Deen’s Daily: World Juniors Begin; Traveling on Game Day; Darche’s Excellence

World Juniors began on Friday and one former Avalanche prospect had a great performance. Also, the Avs are boarding a flight this morning and dropping the puck later this evening. In the East, a story on how Mathieu Darche has turned around the Islanders in short order since taking over as general manager.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 27.

Colorado Hockey Now

The Avalanche are back on the road tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights. But, because of the holiday break and an inability to travel on Dec. 26, Colorado did not fly out until earlier this morning. They’re still scheduled to take the ice for a morning skate before getting a few hours to rest ahead of puck drop.

READ MORE: 3 Remarkable Avalanche Stats at Holiday Break

Around The NHL

Boston Hockey Now: The World Juniors began with a round of games on Boxing Day, as is tradition. Team USA defeated Germany 6-3, and a former Avs prospect, now with the Bruins, was a star for the Americans.

Team Canada also got revenge on Czechia, winning 7-5 in the final game of the day. Other notable scores include a 6-2 Finland victory over Denmark and Sweden narrowly defeating Slovakia 3-2.

NYI Hockey Now: Mathiu Darche has done an exceptional job as GM of the Isles since replacing Lou Lamoriello. Among his big moves, he traded Noah Dobson and managed to get quite the haul back for him. He also stuck with Patrick Roy as head coach, and, of course, was lucky enough to get the No. 1 overall pick and use it on Matthew Schaefer. Those are among the ways he has turned the franchise around in six months.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins have some pieces the Carolina Hurricanes might like. Is there a trade to be made involved a Canes centerman coming back the other way?

Florida Hockey Now: Will Matthew Tkachuk be ready for th Winter Classic? FHN’s George Richards answers that, and more, in the latest FHN Mailbag.