Morning Skate - Wednesday, November 16

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Yesterday's NHL Scores

Last Night's News 📰

KARLSS-ON THE MARKET?: Amidst Erik Karlsson's hot start to the season, San Jose Sharks GM Mike Grier acknowledges that the team will listen to trade offers provided that the veteran defenseman is amenable to a move. "I'll listen, but at the end of the day too, a lot will depend on Erik too," said Grier. "He's got the trade protection and [has control over] what he wants to do."

JOHNNY GOOD SPORT: Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau had an epic response after getting booed every time he touched the puck by New York Islanders fans on Nov. 12 by stating, "I was talking to my coach after the third shift, and I was like, 'I don't get it.' I didn't talk to the Islanders once throughout the whole free agency." Of course, Gaudreau would take the situation in stride! 

A DEAL WITH THE DEVIL(S): Jack Hughes (two goals, one assist), Dougie Hamilton (goal and an assist), Jesper Bratt (goal and an assist), and Dawson Mercer (two assists) had multi-point games for the New Jersey Devils in last night's 5-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. Vitek Vaněček made 25 saves in the win to extend the Devils' win streak to 10.

DROUIN OUT 4-6 WEEKS: Following its game against the Devils, Montreal revealed that Jonathan Drouin sustained an injury on Nov. 5 and will be out 4-6 weeks with an upper-body injury. Drouin last played Saturday against the Pittsburgh Penguins and has four assists in 12 games this season. 

MURRAY MARVELOUS IN RETURN: Matt Murray made 35 saves for the Toronto Maple Leafs in his first game back since suffering an adductor injury on Oct. 15, defeating the Penguins in Pittsburgh on Tuesday. John Tavares chipped in with a goal (his 400th) and an assist as the Leafs took down the Pens 5-2.

ARE RULE CHANGES COMING?: Yesterday, NHL GMs met for about five hours in Toronto to prepare for the in-depth discussions during their annual meeting from March 13-15 in Palm Beach, Florida. Those topics included adding video reviews for over-the-glass penalties, reducing failed coach's challenges from a minor to a lost timeout, and clarifying the definition of a distinct kicking motion—among many others. 

AMERICAN WOMEN: Last night, the seven-game 2022 Rivalry Series opened between Team USA and the Canadian women's national teams. American netminder Nicole Hensley stopped all four attempts in the shootout (and stoned Marie-Philip Poulin on a penalty shot in overtime), as Hilary Knight and Alex Carpenter scored to give the US the Game 1 victory. Game 2 will take place on Thursday in Kamloops, British Columbia. 

Who Said It

1) "We want to make this a tough place to play... You have to weather the storm here 'cause we're coming."

A. Tyce ThompsonB. Jordan EberleC. Travis Konecny 

2) "I'm really fortunate to be part of this group. We have a lot of veteran guys who have been through it before, and they help out the young guys a lot. The young guys are hungry to get to the point to where they've been, so it's a good mix. I feel lucky to be here and I'm going to work hard to be the best player I can be."

A. Brendan SmithB. Jack EichelC. Gabriel Vilardi 

3) "I accept the apology and maybe one day we can all sit down, have a beer, and laugh about it."

A. Lindy RuffB. John TortorellaC. John Hynes

Answers can be found at the bottom of the email.

HHOF Induction Ceremony - in "Quotes"

Monday night saw the official induction of the Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2022—Roberto Luongo, the Sedin twins, Daniel Alfredsson, Riikka Sallinen, and the late Herb Carnegie, who was inducted as a builder. We already knew who would be called to the podium, so the only drama existed in what the inductees might say. Luongo brought the chuckles, as expected, but he wasn’t alone in delivering funny or memorable lines.

The 2022 Hockey Hall of Fame inductees, with Eric Lindros and Mats Sundin at the HHOF Legends Classic. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

In case you missed it or want to relive the highlights, here are some of the standout quotes from Monday’s ceremony:

“For years now, I bear witness to your art, but I still can’t tell you dudes apart.” - A line of poetry from host James Duthie, purported to have been written by Luongo.

"The pressures of hockey for some can become unbearable. And mental health issues are a reality of our game. We're long overdue to finally erase the stigma around mental health. And I hope that every player, coach and manager that spot signs of someone struggling will reach out and help." - Alfredsson, delivering a poignant reminder of the mental health challenges inherent in hockey.

“I want to thank whoever picked me to speak before Henrik. Reminds me of draft day.” - Daniel Sedin, with the first of several twin digs.

“In my mind, you’re a better hockey player than me and a better person than me. And I’m saying this sincerely but also knowing that you will stand up here in ten minutes. Can’t wait to hear what you’re going to say about me.” - Daniel, being kind but maybe a bit prudent, too.

“As our coaches always used to say, 'Henrik at 70% is a lot better than Daniel at 100%.”' - Henrik Sedin, acknowledging his COVID-delayed arrival to the festivities in a pretty hilarious way.

“When I got the call, the first thing I asked was if you guys were in too [...] I wanted to go in with you guys.” - Luongo highlighting the strength of his bond with his long-time Vancouver Canucks teammates.

“He liked to make me push his truck in the parking lot. I didn’t like it that much. One year, I showed up [...] he had just bought an old Hummer. So that was my last offseason." - Luongo, joking about when he knew it was time to call it quits.

Wacky Wednesday (Pt. 8)

There is never a dull moment in hockey, so we will keep you updated on all the "wacky" stats from around the NHL during the 2022-23 season. Here is part eight of our "Wacky Wednesday" series—enjoy!

A Decade in the Making

Going into the game against the Anaheim Ducks on Nov. 12, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman 

Jarred Tinordi

 only had two career goals in the last 10 years. During the Anaheim game, he scored two more, making it the first multi-goal game of his career. What's even crazier is 

three of his four total goals have come against Anaheim!

First Period Madness

On Nov. 13, Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman 

Mikhail Sergachev

 recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in a 6-3 win over the Washington Capitals—all in the opening frame. Sergachev joined Martin St. Louis as the 

 in the first period of a game. 

Apples Galore

Mathew Barzal

 currently has one of the weirdest streaks in hockey. He has 18 points in 17 games, all assists! Barzal now made NHL history for 

, with zero goals for a forward. Oddly enough, Barzal and Brock Nelson are currently the leading scorers for the New York Islanders, so his impact is still as significant as ever. 

Home Sweet Home

Mikko Rantanen

 has been on an incredible run with the Colorado Avalanche. He has 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in 14 games. Making this milestone more interesting is that he recorded his 

. The most recent player in history to accomplish that feat is Mario Lemieux, who had 20 points in five games back in 1995. 

"Who Said It" Answers

1. Jordan Eberle

2. Gabriel Vilardi

3. Lindy Ruff

NHL Standings

NHL's Leading Scorers

Today's NHL Schedule