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.
Who do you think should be on the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 17? The voting for Round 1 is now open. (NHL.com)
The teams have taken to campaigning for their players on Twitter too. Though it means not giving equal time to each candidate, here is nevertheless a sampling:
Put 🇺🇸 on the cover. #NHL17Pavelski https://t.co/VDQZebknkqhttps://t.co/iocK3YvPCd
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) April 26, 2016
Time to vote! VOTE #NHL17Kopitar: https://t.co/BrWQWaDrQO pic.twitter.com/CmQon2hQkD
— LA Kings (@LAKings) April 26, 2016
and now we present @razor5hole, proud Canadian.#NHL17Bennhttps://t.co/jeP5SzaSuL
— Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) April 26, 2016
Washington has a lengthy playoff history with Pittsburgh and much of it has been bad for the Capitals. Thom Loverro believes that beating the Penguins now would “go a long way to changing the culture of the expectation of loss.” (Washington Times).
Though the Florida Panthers weren’t able to make it past the first round, they are optimistic about their future. (Panthers’ Official Website)
The Islanders have gotten exactly what they were hoping for when they drafted John Tavares in 2009. (Washington Times)
Speaking of the 2009 draft, Victor Hedman was taken with the second overall pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Now the two are on opposite sides of the upcoming second round series. (Newsday)
Here are some interesting numbers from the Chicago Blackhawks’ brief, but eventful, 2016 playoff run. (CSN Chicago)