Storm Advisory 7/17/20: NHL News, Daily Links and Roundup

Qualifying Round Television Coverage

On Thursday the Carolina Hurricanes and FOX Sports Carolinas announced their television coverage for the Qualifying Round series against the New York Rangers, which begins Aug. 1 at 12 pm at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. TV and web host Mike Maniscalco will provide the play-by-play alongside color analyst Tripp Tracy, and in-game host Abby Labar will join former Hurricane and analyst Shane Willis for the pre-game and post-game shows.

The full press release can be found here and includes all the particulars on how to watch the five-game (as necessary) series. Television coverage will also include an exhibition game between the Hurricanes and Washington Capitals on Wednesday, July 29, at 4 p.m.

So what was long-feared is now official — beloved veteran announcer John Forslund will not be part of the Canes post-season in an official team capacity for the first time since before the franchise found its way to North Carolina.

• Forslund spoke regarding his separation from the Hurricanes on Thursday: “This is not a situation of me leaving on my own accord.” [The Athletic $]
• It isn’t the way he imagined getting the job, but Mike Maniscalco is ready to make the most of his opportunity. [N&O]
• In the meantime, the Big Rig gets paid the highest of compliments.

• Miiiiiiiiiiike joined Joe Ovies and Lauren Brownlow on the Best of the OG to talk about his new gig (July 16 podcast, 10-minute mark). [WRALSports]
• And it got a little dusty in the room as Tripp Tracy joined Adam Gold (July 16 Podcast, 19-minute mark). [WRALSports]

Practice Report

The Canes are off the ice today so there won’t be any new practice-related interviews or updates. Here are our recaps from yesterday with quotes from:

• Brady Skjei
• Vincent Trocheck
• Rod Brind’Amour
• And in case you missed it, Dougie Hamilton joined NHL Network Wednesday:

The Canes continue to count down the great moments of the 2019-20 season. The top moment will post shortly. What could it be? What could it be?

• Number 5: A career-high 14-game point streak
• Number 4: Captain Staal
• Number 3: Welcome Back Willie
• Number 2: All Hail the EBUG
• Number 1: ???

NHL Awards

The NHL began rolling out the announcements of the finalists for their post-season awards this week. Here’s what we know so far.

• Ted Lindsay Award — Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Artemi Panarin
• Calder Memorial Trophy — Quinn Hughes, Dominik Kubalik, Cale Makar
• Jack Adams Award — Bruce Cassidy, John Tortorella, Alain Vigneault
• Masterton Trophy — Stephen Johns, Oskar Lindblom, Bobby Ryan
• Lady Byng Trophy — Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, Ryan O’Reilly

After the most recent Jaccob Slavin snub, is it fair to ask what in the world a defenseman has to do to get Lady Byng recognition? [The Hockey News]

The Vezina Trophy and Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award finalists will be announced later today, although at least one player agent appears to have jumped the gun. [Twitter]

In Other News

• A major thunderstorm caused significant damage to Rogers Place, home hub for the Western Conference playoffs. Early reports are the damage should not affect the playoffs but this is still a developing story and we’ll update accordingly as new information becomes available. [ESPN] [The Star] [Sportsnet]
• An update from the Wake Competition Center:

• From behind enemy lines, examining how goaltending may help the Rangers stop that relentless Hurricanes forecheck (with a guest appearance by Kevin Weekes). [Blueshirt Banter]
• This week the NHL’s Super 16 rankings focuses on right wings. [NHL.com]
• Finally, enjoy the Zingers and have a great weekend!