Canucks Daily: New Canadian Holiday in US, Suzuki Hates the Maple Leafs

Vancouver Canucks fans, in fact, likely most in Canada, wouldn’t have a problem with this mini-holiday. It’s Sidney Crosby Day, as asserted by our pals at Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

It is August 7, otherwise known as 8/7. On this date in 1987, otherwise written 8/7/87, Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby was born and forever tied to the 87 numerology. His contract? 8.7 AAV. His jersey? Always No. 87. And so August 7 is Sidney Crosby day.

There you have it. Nova Scotia boy, adopted Pennsylvanian, Vancouver Olympic hero.

Canada Hockey Now

— It was the Montreal Canadiens who knocked the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the playoffs in round-one, game-7 in 2021 and the Tampa Bay Lightning who turned the trick against the Leafs in 2022. Either way, it appears Habs centre Nick Suzuki was equally as happy both times. Wow, this is some good old fashioned Original Six rivalry dislike and I’m thinking Vancouver Canucks fans wouldn’t mind this at all. Dude hates the Maple Leafs according to Montreal Hockey Now.

— Calgary Hockey Now asks a pertinent question given the new developments in Alberta: Can Jonathan Huberdeau thrive under head coach Darryl Sutter?

Pacific Division

— San Jose Hockey Now: ‘Jumbo’ Joe Thornton wants a 25th NHL season, but if he doesn’t get it, will he bolt for Switzerland and a management gig? It seems a job is lined up for the former San Jose Sharks captain. Thornton played for Davos HC during both recent NHL lock-outs and also for a short time during the Covid pandemic.

— Vegas Hockey Now: Forget searching for cheap scoring on the NHL trade market, the Vegas Golden Knights need to take the discount and sign Phil Kessel? That’s what our man in Sin City, Owen Krepps thinks.

Full Circle

— Back to Pennsylvania, where in the eastern part of the state, the Philadelphia Flyers may be about to get a bump on their roster depth.

— Back in the western part of the commonwealth, Penguins forward Jason Zucker had to be duct taped and bubble gummed back together to play in the playoffs after a pair of core muscle injuries and surgery robbed him of most of the 2021-22 season. He’s ready to go again, playing this summer in Minnesota’s ‘Da Beauty League’.

Canuck Chuckle

— I’ve seen a couple of serious links to my Vancouver Canucks Jim Benning / Patrik Allvin story from Saturday which is rather humorous since it was almost entirely tongue-in-cheek.

Keep laughing and enjoy your Sunday!