Deen’s Daily: Werenski Calls Out Laine’s Bullsh*t; Gloomy Days in the Big Apple, Detroit, and Long Island; Avs Goaltending Improvements

Were the Avalanche starting games slow or were the previous goalies just not making any saves? Sidney Crosby had four points two games ago and did it again on Monday. No love lost between the Lightning and Panthers and Patrik Laine sparks controversy before his first match against his former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. Remember the New York Rangers drama? It reached a new level against the New Jersey Devils.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — Christmas Eve, December 24.

Colorado Hockey Now

It’s well documented that the Avalanche’s goaltending has improved immensely since what Jared Bednar calls “the goalie switch.” But just how many different parts of the game have Scott Wedgewood and Mackenzie Blackwood helped improve? Check out the latest Notebook to see how much has changed, specifically in the first period, since their arrival.

The Avs are riding a three-game winning streak and have won four of their last five heading into the holiday break. Colleen Flynn has the latest Inside the Locker Room, where the team talked about the importance of the three-day break.

In case you missed it: Check out my 10 Observations from Sunday’s 5-2 triumph over the Seattle Kraken. Cale Makar had a goal and two assists that night, which helped him secure weekly NHL honors.

Around the NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: the Penguins got a touchdown and an extra point against their rival Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. The report card also highlights another strong night from superstar center Sidney Crosby.

NYI Hockey Now: Patrick Roy’s New York Islanders were embarrassed by the last-place Buffalo Sabres in a game where Buffalo ended a crazy 13-game winless streak.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Speaking of New York, the Rangers entered the holiday break in about the worst possible way after their terrible performance against New Jersey.

Detroit Hockey Now: To continue on the pattern of teams feeling doom and gloom on the day before Christmas, I present to you, the Detroit Red Wings.

San Jose Hockey Now: Macklin Celebrini made his Vancouver homecoming, playing his first game in his hometown city against his favorite team growing up. Did it go the way he would’ve liked?

Florida Hockey Now: No love lost between the Panthers and Lightning heading into the festive holiday.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins had the toughest test before the holiday, taking on the first-place Washington Capitals. It’s safe to say they passed.

Montreal Hockey Now: Saving the best for last. Patrik Laine said following Monday’s morning skate that he felt the Columbus Blue Jackets had quit on him. Laine was traded to Montreal over the summer in a deal where the Jackets attached a second-round pick to the goal scorer to ship him out of town for depth defenseman Jordan Harris.

Following the game, which Columbus won, Zach Werenski called Laine’s comments bullshit. The team was targeting Laine all throughout the first period and it was clear that they heard what he said and were sending a message. Laine did not score against the Blue Jackets and was injured in the process.

Happy Holidays!!