The latest on the Avalanche and Golden Knights before Game 1 of the Western Conference Final, reaction to the Canucks firing head coach Adam Foote, the Devils to retain coach Sheldon Keefe, and more in today’s NHL Morning Coffee Headlines.
NHL.COM: Game 1 of the Western Conference Final between the Colorado Avalanche and Vegas Golden Knights begins on Wednesday, May 20, at 8 pm ET in Denver.
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar (NHL Images)
The Avalanche enter this series with superstar defenseman Cale Makar’s status for Game 1 uncertain. He missed his third consecutive practice on Tuesday, sparking speculation that he’s dealing with an injury. Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said he’s not concerned yet about Makar’s status for the series-opening contest.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Makar’s absence, even for one game, would be a challenging adjustment for the Avalanche. Even if he plays, his performance could be hampered by this possible injury.
TSN: The NHL Coaches’ Association is closely monitoring the situation involving former Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy.
The Golden Knights fired Cassidy late in the regular season, replacing him with John Tortorella on an interim basis. The Edmonton Oilers and Los Angeles Kings recently asked the Golden Knights for permission to speak with Cassidy, but they’ve yet to do so.
Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon confirmed that teams have asked for permission to speak with Cassidy.
“We’ve been consistent that our focus currently is on the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the teams have respected that,” McCrimmon said. “I’ve spoken with Bruce. He understands it, as well.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Cassidy remains under contract with the Golden Knights, who are within their rights to grant or deny permission to clubs that are interested in hiring him.
However, McCrimmon’s excuse doesn’t hold water. The Golden Knights have had almost a week off between playoff series, giving him plenty of time to consider whether he’ll grant permission to those clubs to speak with Cassidy.
SPORTSNET: The Golden Knights lost their appeal for breaking the league’s media access rules following Game 6 of their second-round series with the Anaheim Ducks. Head coach John Tortorella was fined $100,000, and the Golden Knights will lose their second-round draft pick in this year’s draft.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: The league has had enough of Tortorella’s battles with the media and with the Golden Knights for ignoring previous warnings about violating the media access rules.
These shenanigans have robbed the Golden Knights of positive coverage for their upcoming series with the Avalanche.
THE SCORE: The Vancouver Canucks fired head coach Adam Foote on Tuesday.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Foote was promoted from assistant coach to bench boss last year when Rick Tocchet departed for the Philadelphia Flyers. He faced huge obstacles this season that would’ve challenged even the most experienced head coach.
Manny Malholtra could be the favorite to take over from Foote. He’s currently the head coach of their farm team in Abbotsford. He also has NHL experience as an assistant coach with the Canucks and Toronto Maple Leafs.
TSN: Former Oilers head coach Kris Knoblauch isn’t expected to pursue a new coaching job for the time being. He was recently fired after the Oilers were eliminated from the playoffs by the Anaheim Ducks.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Knoblauch can afford to take his time and consider his future. He’s under contract with the Oilers for the next three seasons.
NEW JERSEY HOCKEY NOW: Sheldon Keefe will return as the Devils’ head coach, but he will need a couple of new assistants. Goaltending coach Dave Rogalski was relieved of his duties, while Sergei Brylin will be taking on a new role within the organization.
BUFFALO HOCKEY BEAT: Sabres forward Jiri Kulich will resume his playing career next season after undergoing a procedure two months ago to remove a blood clot. The 22-year-old missed all but 12 games this season because of the clot.