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Category: NHL

  • Buffalo Sabres Continue to Rise

    Buffalo Sabres Continue to Rise

    The Buffalo Sabres look to continue to rise up the ranks in the NHL as they aim to make their return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

    2022-23

    Record: 42-33-7 (91 pts) – 5th in Atlantic

    Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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    Key Losses

    Craig Anderson (G – Retired), Vinnie Hinostroza (F), Ilya Lyubushkin (D – ANA)

    Key Additions

    Connor Clifton (D), Erik Johnson (D)

    2023-24 Preview

    The Buffalo Sabres had a record of 42-33-7 (91 pts) during the 2022-23 NHL season, finishing 5th in the Atlantic Division. Despite their solid performance, they did not qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

    Devon Levi will look to secure the number one spot in the crease as the Buffalo Sabres look to continue to rise up the NHL Ranks. - Photo Courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres
    Devon Levi will look to secure the number one spot in the crease as the Buffalo Sabres look to continue to rise up the NHL Ranks. – Photo Courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres

    The team experienced key losses with the retirement of goaltender Craig Anderson and the departure of forward Vinnie Hinostroza. Plus the late trade of Ilya Lyubushkin to Anaheim, but despite these losses, the Sabres did not take any steps backwards. On the other hand, they made key additions to their roster with the acquisition of defensemen Connor Clifton and Erik Johnson. With these moves the Sabres would stabilize the defensive corp.

    Goaltending the Future

    The Sabres’ goaltending situation for the 2023-24 season is a topic of interest and uncertainty. Anderson’s departure opens up an opportunity for the Sabres to explore other options and determine their starting goaltender.

    One potential candidate to step into the starting role is Devon Levi. The young goaltender has shown promise and potential, and the Sabres will give him a chance to prove himself at the NHL level. Levi’s performance and development in the seven games played last season showed he belonged in the league.

    Rasmus Dahlin leads a youthful Sabres defensive corp. that's added key pieces as the Buffalo Sabres look to their continued rise in the NHL. - Photo Courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres
    Rasmus Dahlin leads a youthful Sabres defensive corp. that’s added key pieces as the Buffalo Sabres look to their continued rise in the NHL. – Photo Courtesy of the Buffalo Sabres

    In addition to Levi, the Sabres will also look at 24 year old Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen who went 17-11-4 with a 3.61 GAA and .892 save percentage in his first full season with the club. It will be crucial for the Sabres to have a solid presence between the pipes in order to compete against the tough competition in the league. Especially if they are looking to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season.

    Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Sabres are determined to continue their rise in the ranks of the NHL.

    Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI, BOS

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  • Boston Bruins Look For Redemption

    Boston Bruins Look For Redemption

    After a historic 2022-23 regular season that ended disastrously in the playoffs, the Boston Bruins will look for redemption during the 2023-24 season.

    2022-23

    Record: 65-12-5 (135 pts) – 1st in Atlantic

    Playoffs: Lost to Florida in First Round

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    Key Losses

    Patrice Bergeron (F – Retired), Tyler Bertuzzi (F – TOR), Taylor Hall (F – CHI), Dmitry Orlov (D – CAR), Nick Foligno (F – CHI), Connor Clifton (D – BUF), Garnet Hathaway (F – PHI), David Krejci (F – Retired)

    Key Additions

    Milan Lucic (F), James van Riemsdyk (F), Morgan Geekie (F), Kevin Shattenkirk (D), Jesper Boqvist (F)

    2023-24 Preview

    A Historic Dud

    The Boston Bruins had a historically successful 2022-23 regular season, finishing with a record of 65-12-5 and earning 135 points. They secured the top spot in the Atlantic Division, and won the President’s Trophy. However, their playoff run was cut short as they were eliminated in the first round by the Florida Panthers.

    The Bruins would set the NHL record for wins (65) and points (135). Despite falling to the Panthers in seven games in the first Round, the Bruins can do what both the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning and 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings were able to do, and that is bounce back and right the wrong.

    With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, Brad Marchand will be looked to help lead the Boston Bruins as they look for redemption during the 2023-24 season. - Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins
    With Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci retired, Brad Marchand will be looked to help lead the Boston Bruins as they look for redemption during the 2023-24 season. – Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins

    Looking for Redemption

    During the offseason the team experienced key losses with the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, as well as the departures of Tyler Bertuzzi, Taylor Hall, Dmitry Orlov, Nick Foligno, Connor Clifton, Garnet Hathaway. They did make a few additions to their roster, including Milan Lucic, James van Riemsdyk, Morgan Geekie, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Jesper Boqvist. However, the Bruins are going to really need to look deep to fill their holes at center.

    What the Bruins do have working in their favor is that they still have a stacked defense which is led by defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Plus a stellar goaltending duo in Linus Ullmark and Jeremy Swayman will look to give the Bruins another great season.

    Charlie McAvoy will lead the defensive core as the Boston Bruins will look for redemption in 2023-24 season in their quest for the Stanley Cup. - Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins
    Charlie McAvoy will lead the defensive core as the Boston Bruins will look for redemption in 2023-24 season in their quest for the Stanley Cup. – Picture Courtesy of the Boston Bruins

    If the Bruins can get some offence going in their game they will be a top contender once again. However, how much will their losses affect them during the 2023-24 season?

    Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA, ARI

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  • Arizona Coyotes Look to Rise Above

    Arizona Coyotes Look to Rise Above

    The Arizona Coyotes will look to the 2023-24 season as their opportunity to rise above their lowly status in the NHL as they continue to build to the future.

    2022-23

    Record: 28-40-14 (70 pts) – 7th in Central

    Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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    Key Losses

    Christian Fischer (F – DET), Zack Kassian (F – UFA via Buyout), Patrik Nemeth (D – UFA via Buyout), Connor Mackey (D – NYR)

    Key Additions

    Jason Zucker (F), Sean Durzi (D), Nick Bjugstad (F), Alexander Kerfoot (F), Troy Stetcher (D), Matt Dumba (D). Travis Dermott (D)

    2023-24 Preview

    The 2022-23 season was a challenging one for the Arizona Coyotes. They finished with a regular season record of 28-40-14, earning a total of 70 points. This placed them in 7th position in the Central Division. Unfortunately, the Coyotes did not qualify for the playoffs.

    Clayton Keller will look to continue to grow his game and develop as a leader as the Arizona Coyotes look to rise above to the occasion for the 2023-24 season. - Picture Courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes
    Clayton Keller will look to continue to grow his game and develop as a leader as the Arizona Coyotes look to rise above to the occasion for the 2023-24 season. – Picture Courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes

    Overcoming Another Grueling Start

    For the second year in a row the Coyotes will be faced with another rough start to their season. Before the season even begins the Coyotes will participate in the 2023 NHL Global Series against the Los Angeles Kings in Melbourne, Australia. Once they return they’ll start the season on the East Coast, and will play six of their first nine games on the road. That’ll be followed with three games at home before going on the road again for a five game road trip. It won’t be until Nov. 28th when the Coyotes will get their first extended homestand (five games through Dec. 7th).

    For perspective, the Coyotes started last season on a six-game trip (2-4-0), then played four games at home (1-2-1) and 14 in a row on the road (4-7-3). Arizona would have a record of 7-13-4 by the time they returned home for a game Dec. 9, 2022.

    After coming off a career best season, Barrett Hayton will look to continue to grow to help the Arizona Coyotes rise above the expectations they have for the 2023-24 season. - Photo Courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes
    After coming off a career best season, Barrett Hayton will look to continue to grow to help the Arizona Coyotes rise above the expectations they have for the 2023-24 season. – Photo Courtesy of the Arizona Coyotes

    Mullett Magic 2.0

    Looking ahead to the 2023-24 season, the Arizona Coyotes will be aiming to improve upon their performance and compete for a better positioning in the standings. In an effort to aid the Coyotes efforts to rise above their detractors, they had a very successful draft and free agency.

    The Coyotes went out and signed forward Jason Zucker as their biggest free agent signing. With Zucker, they will look to him add veteran leadership that can help the Coyotes make that next big step in their rebuild.

    Also coming to Arizona is defenseman Matt Dumba, who signed a one year deal. Dumba will add some veteran experience on back end, and bring a little more security to the blue line.

    Read our other 2023-24 Team Previews: ANA

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  • Anaheim Ducks Look for Improvement

    Anaheim Ducks Look for Improvement

    As the Anaheim Ducks go into the 2023-24 season, they will look for improvement from everyone as they look to get out of the bottom of the NHL standings.

    2022-23

    Record: 23-47-12 (58 pts) – 8th in Pacific

    Playoffs: Did Not Qualify

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    Key Losses

    Kevin Shattenkirk (D – BOS), Anthony Stolarz (G – FLA), Dallas Eakins (Head Coach)

    Key Additions

    Alex Killorn (F), Radko Gudas (D), Robert Hagg (D), Greg Cronin (Head Coach), Alex Stalock (G)

    2023-24 Preview

    A Fresh Voice

    The Anaheim Ducks had a challenging 2022-23 season, which saw the Ducks finish with a record of 23-47-12 and earning 58 points. They would place 8th in the Pacific Division and get the second overall pick in the NHL Draft which would see them select forward Leo Carlsson. Going into the offseason the Ducks were forced to make some changes behind the bench as they fired Dallas Eakins as head coach and hired Greg Cronin.

    The Anaheim Ducks look for improvement as Greg Cronin is introduced as their new head coach. - Picture Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks
    The Anaheim Ducks look for improvement as Greg Cronin is introduced as their new head coach. – Picture Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks

    Cronin, who is entering his first season as an NHL head coach, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the team. Before joining the Ducks, Cronin worked as an assistant coach for the 12 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Islanders. Cronin spent the last five seasons as the head coach of the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League.

    Known for his strong defensive-minded approach, Cronin emphasizes discipline and structure in his coaching style. He has a track record of developing young players and helping them reach their full potential. Under his guidance, the Ducks hope to improve their performance and compete at a high level in the upcoming season.

    Troy Terry will look to grow his game as the Anaheim Ducks look for improvement in the 2023-24 season. - Picture Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks
    Troy Terry will look to grow his game as the Anaheim Ducks look for improvement in the 2023-24 season. – Picture Courtesy of the Anaheim Ducks

    The Youth Improvement

    Among the promising prospects who can thrive under Cronin’s guidance are forwards Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry, along with defenseman Jamie Drysdale. In addition, the Ducks boast a pool of emerging talents vying to secure a spot in the opening night lineup, including forwards Carlsson, Jacob Perreault, Nathan Gaucher, and defensemen Olen Zellweger and Pavel Mintyukov. This infusion of youthful skill is sure to invigorate the team’s performance and captivate fans throughout the season.

    The Ducks also made a splash in free agency when they signed two-time Stanley Cup champion forward Alex Killorn to a four year deal. Plus, the Ducks added rugged defender Radko Gudas, who played in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final with Florida, with a three year deal to add some veteran experience and leadership to the locker room.

    While making the playoffs will be a long shot, the Anaheim Ducks will look for improvement throughout the 2023-24 season. With that improvement we could expect a Ducks team that finishes higher up in the standings.

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  • The Xperience – Monkey Con 2023 Panels

    The Xperience – Monkey Con 2023 Panels

    Bringing the entertainment to you, it’s The Xperience!!

    It’s the first ever Monkey Con as Montgomery County’s Comic Con took place on Sunday, August 6th, 2023 in Gaithersburg, MD. Join Michael Lindenbaum as he moderated all six panels at the convention.

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    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 1 – Picking the Right Cosplay for You

    Michael is joined by members of the Superhero Support Inc. as they discuss starting out in cosplay and choosing the type of cosplays that they like to do.

    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 2 – Disability Representation in Anime

    Michael is joined by YouTuber KittyMonk as they discuss Disability Representation in TV and Anime.

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    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 3 – Constructing Your Cosplay

    Michael is joined by members of the Superhero Support Inc. and Marcus from Keyblade and Keydaggers LLC as they discuss constructing cosplays and props for cosplays.

    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 4 – Creative Writing

    Michael is joined by authors Meg Eden and Gabby Gilliam as they discuss being authors, what inspires their writing, the adventures in publishing, and so much more.

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    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 5 – Mental Health in Anime

    Michael is joined by YouTuber KittyMonk as they discuss Mental Health in TV and Anime.

    Monkey Con 2023 Panel 6 – Cosplay and Consent

    Michael is joined by members of the Superhero Support Inc. as they discuss Cosplay and Consent and the importance of it at conventions.

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  • The Xperience – Awesome Con 2023 Coverage

    The Xperience – Awesome Con 2023 Coverage

    Bringing the entertainment to you, it’s The Xperience!!

    It’s the tenth anniversary of Awesome Con, and this year The Xperience brings to you three exciting interviews from the convention floor. We have a nice mix of art, comics, and even Mystery Science Theater 3000!!

    Harold Buchholz – Writer and Producer for Mystery Science Theater 3000 and Host for Unpacking Peanuts Podcast (Twitter and Instagram – UnpackPeanuts)

    John Watkins-Chow – Artist (Instagram – watkinschow)

    Clay McCormack – Comic Writer and Artist (Batman White Knight Series) (Twitter and Instagram – CMcCormack414)

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  • NHL Daily – Vegas Makes Stanley Gold

    NHL Daily – Vegas Makes Stanley Gold

    NHL News and Notes from Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

    News

    • The Ottawa Senators announced that Senators Sports & Entertainment has entered into an agreement for Michael Andlauer to purchase the Senators hockey club.

    • The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have hired Patrick Sharp as Special Advisor for Hockey Operations.
      • Sharp will report to General Manager Daniel Briere, and will be involved in all aspects of the team’s hockey operations department.
      • Sharp will have a strong focus on player development.

    • The New York Rangers announced that they have hired Peter Laviolette as their new Head Coach.
      • Laviolette spent the past three seasons with the Washington Capitals.

    • The Connecticut Whale announced that they have re-signed forward Justine Reyes.
      • Reyes would sign a two year deal.
      • The first year will be worth $70,000 with a $5,000 signing bonus.
      • The second year will be worth $82,500.

    • The Buffalo Beauts announced that they have signed forward Ally Johnson.
      • Johnson would sign a one year deal.

    • The Minnesota Whitecaps announced that they have re-signed forward and captain Sydney Brodt.
      • Brodt would sign a two year deal.

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    Game Recaps

    • Florida Panthers v. Vegas Golden Knights – 8p ET – Game 5
      • Back in Vegas for pivotal Game 5 the Golden Knights look to end their series with the Florida Panthers, and in the first period Mark Stone would strike shorthanded and Nicolas Hague would score to give the Knights the 2-1 lead. In the second period Aaron Ekblad would score to get the Panthers back within one, but the Knights would score four unanswered goals as Alec Martinez, Reilly Smith, Stone, and Michael Amadio would all score to give the Knights commanding 6-1 lead. Then in the third period Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennet would score for the Panthers to try to make things interesting, but goals from Ivan Barbashev and Nicolas Roy, and Stone’s third of the game to complete the hat trick would give the Golden Knights the 9-3 victory over the Panthers to clinch the Stanley Cup 4-1.
    • Johnathan Marchessault would be named the Conn Smythe winner as the MVP for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
    https://youtu.be/JyOTH1s8rz8
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    Today’s Games

    • None

    Noteworthy in Hockey

    • Michael Andlauer reaches deal in principle to buy Ottawa Senators (Ottawa Sun)
    • Michael Andlauer agrees to buy Senators for NHL-record $950 million: Source (The Athletic – $)
    • Why the NHL keeps recycling coaches and why it’s a problem (The Athletic – $)
    • Alex Pietrangelo comes full circle with chance to ‘anchor’ another Cup team after tough split with Blues (The Athletic – $)
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  • NHL Daily – A PHF Kind of Monday

    NHL Daily – A PHF Kind of Monday

    NHL News and Notes from Monday, June 12th, 2023

    News

    • The Connecticut Whale would re-sign forward Janka Hlinka.
      • Hlinka would sign a one year deal.

    • The Minnesota Whitecaps would sign defender Madison Bizal.
      • Bizal would sign a two year deal.

    • The Buffalo Beauts announced that they have signed defender Amalie Andersen.
      • Andersen would sign a one year deal.
      • Andersen is also the first Danish player in PHF history.

    • The Boston Pride re-signed forward Sammy Davis.
      • Davis would sign a one year deal.

    • The Toronto Six announced that they have re-signed defender Kati Tabin.
      • Tabin would sign a two year deal with an AAV of $110,000 per season.

    • The Calgary Flames announced that they have named Ryan Huska as their new Head Coach.

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    Game Recaps

    • None

    Today’s Games

    • FLA v. VGK – 8p ET – Game 5

    Noteworthy in Hockey

    • Fiesta de Hockey showcases Puerto Rico’s success (Color of Hockey)
    • 32 Thoughts Podcast: Cup is in the House (SportsNet)
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  • NHL Daily – A Quiet Sunday

    NHL Daily – A Quiet Sunday

    NHL News and Notes from Sunday, June 11th, 2023

    News

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    Game Recaps

    • None

    Today’s Games

    • None

    Noteworthy in Hockey

    • Who saw Adin Hill coming? Golden Knights’ unheralded UFA-to-be has become the story of the playoffs (The Athletic – $)
    • Chandler Stephenson, who helped deny Golden Knights a Cup, helps put them on verge of one (The Athletic – $)
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  • NHL Daily – Knights a Game Away

    NHL Daily – Knights a Game Away

    NHL News and Notes from Saturday, June 10th, 2023

    News

    The Official Men’s Personal Care Products of TXHT.

    Game Recaps

    • Vegas Golden Knights v. Florida Panthers – 8p ET – Game 4
      • For Game 4 the Florida Panthers would look to even up the series at two against the Vegas Golden Knights before the Stanley Cup Final returns to Vegas on Tuesday, and in the first period Chandler Stephenson would score to give the Knights the 1-0 lead. In the second period Stephenson would net his second of the game and William Karlsson would strike to grow the Knights lead to three, but a few pinball bounces would get Brandon Montour on the board for the Panthers to get back within two. Then in the third period Aleksander Barkov would score to get the Panthers back within one, but it would not be enough as the Golden Knights would hold on to take Game 4 3-2 over the Panthers and take the 3-1 series lead.
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    Today’s Games

    • None

    Noteworthy in Hockey

    • Roy wants to coach in NHL again, at peace with emotional past (NHL.com)

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