Smashville News:
As usual for Monday night games – I am sure you will find a full recap either to the right of or below this D&C!
The Week That Was: Chapter 13 | On the Forecheck – Christopher Brooks with the scoop on a pretty darned good week for the Nashville Predators.
Check this out. – P.K. Subban is good people.
Obviously the boys had a tough day keeping up with Dad.
Central Division News:
Jets seek continued consistency in second half, with playoffs in mind | NHL.com — “The Winnipeg Jets aren’t talking about the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the midway point of the regular season.” Good piece. I hope the Nashville Predators are taking the same approach.
Once-mighty Blackhawks embrace upstart attitude, aim for shocking playoff run | Chicago Sun-Times — “There’s a shift in the Blackhawks, who have embraced the challenge of trying to claw their way to one of the final NHL playoff spots.” Put me in the “snorts and scoffs” category, but you aim high, Chicago Blackhawks.
Despite lack of results, Blues see progress | stltoday.com — See above. Rinse and repeat.
Other Division News:
Trotz’s Islanders are laughing in the face of all the negative pre-season predictions | TheHockeyNews — Who would have thought the New York Islanders would have the year they’ve had so far? Congratulations to Barry Trotz and staff!
Anaheim is falling fast and searching for answers, but don’t write the Ducks off just yet | TheHockeyNews — Couldn’t happen to a nicer group of guys. (Sarcasm) Anybody feel sorry for Ryan Kesler? Anybody?
NHL burning questions: Revisiting every team’s biggest issues at the halfway mark | CBSSports.com — I love when a writer re-examines their start of season pieces. However, you can’t talk about Pekka Rinne’s performance this year without talking about the injuries to the team in front of him. #B2BVezina
Super Slow Mo: Weeks 12 and 13 | NHL.com — Okay, let’s see what we see in this two week combo. Touch Down Jesus! Hi Kevin Fiala! Ouch. Darn Pittsburgh Penguins stealing our gold look again. Wait — was that a double axle?!? Waiting……..More waiting…..Hi Nick Bonino! Ouchie. Dum de dum, dum de dum. Hi Viktor Arvidsson!?! Nice! Hi P.K. Subban! Love the Subby dance.
Mike Peluso files federal lawsuit against New Jersey Devils | ESPN — “Former New Jersey Devils player Mike Peluso claims in a federal lawsuit that the team withheld medical information showing the true extent of his brain injury following a fight in a 1993 game.” This will be one to follow. From this article it sure looks like the New Jersey Devils buried an independent neurologist’s findings. If true, this has potential to set precedent for suits against individual teams and staff members.
Carey Price will not be participating in the 2019 NHL All-Star Game | NHL.com — Number two. Who will be next?
NHL and NHLPA reportedly expected to meet this week | Yahoo Sports — I think the players might extend the CBA if the escrow issues are addressed. However, I’m not sure the owners won’t also want shorter contract lengths in return. Positioning is getting ready to start.