As I sit in the kitchen in my son Simon's home at Kibbutz El-Rom in the North Golan Heights of Israel, it is pouring (rain) out outside. Or, as my Dad, Ben Fischler, liked to say, "It's coming down in torrents!" Or, when it just looked like rain, he'd opine, - "Giddyap, Napoleon, It Looks Like Rain."Well, now that I got that out of the way, I can resume the original reason that I'm hitting the computer so early in the morning: 

1. I'm glad it's working.

2. It's raining so hard, I don't dare put the dogs out for the a.m. stroll. Besides, they're smart enough not to walk in the water. 

3. I feel a great deal of gratitude for all who've helped me in the hockey business. And, specifically the gang who inspired me to do and who produced the ESPN hockey feature about The Maven.

Continue reading Chapter Five…

Fischler Report: Exclusive One-On-One With Vegas Golden Knights Coach Bruce Cassidy

Nicknamed "Butch" after the Wild West's Butch Cassidy, Cup-Winning coach Bruce Cassidy has had about as adventurous hockey life as the Butch of real life and cinema fame with the Sundance Kid. A native of Ottawa, Bruce was a 1983 first-round Blackhawks draft choice, but his career was limited by a series of knee surgeries. He segued into coaching and paid more than his dues behind assorted benches, starting with the ECHL's Jacksonville Lizard Kings in 1996.

Continue reading Bruce Cassidy…

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O’Flaherty received ‘best Christmas gift’ making NHL debut on holiday

Gerry O'Flaherty had reason to dream of becoming an NHL player. His father, John ‘Peanuts’ O'Flaherty, had played 20 years in the minor leagues and 21 games for the New York/Brooklyn Americans in the NHL from 1940-42 just before the team folded.

What Gerry O'Flaherty never could have imagined was that his hockey wish -- to play for the hometown Toronto Maple Leafs -- would be fulfilled in a game on Dec. 25, 1971. It also would turn out to be a historic contest -- one of the last NHL games played on Christmas.

To that point O’Flahertry was a 21-year-old farmhand in the Maple Leafs system with the Class AA Tulsa Oilers in the Central Hockey League. As far as Christmas was concerned, the forward had no visions of sugar plums dancing in his head nor any idea of playing with the big boys. O'Flaherty simply was paying his hockey dues during his second pro season in Tulsa.

"I was no different from many Toronto kids my age," O'Flaherty remembered, "I wanted to some day play for the Leafs. Not much else mattered at that time."

Continue reading Christmas Gift…

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After writing four stories about living through a war while covering hockey, ESPN sent a crew to Northern Israel to visit Stan Fischler.

"The Hockey Maven" will run tomorrow evening on The Point on ESPN 2. The Point begins at 6PM.

READ MORE: Stan Fischler Feature "The Hockey Maven" To Be Aired On ESPN

FISCHLER FOUR WAR STORIES:

Stan Fischler, A Hockey Guy Worries Out The War

A Hockey Writer's Diary On The Eighth Day Of War

Part 3: A Hockey Journalist In Wartime Israel

A Hockey Guy Covers A War, Part IV

Six Thoughts About Islanders Noah Dobson

The Morning After: Simon Says 'I'll Find A Way' & Leads Islanders To 4-3 Win

Heritage Classic big gamble that paid off 20 years ago

The "Who's Better?" Question -- Sidney Crosby vs. Alex Ovechkin Never Gets Boring

The 30 Most Underrated Devils of All Time

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Had you gone to Vegas five years ago and bet that three American brothers would become 2023 NHL stars -- one with Vancouver and two in New Jersey -- you'd be carried to the nearest loony bin.

There you'd be rejected for being too delusional and dispatched to Planet Jupiter or Krypton if Jupiter was overcrowded with nut cases.

Yet on opening night, 2023-24, in Vancouver, defenseman Quinn Hughes captained the Canucks with three assists in a 8-1 rout of Edmonton. A couple of nights later, he led the British Columbians to another win over Connor McDavid's dandies.

Across the continent, Quinn's siblings -- Jack and Luke -- spearheaded a New Jersey opening night triumph over Detroit. Center Jumpin' Jack had two goals, and rookie Larrupin' Luke played solid defense. Jack had three assists in a 4-3 shootout loss to Arizona on Friday night.

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I'M JUST SAYIN'

* Official Maven Warning: Let's not get too crazy with results so far. We haven't even finished the first week of action.

* But, as the Penguins learned in its final slip out of a playoff berth; the first win is as important as the last win.

* A couple of big Pitt questions: Can Jarry come up with enough big games? Can the power play become POWERFUL? No major worries now because it's way too soon to tell.

* Collegiate team to watch? Michigan Tech.

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Please! Please!! Don't go running to a shrink on this because it's merely a fan's "Thought-Twister."

And whatever you do, don't send an email to Chris Drury because he's got enough problems, starting with Alex Lafreniere. What I present you with -- at no charge at all -- is logic.

It is possible that someday Connor McDavid could become a member of the New York Rangers. It's all based on a simple theory. If Edmonton heroes Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier eventually could wind up wearing the Blueshirt, then King Connor could as well.

Or, to put it another logical way, for the good of himself -- and for the greater good of the National Hockey League -- the world's best player belongs in the world's media capital. Not today. Not tomorrow and not next year. But it didn't take Mess nor Gretz a lifetime to set up acreage in The Apple.. If -- for any number of reasons -- The Great One and Moose could skip Alberta, it shouldn't be impossible for McD.

Click For more of Stan’s Rue De Rumeur — including commentary by New York Islanders THN Reporter, Stefen Rosner…

Fighting is good for hockey.

Fighting is bad for hockey.

Take your pick on what has become an endless debate with absolutely no clear winner on either side.

The bad parts are the stupid fights. Exhibit A was recently available during a Rangers-Islanders conflict followed by Pittsburgh-Buffalo.

Isles captain Anders Lee torpedoed Blueshirts prospect Mac Hollowell with the kind of clean bodycheck that coaches only dream about. It was so clean, in fact, it already has been given The Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

There was only one problem. It did not meet Rangers Barclay Goodrow's seal of anything except anger; maybe even jealousy since Goody only wished that he threw the body not Lee.

As a result, Not-So-Goody Barclay dropped the gloves and challenged Lee leaving Cap'n Anders no choice but to fight back…

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I'M JUST SAYIN'

* I remember John MacLean when his kid, Kyle, was knee-high to a grasshopper. Now the lad is an aspiring pro in the Islanders' system.

* The oddity here is that Johnny Mac goes down as one of the all-time Devils heroes, playing under Lou Lamoriello.

* A year ago Auston Matthews was picked the second best NHLer by the Hockey News Yearbook. This year it's Cale Makar.

* Nix to that, says The Maven, I go with Auston Matthews who THN has relegated to fifth.

* How about this for a plunge. A year ago Johnny Gaudreau was listed sixth best. This term he didn't even make top 50. Can't blame Mike Babcock for that…

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Ever since he stormed into the NHL as the first overall pick, Alexis Lafreniere has been the poster boy for "Buildup To A Letdown." Lucky for Big Al GM Chris Drury has patiently avoided trading the French-Canadian who plays ball in the Summer.

But that could change soon; maybe sooner than expected.

Rookie left wing Brennan Othmann has been treating every exhibition match like it's a Game 7 of the Cup Final. B.O. is reminiscent of an A-1 Drury in mint condition. I can see canny Chris saying he's tired of waiting for Lounging Lafreniere to wake up. Trade-wise, Alexis can bring in plenty; and wouldn't he just look ginger-peachy in the blue, blanc et rouge of Les Canadiens?

THE BRISEBOIS BOLTS BOMBSHELL: 

In order to fill the gap caused by goalie Andre Vasilevskiy's 10 to 12 surgery-recovery program means the test of all tests for Julien BriseBois.

For a change, the Lightning boss will trade while bargaining from weakness. It will cost him a handful of players and a Draft pick or two in order to land a competent stopper. Then again, Julie could go very cheap and gamble on Jaro Halak, working out in Boston…

Click For more of Stan’s Rue De Rumeur — Introducing commentary by New York Islanders THN Reporter, Stefen Rosner…

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Don't look now but the Toronto Maple Leafs are going to punch -- yeah, punch -- their way to The Stanley Cup.

This is no joke and it won't be for any of Sheldon Keefe's foes.

Before his team has played its first regular season game, new GM Brad Treliving figured out what his predecessor, Kyle Dubas, did not.

That Original Leafs patriarch Conn Smythe was right when he said, "If you can't beat 'em in the alley, you can't beat 'em on the ice."

Treliving's three nasty additions -- Ryan Reaves, Max Domi and Tyler Bertuzzi -- not only can beat 'em on ice and in alleys but on top of Toronto's CN Tower as well.

Skip the analytics gobbledegook. Put three two-fisted sluggers out there and you'll scare the beehozis out of the opposition. That's what Smythe's Leafs did with Wild Bill Ezinicki, Bashin' Bill Barilko and Iron Vic Lynn. All they did was win three straight (1947, 48, 49) Stanley Cups.

With the absolute protection of Reaves' Rustlers, the Marners, Matthews, Nylanders -- maybe even Tavares, if he's in the mood -- will score goals like never before. I mean who's gonna dare lay a stick on Matthews knowing that there will be an instant Destruction by Domi? Plus pals.

It's not that the new Sluggos On Lake Ontario have just invented the
hit-first-ask-questions-last formula. Philadelphia Flyers owner Ed Snider studied the Smythe Formula, stirred twice and out came Hammer Dave Schultz and the Broad Street Bullies… Click to continue reading this week’s Fischler Report

I'M JUST SAYIN’

* Virtually attached at the hip since the opening of camp, Mat Barzal and Bo Horvat are wondering who'll be on the wing once the serious stuff starts. How about Pierre Engvall?

* Advice to William Nylander: "Willie, don't you -- or your rep -- get stupid and push GM Brad Treliving too far with your 7-figure demands. Be smart; be part of the Cup year."

* Some in the Red Wings camp figure that seven more wins than last season will catapult them into a playoff berth. And I'll buy that.

* I see where Connor McDavid is coming from when he says he's gotta win a Cup to establish a "legacy."

* Nonsense! Hall of Fame defenseman Bill Gadsby played 20 NHL years and never won a Cup. Still, Gadsby, the Honest Blocker established a "legacy," as one of the all-time best blue liners.

* Jaro Halak is hanging out -- working out -- in Boston waiting for a major goalie opening. Why not Tampa Bay with Andrei Vasilevskiy out until December?

* Jim Devellano helped Bill Torrey build a 4-Cup Dynasty on Long Island. Now the Wings Exec V.P. tells me, "Long term dynasties are a thing of the past. We'll have more Cup winners on an annual basis."… Click to continue reading this week’s Fischler Report

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Would the Montreal Canadiens ever have considered a trade for Maurice (The Rocket) Richard? 

Not a chance in Heaven, or on St. Catherine Street West, or in The Toe Blake Tavern.

So, what on earth is going on in Tampa Bay where the Lightning high command is treating Bolts icon Steve Stamkos is like an alien from HC Planet Mars.

The captain of two Stanley Cup champions, this fall Stammer expected GM Julien BriseBois to launch negotiations for a new Double S contract. Instead, Stevereeno got an N.G. on his request and then had the temerity to tell the persistent press that he was "disappointed."

Next came the buzz that Stamkos' once "untouchable" status is rather touchable these days.

YIKES! 

Would the New York Yankees ever have put Joe DiMaggio or Yogi Berra or Mickey Mantle in a similar position? Not a chance…

Please continue to read much more including many nuggets in Here & There!

READ: Rue De Rumeurs!

The joke of the funny-footed Penguins is over.

They can fly.

They will fly!

Forget about that Skating Cartel, Erik Karlsson; he's a mere one-fifth of the energetic equation. 

Start with the new boss, Kyle Dubas. He learned his lessons in The City Of 1,000 Rumors, Toronto 

Dubas diploma in  Hockey Managing 101 and 201 with the Leafs means that he's now a raving genius in the Former Steel City that sits on many rivers. Dubas -- ably abetted by the richest minus defenseman in history -- has a big winner in Pitt. (No analytics necessary, thank you!)

Still vibrant Sidney Crosby, Evgeny Malkin and the ever-popular Kris Letang round out a motivated nucleus still gifted enough to do wonderful things that will erase the horror of last season's homestretch collapse. (I still can't believe they lost to Chi at home in the final week.)

What really matters is Reilly -- as in Smith -- on left wing along with other nifty newcomers such as center Lars Eller, left wing Matt Nieto and blue liner Ryan Graves. (Top drawer left wing Jek Guentzel won't return from injured reserve in November. 

As one Pitt insider puts it, "Dubas will have some tough decisions to make. The incredibly busy off-season will continue until Guentzel returns in late Fall.”

Click to continue reading this week’s Fischler Report…

I've checked both the constitutions of Canada and the United States for an important discovery.

On either side of the border, there's no law about betting against Vegas to win another Stanley Cup. Not even a hint of one. Which is why The Maven says nix on Adin's Under The Hill Gang.

Now that my vanilla ice cream cone has melted, we can get to the business of evaluating a few compelling teams West of East St. Louis, Illinois. Trust me, these cowpokes of the West actually have a chance to keep the Cup away from the Maple Leafs or Rangers, my Eastern choices.

Any such evaluation of the West Siders has to -- and I do mean must -- start with King McDavid, his prince consort Leon (The Lion) Draisaitl, and other descendants of The Great Gretzky.

One could say that any team with that Dynamite Duet should be a Cup favorite, And one could agree with that since the Oilers have my favorite player-author-grit guy in the form of Zach Hyman. If coach Jay Woodcroft had one more Hyman, I'd give him The Mug. But, he doesn't.

It's an almost-fact of hockey life that once the Leafs lost Hyman to the frigid-est city in Alberta, Toronto never would win a Cup in this decade; maybe even this century of leap years.

But the "Earl-ers," as we would say in Brooklyn, have a half-ton more than royalty. They boast almost- Calder Trophy winner Stuie Skinner and some pretty darn good -- but mind you, not "very good" -- troopers in Evander Kane and Ry Nugent-Hopkins.

That said, I have to wonder about Edmonton's Cup capabilities, so I'll make it simple. They haven't sipped the Bubbly since Connor donned those Oil uniforms. It's up to McD and Prince Leon The Lion to show us that it can be done. Skinner is the big if, as in IF.

Edmonton's problem is like everyone else in the West -- the Avalanche. Let's face it, Colorado is only two years away from ruling the roost, and the Avs won't be playing chicken this term. Not with a healthy Cale Makar and Nate MacKinnon.

Now if you believe in Al Georgiev -- which I certainly do not -- then open The Gates To The Final to coach Jared Bednar's bunch.

Pete DeBoer's Stars are well-aligned because -- on any given night -- Jake Oettinger is the NHL's best goalie, give or take Ilya Sorokin. His best blocker, Miro Heiskanen, should have won the Norris this year, but don't get me going on that one.

As for Minnesota, I love their high command -- my buddy Bill Guerin and very competent Dean Evason. Plus, how can anyone not pull for Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy, who lead the firing squad?

Fil Gustavsson and Marc-Andre Fleury are no slouches in the twine; plus, the addition of madcap Pat Maroon should keep Minny masterful, if not monstrous.

Ah, now for the Sleeper in the West. Or, put it this way, the Devils of last year…

Click to continue reading this week’s Fischler Report…

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I hope you enjoyed the first edition of the relaunched Fischler Report yesterday...

What's the latest/Whaddya hear? Who's going where?All the hot trade talk is right here in The Maven's street, Rue de la Rumeur.

Or, as they say in National Hockey League corridors -- RUMORS ARE FLYING!

As promised, here is a link to the second half of my debut-double-dip. My newest weekly Tuesday column, Rue de la Rumeur!

The Fischler Report is back and You hockey enthusiasts will be getting it! My debut column this morning launches a new TFR era with sizzling prose, surprising insights and the inevitable Maven humor.

All National Hockey League angles will be covered not to mention arresting stories from other precincts including the unstoppable rise of women's hockey across the horizon.

Yessiree, The Fischler Report is back. Don't miss it starting TODAY!

THIS WEEK’S TFR: CLICK HERE

POSTSCRIPT (AGAIN): 

You may wonder with consummate validity why I'm immersing myself with this challenge when I could be doing a Louis Armstrong version of "Ole Rockin' Chair's Got Me."

The answer is simple: To me, rest is rust. I'd rather write about hockey because it stimulates me and still inspires me to find new ways of writing about our favorite sports.

And that, dear friends, is the gist and jest of it!

-Stan Fischler

P.S. A new national NHL “Rumor” column, Rue de la Rumeur, launches Tuesday as well!

Dear Valued Subscriber:

For starters, many,  many THANKS for your support; without which we could not have succeeded in our hockey writing endeavor.

Your backing helped make our Substack version of The Fischler Report a rousing success. 

Now we are ready for a significant step up and forward. 

Beginning today, I will become a regular contributor to The Hockey News. (Bear in mind that my hockey-writing career began with The Hockey News in September 1955, then covering the Rangers.)

Throughout my journalistic career, one of my themes has been "On The Contrary," or, to put it another way, to write as independently as possible. 

(It must have worked at least a little bit because I'm still around; and so is the Bible of our Sport, The Hockey News, 75 years young.)

Here's a quick review of what I'll be up to at THN:

1. A Monday "Fischler Report," similar to the current columns.

2. On Wednesday, a "Fischler From The Archives," otherwise known as a "Historic Gem" as only I can write them.

3. On Friday, a "Bluelines" column or pot-pourri of current hockey items. 

A few years ago, I bonded with THN publisher Graeme Roustan. I sense we were on the same page, both editorially and spiritually. I felt energized to write for this dynamic journalistic figure and now that dream is being realized. 

Starting today, you'll see what I mean, firsthand, with a "Looking Backward" piece about Me and The Hockey News.

POSTSCRIPT: 

You may wonder with consummate validity why I'm immersing myself with this challenge when I could be doing a Louis Armstrong version of "Ole Rockin' Chair's Got Me."

The answer is simple: To me, rest is rust. I'd rather write about hockey because it stimulates me and still inspires me to find new ways of writing about our favorite sports.

And that, dear friends, is the gist and jest of it!

THE FUTURE:

Check out my first Hockey News column, which discusses my ties to the publication, dating back to 1947.

My next column, also appearing today, will be the first of my new weekly Wednesday feature, “Fischler From the Archives,” revisiting newspaper clippings from yesteryear. My first is a look-back at the biggest trade that went down in my lifetime!

I hope you enjoy both pieces!

P.S. All current Substack subscriptions will be refunded on a pro-rated basis over the next few days.

It turns out that Connor McDavid isn't criticism-proof after all. But

his apparent weakness has nothing to do with hockey, or his character, for that matter. It's all about architecture. Specifically, the mansion he had designed and built -- with his lady friend's assistance -- in a posh section of Edmonton.

So far, there's nothing wrong with that. After all, a super-rich, super-duper hockey player shouldn't be ripped because the house he lives in does no one any harm. That part is beyond question.

Ah, but what's most definitely questionable was McDavid's decision to invite the magazine, Architectural Digest, to send a reporter and photographer over to case the joint. 

The Digest's reporter not only did a once-over-lightly after which readers responded not so politely. By having his three-story palace-of-puckdom on display, Mister McD opened up a can of criticism.

"After seeing it (the mansion), I no longer wish to be rich," offered one critic. 

Granted, there's a lot of white throughout the structure which, by the way, reportedly was designed by Connor's gal-pal Lauren Kyle. 

"What did colors do to offend these two?" snapped another viewer who figured a bit more of blue, black, red, fuschia, purple and orange might have added a bit of color to the chateau.

Meanwhile, His Majesty of "Insiders," Elliotte Friedman, felt obliged to defend McD. "I'm disappointed," wrote Mister Insider, that folks poked fun at Connor's conception of a castle. 

Not that Lauren is livid over the attention. Quite the contrary. After all, how often does an NHL star get his palace into an architectural  publication?

Certainly not Mitch Marner, nor Artemi Panarin and doubtful for Sidney Crosby.

Meanwhile, Mister McD pointed out the many areas in which he can work out. That even includes a basketball court. For toasting his latest hat trick, Lauren designed a wine cellar which some day may be stocked with Stanley Cup champagne. Hey, you never know.

As a matter of fact, I liked Ms. Kyle's comment about her pal's mini-mansion:

"I guess this will be the designated team party house!"

HEADLINE: MARCHAND -- KING OF THE CHIRPER-KIBITZERS

THE JIVE: It's no fun playing against Brad Marchand. He beats you with his skill and antagonizes with his carping although some call it oldtime

"chirping." Usually, Brad's verbal velocity is out of earshot and tv microphones. But not always.

A reaction to Marchand's sharp tongue usually is limited to his target's comeback. Occasionally, though, Brad will so successfully infuriate a foe that -- well -- a normally calm guy will toss his glove at the Bruin's head. 

That gem of a comedic act was available last Saturday in Boston. Marchand's target was Rangers ace Artemi Panarin. Standing at the end of the Bruins' bench -- closest to the Rangers pews -- Brad blabbed and blabbed and finally, The Bread Man pulled off his gauntlet and fired the glove at Marchand's head. 

With consummate ease, the Bruin deflected the glove and then watched in high glee as the agitated Ranger was escorted to a more calming atmosphere. Actually the scene did no harm to anyone. Brad won the verbal tussle but New York won the game, rallying after Panarin's third period goal!

HEADLINE: TIME TO TAKE THE RANGERS MORE SERIOUSLY

THE JIVE: Not to brag, but I said at training camp and with the opening game, that the Rangers were a lot better than critics imagined. A lot better.

The fact that Gerard Gallant's gang can skate on to Boston ice and put away the Bruins, as they did last Friday, says something about the Blueshirts strength in the Metro Division. (And the New Yorkers don't even have a captain.) Who cares? They've got one of the best goalies in the league -- Igor "The Great" Shesterkin -- and a solid roster up and down the line.

HEADLINE: QUICK AND EASY DOES IT

THE JIVE: 1. The Hockey News header was simple enough: What Should The Sharks Do With Evander Kane? The Maven's reply is equally simple: Trade him!

2. What should the latest Covid outbreak tell Donald Fehr of the NHLPA? Also, simple: Forget about NHLers going to the Olympics!

3. What do we say to Sharks g.m. Doug Wilson who took a medical leave of absence? Still simple: GET WELL SOON!

4. Who could do best without the other, McDavid or Draisaitl? Easy: McD!

HEADLINE: DEVILS NEW UNIFORM HAS A $ SIDEBAR

THE JIVE: After New Jersey's favorite major league team unveiled its new,  mostly-black uniform a small group of fans wondered why JERSEY was dominant in the front of the jersey.

JERSEY on a jersey didn't quite make sense to some until a creative type within the organization then designed a cap with the word CAP on its front. My man in the Garden State, George Falkowski, reports that the CAP cap sold out faster than you can say, "Now, that's marketing!"

Ah, but what do the Devils do for an encore? Gotta be PANTS for pants, right?

HEADLINE: PUCK OVER GLASS: VIDEO REVIEW COULD RESTORE LOGIC TO DUMB RULE

THE JIVE: Our man in Toronto, Rob Del Mundo, is a vocal opponent of the automatic delay of game penalty for ‘puck over glass’, and thinks video review would help enforce the rule more appropriately.

During Friday night’s matchup between the Leafs and Sharks at SAP Center, San Jose defender Erik Karlsson got away with what should have been, by the letter of the existing rule,  a delay of game penalty.  The two-time Norris Trophy winner fired the puck over the glass while clearing the San Jose zone, yet none of the on-ice officials detected that rubber disc was not deflected as it left the playing surface.

Veteran play-by-play man Chris Cuthbert opined that it’s the type of call that should be subject to video review.  This columnist agrees, but not for the same reasons that the broadcaster is offering.  

Using Cuthbert’s reasoning, video review could easily be applied to determine whether the puck went straight out of the rink, in other words – a technological enforcement of the existing edict.

But, why not instead use replay to validate the spirit of the rule, instead of the letter of the rule? Or to put it simply, why not implement video replay to help subjectively determine whether a player deliberately delayed the game by shooting the puck over the glass, in lieu of the assessment of an automatic penalty? 

Rule 63.2 was amended as the league came out of the season-long 2005 lockout.  In addition to obvious such infractions, it stated “When any player shoots or bats (using his hand or his stick) the puck directly (non-deflected) out of the playing surface from his defending zone, except where there is no glass, a penalty shall be assessed for delaying the game.”

It's the worst rule in all of professional sports in terms of egregiously and unfairly punishing the offending team.  The overwhelming majority of ‘puck over glass’ penalties occur as a result of a defending player accidentally overshooting the puck – as was the case with Karlsson – or, even worse, a player having a natural reflex to bat at a loose puck that is eventually, inadvertently, cleared over the boards.

Those are not the type of plays that warrant a two-minute penalty.

Any clear violation of the delay of game rule should of course be appropriately sanctioned.  In the first period of the same Leafs-Sharks contest, Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll panicked under the duress of two attacking  San Jose players and thwarted a scoring chance by firing the puck into the stands.  Such plays clearly deserve to have the offending team play shorthanded.

Yes, use video review to help confirm deliberate, intentional stoppages.  But we don’t need any Abraham Zapruder-like investigations to determine whether the puck grazed the glass by a millimeter, or whether it deflected off a stick before going out of play.

Using available technology may have helped Vegas in the 2020 playoffs after defenseman Zach Whitecloud accidentally took a puck over glass penalty in overtime while being pursued by Dallas forward Andrew Cogliano.  The Stars scored on the ensuing power play, eliminating the Golden Knights from the post-season.

Retired referee Paul Stewart, who officiated over 1,000 games appropriately tweeted after the debacle "I think it's a terrible rule in that it takes the judgement away from the officials. Deliberate should be a penalty. Late 3rd period in Sept (with) bad ice, we should be able to use judgement."

Historically the NHL has been able to adjust its rulebook to reflect the spirit of the game.  The farcical “toe in the crease” experiment that disallowed far too many legitimate goals was shelved in the late 90s.  More recently, the offside rule has been amended to allow for play to continue as long as the offensive player’s off-ice skate has not broken the plane of the blue line.

It’s high time for the league to step up and stop over-penalizing pucks out of play. The technology is in place, it just has to be used properly.

While Rob's essay has an undeniable logic to it, I happen to disagree on a plain, old, hockey theory. 

I favor the rule exactly as it is to KEEP IT SIMPLE!

THE JERSEY BOUNCE IS IN PLAY

A month ago the betting in and out of Vegas was that New Jersey would sink to the Metro Division cellar and that would be that.

The loss-to-injury of coach Lindy Ruff's first overall Draft pick, Jack Hughes, figured to torpedo the Devils to the tough Metro's subterranean depths. 

Jumpin' Jack already had demonstrated that he was heading for a breakout season when the "break" turned out to be the wound kind. What's worse, the wunderkind still is recuperating until who-knows-when. 

Remarkably, even without Hughes' offense -- not to mention energetic Myles Wood, likely out of the duration -- the Devils have remained above the .500 mark.

After Sunday’s 5-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers, the Devils sit 9-6-4 with 22 points. What's more, if you believe the hockey maxim that if a team is a playoff contender at (American) Thanksgiving, it can gain a postseason berth in April, then New Jersey has a decent shot at the playoffs.

Minus the peripatetic Hughes, the Garden Staters are managing thanks to the youth movement. Peach-faced types such as captain Nico Hischier, Pavel Zacha and Yegor Saragovich have delivered in the clutch.

More good news is that g.m. Tom Fitzgerald re-claimed Nathan Bastian who'd been put on waivers by Seattle. Sunday, Nat-The-Bat scored, after being reunited with his Junior buddy, Michael McLeod.

The arrival of defender Dougie Hamilton has galvanized a defense that previously had Swiss cheese written all over it. Goaltending has remained relatively stable and Ruff knows what he's doing behind the bench.

A year ago, the designated number one goalie, Corey Crawford, pulled the chute on Newark and exited Stage Left leaving Ruff in worse-than-rough shape. 

Although the club did its best to compensate for Crawford's desertion, it just couldn't master the challenge. This season the crease condition is much improved.

Mackenzie Blackwood and Jonathan Bernier have patched the cheese holes and have given Ruff confidence in his crease; plus the improved blue line corps has added to the good feeling.

Normally, this would be big news for the Met Area media but the Rangers rip-roarin' ascent has overshadowed The Jersey Bounce; at least for now.

This could change in the months ahead, especially if Hughes soon returns and continues to display on the ice all the virtues that made him a very top Draft pick.

HEADLINE: THE SHAKEUP IS UNDERWAY IN MONTREAL

THE JIVE: In a sense, Marc Bergevin being "relieved" of his job managing  the Habs must be a relief to this good man. There's no need to delve into alibis for likeable Marc. Between the Carey Price health crisis, effects of Covid and his club's build-up to a letdown -- from Cup Final to Cellar -- it was too much for Marc to bear.

In bilingual-media-mad Montreal, there was only so long that Bergie chould hold the fort. And only so long for Canadiens owner Geoff Molson to delay the guillotine. Jeff Gorton moves in as the instant make-things-better man until Molson, Gorton and others in the high command pick a successor.

I'd go for Patrick Roy for his smarts and long connection to the team.

HEADLINE: A GOALTENDING ISSUE IN OTTAWA

THE JIVE: If the hockey Senators had the same veto power as members of the Canadian Parliament, they'd delete the destructive NHL events of the past two months and start all over again.

But, as everyone knows, Gary Bettman doesn't think that way and that means the Sens will have to struggle through their whole ugly mess as best they can.

Unquestionably, the worst part is D.J. Smith's grim goaltending which is not the coach's fault. 

When g.m. Pierre Dorion gambled last year by gifting goalie Matt Murray with a contract so rich that it would even have pleased  Justin Bieber, Smitty had visions of Vezina dancing in his head.

Instead, Murray has given him a migraine, and has since been put on waivers.

Not long ago, Mangled Matt's record was 0-5 with a sieve-like 3.26 goals against average and a .890 save percentage. 

One Ottawa hockey writer characterized  it as "Murray's shaky season." That has to be the understatement of the half-century if not the past 100 years.

How Dorion solves his crease concerns from here on to Christmas could make -- or break -- his tenure running the team.

HEADLINE: FORMER MATE HALTS PANTHERS ATTEMPT AT RECORD

THE JIVE: Florida was hyped to put an exclamation point on their home winning streak from the start of a season by topping the 58-year-old record of the Chicago Blackhawks with a twelfth consecutive win. With upstart Seattle Kraken as opposition things looked good for a history making evening.

In came former mate Chris Driedger to put a halt to the celebration. Driedger had been struggling in goal in his few appearances this year but the sight of his former team must have inspired his 33-save performance to preserve the Kraken’s 4-1 win. Jordan Eberle contributed two goals.

Driedger’s outstanding 2020-21 season with Florida earned him a multi-year deal with Seattle as its first player signed. Ironically, it was Driedger who started the Panthers’ overall home winning streak of 15 games which began last season.

Post-game the Panther players seemed less concerned about ending the streak than they were about not earning two points.   Joe Thornton said “(The team) feels good. Now we just have to start another streak. It was a good streak at home here. On Tuesday we just have to start another one”

Florida interim coach Andrew Brunette said his team was just not sharp. About Driedger, “He played great for us last year so it’s not surprising.”

Driedger admitted that he felt a buzz getting back in the building in which he had so much success. He was more satisfied with earning the win than beating his old team. “I had some family at the game. It was just a great night to go out there, feel good and get a win for our group.”

HEADLINE: LEON THE PESSIMIST

THE JIVE: That dauntless Draisaitl guy up Edmonton way has given a good two dozen goaltenders a temporary case of lockjaw every time he cradles the puck. Or to put it another way, Larrupin' Leon is chug-chug-chuggin' along toward a 82-goal season.

But don't you dare suggest that to captain Connor McDavid's right hand man. As is his wont -- not to mention low-key personality -- Lord Leon wants no part of the inflationary goal talk; none of it.

"It's simply not realistic for me to score 82 goals this season" The Duke Of Draisaitl insists. "It just isn't because the competition is too tough."

Fair enough. Leon can say what he wants. The Maven says, YES, he will do it!

HEADLINE: UPSET WINS BUOY GRUBAUER, KRAKEN 

THE JIVE: TFR's Glenn Dreyfuss watched as underdog Seattle took on the Beasts of the East, winning three of four against them. 

Whatever rough seas still await in the Kraken's inaugural voyage, they'll have the memory of an eye-opening stretch the week of U.S. Thanksgiving. 

Entering the week, the Kraken had little to be thankful for. The last of a six-game losing streak was an ugly home loss to Colorado, in which Seattle surrendered seven consecutive goals and looked every bit an expansion team. 

Next on the schedule (Nov. 21) would be the red-hot Capitals, coming off back-to-back road shutout victories. But the Kraken blitzed Washington for three second period goals, and just in time, goalie Philipp Grubauer located his missing game. Grubauer turned aside 20 Capitals shots in the third period and 37 overall in a 5-2 Seattle victory. 

No time to relax, though, because Carolina and its gaudy .853 winning percentage were next to invade Climate Pledge Arena (Nov 24). Again Grubauer was masterful, sliding post-to-post to rob Teuvo Teravainen, denying a Jordan Staal breakaway, and stoning Jordan Martinook on back-to-back open looks. 

Impressively, netminding heroics weren't necessary in the final two minutes. With Carolina desperate for a tying goal, Grubauer was forced to make just one of his 35 saves, and not a hard one at that. "Good structure, good pressure up ice," coach Dave Hakstol said about the 2-1 win. "When you sit back in your own zone, you're going to be under siege. The biggest thing for me is puck management on that first puck coming in the zone. That's where our players did a good job." 

David had slayed back-to-back Goliaths, handing both Carolina (2nd-best NHL record at the time) and Washington (4th-best) just their third regulation losses. "We never really doubted each other," said Marcus Johansson, who scored the game-winner against Carolina with three minutes left. "We're starting to play the right way over 60 minutes. We don't let up too many free chances, and the few we give up, Grubi's there to bail us out."  

Seattle temporarily misplaced its slingshot, losing in Tampa, then rebounded (Nov. 27) to hand the previously unbeaten-at-home Panthers (11-0) their first loss in Sunrise. Goalie Chris Driedger had his finest outing in the 4-1 win, stopping 33 shots. 

Seattle reduced the pressure by dominating 36-14 on faceoffs, shutting out Florida over the final 53 minutes. Remember, the Panthers were not only 2nd in the overall NHL standings at game time, but also 2nd in goals scored per game. 

Driedger admitted special satisfaction beating his former team. "That's the most gratifying win I've had in a while," he told Root Sports, while praising how his teammates played with the lead. "That was a hell of an effort by the guys. It was a winning mentality. That's how you win hockey games." 

HEADLINE: THE SHADOWY NORRIS TROPHY CANDIDATE

THE JIVE: Talk to the Dallas hockey people and they'll invariably heap praise on Miro Heiskanen as the "defenseman's defenseman." Such praise, however, is becoming more and more league-wide and could lead to a Norris Trophy.

Granted, the Stars starry backliner is up against stiff competition, especially since current Norris-holder, Adam Fox of the Rangers, is enjoying another superior season. Then there's Charlie McAvoy in Beantown and Cale Makar finally reversing the Avs' fortunes in Denver.

When the seemingly invincible Connor McDavid invaded Dallas last week, Heiskanen was assigned the primary shutdown role. Miro did the job so well that King Connor emerged from his club's 4-1 loss without a single point to show for it. 

Fox, et. al. are in for a keen Norris challenge from this Lone Star Stater. 

HEADLINE: WILD SHOW THE RESILIENCY OF A CUP CONTENDER

THE JIVE: Our Man in Florida, Alan Greenberg, tracked the Wild on their recent journey across the Sunshine State and beyond.

The Wild’s blowout 7-1 home defeat of division rival Winnipeg was perhaps a reward for the team’s grit to date this season. The recent three game road trip was a premier example of how the team has been able to remain on top of the Central Division despite adversity. The Wild followed the Winnipeg win with a hard fought 4-2 home defeat of the Lightning.

There were a couple of dramatic come from behind efforts in the state of Florida followed by a significant win in New Jersey on a day when the team’s pre-game routine was totally disrupted.

In Florida the team gained firsthand knowledge that, unlike in some past seasons, a trip through the Sunshine State is anything but a vacation. When a team has back-to-back road games against both the defending Stanley Cup Champions and the team with the most lethal offense in the NHL, very few thoughts turn to pristine beaches.

Minnesota started the season strong with four straight wins. Workhorse goalie Cam Talbot has started 17 of 21 games and has been solid. Last year’s outstanding rookie, Kirill Kaprizov, continues to soar. His 22 points through the first twenty games are a Minnesota record. Veterans Mats Zuccarello and Ryan Hartman may be headed to career years offensively.

Wild g.m. Bill Guerin’s rebuild moves have been taking shape. He took heat for jettisoning mainstays Zach Parise and Ryan Suter. He previously cut ties with the likes of Jason Zucker, Devan Dubnyk and Mikko Koivu. Steady defender Ian Cole was lost to free agency and Carson Soucy was drafted by Seattle. To make up for these blueline losses veterans Alex Goligoski and Dmitry Kulikov were brought in and have added new spark to their careers.

The Wild escaped with only one point for their efforts in the two Florida games, but considering the opposition, they proved to themselves that they are never out of it, literally to the last second. They amazingly managed a combined three goals with the goaltender pulled. In Tampa they forced overtime with two late goals with their net empty. In Florida they managed one six-on-five goal and were it not for a last second desperation save of a Kevin Fiala shot by Sergei Bobrovsky, would have forced OT there too.

In New Jersey, a major pre-holiday traffic tie-up delayed their arrival at the rink, forcing a delayed start and a complete disruption of pre-game routines. As anyone who has followed the game knows, hockey players are products of routine and messing around with warmups and pre-game preparation can be disruptive. Still, after relinquishing a two-goal lead they hung on for a shootout win.

In all, they’ve outscored their opposition 7-4 this season with the net unattended. Twice they scored two goals with the extra attacker. In both games in Florida coach Dean Evason pulled his goalie with more than five minutes remaining, a very risky move but one which has been successful.

In discussing the 5-4 loss to the Panthers and the 5-4 shootout loss to the Lightning, both of which featured comebacks from two goals down, Evason said, “We hate doing what we keep doing (falling behind), but we love doing what we’re doing (catching up). We don’t want to do it but we love the resilience. We don’t quit…Clearly we want to play with a lead and we want to play right but we have to learn how to do that and we will. In the meantime, we’re pretty excited about how hard we push to come back.”

A very frustrated Nico Sturm gave credit to the surprising Panthers. “I think in my two and a half years (in the NHL) that was the fastest pace I’ve seen. This is as good as it gets and they’ve (Florida) got Barkov missing. That’s a good hockey team but we were right there with them. We made some costly turnovers, gave them odd man rushes and they’ve got a forward group that will punish you.”

When they finally returned to Xcel Energy Center for a matinee encounter with the Jets they were still on a disrupted schedule. They were collectively working off their Thanksgiving meals and went right to the game without the benefit of the customary morning skate. It was one of the few games this year in which they held a comfortable lead and there was no necessity of a comeback effort or to hang on for dear life at the end.

Interesting that in the Winnipeg blowout only Zuccarello had multiple points. Post-game, a relieved coach Evason discussed the team’s depth. “We continually talk about our depth, and it’s not one or two guys scoring. A lot has been made of some guys that don’t score on our team but not a lot is made of our depth scoring so that’s a very good thing.”

The Wild face a challenge with the loss of captain and top defender Jared Spurgeon, hurt in the Florida game. The five-game home stand which started Friday with the Winnipeg win may indicate that there will be less need for the dramatic from here on in this season.

We must start with the obvious.

Covid-19 has not gone away. 

For a while we labored under the misapprehension that it would evaporate like the Spanish Flu epidemic after World War I.

That was then. Circumstances vastly differ now -- with world-wide effects.

The NHL knows all about it since the Ottawa Senators had three games suspended and rescheduled due to the Pandemic. 

Next it hit the Islanders whose roster was similarly trimmed because of the disease. The hope, of course, is that Covid somehow could be cancelled and the NHL can return to normalcy.

Based on what we already know -- and have experienced -- the question of NHL participation in the Olympics rapidly has become a topic of serious discussion. 

Gary Bettman and Bill Daly were well aware of the challenges. Ditto for Don Fehr, who runs the union. 

But, what concerns me is the attitude of Fehr's NHLPA card-holders; and especially, the PA's leaders such as Sidney Crosby.

Queried about his attitude toward going to China under the current, concerned circumstances, the Penguins captain unequivocally stated that he's still gung-ho for going.

What Sid did not address was the ongoing Covid threat and that maybe -- just maybe -- it no longer may be a bright idea for the world's best players to, well, simply to take the chance.

Bettman and Daly know the score; know the scene and are on top of the medical ramifications. In the end, they won't take a reckless gamble. 

As for Fehr; right now we have nothing to fear. We'll know more next month!

HEADLINE: THE NEW DEVILS JERSEY IS EXCITING.

THE JIVE: After my piece about the new Devils uniform yesterday, I wondered just what kind of reaction the jersey would get. To say the least, fans are talking about it the most. Which is not exactly the surprise of the century.

Matter of fact, whenever a hockey club produces a new uniform it inevitably inspires controversy. Some fans prefer the status quo and others yearn for change. This is nothing new; far from it.

I recall when the New York Americans entered the NHL in 1925, they were hailed for their star-spangled uniforms. And believe me, they were arresting and gorgeous. Plus, the jersey lasted a few years and then was replaced with another that had a huge "A" on the front. Further variations followed.

In fact, Amerks boss changed the team name to Brooklyn Americans for 1941-42 although the team continued playing home games at Madison Square Garden.

Dutton dropped the star-spangled uniform, replacing it with a bland, yellow jersey with BROOKLYN on an angle in the front. Tnat, by the way, was the Americans last NHL season.

For decades -- especially under Lou Lamoriello's reign -- the Devils stayed with one design with a few color alterations here and there. Unlike most other teams, the New Jersey approach was quite conservative. But that's all changed under the current ownership.

Planning for the new entry was intense, lengthy and with considerable thought to minute details. The result -- not surprisingly -- has been an exciting product that will grow in popularity, even among the critics. 

Although I was not an art history major at Brooklyn College, I have a good eye for what looks good. Frankly, I love what the Devils have produced. Plus, I assure you that it's here to stay!

HEADLINE: THE GALA REUNION ON BROAD STREET, PHILADELPHIA

THE JIVE: Ever since the Ed Snider Era in Philly, the Flyers have had the knack for doing things right; classy-right, to be more precise. And one reason for that was Snider's press agent, super publicist Joe Kadlec. 

I'm delighted to report that Joltin' Joe is still around and still doing the right things. Most recently one of them was a colossal Flyers reunion. And, perhaps colossal is an understatement. For this event some of the most notable Flyers -- dating back to the club's origin in 1967 -- showed up for the event.

My favorites included the following: 

MURRAY CRAVEN: As Joe Kadlec noted, he was a "perennially underrated forward; speedy and highly-effective without the puck."

BRAD MARSH: I called him "The defenseman's defenseman." Joe calls him a "heart and soul guy" which he was. Also, a team leader.

BRIAN PROPP: An elite forward in the Bobby Clarke category. Brian played in five NHL All-Star Games as a Flyer and five Stanley Cup Finals.

KJELL SAMUELSSON. We called him The Skating Tripod. He stood 6-6 and used that reach like nobody's business. Also call him tough, gritty.

MARK HOWE: One of the best two-way D-men in NHL history and a well-deserved Hall of Famer. Like his dad, Gordie, he owned an A-1 hockey sense.

REGGIE LEACH: He was Philly's answer to Bobby Hull. Leach tallied 45-plus goals three times as a Flyer. His shot was a pure laser beam.

ERIC LINDROS: I'll always love the big fella because he did between period interviews with me when everyone said he would not. Super guy.

SCOTT HARTNELL: Scotty was tough, fast and was a nine-time 20-plus goal scorer in the NHL. He hit a PIM high of 159 in 2007-08.

JOHN LECLAIR: Vermont's gift to Philly is the only Flyer to score 50 or more goals in three straight seasons. His shot was Leach-like in m.p.h.

BOBBY CLARKE: Deservedly the face of the franchise as well as its heart and soul. No way Philly wins two consecutive Cups with the Captain!

HEADLINE: A SHOOTOUT ON THE SHOOTOUT

THE JIVE: TFR's Glenn Dreyfuss referees a verbal skills competition on the NHL's most divisive game-decider.

For the Shootout: "It guarantees an ending to games in reasonable times." (Adam Proteau, si.com) 

Against: "There's no bigger buzzkill than when a riveting three-on-three OT leads to a shootout." (Pete Blackburn, cbssports.com)

For: "It’s the essence of hockey distilled into one breathless moment." (Helene Elliott, latimes.com)

Against: "Am I the only one who hates to see a great hockey game decided by fake hockey?" (Diana Nearhos, tampabay.com)

For: "If the shootout was taken out, the quality of playoff hockey would decrease because teams wouldn’t be as healthy." (Brady Smith, thehockeywriters.com)

Against: "Actual hockey plays should determine outcomes and not just players who can find the hole on a breakaway." (Don Brennan, ottawasun.com)

To break this 3-3 deadlock, here's longtime NHL g.m. George McPhee, as quoted by washingtonpost.com:

For: "It’s entertaining, it has drama and kids love it. You look around the arena during a shootout and everyone’s standing."

Against: “But I don’t think anyone thinks that it’s the same as winning a hockey game.”

Well, we're still tied, so we look down the bench and summon writer Christopher Powers, marveling at Artemi Panarin's shootout winner for the Rangers in a 2020 game. "He has the hands of a god, and he showed them off as he drew closer to Wild goalie Alex Stalock. It was an absolute dangle fest." (golfdigest.com)

There you have it; the shootout wins, 5-4. What's that you say? Pulling a hockey quote from Golf Digest was a gimmick? No question, but it broke the tie, and weren't you entertained?

1. We're being blessed with the best collection of high-end talents in NHL history.

2. Hockey is being played everywhere in the States. Exhibit A: Auston Matthews learned the ice game in Arizona. Can you believe that!!

3. Both modern patriarchs of the contemporary NHL -- Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby -- still have the goods: Big-time!

4. It doesn't matte…

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Sure it's easy to focus on The Champs, the Cats in Sunrise; those ever-promising Leafs and canny Carolina.

But there's something about Craig Berube's team from The Mound City that arrests attention.

It starts with the latest St.Louis' 5-2 win over Vegas and then proceeds …

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When Flames general manager Brad Treliving sent an S.O.S. out to Viking, Alberta  last season, it was for the sole purpose of saving his Calgary sextet from falling out of the playoff race.

Darryl Sutter arrived like the mythical Lochinver on his silvery steed and, for a short, precious time, it appeared that the Sutter Brother of The Sharpest Tongue cou…

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Hard as it is to believe -- based on early seasons failures -- but the Toronto Maple Leafs no longer have an S.O.S sign hanging in their dressing room.

Backed by one time back-up, Jack Campbell, Hogtown's Favorites have turned the Atlantic Division into one heck of a pennant race.

I call Toronto, Florida …

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