The Bolts
Team Sweden confirms that Victor Hedman will play in the IIHF World Championship. Anton Stralman has also been invited, but is awaiting medical clearance. [Swedish Ice Hockey Association, article in Swedish]
“Forty-two players have been invited to the 2017 U.S. Women’s National Team Selection Camp from April 30-May 4 at Florida Hospital Center Ice in the Tampa suburb of Wesley Chapel… USA Hockey will unveil the players selected to the U.S. Women’s National Team at the conclusion of the camp on May 5. The team will remain in Tampa for additional training through May 8.” [Tampa Bay Lightning]
The Prospects
The Syracuse Crunch defeated the Binghamton Senators 4-1. “We know our fans are supportive because they have been supportive all year long,” head coach Ben Groulx said. “Hopefully we will have this kind of atmosphere tomorrow and next week.” [Raw Charge]
Tampa Bay Lightning blue-liner and former Crunch Captain Luke Witkowski celebrated his 27th birthday by making a surprise appearance at his old stomping grounds.
Well, that’s one way to spend your birthday. 🤔
It’s great to see @L28witko back out on the ice with the #SyrCrunch. pic.twitter.com/9K7xY0HT7o
— x – Syracuse Crunch (@SyracuseCrunch) April 14, 2017
Five issues for the Syracuse Crunch to sort through before start of the AHL playoffs. “‘We still have a chance to finish first. We’ve got to take care of business,’ Crunch coach Benoit Groulx said Thursday. ‘For me, it’s showing that our season was a complete success. We did the things the right way, the players were great. First place (is) there? Why not? That’s our goal. Win our games, force Toronto to win.’ But there are several other potentially more important issues that need to be tidied up before the postseason starts next weekend.” [Syracuse.com]
ECHL playoffs have begun! Cameron Darcy (#13 in white) earned third star honors for his two-point game (1G, 1A) and Nick Riopel (#29) blocked 18 of 22 shots as the Kalamazoo Wings lost 4-3 to the Toledo Walleye. The Walleye lead the series 1-0. [Raw Charge]
Boris Katchouk (#12 in red) scored a goal as his Sault St. Marie Greyhounds lost 4-3 to the Owen Sound Attack. Katchouk was named third star of the game. The Greyhounds lead the series 3-2.
The Game
The Detroit Red Wings want Steve Yzerman back – and they think they might actually get him. “Is it that far-fetched that we know the next GM of the Detroit Red Wings will be Steve Yzerman, we just don’t happen to know exactly when that will happen? Perhaps. But based on what we saw Sunday night when the fans at the Joe cheered for Yzerman to ‘Come Home’ and Yzerman talked so glowingly about how the new arena will help the Red Wings, it doesn’t seem as farfetched as it seemed even three months ago.” [Detroit Free Press]
“When the Edmonton Oilers commanded their fans to paint the town orange, Blair Gladue took the marching orders seriously. The self-professed fanatic hand painted his Ford Escape SUV in a heavy varnish of bright orange — a crude paint job he’s not sure will ever wash off.” [CBC News]
Matt Calvert did something not-so-nice to Tom Kuhnhackl. Calvert should expect a call from the Department of Player Safety.
Yikes. Matt Calvert breaks his steak over Tom Kuhnhackl at the end of Game 2. pic.twitter.com/vjyO0wrr95
— Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) April 15, 2017
