Last night we said goodbye to the tournament that injured three of our players but brought Sidney Crosby, Tyler Seguin, and Canada in general more glory and hardware. That’s right, friends, the World Cup of Hockey is finally over, just in time for more hockey.
I know we had the Olympics happening in August, but it still seems weird to me that they scheduled it to overlap with training camp and the beginning of the preseason.
Erstwhile Edmonton Oilers coach Ralph Krueger led the improbable Team Europe all the way to the Final, a best of three round against the Canadian juggernaut. In last night’s win or go home game against Canada, it looked like Europe might actually hand Canada their first loss in an international tournament game (in any round) since Vancouver in 2010.
Up one in the first on a goal from Tyler Seguin’s former teammate Zdeno Chara, Europe managed to carry that lead all the way to the third period, where with under three minutes left to go in the game, Tyler Seguin’s former teammate Patrice Bergeron scored on the power play to tie.
And then, with 44 seconds left in regulation, Tyler Seguin’s former teammate Brad Marchand scores the go-ahead goal, shorthanded.
That’s right you guys, three Bruins players scored goals in Toronto which lead to a come-back victory for Canada. It’s like the Air Canada Center is cursed or something.
But why read my words about it? I didn’t even watch it. The NHL has the official recap. [NHL]
A gif is worth a thousand words.
The World Cup-winner. #WCH2016 pic.twitter.com/1WlDYTxAgd
— #WCH2016 (@NHL) September 30, 2016
Ralph Krueger may or may not be gunning for the Vegas job next season. He says he isn’t, but he’s certainly put himself in a good position for consideration.
But how could I say never? I’ve never said, “No, no, no, never.” Ever. What I’ve said is that right now I’m looking forward to being the chairman of the Southampton Football Club, and that remains.
I will say this, he’s certainly very diplomatic. [ESPN]
Krueger: “I’m grateful Team Europe existed.”
— James Mirtle (@mirtle) September 30, 2016
— #WCH2016 (@NHL) September 30, 2016
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As you may or may not have read yesterday on Defending Big D, you can add Mattias Janmark to the list of players who have been injured prior to the start of the season. I’m thinking of holding a prayer circle, who’s with me? [Sports Day DFW]
No update on injury itself, but Janmark injury happened during practice yesterday.
— Sean Shapiro (@seanshapiro) September 29, 2016
Also in Stars news, defenseman Ondrej Vala to an entry level contract this afternoon. Vala is currently playing for Kamloops in the WHL and played for the Stars at the Traverse City showcase. Jim Nill likes his size and physicality. He is expected to continue development with Kamloops this season. [Wrong Side of the Red Line]
The first match up between the Stars and the St Louis Blues happens tonight in St Louis. The projected line up includes goalie Jake Allen, who the Stars last saw in that game 7 we don’t talk about. [NHL]
Antoine Roussel talks a little about fashion, a little about the kid his wife had during the off season, and a lot about his cat Minou.
Antoine Roussel for Mizzen+Main from Mizzen+Main on Vimeo.
It is official, there will be another Stars calendar this year. My cubicle walls are very excited.
Calendar photo shoots are underway! @tseguinofficial makes it look easy. pic.twitter.com/EMrZbOieEx
— Dallas Stars Fndn (@DS_Foundation) September 29, 2016
Around the NHL, former Star Trevor Daley talks about his bittersweet offseason with the Pittsburgh Penguins and what it’s like coming back into the locker room. [CSN Chicago]
TSN’s Bob McKenzie finally discovered how to use emojis, so trade deadline tweets should get more interesting.
In other news, which you may already know, I found the key to get to the emojis. This will be bad news for everyone. 60, goin’ on 6. 😜
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) September 29, 2016
And finally, I’m still sorry this off season meant we had to say goodbye to Vern Fiddler, but I approve of this friendship.