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  • October 29th, 2018 — News and Notes

     

    These are your news and notes for Monday, October 29th, 2018

     

    There were six games in action last night…

     

    Tonight, there are only two games in action…

    Oct_29th_Schedy-29120536.jpg

    Image courtesy of NHL and NHL Public Relations

     

    For more news, notes, and stats…

     

    In NWHL action…

    In the lone NWHL contest yesterday, the Minnesota Whitecaps defeated the Buffalo Beauts 2-1 and moved the Whitecaps to a 6-0-0 record on the season.  Minnesota’s Amy Menke scored the game winner in the third period.

    Minnesota entered the weekend undefeated with Buffalo and the Boston Pride, but with the two wins over the Beauts and Boston’s loss to the Metropolitan Riveters on Saturday, Minnesota remains the lone undefeated team in the NWHL.

    Minnesota would score the first goal of the game just 19 seconds into the contest with Kate Schipper scoring. This was Schipper’s second goal of the weekend.

    Buffalo would be awarded a penalty shot when the puck was covered in the crease with Dani Cameranesi scoring into the top left corner to tie the game at 1.

    Minnesota Whitecaps remain undefeated with 2-1 win over Buffalo Beauts.

     

    Coming up next on the NWHL Schedule:

    The league will be taking a break for the upcoming Four Nations tournament and will return on November 17th.

    • November 17th: Buffalo Beauts at Boston Pride
      November 18th: Connecticut Whale at Metropolitan Riveters
      November 18th: Buffalo Beauts at Boston Pride

     

    The Minnesota Whitecaps return to NWHL action December 1st and 2nd when they take on the Boston Pride TRIA Rink in St. Paul, Minnesota.

     

    In NHL news…

    The NHL announced the Three Stars of the Week today.

     

    The NHL announced today that the league has entered a landmark sports betting partnership with MGM Resorts International.

     

    The Department of Player Safety announced that Ottawa Senators D Mark Borowiecki will have a hearing today for his illegal check to the head of Vegas Golden Knights Cody Eakin

     

    In NWHL News…

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • Gary Bettman and Suspensions – Why you should stop blaming him for everything

    So before I go into this, because this will probably be one of the most “controversial” topics I’ll ever write about, I’d like to start with a quote that my father always says and that is “11 out of 10 people are stupid”, and right now I’m going to try to fix the stupid so please wish me luck.

     

    So in the hockey world one of the hottest topics is that of NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and the “controversy” surrounding him in regards to the suspensions of Auston Watson, for domestic abuse off the ice, and Tom Wilson, for an illegal check to the head during a game. Now these are two completely separate matters and I’d like to take deeper looks into both suspensions and explain why both of these cases need to be considered as such.

     

    First let’s take a look at Auston Watson of the Nashville Predators. During this past offseason Watson and his girlfriend had a domestic dispute that lead to some physicality and Watson being arrested for the incident. When all was said and done Watson pleaded no contest to the charges that were put against him. As a result of this off ice matter Commissioner Gary Bettman had a hearing with Watson, and then handed him a 27 game suspension for conduct detrimental to League. As a result of this ruling made by Bettman, per the CBA, Watson had the right to appeal this suspension, and since Bettman was the one handing out the suspension, to a neutral arbitrator. When Watson’s appeal was heard by the neutral arbitrator, the arbitrator reduced the suspension from 27 games to 18 games.

     

    Now let’s look at Tom Wilson’s suspension. During a preseason game Wilson delivered an illegal check to the head of St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist which resulted in a match penalty and game misconduct. Wilson had a Player Safety hearing with George Parros, the head of the Department of Player Safety, and was given a 20 game suspension given his recent history in the previous 12 months, and several sit down conversations and warnings that was given to him during that time. Recently Wilson and the NHLPA appealed the suspension which, per the CBA, was heard by Gary Bettman. This past Thursday Bettman upheld the suspension, and Wilson is now appealing to a neutral arbitrator that will hear the case on Wednesday October 31st.

     

    So now that the back story on both cases have been established, let’s look the similarities and differences of both cases.

     

    Differences:

    • Auston Watson’s suspension was a result of an off ice matter.
    • Tom Wilson’s Suspension was a result of a play on the ice.
    • Watson’s suspension was given to him by NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman.
    • Wilson’s suspension was was given to him by George Parros from the Department of Player Safety.
    • Watson’s suspension could only be appealed to a neutral arbitrator per the CBA.
    • Wilson’s suspension has to be appealed to the Commissioner first, then, if upheld, can then be appealed to a neutral arbitrator per the CBA.

     

    Similarities:

    • Watson’s original suspension handed to him by Bettman was 27 games.
    • Wilson’s suspension handed to him by Parros is 20 games.
    • Per the CBA, any suspension six (6) or more games can be appealed.

     

    As you can tell the only similarity that these two have is that both suspensions were 20 or more games, but it’s what the differences are that matter here because this is where everyone is getting this confused. Auston Watson was suspended for an off ice offence and Gary Bettman handed down a punishment that he deemed appropriate for Watson’s particular case, whereas Tom Wilson was suspended for an illegal check to the head and has a history, and Bettman upheld the suspension originally given by George Parros.

     

    So what is the issue here? The correct answer is there is none, but people are making an issue of it anyways.

     

    Now there is the crowd that is going after Bettman and the League because there is no Domestic Violence policy in the NHL, which yes that is an issue and needs to be addressed in the next CBA talks with the NHLPA as there should be a Domestic Violence Policy with strict guidelines and penalties for when those types of matters occur, but right now there isn’t and we need to accept that fact that as of right now, and until a new policy can be put in place, this is how it works when it comes to Domestic disputes off the ice. The Commissioner reviews the off ice matter, and then he makes a ruling on the matter. Also let’s keep in mind that Slava Voynov is still considered suspended indefinitely, and if he were able to be allowed to return to the United States, which by the way per US law he can’t, then the League has made it known that more punishment would be coming his way as his Domestic Violence case is much more gruesome than the one concerning Auston Watson (and in no way are we saying that Watson’s case is minor, we are just stating that Voynov’s is a much more serious case as his wife beaten bloody, and hospitalized).

     

    Now with the above stated let’s get right to it. Stop blaming Gary Bettman for what is going on right now, but most importantly, stop comparing off ice matters as if it were an on ice matter. They are completely different, and they can’t be compared. What was handed out by the League to Auston Watson and to Tom Wilson can’t be compared because they happened under different circumstances. Gary Bettman is handling these situations the best he can, and has done so with respect.

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • 10/28/2018 – NHL and NWHL News and Notes

     

    Here is today’s News and Notes for 10/28/2018.

     

     

    In NHL Action:

    NEW JERSEY 3 – Florida 2

    NY Islanders 6 – PHILADELPHIA 1

     

    Edmonton 5 – NASHVILLE 3

     

    Washington 4 – CALGARY 3 (SO)

    COLUMBUS 5 – Buffalo 4 (OT)

    TORONTO 3 – Winnipeg 2

     

    Montreal 3 – BOSTON 0

    ST. LOUIS 7 – Chicago 3

    MINNESOTA 3 – Colorado 2

    ARIZONA 7 – Tampa Bay 1

     

    Pittsburgh 5 – VANCOUVER 0

     

    In NWHL Action:

    Metropolitan 3 – BOSTON 2

     

    MINNESOTA 3 – Buffalo 2

     

    NHL News and Notes:

    The Tampa Bay Lightning announced that Victor Hedman would miss at least one week due to an upper body injury and that Ondrej Palat is day to day with a lower body injury.

     

    Colorado Avalanche announced that Tyson Jost has a head injury.

     

    The Pittsburgh Penguins extended their condolences to the city of Pittsburgh and the Tree of Life synagogue after today’s horrific shooting that claimed (as of this publishing) 11 lives.

    https://twitter.com/6Schultz6/status/1056240645420081157

     

    In action today we have:

    NHL:

    NY Rangers (3-6-1) v. Los Angeles (2-7-1) 330p

    Dallas (5-4-0) v, Detroit (1-7-2) 5p

    NY Islanders (4-4-1) v. Carolina (6-3-1) 5p

    Edmonton (5-3-1) v. Chicago (6-3-2) 6p

    Ottawa (4-4-1) v. Vegas (4-5-1) 8p

    San Jose (5-3-2) v. Anaheim (5-5-1) 8p

     

    NWHL:

    Buffalo (2-1-0) v. Minnesota (5-0-0) 3p

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • 10/27/2018 –Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets

    10/27/2018 –Toronto Maple Leafs vs Winnipeg Jets

     

     

    Toronto Maple Leafs (7-3-0 16pts) v Winnipeg Jets (6-2-1 13pts)

     

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Kasperi Kapanen – Auston Matthews – Patrick Marleau

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares– Zach Hyman

    Pars Lindholm – Nazem Kadri – Connor Brown

    Tyler Ennis – Frederik Gauthier – Josh Leivo

    Morgan Rielly  – Ron Hainsey

    Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev

    Martin Marincin – Igor Ozhiganov

    Frederik Andersen

    Garrett Sparks

    Scratched: Andreas Johnsson, Justin Holl & Travis Dermott

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back)

    Suspension: None

     

    Winnipeg:

    Patrik Laine – Mark Scheifle – Blake Wheeler

    Kyle Connor – Bryan Little– Nikolaj Ehlers

    Andrew Copp– Adam Lowry – Brandon Tanev

    Brendan Lemieux – Jack Roslovic – Matthieu Perrault

    Josh Morissey – Jacob Trouba

    Ben Chiarot – Dustin Byfuglien

    Joe Morrow – Tyler Myers

    Connor Hellebuyck

    Laurent Brossaint

    Scratched: None

    Injuries: None

    Suspension: None

     

    Gameday:

     

    First Period:

    Jets Penalty – 02:53 – Dustin Byfuglien, 2 mins for Slashing

    Leafs Penalty – 08:14 – Nazem Kadri, 2 mins for Boarding

    Jets PPG Goal  – 09:38 – Kyle Connor (6) Blake Wheeler (9) and Dustin Byfuglien (5)

    Jets Penalty – 20:00 – Tyler Myers, 2 mins for Roughing

    Leafs Penalty – 20:00 – John Tavares, 2 mins for Roughing

     

    End of 1st – TML – 0         WPG – 1

    Shots              10                      10

    Faceoffs     9/20                       11/20

    Hits               7                           13

    PP                 0/1                       1/2

     

    Toronto Maple Leafs: 

    Analysis:

    Leafs came out aggressive and looking ready to take over the game. But a questionable penalty on Kadri cost them the lead going into the 2nd period.

    Need to Do:

    Leafs need to continue being aggressive and attacking the defence of the Jets.

     

    Second Period:

    Jets Goal– 11:00 – Mark Schiefele (6), Unassisted

    Jets Penalty – 5:03 – Patrik Laine, 2 mins for Interference

     

    End of 2nd – TML – 0         WPG – 2

    Shots              19                    17

    Faceoffs       16/37            21/37

    Hits               12                    21

    PP                 0/2                   1/2

     

    Toronto Maple Leafs:

    Analysis:

    Leafs came out flat from the beginning and looked like they were just going to take the period off. Auston Matthews took a hard hit to the shoulder early in the 2nd period and didn’t return to the lineup in that period, remains to see if he will return tonight.

    Need to Do:

    Leafs better come to play in the 3rd even without Matthews, They have a huge hole to dig themselves out of.

     

    Third Period

    Leafs Goal – 06:33– Nazem Kadri (2) from Mitch Marner (10)  and Ron Hainsey (3)

    Jets Penalty – 9:31 – Jacob Trouba, 2 mins for Tripping

    Leafs Goal – 16:49– Jake Gardiner (1) from Mitch Marner (11)

    Leafs Goal – 17:15– Kasperi Kapanen (6) from John Tavares (6) and Zach Hyman (6)

     

    End of 3rd – TML – 3        WPG – 2

    Shots              31                   24

    Faceoffs     29/61                32/61

    Hits               20                       27

    PP                 0/3                    1/2

     

    Toronto:

    Analysis:

    Leafs were good for half of the first period and terrible in the 2nd, but Frederik Andersen bailed them out and kept them in the game until the 3rd. Where even without Auston Matthews the Leafs came out flying scoring 3 goals in the 3rd for the comeback win.

     

    Next Up:

    Calgary (5-5-1 11pts) vs Toronto (8-3-0 16pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

     

  • Full Gameday Preview and Coverage – 10/27/2018 – Washington Capitals v. Calgary Flames

    Full Gameday Preview and Coverage – 10/27/2018 – Washington Capitals v. Calgary Flames

     

    Washington Capitals (4-3-2 10pts) v. Calgary Flames (5-5-0 10pts)

    Time: 4p EST

    Station: NBC Sports Washington

     

    Preview:

    In an early matinee for the Washington Capitals, they visit the Calgary Flames who are also going to be looking to rebound from a very bad game. The other night thhe Flames were dismantled by the Pittsburgh Penguins 9-1 while the Capitlas lost to the Edmonton Oilers 4-1. Also in net it looks like our matchup will be Mike Smith for the Flames against Pheonix Copley for the Capitals.

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Projected Lineup:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Jakub Vrana

    Andre Burakovsky — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Chandler Stephenson — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Devante Smith-Pelly — Nic Dowd — Dmitrij Jaskin

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik — Madison Bowey

    Pheonix Copley

    Braden Holtby

    Scratched: Christian Djoos, Nathan Walker

    Injured: Travis Boyd (leg)

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Play with urgency

    The other night in Edmonton it looked like the Capitals did not play with any urgency, and lost as a result. The Flames are going to be looking to rebound after their horrendous game against Pittsburgh and are going to want to play with more urgency and the Capitals will need to match that.

     

    2. Keep your feet moving

    The Capitals need to keep their feet moving to force the play in the Flames zone but to also force the Flames to take penalties. If the Capitals can do this, they will have a much better game than they did against Edmonton.

     

    Calgary Flames:

    Projected Lineup:

    Johnny Gaudreau — Sean Monahan — Sam Bennett

    Matthew Tkachuk — Mikael Backlund — Austin Czarnik

    Dillon Dube — Elias Lindholm — James Neal

    Michael Frolik — Derek Ryan — Garnet Hathaway

    Mark Giordano — TJ Brodie

    Noah Hanifin — Travis Hamonic

    Juuso Valimaki — Rasmus Andersson

    Mike Smith

    David Rittich

    Scratched: Mark Jankowski, Michael Stone, Dalton Prout

    Injured: None

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Get a good start

    The Flames will want to have a much better game today than they did against Pittsburgh and a good start to the game is something that they will need to do. They may not have to score in the opening minutes, but a some good solid chances to start the game is something they should strive for.

     

    First Period:

    Flames Penalty – 1:10 – James Neal 2 minutes from Slashing

    Capitals Penalty – 1:37 – Nicklas Backstrom for Interference

    Capitals Goal – 9:28 – Jakub Vrana (3) from Evgeny Kuznetsov (9)

    Flames Penalty – 13:49 – Derek Ryan 2 minutes for Slashing

    Capitals PPG – 14:27 – TJ Oshie (6) from Alex Ovechkin (6) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (10)

    Flames Goal – 14:41 – Travis Hamonic (1) from Johnny Gaudreau (8)

    Capitals Penalty – 16:45 – Brett Connolly 2 minutes for Holding

    Flames PPG – 16:54 – Elias Lindholm (7) from Johnny Gaudreau (9) and Mark Giordano (7)

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 2       CAL – 2

    Shots              10                09

    Faceoffs         14                10

    Hits               11                  12

    PP                 1/2                 1/2

     

    Analysis:

    This period had three phases to it. The first was the feeling out process as both teams are coming off of tough losses, so they obviously want to play more defensively and see where they can get their chances. Then for a five minute stretch the Capitals looked great and were the dominate team scoring two goals, for which one was on the powerplay. However, after their powerplay goal to give them a 2-0 lead they let the Flames back into it, and also took a bad penalty that allowed the Flames to tie the game at 2.

     

    Need to Do:

    The Capitals need to play with some more killer instinct. They had a 2-0 lead and then let up. You can’t do this, and the Capitals need to hunker down and play with more killer instinct.

     

    Second Period:

    Flames Penalty – 11:13 – Bench (Matthew Tkachuk) 2 minutes for Too Many Men

    Capitals Penalty – 12:53 – Evgeny Kuznetsov 2 minutes for Tripping

    Capitals Goal – 17:03 – Matt Niskanen (2) from Brett Connolly (6) and Dmitrij Jaskin (1)

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 3        CAL – 2

    Shots               18                 15

    Faceoffs          19                 19

    Hits                 16                  17

    PP                   1/3                  1/3

     

    Analysis:

    In all honesty, this was a very boring period to watch. Plus you had for the second period in the row the Capitals also lost another powerplay by taking another penalty. However, the one positive of this period is that they did get the lone goal of the period, and they did it late in the period too.

     

    Need to Do:

    Capitals need to put their foot on the gas and finish this one so they can walk out with a win. They scored late in the 2nd to swing the momentum their way, and they need to keep it in their corner.

     

    Third Period:

    Flames Goal – 18:33 – Matthew Tkachuk (4) from Rasmus Andersson (1) and Mark Giordano (8)

    Capitals Penalty – 18:48 – Evgeny Kuznetsov 2 minutes for Delay of Game

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 3         CAL – 3

    Shots              26                   26

    Faceoffs        25                    32

    Hits               20                     22

    PP                 1/3                    1/3 *4th in Progress

     

    OT:

    N/A

     

    End of OT – WAS – 3         CAL – 3

    Shots              27                   30

    Faceoffs        27                    33

    Hits               21                     22

    PP                 1/3                    1/4

     

    Shootout:

    Flames – Matthew Tkachuk – Save

    Capitals – TJ Oshie – Save

    Flames – Sean Monahan – Goal

    Capitals – Evgeny Kuznetsov – Goal

    Flames – James Neal – Save

    Capitals – John Carlson – Save

    Flames – Johnny Gaudreau – Save

    Capitals – Nicklas Backstrom – Goal

     

    Final – WAS 4      CAL 3

     

    Analysis:

    This could have easily of been a loss for the Capitals. All they had to do was force the play in the Flames zone for the third period and run down the clock, but instead they turtled and played mainly in their own zone and kept icing the puck, especially near the end. That is a recipe for losing and they almost did. Bright spot was definitely Pheonix Copley and his play. The first two games he played this season, which were loses, he played well and deserved the victory.

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (5-3-2 12pts) @ Montreal (5-2-2 12pts)

    Calgary (5-5-1 11pts) @ Buffalo (6-4-0 12pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • 10/27/2018 – News and Notes

     

    Here is today’s News and Notes – EARLY EDITION!!

     

    Last night in the NHL we had four games:

     

    Today in the NHL we have a full day of action!!

     

    Which also features 2 games as the European Games of the Week:

     

    In NWHL action today we have two action packed games:

     

     

    In NHL Disciplinary News:

    Los Angeles Kings forward Kyle Clifford was fined for elbowing:

     

    Also in some sadder news, former NHL President John Ziegler passed away:

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • October 26th, 2018: News and Notes

    Today is Friday, October 26th, 2018 and these are your news and notes…

    There were ten games in action across the NHL yesterday…

    • Starting off in Boston, Zdeno Chara registered his first multi-goal game sine the 2013-14 season as the Boston Bruins shutout the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0. Bruins G Jaroslav Halak made 26 saves to help Boston improve to a record of 6-2-2 on the season and a 4-0-0 record at home.Chara would become the third defenceman in NHL history to register a multi-goal game when at 41 years of age or older and the first since Nicklas Lindstrom in the 2011-12 season.
    • The Pittsburgh Penguins went on to rout the Calgary Flames by the score of 9-1 and extended their win to three games. Pittsburgh became the first team this season to score nine goals or more in a contest.Sidney Crosby recorded three points in the contest and helped Pittsburgh register nine goals in a contest for the first time since the 2008-09 season.

      Phil Kessel played in his 700th consecutive game last night and is third-longest active streak. He currently sits in ninth place all time.

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    • Ryan Suter of the Minnesota Wild registered two assists to help the Wild defeat the Los Angeles Kings 4-1.This would be Suter’s 1,000th NHL game played.

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    • The Nashville Predators tied the game on three separate occassions and Kyle Turris would score the game winner in overtime as Nashville would defeat the New Jersey Devils 4-3 in overtime.Nashville has won eight out of their first ten games in a season for the second time and the first since the 2005-06 season.

      Nashville has also won their first five road contests and joins only Toronto as the only two clubs to hit this achievement.

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    • The Washington Capitals faced off against the Edmonton Oilers and would lose this contest 4-1.The lone goal in the contest would go to Andre Burakovsky, who would score his first goal of the season. Nic Dowd and John Carlson would be awarded assists on Burakovsky’s goal.

      TXHT has your breakdown and analysis of Washington’s contest against Edmonton here

    Yesterday’s results (Home team in CAPS):

    • BOSTON 3, Philadelphia 0
    • BUFFALO 4, Montreal 3
    • Nashville 4, NEW JERSEY 3 (OT)
    • Columbus 7, ST. LOUIS 4
    • MINNESOTA 4, Los Angeles 1
    • CHICAGO 4, NY Rangers 1
    • DALLAS 5, Anaheim 2
    • Pittsburgh 9, CALGARY 1
    • EDMONTON 4, Washington 1
    • ARIZONA 4, Vancouver 1

    Tonight’s contests:

    Oct_26th_Schedy-26125910

    Image courtesy of NHL and NHL Public Relations

    For more news, notes, and info in the league…

    Today in NHL news…

    • Former NHL President John Ziegler passed away. Ziegler was the fourth President of the NHL before Gary Bettman became the NHL Commissioner in 1993.

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    • The Department of Player Safety announced earlier today that Los Angeles’ Kyle Clifford has been fined $4,301.08, the maximum allowed under the CBA for kneeing Minnesota’s Jordan Greenway last night.

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    • Wsahington Capitals F Tom Wilson will appeal the decision that Gary Bettman upheld the 20-game suspension that was given to him on October 3.The appeal will now be heard by a third party arbitrator.

      In case you missed it, TXHT has the breakdown of the hearing between Bettman and Wilson with full analysis here.

     

     

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • Commissioner Bettman Upholds 20 Game Suspension

    Commissioner Bettman Upholds 20 Game Suspension

     

     

    [wpvideo G2gcK4JH]

    Source: NHL Department of Player Safety

     

    After a lengthy seven hour meeting between Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last week in regards to Wilson’s 20 game suspension, which was announced on October 3rd, 2018 in the video above, it has been announced that Bettman has upheld 20 game suspension that was handed down by George Parros and the NHL Department of Player Safety.

     

    What does this mean for Tom Wilson?

    For Wilson, he still has to fulfill his 20 game sentence that was handed down by George Parros. However, Wilson and the NHLPA now have 7 days to submit an appeal to an arbitrator to have the suspension reduced.

     

    What message is Gary Bettman sending with this decision?

    In this scenario after reading the full 31 page explanation behind Bettman’s ruling it is clear that Bettman is sending multiple messages. One being to the NHLPA and their tactics to paint St. Louis Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist as the player at complete fault for the hit and injuries he sustained. The other is fact that George Parros has actually had many conversations, some even in person, with Wilson throughout last season to discuss ways that Wilson can become a better player, but how in a sense has fallen on deaf ears.

     

    A more thorough look at Bettman’s ruling the Commissioner explains in great detail several reasons why he upheld the suspension and did not reduce it. For starters we look at the play in hand that took place. A point of arguement that the NHLPA took was that Sundqvist put himself into a “vulnerable” position, but as detailed in Bettman’s ruling below such was not the case:

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-21-55-22-1

     

    So as detailed above, and evidenced in all video evidence we have seen, that was not the case, and while Sundqvist was elgible to be hit, the notion he put himself in a vulnerable position, that was proved to be invalid.

     

    Then next up is you have Oskar Sundqvist’s injuries which are listed below:

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-21-57-57-1

     

    One of the biggest factors that lead to the 20 game ban is the fact that this was the second consecutive suspension doled out to Wilson that involved a player being injured and having to miss time as a resilt of Wilson’s hit. At the time of the hearing, and subsequent ruling, Sundqvist has not played a game yet this season due to his injuries from the hit by Wilson.

     

    Now let’s talk about the hearing as well. With the magnitude of this suspension, and the thorough testimonies that took place on October 18th, there were actually more people involved with this hearing than was known including former Washington Capitals defenseman Joe Reekie, and former NHL defenseman Mathieu Schnieder, both representing the NHLPA. It is also noted the Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan was in attendance and was also called upon to testify along side George Parros from the Department of Player Safety.

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-22-00-22-1

    The hearing lasted 7 hours and 15 minutes and yhe transcript, which undoubtedly was much longer than Bettman’s 31 page ruling, was delivered to the League office the very next day for review.

     

    In some of the more interesting notes in Bettman’s ruling are that from Tom Wilson’s testimony:

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-22-12-15-1

     

    In Wilson’s testimony, he openly admits that he did make contact with Sundqvist’s head, but that he could not conclude if Sundqvist’s head was the main point of contact. However, as noted, Bettman from watching the video concluded that it was.

     

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-22-16-18-1

     

    The arguement above is found to be a very interesting one. While yes, Wilson is in fact backchecking in accordance to Washington’s defensive system, I doubt under Barry Trotz last season, and Todd Reirdon this season that he has been coached to play with the intent to hit on every opportunity when backchecking. Especially since we don’t see a lot of major hits when the Capitals are backchecking.

     

    Then Capitals General Manager Brian MacLellan under testimony stated the following:

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-22-30-12-1

    MacLellan openly admits in testimony that Wilson could have done something different to change the impact of the hit and where the main point of contact of the hit as well. This is a huge stressor right here as MacLellan, a former NHL player himself, understands thr nature of the game, and knows how to throw a hit qithout targeting the head.

     

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-22-33-06-1

    Now the above is strictly an explanation of the rule where “intent” is no longer something the League looks at when reviewing head hits  per Rule 48, which was amended five years ago. It gives a solid example as provided by Parros.

     

    And lastly, how did George Parros come to 20 games for Tom Wilson? The below note in Bettman’s ruling explains how:

    Screenshot_2018-10-25-23-18-12-1

     

    It should also be noted that George Parros had two in person meetings with Tom Wilson last season just so they could watch footage and talk about how he could improve his play and decision making on the ice, plus also received additional warnings (mainly in the playoffs leading up to and after his suspension against Pittsburgh in the 2nd round) and guidance throughout last season as well.

     

    What’s next?

    Next thing is that we wait to see what Tom Wilson and the NHLPA do. Odds are they will appeal the suspension and look to get it reduced by an arbitrator.

     

    However, the biggest thing that comes up next for Wilson is when he does finally return to the Capitals lineup. He will need to play smarter and pick better spots on when to throw his hits. Physicality is a hige part of hockey, and Wilson should never shy away from it, but he does need to do a better job.

     

    *Source Notes – All images from Gary Bettman’s ruling are shown in full context and were not altered in any way. They are shown so people can read some of the key points in TXHT’s opinon were most import to be seen in full detail.

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • Full Gameday Preview and Coverage – 10/25/2018 – Washington Capitals v. Edmonton Oilers

    Full Gameday Preview and Coverage – 10/25/2018 – Washington Capitals v. Edmonton Oilers

     

    Time: 9p EST

    Station: NBC Sports Washington

     

    Preview:

    In the second game of their 4 game Western Canada trip, the Capitals take on an Edmonton Oilers team that is still looking for an identity. The Oilers had a strong showing in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins the other night, but is looking to build upon that game.

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Projected Lineup:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Devante Smith-Pelly

    Chandler Stephenson — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Jakub Vrana — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Dmitrij Jaskin — Nic Dowd — Andre Burakovsky

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Brooks Orpik — Christian Djoos

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

    Scratched: Madison Bowey, Nathan Walker

    Injured: Travis Boyd (leg)

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Push the Oilers in their own zone

    Last season the Oilers did not have a great season and it has kind of rolled into this season of sorts, and one of the key people that needs to be is goaltender Cam Talbot. The Capitals need to push the play in Oilers zone and make Talbot uncomfortable, and generate a lot of scoring chances on Talbot.

     

    2. Stay out of the penalty box

    The one thing that can revitalize the Oilers is their powereplay and with threats like Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the Oilers could take any opportunity while on the powerplay to change the game in their favor.

     

    Edmonton Oilers:

    Projected Lineup:

    Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Connor McDavid — Kailer Yamamoto

    Tobias Rieder — Leon Draisaitl — Alex Chiasson

    Milan Lucic — Ryan Strome — Drake Caggiula

    Cooper Marody — Kyle Brodziak — Jujhar Khaira

    Oscar Klefbom — Adam Larsson

    Darnell Nurse — Kris Russell

    Evan Bouchard — Kevin Gravel

    Cam Talbot

    Mikko Koskinen

    Scratched: Jason Garrison, Jesse Puljujarvi

    Injured: Matt Benning (undisclosed), Ty Rattie (upper body), Zack Kassian (undisclosed)

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Force the Capitals to take Penalties

    The Oilers will need to force the Capitals to take penalties in this game, especially with the fact that the Caps have taken some really bad penalties this season so far.

     

    First Period:

    Capitals Penalty – 14:31 – Michal Kempny 2 minutes for Tripping

    Oilers PPG – 16:28 – Evan Bouchard (1) from Kailer Yamamoto (1) and Tobias Rieder (2)

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 0       EDM – 1

    Shots              09                09

    Faceoffs         13                10

    Hits               10                  05

    PP                 0/0                 1/1

     

    Analysis:

    This was an ok period for the Capitals. They did well in the faceoff circle, and on a bad call by the officials, the Capitals looked to have killed the lone penalty of the period but the Oilers were able to get one past Holtby in the final seconds of the powerplay.

     

    Need to Do:

    The Capitals need to do a better job with their zone entries. They did an ok job of it, but they were not able to create many opportunities with how they got into the zone. Also the Capitals need to clog up Edmonton’s speed in the neutral zone.

     

    Second Period:

    Oilers Penalty – 9:19 – Milan Lucic 2 minutes for Cross Checking

    Oilers SHG – 10:06 – Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (3) from unassisted

    Capitals Goal – 12:21 – Andre Burakovsky (1) from Nic Dowd (1) and John Carlson (9)

    Capitals Penalty – 14:59 – Michal Kempny 2 minutes for Delay of Game

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 1        EDM – 2

    Shots               18                 23

    Faceoffs          21                 18

    Hits                 16                  12

    PP                   0/1                  1/2

     

    Analysis:

    This was not a pretty period for the Capitals. A lackluster powerplay resulted in a shorthanded goal against (seriously, stop doing the slingshot!!), and the Oilers outshot the Capitals 14-9. Braden Holtby though has been on top of his game in this one.

     

    Need to Do:

    The Capitals need to play their game and impose their will on the Oilers.

     

    Third Period:

    Capitals Penalty – 4:35 – Bench (Jaskin) 2 minutes for Delay of Game – Faceoff Violation

    Oilers Goal – 9:16 – Alex Chiasson (3) from Tobias Reider (3) and Adam Larsson (3)

    Capitals Penalty – 11:26 – Bench (Connolly) 2 minutes for Delay of Game

    Oilers ENG – 18:43 – Connor McDavid (6) from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (8)

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 1         EDM – 4

    Shots              32                   32

    Faceoffs        34                    26

    Hits               28                     16

    PP                 0/1                    1/4

     

    Analysis:

    This was not a great game for the Capitals. They did not play very well in any of the three zones and were not good at all on their lone powerplay. Their penalty kill was ok, but the penalties they took were also ridiculous too, and the officials need to be questioned on two the calls made against the Capitals, and about the ones that were obvious calls, but not called on the Oilers. All the Capitals can do now is regroup and prepare for Saturday when the visit Calgary to take on the Flames.

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (4-3-2 10pts) @ Calgary (5-5-0 10pts)

    Edmonton (4-3- 9pts) @ Nashville (8-2-0 16pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • October 25th, 2018: News and Notes

     

    These are your news and notes for Thursday, October 25th, 2018.

    There were four contests in the NHL last night…

    • The Toronto Maple Leafs took on the Winnipeg Jets in the first of two match-ups this season.Six different first-rounders all scored in the contest and Toronto went on to defeat the Jets 4-2. Toronto’s scores were Kasperi Kapanen (2014), Tyler Ennis (2008), Nazem Kadri (2009), and John Tavares (2009) all found the back of the net and lifted Toronto to a 5-0-0 record in road games this season and ended Winnipeg’s point streak of home games at 15, dating back to March 2 of last season.

      23 players drafted in the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft have played at least in one contest thus far on the season.

    • The Florida Panthers and team captain Aleksander Barkov registered an assist on a game-tying goal and assisting on Mike Hoffman’s overtime game-winner as the Panthers would defeat the New York Islanders 3-2. Hoffman has scored a goal in each of the last three contests for the Panthers.This contest marked the third consecutive day in which a team has mounted back from a multi-goal deficit in the third period and go on to win.

      Florida has also had 17 of these occurrences happen in franchise history, including this contest.

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    • The Tampa Bay Lightning would go on to shutout the Colorado Avalanche on the lone goal from Nikita Kucherov and Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy registerd 22 saves.Vasilevskiy now sits one road shutout shy of tying Ben Bishop for the franchise record at 10.

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    • Vancouver Canucks Bo Horvat scored the two lone goals in regulation and Markus Granlund netted the only goal of the shootout to give the Canucks a 3-2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights.

      This would be Horvat’s first multi-goal game on the season and the fourth in his career.

    Yesterday’s results (Home team is in CAPS):

    • Florida 3, NY ISLANDERS 2 (OT)
    • Toronto 4, WINNIPEG 2
    • Tampa Bay 1, COLORADO 0
    • Vancouver 3, VEGAS 2 (SO)

    There are ten contests in the NHL tonight…

    Oct_25th_Schedy-25015901.jpg

    Image courtesy of NHL and NHL Public Relations

    For other news, stats, and notes on tonight’s contests:

    In NHL news…

    • The NHL’s Department of Player Safety announced yesterday that Ottawa Senators D Mark Borowiecki has been suspended one game for elbowing Boston D Urho Vaakanainen.
    • It was also announced yesterday New Jersey Devils C Brian Boyle’s cancer has gone into remission after having a blood test taken on Monday.
    • Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and Hockey Night in Canada released his “31 Thoughts” article today. Main piece is on goalie equipment.
    • NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman upheld the 20-game suspension of Tom Wilson earlier today.

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      TXHT will have your analysis on the ruling of the appeal tomorrow.

    In the NWHL…

     

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.