Here are your links for today:
Devils Links
The Devils came close to tying things up late but were shut out for the first time this season Thursday night as the Panthers took a 1-0 win. [Devils NHL]
A sizable concern
for this season:
Some encouraging news:
A defense of Tom Fitzgerald: “His drafting has been poor, with clear retrospective misses on Alex Holtz and Chase Stillman — imagine this team with Marco Rossi and Logan Stankoven instead — and it can be argued that his overreaction to being labeled as soft didn’t take advantage of the excellent core that the Devils possess to its fullest potential. Even despite those two flaws, his trade acumen and contract expertise should have him regarded as an above-average at worst GM in today’s NHL.” [Devils’ Advocates]
“With Jack Hughes out and Jacob Markström struggling, the New Jersey Devils need to lean on Jake Allen until Markström figures it out.” [Devils on the Rush]
Hockey Links
Well that’s exciting news!
“Neck guards will be mandatory for all hockey players at the upcoming Olympic Games in Milano-Cortana. An NHL source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) will require the protective gear be worn throughout the upcoming tournament.” [ESPN]
“The NHL Department of Player Safety has decided Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen will not receive any supplemental discipline for his boarding major against the New York Islanders on Tuesday, a source told ESPN on Wednesday.” [ESPN]
NHL stat leaders at the quarter-season mark:
On the color-on-color matchup in Sunday’s New York Rangers-Detroit Red Wings game: “Normally, away teams wear white jerseys while the home club dresses in its primary color. The visiting Red Wings taking the ice in red was a surprise, but according to an NHL spokesperson, the league’s marketing department has actively encouraged teams to explore color-on-color jersey matchups. The idea has been brought up at general manager and board meetings, the spokesperson said. After all, hockey is played on a white surface, so the primary-color jersey combinations pop nicely, as they did Sunday.” [The Athletic ($)]
“Through 20 or so games for every team, New York Islanders rookie defenseman Matthew Schaefer is the clear front-runner for the top of the (Calder Trophy) ballots. However, the rookie class behind him is tightly packed.” [The Athletic ($)]
Feel free to discuss these and any other hockey-related stories in the comments below.
