Joe Smith
@JoeSmithNHL
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Joe Smith covers the Minnesota Wild and the NHL for The Athletic @TheAthletic. He's a Michigan grad, proud Michigan Daily product and karaoke fanatic.
Joined February 2010
Life as a top NHL coaching prospect: David Carle is soaking in every second, and championship, at Denver . Our deep dive on Carle, who opens up on his unique path, being forever “intertwined” with @DU_Hockey + what comes next
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Nikita Kucherov with epic talk on Andrei Vasilevskiy being MVP
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Steven Stamkos: “There's a reason why I wanted to be in this city for 8 more years. And it's because we were going to bring the Stanley Cup back to Tampa. And we fucking did it! I don't give a shit what people say about hockey in Florida, but this is the best hockey town ever.”.
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Fleury got tagged in by Gustavsson, who told Hynes he wanted him to have OT. Was “surprised” but loved every second. Got water bottle shower from team in room. Started to tear up at end of interview. “It was fun to go one more time out there. And play the game that I love.”.
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#tblightning @JTBrown23 on silent protest: "I know there's going to be negative backlash. But, in my heart, I know I did what was right."
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Classy move by @TBLightning and CEO Steve Griggs.
Tampa Bay’s CEO reached out to the fan who was assaulted, great move and well deserved.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy has a shutout in four straight series clinching game, an NHL record.
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#tblightning fans chanted "You've got Tampa!"- likely a reference to #Isles fans yelling "We want Tampa!" at end of Bruins series.
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Ryan Reaves on first goal of season: “I went to my kids hockey game yesterday and a bunch of other kids were there watching and they were just giving it to me saying they had more goals than me. So wherever you are, eat that.” Reaves clearly smiling + joking but funny stuff.
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Jon Cooper opened his press conference by apologizing for his goalies wearing skirts comments. “Quite frankly, it was wrong.” Said it has pained him more than the series loss. Especially with daughters at home. Wishes he could go back in time and take it back.
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Talked w/ #mnwild's Jon Merrill on Pride stick tape ban. He's always been a supporter of LGBTQ+ community. "If anyone does it, what is the league going to do? Take me off the ice, give me a penalty? Then you look bad as a league. I don’t know. It’s upsetting. Just disappointing.".
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Really classy move by @sergachev31, stopping after Game 1 loss, getting out of car and signing fan’s jersey and stick, posing for pic. Made their day @TBLightning.
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Brayden Point had significant tear in quad, will be recovered in few weeks. Bellemare had meniscus injury going into playoffs. Cirelli suffered AC joint sprain, will need surgery. McDonagh mangled finger. Kucherov meniscus.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy on his time away during COVID protocol: “I didn’t watch any games. I didn’t have subscription, that ESPN-plus thing.” @TBLightning.
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The @StanleyCup did sustain some damage during today’s festivities. It’ll be sent to Montreal for repairs and be back to resume Cup celebration with @TBLightning next weekend
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Jon Cooper said Brayden Point is IN for Game 1. Waiting on Hagel.
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Very few people read a starting lineup like #mnwild Marcus Foligno. He had the honor before @PWHL_Minnesota first home game. Brought daughters Olivia and Camila.
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Marc-Andre Fleury on deciding to try to fight: “That one was pretty quick. One of the guys said (Binnington) hit them in the nuts, in the nutsack. Can I say nutsack? Then when I saw him throw another one at our guy, that was the time.”.
Marc-Andre Fleury was disappointed he got held back from fighting Jordan Binnington. Said Binnington hit a #mnwild player between the legs earlier + then when he punched Hartman. “I felt that was my guy. I had to take care of him.”.
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Connor McDavid came up to Corey Perry postgame to congratulate him on goal No. 400. Posed for photo with #TBLightning winger and son Griffin.
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Pat Maroon: “We have to go win a fucking game right now. Sorry for my French.".
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Zeev Buium went into the theater room for a #mnwild meeting this morning. Marc-Andre Fleury was nice enough to tell him where to sit. Moments later. "(Fleury) walked up and was like, 'That's my seat,'" Buium said. Obviously a welcome to the NHL moment for rookie is a MAF prank.
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Marc-Andre Fleury; "One (Sharks fan) kept yelling at me, I'm too old, I have to retire, So I wanted to show him we could win and do well. So I'm happy." . It was actually funny.".
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Ryan McDonagh said Steven Stamkos was originally asked to give the speech today at White House, but captain said an American player should do it and happily deferred to McDonagh, who called it a great honor.
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Tonight’s attendance: 20,346 (state final record here).Four day total: 140,442 (also record).
When I moved to Minnesota, I was told going to @MSHSL state hockey tournament was a “bucket list” event. Why this is the “State of Hockey.” Being here to see standing-room only, 20,000-plus crowd for final, it’s pretty incredible. As advertised.
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Marc-Andre Fleury was disappointed he got held back from fighting Jordan Binnington. Said Binnington hit a #mnwild player between the legs earlier + then when he punched Hartman. “I felt that was my guy. I had to take care of him.”.
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Marcus Foligno: "We're fighting through it. We're in a little bit of a sludge. I mean, I'd rather be in this position than Buffalo. So, you know what, it's not that bad." #mnwild.
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Marc-Andre Fleury saluted. Teammates semi bow to him in circle at end
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When I moved to Minnesota, I was told going to @MSHSL state hockey tournament was a “bucket list” event. Why this is the “State of Hockey.” Being here to see standing-room only, 20,000-plus crowd for final, it’s pretty incredible. As advertised.
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A text from Auston Matthews. A phone call from Elton John. @lukeprokop_6 received support when he became the first openly gay player under #NHL contract. How has it gone since? My exclusive w/ Prokop on #NHL Pride and making history. First AHL game tonight
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#tblightning Jon Cooper on Penguins: "That team, for some reason, they're by far the lowest penalized team in the league. I'm not sure why, but they are.".
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The Yanni Gourde tribute video. This was as loud as I’ve heard it for a former player coming back @TBLightning
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There was a watch party tonight at 2 am in Ondrej Palat’s hometown in Frydek-Mistek arena in Czech Republic. 150 people. Same place Palat started with used and borrowed skates. The seventh rounder added another chapter in his incredible story. Our profile
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BREAKING: Steve Yzerman told #TBLightning players in a meeting today he’s stepping aside as GM to be in advisory role, per source. BriseBois taking over as GM.
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The Lightning have won the Stanley Cup. Nearly 18 months after a humbling and historic playoff sweep, they’ve re-written an ultimate redemption story. May have been hardest Cup ever to win.
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Some personal news: After 16 years in Tampa Bay, I’m moving back to the Midwest. Excited to announce I’ll be partnering with @RussoHockey on @mnwild coverage and taking a more active role in @TheAthleticNHL vertical.
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Nick Paul says he loves it in Tampa, wants to come back, we’ll see how it goes. Says his agent knows how he feels and so they’ll go from there. Seems like he’s ready for another run. “I want to be in the playoffs again.”
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Jon Cooper: “I’ve never heard a building as loud as I did tonight in the last minute of play. Ever. It was electric. The fans came to play, just as our team did.” #TBLightning.
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What a thrill for 9-year-old Cameron from Edina. Stops Kaprizov, Lauko + Faber in a row. From Gillette’s Children’s Hospital. #mnwild.
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UPDATE: #TBLightning have signed Nick Paul to a seven-year contract extension worth $3.15 million AAV.
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Pat Maroon said the team will be on Broadway tonight in their Canadian tuxedos. “You can’t miss us.”
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Nikita Kucherov: “There was no question I was going to play. It’s a Game 7.”.
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Luke Schenn’s soon-to-be 5-year old son Kingston is one of Andrei Vasilevskiy’s biggest fans. He pretends to be “Vasy” during knee hockey battles with dad. On Sunday, Vasilevskiy gave him his glove/blocker, with a signed message. @TBLightning
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Steven Stamkos: “Who says we’re done?” Called this worst feeling in sports, but believes they have core to be back here again.
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Brandon Hagel said he was getting packed and ready go to flight to Minnesota with Chicago when he got pulled aside by Kyle Davidson. Didn’t know it was Tampa at first. Tyler Johnson texted him when it was @TBLightning: “You’re going to love it.”.
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Zeev Buium heading to Minnesota tomorrow. Imagine #mnwild will see him Monday at practice. “I can’t wait to put on that jersey.”
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Not sure if there’s better #tblightning free agent recruitment video than Stanley Cup boat parade in Tampa - Jetskis, boats, beautiful weather and booze
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Kirill Kaprizov said Ryan Reaves called him a few days ago and asked if he wanted to dress like an elf (Reaves was Santa). “Yeah why not. Let’s go.” Will he wear it again?” “Maybe next year.”.
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Pat Maroon said he can’t put into words winning three straight Cups: “I was basically crying on the bench with 1:40 left.”.
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BREAKING: #tblightning GM Julien BriseBois said Nikita Kucherov will have hip surgery and he will not play during regular season.
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Really cool to see Rick Peckham’s final call on Brayden Point winner. “Mr. Clutch.”
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Not in bubble for playoffs but a major silver lining is I’m able to be home in Michigan with my father, Dan, who is one day removed from deep brain stimulation surgery. He’s had Parkinson’s for 20 years and is still going strong, my rock. He might write my game story! #luckyson
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Brayden Point centering line with Paul and Colton at today’s practice. First time doing rushes in full skate.
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Brock Faber on his home #mnwild debut: “Everything I could have imagined and maybe even more.” Said about 15 friends and family in stands. “A dream come true.” Crazy just a year ago he was one of the fans in stands.
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BREAKING: @TBLightning will visit the @WhiteHouse as guests of @JoeBiden on Monday to celebrate their 2020 + 2021 Stanley Cup championships. This will be first visit for franchise, as they couldn’t go after ‘04 Cup due to lockout.
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Rod Brind’Amour, who has been in NHL as star player or coach since 1989-90, said this is what he told #TBLightning Andrei Vasilevskiy in handshake line:
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A youth hockey team from Colombia was at skate and got surprised later by #tblightning Victor Hedman and Andrei Vasilevskiy. The 12-and-under group had a blast, including taking shootout attempts on Vezina winner. Vasilevskiy gave up a lot of goals, but brought a ton of smiles
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A shirtless Nikita Kucherov entered Zoom room as teammates were leaving. “Ready for the main event?” I#.
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Can confirm #TBLightning approached Ryan McDonagh about places he’d be open for a trade. Veteran d-man has full NT and four years left on deal. We’ll see where this goes but tough call for Tampa Bay. McDonagh a core player, leader, loved in room. @FriedgeHNIC first to report.
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Jordan Greenway saying his goodbyes on way out of Calgary. Was traded by #mnwild to Sabres for a second rounder and a fifth.
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Andrei Vasilevskiy with a fifth straight shutout in series clinching games. If he’s not Conn Smythe I’ll be stunned.
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Since Game 7 vs #Leafs, Andrei Vasilevskiy has stopped 181 of 185 shots (.978 save percentage).
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It’s pretty amazing too that @TBLightning are doing this - one win from another Cup Final - without Brayden Point. To sweep Panthers and overcome a 2-0 hole to Rangers without a top-10 caliber player says a lot about their depth and determination.
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Steven Stamkos on finally holding Cup: “It still doesn’t feel real. I’m so proud of every single player on this team. It was so amazing to watch. I’m speechless. I’ve been here since day one. The fans have been nothing but amazing. We’re bringing it back to Tampa.”.
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Ryan McDonagh said he’s been working online to finish up his personal finance degree from Wisconsin, he was five classes short. “At least you can tell your kids you have a college degree and when it’s their time to go to school, you can back it up.” #tblightning.
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Pat Maroon: “If there's one team that can do it, it's this team.".
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Injured or not, Kirill Kaprizov is such a gifted skater #mnwild.
Kirill Kaprizov is expected to skate today for first time since injury. What does it mean for his ability to be back before playoffs? My latest #mnwild insider w @RussoHockey. Plus notes on Fleury taking team on dune buggies, Reaves brewing + more
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Biden on Tampa Bay’s run of championships. “I don’t know what the hell you have in the water down there.”
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Steven Stamkos was voted in as last man in for All Star Game. His seventh appearance @TBLightning.
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#mnwild star Kirill Kaprizov in his first skate since injury. Working with Andy Ness.
#mnwild Insider: Kirill Kaprizov is expected to skate this morning for the first time. What’s that mean for his timeline?. Plus, dune buggies, Hartman’s bro, Reaves’ brew, Shaw/Soucy & more. By @JoeSmithNHL and me. 🚨Last day of $1/month promo🚨
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Jon Cooper: “I’ll speak with you tomorrow. You’re going to see what I mean when you see that goal. My heart breaks for the players because we probably still should be playing. I’ll be available tomorrow.”.
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Brock Faber on how atmosphere compared from being a fan on the glass vs player on the ice: "When you’re wondering when you were a kid in the crowd if players hear you or if it effects the game. playing it, it sure does, hearing that crowd, just feeding off that. It was special".
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Jon Cooper says Ondrej Palat will go down as “one of the top players that ever was a Bolt.” @TBLightning.
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Steven Stamkos: “Of the three runs, this is the one we didn't win, but we might be the most proud of, in terms of how hard it was to get here.".
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Matt Dumba said long-time teammate and friend Jonas Brodin called him this morning and put it in perspective. "Hell of a run here in Minny," Dumba said. Said he's keeping house in Eagan, will be home base and summer spot. His work off ice in Twin Cities "won't stop." #mnwild.
Why the @mnwild - and their fans - will miss Matt Dumba: 7 stories, from pranks to hammers to “heartbeat.”.I spoke with a bunch of Dumba’s teammates and coaches for their favorite on and off ice moments. A glimpse into what @ArizonaCoyotes are getting
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Nikita Kucherov on passing Brad Richards record for points in a playoff season in team history: "We didn't come here to break records. We came here to win a Cup.".
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Jon Cooper: “I’m extremely happy for the win. I might be happier for Tyler Johnson.”.
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Kevin Shattenkirk said team talked last night, in morning, talking w/ players in other hub. Became unified: "Any black player in this league, any black player who is a kid coming up playing hockey can feel like they have a voice that the NHL and the sport itself is a safe place".
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Jon Cooper says Nikita Kucherov should be able to play in Game 4. “I never count that kid out.”.
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Ryan McDonagh’s wife gave birth to daughter Nola this morning. Six pounds, 14 ounces. Everyone is healthy and well. Congrats to McDonagh family!.
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Nikita Kucherov back with Brayden Point and Ondrej Palat. A good sign.
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What an electric atmosphere at end. Standing ovation by the record 13,136. Yelling “MINN-E-SOTA!.” A 3-0 win by home team.
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Alex Barre-Boulet claimed by @TBLightning. He’s coming back. And with Kucherov out, he’ll be a nice addition.
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UPDATE: After receiving approvals from local health and government officials, as well as the NHL, the Lightning will welcome approximately 13,500 fans for the second round.
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If I played a drinking game where I had a drink every time cap circumvention showed up in my mentions, I'd be dead right now.
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Pat Maroon said the team wanted to thank @TBLightning fans for all showing up: "I know you froze your butt off. I hope you had a couple cold beers to warm yourself up.".
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Andrei Vasilevskiy has clinched six of the last seven series with a shutout. #tblightning beats Florida 2-0 for sweep, heading to #ECF. Tampa has won 10 straight series, joining the ‘80s #Isles and #70s Habs.
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#tblightning statement on owner Jeff Vinik compensating part-time employees through end of March, including NCAA tournament games and other events at Amalie Arena. Also launching program for assistance with grants for hardships.
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Wow. Steven Stamkos scores on his first shot. Third shift. Couldn’t write better script for #tblightning.
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Steven Stamkos: “It was worth the wait.” Said it was a highlight of a lot of guys lives
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