The ending of Game 6 at PNC Arena to eliminate the Carolina Hurricanes seems like years ago. The Eastern Conference Finals were a nice distraction, especially seeing the team that knocked the Canes out be eliminated. But all Caniacs are itching for hockey news and the Stanley Cup Finals are the last thing stopping the fans from some real transactions!
The Edmonton Oilers defeated the Dallas Stars on Sunday, June 2nd, to face the Florida Panthers in the finals. The Panthers took care of the New York Rangers the day before on June 1st to be the first team to advance to the finals.
The NHL rumor season is always in session but a fan can only take so much of that. It is nice to mention the Lady Byng Trophy Award winner being our own, Jaccob Slavin. A well-deserved honor that is even more impressive from a shut-down defenseman. Slavin's respect among his peers in the league is unmatched.
Also, prospect Ryan Suzuki extended his contract for one year for $775,000. In new interim general manager, Eric Tulsky's first piece of work, Suzuki has an interesting season ahead of him. With a potential chance to make the team out of camp, Suzuki has the unique skill to add to the third or fourth lines.
Well, those are the latest facts, other than the wild general manager change. It is time for hockey to start again and get us to the off-season. The Stanley Cup Finals begin tomorrow night and we are all hoping it is a quick series!