Aarif Deen
The Avalanche returned to the ice on Wednesday. Did Josh Manson join them? One more series came to an end on Wednesday, while another two played Game 5 and put one of the teams ahead. Also, the Toronto Maple Leafs are close to making a huge hockey operations decision, and the Vezina Trophy finalists were announced.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — April 30.
The Colorado Avalanche are heading to the second round! Please consider donating to the Colorado Hockey Now Playoff Travel Fund via PAYPAL BY CLICKING HERE or VENMO BY CLICKING HERE to help our beat writer continue to provide road coverage during a must-see second-round series.
Colorado Hockey Now
Like Nathan MacKinnon and the Ted Lindsay Award, the Vezina Trophy finalists were announced, and a member of the Avalanche was omitted from the list.
The Avs took the ice for practice on Wednesday after a much-deserved two days off. Here’s what they had to say about the first round and their upcoming series against Dallas or Minnesota. Also, an update on the status of defenseman Josh Manson.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap
Game 5 Recap —Canadiens 3 at Lightning 2 — (MTL leads 3-2)
For the fifth time in this series, the game was decided by one goal. And for the third time, it’s the Montreal Canadiens who came out on top. The Habs scored the go-ahead goal in the third period and have a chance to end the series in front of their home crowd.
Game 6 Recap — Penguins 0 at Flyers 1 OT— (PHI lead 4-2)
The Penguins fought back from down 3-0 to make it 3-2. But in Game 6, the Flyers got the only goal, coming from Cam York in overtime, to eliminate Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. The Flyers will advance to the second round and face the Carolina Hurricanes.
Game 5 Recap — Mammoth 4 at Golden Knights 4 OT2— (??? lead 3-2)
For the second straight game, the Mammoth and Golden Knights went to overtime to determine a winner. The final goal came in double OT from Brett Howden while shorthanded, giving Vegas a 3-2 series lead in what has been a highly entertaining first-round matchup.
Tonight’s Schedule
- Game 6: Dallas Stars at Minnesota Wild (5:30 pm MT on TNT)
- Game 6: Edmonton Oilers at Anaheim Ducks (8 pm MT on TNT)
Around The NHL
Philly Hockey Now: How the Flyers got the job done to advance to the second round for the first time since 2020.
New Jersey Hockey Now: What is Nico Hischier worth on a new deal?
Detroit Hockey Now: One of Detroit’s young forwards is dealing with a significant injury, it was announced recently.
Boston Hockey Now: Jeremy Swayman is among the finalists for the Vezina Trophy
Carolina Hockey Now: We’re still likely days away from the series starting, but the Hurricanes are officially starting their preparation for a series against the Flyers.
Forever Blueshirts: Brady Tkachuk called rumors about him being traded (to the Rangers, among many teams) a distraction. The cynic in me says he’s creating a narrative to get his way out of Ottawa eventually.
Toronto Hockey Now: This is a fascinating story to follow. It sounds like the duo that will lead hockey operations for the Maple Leafs has been chosen, albeit things could still change. One of the names is a former Leafs legend, who doesn’t have experience in a role of this capacity.