Farewell

Hello all,

It's been a long time coming, but it's time for me to retire this blog. When I started back in 2010, this was a way for me to explore my passions. It quickly became focused on just one thing: detailed written accounts of hockey scoring plays from games. Over time, it helped me earn a contract job at RotoWire, which has blossomed into something that would take up as much time as a full-time job for most people. I get to cover games, I'm more on top of the news than I've ever been, and they even let me ramble on once a week on my Hutch's Hockey column. 

None of that would be possible if I hadn't decided at all of 15 years old to try my hand with blogging. Keeping up with the NHL in particular, as well as the KHL, MLB, MLS, NFL, NWSL, and EPL at various times, instilled in me a relentless work ethic, something I didn't even know I had when I started. This blog took me through high school, college, and most of my 20s. 

That said, it was always a labor of love. While it kept me busy, it didn't bring in money. Outside of a few shots at opinion pieces and analysis, it very rarely drew much outside attention at all. I've kept up with both work and this blog over time, but after a challenging 2024, I no longer have the energy to keep at the pace. I must put into things where I am getting something back in return, and so this blog, this space, this 14-year journal, has run its course. 

If you're reading this now or if you've read something here before, thank you. You were part of me doing something to achieve my dreams. If you want to follow along with what I'm doing, check out myself and all of my colleagues on RotoWire's NHL team, or follow me at @OutsiderSports0 on Twitter and @outsidersports.bsky.social on Bluesky.

Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 7

It all ends in Florida, as the Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky receive the starts in goal. Florida kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Carter Verhaeghe goal, his eleventh of the postseason, coming off of Evan Rodrigues and Anton Lundell. Edmonton tied it on a Mattias Janmark goal, his fourth of the playoffs, via Cody Ceci. The Panthers regained the lead in the second period with a Sam Reinhart goal, his tenth of the postseason, assisted by Verhaeghe and Dmitry Kulikov. The final held from here at 2-1, with the three stars being Verhaeghe, Bobrovsky (23 for 24 in saves), and Reinhart. The Panthers won the Stanley Cup by a 4-3 margin, but the Oilers' Connor McDavid was named the playoff MVP. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 6

The series heads to Edmonton for Game 6, where the Oilers bring in the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner patrol the creases. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Warren Foegele goal, his third of the postseason, via Leon Draisaitl and Brett Kulak. The Oilers added on in the second period with an Adam Henrique goal, his fourth of the playoffs, coming off of Mattias Janmark and Mattias Ekholm. Edmonton extended the lead as Zach Hyman scored his sixteenth of the postseason, thanks to Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Florida got on the board in the third period with an Aleksander Barkov goal, his eighth of the playoffs, helped along by Carter Verhaeghe and Dmitry Kulikov. The Oilers shot back with a Ryan McLeod empty net goal, his fourth of the postseason, set up by Foegele. Edmonton iced it at 5-1 with a Darnell Nurse empty net goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone assist by the goalie Skinner. The three stars were Foegele, Henrique and Hyman. The series is tied at 3, and there will be Game 7 in Florida on Monday. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 5

The series returns to Florida for Game 5 as the Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky are between the pipes. Edmonton struck first in the first period with a Connor Brown shorthanded goal, his second of the postseason, going in unassisted. The Oilers added on with a Zach Hyman power play goal, his fifteenth of the playoffs, powered by Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid in second period. Edmonton extended the lead as McDavid scored his seventh of the postseason, helped along by Warren Foegele and Bouchard. Florida got on the board with a Matthew Tkachuk goal, his sixth of the playoffs, courtesy of Evan Rodrigues. The Oilers shot back with a Corey Perry power play goal, with assists provided by McDavid and Bouchard. The Panthers answered with a Rodrigues goal, his seventh of the postseason, passed from Brandon Montour and Sam Bennett. Florida got closer in the third period with an Oliver Ekman-Larsson goal, his second of the playoffs, with a lone helper from Tkachuk. Edmonton iced it at 5-3 with a McDavid empty net goal, his second of the game and eighth of the postseason, an unassisted goal. The three stars were McDavid, Bouchard, and Tkachuk, while Rodrigues gets an honorable mention. The series heads north again with Florida ahead 3-2. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 4

Again from Edmonton, the Oilers host the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner patrol the creases. Edmonton led off in the first period with a Mattias Janmark shorthanded goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Connor Brown. The Oilers added on with an Adam Henrique goal, his third of the playoffs, courtesy of Janmark and Mattias Ekholm. Florida got on the board with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Gustav Forsling and Anton Lundell. Edmonton fired back with a Dylan Holloway goal, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Leon Draisaitl and Brett Kulak. The Oilers extended the lead in the second period as Connor McDavid scored his sixth of the postseason, thanks to Zach Hyman and Evan Bouchard. Edmonton padded the lead on a Darnell Nurse goal, coming off of McDavid and Hyman. Anthony Stolarz replaced Bobrovsky in goal. The Oilers continued with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his seventh of the playoffs, powered by Draisaitl and McDavid. Edmonton kept going with a Holloway goal, his second of the game and fifth of the postseason, with helpers from McDavid and Corey Perry. The Oilers piled one with a Ryan McLeod goal, his third of the playoffs, helped along by Holloway and Warren Foegele. The final stood at 8-1, with the three stars being McDavid, Holloway, and Janmark, while Draisaitl and Hyman get the honorable mentions. The Panthers remain ahead 3-1 in the series as the series shifts back to Florida. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 3

The series has shifted to Edmonton, where the Oilers bring in the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Stuart Skinner are the masked men. Florida started in the first period with a Sam Reinhart goal, his ninth of the postseason, via Gustav Forsling and Aleksander Barkov. Edmonton tied it in the second period with a Warren Foegele goal, his second of the playoffs, fueled by Adam Henrique. The Panthers retook the lead with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Eetu Luostarinen. Florida added on with a Sam Bennett goal, his seventh of the playoffs, passed from Matthew Tkachuk. The Panthers extended the lead as Barkov scored his seventh of the postseason, thanks to Evan Rodrigues and Reinhart. The Oilers pulled one back in the third period with a Philip Broberg goal, his second of the playoffs, guided in by Connor McDavid and Darnell Nurse. Edmonton got closer with a Ryan McLeod goal, his second of the postseason, coming off of Brett Kulak and McDavid. The final held at 4-3, with the three stars going to Barkov, Reinhart, and McDavid. The Panthers lead the series 3-0. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 2

It's another game from Florida with the Panthers hosting the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky man the nets. Edmonton began in the first period with a Mattias Ekholm goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard. Florida tied it on a Niko Mikkola goal, his second of the playoffs, coming off of Anton Lundell and Vladimir Tarasenko. The Panthers took the lead with an Evan Rodrigues goal, his fifth of the postseason, going in unassisted. Florida added on with a Rodrigues power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, powered by Lundell and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. The Panthers iced it at 4-1 with an empty net goal by Aaron Ekblad, set up by Sam Bennett. The three stars were Rodrigues, Lundell, and Bobrovsky (18 for 19 in saves). The Panthers leave home ahead 2-0 in the series. 

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Stanley Cup Finals 2024 - Game 1

The Stanley Cup Finals begin in Florida, as the Panthers host the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Sergei Bobrovsky are the masked men. Florida began in the first period with a Carter Verhaeghe goal, his tenth of the postseason, via Aleksander Barkov and Sam Reinhart. The Panthers added on in the second period with an Evan Rodrigues goal, his fourth of the playoffs, passed from Sam Bennett and Brandon Montour. Florida iced it at 3-0 in the third period with an Eetu Luostarinen empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Barkov. The three stars were Bobrovsky (32 save shutout), Verhaeghe, and Barkov. The Panthers established a 1-0 series lead. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 42

The Western Conference Finals are in Edmonton for Game 6, as the Oilers host the Dallas Stars. Jake Oettinger and Stuart Skinner patrol the creases. Edmonton opened in the first period with a Connor McDavid power play goal, his fifth of the postseason, powered by Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard. The Oilers added on with a Zach Hyman power play goal, his fourteenth of the playoffs, coming off of McDavid and Bouchard. Dallas got on the board in the third period with a Mason Marchment goal, his third of the postseason, helped along by Tyler Seguin and Chris Tanev. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars being McDavid, Skinner (34 for 35 in saves), and Bouchard. The Oilers won the series 4-2 and will face the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 41

It's in Florida tonight, as the Panthers host the New York Rangers. Igor Shesterkin and Sergei Bobrovsky guard the cages. Florida led off in the first period with a Sam Bennett goal, his sixth of the postseason, coming off of Evan Rodrigues. The Panthers added on in the third period with a Vladimir Tarasenko goal, his third of the playoffs, via Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. New York got on the board with an Artemi Panarin goal, his fifth of the postseason, courtesy of Vincent Trocheck and Adam Fox. This only made it 2-1, the final, with the three stars going to Tarasenko, Bennett, and Bobrovsky (23 for 24 in saves). The Panthers won the series 4-2 and will head to the Stanley Cup Finals. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 40

It's back to Dallas for Game 5, as the Stars host the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Jake Oettinger are between the pipes. Edmonton began in the first period with a Ryan Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his fifth of the postseason, powered by Evan Bouchard and Connor McDavid. The Oilers added on in the second period with a Nugent-Hopkins power play goal, his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs, with assists provided by Leon Draisaitl and Bouchard. Edmonton extended the lead as Philip Broberg scored, thanks to Adam Henrique and Evander Kane. Dallas got on the board in the third period with a Wyatt Johnston goal, his ninth of the postseason, assisted by Thomas Harley and Logan Stankoven. The final stood at 3-1, with the three stars being Nugent-Hopkins, Bouchard, and Broberg. The Oilers are ahead 3-2 in the series. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 39

We're back in New York with the Rangers hosting the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin tend the twines. New York got going in the second period with a Chris Kreider shorthanded goal, his eighth of the postseason, set up by Mika Zibanejad. Florida tied it on a Gustav Forsling goal, his fourth of the playoffs, assisted by Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. The Panthers took the lead with an Anton Lundell goal in the third period, his third of the postseason, via Eetu Luostarinen. Florida added on with a Bennett empty net goal, his fifth of the playoffs, going in unassisted. The Rangers got one back with an Alexis Lafreniere goal, his eighth of the postseason, with a lone helper by Zibanejad. The three stars of the 3-2 game were Bennett, Zibanejad, and Lundell. The Panthers head home leading the series 3-2. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 38

We're in the west again as the Edmonton Oilers bring in the Dallas Stars. Jake Oettinger and Stuart Skinner are between the pipes. Dallas began in the first period with a Wyatt Johnston goal, his ninth of the postseason, via Jamie Benn and Thomas Harley. The Stars added on with an Esa Lindell goal, his third of the playoffs, fueled by Miro Heiskanen and Benn. Edmonton got on the board with a Ryan McLeod goal, courtesy of Corey Perry and Darnell Nurse. The Oilers tied it with an Evan Bouchard goal, his sixth of the postseason, assisted by Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. Edmonton took the lead in the second period with a shorthanded Mattias Janmark goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Connor Brown. The Oilers extended the lead as Leon Draisaitl scored his tenth of the postseason, thanks to Zach Hyman and McDavid. Edmonton iced it at 5-2 with an empty net goal by Mattias Ekholm, his fourth of the playoffs, helped along by McDavid. The three stars were McDavid, Benn, and Janmark. The series is tied at 2-2 heading back to Dallas. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 37

It's Game 4 in the east, with the Florida Panthers hosting the New York Rangers. Igor Shesterkin and Sergei Bobrovsky are the masked men. New York led off in the first period with a Vincent Trocheck power play goal, his eighth of the postseason, powered by Artem Panarin and Adam Fox. Florida tied it in the second period with a Sam Bennett goal, his fourth of the playoffs, via Gustav Forsling and the goalie Bobrovsky. The Panthers took the lead on a Carter Verhaeghe power play goal, his ninth of the postseason, with assists provided by Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov. The Rangers retied it on an Alexis Lafreniere goal, his seventh of the playoffs, coming off of Fox and Panarin. Florida won 3-2 in overtime with a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his eighth of the postseason, assisted by Barkov and Brandon Montour. The three stars were Barkov, Panarin, and Fox. The series is tied at 2-2 heading back to New York. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 36

We're up in Edmonton for Game 3 of the Oilers versus the Dallas Stars. Jake Oettinger and Stuart Skinner patrol the creases. Edmonton kicked off the scoring in the first period with a Zach Hyman goal, his thirteenth of the postseason, via Connor McDavid and Evan Bouchard. The Oilers added on with a McDavid goal, his fourth of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Dallas got on the board in the second period with a Jason Robertson goal, his fourth of the postseason, coming off of Roope Hintz and Tyler Seguin. The Stars tied it with a Robertson goal, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, made possible by Hintz. Dallas took the lead with a Wyatt Johnston goal, his eighth of the postseason, assisted by Logan Stankoven and Jamie Benn. Edmonton tied it on an Adam Henrique goal, his second of the playoffs, courtesy of Connor Brown. The Stars regained the lead with a Robertson goal, completing his hat trick on his sixth of the postseason, with helpers from Seguin and Esa Lindell. Dallas iced it at 5-3 with a Miro Heiskanen empty net goal, his sixth of the playoffs, set up by Benn. The three stars were Robertson, Hintz, and Seguin, while Benn and McDavid get the honorable mentions. The Stars took a 2-1 series lead. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 35

The Eastern Conference Finals shift to Florida on Sunday as the Panthers host the New York Rangers. Igor Shesterkin and Sergei Bobrovsky protect the nets. Florida struck first in the first period with a Sam Reinhart power play goal, his sixth of the postseason, powered by Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk. New York tied it on an Alexis Lafreniere goal, his fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Vincent Trocheck and Jacob Trouba. The Rangers took the lead with a Barclay Goodrow goal, his fifth of the postseason, assisted by Braden Schneider and Will Cuylle. The Panthers tied it again with another Reinhart power play goal, his second of the game and seventh of the playoffs, helped along by Carter Verhaeghe. New York retook the lead in the second period with a Lafreniere goal, his second of the game and sixth of the postseason, passed from K'Andre Miller and Trouba. The Rangers added on with a shorthanded Goodrow goal, his second of the playoffs, set up by Trocheck and Ryan Lindgren. Florida got one back in the third period with a Barkov goal, his sixth of the postseason, fueled by Verhaeghe and Niko Mikkola. The Panthers tied it on a Gustav Forsling goal, his third of the playoffs, guided in by Tkachuk and Evan Rodrigues. New York won 5-4 in overtime with an Alexander Wennberg goal, via Lindgren and Kaapo Kakko. The three stars were Lafreniere, Goodrow, and Reinhart, while Trocheck, Lindgren, Trouba, Barkov, Tkachuk, and Verhaeghe get the honorable mentions. The Rangers are ahead 2-1 in the series. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 34

The action's in Dallas, as the Stars bring in the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Jake Oettinger patrol the creases. Dallas began in the first period with a Jamie Benn goal, his fourth of the postseason, via Wyatt Johnston and Miro Heiskanen. Edmonton tied it on a Connor Brown goal, coming off of Cody Ceci and Warren Foegele. The Stars took the lead in the third period with a Mason Marchment goal, his second of the playoffs, passed from Ryan Suter and Sam Steel. Dallas added on with an Esa Lindell empty net goal, his second of the postseason, set up by Benn and Johnston. This made it 3-1, the final, with the three stars being Benn, Oettinger (28 for 29 in saves), and Johnston. The series is tied at 1-1 heading to Edmonton. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 33

It's time for Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin tend the twines. New York started in the first period with a Vincent Trocheck goal, his seventh of the postseason, via Adam Fox and Artemi Panarin. Florida tied it on a Carter Verhaeghe power play goal, his eighth of the playoffs, powered by Sam Bennett and Anton Lundell. The Rangers won 2-1 in overtime with a Barclay Goodrow goal, his fourth of the postseason, assisted by Trocheck and Jacob Trouba. The three stars were Trocheck, Goodrow, and Shesterkin (26 for 27 in saves). The Rangers tied the series at 1-1 before it heads to Florida. 

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NHL 2024 Playoffs - Day 32

We've got another series debut Thursday, with the Dallas Stars welcoming the Edmonton Oilers. Stuart Skinner and Jake Oettinger protect the nets. Edmonton got going in the second period with a Leon Draisaitl goal, his ninth of the postseason, via Brett Kulak and Zach Hyman. The Oilers added on with a Hyman goal, his twelfth of the playoffs, assisted by Connor McDavid. Dallas got on the board with a Tyler Seguin goal, his fourth of the postseason, passed from Jamie Benn. The Stars tied it in the third period with a Seguin goal, his second of the game and fifth of the playoffs, coming off of Evgenii Dadonov and Jason Robertson. Edmonton won 3-2 in double overtime with a McDavid goal, his third of the postseason, helped along by Evan Bouchard. The three stars went to McDavid, Hyman, and Seguin. The Oilers opened a 1-0 series lead. 

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NHL Playoffs 2024 - Day 31

The Conference Finals begin in the east this Wednesday, with the New York Rangers hosting the Florida Panthers. Sergei Bobrovsky and Igor Shesterkin man the nets. Florida led off in the first period with a Matthew Tkachuk goal, his fifth of the postseason, via Gustav Forsling and Carter Verhaeghe. The Panthers added on in the third period with a Verhaeghe goal, his seventh of the playoffs, going in unassisted. Florida iced it at 3-0 with a Sam Bennett empty net goal, his third of the postseason, set up by Tkachuk. The three stars were Bobrovsky (23 save shutout), Tkachuk, and Verhaeghe. The Panthers start the series up 1-0. 

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