Good morning and welcome to Monday. Another week begins. Hope everyone had a successful Mother’s Day with family and friends. With everything that has been going on, let’s see what I missed in the hockey world.
John Tavares traveled to London and took to the ice with the London Knights as part of his rehab process. The Knights go on to the Memorial Cup. Meanwhile, JT’s namesake uncle had quite the game in Lacrosse as he helped the Buffalo Bandits win game one of their division finals. Not bad for a guy over 40.
Speaking of guys over 40 -- um, did anyone realize that it is Tim Thomas playing on Team USA over in Belarus? When I read that, I didn’t think it was possible. But it is. And Thomas backstopped Team USA’s 6-1 opener against Belarus and their 3-2 win over Switzerland http://mensworlds.usahockey.com/news_article/show/384564?referrer_id=780184 How does this happen? Old Guys Rule. Team USA’s other two goalies are 10 and 20 years younger than Thomas. I wonder if they call him Grandpa. Let's see who is in net today.
Brock Nelson and Colin McDonald are doing quite well for themselves in Minsk too. Both have goals in this tournament and will play today against Russia. Matt Donovan is there too, but I haven’t watched a game yet as Friday’s was during work hours and Saturday’s was during my errand routine. That’s why I have Twitter to let me know what’s happening.
Matt Martin won the “Hit of the Year… poll the Isles did this week, but seriously -- is that a surprise. I mean, I love Clutterbuck, but when it comes to "hits" -- there's no beating Matt Martin. Don’t forget he’ll be at the team story on the 22nd. Also the game used equipment ‘blowout’ is scheduled for May 31st this year. If that’s the sort of thing you’re into.
There is no word on Halak as of yet. Or should I say not “official… word yet. Lots of words -- from every direction -- just none from the direction that counts. But there is time.
Someone posed to me that Mezaros might be a good fit on the Isles. Thoughts? We know the Isles still need veteran D alongside the youngsters. Maybe?