Fantucchio’s Focus: Islanders captain nominated for Clancy Memorial Trophy, Devils down 3-1 & last chance for Leafs

The 32 nominees for the King Clancy Memorial Trophy were announced on Tuesday afternoon, and the representative for the New York Islanders is none other than their captain, Anders Lee.

The award has been given annually since 1987 to the player who “best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution in his community.”

Lee has been the Islanders’ nominee for the award in five of the last six seasons.

The Islanders have had two previous players win the award, with Doug Weight in 2010-11 and Bryan Trottier in 1988-89.

NHL Playoffs: 

The New Jersey Devils gave the puck up 26 times on Tuesday night and are now on the brink of elimination after allowing the Carolina Hurricanes to ride a five-goal second period to a 6-1 victory at the Prudential Center. Jordan Martinook totaled three points in the game as the series now moves back to Carolina for Game 5 on Thursday, with the Hurricanes leading three games to one.

Miro Heiskanen was back on the ice last night for the Dallas Stars, who beat the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena 6-3 to tie their second-round series at two-all. In Game 3 on Sunday, the Dallas defenseman exited the game in the second period and did not return after taking a puck to the face, leaving him with a cut on his left cheek that required “about eight stitches,” according to Heiskanen.

After finally making it to the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Toronto Maple Leafs may very well be bounced before they get the chance to enjoy it. Trailing the Florida Panthers three games to none, Toronto must win tonight at FLA Live Arena to extend their season with puck drop at 7 p.m. EST.

The Vegas Golden Knights held both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid without a point for the first time this postseason on Sunday to take a 2-1 lead in their series with the Edmonton Oilers. The series resumes this evening at Rogers Place starting at 10 p.m. EST.

Landeskog to miss next year following knee operation: 

After missing all of this season, Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will undergo a cartilage transplant in his right knee today that will force him to sit out the entirety of next season, per an announcement by the team.

Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog will undergo a cartilage transplant in his right knee on May 10. The surgery will be performed by Dr. Brian Cole at the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. The 30-year-old forward is expected to miss the entire 2023-24 season. pic.twitter.com/bM466EpL3G

— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) May 9, 2023

Read more on Landeskog from our Evan Rawal over on Colorado Hockey Now.

More from National Hockey Now: 

Pittsburgh: Mike Sullivan’s seat is heating up after the Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 years.

Boston: Montgomery has no regrets about season after first round exit.

Calgary: Tensions were high between Mikael Backlund and former head coach Darryl Sutter this year, according to locker room source.

Montreal: Canadiens prospect scores highlight goal in IIHF World Championship tune-up game.