Advertisement

The NHL Evening Skate for Oct. 16

Heading into this evening’s action, here are the day’s top NHL storylines:

Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson suspended 2 games for hit on CanucksElias Pettersson
Mike Matheson will be spending a couple of games on the shelf as a result of his hit on Vancouver Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson on Saturday night in Florida. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
Mike Matheson will be spending a couple of games on the shelf as a result of his hit on Vancouver Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson on Saturday night in Florida. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

The NHL has suspended Florida Panthers defenseman Mike Matheson for two games without pay for interference and unsportsmanlike conduct for his hit on Elias Pettersson that concussed the rookie star. [More]

Maple Leafs’ goaltender Frederik Andersen unsure for Thursday as knee injury lingers
Frederik Andersen’s status continues to be in question. (CTV)
Frederik Andersen’s status continues to be in question. (CTV)

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been scoring goals in bunches lately, but there’s some uncertainty in their crease now that workhorse Frederik Andersen’s status is in question. [More]

‘Creepy’ mannequins becoming a weird staple at Blackhawks’ practice
Something odd is happening in Chicago (Twitter)
Something odd is happening in Chicago (Twitter)

The Chicago Blackhawks aren’t known for the eccentricity, but their practices in recent days have taken a turn for the bizarre. [More]

Lamp-lighters

What makes John Tavares such a dominant offensive player?
John Tavares ability to protect the puck is just one of his subtle skills. (Nathan Denette/CP)
John Tavares ability to protect the puck is just one of his subtle skills. (Nathan Denette/CP)

While Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner produce an obvious type of mastery on the ice, John Tavares is a little more subtle. What precisely makes him so special can be a little bit tricky to pin down. [More]

Power Rankings: Can’t knock the Devils’ start
The Devils have gotten off to a sizzling start. (Noah K. Murray/AP)
The Devils have gotten off to a sizzling start. (Noah K. Murray/AP)

They might not have the most talent in the NHL, but the New Jersey Devils have been outstanding so far. Not only have they won every game they’ve played, they’ve outshot and outscored opponents by a significant margin. [More]

Fantasy forecheck

Alex DeBrincat has forged a bond with Jonathan Toews that has helped him excel. (AP)
Alex DeBrincat has forged a bond with Jonathan Toews that has helped him excel. (AP)
Stock Report: Early season risers and fallers

Although the season is still young there are plenty of players whose value has already changed. It’s time to try and acquire surging wingers like Sebastian Aho and Alex DeBrincat and consider cutting loose players like Eric Huala and Ivan Provorov. [More]

Game of the night

Carolina Hurricanes at Tampa Bay Lightning
The Carolina Hurricanes will have their hands full with the Tampa Bay Lightning (Gerry Broome/AP)
The Carolina Hurricanes will have their hands full with the Tampa Bay Lightning (Gerry Broome/AP)

This a battle between the team that might be playing the best hockey and the team with the most talent. The Hurricanes are disciplined and organized possession drivers, but the top end of the Lightning’s roster may be too much to handle. [Full preview]