Posts by @Dom Lunardo

Every once in a while, the hockey world is blessed with a player who possesses an incredible skill set, flare for the dramatic, and sheer, raw talent. That player, and the focus of this article, is none other than the native from Tver, Russia, Ilya Kovalchuk.

Typically, when a goaltender posts multiple 30+ win seasons with a sub-2.50 goals against-average (GAA), one would think they’d receive a little more recognition on a league-wide basis. However, when your teammate for the better part of 9 years is “The Great 8”, Alexander Ovechkin, one of the greatest goalscorers in the history of the sport, this would seldom be true. Such is the case for Capitals goaltender, Braden Holtby, who often prefers his life quiet and “under the radar”. Two years removed from a Stanley Cup triumph with the Caps, Holtby will be in need of a new contract at the end of the 2019-20 campaign. What could the soft-spoken, laser-focused goaltender garner entering unusual territory, as he’s set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1st?

Next up on the UFA Player Profile list takes us to the Queen City, Buffalo, New York. Let’s dive in and further examine the potential “ask” from newly acquired Sabres forward Wayne Simmonds, a pending unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

It’s been just under 2 weeks since the National Hockey League suspended play indefinitely due to the COVID-19 outbreak.  The players miss playing, the coaches miss coaching, and the fans, without question, miss cheering on their favorite team. However, with a halt in the action, it’s an appropriate time to look at some significant pieces league-wide who are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents (UFAs) at season’s end.

Like all professional sports leagues across North America, the NHL, for all intents and purposes, is swimming in unknown and unprecedented waters while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This global pandemic has forced the National Hockey League to hit the pause button due to reasons on both the safety and well-being of its players, team officials, and fans alike. Looking ahead to July 1st is always an exciting time for everyone around the NHL. July 1st in addition to Canada Day to our friends north of the border is also a time for NHL free agency, more commonly referred to in recent years as “Free Agent Frenzy”. At this time, unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are free to sign contracts with other clubs. Torey Krug, a defenseman on the Boston Bruins, is one of those marquee free agents. With the NHL season on standby, let’s dive in and take a closer look at what the free-agent market holds for the young Bruins blue-liner.

“Hubie, Dubie, Doo”! When Florida Panthers GM Dale Tallon acquired Joel Quenneville back in July to coach the Panthers, you knew that things would be different this season in sunny South Florida. After the hire, Tallon went one step further and landed goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, via free agency to a 7-year $70M contract. Enter Jonathan Huberdeau and his partner in crime, Aleksander Barkov. Both players have evolved into one of the most dynamic duos the game has to offer. Is there a more lethal 1-2 punch who consistently fly under the radar? Let’s examine the incredible twosome of Huberdeau/Barkov, and what they mean to the Florida Panthers, as a team on the rise in a very competitive Eastern Conference. 

The annual IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, a tale as old as time. Known for its full-on display of high-level skill, magic, screaming, passionate hockey fans, and serving as a feeder tournament for future NHL stars alike, few would attest to the fact that the Word Juniors are a holiday tradition like no other for hockey fans. For over 30 years, many major sports networks across both Canada and the United States (i.e. TSN, RDS, NHL Network, etc)  have broadcasted and showcased the World Juniors. But what really makes this tournament so special? What is it about this “tourney” that captivates audiences year after year? 

Over the course of his coaching career, there’s no doubt that John Tortorella’s experienced countless sleepless nights. Whether in charge of the Lightning, Rangers, Canucks, or Blue Jackets, the enigma surrounding John Tortorella never fades away. After last Saturday’s afternoon matinee in Ottawa, where his Columbus Blue Jackets fell to the Senators, I’m guessing “Torts” had some difficulty sleeping after Anthony Duclair’s hat trick performance.

“The little engine that could”, “David vs. Goliath”, “You’re too small to play this game”. Montreal Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has probably heard all of those catchphrases over the course of his minor and professional career as a hockey player. Standing at a whopping 5’9 (and that’s being generous), “Gally” is certainly not one of the biggest players on the ice by any means. His game is certainly not flashy or pretty to watch, but man oh man, can this guy play the sport of hockey.