TJ Oshie reaches 1,000 NHL games

Rule changes, Wayne Simmonds retires, Kulikov suspended, and more!

Author

Slapshot News
March 19, 2024

In today’s edition:

  • 📛 NHL Rule Changes

  • 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ TJ Oshie reaches 1,000 games

  • ✌️ Wayne Simmonds retires

  • 🚔 Kulikov suspended

  • And more!

TJ Oshie reaches 1,000 games

The Capitals held a pre-game ceremony on Sunday prior to their game against the Winnipeg Jets to TJ Oshie for achieving 1,000 NHL goals.

Drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2005, Oshie's journey to 1,000 games wasn't without its twists. After parts of six seasons with the Blues, he was traded to the Washington Capitals in 2015. It was with the Capitals that Oshie truly flourished. He became a key piece of their championship puzzle, scoring the clutch game-winning goal in Game 5 of the 2018 Stanley Cup Final.

Oshie became the 12th player to reach the 1,000-game mark in a Capitals sweater and the first since Nicklas Backstrom in April 2021. He also became the 390th skater and 62nd U.S.-born skater in NHL history to play 1,000 games.

GMs talk potential rule changes

A number of suggested rule changes have emerged from the NHL's general manager meeting that occurred Tuesday in Florida. The suggested rules changes include the net being dislodged, coaches challenges, an immediate ban on how players make line changes.

Two of the most impactful potential changes would allow a team’s coach to challenge high sticking and delay of game as a result of a puck over the glass. In both situations, if the challenging team was incorrect, they would be punished with a 5-on-3 situation - one for the original call and a second for the incorrect challenge.

The only rule to take immediate effect is a ban on players having their legs dangle over the boards while not on the ice. A team will first be warned before a bench minor is assessed. This comes after a linesman was cut by a skate blade of a Winnipeg Jets player when he was preparing to change. All other rule changes would need to be addressed and approved by the NHL player’s association.

Wayne Simmonds announces retirement

On Tuesday former Philadelphia Flyer Wayne Simmonds announced his retirement from hockey. The 35 year-old played 15 seasons with 6 different teams, among them the Philadelphia Flyers who will be signing him to a one-day contract to honor his career on April 13th. Simmonds carved out a reputation for himself not just for his scoring touch, putting up 203 goals in eight seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers alone, but also for his physical play and leadership qualities. He'll be remembered as a fan favorite in Philadelphia, where he established himself as one of the team's top goal scorers, and a respected competitor throughout the league.

Konstantin Koltsov dies at age 42

Retired Belarusian hockey player Konstantin Koltsov dies to suicide in Florida at age 42.

Drafted 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1999, Konstantin Koltsov played parts of three NHL seasons with the team. He had 38 points in 144 games. His speed and strong work ethic made him a valuable contributor, especially during his rookie season playing alongside legends like Mario Lemieux.

Chris Simon dies at age 52

Former NHL player Chris Simon dies at age 52 after taking his own life. His family released a statement to ESPN which they credit part of his death to CTE - a disease caused by by repeated head injuries.

Simon had a 15-year NHL career and was often known for his aggressive style and fighting. He racked up 1,824 penalty minutes, which ranked him among the league's most penalized players. He also contributed offensively with teams like the Colorado Avalanche, with whom he won a Stanley Cup in 1996.

Kulikov suspended 2 games

Florida Panthers defenseman Dmitry Kulikov has been suspended for two games, without pay, for an illegal check to the head of Tampa Bay Lightning forward Conor Sheary during NHL Game No. 1063 in Sunrise, Fla., on Saturday, March 16, the National Hockey League’s Department of Player Safety announced today. The incident occurred at 3:36 of the second period. Kulikov was assessed a match penalty.

Under the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement and, based on his average annual salary, Kulikov will forfeit $10,416.66. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund.