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.
Ottawa Senators coach Paul MacLean didn’t think much of Mika Zibanejad’s conditioning, attitude, or even play when he started the season with AHL Binghamton. However, MacLean thinks the 19-year-old rookie forward has grown a lot. (Ottawa Citizen)
The Los Angeles Kings are auctioning off a Stanley Cup championship ring for charity with the proceeds going to Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and City Year Los Angeles. You can also bid on a dinner with Kings president and retired Hall of Fame player Luc Robitaille. (LA Kings Insider)
Ted Black, the president of the Buffalo Sabres, doesn’t seem to have a problem with the fans booing because they haven’t been able to produce a winner yet. “I’d be more concerned if fans stopped caring,” Black said. (Buffalo News)
Edmonton’s City Council has approved the deal for the Oilers new arena, but more money still needs to be raised. (NHL.com)
The New York Islanders have stayed in the playoff race by fighting hard in the third period of close games. (New York Newsday)
The Detroit Red Wings will try using Valtteri Filppula as a center on Thursday. Filppula has experience in that position, but has been more recently serving as a winger. He’s been struggling offensively this season after recording a career-high 66 points in 2011-12. (Detroit Free Press)
Having defenseman Brent Burns serve as a forward has sparked the San Jose Sharks’ offense. (CSN Bay Area)
New York Rangers defenseman Marc Staal (eye) took part in an optional practice on Wednesday. His right eye is still blurry, but his peripheral vision is “fine.” (New York Newsday)
Here are the highlights from Boston’s 5-4 victory over New Jersey: