Around the NHL: Nov. 13
Another seven days have gone by, which means it’s time for another look at what’s happening in the world of hockey.
Connor McDavid Hits 500 Games
Connor McDavid played in his 500th NHL game when the Edmonton Oilers faced the Washington Capitals on Oct. 7.
McDavid recorded one goal and one assist in five shots during the game, as well as a +/- of two. He additionally leads the team in goals (15) and points (32).
The Oilers are 9-7 and fourth in the Pacific Division.
Evander Kane Injury Update
On Nov. 8, Oilers forward Evander Kane was rushed to a Tampa Bay hospital after a freak accident where an opposing player’s stake sliced his wrist.
The accident happened early into the second period when Kane and Lightning defensemen Philippe Myers collided. Kane has now been placed on the long-term injured reserve, and he is expected to make a return to the team in three to four months.
He thanked his team, as well as the Lightning, for support and a quick process for getting him to the hospital.
Capitals/Lightning Drama
Caps forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel checked Lighting defenseman Cal Foote, sending him flying backwards with a bloody nose.
Officials on the ice were reviewing the illegal check to the head when two players dropped the gloves (and the helmets) and got into a good ol’ hockey brawl.
The camera cuts away right before the instigation happens, but their teammates crowd around them as Foote’s teammate, Pat Maroon, pushed Garnet Hathaway down to the ice. As they both were sent to the penalty box, they continued to chirp.
It gets better.
Late in the third period, two more fights broke out: Corey Perry versus Anthony Mantha and Vladislav Namestnikov versus Erik Gustaffson.
Congratulations extended to Mantha, who’s now at two Gordie Howe-hat tricks in his career (goal, assist and fight).
Aube-Kubel was ejected and issued a match penalty (automatic suspension). Hathaway and Maroon were both fined maximum amounts under the collective bargaining agreement for unsportsmanlike conduct. Foote is not expected to play this weekend.
The Capitals and Lightning will face each other again on Nov. 13.
The Capitals are 7-7-2 and sixth in the Metropolitan Division, and the Lightning are 7-6-1 and sixth in the Atlantic Division.
World Cup of Hockey Delayed for 2024
Due to the “current environment,” the NHL and its players association announced that the World Cup of Hockey will not be held in 2024, with its next possible date being February 2025.
In the statement, both sides alluded to issues like broadcast rights and business partner woes. Additionally, due to the war in Ukraine, it could create conflict between Ukrainian and Russian players.
Russia is banned from International Ice Hockey Federation events, but the NHL proposed having Russian players compete as a neutral team or under a neutral flag.
Without the World Cup of Hockey, top-caliber players haven’t seen a large-scale international event since the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
Adrianna Gallucci is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact her, please email amg7989@psu.edu.
