Author: Dose

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Matthew Tkachuk: “I don’t think anyone wants to play in Carolina”

Tomorrow kicks off the Panthers-Hurricanes series.

And let’s just say the table is set, especially with Matthew Tkachuk’s most recent comments.

He said he doesn’t think anyone wants to play in Carolina.

I tend to think that’s not necessarily untrue. Carolina isn’t the biggest hockey market in the NHL.

But in the playoffs, the Hurricanes’ home is always packed.

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The eldest of the Tkachuk brothers has never been tight-lipped, and I’m not surprised he said that. Now the boots will have to follow the socks, because should Florida lose, I’m sure some Canes players will take the opportunity to respond to his comments.

The last time the two teams met in the playoffs, the Panthers swept Carolina. I don’t see that happening in 2025.

Tomorrow kicks off the Eastern Final series between the 10th and 11th best teams in the series.

By the way, the Stars (5th) and Oilers (9th) didn’t finish among the best teams to have made the playoffs either.

Proof that anything can happen in the playoffs.

Overtime

– It takes a trade like that in Toronto.

– Interesting.

– Questions arise.

– Nick Jensen went under the knife.

– All the better.

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Meet the Maple Leafs’ biggest hater, who was at Scotiabank Arena yesterday

Last night at Scotiabank Arena, Maple Leafs fans made their discontent clear. The club got eaten alive by the Panthers… and once again, the Leafs lost a game #7.

Since the loss, just about everyone has been expecting changes in Toronto.

That said, there was one fan who had a great time last night… and we’re not talking about a Panthers fan. At least, not a “real” Panthers fan.

In fact, for the past few years, a man by the name of Ervil Di Giusto has been showing up at Scotiabank Arena with one goal in mind: to see the Maple Leafs lose.

He’s always dressed in the colors of the opposing team… and just yesterday, he was there wearing a Panthers jersey.

What’s surprising, by the way, is that he doesn’t necessarily do it because he doesn’t like the team on the ice. In fact, for many years, he was a season-ticket holder who resold tickets at high prices… until, in 2018, the Leafs ‘ owners dramatically increased resale ticket prices to prevent such practices.

And that irritated him so much that, to get even, he bought clothes in each team’s colors to attend as many games as possible and cheer on the opposing team.

It’s worth noting, however, that the man himself, who grew up a Canadiens fan, denies this version, saying he’s “always done that”. However, it’s only since this measure has been in place that he’s become popular for it.

You’re free to choose which version you prefer.

What is clear, though, is that just yesterday, he was able to witness a Leafs defeat, as he has been able to do many times in recent years.

At least that makes one person in the stands who had a good night… because clearly, there aren’t many who can say the same.

Overtime

– Good point.

– Pete DeBoer, a man of class.

– Great read.

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Capitals defenseman pepper-sprayed on Saturday

Breaking news.

ARLnow has just learned that Washington Capitals defenseman Alex Alexeyev got into trouble with the police over the weekend.

He was pepper-sprayed. He was subsequently arrested and charged with public intoxication.

I imagine he had a hard time swallowing the Capitals’ loss to the Hurricanes the night before…

According to ARLnow, the incident occurred around 3:30 Saturday morning in the middle of the Clarendon bar district, a popular spot among Washington athletes. According to radar, he was caught fighting in front of a pizzeria. Trying to break up the fight, police pepper-sprayed him.

Shortly afterwards, the identity of the person involved was revealed, and it was indeed the Capitals’ defenseman. In 2023, he signed a two-year contract worth $1.65 million.

Let’s not forget that Alexeyev was the one who crosschecked Brendan Gallagher in the face in the playoffs.

He is the third Russian hockey player to have had problems with the law and/or the police in the space of just a few days. First, Matvei Michkov had a car accident, then it was announced that Ilya Kovalchuk was driving erratically and, finally, Alexeyev didn’t behave well in public.

In any case.

There’s no trial date in sight; the defender was released some time after being taken to the Arlington County Jail in the courthouse.

Overtime

– One of the best trios in the series.

– Let him come to Montreal.

– I’d pay dearly… very dearly.

– Moncton, QMJHL champion.

– He may have cemented his place in the top-3 of the next draft.

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Islanders GM: It’s going to come down to Marc Bergevin and Mathieu Darche

The Islanders’ GM position has been vacant since Lou Lamoriello left the club. Since then, there’s been a big search to find his successor… and with the draft and July 1 just around the corner, the Islanders will have to appoint someone fast.

You can’t just hire someone 24 hours before the draft.

And one of the names that has been bandied about since the beginning of the process is Marc Bergevin. And according to Frank Seravalli, the former Habs GM was recently granted a second interview.

Clearly, then, Bergevin is one of the favourites for the job… and according to Seravalli, he’s one of the last two candidates for the position.

In fact, it would be a race between him and Mathieu Darche, who is Julien BriseBois’ right-hand man in Tampa Bay.

So, expect the next Islanders GM to be a Québécois… and you almost have to wonder if this has anything to do with Patrick Roy, whose future will be determined by Lamoriello’s successor.

At the same time, in Bergevin’s case, we know he’s had the chance to hire Roy many times and hasn’t done so. Would that change on Long Island?

What’s clear, though, is that this race is coming to an end. We know that the Islanders have been looking for an experienced leader since the beginning of the process, but that the club still likes Darche’s candidacy, who has done a lot for Tampa Bay in recent years.

Who will inherit the position? We’ll know in a few days.

In Overtime

– Leon Draisaitl isn’t afraid of the pressure.

– Finland beats Canada at Worlds.

– Quite a year for the Wildcats coach.

– Of note.

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Penguins: the logical team for Mitch Marner no one is talking about

Mitch Marner’s future is more uncertain than ever. The Maple Leafs forward, who will become a free agent in a few weeks’ time, was loudly booed by his fans last night.

And with the Maple Leafs accumulating playoff failures, the idea of shuffling the cage this summer is seriously under consideration.

So, inevitably, we’re wondering what’s in store for him. He has a big decision to make in the coming weeks, and the chances of him leaving Toronto seem (very) high.

There’s a lot of talk about the Mammoth, the Blackhawks and the Predators, but there’s one logical destination that’s flying under the radar: the Pittsburgh Penguins.

And according to The Fourth Period, you can expect the Penguins to be in the running. But more on that later.

What makes the Penguins such a logical destination? First of all, the club’s GM is a certain Kyle Dubas… who knew Mitch Marner (very) well in Toronto. There’s a lot of familiarity between the two, and Dubas is known to be a very (and sometimes overly) loyal guy.

That said, there’s another element to consider: the Penguins want to try and give Sidney Crosby one last shot at the Stanley Cup. Right now, the club is taking a step back… but adding Marner to the forward group would add considerable offensive punch alongside Crosby.

Marner would probably be the most talented winger Crosby has ever played with in Pittsburgh… and signing the biggest free agent on the market would send a strong message to the captain that the club still wants to win in the immediate future.

The Penguins will have roughly $23 million to spend next season, which means they’ll have the means to go after Crosby. And according to TFP, we can expect Marner to get at least $13 million a year on his next contract.

Other teams will have that kind of money… but how many are more desperate than the Penguins? Maybe the Blackhawks to back up Connor Bedard, but then again…

Obviously, Marner would have to be interested (and maybe signing with a team whose window is about to close won’t interest him), but in Pittsburgh, he’d be in an already much less intense environment. And if Crosby, with whom he played at the 4 Nations Confrontation, helps him navigate the media, there’s probably a way for Marner to do well with the Penguins.

And if he’s interested in reuniting with Kyle Dubas, there’s probably a path to a deal.

In Overtime

– Wildcats win Gilles-Courteau Trophy.

– Well deserved.

– John Carlson is not expected to sign a contract extension this summer.

– These aren’t the usual suspects.

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“They’d be incredible away from Toronto”: Matthew Tkachuk defends the Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are clearly the talk of the hockey world. Yesterday’s humiliating defeat by the Panthers has left its mark, and we sense a wind of change blowing through Toronto.

Will it be Brad Marchand or Jonathan Marchessault? Who knows?

That said, it’s been interesting to watch the Panthers give love to the Leafs since yesterday. Paul Maurice insisted they were “much better” than they were two years ago… and Marchand noted how the pressure on their shoulders makes no sense.

And today, Matthew Tkachuk took a trip to the Spittin’ Chiclets, where he made comments very reminiscent of those of his teammate:

If they didn’t have to deal with the circus in Toronto, they’d be an incredible team. I feel bad for them. – Matthew Tkachuk

It’s no surprise: there’s a lot of pressure that comes with playing in a market like Toronto. And Tkachuk is right about one thing: it’s definitely not the same reality in Florida, which means players probably breathe a lot easier.

And for guys like Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner who seem to have trouble coping with the pressure, maybe another market would be more comfortable for them… and maybe it would help them perform in the playoffs.

That said, the entire Core Four made the decision to sign a long-term contract in Toronto… and this pressure didn’t start yesterday morning. The guys knew what they were getting into, so at some point they have to take the responsibility that comes with it.

If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, as the saying goes.

And it makes you wonder whether Marner and Tavares, who will be free as a bird in a few weeks’ time, will make the decision to get out of the kitchen. In big markets, players are adored when they perform, but criticized when they don’t deliver.

That’s not for everyone… and maybe that’s where the Maple Leafs have escaped in their team-building. Let’s see how the club handles it over the summer.

Overtime

– Speaking of the Maple Leafs.

– One to watch.

– The Hurricanes are ready.

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Maple Leafs: Elliotte Friedman mentions Brad Marchand and Jonathan Marchessault as targets

Last night really felt like the end of something for the Maple Leafs. The club, which had managed to force a Game #7 against the Panthers, was completely humiliated in front of its fans.

And with Mitch Marner and John Tavares both free agents in the making, it’s hard not to think that big changes are in store.

So, inevitably, we wonder what the Leafs will do this summer. If Marner and/or Tavares leave, there will suddenly be a lot of money to spend.

It would therefore be a great opportunity to rebuild the team a little… and, above all, to get some guys with a bit of dog in them. Elliotte Friedman mentioned an interesting name during his 32 Thoughts Podcast: Brad Marchand.

He wonders if the Leafs will push hard to get him.

Friedman thinks that for the Leafs, who are unable to beat Marchand in the playoffs, going after the little pest would make a lot of sense. Marchand was a fan of the club when he was younger, and more importantly, his comments about pressure last night could bring an interesting mentality to that locker room.

The question is, would he be willing to play in a market he just criticized for pressure?

In a similar vein, Kyle Bukauskas raised Sam Bennett’s name… but he, too, might be turned off by what he’s seen in recent weeks. And that’s when Friedman brought up another name: Jonathan Marchessault.

The tipster says he has no information on the subject and no idea of the idea’s viability, but Marchessault is also a guy with a dog and has performed en masse in the playoffs in the past, even winning the Conn-Smythe in 2023. The cake didn’t rise in Nashville this year, and perhaps at 34, Marchessault would prefer to play for a more competitive team and accept a move to Toronto rather than stay in Nashville.

Will it happen? Good question.

What’s clear, though, is that the Leafs want guys with attitude. The club refused to trade Matthew Knies for Mikko Rantanen earlier this season because clearly, the club thinks big for Knies.

You’d think other pieces would have gone the other way, but if they refused to trade Knies and asked Marner if he was willing to waive his no-movement clause, that says a lot about how the two guys are perceived in Toronto (even though, obviously, the two guys’ contractual situations are different).

So, we’ll see how the Maple Leafs can add some grit to this core… but expect Toronto to be stirring things up in the coming weeks.

Because, yes, yesterday was really the end of something.

Overtime

– Matthew Tkachuk is really hurt.

– Mattias Ekholm nears a comeback.

– He needs to give more.

– Indeed.

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“Alexis Lafrenière is the type of player the Canadiens should be targeting.”

This summer, Kent Hughes has set his sights on improving his roster.

It could be a trade, it could be a signing… but we know that the GM of the Canadiens would like to inject some talent into his top-6.

On this subject, Adam Gretz (The Athletic and Bleacher Report) has a suggestion: go get Alexis Lafrenière in New York.

Gretz mentions this idea in reference to Jeff Gorton’s familiarity with Lafrenière.

Gorton was in charge when the Rangers selected Laffy with the first overall pick in 2020, and he knows him well.

But it’s mainly Laffy’s style that Adam Gretz thinks would be a good idea. A big forward who can produce and play tough when needed could help:

Lafrenière is the type of player the Canadiens should target, and the fact that there’s a connection between their management (Gorton) and the player would make him an intriguing possibility. – Adam Gretz

Adam Gretz wonders if a Juraj Slafkovsky vs Alexis Lafrenière deal could happen.

But if it does… it wouldn’t necessarily move things forward because the Canadiens need Slaf’s size on the top-6 forward.

Replacing one big guy with another big guy is the same thing.

But ultimately, if the Canadiens can get Lafrenière out of New York without having to give away Juraj Slafkovsky, it could get interesting.

Adding a 6’2 guy who’s already scored 28 goals and is 23 years old might be a logical idea – even more so when you consider that Lafrenière would have the opportunity to play with quality players in Montreal. He’s had that opportunity in the past in New York, but hasn’t been able to fully seize it.

On the other hand, I can’t see the Rangers giving up on Lafrenière after everything that’s happened in recent months.

They still have a nice core with guys like J.T. Miller and Artemi Panarin up front, but even if Lafrenière hasn’t necessarily played up to expectations in recent years, we know he has the potential to blossom at any moment because he’s shown some really interesting flashes in the past.

And even then, he’s only 23.

The Rangers – if there is a deal – are likely to ask the moon for his services… and Kent Hughes mustn’t sacrifice his current core to go looking for another project.

In Overtime

– Maxime Truman was at CF Montreal practice this morning. Some news here:

– Patrice Bergeron is happy for his boyfriend.

– I love it.

– The mood is good at Hurricanes practice.

– Interesting.

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Joshua Roy not delivering the goods so far in the playoffs

Just because the Canadiens and La Victoire are on vacation doesn’t mean the Montreal region can’t be buzzing with hockey.

From Wednesday to Sunday, Ville de Laval is set to host three high-intensity games in five days. The Rocket, who won every other game in Rochester, will be visited by the Americans for games #3, #4 and possibly #5. The team that wins two games at Place Bell this week will win its three-out-of-five series and advance to the AHL Final Four.

The Rocket will be practicing this morning at Place Bell, and we’ll be keeping an eye on Laurent Dauphin (the team’s leading scorer in the playoffs), as well as Logan Mailloux and David Reinbacher. Why keep an eye on these three guys? Because they were absent from practice yesterday..

We’ll also find out whether Cayden Primeau or Jacob Fowler will get the start. Primeau and Fowler each had an average game in Rochester, but Primeau got the win and it would be his turn if we were to follow a basic rotation. My call: Primeau will play on Wednesday.

Pascal Vincent still has two and a half days to find solutions to muzzle Kale Clague, Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen and Konsta Helenius, as well as to find gaps in Devon Levi’s goaltending.

Will he succeed?

For the Rocket, there’s one player who will have to give his team (and fans) more: Joshua Roy.

Joshua Roy must be having a big week.
(Credit: Capture d’écran (X))

The Beauce winger has yet to find the back of the net in six playoff games this year, and has the worst minus-4 differential, the worst on his team and one of the worst in the league. Roy finished the last game at minus-3.

At least, he collected three assists..

But Joshua Roy had been identified as THE candidate to take Patrik Laine’s place in the Canadiens line-up when the Finn injured his knee during practice. We have every right to expect more from him a few months later during the AHL playoffs..

Especially after a relatively disappointing season down under.

Next year, Roy will play the final year of his entry-level contract leading to restricted autonomy. It’s time for him to take things in hand.

Joshua Roy is due for a big week. For the Rocket, but also for his future.

The puck is in his court.

Overtime

– Wow…

– Sick.

– Happy Birthday!

– Um…

– A meeting of two chums.

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“Change is coming”: Toronto’s summer of change

What’s next?

The Leafs have their work cut out for them this summer. They have to find a way to win in the playoffs, and clearly, it’s not going to work with the elements they have on hand right now.

The club has tried to make things work in recent years, but at some point you have to make a different call.

In particular, Mitch Marner and John Tavares will find themselves out of contract in a few weeks’ time.

And while Tavares has said he wants to stay, Marner has spoken of his time in Toronto in the past tense. He seems intent on turning the page on the Leafs – and the fans who booed him last night – so he can test the free agent market this summer.

It’s safe to assume that there will be major changes at the organizational level.

Elliotte Friedman broached the subject on the recent episode of his 32 Thoughts podcast, and he said it openly: things are going to shake up in Toronto this summer.

There will be changes on the ice… but we can also expect to see changes in management.

And without naming him, I get the impression that Friedman is talking about the possibility of Brendan Shanahan jumping ship. He’s been on the job since 2014 as president… and the club has never lived up to the (huge) expectations since he’s been there.

The contracts of Mitch Marner and John Tavares will expire, as will those of Max Pacioretty and Steven Lorentz.

All four guys will be eligible for full autonomy as of July 1.

But… that’s not all, because there are also players who will be RFA this summer.

And here, we’re thinking in particular of Matthew Knies, who is likely to break the bank after a fantastic season in Toronto.

Elliotte Friedman sees him signing a big contract with the Leafs.

The tipster believes that the organization will probably do everything in its power to keep him… because he’s proven himself capable of being part of the team’s long-term success.

But no matter, it takes something.

It takes moves to whip the organization because the disappointing results have been piling up for so many years.

Can it get back on track by letting Marner go and bringing in a new president?

Meh…

Because in the end, even if the players have to look in the mirror, it really does seem to be a cultural problem in Toronto. The players are lazy in important moments, and it goes from there…

Craig Berube, an intense coach, was brought in to change this. But once again, the results are the same, and management must be wondering why Toronto is still like this this year.

Starting afresh and cleaning house can be scary… but maybe it’s the only solution to the problem we see there.

I wonder if Auston Matthews is untouchable right now, even if Mitch Marner really is in danger of leaving too…

Overtime

– That would be nice!

– So much the better.

– Details on the expansion of two LPHF clubs:

– Misery.

– Absolutely.