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NHL Daily: Mike Hoffman, Colorado Avalanche, 2018 Olympics
NHL Daily: Ottawa Senator Mike Hoffman can expect a call from Player Safety after a cross-check he delivered Wednesday night, the Colorado Avalanche might have an expansion draft loophole on their hands, the NHL has a decision to make on the 2018 Olympics and more! (Morning Coffee Headlines)
Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.
Four games were scheduled for Wednesday night and each one was just as exciting as the last. The Wednesday Night Rivalry matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Boston Bruins was a fast-paced and equally matched game that ended in OT, 4-3, in the Pen’s favor after a goal from Bryan Rust. The San Jose Sharks also won 4-3 after beating the Ottawa Senators with a winning shootout goal from Sharks rookie Kevin Labanc.
The Tampa Bay Lightning ended the Calgary Flames‘ six-game winning streak by outscoring them 6-3. Lastly, Brayden Schenn scored the Philadelphia Flyers‘ game-winning goal against the Colorado Avalanche, 4-3, for the Flyer’s straight 10th win.
Here is your highlight of the night:
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Hoffman’s Cross-Checking Major
Ottawa Senators’ Mike Hoffman cross-checked San Jose Shark’s Logan Couture to the head in their Wednesday night matchup. Hoffman received a 5-minute major for the hit and will likely get a call from the Department of Player Safety. [The Score]
Winnipeg Jets’ Tyler Myers Hits Wall in Recovery
More from Puck Prose
The Winnipeg Jets have been without Tyler Myers since Nov. 11. Despite the defenseman’s recent improvements in his recovery, his progress has hit a wall. It is likely that the Jets will be without the d-man for longer than expected. [NBC Sports]
Colorado’s Possible Expansion Draft Loophole
The Avalanche might have an expansion draft loophole on their hands. While many NHL teams are already taking the expansion draft to mind when decision-making, Colorado might have a few advantages. [Mile High Sticking]
Flyers’ Michal Neuvirth On the Trading Block?
With Flyers’ rookie Anthony Stolarz performing well as No. 1 Steve Mason‘s backup, it wouldn’t be strange for the Flyers to consider trading Michal Neuvirth. Any team looking for a good goaltender would be interested in a Neuvirth trade. [Broad Street Buzz]
LA Kings’ Jonathan Quick Won’t Return Until March
The Kings‘ No. 1 goaltender Jonathan Quick has been sidelined since the team’s home opener. Though it was initially believed that Quick would return in three month’s time, the Kings will be without the goaltender for longer than initially thought. [Yahoo Sports]
NHL to Make 2018 Olympics Decision Soon
The deadline is quickly approaching for the NHL to make a decision regarding the League’s involvement in the 2018 Olympics. Many are awaiting the news of whether the League will attend or not. [USA Today]
NHL Daily Morning Rant
The NHL standings are getting close. The Metropolitan and Pacific Divisions are so close, in terms of points, that it seems like every team is ranked within a point of each other. The continuously changing standings are enough to keep teams and fans on their toes.
This is far from a bad thing. As we approach the middle of the season it can be exciting to see the teams battling it out for a playoff spot. Though it might be less fun if your team is leading and the team’s behind them are inching closer with some games in hand, but it makes for an exciting run nonetheless.
There aren’t many teams this season who are far off from their competitors. The Penguins lead the Metropolitan Division with 43 points (30 P) with the Rangers close behind with 41 points (31 GP). Not to mention the Rangers have the Flyers chasing their spot with 41 points in 32 GP.
Similarly, the Sharks lead the Pacific Division with 37 points (30 GP) with the Anaheim Ducks not too far behind with 35 points in 30 GP. The Edmonton Oilers tie the Ducks in points but 32 GP while the Calgary Flames chase them by just a point.
One thing is for sure, the second half of the season will be an action-packed battle for those playoff spots.
