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Alexander Radulov Will Not Participate In 2017 World Championships

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Fresh off a 4-2 Series loss to the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens winger Alexander Radulov was expected to join Russia for the upcoming World Championships in Paris and Cologne. Instead, he has refused to join the tournament according to the Russian Hockey Federation website citing his lack of a contract. Radulov is set to become an unrestricted free agent once again, but has been expected to re-sign with Montreal. The article also states that Nikita Zaitsev will not participate because of a concussion he suffered at the end of the regular season. Though Zaitsev returned in the playoffs for the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’ll opt-out of the tournament to focus on his health.

Radulov is set for a bit offseason after proving he was still the dynamic offensive player that left the NHL several years ago. With 54 points in the regular season and seemingly the Canadiens’ only dangerous player in the playoffs, Radulov has set himself up for a multi-year deal on the open market should he make it to July 1st. The length of the contract is up for debate, after Radulov and his agent both immediately downplayed the report that he was asking for eight years earlier this season.

Without a contract signed, the World Championships pose an incredible risk for Radulov if he were to get hurt, and the same goes for Zaitsev. The young Maple Leafs defender has been rumored to have agreed to a seven-year extension, but since it hasn’t been made official yet an injury—especially one that revolves around his brain—would be catastrophic for his future. He’ll instead work on being 100% ready for the start of training camp in a few months, where he will likely be penciled into the Leafs top-4 once again.

How Did The Top Five Picks In The 2016 Draft Class Fare?

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As the importance of drafting and developing talent takes precedence in a hard cap league, PHR takes a look at how the first five picks from the 2016 NHL Draft fared nearly a calendar year after their selection.

#1: Auston Matthews – Toronto Maple Leafs

It almost seems silly writing about him since the Calder Trophy nominated center has been one of the major reasons the Leafs made the playoffs and have given the Capitals fits. Matthews had 69 points in 82 games (40-29) and was everything the Leafs could have hoped he would be. Matthews scored four goals in his debut, and though he had his share of rookie struggles, looked wise beyond his very young age on the ice. Already in the playoffs, Matthews has four points in five games in the playoffs (3-1) and will certainly lead this team to a contender status in the years to come.

#2: Patrik Laine – Winnipeg Jets

Hardly a consolation prize, Laine is also a Calder Trophy finalist and finished the season with 64 points (36-28) but it was individual performances that garnered attention. Laine registered three hat tricks this season, and in a strictly point-per-game glance, Laine led Matthews and every other rookie this season.  Should Winnipeg improve their fortunes, Laine has the game breaking ability to take a talented team deep into the playoffs.

Oct 19, 2016; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (34) chases Winnipeg Jets right wing Patrik Laine (29) during the third period at MTS Centre. Winnipeg won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

#3: Pierre-Luc Dubois – Columbus Blue Jackets

One of only two players in the top ten to not spend time with the big club, Dubois split time with Cape Breton and Blainville-Boisbriand in the QMJHL. He didn’t disappoint. Combined, the left winger had 55 points in 48 games (21-34) and has been dynamic in the President’s Cup playoffs, posting 14 points (5-9) in 11 games. The Armada are currently in the semi-finals against Charlottetown (trailing 1-0), and if his current performance is any indication, Dubois could find himself breaking camp with the Blue Jackets next fall.

#4: Jesse Puljujarvi – Edmonton Oilers

Puljujarvi was sent down in early January after making the team out of camp, and his numbers in Bakersfield were respectable: 28 points (12-16) in 39 games and the opportunity to play real minutes instead of playing limited time in Edmonton. Puljujarvi appears to be a rising star, and the extra seasoning should help. His play will continue as he was loaned to Finland’s national team to play in the World Championships.

#5: Olli Juolevi – Vancouver Canucks

Juolevi spent the season with the London Knights, racking up 42 points (10-32) in 58 games. His point total matched his 2015-16 results, with the exception of adding a goal. Juolevi scored the game winning goal in the first round of the OHL playoffs against Windsor that sent the Knights onto the second round, where they ultimately lost to Erie in seven games. During their 14 game run, Juolevi had eight points (3-5). The smooth puck moving defenseman was the first blueliner taken in the draft, and could be a candidate to make the team next year as the Canucks will be retooling their roster with more youth.

Ovechkin Takes Hard Hit But Returns In Game 5

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Washington Capitals’ star winger Alex Ovechkin was upended in Game 5 of their series against Toronto by a Nazem Kadri hip check, who was called for tripping on the play. Ovechkin was escorted off the ice and could not put weight on his left leg. The hit can be viewed here, courtesy of NBC. He returned to the game for the second period.

Kadri attempted to lay a hip into Ovechkin as he carried the puck out of his defensive zone along the left board. Kadri succeeding in making contact with Ovechkin, but not before Ovechkin attempted to avoid the brunt of the impact by veering slightly right. The result was Ovechkin being twisted and flipped, in what looked to the officials in real time to be a knee-based trip. On the ensuing powerplay resulting from that penalty, the Capitals scored the opening goal. If the series hinges on such a call, the criticism from Toronto and Canada in general could be deafening. Notably, both Mike Milbury and Keith Jones called the hit legal during the intermission break for NBC.

Ovechkin, who is a notoriously tough, hard-nosed player, is no stranger to physicality. The winger has missed remarkably few  games over the course of his career – he only missed 4 contests in the last 3 seasons. His 33 goals in 2016-17 were his lowest total since 2013 – he had hit the 50-goal mark the previous three. However, coach Barry Trotz has consistently praised Ovechkin’s focus on defensive, all-around play this year, in hopes his change in style would lead to a championship run. Ovechkin has been one of the greatest playoff performers for a Washington team that has consistently struggled to find success in the post-season. His 44 goals in 88 games places him 16th all time in playoff goals per game, with the closest contemporary player on the list being Phil Kessel (at 20th). Considering his Capitals have never made it past the second-round during his career, this statistic is made even more impressive.

Ovechkin surprisingly returned to the game for the second period, in apparent game shape. His return was not anticipated by most analysts, and hockey fans everywhere exhaled a sigh of relief for the health of one of the game’s greatest players. His availability beyond this contest is unknown, but this is the time of year players will play through injuries.

NHL Names Calder Trophy Finalists

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The NHL released the Calder Trophy finalists for the 2016-17 season, reports Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. The finalists for the NHL’s rookie of the year award are: Winnipeg Jets forward Patrik Laine, Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews, and Columbus Blue Jackets defensman Zach Werenski.

Most hockey minds agreed that the Calder race was between Laine and Matthews, with outside runs by Werenski, Toronto Maple Leafs forwards William Nylander and Mitch Marner, and Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray. It was a tough year to be a skilled rookie as many impressive performances were overshadowed by Laine’s and Matthews’ excellent season.

Matthews finished the season with 40G and 29A in 82 games, breaking the Maple Leafs record for most goals by a rookie. 32 of those goals came on 5-vs-5, usually centering a line with rookies Zach Hyman and Connor Brown. Matthews averaged .84 points per game

Finnish rookie Laine scored 36G and 28A in 73 games while suffering a concussion midway through the season, and 27 of those goals were even-strength. Laine finished with .88 points per game.

Rounding up the trio is Blue Jackets defenseman Werenski. The American-native scored 11G and 36A in 78 games for the Blue Jackets while averaging just under 21 minutes a night. Werenski manned the second-pairing for Columbus, and quarterbacked the first-line powerplay.

Any of the above three would be well-suited to win the award. Matthews lived up to the expectations of a first overall pick, Laine excited Winnipeg crowds with his laser shot, and Werenski provided maturity beyond his years as a rookie defenseman on the NHL’s most surprising team. Fans will find out who won on June 21, 2017 when the NHL hosts its annual award show in Las Vegas, Nevada.

 

Injury Notes: Miller, Polak, Alzner

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The Boston Bruins will welcome back Colin Miller to their lineup against the Ottawa Senators tonight, taking the place of Tommy Cross on the blueline. The Bruins are down 2-1, and have had a myriad of injuries on their back end with Torey Krug, Brandon Carlo and Adam McQuaid all missing time. They’ll hope Miller can help them out, as he’ll skate beside John-Michael Liles tonight.

Here are some more updates from around the league…

  • Roman Polak underwent successful surgery yesterday to fix his broken leg, and will now be on a long road to recovery. Tom Gulitti of NHL.com relays that he’ll stay in the hospital for a few days before starting down that road, which will have to include finding a job this summer. Polak will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st, and with the Maple Leafs likely looking to make improvements on the blue line from this season there may be no room for him. After a brutal start, Polak somewhat turned his game around and should find a role somewhere in the league should he fully recover in time for the start of the season.
  • The Washington Capitals have their own injury on the back end, as Karl Alzner will indeed be out for their game tonight. The defenseman skated on his own after practice according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, which is the first time he’s been on the ice in several days. Alzner will also be a UFA this summer, but unlike Polak will be sure to get several multi-year offers. Though his overall games-played streak was broken when he missed game 3, he has still played in every single Capitals’ regular season game for the past seven seasons. His durability and consistency will be much sought-after around the league.
  • The Caps had a scare when Marcus Johansson crashed into Braden Holtby at practice, but all involved said he’s okay and won’t miss any time. After another elite regular season, Holtby hasn’t played up to his lofty playoff past yet, holding just a .914 save percentage through three games. Prior to this year, he had put up a .937 mark in the postseason.
  • Paul Stastny was on the ice at Blues’ practice, but he will not play tonight. Stastny hasn’t played yet in the first round series, but is one of the Blues’ most important forwards when healthy. With the Blues up 3-0, they’ll take their time with the centerman.

Snapshots: Sedlak, Alzner, Polak

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The Columbus Blue Jackets will try a little tinkering to keep them alive in their playoff series against the defending champs. Lukas Sedlak will draw back into the lineup in place of Scott Hartnell, while Matt Calvert, Kyle Quincey and Markus Nutivaara will all play according to a TSN report.

Sedlak will be making his NHL playoff debut after a rookie season that saw him contribute 13 points in 62 games. The 24-year old was a huge part of the Lake Erie (now Cleveland) Monsters’ Calder Cup win last year, with 16 points in 17 AHL playoff games. Perhaps he can provide some of that magic as the Blue Jackets attempt to stave off elimination for one more game.

  • Karl Alzner won’t play in game four of the Capitals-Maple Leafs series according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet. The pending unrestricted free agent sat out their game three overtime loss and was a noticeable absence. Though Nate Schmidt skated well, Alzner had previously been tasked with shutting down the Auston Matthews line, and without him they had their way with the Capitals. Scoring two goals and dominating possession—shot attempts were an insane 23-5 when William Nylander was on the ice—the Capitals need to find a way to slow down that line even without Alzner in the lineup.
  • Roman Polak will undergo surgery today to repair a broken right leg suffered on Saturday night. While there is no timetable for his return, he’ll likely try to make it back for the start of the 2017-18 season. Where he’ll be playing is still undecided, as he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. After an up-and-down season with the Leafs, he’ll be hard pressed to secure the same $2.25MM salary he earned this year.

Morning Notes: Krueger, Bernier, Coyotes

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Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet woke the hockey world up this morning with some news on the Vancouver Canucks head coaching vacancy. When he reached out to Ralph Krueger about the rumored interest, the former Edmonton Oilers head coach replied “I have had some interesting chats these past weeks, but my focus remains fully on the Saints for now.” The Saints of course is referring to the Southampton Football Club with which Krueger holds the chairman role and has since his 2014 exit from hockey.

Krueger of course coached the European team at this fall’s World Cup of Hockey, ushering them all the way to the final game against Team Canada. Kruger held the Edmonton job for just one season before being dismissed, but many around the hockey world believe he could easily step behind an NHL bench once again. His players at the World Cup praised him tremendously, and there have been rumors since his exit that he would eventually make his return to the sport.

  • It wasn’t just an overtime winner that thrilled Maple Leafs fans last night, but a goalie switch for the Anaheim Ducks. Jonathan Bernier came on in relief of John Gibson last night, and helped the Ducks claw their way back from a 4-1 deficit. While it’s not clear if that would ever warrant a start from the former Leaf, their fan base would clearly welcome it. The Maple Leafs would receive a draft pick if the Ducks made it to the Finals with Bernier starting more than half the games; a second-rounder if they were to win it all, and a third should they lose in the final series. Gibson allowed four goals on 16 shots, but will likely get back in the net with the Ducks up 3-0 in the series.
  • The Arizona Coyotes are hoping the Minnesota Wild can claw back from their own 3-0 deficit to the St. Louis Blues. When the Coyotes traded Martin Hanzal to Minnesota at the deadline, they agreed to a condition that would see them receive a draft pick based on how many series the Wild win in the playoffs. Should the Wild be eliminated by the Blues, Arizona will get a 2019 fourth-rounder, but if they somehow climb back it could move all the way to the second round with two series victories.

Toronto-Washington Defensive Woes – Zaitsev In, Alzner Out

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Washington Capital Karl Alzner has been ruled out for tonight’s game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs due to an upper-body injury, per the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. Meanwhile, Toronto will regain the services of Nikita Zaitsev on their blueline, per Pierre LeBrun.

Toronto was in desperate need of a warm body in their top-four, as Roman Polak’s agonizing injury left a noticeable void. Martin Marincin has performed quite well in Polak and Zaitsev’s absences, but the 25 year-old will now be able to have his time against top competition scaled back. Zaitsev’s addition has been an absolute boon for the team, as his offensive prowess has consistently fed the young forward core quick outlets and opportunities. The Russian has done nothing but impress since the World Cup tournament, and GM Brendan Shanahan should be lauded for his willingness to take a risk on his contract.

Washington was shocked by a double-overtime winner from the hands of Kasperi Kapanen in Game 2. As they try to re-assert their dominance in the series, this is certainly not news Caps fans were hoping for. The twenty-eight year-old hasn’t missed a game for the Capitals since 2010, with a remarkable iron-man streak to his credit. The defenseman logged over twenty minutes a night on the top pair. The nifty-skating Nate Schmidt will take his place on the blueline. He played 53 games this season before returns from injury and the addition of Kevin Shattenkirk sent him to the press box. The 24 year-old already has 10 playoff games to his credit, and his advanced stats were quite good, with  a 53.1 Corsi For %. By contrast, Alzner posted a 46.3, his worst showing in the department since 2013.

Toronto hopes the energy of their rabid fanbase will help flip this series’ script as they play Washington at home in Game 3.

Atlantic Notes: Zaitsev, Baptiste, Ekblad

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When all was said and done in game 2 of the Maple Leafs-Capitals series, Toronto had watched their top two defensmen play 40 minutes each and seen another right-handed shot go down early. They were desperate for some good news on Nikita Zaitsev, and he may have shared it himself. “Skating. See you soon Toronto!” he tweeted Sunday, accompanied by a video of him skating hard in practice by himself. He has since deleted the tweet and video but as Kristen Shilton of TSN reports, will play tonight.

The Leafs could use him back after losing Roman Polak to a season-ending leg injury on Saturday night. The coaching staff clearly doesn’t trust Connor Carrick in the advanced role—he played just under 19 minutes, more than ten less than Martin Marincin despite being the only right-handed shot left in the game—and did not have good early results from Alexey Marchenko in the regular season.

  • As the Rochester Americans season comes to an end, one player believes it will be his last stint with the club. John Vogl of the Buffalo News reports that Nicholas Baptiste believes he can make the jump to the Buffalo Sabres next year, and provide a similar role as a goal-scoring forward. Baptiste had 25 goals for the Amerks this season, and actually contributed four points in his 14 games with the big club. The 21-year old was a big point producer in junior, and will try to continue that at the highest level in the world next year.
  • After an ugly end to his season that saw Aaron Ekblad return too early from a head injury, he’s already looking forward to next year. Ekblad admitted to Henry Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel that early in the season he was afraid of being hit, his mind racing back to the Leo Komarov hit in the World Cup that had left him with whiplash. He had just turned things around when he suffered the second head injury, this time keeping him out for 13 of the final 14 games—the one being a misguided attempt at a return. He’ll head into next year at just 21-years of age and already a superstar in the league, should he get back to his puck-carrying self. The Panthers will welcome his return, as their team somewhat mirrors his results.

How Has Toronto Frustrated Washington?

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Upsets aren’t unheard of during NHL playoffs, yet the Capitals’ struggles against a young Toronto Maple Leafs’ team that squeaked into the playoffs (after missing out since 2012-13) has turned some heads. ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun writes that he interviewed several head coaches for their analysis as to how the Maple Leafs have threatened the top-ranked team in the NHL.

Most coaches believe it’s Toronto’s speed and quickness that has frustrated Washington so much. That quickness has disrupted their game since the Capitals are not considered to be the fastest team in the league.

“Listen, Washington is a great hockey club, but they’re not the quickest team in the league,” a Western Conference coach said. “And the Maple Leafs are using the quickness they have, they have a lot of foot speed and they’re using it. They’re constantly putting pressure on Washington all over the ice. Toronto is so well-coached as far as puck support that Washington can’t get it stopped in the offensive zone — Toronto exits too quickly. Everything they’re doing, from play without the puck and play with the puck; it’s got quickness in it and it’s really giving Washington a challenge.”

In fact, according to another Eastern Conference coach, it’s Washington’s lack of speed that may be making the difference. “[The Caps are] a structured team, they’re experienced, they’ve got moxie, and I think they’re heavy, probably the heaviest team in the East,” said the coach over the phone. “But the speed factor has given them problems, like it did with Pittsburgh last year, where there’s no time and space.”

LeBrun writes another Eastern Conference coach suggests that Toronto is doing a “disciplined job of getting pucks in and making Wash’s D have to go back for pucks. They are dumping intelligently to areas where their speed is forechecking! Using five guys on the forecheck [their weak-side D is going down the wall hard] creates o-zone time, makes Washington’s studs play in their zone. Which sucks for them.”

Yet, another major factor to Toronto’s success is the play of Frederik Andersen. LeBrun said a Western Conference GM told him that Andersen would need a 94 percent save percentage to pull off an upset of the Capitals. After two games and 88 saves of 94 shots, Anderson is sporting a .936 save percentage. “The scary thing is in the 3rd and OT of Game 2, he was getting better and better, and it looked easier,” the second Eastern Conference coach said via text. “He has been the best player in the series — not even close.”

It was also suggested that the Capitals have failed to dominate in the offensive zone and haven’t been able to capitalize on the Leafs’ main weakness, which is their defense.

“We haven’t really seen Washington hem the Leafs into their zone that much,” said the first Eastern Conference coach, “like, make Toronto defend for a long period of time. I’ve been surprised so far that we haven’t seen Washington possess the puck more and make Toronto defend. It’s almost been like a track meet. A lot of Washington’s offense so far has been [power play] or rush plays as opposed to long, strong, heavy shifts that probably I think would give Toronto trouble.”

Talent may also be a factor says a third Eastern conference coach. Toronto may be young, but they may be one of the most talented teams out there. It just took them a while to figure it out. “I think Toronto right now is the third-most talented team in the East,” the coach said Sunday over the phone. “Now, they’re young, but who cares? That was a tough draw for Washington. Outside of Pittsburgh and Washington, to me the Leafs are the third-most talented group in the East.”

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