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 Canucks’ Elias Pettersson
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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]