from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,
- This is planned well by Gary Bettman. He holds his annual state-of-the-NHL news conference in the hours just prior to Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. He does so to avoid being in the news, knowing the result of the game will supersede anything he has to say or is asked about. There is much to question the commissioner on, notably though, playoff officiating and the absolute mess that instant replay has become. Never mind his view on CTE and concussions and all that — he’s a lawyer, not a doctor. But the time for Bettman to speak is between games of the Stanley Cup, not on the night of one. His story and his message gets lost at time when there is so much news on the horizon.
- A free agent worth considering for most NHL teams: Mats Zuccarello had 11 points in 13 playoff games with Dallas. He turns 32 in September and can still play. He’ll help somebody next year.
- Rather than replace Babcock, the Leafs did the more modern dance around a problem thing. Happens in football all the time. The head coach stays. The assistants go.
a few more hockey notes...
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