The Columbus Blue Jackets shocked the world last week when they swept the 62-win Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs. Coincidently, it was also their first ever playoff series win. But who remembers their first ever playoff appearance?
Of course, it came against the Detroit Red Wings, who were beginning their Stanley Cup defense from the previous season’s title winning season. The Blue Jackets were led by surprising rookie goaltender Steve Mason, who would win the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie.
However, the young Blue Jackets proved to be no match for the veteran Red Wings, who swept the Jackets in four games.
BONUS CONTENT:
Who else could join Yzerman in Detroit?
Fans of the Detroit Red Wings were elated with the news that broke earlier this morning that a press conference had been scheduled at Little Caesars Arena, during which the team is expected to announce the return of Steve Yzerman as the team’s general manager.
But it doesn’t look like Stevie is the only one who is coming back to Detroit!
http://gty.im/646727
According to multiple reports, former Detroit Red Wings forward Pat Verbeek is allegedly going to be coming back to Detroit along with Yzerman.
Curious to see what, if any, the ripple effect is in TB. I believe TB AGM Pat Verbeek’s contract expires at end of this season and while Verbeek interviewed for GM job in EDM and wants to be a GM, he may be in a position to join Yzerman in DET. Just speculation, for now anyway.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 19, 2019
It has also been speculated that Al Murray, who just completed his ninth season with Tampa Bay as director of amateur scouting, could potentially accompany Yzerman to Detroit. Murray was responsible for drafting Nikita Kucherov (128 points this season), Brayden Point (92 points), and goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy.
Also, there may be others, such as TB chief amateur scout Al Murray, who may have contractual out clauses triggered by the organizational departure of Yzerman. Not saying there will be a flood of people leaving, just that some may have that option.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) April 19, 2019
A big concern coming from this Yzerman hiring in DET is the possible departure of Al Murray, director of scouting.
However–I think an even *greater* concern is losing Stacy Roest, director of development.
The Bolts scout very well, but the glue is really the development
— Bolts Corner (@BoltsCorner) April 19, 2019
Murray also worked with the Los Angeles Kings and drafted stars such as Jonathan Quick (2012 Conn Smythe Trophy winner) and Anže Kopitar.
BONUS CONTENT:
T.J. Lang loving Steve Yzerman return
Sports fans in Detroit are thrilled at the news that broke this morning – Steve Yzerman is returning home to take over as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings.
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Former Detroit Lions player T.J. Lang, who also attended Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, is a Red Wings fan and you can bet he was happy to hear the news as well!
Super pumped for Stevie Y coming home!!! Also super grateful for Ken Holland for 20+ years of great hockey memories and 4 Stanley cups. #ThankYouHolland
— Teej. (@TJLang70) April 19, 2019
Of course, Lang also made the news recently when he said he’d be happy to fill in as an emergency goaltender for the Red Wings!
