Bruins Notes: Boston's Penalty Kill Comes Up Huge In Win Vs. Capitals
The Boston Bruins defeated the Washington Capitals 3-2 in a shootout after killing a double minor high sticking penalty in overtime.
Bruins earned two points and their sixth consecutive 100-plus-point season with goals from Jake DeBrusk, David Pastrnak, and Kevin Shattenkirk. [ more ]
Sheldon Keefe after the Leafs' 6-4 loss in Vancouver: "For the most part, I thought we were the better team and did a lot of good things, but you can't spot them three and expect to win"
Alex Ovechkin needs 72 goals.but he'd probably like his team to be better too.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
Lucas Johansen's game-saving shot blocks crucial in Hershey's Game Four Calder Cup Finals victory
The Hershey Bears tied up their Calder Cup Finals series with the Coachella Valley Firebirds 2-2 on Thursday night.The Bears' top line scored all three of the goals in the 3-2 victory but the true unsung hero of the win was perhaps a defenseman who didn't even tally a single point, Lucas Johansen.Johansen came up with multiple clutch defensive plays, including two in the final moments of regulation that powered Hershey to their second win in the series.
The Edmonton Oilers lost to the Vegas Golden Knights, ending their 16-game winning streak and falling one short of the longest NHL streak.
The key to the Oilers' turnaround has been the work done by Kris Knoblauch and his staff in improving the team's scoring, defensive structure, goaltending, and penalty kill. [ more ]
Fans' guide for Rangers-Capitals: Key matchups, stats, how to watch
The New York Rangers have the best power play in the NHL, with a success rate of 30.0%. This is their highest power play percentage since 1977-78.
The Rangers' penalty kill ranks in the top six in the NHL, with an 84.4% success rate. They are one of two teams in the league to rank in the top six in both power play and penalty kill, along with the Boston Bruins. [ more ]
Toronto Marlies vs. Rochester Americans - Calder Cup North Division Final Preview & Schedule
The Toronto Marlies' reward for a hard-fought four-game series victory against Utica is a playoff meeting with another cross-border NY rival.Rochester and Toronto have previously met three times in the playoffs with each matchup happening in the first round.The Marlies hold the upper hand with a 3-0 sweep in each series dating back to 2012, 2013, and most recently in 2019.
Nicklas Backstrom had a life-altering hip surgery last year.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
James Reimer 2023 player review: Starting goaltender by default
2023 Player ReviewsJames Reimer was the Sharks' #1 goaltender this season, but it was really by default.For goaltender James Reimer the story off the ice became so much more than the player on it.As most (all?) Sharks fans know Reimer made international headlines when he decided not to wear a Pride jersey during warmups in March 2023.
Second period collapse results in lopsided loss as Toronto Marlies fall 2-0 down in series vs. Rochester
"If I'm evaluating our team's play compared to Game 1, it was so much better.In the long run, if we keep playing like this, we give ourselves a good chance to come back in this series regardless of where it is right now."I understand the need for head coach Greg Moore to remain positive about his team outside of the locker room.
The Carolina Hurricanes are in position to eliminate the New Jersey Devils.The Devils need to play a nearly perfect road game to stay alive in the series.Who, or what, will be the deciding factor in that team will be victorious?Below are some things to watch for in game 5 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey on Thursday night.
Ryan Chyzowski scores twice, Toronto Marlies take 2-1 series lead with victory in Utica
Ryan Chyzowski produced three points in an injury-stricken 36-game regular season, scoring twice.The winger opened the scoring and netted the game-winner of Game 3 in Utica as the Toronto Marlies moved within one win of advancing.First Period The Marlies played an almost perfect first period on the road, not only limiting chances for Utica but keeping a raucous crowd quiet.
The Los Angeles Kings lost Game 6 on home ice to the Edmonton Oilers, which ended their 2022-23 season.This was another back-and-forth affair like we've seen many times in this series, and ultimately the Kings came up short.A first round exit against the Oilers was how their season ended last year as well, but there is a lot we have learned over this year.
3 reasons the Florida Panthers will win the Stanley Cup
The Florida Panthers are the 2023 Eastern Conference champions, and beginning on Saturday, they will compete for the first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history.This 2023 edition of the Stanley Cup Final will be the Panthers' second appearance in the championship series.Their first came back in 1996 when they were defeated by the Colorado Avalanche in four games.
Gritty Bruins Win 'Emblematic' Of Stanley Cup Playoff Expectations
BOSTON - It isn't normal for a team to dominate the regular season and enter the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the overwhelming favorite to win it all.Yet again, the Bruins aren't a normal team.Boston has kept a torrid pace throughout the year, putting itself on track to break the NHL record for wins and points in an 82-game season.
The New York Islanders closed out their western road trip on a high note.After a 5-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on March 14 and a 6-3 win over the Anaheim Ducks the following night, they overwhelmed the San Jose Sharks 4-1 in a dominant victory.Related: 4 Takeaways From Islanders' 6-3 Win vs Ducks The Islanders winning two of their three games on the road trip not only allowed them to maintain their playoff spot but also leap into the top wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jonah Gadjovich 2023 player review: Rounding out the bottom six
2023 Player ReviewsAs a fourth line role player, Jonah Gadjovich did precisely what the Sharks wanted/needed him to do.While San Jose Sharks General Manager Mike Grier has yet to land those high end, high talent players for the Sharks, he has done a great job of rounding out the bottom six.During his first offseason, Grier created a game plan for the Sharks.
NHL Awards: Sharks' Erik Karlsson headlines Norris Trophy nominees
The NHL has begun rolling out the finalists for each of its major awards, with several nominees already announced.As a first-year member of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association, Yahoo Sports was not granted an official ballot this year, but that doesn't mean we can't get in on the fun.Stay tuned for updates throughout the week as the nominees are unveiled, culminating with the Hart Trophy on Friday, May 12. Norris Trophy Nominees: Adam Fox (Rangers), Erik Karlsson (Sharks), Cale Makar ( Avalanche) Yahoo Sports' ballot Adam Fox, Erik Karlsson, Hampus Lindholm (Bruins), Cale Makar, Rasmus Dahlin (Sabres) We have a larger breakdown of each major candidate's season and a number of Canucks fans took umbrage with the idea that we didn't place Quinn Hughes in the top-five.
Canucks: Third-Line Centres to Target in Free Agency
On March 23, Rick Dhaliwal said the Vancouver Canucks are making it clear they will target a third-line centre in free agency.However, the Canucks are already over the cap limit for next season.Dhaliwal adds the organization will attempt to create space through trades and buyouts.If the club clears up space for a third-line centre, they have a few options to target.
Florida Panthers/ Carolina Hurricanes Game 3: Injuries, Lineups, More
The Florida Panthers have a chance to go up 3-0 in the ECF against the Carolina Hurricanes.The Panthers have been the story of the playoffs and look to keep their winning streak going.Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk has been on fire, scoring two game winning goals.Does Carolina have a bounce back game in game 3, or does Florida put a stranglehold on the series?
New Jersey Devils/Carolina Hurricanes Game 4: Keys, Lineups, and More
The New Jersey Devils earned a win in the series, an 8-4 offensive show in Game 3. Several key players stepped up for New Jersey, including Jack Hughes, who recorded four points.We now move to Game 4 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.Now that the Devils have a win, how does this change the series, if at all?
New York Rangers/New Jersey Devils Game 7: Lineups, Keys, And More
Game 7.That is all that needs to be said.The winner advances to round two and, the loser goes home.This is the game in which anything can, and likely will, happen.The New Jersey Devils and the New York Rangers head to the Prudential Center in New Jersey to settle this back-and-forth series.Both teams have been excellent at times and bad at others.
Bruins to take second shot at eliminating Panthers in Game 6
Game 5 between the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers required overtime, and the Cats were able to stave off elimination, sending this series to Game 6.With that sixth game set to be played tonight, the B's will need to quickly refocus and attempt to close out this series.It seemed as though they had ironed out the kinks heading into Game 5, but here they are, making another trip to Sunrise.
As we previously established, the Detroit Red Wings have a few organizational deficiencies that they need to address this offseason.Adding right-handed depth to the blue line is one of those priorities.To do so, they can trade for the next Jake Walman.What do you mean?Walman is left-handed.True, but there is one player out there that could be another hidden gem who exceeds expectations in Detroit.
Heading into Tuesday night, the general sentiment amongst Calgary Flames fans was that their team needs to be nearly perfect down the stretch to get into a playoff position.That said, the first of their final eight games wasn't an easy one, as they were taking on a red-hot L.A. Kings team.They were able to persevere, however, putting together one of their better efforts of the season to walk away with a 2-1 victory.
Bruins: 3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Dmitry Orlov
After their embarrassing first-round collapse, the 65-win Bruins are now set for an offseason of changes.The Bruins have several pending unrestricted free agents and limited cap space due to the $4.5 million cap hit penalty for the Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci bonuses.As a result, we could see Dmitry Orlov leave the Bruins through free agency this summer.
Caps fight back from road deficit but cant find the win: numbers for the morning after
The Washington Capitals met their bitter rivals in the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night and just like most Caps vs Pens games, it was a good one.The Caps made a three-goal comeback in the game but were unable to leave Pittsburgh victorious.Bummer.The overall effort from the Caps was pretty good.
Capitals Playoff Hopes Dashed In Comeback Effort, Fall To Penguins 4-3
With their long-shot playoff hopes on the line, the Washington Capitals returned to the road and faced off against the Pittsburgh Penguins.The Caps, four points behind Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference standings, badly needed a win to do anything but extinguish their postseason hopes, but they were soundly out-classed by a final score of 4-3 in the third and final matchup between the two Metropolitan division rivals.
Toronto Maple Leafs Lose; Can No Longer Afford to Play Justin Holl
The Toronto Maple Leafs failed to advance last night against Tampa, but did put up a solid showing, nearly clawing their way back, but falling just short.Though the effort was excellent, it's frustrating to see the Toronto Maple Leafs continually fail to dress their best lineup.Enough is enough.Barring an injury to the blue line, the Toronto Maple Leafs cannot have Justin Holl play another minute for the team.
Sheldon Keefe on the Maple Leafs' 3-2 win over Nashville: "Four slot shots against at five-on-five is the fewest we've given up all season"
Sheldon Keefe addressed the media after his team's 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators which improved the Leafs' record to 44-20-9.On the team's performance: Really good.We'd like to score more with the chances that we had to extend the lead and make it a little more comfortable.You leave them within striking distance.
Blue Jackets 5, Islanders 4 (OT): Isles erase two-goal deficit but fall on Jenner's OT PPG
The New York Islanders maintained the top wild card position by earning a regulation point but will have to feel an opportunity was missed as they lost 5-4 in overtime in Columbus, to a Blue Jackets team that is battling the Sharks for last place in the league.If there is some solace, beyond the single standings point, it's that the Islanders achieved it with an impressive third-period push to erase a two-goal deficit.
How David Pastrnak Thinks Bruins Can Get On Same Page As Officials
The Bruins need to play more disciplined, stay out of the penalty box, and focus on 5-on-5 play to avoid further penalties and improve their performance. [ more ]
Ullmark's 32 saves, assist lead Bruins over Predators 3-0
Linus Ullmark's stellar performance with a shutout and an assist led Boston Bruins to a 3-0 victory over Nashville Predators.
Bruins' penalty kill was crucial in denying Nashville on all four power plays, limiting them to only three shots on goal with the man advantage. [ more ]
Recap: Rangers Cool Their Jets In Loss to Winnipeg
The Rangers lost to the Jets due to a late-minute goal after a busy schedule. Both teams demonstrated strong defensive play in the first period. [ more ]
Devils win first playoff series in 11 years triumph over Rangers in Game 7, 4-0 | amNewYork
NEWARK It's been over 10 years since the New Jersey Devils have won a playoff series.But with a rookie goaltender and strong special team plays, the drought is finally over.Akira Schmid out-dueled Igor Shesterkin with 31 saves, while the Devils overwhelmed their arch-rivals in a 4-0 Game 7 rout Monday night.
On limiting Adam Fox's penalty kill minutes: A potential solution to managing his minutes - Blue Seat Blogs
May 6, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden.Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY SportsThe NY Rangers are headed to the playoffs barring an historic collapse.Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 6 points, as the Florida Panthers can only top out at 99 points to the Rangers current 94 points.
The Boston Bruins had a strong penalty kill and scored quick goals in the opening minutes of the game, leading them to a 4-0 shutout victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Linus Ullmark earned his first shutout of the season and seventh shutout of his career, stopping 17 shots. [ more ]
TJ Oshie had a rough season, but didn't we all?By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.comshows how the player has impacted play when on the ice.
Sonny Milano was brought in to help out when the Caps were hurt, but he is more than a spare part.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
Anthony Mantha didn't deliver goals, and he was punished for it.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
Oh boy.The Evgeny Kuznetsov review.Strap in.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.comshows how the player has impacted play when on the ice.
Nick Jensen was Washington's most reliable defender in a season that lacked reliability.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
Martin Fehervary is asked to play a big role for the Capitals.Maybe too big?By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
In a blighted season, Nic Dowd was a bright spot.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
How a second Calder Cup championship could cement Todd Nelson's legacy as one of the greatest coaches in AHL history
The AHL's 2023 Calder Cup Finals will kick off from Palm Desert, California on Thursday night at 10 pm.The Eastern Conference Champion Hershey Bears will face off against the first-year Coachella Valley Firebirds, the winner of the West's title.Much has been made of the Bears' top prospects in the postseason, but one of the more intriguing storylines of this series will be behind the benches.
By now it has to be apparent: John Carlson is the most under-appreciated player on the Caps.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
Alex Ovechkin's son's favorite player, Nicolas Aube-Kubel, came out of nowhere to become a real contributor to the Caps.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
The Stanley Cup Finals continue tonight.Or is it the Stanley Cup Final?There is only one of them if you're thinking of the series.But there are up to seven of them if you're thinking of them as games.There are two conference finals, but there is only one Stanley Cup Final.Also I don't think I should capitalize "final" unless it's paired with the proper noun of "Stanley Cup." Otherwise it's just a generic thing, like your "final exam" in 10th grade English, where you probably learned what I'm supposed to be doing here.
With two injuries and a long stretch of scratches, Alex Alexeyev 's rookie season was kind of cursed.By the Numbers For on-ice percentages, 50 percent means even: both teams possess the puck evenly.Higher is better, lower is worse.Isolated Impact by HockeyViz About this visualization: This series of charts made by Micah Blake McCurdy of hockeyviz.com
The Canning Trophy will be in Giant Center for Game Five between the Hershey Bears and Rochester Americans
After a thrilling comeback in Rochester on Memorial Day, the Hershey Bears have returned home where they could do something that they haven't done in 13 years.If the Bears defeat the Rochester Americans in Game Five, Hershey could lift, or awkwardly pose by (with no touching), the Richard F. Canning Trophy at Giant Center.
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.
Beck Malenstyn's signature game in AHL comes after injury left his career in jepoardy: 'You don't take these moments for granted'
HERSHEY, PA - The 2022-23 Hershey Bears are a deep team with plenty of talent.From first-round picks Connor McMichael and Hendrix Lapierre to veteran AHL stars like Michael Sgarbossa and Sam Anas, the Bears have enough star power to challenge for its twelfth Calder Cup.But there may be no player better suited for playoff hockey than Beck Malenstyn - a less-heralded checking-line forward.
Hurricanes wallop Devils 5-1 in first game of series
The Carolina Hurricanes throttled the New Jersey Devils in the first game of the second round.It was a thorough throttling.( Note: I'm covering the Devils this postseason.It's no longer a bit.This is my calling) It was all Hurricanes in the first.Brett Pesce kicked it off with a goal right after an offensive-zone faceoff win.
Bruins Break-up Day remarks: Krejci, Foligno and Hall
As the dust settles (kind of, not really) on the Boston Bruins ' season, here are some more notable quotes from Break-up Day yesterday from David Krejci, Nick Foligno and Taylor Hall.There's a lot out there from the exit interviews, but these are some of the comments that stuck out to me from the team - everything from the series to the future to disappointments with performances to offseason goals.
Bruins Captain Patrice Bergeron Named Finalist For Selke Trophy
This certainly isn't anything new, or surprising, for Boston Bruins center Patrice Bergeron.Even in his 19th NHL season and the possibility of retiring looming over his head, the 37-year-old Bergeron continues to prove he is one of the best two-way forwards the league has to offer.That was justified yet again Tuesday with the NHL announcing Bergeron as a finalist for the Selke Trophy for the 12th consecutive season.
Well...what a terrible way to go out.I don't think it needs repeating because we all know what happened, but ouch.For me, a Bruins playoff defeat starts with sadness, frustration and a respite from social media and sports radio for the time it takes to get over the pain.This one is a little different, as it comes with a mix of anger and embarrassment too.
Bruins Notes: Jim Montgomery Disappointed In Boston's First-Round Exit
BOSTON - The Bruins season ended on a disappointing note when the Florida Panthers took the series in overtime on Sunday night."I guess the words that come to mind right now are disappointment, confusion," Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery said following the loss."And then I would say the other part is, as you start looking at the season, it was an honor to coach that group.
Bruins View This Area Of 'Significant Improvement' Before Game 7
Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery believes one area for "significant improvement" sticks out among all the rest with Boston entering a win-or-go-home Game 7 against the Florida Panthers at TD Garden on Sunday evening."We think the only area that we need to significantly improve is O-zone play," Montgomery told reporters after Sunday's morning skate, per the team.
New Jersey Devils vs New York Rangers: Keys, Lineups, and More
The New York Rangers won games 1 and 2 in New Jersey.The New Jersey Devils won games 3 and 4 in New York.Now the series is a best of three, with teams switching arenas for the final three games.Every game has been different as the teams seem to find something to feed off of on the road.The Rangers were outplaying the Devils in New Jersey, outscoring them by a combined 10-2.
Recap: Bruins lack execution, fall 2-1 to Predators
The Boston Bruins fell 2-1 to the Nashville Predators tonight at the TD Garden, as they lacked any real energy against their opponent and power play woes continued."I think we were a little disrespectful of the game tonight," Brad Marchand said.After a solid two wins this past weekend, the Bruins game fell flat against the Predators.
John Carlson tallies a goal and assist in his return to Capitals: 'I haven't been nervous for a game like that in a long time'
John Carlson didn't have to wait long to get back onto the scoresheet.Scoring a goal and an assist, Carlson put up a two-point night in the Capitals' 6-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks Thursday night.The game marked Carlson's triumphant return to NHL action, following a long recovery after being felled by a Brenden Dillon slap shot on December 23.
Preview: Bruins host Canadiens in Original Six showdown tonight
Just the facts When: Tonight, 7:00 PM Where: TD Garden - Boston, MA How to follow: NESN, 98.5 The Sports Hub Rival SBN site: Eyes on the Prize Know your enemy
28-37-6, 62PTS, last in Atlantic Division Nick Suzuki: 71GP, 21G, 34A, 55PTS; Cole Caufield: 46GP, 26G, 10A, 36PTS; Kirby Dach: 55GP, 13G, 23A, 36PTS Sam Montembeault: 14-14-3, 3.32 GAA, .905
The Boston Bruins topped the Ottawa Senators, 2-1, tonight at the TD Garden, on a strong night from Linus Ullmark to stave off 40 shots.The B's closed out their season series against the Senators, improving their record to 2-1-1.The Bruins also saw the power play continue to improve, as it capitalized on a 5-on-3 man advantage in the first to tie the game.
Player of the Week: Two games, two wins, no goals.
Once again, the Boston Bruins have shaken off a brief bout of adversity and started a winning streak.After a disappointing 6-3 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks, the third-worst team in the NHL, the Bruins reeled off wins over the Winnipeg Jets, Minnesota Wild, and Buffalo Sabres.The Bruins are now in the midst of their ninth win streak of three or more games - six of those three-game winning streaks have become streaks of four or longer.
Another week, another update!Current Wildcards: New York Islanders (80 points, 6-3-1 in last 10), Pittsburgh Penguins (78 points, 5-4-1 in last 10) It was a bad day to be a wild card team in the east yesterday; The Rangers imposed their will on the Penguins to a hysterical degree, and the Isle spent a long time in a closer game than expected against San Jose before they realized who they were playing.
3 takeaways from the Bruins' 5-2 win over the Wild
Bruins The Bruins avoided a big deficit early as a pair of the Wild's goals were taken off the board before taking control to win.The Boston Bruins entered Minnesota looking to build off their 3-0 victory over the Winnipeg Jets while shaking off their losses in Detroit and Chicago.A 60-minute effort led by Brad Marchand's three assists culminated in Boston's league-leading 52nd win on the season and the end of the Wild's 14-game point streak.