Dan’s Daily Links: Little Laila Kisses Cup, Marchand Holds Back Tears

The Stanley Cup Final is always a dichotomy of tears. It is the joy and life fulfillment for 50% of those involved and the heartbreak and pain of the other 50%. The NHL offseason officially begins today with a few tears of joy, tears of another Stanley Cup loss, and what was the most heartwarming on-ice moment I’ve ever witnessed. The St. Louis Blues won their first Stanley Cup. The Boston Bruins core lost in the Stanley Cup Final for a second time. Also, the New York Rangers may dish a big-name buyout, and Charles Barkley salvaged another atrocious NBC broadcasting decision.

I’m not crying. You’re crying. Brave little 11-year-old Laila with a rare disease who has become something akin to a mascot for the St. Louis Blues or a good luck charm was on the ice in Boston courtesy of St. Louis defenseman Colton Parayko. And she got to lift the Cup. If that doesn’t brighten this rainy day, nothing will:

Stanley, meet Laila. #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/TScL24otTC

— NHL (@NHL) June 13, 2019

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand was also crying. He was brutally honest after the game. Boston Hockey Now chief Jimmy Murphy was front and center. The words drop like bricks (Boston Hockey Now)

NBC executives hate hockey. There is no other explanation. Intermissions were filled with the banal tripe, terrible crossover guests and other time wasting excrement. And a splash of hockey. Ask me how I really feel. However, Charles Barkley added some personality to the stage and promptly dished heavy praise on Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Sports Now)

TSN asks an important question of the Penguins and the New York Rangers could make a splash with a big-name buyout (TSN)

The NHL Competition Committee has recommended changes to the video review and tiebreaker changes. They recommended an expansion of review and to give more discretion to officials. This won’t end well (Sportsnet)

Corey Perry is only 34-years-old, but the end came quickly. The Anaheim Ducks are trying to trade him, or buy him out. That was a steep fall. There is already a lot of scuttle Edmonton is waiting in the wings. Puns always intended. (Edmonton Journal)

Dougie Hamilton on the block again? It seems he was a big part of the “Storm Surge” but he does cost a few pennies:

McGuire says he thinks the Carolina Hurricanes will try and move Dougie Hamilton, he says Hamilton is a lot of things, one thing he is not is a stout defender.

Says Brett Pesce will not be moved, he isn't going anywhere. #TakeWarning

— NHL Watcher (#LetsGoOilers!) (@NHL_Watcher) June 11, 2019