Evan’s NHL Daily: Tragedy Hits Hockey Community, Landeskog Talks Challenges

Saturday was an extremely tough day in the hockey community, as a former NHL player lost his life in a freak accident in a game in the Elite Ice Hockey League in the United Kingdom.

The Colorado Avalanche dropped another game, but prior to the loss, Gabriel Landeskog spoke on Swedish TV about his recovery and the challenges he’ll face when he does eventually get back on the ice.

All that and more in this Monday edition of Evan’s Daily.

Colorado Hockey Now

In their loss to the Sabres, the Avalanche dodged a bullet, as Cale Makar looked like he might have been in trouble after a dangerous play by Kyle Okposo.

The Colorado Avalanche were shutout for the second consecutive game, and didn’t have a whole lot of offensive juice on Sunday afternoon.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Landeskog went into a little bit more detail on Swedish television about what challenges he will face when he returns to skating. Luckily, I had some help with the translation from a Swedish friend,

Tragedy In The Hockey Community

Adam Johnson only played 13 career NHL games, but once you’re in the brotherhood, you’re a part of it forever.

On Saturday, the 29 year old tragically passed away after a freak accident where he suffered a severe cut to his neck. The Pittsburgh Penguins, who were the only NHL team Johnson played for, posted the following on social media.

pic.twitter.com/fEbsU7D7bh

— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 29, 2023

It’s a horrific incident, and our thoughts are with Johnson’s family and loved ones at the moment. There’s video surfacing of the incident, but please avoid it. Instead, watch this clip of Johnson’s only NHL goal.

The only video of Adam Johnson that should be circulating the internet. His first NHL goal.

RIP. pic.twitter.com/57UKBadGaS

— Kraken Canada (@KrakenCanada) October 29, 2023

After the incident, the discussion will now move to neck guards. Neck guards were mandatory at times when I was growing up, but only for a little bit. Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Pascal Vincent had the following to say.

#CBJ coach Pascal Vincent with some strong words today about the need for more protection for players such as neck and ear guards in light of what happened to Adam Johnson. He said he felt sadness and disbelief when he heard the news. “But what’s the cost?” pic.twitter.com/Wrnaax9t5R

— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) October 29, 2023

The Elite Ice Hockey League postponed all games on Sunday due to the incident.

National Hockey Now

The Boston Bruins are blessed to have David Pastrnak, who looks to be well worth the money they gave him.

What lies ahead this season for the Florida Panthers?

There was one team who went all of October without a win, and it’s the San Jose Sharks.

The Washington Capitals have turned things around a bit this past week, led by Dylan Strome.

Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings are reeling after a few losses where things looked hauntingly familiar to their last few seasons.