Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from the NHL and around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit for the PHT Morning Skate? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.
• If he’s healthy, the Bruins should stick with Tuukka Rask for tonight’s Game 6 (7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN). [NBC Sports Boston]
• Barry Trotz says he’s not working the refs. “I don’t work (the officials). I just respect them. … It’s a hard job and I have a lot of respect for those guys.” [NY Hockey Now]
• “The Avalanche were the better team, unfortunately that doesn’t always result in a win.” [Mile High Hockey]
• Colorado or Vegas: Which matchup suits the Canadiens best in the Stanley Cup Semifinals? [TSN]
• Nazem Kadri’s 8-game suspension has been upheld by an independent arbitrator. [PHT]
[NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs 2021 Second Round schedule, TV info]
• Gerard Gallant reportedly remains the leader of the Rangers’ coaching search, but some names in the postseason could get a shot. [NY Post]
• Toronto’s CN Tower has turned heel:
Tonight the #CNTower will be lit red, blue, and white for the @CanadiensMTL who will go on to represent Canada's hope for a 2021 @NHL Stanley Cup! pic.twitter.com/cEqsXqBefZ
— CN Tower / Tour CN (@TourCNTower) June 8, 2021
• The Canucks passed on re-signing Tyler Toffoli for some reason. [The Hockey News]
• Fun read on what happens on the ice and on the bench when a player’s stick breaks. [Tampa Bay Times]
• Beginning next season, the Sharks will accept cryptocurrency for payments involving season tickets, suite leases and team partnerships. [NBC Sports Bay Area]
• The AHL has approved a plan for teams to play a 72-game regular season in 2021-22. [AHL]
• Matt Dumba, Oskar Lindblom and Patrick Marleau are the 2020-21 Masterton Trophy finalists. [PHT]
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy