RIP Stephen Curatolo (stephennyr89)

Posted on May 10, 2019 by Derek

I write this with lots of sadness and emotion. It’s never easy to eulogize someone you knew was taken from us too soon. Especially when they were the best kind of person who always stayed positive no matter the tremendous fight they had.

The New York Rangers community is a lot emptier today. We are mourning the loss of Stephen Curatolo. Best known as stephennyr89 on Twitter to those who followed him, he was a special Ranger fan who battled cancer throughout his life.

Even though I never got the chance to meet him, I felt like I knew him. Based on our pleasant interactions, he was the kind of unique person that was special. Despite his courageous bouts with cancer, he never let it change who he was.

Stephen is the most positive and optimistic person you’ll ever come across. Everyone knew him. He was recognized by MSG reporter John Giannone and the Rangers for his fight with cancer. In the decade I knew him like so many passionate Ranger fans, I was always taken by his enthusiasm and love. No matter how many times he was in the hospital, he always kicked Cancer’s ass.

Curatolo never gave up. In many ways, he was our version of Jim Valvano. The memorable coach of NC State, who brought the same positive energy and passion before succumbing to this awful disease.

Those who knew him personally posted tributes on Twitter. His younger sister Jennifer put up a fitting tribute to her older brother. Our prayers and condolences go out to her and the Curatolo family.

https://twitter.com/jyennifaaaa__/status/1126957801639698432?s=19

Here are a couple of more tributes to as good a man as there was. Stephen was the best of us. He will be sorely missed.

https://twitter.com/nhlhagelin/status/1126963613586087936?s=19

RIP STEPHEN CURATOLO 😢💔 🙏 (February 4, 1989 – May 10, 2019)

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Bruins and Hurricanes star in Eastern Conference Final

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Derek

Tonight, the Eastern Conference Final begins. It features the Bruins and Hurricanes. They’re the two survivors left standing from a tremendous NHL Playoffs.

While quite a few predicted the Bruins to reach this point if the Lightning failed, nobody had the Hurricanes playing for a chance to reach the Stanley Cup Final. They got here by coming back to beat the Capitals in seven and sweeping the Islanders.

Boston had to dig deep by beating Toronto the final two games and then taking the last three from Columbus to prevail in six. So, they sure earned it. Their road proved to be tougher than Carolina, who didn’t miss a beat after veteran backup Curtis McIlhinney replaced Petr Mrazek for the remainder of the Metro Division Final. Mrazek could be back for Game One.

If you love playoff experience, the Bruins have it in proven performers Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, Zdeno Chara, David Krejci and Tuukka Rask. If you love playoff mojo, the Hurricanes boast it with Jaccob Slavin, Sebastian Aho, Warren Foegle, Jordan Staal and Mr. Game Seven, Justin Williams.

There’s an interesting contrast between the two teams. Boston possesses more skill when you throw in David Pastrnak on that top line with Bergeron and super pest Marchand. Charlie McAvoy has covered a lot for Chara. He’s serving a one game suspension tonight for his illegal check to the head of Josh Anderson, who accepted his apology during a warm exchange. Charlie Coyle and Marcus Johansson have provided scoring balance along with Jake DeBrusk and fourth line checker Sean Kuraly.

Carolina does it more by committee like their coach Rod Brind’Amour. They have gotten contributions up and down the lineup despite losing players. Aho, Teuvo Teravainen and rookie Andrei Svechnikov are the offensive leaders with veterans Staal and Williams key cogs along with rookie Foegle. Game Seven hero Brock McGinn will never have to buy another drink in Raleigh. Nino Niederreiter did in his former team last round. Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce and Justin Faulk all provide help on the back end.

In net, the edge should go to Rask, who’s playing the best hockey of his career. Without him standing on his head, the Bruins don’t get past the Blue Jackets. He’s been to two Stanley Cups with one as a backup behind Tim Thomas in 2011, and one as a starter in 2013. This is his first time back to this round. You know he’d love to win one as a starter and silence the critics up in Boston. He’s your leading Conn Smythe Trophy candidate entering the Conference Finals.

If he is back, Mrazek has played as well as he ever has. He’s been making the clutch stops and seems to have settled in as the Hurricanes starter. Hard to believe considering how much he struggled as a rental for the Flyers last year. He had one good year in Detroit. If he can find his rhythm, then the Canes have a puncher’s chance. He doesn’t have to match Rask. That’s up to the Carolina offense.

Conventional wisdom says Bruins in 6. Unconventional says Hurricanes in 7. Even though I’m leaning towards Boston, don’t count out Carolina. They’re very resilient and play like Brind’Amour, who led them to their only Cup in 2006. Nothing this postseason has made much sense. Expect the unexpected.

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When the Avalanche tweet you back

Posted on May 9, 2019 by Derek

So, following their tough 3-2 loss in Game Seven to the Sharks, the Avalanche received plenty of love on Twitter. They deserved it.

Even though they lost the very competitive second round series to a determined Sharks, who got a heroic performance from leader Joe Pavelski (goal, assist) in his return, the Avalanche proved to everyone that they’re not going away anytime soon. With a bright future surrounding the franchise who last won a Stanley Cup in 2001, they’re gonna be a force to be reckoned with.

The Avalanche and Sharks shake hands following a great series. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Denver Post.

Featuring top five superstar Nathan MacKinnon along with gifted Mikko Rantanen, who played through injury, and emotional leader Gabriel Landeskog, they have an unbelievable top line that can scare opponents. Just ask the Sharks and fans like my forever friend Jen how they felt as Colorado applied the pressure in the third period last night. They outshot San Jose 15-2 with Tyson Jost scoring early on to make it 3-2.

Martin Jones faced a lot of dangerous scoring chances. He made some spectacular saves in crunch time with Colorado pulling starter Phiipp Grubauer for an extra attacker. The Avalanche tried some tricky deflections off good passes that Jones swallowed up. That included getting a piece of a Rantanen redirection to force it wide. He also made two saves on another try.

Considering how poorly he played in the first four games against the Golden Knights last round, Jones has been money since. He was a little better than Grubauer in a series that developed into a lower scoring, physical encounter. Full credit to him for stepping up. He also got a bit lucky when a Colorado goal was overturned on a good Sharks offside challenge. Landeskog did not change quick enough to negate an apparent tying goal that would’ve made it 2-2. Instead, it stayed 2-1 until Joonas Donskoi tallied the series winner that gave San Jose just enough of a margin to hold on.

After the handshakes, I posted a complementary tweet on the Avalanche. A team that will be heard from soon. I didn’t expect a response.

Pretty cool. On the NBCSN postgame, studio analyst Keith Jones said that the Sharks won’t beat the Avalanche again next year. I agree. They’re here to stay.

With the emergence of J.T. Compher along with other young players like Jost, Alex Kerfoot, and early 2020 Calder favorite Cale Makar, they’re set up really well. Before even playing a regular season game, Makar stepped in from winning the Hobey Baker by putting up a goal and five assists in 10 postseason games. He made so many good reads including the one that resulted in Landeskog scoring the overtime winner in Game Six.

Colorado will boast the best right side in hockey next season in Tyson Barrie, Erik Johnson and Makar. They also have the number four pick from the Senators in next month’s Draft. They’re only going to get better.

With some time off for Rantanen and MacKinnon to recover from injuries, the Avalanche will be back next year. It really could spell the end for the rest of their division that includes Nashville, Winnipeg and St. Louis, who will play San Jose for a chance to reach the Stanley Cup Final starting on Saturday.

For experienced teams who have been knocking on the door, it could signal the changing of the guard. The message to the Blues and Sharks is clear. Win while you have a chance now. You might not get it again.

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Zuccarello, Stars fall an overtime short of helping the Rangers

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Derek

When it was over, all Mats Zuccarello and his Dallas Stars teammates could do is watch helplessly as an excited St. Louis Blues poured off the bench to celebrate a hard fought 2-1 win in the second overtime of Game Seven.

St. Louis native Pat Maroon broke Dallas hearts. He wanted to come home and play for his hometown team last summer. Now, the 31-year old veteran is a unlikely hero in a unlikely postseason full of dramatic finishes and upsets.

While the Blues will move on to face the Colorado/San Jose winner in another seventh game to be played later, the Stars fell an overtime short of reaching their first Conference Final in a decade. Instead, they’ll be left to wonder how close they came to getting the one goal they needed to make Ben Bishop a household name. His 52 saves including 31 in a lopsided second and third were miraculous.

It wasn’t enough to get the win they were looking for. Zuccarello had a golden opportunity to win it in the first overtime, but over passed for Alex Radulov. He could’ve delivered the series winner which would’ve made the Rangers happy. They were hoping the conditions of a first round pick would be met. So were Zucc’s fans, who adopted the Stars this postseason.

Instead, Jamie Benn’s wraparound try didn’t cross the goal line with rookie Jordan Binnington getting just enough of the puck to keep it out. The Stars were much better in an evenly played sudden death after being outshot 31-4. Even dangerous for most of the first five minutes of the second OT.

All that changed when Tyler Bozak won a draw back to Robert Thomas and his shot rang off the post while trickling off Bishop to create confusion. That was enough time for Maroon to score the winner.

So, the Rangers won’t get a third first round pick from Dallas. Instead, they’ll settle for a second round pick in next month’s NHL Draft. There’s still a good chance Zuccarello re-signs with the Stars. He was a great fit under another rookie coach in Jim Montgomery, who came over from the collegiate ranks.

Indeed, Zucc led the Stars with eight points (1-7-8) against the Blues in the well played second round series. He finished with 11 points (4-7-11) in the Stars’ run, tying Tyler Seguin for the team lead.

The 31-year old pint sized Norwegian with the giant heart made two good defensive plays in his end during sudden death to break up Blues chances. He meshed well on a speedy line with promising youngster Roope Hintz and Jason Dickinson. They buzzed during a few overtime shifts.

It makes sense for Zuccarello to stay in Dallas where he found chemistry and became a team leader. Dallas fans took to him by saluting him with trademark, “Zuuuccc, Zuuuccc,” chants.

Even if his team still isn’t playing, here’s hoping he stays.

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Maroon’s double overtime winner against remarkable Bishop is what the NHL Playoffs are all about

Posted on May 8, 2019 by Derek

Hometown hero Pat Maroon celebrates his goal in double overtime of Game Seven to give the Blues a 2-1 win over the Stars, who lost despite a heroic game from Ben Bishop. AP Photo via Getty Images courtesy Robert Cohen of Post-Dispatch.

There was a great Game Seven played in St. Louis last night between the Stars and Blues. The two Central Division rivals gave everything in a do or die situation that required double overtime to decide.

Despite remarkable dominance and puck possession by the Blues in the second and third periods, they could not beat Ben Bishop. He was a brick wall. Astonishingly, the Vezina candidate was a one man wrecking crew who prevented the home team from winning the deciding seventh game more comfortably.

Instead, they had to dig very deep to earn an emotional 2-1 win in a memorable Game Seven won by deserving hero Pat Maroon at 85:50 of the second overtime. That’s because following a evenly played first period in which Vince Dunn and Mats Zuccarello exchanged goals 2:25 apart, Bishop basically kept his team alive by himself.

Unbelievably, the Blues outshot the Stars 31-4 in the second and third periods. That included a lopsided 18-1 in period two. No matter what they threw at him, St. Louis couldn’t solve Bishop, who was heroic making a career high 52 saves in defeat.

Once it reached sudden death, anything was possible. The Blues continued to be aggressive searching for the one goal they needed. They had 11 of the first 17 shots in the first overtime including some close calls on Bishop, who was seeing everything.

As the overtime went on, the Stars’ confidence grew. They had a couple of close calls against Blues rookie Jordan Binnington. Zuccarello passed up a shot opportunity on a point blank chance. He passed across for Alex Radulov, who was open. But the pass just missed due to a St. Louis stick breaking it up. What if Zucc had taken the shot? We’ll never know.

Given how dangerous the St. Louis top line of Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko were, Blues fans had to be worried about Bishop stealing it. All it would take is one chance for the Stars to break Blues hearts. A wrap around by Jamie Benn almost ended it, but Binnington got the puck on the goal line with his outstretched pads to keep it out. That close.

Both NBCSN studio analysts Keith Jones and Patrick Sharp liked how Blues rookie Robert Thomas was playing. He had been creating chances. Already with an assist on the lone St. Louis goal scored by Dunn, he made the emotional OT winner happen.

Off a clean face-off win from Tyler Bozak, Thomas got a small pick from Maroon. That allowed him to skate in and get free of Dallas defenseman John Klingberg and fire a good shot off the goalpost. The puck took a favorable Blues bounce off the back of Bishop right to Maroon, who deposited the rebound for the biggest goal of his life. It touched off a great celebration.

The former Devil, who phoned St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong last summer about wanting the chance to play for his hometown team, became an unlikely hero. The kind you love if you’re a hockey fan. Maroon’s son Anthony was brought to tears by the emotional winner scored by Dad. It’s the kinda heartwarming story we love.

True enough, I picked him to win the game in the famous #bucciovertimechallenge. That was for the first overtime. So, I had a hunch he’d get a garbage goal. But was off by 5:50. I took David Perron in the second overtime.

It’s always cool to watch a team celebrate a series win. Especially when it requires an all or nothing Game Seven and sudden death. There’s nothing more dramatic.

I also felt bad for Bishop, who played the game of his career. He previously was 2-0 in seventh games with two shutouts. One I’d soon rather forget. In his first loss, he allowed two goals on 54 shots. A truly remarkable performance in a heartbreaking defeat.

The handshake is one of the best traditions in the playoffs. After such a hard fought series in which the two rivals gave it all they had, you could see the mutual respect between players and coaches from each side during it. There were lots of hugs and well wishes.

A pretty cool behind the scenes look at Maroon’s heroics and postgame celebration with proud teammates in the winning locker room. Plus his son wearing his t-shirt and watching Dad bask in the moment.

That was only the Blues’ second home Game Seven since 1986. They won that one too over the Maple Leafs. Also a Round Two victory before losing to the Flames in the Conference Finals.

Ironically, the last time they reached the Final Four was in 2016. They lost to the Sharks in the Western Conference Final. A San Jose win tonight on home ice against Colorado would guarantee a rematch of three years ago.

Don’t forget at one point in early January, these same Blues were 31st in the standings just after interim coach Craig Berube took over. They’ve been incredible since Binnington became the starter. Now, they’ve beaten both Winnipeg and Dallas in two closely fought series.

The Blues haven’t made the Stanley Cup Final since 1970 when they made a third consecutive appearance following Expansion. They were swept by the Bruins. The losses in ’68 and ’69 were to the Canadiens. Also sweeps.

This is the fourth chance St. Louis will have to get back to the Final. They’re not here without the hometown hero. Maroon also notched the game-winner in Game Three. Now, he and the Blues await the winner between the Avalanche and Sharks in another Game Seven.

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Devils can’t contain excitement over Jack Hughes

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Derek

The World Championships haven’t officially started yet. They’re still in the exhibition stages. However, that hasn’t stopped the Devils from showing their enthusiasm for a certain American prospect wearing a number six Team USA jersey.

https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1125835697376641024?s=19

Jack Hughes had a sweet primary assist on a James van Riemsdyk power play goal that put USA ahead 4-2 on Germany. They can’t contain their excitement over the future of the franchise because let’s face it. They’re going to take Hughes with the first pick in next month’s NHL Draft.

He’s got world class skill. Interestingly, Adam Fox picked up the secondary assist on the power play goal by feeding Hughes, who drove towards the net and threaded a perfect backhand pass for an easy van Riemsdyk finish. It’s good to see the recently signed Rangers defense prospect representing America overseas.

There’s sure to be a lot of fanfare over this tournament. Especially when both Hughes and Kaapo Kakko are representing their countries. Kakko for Finland. Those are the top two picks. What makes it better is it involves the Hudson Rivalry. Devil and Ranger fans are salivating.

Save the Artemi Panarin talk for the summer.

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Torts Guarantee

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Derek

Tonight, there are two games. Both are Game Sixes. You have the Blue Jackets looking to stay alive at home against the Bruins. In what’s been one of the most competitive and physical series in recent years, it’s Boston with a chance to closeout Columbus on NBCSN.

This has been the most entertaining hockey of the second round. You’ve had the first two games require overtime with each team winning in sudden death for a split. You’ve had twists and turns featuring bone crushing hits, big saves and momentum shifting goals. You now have the one and only John Tortorella guaranteeing a Game Seven which would be back in Boston on Wednesday.

“Things happen for a reason. And I truly believe that. We’ll be back here for a Game Seven,” Tortorella told reporters following a tough 4-3 loss in Game Six that saw his team come within a goalpost of forcing sudden death.

David Pastrnak scored the winner with 1:28 left on a gorgeous feed from who else but Brad Marchand. The play never should’ve happened. Artemi Panarin had a brutal moment turning over the puck in the Bruins zone and failing to get back on Pastrnak’s goal. He was victimized twice in the pivotal Game Five. It was a foolish puck decision on his part. The Bread Man and defense will never be in the same sentence. He’s a great offensive player who can dominate puck possession.

The question entering Game Six later is how will the Blue Jackets respond to losing two straight with their backs to the wall. Panarin has provided offense with six points in five games. Matt Duchene has a pair of goals including the game-winner in Game Two. Seth Jones has been good.

Columbus needs more out of Pierre-Luc Dubois, Cam Atkinson, Josh Anderson, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Zach Werenski. They’ve done very little. How about scoring a goal? That would be a welcome change.

As much criticism as he’s taken, Tuukka Rask has outplayed Sergei Bobrovsky. He brings a 2.02 GAA and .936 save percentage into tonight. That’s how good he’s been in the series, responding with consecutive clutch performances to put Boston on the verge of the Eastern Conference Final where Carolina awaits.

Should Torts be confident in his team? Absolutely. They’ve been resilient this Spring, battling to make the postseason. They’re a scrappy group with enough skill and grit to force a deciding seventh game. They’ve also played well on home ice losing only once this Spring. They must erase Game Four by playing their best hockey. It’s do or die.

The Sharks look to finish off the Avalanche in the night cap. San Jose got two goals from emerging star Tomas Hertl in their 2-1 win the other night at the Shark Tank. Hertl redirected a point shot for a huge power play goal to tie Game Five late in the second period. He deposited a rebound for the winner in the third. San Jose got splendid goaltending from a rejuvenated Martin Jones, and did a great job defensively protecting the one goal lead for the win.

The series has finally gotten nasty. There have been some scrums and words exchanged. That should make for an intriguing Game Six in Colorado. The Avalanche will look for a big night from superstar Nathan MacKinnon, who was blanketed the other night. As he goes, so do the Avs. He and Mikko Rantanen are the keys to forcing a Game Seven.

Either two more series will end or we’ll get the best theatre in sports.

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Lundqvist interview Lost In Translation?

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Derek

News travels quickly. With so much available on the internet and social media, it doesn’t take long for rumors to start up. The latest coming from an article in a Swedish paper pertaining to Henrik Lundqvist’s future.

If you go by the English translation, it indicates that Lundqvist is no longer sure he will remain a Ranger for his entire career. But anytime these interview stories come out in Europe, always proceed with extreme caution. Maybe it’s true or maybe it’s not.

It could very well be lost in translation. You never know. What I do realize is at age 37, Lundqvist has two years remaining on a contract that pays him an average cap hit of $8.5 million through 2021. By the time it expires, the Rangers franchise leader in wins (449), shutouts (63), games played (857) and total minutes (50221) will be 39 and unrestricted.

His future is cloudy. Something most loyal Blueshirt fans don’t want to acknowledge. As superb as his 14-year NHL career has been on Broadway, it remains empty minus a Stanley Cup. The best opportunities have come and gone. Deep runs in 2012, ’14 and ’15 feel like ancient history. It’s a sad way to look at it, but also realistic.

Especially considering where the Rangers organization currently is. Fully committed to a rebuild that could get sped up by the potential additions of Kaapo Kakko and big name free agent Artemi Panarin, youth will continue to be served in the Big Apple. Whether Panarin decides to come or not, the Rangers are set up well for the future. Either Kakko or Jack Hughes will be drafted with the second pick depending on the Hudson rival Devils. Along with Russian imports Vitali Kravtsov and Igor Shesterkin, plus former Hobey Baker finalist Adam Fox, there’s cause for optimism.

In regards to the goalie situation, the Rangers have Alexandar Georgiev in reserve ‘if’ Lundqvist changes his mind after the World Championships. If it’s a smokescreen, which most articles overseas are, then King Henrik returns for Year 15 as the starter with Georgiev a capable backup coming off a good rookie season.

Throw in top goalie prospect Shesterkin and they have a lot to look forward to. He and Georgiev are both 23. Adam Huska got into nine games with Hartford after signing out of UConn. He’s 22 and a former 2015 seventh round pick. There’s also Tyler Wall, who bounced back with a good junior year for UMass-Lowell. Olaf Lindbom was taken in the second round last year.

The Blueshirts boast plenty of goalie depth. Obviously, not every netminder is gonna make it. Some could wind up elsewhere while others never see the NHL. You can never have enough goalies.

Given how disappointing ’18-19 was for Lundqvist, he understands the situation. The writing is on the wall. Whether he stays or goes, it’s not going to change GM Jeff Gorton’s long-term plan. He’s proven that already by making difficult decisions on Mats Zuccarello, Kevin Hayes, Ryan McDonagh, J.T. Miller, Derek Stepan and Derick Brassard. All correct moves with the best one stealing Mika Zibanejad from Ottawa for Brassard.

It makes representing his home country Sweden in the Worlds important. If he can perform well, Lundqvist can use the tournament as a positive step for ’19-20. That along with how the season goes could help him determine what’s best for him.

Don’t jump to conclusions just yet. Let’s wait and see.

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Stars, Zuccarello have one more shot

Posted on May 6, 2019 by Derek

Mats Zuccarello (above congratulating Tyler Seguin) and the Stars have one more chance to make the Conference Finals against the Blues and help the Rangers. AP Photo via Getty Images.

With a golden opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Final, the Stars lost at home 4-1 to the Blues in Game Six yesterday. For Mats Zuccarello and his new team, they have one more shot tomorrow night in St. Louis.

Zuccarello has seven assists in the second round series. He recorded number seven on Tyler Seguin’s power play goal that tied Sunday’s game. But after the first period, Dallas was outscored 3-0 by a desperate St. Louis.

David Perron notched the game decider on a one-timer that beat Ben Bishop short side with 4:36 left in period two. Oskar Sundqvist made the perfect pass across for Perron’s winner. The third line center is a good player for interim coach Craig Berube. He has been all year following missing time due to the cheap shot he took from Brad Marchand in preseason. He was robbed by Bishop in the third period of Game Five of the potential tying goal. The Pens gave him away for Ryan Reaves with a first round pick for Reaves and a second round pick in 2017. Hard to believe.

In the third period yesterday, the Blues tacked on two goals including a strange one from Blues leading finisher Jaden Schwartz that made it 3-1. He scored his eighth of the postseason while Bishop was down in pain from a hard Colton Parayko shot he stopped. Unable to get to his feet, Bishop could only watch as Alex Steen passed for a Schwartz redirection that gave the Blues a key insurance marker with 12:23 remaining.

Of course, some wondered if the play should’ve been blown dead. However, Bishop was able to continue. He did give up a breakaway goal to Sammy Blais 33 seconds later before exiting the game for backup Anton Khudobin. Had Parayko’s shot hit Bishop in the mask, it would’ve been an automatic stoppage. It hit him in the upper chest.

So, a very good series will need seven to decide who advances to the Final Four. It’s definitely been the type of series any hockey fan can appreciate. If Bishop is healthy for Game Seven, I believe he can steal it. He stole Game Five with 38 saves. The road team has fared well. It should be interesting to see who prevails.

As it pertains to the Rangers, they’ll have an interest in tomorrow’s result. A Stars victory would guarantee them a first round pick from Dallas due to the conditions of the Zuccarello trade. It was a conditional second round pick this Draft and a conditional third next year. Dallas has to win two rounds in order for the conditional second to become a first.

Zucc has certainly done his part. He’s been a tremendous addition for the Stars. He’s been the same playmaker who’s brought experience to a team that hasn’t had much recent postseason success. You have to go back to 2008 for the last time the Stars made the Conference Finals. A guy by the name of Brad Richards was on that club. He would later sign a contract with the Rangers and help lead them to two Conference Final appearances and a Stanley Cup Final in three years.

The Rangers already own two first round picks in June. A Dallas win tomorrow can make it three. Considering that GM Jeff Gorton used one of his second round picks to acquire and sign defenseman Adam Fox, it would be nice to recoup another first round pick. That way he can consider using it and the Winnipeg first to move into the top 10 and try to grab American finisher Cole Caufield.

Either way, we shall see what happens.

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HARD HITS: Bunch of Jerks prove winning division overrated

Posted on May 4, 2019 by Derek

Justin Williams celebrates his goal in Game Four as the Hurricanes eliminated the Islanders to reach the Conference Finals. AP Photo via Getty Images.

By show of hands, how many of you had the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference Final? Unless you live in Raleigh or maybe even Hartford, I’m guessing the answer is no.

The thing about underdogs like the Hurricanes and Blue Jackets- who look to take back momentum in a crucial Game Five in Boston following the Kentucky Derby- is they have less pressure. When you fight hard just to get in the playoffs, you’ve been playing the right way all along. There’s nothing to lose.

Maybe that explains the unpredictable postseason. Sometimes, overwhelming favorites don’t win at this time of year. The hockey playoffs are a lot different than the NBA where even the casual observer can predict the Warriors in the Finals. Even that is a bit more interesting than past years due to new blood.

Having new teams vying for the Stanley Cup is good. It can’t always be the same tired script. So, you get the world beater Lightning swept by the Blue Jackets in the first round. A team that people forgot went all in this Spring by rolling the dice on Matt Duchene. He’s delivered along with current stars Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky. We’ll see how John Tortorella’s club responds in enemy territory tonight. If they prevail, you’re a game away from an All Wildcard Conference Final. I think it’s going seven.

The Islanders thought after sweeping Sidney Crosby and the Pens that they would face Barry Trotz’s former club. Instead, those Bunch of Jerks had other ideas. After trailing 2-0 in a dramatic first round series, the Hurricanes came back to win four of five to stun the defending champion Caps.

They did it by being resilient. Carolina won all three games on home ice including a do or die Game Six that had a little controversy. Alexander Ovechkin had a goal wiped out that would’ve tied the score. Instead, the Canes scored roughly a minute later to ice it.

It’s worth noting they still had to dig deep in the deciding Game Seven by rallying from 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to force sudden death. Jordan Staal scored the same goal older brother Eric did 10 years ago in another Game Seven situation. That’s one Devil fans would like to forget. The similarities are uncanny. The big difference being it took overtime for captain Justin Williams to hustle to a loose puck and send it in front for a Brock McGinn tip in past Braden Holtby to send the Canes to the big upset.

Known as Mr. Game Seven, Williams continues to lead the Canes, who are in their first Conference Final since 2009. Ironically the last time they were in the playoffs. He scored the crusher in last night’s 5-2 clincher over the Islanders. It was his 100th career postseason point. Asked by former teammate Brian Boucher if he ever expected them to sweep a good team in the Isles, he said, “No.” However, the very confident veteran added that he expected to win the second round series, which drew cheers from the home crowd.

Williams is one of those players who understands what it takes to win these big games. A three-time Stanley Cup winner who happened to be a key piece of the Hurricanes when they won it all in ’06, he once played with current coach Rod Brind’Amour. It’s fitting that it’s the former emotional leader of that championship team behind the bench with Williams as the current leader.

They never should’ve traded him. Sometimes, the best trades are the ones you don’t make. The ’03 Devils were this close to having Scott Gomez become a San Jose Shark at the trade deadline. But it was too late. Gomez helped them win the Cup. Williams was dealt by Carolina in ’09 to the Kings for Patrick O’Sullivan and a second round pick that became current Pens defenseman Brian Dumoulin. Even though the Canes went far that Spring thanks to the heroics of Jussi Jokinen and Eric Staal along with Cam Ward, they never saw the postseason again. O’Sullivan later revealed off ice issues that damaged his career. Williams became successful with the Kings winning two Cups and a Conn Smythe.

After a good stint with the Caps, Williams returned to what must feel like home. It was in Carolina that he blossomed by posting consecutive 30-goal seasons following the lockout. He had 18 points during the Cup run. It’s hard to believe the Flyers gave him away for Danny Markov. I knew what kind of player he was. So did Boucher.

Having that kind of veteran in the locker room is important. Especially when you haven’t had much success. But also replacing Bill Peters, who left for Calgary, with playoff hero Brind’Amour was a brilliant move by the organization. If you watch how they play, it’s like the career the former Selke winner had. They’re very well schooled defensively with their sticks down in the lanes. Something Trotz alluded to in why his team didn’t have success.

The Hurricanes outscored the Islanders 13-5 in the four games. The scores were as follows:

Game One: Hurricanes 1 Islanders 0 (Staal OT)

Game Two: Hurricanes 2 Islanders 1 (Foegle, Niederreiter in 3rd)

Game Three: Islanders 2 Hurricanes 5 (Williams GWG, Slavin assist, McElhinney 28 saves)

Game Four: Islanders 2 Hurricanes 5 (Teravainen/Aho: goal and assist each, Svechnikov goal, Faulk 2 assists)

In the four game sweep, the Islanders only scored twice at five-on-five. They led for only 29:14. Jordan Eberle and Anders Lee were held without a goal. Brock Nelson got his first with over a minute left when his wrist shot snuck past McElhinney. Josh Bailey had a goal and assist in Game Three, but was shutout in the other three games. Mat Barzal notched two power play goals, but had no even strength points in the series.

Even after losing starter Petr Mrazek to injury, the Canes got timely saves from 35-year old veteran McElhinney. His performance in relief of Mrazek during Game Two was crucial, stopping all 17 Islander shots to preserve a 2-1 comeback win. He made several clutch stops including robbing Bailey and Casey Cizikas in the clincher.

It was Carolina’s attention to detail that allowed them to win the series in four straight. In particular, the performance of young defenseman Jaccob Slavin stood out. A former fourth round pick in 2012, he’s been the Canes’ constant force pacing them with 11 assists in two rounds.

A very good skater, the left defenseman defends well and makes smart decisions with the puck. He’s not only good at breaking up plays in his end, but a good passer that can find open teammates. His speed allows Carolina to transition quickly. It’s astonishing that he wasn’t picked higher. Brady Skjei was a first round pick that same draft. They’re the same age and make similar money. Who would you rather have?

Slavin has plenty of help from Dougie Hamilton, Justin Faulk and the overlooked Brett Pesce. All are good skaters who can jump up into the play. Hamilton isn’t the best defensively, but Slavin covers for him. Faulk was seen as an afterthought due to Hamilton coming over with Micheal Ferland from Calgary for Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin. Almost everyone viewed that as a better trade for the Flames, who finished atop the West with the number one seed. Lindholm struggled and Hanifin didn’t establish himself in a first round loss to Colorado. They also turned Adam Fox into a second round pick and conditional third after dealing him to the Rangers. He was never signing with Carolina.

The Canes are doing it with contributions throughout their lineup. It’s not only stars Sebastian Aho or Teuvo Teravainen, who they stole from the Blackhawks. The veteran leadership from Williams and Jordan Staal have been instrumental. They’ve scored and set up big goals on a cohesive second line with Niederreiter, who got some revenge on his former team with three points. With Svechnikov back healthy and scoring the coup de grace last night, it gives Brind’Amour more balance. This is a lineup that’s managed to continue winning despite missing Svechnikov, Ferland, Trevor van Riemsdyk and Mrazek for some time. Only Svechnikov recently returned.

When they can get contributions from the fourth line with Greg McKegg scoring a huge goal on a rebound to chase Isles starter Robin Lehner, it speaks volumes.

They’re a total team. That’s why they are where they are awaiting the Columbus/Boston winner. The way that’s going, it might go to double overtime in a seventh game with the teams beating each other up.

The irony this Spring is all four division winners were eliminated in Round One. With the exception of Tampa, none of the other three were overwhelming. Even the Caps needed to squeeze out some wins late to seal the Metro Division, edging out the Isles.

Calgary won with offense by outscoring opponents. They didn’t play much D, which proved to be the biggest explanation for why Mike Smith had a bad year. All you had to do was watch his performance in that first round series to see why. I foolishly took them out of the West to face the Lightning in a ’04 Cup rematch. Oops.

Maybe this postseason is proof that you don’t have to win your division. Just finding a way in and playing well at the right time can go a long way. Home ice doesn’t mean a whole lot. Just ask Washington, Nashville and Winnipeg. It didn’t help the Blues on Friday night in what amounted to a tough 2-1 Game Five defeat to the Stars due to Ben Bishop.

When you have evenly matched teams, anything can happen. I won’t be shocked to see St. Louis go into Dallas and win tomorrow. The Sharks better hold serve tonight against the dangerous Avs.

BODY CHECKS

Jack Hughes came within a point of tying Nikita Kucherov’s record for the U18 World Junior Championship. Despite Team USA disappointing by losing to Russia in a big semifinal upset, they recovered to take bronze in a convincing 5-1 domination of Canada. Hughes and rising finisher Cole Caufield were brilliant.

As many as five players from that team could go in the top 10. That includes Alex Turcotte, Trevor Zegras and defenseman Cam York. The pool of American talent is the best it’s ever been.

So, who will the Devils take? Hughes or Kaapo Kakko. I still think it has to be Hughes, who is so fast and creative that he has the potential to put up 90 points. Size isn’t as important as high end skill and speed. Today’s rules make it easier for smaller players to have an impact.

Caufield reminds me of current Blackhawk 40-goal man Alex DeBrincat. They’re the same size (5-7). The only difference is Caufield will go in the top 10. Not slip to the second round like DeBrincat, who went number 39 in 2016. Players that went ahead of him in Round One include Alex Nylander, Logan Brown, Mike McLeod, Riley Tufte and Trent Frederic. In case you’re wondering, Tampa grabbed current Ranger Brett Howden at number 27.

One more Dallas victory and the Rangers pick up another first round pick in the upcoming Draft. It was a conditional second and conditional third for Mats Zuccarello, who has six assists against the Blues. Zucc hasn’t missed a beat. He is 3-6-9 so far in 11 games. Expect him to re-sign as the Stars are a great fit.

Jason Spezza has three goals for the Stars versus the Blues in a fourth line role under coach Jim Montgomery. Give Spezza credit.

Has there been a more physical series than the Blue Jackets and Bruins in recent years? These teams are going at it physically during play and scrums. The hitting is ferocious. It’s last man standing.

I wasn’t a proponent of signing Panarin. But his postseason has proven he’s worth the risk if the Rangers convince him to come. A puck possession beast, the gifted playmaking Russian is a smart offensive player who knows how to create space for his linemates. He makes everyone better and has been clutch. They’ll need some more from him to advance.

If Panarin and Bobrovsky leave, what happens with Duchene? He definitely fits in well under Torts. But would you re-up if your best teammates go?

Speaking of Bobrovsky, I think he’s erased his bad reputation that he can’t perform in the Spring. He was unbelievable against the Lightning and continues to make big saves against the Bruins. Look how long it took Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand to get going.

The Isles should make Lehner top priority. He’s gonna win the Masterton Trophy and finish in the top three for Vezina. He didn’t even make $2 million. What a bargain. Get him done and then concentrate on key UFA’s Lee, Nelson and Eberle. I think they’ll re-sign Lee and Lehner with Nelson 50/50. Eberle will leave. His playoff showing helped him.

If they want to build on this year, GM Lou Lamoriello needs to spend the money. He should be in on Jeff Skinner, who can finish some of the plays the Isles couldn’t convert on. Maybe even take a gander at Duchene. But that’s a long shot.

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Pens are expected to explore trade options with big names Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang and Phil Kessel possibly available. I would keep Letang, who’s so valuable to that blueline. He’s a top six defenseman who could be up for the Norris. They all had bad playoffs including Sidney Crosby. The problem with moving guys like Malkin and Kessel are how much they’re still owed. Plus the unenviable NTC. It’s not like they’re gonna rebuild with Crosby. You can’t.

What I said regarding Skjei in the post above compared to Slavin is more than fair. Skjei has a similar skill set. Starting this October, it’s time for him to show it. He’s being counted on by the Rangers. His play took a step in the right direction after the trade deadline. It’s about finding consistency. His skating is good enough to become a 30-35 point player who can affect more play in all three zones. We’ll see if he delivers.

If Slavin has raised eyebrows with his postseason, so has Seth Jones. The unquestioned anchor of the Columbus back end, he logs big minutes and an play in any situation and do it well on both sides of the puck. The more the trade of him for Ryan Johansen goes by, the better it looks for CBJ. No disrespect to Johansen, who had a big 2017 playoffs to help Nashville reach the Stanley Cup Final.

It would mean everything to see Joe Thornton play for the Stanley Cup. This could be his last chance. San Jose lost to Pittsburgh in 2016. Jumbo Joe is one of the classiest and best players the game has seen. He is someone to root for.

Nobody goes from Point A to Point B like Nathan MacKinnon. He is so fast in transition, it’s scary. What makes him even more daunting is his uncanny ability to maneuver around D and fire that magic bullet of a shot past goalies. Yikes.

Count me in as one of the few who think Marchand deserved to be included for the Hart Trophy. Nothing against Connor McDavid. But his team didn’t make the playoffs and Leon Draisaitl hit 50 goals and also 100 points. Marchand hit the century mark for the first time in his career and accomplished it with Pastrnak and Bergeron missing games. Say what you will about The Rat’s antics. He got hosed.

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