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.
Interesting bit from Larry Brooks: the NHLPA audited the NHL and reportedly found that the Washington Capitals and Nashville Predators were among the teams “cited for failure to declare hockey-related revenue.” Sadly for the players, they cannot revisit previous seasons, so it sounds like the owners pulled another fast on one them. (The New York Post.)
Speaking of the Predators (and coach Barry Trotz), the team participated in their 1,000th game on Saturday night. The Montreal Canadiens once again played the spoiler role with a 2-1 OT win, but it’s still an impressive feat for Trotz, who found a way to reach that milestone with the same franchise. Check out this video of the pre-game ceremony:
Trotz wasn’t the only defensive-minded bench boss to coach in his 1,000th game, though. Los Angeles Kings’ coach Terry Murray also reached that milestone as his team pounded the Minnesota Wild. (Kings)
An Anaheim Ducks fan turns broken sticks into walking canes. Yes, that is awesome. (Jeff Miller - The Orange County Register.)
Joe Pelletier reveals that the other “Scotty” Bowman (Ralph) scored the first penalty shot goal in NHL history 77 years ago today. (Greatest Hockey Legends.)
That Mike Smith signing is looking pretty shrewd through the first chunk of games, isn’t it? He notched a 31-save shutout against the San Jose Sharks to avenge that ugly season-opener that seems like an anomaly for the big goalie now. (The Associated Press.)
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been out-scored 19-5 while going 1-3 in their last four games. Sure, Toronto is still on top of the Northeast Division, but is it time to get worried yet? (James Mirtle - The Globe & Mail.) In more sad news, here’s the Leafs’ own goal.
Well, Maple Leafs fans can at least comfort themselves in an old truculent standby: a random fight video. Delight as Mike Brown and Zenon Konopka punch each other a lot.
If the NHL season ended today, Phil Kessel would be the first American to lead the league in scoring. Maybe that will get a few more non-Leafs fans to pull for him, then? (Steve Simmons - The Toronto Sun.)
Jeremy Lynn floats a wild idea: is Marian Hossa currently the best player on the Chicago Blackhawks? (CSNChicago.com.)
The New Jersey Devils “trapped” the Washington Capitals into their own game, according to Joe Beninati. (CSNWashington.com.)