McKenna’s Musings: TNT’s NHL coverage, Andrew Brunette and the Vezina Trophy race

Daily Faceoff
Daily Faceoff
McKenna’s Musings: TNT’s NHL coverage, Andrew Brunette and the Vezina Trophy race

What’s on my mind…

The TNT broadcast is FUN.

Yes, I used all caps. Does that mean I’m screaming? Maybe. But I’m amped up about this. For as long as I can remember, American broadcasting has produced a mundane hockey product void of personality. Sure, we got to know some of the people on TV. But did we really? I’d argue not.

Look at what Paul Bissonnette has done for the TNT broadcast. His quick wit and effervescent personality has lifted everyone on set. He’s not afraid to make fun of himself or wear a coyote on his head.

This is what television should be. Entertainment. People tune in for a distraction from everyday life. They want to cheer for their team. Yell at the TV. Get a few laughs. But most importantly, they want to feel like they’re part of the conversation. It doesn’t have to be hockey highlights and breakdowns for three hours.

This is what TNT has done so well. They’ve created an environment where the on-air talent can go for it. Dress up in costumes. Crack jokes. Chirp one another. But when it comes time to analyze the on-ice product, the knowledge is there. It’s relevant. And people pay attention.

I live in St. Louis, Missouri. A lot of my friends are diehard Blues fans. But that used to be the extent of their fandom. Maybe they’d turn on a national broadcast occasionally. Not anymore. They’re watching TNT to see what Biz does next. It’s become appointment viewing.

There are old-school hockey people that can’t stand it. They think it’s selfish. Foolish. Clown-like. That Biz just wants attention. That it’s ruining the NHL’s image.

The reality is they’re the fools. Get with the times or get out of the way. Hockey’s a game. It’s supposed to be fun.

Who should be considered for the Vezina Trophy?

For my money, it’s a five-man race. Since the NHL season is less than halfway completed, I can’t predict a winner. That’s somewhat unusual, when by this point, there’s usually a clear frontrunner. While I think Igor Shesterkin has been the best goalie in the NHL this year, who knows if he can keep up his extraordinary play through the end of April. Here’s my contenders:

Igor Shesterkin (New York Rangers)

Juuse Saros (Nashville Predators)

Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins)

Jack Campbell (Toronto Maple Leafs)

Andrei Vasilevskiy (Tampa Bay Lightning)

It hurts Shesterkin that he hasn’t played as often as the other goalies on my list. He’s logged minutes in just over 20 games on the campaign: the other four are all near 30. Vezina Trophies are typically handed out to workhorses.

In that regard, no one fits the bill quite like Juuse Saros. He’s played more games than any other NHL goaltender this season. His 20 wins are tied with Andrei Vasilevskiy for tops in the NHL. Saros has outstanding traditional and advanced statistics. And the Central Division-leading Predators are feeding off their goaltender’s confidence. What’s scary? He keeps getting better as the seasons wears on. The Vezina might be his to lose.

Tristan Jarry’s 1.91 goals-against average leads the NHL. The Penguins have played without star players for a large chunk of the season. Jarry has been their rock in net. Want proof? Compare Jarry’s .932 save percentage to the .888 posted by backup Casey DeSmith thus far. With the Penguins getting closer to full health, Jarry’s job should get a little easier. But through the first half of the season he’s been the MVP in Pittsburgh.

I don’t know if Jack Campbell gets enough credit for what he’s done in Toronto. His .935 save percentage isn’t an accident. He’s added a layer of technicality to his game without losing the creativity and athleticism necessary to be a game-changer. Campbell’s four shutouts are impressive, considering he plays behind an aggressive team like Toronto. The Maple Leafs give up chances. But so far Campbell has had the answer.

As for Andrei Vasilevskiy. Well, he’s Andrei Vasilevskiy. Voters need an excuse not to write his name down for the Vezina.

Is anyone questioning Florida Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette now?

If so, I haven’t heard it. When Joel Quenneville resigned as head coach of the Panthers earlier this season, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that GM Bill Zito would have to eventually find a replacement. At least that was the narrative.

There was a time when I questioned Brunette’s future as head coach. 

In early November, the Panthers lost four straight games and were set to play at home against the lowly Islanders. I saw that game as a must-win for Brunette and his team. The Panthers responded with a 6-1 victory. It was the start of a four-game winning streak. 

Florida has been consistent ever since and currently find themselves leading the uber-competitive Atlantic Division.

I like that Zito trusted Brunette enough to give him some leash. Of course, there are going to be growing pains for any bench boss lacking head coaching experience. But the only way to learn is to get out there and do it. Brunette already had two full seasons as an understudy to Quenneville. He knows the systems. He knows the expectations. And the players respect him.

The Stanley Cup Playoffs loom as the next hurdle to clear in Brunette’s coaching career. But he’s off to a great start.

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