NHL Daily: For Flyers’ Winger, a Special Time; League’s TV Ratings Dip

For Philadelphia Flyers let winger Kevin Hayes, this is a special All-Star Game.

For several reasons.

For one, his late brother, Jimmy, always told him he had the talent to be an All-Star and would be one some day.

For another, Jimmy Hayes’ three-year-old son, Beau, will be there with his uncle for all the weekend festivities. How hockey-crazed in the youngster? “He sleeps in his hockey pants,” Kevin Hayes said.

Meanwhile, the NHL’s TV ratings have plummeted, and Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski offers a solution.

For these stories, and many others, see the below links:

Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: The sweetest story of the All-Star festivities is probably about Kevin Hayes and his three-year-old nephew, Beau. Philadelphia Flyers.

Philly Hockey Now: Hayes is taking part in the accuracy-shooting contest Friday. One of the participants is a guy named Connor McDavid. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingserski looks at the reasons why the NHL’s TV ratings are down. There are simple fixes, he writes. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Colorado Hockey Now: The days of pairing an offensive defenseman with a stay-at-home defender appear to be changing. See the Avs’;Cale Makar and Devon Toews as an example. Colorado Avalanche.

Washington Hockey Now: Perhaps trying to reduce the pressure, Alex Ovechkin said he doesn’t think it’s possible he’ll pass Wayne Gretzky as the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer. Most of the hockey world, however, disagrees.  Washington Capitals.

Florida Panthers: Keith Yandle, who played with the Flyers last year, played in Florida’s alumni game Wednesday and is interviewing players at this year’s All-Star Game for Bleacher Report. He is also hosting former Flyers teammate and long-time friend Kevin Hayes at his Fort Lauderdale home. Florida Panthers.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Bo Horvat, the newest Islander, opens up about being traded from Vancouver. New York Islanders.

Boston Bruins: There’s chatter that the Bruins are one of the teams inquiring about acquiring Arizona defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Boston Bruins.

Los Angeles Hockey Now: A look at the players the Kings are reportedly checking out in possible trades. Los Angeles Kings.