Nashville Predators News & Notes
Preds’ Duchene doesn’t want a ‘COVID Cup’ | NBC Sports
“You don’t want to have a COVID Cup. I’m worried that if we force this thing and try and it’s a little gimmicky or if it’s not quite right, whoever wins the Cup is gonna have people trying to take it away from them their whole lives and they don’t deserve that.”
I know everyone is starving to get hockey (and sports in general) back, but I think Duchene might be on to something here. The best decision at the end of the day could be to write this whole year off, and start fresh in October if possible.
The Nashville Predators’ Black Aces in the 2020 Playoffs | On the Forecheck
Should the league decide to go against Matt Duchene’s wishes and have a “COVID Cup”, Rachel takes a look at which Black Aces could prove valuable for the Preds in the playoffs.
Other Hockey News & Notes
NHL, NHLPA working on 24-team conference-based playoff setup | Sportsnet
As the “Return to Play” Committee continues to negotiate various NHL playoff scenarios, multiple sources indicate the NHL and NHLPA are working on a 24-team conference-based playoff setup.
No word yet on if Matt Duchene finds this format “gimmicky”.
Devils’ Cory Schneider – Some players wary of restarting late | ESPN
Veteran New Jersey Devils goaltender Cory Schneider said Monday that a growing number of players are concerned the NHL will announce a strict deadline for returning to play as the coronavirus pandemic lingers with summer coming up fast.
Part Panarin, Part Tarasenko: can Kirill Kaprizov arrive in the NHL as an instant star? | The Hockey News
The experts struggle to find a single flaw when assessing Kaprizov’s game. Will the Best Player Outside The NHL be a ready-made beast for the Wild? Maybe, but the supporting cast could hold him back.
Leafs’ Barrie at peace despite uncertainty around free agency, NHL season | Sportsnet
2020 being your contract year has really got to suck.
Borque wants Krug to play entire career with Bruins | NHL.com
Ray Bourque didn’t play his entire NHL career with the Boston Bruins, but the Hall of Fame defenseman said he wants Torey Krug to do so.
New Jersey Devils prospect Ty Smith is your WHL defenseman of the year | The Hockey News
The new-school puckmover won the award for the second year in a row and his next challenge will come in the pros. Smith is one of several building blocks the Devils will be counting on in the coming years.
Canada, U.S. draw in same group at 2021 men’s hockey worlds | Sportsnet
Defending champion Finland is in the same group as well…. GROUP OF DEATH!
Tucker’s Streaming Suggestion Of The Week – Joker (2019)
Where to watch: HBOgo
Genre: Pyschological Thriller
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Zazie Beetz, Robert DeNiro
Director: Todd Phillips
Synopsis: Forever alone in a crowd, failed comedian Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) seeks connection as he walks the streets of Gotham City. Arthur wears two masks — the one he paints for his day job as a clown, and the guise he projects in a futile attempt to feel like he’s part of the world around him. Isolated, bullied and disregarded by society, Fleck begins a slow descent into madness as he transforms into the criminal mastermind known as the Joker.
Runtime: 122 minutes
Additional Thoughts: Okay, so for anyone who hasn’t seen this movie, the scene of Joker stomp dancing his way down the stair case is one of the most memorable bits of the movie, and I can assure you that you have no idea what song is playing during that sequence.