Sammi’s Daily Mix: Capitals’ Carlson Looks To Rebound, Trashers’ Story Comes To Life

The end of August is finally upon us, and we’re now entering the month of training camp and the NHL preseason, where the Washington Capitals hope their mostly in-tact lineup can rebound for a deep run. Meanwhile, former Washington blueliner Matt Niskanen is making noise. We also got the chance to dive into one of the coolest stories in hockey.

Here are all the latest headlines and everything to know on this fine Tuesday.

Capitals Links

• One of hockey’s most wild, unreal stories comes to life in Netflix’s “Untold: Crimes & Penalties.” We got the chance to sit down with AJ Galante, the son of the “real Tony Soprano” and the GM of the Danbury Trashers, to discuss getting his own pro team from his father and forming “original bad boys of hockey.” (Washington Hockey Now)
• Matt Niskanen had probably the best — and most savage — response to a fan who got a rather unfriendly tattoo featuring the 2018 Stanley Cup Champion. Ian Oland takes a look at the defenseman’s viral post. (Russian Machine Never Breaks)
• Daniel Sprong was among the Capitals’ best goal scorers last season and proved he can play top-6 minutes. J.J. Regan and Andrew Gillis debate if he can keep it going in 2021-22. (NBC Sports Washington)
• John Carlson was a Norris runner-up just a couple of seasons ago and among the best defensemen in the league. Carl Knauf takes a look at whether or not he can return to top form heading into a new season. (The Hockey Writers)

NHL Links

• Connor McDavid has had time to reflect on the Edmonton Oilers’ early playoff exit and prepare for the road ahead over the summer. Sean Leahy caught up with the superstar at BioSteel Camp to discuss the team’s offseason performance, the 2022 Olympics and more. (Pro Hockey Talk)
• The entire Dorchester community honored the late Jimmy Hayes on Monday as his brother Kevin made a heartfelt tribute to the former Boston College forward and NHLer. Joe Haggerty has more on the story. (Boston Hockey Now)
• Team USA shut out Finland to advance to the IIHF Women’s Worlds Finals against Canada. Donna Spencer recaps all the action. (CBC/The Canadian Press)
• The Jesperi Kotkaniemi offer sheet certainly shook up the league, but how could it impact the trade market and even Jack Eichel? Dan Kingerski gives his take. (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Sammi’s Top Shelf Takes

• Huge thanks to AJ Galante for speaking with me about the Danbury Trashers and to Netflix for letting me cover this amazing documentary and story. If you haven’t checked it out, “Untold: Crimes & Penalties” is available to stream on Netflix today. It’s truly unreal, fast-paced and a thrill ride.
• To see how much Jimmy Hayes meant to the Dorchester and hockey community is absolutely inspiring. Rest in peace, “Broadway.”
• There’s a lot of impressive hockey birthdays today: Jean Beliveau, Scott Niedermeyer and hey, even Ryan Kesler and Ondrej Pavelec. Stick taps to you folks.
• Melodie Daoust had a special moment with her son in the stands at the 2021 IIHF Women’s Worlds that just warms our hearts. Canada faces Team USA in the gold medal game on Tuesday.

This is awesome. 🙌🥰 @melodaoust15 pic.twitter.com/UynBk207Vw

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 31, 2021