Category: NHL

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks to name Quinn as head coach in Tuesday press conference

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David Quinn who will be named as head coach in a Tue Jul 26, 2022 press conference is pictured here when he was head coach of the New York Rangers in a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh on Mar 21, 2021 (AP News file photo)

On the SJ Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 The San Jose Sharks have all but announced that they’ll be hiring David Quinn as their new head coach as sources say Quinn has already signed with the Sharks and a press conference for his introduction is expected on Tuesday.

#2 The deal is expected to be a three year contract and Quinn is expected to play a big role in the development of new players, free agents, and draft picks.

#3 This will be the first time that Quinn will be head coach since the 2021 season when he was behind the bench for the New York Rangers where he went 96-87-25.

#4 When Sharks former head coach Todd McClellan was let go by the Sharks Quinn was reportedly deep into the interview process for the Sharks head coaching job but the Sharks settled on Peter DeBoer. Second times the charm for Quinn.

#5 Quinn’s background also includes being a head coach at the University of Boston and had success there before heading onto the NHL.

Len Shapiro is an NHL analyst for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Grier wasting no time cleaning house in San Jose

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Former San Jose Shark Brent Burns traded to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange of two players on Wed Jul 13, 2022 was some of a few new moves that general manager Mike Grier has made since taking over (AP News file photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 New San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier has definitely made his presence known with changing at head of scouting out with Doug Wilson Jr and in with Doug Weight and Wednesday with Brent Burns to Carolina for forwards Steven Lorentz and goaltender prospect Eetu Makinemi and a conditional 2023 third round pick.

#2 The Hurricanes will pick up 66% of Burns contract while the Sharks have 34% of the remaining contract.

#3 Grier said that he wants to go a little bit younger. Grier said Burns had a great career and wishes him good luck.

#4 Grier said at one time he was in Burn’s position and said Burns has a better chance to win a cup with Carolina.

#5 Burns waived his no trade clause saying it was sad leaving San Jose leaving teammates, the city, fans, and said it’s just exciting to go to Carolina.

Len is an analyst on NHL podcasts for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Marko Ukalovic: A look back on the life of Bryan Marchment

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The San Jose Sharks tribute to the late and former Sharks scout Bryan Marchment regarding his passing on Wed Jul 6, 2022 (@SanJoseSharks image)

On the Sharks podcast with Marko:

Former San Jose Sharks defenceman Bryan Marchment whose death on Wednesday shocked and stunned thousands of his fans, friends, media and the NHL. His cause of passing was not disclosed and he was 53.

Marchment was working as a San Jose Sharks scout on the NHL draft which started today in Montreal. Newly hired Sharks general manager Mike Grier said, “It’s sad day for our organization” Grier also shared a memory of the time that Marchment and he when they were with the Edmonton Oilers “If I ever needed anything, whether it was a home cooke dinner instead of eating out everyday, he and his wife (Kim) would have me over. So it’s a very difficult day.”

Marko shares his thoughts on the passing of Bryan Marchment on this special edition of the San Jose Sharks podcast. Marko is also a beat writer for the San Jose Barracuda the Sharks AHL affiliate and podcasts them on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks report by Mary Walsh: Sharks Hire Mike Grier as GM

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San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier addresses the news media at SAP Center in San Jose on Tue, Jul 5, 2022 (photo from nhl.com)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE- The San Jose Sharks announced on Tuesday that they have hired Mike Grier as the team’s fifth General Manager. Grier has the distinction of being the first African American to serve as a general manager in the NHL. Last season, he was a hockey operations advisor for the New York Rangers. His playing career spanned 1,060 games with the Oilers, the Capitals, the Sabres and the Sharks. He was an assistant coach at  St. Sebastian’s Prep School in Massachusetts, a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils, and a member of USA Hockey’s selection committee.

Grier has a lot to do before the start of the season. In two days, the Sharks will be at the NHL Draft. The Sharks also need a new coaching staff. The Sharks have missed the playoffs for three seasons in a row. Asked what his priorities were for improving the team, Grier said:

“I think we can improve in every facet, to be honest with you. There are some pieces on the roster that we like, that we would like to build around. But I think, overall, there’s not one spot in particular that I think needs work. The draft is No. 1, then we’ve got free agency coming up. We’ll have to dig into that, and Joe and I have already started on that a bit. Then development camp and a coach.”

While Grier did not have specific details to present on the draft or the coaching search, he did talk in detail about his goals for the team culture:

“To me it’s about people… Surrounding yourself with the right people, people who are passionate about their job, who love their job and are selfless, team-first people. That’s what culture means to me and as a general manager it’s for me to find those types of players on the ice and also surround myself with those type of hockey people in our hockey operations department.”

Sharks owner, Hasso Plattner, said in a press release: “Mike’s successful career on the ice speaks for itself, but what impressed me the most were his leadership qualities and his overwhelming desire to win. Mike is aware of the high standards of success that are expected in San Jose and is committed to help us quickly return to that level.”

Grier comes from a family of professional sports executives. His father, Bobby, worked in scouting, player personnel and as an advisor to the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans of the NFL. Grier’s brother, Chris, is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins. Grier described how his father prepared them for their future in the sports business:

“I think the main thing my father instilled in us was his work ethic. The time he put in, he’d often be off to work before we left for school. Sometimes he wouldn’t get home until after dinner or when we were ready to get in bed. So, just the time and effort it took, and his belief that you treat people the right way. If you want to have a winning franchise, it starts with how you treat people. His ability to never leave a stone unturned. Like he would stay up to all hours or go scout wherever it took, whatever he had to do to get the job done.”

Mary Lisa is a San Jose Sharks beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Mike Grier first black general manager in NHL history; Grier will start looking for a head coach

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From left to right San Jose Sharks assistant general manager Joe Will, general manager Mike Grier, and team president Jonathan Becher meets with the media on Tue Jul 5, 2022 at SAP Center in San Jose (photo from CNN News)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast:

#1 The San Jose Sharks hired the NHL’s first black general coach Mike Grier, Grier makes history and Grier has been around the game as a player, coach, scout and executive.

#2 The Sharks say he will have overall authority regarding all aspects of hockey operations

#3 In his 14 years in the NHL and 1,000 games Grier played three years with the Sharks. He also was the team’s alternate captain during his time with the Sharks.

#4 In the three years with the Sharks Grier scored 78 points, 35 goals, and 43 assists proving his offensive prowess and ability.

#5 Grier said he will work hard to build up the club that has not made the playoffs in three years. Grier said he remembers Sharks fans for their passion and support of the team making SAP Center one of the most difficult buildings to play in.

Marko Ukalovic is a beat writer for the San Jose Sharks AHL affiliate the San Jose Barracuda at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: NHL draft is days away who will guide the ship for SJ?

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San Jose Sharks defenceman Marc-Edouard Vlasic might have his contract bought out as the team feels his talents have declined . Vlasic feels he can help another team with more playing time. (file photo from USA Today)

On the Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Len, with former San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner, and assistants John McLean and John Madden all departed the Sharks have another task and that’s trying to fill their jobs with the NHL draft coming around the corner on July 7th.

#2 The Sharks had a number of games where they were struggling but not enough where the Sharks could have worked some off season deals that could have kept Boughner and his staff on board. Do you think the Sharks could have given Boughner another season to see if things would work out?

#3 Scott Mellanby was a finalist for the general manager’s job but dropped out and that leaves two top candidates Ray Whitney and Mike Grier two former NHL players and two former Sharks. Grier and Whitney looks like the finalists for the job which direction do you see the Sharks going and what are the strengths of Whitney and Grier if they step into the general manager’s role.

#4 There’s talk that the Sharks might buy out defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic’s contract saying that his talents have faded, that his value has declined and in a post game interview after the last game of the season Vlasic said “imagine if I could play more” does he have enough talent to stay in the NHL at this point.

#5 With the Sharks possibly about to make a general manager announcement they need to get a head coach in place with just a few days left before the draft that’s a short window to get that decided and see what is in front of them for the NHL draft.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Part Ways With Boughner, Coaching Staff

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San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner (right) and assistant coach John Madden (left) talks to the team on Sun Nov 28, 2021 against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago. The Sharks fired Boughner and his assistant coaches on Fri Jul 1, 2022 no replacements have been disclosed yet. (AP News file photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks have parted ways with Head Coach Bob Boughner and most of the coaching staff. The announcement came on Thursday, a week before the NHL draft begins. The Sharks announcement read, in part:

“Interim General Manager Joe Will announced today that team has relieved Head Coach Bob Boughner, Assistant Coaches John Madden and John MacLean, and Assistant video Coach, Dan Darrow of their responsibilities.”

No replacements have been named at this time, just as no replacement for Doug Wilson has been named yet. The Sharks announcement continued, saying:

“it has become apparent that the organization is in the process of an evolution,” said Will. “The bottom line is we have missed the playoffs for the past three seasons, which isn’t acceptable to our owner, our organization, or to our fans. As part of this evolution and evaluation, we felt it was in the best interest of the club to allow the next Sharks general manager to have full autonomy related to the make-up of the on-ice coaching staff moving ahead.”

It would be difficult to argue with this logic, but it is also difficult to ignore the timing. With no coaching staff and only an acting General Manager, the team appears deep in limbo with the 2022 draft fast approaching.

The Sharks concluded their announcement by thanking the coaching staff and recognizing that they worked hard despite unusual challenges that they faced with the team. They concluded by saying: “This change is not an indictment of their performance as much as it is a recognition of the complete organizational reset that we feel is in the best interest of the team at this point.”

The draft will start on July 7.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Len Shapiro: Avalanche hoist Stanley Cup after 21 years of waiting; Aves defeat Lightning in game six 2-1

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On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals with Len:

#1 Len talk about how important Nathan McKinnon was in this game that was just completed game 6. McKinnon scored a goal and got an assist helping the Colorado Avalanche become the Stanley Cup Champions for the third time in franchise history.

#2 Len it’s been a long time coming the Avalanche haven’t won the Cup since 2002 some 21 years ago when they had a guy named Joe Sakic was on the team.

#3 Close game tonight the Aves held the lead and goaltender Darcy Kuemper stopped 22 out of 23 shots to hold back the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1.

#4 The Lightning will not threepeat something they came within one game of doing losing on their home ice 4-2 in series play.

#5 Len talk about some of the key players on the Aves key players who have been doing it all season and post season long McKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen and Cale Makar.

Join Len next season (September) for NHL podcast coverage. Also our thanks for reporters who contributed to our NHL coverage this season Marko Ukalovic, Mary Lisa Walsh, Morris Phillips, Daniel Dullum and Matt Harrington as heard on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt Harrington: Avalanche could put it away Sunday; Lightning with a chance to tie series in game six

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Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) is congratulated in game 5 after scoring a second period goal against the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals, Friday, June 24, 2022, at the Ball Center in Denver (AP News photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt:

#1 The Colorado Avalanche came into game 5 Friday night thinking that with a win they would be able to hoist the Stanley Cup on their home ice after taking a 3-1 lead. It was not to be as the Tampa Bay Lighting scored a goal in each of the first, second and third periods to come away with a 3-2 win and to stay alive for another game.

#2 The Lightning’s Ondrej Palat scored the game winner in the third period at 6:22 and Tampa Bay was able to defend keeping the Aves out of their net for the one goal win.

#3 Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 35 shots and looked like he was back in old form again shutting out the Avalanche in the first period while allowing one goal in each of the second and third periods.

#4 The Lightning also got goals from two reliable sources Nikita Kucherov and defenseman Jan Rutta which proved to be a total team effort by the Tampa Bay for the win.

#5 Game 6 is on deck in Tampa Bay this will give the Lightning a chance to tie the series on home ice or the Avalanche a chance to put it away on the road at Amalie Arena.

Join Matt throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Finals for coverage at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Len Shapiro: Lightning strikes twice Bolts get second win to stay alive 3-2; Aves with series lead 3-2

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Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Ondrej Palat (18) scores against the Colorado Avalanche and gets congratulated by Mikhail Sergachev (98) and Steven Stamkos (91) at the Ball Center in Denver in game 5 of the NHL Stanley Cup Finals on Fri Jun 24, 2022

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Len:

#1 The Colorado Avalanche came into game 5 Friday night thinking that with a win they would be able to hoist the Stanley Cup on their home ice after taking a 3-1 lead. It was not to be as the Tampa Bay Lighting scored a goal in each of the first, second and third periods to come away with a 3-2 win and to stay alive for another game.

#2 The Lightning’s Ondrej Palat scored the game winner in the third period at 6:22 and Tampa Bay was able to defend keeping the Aves out of their net for the one goal win.

#3 Tampa Bay goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 35 shots and looked like he was back in old form again shutting out the Avalanche in the first period while allowing one goal in each of the second and third periods.

#4 The Lightning also got goals from two reliable sources Nikita Kucherov and defenseman Jan Rutta which proved to be a total team effort by the Tampa Bay for the win.

#5 Game 6 is on deck in Tampa Bay this will give the Lightning a chance to tie the series on home ice or the Avalanche a chance to put it away on the road at Amalie Arena.

Join Len throughout the NHL Stanley Cup Finals for coverage at http://www.sportsradioservice.com