky to be in this situation. There’s been teams losing at the same time we’re losing. It’s been helping us. "Bottom line is we have to be better. I don’t know what the reason is there have been so many ups and downs and we haven’t gotten on a roll." -- Pekka Rinne on the team's up-and-down season. Tennessean LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136254 New Jersey Devils

Devils rally from 2 goals down, beat Canucks 3-2 in shootout for second straight victory

The Associated Press March 16, 2019

VANCOUVER, — Damon Severson scored in the seventh round of the shootout to give the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night. Kevin Rooney and Stefan Noesen scored 7:53 apart in the third period to tie the score after the Devils trailed 2-0. MacKenzie Blackwood stopped 25 shots to give New Jersey its second straight win after a seven-game skid (0-6-1). Elias Pettersson and Tanner Pearson scored for Vancouver, and had two assists. Jacob Markstrom finished with 31 saves. Petterson also scored on the opening attempt of the shootout, and tied it for New Jersey in the second round. Rooney started the Devils' comeback with a deflection at 5:41 of the third. Noesen tied it with 6:26 left in regulation when he chipped Eric Tangradi's pass behind Markstrom. Pettersson broke out of a scoring slump with a power-play goal to open the scoring at 3:18 of the second period. With Stafford off for tripping, Petterson took a pass from Brock Boeser and ripped a shot from the faceoff circle over Blackwood's shoulder. It was his first in 12 games and gave the 20-year-old Swede 59 points on the season — a team-leading 27 goals and 32 assists. He is one point behind Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka for most points in a season by a Vancouver rookie. Pearson made it 2-0 at 1:42 of the third on an innocent looking shot from the top of the faceoff circle. Blackwood swung his stick, but the puck seemed to go underneath and between his pads. The Canucks lost two defensemen in a scoreless first period. Chris Tanev limped off the ice and headed to the dressing room after blocking a shot by Kyle Palmieri during a Devils power play. He returned for a brief skate, but left the bench again. Ashton Sautner was hurt later in the period after blocking a shot with his right arm. He returned later. The Canucks (29-32-10) mathematically remain in the playoff hunt. They trail Arizona by nine points in the race for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. NOTES: Vancouver also scored on a power play in Wednesday's win over the New York Rangers. It's the first time since November the Canucks have scored on the power play in back-to-back games. ... Canucks F Jay Beagle didn't take the pregame skate and was replaced by Tim Schaller. ... The Canucks didn't get their first shot on goal until almost 6:30 was gone in the opening period. . Before the game started, the Devils were eliminated from playoff contention when the Columbus Blue Jackets defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0. New Jersey is 14th in the Eastern Conference. UP NEXT: Devils: At Colorado on Sunday to finish a six-game trip. Canucks: At Dallas on Sunday night to open a two-game trip. Bergen Record LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136255 New Jersey Devils

Devils outlast Canucks to win marathon shootout

By Associated Press March 16, 2019

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Damon Severson scored in the seventh round of the shootout to give the New Jersey Devils a 3-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Friday night. Kevin Rooney and Stefan Noesen scored 7:53 apart in the third period to tie the score after the Devils trailed 2-0. MacKenzie Blackwood stopped 25 shots to give New Jersey its second straight win after a seven-game skid (0-6-1). Elias Pettersson and Tanner Pearson scored for Vancouver, and Bo Horvat had two assists. Jacob Markstrom finished with 31 saves. Petterson also scored on the opening attempt of the shootout, and Drew Stafford tied it for New Jersey in the second round. Rooney started the Devils’ comeback with a deflection at 5:41 of the third. Noesen tied it with 6:26 left in regulation when he chipped Eric Tangradi’s pass behind Markstrom. Pettersson broke out of a scoring slump with a power-play goal to open the scoring at 3:18 of the second period. With Stafford off for tripping, Petterson took a pass from Brock Boeser and ripped a shot from the faceoff circle over Blackwood’s shoulder. It was his first in 12 games and gave the 20-year-old Swede 59 points on the season — a team-leading 27 goals and 32 assists. He is one point behind Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka for most points in a season by a Vancouver rookie. Pearson made it 2-0 at 1:42 of the third on an innocent looking shot from the top of the faceoff circle. Blackwood swung his stick, but the puck seemed to go underneath and between his pads. The Canucks lost two defensemen in a scoreless first period. Chris Tanev limped off the ice and headed to the dressing room after blocking a shot by Kyle Palmieri during a Devils power play. He returned for a brief skate, but left the bench again. Ashton Sautner was hurt later in the period after blocking a shot with his right arm. He returned later. The Canucks (29-32-10) mathematically remain in the playoff hunt. They trail Arizona by nine points in the race for the final Western Conference wild-card spot. New York Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136256 New York Islanders management, whether that was precipitated by a shoestring budget or not.

If it’s true that not being ready to win is a self-fulfilling prophecy, then Why Garth Snow deserves some credit for this turnaround Snow was a seer. Snow was well past his expiration date when Malkin and co-owner Jon By Brett Cyrgalis March 16, 2019 Ledecky made the change this summer. Credit them for recognizing the need for a new culture.

Snow’s legacy with the Islanders is complicated, with factors known and DETROIT — Retrospect makes geniuses of even the most foolhardy. unknown. But to say it was all bad would be wrong. All you need to do is watch the games now to see his fingerprints all over this promising team. But here is something that should be written in the Islanders’ history books, whether the fans want to read it or not: Garth Snow was not the New York Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 worst general manager in sports history. This team, which would regain a piece of first place in the Metropolitan Division with a win over the Red Wings on Saturday afternoon (and a loss by the Capitals at Tampa Bay on Saturday night) is a manifestation of Snow’s vision — somewhat. The core of the Islanders’ roster consists of players Snow drafted, believed in and protected. For so long, it seemed arrogant, like the franchise was paying for Snow’s stubbornness with a decade of mostly lost seasons. Now, it seems as if the patience he preached ad nauseam finally has paid off. It’s hard to know if the players’ rapid maturation is the natural progression of talent Snow predicted or if it only has been drawn out by the new regime. At the very least, team president Lou Lamoriello and head coach Barry Trotz have vastly accelerated the process. That’s especially true on defense, where four players looked, at different times, as if they would never pan out the way Snow anticipated. Yet Devon Toews (No. 108 overall pick in 2014), Ryan Pulock (No. 15 in 2013), Adam Pelech (No. 65 in 2012) and Scott Mayfield (No. 34 in 2011) are absorbing big minutes for a competitive team. They each had extended stays at AHL Bridgeport or on injured reserve, and it seemed patience was only resulting in a slow death. “It’s a high-pressure situation for D’s to develop,” Trotz said Friday. “It takes reps. It takes time.” New coach Barry Trotz Since Trotz came in, there has been a massive increase in structure, which has helped the young defensemen feel more comfortable and gain confidence. The run-and-gun style of former coach Doug Weight was no way for limited offensive players such as Pelech or Mayfield to develop — and they didn’t. Now, they seem like different players. “The Islanders have always preached giving guys time, and I think ‘D’- men take longer to develop,” Mayfield told The Post. “It took some time, but the four of us have played really well.” One defenseman Snow didn’t have time for was Griffin Reinhart, whom he recognized as a mistake after taking him with the No. 4 overall selection in 2012. By the 2015 draft, Snow made the best move of his tenure, dumping Reinhart on then-Oilers GM Peter Chiarelli in exchange for first- and second-round picks that became Mat Barzal and Anthony Beauvillier. Reinhart hasn’t played in the NHL since one playoff game in 2017. “I don’t know how you give [Snow] too much criticism,” said Mayfield, biased as he may be in the first year of one of the most unique deals in the NHL, the five-year, $7.25 million contract ($1.45 million per) Snow handed him in the middle of the 2017-18 season. “Look at some of the deals he made. It all worked out pretty well.” Snow made many bad deals that far outweigh the good. Some of them still linger on the roster. But remember, it was former owner Charles Wang who essentially signed Rick DiPietro to that 15-year, $67.5 million deal — a deal that was the first of its kind in the NHL and would have been a steal if DiPietro had stayed healthy. And remember, it was new owner Scott Malkin who insisted John Tavares not be traded after the captain declined to negotiate an extension last season, eventually facilitating Tavares signing as a free agent with his hometown Maple Leafs. Lou Lamoriello The biggest flaw of Snow’s 12-year tenure was the “us against the world” mentality that created comfort — say, like a cozy Maine cabin — rather than accountability. It was exemplified in Snow’s public persona. He constantly derided the media as unknowing and found blame anywhere except with himself. For all the talent and all the high draft picks, more than a decade of constant rebuilding is a direct result of failed 1136257 New York Islanders

The road factor Islanders are counting on for final playoff push

By Brett Cyrgalis March 16, 2019

DETROIT — NHL teams often enjoy going on the road. The Islanders, who just completed a stretch in which they played eight of nine games at the Coliseum (going 5-4-0), finish the season playing eight of their final 12 on the road, starting with a back-to-back Saturday against the Red Wings and Sunday night at the Wild. Maybe surprising is how much more rest teams get away from home. “On the road, it’s easier,” said coach Barry Trotz. “We go to the hotel. We don’t have kids, we don’t have wives, we don’t have the day-in, day-out responsibilities that you have at home. Actually, the road you can get more rest. You have some travel, but pure rest? … You can actually get pure rest on the road. No distractions.” After this trip, the Islanders have three more two-game trips, ending the regular season April 6 in Washington in a contest that could have major influence on postseason positioning. With all that time on the road, Trotz emphasized how important the support system of families can become while the club’s focus on hockey only increases. “I know in my situation, my wife handles pretty well everything else, and I handle hockey for nine months,” he said. “I come back in the spring and mess everything up, get out of my lane a little bit.” Defenseman Johnny Boychuk practiced as an extra Friday on Long Island, his first time with the team since he took a hit to the head from the Flyers’ Jakub Voracek last Saturday. Trotz said Boychuk would be with the team on the trip, and it was “possible” he would play if the trainers give him the OK. Goalie Robin Lehner is set to get one of the two games of the back-to- back, likely Saturday. He has been out since he was bulldozed by the Senators’ Brady Tkachuk on March 5, but he practiced fully on Wednesday, backed up Thomas Greiss on Thursday, and practiced again on Friday. “He’s had a couple good practice days,” said Trotz, who had started Greiss for three straight. Fourth-line center Casey Cizikas got a maintenance day Friday after recently playing through a stomach bug. He is expected to stay in the lineup. “We ran his tank low,” Trotz said of Cizikas, who has missed only seven games all season. “He was sick last week. He’s played a lot of games. Refill the tank a little bit, so we kept him off.” New York Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136258 New York Islanders careers. But a bunch of guys in the NHL still do it. People don’t care. Things happen. People move on. If I’m injured and gone, people forget.”

Lehner, going on a calendar year of sobriety, chronicled his battles with Islanders' Robin Lehner willing to accept dangers of hockey alcoholism and pill addiction as well as his mental-health struggles at the start of training camp. In Ottawa, his concussion exacerbated his drinking problem. By Andrew Gross But he downplayed any suggestion a concussion for him is worse than any other player. Robin Lehner knows the risks and appreciates the rewards. “Somebody who gets rocked in the head that doesn’t have a mental illness still gets rocked in the head,” Lehner said. “I still have my health. I So, despite the mounting empirical evidence suggesting athletes still have my medicines. I still do all my things (to stay sober and control suffering head injuries, particularly repeated head injuries, are at his mental-health issues). Again, it’s up to me to put the risk and the increased risk for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and possibly reward and I’m fine with it or not. If I’m not fine with it, it’s real easy to the onset of dementia, the Islanders goalie has never considered leaving hang up the skates and do something else.” hockey over concerns for his long-term health. Pulock flattered “We’re playing a game that we are choosing to do,” Lehner told Newsday. “There’s no one forcing us. No one is putting a gun to my head Islanders defenseman Ryan Pulock has heard the comparisons to and telling me to play. There’s a risk and reward in everything we do in Canadiens blue-liner Shea Weber. And he’s flattered. life, whatever profession we take.” Both wear No. 6, but the real similarity is in their booming slap shots from Lehner returned to the Islanders on Thursday after missing three games the point. The 6-foot-4, 229-pound Weber, 33, and 6-2, 217 Pulock, 25, with a head injury suffered in a collision with the Senators’ Brady have two of the hardest in the NHL. Tkachuk on March 5. His tenure with the Senators effectively ended after he suffered a concussion on Feb. 16, 2015. “He’s been doing it for a long time, he’s been very effective at it,” Pulock said. “I don’t know if I’m there yet or not. It’s definitely an honor people “No,” Lehner said when if he was worried about the long-term effects of even bringing it up, if it’s a little bit close. He’s got a heavy shot, for sure.” his head injuries. “I’m aware of them. I think every player is aware of them, knowing the long-term effects of certain illnesses, dementia, To the nines Alzheimer’s. Maybe some players don’t know. Maybe some players Through Thursday, 180 of the NHL’s 1,092 regular-season games had a know. But one common denominator is every player in the league knows combined nine goals after the Lightning’s 5-4 win at Detroit. It’s the most that concussions are not good for you. nine-goal games to this point of the season since 1993-94. The Islanders “The reason we play in front of full buildings and make a lot of money and have played in four: get to live our dream that we’ve wanted to do since we were young is Oct. 18 at Los Angeles: Islanders 7, Kings 2 because not everybody can do this,” Lehner added. “If everyone could do this and everyone was fine with the risk and reward, the game wouldn’t Oct. 30 at Pittsburgh: Islanders 6, Penguins 3 be where it is today. Dec. 28 at : Islanders 6, Senators 3 “You can go through whatever profession you want,” Lehner continued. “Everything has a risk to it. You can do the same for lawyers. You can do March 5 at Nassau Coliseum: Islanders 5, Senators 4 (Shootout) the same for businessmen. The suicide rate in lawyers, I believe, is one Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 of the highest there is in any profession. Are they aware of the suicide rate when they go in? In life, you grow up, you want to do something. You either go for something or you don’t. When you go for something in life, I sure hope you weigh the risks and rewards.” The frank discussion was prompted after a related query: With the emphasis the NHL — and other professional sports — are putting on trying to eliminate head shots and reduce the risk of head injuries, should there be more transparency in reporting the injuries to the public? Head injuries are often labeled as generic upper-body injuries. Both Lehner and Islanders coach Barry Trotz were emphatic in their belief that not specifying concussions publicly provides needed protection for the players. “There’s a lot of gray area, from neck to head to whatever,” Trotz told Newsday. “I think that the league has done a pretty good job and they do a really good job medically with the spotters and trainers and they have good protocols. When you get to the playoffs, there are guys that get targeted a little bit. “With the rules now, it’s eliminating (some of it),” Trotz added. “If it continues down that path, I would think it would be pretty close to complete transparency on that.” Trotz said while head injuries might be kept from public knowledge, “everything is documented,” with the teams and with the NHL. “It’s no different than doctor-patient privileges,” Trotz said. Lehner, who has also played for the Sabres, said he’s been “on teams where the game plan is to run the goalie.” “The reason there’s an upper- and lower-body injury is to protect the players,” Lehner said. “You go into the playoffs or down the stretch, if you have important players in the lineup and they know a shoulder is hurting him, the other team is going to aim for the shoulder. “It’s livelihoods,” added Lehner, playing on a one-year, $1.5-million deal after signing with the Islanders as a free agent. “People don’t care. Who’s anyone kidding? People don’t care. People run over goalies all the time knowing the most vulnerable position for a goalie is to be down on his knees with a high probability of tearing knees and ending seasons and 1136259 New York Islanders

Adam Pelech takes a big leap forward in second full season with Islanders

By Brian Heyman

Adam Pelech stood out in the crowd for the Islanders on Thursday night, scoring the first goal and helped to prevent one with a big block during penalty-killing duty. So after the 2-1 win over Montreal at the Coliseum, Barry Trotz was asked about Pelech. The coach just started raving about the 24-year-old defenseman, calling his work in the game “outstanding.” “He has continued to play firm in the defensive zone, and he’s jumping up at the right times,” Trotz said. “He’s playing with confidence. “Yeah, he’s a lot different player than at the start of the year, and that’s fantastic for us and fantastic for him because he’s finding that next level of player that a player can be. That’s what you want from a player is he understands that there’s a level he can get to. Why settle for good if he can be great?” Pelech heard about those words, and he appreciated them. He has indeed taken a leap forward during his second full season for an Islanders team that will enter Saturday’s game at Detroit trailing first- place Washington by two points in the Metropolitan Division. “Whenever Trotzy says anything like that, it definitely means a lot,” Pelech said after Friday’s practice at Northwell Health Ice Center. “Yeah, I think over the course of the year, especially over the past couple of months, my game has really started to come around. “Playing with Ryan [Pulock] helps a lot, too. He’s a very talented player and he makes the game easy for me.” They’ve been paired steadily since mid-December. Pulock said they’ve gotten “more comfortable with each other,” and that has helped Pelech “stabilize his game.” Pelech has scored a career-high five goals along with 12 assists. He’s also at plus-21 after finishing at a career-high plus-7 last season. “Lately, he just wins every battle defensively,” Pulock said. “I think the big thing is just confidence. I think this side of the year, it’s important to kind of get that confidence because it helps with some of your poise and winning those battles. I think in the last few months, he’s really got that back, and he’s making the right play.” They were paired for the first four games of the season before Trotz made Pelech a healthy scratch Oct. 17. Trotz scratched Pelech twice more in November and again Jan. 12, saying then that his play was “slipping.” But Pelech has emerged without a scratch since that time. “When you’re left out of the lineup, it can be a bit of a wake-up call,” Pelech said. “It’s not fun. You kind of try to be better and think about the things you can improve. I think I’ve done that, and especially since then. I don’t know if it was because of the healthy scratch or not.” The Islanders made the 6-3 Toronto native a third-round pick in 2012. His debut came during the 2015-16 season when he played nine games. But surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome took a chunk out of that season. He played 44 games the following season. Then-GM Garth Snow showed what he thought of Pelech in July of 2017 by handing him a four-year, $6.4 million deal at the age of 22. “It’s a great feeling when the organization shows faith in you, and I’ve been lucky enough to have some people that believe in me,” Pelech said. “When they reward you like that, you definitely want to prove them right and not be complacent and try to be your best self and be the best player you can be.” Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136260 New York Islanders

Banged-up Islanders face a tough schedule to end season

By Laura Albanese

The Islanders may enter these NHL playoffs battered, bruised and tired, but at the very least they’ll be prepared. With the countdown to the playoffs in full effect, the Islanders got a bit of good news on the injury front Friday — defenseman Johnny Boychuk is on the mend and goalie Robin Lehner is expected to play soon — but they’re also dealing with the reality of their upcoming schedule. There are 12 games left in the season, eight of them on the road and eight against potential playoff teams. Rest isn’t too much of an option. They’re still trying to wrest first place in the Metropolitan Division from the Capitals, whom they will face in their regular-season finale. The Isles will kick off this stretch with a back-to-back on the road on Saturday against the Red Wings, who have been eliminated, and Sunday against the Wild, who are in the hunt for a Western Conference wild-card spot. “That’s tough, but this time of the year . . . it doesn’t really matter how you’re feeling or if you’re sore or whatever or if you’re tired,” said Mathew Barzal, who assisted on the winning goal Thursday against Montreal. “You kinda just gotta go out there and lace them up and give it 100 percent, because it’s a crucial time of the year.” Though the Islanders’ defense continues to be one of the best in the league — their 2.34 goals-against average tops the NHL — they’re 20th in goals per game. The top line hasn’t contributed much lately. Jordan Eberle hasn’t scored since Feb. 9 and Barzal hasn’t had a goal since Feb. 16. But coach Barry Trotz said he sees the chemistry starting to work in their favor. Barzal’s assist on Anders Lee’s goal on Thursday was masterful in its execution, and an indication of a line that could get hot at the right time. “They are creating,” Trotz said. “They’ve been fine on both sides of the puck, which is good. So they’re getting a little chemistry, and they got a huge goal last night, and it all started in our own end, not drifting, Barzy held position. And then he jumped, I think it was [Max] Domi at that time, and then he made a great play. Just the connection between the offense and defense got us a winning goal.” When the Islanders are winning, they’re making teams play their style of hockey. Barzal said he thinks it’s sustainable and something that can work in the playoffs. “I think in the playoffs, you need to be able to defend,” he said. “You don’t really want to get into a track meet. You want to make it tight. You’ve got to play a sound game, wait for mistakes throughout the game and take advantage . . . I think if the time comes, we’ll be ready. We can play with anyone — we’ve proven that — and our style kind of does well against a lot of teams, so I like our chances.” Notes & quotes: Boychuk, who has a suspected left shoulder injury, skated as an extra in Friday’s practice and will travel with the team, Trotz said. He added that it’s possible that Boychuk will play this weekend . . . Lehner, who was put on concussion protocol after the Senators’ Brady Tkachuk steamrolled him on March 5, practiced and likely will be ready for the weekend, Trotz said. He added that Lehner likely will play at least one of the two games as long as the trainers give their OK . . . Casey Cizikas, who suffered an illness last week, had a maintenance day. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136261 New York Rangers

Rangers fall to Flames, still winless in last six road game

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS |MAR 16, 2019

CALGARY — Matthew Tkachuk scored two goals and had a career-high five points to lead the Calgary Flames to a 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Friday night. Johnny Gaudreau, Garnet Hathaway and Michael Frolik also scored for Calgary, which moved one point ahead of the San Jose Sharks for the Pacific Division lead with 11 games to go. Tkachuk had 10 points (six goals, four assists) on the Flames' 3-0-0 homestand. The hot streak comes after an extended cold stretch during which he had just six points in the previous 18 games. Neal Pionk scored for the New York, which is winless in its last six on the road. Tied at 1 after 20 minutes, Tkachuk gave the Flames the lead for good 2:56 into the second when he deflected Mark Giordano's point shot past Alexandar Georgiev. Just over a minute later, Tkachuk earned his 100th career assist, setting up Hathaway in front to make it 3-1. It was all the offensive support needed by David Rittich, who turned aside 24 shots to improve to 25-7-5. Georgiev made 27 saves to fall to 10-12-3. The Rangers will look to break their losing streak on the road with a game in Minnesota on Saturday. Gaudreau opened the scoring 10 minutes into the first period on a beautiful pass by Tkachuk. Looking more like a football quarterback, Tkachuk lobbed a 95-foot pass from deep in his own end that landed on the stick of Gaudreau, springing him on a breakaway. Coming off a three- goal, six-point night on Tuesday, Gaudreau remained hot, making a nice move before slipping the puck through Georgiev's pads for his team- leading 34th goal. The Rangers tied it 70 seconds later when Ryan Strome found Pionk coming late and the defenseman wired a slap shot inside the post. The Flames put the game away in the third period. Tkachuk's third primary assist, as he set up Frolik in front, made it 4-1 at 5:12. He rounded out the scoring by converting Mikael Backlund's pass at 9:49. [More Sports] Rangers woes resume in heartbreaking loss » NOTES: Calgary's Sean Monahan (undisclosed) did not play the last two periods. ... Tkachuk has 73 points this season, joining Gaudreau, Monahan and Elias Lindholm in the 70-point club. The last time Calgary had four 70-point scorers was 2006-07 (Jarome Iginla 94, Alex Tanguay 81, Daymond Langkow 77, Kristian Huselius 77). UP NEXT Rangers: wrap up their four-game road trip in Minnesota on Saturday night. New York Daily News LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136262 New York Rangers

Rangers avoided ejections, but that’s all that went right

By Greg Joyce March 15, 2019

CALGARY, Alberta — The Rangers avoided any ejections in the second period Friday night, so their struggles weren’t masked by being two men down. For the second game in a row, however, they allowed a pair of goals in quick succession that proved to be the difference and their offense remained lifeless in a 5-1 loss to the Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. The Rangers (28-30-13) dropped to 0-2-1 on their road trip while losing for the ninth time in 10 games. Only 11 games remain in their season, which has turned south in a hurry. Coach had pleaded before the game for more of an attacking mentality on offense, not just trying for the “pretty” goals. But instead of putting it in play, the Rangers were shown how it’s done by the Flames. After New Jersey’s own Johnny Gaudreau had a pretty one on a breakaway in the first period, the Flames did the rest of their damage in front of the net, led by Matthew Tkachuk’s two goals and three assists. “We do a lot of good things, but when it comes time to getting to the net and having an attack mentality offensively, we just don’t have it right now,” Quinn said before Neal Pionk scored the Rangers’ lone goal on a four-on-four slapper that tied the game 1-1 in the first period. “I thought we had it for a while, but over the last three or four games, we just haven’t had that. … Too often right now, we’re taking the path of least resistance.” Tkachuck scored and assisted on a pair of goals in a 70-second span in the second period to put the Flames ahead for good 3-1. He then added a second goal and assist less than five minutes apart in the third period to blow the game open. Goalie Alexandar Georgiev, who had 27 saves, didn’t get much help from the defense in front of him. The Rangers, meanwhile, were futile on the power play once again, putting just four shots on net during three separate man-advantages. Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, who not long ago powered the first line that carried the Rangers offensively for a stretch in January and February, were also held without a goal for the eighth straight game. “Pucks and bodies. It’s simple,” Kreider said before the game. “We’re too perimeter right now. You look around the league, goals aren’t scored from outside the dots. You gotta get inside the dots, you gotta get in to the net, you gotta attack the net.” Kreider in particular has been in a funk offensively. He had just worked his way back up to the first line Wednesday night in Vancouver before getting ejected early in the second period for a high elbow. The $5,000 fine he received as punishment was the least of his worries. “As a group, we gotta fall in love with winning and fall in love with the details that allow you to win hockey games, because losing sucks,” Kreider said. “It’s a weird time, obviously. But it’s a time where guys can get better individually and get better as a group. An [11]-game stretch now where we can work on our game, work on our process and get back to winning hockey. We’ve done it in spurts over the course of the year and no better time to start stringing together wins than right now, right? What’s happened, happened. All you can do is learn from it.” Kreider had little interest in talking about Wednesday’s ejection and the ensuing fine. “No comment,” he said. “It’s a game day. We’re moving on. What happened, happened. Obviously it was unfortunate.” New York Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136263 New York Rangers

Rangers no match for Flames as woes on Western Canada trip continue

By Colin Stephenson

CALGARY, Alberta — The Rangers were never expected to be a playoff contender in this rebuilding season, but for much of the time, they had done a decent job of hanging in against some of the top teams in the league. But reality set in a while ago for the Blueshirts, and now their season has begun to unravel on this swing through Western Canada. The Flames, one of the elite teams in the Western Conference, were simply too much on Friday night, getting two goals and three assists from Matthew Tkachuk in a 5-1 win over the Rangers. “We just weren’t real dialed in defensively tonight, obviously,’’ coach David Quinn said. “Not only the goals that they scored, but how many times did you look up and there’s a one-on-three in front of our net? We cheated the game too often tonight; very loose defensively. Didn’t want to hit anyone, didn’t want to get hit. And we played very slow.’’ The Rangers (28-30-13) are 0-2-1 on their four-game road trip, which concludes Saturday night in Minnesota. They are 2-5-5 in their last 12 games, with their only victories in that stretch coming against the lowly and banged-up Devils. Rangers forward Chris Kreider offered a “no comment’’ when asked at the morning skate about his ejection from Wednesday’s game in Vancouver and his subsequent $5,000 fine by the NHL for his five-minute elbowing penalty against Elias Pettersson. “What happened happened,’’ Kreider said. “Obviously, it was unfortunate.’’ Kreider wasn’t in the mood to talk about his or the team’s recent struggles, either, other than saying, “We’ve got to find ways to win games . . . We’re finding ways to lose games right now.’’ With the score tied at 1 after the first period, the Flames struck for two quick goals early in the second. Tkachuk got the first one at 2:56, tipping in a shot from defenseman Mark Giordano for his 31st goal. Rangers goalie Alexandar Georgiev complained that Tkachuk had deflected the puck in with a high stick, but the goal stood. Garnet Hathaway then got free on the goal crease to redirect Tkachuk’s pass from the right corner at 4:06. Tkachuk set up a goal by Michael Frolik at 5:12 of the third and scored at 9:49. The teams exchanged goals 1:10 apart in the first period. The Flames’ Johnny Gaudreau converted a breakaway at 10:00 for his 34th goal. Neal Pionk got that back at 11:10 with his sixth goal and first since Dec. 23, ending a drought of 29 games. The goal was Pionk’s first point in nine games and his third in 30 games. Mika Zibanejad, the Rangers’ leader in goals and assists, has gone eight games without a goal and has only three assists in that stretch. Kreider, who is second on the team in goals and assists, is goal-less in nine games, with only two assists in that stretch. Quinn split up the pair last week, but he reunited them with Jesper Fast on right wing against the Canucks. Quinn kept Kreider and Zibanejad together Friday, this time with Jimmy Vesey at right wing for the first two periods and Pavel Buchnevich for the third. “If you don’t score and you win, that’s another thing, but when you don’t score, and you’re supposed to be productive . . . and we don’t win, then you feel like you could do a little bit more, obviously,’’ Zibanejad said. “We’re just trying to get a win . . . If we can score, probably it helps.’’ Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136264 New York Rangers

Rangers do some bonding while curling in Calgary

By Colin Stephenson

CALGARY, Alberta – Sometimes, especially when a team is having a hard time on the ice, it’s good to take a day off from the rink. And the Rangers did that Thursday when, instead of practicing, the entire team went to a different kind of rink and did a little curling for a fun day of team bonding. “I think we do travel, we spend a lot of time together, it’s fun to get together, but for a different reason,’’ said Henrik Lundqvist, who said he had curled once before, when he was about 10 years old. “It’s fun to compete, whether it’s hockey or it’s something else. I think we enjoyed that.’’ Lundqvist, Jesper Fast, Mika Zibanejad and Freddie Claesson competed as Team Sweden ( got exiled to Team Europe). According to Lundqvist, Sweden is traditionally one of the strongest teams in curling at the Olympics. However, the Swedes lost in the final of the team tournament to the coaching staff. “It looked like some of them had played before,’’ Lundqvist said. “The coaches were actually good. Lindy (Ruff) was good,’’ Jimmy Vesey said. “The Americans weren’t so good.’’ Lundqvist said the players rotated positions, so players took turns throwing the stone and sweeping for the stone. The final match came down to the last stone, Lundqvist said. “It was fun,’’ he said. “It was something different.’’ Blue shorts Coach David Quinn made just one lineup change, re-inserting Connor Brickley on the fourth line and sitting out Boo Nieves. Defenseman Freddie Claesson was the other healthy scratch… Brendan Lemieux turned 23 on Friday… After the game, the Rangers were scheduled to fly to Minnesota, where they will wrap up the trip with a game against the Wild on Saturday. . . . … The Rangers signed free-agent forward Jake Elmer, 20, to an entry-level contract Friday. Elmer has played in 66 games with the Lethbridge Hurricanes and scored 38 goals, with 40 assists for 78 points. He is 6-1, 190 pounds and is from Calgary. Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136265 New York Rangers

Chris Kreider unhappy with the Rangers' losing ways 'We're finding ways to lose games right now,' Kreider said. 'We've got to do things to help us win.'

By Colin Stephenson

CALGARY, Alberta — Chris Kreider wasn’t in the mood to talk about his ejection from Wednesday’s game in Vancouver following his five-minute major penalty for elbowing the Canucks’ Elias Pettersson on Wednesday, nor did he want to talk about the $5,000 fine the NHL hit him with for the incident. “No comment,’’ the Rangers’ alternate captain said at the morning skate prior to Friday’s game against the Calgary Flames. “It’s a game day. We’re moving on. What happened, happened. It was unfortunate.’’ Kreider wasn’t in much of a mood to talk about anything, really. The 27- year-old left wing is just not happy these days with all the losing the Rangers have been doing. Entering Friday’s game, halfway through their four-game tour of Western Canada and Minnesota, the Rangers were 0- 1-1 on the trip, 28-29-13 on the season, and 2-4-5 in their previous 11 games, with their only victories in that stretch coming against the lowly and banged-up Devils. “We’ve got to find ways to win games,’’ Kreider said. “We’re finding ways to lose games right now. We’ve got to do things to help us win.’’ It hasn’t been helping that Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, the team’s top two scorers, have been struggling of late. Entering Friday, Kreider had gone goalless in eight consecutive games, picking up just two assists in that stretch; Zibanejad was goalless in seven straight, with three assists, though he did have an assist on the only goal in the 4-1 loss at Vancouver on Wednesday. “If you don’t score and you win, that’s another thing, but when you don’t score, and you’re supposed to be productive . . . and we don’t win, then you feel like you could do a little bit more,’’ Zibanejad said. “We’re just trying to get a win… If we can score, probably it helps.’’ Things had gotten so bad that in the 3-2 shootout loss to Detroit March 7, coach David Quinn split up Kreider and Zibanejad. Kreider was benched for a while, and then dropped to the fourth line. He started the next game on the fourth line and moved back up to the second line, where he played Monday in Edmonton, on the first game of the current four-game trip. But Quinn had reunited Kreider and Zibanejad against Vancouver, and put Jesper Fast on the line, hoping to stir things up again. And things seemed to be going in the right direction right up until Kreider got tossed. “It was short, but good,’’ Zibanejad said of the time he spent reunited with Kreider. “He was skating. Even just having ‘Quickie’ (Fast) on that line — we played well together before — even the end of last year and this year a little bit. I felt good … with them, and we created some chances in the first right away, and had some momentum. “We felt like it was going to be a good night for us and then Kreids didn’t want to play anymore,’’ Zibanejad joked. “So … it was unfortunate.’’ With the playoffs no longer something to shoot for, there are still individual goals. Zibanejad, who led the Rangers with 27 goals and a career-high 66 points, would reach a new career high with his next goal. Kreider, who had 26 goals and 49 points, has career highs of 28 goals and 53 points, so those are well within reach. But Kreider, who has never been one to talk about individual goals, still won’t. “I want to win hockey games,’’ he said. “As a group, you’ve got to fall in love with winning, fall in love with details that allow you to win hockey games. Because losing sucks.’’ Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136266 New York Rangers Shattenkirk, who is the opposite of McQuaid, and has had two lousy games (at least) in a row. Do the math.

Yeah, Lias Andersson, the struggling rookie, and Fast were each minus- Trade deadline sell-off finally hits home for Rangers in lopsided loss 3, and the Rangers’ forwards generally don’t help the defensive cause nearly enough. Nor do they do enough offensively. By Rick Carpiniello Mar 15, 2019 It’s a mess that, truthfully, hasn’t been as bad as it could be for most of this season, even post-trade deadline. But there’s time now for it to tip either way. Which way will it go? Brendan Lemieux’s record as a Ranger is 1-4-4 (which in real life, or any Thoughts: other sport, is 1-8). 1) Tank-O-Meter: In the upside-down standings that will matter in June, It’s not his fault, not at all. It’s nobody’s fault. But Lemieux is the only the seventh-place Rangers gained ground on the “ucks” – the Ducks and player who came back to the Rangers at the trade deadline, and that’s Canucks. Anaheim beat Colorado, and Vancouver got a point out of a what the Rangers have been since that Feb. 25 afternoon. seven-round shootout loss to the Devils. The Rangers sit one point behind the sixth-place Canucks, two behind the fifth-place Ducks. They It’s probably surprising there haven’t even been more of these games for are tied with Buffalo and Edmonton at 69 points, but hold the tiebreaker the Rangers, more like this lopsided 5-1 loss to the Best of the West (for (ROW) on every team but Detroit. The Rangers probably can’t hope to go the moment) Calgary Flames on Friday night. The Rangers got run over, much higher than fifth, being six points up on fourth-place New Jersey – and 5-1 was flattering. due mostly to an eight-point swing in their last two meetings, which are the Rangers’ only wins in their last 12 games (2-5-5). After the sell-off, this is exactly what we should have expected the Rangers to be. Yeah, there’ve been some good games, some 2) Kreider’s done some remarkably physical, almost superhuman, things competitive games, some battle-back games where they got points for – like jumping out of swimming pools. Not sure if you caught this one ultimately losing. And it says a lot about what they’ve done and who early in Calgary when he was racing to offset an icing, lost his balance they’ve been that this is the first time they’re two games under NHL-.500 and fell, was hurtling head-first toward the end boards. Near the icing (28-30-13, which is really 28-43) since Jan. 13. line, he leaped to his feet AND threw on the brakes. Don’t try that at home. Of course, Kreider was also lighter by $5,000. So Minnesota on Saturday, about 20 hours after the end of this one, is going to be difficult. And telling. And we’re going to see what David 3) That power play we discussed? It went 0-for-3 and is now 1-for-28. Quinn’s got in his bag of coaching tricks right away, and for the next The first power play Friday (the first of three drawn by Brendan Smith), three weeks and 11 games. Especially now that the idea, the dream, was much too easy for the Flames. Would really have had no chances if really, that they were still, mathematically if unrealistically, in a playoff not for a good keep-in by Tony DeAngelo. Had zero shots. race is gone. Can he coax a stronger game to close the four-game trip? Can he get these kids and overmatched veterans to keep the train from 4) Almost immediately after the penalty expired, Matthew Tkachuk began going completely off the rails? what would be a five-point night. He lob-wedged a lead pass for Johnny Hockey, and Gaudreau easily beat Neal Pionk to the puck, and beat poor Remember, it’s a learning experience for him, too. It would be for any Alexandar Georgiev on the breakaway. That’s two breakaway goals coach in this situation, let alone an NHL rookie head coach. against Pionk in two games, though I’ve felt his defensive play has been a bit better in the last couple of games than it had been recently. On this Look, the Rangers traded Mats Zuccarello for picks on Feb. 23, and one he clearly cheated in the offensive zone and paid for it. No. 34 for traded Kevin Hayes and Adam McQuaid for picks, plus Lemieux, two Gaudreau. 1-0. days later. It was part of the rebuild, and necessary. LITTLE ZIG, LITTLE ZAG AND @JOHNGAUDREAU03 JUST KEEPS But this had to happen eventually, no? THE GOALS COMING. PIC.TWITTER.COM/XYIKGIGAZW The Rangers don’t score and they don’t defend. Their power play is — NHL (@NHL) MARCH 16, 2019 awful. … Not a great 1-2-3 punch. 5) Pionk atoned during a 4-on-4, slapping a shot past David Rittich, off a And I’ve said this many times, that the NHL game stats are flawed, and stop-and-curl, then pass by Ryan Strome. Pionk’s first goal in 30 games. they vary from arena to arena. But the Rangers were credited with 15 hits 1-1. By the way, is anybody giving Calgary an automatic path to the and 23 giveaways, while Calgary had 31 takeaways. … The Rangers Stanley Cup Final with the unproven Rittich in goal? attempted just 36 shots (that includes those on goal, those that missed the net and those blocked or deflected away, and it’s not a lot). 6) Early second, one of many fire drills. One of the Rangers’ defensemen had a chance to clear – not sure if it was Smith or DeAngelo – then The power play, minus Zuccarello and Hayes, is aimless – and those two Zibanejad had a chance to clear up high, and didn’t. DeAngelo couldn’t guys were too pass-happy in those situations anyway, but much better tie up Tkachuk, who deflected Mark Giordano’s shot past Georgiev. No. than what they have now. In Calgary, Brett Howden and Vlad 31 for Tkachuk. 2-1. Rittich kept the lead immediately with a glove save Namestnikov were getting turns on the power play. The other night in on a point-blank chance by . Vancouver, partly due to Chris Kreider’s ejection – Jesper Fast played the power play. 70⃣ ⃣ POINTS ON THE YEAR FOR CHUCKY.#NYRVSCGY | #FLAMES Quinn can’t figure out what to do with Kreider and Mika Zibanejad, who PIC.TWITTER.COM/JDZMBB2QUE looked like world-beaters with Zuccarello on their line, and for a few — CALGARY FLAMES (@NHLFLAMES) MARCH 16, 2019 games with Jimmy Vesey there. But even when Zuccarello was here, if that line didn’t score, the Rangers struggled to put up goals. Now Quinn 7) Uncontested Goal of the Game (sponsored by reader Anthony D, not doesn’t know what to do with Zibanejad and Kreider – he separated them to be confused with DeAngelo): Tkachuk got his third point 1:10 after his for a while, had them together until Kreider got the boot (and a $5,000 goal, when Skjei was caught flat-footed behind the net, and Chytil was fine) for elbowing Elias Pettersson in Vancouver and Friday night had late covering for him in front. There was nobody close to Garnet them back on a line with Vesey … to start. And with Pavel Buchnevich, Hathaway, who redirected home Tkachuk’s pass from the corner. 3-1. who has had chemistry with them at times in the past, to finish. Skjei may as well have been the goal judge on that play. His game misses McQuaid. But that doesn’t excuse bad decisions like this one. Zibanejad has no goals in eight games, one in 13. Kreider has none in Georgiev had to make a fabulous save in the third when both Shattenkirk nine, one in 19. and Skjei chased the puck in the same corner, and Lemieux wasn’t able Kreider’s not helping himself in terms of getting a contract extension as to make a play coming back in front. he heads into his walk season next year. His 40-goal pace has long ago 8) After one of the dumber penalties you’ll ever see – by Mikael dried up. He’s got 26. Does he even get to 30 now? Backlund, for kick-tripping Smith, way behind the play in the offensive Even the McQuaid trade has taken a bite out of a defense that has zone, the puck long gone – Kreider had three chances from just outside mostly third-pair defensemen on it, two of whom each night have to play the right post because the Flames, like the Rangers, like most teams, first-pair minutes with first-pair responsibilities. In other words, don’t cover the net-front forward on the power play. overmatched. 9) Chytil had the bad backcheck on the third Flames goal – I still think it ’s game had come back when he was paired with McQuaid falls more on Skjei than the teenager – but I thought he did a lot in the (who scored for Columbus on Friday night), because McQuaid was a offensive zone again (four shots on goal, two hits). Except … third period, dependable, defense-first defenseman. Now Skjei is playing with Kevin a 2-on-1 with Namestnikov. Chytil got the pass from Namestnikov and looked, to me, that he at first wanted to give it back to Namestnikov, then it was too late, He fumbled the puck and was in too deep to get a good shot. Rittich got a piece of it and no damage done. 10) And of course we’ve spoken of this forever – the Rangers’ insistence of trying to make fancy plays and refusal to shoot the puck. They saw a team that’s one of the best in the league and (granted they have more talent) creates a ton of offense by, duh, shooting pucks. 11) Another breakdown, another point for Tkachuk, as Pionk was trapped up high in the defensive zone, Andersson was late getting back, and Marc Staal was left to defend two Flames in front. With Georgiev down after one save, Tkachuk slipped the puck across to Michael Frolik. 4-1. 12) Make it five points for Tkachuk. After another Rangers power play came up empty, Skjei was tripped, with the puck, behind his own net. Play on — the Western Canada Friday Night in Lent (no meat) Rulebook. Skjei got up, tried to skate the puck out, lost it, and Tkachuk fired his second goal of the game past poor Georgiev. 5-1. 13) Good Tony, Bad Tony: He continued to be the Rangers’ best defenseman with the puck, easily their only power-play point man of any note. But in this one, overall, I’m not to go Bad Tony, but sure not saying Good Tony, either. 14) Quinn Bin: Boo Nieves and Freddy Claesson sat it out. I imagine both will be in uniform in Minnesota. For whom? Quinn will have many candidates. 15) Wonder how much better MSG Networks’ ratings would be if they left John Giannone’s mic live throughout the game. Especially when Lemieux and Tkachuk are having one of those discussions from their respective benches. Gonna guess Tkachuk wasn’t wishing him a happy 23rd birthday. 16) ICYMI, the Rangers signed junior hockey free agent Jake Elmer to an entry-level contract. His team is still playing, and he’s not expected to play in the NHL or AHL this season. But I imagine he’ll be at Rangers prospects camp, then training camp. He had a great year. We’ll see where it goes: OFFICIAL: #NYR HAVE AGREED TO TERMS WITH FREE AGENT FORWARD JAKE ELMER. ELMER, 20, HAS SKATED IN 66 GAMES WITH @WHLHURRICANES OF THE @THEWHL THIS SEASON, REGISTERING 38 GOALS AND 40 ASSISTS, ALONG WITH A +24 RATING AND 41 PENALTY MINUTES. PIC.TWITTER.COM/WWGKFBA36Q — NEW YORK RANGERS (@NYRANGERS) MARCH 15, 2019 WITH THAT BEING SAID THE HARD WORK STARTS NOW, EXCITED TO BE GOING TO THE PLAYOFFS WITH THE @WHLHURRICANES — JAKE ELMER (@JAKEELMER3) MARCH 15, 2019 My Three Rangers Stars: 1. Ryan Strome. 2. Vlad Namestnikov. 3. Filip Chytil. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136267 New York Rangers worth giving the speedy winger a look as well — maybe in the hopes that he can have some of the success that Grabner did thanks to his quick feet. Nash became a key penalty killer for the Rangers in 2014; how he Goldman: What end of the season experiments should the Rangers try? transitioned his game could be a model for Kreider, who plays a similar style.

Quinn used Kreider on the penalty kill during preseason, but he’s played By Shayna Goldman Mar 15, 2019 just 5:15 short-handed minutes through 70 regular season games, which is just less than what he’s played in his NHL career up to this point — although he has experience killing penalties from his time at Boston College. By giving him a look there to end the season, it can give the While the New York Rangers aren’t mathematically eliminated from the Rangers a chance to evaluate whether there’s the potential to add that playoffs, they’re all but guaranteed to miss. The Athletic’s Dom element to his game and give him something to study up on this Luszczyszyn gives them a .01 percent chance to reach the postseason. offseason. But this team still has 12 more regular season games to get through. Plus, by playing him on the penalty kill, that may alleviate some of the At this point, what do those games even mean for a team bound to miss responsibility from Fast, who has seemingly played through injuries most the postseason for the second straight year? of the year after missing time and taking a number of maintenance days Despite what the end results may show, these games help prepare the during practices. Rangers for the future. They’re about player development and give the Expand Lias Andersson’s minutes team 12 more opportunities to refine how they execute first-year head coach David Quinn’s system and learn more about his philosophies. And Andersson split time between Hartford and New York this season, and by the remaining games give players a chance to prove why they deserve a playing 10 games at the NHL level, the Rangers burned the first year of place on the team next year, and for some, what they deserve in their his NHL contract. That wasn’t particularly unexpected though, it’s just next contract. somewhat disappointing how the team hasn’t made that “first year” as worthwhile as they could have. But these games also give the team a chance to experiment — and why not? The end results really don’t matter at this point for anything more Through 30 games, Andersson is averaging just 10:16 in all situations. Of than morale, especially not after going 1-3-4 since the deadline. As much the current roster, the only player he’s ahead of is Nieves (9:21). While a as the coaches and players are trying to win every game, experimenting player has to earn their minutes — and Andersson hasn’t exactly done with the lineup won’t necessarily change that since they clearly are that with just five points in all situations and a 41 percent Corsi at 5-on-5 struggling to win as it is. — he really hasn’t been given as much of an opportunity to move up. He started in the bottom-six as most young players do because coaches So how can the Rangers experiment while still trying to win and continue often feel they need to ease into an NHL lineup, and hasn’t made enough preparing for the future? of a mark to climb the depth chart. Shift Filip Chytil back to center Chart via HockeyVIz Earlier in the season, after spending a number of games on the wing, To help Andersson gain confidence to end the season and get a better Quinn made a point to shift Chytil back to his natural position of center. idea of what he’s capable of at the NHL level, he should have a chance Unfortunately, that meant playing in the bottom-six with Mika Zibanejad higher in the lineup over the next dozen games. Maybe the best place and Kevin Hayes down the middle of the top-six. While in the bottom-six, would be on Mika Zibanejad’s wing. he usually didn’t have the help of wingers that could drive a line and help him accumulate to pivoting a line at the NHL level. By shifting Andersson from center to wing, the coaches would relieve him of some defensive responsibilities, as would pairing him with a two-way Chart via HockeyViz player like Zibanejad. Plus, Quinn has tried to add a player with Since about the 20-game mark, Chytil’s barely played at center. Between defensive instincts for balance the first line, which makes Andersson a Zibanejad, Hayes, Ryan Strome, Brett Howden, and Lias Andersson, fitting option. there wasn’t much room to maneuver back, so he’s stayed on the wing. Playing with Zibanejad should boost his offensive production too, as he’s At the trade deadline, another spot opened up down the middle once not only the team’s best shooter, but a great playmaker as well. It would Hayes was dealt. But instead of Chytil, it’s primarily been Strome at least show whether or not he can become a support player for one of centering the second line. the most productive forwards on the Rangers and how well he can blend into the top-six. It would also help highlight his strengths and show what With just 12 games left, why not shift Chytil back? Strome could shift he needs to work on this offseason — because he isn’t getting enough of back to the wing, since his development and growth isn’t exactly as much a chance to show either in the bottom-six. of a priority at 25 as it is for the 19-year-old rookie. Even after moving Chytil to center, there could still be room for Strome in the top-six, and Even last game, when the Rangers were down to 10 forwards with the maybe that’s on Chytil’s wing. To help Chytil transition back, it wouldn’t ejections of Kreider and Brendan Lemieux in the second period, hurt to have a winger that can drive a line complete the trio; maybe the Andersson didn’t even hit the 10-minute mark. best option is Chris Kreider. On the other hand, maybe adding a player If Andersson can’t keep up, that’s another story and he shouldn’t that can take on the defensive responsibilities on the line would undeservingly stay in an expanded role. But until he proves he can’t play complement him best in someone like Jesper Fast. higher in the lineup, he should get a chance to show he can belong. There are ways to get Chytil back to center without displacing Strome too Give Kevin Shattenkirk top-pair minutes much and there would still be pivots for the bottom-six like Brett Howden, Lias Andersson, and Boo Nieves. Shattenkirk’s had the unluckiest last season and a half in New York. He tore his meniscus early last year and played through it until losing too Try Chris Kreider on the penalty kill much strength in his leg, which diminished his skating abilities. This Some teams prefer not to use their best players in all situations to not season, he suffered a separated shoulder. This isn’t the tenure risk burning them out from expanded minutes. That’s part of the reason Shattenkirk or the Rangers could have envisioned. why star players aren’t always used on the penalty kill in addition to their He’s signed for another two seasons after this year and the Rangers’ even strength and power play minutes. Instead, teams opt for more best option is to try to get him back up to speed. If they trade him, they’d defensive players, even if that can mean relying on more one- be selling low. And his play and cap hit aren’t problematic enough to call dimensional players to kill time. But that’s not always the case; some for a buyout. The Rangers need the talent and skill on their blue line that teams rely on their best players in all situations. Shattenkirk can provide, it’s just a matter of getting him to where they As much as the objective is to defend until a team is back at full strength, need him and expect him to be. it helps having players that can really push the pace while short-handed Maybe one solution to that is putting him out in top-pair minutes and and force the play back into their opponent’s zone. That’s far more asking him to lead the defense. By expanding his responsibilities and possible when a team’s best players play those minutes. That’s why it’s minutes, the coaches would be pushing him to be the player they all worth experimenting with Kreider on the penalty kill. hoped he would be, instead of just accepting this level of play and The Rangers lost Rick Nash and Michael Grabner, who both regularly keeping him in the bottom-four. His 18:31 all situation minute average is killed penalties, last year at the deadline and then Hayes and Mats fifth on defense and third among right-handed defenders on the Rangers, Zuccarello this season. While players including Jimmy Vesey and Vlad behind both Neal Pionk and Tony DeAngelo. Namestnikov have been deployed there more since those trades, it’s Chart via HockeyViz Top-pair minutes for Shattenkirk would mean more time at even-strength and quarterbacking the first power play unit. If he can’t keep up, it just sets him up for a long offseason training to get him to the level that’s needed for that role. What’s the worst that happens? The Rangers defense gets worse than it has already been this season? Pair Neal Pionk with Fredrik Claesson Pionk’s had an incredibly up and down season. After joining the Rangers as they announced their rebuild last season and finishing the year in New York, he earned a spot on this season’s iteration of the blue line. His highlight-reel plays and power play points propelled him to the top of the Rangers’ depth chart, even though his underlying numbers didn’t add up with his scoring. As the season went on, his scoring slowed, and it wasn’t until suffering an injury that his place in the lineup and performance really came into question. Since returning from injury, Pionk hasn’t played as much alongside his mainstay partner Marc Staal since he’s fared better with DeAngelo. He’s spent time with Libor Hajek until a separated shoulder ended Hajek’s season, as well as time with Brady Skjei. While he’s had better results with Skjei than Staal, it still hasn’t been the right spot for the right handed back. At this point, it should be clear that Pionk doesn’t belong in the top-pair minutes he’s gotten, but where exactly he fits isn’t clear. And since that’s still a question, as well as what kind of player he’s going to become, it’s worth making a change in these last 12 games to figure it out. That’s particularly important before the Rangers negotiate the pending restricted free agent’s next contract. Maybe that place should be on Fredrik Claesson’s right. Up to this point, they’ve spent just 35 5-on-5 minutes together. While the Rangers haven’t viewed Claesson as more than a depth defenseman, he’s a quietly effective and stabilizing defender that could compliment Pionk, who is applauded for his offense. The underlying numbers still don’t line up with the belief that he drives play, but with someone as steady as Claesson to balance a pair, he’d had the freedom to jump up into he play. Ideally that would be in third-pair minutes which would be more beneficial and less overwhelming for Pionk. Chart via HockeyViz Call up John Gilmour To end the season, if the Rangers either opt to roll with seven defensemen and 11 forwards on a more frequent basis or don’t feel Claesson should be in the picture, there’s a left-handed option in Hartford that could get the call up — Gilmour. Because he’d have to pass through waivers to be sent down, the Rangers likely didn’t bring him up sooner. But with the season ending, why not give the 25-year-old defender a shot on the left side of the blue line? He’s only scored 20 goals and 51 points this season with the Wolf Pack. At worst, he could be the Rangers’ seventh defenseman in games they dress fewer forwards and at best he’d make a case for finally making the team. At 25, he likely already is what he’s going to become, but that still may be worth a look at the NHL level to end the year, especially after all that he’s done in Hartford this season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136268 Ottawa Senators Saturday’s game).” White says the injury is the result of a hit he took earlier, but he didn’t confirm whether it was related to the clean, but solid shot he received from Jake Muzzin that caused a shoulder injury on Jan. Warrenspiece: Of rivalries here and across the pond, Veronneau takes 10. Muzzin, then with the Los Angeles Kings, is now playing for the on next challenge, Chabot not done yet and Nilsson returns Maple Leafs. NILSSON RETURNS: In a no-brainer decision, the Senators will go back to goaltender Anders Nilsson against the Maple Leafs Saturday. Nilsson Ken Warren was brilliant — and had his share of good fortune — in posting the 35- save shutout against St. Louis on Thursday. “We did a lot of good Published:March 15, 2019 things,” defenceman Dylan DeMelo said of the win. “We can’t say enough about how good (Nilsson) was in net. If he doesn’t make a few of Updated:March 15, 2019 8:39 PM EDT those saves, we probably don’t end up winning that game. He was a big reason, but definitely not the only reason, we won.” In so many ways, Marc Crawford is not , bringing a different Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 experience and a different approach to taking the Ottawa Senators through the remainder of the season and potentially beyond. Yet when it comes to the daily press conferences, where Boucher was only too happy to express his thoughts and opinions with the media during his tenure as coach, Crawford can also more than hold his own. When yours truly asked him Friday whether the influx of new, young players such as Erik Brannstrom and Max Veronneau could provide a necessary energy to a dressing room that has experienced such a long season, the resulting answer was three minutes and 56 seconds long. The response began with “you’re always looking for energy” but only ended after an entertaining history lesson on Crawford’s experiences in hockey that are akin to the . Even though the Toronto Maple Leafs went into Friday’s game against Philadelphia 18 wins and 35 points ahead of the Senators, he says a rivalry never completely loses its edge. THE BATTLE OF QUEBEC: Crawford’s NHL coaching career began with the in 1994-95 and he fondly remembers the spirit of head-to-head games against the Montreal Canadiens. “The atmosphere around both the Forum and The Colisée in those days was just electric,” he said. “And it was the same thing (as in Ottawa, when Toronto visits). You had so many Canadiens fans in the building in Quebec and it was almost like the rivalries between the fan bases. It’s very European.” THE BATTLE OF EUROPE: Crawford, who coached in Switzerland before joining the Senators to begin the 2015-16 season, also talked about the “derby games” in the Swiss League. “They’re outstanding, they really are,” he said. “The Zurich fans all go to the train station and they all march into the building together. Part of it is safety and part of is just them getting to know that they are going to be together and cheering their team. So there is like 1,000 people marching their way from the train station into the stadium. “And the same sorts of things happen here. I’m sure if you walk outside (Saturday) in this building, the atmosphere will be really special. Yes, there will be a lot of Leafs fans. But our fan base will be strong and the intensity that kind of gets drawn from the two fan bases is something that, as players and coaches, we can draw on. We can utilize it.” THE MAX FACTOR: While Brannstrom was returned to Belleville of the AHL on Friday afternoon, Veronneau will be looking to back up his strong NHL debut (a game-high five shots on goal in 14:20 of action and third star honours against St. Louis) against the Maple Leafs. “It’s going to be pretty awesome,” he said. “I grew up watching the Sens- Leafs rivalry. I still remember going to the playoff series between the Senators and Leafs.” Asked about the possibility of playing in front of a home crowd that could be full of Maple Leafs jerseys, Veronneau said, “I hope I will be more relaxed than I was (Thursday). … After making his NHL debut Thursday, Veronneau celebrated by studying for his Princeton astronomy exam. Aiming to graduate with a mechanical engineering degree from Princeton, he wrote the exam following practice Friday. CHABOT HOPEFUL: If there’s any good news stemming from the broken toe defenceman suffered Monday against Philadelphia, it’s that he can walk on it. “I don’t want to look ahead too much and want to make sure the bone heels properly first,” he said of getting back on the ice before the season ends. “Once (I’m) confident with that, I will try to make the jump and maybe skate again. I would love to get out there this year and I’ve always said that it always sucks to be in the stands watching the guys battling. Barring an unforeseen development in his recovery, Chabot should be good to go for Canada at the world championships. WHITE NOISE: Colin White, who has missed the past two games with an upper-body injury, skated on a line with Zack Smith and Bobby Ryan at practice Friday. “I felt it in practice the other day and it has just been nagging me for a bit now so let it rest and hopefully it will feel good (for 1136269 Ottawa Senators Goalies Anders Nilsson Game Day: Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs Craig Anderson Maple Leafs’ lines Ken Warren Patrick Marleau-John Tavares-Mitch Marner Published:March 15, 2019 Andreas Johnsson-Auston Matthews-William Nylander Updated:March 15, 2019 8:14 PM EDT Trevor Moore-Nazem Kadri-Connor Brown Tyler Ennis-Frederik Gauthier-Nic Petan Saturday, 7 p.m., . TV: CBC. Radio: TSN 1200-AM, Defence Unique 94,5. Morgan Rielly-Ron Hainsey The Big Matchup Jake Muzzin-Nikita Zaitsev Anders Nilsson versus Garret Sparks: In the latest Battle of Ontario twist, neither of the goaltenders has yet to play in a head-to-head Toronto Martin Marincin-Igor Ozhiganov versus Ottawa matchup. Goaltending Nilsson is drawing the start on the strength of his 35-save shutout over Garret Sparks the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. As awful as the Senators have been this season, Nilsson has run hot and cold, with an overall respectable Frederik Andersen record of 9-9-0, with a 2.90 goals-against average and .915 save percentage since arriving from the Vancouver Canucks. Injuries Sparks is expected to get the start to give a breather to Frederik Ottawa: Thomas Chabot Andersen, who played in Friday’s home game against the Philadelphia Toronto: Jake Gardiner, Travis Dermott, Kasperi Kapanen, Flyers. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 Technically, Sparks has lost six of his past seven decisions, but he was unfairly nailed with the loss in a 5-4 defeat to the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week. Sparks, who came on in relief of Andersen, stopped 24 of 25 shots, but under the goofy rules of the NHL, he picked up the defeat because he allowed the fifth Blackhawks goal, which, at the time, gave Chicago a 5-0 lead. Five Keys To The Game Looking for hope: It’s but one game, but Ottawa boy Max Veronneau looked quite comfortable in stepping directly from the grounds at Princeton into the Senators’ lineup Thursday. Is it too much to ask for a repeat performance? Energy levels: Compared to the Senators’ makeshift late-season lineup, the Maple Leafs should have more than enough firepower to outscore Ottawa. But after playing Philadelphia at home Friday, Toronto may not have the same late-game stamina as the Senators. Asking for relief: Frederik Andersen has been the Maple Leafs’ backbone all season long, but he needs a break or two down the stretch. Saturday represents the ideal opportunity for Garret Sparks to see some work against a Senators squad that has scored only two goals in each of its past four games. Fandemonium: It’s the oddest scene, really, seeing the seats at Canadian Tire Centre filled primarily with fans wearing the Maple Leafs’ colours. As the old saying goes, the Senators will be aiming to score first to take the crowd out of it. Special teams: On paper, the Maple Leafs’ potent power play should overpower the Senators’ penalty killing units. But ever so quietly, the Senators have been outstanding shorthanded of late, killing off all 23 opportunities in the past eight games and going 32-for-33 in the past dozen contests. Special Teams Senators PP: 19.8 (15th), PK 79.7 (21st) Maple Leafs PP: 22.9 (7th), PK 80.3 (18th) Senators’ lines Brady Tkachuk-Jean-Gabriel Pageau-Max Veronneau Mikkel Boedker-Oscar Lindberg-Brian Gibbons -Chris Tierney-Magnus Paajarvi Zack Smith-Colin White-Bobby Ryan Defence -Cody Ceci Dylan DeMelo-Christian Jaros -Mark Borowiecki 1136270 Ottawa Senators Cherry has labelled them “a bunch of jerks” for their actions. “The league is changing,” said veteran Senators defenceman Mark Borowiecki, who plays the game with the type of rugged, physical How much is too much? No apologies coming from Wolanin after approach that Cherry has always appreciated. celebrating in rare Sens win “I disagree with Don on that one. It’s evident, as a league, that we’re lagging behind the other professional sports leagues a little bit in terms of Ken Warren growth and appeal to a larger fan base, and you can’t help but wonder if part of that is because we’re so entrenched in this good-old-boy Published:March 15, 2019 mentality.” Updated:March 15, 2019 8:52 PM EDT Borowiecki says fun celebrations make players, such as Wolanin, more relatable and approachable.

“It’s good to show raw emotion and passion. Everyone appreciates that. This just in: The chances to celebrate big moments and wins have been Playing in the NHL is hard, let alone scoring goals in the NHL. So good limited for the Ottawa Senators this season. for you if you bury one and want to be happy about it.” Just the same, there were some observers who felt that defenceman Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 Christian Wolanin’s arm-pumping celebration of what turned out to be his winning goal in Thursday’s 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues was a tad over the top. Wolanin, however, is making no apologies for his spontaneous outburst. “I tend to celebrate with a lot of passion, and especially when things aren’t going your way, you get really excited when you kind of give it back to them, you know?” said Wolanin, who will take on a bigger stage against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at Canadian Tire Centre with star defenceman Thomas Chabot sitting out with a broken toe. “It was a good feeling to score that and get the guys going a little bit. A lot of energy and passion came out in that moment.” Make no mistake about it, frustration has been a constant in the Senators’ dressing room for most of the season, especially in the past month with the loss of star players at the trade deadline and so many on- ice defeats. The win over St. Louis broke a four-game losing streak. Even with the victory Thursday, the Senators face the Maple Leafs with only two triumphs in their past 13 outings. What’s acceptable behaviour has become a hot-button topic in the NHL this season, largely because of the Carolina Hurricanes’ zany post-game celebrations following home-ice victories. ’s Don Cherry has been among the most outspoken critics, saying it’s disrespectful. Wolanin, whose father, Christian, played in the NHL for 15 seasons with New Jersey, Quebec/Colorado, Tampa Bay and Toronto, believes there is a line you can’t cross. “It’s the NHL, so you’ve got to respect the league and respect your opponent and all that stuff,” said the younger Wolanin, who attended North Dakota before turning pro last season. “It’s not like the college celly where you go to the students’ section and you do the jersey pump and all that stuff. I don’t think it’s a bad thing to show passion. “A lot of times, everyone is afraid to break the stereotype and cliché of being a gentleman. Just because you’re passionate and you’re celebrating, it doesn’t mean you’re not a gentleman. It doesn’t mean you’re not respecting the game. It’s the way I play the game and always will.” The NHL game is getting younger and younger, which partly explains the youthful exuberance that often comes when goals are scored. “Any time you score a big goal, you have a right to celebrate it,” said rookie Senators centre Colin White. “But if it’s 6-1 or 5-1, then I think you have to know the right time and the right place. I think that’s the biggest thing.” Even those who have been around the NHL for generations recognize the league is in the entertainment business, needing to sell some sizzle along with the substance. “It’s good to see emotion in the game,” said interim Senators head coach Marc Crawford. “When you see a nice celly like (Wolanin) had, I think that’s great. You don’t like to see guys go overboard, but that was a big goal in a hard-fought game and it ended up being the winner.” So, what about the hurricane surrounding the Hurricanes’ victory dances? The players have gathered at centre ice to act like bowling pins and dominoes, wobbling before falling over. They’ve celebrated by having a player hit a makeshift home run and round the bases, done the limbo and makeshift rowing on the ice. 1136271 Ottawa Senators

Hello and goodbye: Brannstrom returns to Belleville after promising debut

Ken Warren Published:March 15, 2019 Updated:March 15, 2019 4:15 PM EDT

Erik Brannstrom promises to have a lengthy future with the Ottawa Senators, but his first taste of the big leagues was short and sweet. After turning heads in his NHL debut, a 2-0 win over the St. Louis Blues Thursday, Brannstrom, 19, was re-assigned to the Belleville Senators of the AHL in time for Friday’s game against the Laval Titan. Since Brannstrom was originally recalled from Belleville on an emergency basis, the Senators needed to return him to Belleville because Mark Borowiecki and/or Christian Jaros are deemed healthy enough to play in Saturday’s game against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “Everyone is smarter, they think more out there,” Brannstrom said after playing 17:20 in his NHL debut. “The speed is almost the same, but the way guys make plays is totally different. You’re playing with better players.” One of the newest Ottawa Senators, Erik Brannstrom is seen in pre- season action as a Vegas Golden Knight in September. Brannstrom, who came to the Senators from the Vegas Golden Knights in the Mark Stone trade, was playing with Vegas’ AHL affiliate in Chicago when the deal was made. “It took me a little bit of time (to adjust),” he said. “I’m still in the hotel in Belleville. It is a little different. It’s a little bit smaller than Chicago, but it’s a good facility and a good team.” Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136272 Ottawa Senators “But, at the same time, we will be increasing our payroll budget as we move forward along this rebuild to make sure that we’re always keeping our younger stars and they’re growing all together.” Senators vow they're going to rebuild around their young stars Ruszkowski, who launched the club’s season ticket campaign last week with 86 per cent of seat prices in the Canadian Tire Centre either reduced or frozen, said at the end of the call the organization Bruce Garrioch understands it has work to do to restore faith from some of its fan base. Published:March 15, 2019 “We know that from that from the perspective of the fans that talk is cheap,” Ruszkowski said when asked why fans should trust the plan? Updated:March 15, 2019 2:07 PM EDT “We’re not going to be able talk or spin our way through re-engaging or re-acquiring your trust. We have to show you through actions that we’re

doing that.” The Ottawa Senators have promised to do this rebuild the right way. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 Speaking on a conference call for season ticket holders with chief operating officer Nicolas Ruszkowski before Thursday’s 2-0 victory over the St. Louis Blues at the Canadian Tire Centre, general manager assured the club’s fans the Senators will keep their young players and build around them. After seeing UFA forwards Mark Stone, Matt Duchene and Ryan Dzingel dealt at the Feb. 25 NHL trade deadline, Dorion indicated he’ll open up contracts with the likes of top young players Thomas Chabot, Brady Tkachuk and Colin White to get them signed to new deals as soon as the collective bargaining agreement allows it. The Senators can sit down with Chabot’s camp after July 1 to discuss a long-term contract. He is headed into the final year of his entry-level deal next season but has had a solid year. Sidelined with a broken toe, he has 13 goals and 36 assists for 49 points in 62 games. “We’re definitely not the Montreal Expos of the NHL,” Dorion told the ticket holders. “We feel that we have a lot of young stars. We feel moving forward that all these young stars will be an integral part of our rebuild and our success in the next three-to-five years when we feel we’re going to be a Cup contending team. “Our plan is to keep all of our young stars on long-term contracts when the opportunity comes to negotiate with them. There’s no doubt, I don’t know how I can be clearer on that, we want to make sure the Chabot’s, Tkachuk’s, the White’s and after that, (, and Erik Brannstrom) will all be in Ottawa for a long, long time.” Sitting in last place in the NHL, Dorion said he won’t make any promises on how long it will be before the club competes for a playoff spot again but didn’t stray from the three-to-five year range. “A realistic timeline? A rebuild can happen much quicker than people expect, but at the same time, there’s no shortcuts in a rebuild,” Dorion said. “If you try to have shortcuts in a rebuild you can set yourself back one or two steps. “What we want to do, in this plan is to make sure we’re Cup contending in the time frame of three-to-five years, with the development of our young players we’re hoping we can accelerate that process. We’re not going to take any shortcuts doing so. We feel we have the pieces whether they’re in Belleville, whether they’re in our prospect line or the draft picks we’ll take in the next three years. “If we go along the line of the timeframe we stated all along when the rebuild started, the three-to-five year range, that is when we feel we will be a Cup contending team.” The club doesn’t feel any pressure to name a captain and there may not be one next year either. “We’re in no rush to name a captain,” said Dorion. “We feel we have a good group of veteran leaders on this team and we also feel we have to let the leadership develop on this team as best as we can. “When we feel it’s a proper time, and it could come as early as October next year, or maybe we’ll go through next season without a captain, when we feel we have the proper person to be the next captain of the Ottawa Senators we will do so and name him at the proper time.” Senators’ owner told a group of corporate clients at an event last month at the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto the club will spend to the cap for the 2021-22 campaign when the organization feels it will be ready to compete for a Stanley Cup. Dorion reiterated the salaries will be up through the course of the next few years. “While we’re in a rebuild, we’re obviously not spending to the cap,” said Dorion. “It’s not that we don’t want to, it’s to do this rebuild as properly as we can be, we’re going to spend the necessary funds to make sure our young players develop and on other things such as scouting, analytics and development. 1136273 Philadelphia Flyers Interim coach Scott Gordon thought playing on back-to-back nights hurt his team against the rested Leafs.

“They were waiting here and coming off two losses and they were on Flyers blow 3-goal lead, fall to Maple Leafs as playoff hopes almost their toes most of the night,” he said. vanish Breakaways

Right winger Ryan Hartman was ill and missed the game. The Flyers did by Sam Carchidi, not have any extra forwards, so they were forced to go with seven defensemen, including Andrew MacDonald, who was healthy scratch in the previous game. ... Claude Giroux had three assists. ... It marked just TORONTO – The Flyers’ 7-6 loss Friday night to the Toronto Maple the third time since 2008 the Flyers had allowed 51 or more shots in a Leafs didn’t officially eliminate them from playoff contention. game. ... It was the first time Toronto had scored seven goals against the Flyers since 1988 at . ... The Leafs blanked the But it sure felt like a defeat that, in effect, ended their bizarre season. Flyers, 6-0, in the teams’ previous meeting in Toronto on Nov. 24. They blew a 5-2 lead and fell to the Maple Leafs at ear-splitting Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.16.2019 Scotiabank Arena. Auston Matthews scored on a slot shot after the Flyers couldn’t clear their zone, snapping a 5-5 tie with 5 minutes left in regulation. Toronto, which skated circles around the Flyers all night, secured the win as Matthews scored on a rebound with 2:39 left. With Brian Elliott pulled for an extra attacker, James van Riemsdyk completed a hat trick and brought the Flyers to within 7-6 with 1:14 remaining. But goalie Frederik Andersen made a clutch save just before the buzzer to preserve the win. The Flyers, one of the league’s hottest teams over the last two-plus months, suffered their second straight loss and fell seven points out of a playoff spot with 11 games left. “I’ve got to come up with one of those,” said Elliott after the Flyers were outshot, 51-29. “They were coming at us all night and we were playing back-to-back [nights] and we were running out of gas. We gave ourselves a chance and we just couldn’t keep it.” “It definitely stings,” van Riemsdyk said. “We just have to move on and be ready to go Sunday [in Pittsburgh]. Obviously it gets to the point where you only have so many bullets left in the chamber, and certainly we have to have a pretty good run here the rest of the way to put ourselves in a [playoff] position.” Toronto tied the score at 5-5 when defenseman Martin Marincin scored his first goal of the season, firing a shot that deflected off the glove of defenseman Robert Hagg and past Elliott with 17:05 left in regulation. The Flyers outscored the Leafs, 4-3, during a wild second period in which the teams played little defense and got shoddy goaltending. Van Riemsdyk (plus-5) had two of the second-period goals against his former team – a tip-in and a rebound – and the Flyers also got tallies from Shayne Gostisbehere and Radko Gudas in the stanza. Van Riemsdyk has 18 goals in 28 games since Jan. 10, tied for the second-most in the league in that span. “I’m playing with smart players who get the puck to the net," he said. When an all-alone Gostisbehere scored on a rebound with 6:33 left in the second, the Flyers had a 5-2 lead. But Elliott – who had played brilliantly until the latter stages of the second – allowed two goals to defenseman Jake Muzzin as the Leafs closed the gap to 5-4 heading into the third period. The last goal, from long range, might have deflected off a Flyers defenseman. The Flyers were constantly on their heels as they allowed the much- speedier Leafs to easily enter the offensive zone throughout the first 40 minutes, during which Toronto had a 35-20 shots domination and a huge territorial advantage. To honor St. Patrick’s Day weekend, the Maple Leafs wore green and white uniforms that showcased “St. Pats” – the team’s nickname 100 years ago. Whatever you called them, they dominated the first period, creating a shooting gallery at Elliott, who stopped 18 of 19 shots in the opening 20 minutes. The Flyers, outshot by a 19-11 margin, were fortunate to leave the ice tied at 1-all after the first. Toronto had a whopping 37 shot attempts (16 more than the Flyers) in the period. With 7:38 left in the first, the Flyers took a 1-0 lead when won a faceoff from Matthews and fed Jake Voracek, who ripped a one- timer from the left circle past Andersen. Voracek had missed the previous two games because of a league-mandated suspension. 1136274 Philadelphia Flyers because of an ankle injury. Starting him earlier in the week against lowly Ottawa made much more sense.

Nobody asked me, but … On Flyers’ future, potential draft picks, and some advice for Gary Bettman | Sam Carchidi It boggles the mind the way the NHL seems to have no rhyme or reason in setting lengths of its suspensions. The league appears to give more importance to the severity of the injury incurred as opposed to the by Sam Carchidi, severity of the action. Example: Pittsburgh’s Evgeni Malkin took a swing with his stick at Michael Raffl’s head on Feb. 11. Raffl didn’t miss any games. Malkin Nobody asked me, but … received a one-game suspension. Even if the Flyers don’t make the playoffs — and, despite an excellent Example II: Jake Voracek saw a 227-pound freight train named Johnny two-month run, their chances are pencil-thin — their future looks much Boychuk charging at him from behind, so he braced for the impact and better than it did at this time last year, when they sneaked into the slightly leaned toward the Islanders’ defenseman. Voracek hit Boychuk’s postseason and were outscored by the Penguins, 28-15, in six games. head with his back, but based on the angle and his awkward position, it was virtually impossible for him to be targeting that area of the body. The young players have made major strides, general manager Chuck Fletcher has lots of cap space to make some critical off-season moves, Yet, he received a two-game suspension because Boychuk was injured and the Flyers should get an excellent player in the first round of the draft on the play, which was far less dangerous than the Malkin incident. in June. Predictably, Voracek’s appeal to reduce the suspension was rejected by Experts say the draft is loaded with gifted forwards and light on high- commissioner Gary Bettman. What a shocker that Bettman didn’t quality defensemen. That works to the Flyers’ advantage because they overturn a decision made by one of his coworkers. are filled with promising young players on the blue line. It says here that all appeals should be heard by an impartial arbitrator — Entering the weekend, the Flyers have the 14th-worst record. If they as is done for suspensions of six games or more. finish there, they would have just a 1.5 percent chance of winning the draft lottery and getting the No. 1 pick. The NHL needs to find a way to show much more consistency in deciding the length of suspensions. Barring a stunning lottery advancement, like when they beat the 2.4 percent odds and moved from No. 13 to No. 2 in 2017 and drafted Nolan Listening, Mr. Bettman? Patrick, the Flyers will not be in the running for center Jack Hughes or big Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.16.2019 right winger Kaapo Kakko. They are can’t-miss prospects who are expected to be selected one-two, though which one goes No. 1 is a mystery. But keep an eye on these highly rated prospects who might be available when the Flyers select, probably around No. 14: centers Ryan Suzuki, Raphael Lavoie, and Alex Newhook, and wingers Arthur Kaliyev and Matthew Boldy. An intriguing prospect who should be on the board when the Flyers pick: Cole Caufield, a 5-foot-7, 155-pound winger with a great scoring touch. Size doesn’t matter, South Jersey native Johnny Gaudreau has shown. Nobody asked me, but … When the Flyers are mathematically eliminated from the playoff race, Samuel Morin needs to be in the defensive rotation. The Flyers have to find out if they can count on the 6-foot-6, 227-pound Morin next season. If they can, they will have an abundance of defensive depth, which will probably lead to one of the D-men’s being dealt. Nobody asked me, but … The Flyers deserve props for recognizing 100-year-old Albert “Andy” Andreola, a Cinnaminson resident who has been a season-ticket holder since the franchise started in 1967. When the Flyers took their team photo Wednesday, they included Andreola, who was sitting in his wheelchair and was next to goalie Brian Elliott. Stick taps to Andreola … and the Flyers. Nobody asked me, but … The best move Fletcher has made since replacing Ron Hextall was hiring interim coach Scott Gordon. Fletcher gets high praise for promoting goalie Carter Hart from the Phantoms, but with all the goalie injuries the Flyers had at the time, Hextall probably would have done the same thing. I also believe that if Hextall had remained, would still be the head coach. When it came to Hakstol, Hextall wore blinders. He went out on a limb to hire him out of the college ranks and was determined to stick with him. Even though things were falling apart around him. Since Gordon arrived, the special teams have improved dramatically, the youngsters have blossomed, and the communication between the head coach and players has been much better. Even if the Flyers don’t make the playoffs, Gordon has made his mark and deserves to stay. That said, he’s not perfect. It was a head-scratching decision to have Hart face the powerful Capitals on Thursday after a three-week layoff 1136275 Philadelphia Flyers It’s a mark of a contender vs. a pretender, the strength of a third line. Totaled up, the Caps third line — recently acquired , Lars Eller, and Brett Connolly — has 33 goals and 48 assists. Flyers-Capitals observations: What happened to Scott Gordon’s magic The third line the Flyers have used recently — Michael Raffl, Scott touch? Laughton, and Ryan Hartman – has 29 goals and 39 assists. Not that far off. by Sam Donnellon, Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 03.16.2019

Flyers-Capitals observations: What happened to Scott Gordon’s magic touch? The Flyers lost Thursday night to the Washington Capitals, hurting their already slim chance to make the playoffs. Here are some observations: Gordon’s magic touch disappears For much of his tenure, and particularly the piece with Carter Hart, interim coach Scott Gordon has pushed all the right buttons. Giving Oskar Lindblom more minutes. Moving Travis Sanheim up the lineup, switching to a 1-3-1 forecheck and pushing a more aggressive penalty- kill philosophy have contributed to the Flyers’ remarkable rise from the ashes. Handling Hart has been on that list, too — at least until this week. Hindsight is 20/20, but it seemed at the start of the week the play to make was to give Hart his first start since returning from an ankle injury and weeks of inactivity Monday night against cellar-dwelling Ottawa. Not against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, who are, to put it lightly, finding their fifth gear these days. ``After the first maybe 20-25 minutes, I started to feel a little better in the net,’’ said Hart, who allowed half his four goals in that span. ``Started to feel like myself. Seeing the puck a little bit better off the release … controlling my rebounds better. But I still got to make maybe one or two more saves to give our team a better chance.’’ In truth, it was the five minutes after that 25th minute — when the Capitals increased their lead from 2-1 to 4-1 — that doomed Hart and his teammates. Still, you have to wonder if Hart might have escaped those first 30 minutes in better shape had he played against Ottawa on Monday night. Then when you split Elliott and Hart on Thursday and Friday against two of the league’s elite teams, you have two goaltenders who have played recently. I’ll bet Gordon would like a mulligan. Given how on-target his other moves have been, he gets one here. Ghost’s 200-foot super assist It’s been a tough year for Shayne Gostisbehere on both ends of the ice. Even with his second-period assist Thursday (his 26th), Ghost finished the night with a minus-1, adding to his team worst plus-minus, which now sits at minus-16. Oh, but what an assist it was. Rushing back to thwart a shorthanded 2- on-1 attempt, Ghost broke up Tom Wilson’s pass to a streaking Chandler Stephenson while on his back, jumped to his feet, and started an odd- man rush the other way. Dropping a pass to James van Riemsdyk as he entered the zone, Ghost then tied up the stick of defenseman Michal Kempny while pushing him out of a blocking position (OK, it was interference), giving JVR a clear shot at the net. So you want Jake Voracek to be more physical, eh? The Flyers sure could have used Jake Voracek on Thursday night, or in their 5-3 loss to the Caps last week. He had been playing his best hockey in recent memory, but Voracek’s increased physicality has had something to do with his absence from the lineup: first with the lower- body injury that required an MRI, and later because of a two-game suspension for lowering his shoulder into Johnny Boychuk’s head. Voracek has been very unpleasant company up in the press box. He will return for Friday’s game in Toronto. Depth = elite Washington received three goals from its third line Thursday night. Brett Connolly got two of them, including the goal that pushed the Caps lead back to two after the Flyers had sliced it early in the second period. Connolly has 19 goals and 20 assists this season. 1136276 Philadelphia Flyers But the Flyers likely weren't going to blow out this Toronto team. Jake Muzzin made it a game by scoring two goals in the final four minutes of the second period, setting up a fun third period — and a disappointing Maple Leafs 7, Flyers 6: On wrong end of wild game results in crushing one for the Flyers. loss • The Flyers' power play has fallen back into a funk. The man advantage is 2 for its last 21 and never got anything going on a third-period opportunity when the game was 5-5. By Jordan Hall March 15, 2019 9:23 PM • Now, the Flyers must travel to Pittsburgh for a Sunday night matchup with the Penguins (7:30 p.m./NBCSN). The Flyers held Auston Matthews scoreless until the final five minutes of Since the Feb. 23 Stadium Series loss to the Flyers, Pittsburgh has gone Friday night's game. 7-1-1. The Penguins will be on the second game of a back-to-back set after playing Saturday afternoon against the Blues. And then boom. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 Matthews, the Maple Leafs' 21-year-old star drafted first overall in 2016, firmly put his imprint on the evening by scoring back-to-back goals to break a 5-5 tie and deal the Flyers a crushing 7-6 loss at Scotiabank Arena. The Flyers held a 5-2 lead late in the second period, but not many teams can pin down Matthews and the high-powered Maple Leafs. Toronto ripped off five unanswered goals and the ridiculous finish very well may be the unofficial nail in the Flyers' coffin for 2018-19. The Flyers (34-29-8) have lost two straight games and the road gets only tougher with 11 games remaining. To pour salt in the wound, the Blue Jackets took care of business by beating the Hurricanes, 3-0, giving the Flyers a seven-point deficit in the race for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot. The Flyers came into Friday with a 3.4 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to Hockey-Reference.com, while SportsClubStats.com gave them a 2.7 percent chance. Those percentages will sink even lower come Saturday morning. The Maple Leafs (43-23-5) avoided what would have been only their second three-game losing skid of the season. • The Flyers always make things interesting. Give them credit, they didn't quit after falling behind 7-5. James van Riemsdyk scored his third goal of the game to trim the deficit with 1:14 left in regulation. Shayne Gostisbehere actually put a decent shot on goal with one second remaining but Frederik Andersen turned it away to seal the Flyers' fate. • van Riemsdyk doesn't always score the most aesthetically pleasing goals, but he certainly doesn't luck his way into goals, either. You don't score 30-plus goals twice by accident and van Riemsdyk's net-front approach is actually a treat to watch. His second trip back to Toronto turned out to be special as van Riemsdyk recorded a hat trick, giving him 18 goals in 28 games since Jan. 10. Over that span, only one NHL player has scored more: Leon Draisaitl (19). His redirect early in the second period takes superb skill. The goal gave the Flyers a 2-1 lead before van Riemsdyk decided to balloon the advantage a little over seven minutes later by working hard right in the goal crease. JVR doing what he does best! The Maple Leafs landed John Tavares in free agency last summer as van Riemsdyk departed Toronto to come back home for a Flyers reunion. Not one person would blame the Maple Leafs for focusing on reeling in Tavares (it obviously has paid off), but the hatty had to feel good for JVR in his old stomping grounds. • Toronto came out blazing and never let up, with its offensive firepower on full display. The Maple Leafs' bevy of weapons had Brian Elliott under siege all first period, putting 19 shots on the Flyers' goalie. Elliott quickly realized this was not the NHL-worst Senators from Monday night, when he had to make only 20 saves on 22 shots in a 3-2 victory. Overall, Elliott finished with 44 saves on 51 shots. Blowing a 5-2 lead hurts, but he wasn't a serious problem. Toronto looked scary good. Tavares was held scoreless while Mitch Marner had just one assist, and the Maple Leafs still dropped seven on the Flyers. • If you're a hockey fan, you loved this game, especially the second and third periods. The middle stanza featured seven goals — four from the Flyers, three from the Maple Leafs. After JVR netted his two, defensemen Radko Gudas and Shayne Gostisbehere each lit the lamp, handing the Flyers a rather surprising three-goal lead. 1136277 Philadelphia Flyers Brian Elliott Carter Hart Flyers at Maple Leafs: Live stream, storylines, game time and more Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019

By Jordan Hall March 15, 2019 3:58 PM

Next up: the Maple Leafs. A night after suffering a 5-2 loss to the defending champion Capitals, the Flyers (34-28-8) meet another Stanley Cup contender in the Maple Leafs (42-23-5). Let's get into Friday night's essentials: • When: 7 p.m. ET with Flyers Pregame Live at 6:30 p.m. • Where: Scotiabank Arena • Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia+ • Live stream: NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports MyTeams app • Toronto comes in with the NHL's third-best goal differential at plus-46 and it scores 3.57 goals per game, tied for third with the Flames. The Maple Leafs are actually on a two-game losing streak. They've lost three in a row only once this season. Back on Nov. 24, Toronto walloped the Flyers, 6-0, at Scotiabank Arena without Auston Matthews. Andreas Johnsson scored a hat trick in the opening 12:20 of the game and has not combined to score three goals against any other club this season. The good thing for the Flyers: Calvin Pickard started in net and that won't be the case Friday night, as they should have a much better shot with Brian Elliott starting and Carter Hart backing up. • Friday night is a big one for the Flyers. Every game is big at this point, but considering the Blue Jackets will be dropping the puck the same time the Flyers do, it should be an eventful night of watching hockey and the NHL scoreboard. Columbus hosts the Hurricanes, who are 15-4-1 in their last 20 games. The Flyers enter Friday night five points back of the Blue Jackets for the Eastern Conference's second wild-card spot with 12 games remaining. On Saturday night, Columbus (81 points) visits the Bruins, while the Canadiens (81 points) host the Blackhawks. The Flyers (76 points) are idle before traveling to Pittsburgh for a Sunday night matchup with the Penguins. • For the second time, James van Riemsdyk will return to Toronto, where he put up a pair of 30-goal campaigns and played in three postseasons from 2012-18. JVR is on a roll right now for the Flyers, scoring 15 goals in 27 games since Jan. 10. For some context, Alex Ovechkin and Vladimir Tarasenko both have 16 over that span. Since Jan. 10, the Flyers are 19-6-2. • Elliott went 2-0-0 against the Maple Leafs last season, stopping 48 of 52 shots faced. That Toronto team did not have John Tavares, who has 19 career goals in 43 games against the Flyers, his second-most markers vs. any NHL club. Projected lineup Forwards James van Riemsdyk-Nolan Patrick-Claude Giroux Oskar Lindblom-Sean Couturier-Jakub Voracek Michael Raffl-Scott Laughton-Travis Konecny Phil Varone-Corban Knight-Ryan Hartman Defensemen Ivan Provorov-Travis Sanheim Shayne Gostisbehere-Philippe Myers Robert Hagg-Radko Gudas Goalies 1136278 Philadelphia Flyers

Carter Hart an illustration of how little leeway Flyers have left

Dave Isaac, NHL writer Published 1:41 p.m. ET March 15, 2019

PHILADELPHIA — At some point, Carter Hart had to be reintroduced to the NHL after missing three weeks with an ankle injury. The reigning champion Washington Capitals were certainly a tall task. Monday he served as Brian Elliott’s backup against the Ottawa Senators, a team that’s at the bottom of the NHL standings and averages fewer than three goals per game. Interim coach Scott Gordon opted not to give the rookie that game because Elliott was on a roll and he figured that was the best chance to win the game, which the Flyers did, and that he’d save Hart for the back-to-back Thursday against the Capitals and Friday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. There was some understandable rust as the rookie allowed four goals in the first two periods of a 5-2 loss. With the Flyers essentially having no room for error in their remaining games, it took Hart a little while to find his footing against the first team in the division. “After the first 20, 25 minutes I started to feel a little better in net. I started to feel like myself and seeing the puck,” Hart said after the game. “Little better off the release, controlling my rebounds better. “At the end of the day I just have to make a couple more saves. We came out really hard in the second half of the game, I thought, and really put some pressure on them. (Washington’s Braden) Holtby made a couple good saves, but at the end of the day I have to make a couple more saves to give our team a better chance.” His first game in three weeks was a tough one because of the strength of the opponent, how quickly they move the puck and the fact that when the Flyers had a defensive mistake, the Capitals made sure they took advantage. There’s not much defensemen can do to try and help out a goalie aside from not getting in shooting lanes to allow better the goalie to see the puck. With how fast players like Alexander Ovechkin release the puck, good luck doing that. In fact, Washington found passing lanes the Flyers didn’t expect and Hart had to be alert. “I mean, he plays goalie, we don’t have too many adjustments,” Shayne Gostisbehere said. “We just want him to stop the puck. I think he did pretty good. We left him out to dry on a couple goals. It’s not on him, for sure. It’s on us.” Brett Connolly had a pair of goals and an assist, his third career three- point game. His linemate, Lars Eller, had another goal when he put home his own rebound after Travis Sanheim failed to clear the puck and Tom Wilson scored when he was left alone in the slot and Hart was anticipating a play at the side of his net. By no means was Hart the biggest reason for the loss, but his brush-off- the-rust game eat into what little space the Flyers have to miss out on points. “I don’t think there was anything he could have done on the first two goals, maybe a little bit deep on the third one,” Gordon said. “The fourth one, I couldn’t find any fault. We just had a lost coverage that made it a little bit easier than it should have been.” Gordon said recently that Hart would play a role as the Flyers finish out the season with three goalies, including pending free agent , whom the Flyers traded for a month ago. Now they need him to be as stellar as he was in January when he had a .931 save percentage and won rookie of the month honors. “He looked pretty sharp after getting settled in,” Scott Laughton said. “Not too many rebounds coming off of him. I thought he did a good job for us, gave us a chance, but we made a couple too many mistakes that ended up in the back of our net.” Courier-Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136279 Philadelphia Flyers and not systems matters most when it comes to determining how two teams might match up.

Philadelphia never really was in this game, a comment that applies to the Capitals 5, Flyers 2: 10 things we learned from a loss that was never other two Flyers losses to the Capitals this year as well. Within 10 really close and its impact on the uphill playoff push minutes, they were down two goals, and by the halfway point, they trailed 4-1 — actually an improvement over their work against the same club eight days prior, as a few Flyers pointed out in the wake of the defeat. It’s By Charlie O'Connor Mar 15, 2019 not that Philadelphia played terrible hockey — they trailed in all-situations Expected Goals by a mere 2.61-2.14 margin and actually led in overall shot attempts 55-53 — but despite those numbers, the Capitals simply never looked challenged. Considering the stakes involved, it was a Entering Thursday night’s contest, the Washington Capitals were the only surprisingly non-competitive game. team to have defeated the hard-charging Philadelphia Flyers in the month of March. Otherwise, the Flyers had won four games, pushing That’s not because the Flyers weren’t trying. It’s not like this one themselves into the outskirts of the Eastern Conference playoff race. devolved into a blowout, and three third-period power plays with the score 4-2 in Washington’s favor could have easily turned it into a toss-up The Capitals apparently remain Philadelphia’s March kryptonite. game. But the Philadelphia power play was largely toothless, generating By the end of the first period, the Flyers trailed 2-0, and would never just one high-danger chance all game long, and only the top line of Oskar recover, ultimately falling by a 5-2 final score. James van Riemsdyk and Lindblom, Sean Couturier and Giroux actually drove play at 5-on-5. Scott Laughton scored for the Flyers, who now sit five points behind the In three games against the Capitals this season, the Flyers have allowed Montreal Canadiens and Columbus Blue Jackets in their long-shot quest 15 goals while scoring just eight of their own. The sample might not be for a postseason berth, an uphill battle that became even more difficult the largest, but it’s pretty easy to infer that Philadelphia — even if after last night’s loss. Brett Connolly had two goals and an assist for the Voracek hadn’t missed two of the three contests — simply isn’t on Capitals, while Braden Holtby cruised to a 22-save performance to earn Washington’s level. “They have four lines that can make a lot of plays,” the win. Carter Hart, in his first game back from an ankle sprain suffered Giroux admitted. Right now, the Flyers do not, and that’s the biggest on Feb. 21, stopped 27 of 31 shots in defeat. reason they failed to match up to the Capitals in 2018-19. This series Note: This article will reference advanced hockey stats. If you’re looking versus the Caps provided clear evidence that the Orange & Black need to better understand any of the referenced metrics, please read this an infusion of talent to be truly competitive in the Metro next season. primer, which explains the concepts behind them. They’ll get one more crack at them in the nation’s capital on March 24, but absent a stellar goaltending performance, it’s tough to see that game 1: Flyers now facing ‘must-win’ game playing out much different than the first three. It was always unlikely that the Flyers could take on the Capitals at home 3: Hart shows signs of rust and then the Toronto Maple Leafs a day later on the road and get the better of both opponents. The two clubs are just too deep, and When Brian Elliott came through with a satisfactory effort in net Monday Philadelphia is just too flawed, especially when operating without Jakub to ensure a Flyers win over the lowly Ottawa Senators, I noted that the Voracek, as they did on Thursday. positive outcome didn’t necessarily validate the decision by Gordon to go with Elliott instead of the newly healthy Carter Hart. Both goalies would Still, even accounting for the recent struggles of Toronto, the matchup have likely defeated the Senators — basically a glorified AHL team at this against Washington felt like the more manageable contest. It was in point — but with Hart not having played in a game since Feb. 21, it felt Philadelphia, after all, and the Flyers also had the benefit of no game the like the perfect opportunity to allow him to shake the rust off in a low- night before — a luxury they would not have against the high-powered pressure environment. The Flyers might be able to overcome a mediocre Maple Leafs. In addition, for all of the Capitals’ strengths as defending netminding performance versus Ottawa; it’s far less likely they could do champions, they simply don’t grade out as well as Toronto in terms of so against the Capitals or Maple Leafs, and Hart was sure to play in at their all-around roster (537 by Dom Luszczyszyn’s model as opposed to least one of the two back-to-back contests later in the week. The wisdom Toronto’s 607). Even without Voracek, this felt like the game the Flyers of Gordon’s decision not to give Hart that tune-up versus Ottawa would were more likely to steal. be decided by how the youngster looked in his belated return game. Now, they don’t have much of a choice — unless they want to start a Unfortunately for Hart, the Flyers and Gordon, the 20-year-old didn’t two-game losing streak with their playoff hopes already dim. They have immediately return to his former glory. Predictably, it took him some time to go to Canada and grab two points against the Maple Leafs. to settle in, and on three of the goals he allowed in the first half of the game (the first was essentially unstoppable), it’s fair to argue that Hart “Quick turnaround, we go to Toronto and we play a hungry team and we could have played the situation better — particularly the final two. “After have to be hungrier,” Scott Laughton said after Thursday’s defeat. “We the first maybe 20-25 minutes, I started to feel a little better in the net,” have to go in and have a good start in that building, it’s tough to play in Hart acknowledged. “Started to feel like myself. Seeing the puck a little and back to back, we have to come in and it’s a must-win game for us. bit better off the release.” No other way.” Would Hart have played better had he not needed those 20-25 minutes “Must-win.” It’s tough to argue with that description, even if the Flyers are to find his footing? It’s impossible to know. Maybe the Flyers were just five points out of the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference due destined to lose this game regardless of the man in net — after all, the to Montreal’s loss to the Islanders on Thursday. But at the very least, the first Connolly goal was a total defensive zone breakdown and Lars Eller’s gap requires a three-game swing to pick up the six points necessary to subsequent tally wasn’t much better. And none of the skaters even surpass both the Canadiens and the Blue Jackets, and Philadelphia has remotely pinned the loss on Hart. “I think he did pretty good, we left him just 12 remaining games to do it. out to dry on a couple goals. It’s not on him for sure, it’s on us,” Shayne Realistically, they need to finish with something like 95 or 96 standings Gostisbehere said. Then again, Hart was a driving force behind the points to have a real shot at a postseason berth. That would require 19 to Flyers salvaging their season; even if players did think he didn’t have his 20 points the rest of the way — in other words, they probably can only best stuff last night, they understandably weren’t going to say that out lose two remaining games, three at most unless they end up with a loud. bunch of overtime/shootout defeats. Can they achieve that if they fall to My guess is that Hart would have performed better had he started on Toronto on Friday? Sure, it’s still possible. But it would essentially Monday, and that the Flyers still could have defeated Ottawa even if this obliterate their margin for error. “I strongly believe that we’re not out of it,” version of Hart had played over Elliott. But that’s just a guess. captain Claude Giroux said last night after the loss. A fine sentiment, but Predictably, Gordon didn’t think Hart’s rust was a major factor in now he and his club have to go out and prove it. Thursday’s outcome. “I don’t think there is anything he could’ve done on 2: Caps appear to just be a little too much for Flyers the first two goals,” the head coach said. “Maybe a little bit deep on the third one, and the fourth one I couldn’t find any fault, we just had a lost Over the past two weeks, the Flyers had little trouble taking down the coverage that was a made a little easier than it should’ve been.” Still, it’s New York Islanders, a club that’s ridden great goaltending and the easy to wonder if the Flyers could have stolen this one with a sharper excellent coaching of Barry Trotz to Metropolitan Division title contention. Hart. In theory, the Islanders should provide something of a blueprint to taking down the Capitals — Trotz coached Washington as recently as last 4: Laughton line struggles versus Eller group season, and as Flyers head coach Scott Gordon acknowledged to the When a talent disparity exists between two clubs, it’s rarely limited to media on Thursday morning, the systems of the two clubs aren’t all that high-end players. Sure, one could argue that Alexander Ovechkin, dissimilar. Yet Thursday night’s game — and really, every matchup Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov are superior to Claude Giroux between the Flyers and Capitals this season — showcased why talent and Sean Couturier, but most teams have star power capable of taking over a game on any given night, and the Flyers and Caps are no offensive night, but they’ve certainly had worse this season. Still, the exceptions. Further down the lineup is where a gap truly shows itself — above heat map hints at a classic tendency for Philadelphia over the last the great teams have above-average players up and down the roster, few years; they generally tend to generate their shots either from the while inferior clubs are forced to use players outside of their ideal roles, perimeter or right in front of the net, and the latter often materialize as a resulting in weaknesses that can be exploited by a superior club. result of the former turning into rebounds. There’s an element of predictability to the attack. The Flyers’ bottom-six is a classic example. The line of Michael Raffl, Laughton and Ryan Hartman isn’t lacking ability; it would be a fantastic Compare Philadelphia’s heat map to that of the Capitals on the other NHL fourth line. And the trio of Phil Varone, Justin Bailey and Corban side. Washington’s high-density area in front of the net extends up into Knight would be a perfectly solid top line at the AHL level. Unfortunately, the slot, and they even scored a goal from there. Most likely, it’s not that both groups are currently forced to function one step above their ideal the Flyers are trying to eschew the slot entirely, as the Hagg/Giroux spots; the Laughton line was deployed as Philadelphia’s third last night, opportunity shows. They’re just not getting there often enough. Consider while the AHL trio was bumped to fourth-line NHL duties. this another piece of evidence as to why Philadelphia could use an infusion of more creative offensive skill in the offseason. Washington took full advantage. Unlike the Flyers, who have a great fourth line masquerading as a third line, the Capitals actually have a 7: Sanheim the culprit on Goal No. 2, struggles great third line consisting of Eller, Connolly and Carl Hagelin. Predictably, the Eller line won its matchup with Laughton and company, and did so Travis Sanheim has rightfully turned into one of the undeniable positives handily. After two periods of play, Washington had produced a 7-1 shot- for the Flyers in the 2018-19 season. The talent was always there, but attempt advantage, a 4-0 scoring-chance edge and a 2-0 goal lead when new assistant Rick Wilson proved to be the first coach at the NHL level to Eller directly faced Laughton. That’s about as lopsided as a bottom-sixer trust him in a role beyond that of a third-pair defenseman, and Sanheim versus bottom-sixer matchup gets. has rewarded his coach’s faith with a breakout Year 2. He’s scoring at a stellar rate even without top-unit power play time, driving play at 5-on-5 Again, this isn’t a slight against the Raffl-Laughton-Hartman trio. While and improving his off-puck defense on a nightly basis. Raffl very well could be allowed to leave the team via unrestricted free agency this summer, if that group functions as Philadelphia’s fourth line However, that doesn’t mean that the 22-year-old has removed all of the to start 2019-20, the Flyers are in good shape. But last night served as a warts from his game. The defensive zone can still be a challenge for reminder of their limitations — and the benefits of a truly above-average Sanheim, even if he’s much improved in that area of the ice as compared third line. “They capitalize on their chances,” Laughton admitted when to the start of his professional career. On the Capitals’ second goal, he asked about the Eller line. “Their D made a couple of good plays to the showed why he still needs to improve. back door, and they’re a good third line. They’re hard to play against, and Sanheim makes two mistakes here. First, he fails to get enough on his they capitalize on their chances.” initial clear attempt, leading to a second opportunity for the Caps, and 5: Flyers essentially repeat Ottawa first period to worse results then he loses track of Eller after the failed clear, leading to his man being wide-open in front of the net. The mantra in the locker room after last night’s game was the team’s start was simply unacceptable. Multiple players — Hart leading the way The first mistake is not especially concerning, aside from the fact that it — noted that the Flyers were relatively satisfied with their work in the happened. The failed clear was more of a physical mistake, and Sanheim second half of the contest, but that the first ten minutes or so were ugly. is a plus true-talent passer, even when under forechecking pressure. But the second mistake is reminiscent of Sanheim’s issues in his rookie year They jumped on us early again, and it’s hard to get back in the game,” — the occasional defensive zone brain freezes that left opponents wide Laughton said. “They’re a good team, one of the best in the league for a open in dangerous areas. reason, Cup champions for a reason, but (we) got off to another start where we made a couple too many mistakes and they (ended) up in the The above play wasn’t really an isolated incident on this night, even if it back of our net.” Gostisbehere said when asked what was missing to was the most glaring error. Sanheim finished with the lowest 5-on-5 Corsi start the game. “A little bit of jump, awareness,” he added. “It’s not even For Percentage among Philadelphia defensemen (41.38%) and their first or second line scoring the goals too, it’s their third, so I think for performed even worse by on-ice xG differential. In Sanheim’s defense, us they outworked us and out-battled us in the first ten minutes and it this was basically just a blip on the radar of a great sophomore NHL showed.” season, but if he settles in as more of a good second-pair defenseman rather than an impact first-pair guy, it will be sequences like the one Yet the first period truly wasn’t all bad for the Flyers. They generated a above that prevent him from reaching the higher status. significant amount of offensive zone time, and actually led in both shot attempts (21-16) and scoring chances (10-7). The problem was an 8: Myers, on the other hand, really didn’t seem at fault for Goal No. 3 inability to get most of those chances on net, and a tendency to break After Washington’s third goal, there was chatter on social media that down on the rare occasions that Washington spent extended time in the rookie Philippe Myers was a primary culprit in the way that Sanheim had Philadelphia end. In other words, it resembled their first period on been on the Capitals’ second tally. It made sense to a degree; after all, Monday versus the Senators. Myers’ turnover at the right point started the transition rush. But on close “We had some O-zone time, but we were trying to make the perfect play inspection, it’s tough to see what Myers really should have done at times,” Gordon said. “We had a lot of offensive zone time and differently on the play. unfortunately we didn’t make anything of it and I think the two shifts that Prior to Washington’s counter-rush, the Flyers are swarming. Myers they scored their goals on were probably — if I’m not mistaken — the actually successfully keeps the puck in the offensive zone just seconds only time they were in the offensive zone with sustained time, sustained before things go bad for the home team, and they seem poised to do the pressure.” same with Couturier looking to win a puck battle along the boards. But Against Ottawa, the Flyers could survive missing the net for nine straight Couturier’s pass — under pressure, in his defense — turns the entire minutes and being a bit loose in coverage. Against the lethal Capitals, play. It’s right into Myers’ skates, and in desperation, the rookie blueliner however, it was enough to dig them an early 2-0 hole that they never tries to kick the puck to keep it from going the other way. He fails, and on truly escaped. the ensuing rush, Connolly keeps the puck himself and snipes a wrister past Hart to give the Capitals a 3-1 lead. 6: Flyers struggle to generate shots in the slot It’s not like Myers is pinching in the offensive zone, which might have With the score still a manageable 4-2 in the third period, the Flyers were warranted a “he’s being overly aggressive” criticism. Myers is simply on the attack. After a successful entry into the offensive zone, Robert waiting at the point, and Couturier appears to mostly have possession of Hagg emerged with the puck, with Giroux just a few feet behind him in the puck. It makes sense for Myers to commit to staying in the offensive the high slot. A quick touch pass, and Philadelphia would have a golden zone rather than backing off in the neutral zone due to an assumption opportunity to get themselves within striking distance and really put the that Couturier will lose control of the puck. The pass is the problem here, pressure on their foes. putting Myers in a terrible position to receive it properly, not the rookie’s decision-making. You can guess what happened in the above video without even watching it. Hagg took an extra second to settle the puck, was challenged and the 9. Connolly buries the Flyers opportunity for a dangerous Giroux one-timer dissipated. This isn’t meant as a criticism of Hagg, even though he’s certainly not the most If the Flyers found out before the game that they would hold Ovechkin to offensively gifted defenseman on the roster. It’s more to point out a an assist and Backstrom to no points at all, they’d probably have liked problem that lingered throughout the game for Philadelphia — an inability their chances to come out on top. But even though they held the Capitals’ to attack from the mid-to-high slot area. triumvirate of offense — Ovechkin, Backstrom and Kuznetsov — largely off the scoresheet (Kuznetsov scored a goal but it was an empty netter), The Flyers’ attack wasn’t completely toothless — they generated 25 Philadelphia was still never really in this game. They have the work of scoring chances and 2.14 worth of Expected Goals. Not a stellar Brett Connelly largely to blame for that fact. Connolly, a former top prospect (No. 6 overall pick in 2010) who failed to click in Tampa Bay or Boston, has found a real home in Washington. He’ll never be a top scorer, but his three-point night on Thursday bumped him up to 39 points on the season, and he needs just one more goal to crack the 20-goal mark. This wasn’t a case of the Flyers getting torched by an underwhelming player; it was an example of a forward having a mini-breakout season and showing the Flyers why that’s happening. Due to the massive cap hits it has required to keep their core together, the Capitals need to find players like Connolly — talented weapons overlooked by the rest of the league whom they can acquire cheaply — to extend their run of relevancy, or else they risk falling into the trap that Chicago and Los Angeles currently find themselves in. The Flyers are still years away from being in the Capitals’ position (which would be a best-case scenario of course, Philadelphia would take a decade of contention capped off by a Stanley Cup in a heartbeat), but they’d be wise to pay attention to the thought process that allowed the Washington front office to unearth a player like Connolly, and file it away for future reference. 10: Flyers’ PK a positive, holds its own versus Caps If you’re looking for a positive from this game for the Flyers that can be stated with no qualifications, it would be the performance of the team’s penalty kill, which stared down the barrel of Ovechkin three times on Thursday and came out with a 3-for-3 efficiency rate. Ovechkin had his shots, to be sure — he led the Caps with three power play shots — but the Philadelphia penalty kill made sure that Hart had a clear view of all three, and none was especially dangerous aside from the person doing the shooting. Five months ago, such a showing against a power play with the kind of weapons that Washington possesses would have been unthinkable, considering the struggles of the Flyers’ PK. Improved goaltending has helped the shorthanded units, of course, but it’s clear that assistant coach Ian Laperriere and Gordon have made significant tactical changes as well to facilitate the improvement. Gordon spoke to them on Thursday at practice, and in the process revealed his overarching philosophy regarding PK work. “Well, I think more pressure to the puck on the half-wall,” began Gordon when explaining what changes he had made to the unit. ‘We’re not worried so much about the weak side. From what I remember in the beginning of the year, there was kind of a passiveness down low, and I think the coverage was more putting an emphasis on what was happening between the dots versus … I believe you have to get some pressure on the puck, in all situations. I think as skilled as all the players are, if you can do it in the right manner, you’re making the opposition make their plays under duress versus being able to size things up and get you to make a move away from them that opens up a passing lane.” Essentially, the Flyers for the first six weeks of the season, were so focused on preventing passes into the slot or across it into the backdoor, that they chose to avoid pressuring the forwards on the half-walls, and exhibited a “passiveness” in the netfront area as well. Gordon, on the other hand, advocates for an attacking mentality on the penalty kill, holding the belief that opposing skill players are bound to find holes in a four-man coverage structure if given enough time with the puck. At least with increased pressure, there’s a higher likelihood of an opponent making a mistake. Gordon did note that the Flyers were already trending in this direction when he took over in December. Still, it’s fair to wonder why it took two months for the coaching staff to shift to a set of overarching tactics that Gordon recognized as necessary almost immediately. By no means is Scott Gordon out of the running for the full-time head coaching job in Philadelphia, but if he doesn’t get the position, he deserves a long look as PK coach. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136280 Philadelphia Flyers If anything, the last few years has proven that small adjustments can have an impact and maybe we don’t need radical changes like bigger nets to move the needle. More importantly, it’s proven that the people DGB Grab Bag: Who wants to smell like a Flyers fan and a new entry for mumbling about how this was just the nature of the game and there was the hockey dictionary nothing we could do were wrong all along. Today’s NHL is blessed with more speed, skill and creativity than we’ve ever seen before. Gary Bettman says that all the time and for once he’s By Sean McIndoe Mar 15, 2019 100 percent right. We’ve got Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine and Elias Pettersson tearing it up and they haven’t even hit their prime. We’ve got Nikita Kucherov and Patrick Kane and Johnny Gaudreau and Nathan MacKinnon. We’re still getting to enjoy vintage This has been bugging me all season, so here we go. Alexander Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby. In terms of talent, it’s almost First, the good news: As you’ve no doubt heard, scoring is up in the NHL embarrassing how much the NHL has to work with. This really could be this year. While offense tends to decline down the stretch, there’s a good the league’s golden era. chance that we’ll finish the season with an average of more than six But those guys deserve more than what we’ve given them. We’ll never goals a game for the first time since 2005-06, and only the second time go back to the crazy 80s, when the goaltenders were terrible and half the since the dawn of the dead puck era in 1995-96. More importantly, this defensemen couldn’t skate backwards. But the McDavid era shouldn’t year is basically holding steady from last season, proving that the 2017- have to settle for 1995 either. 18 increase wasn’t some sort of one-off blip like we’ve seen before. We’ve seen how much impact nudging the scoring rates up even a few All of that is good. Offense sells. Goals are exciting. We’re seeing star percentage points can have on the league’s fun factor. It’s been players put up numbers like we haven’t seen in a generation. In past awesome. It really has. But that’s a reason to keep going, not to declare years, we’d go a whole season without any 50-goal scorers or 100-point that the job is done and start writing that the dead puck era is over. It’s players. This year, we already had a 100-point guy by March. not – yet. But for the first time in decades, it feels like it someday could It’s all good news. And it’s a great start to getting the game back to where be. Let’s not give this league permission to take their foot off the gas it needs to be. now. But that’s the problem. It’s only a start. And instead of treating it that way, The week’s three stars of comedy too many of us are rushing to hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner and The third star: is here to play – Uh, just don’t ask where. declare the problem solved. The second star: Johnny Gaudreau and MacKenzie Blackwood – Siri, For example, here are the ordinarily sober-minded folks over at show me what it’s like to be an NHL player down the stretch on a FiveThirtyEight declaring “Goodbye, Dead Puck Era.” Here’s Deadspin contender vs. being stuck on an also-ran. taking a similar approach: “Welcome to the Live-Puck Era.” If your Twitter feed is anything like mine, you probably see the same sort of sentiments The first star: This guy in Columbus – Dude, I feel you. That thing is any time there’s a high-scoring game. It’s over you guys, we did it! unreasonably loud. I was at the All-Star game the year there were like 29 goals and I swear this was me in the pressbox after every one of them. Except we didn’t. Not yet. And while we should absolutely applaud and celebrate progress, there’s a difference between that and closing the New entries for the hockey dictionary case. Fair warning: This might be one of the nerdiest things I’ve ever written for Let’s do a really quick history lesson. For most of the Original Six era this section. Make fun of me all you want, I’m on the road this week, I outside of the war years, scoring fluctuated between five and six goals a won’t see it. game, usually closer to six. Once expansion and later the WHA diluted the talent pool in the 1970s, it shot up to seven goals a game. During the One of my favorite concepts I’ve seen introduced in recent years is the 1980s, it got as high as eight goals a game, before dropping back down “microcore.” It’s a concept coined by Dean Lombardi that I first saw in a closer to seven by the early 90s. The 1992-93 season, which scholars Craig Custance column. The idea is that a team’s microcore is made up agree was the NHL’s best ever, was about 7.25. Then came the lockout of its best center, defenseman and goalie. and the trap and the butterfly and clutch-and-grab, and within a few years, the dead puck era had arrived. Simplistic? Sure. But in a league where teams are built down the middle, the concept definitely makes a certain kind of sense. And as you’d In other words, when we say things like this … expect, teams with a great microcore tend to do well. Lombardi’s Kings had Anze Kopitar/Drew Doughty/Jonathan Quick and for a few years SCORING DOWN SLIGHTLY, STILL VERY HIGH. there they sure did OK. Same with the Hawks’ combo of Jonathan PIC.TWITTER.COM/ZHPDJUBGZW Toews/Duncan Keith/Corey Crawford. These days you might point to a grouping like Steven Stamkos/Victor Hedman/Andrei Vasilevskiy or — MICAH BLAKE MCCURDY (@INEFFECTIVEMATH) MARCH 13, maybe Auston Matthews/Morgan Rielly/Freddie Andersen. The bottom 2019 line is that if you can quickly name a team’s microcore, they’re probably … we have to acknowledge that scoring is “very high” if and only if we’ve good. If you’re struggling to come up with one, they’re probably not. completely resigned ourselves to living in the dead puck era forever. And I love it. It’s great. I’m just not sold on the name. I mean, microcore is even then, it’s more accurate to say that scoring is up slightly, compared pretty good – it’s simple, it’s easy enough to remember and it’s self- to what it was during the lowest scoring era in post-expansion history. explanatory. Not bad. But I think we can do better by changing just a few Compared to the generations that came before, it’s not up at all. It’s still letters. way down. Hear me out: Instead of microcore … manticore. We can pause here to acknowledge that everyone has their own opinion about how much scoring is the right amount. If you grew up in the 80s, The manticore, as everyone knows, is a fearsome beast from traditional you probably want as much as possible. If you grew up during the clutch- mythology that has the head of a man, the body of a lion and the tail of a and-grab days, you might be just fine with what we have today. That’s scorpion. Get it? The manticore is made up of three distinct parts, one in subjective, and I won’t try to argue with you. If you think Jamie Benn front, one in the middle and one in the back. And even better, a winning the Art Ross with 87 points was more fun than , manticore will sometimes also have mighty wings but sometimes doesn’t Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, then sure, we can agree to disagree. have any at all. Just like a microcore! But the point is that the NHL itself wants more offense. They’ve said so It’s perfect, right? Who’s with me? Bring on the manticores! all along, providing over two decades of vague promises about how they were on the verge of getting scoring rates back to where they used to be. Tell you what, think it over and get back to me next week. They’ve been crystal clear on this. They want more goals. Obscure former player of the week And now they have them. Kind of. The average team is scoring about one extra goal every week or so. That’s progress, and if the league wants One of the most annoying trends in today’s NHL is the lack of cool to do some back-patting over it, they should feel free. nicknames. We’ve been over this topic before and we know what’s to blame: The insistence on just taking the first syllable of everyone’s last But don’t stop there. We’re going to wind up with about six goals a game name and slapping a “y” or an “er” on the end. It’s lazy, it’s boring and it’s this year, which is right around where we were in that 1994-95 season not how it was done in the old days. that everyone agreed was terrible. It’s embarrassing that it took us this long just to claw back to that level, but that’s no reason to call it a day. But every now and then there was an exception, where the lazy method desperately wants this to be over so he just throws it to commercial while actually resulted in the perfect nickname. That was the case of this teasing next week’s test of Penguins’ toothpaste. week’s obscure player: Dave “The Wrecker” Hrechkosy. Wait, what? Did the Penguins have a toothpaste? What level are we on Hrechkosy was a big winger who starred in the Manitoba Junior Hockey here? Is any of this real life? I think he’s kidding. But if they’re willing to League before signing with the Rangers in 1972. He never made it to wait a few years, they can test out some Jaromir Jagr peanut butter. But New York, but California gave him a path to the NHL. He’d play two given where he ends up rubbing it, uh, maybe don’t ask anybody to sniff games in 1973-74 before becoming a full-time Golden Seal during the it. 1974-75 season. He made the most of the chance, scoring 29 goals while hitting just about everything in sight; here he is chasing down That’s the end of the segment, although we get a bonus 30-second Bobby Orr. He also developed a reputation for enjoying the nightlife, as commercial for a VHS tape of Flash Gordon. And that’s it for our clip. So most players of the era did. As one friend later put it, “Saying he lived life there you have it. Scientific proof that, if you ever had any doubt, Flyer to the fullest is an understatement.” fans smell like number two. Hrechkosy’s production dropped off during the 1975-76 season, and he As far as I can tell, the Bully cologne was a short-lived idea and there was traded to the Blues for a draft pick late in the year. He’d play parts of don’t seem to be many bottles in existence anymore. You may be able to two seasons in St. Louis and a few more in the minors before retiring in find one kicking around the occasional online auction, but other than that 1980. In all, he played in 140 NHL games, scoring 42 goals and 66 it’s a concept whose time has passed. And rightfully so. As poor Helen points. can attest, it’s hard to imagine a worse idea than Flyers-theme cologne. Hrechkosy died in 2012 after a brief battle with brain cancer. His obituary Oh god, there’s 100 percent going to be a Gritty-scented cologne by the is well worth a read, starting off with the line “I was sent down here to end of the season, isn’t there? entertain all you Americans.” The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 Classic YouTube clip breakdown Hey, who wants to smell like a Flyers fan? [Stares out into a sea of horrified faces.] Well, you’re in luck. Roll the tape! (Thanks to reader Ilan for sending in this clip.) It’s March 1989 and we’re watching the second intermission of a Kings/Flyers game. The Kings are up 5-1 and Wayne Gretzky has just established a franchise record with four assists in one period, so naturally, we’re going to talk about cologne. Specifically, we’re going to take “The Great Prime Ticket Cologne Test.” In case you’re wondering, “Prime Ticket” is the name of the network. And “cologne test” is exactly what it sounds like. Yes, we’re going to test out “the latest in hockey aromatics”: Bully, a new cologne from the Philadelphia Flyers. That was, I can assure you, a real thing, albeit not one there seems to be much trace of today. Gee, I can’t imagine why. Our host is Rich Marotta and he explains that “tonight we will test the effectiveness, on a man, of Bully cologne.” The camera pulls back to reveal a terrified-looking woman. She’s introduced to us as “our official Prime Ticket sniffer, the lovely Helen.” Run, lovely Helen. Run while you still can. “A veritable smell-o-rama here on Prime Ticket.” Seriously Helen, run. There is no way they’re paying you enough for this. We’re also introduced to what’s described as a blue-ribbon panel, but appears to just be three nerdy dudes. I like they’ve covered all the bases: sweater guy, coat and tie guy and leather jacket guy. It’s like a Pokemon evolution, but for bad dates. Also, it’s cool how they let the guy in the middle hold all the Cups the Flyers have won since the Bobby Clarke days. The first two guys seem nervous, but leather jacket guy just seems bored. You can tell he’s the cool one. “Gentlemen, wet your faces.” Really, Helen, just straight-arm this dude to the ground and make a break for it, this is your last chance. Instead, Helen sticks around to, as Rich puts it, “get a sniff of that.” She smells all three guys, and while I’m not sure what each one smells like, I’m going to go ahead and guess: Leather protector spray, TV dinners for one and sadness. Also, the music is a nice touch. The highlight of our clip is Helen almost vomiting on the second guy, then doubling back for a second hit on the way back around. She’s then asked to guess which one is Bully and she uses her olfactory powers to determine that it’s number two. At this point it becomes clear that they haven’t thought this through, because nobody seems to know if she’s right. After an awkward pause, Rich informs us that yes, she was right, at which point they play a buzzer noise to indicate that she’s wrong. Smooth, guys. Helen tells us that she could sniff out the Bully because it was stronger than the others, then says she actually preferred the one on the end. Rich isn’t sure whether that’s a good thing, but at this point everyone just 1136281 Pittsburgh Penguins Time will decide if the Penguins legitimately have turned a corner or merely provided a false dawn.

But Sunday is a day to celebrate, not worry. The Philadelphia Flyers visit Mark Madden: Penguins’ current play features encouraging signs PPG Paints Arena, and it will be exactly 16,000 days since the Flyers last won the Stanley Cup. Mark MaddenMARK MADDEN | Friday, March 15, 2019 7:47 p.m That’s a lot of days. Many more will follow. Tribune Review LOADED: 03.16.2019 It’s easy to overreact to the Penguins’ good play. Every team’s season has ups and downs. The Penguins have looked excellent winning six of their last seven. They were horrific losing nine of 10 from Oct. 30-Nov. 19. But the current uptick definitely features encouraging signs. Goaltending is key, as usual. Allow 12 goals in seven games, and you’ve got a good chance to win six. Matt Murray has played six of those games, stopping 199 out of 210 shots (.947 save percentage). Murray is consistent and (touch wood) looks durable and unfazed by his workload. The Penguins have simplified in the defensive and neutral zones. Entries and exits aren’t as intricate. When mistakes occur, they’re less egregious. Given their abundance of skill, the Penguins are entitled to complicate a bit in the offensive end. But keep it basic everywhere else. Sidney Crosby has five goals and eight assists in the last seven games. Jake Guentzel has seven goals and five assists. Batman finally found a Robin. That duo dominates most games. It’s ignited a return of the Penguins’ explosiveness — like in Thursday’s 5-3 win over visiting Washington, when they netted thrice in 108 seconds. Jared McCann has four goals and four assists in those seven games, and he often has skated with Crosby and Guentzel. But McCann’s biggest value might be energy. McCann and Teddy Blueger are providing what players like Guentzel, Bryan Rust and Conor Sheary did during the Stanley Cup seasons of 2015-16 and 2016-17: hunger and adrenaline. When Rust returns from injury — which might happen this weekend — Blueger should stay in the lineup. (He won’t.) Trades made by GM Jim Rutherford have made the roster younger. McCann and Marcus Pettersson are 22. Blueger, a call-up from the minors, is 24. Nick Bjugstad is 26. Before Rutherford tinkered, the Penguins were experienced and accomplished — but a bit stale. At 27, Eric Gudbranson is marginally part of the youth movement. But Gudbranson’s primary values are size and rep. His 6-foot-5, 217-pound frame manufactures respect. That was clear Thursday, when Gudbranson got two points for a takedown on Washington thug Tom Wilson. His defensive play has been more than adequate. Same goes for Jack Johnson. He has gone from minus-13 on Dec. 1 to minus-1 now. The defensive corps has stabilized, and coach Mike Sullivan will face a good problem if/when Kris Letang and Olli Maatta return from injury, giving Sullivan seven very legit top-six defensemen and some depth beyond that. (Letang might play this weekend. Maatta is skating.) Special teams are booming: The power play went 9 for 26 over the last seven games, the penalty-kill 18 for 21. Sullivan experimented with putting Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on the No. 2 power play. But that was short-lived, and Kessel responded with man-advantage goals in three of the last five games. Sometimes a carrot needs to be dangled. Sullivan has been on song lately. Eyebrows got raised a bit when Sullivan started backup goalie Casey DeSmith on Thursday at Buffalo. Murray had gotten the call nine straight times. But it seemed logical to use Murray at Buffalo, followed by Murray and DeSmith splitting back-to-back home games Saturday and Sunday. But Buffalo had lost five straight and was further crippled by the suspension of leading scorer Jack Eichel. DeSmith got the shutout in a 5- 0 win, but it wasn’t too demanding. With Saturday’s game in the afternoon and Sunday’s at night, Murray might play both. Good decision by Sullivan. 1136282 Pittsburgh Penguins Rust’s injury interrupted a string of games that contrasted sharply with the start of the season for him.

In his first 29 games, he had only one goal and six assists with a minus- Bryan Rust nears return, but where does he fit in Penguins’ lineup? 4. In the next 33, he had 16 goals, eight assists and a plus-14. Sounds like a difficult decision for Sullivan, but Crosby expects the team JERRY DIPAOLA | Friday, March 15, 2019 3:50 p.m can make it work one way or the other. “Everyone has played with different combinations throughout the year, anyway,” he said. “No matter who you play with, you’re doing your job, Only 11 regular-season games separate the Pittsburgh Penguins from you understand your role. After that, you have to make sure you’re the urgent, pressurized grind of the postseason, but for now these are working as a unit out there.” hopeful — if busy — times for one of the NHL’s hottest teams. Jerry DiPaola Especially for Bryan Rust (lower body), who joined Kris Letang (upper body) as injured Penguins who skated Friday at practice. Most Tribune Review LOADED: 03.16.2019 significantly, they did so without the crutch of the red no-contact jersey. Both players have been able to take a slow, cautious approach to their rehab for the most obvious of reasons: The team is winning without them. With weekend games set for Saturday against the St. Louis Blues and Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers at PPG Paints Arena, the Penguins are making a run for the top spot in the Metropolitan Division. With the stakes increased as the end of the regular season nears, the Penguins won three games in a row, six of the past seven. They are closer to first place (four points behind the Washington Capitals) than they are to the teams tied for the last playoff spot (six points ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Montreal Canadiens). “When you’re out and the guys are losing, it makes things a little bit tougher and you try to rush things maybe,” Rust said. “When the team is winning, you can take your time and make sure you’re ready.” That’s why neither Rust, Letang nor coach Mike Sullivan made any definitive statements about the players’ availability this weekend. Plus, keeping the opponents guessing is never a bad idea. “We’ll see,” Rust said. “I feel pretty good,” Letang said, without offering a clue. “We’ll see how they respond,” Sullivan said, adding he has not ruled out playing one or both players this weekend. Getting Rust and/or Letang back should create some interesting meetings among Sullivan and his coaches. Does Rust return to the top line with Sidney Crosby and Jake Guentzel and replace Jared McCann, who has nine goals, four assists and a plus- 9 rating since being acquired from the Florida Panthers 21 days ago? Or, does Rust slip back to the second line alongside Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel? Sounds like the classic good problem to have, except Sullivan said it’s not a problem. “It’s a challenge,” he said, “but it’s a good one to have. It means we have a real capable group of players here. “The guys who have been in the lineup have done a terrific job, but obviously these guys who are coming back are important players for our team.” Asked how McCann has been able to mesh so easily and quickly with Crosby and Guentzel, Sullivan praised his “offensive instincts.” “He has shown the ability to score and shoot the puck,” Sullivan said. “One of the reasons we originally put him on that line is he brings a speed dimension. He can really skate, get in on the forecheck, force turnovers. “He’s helped Sid and Jake in that regard. They’ve shown some chemistry, and we’ll see where it goes.” Rust said he has “no clue,” where he’ll line up when he does return. For now, he said, “Knowing that you’re close is nice.” He said the injury is healing faster than expected. “I feel strong. I feel good. I don’t think I’m favoring anything. That’s definitely a good sign,” he said. “When I first got injured, it didn’t feel very great then, but it’s definitely something I’m taking day by day now and, hopefully, it’s sooner rather than later. I think everybody thought it was worse. I was fortunate in that sense. We’ll see.” 1136283 Pittsburgh Penguins

Patric Hornqvist heating up as Penguins mount late-season charge

JONATHAN BOMBULIE | Friday, March 15, 2019 6:00 a.m

BUFFALO, N.Y. – In the waning moments of Tuesday’s win over the Washington Capitals, Pittsburgh Penguins winger Patric Hornqvist came to the conclusion that this just might not be his year when it comes to scoring goals. Forty-eight hours later, after scoring a second-period power-play goal that helped his team to a 5-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, Hornqvist had changed his tune. The moment of self-doubt came with less than 30 seconds left in the Penguins’ 4-2 win over the Capitals. Hornqvist had a shot at an empty net from the red line, but it took a deflection, skipped off the ice, hit the crossbar and nestled in the protective netting behind the cage. His teammates had a good laugh on the bench. Now, Hornqvist can join them. “They should laugh,” Hornqvist said. “That bounce you will never see again and all that, and it happened to me. We can all laugh about it now. It didn’t matter that much. We were up and we won the game and we came back today and played really well.” The Penguins were locked in a scoreless battle with the sagging Sabres on Thursday night when they used a pair of power-play goals to claim momentum. The first was a tic-tac-toe passing play from Jake Guentzel to Sidney Crosby to Phil Kessel. Hornqvist scored the second, lifting a deflected Kessel centering pass to the top corner of the net. “Overall, the first period was not great from either side,” Hornqvist said. “Then we got that power play. When you see something like that, when they pick them apart, it (provides) momentum and confidence and we got our legs.” The goal helped Hornqvist continue his climb out of a long midseason slump. He didn’t score a goal in 17 games from Jan. 8 through the end of February, but he has two goals and five assists in his last 10 games. “If you do the right things over and over, it’s going to come,” Hornqvist said. Coach Mike Sullivan agreed. “He’s playing a lot better,” Sullivan said. “He’s chipping in with some goals. He’s going to the net. He’s doing the things that he does. When he stays with it and just continues to play the game the right way, he’s going to find the net. He’s around the net so much.” Tribune Review LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136284 Pittsburgh Penguins For a moment Thursday night, it seemed that Zach Trotman had scored his first goal with the Penguins and his last goal since 2015-16, when the defenseman played for the Boston Bruins. Penguins turn to Matt Cullen, Nick Bjugstad and Patric Hornqvist to get But after much consideration from the official scorers, who were trying to out of jams determine what the puck hit on its way past Sabres goalie Carter Hutton, the third-period goal was given to Jake Guentzel. MATT VENSEL “I knew somebody tipped it,” Trotman said. “I thought Horny tipped it. I knew it hit something.” MAR 15, 2019 3:42 PM So, three years and two organizations since he last scored an NHL goal, Trotman is still waiting. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan didn’t need to turn to his newly formed trio “It’s always nice to score. ... Obviously, Guentzel’s hot,” he said, glancing during key defensive-zone faceoffs in the third period of Thursday’s 5-0 two locker stalls over at the grinning winger. “Anything within 10 feet of win in Buffalo because, well, there weren’t any of them, not with the him is going in. So it’s nice that he got another one.” lifeless, undermanned Sabres stumbling through their third straight shutout loss. Of course, Trotman isn’t here to score goals. He feels he has fared all right at all that other stuff in his nine games in Pittsburgh after he was But in other recent games, Matt Cullen, Nick Bjugstad and Patric called up following the injury to Kris Letang. Hornqvist answered his call. “It’s been good. It’s always a process. Some games are better than “We’ve used them situationally, especially late in games if we need a big others,” the 28-year-old said. “Just keep trying to improve and keep trying faceoff win or we need to defend against another team’s top line,” to play solid and hopefully I will earn some more trust.” Sullivan said. “And they’ve been good for us.” Pettersson steps up Cullen usually centers the fourth line. The other two headline the third. The Penguins have started using those three veterans together in big The Penguins had a problem March 1 when they took the ice without moments because they all bring some things to the table. And when you Letang and Bryan Rust. push all those things together, it creates a big pile of good stuff. Letang is again an All-Star and Rust was amid a breakout year Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang goes through drills during offensively. But the issue in Buffalo that night was that neither was afternoon practice Friday, March 15, 2019, at UPMC Lemieux Sports available to dig pucks out of the net during pregame warmups. Complex in Cranberry Pa. “Once Rusty got injured, nobody was doing it. I think we skated around “They’re all pretty good defensively. They have good awareness. for about five minutes, just looking at each other and waiting for someone There’s some experience on that line. There’s two centericemen – to pick them up,” said Marcus Pettersson, chuckling. “So I just did it. I there’s a lefty and a righty – so if one gets kicked out the other guy has think most guys do the same [routines] on the ice and nobody wants to an opportunity to win the faceoff,” Sullivan said. “They’re just good, solid break it.” 200-foot players.” Pettersson says he isn’t too particular about his pregame routine, so he It all literally starts with the faceoff. If it takes place at the left dot, the left- hasn’t minded “picking up the pucks” the last couple of weeks. With handed Cullen often takes the draw. At the other dot, Bjugstad, a righty, Letang and Rust nearing their return to the lineup, perhaps in one of the often gets first crack. Cullen typically decides who takes it, but unless two games this weekend, he will need to find something else to do during one of them is hot or decidedly not, it often comes down to handedness. warmups. “We’re both generally better on our backhands,” Bjugstad said. “That’s Post Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 pretty common.” Having a second center out there in case you get kicked out is “a nice feeling,” Cullen said. “It allows you to be a little more aggressive,” he added. “Obviously, if we can get it and get the puck down to the other end and spend time there, that’s huge. Those are important moments.” And when the Penguins do lose them, they have a plan for what might be coming next. “We talk a lot about opposing teams’ faceoff plays and what they might do in the offensive end when they win,” Cullen said. “So you have to be prepared and have a plan how to defend.” Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin is congratulated by the team after he notches his 1,000 NHL point against the Capitals Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena. There’s where it helps to have a savvy, selfless veteran in Hornqvist in the “battle areas.” “You’ve got Hornqvist working hard,” Bjugstad said. “He’ll take a hit to make a play. Anything you can do. Hornqvist, a few games ago, blocked a huge shot. He’s not afraid to step in front of it.” Cullen said the key is limiting quality opportunities, gaining possession then storming the other way. More often than not, those three have done just that and have opponents on their heels. Cullen claimed a couple of important defensive-zone faceoffs late in regulation March 5, allowing the Penguins to get to overtime, when Jake Guentzel won it. Bjugstad was busy against the Boston Bruins on Sunday. That trio then got them out of some jams Tuesday against the Washington Capitals. “At this point in the season, those faceoffs in your own end before more important and everything gets magnified down to crunch-time,” Cullen said. “And hopefully into the playoffs.” Close call for Trotman 1136285 Pittsburgh Penguins “He’s played well,” Sullivan said. “One of the reasons that we originally put him on that line is because he brings a speed dimension. He can really skate, get in on the forecheck, force turnovers and he’s helped Sid Kris Letang, Bryan Rust back to full participation in practice and Jake in that regard. … They’ve shown some chemistry and we’ll see where it goes.”

That description sounds a lot like Rust, who was playing well with those MATT VENSEL two before getting hurt. MAR 15, 2019 12:36 PM With the new top line often carrying the Penguins the last couple of weeks, Sullivan might actually try to resist tinkering with it for a little while. If so, he will need to decide where to play Rust. The Penguins, who defeated two of the NHL’s hottest teams this week The logical spot looks to be on the second line, where Teddy Blueger and at this point can also be considered one of the NHL’s hottest teams, tried to keep up with Malkin and Phil Kessel in the two-plus games since are theoretically about to get stronger. Zach Aston-Reese suffered a “longer-term” injury. The morning after the Penguins blanked the Sabres in Buffalo, Kris Asked if a sudden surplus of players is a “good problem” to have, Sulivan Letang and Bryan Rust took big steps in their recovery when they hit the preferred a different term. ice – sans non-contact jerseys – for the start of Friday’s practice in Cranberry. For the first time in a while, both players practiced without “It’s a challenge, but it’s a good one,” he said. “We’ve got a real capable limitations. group of players here and the guys that have been in the lineup have done a terrific job. But obviously these guys that are coming back are Rust, who is working his way back from a lower-body injury, said he felt important players for our team. So our coaching staff will have some strong after chasing after Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the top difficult decisions.” power-play unit during a penalty-kill drill. Letang, who didn’t make the trip to Buffalo, was also feeling good as he, too, reached the final hurdle in Added Crosby: “It will be great to get guys back, whenever that is. … I his recovery. think guys have done a great job filling in and we just have to make sure we keep playing the same way and have the same mentality.” Their activity Friday suggests that they are poised to return in the coming games, perhaps even one this weekend. After watching them skate, No other injured player practiced Friday, which is not alarming. Maatta, coach Mike Sullivan wouldn’t rule out that possibility. Aston-Reese and Chad Ruhwedel were all previously deemed “longer term” by Sullivan. Maatta looks the closest of those three. Once they do get the green light to return to the lineup, he will have decisions to make. Post Gazette LOADED: 03.16.2019 As well as the team’s blue-liners have played in Letang’s absence, we can probably assume that Sullivan won’t send the All-Star straight to the press box. Zach Trotman, a right-handed defenseman who held his own during the nine games Letang has missed, is the likeliest candidate to be the odd man out. But what will Sullivan do when it comes to the power play? With steady Justin Schultz running the point, the Penguins have scored a pair of power-play goals in each of the last two games. If Friday’s practice was any indication, Sullivan for now plans to stick with Schultz, who remained on the top unit. Letang suffered an upper-body injury on Feb. 23 in the outdoor Stadium Series game in Philadelphia. He returned to a practice setting, wearing a non-contact jersey, last Tuesday and skated again a day later. Then he got sick, so the team left him behind for their road game in Columbus last Saturday. “I got sick during the time I was injured, so I wasn’t able to skate. But it was nothing crazy,” said Letang, who wouldn’t describe it as a setback. “It didn’t affect the injury [recovery]. … I was just sick.” Letang was back in a practice setting Tuesday but stayed behind again Wednesday when the Penguins traveled to Buffalo for Thursday’s game, a 5-0 shutout win. Letang instead worked with Penguins skating and skills development coach Ty Hennes and fellow defenseman Olli Maatta back here. Finally, on Friday, Letang donned a regular jersey, not a red one. Penguins center Sidney Crosby argues with official Jon McIsaac Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at PPG Paints Arena. “I feel pretty good,” he said. “I’ve been skating forever, so my conditioning is there. That’s for sure.” While Letang’s looming return to the lineup has been a bit meandering, things with Rust have escalated quickly the past two days, so much so he admitted it all was a “little bit faster than I expected.” When Rust was injured after colliding with Blue Jackets defenseman Adam McQuaid in a Feb. 26 win in Columbus, Rust, who left Nationwide Arena on crutches, initially feared he was hurt more seriously. “I didn’t feel very great then,” Rust said, adding, “I think everybody thought it was worse.” Rust, who has a career-high 17 goals, made his return to a practice setting in Thursday’s morning skate in Buffalo. That was a non-contact session for him. A day later, in Cranberry, he was a full-go. Since we last saw Rust in uniform, Jared McCann emerged alongside Crosby and Jake Guentzel. 1136286 San Jose Sharks Kane is even getting condolences from athletes outside of the hockey community. pitcher Marcus Stroman and 49ers wide receiver Marquise Goodwin both delivered messages of support on Sharks’ Evander Kane ‘humbled’ by outpouring of support social media. Sending lots of love & prayers to @evanderkane_9 & his wife who’ve recently lost a child. My twitter won’t allow me to DM you but here is a By Paul Gackle | PUBLISHED: March 15, 2019 at 2:34 pm | UPDATED: prayer I wrote to try to send to you and your wife. My wife and I are March 15, 2019 at 7:00 PM praying for you guys’ during this time. 🙏🏿 God Bless pic.twitter.com/WJhmtzXaWp

— MG (@marquisegoodwin) March 15, 2019 SAN JOSE — In a time of immense personal strife, Evander Kane is finding a sliver of peace in the outpouring of support he’s received from As Kane continues to mourn the loss of his daughter, he’s embracing the teammates, Sharks fans and the hockey community as a whole. temporary distraction he’s received by returning to the ice in practice this week. Kane skated for roughly an hour on Friday after practicing for the After Kane shared the tragic news regarding the death of his unborn first time in eight days on Thursday. daughter on Twitter Thursday afternoon, the hockey community rallied around him, flooding his social media accounts with messages of support The power forward is expecting to suit up against the Predators on as he prepares to rejoin the Sharks lineup for Saturday’s clash with the Saturday, playing his first game since Feb. 26. Kane missed an entire Nashville Predators at SAP Center. four-game homestand last week to recover from an injury he suffered prior to the Sharks four-game road trip that kicked off in Pittsburgh on Kane skipped the Sharks two-game road trip to Minnesota and Winnipeg Feb. 21. this week after his daughter, Eva, passed away over the weekend during his wife’s 26th week of pregnancy. Though he’s faced a lot criticism for With 27 goals and 51 points, Kane is putting together a career year with his bad boy reputation over the course of his nine-year career, Kane says the Sharks, just three goals and six points shy of his career highs set he’s humbled by all the love he’s received in the aftermath of the tragedy. during the 2011-12 season with the Winnipeg Jets. “It’s actually been pretty surprising, to be honest. The amount of support “Today was a little bit easier than yesterday,” Kane said. “It’s a place and where it’s come from,” Kane told the Mercury News. “It’s been really where you can try to take your mind off things and get back into nice. It’s definitely been helpful. Lots of different players around the somewhat of a normal routine. Try to step away from the mindset that league and management have reached out that I don’t even know. It I’ve had over the last week. really makes you appreciate how special the hockey community is. It was pretty humbling to have so many people reach out, especially people I’ve “It’s good to be back. I’m excited to be back. I’m excited to play tomorrow never really interacted with before.” and get those competitive juices flowing again.” A message from my family and I pic.twitter.com/q8sPXQkWh8 San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 03.16.2019 — Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) March 14, 2019 The 27-year-old forward is also benefiting from the support he’s receiving inside the Sharks dressing room from a couple of people who’ve lived through similar experiences. On March 19, 2018, Axel Michael Karlsson, Erik Karlsson’s first child, was stillborn. Karlsson triggered a similar outpouring of support after he posted a picture of his son’s tiny footprints on Instagram. View this post on Instagram At this extremely difficult time it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel but we know one day we’ll get there. We would like to thank everyone for the love and support we have received and also for respecting our privacy and the process we need to go through now. We feel very lucky to be Axels parents. Even though he was stillborn, we know we will hold him again one day under different circumstances and the joy he gave us will be with us forever. Pete DeBoer can also sympathize with Kane’s pain. DeBoer and his wife lost a child a week before birth in 2002. The Sharks coach is hoping that Kane will benefit from the additional support. “I know that Erik and his wife have played a big role in talking to him,” DeBoer said. “The nice part is that he has people around, and more importantly, his wife has people around that can help with that.” Earlier this season, DeBoer provided some insight into just how painful it is to lose a child. “It’s much more difficult to get through than people think, especially for his wife,” DeBoer said, referring to Melinda Karlsson back on Nov. 26. “You get three, four hours where you can come to the rink and forget about it. But our wives don’t get that luxury. That’s the hard piece.” Kane thanked his coaches and teammates for helping him through the grieving process. “The guys have been very supportive,” Kane said. “That’s made it easier, being able to step away and take my time. There’s so much experience in this room on and off the ice, so it’s been helpful.” But in the wake of his public announcement, the support that Kane is receiving stretches far beyond the dressing room. Sharks fans flooded his Twitter account with messages of support on Thursday. The NHL, the NHL Players’ Association and a handful of current and former-players also reached out. We were deeply saddened by the news of Eva’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family..The Savard’s ❤️ — Marc Savard (@MSavvy91) March 14, 2019 1136287 San Jose Sharks

How Erik Karlsson's first Sharks season compares to P.K. Subban, Predators

By Chelena Goldman March 15, 2019 5:58 PM

SAN JOSE – When the Sharks first acquired two-time Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson ahead of their 2018-19 campaign, it was only natural to compare the move to another that took place just two years before: When the Nashville Predators traded for fellow Norris winner P.K. Subban. Really, comparing the two trades was natural. Both cases involved elite defensemen leaving fumbling teams for squads with the potential to make deep playoff runs. With the Predators making their final trip of the regular season to San Jose this weekend, it’s only fitting to go back and re-evaluate those comparisons. Despite the differences in their playing styles and surroundings, Karlsson's first season in San Jose has far more in common with Subban's first in Nashville with new teams than anyone could have guessed. You might recall the criticism Nashville endured when Subban didn’t instantly make his new team a Stanley Cup contender at the start of the 2016-17 campaign. Fans and critics wondered alike how adding an upper-echelon defenseman to an already-stacked blue line not result in immediate success. Yet the Predators lost seven of their first 10 contests that season despite Subban posting five points in that span, including a goal in his first game with the Preds. After stringing a couple of three-game winning streaks together in the month of November, however, Nashville finally started to figure things out. Subban’s work as a set-up man – particularly in the month of February – helped the Predators win a lot more games. Flash forward to November 2018. Karlsson had been a member of the Sharks for over a month, but he hadn’t found the back of the net and the team as a whole hadn’t quite figured out its identity yet. The same question arose – how could adding a player like Erik Karlsson to a blue line led by Brent Burns and Marc-Edouard Vlasic not be producing ridiculous results? But like Subban in Nashville, Karlsson eventually became more comfortable with his new squad. Really comfortable, even. He eventually scored at least one point in 14 consecutive games, as San Jose started to rack up more wins, many of which resulted from him setting up teammates. Karlsson arguably could have started another streak had he not been sidelined with a lower-body injury in mid-January. The comparisons extend beyond their play on the ice to the injuries that kept them off of it. Subban was also out of the lineup his first season with his new team. He sustained an upper-body injury that took him out of the Predators’ lineup for 16 games. The Sharks know what that’s like, as Karlsson has now missed 17 of the last 22 games. He isn't the only defenseman to miss time this season, let alone right now, as the Sharks have used nine defensemen this season. This now leads us to where these teams differ. At this this point of the Predators’ 2017 campaign, Subban and the streaky Predators were fighting for the second Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Many believed their playoff run would end prematurely at the hands of the top- seeded Chicago Blackhawks in the first round, but the Predators ultimately advanced to the Stanley Cup Final. This year’s Sharks are, as far as we know, in a different boat. With less than 11 games left in the season, San Jose is battling to remain the top seed in the Pacific Division and the West. They’re also a heavy favorite to make a deep playoff run. As for Karlsson, the superstar defenseman is still working his way back to being healthy enough to lead a deep playoff run. Of course, the comparisons between Subban and Karlsson’s first seasons only go so far. They are both outstanding defensemen who joined two incredibly strong hockey teams, after all. Nevertheless, there’s no denying the similarities between the two make the potential of San Jose’s current push for the playoffs, and Karlsson’s eventual return to the lineup, even more exciting for Sharks fans. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136288 San Jose Sharks

Sharks pay tribute to Mike Hoffman, who was on team for three hours

By Jessica Kleinschmidt March 15, 2019 9:09 AM

Some people truly leave their mark on history -- or a team. That especially goes for Mike Hoffman's "historic" run with San Jose. Hoffman, of course, spent just a few hours as a member of the Sharks, as the Senators traded him to San Jose back on June 19 only for the Sharks to trade him to the Florida Panthers for four draft selections. Regardless, some Sharks fans wanted to make sure Hoffman's memory was still holding strong by creating a banner for him while he was in town. The 29-year-old appeared to love the idea -- he posted it to his Instagram story saying how funny it was: Hoffman has it on his IG stories pic.twitter.com/gaoab9qJqe — Sarah St John-Ortiz (@SarahStJohn21) March 15, 2019 The Sharks hosted the Panthers on Thursday but fell short in a 4-2 loss. This snapped a six-game winning streak for San Jose, while Hoffman had himself a successful night. Hoffman told the Associated Press' Josh Dubow how much the banner meant to him during the "reunion." "I saw that, he said. "I appreciate the respect for the fans there. I'll try to reach out and contact the fan to get that from him." And it looks like he kept his promise: Too funny. Thanks for the keepsake @TealCityCrew, keep up the good natured sports trolling ! pic.twitter.com/SYD58CzBCD — Mike Hoffman (@MHoffy68) March 15, 2019 But where is he going to put it? Don't worry, we have an update: @KleinschmidtJD Would you like an update on your article? Hi! We're #TealCityCrew! We painted the banner! We met him today, gave him the banner, in exchange for a jersey! He is going to hang it in his home gym, in Ottawa. — Teal City Crew (@TealCityCrew) March 15, 2019 Either way, was nice to see the fans pay tribute to a guy who appeared to make such a huge impact on the team. And we're glad Hoffman had a good sense of humor about it. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136289 St Louis Blues

Tight race is just what Blues expected

Tom Timmermann

PITTSBURGH • As the Blues’ offense has faltered, they find themselves right where they always figured they would be in the tight Western Conference: in the thick of a playoff race. The 2-0 loss to league-worst Ottawa on Thursday dropped the Blues into a tie with Dallas with 79 points and out of third place in the Central Division and into fourth place and a wild-card spot. The Blues are still five points up on Minnesota, the first team out of the playoffs, and have one more game to play than the Wild. “That’s all right,” goalie Jake Allen said. “We knew that was going to happen. It’s a race to the end. It’s still not over. There’s a long way to go. We know how good our division is, and it will be a battle the rest of the way.” Since their 11-game winning streak ended, the Blues have gone 4-5-2. They have lost three in a row (the first of them in overtime), matching their longest losing streak of the season. The Blues haven’t lost three in a row in regulation since Nov. 17-21 and haven’t lost four in a row at all, which is one of the things that allowed them to stay in the Western Conference playoff race. This is the longest losing streak under . One thing about the West is that you’re never too far ahead or too far behind. Chicago, which has looked dead and buried more than a few times this season, is six points out of a playoff spot. “It’s a big group of teams that are all fighting for a couple spots,” defenseman Robert Bortuzzo said. “Nothing changes for us. It’s a frustrating loss (against Ottawa). Having said that, we have to put it behind us. We know where we’re at.” “That’s what happens,” Berube said. “It’s going to come down to the wire, that’s how it works. There’s a lot of good teams, they’re all there battling and fighting like we are.” KYROU AGAIN Jordan Kyrou is back with the Blues, and, yes, this is a different call-up from the one he had Wednesday. Kyrou played for San Antonio in Iowa on Tuesday night. He was called up by the Blues on Wednesday and joined the team in Ottawa. There he took part in the morning skate — Berube said he was there for “protection” — and pregame warmups, but during the game Thursday night, the Blues announced that Kyrou was being sent back to San Antonio. Then Friday morning, the Blues announced he had been recalled. (Kyrou flew with the team from Ottawa to Pittsburgh after the game; it’s unclear if he ever left Pittsburgh to rejoin the Rampage, who are back in Iowa.) This is the fifth time this season Kyrou has been called up from San Antonio after he made the team out of training camp. While his last call- up was apparently precautionary, this quick return, coupled with the team’s offensive struggles (three goals in three games), would seem to point to him getting in a game this weekend. With an early morning arrival in Pittsburgh from Ottawa and afternoon games Saturday and Sunday, the Blues didn’t skate Friday, so how Kyrou might be used, and whether or not David Perron is available, won’t be known until Saturday. Kyrou’s call-up is the third by the Blues since the trade deadline. Teams are permitted four non-emergency call-ups after the deadline, so the Blues are down to one. BLUENOTES The Blues have allowed goals five of the past six times they’ve pulled their goalie. The only time they didn’t was the Anaheim game, where they scored to tie it. … Since Feb. 23, Allen and Jordan Binnington have each made five starts. Allen’s goals-against average is 1.99, Binnington’s is 2.00. Binnington’s record is 3-2-0. Allen’s is 1-2-2. The Blues scored four goals in Allen’s win and five goals combined in the other four games. The Blues scored five goals in one of Binnington’s wins and four (plus an empty-net goal) in Binnington’s other four. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136290 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues at Pittsburgh

Jim Thomas

Blues at Penguins When, where • Noon Saturday, PPG Paints Arena TV, radio • FSM, KYKY (98.1 FM) About the Penguins • In third place in the Metropolitan Division at 39-23-9 (87 points), Pittsburgh is rounding into playoff form. The Penguins are 7- 1-2 over their last 10 games, including a 5-0 win Thursday at Buffalo. Pittsburgh has the league’s third-ranked power play (26.3 percent) and is five of eight with the man advantage over its last two games. This should sound familiar to the Blues, who gave up four power-play goals to Pittsburgh in a 6-1 loss Dec. 29 in St. Louis. Pittsburgh ranks fifth in scoring at 3.46 goals a game. Headed by 30-goal scorers Jake Guentzel (36) and Sidney Crosby (33), the Penguins have eight players with 15-plus goals. Earlier this week, Evgeni Malkin became the fifth active NHL player with 1,000 career points. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136291 St Louis Blues O’Reilly said he has been back to Buffalo a few times since the trade to clear out his house there, and it certainly helps for him that this game comes late in the season, after he’s become entrenched with the Blues. O'Reilly to make emotional return to Buffalo He’s been the most consistent member of the team this season — he leads the team in points, and he and Colton Parayko are the only players to appear in every game so far — was the team’s All-Star representative and has been a motivating force for the team’s youngsters with the extra Tom Timmermann ice time he regularly puts in. On Thursday, he hosted a team of native Canadian hockey players at the Blues-Senators game. “Ryan O’Reilly’s a

good man,” coach Craig Berube said Thursday. “A good leader.” PITTSBURGH • The next 48 hours are going to move very fast for Blues “I’m comfortable,” O’Reilly said. “I’ve got confidence in this team, I’m with center Ryan O’Reilly. this team. Having that definitely helps. It’s nice to not be in the same The Blues have an afternoon game against the Penguins on Saturday, division and see (Buffalo) all the time. You see them twice a year and and after that, the team will fly to Buffalo and by Saturday night, O’Reilly even like the first time we played them, in December, it’s still weird, I will be back in the place he played, starred and ultimately was frustrated have so many good friends out there.” in for three seasons. He said he wouldn’t have minded if this trip was a little longer, allowing What his reception will be like when he steps on to the ice at KeyBank him a little more time with some of his friends. One other thing about that Center on Sunday is a mystery to him. first meeting with the Sabres: O’Reilly scored a goal, extending the Blues’ lead to 4-1 in the third period and essentially putting the game away. “I have no idea,” he said. “I don’t know what to really expect. It’s going to be nice. I’ll have a lot of family coming down from Toronto, a lot of friends “That sure felt nice,” he said. “That was a great win for us, too. It sure felt that I made there that I’ll get to see. I don’t really know what to expect. nice to beat them, and I hope we can do it again.” “I’ve been traded before, it helps a lot knowing it’s going to be weird to be St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 in that building but at the end of the day, it’s two points that we need and just focus on my game that way. It’s nice to experience that before. I think I was a little more nervous when I was traded to Buffalo and going back to Denver and kind of not sure. It’s another game, and another game that will be important for points.” Buffalo traded O’Reilly to the Blues on July 1 in a trade that has come to look exceptionally lopsided in the Blues’ favor. The Blues sent Patrik Berglund, Vladimir Sobotka, Tage Thompson and two draft picks to the Sabres for O’Reilly. Berglund was so unhappy in Buffalo that he walked away from his contract and returned to Sweden. Sobotka and Thompson have combined for 12 goals and 12 assists in 124 total games. Those two draft picks — a first-rounder this season (unless it somehow falls into the top 10) and a second-rounder in 2021 — had better come through big for Buffalo. O’Reilly, meanwhile, has been the star player for the Blues. The Sabres looked to trade O’Reilly after some end-of-season comments he made about his unhappiness there. “We’re stuck in this mindset of just being OK with losing,” he said on locker clean-out day after last season. “I feel it, too. I think it’s really crept into myself. Over the course of the year, I’ve lost myself a lot, where it’s just kind of get through, just being OK with just not making a mistake. … I feel throughout the year I’ve lost the love of the game multiple times. You need to get back to it because it’s just eating myself up and eats the other guys too. It’s just eating us up, and it’s tough.” The Blues paid heavily to get O’Reilly, but he looked like a player with a curse over him when the Sabres soared at the start of the season, winning 10 games in a row at one point, while the highly touted Blues faltered. When the Blues and Sabres met at Enterprise Center on Dec. 27, the Sabres were tied for the fourth-most points in the league while the Blues were tied for the third fewest. That has since flip-flopped, with the Sabres dropping out of the Eastern Conference playoff picture while the Blues, thanks to an 11-game winning streak, re-emerged, though the team has hit the offensive skids and has dropped into fourth place in the Central Division and into a Western Conference wild card spot with 12 games to play. “The year is so long,” O’Reilly said. “Like us, at one point we were in last place in the league pretty much and managed to fight back. It’s so long. They were playing great hockey. You can see bad bounces and injuries. It’s tough to stay in that position all year.” Those early season struggles made O’Reilly wonder if he would ever get that winning feeling again. “It was frustrating from the start of the year,” he said. “It was tough. I remember talking to my dad quite a bit and being frustrated with the expectations we had here to come in and be a force right from the start and being reminded it’s going to take time with so many new faces. Be patient with it. It was definitely worrying. ‘Are we going to stick around long enough to get back in this race?’ “It was obviously discouraging with where we were and wondering how to change. I was told to be patient and keep working and eventually we won 11 in a row. There were times in the season where we didn’t think we’d win three in a row. ... We still have a long way to go. There’s still another gear to get to.” With 26 goals, 41 assists and 67 points, O’Reilly has already exceeded all of his season highs while in Buffalo. In his final year with the Sabres, he was a minus-23. Right now with the Blues, he’s plus-21. 1136292 St Louis Blues

Friday update: Bouncing Kyrou is back with Blues

Tom Timmermann

PITTSBURGH • Jordan Kyrou is back with the Blues. Kyrou had been called up from San Antonio on Wednesday, and coach Craig Berube said Thursday that he was there as "protection," presumably with a banged-up corps of forwards. The Blues announced during Thursday's game with Ottawa that Kyrou was being sent down to San Antonio but on Friday morning, they announced he had been recalled. There were no obvious injuries in Thursday's game, though several forwards were said to be in treatment after the game. Forward , who needed 16 stitches to his face after Tuesday's game with Arizona, took a puck to his face on Thursday night. With the team's offense resembling a NASA countdown over the past week — 2-1-0 in the past three games — the Blues need any and all offensive help they can get until they get Vladimir Tarasenko or David Perron or both back in the lineup. In the three games Tarasenko has missed, the Blues have scored three goals, none of them at five-on-five. The Blues play at Pittsburgh on Saturday and at Buffalo on Sunday. With their loss to Ottawa and Dallas' win over Minnesota, the Blues have slipped to fourth place in the Central Division and are now in the first wild card spot. They remain five points up on Minnesota, the first team out of a playoff spot, with 12 games to play. This is the fifth time this season Kyrou has been called up from San Antonio, and the last two times he's been called up he didn't get in a game. That would seem to be changing this time, whether it's to replace Robby Fabbri or someone else in the lineup. Kyrou has one goal and two assists in 16 games with the Blues this season. He has 43 points in 44 games for San Antonio, with a team-high 16 goals. This is the third of four permitted non-emergency callups for the Blues after the trade deadline, which would seem to increase the chances that Kyrou will stay around. He flew with the team from Ottawa to Pittsburgh after the game; it's possible he may not have left Pittsburgh before his callup was made. The Blues got into Pittsburgh very early on Friday morning and with afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday didn't hold a practice, so any update on Perron's status for Saturday won't be known until close to game time with the Penguins. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136293 Tampa Bay Lightning

Vinny Lecavalier knew his goals record wouldn’t survive Steven Stamkos

By Diana C. Nearhos Published Yesterday Updated Yesterday

Vinny Lecavalier knew it was only a matter of time. Steven Stamkos was coming for his record. In a way, he has known that for 11 years, since Stamkos entered the NHL. “The first time I saw him shoot the puck, literally his first one-timer in practice, I’m like, ‘Okay, this guy is way more of a natural scorer than I ever was,’ “ Lecavalier said. Thursday, with a power-play goal that sparked a five-goal comeback against the Red Wings, Stamkos scored his 383rd career Lightning goal to tie Lecavalier for the team record. “He came in the league and just the way he shot the puck, it’s just different than everybody else,” Lecavalier said in advance of Stamkos tying the record. “You knew it was just going to take time and games to get there. But he has such a natural ability to score that you knew he was going to do it.” Lecavalier and Stamkos played together for five seasons, from 2008-13. What stood out to Lecavalier in the beginning was that natural scoring ability. Lecavalier, the Lightning’s first overall pick in the 1998 draft, learned to be a scorer. That wasn’t how he thought of himself at the start of his NHL career. He scored 50 goals one season (52 in 2006-07), but that was an outlier. Lecavalier had one other season above 35 (40 in 2007-08) before he retired after the 2015-16 season. Stamkos, the Lightning’s first overall draft pick in 2008, came into the league as a scorer. In his first season, he had 23 goals. The next season, he scored 51. And he made it look easy. “He just finds ways to score goals,” Lecavalier said. “He’s just such a natural scorer, and there’s not five guys like him probably the last two generations who can score like him. It’s pretty special.” What also has stood out for him since those early seasons is the way Stamkos has matured. At 18 he had a heck of a shot but a lot to learn. Over the past 11 years, Stamkos, 29, has improved as a player and grown into a strong leadership role. He was named the Lightning’s captain in March 2014 when the role opened with Marty St. Louis’ trade to the Rangers. “Every year of experience made him more of a complete player,” Lecavalier, 38, said. “His leadership obviously grows by the year, and the way he plays complete games, that grows every year as well. It’s been 11 years; he’s been through a lot of playoff games and a lot of seasons.” RELATED: Sign up for our Lightning Strikes! email newsletter to get Bolts news delivered daily to your inbox It does come back to that shot, though. Lecavalier figures it might be like baseball. Everyone appreciates a good hitter, but a good hitter can recognize different things in another. Maybe a learned scorer can see something he can’t quite put his finger on and know a natural scorer. “I’ve seen a lot of shots in my career, and my life, and you just know,” Lecavalier said. “The way (Stamkos) shoots that wrist shot and one- timer, no one does it like him. Maybe him and (Alex) Ovechkin, that’s it. Just by looking at him, you can see it.” Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136294 Tampa Bay Lightning Both teams have won eight of their last 10 games. Washington appears to be peaking at the right time. Tampa Bay has yet to go through a valley. Both teams have scary scoring depth. Both teams might end up two lines Lightning-Capitals: What will be revealed Saturday night in Tampa deep on 20-goal scorers. There is Ovechkin, a generational goal scorer for maybe any generation. There is Steven Stamkos, who Saturday could pass Vinny Lecavalier for By Martin Fennelly all-time Lightning goals. There is Nikita Kucherov, who reminded us in Detroit with a four-point night, including the game winner, that anyone Published Yesterday who thinks he isn’t the league MVP should be penalized for being the third moron in. There is Lightning goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy, a Vezina Updated Yesterday Trophy favorite as best goaltender, and there is Caps goalie Braden Holtby, who last June made the save that saved the Cup for the Caps in Game 2 of the Finals against Vegas. TAMPA — This increasingly epic Lightning season stops Saturday night at the intersection of hum and dinger. It’s fascinating how quickly the Caps went from the tortured to the torturers. They could never win the big one but busted on the Lightning to The champs are in town. get to the Finals, where they ended Vegas’ miracle. That Eastern Conference Final, that was for the Cup. At least it felt that way. The runaway Lightning, fresh from a rousing comeback in Detroit, armed with 54 wins, still chasing history, finally meets the 2017-18 Stanley Cup The champs are the champs until they aren’t. Washington still poses the champions. same problems for the Lightning. The Caps are still heavier, they are still going to jump up and meet Tampa Bay in the neutral zone. And they’ve The Washington Capitals, who burned down the Lightning’s last season won the Cup, so they think they can win it again. with the Lightning still in it, who remain a reminder that winning big means nothing without an exclamation point in the shape of the Cup. Lightning and Bucs fans, we've got you covered, too. Join our Lightning Strikes! and Bucs Cannon Fodder Facebook groups at the links below. This is not about the numbers. It’s about the memories and moments #Bucs #GoBucs #TBLightning #GoBolts @TB_Times Lightning Strikes! shared along the way. It's about a teenager from Ontario who came to https://t.co/zyPdrlmnRYBucs Cannon Fodder https://t.co/hwFmFziuVZ represent the best of Tampa Bay. #TBLightning #GoBolts @TBLightning pic.twitter.com/A1PJKnVQ7g @RealStamkos91 @tb_times @romano_tbtimes https://t.co/j0eLxjoHbn — TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) January 31, 2019 — TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) March 15, 2019 On the other hand, if a Columbus shot hadn’t bonked off the post in The regular season is the regular season. The playoffs are the real deal. overtime, the Caps go 0-3 down in their opening series and never sniff Only it will feel like playoffs Saturday night when Alex Ovechkin and the the Cup. It was that close. It’s still that close. Caps return to the scene of their crime 10 months ago, when they took everything the Lightning had and more, when they outplayed the The Lightning knows that all too well. Lightning when it mattered and dashed Tampa Bay Cup hopes with a Game 7 win at Amalie in the Eastern Conference Finals, pitching a It’s just a matter of what Tampa Bay has learned from its shutout for the series’ final 159 minutes. disappointments the last few seasons. This season has shown that the Lightning has some hair on its chest. The comeback in Detroit said Saturday isn’t for revenge. nothing is written until the Lightning finishes writing it. But it’s close enough to raise the roof. Worlds collide Saturday. Rafters will shake. Tampa Bay doesn’t have to win this game, but its has to stand and be counted. Jon Cooper’s club You remember them, Lightning fans. Ovechkin and Oshie and Backstrom recently blew away contender Winnipeg and devoured Toronto. But this and Kuznetsov and Wilson and Holtby, all those names engraved on is different. The champs are here. hockey’s biggest prize. And you know your guys: Kuch and Stammer and Heddy and Johnny and Pointer and Vasi. All on one sheet of ice No, it doesn’t matter until the playoffs, but the Lightning nevertheless Saturday. It’s about the biggest regular-season game in Lightning history. needs to send a message Saturday night, not just to Washington but all I’d pay to listen to this one on the radio. the NHL. Not this season. Not on this watch. The NHL isn’t smartest sports league going, but in its in finite wisdom, it Or maybe it’s the Caps who need to send the message. left the Lightning-Caps reunion until now, mid-March, with two more meetings before the season ends. A humdinger. The Lightning have played every team in the league except the Capitals. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 The Capitals have played every team in the league except the Lightning. If they’ve been itching to get back at each other, Saturday they scratch that itch. Tampa Bay doesn’t have to win Saturday any more than it has to set the record for most wins or points in a season. And as much as the Caps might be a measuring stick, I’d argue that the Lightning doesn’t need a measuring stick. I’d turn it the other way around. Steven Stamkos and Nikita Kucherov help the Bolts to a comeback win over the Wings, the Bucs introduce Breshad Perriman and Bradley Pinion, and USF falls to UConn in the AAC tournament. #GoBolts #GoBucs #USF @NFLSTROUD @SportsDayTB @TB_Times https://t.co/XKan0qzZ6S — TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) March 15, 2019 Tampa Bay is the measuring stick. This game will still pack a punch. It will pack a punch because of last season’s knockout. It will pack a punch for Lightning players who on their home ice waited to shake hands with the delirious, finally victorious Capitals. It will pack a punch for anyone who saw Ovechkin, damn the superstitions, full speed ahead, carrying the Prince of Wales Trophy to the bus, clutching it as if it was a baby in swaddling. But maybe that’s where this potential Lightning march to the Cup was born, burned into Tampa Bay brains. We’ll get an idea Saturday, a good idea. 1136295 Tampa Bay Lightning

Lightning, Capitals meet for first time this season in Game No. 72

By Diana C. Nearhos Published Yesterday

One team remains out of 31: the Washington Capitals. No, we’re not referring to the 2017-18 season. The Capitals are the only new opponent left for the Lightning this season. Tampa Bay has played everyone else at least once. Washington is in town and Amalie Arena will host a rematch of the Eastern Conference Final on Saturday. Here are four things to know about the team Tampa Bay hasn’t seen in 10 months. Ovechkin is still Ovechkin There’s a reason Alex Ovechkin is the leading active goal scorer by more than 100 goals, and it’s not just because he’s been in the league for 14 years. Ovechkin is again atop the league with 46 goals and is on pace for his seventh 50-goal season. The Capitals don’t have the scoring the Lightning does (no one over 80 points and 10 players with double-digit goals), but they have Ovi. A rising star Jakub Vrana doesn’t have that kind of name recognition, but he definitely has an impact for the Capitals. The 23-year-old scored his 20th (and 21st) goal in Tuesday’s loss to Pittsburgh. Vrana has almost doubled his offensive production in his second full year. He has followed his 13 goals, 27 points in 73 games last season with 21 goals and 22 assists this year. Washington Post beat writer Isabelle Khurshudyan referred to Vrana as arguably the team’s fastest skater and a good complement to Nicklas Backstrom and T.J. Oshie, the Capitals’ shut-down line. RELATED: Sign up for our Lightning Strikes! email newsletter to get Bolts news delivered daily to your inbox Recent play The Capitals had won seven games in a row before Tuesday’s loss to Pittsburgh. In the course of that streak, Washington moved past the Islanders into first place in the Metropolitan Division. On Thursday, the Capitals rebounded with a 5-2 win over Philadelphia. Brett Connolly scored two goals and made an assist in the game. Braden Holtby made 22 saves on 24 shots in the game. The rematch With three games in two weeks, this regular-season series almost has a playoff series feel. Tom Wilson said as much to Khurshudyan: “Just call it a playoff series, why not?” Connolly called this a measuring stick game for the Capitals. The Lightning is taking the other route, at least publically. “We don’t necessarily look at what opponent we’re playing,” Tyler Johnson said. “Right now, all that matters is how we’re playing, what our style is, what we’re accomplishing. I don’t think we really look forward to any opponent or anything like that. It’s all about us.” Maybe that’s the difference between the public comments from a team that won the last matchup vs. the one downplaying the lasting significance. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136296 Tampa Bay Lightning The best kind of absurd!#TBLvsDET | #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/4SFMRLVO7r

— x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 15, 2019 Lightning-Red Wings: Observations from Tampa Bay’s 5-4 win Point leads the way. With the second goal on the board in the Lightning’s 5-4 matchup against the Red Wings, Point ties Alex DeBrincat (Chicago) By Mari Faiello and Cam Atkinson (Columbus) for the fifth-most goals (38) in the NHL. Point leads the roster in goals, just three ahead of Kucherov and Published Yesterday Stamkos. He also leads the team in power play goals at 19, just two ahead than Stamkos. Point’s goal on Saturday night was just his second even-strength goal he’s logged in 24 games. TAMPA – The saying goes that most things (or events) come or happen Getting physical. Černák had a pretty physical play in the first period, in threes. making a pretty big hit on Detroit’s Danny DeKeyser, with both players colliding into the glass and coming off the hit a little shaken on both ends. But that wasn’t really the case for the Lightning as it notched not three, Černák and fellow rookie Mathieu Joseph tallied the most hits between but five-consecutive goals in the comeback game of the season against the two rosters finishing off the night with four hits. the Detroit Red Wings Thursday night. Happy 200 games Vasilevskiy. The All-Star goaltender celebrated his The night ended in the Lightning’s favor with a 5-4 win, notching the 200th NHL game on Saturday with the 5-4 win in Detroit. He recorded his franchise’s 15th-straight regular season win over the Red Wings. 12th win in the last 13 starts and stopped 23 shots on the night, Things made a turn for the worst for Tampa Bay just four minutes into the improving to 33-8-4 on the season. third period, putting the Lightning down three goals to a program it has Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 defeated in its last 14 matchups. It wasn’t until Steven Stamkos got on the board with his 383rd career goal, tying ’s 383 career-goal franchise record, that the Lightning got some pep back in its step.

383 career goals. All as a Bolt. Tying a legend.That's our Captain. ⚡️ #Stammertime pic.twitter.com/7hTVUbTS2H — x - Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) March 15, 2019 Then came Brayden Point. And then Nikita Kucherov. And 24 seconds after Kucherov came Tyler Johnson. And finally, Kucherov finished off the night for Tampa Bay, helping them notch a two-goal lead before Detroit’s Michael Rasmussen found the back of the net to bring the score up 5-4. It was the comeback of the season, and certainly a night to remember for anyone on the ice. “I think it’s kind of a quiet calm,” Johnson said after the game. “I think we know we’re never out of a game. We know we can come back. We know we have the skill. We have a confidence, it’s just a matter of time. We just had to play the way that we know we can play. We got some breaks, and some guys stepped up.” Here are some odds and ends from Tampa Bay’s 5-4 win: Kucherov doing the typical. There’s only been 17 games this season where Kucherov hasn’t logged a point in a game. However, Thursday night wasn’t one of those times as the All-Star forward notched his 34th multi-point game of the season (sixth four-point game). Kucherov also reached 115 points on the season with his two assists and two goals. He’s the first player since Sidney Crosby (in 2006-07) to tally at least 115 points in a season. Kucherov notched two goals in an eight-minute span. One was notched coming off a Stamkos-won faceoff and ping-ponged around the ice until it found the toe of Kucherov’s stick and quickly made its way into the back of the net off a swift one-timer. His second goal of the night was a quick back-and-forth exchange between him and Point, which ended up with Kucherov just in front of the crease and in perfect position to find the hole between the goal post and Jimmy Howard. Franchise records. With the 5-4 win the Lightning make franchise history for the longest regular season win-streak against a team in the NHL. Tampa Bay also ties its franchise win-record from last season with its 54th win on the 2018-19 season. It’s only the fourth time in NHL history a program has notched at least 54 wins in back-to-back seasons. Saturday night was also the 31st time this season the Lightning have notched five or more goals during a game. An odd penalty. Andrei Vasilevskiy notched a penalty of his own about 3 minutes into the third period when he tripped Tyler Bertuzzi right in front of the goal as the Detroit player came around Vasilevskiy’s right-hand side. Kucherov sat in the box for two minutes to serve the penalty. Johnson with the tip. A pass from Cedric Paquette from the left side went to the middle of the ice and toward Erik Černák at the blueline. The rookie took a shot on goal right off the pass, but the shot was going wide of the net by a significant length. Luckily, Johnson’s hand-eye coordination came into play as he tipped the puck into the back of the net mid-air, giving his team a 4-3 lead with just under nine minutes left in the third period with his 25th goal on the season. 1136297 Tampa Bay Lightning You had the chance to see it all, from promise to fulfillment. And the best, potentially, is still to come.

Stamkos hasn’t played as many games here as Lecavalier. He hasn’t Steven Stamkos’ Lightning goal record will be a signpost along a greater played as many years here as St. Louis. He also hasn’t yet won a journey Stanley Cup, an oversight he seems hellbent on correcting this summer. But those are thoughts and aspirations to consider down the road. For By John Romano now, we should take a moment to appreciate a player who has lived up to most expectations, and exceeded some others. Published Yesterday Breaking the franchise record for goals? That’s just the start of the conversation. TAMPA — The record will soon be his. The pleasure has been all ours. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 03.16.2019 Any day now, the Lightning will have a new all-time leader in goals scored. And when the moment arrives, Steven Stamkos will officially claim what we already knew in our hearts. He is the bedrock, he is the conscience, he is the embodiment of what this franchise has become. Cool, efficient and ever responsible. This record is about goals, yes. The new number will be 384, if you want to be exact. And if it matters to you, Stamkos will get there around 300 games faster than it took Vincent Lecavalier to reach 383. But this is not about the numbers recorded on a page. It’s about the memories and moments shared along the way. It’s about a teenager from Ontario who came to represent the best of Tampa Bay. Steven Stamkos has justified the expectations that have followed him like a shadow since he was a teenager. #TBLightning #GoBolts @TBLightning @RealStamkos91 @TB_Times @romano_tbtimes https://t.co/lJtFZFn8GB — TampaBayTimesSports (@TBTimes_Sports) February 26, 2019 There have been others, of course. A Lee Roy Selmon or a Derrick Brooks. A Lecavalier or a Martin St. Louis. Even Evan Longoria, who is still playing near another bay on another coast. Those are the names you still see stenciled on the backs of jerseys around town. They are the players who spent a decade or more of their careers here and will forever be defined by those days and nights. But in Stammer’s case, there is more to come. Presumably, much, much more. That’s what will make this record more special than it might seem. It will not be a ceremonial end to a tenure well-spent. It’s merely a signpost along a greater journey. Stamkos is 29. He is still within the prime of his career, and his play on the ice reflects that. He won’t be wheezing and sputtering when he reaches this record. It will arrive on his 36th goal of the season. He has been on the cusp of the league’s top 10 goal scorers for much of the past few months. That, as much as anything, says all that you need to know about Stamkos. Scoring 36 goals in 2018-19 is, in some ways, as impressive as the 60 goals he scored in 2011-12. Back then, we knew what he was. Stamkos was a scoring prodigy from the time he was 10 years old. It’s what he’s grown into that has become much more fascinating. He is a captain today, a valued conduit between coach Jon Cooper and the rest of the team. He has become more of an end-to-end player. He has become effective on faceoffs. He has become a better playmaker. More than anything, he has persevered when, at times, a less proud athlete might have looked for sympathy and excuses. Or have you already forgotten the devastating knee injury. And, before, that, the broken leg. And, before all of that, the nutty days of owners Oren Koules and Len Barrie. Stamkos has seemingly grown up right before our eyes. Always accountable, always measured, always present. These days his locker is situated in the center of the room, as if nothing is going to happen without his knowledge or consent. And, unlike some of those lean, early years, Stamkos is no longer the only reason to tune in to the Lightning. Brayden Point has more goals, Nikita Kucherov has more points, and Andrei Vasilevskiy is the budding superstar. Stamkos is far from a complimentary player, but he’s grown comfortable sharing the spotlight. So if you take nothing more out of the record he has been chasing all of these years, keep this in mind: 1136298 Tampa Bay Lightning When he met with Jeff Vinik in July, the Lightning owner was shocked to hear Yzerman was going to step down. The two had shared a tremendous relationship since Vinik hired Yzerman in 2010, so everyone Steve Yzerman’s future remains uncertain after year behind the scenes was expecting an extension. with Lightning: ‘We’re still his team’ Yzerman had told The Athletic during the playoffs that “working for Jeff has been fantastic. It’s a tremendous position and I’m lucky to have it.”

By Joe Smith Mar 15, 2019 So when Yzerman had a change of heart, it caught everyone off-guard.

“I didn’t see it coming,” Vinik said.

DETROIT — The Tampa Bay Lightning had just wrapped up another Neither did Yzerman’s close friends and family. The day Yzerman victory on trade deadline day when Steve Yzerman took the elevator announced his decision, Sept. 11, his brother, Chris, got a puzzling text down from his perch in the Amalie Arena press box. from their mother, Jean, who lives in the same area of Ottawa.

As Yzerman, surrounded by several team scouts and executives, exited “Is it true?” the elevator and turned the corner, he deadpanned with his typical dry His parents had received a heads-up call that morning. So did Chris, who sense of humor: is a Lightning scout.

“I’ll catch up with you guys in 10,” he said. “I’ve got to clean up my office.” “He really kept it air-tight,” Chris said.

As the group laughed, Yzerman ducked through a back door and The truth was, this decision had been bubbling for a couple of years. disappeared from sight. Yzerman said he often thought about how he could balance his work life That pretty well sums up Yzerman’s presence in the organization over — a 24/7 job as a GM — and still be a good father to his three college- the past year: stealthy but significant. age daughters (Isabella, Maria and Sophia) and wife, Lisa, who still resided in Michigan. All the crisscrossing the country for Lightning home The Lightning had held their trade deadline day “war room” in Yzerman’s games and road trips, plus trying to make his daughter’s lacrosse and office, making the decision — as a group — to stand pat and not make a equestrian events, took its toll. move. Yzerman may have shocked the hockey world by stepping down in September, moving to an adviser role so he could spend more time The day after the Lightning lost Game 1 of the Eastern Conference final with his family, but he’s still been very much involved with the franchise against the Capitals, Yzerman flew to Round Rock, Texas, to see Sophia behind the scenes. He’s not the one in front of the cameras, or even in play in the club lacrosse national-title game for the University of plain sight, but that doesn’t mean he’s spent the last eight months on the Michigan. golf course or working out in suburban Detroit. “I remarked several times, ‘Man I don’t know how you’re doing this,’” Yzerman is “the primary sounding board” for first-year Tampa Bay GM childhood friend Darren Pang told The Athletic. “The early morning wake- Julien BriseBois, and the two speak daily. Yzerman has attended roughly up calls, flying, to do everything 100 percent. It’s not easy. half the Lightning’s home games and has made three weekend trips with “He just loves those girls to death, and it’s an important stage in their life. BriseBois to watch Syracuse in the AHL. They’ve caught some junior He loves being a dad, going to school, going to football games. I’m sure games together, too. BriseBois is in charge, he makes the final calls. But like a lot of us, he’s missed a lot. He gets there and enjoys the moment. with every major decision Tampa Bay has made this year, from terminating Jake Dotchin’s contract to re-signing Yanni Gourde, Yzerman “The girls are in college, but I don’t think you’re ever done. My kids has had a voice. graduated and are both married, but you forever want to be around them. They love Michigan. Obviously, there are a lot of times where hockey “He’s a resource to all of us, whether it’s (coach Jon Cooper) or some of players live in a city for a long time and end up moving on to the next job the players, our staff,” BriseBois said. “I say, ‘Steve, what do you think and everyone comes with you. They fall in love with another city. But the about this?’ It helps me come up with decisions or direction.” Detroit area and Michigan have been great to the Yzermans, and they How much longer Yzerman stays in this role remains to be seen. The 53- just absolutely love it there. That’s home.” year-old is in the last year of his contract with the Lightning, and what Yzerman has been able to be home in Detroit more in his new adviser comes next is uncertain, even to those in the organization. It sounds like role. Unlike his years as GM, where he was a fixture on team charter Yzerman has enjoyed the balance in his life this new role has afforded flights and road trips, Yzerman has only been spotted a few times, most him, but he’ll likely revisit his future after this season. Yzerman has recently in Boston, where Maria attends Boston University. Yzerman will declined media requests all year long, so it’s hard to know what he’s often fly back to Tampa for homestands, sitting next to BriseBois in their thinking. press box suite.

That leaves everyone else wondering. Over Thanksgiving, the whole family was in Tampa to celebrate the And some, in Detroit, hoping that the iconic former Red Wings captain holiday. returns to the organization. “I heard he’s really enjoying being home and spending time there,” said During the first intermission Thursday night, two Detroit fans in old former Wings teammate Kirk Maltby. “His kids are older, it’s not like Yzerman jerseys popped up on the Little Caesar’s Arena Jumbotron they’re toddlers, but when you had a career like Steve had, he was gone holding a sign: a long time at young ages. I’m not sure what’s going to happen. I don’t know if anybody does.” “Come Home, Stevie Y!” The Lightning are not rushing Yzerman’s decision. Lightning players, most of whom were brought in by Yzerman during his eight years as GM, are curious how it will play out. None would say that it “He has the luxury of being able to wait a little later,” BriseBois said. “But has distracted them from their historic season, which many have we’ve discussed it. I think he’s happy right now. He’s found some compared to Yzerman’s 1995-96 team with the Wings. But he is far from balance that he’s happy with. But I can’t speak for him. I know I’ve forgotten. enjoyed working with him. I’m trying to make it so it’s a good experience for him. But that’s all I can say right now.” “We’re still his team,” center Tyler Johnson said. “I don’t think guys think about it too much. We’ll always have that special spot for him because he Johnson said Yzerman’s presence around the locker room is pretty brought us all in and hopefully he’s here forever. similar to how it was before.

“But everyone understands he wants some family time. I guess we’ll just “Pretty quiet,” Johnson said. “Even when he was technically the GM, it’s see what happens.” not like you really saw him a whole lot. He’ll talk to you when he wants to talk to you.” Red Wings fans hold up signs Thursday night during the Lightning game in Detroit. (Raj Mehta / USA Today) Johnson said Yzerman helped him a lot throughout his career, making sure he understood his role and offering tips on becoming a better two- Throughout this process, Yzerman has kept everything close to the vest. way player. “He looks at a lot more than what you do on the scoresheet,” Johnson With that, the small media scrum ended. Yzerman had the last word. He said. “It’s about the little areas you need to work on, what he expects shook some hands and exited the room. Whatever Yzerman decides to from you. He does that with everybody.” do with his future, you can bet he’ll follow that same mantra.

The ripple effects of Yzerman’s work with the Lightning franchise will be No matter where it leads. seen for years. The way Yzerman managed to re-sign Steven Stamkos — at a team-friendly $8.5 million annual average — in the summer of The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 2016 set the tone for negotiations to come. Stamkos said Yzerman helped build a culture they’ll continue to follow.

Yzerman also negotiated Nikita Kucherov’s extension, which will be a bargain at eight-years, $9.5 million AAV, and wrapped up the Ryan McDonagh negotiations at a cigar bar in St. Paul, Minn., in July.

Victor Hedman said Yzerman’s presence and what he built was a big reason why he signed his eight-year extension (at $7.875 AAV) so quickly, just two days after Stamkos and one year away from free agency.

“Part of the culture that we have here in Tampa is that team-first mentality, and if you want to keep a good team together, guys are going to have to make little sacrifices along the way,” Stamkos told our Max Bultman earlier this year. “Whether that’s in terms of money or term or ice time or role on the team.

Those sacrifices, Stamkos continued, are “kind of non-negotiable on this team in terms of doing whatever it takes to help us keep the core together and keep being a productive team. That message was pretty loud and clear early when Steve got here and established himself as a GM and continued to be that way.”

That said, if Yzerman wants to be a GM again, it’s hard to imagine it being anywhere else but Detroit. While Edmonton and the Seattle expansion franchise would no doubt have interest — and already have big fans of Yzerman running them (Team Canada boss Bob Nicholson with the Oilers and former Lightning CEO Tod Leiweke in Seattle) — it’s hard to imagine the Hall of Famer moving farther from his family for the same sort of 24/7 grind.

Yzerman could also decide he enjoys his current role with the Lightning, which gives him the best of both worlds — he is still involved in the organization while also having family balance. With Vinik in charge, Yzerman could have a lifetime advisor role with a Lightning organization that he’s rumored to have an ownership stake in.

Yzerman could become the next Jimmy Devellano, who stepped back from being the Red Wings GM to become an adviser for the past 22 years.

“There are a lot of parallels,” Devellano said. “When I took that type of job, Steve was still a player and knew I’d be around sometimes and others I’d disappear to Florida. I’ve been in Tampa a lot and we’d talk, and (Yzerman) would ask, me, ‘How would you handle that?’ and different little things. He probably said, ‘Jeez, that’s not a bad job: come to Florida for the winter, fly up to Detroit and the draft.’ He’s not grinding the day to day and making all the major decisions. If Steve Yzerman now becomes me, that’s not necessarily a bad thing for Tampa, if he keeps it beyond this year. Maybe he’ll do it for 10 years.

“I trained Kenny Holland, and he trained Julien BriseBois. It’s the same thing. Steve is a family man. They like Detroit. Forget about the Red Wings. They like living in Detroit. We’ll see how it plays out. He may fit into this role and say, ‘Holy cow, this is not bad. I can have my cake and eat it too.'”

Yzerman’s mentor, Red Wings GM Ken Holland, has a contract that runs through next year. Whether Yzerman joins him next year in the Detroit front office (or eventually replaces him) is anyone’s guess.

Stars GM Jim Nill, a former Red Wings exec with Holland and Yzerman, said earlier this season that he could see it happening.

“At his age, maybe he’ll get the fire back he needs to get back in,” Nill said. “Maybe he needs to get recharged for a year or two.”

Yzerman left that door open back in September when he announced his decision. He could have shot down the possibility. When it was brought up that cynics might say that a year or two from now he would be somewhere else, maybe back home in Detroit, Yzerman stuck to his guns.

“I can’t worry about the cynics,” Yzerman said. “I’ve got to do what I think is right.” 1136299 Toronto Maple Leafs “[The Lightning’s and Blackhawks’] attention to detail at the start was higher than ours. Sometimes goals happen, you make mistakes, like having four guys in a corner. Probably clean that up pretty quick. But other times you just spend too much time in your own zone. That Luck of the Irish? Green Maple Leafs score 5 unanswered goals to beat happened both games with pucks hitting guys in the feet and bouncing Flyers 7-6 in. That may be bad breaks but probably more a symptom that we spent too much time in our half of the ice. When we spend time in the other half of the ice we’re a much better team.” DAVID SHOALTS Well, a much better team when Andersen is on his game. He actually PUBLISHED MARCH 15, 2019 wasn’t too bad in the losses to Tampa and Chicago even if he did get pulled in both of them. But he certainly had the yips Friday night against UPDATED MARCH 15, 2019 the Flyers and it appears Andersen’s confidence is in tatters. At least three of the visitors’ goals should have been stopped and he The Toronto Maple Leafs may have worn their green and white Toronto almost coughed up a couple of other goals because of his shaky puck- St. Pats uniforms as a salute to St. Patrick’s Day but the luck of the Irish handling. took a while to get to them. Globe And Mail LOADED: 03.16.2019 But it got there by the third period, as the Leafs completed a comeback from a three-goal Philadelphia Flyers lead to score five unanswered goals for a 7-6 win on Friday night. Auston Matthews scored the go- ahead goal with five minutes left in the third period and added what stood up as the winner 2.5 minutes later. But equal thanks must go to William Nylander. It was Nylander’s second effort on the winning goal that made the difference. He managed to keep the puck behind the Flyers net with a defenceman hanging on to him and got it to Matthews in front of the net. Once again the Leafs were coughing up goals in bunches but the difference on Friday night was they held the margin of play over the Flyers by a large margin. However, it seemed every time the Leafs made a mistake or the Flyers were around the net it did not take long for the puck to find its way behind goaltender Frederik Andersen. The win broke a two-game losing streak and brought the Leafs within two points of the Boston Bruins in the race for second place in the NHL’s Atlantic Division and home advantage in the first round of the playoffs. That Irish luck was present on the tying goal, the first of the season for Leafs defenceman Martin Marincin. His shot from the point bounced off a Flyer and into the net early in the third period to finish bringing the Leafs back from a 5-2 Philadelphia lead. It was a night for Leafs defencemen, at least in the offensive zone, as Jake Muzzin had two goals. Zach Hyman also scored for the Leafs. Speaking of luck, there wasn’t any earlier in the game, especially late in the first period when Matthews scored shortly after the Leafs tied the score 1-1. A coach’s challenge resulted in a ruling from the video judges that the net was off when the puck crossed the goal line so it was wiped out. It was the second consecutive game the Leafs lost a goal because the net came off too soon. Former Maple Leaf James van Riemsdyk scored three goals for the Flyers including a late one that put a scare into the home crowd. Jakub Voracek, Radko Gudas and Shayne Gostisbehere had Philadelphia’s other goals. If anyone wasn’t sure how valuable Andersen (at his best) is to the Maple Leafs, then these last three games are proof. The Leafs goaltender was not sharp in all three of them. And the Leafs, who have picked a bad time of year to be even worse in their own end than usual, were at sea in all three of those games. But this time they started the game the right way. Instead of floating their way through the first period, as they did too often in the past couple of months, the Leafs came out hard against the Flyers. Then again, considering their previous two losses, anything less would have been unacceptable. Leafs defenceman Ron Hainsey noted as much after the morning skate when he was asked, a few too many times in his opinion, about how much effort the Leafs put into their past few games. “I think we’re pretty clear without too many more words at this point that we need to have our level higher and more competitive,” Hainsey said. “I don’t think there’s a word I could add to improve on that.” But Hainsey did say the Leafs had no one to blame but themselves for consecutive losses to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Chicago Blackhawks going into Friday’s game. “I think there’s a level here that we haven’t had,” Hainsey said. “We played two teams. Tampa is trying to put up the best record in however long and the team we played Wednesday is a team that is obviously still fighting. Every game is Game 7. 1136300 Toronto Maple Leafs Roster move: The signed defenceman Eemeli Rasanen to a professional tryout. The 2017 second-round pick has had a season in the KHL limited to 12 games by injuries. Matthews and Muzzin ignite throwback Leafs’ comeback win over Flyers Up next: Saturday in Ottawa, 7 p.m. faceoff. The Leafs are 5-5-0 in | The Star the second of back-to-back games. Toronto Star LOADED: 03.16.2019 By Kevin McGran

Two goals from Auston Matthews capped a comeback as the Toronto St. Pats ended the Toronto Maple Leafs’ losing skid with a 7-6 win over the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena. Jake Muzzin started the rally with two goals late in the second period, and Martin Marincin tied it early in the third as the Leafs, dressed in throwback St. Pats jerseys, rallied against a tired Flyers team. Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs hit the ice in throwback St. Pats jerseys for the first of two nights. Matthews scored two late goals in a wild 7-6 comeback win over the Flyers. Whatever uniforms they wore, they had problems after falling behind all week. But after a late offensive outburst fell short against Chicago on Wednesday, it was enough against Philadelphia. The Leafs trailed 5-2 until Muzzin scored at 16:08 and 18:11 of the second period. “It was pretty crazy,” said Matthews. “We showed a lot of resilience. We never quit. We said no matter what we were going to come out and win this game. Everybody scoring throughout our whole lineup, that’s key. That’s one thing we have on this team is depth. When you get scoring from all different areas, that’s a good sign.” Patrick Marleau and Zach Hyman also scored for the Leafs. On Andersen: The rally saved the game for Frederik Andersen, who had his third rough outing in a row. Andersen was pulled in losses to Tampa and Chicago, but remained between the pipes for this one and made a couple of big saves after the Leafs had taken the lead. “He’s saved us so many times. We definitely owed him one,” Matthews said of Andersen. “He’s been our brick wall for us. These last couple of games, they’re not on him. I’m sure he’d like to have a couple of those (goals) back. But for us, we’ve got to play better for him.” The Leafs were losing those one-on-one battles they had pledged to start winning, and were often caught flatfooted in their own zone while the Flyers buzzed around them. But once the Leafs found their game, there was no stopping them as they fired 51 shots at Flyers goalie Brian Elliott, dominating the third period. Leafs coach said he didn’t feel the need to speak to Andersen about his play: “He’s been around a long time and I think, for all of us, getting a good slapping once in a while is a good thing. You adjust and you get back at it.” Flying Flyers: The Flyers, like the Blackhawks on Wednesday, have motored from the bottom of the standings to themselves within striking distance of a playoff spot. Despite trailing the Leafs in the standings, the Flyers came into the game as one of the hottest teams, 15-6-2 since the all-star break. That’s the third-best record in the NHL behind Tampa and Boston in that span. But they tired as the game wore on, perhaps the effects of having played Thursday night as well … James van Riemsdyk — remember him — had a hat trick, the third goal with 1:14 left in the manic third period … Jakub Voracek, Shayne Gostisbehere and Radko Gudas also scored for Philadelphia. In the Atlantic: The Leafs are trying to catch the Bruins, who have lost three in a row, for second in the Atlantic. “Home ice is not set yet,” said Leafs centre Nazem Kadri. “We want to put ourselves in the best possible position because those points are going to matter.” Of note: For the second game in a row, the Leafs had a goal disallowed after the opposing goalie kicked the net off its moorings … The Leafs held a moment of silence for the victims of the terror attack in New Zealand. Gardiner concern: The Leafs were again without Kasperi Kapanen (concussion), Travis Dermott (shoulder) and Jake Gardiner (back). The way Babcock answered a question about defencemen Justin Holl, Martin Marincin and Igor Ozhiganov, it sounded as if Gardiner won’t be back any time soon. “We think Dermott is probably ahead of Gardiner coming back. Dermott’s getting a spot, so someone (among those three) has to grab that spot. It has to be obvious to everyone, not just me.” Green day: The Leafs will wear their throwback Toronto St. Pats uniforms again Saturday in Ottawa, on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. “I love them,” Kadri said of the green sweaters. “I’ve got one hanging up in my condo. It’s pretty cool. It’s an historic franchise with a lot of different jerseys, a lot of different timelines. It’s nice we’re wearing it for a couple of games, not just one.” Kadri had teammates sign his jersey last year. 1136301 Toronto Maple Leafs possession team that picked it up as the year went on. Their offence has been so good that it can carry them, too.

Andersen has been up and down every other year before this one; other Matthews helps Leafs save Andersen this time | The Star than his groin injury in December and January, he has saved this team a lot. As Babcock said, “He’s done that for us a bunch this year. That’s just payback.” By Bruce Arthur Now there are 11 games left, and the question is whether everyone can find their top gear together. They’re still good. Boston has lost three straight. But time’s running short. Friday, Babcock said, “Get better every When the game started, there were 12 games to go. When it ended, 11. day, be playing right — taking care of the puck, heavy on offence, solid The Toronto Maple Leafs, like every team in the National Hockey on defence — do all the little details and, in the end, you’re happy in the League, have been living by hockey’s drumbeat since October: game, spring. If you don’t have your game going, you won’t be.” practice, day off, travel, morning skate, game, travel, day off, practice, game, ad infinitum. And just under two weeks ago, he said, “If you can’t play without (defensive hockey), you’ll go out in the first round of the playoffs every Like life, the daily grind adds up to tides, and habits. And once in a while, year. So, you can have all these great regular-season results, but … in panic and euphoria. After getting blown to pieces twice this week, the the end, you end up disappointed in the spring.” Leafs talked about urgency, about starting fast, about playing fast. Maybe they’re gearing up? Maybe that’s it. We’ll see. Habits, and tides. “It’s just being more competitive, more engaged right from the start,” The playoffs are coming soon. said defenceman Ron Hainsey. “I think there’s a level here that we haven’t had.” Toronto Star LOADED: 03.16.2019 They did that against the Philadelphia Flyers, and were still down 5-2 in the second thanks to just enough inattention — “I thought we cheated for a few shifts there,” said coach Mike Babcock — and the continuation of goaltender Frederik Andersen’s very bad week. So they just cranked up their game against a team on the second night of a back-to-back, and it was tied 5-5 in the third, and the Leafs were running the joint. It was like a crooked do-over of the Chicago Blackhawks game played two days later, with everyone in different uniforms. As the game went on they played like the game mattered as much as anything, and Auston Matthews scored their sixth and seventh goals with William Nylander making plays, and they won a wild one 7-6, outshooting Philadelphia 38-22 at five-on-five and 51-29 overall. They are within two points of the Boston Bruins for home ice. But Freddie faltered, and it made for a show. The Leafs have spent a lot of time lately falling behind, then skating their behinds off, or not. Remember the game in St. Louis, where the Blues rolled over them in the first period like it was a PG version of Slap Shot? Remember the first period in Buffalo? Remember the competitive collapse on Long Island? Hell, remember when the Oilers came to Toronto and were up 1-0 late in the first period with a collection of sandbags in jerseys on their wings? In that last game, first intermission a visiting Edmonton writer said: Watch, the other team usually puts in the seven minutes of requisite effort and scores four goals. In the second period, the Leafs put in the effort, and scored four goals in exactly seven minutes. And they say hockey is unpredictable. This wasn’t that, though. The Leafs allowed goals off three defensive- zone draws, watched some pucks go in, and Andersen was permeable for the third straight game, and fourth in five if you stretch back to Vancouver last week. He had two near oh-no moments in the third alone, nearly handing a puck to the Flyers on a power play, and nearly putting another in his own net. “I’d like to handle (the slump) better, get out of it quicker, but yeah, just trying to work my way out of it,” said Andersen. But everyone else played like demons, as they did late against Chicago. That was the stuff. Toronto had lagged of late. In the 10 games before this one, the Leafs got 49.9 per cent of score-adjusted shot attempts at five-on-five, which is Florida Panthers territory; before that, they had been getting 51.5 per cent, good for 10th in the league. Their talent meant the third-best share of goals scored at five-on-five all year, trailing only Tampa and the New York Islanders. (All data on score-adjusted attempts, which takes into account that you might throw 29 shots at the Chicago Blackhawks in the third period of a game in which you fell behind 5-0, is from the website Puck On Net.) Their scoring chances had reflected the dip, at both ends. Maybe it was just that it’s been a long year; maybe it was that the only real stakes have been reduced to playing Game 1 in Boston or at home; maybe it was the injuries eating away at their depth. And then they skated all over the Flyers: dominating, hitting more top gears as the game went on. It was against a tired team, but that’s what they’re trying for. The Leafs have relied so heavily on Andersen, again; they are allowing the fifth-most shots per game in hockey, after finishing with the fourth-most last season, when they were a mediocre puck 1136302 Toronto Maple Leafs

Saturday NHL game preview: Toronto Maple Leafs at Ottawa Senators | The Star

By Kevin McGran

TV: CBC, Sportsnet RADIO: Sportsnet 590 The FAN KEY PLAYERS Brannstrom/Sparks Erik Brannstrom is the key player the Senators got in return for sending Mark Stone to the Vegas Golden Knights. A first-round pick in 2017, Brannstrom was one of the top defencemen at the 2019 world junior tournament. He was plus-1 in his NHL debut Thursday ... Garret Sparks gets the start with the Leafs playing on consecutive notes. Sparks relieved Frederik Andersen on Monday’s and Wednesday’s games. NEED TO KNOW Goalie Anders Nilsson made 35 saves as the Senators ended a four- game losing streak Thursday. The Senators won at home for the first time since Feb. 9, Starter Craig Anderson is on a personal 14-game losing streak … Ottawa rookie Brady Tkachuk has four points (two goals, two assists) in the club’s last six games … Defenceman Thomas Chabot is sidelined with a broken toe but Senators coach Marc Crawford said defencemen Christian Jaros (hamstring) and Mark Borowiecki (illness) will likely play Saturday … This is the 11th of the Leafs 13 back-to-back sets. They were 5-5-0 in the second game of the first 10. UP NEXT Tuesday at Nashville, 8 p.m. Toronto Star LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136303 Toronto Maple Leafs The first period ended 1-1 as Toronto managed to avoid another terrible start.

Patrick Marleau’s goal was the 550th of his NHL career, moving him past Maple Leafs rally at home, score five in a row to beat Flyers for 28th in league history. And it came in Marleau’s 777th consecutive game, moving him past Craig Ramsay for the sixth-longest games-played streak. Terry Koshan Jakub Voracek scored to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.

As for second in the Atlantic Division — and home ice in the first round of Rare is the game that the Maple Leafs have to bail out Frederik the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs — the Leafs haven’t forgotten the bigger Andersen. picture. That’s what happened on Friday night at Scotiabank Arena against the The Boston Bruins have lost three in a row after going 15-0-4 in their Philadelphia Flyers. previous 19 games. Boston has 93 points and 11 games remaining; the Leafs have 91 points and 11 games remaining. The Leafs overcame another shoddy performance by their No. 1 goaltender — this after Andersen was pulled in the previous two games “This is something we have to capitalize on,” centre Nazem Kadri said of — and rallied to beat the Flyers 7-6 in a rollicking match that featured few the Bruins’ recent losses. “They are a great team and they are going to defensive highlights. find success one way or another, but they seem to be in a bit of a lull right now. Clad in their green and white St. Pats uniforms, the Leafs chipped away at the Flyers to come all the way back and win on the strength of a pair of “Home ice is not something that is set quite yet, so it’s important for us to Auston Matthews goals late in the third period. put ourselves in the best position possible because we know in April, May, those points are going to matter.” The Leafs, who were down 5-2 in the second period, outshot the Flyers 51-29 before a crowd of 19,290. GETTING DEFENSIVE “I thought the guys did a heck of a job for Freddie, got Freddie a win,” Babcock didn’t come right out and say as much, but it’s not looking like Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “He has done that for us a bunch this the Leafs are expecting defenceman Jake Gardiner in the lineup any time year and that’s just payback. soon. “I really believe in life that adversity is just speed bumps to get you to Babcock said on Friday after Toronto’s optional morning skate that Travis another level. I believe in Freddie a lot. Our guys believe in him. He’s a Dermott is closer than Gardiner to getting back in the lineup. Dermott has real good man, takes things personal and he’ll be great. The mental missed the past eight games, Gardiner nine. Dermott has been skating toughness you need to go deep in the playoffs is, you’ve just got to have on his own, but Gardiner has not been on the ice. a belief in yourself. Holl played in his fifth game of the season on Friday night while Igor “Here’s a little test for him. I think these tests are great.” Ozhiganov sat. Those roles will be flipped when the Leafs visit the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night. Andersen, who before this week had put himself in the Vezina Trophy conversation, will get a chance to catch his breath on Saturday as “Just another opportunity (for Holl),” Babcock said. “We want someone to backup Garret Sparks will get the start in Ottawa against the Senators. grab it. “I thought the guys did a hell of a job to come back,” Andersen said. “It “Marincin gets the call because he is left-handed. We think Dermott is seems like everything is going against me defensively right now. Even probably ahead of Gardiner coming back, (Dermott) is playing one of things that aren’t really dangerous find a way to be somewhat dangerous. those spots. So someone else (has to) grab hold of (the sixth defence It’s a little frustrating but just got to fight through it. spot) and it should be obvious to everyone, not just me.” “I’d love to handle (the past week) better and get out of it quicker. Just In short, if Babcock is thinking that the sixth defence spot is on the line, trying to work my way out of it and glad to see we could get two points.” Gardiner will be on the sideline for the foreseeable future. The line of Matthews between William Nylander and Andreas Johnsson There have been whispers that Gardiner is dealing with disc issues in his is rounding into top form. back and, if so, there’s no way to know when he possibly will return. Nylander set up Matthews for the Leafs’ sixth goal with five minutes to JVR’S JOURNEY play in the third, when Matthews beat Flyers goalie Brian Elliott between the legs. Another Matthews goal a couple of minutes later off a rebound With Gardiner out, there was no repeat of what van Riemsdyk said he became the winner after ex-Leaf James van Riemsdyk completed a hat remembered most fondly from his first visit to Toronto with the Flyers this trick when he scored with just over a minute left. season, a game on Nov. 24 won 6-0 by the Leafs. “It was pretty crazy,” Matthews said. “We showed a lot of resilience, “Gards, he’s so funny,” van Riemsdyk said. “He was doing all his different never quit. I think everyone in this locker room, we had our mindset that head fakes and making no-look passes and you can’t help but laugh no matter what, we were going to come out and win this game.” when he is doing that stuff out there, especially when he tries one and he passes it to the other team.” The Toronto rally began late in the second period when defenceman Jake Muzzin scored a pair of goals just over two minutes apart, closing In his first season back in Philadelphia after signing a five-year, $35- the Flyers lead to 5-4. It was the third two-goal game of Muzzin’s 518- million US contract in free agency last summer, van Riemsdyk had 38 game NHL career. points (21 goals and 17 assists) in 54 games prior to Friday. Leafs defenceman Martin Marincin tied the game 5-5 at 2:55 of the third Making an adjustment to a new club can be challenging, no matter that when his shot from the point went off Flyers defenceman Robert Hagg the 29-year-old van Riemsdyk has been around the NHL block a few and past Elliott. Drawing one of the assists was Justin Holl, his first in the times. A lower-body injury suffered in the second game of the season NHL. caused van Riemsdyk to miss 16 games; a coaching change from Dave Hakstol to Scott Gordon in December was another disruption. The second period featured seven goals — four by the Flyers and three by the Leafs. “As much you don’t want it to be the case, I think going into a new situation where you have been some place for so long, there is always After a pair by van Riemsdyk, Mitch Marner made a fine play for his 85th going to be a transitional sort of period,” said van Riemsdyk, who spent point of the season, setting up Zach Hyman at 9:27. Hyman returned six seasons with the Leafs. “You’re pretty used to, especially the last after missing the game on Wednesday against Chicago because he was couple of years, the role, when you’re going to get on the ice, how you’re sick. going to get used and your chemistry with your linemates and the system you’re playing, so that all becomes second nature. The Flyers got consecutive goals again, first with Radko Gudas scoring on Andersen’s short side at 12:29; 58 seconds later, Shayne “Then you come to a new team and you would like it to be right away that Gostisbehere smacked a large rebound past Andersen. everything clicks, but sometimes it takes some time and you’re figuring out the things that are going on and they’re trying to figure out the best That brought the Flyers to five goals on 19 shots. There were sarcastic way to use you too. That can be a process.” cheers when Andersen stopped the 20th shot on goal. LOOSE LEAFS Kasperi Kapanen continues to skate as he recovers from a concussion … If Marner hits 90 points — and we still think 100 is possible — he would be the first Leafs player to do so since Mats Sundin had 94 in 1996-97 … It’s a few days after the fact, but a loud round of applause for how Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas and Morgan Rielly on Tuesday handled the slur-that-wasn’t-spoken incident. Naturally, because it’s the way the world works now, Rielly was ripped on social media before an NHL investigation revealed he didn’t yell what he was alleged to have yelled at referee Brad Meier on Monday night during the Leafs’ game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. The most convenient response for the Leafs could have been a news release with some generic comments once the NHL determined Rielly did not utter a homophobic slur. That Dubas and Rielly held a news conference to re-inforce the team’s stance on LGBTQ rights and inclusion was exceptional, though not surprising considering Dubas’ humanitarian ways … What’s more impressive: That Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov has a 15-point bulge on Connor McDavid of the Edmonton Oilers for the NHL scoring lead or that Kucherov had 80 assists when only 12 other NHL players had hit 80 points prior to Friday? The Leafs aren’t done with Kucherov yet, as Toronto plays host to Tampa in its final regular-season home game on April 4 … Officially, the Leafs have four home games remaining, but we can probably put the visit to Buffalo next Wednesday in that group. A Sabres club that had much promise early in the season is finishing barely with a whimper and there are calls for the job of coach Phil Housley. Leafs fans invade the KeyBank Center for every Toronto visit anyway, but with the Sabres booking tee times for mid-April, season-ticket holders likely will be happy to unload their tickets, even to those buyers with a Toronto address. FIVE TAKEAWAYS 1. The Matthews/Nylander combination We can’t be sure of everything, but count on Auston Matthews and William Nylander staying together on the same line for the remainder of the season. With Andreas Johnsson, the line is a threat on each shift when the work is put in. “The biggest part of the chemistry is Willie’s competing and working and skating,” Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. “When we put him there before (after signing a new contract), he was not ready. Now, it looks like he is ready.” 2. Win those draws The Flyers scored a couple of goals — by Jakub Voracek and Radko Gudas — by winning faceoffs, when the Leafs were slow to recover. Bringing more support for the centre off the draws will have to be improved upon in the final weeks. “You can’t lose faceoffs, that’s the bottom line,” Babcock said. “You can’t lose them that clean.” The Leafs actually won 41 of the 72 faceoffs on the night. 3. A confidence boost? If Jake Gardiner is going to be out of the lineup for a prolonged period, the Leafs will need some stability out of Martin Marincin. Perhaps Marincin’s first goal since Nov. 11, 2016, when he happened to score against Philadelphia that night as well, will help with confidence. It was Marincin’s first goal in 34 games and fourth in 195 career NHL games. 4. Brown the warrior Connor Brown took a Morgan Rielly shot off the face during the second period, went to the dressing room and eventually returned. Though Brown played just 11 minutes 43 seconds at even-strength, he led the Leafs with a plus-2 mark and had an assist. Brown also led all Leafs forwards with 69.9% in Corsi. He’s a Babcock favourite and considering he is determined on every shift, it’s easy to see why. 5. The hands of JVR We’ll never lose respect for James van Riemsdyk’s ability to deflect the puck, or the work that came with perfecting the art. Numerous were the times at the end of Leafs practice that van Riemsdyk would work on deflections, but it wasn’t monotonous. Twice, van Riemsdyk scored on deflections for the Flyers against the Leafs, helping lead to his fourth career hat trick. Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136304 Toronto Maple Leafs

Time for Maple Leafs to put some beef behind their words

Terry Koshan

The Maple Leafs have talked the talk. Time for a club which has aspirations on passing the Boston Bruins for second place in the Atlantic Division to walk the walk. When the Leafs play host to the Philadelphia Flyers in a rare Friday night home game, they say they’re going to actually start playing when the game does, something that has not happened in the past two Scotiabank Arena games. Among the chief reasons the Leafs lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday, and then to the Chicago Blackhawks two nights later, was that they weren’t close to being engaged from the opening faceoff. “I think we’re pretty clear without too many more words at this point that we need to have our level higher and more competitive from the beginning,” defenceman Ron Hainsey said after the Leafs had an optional skate on Friday morning. “I don’t think there is an extra word that I could add.” Winger Zach Hyman, who missed the match against the Blackhawks because of a bout with the flu, will be a game-time decision, Leafs coach Mike Babcock said. Kasperi Kapanen (concussion) remains out. Frederik Andersen, pulled against both Tampa and Chicago, will start in goal, which indicates Garret Sparks will get the start on Saturday night in Ottawa against the Senators. Defenceman Justin Holl will play in his fifth game of the 2018-19 season, replacing Igor Ozhiganov on the third pairing with Martin Marincin. The Leafs are doing their best to bide their time until Travis Dermott (shoulder) and Jake Gardiner (back) are able to return. Babcock said on Friday that Dermott is closer than Gardiner to getting back in the lineup. Dermott has missed the past seven games, Gardiner eight. Dermott has been skating on his own, but Gardiner has not been. “Just another opportunity (for Holl),” Babcock said. “We want someone to grab it. “Marincin gets the call because he is left-handed. We think Dermott is probably ahead of Gardiner coming back, (Dermott) is playing one of those spots. So someone else (has to) grab hold of (the sixth defence spot) and it should be obvious to everyone, not just me.” Translation: Gardiner isn’t coming back any time soon. There have been whispers that Gardiner is dealing with disc issues in his back, and if so, there’s no way to know when he possibly will return. As for second in the division — and home ice in the first round of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs — the Leafs haven’t forgotten the bigger picture, despite their recent lacklustre play. The Bruins have lost three in a row after going 15-0-4 in their previous 19 games. Boston has 93 points and 11 games remaining; the Leafs have 89 points and 12 games remaining, including Friday. “This is something we have to capitalize on,” centre Nazem Kadri said of the Bruins’ recent losses. “They are a great team and they are going to find success one way or another, but they seem to be in a bit of a lull right now and it’s important for us to try to play catch up and put ourselves in the best scenario as possible. “We’re very prideful people and we want to win, but (the first-round playoff matchup) has seemed to be set for a little while now. “Home ice is not something that is set quite yet, so it’s important for us to put ourselves in the best position possible because we know in April, May, those points are going to matter.” The Flyers, who lost at home against Washington on Thursday night, did not hold a morning skate. Toronto Sun LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136305 Toronto Maple Leafs Most notable is how engaged he’s been. It’s that compete thing Babcock is always talking about. Nylander is chugging with enthusiasm right now,

and looks like danger for opponents when the puck is on his tape. The Leafs need the best versions of Auston Matthews and Frederik He had his second straight two-assist game against the Flyers, including Andersen later this spring this ridiculous feed to Matthews on the goal that gave the Leafs their first lead. Notice how he shields the puck from Travis Konecny and 6-foot-2, 204-pound defenceman Robert Hagg: By Jonas Siegel Mar 15, 2019 “He made an unbelievable play on that one goal, on one leg, winning a battle, making a play,” Babcock said. “That’s what’s happened.”

Auston Matthews and Frederik Andersen are sort of moving in opposite It’s precisely the dimension Nylander offers to Matthews — the kind that directions right now. Kasperi Kapanen, for all his gifts, just cannot bring.

Matthews is surging. He’s scored in three straight games, potting both Nylander started so sluggishly after coming back from his contract the goal-ahead goal and eventual game-winner in the Leafs’ wild, come- dispute, but over the last 24 games he has 18 points — for an 82-game from-behind win against the Flyers on Friday night. He’s fourth in the pace of 62 points, or about what he mustered in each of his first two NHL in goals per game and first in goals per 60 minutes. The Leafs out- seasons. chanced Philadelphia 12-4 in the 11 minutes he was on the ice 5-on-5. “When we put him there before,” Babcock said, referring to Nylander on Then there was Andersen. And well, he struggled — badly. Six pucks the Matthews line, “whether it was his conditioning, whether it was his eluded his grasp. It was the third straight game he’s given up four or timing — it’s a hard league and he wasn’t ready. And now it looks like more. Just over five periods. Fourteen goals against. he’s ready.”

He started the week with a .924 save percentage and will end it — with “I think we’ve kinda rekindled that chemistry that we’ve had our first two Garret Sparks starting Saturday in Ottawa — down at .918. years playing together,” Matthews added, before pointing to Andreas Johnsson’s presence on the line at left wing. “Johnny’s been a really nice “I thought the guys did a heck of a job for Freddie — got Freddie a win,” addition, just because he works so hard. He’s so good at getting under Mike Babcock said after the 7-6 victory. “I think Freddie’s done that for us guys and even in front of the net for a small guy he’s not afraid to go in a bunch this year and that’s just payback and now we can move on.” the corners and battle.” The Leafs will need the best versions of Matthews and Andersen in a few This version of Matthews, with Nylander and Johnsson at his side, will be short weeks when the playoffs finally begin — a better version certainly tough to stop in April if it keeps up. It will pose all kinds of matchup than they got a year ago. problems for the Bruins, and transform the Leafs into a team with two Matthews finished that 2018 first-round series against Boston with only a Grade-A lines instead of one, as has been the case for most of the single goal and single assist in seven games. Andersen gave up five season. This version of Matthews takes over games. And you’ll recall goals in the shaky team-wide series opener, was pulled in Game 2 after that as a 19-year-old rookie, Matthews tuned up the Washington Capitals 12 minutes, and surrendered six on 35 shots in a Game 7 defeat. He with four goals in six first-round playoff games. concluded the series with an .896 save percentage, bested (just barely) Andersen was generally solid that series, too, with a .915 save by Tuukka Rask, who finished with an equally poor .899 save clip. percentage — albeit with a couple of clunkers in there as well. That won’t do obviously when the two teams (likely) meet again early All of a sudden this week, he looks vulnerable and unsettled in the net. next month. James van Riemsdyk got three past him, including a tip right through the (Greg M. Cooper / USA Today) pads and another that was stuffed in from the blue paint (with poor The good news for the Leafs is that Matthews looks about as powerful as defensive coverage in front). A Radko Gudas shot beat him cleanly and a he has since a booming start to the season, when he scored in each of juicy rebound led to Shayne Gostisbehere giving the Flyers a 5-2 lead. the first six games. But it was more than that. He was dominant again versus the Flyers, scoring the two goals (plus Andersen twice misplayed pucks around the net, coming a little too close one that was called back) while firing eight shots on 12 attempts. Since to inadvertently putting one in. He looked just a little off for the third the start of February, the Leafs have grabbed about 56 percent of the consecutive game. scoring chances when he’s been on the ice. He’s scored 13 times over that 22-game stretch — 10 at even-strength — the second-best mark in “Some nights it’s easier than others,” Jake Muzzin said afterward. “He the league, behind only Leon Draisaitl. helps a lot, keeps us in games when sometimes we shouldn’t be, saves us games late in games, and he had a big save late in the game tonight. But it’s really this last little bit in particular, and the last two games We’re not worried about Fred at all.” especially, that Matthews looks truly charged up and a threat to score any time he’s on the ice. (Dan Hamilton / USA Today)

Babcock wondered after the Flyers game how much of an impact the As Muzzin notes, Andersen stopped Konecny just before Matthews gave shoulder injury had on Matthews’ season. The 21-year-old missed a the Leafs the lead, and then Gostisbehere in the waning moments to nail month, returning at the end of November, and took a while to rediscover down the victory. the wicked level he had established beforehand. “It seems like everything is going against me defensively right now,” “I don’t know if it had to do with negotiations or any of those things. I Andersen said. “Even things that aren’t really dangerous find a way to be don’t know,” the Leafs coach said, referring to the five-year, $58.17 somewhat dangerous. It’s a little frustrating but (I’ve) just got to fight million deal Matthews signed in early February. “We’re all human beings. through it and it will turn once I keep working.” I know, the players, when they feel great they play right. When you don’t feel good you don’t play. But you also have to have conditioning now. Andersen seemed in good spirits, perhaps because in one of his rare off- The biggest thing with him is skating, and his physical side of his game nights this season the team managed to rally for a win. on offence is making him way better, and when you’re skating like he is, “I’d love to handle it better and get out of it quicker,” he said of the off- you’re back there for defence so you’re not giving anything up.” kilter week. “Just trying to work my way out of it and glad to see we could Also helpful right now: a reinvigorated William Nylander. get two points today.”

Matthews is usually at his best when he’s got Nylander, and all that Three poor starts do not make a season, and the best part about creativity on his side, but it’s only these last couple games that the 22- Andersen’s season is how stable it’s been for the Leafs. Here are the year-old has really had it all working again. month-by-month splits, with the only real low-point previous to this coming in December:

Month Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Save Percentage .919 .942 .903 .919 .922 .885

“He’s saved us so many times and we definitely owed him one,” Matthews said.

The team that wins a playoff series usually ends up with the edge in goal, and for two springs, Andersen has been second-best to Rask and before that, Braden Holtby. He had his moments a year ago against the Bruins, helping the Leafs rally from a 3-1 series deficit with 42 saves in Game 5 and 32 stops on 33 shots in Game 6. He can be the difference that way. The Leafs just need him to find his old level before the games really matter again, while also keeping him fresh down the stretch.

It will be interesting to see how much they end up using him over the final 11 games. Andersen is up to 53 starts and while Babcock shrugged off 56 as the final tally for Andersen and suggested something closer to 60, it might be worth reassessing after this rough week. Tightening the gap with the Bruins and nailing down home-ice will undoubtedly factor into such decisions.

Babcock didn’t seem too concerned with Andersen, and rightly so given the year he’s had.

“The mental toughness you need to go deep in the playoffs — you’ve just got to have a belief in yourself,” Babcock said. “You’ve got to know every day when you come to the rink it’s going to turn out right and you’re going to be great. So, here’s a little test for him. I think these tests are great.”

The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136306 Toronto Maple Leafs Leafs with eight shots and was dominant in the offensive zone with some really good chances. More impressively was how he played in transition

as he led all Leafs with seven controlled exits and six controlled entries, Leafs Report Cards – Game 71 vs. Philadelphia something he hasn’t done enough of lately.

The two made magic together and with this duo at their best and John Tavares plus Mitch Marner on another line, the Leafs might just be able By Dom Luszczyszyn Mar 15, 2019 to find their mojo again.

Jake Muzzin – Muzzin played 22 minutes, had two goals and an assist, seven shots, three blocks, a plus-seven Corsi, and was plus-two. Never in doubt. After giving up on a big deficit against Tampa Bay and Statistically, it was probably his most impressive game of the season and starting the comeback too late against Chicago, the Leafs completed the he’ll get five stars for that alone, but he was really solid all night comeback tonight against Philadelphia in dramatic fashion. regardless, jumping into play, moving the puck and making big stops with The difference tonight was the team never should’ve had to. Getting few miscues. But if we’re giving credit to anyone for those two goals he schooled by the Lightning and Blackhawks over five periods was, in fact, scored, it probably has to go directly to Brian Elliott for even allowing the wake-up call this team needed. They’ve out-shot their opponents 81- them to happen. They were bad. At the intermission he told TSN’s Mark 41 over the last four periods since, looking as dominant as they have all Masters “pucks are going in, just keep shooting,” which is about as season. But the score showed otherwise. Down 5-2 in a game in which savage as a canned hockey player quote gets. the Leafs controlled play, it would’ve been easy to call it, but the team Mitch Marner – So many times this season, Marner has completely taken clawed back scoring five straight. over a play and turned a decent chance for himself into a sure thing for That’s the team many expected this season: not only the talent to score someone else. He’s got incredible vision and deceptive hands to make it five straight goals to cap a comeback, but to have the determination to do happen and it’s a treat to watch every time. He was among the leaders so. That was the big change in the third period against Chicago and it tonight in transition with five controlled entries and three controlled exits carried over tonight. and was the spark on his line, which was mostly quiet otherwise at 5-on- 5. Most impressive though was his effort on the penalty kill. Marner is an How did the team look? incredibly intelligent player and he uses those smarts well defensively, Even Strength – The Leafs took it to the Flyers all game. What fans have being aggressive and getting into lanes. He was a force down a man wanted all season is to see this team pressure pucks, make crisp tonight. passes, cycle strong, dominate shifts and control play – and that’s just Ron Hainsey – The legend himself, it’s another five-star effort for been too far in between all year. Tonight the team owned the puck for a Hainsey, his third in the last five games. Perhaps the veteran knew he majority of the game at 5-on-5, which is hopefully a trend we see more of had to save himself for a grueling playoff run and left his best for the end going forward. What the team still needs to work on is defensive set of the season. Whatever it is, he’s looked surprisingly good of late, plays as three goals against came off the face-off. stepping up when the team needs him most. He moved the puck Power Play – They scored once on four opportunities, moved the puck surprisingly well tonight, was great on the penalty kill and made two big well and generated 13 scoring chances. I’d call that a good day’s work, defensive stops with a good stick, one of which turned up the other way though the first two power plays were much stronger than the latter two. for the Leafs’ second goal. When Hainsey was on the ice, the Leafs controlled play and he led all Leafs with a plus-17 rating. He left far too Penalty Kill – Incredible. In four minutes of power play time, the Flyers much space in front of him on the fifth goal and didn’t do well covering managed just two shots and four attempts, with none looking very James van Riemsdyk on the third goal, but it was still hard not to be threatening. The forwards were aggressive in killing time away from the impressed with Hainsey. Again. defensive zone and not even allowing Philadelphia a chance to set things up, while the defenders did an excellent job clearing when they had the Morgan Rielly – One of two Leafs who played over six minutes and didn’t chance. It was a clinic, as masterful as the Leafs penalty kill has looked earn a point, but it was hard not to be impressed with Rielly’s game all season. regardless. He was the Leafs’ best hope at exiting the zone and started things off early with a terrific stretch pass to Nylander for an early Player Reports chance. He was jumping into the play, keeping plays alive, and moving the puck well, while not having to do too much in his own end – all 䈏䈏䈏䈏䈏 contributing to the Leafs having a plus-14 Corsi with him on the ice. On the third Flyers goal he did leave van Riemsdyk untouched in front, but Best player(s) on the ice: Auston Matthews and William Nylander – that’s a shot Frederik Andersen has to stop and I’ll cut him some slack Reunited and it feels so good. considering he hustled his ass off to stop a Claude Giroux breakaway For two whole seasons the Matthews-Nylander duo was the team’s most chance in the dying second of the first. electric and consistent pair. They dominated teams at 5-on-5 on a regular Zach Hyman – Terrific finish on the second goal. Marner did the work, basis and with the team struggling to do so much this season, it’s been but Hyman deserves credit for burying chances he struggled with in the strange to see them apart for most of that time. This season, Nylander first couple seasons of his career. He was a hound around the net and has spent just 28 percent of his minutes next to Matthews, down from 69 worked well on the boards as always, but what stood out more than percent the prior two seasons. In a sense, you can get behind the anything was his play on the penalty kill. He was excellent along with reasoning of Mike Babcock keeping them apart: more depth on the third Marner in being aggressive, chasing pucks down and defending up ice, line, Nylander struggling, and the duo not meshing well early. But their not even allowing the Flyers a chance to get set up. That’s the best kind history together is undeniable and it was on full display tonight. of penalty killing and Hyman crushed it tonight. The Leafs’ sixth goal was their best as Nylander dug deep and battled hard to find Matthews with a perfect pass in front while falling to take the 䈏䈏䈏䈏 lead. To think there are people out there who think Nylander has been Andreas Johnsson – The Matthews line was the team’s most dominant anything but excellent of late or that he doesn’t “battle” or “compete” is tonight, and while much of that was thanks to the dynamic duo with downright maddening and he showed just why on that one. Nylander was Nylander, Johnsson still deserves a lot of credit. He led all Leafs forwards amazing throughout, creating chances, playing well along the boards, with a plus-16 Corsi and earned an assist on the winner with a shot that cycling, and dishing some dimes on the tape to create some big chances. was begging to be rebounded back to Matthews. His cycle game was He even had that big chance late in the third with a slick move off the strong all night and he was distributing the puck well to his linemates. wall. He’s snake-bitten and hasn’t scored much himself, but he’s been a really good pro lately, and that’s plain to anyone paying attention. Nazem Kadri – Earned a couple of assists tonight, with the fifth goal being the nicer of the two as it had him winning a battle on the boards As for Matthews, he put the team on his back with two big goals, the one before getting to Martin Marincin. The other assist was on one of to take the lead, and the one to seal it. Some think he should’ve had Muzzin’s weird ones and I don’t even remember how the puck got there, three tonight (I’m skeptical the puck actually would’ve gone in if the goal it was only “yikes, that went in.” Still, this was a decent game from Kadri was on its moorings, but I digress) however it doesn’t look like it mattered who also drew a penalty, was great in transition and had a few rush in the end. It was no surprise he would score tonight as soon as the chance opportunities. broadcast showed he never had before against the Flyers. He led all Patrick Marleau – Had a couple of good possessions in the offensive gods balancing things out when bounces aren’t going your way, which zone and made some good steals. On the power play, he had a great they weren’t tonight for Toronto during the game’s first half. chance in tight and made up for it soon after with a tip-in goal. Not a bad game for Marleau, but he was also one of the forwards not back- Teams may not win many 7-6 games come playoff time, but they win checking hard on the Flyers fifth goal. games with that determination and drive while dominating the puck for a full 60. The Leafs did that tonight. 䈏䈏䈏 Final Grade: A- Connor Brown – Terrible back-checking on the Flyers’ fifth goal. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 Incredible fore-checking on Leafs’ fifth goal. Those cancel each other out. In the third he had a terrific steal in the defensive zone that led to a 2-on- 1 rush the other way, which is worth noting here.

Justin Holl – Hard to gauge the guy when he plays only 11 minutes, but he did earn an assist and was on the right side of the puck more often than not with a plus-five Corsi. He was heavily sheltered of course, but no glaring errors is always a plus. Had a shot that rang off the post in a play off the face-off where he immediately jumped into a lane which was nice to see.

Martin Marincin – This was a weird one for Marincin. He scored his first NHL goal since November 2016, but it was a really flukey one (I’m still not sure what Robert Hagg was doing there). On the Flyers’ fifth goal he gave the impeding Flyers nearly a kilometre of space in front to advance into the slot off a 3-on-2 rush, and also almost tipped in a goal himself while admirably trying to block a cross-crease pass. He made some okay plays with the puck, but it was a bizarre game to be sure.

䈏䈏

Nikita Zaitsev – Somehow ended up with two assists, with one coming off Muzzin’s second flukey goal and the other coming off Matthews’ second of the night, a nice dump-out to Johnsson for a rush chance. The latter does deserve credit, but Zaitsev also had a horrific dump-out with the net empty that went to the blue-line and not out that I feel negates that second assist. On Voracek’s first goal he didn’t get in the lane quick enough and screen Andersen in front on the sixth goal. Defensively, I didn’t think he was there tonight, despite the multi-point effort.

John Tavares – I know Tavares played tonight, because he had five controlled zone entries, which was one off the team lead, but what I can’t tell you is what he actually did aside from that. For someone who played 21:43 in a 7-6 game, Tavares was thoroughly unremarkable and unnoticeable in the most noticeable way possible. The only other non- fourth line player that didn’t record a point tonight was Rielly and he provided value elsewhere. Hard to say Tavares did the same.

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Worst player(s) on the ice: Frederik Andersen – Get ’em out of the way now, Freddie, better it be in March than April or May. While some of the goals were tricky bounces, there was also van Riemsdyk’s weak second one that trickled in and allowing an unscreened goal from distance from noted sniper Radko Gudas. To his credit, Andersen did make that huge stop off a royal road pass to keep it 6-5 and saw the Leafs score shortly after, but one big save doesn’t make up for the half dozen missed saves elsewhere. He owes a lot of people beers tonight.

Are we sure he actually played tonight?

The Fourth Line – They got only five minutes of ice-time apiece, so, no really, did they actually play tonight?

Game Score

Most important GIF of the night

Matthews and Nylander, just like the old days.

AUSTON MATTHEWS 

INCREDIBLE EFFORT FROM NYLANDER TO FIND MATTHEWS. 6-5. PIC.TWITTER.COM/HXDV6ZA9RZ

— FLINTOR (@THEFLINTOR) MARCH 16, 2019

Final thoughts from the game

From start to finish, it felt like the Leafs dominated this one. The scoreline was ugly, the Leafs needed seven and a three-goal comeback to win this one, but I don’t feel that either was indicative of how the team played. Toronto had 5.5 expected goals. Philadelphia had two. The Leafs brought it to the Flyers for a full 60, and when the team was down big after a few weird bounces and breakdowns, they didn’t give up – they fought back. Yes, some of the goals were flukey, but that’s the hockey 1136307 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights edge Stars, 2-1, on Ryan Reaves’ goal — VIDEO

By David Schoen / Las Vegas Review-Journal

DALLAS — Ryan Reaves often is his own harshest critic, and the veteran right wing gave a blunt assessment of his play during the first 40 minutes Friday. “I was trash for two periods,” he said, “so I figured I had to do something.” Reaves scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period, and the Golden Knights’ penalty kill preserved a 2-1 victory over the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Arena. The victory pushed the Knights (39-27-5) six points ahead of idle Arizona for third place in the Pacific Division with 11 games remaining. “When we play our best hockey, it starts in the defensive end, and that’s really important to our group,” Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said. “I don’t want us to be a high-flying team. I want us to be a good, solid team and find ways to grind out wins like we did tonight.” Max Pacioretty notched his team-leading 22nd goal 18 seconds into the game — the second-fastest goal in team history — and Marc-Andre Fleury finished with 40 saves to help the Knights win for the seventh time in their past eight games and sweep the season series with the Stars. The Knights successfully killed penalties to defenseman Nate Schmidt and center William Karlsson in the final 5:22, including a 6-on-4 advantage for the majority of the second power play. Defensemen Deryk Engelland and Brayden McNabb were on the ice for nearly the entirety of both penalty kills to help the Knights hold on. Dallas finished 0-for-5 with the man advantage. “One-goal games are important,” Pacioretty said. “I feel we had a couple opportunities to make it more than a one-goal lead. But still sticking with it and being able to come out on top is important at this point in the season.” Fleury improved to 6-0 with a 0.83 goals-against average and .973 save percentage since Feb. 26, and the Vezina Trophy candidate claimed his 35th victory to move ahead of San Jose’s Martin Jones for the NHL lead. Fleury allowed Roope Hintz’s breakaway goal at 4:04 of the first period but has stopped 178 of the past 183 shots he’s faced. Dallas defenseman Taylor Fedun rang a shot off the crossbar with seven minutes to play, and Stars leading scorer Tyler Seguin missed an open net with Fleury out of position in the final 10 seconds. “It was close all night, not much space out there,” Fleury said. “I thought the penalty kill for us was great all game because they have a good power play and we did well. I thought it was a game-changer for us.” Dallas was playing the second game of a back-to-back after its win at Minnesota on Thursday and limited the Knights’ chances through the first two periods. But after some good work down low by fourth-line wing Ryan Carpenter, Dallas goaltender Anton Khudobin (35 saves) gave up a rebound on Pierre-Edouard Bellemare’s shot, and Reaves pounced for his ninth goal and first since Jan. 6. The Knights, who hadn’t played since Sunday’s loss at Calgary, got off to a blazing start when Pacioretty whipped a low shot past Khudobin. It was the second-fastest goal in franchise history behind Karlsson’s marker 14 seconds into the Knights’ 6-0 win over San Jose on Nov. 24. “These games and going into playoffs are going to be tight matches,” Reaves said. “Having the resiliency to go through the full 60 and obviously a couple pucks weren’t going in the net for us, but not getting frustrated and sticking with it, that’s what you’ve got to get going right now.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136308 Vegas Golden Knights

Winger Valentin Zykov remains odd-man out for Golden Knights

By David Schoen / Las Vegas Review-Journal

DALLAS — Valentin Zykov remains the odd-man out among the Golden Knights’ forwards. The 23-year-old winger sat out his 14th straight game Friday when he was scratched against the Dallas Stars. And with the Knights battling for a playoff spot, Zykov isn’t likely to crack the lineup anytime soon. “I’m putting a team in that’s trying to win,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “He played fine when he was in there, it’s just he’s a young player. The best way to explain it is, he’ll be ready when we need him and we’ll see where it goes. But it’s tough for him. “He’s a good kid, and he’s worked hard. It’s just that he hasn’t had a lot of experience in the NHL, and we’re in the winning business right now. It’s getting down to the nitty-gritty.” Zykov was claimed on waivers from Edmonton on Dec. 29 and made one appearance with the Knights prior to the All-Star break. He was given a look on the first line with William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault for parts of four games last month and scored the tying goal in the third period of the Knights’ 3-2 shootout victory at Tampa Bay on Feb. 5. But he has not played since being demoted to the third line and logging 7:52 of ice time vs. Columbus on Feb. 9. Gallant has opted to use wingers Tomas Nosek and Brandon Pirri ahead of Zykov on the third line, and Ryan Carpenter is holding down a spot on the fourth line. When William Carrier returns, it will be even more difficult for Zykov to get into a game. Zykov has one goal and three assists in 24 games with Carolina, Edmonton and the Knights. His long-term future with the Knights also remains in doubt, though Zykov is signed through the 2019-20 season at a $675,000 salary cap hit. “We haven’t made the playoffs or clinched any playoff spot. So we’re going to play our team and try to get as many points as we can,” Gallant said. “If it gets down to the last three or four games and things look real good for us, then we’ll see what we can do.” Growing closer The Knights, who had four days off this week, arrived in Dallas on Thursday afternoon and took advantage of their free time with a team- bonding activity. It was an opportunity for newly acquired Mark Stone to learn about his teammates away from the rink. “Don’t really know a ton of guys’ background, so coming here and only knowing one guy (Cody Eakin), I’m starting to really get comfortable with the guys,” Stone said. “To go out in that type of environment, you kind of learn little things about guys that you wouldn’t find out usually at the rink. Those things are always fun. We got to see a different team in a different setting, which is pretty cool.” Glass update Knights prospect Cody Glass remains sidelined with a lower-body injury and is listed as day-to-day on the Western Hockey League’s weekly report. A spokesperson for the , Glass’ major-junior team, said Friday there is “no update on Cody Glass at this time.” Glass suffered a left knee injury Jan. 26 and returned Feb. 16, playing four of the Winterhawks’ next five games. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 draft has not played since Feb. 23. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136309 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights face Dallas Stars following 4-day break

By David Schoen / Las Vegas Review-Journal

DALLAS — The Golden Knights return following a four-day break Friday and take on the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. Opening faceoff is 5 p.m. Pacific time, and the game will be televised on AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain. The Knights are 2-0 against Dallas this season, outscoring the Stars 8-3. “They’re one of the best teams, if not the best team, in the league in goals against and they’re playing a real tight game,” coach Gerard Gallant said. “I think we play good, solid games with them. They’re a solid team. They’ve got a lot of talent, a couple of superstars over there. I just think we match up well against them.” The Knights (38-27-5, 81 points) remain third in the Pacific Division and are coming off a 6-3 loss to Calgary on Sunday that snapped their six- game win streak. The Knights lead fourth-place Arizona by four points and own a two-point advantage over Dallas (37-28-5, 79 points) and St. Louis in the wild-card chase. Marc-Andre Fleury was announced as the starting goaltender for the Knights. He has won five consecutive starts dating to a 4-1 victory over Dallas on Feb. 26 at T-Mobile Arena. Winger Tomas Nosek, who missed the game against Calgary with a minor lower-body injury, will return to the lineup in place of Brandon Pirri. The Stars are playing the second game of a back-to-back following a 4-1 win Thursday at Minnesota that put them into third place in the Central Division. Goaltender Ben Bishop extended his shutout streak to a franchise-record 230:53 and has stopped 113 straight shots, but he was injured in the second period against Minnesota. Anton Khudobin (13-14-3, 2.55 goals-against average, .924 save percentage) is expected to start for the Stars. Landon Bow was recalled Friday from the American Hockey League to serve as the backup. Dallas has won two straight and is 7-3 in its past 10 games. Tyler Seguin leads the Stars with 27 goals and 38 assists in 70 games and is riding a four-game points streak. Rookie forward Roope Hintz scored the game-winning goal at Minnesota and has the game winner in two straight games. He has five goals in his past eight games. “It’s two desperate teams. They’re fighting to get in, so they’re going to do everything they can to win the game,” center William Karlsson said. “On the other hand, we’re trying to keep them off our (butt), so it’s going to be a tough game. It’s always tough to go into Dallas and play. We for sure have to be ready for the start and be on our toes.” Golden Knights projected lineup Forwards Jonathan Marchessault-William Karlsson-Reilly Smith Max Pacioretty-Paul Stastny-Mark Stone Tomas Nosek-Cody Eakin-Alex Tuch Ryan Carpenter-Pierre-Edouard Bellemare-Ryan Reaves Defensemen Nate Schmidt-Deryk Engelland Brayden McNabb-Shea Theodore Jon Merrill-Colin Miller Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136310 Vegas Golden Knights The Stars expect to be without goalie Ben Bishop, who left last night's game against Minnesota with an injury. Bishop leads the NHL with a .933 save percentage and is second with a 2.05 goals-against average and Ryan Reaves, Marc-Andre Fleury power Golden Knights over Stars will be a true contender for the Vezina Trophy as the league's top backstop.

In his stead, the Stars are expected to start Anton Khudobin, whose .924 By Justin Emerson (contact) save percentage and 2.55 goals-against average play nicely for a backup.

"It's tough to find an easy game right now," Vegas forward Ryan Reaves Dallas — Ryan Reaves is having the most productive season of his said. "You definitely want those that are gearing up for the playoffs so career. Marc-Andre Fleury is having another strong season in a Hall of you can get into that mentality." Fame career. Performances by both helped the Golden Knights knock off the host Dallas Stars, 2-1 on Friday at American Airlines Center. Emerson's Prediction: Stars 3, Golden Knights 2 It's been in vogue for the Golden Knights to break goal droughts, so Season record for predictions: Keefer 5-5, Emerson 19-9 Reaves decided to give it a shot. The fourth line had been relentless in its forecheck all game, and was rewarded at 2:37 of the third when Reaves TV: AT&T Sports Net (DirecTV 684, Cox 1313, CenturyLink 1760) pounced on a rebound to score for the first time since Jan. 6, a 25-game Radio: Fox Sports 1340 AM and 98.9 FM drought. Betting line: Golden Knights minus-140, Stars plus-130; over/under: 5.5 Fleury made 40 saves in the win. (plus-100, minus-110) Vegas had to kill a Dallas power play with 5:22 left, then another with Golden Knights (38-27-5) (17-17-1 road), third place, Pacific Division 2:38 to play. Coach: Gerard Gallant (second season) The Golden Knights finished in the lead in shots on goal, 41-37. Points leader: Mark Stone (67) Tie game going to the third Goals leader: Mark Stone (30) The first period featured some early fireworks, but the second failed to live up to it. Outside of a penalty shot, neither side mustered much and Assists leader: Mark Stone (37) the Golden Knights and Stars finished the second period tied 1-1. Expected goalie: Marc-Andre Fleury (2.48 gaa, .912 save percentage) William Karlsson earned the first penalty shot of his career when Esa Lindell dragged him down on a short-handed breakaway at 1:37. Stars (37-28-5) (21-11-2 home), third place, Central Division Karlsson was denied, shooting right at Anton Khudobin's left pad. Coach: Jim Montgomery (first season) The rest of the period went by without too many scoring chances. The Points leader: Tyler Seguin (65) Stars found star Jamie Benn alone to Marc-Andre Fleury's left but couldn't get the puck to him. Jonathan Marchessault had a point-blank Goals leaders: Tyler Seguin (27) shot denied after leaving the penalty box, but nothing beat either goalie. Assists leader: Tyler Seguin (38) The Golden Knights took a 26-25 shots-on-goal advantage into the second intermission. Expected goalie: Anton Khudobin (2.55 gaa, .924 save percentage) Pacioretty scores in 18 seconds Golden Knights expected lineup The anthem was barely over by the time the Golden Knights got on the Forwards board. Unfortunately for them, the Dallas Stars answered and the first Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, Reilly Smith, Max Pacioretty, period ended in a 1-1 tie. Paul Stastny, Mark Stone, Tomas Nosek, Cody Eakin, Alex Tuch, Ryan Max Pacioretty was the scorer, with assists from linemates Paul Stastny Carpenter, Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Ryan Reaves and Mark Stone, just 18 seconds into the game. Pacioretty walked in on Defensemen Anton Khudobin and beat him low to give the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead. It was the fastest goal to start a road game in franchise history. Brayden McNabb, Nate Schmidt, Shea Theodore, Deryk Engelland, Jon Merrill, Colin Miller The Stars didn't trail for long. Deryk Engelland misplayed the puck in his own end, and Dallas rookie Roope Hintz was there to take it away from Goalies him and shoot it past Marc-Andre Fleury at 4:04 to even the game. Marc-Andre Fleury, Malcolm Subban The Stars were unsuccessful on their only power play of the period. The Golden Knights went 0-for-2, though had 16 seconds of carry-over time LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 03.16.2019 to start the second. Pre-game Maybe when a player misses a long period of time, or maybe even after the week-plus the Golden Knights took off for their bye week would there be a concern about rink rust when the team gets back on the ice. Sixty-two games into the season, these guys are in a routine. Slow legs shouldn't be an issue when Vegas takes on the Dallas Stars at American Airline Center at 5 p.m. "At this time of the year, you shouldn't be worried about rust coming back in," defenseman Nate Schmidt said. "Today's (morning skate) was a good one, which is why I think guys were out there a little longer than usual." The Golden Knights last played Sunday against first-place Calgary and return for a matchup with red-hot Dallas, which has won seven of their last 10 and surged out of the Wild Card into third place in the Central Division. "Like us, fighting for playoff life," Vegas coach Gerard Gallant said. "You can't worry about what the other teams are doing. You have to worry about what we're doing, and I've liked the way we've played the last six or seven games for sure." Vegas is 6-1 in its last seven games. 1136311 Vegas Golden Knights Former NHLer Jim Fox, now an analyst on Los Angeles Kings’ broadcasts, has seen it go the other way too – and cited two players from his past, Bernie Nicholls and Luc Robitaille, that never seemed to lose Duhatschek Notebook: What causes good players to have bad seasons confidence in their scoring abilities. But according to Fox, they are the and Mark Stone fitting in well with Knights exception rather than the rule. “Bernie Nicholls is a guy I would say has never, ever struggled with that – ever,” Fox said. “You know the term ‘happy go lucky?’ That’s Bernie. I’ve By Eric Duhatschek Mar 15, 2019 never seen him worry a day in his life. But for other guys, it can be an anxiety issue and there can be a trigger point. So maybe three games without a goal is, all of a sudden, a trigger point – and then your mind starts to spin in a negative direction and it’s something that’s hard to As a turbulent NHL season full of unexpected twists and turns winds control. Is it debilitating? No. You can still get up and do your job. But if down and the playoff standings start to take shape, here’s a question to you’re worried about why you’re not scoring, where’s your energy going? consider: It’s going there – and not to playing the game. What causes good players to have bad seasons? “As an athlete, you’re always trying to get to that moment when the game Now, I’d like to convince you that I’m asking purely for professional feels like it’s played in slow motion – when your mind is slowing it down reasons – and to establish, if possible, the root causes for why a given to the point where you’re just in every second and you know exactly player can have a consistent, productive season one year and then have what’s going on. How you get there and how you maintain that is a whole it all go wrong the next. different question, but that’s what you try to train your body to do.” But who’s kidding who? Like everybody else who plays in a fantasy Another factor is injuries. Every team has them. No one ever really wants sports league, at this stage of the season, you are trying to come to to reveal the truth behind them. Once upon a time, the NHL produced a terms with what’s happened to your team – and are either frustrated by weekly injury list every Tuesday that addressed the specific injury that the production of some of your underperforming players or gleefully had sidelined a player. Eventually, the league phased out that practice, celebrating the unexpected output of others. and allowed it to morph into that vague “upper body/lower body/day-to- day/out indefinitely” pattern that you see repeated nowadays. That The NHL had eight 40-plus goal scorers last season. Five of them (Patrik provides one level of uncertainty. Laine, William Karlsson, Eric Staal, Tyler Seguin and Anders Lee) are going to have significant drop-offs this year. Two of last year’s three Hart But what makes it even harder to evaluate is, once a player returns to the Trophy finalists, Taylor Hall and Anze Kopitar, who had 93 and 92 points lineup, what are the lingering effects of an injury. Generally, everyone respectively, are also going to be way down, though in Hall’s case, it’s returning from an injury is playing catch-up when it comes to largely an injury issue. conditioning. Then there is the question of, is the player fully healthy? Or are they playing at a fraction of their ability because the injury isn’t At this time last year, Patrick Kane was finishing up a down campaign completely healed and might not be for the rest of the season? after multiple seasons where he was a prolific scorer. In 2017-18, Kane posted a modest (by his standards) 76 points, only to roar back this year For example, St. Louis’ Jaden Schwartz and Anaheim’s Rickard Rakell to 99 points in 69 games, good for third place in the Art Ross scoring missed time with undisclosed hand/wrist injuries this year. It’s possible – race. Kane won the scoring race in 2016 with 106 points, which is his even likely – that when they returned to the lineup, they were not at 100 career high, one that he is likely to exceed in a major bounce-back year percent; and probably won’t be this year. However, with time to heal in at the age of 31. the summer, they might be poised for significant rebounds. This is a question and a quandary that keeps the 31 gainfully employed According to Fox, two years ago, when Kopitar slumped from 74 to 52 NHL general managers awake at night – as well as those of us who points, a hand injury suffered in a game against the Ottawa Senators was mirror their transactions in the world of fantasy hockey. a factor in his production decline. “It is a big mystery, it really is,” Colby Armstrong said, the former NHL “We all saw it happen, but he kept playing and for the remainder of the player who now works in television on both sides of the Canadian and season, he definitely was not the same,” Fox said. “I know trainers will U.S. border. According to Armstrong, there are a number of identifiable tell you that a hand injury, depending on its severity, you can still play explanations, but they all begin with the issue of confidence – how critical with it, but to get back to 100 percent, it’s not happening until the it can be to a players’ success and how easy it can sometimes slip away. beginning of the following season. It cannot recover while you’re still playing every day. It just can’t.” “I’ve gone through times, like after my first year in the NHL, when I had like 40 points in 47 games and life was great and I slept like a baby,” Armstrong cited Schwartz and Rakell as two examples of players that Armstrong said. “Then in the summer, before the next year, I put all this could be dealing with the lingering effects of an injury, which he says can pressure on myself. I ended up playing with (Sidney) Crosby and so I represent both a physical and a psychological hurdle. started thinking, I have to have another big year.” “You get a couple of injuries and you’re trying to catch up and bounce Armstrong’s point is sometimes hard for lesser mortals to comprehend – back and all of a sudden, it gets away from you,” Armstrong said. “And that even for the top players in the league, confidence can be a fleeting I’m not talking about a long time. You can go eight games of not thing: Here today, gone tomorrow, and then back again for utterly producing like you should – and it already starts to weigh on a guy. The unknown reasons. Laine, who has had a freakishly up-and-down season time limit of elite players to break out of a hole is so much smaller and so from a goal-scoring perspective, will sometimes lament how his much shorter than it is for a depth player, so the pressure mounts really confidence can flag. fast. But future Hall of Famer Jaromir Jagr was an almost annual poster boy “Jaden Schwartz is a good example. I watch him play. He’s still a good for this phenomenon too. When things dried up for him, even if only for a player. It’s just one of those years. It really is tough to explain, especially short time, Jagr had no issues admitting that his confidence had left him. with those elite guys. You think, ‘wow, that’s an off year for a big dog.’” You always wanted to answer back: But you’re Jaromir Jagr! What Off-ice factors can also affect performance. Sometimes, a slow start – or chance does the rest of the world have if even Jaromir Jagr can have a a bad patch – can be explained away by a change in a household. A new crisis of confidence? baby arrives and disrupts everyone’s sleep patterns. What if triplets Armstrong has seen that happen again in Pittsburgh, during Phil Kessel’s arrive, the way they did for the St. Louis Blues’ Alex Pietrangelo this past goal-scoring slump over the past couple of months and even with summer? Crosby, on the rare occasion that goals were hard to come by. Life isn’t just one episode after another of The Brady Bunch. It takes time “These guys are human,” Armstrong said. “Even Sidney, last year, I saw to welcome three squealing newcomers into your household and it is him making passes and plays that he normally wouldn’t make. You could exacerbated by the fact that hockey players are the ultimate creatures of tell his confidence was shook a little bit – and it’s crazy to think that even habit. the great players have the same issues as third-line guys do. Until new habits form; and if their lives away from the rink are out of sync; “Just imagine how the pressure is so much more elevated when your sometimes so is their play on the ice. team relies on you to be the guy every night. Phil Kessel, this year, went “That’s the first thing I would think of is that there’s a personal issue 16 or 17 games without a goal. That’s the longest (drought) of his NHL going on in their lives,” Fox said. “It doesn’t have to be an illness. It could career, going back to his rookie season. So, you’re in uncharted territory be as simple as having a kid. It could be as simple as moving into a new there with a guy’s psyche – and of where his confidence is at. Those house. Did your family change to the point where you’re now the head of guys are usually so automatic.” the household and you’ve got challenges perhaps that you never faced before? If there’s something new happening in your life, and the focus Marchessault said Stone reminds him of Stastny, another player that is a becomes the less on the game, before you know it, you’re in the midst of complete package. a slump.” “They have good hockey sense,” Marchessault said. “They don’t have Sometimes, too, it’s how a team’s collective season unfolds. You’ll often the best skating ability. They don’t have the best shot. They just do see, when things start to go south, players start trying to do too much. everything right out there. The Kings’ Drew Doughty, a Norris Trophy finalist a year ago, looks as if he’s spent most of the year trying too hard, trying to do someone else’s “Everybody talks about the new NHL now, with the speed and everything, job and pressing the play instead of letting it unfold naturally. but it doesn’t affect those guys. Those guys are smarter than a lot of them out there and they make it look easy.” Teams that are in sync succeed mostly because everyone’s doing their own job – no more and no less. What Marchessault is describing is something that’s hard to quantify – hockey sense – though it’s obvious to those playing with Stone on the “I say this quite a bit – that when you have a great year, the next year, ice. Vegas defenceman Shea Theodore, for example, is seeing first-hand teams don’t necessarily want more from you, they just want more of the how effective Stone can be on the backcheck. When I asked him how same,” Fox said. you measure hockey IQ, Theodore answered: “I don’t think you can measure it, but when you’re playing with him, you can really tell that he’s “But in your own mind, you don’t think like that. You think: ‘I need to give always in the right spots. When he gets the puck, he’s really patient with more, I need to do more’ – and you can try too hard, you really can. You it. He doesn’t force too many plays – and a lot of times, he’s making the can try too hard and then you’re not yourself anymore. You’re trying to be right ones.” something that you’re not – and I think that happens regardless of age, experience, salary. That’s just human nature and it’s a trait that I don’t According to Theodore, Stone arrived in Vegas at the right time. know if you could ever take out of an athlete.” “We were in a little bit of a rough patch there, and ever since he came, he A stepping Stone to the Cup? brought a little spark to our lineup and that was pretty important.” We’re almost three weeks past the NHL trade deadline now, a good time It’s interesting to see the Golden Knights willing to trade away significant to examine which of the so-called big fish that changed hands this year player assets after last year’s trade deadline addition – Tatar – didn’t fit had an immediate impact on their new teams – and which ones are still into the mix at all. The Golden Knights were a tight group, setting multiple trying to find their way. records for an NHL expansion team and there really wasn’t a place for Tatar in the lineup. This year, the Golden Knights have remade last Transitions usually take time, though some players make it happen far year’s second line – of Erik Haula, David Perron and James Neal – more easily than others. replacing them with Stone, Stastny and Pacioretty. Most times, the new For example, back in 2017, Patrick Eaves made the smoothest transition unit is still referred to as the second line, though based on pedigree, imaginable, as a rental moving from Dallas to Anaheim, joining the top production and compensation, that doesn’t seem accurate anymore. If line alongside Ryan Getzlaf and scoring eight goals and 12 points in 19 anything, they are the first line, or at the very least, the 1B line behind games. But Martin Hanzal and Kevin Shattenkirk were just so-so fits in Marchessault, Karlsson and Reilly Smith. Minnesota and Washington respectively. The Golden Knights had a five-day break this week, which they believe Similarly, in 2018, Evander Kane and Paul Stastny were good immediate will provide important rest and even more time to integrate Stone into the additions in San Jose and Winnipeg, but Tomas Tatar, Rick Nash, Derick lineup. With only a dozen games remaining, they are essentially locked Brassard and Ryan Hartman were less impactful for Vegas, Boston, into third place in the Pacific Division, which gives them a chance to get Pittsburgh and Nashville. prepared for the playoffs and perhaps give starting goalie Marc-Andre Fleury some rest down the stretch. The 35-year-old Fleury leads the NHL Just because a player produced at a point-a-game clip for a team before in minutes played (3,455:13) and while he is used to being a workhorse the deadline doesn’t mean he can immediately duplicate those numbers goaltender (seven times in his career, he’s played above 3,600 minutes), in a new role for a new coach on a new team right after. Sometimes, it if the Golden Knights expect to duplicate last year’s deep playoff run, doesn’t click right away. Fleury could probably use a breather here. Among the big names listed on all the trade-deadline boards this season, Marchessault, for one, thinks things are back on the rails in Vegas after Matt Duchene – after scoring 27 goals in 50 games for Ottawa this an uneven start. season, had just one in his first nine with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After scoring 22 goals in 57 games for Ottawa, Ryan Dzingel had zero “This year, our season was not necessarily the way we wanted it to go all goals and three assists in his first seven Blue Jackets appearances. year,” he said. “A big part of that is, teams being a little more ready to Gustav Nyquist and Wayne Simmonds each had just a single point in play us – and take us more seriously. But right now, the past month, their first five games with San Jose and Nashville respectively. we’re definitely back where we were last year – and definitely better also. So, I think we should be happy where we’re at, but there’s a lot of work The biggest catch of all – Mark Stone, who went to Vegas from Ottawa – left.” had just one assist in his first five games and then produced four points in his next two appearances. But what the Golden Knights particularly As for Gallant, he noted that it has been far tougher this year than last, in liked about Stone was that he wasn’t on the ice for a single goal against part because Vegas played without Nate Schmidt, a 22-plus minute per until his seventh game, a loss last Sunday against divisional rival night stalwart last season, for the first 20 games. Calgary. “That was a big loss to us,” Gallant said, “but we got by that and we’ve Where others have struggled, Stone seems to have fit in quite well. And played really good hockey at times, but there’s been ups and downs for when I put the question to Vegas coach Gerard Gallant – why no us this season. transition issues for Stone – he laughed and said, “I don’t know. “I think it’s good for a team in the long run. Last year, everything was too “I mean, he’s a good hockey player, playing with some veteran hockey perfect, so … I think we’ve played our best hockey the last five or six players – Stastny and (Max) Pacioretty and that really helps him out. games, and so hoping to continue to that.” They talk a lot on the bench and on the ice. But I think I could put him Fantasy vs. reality with anybody and he’d find his way through there. Twice in the past couple of weeks, I’ve come across retired athletes “I thought the first week is obviously tough on guys when they gotta come turned commentators who also expressed an interest in fantasy sports. from a new team and be here, but he’s played really well and done a Martin Biron, the Buffalo Sabres’ color commentator, annually travels to great job for us.” Toronto to be part of the TSN Network’s preseason fantasy sports Stone leads the league in takeaways with 101 (Florida’s Aleksandr preview. (Biron’s broadcast partner, Brian Duff, used to play with us in Barkov is next at 91, followed by Connor McDavid at 84 and Ryan Pierre LeBrun’s world-famous Media Hacks Pool). It turns out, Armstrong O’Reilly at 82). Stone’s ability to play on both sides of the puck was also started playing fantasy hockey this season and on Tuesday nights, immediately clear to his new teammates. as part of his regular Rogers Sportsnet appearance, he makes a fantasy pick to assist us all. “He does everything right out there,” Vegas forward Jonathan Marchessault said. “He doesn’t make any mistakes. It’s impressive how According to Armstrong, while he’s loving the experience, he was off to a he’s always in the way, he’s always cutting plays, making those little relatively poor start in his Pittsburgh fantasy league. Like a lot of novice plays that make your linemates work better. He’s definitely a treat for our fantasy hockey players, Armstrong says he failed to make the distinction team.” between players that he’d want on his team in the real world; and ones that you might only ever want to play on your fantasy team – because of the way their games come up short in ways that really matter on the ice. But he’s also found that playing fantasy hockey is paying an unexpected dividend – in that it helps him in his preparation for his on-air duties. “It forces you to know the intricacies of a team and a player inside that team,” Armstrong said, “the little things, of where he plays inside the lineup and who he is with, and how much action they’re going to see with top players in the prime areas of the ice. You have to all know that stuff.” The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136312 Washington Capitals going to create more offense for us. And then I think the key is staying out of the penalty box for sure."

That has been an issue for the Capitals over the past four games; they Capitals, Lightning have been eyeing each other all season. Now they have been shorthanded at least four times in each one. Entering Friday, play three times in two weeks. the Lightning had taken the most minor penalties in the league with 262 — Washington was second with 256 — but Tampa Bay had killed off 85.8 percent of them, while the Capitals were at 79.5 percent to rank By Isabelle Khurshudyan March 15 at 12:38 PM 22nd. The Capitals’ biggest threat on the power play is Ovechkin firing one-timers from the left faceoff circle, but the Lightning has Stamkos doing the same and Kucherov in the right faceoff circle, a two-headed beast that gave Washington fits in the postseason. PHILADELPHIA — As the Washington Capitals made their way through the handshake line at Amalie Arena, there were well wishes from their But the Capitals are eager for the challenge after hearing so much about defeated opponent and a promise for the future: “I’ll get you next year.” the big, bad Lightning all season. Neither team has forgotten that That was nearly 10 months ago. This season, the Tampa Bay Lightning handshake line last season as one side advanced to the Stanley Cup has ripped through the NHL with far and away the league’s best record, finals and the other promised it would be there next year. but it hasn’t gotten its rematch from the Eastern Conference finals. Now the two teams, arguably the top contenders in the conference again, will “We’re familiar with them,” Wilson said. “It’ll be good to see what they’ve play each other three times in two weeks, starting Saturday night in got.” Tampa. Washington Post LOADED: 03.16.2019 “Just call it a playoff series — why not?” Capitals forward Tom Wilson quipped. Another one could be in store after last season’s matchup went the distance, the Capitals’ only seven-game series in the run to their first Stanley Cup. The Lightning is the NHL’s Goliath this season with a whopping 112 standings points, 18 better than the league’s second-best team entering Friday’s action, and it has the top-ranked power play and penalty kill. Washington isn’t David, but these late-season contests could give the Capitals some confidence that they can slay the giant come the postseason. “We’re going to have to go through them if we’re going to do it again, and I think it’s a measuring stick for them, too,” forward Brett Connolly said. “We played them hard. It was an amazing series, and they’ve got that one circled on the calendar, I bet.” Tampa Bay is the only team Washington hasn’t played yet, and three games this close to the postseason — the others are Wednesday in Washington and March 30 back in Tampa — should serve as a gauge for both clubs. The Capitals are rolling with eight wins in their past nine games, back atop the Metropolitan Division with just one loss since they added forward Carl Hagelin and defenseman Nick Jensen before the Feb. 25 trade deadline. The Lightning opted against roster tweaks, which makes sense given how it has dominated, and while the team doesn’t have much to play for over the final few weeks of the regular season with the Presidents’ Trophy and top playoff seed all but locked up, it still has won 15 of its past 17 games. Like Washington, Tampa Bay has a superstar core in captain Steven Stamkos, winger Nikita Kucherov — the NHL’s scoring leader with 35 goals and 80 assists for 115 points — defenseman Victor Hedman and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy. But the Lightning’s depth is what sets it apart. “They have other guys that, if they weren’t behind those guys, they’d be superstars either there or somewhere else,” Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik said. Alex Ovechkin is Washington’s top point producer with 79 points, but Tampa Bay has three players with more than 80: Kucherov, second-line center Brayden Point (86) and Stamkos (81). Forward Yanni Gourde has 18 goals and 23 assists, and he’s on the fourth line. That’s why, despite the Capitals bringing back nearly their entire Stanley Cup-winning roster, the Lightning is the postseason favorite. “That’s fine with us,” Orpik said. “Every group’s different, and some groups probably handle it better than others, but sometimes when you have that much success throughout the regular season, you don’t really face that much adversity. Something doesn’t go as planned in the playoffs; maybe you’re uncomfortable or you haven’t dealt with that type of discomfort at all during the regular season. I think that can work against you. They’re a pretty veteran team with a good culture, so you never know.” What Orpik remembers most from last year’s series is Game 6, a must- win for Washington after Tampa Bay won three straight games. That was the most dominant performance of the Capitals’ postseason, with the team imposing its will on the Lightning in a 3-0 win. “Game 6 is what won us Game 7,” Orpik said. Tampa Bay’s talented offense was shut out that night and also in the decisive contest two nights later as Washington’s bruising play wore down the Lightning for a 4-0 victory. “I think we have a formula for being successful against them,” Capitals center Lars Eller said. “It was being physical when you can, and the better you play without the puck, giving them less time and space, that’s 1136313 Washington Capitals and test ourselves because it’s going to be a good hockey game. It was a good series last year and they’ll be looking forward to playing us too. We’re just excited to play a game that’s similar to playoff hockey.” 'Let's call it a playoff series': Capitals, Lightning renew rivalry with three Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 games in 15 days

By Brian McNally March 15, 2019 4:19 PM

The memories are still fresh and they still bring smiles. The Capitals remember the back-to-back shutouts with their season on the line. They remember the stunned silence as they piled on top of each other in celebration. They remember skating off the ice at Amalie Arena with the Prince of Wales Trophy just one series away from their ultimate goal. It has been 11 months since Washington rallied to stun the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Final. They won three games on the road and came back from 3-2 down to take the series. By the end of that intense, emotional two weeks of hockey there was a lot of angry “I’ll get you next year” talk from both sides. It’s the stuff real, honest-to-goodness, hate-filled rivalries are made of. But the Capitals haven’t seen the Lightning since that Game 7 on May 23. Call it a quirk of the schedule or the NHL smartly setting up two of its marquee teams to play late in the season. But Washington and Tampa Bay meet for the first time this season on Saturday and play three times in 15 days. The rematch is at Capital One Arena on March 20. When they’re done after the game back at Amalie Arena on March 30 the Stanley Cup playoffs will only be 11 days away from starting. “Let’s call it a playoff series. Why not?” Capitals forward Tom Wilson said. “It’s that time of year. I’m sure it’ll have that feel. It’s a good challenge. They’re playing really good hockey. There’s no hiding that. We’re familiar with them so it’ll be good to see what they got.” The Capitals (42-22-7, 91 points) have had another fine season, especially as they deal with the emotional hangover of that Stanley Cup win that went through Tampa. They shook off a seven-game losing streak in January. They are in first place in the Metropolitan Division. They will almost certainly be a playoff team again. The Lightning, however, have taken things to an entirely different level. Tampa Bay (54-13-4, 112 points) has the best record in the NHL and it isn’t close with an 18-point lead over the San Jose Sharks (94). They have already clinched a playoff spot. They will easily win the Atlantic Division and the Presidents’ Trophy, too. It is a veteran, tested squad and anything less than a Cup is a failure. Sound familiar? “We’re going to have to go through them if we’re going to do it again. I think it’s a measuring stick for them, too,” said Capitals forward Brett Connolly, who began his career with the Lightning. “We played them hard. It was an amazing series. They have that one circled on the calendar, too, I bet. Knowing those guys. I played with all of them. Very committed group and very determined and a lot of guys who are very eager to win a championship there. There’s no secret.” It’s also no secret the pressure they labor under. Washington finally broke through last year after years of heartbreak. Three times in eight years the Capitals won the Presidents’ Trophy (2010, 2016, 2017) and three times didn’t make it out of the second round. They only played for the Cup once (1998). Tampa Bay as an organization doesn’t have that decades-long history. It won a Stanley Cup in 2004, after all. But this group, led by captain Steven Stamkos and the breathtakingly talented Nikita Kucherov, the clear favorite for the Hart Trophy as NHL most valuable player with a league-leading 115 points, hasn’t cemented its own legacy. The Lightning lost in the Stanley Cup Final in 2015 and three other times (2011, 2016, 2018) have lost in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final. They could clinch the Presidents’ Trophy by next week. They even still have an outside shot at the NHL points record held by the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens (132), though it would take a 10-1-0 finish to match it. Yet nothing matters to the Lightning other than a Cup. Only one team in NHL history has clinched a playoff spot faster: The 2009-10 Capitals. And that group lost in the first round to the No. 8 seed Canadiens. That crushing defeat left the organization devastated for years. “We’ve been in that situation before and we know that it doesn’t come easy,” Capitals goalie Braden Holtby said. “We’re excited to get there 1136314 Washington Capitals

Brett Connolly’s best season continues and the Capitals keep benefiting

By Brian McNally March 15, 2019 7:45 AM

PHILADELPHIA – Capitals right wing Brett Connolly has plenty of time to ponder his future, plenty of hours to wonder if his hockey career will continue in Washington or if his play this season is pricing him out of what’s become home. That’s a great, if stressful, problem to have, but Connolly wants no part of it right now. There is a Metropolitan Division to win and a Stanley Cup title to defend. Thursday at Wells Fargo Center, Connolly scored two goals and had an assist in a 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers. “This season’s been obviously good statistically. For my game I just feel really comfortable out there,” Connolly said. “In different situations I feel comfortable. It’s just been a really good fit for me. I’ve said it a million times. The guys let me come in and be myself and let me play. Definitely the most fun I’ve had playing hockey – and last year winning [the Stanley Cup]. It’s been a good season. Looking to finish strong.” Connolly’s game against the Flyers epitomized his season. His line of center Lars Eller and left wing Carl Hagelin dominated play in the first period en route to a pair of goals and a 2-0 lead. Connolly scored again at 8:43 of the second period to make it 3-1 Washington and answer a Flyers goal. “He’s got one of the best shots I’ve ever seen. How quick he gets it off and accurate with it,” Capitals goalie Braden Holtby said. “For a guy that, when you look at the minutes played, scores consistently and he works a lot harder than you see. He’s trying to find those open areas to get that shot off. A guy that can consistently bring it every night and wants to score, loves to score, and their line basically won us the game tonight.” Make it 19 goals and 20 assists for Connolly. He has set career highs in both categories for the second year in a row. Tom Wilson became the latest Capitals player to reach 20 goals this season with a goal on Thursday. Connolly could join him with 11 games left to do it. Not bad for a player who was a reclamation project when he signed in the summer of 2016. Connolly has 49 goals in just under three seasons and has become a reliable depth scoring threat on a third line that was very good in the playoffs last season, caught fire with Andre Burakovsky at left wing last month at the start of a seven-game winning streak and has only continued with the acquisition of Hagelin just a few days before the Feb. 25. NHL trade deadline. All of that leaves Connolly with some decisions to make this summer. The Capitals already extended his contract once after he scored 15 goals in 2016-17. That two-year deal is coming to an end and there’s sure to be some offensively challenged teams looking for punch this summer when Connolly is an unrestricted free agent. Always up against the salary cap and with the top priority a new deal for 23-year-old winger Jakub Vrana, a restricted free agent, Connolly might be playing so well that he’s pricing himself out of the place that finally gave him a steady home. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft, Connolly never lived up to expectations with the Tampa Bay Lightning then or with the Boston Bruins in his second stop. He proved long ago with the Capitals that he’s not a bust. Now he’s proved to be a quality player on a Cup champion and is building on that. “I don't think a lot of wingers playing on the third line and not playing a lot of power play are going to get 20 goals,” Eller said. “You're certainly getting a lot of value with Brett. You're getting a lot of bang for the buck for sure." Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136315 Washington Capitals

No nights off: No one has a tougher schedule to finish the season than the Caps

By J.J. Regan March 15, 2019

Only two points separate the Capitals from the second place New York Islanders for the top of the Metropolitan Division. Only four points separate Washington from third-place Pittsburgh. If Washington hopes to edge out both teams to win the division, however, it is going to have to earn it. No team in the NHL has a tougher schedule to close out the season than the Caps. The NHL evaluated the strength of schedule for every team prior to the games being played on Wednesday. Based on the point percentage of their remaining opponents, Washington has, by far, the toughest remaining schedule. The Caps’ opponent points percentage is a whopping 0.612. The Montreal Canadiens are second at 0.599. That is a significant gap. Washington has 11 games remaining in the regular season. Three of those games come against the Tampa Bay Lightning, the top team in the NHL. The Lightning have a 19-point lead for both the division and the conference. As the season goes, Tampa will have less and less to play for, but I am not expecting the Lightning to take their foot off the gas against Washington. They have a score to settle. The Caps eliminated Tampa Bay in the Conference Final last season. Those two teams have not met since. If the Lightning want to send a message to the league that they truly are the team to beat despite their playoff struggles in recent years, beating the defending champs in the rematch would be a good start. In addition to Tampa Bay, Washington also must play the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the hottest teams in the NHL, twice. And let’s not forget about perhaps the most important game of all. On April 6 in the regular season finale, the Caps will host the Islanders. With both teams battling for first place, that game could determine the winner of the division. In Washington’s 11 remaining games, five of those games come against teams not currently in playoff position. That’s not so bad, right? It is when you consider Minnesota, Philadelphia and Montreal are three of those teams, and all three are still battling to make the playoffs. Really, the Caps only have two games left against teams that are essentially out of the running in New Jersey and Florida. Eight wins in nine games only gave the Caps a two-point lead in the division. There is no margin for error for Washington against the toughest schedule in the NHL. As cliché as it may seem, the playoffs start now for the Caps. The good news is they will be battle tested and ready to go once the playoffs do finally start in April. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136316 Washington Capitals differential is the fourth highest since 2005-06 and one of just seven seasons to be played at a pace of plus-80 or higher.

Tuukka Rask was nearly unbeatable that season winning the Vezina By the numbers: The top 10 teams of the salary cap era trophy on the back of a .930 save percentage, the highest in his career as a starter. That was a big contributor to the team’s stellar defence rating at even strength, but they were also very good at limiting shots. By Dom Luszczyszyn Mar 15, 2019 Combined, it’s the third best defensive season since 2005-06. Having the dynamic duo of Patrice Bergeron (he won his second Selke trophy this year) and Zdeno Chara (Norris runner-up) was a big factor to that. When the two were on the ice together, Boston allowed just 23.5 shots-per-60 The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to chase history. On Thursday night, and 1.35 goals at 5-on-5, a preposterously low figure. the Lightning earned their 54th win of the season, something only nine teams have done in the salary cap era. Their next one will be number 55, It seemed that year that the team would cruise back to the Stanley Cup joining just three others. With 11 games left, it’s becoming increasingly final after stomping over every team during the first 82 games, but an likely that the Lightning hit 60 wins, something that’s only been upstart Montreal Canadiens team had different plans. accomplished twice in hockey history. Stanley Cup Odds: +400 The last team to do it was the Detroit Red Wings, who set the NHL record with 62 in 1995-96. The comparisons are natural given each Put an asterisk next to this one as it came in a shortened 48-game team’s respective dominance, but that was a different era. The salary cap season, but that doesn’t make what Chicago did any less impressive. has changed the league landscape immensely and it’s perhaps more After 48 games the Blackhawks were on pace for a 60-win season of prudent to compare this year’s Lightning to their peers in a salary cap their own, winning 36 times that year and only losing seven in regulation world. en route to the team’s second of three Cups during their dynasty. Based on each team’s results (record and goal difference), their Of all the Blackhawks teams during the Toews and Kane era, this was by underlying numbers achieving those results (shot rates and percentages far the strongest and the record shows that. They carried on the legacy of at each strength), and how each category fared relative to other teams puck possession hockey passed on by the Red Wings and parlayed that that season (using standard deviations), these are the 10 best regular to even strength dominance that very few teams could match, earning 56 season teams since 2005-06. percent of the shot share and 62 percent of the goal share. Jonathan Toews was a huge part of that and earned his first (and only) Selke The Top 10 Teams of the Salary Cap Era trophy that season. Stanley Cup Odds: +420 The only thing keeping this team from ranking any higher was a strangely weak power play that ranked 19th in the league that season. When a The second season of Barry Trotz’ tenure was the one that got the team is that dominant at 5-on-5, they can get away with that. Capitals fanbase to believe again. As the talented core aged, it was becoming difficult to imagine a path to success but this edition proved Stanley Cup Odds: +350 otherwise. They fully bought into Trotz’ system and became a strong 5- on-5 team in all three zones, while keeping up their electric power play This was The Year. After heartbreak with previous Presidents’ trophy that had been frightening opponents for over half a decade. campaigns in 2009-10 and 2015-16, this was the team that would finally win it all, bringing an end to the suffering in Washington. That’s obviously Led by Braden Holtby at his peak and Alex Ovechkin scoring 50 goals not what happened, but it’s still difficult to fathom three seasons later. again, this team won 56 times, the second most in the salary cap era. From front to back, this Capitals team was one of the most complete They were a successful regular season team because they had very few clubs the salary cap era has seen. Holtby was at the top of his game, as weaknesses and yet they were still stifled in the playoffs by their arch too were the team’s collection of superstar talent in Ovechkin, Nicklas nemeses in Pittsburgh in the second round. Playoff glory would have to Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson. Aside from them, wait. Washington was deep at every position – there were no significant holes to be seen anywhere, and they even added the deadline’s top prize, Stanley Cup Odds: +500 Kevin Shattenkirk, to patrol the third pair. On paper, this team was the This might be a surprising one for some. The 2008-09 Bruins didn’t win one. even win the Presidents’ Trophy that season, missing by a single point, Throughout the regular season, it was difficult to see otherwise. The but did carry the best goal differential for the season at plus-78. A Capitals once again earned over 100 points, finishing with 118, and likely talented centre core of Marc Savard, David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron could’ve finished higher if not for the boredom that came in the final two was among the league’s best and of course there was Zdeno Chara at months from winning all the time. The power play was as illustrious as the top of his game – he would win his only Norris Trophy that season. ever, but they added a capable penalty kill to that. At even strength, it This was the beginning of an elite era for Bruins hockey, championed by wasn’t just the offence carrying the way either as the team was a beast a nearly impenetrable defence. In 2008-09, much of that was thanks to on defence in terms of both suppressing shots and stopping them, incredible goaltending at even strength where the Bruins had the second earning the second-best defensive season on record. Trotz had this team best season by save percentage relative to the field. In first and third running on all cylinders, but once again, the playoffs and the Penguins were … also the Bruins in 2010-11 and 2013-14. At its peak, Boston was snatched it all away from them. nearly impossible to beat in their own zone, but that year they were Stanley Cup Odds: +500 ultimately bested in the second round by Carolina. We don’t have shot attempt data past 2007-08, but there is shot data Stanley Cup Odds: +300 going back to 1966. In 2007-08, the Red Wings outshot teams 34.4 to The one that got away. No Canadian team has won a Stanley Cup since 23.5 on average, a margin of 10.9 shots-per-game – the largest margin in 1992-93 and this was the nation’s best hope. The Canucks were a hockey history. The Red Wings personified puck possession hockey like juggernaut and the 2010-11 campaign — the heart of The Window — no team ever has before or since, earning nearly 60 percent of the shot and it felt like destiny was on their side in their chase for their first Stanley share. That year, the top 10 in Corsi were all Red Wings, with Tomas Cup. Vancouver had star power led by its twin luminaries who both Holmstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk all over 64 percent on eclipsed 90 points (with Daniel Sedin leading the league in scoring), a the season (with a goal rate to match). There have been 45 players Selke trophy winner in Ryan Kesler and a Vezina nominee in Roberto seasons north of 60 percent since 2007-08, and these three are the only Luongo. But they had depth at every position too. ones to eclipse 63 percent over a full season. The Canucks were balanced on offence and defence, and especially The Red Wings weren’t the best finishing team leading to the lower potent on special teams where they ranked first on the power play and offence rating, but that didn’t matter much as the team comfortably led third on the penalty kill. Combined, Vancouver has the third best rating of the league in goal differential at plus-73. That number is especially any team, behind only the first and second best teams listed here. It impressive considering the next best team that year was at plus-40 and wasn’t enough though as the team fell one game shy of the Stanley Cup. only five teams were above plus-15. Relative to the team’s respective field in a given season, it’s actually the most impressive goal differential Stanley Cup Odds: +400 season in NHL history. The Bruins won a Stanley Cup in 2010-11 and found their way back to Of the 10 teams here, the 2007-08 Red Wings are just one of two to win the final in 2012-13, but it was the team in 2013-14 that was arguably it all, demolishing opponents in all four rounds en route to a title. It was Boston’s best. In the regular season, the Bruins won the Presidents’ rarely ever close, and never really fair – Detroit owned the puck like no trophy by a single point, but there was no doubt they were the league’s other. best team, out-scoring the next best by 27 goals. The plus-87 goal Stanley Cup Odds: +325 The most powerful offensive team of this generation. Their 3.82 goals- per-game still leads the era, though this year’s Bolts are giving them a run. The firepower was evident at both even-strength and on the power play where the Capitals owned the highest rating in both, high enough to overlook a more modest defence and much weaker penalty kill. Ovechkin and Backstrom both hit 100 points that year, while Alex Semin turned in a 40-40 season. Mike Green was a point-per-game as defenceman for the second straight season – something that had only been done once, by Nicklas Lidstrom no less, in the last decade. The stars were shining brightly in the nation’s capital. At evens, the Capitals shot and converted more often than any other team, giving them a lethal attack that was difficult to stop. Of the 39 teams to earn over 60 shot attempts per 60, the Capitals were the only team to convert at 10 percent or higher. On the power play, it was the exact same story, the team converted 3.4 percentage points more than the next best team. They were one of the greatest offensive teams of all time, making their demise all the more staggering: they just couldn’t score. Simply put, the Capitals got Halak’d in what was the first of many disappointments for Ovechkin and company before finally breaking through last season, a disappointment that likely set the team back that far due to a narrative that they couldn’t win ‘that way.’ All the past failures made the victory even sweeter, but it’s still difficult to believe the first Cup for the Capitals didn’t happen a decade earlier. Stanley Cup Odds: +400 The analytics era started in 2007-08 when the league introduced real- time stats, allowing hobbyists to track shot attempts and figure out which teams were controlling play. The fourth best team on this list is the single greatest team by that measure and the reason many became obsessed with puck possession hockey. I’d bet the team two years prior was just as dominant. When you have a younger Lidstrom patrolling the blueline for 28 minutes per night and Datsyuk and Zetterberg closer to their peak, that’s to be expected. This team was loaded from top-to-bottom, earning the top even-strength goal rate and power play, the third-best penalty kill and the fifth best even-strength goals against rate. Few teams have been that elite across the board making it not at all surprising that they earned 58 wins and 124 points, both tops in the salary cap era – for now. What was surprising was how it ended: in the first round with a stunning upset to the eighth-place Oilers in six games. There are few greater testaments to the randomness of the sport in a seven-game series than Detroit losing here and a warning for this year’s juggernaut: in the playoffs, anything can happen. Stanley Cup Odds: +250 It’s very close, but at this juncture, it appears that this year’s Lightning could be the single best team in the salary cap era. Their record obviously speaks for itself, but so too do their numbers across the board, especially on special teams where the Lightning are gunning to be the second team ever to finish tops on both the power play and penalty kill. Much of the Lightning’s success this season can be attributed to lofty percentages at every strength, but that becomes less of a concern when a team is this talented. This isn’t just the best team in hockey this season, but the best team, period, since at least 2005-06. The playoffs may alter that perception, but it shouldn’t. While everyone always focuses on postseason glory, regular season dominance often gets overlooked. What the Lightning are doing this year is truly special and should be revered, even if it doesn’t result in winning the big prize at the end of it all. Tampa Bay is in rarified air with their performance this year, needing just six wins in its final 11 games to hit 60 on the season. There has been a Stanley Cup champion in every season except one since 1915, but only three ever 60-win seasons – that’s worth celebrating. Of the nine other “top” regular season teams, only two have gone all the way. That seems paltry given each team’s brilliance over 82 games, but that’s simply the reality of this crazy sport. Two out of nine is 22.2 percent, while the average Stanley Cup probability from each of the nine teams is 25.7 percent. A little less, but not far off. As it stands now, Tampa Bay’s Cup chances according to the market are higher than any team has ever seen in the salary cap era, but you’d still be wiser choosing the field – which is exactly why regular season success deserves more respect. Tampa Bay has earned that this season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136317 Washington Capitals not be worried about how many points you’ve got,” Holtby said. “You want to make the playoffs, that’s the one goal. The second goal is making sure you’re as prepared as you can be come playoff time.” While winning the Metropolitan Division sounds nice, it matters little to The numbers support that it doesn’t take a division title to pave the way the Capitals to a Stanley Cup. Including the Capitals last season, four of the last 10 Cup champs finished atop their respective divisions. The others were the Blackhawks in 2010 and ’13 and Bruins in ’11. When the Penguins won By Chris Kuc Mar 15, 2019 titles in ’09, ’16 and ’17, they finished second in the division each time. Twice (2012 and ’14), the Kings finished third in their division before going the distance and the Blackhawks also did so in ’15. PHILADELPHIA — Oh, the drama. Not surprisingly, Reirden is hopeful the Capitals can hold on to the top spot and claim the Metro title. The race for first place in the Metropolitan Division has had all the twists and turns of a season of “Game of Thrones” — minus the gratuitous “I, in particular, like winning — that just happens to be what drives me,” violence (well, mostly). the first-year coach said with a smile. “It’s an extremely competitive division and any chance you have an opportunity to win that division title When the dust settled following Thursday night’s games around the NHL, in the regular season, that’s something that your team has accomplished the Capitals clung to the top spot in the Metro with the Islanders and and earned. That’s something to be proud of because you’ve gone Penguins right on their heels thanks to the defending Stanley Cup through the grind of the season and you’ve come out on top. champions’ 5-2 victory over the Flyers at Wells Fargo Center. “Does that necessarily guarantee playoff success or not playoff success? Over the course of the next three-and-a-half weeks or so, the champion I can’t really say so,” Reirden continued. “There’s been different cases of the Metro will be decided and when it finally is, it will mean … virtually that can be made every year, it seems. But for me, it’s about trying for nothing. our team to get better and for us to continue to push forward in terms of Other than looking good on the cover of next season’s media guide and what we’re trying to do here. Little improvements we’re making in our perhaps providing bragging rights between certain individuals — say, game. I like to think if we continue to do those things then the results will Todd Reirden and Barry Trotz — capturing the division title really doesn’t follow.” matter. You also won’t catch the Capitals scoreboard watching and playing the What matters is getting into the postseason at a time when your team is matchup game, such as hoping to avoid an early series with the arch- playing its best hockey and then sustaining it through four rounds. rival Penguins (as it stands now, the Hurricanes would be the Capitals’ first-round opponent). What can seem like a perfect scenario can turn Winning the division does lead to home-ice advantage in at least the nightmarish in a hurry with a hot goalie in the opposing net and a couple early portion of the postseason and in theory to better matchups, but no of bounces going against a team. team knows better than the Capitals that when it comes down to it, those rewards aren’t all they are cracked up to be. “I don’t really care who we’re playing, I play each of them the same way,” Wilson said. “There’s always probably in the back of your head a A quick history lesson: The Capitals won the Metro Division title in 2018 matchup that you prefer, but last year I never would have thought we and held home-ice advantage in the first two rounds against the Blue would have played Vegas in the finals but it happened and we dealt with Jackets and Penguins, respectively. it. The Capitals then proceeded to drop the first two games of the first-round “You have to worry about yourself, first and foremost, and put yourself in series against the Blue Jackets at Capital One Arena before roaring back the best position. If winning the division doesn’t happen you go from and clinching the series in Columbus. there and attack any obstacle you’re matched up with.” In the second round, the Capitals lost Game 1 to the Penguins in The first obstacle will be determined further down the standings and with Washington, D.C., before eventually vanquishing their rivals in a the wild-card race, in particular, a free-for-all, it’s too early to start memorable Game 6 in Pittsburgh. thinking matchups. Against the Lightning in the Eastern Conference finals, the Capitals did “You want to get a good matchup but either way the matchups are not not have home-ice advantage but proceeded to win their first two games easy,” said winger Brett Connolly, who scored two goals and added an in Tampa and ended up advancing to the Stanley Cup Final with a assist during the Capitals’ win over the Flyers. “We learned that last year dramatic Game 7 win in the Sunshine State. with Columbus. Every team that gets in is playing good hockey at that time of the year. Once the chips are down and it’s in the playoffs and it’s Then came the Stanley Cup Final where the Golden Knights held home- a best-of-seven series it’s really whoever wants it more and gets a couple ice advantage and watched as the Capitals celebrated winning their first of breaks and plays the best. championship at T-Mobile Arena. “This league is very, very close with the salary cap and just the way So, yeah, while it’s always nice to play in front of the home crowd, in the hockey is in general, every team is good so we just have to keep pushing NHL it’s not as big of an advantage as it can be in other sports. here and keep believing in our group. If we do that, we’re going to be a When it came to matchups, it appeared the Blue Jackets would provide tough out in a seven-game series against any team.” an easy first step in the process but they had the Capitals on the ropes in The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 Round 1 and were a bounce or two away from completing the upset. So, the question is, how important is it for the Capitals to win the division as they attempt to repeat as Cup champs? “Not too much,” winger T.J. Oshie said. “I mean, you want to have home- ice as much as you can in the playoffs but as we learned last year, it all comes down to how you play. You want to get in and you want to be playing well when you do.” What about it, Tom Wilson? “To me, I don’t think it really matters,” the winger said. “Obviously, I think you want to put yourself in the best position to have the most success in the playoffs. You’re supposed to be playing a weaker opponent, you’re supposed to have home-ice but nowadays it doesn’t really matter. Home- ice is nice but not like in years past. And the good teams clash and it’s not always in the conference finals now. At that time of year everybody is good.” Count goaltender Braden Holtby among those Capitals who aren’t all that concerned about finishing atop the division. “You obviously want to do the best you can during the regular season but it’s more important that you get your team to where you want it to be and 1136318 Winnipeg Jets Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.16.2019

Roslovic plays role of hockey hack at The Forks

By: Mike McIntyre

Screen capture from Winnipeg Jets video featuring in disguise as Arthur Preston. Arthur Preston’s the name, and bending ankles is his game. Local fans may know him better as Jack Roslovic, the speedy, skilled forward with the Winnipeg Jets. But Roslovic had a group of locals fooled recently as he donned a disguise and assumed an alter ego for a funny skating session at The Forks. Winnipeg Jets centre Jack Roslovic without his disguise. Video of the undercover encounter was posted this week by the Jets. Roslovic said Friday that playing the role of a bearded stranger who stumbled and bumbled his way on the ice was a blast. "My idea, actually. You ever seen Kyrie Irving? The Uncle Drew. I was a big fan of that video," Roslovic said, referring to the popular Pepsi Max commercials starring the NBA superstar, which eventually turned into a movie. "With all the outdoor skating that you can do around here, (Matt Hendricks) and I actually, last year, when the idea came to my mind, we were at Mona Lisa, and there was a rink behind Mona Lisa. And I was like, ‘How fun would it be?’ And it was a big pickup game, too. I was like, ‘Imagine if we went out there and had a disguise on and messed around.’ I guess this year I put enough pressure on them to get the idea going." Roslovic said it took around 90 minutes for staff from the Manitoba Theatre for Young People to get his outfit and makeup done before he hit the skating trail on a frigid Sunday afternoon a few weeks ago. "Have you ever been to a hockey game? I need to go to one still," a mic’d-up Roslovic tells a group of kids he meets. Embedded video Winnipeg Jets

✔ @NHLJets Meet Arthur Preston… Alleged Jr. B old-timer, ODR amateur, and alter-ego of the Winnipeg Planes’ very own, Jack Roslovic! 833 9:00 PM - Mar 14, 2019 223 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy The 22-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, milked the role for all it was worth, using a hockey stick to keep him upright, holding it backwards, whiffing on shots and putting one-timers into snowbanks. "This whole hockey thing is hard," he says. At one point, Roslovic engages another group of skaters in some Jets talk — he actually refers to them as the "Winnipeg Planes" — asking at one point what they think of "that Roslovic kid." "I like him, he’s really good," one man responds. Near the end, Roslovic begins to show his true talents, toe-dragging the puck around everyone as jaws start to drop. "Man, he’s good!" one skater. says "You’re definitely not a guy who doesn’t know how to play hockey," says another. Roslovic responds by saying he once played "Junior B" and that his mom bought him skates at Play It Again Sports. "They thought I was (Jets defenceman) Joe Morrow for a second, with the beard. But once they found out they laughed," Roslovic said. The video is available for viewing on the Winnipeg Jets Twitter feed. 1136319 Winnipeg Jets A dozen games have been played since. That's a lot of five-, six-day blocks. And not exactly good news.

Byfuglien has only played 37 of 70 games this year, while Morrissey has The blue-line blues dressed for 59. There have been nine games with both out of the lineup The absence of Byfuglien and Morrissey is stretching the Jets' defence to at the same time, and Winnipeg's record is just 5-4-0. They are 36-21-4 its limit when at least one is playing. "Those two players are unique. They’re not your average two-day defencemen that does everything kind of well but doesn’t excel By: Mike McIntyre | Posted: 03/15/2019 7:00 PM necessarily. They both excel in certain areas and they’re extreme with them," Maurice said of the injured duo.

This isn't to dump on the guys currently patrolling the back-end, but the Let's talk about the elephant in the room. Or, to be more precise, what's reality is many are being asked to do a lot more than expected. Nathan not in the room. Or on the ice, either. Beaulieu went from a healthy scratch with non-playoff Buffalo to jumping into Morrissey's spot with Jacob Trouba, who has been prone to a few Dustin Byfuglien and Josh Morrissey's extended absences are looming brain cramps in recent games as he logs huge minutes. larger by the day, especially with just three weeks left in the NHL regular- season schedule and both players still being kept far away from the ice. How to explain the horrific giveaway early in the third period Thursday night that nearly ended up as a Boston goal in a tie game? Tick, tock. Dustin Byfuglien travelled with the team on their recent eastern swing, Of all the things that will determine just how far the Winnipeg Jets go in and was even expected to play, but left early and hasn't skated since. the spring, Byfuglien's ankle and Morrissey's shoulder may ultimately (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) have the biggest say. Dustin Byfuglien travelled with the team on their recent eastern swing, The Jets have been one of the worst defensive teams in the NHL since and was even expected to play, but left early and hasn't skated since. late January, and it's no coincidence that they've been icing a less-than- (Ruth Bonneville / Winnipeg Free Press files) ideal blue-line for much of that time. They are leaking shots against and quality scoring chances at an alarming level. Dmitry Kulikov and have gone from the usual third-pair to a second-pair, meaning the quality of opposition has been ramped up. Since the All-Star break, only Buffalo (80) and New Jersey (78) have Sami Niku has been pressed into full-time duty in a season where more given up more goals than Winnipeg (76). If you subscribe to the theory seasoning in the AHL was initially in the cards. defence wins championships, then the Jets are in big trouble. "There’s a huge difference playing against the one-two (defence pairing) Sure, they've managed to tread water while missing two of their biggest and the five-six. So if you take a look at our situation we’re asking guys to pieces on the blue-line in recent weeks, but raise your hand if you feel now play against different people for longer stretches of time. And that’s confident about Winnipeg's chances for long-term playoff success this a major challenge," Maurice admitted. spring if one or both of No. 33 or No. 44 aren't ready to go in time. "I think we can do a far better job up front helping that. So they’ve been And that's the thing. We truly don't know about their status, which seems under duress over the last month, couple weeks, since Mo’s (Morrissey) to be by design. I tried to wrestle some new information out of coach Paul been out. Certainly since Dustin’s been out. It’s been a challenge for Maurice on Friday, but didn't have a lot of luck. them." "Josh is in his normal rehab time. So he’s doing well. He’s fine. We’re For what it's worth, there doesn't seem to be any outward panic going on going to expect looking harder at (him) some time in April. And Buff is from the coaches or players, but the level of internal concern must be getting a little bit better, so we’re hoping we can get him on the ice here high, knowing the importance of having a full roster when the games in the next bit of time. We are very patient and cautious with this, we’d really start to matter. like to be done with it when it’s over," is how Maurice put it. "Those are our top two guys on the back end. Two of the better "Some time in April" doesn't exactly inspire a ton of confidence when it defencemen in the league," Jets defenceman Ben Chiarot said Friday. comes to Morrissey, who took a hit from Arizona's Vinnie Hinostroza on "We’ve been holdin’ down the fort with those guys out, but definitely any Feb. 24, immediately went to the dressing room and hasn't been seen time you take two of your top four D out it is going to be noticeable." since. It sure will be, especially come April when the spotlight gets even The regular-season ends April 6. The Stanley Cup playoffs start April 10. brighter. The Jets could be hitting the golf course by "some time in April" if they don't get out of the first round. And the chance of that happening Tick, tock. increase if Morrissey isn't in the lineup. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.16.2019 As for Byfuglien, it's hard to view his status as anything but a setback. On the last road trip out east, Byfuglien was along for the ride and even skated on his own at the beginning. Maurice told us the plan was to have Byfuglien hopefully join the group by the end of the trip. Instead, Byfuglien was on a plane back to Winnipeg by the end of the week, supposedly to try out some new treatment on an ankle that he's now injured twice this year, to go along with an earlier concussion. He's yet to resume skating. That's not a good sign for a big man with a bum ankle. I specifically asked Maurice if Morrissey and/or Byfuglien could return to action before the regular-season ends. "Yeah, that's a possibility," he replied, carefully choosing his words. It's worth noting Maurice sounded optimistic a month ago when Byfuglien got hurt again. "Over a five-, six-day block we'll evaluate it and hope it settles down and we get good news," Maurice said on Feb. 15. "He's got to get more tests done so we know exactly what we're looking at. I'm hopeful it's not (long- term). I'm feeling pretty confident it's not, but the tests are going to tell us." Byfuglien initially suffered an ankle injury on Dec. 29 and missed 15 games, returning to the lineup on Feb. 7, but in his fifth game back on Feb. 14, a new injury emerged, according to Maurice. 1136320 Winnipeg Jets "We’ve been in a good place in the standings for a long time. You can see guys get a little comfortable. You play teams like that and it brings out the best in us," said Chiarot. "It’s important to keep our intensity up Twice-burned Jets prepared to battle fast-moving Flames down the stretch, even knowing where we’re at as far as playoffs go." Getting their game in a good place appears to be more important than whether they finish first or second, although Chiarot admitted there's By: Mike McIntyre some incentive. "It’s important. We take a lot of pride in what we do. First place in the Central is like a feather in the cap. It’s not the end of the world if we’re Calgary Flames players celebrate a goal against the Winnipeg Jets not, but it’s a nice little perk to have and something to be proud of," he during the third period of their 4-1 victory over the Jets in Winnipeg last said. December. The Flames have owned the Jets so far this season and Winnipeg hopes to prevent a season sweep of the series when the "We’ve got a pretty confident group. We’ve been pretty good, if we lose Flames come to town Saturday. one or two, bouncing back. Paul (Maurice) stays on us about it, making sure we’re not getting too complacent or comfortable knowing we have a The Winnipeg Jets are hoping the third time will be the charm as they try good hold on a playoff spot." to douse a Calgary Flames squad that has given them plenty of trouble this season. Indeed, an impressive quality for the Jets is that they haven't lost three straight regulation games this season. They have dropped two straight in A disappointing 6-3 loss in November was followed by a 4-1 defeat in regulation five times this year, always following it up with a victory as they December. Winnipeg will attempt to avoid the sweep as they close out a did Thursday against the Bruins. homestand by welcoming their western neighbours Saturday night at Bell MTS Place. (6 p.m.). "That's an important thing to have, especially come playoff time. You can barely lose two in a row, come playoffs. Just being able to create "Their new coach (Bill Peters) has put in a good system for their team. momentum throughout games... the feeling in the dressing room has to They play hard, and also have some grit. Their back end is considered be right. This streak that we've gone through is going to be beneficial for one of the best in the league. It’s a deep team that plays fast — pretty the team coming down the most important stretch," said Roslovic. comparable to us, I find. They’re just a good team. That’s why they’ve got the best of us the last two games," defenceman Ben Chiarot said "I think we're in a good spot, in terms of we learn how to handle losing. following Friday's optional practice. We learn how to battle some adversity, especially playing some good playoff teams. Then I think we'll ramp it up and we'll reach the peak right Winnipeg (41-25-4) is coming off a hard-fought 4-3 win over Boston at the start of the playoffs." Thursday that snapped a two-game losing streak and kept them on top of the Central Division, one point ahead of Nashville, with two games in Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.16.2019 hand. Calgary (43-20-7) was a point back of San Jose for the Pacific Division lead heading into action Friday night, when they host the New York Rangers in the first half of a back-to-back. The Jets and Flames are similar, in many ways. Both have plenty of speed and skill courtesy of a young core and some solid veterans. An all- Canadian Western Conference final between them is certainly a possibility. "A lot of good goal scorers on that team," said forward Jack Roslovic. "They've got a lot of guys over 50, 60 points now. So just play a good defensive game. We can score with the best of anyone. But we've got to be able to prevent and wear them down, frustrate them, give them nothing. "And if we get two opportunities and they get two opportunities, we've got to score one out of two. There's a little bit of puck luck and bounce that comes with the game, in general. But we've got to take that out as much as possible and do the best we can to keep them off the scoresheet." Flashy Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau is coming off a six-point game Tuesday night against New Jersey and will garner some Hart Trophy votes this year as league MVP. He's currently fifth in NHL scoring with 90 points. "He does a lot of things other guys can’t do... I’ve played against him growing up — from even juniors — I got to play with him and against him, got to watch him do it to other people, so I know I’m not the only one," defenceman Jacob Trouba said. "That’s kind of what the narrative’s been. Always, even when we played in juniors; he was too small to play in college and then he went and destroyed college. Then he was too small to play in the NHL and now he’s destroying the NHL... he’s proved them wrong every step of the way." Jets coach Paul Maurice had nothing but praise for the Flames, who outscored the Jets by a combined score of 10-4 in the first two contests. "They’re a good team. They’ve got pieces of all kinds of game. They’ve got enough bite in their game, play hard enough. Got a really nice skill level, they got real good structure.... every line kind of understands their own identity. But I don’t know that there’s anything yet that I would say there’s a theme to the two games," said Maurice. "I didn’t mind our second game against Calgary, I thought we were all right in that. The truth is I don’t know if I have a good enough handle on what Winnipeg and Calgary means yet." This will be the ninth straight game the Jets have played against a team that was in a playoff spot when the puck dropped. Winnipeg is 4-4-0 so far. The Jets hit the road for three games after this one, with cellar- dwelling Los Angeles and Anaheim followed by Vegas. 1136321 Winnipeg Jets This hot streak has come at a very convenient time for a team that needs its captain to shoulder the offensive load a little bit, but it’s more random than it is pure high-level performance. Wheeler has put the work in to Better luck behind Wheeler's well-timed scoring streak deserve this goal-scoring streak over the course of the season, so nothing should be taken away from him, but we also can’t credit leadership for this one. By: Andrew Berkshire Andrew Berkshire is a hockey writer specializing in data driven analysis of the game.

Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 03.16.2019 Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy can’t reach the puck on a goal by Winnipeg Jets right wing Blake Wheeler. The Winnipeg Jets continue to run hot and cold of late, winning half of their games over the last stretch and managing to keep pace with the Nashville Predators with two games in hand and one more point. With the injuries on defence, that’s probably about what should be expected in a year where the Jets haven’t quite been as dominant as last season, but are still the odds-on favourite to win the Central Division. While the team has struggled a little bit offensively, at least in terms of consistently putting up goals, team captain Blake Wheeler has been on his hottest goal-scoring stretch in recent memory. Since the beginning of February, Wheeler has 11 goals in 19 games, 10 of them at even-strength. He also leads the Jets in points over that period with 23, seven more than Mark Scheifele’s 16, but the bulk of that gap is on the power play, where Wheeler has nine points and Scheifele has just three. We already know that Wheeler is one of the most lethal power-play playmakers in the sport, so there’s nothing new there, but 10 even- strength goals in 19 games is a huge change for a player who averaged about 19 even-strength goals per 82 games played over the previous three seasons. Is Wheeler experiencing a hot shooting streak, or has he stepped up his shooting in order to lead by example while the Jets, as a team, are struggling a little? Prior to February, Wheeler had scored just six goals at even strength in 51 games, and since then he’s hit the net 10 times in 19, but the change in shots he’s taken is not very large. Wheeler is producing slightly more scoring chances, and they are closer to the net on average, with a higher percentage being from the high- danger area. But he’s also shooting more from the perimeter, which should drag his expected shooting percentage down. However, it’s possible that Wheeler has changed up his attack, so let’s take a look at what types of scoring chances he’s creating. There’s been a slight change in his attacking style, trading some chances off cycle plays for more chances off the rush, which makes sense, since Nikolaj Ehlers has returned to the lineup and the addition of Kevin Hayes has allowed the Jets to formulate more rush changes than before. But the changes for Wheeler specifically don’t look that significant to me — we’re talking about one extra chance off the rush every 167 minutes of ice time at five-on-five, which is about one every 10 games. That’s just not going to explain such a massive change in goal scoring. At 20 goals overall this season on 203 shots, Wheeler is actually shooting below his career average of 10.7 per cent, so I think we could assume that this hot streak was a long time coming, as he had been pretty absurdly unlucky beforehand; his five-on-five shooting percentage before February was just 3.88 per cent. There’s some regression to the mean happening in his shooting, and that seems to have more to do with his increase in goal production than any changes to his shot volume. Through the first 51 games of the season, based on his shot volume and shot locations, he was expected to score 9.21 goals at five-on-five alone, but had just four. Since then he’s scored nine of his 10 even-strength goals at even-strength, but based on his shots he was expected to score 3.96. The hot streak he’s currently on has actually perfectly aligned his expected goal production and actual goal production at five-on-five with 13, which is the kind of thing we expect to happen, as samples get larger. Things aligning back to expectations does not mean that we should expect Wheeler to continue to score at exactly his expected pace now; goal scoring is always subject to random variance. He could continue this hot streak for another stretch before going cold again — it’s the nature of the sport to subvert our expectations over small samples, which is a huge reason why the playoffs are so exciting. 1136322 Winnipeg Jets “They thought I was Joe Morrow for a second, with the beard,” Roslovic said of his Jets teammate. “But once they found out, they laughed, and I got a couple more guys on board to help me out with a few more Flames and Gaudreau another pre-playoff test … Roslovic goes scenes.” undercover … Why don’t Jets block more shots?… Vesalainen back with A big fan of the Kyrie Irving/Uncle Drew videos, Roslovic Moose dreamed up the idea himself. “With all the outdoor skating that you can do around here … I was like, Paul Friesen ‘How fun would it be? Imagine if we went out there and had a disguise on and messed around.’ I guess this year I put enough pressure on them to get the idea going.” Brad Marchand one night, Johnny Gaudreau the next. A LITTLE SOFT? The Winnipeg Jets shut down one small-in-stature but large-in-production Maurice said Friday his team isn’t a big shot-blocking team, and I asked NHL star in a 4-3 win over the Boston Bruins on Thursday. They’ll try to him why that is. do it again against Calgary. “It’s an acquired skill,” the coach said, choosing his words carefully. “It Saturday’s home game against the Flames is about more than containing takes time to develop. I’ll be kind about it and say it takes time to figure Gaudreau, of course, but that’s not a bad place to start. out the exact shot lane. Take a look at the highest shot blocking teams and their team age. There’s a correlation there. With 33 goals and 57 assists, Gaudreau ranked fifth in NHL scoring, just behind Sidney Crosby, going into Calgary’s game against the New York “You bring in young, skilled, somewhat thin forwards into the NHL and Rangers, Friday night. they haven’t really needed to block a shot yet. And they will. I think you’re starting to see a bigger willingness to do it.” “He doesn’t really seem to fly around but you can’t touch him,” Jets defenceman Jacob Trouba said. “He’s very elusive and very quick with FIRST-ROUND FINN RETURNS what he does and how he moves … he’s a pretty unique breed compared to everyone else.” The Jets on Friday finally made official the return of first-round draft pick Kristian Vesalainen from the KHL. Trouba will see, and already has seen, a lot of Gaudreau, playing against him growing up and with him for Team USA at the world junior The 19-year-old will rejoin the AHL’s for the rest of the championship, World Cup and world championships. season, and possible playoffs, after leaving the Moose to play for his hometown Jokerit in Finland this season. He’s heard the 5-foot-9, 165-pounder counted out early and often. Picked 24th overall in 2017, Vesalainen played five games with the Jets “That’s kind of what the narrative’s been,” Trouba said. “Always, even to start the season. Five more and he’d burn up the first year of his entry- when we played in juniors, he was too small to play in college and then level contract, so he’s all but sure to stay in the AHL for the duration of he went and destroyed college. Then he was too small to play in the NHL the year. and now he’s destroying the NHL. In 31 games for Jokerit, Vesalainen had six goals, 11 assists, adding “He’s proved them wrong every step of the way.” another goal in six playoff games. The Jets have had trouble with Calgary in their last two meetings, but The Moose are making quite a charge for a playoff spot, and coach coach Paul Maurice says there haven’t been enough games to detect Pascal Vincent says he’ll give Vesalainen plenty of time to get re- any trends. acclimated before he plays again. “They’ve got pieces of all kinds of game,” Maurice said. “They’ve got Winnipeg Sun LOADED 03.16.2019 enough bite in their game, play hard enough. Got a really nice skill level, they got real good structure … every line kind of understands their own identity.” FINDING PLAYOFF MODE While Thursday’s 4-3 win over an injury-riddled Bruins team wasn’t overwhelming, it at least halted Winnipeg’s losing streak at two. It also ended a string of three straight defeats to the upper-echelon teams on the Jets’ schedule this month: Tampa Bay, Washington and San Jose. Calgary, jostling with the Sharks for top spot in the Western Conference, is another. Defenceman Ben Chiarot says it’s exactly what the Jets need to gear up for the playoffs. “We’ve been in a good place in the standings for a long time,” Chiarot said. “You can see guys get a little comfortable. You play teams like that and it brings out the best in us.” The Jets have taken pride the last two seasons in not losing more than two straight in regulation. Including overtime, though, they’ve lost three straight a few times, including twice last month. “That’s an important thing to have, especially come playoff time,” winger Jack Roslovic said. “You can barely lose two in a row, come playoffs.” ROSY THE RINGER Roslovic was the star of a video unveiled by the Jets this week, in which he went undercover to surprise some shinny players at The Forks. A makeup artist from the Manitoba Theatre for Young People spent an hour and a half transforming Roslovic into an older, bearded man, and Roslovic did the rest, pretending he could barely handle a puck as he joined a group on the rink on the river. Slowly, he began to reveal his real skills, to the amazement of the others. 1136323 Vancouver Canucks Did Pettersson forget his own advice on the three-on-one in OT? Seems he did.

He said he knew he needed to shoot more after scoring his second- Canucks Extra: Tanev done for the year period power-play goal. EP40 through 40 (smiling) – “I was passing too much lately, so thank Patrick Johnston goodness I shot it and it went in.” #Canucks — Irfaan Gaffar (@sportsnetirf) March 16, 2019 The Canucks left the worst for last, losing to the Devils 3-2 in a shootout. “I should have been more selfish those two times in OT,” he said after the They also lost their best defender, again. game. It was the cruel final blow on a night that ended badly for the Vancouver “Almost we had too much time. We were too cute. Instead of just passing Canucks: Chris Tanev’s season is over. it, we should have shot it.” The defenceman has likely broken a bone in his foot, coach That EP40 deke said after the 3-2 shootout loss to the New Jersey Devils. “It’s something I have and something I felt like trying today.” Tanev was hurt early in the first period, blocking a shot on a Devils power “I thought I had him all the way in the shootout too,” Devils goalie play. Mackenzie Blackwood said. “He went to my blocker side and I thought he Tanev’s bravery, leadership and commitment is to be admired. But why is had no more room left and next thing I know the one hand comes out and he blocking that shot? the puck comes over and I’m stretching for my life there. He’s a heck of a player and that was a great goal.” It’s a 50-footer, from the side boards. He has a teammate behind him wearing protective equipment designed to stop flying shots. Honesty Shooters are so much better now. Hockey players are so much stronger. I said at the time of Olli Juolevi’s draft that I understood the pick. I have to And they’re using sticks that are more impressive than ever. stick by that. I can’t criticize it. Tanev says he doesn’t know how to play any other way. But maybe he But I can still note some facts. needs to, given the long list of injuries that have dogged him for years Like that there are three defencemen in the 10 picks after Juolevi in the now. 2016 draft who have played more than 100 games in the NHL — two of The look of disappointment was clear on Green’s face, who also called them for the best two teams in the Eastern Conference. the reality that he’s been so rarely with both Edler and Tanev in the same And that the guy picked after him now has 73 points in 71 games. lineup “frustrating.” In on all 5 his team's goals vs NYR tonight (2G-3A), Matthew He nodded when Ed Willes noted that the Canucks are seven games Tkachuk at 21 years & 94 days old is the youngest player in over .500 when they have Edler and Tanev both in the lineup. @NHLFlames franchise history to record a 5-point game #Canucks are 21-14-4 in games started with both Alex Edler and — StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) March 16, 2019 Chris Tanev healthy, and 8-18-5 when one or both is out of the lineup. We know the Canucks desperately need wingers. That would be a — Iain MacIntyre (@imacSportsnet) March 16, 2019 heckuva winger to put on Pettersson’s wing. You can see why the Canucks can’t imagine a future without the veteran (And before you say, “Well, maybe Tkachuk’s play would have prevented duo; but they need to find their newer, younger versions. One is going to that pick, the Canucks were never going to put 18-year-old Tkachuk in be 33 soon, the other just appears to already be on borrowed time. the NHL that season.) Who draws in? Well, this is cool Is it Schenn time again? Pouliot can play on the right, but who would No quote of the night, just fun facts about the local major junior squadron. want to see that? Call up Jalen Chatfield? Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.16.2019 Can Josh Teves play the right? I guess I should have asked him. Will Hughes even play? The more I think about it, the more I wonder if we’re really going to see Quinn Hughes at all. As revealed Wednesday, he’s dealing with a bone bruise. The Canucks say they think he’ll be out a week. But here’s the thing: bone bruises are considered a “weeks” injury, as in it’s an injury that takes weeks to properly heal. If he’s the gilded prospect, isn’t it smartest to just bubble wrap him and not play him at all? This is not a pretty picture The Canucks did not do well getting to the slot against the Devils. The Devils did. Here’s a stat from JPat: The Canucks have the league’s worst offence since Christmas. Bad power play is a lot of that. That EP40 goal Because his team didn’t pull out the win, Pettersson didn’t jump for joy, but you know he would have been thrilled by scoring for the first time in a dozen games. And what a goal it was. He finally found space and got his patented release off. That EP40 rush 1136324 Vancouver Canucks Bure had 35 goals and 25 assists in 1991-92; Hlinka — who was 31 in his first season in Vancouver after many years in Czechoslovakia — scored 23 goals and added 37 assists in 1981-82. Devils 3, Canucks 2 (SO): A little like preseason in injury-plagued battle Oops of also-rans There were two other goals in this game, the Canucks’ second by Tanner Pearson and the Devils’ lone marker by Kevin Rooney. Patrick Johnston Both were cases of oopsies — Pearson’s goal was a shot going wide that Blackwood somehow played into the net behind him with his leg pad, while Rooney’s was a rebound effort that saw him somehow left Two teams struggling to find their form face off at Rogers Arena Friday untouched by Canucks defender Alex Biega. night Both were cases where, were this golf, mulligans would have been taken. You know the saying about something quacking like a duck must surely be a duck? Tie it up That rule does apply to the contest on Friday night between the Stefan Noesen’s goal was the result of a defensive breakdown, with the Vancouver Canucks and the New Jersey Devils at Rogers Arena. Texas-born winger left unchecked on top of Markstrom’s crease. The Devils won 3-2 in a shootout. He had plenty of time to fire a loose puck past Markstrom, who had no chance. Much finer examples of NHL hockey have been played on the brilliant white ice at the palace on Griffiths Way, but this was nonetheless an NHL It was Noesen’s seventh shot on goal of the night. game. Virtanen throws a hit With the Devils down nine skaters to injury — yes, a baseball team’s Such was the state of the game in the first period that a Jake Virtanen hit worth — and the Canucks seven (eight if you count Quinn Hughes), both near the New Jersey bench stood out. teams’ lineups looked not far from what might be seen in the preseason. In another game it would have also been notable, but in this preseason- Like many a preseason game, it started poorly but eventually found some like affair, it stood out with an exclamation point. As in: It! Stood! Out! momentum in the second period — Elias Pettersson scoring for the first time in a dozen games — and the third period featured a trio of goals. (Seriously, though, it was a very good hit and got the crowd reaction it deserved. Surely more hits like it can be found?) The Devils’ two third-period tallies did Jacob Markstrom no justice, as the big Swede was once again stout in net, only to be let down by defensive Blech lapses in front of him. The Canucks had four minutes of power-play time. He might have had a shutout if the defenders had done a better job of tying up Devils forwards Kevin Rooney and Stefan Noesen, who had the A man with a stopwatch would tell you that the Canucks spent a total of goals for the Devils. 43 seconds in the offensive zone in that stretch. The Canucks got the sensational second-period marker from Pettersson, This is not a prescription for winning hockey, but then again the Canucks’ and a second on a lucky bounce for Tanner Pearson early in the final power play hasn’t been functional for months. (Yes, Pettersson’s goal in frame. the second period was on the man advantage, but you know how things have gone over the last two months or so.) Damon Severson had the winner in the the seven round of the shootout. The drop-pass zone-entry play may be derided in this town, but it’s only Here’s what we learned… because the Canucks are so bad at it. It’s an approach used by most power plays around the league; they’re just a lot better at it. Ouch Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.16.2019 Chris Tanev blocked a shot early in the first period and was forced to leave the game. After the game, Canucks coach Travis Green said Tanev’s season was over because of a suspected broken bone in his right foot. Pettersson power Asked by this reporter before the game whether he’d pondered trying out a new stick, Elias Pettersson scoffed and replied “oh, no.” Then he looked away. Fair enough: the kid knows how to score and he knew he’d score soon enough. And how he did. He wired home a shot in the second period over Mackenzie Blackwood’s left shoulder that was reminiscent of the rocket he launched on opening night. Blackwood never really stood a chance, such was the velocity of the shot, released from just above the left face-off dot, and such was the angle of the shot, which was just inside the left post and just below the crossbar. You know, where the cookie jar is and all that. He also scored a dazzling goal in the shootout, pulling off a Forsberg-ian one-handed deke. The goal in regulation, his 27th, gave him 59 points on the year, tying him with for points by a rookie. The former captain and team president had 30 goals and 29 assists in 1988-89. One more point and he’ll tie Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka for most points in a season by a rookie. 1136325 Vancouver Canucks That the Canucks continued to show interest and had kept in touch with him through his agent — officially just his adviser before last week, of course — counted for a lot. (Members of the Canucks’ collegiate scouting Patrick Johnston: Mechanical whiz Teves believes he has tools for staff also watched him numerous times through the season.) making Canucks, too “They were one of the first to contact me (after losing),” he said. “They’d been there for the majority of my time at Princeton; that’s one of the reasons I felt at home here.” Patrick Johnston Joe Martin, now Merritt’s head coach, was an assistant on Luke Pierce’s staff when the Centennials first brought Teves on board at the end of the 2013-14 season. The Canucks have signed a long shot prospect who's still has to write midterm exams before worrying about playing defence in the NHL. “He’s definitely an impressive kid,” Martin said Friday. Princeton Tigers captain Josh Teves has signed a one-year entry-level Teves’s story, he said, was very much about a young player who had contract with the Vancouver Canucks. Shelley M. Szwast / Princeton flown under the radar because he was a bit smaller and looked raw in Athletics how he played. Given he only arrived in Vancouver on Wednesday and has barely “Sometimes when you’re from those bigger centres and you’re not a skated with his new NHL team, Josh Teves wasn’t going to lace up for polished player, you’re looked at like, ‘Oh, maybe he’ll play junior one the Canucks Friday night. day but that’s it,’” he said. Good thing, since he had a midterm to deal with in the afternoon. Martin also chuckled when asked to describe what Teves looked like when he first arrived in Merritt. The newest Canuck, signed earlier this year to a one-year entry-level contract, may have left college hockey but he hasn’t left his collegiate “He looked like a young deer,” he recalled. “His skating was a bit studies. scrambly, his puck control was all over the place, but he had an ability to out-compete players and always be around the puck and make things He has three courses left to complete, then he’ll have a degree in happen even if it’s not always smooth. mechanical engineering. “He kept carving his way until the game really started to change at the Yes, the young blue-liner is a bit of a brain. (He once said the reason why NHL level in terms of what kind of player they wanted. he got into engineering was because of lessons he learned as a teen while volunteering with people with special needs.) He’s always been a “There’s more and more players who just need more time in good spots, long shot, too. in places where they can just hunker down and learn to play; they’re not so worried about the end game of winning a championship or making the He went to an academics-focused high school in Calgary, and was next level, they just want to get better.” playing triple-A Midget in Calgary when he was 18. He then moved on to junior B hockey in Fernie the following season. By the end of that Teves only played one season in Merritt but left a lasting impression. season, he was playing junior A in the BCHL as Dale Hladun, his Fernie coach, pitched him to the ’ coaching staff as a player “Our billets still talk about him, they still have his jersey hanging on a to watch. wall,” Martin said. “I still use Josh for recruiting. He’s always happy to do it, to talk to young players.” His new BCHL coaches were so impressed by his raw talent, they dressed him for playoff games — even though he’d never really practised And for now, Teves waits. He’s still a long shot to make it in the NHL. His with the team. new head coach, Travis Green, is taking a wait-and-see approach. The next fall, it was only a matter of a few weeks before NCAA programs The defenceman may get into a game or two before the Canucks’ were talking to him. season ends and he’ll likely play for the Comets in Utica next year. But no matter what, he’s come a long way. When Princeton came calling, it was too good an opportunity to pass up. (As an Ivy League university, Teves didn’t receive athletic scholarships. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.16.2019 Whatever money he was awarded was for his schoolwork and his character, and there are no shortcuts for athletes; you get in on grades.) This is not a conventional path to the NHL. “I had a pretty late growth spurt that definitely played into it. I think as a smaller D-man I got passed over growing up,” he said Friday after his first morning skate with the Canucks. (He’s now a solid six feet tall.) “Definitely not the most routine path. That helped build my work ethic and determination: it doesn’t matter if I’m cut from a team or looked over or undervalued or anything like that. I can prove my worth in any situation.” The whirlwind year-and-a-half that passed between him finishing high school, moving into the world of junior hockey and then getting an offer from an Ivy League university has helped him handle how things have gone this past week. His Princeton team was eliminated from the playoffs last Saturday. He was getting formal offers not long after. “I was just trying to make a roster in junior A and within a couple games I was talking to colleges, so I guess that prepared me,” he laughed. He hadn’t really considered a pro career until last season. “In the last year-and-a-half it became more realistic,” he said. “But mostly I was focused on finishing (his degree).” Losing on the weekend was disappointing, he admitted. “Especially to realize we’ll never play again as a group.” But then life moved into overdrive. The Canucks brought him to their development camp last summer. His play developed so much at Princeton that as many as 15 teams were interested in signing him. 1136326 Vancouver Canucks

In the end, it really has been all about bad starts for the Canucks

Patrick Johnston

The Canucks get outshot early and it's been killing them. Behold, the chart that says everything about the Canucks’ struggles this season: The shot share tells us that the Canucks start slow, then manage to seize control through the end of the second period. But in the third period, there’s a total collapse in offensive effort. Is that about just getting too caught up in defensive play, with time running out and the margin so thin? Here’s the troubling thing: Teams trailing usually outshoot the leading team. And given the Canucks have been scored on first in 43 of 70 games so far this season, we can see this playing out in how they marginally control play for much of the opening 40 minutes. The Canucks are minus-18 in goal differential in the first period, but just minus-4 in the second and minus-5 in the third. So what happens in the third, shot wise? Are they just lacking the overall ability to stick with the play? Are they, as mentioned above, being overly cautious? Whatever it is, there are two things to sort out going into next year: one, don’t get crushed in the starts to the game, and two, don’t stop chasing goals in the third. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136327 Vancouver Canucks LW – C – RW Blake Coleman — Travis Zajac — Stefan Noesen Canucks Game Day: Devils hope to put a fork in their inconsistent play Kenny Agostino — Kevin Rooney — Kyle Palmieri John Quenneville — Blake Pietila — Drew Stafford Patrick Johnston Kurtis Gabriel — Michael McLeod — Joey Anderson Defence pairings The Canucks host the Devils tonight at Rogers Arena. Both teams have Andy Greene — Damon Severson had better seasons. Will Butcher — Connor Carrick NEXT GAME: FRIDAY Colton White — Steven Santini New Jersey Devils at Vancouver Canucks Goalies: , Mackenzie Blackwood 7 p.m., Rogers Arena, TV: Sportsnet Pacific; Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM SICK BAY THE BIG MATCHUP Canucks: Sven Baertschi (post-concussion syndrome), Brandon Sutter Elias Pettersson vs. Devils’ defence (groin), Ben Hutton (foot), Antoine Roussel (knee), Quinn Hughes (ankle), Ryan Spooner (groin). Only one team has surrendered more goals than the New Jersey Devils — the woeful Ottawa Senators. You might recall that Elias Pettersson Devils: Taylor Hall (knee), Nathan Bastian (upper body), Nico Hischier tallied a hat trick in January in the nation’s capital. Could he find the back (upper body), Miles Wood (ankle), Mirco Mueller (shoulder), Pavel Zacha of the net against the Devils, snapping what’s now quite the scoring (upper body), Sami Vatanen (ill), Egor Yakovlev (upper body), Jesper slump for the super rookie? It has been 12 games since he scored. Bratt (undisclosed). FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME SPECIAL TEAM 1. Forward flip Power play: Canucks: 14.9% (29th), Devils: 18% (19th). With the loss of Antoine Roussel to a season-ending knee injury on Penalty kill: Canucks: 80.7% (14th), Devils: 83.8% (4th). Wednesday, bet on Loui Eriksson drawing back into the lineup. Where he fits in is anyone’s guess, but maybe he’s back with Jay Beagle? That Vancouver Province: LOADED: 03.16.2019 would put Markus Granlund higher up the lineup, too. 2. Cautionary tale There was a time when Cory Schneider was the face of the future in Vancouver’s goal. Then he was traded — and yes, that was six years ago. Now he’s barely hanging on to his NHL career with the Devils. He’s posted an .898 save percentage this season, 21 points below his career average. 3. Flaming Oil The Devils roasted the Oilers 6-3 Wednesday, crushing whatever faint hopes Edmonton had for playoff qualification. That was quite the rebound from an awful 9-4 loss the night before in Calgary. Which team will turn out against the Canucks for the Devils’ third game in four nights? 4. Ouch Is it that bad teams get more injuries or is it that injuries beget bad teams? Whichever it is, the Devils are hurt and they are bad. They’re missing top players in Taylor Hall, Nico Hischier and Sami Vatanen. They have so many injuries that the lineup in Edmonton featured seven players who had each played upwards of 30 AHL games this season. 5. Blue-line blender With a dozen games left to play, Canucks coach Travis Green is sure to throw out a few different looks on his blue line. He gave Guillaume Brisebois another start Wednesday, scratching Derrick Pouliot. The return of Chris Tanev also sent Luke Schenn to the press box. Quinn Hughes, once his ankle has healed, is sure to play, and collegiate free-agent signing Josh Teves seems likely to see some action, too. CANUCKS’ LINES LW – C – RW Josh Leivo — Elias Pettersson — Brock Boeser Tanner Pearson — Bo Horvat — Nikolay Goldobin Markus Granlund — Adam Gaudette — Jake Virtanen Loui Eriksson — Jay Beagle — Tyler Motte Defence pairings Alex Edler — Troy Stecher Guillaume Brisebois — Alex Biega Ashton Sautner — Chris Tanev Goalies: Jacob Markstrom, Thatcher Demko DEVILS’ LINES 1136328 Vancouver Canucks Pettersson scored the first Canucks goal, had a spectacular shootout and made several desperation plays to help his team during the game like this one: The Athletties: How Dekey Pete stopped time, the Tanev thing and why You could spend days dissecting reasons the Canucks lost and during Marky is never really happy those days you would never mention Pettersson’s name. “He’s such a special player,” Alex Biega said. By Jason Botchford Mar 15, 2019 “It’s too bad we couldn’t pull it out. “He’s a bright spot on this team and he’ll be a special player for years to Best Moment come in this organization. There are times the shootout is tedious, exhausting and stale, a “What I realized about him is that he wants to win at all costs. ponderous skills competition usually made to look worse than it actually “He’s such a competitive guy. is because the NHL’s three-on-three overtime setup is so close to hockey paradise you can feel sun on your skin. “He wants to be The Guy. There are, however, moments when the shootout stops time, leaving you “He wants the puck on his stick every shift. He wants to be the finger-tapping your phone to tell all your dearest friends that eminently difference-maker. cool thing you just saw. “He’s just so consistent. He doesn’t take any games or shifts off, even In Vancouver tonight, both of those feelings were experienced. though he’s not used to this 82-game schedule and there are other circumstances too. A miserable game that lacked verve and atmosphere came to life because in the end Elias Pettersson willed it into existence. “But he’s done such a good job with it all and he’s been so dialed in. He is in the midst of his sixth NHL month and there are plays in his box of “To me, skill aside, having that demeanour and having that passion to instruments that he hasn’t yet attempted. win at all costs, that is so great to see.” He pulled one out tonight to pump up a flagging Rogers Arena crowd in Best Blame what was the biggest shootout flex the Canucks have had in years. If you really want to assess blame for the Devils’ second goal, Goldy Calmly unfurling his so-called Peter Forsberg move for the first time this provided a good example of why he can drive his coach bananas season, Dekey Pete’s shootout goal left his teammates pounding fists, sometimes. legitimately exhilarated like any fan would be seeing it live. The sequence that led up to the Devils on that play started with a very At least the Canucks, who don’t have much these days, have Pettersson. good forechecking opportunity for Goldy. “You should have seen me on the bench,” Troy Stecher said. “If you can Will Butcher rips him off the puck and hey that happens. find that picture, it will explain everything. But on the other side, Goldy just has zero awareness as that scoring play “It was sickening.” develops. And by sickening, Stecher means he saw something incredible that he He, uhm, covers air. never thought was coming. Best Prediction “I thought he was beat,” Stecher said. Pettersson promised to be more selfish and he was until he wasn’t. “I thought the goalie read him like a book. Earlier in the day, this was the sequence between EP and TSN1040. “The next thing you know, he cuts it right across and one-hands it in. JPAT to EP: “We saw it the other night, there was a chance you had “It’s a pretty special move.” down the right side. Stecher isn’t the only one who thought rookie netminder MacKenzie “It was a 2-on-1 with Leivo. Blackwood was about to make an easy save. “It looked like you were in a prime position to shoot and you didn’t. “I thought I had him all the way in the shootout too,” Blackwood said. “Are you not shooting the puck as much?” “He went to my blocker side and I thought he had no more room left and next thing I know the one hand comes out and the puck comes over and PETTERSSON: “Maybe I need to be more selfish to score goals. I’m stretching for my life there. “But it’s just the player I am. I am always looking for the pass first. “He’s a heck of a player and that was a great goal.” “That play you’re talking about, I should have shot it. Stecher: “If I got in there and I was off to the (blocker) side that far, I’d “So, I knew it right after.” probably just dump it in the corner at that point and I’d say to (Blackwood) ‘All right, you’ve won this time.’ When he found himself in almost the exact position tonight, he delivered. “It was a helluva move.” The quality of Pettersson’s shot has improved rapidly since he was drafted in 2017. Best Accountability It’s likely why he still kind of sees himself as a playmaker first, because When it was over, Pettersson was not celebrating anything. for most of his life that was his reality. The Canucks had just lost in that shootout to a New Jersey Devils team But the reality now is that he is the Canucks’ best finisher and he can’t so filled with AHL players you’d swear they were overtly tanking and pass a puck to Alex Edler on a 3-on-1. were awful at hiding it. OK, he can. Asked about the goal he did score, Pettersson took blame for the second Devils goals and spent time lamenting two chances he had to rip the He just can’t do it twice and tonight he did. puck on net in overtime but passed, calling his play “too cute.” Best Perspective “On the second goal, it was my fault,” Pettersson announced, even though he was never asked about it. Since the 2016 NHL draft when the idea that the Canucks should trade Chris Tanev first started gaining steam the defenceman has now suffered “I have to stop my guy when their D gets a one-timer and they miss. 11 injuries. “I’ll learn from it.” The latest has ended his season. That’s Pettersson in the corner after the one-timer shot behind the goal There are NHL shot blockers, and Ron Hainsey immediately comes to line, and goalie Jacob Markstrom. mind, who never seem to get injured. Obviously, Tanev is not one of them. The Canucks’ fastest player was lined with its two smartest playmakers. Is it his technique? The result was 43 minutes of heaven. “He’s got a really good technique. I think that’s the best technique for That’s how long The Rush Line stayed together. blocking that, one leg out,” Biega said. If you napped, or got caught at the bar in a long line, you may have “You go against guys like Ovechkin and Stamkos and it’s probably not missed it, but it was enough to inspire a movement, and memories that going to go off your face. will last forever. “You have a better chance of blocking it with your leg. Well, maybe they’ll last the season. “The thing is, there’s only so much padding you can wear. He just seems RUSH LINE ADVOCATES DREAM OF PLAYS LIKE THIS MADE ALL unlucky. It’s a huge blow and he’s devastated.” THE TIME PIC.TWITTER.COM/EQGYXCK3JE “He had his stick far side to take care of that he reads the play really well — JASON BOTCHFORD (@BOTCHFORD) NOVEMBER 22, 2018 so he gets on it high. Never forget because in those 43 minutes, the trio helped generate four “If you get high like that, it becomes really hard for the shooter to raise goals, weren’t beat for any against and dominated the shot clock. the puck. I work out with Palmieri, I’ve seen him shoot a thousand pucks. That looks nice. “He always goes short side, top cheddar every time and he was going to do that if he didn’t block it. Artwork was created. “It sucks.” PRETTY SURE 2112 IS ABOUT THE DISCOVERY OF 77-40-18, THEIR DISPLAYS OF BEAUTY, AND THE SUBSEQUENT DISMANTLING Is it because Tanev is a man without fear, an old school warrior? — NOVALIS (@YOUNGMORGOTH) MARCH 16, 2019 He is definitely that because after the game it was announced he’s out for the season, suggesting something was broken in his leg. For whatever his reasons, and it’s mostly because he got married to the idea of playing Boeser with EP, Green has left The Rush Line behind in That would be something, because he left the ice to the trainer’s and November, forgotten somewhere like floating debris on the side of a returned to test that leg on the ice to see if he could keep playing. highway. “You would think after he’s broken three or four hands and three or four If it is to never to be seen again, they say there’s a blast of light still that legs and feet, he would change. But he has no fear and that’s the kind of the line left behind and it can be seen streaking through the night sky in player you need,” Markstrom said. the middle of the night. You also need players who stay in the lineup. Best WTF REGULAR VISIT TO CHRIS TANEV’S INJURY HISTORY He had 39 points in the Torts year and was worth something, always PIC.TWITTER.COM/T6RTTJUWRP remember. — NHLINJURYVIZ (@NHLINJURYVIZ) MARCH 16, 2019 @BOTCHFORD ICONIC PIC.TWITTER.COM/V2UFBT7MSP This list is pretty incredible and telling. — CARSON CHURCHMAN (@CHURCHMAN35) MARCH 16, 2019 This was his 20th injury in eight seasons. Best Find Best Call Out ATHLETTIES HERE WE GO! @BOTCHFORD: RYAN MILLER AND 2 GENERATIONS OF 44'S PIC.TWITTER.COM/YYI4R0RBYJ I do think Newell Brown has to make adjustments but I don’t think it’s the drop pass he needs to change. — ADAM RADZIMINSKI (@ADAMRADZIMINSKI) MARCH 16, 2019 I have been going back-and-forth with Boy Genius for days as he’s been Best Sign Of Trouble working on a piece on the Canucks power play, which is going to be incredibly telling. The Guddy redemption arc being built is problematic for the Canucks. I can’t even believe some of the discoveries Boy Genius has had tracking I’m not saying this is an issue for every veteran (hello, Roussel) but this power play and I’m really excited to read about what he thinks Quinn Guddy would not be the first vet who the Canucks didn’t get the most out Hughe can do to help it. of when here. Boy Genius should have this done early next week but I had to share this Sam Gagner is on a 25-goal pace in Edmonton and had a 50-point next find with the VIPs now: season sandwiched around his Canucks stay. “In the data that I’ve tracked, the Canucks have attempted 30 drop Little Things had 30 goals, got to Vancouver and his performance passes in the last three or four weeks,” Boy Genius said. evaporated. “Pettersson has received the drop pass zero times.” People in Boston are shocked when they see Tim Schaller play this season. Like, how is that even possible? How would you not want your most elusive skater with the puck? Anders Nilsson is 9-9 since leaving and that’s the worst team in hockey. “The team leader is Horvat with 10, but after that you have Tanner Best Checking Out Pearson with 6 and then Markus Granlund, Josh Leivo and Brock Boeser Green did not get the bounce-back he was hoping from Little Things Loui all tied with 3. Intuitively, this doesn’t make any sense,” Boy Genius said. after making Eriksson a healthy scratch. My jaw dropped. This defensive play from Eriksson is unreal. Best Answers He doesn’t get anywhere near the puck and appears to get his ankles BECAUSE HE PUTS HIS TEAM FIRST broken at the blueline on a Devils zone entry when he’s 20 feet away from the guy with the puck. — EDDIE LACK (@EDDIELACK) MARCH 16, 2019 But one of the great Little Things moments of the season came on a flyby he had when Horvat was getting mauled by a squad of New Jersey Devils. Best Use Of Elegy Wait for it: It seems like years ago, not months. Amazing. A time when anything was possible. OK, maybe not anything, but there was once a Canucks line with quite a lot of potential for quite a lot of Best Reality Check entertainment. Little Things said he saw the healthy scratch coming. He should have given his performance since New Year’s Eve. He’ll have played 20-something games as Marky’s backup and still won’t be deemed ready to be a starter. The surface underlying data is alarming for a player many contend can handle life in the NHL in a bottom six role and one people say hasn’t If that happens, it’s not a leap to suggest the Canucks would then sign given up on his team. Markstrom to an extension. They may be right, here are his numbers since Jan. 1 and, uh, no words: The case against a Demko trade is that the goalie market will be flooded this summer and the chances the Canucks would get value are not good. I know he hasn’t played with good players but he is way better than this and should be performing at a higher level even at his current age. It makes the move risky because it’s one that could quickly come back and haunt the organization. Best Questions Now, if Vancouver were to trade Demko who would be the backup? The Canucks’ current plan is for Thatcher Demko to start four of the remaining 11 games. There are a lot of pending free agents. If that’s the way it goes down, he won’t play 25 games this season, total. McElhinney is the one here who should stand out. He got into 16 in Utica and has started only three with the Canucks so far. He’s 17-8-2, with a .914 save percentage and has helped salvage Carolina’s season. For many reasons, it would have made sense for the Canucks to tap Demko as many times as possible for starts down the stretch, especially He also was a backup in Toronto two years ago, and started just 17 if the blueprint still calls for him to be the so-called next one. games, which is about three times a month. Markstrom has had an incredible workload for months and there is no Having two weeks between starts is one of the more challenging things a reason for this to continue during a three-week span when games will be goalie can be asked to do and he thrived. relatively meaningless. In Toronto, he has a .934 save percentage. In the second half of the season, the Canucks prioritized their micro There is one more twist. McElhinney spent years in Columbus where his situation — winning as many games as possible — over developing goalie coach was Ian Clark, who he credits for rebuilding his technique Demko. and game. What’s their motivation to not play him a lot down the stretch now? I’m not sure the Canucks would go this route but if they do it would show Maybe I’m missing something. you that “five more wins” is pretty important to them. Also, hopefully this changes. Best Story Because if the Canucks’ goalie situation is status quo during training Jacob Markstrom has just one of the best performances of his season camp in September, Demko will be the unproven backup getting work and he’s not satisfied. behind a goalie who is proving he deserves recognition for being a No. 1 Not even close. in this league. It’s the day after the trade deadline and the Canucks have just lost to It will actually be harder for Green to start Demko in the fall than it will be Colorado 3-2. right now. Markstrom made 43 saves, nearly half of them were ridiculous, chilling, And the hard truth is Demko’s current development curve puts him two edge-of-your-seat thrills that thwarted a long run of odd-man rush years away from reaching that same level as Markstrom hit this season. chances from that group of insanely talented Avalanche forwards. The fewer games he plays, the longer it’s going to take. It was a miracle the Canucks weren’t down by four goals after the first The harder truth, there’s always a chance Demko never gets to that level, period and every skater on Markstrom’s team could see it. and that’s a reality for any goalie. But, and this is so Markstrom, it’s the two goals he gave up that he can’t That brings us to this offseason and relevant questions about what the shake. Canucks may do next. “I don’t know, every game I come off, I feel like I could have done better,” If you are to take both Travis Green and at their word, they he said. will be looking for ways to improve the Canucks by five more wins in “I don’t think there’s been a game when I came off and I was really 2019-20, which theoretically could be enough to keep the Canucks in a happy. playoff race next March. “I could have saved both of those goals and the shootout it went in off the There is one obvious area the Canucks can upgrade to get five more glove, crossbar, in and out. wins. “It’s not just the goals. It’s technique. It’s footwork. It’s small details in my And it’s an area I haven’t heard many people talking about. game. Marky is 25-20-9, which is good enough for 59 points on the year and a “As soon as I do something in the game, I know it right away and I think 90-point pace for the season. ‘Ahhh, I’m going to see that on video.'” It is exactly where Arizona is at now and the Coyotes are holding down The “ahhh” is a reference to the work he knew would be coming with Ian the second wild-card spot. Clark, the Canucks’ fastidious coach who is currently painting his Mona Canucks backups have started 17 games. They have four wins and are Lisa. 4-12-1. Consider, two-time Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky has been If Markstrom can duplicate his performance, no easy task, and the indisputably average since Clark left Columbus while his new student has Canucks can find a backup who will hold serve and finish .500, it would been one of the biggest difference-making goaltenders in the NHL. come pretty close to making up the ground they need to add five wins. At the end of February, based on tracking done by Clear Sight Analytics Can Demko do it? — Steve Valiquette’s incredibly detailed goaltending data service — Markstrom had made 27.6 saves above average, which put him in the Maybe but unlikely if he’s handed the same difficult workload map top five in the entire NHL. Nilsson was given this year. At that same time, his actual save percentage was 2 per cent better than There is at least one Eastern Conference team claiming it has talked to expected based on Valiquette’s tracking and it placed Markstrom ninth in the Canucks about a possible Demko trade but it’s unclear if the team the NHL. These numbers are including October and November when called the Canucks or if it was the other way around. Markstrom struggled. Could it actually happen? Markstrom has started 54 games now and is expected to finish the season with more than 60. You can construct a case to trade Demko this summer because at the end of next season the most likely situation is this: That’s a number of games usually reserved for the best goalies in the game. “It feels like I’m on the right path,” Markstrom said. “Every day I want more. “I think I need that because I want to play. And I want to play as much as I can and I want to win hockey games.” Tonight may have been an imperfect game but Markstrom made an unbelievable save with a few minutes left, reading a rush chance and making a stop after a pass cut through the slot. “There’s not as many imperfect (moments),” Markstrom said. “I feel like I’m a good point where I want to be and I’m getting great help from the staff here. “But we’re a long way out of the playoffs so I’m not happy.” Markstrom burns to win but many believe he’s also matured and is able to better control his emotions. “I don’t think anyone knows. It’s easy for people to say,” he said. “They don’t know what’s going on in my head. They don’t know if I’m agitated or not. “Maybe I am? Maybe I showed it more before? “I’m putting the focus where I can impact the game the most.” And by that he means making saves and he’s made a ton of them this year. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136329 Websites differential is the fourth highest since 2005-06 and one of just seven seasons to be played at a pace of plus-80 or higher.

Tuukka Rask was nearly unbeatable that season winning the Vezina The Athletic / By the numbers: The top 10 teams of the salary cap era trophy on the back of a .930 save percentage, the highest in his career as a starter. That was a big contributor to the team’s stellar defence rating at even strength, but they were also very good at limiting shots. By Dom Luszczyszyn Mar 15, 2019 Combined, it’s the third best defensive season since 2005-06. Having the dynamic duo of Patrice Bergeron (he won his second Selke trophy this year) and Zdeno Chara (Norris runner-up) was a big factor to that. When the two were on the ice together, Boston allowed just 23.5 shots-per-60 The Tampa Bay Lightning continue to chase history. On Thursday night, and 1.35 goals at 5-on-5, a preposterously low figure. the Lightning earned their 54th win of the season, something only nine teams have done in the salary cap era. Their next one will be number 55, It seemed that year that the team would cruise back to the Stanley Cup joining just three others. With 11 games left, it’s becoming increasingly final after stomping over every team during the first 82 games, but an likely that the Lightning hit 60 wins, something that’s only been upstart Montreal Canadiens team had different plans. accomplished twice in hockey history. Stanley Cup Odds: +400 The last team to do it was the Detroit Red Wings, who set the NHL record with 62 in 1995-96. The comparisons are natural given each Put an asterisk next to this one as it came in a shortened 48-game team’s respective dominance, but that was a different era. The salary cap season, but that doesn’t make what Chicago did any less impressive. has changed the league landscape immensely and it’s perhaps more After 48 games the Blackhawks were on pace for a 60-win season of prudent to compare this year’s Lightning to their peers in a salary cap their own, winning 36 times that year and only losing seven in regulation world. en route to the team’s second of three Cups during their dynasty. Based on each team’s results (record and goal difference), their Of all the Blackhawks teams during the Toews and Kane era, this was by underlying numbers achieving those results (shot rates and percentages far the strongest and the record shows that. They carried on the legacy of at each strength), and how each category fared relative to other teams puck possession hockey passed on by the Red Wings and parlayed that that season (using standard deviations), these are the 10 best regular to even strength dominance that very few teams could match, earning 56 season teams since 2005-06. percent of the shot share and 62 percent of the goal share. Jonathan Toews was a huge part of that and earned his first (and only) Selke The Top 10 Teams of the Salary Cap Era trophy that season. Stanley Cup Odds: +420 The only thing keeping this team from ranking any higher was a strangely weak power play that ranked 19th in the league that season. When a The second season of Barry Trotz’ tenure was the one that got the team is that dominant at 5-on-5, they can get away with that. Capitals fanbase to believe again. As the talented core aged, it was becoming difficult to imagine a path to success but this edition proved Stanley Cup Odds: +350 otherwise. They fully bought into Trotz’ system and became a strong 5- on-5 team in all three zones, while keeping up their electric power play This was The Year. After heartbreak with previous Presidents’ trophy that had been frightening opponents for over half a decade. campaigns in 2009-10 and 2015-16, this was the team that would finally win it all, bringing an end to the suffering in Washington. That’s obviously Led by Braden Holtby at his peak and Alex Ovechkin scoring 50 goals not what happened, but it’s still difficult to fathom three seasons later. again, this team won 56 times, the second most in the salary cap era. From front to back, this Capitals team was one of the most complete They were a successful regular season team because they had very few clubs the salary cap era has seen. Holtby was at the top of his game, as weaknesses and yet they were still stifled in the playoffs by their arch too were the team’s collection of superstar talent in Ovechkin, Nicklas nemeses in Pittsburgh in the second round. Playoff glory would have to Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov and John Carlson. Aside from them, wait. Washington was deep at every position – there were no significant holes to be seen anywhere, and they even added the deadline’s top prize, Stanley Cup Odds: +500 Kevin Shattenkirk, to patrol the third pair. On paper, this team was the This might be a surprising one for some. The 2008-09 Bruins didn’t win one. even win the Presidents’ Trophy that season, missing by a single point, Throughout the regular season, it was difficult to see otherwise. The but did carry the best goal differential for the season at plus-78. A Capitals once again earned over 100 points, finishing with 118, and likely talented centre core of Marc Savard, David Krejci and Patrice Bergeron could’ve finished higher if not for the boredom that came in the final two was among the league’s best and of course there was Zdeno Chara at months from winning all the time. The power play was as illustrious as the top of his game – he would win his only Norris Trophy that season. ever, but they added a capable penalty kill to that. At even strength, it This was the beginning of an elite era for Bruins hockey, championed by wasn’t just the offence carrying the way either as the team was a beast a nearly impenetrable defence. In 2008-09, much of that was thanks to on defence in terms of both suppressing shots and stopping them, incredible goaltending at even strength where the Bruins had the second earning the second-best defensive season on record. Trotz had this team best season by save percentage relative to the field. In first and third running on all cylinders, but once again, the playoffs and the Penguins were … also the Bruins in 2010-11 and 2013-14. At its peak, Boston was snatched it all away from them. nearly impossible to beat in their own zone, but that year they were Stanley Cup Odds: +500 ultimately bested in the second round by Carolina. We don’t have shot attempt data past 2007-08, but there is shot data Stanley Cup Odds: +300 going back to 1966. In 2007-08, the Red Wings outshot teams 34.4 to The one that got away. No Canadian team has won a Stanley Cup since 23.5 on average, a margin of 10.9 shots-per-game – the largest margin in 1992-93 and this was the nation’s best hope. The Canucks were a hockey history. The Red Wings personified puck possession hockey like juggernaut and the 2010-11 campaign — the heart of The Window — no team ever has before or since, earning nearly 60 percent of the shot and it felt like destiny was on their side in their chase for their first Stanley share. That year, the top 10 in Corsi were all Red Wings, with Tomas Cup. Vancouver had star power led by its twin luminaries who both Holmstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and Pavel Datsyuk all over 64 percent on eclipsed 90 points (with Daniel Sedin leading the league in scoring), a the season (with a goal rate to match). There have been 45 players Selke trophy winner in Ryan Kesler and a Vezina nominee in Roberto seasons north of 60 percent since 2007-08, and these three are the only Luongo. But they had depth at every position too. ones to eclipse 63 percent over a full season. The Canucks were balanced on offence and defence, and especially The Red Wings weren’t the best finishing team leading to the lower potent on special teams where they ranked first on the power play and offence rating, but that didn’t matter much as the team comfortably led third on the penalty kill. Combined, Vancouver has the third best rating of the league in goal differential at plus-73. That number is especially any team, behind only the first and second best teams listed here. It impressive considering the next best team that year was at plus-40 and wasn’t enough though as the team fell one game shy of the Stanley Cup. only five teams were above plus-15. Relative to the team’s respective field in a given season, it’s actually the most impressive goal differential Stanley Cup Odds: +400 season in NHL history. The Bruins won a Stanley Cup in 2010-11 and found their way back to Of the 10 teams here, the 2007-08 Red Wings are just one of two to win the final in 2012-13, but it was the team in 2013-14 that was arguably it all, demolishing opponents in all four rounds en route to a title. It was Boston’s best. In the regular season, the Bruins won the Presidents’ rarely ever close, and never really fair – Detroit owned the puck like no trophy by a single point, but there was no doubt they were the league’s other. best team, out-scoring the next best by 27 goals. The plus-87 goal Stanley Cup Odds: +325 The most powerful offensive team of this generation. Their 3.82 goals- per-game still leads the era, though this year’s Bolts are giving them a run. The firepower was evident at both even-strength and on the power play where the Capitals owned the highest rating in both, high enough to overlook a more modest defence and much weaker penalty kill. Ovechkin and Backstrom both hit 100 points that year, while Alex Semin turned in a 40-40 season. Mike Green was a point-per-game as defenceman for the second straight season – something that had only been done once, by Nicklas Lidstrom no less, in the last decade. The stars were shining brightly in the nation’s capital. At evens, the Capitals shot and converted more often than any other team, giving them a lethal attack that was difficult to stop. Of the 39 teams to earn over 60 shot attempts per 60, the Capitals were the only team to convert at 10 percent or higher. On the power play, it was the exact same story, the team converted 3.4 percentage points more than the next best team. They were one of the greatest offensive teams of all time, making their demise all the more staggering: they just couldn’t score. Simply put, the Capitals got Halak’d in what was the first of many disappointments for Ovechkin and company before finally breaking through last season, a disappointment that likely set the team back that far due to a narrative that they couldn’t win ‘that way.’ All the past failures made the victory even sweeter, but it’s still difficult to believe the first Cup for the Capitals didn’t happen a decade earlier. Stanley Cup Odds: +400 The analytics era started in 2007-08 when the league introduced real- time stats, allowing hobbyists to track shot attempts and figure out which teams were controlling play. The fourth best team on this list is the single greatest team by that measure and the reason many became obsessed with puck possession hockey. I’d bet the team two years prior was just as dominant. When you have a younger Lidstrom patrolling the blueline for 28 minutes per night and Datsyuk and Zetterberg closer to their peak, that’s to be expected. This team was loaded from top-to-bottom, earning the top even-strength goal rate and power play, the third-best penalty kill and the fifth best even-strength goals against rate. Few teams have been that elite across the board making it not at all surprising that they earned 58 wins and 124 points, both tops in the salary cap era – for now. What was surprising was how it ended: in the first round with a stunning upset to the eighth-place Oilers in six games. There are few greater testaments to the randomness of the sport in a seven-game series than Detroit losing here and a warning for this year’s juggernaut: in the playoffs, anything can happen. Stanley Cup Odds: +250 It’s very close, but at this juncture, it appears that this year’s Lightning could be the single best team in the salary cap era. Their record obviously speaks for itself, but so too do their numbers across the board, especially on special teams where the Lightning are gunning to be the second team ever to finish tops on both the power play and penalty kill. Much of the Lightning’s success this season can be attributed to lofty percentages at every strength, but that becomes less of a concern when a team is this talented. This isn’t just the best team in hockey this season, but the best team, period, since at least 2005-06. The playoffs may alter that perception, but it shouldn’t. While everyone always focuses on postseason glory, regular season dominance often gets overlooked. What the Lightning are doing this year is truly special and should be revered, even if it doesn’t result in winning the big prize at the end of it all. Tampa Bay is in rarified air with their performance this year, needing just six wins in its final 11 games to hit 60 on the season. There has been a Stanley Cup champion in every season except one since 1915, but only three ever 60-win seasons – that’s worth celebrating. Of the nine other “top” regular season teams, only two have gone all the way. That seems paltry given each team’s brilliance over 82 games, but that’s simply the reality of this crazy sport. Two out of nine is 22.2 percent, while the average Stanley Cup probability from each of the nine teams is 25.7 percent. A little less, but not far off. As it stands now, Tampa Bay’s Cup chances according to the market are higher than any team has ever seen in the salary cap era, but you’d still be wiser choosing the field – which is exactly why regular season success deserves more respect. Tampa Bay has earned that this season. The Athletic LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136330 Websites Fair enough, but Andersen still has something to prove this spring. He’s not unlike the Leafs themselves — looking to deliver on all the promise shown these last couple years by taking another step forward. Sportsnet.ca / Maple Leafs' Andersen remaining upbeat through We’ve seen encouraging signs all season, especially when you consider struggles he was sporting a career-best .924 save percentage on Monday morning. But after getting pulled in losses to Tampa and Chicago, and taking some knocks against Philadelphia, Andersen was back at .918 — the exact Chris Johnston | @reporterchris March 15, 2019 number he posted as the Toronto starter in 2016-17 and 2017-18. He struggled badly last March with an .884 across 10 starts and had a couple tough outings during the seven-game loss to the Bruins. There TORONTO — Frederik Andersen had never been pulled in back-to-back was some thought he might have burned out by the end, although he games during his NHL career and it didn’t go exactly as planned when he never admitted as much publicly. returned to the crease on Friday night. The Leafs entered this season hoping to limit his workload and they’ll The big Dane is suddenly fighting it in the waning days of a season succeed in large part because of a groin injury that sidelined him from where he has unquestionably been among the very best at his craft. late December through mid-January. He’s now on pace for 61 Given how crucial he is to the Toronto Maple Leafs cause, there has to appearances after seeing 66 each of the last two years, although be a small degree of concern inside the walls here — not to mention Babcock hinted last week he might be restricted even more than normal some debate about how much more action he should see before the down the stretch. playoffs. “We’ve got the schedule all laid out,” he said last Friday in Vancouver. “I Andersen, to his credit, didn’t attempt to obfuscate the issue after giving feel he’s going to get to be around that — 60 — but who knows?” up six goals on 29 shots and still managing to survive with a 7-6 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers. He acknowledged the mental struggle that’s The last five periods and change might affect the plans. You can arrived with the parade of pucks that went by him this week and said he probably make an argument for a little more rest after seeing Andersen was just glad not to score into his own his goal during one white-knuckle give up 14 goals on 62 shots this week, by far his toughest three-game handling off a long clear by the Flyers in the third period. stretch all year. He was surprisingly cheerful, actually, given how challenging the night At least it gave his teammates the chance to repay him for all the times must have been. The three-goal rally victory brought relief to every he’s bailed them out. corner of the dressing room and bought Andersen a bit of breathing room to get his own game straightened in a happier environment. After falling behind 5-2, the Leafs allowed just one shot on goal in the next 13 minutes while completely erasing that deficit. Andersen had to “It gives us another day to keep working it out and that’s the only thing make sharp saves on Travis Konecny and Shane Gostisbehere from you really can do,” he said. “As a goalie, you’d love to win 2-0 every night there and saw Matthews scored twice to pull out the win on a night where but it just didn’t happen so you keep battling and keep trying to be the Toronto had 51 shots and controlled more than 65 per cent of the even- upbeat personality and have a good attitude about it.” strength attempts. That approach can be traced to a meeting between Andersen and Mike “I’d love to handle [the struggles] better, I think. Get out of it quicker,” said Babcock in his childhood home last May. The Leafs coach travelled to Andersen. “Just trying to work my way out of it and glad to see we get Herning, Denmark, to watch the IIHF World Hockey Championship after two points today. Guys were great at getting pucks to the net. I thought his team was bounced from the playoffs and met with the goalie and his we played really good today, so I was obviously happy to get the win.” parents during the visit. Sure beats the alternative. They discussed what would be required from a No. 1 goaltender to survive the roller-coaster, two-month grind of the Stanley Cup playoffs. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 He also challenged Andersen to take on even more of a leadership role with the Leafs — a message he seems to have taken to heart. That off-season conversation was revisited informally on Thursday, when Babcock and Andersen chatted again during a Danish-themed team meal after practice. It left the coach feeling confident that this unusual week for Andersen will be nothing more than a blip on the radar. “I really believe in life that adversity is just speed bumps to get you to another level,” said Babcock. “I believe in Freddie a lot. Our guys believe in him. He’s a real good man, takes things personal and he’ll be great. “The mental toughness you need to go deep in the playoffs is, you’ve just got to have a belief in yourself. You’ve got to know every day when you come to the rink it’s going to turn out right and then you’re going to be great. “So, here’s a little test for him. I think these tests are great.” With backup Garret Sparks due to start in Ottawa on Saturday, Andersen can take a quick breather. It should also allow for a little more work with goalie coach Steve Briere since his next action will presumably come in Nashville on Tuesday. He is not far removed from superlative play — he heard “Freddie! Freddie!” chanted in all three buildings during a 2-0-1 swing through Western Canada last week — and he can certainly point to some porous defensive zone coverage for what’s happened since. Even the victory over Philadelphia included another three lost faceoffs that led directly to goals against. “The last couple games, they’re not completely on him,” said Auston Matthews, who helped fuel Friday’s three-goal comeback in tandem with linemate William Nylander. “I’m sure for him, he’d like to have some of those back, but for us, that’s our guy and we’ve got to play better for him.” “We’re not worried about Fred at all,” added defenceman Jake Muzzin. 1136331 Websites Another Tkachuk goal midway through the third salted the game away, helping the Flames leapfrog San Jose once again for tops in the West – a tough place to stay without your top centre. Sportsnet.ca / Flames' depth about to be tested with Monahan sidelined “I think he’s just under the weather and won’t travel – we don’t want it going through the team,” said Peters of Monahan. Eric Francis | March 16, 2019 “He just wasn’t feeling right after the first. We’re hoping that’s what it is, therefore we’re not going to put him on the plane.”

Sportsnet NOW gives you access to over 500 NHL games this season, CALGARY – The Calgary Flames’ depth is about to be tested. blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, Rogers Hometown Hockey, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, the entire 2019 Stanley So are Bill Peters’ juggling skills. Cup Playoffs and more. On a night in which Matthew Tkachuk spearheaded the offence with a The Flames have been largely unscathed by the injury bug this season. remarkable five-point binge, Sean Monahan dominated the chatter with Anything more than a brief illness could be stomach-turning for a club an injury that opened a significant hole in the lineup. prepping for its first playoff spin in two years. The Flames’ top centre left Friday’s win over the Rangers after playing The Flames recently summoned Stockton’s leading scorer, Alan Quine, nine minutes in the first period. from the minors and will press the left-shooting veteran into duty Saturday, likely as the fourth centre. It wasn’t preceded by a hellacious hit or an obvious tweak, he simply didn’t return for the second period. Peters said he’ll also make changes defensively in an effort to get a few more of his nine blue-liners into the lineup. Rasmus Andersson stayed in Bill Peters said after the game Monahan suffered from an illness similar the game following a healthy slash on the wrist by Brett Howden, but may to the one ailing Mike Smith this week, and confirmed his top centre be a candidate to nurse it Saturday. won’t be travelling to Winnipeg after the game for a Saturday night tilt with the Jets. David Rittich won his third straight start, making 24 saves as the club tries to determine which netminder will start the playoffs for the team. The early night comes three days after Monahan was asked to leave the game by an NHL concussion spotter following a heavy hit by New Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 Jersey’s Blake Coleman. The Flames’ first-line centre returned to that game and practised with the club Thursday. He even spoke to the media, but one has to wonder if complications from the hit contributed to the illness. The absence of their 31-goal scorer thrusts Derek Ryan into a spotlight that will likely see him anchor the top trio. Ryan filled Monahan’s spot for the duration of Friday’s game and certainly has the trust of Peters, whom the 32-year-old centre played for for three years in Carolina before he joined the coach in Calgary as a depth free agent last summer. Peters will now have to decide if the pivot they call “Doc” can act as a viable Band-Aid between Johnny Gaudreau and Elias Lindholm on a top line that had 14 points a game earlier. Moving Lindholm to the middle and putting Tkachuk up with the big lads may seem like a logical fix. But the coach would likely be hesitant to break up the second unit of Mikael Backlund, Michael Frolik and Tkachuk as they posted 11 points two games earlier. On Friday they added eight more, including a career-tying night for Tkachuk, who had two goals and three assists. “It’s not a competition,” laughed the 21-year-old winger, who extended his career highs in goals (32), assists (41) and points (73). “Although that last shift, Backs and Fro wanted me to get six like Johnny (Gaudreau) last game, but I might have toe-picked there and couldn’t get it done.” That’s 10 points in the Flames’ three-game homestand for the pending restricted free agent, who is unquestionably in line to be the highest-paid Flame of all time this summer at over $7 million annually. It took Tkachuk 23 games before that trio of outings to rack up 10 points as the top two lines went through a well-documented slump. Tkachuk’s career night opened with a long bomb from his own zone he flipped 90 feet to where Gaudreau darted in alone and put a world-class deke on Alexandar Georgiev to open the scoring. “I saw Johnny flying and I saw the defenceman wasn’t looking at me, so if I threw it in the air he couldn’t turn around and catch it,” said Tkachuk of the highlight-reel pass that bounced and almost stopped on the opposition’s blue line. “It landed with a fortunate bounce and Johnny went in and finished it with a great move. Honestly, I think the highlight is Johnny beating the guy and kind of roasting him with speed, getting a fortunate bounce and making that move on Georgiev.” Tkachuk’s trademark redirect of a Mark Giordano shot made it 2-1 early in the second before pretty Tkachuk setups for Garnet Hathaway and Frolik were easily converted. 1136332 Websites And right before Stefan Noesen, unchecked directly in front of the net, tied it at 13:34, Markstrom made a point-blank save on Kenny Agostino. Right after the goal, he stopped Travis Zajac on a two-on-one. Sportsnet.ca / Canucks' future looks secure with Jacob Markstrom Welcome to Markstrom’s world. Still, it wasn’t enough to get the Canucks a win. Damon Severson scored Iain MacIntyre | March 16, 2019 the shootout winner for the Devils in the seventh round of the skills contest.

“We have to find ways (to win),” Biega said. “We have to be better in all VANCOUVER – The discussion about how many of their remaining areas, especially game management. I just don’t think we managed the games the Vancouver Canucks should devote to Thatcher Demko’s game the right way. We’re up 2-0 and we should be able to play sound development would be much simpler if Jacob Markstrom would just stop defence. playing so well. “It seems like every game, no matter whether we win or lose, Marky In their garbage-time game Friday against the New Jersey Devils, nearly makes unbelievable saves. We can’t always ask our goaltender to stand all the stirring moments between the initial drop of the puck and rookie on his head every game. We have to help out.” Elias Pettersson’s opening goal in the second period were when Markstrom was making saves. Which he has done all season. The Canucks will soon ask Demko, the backup promoted mid-season from the minors, to stand on his head. Among players mentioned in the previous sentence, only one can be the Canucks’ Most Valuable Player and his name doesn’t rhyme with Calder Markstrom’s brilliant form, which had the Canucks in the playoff race until Trophy. Pettersson is the most exciting player to arrive in Vancouver in a February, and a knee injury that Demko suffered during a pre-game generation, and his rapid rise as the National Hockey League’s top rookie warmup on Feb. 4 that kept him out three weeks, has restricted the 23- is vital to the Canucks’ future. year-old to just three NHL starts. But Markstrom has been the best Canuck this season, from start to The Canucks have 11 games remaining, beginning with the first of back- (almost at the) finish. to-back road games Sunday in Dallas, and Demko should start four or five of them even if going with his backup sends a signal to players from It wasn’t Pettersson’s shootout re-enactment of Peter Forsberg’s one- Green that the coach isn’t icing his best lineup. handed deke from the 1994 Olympics – which is to Sweden what Paul Henderson’s 1972 goal is to Canada – that left the 20-year-old Canuck But Green and general manager Jim Benning need a firmer idea of what grasping for words on Friday. they have in Demko. From the time he was drafted in 2014 until this season, Demko was considered the Canucks’ goalie of the future. Right It was a question about Markstrom, who was brilliant again but still lost 3- now, however, the future looks secure with Markstrom. 2 to the Devils in a shootout after the Canucks squandered a two-goal, third-period lead. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 “He’s been unbelievable all year,” Pettersson said, shaking his head after a pause. “Without him, we’d be even in a tougher spot. He’s a great goalie and I wish we could grind out more wins for him because he stands on his head most nights.” For the record, Pettersson said of his shootout move that fooled Jersey goalie Mackenzie Blackwood: “Of course, that move is famous (in Sweden). It’s a good move if the goalie bites.” Hooked last Saturday for the first time in 52 starts during his breakthrough season as a starter, Markstrom has responded to that anomaly by stopping 52 of 55 shots over two games, finishing’s Friday’s with 33 saves. Sportsnet NOW gives you access to over 500 NHL games this season, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, Rogers Hometown Hockey, Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey, the entire 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more. Markstrom’s .913 save percentage for the season is misleading due to the shot quality he faces behind one of NHL’s weakest blue lines, thinned by a constant churn of injuries that have seen top defencemen Alex Edler and Chris Tanev in the lineup together for just 40 of 71 games. Two games back from a sprained ankle suffered a month ago when Ryan Geztlaf fell on him in Anaheim, Tanev was cruelly injured again Friday when he blocked Kyle Palmieri’s power-play one-timer in the first period. After a wobbly test skate during a television timeout, Tanev looked despondent as he briefly sat on the bench and lowered his head before leaving the game. He left Rogers Arena on crutches and Canucks coach Travis Green told reporters after the game that Tanev is done for the season. “He’s a good guy, good player, and a guy we need in our team,” Markstrom said. “That guy’s luck is unbelievable. Pretty much every injury he’s had has been blocking shots from one-timers. You would think after breaking three or four hands, three or four legs and feet. . . he gets out there and has no fear.” Asked about playing so often without either Tanev or Edler or both, Markstrom said: “When they’re healthy, it’s different. It’s tough when those guys are out.” Probably the Canucks would blow fewer leads, although Edler was on the ice for both goals against in the final 15 minutes of regulation time. Just before Kevin Rooney got free of Canucks defenceman Alex Biega and banged a rebound past Markstrom to make it 2-1 at 5:41 of the third, the goalie stopped Devil Blake Coleman on a breakaway. 1136333 Websites first four games. But since then, the Canadiens have been stuck in a win- one-lose-one pattern that’s forced them to the bubble of the playoff picture. Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens could benefit from more rest before tough final By the time they wake up on Saturday, they could be as many as two stretch points behind the Columbus Blue Jackets and three points back of the Carolina Hurricanes, who are in the first wild-card position. Eric Engels March 15, 2019 How will the Canadiens reverse course? “We need to be a team playing hard,” Canadiens forward Andrew Shaw said following the disappointing loss to New York on Thursday. “All lines, BROSSARD, Que. — The Montreal Canadiens had a meeting Friday all D, goalie — everyone has to be playing their best every night.” morning and then jumped into a high-intensity, 50-minute practice at their south shore training facility. A little rest could go a long way towards enabling the Canadiens to do that. Halfway through, they ran 3-on-3 battle drills. Full contact, and at full speed. They carved up the ice and worked themselves to the bone and Julien will likely give it to them Saturday morning, and they’ll have a day then finished up with some shooting drills. off on Sunday, and perhaps their practice schedule will be reduced from here to the end. This was on the heels of a playoff-style game in New York a night prior. One the Canadiens lost 2-1 because they couldn’t seem to match the But the coach felt Friday’s skate was imperative. energy of the hometown Islanders. So, whether or not it will serve the “We felt that today we needed to work on parts of our game that’s team best come Saturday, when the Chicago Blackhawks come to the slipping and that was the priority,” said Julien. “I think the guys are Bell Centre, is anybody’s guess. mentally strong enough to understand the importance of tomorrow and Count us among those who felt the Canadiens would have benefited the energy should be there.” from some rest on Friday. Their schedule has seen them play nine of We’ll see how long it lasts. their last 11 games on the road and 11 games in 20 nights, and it seems abundantly clear it’s caught up to them as they haven’t managed to win Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 consecutive games on more than one occasion over that time. Canadiens assistant captain Brendan Gallagher isn’t of the same opinion. He was happy to practice on Friday and afterwards said, “It’s probably a good thing to battle. It always seems to carry over.” Maybe it will for Montreal when they face off against the Blackhawks on Saturday. But you have to wonder if they have enough gas in the reserve tank to persevere in the extremely tight playoff race they’re currently entrenched in, if they can turn on the afterburners to muster a winning record over their final 11 games — four of them to finish against cream- of-the-crop teams from Winnipeg, Tampa Bay, Washington and Toronto. The risk that they wouldn’t have the energy to do it has been there since the beginning of the season, when coach Claude Julien instituted a system that would demand a full-throttle effort at both ends of the ice. He warned several times — after the Canadiens got off to a 6-2-2 start — that it would be up to the group to prove they could sustain the speed game they were catching teams off guard with. The game Montreal defenceman Victor Mete described on Friday as: “Closing quickly, taking guys’ time and space away, quick reloads so the D can pinch down the wall, hard forechecking.” It all seems to be in doubt now, but Julien believes his team still has what it takes to play the way he wants it to. “[Fatigue] would be the lamest excuse we could ever find [for not executing the system],” he said. “I think right now it’s more about having the willingness to do it. We’ve given guys lots of rest, there’s no reason to be tired. If anything, we’re a quick team because we have good skaters. That’s why we’re playing a fast game. It’s not one of those things where we’re pushing the guys to play faster than they can and because of that they’re exhausted. Absolutely not. So we can look at all the excuses in the world right now and it’s pretty obvious we’re not playing a good enough game right now to be able to win. “We need to be better in the little details and what we do. Little details could be the first period. We need to be better prepared to jump on the ice and expect a tough opponent. We have to be ready to finish. All these things that you talk about — if reloading’s not as important as it was at the beginning of the year, those are things that can end up hurting you. All these things — forecheck, closing quickly so we can turn pucks over — we just need to get back to that and it has zero to do with fatigue. We have all the tools that you can ask for that you need to tell you whether the guys are tired or not, and they’re not. So all that’s good.” A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. New episodes every Thursday. The results of late suggest otherwise, and it’s not the first time this season the Canadiens’ energy has waned. It was painfully obvious in November they had hit a bit of a wall when they went 5-7-2. They caught a second wind in December, sparked largely by the return of Shea Weber from a year-long absence that followed surgery on both legs, and managed to close out 2018 with a 10-5-0 run. They rode the wave to a 7-4-0 January and opened February with wins in three of their 1136334 Websites four minutes, and the second pairing player simply is not good enough for a steady diet of playing against the opponent’s top line.

“It’s been a challenge for them,” Maurice said of his defence corps. “The Sportsnet.ca / Jets prove contender status by withstanding blue-line one positive that we did have going was that would be the deepest part injuries of our team on the right side. When Dustin came out we do have Trouba and Myers. There’s not a lot of teams that would be able to say they had that luxury. Both of those guys can play 25 minutes.” Mark Spector | March 15, 2019 It’s why the contenders can withstand a few key injuries, and still be in first place in their division when those players return. On the contrary, pretenders talk about man-games lost, and how full the trainer’s room is, WINNIPEG — What’s your favorite NHL team? and begin sentences with, “Well, I don’t want to use it as an excuse, but…” OK, now take away your team’s best two defencemen, the way the Winnipeg Jets have been without injured blue-liners Dustin Byfuglien and It’s called being a good team. Even if part of that team is playing on the Josh Morrissey for the past seven games. How would your team fare? AHL affiliate. In Toronto, they’re struggling with Jake Gardiner on the shelf. Well, take “If everybody’s healthy,” said Maurice, “we have 10 defencemen that can Morgan Rielly out of the lineup as well. How would the Leafs look then? play. Which is good. In Edmonton, they were without Andrej Sekera when Oscar Klefbom “Because we seem to go through them.” went down with a busted finger. The Oilers nose-dived, going 6-12-3 and falling out of the playoff chase. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 Vancouver? With Chris Tanev out from Feb. 14 to March 9, they went 4- 6-2. When Alex Edler went down during that time the Canucks were 2-2- 2, with four of those games coming against non-playoff teams. A weekly deep dive into the biggest hockey news in the world with hosts Elliotte Friedman and Jeff Marek. New episodes every Thursday. So, how have the Jets managed to remain in fist place in the Central with Byfuglien having missed 27 of the past 32 games, and now Morrissey for the past eight games? “We have a lot of good players,” said Ben Chiarot. Simple, right? Coaches and players always brag about how deep their teams are. But how often do those same voices remind us how tough it is to win with a couple of key players out of the lineup? Now, the Jets have only gone 4-4 with both Morrissey and Byfuglien out of the lineup, but’s it’s been an eight-game tour through the top teams in the NHL. Their record without Byfuglien is 15-10-1. “Those two players are unique,” began head coach Paul Maurice. “People don’t know Josh Morrissey quite as well, but … he’s one of the handful of guys that can actually play against Connor McDavid. I’m not saying he’s stopping him every time, but you saw it: he met him at the post once from the other end of the ice. There’s not a lot of guys that can do that. Dustin, of course, is far more well-documented.” Because of the variety of ways he impacts a hockey game, Byfuglien is indeed a unique and valuable defenceman. That also makes him impossible to replace. For instance, when a skilled, power-play quarterback goes down, most teams have the hockey equivalent of a “backup quarterback.” He’s not as good, but he can run the offence. When a staunch defender gets injured, the rest of the Top 4 simply sacrifice some offence, and concentrate a little harder on their own zone. But Byfuglien does it all: he bombs it on the power play, gives his team a huge physical presence, defends well, and by virtue of his size, literally sways shot metrics away from his side of the ice, according to Maurice. There is, by any account, only one Byfuglien in the game today. “Those are our top two guys on the back end. Two of the better defencemen in the league,” said Chiarot. “Buff has been around a long time. He’s a veteran and has a big presence in the room, as Josh does. “We’ve been holdin’ down the fort with those guys out, but definitely any time you take two of your top four D out it is going to be noticeable.” Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. Of course, the Jets are vague when it comes to particulars surrounding the injuries, saying only that they hope they can return before the playoffs. Byfuglien appears to have an ankle issue, perhaps a high ankle sprain. Morrissey is believed to have a shoulder or collarbone problem, which will put him in peril if he returns in the physical post-season, where defencemen tend to get belted more often. For now, the other D-men are taking on extra minutes. But we’ve all seen teams where that 14-minute defenceman can’t handle the extra three or 1136335 Websites BUY OR SELL • Nikita Kucherov’s 115 points are the most by any player since the 2006- 07 NHL season and he has 11 games left to add to the total. He has 32 Sportsnet.ca / Truth By Numbers: Why Ben Bishop deserves some points in his past 20 games and if he keeps up this pace, he’ll hit 132 Vezina Trophy attention points. Joe Thornton currently has the highest point total in the salary cap era with 125 in 2005-06. We have to go all the way back to Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr in 1995-96 to find a point total higher than Andrew Berkshire March 15, 2019 125, with the two Penguins hitting 161 and 149 respectively. This is just to put into context how absolutely absurd Kucherov has been this year. We could be witnessing the best offensive production for a single player in 22 seasons. In this week’s column, we focus first on Ben Bishop‘s underappreciated great season, why he’s Dallas’ MVP — and why, if he’s out for a while • Also with 32 points in his past 20 games, Sidney Crosby is dragging the following Thursday’s injury, it could spell trouble for the Stars. Pittsburgh Penguins kicking and screaming into the playoffs. You just can’t count out the Penguins while Sid is still playing like this. Plus, we look at Jared McCann who is on a great run in Pittsburgh: is he doing something differently in Mike Sullivan’s system, or just a • With the Canadiens struggling and Jonathan Drouin putting up just four beneficiary of playing with Sidney Crosby? assists in his past 15 outings, all in one game, criticism of the young forward is mounting. The problem with Drouin is that when he’s not Those points and more in this week’s Truth By Numbers. producing his defensive struggles are front and centre. Over the past two SPOTLIGHT PERFORMANCE years, no forward in the NHL has been on the ice for more high quality chances against with pre-shot movement per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 than The Dallas Stars haven’t exactly played inspiring hockey this season. Drouin. If he can’t produce points, and the power play isn’t going to get They’re one of the lowest event teams in the NHL and don’t generate better, that’s a major problem. much outside of their vaunted top line — and even one of their top players, Jamie Benn, has been having a horrible season by his own • Playing with Connor McDavid has crazy advantages, but I’ve long been standards with only 47 points in 67 games. in the camp that Leon Draisaitl is an elite or at least near elite player in his own right. This season he’s second in the NHL in completed passes The saving grace for the Stars has been their goaltending, specifically to the slot at 5-on-5, between Kucherov and Crosby, and 13th in passes Ben Bishop, who has posted the league’s best save percentage. He’s a off the rush. I don’t know if he’s a play-driving centre, but he’s a hair ahead of Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy at .932, and yet we don’t playmaking force to be reckoned with. hear his name much when pundits talk about the Vezina. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 03.16.2019 The reason for that might be the aforementioned low-event, defensive style the Stars play, but how far does that go to explaining Bishop’s numbers? Let’s dig into it. Just to compare him on a level playing field, we included Bishop’s backup Anton Khudobin, which gives us an idea of how much of Bishop’s performance is due to team effects. At even strength, Bishop and Khudobin have nearly identical save percentages, but Bishop is outperforming him significantly from the inner slot or high danger area, and slightly from the slot overall. A main reason for that is, as good as the Stars are defensively, they’re not as tight with Bishop in net as they are with Khudobin. Part of that could be they trust Bishop and take more risks while he’s in net, but my guess is that the more logical explanation is simply that Bishop plays against tougher teams on average than Khudobin. When you include special teams, the gap between the two goaltenders widens, and Bishop’s strong play stands out over league average even more. He’s been the Stars’ MVP this season, and a lower-body injury he suffered Thursday evening could be devastating if he’s out for long. Ben Bishop now holds the Stars franchise record for longest shutout streak, currently at 230 minutes, 53 seconds. He breaks the previous record set by Ed Belfour of 219 minutes, 26 seconds (November, 2000). #GoStars pic.twitter.com/UKUoa9G8zw — Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) March 15, 2019 THE QUESTION With the playoff races heating up, Steve Dangle is wondering if the Penguins can stay hot, but more specifically… “What’s up with Jared McCann? Has he changed something in his game to justify this heater he’s on?” Well, I can think of one thing for sure: he’s getting to share the ice with Sidney Crosby at the moment, but I won’t write off his own contributions out of hand. Let’s compare McCann’s numbers from Florida to what he’s been able to accomplish in Pittsburgh. The main difference has been goal scoring, so let’s focus on his shooting. McCann has moved slightly closer to the net on his scoring chances, but he’s getting an almost identical number compared to his time in Florida. He’s also taking more shots from the perimeter. This kind of change in shot quality isn’t enough to explain why his shooting percentage has doubled in Pittsburgh. So I think the only thing we can conclude is that the Crosby effect is in full force, and on top of that, luck has helped drive this hot streak as well. Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. 1136336 Websites on February 2nd) and been shutout six times. Brock Boeser leads the team in goals and points since Christmas (11+14=25) and he and Elias Pettersson (10) are the only players on the roster in double-digits during TSN.CA / Five Takeaways: Canucks vs Devils that time. Boeser, Pettersson and Bo Horvat (7) are the only players with more than six goals since Christmas. For an organization that wants to believe it is progressing, this has to be a troubling statistic. Jeff Paterson TSN.CA LOADED: 03.16.2019

TAKEAWAYS 1) A two-game win streak for the Vancouver Canucks will have to wait. Up 2-0 early in the third against one of the few teams beneath them in the standings, the Canucks let the New Jersey Devils off the hook on Friday night. The Devils scored twice in the third to tie the game and then won it in the seventh round of a shootout. It was the fifth time this season New Jersey has rallied when trailing after two periods while the Canucks lost for the sixth time when leading after 40 minutes (now 16-2-4). The Canucks still have not won consecutive games since January 18th and 20th and have only strung back to back wins together twice since Christmas. They seemed to be in full control when Tanner Pearson scored a gift goal 1:42 into the third to extend the lead to 2-0, but then sat back and watched as the Devils started to control the play. The Devils tied the game with two of their own and very nearly took the lead in regulation when Travis Zajac was stopped point blank by Jacob Markstrom with 3:40 remaining. 2) The story of the night happened early in the hockey game. Chris Tanev blocked a Kyle Palmieri slap shot on the Devils lone power play of the night. Tanev struggled to the bench and headed straight down the tunnel to the locker room. Later in the period, he returned to the ice during a television timeout, took a quick twirl and once again retreated to the dressing room and that was it for his night. And, as it turns out, his season. After the game, it was revealed that Tanev suffered a broken bone in his foot. He was spotted outside the Canucks locker room in a walking boot and on crutches. The injury occured just minutes into Tanev's fourth period of hockey since missing 11 games with an ankle injury suffered February 13th in Anaheim. Earlier in the season, he missed time with a hip contusion suffered in a late October game in Vegas. Last season, Tanev was shutdown for the year with the final one of his five injuries that forced him out of the line-up. A warrior who puts himself in the line of fire -- perhaps too often at this stage of his career -- Tanev will turn 30 in December and you have to wonder if he has any chance of staying healthy and playing anything resembling a full season ever again. He ended up playing 55 games this season after playing 42 last season and 53 the season before that. As much as he can help the Canucks when healthy, the problem is he just can't stay healthy and can't be counted on to be there for the team because of the long injury history. 3) Elias Pettersson said Friday morning he had to be more selfish with the puck and shoot a little more. He did just that on a second period power play opening the scoring with a snap-shot from the right circle that Devils netminder Mackenzie Blackwood didn't see. It snapped an 11- game goal drought for Pettersson and surely brought with it some relief. The goal was his team-leading 27th of the season and gives him 59 points which ties Trevor Linden's rookie season output and moves Pettersson just a point away from matching Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka for the franchise record for first year points. He could reach that mark as soon as Sunday in Dallas. Pettersson also opened the shootout with a spectacular 'Peter Forsberg' drawing Blackwood to his right and then reaching back to deposit the puck into the unguarded goal. It was just another sensational move to add to his already impressive highlight reel that will be shown when he collects the Calder Trophy at the NHL Awards in June. 4) Pettersson was great in the shootout. Unfortunately, his fellow shooters stunk. Pettersson was the only one of seven Vancouver shooters to convert in the skills competition. This has been an on-going issue for the hockey club all season. Pettersson is now 3/6 and is the only Canucks to cash in three times in the shootout. Brock Boeser and Tanner Pearson each hit the post. Bo Horvat and Nikolay Goldobin were both thwarted and each of them is now 0 for 5 this season. As a team, the Canucks have won just three of eight shootouts and three of 13 in two seasons under Travis Green. This year, collectively, Canucks shooters are 7 for 34. Pettersson has three of the goals, Boeser and Markus Granlund have the other two apiece. And after that, no other Canuck has managed to score in eight trips to the breakaway contest. 5) With Anaheim scoring five times in Colorado on Friday and the Canucks managing just two goals, the Ducks moved out of the basement and ahead of Vancouver in goals scored since Christmas. Yes, the Vancouver Canucks are now 31st and dead last in the NHL in offense since the brief December holiday break. The Canucks have managed 74 goals in their last 32 games (an average of 2.31 per game). They have scored five times twice in that span (vs FLA on January 13th and in COL 1136337 Websites much of the season. The victory over Philadelphia did move the Leafs a step closer to home ice advantage in the first round of the postseason, by cutting Boston’s lead for second in the Atlantic Division to only two TSN.CA / Leafs rally to edge Flyers, ‘win for Freddie’ points. And Babcock spoke before and after Friday’s game about what will be most critical for his struggling goaltender when that postseason arrives. Kristen Shilton “The mental toughness you need to go deep in the playoffs, you just have to have a belief in yourself,” Babcock said. “I believe in Freddie a lot. Our guys believe in him. He’s a real good man, takes things personal. You have to believe every day you come to the rink it’s going to turn out TORONTO – It’s been a hard, weird week for Frederik Andersen, and his right and you’re going to be great. Here’s a little test for him; I think these Maple Leafs teammates were determined to see it end on a high note. tests are great.” Andersen had been yanked in two previous games before Friday’s Like any dutiful student of the game, Andersen is fine with learning the matchup with the Philadelphia Flyers, when his continuing struggles lessons, but is also undeniably eager to turn the page on what’s next. helped put the Leafs, wearing their throwback green and white Toronto Hopefully there he’ll be more driver than passenger for the Leafs in their St. Patricks jerseys, in a 5-2 deficit by midway through the second period. pursuit of a strong finish to this regular season. Toronto rallied from there for its goalie, battling back to a 7-6 victory that halted a two-game losing streak. “I’d like to handle [this stretch] better, get out of it quicker,” Andersen admitted. “As a goalie, you’d love to win 2-0 every night, but it just “The guys did a heck of a job for Freddie. Got a win for Freddie,” said doesn’t happen,” Andersen admitted. “So you keep battling and keep coach Mike Babcock. “He’s done that a bunch for us this year, and it’s trying to be an upbeat personality and have a good attitude about it.” just pay back and now we can move on. We were going to win for Freddie, just [had to] keep doing good things.” TAKEAWAYS Their netminder has been the Leafs’ most important player all season, Matthews, Nylander rekindle spark earning his way into the NHL’s Vezina Trophy conversation on the strength of a sensational year where he’s tied for second in the league in It’s taken nearly four months, but Matthews says he and William wins (34), one back of Vegas' veteran Marc-Andre Fleury. But this has Nylander have finally re-established their chemistry. been the least effective stretch of games for Andersen in recent memory, and no one needed the confidence boost of a victory on Friday more The forwards were linemates the last two seasons, but despite Babcock’s desperately than him. multiple attempts to play them on line together this year, there was no spark. Until now. Andersen’s slide began in earnest during Monday’s 6-2 loss to Tampa, when he gave up four goals by early in the second and was pulled for Perhaps it was the lack of confidence Nylander played with in returning Garret Sparks. Same thing on Wednesday, when the Leafs went down 4- from his contract holdout in December, perhaps it was just the time he 0 after the first period to Chicago and Andersen was again replaced by missed in the two months that preceded his return slowing him down. But Sparks in an eventual 5-4 defeat. whatever the reason, Nylander has looked nothing like he does now with Matthews until Kasperi Kapanen’s concussion reunited them on a line By the time Shayne Gostisbehere had made it 5-2 Philadelphia on with Andreas Johnsson last Monday. Friday, Andersen had ceded 13 goals on the last 52 shots he faced for a brutal .730 save percentage. A pair of goals earlier by James van On Friday, theirs was the Leafs’ most energetic line from the outset, and Riemsdyk both beat Andersen five-hole from close range, while Jakub showed off better timing offensively despite their line being on the ice for Voracek and Radko Gudas scored on an unscreened Andersen who was two of the Flyers’ first four goals. just a step behind the shot. Really, Matthews’ group was just building towards a third period where it “It’s seems like everything is going against me defensively right now, really shone, and pushed Toronto over the finish line. even things that aren’t really dangerous find a way to be somewhat Late in regulation, Nylander, who already had one assist on Marleau’s dangerous,” Andersen explained. “It’s frustrating, but you just have to try first period goal, made perhaps his best play of the season, digging out a and fight through it and hopefully it’ll turn if I keep working.” puck from behind the Flyers net and sending it to Matthews in front for The Leafs were playing fairly well in front of Andersen all night, with goals the go-ahead score. Matthews followed that up with another goal 2:21 from Patrick Marleau and Zach Hyman past Brian Elliott keeping them later. afloat, and there was no way Babcock could pull Andersen again with That pair of goals was long overdue for the centre in Friday's game. Sparks already scheduled to start the second half of Toronto’s back-to- Matthews thought he scored late in the first period to give Toronto a 2-1 back in Ottawa on Saturday. It fell to the rest of the Leafs to pick up for lead, but Elliott's net was found to be off its moorings and the goal was their goalie. called back. Toronto responded for Andersen with five unanswered scores, two from Regardless, Matthews got his goals eventually, and the Flyers had been Jake Muzzin, one from Martin Marincin and two from Auston Matthews, one of only two teams Matthews had never scored against in his career; to pull ahead 7-5 with less than three minutes to play in regulation. All now justCalgary remains on that list for the 21-year-old. Andersen had to do was survive until the final buzzer. But he still made things difficult, nearly putting the puck in his own net on two occasions, When Kapanen returns, it seems likely Babcock will contiue to ride with and then failing to track van Riemsdyk’s third goal with 74 seconds left Nylander and Matthews together, provided they can keep the spark alive. that brought Philadelphia within one. Matthews finished Friday’s game with a game-high eight shots on goal, Still, the final minutes were arguably Andersen’s finest hour, complete while Nylander added four and their line combined for 67 per cent with a couple timely stops on Travis Konecny and Gostisbehere that kept possession. the Flyers from getting an equalizer. Toronto had outshot Philadelphia 51-29 by the end, the second time this season the Leafs have put up 50 Starts still in question or more shots on net. When Voracek got Philadelphia on the board midway through the first “I’m happy to see the guys battle back for me and help me out getting the period, it marked the seventh time in eight home games the Leafs have two points and it gives us another day to keep working it out,” Andersen given up the game’s first goal, and to that point they’d been outscored in said. “I was just trying to fight through it and glad to come up with some the first period of their last three games 7-0. saves at the end there when they were pressing to get the tying goal. Killer instinct on point You just try to work through [the difficulties] and hopefully it’ll turn.” If not for some exceptional work by Toronto’s penalty kill, the team’s Andersen’s teammates wouldn’t hear of the blame being totally on him comeback may not have been possible, and they continued to excel well for this recent spell, but are happy to carry him when times are tough. into the third period. “He’s saved us so many times; we definitely owed him one,” said The Leafs’ first kill came up after Muzzin’s second goal to bring the Leafs Matthews. “He’s been a brick wall for us all year. These last couple within one, leaving Mitch Marner and Hyman to lead the way corralling games, they’re not completely on him. I’m sure he’d like to have some of pucks deep in the defensive zone and keeping the Flyers from those back, but for us, that’s our guy, and we have to play better for him.” generating many looks on Andersen at the other end. While that may be true, Toronto’s hopes of a long playoff run will hinge The second kill was midway through the third, after Toronto had tied the directly on Andersen re-capturing that which made him so spectacular for game and was trying not to lose their hard-won momentum. Again it was Marner, Hyman and Nikita Zaitsev making the timely plays to hold Philadelphia mostly at bay. Considering how close Hyman came to missing Friday’s game with the flu, it ended up being a game-changer for the Leafs that their top offensive killer was available. Toronto finished the game 2-for-2 on the kill. Defensive details on blast The Leafs had the second-best faceoff win percentage in the NHL at 52.8 going into Friday’s game, but are 25th in the league in defensive zone faceoff win percentage at 51 per cent. That telling stat was on display against Philadelphia, where Vorachek, Radko Gudas and van Riemsdyk scored off lost defensive zone draws, two of which were lost by Matthews. Toronto finished Friday's game ahead overall in the face-off dot at 57 per cent. There’s no denying how strongly Toronto has relied on Andersen this season, especially through the early absences of Matthews (to a shoulder injury) and Nylander. But as the year’s gone on, the Leafs have become leakier defensively, and they’re now 25th in the league in scoring chances against in the month of March. Blue and White Trending Tracking Leafs’ trends all season long The Leafs are 19-3-2 this season when Matthews scores a goal. Next up Toronto hits the road to face Ottawa on Saturday. TSN.CA LOADED: 03.16.2019 1136338 Websites need that from all our good players, you need it from everyone, but you really need it from your good players so it’s important for Naz. Now, when you look at it, he got a good break and a good freshen up so he should TSN.CA / Leafs need Andersen to find his game be that much fresher than everybody.” Kadri is looking forward to matching wits with James van Riemsdyk, who will return to his old NHL home for the second time this season. Mark Masters "It's fun," Kadri said of the on-ice reunion. “It’s entertaining. JvR was always a guy I loved to be around and he was a great teammate while he was here and a great player. He’s going to be a focus on their team; he’s TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes great around the net. We know the kind of hands he has and the kind of on the Maple Leafs. The team (optional) and Flyers (optional) skated at scoring ability he has so we’ll try and (smiles) cross-check him a couple Scotiabank Arena ahead of tonight's game. times.” One of the most surprising developments for the Leafs during this rocky Any favourite JvR stories? week has been the play of Frederik Andersen, who has been the backbone of the team all season, but suddenly looks off his game. The “I got many, but none I’m going to tell you,” he said with a laugh. 29-year-old Dane allowed eight goals on 33 shots while getting pulled from consecutive starts for the first time in his NHL career. Favourite JvR story? Kadri: 'I got many, but none I'm going to tell you' “Freddie’s a big boy,” said head coach Mike Babcock. “One of the Nazem Kadri and James van Riemsdyk played six seasons together in reasons you go to see him in the off-season is you talk about the Toronto, but Kadri didn't want to share any specific stories of their time as maturation of a goalie and a starter and how mentally tough you got to be teammates. Kadri does however plan to cross-check JvR to keep him to get to where we want to go.” away from the front of the net. Babcock didn’t necessarily plan to meet with Andersen Thursday, but the ---- pair did get a chance to assess things anyway. Zach Hyman missed Wednesday's game due to illness, didn't participate “We had a little Danish thing with our meal so he happened to be talking in practice Thursday and didn't skate this morning. Babcock said the left to me about it,” Babcock revealed. “And we talked about it. It was just winger will be a game-time decision. If Hyman can't play, here is one of those things that, he’s been around a long time and I think for all Toronto's projected lineup: of us getting a good slapping once in a while is a good thing. You just Marleau-Tavares-Marner adjust and you get back at it.” Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander On Monday night, Andersen insisted he “felt pretty good, actually” about his game and Babcock acknowledged part of the reason for the pull Moore-Kadri-Brown against Tampa Bay was to save his No. 1 on a night the rest of the team didn't have it. On Wednesday night, Andersen also didn't seem Ennis-Gauthier-Petan particularly concerned about his performance. Rielly-Hainsey “I mean, maybe the second goal I didn't like too much,” he said in his Muzzin-Zaitsev post-game scrum, “it was a rolling puck, but what can you do?” Marincin-Holl Leafs Ice Chips: Andersen on the hot seat; Hyman questionable Andersen starts Frederik Andersen will be back in net tonight against the Flyers after being pulled in consecutive starts for the first time in his 300-plus game Sparks NHL career. After allowing eight goals on the last 33 shots, Mike Babcock knows Andersen is mature enough to handle the hot seat. TSN.CA LOADED: 03.16.2019 Andersen has arguably been Toronto's MVP this season, thrusting himself prominently into the Vezina Trophy conversation, and you can argue Toronto has never needed him more. The defence is dealing with two key injuries as Travis Dermott (shoulder) and Jake Gardiner (back) have been sidelined since Feb. 27. The team’s depth is being tested with uneven results so far and tonight Justin Holl draws in for Igor Ozhiganov. Dermott, expected to miss four weeks, has been skating before the main team sessions every day this week, including this morning when he was joined by Kasperi Kapanen (concussion) for a 35-minute workout. Gardiner, meanwhile, has not been spotted on the ice since the injury. “I think as D we can be better,” said Jake Muzzin, who has taken over from Gardiner as quarterback on the second power-play unit. “Moving the puck a little quicker, a little crisper whether it's pushing them deep with a few long bombs or keeping it tight underneath. So, we got to understand which plays are best for us and then execute it.” ---- After missing nearly three weeks of action with a concussion, Nazem Kadri will play his fourth game back tonight. How's he feeling? “Pretty good,” he said. “The first period or two of the first game, it was just a timing thing really. You do these vigorous activities and these hard skates kind of gets you focused and mentally prepared for the conditioning grind so that’s kind of said and done, but it’s just that when you’re out for even a week it seems like the timing and everything is just so fast coming back and it takes a little time to adjust. The last couple games I’ve definitely been feeling more like myself.” Kadri has two assists and nine shots since returning to his usual spot as third-line centre. “He's starting to skate,” Babcock observed. “The first game I thought was just okay. I thought the last game he was way better and more competitive. We need Naz to be nasty and ultra-competitive and play as hard as he can and, in order for us to be a good team, we need that. We 1136339 Websites The Devils defeated the Canucks 4-0 in Newark on New Year’s Eve. Four different Devils scored on Anders Nilsson that afternoon in what was Nilsson’s final game as a Canuck. He was traded to Ottawa two TSN.CA / Canucks vs Devils gameday preview days later. POSSIBLE CANUCKS LINE-UP Jeff Paterson Eriksson-Horvat-Goldobin Leivo-Pettersson-Boeser The Vancouver Canucks (29-32-9) will chase consecutive victories for Pearson-Gaudette-Virtanen the first time in two months when they host the New Jersey Devils (26- Granlund-Beagle-Motte 36-9) tonight at Rogers Arena. The Canucks last won back to back games on January 18th and 20th against Buffalo and Detroit. Edler-Biega The Canucks return to action following a 4-1 win over the New York Brisebois-Stecher Rangers on Wednesday night. Tyler Motte scored a pair of goals 11 seconds apart midway through the second period. They were his first Sautner-Tanev goals in 18 games since a goal in Colorado on February 2nd. Brock Markstrom Boeser scored for a second straight game. His power play goal opened the scoring and was the first time in seven games the Canucks played POSSIBLE DEVILS LINE-UP with a lead. In his 200th NHL game, Jake Virtanen sealed the victory with an empty netter. All four Canuck goals on the night were scored by right Coleman-Zajac-Noesen wingers. Agostino-Rooney-Palmieri The win came at a price though. Sparkplug Antoine Roussel suffered a Stafford-Pietila-Anderson season-ending knee injury on the play leading to Motte’s second goal. The feisty winger picked up an assist on the goal so his first season in Tangradi-McLeod-Gabriel Vancouver ends with a career-high 31 points (9+22). Greene-Severson With Roussel out, Loui Eriksson returns to the line-up after being a healthy scratch on Wednesday. Eriksson has one goal in his last 20 Butcher-Carrick games and tonight will play on a line with Bo Horvat and Nikolay White-Santini Goldobin. Jacob Markstrom responded strongly to his first hook of the season last Blackwood Saturday against Vegas by stopping 20 of the 21 Ranger shots he faced. TSN.CA LOADED: 03.16.2019 Markstrom picked up his 25th win of the season and moved into sole possession of fifth place on the Canucks all-time goalie wins list with 73. Elias Pettersson has gone 11 games since scoring a goal in Los Angeles on February 14th and has just one goal in his past 15 games. He was held off the scoresheet by the Rangers so he remains at 58 points on the season. The young Swede needs just two more points to tie the Canucks rookie scoring record shared by Pavel Bure and Ivan Hlinka. Pettersson is currently one back of Trevor Linden who had 59 points in his first season in the NHL. As a team, the Canucks need 30 goals over their final 12 games to match the 218 goals they scored last year. Like the Canucks, the Devils are searching for back to back wins after a 6-3 victory in Edmonton on Wednesday. That win snapped a seven- game winless skid (0-6-1). Kenny Agostino, Damon Severson and Kevin Rooney each had a goal and an assist against the Oilers. Travis Zajac, John Quenneville and Blake Coleman had the other goals. Coleman has now scored in three straight games. New Jersey scored twice on the power play and once while short-handed in Edmonton. Former Canuck Cory Schneider made 36 saves in the victory. After going more than a year between wins, Schneider is 5-3-1 in his last eight starts. In his career against the Canucks, Schneider, who turns 33 on Monday, is 6-1-2 giving up 16 goals in those nine games during which he has posted a 1.76 GAA and 93.8% save percentage. Despite those numbers, Schneider will start tonight on the bench while Mackenzie Blackwood gets the start. Blackwood blanked the Canucks on December 31st, but gave up nine goals in his last outing in a 9-4 loss in Calgary on Tuesday night. The Devils victory in Edmonton was just the team’s ninth road win of the season. That matches Ottawa for the league low. New Jersey is 9-24-3 away from home this season and is 1-5 in its last six on the road and 2-7 in the past nine. Kyle Palmieri leads the Devils in goals (27), power play goals (11) and points (50). Due to a rash of injuries including last year’s Hart Trophy winner Taylor Hall, 2017 first overall pick Nico Hischier, 2015 sixth overall pick Pavel Zacha and veteran defenseman Sami Vatanen, the Devils have been forced to use 40 different players this season. Only Anaheim and Ottawa have used more players this season. Tonight, the Devils will surpass the 300-man games lost to injury threshold. The Devils have surrendered 240 goals this year which is the fourth highest total in the NHL behind Detroit (241), Chicago (259) and Ottawa (260). Since Christmas, the 117 goals the Devils have given up is two off the league lead -- Buffalo and Detroit have both allowed 119. 1136340 Websites Johnsson-Matthews-Nylander Moore-Kadri-Brown TSN.CA / Weekend set vital as Leafs try to chase down Bruins Ennis-Gauthier-Petan Rielly-Hainsey Kristen Shilton Muzzin-Zaitsev Marincin-Holl TORONTO – If the Maple Leafs play their cards right, and get a little help Andersen starts from the Boston Bruins, they can be right back in the race for home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs by Saturday night. Sparks As it stands going into Toronto’s game against Philadelphia on Friday, TSN.CA LOADED: 03.16.2019 the Leafs are four points back of the Bruins for second place in the Atlantic Division, with a game in hand. If Toronto can sweep its weekend back-to-back against the Flyers and Ottawa Senators, and Boston loses in regulation on Saturday to Columbus, the Leafs will tie Boston in points and move into second by virtue of having more regulation and overtime wins. That would leave Toronto with a chance to control its own fate in the standings leading up to playoffs. “It’s important for us,” Nazem Kadri said on Friday of chasing down the Bruins. “We’ve realized that can make a difference, so we want to push here and hopefully collect as much as we can. It’s important for us to try and play catch up and put ourselves in the best position possible.” The Bruins passed Toronto in the standings on the strength of their February and early March, complete with a run of 19 consecutive games with at least a point (15-0-4). Boston has since cooled in three consecutive losses, a golden opportunity for the Leafs to exploit if they can start winning again. “Ball is in our court, let’s do what we can,” said Mike Babcock of climbing past Boston. “But I think the biggest thing other than just the standings is get better every day. Be playing right, taking care of the puck, heavy on offence, solid on defence – do all the little details. In the end, you’ll [be] happy in the spring.” One theory to explain Toronto’s struggles has been that knowing their likely playoff opponent for several weeks has diminished the drive to keep pushing for more. But with home ice still within reach, the Leafs have plenty to play for. “You want to get your game going. You want to be running smooth going into playoffs,” said Jake Muzzin. “[Home ice] would be huge. Momentum, energy; it’s always nice to be home and have the crowd the first two games. We’ll deal with what we get, but we’re definitely pushing for home ice.” The hunt starts in a second meeting of the season against Philadelphia, a group still desperate to sneak into the playoff picture. Chicago was in the same boat, and the way they pounced on Toronto’s careless play Wednesday is a lesson for the Leafs in what not to do Friday night. Frederik Andersen will step in to face the Flyers after being pulled in each of Toronto’s last two losses, while Zach Hyman is a game-time decision with the flu. Kasperi Kapanen (concussion) and Travis Dermott (shoulder) remain out, but did skate on their own Friday. Jake Gardiner also remains out with a back injury. Babcock has tapped Justin Holl to step onto the Leafs’ third defence pairing Friday night for his fifth game of the season. The regular healthy scratch has rarely been called upon over fellow rookie Igor Ozhiganov, so this is a chance to make an impression. “It’s another opportunity. We want someone to grab it,” Babcock said. “We think Dermott is probably ahead of Gardiner coming back, and he’s taking one of those spots [on the third pairing]. So someone else has to grab hold of [the other] and it should be obvious to everyone, not just me.” That same seize-the-moment attitude applies to the Leafs’ mission of winning home ice. Only 12 games separate Toronto from the postseason and the team is smart enough to know Boston won’t stay down for long. “The Bruins lost last night [4-3 to Winnipeg]. We get a win tonight, makes it more realistic [we pass them],” said Ron Hainsey. “It’s still realistic being four points back [with equal games played] but the harder we can make it for them, the better. We have to start with taking care of business here.” Maple Leafs projected lineup vs. Philadelphia: Marleau-Tavares-Marner