After 3 straight deep playoff runs to the Finals, the Panthers are probably excited about having a FULL summer off. They’ve played almost 70 games more in that span than most non-playoff teams like the Sabres. That heavy playoff style of hockey takes a toll.
I bet the Panthers flame out this year, take a nice long summer to recuperate, and then come back stronger than ever for next season.
It wouldn’t surprise me. Same thing that happened with the Lightning not long ago.
Colour me not surprised.
Awesome news 
Reading further, lesser criminal charges are still at hand, but I very much doubt McKenna will do time if charged for any of these.
For all we know, perhaps there was some audio evidence of what exactly was stated, perhaps a physical or violent threat, such that the office of the district attorney in the county did not want to “overcharge” McKenna and likely end up losing the case.
Of course Penn State also has had a very long reach in that area as well, as some sordid other criminal history there has indicated.
McKenna still faces three lesser charges: a misdemeanour for simple assault and a pair of summary offences for disorderly conduct and harassment.
In addition, I have no doubt that the defendant will sue him civilly as well, which even if you are exonerated from criminal charges or not charged with any crime as so many do not realize, civil prosecution will affect one financially in a major way whether one wins or loses that separate case.
Maybe that’s the other guy’s plan, knowing that McKenna is going to be wealthy after he gets to the NHL…
I recall reading interviews a few times with certain famous people (musicians, sports figures) where they described this exact scenario. They will get recognized in some public place like a bar or restaurant, and some douchebag will walk over and start trying to goad them into an altercation. The idea being that they’ll take a punch from the celebrity so that they can later sue them.
Hopefully the legal system is aware of how these vultures operate.
In some training I had in Las Vegas now over 20 years ago it was explained to us with regards to the law on self defense, as taught by a police lieutenant of Boulder City, Nevada, who was also a retired US Marine, that Chuck Norris always goes around with two bodyguards.
Why would Chuck Norris need bodyguards, right?
As some have heard, this is the same guy who when he does what we call push-ups, they are actually push-downs, for of course the Earth moves for him.
Well, that reason you cited with regards to the risk of civil lawsuits is precisely why and also is the same reason that many celebrities have bodyguards, beyond merely any given physical threats and general hassle when in public.
What a class that was with a lifetime of lessons!
junior hockey goalie fight
Lower body injury from what? They have been on a break for over a week!
Is he made of glass?!
It almost seems like he doesn’t really want to play at all but has to comply with team wishes to rehab so he can collect his salary. Of course i’m just guessing and he could have a real injury of some sort, but he’s only played 75 games in the last 3 years. A matter of fact the most games he’s played in a season is 56 games seven years ago, last time he played 82 games was in 2017 for the Jets. I imagine Montreal would like to trade him for a draft pick or anything really but pretty hard to do when a player can’t stay healthy.
He was injured and had surgery at the beginning of the season I believe.
He was suppose to have been skating prior to the break.
Have read that he could be on the trade block.
Habs have played well without him and I am not sure he would have a place when healthy.
He likely wouldn’t but Montreal would likely hope to get him in a couple games before the trade deadline to show teams he’s healthy. I’m not even sure what he would bring back in trade at this point but this is the last year of his contract so a team might take a chance to pop their PP and if it doesn’t work out they can let him walk at the end of his deal.
i guess Fiala had surgery for multiple leg fractures 
Something something bad spleen?
Yup. I was really looking forward to seeing him fly around the ice with the newly acquired Panarin for the King’s playoff push. 
Funniest part about that fight is how both players finished fighting, patted each other on the back and then skated away. No refs were even needed to break it up. 
Is it still customary to meet up at a nearby bar for a beer after such a fight in a game?
I do believe that was once code too, though there were no official penalties if not followed.
NHL Power Rankings: Each team’s top trade deadline priority
This really puts a damper on the legend of “Second Half” Fiala.