Around the NHL: Team Canada blew a 6-1 lead, Valeri Nichushkin enters Stage 3 of Player Assistance Program, and more!
2 months ago
It’s a busy day in hockey.
In this article, we’ll look at a few suspensions (and potential missed suspensions), as well as a change from the Calgary Flames provincial rival and some IIHF World Championship news!
Let’s dig into the latest Around the NHL!
Valeri Nichushkin suspended
Coming into Monday’s games, Valeri Nichushkin was tied (and still is) for the lead in playoff goals with Zach Hyman, who we’ll get to later.
However, it was reported by multiple sources Monday evening that Nichushkin has entered Stage 3 of the Player Assistance Program and will be suspended for at least six months.
Per Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Nichushkin reportedly failed a drug test, as this was not his first time in the Player Assistance Program, spending nearly two months in the program from January to March.
It’s a big loss for the Avalanche, as they are now down 3-1 in the series against the Presidents’ Trophy winner Dallas Stars with the game returning to Dallas.
Hockey aside, hopefully Nichushkin can get the help he needs.
Carson Soucy suspended
From an off-ice suspension to an on-ice suspension, at the end of Game 3 against the Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks defenceman Carson Soucy was suspended one game for a cross-check.
It makes sense, as he was assessed the cross-checking penalty at the end of the game, even though former Calgary Flame Nikita Zadorov cross-checked Connor McDavid first. Zadorov received a fine.
It’s also worth mentioning that Zach Hyman cross-checked Zadorov, riding up his shoulder and catching him in the face. However, he faced no discipline, but this is absolutely fine-worthy.
Game 4 of the series will take place on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. MT.
Edmonton Oilers switch to Calvin Pickard
Speaking of the Edmonton Oilers, the team will start Calvin Pickard on Tuesday, which will be his first ever playoff start.
In fact, Sunday’s game where he faced just three shots was his first ever National Hockey League playoff appearance, as the majority of the teams he’s been on were pretty awful teams. Replacing Jack Campbell early in the season, Pickard had a .909 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average in 23 games played, along with a 12-7-1 record.
Will the change be enough for the Oilers to get back on track? We’ll see.
Injury updates
There are several injuries to key players for teams still in the playoffs. Sticking with the Edmonton Oilers for just a bit longer, Adam Henrique has missed Game 1 and 3 and is looking like he’ll miss Game 4. The Oilers moved a first-round pick to acquire the centre, it’s a fairly sizable loss for the team.
An even bigger loss is Boston Bruins captain, Brad Marchand, who will miss Game 5 against the Florida Panthers on Tuesday. This is the second game he’ll miss due to Sam Bennett sucker punching him in Game 3, with the Bruins losing Game 4 to go down 3-1 in the series.
Another key player with an injury is Roope Hintz, who left Monday’s game with an apparent injury and did not return. However, coach Peter DeBoer noted that he’ll undergo tests, while former Calgary Flame Chris Tanev looked good after missing the end of Monday’s game.
Team Canada blows a 6-1 lead, but won in overtime
After two periods on Tuesday afternoon, Team Canada was sitting pretty with a 6-1 lead over Austria with goals from Dylan Cozens, Kaiden Guhle, Bowen Byram, Jared McCann, Connor Bedard, and Pierre-Luc Dubois.
However, Team Austria scored five goals in the third period, including a Marco Rossi goal with just under a minute remaining to tie the game and send it to overtime. As one of the best teams in the tournament, this is not a good look for Team Canada.
The improbable comeback was dashed quickly in overtime, as John Tavares scored 15 seconds into overtime to end the game. Still, not a great look for Canada.
Canada will return to action on Thursday as they’ll play Team Norway at 12:20 PM MT.
Thanks for reading! You can follow me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
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