AP PHT’s Morning Skate takes a look around the world of hockey to see what’s happening and what we’ll be talking about around the NHL world and beyond.
The Detroit Red Wings might finally rest goaltender Jimmy Howard this week. However, it’s not clear if Jonas Gustavsson (groin), Joey MacDonald (back), or recently promoted 20-year-old netminder Petr Mrazek will get the nod. If Gustavsson and MacDonald aren’t healthy in time, then it looks like Mrazek will make his NHL debut this weekend. (Detroit News)
The Edmonton Oilers line of Sam Gagner, Nail Yakupov, and Ales Hemsky has been a huge part of their offense this season. 23-year-old Gagner in particular has excelled with three goals and 10 points in nine games this season. (Edmonton Sun)
21-year-old forward Chris Kreider is close to returning from an ankle injury, but he might not be in the New York Rangers’ lineup when he’s healthy. (The Bergen Record)
The first trial regarding Vancouver’s 2011 Stanley Cup riot has begun. Spencer Kirkwood has pleaded not guilty, claiming that he has no memory of participating in the riot, despite there allegedly being video footage of him smashing a downtown office building’s window with a street barricade. (CBC)
Stars goaltender Cristopher Nilstorp has been activated from the injured reserve list and sent to the minors. That solidifies Richard Bachman‘s place as Dallas’ backup goaltender for now. (Sportsnet)
Defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (lower body) will be absent for a third consecutive game Tuesday, but he’s not likely to miss “weeks,” according to Winnipeg Jets coach Claude Noel. (Winnipeg Sun)
Boston Bruins forward Daniel Paille (eye) might be back on Wednesday. (CSN New England)
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney isn’t happy with the decision to make him a healthy scratch on Monday, but he knows he can play better. Oilers coach Ralph Krueger suggested that this is an opportunity for him to take a step back and “come back even stronger.” (Edmonton Sun)
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They rank first and second in shorthanded goals in the 2013 playoffs.
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It initially made it look like he suffered an injury.
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AHL Bruins blow 3-0 series lead against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
May 22, 2013, 11:40 PM EDT
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Trent Whitfield has now been on the wrong end of history twice.
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Video: Sens coach won’t take questions, refers press to game sheet
May 22, 2013, 10:59 PM EDT
John Tortorella would be proud.
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The Penguins “have too much depth.”
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Ottawa’s strong first period was wasted.
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Report: NHLPA director Fehr wants to address issue of fighting
May 22, 2013, 9:02 PM EDT
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He’s been reaching out to agents and players.
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Mike Halford and Jason Brough tackle that question.
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He also wants to express his gratitude to the Vancouver Canucks.
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AP
Beau Bennett and Jussi Jokinen have been inserted into the lineup.
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AP
Two swift playoff exits sunk the Canucks’ coach.
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His career has gone downhill since being part of the Hodgson trade.
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AP
Vancouver’s Alain Vigneault joins the fray.
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“As long as they keep winning here, that just gives me a better chance for a return with every win.”
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“Will we look at them? Absolutely.”
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Pittsburgh’s power play is just 1-for-12 in its past two games.
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Official: Canucks fire head coach Vigneault, assistants Bowness and Brown
May 22, 2013, 3:48 PM EDT
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Vancouver cleans house.
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After starring for Team USA, Ducks goalie Gibson ‘ready for the NHL right now’
May 22, 2013, 3:31 PM EDT
Decent goaltending depth in Anaheim at the moment.
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Darin Pastor wants to know why his offer to buy the Coyotes was rejected
May 22, 2013, 2:47 PM EDT
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Click to read two good reasons.
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AP
This should make the Keith Ballard buyout easier to stomach.
