Notebook: Half-ice games for beginners mandatory
Hockey Canada is ordering minor hockey organizations under its umbrella to have 5- and 6-year-olds play on half the ice surface — or across the rink — in an “age appropriate” program that will lead to more puck touches and skill development. “You would never put a 5- or 6-year-old child on a full-size soccer pitch, or expect them to play basketball without any adjustments made for their size. Hockey is no different,” said Paul Carson, vice-president of membership development for Hockey Canada. “The Initiation Program was developed to allow kids to have fun, learn skills and develop confidence.”
WARNING SHOT: Dan Girardi lost his job on the Rangers blue line because of a bad Corsi rating on the weekend, replaced by Kevin Klein. “If you look at Saturday night’s game, both Danny and Ryan (McDonagh) spent a lot of time in our own end,” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault told the New York Post. “That pair got caught out quite a bit in our own end.” According to NaturalStatTrick.com, the Kings had 60 attempts compared to the Rangers’ 32 in fiveon-five play — 31-11 in the second period. McDonagh was minus-30 (8/38) and Girardi minus-27 (9/36).
RED WINGS PRIDE: With their playoff streak about to end at 25 seasons, the Red Wings aren’t mailing it in. They have beaten playoff-bound Montreal and Minnesota and taken Tampa Bay to overtime in their last three games. “It’s important to be professional and come to work every single day and wear this uniform with pride,” goaltender Jimmy Howard said. “You can’t lie down. You can’t feel sorry for yourself. We have to continue to go out there and work and do things right.”
KELLER TIME: The Arizona Coyotes wasted no time in signing Clayton Keller — the seventh pick in the 2016 draft — to a three-year entry-level deal once his Boston University season ended. During the last world junior championship, Keller led the champion U.S. team in scoring with 11 points in seven games. “It’s time for him to turn pro,” Coyotes coach Dave Tippett told the Arizona Republic. Keller led Boston U in scoring with 45 points in 31 games. Arizona’s roster now features eight players they’ve drafted since 2011.