Nikita Zaitsev and Team Russia take on Milan Michalek and the Czech Republic (10:30 a.m. EST); Leo Komarov and Team Finland face off against Team Sweden (Noon); James van Riemsdyk will take part in the Team USA/Team Canada rematch (7 p.m.) in Saturday WCH exhibition action.
WCH and more in the links.
Jared Cowen's hearing vs Leafs should take place early or mid Oct. D man claiming he was injured when TML tried buyout to save cap space.
— Lance Hornby (@sunhornby) September 9, 2016
Matthews to centre line with Saad, Scheifele (TSN)
Auston Matthews will have new line mates as Team North America head coach Todd McLellan shook up his lines to put the Maple Leafs rookie between Brandon Saad and Mark Scheifele.
Toews, Crosby, Kane discuss that nasty U.S. – Canada exhibition (PHT)
“Without saying too much, I think there were a couple of borderline hits there where our guys were put in some awkward positions and there’s not much you can do there,” Toews said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “The one on Weber was the right call there. We just have to try and protect ourselves and expect that the officials are going to do what they have to do. We have no problem with the chippiness and the physical play (but) it doesn’t matter where you’re playing, I think you always have to respect the player when he has his back to you.”
Team USA finds formula for success (WCH2016.com)
Team USA defenseman Jack Johnson said he couldn’t think of another exhibition that was even close. Forward David Backes said it was one of the quicker games he had ever played, including the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Olympics. “It’s a pretty good rivalry, U.S.-Canada,” Tortorella said. “It kind of just lights itself up. It was a little bit different game than the games I watched last night on TV, and I think tomorrow night’s game is going to be the same thing.”
Mike Babcock’s real test to come with the Leafs, not the World Cup (The Globe and Mail)
The test of how good he really is is coming … but not at the World Cup of Hockey. That will be whether this hyper Type-A personality can return the Toronto Maple Leafs to respectability. Having led the Leafs to the worst record in the league last year – 29-42-11 – and being wildly applauded for doing so, he has already proved that nothing is impossible.
Carey Price on his performance: ‘I’ve got some more work to do’ (Sportsnet)
“It was a little bit of an adventure at times, but I kind of expected that,” said Price. “It’s not easy to be out for that long and just pick it up right away. I knew there was going to be some work to do, but I’m glad to get that one over with.”
World Cup Takeways: USA 4, Canada 2 (Sportsnet)
Alex Pietrangelo has an unenviable job after being moved to the left side despite being a right-hand shot. He didn’t look like himself at any point. He bobbled the puck at the blue-line and struggled to contain Kane in the corner before Team USA’s second goal. He was on the ice for the third one as well.
The Toronto Marlies Class of 2012: Where are they now? (MLHS)
The closest Toronto Marlies have come to a championship remains their 2012 campaign, when a dominant Norfolk Admirals team swept past them in the final. After a huge roster turnover and sweeping changes in the Toronto organization since then, what has become of the 46 members from the class of 2012?
Babcock:"What Question you wanna ask me?"
Kid: "Not sure. Just surprised i'm talking to you"
Via @HockeyWebCast pic.twitter.com/VDtgaa6gzW
— The Hockey Press® (@TheHockeyPress) September 10, 2016
