Latest news with #Ferraro
Edmonton Journal
5 days ago
- Sport
- Edmonton Journal
'This ends now': It's time for change in Edmonton Oilers nets, but what to do?
Article content The one big thing experts agree on when it comes to the goalie situation of the Edmonton Oilers is that it's time for change, even if that is for change itself. But in trying to make such a move, ESPN analyst Ray Ferraro said the Oilers are 'in a tough spot.' Article content On his Ray & Dregs podcast, Ferraro suggested there's no question that Florida's Sergei Bobrovsky was a better goalie in the 2025 Final than Edmonton's tandem of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard. Article content Edmonton could try to sign veteran New Jersey goalie Jake Allen as an Unrestricted Free Agents, but there a few teams competing to sign him, Ferraro said. 'He's a free agent. How much money can you put into your (goalie) position? Because you need it so definitively in other places (on the Oilers roster). They're in a tough spot.' Anaheim's John Gibson is another name out there, Ferraro said, but will Anaheim be willing to retain cap space? 'That's an expensive trade both, I would think, in assets and in dollars. Like, they're in a tough spot there. But I think might even be in the place of change for change, is part of what they need to do. I don't think you can go back with the same goaltending… There would be an undercurrent all year with the same goaltending. And that's unfortunately, I mean, that's the nature of that bloody position, right?' Article content At the New York Post, columnist Larry Brooks said $10-million-per-year Bobrovsky was, in fact, the difference-maker in both Florida's 2024 and 2025 Cup wins. It's wise to spend on a goalie, Brooks said. 'There have been exceptions to the rule, but the notion that legit contenders can get by with middle-tier netminders has always been patently absurd. I'm not sure whether Edmonton GM Stan Bowman was more derelict in his duty by attempting to get by with a goaltending tandem of Stuart Skinner ($2.6M per) and Calvin Pickard ($1M) — 3.6 percent of the cap, whoop-de-do — or failing to match last summer's offer sheets to Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway. Unless McDavid has already decided that it is best for him and his family to leave Edmonton for perhaps a major market city in the East — and we all know we are talking about New York and Toronto — then the Oilers' ability to acquire a franchise-type goaltender surely will impact No. 97's decision whether to sign an extension.' Article content And Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said on his 32 Thoughts podcast, 'I don't know if they're going to bring in another goalie to go with Skinner, or they're going to move on. But one thing I do believe is that they have to end the uncertainty. Like teams that win the Stanley Cup, you don't have as much turnover or upheaval in net the way Edmonton's had the last two years. And I could see McDavid and the organization saying, 'Enough of that. We have to end that one way or the other. Whatever you do, this ends now.'' My take 1. I don't want to see the Oilers trade Stuart Skinner, not with Skinner on a bargain contract of $2.6 million this season. But his save percentage has decreased three years in a row, from. 913 to .905 to .896, and he's always been a hot and cold goalie. He was inconsistent in the 2025 playoffs, cold against Los Angeles, hot against Vegas and Dallas, then cold against Florida. His playoff save percentages the last three years have been mediocre, .883, .901 and .889. Article content Skinner may have a break-out season where he puts his game together. But it's evident that to challenge for the Cup, the Oilers need a goalie who can challenge Skinner for the starting job. 2. Calvin Pickard, 33, had an OK .900 save percentage in the regular season, then went seven wins and one loss in the playoffs on an .886 save percentage. He's a good back-up goalie, but he's not likely the guy to lead Edmonton to the Stanley Cup in the playoffs. I agree with Brooks that Bobrovsky has been Florida's best player in the Finals two years running. He stole two wins for the Panthers in 2024 and was the better goalie in Game 7 as well. He was the better goalie in at least four out of the six games this Stanley Cup Final. 3. All that said, OIlers GM Stan Bowman truly is in a tough spot here. First, there's limited cap space on the Oilers to pay a goalie. There's also a limited number of goalies available just now. Third, goalies really are voodoo, as Bowman has suggested, with Skinner and Pickard outplaying much more highly-paid and highly-rated goalies in VGK's Adin Hill and Dallas' Jake Oetteringer in the playoffs this year. Article content 4 It may well be that change for change's sake is needed here. The Oilers have rolled the dice with Skinner and Pickard twice and had some success, but not ultimate success. If a starter is available, possibly in a trade for Viktor Arvidsson, Bowman should think hard before pulling the trigger, but also think hard before rejecting the notion. 5. I fear things could get ugly if the Oilers stick with Skinner and Pickard, and the teams continue to get inconsistent goaltending. Why not mix it up? Pickard could be kept on as a goalie in Bakersfield in case of injury, or in case either of the other goalies flops. Latest National Stories
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I always hated it': NHL expert blasts Edmonton Oilers for major tactical fail
This in from ESPN's Ray Ferraro, perhaps the sharpest commentator in hockey, his assessment of the failure of the Edmonton Oilers to cleanly move the puck out of their own end in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup playoffs. On The Ray & Dregs podcast, Ferraro noted the Oilers often attempted to lob the puck out, only to lose possession in the neutral zone and have the pounding Panthers come right back at them. 'That high flip has become a tactic around the league,' Ferraro said. 'And I always hated it because we finally get the puck, and now it's like we're on the punt coverage team. Right? They flip it up, we go down, they've got the puck again. Like, why can't we pass it out? And if Edmonton's D can get back to make a first clean touch, I think their first play has got to go up the middle of the ice. You rim it around the boards, and Florida just snuffs it out. Like, (Edmonton needs to) get back quick as you can. Maybe that open spot is the middle of the ice, and that backs off their D. And if it doesn't, then you can go to the high flip.' Ferraro added: 'But it's not easy, right? Like Florida is not going to give you any time to do it.' 1. To check the validity of Ferraro assessment I went over zone exist in the first period when the Oilers were most on their back heal against the Panthers. Florida built up a 2-0 lead in the first period on two even strength goals, the second one coming after the Oilers failed to advance the puck, Edmonton's Mattias Ekholm whiffing on a clearance and Florida charging right back into the Oilers zone to score. 2. I looked at every time the Panthers or the Oilers gained possession of the puck when they were in their own d-zone. If they made a clean break out play — which included any d-zone clearance that went deep into their opponent's end and gave the clearing team a chance to forecheck effectively — they got a passing grade. If the puck was picked off in the d-zone or neutral zone leading to a quick counterattack, they got a failing grade. 3. Florida made clean exits on 26 out of 40 attempts, a success rate of 65 per cent. 4. Edmonton made clean exits on 26 out of 53 attempts, a success rate of 49 per cent. 5. That's a significant difference between the two teams. That's a major advantage for the Panthers. In building their 2-0 lead, they relied heavily on effective counterattacks, while thwarting Edmonton's attempt at the same. This led to more offensive zone time for the Panthers and led directly to one goal. 6. So what to do? The Oilers have seven d-men who can move the puck. But Troy Stecher struggled most to move it against Florida in Game 5. John Klingberg is a sound passer of the puck and more creative than Stecher. The Oilers should likely go back to him. Ekholm also had his struggles, so maybe move him back to pair up with Evan Bouchard. Darnell Nurse and Klingberg would be one other pairing, with Brett Kulak and Jake Walman rounding things out. These d-men can all make a pass. They can all skate with the puck. They're full capable of beating the Florida forecheck, even as the checkers come in fast, hard and dirty. Lobbing the puck out or rimming the puck around the boards didn't work will in Game 5. Not one lob or rim worked to move the puck out under possession in that key period. The play can work as a last resort, but they also fly in the face of Edmonton's strength, quick advancement of the puck to fast forwards like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. It also strikes me that Edmonton's centres might provide a bit more support in the d-zone, working with the d-men to advance it, something Florida excels at, a three-man unit pushing the puck up ice, two d-men and usually the centre helping out. 7. The key to this series is whether Edmonton's d-man puck movement can get the best of that fierce Florida. forecheck. If Edmonton can, they will launch dangerous counterattacks and be more able to dump the puck in places where Oilers forecheckers can create havoc, either winning the puck or hammering on the Florida defenders. It's time for Edmonton to launch it's own blitz of passing, skating and hitting. Florida is at their worst in their own defensive half of the ice. They can be exploited with stretch passes for breakaways. Now is the time. Game 6 is the moment.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Keeping children safe during the pool season
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4. It's the second leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages 5 to 14. This information comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A national nonprofit wants to bring an end to unintentional drownings. It's called the ZAC Foundation. The foundation was established in 2008. The founders, Karen and Brian Cohn, suffered the loss of their six-year-old son, Zachary, in a pool drain entrapment in their backyard swimming pool. Megan Ferraro is the executive director of the ZAC Foundation. She is also the chair of the U.S. National Water Safety Action Plan. She spoke about the developing action plan being designed in Austin and Central Texas to keep children safe during the summer season. There were 103 drownings in Texas in 2024. Ferraro spoke about the role parents play in making sure their children are safe. The simple and easy-to-do safety tips begin with keeping your toddler/child within arm's reach and making sure you're watching them at all times. If you have a pool at home, make sure there is appropriate fencing of some variety around the pool and lock it when the pool is not in use to prevent the young ones from getting in and falling into the water. Ferraro talked about the importance of getting your children swimming lessons, and, if needed, swimming lessons for yourself if you don't know how to swim. The ZAC Foundation's commitment to keeping children safe is enhanced through a partnership with community partners, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs, to provide ZAC camps. The goal? To ensure these organizations have a drowning prevention action plan to reduce, if not eliminate, drowning rates. The ZAC Foundation has an informative website that offers tips to prevent drowning, and safety precautions for all child age groups from infant to toddler to teen. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Nutella unveils its first-ever new flavor in 60 years: Here's when it will hit U.S. shelves
Nutella is making history with the launch of its first-ever new flavor in six decades. Since debuting in 1964, the beloved hazelnut spread has become a household favorite worldwide, known for its signature taste and loyal fan base. Despite its massive popularity, Nutella has never officially launched a new flavor—until now, marking a major moment for the iconic brand. Also Read: Hooters announces shutdown of over 30 restaurants: See full list of which locations closed In a press statement earlier this week, Ferraro, the parent company, revealed a new Peanut Nutella flavor. The company called the new flavour 'a bold yet natural evolution for a product rooted in tradition but ready to surprise,' adding that it 'combines the distinctive creaminess of Nutella cocoa hazelnut spread with the delicious taste of roasted peanuts,' as reported by the Daily Mail. The Chicago Tribune revealed that the production of the new product will also begin in the US at its Franklin Park and Ferraro will 'invest $75 million in the plant'. This will also generate new job opportunities. Seth Gonzalez, Nutella's senior director of marketing, clarified that the new product should not be mistaken for peanut butter. He told Tribune, 'We didn't want it to be another peanut butter; there's a reason why cocoa is still connected as a peanut-and-cocoa formula, instead of just peanuts.' Also Read: One Piece LEGO sets inspired by live-action series officially revealed: Release date, preorders, and full set list The new Nutella spread is set to hit U.S. store shelves by spring 2026—but there's a catch. Despite global excitement, the new flavor will be available exclusively in the United States. Michael Lindsay, who is the President and Chief Business Officer of Ferrero North America, shared, 'Developing Nutella and Ferrero Rocher products specifically for the North American market represents a defining moment in our company's history,' as reported by the Daily Mail. He added that these new products are designed to connect with both 'loyal fans' and 'new consumers', strengthening Ferrero's leading position in North America
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nutella just announced its 1st new flavor in over 60 years. Not everyone's excited about it.
Iconic hazelnut and cocoa spread Nutella is debuting a new flavor in spring 2026, and it's ideal for peanut butter enthusiasts. The original Nutella, which hails from Italian company Ferraro, is synonymous with the rich taste of chocolate and hazelnut. The new flavor — which marks Nutella's first since 1964 — adds a twist to the original recipe. It's called Nutella Peanut, and, according to the Ferraro website, the new product blends the 'distinctive creaminess of Nutella cocoa hazelnut spread with the delicious taste of roasted peanuts.' 'Developing Nutella and Ferrero Rocher products specifically for the North American market represents a defining moment in our company's history,' Michael Lindsey, Ferraro's North America president and chief business officer, said in a statement. 'These innovations will engage both loyal fans and new consumers, boosting our power brands and further solidifying our position as a category leader in North America.' Another bonus? Nutella Peanut is also dairy-free and, though not marketed as such, appears to be a vegan product as well. This comes on the heels of Nutella's plant-based versio, which launched in 2024 and is available only in select markets in Italy, France and Belgium. While the new flavor won't be on the market for another year, people who have not yet tried the product are already sharing their strong opinions on social media about the vegan peanut spread. 'Hazelnuts to peanuts??' one commented on a TikTok sharing the news. 'So they're making peanut butter.' 'Why do we need peanut flavored nut butter?' another questioned in a separate comments section. Others were unhappy that the new flavor includes peanut, as it is a common allergen: 'Wasn't the whole point of Nutella is to be a replacement for peanut butter for those who couldn't eat it?' one asked. Another noted that they only reason they choose Nutella is that they are 'allergic to every nut' with the exception of hazelnuts. A third wrote that they love that the new flavor is dairy-free but noted they really love the taste of the hazelnut spread. 'Can we have the regular flavor but just dairy free?' they asked, noting that other dairy-free Nutella-like products out there are 'always peanut- or almond-based' with 'no hazelnut in sight.' (It's worth noting that Nutella Peanut will incorporate hazelnut as well as peanut.) Still, others were excited: 'I'm dairy-free so this is a win for me,' one Nutella fan added. Another shared, 'As someone who's allergic to dairy I'm very excited.' Meanwhile, people were also inspired to share their own ideas for the next Nutella flavor. Plenty of people were hoping that the next flavor would incorporate pistachio for a Dubai chocolate bar take, while others asked for white chocolate or strawberry. And, hey, given that this is the first new Nutella flavor in more than six decades, the sky really is the limit.
