Chicago Blackhawks center Reese Johnson, right, and Minnesota Wild center Connor Dewar fight during the second period of an NHL preseason hockey game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in Chicago. Anaheim Ducks defenseman Radko Gudas, left, and Arizona Coyotes center Liam O’Brien fight during the second period of a preseason NHL hockey game Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, in Anaheim, Calif.
“Guys who are just quick and witty,” Carolina forward Seth Jarvis said. “I trip over my words and nothing good comes out. It’s fun listening to guys that are almost like a smartass … stuff that comes out naturally.”Changing of the guard in the NHL? AP predicts the Stanley Cup champion and top award winnersWinnipeg defenseman Josh Morrissey said opponents with knowledge of a players’ career or an embarrassing moment are the ones that sting.
“Everyone knows everyone,” he explained. “Sometimes it crosses the line, sometimes not. You gotta be quick. You gotta be snappy.”NHL players also know they have to be careful in an era where microphones are positioned around the rink — and even on players themselves. High-definition television cameras also mean fans can become amateur lip readers.
Vegas center Jack Eichel said that comes with the territory in a wider world that’s undergone significant social change in the last few years.