Rangers open up at home against Nashville, trading Hayes is risky unless it’s a home run

Posted on June 20, 2018 by Derek

Yesterday, the preseason schedule was announced. It wasn’t too revealing. The usual allotment of games for the Rangers against rivals, the Islanders, Devils and Flyers. The only thing I hope is that there will be more evaluation of whatever prospects they take on Friday. They have picks 9, 26 and 28 in the first round.

As for the regular season schedule, it’s out. What I do know for sure is the Blueshirts open up at MSG to host Nashville on October 4.

So, the 2018-19 season begins early. That’s good. Six preseason games is as many as they should play every year. It’s enough time for the coaching staff to make up their minds. I’ve always been a proponent of less exhibition due to the risk of key players getting hurt.

Given that the current roster at the moment lacks a top pair defenseman and the firepower to score consistently up front, it’s probably going to be a long season. Rebuilds take time.

Depending on what GM Jeff Gorton decides this weekend with a surplus of picks, two possible RFA’s in Ryan Spooner and Vladislav Namestnikov, who could be used as trade bait, that’ll go a long way to determining the Rangers’ future.

There’s also been talk about teams having interest in key Group II free agent Kevin Hayes. Considering how well he handled a new shutdown role under former coach Alain Vigneault, I’m not keen on trading him unless it’s a no-brainer that brings back a legit scorer in the top four, who can start on the top line and make the impact few high Rangers draft picks ever do.

Hayes scored a career best 25 goals while facing opponents’ best scoring lines, doing a solid job. He improved defensively becoming a strong penalty killer, who can be counted on in any role. He wasn’t used as much on the power play but when given the opportunity, fared well. He’s the best five-on-five forward they got.

I understand that it’ll cost Chris Kreider money to re-sign him. Hayes could be in line for in between $4.75 million to $5 million on average. He’s got good value after changing his game. So, I get why other teams would be interested.

The Rangers have a logjam at center due to incumbent number one Mika Zibanejad, and teenagers Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil. So, it’ll be interesting to see what the organization decides.

We’ll have more on the Rangers leading up to Friday’s draft.

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Senators trade Hoffman to Sharks, Panthers acquire him

Posted on June 19, 2018 by Derek

Following last week’s chaotic reveal regarding Mike Hoffman’s psycho fiancé and Erik Karlsson’s poor wife, it was evident that Ottawa would be making changes to their roster. They moved quickly trading Hoffman to the Sharks with Cody Donaghy and a 2020 fifth round pick on Tuesday for Mikkel Boedker, Julius Bergman and a 2020 sixth round pick.

The Senators couldn’t keep Hoffman after the rumors regarding his girlfriend stalking Karlsson’s wife, which was supported by ex-teammates’ significant others. A good top six forward, Hoffman was on the move again. San Jose had already re-signed Evander Kane and have a good roster featuring Logan Couture, Joe Pavelski, Tomas Hertl, Brent Burns, and Martin Jones. The question is will they bring back popular former MVP Joe Thornton for one more year.

What Ottawa didn’t anticipate was the Sharks redirecting Hoffman and a 2018 seventh round pick to the Panthers for a 2019 second round pick, plus a fourth and fifth round pick in this year’s Draft.

So, Hoffman wound up back in Ottawa’s division on a good Florida team that could finally break through. The Panthers have added a good secondary scorer to a lineup that features emerging star Aleksander Barkov, Vincent Trocheck, Jonathan Huberdeau, Evgeny Dadonov, Keith Yandle, Aaron Ekblad and Roberto Luongo. Adding Hoffman to this lineup should make them a playoff team. More bad news for the Senators.

Ottawa isn’t done. Karlsson could be next. Considering he’s entering his last year before next summer, expect the Ottawa captain to move. It’s not like cheapskate owner Eugene Melnyk will pay up.

So, you have some more fun before the first round of the Draft. That includes tomorrow night’s awards show in Vegas. I don’t have much interest other than seeing who wins the Hart. Taylor Hall, Anze Kopitar or Nathan MacKinnon?

Friday sets up to be intriguing following Buffalo taking Rasmus Dahlin. Lately, projections have Filip Zadina slipping possibly to nine where the Rangers are. I would sign up for that. I think the first two picks are Dahlin and Andrei Svechnikov. After that, who knows. We know the names but don’t know the order when Montreal picks. It should be fun.

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Trotz resigns from Capitals, Islanders next?

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Derek

In a unsurprising move even if it shocked some in the hockey community, Barry Trotz resigned from the Capitals. He will no longer coach the team he finally guided to its first Stanley Cup. He becomes the fourth coach to win the Cup and walk away.

Instead, the proven Cup winner, who did a masterful job this Spring, will become the biggest coaching free agent. Considering that he was only making $1.5 million, it’s understandable why he left his post. He was also a lame duck coach without a contract unless the Capitals won. Even though they did, he didn’t want to stay for two more years for a slight raise when he can get more money on the market.

When you have a new coach like the Rangers’ David Quinn getting paid much more, it speaks to how cheap Washington was. Even though I respect owner Ted Leonsis, there’s no way Trotz should’ve been paid so little. At least in coaching terms. He’s been around the game for two decades after coming over from Nashville.

As for who could come calling, look no further than the Islanders in Brooklyn. With Lou Lamoriello at the helm making sweeping changes, Trotz makes plenty of sense for a team looking to change its image. They need a good coach who can change the culture. I’ve thought for a while this was the move Lamoriello would make once Trotz became available. Now that he is, I expect him to move quickly.

The only other candidate is Toronto Marlies Calder Cup winner Sheldon Keefe. A rising coach who eventually could take over for Mike Babcock with the Maple Leafs if he stays. But he’s never coached in the NHL before.

The Islanders under Lamoriello are operating differently. They’ll likely re-sign John Tavares and make other key moves to improve their playoff chances in a tough division. It seems likely that Trotz will be the next coach. We’ll see what happens.

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Rangers offseason crucial to future

Posted on June 18, 2018 by Derek

It’s been a while since so much depended on the NHL Draft for the Rangers. A team used to postseason success, they failed to qualify for the playoffs for just the second time since Henrik Lundqvist was a rookie in ’05-06. They finished dead last in the Metro Division with 77 points.

As a result, they’ll pick ninth overall in the first round of this Friday’s 2018 NHL Draft. In a rebuild for the first time with Lundqvist the starting goalie, it’ll be interesting to see what Rangers GM Jeff Gorton decides to do this offseason. Having acquired extra picks in the first three rounds, it’s a chance to change the script.

In so many past summers, the Rangers were devoid of a surplus of draft picks. This was due to former architect Glen Sather sacrificing first round picks and even second rounders in trades for proven stars such as Rick Nash, Martin St. Louis and Keith Yandle. All moves that risked youth in an attempt to go for it. None which can be criticized with a prime Lundqvist on the roster. He did overpay for St. Louis but the team made its only Stanley Cup appearance since 1994. They didn’t get it done, losing to the Kings in 2014.

The risk of doing business this way finally came back to haunt them. Former coach Alain Vigneault ran out of time to keep the team competitive. The turning point remains the no show in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final. A Lightning 2-0 shutout at MSG that basically ended a run of three Conference Final trips in four years. A gut wrenching six-game second round series loss to Ottawa in 2016 should’ve been a signal for a coaching change. Instead, management kept Vigneault too long, resulting in the team’s worst season since the pre-lockout Dark Ages Era.

Now, a new era is upon us. Former Boston University head man David Quinn takes over as coach, making the leap from the college ranks to the NHL. Something that’s been done recently by Dave Hakstol in Philadelphia. There haven’t been many college coaches to make the jump. Quinn gets his first chance as a NHL bench boss in the Big Apple. An opportunity he couldn’t pass up after much thought and consideration.

With Quinn still an assistant coach short on his staff, that should be decided very soon. Lindy Ruff has been retained as a bird’s eye view. What role he’ll have remains to be seen. He brings experience. Hopefully, he’ll have a more positive influence than his first year under Vigneault, whose defensive system chased away Ulf Samuelsson and Jeff Beukeboom. Who else will be added? Benoit Allaire is still the goalie coach. A must given the success he’s had.

While filling out the staff is a must, the most important thing is what the organization decides between this draft weekend and July when free agency begins. Gorton has his work cut out for him. With a number of key restricted’s due raises, including Kevin Hayes, he must decide which players are worth investing in. Hayes improved in a shutdown checking role, scoring a career high 25 goals. He excelled as a match-up center who improved on face-offs, and was a fixture on the penalty kill. Does he get Chris Kreider money on a new contract that could buy up free agent years? Or is it a shorter term due to a surplus of centers thanks to teenagers Lias Andersson and Filip Chytil? What roles will the two 2017 first round picks have?

Mika Zibanejad is the clearcut first line center due to his talent. He hit 27 goals last season despite missing time due to a concussion. He was a fixture on the power play netting 14 of his 27 goals on the man-advantage. The shoot first righty pivot must improve at five-on-five when matched up against opponents’ best players. He is capable of scoring 30 goals and reaching between 65-70 points. He’ll be leaned on in more of a leadership role on a rebuilding club not expected to make the playoffs.

Assuming Hayes stays, he’ll be one of those veterans looked upon to provide leadership. Chris Kreider remains the team’s most impactful forward. After returning from rib resection surgery due to a blood clot, he was a different player. The 27-year old showed more consistency towards the end of last season, scoring and setting up goals while playing a more determined game. Off the ice, he was willing to talk candidly to reporters about the youthful mistakes from some of the newcomers, keeping a more positive mindset. Possessing the size, speed and strength, Kreider will be looked to for more consistency in production. He’s fully capable of 30 goals and 30 assists while providing the net front presence he developed under Vigneault. If he takes that next step finally, you could be looking at the next Rangers captain.

Veteran playmaker Mats Zuccarello is expected to return for the ’18-19 season. Entering the final year of a contract with an AAV of $4.5 million, he’ll turn 31 on Sept. 1 before training camp. The pint sized Norwegian with the big heart remains a capable scorer, who prefers to set up teammates. He didn’t shoot the puck enough last season and saw his defensive play slip. He still led the team in scoring with 53 points. Playing for a new contract, there’s plenty of motivation for Zucc. A intense player who admittedly plays like a rat due to his size, he isn’t a top line guy anymore. He’s better suited in a secondary role on the second line. He’ll still get power play time but needs to not be so predictable.

Even though I believe Pavel Buchnevich needs to improve certain aspects of his game, he should get first crack on the first line with Zibanejad and Kreider. His career best 29 assists and 43 points are good. The 14 goals are a little low due to a reluctance to shoot. I’d like to see the third-year Russian look shot more and get to 20 goals. His passing acumen is high, especially on the power play. Thirty to thirty-five assists should be attainable. He’ll need to improve his physicality. At times, he was taken off the puck too easily. Becoming a strong player will help his development.

In assessing the direction they’ll take, much depends on key decisions with other RFA’s including former Boston University alum Jimmy Vesey, Ryan Spooner, Vladislav Namestnikov, and 24-year old defenseman Brady Skjei. Gorton could decide to sign Skjei to a smart long-term cap friendly deal. Though I’m not sold on him as a top pair guy based off last season. He enters Year Three looking to improve. Vesey can be given a short-term deal to prove himself under a college coach familiar with him. He has the size and work ethic but must find consistency. There’s no reason he can’t become a 20-25 goalscorer in a more defined role.

Spooner and Namestnikov are the wildcards. Spoon Man is a year away from unrestricted free agency, producing four goals and 12 assists after coming over from Boston. He could have more value as a trade chip to move up. Namestnikov was a disaster with four points in 19 contests following the blockbuster with Tampa that sent Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller to the Bolts for prospects Libor Hajek and Brett Howden. The deal also includes a second round pick this year and a conditional first next year if Tampa wins the Stanley Cup.

On a team devoid of elite talent, Gorton’s main priority is to land a impact player at the Draft. Can he parlay the ninth overall pick, extra picks and possibly Spooner or Namestnikov to move into the top four? Forwards Filip Zadina, Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk, Oliver Wahlstrom all await. Adam Boqvist, Quinn Hughes, Noah Dobson and Evan Bouchard all are available as defensemen.

With uncertainty surrounding a paper thin free agent class that could become thinner if John Tavares and John Carlson re-sign before July 1, there’s not much out there. Not unless Gorton thinks he can land a proven scorer like James van Riemsdyk or gritty veteran such as James Neal. There’s not much to be had. I wouldn’t mind toughening up the fourth line with either Antoine Roussel or Ryan Reaves. This team lacks grit. For proof, look how the Capitals won. Not only with skill but the annoying Tom Wilson, and Devante Smith-Pelly.

To succeed in this league, you need a combination of both skill and physicality. If you don’t have players (Boyle, Moore, Girardi, Staal) willing to get the jersey dirty, you will be easy to play against. A lesson learned from the recent vanilla Vigneault rosters. It needs to be built in Quinn’s personality. He emphasizes defense. Let’s see how it translates this summer.

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Devils’ offseason approaches with question marks

Posted on June 17, 2018 by hasan4978

It’s been nearly two months since the Devils’ 2017-18 season ended in Tampa Bay, five games later than most pundits thought it would end in the first round of the playoffs after a 97-point season that surprised the hockey world and ended the organization’s six-year postseason drought.  Not too long ago a 97-point season and a first-round exit would have been considered a failure by Devils standards, but coming off a 70-point season the year before 2017-18 can only be described as a rousing success – with a resurgent star in Taylor Hall, young guns like Nico Hischier and a backup goalie in Keith Kinkaid leading them through a scintillating 10-2-1 run down the stretch to clinch a berth in game #81 against the Maple Leafs with former GM and franchise czar Lou Lamoriello in the building.

What’s changed in the two months since the Devils’ 3-1 defeat against the Eastern Conferences’s top regular season team?  Not much yet, although there will be a couple of coaching changes on the docket with assistant Geoff Ward departing to take a similar position in Calgary, and fellow assistant Ryane Clowe leaving for a head coaching position with Newfoundland in the ECHL.  For once there aren’t many pending UFA’s to have angst over leaving on July 1 – the biggest names are defenseman John Moore (not likely to return) and deadline acquisition Patrick Maroon, who it came out was dealing with a herniated disc in his back but still managed to contribute 13 points in 17 games after coming over to the Devils.  Despite his lack of footspeed, Maroon fit into the team far better than fellow deadline acquistion Michael Grabner – who looked like he’d rather be elsewhere and was so bad he wound up being scratched for the team’s final two playoff games.  Don’t expect Grabner to return either.

Maroon wasn’t the only Devil who went for offseason surgery…as it turned out Hart Trophy finalist Taylor Hall was playing with torn ligaments in his hand from late December on.  Remarkable, considering he actually upped his game in the second half of the season.  Also, Cory Schneider had hip surgery which is expected to sideline him for a whopping five months (re: it’ll be iffy at best if he’s ready for the start of the season in October).  I’d be remiss if I didn’t start eating a plate of crow for downplaying the belief Cory was playing hurt after his groin injury in January, which actually wasn’t the cause of most of his issues physically since ostensibly the groin was fully healed when he came back into the lineup and struggled, but his cryptic comment about how this was he was as good as he was going to get when he came off IR, it would seem had to do with his hip more than his groin.  At least for Cory’s sake he was able to get a form of redemption for a dissapointing 2018 in his last three games of the season, Games 3-5 against Tampa were clearly his best of this calendar year and re-established him as the starter heading into 2018-19 despite Kinkaid’s inspiring six-week surge that helped carry the team to the playoffs.

With the NHL playoffs now over after a thrilling climax where (as SI put it) The Great Wait ended at last with one of hockey’s transcendent figures in Alex Ovechkin getting his long-sought Cup, next week begins the transition from 2017-18 to 2018-19, with the NHL Awards on Wednesday night, schedules coming out the following afternoon and the draft on Friday and Saturday with the FA interview period early the following week, events will start to accelerate fast heading into UFA day two weeks from now.  I won’t do a full preview of the Devils’ offseason in case some big draft-day deal happens although it would be hard to imagine the Devils dealing their first rounder considering they’ve already dealt off their 2nd and 3rd rounders in this draft.

I’ll say if you’re a fan looking for John Carlson to improve the defense, be prepared to pay through the nose after the recent eight-year contract at $8 million plus per season Oliver Ekman-Larsson signed to stay in Arizona.  It would also be hard to envision the Devils throwing out a big contract to any RD given that’s clearly their stronger side headed by Sami Vatanen while the left side could use a serious upgrade given Andy Greene’s decline and Moore’s departure.  And no, Mirco Mueller is not the long-term answer.  He’s more like the new Jon Merrill – a third-pairing plodder who won’t hurt you but won’t really help you either.  Will Butcher could develop into more of a two-way threat but how many top pairing defensemen do you see that are 5’10 and 190 pounds with average speed?

It’s also hard at this point to see them signing the key prize of this year’s FA crop in John Tavares.  Given the Isles’ recent organization restructuring that booted GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight out in favor of new franchise czar Lamoriello (yep, another change of address for the ageless Lou this offseason, this time back into the Metro area), it would seem evident they’re bent on convincing JT that the Isles aren’t looking to stay in neutral any longer.  With two early first-round picks, the smart money has Lou spending at least one of them in a trade towards an immediate improvement to a team that struggled last year but still has some talent worth building around.  While it seems that JT will at least get to the FA interview period it’s still likely he takes the extra contract year – which is off the table on July 1 – and re-signs with the Isles just before FA a la Steven Stamkos in Tampa a couple years ago.

If the Devils can’t spend money on the big FA’s, it seems obvious they’ll keep going with smaller signings and more under-the-radar trades to supplement building from within, possibly using 2019 picks or their lone top pick in 2018 and their cap space as a wedge to help another team out of a cap bind.  GM Ray Shero has come up with late-July surprises every year so far as Devils GM with his draft-day trade for Kyle Palmieri three years ago followed by the Hall for Adam Larsson heist a couple years ago.  Last year’s post-draft trade for Marcus Johansson didn’t work as well as the first two did in part due to the winger’s injuries.  It’s hard to envision a fourth at the moment but Shero’s patience has paid off in the past, and the GM knows this team still needs more to make the leap from upstart to contender.

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HARD HITS: Canadiens take risk in dealing away Galchenyuk to Coyotes for Domi

Posted on June 16, 2018 by Derek

When the deal between the Canadiens and Coyotes came down on Friday, it coincided with the one-year anniversary of Montreal trading top defense prospect Mikhail Sergachev to the Lightning in exchange for forward Jonathan Drouin. Drouin’s underperformance in his first year as a Hab didn’t go well. He was a minus-28 with 46 points (13-33-46) in a miserable season that saw Montreal finish near the bottom. Signed through 2023 to a cap average of $5.5 million, Drouin must improve.

In his rookie year, Sergachev impressed for Tampa finishing second among all first-year defensemen in scoring with 40 points (9-31-40). The difference is he’s 19 and cheaper on a entry level contract.

So, how to analyze the latest trade involving the Canadiens and much maligned GM Marc Bergevin? This time, he cut salary by sending former first round pick Alex Galchenyuk to Arizona for Max Domi. Only separated by a year in age, each were taken in the first round. The difference being that the 24-year old Galchenyuk has already played six years with a cap charge of $4.9 million in each of the next two seasons. He can then become a unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2021. A forward who prefers to play center, he’ll get that opportunity with the Coyotes alongside Clayton Keller. If he can become more consistent, he could attain new personal bests in goals, assists and points.

For Domi, it’s a chance for a fresh start in a pressure packed media market. No stranger to playing for Team Canada at the IIHF Under-20 World Junior Championships, the 23-year old Canadian from Winnipeg is a passionate player who plays a classic North American game. Though only listed at 5-10, 195, Domi is the type of forward who’s not afraid to get in the face of opponents. Just ask veteran Ryan Kesler, who suffered a one punch knockout in a fight last season. Following a promising rookie campaign in ’15-16 in which he posted career highs in goals (18) and points (52), his production suffered the past two seasons. He’ll want to improve on the nine goals he scored in a injury riddled ’16-17 and full 82 games in ’17-18. He did tally a career best 36 assists for the Coyotes in his final year. The third most on the team.

Montreal is saving approximately $1.8 million in salary after signing Domi to a two-year deal with an AAV of $3.15 million thru 2020. If he performs well, maybe they decide to give him a long-term contract, buying up some free agent years.

It’s obvious the Canadiens are going in a different direction. Galchenyuk didn’t fit what vet coach Claude Julien wanted. Despite being a minus-31 on what was a awful team, the ex-Hab ranked second in team scoring with 51 points (19-32-51) in 82 games. He didn’t agree with how he was used. Consistency was an issue. We’ll see how he does on what should be a much improved Coyotes.

Montreal is likely to also be saying goodbye to captain Max Pacioretty. The proven finisher enters the final year of a contract that pays him $5 million in ’18-19 with a AAV of $4.5 million. He’ll be 30 on Nov. 20. Expect his name to be floated around at next week’s NHL Draft and on July 1 free agent frenzy day.

The Canadiens have the third overall pick in the upcoming Draft. Filip Zadina is expected to be available if they keep it. So should Brady Tkachuk.

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Karlsson/Hoffman fiasco in Ottawa a nightmare

Posted on June 15, 2018 by Derek

A year ago, the Ottawa Senators came within one overtime of making the Stanley Cup Final. Captain Erik Karlsson played on one good leg, putting up 18 points to lead the Senators on the verge of its second Stanley Cup appearance. They lost Game Seven in sudden death to the Penguins on Chris Kunitz’ overtime goal. Pittsburgh would repeat as champs.

A year later, a disastrous season that saw them rank near the bottom of the league, continues to haunt them. It was already apparent that the Senators can’t afford to keep Karlsson. The 28-year old defenseman is a two-time Norris winner. Considered the game’s best at his position, he enters the final year of a deal that pays him $7.5 million with an average cap hit of $6.5 million. A bargain for someone of the Swede’s unique blend of skating, offense and defense. There’s no better blueliner in transition.

It’s astonishing that he returned early to Ottawa in ’17-18. He was able to skate in 71 games, totaling nine goals, 53 assists, and 62 points. His defense struggled on a bad team, finishing minus-25. Though some of it can be attributed to him not being totally healthy.

Who knew about the odd relationship between Karlsson’s wife Melinda and teammate Hoffman’s fiancé Monika? Melinda recently filed a order of protection against Monika for harassment. A shocking news item that hit social media earlier this week.

It is crazy to think something of this magnitude could happen. Especially with key players on the same team, who were a huge part of Ottawa’s success in ’16-17. It’s very disturbing and sad. Now, the Senators must trade both their best player and a good finisher this summer.

Not surprisingly, rumors have circulated that Karlsson asked for a trade. Given the uneasiness of the situation, there’s no way he can return. Besides, following ’18-19, he’ll command a salary upwards of $10 million on the open market. Given the instability of the franchise due to horrible owner Eugene Melnyk, it makes sense for the Senators to get a good return for Karlsson now. He wasn’t even expected by some to last through the trade deadline. You have to think he’s a goner by the NHL Draft or on July 1.

As for Hoffman, he’s scored at least 22 goals or more over the last four seasons. He’s a good player capable of scoring 30 in the right situation. The 28-year old forward is signed for another two seasons with a AAV of $5.187 million. He’ll earn $5.65 million in ’18-19 and ’19-20. When he’s 30, Hoffman will be a unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2020.

The question for the other 30 NHL general managers is what is Hoffman worth. He has baggage due to his longtime girlfriend, which is now public. It’s very ugly and can’t be easy for him. Is this really the kind of woman he wants to be with? His career is at risk. Especially if the allegations are true. Considering the support Karlsson’s wife Melinda received from former teammates’ girlfriends and spouses, it portrays a negative light on Hoffman’s girlfriend Monika.

With these unnecessary distractions entering the offseason, it won’t be easy for Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion. He’s also trying to find someone to take Bobby Ryan’s contract. There are four years left with an AAV of $7.25 million through 2022. Good luck with that.

There’s also the disturbing news on assistant GM Randy Lee. Lee is accused of sexually harassing a shuttle driver on May 30. He reportedly made lewd comments and rubbed the shoulders of a 19-year old male driver. He entered a plea of not guilty to a charge of second-degree harassment. A non-criminal charge. If found guilty, he faces a maximum of 15 days in jail and a $250 fine.

All these distractions make Ottawa a nightmare. They’re about to trade their best player. A great team guy and captain, who’s carried himself well. It’s going to be sad when he is gone. The Hoffman business between his girlfriend and Karlsson’s wife is despicable.

It’s a untenable situation. The question is how does it get resolved. We’re about to find out.

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Why is Lindy Ruff back

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Derek

Sitting here finishing off a Guinness in the wee hours watching classic videos on MTV Classic, I cannot help but wonder why Lindy Ruff is still here. The news came down officially over the weekend. The former Sabres and Stars coach, who was an assistant under Alain Vigneault in ’17-18, will return to the Rangers.

That’s right. The veteran coach will be part of new coach David Quinn’s staff. I’m wondering how that’ll work out exactly. Now, this isn’t a criticism of Ruff, who knows the game. It’s just that he was part of what was wrong on the first Rangers team to miss the postseason since the ill fated shootout nightmare in Philadelphia eight years ago. Under him, the defense struggled mightily. Even with Marc Staal returning to form, let’s just say the system the Blueshirts played was puzzling. Hopefully, it had more to do with Vigneault than Ruff.

Quinn enters his first NHL head coaching job emphasizing improved play from the defense. He comes from a good program coaching Boston University where Charlie McAvoy graduated, and was splendid in a good rookie season for the Bruins. So, I’m hopeful.

I think that’s the right word to describe most Ranger fans entering the offseason. Following the NHL Awards which will be filled with more celebrations from Alexander Ovechkin and his Capitals teammates along with either Taylor Hall or Nathan MacKinnon the new Hart winner, the NHL Draft hits in Dallas for two days a week from this Friday. I’m excited to see what our team can do with the extra picks in the first and second round. We’ll see if GM Jeff Gorton can parlay his ninth overall pick and extras along with possibly RFA’s Ryan Spooner or Vladislav Namestnikov going. We’ll see what happens.

Between a NHL Draft that’s loaded with talent including soon to be top pick Rasmus Dahlin to the Sabres, Andrei Svechnikov, Filip Zadina, Brady Tkachuk, Noah Dobson, Quinn Hughes, Adam Boqvist, Oliver Wahlstrom, Evan Bouchard and Jesperi Kotkaniemi, and potential established stars (Erik Karlsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Ryan O’Reilly) who could be moving, it’s sure to be an action packed weekend.

July 1 is around the corner. It’s not a big free agent class with only John Tavares, James van Riemsdyk and John Carlson the potential headliners. There are other good players such as James Neal, Joe Thornton (if he returns), David Perron, Paul Stastny, Rick Nash, and Michael Grabner all available.

The Rangers have a few Group II’s they’ll turn their attention to. Kevin Hayes should be at the top of the list with possibly a term in the $4.5 million AAV range and length between four to five years. Then Brady Skjei, who didn’t distinguish himself following a promising rookie season. Jimmy Vesey will likely accept a one or two-year deal that’s very affordable to prove himself. He wasn’t exactly utilized properly under Vigneault. A player of his stature should be looked at in the top six to see if he can be more than a 15-goal 30-point player. I believe there’s untapped potential.

As for Ruff, with him returning and of course valuable goalie coach Benoit Allaire, there isn’t much more to fill. One more assistant position is available. I have no idea what they’re thinking. Do they?

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HARD HITS: Larry Brooks needs to retire

Posted on June 10, 2018 by Derek

HARD HITS

By Derek Felix

You would think after what 2018 Conn Smythe winner Alexander Ovechkin has been through that everyone who covers him would be happy. Many of the hockey media expressed their joy for the outstanding postseason the emotional three-time Hart winner had in finally leading the Capitals to its first Stanley Cup.

It was a long time coming. After all the postseason nightmares in the second round to the Penguins and Rangers, Ovechkin and a worthy group of teammates conquered their demons. The 32-year old Russian never played better hockey in his life. Despite all the Rocket Richards, and 607 goals, he truly was the passionate leader of the 2017-18 Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals.

Nobody is more deserving than the electrifying captain of the Caps. It wasn’t only the playoff-leading 15 goals and 12 assists totaling 27 points- ranking just behind this postseason’s leading scorer, linemate Evgeny Kuznetsov, who finished with 32 points (12-20-32). The most in one postseason since Pens’ superstar Evgeni Malkin produced 36 in 2009. It was the sacrifices a burning Great Eight made to lead his team by example. He was determined to do whatever it took to win this Spring. He was more committed defensively, racing back as he did to deny a Golden Knights breakaway chance. He dove to block shots when it was necessary as many Capitals did. As usual, there was the trademark Ovi human freight train hits throughout the run.

That’s why it’s absolutely ridiculous to see what the miserable Larry Brooks wrote in his column Slap Shots that appeared in the New York Post. So, if we’re to understand it, so because Ovechkin and the Capitals didn’t go through Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers, it doesn’t count. Or at least that’s what Brooks insinuates. It’s as if it’s not the same due to Ovechkin not having to beat Lundqvist. Correct me if I’m wrong here. How did the early match-ups go between the two? How did Lundqvist perform along with the Rangers this past season? They finished dead last in the division.

It’s time to put this nonsense to bed. I get that Brooks is a bitter pill. If I didn’t know any better, he could be related to Oscar The Grouch. At least that was Sesame Street fun. Sometimes, I get the distinct impression that Brooks thinks he invented hockey. Until he’s put out to pasture, he’ll continue to harp on the negatives, including playing the role of Scrooge when it comes to the amazing run the expansion Vegas Golden Knights had.

He can be a real curmudgeon. It’s not the Knights’ fault the NHL set up this new playoff format which by the way, the NHLPA signed off on. It must’ve been my imagination that the Golden Knights ran through the Winnipeg Jets in five games. Save us the excuses that they played Nashville the previous round. Vegas went six against the Sharks. They earned the right to play for Lord Stanley, and didn’t roll over in Game Five. They made the Caps earn it.

If you cannot see why the Vegas run was so great for the sport, please don’t cover hockey anymore. Turn in your media credentials and go back to the bar. It’s time for this undeserving fool to retire.

Brooks and that troll Brett Cyrgalis have made more enemies covering this sport than most. It makes me glad Dan Boyle stood up to them.

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Ovechkin wins Conn Smythe in Capitals first ever Stanley Cup

Posted on June 8, 2018 by Derek

It took only five games. But getting the fourth one against the Golden Knights proved difficult for the Capitals. Led by their captain, they fought back after falling behind a goal to stun Vegas 4-3 in Game Five to capture their first ever Stanley Cup.

Alexander Ovechkin is finally a Stanley Cup champion. The game’s most electrifying superstar scored a franchise playoff record 15th goal to lead the postseason. He was magnificent during the Caps’ run. Playing a more complete game that included hustling back defensively, selling out to block shots and leading by example, the Great Eight is the most deserving player I can think of to win Lord Stanley. The passion he plays with and how excited he gets for teammates’ success is second to none.

It’s truly great to see Ovechkin silence the critics, who had him pegged based off past Washington playoff failures. The thing that got lost in those defeats is he always performed well. They just didn’t have the right cast until now. Of course, nobody saw it coming. Not after they won the Metropolitan Division. Not when they fell behind 2-0 to Columbus in the first round. They weren’t good enough to be in the same class as the Penguins, Lightning or Bruins. I didn’t see it. I was proven wrong as were many pundits.

Congrats to the Washington Capitals and their fans, who waited over 40 years for this moment. Many of the sea of red made the trip to Vegas to see their team stage a nice comeback to make history. Goals by unsung heroes Devante Smith-Pelly and Lars Eller turned a one-goal deficit in the third period into a one-goal lead.

It was that kind of team effort that personified these Caps. From top to bottom, everyone contributed. All four lines and three defense pairs were involved. When it wasn’t Ovechkin or leading scorer Evgeny Kuznetsov, there was Tom Wilson scoring and setting up big goals while playing on the edge with a freight train of monster hits that crushed the Golden Knights defense. He did the same thing to the Lightning in the Conference Final. If it wasn’t Nicklas Backstrom or T.J. Oshie making plays, it was rookie Jakub Vrana scoring a huge breakaway goal top shelf past Marc-Andre Fleury to put the Capitals up 1-0 in the second period.

Throughout the run, you had key pickup Michael Kempny scoring and setting up goals while paired with leading scoring D John Carlson. A move nobody gave much thought to. The Caps gave up a third round pick to Chicago. Who knew? The same can be echoed for veteran Brooks Orpik. Supposedly ‘washed up,’ the proven physical blueliner who had the only Cup on the roster with the Pens, was a tower of strength in a more limited role on the third pair. He even scored in this series and it was great keep and shot that allowed Smith-Pelly to tie the score with 10:08 left.

As fate would have it, Eller would get the Stanley Cup clincher 2:31 later. The first ever player from Denmark to get his name on the trophy also had the biggest goal in Game Three of the first round. His overtime winner against the Blue Jackets flipped the script. He was splendid in a second line role when Backstrom missed a few games. He won key draws and logged big minutes under winning coach Barry Trotz. He played power play and killed penalties. He was the most indispensable Cap. It was fitting that he got the tip in front from Brett Connolly and Andre Burakovsky with 7:37 remaining.

Braden Holtby made 28 saves with many enormous when his team trailed following consecutive Knights tallies from David Perron and Reilly Smith. Holtby was at his best keeping a more determined Vegas at bay. Without him, the series goes back to D.C. Who knows what could’ve happened if there was a Game Six.

The Caps were relentless to get it done last night. They did it by sending the expansion Golden Knights to their first four-game losing streak in its inaugural season. A special one that’ll be remembered despite the final outcome. They played their butts off for coach Gerard Gallant. The Caps earned it.

Even though the Vegas show closed at T-Mobile Arena on Thursday night, they have nothing to be ashamed of. Nobody could’ve predicted this for a first year franchise built from scratch. I’ve seen way too many sourpusses rain on their parade. They took players other teams didn’t want and turned into a division winner, who wouldn’t be denied in conquering the West.

They embarrassed the Kings behind Fleury and the top line of William Karlsson, Smith and Jonathan Marchessault. They then beat a good Sharks team in a hard fought six before stunning the hockey world by wearing down Winnipeg in five. That’s a helluva run. They got beat by a better team. Despite that, most of the games were competitive. Even Game Four was misleading. For nearly two games, nothing went in for Vegas. That was despite better play until things imploded following a few goalposts and close calls. Sometimes, the hockey gods can be cruel. They were on the Caps’ side.

The on ice Cup presentation included fireworks as fan favorite Gary Bettman presented Ovechkin with the Conn Smythe and then the sweetest trophy in all of sports. It was truly a magic moment to behold. A screaming Ovi for all to see cheering like a kid with glee. It finally was his time to shine along with his team. The last one standing. Well deserved.

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