Hockey Talk On A Holiday Weekend In The US
from Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun,
- Ken Holland takes a pounding from the number crunchers and the perennial Oilers critics but, if he understands anything, he understands what it takes to win. He brought Smith in when he couldn’t sign Markstrom. He fired coach Dave Tippett when he knew he had to, and replaced him with the little-known Jay Woodcroft. He signed veteran Duncan Keith and was blasted for that move. He signed Zach Hyman and apparently paid too much. The Oilers have advanced and Woodcroft, Smith, Keith, and Hyman played a significant role in all of that.
- All-stars who didn’t deliver in the playoffs: Jonathan Huberdeau leads the list, with Sasha Barkov not far behind and Markstrom right alongside Huberdeau, who scored just once for Florida in 10 playoff games.
- In no particular order, these guys can play on my team anytime: Ryan O’Reilly in St. Louis; Jordan Staal in Carolina; Corey Perry, whichever team he’s on; Mikael Backlund, the best playoff Flame.
- Joe Thornton says he needs time to consider his playing future in hockey. I’ll make it easy for Jumbo: It’s over, Joe. Great career. Hall of Fame-bound. Time to say goodbye.
more, including a look at Leon Draisaitl......
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