THW's Sunday Substack - Best of the Week in the NHL
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 reactions to ESPN’s Frozen Frenzy broadcast, a possible breakout star emerging in the Big Apple, a look at league-leading goal scorers, and much more.
Join TOMORROW night (Oct. 30) for a LIVE chat during a game between the Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes. THW Flyers Substack Manager Justin Giampietro and THW Hurricanes Substack Manager Zach Martin will be chopping it up throughout the game with subscribers. Stay tuned for MORE of these chats in the future from The Hockey Writers!
Let’s dive into the Best of the Week…
NHL’s Frozen Frenzy on ESPN Has Mixed Results
On Tuesday, Oct. 24, ESPN aired an “NFL RedZone” style NHL broadcast throughout a night with all 32 NHL teams in action. They bounced around from game to game and showed the best action from each game. While they should certainly do this again, there are some things to be cleaned up. One thing that makes “NFL RedZone” so great is the focus on the games and the fact that it’s commercial-free. Frozen Frenzy on ESPN needs to cut the side show and commercials now. This format can work.
Rangers’ Lafreniere Finding His Game Alongside Panarin
After being the top overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Alexis Lafreniere has struggled to produce at the NHL level. He has yet to break 40 points in three seasons. However, he’s off to a solid start this season playing on the same line as superstar Artemi Panarin. This could be a breakout season for Lafreniere.
Source: New York Rangers | MSG
Joe Thornton Officially Retires After 24 NHL Seasons
Joe Thornton was drafted first overall in the 1997 NHL Draft. He was a legend of the game in many ways, “Thornton is 12th in NHL history with 1,539 points (430 goals, 1,109 assists), seventh in assists, and sixth in games played (1,714). He played for the Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Sharks and Bruins.” Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, he’s a memorable figure in the scope of NHL history. Enjoy retirement, Jumbo Joe.
Different Names at Top of Goal Scoring Leaders Early in 2023-24 Season
Before the games began on Saturday, the three players leading the league in goals scored are a bit of a surprise. Though it’s not even November yet, it’s a fresh change of pace. Detroit Red Wings’ star Alex DeBrincat leads with nine goals, followed closely behind by Travis Konecny (PHI) and Frank Vatrano (ANA). Usual suspects like Auston Matthews and David Pastrnak will likely catch up soon, but it’s different right now.
Hockey Legend Willie O’Ree Getting His Own Postage Stamp
Willie O’Ree is a great figure in the game of hockey. He was the first black player in NHL history. It was announced this week that he is receiving his own postage stamp, a commemorative one, courtesy of Canada Post. This was revealed during the brunch reception ahead of the 2023 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic between the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers from Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. It’s a great move by Canada Post to honor such an important figure in sports history.
Paul Cotter Leads Vegas to Late Win Over Philadelphia With Brilliant Goal
This was by far the best moment from Tuesday’s Frozen Frenzy. A brilliant goal was scored by Paul Cotter late in regulation against the Flyers. This goal tied the game with under eight minutes to go and Vegas eventually won 3-2 in regulation. Take a look at this one…
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!