fin, you're the best at winning
struggles for the islanders and canucks, the latest in naming rights, checking in on some stuff we said
“Happy” Monday. Also, Happy Thanksgiving (American). We’ll be back next week with the second annual HNSTS gift guide.
the news
Once on this Island:
The Islanders are finally home, at a new building with 17 bars and 68 bathrooms. Because Lou Lamoriello is no fun, none of those 17 bars have cocktails named after players. It’s so easy. Matt Martini, there, we did it, go make tons of money.
Unfortunately, it’s not all big scissors and good water pressure for the Metro division-tailing Islanders, who are 3-6-1 in their last 10 games. They’ve started the season on a 13 game road trip, which is insane, so things will probably improve at least a little once they settle into a better rhythm, but that’s not the only problem. Anders Lee is out again, and though it’s harder to keep track of without a league wide list, they appear to have a significant covid problem.
Unrelated, Andy Greene played his 1000th game. Nice.
The Canucks are still last in the Pacific Division, and are on track for the worst penalty kill rate since, well, ever. GM Jim Benning met with ownership last week and somehow convinced them not to fire him, which is honestly hard to imagine, given how unconvincing his answers in his press availability after that were. For example, what does this actually mean, Jim?
Anyway. Also in Canucks, Twitter user Mr. Booth published a letter “from” owner Francesco Aquilini, and TVA picked it up and ran with it.
There Are Loads of Better Names Than Crypto Dot Com Arena; We Chose 3:
IYKYK
AEG should have called Jacob.
Guys In Places:
The Canadiens lost Adam Brooks on waivers to the Vegas Golden Knights
I guess Dion Phaneuf wasn’t retired? He is now. Troy Brouwer also apparently wasn’t retired already, and is also retired now.
Kyle Clifford (STL) cleared waivers and was traded to the Leafs for nothing
Coach Jared Bednar extended for two years with the Avalanche
Dogwatch: Sergei Fedorov and dogs, the Bolts dog goes “chomp,” the Wild dog takes a nap, assorted Red Wings and dogs, and the Caps puppy frolics
Hello Officer: 4 mustaches that make you double check the posted speed limit
Tom Wilson (WSH)
Tyler Myers (VAN), weary TV vice detective edition
Also:
Ryan Getzlaf (ANA) got his 1000th point
An effort to humanize the St. Louis Blues
A reminder on how to view games this year
Fenway Sports Group, who own the Red Sox and several other teams, are working on buying the Penguins
The Hockey Hall of Fame inducted a new class last week, including Jarome Iginla
The Chrome Domes are back in Los Angeles
Because of the Ottawa Senators covid postponements, the NHL now has the right to pull out of the Beijing Olympics.
An attendance breakdown for this season
About the Seattle Kraken and being weird
How does Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill use analytics?
About Bowen Byram’s (COL) struggles this year with concussions and covid
In which Roman Josi (NSH) reads thirst tweets
The Buffalo Sabres:
how’s our driving?
Every week, we’ll revisit five of our unconfirmed/denied predictions to see how we’re doing
Evander Kane will not return to the San Jose Sharks when his 21 game suspension for submitting a fake Covid vaccination has passed.
It really feels like there’s no way this guy isn’t done. Kane has started skating at the Sharks practice facility again, but according to teammate Tomas Hertl, no one has seen or talked to him. Good Riddance? He’s got 3 games left on his suspension and I guess we’ll see what happens then.
The Canes will not make the playoffs
Greg Wyshynski and Kristen Shilton at ESPN called the Hurricanes month 1’s best team, and they’re first in the competitive Metro division with a record of 14-2-0. Our bad.
Alexander Ovechkin will pass Brett Hull and Jaromir Jagr, will not pass Wayne Gretzky this season (hot take)
Since last we spoke, Ovechkin has scored 4 more goals, and only needs 21 more to tie Jagr. Through his first 19 games, he’s scored 15 goals and has 15 assists, and what can we say other than “wow?”
Related: Ovechkin has scored on 151 goalies, which puts him ninth all time in unique goalies scored on, and his 272 power play goals put him two shy of the all time leader, Dave Andreychuk. That record is also feeling very breakable right now.
Connor McDavid will discover the true meaning of Christmas, will also score exactly 154 points.
Connor McDavid continues to score absolutely silly goals, and has 32 points in 17 games, which works out to 164 on the season.
Darryl Sutter will be fired as head coach, hired as GM, and replaced as head coach by *spins Sutter wheel* Gary Sutter.
The Flames are currently leading the Pacific and are on a three game winning streak. I think he’s safe, for now.
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