Well, folks. The Stanley Cup Final is set. Washington vs. Vegas.
Nashville Predators News and Notes
Forsberg Talks World Championship Gold, Wants Same Feeling in Nashville
The best part of this article is the mention of IKEA and Forsberg’s pals assembling furniture in his new Swedish home. I wonder if Fil is handy with tools?
A 2017-18 Nashville Predators Autopsy: What Didn’t Work – On the Forecheck
Alex reviews some things that weren’t so successful for the Preds this season. Since we can’t blame everything on Alexei Emelin, he adds some additional thoughts on Mike Fisher’s un-retirement and Nashville’s special teams.
2017-18 Player Reviews: Mattias Ekholm – On the Forecheck
Our very own LedgerSko (Adam) takes a look at one of our many beautiful Swedes, Mattias Ekholm.
Around the Hockey World
Capitals defeat Lightning in Game 7 to earn spot in Stanley Cup Final – Sportsnet.ca
Alex Ovechkin is a happy captain. Washington really turned up the heat in the second period, and the Lightning sort of withered up and died.
Washington punches their ticket to the Final. Nashvillians have some love for Coach Barry. It’s gonna be a rocking Final.
With negotiations looming, Laine says he wants to remain with Jets ‘as long as they want’ | The Hockey News
Patrik Laine is looking to get paid. Winnipeg should offer the young sniper 8 years…but is he worth Connor McDavid money?
Jets have plenty of work ahead after surging to contender status
Winnipeg is the new Chicago. They will be a thorn in Nashville’s side for a few more years. Also, it’ll be pretty impressive if they can keep their roster intact with Patrik Laine, Jacob Trouba, and Paul Statsny (among others) needing new contracts.
GM Kevin Cheveldayof has a ton of work to do.
The Busy Off-Season Ahead – Arctic Ice Hockey
Arctic Ice Hockey takes a closer look at Winnipeg’s offseason decisions.
Golden Knights ‘not satisfied’ just making Cup Final
I don’t know any team that just wants to make the Cup Final but not win… Vegas has all the right pieces, but they will face a tough challenge in the Final.
Down Goes Brown: John Tavares sweepstakes power rankings – Sportsnet.ca
Here’s Sportsnet’s take on the John Tavares Sweepstakes…feel free to add spicy opinions below. Will David Poile go after Tavares? Will the handsome centerman stay in New York? Will he end up in Canada? (please Lord no)
Off-Season Watch: Skinner on the block? – Article – TSN
Carolina is dumb if they trade Jeff Skinner.
New York Rangers announce David Quinn as head coach – Sportsnet.ca
The New York Rangers have announced that they hired David Quinn as their new head coach. The Boston University coach will step up to the NHL next season.
Kane, Sharks close to seven-year contract: report
Evander Kane just got PAID! Will he be able to stay healthy and live up to this new contract? He’s only 26, but will he age out quickly in San Jose?
Canadiens agree to terms with goaltender Antti Niemi – Sportsnet.ca
It looks like Antti Niemi has a home for next season.
Rookie of the year award goes to 18-year-old forward Vitaly Kravtsov from Traktor. #KHLAwards pic.twitter.com/KZpB4vjEpz
— KHL (@khl_eng) May 23, 2018
Although Eeli Tolvanen was clearly the best KHL rookie this season, there is apparently a rule that the rookie of the year has to be Russian. Okay?
Finally, much love for Barry Trotz skating a solid hot lap:
We wish a speedy recovery and quick healing for our regular Thursday D&C contributor, George.