from Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet,

- Coach Todd McLellan’s exasperation with his forwards grows on a game-by-game basis. At this point, I assume the only untouchables up-front are Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

- the suggestions to improve offence — full two-minute power plays even if goals are scored, or disallowing icings by a penalty-killing team — were never discussed with the full GM group. That makes it unlikely any are introduced as potential rule changes for next season. One exec suggested a slight switch with the icing. Instead of preventing the defensive team from doing it, would it be better to allow the team with the power play to ice the puck while up a man? Doesn’t punish a club to for trying to attack.

- It doesn’t happen as quickly as some people like, but it didn't go unnoticed that Columbus’s Dalton Prout received a one-game suspension for a gloved punch to Tampa’s Nikita Kucherov. There was some internal consternation when Wayne Simmonds was not suspended for socking Ryan McDonagh in February. A few players and teams are wondering if this new precedent sticks.

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