The bye weeks have started and because of it there are just five games on the schedule for tonight in the NHL. The best of those may be a potential Stanley Cup preview between the San Jose Sharks and Washington Capitals, two teams in clear “win-now” modes. The Capitals have recently lost their grip on the Metropolitan Division and will need to break a five-game losing streak if they’re to get back on top.
- The Florida Panthers have sent Jayce Hawryluk, Josh Brown and Ian McCoshen to the minor leagues while they’re on break, in order to get the young players even more playing time. Sending those three down will also save some money given they are all on two-way contracts.
- Similarly the Los Angeles Kings have sent Austin Wagner and Sean Walker to the minors over their break, saving a bit of cash and keeping them on the ice. The Kings likely don’t want to stop playing as they’ve turned things around a bit of late, climbing out of the basement of the league standings and giving their fans a respectable product to watch. The Kings now sit 27th in the league with 44 points.
- After clearing waivers today the Ottawa Senators have sent Justin Falk to the minor leagues. Falk hasn’t played since before Christmas, meaning he’ll get into some games at the AHL level before potentially returning to the Senators.
- The Anaheim Ducks have recalled Adam Cracknell from the San Diego Gulls after the veteran forward has scored seven goals and 13 points in 13 games. Cracknell was acquired from Toronto earlier this season and has always been a strong offensive player in the minor leagues.