The NHL Evening Skate for Nov. 5
Heading into this evening’s action, here are the day’s top NHL storylines:
Monahan, Pettersson, Point named NHL’s three stars of the week
Calgary Flames center Sean Monahan, Vancouver Canucks center Elias Pettersson and Tampa Bay Lightning center Brayden Point have been named the NHL’s three stars of the week. [More]
Jets’ Lemieux suspended 2 games for illegal check to head
The NHL has suspended Winnipeg Jets forward Brendan Lemieux for two games for an illegal check to the head of Florida Panthers forward Vincent Trocheck. The incident occurred in the second period of the Panthers’ 4-2 win over the Jets on Friday in Helsinki, Finland. Lemieux skated by Trocheck and hit him in the head after the Panthers forward passed the puck into the Jets’ zone.[More]
NHL selects FanDuel as another sports betting partner
The NHL announced that FanDuel Group, a unit of Paddy Power Betfair PLC, would be an official sports betting partner. The multiyear, non-exclusive deal comes on the heels of an agreement between the NHL and another official sports wagering partner, MGM Resorts International. [More]
Lamp-lighters
31 Takes: Firing John Stevens won’t solve anything in LA
The Stevens firing feels like a GM trying to save his own job, more than anything else. Because if you’re looking at this roster and saying, “Ah, Willie Desjardins might turn it around, though,” you’re out of your mind. Even if you think Desjardins is a good coach (yikes), this team would need to play at a 102-point pace the rest of the way to even be in the playoff conversation. Seems… unlikely. [31 Takes]
Willie Desjardins in, but for how long?
Justin Cuthbert and Nick Ashbourne react to John Steven’s firing in L.A. and discuss the prospects for his replacement, Willie Desjardins, and a future Kings boss waiting in the wings. [Watch]
NHL goalies making adjustments to new controversial chest protector
Goalies around the league are wearing new, streamlined chest protectors under an updated rule from the NHL and the NHLPA in an effort to increase scoring and enforce uniform standards among netminders. The chest protector is the latest piece of goalie equipment to be regulated, following the shrinking of the leg pads and pants. Early in the season, some goalies have questioned whether there is still enough protection, specifically in the arms and shoulders. [More]
NHL goalies legitimately concerned for their safety
Justin Cuthbert sits down with Amit Mann to discuss the ongoing goaltending equipment saga, why the men in the crease are so unhappy and what the NHL is doing to address their concerns. [Watch]
The surprising root of the Coyotes’ newfound respectability
Keeping pucks out of your own net is an enormously effective way to win hockey games. Though the Coyotes’ ability to do that starts with Antti Raanta, who’s followed up his sterling .930 save percentage from last season with a .929 so far this year, he isn’t the only crucial factor in their success. [More]
Fantasy Forecheck
Adds and Drops: Sidney Crosby has a new running mate
As per Monday tradition, here are the players you should target on your league’s waiver wire (or via trade, if you’re feeling frisky) right now, and a few suggestions on guys — and one organization — you should pull the plug on to make room for your new friends. [Adds and drops]
Game of the night
Montreal Canadiens at New York Islanders
The Islanders will look to extend the Eastern Conference’s longest winning streak on Monday night, when they host the Montreal Canadiens at Barclays Center. Both teams were off Sunday after playing Saturday, when the Islanders won their fifth straight game by blanking the visiting New Jersey Devils, 3-0, and the host Canadiens fell to the Tampa Bay Lightning, 4-1. [Full preview]
