The Daily: Wayne Gretzky said WJC Should Ban Russian Team

Wayne Gretzky, in his role as a TNT analyst, said Saturday that the Russian team should be banned from competing from an upcoming international tournement  because of Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

“I think international hockey should say we’re not going to let them play in the World Junior Hockey Tournament,” Wayne Gretzky said.

The last WJC, played in Alberta, started and then was postponed because of COVID-19. It is rescheduled for August.

Gretzky’s former linemate, Jari Kurri, has registered his protest against the Russians. He is general manager and part-owner of the Jokerit team in Finland. Kurri pulled his team out of the Kontinental Hockey League playoffs. Finland borders Russia.

“I think International Hockey should say we’re not going to let them play in the World Junior Hockey tournament…”

With the World Juniors rescheduled for August in Alberta, Wayne Gretzky spoke about the need to make a statement by banning Russia from it: https://t.co/atdHljzFUG pic.twitter.com/NxaotwDqwl

— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) February 27, 2022

Grand Rapids Update

Detroit Red Wings prospect Jonatan Berggren scored his team-leading 14th goal of the season in the Grand Rapids Griffins’ 4-3 win against the Iowa Wild. It was the game-tying goal.

Around the NHL

Detroit: Hockey Now’s Bob Duff writes about what appears to be defenseman Danny Dekeyser‘s last season with the Red Wings. Dekeyser grew up in southeastern Michigan. Duff also offers his takeaways from the Detroit Red Wings‘ embarrassing 10-7 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Boston: Brad Marchand had his best game since returning from suspension to help the Boston Bruins down the San Jose Sharks, 3-1.

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New York:  Defenseman Zdeno Chara, the subject of recent trade rumors, left the New York Islanders’ game against the Los Angeles Kings. At 9:29 of the second period, Chara hit Blake Lizotte. Chara left the game shortly after that with an apparent injury.

Philadelphia:  The Philadelphia Flyers pulled out a much-needed 2-1 win against the Washington Capitals. Quality game for Carter Hart.

The Flyers – yes, the Flyers – were the latest to beat the Capitals. Good feelings for Claude Giroux, Carter Hart, and the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-1.

Pittsburgh:  Something is very wrong with Kasperi Kapanen. He hasn’t scored, or come close to scoring, in 12 games.

Vegas: Jack Eichel mania followed his arrival. But the team isn’t winning. Vegas lost to the Colorado Avalanche. The Vegas Golden Knights are suddenly in a bad way.

Washington: The Washington Capitals aren’t playing well enough to be ready for the postseason. Not even close.

San Jose: Some fans brought Ukrainian Flags and proudly waved them at the San Jose Sharks game.