Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.com.
• In Barry Trotz, the Islanders trust. (New York Times)
• Could the Maple Leafs fire Babcock if they flounder again in the playoffs? (Toronto Star)
• Will the Calgary Flames’ poise and consistency win out over their inexperience? (Sportsnet)
• Apparently, the Steve Yzerman-to-Detroit rumors are a laughing matter in Hockey Town. (Detroit Free Press)
• Victor Hedman is back practicing, which is a great sign for the Tampa Bay Lightning. (Tampa Bay Times)
• An interesting look at the wildest Stanley Cup Final ever played. (The Score)
• Ryan Kesler may need career-ending hip surgery. (NHL.com)
• Vezina candidate Ben Bishop’s career year leading the Dallas Stars into the playoffs. (NHL.com)
• A look at the veteran guys getting perhaps their last shot at Lord Stanley. (Puck Junk)
• John Tortorella knows his team is up to the task of facing the dominant Lightning. (1st Ohio Battery)
• Brent Burns’ tremendous season could help propel the Sharks into the playoffs’ deep waters. (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Lars Eller’s car broke down on his way to practice. He abandoned it on Glebe Road. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• Jack Hughes set to change the game and he’ll be grateful no matter where he goes. (The Detroit News)
• Jay Bouwmeester gets one-year contract extension. (St. Louis Blues)
• Jeff Blashill wasn’t out of work for too long. (USA Hockey)
• B.C. minor hockey coach finds kidney donor after an appeal from the team. (CTV)
Scott Billeck is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @scottbilleck