The Pittsburgh Penguins assembled their top prospects on Monday for their playoff series against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins and Lehigh Valley. The Penguins brought in four interesting prospects, including Vir Koivunen, who we'll be looking at late Tuesday morning (I'm writing the Daily at 4:30 a.m., so I'm off to WBS practice) (You can chat with several people). In other articles from the newspaper, the Philadelphia Flyers stir up NHL trade rumors with a potential big-name transfer, and the New York Islanders held a commanding lead that completely collapsed in the third period. gone. Auston Matthews led a Maple Leafs team past the Bruins with a late charge, and VGK LTIR champion Mark Stone scored in Game 1.
I'm making fun of Mark Stone. He timed his injury and rehabilitation in preparation for Game 1. He was legitimately injured. But the Flyers aren't messing around.
I will go to WBS a day earlier than planned. The Penguins' promising assignment on Monday convinced me to go to practice at 10am. Now, don't think you're doing this to stay at a luxury 4-star resort in Wilkes Vegas. I'm staying at the cheapest possible place with a 6.5+ rating, the nice Motel 6 near Mohegan Sun Arena. A double bed, poor quality cable TV, and a nearby Wendy's await.
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pittsburgh penguins
Pittsburgh hockey now: Load it up. Playoff hockey and big name prospects. Owen Pickering and Vili Koivunen headline the Penguins' prospect class that the team has signed or assigned to the WBS Penguins.
This was the final word appearance, Paul Zeisse and Chris Carter shaking their heads and me laughing like crazy (inwardly). I can't watch other sports as much as I would like, but I can keep up, so he hijacked the show for 30 seconds to make a surprising point.
Dave Molinari and I began the offseason analysis and grading process. He started out as a young player who progressed and progressed a bit more until he became a bona fide mainstay in the lineup. Dave told Drew O'Connor about his big leap.
and envision how it will work. The NHL is not a developmental league. OC has had a similar career path to Brian Rust.
Player Grades: I started by grading the more controversial players. He scored 15 points in the first 13 games. 16 points in the best 14. But in between, there was a steep road of apology, regret, and acceptance. Evgeni Malkin's achievements and future plans are as follows.
And Erik Karlsson will join the Swedish team for the World Championship.
NHL Trade Talk, News, and the State of National Hockey
The state of hockey in Philadelphia: Trade winds are blowing in Philadelphia. A rebuild, a late collapse, and a wasted Cinderella season. I understand a few names are being mentioned, but what about Joel Farabee? Flyers trade talk.
NYI Hockey Now: Third Period Meltdown. The New York Islanders had too much going on this season, and it cost them their second game against the Carolina Hurricanes. The game was both encouraging and disappointing for the Islanders.
Boston Hockey Now: It looked like Boston was in complete control, but that wasn't really the case. Auston Matthews' come-from-behind goal gave Toronto the lead, resulting in a loss for the Boston Bruins.
Vegas hockey now: Mark Stone scores in his first game back. Poor Dallas. They're really, really good, but they have to go through Las Vegas in Round 1?! Vegas Golden Knights veterans come out and win Game 1.
NHL.com: Edmonton Oilers knock Los Angeles Kings out of barn in boat race. We're going to have a battle royale with Edmonton, Vegas, and Colorado, right? The Oilers are hot.
Buffalo Hockey Now: Will this deja vu happen again? This is something to watch for both the team and the Penguins, as a talented team is getting a disciplined coach. Lindy Ruff coached the Buffalo Sabers for 16 years. Who do you think is the new Buffalo Sabers coach? Yes, it's Lindy Ruff.
