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The Flyers management feels Shayne Gostisbehere is underperforming currently and has decided to scratch him in tonight's game against the Winnipeg Jets in favor of Andrew McDonald. This is not a big deal and not altogether surprising as Gostisbehere has struggled early this season, especially in his own zone...A night off for a young d-man like this is not uncommon.
However, in a totally strange twist of fate...Today, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. named Gostisbehere the Philadelphia Pro Athlete of the Year....Not the greatest timing...
On the NHL and the Olympics...
Not sure what to make of the NHL offering the NHLPA the Olympics in exchange for three more years of the CBA... On the one hand, it is good to hear the NHL likes the current CBA and isn't trying to once again get a better percentage...on the other hand...is this really a good way for two sides, who are trying to be partners, to act? The players aren't likely to take that deal, just out of principle, and could that mean NO Olympics? Hard to imaging the NHL saying, "Just kidding, we were going to let you go the Olympics anyway!"
The fly in the ointment here is NBC, who I have been told REALLY want the NHL players at the Olympics for ratings as well as logistics. NBC likes shutting down the NHL for the Olympics since they cover BOTH.
Stamkos Out 4 - 6 Months
The news was not good for the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steven Stamkos, as it was announced on Thursday that the superstar forward suffered a lateral meniscus tear in his right knee against the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday.
TSN's Bob Mckenzie reports that Stamkos will be heading to Vail, CO to have surgery performed on his knee and that the best-case scenario for his return would be four months (mid-March), but that recovery time could be as long as six months, which would be well into the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
We will discuss this and more on the Buzzcast at 1pm
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— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) April 26, 2016