- Just because there was no NHL hockey last night doesn't mean there is no news this morning. Let's get you caught up with the latest from around the league.
- Yesterday was the 14 year anniversary of the infamous "skate in the crease" goal by Brett Hull to win the Stanley Cup for the Dallas Stars against the Buffalo Sabres. (In case you're wondering my official stance on the goal; good goal. Under the spirit of the rule at the time the player was allowed in the crease if he "had control of the puck". I'm of the vast minority that believes even though Hull didn't have the puck on his stick, he was in control of it. Perhaps NHL video review at the time would have determined otherwise, but I stick by my conviction. And that's the last you'll hear me mention it on this blog.)
- The man behind the bench in Buffalo on that fateful night? None other than Lindy Ruff of course, and now as that anniversary passes, it seems as though Ruff may be switching sides. According to multiple media sources, the Stars a very very close to hiring Ruff to be their new head coach. Former Rangers bench boss John Tortorella is still in contention as well. We can expect some official announcement, one way or the other, in the next couple of days.
- Speaking of the Sabres, the club announced a contract extension with back-up goalie Jonas Enroth, for two years and $2.5 million. Not a bad deal, as the 24 year old Enroth has grown into a decent number two in the last couple of years. The only question is whether he'll again be backing up Ryan Miller next season, or if the franchise netminder will be moved. Given the amount of frustration Miller has expressed about the club lately, I'd say the odds are 50/50 that he's back in blue and gold next year.
- Some news that was kinda lost in the shuffle of the NHL action the other day is that Toronto and Montreal will co-host the 2015 and 2017 World Junior Championships. Hard to argue the decision, as it's been too long since these eminent hockey cities have hosted the prestigious event.
- Montreal Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin, speaking at the WJC announcement, indicated the Habs may be a little quiet during free agency this year. Looks like Montreal wants to focus more on the draft and player development side of things while building the club for the future.
- As I alluded to yesterday, official word has now come out of Philadelphia that 35 year old center Danny Briere will be bought out of his his contract and become a free agent on July 5th. Teams looking for a skilled, veteran presence up the middle will surely show interest.
- And finally, the San Jose Sharks have re-signed rough third line winger Raffi Torres to a three year, $6 million dollar contract. It's a high risk, high reward move by the Sharks. Torres is known for his dangerous play that can lead to the occasional suspension, but if he plays within the rules he's the perfect grinder for the third line with tons of speed. Apparently GM Doug WIlson saw enough of the latter to convince him to keep Torres around.
That's all for this morning, thanks for reading everybody! Check back later when I'll have a preview of Game 5 in Chicago tonight, it should be a good one. As always, please comment and share if you like the content here at WAAP.
This morning's gif is brought to you by Michal Handzus with a beautiful shorty to open the scoring in game 4 the other night:
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