Today the NWHL has announced that the Minnesota Whitecaps has re-signed Allie Thunstrom for the 2019-20 season.
Thunstrom, who played in all 18 regular season games last season, had 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points in her first season in the NWHL.
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.
*Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.
This morning the NWHL announced that the Boston Pride has signed forward Christina Putigna.
Putigna has signed a one year deal, and her salary was not announced. This will be Putigna’s first season in the NWHL.
SIGNING NEWS: @PCWHockey alum Christina Putigna (@cputigna) has signed with @TheBostonPride! ✍
📝 https://t.co/KzBwZmAdQl pic.twitter.com/Vq77ZopY7m
— PHF (@PHF) May 23, 2019
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.
*Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.
Today in NHL news Arbitrator Shyam Das issued his decision in regards to Slava Voynov’s appeal to his one year suspension, which honestly we didn’t know was happeninng and honestly shouldn’t have either, but here we are.
So here is the statement by the NHL and NHLPA in regards to Voynov’s suspension:
NEW YORK/TORONTO (May 23, 2019) – The National Hockey League Players’ Association and National Hockey League announced today that Arbitrator Shyam Das has issued his decision with respect to the appeal of defenseman Vyacheslav Voynov’s one-season suspension issued pursuant to Article 18-A of the NHL/NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement. Arbitrator Das upheld the Commissioner’s determination that Voynov be suspended for the equivalent of one NHL season, but found that he is to be credited with having already served 41 games of such suspension during the 2018-19 regular season. Accordingly, the suspension will remain in effect until the mid-point of the 2019-20 regular season.
Here is the statement by the NHL in regards to the decision on the Voynov appeal:
NEW YORK (May 23, 2019) – The National Hockey League released the following statement today regarding Arbitrator Shyam Das’ decision in the NHLPA’s appeal of Vyacheslav Voynov’s League-imposed suspension for domestic assault:
“We have reviewed Arbitrator Das’ opinion in the NHLPA’s appeal of Vyacheslav Voynov’s suspension for domestic assault, which upheld the Commissioner’s imposition of a one-season (one-year) suspension for Voynov’s off-ice conduct in October 2014. In his decision, Arbitrator Das confirmed that there was substantial evidence to support each of the Commissioner’s material factual findings as well as the quantum of discipline imposed. Arbitrator Das described his decision to grant Mr. Voynov some ‘credit for time served’ for a portion of the 2018/19 season as being due to various ‘highly unusual facts and circumstances [which] were not contemplated by the drafters of [the CBA] and do not easily fit into its procedures.’ While we do not believe Mr. Voynov was entitled to any ‘credit’ for time missed during 2018/19 season, we accept Arbitrator Das’ conclusion that the precise factual context here was unusual – including the fact Voynov has not played in the NHL since October 2014, and that he did not play professional hockey at all during the 2018/19 season.
“Taken in its totality, we are satisfied that Arbitrator Das’ decision supports our strongly held views that the conduct engaged in by Mr. Voynov in this case was completely unacceptable and worthy of significant League-imposed discipline. The decision also confirms and reaffirms the Commissioner’s broad authority under the CBA and applicable League Rules to establish – and to enforce – appropriate standards of conduct for individuals involved in the National Hockey League.”
Then we had the statement from the Los Angeles Kings who still hold the rights to Voynov:
“Today the NHL arbitrator rendered a final decision on further discipline to Slava Voynov. From our perspective, the player will not be playing for the Kings. We will now determine the impact of the arbitrator’s decision on our rights to the player and consider our options going forward.”
We here at TXHT try to stay partial, but this a topic that we are going to express our opinions freely on because we are honestly disturbed that Slava Voynov has been reinstated and served with a one year suspension opening the door for him to come back. He should never be allowed to play ever again in the NHL for what he has done. He beat his girlfriend to a bloody pulp and it’s disgusting. People like Voynov do not deserve the privilege to play in the NHL, and we applaud the Los Angeles Kings on their swift action and issuing a statement declaring that Voynov will not play for them.
Today the NWHL and NWHLPA announced that they have reached an agreement for the 2019-20 season featuring the first ever revenue sharing agreement, plus higher salaries and better benefits.
Per the release this is a one year deal between the league and the players association, which also features an option to extend the agreement for the 2020-21 season by the NWHL. Also under this deal the players will make substantial gains in both revenue and benefits, which is a first in the NWHL since the inaugural season in 2015.
Highlights of 2019-20 NWHL-NWHLPA Agreement feature:
Director of the NWHLPA Anya Battaligno issued the following statement in regards of todays release:
“This agreement comes at a critical time for our sport ensuring that the NWHL will have a full 2019-20 season and signifying a breakthrough for our players as we will be included in revenue sharing for the first time this season and every season moving forward. We as players have a proud history and strong connection to the NWHL as the first ever league to pay women hockey players, so it was important for us to honor that relationship by coming to terms that will keep the league going, which this contract achieves. We continue to regard NWHL and its leadership as our strong partners in growing the sport of women’s hockey.
“Our players are united in the belief that women’s hockey needs additional and consistent sponsorship revenue, equitable marketing, a media partnership and better exposure to grow attendance, viewership and sustain a fan base. We remain committed to driving women’s hockey into a profitable place that will eventually deliver livable salaries and benefits for our world class athletes. We choose to play the game toward that goal rather than waiting idly for change.
“We look forward to a successful 2019-20 season.”
We here at TXHT are excited by this announcement and how this agreement between the NWHL and the NWHLPA, and we are excited about the continued growth of Women’s Hockey. We look forward to the upcoming 2019-20 season.
Good Evening Hockey Fans,
My name is Michael Lindenbaum and I created and run “The Xperience Hockey Talk”, aka TXHT, and I created TXHT with the purpose of being able to talk about the sport I love. At the same time I was working on creating TXHT the NWHL formed and I created a relationship with the league to add to my hockey coverage of not just the Washington Capitals and the NHL, but also Women’s Hockey for which I am a supporter of.
It is truth be said that this current offseason in the world of Women’s Hockey has been a very interesting one with the CWHL folding, to the #ForTheGame Movement, and now Free Agency Signings in the NWHL. However, there was something, or someone, that came out of nowhere and that was Mr. Mark Bishop and his new league the World Women’s Ice Hockey League, aka WWIHL.
With the WWIHL there was already intrigue with how it was buzzing on social media, and made me genuinely interested in the league just like everyone else was and wanted to speak with the person in charge. So I reached out and asked for an interview for which Mr. Bishop agreed to. I researched the entire WWIHL website so I could prepare thorough and detailed questions for Mr. Bishop to answer so we can get a better perspective of his league and his vision.
To Mr. Bishop’s credit, he took the time to give thorough and detailed answers to my questions, and there were questions I wondered if he was going comment on at all, so I definitely respect Mr. Bishop for taking the interview seriously and answering every question that I submitted to him.
When the article published at 9a EST on Wednesday May 22nd, 2019, we believed that we were doing the right thing, and then it took off on social media. It raised more questions and concerns that people wanted to know. In Mr. Bishop’s eyes he felt that he was being attacked for his vision of a Women’s Hockey league. We ourselves engaged with our readers and expressed our views. Mr. Bishop also viewed that as an attack.
Mr. Bishop requested at 714p EST the same day that the interview be deleted as he feels that we did this interview with the intentions of destroying him. I can clearly express our intentions was to not destroy Mr. Bishop or the WWIHL. Our intention was to give Mr. Bishop a platform to promote himself, the WWIHL, and to explain to us how he plans to make his league successful.
The views and opinions expressed by Mr. Bishop in the interview are his and his alone. Mr. Bishop emailed us his answers and we copy and pasted them into our article. Mr. Bishop’s views and opinions do not represent the views and opinions of TXHT or it’s parent company X75 Productions. While we respect the views and opinions that Mr. Bishop made in the interview, we do not agree with them.
It is with great sadness that we here at TXHT are announcing that we are pulling our interview with Mr. Bishop. We are saddened by this because we truly believed that this interview could open up more productive and constructive conversations on how we can grow the game of Women’s Hockey, but sadly it did not turn out the way we hoped.
In closing I just want to say that it is ok to agree to disagree. We are allowed to express our opinions, and should be allowed to freely. However, with expressing your opinion that does not remove you from taking criticism, but it is how you deal with that criticism that matters.
To Mr. Bishop and the WWIHL, we wish you the best in your future endeavors. TXHT will continue to cover the NWHL and is looking forward to the 2019-20 season to begin this fall.
Today the NWHL announced that the Connecticut Whale has signed defender Shannon Doyle to a one year contract.
Terms of Doyle’s contract were not disclosed in regards to salary.
Two guarantees:
1. Working my tail off to make this the best year yet for #ThePod
2. I will have better celebrations #StarfishJumps https://t.co/Lq2HiambhS— Shannon Turner (Doyle) (@SDoyle_6) May 22, 2019
Per the NWHL release they clarified the following:
“A note on background: regarding pay, our policy since we started announcing signings this offseason is that it is the decision of each player whether or not to reveal it.”
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.
*Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.
Today the NWHL announced another signing for the 2019-20 season.
At 1p the league announced that the Boston Pride has signed rookie forward Tori Sullivan from Northeastern to a one year contract.
Per the NWHL, Sullivan will receive $5,000 this season, and will partake in the 50 percent cut of revenue from league sponsorship and media deals. Plus she will receive 15 percent of revenue from apparel sold with her name on it.
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.
*Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.
Today the National Women’s Hockey League announced their forst two player signings for the 2019-20 NWHL season.
First signing announced at 1030a was that Kaleigh Fratkin resigned with the Boston Pride.
Fratkin signed a one year contract for $11,000.
"What makes me want to come back to the NWHL for another season is the excitement of the fans and how much growth and success the league has had in the last couple of years." – @fratkin13 pic.twitter.com/OOnErkTinV
— PHF (@PHF) May 20, 2019
Then at 1130a today it was announced that Madison Packer resigned with the Metropolitan Riveters.
Packer’s contract is for one year and $12,000.
“I’m confident in the direction our sport is headed, and in the plan the NWHL has laid out for a strong season and positive experience for players and fans. It’s important to build off the momentum created by the league’s success last season." – @madison_packer_ pic.twitter.com/q9cLYqTEKX
— PHF (@PHF) May 20, 2019
Also per the NWHL:
“Players competing in the 2019-20 season will also receive a 50 percent cut of all revenue from league-level sponsorship and media deals. Players also receive 15 percent of the revenue from apparel sold with their names on them.”
TXHT will continue to provide NWHL coverage as more signings are announced.
*Graphics courtesy of the NWHL.
St. Louis Blues v. San Jose Sharks
Game 5 – Series Tied 2-2
Game Recap:
Heading into Game 5 both the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues would look to win the first game of a now best of three series, and to start off both teams would trade a total of 5 odd man chances only to attribute to two hit posts and no goals scored. However, after the five minute mark Erik Karlsson would try to clear the puck up the boards and out of the zone, but it would take a weird bounce and stqy in the zone and go right to Oskar Lundqvist who would bomb it past Martin Jones to make it 1-0 for the visiting Blues.
Petition to rename Sunday to Sunnyday ☀️ #stlblues pic.twitter.com/dwg2W3SQwh
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Going into the second period the Blues would put on a forechecking clinic on the Sharks and it would lead to two goals. First goal had Vladimir Tarasenko getting a shot on goal only for Martin Jones to play the rebound right to Jaden Schwartz who would shoot it right into the open net. Then Tarasenko would be at it again as he would get fouled by Brent Burns while on a breakaway to receive a penalty shot, which Tarasenko would score on to make it a commanding 3-0 lead.
LET'S 👏 GO 👏 BLUES 👏 #WeAllBleedBlue #stlblues pic.twitter.com/xLcweSKaze
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
In the third period the Sharks would not do themselves any favors as they would take two penalties on the same play which would lead to Jaden Schwartz scoring his second of the game when he would chip the puck over Martin Jones to make it 4-0. Then much later in the period the Blues would continue their attack on a injury depleted Sharks team as Vladimir Tarasenko and Schwartz would tag team in the Sharks zone as Schwartz would score his third of the game, and second hat trick of the playoffs, to make it a 5-0 victory and give the Blues the 3-2 series lead heading into Game 6 Tuesday night in St. Louis.
WE'RE COMING HOME WITH THE SERIES LEAD!! #WeAllBleedBlue #stlblues pic.twitter.com/nSQkrHwjhY
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Lineups:
St. Louis Blues:
Jaden Schwartz — Brayden Schenn — Vladimir Tarasenko
Sammy Blais — Ryan O’Reilly — David Perron
Pat Maroon — Tyler Bozak — Robert Thomas
Ivan Barbashev — Oskar Sundqvist — Alexander Steen
Joel Edmundson — Alex Pietrangelo
Jay Bouwmeester — Colton Parayko
Carl Gunnarsson — Robert Bortuzzo
Jordan Binnington
Jake Allen
Scratched: Robby Fabbri, Michael Del Zotto, Zach Sanford, Mackenzie MacEachern, Chris Thorburn, Ville Husso
Injured: Vince Dunn (upper body)
Your Game 5 starters. #WeAllBleedBlue #stlblues | @maryvilleu pic.twitter.com/2Pb0CHRJPw
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
San Jose Sharks:
Timo Meier — Logan Couture — Gustav Nyquist
Evander Kane — Tomas Hertl — Joe Pavelski
Melker Karlsson — Joe Thornton — Kevin Labanc
Joonas Donskoi — Barclay Goodrow — Micheal Haley
Marc-Edouard Vlasic — Brent Burns
Brenden Dillon — Erik Karlsson
Joakim Ryan — Justin Braun
Martin Jones
Aaron Dell
Scratched: Dylan Gambrell, Tim Heed, Lukas Radil, Radim Simek, Antti Suomela, Marcus Sorensen
A few game-time decisions today so here's what we're projecting.
🗒: https://t.co/AmytYJO9oA pic.twitter.com/j3UEoWmhOV
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 19, 2019
Matinee showing of #GameOfJones coming up!
🗒: https://t.co/AmytYJO9oA pic.twitter.com/VGonxJ4cly
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 19, 2019
First Period:
Blues Goal – 5:50 – Oskar Sundqvist (4) from unassisted
The fourth line comes up big again!!!! #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/gWtEAJq1TB
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Blues Penalty – 15:18 – Jay Bouwmeester 2 minutes for Delay of Game
End of 1st – STL – 1 SJ – 0
Shots 04 11
Faceoffs 10 08
Hits 18 13
PP 0/0 0/1
Second Period:
Blues Goal – 3:05 – Jaden Schwartz (10) from unassisted
That's TEN playoff goals now for Jaden Schwartz. #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/R5RxfaHVQx
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Blues Penalty Shot – 6:53 – Vladimir Tarasenko – Goal (7)
OH BABY!!!!! #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/DQJPMzDFKS
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Sharks Penalty – 10:43 – Joonas Donskoi double minor for High Sticking
Blues Penalty – 11:23 – Tyler Bozak 2 minutes for Hooking
End of 2nd – STL – 3 SJ – 0
Shots 24 16
Faceoffs 23 18
Hits 28 35
PP 0/2 0/1
Third Period:
Sharks Penalty – 1:55 – Barclay Goodrow 2 minutes for Roughing
Sharks Penalty – 1:55 – Micheal Haley 2 minutes for Interference
Blues PPG – 2:19 – Jaden Schwartz (11) from David Perron (6) and Vladimir Tarasenko (4)
Schwartz x2 #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/saqhDfsbRy
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Sharks Penalty – 7:13 – Micheal Haley 2 minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Sharks Penalty – 7:13 – Micheal Haley 10 minute Misconduct
Sharks Penalty – 8:35 – Timo Meier 2 minutes for Tripping
Blues Penalty – 13:12 – Joel Edmundson 2 minutes for Slashing
Blues Goal – 16:02 – Jaden Schwartz (12) from Vladimir Tarasenko (5)
Jaden Schwartz is the first player to have multiple hat tricks in a single postseason since Detroit’s Johan Franzen in 2008. pic.twitter.com/6Y9eK5I8J7
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 19, 2019
Sharks Penalty – 17:13 – Evander Kane 2 minutes for Goalie Interference
Sharks Penalty – 17:13 – Evander Kane 2 minutes for Slashing
Sharks Penalty – 17:13 – Evander Kane 10 minute Misconduct
End of 3rd – STL – 5 SJ – 0
Shots 40 21
Faceoffs 36 27
Hits 34 52
PP 1/8 0/2
Next Up:
Game 6 – STL/SJ Leads Series 3-2
Thank you for following TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.
San Jose Sharks v. St. Louis Blues
Game 4 – SJ Leads 2-1
Game Recap:
Going into Game 4 the St. Louis Blues come into their home barn with a chip on their shoulder after how Game 3 ended in overtime in the San Jose Sharks favor, and it wouldn’t take long either for the Blues as Ivan Barbashev would get the puck on net and past Martin Jones to make it 1-0 35 seconds into the game. Then later in the period on their second powerplay opportunity the Blues would strike again as Justin Braun would inadvertently kick the puck between Jones’ legs to give the Blues a 2-0 lead going into the first intermission.
The boys are FIRED UP. #WeAllBleedBlue #stlblues pic.twitter.com/6pigxORUMH
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 18, 2019
Not an ideal start, but there's still plenty of time left. #PlayoffMode pic.twitter.com/H4yLARJbhP
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 18, 2019
Going into the second period both teams would share opportunities, and also featuring a Sharks powerplay that they could not do anything with. Both teams would get some godd chances at both ends, but the game would remain 2-0 going into the second intermission.
Got pucks on net. Now we just need pucks in net. #PlayoffMode pic.twitter.com/EI6tK731CW
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 18, 2019
In the third period it would be special teams striking again, but this time for the Sharks as Brent Burns would bomb a shot through Jordan Binnington and Tomas Hertl would tap the puck in to make it 2-1 on the powerplay. Then in the final two minutes of the game the Sharks would pull Jones for the extra attacker and they would force great pressure in the Blues zone, but the Blues would withstand the surge and take Game 4 2-1 to tie the series at two games a piece.
THIS SERIES IS TIED!!!!!!! #WeAllBleedBlue #stlblues pic.twitter.com/ew4PMp38EY
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 18, 2019
Lineups:
San Jose Sharks:
Timo Meier — Logan Couture – Gustav Nyquist
Evander Kane — Tomas Hertl — Joe Pavelski
Melker Karlsson — Joe Thornton — Kevin Labanc
Marcus Sorensen — Barclay Goodrow — Joonas Donskoi
Marc-Edouard Vlasic — Brent Burns
Brenden Dillon — Erik Karlsson
Joakim Ryan — Justin Braun
Martin Jones
Aaron Dell
Scratched: Micheal Haley, Dylan Gambrell, Tim Heed, Lukas Radil, Radim Simek, Antti Suomela
How the #SJSharks are starting things off tonight. #PlayoffMode pic.twitter.com/vkpskcd6ua
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 18, 2019
Martin Jones between the pipes 🥅
🗒: https://t.co/WvJ5qmnymw pic.twitter.com/nLuSN3CjEQ
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 17, 2019
St. Louis Blues:
Jaden Schwartz — Brayden Schenn — Vladimir Tarasenko
Sammy Blais — Ryan O’Reilly — David Perron
Pat Maroon — Tyler Bozak — Robert Thomas
Ivan Barbashev — Oskar Sundqvist — Alexander Steen
Joel Edmundson — Alex Pietrangelo
Jay Bouwmeester — Colton Parayko
Carl Gunnarsson — Robert Bortuzzo
Jordan Binnington
Jake Allen
Scratched: Robby Fabbri, Michael Del Zotto, Zach Sanford, Mackenzie MacEachern, Chris Thorburn, Chris Butler, Ville Husso
Injured: Vince Dunn (upper body)
Tonight's starters. #WeAllBleedBlue#stlblues | @maryvilleu pic.twitter.com/hO4z0UkiCB
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 18, 2019
First Period:
Blues Goal – :35 – Ivan Barbashev (1) from unassisted
35 SECONDS IN BARBASHEV MAKES IT 1-0!!!!! #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/dr5shWmxbk
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 18, 2019
Sharks Penalty- 5:09 – Brenden Dillon 2 minutes for Holding
Sharks Penalty – 17:44 – Timo Meier 2 minutes for Hooking
Blues PPG – 17:53 – Tyler Bozak (4) from Pat Maroon (4) and Vladimir Tarasenko (3)
With Timo Meier in the penalty box for a stick infraction, Tyler Bozak scored on the power play. #stlblues #WeAllBleedBlue pic.twitter.com/bCmqg4kSmv
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) May 18, 2019
End of 1st – SJ – 0 STL – 2
Shots 09 10
Faceoffs 11 09
Hits 11 15
PP 0/0 1/2
Second Period:
Blues Penalty – 5:41 – Sammy Blais 2 minutes for Hooking
Blues Penalty – 8:24 – Brayden Schenn 2 minutes for Roughing
Sharks Penalty – 8:24 – Marc-Edouard Vlasic 2 minutes for Slashing
End of 2nd – SJ – 0 STL – 2
Shots 20 18
Faceoffs 18 18
Hits 14 24
PP 0/1 1/2
Third Period:
Sharks Penalty – 4:35 – Brenden Dillon 2 minutes for High Sticking
Blues Penalty – 6:01 – Alex Pietrangelo 2 minutes for Interference
Sharks PPG – Tomas Hertl (10) from Brent Burns (11) and Erik Karlsson (14)
Just needed a liiiiittle bit of help to go in the net. #PlayoffMode pic.twitter.com/sMDwfjbKiV
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) May 18, 2019
Blues Penalty – 9:52 – Ivan Barbashev 2 minutes for Tripping
Sharks Penalty – 12:33 – Bench (Kevin Labanc) 2 minutes for Too Many Men
End of 3rd – SJ – 1 STL – 2
Shots 30 22
Faceoffs 27 32
Hits 15 29
PP 1/3 1/4
Next Up:
Game 5 – Series Tied 2-2
Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.