Morning Skate: NHL teams lose a lot of games after their bye weeks

More than half of the NHL has run through their CBA-mandated bye week by now, a required five days of rest and recuperation in the midst of a condensed schedule.

I don’t think any of them like it. Here’s the first few results for each team coming out of their bye week so far:

So, yeah. Mixed results. In their next five games following bye weeks, teams are 20-29. I’m not counting OT losses because come on: Those players consider those as bad as losses anyway.

It’s probably safe to say that the whole bye week formula is headed for a change.

Maple Leafs rookie sensation Auston Matthews scored a goal that felt a LOT like the iconic goal that Alex Ovechkin scored a decade ago.

I think he might make it in this league.

Why are the Rangers scouting the Kings so heavily?

It sure sounds like the Canucks might stand pat at the deadline.

The Penguins have their eyes on a Detroit defender.

Hey look, another minor trade. Meh.

Here’s 77 reasons why he should win it.

Here’s an excellent look at hockey’s cocaine abuse problem.

The Coyotes have come a long, long way in 20 years.

Connor McDavid’s next contract is going to be MASSIVE.

Jonathan Toews is playing the best hockey of his life.

Avs fans already know who they want the team to draft.

Ottawa lost its two best players not named Karlsson in one night. Woof.