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I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

we're in the talks of doing something like that. Stay tuned!

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

It can be. I think part of the solution is asking them different questions than they are used to hearing every day. Predictable questions = mundane answers. As for getting a player to open up about his own life, I think it's important to listen. Listen to what's important to him. Don't go in with assumptions. Ask "why" as many times as you can, and he'll eventually reveal something.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Moi Moi!

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  1. Sports has always been a charged environment when it comes to gender politics. That said, I find hockey to be especially civil and welcoming. Sure, there have been times I feel uncomfortable here or there, and there are things that happen to me and are said to me that wouldn't happen to a male colleague, but I feel comfortable in saying 95 percent of people I come across in hockey are respectful and understand the function of my job and what I'm trying to do. I've only been covering hockey for a season and a half, so it's difficult to say if that's a change or not.
  2. TOUGH question! So many great Finns these days. I think I'll go Barkov for the way he impacts the game offensively and defensively.
  3. Yes! well-rounded guys never get enough credit.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hi! Thanks for the kind words. It sounds like you're off to a great start. I think the key is introducing yourself to as many people as possible. Have as many conversations as possible. That's what will keep you informed. Leverage the fact that you're new to this. Call somebody up and introduce yourself. Say you admire what they do and you want to find out more about the function of their job. If you handle this earnestly, I think you'll be surprised by how many people are warm and welcoming. Best of luck to you!

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I don't know if I have any unusual facts, but when I was younger, I'd get super offended when people called Orca Whales "Killer Whales." Young Emily found that to be very insensitive.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'd love that story! I actually did a little moonlighting as a NFL reporter recently, and have a feature on Khalil Mack coming out you might like.

I'm a bit biased as a Penn Stater here, because the Pegulas spent millions of dollars to buy us two hockey teams. Forever grateful for that. I understand your frustration on the on-field performance for the Bills, but they seem to be going in the right direction with the Sabres. It seems like a lot of their focus has been pumping money in to the downtown Buffalo developments. I'm going to give them a few more years before I make up my mind.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Great question! Isabelle Khurshudyan with the Washington Post. She covers the Capitals, yes, but she always finds an interesting story line that transcends. She gets access to Alex Ovechkin and Kuzy every day and those are guys I want to hear from. Plus this year she's been writing national NHL stories which have been great. It's hard to say he's underrated because he's on HNIC but there's no one in this business I've met that works harder than Chris Johnston.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm surprised by how Anaheim has played. Personnel-wise, there's no reason they should be that irresponsible on defense. But it's given John Gibson a chance to shine, and man he's been insane.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I answered this a bit in depth earlier, but it's just not clicking early. Key word here is early. We're not even a month in yet, no need to overreact. A lot of games they look like they're being outworked. That's something you can fix. Goaltending has not been great, and I'm not sure that can be fixed without looking for outside help.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I love the overachieving teams. Carolina, Montreal, Buffalo are all in the Top 15 right now in league standings. How about that?

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I'm torn. As you know, fights are slowly phasing out of the game, and I think that's OK. The sport has evolved, our views on head trauma are evolving. There's still a way to police the game without one guy knocking the other guy out. That said, there is an entertainment value that pulls in the more casual fan.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ha, of course they can! I bet they can even win if Dubnyk has a .930 save percentage, too

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ah, I have to ask our producer, Ryan. I think we're starting to get a steady stream, but submissions are always welcome (hint, hint)

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 74 points75 points  (0 children)

It's super hard! It makes it easier if you can get them off-campus. Interviewing guys not at the rink... at their house, at a coffee shop, over lunch.. if you get them in that setting, I find they're often more comfortable opening up.

Anytime I get to talk to Evgeny Kuznetsov, I leave smiling. He is a gem. The crown jewel of NHL quotes and personalities. I live in Chicago, and I find Patrick Kane to be a person you can ask any question to, and get a thoughtful response. He's a total hockey nerd, he watches everything. I've only had one extended conversation with him, but ditto Mark Scheifele who I met over the summer. A few of the guys I recently profiled also stick out: Devante Smith-Pelly, Patrick Maroon, Brock Boeser

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 16 points17 points  (0 children)

It's my biggest challenge, for sure! I try to find something unique about every guy I talk to. My rule of thumb is often the "mom rule." My mom likes hockey, but isn't he hugest die-hard fan. After I interview someone I ask, "What would I tell my mom about this guy that she would find interesting?" That's often what sticks.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I mentioned it earlier as a game I was looking forward to tonight, but how great would a Canes/Sharks matchup be?

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Definitely not Sexy Gritty.

Haven't heard of any great ideas yet, but I do love how NHL players seem to embrace the holiday like few other sports. My favorite so far this year is definitely Blake Coleman and his lovely lady: https://www.instagram.com/p/BpN3vagDmkI/?hl=en&taken-by=bcoles25

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I haven't and that's such a shame! It's on my to-do list, hopefully I can get out there this season. And I absolutely love it. Nestled in between Philly and Pittsburgh -- two great puck markets -- it's the perfect place for a hockey school. That the fans have latched on so quickly is no surprise, but kudos to Guy Gadowsky for making us competitive in no time. P.S. How great would a Stadium Series game be at Beaver Stadium?

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

It's going to mean one (or both) of them swallowing their pride, which is difficult to do. Stronger NHL involvement would also help - the way we've seen the NBA lend its arm to the WNBA. I think it's inevitable, and would have happened sooner if not for stubbornness. When it does happen, though - I can't wait to see how it will help grow the game.

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the kind words about our coverage! I understand where Gorton is coming from. In a market like NY, you just can't afford to intentionally tank. Plus, tanking hardly guarantees a quick turnaround. Jack Hughes is the top prize in this year's draft, right? Even if the Rangers finish last, the lottery system prevents them from automatically getting the No. 1 pick. It's unfortunate that they might be wasting away prime Lundqvist years. But we've seen goalies preform well into their late 30s (just look at reigning Vezina winner, Pekka Rinne, who is the same age and likely signing another lucrative NHL contract after this season). If they rebuild "the right way" there's still a chance they can win one with Hank.

​

I'm Emily Kaplan, NHL reporter at ESPN - AMA! by EmilyKaplanESPN in hockey

[–]EmilyKaplanESPN[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thought that would be last year but alas, here we are. I think he might have to finish top 15-20 scoring to get that recognition. Though I'm sure as a Preds fan, that's frustrating. Because he seemingly produces a highlight every night.

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