The Lightning
-The current NHL contract market values players who score, but not necessarily players who don’t score but still contribute to winning. Why is this a problem? Well, argues Alan, Tampa Bay Lightning forward Anthony Cirelli and defenseman Erik Cernak “could be next in line to sign a deal in a market that undervalues their skill set.”
But for now, teams are often paying for the wrong things. And players who provide the right things aren’t being compensated to the level they deserve. Some teams are probably aware of that and will be looking to make changes to better align their spending with player performance. Some teams are still blissfully unaware, happy to pay for points and ice time regardless of what else is happening when that player is on the ice.
-Goalie Curtis McElhinney, the Lightning’s new netminder, was on the InGoal Radio Podcast this week. It’s an interesting listen!
He talks candidly about his exit from the Toronto Maple Leafs last season — “The Toronto thing sucked,” he says, “It sucked.” — a remarkable run to the Eastern Conference Final with the Carolina Hurricanes, why taking a surprise offer from Tampa Bay was an easy decision, and how his equipment, game and mindset have all evolved along the way.
-Look! It’s a Ryan McDonagh in the wild!
Best of the Night. Ryan McDonagh helps us Represent all of #CawlidgeHawkey @BadgerMHockey 👐 pic.twitter.com/b5lhtLAdNj
— Da Beauty League (@DaBeautyLeague) August 1, 2019
-Are you looking to purchase flex plans for the Lightning’s upcoming season? They went on sale yesterday!
Flex plans? We’ve got ‘em.
Options for the 2019-20 season are officially on sale now!
🎟 https://t.co/OzhjZat8uR pic.twitter.com/ob3i4XiN0a
— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) August 1, 2019
-Former organizational defenseman JP Cote is back with the organization!
Among other additions is J.P. Cote, who is the new Director of Player Development. He replaces new #SyrCrunch GM Stacy Roest. Have to imagine we’ll see Cote quite a bit in Syracuse moving forward. https://t.co/POztUb1oxX
— Lukas Favale (@LukasFavale) August 1, 2019
In addition: Let’s all watch this sweet, sweet memory together again, okay?
The Crunch
-Turning Stone Resort and Casino is a big sponsor of the Syracuse Crunch. They celebrated the legalization of sports betting and the opening of a new section of their casino with the Crunch’s mascot.
We’re so excited to join @TurningStone for the grand opening of The Lounge with Caesars Sports.
Congratulations on the launch of the newest premier sports book. 🏒🏈🏀⚾️ pic.twitter.com/VaLIWog16O
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) August 1, 2019
-The Crunch’s media street hockey game is this weekend, and Syracuse assistant coach Gilles Bouchard has been given the honor of refereeing the game.
It wouldn’t be a #StreetCrunch Media Game without a celebrity ref.#SyrCrunch Assistant Coach @okboutch will wear the stripes as #TeamAxe battles #TeamTamurian this Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
Rosters: https://t.co/RoNWhb3SPn pic.twitter.com/V9JAsbI9ZF
— Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) August 1, 2019
After the announcement, previous referee Daniel Walcott offered words of…comfort? Encouragement? Something?
Good luck ! That game gets way too intense!! #StanleyCup #Game7
— Daniel Walcott (@WallyD19) August 1, 2019
-Why should the Crunch follow in the footsteps of other professional teams that have put on a Harry Potter theme night? Alex can tell you why in her weekly podcast!
In this episode, host Alex Ackerman celebrates 10 episodes by attempting to convince the Crunch that they need to do a Harry Potter theme night this upcoming season. She outlines her reasons, describes the flexibility and the potential ease of theme, and mentions some predecessors in hockey that have already successfully done wizarding-themed events. She also mentions the easy charitable connections the night could have, bringing up both local organizations and organizations in the wider Harry Potter universe. She muses on nerds, geeks, and hockey fans, and the natural mesh that just might hold them all together
The Solar Bears
-Forward Alex Schoenborn is returning to the Orlando Solar Bears.
“Alex brings a high level of energy and speed to the ice for us,” Solar Bears head coach and general manager Drake Berehowsky said. “He’s aggressive on the forecheck and that in turn leads to offense for our club.”
Everyone Else
-The Pittsburgh Penguins have hired retired NHL’er Matt Cullen.
“Matt’s knowledge of the game and understanding of our organization will make him a valuable asset moving forward,” said Rutherford. “With over 20 years in the NHL and three Stanley Cups, we are certain he will continue to have a positive influence on our players.”
-Calgary Flames defenseman Michael Stone was placed on Unconditional Waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract yesterday.
The Calgary #Flames have placed D Michael Stone on Unconditional Waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract at $3.5M.
Flames had access to a second buyout window after settling their final arbitration case with G David Rittich on Jul 27. https://t.co/PAHuV3k6Fi
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) August 1, 2019
-Alex Tuch of the Vegas Golden Nights was back home in his old community in New York this past week, doing some charity work for On My Team 16, a non-profit “with a mission to enrich the lives & experiences of children battling cancer through sports.”
What a pleasure to celebrity bartend for an amazing charity in @onmyteam16. Trying to stay out of the way while these guys do their thing! Awesome to be here with @alextuch89 @Anthony_Angello and @tycav34
Learn More: https://t.co/CNezRNBzGA@CNYCentral pic.twitter.com/v3QJf94DAG
— Niko Tamurian (@NikoTamurian) August 2, 2019
-Have you heard of the Philadelphia Quakers?
23 players ever skated for the Quakers. The most famous of them, and the last active Quakers player left in the NHL, was Syd Howe.
-All of the NWHL’s teams will face challenging schedules this upcoming season, writes Mike Murphy of the Ice Garden. Here’s the unique challenge the Buffalo Beauts face:
After playing six road games in the first two months of the season, the Beauts will defend their home ice for six consecutive games between Dec. 21 and Jan. 5. However, if you’re looking for a weekend to make a road trip up to Amherst, your best bet is probably Nov. 23. That weekend the Beauts are playing a brace of games against the visiting Whitecaps — the very team that defeated them in overtime in last year’s Isobel Cup Final.
Beginning on Jan. 13, the Beauts go a full month without playing a game. That should prove to be a significant challenge for first-year head coach Pete Perram and his team.
