Islanders and NHL News: ‘There’s nothing quite like playoff hockey’
Remember when Okposo broke Fleury, but alas the Penguins had Vokoun in reserve?
Even when we’re not involved, and sometimes because we’re not involved. Boy, Steve sure lit a fire under the Hurricanes’ ass. Ever since that post, Carolina has picked itself off the mat and beat the Rangers twice. Game 4 was a close one, and Game 5 was an Isles-like collapse by the other “New York” team: The Smurfs entered the third period leading 1-0 and thought they’d just shell their way to a series win.
The Canes weren’t having it, which is great for everyone.
Islanders News
With news of his season-long injury, withhold judgment on Scott Mayfield until next season. Or the next one, or the next one, or...we’ve got a few more. [THN]
Five Isles prospects who could vie for a roster spot next year. [THN]
Ex-Islanders News
“There’s nothing quite like playoff hockey.” Kyle Okposo is relishing his chance — after eight years in the wilderness in Buffalo since last experiencing the postseason in 2016, when the Isles eliminated the Panthers. [NHL]
Four years after their jarring Wild buyout, Zach Parise is now facing off against Ryan Suter as both chase that elusive Cup. [Times / Athletic]
Elsewhere
After going to Calvin Pickard for the third period of Game 3, the Oilers won’t name their starter for Game 4 — always a great sign for stability and goalie confidence. [NHL]
Carson Soucy was suspended one game for that nasty crosscheck to Connor McDavid at the end of Game 3. [NHL | TSN] Note that this Zach Hyman crosscheck to Nikita Zadorov’s face went unpunished. [Sportsnet]
After the Oilers hit three posts in their Game 3 loss, Leon Draisaitl isn’t about to give credit to some Latvian goalie. “Post is not good goaltending,” drawing the ire of goalies in every age demographic and tier across the globe. [Sportsnet]
Good luck to Valeri Nichushkin and his demons. The Avalanche forward is now suspended a minimum of six months as he enters “Stage 3” of the player assistance program. [NHL]
That wasn’t the only absence for the Avalanche last night: Devon Toews was out with illness [TSN], and Cale Makar’s brain was absent on the Stars’ opening goal by Wyatt Johnston.
Looking at the impact of Nikita Zadorov, who is starting to remind me of Darius Kasparaitis in terms of a guy playing, punching and agitating above his weight for the playoffs. [Sportsnet]
The Coyotes insist they are excited about a fresh start in Utah. [NHL]
The Senators insist they are excited about new coach Travis Green. [NHL]
The Sabres insist they are excited about new (old) coach Lindy Ruff. [NHL]
The Rangers insist they are excited about Alex Lafreniere shedding the bust label. [NHL]
His job finally (maybe) on the line, Brendan Shanahan is considering real changes in Toronto. [Sportsnet]
In their coaching hunt, the Leafs have met with Craig Berube and Todd McLellan. [TSN]
With the Bruins facing elimination, GM Don Sweeney is furious that his players and coach have to answer questions about why Sam Bennett’s winning goal wasn’t goalie interference, but the refs and league can hide behind a Situation Room statement. [Athletic / Times | Sportsnet]
Bennett is at the center of much controversy, and he insists there’s no way he would’ve had time to think about punching Brad Marchand, even though it was Brad Marchand, whom pretty much everyone should always be thinking about punching. [TSN]
The PWHL has its first player from Japan, Akane Shiga. [NHL]
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