Dan’s Daily: Bad Call Burns Islanders, Tocchet Close in Seattle

The National Hockey Now network’s Off the Record column reported back in May that the Seattle Kraken head coaching position would be between Rod Brind’Amour and Rick Tocchet. A month later, Brind’Amour was named coach of the year, signed a new contract, and Tocchet has his third interview with GM Ron Francis. Pretty good, eh? Also in the Daily, NHL trade chatter, a fun Sidney Crosby story from his peers, and former Pittsburgh Penguins teammates Colby Armstrong and Marc-Andre Fleury had a good chat about the past and the fleeting future.

Yet our comments section is filled with Penguins trade hopes for Rasmus Ristolainen. I can’t say I disagree, but I also don’t see how it happens. Despite the flailing Buffalo Sabres season, Risto seemed to find his two-game and a good bit of snarl, at least against the Penguins.

Hey, Brandon Montour also played pretty well against the Penguins, too. That story is coming as soon as we get a read on Cody Ceci’s future.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The NHLPA released their own end-of-season awards. The Penguins didn’t win any, but Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby tied for most-complete player with Patrice Bergeron, and Crosby did win one category: most superstitious. The players had some fun at their own expense. Here’s the full list and story. 

Colby Armstrong and Marc-Andre Fleury had a good chat. They laughed about the pranks in the old days, and Fleury admitted time is short. He’s enjoying this run just a little more. 

NHL Trade Chatter, NHL Playoffs, National Hockey Now

There seems to be some steam around Sam Reinhart to Vancouver. I can hear my hockey chat friends screaming, “NO!” but it surely seems that players want OUT of Buffalo. Here’s Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston

What would the #Canucks be acquiring if they do in fact trade for Sam Reinhart? @reporterchris gave his thoughts earlier on Halford and Brough.@MikeHalford604 @SadClubCommish pic.twitter.com/sJxItd2T3f

— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) June 16, 2021

TSN: Rick Westhead reports that in 2010 the Chicago Blackhawks refused to file a police report after two players complained the video coach sexually harassed or abused them. They’re now suing.

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman says Rick Tocchet has a third interview with Seattle. Geez, Ronny, just hire him!

Sounds like Rick Tocchet has a third meeting scheduled with the Seattle Kraken. Nothing done, but seems like a good omen for him.

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) June 18, 2021

Playoffs…

NYI: The New York Islanders have gotten away with a metric ton of interference. However, a phantom interference call late in the second period doomed the Islanders in Game 3.

Here’s the down and dirty postgame as Tampa Bay won Game 3, 2-1. A defensive clinic in the third period. 

THIS–This story by Vegas Hockey Now–this is what the Vegas Golden Knights are walking into in the pressure cooker of Montreal. There will be only 3500 fans (unless Canada relaxes COVID rules. What’s taking so long?!), but those 3500 will feel like two million.

Vegas: Red Flags and Question Marks–Game 2 gave Montreal hope and Vegas worry, especially as the French Canadians go home. 

NHN…

Florida: On Thursday night, Rod Brind’Amour won the Jack Adams award. He edged Florida’s Joel Quenneville. 

The broadcasters vote on that one, but I still can’t fathom Mike Sullivan not getting serious consideration. Respectfully, the Central Division wasn’t much this season.

Detroit: Fourth overall pick Lucas Raymond had elbow surgery in February. No big deal…but he’s still not active and will miss the big U-18 showcase coming up. Uh oh. 

Boston: There seems to be a bit of nostalgia happening in Boston. Lots of talk about their 2011 Stanley Cup as the remaining group tries one more time. President Cam Neely remembered it fondly…