Aarif Deen
The Colorado Avalanche’s season-ending press conference is finally here. Will Joe Sakic share any details on the team’s direction moving forward? Also, a pivotal Game 5 in the Stanley Cup Final is coming up tonight.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — June 11.
Colorado Hockey Now
It’s been 16 days since the Colorado Avalanche bowed out of the Western Conference Final in just four games. Joe Sakic, who is the President of Hockey Operations and interim general manager, is finally scheduled to meet with media early this afternoon. I’ve got some pretty important questions to ask him, as I’m sure my colleagues do as well.
I’m most curious to learn what the process will be like moving forward for the front office — if we should expect hires this summer. And if so, will they come in early July? Or closer to August or training camp after the roster is figured out for next season? I’m also interested in learning how they evaluated Jared Bednar this season and what went into the decision to keep him. Is he on a shorter leash? Will they put a more experienced head coach on the bench with him?
Sakic’s delay was obviously related to the Chris MacFarland departure. But it also had a lot to do with Claude Lemieux’s passing. I don’t imagine this is an easy time for anyone close to Lemieux and his family.
Stanley Cup Final Recap
- Game 1: Vegas Golden Knights 5 at Carolina Hurricanes 4 (VGK leads 1-0)
- Game 2: Vegas Golden Knights 3 at Carolina Hurricanes 4 OT (Series tied 1-1)
- Game 3: Carolina Hurricanes 4 at Vegas Golden Knights 5 OT (VGK leads 2-1)
- Game 4: Carolina Hurricanes 5 at Vegas Golden Knights 3 (Series tied 2-2)
- Game 5: Vegas Golden Knights at Carolina Hurricanes (June 11 at 6 pm MT)
- Game 6: Carolina Hurricanes at Vegas Golden Knights (June 14 at 6 pm MT)
- Game 7: Vegas Golden Knights at Carolina Hurricanes (June 17 at 6 pm MT if necessary)
Around The NHL
Carolina Hockey Now: Here’s what Rod Brind’Amour had to say about Frederik Andersen after he sat in Game 4. I would be surprised if the Hurricanes went back to Andersen tonight.
Vegas Hockey Now: Why John Tortorella is the perfect villain to lead the Vegas Golden Knights.
Toronto Hockey Now: It obviously sounds more like the Edmonton Oilers aren’t going to wait around for Bruce Cassidy. But what about the Toronto Maple Leafs? Cassidy was asked about the Leafs recently.
Philly Hockey Now: Should the Flyers target a Detroit Red Wings goalie prospect on the trade market?
Forever Blueshirts: We could see another young Rangers forward on the move this summer, according to one recent report.