Deen’s Daily: Makar Norris Trophy Finalist; Nervousness in Toronto; Hurricanes First To Advance

Cale Makar is up for the Norris Trophy and the announcement came one day after a bad Avs loss. In Toronto, the Leafs blew another chance to advance to the second round. Also, Carolina eliminated the Devils in five games.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 30.

Colorado Hockey Now

Makar is up for the Norris Trophy for the fifth year in a row. He won it in 2022 and is the favorite to do so again this year. But Makar has struggled to produce offense in the playoffs. The Avalanche need him to step up

Read More: 10 Observations: No Excuses For Avs Game 5 Loss

Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Ottawa Senators: Not only did the Maple Leafs fail to close out the series in Game 5, but they couldn’t even get a goal. Toronto lost 4-0 to the Sens as the series shifts to Ottawa for Game 6.

Carolina Hurricanes vs New Jersey Devils: The Hurricanes scored in double OT to eliminate the Devils in five games. New Jersey led 3-0 and 4-3 before falling 5-4 despite a valiant effort from Jacob Markstrom in OT.

Los Angeles Kings vs Edmonton Oilers: The Oilers are in command of the series now. They peppered Darcy Kuemper with shots and added an empty-netter at the end to win 3-1. Kuemper made 43 saves.

Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild: Minnesota thought they had a go-ahead goal late in regulation, but an offsides review overturned it. The Knights went on to win in OT to gain a 3-2 series lead.

Tonight’s Schedule

• Game 5: Montreal Canadiens at Washington Capitals (5 pm MT on ESPN)
• Game 5: Florida Panthers at Tampa Bay Lightning (5:30 pm MT on ESPN2)
• Game 5: St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets (7:30 pm MT on ESPN)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There’s a coaching carousel around the NHL after Rick Tocchet also parted ways with Vancouver. Five teams are in on former Pens coach Mike Sullivan.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: How likely is it that Tocchet will become the next Flyers coach?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings made two changes to their coaching staff on Tuesday.

Boston Hockey Now: The odds of which coach might be next to get fired.

Montreal Hockey Now: How the Habs should pair their blueline if Alexandre Carrier is, in fact, too injured to play.