Bob Hartley is back in the professional coaching ranks.
The former NHL bench boss was named head coach of the KHL's Avangard Omsk on Sunday, just days after he led Team Latvia to a 3-1-2-2 showing at the World Championship.
Hartley coached Latvia at the last two worlds, and he also served as a consultant for the country's entry at the 2016-17 world juniors.
Hartley hasn't coached in the NHL since 2015-16, when he wrapped up a four-year run with the Calgary Flames. But there's no denying his credentials. The 57-year-old has won wherever he's coached, collecting championships in the QMJHL, AHL, Swiss League, and a Stanley Cup win with the Colorado Avalanche.
Hartley was also given the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's coach of the year following the 2014-15 campaign. He owns a 463-361-120 record across 944 NHL games.
While it's unknown if Hartley is aiming for a return to an NHL bench, his path through Russia isn't unorthodox. Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice led the KHL's Magnitogorsk Metallurg in 2012-13 before heading to Manitoba the following season.
Few things go better together than the Stanley Cup Playoffs and beards.
Whether superstition or simply a break from taking out the razor, the postseason offers an opportunity for some of the NHL's best to show off their beard game. And it hasn't gone unnoticed:
Ryan Ellis
It wasn't the banner year for the Nashville Predators like many pundits predicted, but there was still plenty to appreciate. Like Ryan Ellis' facial follicles. The bearded blue-liner had an injury-shortened season, but didn't miss a moment of playoff action, as he appeared in all 13 of Nashville's playoff games.
Nikita Kucherov
Call him a complete player. When Tampa Bay Lightning forward Nikita Kucherov isn't challenging the likes of superstar Connor McDavid for the NHL scoring lead, he's rocking the stubble look around the clock. And not only did he up his offensive game in the playoffs, he also let the face flow run wild.
Patrik Laine
Simply magnificent. It's difficult to find better words to describe the beard game of Winnipeg Jets superstar Patrik Laine. As fans in the Manitoba capital dressed for their iconic white out during the Jets' playoff run, one final touch was deemed necessary: some fake facial hair that mimicked Laine's look.
James Neal
First a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, and now a spot on the "5 best beards" list. After making the trip a year ago while with the Predators, the veteran winger is set to make his second straight Finals appearance, and he's bringing a familiar look: The NHL's best ginger beard. Too bad another redhead rules Sin City.
Alex Ovechkin
If the Capitals captain is superstitious, all doubt was removed when he readily embraced the Prince of Wales Trophy. The award recognizes Washington as the Eastern Conference champions, just as Ovi's burly, brown beard means that his age is only starting to show up top.
The 2018 NHL season will finish with a first-time winner hoisting the Stanley Cup.
The expansion-club phenoms out of Vegas are in one corner, having defied all odds during a historic march to the Stanley Cup Final. In the other corner are the Washington Capitals, a team that's punched its ticket to the final for the first time since 1998 after years of heartbreak.
The Golden Knights have opened as favorites. But, as this roster breakdown shows, the matchup may be a little tighter than it appears.
Forwards
During the Western Conference Final, the Golden Knights took out a Winnipeg Jets offense that was ranked second in the regular season.
Now they'll have to match the firepower of a Capitals' forward group that's been far more dangerous during the playoffs.
Each team is led by a first line that has done some heavy lifting. For the Capitals, their top trio of Alex Ovechkin, Evgeny Kuznetsov, and Tom Wilson have combined for 58 playoff points. Meanwhile, Vegas has been spearheaded by Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, and Reilly Smith, who have piled up 47 points. Those two top lines are nearly a wash considering the difference in games played (a combined 54 by the Capitals' top three, and 45 by Vegas' lead unit).
However, overall, the Capitals have outscored Vegas forwards 59-35, potting 24 more goals in just four more games, and averaging 3.11 goals per game compared to the Golden Knights' 2.33.
Edge:Capitals - The Golden Knights forwards have done exactly what they've needed, but the Capitals stars have been more lethal in their pursuit of glory.
Defense
The Golden Knights' defense has accumulated 23 playoff points, while John Carlson alone has put up 16 points for the Capitals, that says all you need to know about the matchup on defense.
Overall, Washington's blue-liners have scored one fewer goal than the Golden Knights' backend (7), but 16 more points. They've also fired 192 shots at the opposition, much more than Vegas' 115.
On the opposite side of the puck, the Capitals have averaged 28.2 shots against per game, the second-fewest in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Golden Knights have given up the fifth-most at 33.7 per game and are also averaging 9.87 high-danger scoring chances against per game at five-on-five in the playoffs compared to the Capitals' 8.84.
Edge:Capitals - Whether it be on the scoreboard or in their own end, the Capitals' defense has been more effective than that of the Golden Knights.
He's returned to his Vezina-winning form after a regular season that was a career-worst statistically. Riding back-to-back shutouts as he enters the Stanley Cup Final, Holtby has posted a .923 save percentage (third in the playoffs among goalies with five appearances) and a 2.04 goals-against average (second).
There's just one problem: The man who occupies the top spot in both those categories will be staring him down from the opposite end of the rink.
Marc-Andre Fleury leads the postseason with a .947 save percentage and a 1.68 goals against average, putting up four shutouts along the way. His save percentage sits as the seventh-best postseason mark among any goalie to play at least six games during a single playoff run.
Edge: Golden Knights - Holtby has been great, but it's impossible not to give the edge to Fleury and the Golden Knights here.
Up-and-coming blue-liner Nicolas Hague was named the Canadian Hockey League's defenseman of the year Saturday as the development league handed out its annual awards.
Selected with the 34th pick in last year's draft, Hague recently completed his third season with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads, recording a team-leading 78 points with 35 goals - the most by an OHL defender since 1998.
When his junior year ended, the 19-year-old got a taste of the pro ranks, appearing in five games with the AHL's Chicago Wolves, the Golden Knights' minor-league affiliate. He's expected to return to the Steelheads next season.
Also among the award winners was Philadelphia Flyers prospect Carter Hart, who was named the CHL's goaltender of the year. The Everett Silvertips netminder is the first two-time recipient of the award after winning it in 2015-16. Earlier this month, he became the first WHL goalie to win three straight Del Wilson Memorial Trophies, presented to that league's goaltender of the year.
Alex Barre-Boulet was named player of the year after he capped his season with the QMJHL's Blainville-Boisbriand Armada by tallying 116 points in just 65 games. The performance comes after he finished the 2016-17 campaign with 81 points in 65 games. In March, the 21-year-old signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning as an undrafted free agent.
After falling short of their Stanley Cup aspirations in the Eastern Conference Final, the Tampa Bay Lightning's focus shifts to the draft, roster players in need of contracts, and free agency.
While it's an important period for any team, one name in particular sticks out above the rest on the Lightning's ledger, as superstar Nikita Kucherov is eligible for a contract extension July 1.
Kucherov, a restricted free agent after next season, has one year at $4.67 million remaining on his bridge deal signed in 2016. Based on his incredible body of work since inking the team-friendly contract, it's safe to assume the 24-year-old is due for a hefty raise, but it doesn't appear his summer will be occupied with negotiations.
Kucherov's agent, Dan Milstein, told Joe Smith of The Athletic that the Lightning and Kucherov haven't begun talks on a new deal and aren't expected to until the 2018-19 season starts.
It doesn't appear Lightning fans have reason to worry, though.
"He wants to stay in Tampa - he doesn't want to go anywhere," Milstein said. "Worst case, it's arbitration, they're not going to lose him. Both sides want him to be in Tampa."
Since signing his last contract, Kucherov has blossomed into one of the league's premier offensive threats. In 154 games played, he ranks third among all players in goals (79), second in points (185), and third in points per game (1.20).
This year's Stanley Cup Final pits a perennial contender finally on the verge of glory against a first-year expansion team looking to shock the world.
It's been an exhilarating ride to the Cup and while everyone knows about Alex Ovechkin's elusive pursuit of his first title, a lot of strong contributors for both the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights have yet to receive national recognition.
If you're scrambling to find familiarity with both teams, have no fear, we have you covered. Here is every player in this year's Final, ranked:
1. Alex Ovechkin, Capitals
At this point, we all know the talking points. The seven-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner is looking to win his first Stanley Cup, in what would be the culmination of one of the greatest careers of the 21st century. Ovechkin is the face of the Caps, won the Richard again this year, and has been an all-around menace this spring. It's time for him to lift the Cup.
2. Marc-Andre Fleury, Golden Knights
It's hard to imagine the Golden Knights getting anywhere near the Cup without Fleury in phenomenal form. Posting a spectacular .947 save percentage and 1.68 goals against average, Fleury is playing the best hockey of his career and will be counted upon to steal a game or two for the Golden Knights against the Capitals' vaunted offense.
3. Evgeny Kuznetsov, Capitals
An electrifying talent, Kuznetsov has elevated his game throughout the playoffs and leads all players with 24 points. Kuznetsov's speed and ability to navigate in tight spaces are key assets for the Capitals. He's the player most likely to score a goal that will live on highlight reels forever, while angling for the Conn Smythe Trophy.
4. Braden Holtby, Capitals
It feels like ancient history at this point but Holtby was benched in favor of Philipp Grubauer for the start of the playoffs. Holtby has performed admirably since, rounding himself into top shape with a .923 save percentage and 2.04 GAA. If Holtby can replicate his Vezina Trophy-winning form, it will be nearly impossible to take down the Capitals.
5. John Carlson, Capitals
Carlson will be the most coveted unrestricted free-agent defenseman on the open market this summer and could see his value ascend to astronomical levels with a standout Cup. The 28-year-old led all D-men with 68 points during the regular season and could propel the Capitals to the title with his offensive exploits.
6. Jonathan Marchessault, Golden Knights
Marchessault scored 30 goals with the Florida Panthers in 2016-17, and yet they were still compelled to leave him unprotected in the expansion draft. Big mistake. Marchessault notched 75 points during the regular season and leads the Golden Knights with eight goals and 18 points during the playoffs. With excellent vision and puck skills from in close, Marchessault will be relied upon heavily to spearhead Vegas' offense.
7. Nicklas Backstrom, Capitals
Although the prevailing narrative is built around Ovechkin's quest for the Cup, Backstrom has been there every step of the way, serving as one of the NHL's most reliable playmakers. This spring is no different, and Backstrom - despite a hand injury - will be counted upon to tee up Ovechkin and Co., while adding secondary goal-scoring throughout the series if the Capitals are to raise the trophy.
8. William Karlsson, Golden Knights
Karlsson best embodies the unpredictable success of the Golden Knights. Made available by the Columbus Blue Jackets, Karlsson unexpectedly scored 43 goals, topping his previous career best of nine. Gifted with excellent speed, Karlsson can score in traffic and navigate tight spaces with proficiency. With 13 points through 15 playoff games, Karlsson will need to continue to light the lamp for Vegas to win the Cup.
9. Reilly Smith, Golden Knights
The final component of the Golden Knights' top line, Smith has served as a strong playmaker through the postseason, dishing out 14 assists and adding two goals in 15 games. Much like his linemates, Smith could cap off a season in the grandest way imaginable if he continues to produce.
10. T.J. Oshie, Capitals
A devastating player in 1-on-1 scenarios, Oshie has continued to amplify the Capitals' offense throughout the playoffs, posting seven goals and 15 points in 19 games. Oshie was the hero of Washington's Game 6 victory over Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference finals, and his propensity to excel on the big stage will be tested once again.
11. Matt Niskanen, Capitals
Niskanen isn't the flashiest player in this series, but he gets the job done. Logging over 25 minutes per game, Niskanen is a solid presence in his own end and can contribute secondary offense when necessary.
12. Tom Wilson, Capitals
Some may object to Wilson's place on this list but his impact is certainly felt by his opponents. One of the league's most punishing hitters, Wilson is a strong skater who will get under his opponent's skin throughout the contest and is constantly aggressive on the forecheck. Because he's prone to theatrics, Wilson's overall skill set has been criminally underrated. Count him out at your own peril.
13. Nate Schmidt, Golden Knights
Schmidt is looking for revenge against his former club and leads Vegas in ice time, playing just under 25 minutes per game. It's unlikely Schmidt will make headlines, but he's vital to the Golden Knights' defensive scheme and organization within their own end.
14. Lars Eller, Capitals
Eller signed a five-year, $17.5-million extension with the Capitals in February in large part due to his consistency and embodies everything you'd want out of a modern third-line center. Although he's seldom been used in this capacity with the Capitals, Eller is capable of contributing from the wing if needed.
15. James Neal, Golden Knights
Prior to the season, Neal was expected to be the catalyst of the Golden Knights' offense. Although he's been usurped by the team's first line, Neal is still a prototypical power forward capable of breaking games open with his size, speed, and puck control in tight spaces. Neal has notched 40 goals in his career before and could be due for an offensive explosion during the Final.
16. Dmitry Orlov, Capitals
Orlov is a mobile defenseman who often leads breakouts and provides secondary offense routinely for the Capitals. A good hitter in the open ice, Orlov can get caught out of position while aggressively pursuing the puck.
17. Brayden McNabb, Golden Knights
McNabb isn't going to win anyone over with flash and panache but he's a solid two-way presence featuring alongside Schmidt, logging 22 minutes per game with a physical presence.
18. Shea Theodore, Golden Knights
Theodore was selected in the first round of the 2013 NHL Draft by Anaheim but underwent his career year in Vegas, notching six goals and 29 points during the regular season.
19. Brooks Orpik, Capitals
Orpik was once known for being a reckless physical presence, but he's developed into a serene player in his own end who plays a simple game and who's capable of logging heavy minutes if needed. The 37-year-old is looking for the second Cup of his career, having previously won in 2009 with Pittsburgh.
20. Alex Tuch, Golden Knights
Tuch was selected 18th overall by Minnesota in the 2014 NHL Draft and has truly blossomed with Vegas. After playing sparingly with the Wild, Tuch has consistently generated secondary offense for the Golden Knights and will be counted upon for some timely goals. It's hard to believe that Tuch was acquired as a nominal piece from the Erik Haula signing.
21. Erik Haula, Golden Knights
Haula was one of the Golden Knights' first major signings and the return on value has been mixed. After a 29-goal regular season, Haula essentially disappeared entirely during the Western Conference Finals. It's time for him to truly prove his worth as one of the league's most underrated talents.
22. Michal Kempny, Capitals
Kempny is a great skater but there's nothing truly outstanding about his game. After being acquired in a February trade with Chicago, Kempny has carved out his role as a reliable defenseman who can log around 20 minutes per game with limited offensive upside.
23. Chandler Stephenson, Capitals
A relative unknown prior to this season, Stephenson is playing the best hockey of his career in a bottom-six role for the Capitals. His place on this list is derived from his strong performance during the playoffs and he'll need to be at his best during the Cup.
24. Deryk Engelland, Golden Knights
Widely considered to be the leader of the expansion Golden Knights, Engelland simply doesn't get rattled. At 36, some figured Engelland would struggle in a larger role but his mistake-free, low-risk game has been a major asset and will be key qualities against an opportunistic Capitals' offense.
25. Colin Miller, Golden Knights
Miller's slapshot may as well be a rocket launcher, once getting clocked at 105.5 mph during the 2015 AHL All-Star Skills competition. Though his production has tailed off during the playoffs, the sheer velocity of Miller's shot can create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
26. Luca Sbisa, Golden Knights
The Swiss international fought through an injury-filled campaign to return in time for the Golden Knights' playoff run. Finally healthy after being limited to 30 games during the regular season, Sbisa is in the form of his life and will be relied upon heavily to bury the Capitals' scoring lines.
27. Devante Smith-Pelly, Capitals
Smith-Pelly is an expert penalty killer who will throw himself at 90-mph-plus slapshots without hesitation. Although he has limited offensive upside, Smith-Pelly's ability to destroy defenders on the forecheck will help the Capitals establish their presence in the offensive zone.
28. Brett Connolly, Capitals
Selected sixth overall in the 2010 NHL Draft, Connolly hasn't lived up to his billing as a prospect, but has forged a role as a solid bottom-six contributor. If there were ever a time to show why he was once considered a potentially elite scoring threat, it's now.
29. David Perron, Golden Knights
The book hasn't changed all too much on Perron. You're getting a solid playmaker with the ability to elevate his game and score in bunches. Perron hasn't scored during the playoffs, however, and he's certainly due.
30. Jay Beagle, Capitals
Beagle is excellent on faceoffs and helps the Capitals establish their presence in the offensive zone with his proficiency. Although the rest of his game is unremarkable, Beagle can wear down the Golden Knights by continuing to beat his man off the draw.
31. Jakub Vrana, Capitals
At 22, Vrana is still coming into his own as a player but he'll need to be more consistent during the Final. Vrana was completely erased by the Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals, and could see his minutes shortened if he's a zero on the offensive end.
32. Andre Burakovsky, Capitals
What a time to have a breakout game! Burakovsky submitted the performance of his young career in Washington's Game 7 triumph over Tampa Bay, scoring two pivotal goals to advance to the Final. Selected in the first round of the 2013 draft, Burakovsky could reward his franchise's faith in him with a few more clutch goals.
33. Cody Eakin, Golden Knights
Eakin is a solid center for the Golden Knights but he'll need to do more during the Final as he was practically non-existent offensively against the Jets.
34. Ryan Carpenter, Golden Knights
Carpenter has established himself as a decent checking forward but don't expect him to light the lamp against a well-organized Capitals defense.
35. Christian Djoos, Capitals
Djoos is the final man on the Capitals' defensive depth chart and his game is centered around avoiding mistakes and cleanly redistributing the puck. He'll likely be paired against the Golden Knights' bottom-six forwards.
36. Ryan Reaves, Golden Knights
Reaves is known as an enforcer and while some have lobbied for him to be replaced by a more skilled forward, he scored when it counted during Vegas' Game 5 victory over Winnipeg. Acquired at the trade deadline, Reaves will be tasked with physically wearing down the Capitals' defensemen.
37. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare, Golden Knights
Bellemare is grit personified. There's nothing pretty about his game but the French international shares the common trait that all Vegas' defensemen share in mitigating risk.
38. Jon Merrill, Golden Knights
Merrill signed a two-year contract extension with Vegas in January and figures into their long-term plans. He hasn't seen any playing time since Sbisa returned, however, and will likely only play if an injury occurs.
39. Tomas Nosek, Golden Knights
With three points in 12 games, Nosek could be replaced in the lineup if he doesn't start generating more quality chances.
40. Oscar Lindberg, Golden Knights
An often maddening player due to his inconsistency, Lindberg hasn't played since May 12.
41. Tomas Tatar, Golden Knights
Tatar was acquired in February from the Detroit Red Wings but he's been completely erratic through the playoffs, notching one goal in six games.
42. Alex Chiasson, Capitals
A capable secondary scorer when needed, Chiasson may be the odd man out for the Capitals in this series.
43. William Carrier, Golden Knights
A depth forward, Carrier has been out with an undisclosed injury and may be held out for the duration of the series.
44. Nathan Walker, Capitals
Walker became the first Australian player to play in the NHL and while it's a cool factoid, he's unlikely to see notable playing time.
45. Philipp Grubauer, Capitals
This isn't an indictment of Grubauer, but it does seem highly unlikely that he'll play with Holtby starring throughout the playoffs.
46. Malcolm Subban, Golden Knights
Barring disaster, P.K. Subban's little brother will not be seeing the ice.
The Capitals descend on Sin City when they open the Stanley Cup Final on Monday night against the Golden Knights. Alex Ovechkin has made it clear the team is focused on one goal.
"We're going there to play hockey, not to pool party and play in (the) casino," Ovechkin said, according to NHL.com's Tom Gulitti. "We're going there to play hockey and do our thing and then we’re going to have all the summer, and whatever we want to do, we can do it."
The Golden Knights were one of the best regular-season home teams, finishing with 29 wins (tied for third). That caused many to speculate road teams were falling ill to the infamous "Vegas flu," something the Capitals are looking to avoid.
The group looking to bring an NHL team to Seattle will have to wait a little longer to get the rubber stamp.
It's long been thought conditional approval for an expansion franchise in the Emerald City could come at the Board of Governors meetings next month. But NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says that plan has changed.
Back in March, as Tim Leiweke's Oak View Group (along with investors David Bonderman and Jerry Bruckheimer) celebrated a successful ticket drive, both Leiweke and Bruckheimer mentioned the June meetings as the next hurdle to clear. However, Bettman told the AP this week the league is going to take its time.
“What we have said to the people - David Bonderman’s (Oak View Group) - is we’re on your timetable," Bettman said, adding that the NHL still has plenty of work to do on the matter.
"We have to finish doing our due diligence and our homework. We need to have the timetable understanding as to when the building’s going to get done. We can move as fast or as slowly as you want. There’s no rush."
Bettman said OVG has some work to do as well, including overseeing the redevelopment of Seattle's KeyArena.
“We’re in the middle of the process. They’re doing their homework, and they’re proceeding on two fronts because they’ve got to renovate a building and they’ve got to pursue the team and they’re doing both very nicely. They’re working with the city, they hired (CEO of the prospective team) Tod Leiweke."
Seattle fans responded in full force on March 1, putting down 10,000 deposits in the first 12 minutes of the ownership group's ticket drive.
If the NHL grants the city an expansion club, it would likely begin play in the 2020-21 season.
