NHL Roundup: Canadiens reach Final, Kucherov doubtful for Game 7, Kraken reveal coach, and more
The Montreal Canadiens will be heading to their first Final appearance since 1993. Thanks to their Game 6 OT victory over the Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL Roundup: Canadiens reach Final
Artturi Lehkonen scored in overtime and the Montreal Canadiens punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1993 with a 3-2 victory over the visiting Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.
Montreal won the best-of-seven semifinal series in six games, becoming the first Canadian team to reach the finals since the Vancouver Canucks in 2011.
After a clutch OT save by goalie Carey Price, Lehkonen joined a rush up ice and converted a pass from Phillip Danault for his first goal of the series 99 seconds into the extra period.
The Canadiens have won five of six games that have gone to overtime during the postseason.
“I’m excited for those that were lucky enough to be in the building (3,500),” Price said. “Everybody in the city’s obviously ecstatic. It’s a fun time to be in Montreal right now.”
NHL.com
Nikita Kucherov doubtful for Game 7?
Lightning coach Jon Cooper shared no details on the status of injured Tampa Bay right wing Nikita Kucherov, leaving his status uncertain for Game 7 against the New York Islanders.
“No update,” Cooper said Thursday.
Cooper sounded as if he’s preparing for the defending Stanley Cup champions to take the ice without Kucherov.
“If that scenario came about we have to count on the guy we bring into the lineup,” Cooper said. “But other than that every team in the League will tell you: you lose players, you gain players, your lineup changes all the time. Is it ideal when you’re playing in the final four, when you’re playing against the best teams in the League, not to have your full lineup? No, but it opens doors for guys. Look at last night. The game (forward Anthony) Cirelli played, it was phenomenal. You just plug guys in. This isn’t new for us and you move on. If you’re fortunate enough to win the game it makes for one hell of a story.”
Seattle Kraken name Dave Hakstol first head coach
The expansion Seattle Kraken named Dave Hakstol as the franchise’s first head coach on Thursday.
“It is an honor to be the first head coach of the Seattle Kraken,” Hakstol said. “I am honored to be joining this tremendous group of staff and fans. When I first saw the arena, I was blown away — it is such a unique venue. I am looking forward to being a part of the group that builds a team that plays with pride, passion and selflessness for the city of Seattle.”
Rangers make more organizational changes
The goalie whisperer, Benoit Allaire has been given a promotion according to the latest press release just issued by the New York Rangers.
Allaire has been with the Rangers for the last 17 years. He was named to the staff as the goalie coach back in the summer of 2004 and helped Henrik Lundqvist become one of the game’s greats. As the the team’s new Director of Goaltending, he will oversee the development of all goalies in the organization. That will include the NHL level, where he will be based and continue as head goalie coach, as well as the AHL and ECHL.
-Field Level Media contributed to this article
More About:New York Rangers News New York Rangers Features NHL News and Rumors