Deen’s Daily: MacKinnon’s Big Milestone; Homestand Perfection; Ekblad Hit With 20-Game Suspension

The Avs did it again. Nathan MacKinnon reached a milestone in the third period in Erik Johnson’s first game back. Also, Aaron Ekblad gets hit with a massive suspension.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 11.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avs finished off a perfect 6-0-0 homestand following a 20-save shutout from Scott Wedgewood. Catch the game recap here ahead of tonight’s back-t0-back in Minnesota.

MacKinnon hit an impressive milestone. Not once, but twice (kind of).

Nice to see Johnson back in the lineup with the Avs, where he belongs. EJ met with media before the game and again reiterated his willingness to accept any role.

Johnson was one of five notable additions in the week leading up to the deadline. Here’s why their chances at making a run for the Stanley Cup have surged down the stretch.

Around the NHL

Chicago Hockey Now: From the Blackhawks, Artyom Levshunov proves he belongs.

 Pittsburgh Hockey Now: If you’re a Leafs fan, you’ve seen this story before. Dan Kingerski writes about how Kyle Dubas is falling into the same bad habits as years past with how he’s navigating Pittsburgh’s roster.

Montreal Hockey Now: An honest analysis from MHN on the Habs’ playoff hopes.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Another analysis piece — this one about how the Flyers’ trade deadline moves were encouraging.

New Jersey Hockey Now: What to make of Seamus Casey and Simon Nemec’s futures in New Jersey.

NYI Hockey Now: Takeaways from the weekend after the deadline for Patrick Roy’s club.

San Jose Hockey Now: This a great story from Sheng Peng in San Jose. William Eklund spoke about the emotions he’s feeling after his good friend Fabian Zetterlund was traded. Also, he chats about how much he’s sick of losing.

Boston Hockey Now: Brad Marchand meets with media in Florida, begins new chapter with Panthers.

Florida Hockey Now: The most shocking news of the day. Florida Panthers blueliner Aaron Ekblad was handed an automatic 20-game suspension by the NHL for a failed drug test. This is the first time a player has gotten suspended for this since Nate Schmidt seven years ago.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Golden Knights can’t seem to beat the L.A. Kings this year.

Detroit Hockey Now: In a pivotal matchup between Detroit and Ottawa, the Senators stand tall after Linus Ullmark stood on his head.