Islanders Gameday News: Tavares in Toronto; Proud German; Karlsson discussions

The Islanders are visiting the Maple Leafs tonight, and the five Islanders with Toronto roots must be excited. The trade deadline is Monday at 3:00 p.m., looming large over the next couple of games. Though we know not to anticipate much on our end.

FIG picks for tonight can be inserted here.

Islanders Items

• In typical bland, vanilla-ass hockey fashion, Mathew Barzal gives the credit for his Calder Trophy season to his linemates. Personally speaking, I’d love to see more of the “Don’t, and see what happens” side of him, but whatever keeps the nice boy productive. [Sportsnet]
• Ross Johnston is somehow, some way, making a big impact for the Islanders. [Newsday]
• The Isle Seat Podcast discusses the Isles’ loss to the Wild on Monday and the mistakes that led to it.
• John Tavares will handle the Toronto media with grace. [SNY]
• This is a story about the NHL’s two Sebastian Ahos. [Sports Illustrated]
• The Sound Tigers play three important games this weekend. [Soundin’ Off]

Olympic Offerings

• Last night was the final in women’s hockey, featuring the usual suspects: Canada and USA. And, as the hockey gods’ prophecies dictate, the Americans defeated the Canadians in a six-round shootout, 3-2, winning their first gold medal since 1998. [SBN | IIHF | Soundin’ Off]
• In addition, Finland defeated the Olympic Athletes from Russia for the bronze. Sounds like the OAR squad’s medal dreams were... (*clears throat*) ... shattered. [The Ice Garden]
• Meanwhile, the American men failed to medal during the tournament. [SBN]
• Matt McIlvane was born in America, but held out hope for Team Germany in the hockey tournament. [NBCO]
• Speaking of Team Germany, Dennis Seidenberg is proud of brother Yannic, representing Germany on the ice. [Islanders]
• The Near-Miracle on Ice describes the 1992 American men’s hockey team at the Olympics. [Puck Junk]

NHL Nuggets, Mostly Trade-Oriented

Last night’s NHL scores. Nothing of consequence occurred.

• Pierre LeBrun and Elliotte Friedman gauge the NHL trade market as it stands. [FanRag]
• Evander Kane and Erik Karlsson are two guys with the same initials who may be on the move - the former almost certainly will be. Also, the Predators plan to sign draft pick Eeli Tolvanen, who led the Olympic tournament in points. [NHL]
• Following up on Karlsson, the Senators are certainly keeping their options open, but (in my opinion) at this point, there’s no chance that he ends up re-signing in Ottawa. [TSN]
• Analytics folks pick their favorite NHL trade deadline target. [Sportsnet]
• Here are the 10 most annoying things an NHL GM will say over the next few days. [Sportsnet]
• Josh Gorges is probably going to be off the Sabres at some point, whether that’s now or in the summer. [Buffalo Hockey Beat]
• ESPN asked NHLers the grossest thing they’d ever seen on the ice and for Anders Lee, it was when he stepped on Casey Cizikas’ wrist, resulting in a large gash. [ESPN]