PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.
From the “ohmygodohmygod” files: Neate Sager of Buzzing the Net details how junior hockey team the Victoriaville Tigers turned to the “Flying V” for inspiration. Unfortunately, it did not lead them to victory so it probably will be best left to our goofy Emilio Estevez movie memories. Bummer. (Buzzing the Net)
It only makes sense that the New York Islanders - a team run by a former goalie turned GM wasting money on an injury prone goalie - is once again dealing with a weird situation in net. In this case, John Grahame looks to help out while Evgeni Nabokov is on the mend. The best part is that if the experiment fails, the Islanders actually win - with better draft odds. (Newsday)
Mike Chambers captures Colorado Avalanche players’ reactions to head coach Joe Sacco receiving a contract extension. (Denver Post)
Not enough Avalanche fun? Chambers also furthers the Gabriel Landeskog for Calder Trophy argument. (Denver Post)
Quick shmwick, Darryl Sutter is still a big fan of Miikka Kiprusoff. It’s unclear if he’s just trying to push the talented Los Angeles Kings netminder (and single season shutout record leader) or if he’s serious about there being “no comparison.” You decide. (Calgary Herald)
I’m not going to lie; I think the New Jersey Devils would benefit in the future on the ice - though probably not in the box office - by cutting ties with a goalie they cannot judge objectively in Martin Brodeur. If you ask Peter DeBoer, the “Brodeur plan” has worked, though. (Fire & Ice)
Jose Theodore must find somehow, some way, to contain his emotions as he returns to Minnesota as the Florida Panthers’ starter after one season as the Wild’s backup. Expect at least a 15 minute video tribute, mixed emotions and definitely no sarcasm. (On Frozen Pond)
Ilya Bryzgalov isn’t the only expensive Philadelphia Flyers goalie. Apparently Sergei Bobrovsky could cost the team a healthy fine if he doesn’t speak with the media soon. (CSNPhilly.com)
Erik Cole seems optimistic about the Montreal Canadiens’ future. Click on the link to find out if there were any details about him keeping a straight face. (Montreal Gazette)
Oh, Vancouver. Sure, the Canucks managed to win, but Tony Gallagher demands entertainment and victory. (Vancouver Province)
Tomas Vokoun wants “the ball” as the Washington Capitals enter the stretch run. By “the ball” he means “to play,” by the way. Unless he really likes pre-game soccer rituals or something ... (CSNWashington.com)