Getty Images Monday’s planned CBA meetingss will have the biggest impact on NHL players, but tomorrow’s Spengler Cup final matchup should be a fun follow for those who’ve grown tired of the cyclical soap opera.
In fact, Davos vs. Team Canada might just provide the best competition between NHL players in 2012-13* if the lockout eats the entire season.
Canada comes in as favorite
Likely favorite Canada steamrolled through Fribourg on Sunday with a 5-1 win. Matt Duchene reflected upon the team’s quick-building chemistry to the Canadian Press after his two-goal, one-assist performance.
“From top to bottom it’s been such a good dynamic in the room,” Duchene said. “In our first game we had some tough luck, but we’ve used it as a stepping stone and our chemistry has been awesome.”
It’s easier to build chemistry when you have such a plethora of talent; the Canadian team really shines at the forward position in particular with Duchene, Jason Spezza, John Tavares, Patrice Bergeron and Tyler Seguin among its standouts.
Davos could be dangerous
Davos showed its own power as Patrick Kane was the big difference-maker in a 5-4 win against Viktovice on Sunday. Kane scored two goals (including the game-winner) while Joe Thornton also scored.
Canada has a significant edge in its quantity of NHL players, yet Davos’ roster is nothing to sneeze at.
Kane is joined by Loui Eriksson and Petr Sykora, but Thornton’s presence might make things especially interesting. Will there be mixed feelings for Canadian-born Thornton on Monday?
Either way, it sounds like it could be a really fun game, even if it also reminds us of everything we’re missing.
* – Especially since charitable games feature defense that’s as loose as an All-Star game.
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McLellan: Burish ‘very close,’ could be in Sharks lineup for Game 6
May 24, 2013, 4:28 PM EDT
He’s missed the entire series with a broken hand.
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Craig MacTavish has a few things he’d like in return.
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AP
“Hopefully, we’ll find that chemistry,” says Spezza.
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Preds continue to shake up staff, fire head athletic trainer
May 24, 2013, 3:14 PM EDT
Just a few days after turfing assistant coach Peter Horachek.
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Aside from, you know, facing elimination from the Stanley Cup playoffs.
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Chin up, rookie.
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Say hello to Curtis McElhinney.
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AP
Torts not expected to make any lineup changes.
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Rangers’ blueliner saw plenty of action in Game 4, though.
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Lightning say Lacroix won’t return as assistant coach next season
May 24, 2013, 1:12 PM EDT
He was Guy Boucher’s right-hand man, so no huge surprise.
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Pens’ Dupuis on Alfredsson remarks: I don’t see Crosby talking like that
May 24, 2013, 12:59 PM EDT
The postgame comment that just won’t go away.
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AP
The Red Wings’ star may go back to Russia after next season.
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Back in Vegas next year.
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Rare criticism for the Blackhawks’ captain.
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SKA Saint Petersburg would be the club.
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AP
“(He’s) a hell of a hockey player.”
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He’s excited about the Avalanche’s future, but he also has other considerations.
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The match will start at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Friday’s collection of links.
