Beating the clock and adding further goaltending depth, the Islanders signed Anders Nilsson to an entry-level deal. Casey Cizikas, Jason Gregoire and Blake Kessel have to be signed* by Wednesday, or the Islanders will lose their rights. The Big Club has 31 NHL contracts now for next year: six goalies, 11 defensemen, 14 forwards.
In Houston, former Ranger Jed Ortmeyer scored twice, and Houston tacked on an empty-netter to take Game 1 of the Calder Cup Final. Back at it tomorrow.
Patrick Williams points out this Mark Chipman feature.
What a Game 7 in the Show. Just fantastic. Should be a heck of a final, too, beginning Wednesday night. (Would be thrilled if Manny Malhotra happens to get out there.) As noted the other night, Vancouver is now the last hope for BST alumni on the Stanley Cup; so endeth Sean Bergenheim’s run, injured and in the press box. And we’ll lose another team from the list of those that haven’t won in my lifetime.
And RIP, Jeff Conaway.
*-I know there were reports that gave the Islanders 30 days to sign the (former) college guys, but I still haven’t seen or heard anything to back that up; the CBA says June 1. Glad to correct myself if inaccurate.