BHN Puck Links: NHL Analyst Milbury Says Gretzky Needs ‘Some Energy’

While one wouldn’t call it a straight NHL rip job by Mike Milbury on Wayne Gretzky’s TV analyst work, it wasn’t exactly a warm, ringing endorsement either. The former NBC hockey analyst and Boston Bruins defenseman was on the Greg Hill Show on Thursday and the conversation gravitated toward the Great One’s work on TV with TNT thus far.

Milbury gave an unflinchingly accurate assessment that Gretzky is clearly getting used to the broadcasting profession and perhaps needs to inject a little more energy into his work, something that Mad Mike never lacked during his colorful, often critical analysis when NBC had the NHL broadcasting rights.

“Jesus, can you make a comment about the Great One and not be 100 percent positive?” said Milbury, with his trademark edge. “I need a cup of coffee to be honest with you. I thought [Paul] Bissonnette was pretty good. He’s kinda funny and brings it and has the podcast and does a good job of that. I think Wayne is new to the job and he’s going to have to figure out that you’ve got to bring some energy when you’re on camera. You can’t just be kind of monotone-ish.”

GHS- NHL Analyst Mike Milbury joins the show: “I needed a cup of coffee” to watch Wayne Gretzky’s commentary https://t.co/S70imdYLBx

— WEEI (@WEEI) October 21, 2021

Mad Mike may sometimes be blunt, but he’s also on point with his opinions when it comes to hockey. This time is no different. Now on to the BHN Puck Links:

*It’s bad news for the Boston Bruins as Nick Foligno (upper body) is out for tonight’s game against the Buffalo Sabres and is doubtful for Sunday afternoon against the San Jose Sharks. (Boston Hockey Now)

*Jacob Markstrom is something of a “unicorn” for the Calgary Flames and he’s going to have to play like a mythical beast in order for the Flames to get where they want to be. (Calgary Hockey Now)

*Evgeny Kuznetsov has “rekindled that joy” for the game of hockey during a strong start for the Washington Capitals. (Washington Hockey Now)

*Vegas is bracing for Hurricane McDavid to blow through tonight as the Edmonton Oilers are coming to town. (Vegas Hockey Now)

*Which version of Patrik Laine are the Columbus Blue Jackets going to get this season? It’s an interesting question how much will tied into the Jackets overall performance this year. (Sports Illustrated)

*Really good story from colleague Fluto Shinzawa about the star-studded Junior Bruins teams from the 1997 birth year that featured everybody from Charlie McAvoy to Auston Matthews, to Mat Barzal on their roster. (The Athletic)

*Touching segment on TNT about Jimmy Hayes and keeping lines of communication open for people that may be struggling for help.

“If you need help, ask for help.”

Remembering the beautiful life of Jimmy “Broadway” Hayes. pic.twitter.com/ZoXY2XqYdS

— NHLonTNT (@NHL_On_TNT) October 20, 2021

*For something completely different: The more I hear about Charlie Cox being intertwined with Spiderman, the more I like it. (We Got This Covered)