Maple Leafs have unexpected problem; Winnipeg surprises everyone; Hockey players & psychologists?

2024-01-16 04:49:29

A collection of Deadspin’s best posts of the week from the hockey world

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It’s hard to be an afterthought for an NHL team in Canada, and yet it kind of feels like the Winnipeg Jets are one. They’re not grouped with either of the other blocks. They aren’t near Toronto or Montreal in the Atlantic Division, and even the Ottawa Senators get more shine from being caught between the two. They’re not grouped with the three Pacific Division teams that either have Connor McDavid, or get reflected noise from him, or are just constantly wailing about something like the Canucks (even when they’re really good this year!). The Jets are just stuck in the middle, in what constitutes that country’s fly-over country. - Sam Fels Read More

The free-agent apocalypse that was going to arrive in Toronto next summer has apparently disappeared. Before last summer, Auston Matthews and William Nylander were a season away from unrestricted free agency, and John Tavares and Mitch Marner were two years away. The latter two are still in that spot, but now both Nylander and Matthews are locked up, with the news today that the Leafs inked Nylander to an eight-year, $92 million extension that kicks in next season. - Sam Fels Read More

The National Hockey League Player Association is launching a mental health initiative called First Line, which will educate players about depression, anxiety, substance use, and self-harm. - Mackenzie Meaney Read More

Jan 11, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson (36) makes a save as Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague (14) fends off Boston Bruins left wing Jake DeBrusk (74) during the first period at T-Mobile Arena.

Alex Pietrangelo scored 46 seconds into overtime to give the Vegas Golden Knights a 2-1 victory over the Boston Bruins on Thursday night in Las Vegas. - Field Level Media Read More

Jan 11, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Calgary Flames center Yegor Sharangovich (17) scores a short handed goal on Arizona Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) as left wing Jason Zucker (16) and defenseman J.J. Moser (90) defend in the first period at Mullett Arena.

Blake Coleman collected one goal in a three-point first period and Yegor Sharangovich netted his first hat trick of the season as the Calgary Flames claimed a 6-2 victory over the Arizona Coyotes on Thursday in Tempe, Ariz. - Field Level Media Read More

Jan 11, 2024; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Blues center Jordan Kyrou (25) and goaltender Jordan Binnington (50) celebrate after the Blues defeated the New York Rangers at Enterprise Center.

Jordan Kyrou scored a hat trick and Jordan Binnington made 41 saves to lead the St. Louis Blues past the visiting New York Rangers 5-2 on Thursday.

Pavel Buchnevich had a goal and two assists for the Blues, who won for the third time in their last four games. Brandon Saad also scored for St. Louis, and Robert Thomas had two assists. - Field Level Media Read More

Jan 11, 2024; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato (8), Winnipeg Jets defenseman Josh Morrissey (44) and Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele (55) looks for the puck in front of Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck (37) during the first period at Canada Life Centre.

Gabriel Vilardi and Nikolaj Ehlers scored in the final four minutes to lift the Winnipeg Jets to a 2-1 victory against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks and set a franchise record with their eighth straight win on Thursday night. - Field Level Media Read More

Jan 11, 2024; Elmont, New York, USA; New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov (28) celebrates his goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs with center Mathew Barzal (13) during the second period at UBS Arena.

Mathew Barzal scored 21 seconds into overtime Thursday night for the New York Islanders, who overcame a two-goal deficit in the second period to edge the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-3 in Elmont, N.Y. - Field Level Media Read More

Jan 11, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Vancouver Canucks right wing Brock Boeser (6) skates up ice with the puck against Pittsburgh Penguins left wing Drew O’Connor (10) during the second period at PPG Paints Arena.

Elias Pettersson scored on a breakaway, a shot that glanced in off Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, at 3:05 of overtime Thursday to give the visiting Vancouver Canucks their fourth straight win, 4-3. - Field Level Media Read More