In an alternate universe, we’d be three days into the IIHF Women’s World Championships right now. Well, in an alternate alternate universe, since the original dates announced were back in April, and this is after 2020’s tournament was canceled. If you’ve been waiting to watch Canadian women’s hockey stars play, it’s been a long-ass time.
Instead of waiting until August (the re-rescheduled dates for Worlds, which I will only believe when the puck drops, possibly not even then) to maybe, possibly, play some hockey that people can watch, the PWHPA will be holding another Dream Gap Tour stop in Calgary from May 24th to 30th. The participating teams will be Calgary (Team Scotiabank), Montreal (Team Bauer), and Toronto (Team Sonnet), which means, at last, we will be able to watch Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse play real, actual hockey, on a television screen, or laptop, or whatever item of technology you prefer. It’s been so long, guys.
Sportsnet will be both broadcasting and streaming the games—it looks like the earlier games in the tournament will be streamed, and the games on the 28th, 29th, and 30th will be on television, although they have not released a full schedule yet. I, for one, am really stoked to take a break from the Maple Leafs giving me massive ulcers in the playoffs to watch quality hockey that is virtually guaranteed to bring me joy and not make me shout expletives at my television.*
*Maybe.
ICYMI
Auston Matthews is the Rocket Man, laps field in Richard Trophy race - Pension Plan Puppets
Have a look at all 40 goals.
Stuff We Didn’t Write
Canucks forward Zack MacEwen suspended one game for kneeing Darnell Nurse | The Star
Vancouver Canucks forward Zack MacEwen has been suspended for one game for kneeing Edmonton Oilers defenceman Darnell Nurse.
Why Sandin won't play another game for Maple Leafs this regular season
We’ve likely seen the last of Rasmus Sandin for the regular season. Chris Johnston explains why, and has the rest of the Maple Leafs latest as the club nears the end of its 2020-21 campaign and the start of its playoff run.
Why Morgan Rielly is so important to Maple Leafs' playoff hopes
Morgan Rielly has still produced a fair amount of offence for the Maple Leafs in 2021, but the eye test and underlying numbers indicate he's not had his best season. And while he's not their most important player, Toronto's playoff outlook will depend on how Rielly performs. Justin Bourne explains.
Suzuki: 'We know we have to have good starts'
The Canadiens had the day off on Friday, but Nick Suzuki met the media via Zoom.
Robertson of Stars embraces being role model for Asian Americans
Jason Robertson got a refresher from his father last week about the influence he's having as an Asian American making an impact in the NHL.
Sheldon Keefe on the Maple Leafs' veteran additions this season: "They have delivered, whether it is the personality of the team or the performance of the club on the ice"
After practice on Friday, Sheldon Keefe discussed his impressions of Ben Hutton so far, the balance between prioritizing rest vs. playoff readiness in the final three games, and provided updates on the status of Nick Foligno, Zach Hyman, Frederik Andersen, and Riley Nash.
The NHL’s 2021 playoff format rewards Maple Leafs, boosts East Division winner - The Washington Post
Toronto and either Washington or Pittsburgh will benefit from the NHL's altered divisions and playoff format in 2021.
The NHL’s Officiating Problem - Broad Street Hockey
Everyone knows it at this point.
Canada beats Russia to capture gold at U18 World Championship - TSN.ca
2021 NHL Entry Draft Profile: Isak Rosén (F) - On the Forecheck
The Swedish winger has a lot of potential and might go early at the draft.
Koskinen continues to cement himself in Oilers infamy with latest debacle
Whatever happens beyond this season, Mikko Koskinen will forever be a chapter in the Edmonton Oilers' goaltending history book.
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