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Do You Call This Fun?

03/25/2024 at 6:19am EDT

from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,

“We have to win,” Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson said. “That is kind of pressure, but it’s more fun. I’m more happy than I feel pressure, so it’s a fun opportunity I feel like.”

He’s got a point. Don’t you think teams like the San Jose Sharks, Columbus Blue Jackets and Chicago Blackhawks, long irrelevant in the playoff picture, would eagerly embrace the opportunity to engage the pressure the Red Wings are currently feeling? For that matter, Detroit teams of the previous seven seasons would also be willingly stepping up to get into line and take this ride.

“This is where you want to be,” Detroit forward Lucas Raymond said. “It’s a tough spot, it’s pressure on everyone, but that’s the fun part of it.

“You’re playing for something meaningful. You can just feel it within this locker room. It’s awesome.”

read on

NHL Short Notes

03/25/2024 at 1:17am EDT

* The League-leading Canucks can become the first team to clinch a berth in the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs with a little help from the reigning champions Monday.

* Zach Hyman and Sam Reinhart each hit the 50-goal mark for the first time in their careers and became the first pair of players to reach the plateau on the same day in over two decades.

* The Avalanche earned a four-goal comeback win less than 24 hours after the Blackhawks completed one of their own Saturday. The NHL had a four-goal comeback victory on consecutive days for the second time in League history (also DET on Feb. 22, 1972 & BOS on Feb. 23, 1972).

The Next Four Games For The Wings Are Critical

03/24/2024 at 5:55pm EDT

from Ted Kulfan of the Detroit News,

The remaining four games on this challenging five-game road trip begin Tuesday in Washington. Those improbable Capitals, who were sellers at the trade deadline, snuck ahead of the Wings for the second and final Eastern Conference wild-card spot Sunday with a 3-0 victory over Winnipeg.

The Capitals have 79 points, the Wings 78. The New York Islanders also are lurking behind the Wings, as are several other teams who still have a pulse of the pillow fight this race has been at times, with no one taking absolute charge.

After Washington, the Wings visit powerful Carolina (Thursday), Florida (Saturday) and Tampa Bay (April 1). There's a good chance by this time next week, the Wings' fate will be decided.

Exciting, feel-good story. Or an ugly, disappointing ending.

"If you ask any guy in that room before the season if we could be in this position, everyone would take it," Larkin said before the start of this trip, with such important, meaningful games on the horizon. "You know there's going to be bumps, and we've shown that we can stick together.

"We're at the time of year where you're playing every other day. It's hard. Going through adversity, we'll see what it does for us. But I don't think the way we've come out of it (a seven-game losing streak, followed by winning three of five) it's a bad thing."

read on ($)

Video- Honoring T.J. Oshie For His 1000th Game

03/24/2024 at 3:54pm EDT

via Sportsnet's YouTube page,

Watch as the Washington Capitals organization, teammates, and fans inside Capital One Arena honour forward T.J. Oshie with a tribute video and silver stick for reaching 1000 games played in the NHL.

NCAA/CHL Changes Will Need To Be Included In The Collective Bargain

03/24/2024 at 12:22pm EDT

from Sportsnet,

A major shift in the hockey world could be coming soon.

According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the NHL gave the general managers an update on the future of the NCAA and Canadian Hockey League relationship this week at the GM meetings.

"The NCAA is actively considering removing all restrictions for CHL players to play in the NCAA after their CHL careers are done," Friedman said on Hockey Night in Canada's Saturday Headlines segment.

Friedman reported that the change is not a sure thing, and that the exact timeline is unclear, but the NHL is preparing for it to be made. If it becomes official, there are a number of things that would have to be collectively bargained with the NHLPA.

"The deal could affect a lot of things, the NHL-CHL agreement," Friedman explained. "Also, for example, if you get drafted from the CHL, NHL teams hold your rights for two years. If you get drafted out of the USHL or NCAA, they hold your rights for four years. So all of that would have to be collectively bargained with the players."

continued

Retired Players Remaining In The Game

03/24/2024 at 9:02am EDT

from Adam Proteau of The Hockey News,

There’s speculation the Pittsburgh Penguins are looking to hire franchise icon Jaromir Jagr in a front office role whenever he decides to retire from active competition, and you can certainly see why a team would want the opinion and insight a surefire Hockey Hall of Famer like the Czech legend would provide.

And it’s not as if Jagr is the only elite athlete teams would want to remain in, return to, or join their organization once their playing days are over. In Ottawa, longtime star and former captain Daniel Alfredsson is currently apprenticing as an assistant coach under interim bench boss Jacques Martin. In Edmonton, all-time great defenseman Paul Coffey is presently an associate coach for the Oilers. And there are whispers Columbus cornerstone Rick Nash is being considered as the Blue Jackets’ next GM.

But wait – there’s more: in Montreal, Martin St-Louis has enjoyed a lot of success in his first stint as an NHL coach. In Vancouver, Rick Tocchet is thriving as Canucks coach. In Detroit, Steve Yzerman has the trust and respect of Red Wings supporters in his GM role. And on Long Island, Patrick Roy is trying his damnedest to push the New York Islanders into a playoff spot. Where there’s a vacuum of leadership, there’s an opportunity for retired elite players to step in and try their luck at coaching and management.

continued

Too Many Replays

03/24/2024 at 8:40am EDT

from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,

The last thing the NHL — or any other professional league — needs right now is more instant replay.At a time when we don’t necessarily know what a goal is, what’s a ball and a strike, what’s a foul in the NBA or what constitutes a catch in the NFL, the NHL is looking to add more opportunities for video review challenges.

When instant replay was introduced in North American pro sports — to get the calls right, remember — it wasn’t thoroughly thought out or examined. The intent was not to turn games into lengthy breakdowns of milliseconds of inconclusive replays.

Games in hockey and goals are now being determined regularly by computer geeks sitting in their offices away from the ice and finding reasons to challenge offside calls.Instant replay was supposed to rid the game of obvious mistakes.

But instead, goaltender interference, determining what exactly is a goal and the picayune nature of the offside regulations have stolen from the game and made it worse, certainly not better.You need a glossary today to understand what kind of calls can or can’t be challenged in the NFL. Some of the coaches don’t seem to know the rules.

continued plus more hockey topics...

NHL Short Notes

03/24/2024 at 2:17am EDT

* The Predators captured their fifth straight win and extended their franchise-record point streak to 17 games – a mark eight other teams have also accomplished in the past 15 years – and did so with another perfect performance from their goaltender.

* The Canucks and Rangers both edged out victories in tightly-contested affairs to continue their Presidents’ Trophy pursuit – a race that has featured a different team atop the standings seven times since NHL All-Star Weekend.

* Nathan MacKinnon’s Avalanche and Sidney Crosby’s Penguins face off on TNT while Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs visit Sebastian Aho’s Hurricanes on ESPN+ during a 10-game Sunday slate.

The Wings Played Well Enough To Get A Point Or Two

03/23/2024 at 10:09pm EDT

from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,

Other than the final outcome, there was plenty to like about the performance of the Detroit Red Wings in Saturday’s 1-0 loss to the Nashville Predators.

“You want to win every game but ultimately what you’re looking for is to play the game the right way and to just bring your best and have a good effort,” Detroit goalie Alex Lyon told Bally Sports Detroit.

“It felt like we had that tonight, in a hostile building against a good team that’s obviously playing really well right now.”

On the one hand, he’s right, but here’s the thing – during a late-season playoff race, the bottom line is that the outcome is all that matters. A team isn’t looking to make a point with their play. They’re looking to gain two points in any manner possible.

continued

Video- Saturday Headlines

03/23/2024 at 9:35pm EDT

via Sportsnet,

On this edition of Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman shares his insight on the Elias Lindholm's injury, the update on the relationship of the NCAA and the CHL, plus the discussion on the new off-side rule.

Quick Recap- Detroit/Nashville

03/23/2024 at 7:35pm EDT

Through 40 minutes, not goal was scored.

A pretty even game, good goaltending and a lot of board battles.

With just under five minutes left in the third, Nashville scored the only goal of the game.

Team Stats

Below, watch the Seider/Forsberg fight.

Make Everyone Accountable

03/23/2024 at 4:30pm EDT

Good day and welcome to all. Dylan Larkin was back in the lineup on Thursday against the Islanders, everyone came to play, and the Red Wings got the win. Hopefully Larkin’s return will keep the fires burning, and make everyone accountable. Now, get out there today and take two more points. Yes, it’s another must win. Every single game is.

Lyon has the net today. Walman is still listed as day to day. Any other changes to the lineup haven’t been announced as of 2:00 PM.

It’s the Red Wings vs the Predators. The puck is set to drop around 5:00 PM and will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit, and on the Red Wings Radio Network 97.1 (The Ticket in Detroit) for your listening pleasure. Also available on ESPN+/NHLPP, BSSO, and SPORTSNET+.

It’s a Live Blog!

The Wings Are Facing A Hot Nashville Team

03/23/2024 at 12:35pm EDT

from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

When the Detroit Red Wings started preparing for today’s game against the Nashville Predators, it was challenging to know where to start. It’s not one thing that has allowed them to go 14-0-2 in their last 16 games. It’s everything.

“They start from the net up,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said. “Their goaltending (Juuse Saros) is getting back to that world-class form that he has shown in the past. I think that brings confidence to the group, and then they’re clicking in all areas. Their superstars are playing like superstars. Checkers are checking. Offense is playing well. Their special teams. It’s been pretty impressive to watch.”

As impressive as the Predators have been of late, the Red Wings need to crack their code. They desperately need a win tonight. The Washington Capitals are only one point behind them in wild card race, and the Capitals have one game in hand.

continued

The Too Long Rebuild In Buffalo

03/23/2024 at 9:54am EDT

from Mark Spector of Sportsnet,

On a hockey landscape where tracking and analytics grow more influential and all-encompassing with each passing season, the common rebuild remains the National Hockey League’s great, unquantifiable mystery.

When do they start? When do they end? How many re-sets in between?

Where’s the quarter pole? The halfway mark? The finish line?

Nobody ever knows where those milestones are buried in the minefield of losses, setbacks and disappointments that dot a project like the one they started in Buffalo on Feb. 28, 2014, when the Sabres dealt veterans Ryan Miller and Steve Ott to St. Louis in pursuit of the draft position that would land them Connor McDavid in the 2015 draft.

(Spoiler alert: They got Jack Eichel instead.)

When that rebuild fell flat they re-set and re-set again, trading Eichel to Vegas, dealing 2013 first-round pick Rasmus Ristolainen to Philadelphia, and giving up on the No. 2 pick in the 2014 draft — Sam Reinhart, whom the Sabres selected one pick ahead of Leon Draisaitl — sending him to Florida.

continued

NHL Short Notes

03/23/2024 at 2:04am EDT

* A high-scoring and back-and-forth contest between the Capitals and Hurricanes featured dueling hat tricks for the second time in just over a month, with the first one helping AstraZeneca to reach its donation goal of $500,000 towards the Hockey Fights Cancer Fund of the V Foundation.

* Two Central Division teams earned wins – the Avalanche and Stars – with Colorado retaking top spot. The top teams in the Central have been tied for standings points 34 days this season – by far the most among all divisions.

* An 11-game Saturday will feature Auston Matthews and the Maple Leafs welcoming Connor McDavid and the Oilers on Hockey Night in Canada as well as the Panthers visiting the Rangers on ABC and ESPN+.

Tom Wilson Suspended Six Games

03/22/2024 at 6:02pm EDT

NEW YORK (March 22, 2024) – Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson has been suspended for six games, without pay, for high-sticking Toronto Maple Leafs forward Noah Gregor during NHL Game No. 1095 in Washington on Wednesday, March 20, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 12:13 of the third period. Wilson was assessed a double-minor penalty for high-sticking.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Wilson will forfeit $161,458.32. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/topic/player-safety/wilson-suspended-six-games-6349501300112

Wings Practice Before Flying To Nashville

03/22/2024 at 1:20pm EDT

via Ansar Khan tweets,

#RedWings practice before visiting Nashville tomorrow (5 p.m., ⁦@BallySportsDET⁩), the first of five in a row on the road. Larkin not skating, probably maintenance day after returning last night.
practice lines:
Perron-Czarnik (for Larkin)-Raymond
DeBrincat-Compher-Kane
Rasmussen-Copp-Fischer
Fabbri-Veleno-Sprong
Berggren (extra)
Chiarot-Seider
Edvinsson-Petry
Maatta-Gostisbehere
Holl (extra)
Lyon/Reimer/Husso

Points Piling Up For The Nashville Predators

03/22/2024 at 10:28am EDT

from Zach Gilcriest of the Predators website,

History has been made.

Kevin Lankinen earned his first shutout in Gold and Filip Forsberg scored twice as the Nashville Predators defeated the Florida Panthers, 3-0, to establish a franchise record 16-game point streak (14-0-2) on Thursday at Amerant Bank Arena.

“It was a great effort from the whole team,” Lankinen said. “[Florida] is one of the best teams in the League right now and we went head-to-head and out-battled and out-played them. That shows a lot of character, shows what kind of team we are. It's just so much fun to be a part of this and I’m really proud of the guys.”

“I think for our group, for [Lankinen] to come in and play as he did, and everybody, it's next man up and we're happy for the group,” Predators Head Coach Andrew Brunette said. “We played probably the best team in the League tonight and I thought we played our game, we stayed true to us, and again, we're building for this kind of success as we go forward.”

The result bolstered Nashville’s first Wild Card position and moved the team to 41-25-4 on the season and 22-10-3 on the road.

With a 5-10-0 record to begin their season, few could have predicted the heater the Predators would ultimately be on at this time of year. Even fewer could have predicted a franchise record-breaking 16-game point streak.

And yet, the Predators have done it.

“We’ve kind of found our identity and we’re enjoying what we bring every night,” Brunette said. “And when you have joy in what you're doing, if you enjoy the work, enjoy the grind, that usually puts you in a pretty good spot. So, it's been a heck of a run. We’ll enjoy this, and then we’ve got to go back to work on Saturday.”

continued

Detroit's Identity Line Gaining Traction

03/22/2024 at 7:55am EDT

from Bob Duff of Detroit Hockey Now,

Copp scored twice, his first goals in 21 games. Fischer would open the scoring with a dynamic breakaway tally. He was good for three points. With Rasmussen dishing a pair of assists, the trio combined for seven points.

It wasn’t merely that they were setting each other up. In the process, they were setting a tone for their teammates.

This Is Red Wings Identity

That unit forechecks like fiends. They thrive in matching up with top players from the opposition and grinding them into the ice surface.

“We all have similar mindsets and obviously three big bodies,” Fischer said. “Obviously doing some matchups with other lines. The three of us, we love that type of thing.

“It’s the game within the game if you could shut down those big boys amd make life hard for them. I think we’re just on the same page.”

Thursday, that was the front page. Following a scoreless opening frame, Fischer would finally put a crooked number up on the scoreboard. Breaking into the clear down the left wing, he cut to his forehand and slipped the puck past the outstretched glove of Islanders goalie Ilya Sorokin.

more

Below is the Eastern Conference Playoff picture as of this morning.

Let's Regroup

03/22/2024 at 7:43am EDT

from Shayna Goldman of The Athletic,

Is three-on-three overtime broken?

That’s what NHL general managers were tasked with deciding when they met this week in Florida.

No proposals for rule changes were ultimately made, but it was on the docket for a reason. The conversation was sparked in November, when all 32 general managers and league representatives met in Toronto.

Much of the discussion on overtime revolved around the idea of regroups, and whether they were starting to bring down the excitement level that three-on-three play can bring at its best. Early ideas for change included limiting regroups to the red line, adding a shot clock or penalizing teams with a loss in possession for intentionally leaving the offensive zone with the puck.

While there may be room for improvement with overtime, the NHL rightfully avoided a step in the wrong direction here.

The big question the NHL has to figure out is what about the current overtime system is holding the game back.

If the answer is players regrouping often, then the evidence would have to be that offensive creation and goal scoring are down.

In three-on-three action — excluding special-teams time in overtime — teams are generating offense at a rate of 9.7 expected goals for per 60. That is the second-lowest rate since 2020-21. The difference from years past is that scoring chances aren’t as concentrated in the slot area, but expand more throughout the entire home plate.

continued ($)

NHL Short Notes

03/22/2024 at 3:36am EDT

* The Art Ross Trophy race heated up as Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid notched their fourth and fifth four-assist outings of the season, respectively. The 2023-24 campaign became the first season to feature multiple players with at least four such performances since 1990-91.

* Artemi Panarin reached the 40-goal mark for the first time in his career with his third hat trick of the season and helped the Rangers move within one point of the Bruins for first place in the League standings. His three-goal showing brought AstraZeneca’s contribution to the Hockey Fights Cancer Fund of the V Foundation up to $495,000 – one hat trick shy of their donation goal this season.

* Alex Ovechkin will look to record multiple goals for a third straight game when the Capitals clash with the Hurricanes on Sportsnet, TVA Sports and NHL Network in the first of four contests scheduled for Friday.

Dylan Larkin's Return Spurs The Wings To Victory

03/21/2024 at 11:35pm EDT

from Kevin Allen of Detroit Hockey Now,

...the return of the team’s captain seemed to provide teammates a booster shot of confidence.

Lalonde said Larkin tried to play Tuesday against Columbus. “He was every disappointed that our athletic training staff was just doing their job,” Lalonde said.

Larkin was more adamant today. “He didn’t get the OK until the afternoon,” the coach said.

His teammates understood how important it was to have him back in the lineup. They were more excited than usual when he scored his first goal.

“There was a little bit more jump,” Red Wings forward Christian Fischer said. “I’m sitting right next to the guy, but he means everything to this team. The season that he’s had up until that injury is remarkable. I’ve seen a true number one center, which is really hard to find. He drives the play. I think you could see every guy just competing a little bit harder, just having the presence of Larks back there. It’s huge for this group. You saw it the last three weeks of us kind of slipping a little bit. I think that played a factor into it. Emotionally, you’re missing your horse. It’s pretty easy to see once he’s back how much the guys want it and how much the guys care.”

more

Quick Recap- Detroit Red Wings/New York Islanders

03/21/2024 at 9:43pm EDT

0-0 after 20 minutes with the Islanders holding a slight advantage.

In the second...

Wings added two quick goals in the third to make it 5-1 but the Islanders scored the next two to make it 5-3 with about eight and a half minutes left. Nail biting time.

ENG from Larkin puts a bow on this game, Wings win 6-3.

Team Stats

Detroit goals are below.

Send Them Packing

03/21/2024 at 6:30pm EDT

Good evening and welcome to all. The Red Wings understand that tonight’s game against the Islanders is a must win situation, as the playoffs are on the line for both teams. The Wings have to come out tough and dish it out all game long. Send them packing.

A little levity regarding Mo; “and his hair was perfect.”-Warren Zevon

Reimer has the net. Larkin is a game time decision. Walman is listed as DTD.

It’s the Islanders vs the Red Wings. The puck is set to drop around 7:00 PM and will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit and on the Red Wings Radio Network 97.1(The Ticket in Detroit) for your listening pleasure. Also available on ESPN+/NHLPP, MSGSN2, SPORTSNET+, and TVAS-D.

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