Here are all the links from around the hockey world, and what I’m reading while feeling plenty of hope for the future based on the events of yesterday. Those kids are an inspiration.
*Larry Brooks cautions the Rangers not to fall into the trap the Buffalo Sabres are mired in where bottoming out to get top draft picks has left them in a perpetual state of suckitude. It should be noted that sinking to the bottom and getting a couple of top picks seemed to work out pretty okay for the Chicago Blackhawks. So there’s your counterpoint.
*We have officially crossed over into the Toronto twilight zone.
*The current NHL season can’t end soon enough for Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price, and I’d imagine there are plenty involved with the Habs that are really looking forward to getting over with the final seven games of the season.
*Here’s a look at some potential underdog surprises in the Stanley Cup playoffs as the match-ups begin to come into view.
*Cool moment as Stan Fischler is saluted by the Madison Square Garden crowd as his distinguished media career wraps up at the end of this season.
*Here’s a really poignant story about Minnesota Wild forward Jason Zucker, and how one random choice made in his teen years essentially saved his life, and another in his NHL career gave him new direction.
Boston Bruins
*For something completely different: Well, this sounds like a guy you don’t want to ever invite over for any parties.