NHL Daily: Ranger Derek Stepan Might Not Be Putting Up as Many Goals As Fans Are Used to But He is Serving a Deeper Role, Taking a Look at Leaf William Nylander’s Future Contract, There is Still Hope For the Boston Bruins and More! (Morning NHL Headlines)
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There were 12 games on the NHL’s Thursday night schedule. The Capitals topped the Blue Jackets 2-1 in a shootout, the Senators beat out the Penguins 2-1 in a shootout and the Hurricanes topped the Canadiens 4-1.
The Flyers beat the Wild 3-1, the Blues topped the Canucks 4-1 and the Lightning topped the Bruins 6-3. The Panthers beat the Coyotes 3-1, the Maple Leafs beat out the Devils 4-2 and the Predators beat the Flames 3-1.
Lastly, the Blackhawks topped the Stars 3-2 in a shootout, the Oilers topped the Avalanche 7-4 and the Kings beat the Jets 5-2.
The Highlight of the Night:
NHL Daily: Morning NHL Headlines
Stepan’s Numbers Are Lower but He Isn’t
Rangers fans might look at the declining goal-count for Derek Stepan this season but there isn’t any reason to doubt the center’s play yet. While Stepan might not be topping his career-high in goals and seems to be lacking on the goal front, the center is still notching points as naturally as he can and the solid play he brings to the ice is enough to make a huge game difference. [Blue Line Station]
3 Standout Blackhawks This Season
The Hawks have had an incredibly solid season thus far and are planning to make a very determined push for the Stanley Cup and, based on what we’ve seen, it could be likely. There have been some standout players for the Hawks this season, including Ryan Hartman and Marian Hossa who have really pushed the envelope this season. [Blackhawk Up]
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Giroux is Scoring Yet Again
Flyer Claude Giroux, much like his team, has had an up and down season. This season wasn’t an easy one for Giroux by any means, but lately the forward has been scoring like it’s nobody’s business. Giroux has notched a goal in almost every game since March 8th and seems to have found his scoring touch yet again. Though the Flyers’ aren’t making a playoff push this season, they’ll be relieved to know Giroux is finding himself again. [Broad Street Buzz]
Predicting Nylander’s Future Contract
Okay, so, William Nylander is only heading into the second year of his entry-level contract with the Maple Leafs come next season, but that doesn’t mean it’s too early to gauge the young rookie’s worth. Nylander has beyond impressed and has been an incredible player for his team. The Leafs this season have been flooded with rookie talent and Nylander is one of the strong contributing forces. The Maple Leafs need to begin considering these, and Nylander’s contract renewals now. That’s how important this is. [Editor-in-Leaf]
Next: NHL Power Rankings: Week 24
The Bruins Can’t Get Nervous Yet
The Bruins recently lost their third place spot in the Atlantic Division and were booted to the second wild card position where the Islanders sit two points behind them with a few games-in-hand. Boston has lost their last four matchups, sure, but now isn’t the time to worry, not yet. The Bruins have a strong roster and if theyv’e proven anything this season, they’ve proved that they’ve got toe strength to do what they put their minds to. [Causeway Crowd]