NHL Daily: Bobby Orr, Patrik Laine, Biggest Surprises
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Daily: 50 years ago today, Bobby Orr first made his appearance in the gold and black, Patrik Laine takes the first match-up of Matthews vs. Laine on Wednesday night, biggest surprises of the early season, and more (Morning Coffee 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.
Before turning to the headlines, as per usual, we highlight the performers of the previous night. Only two games were on the schedule Wednesday night. Detroit defeated the New York Rangers 2-1, while rookie Patrik Laine scored a hat-trick for Winnipeg (including the OT winner) in a 5-4 win versus Toronto.
Previous Night Performers:
G Jimmy Howard, DET (Stopped 32 of 33 shots)
F Patrik Laine, WPG (3 goals)
F Mark Scheifele, WPG (1 goal 2 assists)
F Nazem Kadri, TOR (2 goals)
F William Nylander, TOR (1 goal 1 assist)
D Dustin Byfuglien, WPG (2 assists)
F Thomas Vanek, DET (1 goal)
NHL Daily: Morning Coffee Headlines
The Finn Comes Out on Top in the 1st Edition of Matthews vs. Laine
The Winnipeg Jets played host to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night. It marked the first game for 2016 1st and 2nd overall picks Auston Matthews and Patrik Laine going head-to-head. Laine made a strong impression in the win with a hat-trick, including the OT winner. [Winnipeg Sun]
Orr Made History 50 Years Ago Today
All NHL
50 years ago today, legendary defenseman Bobby Orr made his first appearance with the black and gold. His career was tragically cut short due to knee injuries, but the numbers suggest he could be considered the best player ever. [Causeway Crowd]
Best Rivalries in Hockey Today
Sportsnet took a moment to explore the best player rivalries in the NHL right now. The list includes the likes of Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin, Tyler Seguin vs. Phil Kessel, and Jonathan Toews vs. David Backes. [Sportsnet]
Islanders Disappointing Start Wreaking Havoc
The New York Islanders have opened the new season with a 1-3 record. As Jennifer Lapka over at Eyes on Isles points out, the slow start is wreaking havoc. There’s likely to be a few growing pains with so many rookies in the lineup, so give the Islanders time to find their groove. [Eyes on Isles]
Biggest Surprises so Far
Adrian Dater over at Bleacher Report ranked six of the biggest surprises in the early 2016-17 season. It highlights several players who had big nights over the first week, and others providing consistent solid play. [Bleacher Report]
Panthers Prospect Updates
Anthony Murphy over at The Rat Trick takes a look at three Florida Panthers prospects that are off to hot starts. Henrik Borgstrom looks poised for a big year at the University of Denver, Adam Mascherin is putting up big numbers with OHL Kitchener, and G Samuel Montembault is a brick wall so far for QMJHL Blainville-Boisbriand. [The Rat Trick]
Next: Inevitable Trade Only Way to Solve Ducks Dilemma
NHL Daily Morning Rant
Wednesday night was a lesson into why we don’t read into early starts. After Auston Matthews four-goal debut, it seemed most everyone was ready to hand him the Calder Trophy. Not so quick. Patrik Laine responds with a hat-trick and his OT winner was something only Hollywood could script. Matthews was denied on a breakaway, which sent Laine the other way on an odd-man rush for the game-winner.
This is a wide open race folks. It’s not even Auston Matthews vs. Patrik Laine. Truth be told, you could slip a handful of other potential names in there to keep an eye on. Names such as Zach Werenski, Travis Konecny, Oliver Bjorkstrand, and Matt Murray are just a few that come to mind.
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