The first big name is officially out there. If this is the start to the 2020 offseason, buckle up as the NHL trade rumors could become a daily bombshell alert. The Pittsburgh Penguins snagged a promising college free agent, the Vancouver Canucks are becoming the Cinderella of the of NHL playoffs ball, and Mike Milbury is under fire.
The Penguins signed college free agent Josh Maniscalco from Arizona State University. So, he probably knows how to party, but the 6-foot-2, 200-pound defender comes with an offensive pedigree, too (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
ASU, I kid.
There are some serious questions the Penguins need to ask themselves. There are some serious questions fans ask themselves. And, there are some questions both sides should ask each other (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)
Mike Milbury is under fire for a wisecrack he made on Thursday night about the NHL bubble life. As the play by play announcer, Brian Boucher said the bubble was “a terrific environment. If you enjoy playing, if you enjoy being with your teammates…”
Milbury chimed in, “Not even any women to distract you.”
Cue the firestorm. Milbury was removed Saturday night (Yahoo)
Back to hockey, and NHL trade rumors…
Johnny Hockey could be on his way out of Calgary. In his career, Johnny Gaudreau has not lit up the scoresheet in the NHL playoffs. He’s taking the fall in Calgary after their epic Game 6 collapse, and cue the trade CREDIBLE trade talk (Sportsnet)
Sean Monohan may also be shoved out the door.
The Philadelphia Flyers advanced to Round Two. I was partially correct about the Philadelphia Flyers when I called them a paper tiger. The Montreal Canadiens outplayed Philadelphia for most of the series. Montreal dominated Game 6. Philly goalie Carter Hart has his first playoff theft, but Montreal was impressive (Sportsnet)
Montreal GM Marc Bergevin was on the hot seat in Montreal. After squashing the Penguins, and outplaying Philadelphia, the Montreal outlook is very optimistic. And rightfully so. Nick Suzuki and Jesper Kotkaniemi were spectacular, as were Shea Weber and Jeff Petry.
By the way, NHL, Sling, what was this?!
I have Sling for a while. Which error is worse? pic.twitter.com/lZCIYXdLYG
— Dan Kingerski (@TheDanKingerski) August 21, 2020
The Vancouver Canucks sent the defending Stanley Cup champion, St. Louis Blues home. It didn’t even look like an upset — it looked like Vancouver, with their crop of young and talented players, has arrived (TSN)
National Hockey Now
For you hockey folks who want to know more about the Xs and Os, I can’t overstate this piece in San Jose on power plays and breakouts. Sheng Peng chatted with the coaches and got incredible insights with video (San Jose Hockey Now)
Round Two — Dallas vs. Colorado. The Round Two preview (Colorado Hockey Now)
There will be a shakeup in Florida…when they eventually get a new GM. There are some big-name free agents waiting for a contract, too. Who stays and who goes? (Florida Hockey Now)
Round Two–REMATCH. Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning. A heavyweight battle (Boston Hockey Now)
And some bad news. Boston Bruins President Cam Neely isn’t optimistic that the NHL will be ready for the Dec. 1 launch of the 2020-21 season, at least with fans in the stands (Boston Hockey Now)
