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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Lou cleans house, names self new Islanders GM

Posted on June 5, 2018 by Derek

As expected, Lou Lamoriello wasted no time making changes. The new Islanders Team President cleaned house by firing both former GM Garth Snow and coach Doug Weight earlier this afternoon.

The 75 years young Lou named himself the new general manager of the team. The search for a new coach for the Islanders begins immediately.

There you have it. In classic fashion dating back to the glory days with the Devils, Lamoriello is in full charge of another local franchise. This was always the easy move to make for a proven executive, who sounded energized in a recent interview with WFAN’s Mike Francesa. So, he has something in common with New York’s biggest sports talk radio personality. Neither are the retiring types.

It’ll be interesting to see what Lou decides to do next. He’ll want a coach in his no nonsense personality. He didn’t leave a easier post in Toronto to take it easy. He’s in Brooklyn (for now) for one reason. To rebuild on the fly a team that could be on the verge of losing its premier star, John Tavares to free agency. That all depends on the current Isles captain. Will he stay with favorite ex-coach Weight gone along with Snow? We don’t know.

It’s funny to see all these rumors spreading like wildfire on social media that Lamoriello will trade Tavares’ rights before July 1. How does anyone really know? He spoke to Tavares when he accepted the job. You never know with Lou.

The Islanders first need a coach, which could happen as soon as the Stanley Cup Final ends. The Capitals will get the first of three chances to win their first Cup on Thursday against the Golden Knights in Vegas. As soon as it concludes, expect Lamoriello to move fast. Maybe he’ll get permission to speak with Toronto Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe. Considering the ties to the Leafs, it makes sense.

There’s also the small possibility of Washington coach Barry Trotz, who could become the biggest coaching free agent. That is if the Caps don’t keep him. That doesn’t seem very likely with Trotz on the verge of guiding the franchise to its first championship.

Whatever Lamoriello decides, the Islanders are a whole lot more interesting now. No longer will they be the laughingstock of the NHL. There won’t be any more jokes about Snow having the same lifespan as current NBC analyst Mike Milbury. Both weren’t too successful with similar results. Only Snow had a team finally advance out of the first round thanks to Tavares’ heroics.

With soon to be named Calder winner Mathew Barzal ready for bigger things and top prospect Kieffer Bellows poised to be the next good player the Islanders produce, they should be okay for the future.

Lamoriello will have the task of re-signing Tavares and less discussed defenseman Calvin de Haan. A valuable player, who the team sorely missed. He also must choose a new number one goalie after Snow did nothing. Thomas Greiss and Jaro Halak aren’t starters.

He’ll want to see if he can sign 2014 fourth round pick Linus Soderstrom. A 21-year old Swedish goalie prospect who could hold the key to the future. Although he didn’t perform as well in ’17-18 for HV71 Jonkoping in Sweden, he’s an important player. Particularly with no positive development on 2014 third round pick Ilya Sorokin. A highly rated 22-year old Russian who stars for CSKA Moscow of the KHL.

All this makes the Isles one of the more intriguing teams to watch this summer.

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Hard Hits: Ovechkin and Caps silencing critics

Posted on June 3, 2018 by Derek

Through three games of the most unpredictable Stanley Cup Final, it’s Alexander Ovechkin and the Caps needing just two more wins to capture the franchise’s first Cup. In a virtuoso performance following a bizarre introduction from game show host Pat Sajac, Ovechkin scored his team’s first goal in a 3-1 home win in Game Three over the Golden Knights to take a two games to one series lead.

As has been the case throughout this postseason, the Great Eight has continued to play at another level. In continuing to lead his team by playing excellent two-way hockey that’s included sacrificing his body for the cause to block one of 26 Vegas shots, Ovechkin is proving the critics wrong. As if the greatest goalscorer of this generation and second best player behind Sidney Crosby, was to blame for previous Washington failures. He always produced but wasn’t as complete. That’s the difference with every skater on the Caps along with the laser focus of Braden Holtby.

What they lacked before was the grit and determination along with the tenacity to get it done. Now, they’re more resilient winning the one on one battles. They play much tougher defensively which makes games like Saturday night’s ugly for the viewers but beautiful for long suffering Caps fans. It might not be a pretty style of hockey under coach Barry Trotz. But unlike 2015, ’16 and ’17, they’ve persevered to the point where they can taste it.

While Ovechkin has been front and center scoring timely goals in the last two games which are both wins, the supporting cast has continued to play their roles as perfectly. In Game Two, they held off a Golden Knights’ strong third period to pull out a hard fought 3-2 victory to square the series. They did it without star center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who missed most of the last two periods due to an upper body injury he sustained on a clean, heavy hit. Lars Eller was instrumental in the victory with a goal and two assists while dominating on faceoffs. His primary helper on a Ovechkin power play goal broke a 1-1 tie. He also helped set up unlikely hero Brooks Orpik’s game-winner.

In the playoffs, it’s not always the stars who help you win. It’s guys like André Burakovsky, who sprung to life in Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Final with two goals to help the Caps shutout the Lightning. Burakovsky was benched in the same series. He had two helpers in Game Two. Without guys like Devante Smith-Pelly and Brett Connolly, the Caps wouldn’t be where they are. Even with Kuznetsov returning to play last night and score a huge goal to convert a three-on-one rush, Smith-Pelly stepped up with his fifth of the tournament. A big insurance marker that restored a two-goal lead in the third after a rare Holtby misplay had given Tomas Nosek an easy goal. Jay Beagle recorded two assists while centering the fourth line that had Smith-Pelly and hustling rookie Chandler Stephenson on it.

On a night the second scoring unit of Nick Backstrom, Jakub Vrana and T.J. Oshie were quiet, it was the vaunted top line with Kuznetsov (goal/assist), Ovechkin (franchise tying 14th goal) and pest Tom Wilson (5 hits, big recovery that led to Ovechkin goal) that set the tone. They easily could’ve had more than two of the three Washington goals. Marc-André Fleury was spectacular throughout making big saves that gave Vegas a chance. He robbed Ovechkin at least three times including twice with superb glove stops. The score could’ve been more lopsided given how much the Caps dominated territorially.

The Golden Knights didn’t have the puck enough. Turnovers were a theme with some blown assignments leading directly to goals against which Fleury had no chance on. It was a credit to how thorough the Caps checked. They gave their opponent nothing by blanketing the neutral zone and making a cocoon around Holtby. This led to plenty of missed opportunities. Forty of the Knights’ 62 attempts never reached the Washington net. Twenty-six were blocked while another 14 missed the net completely.

A tighter checking game has favored the detail oriented Caps, who have won both low scoring contests since the wild and crazy Game One that featured 10 goals and a Stanley Cup record four lead changes. They shutdown the Knights’ top line of William Karlsson, Reilly Smith and Jonathan Marchessault. They also exposed the Vegas second line turning James Neal, Erik Haula and David Perron into a combined minus-nine. They were victimized on all three goals. Perhaps that’ll result in Vegas coach Gerard Gallant adjusting that line along with a couple of personnel changes. Something he hasn’t shied away from all season. Figure either Tomas Tatar or Oscar Lindberg to be back in for a crucial Game Four tomorrow night.

As far as Holtby, he’s on a good roll. Following a shaky Game One in which he allowed five goals on 33 shots, he’s given up just three on 61 shots. His defense has been better at protecting the net and swarming Vegas skaters. But he’s also been much sharper, bringing back his old Vezina form. Three goals allowed in the last 128:28 is pretty dominant.

It’s all working for the Caps. Two more wins and they finally reach the mountain top.

Body Checks

-I know it wasn’t the greatest game to watch. Now, I kinda understand what critics of the ’11-12 Rangers were talking about with all the blocked shots. It’s ugly but effective. It’ll be interesting to see what adjustments Gallant makes.

-It is absurd that two Stanley Cup games in a row didn’t air on NBC. Especially Saturday night in prime time. Instead, it was on NBCSN. NBC was re-airing a Dateline piece from a year ago in the 8 PM time slot. Genius programming. What a great league partner.

-The amount of clutching and grabbing the sea of red got away with was reminiscent of the pre-lockout days when anything went. So much for having a rulebook on obstruction.

-John Carlson hasn’t hurt himself one bit this postseason. A unrestricted free agent in July, the biggest Caps weapon from the right point will make a lot of money this summer. What better situation is there than the one he’s in? Unless the Devils come calling and sell him on a homecoming featuring Taylor Hall and Nico Hischier, he would be nuts to leave.

-Every tweet former pugilist Daniel Carcillo sends out is one of significant interest to fans and current players of the sport. The current lawsuit against the NHL is no laughing matter. Every time Gary Bettman sidesteps the issue of responsibility for the damage caused by head trauma that’s led to struggles off the ice, he comes off like a fraud. He can talk up the good PR of the expansion Golden Knights proving that anyone can make a run and build a new fan base. But he’s a jackass when it comes to the seriousness of how the league looked the other way on concussions damaging the brain to the point where CTE could be linked.

-New Islanders Team President Lou Lamoriello is no better. TSN continues to roll out a series of damaging articles on former players such as ex-Devil Mike Peluso, who played through concussions due to expectations. The league was a lot different in the 90’s and even 00’s. There was a lot more fighting. These guys put themselves at risk not knowing the severity of the damage blows to the head along with landing on the ice could cause. Nobody knew except Eric Lindros, who was right about how poorly the Flyers and Bobby Clarke handled him. Concussion protocol probably wouldn’t be around if not for former NHLPA leader Lindros.

-For old school executives in Lou’s class to not acknowledge it smacks of arrogance. He always talks about putting the team first. The logo in the front of the jersey over the name on the back. That’s all well and good. But what about caring for the players? I guess that didn’t matter. Winning at all costs.

-Per Doc Emrick, 13 remaining Caps were drafted by former GM and current Vegas one George McPhee. So, if his old team wins, he’ll have a lot to do with it. I’m sure that’s not what he’s thinking at the moment.

-When Emrick disagrees with a missed call, he lets the audience know about it. During a sequence in which he thought there was a penalty, he said, “Play continues.” Then when expecting an icing that never came, he quipped: “Why would it be?”

More reasons to love Doc.

-So many experts on what the Rangers should do including the captaincy. I don’t think they have a captain on the current roster. Mats Zuccarello enters his final year if he’s not dealt. Chris Kreider could be a good leader but isn’t ready for that kind of responsibility yet. Why not enter ’17-18 without a captain? They did it before in ’05-06 following the lockout under Tom Renney. It worked out well. Of course, they had Jaromir Jagr and savvy vets Martin Straka, Martin Rucinsky, Michael Nylander and Steve Rucchin. As Vegas has proven, you don’t have to name a captain.

-The Lamoriello hiring for the Islanders was a no brainer. Even at 75, he’s a fine executive who still has a healthy appetite to want to clean up the mess in Brooklyn and soon Long Island. From a business standpoint, it makes sense. What happens if John Tavares still leaves?

-Things I hate:

-the mini advertisements before play following a icing or offside.

-Pierre McGuire waxing poetic on another fourth liner. It doesn’t matter what year it is. It’s a team game. But fourth liners shouldn’t have this much impact. If they do, why didn’t Jed Ortmeyer win a Cup? How about Dominic Moore or Brian Boyle? They’re all guys I like. But at what point does it become ridiculous? Then you wonder why teams overpay these guys. For the same reason unheralded defensive defensemen get ridiculous contracts.

-The league talks up the talent and it’s true. But then you watch these games and there’s little room to make a play or take a shot. Even with all the rule adjustments, it’s a drag. Goalies have too much equipment. So do players. Particularly shoulder pads that can do damage on big hits. Plus the substandard officiating which frustrates benches and viewers while confusing broadcasts.

-So, Larry Brooks will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his contributions as a writer. When asked about it, favorite target John Tortorella had ‘no comment.’ I wonder what Dan Boyle thinks about this. It’s funny that Brooksie stuck. Tort’s old nickname for Brooks. Will he mention Torts in November?

-Brooks used to be a fun read for his Slap Shots column in the New York Post. But he’s so negative about everything that I am not sure he should keep covering the sport. I admit to similar frustration with the league. But if I can see how great a story Vegas is, why can’t Larry? Because he can be a stick in the mud. The show in Vegas is unlike anything we’ve ever seen. While some critique the Medieval Times act, I enjoy it for what it is. Entertainment in a sport that takes itself too seriously. When you have NBC talent gushing over it and using Jeremy Roenick in all sorts of chaotic roles engaging the fans, they know it’s funny. Why can’t hockey fans laugh? We are sometimes our own worst enemies.

-I guess Pat Sajak won’t be introducing the Nationals lineup in October.

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New Rangers coach David Quinn is a hockey lifer

Posted on May 25, 2018 by Derek

Yesterday at a press conference, David Quinn was introduced by general manager Jeff Gorton as the New York Rangers 35th head coach in franchise history.

The 51-year old hockey lifer has been involved playing the game and coaching it since childhood. He played all four years at Boston University from ’84-87 and represented Team USA in 1986.

Unfortunately, when he tried out for the ’88 Olympic team, Quinn was diagnosed with Haemophilia B (Christmas Disease), a rare disorder that prevents blood from clotting properly. Forced to retire from the game, he discovered expensive medication to battle the disease and attempt a comeback as a professional.

After failing to make the ’92 Olympic team, ironically it was the Rangers who signed him to a pro contract in February that same year. He completed the remainder of the season with the AHL affiliate Binghamton Rangers before spending ’92-93 with the Cleveland Lumberjacks in the International Hockey League (IHL).

Following his retirement, Quinn began his coaching career as an assistant with Northeastern before joining the University of Nebraska-Omaha for six years. After spending time as a USA developmental coach, he returned to his alma mater as a assistant, helping guide the Terriers to a national title in 2009.

Before returning to become coach of Boston University in 2013 replacing legendary coach Jack Parker, he got his first head coaching position with the Lake Erie Monsters of the AHL in ’09 while with the Colorado Avalanche organization. He spent three seasons there before serving as a assistant on the Avalanche for ’12-13.

Following five successful seasons coaching his alma mater BU to a NCAA Runner-Up in the 2015 Championship Game along with two Regional Finals the last two years, he moves up to become the coach of the Rangers. His third position as a head coach.

A former defenseman who’s developed Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk, he will emphasize a attacking style from the defense out. That doesn’t mean only improving team defense which was a sore spot under former Rangers bench boss Alain Vigneault the past two years. It also emphasizes using defensemen to transition the puck through the neutral zone and activate offensively which can make it harder on opponents to clear the zone.

In a rebuild with several young players, the Rangers must get back to harder working habits. If they are successful under Quinn, they’ll have a more sustained forecheck involving all five players during shifts. An area that disappeared from their game. In order for the team to have success, they must press the attack and have more puck possession in the offensive zone. A role reversal from what we saw recently.

All one has to do is watch how this year’s Disney story the Vegas Golden Knights play under Gerard Gallant. Every player has a defined role. He rolls four lines and plays three defense pairs in front of Conn Smythe frontrunner Marc-Andre Fleury. The way they use their skating and team speed attacking offensively and defensively has given opponents fits. Even the mighty Winnipeg Jets wore down losing in five in the Western Conference Final.

The Stanley Cup which starts on Memorial Day between the Caps and Knights in Vegas Monday night, should be very entertaining for fans of the sport. Nobody could’ve predicted this final.

You have Alexander Ovechkin playing the best hockey of his brilliant career with a more together Washington team that sacrifices to win in beating the Pens and stunning the Lightning in seven with a dominant 4-0 win on the road to make their first Cup appearance since 1998.

You have the expansion darling Golden Knights comprised of players 30 teams didn’t want led by William Karlsson, Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith along with Fleury. It’s a fascinating match-up.

In many aspects, this is what Ranger fans want to see. How soon it happens remains to be seen. Quinn is a strong personality who wants to change the culture. Even after turning down the job multiple times, he changed his mind and decided to take on a big challenge. Now, he’ll have to prove he’s worth the $2.5 million per season the Rangers are paying him over the next five years. Listening to him speak, he sounds excited.

He should be. It’s not every day that a job like this becomes available. His familiarity with many of the young Blueshirts who played collegiately should come in handy. It’s all about developing the new core and improving.

With the welcome mat for Quinnsanity, a new era is upon us. The job starts right away.

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Rangers bring in a new era with hire of David Quinn

Posted on May 23, 2018 by Derek

As the playoffs have gone on, it’s taken a while for the Rangers to find a new coach. After swinging and missing on Jim Montgomery, who reportedly turned down more money to stay in the Midwest and accept the job with the Stars, they have convinced David Quinn to leave Boston University and take over behind the bench in Manhattan.

Even after Quinn was rumored to stay with BU where he had developed good players including most recently Jack Eichel, Charlie McAvoy and Matt Grzelcyk, the Rangers persisted in their quest to go outside the box as GM Jeff Gorton and even Garden CEO James Dolan had hinted at during the process. More committed to a rebuild, it makes perfect sense for the Rangers to hire a developmental coach familiar with working with young talent. A avenue I suggested in this space.

After spending five seasons with the Terriers producing a 105-67-21 record in the Hockey East which included a runner-up in the Frozen Four in ’14-15 when they lost in heartbreaking fashion, the 51-year old Quinn will try his hand at coaching in the NHL.

It’ll be interesting to follow his path. There haven’t been many college coaches who moved up to the NHL ranks. The most notable are Miracle worker Herb Brooks and Badger Bob Johnson. The Flyers have had moderate success with Dave Hakstol overachieving by making the first round this year. Now, you can add two new former college coaches in Montgomery and Quinn.

So, how will Quinn do? That remains to be seen. With the Rangers organization finally confirming him as the 35th coach in franchise history earlier today, now comes the real challenge ahead. Turning around a bad team that missed its first postseason since 2009-10.

Much depends on what Gorton decides with his new coach and chief scouts. With the NHL Draft a month away, the team owns the ninth overall pick. They also hold a extra first from the Bruins in the Rick Nash deal that also netted D prospect Ryan Lindgren and key restricted free agent Ryan Spooner. He’s a year away from unrestricted status. Management must decide if it’s worth retaining Spooner for a year and make a similar decision on Group II forward Vladislav Namestnikov, who didn’t have a good showing after coming over from the Lightning in a blockbuster trade that sent former captain Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller. A deal that netted D prospect Libor Hajek, forward prospect Brett Howden along with a 2018 first round pick if the Lightning win the Stanley Cup. Plus a 2019 conditional second.

So much is tied into those two trades. There’s three prospects the Blueshirts are counting on for development along with what they can turn the extra picks into. Is the plan for Gorton to shop the number nine along with the additional first and second to move up into the top four and grab Oliver Wahlstrom, Brady Tkachuk, Filip Zadina or Adam Boqvist?

Gorton faces tough decisions on RFA’s Kevin Hayes, Brady Skjei and Jimmy Vesey. Plus whether they have full confidence in Alexandar Georgiev to back up Henrik Lundqvist, who shouldn’t start over 50 games. He can’t physically do it anymore. Do they trust Georgiev off his good first impression or consider re-signing Ondrej Pavelec?

The team will have cap space to make moves this July. What are they planning? Are they in on big free agents John Tavares, John Carlson or James van Riemsdyk? I would think not but you never know what the thought process is. Now a hard nosed vet such as James Neal on a reasonable deal could work. The same for Calvin de Haan, who has peak years left if he leaves the Islanders.

Most importantly, how Quinn and the new staff handle key young players like Lias Andersson, Pavel Buchnevich, Filip Chytil, Tony DeAngelo, Neal Pionk and Brady Skjei will go a long way to determining where the franchise is over the long term.

The leadership will fall not just on veterans Marc Staal (assuming he’s back), Lundqvist, Kevin Shattenkirk and Mats Zuccarello but Jesper Fast, Hayes, Chris Kreider and Mika Zibanejad.

It is a new day for Blueshirt fans. At times, the fan base has been impatient and quick to judge things. They must understand that a rebuild like this could take time. Realistically, I don’t expect this team to see the playoffs until 2020 or 2021. There are too many good teams ahead inside the division and improving in the East.

We must be ready for it. A youth movement is something many have wanted to see following the last ditch effort that hit a wall against Ottawa in the second round of the 2017 NHL Playoffs. Now, things have changed. Alain Vigneault is finally gone and so too are most of the players who made big contributions to the 2014 and 2015 rosters that made deep runs.

It’s all about the future. The present could be a trying time for fans. We’ll see how quickly the final roster after this offseason adjusts to Quinn. I’m looking forward to it.

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Lou to join Islanders as president of hockey operations

Posted on May 22, 2018 by hasan4978

In a move that’s been rumored for a few weeks and reported yesterday by Arthur Staple of the Athletic website, the Islanders moved to hire longtime NHL exec Lou Lamoriello as their president of hockey operations, mere weeks after he left his post as GM of the Leafs.  I can’t say I’m all that surprised Lou returned to the tri-state area (though I would have been floored if it was with the Rangers and not the Isles), especially with son Chris Lamoriello already holding a front office position in the organization – not to mention former ex-Devils Chris Terreri and Scott Gomez on their coaching staff.  As much as I and others made fun of Lou constantly bringing ex-Devs home, he’s already got a few there to greet him.  I’m sure others will follow in time…Tom Gulitti (among others) speculated he might bring aboard Scott Stevens as part of his coaching staff which would make a lot of sense, since the former HOF defenseman and current NHL Network analyst always seemed to have one foot in coaching but the other foot toward staying near family.

Even above nepotism and speculated reunions – another possible one being with head scout David Conte, now an advisor on the (gasp) Western Conference champion Golden Knights – the main reason for Lou’s hiring seems to be to give the organization more credibility, doubly important with franchise center John Tavares set to test free agency in another month.  It’s no secret the Islanders have operated in fits and starts in the twelve-year tenure of Garth Snow (has it really been that long?), and while it’s speculated his contract status all but precludes his firing, the stripping of Snow’s power was rumored all offseason by Staple who deserves credit for being first with both the initial rumors and the actual hiring of Lou.

It’s been reported Lou already spoke to Tavares – at least informally before the hiring was official or announced.  You would think Lou would have a pretty good idea he would be able to convince JT to stay before taking this job, especially considering Lou’s not going to take another job at age 76 to rebuild.  Of course heaven forbid Lou had done this sort of thing with the Devils (speak as an emissiary to a top FA while still technically under contract as an advisor to another team) and the NHL PR police would have been all over us left and right, threatening to take away a pick or fine us.  While you can certainly question Lou’s record in the post-cap era, he’ll be worth his salary to new Isles owners Scott Ledecky and Johnathan Malkin with just two actions…re-signing Tavares and being a GM upgrade over Snow, assuming Lou or Lou via Chris becomes the GM.  He’ll run hockey operations in Brooklyn, giving him more power than he had in Toronto where he was the GM under Brendan Shanahan.

While it certainly won’t be easy for Lou to build a winner in the brutally tough Metro division, he’s never backed down from a challenge before.  As a Devils fan I have mixed feelings on this move.  Clearly Lou can do and go wherever he wants after being relieved as GM in Toronto, and the Isles – while a tri-state area competitor have never been a blood rival like the Rangers or Flyers.  It’ll be annoying having him be more of a direct competitor to us going forward, especially since the Lou-Shero comparisons had started to die down among Devil fans with the team’s run to the playoffs this year, but it’ll be more pronounced than ever now.  Part of me is rolling my eyes a little with Lou at age 76 taking over a brand new job since it certainly isn’t the norm for any chief executive in any sport (and he certainly doesn’t need the job for money or legacy-building), but that’s just stupid ageism…hey I hope I’m as active and vibrant as he is at that age.

I’ve had my own criticisms of post-cap Lou in his last ten years as a GM here – mainly being slow to adjust to the quicker, faster NHL style – but him trying to win isn’t one of them.  Sure, the Devils as a franchise should have tried to rebuild a year or two before they started that process in earnest under Ray Shero.  That said, I never like to pull out the if you’re a real fan card…but if you’re a real fan you appreciate the fact Lou always tried to win without relying on the tankathon card to go for high draft picks, and I’m sure he’ll do the same in Brooklyn.  It’s easy for fans who don’t go to games and are more detached to say let’s wait five years and maybe start to win after getting a bunch of high picks but five years is a long time in life, you can’t sim through it like an EA video game.  Ask Sabres fans, playing the rebuild card doesn’t automatically lead to a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Of course it would have been nice if Lou had gotten a GM job in say, Minnesota where we could follow him from afar, but how can you really blame him for taking this job?  It seemed a natural fit from the first rumors this offseason given all the factors stated above with a return to the tri-state area and being closer to his own family (not just Chris) away from the rink.  It’s sort of ironic that Lou shared in Devil fans hatred for the Rangers and Flyers for three decades here – famously not doing deals with either team – and now he goes to another team who’s rivaled with both.  I doubt there’ll be many Lou-Shero deals at this point either haha, our only one with Toronto in the last couple years involved the immortal Sergey Kalinin.

I’m not going to wish him good luck, he’s too close to home now for that but it certainly adds some more spice to local hockey with the Rangers in the middle of a rebuild.

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Conference Finals Preview: Fresh blood good for NHL

Posted on May 11, 2018 by Derek

Unlike the past decade that’s been largely dominated by the Penguins, Blackhawks and Kings who combined for eight of the last nine Stanley Cups, there’s fresh blood in the Conference Finals which start tonight in Tampa with the Lightning hosting the Capitals.

Of the four teams left, only the Bolts have a wealth of experience. This will be their third Conference Finals appearance in the last four years and fifth of the decade. They lost to the Blackhawks in the 2015 Cup Final. That could come in handy with key additions Ryan McDonagh and J.T. Miller bringing added experience from deep runs with the Rangers.

While Tampa boasts the most players who have gone this far, the other three participants shouldn’t be discounted. The Caps, Golden Knights and Jets are all here on merit. Washington earning it by finally overcoming the two-time champion Pens in a excellent six-game series.

Now, Alexander Ovechkin finally gets a chance to show what he can do on a bigger stage. The game’s best finisher of this era has certainly been a big factor scoring and setting up goals including Evgeny Kuznetsov’s overtime series winner to stun Pittsburgh in Game 6. But the brilliant and consistent play from former Vezina winner Braden Holtby is the biggest reason they’re here. It’s amazing to think he didn’t start the Columbus series but has been brilliant since winning six of games.

The Golden Knights remain a unbelievable story as a expansion team that backed up winning the Pacific Division by dominating the Kings and wearing down the Sharks to reach this point. Marc-André Fleury is a leading candidate for the Conn Smythe with the former Stanley Cup champion with the Pens playing arguably his finest hockey. He’s the backbone of a total team that features a dynamic top line anchored by ever dangerous William Karlsson and flanked by Jonathan Marchessault and Reilly Smith. All four lines use speed and forechecking ability to tire out opponents under Jack Adams front runner Gerard Gallant. Nate Schmidt is the leader of a underrated blueline.

The Winnipeg Jets are appearing in their first ever Conference Final. For long time Jets fans who go back to the first Winnipeg team that featured Dale Hawerchuk and then Hall of Famer Teemu Selanne and Keith Tkachuk, it’s a emotional time after how the second franchise that relocated from Atlanta advanced by winning for a third time in Nashville taking Game 7 last night in convincing fashion 5-1.

Enough credit isn’t given to veteran coach Paul Maurice. Sure. Winnipeg has immense talent which explains how they were the West’s second best team during the regular season finishing only three points behind the Predators. In the seven-game second round series victory, Mark Scheifele scores huge goals in the three road wins. He’s a legit star with 11 markers this postseason. Blake Wheeler’s great set up to Scheifele late in the second on Thursday finished off Nashville. Wheeler is the most underrated captain with amazing skating and playmaking abilities.

That the Jets can come at opponents with rookie Kyle Connor on the top line and the electrifying sniper Patrik Laine on the second line with great deadline pickup Paul Stastny and speed demon Nikolaj Ehlers is scary. What’s scarier is Ehlers has yet to score a goal. The third and fourth lines are superb on the cycle. Still, it’s been the brilliant play of Dustin Byfuglien that has the Jets here. The physically imposing defenseman who won a Cup in Chicago is playing the best hockey of his career. He’s impacting games offensively and defensively with his physicality. He scored a few huge goals versus Nashville while delivering some crunching hits. Just ask P.K. Subban. Tyler Myers is playing strong defensively and Jacob Trouba makes this Winnipeg team tough to play against. In Game 7, they gave the Predators nothing.

If you’re able to get past all that, you must deal with Vezina finalist Connor Hellebuyck. He’s proven why he’s so highly thought of making key saves when called upon. He can be beaten but getting bodies to the net is the key.

As for the Lightning, they took out the Bruins in five games despite not too many goals from Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos. They heated up towards the end with Stamkos, Kucherov and Miller hurting Boston the final two games. The play of dangerous second line trio Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson and Brayden Point has been huge. They recovered from a awful Game 1 to help neutralize the Bruins top line while doing damage five-on-five. Palat always elevates his play in the Spring. He’s scoring big goals and hitting. Johnson is the smart two-way pivot who can score and set up goals while being a key penalty killer with Palat. Point is a game breaker who can flat out make defenders look silly with his blinding speed and finishing ability. Ask Zdeno Chara.

The scary aspect is the Bolts boast the best depth with the third line featuring Yanni Gourde, Alex Killorn and rookie Anthony Cirelli able to contribute. The fourth line with Chris Kunitz, Cedric Paquette and Ryan Callahan is your classic grind line that keeps play away from their net. When you combine a defense featuring certain Norris winner Victor Hedman with Anton Stralman, McDonagh and Dan Girardi, they are very tough. Don’t forget rookie Mikhail Sergachev who has a lethal shot.

Andrei Vasilevskiy is very good in net. He’s got lightning like reflexes like the team name. So, they are very complete.

On paper, the Bolts are the favorites. Winnipeg will be on the Western side. If it comes off, it would be a great Stanley Cup Final.

The Pick

The Caps are more together than past years which is why they’re here. But Nicklas Backstrom must be close to healthy for them to have a chance. Both John Carlson and Dmitry Orlov will have their work cut out along with Brooks Orpik, who could have issues with the Bolts speed. Ovechkin needs a huge series along with Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie. Tom Wilson is back and he can help annoy the Bolts stars. Holtby will have to stand on his head.

Honestly, I think the Lightning have too much here. They can create match up nightmares for the Capitals. Barry Trotz must come up with a way to slow down Jon Cooper’s Bolts, who can explode at any moment.

Series Prediction: Lightning 🌩 in 6

The Golden Knights are no joke. They play as a team and have enough speed both offensively and defensively to give Winnipeg a series. Winnipeg will focus on shutting down the top line of Karlsson which means James Neal, David Perron and Alex Tuch must step up along with Erik Haula. Cody Eakin, William Carrier and Ryan Carpenter are key bangers who must forecheck effectively.

Shea Theodore and Colin Miller are good skating defensemen who can contribute offensively. Deryk Engelland has become a match-up physical D who Gallant counts on with Schmidt.

In order for them to pull it off, they must stifle the dangerous Winnipeg attack. That means plenty of work for Fleury, who’s been amazing so far. The amount of traffic he’ll have to deal with along with side to side movement is daunting. He’s the backbone of the Golden Knights, who have a great home ice advantage just like the Jets with the Winnipeg Whiteout. It should be fun hockey.

If the Jets can impose their will, they’ll advance. The talent in the top six can really do damage. The depth is solid with Bryan Little, Adam Lowry, Andrew Copp and Joel Armia able to factor in.

The Jets defense will get a good test against the Knights speed. But their physically and size could prove too much. If Hellebuyck holds up, they’ll move on and play for their first Cup.

Series Prediction: Jets in 6

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