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As another week begins, let’s scrape the bottom of the barrel of what is going on in the hockey world.
Matt Murray and Jared McCann (along with new friend Darnell Nurse of the Edmonton Oilers) had some fun in Vienna, Austria over the weekend, as they prepare with Team Canada for the upcoming World Championships.
Speaking of, Team Canada’s head coach Alain Vigneault stated the obvious that Murray will be the No. 1 goalie for the Canadians.
Alain Vigneault says Matt Murray will be Canada’s #1 goalie for the #iihfworlds. Carter Hart will be the backup (to start) @HC_Men @TSNHockey
— Brent Wallace (@tsn_wally) May 5, 2019
Vigneault:"Matt has played in big moments and big games, pressure games. There is no doubt he is our number one goaltender."
(Which is kinda funny, remember that time in 2019 when the Flyers hired Alain Vigneault lol. And then Vigneault plays Murray over Carter Hart.)
Another funny: former Pens’ head coach Michel Therrien is back in the NHL and joining those Flyers as an assistant head coach. [Sportsnet]
Could Philly look to trade Jakub Voracek for P.K. Subban? [Philly.com]
An interesting Caps’ perspective on Carl Hagelin. Seems like the money might push Hagelin out of Washington this summer, as Hagelin hits free agency and probably will command more than they can afford. [Nova Caps Fans]
Ken Holland, who has been the Detroit general manager since 1997 (up until Steve Yzerman’s return), is leaving the organization and has agreed to become Edmonton’s new GM. [Winging it in Motown]
Scott Wheeler gives his Top 100 prospects for next month’s draft. Whomst around the 20ish range catches your eye? For me, it was right-handed Finnish defenseman Anttoni Honka, who needs to improve defensively but might have some skill that can’t be taught:
“Honka was outstanding in the Mestis playoffs and can take over games with his ability to exit the zone, control the play through the middle of the ice and quarterback offensive zone sequences with quick, aggressive movement. The right leap of faith may result in a steal.” [The Athletic]
Playoff Update:
- The St. Louis Blues force a Game 7 with a win in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars, but not without some controversy. [Defending Big D]
- The Boston Bruins head to Columbus tonight, looking to win their series against the Blue Jackets in Game 6. [Stanley Cup of Chowder]
- The Colorado Avalanche drop Game 5 to the San Jose Sharks, SJ is up 3-2 in that series now. [Mile High Hockey]
- And meanwhile, the team closest to the Stanley Cup at the moment, the Carolina Hurricanes, can sit back and breakdown happy moments in their sweep of the Islanders. [Canes Country]
- Despite the sweep, Isles fans have a lot to be proud of with a season that exceeded expectations. [Lighthouse Hockey]
And finally, Jaromir Jagr is serving as an ambassador in China, hoping to do the same as Mario Lemieux once did helping to expand the game in 1985 for a young impressionable Jagr earned his mentor. Pretty cool stuff!