THW’s Best of the Week: Roy Named Islanders Coach, Hart Trophy Race & More
A Sunday Edition of The Hockey Writers Substack
Welcome to The Hockey Writers Sunday Edition…
Our in-season Sunday Edition features the BEST OF THE WEEK throughout the NHL.
In today’s edition, we have news as the New York Islanders hire Patrick Roy as head coach, a look at the Hart Trophy race, and much more.
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Hockey History: Red Wings Rookie Rewind: Steve Yzerman by Matthew Zator
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Chicago Blackhawks: Blackhawks: Dickinson & Foligno Signings Mean More than Points by Brooke LoFurno
Prospects & Draft: Reacting to the NHL's Midterm Rankings by Dayton Reimer
Nashville Predators: Primetime Predators Ep. 1: New Year, New Predators by Alex Wauthy
Montreal Canadiens: Habs Prospect Report: Evaluating Roy's Call-Up & Mesar Injured by Michael DeRosa
Ottawa Senators: Prospect Round-Up: CHL's Senators Getting Moved Around by Jacob Billington
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Welcome to the THW Professional Women's Hockey League Substack
Introducing THW's Professional Women's Hockey League Substack Coverage
Let’s dive into the Best of the Week…
Islanders Have New Head Coach in Hiring of Patrick Roy
Following a loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the New York Islanders fired head Lane Lambert. With that move comes the return to NHL coaching for legendary goaltender Patrick Roy. Roy previously spent three seasons as the head coach of the Colorado Avalanche from 2013 to 2016.
He went 130-92-24 in Colorado and had one postseason appearance. Outside of that, he’s had stints as coach from 2005 to 2013 and 2018 to 2023 with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) and won a championship with them last season before stepping down. This is an interesting move by the Islanders and should grab the attention of the league.
Sizing up the Race for the Hart Trophy
The race for the Hart Trophy this season seems like a three-man battle right now with Nathan MacKinnon leading the way. It seems like Nikita Kucherov and Connor McDavid are following closely behind. MacKinnon has yet to take the trophy home, while Kucherov did in 2018-19 and McDavid got it done in 2016-17, 2020-21, and 2022-23. This race should remain close as the season rolls on.
Dallas Stars: Roope Hintz’s Fantastic Shorthanded Goal
In a 6-2 win over the New Jersey Devils, Stars forward Roope Hintz scored a beautiful shorthanded goal. Hintz has had a terrific season for the club with 42 points in 43 games, including the two goals he scored in this game. What a quality campaign for Hintz and his team.
Source: Dallas Stars | Bally Sports Southwest
Jim Rutherford Signs Extension To Remain in Canucks’ Front Office
The Vancouver Canucks signed president of hockey operations Jim Rutherford to a three-year extension. The Canucks have become a powerful team under the guidance of Rutherford, general manager Pat Allvin, and head coach Rick Tocchet this season. It’s his 42nd season in the NHL and he doesn’t want to stop now. The Canucks are 31-11-4 and lead the Western Conference with 66 points. It’s a well-earned extension for Rutherford.
Flames Goaltender Dan Vladar Makes Incredible Save Against Oilers
Not much to say here. Just a phenomenal save from Calgary Flames netminder Dan Vladar against a red-hot Edmonton Oilers team.
Source: Calgary Flames | Sportsnet
We hope you enjoyed today’s THW Substack, and we hope you enjoy our “Best of the Week” Sunday Edition. Stay tuned for THW Daily as it continues tomorrow and beyond. Cheers!