from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

- What’s rather remarkable about the McDavid-Draisaitl combination is they’re first and second in NHL scoring again. And, yet, they only play together about 38% of the time they’re on the ice. The other 62% of the time they’re playing with their more human linemates … In total, McDavid and Draisaitl play 78% of the time at even strength, and 22% with the man advantage. And only one-third of their scoring comes from the power play.

- Erik Karlsson, no longer missing in action, has 10 goals in 13 games with San Jose and looks somewhat like the Karlsson who almost carried the Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017.

- The Senators can score. They can’t defend. They’re yet another team looking for a top-end defenceman.

- Barry Trotz is not the right coach for the Maple Leafs, if the club does ever decide to make a coaching change. But from afar, it looks like his style and approach to the game would fit that of the slumping St. Louis Blues.

- A hockey player I know went to prison for vehicular homicide years ago. After doing his time, he went on to play 876 more NHL games, won four Stanley Cups, and followed that up by being a coach, and a general manager in the league. And I wonder if that happens today, does he get a second chance in pro sports to make a life for himself?

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