NHL Daily: Auston Matthews, Garth Snow, New York Rangers
NHL Daily: Toronto’s Rookie Superstar Auston Matthews is Having His First Slump, the Islanders’ True Problem is the Inflated Ego of Garth Snow, the New York Rangers Aren’t Real Playoff Contenders and More! (Morning NHL Headlines)
Grab your morning cup of coffee and join us here at Puck Prose for a compilation of NHL daily links that will help keep you updated with everything going on in the hockey world.
Eight NHL games took place on Tuesday night. First, the Islanders beat the Hurricanes 3-2 in OT, the Capitals topped the Wild 4-2 and the Blackhawks beat the Canadiens 4-2.
The Lightning beat the Senators 2-1 in OT, the Panthers smashed the Leafs 7-2 and Oilers silenced the Stars 7-1.
Lastly, the Sharks topped the Sabres 4-1 and the Coyotes topped the Kings 3-2 in an 11 round shootout victory.
The Highlight of the Night:
NHL Daily: Morning NHL Headlines
Matthews Saved His First Slump for Now
Maple Leafs’ superstar Auston Matthews started his season with four goals in his NHL debut and saved his slump for March where he is notching some point-less games. Even though the rookie isn’t grabbing any points in his game right now- can we really consider it a slump? Sure, the Leafs need wins now more than ever to grab a playoff spot for definite, but Matthews is only taking a slight dip in an unreasonably productive debut season. [Editor-in-Leaf]
Anisimov Leaves Hawks’ Matchup Hurt
The Blackhawks’ Artem Anisimov left the team’s matchup against the Canadiens with an injury. Now isn’t the time for any injuries, especially from one of their best players. The Hawks will be hoping that Anisimov isn’t hurt with anything too serious and that he’ll be ready for the team’s next matchup [Blackhawk Up]
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Sabres Turn to KHL
It isn’t a secret that the Buffalo Sabres need some serious blue line help. In fact, for anyone to deny the defense problem for the Sabres they must be watching the wrong games every night. Supposedly now the Sabres are looking to boost their blue line strength by turning to the KHL for some defensive assistance. [Sabre Noise]
The Isles Problem is Snow
The Islanders have been calling out excuses for their tough season for a while now. Even now, as the Isles desperately chase the playoffs and are looking to become real contenders they have their excuses floating around. But, at the end of the day, all teams have injuries and all teams have a difficult remaining schedule; these aren’t excuses. The Isles’ real problem for their disappointments is GM Garth Snow. If fingers are being pointed, excuses need to stop and the finger needs to aim towards Snow. [Eyes on Isles]
The Flyers’ Playoff Race Ending for Good
The Flyers have had a pretty solid season this year and between the talent of Wayne Simmonds and Steve Mason the team has has a roster of heightened talents. Despite the Flyers’ strong chase for the playoffs, they currently sit seven points out of a wild card position behind a handful of teams who want it just as bad as they do. With a division as talented as the Metropolitan Division and as competitive as the Eastern Conference, the Flyers have been in a battle of wits. [Broad Street Buzz]
Rangers Aren’t True Playoff Contenders
The New York Rangers have had their fair share of struggles this season and their blue line troubles and scoring trends account to solid reason as to why the team really isn’t a true playoff contender. Regardless, the team is solid and has a habit of rising to the occasion, even in a division as talented and loaded as the Metropolitan. Though the Rangers’ have some reasons as to why they might not have that same level of compete for the playoffs, the playoffs are a different zone and a lot of stranger things have happened. [Blue Line Station]