Anaheim Ducks winger Patrick Eaves has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system, the team announced Monday.
From the team:
After feeling symptoms of weakness, Eaves visited specialists Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. and Dr. Danny Benmoshe last week, which later led to Eaves being diagnosed and admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital. Eaves' condition stabilized over the weekend and he was transferred out of the ICU.
Eaves is expected to make a full recovery.
"I want to thank Dr. Robert Watkins Sr. and Dr. Danny Benmoshe for their early diagnosis of my condition, along with the proactive Ducks medical team," Eaves wrote in a statement. "Thanks to them and the incredible nurses at Hoag Hospital, I'm on the road to recovery.
"I've received tremendous amount of support over the last few days, most importantly from my family, friends, and teammates. I'm determined to fully overcome this and return to the ice as soon as possible."
Eaves, who signed a three-year contract with the Ducks this past summer, has been limited to only two games this season due to what was described as a lower-body injury.
He scored 32 goals last season with Anaheim and Dallas.
Fresh off a debut appearance in the Stanley Cup Final amid a truly special atmosphere, the Predators have been named the best franchise in professional sports by ESPN.
Nashville made the Stanley Cup Final while charging middle-of-the-pack ticket prices. Beyond that bang for the buck, the Preds deliver eye-popping customer service. In our most recent polls, Nashville topped all NHL clubs in engaging fans through social media, delivering information via mobile devices, making it easy to use the team website, and providing avenues for feedback.
"This doesn't happen without the support of the best fans in sports," team president Sean Henry said. "We need to make more of them, we need to continue to grow that base, but our fans have taken it on in a very serious fashion that they own this organization, they're part of the organization."
The Predators have started the season 4-3-1, but continue to sell out every night. Another long playoff run can only be a good thing for hockey.
Marc Bergevin's club has stumbled to a record of 1-6-1, scoring an NHL-low 12 goals. At Claude Julien's disposal is an offensively-talented 23-year-old with a 30-goal season to his credit, but the head coach refuses to deploy Galchenyuk in a role befitting his skill set.
Back in the preseason, the general manager made it clear Galchenyuk, who was drafted third overall in 2012, would be playing wing "until further notice," and on Monday, the head coach dropped the forward to the fourth line, saying "I don't think Alex has given us enough to continue to be on our top line for the time being," per John Lu of TSN.
This all makes little sense for at least three reasons:
Galchenyuk not in position to succeed
To be clear, Galchenyuk is no exception to the team's early struggles. He's scored one goal in eight games on only 14 shots, and all of these numbers are obviously well below his career numbers.
Despite the poor start, Galchenyuk is averaging 0.26 goals and 0.33 assists per game, which works out to 21 goals and 27 assists for every 82 games played.
Galchenyuk is simply less likely to find his form in limited, fourth-line ice time. Being buried on the left side behind Paul Byron, Max Pacioretty, and Charles Hudon is not where Galchenyuk belongs, as it's at center where's he's succeeded most in recent history.
#Habs Galchenyuk Since the start of 15-16: Center: 84pts in 112 games (0.75) Wing: 17pts in 39 games (0.43) Hard to argue against this tweet https://t.co/VCk8tJ7NfT
Galchenyuk is being sent out as part of the second power-play unit, a decidedly more appropriate assignment. But the opportunity to play top-six forward minutes is one that should also be afforded at even strength.
Trade value dropping
Let's assume for a moment the Canadiens resolve to trade Galchenyuk. They don't believe he can play center or even contribute at a level they expected out of him.
Why then lower his trade value by making it even harder to produce? In order to maximize a potential return, it'd be prudent to show potential suitors that Galchenyuk might be able to fill a need on their end, even if he's not seen as a fit in Montreal.
It's simple economics. If you're selling, create some demand.
Nothing to lose in light of brutal start
So whether it be to get the offense going or boost Galchenyuk's perceived attractiveness in trade talks, it behooves the Canadiens to play him with the team's other offensive talents.
There is literally nowhere else to go but up for both team and player, and now is not the time to treat Galchenyuk with kid gloves. Even if his defensive game is seen as needing work despite posting positive possession numbers at even strength over the past 295 games, trust that all the changes on the blue line and the failsafe of Carey Price can cover those deficiencies with a view to getting much-needed scoring.
Challenge the player to succeed rather than single him out for the team's overall failures, and, best case scenario, watch as the results follow or the phone starts ringing with increased regularity.
If none of the above comes to fruition, at least you put player and team in the best position to succeed.
Jeff Carter is out indefinitely after suffering a cut to his leg that required surgery, but a high-ranking member of the Los Angeles Kings got a little more specific about the star forward's timetable Monday.
Kings assistant general manager Mike Futa told Sportsnet 590 The FAN that Carter's recovery is going to be a lengthy one.
"It's not a minor injury. It was a freak (injury) and he was wearing everything you need to be wearing (to protect yourself) ... but (the protective socks are) cut-resistant, not cut-proof," Futa said on "HockeyCentral at Noon."
"It's unfortunate," the executive added. "It's going to be a long-term injury. It's not ... a four-to-six weeker. It's going to be measured more on a month-to-month basis."
Futa then took it one step further and implied Carter may not be back until February.
"He's in such great shape that he's going to come back stronger than ever, and I think he'll probably be back around ... more like a trade-deadline acquisition kind of thing, getting a guy back at that time, but what can you do?"
Futa added that he doesn't think it makes sense for the Kings and GM Rob Blake to trade picks for a rental player to fill the void in the short term.
Monday's matchup between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings represents not only a meeting between two of the NHL's best teams, but two of the league's most effective lines thus far this season.
LA's trio of Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown, and Alex Iafallo have been on the ice for 11 goals for (most in NHL) at five-on-five, and only two against. On the other hand, Toronto's unit of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, and Zach Hyman have been on the ice for six goals for (sixth in NHL), but zero against. These two lines rank first and second in Plus-Minus, per Corsica.
Despite the success of the Kings' top line, the underlying numbers suggest that they're in for some regression, whereas the Leafs' top line might just be hitting their stride.
Even though the Kings' top line has the advantage when it comes to shot quantity, ranking fifth in Corsi For percentage with a mark of 58.96 (among lines that have played at least 50 minutes at five-on-five together), compared to Toronto's 57.76, Toronto's shots have been of higher quality.
Here's a look at where Toronto's shots have come from with Matthews on the ice:
With Nylander on the ice:
With Hyman on the ice:
You'll notice how the red area (where the majority of shots are coming from) takes up the slot when Matthews, Nylander, and Hyman are on the ice.
For comparison, here's where LA's shots have come from while Kopitar is on the ice:
With Brown on the ice:
With Iafallo on the ice:
You'll notice a trend with the graph of the Kings' top line: a bulk of their shots are coming from the outside, which means that over the course of a season, less of these shots will find the back of the net.
As expected, many goals produced by LA's top line have involved a bit of luck. Shots from this angle by Brown won't be going in all season:
In fact, among lines that have played at least 50 minutes together at five-on-five, Kopitar, Brown, and Iafallo rank eighth in expected goals for. Matthews, Nylander, and Hyman rank first in this category, per Corsica.
This isn't to say Kopitar and Brown's bounce-back season can't continue, it's just that their path to sustainability as the league's most effective line (which they currently are), is much more foggy compared to Toronto's young trio vying for status as the best line in the league.
It's clear the Leafs' top line has the advantage, and that could be evident in Monday's meeting between the two sides.
Antti Niemi's tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins could very well be over, but his potential departure raises questions for more than one NHL team.
The veteran goaltender was placed on waivers Monday, possibly putting an end to a Penguins' experiment that went awry in a hurry.
Here are three burning questions that have to be asked following Pittsburgh's decision to expose Niemi to the other 30 NHL clubs.
Is he done?
It certainly looks that way.
The Penguins are apparently cutting bait with their backup netminder - at least at the NHL level - after less than three full games, but he was indisputably terrible in those three outings.
Niemi allowed 16 goals in only 129 minutes, including all seven in a 7-1 loss Saturday to the Tampa Bay Lightning, all five in a 5-4 loss Oct. 12 to the Lightning, and four goals on 13 shots in a 10-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on the second night of the season.
He's 34 years old, and clearly, his best days are in the rearview mirror.
Niemi's last respectable campaign came in 2014-15 with the San Jose Sharks, when he was still a capable starter, but he hasn't proven worthy of shouldering a heavy workload, let alone serving as an NHL backup, since then.
He struggled in a platoon role over the last couple of seasons with the Dallas Stars before joining the Penguins on a one-year, $700,000 deal on July 1.
There are several teams that could use goaltending depth, but he might not be worth the risk.
Should the Golden Knights claim him?
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
One of those clubs is the expansion Vegas Golden Knights, who've had some bad luck with goalie injuries in the early going.
That's hardly ideal, and Golden Knights general manager George McPhee has to ask himself if it makes more sense to bring in a washed up but seasoned Niemi or let his inexperienced duo attempt to hold down the fort until Fleury and Subban are ready to return.
It wouldn't be surprising if McPhee simply stayed the course, because while both injuries are concerning, neither appears to be season-ending. Still, is Niemi more of a solution or a problem to have on the roster?
What is Pittsburgh's backup plan?
Meanwhile, the Penguins appear interested in moving on from the Niemi gamble, but where do they go from here?
Matt Murray is off to a bit of a rocky start, but the unquestioned starter's numbers will improve. Still, he's going to need some nights off here and there, and the fact he's been average while being forced to play in seven of the first nine games further illustrates the fact that the Penguins need a reliable second-stringer.
If Niemi goes unclaimed by noon Tuesday, the short-term move would likely be to call up Tristan Jarry from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, assuming Niemi accepts a demotion or is granted his release.
Jarry, a Penguins second-round pick in 2013, posted a .925 save percentage in 45 AHL games last season. He's allowed 12 goals in three games this fall, but Pittsburgh may feel he's ready for the NHL backup role.
Casey DeSmith, the affiliate's other netminder, is a 26-year-old undrafted veteran in his third AHL campaign. He's another candidate to be called up, but Penguins GM Jim Rutherford said "nothing is set in stone," according to The Athletic's Josh Yohe.
Whatever happens, it certainly appears the Penguins are going to get younger in the interim.
Both Tampa Bay Lightning forwards earned star of the week honors Monday, with Stamkos claiming first star and Kucherov taking home second star. San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture was the third star.
Stamkos poured in nine assists and 11 points, while Kucherov notched five goals and eight points in four games.
Couture also scored five times over the week, totalling seven points in three contests.
Both Tampa Bay Lightning forwards earned star of the week honors Monday, with Stamkos claiming first star and Kucherov taking home second star. San Jose Sharks center Logan Couture was the third star.
Stamkos poured in nine assists and 11 points, while Kucherov notched five goals and eight points in four games.
Couture also scored five times over the week, totalling seven points in three contests.
Jagr left that contest and didn't return. The 45-year-old has a pair of assists and nine shots on goal through five games with Calgary this season, after signing a one-year, $1-million pact earlier this month.
The NHL's CBA mandates that players placed on IR must be inactive for at least seven days, so the earliest Jagr could return would presumably be Sunday's game against the Washington Capitals, meaning he'll miss at least three contests.
Calgary recalled forward Mark Jankowski from the AHL's Stockton Heat in a corresponding move.
theScore's NHL Power Rankings are published every other Monday. Our second go-round is put together by editors Josh Gold-Smith, Sean O'Leary, and Josh Wegman.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (7-1-1) ▲
Previously 12th
Imagine a team where a healthy Steven Stamkos isn't even the top offensive weapon? Thanks to Nikita Kucherov, that's the Lightning these days - and that's awfully scary. - Wegman
2. Los Angeles Kings (6-0-1) ▲
Previously 5th
The Kings are faster, younger, and the only team without a regulation loss. New head coach John Stevens has them playing a more aggressive style, and it's working - especially while Jonathan Quick looks like he wants a Vezina. - Wegman
3. Toronto Maple Leafs (6-2-0) ▼
Previously 2nd
The Leafs still have troubles in their own end, but nobody can argue with their prolific offense. Thirteen players are on pace for at least 40 points, and Auston Matthews is an early Hart candidate. - Wegman
4. Chicago Blackhawks (5-2-2) ▼
Previously 1st
The Blackhawks still have plenty of speed and three dangerous lines. It would be foolish to disrespect a team with three Stanley Cups in the last decade. - Wegman
5. Pittsburgh Penguins (5-3-1) ▲
Previously 11th
Glaring weaknesses at third-line center and backup goalie could hold the Pens back until they find upgrades, but the champs still have the firepower to keep them in the top five. - Wegman
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
6. Ottawa Senators (4-1-3) ▲
Previously 21st
The Sens avoided what many thought would be a disaster, going 3-0-2 without Erik Karlsson in the lineup. The captain has now played three games, and already has six points. They'll be a tough team to beat from here on out. - Wegman
The Stars experienced some growing pains to start the year, but those can be expected with a new head coach. They've now won four straight, albeit against a relatively soft schedule. Ben Bishop has provided a long-awaited solution in goal, and we all know this team can score. - Wegman
9. Philadelphia Flyers (5-3-0) ▼
Previously 8th
Moving captain Claude Giroux to the wing has paid early dividends, as he has 10 points in eight games. Sean Couturier, known more as a shutdown player, has flourished in the No. 1 center role, providing offense and defense. Regardless, the Flyers' depth up the middle will be a question mark moving forward. - Wegman
10. New Jersey Devils (6-2-0) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 19th
The Devils are young, fast, skilled, and exciting to watch, but it's still awfully early. They've had some impressive victories - beating three teams ahead of them in these power rankings - but we're still in wait-and-see mode. - Wegman
11. Columbus Blue Jackets (5-3-0) ▲
Previously 14th
Newcomer Artemi Panarin has settled in quite nicely, and along with Alexander Wennberg and Cam Atkinson, he's part of what's been one of the most productive lines in the NHL. Back-to-back losses to the Lightning and Kings aren't much to be ashamed of. - O'Leary
12. Washington Capitals (4-4-1) ▼
Previously 3rd
Alex Ovechkin has slowed drastically after a scorching start, and losses to the Red Wings and Panthers over the weekend have Washington trending in the wrong direction. - O'Leary
13. Anaheim Ducks (3-3-1) ▼
Previously 10th
Boy, the loss of Cam Fowler is really going to test what's already a depleted defense. Thankfully, John Gibson has quietly posted a .932 save percentage through seven starts - O'Leary
14. Nashville Predators (4-3-1) ▲
Previously 29th
The Preds haven't looked particularly great or particularly bad, but if they can keep up high shot rates, their wildly low shooting percentage (5.95) should improve, and so should their record. - O'Leary
15. Vegas Golden Knights (6-1-0) ▼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 6th
Vegas keeps winning, but with Oscar Dansk leading the charge in goal from here on out, you can color us skeptical. - O'Leary
16. New York Islanders (4-3-1) ▲
Previously 22nd
The Islanders have been fairly average across the board, but have managed just a 4 percent conversion rate on the power play - how is that even possible? - O'Leary
17. Calgary Flames (4-4-0) ▼
Previously 16th
Mike Smith's early workload has been similar to his prior duties in Arizona, but he's survived so far, posting a .927 save percentage across eight starts. Calgary still might want to cut down on the shots against per game (35.4). - O'Leary
18. Florida Panthers (3-4-0) ▼
Previously 15th
Florida's offered a balanced attack so far, but with Roberto Luongo headed to the IR, the team will need to tidy things up in the defensive zone. - O'Leary
19. Minnesota Wild (2-2-2) ▲
Previously 25th
The Wild have been ravaged by injuries, and should be focused on staying afloat until their talented roster can be reassembled. - O'Leary
20. Edmonton Oilers (2-5-0) ▼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 15th
The Oilers have managed a worse record than nearly every team on this list, but considering they're averaging almost 40 shots per game and still employ Connor McDavid, they retain the benefit of the doubt, for the time being. - O'Leary
21. Boston Bruins (3-3-1) ▼
Previously 9th
Things have really gone downhill for the Bruins since their season-opening win over the Predators.
A slew of injuries (Tuukka Rask, Ryan Spooner, Adam McQuaid), a pair of losses to the Avalanche, and an overtime loss to the Sabres in which they blew a three-goal lead have left Boston smarting, despite getting Patrice Bergeron and David Backes back from their respective ailments. - Gold-Smith
22. Winnipeg Jets (4-3-0) ▲
(Photo courtesy: Getty Images)
Previously 31st
Winning four of out five games since the last edition of the power rankings gets the Jets out of our basement and closer to where many project they'll ultimately finish.
Victories over the Oilers and Wild inspire some hope, but Winnipeg still has some work to do before it can be considered a legitimate playoff threat. - Gold-Smith
23. Carolina Hurricanes (3-2-1) ▼
Previously 18th
It wasn't easy evaluating the Hurricanes after one game, but it's a little clearer now. Carolina earned big road wins over the Oilers and Flames, but losses to the Jets and Stars showed consistency is still a work in progress. - Gold-Smith
24. Vancouver Canucks (4-3-1) ▼
Previously 17th
Vancouver has won three of its last four, but two of those were over the Sabres and Red Wings. It's only a matter of time before reality sets in. - Gold-Smith
25. San Jose Sharks (3-4-0) ▲
Previously 30th
Wins against a couple of struggling squads in the Canadiens and Sabres and a victory over the surprising Devils were enough for the Sharks to gain some ground, despite a pair of losses to the Islanders.
San Jose still isn't scoring enough, though, and will need to figure that out as it continues a five-game road trip Monday at Madison Square Garden. - Gold-Smith
26. Detroit Red Wings (4-4-1) ▼
Previously 7th
Last week was a big test for the Red Wings, and they failed it by losing three games against legit contenders in the Lightning, Maple Leafs, and Capitals. Following that up with a 4-1 beatdown on home ice at the hands of the Canucks wasn't great, either. - Gold-Smith
27. New York Rangers (2-5-2) ▼
Previously 23rd
The Rangers have lost five of their last six, and while Saturday's win over the Predators was a good sign, New York hasn't been playing to its full potential. We knew the Rangers were going to regress, but it wasn't supposed to happen this quickly. - Gold-Smith
28. Colorado Avalanche (4-4-0) ▼
Previously 20th
Last week, we told you not to get used to seeing the Avalanche ranked as high as they were, and Colorado responded by winning three straight, before losing three in a row. Despite solid play at times, the Avalanche are still too inconsistent to sustain success over the long haul. - Gold-Smith
29. Montreal Canadiens (1-6-1) ▼
(Photo courtesy: Action Images)
Previously 24th
It's still way too early for the Canadiens to give up on the season, but seven straight losses are definitely cause for concern. Montreal went 0-for-3 on its California road swing last week, as both scoring and defense remain major issues. - Gold-Smith
30. Buffalo Sabres (2-5-2) ▼
Previously 26th
The Sabres earned a big comeback win over the Bruins on Saturday night, but they still have the third-worst goal differential in the league and a host of root causes to account for that. - Gold-Smith
31. Arizona Coyotes (0-7-1) ▼
Previously 28th
The NHL's lone remaining winless team has seven regulation losses in eight games. That's bad. - Gold-Smith
