Los Angeles, CA –
The Los Angeles Kings announced shortly before their game against the Winnipeg Jets on Wednesday that they re-signed goaltender Jack Campbell for two years with an average annual value of $675,000 per season.
The first year of the contract is a two-way deal; the second year is a one-way deal.
CALGARY, AB – Mike Smith isn’t just fighting for Elle. He’s standing behind her, too.
And a little to the left.
Smith lined up on the blue line behind his niece for a special ceremony prior to the Calgary Flames’ game against the New Jersey Devils at Scotiabank Saddledome on Sunday, in Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness Night.
The ceremony, in conjunction with the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, recognized six children who have survived cancer or are continuing to fight.
NASHVILLE, TN –
David Poile outlining the versatility and offensive firepower the Nashville Predators now possess was great. Kyle Turris expressing his eagerness to skate in Preds Gold was exciting.
But there was also a theme woven through the comments from both general manager and forward that subtly may have won the day for Nashville.
Let’s back up a bit first. On Sunday evening, when the Predators pulled off a three-team trade to acquire Turris from Colorado, they also announced they’d signed the talented center, whose current deal was set to expire after this season, to a six-year contract. Most analysts agree that Turris isn’t even an option on the trade market if he’s signs a deal with the Ottawa Senators prior to the 2017-18 season starting. On Monday, Poile said bluntly that the two other GMs involved in the trade knew it wasn’t happening if a long-term deal couldn’t be agreed upon between Turris and the Predators.
CENTENNIAL, CO. – Adjusting to the play and style of NHL games is an ongoing process for veterans and rookies alike. There is always something to learn and something to work on as the players try to master their craft.
Rookie defenseman Anton Lindholm is deep in that development process as he prepares for his 20th career NHL game on Thursday, but he has received some extra help lately to aid in his transition to the league.
The 22-year-old has been playing with veteran rear guard Erik Johnsonfor the last two contests, which has allowed him to find his game in the fast-paced NHL.
“Playing with a guy like E.J., your own comfort level and your trust to your D-partner can’t get much higher than playing with a guy like that,” Lindholm said. “Obviously, I can play my game and feel comfortable that if I mess up or if I fail to do anything, I know E.J. is there for support.”
CHICAGO, IL –
Craig Smith‘s 100th career goal proved to be the game-winner as the Nashville Predators defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a 2-1 final on Friday night at the United Center.
The win is Nashville’s fifth of the season and gives them three out of a possible four points in Chicago this season.
After a first period that saw Nashville outshot 21-7 and allow a shorthanded goal to Chicago, Calle Jarnkrok and Craig Smith gave the Preds a 2-1 lead after 40 minutes, a lead they never relinquished.
“Sometimes you’re going to have a period or shift or whatever that you’re not going to like, but it’s about making the adjustments, stepping up and making the big plays when the time is right,” Smith said. “I thought we did that, we executed well and a win’s a win.”
ANAHEIM, CA –
Two definitive outcomes were at stake when the Ducks headed into Game 6 of the Western Conference finals against Nashville at an amped-up, yellow-clad Bridgestone Arena. There was no ambiguity. Nothing left inconclusive.
Win and have the right to play for the Stanley Cup. Lose and the season is over in a blink, another Cup dream dashed. This is the kind of game John Gibson wants on his shoulders. To have everything you work for on the line and the pressure that comes with that.
And yet when Gibson went through that Monday morning in a city bent on having a high-wattage celebration, the Ducks’ goalie was faced with a decision that wasn’t so clear. A decision he wished he didn’t have to make but was forced to when his body wouldn’t cooperate.
As a tender hamstring that forced him out of Game 5 continued to bark at him, Gibson was left with a choice. Playing at all costs might look heroic but what if that backfired and cost the team?
DETROIT, MI –
Dylan Larkin played more minutes against the Lightning Monday than ever in his career, and his extra work in the offseason is what helped make the night a success.
If Larkin keeps it up, he may turn the ore of a good player into the steel of a great one.
What the Red Wings prize about Larkin, beyond his skill, is his willingness to work. His capacity for it seems to come almost instinctive.
One look at Larkin in the dressing room this early season made plain he is a bigger man, significantly more muscular.
It is the product of extra work in the offseason, and it made his 24:33 time on ice against an offensive juggernaut of a lineup feel routine.
DENVER, CO – Former Avalanche defenseman, team captain and coaching consultant Adam Foote has joined Denver-based NHL player-agency KO Sports Inc. as director of player development. Foote, 46, has done a sensational job of developing his two teenage sons, and now looks to mentor others in how to prepare for the NHL and make the most out of a career.
NASHVILLE – I stared at the ceiling as I lay in my hospital bed.
Was this really happening to me? Was it all over just like that?
Only minutes before, I was surrounded by screaming fans as my teammates and I tried to tie Game 4 of the Western Conference Final, and now I was surrounded by medical equipment in the hospital with a freakish thigh injury. Even just moments after it happened, I knew coming back to play at any point in the playoffs was probably not going to happen. I was done for the year.
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