Thanks, NBC, for these extra days between games. They really stink.

^[1]I mean, I’m sure Marc Staal and Dan (Joe) Girardi (the Block Ness Monster) are glad they’ve got an extra day to pack on the ice and not get 30 minutes of vicious hockey against one of the more dangerous and belligerent players in the league.

But after three games where the Rangers and Capitals really got after each other, having to wait is awful.

I’m planning on attending practice again today. Then a special treat … Josh Thomson, 26, is going to cover Game 4 with me.

One little note from yesterday that I forgot to pass along is that Martin Biron went for a little twirl by himself on the ice, for the first time since he broke his collarbone on trade deadline day. He’s still a pretty long way from returning as the bone continues to heal, and he won’t even be facing shots for a while.
—————————
In the meantime, the NHL awards finalists begin to be announced today at noon, when the league gives us the three players up for the Calder Trophy (rookie of the year). I imagine Derek Stepan collected some votes. Not sure if he got enough to be nominated.

Here’s the schedule of announcements of finalists:

Date ……………….. Award
Tuesday, April 19        Calder Memorial Trophy (top rookie)
Wednesday, April 20        General Manager of the Year
Thursday, April 21         Lady Byng Memorial Trophy (skill/sportsmanship)
Friday, April 22        Vezina Trophy (top goaltender)

Monday, April 25        James Norris Memorial Trophy (top defenseman)
Tuesday, April 26        Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy (perseverance and dedication to hockey)
Wednesday, April 27        Frank J. Selke Trophy (top defensive forward)
Thursday, April 28        Hart Memorial Trophy (MVP)
Friday, April 29        Jack Adams Award (Coach of the Year)

Monday, May 2        NHL Foundation Player Award (contributions to charitable causes)
——————-

AP photo, above.