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Standings Showdown: Effects Of The “Loser Point”

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With all 31 general managers getting together in Florida the week for their annual meetings, a handful of topics have come to the forefront of the NHL conversation. Offsides, review and bye-week discussions are all taking place as the GMs break into different groups to discuss the game, but one topic continually has fans talking; what about the shootout, and that nasty little “loser point”?

The NHL has long maintained its need for parity league-wide, keeping smaller markets relevant into the late stages of the season and not allowing the powerhouses to push them out financially. It’s why the salary cap was introduced in the first place, as teams like New York and Toronto would buy up all the good players every year and force the Carolinas and Floridas of the world to feast on the scraps. The idea that almost every team was still in the playoff hunt at the deadline—sorry Colorado—was one the NHL relished even if it did make for a less exciting trading atmosphere. One of the other things many people point to is that “loser point”, which is the one earned if the score is tied at the end of regulation regardless of what happens afterwards.

But is that really forcing parity in the league, or is it something else? Mark Stepneski of NHL.com tweets that it has a lot to do with that salary cap, and he’s probably right. That has a much bigger impact on competitive balance league wide, even if not all teams are spending equally.

Looking at an example, the standings in the Western Conference right now are as follows:

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Vermette To Be Suspended Ten Games

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Anaheim Ducks veteran center Antoine Vermette slashed an official in last night’s game, a 1-0 win over the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Wild, and was swiftly ejected. Vermette’s chop to the back of the leg of linesman Shandor Alphonso was nothing more than a love tap, but any and all abuse of referees is not tolerated in the NHL. Now, the league is set to show Vermette just how serious they are.

As reported by Sportsnet’s John Shannon this morning, Vermette’s action is categorized as a Category II violation under NHL Rule 40 , which states:

“Any player who deliberately applies physical force to an official in any manner (excluding actions as set out in Category I), which physical force is applied without intent to injure, or who spits on an official, shall be automatically suspended for not less than ten (10) games.”

Shannon does note that Vermette has a right to an appeal, which would be heard by commissioner Gary Bettman. However, it is possible that Bettman could actually increase the suspension if it is appealed, though it is more likely that he will simply uphold it and is very unlikely that he will spurn his officials by cutting it short. However, if Ducks coach Randy Carlyle had any say, it would surely be reduced. Carlyle told the Orange County Register that Vermette was simply reacting to not being ready for the drop of the puck and that there was no malicious intent or actual harm. It certainly seems that way, but the NHL is still not wrong for taking a hard stance on protecting its refs.

The suspension comes at a tough time for Anaheim, as they jockey for position in the Western Conference playoff picture. Trailing the slumping San Jose Sharks by three point for the top position in the Pacific Division, yet up just two points on the Edmonton Oilers as well, the Ducks can ill-afford to lose a key piece of their forward corps. Vermette has eight goals and 14 assists through 58 games in his first season in Anaheim, and while his signature two-way play has slipped somewhat in 2016-17, he is still a wizard at the face-off dot and leaves a gaping hole at third line center without an easy fix. Over their next ten games, the Ducks play the division rival Los Angeles Kings twice, as well as Western contenders like the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, and St. Louis Blues, and additionally host Eastern playoff hopefuls in the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. It is not a good time to lose a major piece and if Vermette’s ten-game suspension is upheld, Anaheim may have to shift its focus at the Trade Deadline to adding some depth down the middle.

The NHL is expected to handle any appeal promptly. Stay tuned for the final word on Vermette’s fate.

Detroit Red Wings Owner Mike Ilitch Passes Away

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Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch has passed away at the age of 87. Like our MLBTR brothers, everyone here at PHR would like to extend our condolences to the Ilitch family and the entire Red Wings organization.

In a statement released by Gary Bettman, the NHL Commissioner puts it best:

With the passing of Mike Ilitch, the Red Wings have lost the consummate owner, the NHL has lost a cherished friend and passionate builder, Detroit sports has lost a legend and the city of Detroit has lost not only a devoted native son but a visionary and driving force in the rebirth of downtown. 

Ilitch bought the Red Wings in 1982, ten years before he would buy the Detroit Tigers. Under his leadership, the Red Wings would become one of the finest organizations in the NHL, grooming executives and coaches alike. Their current playoff streak of 25 straight seasons is thanks in no small part to the vision and ownership of Ilitch.

Teams, players and media members around the league are pouring out condolences with one common trait; Ilitch never did hold his success over anyone, and was willing to talk to just about everyone that wanted a moment. His dedication to the city of Detroit will likely never be duplicated or matched, though his family will try to continue his legacy.

His son Christopher, the current CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc said in a press release that he’s “honored to have had the opportunity to work with him to nurture and grow our businesses” and that he would do everything in his power to continue in his footsteps.

With the team leaving Joe Louis Arena this season, and now the passing of their legendary owner it has been a year of change for the Red Wings. The fact that they may miss the playoffs for the first time in a quarter of a century seems almost secondary in light of these recent events. Ilitch will go down as one of the greatest owners in sports history, and is deservedly already in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Hartford Trying To Lure Isles to Connecticut

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In an interesting twist involving the future of the New York Islanders, the city of Hartford, formerly the home of the NHL’s Whalers, has offered the team the use of the XL Center as an “interim” home, according to local news station WFSB. Hartford has been without the NHL since 1997 when the Whalers left town and became the Carolina Hurricanes.

Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin sent a letter to Jonathan Ledecky, Scott Malkin and Charles Wang, the Islanders ownership group, and made a compelling pitch to lure the Isles to the state. As part of their argument, Malloy and Bronin mention in the letter that Connecticut is home to more Fortune 500 companies than several existing NHL markets, including: Columbus, Raleigh, Buffalo and Nashville. Additionally, Malloy and Bronin discuss the ongoing renovations to the XL Center, including the installation of a new ice surface and dasher boards. A copy of the letter can be found here.

It’s believed the Islanders are already exploring their options as it appears the team may exercise an opt-out in their Barclay’s Center lease following the 2017-18 campaign. Even if the Islanders choose to remain, the Barclay’s Center is expected to exercise their end of the opt-out after the 2018-19 season.

While Connecticut is amenable to providing a short-term home for the Islanders, the letter also states a willingness to work with the team to become a long-term option.

Ultimately, the Islanders are unlikely to take Connecticut up on their offer. The team’s owners have indicated their desire to remain in the New York market and a move to Hartford would probably not get the backing of Gary Bettman and the league’s other owners. But, with renovations to XL Center underway, Hartford could join Quebec City as a potential expansion or relocation candidate in the future.

NHL Stars Support Going To Olympics In 2018

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Alexander Ovechkin, Connor McDavid, Jonathan Toews, and Sidney Crosby all agree. The NHL should go to the Pyeongchang Olympics in 2018.

Now it’s just up to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and IOC President Rene Fasel to hammer out a deal.

Toews told TSN’s Frank Seravalli “quite frankly, to turn on the Olympics next year and watch the hockey teams and the players representing their country — if it’s not the best in the world, I don’t know, I feel like we’re misrepresenting our sport on a pretty huge scale, on a pretty huge level.”

Toews is part of select group, including Crosby, Shea Weber, and coach Mike Babcock, who could win their third-straight Olympic gold medal in Pyeongchang. Toews believes the Olympics are on a “whole other level” than the World Cup and World Championships.

Pyeongchang would be the first chance for McDavid to represent Canada at the professional level. He told Seravalli that, after playing for Team North America at the World Cup, having a chance to represent his country “would be everything.”

“Just to get a chance to chase down a spot on the team and have that opportunity, it would be very special. But we’re very fortunate in Canada to have a long list of great Canadian players. It’d be a tough team to make.”

While the players appear to be a united front, as evidenced by the chatter at the All-Star Game, the NHL’s board of governors and owners are not in agreement. Many owners are not interested in taking a two-week break in the schedule with the potential for their superstars to come back hurt, like John Tavares did in 2014. Despite this, some owners are clearly supportive, like Ted Leonsis. The Capitals’ owner has be vocal about the players going, even saying he would allow Ovechkin to go regardless of official NHL participation.

Negotiations have not gone smoothly so far. The IOC initially said it wouldn’t cover insurance and travel costs for NHL players, but then found funds to do so. That didn’t go over well with Bettman, who said the IOC “opened a can of worms” with the NHL board of governors by appearing to not value the NHL’s participation, according to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston.

Earlier this season, the NHL offered the Olympics to the PA as part of a deal that would see the current CBA extended by three years, but that was shot down without much consideration. The subject reportedly came up again at the board of governors’ meeting over the weekend, but talk lasted “just ten seconds.”

The NHL, it seems, would prefer to skip 2018 but return for 2022 in China. The league is already looking at hosting games in China as it looks to expand its presence in Asia.

Time is becoming an issue, as the Games are already just a year away. However, this wasn’t a problem in Turino or Sochi, writes CBC’s Tim Wharnsby, as the NHL didn’t officially agree to go until the summer before.

Despite the negativity surrounding negotiations, Crosby remains optimistic, telling ESPN’s Craig Custance that “you have to trust at the end of the day, everyone is going to work hard to make sure it can happen.”

It’s hard to imagine the NHL not going, especially with its biggest stars being so passionate about attending. Either way, the decision is approaching.

Snapshots: Three Stars, All-Star Game, Jersey Ads

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The NHL has named Wayne Simmonds, Patrick Marleau, and Frederik Andersen as its Three Stars of the Week.

Simmonds scored two goals in two games, including a game winner, in the abbreviated schedule before the All-Star weekend. He was then named MVP of the All-Star Game with three goals in two games as his Metropolitan Division won the weekend. Simmonds has 21 goals this season, good for ninth in the NHL.

Marleau began the week in spectacular fashion, scoring four goals in the third period of a 5-2 win over the lowly Colorado Avalanche. He is just the twelfth player in NHL history to accomplish that feat, and the first to do so since Mario Lemieux did it in January 1997. Marleau had another goal and assist in the Sharks 4-3 win over Winnipeg and 4-1 loss to Edmonton, respectively. He now has 17 goals on the season.

Andersen had back-to-back shutouts in his two appearances last week. He made 26 saves in a 4-0 blanking of the Calgary Flames and 22 saves in another 4-0 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Andersen has a 21-10-8 record to go with his 0.921 SV% and three shutouts in his first season with the Maple Leafs.

  • The second year of the new All-Star Game format was very popular, according to NBC Sports. In a series of tweets, NBC Sports PR reported the ratings were up dramatically over the 2015-16 edition of the game. The NHL switched from the previous format of two voted captains picking teams out of the players selected to a three-on-three tournament with all four divisions facing off for the prize money. Prior versions included Eastern Conference vs Western Conference and North America vs World.
  • Fear not, NHL jersey purists. The NHL is not considering putting ads on jerseys, despite having ads on the shoulders of the jerseys at September’s World Cup of Hockey. However, Commissioner Gary Bettman believes there’s a difference between the jerseys at the World Cup and the NHL teams’ sweaters. Bettman commented on the issue during All-Star Weekend, saying “it’s not an active discussion among NHL clubs. I always said we wouldn’t be first… The NBA is doing it. But it would take an unusual circumstance – which I would define as ‘a lot of money that I’m having trouble comprehending right now’ – for us to even be thinking about it.” Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshnyski writes that Bettman “understands the levels of fan backlash if the advertising became too ungainly.”

Eastern Conference Snapshots: Hurricanes, Trocheck, Mantha

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From the outside looking in, the stars seem to be aligned for the relocation of an NHL franchise. The Carolina Hurricanes are up for sale and their attendance figures once again rank near the bottom of the league. And up north, Quebec City, the former home of the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, has a shiny new arena lacking an NHL tenant. It almost makes too much sense but as Chip Alexander of The News & Observer writes, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the league remains committed to the “Triangle.”

“Peter may sell, he may not sell,” Bettman said Saturday. “He may sell all of it. He may sell some of it. He may sell none of it. There’s no formal sale process going on. There’s no imperative for the franchise to be sold on any immediate basis, and the franchise is not moving. I hope that was definitive enough.”

While there is a strong possibility the team will be sold, the NHL sees far too much promise in the Carolina market to abandon it now. As Alexander notes, the Triangle is one of the fastest growing markets in the country and given that the Hurricanes appear to have a bright future with loads of young talent int he pipeline, it may only be a matter of time before the organization turns it around, both on and off the ice.

Elsewhere in the Eastern Conference:

  • First time All-Star Vincent Trocheck is on pace to register a 30-goal season, one year after netting 25 goals and 53 points as a 22-year-old in his sophomore NHL campaign. The former third-round pick has turned heads with his strong offensive production the last two seasons but Trocheck believes he is just scratching the surface of his potential, according to Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel. Trocheck is contributing more than just offense, as Fialkov points out, taking the fourth highest number of draws in the entire NHL. He also ranks second on the team among forwards in hits and shot blocks. Florida felt strongly enough in Trocheck’s future to ink the youngster to a six-year, $28.5MM contract extension this past July and the early returns have proven positive for the Panthers.
  • The Detroit Red Wings are in danger of missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a quarter-century and while that won’t make the fans in Motown happy, the development of the club’s young talent this season could represent a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. Among the young Wings who are coming into their own is Anthony Mantha, the team’s first-round pick in 2013, as Brendan Savage of MLive.com reports. Mantha enjoyed tremendous success with Val d’Or of the QMJHL, capping off his junior career with a 57-goal season and being named CHL Player of the Year in 2013-14. His pro career got off to an auspicious beginning, due in part to a broken leg his first season with Grand Rapids but the 22-year-old winger is finally showing his promise this year in Detroit. Mantha has recorded 11 goals and 22 points in 34 games this season and is tied for third on the club in goals. Even if the Wings fall short of extending their playoff run, the continued development of players like Mantha will go a long way as the team looks to begin its next streak.

Custance’s Latest: Projecting Those Most Affected By Flat Cap

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The NHL’s Board of Governors (BOG) are in the midst of two days of meetings designed to cover several important topics before wrapping up today. Chief among them – and of particular interest to team executives as well as fans of the sport – is an early projection of the 2017-18 salary cap ceiling. Commissioner Gary Bettman advised the BOG to expect a modest increase, perhaps as much as $2MM, if any at all. Specifically, Bettman suggested the salary cap may remain flat. Naturally, that may present problems for several teams already close to the cap ceiling while pending free agents might find their respective markets depressed due to fewer clubs being in position to take on big salaries.

Craig Custance of ESPN.com wrote about a few teams and players who stand to be affected the most should the salary cap ceiling remain flat for the 2017-18 campaign. Among those he listed were Artemi Panarin, who will be a RFA coming off his ELC and in line for a massive raise. As we already know, Chicago is tight up against the cap and have already been forced to deal away key contributors due to a lack of cap space – Brandon Saad, Patrick Sharp and Teuvo Teravainen, for instance. They’ll likely have another tough decision to make given the situation.

Tampa Bay and their GM, Steve Yzerman, are two others Custance mentions as being impacted by a flat cap. The Lightning are set to watch Tyler Johnson, Jonathan Drouin and Ondrej Palat become RFAs this summer and with just less than $60MM in cap commitments already on the books for 2017-18, it’s highly unlikely that Yzerman will be able to re-sign all three players.

In addition to those already brought up by Custance, there are several other clubs who will have a difficult time navigating the salary cap if the ceiling remains at or near the $73MM mark. Here are a few of those teams:

  • Los Angeles Kings – The Kings already have just more than $60MM committed to the 2017-18 salary cap with forwards Tanner Pearson and Tyler Toffoli slated to become RFAs next summer. Toffoli tallied career highs in goals (31) and points (58) in 2015-16 and while his scoring out put is down some this year, he could still easily command upwards of $4MM annually on a new contract. Pearson, meanwhile recorded 36 points last year and is on pace for about that same total this season. That could well push his salary north of $3MM next year.
  • New York Rangers – The Blueshirts might be in a bigger bind than the Kings. They have about $63MM tied up in 2017-18 commitments with top-six center Mika Zibanejad and checking forward Jesper Fast, among several others, scheduled to become RFA’s. On top of that, the team will likely be in the market for a blue line upgrade and unless they can find a way to unload one of Dan Girardi or Marc Staal, the Rangers won’t have enough cap space to make an impact addition in free agency.
  • Detroit Red Wings – The Red Wings are projected to have less than $5MM in cap space next season with Thomas Vanek hitting free agency. Additionally, five other players will be RFAs, including Tomas Tatar and Tomas Jurco. It’s hard to imagine the Wings being anything more than a fringe playoff contender next season given their current roster and with virtually no salary cap space available next season, as it’ll be tough for the team to improve through free agency.

Snapshots: Olympics, Vanek, Kane

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The NHL is using the Olympic dream to play hardball with the Players Association, according to Larry Brooks of the New York Post.

As we’ve previously reported, the NHL is offering Olympic participation in exchange for a three-year extension of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA). But the NHLPA isn’t likely to accept that proposal due to their unhappiness with the escrow agreement.

Brooks compared the escrow situation to a classic Seinfeld quote, “the players are angry, my friends, like old men trying to send back soup in a deli.”

The players are not happy with losing 15% of their yearly salary. And they’re furious, according to Brooks, that the NHL is holding the Olympics over their head to increase the CBA’s length. Originally, the NHL said they needed the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) to cover player costs, which President René Fasel ultimately agreed to. But then NHL decided it needed more from the players in order to go to the Olympics. As Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist put it, “it sounds like they’re pretty happy at the league with what they have, doesn’t it?”

Brooks writes that this could be the issue that finally unites the Players Association for the first time since they fractured during the 2004-05 lockout as different parts fought for and against the implementation of a hard salary cap. They could fight for a hard cap on escrow, like the NBA has.

With the NHL publicly open to extending the current CBA, it would be “an Olympian task” for them to lock out the players for a fourth time under Gary Bettman.

 

  • The Detroit Red Wings will have some scoring help when they face the Calgary Flames on Sunday as Thomas Vanek is set to return to the lineup. Vanek has missed 11 games, in which the Red Wings had a paltry record of 3-7-1. They’ve had trouble scoring just 18 goals in those 11 games. Vanek has four goals and eight points in seven games played, and should boost the Red Wings. He’ll play on the top line with Frans Nielsen and Dylan Larkin against the Flames, according to George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press.
  • On Friday, we reported that the Vancouver Canucks were no longer interested in pursuing hometown boy Evander Kane. On Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman reported that the Sabres’ asking price was too high for the Canucks, and that’s what lead to the breakdown of talks. Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshnyski wrote that the two would have been a poor fit, as the Canucks are rebuilding and Kane averages “a police investigation per season and can’t stay healthy.” Wyshnyski said he doubts Kane would be able to stay on his “best behaviour during a prolonged rebuild,” and concluded “thank God for high asking prices.”

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