Adam Oates: Darren Dreger suggested Adam Oates could be on Peter DeBoer’s wish-list on Insider Trading yesterday. I’m fine with Oates as an assistant. He’s not head coach material, but as an assistant running a special teams unit he’s more than suitable. It’s a move that also wouldn’t shock anyone. I’m still interested to see if DeBoer gives any thought to bringing the Oshawa Generals head coach on board as well.
Craig Anderson: Bruce Garrioch says the Sharks have “kicked tires… on Anderson. Shouldn’t come as a surprise. Anderson is a goalie the Sharks could use for the remainder of Joe Thornton’s lifespan in the NHL. Robin Lehner is no more certain to be a legitimate starter than any other back-up out there, though the Senators believe he’s some sort of crown jewel. The asking price on Lehner is apparently a young player projected for the top six and a high draft pick. Sure, Bryan.
I’d love to know what the Senators are asking for on Anderson because he suits the Sharks much more right now than Lehner. San Jose is going back to win now mode, with an eye on the future. To me, that means grab a goaltender that you know can actually play and, maybe, draft a young stud like Blackwood or Samsonov if they fall to the Sharks in round two.
What would your offer look like to Ottawa for Craig Anderson?
NBC Hates Playoff Beards: Mark Lazarus from NBC is a hater. I understand he’s all about money and marketing, but this is just stupid.
“I know it’s a tradition and superstition, but I think (the beards do) hurt recognition. They have a great opportunity with more endorsements. Or simply more recognition with fans saying, ‘That guy looks like the kid next store,’ which many of these guys do. I think that would be a nice thing.… (Sportsnet)
Mark, if you are so concerned about an itch that hurts a brand’s recognition then you might want to keep Mike Milbury away from your NHL broadcasts. Leave the beards alone, NBC.
Stanley Cup Finals: This has been some fantastic hockey to watch. The Lightning have started to gain respect from the Blackhawks and their followers after being disrespected article after article, post after post, leading up to the Finals – and, really, up until game three. The Lightning are for real. They’re a fantastic group and they’re highly entertaining. All it took to get some respect was to beat the almighty Blackhawks in their own barn with a goalie who could barely move.
Game four is going to be another great one and I really hope this series goes the distance. Two Conference Final game sevens and a Stanley Cup game seven would be amazing.
Thanks for reading.