For those of you in the US, welcome to Memorial Day! Hope you enjoy your holiday. (Unless you’re a sucker like me who has to work, but at least we’re getting some nice paychecks down the road for it.)
If you’re one of our friends in Canada, well, now you know why we were a little grumpy while you were out enjoying Victoria Day.
No NHL action on the ice last night, but we did get to see former Blue Jackets coach Gerard Gallant and his Saint John Sea Dogs (including CBJ prospect Mathieu Corbeil) become the first team from the Maritimes to ever win the Memorial Cup with a strong 3-1 victory over host Missisauga St. Michaels. Congratulations to the Sea Dogs for a great season.
On the other side of the coin, you have to feel for the losing coach, Dave Cameron, and his Majors. Last night marked the third championship game in a row they’ve lost in the past year.
One of the biggest / quietest stories of the offseason for the NHL as a whole might be Sidney Crosby‘s recovery, and if he’ll be ready to go for the start of next season in Pittsburgh. Crosby is expected to return to Pittsburgh next week to be re-evaluated by a concussion specialist, but there’s no solid news yet.
In other NHL news, the Oilers announced today that they’ve re-signed former Predators forward Ryan Jones to a new 2 year deal, keeping a bit more scoring punch in their lineup to go with a strong physical style of play.
Not to be left out of the fun of announcing contracts, the Islanders also sent out a release that they’ve signed prospect goaltender Anders Nilsson to a three year entry level deal – Capgeek has all the details for you.
A nice little essay over at Blue Seat Blogs about “Our Cup”. Good reading for any hockey fan.
Speaking of the Penguins, they have a nice story up about the process for the NHL combine, which starts today in Toronto.
Live in Boston or Vancouver? Hoping to go to the Stanley Cup Finals? Don’t have tickets yet? I hope you brought cash.
Speaking of that matchup, View From My Seats takes a look at Tim Thomas and Roberto Luongo in the Vezina Trophy race, while Puck Daddy still has Ryan Kesler on the pole for the Conn Smythe.
Over at Copper & Blue, Lisa gives a nice look at the experience of going to a hockey game in Glendale.
Does Paul Holmgren have a plan for his goaltending, and would he be willing to move Jeff Carter to make it happen? No! Well…maybe.
If Pittsburgh was Mike Comrie‘s last chance at the NHL, that chance may be over. The same goes for Alexei Kovalev, neither of which are expected to be re-signed in Pittsburgh.
Over at the Dispatch, Portzline thinks that a lot of things are going to start building up steam for the Jackets over the next few weeks, while Michael Arace is just enjoying the fantastic view from his couch.
We’ll see you back here later for more prospect profiles and news (or lack thereof) as it happens.
If you meet one today, thank a veteran. Don’t forget that we’re honoring their sacrifices today.
Now get out there and grill some hot dogs.