Thursday Morning Skate: Lappy being Lappy, Islanders eliminate Bruins

Welcome to the Morning Skate, our roundup of links on Philly Hockey Now as well as other sites around the National Hockey Now network and hockey world!

Flyers News

• Ian Laperriere will be authentically himself, make sure players are in shape, instill structure, and use positivity to help Flyers prospects develop as the Phantoms head coach. (Philly Hockey Now)

• There was a report that Felix Sandstrom signed overseas, but he re-signed with the Flyers on Tuesday. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Oskar Lindblom was named as one of three finalists for the Bill Masteron Memorial Trophy. (Philly Hockey Now)

• The Flyers own the 13th overall pick in the NHL Draft after this week’s draft lottery, but should they use it? Probably not. Chuck Fletcher should use that pick as a trade chip to acquire an impact player that can help the team immediately. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Seth Jones may want out of Columbus. Should the Flyers be interested in the right-handed defenseman to fill their biggest need? (Philly Hockey Now)

• The Flyers are entering an offseason of change with the expansion draft looming. On top of that, a core shakeup could be in the cards after a disappointing season. We look at five Flyers that may have played their last game in orange and black. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Alain Vigneault was talkin’ ’bout ‘practice in his end-of-season press conference. He also touched on a variety of other topics including Canadian restrictions, wanting a “normal season,” and feeling like he let “everyone down” this season. (Philly Hockey Now)

• Chuck Fletcher will be at the helm in this crucial offseason. He talked about the Flyers’ need to improve. He said that he’ll need to “be creative” as the Flyers can “upgrade everywhere” this offseason. (Philly Hockey Now)

Around the NHL

OTR: Quinn To Sabres? Eichel, Makar, Jones, NHL Trade Market | PHN+ – (National Hockey Now)

There is yet no word on the scheduled meeting between Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel and Sabres management, or if the meeting has yet taken place. Based on all indicators, the two sides have some serious issues to figure out to keep Eichel, one of the premier centers in the league, off the NHL trade market.

There is rampant speculation the Sabres will select their new coach with Eichel in mind. We have one name to watch on that front, and he’s very familiar to the Metro Division and Boston fans.

However, Off The Record has been reporting for a few months the two sides are headed for divorce, but the coach could be the Hail Mary to keep the former second-overall pick.

Brock-to-Brock: Two-Goal Night by Nelson Leads Isles Back to Stanley Cup Semis – (NYI Hockey Now)

The last time the New York Islanders hosted a Stanley Cup Semifinals game at the Nassau Coliseum, the New York Saints still existed and called the Coliseum home.

After Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy invoked the memory of the defunct professional lacrosse team two days prior, the Islanders put on a heavenly performance on Wednesday night to defeat Boston 6-2 to clinch the series and return to the semifinals.

Talking Points: Boston Bruins Playoff Run Ends in Game 6 –  (Boston Hockey Now)

Here are the Talking Points from the Boston Bruins 6-2 loss to the New York Islanders in Game 6 at Nassau Coliseum that ended their playoff run.

Marc-Andre Fleury Gets Past First Period Flub For Historic Win – (Vegas Hockey Now)

“So he’s human after all.”

That line is from the 1989 Batman movie when after shooting the caped crusader two thugs check him over while he plays dead. Then, Batman takes care of some business after taking the bad guys by surprise. His armor is bulletproof of course.

It ran through my head as I watched Marc-Andre Fleury reach up, and then across his body, a little farther across… and miss the puck. Instead, it snuck in just under the crossbar, high and tight to the near side of the net.

Avs still have a chance to prove they aren’t just another “pretty, but not gritty” team – (Colorado Hockey Now)

Really, the Avs shouldn’t change a thing from Game 5. That’s the only way I think the Avs can beat that team, is to just outwork ’em. Work is what’s going to beat that team, not “talent.”

I can’t stand that word anymore, by the way. Talent. For me, it’s becoming a cursed word to the Avs. Everybody always raves about their “talent”, their “talented core”, their “talented roster.” The way I want to be labeled as a hockey team is “hard-working”, “gritty”, “tough”, “playoff tough.”

Kingerski: Penguins Fans, I Get it, You’re Tired But One More Time? – (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

You’ve been telling me, but not in so many words. Some of you have been yelling it, actually, but the words belied the meaning. Most fanbases in the NHL would kick you for the sentiment, but the heart wants what the heart wants, and everything comes to an end. Even the Pittsburgh Penguins run with the most talented players on the planet comes to an end.

Red Wings Were A Good Bet This Season – (Detroit Hockey Now)

Playing the Detroit Red Wings to be beaten was still a solid wagering strategy during the 2021 NHL regular season. However, expecting the Wings to be beaten badly was not a wise wager for bettors to be playing.

How Do You Get Rid of a Contract? – (San Jose Hockey Now)

How do you get rid of a contract?

That’s the question on every San Jose Sharks fan’s mind right now: The Sharks have five active players on their roster with contracts seven years or longer, third-most in the NHL, tied with the Islanders, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Vegas, just behind Nashville’s six and Tampa Bay’s seven.

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Photo: Heather Barry Images