Around the NHL

 

 

Stanley Cup Banner

 

For the first time since 2002, the Detroit Red Wings will be raising a Stanley Cup Championship banner before their home opener, which fittingly enough is against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Even though Detroit is in the Western Conference and Toronto is situated in the East, these two original six franchises have formed quite the rivalry going way back to 1942 when the Leafs overcame a 3-0 deficit and dramatically beat the Red Wings in seven to win the Stanley Cup.

Toronto, who hasn’t won the cup since 1967, will be forced to line up on the blue line during what will be a magical October 9 night at Joe Louis Arena, as the fans and team celebrate what is their 11^th Stanley Cup Championship in Red Wings team history.

On Thursday the upcoming NHL schedule was unveiled and unlike a year ago, it consists of the Wings playing more teams in the Eastern Conference. Detroit will be seeing the Buffalo Sabres, Atlanta Thrashers and the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh Penguins twice each. 

 

Vernon Joins Tampa Bay

 

As we head towards the end of July, the Tampa Bay Lightning continue to be aggressive in retooling for this upcoming season. When the new ownership group led by Oren Koules and Len Barrie took over, their first move was bringing in Barry Merose who has a reputation for working well with younger players, to coach. Once the calendar hit July 1, they were aggressive on the free agent market in signing such players as forwards Gary Roberts, Ryan Malone and goalie Olaf Kozig among others.

Wanting a winning atmosphere, the Lightning made another vital move on Thursday when they brought on board former NHL goalie and two- time Stanley Cup winner Mike Vernon. His job duties include serving as a special assistant to Brian Lawton who is the team’s vice president of hockey operations. Officially hired on Thursday, Vernon, who had 385 career NHL wins, will not only assists in hockey related matters but also help out the goalies. “The Tampa Lightning are thrilled to add a former Stanley Cup champion to our staff,” said Lawton. “Mike’s past experience and knowledge will be a true benefit to the organization and it will be critical to us as we continue to make changes within the team to improve it.” 

 

 

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