Capitals rolling out same lineup from loss to Sabres against Lightning team led by 140-point scorer Nikita Kucherov
The Washington Capitals face a crucial game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, aiming to secure a playoff spot with Nikita Kucherov as a key threat. [ more ]
Sheldon Keefe on Joseph Woll's performance in the loss to Tampa: "You probably need a save on one of those three goals to keep us going, especially with the quality of goaltending at the other end"
The Maple Leafs' strong defensive performance in the first period was highlighted, but mistakes were capitalized on by the Lightning.
The penalty kill was praised as outstanding, particularly for facing a tough challenge against the top special teams in the league. [ more ]
The Toronto Maple Leafs Lose to the Stanley Cup Finalists...Again
For the 3rd straight season, and the 4th time in the last 5 seasons, the Toronto Maple Leafs were eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs by the eventual runner-up.In 2019 the Toronto Maple Leafs lost to the Boston Bruins.In 2021 they lost to the Montreal Canadiens.In 2022 they lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The Hockey Championship the U.S. Men Just Can't Seem to Win
After a strong start, the U.S. men's hockey team was disappointingly eliminated from the world championship over the weekend.Again.The U.S. team, stocked with many N.H.L. players, had breezed through pool play in Finland with a 7-0 record, then beat the Czech Republic in the quarterfinal.That put the Americans into a semifinal against Germany, a team with players primarily from German League teams like Eisbaren Berlin (the Berlin Polar Bears) and Kolner Haie (the Cologne Sharks).
Two wins away from the Stanley Cup Final thanks to these two Panthers
The Florida Panthers find themselves two wins away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1996.They have accomplished so much already on this postseason run, but there are two players in particular who are leading the charge on the ice.The Florida Panthers are being led by the great play of Matthew Tkachuk and Sergei Bobrovsky.
Islanders & NHL News: Bailey is probably too expensive to keep
Now that we're officially into the offseason, some news is starting to shake loose.Nothing significant has yet happened to the New York Islanders roster, but it's still early in the buyout window-GM and President Lou Lamoriello has until after the draft to make the call about buying out Josh Bailey, so he might as well hold off and see if he can just unload the contract entirely.
Patience is key to success for Blackhawks entering the 2023 NHL Draft
The Chicago Blackhawks have had some pretty crazy NHL Drafts in recent memory.From trading Alex DeBrincat last year to even trading Artemi Panarin a handful of years ago, the draft has been a big spot for the Blackhawks.Being patient has to be a goal for the Hawks at the upcoming 2023 NHL Draft.The Blackhawks have their fair share of draft capital at the 2023 NHL Draft.
When two teams play hockey for 60 minutes, then go for 79 minutes and 47 seconds more of overtime, you immediately turn to the record books.But such is the nature of N.H.L. playoff hockey that the Florida Panthers' 3-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh that ended early Friday morning was not the longest game ever.
How a series of plays from Radko Gudas eliminated the Toronto Maple Leafs from the playoffs
The Florida Panthers finished off the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Five of their second-round series on Friday night.The Panthers got an overtime-winning goal from forward Nick Cousins to send the Leafs packing in front of 20,000 very sad Torontonians.Cousins may have gotten the final glory as the scorer of the eliminating goal, but it was a series of plays from defenseman Radko Gudas that created the opportunity.
Alex Ovechkin names the five other players he would choose to play with on his 'symbolic all-time team'
Alex Ovechkin is back in Russia this offseason and did an extensive interview with Russian soccer-based YouTube channel, It's Football, Bro! on Thursday.Among questions like whether he would play another friendly match with FC Dynamo Moscow this summer, Ovi was asked to choose five other hockey players to play with on his "symbolic all-time team".
Why Corey Perry makes sense for the New York Rangers - Blue Seat Blogs
The New York Rangers struggled with a lack of emotional and intense drive during the latter part of the regular season and playoffs.Despite finishing the regular season with over 100 points, the team's lack of killer instinct prevented them from going far in the playoffs.This is a locker room issue that will likely be addressed by Chris Drury in the offseason, and a name that makes sense for the Rangers is Corey Perry.
The Detroit Red Wings Improved Under New Coach Derek Lalonde
The Detroit Red Wings were in search of a new coach after Jeff Blashill was relieved of his duties.Looking for a new coach that would operate well in Detroit's system, general manager Steve Yzerman sought out his former employer, the Tampa bay Lightning, to find Blashill's replacement in Derek Lalonde.
Kyle Dubas unsure if he will remain with Toronto Maple Leafs | CTV News
Kyle Dubas has a big decision to make.It's one of many facing the Maple Leafs.Toronto's general manager said Monday as the team reflected on its second-round playoff exit that he needs time to decide whether or not he wants to continue in the role with his contract set to expire at the end of June.Dubas said if he does depart the Leafs it will be to spend time with his family after a trying year, adding he won't be joining another organization for next season.
2023 team report cards: Maple Leafs advance, still exit early
Every hockey fan came into the 2022-2023 season aware of how disappointing the Toronto Maple Leafs have been in Stanley Cup Playoffs.Their young core had been tasked with ending a playoff series win drought nearly two decades long and faced immense pressure.Last year, it looked like the Maple Leafs would come through, but this year, they actually did.
The Toronto Maple Leafs Can Steal One of the Panthers' Goons
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been pestered all playoffs long by players with an agenda beyond just trying to win.From Corey Perry and Pat Maroon of the Tampa Bay Lightning to Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, there have been opponents trying to injure the Toronto Maple Leafs.One of the biggest villains in Toronto just took a run at Leafs center David Kampf.
Playoff Player Grades for Each of the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs looked great in the regular season and appeared to be poised to go on a long playoff run.Unfortunately, it was cut short when they ran into some hot goaltending.While the Toronto Maple Leafs broke their playoff drought, the players didn't achieve their ultimate goal of hoisting Lord Stanley's Mug.
3 Toronto Maple Leafs Who Will Be Gone If Leafs Get Swept
If the Toronto Maple Leafs get swept and lose in the second round of the playoffs, except a ton of changes.It's crazy what a week can do for the Toronto Maple Leafs.Doesn't it feel like it was ages ago that we were celebrating the first round win against the Tampa Bay Lightning?For the first time in 19 years, the Leafs were in the second round and things were going to be different.
Game One Gameday: Florida Panthers vs Tampa Bay Lightning
The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning are facing off in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons, setting up a highly anticipated Sunshine State Showdown. [ more ]
Cote: 2 losses, 2 different stories: Florida Panthers still in charge, Heat back in trouble | Opinion
The Florida Panthers did not sweep the Tampa Bay Lightning in the NHL playoffs, but still maintain a series lead, while the Miami Heat faced a tough loss in Game 3 to the Boston Celtics. [ more ]
Eklund, Sharks show early fight before loss to vaunted Lightning
The Sharks faced the Tampa Bay Lightning, outshooting them but still tying the game at one goal apiece. The Sharks showed improvement in their performance despite recent losses. [ more ]
Three Key Offseason Storylines To Follow With The Tampa Bay Lightning
It is weird not seeing the Tampa Bay Lightning not in the Stanley Cup Final this season.This is the first time since 2019 that the Lightning are not playing in the final hockey games of the season, and with today being the potential eve of the final game of the 2023 NHL season, there is no better time to catch up with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Adin Hill has very similar story to former Flames' goaltender Miikka Kiprusoff | Offside
The path to stardom wasn't easy for former Calgary Flames goaltender Mikka Kiprusoff, nor has it been for Adin Hill.Hill, who is currently serving as the No. 1 goaltender for the Vegas Golden Knights, finds himself just two wins away from a Stanley Cup championship.If you were to have watched him since he came into action during the second round versus the Edmonton Oilers, you would think he was one of the best in the business.
Andrew Brunette to be new Nashville Predators head coach with Barry Trotz soon set to take over as GM
The Nashville Predators are making a major change to to their coaching staff.Andrew Brunette will reportedly be Nashville's new head coach, replacing John Hynes after the latter has been behind the bench for four seasons.Brunette will be the first head coach during the general manager Barry Trotz era in Nashville.
Flyers assistant Brad Shaw reportedly a candidate for Capitals open head coaching position
It appears another former Capitals player may be in the running for the open head coaching job in Washington.After former captain Jeff Halpern reportedly entered the race, now current Philadelphia Flyers assistant Brad Shaw, who played four games with the Caps during the 1998-99 season, is rumored to be a candidate for the position.
Ilya Samsonov reveals he injured neck in Game Three, hopes to re-sign with Toronto Maple Leafs
Ilya Samsonov wasn't in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs when they were eliminated by the Florida Panthers in Game Five on Friday.He wasn't even playing backup, instead watching from above after an injury took him out of Game Three.At the Leafs' end-of-season media availability on Monday, Samsonov revealed he had suffered a neck injury on that play.
The biggest surprise of the Stanley Cup playoffs is not what you expect
There have been a lot of shocking moments during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs, but the most surprising element of the postseason is not that Boston is out or that Colorado lost in round one to the Seattle Kraken.The biggest surprise of the Stanley Cup playoffs has to be how lack luster the goaltending has been.
Maple Leafs fans have high hopes as Toronto lives to see another playoff game | CBC News
Maple Leafs fans who gathered in downtown Toronto to watch the hockey team battle for NHL playoff survival were rewarded for their faith and loyalty on Wednesday night.Hundreds of fans in Maple Leaf Square outside the Leafs' home rink Scotiabank Arena were jubilant after the team held out a 2-1 win against the Florida Panthers to cut their second-round series deficit to 3-1 and stave off elimination.