The two games affected include the Maple Leafs' game vs the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday, December 4, which was supposed to start at 7:30 pm EST and will now be starting at 7:00 pm EST. This is game #431 of the NHL season and it will be the second meeting between the Maple Leafs and Hurricanes of the season, with Toronto hosting Carolina on Sunday, November 9. The Hurricanes are currently 6-2-0 and were the last undefeated team in the league after starting the season 5-0-0.
I find it still a little cruel when the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche celebrate their respective descents from the Hartford Whalers and Quebec Nordiques. Yes, it's been 30 years, but as long as fans of relocated teams are still alive, turning around and milking that nostalgia for jersey sales will always feel a bit like dunking on people who got screwed over by their owners and the league, and rubbing it in that they no longer have an NHL franchise.
Get ready San Jose Sharks fans because #TheFutureIsTeal is about to get tealer? More teal? Cyan? The point is, Michael Misa is about to debut. We had to wait a few games into the season, but it's finally happening. The Sharks have told Misa that he'll be suiting up for his first game tonight. This will be the first time we'll see Misa and Sam Dickinson in the lineup together.
Thompson's absence at the optional practice raised eyebrows, especially after the Caps recalled netminder Clay Stevenson, but coach Spencer Carbery assured there was "no concern for Thompson."