Islanders and Playoff News: Hammers, conference finals

The NHL’s third round begins tonight, and the Islanders’ relocated AHL affiliate will announce its new name.

Islanders News

• AHL Hamilton will be called the Hammers. [THN]
• World Championships: Tomas Holmstrom get a goal and an assist (Emil Heineman two assists) in Sweden’s loss to the Czech Republic. [Isles] They next take on Slovakia, while the U.S. and Danny Nelson Germany.
• Anders Lee discusses his program awarding scholarships to high school students who help cancer patients. [Isles]
• Stan Fishler describes Brock Nelson as a “shadow star.” [NHL]

Elsewhere

• As the conference finals begin, with the Avalanche and Hurricanes each looking to extend incredible runs. [NHL]
• Previewing Avalanche vs. Knights. [Sportsnet]
• Previewing Canadiens vs. Hurricanes. [Sportsnet]
• Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmons faced the music, sort of, coming out with statements acknowledging team and John Tortorella fault for not bothering to speak after they beat the Ducks to advance. He also said correct, they have not granted permission to anyone to speak to Bruce Cassidy because it would disrupt their “focus” in the playoffs. You know, it would be a distraction otherwise… [Sportsnet]
• The new Canucks regime fired Adam Foote; Manny Malhotra seems to be a front-runner to replace him. [Sportsnet]
• The Devils aren’t firing Sheldon Keefe though. [Sportsnet]
• Here are the compensation levels for those RFA offer sheets you swear the Isles should make. [Sportsnet]