NHL Rink Wrap: Blackhawks lose on and off the ice

By James O'BrienOct 28, 2021, 9:00 AM EDT

Bill Smith/NHLI via Getty Images

Top player from Wednesday in the NHL
Sergei Bobrovsky, Florida Panthers
Bob stopped 30 of 31 shots faced during a 4-1 win over the Bruins. It’s the first time the goaltender has won each of his first five starts of a season. The win pushed the Panthers to 7-0-0 to begin the year, three wins away fro matching the longest win streak in franchise history.

NHL injury, COVID news

Nikita Kucherov injury update: he’s expected to miss 8-10 weeks after undergoing a procedure for a lower-body injury. Click here to read more.
Sidney Crosby could return for the Penguins as early as Thursday.
Drew Doughty‘s expected to miss at least eight weeks with a lower-body injury. The Kings also lost another defenseman, Sean Walker, for the rest of the season.
Jets forward Mark Scheifele remains in COVID protocol, but Blake Wheeler was removed from the NHL’s list.
Jonathan Toews played on Wednesday, while other Blackhawks staff and players remain in COVID protocol.

Highlights from Wednesday in the NHL

Anthony Duclair with a great goal he was able to squeeze into a tiny window against Linus Ullmark:

Not sure if “highlight” is the right way to describe this strange moment between Evgeny Kuznetsov and the … manager trying to hand Dylan Larkin a stick?

Here's something you don't see every day.

Evgeny Kuznetsov gets hit in the face by a stick that was being passed to Dylan Larkin from the bench. pic.twitter.com/SoOts8pOXj

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 28, 2021

As much as the Maple Leafs have struggled, William Nylander‘s been great. In an important win, Nylander scored a cool and calculated OT goal:

Sweet, sweet stuff 🤩#LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/M8vVvTZSIe

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) October 28, 2021

The Flyers-Oilers gave us a wild finish to their opening period during Philadelphia’s 5-3 win. Connor McDavid scored his seventh of the year with 17.8 seconds left to tie the game at two. But Cam Atkinson answered with 0.7 seconds to go to give the Flyers their lead back.

Wednesday’s NHL takeaways

NHL, Blackhawks, Panthers have a lot to learn following Kyle Beach interview

The hockey world is still coming to grips with Kyle Beach’s candid, heartbreaking, and courageous interview.

Among other things, Beach hopes that people learn from this, so it doesn’t happen this way again. His hopes extend beyond the NHL, hockey, and even sports.

Unfortunately, people are failing early tests.

After the Beach interview aired, the Blackhawks put out a press release apologizing for “then-executives” and their “delay taking action” regarding allegations made toward Brad Aldrich. During that interview with TSN’s Rick Westhead, Beach said he believed Joel Quenneville took a position that “winning a Stanley Cup was more important than [addressing] sexual assault.”

The second paragraph also trumpeted “a new leadership team that is committed to winning championships.”

A statement from the Chicago Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/x1XbMXDiyA

— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 27, 2021

“Tone deaf” is a generous description of the Blackhawks’ statement regarding Beach’s interview.

Also tone deaf: Joel Quenneville appearing behind the Florida Panthers’ bench following the release of the internal investigation, and Beach’s interview. At the absolute minimum, it would seem wise for Quenneville to at least wait until his planned Thursday meeting with Gary Bettman before reappearing as Panthers head coach.

Instead, Quenneville’s work was uninterrupted beyond what was essentially a Wednesday non-statement.

How Joel Quenneville was allowed to step behind a NHL bench tonight is beyond me. Given what we've learned in the last 30 hours, there's no reason for him to be working while the league process plays out.

— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) October 27, 2021

After the Panthers beat the Bruins, Quenneville was not made available to the media. Instead, Panthers GM Bill Zito made this announcement.

Here is Bill Zito’s full statement on Joel Quenneville. Says Quenneville’s meeting with the commissioner is tomorrow at 2. pic.twitter.com/uqghLJu0eL

— Clay Ferraro (@ClayWPLG) October 28, 2021

NHLPA Executive Director Donald Fehr released a statement late Wednesday night in response to the Blackhawks report which noted Beach informed union representatives of the abuse:

“Kyle Beach has been through a horrific experience and has shown true courage in telling his story. There is no doubt that the system failed to support him in his time of need, and we are part of that system.

In his media interview, Mr. Beach stated that several months after the incident he told someone at the NHLPA the details of what happened to him. He is referring to one of the program doctors with the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program. While this program is confidential between players and the doctors, the grave nature of this incident should have resulted in further action on our part. The fact that it did not was a serious failure. I am truly sorry, and I am committed to making changes to ensure it does not happen again.”

In other notable situations, the NHL and its teams have been slow to respond to similar challenges. Ideally, the league will make the right decisions in the long run to prevent similar things from happening, and to hold those involved fully accountable.

So far, the results aren’t very promising, though.

Panthers remain undefeated, but not unblemished

Normally, an exciting Panthers team improving to 7-0-0 would be a feel-good story. And, indeed, it’s nice to see Anthony Duclair truly establish himself as a lethal scorer in the NHL.

But Joel Quenneville remaining behind the Panthers’ bench dampens just about all of those sunny feelings. Especially since the Panthers elected to have Bill Zito give the media an elaborate “no comment” after the game.

As a team that’s been irrelevant for ages, the Panthers need to fight that much more for attention. By not putting Quenneville on leave (at minimum), that decision will draw nearly all of the attention.

Thursday’s big story

Beyond Bettman – Quenneville meeting — Bruins clash with Hurricanes

Again, the hockey world fixates on the fallout from the Blackhawks lawsuits. If everyday life doesn’t already put single hockey games in perspective, Kyle Beach bravely sharing his experiences should do the trick.

That’s the biggest story in hockey right now. And it will remain on the tip of tongues, especially if the feeling lingers that those in power aren’t reacting properly.

As far as Thursday’s biggest on-ice NHL story goes, it’s likely the Bruins serving as a barometer for another undefeated team. The Hurricanes are 5-0-0, and have the rest advantage over Boston. On paper, Carolina should then be considerable favorites. We’ll see what happens on the ice, though.

(But, yeah, much of the focus will involve at least one meeting happening off the ice on Thursday.)

Wednesday’s NHL scores

Panthers 4, Bruins 1
Maple Leafs 3, Blackhawks 2 (OT)
Red Wings 3, Capitals 2 (OT)
Golden Knights 3, Stars 2 (OT)
Flyers 5, Oilers 3

—

James O’Brien is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @cyclelikesedins.

Coyotes minority owner suspended by NHL following arrest

Associated PressMar 25, 2023, 1:45 AM EDT

Donald Page/Getty Images

NEW YORK — Arizona Coyotes minority owner Andrew Barroway was suspended indefinitely by the NHL on Friday following his arrest for domestic violence in Colorado.

Online court records show Barroway was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of second-degree assault strangulation, a felony, and third-degree assault, a misdemeanor. He appeared in court Friday to be advised of the possible charges he is facing and is scheduled to back in court on April 3.

Barroway spent Thursday night in Pitkin County Jail after police arrested him at an Aspen hotel, according to a police report obtained by the Aspen Daily News.

“The National Hockey League is aware of the arrest of Arizona Coyotes’ minority owner Andrew Barroway,” the NHL said in a statement. “Pending further information, he has been suspended indefinitely.”

The 57-year-old Barroway was arrested after a verbal altercation with his wife turned physical, according to the police report. He is prohibited from having contact with his wife, except when it involves their children, and can’t consume alcohol under a court order.

A prominent hedge fund manager, Barroway owns 5% of the Coyotes.

“We are aware of the allegation regarding Mr. Barroway and we are working with the League to gather more information,” the Coyotes said in a statement. “When we have enough information, we will have an appropriate response. Until the investigation is complete, we will have no further comment.”

Blue Jackets’ Patrik Laine out 2-4 weeks with triceps injury

Associated PressMar 24, 2023, 1:12 PM EDT

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets forward Patrik Laine is out 2-4 weeks after straining a triceps muscle in practice, yet another blow to the last-place team in the NHL that has been hampered by injuries all season.

The Blue Jackets announced Laine’s absence before their home game against the New York Islanders.

They already have 454 man-games lost to injury, one of the highest numbers in the league, and have a record of 22-41-7.

Laine missed two separate stints with elbow and ankle injuries in the fall. The 24-year-old Finn is the team’s second-leading scorer with 52 points in 55 games.

Columbus has been top defenseman Zach Werenski since November because of a torn labrum and separated shoulder. Forward Sean Kuraly recently went on injured reserve with a strained left oblique muscle but is set to return Friday.

Tortorella earns 700th career win, Flyers top Wild 5-4

Associated PressMar 24, 2023, 12:33 AM EDT

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA — John Tortorella needed one word to sum up if 700 career wins meant anything to the Flyers coach.

“No.”

OK, then. Good thing the brusque Stanley Cup winner isn’t paid by the word.

James van Riemsdyk scored the only goal in a shootout, and Philadelphia beat the Minnesota Wild 5-4 on Thursday night for Tortorella’s 700th victory.

Tortorella is 700-573-181 in 1,454 games as an NHL head coach. His 700 wins rank 12th in NHL history and his career games rank ninth in NHL history. He led Tampa Bay to the Stanley Cup in 2004. In his first season coaching the Flyers, Tortorella joined Peter Laviolette as the second American-born coach to win 700 games.

“I think the culture’s kind of changed around here,” Flyers forward Joel Farabee said. “I think he’s done a really good job of keeping the group together.”

Farabee, Scott Laughton, Rasmus Ristolainen and Tyson Foerster scored for Philadelphia. The Flyers have two straight games for the first time since Jan. 9-14 when they won three straight. Yeah, it’s been that kind of season.

“Farabee’s starting to pop, he’s looking real good. Tyson is looking real good,” Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo said. “This is all about laying the foundation for next year but we get a lot of money to do this job. It’s something we love, so we’re gonna go out and give it our best every night.”

Matt Boldy had two goals for the Wild, and Oskar Sundqvist and Marcus Foligno also scored.

“We weren’t very good. They were good,” Wild coach Dean Evason said. “We knew they were playing well, they played well tonight. We were loose. We were not firm, turnovers, it didn’t look like our hockey club.”

The Flyers and Wild were tied 1-all at the end of the first period, 3-3 at the end of the second and 4-4 headed into OT.

The rebuilding Flyers have been plucky of late. They had won two of three coming into the game, with the lone loss in overtime. They showed some of that grit in the final two periods, scoring late tying goals.

“It’s a credit to their group, to their coaching staff, that they’ve got them playing the right way,” Evason said.

Boldy poked a backhander past Carter Hart with 6:28 left for a 4-3 lead. The Flyers, playing more for the No. 1 pick and for pride, tied the game on Foerster’s second goal of the season.

Farabee tipped in Cam York’s shot early in the second for a 2-1 lead.

The Wild got going when Boldy ripped one top shelf past Hart for his 24th goal of the season that tied the game 2-all. Foligno scored his seventh goal for the 3-2 lead.

Ristolainen buried a hard slapper from the blue line on the power play for the tying goal with 23 seconds left in the second.

“I think it’s good to try to lay this foundation, kind of get ready for next year. You see guys getting confidence,” DeAngelo said.

The Flyers only played ahead in the first period.

Laughton scored off the rush for his 17th goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. Sundqvist celebrated his birthday with a deflection for the tying goal with 3:24 left in the period.

The Flyers had been one of the lowest-scoring teams in the NHL until the start of this seven-game homestand (3-2 so far). They have scored at least three goals in every game and at least four in the last four.

“We have definitely gotten to the net better,” Tortorella said. “We have spent a lot of time on the ice and with tape as far as getting to that area.”

UP NEXT

Wild: Host Chicago on Saturday.

Flyers: Host Detroit on Saturday.

Crosby reaches 30-goal mark, Penguins knock off Avalanche 5-2

Associated PressMar 23, 2023, 12:06 AM EDT

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

DENVER – Sidney Crosby wasn’t even aware of reaching yet another milestone. He’s simply locked in on helping the Pittsburgh Penguins make a 17th straight postseason appearance.

Jeff Carter had a pair of goals, Crosby scored on a nifty backhand shot in the second period to reach the 30-goal mark for an 11th season and the Penguins beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2.

Crosby moved into a tie with Hall-of-Fame center Mario Lemieux for the most 30-goal seasons in Penguins history. Another milestone reached – it came as news to him.

“I think the most important thing for me is just try to be consistent and if that reflects that great,” said Crosby, who turns 36 in August.

Even more, Crosby’s the first player in league history to post a 30-goal campaign at 18 years old and again when he was 35-plus, according to NHL Stats.

“It means I’ve been in the league for a while,” Crosby cracked. “That’s been the thing that’s driven me since since I got into the league – in your first year, you want to prove that you belong. Even at 35, I still think you want to prove you belong, because it is a younger league.”

Jake Guentzel also scored and Bryan Rust added an empty-net goal for the Penguins, who snapped a four-game slide and moved back into a wild-card spot in the East.

“It’s definitely a big one for us, for sure,” Guentzel said. “Defending champs, coming to their building, you know how good they are. Top to bottom, we defended hard and that’s what we have to do at this time of the year.”

Pittsburgh goaltender Tristan Jarry stopped 28 shots in improving to 11-4 this season against teams from the Western Conference.

J.T. Compher and Devon Toews had goals for the Avalanche, whose six-game winning streak was halted. Nathan MacKinnon had an assist to extend his home points streak to 18 games.

It was a missed opportunity for Colorado, which could’ve pulled into a three-way tie with Dallas and Minnesota in the Central Division with a victory.

“We knew they were going to play with urgency,” Colorado coach Jared Bednar said. “But I didn’t feel like there was any reason why we couldn’t, either. … We didn’t get it done. Hopefully we get another one.”

Alexandar Georgiev made 40 saves, including several critical ones in a second period controlled by the Penguins, who outshot the Avalanche by a 21-9 margin. It could’ve been more than a 3-1 deficit heading into the third period.

Toews’ power-play goal made it 3-2 with 9:32 remaining. But Carter wrapped up the win with his first multigoal game in the regular season since Jan. 11, 2022.

“I’m thrilled for him. We’re all thrilled,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said of Carter. “He cares about the Penguins. He wants to win, and he wants to contribute in helping us win so we couldn’t be happier for him.”

BEDNAR’S DEAL

Bednar was appreciative of the three-year extension he signed Tuesday that goes through the 2026-27 season. In his seventh season, he’s the third-longest tenured coach in the NHL behind Tampa Bay’s Jon Cooper (March 2013) and Sullivan (December 2015).

“It’s not a forgiving league or sport, for the most part, but obviously that’s part of the reason why I’m so grateful and thankful,” Bednar said. “Because there were times over my tenure that got a little hairy and management could have made another decision. But obviously they didn’t.”

AROUND THE RINK

Avalanche D Cale Makar missed a second straight game with a lower body injury. “I still have him as day-to-day,” Bednar said. … F Darren Helm returned after missing 64 of 69 games this season with a lower-body injury. … Penguins D Jeff Petry (upper body) skated in the morning but sat out his third straight game. … The Penguins are 11-1 against the Central Division this season. … Penguins standout Evgeni Malkin assisted on Guentzel’s goal to reach the 50-assist mark for a seventh time in his career.