While our friends north of the border enjoy a three-day weekend, here we are. Happy(?) Monday, all.

Josi of Predators embraces role as Switzerland captain at Worlds | NHL.com
Defenseman hopes experience can help Nashville go on playoff run next season
Congratulations to Captain Switzerland.

U.S. advances at hockey worlds; Canada now 6-0
Latvia prevailed over Slovakia 3-2 in a penalty shootout Sunday to send the United States to the next round of the ice hockey world championship. Also, Dylan Cozens rallied Canada past Switzerland 3-2 for its sixth win in six games.
Canada…sure does Canada at international events.

Brind’Amour signs multiyear contract to remain Hurricanes coach | NHL.com
Has guided Carolina to playoffs, won at least 1 round in each of 6 seasons with team
I can’t believe it’s already been six seasons.

Ghosts of Game 7’s past swirl around both Oilers and Canucks
With the Canucks hosting the Oilers in a Round 2 finale Monday night at Rogers Arena the ghosts of Game 7’s past swirl through the memories of two fan bases with so, so much material for both angst, and hope here in 2024.
Well, they can’t both lose.

Eastern Conference Final Preview: Rangers vs. Panthers
For the second year in a row the Florida Panthers are in the East Final, and the Rangers are back for the second time in three years. Who will get through to the Stanley Cup Final? Kristina Rutherford previews the series.
Unfortunately, they can’t both lose.

Rangers see similarities between Panthers, Hurricanes heading into Eastern Final | NHL.com
Will face Florida after eliminating Carolina, each has ‘aggressive mindset’
I don’t think the Panthers have quite the same flavor of “we have years and years of never getting any puck luck” to fall back into, so we’ll see how it goes.

Source: Boeser (blood clots) not expected in G7
Vancouver veteran right wing Brock Boeser, who leads the Canucks with seven goals and 12 points this postseason, is unlikely to play Monday night in his club’s Game 7 matchup with the Edmonton Oilers, a source told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski on Sunday night.
Scary stuff–good luck to him.

Barkov, ‘best player in the world,’ wins 2nd Selke
Center Aleksander Barkov, the 28-year-old captain of the Florida Panthers, won the Selke Trophy as the NHL’s best defensive forward, the league announced on Saturday night, the second time in his young career he has been honored with the award.
A well-deserved trophy.

Bruins face offseason decisions on Swayman, Ullmark | NHL.com
Starting goalie in playoffs can be RFA, backup to enter final season of contract
This is going to be an interesting offseason in net for Boston.