It’s Monday, so let’s get into three big talking points from the past week:
The Beijing Winter Olympics May Not Be a Slam Dunk
Numerous NHL players still have their eyes set on representing their countries at the Beijing Winter Olympics. But the risks associated it have been well documented, including the wrinkle of quarantine times.
Word came down last week that any athlete who tests positive for COVID-19 could be facing a very lengthy quarantine period in China.
Depending on the timeline on if a player did test positive, the idea that a player could miss time in their NHL schedule might become a real possibility. There is a deadline of Jan. 10 for the league to withdraw from the Olympics without facing a financial penalty.
With games in North America also being postponed due to COVID positive tests, the idea of the world’s best going over to Asia for February could be further thrown into doubt.
The Oilers have come back down to earth in the hardest way
Edmonton’s early-season red hot start has hit a few bumps in the road in the second week of December. After starting the season at 16-5-0, the Oilers see themselves sitting at 16-10-0 and have lost five straight with Maple Leafs coming into town on Tuesday night.
Edmonton’s power play has cooled off immensely and one of their biggest issues has been starting games on time. In their five losses on this current streak, they’ve given up the first goal in all of them. To add to the troubles, every loss has come in regulation, forcing them to lose ground in the Pacific Division.
Hockey Night in Canada’s Elliotte Friedman said that the Oilers are currently targeting via a trade goaltending, a third-line center, and a left-side defenseman. That’s not a good sign right now.
Trevor Zegras and Sonny Milano’s play extends beyond the world of hockey
The Trevor Zegras-Sonny Milano connection for their alley-oop goal against the Buffalo Sabres became a contender for goal of the year and good reason. The goal also got global attention beyond the world of hockey, with many celebrities chiming in on the matter.
A play like this getting attention away from the normal eyes of the game is a great thing for the potential growth of the sport and should be praised.
