Good afternoon hockey fans, the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs are almost over and there’re quite a few compelling news stories making the rounds today. By the end of Thursday night, the NHL’s Conference Finals will be set. This week, there’s a good possibility that there could be two Game 7’s.
Someone seems to think that there’s a good chance that the NHL is coming to Las Vegas. Talk about a nice destination to take in a hockey game during you winter vacation in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Puck Daddy) (Sin Bin Vegas)
It looks like former Minnesota Golden Gopher and current New York Islander Kyle Okposo could soon be an unrestricted free agent. In 79 games, Okposo scored 22 goals and 42 assists for 64 points. (News Day)
Could the Minnesota Wild end up being a possible destination for Okposo? Obviously, they would have to find some cap space to fit him in.
Boston Bruins forward and uber pest Brad Marchand is lighting up the IIHF World Championships. I don’t think that anyone should be shocked. Marchand had one of his best seasons in the NHL. (CSNNE.com)
Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner and former Harvard All-American forward Jimmy Vesey says that the Boston Bruins are on his list of teams that he would like to sign with. (Boston Herald)
“I think the Bruins will definitely be on my list of teams,” said the 22-year-old Vesey, who will become an unrestricted free agent August 15 – with probably 30 NHL teams salivating at the prospect at getting the Hobey Baker Award winner’s signature on a contract.
When Washington Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik returns from his three-game suspension, former Golden Gophers and current Capitals defenseman Nate Schmidt will be taking a seat in the stands. Apparently, Schmidt’s turnovers are a concern for the Capitals. (NBC Sports)
The Minnesota Wild have a new head coach. Former Anaheim Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau takes over behind the bench for the Wild. (Star Tribune). Also, will Boudreau be the Wild’s version of Mike Zimmer? (Star Tribune) And finally, there’s no guarantee that coach Boudreau can get more out of the Wild than Yeo. (Star Tribune)
In game 6, the San Jose Sharks let the game slip away from them. (CSNBAYAREA.com) Couture’s hockey obsession pays off in Sharks’ Game 5 win (CSNBAYAREA.com)
The Nashville Predators have forced a Game 7. (CBS Sports) Predators find their legs just in time. (The Tennessean)
The St. Louis Blues starting goaltender Brian Elliott had a rough night against the Stars in Game 6. The former Wisconsin Badger let in four goals on seven shots. Blues head coach Ken Hitchcock isn’t ready to name his starting goaltender for Game 7. (CBS Sports)
