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.
With their White House visit behind them, the Chicago Blackhawks have closed the books on their 2013 Stanley Cup-winning campaign. (CSN Chicago)
Former Edmonton Oilers head coach Ralph Krueger doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing the team struggle after he was fired over the summer. (Edmonton Journal)
Editor’s Note: Pro Hockey Talk’s partner FanDuel is hosting a one-day $3,000 Fantasy Hockey league tonight (Tuesday). It’s just $10 to join and first prize is $600. Starts at 7:00 p.m. ET. Here’s the link.
Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Deryk Engelland has been asked to serve as a forward lately and has looked “completely comfortable” in that role. (Pittsburgh Tribune-Review)
Recently acquired forward Thomas Vanek sees parallels between New York Islanders captain John Tavares and their teammate Kyle Okposo. The 25-year-old forward has surpassed expectations so far with four goals and 17 points in 14 games this season. (Newsday)
Meanwhile Edmonton Oilers forward Ryan Hamilton practiced as a blueliner on Monday. Defensemen Justin Schultz and Anton Belov are injured, but Hamilton won’t actually serve as a defenseman on Tuesday. The team summoned Taylor Fedun from AHL Oklahoma to help fill the void. (Edmonton Sun)
The Tampa Bay Lightning have been quietly and vastly surpassing expectations. (ESPN.com)
Highlights from Anaheim’s 2-1 win over the New York Rangers: