In today’s NHL rumors rundown, Roope Hintz is a game-time decision for the Dallas Stars. He’s working hard to get back in, but is he ready? Meanwhile, Mattias Ekholm might be good to go to the Edmonton Oilers, but will he play? Finally, who are the leading candidates for the head coaching job in Boston, and why is it taking so long for the Bruins to find their next coach?
Hintz and Game-Time Decision
Dallas Stars forward Roope Hintz is a game-time decision tonight in Game 4 between the Oilers and Stars, says head coach Pete DeBoer. Hintz was not on the ice for this morning’s optional skate here in Edmonton, although he skated yesterday.
Hintz said he was working hard to do everything in his power to be ready to play in Game 4. He has missed time since taking a slash from Oilers’ defenseman Darnell Nurse on the top of his foot.
Ekholm Not Quite Ready to Return for the Oilers
“I think it’s gonna be soon. Whether it’s tomorrow or the next game or whatever it is, I’m happy with my body and the way I feel. Really excited about where the team’s at and how they’re playing,” said Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm on his potential return. The thought was he might play Game 3, but he wasn’t ready. Then, it was expected he could play Game 4, but Ekholm said it’s up to the coaches and management.
On Tuesday morning, head coach Kris Knoblauch confirmed Ekholm won’t come back tonight.
The dilemma is finding the right balance between rushing Ekholm and bringing in a genuine upgrade for the blue line group, which has played exceptionally well for the Oilers.
Troy Stecher will be the player who comes out of the lineup, and he was asked about Ekholm coming in. “He’s a better player than I am. That’s just the reality of the world,” Stecher said.
And Calvin Pickard will back up Stuart Skinner. Viktor Arvidsson will also suit up for the Oilers in the place of Connor Brown.
Bruins Leading Candidates for Head Coach
As per Kevin Weekes, Jay Woodcroft, Mitch Love, and Marco Sturm are among the favorites as potential hires as head coach for the Boston Bruins.
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Don Sweeney was asked why it is taking so long to find a coach, and he said that he was doing an extensive search that he doesn’t want to do again. The priority is finding someone who is excited about…
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