Daily Bean: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Front Office, Offseason and Draft Talks

The Boston Bruins might be in their offseason, but the NHL has not slowed down.

Some players are gearing up for the IIHF World Championships, hosted in Switzerland, and Team USA had their first and only pre-tournament game yesterday. They won, and some Bruins landed on the scoresheet.

Back here, Marco Sturm “empowered” the Bruins this season, helping lead the team to the playoffs, players to bounce-back seasons, and some youth to full-time roster spots.

There were two games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs last night, one to tie a series and one to break a tie. There’s only one game tonight, and the Carolina Hurricanes are still waiting (and will be all week) for the Sabres-Canadiens winner.

Also, the Penguins have their own decisions to make this offseason, the Flyers are looking at the draft board, and the Canucks might be moving the twins into a bigger role.

Happy Monday, catch up on Bruins and league news in today’s Daily Bean:

Boston Bruins

STURM: Marco Sturm is “so happy to be back here,” and the Bruins should feel the same way about having him. Sturm, in his first season, helped lift the Bruins back to the playoffs, while at the same time, brought in a culture, connected with the youth, and integrated a new system.

It has only been one season, but Sturm is showing why he is the right guy for this Bruins team in the future.

TEAM USA WC: James Hagens centered the second line, and Alex Steeves ran on the third line, playing left wing in Team USA’s 5-2 pre-tournament win over Team Germany yesterday.

Steeves had a goal and an assist and was named the player of the game. Hagens had an assist.

The tournament starts on Friday.

MCAVOY: Oh yeah, and Charlie McAvoy‘s hearing is today.

Prospects Update

MAINE: The Maine Mariners are looking to pick up their first win of the second round, and avoid going into a 3-0 hole tonight against the Wheeling Nailers (PIT). The Mariners are 1-4 in their last five games.

Game 3 is tonight from Cross Insurance Arena in Portland, ME.

Game 1: at Wheeling – WHL wins 4-3 (OT)

Game 2: at Wheeling – WHL wins 4-1

Game 3: at Maine – Monday, May 11, 7:00 PM

Game 4: at Maine – Tuesday, May 12, 7:00 PM

Game 5*: at Maine – Wednesday, May 13, 7:00 PM

Game 6*: at Wheeling – Saturday, May 16, 7:10 PM

Game 7*: at Wheeling – Monday, May 18, 7:10 PM

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens picked up a 6-2 win at the Bell Centre last night, taking a 2-1 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres. Alex Newhook continued his hot streak, scoring the first goal to get the game started. He has four goals in the playoffs. Marc Dumont has the highlights.

Sportsnet (video via 𝕏): Arber Xhekaj teed off on Sam Carrick right as the game ended.

Vegas Hockey Now: The Anaheim Ducks evened their series last night. They beat the Golden Knights and sent the series back to Nevada tied at two.

Brett Howden, Matt Boldy, and Logan Stankoven are tied for the playoff goal-scoring lead with seven.

PLAYOFFS:

A1 – Sabres (1) vs. A3 – Canadiens (2)

M1 – Hurricanes (4) vs. M3 – Flyers (0)

C1 – Avalanche (2) vs. C3 – Wild (1)

P1 – Golden Knights (2) vs. P3 – Ducks (2)

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins, much like the Bruins, have some decisions to make this summer. They have plenty of prospects who have elevated their games, and they have aging veterans who are approaching the finish line. Dan Kingerski has more on the summer work needed for the other team in black and gold.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are out, so Will James turned to the draft. He has his top three prospects for the Flyers, including his “No Doubt Player,” who last year was Porter Martone.

Now that the Flyers are out, the Bruins cannot select ahead of them. The Bruins will likely select with No. 23… If the Ducks make the Western Conference Final, the Bruins will select at 22.

Sportsnet: The Sedin twins could be taking on a larger front office role in Vancouver. Elliotte Friedman said that today, Monday, “could be a big day for the Canucks,” but there have been discussions about Daniel and Henrik taking on a bigger challenge.

Today’s NHL Schedule

Avalanche at Wild, Game 4 – 8:00 PM (US: ESPN; CA: CBC, SN, TVA)

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The post Daily Bean: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Front Office, Offseason and Draft Talks appeared first on Boston Hockey Now.

Daily Bean: Stanley Cup Playoffs; Front Office, Offseason and Draft Talks

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