The Bolts
Notoriously media-shy Nikita Kucherov joined Twitter yesterday. Here’s a quick sampling from his very active first day on the social media platform.
Ok, who should I follow? Any suggestions?
— Nikita Kucherov (@86Kucherov) April 20, 2017
Good choice! Hi @ovi8 https://t.co/M9AaS1LQas
— Nikita Kucherov (@86Kucherov) April 21, 2017
Funny 😂 https://t.co/uE2eUTbWkQ
— Nikita Kucherov (@86Kucherov) April 21, 2017
Cool video. 👍 https://t.co/QmvQi5pxdP
— Nikita Kucherov (@86Kucherov) April 21, 2017
“Before leaving for town for the summer, Stamkos granted LightningInsider.com an exclusive interview where he touched on a number of subjects. In this second part of that interview, Stamkos addresses just how close he was to returning this season and some of the inner-battles he has the last two weeks of the season, what his summer training will look like and his feelings on the NHL (presumably) not going to the Olympics.” [Lightning Insider, subscription]
“After selecting two cornerstone, franchise-altering players in Steven Stamkos and Victor Hedman, the Bolts looked to solidify their core with the sixth-overall choice in 2010. However, as with all drafts, things don’t always turn out the way we hope. Case in point, the Lightning’s 2010 first round draft choice, Brett Connolly.” [Raw Charge]
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch will play the St. John’s IceCaps tonight in the first game of the AHL playoffs. “What better time than on the eve of the Calder Cup Playoffs to release a new installment! Hosts Brandon Curtis and Alex Ackerman are back once again to talk everything Crunch and IceCaps.” [Raw Charge]
“Veteran goalie Mike McKenna will get first crack in net for the Syracuse Crunch when that team opens its playoff series in St. John’s on Friday.” [Syracuse.com]
“Most of the guys getting their first pro experience after their junior seasons have been skating with the Black Aces. Not Brett Howden. The 19-year-old center skated on a line with Byron Froese and Kevin Lynch at practice Tuesday.” [Bolt Prospects]
Over in junior hockey, Lightning prospects Christopher Paquette (#12) and Matt Spencer (#27) were both held off the score sheet as their Peterborough Petes lost 5-3 to the Mississauga Steelheads. Mississauga leads the series 1-0.
The Game
The Nashville Predators used their speed to sweep the Chicago Blackhawks. “The team wearing red, white, and black was totally outclassed from the opening puck drop of Game 1, and regularly needed strong play from Corey Crawford just to make things remotely interesting. With a worse goalie, this could’ve been even worse.” [Second City Hockey]
The Buffalo Sabres really cleaned house by firing the general manager, head coach, and directors of professional and amateur scouting. They may target Steve Yzerman’s right hand man Julien BriseBois. “Pierre LeBrun mentioned BriseBois as a name the Sabres should definitely look at. He’s the general manager of the Syracuse Crunch of the AHL and assistant general manager of Tampa Bay. Since taking over the Crunch the team has made it to two Calder Cups, winning once.” [Die By The Blade]
“Don Henderson, the NHL linesman injured in an infamous on-ice incident last season, is suing Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman and the team for $10.25 million, according to TSN and CTV.” [Puck Daddy]
