The Bolts
“The Tampa Bay Lightning’s in-arena virtual assistant has arrived as the organization partnered with Satisfi Labs to launch a customer service artificial intelligence chatbot called ‘ThunderBot.’ With the collaboration, the Lightning are the first NHL partner for the intelligent engagement platform, which will operate across multiple Lightning channels including web, Lightning text club and NHL and Amalie Arena apps.” [Sport Techie]
“I don’t think Yzerman wants to return to Detroit, now or in the future. At least that’s what I’ve heard. He has a good situation in Tampa Bay. Even though the Lightning missed the playoffs, they have a strong core with Steven Stamkos, Nikita Kucherov, Jonathan Drouin, Victor Hedman and Andrei Vasilevskiy. They are much closer to contending for a Stanley Cup than the Red Wings.” [MLive]
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch rallied from a two goal deficit to defeat the St. John’s IceCaps 4-3 in double overtime. The series is tied at 1-1.
Taylor Raddysh (#17 in yellow) picked up an assist as the Erie Otters lost 4-3 to the Owen Sound Attack in overtime. Erik Cernak (#14) and Anthony Cirelli (#22) were held off the score sheet. The series is tied at 1-1.
Christopher Paquette (#12 in red) and Matt Spencer (#27) were held off the score sheet as the Peterborough Petes suffered a shutout loss to the Mississauga Steelheads. Mississauga leads the series 2-0.
Mathieu Joseph (#21 in black) and Bokondji Imama (#51) picked up assists as the Saint John Sea Dogs lost 3-2 to the Chicoutimi Saguenéens in double overtime. The series is tied 1-1.
The Game
The Lady Byng Trophy is awarded to the NHL player “adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct, combined with a high standard of playing ability.” Lightning fans are familiar with the Lady Byng Trophy, having seen Martin St. Louis win it multiple times. This year’s nominees are Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau, Minnesota Wild forward Mikael Granlund and St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko. [Puck Daddy]
Speaking of Tarasenko, the Blues defeated the Minnesota Wild to advance to the second round.
Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Braden Holtby of the Washington Capitals and Carey Price of the Montreal Canadiens are your finalists for the 2017 Vezina Trophy, which is given “to the goalkeeper adjudged to be the best at his position.” [Puck Daddy]
Speaking of Price, the Montreal Canadiens were eliminated from the playoffs by the New York Rangers.
“The Montreal Canadiens fell short against the New York Rangers, but the series put the spotlight on Alexander Radulov’s great return to the NHL. What if an even bigger name came back from the KHL next season? Elliotte Friedman reports that Ilya Kovalchuk wants to come back to the NHL, whether it be with the New Jersey Devils or someone else.” [NBC Sports]
