Kylie Schmidt, Junior
There have been many things going on in the National Hockey League these last two months. Many changes have occurred in the NHL, for example, the conferences have been changed to work around covid-19. Many new faces have come into the league such as German Tim Stuzle, Canadian Dylan Cozens, as well as very recently American Trevor Zegras. According to The NHL Network New York Ranger, Artemi Panarin has taken a leave of absence because he was accused of beating up an 18-year-old girl in 2011, which would make him 20 at the time. Panarin denies these rumors. Recently, he spoke out about his political views in Russia, his native country, and many believe that this accusation is because of his lack of support for current Russian President, Vladimir Putin. He was accused of this by former coach Andrei Nazarov, whom Panarin played for in the KHL (Kontinental Hockey League). Artemi is leading the Rangers in points this season with 5 goals and 13 assists, a total of 18 points. The NHL supports the Rangers and Artemi Panarin in this very tough time.
There is a new captain for the New Jersey Devils, 22-year-old Nico Hischier. Nico is the youngest active captain in the NHL, as well as the second youngest to be named captain for the Devils. Kirk Muller, who was 21 when named captain, has him beat! Nico is only the 12th captain in Devil’s History. Not only is he the youngest active captain in the NHL, but he is one of two Switzerland native players to hold this title. Hischier was hurt for the first month of the season with a lower body injury, but he was able to play with the “C” in his first game back! Not only was Hischier named captain, but he also spent his summer training with the Switzerland military, as it is mandatory for all able-bodied men above 18 years of age that are Swiss citizens.
Trevor Zegras made his NHL debut with the Anaheim Ducks Tuesday night. After winning the World Juniors with USA and being named MVP in the tournament, he flew straight to camp with the Anaheim Ducks to begin training. He was sent to play with the Ducks minor league team, the San Diego Gulls. He was called up on Monday and played in the game on Tuesday.
Additionally, the NHL conferences have changed. Prior to Covid, there were the Pacific, Metropolitan, Atlantic and Central conferences. With the teams in each conference being mixed and some from Canada, they have been changed to: the North, having only Canadian teams, Central, which only has more American teams, the Pacific, having teams on the West Coast, and the East conference, which you guessed it, has teams on the East Coast. They made these changes to help with the following travel protocol. Limiting travel to Canada is necessary, as well as limiting transcontinental flying! Many repeated matchups have occurred, but it is what is necessary to help the safety of the players.
Games that will be played tonight, Thursday, February 25: Carolina Hurricanes vs Tampa Bay Lightning, Calgary Flames vs Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabers, Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders, Chicago Blackhawks vs Columbus Blue Jackets, and Dallas Stars vs the Florida Panthers. All games will start at 7pm Eastern Time!
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