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Morning Skate: Killing time on another NHL playoff off-day with a Conn Smythe debate
Let’s get mad online.
Don Wright-USA TODAY Sports
Lace ‘em up. Time for the Morning Skate.
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PASSING THE TIME
Anyone else hate the Stanley Cup Final schedule? Going two whole days without a playoff game is the worst. To make the latest off-day interesting, let's go through the top five Conn Smythe candidates. We'll stick to a one player per team rule, regardless of which team is in the finals, because this is our newsletter and we can do what we want.
1. Phil Kessel, Penguins
I see your arguments for Sidney Crosby and Matt Murray, and I dismiss them. Kessel leads Pittsburgh in points and has been involved in so many important goals throughout the playoffs.
2. Brent Burns, Sharks
Joe Pavelski was the leader for the Sharks in the Conn Smythe race until he disappeared in the final. Burns' play has only picked up since the SCF began.
Filled the Stamkos-sized void admirably.
4. Jamie Benn, Stars
I put Benn over any Blues player not because I'm a Stars fan (get off my back), but because Benn left in the second round and still leads most of the conference finals players in points.
5. Vladimir Tarasenko, Blues
He was silent for stretches, but still was the most dangerous Blues player on the ice at any given time.
MORE GAME 5 NEWS AND NOTES
- San Jose has a tough task in replacing Tomas Hertl.
- If you're not entertained by this Stanley Cup Final, the problem is with you.
- Fear The Fin pays tribute to Martin Jones and one of the best Sharks playoff runs of all time.
- Pensburgh breaks down how the Penguins' power play gave them a Game 4 win.
PANTHERS JERSEY REACTIONS
The internet seems to love them, and rightly so. You should check out Litter Box Cats’ breakdowns. The first is an excellent summary of why the new “leaping cat” logo is a major upgrade. And the whole re-branding is oozing with symbolism.
FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY, STING LIKE A VEE
Like the Penticton Vees. You know, that one junior hockey team in Canada. Hockey. Muhammad Ali. This is a terrible segue and a terrible joke. I am sorry. Please forgive me.
OFFSEASON RUMOR CORNER
Considering the season might end tomorrow night, it’s time to get the offseason rumor mill underway and churning. We begin with a handful of tidbits from across the league:
- The Coyotes have reportedly told Martin Hanzal to expect a trade.
- Elsewhere in the Western Conference, the Avalanche might be targeting Winnipeg defenseman Jacob Trouba.
- It seems more and more likely that the Blues will trade Kevin Shattenkirk this summer.
- Second City Hockey wonders why the Blackhawks would possibly prefer Andrew Shaw over Teuvo Teravainen.
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NEWS AND NOTES:
- What should the Kings be willing to pay Milan Lucic?
- Calgary is going to have issues signing good players because they've signed bad players to bad contracts.
- Here are three things the Canucks should and shouldn't do this summer.
- The Avalanche made a splash trading for Mikkel Boedker at the deadline, but odds are he won't be back next year.
- Expect prospect turnover for the Rangers this year.
- Noah Hanifin was as excellent as advertised for the Hurricanes.
- The stars are aligned for the Leafs to make big moves this summer.
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