The startup AAF has been saved by the owner of an NHL franchise.
Tom Dundon, the majority owner of the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, made a $250-million commitment to the new football league last week after its first week of play, the Hurricanes announced Tuesday. The investment was necessary to save the league from missing payroll, David Glenn of The Athletic reports.
"Without a new, nine-figure investor, nobody is sure what would have happened," a source told Glenn. "You can always tell people their checks are going to be a little late, but how many are going to show up on the weekend for games when they don't see anything hit their bank accounts on Friday?"
Dundon will serve as chairman of the AAF's board of directors, effective immediately, according to the Hurricanes. The nascent league just completed its second weekend of action.
"This was a terrific opportunity for Tom to expand his investment in the sports world," Hurricanes president and general manager Don Waddell said in a release. "The AAF is off to an exciting start as a league and was founded on some truly unique and groundbreaking concepts."
Boston Bruins forward Chris Wagner scored the game-tying goal in the waning minutes of regulation during Monday's 6-5 overtime win over the San Jose Sharks. It didn't come without controversy though, as Wagner's stick appeared to make contact with the puck above the crossbar prior to the goal.
The issue I have is that the puck is already past the line when he hits it again, which means he scored with the high stick, not just knocked it down pic.twitter.com/NNBZWHVgYn
Wagner then swatted the puck into the net after batting it down. If he did so before the puck crossed the goal line, the legality of the high-stick would be determined by shoulder height instead of crossbar height. The play was not reviewed.
Boston blue-liner Charlie McAvoy notched the overtime winner to give the Bruins two key points.
His historic campaign added another chapter Monday night, as he recorded his second five-point effort of the season by registering a point on each Lightning goal in a 5-1 win over the Blue Jackets. The big night lifts the All-Star to 99 points on the year with 22 games left.
With the incredible performance, the Russian winger is now on pace for 135 points on the year, a mark that has not been hit since the 1995-96 season. But that's hardly where the incredible facts about Kucherov's torrid pace end.
He's tallied 18 points over his last five games, giving him more points in that span than six of his full-time teammates have compiled all season, and he's actually registered more games with three or more points (15) than he has games with zero points (14).
The 25-year-old is surrounded by an embarrassment of riches on offense, and his 70 assists has already set a franchise record for single-season helpers.
The Lightning record for points in a season belongs to Vincent Lecavalier who posted 109 in 2006-07, but with Kucherov now just 10 points back and six weeks remaining, a potential injury seems to be the only thing that could prevent the sniper from taking that title.
Even fans who haven't watched hockey since the '80s would've been impressed with the amount of scoring between the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks on Monday.
The Sens and Hawks combined for nine goals in the first period of Monday's meeting, with Chicago eventually winning a wild 15-goal game by a score of 8-7.
Blackhawks netminder Collin Delia was pulled after three goals, while Senators goalie Anders Nilsson was yanked after he was beaten for the fourth time. Neither backup performed much better.
Rod Brind'Amour is all for his players' post-win routines.
The Carolina Hurricanes head coach left no doubt about his position on the "storm surge" celebrations that Don Cherry criticized on "Hockey Night in Canada" on Saturday night.
"It's not about everyone else. (Critics are) missing the point," Brind'Amour told reporters Monday. "It's about our players engaging our fans and thanking them for sticking with us, being there (for us), and trying to provide a little levity to a pretty serious game. We push these guys pretty hard."
He said the performances aren't taking place while games are in progress, and the team deserves to let loose in a unique way.
"Everything's happening after the game. This isn't during the game. It's not before the game. This is when it's all said and done. They've put the work in and now they're just ... instead of just the traditional salute to the fans which nobody cares about, they're just trying to do something a little different.
"We really don't care what other people think about it. It's been pretty positive around here. I haven't had one fan here say they didn't like it, so I don't think we're changing it."
Brind'Amour said none of the players have been uncomfortable with the celebrations.
"I think they love it, and it's their thing," he continued. "If (team captain Justin Williams) thought they didn't want to do it anymore, he wouldn't do it. We're making way too big a deal of it."
The bench boss added that there are no plans to stop or alter the post-win ritual that the club started this season.
"The fans are enjoying it. You've got to remember, that's what we're here to do. They're the ones that pay the salaries. We have to do things a little differently down here to keep people interested. At the end of the day, it's entertainment and for whatever reason they think that's entertaining. It's fun, people."
Brind'Amour said he hopes Monday was the first and last time he has to talk about the celebrations, calling the discussion "irrelevant to what's going on."
Cherry lashed out at the team, calling Hurricanes players "a bunch of jerks" and warning that "they better not do this in the playoffs."
Shortly after Cherry's rant, Carolina shut out the Dallas Stars and did a limbo contest to celebrate. The latest routine drew praise from Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon, and a subtle jab at Cherry. On Sunday, the club revealed "bunch of jerks" T-shirts that will be available later this week.
The Hurricanes are surging on the ice as well, having won eight of their last 10 games to move into the playoff hunt.
In this episode, Jeremy Roenick, an NBC Sports analyst and former NHL star, joins John. Steve Dangle, a professional YouTuber and Sportsnet blogger, is also featured. Topics include:
Welcome to the 11th edition of theScore's 2018-19 NHL Power Rankings, which will be published every two weeks during the regular season. Editors Craig Hagerman, Matt Teague, and Josh Wegman compiled this list.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (44-11-4)
What's more incredible: The Lightning's 92 points in 59 games? Or Nikita Kucherov scoring 94 points in the same period?
The club remains the gold standard for the NHL this season. Meanwhile, Kucherov is on pace for 130 points, which would be the highest single-season total since the 1995-96 season. - Hagerman
Previously: 1st
2. New York Islanders (35-17-6) ▲
The Islanders are one of the biggest stories in the 2018-19 season.
The team is a defensive powerhouse, averaging a league-best 2.29 goals against per game. Thomas Greiss and Robin Lehner also rank first and second in save percentage and goals-against average among goalies who have played at least 18 games. - Hagerman
Previously: 5th
3. San Jose Sharks (35-17-7) ▲
The Sharks have been nearly unstoppable since the All-Star break. The team has gone 6-1-0, averaging just shy of four goals per game during that run. That's happened while the team was without Erik Karlsson for nine games.
Five San Jose players have already eclipsed the 20-goal mark, the most of any team in the league. The Sharks are also on pace to finish the year with eight 50-plus-point players. - Hagerman
The Bruins looked like they were in for a world of hurt with their top goal-scorer sidelined for at least two weeks. However, the club has been perfect since Pastrnak went down, stringing together three straight wins and pushing Boston's current winning streak to five games. - Hagerman
Previously: 8th
5. Calgary Flames (35-16-7) ▼
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After a shaky stretch, Calgary recovered on Saturday with a win over the always deadly Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Flames remain perched atop the Western Conference despite losing five of their last seven games. The team's first line has been consistent, registering 18 points in seven February contests. - Hagerman
Previously: 2nd
6. Toronto Maple Leafs (36-19-3)
Despite a lackluster effort during Auston Matthews' return to Arizona on Saturday, the Maple Leafs have still gone 7-2-1 in their last 10 games.
The team's power play has come alive in recent weeks, with William Nylander and Nazem Kadri beginning to score regularly. - Hagerman
Previously: 6th
7. Winnipeg Jets (36-19-4) ▼
The Jets have struggled over the last three weeks, winning just three times in their last eight games.
Winnipeg's recent skid features two losses to the lowly Ottawa Senators and one to the slumping Colorado Avalanche.
On the bright side, the Jets' firepower is undeniable. Dustin Byfuglien is still finding his game after recently returning from a lower-body injury. And if Patrik Laine ever starts producing again, the team could run away with the Western Conference. - Hagerman
Previously: 3rd
8. St. Louis Blues (31-22-5) ▲
The Blues have turned around their season during the second half, and they're skyrocketing up the Western Conference standings.
Thanks to a 10-game winning streak, St. Louis now occupies third place in the Central Division. Rookie netminder Jordan Binnington has been a revelation, going 12-1-1 with a 1.58 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage.
Vladimir Tarasenko rediscovering his scoring touch has also helped during the Blues' turnaround. - Hagerman
The club has posted an 8-2-0 record over its last 10 games, and now Carolina sits just a point out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
The team has gone 8-1-1 in its last 10 games, and Hart is 9-1-0 with a .932 save percentage in his last 10.
Philadelphia is still six points out of the final wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference, but the Flyers are playing their best hockey of the season. - Hagerman
Previously: 17th
11. Nashville Predators (34-22-5) ▼
The Predators have occupied the second seed in the Central Division since Jan. 10. The team has dropped four of its last five games, including the Blues earning a home-and-home sweep.
Nashville is one of the league's elite defensive teams, but the Predators could use some help up front ahead of the deadline. Their power play has converted just five times over its last 67 attempts. - Teague
Previously: 7th
12. Dallas Stars (29-24-5)
Tyler Seguin has significantly improved his play since team CEO Jim Lites' tirade before the new year, but he can't do it all himself.
The Stars' lack of offensive depth is glaring, especially after being shut out in two straight games. Dallas has received goals from just three forwards (Seguin, Brett Ritchie, and Alex Radulov) over its last five contests. - Teague
Previously: 12th
13. Montreal Canadiens (31-21-7) ▼
The Canadiens' consistent play this season has kept them level despite being in the middle of a four-game losing streak. Claude Julien's club has bought in, as the Habs rank fourth in hits per game and fifth in shots per contest, all while grinding down teams and burning the opposition with relentless speed.
The Canadiens also deploy a well-balanced attack, rostering nine players with 10-plus goals this season.- Teague
Previously: 11th
14. Washington Capitals (32-20-7) ▼
The defending champs aren't having a problem scoring goals this season, but Washington is struggling to keep the puck out of its own net. The Capitals are conceding 3.19 goals per game, the worst mark among teams currently occupying a playoff position. - Teague
Previously: 13th
15. Columbus Blue Jackets (33-21-3) ▲
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With the futures of blue chippers Artemi Panarin and Sergei Bobrovsky still unknown, the Blue Jackets have done a good job weathering the storm. After dropping five straight games in regulation, Columbus responded with five wins in seven games to start February.
The Blue Jackets still hold a playoff spot, though the red-hot Carolina Hurricanes are breathing down Columbus' neck. - Teague
Previously: 16th
16. Chicago Blackhawks (24-26-9) ▲
Patrick Kane's all-world play has resurrected a seemingly defeated Blackhawks team, propelling them from the bottom of the league into playoff contention.
With an 8-2 record over their past 10 games, the Blackhawks sit three points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference with nine games left against division opponents. - Teague
Previously: 25th
17. Vegas Golden Knights (32-24-4) ▼
The Golden Knights have been stuck for quite some time now, sitting third place in the Pacific Division with a large gap between teams above and below.
A rare home-ice slump has resulted in seven losses over the Knights' past 10 contests. After a drop in scoring this season, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Golden Knights attempt to bolster their offense before the deadline. - Teague
Previously: 11th
18. Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-7) ▼
The Penguins are coasting through another regular season, but they shouldn't get too comfortable. Pittsburgh has recorded just four wins in nine February games, with the team sliding from the Metropolitan Division's second seed to a wild-card position. - Teague
Previously: 12th
19. Minnesota Wild (27-26-6) ▼
The Wild appear out of sorts. Bruce Boudreau's team has logged just one win in February, and Minnesota's four-game losing streak included a 4-0 shutout loss on home ice to the Blues.
The Wild's penalty kill is a concern, as it's operating at a dismal 66.7 percent this month. - Teague
Previously: 14th
20. Buffalo Sabres (28-23-7) ▲
Bill Wippert / National Hockey League / Getty
It's been a trying season for the Sabres since November when they posted a league-best 11-3-1 record. A lack of consistency has led to Buffalo's downfall, as the team has failed to win consecutive games since Dec. 13.
Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart, and rookie Rasmus Dahlin are making promising strides, and newcomer Jeff Skinner has been sensational. But the Sabres may not have the depth and goaltending to make serious noise down the stretch. - Teague
Previously: 21st
21. New York Rangers (25-25-8) ▲
Mika Zibanejad is blossoming into a true No. 1 center and a building block for the Rangers moving forward. However, with plenty of names floating around the rumor mill, the supporting cast around him could be vastly different next season. - Wegman
Previously: 26th
22. Florida Panthers (24-24-8)
The Panthers' season hasn't gone as planned, as they sit well out of the playoff picture. Moving forward, it will be tough to address goaltending, the team's biggest weakness, with Roberto Luongo and James Reimer still under contract. - Wegman
Previously: 22nd
23. Arizona Coyotes (26-27-5) ▼
It's incredibly difficult to evaluate the 2018-19 Coyotes because they've been one of the most injured teams this season. Their resiliency is something to build on, though it's clear this team needs more offensive firepower before it can be taken seriously. - Wegman
Previously: 19th
24. Vancouver Canucks (26-27-7) ▼
Elias Pettersson already has the Calder Trophy locked up (sorry, Carter Hart). But if he carries the Canucks to the playoffs on his 176-pound frame, the rookie could receive a few Hart Trophy votes, too. - Wegman
Previously: 18th
25. Detroit Red Wings (23-29-8) ▲
Dave Reginek / National Hockey League / Getty
The Red Wings have produced plenty of encouraging signs during a rebuilding year. But this team faces an uphill battle moving forward in the ultra-competitive - and youthful - Atlantic Division. - Wegman
Previously: 27th
26. Colorado Avalanche (23-24-11) ▼
The Avalanche's sub-.500 record is disappointing after last season's growth. But with Cale Makar's projected arrival next year, plenty of cap space to work with, and potentially the No. 1 overall pick, Colorado is positioned well for the future. - Wegman
Previously: 23rd
27. Los Angeles Kings (23-29-6) ▲
The Kings are dead last in the Western Conference, but amazingly only eight points back of a playoff spot. A postseason berth seems impossible, so it'll be interesting to see if L.A. moves any of its locked-up veterans before the deadline. - Wegman
Previously: 30th
28. New Jersey Devils (23-28-8) ▲
The Devils should shut down Taylor Hall for the remainder of the season. - Wegman
Andrej Sekera is back, but a 32-year-old defensemen who's played just 36 games over the past two years due to a torn Achilles and a torn ACL isn't going to save the Oilers' season. - Wegman
Previously: 24th
31. Anaheim Ducks (23-27-9) ▼
The Ducks have recorded two wins in three games with Bob Murray behind the bench - the same total they notched over Randy Carlyle's final 21 contests. - Wegman
Ahead of the 2019 NHL trade deadline, we examine where each Eastern Conference team stands and what strategies they should employ heading into Feb. 25.
Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins
A first-round matchup against the Maple Leafs seems inevitable for the Bruins, and though they've had Toronto's number before, the Leafs are much deeper than in years past. Boston's top line scares every opponent but its bottom nine pales in comparison to Toronto's.
The Bruins need to be aggressive in pursuing one of the top available wingers such as Artemi Panarin or potentially Mark Stone. If general manager Don Sweeney strikes out on the big fish, he should acquire a cheaper rental such as Gustav Nyquist, Wayne Simmonds, or Mats Zuccarello. The Bruins need to add a top-six forward, especially with David Pastrnak sidelined.
Verdict: Buyer
Buffalo Sabres
Rob Marczynski / National Hockey League / Getty
November notwithstanding, the Sabres have failed to make the necessary strides to enter this season's playoff conversation and therefore shouldn't be looking to improve through rentals.
But Buffalo also shouldn't be looking to sell. Jeff Skinner is the team's only key pending unrestricted free agent and general manager Jason Botterill should do everything he can to sign the sniper to a long-term extension. Recent reports suggest the front office is trying. Unless there's a player available who can help Buffalo beyond this season, the club should wait until the offseason to address its many needs.
Verdict: Hold
Detroit Red Wings
The Red Wings already hold eight picks in the first five rounds of the 2019 draft and could add more before the trade deadline. Gustav Nyquist and goaltender Jimmy Howard are Detroit's two biggest pending unrestricted free agents and both could garner a nice return, especially if a market develops for Howard. Thomas Vanek, Niklas Kronwall, and Nick Jensen don't have the same appeal, but they could also generate some interest as soon-to-be free agents.
Detroit is clearly rebuilding and needs to acquire the best future assets possible in exchange for expiring contracts.
Verdict: Seller
Florida Panthers
Patrick McDermott / National Hockey League / Getty
Many expected the Panthers to be a playoff team this season, but they're well out of the postseason mix leading up to the deadline. Florida's core should stay intact through Feb. 25, but the roster features several pending unrestricted free agents including Jamie McGinn, Derick Brassard, and Riley Sheahan. Brassard and Sheahan only recently joined the Panthers following a trade from the Penguins. All three should be moved to acquire cap space and trade assets the team can use to improve this summer.
Verdict: Seller
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are one of the NHL's most surprising teams this year. Preseason prognosticators pegged them as a potential lottery team; instead, they're primed for a playoff appearance.
Still, Montreal shouldn't be looking to deal from its revamped farm system in exchange for rentals. If there's a player with term available, it's worth exploring a trade. But going all-in during a season that should already be considered a success doesn't seem worth it, especially considering the Canadiens could meet Tampa Bay in the first round.
Verdict: Hold
Ottawa Senators
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The Senators' plan to tradeMatt Duchene while they attempt to sign Mark Stone is the right move. Stone is captain material and only 26 years old. Given that he's never relied on speed for success, he should age better than most on a potential eight-year deal.
If Stone and the Sens can't reach an agreement soon, however, the team needs to trade him as well. The same goes for the pending unrestricted free agent flying under the radar in Ottawa: Ryan Dzingel.
Trading Duchene, Stone, and Dzingel would mean even more short-term pain in the nation's capital, but the club can't afford to lose them for nothing come July 1.
Verdict: Seller
Tampa Bay Lightning
Is it even possible for the Lightning to make their team better? One wouldn't think so, given their 44-11-4 record. But the Bolts are in a prime position to acquire one of the top available rentals.
With Brayden Point poised to command a hefty cap hit this summer, the Lightning are going to be in cap trouble. Tampa Bay could alleviate this by including one of its long-term contracts, such as J.T. Miller's, in a trade for a game-breaking talent like Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene, or Mark Stone.
This is clearly Tampa Bay's year, and acquiring an elite rental player while shedding a long-term contract in the process would kill two birds with one stone.
Verdict: Buyer
Toronto Maple Leafs
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The Maple Leafs already gave up their 2019 first-rounder for Jake Muzzin and reportedly won't part with future firsts or their top two defense prospects for a rental.
Toronto could still stand to improve its blue line, specifically on the right side. But that would likely mean moving out Nikita Zaitsev's contract, which may be tough to do midseason. Adding a depth forward who can provide a physical presence may be the Leafs' most realistic way of improving before the deadline.
Verdict: Buyer
Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes a complete wild card. One day they're reportedly selling, the next they're reportedly buying, and the third they're reportedly OK with the status quo.
The most common players in the rumor mill are Micheal Ferland (pending UFA), Dougie Hamilton (seemingly always available, no matter who he plays for), and Brett Pesce (of great interest to the Maple Leafs, potentially).
Even if Carolina doesn't sell big, Ferland appears the most likely trade candidate. The 26-year-old winger has 16 goals and 33 points in 50 games and seems destined to test the open market this coming summer, though nothing is set in stone.
It seems there are more questions than answers for Carolina in the lead-up to deadline day.
Verdict: ?
Columbus Blue Jackets
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Like the Senators in the Atlantic, the Blue Jackets are ground zero for trade activity in the Metro.
With the futures of star forward Artemi Panarin and franchise goalie Sergei Bobrovsky dominating headlines all season, one might label Columbus a seller and call it a day. But the club could turn around and land another impact forward like Matt Duchene or a second-tier player like Marcus Johansson to soften the potential blow of losing one or both of its stars.
Reports suggest GM Jarmo Kekalainen is motivated to both sell and buy. Panarin and Bobrovsky are forcing his hand, but the Blue Jackets are a good hockey team and their fan base needs postseason success.
Verdict: Seller and Buyer
New Jersey Devils
General manager Ray Shero got the party started earlier this month, flipping Brian Boyle and his expiring contract to Nashville for a 2019 second-round pick.
Next up might be Marcus Johansson, the playmaking forward who's run into injury after injury since being acquired from the Washington Capitals in the summer of 2017. Blue-liner Ben Lovejoy and winger Drew Stafford are also worthy of consideration - albeit from a depth perspective. Both are rentals.
Don't be surprised if the Devils' eight draft selections in 2019 balloon to 10 or more by next week.
With nearly $10 million in cap space and the division lead, GM Lou Lamoriello has wiggle room galore as he looks to capitalize on the club's tremendous first season under head coach Barry Trotz.
New York could use an upgrade on its center depth behind Mathew Barzal. Perhaps Matt Duchene fits the bill? Or, if the Islanders truly believe in themselves, why not take a run at Artemi Panarin, who's counting the days to free agency and is reportedly drawn to metropolitan cities?
The Isles have their first-round pick for this year and beyond at their disposal. All eyes on Lou.
Zuccarello and Hayes are both pending UFAs and should fetch decent returns, while Kreider and Namestnikov have less predictable futures given the extra year on each of their contracts. Three or four of these players could soon be packing their bags. Blue-liner Adam McQuaid is also on an expiring contract.
Verdict: Seller
Philadelphia Flyers
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Barring the unforeseen, these are the final days of Wayne Simmonds' tenure with the Flyers. Several contenders - including the Jets, Lightning, Bruins, and Predators - are believed to be interested in the winger's services, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli.
Chuck Fletcher's goalie-for-goalie trade (Cam Talbot in, Anthony Stolarz out) got the juices flowing. How deep does he cut ahead of his first deadline as Philadelphia's general manager?
The smart money's on Philly waiting until the offseason to assess the team's core, but you never know. The Flyers are volatile.
Pittsburgh is playing with fire, alternating between losing skids and winning streaks in 2019, but it's hard to envision GM Jim Rutherford sitting on his hands here. He just doesn't seem to be wired that way, especially since Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin aren't getting any younger.
In terms of player-specific scuttlebutt, Larry Brooks of the New York Post expects Pittsburgh to show interest in Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello.
Verdict: Buyer
Washington Capitals
Rob Carr / Getty Images Sport / Getty
The Capitals definitely aren't selling, unless you include their rumored desire to move on from Andre Burakovsky. They lack the cap space to chase a marquee name, but that doesn't mean general manager Brian MacLellan won't attempt to improve around the edges. He's supposedly ready and willing to upgrade his middle-six forward group.
If Washington happens to hold and not make a trade before the deadline, it wouldn't be a huge surprise. Consider them bargain-bin buyers.
