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Coaching Notes: Carle, Quenneville, Tocchet

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As the NHL offseason inches closer, the annual coaching carousel is off and spinning. A number of teams have already moved on from their head coaches, and rumors have been heating up on who their replaces may be. The list includes established veterans, up-and-coming assistants, and even standout coaches from the college ranks. One name that continues to surface in these conversations is David Carle, head coach of the University of Denver. However, Sportsnet insider Elliotte Friedman said on today’s 32 Thoughts Podcast that the belief is Carle will be returning to Denver.

Carle recently withdrew consideration for the Blackhawks position, but it appears he’s not currently interested in any coaching jobs in the NHL. As Friedman notes, things can always change as more positions become available, such as the Pittsburgh Penguins position becoming available today. But for now, it appears the 35-year-old coach has unfinished business at the NCAA-level.

In other coaching news:

  • Friedman discussed the Anaheim Ducks and their level of interest in former coach Joel Quenneville. He said the belief is that Quenneville is in fact a serious contender for the position and added he believes several teams are also looking into Quenneville. With Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek expressing a clear goal of reaching the playoffs next season, Friedman suggests that’s why the team is showing interest in Quenneville—a three-time Stanley Cup champion and the second-winningest coach in NHL history. With that said, Friedman also acknowledged how any team’s fanbase may be opposed to the hiring of Quenneville based on his past, all teams are going to have to weight when determining whether or not to move forward with the veteran coach.
  • Elsewhere, Friedman also mentioned that multiple teams seem to be working from a similar shortlist of coaching candidates—a list that, for several, includes Rick Tocchet. While Friedman doesn’t believe Tocchet has been granted permission by the Canucks to talk with other teams, he did key in on a piece of information president of hockey operations Jim Rutheford spoke on in a press conference recently. Rutherford acknowledged that the Canucks currently lack a dedicated practice facility—something Friedman believes Tocchet may have expressed frustration about. With positions available in Philly and Pittsburgh, Tocchet has ties with a few franchises currently looking for a head coach, so it will be interesting to see how things play out in Vancouver.

Metropolitan Notes: Crosby, Wilson, Devils

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With Mike Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Penguins agreeing to part ways, reporters at general manager Kyle Dubas’ press conference today asked several questions related to Sidney Crosby’s involvement in the process. At one point during the conference, tensions appeared to rise slightly when Dubas was asked if Crosby was happy with the change. Dubas immediately responded that he wouldn’t speak on behalf of the team’s long-time captain.

Dubas was also asked if he thought the decision to move on from Sullivan would cause Crosby to want to leave Pittsburgh as well, to which he simply replied, “No,” per Rob Rossi of The Athletic. Dubas noted that he called Crosby on Sunday to give him the heads up on the decision and added that his job is to do what’s best for the franchise.

This past offseason, Crosby signed a two-year extension that is scheduled to keep him in Pittsburgh through the 2026-27 season and carries an average annual value of $8.7 million. It is fair to wonder what Crosby’s thoughts are on a potential rebuild, which isn’t a term that Dubas used today, but was the tone he used in discussing the immediate future of the franchise. With that said, the two previous coaching changes Crosby was around for (Sullivan and Dan Bylsma before him) resulted in immediate Stanley Cup victories.

Elsewhere in the Metro:

  • Washington Capitals power forward Tom Wilson’s physicality has been a key catalyst in the team’s first-round matchup against the Canadiens, writes The Hockey News’ Sammi Silber. As Silber notes, Wilson delivered a big hit on Alexandre Carrier that led to the game-tying goal in game four, which the Caps would go on to win 5-2. Washington is now just one win away from moving on to the second round. While the hit has drawn speculation as to its legality, no penalty was called, and momentum was clearly shifted toward the Capitals. As Wilson said after the game: “It’s been a physical series both ways, getting hit, giving hits, they’ve been really physical, so it’s a long series. You just try and kind of invest and continue to play hard every shift you’re out there. It was a big hit and the boys were able to score right after. That’s the way hockey goes.” It was the second consecutive game Wilson’s physicality came into play. In game three, Wilson and Josh Anderson engaged in a wrestling match that ended up spilling into Washington’s bench. Both players received roughing minors and 10-minute misconducts and were also assessed $5,000 fines for unsportsmanlike conduct.
  • Missing key blueliners Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic, the Devils struggled badly in their game four loss to the Hurricanes—and with all three expected to remain out for game five, their defensive woes are likely to continue. Per team reporter Amanda Stein, all three will miss game five, which will likely require veterans Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, and Brian Dumoulin to continue to play extended minutes, Dennis Cholowski to continue to play his first career playoff games, and force higher than anticipated ice time for Jonas Siegenthaler, who just returned from an injury himself. from his own injury. With three starters missing from their blueline, the Devils are trying to replace nearly 60 minutes of combined ice time, as well as 77 combined regular season points, 267 combined blocked shots, and more than 300 combined hits. Carolina currently leads the series 3-1.

 

 

Devils Injury Notes: Hughes, Dillon, Kovacevic

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While the Devils are currently battling with the Carolina Hurricanes in a pivotal game four matchup, the team remains without several key blueliners, including Luke Hughes, Brenden Dillon, and Johnathan Kovacevic.

Yesterday, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed that Hughes and Dillon would remain out of the lineup due to injuries both suffered during game one. He added that neither have returned to skating, per team reporter Amanda Stein, signaling that their return may not be anytime soon.

The team then announced prior to this afternoon’s game that Kovacevic would also be unavailable for game four. The 27-year-old was injured in game three’s double overtime victory, and did not appear after the third period. His absence, coupled with the length of the game, forced veterans Dougie Hamilton, Brett Pesce, and Brian Dumoulin to play more than 30 minutes in the win. Kovacevic is being replaced in the lineup by Dennis Cholowski. The 26-year-old has appeared in 156 career NHL games but today signifies his first appearance in the playoffs. The injuries have also forced Jonas Siegenthaler into the lineup the last two games, despite the veteran potentially not being fully ready to return from his own injury. He ended up playing more than 27 minutes in his return in game three.

With three starters missing from their blueline, the Devils are trying to replace nearly 60 minutes of combined ice time, as well as 77 combined regular season points, 267 combined blocked shots, and more than 300 combined hits. This includes the 41 points the 21-year-old Hughes put up in 71 games. His absence has been particularly felt on the power play, as the Devils have gone 0-12 in the series.

Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk Avoids Suspension

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Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk will not face any supplemental discipline for his late-game hit on Tampa Bay Lightning forward Jake Guentzel in game three. Despite Tkachuk receiving a five-minute major for interference on the hit, the NHL has determined no additional punishment is justified. As Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman notes, the reasons could be related to several factors, including there being no head contact and that Guentzel did touch the puck prior to the hit.

The hit comes one game after Tampa Bay forward Brandon Hagel received a one-game suspension for leveling Aleksander Barkov. Similar to Tkachuk, Hagel received a five-minute major for interference. As Friedman notes, the force of the hit Tkachuk delivered on Guentzel may not be considered as impactful as the one Hagel delivered to Barkov. And as David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period adds, Barkov never played the puck prior to being hit. It can also be noted that Barkov exited game two and did not return, although he did suit up in game three.

Tkachuk’s hit drew the ire of multiple Lightning players, including captain Victor Hedman. He told reporters following the game, including Eduardo A. Encina of the Tampa Bay Times, that the timing of the hit was also questionable, as the Lightning were in the process of scoring an empty net goal to make the score 5-1. Hedman added that the team can’t control what actions are or are not worthy of suspension.

With Hagel set to return for game four on Monday, it will be interesting to see if tensions remain high. Either way, Tkachuk remaining available for game four and beyond is clearly welcomed news for the defending champs. Tkachuk was a key factor in the team’s run last season, registering 22 points in 24 playoff games, and he is off to a fast start in three games so far this year, securing three goals and an assist thus far. Florida currently leads the series 2-1.

Meanwhile, Guentzel, who appears fine and ready to go for game four, continues to build upon his impressive playoff history. As Benjamin Pierce points out on the team’s website, the 30-year-old is tied with Edmonton forward Leon Draisaitl for the seventh-highest goals-per-game average in NHL playoff history.

Canucks And Prospect Tom Willander Remain In Contract Dispute

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Vancouver Canucks prospect Tom Willander remains in contract limbo and is currently wondering what his future holds, per Cam Robinson of eliteprospects.com.

Willander, a 20-year-old defenseman from Stockholm, Sweden, was drafted 11th overall by the Canucks in the 2023 NHL Draft. He spent the last two seasons at Boston University and has developed into one of the top two-way defensive prospects thanks to his combination of speed and high hockey IQ. In his sophomore season, he recorded 21 points (2 goals, 19 assists) and a plus-16 rating in 33 games. In two seasons at Boston University, he has registered 51 points and a plus-47 rating.

However, as Robinson points out, Willander and the Canucks remain in the dispute over the bonuses he should receive in his entry-level contract (reportedly thought to be approximately $200,000). On Friday, Willander said he has simply asked the team to include the bonuses in his entry-level deal and that no other stipulations have been requested (such as a demand to start in the NHL). Willander also noted that he held off on joining the Swedish National Team, per the Canucks’ request, at least until negotiations continued to stall. Willander eventually decided to join the team in hopes of participating at the 2025 IIHF World Championships.

“They asked us earlier in the season. The Canucks didn’t want us to play there,” Willander said.  “But then as time moved on, it became viable so we decided ‘okay, it could be fun to play games with really good players.”

There were also conflicting reports between the player the team regarding where he’ll play next season. As recent as last week, the Canucks stated in a press conference that Willander would be returning to college for another season. However, as Willander told Robinson, he believes he’s ready to move on from college hockey, noting that it’s no longer the “perfect spot” for him.

Through it all, Willander said he’s trying to stay objective through the process and noted that his goal is to still to play in the NHL with Vancouver. He said that he likes the players and people he has met throughout the organization. It’s just a matter of if a deal can be reached at this point. And as Willander added, “I haven’t even thought about it hypothetically because it’s not close to being a done deal.”

 

 

 

Central Notes: Johansson, Heiskanen, Back, Colton

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Minnesota Wild winger Marcus Johansson was not in the lineup for today’s 4-3 overtime loss against the Golden Knights, the team announced prior to the game. Johansson left in the third period of game three with an undisclosed injury and did not return to the contest. Prior to today’s game, head coach John Hynes did not provide an update on his injury or a potential timeline for his return.

With Johansson out, veteran Vinnie Hinostroza was added to the lineup and recorded 11:57 of total ice time. Johansson, a fixture in the Wild’s top six, registered 34 points in 72 games on the season. The 34-year-old also brings a wealth of playoff experience to the table, playing in 112 career playoff games with 46 points. His return would be big for the Wild as the series is now tied 2-2.

Elsewhere in the Central Division:

  • Dallas Stars defender Miro Heiskanen will not play in tonight’s game four matchup against the Avalanche, per Lia Assimakopoulos of the Dallas News. Heiskanen recently rejoined practice first time since sustaining his knee injury in late January, and Friday’s practice was the closest he’s been to a full participant, Assimakopoulos notes. In 50 games on the season, the 25-year-old scored five goals and 25 points from the point. He’s also showcased an ability to elevate his game in the playoffs, including last season where he produced six goals and 16 points in 19 games. Coach Pete DeBoer also noted that forward Oskar Back will be a game-time decision after suffering an injury in game three. If he is unable to go, the door will be open for Mavrik Bourque to slot back into the lineup.
  • Colorado Avalanche coach Jared Bednar confirmed that forward Ross Colton is making progress with his lower body injury, but that Colton will remain out of the lineup for the foreseeable future, per Jesse Montano of Guerilla Sports. Colton sustained his injury in game one of the series and has not been able to dress since. In 61 regular season games this season, Colton produced 16 goals in 29 points.

Eastern Notes: Montembeault, Protas, Korpi

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Montreal Canadiens starting goalie Samuel Montembeault is being evaluated after leaving Friday’s game three victory over the Capitals, per NHL.com reporter Dan Rosen.

Head coach Martin St. Louis noted that Montembeault’s status for game four remains uncertain. The 28-year-old left during second period, appearing to be favoring his leg, and did not return. At the time, the game was tied 2-2, although the Habs were able to secure a 6-3 victory to pull closer in the series. In his place, Jakub Dobes was able to stop seven of eight shots he faced down the stretch. The 23-year-old finished the regular season with a 7-4-3 record to go along with an impressive .909 save percentage, which was actually eight percentage points higher than Montembeault’s regular season mark.

While St. Louis said he had “no idea” whether or not Montembeault would be ready for game four, he did discuss the confidence he has in his rookie netminder if he’s needed.

“I think what he did for us this year, he came in and had an incredible start, then he had a bit of a tougher stretch for a young goaltender but he finished strong,” said St. Louis of Dobes. “The last two games he played when you think about it, we needed those points, he played and he delivered good performances.”

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference:

  • Washington’s Aliaksei Protas could return to action in tomorrow’s pivotal game four matchup against the Habs, per Bailey Johnson of the Washington Post. Coach Spencer Carbery said Protas was a full participate at practice and was able to take full contact. He added that the team will see how the forward responds tomorrow, but it looks promising that he will return to the lineup. Protas has been out of the lineup since April 4th after being cut on his foot by a skate. He burst onto the scene this season, scoring 30 goals and 66 points in 75 games. What’s more, he’s accomplished all these lofty totals while only registering one point on the power play. His 60 even-strength points at the time of his injury tied him with Mitch Marner for eighth place in the NHL.
  • The Boston Bruins are turning their attention to next season and have invited goaltending prospect Cameron Korpi to their developmental camp, per
    Mark Divver of the New England Hockey Journal. Korpi recently transferred from the University of Michigan to Union College. In one year at Michigan, the rising sophomore had a 7-6-1 record with a .901 save percentage. The 20-year-old is a native of Michigan and has played for various teams, including the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, the Oklahoma Warriors in the NAHL, and the Muskegon Lumberjacks in the USHL.

Charlie Lindgren Expected To Start Game Four For Capitals

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Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery didn’t provide an injury update on Logan Thompson today, but did seem to clear a path for Charlie Lindgren to start game four against the Canadiens on Sunday, per NHL.com reporter Dan Rosen.

Thompson had a rough game three in multiple ways. He not only let in five goals but also collided with teammate Dylan Strome in the third period that resulted in his exit from the game. While his exact injury isn’t known, it appeared Thompson may have suffered a leg injury (though he also seemed to hold his head following the collision). And while Carbery didn’t provide an update on Thompson’s status, he did seem to clarify who would be between the pipes for game four. As Rosen notes, Carbery told reporters, “It’ll be next man up for us and we know ’Chucky’ Lindgren. He’s done a great job. He’s a great goaltender.”

While Lingren provides a solid veteran option for Washinton for the short term, his .894 save percentage this past season, in addition to his lack of playoff experience (four career starts), probably isn’t inspiring many within the organization if Thompson does miss significant time.

And while Thompson also doesn’t own a lot of playoff experience (seven career starts), he is coming off of a Vezina-candidate regular season where we produced a 31-6-6 record to go along with a .910 save percentage and 2.49 goals against average. His return to health, as well as efficiency, will be key to Washington’s Stanley Cup aspirations. The 27-year-old owns a career .912 save percentage and a 137-87-38 record.

Josh Anderson, Tom Wilson Fined For Unsportsmanlike Conduct

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For their part in a game three incident, Montreal Canadiens forward Josh Anderson and Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson were both fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct, per an NHL release.

The fine is the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement. As players prepared to enter their respective locker rooms at the end of the second period, Wilson and Anderson engaged in a wrestling match that ended up spilling into Washington’s bench. Both players received roughing minors and 10-minute misconducts. Multiple players joined the fracas, and Washington’s Lars Eller and Montreal’s Arber Xhekaj were also assessed minor penalties. For his part, Wilson also took the opportunity to mock Montreal players directly following the incident.

Capitals coach Spencer Carbery told reporters following the game that the situation was, “Just two competitive teams, two competitive guys going at it.” He added that when the second period concluded, he was making his way to the locker room when he needed to reverse course to avoid Anderson and Wilson coming into Washington’s bench.

These types of situations are not uncommon for Wilson, who has been suspended five time in his career in additional to several fines he’s accumulated over the years. Playing on the edge is also what has made Wilson a successful power forward for the Caps. His 2,368 career hits only trail teammate Alex Ovechkin in Washington history, while his 835 career games rank eighth in team history.

Anderson has also played a physical brand of hockey over his career, though this represents the first fine of his career (he did receive a two-game suspension for boarding in 2022). With the Canadians pulling away to a 6-3 win in game three, and drawing closer in the series, it will be interesting to see if there is a follow-up between the two physical forwards as the series progresses.

Western Conference Notes: Landeskog, Pickard, Poturalski

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After recently playing for the first time in 1,032 days, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog is set for a bigger role in game four of their matchup with against the Dallas Stars, per an NHL release.

The veteran is expected to join the top power-play unit and slot in on a line alongside Brock Nelson and Valeri Nichushkin. In his game three return, a 2-1 lost, Landeskog remarkably led all players with six hits in 13:16 of total ice time. He skated on the Avs third line next to Charlie Coyle and Joel Kiviranta.

After captaining the Colorado Avalanche to a Stanley Cup championship in 2022, the winger, 32, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery, which put his career in jeopardy. But after nearly three years of intense rehab, the Swedish-born forward has made his return, something that has greatly inspired the organization.

As head coach Avalanche Jared Bednar stated today: “It’s remarkable, really. When you think about the time he’s been away, and then you see the way he played the other night, I thought he was incredible under those circumstances.”

Elsewhere in the Western Conference:

  • The Edmonton Oilers have announced goalie Calvin Pickard will start game three of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings, per TSN. Pickard replaced Stuart Skinner in the third period of the team’s 6-2 loss in game two. Coach Kris Knoblauch noted the team will need a big game from Pickard, adding that the Oilers need “big saves at big times.” Pickard had a solid showing in the regular season, finishing with 22-10-1 record and .900 save percentage. Skinner, meanwhile, struggled for a starter with a .896 save percentage on the year through 51 appearances. And through two playoff starts, the 26-year-old holds a rough .810 save percentage and staggering 6.11 goals against average. If the Oilers have any hope of making another deep playoff run, they’ll need significantly better play between the pipes.
  • While not much went right for the San Jose Sharks this season, their AHL-affiliate does have something big to celebrate. San Jose Barracuda forward Andrew Poturalski was announced as the winner of the Les Cunningham Award as the AHL’s most valuable player, per a league release. Poturalski, 31, scored 73 points in 59 games to lead the Barracuda to their best record since 2019 (while missing the final three weeks of the regular season due to injury). Poturalski has had a phenomenal AHL career, securing three scoring titles and two Calder Cup championships. However, he has never been able to showcase that success in the NHL, appearing in just nine games with three assists.

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