KSSioux

Great story about Jackson Blake, and wanting to win the cup for his father. This has been an awesome Stanley Cup playoffs so far, and the finals games have all be pretty epic. It blows the lid off of those, "need to play a full sixty" folks. I do not think either team can come close to making that claim in any of the games, but I am sure they celebrate each win. Here is the NHL sites story on Blake: Winning Stanley Cup with Hurricanes would be ‘super special’ for Blake, father | NHL.com

Nick Schmaltz (CBS Line fame), getting paid pretty well now in Utah. Really great for him, and will likely spend the rest of his NHL career in Utah. Schmaltz signs 8-year, $64 million contract to remain with Mammoth | NHL.com

He did, and made a good pass under pressure to move the puck out of the zone. I believe he also had a shot on goal in the same shift.

I thought this was an interesting article on college hockey to pros pathway on NHL.com. Listed a lot of the CHL to NCAA kids including Reschny and Verhoeff. I do not think anyone knows how this will actually shake out, but I hope we get a few more colleges adding D1 hockey. Lots of talent out there. NCAA hockey could be major pathway to NHL after rule change | NHL.com

Just wanted to put this link up for those that want to watch the McKenna saga on ESPN tonight: McKenna, projected No. 1 pick in 2026, to make college decision tonight on ESPN | NHL.com I cannot get over what people are calling "generational" talents. This kid is an extremely good hockey talent, but is not 6ft tall and under 165lbs. Bedard is having his bumps and bruises in the National, which he needs others around him to help out. I hope McKenna will gain a few pounds and I do believe the college hockey schedule will fit him very well. Fewer games and an opportunity to weight train and build muscle. People can argue his choice if it is Penn State, which is a pretty done deal. I will say the Big Ten fits his style. I doubt he would find it as easy in the NCHC. I wish him well and we will see who ends up being the better get Verhoeff or McKenna.

Toews going to ink with Winnipeg to finish his career. Wishing him the best of luck on his return! I think it is a great choice for him and the Jets. Toews to return to NHL next season with hometown Jets | NHL.com

Great seeing TJ Oshie on ESPN's The Point prior to the Oilers-Stars game tonight.

I had not noticed until today, but the Denver-Providence game is the one on ESPN+. The rest are on ESPN2 or ESPNU. I think this may be the best game of the day, so pretty disappointing. Interesting until I saw who the other teams were at that time. ESPN headquartered in Connecticut, probably locked them in to ESPNU.

It is on ESPN+

U Conn in Hockey East looks a lot like Western Michigan in the NCHC. They play a good brand of hockey and all of the lines are all in with their system. I watch a lot of college hockey, and they are very good. Just goes to show you do not need "blue chippas" to win. The only one they had transferred to Minny last year. Should give a lot of thought for those thinking the pasture is greener elsewhere. You are right in that they are set up for not only a good run this year, but also in the NCAA's. This may not be their year to bring home the hardware, but they are one of eight that I give a good chance to be in the Frozen Four. Depends on who they get matched up against in the tourney.

Forwards Jonathan Toews, Dave Christian, Zach Parise, Phil Sykes, Tony Hrkac, Greg Johnson, Jason Blake, Troy Murray, TJ Oshie, Travis Zajac, Brock Boeser, Doug Smail Defense James Patrick, Jake Sanderson, Geoff Smith, Craig Ludwig, Murray Baron, Mike Commodore Goalies Ed Belfour, Jon Casey, Mike "Lefty" Curran Extra Skater: Howard Walker (Need an extra D that was an enforcer) Had a hard time leaving off Lee Goren and Dixon Ward from the forward list, and tried to get four good centers. Curtis Murphy was the last cut from , the D-men. Could not leave Commy off the D-list for a variety of reasons which include the intangibles that he brings.

The series should be part of the Big10+ package. I believe the WCHA signed as a part of that package, and got out of the FloHockey deal. I may be wrong about this as it shows CCHA+, and does not show up on the Big+ schedule. It should be with the WCHA deal with them, but it is pretty confusing.

Looks like the Blackhawks are now under more scrutiny about their nickname and logo: Chicago Blackhawks Hit with Explosive New Lawsuit Over Alleged False Promises to Native Consultant (msn.com)

Blake and Jost both are on the final 25 roster for Carolina. Grimaldi was released from his PTO for the team. Hopefully he gets picked up by someone.

Livanavage