VANCOUVER, BC – SEPTEMBER 18: Elias Pettersson (40) and Vancouver Canucks right wing Nikolay Goldobin (77) talk during a stoppage in play during their NHL preseason game against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Arena on September 18, 2018 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Edmonton won 4-2. (Photo by Derek Cain/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Vancouver Young Talent Shines

The preseason could not be going any better if you are a Canucks fan.  Preseason is a showcase for young prospects, and in Vancouver the young prospects look amazing………Olli Juolevi is staking claim that he will be a solid NHL player, but then there is the man…Elias Pettersson!  Wow is this guy impressive.  He is doing everything…  He is flashy, he is exciting, and more importantly he is making players around him look like superstars – right Sven Baertschi.

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Leafs Tire Pumping


The Maple Leafs will be good, but back the wagons up Leafs fans.  The season has not started.  I know..I know… Tavares has two goal in his first game…  I think there is a lot more ahead for this team.  They will be good, but relax Leafs fans… You’re not cup contenders… and honestly, I hope you prove me wrong.

Domi Disgrace

The first preseason game that new Montreal Canadiens center was in turned out to be a disaster.  Domi tried baiting Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad into a fight. Ekblad would not give Domi the satisfaction of the fight – in return Domi sucker punched him in the face.  Not the showing the Habs fans expected or wanted. Well maybe it was not too bad. Below is a press release from the NHL:

NHL PRESS RELEASE

Montreal Canadiens forward Max Domi has been suspended for the remainder of the preseason for roughing Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad during NHL Preseason Game No. 29 in Montreal on Wednesday, Sept. 19, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today.

The incident occurred at 0:56 of the third period. Domi was assessed a match penalty as well as a minor penalty for roughing.

For a full explanation of the decision, complete with video, please click on the following link: https://www.nhl.com/video/t-277440360/c-61189703.

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The suspension shocked me and frustrates me.  I ask the NHL, is it really a penalty to punish a guy with preseason games.  No regular season games, none.  So Domi gets to practice and relax and prepare for the regular season without having to worry about in significant pre-season games. Look out NHL, you quickly set the suspension bar for the season, and it is low.