Deen’s Daily: Joel Quenneville is Back In the NHL; Oilers Take Control of Series

Joel Quenneville is back in the NHL, officially. Also, the Washington Capitals fought back in Game 2, but the Vegas Golden Knights couldn’t do the same.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 9.

Colorado Hockey Now

I know it’s not everybody’s favorite thing to do, but given the direction many of the Avalanche mailbag questions were heading, I decided to revisit the Mikko Rantanen saga and answer any and all post-playoff loss questions about him.

Rantanen is breaking records and doing things he’s never done before in the postseason. And I’m willing to admit he probably wouldn’t be doing this if he stayed in Colorado. But you have to admit that it’s tough for Chris MacFarland and Joe Sakic to sit back and watch him go out there night in and night out and completely take over the hockey world. It’s what he’s always been capable of and so often did for the Avs.

Tonight, Rantanen and the Stars play Game 2 in Winnipeg. You have to imagine the Jets will come out strong to avoid another loss at home and falling behind 2-0 before heading to Dallas.

Read More: Avalanche Mailbag 1.0: Coaching, Management, & What Went Wrong in the Playoffs?

Stanley Cup Playoff Recap

Game 2 — Carolina Hurricanes at Washington Capitals: The Capitals answered back in Game 2, holding the Hurricanes to a goal and winning 3-1 to tie the series as it shifts to Carolina for two games.

Game 2 — Edmonton Oilers at Vegas Golden Knights: The Oilers were in the driver’s seat for most of the night. But two goals in the third from Vegas evened things up at 4-4 to force overtime. The Knights went on to kill off an entire five-minute major where Edmonton got eight shots on goal but couldn’t score (Nic Roy, what in the world were you doing?!) In the end, the winner came from Leon Draisaitl later in the period. Edmonton heads home with a 2-0 series lead.

Tonight’s Schedule

• Game 3: Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers (5 pm MT on TNT & truTV)
• Game 2: Dallas Stars at Winnipeg Jets (7:30 pm MT on TNT & truTV)

Around The NHL

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The team in Pittsburgh is doing an excellent job of player report cards, going through and assessing the season that was for some of their players. Erik Karlsson is on the docket this time around. I’m curious, would readers be interested in me doing this for the Avalanche’s roster while we get through the postseason?

Also, Mike Sullivan dodged questions about his firing when he was introduced in New York. He did mention something particular about having a relationship with the general manager, though.

Montreal Hockey Now: Hockey Canada made it official on Thursday that Nathan MacKinnon, Jordan Binnington, and Brayden Schenn were joining the team for the World Championships. Nick Suzuki, however, will not.

NYI Hockey Now: It doesn’t appear that Ken Holland wants the Islanders GM job. At least not right now. But maybe?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings broadcast, run by Fan Duel, is cutting two fan favorites and longtime parts of their product. It sucks. I grew up in Detroit with both of these guys on my screen and it’s unfortunate that Fan Duel is sinking their broadcasts league-wide. Ever since Fox Sports sold, that broadcast has tanked.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks’ AHL team has been eliminated at the hands of the Colorado Eagles

Florida Hockey Now: The biggest news of the day. Former Blackhawks and Panthers coach Joel Quenneville is back in the NHL and coaching the Anaheim Ducks. He was officially introduced on Thursday after accepting the job. Ducks GM Pat Verbeek released a statement upon announcing the hire about how he went about interviewing and vetting Quenneville.