A collection of the latest news from around the world of hockey:
It was just one game. That can’t determine much of anything. Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel have little common other than the fact that they were drafted in the same year. The media tried to make this a rivalry by suggesting at one point that it was a two-horse race for the first overall pick. But it really wasn’t. McDavid was the best player in the draft. Jack Eichel is an exceptional talent. Is he in the same sphere as McDavid? One game can’t possibly determine that. But last night, as the two rookies faced off for the first time, McDavid took over the game, and left Eichel and his Sabres in the dust. It’s far too early in their careers to make any kind of declarations. So instead of comparing, why not just enjoy watching these two talents. They’re both special, even though McDavid has an early leg up. [Sportsnet], [Beer League Heroes], [Cult of Hockey]
Thru first 28 career games
Sidney Crosby: 13 G, 29 PTS, 1 Game-Winning Goal#Oilers Connor McDavid: 12 G, 31 PTS, 3 Game-Winning Goals
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 2, 2016
(Pretty good company)
McDavid isn’t just a hockey player. He’s also a spokesperson for a major bank chain. [Globe and Mail]
Team Finland has announced their initial roster for the World Cup of Hockey. [Today’s Slap Shot], as did Team Russia. [TSN], [The Hockey News]
(It’s hard to take this tournament seriously. If it was a legitimate competition, Connor McDavid and Aaron Ekblad would be playing for Team Canada where they belong. When all is said and done, this is hardly a measuring stick to determine which country is superior at hockey. It’s nothing more than a money grab with some hockey mixed in).
Jaromir Jagr inches ever so close to Gordie Howe. [Miami Herald]. But he wasn’t named to the Czech Republic World Cup roster. [ESPN]
Does Eric Staal make the Rangers a real Cup threat? [Full Tilt NYR]
The Senators fought back hard, but ultimately fell in a goalie-dominated shoot-out. [Ottawa Sun]. They also lost goalie Craig Anderson to injury. [Ottawa Citizen]
Kris Russell couldn’t help lead the Stars to victory last night. [Fox Sports]
Recapping the Bruins trade deadline activity. [Along the Boards]
Shawn Horcoff is ready to put this troubles behind him. [NBC Sports]
And finally, which NHL insiders were relied upon the most during the deadline “madness”? [Media Miser]