Is Lou Lamoriello still around? Because only learning now that Semyon Varlamov’s two-season-long “lower body injury” is TWO KNEE REPLACEMENTS — and thanks to Patrick Roy mentioning it (likely off script) in a media scrum — feels very Lou-esque. He hasn’t played since late November 2024, so you knew there were serious issues, but still…
Anyway, the big Canadian road trip begins tonight in Toronto, where the Leafs are without Auston Matthews and may have a coach and GM who are dead men walking. Maybe. Of the three games on this trip, tonight has the opponent with little to play for, though we know sometimes that’s a dangerous recipe. The Leafs have won twice in their last 10 and are battling Florida for second-worst/not-Rangers in the conference.
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First Islanders Goal picks go here.
Islanders News
Aww, hell, this needs to be the lead any time it happens: a reunion of 1980-83 Islanders, the NHL’s last true dynasty:
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Matthew Schaefer is focused on the playoff race, not a return to the GTA, where he’s expecting “close to 1,000” people who know him or the family. [Newsday | THN]
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The official site update notes Varlamov skating with the team (but is in no way a candidate to return this season) but it does not mention the double-knee replacement. [Isles] But others quote Roy noting it. [Post]
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On the Islanders Anxiety podcast, Dan and Mike discuss Brayden Schenn’s transition, an up-and-down week for the Isles and a look ahead to a week in Canada. [LHH]
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Prospect Report: Eklund The Greater builds another points streak “playing with men,” plus other updates across multiple leagues (including Cole Eiserman’s season ending). [Isles]
Elsewhere
Last night in the NHL was a disappointing one, with Detroit winning in regulation over Calgary (no surprise), the still Crosby-less Penguins beating Colorado, and Boston picking up a consolation point.
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Injury roundups, including Leon Draisaitl being out for “some time” and Varly receiving “some new knees.” [NHL]
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Auston Matthews’ USA teammates, the Tkachuk brothers, use their podcast to say they would not have stood for the Radko Gudas hit. [Sportsnet]
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Once a decade or thereabouts, the NHL gets around to hosting a World Cup. The next one is in 2028 and will be in Alberta and Prague. [NHL]
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Jarmo Kekalainen, who actually hasn’t done all that much yet as Buffalo GM other than have brilliant timing, believes the Sabres have what they need to win it all. [Sportsnet]
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The Capitals are preparing for life after Alex Ovechkin (who is not preparing for life as cannon fodder in Ukraine, I reckon). [Sportsnet]
A wee bit of shootout skill in the Moscow derby:
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