Aarif Deen
The Colorado Avalanche are still loaded with confidence heading into Game 2 of the Western Conference Final. Will Cale Makar play this time? Also, in the Eastern Conference, the Montreal Canadiens thumped the Hurricanes in Game 1.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 22.
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Colorado Hockey Now
There were a lot of similarities in the locker room and among the Avalanche’s players on Thursday as there were the morning after they lost Game 3 in Minnesota. Simply put, they’re confident that a response will come tonight. They know they can be better and they know they can beat this team. It’s a matter of going out and doing it.
We spoke to Nazem Kadri, Devon Toews, Sam Malinski, and Jared Bednar, and they all have their minds in the right place.
Also, Cale Makar was on the ice again for the optional skate, and we’ll have to wait and see what comes of his status this morning. Check out my full practice report below.
In the East, the New York Islanders let go of a former Avalanche coach, and the Washington Capitals hired him on the same day.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap
Game 1 Recap — Canadiens 6 at Hurricanes 2 (MTL leads 1-0)
Coming off a Game 7 just three nights earlier, the Montreal Canadiens put five goals past Frederik Andersen and another into an empty net against a Carolina Hurricanes team that had given up just 10 goals in eight postseason games before this.
Montreal takes a 1-0 series lead. Like the Golden Knights, they have taken Game 1 on the road.
Tonight’s Schedule
- Game 2: Vegas Golden Knights at Colorado Avalanche (6 pm MT on ESPN)
Around The NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins have done well adding young reclamation projects like Yegor Chinakhov and Elmer Soderblom. Even Samuel Girard is somewhat on the younger side. Who could they target of this ilk next?
Philly Hockey Now: Is it time for the Buffalo Sabres to move on from Devon Levi? If so, does a trade to Philadelphia make sense?
New Jersey Hockey Now: The latest on Simon Nemec, and rumors surrounding a reported trade request out of New Jersey.
Boston Hockey Now: Can the Bruins dangle a young defenseman on the trade market?
Forever Blueshirts: Why the Rangers can’t be delusional about a strong ending to their lost season.