A pretty fantastic playoff season nears its conclusion.
The Stanley Cup Final could end Tuesday…or it could linger on for another three days and a second consecutive Game 7. Either way it should be entertaining; this rematch has delivered, and really overall it’s been a great NHL playoffs with some outstanding matchups.
And no matter when it ends, we know the next milestone is qualifying offers and the draft June 27-28 in Los Angeles and 32 “decentralized” locations across North America.
Islanders News
- Twenty-five years ago this month, the Islanders’ trajectory changed with the drafting of Rick DiPietro 1st overall. The then-star goalie recalls that fateful week. [Isles]
- Fantastic dude Thomas Hickey talks about meeting 50 youth players for an outdoor clinic. [Isles]
- One rather critical decision for Mathieu Darche: Does he see Mathew Barzal as a center, or a wing? [Post]
- “Surplus value” contracts for each team; Holmstrom, Dobson and Romanov for the Isles. [Athletic]
- One free agent for each team to target: Staple recommends Nikolaj Ehlers for the Isles. [Athletic]
Elsewhere
- With another two-day gap between games, the Oilers get to face lots of questions about their slow starts. [NHL]
- They were also admittedly still deciding on which goalie to put in net for Game 6’s do or die. [NHL]
- It feels very weird to root “for” Brad Marchand, but that’s sort of where I’m at right now, impressed by his performance (also in recognition that at least he’s not Corey Perry). [NHL]
- The first six names on each Olympic roster will be revealed today for some reason. [Sportsnet]