NHL Daily: Mats Zuccarello, Jack Eichel, Toronto Maple Leafs
NHL Daily: Ranger Mats Zuccarello is Quietly Exceeding Expectations, Sabre Jack Eichel Isn’t Letting Rivals Get Him Down, Final Thoughts for Toronto as the Season Winds Down 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.
There were five games on the NHL’s Sunday night schedule. First, the Red Wings topped the Wild 3-2 in OT, the Stars beat out the Devils 2-1 in OT and the Flyers beat the Penguins 6-2. Lastly, the Jets topped the Canucks 2-1 and the Ducks beat the Rangers 6-3.
The Highlight of the Night:
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
Rangers’ Zuccarello Excelling Under the Radar
All eyes haven’t been on Ranger Mats Zuccarello lately, but they should be. The forward has matched his career-high 40 assists and is just six points away from tying his career-high in points from last season. Zuccarello is exceeding expectations under the radar and the value of his play is sky rocketing despite the lack of attention. [Blue Line Station]
Possible Playoff Matchups to Look Forward to
The playoffs are looming and the only thing on every NHL fan’s mind is what playoff matchups they have to look forward to this post-season. The matchups aren’t set in stone yet and there are enough games left for every team to do a little shifting before the final game ends. Some of these matchups might prove to be a little more exciting than you’d think and the possibilities are still floating. [Blackhawk Up]
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Rivals Can’t Bring Eichel Down
Buffalo Sabre Jack Eichel is showing his fans, and his rivals, that the team’s rivalries aren’t going to smash his spirits. Even though the Sabre’s last matchup against the Maple Leafs felt more like an away game than a home game, Eichel wanted to show his fans that the rivals won’t knock his spirits. The Sabres won the matchup and Eichel’s elabprate energy was a big aspect of the team’s excitment. The forward notched three points and, after his goal, he celebrated elaborately and excitedly, even with the Leafs fans on the glass. Rivalries are the least of Eichel’s worries; he loves his team and his fans. [Sabre Noise]
Isles’ Playoff Chances Aren’t Lost
The Islanders are chasing the playoffs and just because they lost their last, and important, matchup to wild card rivals, the Bruins, it doesn’t mean they’re being counted out of the playoffs. The Isles are just two points away from tying the Bruins’ currently wild card position, and with a game in hand they have the extra opportunity to take the last spot. New York has some important games ahead of them and if they can buckle down and keep grabbing points, they’ll be able to snatch the wild card spot. [Eyes on Isles]
Final Thoughts for Toronto
The regular season is coming to an end and right now the Leafs are holding down their playoff sport. Toronto wants to hold onto this spot as the season ends so that they can take their crack at the NHL playoffs. With the season endings there are some final thoughts to roll over before the Leafs tackle the post-season. [Editor-in-Leaf]