Tuesday’s Dump & Chase: The Start of the Start

Six players that likely won’t return for the Nashville Predators in 2020-21 | A to Z Sports
Do you agree? I find myself conflicted about Craig Smith. If he takes a friendly contract, I wouldn’t object to him staying.

Preds’ 365 Fund Presented by Twice Daily Continues Rich History | NHL.com
The excellent contributions, both in dollars and time, still continue from the brainchild of Pekka Rinne and Shea Weber. Two fine men (and the teammates who donated their time).

Check the comments. I asked her to knock on wood!

The Chicago Blackhawks haven’t won a playoff game since 2016.

— Megan Seling (@mseling) August 16, 2020

Corey Crawford saves Blackhawks’ season with vintage playoff performance | NBC Sports Chicago
.98 save percentage, 48 of 49 SOG saved and Vegas had 96 shot attempts. You the man Corey Crawford!

Jets’ Little not sure if he’ll play again | Winnipeg Sun
I hope Bryan Little’s brain is able to heal. As much as I admire his play, I hope he puts his family first if there is any risk to their future.

The Minnesota Wild Have Few Options After Mats Zuccarello’s Disappointing Debut | Zone Coverage
The article is fairly interesting, but they had me at “Believe it or not, there are dogs in New York named after Mats Zuccarello.”

How the NHL has kept its playoff bubble coronavirus-free — so far | ESPN
“Zero positive tests and a functioning postseason tournament didn’t come easy. Here’s how the NHL engineered a best-in-the-industry environment.”

NHL goaltenders putting on puck-stopping clinic in playoffs | Yahoo
“Goaltenders are putting on a clinic in the crease, combining for a .922 save percentage through 66 games, up from .910 in the regular season and .916 in the playoffs last year.”

One big off-season question facing each NHL team eliminated in qualifying | Sportsnet.ca
Good questions. I for one can’t imagine the New York Rangers without Henrik Lundqvist. Where would/could he even go? Also, for once the Nashville Predators’ question isn’t about how to cut Kyle Turris loose.

In a Pair of ‘Hubs,’ the N.H.L. Postseason Has Been Anything but Neutral | The New York Times
I must not have been playing close enough attention. I don’t recall seeing an excessive amount of fighting, especially given the number of injuries and questionable hits. What about you?

Talking Points