Something's wrong, this would be my fifth post this week (don't expect this kind of production, me laziness will no doubt return next week).
LaFontaine Out
Shortly after Miller left Buffalo, another figure of the team has left as well. Pat LaFontaine stepped down as President of Hockey Operations to go back to working in the NHL office. It's easy to say this may be a power struggle (and it could have been), but I don't think that's the reason. I didn't say it at the time, but I thought that Lafontaine's hiring was more to appease fans (former player!) and just oversee the front office until every thing was settled. Now with Tim Murray as GM and starting the rebuild, it seems like LaFontaine's job was done. Hopefully he left in good terms this time.
A Devil Of A Deal
The NHL recently let up on it's penalty that it levied against the New Jersey Devils when they signed Kovalchuk to that ridiculous deal that the league had to rescind. Instead of the Devils having to forfeit their first round pick this year (this was the last year for them to do so under the original penalty) they get the 30th overall pick - last in the first round - by default.
This is pretty fair. Kovalchuk is now in the KHL after "retiring" from the NHL, so for the Devils to still be punished seemed unfair. Having compromised and letting them have the last first round pick this year's draft is a happy medium. It looks like Lou's gamble of waiting until the last possible moment to forfeit the pick has paid off.
Suspension Of The Week
Dmitri Orlov got two games for boarding Brayden Schenn. The suspension seems low because of a multiple of factors (retaliatory, from behind, Orlov launched himself), but the major factors that increase suspension length (injury and history) weren't there. The going rate for first-time boarders is usually 2-3 games so it's in the norm, but it looks like the hit deserves a few more games.
Zach Kassian got three games for boarding Brenden Dillon. Just like the Orlov hit, I am puzzled why this doesn't get more. Even as you listen to Shanny explanation in the video, it seems like it's going to be at least a 5-gamer. Kassian was looking at Dillon's back the whole time and hit him some distance from the boards. Dillon wasn't injured, but knowing this is Kassian's second suspension of the season (he was suspended in the preseason for high sticking Sam Gagner), he probably got off light with three games.
Zach Kassian wins the SOTW award. His hit was more dangerous than Orlov and he has the longer suspension.
Lineup Notables
Ottawa Senators vs. Winnipeg Jets
Ottawa: Clarke MacArthur (hand) is questionable. Craig Anderson is in net this afternoon.
Winnipeg: Mark Scheifele (MCL), James Wright (ankle) and Grant Clitsome (back) are out while Chris Thorburn (facial laceration) is questionable. Ondrej Pavelec probably starts.
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Philadelphia: Chris Pronger (concussion) is out while Ray Emery (lower body) is questionable. Steve Mason might be in net.
Toronto: Dave Bolland (ankle), David Clarkson (leg), Carter Ashton (hand) and Colton Orr (lower body) are out. Jonathan Bernier might start.
Calgary Flames vs. Vancouver Canucks
Calgary: Curtis Glencross (high ankle sprain), Jiri Hudler (lower body), David Jones (shoulder), Kevin Westgarth (head), Dennis Wideman (upper body) and Karri Ramo (sprain MCL) are out. Joni Ortio will be in net.
Vancouver: Daniel Sedin (hamstring), Mike Santorelli (shoulder) and Andrew Alberts (concussion) are out. Zach Kassian is suspended. Eddie Lack starts tonight.
Montreal Canadiens vs. San Jose Sharks
Montreal: Brandon Prust (upper body), Michal Bournival (concussion), Josh Gorges (hand) and Carey Price (groin) are out. Peter Budaj is going to start.
San Jose: Tomas Hertl (knee) and Brad Stuart (upper body) are out. Antti Niemi will start tonight.
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