Flames Daily: Calgary’s Measuring Stick; What about Bobrovsky?

What an incredible Game 1. The Colorado Avalanche showed no rust and beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in OT for the home-ice win. The Western Conference champs have become the measuring stick for the Calgary Flames and any team that wants to challenge the Avs in the coming years.  Meanwhile, former Flames nemesis John Tortorella could be announced as the head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers today, if he doesn’t reject the offer. Sergei Bobrovsky is quietly on the NHL trade block, and could he be the perfect fit for the Washington Capitals?

The Flames have a lot of offseason work to do. We’re still awaiting a decision from Johnny Gaudreau ahead of NHL free agency, and Matthew Tkachuk will also be pitched a new deal. Andrew Mangiapane is going to get a raise as an RFA, as is blueliner Oliver Kylington.

On defence there are going to be holes to fill and questions to answer (like the health of Chris Tanev).

We’ll look at the Calgary Flames forward ranks soon, too and dive beyond just the top players.

NHL News

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Here we go. The story. There’s not a more interesting coach in the league. John Tortorella. Philadelphia Flyers news.

Also, there was Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Colorado Hockey Now: Quick thoughts after Game 1. From Andre Burakovsky to Darcy Kuemper. It’s a 1-0 series lead for the Colorado Avalanche.

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Gary Bettman delivered his annual state of the league address at the Stanley Cup Final. The World Cup of Hockey is “a work in progress,” but the NHL did experience record revenues.

Also, the Stanley Cup will NOT travel to Russia or Belarus this summer.

San Jose Hockey Now: Remember that Evander Kane grievance against the San Jose Sharks? Bettman said it would drag on into July, probably past the start of free agency (How can this be?!). Calgary Flames fans no doubt hope Kane will be leaving their rival Edmonton Oilers. Sheng Peng has been at the forefront of this story for months and was even ripped by Kane (unfairly) for following the Kane saga too closely. Here’s the latest, some inside info, and even more questions. Evander Kane grievance.

Edmonton Journal: The NHL trade buzz in Edmonton. If Kane doesn’t re-sign in Edmonton, there’s some scuttle that Montreal power forward Josh Anderson could be the Oilers’ trade target.

Montreal Hockey Now: Joe Sakic was persistent. He wanted Artturi Lehkonen. It took a while. But persistence paid off near the NHL trade deadline in a fruitful deal for both Colorado and the Montreal Canadiens.

Boston: FIVE candidates are interviewing for the head coach job. The list may grow. Boston Bruins news.

NYI: As Barry Trotz decides, two teams filled (or may fill) their coaching vacancies. Vegas hired Bruce Cassidy. Philly, Torts? Here’s the complete Barry Trotz timeline.

Washington: Astute take here from Sammi Silber. The Florida Panthers are reportedly shopping Sergei Bobrovsky’s wares on the NHL trade block “hard.” The Capitals need a goalie. Is this the right fit? Washington Capitals trade talk. From a provincial perspective that interests Calgary Flames fans, he may also get some interest from Edmonton.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here’s Rick Tocchet’s breakdown of the Final. He firmly predicts the star players will not decide this Final, but the grinders will. Stanley Cup Final.