It was a western Canada sweep of the NHL’s Three Stars for this week, as young Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko took home the league’s top honors while Edmonton Oilers superstar teammates Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl earned the second and third stars, respectively. Demko, who the Canucks are hoping can establish himself as their starter of the future this season, certainly played the part this week. He won all three of his starts, allowing just three goals total – one per game – on 103 shots. A 1.00 GAA and .971 save percentage are more than worthy enough of first star status. Meanwhile, McDavid and Draisaitl put up monstrous numbers that have somehow become commonplace for both. The duo combined for seven goals and 24 points in just four games. Somehow the Oilers won just two of their four contests.
- Nick Bjugstad’s wallet is now $5,000 lighter. The NHL Department of Player Safety announced that the Minnesota Wild center has received the maximum fine allowable for cross checking. The incident in question occurred on Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche. Defenseman Ryan Graves was the victim, taking a high cross check early in the second period. While the intent of the check was questionable at best, as Bjugstad battled Graves in front of the net, there is no denying that he delivered the check to Graves’ head area. That was all it took for the big pivot to earn a maximum fine.
- When the NHL returns to the Winter Olympics next year, they will do so on a more familiar ice surface. TSN’s Pierre LeBrun relays word from IIHF President Rene Fasel that the ice surface that will be used in Beijing will be North American in size. The IIHF has previously discussed using these smaller rink dimensions in competition after exclusively using the international dimensions in the past and the 2022 Winter Olympics will be the debut of this change. This does not imply that all future Olympic competitions will be played on a North American surface, but it does open the door for IIHF competition to be played on varying rink sizes, possibly as decided by the hosts.
imagine that Oliers with good goaltending or defense
Imagine either one on a good team, Tampa, Montreal, Pens, Caps or boston. Really scary
Wonder why they went to the NA ice size. I like the Olympic size. Typically more space equals more scoring.
I was thinking about that after the crazy Ottawa game. Not just how good they would be with above average goaltending but why aren’t free agents begging to play with 97 and 29. If I’m Jordan Binnington, I’m calling Ken Holland on July 1st or whenever free agency starts this season and signing for whatever they can spare.
play behind no defense for marginal money…yeah i dunno bout that one
@DarkSide830 – Eggg-zact-ly! The D is only improving by baby-steps, and the forward group is (mostly) still reluctant to embrace that pesky concept known as “defensive responsibility.” Tipp has been stereotyped as a “zero to minus-one” type coach, which I think is seen in the players’ eyes as counterproductive in today’s game. It isn’t about speed, which rubs them the wrong way. Other teams can accomplish this goal of playing in all three zones, so, I don’t know why the message can’t be received in EDM. But, when it comes to 9-6 beatdowns, you’ll get your money’s worth by watching the Oil.