NHL News: Darryl Sutter faces; Jason Spezza wants a trade

Well, the Smurfs' luck finally changed last night. So it goes. Still three down and one to go.

• No Islanders news to speak of, but the official site continues its brief snapshots on this year's draft-eligible players, with cool flashback photos like Kyle Okposo with Scott Mayfield on his draft day. [Isles]
• Our Top 25 Under 25 rolls onward with Johan Sundstrom at 17.
• Maple Leafs mouthpiece Darren Dreger says Toronto "definitely has interest" in Islanders property Dan Boyle. [Score]
• Anyone fancy another LHH scrimmage/pick-up game and BBQ? [LHH]
• Need a backup/1A goalie? Tomas Vokoun is determined to play again. [NHL]
  

Cup Final and Beyond

• Call it hockey gods, or call it mountains of fortunate snow. The Rangers dodged a sweep. Darryl Sutter dodged tedious "momentum" questions.
  
• Before Game 4 last night, on how Henrik Lundqvist's first (and hopefully only) Cup final had been a nightmare through three games. I love the SI link (Muir) that said Lundqvist was failing because he just didn't make big saves. [SB Nation]
• Also before Game 4, this is Darryl Sutter talking about what it takes, etc. [Yahoo]
  
• This is necessary: Field Guide To Darryl Sutter Facial Expressions
• This job isn't: The Freezing, Hungry Lives of NHL "Ice Girls" | Mother Jones
• This isn't either, but it's fun: Awkward Photos of Gary Bettman and Celebrities -- NYMag
• It turns out Jason Spezza has requested a euphemism for a trade. Ottawa will try to oblige. Dan(n)y Heatley says hi. [TSN] [Silver Seven reaction] (Aside: Remember people crucifying Scott Howson for daring to tell people that Rick Nash was the one who requested a trade? That was silly.)
  
• The GMs are grappling with the ambiguity of how a coach's challenge would work. [TSN | Puck Daddy] Personally, I'm fine without it.
• Reasons to fear signing a bought-out Mike Richards. [AIH]
• The Syracuse Crunch are gonna play in the Carrier Dome. (For one game.)

Not Hockey, But Still

• You may not care, but I and many others do: The FIFA World Cup starts today. Here is SB Nation's preview and hub.
• Are you watching Fargo? It's been absolutely amazing. Outstanding television all around. Spoilers here, but good coverage of the penultimate episode. [AV Club]

Finally, just because this guy was good:

Surprised they're not on his middle finger. RT @58SteelCurtain: @alanhahn pic.twitter.com/MEyQJJUhav

— Alan Hahn (@alanhahn) June 10, 2014