NEWSLETTER
I know I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating because we have to remember just how far from contention the Chicago Blackhawks really are in the NHL: These Stanley Cup Playoffs are a whole other level of hockey. It’s a canned cliche, but every team in the playoffs finds another gear in the postseason and turns up the speed, skill, and physicality. I love it and I miss it as a Blackhawks fan.
• Speaking of missing the memories, on this day six years ago, the Blackhawks played in and won the longest game in franchise history.
Six years ago, Marcus Kruger won the longest game in #Blackhawks history
(🎥@NHLonNBCSports) pic.twitter.com/fX6sjISdRN— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) May 19, 2021
• In Game Two of the 2015 Western Conference Finals against the Anaheim Ducks, the Blackhawks evened the series thanks to Marcus Kruger’s goal on the doorstep. It ended the game after 116:12 minutes of action in the third period of overtime.
• Many fans, myself included, stayed up til the wee-hours of the morning watching the action happening on the West coast, dreading the fact that the wake-up call for work or for school was just a few hours away. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
• That game also involved the best goal that didn’t count in Blackhawks history too.
Best disallowed headbutt goal since Andrew Shaw’s in double overtime of 2015 Western Conference Final. #Blackhawks https://t.co/bBCd7YWRv3 pic.twitter.com/Ydh5cZDQMA
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) January 5, 2020
• Like, come on, that should count.
• In present-day Blackhawks news, rather IceHogs news, it appears rookie goaltender Cale Morris will be returning next season on an AHL deal.
Goalie Cale Morris is returning to the Rockford IceHogs next season after agreeing to an AHL contract, according to a source.
Morris, 24, had a .923 save percentage in seven games with the IceHogs this season.
— Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) May 19, 2021
• Morris played with the IceHogs this season on an AHL deal as well. He went 2-3-0 with a .923 save-percentage and a 2.52 GAA in seven appearances with Rockford in 2021.
• Also in IceHogs news, yesterday the team awards continued with the “Heavy Hitter” award. This year’s recipient is defenseman Dimitri Osipov.
• Mentioning heavy hitters, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Pat “Big Rig” Maroon provided us with a moment of levity in the gritty world of Stanley Cup Playoff hockey chirping.
Pat Maroon taunting the Panthers. 👀🐔#ItsOn pic.twitter.com/THw8QreaJi
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 19, 2021
• Ha. Chirping. Get it?
• Tampa Bay and Florida provided us another heart-pounding battle with the Lightning coming out on top, 3-1, to take a 2-0 series lead.
18-6 in their last 24 playoff games..750 playoff winning percentage. https://t.co/TrRE8Fnxl6
— Bucci Mane (@Buccigross) May 19, 2021
• The series now heads across the state to Tampa with the Panthers trying to dig out of an 0-2 series hole against the defending Stanley Cup Champions. Good Luck, Q.
• While some playoff series are reaching their second and third game, the Canadian teams have yet to begin their postseasons. But that ends tonight with the Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets get their first-round series underway tonight. The big news of the day in Canada yesterday, though, was the announcement that the Montreal Canadiens will be allowing fans back into the Bell Centre for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown.
• 2,500 fans will be allowed back into a Canadian arena for the first time since March 10th, 2020 starting on May 29th. That would be Game Six of the Canadiens’ series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, if the series gets to a sixth game. Fingers crossed.
• Around the league in front office news, it appears the Vancouver Canucks are exploring changes at the top and some familiar faces are in the discussions…
With the speculation of changes within the Vancouver Canucks, I’m told Canucks ownership is involved in ongoing discussions with Henrik and Daniel Sedin about potential roles within the organization.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 18, 2021
• Or maybe they aren’t?
Not sure what to expect for a timeline of announcements from the Canucks, but word tonight is Jim Benning was given indication in the last 24 hours that he is to return.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 19, 2021
• As for a team looking to make its next big hire, the Seattle Kraken continue their head coaching search by sorting through the discard pile of the 2021 season.
Hearing #SeaKraken are planning to interview free agent coach Rick Tocchet. He would be first known candidate for Seattle head coach, one of 4 current #NHL openings.
Also hearing #SeaKraken have interviewed #Leafs director of pro scouting Troy Bodie for a front office position.
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) May 18, 2021
• Speaking of hires, the New Jersey Devils are the latest to diversify their player development staff with former Women’s Olympic Hockey stars.
#NEWS: Meghan Duggan has been hired for the newly created role of Manager, Player Development within our Hockey Operations Department.https://t.co/aGrzcypEE0
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) May 19, 2021
• Before I forget, a Happy Blackhawks Birthday to Michael Leighton, who turns 40-years-old, and to Jack Skille, who turns 34-years-old today!
Happy Birthday to former #Blackhawks Michael Leighton and Jack Skille! pic.twitter.com/a7YU8CJe4g
— Bleacher Nation Blackhawks (@BN_Blackhawks) May 19, 2021
• And on a final note, it’s not hockey related but this is just a WILD stat…
This. Is. Wild.
Jayson Tatum has scored 50 points three times this season.
There's been a no-hitter thrown on two of those nights. pic.twitter.com/3tSe7ABGLH
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 19, 2021
• Sports are weird.
• That’s all for today. Have yourselves a Wednesday!
