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NYHN Daily: Wahlstrom’s Growth, Trotz’s Thoughts & More

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Another day, another day the New York Islanders do not play a hockey game. Get used to it folks until Dec. 27. Binge a new television series. do some yard work, fold the laundry that has been sitting in the basket for a week. Now’s the time. But before you do that, there is still news and stories regarding the Islanders and teams from around the NHL.

Keepin’ it ON the Island

He feels he’s a goal scorer and when he’s not scoring, that’s all he can think about.” Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said about Oliver Wahlstrom in early December. Flash forward a few weeks later, Wahlstrom has answered that criticism. He’s evolved from being a one-dimensional shooter to way more than that in just a few weeks. (NYI Hockey Now)

The NHL and the NHLPA made their official ruling on Tuesday that NHL players would not be attending the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. While the growing number of COVID-19 cases have been an issue, the decision was more due to the fact that there were games that needed to be made up and that a two-week break is the most opportune time. But despite the decision, there has been plenty of pushback from players. (NYI Hockey Now)

The Islanders may not have had any players heading to the Olympics. But their head coach, Barry Trotz, was supposed to assistant coach Team Canada and that opportunity was taken away from him. He said if the NHL decided to go he would be thrilled, but if they did not, he would respect their decision. (Newsday)

Around the League

The Boston Bruins currently sit three points out of the second wild-card spot in the Atlantic Division. At 14-10-2, they have not had the success they envisioned when the season had started. A team that for years competed to win the division have seen themselves take a step back as their core has aged while other teams like the Toronto and Florida have young cores, while Tampa has just more talent. And they have started to realize that. (Boston Hockey Now)

The Pittsburgh Penguins have had an incredible core, that has brought success to the city of Pittsburgh for years. But the likes of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang are not getting younger. And it looks like this could be the last ride for the trio, based on the latest from The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

As the Florida Panthers took an extended holiday break due to a holiday (out)break, it is time for another FHN Mailbag. George Richards knows everyone is busy getting those last-minute gift cards, but if you have any questions about the Panthers — well, anything, really — go ahead and put them on his list. (Florida Hockey Now)

There may not be any Detroit Red Wings headed to the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. But one of Detroit’s top prospects, Donovan Sebrango, has been selected to Team Canada for the World Junior Tournament. He’s a defensive defenseman and while he may not show the flare that people want to see, he could be a valued asset down the road. Sebastian Cossa, a goaltending prospect, also made Team Canada. (Detroit Hockey Now)

Following Vegas Golden Knights’ 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, Vegas’ forward Riley Smith gave his opinion on the NHL’s COVID-19 policies. Let’s just say his opinions seem to be a common opinion from around the NHL. (Vegas Hockey Now)

The NHL and NHLPA made it official Wednesday that NHL players are not going to the Winter Olympics. The two-week break will be used to make up postponed games. One of those games will be the Colorado Avalanche against the Vegas Golden Knights, which was postponed due to COVID-19. With this decisions, the Avalanche, a team that is always hurt, many benefit with the less-crammed schedule. (Colorado Hockey Now)

The San Jose Barracuda have COVID problems now. On Monday, their parent club, the San Jose Sharks, placed Brent Burns in COVID protocol, retroactive to Dec. 17. Yesterday, Tomas Hertl and Jonathan Dahlen made their second trips to COVID protocol in this calendar year. And now, the Barracuda have added Evander Kane, Jasper Weatherby, and Nick Cicek to COVID protocol. (San Jose Hockey Now)

The Vancouver Canucks had a major COVID-19 problem. Not going to the Olympics may actually benefit the club, a team that had been on fire with Bruce Bourdreau at the helm. Not playing at the Olympics is a bumber but for a player like Vancouver goaltender Jaroslav Halak, this could have been his last Olympics. (Vancouver Hockey Now)

The official word came from the NHL early Wednesday morning. Their players will not be going to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. It wasn’t a surprise, but certainly a disappointment for many. A handful of Calgary Flames were likely locks for their respective rosters, and another half dozen had hopes of taking part. (Calgary Hockey Now)

League Business

Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin has been chasing Wayne Gretzky’s goal record for quite some time. Given the season he is having, it’s looking more and more like a once impossible feat is very much in reach. And the ‘Great One’ believes it’s not even a question that Ovechkin will pass, but just a matter of when. (NHL)

Goaltender Tuukka Rask has been rehabbing following offseason surgery. But as it stands right now, Rask does not have a new contract with the Boston Bruins. Not only that, but Boston and Rask have not had contract discussions. Right now Rask is practicing as the emergency goaltender, as general manager Don Sweeney wants to see the 34-year old Rask ramp up the workload. (NHL)

In the latest Super Sixteen power rankings, the Carolina Hurricanes remain at the very top. The Tampa Bay Lightning sit at no. 2 with the Toronto Maple Leafs jumping up two spots to hold the no. 3 spot. (NHL)

The Calgary Flames, apparently, do not have the finances to cover the $19 million dollar construction needed for the Scotiabank Saddeldome. There is a major communication issue regarding the construction, but there may still be a glimmer of hope that the Flames new arena deal can be revived. (TSN)

 

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