Things about the Winnipeg Jets and the NHL that crossed my mind over the weekend —
Some random facts and a few thoughts from this past week about the Winnipeg Jets, the Manitoba Moose and the National Hockey League.
1. With all the hoopla of Mike Babcock signing on to coach the Maple Leafs last week I forgot to mention that the Edmonton Oilers have hired former San Jose Sharks Head Coach Todd McLellan.
2. Former Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Dan Bylsma has been hired as the new Head Coach of the Buffalo Sabres.
3. AND last but not least, former Florida Panthers and New Jersey Devils bench boss Peter DeBoer has been hired as the new Head Coach of San Jose Sharks.
4. Quirky fact: The Lighting beat three “original 6” teams to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals. (Det, Mtl, NY)
5. Go figure: Ben Bishop gave up only 4 goals in 4 games at MSG including 2 shutouts (games 5 and 7) but got lit up for 16 goals in 2 2/3 games at home in Tampa Bay.
6. Is it a coincidence that Todd McLellan and Dan Bylsma cherry picked the two teams with the top two prospects in this years draft? (see #1 and #2)
7. After watching Keith Yandle run the Coyotes offence for many years it was interesting to see him in a less prominent role with the Rangers. They never really got the best out him.
8. How the hell do you get shutout in two consecutive home games in the playoffs Rangers? (see #5) I’m sure Lundqvist is wondering (or shouting) the same thing. THANKS FOR THE OFFENCE GUYS!
9. Hometown boy Jonathon Toews lead his Chicago Blackhawks to SC Finals with a big-time game 7 performance versus the Ducks in Anaheim over the weekend, why am I not surprised?
10. Can anyone give me a reason the NHL is waiting until Wednesday to start the Stanley Cup Finals?
11. In the Marty St. Louis trade, the Tampa Bay Lightning received Ryan Callahan, NYR 2015 1st round pick and a conditional 2014 2nd round pick that converted to the NYR 2014 1st round pick because the Rangers made it to the Stanley cup Finals.
12. Was there anybody in the free world that was surprised that Connor McDavid was named CHL Player of the Year?
13. It was a tough loss (2-1) for Josh Morrissey and the Kelowna Rockets in the Memorial Cup Finals versus the Oshawa Generals.
14. More from the St. Louis/Callahan trade: At the 2014 NHL Entry Draft the Lightning flipped the 1st round pick (NYR conditional 2014 2nd pick) to the NYI (Josh Ho Sang) for two second round picks. Tampa then selected at #35 (Dominik Mason) and #57 (Jonathon MacLeod).
15. Only in the NHL do you have to give a team a 3rd round pick for a fired coach. You would think they would be happy to get off the hook for the remaining salary, not be looking for compensation but it’s in the CBA. It’s actually a joke IMO!
16. I’m thinking that the Stanley Cup Finals between Chicago and Tampa has the potential to be a high scoring series.
17. BTW, if Marty St. Louis signs a new contract with the Rangers, the Lightning get New York’s 2nd pick for their 7th at the 2015 draft. The trade that just keeps on giving!
18. For the Lightning to win the Stanley Cup they will have to defeat 4 of the original six franchises. (see #4)
19. So, who do you think won the St. Louis/Callahan trade now?
20. Winnipeg Hockey Talk is looking for Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose writers AND we would love somebody to cover the Manitoba Bisons as well. If you or somebody you know is interested, please contact us at:
If you have any thoughts on any of these comments or questions, please let me know. I would love to hear your opinions.
Thanks, Mitch Use the “Comment Section” below.
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