As I looked through the possible snubs for the last roster spot, namely Tyler Johnson of the Tampa Bay Lightning, I couldn’t help but notice the glaring omissions on defense. As reference, the defensemen named to the American squad are Ryan Suter, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, John Carlson, Dustin Byfuglien, and Matt Niskanen. Let’s compare them to some notable snubs:
Erik Johnson faced stiff competition last season, which happens when your own team is filled with guys who aren’t considered stiff competition, but his inclusion is questionable. However, there is no reason Jack Johnson made the team over Justin Faulk or Nick Leddy. Both Faulk and Leddy are part of the possession oriented “Nouveau-Defense” movement, generating chances and bringing offensive tempo to their teams. Additionally, the poor play of the Carolina Hurricanes make Faulk’s numbers all the more eye-popping.
Nashville Predators News
7 NHL teams need a captain: Who’s got next? – Sportsnet.ca
I’m all for appointing Mike Fisher as the captain this year and seeing what comes next. We all know Mr. Underwood leads by both voice and example. Considering the transition of leadership with Shea Weber’s departure, I would think it would be wise to lean on an older veteran. It also lets Poile and Laviolette evaluate Roman Josi’s role as the senior defenseman on the Predators before giving him the captaincy.
Attorneys disagree on NHL’s role in Predators’ legal dispute – The Province
For those of us who’ve tried to forget about this and block it from our minds.
Other Hockey News
Richards retires after 15-season NHL career – Article – TSN
A true competitor hangs up the skates.
Blackhawks’ Artemi Panarin taking up Thai boxing in offseason – Chicago Tribune
So this is how StanBo wants to address Chicago’s lack of #grit? Bold.
Leafs’ Lamoriello balks at bonus demands of Auston Matthews | Toronto Star
If there was one team in the NHL that could screw up signing their #1 overall pick, it would be Toronto.
WATCH: Penguins’ Phil Kessel shares Stanley Cup with kids in Toronto hospital – CBSSports.com
I hope he sat on a bench in downtown Toronto eating hot dogs out of the Cup.
Gilman Laments Canucks’ Lost Shot At 2011 Stanley Cup – TSS
Laurence Gilman: “I believe without a shred of doubt in my mind that we had the best team in hockey that year and the following year.” Had it not been for Tim Thomas putting on the playoff performance of a lifetime, the Canucks absolutely would have won it.
2016 World Cup: Frequently Asked Questions | NHL.com
Considering the NHL is running the tournament, I can see why they’re using the NHL’s rules instead of the IIHF’s. However, it’s still ridiculous to not use international rules at an international event.
Early Look at the Top 15 for the 2017 NHL Draft – LWOS
And with the first overall pick in the 2017 draft, the Colorado Avalanche select…
Not Hockey Related
Peaceful round 7 of Bilbao Masters Final | Chessdom
A boring day in Bilbao yesterday as each match ended in a draw. I was really hoping World Champion and chess’s handsome/60 leader Magnus Carlsen would dumpster Wei Yi considering that Carlsen is 200 rating points higher, but oh well.
