Waiting for the final, waiting for the draft.
One more day before the beginning of the Stanley Cup final, and a few more weeks before the Islanders’ future resumes with the #1 overall pick.
Who are you rooting for in the final, and why is it Florida? (Did you know when the franchise was first awarded in a rush because Blockbuster and Disney money was available, they originally called the franchise South Florida?) So anyway…Panthers vs. Oilers: You more of an endangered species/wildlife guy, or a resource extraction fella?
Islanders News
- Prospect Report: Jesse Nurmi is a Memorial Cup champ with the London Knights. [Isles]
- Islanders Anxiety: What a sensible, reasonable, appropriate introduction from the new GM. [LHH]
- Sign your kid up for the Thomas Hickey street hockey clinic. Broadcasting tips may cost extra. [Isles]
Elsewhere
- Aleksander Barkov is the perfect dude (and a great player) for the Panthers. [NHL]
- Paul Maurice is humbled by how this Panthers group has altered his life. [NHL]
- The Bruins have evidently narrowed their coaching search to two finalists, with a winner — not interim Joe Sacco — to be announced soon. [TSN]
- Rumor roundup: Can the Stars smooth things over with their goalie? Also, maybe the Penguins aren’t in a hurry to name their next head coach. [Sportsnet]
- Jesper Fast is retiring from hockey at 33 after an Erik Gudbranson crosscheck to the back in a meaningless game caused him to crash into the boards and miss all of last season following neck surgery. [Sportsnet]
- The Lightning sign Yanni Gourde to an Islanders-style, lifetime deal (six years) at reduced AAV. [Sportsnet]