The NHL Awards were announced last night, tragically without the usual pomp, circumstance, and intense secondhand embarrassment. (I usually turn in for the red carpet and the red carpet only, but no one is showing up in a dinner jacket for me this year). None of the big awards were a real surprise—Roman Josi picked up the Norris, Cale Makar nabbed the Calder, Connor Hellebuyck won the Vezina, and Leon Draisaitl (metaphorically) took home both the Hart and the Lindsay. Alex Pietrangelo was named to the Second All-Star Team and placed fourth in Norris voting, which I am mentioning for no reason at all. I’m sure his family and friends are very proud.

Draisaitl also won the Hart several hours early in Finland, which I assume is because of some mix-up with a carrier pigeon.

Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals was also last night, and while Tampa Bay jumped out to a 3-0 lead by the end of the first period, Dallas was able to bring themselves within a goal, but not close enough. The Bolts won 3-2, the series is tied 1-1, and they’ll play to break the tie on Wednesday night at 8pm.

ICYMI

What does and does not need to happen for the Leafs to land Pietrangelo in free agency - Pension Plan Puppets
How the Leafs can (realistically) afford Alex Pietrangelo and the choice he comes with.

No one wants a John Tavares style contract this season - Pension Plan Puppets
The rich teams win by giving big signing bonuses concept is about to meet a whole new contract reality.

Stuff We Didn’t Write

The Lightning score three goals early and hold on to even the series — Raw Charge
The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Dallas Stars in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final, the series is tied 1-1

Free agency likely for Pietrangelo after Blues contract talks stall
Free agency likely for Pietrangelo after Blues contract talks stall. Which suitors might make sense for Pietrangelo as Blues split looks clear?

Sidney Crosby, Matt Cullen, Penguins video team come away as Emmy Award winners - PensBurgh
"This is Sidney Crosby's second Emmy award" is not a sentence I expected to read today.

Lightning captain Steven Stamkos waits for the green light in the Stanley Cup final | The Star
Stamkos has been skating with the Cup finalists, including before Monday’s Game 2 against the Stars.

Among multiple tournament cancellations, IIHF president puts faith in Edmonton | The Star
IIHF president René Fasel is optimistic about Canada’s ability to pull off the 2021 world under-20 men’s hockey championship.

Down Goes Brown: Defensemen and goalies win the Conn Smythe but not the Hart. Why?

Bob Nevin, won 2 Stanley Cups with Maple Leafs, dies at 82 - BarrieToday.com
Bob Nevin, a fan favourite who won two Stanley Cups with the Toronto Maple Leafs before a successful run as captain of the New York Rangers, has died. He was 82. The NHL said he died early Monday but did not give a cause.

NHL announces eighth straight week with zero positive COVID-19 tests
For the eighth consecutive week the NHL announced it has had zero positive COVID-19 tests, and has not had one since the middle of July.

From The Branches