Welcome back everyone to Season 8 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk! Tonight we are back with another jam-packed episode 10 with Evan Renaerts bringing you all the latest NHL headlines, biggest performances, trade rumours, injuries and storylines from around the hockey world.
Before we get started, we also want to take a moment to recognize Remembrance Day. Today, we remember and honour the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our country, and we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the freedoms we have today. Lest we forget.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories making waves around the NHL right now.
- Connor Hellebuyck returns to Winnipeg – One of the most anticipated nights of the NHL season finally arrived Tuesday night as Connor Hellebuyck made his return to Winnipeg for the first time since being traded to the New Jersey Devils, who beat them 4 to 2. Unfortunately for Jets fans, Hellebuyck did not get the chance to face his former team on the ice, as the Devils decided to start Jake Allen in net. Hellebuyck had indicated that he wanted to play but it was New Jersey management that ultimately decided to not polay Hellebuyck, however he did skate though during warmings and received a heavy mix of boos and other chats from the Winnipeg crowd during warmups. Before the game, Hellebuyck also finally opened up about why he wanted out of Winnipeg and explained that the decision went beyond online criticism and said there were incidents involving his family that made him feel he needed to prioritize being a good husband and father. Hellebuyck said he wanted to keep the specific details private, but made it clear that the decision to leave Winnipeg was extremely complicated and wasn’t something he took lightly. Much was made of this situation but I do believe this isn’t the end of the Hellebuyck/Winnipeg saga.
- Blackhawks Searching for Answers after another brutal loss – The Chicago Blackhawks are now facing some serious questions throughout their entire organization after losing 9-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes back on Saturday, and allowing the first 7 goals of the game before finally finding the scoresheet. Following the loss, the Blackhawks held a players-only meeting as the team looked for answers during a very difficult stretch but there were already discussions about whether head coach Jeff Blashill would be fired. What we do believe is that Chicago will need to find a way to turn things around quickly before the season gets away from them, otherwise there will be some major changes (which may include a GM change).
- Brayden Point Lands on Injured Reserve – The Tampa Bay Lightning have taken another major hit with Brayden Point being placed on injured reserve. Point, 30, left Sunday’s game against Winnipeg after playing only a little over five minutes. Point has been one of Tampa Bay’s most important offensive players this season, putitngup 5 goals and 11 assists through 17 games so far this season. The Lightning have recalled Sam O’Reilly from Syracuse of the AHL, and he is expected to make his NHL debut against Buffalo Sabres.
- Noah Hanifin Out Week-to-Week for Vegas – The Vegas Golden Knights have also announced that Noah Hanifin is expected to miss time with an undisclosed injury. Hanifin, 29, left Vegas’ 4 to 1 victory over Buffalo after taking a hit along the boards from Sabres forward Tyson Kozak. Hanifin has 2 goals and 4 assists through 19 games this season and has been one of Vegas’ most reliable defensive players, even leading the team with 34 blocked shots. Vegas is already a deep team in the Western Conference, but losing Hanifin will put additional pressure on the rest of their group.
- Matvei Michkov may want out of Philadelphia? – There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Philadelphia Flyers forward Matvei Michkov, with a report from Kevin Weekes suggesting the young winger may want a fresh start away from Philadelphia. The Flyers, however, have publicly pushed back on the idea of moving their young star, with general manager Daniel Briere saying Philadelphia has no plans to trade Michkov, who is only 21. Michkov is coming into this season hungry and motivated as he has put up 10 goals and 4 assists so far in 20 games.
- Toronto Maple Leafs Hit Another Rough Patch – The Toronto Maple Leafs are starting to face some serious questions after losing their 4th game on this home stretch falling 6-3 to the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado scored the final three goals of the game to pull away, while Toronto’s defensive problems continued to cause issues. The Leafs are now sitting at 8-9-3, and with several injuries including Morgan Rielly, Colton Sissons and Kirill Marchenko. Therefore, for a team with Stanley Cup playoff expectations, they needs to find some consistency quickly and string together some wins.
Agree? Disagree? Let’s talk Hockey! Season 8 of Two Guys & Hockey Talk, where we break down the latest news and biggest stories in hockey, interview people from around the game, and bring you plenty of opinions, discussion and more. For more hockey news, different takes, and to join the conversation, follow us on X at @hockey_two and @revinev, subscribe to us on YouTube, and visit twoguysandhockeytalk.com for articles and regular hockey content. Want to get in touch or become a partner or sponsor? Email us anytime at twoguyshockeytalk@gmail.com.
- Pawel ‘The Cat’
