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.
• Blues criticized for adding corporate flag to color guard at Stanley Cup Final. (The Kansas City Star)
• The Great One and the Great Hamm enjoy pre-game festivities in St. Louis. (NHL.com)
• Patrice Bergeron, Ryan O’Reilly are a study in contrasts. (ESPN)
• Boston’s would-be Stanley Cup champs would be truly Boston’s. (New York Times)
• How NHL fans determine the likability of a player. (Last Word on Hockey)
• Taylor Hall may not be long for New Jersey. (The Fourth Period)
• 2019 top NHL Draft prospects getting their, ‘Welcome to the NHL’ moment. (Toronto Sun)
• Milan Lucic related news: Don’t expect compliance buy-out in Collective Bargaining negotiations, says NHL insider. (Edmonton Journal)
• Now is not the time for the Canucks to be cheapskates. (The Province)
• Here’s how the Detroit Red Wings can rebuild in this year’s draft. (Detroit Free Press)
• How the NHL is planning on using data analytics to change the game for everyone. (ZDNet)
• Phil Kessel’s name is being tossed around like a hot potato. Here’s how he could be the finisher the Montreal Canadiens need. (Eyes on the Prize)
• Why the 1994 Canucks continue to be the most-loved losing team in B.C. sport history. (CBC)
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