Author: Scott Fairchild

Hockey writer for TXHT covering the New Jersey Devils & Seattle Kraken

2019 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductees

Yesterday the 2019 hockey Hall of Fame class has finally been decided on and announced. This year’s class features one of the greatest Canadian women’s hockey players, a 2-time time Stanley Cup champion defenseman from Russia, a former Montreal Canadiens great, a Czech player who defected from the other side of the “Iron Curtain”, and two builders who helped build and shape their respective teams. Here at TXHT, we are proud to share with you the 2019 hockey Hall of Fame class which is:

 

Haley Wickenheiser- the 7th Canadien woman to be inducted into the HHOF & a winner of seven world championships and four Olympic gold-medals

 

Sergei Zubov- put up 888 career points in the NHL in 1,232 career games as a defenseman. Zubov also on the Stanley Cup twice once for the New York Rangers and on the second time for the Dallas Stars

 

Guy Carbonneau- a three time Stanley Cup champion, once with the Dallas Stars in 1999 & twice with the Montréal Canadiens in 1986 & 1993. Carbonneau was also a three time Selke trophy winner as the league’s best defensive forward

 

Vaclav Nedomansky- was the first European player to deflect from the other side of the “Iron Curtain” started in the World Hockey Association and went on to record 278 points in 421 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, St Louis Blues, and Rangers. Also helped Czechoslovakia win the silver medal at the 1968 Olympics & win the 1972 World Championships

 

Jim Rutherford- known for being the longtime general manager of the Hartford Whalers/Carolina Hurricanes and Pittsburgh Penguins. Rutherford went on to win the Stanley Cup Championships As a general manager in 2006, 2016, & 2017

 

Jerry York- known for coaching college hockey programs such as Bowling Green and Boston College to five national titles and currently has the most wins of any active NCAA Division I men’s hockey coach.

 

Congrats to the class of 2019… very well deserved class of all time greats!

2019 NHL Entry Draft Recap- Round 1

My fellow Hockey fans, we are now officially in phase one of the NHL offseason! Tonight begins round one of the 2019 NHL entry draft. This is considered to be one of the most deepest draft classes in recent memory highlighted by superstar prospects in American born center Jack Hughes & Finnish winger Kappo Kakko. Each of these two prospects are capable of turning around a teams misfortunes and help speed up the process of becoming a Stanley Cup contender again. Jack Hughes is expected to be your prototypical number one center who can create plays, score goals, pass, defend, and can overall make his teammates better players. Kappo Kakko on the other hand really showed how capable he can be as a superstar goal scorer at the National Hockey League level as he showcased his abilities at the IIHF 2019 World Championships. While these two are expected to be generational and franchise changing players, this draft class also shows there are other players that have excellent abilities that could help a franchise improve their depth in a big way. Let’s take a look at the draft results:

Draft Results:

1. Devils – Jack Hughes, USNTDP

2. Rangers – Kaapo Kakko, TPS (Finland)

3. BLACKHAWKS – Kirby Dach, Saskatoon (WHL)

4. Avalanche (via Senators) – Bowen Byram, Vancouver (WHL)

5. Kings – Alex Turcotte, USNTDP

6. Red Wings – Moritz Seider, Adler Mannheim (Germany)

7. Sabres – Dylan Cozens, Lethbridge (WHL)

8. Oilers – Philip Broberg, AIK (Sweden)

9. Ducks – Trevor Zegras, USNTDP

10. Canucks – Vasili Podkolzin, SKA (Russia)

11. Coyotes (via Flyers) – Victor Söderström, Brynäs IF (Sweden)

12. Wild – Matthew Boldy, USNTDP

13. Panthers – Spencer Knight, USNTDP

14. Flyers (via Coyotes) – Cam York, USNTDP

15. Canadiens – Cole Caufield, USNTDP

16. Avalanche – Alex Newhook, Victoria (BCHL)

17. Golden Knights – Peyton Krebs, Kootenay (WHL)

18. Stars – Thomas Harley, Mississauga (OHL)

19. Senators (via Blue Jackets) – Lassi Thomson, Kelowna (WHL)

20. Jets (via Rangers) – Ville Heinola, Lukko (Finland)

21. Penguins – Samuel Poulin, Sherbrooke (QMJHL)

22. Kings (via Maple Leafs) – Tobias Bjornfot, Djurgårdens IF (Sweden)

23. Islanders – Simon Holmstrom, HV71 (Sweden)

24. Predators – Philip Tomasino, Niagara (OHL)

25. Capitals – Connor McMichael, London (OHL)

26. Flames – Jakob Pelletier, Moncton (QMJHL)

27. Lightning – Nolan Foote, Kelowna (WHL)

28. Hurricanes – Ryan Suzuki, Barrie (OHL)

29. Ducks (via Sabres/Sharks) – Brayden Tracey, Moose Jaw (WHL)

30. Bruins – John Beecher, USNTDP

31. Sabres (via Blues) – Ryan Johnson, Sioux Falls (USHL)

 

Analysis:

This draft class as stated earlier featured generational stars and a lot of depth. Obviously Jack Hughes & Kappo Kakko will change the New Jersey Devils & New York Rangers each respectively in a HUGE way. It really could’ve went either way who would’ve went first or second. It just depended on what each team’s plans were. The Devils are looking to build their team with Center ice depth down the middle which has been the trend of teams that have won the Stanley Cup in recent memory. It definitely factored into them drafting Hughes number one. The Rangers on the other hand are looking to speed up their rebuild a little bit faster by adding a more polished product while Hughes may take a year to develop despite his higher overall talent ceiling. The fact that Kaako is more “NHL ready” falls in line with the Rangers plans of speeding up the rebuilding process which certainly factored into their decision. Tonight’s draft also featured a record-setting eight American first-round draft picks. Obviously, tonight was a great night for USA hockey overall and the national development program. There were some other picks within this round I really liked and one that shocked me being drafted highest:

Chicago Blackhawks: I really like the Blackhawks drafting Kirby Dach. Other scouts have made comparisons of his game with Anaheim Ducks center Ryan Getzlaf. He has size like him, can score, and is a very great play maker. Dach also has the benefit of learning how to play a full 200 foot game in the NHL from a great center like Jonathan Toews.

Colorado Avalanche– drafting Bowen Byram is a great choice as he has shown so far in his development he could possibly play in the NHL very soon with comparisons to a young Duncan Keith. He can potentially add a lot more to the Avalanche’s already impressive d-core with fellow youngster Cale Makar.

Buffalo Sabres- The Sabres pick of Dylan Cozens is a pick I’m a big fan of. His game reminds me a lot of a young Ryan Kessler. Like Kessler, he plays a full 200 foot game, plays with a tough competitive edge, and also has a bit of a scoring capability like Kessler. He definitely has the potential of being a Selke trophy nominee or winner

Detroit Red Wings- the Wings pick of German defenseman Moritz Seider at #6 was a big shock amongst other scouts and GMs as he wasn’t projected to be selected that high. Maybe Steve Yzerman knows something we don’t? Yzerman when he was a consultant with the Lightning had a lot of time to travel and scout a lot of these young players. Time will tell how this pick works out

Washington Capitals: The Capitals with the 25th pick drafted London Knights Center Connor McMichael. From watching highlights, he really seems like he has a scoring touch with a nose for the net. McMichael has a nice release and is capable of shooting and scoring from anywhere. He also is very versatile and can play on the wing as well as a Center.

 

What’s Next/Important Dates:

NHL Free Agent interview period- begins this Sunday June 23rd

2019-2020 Schedule Release: June 25th

Restricted Free Agent Qualifying Offers due: June 25th

Restricted Free Agent contact period: June 26th

1st Buyout Period ends: June 26th @ 5pm

NHL Free Agency- begins July 1st

Game Recap-Round 2: Game 7 Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Game Recap:

Game 7, can’t get any better than that right? Tonight’s game between the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks would decide who will face the St. Louis Blues for the right to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals. San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski would make his return after missing time from a concussion off a faceoff play in last rounds game 7 against the Golden Knights. He would participate in warm-ups and was determined to be able to play in tonight’s game. Joe Pavelski played a big role in the first period as he got the first goal of the game and set up the second goal by Tomas Hertl on a beautiful passing sequence. Mikko Rantanen would get the Avalanche within one. After the first period, San Jose would lead 2-1.

In the second period, Jonas Donskoi would add to the Sharks lead at the 12:27 mark and score his first of the playoffs. Going into the third and final period, the San Jose Sharks would lead the game 3-1.

Colorado in the third period would get within one goal fifty-one seconds into the period as Tyson Jost would put the puck in the back of the net on his backhand. However, Colorado wouldn’t score again and the San Jose Sharks were the victors by a final score of 3-2. The San Jose Sharks will now play the St. Louis Blues in the Western Conference Finals.

 

Line Ups:

Colorado Avalanche

San Jose Sharks

 

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

Final Stats:  COL-2  SJ-3

Shots:             29        27

Hits:               27        31

Face Offs:     38%     62%

Power Play:  0/3       0/3

 

Next Up: San Jose Sharks v.s St. Louis Blues: Western Conference Finals

Game 1- Saturday May 11th, 2019 @ 8pm EST

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Game Recap-Round 2: Game 6 Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Game Recap:

Tonight is a very important game between the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. San Jose can clinch the series while Colorado can force a winner takes all Game 7. The first period of this game future no scoring between these two teams. The Avs were able to generate more scoring chances than the Sharks, but weren’t able to capitalize on them. The first period would remain scoreless.

The second period saw both the Avalanche & Sharks trade goals. Colorado would strike first on a Tyson Jost goal from a feed from JT Compher on a 2 on 1. Marc Edourd-Vlasic would tie the game as he came towards the net and wristed in the rebound off goalie Phillip Grubauer. JT Compher would fire one past Sharks goalie Martin Jones from inside the blue line through traffic. The lead was short lived as Brent Burns would receive a pass from Erik Karlsson and fire it in the net to tie the game. After two periods, the score would be tied 2-2.

In the third period, Colorado and San Jose would trade goals as each team would head into overtime. San Jose would tie the game on Marc Edourd-Vlasic’s second goal of the game at the 17:32 mark. In overtime, Gabriel Landeskog would be the hero as he scored the game winner in front of the net. Colorado now forces a game 7 on Wednesday night in San Jose.

 

Line Ups:

Colorado Avalanche

San Jose Sharks

 

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

Overtime Highlights:

 

Final Stats:  COL- 4   SJ-3

Shots:             26          22

Hits:               31           24

Face Offs:     52.9       47.1

Power Play:  0/3         0/1

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Game Recap-Round 2: Game 5 Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

(San Jose leads the series 3-2)

 

Game Recap:

Tonight’s game five matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks was very pivotal as the winner would regain control of the series. The loser would be forced to the brink of elimination. The first period featured no scoring between these two teams. Despite no scoring, San Jose got off to a very good start by dominating possession and having a 12-6 shot advantage. After the first period, The game would remain scoreless.

In the second period, the Colorado Avalanche would get on the board first as Tyson Jost would knock in the rebound off of Sharks goalie Martin Jones. With about 20 seconds left to go in the period, the Sharks would tie the game as Tomas Hertl would tip the puck in the back of the net off a Logan Couture shot on the power play. The game would be even at 1-1 after the second period.

Tomas Hertl would be the hero as he added his second goal of the game to give the Sharks back the lead. Hertl was parked near the goalie crease and backhanded the puck in off a Marc Edouard-Vlasic shot. The San Jose Sharks went on to win the game 2-1 and would regain the series lead. San Jose can clinch the series and a spot in the Western Conference finals on Monday evening in Colorado. The Colorado Avalanche are now in desperation mode as they now have to win on Monday in order to stay alive and force a winner takes all game seven.

 

Lineups:

Colorado Avalanche

San Jose Sharks

 

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

Final Stats:  COL 1      SJ 2

Shots:             22           39

Hits:               22           18

Face Offs:   39.2%    60.8%

Power Play: 0/3         1/5

 

Next Up:

Game 6 Monday May 6th, 2019 @ 10:00pm

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Game Recap-Round 2-Game 4: Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Game Recap:

The San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche resume their best of seven series tonight in Game 4. San Jose took control in the series in game 3 as they won by a 4-2 score. The first. featured each team trading scoring chances primarily at even strength. Each team also did a great job of staying out of the penalty box as there were no power plays in first period. After the first period, the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks would be tied as the period ended scoreless.

In the second period, Colorado would get on the board first as Nathan MacKinnon would keep his amazing playoff scoring prowess going. After two periods, the Avalanche would take a 1-0 lead over the Sharks.

The Colorado Avalanche in the third period would hold on and finish off the victory as they would shut out the San Jose harks 3-0. The Avalanche would add goals from Colin Wilson and an empty netter from Erik Johnson. Philipp Grubauer made 32 saves as his spectacular play in goal led his team to victory and the shutout. Colorado now evens the series 2-2 going into a pivotal game 5 on Saturday night in San Jose.

 

Lineups:

Colorado Avalanche

 

San Jose Sharks

 

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

Final Stats:   COL-3    SJ-0

Shots:              28         32

Hits:                33         25

FaceOffs:     48.1%   51.9%

Power Play:   1/5       0/2

 

Next Up:

Game 5 Saturday May 4th, 2019 @ 10pm EST in San Jose

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Game Recap-Rnd. 2-Game 3: Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Game Recap:

Line Ups:

Colorado Avalanche

San Jose Sharks

 

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

 

Final Stats:    COL 2   -   SJ 4

Shots:                 27           31

Hits:                   41           20

Face Offs:          28           28

Power Play:     0/4           0/4

 

Next Up:

Game 4 – San Jose Leads 2-1

Game Recap- Round 2 – Game 2: Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Game Recap:

Tonight resumes play of this best of 7 series between the Colorado Avalanche & San Jose Sharks. The Sharks previously won game one on Friday night by a score of 5-2 to take an early 1-0 series lead. In the first. San Jose would get on the scoreboard first as Evander Kane would put in the rebound off a Brent Burns shot from the point in front of the net. That would be the only goal for the first period. San Jose Sharks will take a 1-0 lead after the first period.

In the second period, the Avalanche score twice to take the lead. The Avs first goal came off of a deflection by Gabriel Landeskog on a shot from the point by Tyson Barrie. Colorado’s second goal came from Tyson Barrie as he skated towards the right circle and blasted it past Sharks Goalie Martin Jones. At the end of two periods, the Colorado Avalanche would take a 2-1 leading going into the third period.

Colorado would add onto their lead in the third period. Matt Nieto added his third goal of the playoffs. Nieto put the puck in the back of the net on his backhand on a very gritty type of effort. However, San Jose would get back to within one goal as Brent Burns lifted the puck over Avalanche goalie Phillip Grubauer’s glove hand. The Avalanche would add an empty net goal by Nathan MacKinnon. Except, San Jose got back within one on a Power Play goal by Brent Burns with ten seconds left in the game. Unfortunately, it was too late for the Sharks to tie the game up. Colorado would go onto win 4-3. The Avalanche evened up the series with the Sharks at one game a piece going into game three.

Line Ups:

Colorado Avalanche

San Jose Sharks

First Period Highlights:

Second Period Highlights:

Third Period Highlights:

Final Stats:

COL- 4    SJ-3

Shot:            32          32

Hits:             28          25

Face Offs:  48.4%   51.6%

Power Play: 0/2       1/3

Next Up:

Game 3: Tuesday April 30th, 2019 @ 10pm EST

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Game Recap-Round 2-Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

 

Tonight began Game 1 of the Western Conference semi-finals between the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. Each team come off of recent emotional playoffs series victories in Round one over their respective opponents. In the first period the Colorado Avalanche got on the board first on a goal by Gabriel Bourque as he put in the rebound from a Cale Makar shot from the point. About a little over twelve minutes later, San Jose would tie the game on a Gustav Nyquist goal as he put in the loose puck in the back of the net. After the first period, the game would be tied 1-1.

Colorado would start off the scoring in the second period as Colin Wilson deflected in yet another goal on a set play pass from Mikko Rantanen and Nathan MacKinnon on the Power Play. However, San Jose would go on to take over the rest of the game. San Jose would get goals from Joe Thornton, Kevin LeBlanc, Brett Burns, & would add an empty net goal in the third period by Timo Meier. San Jose would win Game 1 by a final score of 5-2 and take the early series advantage of 1-0. These two teams face off again Sunday night at 7:30 pm eastern standard time!

First Period Highlights:

 

Second Period Highlights:

 

Third Period Highlights:

 

Final Stats:  COL-2  SJ-5

Shots:              28       27

Hits:                28        26

Face Offs:      50%     50%

Power Play:  1/3       0/1

 

Next Up:

San Jose leads the series 1-0

*Game 2: Sunday April 28th, 2019 @ 7:30pm EST

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

Playoff Preview-Round 2: Colorado Avalanche v.s San Jose Sharks

Tonight begins round 2 for the Colorado Avalanche and San Jose Sharks. Each team recently came off satisfying and emotional series wins over their respective opponents. Let’s see how each team got here.

 

COLORADO AVALANCHE:

 

The Avalanche are coming off a huge upset over former number one seeded Calgary Flames. Colorado won the series in five games over Calgary. The Avalanche won four straight after losing game 1 to win the series. The Avalanche defeated the Flames in Game 5 in a dominate fashion by winning 5-1. Stars of the series for the Avs featured Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, & especially goaltender Phillip Grubauer shined as his play in between the pipes carried them onto round 2.

 

SAN JOSE SHARKS:

 

The San Jose Sharks are coming off a long and emotional seven game series between them and the Vegas Golden Knights. The Sharks won the series in a very dramatic fashion. The Golden Knights has a 3-0 lead until a controversial 5 minute major cross checking was called against the Knight. San Jose would covert on the major penalty four times to take a 4-3 lead. However, Vegas ties the game with under a minute to go to force overtime in a game 7. The Sharks however won the series on a goal by Barclay Goodrow as he drove towards the net.

 

Prediction:

San Jose in 7 games: this series WILL go the distance and I envision another dramatic series win for the Sharks. Destiny seems to be on the side of the Sharks this postseason after many playoff failures past. Colorado will push the limits but, the playoff tested Sharks’ experience will shine as they advance to the Western Conference Finals.

 

Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.