Good morning, my name is Andrew Fantucchio. It’s Saturday, May 20, and here’s what I’m focused on in the NHL today.
New York Islanders:
The New York Islanders announced the signings of two prospects on Friday
Dubas Done in Toronto:
Kyle Dubas wanted to return as the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, and team president Brendan Shannahan wanted Dubas back. Yet somehow, in four days, those sentiments fell apart, and Toronto will begin searching for a new GM to replace Dubas, who spent nine years with the organization.
“While watching Kyle’s media availability [on Monday], there was a dramatic shift in my thinking at that point,” Shannahan said. “Kyle expressed, he might not want to be our GM, and I have to take that very seriously.”
Dubas expressed during his end-of-year media availability he had no interest in taking a position with any organization other than Toronto. But now, after learning he will not be brought back, one has to wonder if he will stick to his previous statement.
Only 37 years old, Dubas is now the hottest commodity on the open market for teams such as the Pittsburgh Penguins in search of a new GM.
Howden wins Game 1 for Vegas in OT:
Brett Howden’s goal at 1:35 into overtime gave the Vegas Golden Knights a 1-0 series lead over the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Finals.
BRETT HOWDEN WINS IT FOR THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS IN OVERTIME, GAME 1 TO VEGAS!#VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/JRT8ilv9g3
— Hockey Daily 365 l NHL Highlights (@HockeyDaily365) May 20, 2023
William Karlsson scored two goals for the Golden Knights, who also received a contribution from Teddy Blueger. However, the star of the game may very well be Vegas’ penalty kill which was a perfect 6-6 in the game. Goals from Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz kept the Stars in the game late until team captain Jamie Benn tied the score with less than two minutes to play in regulation to force OT.
Panthers-Hurricanes Game 2:
Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals could be described in a number of ways, depending on how you look at it. Was it epic? Yes. Was it exhausting? Absolutely. Either way, Matthew Tkachuk’s game-winning goal in the fourth overtime period gave the Florida Panthers a 1-0 series lead over the Carolina Hurricanes and a huge momentum push heading into Game 2 tonight.
The game will air on TNT, with puck drop scheduled for 8 p.m. EST.
Quenneville to meet with Commissioner:
Joel Quenneville will meet the NHL commissioner Gary Bettman following the Stanley Cup Playoffs to discuss a potential reinstatement into the league for the veteran coach, according to TSN’s Darren Dreger.
Sources say NHL commissioner Gary Bettman will meet with veteran coach Joel Quenneville as soon as the season ends to review his status.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) May 19, 2023
Quenneville resigned from his position as Florida’s head coach in October of 2021 after an investigation revealed the Chicago Blackhawks overlooked allegations of sexual assault by an assistant coach on a player while Quenneville was the team’s head coach back in 2010.
More from National Hockey Now:
Boston: Bruins to be active in trade market according to NHL source
Calgary: Does Dubas’s Availability Alter Flames’ Plans For New GM?
Montreal: Marc Dumont answers the most pertinent questions surrounding the Habs this week
Photo Courtesy of The Canadian Press
