Aarif Deen
The Colorado Avalanche will be back on the ice later this morning for their first practice in preparation of the Western Conference Final. Will Cale Makar be on the ice? Also, a pivotal Game 6 in Montreal tonight, and a massive fine was handed to the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — May 16.
Colorado Hockey Now
The Avalanche took the last two days off, a much deserved break after finishing off the Minnesota Wild in just five games.
The playoffs are really interesting. They are both a grind, and an opportunity to get longer breaks, if you are good enough to get past your opponent in four or five games.
This regular season was one of the more compacted ones we’ve seen in years. But when the Avalanche open the Western Conference Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday, it will be 31 days since their playoff opening against the Los Angeles Kings. That means the Avs will have played just nine games in the 30 previous days. Again, because they were able to beat the Kings and Wild with just one combined loss.
Playoff hockey is far more physical and taxing on the body. Just ask Cale Makar, who looks to be battling an upper-body injury, likely a shoulder ailment, throughout the second round. It’ll be interesting to see if he’s on the ice later this morning.
In case you missed it, here is the schedule for the Western Conference Final.
I’m booked and ready to go to Vegas for Games 3 and 4 late next week. A large part of why I’ll be able to make this trip, along with the previous ones, is because of the kind donations from many of you. And, from the bottom of my heart, I do appreciate that. The funds that were raised to this point have all been used up with this upcoming trip.
If you enjoy the coverage here at Colorado Hockey Now and want to chip in to the travel budget for a potential Game 6 on the road and (hopefully) a Stanley Cup Final, please do so here via PAYPAL or VENMO. Thank you!
Stanley Cup Playoffs Recap
- N/A
Tonight’s Schedule
- Game 6: Buffalo Sabres at Montreal Canadiens (6 pm MT on ABC)
Around The NHL
Vegas Golden Knights: The biggest news of the day came from the Avalanche’s next opponent. The Vegas Golden Knights were docked a draft pick, and head coach John Tortorella was fined for failing to hold media availability after their Game 6 triumph over the Anaheim Ducks. I will never, ever understand how Tortorella thought this would be okay. Or if he actually thought this was something he’d get away with.
And yes, I know, most fans don’t love hearing media members complain or whine about their lack of access or availabilities. But that’s not what this is. The NHL has always been strict on their rules and regulations regarding playoff availabilities. For example, the Minnesota Wild did not make John Hynes available on the off day between Games 3 and 4. They got away with it without a fine, but I’m sure the NHL spoke with them. But to do it after a series clinching game? How did Tortorella ever think that would pass?
There are reports that this was a sign of protest against the Brayden McNabb suspension. Which, in itself, is an insane reason to try to pull something like this. The next Tortorella presser should be interesting. I’ll definitely be tuning in.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs looked to be having a tough night in the first period of Game 5. Adversity hit them, but it didn’t bring them down. Now they can advance to the third round with a win on home ice tonight.
Philly Hockey Now: Keith Jone and Danny Briere wanted to make the Flyers a destination for NHL players again. Three years into the tenure, they’re getting pretty close to accomplishing that goal.
San Jose Hockey Now: Curently captaining Team Canada at the World Championships, Macklin Celebrini still has one big order of business to take of this summer. He’s eligible to sign an extension on July 1, one year out from the end of his entry-level deal. How much will he make?
Boston Hockey Now: How much help do the Bruins need this summer?