NHL Playoffs: So much for Lose for Hughes
Published on May 19, 2019
- Jordan Binnington won't win the Calder or the Conn Smythe without major miracles. But he's the central figure in the greatest turnaround in hockey history. The Blues were dead-last on Jan. 2. So much for Lose for (Jack) Hughes.
- High glove. That's the book on Martin Jones. Everyone knows it, even Jones.
- Tomas Hertl, Joe Pavelski and Erik Karlsson. The Sharks are dropping like flies. Two days may not be enough for any of them. Or the Sharks.
- Jaden Schwartz and the Golden Brett. I never thought those two would be in the same sentence, but Schwartz is one goal from equaling Hull's franchise record of 13 postseason goals. He had 11 all season long. Stud sniper or John Druce? Or somewhere in between?
- Erik Karlsson isn't just hurt -- he's injured. The difference isn't subtle. The Sharks only dressed six defenders, so there was no-one to slot in for him in the third or spell-off the clearly gassed Brent Burns. #coachingmistake
- Alex Pietrangelo's hit on Joe Pavelski was clean, but that head snap against the glass could prove costly for San Jose's chances. Pavelski has been remarkably durable his entire career, but two head injuries in the span of less than a month isn't good. Short or long term.
- The Blues are the oldest team without a Cup. They made the Stanley Cup Finals in their first three seasons, but were swept every time, twice by the Habs and the last time by the big, bad Bruins. That was 1970... the year that Bobby Orr took flight after notching the Cup-winning goal.
- BTW Patrick Roy is not the guy to coach the Senators. The young players desperately need development. Roy's inherent drive to win will compromise that. Interview him, but look elsewhere.
