Tuesday Morning Three-Peat

Here are the top 3 stories from around the NHL yesterday:

1.  Presidential Snub – The Boston Bruins visited the White House and President Obama yesterday, minus Conn Smythe Trophy winner Tim Thomas.  Thomas skipped on the event for political reasons, and explained those reasons on Fcebook:

"“I believe the Federal government has grown out of control, threatening the Rights, Liberties, and Property of the People,” Thomas’ statement read. “This is being done at the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial level. This is in direct opposition to the Constitution and the Founding Fathers vision for the Federal government.”“Because I believe this,” the statement continued, “today I exercised my right as a Free Citizen, and did not visit the White House. This was not about politics or party, as in my opinion both parties are responsible for the situation we are in as a country. This was about a choice I had to make as an INDIVIDUAL.”  – From TSN.ca"

I don’t agree with him missing a team sanctioned event for personal reasons.  He didn’t need to have an in-depth conversation with the President but at least showing his face there with his team would have been appropriate.

2.  Ovechkin Banned – As mentioned yesterday, Alex Ovechkin had his hearing with the NHL player safety committee, and the result was a three game suspension.  Although the suspension blankets the All-star break, Ovechkin will be allowed to participate.  However, there were rumours out of Washington that he was considering pulling himself from the event as a sort of protest over the suspension.  We should learn more today.

3.  All-Star Replacements – Speaking of All-Star weekend (which is now upon us), some injury replacements were announced, as Jordan Eberle, Kris Letang and Nick Johnson (as a rookie) were named to replace Mikko Koivu, Dustin Byfuglien and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins respectively.  There may be additional replacements needed as Jonathan Toews is now on the shelf.