Now that everyone's had their turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes, it's time to focus on the big holiday on everyone's minds: St. Patrick's Day. But in all seriousness, it's the one where everyone already has their decorations up (even Vegas Golden Knights fans).
Get ready to spend plenty of money because it's already barging its way onto the scene. The poor turkey didn't even stand a chance against this behemoth, mind you. The holiday in question? Christmas.
Get ready for St. Nick because it's Christmas's turn to take the floor. Golden Knights fans are hoping to get the latest Mitch Marner jersey (not from Toronto) or an autographed picture of the 2023 Stanley Cup win.
But it goes beyond that. It's also about giving the gift of life, whether it's the Golden Knights or something else. Heck, it can be simply being a hockey fan that's the ultimate gift. Let's see what's happening across the league after the Thanksgiving festivities.
Regression panic among the young Pacific Division teams?
ESPN released a "Panic Index" among all NHL teams, courtesy of Greg Wyshynski. Each team was placed in particular categories, ranging from the most chill to beyond panicked. For the Golden Knights, they're panicked until healthy (which is true, by the way). But what about the young, spry competitors?
We're talking about the division-leading Anaheim Ducks, the San Jose Sharks, and the Seattle Kraken. These three squads have all sorts of talent and are hovering around the playoff picture. Still, they were labeled as "Regression Panic" teams
This was measured by a team's shooting percentage and their save percentage, combining to form 'puck luck.' The Kraken were fifth (1.023), followed by San Jose (1.022) and Anaheim (1.020). Will that continue, or will the puck start bouncing the other way? Stay tuned.
Calgary Flames making progress on a contract extension with general manager Craig Conroy
You would think that a general manager leading a basement dweller would get fired by his team. However, that's not the case in Calgary. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the Flames are working towards a contract extension with Craig Conroy.
Considering how Calgary was on the doorstep of making the playoffs last season, it shouldn't be that surprising. The Flames are also banking on landing the Big Kahuna known as Gavin McKenna. It's all hopes and dreams for the organization, who's hoping to take over the mantle of being Alberta's premier team.
Mark Stone's return might be upstaged by another big name coming back
Remember when Mark Stone returned and put all the LTIR conspiracy theories to rest? Well, his bravado went to the wayside as another superstar made an announcement on a podcast with his brother.
On "Wingmen" with Brady Tkachuk, Matthew Tkachuk announced that he was skating again. While there's no announced return date, the Florida Panthers could really use their megastar. The Panthers currently sit in sixth place in the Atlantic Division with a record of 12-10-1, being upended by teams such as the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning. If the Panthers want to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, getting Tkachuk back is a solid start.