Smashville News:
Juuse Saros takes the lead, but Pekka Rinne will be key down the stretch | A to Z Sports
“Juuse Saros is quickly becoming the de-facto starter for the Nashville Predators. But Pekka Rinne’s role will also be key down the stretch.” I find myself sad for Pekka Rinne, even though we all—including Pekka—knew this day would come. I would have liked to have seen him lead the team to a Stanley Cup, but I can be satisfied if he is still on the roster.
NHL Fact or Fiction: Is the Predators’ Pekka Rinne finished? | Sportsnet.ca
The answer may surprise you.
Everybody’s paws go up!
Central Division News:
Wild beat Ducks in overtime, move back into playoff position | Twin Cities
New superstar Kevin Fiala secured the second point for the Minnesota Wild and put them in front of the Preds in the playoff race. The Wild do not play again until Thursday, so maybe the Preds can hop back in front of them tonight.
Playoff hopes all but over for Blackhawks as reality starts to sink in: ‘Losing sucks’ | NBC Sports Chicago
It’s hard to believe how bad we broke the Chicago Blackhawks.
Avalanche in the heart of San Jose coronavirus concern | The Denver Post
The folks in Santa Clara County sound much more reasonable than I remember from living there for eight years.
Other Hockey News:
Lindblom joins Flyers for team photo | NHL.com
#OskarStrong
AHL Contenders: Breaking down top six hopefuls for the Calder Cup | TheHockeyNews
I really hope we can avoid gutting the Milwaukee Admirals during the playoffs. They have a real shot at the Calder Cup this year. I know the big club comes first, but what a great experience for the kids.
NHL, MLB, NBA and MLS to limit locker room access to essential personnel | Sportsnet.ca
The follow-on questions are whether media access will be ever allowed again and if so, when?
Geekie’s big night matches Hurricanes record – who has had the best rookie debut for NHL’s other franchises? – TheHockeyNews
Miikka Salomaki? SMH.
New NHL Coaches Association initiative shines the spotlight on women | TheHockeyNews
If corporations had the diversity record of the NHL, they would be sued—and lose. I hope to see many more of these types of initiatives for all types of diversity in the future.
Luongo’s legacy could leave Canadiens’ Price thinking about his own | Sportsnet.ca
I’m not sure I believe that Carey Price would be thinking of the Stanley Cup primarily for his “legacy”.
Senators CEO dispute another ugly chapter as Dorion focuses on ‘The Plan’ | Sportsnet.ca
It just wouldn’t be the Ottawa Senators if there wasn’t some type of scandal or lawsuit going on would it?
For 2020 Minnesota All-Hockey Hair Team, the flow must go on | NHL.com
“The princes of Minne-flowta were back, and they brought their ‘A’ games yet again.” I think I could take ’em.