Avs coach Jared Bednar is working on his team’s chemistry after a busy trade deadline. In Pittsburgh, the Pens and Blue Jackets played a high-scoring game. Also, College free agents are starting to make decisions. Who’s the first notable name off the board?
All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 22.
Colorado Hockey Now
During the Avs’ dominating win against Ottawa on Thursday, Bednar switched his lines back to more reasonable combinations. He started with Brock Nelson playing the wing with Nathan MacKinnon and Charlie Coyle centering the second line. But after Nelson scored two goals — his first since joining the Avalanche — he was back to centering the second line. Only this time, it was with Martin Necas on his wing.
Bednar is working through different combinations to find the most suitable combinations for the playoffs. Read about that and more in the 10 Observations piece from Colleen Flynn.
Around the NHL
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There was only one game on Friday. Unfortunately for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Pens played spoiler on their whithering playoff hopes.
Montreal Hockey Now: Is Nick Suzuki a true No. 1 center?
NYI Hockey Now: Like many of us, Patrick Roy has no idea what goalie interference is. And that’s coming from the best goalie in NHL history. Also, the Islanders are expected to land the first big fish on the College free-agent market.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Wings also dipped into the free-agent market. But they went the route of the league-leading points scorer in the Czech league.
San Jose Hockey Now: Taylor Hall has been in Macklin’s Celebrini’s shoes before. He took some time to chat with SJHN about being a No. 1 overall pick.
Chicago Hockey Now: Colton Dach’s injury isn’t as bad as originally feared.
