It really comes as no surprise to anyone that the Toronto Maple LeafsAuston Matthews was the 2016-2017 season winner of the Calder Memorial Trophy. This trophy is given to the rookie of the year. He earned himself a place at the top of the NHL’s leaderboard this season scoring 40 goals and racking up 29 assists in just 82 regular season games. He ended his year tied for second place in goals, which was just four behind the leader Sidney Crosby. Pretty impressive for the 19-year-old Arizona native. Matthews stayed humble when receiving his award, though. He is definitely aware of all of the other young talent he’s played against and with in the league.
“It’s a pretty big surprise to me. Not only Patrik, but Zach to do what he did as a defensman at 19 years old, it’s not easy. It’s probably the hardest position to play being that young. Other players that weren’t here, there was such a good rookie class. It’s definitely an honor to win this award.”- Auston Matthews
Matthews was up for the award against fellow rookies Patrik Laine (Winnipeg Jets) and Zach Werenski (Columbus Blue Jackets), who have both earned their nominations. The Maple Leaf forward beat his opponents by a landslide, earning 164 of the 167 first place votes. There was not even a comparison, though the other two had an equally impressive season of their own. When Matthews scored four goals in his NHL debut, it was almost inevitable that he would be up on that stage this year.
His youth is something that doesn’t go unnoticed, and NHL Awards host Joe Manganiello brought up in his opening monologue that the awards show was the only place he wouldn’t be carded. “It was pretty funny. It’s pretty true. There’s a lot of young talent in the league,”said Matthews about Manganiello’s joke.
Growing up so close to Vegas, it’s no surprise that Matthews has very positive feelings towards the Vegas Golden Knights. Anyone who has grown up in a warm-weather hockey market, you becoming very supportive of the other’s in the league. Auston Matthews definitely realizes how great of an impact it has on the league and the growth of the game, especially since he got into it because of the Arizona Coyotes move to the desert.
“Personally, I think it’s awesome. Like I said, I grew up 5 hours away and played a lot of hockey tournaments here. I’m pretty familiar with the area,” said Matthews on the expansion. “I think them getting a team is just going to be awesome. There will be a nice rivalry there with Arizona.”
Photo: Carly A. Mullady, Blackhawks 2015 victory parade
In a horrible twist of fate and heartbreaking irony, Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa will sit the 2017-18 season following a severe allergy to the very equipment that’s meant to protect him on the ice.
Hossa confirmed this in a statement released by the Blackhawks Wednesday:
“Over the course of the last few years, under the supervision of the Blackhawks medical staff, I have been privately undergoing treatment for a progressive skin disorder and the side effects of the medications involved to treat the disorder.
“Due to the severe side effects associated with those medications, playing hockey is not possible for me during the upcoming 2017-18 season.
“While I am disappointed that I will not be able to play, I have to consider the severity of my condition and how the treatments have impacted my life both on and off the ice.”
Sportsnet in Canada late Tuesday night leaked the news that Hossa, 38, may be unable to return to the NHL. They reported sources claiming the Blackhawks’ veteran had become allergic to his athletic equipment and that preventive medication proved too dangerous for long-term use.
Blackhawks team physician Michael Terry said the risks of play and treatment outweigh benefits:
“Marian has been dealing with the effects of a progressive skin disorder that is becoming more and more difficult to treat and control with conventional medications while he plays hockey.
“Because of the dramatic nature of the medications required and their decreasing effectiveness, we strongly support his decision not to play during the 2017-18 season. We feel in the most certain terms this is the appropriate approach for Marian in order to keep him functional and healthy in the short term and throughout his life.”
Full disclosure, Hossa is my favorite player. As his fan, I’m utterly devastated by this news. I’ve seen this man accomplish so much professionally and personally, and I think this potential untimely ending is heartbreaking.
Just a couple months ago, on April 22, he told media how much he wanted to keep playing despite being 38.
“I love to be in the gym. I love to train and prepare and maybe one year when I feel it’s not there I’m going to know, but right now I still enjoy it…
“If I feel like I can not skate anymore, keep up with the young guys that would have me thinking at home ‘is it worth it to take somebody’s spot?’ But I still feel I have something to bring to the team, help the team in different areas so I don’t think that way right now.”
As a Blackhawks fan, he’s brought us plenty of victories. But he’s also brought us this:
Hossa has 1,134 points (525 goals, 609 assists) in 1,309 career games (since the 1997-1998 season with Ottawa, where he played seven seasons followed by three in Atlanta, one in Pittsburgh and one in Detroit before Chicago), with 149 points (52 goals, 97 assists) in 205 postseason games. A substantial amount of these stats have been part of his Blackhawks career.
In 2009-2010, he had 24 goals and 27 assists in 57 games.
In 2010-2011, he had 25 goals and 32 assists in 65 games.
In 2011-2012, he 29 goals and 48 assists in 81 games.
In 2012-2013, he had 17 goals and 14 assists in 40 games before an untimely severe injury from a Raffi Torres hit.
In 2013-2014, he had 30 goals and 30 assists in 72 games.
In 2014-2015, he had 22 goals and 39 assists in 82 games.
In 2015-2016, he had 13 goals and 20 assists in 64 games.
In 2016-2017, he had 26 goals and 19 assists in 73 games.
He is one of the league’s best two-way forwards to date and is an expected Hall-of-Famer. He’s also been an integral part of three Stanley Cup wins in five seasons since joining the Hawks in the 2009-2010 season.
Hossa kept the Blackhawks alive with a Game 5 OT goal in their 2010 Stanley Cup run, ultimately contributing to the first Cup for Chicago in 59 years.
Blackhawks Senior Vice President and General Manager Stan Bowman said the organization will continue to support the beloved player:
The Chicago Blackhawks are in full support of Marian Hossa as he addresses his medical issues. This is extremely difficult for us because we all know the incredible person and player that Marian Hossa is – competitive, loyal and humble. He has played a major role in the success our franchise has experienced in recent years, which makes his departure from our lineup a significant loss. His teammates and coaches know he battled through some very tough physical difficulties but never complained or missed games despite the challenges he faced. The organization will continue to provide him every resource he needs to maintain his health.
No official statement speaks to his plans beyond the 2017-2018 season. He’s signed with the Blackhawks through 2020-2021 with an annual cap hit of $5.275 million. If he were to retire, that would leave Chicago with a continued $4 million-plus salary hit, intended as punishment for teams that sign players to long contracts like Hossa’s $63.3 million, 12-year deal signed when he became a Hawk.
He was set to make just $1 million annually over the next four seasons, but still carry the $5.275 million hit. Should he stay a Blackhawk, with or without a return to the ice, long-term injured reserve would open the salary cap in ways retirement wouldn’t, according to the Chicago Tribune. His cap hit would essentially be nulled during time on the LTIR, giving the Hawks the $5.275 million space for the roster when Hossa cannot be on the ice.
Of course, with his accolades, capabilities, and camaraderie, the team would likely prefer him dressed and playing.
Hossa’s statement included:
The Chicago Blackhawks organization, including Rocky Wirtz, John McDonough and Stan Bowman, and my agent, Ritch Winter, have been very supportive throughout this entire process. I would also like to thank my teammates and the amazing Blackhawks fans for their understanding. With respect to the privacy of my family, I will not be commenting any further on my health.
At least we know his time off will include adorable moments.
Since before the Vegas Golden Knights were even officially a team, one of the most talked about things was what their jersey’s would look like. With the National Hockey League switching from Reebok to Adidas, there was not only anticipation for the Golden Knights jersey, but also all of the others around the league. On Tuesday night at a private event, the NHL and Adidas threw a party to showcase the new jerseys as well as the highly anticipated reveal of the first ever Vegas Golden Knights gear.
The jersey features the main logo on the front, but also has the alternative logo (featured below) on the shoulder.
The Golden Knights and Adidas have been teasing the jersey’s for weeks leading up to tonight and the time is finally here where fans and media alike can see what the newest NHL team will be sporting at T-Mobile Arena in the fall.
The new jersey’s are made with some incredible technology that makes them cooler, lighter and stronger. The head of Adidas Hockey, Dan Near says that the jersey’s are, “specifically created for elite performance, we’ve designed the ADIZERO Authentic NHL jerseys to deliver advanced innovation and technical design for the world’s best hockey players. We build products for the creator athlete. Our mission is to help athletes perform better and we look forward to making our on-ice debut this season with the new Lighter, Cooler, and Stronger adidas Hockey ADIZERO Authentic NHL jerseys.”
Picture courtesy of Adidas
The ADIZERO technology in the new jersey’s allows for them to be over 19% lighter than the late jersey’s. Adidas signature Clima technology allows for a much cooler jersey for the players to wear. This allows for the new gear to let more air through. The new jersey’s are also 27% stronger and 72% tougher. They feature some of the newest technology that the market has to offer, which aligns perfectly with the NHL’s progressiveness. Adidas X NHL is a match made in hockey heaven.
Adidas is a brand recognized worldwide for innovation and technology investment, creating constant innovation in high performance apparel,” said NHLPA Chief of Global Business Strategies, Sandra Monteiro. “The Players are excited to partner with adidas, creating a new milestone in hockey apparel, bringing edge, innovation and premium design to the game, specifically focused on their performance.”
Columbus Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno had a fantastic season on the ice. He led his team to achieving a franchise-best season of 108 points this season, but his reputation off the ice far surpasses what he puts out there on it. It’s no surprise that Foligno took home not one- but two- awards for his dedication to the city of Columbus and his team. Nick Foligno was honored at the NHL Humanitarian Awards this afternoon and was given the Mark Messier Award as well as the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
“Lost on the slots and the card table, but I’m winning here,” Said Foligno when taking the stage.
The Mark Messier Award is highly coveted every year and it is given “to the player who exemplifies great leadership qualities to his team, on and off the ice, during the regular season.” This award is hand picked by NHL legend Mark Messier himself, making it even more special. He’s in the company of many other NHL greats such as Shea Weber (NSH, 2016), Jonathan Toews (CHI,2015) and Sidney Crosby (PIT,2010).
The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is given to the “player who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice and who has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.” Noteworthy humanitarian contributions is an understatement for all that Nick Foligno has done. His family has donated $1 million to both the Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital. On top of all of this, Foligno has started a charity of his own called the Janis Foligno Foundation in honor of his mother who passed away from cancer in 2009.
Nick Foligno understands that being a leader in the NHL means much more than just wearing a ‘C’ on his jersey. “It’s a huge privilege to be an NHL captain…You don’t really understand what it means to be a leader until you become a parent,” said Foligno. He isn’t just a leader on the ice and that’s very obvious. Taking inspiration from all aspect of his life is really what sets him apart the most.
On Tuesday, June 13, 2017, Boston Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney announced the hiring of Kevin Dean as an assistant coach to the Boston club.
“The Bruins are excited to be promoting from within our organization. Kevin’s experience, work ethic, and commitment to winning and developing players qualify him as the best coach to compliment Bruce’s staff,” Sweeney said. “Kevin’s professionalism and communication skills have always been strong attributes. His success as a Head Coach this past season only reinforced our opinion that Kevin is both ready and excited for the challenges of coaching at the NHL level.”
Kevin Dean
At the beginning of the 2016-17 season, with the promotion of Bruce Cassidy to the Boston club, Dean was given his first opportunity as head coach as he took the helm of the Bruins’ AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. During his year as head coach in Providence, he guided the team to a berth in the 2017 Calder Cup Playoffs, having helped the team go 43-23-6 (for 96 points) in the regular season. However, it was during the playoffs that Dean’s coaching showed his strongest attributes, taking the Providence Bruins all the way to the Eastern Conference Final, where they fell to the Syracuse Crunch, who beat them 4-1 in the series. This was the first time since 2009 that the Providence Bruins had managed to advance as far as the Eastern Conference Finals.
“First and foremost I’d like to thank the Jacobs family, Cam and Don for affording me this tremendous opportunity. Last year with Providence was a big step forward for me professionally and I am very excited to carry that momentum to the NHL level and work with the best players in the world, “ said Dean.
Prior to his being put in as head coach of the Providence Bruins, he worked as an assistant coach for the team, serving under head coach Bruce Cassidy, whom he will again work with in Boston. These two have worked well in the past, having missed the playoffs only their first year, of five together, in Providence. It is expected that their chemistry behind the bench will show in the performance of the players on the ice.
Coaches Dean and Cassidy
“We are very pleased to add Kevin to our coaching staff. He’s an extremely knowledgeable hockey mind who is deeply committed to the Bruins organization and development of our players,” said Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy. “We’ve established a strong rapport having coached together for five years in Providence and I look forward to working closely with him again on a daily basis.”
“I know exactly – not exactly, but how he wants to play. Very comfortable with how Butch [Bruce Cassidy] wants to play, and I believe in it. I think that’s one of the reasons that he’s comfortable having me is that I have fully bought into how he wants to play,” Dean acknowledged. “I think he knows that, and I think that’s going to help him and it’ll help me in my transition because there’s not going to be a lot of surprises with how Butch wants to do things. So, I think it should be a little more seamless than it would be than if I was walking into a room or a coach’s room with a bunch of guys I didn’t know. So, the comfort factor will be huge.”
Before joining the Bruins organization in 2011, the University of New Hampshire alumnus played in 331 NHL games for Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, and New Jersey. He won the Stanley Cup with the 1994-95 New Jersey Devils. After his playing career ended, he spent five seasons coaching in the New Jersey Devils organization—four season as an assistant coach with their AHL Lowell Devils and one season as the head coach of their ECHL Trenton Devils.
“I’m excited for a number of reasons. One is probably the most important thing is I’m really excited where the Bruins are headed. I think the organization, and I said this last year and the six years I’ve been here,” shared Dean Tuesday afternoon. “Last year development camp and the development camp before, you can really see that there are some good, young kids coming in. They’ve obviously got a great core in Boston and I think those two things together make it a really exciting place to have the opportunity to come coach.”
With the replacement of Boston’s head coach Claude Julien in February 2017 with Cassidy, it was clear that the jump and the speed of the Boston Bruins was expected to improve. The team was able to climb up in the standings, ultimately earning a playoff spot. They were knocked out in the first round, but having missed the playoffs the previous two years this was certainly a step in the right direction for the team.
Without the trickling in of their core members —many of whom were playing for their respective countries in the 2016 World Cup—the chemistry among the players will undoubtedly be better than it was at the beginning of last season. And having all their coaches buying into the same system will certainly make it easier for the players to know what to expect from the drop of the first puck at training camp in September.
The Pittsburgh Penguins Sunday became the first back-to-back Stanley Cup champions in the salary cap era.
Penguins Captain Sidney Crosby, before winning his second-consecutive Conn Smythe (MVP) Trophy, said they started this season set on bringing the Cup back to Pittsburgh.
“Just to be able to share that with this group…to be able to accomplish it is a great feeling.”
Sidney Crosby is third in NHL history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy in consecutive years (Bernie Parent 1974-1975, Mario Lemieux 1991-1992).
Crosby had 27 points in 23 postseason games this year.
But it’s his teammate, a former Predator, Patric Hornqvist that scored the game-winning goal with 1:35 left in the third.
Pens goalie Matt Murray, technically still a rookie, won his second shutout Stanley Cup. He stopped 29 shots.
The Preds’ Pekka Rinne held strong until the final two minutes. He stopped 27 of 28 shots.
The real stars of Game 6 Sunday night, and the postseason in general, were the goaltenders.
But who will many people be talking about? The officials.
Heading tied 0-0 into the third period, just 20 minutes away from a possible Cup win and elimination, a no-goal call in the second period left hockey enthusiasts seething.
Referee Kevin Pollock blew the whistle from behind the net while Murray’s save attempt on a Filip Forsberg shot left an open net rebound for Colton Sissons to tap in. Pollock was apparently the only person of 17,000+ in Bridgestone Arena who didn’t see the loose puck–and he didn’t adjust his position to try.
And, the Predators were unable to shake it. They couldn’t turn the tides in their favor. In fact, in the last 123-plus minutes of the postseason, the Preds were unable to score an official goal, a statistic that certainly dug the grave for their 2017 Cup dreams.
The game opened with a fantastic Murray save on a P.K. Subban shot.
From there, the Predators were unable to make a move. The Penguins outshot the Preds by a mere 29-27 and had four penalties to the Preds’ zero. But the team couldn’t capitalize on power plays, even a short 5-on-3. And, they couldn’t get the puck past Murray.
Captain Mike Fisher gave an emotional post-game interview.
“This team never gave up. We believed all the way.”
He remarked how the team wanted to unite the city around the team, which undoubtedly was a success despite the season’s outcome.
The Nashville Predators Monday night leveled the Stanley Cup Final series against the Penguins at 2-2 with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
It’s now essentially gone from a best-of-seven series to a best-of-three series. If the Predators have any chance at the Cup, they need to take Bridgestone’s energy to the PPG Paints Arena ice and skate away with at least one road win.
In the Game 4 victory, Preds netminder Pekka Rinne made 23 saves, contributing to his and his team’s 9-1 home playoff record this year. Rinne told the NHL:
“You always have ups and downs, you try to stay even keeled. I don’t want to really look back yet. I mean we have work to be done, but I’m sure at the end of the day when you look back, it’s a roller coaster and it’s an emotional ride. It’s no different, these finals. In the first two games, we did a lot of good things. Personally, wasn’t really happy with mine, but obviously these two games have been huge for us and personally too.”
Despite playing only nine games and tallying one assist in the regular season, forward Frederick Gaudreau scored the game-winning goal (a pretty wraparound that passed a challenge for game four) in the last two games–goals two and three of his six postseason showings.
Captain Mike Fisher told the NHL what an asset Gaudreau has been for playoffs:
“He’s been unbelievable for us, the way he’s come in. He’s been so good, timely goals and composed. He definitely belongs, and he’s been a huge part of our success and it’s good to see for sure.”
Also tallying for the Preds were Calle Jarnkrok for a 1-0 lead in the first, which was followed by a Sidney Crosby goal before the period ended, Gaudreau’s 2-1 game winner and Viktor Arvidsson‘s 3-1 goal in the second, and a wrister that extended the lead from Filip Forsberg in the final period.
Rinne emphasized the need for a road win to media Tuesday:
“I feel like by now the confidence level at home is really high. The way we play at home in front of our fans. So you try to bottle that feeling and bring it to Pittsburgh. Play the same way. Go there, do the same thing.”
They won’t likely be bottling flying catfish and goalie chants for the trip, but they hope to utilize the momentum (and from two strong victories as they head in to Game 5.
Mattias Ekholm told press he hopes the team can ride this confidence.
“It’s going to be a big challenge on the road, but I have a lot of confidence in this group and the way we played in the first two games in Pittsburgh. I think everyone should come in with a lot of confidence.”
Meanwhile, the Penguins want to turn what they saw as better play with disappointing results during Game 4 into a victory back home, Crosby told media after the loss.
“It’s the most consistent [effort] as far as generating chances. We found a different level there tonight, and didn’t get the result we wanted.”
Despite star defenseman P.K. Subban‘s confidence heading into Games 3 and 4 (and a little trolling on his part), he said he doesn’t believe in momentum and he knows what his team’s up against.
“You can’t forget, regardless of what happens in a game or throughout a series, they’re the Cup champions.
“The details at this point of the season are so important, and everybody seems to be paying attention to those details. Now it’s almost like the first four games are a wash. They don’t even matter now. It’s best of three, and at the end of the day we’ve got to elevate our game.”
Preds head coach Peter Laviolette talked about the mental aspects at this point.
“I’ve said it a few times, usually desperation wins the day. If you’ve got a team that has momentum and a team that’s got desperation, for me anyway, the scarier team is the one that’s got desperation.
2-2 series right now, I’m not sure where it lies. They still have home ice. Desperation should probably still fall on our side here where we know we’ve got to win a game in Pittsburgh. We know we’ve got to win one road game and then a home game to boot.
Right now I’m not sure that there’s a momentum or a desperation. I think you’re probably going to see two teams that are ready to play hockey and fight hard for one win.”
The remaining series:
Game 5: 8 p.m. E.T. Thursday in Pittsburgh on NBC
Game 6: 8 p.m. E.T. Sunday in Nashville on NBC
Game 7, if needed: 8:00 p.m. E.T. Wednesday in Pittsburgh on NBC
As the puck dropped on Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final series, it looked like both teams had been cautioned about the pushing and shoving after whistles that had taken place, and ultimately gotten out of hand, during Game 3. And it looked like the Nashville Predators struggled a bit in the opening of the first period in pulling together sharp passes—though given the way the puck bounced throughout the entire game, this could have had more to do with that than their play. Neither the Predators nor the Pittsburgh Penguins were finding much space on the ice to accomplish much—especially shots on goal. Unlike earlier games, the Predators were finding it much more difficult to get shots through on Matt Murray.
The Predators did get the first goal of the game, as Calle Jarnkrok got himself in front of the net, putting Murray’s rebound in the back of the net. Pittsburgh’s head coach, Mike Sullivan, would use his Coach’s Challenge asserting that there had been goaltender interference by Craig Smith, who was tied up by Olli Maatta—who had also turned over the puck. However, after review the goal stood and Nashville’s faithful were cheering.
Their lead however would be short-lived, as Sidney Crosby, who was denied a single shot on net in Game 3, found himself on a breakaway and was able to freeze the Predators’ net minder Pekka Rinne just 1:06 later, with a puck that ultimately ricocheted off the post and off Rinne’s skate and in. The teams would go to the first intermission tied at one, while neither team had an outstanding period.
As the second period got underway, Pittsburgh had another amazing chance that Rinne denied and as play headed the other way, it originally looked like Murray had likewise made an impressive stop, denying the wrap-around attempt by rookie Frederick Gaudreau. As the Predators regrouped in their end, getting ready to make another entry, the horn sounded, and upon review from Toronto, it was shown that Gaudreau’s wrap-around was in fact successful, putting the Predators up 2-1.
Ten minutes later, Viktor Arvidsson would give the Predators some breathing room, as his wrist shot sent the puck past Murray on the glove side. It would have been unlikely that Arvidsson would have had the chance he did for that goal had it not been for the diving poke checks by first James Neal back in Nashville’s end and then by Mike Fisher in the neutral zone to keep the puck moving and ultimately landing on Arvidsson’s stick.
As the third period began to get under four minutes, Sullivan pulled Murray when Nashville iced the puck. However, Crosby wasn’t able to win the faceoff. In a set play from Colton Sissons’ draw, though he didn’t get an assist, he got the puck to P.K. Subban who shoveled it to Mattias Ekholm in the corner. Ekholm sent the puck behind Rinne’s net to Filip Forsberg, who sent it 197 feet down the sheet of ice and into the vacated Pittsburgh net.
The contributions from so many of the Predators continues to speak to the depth of the team. Many of the goals throughout the playoffs have come from defensemen, but almost their entire lineup now has had a goal.
“We need contributions, need everybody on point here,” head coach Peter Laviolette said of his team. “I said this the other day, you’re at a point in the season where you sink or swim. Guys have to step up. Colton has to step up. Calle has to step up. Jarny has to step up. Freddy Gaudreau steps in; he has to step up. If he doesn’t, it makes it difficult to move forward. Fiddler jumps in, gives us important games. Those are your only two choices. We need to have guys continue to play the game at a high level because of where we’re at in the season right now.”
Despite the Penguins having a power play opportunity with 2:38 remaining in the third, it was all over except for the final buzzer. Though neither team scored on the man-advantage in Game 4, this lack of production is clearly more worrisome for the Penguins, who are now one for 16 on the power play. Their giveaways were costlier in Game 4, as they had been in Game 3, as well.
“The only thing I would say is I thought a couple of the goals tonight, a couple of the goals in the prior game, you know there were things that we could have done that were preventable, let’s put it that way. They were very preventable,” Sullivan said after the game. “The breakaway goal [Arvidsson’s goal] for me tonight is an example. We have to have a bit of awareness away from the puck. If we do that, it’s a nothing play.”
Perhaps it has something to do with the Predators finding themselves on home ice in front of an astoundingly supportive fan base. Or perhaps they have just found their rhythm in their first ever Stanley Cup Final round and are buying in to what their coach is saying. It will be interesting to see if they can carry this momentum forward into Game 5, as the teams return to Pittsburgh to play on Thursday, June 8 at 8:00pm Eastern.
(Photo: By Stephen Yeargin from Nashville, Tenn., United States [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
As the city of Nashville played host to its first ever Stanley Cup Final game, doing so with all the energy and fanfare one would expect from the home of country music, a gauntlet had been thrown down by Nashville Predator P.K. Subban after their loss in Game 2. He insisted that the Nashville Predators would win Game 3.
As Game 3 got underway, the energy from the crowd was like nothing else, and it was of utmost importance to Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan to take the crowd out it, by striking first. As none other than Jake Guentzel got the Penguins on the board first—with his 13th goal of the postseason—it looked like Sullivan would have his way and Pittsburgh would control Game 3.
Going into the first intermission the score was still 1-0 in the Penguins favor, though the crowd was definitely still in full support of their Predators. Pittsburgh’s Justin Schultz was whistled for holding against Harry Zolnlercyk giving the Predators their first power play at 4:13 of the second period. It was the opening they needed. Roman Josi got the tying goal.
Josi’s goal was the beginning of an onslaught of goals for the Predators—five in all, with the go-ahead goal, and game winner, scored 42 seconds after Josi’s by Frederick Gaudreau. James Neal would give the Predators some breathing room with a goal 23 seconds before the end of the second period.
Pittsburgh’s turnovers throughout the game had offered the Predators a couple of odd-man rushes, but the one that allowed Craig Smith’s unassisted goal just under five minutes into the third period for Nashville proved to be the biggest mistake.
Nashville’s fifth goal was another power play goal, scored by Mattias Ekholm at 13:10 of the third. Ekholm was the 19th Predator to score in the postseason, showing that every one of the Predators contributes in one way or another.
After Pekka Rinne was pulled from Game 2, there was some discussion as to whether or not Rinne would play in Game 3—all of this discussion outside of the Predator’s locker room where Rinne knew he would be playing. However, his performance in Game 3 showed that despite Pittsburgh’s getting the first goal, Rinne shut the door after that and his confidence grew as the game progressed.
It was clearly not Pittsburgh’s best game. While they won the most faceoffs, they were outshot in the first two periods, and they were again denied while on the man advantage three times, making them just 1 for 13 in the series on the power play.
As the game progressed, the nastiness increased especially in the third period. Ultimately five players were shown to the showers early, given 10-minute misconducts: Patric Hornqvist (Penguins) and Ekholm (Predators) at 15:38; Chris Kunitz (Penguins), Matt Cullen (Penguins), and Austin Watson (Predators) at 17:01.
While the players have a day to cool off, it is likely that Game 4 could continue to see the pushing and shoving after the whistles. And with the decisive win in Game 3, the Predators are even hungrier. It should make for a very interesting game, to be certain, when the two teams take to the ice Monday night at 8:00 PM Eastern.
Hockey history in Las Vegas has had a long road starting back in 1968 with the formation of the Las Vegas Gamblers, a semi pro-team. Several other minor league and semi pro-teams called Las Vegas home. The two that lasted the longest were the Las Vegas Thunder (6 years) of the International Hockey League and the Las Vegas Wranglers (11 years), of the ECHL. Both teams had great runs and made the playoffs several times but neither was able to win their league championships. The Wranglers twice made it to the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals but the Thunder never did.
While several semi pro teams have called Las Vegas home, most didn’t last past about five years but they did give fans something to see. Junior hockey even had a presence in Sin City, but like the semi-pro teams never lasted long. The current junior team the Las Vegas Storm–member of the Western States Hockey League–has been in Vegas for three seasons so far. They won the Thorne Cup Championship in their second season.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has been working on getting their club team, the Rebels, up to Division 1 status. They are currently in the top tier of the club hockey ranks, having joined the Mountain West Collegiate Hockey league, a Division 2 league at the start of the 2015-16 season. They are trying to build up talent so that they can join Arizona State as the second team on the west coast outside of Alaska to become a Division1 team.
In 2016 Las Vegas got awarded an NHL team–the Vegas Golden Knights. Not a name that perhaps represents Las Vegas but that is what the owner wanted. They haven’t played a game yet but are already trying to leave their mark on the city. A youth program called the Junior Golden Knights has already had tryouts and has several teams formed. They plan on playing out of all the rinks in town so that they can grow the game.
Las Vegas is a town that hasn’t had a big sports championship since the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels won the men’s basketball tournament in 1990. Can the Golden Knights provide this? That is yet to be seen but the owner has claimed he will bring one to town. Owners do like making that claim but find that it is often more difficult to fulfill that promise than originally expected.
A new chapter in Las Vegas hockey history will begin this fall. The team will announce it’s expansion draft selections on June 21, 2017, the same night as the NHL Awards.
Prev
