HEAD SHOTS
I still cannot figure out how the NHL can be serious about addressing the terrible head shots that are seemingly part of many games.
I understand that Mark Giordano is no goon nor has ever been suspended, but the hit he laid on Carolina’s Sebastian Aho didn’t warrant a suspension according to the league.
The NHL announced shortly after that game that there would be no review, thus no suspension. And they expect us to really believe they are serious about removing shit like that from the game. I always thought the player that causes another player a serious injury should be suspended for the amount of games the injured player misses minimum.
HOT SHOTS
While the Colorado Avalanche ride an impressive winning streak, the Boston Bruins are hot as a firecracker, too. They seem to be able to throw anybody out there and it doesn’t seem to matter who…they win!
They draft well and develop well, too, but remember this is a lineup that also includes such noted players as Noel Acciari, Tim Schaller (yes the guy who played in Rochester forever), Ryan Spooner, Sean Kuraly and Paul Postma.
This lineup has not lost a regulation game since December 14, 2017. Since then, they have 14 wins, three shootout losses and three overtime losses.
LONG SHOTS
As for long shots to actually win the Stanley Cup (no not our beloved Sabres), one has to wonder if either Boston or Vegas really have a shot.
Boston is one of those teams that look great every year, then fade come playoff time. The Knights certainly will have momentum on their side, and Evander Kane would look great in their uniform.
North of the border, the Toronto Maple Leafs, who at times look like a serious contender, at other times look not much better then many other teams on the playoff cusp. Goaltending constantly keeps them in games, win or lose.
The Calgary Flames seem to be the best bet for a Canadian team to have any sort of shot at the Stanley Cup, while Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers continue to struggle.