Wake With Elias

Wake With Elias: Smyl Promoted and COVID Raises Questions

Stan Smyl received a promotion and the COVID surge raises questions around the Canucks.

By Markus Meyer Dec 17, 2021, 6:00am PST

Los Angeles Kings v Vancouver Canucks

Canucks News

After going undefeated in his tenure as interim general manager, Stan Smyl has been promoted to Vice President of Hockey Operations:

Vancouver Canucks announce Stan Smyl named Vice-President, Hockey Operations.

DETAILS | https://t.co/gjfKgAW0Zn pic.twitter.com/mCwb6oySUx
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) December 17, 2021

Canucks assistant coach Jason King and defender Tucker Poolman were added to the COVID protocol list, but later tested negative:

#Canucks player and coach tested negative after ending up on COVID list https://t.co/atIMvBK2W7
— Offside (@OffsideDH) December 16, 2021

Despite all the off ice commotion, the Canucks pulled off their sixth straight victory with a 5-2 win over the San Jose Sharks [NHL.com]
With the win, Bruce Boudreau became just the sixth coach in NHL history to start a tenure 6-0:

#Canucks Bruce Boudreau

6th head coach in NHL history to begin his tenure 6-0-0 with a new team pic.twitter.com/yPjgsdnEz6
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 17, 2021

And a post-game recap from Chris Faber [CanucksArmy]

Hockey News

Some big news from the Montreal Canadiens, as no fans were allowed in the arena for their contest against the Philadelphia Flyers:

Update regarding Flyers-Canadiens gamehttps://t.co/Q9VfOOfvBk
— Canadiens Montréal (@CanadiensMTL) December 16, 2021

The Florida Panthers are dealing with some COVID challenges, including with key players:

#FlaPanthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Frank Vatrano have entered COVID-19 protocols and are unavailable for tonight’s game.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) December 16, 2021

Drew Doughty has also entered COVID protocol:

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Drew Doughty has entered the NHL's COVID-19 protocol.https://t.co/0mIaxNan0C
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) December 16, 2021

And the PHF is dealing with COVID complications, with Boston Pride games being rescheduled:

The PHF has announced that the regular season games scheduled for Saturday December 18, 2021 & Sunday December 19, 2021 between the BOS Pride & the host MET Riveters have been postponed due to COVID-19 protocols affecting the Boston Pride.

Details: https://t.co/XnjjlvbjMK pic.twitter.com/7JzdHBlbMB
— PHF (@PHF) December 16, 2021