SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 2/16/2020 Anaheim Ducks 1176627 NHL observations: Poised reaction by Ducks medical 1176659 Alex Nylander’s 2 goals lead the Blackhawks to an 8-4 win personnel saved Jay Bouwmeester’s life over the Flames that ends their 5-game losing streak 1176628 Ducks’ Troy Terry seeks goals after firing a season-high 9 1176660 Nylander, DeBrincat, Dach get morale-boosting goals as shots Thursday Blackhawks rout Flames 1176661 Blackhawks notebook: Harsher discouraging from using challenges 1176629 power-play lifts Arizona Coyotes over 1176662 Blackhawks trade-deadline preview: Who could be dealt? Who could be acquired? 1176630 Coyotes' John Chayka on NHL coaching turnover: 'I've 1176663 Chicago Blackhawks still feel they're in it to win it never really been a follower' 1176664 4 Takeaways: Blackhawks' offense explodes in Calgary 1176631 Shine and dine: How do local sports leaders sell visitors on Arizona? Colorado Avalanche 1176665 Avalanche goalie Philipp Grubauer’s status questionable after Stadium Series injury 1176632 Red Wings unable to keep Bruins in check 1176666 Tyler Toffoli ruins the Avalanche’s outdoor party with three 1176633 David Krejci reaches 900th game goals in Kings’ 3-1 win at Air Force 1176634 Observations from the Bruins’ 4-1 win over the Red Wings 1176667 Thousands descend on Falcon Stadium for Avalanche 1176635 Will Alex Ovechkin be the last to reach 700 goals? outdoor game: “It can’t get any better than this” 1176636 Crafty Brad Marchand so good ‘it doesn’t even excite us 1176668 Chambers: Trevor Moore, like most former Pioneers, any more,’ says Charlie Coyle proud to have been coached by Jim Montgomery 1176637 Charlie Coyle wears his work boots in Bruins win 1176669 Bad timing and a rash of goaltender injuries leave 1176638 Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy anchors win over Red questions at all levels for the Avs Wings with goal, assist 1176670 ‘It’s a bad situation for everyone’: NBA commissioner 1176639 Bruins snap Red Wings hex with a 4-1 victory at the Adam Silver weighs in on Altitude/Comcast saga Garden 1176671 Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick ruins the Avalanche’s outdoor 1176640 Talking Points from the Bruins' 4-1 win over Red Wings event; Philipp Grubauer injured in third period 1176641 WATCH: Brad Marchand helps David Pastrnak score on another epic assist Dallas Stars 1176642 NHL Highlights: Bruins finally figure out Red Wings in 4-1 1176672 Stars goalie Ben Bishop puts on another dazzling win performance in Montreal 1176643 HaggBag mailbag: Closing in on the trade deadline, who's 1176673 Joe Pavelski is thriving with ’ new strategy coming and going? for the Stars offense 1176644 As Bruins steam towards playoffs, individual milestones 1176674 Tyler Seguin finishes best Stars comeback of the season piling up with an overtime goal against the Canadiens 1176675 Stars 20/20: Tyler Seguin’s OT stunner puts Dallas in position to claim top spot in Western Conference 1176645 Casey Mittelstadt scores shootout winner for Amerks 1176676 For the Dallas Stars equipment staff, a stick shortage isn’t 1176646 Carter Hutton's status uncertain for Sabres' game against a concern — at least not yet 1176647 Sabres' Zach Bogosian assigned to Rochester after clearing waivers 1176677 Detroit Red Wings goal differential hits triple digits after 1176648 Mike Harrington's NHL Power Rankings 4-1 loss to Boston Bruins 1176649 Sabres recall John Gilmour, Andrew Hammond from 1176678 Game thread: Red Wings downed 4-1 by Bruins Rochester 1176679 Red Wings want balance between Mantha's fighting, 1176650 Sabres of the 2000s keep their hopes up for Blue and holding back Gold in the 2020s 1176680 Bruins maul Red Wings in second period, end losing streak in series 1176681 Red Wings’ Darren Helm scores lone goal in 4-1 loss to 1176651 Flames hammered by Blackhawks as home-ice struggles Bruins continue 1176682 Pastrnak scores 42nd goal; Bruins roll past Detroit, 4-1 1176652 Lindholm on mission to score 30 goals for Flames this year 1176653 Game Day: Flames vs. Blackhawks 1176683 Pulling goalie early against Oilers backfires for Panthers 1176654 Flames desperate for a higher battle level on home ice: 1176684 Oilers hold off Panthers with help from Mikko Koskinen ‘That’s your ante’ 1176685 JONES: What is the magic number of games the Edmonton Oilers need to win to make playoffs? 1176686 Oilers vice-president Scott Howson takes a giant leap to 1176655 When the NHL comes to Carter-Finley, there’s only one be president of Canes opponent that makes sense 1176687 Jujhar Khaira looks to elevate game with Oilers in Zack 1176656 Carolina Hurricanes to host 2020-21 NHL Stadium Series Kassian's absence outdoor game at NC State 1176688 Edmonton Oilers Game Day: No Kassian to face Panthers 1176657 Why Hurricanes’ Niederreiter has fans chanting ‘Ni-no, 1176689 Edmonton Oilers' Matt Benning on wrong end of Erik Ni-no’ after win over Devils Cernak elbow 1176658 ‘We’ve definitely turned the page here as an organization’: 1176690 Stepping out and up, Leon Draisaitl puts himself in the Hurricanes to host 2021 Stadium Series game at NC Hart Trophy mix in Connor McDavid’s absence Florida Panthers 1176691 ‘We don’t play hard enough:’ Panthers search for answers 1176725 Rangers taking look at top blue-line prospect Joey Keane after 7th loss in 9 games 1176726 Rangers are tuning out Chris Kreider, Henrik Lundqvist 1176692 Panthers go with backup goalie over sick, struggling noise Sergei Bobrovsky against Oilers 1176727 Inside look of Igor Shesterkin taking Henrik Lundqvist’s 1176693 Panthers lose seventh game in past nine after defeat by crown visiting Oilers 1176728 Chris Kreider making it more and more difficult for the Rangers to deal him 1176694 Toffoli scores NHL’s first outdoor hat trick, Kings beat Senators Avalanche 1176729 WARREN GAME REPORT: Maple Leafs finish off a game 1176695 Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick might come back to haunt him Senators squad before the trade deadline 1176730 Spezza and Senators fans, missing Borowiecki and 1176696 STADIUM SERIES HIGHLIGHTS; TODD MCLELLAN Keefe's praise for Pembroke POST-GAME QUOTES 1176731 GAME DAY: Stars at Senators 1176697 GAME 59: LOS ANGELES AT COLORADO 1176732 The Big Rig Legacy: "Big, strong, silent" 1176698 PRE-GAME NOTES, QUOTES, PHOTOS; STADIUM 1176733 Chris Phillips is happily living a dream family life after SERIES BY THE NUMBERS retiring from the NHL 1176734 The loss of means the Minnesota Wild could be busy at deadline 1176699 Wild-San Jose game recap 1176735 D.J. Smith and ’s shared road to the NHL, 1176700 Jones shuts out Wild, Sharks win 2-0 and the Battle of 1176701 Wild shut out 2-0 at home by San Jose in first game since Bruce Boudreau's firing 1176702 Interim Wild leader settles quickly into being 1176736 Flyers rally late, but Lightning hold on to tie franchise in charge record of 10 straight wins 1176703 Wild hosts Sharks in Dean Evason's first game as interim 1176737 Flyers would like to add offensive depth at the trade coach deadline, but it won’t be easy | Sam Carchidi 1176704 Dean Evason makes NHL head coaching debut with Wild 1176738 Nolan Patrick making progress, could be a regular at 1176705 Wild fall to Sharks in first game since Bruce Boudreau’s Flyers’ practices next week; ‘Ghost’s’ knee improved firing 1176739 Subpar start leads to Flyers loss vs. Lightning but doesn't 1176706 Russo: Coaching change was meant to inject Wild with hurt spot in NHL playoff race urgency, but loss to Sharks sure didn’t show much 1176740 Flyers, Lightning have 4 p.m. start on NBC Sports Philadelphia 1176707 Tyler Seguin completes Stars’ rally vs. Canadiens in 4-3 overtime win 1176741 Minor league report: Penguins lose to Sound Tigers, 3-2 1176708 In the Habs' Room — Julien points finger at officiating 1176742 What would work for Eastern Conference contenders as after dual hooking plays trade deadline approaches? 1176709 About Last Night: Those Alexis Lafrenière chants are only 1176743 Empty net or not, Penguins’ Zach Aston-Reese snaps going to get louder scoring drought 1176710 Canadiens relinquish 3-goal lead to lose 4-3 in OT to Stars 1176744 Sidney Crosby offers take on Penguins’ mix-and-match 1176711 Liveblog replay: Seguin's pair leads Stars to a win over top line Habs 1176745 Penguins’ Dominik Kahun practices for 2nd consecutive 1176712 Canadiens Game Day: Claude Julien blasts referees after day OT loss 1176746 Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad resumes skating 1176713 Stars at Canadiens — Five things you should know 1176747 Empty Thoughts: Penguins 4, Canadiens 1 1176714 Video Review: An overtaxed Carey Price loses as the 1176748 Once deemed too small for hockey, Penguins winger Canadiens’ frustration boils over Brandon Tanev has become among the NHL's most 1176715 The Canadiens got a blunt reminder this week of what’s physical hitme keeping them from taking the next step 1176749 Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad begins skating again as his rehab from core muscle surgery continues 1176716 'Rattled' Viktor Arvidsson, Predators get revenge against San Jose Sharks Blues, Robert Bortuzzo 1176750 Sharks top Minnesota Wild without Erik Karlsson, Evander 1176717 Predators top Blues 4-3 on Granlund’s power-play goal Kane 1176751 Sharks’ Evander Kane suspended, then rips NHL Player Safety 1176718 Impressions from Nick Merkley’s Devils debut | ‘He stood 1176752 San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson to miss rest of season out’ 1176753 Sharks’ Evander Kane facing supplemental discipline from 1176719 NJ Devils get first look at return on Taylor Hall trade with NHL for elbow Nick Merkley 1176754 Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson out for season with 1176720 NHL playoff expansion, Olympics could decide next CBA broken thumb 1176755 Erik Karlsson injury creates opportunity for Sharks' depth New York Islanders defensemen 1176721 Islanders shut down by Golden Knights, Marc-Andre 1176756 Sharks takeaways: What we learned in surprising 2-0 win Fleury over Wild 1176722 Islanders shut out for second straight game in loss to 1176757 Sharks' Evander Kane blasts 'ridiculous' NHL Player Vegas Safety discipline 1176723 Crowd energy, glitzy entertainment make Vegas one of 1176758 Sharks' Evander Kane suspended three games after tougher road games of season elbowing Neal Pionk 1176724 Isles' Ross Johnston, re-inserted into the lineup, has good 1176759 Erik Karlsson out for remainder of Sharks’ season with memories of Las Vegas thumb injury 1176760 Erik Karlsson’s broken thumb ends his season, Evander Kane fires back after getting a 3-game suspension St Louis Blues Websites 1176761 For Blues, the struggle to return to normalcy includes 1176800 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Julien rips 'embarrassing' defense and goaltending referees after fourth-straight loss 1176762 Blues notebook: Bouwmeester undergoes procedure to 1176801 Sportsnet.ca / Oilers continue to find wins with next man monitor, control heartbeat up mentality 1176763 Preview: Blues vs. Nashville 1176802 Sportsnet.ca / Well-rested Maple Leafs continue 1176764 BenFred's 5: First-time All-Star Tatum just keeps getting dominance of lowly Senators better 1176803 Sportsnet.ca / Flames squander chance to keep pace in 1176765 ‘We’re in great hands’: Ducks staff gets praise for saving Pacific with humiliating loss Jay Bouwmeester’s life 1176804 Sportsnet.ca / For Keefe, Leafs' win over Senators doubles as a thank you to supporters 1176805 TSN.CA / Jack Campbell winning games and respect in 1176766 Lightning hold off Flyers to win 10th straight room 1176767 Lightning were brothers in arms, and also in fists, against Flyers Winnipeg Jets 1176790 Kane suspended 3 games for Pionk hit Toronto Maple Leafs 1176791 Slapshot head injury shuts Jets out for the season 1176768 Jack Campbell wins third game for Toronto as Maple 1176792 GAME DAY: Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets Leafs down Senators 4-2 1176793 JETS NOTEBOOK: Concern for plays not there, shots not 1176769 Frédérik Gauthier and coach Sheldon Keefe check out the taken; Pionk fine, Kane suspended after elbow replay on the videoboard after a second-period goal by 1176794 Jets' Little shut down for the remainder of season 1176770 A typical NHLer goes though 100 to 125 sticks a season. 1176795 FRIESEN: Jets remain tone-deaf in honouring Bobby Hull About 75 per cent of them are made in China, where the 1176796 From haymakers to heartbreak — how Winnipeg fell into 1176771 Marner has enough. Matthews isn’t so sure. The NHL’s the Sharks’ trap and let a golden opportunity slide stick shortage is nearing the breaking point — because of 1176772 Leafs Jake Muzzin says new contract is 'close' SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1176773 Leafs win nail-biter over Sens to finally hit 70-point plateau 1176774 Ex-Leaf Connor Brown scoring for Sens, but he's not surprised 1176775 GAME DAY: Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres 1176776 With his first NHL point, Timothy Liljegren is showing why he belongs with Leafs 1176777 Leafs Report Cards: Is Jack Campbell the backup goalie Toronto needs? 1176778 D.J. Smith and Sheldon Keefe’s shared road to the NHL, and the 1176797 Concussion symptoms return for Ferland just a few minutes into his return 1176798 Patrick Johnston: Suddenly, the Canucks are fighting mad 1176799 Canucks’ defensive lapses have been a problem all season. Here’s what they need to fix Vegas Golden Knights 1176779 Golden Knights ride Marc-Andre Fleury to win over Islanders 1176780 St. Louis Blues struggle to process Jay Bouwmeester incident 1176781 Cody Glass returns to Golden Knights’ lineup 1176782 Golden Knights’ shutout of Islanders as good as they come 1176783 As season winds down, Golden Knights need results to start matching process 1176784 Golden Knights Win Old-Fashion 1-0 Defensive Battle Over Islanders Before 18,444 Saturday Night 1176785 Golden Knights Receive More Than 6,000 Season Ticket Deposits For New American Hockey League Team In Henderson 1176786 Golden Knights Players Should Stick To Hockey Washington Capitals 1176787 Alex Ovechkin’s scoreless drought reaches a season high as the Capitals fall at Arizona 1176788 Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov will miss second straight game after upper-body injury 1176789 Caps at Coyotes: Can Ovechkin find No. 700 in the desert? 1176627 Anaheim Ducks Blues equipment manager Joel Farnsworth got the AED from the red bag and gave it to Huff. “You don’t think. It’s just reaction,” Huff said.

Walker followed procedures that trainers, team physicians and team NHL observations: Poised reaction by Ducks medical personnel saved equipment managers have set and practiced at their annual summer Jay Bouwmeester’s life meetings when he thrust his fist skyward to alert paramedics. “It’s the universal sign,” Huff said Friday. “Every arena we go. Put your fist in the air. As soon as that happens, it signals everybody.” By HELENE ELLIOTT SPORTS COLUMNIST Fans sign a “GET WELL SOON, JAY!” banner with Bouwmeester’s FEB. 15, 2020 12:14 PM picture on it at T-Mobile arena in Las Vegas.

Players’ poise also helped. “If you watch the clip you can actually see Pietrangelo, as soon as he sees something is wrong, he sprints right over St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, a champion, to the Zamboni tunnel,” Walker said. “I don’t think he was ever directly son, husband and father, is alive because the right combination of told that’s where help is, but they know that’s where the ambulance guys people, preparation and procedures were in place when he went into are when they need to get them out.” sudden cardiac arrest while sitting on the visitors’ bench at Honda Center on Tuesday. A video of the incident exists but won’t be released for privacy reasons. It will be reviewed by trainers and doctors to see what they can do better in Trainers, doctors, equipment managers and emergency medical the future. “I think overall that we were happy with everyone who personnel put their training to swift and seamless use by applying participated and did their part. It took a lot of everyone coming together compressions within about a minute and bringing Bouwmeester back to and each person did a different role that allows us as a team to life with an automated external defibrillator after he had lost accomplish an outcome that obviously we were very happy with,” Fibel consciousness. said. “Studies will show us every minute that goes by after an event, the The Blues-Ducks game was postponed and hasn’t been rescheduled. survivor rate decreases by about 10%. So every minute is crucial, which Each team lost its next game but the most important win was saving is why we practice this as a group,” said Ducks medical director Dr. Bouwmeester’s life. Kenton Fibel, one of many who tended to Bouwmeester. “Because basically every second that ticks by, you’re losing your chance at a “The initial shock was pretty tough but it was good news once he pulled potential ability to save someone’s life.” through and was OK,” Getzlaf said. “Now it’s about his personal well- being for life. Hockey is kind of a side note at that point.” Bouwmeester, 36, was alert when he was taken by ambulance to UCI Medical Center in Orange. On Friday, he had an implantable cardioverter The more things change ... defibrillator placed in his chest to monitor his heartbeat and shock his heart back into a regular rhythm if needed. The timing of Bruce Boudreau’s dismissal as coach of the Wild was curious. Minnesota had won seven of 11 games and was within three Angels pitcher-turned-broadcaster Mark Langston underwent the same points of a wild-card playoff spot when general manager Bill Guerin fired procedure last September after his heart stopped while he was in the him and appointed assistant Dean Evason interim coach. radio booth in Houston. “There are just some things that I feel need to be better and I feel Dean is Bouwmeester will remain in Southern California until he’s cleared to a guy that has a good grasp on that and he’s going to be able to execute return to St. Louis. “There is never a good time for something like this to it,” Guerin told reporters. take place, but there could not have been a better location than the Honda Center,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said in a Boudreau, the eighth NHL coach fired this season, had long terms with statement. “Thanks to everyone at the Honda Center and the Ducks’ Washington and the Ducks. He’s 16 games short of 1,000 games as a organization for their life-saving efforts.” .

The NHL’s rigorous emergency medical requirements contributed to the No miracle for Mark Pavelich positive outcome. Key provisions mandate the home team must have at Mark Pavelich won’t join fellow members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic least three physicians at every game, seat them within 50 feet of the hockey team next week in Las Vegas when they commemorate the 40th benches, and have a red bag of emergency medical supplies near each anniversary of their stunning upset of the Soviet Union and gold-medal bench. triumph over Finland.

The red bag of emergency supplies every NHL team is required to have He’s still in a mental facility in Minnesota, where he was committed last near each bench. year after he was judged “mentally ill and dangerous” and incapable of The NHL requires each team to have a red bag of emergency medical standing trial on charges he had beaten a neighbor with a metal pole. A supplies near each bench.(Anaheim Ducks) hearing to evaluate his health was postponed from mid-February to April.

“Every building we go to has that same bag with the same contents, so Former New York Rangers teammate Barry Beck has lobbied for we know when we roll up what we have and we’re prepared,” Ducks financial and medical help for Pavelich, and the NHL Alumni Assn. has assistant athletic trainer Chad Walker said. “That was probably the most joined the cause. Olympic Mike Eruzione, whose game-winner important thing we had on the bench that night.” against the Soviets was assisted by Pavelich, said the 1980 team is behind him too. Those who sprang into action don’t see themselves as heroes, though they are. All they want is for all teams to be prepared for emergencies Miracle on Ice like this one. They also hope the general public will recognize the value “Unfortunately, Pav is dealing with some health and mental issues, and of being trained in life-saving measures and of having a functioning AED we’re hoping he gets the help and treatment that he needs,” Eruzione close by. “Because those are the two biggest things to potentially save a said. “As a team, we totally support him. He was a great teammate and a life,” Fibel said. really good person. Unfortunately, there’s been some issues with his The crisis erupted when Bouwmeester came off the ice and slumped mental health and his health in general, and we hope he finds what he over during a first-period TV timeout. Blues defenseman Vince Dunn saw needs.” it and waved his arms to get attention. He was quickly joined by Twin tributes teammate Alex Pietrangelo. The Vancouver Canucks staged a classy ceremony Wednesday to retire Blues trainer Ray Barile was the first to respond, and it was clear he’d the uniforms of Henrik and Daniel Sedin, their franchise scoring leaders need help. “They started yelling, ‘Trainer,’ and as soon as that happened, and two of the best players and people who ever graced an NHL rink. I jumped over the boards and I went to their bench,” said Ducks head Kevin Bieksa hit the right notes of humor and emotion as the master of athletic trainer Joe Huff, who got a boost in that direction from Ducks ceremonies. Who knew? captain Ryan Getzlaf. “They were removing the bench at that point so I helped remove the bench and then went to Jay’s side.” LA Times: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176628 Anaheim Ducks In many ways, Deslauriers, center Derek Grant and right wing Carter Rowney have formed the Ducks’ most dependable line. Grant has a career-high 13 goals and Deslauriers and Rowney have handled many of Ducks’ Troy Terry seeks goals after firing a season-high 9 shots the less glamorous tasks, checking and killing penalties. Thursday Deslauriers has been a fearless fighter, too. For instance, he fought Zac Rinaldo of the Flames in an attempt to shake the Ducks from their first- period doldrums Thursday, when they trailed 4-0 en route to their widest By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | [email protected] | Orange County Register margin of defeat of the season.

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 6:03 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 10:42 p.m. Orange County Register: LOADED: 02.16.2020

VANCOUVER, British Columbia >> All but lost in the Ducks’ clunker of a 6-0 loss Thursday to the Calgary Flames at Honda Center was one significant number in the line next to right wing Troy Terry’s name on the final score sheet. Well, actually there were two noteworthy statistics on that line.The first one was a nine under the category for shots on goal.

The second was a zero in the columns for goals and assists.

Terry could have left the arena feeling angry, bewildered and frustrated.

If he was any of those things, he didn’t reveal it publicly.

“I thought (Thursday) was one of my best games in terms of knowing when to shoot and when to pass,” he said. “There are things you need to try to take from games and that’s one of them. Just try to keep doing that. I think if I keep putting up nine shots, I’ll start scoring at some point.”

Ducks coach said he was pleased to see Terry drive the counter to such heights, topping his season high of five set only four days earlier, during a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Sabres. Eakins also was happy to watch Terry control the play for extended stretches.

“The great thing for me is he’s all over pucks,” Eakins said. “You saw him making four or five different plays. You saw him shoot the puck from three or four different areas. He’s branching out. He’s not a one-trick pony. He’s was on the puck and he was competitive in getting it back.

“He had a good night (Thursday) night.”

There was one slight hiccup.

He didn’t score. Neither did the Ducks, blanked for only the third time this season.

Terry, 22, has four goals and eight assists in 42 games in 2019-20.

The Ducks’ total of 146 goals this season was the NHL’s third-fewest going into Saturday.

“Honestly, I’m not trying to shoot it with no purpose,” Terry said in an extended self-appraisal. “I had the puck a lot and I was making the right decisions. I think I can still shoot a little bit earlier. I think I could have had 14 shots if I would have shot it a little bit earlier or whatever it was.

“I don’t think they were bad shots. I think there were good shots. There was a good time to shoot the puck. I just think I need to bear down and put them in spots where the goalie can’t save them. It’s getting to the point where you see me creating.

“But it doesn’t mean anything if I’m not scoring. I’m just trying to stay with it and know that it will come. I’m kind of waiting for it all to click. The goalies have a say if it goes in the net, too. I don’t think they’re bad shots. I’ve got to work through this.”

Eakins isn’t disappointed in Terry’s play.

“I think he’s doing really well,” Eakins said. “It’s not like he was a first- round draft pick. Like, he was down a little bit lower (selected in the fifth round and 148th overall in 2015). I think he’s coming along just fine. If you look at the draft and where he was taken, he’s doing pretty well.”

Deslauriers re-signs

The Ducks re-signed left wing Nicolas Deslauriers to a two-season, $2 million contract extension that will keep him in uniform through the 2021- 20 season, a reward for playing his role as a fourth-line energy player very well this season.

Deslauriers, 28, has two goals and five assists, plus a career-high 80 penalty minutes in 45 games this season with the Ducks, his first after they acquired him last June 30 from the Montreal Canadiens in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick. 1176629 Arizona Coyotes

Phil Kessel power-play goal lifts Arizona Coyotes over Washington Capitals

Richard Morin, The Republic | azcentral.com

Published 10:44 p.m. MT Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 12:29 a.m. MT Feb. 16, 2020

Coyotes winger Phil Kessel scored a power-play goal in the third period to lift his team to a 3-1 win over the Washington Capitals.

After neither team scored in the opening 20 minutes, the Coyotes scored first when Christian Dvorak potted his 18th of the season at 7:06 of the second period.

Coyotes winger Conor Garland feathered a lead pass in the offensive zone for Dvorak, who made a power move to the net and found the five- hole of Capitals goaltender Braden Holtby.

However, the Capitals evened things up at 17:10 of the middle frame when Carl Hagelin found the back of the net. Former Coyotes forward Richard Panik led a Capitals rush and Coyotes defenseman Jakob Chychrun lost his stick and left his feet to yield a glorious chance for Hagelin.

Kessel gave the Coyotes the lead at 5:25 of the third period when he redirected a shot from the high slot. It was Chychrun who let go of a wrister from the point, and Kessel was able to force the puck to change directions on Holtby.

The win comes at an important time for the Coyotes, who currently occupy the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference and have won just three of their last 12 games.

Lawson Crouse added an empty-netter for the Coyotes in the final seconds. Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta stopped 35 shots in the win.

The skinny

The score: Coyotes 3, Capitals 1.

The streak: W1.

The record: 29-24-8, 66 points.

The 82-game pace: 39-32-11, 89 points.

The standings: 5th in Pacific, 2nd in Wild Card.

The player: Antti Raanta.

The moment: Phil Kessel's goal at 5:25 of the third period.

The number: 8 — Alex Ovechkin needed two goals to reach 700 for his career, but was held scoreless on Saturday. Ovechkin, who wears No. 8, would become the eighth player in NHL history to reach the milestone.

View from the press box: This was certainly the effort the Coyotes needed after a lackluster road trip in terms of results. They played a deep, consistent game against one of the NHL's toughest clubs and generated offensive chances as well as they played shut-down defense against premier players. Perhaps it is the sort of effort that can spark this team forward.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176630 Arizona Coyotes "He was smiling today," Tocchet said. "I don't know (about a return) but he looked good out there today, so it was good. He had the setback last week and you fear the worst, but it wasn't as bad. That's good for us. Coyotes' John Chayka on NHL coaching turnover: 'I've never really been There's 21 games left and I don't know when he's going to be back, but a follower' he'll be in the mix here soon, I hope."

One-timers

Richard Morin, The Republic | azcentral.com — Coyotes rookie Barrett Hayton rejoined the team after a five-game rehab stint with the Tucson Roadrunners in which he tallied five points (1 Published 3:02 p.m. MT Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 5:32 p.m. MT Feb. 15, goal, 4 assists). 2020 — Washington Capitals forward Alex Ovechkin entered Saturday's game just two goals shy of 700 for his career. He would become just the eighth player in NHL history to reach the milestone. Given the current climate of the NHL, it's easy to understand fans' frustration with their respective team's coaching staff when struggles arise. Arizona Republic LOADED: 02.16.2020 For Coyotes fans, such reaction has been more common in recent weeks. With the Coyotes having won just two of their last 11 games, a faction of people has emerged who wonder whether the Coyotes might do what eight other NHL teams have done this season — fire their head coach.

The answer from Coyotes President of Hockey Operations and General Manager John Chayka is a resounding "no," affirming a previous statement to The Athletic that Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet will return for the final year of his contract in 2020-21.

"From my own perspective," Chayka said, "I've never really been a follower, and I'm not really persuaded by what other teams are doing. I'm not worried about that. I'm worried about us. 'Tocc' has been a great asset for this organization and has done some great things, and I expect him to do it for a long time.

"I think in order to be a great team and organization in the long-term, you've got to have stability."

Bruce Boudreau became the eighth head coach dismissed this season when the Minnesota Wild fired him on Friday. Entering play Saturday, the Wild were just three points out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

The biggest shock this season came when the Vegas Golden Knights, who are currently in playoff position, fired head coach less than two years after a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2017-18.

Granted two of the eight firings were related to off-ice issues, but the unprecedented volume of dismissals seems to be suggestive to fans that nobody's job is safe.

For the Coyotes, who entered play Saturday in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, pressure has been mounting amid inconsistent play and some key injuries.

But rather than be reactionary, Chayka elects to view the larger perspective.

"This is now the second year in a row that we're in a playoff chase," Chayka said. "I think a lot of that credit goes to 'Tocc.' We're in a dog- fight for sure but we're also in a position where we want to be, which is a playoff spot. He's brought a winning culture to this team and organization and now we're at a very important point for our group to take it to the next level.

"But it does seem like the changing of the coach has become a bit of a trend, and a lot of teams are doing it for different reasons. ... Ultimately if you stick together then that's the real course for adversity. The other way is just not something that I have an interest in doing."

Kuemper back on the ice

Coyotes goaltender Darcy Kuemper (lower body) took part in morning skate with the team on Saturday, marking the first time he has touched the ice since suffering a setback on Tuesday in Montreal.

Kuemper was expected to start the game against the Canadiens but was relegated to day-to-day status after injuring himself during the pre-game skate.

Chayka said that while Kuemper is dealing with a setback, "it's not back to square one" for the goaltender in terms of his rehab.

Tocchet said he was happy to see Kuemper on the ice with his teammates on Saturday. 1176631 Arizona Coyotes Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo

“Obviously the first thought is Old Town Scottsdale. Everybody kind of migrates to that thought. There are some new, modern ideas, maybe a Shine and dine: How do local sports leaders sell visitors on Arizona? round of Top Golf. Maybe a favorite restaurant or two.

“I like Blue Adobe. It’s up kind of right near our house, it’s one of my BY ARIZONA SPORTS favorites, some Mexican food. There’s some staples. You can migrate over to Grimaldi’s, have a pizza dinner and head right across the street to FEBRUARY 14, 2020 AT 6:00 PM the ice cream shop (Sugar Bowl). It’ll vary depending on what you feel like their moods are and what they want to eat.”

ASU president Michael Crow Cardinals chairman and president Michael Bidwill (Matt Bertram/Arizona Sports) “Usually what I do when I’m selling someone, we take a look at all the great parks. The North Phoenix Mountain Preserve, the South [Mountain] Around Doug & Wolf’s Newsmakers Week, we wanted to get to know the Park, and then also just the nature of the neighborhoods. And so it’s just leaders of the local Arizona sports landscape a little bit better. this fantastic place to live. So livability is what I focus on.” We picked four off-beat questions to get a sense of their duties and Coyotes president and CEO Ahron Cohen leadership styles. “We’re fortunate there’s so many great places in the Valley but for me, 1. If you are recruiting or hiring someone and you have a day to sell them you got to hit this corridor between Biltmore, North Central and Old Town on Arizona beyond the workplace, where are you taking them and what Scottsdale and Arcadia. My favorite restaurant is Mora Italian. Then also are you showing them? you got a lot of great new places — Nobu just went up. You got to sell 2. If you had the time to stop your job to learn one skill to make you people on everything that’s going on and all the growth going on in this better at your job or otherwise, what would that be? area of Phoenix.”

3. What is the last book you read? What is it about and why did you read Former Suns and Diamondbacks owner Jerry Colangelo it? “I think the biggest selling points that we have is quality of life in Arizona. 4. What’s the toughest decision you had to make in your career? Is there It’s totally different than it might be back East or the Midwest, etc. Getting anything you regret? familiar with the landscape so-to-speak — it includes the layout of the community, it includes the restaurants, the shopping, etc. It just gives Here is Part I of our four-part series, where our Valley sports leaders them a bearing of what living here might be like. Certainly (as owner I discussed the pros of living in the Phoenix area — and particularly what was) always emphasizing just how much of a — although a growing restaurants they like to frequent. community — still a small town in terms of attitude. That the team in Phoenix, the Suns back then, were really much about living here. If you “I would say any of the options when it comes to Steak 44, Dominick’s, were part of this community, it encompasses more than putting on a Ocean 44. You can tell I’ve had a few steaks in my life. That’s probably uniform. our go-to in terms of restaurants. “The first thing you do is find out what their interests are in terms of food. “This is such a phenomenal place to live and there’s so many things to You know, it’s easy for me if it’s Italian food, then there are two or three sell about living here. That’s the fortunate part about working for the or four of those restaurants I would select.” Cardinals, is we already have that built-in advantage to other teams of palm trees, sun, cost of living, all the good things that come with ASU athletic director and VP for university athletics Ray Anderson Arizona.” “We live in Tempe — actually I live literally on campus. If they’re coming Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall and I’m taking them out, very frankly, there is an old restaurant called (House of) Tricks that is kind of a stable there. You get a lot of lunches “I think for us it’s pretty easy because there’s probably a baseball focus with professors and staff. It’s just down to earth, got a nice ambiance. already … You can’t miss out on the restaurants. Go to the Mexican There’s always a table for the athletic director, which I appreciate.” restaurants and show them what true Mexican food is all about. Fiesta Bowl executive director Mike Nealy “There’s some near the stadium that we really like: there’s Juan’s (Authentic Mexico Food) … of course you could always do America’s “The first thing you do is look up in the blue sky, look up in the sun. I (Taco Shop). We now have a new partner in Gadzooks. I like authentic. came down here years ago from Minnesota middle of the winter … the There’s some really good ones, Rosita’s and Juan’s.” weather you can’t beat. If you’re into outdoor stuff. I think what people don’t think of is all the outdoor things, the hiking, the biking. If you’re a Cardinals chairman and president Michael Bidwill water person, there is plenty of water to be found. “The first thing I do is make sure they understand the great experience “Hike yourself up to the top of Camelback and look around.” I’ve had here in Arizona in terms of moving here, the beautiful weather and the lifestyle and how … Arizona is really about working through the “If you get yourself into (Old Town) Scottsdale area and there’s the night week and getting to the weekend so you can enjoy the weekend and all fun for sure, for the younger people. One of my favorites is The Mission the hiking and swimming and tennis and golf … it’s usually spin them down there, it’s a great place to eat.” around the Valley. Sometimes that’s in a helicopter depending on who it is … sometimes it’s in the car. The restaurant: My go-to place is Tarbell’s Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen (via email) on 32nd and Camelback.” “I would definitely want to take someone to Salt River Fields because we ASU head football coach Herm Edwards think we have one of the best spring training sites in all of baseball and one of our unique advantages is the ability to live at home for spring “If I’m going to recruit somebody, I’m going to show them the stadium. If training. Then of course, I’d want them to see Chase Field because that’s I’m going to hire somebody, I’m going to show them the office. You have our home for six months and I’d probably end it with dinner at my favorite to sell them where they’re working at. They’re not going to be working restaurant, Hillstone on Camelback.” outside the building. They’re not going to be playing outside the building. So why wouldn’t you show them the facilities? That’s kind of important. You can’t trick people.” Arizona Sports LOADED: 02.16.2020 Suns general manager James Jones

“Probably taking them to Old Town just so they can get a sense of historic and new Phoenix, Scottsdale. Then would probably stop by Ocean 44, grab some food later in the evening. If seafood isn’t their thing, take them to Steak 44. Can’t go wrong either way.” 1176632 Boston Bruins Through the first 12 minutes, the Wings iced the puck five times and had four shots, while the Bruins had 14 shots.

But the Bruins tied the game on a goal from McAvoy (8:01 of the Red Wings unable to keep Bruins in check second), who was snakebit the first four months of the season. The third- year defenseman scored his second in five games by snapping home a failed Detroit clearing attempt from the slot. By Matt Porter Globe Staff “It’s as good as he’s played all year,” coach said, pointing February 15, 2020, 6:04 p.m. to his cleanliness at both ends of the ice of late.

Marchand got back the shorthanded goal, and gave Boston the lead, by teaming up with Bergeron. After an expertly placed corner dump, Charlie Coyle was impressed with the Bruins’ confidence when he Marchand outworked defenseman Mike Green and fed Bergeron, who arrived before last year’s trade deadline. Whomever the Bruins add dangled past Bernier at 9:40 for his 25th of the season. before this year’s Feb. 24 deadline likely will see what Charlie Coyle saw last year: They’re rarely rattled. Coyle was rewarded for his efforts at 12:30. After the referees missed a Danton Heinen high stick on Wings defenseman Filip Hronek, Heinen set “Guys are never down,” said Coyle, who came from the Wild last Feb. 20. up a McAvoy half-slapper at the point. Coyle tipped it home for his 13th “It’s always positive in here. No matter what happens in a period . . . we of the season. He spent several long shifts with the puck, the Wings find a way.” fruitlessly trying to take it back. So they didn’t think much when they started slowly in Saturday’s 4-1 win “It frustrates, and that can trickle down,” Cassidy said. “You can start over Detroit. At first, they couldn’t put anything past scorching-hot barking at your D for not separating the man from the puck, or whoever’s netminder Jonathan Bernier, who stopped 39 shots in a win last Sunday, responsibility it is . . . it’s not fun chasing around a man his size, trying to and began this game at TD Garden by turning aside the first 25 pucks battle back pucks. You don’t have much energy when you do get it.” that reached him. Another uh-oh: Detroit scored the first goal of the game in the opening minutes. He’d like Coyle’s line to finish more, but noted his wingers, Heinen and Anders Bjork, are still a bit green. No worries on the home bench. “We’ll see if that develops,” Cassidy said. “If it does, they’re going to be “We had it tonight,” said Brad Marchand, whose pair of assists came on really dangerous, whoever’s on that line.” highlight-reel plays to linemates Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak. “We were able to control the play the entire way through the game.” Speaking of skill: Marchand made Andreas Athanasiou look silly on the 4-1 goal, slipping past him with a drag move and firing cross-ice for The Bruins finally broke their puzzling run of ineffectiveness against the Pastrnak’s finish. He did the same to Montreal’s Jeff Petry on Red Wings, beating them for the first time since last Oct. 13, 2018 (since: Wednesday. It was his second assist of the game and 50th of the 0-4-1). Bernier stopped 38 of 41 shots, but the Bruins scored three times season, the third year in a row he has hit that mark (last year: career-high in six shots in the second period to take a commanding lead. 64). Pastrnak’s goal put him alone in second place in league scoring (42- Charlie McAvoy, Bergeron, and Coyle lit the lamp in a span of 4 minutes, 40—82). 29 seconds in the middle period. Pastrnak added his league-best 42nd The Detroit streak is dead. goal of the season in the third, after Marchand undressed the Detroit defense and set up his gunner. “When we play the way we have been, we’re too good of a team,” said Marchand, ever confident. “It’s going to be tough for them to consistently The Bruins have won eight of nine, and netminder Tuukka Rask (25 beat us.” saves) has a .940 save percentage in that span.

“Another solid 60 minutes,” said Rask, who improved to 14-0-6 at home this season. That ties the club record for a point streak at home (Tiny Boston Globe LOADED: 02.16.2020 Thompson, 20-0-0 in 1929-30).

The Bruins (36-11-12), who lost two road games this season to the lottery-bound Red Wings (14-42-4), play their next four on the road, beginning with a 3:30 p.m. puck drop against the Rangers on Sunday. They depart for Western Canada on Monday, for a three-in-four that runs through Edmonton (Wednesday), Calgary (Friday), and Vancouver (Saturday).

“It’s big,” McAvoy said. “Whenever you get on the road, there’s a bit of team bonding. We haven’t had a trip like this since the beginning of the year.”

A trade may come in that time — as it did last year, when the Bruins were in the middle of a California-Vegas-St. Louis swing when they acquired Coyle and Marcus Johansson — and any newcomer could join a team that’s rolling. The Bruins enter this trip at the top of the NHL standings (84 points), and are 16-4-6 in the last two months.

Which makes it no surprise, despite their recent history, that they pounded the Red Wings from the jump on Saturday. They outshot them, 18-6, in the first period and drew two penalties.

The scoreboard didn’t initially reflect the effort. Detroit’s Darren Helm jumped a Torey Krug pass on the power play and scored a second-effort shorthanded goal at 3:12 of the first. It was the fifth shorthanded goal allowed by the Bruins, who tied for the league lead in that category last year (15).

Bernier had 10 saves through 10 minutes, including one where the puck found the scrambling netminder as Coyle wrapped one way, then the other, from behind the net.

“It’s like he had a magnet on his back,” Coyle said. 1176633 Boston Bruins “He came up to me and said, ‘Now you know you can score in this league,’ ” Pastrnak said. “That’s when all the pressure fell down.”

He got another in that game, off a Krejci assist. Cutting into the zone, David Krejci reaches 900th game Pastrnak dropped it to his linemate and got open. Krejci did the rest. He cut wide and found Pastrnak at the far post, threading a pass through a tangle of sticks. By Matt Porter Globe Staff “It was a classic Krecho play,” Pastrnak recalled, “but a big moment for February 15, 2020, 5:20 p.m. me.”

They have become friends, sometimes teaming up on the same line, often hanging out on the road. Pastrnak cherishes those moments, his David Krejci was lining up for an offensive-zone faceoff, head down and hero becoming a teammate. stick hovering above the ice, when the TD Garden videoboard recognized his milestone in the first period. They don’t spend much time together in the summer because Krejci, his wife, and two children have a home in South Carolina, and Pastrnak That was probably OK with him. spends his time in the Czech Republic and Sweden. “It’s a good number, but it’s just a number,” the veteran center said But next summer, Pastrnak’s older brother, Jakub, is getting married. before playing in his 900th game as a Bruin on Saturday, an Krejci plans to attend. accomplishment that drew warm applause from the crowd. “Once I’m done I’ll look back and appreciate all these little things.” Coyle comes through

Krejci, who stands 13-26—39 in 50 games this season, is the seventh Charlie Coyle (five shots, four hits, terrific possession work, and a goal in Bruin to hit 900 games. All the others, including teammates Patrice 16:39) continues to make good on the six-year, $31.5 million extension Bergeron and Zdeno Chara, reached 1,000 in Black and Gold. If Krejci he signed in November . . . Linemate Danton Heinen, who drew a penalty stays healthy, he has a chance at reaching that mark by next spring. in the 4-1 win over the Red Wings, picked up his first point since Jan. 21. He was scratched three times from Feb. 4-8 . . . Jeremy Lauzon, a day “We’re getting older, that’s what it means,” said netminder Tuukka Rask, after signing the first one-way contract of his young career, said it was a who arrived in Boston a year after Krejci’s 2006-07 debut. “It’s not very bit of a surprise to learn of the contract talks between Don Sweeney and often that it happens, the same core group of guys are together [that his agent, Pat Brisson, that began a couple of weeks ago. “Pretty excited, many] years. It’s been a big part of our organization, these building pretty honored, and really proud,” he said. He was returning from a two- blocks, and we keep adding around them.” game suspension for checking Arizona’s Derek Stepan in the head last Sign Up Saturday. He was not shy in his return, dishing out three hits and blocking two shots (with an interference penalty) in 16:56 . . . Jaroslav We are watching one of the best centers in this franchise’s long history. Halak will start Sunday against the Rangers in Manhattan. His ability to slow down the play, handle the puck, and slip a perfect pass to an open man, plus an accurate shot, has Krejci eighth among Bruins in points (682) and assists (475). Only Phil Esposito (1,012) and Bergeron Boston Globe LOADED: 02.16.2020 (861) have outscored him at his position. Krejci twice led the league in playoff scoring, on teams that made the Stanley Cup Final (the 2011 winners, and ’13).

That’s what sticks with Montreal coach Claude Julien, who took over the Bruins in Krejci’s first full season (2007-08).

“Shows what kind of player he is,” Julien said. “In David’s case, he’s always had to play with the Bergerons and [Brad] Marchands, and now [David] Pastrnak. He often slides under the radar. But he’s an unbelievable player. If it wasn’t for some of those other guys — I think he’s appreciated, but there’s no doubt he’d be more noticed than he is right now.”

Krejci’s contract, costing the Bruins $7.25 million against the cap, is the priciest on the team. It was fair market value when he signed it in September 2014. Krejci was in his prime (27), averaging 0.70 points per game the previous six seasons, and was durable (he missed 13 games in that stretch).

His deal runs out at the end of next season. He will be 36.

Sentimentality about milestones, his career, or the future? He’ll leave that to others.

Krejci was Pastrnak’s hero growing up, particularly when he competed for their native Czech Republic in the 2010 and 2014 Olympics.

“For me as a kid, [Jaromir] Jagr wasn’t my style of player,” Pastrnak said in a quiet moment after practice on Friday. “There were a lot of guys who loved Jags, for me it was always [Krejci], and [Ales] Hemsky and [Jiri] Hudler. Smaller guys with great playmaking ability. As a kid I was never a scorer. I always wanted to make plays. I still do.”

Pastrnak leads the league in goals (42). As a nervous rookie six years ago, he was trying to set up Krejci.

“I wanted to pass to him so he could score,” Pastrnak said. “I felt a lot of pressure because I wanted to stay on his line. I really wanted him to like me and the way I play.”

When Pastrnak scored his first goal, Jan. 10, 2015, at Philadelphia, encouragement from Krejci meant the world to him. 1176634 Boston Bruins ■ Bergeron, who will be 35 in July, has his sixth 25-goal season. Five of them have come in the last seven years, or since he turned 28.

■ Coyle, one of the best players on the ice (five shots, four hits, terrific Observations from the Bruins’ 4-1 win over the Red Wings possession, several scoring chances), was rewarded for his efforts at 12:30. After the referees missed a Heinen high stick on Wings defenseman Filip Hronek, Heinen set up a McAvoy half-slapper at the By Matt Porter Globe Staff point. Coyle tipped it home for his 13th of the season.

February 15, 2020, 3:33 p.m. ■ Say this about the Wings: Nearly everyone is playing higher in the lineup than they should be, but they do play hard. When they come to

town for the final time March 24, the Bruins hope they’re able to rest a The Bruins finally broke their puzzling run of ineffectiveness against the few big names for the playoffs. Red Wings, taking a 4-1 win on Saturday afternoon. ■ Marchand made Andreas Athanasiou look silly on the 4-1 goal, Punching through the brick wall named Jonathan Bernier, they scored slipping past him with a drag move and firing cross-ice for Pastrnak’s three times in the second period after the netminder stopped the first 25 finish. He did the same to Montreal’s Jeff Petry on Wednesday. It was shots he saw. Marchand’s second assist of the game and 50th of the season, the third year in a row he has hit that mark (last year: career-high 64). Bernier, who shut down the Bruins last Sunday in Motown (39 saves), couldn’t handle the heat at TD Garden. He had 37 saves, but the Bruins ■ Tempers flared with 3:21 left, when Athanasiou jabbed Chris Wagner put 41 shots on goal. in a board battle and the two dropped the gloves.

Charlie McAvoy, Patrice Bergeron, and Charlie Coyle lit the lamp in a span of 4 minutes, 29 seconds in the middle period. David Pastrnak Boston Globe LOADED: 02.16.2020 added his league-best 42nd goal of the season in the third, after Brad Marchand undressed the Detroit defense and set up his gunner.

The Bruins have won eight of nine, and Tuukka Rask (25 saves) has a .940 save percentage in that span.

The Bruins (36-11-12), who lost two road games this season to the lottery-bound Red Wings (14-42-4), play their next four on the road, beginning with a 3:30 p.m. puck drop against the Rangers on Sunday. They depart for Western Canada on Monday, for a three-in-four that runs through Edmonton (Wednesday), Calgary (Friday), and Vancouver (Saturday).

Observations from the ninth floor:

■ It may have taken the Bruins 25 shots to score, but they scored three times on their next six shots to build a 3-1 lead.

■ Effort was not the issue. The Bruins jumped on the visitors in the opening period, outshooting them, 18-6, and drawing two penalties. They were simply dominating the Wings when Danton Heinen forced a holding call 2:26 in.

■ But they allowed the first goal, at 3:16, on the power play. Darren Helm jumped on Torey Krug’s diagonal pass to Pastrnak in the circle and went two on one the other way against Krug. He followed his own rebound and punched it past Rask. It was the fifth shorthanded goal allowed by the Bruins, who tied for the league lead in that category last year (15).

■ Bernier had 10 saves through 10 minutes, including one where the puck found the scrambling netminder as Coyle wrapped one way, then the other, from behind the net. He looked like the same goalie from his 39-save victory over the Bruins last Sunday.

■ His teammates couldn’t do much to help him. Through the first 12 minutes, the Wings iced the puck five times and had four shots, while the Bruins had 14 shots. Bernier kept making saves. Five minutes into the second, a Jake DeBrusk rush set up Karson Kuhlman for a stuff-in and McAvoy had a rebound look from out high, but Bernier turned aside both.

■ The Bruins needed a hero. That hero was McAvoy. The third-year defenseman, snakebit the first four months of the season, scored his second in five games by snapping home a failed Detroit clearing attempt from the slot. It was a relief for him and for Marchand, who moments before was unable to beat Bernier with some stickhandling work in front.

■ Marchand was frustrated early in the game, heated about a no-call after taking a high check from behind, expressing his displeasure by barking at referee Ghislain Hebert and two-handing his stick against the boards.

■ All good, though. Marchand helped give Boston the lead, and get back the shorty. The penalty-killing combination of Marchand and Bergeron teamed up to make it 2-1, Marchand outworking Mike Green in the corner and slipping a pass to Bergeron. He dangled past Bernier at 9:40 for his 25th of the season. 1176635 Boston Bruins been all the more impressive in that sense. You never want to say never, right? Someone at some point is probably going to come in and tear it up like he does, but there won’t be many of them. I don’t see that Will Alex Ovechkin be the last to reach 700 goals? happening.”

How about Pastrnak, Bergeron’s right winger? He entered the weekend with 41 goals, tops in the league, and a career total of 173 — a scoring By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff clip of .458.

February 15, 2020, 11:25 a.m. “He’s got that talent, for sure,” said Bergeron. “You don’t want to put that kind of pressure on him, obviously, because that would be unfair. It’s

possible, but it’s just that Ovie has been so consistent . . . 40 again this Alex Ovechkin’s long, painful scoring drought, an excruciating three year, and a chance to get to 50 again. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been really games without putting a puck in the net, stretched into the Capitals’ visit impressed with his consistency.” Saturday night to Arizona. Ovechkin stood a lowly, humbled stick carrier, Had Ilya Kovalchuk not zipped back to Russia for 5½ seasons, playing in with merely a career total of 698 goals. the KHL from age 30-35, he would have far more than his current haul of So, please, let’s have a prayer this morning for brother Alex. Especially 442 goals in 914 games His .484 goal-per-game rate is within a smidge you goalies with bruised hands, dented masks, and shattered egos, send of the .494 of Gartner, who finished with 708 goals in 1,432 games. those good No. 8 vibes high to the hockey heavens. “Why not?” said Kovalchuk, pondering whether anyone ever will reach Ovechkin, of course, has been an offensive powerhouse since entering 700 again. “You’ve got new guys coming every year, with a lot of skill — the NHL with the Capitals in the fall of 2005, scoring 52 goals his rookie the Matthews kid in Toronto, he’s scoring goals consistently. Like season. Upon being blanked Thursday night in Colorado, he also had Pastrnak . . . Laine, too . . . the new guys are coming, and you never 1,140 regular-season games on his résumé, adding up to an astounding know, with the game going toward offense now — it’s more penalties, scoring rate of .612 goals per game. more 3-on-3 overtime. That’s when the skilled guys get their chance. I hope it will be more guys scoring 700, 800 goals.” In the World of Ovechkin, that three-game dip meant he left nearly two goals on the table. Oh, the waste, the humanity. Coach Bruce Cassidy, his Bruins offense led by the line of Brad Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak, likes his right winger’s chances to join the It’s easy to get lost in the numerical weeds when comparing Ovechkin 700 club. with the list of seven mere mortals above him on the NHL goal-scoring list as the weekend began. But none of them, including all-time leader “I’m going to say Pasta, right?” he said. “Because I love the kid, and he’s (894), scored at a .612 clip for the duration of their young and he’s scoring, right? It’s always about health and are you careers. surrounded by good players to help you. I mean, if you are the only guy out there on your team, I think it would be hard every night, for 82 games, Gretzky was close at .601 per game, followed by Brett Hull (741) at .584. to push that. So, yeah, I think Pasta’s one of those guys.” The remaining five, Gordie Howe (801), Jaromir Jagr (766), Marcel Dionne (731), Phil Esposito (717), and Mike Gartner (708), all fell in a For all but his first two seasons in Washington, Ovechkin usually has had goal-per-game range of .442 to .559. sublime Swedish center Nicklas Backstrom dishing him the puck. Entering the weekend, Backstrom had 918 points, with 259 of those Advancing age and length of career drive down a player’s scoring rate, assists on Ovechkin goals. obviously. But Ovechkin is a marvel in that sense, too, considering he turned 34 before this season began and now has reached the 40-goal “In terms of the younger guys,” mused Cassidy, “Laine could be that guy plateau for an 11th time. Of the seven guys he is chasing in the record because he’s got such a terrific shot and guys tend not to lose that. He’s book, only Howe (once) and Esposito (once) reached 40 goals in a full always going to be on the power play, and that’s helped Ovie obviously, season at age 34 or older. to retain his marks on the power play . . . I think it does take a certain shot-first mentality if you are going to challenge for that many. Gretzky, who potted a career-high 92 goals in 1981-82, never scored more than 25 in a season during his mid-30s and called it quits at age 38, “There are guys out there, for sure, but it might be too early to predict for after scoring nine times with the Rangers in 1998-99. some of those younger guys.”

Will we ever see Ovechkin’s likes again, someone who’ll break the 700- HELP HAS ARRIVED goal vulcanized ceiling and dream of chasing Gretzky’s 894? Leafs finally called for backup The guess here is no, unless the NHL’s Lords of the Boards one day The Maple Leafs acquired goaltender Jack Campbell from the Kings on relax the rule book and find ways to breathe more offense into the game. Feb. 5. He is 10-10-3 with a 2.93 GAA this season. Adding to Ovechkin’s profile as the game’s most dynamic marksman is The Maple Leafs continue to cling to the No. 3 spot in the Atlantic that all of his goals came in the small-net era — as defined by Division and entered the weekend with a two-point lead over the humongous and overequipped goalies, and rosters stacked with an Panthers. If they lose their grip on that spot, they could fall directly to increasing amount of proficient skaters. He earned those 698 the hard playoff DNQ territory, bumped out by the wild-card likes of Columbus or way. Philadelphia. Scoring across the league has improved slightly the last 2-3 years, but Toronto’s hopes were lifted with news late in the week that No. 1 goalie the goalies still hold far too much of an advantage for me to think anyone Frederik Andersen was good to go again after being sidelined Feb. 3 by ever again will roll up Ovechkin-like numbers. a neck injury. Two days later, general manager finally picked Tampa Bay’s Steven Stamkos, who just turned 30, entered the weekend up a much-needed backup, Jack Campbell, in a swap with the Kings that with 419 goals, ranked No. 6 on the goal list among active players. Great also added some needed heft to the Leafs’ forward group in the form of player, but not likely he has another 300 in him. left winger Kyle Clifford.

There’s an impressive bunch of much younger guys, including 23-year- Backup goalie and grit up front were two spots Dubas did not address in old David Pastrnak, who’ve shown they can bring the heat. Others the offseason. He took far too long to patch the tire, which will haunt his include Winnipeg’s Patrik Laine (21), Toronto’s (22), front office for months if the Leafs indeed end up below the cut line. and maybe Tampa Bay’s Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov leads that brat pack Meanwhile, Campbell went an impressive 2-0-1 in his starts vs. Anaheim, with 215 goals, but although only 26, his age at this point does not play in Montreal, and Arizona. The top goalie chosen in the 2010 draft (Dallas, his favor. No. 11 overall), the American-born Campbell (Port Huron, Mich.), was Realistically, right now it may be only Pastrnak, Laine, and Matthews projected as the kid who one day could take over the Stars’ net from who’ll even have a chance. Marty Turco and Kari Lehtonen.

“Oh, man, I’m in the same era,” said Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, Indeed, Turco was finished in Dallas after 2009-10 and Lehtonen noting the resistance Ovechkin has overcome to pile up goals. “So he’s remained the Big D workhorse for the next eight seasons. Campbell played all of one game in the Dallas net before the Stars dished him to , which announced last summer that Bertagna’s contract Los Angeles in 2016 for Nick Ebert, now a 25-year-old defenseman at would not be extended beyond this season, has yet to name a AHL Hartford who has yet to play an NHL game. Example No. 1,089,786 successor. of a first-round pick that went for naught. “Writing, teaching, consulting, administrating,” said Bertagna, focusing on The Stars, who’ll visit the Garden Feb. 27, feel secure in net these days his days ahead. “What I hope to do is a blend of all that. I think the only with their Ben Bishop-Anton Khudobin tandem. thing we’ve safely ruled out at this point is male model.”

From the day he was drafted in 2010 up to his recent trade to the Leafs, Loose pucks a little less than 10 years later, Campbell was one of 15 goalies to play for Dallas over that span — a list that includes ex-Bruins Andrew Count Bruin Jaroslav Halak among the many goalies impressed by Alex Raycroft and Tim Thomas. Ovechkin’s body of work. Halak got to see Ovechkin day to day in practice for a few weeks when he was dealt from St. Louis to the Capitals The list, chronologically, including games played for the Stars: Lehtonen at the spring 2014 trade deadline. “Ovie has everything, fast release to (445); Richard Bachman (32); Raycroft (29); Cristopher Nilstorp (6); Dan shoot it hard,” Halak said. “Everyone knows he is going to be at that spot Ellis (15); Thomas (8); Campbell (1); Jhonas Enroth (13); Anders on the power play, but he still gets it off his stick quickly and scores a lot Lindback (10); Jussi Rynnas (2); Antti Niemi (85); Bishop (137); Mike from that spot. Obviously, one of the best, and it’s been a privilege to McKenna (2); Landon Bow (2); Khudobin (64). play against him.” In his first days as Ovechkin’s teammate, recalled Halak, then 28 years old, he noticed that Ovechkin wasn’t shooting hard By comparison, the Bruins, with Tuukka Rask their No. 1 for the majority in practice. “I asked him if everything’s fine,” said Halak. “He just told me of that stretch, have used a total of 10 goaltenders — a group that he doesn’t want to hurt the goalies, so he doesn’t shoot hard in practice. I includes Thomas, Raycroft, and Turco. remember asking if he could shoot on me, hard, and he did, and the first ETC. few went in. It was fun to see him in games and practices. That shot is amazing.” . . . The surprise in St. Paul on Friday wasn’t necessarily that Will Olympics be on schedule? Bruce Boudreau became the NHL’s eighth coaching casualty of the season (tying a league high), but that he was still there to be fired. Word The NHLPA and its rank and file were encouraged early this past week, late last season was that then-GM Paul Fenton planned to can him, but following a meeting of all concerned parties in New York, that NHL ownership blocked it, then soon fired Fenton in August. Now Fenton and players might return to the Olympics for 2022 in Beijing. Boudreau are both gone, Dean Evason is the interim coach, and GM Bill But by week’s end, deputy commissioner Bill Daly made clear it remained Guerin has at least a couple of months (if desired) to comb over a distant priority from a team ownership perspective and nothing was candidates, including former Golden Knights boss Gerard Gallant . . . imminent in terms of striking a deal with the International Olympic Solid signing by the Bruins on Friday, extending defenseman Jeremy Committee. It’s possible the league wants to use it as leverage to wring Lauzon for two years at an annual cap hit of $850,000. Both parents are concessions from the players as talks continue on a CBA extension. doctors in Val d’Or, Quebec, his mother a gynecologist and father a pulmonologist. Younger brother Zachary, 21, recently hung up his skates, NHL involvement has its impediments, for sure, but the Games are better the result of suffering a concussion midway through his 2017-18 junior with NHL players involved. Also, provided the partnership is right on the season with Rouyn-Noranda. Also a defenseman, Zachary was a marketing side, the worldwide exposure for the league is invaluable. Pittsburgh draft pick (No. 51 overall) in 2017. “He’s all done,” said Jeremy. “It was rough making that decision, but now he feels really good. “The Olympics should be about the best athletes in any sport,” said He struggled for, like, two years and he decided in September he was Patrice Bergeron, a two-time gold medalist with Team Canada. “So that’s finished. He was supposed to go to Pittsburgh’s rookie camp, but right true for hockey, and a lot of those players are in this league.” before he had a relapse and he said, ‘Nah, not worth it.’ Now he’s got a Whatever the hardships from a player’s perspective, noted Bergeron, normal life — go to school (University of Montreal), enjoy it, and I think they’re worth overcoming. he’s happy now, that’s the important thing.”

“We’ve done it many times and guys have liked it,” he said. “Yeah, the The Bruins Sunday afternoon take on the Rangers in New York, where schedule is crunched. But there’s a lot of players who aren’t there and second-year coach David Quinn of late has fed more starts to rookie they get a break. I’d vote for it, for sure. I still think it would be the right goalie Igor Shesterkin, who may have jumped the line ahead of thing to do. A lot of people watch the Olympics. A lot of people have told Alexandar Georgiev as Henrik Lundqvist’s heir apparent. Shesterkin me, ‘I wasn’t watching hockey before the Sochi Games, and I watched stood 6-1-0 with a .941 save percentage as the weekend approached. and it was amazing hockey.’ The same if they watched Vancouver. I think Small sample size, but highly promising numbers. King Henrik, a it is good for the game, that it grows the game and it helps.” disappointing 10-11-3 after his 18-23-10 last season, has one year left at an $8.5 million cap hit. All of which positions him as a prime buyout Two years from now, would a 36-year-old Bergeron want to wear the candidate for June. Canadian red and white?

“If called upon,” he said, “for sure.” Boston Globe LOADED: 02.16.2020 Bertgna won’t be slowing down

Former Harvard goalie Joe Bertagna, long ago the Bruins’ goaltending coach, formally wraps up his duties as commissioner of Hockey East at the end of June.

Bertagna, Crimson class of 1973, will have served 23 years as the commish, following 15 seasons in mostly a similar capacity with ECAC hockey. Not a good day for the college game when a guy with his kind of institutional knowledge, expertise, and passion for the sport moves to the sideline.

“I hope no one is under the belief I’m retiring,” said Bertagna, who’ll drop the puck for the Hockey East championships at the Garden March 20-21. “I love hockey, obviously, something I’ve been involved in now across seven decades, including my [Arlington] high school years, and I’m eager to stay engaged in the game.”

Some of the projects Bertagna plans going forward include his administrative duties with the American Hockey Coaches’ Association, working with Top Gun Hockey out of Salem, N.H., and consulting for the Friendship Four college tourney in Belfast, which this year (Nov. 27-28) will include Quinnipiac, Army, Mercyhurst, and Sacred Heart. 1176636 Boston Bruins “What makes them so good is you can’t say, ‘OK, we’re going to take his shot away, his passing away,” Cassidy said. “I think they all can score goals. They can all make plays.”

Crafty Brad Marchand so good ‘it doesn’t even excite us any more,’ says Cassidy’s players appreciate him as well. Charlie Coyle “Huge congrats to him, I didn’t know that,” Marchand said of Cassidy earning his 200th win as an NHL head coach. “He’s really come in and By TOM KEEGAN | [email protected] | Boston Herald tried to push that offensive game. He’s excited about guys making plays, joining the rush, playing fast. You know, that’s the way the game is PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 7:21 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, nowadays, so he gives us the freedom to make plays and make 2020 at 9:24 p.m. mistakes, but expects everyone to hold each other to a high standard and be good each night, so he’s really adapted well. He’s come in and

he’s been confident. He knows how he wants to coach and how he wants It was like watching Allen Iverson bust a hopeless defender’s ankles with guys to play and holds everyone to that standard. He’s been really good a crossover dribble or Barry Sanders making a blurry-quick cut to so far and I’m sure he’s only going to grow and become better and daylight so small nobody else even noticed it. Except the difference was better.” when Brad Marchand waved his magic wand for his first of many moves Cassidy’s more candid than most coaches, and the Bruins have leaders on the play, he was on skates. with thick enough skin to know that’s a good thing. If you missed the masterful stick/skate work that ended with Marchand “That’s what you want,” Marchand said. “You want to know the way it is. sending a backhand pass to David Pastrnak to the left of the net in the You don’t want him to lie to you and give you false information. When third period, which Pasta turned into the final goal of Saturday’s 4-1 win you know the truth and you’re able to make changes it allows you to work over the Red Wings at TD Garden, don’t worry. You’ll see it soon toward what he wants you to do. If you don’t know certain things, how do enough. It will make its way onto Marchand’s highlight video, a lofty you expect to play within his guidelines? Honesty’s good. It’s what you standard to meet. need in this game and it’s worked so far.” Once they regained their breaths, spectators roared their approval. Everything’s working for the Bruins these days and so often, Marchand, Teammates just went about their business. Pastrnak and Bergeron are in on the good stuff. “I’ve seen him do that in practice,” Charlie Coyle said. “You see that in games, what he pulled off. He’s so good with the puck. He’s so crafty. He can stop on a dime. That stuff doesn’t even excite us anymore because Boston Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020 we just know he can do it.”

It was the play of the game, yet not Marchand’s most significant contribution on a two-assist afternoon. His first came after he stole the puck and fed Patrice Bergeron for the game-winning goal midway through the second period.

“I was really happy. I looked up and Bergy was all by himself,” Marchand said. “It worked out well. He made a phenomenal play to pick the puck up the way that he did and finish it off.”

Later, up two goals, Marchand was able to put a little mustard on the hot dog before feeding Pastrnak.

“It doesn’t happen often but they’re always fun when they do,” Marchand said. “They tend to be against the bottom teams. You don’t really do that against the top teams. It’s always fun when guys make plays and capitalize.”

The bottom team in question had beaten the Bruins in the previous two meetings this season, no source of anxiety, even after the B’s looked up at a 1-0 deficit after the first period.

“Even when they scored that goal, I don’t think we were really worried about it,” Marchand said. “We had it tonight. You can tell. We came out so hard and we really controlled the play the entire way through the game.”

Marchand’s a confident athlete on a confident team. His opinion of himself is too high to let the number of goals he scores define him.

Pastrnak’s 42nd goal came on Marchand’s 50th assist. Those numbers and the entertaining play accented how smooth a transition it has been from a shot-first to pass-first mentality for Marchand, who ranks third on the B’s with 23 goals, two behind Bergeron.

“For sure, yes, rarely, rarely shoot. Before Pasta kind of got on the line, that’s kind of what I looked to do,” Marchand said. “Whenever I got inside the blueline I was kind of the shooter and it worked, but with Pasta on the line and Bergy, and some of the tendencies we’ve created in our game, they’re the shooters and I’m the passer. I’m fine with that and obviously it’s worked, and a lot of our plays are geared toward that. Obviously, there’s a time and place for shooting and for passing and it’s about trying to read that. They’re both very good at putting themselves in position almost every play to get a shot off. So I’m going to give it to them because they put it in the net.”

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy knows how fortunate he is to have three stars who play so well together. 1176637 Boston Bruins Whether this becomes the middle six line that will go the distance for the B’s remains to be seen. There are now just four games left before the Feb. 24 trade deadline and, judging from his behavior at the last two Charlie Coyle wears his work boots in Bruins win deadlines, expect GM Don Sweeney to look to fill his team’s biggest need, which is a scoring winger. Does that presumptive new guy go to Coyle or David Krejci? Everyone assumed Johansson would be Krejci’s winger when the deal was made, but things worked themselves out By STEVE CONROY | [email protected] | Boston Herald differently. PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 5:58 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, Whatever happens, Coyle looks like he’s rounding into the playoff form 2020 at 5:59 p.m. he displayed last spring. And that’s a very good thing for the Bruins.

If hard work always translated directly to the scoresheet, then Charlie Boston Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020 Coyle might be a perennial 40-goal scorer. That, however, is not how hockey works.

Yet this sport does reward a solid work ethic in its own way, and it’s usually a meaningful one. And in the Bruins’ 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday, Coyle’s tireless efforts not only were key in wearing down a Wings team that for some inexplicable reason has had the B’s number these last two years, but Coyle also got a cookie for himself out of it, too. Not a bad afternoon for the Weymouth native.

With his redirection of a Charlie McAvoy shot in the second period, Coyle notched his 13th goal of the season at 12:30 of the second and it was fitting that he scored the goal that put the game firmly in the B’s control at 3-1.

“It’s nice to get rewarded, but it’s another thing sticking with it, knowing that it will come,” said Coyle. “You’re playing the right way, you’re playing well for your team and we want to finish. It’d be nice to get it right away but it’s not always the case. But you don’t get frustrated, you stay positive, you stay with, you keep working and it’s nice to get that result.”

Wings’ goalie Jonathan Bernier stole a win from the B’s a week ago with a 39-save performance in Detroit and, in the first period, it looked like he might do it again. Though the Wings had a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes, the B’s dominated the first, with Coyle’s line in particular setting up residency in the Detroit zone. But Bernier continued his sorcery over the B’s.

At one point, Coyle had a great chance to bank the puck in off a floundering Bernier from behind the net and did exactly what he wanted to do, but the puck clung to the goalie’s legs and stayed out.

“It seemed like he had a magnet on the back of him,” mused Coyle, who has 4-1-5 totals in his lat six games.

But those dominant shifts from the Coyle line served as the body blows that dropped the Wings’ hands and left them open for the Bruins’ clean head shots in the second period. First Charlie McAvoy scored his second of the year to tie it, Patrice Bergeron scored a shorthanded goal for what turned out to be the game-winner and, finally, Coyle (five shots, four hits) turned out the lights with his deflection goal. The third period would have been drama-free if not for Brad Marchand’s spectacular assist on David Pastrnak’s 42nd goal.

“It wears you down and it frustrates you as well,” said coach Bruce Cassidy of Coyle’s early shifts. “If you watch a guy ragging the puck the whole time and getting to the net, you’re wasting a lot of energy in your own end, you’re not attacking. And I think it frustrates you. That can trickle down. You can start barking to your D for not being able to separate the guy from the puck. That’s it as much as anything, too. It gets the other team off their game. It takes them out of their game if their not completely focused. And then the natural part of it is the fatigue. It’s no fun chasing around a man his size and, battling back to get the puck, you don’t have much energy when you do get it. That’s the important part. We’d like to see that line finish a little more. Obviously, that’s the next step, if they could take it to the point where they can convert on their chances a little better. But the two wingers are young guys and they’re still learning the ropes, so we’ll see if that develops. If it does, then they’re going to be really dangerous, whoever’s on that line.”

Coyle has played with both Bjork and Heinen before. Heinen played on his right side during the B’s long playoff run with Marcus Johansson on the left side, comprising a very good line for the B’s. But this is just two games in a row where he’s played with both of them.

“We’ve had some good practice time to go over stuff. We talk a lot, but we want to keep improving, keep getting better so that stuff becomes natural for us so we can just play hockey and not think too much out there,” said Coyle. 1176638 Boston Bruins face the Red Wings on Feb. 9 but was scratched in the 11th hour with an upper body injury.

Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy anchors win over Red Wings with goal, assist Boston Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020

By RICH THOMPSON | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 5:33 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 5:35 p.m.

Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been solid in the back end all season while the offensive component of his game is beginning to fall into place.

McAvoy scored the Bruins’ first goal and added an assist in Boston’s 4-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday at the Garden.

McAvoy endured a 51-game drought before scoring his first goal in the Bruins 2-1 overtime victory at Chicago on Feb. 5. McAvoy has two goals and four assists in the last six games and has two goals and 21 assists on the season.

“He is really finding his game all around,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. “I think he is cleaner on breakouts and defending and in just his overall game it appears he’s found his groove.

“I think the goals are going to come to him because he’s got the puck a lot.”

Lauzon extended

Bruins general manager Don Sweeney and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon agreed to a two-year contract extension on Friday that’s good through the 2021-22 season.

“I’m pretty excited, pretty honored and really proud to sign with Boston for the next two years,” said Lauzon. “As a player you want stability and now, I can just concentrate on playing hockey.”

Lauzon, 22, competed in his eighth NHL game on third unit with Matt Grzelcyk against the Wings. He made his NHL debut at New Jersey on Dec. 31 and scored his first goal against the Vegas Golden Knights on Jan. 21.

Lauzon had a goal and 13 assists with a plus-22 in 45 AHL games with Providence. He was the Bruins second round pick (52nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

The 900 Club

Bruins center David Krejci reached a significant NHL milestone by competing in his 900th regular season game. Krejci, 33, was Boston’s first pick (63rd overall) in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft and made his debut on Jan. 30, 2007, in a 7-1 loss to the Buffalo Sabres.

“It’s a good number, but it’s number,” said Krejci. “I’m happy that I’ve been here for so long and hopefully I’ll be here for a little bit longer. “

Krejci, a native of the Czech Republic, centered Boston’s power line with Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton in the 2011 Stanley Cup season.

The 200 Club

Cassidy notched the 200th win of his coaching career while breaking the Red Wings five-game win steak against the Bruins. Cassidy had 47 wins with Washington and has 153 with Boston.

“It’s terrific and not just the number itself,” said Cassidy. “It (means) you are starting to accumulate some (wins) so it means you are starting to establish some consistency in the league and your craft and that’s the positive part of it.

“The first go around didn’t happen that way.”

Goalie carousel

Boston goalie Tuukka Rask made 25 saves to extend his home point streak to a club record 20 games (14-0-6) from the start of the season.

Cassidy said Jaroslav Halak will start in goal in Sunday’s matinee against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Halak had been scheduled to 1176639 Boston Bruins

Boston Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020

Bruins snap Red Wings hex with a 4-1 victory at the Garden

By RICH THOMPSON | [email protected] | Boston Herald

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 3:50 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 6:06 p.m.

The Boston Bruins stopped playing down to the Detroit Red Wings.

The Bruins snapped the Red Wings’ inexplicable five-game hex with a 4- 1 victory Saturday afternoon before a capacity crowd of 17,850 at TD Garden. The Bruins improved to 36-11-12 and secured their hold on first place in the Atlantic Division over the surging Tampa Bay Lightning.

The Bruins begin a four-game road swing on Sunday afternoon against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. The Red Wings (14- 42-4) cemented their league-worst record, with five fewer wins than any NHL team.

“We wanted to make sure we got a win today,” said Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy. “We’ve had a couple of losses to them this year and we wanted to take care of business in the right manner and I think everyone was involved so it was a good hockey game in that regard.

“We didn’t steal anything and that’s a good way to hit the road feeling good about your game. I think it’s just an extension of what we’ve been doing the last two weeks.”

The Bruins’ initial power play was operating at peak efficiency when an errant pass by defenseman Torey Krug resulted in a two-on-one breakout and an early deficit.

Krug’s pass to David Pastrnak in the left circle was intercepted by Darren Helm, who exited the zone on the right wall with Luke Glendening on his flank. Helm weighed his options and fired a wrist shot that Tuukka Rask stopped but could not contain. Helm collected the rebound and tucked it 5-hole at 3:12 for his ninth of the season.

The Bruins dominated the remainder of the frame with extended zone time on line changes while pouring 18 fruitless shots on Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier, who finished with 37 saves. Krug led the procession with four shots on goal in the period.

Bernier withstood a power-play volley in the opening minute of the second and later rejected broadside potshots by Karson Kuhlman and Jake DeBrusk before his luck exceeded its shelf life.

Boston tied the game at 8:01 on a slap shot from the high slot by defenseman Charlie McAvoy. Bernier stopped Brad Marchand’s bid from the crease but his clearing attempt found its way to McAvoy, who went stick side for his second of the season.

“We got some confidence off that and obviously we have haven’t had the success we would like against Detroit,” said left wing Anders Bjork. “We have a confident team in here and we knew we would break through if we kept playing the right way.”

The Bruins went up 2-1 on a short-handed goal by Patrice Bergeron at 9:40. McAvoy cleared the zone and set up a mismatched footrace between Marchand and Wings defenseman Mike Green. Marchand controlled the puck on the side wall and made a diagonal pass to Bergeron, who backhanded it by Bernier for his 25th of the season.

“Marcie made a big play winning the puck there and Bergy’s goal was a big goal for us,” said Cassidy. “That killed any momentum they were going to establish.”

Boston went up 3-1 on a sequence Danton Heinen set in motion from behind the Wings cage. Heinen fed McAvoy at the left point for an uncontested slap shot through a screen. The rising disc was redirected inside the far post by Charlie Coyle at 12:30 for his 13th of the season.

The Bruins made it 4-1 on a brilliant play by Marchand at 13:03 of the third. Marchand forced a turnover in the Boston end and reached the Detroit blue line with Pastrnak trailing the rush. Marchand undressed Wings forward Andreas Athanasiou in the left circle before feeding Pastrnak for an easy tip-in for his 42nd goal of the season. 1176640 Boston Bruins

Talking Points from the Bruins' 4-1 win over Red Wings

By Joe Haggerty

February 15, 2020 5:34 PM

Here are my talking points from the Bruins' 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday afternoon . . .

GOLD STAR: Brad Marchand didn’t get any goals. But his playmaking ability set up two scores for the B’s — including the shorthanded game- winner in the second period. On that play, Marchand sped into the corner, stripped the puck away and then fed Patrice Bergeron all alone in front with all kinds of time to deposit it into the net. In the third, he deked through a pair of Red Wings defenders, then dropped a pass to David Pastrnak for another tap-in goal that gave Boston insurance room. Then for good measure in the third, Marchand tossed Robby Fabbri into the Bruins bench through the door opening during a shoving match. Marchand finished with two assists, a plus-2, two shots on net, three hits and a takeaway in his 19:14 of ice time. He was the game-breaking spark plug that made everything go in a win the B’s really needed.

BLACK EYE: Andreas Athanasiou had a couple of goals in the win over the Bruins last weekend in Detroit. But it was a totally different story this time around. Athanasiou finished on ice with three of the four Bruins goals, didn’t have a single shot on net in his 14:17 of ice time, and lost all three of his faceoffs. Athanasiou also took three punches to the head from Chris Wagner when the two tangled late in the third period. There were plenty of “meh” players for Detroit on Saturday, but Athanasiou was a little worse than that.

TURNING POINT: The Bruins had outshot the Red Wings 18-6 in the first period, but still found themselves down 1-0 thanks to Detroit goalie Jonathan Bernier, who held extremely well between the pipes while getting peppered. Frustration was clearly brewing. At one point late in the first period, Brad Marchand slammed his stick against the boards at the end of a shift. But to their credit, they didn’t let it get the best of them and just kept on pushing in the second period. They outshot the Red Wings by a 12-8 margin, scored three goals, and seized hold of the game against an inferior team. It's been a frustrating series with Detroit this season, but the Bruins won this game in the second by holding their composure.

HONORABLE MENTION: Charlie McAvoy continues to put together a very strong second half with what was another dominant performance. McAvoy scored the first goal for Boston in the second period when he picked up a loose puck and rifled one top corner past Jonathan Bernier. He then assisted on the insurance marker later in the second, snapping a point shot at the net that Charlie Coyle got a high tip on to make it a 3-1 game. McAvoy finished with the two points, a plus-3 rating for the game, four shots on net, two hits and a blocked shot in his 20:29 of ice time. The extra offense McAvoy is bringing to the table right now is becoming a difference-maker in some of these games the B’s truly have to win down the stretch.

BY THE NUMBERS: 2 – the number of goals this season for Charlie McAvoy after scoring the first goal against the Red Wings on Saturday. It was another big one for McAvoy and the Bruins as it finally broke through Jonathan Bernier, tied the game and opened the floodgates for the B’s.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176641 Boston Bruins

WATCH: Brad Marchand helps David Pastrnak score on another epic assist

By Jacob Camenker

February 15, 2020 4:10 PM

In Saturday's victory over the Detroit Red Wings, David Pastrnak picked up his 42nd goal of the 2019-20 NHL season. He netted the goal off an assist from his linemate Brad Marchand.

And man, was it a beautiful one.

On the play, the Bruins had a two-on-two going down the ice, but Marchand was able to get around the Red Wings defender marking him to stretch the defense. By doing that, Marchand created a quick two-on- one and dished the puck to Pastrnak who got the score.

LIVE stream the Celtics all season and get the latest news and analysis on all of your teams from NBC Sports Boston by downloading the My Teams App.

What. A. Play. It's one that elicited cheers from Bruins fans at the TD Garden and is yet another showcase of why the Marchand-Pastrnak- Patrice Bergeron combination is one of the best in the NHL.

It's also the second time in as many games that Marchand has made an unreal pass to set up Pastrnak for a goal. The first came on Wednesday against the Montreal Canadiens, and you can Click here to see that goal.

Marchand will look to continue to stay hot on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 when the Bruins take on the New York Rangers. He has logged four assists in his past two games and has cracked the 70-point mark for the fourth consecutive season as a result.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176642 Boston Bruins

NHL Highlights: Bruins finally figure out Red Wings in 4-1 win

By NBC Sports Boston Staff

February 15, 2020 3:33 PM

FINAL SCORE: Bruins 4, Red Wings 1

IN BRIEF: The Bruins regroup for four unanswered goals in the final two periods and their first victory over the lowly Red Wings with a 4-1 win in a Saturday matinee at TD Garden after they dropped two games to Detroit earlier this season. BOX SCORE

BRUINS RECORD: 36-11-12, 84 points (1st in Atlantic Division)

HIGHLIGHTS

DARREN HELM'S SHORT-HANDED GOAL MAKES IT 1-0 WINGS:

Helm gets his own rebound.

1-0, #REDWINGS. pic.twitter.com/jLRDMNZ2Hb

— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) February 15, 2020

MCAVOY TIES IT IN 2ND:

Don't let him get hot! @CMcAvoy44 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/eySvZRh6YV

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 15, 2020

1:39 LATER, BERGERON SHORT-HANDED GOAL GIVES B'S LEAD:

Dangling for the shorty.#NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/5Xsz8feZIX

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 15, 2020

COYLE FROM MCAVOY, 3-1 B'S:

The Charlie Connection is strong.@CMcAvoy44 | @CharlieCoyle_3 pic.twitter.com/ynxnEK9Qw7

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 15, 2020

NO. 42 FOR PASTA, 50TH ASSIST FOR MARCHAND:

There he goes again.@Bmarch63's 50th assist was something special.@pastrnak96 | #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/ADZFkGX8bU

— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) February 15, 2020

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176643 Boston Bruins depend on the development of Dan Vladar, Kyle Keyser and Jeremy Swayman in the next few years.

4) I think Lauzon is a keeper. I’d also imagine the Bruins do as well HaggBag mailbag: Closing in on the trade deadline, who's coming and based on the two-year contract they signed him to and that his $850,000 going? cap hit as a bottom-pairing defenseman gives the Bruins a great deal of cap flexibility over the next few seasons.

By Joe Haggerty JH: Made a difference to who? The refs or his own team? I think Cassidy, his players and the coaching staff didn’t see exactly what happened February 15, 2020 1:15 PM because it was behind the play and that really dampened their reaction. Should an NHL coach just take a nutty any time he sees his goaltender

lying down on the ice with an injury while not having seen what The Bruins are in the midst of a boom-or-bust portion of the schedule and happened? have a ton of back-to-back games this month while fending off a Tampa Haggerty: Long-term ramifications of the Lauzon deal Bay team closing in on them atop the Atlantic Division. With the trade deadline less than 10 days away, it’s also a prime time to talk about Maybe. I would like Rask’s teammates to act first, ask questions later trades. So, there is plenty of that in this week’s edition of the Hagg Bag when it comes to a teammate being down whether or not you know it was mailbag. As always these are real questions from real fans using the a questionable play. So, I think they should have acted much more #HaggBag hashtag on Twitter, real messages to my NBCS Facebook fan aggressively and come down on the Columbus roster after the sneaky page and real emails to my @[email protected] email account. dirty play on Rask. But I also think the refs and officials will start paying a Now, on to the bag: lot less attention to Cassidy at the bench if he flips out without cause and ends up being wrong with his timing of the theatrics. Hi Joe, What about obtaining Kovalchuk to play with Charlie Coyle? He can still It has been a while so I thought I would send a poo-poo platter of shoot and Charlie can get him the puck. thoughts I would love to get your input on. Robert McNeil ·Jesse Puljujarvi – any B’s interest before trade deadline? I realize he can’t play for the B’s this year, but could play for the P-Bruins plus the JH: I advocated for signing Ilya Kovalchuk when he was available back in Oilers get usable player(s) who could help now (and perhaps enable the December because he was willing to play for the veteran minimum and Bruins to get him at a lower price) – could Zboril + Senyshyn or Fredrick because it was a total no-risk move once he cut ties with the Los Angeles get it done? Is it a sound move? Kings organization. The upside was potentially massive considering the low cost involved, and he’s proven in Montreal that his elite offensive ·Zdeno Chara – should we assume he will be with the B’s next season? skills are still there if he’s used in the right way, and with the right players. Given his level of play, role on the team and likely team-friendly cost is this a foregone conclusion? I mean, a $700,000 two-way contract is as low-risk as it gets to sign any player and tells you Kovalchuk was just desperate to stay in the league ·Jaroslav Halak – what’s up? Is there another goalie the B’s are looking as he's shown at 36 with the six goals and 12 points in 18 games while at to step into this crucial role next season? Is Halak looking to be a playing about 20 minutes a night. starter elsewhere and he’s going to go to July 1? All that being said, I am going to crush the Don Sweeney and the Bruins ·Jeremy Lauzon – Keeper or trade bait? I hope we keep him, he makes organization if they give up a prime asset (say, a second-round pick) to a difference. rent Kovalchuk should the Habs decide to flip him to the highest bidder at Thanks for your thoughts on my own random Bruins thoughts. the trade deadline.

Phil from Shrewsbury There’s no way you can give up prime draft picks and prospects for a player that you could have had for absolutely nothing just a month or two JH: Hi Phil. Any kind of poo-poo platter is always welcome in the prior to that. You have to know if you’re an NHL talent evaluator that you HaggBag, so here you go: can’t properly scout a player on a lousy team like the Kings with a bunch of plumbers out on the ice. 1) I don’t think so as far as Puljujarvi goes. My sense is that the Oilers are still holding out for a high return for a player that’s basically done with Bean: It would be a shame if B's didn't go all in at deadline the organization and the Bruins won’t (and shouldn’t for that matter) pay it for a guy playing in Europe while having done little to live up to the Get a different player at the trade deadline because the optics of trading hype in his time in North America. for a player you could have had for nothing just makes you look like you don’t know what you’re doing. Besides, I don’t think the Canadiens are I’d be fine giving up Jakub Zboril and Zach Senyshyn along with a looking to help out the Bruins anyway. nominal draft pick for a player like that, but I don’t think Edmonton would do it. And I’m not trading Trent Frederic unless I get something significant JH: Yes, the price will probably be too high for Kreider. The Rangers will that’s going to help this season and potentially beyond that. The Bruins be looking for a first-round pick and I’d expect they’ll also be looking for a window may close after this season, so dealing for future assets isn’t that top young asset like Anders Bjork, Jack Studnicka or Urho Vaakanainen high on the priority list if I’m the GM. in exchange for him. I’d be hesitant to give that up if I were the Bruins unless I had some assurances that he would be sticking around Boston 2) Yes, I think it’s a foregone conclusion that Zdeno Chara is back. I beyond this season. think he’ll wait until the Bruins have the rest of their affairs in order on the back end including making a final determination on Torey Krug’s future, After that, it’s: and then he will sign a team-friendly, one-year contract that will allow the 1) Josh Anderson B’s the kind of salary cap flexibility they need to build a quality team around him. There’s also more of a limit each year as to his ability to play 2) Tyler Toffoli at a dominant level once the team gets to the playoffs, so they shouldn’t be paying big money for him. 3) Ondrej Kase

3) Halak is 34, hasn’t played more than 40 games in a season in four of 4) Craig Smith his last five seasons and couldn’t make a start last weekend in Detroit I think Toffoli would be a decent fit and after that, it turns into players that because an old-man issue (neck, back) flared up on because of the early aren’t that much of an upgrade over what they currently have on the start time. He is not going to be a starter anywhere in the NHL at this roster. Still, Marcus Johansson and Drew Stafford weren’t marquee point in his career. He’s in a perfect spot with the Bruins and it makes names when they arrived at trade deadlines in the past and they still sense that both sides would want to continue moving forward. A one-year ended up being pretty good performers for the Bruins once they got here. deal to coincide with Rask’s final year of his contract next season would That should embolden the B's that they don’t necessarily have to chase make sense, and at that point, the Bruins are going to need to make after the biggest, shiniest object available ahead of the Feb. 24 deadline. some decisions on what they should do with their goaltending. A lot will Hey Joe! Question for the Hagg Bag: Let’s face it, the Bruins are no longer playing the style of “traditional because of the Lauzon hit, and that kind of activity should be looked at Bruins Hockey” that won them the Stanley Cup in 2011. When the long and hard by the NHL sheriff’s office. playoffs roll around, hard-hitting teams like the Capitals and the Blues are going to push this team all over the rink, and knock players into Haggs: concussion protocol. The lack of a strong, physical presence on this team Please tell me where did the moniker "Nose Face Killah" come from? (other than Zdeno Chara) is forcing likes of Brad Marchand and Tory Krug to bang up their knuckles trying to push back on teams that take I love it, but I do not have a clue as to its origin. their liberties with the Bruins. Coach Cassidy makes the decisions on Cheers, roster and ice time and he is responsible for current composition of the team. Is it time for Cassidy to go? Greg PDX

Ricky RaCool JH: Haha. Have you ever heard of the Wu-Tang Clan rapper “Ghost Face Killah”? When Brad Marchand was a rookie and the Bruins were winning JH: Umm no, I don’t think it is. He’s coaching the personnel that he’s the Stanley Cup, it was a nickname that stuck with him as he was a given and clearly this is the direction that Don Sweeney wants the team young hopeful fourth-liner who eventually became the star that he is to go in as well. Kevan Miller is likely done with a knee issue that hasn’t today. Not as many people call him that now as they did back in his gone away over nearly a calendar year and David Backes couldn’t play younger days, but it’s stuck around like “Little Ball of Hate” and many that role anymore either due to the concussion issues. Brett Ritchie was other monikers that have come his way. They even still sell the T-shirt brought in to play that kind of role and he wouldn’t do it consistently when out there. called upon for it either. Haggerty: Back-to-backs are stacking up for Bruins The only hope personnel-wise is that Trent Frederic can be that kind of guy given the kind of tough-guy season he’s had in the AHL and that the Bruins eventually give him a chance to show it in the NHL. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 Do I believe that Cassidy is actively telling his players to turn the other cheek and not protect their teammates? No, I don’t. I think it’s a byproduct of the players that are on the current roster and I think that Bruins management is aware that they have a toughness problem even if they aren’t publicly admitting it. That’s why there’s a lot of interest in a Chris Kreider/Josh Anderson-type at the deadline because they would bring a little more size and strength, and that’s why they are linked to defenseman Brenden Dillon as well.

JH: I think we’re seeing what the pairings will be moving forward with the recent signings. I think Chara will be staying for at least another year and that the Bruins will be re-signing Krug before it’s all said and done. If it’s a Lauzon/Clifton bottom pairing, then the Bruins would have a $1.85 million cap hit combined for their bottom-pairing D-men for the next couple of seasons and that would give them all kinds of cap flexibility to sign Krug and bring in more talent, too.

So I could see Miller and John Moore both exiting, and maybe even a Matt Grzelcyk trade being possible as well:

Chara-McAvoy

Krug-Carlo

Lauzon-Clifton

Any chance B’s pick up Bogosian?

--24 (@tylerwhidden)

JH: No. Zach Bogosian has been put on waivers by the Buffalo Sabres, where he's really struggled. He’s just 29, so it’s tough to say he’s done, but he’s also definitely not lived up to being the third overall pick in the draft by Winnipeg.

Hey Haggs,

I have reffed at many levels and I respect the officials. However, after the Feb 8 game against the Coyotes I am disgusted with double standards. Lauzon has his hit on Stepan reviewed and the initial point of contact is his shoulder he goes down refs review he gets 5 and a game Stepan misses 1 shift. Lawson Crouse extends his elbow into Charlie McAvoy’s head and gets 2 [minutes]. This needs to be addressed [because] the one with the intent gets essentially nothing. Bruins media needs to start drawing attention to this like they do on Leafsnet here in Ontario anytime something does happen against “the Laffs” there is 500 articles.

DJ

London Ontario

JH: I wrote about it several times, so I hope you’re not lumping me in with everybody else DJ! I immediately saw the double-standard being served when one dangerous hit was punished and another was barely noticed with a two-minute minor. Thank goodness that neither player was injured as a result of the play and it’s in the rear-view mirror now, but the absolute random nature of punishment from on-ice officials and NHL Player Safety is an issue that needs to be addressed. It was clear to me that Lawson Crouse threw a retaliatory head hit on Charlie McAvoy 1176644 Boston Bruins Even though Charlie Coyle has been a member of the Bruins for only one calendar year, he’s set to help carry on their culture for a long time after he agreed to a six-year contract extension earlier this season. He, too, is As Bruins steam towards playoffs, individual milestones piling up a part of that second layer.

Then comes the third layer. On paper, they may be less experienced and younger, but they are treated no differently than anyone else on the By Joe McDonald team. Chara and Bergeron make sure that’s the case with any player, which is one reason the Bruins have success every season — because Feb 15, 2020 they really have a one-team mentality.

Because they’re learning from future Hall of Famers, the winning culture Individual milestones continue to pile up for the Boston Bruins, but should continue even after the veterans hang up their skates. there’s a larger goal in mind for this group. “We’ve got younger players who have a great opportunity to learn from a On Saturday, as Boston dismissed the Detroit Red Wings 4-1 at TD really good group of guys who have been in the league awhile and know Garden, Bruins forward David Krejci played his 900th career NHL game, how to lead,” team president Cam Neely told The Athletic. “Not only to all with the Bruins and most as a key member of their veteran core. get that experience but to be able to learn from those guys about what Recently, Zdeno Chara celebrated 1,500 NHL games and 1,000 as being a leader is really like both on and off the ice.” captain of the Bruins. Alternate captain Patrice Bergeron played his Of course, David Pastrnak has the ability to become the face of the 1,000th game last season and continues to move his way up the franchise for a long, long time. The 23-year-old forward scored his 42nd organization’s all-time scoring list. goal of the season Saturday and should reach the magical 50-goal Goalie Tuukka Rask reached the 500-game plateau this season, which is plateau sooner rather than later. the equivalent of 1,000 games. He’s also the club’s all-time leader in It also helps that younger players Jake DeBrusk, Charlie McAvoy, games played and wins, while tying a franchise record with eight 20-win Brandon Carlo, Matt Grzelcyk, Sean Kuraly, Danton Heinen and Anders seasons. Bjork have all bought into the system and philosophies. The culture has Fellow netminder Jaroslav Halak, who has only been with the Bruins for also trickled down to the Providence Bruins; those players know exactly two seasons, also achieved the 500-career-game milestone this season. what to expect, and what’s expected of them, when they get a chance to play in Boston. Safe to say, it’s an impressive list of accomplishments. With the trade deadline approaching on Feb. 24, Bruins general manager “It means we’re getting older,” Rask said with a smile. “It’s awesome. It’s Don Sweeney continues to work on ways to improve the team because not very often this happens that you keep the same core group of guys he knows the window of opportunity for the core players is closing. The for 10, 15 years. Successful teams have it and it’s been a big part of our Bruins need to go all in. They have the ability to win again, but it has to organization that we keep those building blocks and we keep adding happen either this season or next. around it.” So, after celebrating another core player reaching a significant milestone That “core” mentality has been discussed time and again in the last on Saturday, Rask was asked how much the “core” has left. decade-plus when it comes to the aforementioned players. But what does that really mean? “We’ll see,” Rask said. “I don’t know but we’ll see.”

“It’s what drives the team is our core,” said Bruce Cassidy, who collected his 200th coaching victory on Saturday. “If they’re not going, it’s a pretty The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 good chance the team’s not going to have success. That’s typical throughout the league, but what I’ve always liked about our core is their ability to work with the younger guys, hold guys accountable with their practice habits and how they play the game.”

Brad Marchand is on his own level in more ways than one. He was a rookie when the Bruins won the Stanley Cup in 2011 and he’s been an important part of them ever since, especially in his role as Bergeron’s longtime linemate. Marchand, 31, is quickly skating, scoring, assisting and chirping his way into milestone categories and should play his 800th career game next season.

The Bruins’ core has also grown roots. There are now layers beyond the top-tier players and that bodes well for their success rate and their ability to remain a perennial Stanley Cup contender.

“Can’t help but trickle down to the younger guys. It helps the coach a lot (that) the team is taking care of itself and you’re not constantly asking for it from those older guys, and not every older guy does it that way, so we’re very fortunate with this group,” Cassidy said. “And, they’re good hockey players to boot. Then we’re starting to grow it, right?”

Torey Krug, a leader in his own right, is firmly established in that second layer of the core. The veteran defenseman is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and the Bruins want to keep him on the blue line for years to come. He wants to stay, but it’ll take both sides agreeing on a possible contract extension before he hits the market.

Krug, however, has a unique status as the conduit between the veteran core and the younger players. If he remains with the Bruins for the foreseeable future, and once Chara and Bergeron are done playing, Krug will likely wear the ‘C’ on his sweater one day.

“They set the bar for this culture that you want to be part of this group for a long, long time, and when you see those guys reach those milestones, it makes you want to become a bigger part of that core, and hopefully, be part of it for a long time,” Krug said. 1176645 Buffalo Sabres

Casey Mittelstadt scores shootout winner for Amerks

By Staff

Published Sun, Feb 16, 2020

Casey Mittelstadt scored Rochester’s second goal in the shootout and the Amerks gained a 4-3 victory over the Syracuse Crunch on Saturday night at the Upstate Medical University Arena in Syracuse.

The Amerks came from behind to tie the game at 3-3 on a power-play goal by C.J. Smith at 5:28 of the third period.

Rochester had led, 2-1, on goals by Brett Murray and Andrew MacWilliam in the second period. Syracuse had scored first on Otto Somppi’s goal at 2:44 of the second.

Boris Katchouk tied the game at 2-2 for the Crunch 38 seconds into the third period and Syracuse took the lad on Alexander Volkov’s seventh of the season.

Andrew Oglevie scored first for Syracuse in the shootout. Volkov and Alex Barre-Boulet failed to score for Syracuse against Rochester’s Ukko- Pekka Luukkonen. Both Rochester shootout scorers, Oglevie and Mittelstadt, had assists on Rochester goals.

The win came after four straight losses by the Amerks, who will be home for a 3:05 game on Sunday in Blue Cross Arena against the Utica Comets. With Saturday’s win the Amerks (27-17-2-4 60 points) moved within a point of the second-place Comets (28-19-3-2) in the North Division standings of the American Hockey League.

Luukkonen stopped 15 of the 18 shots he faced in regulation and overtime. Spencer Martin had 35 saves for Syracuse.

Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176646 Buffalo Sabres Series finale

Jack Eichel is anticipating an emotional game Sunday night. Prior to Toronto's game in Ottawa on Saturday night, the Sabres (26-24-8) were Carter Hutton's status uncertain for Sabres' game against Toronto eight points behind the Maple Leafs (30-20-8) for third place in the Atlantic Division.

By Lance Lysowski With a win Sunday, the Sabres will take the season series over Toronto for the first time since 2016. Buffalo won the first matchup this season, 6- Published Sat, Feb 15, 2020 4, before losing once in overtime and once in regulation.

Leafs forward Andreas Johnsson, who is out six-to-eight weeks because of knee surgery, joined an injury report this week that also includes Cody Buffalo Sabres coach Ralph Krueger is awaiting word on whether his Ceci (ankle), Morgan Rielly (foot) and Ilya Mikheyev (wrist). Frederik starting goalie will be available to play Sunday night against the Toronto Andersen will start in goal for Toronto. Maple Leafs in KeyBank Center. "The emotions will automatically be there because it’s Toronto," Eichel Carter Hutton, who has started six of eight games since Linus Ullmark said. "The environment should be a good one. It’s an important game for suffered a lower-body injury Jan. 28, missed practice Saturday in both sides. Obviously, we’re trying to find points any way we can and put LECOM Harborcenter for what the Sabres called "maintenance." Krueger ourselves in the best position moving forward and they’re the same way. told the media that Hutton's absence is not related to the goalie's collision We just have to be ready to play. We know it’s going to be a tough night." with winger Eric Robinson in the third period Thursday night.

With Hutton's status uncertain, the Sabres recalled goalie Andrew Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 Hammond from Rochester on Saturday.

"Carter, we’re quite optimistic about his rehab day today, and there was a different action, actually," Krueger said. "It wasn’t the hit that caused the situation we’re battling with right now."

Hutton, 34, went almost four months without winning a game, posting a 0-8-4 record and .872 save percentage from Oct. 24 through Jan. 30. He has since gone 4-2 with a .902 save percentage, winning each of his past three starts.

Hutton, who posted consecutive shutouts while winning his first six starts of the season, made 28 saves in a 4-2 overtime win over Columbus on Thursday. Jake McCabe came to Hutton's defense after the collision with Robinson by repeatedly cross-checking the Blue Jackets winger. The action resulted in McCabe receiving a double-minor for cross-checking, though the Sabres managed to kill off the ensuing power play.

“First of all, I thought Hutts got clipped a little bit high for me," Krueger said following the win. "We ended up with a penalty kill --- that was not really quite mathematically logical, but let’s take it for that. I thought the reaction and the way the guys defend each other as a group is strong right now if those situations occur. But it was, of course, important. We need to fight for each other here and we’ve got to battle every night."

Jonas Johansson will likely make his third career start if Hutton is unavailable Sunday against Toronto. Johansson has gone 0-1-1 with an .889 save percentage in three games since joining the Sabres.

Hammond, meanwhile, could serve as the Sabres' backup for the second time in one week. He was recalled before puck drop last Sunday because Hutton was dealing with what the Sabres called a family situation.

Hammond, 32, has gone 13-11-2 with a .905 save percentage during his first season with Rochester. He last appeared in an NHL game with the Colorado Avalanche on April 22, 2018, a 5-0 first-round playoff loss to the Nashville Predators in which he allowed five goals on 37 shots.

The pending unrestricted free agent is best known for his remarkable run with the in 2015, when he went 20-1-2 with a .943 save percentage to help the team qualify for the playoffs.

Gilmour arrives

Defenseman John Gilmour was also recalled from Rochester on Saturday, hours before the Sabres assigned Zach Bogosian to the Amerks.

Gilmour, 26, appeared in four NHL games after making Buffalo's roster out of training camp. He has six goals with seven assists and a minus-14 rating in 32 games since joining the Amerks in November.

Gilmour was recalled because the Sabres wanted a seventh defenseman and preferred to have Lawrence Pilut play games with Rochester this weekend. In other roster news, Marcus Johansson (upper body) returned to practice and is on track to be in the lineup Sunday night, and Michael Frolik was absent because of an illness. The latter's availability will be determined prior to the 7 p.m. puck drop against Toronto. 1176647 Buffalo Sabres which he provided a pair of 100-level seats to a member of the military during every home game.

Though Eichel gave a short response when asked for his reaction to the Sabres' Zach Bogosian assigned to Rochester after clearing waivers Sabres' decision, he became emotional when discussing how he was impacted by his friendship with Bogosian.

By Lance Lysowski "Honestly, I do have the organization and the team to thank for the relationship that I was able to create by being here with him," Eichel said. Published Sat, Feb 15, 2020|Updated Sat, Feb 15, 2020 "I think my biggest message to him through this whole thing has been the best part about all of it – obviously to play the game and everything – but

at the end of this, whenever the two of us are done playing, he’ll be a After dealing with various injuries and experiencing some of the darkest lifelong friend of mine. He’s somebody that – there’s not a lot of people in days in Sabres history during his five-plus seasons with the team, Zach the world that I’m closer with. We have a really special relationship. I Bogosian's time in Buffalo likely came to an end Saturday. don’t want to get emotional here talking about him, but that’s all I’ve got."

The 29-year-old defenseman was assigned to the Rochester Americans Bogosian was unable to surpass the six other defensemen on the after clearing waivers, potentially providing him with an opportunity to Sabres' roster: Dahlin, Rasmus Ristolainen, Brandon Montour, Henri showcase his skill in a contract year and giving the Sabres an additional Jokiharju, Jake McCabe and Colin Miller. In addition to opening a roster $1.075 million in cap space ahead of the Feb. 24 trade deadline. spot, Botterill also provided himself with salary-cap relief ahead of the trade deadline. The next move is Bogosian's, though. His agent, Darren Ferris, told The Buffalo News in a text message that the two plan to meet in the coming According to CapFriendly.com, Botterill currently has $3.673 million of days to determine the "next steps." Bogosian has yet to decide if he will cap space. In addition to Bogosian, the Sabres have five pending report to Rochester. unrestricted free agents who could be traded before the deadline: Zemgus Girgensons, Johan Larsson, Conor Sheary, Jimmy Vesey and Sabres coach Ralph Krueger declined to comment on the Sabres' Michael Frolik. decision to place Bogosian on waivers after he was a healthy scratch in 17 of the previous 26 games.

"It’s a management, organizational conversation," coach Ralph Krueger Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 said. "I always work with the players that are here. I have no other information for you."

Bogosian is in the final year of a $36 million contract he signed with Winnipeg in July 2013. He had one goal with four assists in 19 games this season after undergoing hip surgery last April and suffering a setback during his rehab over the summer.

Bogosian played 10 consecutive games for the Sabres after making his season debut Nov. 24, and he reportedly requested a trade when he was a healthy scratch against Nashville on Dec. 12. General Manager Jason Botterill was unable to find a team interested in taking on Bogosian's $5.142 million cap hit. His last game as a Sabre was Feb. 4, a 6-1 loss to Colorado in which he had a minus-3 rating in 17:09.

Bogosian was part of former General Manager Tim Murray's plan to expedite the Sabres' rebuild amid the tank season in 2014-15. Bogosian, a former third overall draft pick, was acquired in February 2015 along with Evander Kane and goalie Jason Kasdorf from Winnipeg in exchange for Tyler Myers, Drew Stafford, Joel Armia, Brendan Lemieux and a first- round draft pick.

Bogosian had 114 points in six seasons between Atlanta and Winnipeg, while Kane was a former 30-goal scorer. The trade, and others like it, depleted the Sabres' depth.

Kane scored 68 goals in parts of three seasons in Buffalo before he was traded to San Jose in February 2018. Bogosian, meanwhile, did not play more than 65 games in any of his six seasons in Buffalo, missing 170 games due to injury during that span.

Bogosian underwent two hip surgeries, the first of which limited him to 18 games in 2017-18. He has not played more than 70 games in any season since 2010-11 with the Atlanta Thrashers.

"He’s had a tough road here dealing with the rehabs and trying to get himself back to what he feels is his best," Sabres captain Jack Eichel said. "When you have surgeries like the ones he’s had, it doesn’t happen overnight. It’s something that takes a while. He’s been in here early every single day working out, trying to get himself back. Trying to make himself feel like he did before. I think all the guys on the team recognized that and he’s somebody you honestly enjoy coming to the rink and seeing every day."

Bogosian made a significant impact off the ice in Buffalo. He served as an alternate captain under former coach Phil Housley and was as a mentor to Eichel and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who was drafted first overall in 2018.

Since its inception in 2015, Bogosian's nonprofit foundation, the Bogo Bunch, donated $155,000 to Roswell Park, including a $75,000 gift last March. He also worked with the Sabres on a tickets for troops program in 1176648 Buffalo Sabres 26. San Jose Sharks. Kane facing hearing for elbow in Winnipeg. (26)

27. Anaheim Ducks. Incredible job by training/medical staff in crisis situation. (28) Mike Harrington's NHL Power Rankings 28. New Jersey Devils. Check standings before you say deposed Shero should replace Botterill. (29)

By Mike Harrington 29. Ottawa Senators. Zero excuse for Sabres to lose third straight to Published Sat, Feb 15, 2020|Updated Sat, Feb 15, 2020 Sens come Tuesday. (27)

30. Los Angeles Kings. Love those Stadium Series chrome helmets. (30)

Through Friday's games. Last week's rankings in parentheses. 31. Detroit Red Wings. Say Something Nice Dept: They haven't quit. (31) 1. Boston Bruins. Still just two regulation losses at home and it's February. (1)

2. Tampa Bay Lightning. At 32-10-3, best in NHL since Sweden trip vs. Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 Sabres. (3)

3. Washington Capitals. Defensive doldrums: GAA of 4.00 so far this month. (2)

4. Pittsburgh Penguins. Zucker is a big pickup, already posts two-goal game. (5)

5. St. Louis Blues. Prayers up around league for Bouwmeester. (4)

6. Colorado Avalanche. Suddenly just two points out of Central lead. (7)

7. New York Islanders. Still maintaining death grip on third in Metro. (8)

8. Dallas Stars. Have already played five one-goal games this month, going 3-2. (13)

9. Philadelphia Flyers. Start massive home-and-home with Jackets Tuesday in Philly. (14)

10. Columbus Blue Jackets. All three meetings with Sabres went OT and they lost two of them. (6)

11. Vancouver Canucks. A spectacular job on retirement ceremony for the Sedins. (9)

12. Carolina Hurricanes. The words "Game 7" still produce pain for 2006 Sabres. (10)

Sabres of the 2000s keep their hopes up for Blue and Gold in the 2020s

13. Toronto Maple Leafs. Johnsson gone for eight weeks after knee surgery. (11)

14. Edmonton Oilers. Ultra-bad week: McDavid injury, Kassian stupidity. (17)

15. Florida Panthers. In trouble as five-game Western roadie starts Monday in San Jose. (12)

16. Vegas Golden Knights. Awaiting their big move in Pacific standings. (16)

17. Calgary Flames. Sabres got the right Sam in '14: Bennett trade rumors abound. (18)

18. Nashville Predators. Still don't get firing Laviolette and hiring a mediocrity like Hynes. (19)

19. Arizona Coyotes. From first to fifth in Pacific thanks to 2-5-3 slide. (15)

20. New York Rangers. Kreider Watch -- sign or trade? -- is at full throttle. (24)

21. Winnipeg Jets. Maurice gets contract extension, so heat shifts to GM Cheveldayoff. (20)

22. Montreal Canadiens. Sabres hit the ice Sunday with three games in hand. (22)

23. Minnesota Wild. Odd timing for a firing as Boudreau was 7-3-1 in his last 11. (23)

24. Buffalo Sabres. Regulation win in final meeting with Leafs is an absolute must. (25)

25. Chicago Blackhawks. Last in Central but still in thick of wild-card hunt. (21) 1176649 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres recall John Gilmour, Andrew Hammond from Rochester

By Lance Lysowski

Published Sat, Feb 15, 2020|Updated Sat, Feb 15, 2020

The Buffalo Sabres' roster shakeup continued Saturday with defenseman John Gilmour and goalie Andrew Hammond recalled from Rochester.

Gilmour, 26, will likely replace defenseman Zach Bogosian, who was placed on waivers Friday. If another team does not claim Bogosian before noon Saturday, the Sabres could assign him to Rochester or loan him to another American Hockey League team. Bogosian could also remain on the Sabres' roster, though that is unlikely after Gilmour joined the team.

Hammond, meanwhile, joined the team because Carter Hutton missed practice Saturday for "maintenance." Michael Frolik (illness) did not participate in the on-ice session, while Marcus Johansson (upper body) rejoined the team after not playing Thursday against Columbus.

Coach Ralph Krueger will address the media following practice Saturday morning.

Gilmour has six goals with seven assists and a minus-14 rating in 32 games with Rochester. He made the Sabres out of training camp and appeared in four games before being assigned to the Amerks in November.

Hammond, 32, has a .905 save percentage in 28 games with Rochester. He has not played in an NHL game since April 22, 2018.

Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176650 Buffalo Sabres The Sabres of the 2000s had strong leadership in coach and general manager Darcy Regier, rock-solid goaltending from Ryan Miller and all sorts of options on offense and defense. What they also Sabres of the 2000s keep their hopes up for Blue and Gold in the 2020s developed was a visceral connection between the players and the fans that is still a talking point today. The camera shots from the Party in the Plaza, when games going on inside the building were shown outside to thousands of fans, became staples of the telecasts. By Mike Harrington One moment stands out. It came in Game 6 of the 2006 East final Published Sat, Feb 15, 2020|Updated Sat, Feb 15, 2020 against Carolina, when Briere's overtime goal gave the Sabres a 2-1 win and sent the series to its ill-fated showdown in Raleigh.

No decade in Buffalo Sabres history had such wild swings of emotion as The fans knew it might be the last home game of the season and they the 2000s. When former owner Tom Golisano and a couple of dozen ex- partied in the seats not wanting to leave but hoping to return the next players gathered in town this week, they were largely celebrating the week for the Cup final against Edmonton. Eventually, they moved to the near misses of the Stanley Cup runs in 2006 and 2007. arena's giant atrium, roaring and chanting their way down the escalators and the staircases – just on the other side of the wall from where the How long ago they seem. team's old changing room was.

The Sabres currently own the longest playoff drought in the NHL, dating "People hanging out in the atrium in the front. Nobody wanted to leave," to 2011, and have not won a series since they beat the New York Briere said. "That's my greatest memory of the Sabres fan base." Rangers in the second round in the spring of '07. The last appearance in the playoffs was a seven-game defeat to Philadelphia in 2011, just more "I remember that vividly," defenseman Brian Campbell said. "We were all than two months after Terry Pegula took ownership of the team. It was a in the change room asking, " 'What is that sound?' It was amazing. We all series in which the Flyers' best player was former Buffalo captain Daniel stood around and were quiet for a second asking what is that? We all Briere. figured out it was the fans in the atrium going crazy. One of those stop-in- time kind of things." "That was the last playoff round for the Sabres? Wow, I knew the the last few years have been tough. I didn't realize that was the last time," Briere, Managing partner Larry Quinn spearheaded construction and design of now vice president of the ECHL's Maine Mariners, said here Thursday the arena in the mid-'90s and foreshadowed the atrium becoming the night. "It's hard to imagine almost. I look at their team and there's a great gathering place for celebrations someday. But even Quinn was blown base there to have a special team. I don't want to speculate what needs away on this night. to be done. That's not my job. But you look at the top-end players that "The night Briere scored the OT goal in Game 6, I went downstairs and they have and there's definitely a recipe to have a great team here." that wall was visibly moving by 8 or 9 inches," Quinn said. "We were all "I'm a little disappointed but I feel bad for Terry because I know how looking at it going, 'Oh my God.' " much it means to him," said Golisano, who still watches most every game In those times, the players were like rock stars in town. And it wasn't hard on television. "And obviously to the coaches and the players. So I'm to find them rocking hard some nights on Chippewa or Franklin streets, rooting for him. I wish they could do better." or on Elmwood Avenue. Much like current fans, everyone associated with the 2000s is hopeful "We embraced the fans, had a good group of guys that knew the fans about the Sabres of the 2020s. The 2010s, of course, were mostly a were important to us. It was fun," Campbell said. "You wanted to have a washout as the team has failed to reach 90 points since that 2011 run to beer with a fan or they wanted to have a beer, it was like, 'Hey, let's have the postseason. a beer.' Obviously times have changed with the era of phones and "It's a sport where it is cyclical. You see what happened with Chicago camera phones, but that was a great era of time where you could still and LA," said ex-Buffalo center Paul Gaustad, referring to former Cup enjoy the moment and have fun with people." champions who have now fallen on hard times. "There's some luck to it "That's part of the reason why it was so cool playing here," Briere said. for sure with draft picks because they don't always work out. It's not an "People cared about their team. That side of it was really special. The exact science. It takes time, vision, trust. I know it's been a long process. bond we created with the fans, we kind of came out of nowhere coming "It takes time and I know it's been a while. Buffalo has been waiting, but it out of the lockout. It was unexpected for the fans and they just ran with takes time. You talk about us in '05-06, well, you think about '02-03, '03- it." 04, the lockout. It's not good years there, not pretty. But there have been A triumphant and troubling decade reloads here. I believe in Jason Botterill. He's an extremely smart hockey person. He's earned the right to be in the position he's in the NHL." So much more went on during those 10 years. Both triumph and troubles.

Gaustad said he's impressed by the work and mental fortitude of coach The Sabres started the decade strong with the afterglow of the trip to the Ralph Krueger and has heard great things about the first-year coach from No Goal Stanley Cup final of 1999. They were 78 seconds from the goaltender and former Nashville teammate Carter Hutton. And Gaustad Eastern Conference final in 2001 but lost both Game 6 and Game 7 of said all the alums believe in the burgeoning star power of current captain the second-round series to Pittsburgh and it was five long years before Jack Eichel. they were back in the postseason.

"I don't know if we've had a guy like that in Buffalo in a long time," And what a five years they were. Gaustad said. "Danny and 'Dru' (Briere and Chris Drury) were great players, but Jack is an elite, elite player. That's what you build around The team went bankrupt in the wake of the Rigas/Adelphia scandal, fell and I remain excited for this because of that." into NHL control and relocation seemed like a definite possibility until Golisano completed his purchase in 2003. And the entire league, of Briere said the Sabres benefited from many of their players staying course, was shut down for the 2004-05 season due to the owners' together in Rochester during the '04-05 lockout season and being of lockout. similar ages. Coming out of the lockout, there were no expectations. But the team "You hope that your players kind of grow and come up with their best suddenly blossomed. The fans returned. The 2005-06 season went until years all at the same time," Briere said. "A salary cap era, that's a little bit June 1, all the way to Game 7 of the East final at Carolina. It's the one of what happens now. The best team, you have to have your core and Buffalo team most everyone agrees probably should have won the your depth players have their best year all together. Stanley Cup had injuries not gotten in the way.

"This is one of the best places to play and have everybody behind you. I "I always felt when I was traded, the first day I stepped off the plane, hope they get to feel it, with what's going on with the Bills and see how there was a special feeling around here," recalled Briere. "We had some passionate the fans are with their team. If they get to be a team that great years and a special team there. We were so close to winning it all. contends again, I know the fan base will be ecstatic and they'll be there Those things always stay with you." for them. That relationship is extremely special."

The noise "People predicted us last before the season and it was one of those "Danny and 'Dru' and others leaving made it difficult, especially with them things were we wouldn't accept it," added Gaustad, whom fans again being the leaders," Gaustad said. "We were still young and I don't know if serenaded with "Goooose" chants Thursday night. "We said, 'We won't we were quite ready. We were close, just not able to take a hold of it all. accept it in this locker room. If you want to accept it, don't be here.' It was We were climbing that stepping stone and it was just a little too far for us such a fun time in our lives, such a fun group. We all bought in." to reach. But we fought those years."

The final blow, of course, was the leg infection that felled stalwart The loss of the captains was impossible to overcome. Their acquisitions defenseman Jay McKee the night before Game 7 in Carolina. The were pulled off by Regier in two of the best trades in franchise history. Sabres had a 2-1 lead through two periods but lost, 4-2. They were irreplaceable.

"That's sports. It sucks. All the teams go through it and get banged by it," "Everyone grew up together and I think there's something to be said Gaustad said. "It happens in Game 7 to us and I remember being on the about that," said Angola native Patrick Kaleta, who made his NHL debut plane and thinking, 'Where's Jay? He's going to miss the flight. We can't in 2007 during the game that led to the infamous brawl with the Senators. take off.' " "You have a team built up with passion, with guys who would do anything for the logo. That mixture is a force to be reckoned with. Winger J.P. Dumont says he's still upset about the team's near miss. "You mix the highly skilled, the great goaltending and the sandpaper and "I would have loved to go back there. Like Jay, make sure he washes his that's a team. You grew up together, you go to bat for each other and it's leg there or something so it doesn't get infected," Dumont joked. "All a brotherhood that you hate losing so much that it's not acceptable." those big injuries for defensemen. I would love to see what would have happen. You don't want to have ifs. It was really tough to swallow." That '06 team certainly hated losing. The group didn't get to the Cup final or win the whole thing. but it's remembered ultra-fondly, even as it sits as The goals the greatest "what if" in franchise history and a dream for current fans Lots of memorable playoff overtime goals stand out in the 2000s. Stu that seems a long way away. Barnes went bar-down to beat Pittsburgh in Game 5 in 2001. There was "Of course you wonder 'what if.' Anybody in sports wonders 'what if' Briere's heroics against Carolina, and the Maxim Afinogenov goal in 2007 every day of their lives probably," said Golisano, now 78. "I'm no against the New York Rangers after Drury's "Who else?" goal tied the exception and I'm sure (partners) Dan DiPofi and Larry Quinn felt the game with 7.7 seconds left in regulation (Buffalo has just one playoff OT same way. It was just such an exciting time to see the crowds outside the winner since then, by Tyler Ennis in Game 5 in 2011 in Philly). arena, much less inside. It was just awesome. I think about it all the The Sabres posted three of their four wins against Ottawa in 2006 after time." 60 minutes. Drury won Game 1, 7-6, with a goal after just 18 seconds, Dumont won Game 3 on what he called a "fluffer" and Pominville's Game 5 short-handed goal that won the series lives forever as one of the two or Buffalo News LOADED: 02.16.2020 three most memorable goals in franchise history.

"I blacked out to be honest with you," Pominville said. "Jay McKee couldn't believe it. He was the first guy to me coming out of the penalty box. ... To score a goal of that magnitude you take a step back now and you realize how much that meant to the team and the organization and myself for my career. Definitely a proud moment."

Pominville is 37 now, and did not have a team to play for this year after the Sabres didn't re-sign him. He became a 30-goal scorer in the NHL but forever has this one moment.

"I still get talked about it quite a bit so I realize it now," he said. "When you're playing, you're in the moment and we were riding the wave. I was young, clueless, having fun and going with it."

Dumont said his goal still pumps him up if he watches it before men's beer league games at home in Nashville.

"I remember scoring and turning around and I see everybody charging at me," he said. "I did the half-running man I think to celebrate and Teppo Numminen was right there. I'm not going to lie about that one. It was definitely a fluffer. I knew where it was going. Everything happened quick."

To many fans, of course, the decade is black-marked by July 1, 2007, the day that Briere and Chris Drury left via free agency after ownership made the decision to move on from Briere, only to see Drury leave too.

"It wasn't my decision. I had to move on unfortunately," said Briere, who led Philadelphia to a Cup final in 2010 and beat the Sabres in a seven- game first-round series in 2011. "It's just the way it was. It was the way it happened. I've moved on from that. There's no hard feelings. I thought I was going to be a Sabre for the rest of my career honestly. Things happen for a reason. It's done. We can't change anything about it."

The heart and soul of the Sabres was gone in one fell swoop and has never really returned. The Sabres have yet to win a playoff series since.

" 'Dru' would play in basically every situation," recalled Pominville. "Win faceoffs, PK, block shots and you're like, 'Man, if this guy's doing that I've got to do that.' Danny was maybe a little more quiet but every night found a way to be on board and score the big goal at the key time."

The Sabres missed the playoffs in 2008 and 2009, the latter miss coming on the final weekend of the season. They won the Northeast Division in 2010 and squeezed into the playoffs on the second-last day in 2011, losing in the first round both times. 1176651 Calgary Flames Sam Bennett gave the home fans something to cheer about, twice, when he whacked in Calgary’s first goal 1:37 later to tie the game 1-1 and, again, at the 12:57 mark when he knotted the score 2-2 before the first Flames hammered by Blackhawks as home-ice struggles continue period was over.

Their defensive coverage — still without the stabilizing forces of Mark Giordano and Travis Hamonic — looked lost, at times. After another two Kristen Anderson, Postmedia strikes from the Blackhawks, a team that is desperately clinging to relevancy especially after losing the previous five games, Rittich’s night February 16, 2020 12:41 AM MST was over after allowing four goals on 15 shots.

Brandon Saad and Alex Nylander had given the visitors a 4-2 lead with The Calgary Flames did what they set out to do on the road, collecting 5:28 elapsed in the second period. Lindholm scored and made it close. six of a possible eight points on a four-game jaunt through the NHL’s But when Rasmus Andersson and Oliver Kylington both got sucked Pacific Division. behind Cam Talbot’s net just as a penalty to Sean Monahan expired, Their secondary scoring shone. They got good goaltending. Their stars Alex DeBrincat padded the Blackhawks lead. looked like stars. Nylander did too, this time because of Calgary’s failed coverage in the Coming home, though, the objective was much more straightforward as slot. the team settled in for a three-game set at Scotiabank Saddledome. At that point, the Flames were down 6-3 with 20 minutes left to play. “Big thing for us — we’ve gotta make it a harder place to play,” Flames Lots of time to bounce back? head coach Geoff Ward had said after Saturday’s morning skate. “And we’ve just gotta start winning more at home than what we have been Evidently not. lately.” Lindholm scored with 5:54 remaining in the third on a power play, which, Five straight losses in their own building, to be exact. for the most part, looked anemic all night. That woke the home crowd up. Somewhat. A 7-8-2 record on home ice since Ward took over officially, on an interim basis, on Nov. 29. But fans started departing from their seats shortly after when Patrick Kane fired an empty-netter with 3:12 to go and continued to exit at 1:01 No, Saturday’s 8-4 decision dropped to the Chicago Blackhawks was not when Kirby Dach added the final nail in the coffin. what they had in mind, especially given all of the factors at stake. “It sucks,” Tkachuk said. “Especially at home. We want to make this “I don’t know what to tell you,” said Flames forward Matthew Tkachuk. place a really tough place to play. For some reason right now, we’re just “For some reason, the first game home after emotional road trips or not having success. I can’t put my finger on it. If I could, we would emotional road games — I mean, this happened when we played change it.” Edmonton a couple weeks ago. I don’t know why it is. We need to make this place a tough place to come for road teams, and we haven’t had They’ll have two more chances to change it — this time — before they success here since the break … we just weren’t good defensively. head on the road again.

“We gave up eight goals.” On Monday, the Anaheim Ducks are in town (2 p.m., Sportsnet West, Sportsnet 960 The Fan). For the second time this season, in fact. That 8-3 loss to the Oilers on Jan. 29 was the second of what is now a five-game losing skid at the “The good thing is, we’re in the race,” Tkachuk added. “We had a great Dome. road trip that kept us in it. We’ve gotta take care of business at home. We didn’t (Saturday). But have to Monday. HAVE to Monday. HAVE to take “If you don’t win at home, it doesn’t matter if you win on the road, right?” care of business Monday, especially the teams that are chasing us. said Flames forward Elias Lindholm, who scored twice to extend his point-streak to 10 games. “Obviously, we were happy with the road trip. “We’ve gotta find ways to get wins and put them away a bit and beat the teams that we’re chasing.” “But as long as we don’t get the work done at home, it doesn’t matter.” Giordano isn’t skating yet, but he is trending in the right direction. It’s all quite puzzling considering the Flames are in a nightly battle trying to stay afloat in the Pacific Division and the Western Conference wildcard The Flames captain has been ramping up his workouts, and reports are race. out that he is feeling better every day after missing the last six games with a hamstring issue. And the NHL trade deadline is approaching. “We’ve seen an increase in how hard his workouts have been on the And they’re still trying to respond to the challenge set forth by Ward after bike,” Ward said. “He’s coming along. The one thing about Gio — you their last showing on home ice — a 3-2 loss to the Nashville Predators on know he’s going to push as hard as he possibly can to get back as soon Feb. 6 that had the boss questioning everything from their work ethic to as he can. The last time this happened to him … I mean … he was back how bad they really wanted to win. early. So we fully anticipate we’ll see him sooner rather than later.” And they’re trying to prove they’re a contender or, at least, a playoff team Fellow defender Hamonic, meanwhile, missed his fourth game with an and not the same team that was bounced in the first round of the 2019 upper body injury. playoffs after running the table in the Western Conference last year. ICE CHIPS All of that seemingly went out the window 30 seconds after the puck dropped when Jonathan Toews scored on the Blackhawks’ first shot on C Derek Ryan missed Saturday’s game with the flu … Flames prospect Flames goalie David Rittich. Matthew Phillips played his first game on Saturday with the American Hockey League’s Stockton Heat after missing the last month-and-a-half That was the ninth time this season the Flames have allowed a goal on following knee surgery to repair a fractured knee cap … C/RW Elias their first shot of the game. Lindholm became the second player to record at least one point-streak of No other team has done that more often. 10 or more games in each of his first two seasons with the Flames, joining Doug Gilmour who did it in both 1988-89 and 1989-90. “It’s a concern, for sure,” Flames head coach Geoff Ward said. “That’s way too many times. We’ve gotta be more dialled in there. That’s a lot of times to be giving up first shot goals. And we’ve gotta fix it. But, in saying Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 that, the truth about competition is it brings out the worst in you or brings out the best in you.

(Saturday), it brought out our worst.” 1176652 Calgary Flames “You’re getting the same thing from him every night.”

While he admitted it took him a while to get used to being on the wing again, it hasn’t been visible to the average onlooker. Lindholm on mission to score 30 goals for Flames this year Lindholm’s production has been the same, too.

Riding a 10-game point spree, he’s found the scoresheet every outing Kristen Anderson, Postmedia since the Flames lost to the St. Louis Blues in a shootout on Jan. 28.

February 16, 2020 12:49 AM MST And as for his goals, they might not have all been Picassos.

But they’ve all counted.

Elias Lindholm has been racking up points since the National Hockey “The last five goals there have not been very pretty, but they’re going in,” League’s all-star break and, really, all season. Lindholm said prior to Saturday’s effort. “It’s obviously nice when they go But he’s not satisfied. in and you play a little bit with your shoulders down and don’t have to force it too much … Probably 85 or 80% of my goals I’ve scored right in “I think I can play better,” the 25-year-old Calgary Flames forward said front. If you want to score goals, you better get there. Saturday morning, before the team squared off with the Chicago Blackhawks later on ’s late game. “I try to be there around as much as possible.”

The internal bar has been set high. Clearly. He isn’t done yet, either.

But since he’s been in this city, coming over in that well-publicized trade Lindholm is on a mission to get to 30 for the first time in his seven-year with the Carolina Hurricanes, he’s done nothing but produce. Lindholm NHL career that has seen him play in 515 games. has been consistent upon his arrival, and, this season, he’s been That was the plan last year, but he — like the team — stumbled down the Calgary’s best player on a nightly basis. stretch.

Effective at centre. Effective at right wing. Effective on the penalty kill. “I kind of wanted 30 last year, but the way it went, I was struggling a little Effective on the power play. Effective in all three zones. bit towards the end of the year,” Lindholm said. “This year, I’m getting Lindholm has done everything the Flames have asked of him and more, closer, and 30 has always been a goal. I just try to take it day by day and and still he’s not satisfied. not trying to force anything. If you start looking towards numbers, you might start struggling a little bit. I just try to take it day by day — and if “I want to shoot a little bit more and have more chances in the slot,” they go in, they go in.” Lindholm said. “Right now, I’m getting shots right in front and around the net, but if I could create more chances in the slot, it would be even better.” Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 OK, but if you put aside Lindholm’s lofty standards and analyze his current output, there’s lots to like. And plenty to be satisfied about.

He scored two more goals on Saturday to extend his point-streak to 10 games.

In 60 clashes, his 27 goals is a team-high and equals his own career- best 27, set last season in his first year with the Flames.

And while the Flames have some re-discovered secondary scoring as of late (11 different players hit the scoresheet during their four-game road trip through the NHL’s Pacific Division), Lindholm has continued to find the back of the net.

“It’s not really surprising,” said Flames head coach Geoff Ward of his prolific season so far. “He’s a confident player. I think he’s adapted to what the expectations of his role is — I think he’s comfortable with it. His production hasn’t suffered with what he does away from the puck. I think he’s married those two parts of his game really well.”

And it’s shown, too, in the production of Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, giving them more flexibility to move with the puck ever since Ward reassembled them as a line a week ago against the Vancouver Canucks.

Ward has compared Lindholm before to Boston Bruins star Patrice Bergeron, who is able to elevate the supporting cast around him.

He’s done exactly that for Monahan and Gaudreau (Saturday’s result aside, of course).

“In that regard, it’s really good,” Ward said. “Again, we just see how versatile and effective he is. The one sign of good players is he makes players he plays with better. Whoever Lindy plays with, the other players he plays around with are better players.”

There’s also a level of predictability with Lindholm’s game.

The native of Boden, Sweden, has proven he is interchangeable between the wing and at pivot, giving the Flames flexibility as they march towards the 2020 post-season.

“He does everything for you,” Ward said. “He’s a 200-foot player. He’s got versatility. He can play centre. He can play the wall. He plays both special teams. He can play in all situations and play them effectively. For us, he’s real valuable, and you know what you’re getting from him. When he goes on the ice, he’s reliable. 1176653 Calgary Flames Year’s Eve. But, ultimately, a 4-0 lead after 30 minutes along with a two- goal, three-point night from Patrick Kane did the Flames in.

THIS N’ THAT Game Day: Flames vs. Blackhawks C Mark Jankowski has five goals in seven games since snapping a 38- game goal-less streak to start the season … Thursday’s 6-0 win at Kristen Anderson, Postmedia Anaheim was Calgary’s first back-to-back victories since Jan. 17 and Oct. 27, 1996 … It was also Talbot’s first shutout as a member of the February 15, 2020 6:00 AM MST Flames and third-most saves (44) in franchise history among Flames goaltenders posting a goose-egg … Following this homestand, the

Flames are on a five-game junket during the NHL Trade Deadline (Feb. After a successful four-game road trip, the Flames are back home for the 24) … Expect an update on D Travis Hamonic, who was injured in next week starting with Saturday’s clash against the Blackhawks. Calgary’s 6-2 win over the Canucks a week ago.

SATURDAY

Calgary Flames (30-23-6) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (25-24-8) Calgary Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020

8 p.m. Scotiabank Saddledome (CBC, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360, CityTV, Sportsnet 960 The Fan)

THE BIG MATCHUP

Flames D Rasmus Andersson vs. LW Alex DeBrincat

Rasmus Andersson was the only Swede without a goal in Calgary’s 6-0 drubbing of the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. And although that’s not the main reason why he’s employed by the Calgary Flames, you can bet the 23-year-old will be itching to impress the home crowd on Hockey Night in Canada. Especially in the wake of their recent blueline boo-boos. Also trying to find the net is Alex DeBrincat, who literally is paid to score goals and isn’t doing that this season for the Blackhawks. The 22-year-old 39th overall pick from 2016 is currently riding a three-game dry spell in which he’s also a minus-6.

FIVE STORYLINES FOR THE GAME

EXCELLENT ELIAS

Flames winger/centre Elias Lindholm extended his point streak to nine games, a stretch that dates back to Jan. 28. In that span, he’s scored five goals and five assists, which is one game shy of his career-high point streak. He went on two separate 10-game tears in 2018-19 and in 2016- 17. The 25-year-old Swede is currently on pace to tally the second-most points in his NHL career, chasing only his point total from last season (27 goals and 51 assists and 78 points in 81 games). Already, he has 25 goals and 21 assists (46 points) in 59 games.

HOME FOR A REST

After a four-game road trip, the Flames are in Calgary for the next week starting with Saturday’s clash against the Blackhawks. Then, it’s a Family Day matinee on Monday (2 p.m., Sportsnet West, Sportsnet 960 The Fan), a day of rest and a few days of practice before hosting the Boston Bruins on Feb. 21 (7 p.m., Sportsnet One, Sportsnet East, , Sportsnet Pacific, Sportsnet 960 The Fan). Their home record, however, leaves something to be desired at 13-10-4. They haven’t won at home in the last four attempts and their last victory in front of the ‘C’ of Red was on Jan. 11, a 4-3 decision over the Edmonton Oilers.

BLACKHAWK(S) DOWN

February has been a tough month for the visitors, who haven’t won since a 3-2 shootout on Feb. 1 against the Arizona Coyotes. They’ve lost five straight including three on this Canadian road trip, ‘L’s in Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver. While the Blackhawks out-shot the Canucks in a 3-0 loss on Wednesday — the hosts’ Sedin night — they couldn’t solve Jacob Markstrom. “I thought we played pretty well,” Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton told reporters in Vancouver. “Obviously, it’s tough to go in there after that kind of effort and another loss but ultimately the only way we’re going to get wins is by playing to a similar level.”

REMEMBER WHEN?

The Flames were in Chicago last month? How about when the Blackhawks were in Calgary on Dec. 31? The teams close out their season series on Saturday after splitting the two previous games. Chicago won 5-3 at the Saddledome to ring in the new year while Calgary beat Chicago 2-1 at United Center on Jan. 7. Flames forward Elias Lindholm scored both goals in the clash which was, fittingly, his 500th NHL game. Flames netminder Cam Talbot made 31 saves in the victory. Meanwhile Calgary out-shot the Blackhawks 44-33 on New 1176654 Calgary Flames “I don’t know what to tell you,” said Matthew Tkachuk, who, like Mikael Backlund and Michael Stone, was socked with a -4 rating. “It sucks. Especially at home. We want to make this place a really tough place to Flames desperate for a higher battle level on home ice: ‘That’s your ante’ play. For some reason right now, we’re just not having success. I can’t put my finger on it. If I could, we would change it.”

The Flames play both of their goalies. By Scott Cruickshank Starter David Rittich — after surrendering four goals on 15 shots in 25 Feb 15, 2020 minutes (including the first goal on the first shot within the first minute) — gave way to Cam Talbot, whose shutout string didn’t survive till the

intermission. Success on the road doesn’t appear to be an obstacle for the Calgary In fact, Rittich and Talbot combined to allow four goals on seven second- Flames. period shots. Fresh off that four-game jaunt down the coast, they boast 17 victories. Not that this had been a netminding nightmare. Giveaways and own- Only three NHL clubs have corralled more triumphs away from home. zone mistakes helped to turn it into a breezy evening for the visitors. At home, however, the Flames remain a mystery, to be polite. “For whatever reason in our defensive zone … we fell away and we gave On the morning of their game against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks, up way too many odd-man rushes and point-blank chances and they skipper Geoff Ward had been asked what he wanted to see at the capitalized,” Sam Bennett said. “We just came off a huge road trip for our Saddledome. team. It’s frustrating. For whatever reason we’re not getting the wins we should at home.” “More wins.” Fair enough. Ward elaborated, pointing out that his players needed to make Calgary an uncomfortable place for intruders. Makes For the silver-lining gang, if you’re out there, there had been a few decent sense. takeaways. Three worth noting, anyway.

And they can embrace that sound approach as soon as Monday One, Bennett, playing centre in place of the sick Derek Ryan, scored afternoon when the Anaheim Ducks drop in. twice in the first period. Two, Lindholm, with his 26th and 27th goals of the season, extended his point streak to 10 games. Three, Dillon Dube Because Saturday? They neither prevailed nor came close to playing the — in addition to picking up two helpers (including a wonderful one to role of owly host. spring Bennett for a breakaway and forgetting, for a second, his second- period gaffe) — made a start on squaring his account with Duncan Keith Forget that the Blackhawks are well down the Western Conference with a heavy third-period jolt. (This happened last winter.) standings, that they showed up on a 0-3-2 swirl, that this marks their fourth straight road contest. What mattered most to the Flames had been So, if your glass is half full, there’s that. their own pace — something to dictate in their own building. At least that was the theory. Otherwise, it had been a long night when everyday defenders Mark Giordano (hamstring) and Travis Hamonic (upper body) appeared to be In reality? Well, on home ice, they have now managed to win only three sorely missed. times in their past 13 tries — that’s 3-8-2, including five straight winless dates. “Obviously, they’re two really good players and key players for us,” Lindholm said. “But I think overall the guys that have come in here have “It’s concerning, obviously,” Ward said shortly after the latest setback, an done a really good job. Today, it was everyone. All the details were off. 8-4 loss. “Bottom line, if your compete level is not where it needs to be, We’ve got to be better.” this is an awful tough league to win in. And right now, at home, I don’t think we need to look any further than that. Let’s start there. Then we can Meanwhile, the conference, with nightly shifts, continues to sort itself out. move on from that, once we’re competing, once we’re winning pucks, The Flames realize that, with a win, they could’ve punched a hole into the once we’re carrying the play — then other things come into play. Blackhawks’ hopes. Instead, it was the visitors who provided the deflating “In this league, the work ethic and the battle level and the compete, that’s blows. your ante.” “Now, they’re right back in it, and this race is heating up,” Tkachuk said. Knotted 2-2 after 20 minutes, the Flames were gawking at a 6-3 deficit “The good thing is, we’re in the race. We had a great road trip that kept after the second intermission. There had been nothing to suggest that, as us in it. We’ve got to take care of business at home. We didn’t tonight. a team, they were ready. But have to Monday. Have to Monday. Have to take care of business Monday, especially the teams that are chasing us. We’ve got to find ways “The truth about competition is it brings out the worst in you or it brings to get wins … and beat the teams that we’re chasing.” out the best in you — tonight it brought out our worst,” Ward said. “I didn’t think our battle level was as high as it needed to be. Those first initial battles at the puck, we didn’t win as many of them as you normally need The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 to.”

Which, no surprise, is part of Ward’s definition of being tough to play against: “If you throw a puck in the corner, who’s going to come up with it?”

Saturday, the answer to that had been plain.

Faltering — and with the NHL trade deadline around the corner — the Flames gave a national television audience a gander at one of their shortcomings. It was glaring enough to make fade the goodness of that three-win junket through Vancouver and California.

“If you don’t win at home, it doesn’t matter if you win on the road, right?” Elias Lindholm said. “Obviously, we were happy with the road trip. But as long as we don’t get the work done at home, it doesn’t matter.

“Obviously, I think our details are way off at home.”

Declaring that is one thing.

Explaining it, however, is another. 1176655 Carolina Hurricanes long decade in the wilderness. Just about any NHL team would be welcomed as part of this showcase.

As long as it’s not the Buffalo Sabres. When the NHL comes to Carter-Finley, there’s only one Canes opponent that makes sense

News Observer LOADED: 02.16.2020

BY LUKE DECOCK

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 09:03 PM

Amid the tremendous elation surrounding Saturday night’s news that, yes, finally, improbably and triumphantly, the Carolina Hurricanes will host a Stadium Series outdoor NHL game at Carter-Finley Stadium next February, there remains one very large unanswered question.

Who’s the visitor?

Or, more to the point, who should be the visitor?

The opponent remains undecided within the Byzantine hallways of the NHL, despite the Washington Capitals’ protestations to the contrary, coming so quickly on Saturday they belied the insecurity that lay behind them. Besides, everyone knows the Chicago Blackhawks have to say no first before anyone else can be invited.

Washington does make sense, a geographic rival with recent playoff history, a Hall of Fame star and the equivalent of TSA PreCheck from NBC. The Nashville Predators have the same geographic appeal, but were the visitors at the Cotton Bowl last month. The Boston Bruins have the same recent postseason history, but there really isn’t much of a rivalry between the teams.

Then there’s the Tampa Bay Lightning or Florida Panthers, with their old Southeast Division ties, making it a truly Southern outdoor event. The Bolts make more sense, given their position in the standings and the likelihood they’ll be there again 12 months from now, perhaps even as defending Stanley Cup champions. Both would presumably have less appeal to NBC, but like the Hurricanes they’re both among the six teams yet to play in one of these games.

Hurricanes fans of an older vintage might appreciate a visit from the Montreal Canadiens, the opponent in two incredibly heated playoff series in 2002 and 2006. There would be a lovely symmetry in having the NHL’s most historic franchise appear in its most unlikely outdoor game, a pairing that captures the broad expanse of hockey in the 21st century. Again, NBC probably isn’t interested in a Canadian team, although the Habs would give the game some juice on the other side of the border it might lack otherwise.

No, for all that, there’s only one team that makes real sense. Only one team that actually deserves to be part of this event. The team with not only the greatest player of his generation, but the general manager who built the foundation of the franchise the Hurricanes are today. Let Jim Rutherford share in these moments he helped create by nursing the Hurricanes through their difficult early years, and let Sidney Crosby draw the spotlight to this important moment as only he can.

“We’d be excited to do it if we’re invited,” Rutherford said Saturday night.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are not only the best choice, but the only choice. The stories would tell themselves. Rutherford perhaps more than anyone knows how staggeringly unlikely even the possibility of this game was two decades ago, when even something as relatively mundane as the draft wasn’t even a glint in the back of anyone’s eye. This is truly historic, and no one would appreciate it more than Rutherford.

“I think we could have done it before this, but 20 years ago when we brought it up, we couldn’t rely on the weather and things like that,” Rutherford said. “We have the technology now. … And, of course, the growth in the Triangle will only make it easier to have the game now, with the population and all the Hurricanes fans. It’s really exciting.”

The problem: The Penguins have played in five of these outdoor games and as recently as 2019, which makes them a sort of Blackhawks-lite. But there’s enough meat on these bones, for the NHL and NBC, to make it an obvious choice.

Still, let’s be clear: The venue is the important part. Like the All-Star Game in 2011, this is a chance for the Triangle to show itself off as a hockey market, which it truly has become, and remained even during that 1176656 Carolina Hurricanes Los Angeles. All the boxes were checked (in Raleigh) and we’re absolutely comfortable this is going to be another great outdoor game for us.”

Carolina Hurricanes to host 2020-21 NHL Stadium Series outdoor game At the February meeting of the Centennial Authority, the PNC Arena at NC State landlord, it was mentioned that the Canes had requested between $200,000 and $250,000 to help host the game. It was believed the game would be played in February. BY CHIP ALEXANDER Waddell said in the written request to the authority that more than 50,000 FEBRUARY 15, 2020 02:41 PM people were expected to attend the game, and noted that other outdoor games have generated an economic impact of roughly $22 million.

Waddell said there could have an even larger economic impact in that RALEIGH there would be plans for a “blockbuster concert” at PNC Arena the night before the game. The Carolina Hurricanes have hosted the Stanley Cup finals, an NHL All- Star Game and the NHL Draft in PNC Arena. According to city officials, the NHL books about 4,700 hotel nights during the 10-day period before and after the game, and other outdoor games Now, the Canes are taking it outside. have had roughly 40% of those attending the game travel from outside the host city. An NHL Stadium Series game will be played at N.C. State’s Carter-Finley Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, the league announced Saturday. Waddell said gaining NHL approval for the game required the Hurricanes The opponent for the night outdoor game has not been selected. receiving financial commitments from local organizations and government to help offset the Hurricanes’ cost for presenting the game “We’re proud to be the first NHL market in the Southeast to host an and concert. Waddell, in the letter to the authority, said the Greater outdoor game,” Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon said in a statement. Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau has committed $125,000 and “We’re going to do everything we can to make as many seats available that it was anticipated the bureau would increase that amount to as possible, because we know how high demand will be for this game, $200,000. and the epic tailgate that will accompany it.” The Stadium Series has been held since 2014, when seven teams The official announcement of next season’s game was made Saturday participated in four games, the first at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. during the Avalanche’s Stadium Series game against the Kings at the Air The Avs-Kings game Saturday was the 11th in the series, all held in late Force Academy, and was contingent upon N.C. State’s approval of the January, February or March. NHL’s terms. The NHL has held a Winter Classic game on or close to New Year’s Day “It’s a testament to the great fan base that we’ve always known has been since 2008, and five Heritage Classic games have been played in in the Triangle,” NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Saturday in a Canada since 2003. This year’s Winter Classic at the Cotton Bowl in media conference call. “It’s great to see the community reengage in the Dallas, won 4-2 by the Stars over the Nashville Predators, had a crowd of way they have over the last season. There’s no doubt the fan base is 85,630. passionate, connected, excited. And I think it’s a testament to the way the team is playing and the effort Tom Dundon and the organization have “Obviously, it’s an experience you’ll never forget, the uniqueness of it,” put into hockey in the Triangle.” said Canes defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk, who played in both Winter Classic and Stadium Series games while with the Chicago Bettman said Dundon, who became majority owner of the team in Blackhawks. “Just being outside playing is pretty cool.” January 2018, was “relentless” in his pursuit of an outdoor game.

“He has been relentless but more importantly his main focus was, ‘I want to do this for the community, want to do this for the fans,’ ” Bettman said. News Observer LOADED: 02.16.2020 Ticket pricing and other game information will be released at a later date, Bettman said while noting, “All 30 outdoor games to date have been sold out. There’s no doubt that streak will be in effect through next season.”

Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said Saturday that while he has never been a part of an outdoor game, he’d enjoy the opportunity to coach in one.

“I think the environment would be pretty cool,” Brind’Amour said. “I think it would be great for the area. Especially now, I think we’ve definitely turned the page here as an organization.

“I think the town, the city, is really behind us. I think we’re due for one.”

Gov. Roy Cooper likes the idea of a Stadium Series game, tweeting Saturday: “North Carolinians should be all in for the Canes outdoor game at Carter-Finley Stadium in the 2020-21 season. Great economic impact for the region and a lot of fun to boot. See you at the tailgate! — RC.”

Dundon and Don Waddell, the Hurricanes’ president and general manager, have been in constant contact with league officials about securing the game and in negotiations with N.C. State athletic director Boo Corrigan in securing Carter-Finley Stadium as the venue.

“We’ve been in lockstep with the Hurricanes from the start,” Corrigan said Saturday. “We think it’s a unique event that’s going to be great for N.C. State’s brand. Thanks to Tom and Don for pushing this through.”

The game has been in the discussion stages for several months, and the NHL has had several site visits at Carter-Finley Stadium, which seats more than 57,000 for football. The confines of the stadium should provide good sight lines for fans attending the game. As for the weather, it could be snowing or could be 60 degrees.

“We’ve had a lot of due diligence to do,” Bettman said. “It doesn’t matter if we’re in a traditionally cold climate. We’ve played games in Dallas and 1176657 Carolina Hurricanes Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Tervainen and Svechnkov, who had the winning goal against the Devils. So many had gone dry offensively as the Canes slipped out of playoff position in the Eastern Conference.

Why Hurricanes’ Niederreiter has fans chanting ‘Ni-no, Ni-no’ after win “We need some guys to really get going,” Brind’Amour said. over Devils Niederreiter, who had a combined 23 goals with the Canes and Wild last season, had scored twice in his past 19 games before Friday. Forward BY CHIP ALEXANDER Warren Foegele was without a goal in 12 consecutive games before scoring in the first period for a 2-1 lead. FEBRUARY 15, 2020 01:54 PM Niederreiter was playing on a line centered by Erik Haula and both had plus-3 ratings as the line made the most of its shifts, barreling around the offensive zone but also being mindful defensively. Rookie winger Martin RALEIGH Necas, who also had a goal and assist, was plus-2. Nino Niederreiter caught Andrei Svechnikov out of the corner of his eye, Niederreiter’s career shooting percentage is 11.8 percent. In 36 games already skating across the ice, getting a head start. for the Canes last season, he shot 13.6 percent in scoring 14 goals, the A day after the fact, Niederreiter could laugh about it. The Carolina kind of offensive pop that helped propel the Canes into the 2019 Stanley Hurricanes forward scored the game’s first goal Friday and added an Cup playoffs. assist as the Canes smacked the New Jersey Devils 5-2 at PNC Arena. Before Friday, he was shooting 7.7 percent on 91 shots. His percentage He was named the game’s first star and had Canes fans loudly chanting has been much lower this season. “Ni-no, Ni-no” before his on-the-bench interview. “There was a stretch of the season where I felt very good and the points On Thursday, Niederreiter’s name was called during practice. Canes didn’t come and then you start getting frustrated, too, when you think coach Rod Brind’Amour will blow the whistle from time to time and pick you’re playing well and you don’t get rewarded for it,” he said. “It takes a out a player for a shootout shot. If the player scores, the two goalies must beating on your confidence.” skate the length of the rink. Miss, and the forwards and defensemen must quickly cross the ice and back. And then Brind’Amour calls out your name in practice for a shootout shot. And you score. As Niederreiter gathered in the puck and and took his first strides toward the net, Svechnikov started edging toward the far boards. By the time “It’s a little thing,” Niederreiter said, “but it definitely helps.” Niederreiter shot the puck, he was almost there.

“Yeah, I was cheating,” Svechnikov said. News Observer LOADED: 02.16.2020 Bam. Puck in net. Niederreiter had blistered a shot and scored, and the chirping began as a slightly red-faced Svechnikov hustled back.

“I told him, ‘You’ve got to stay next time and wait for me,’ ” Niederreiter said, smiling.

For much of the season, Brind’Amour and the Canes have been waiting for Niederreiter, waiting for him to show the form and point-producing ability he had last season, after the January trade from the Minnesota Wild. It has been a months-long struggle for the Swiss-born winger, who has had a plethora of offensive chances but went into Friday’s game with seven goals and 16 assists in 55 games.

Nor did it help that Niederreiter was late to the Canes’ first practice after the long break for the NHL All-Star Weekend and the team’s bye week. Brind’Amour made him a healthy scratch in the next game, Jan. 31 against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Niederreiter said the frustration has built throughout a season in which so little seemed to be going right.

“It’s hard,” he said. “It’s always helps when the team is winning, but when the team is losing it gets on your nerves even more. You want to be successful every single time you’re on the ice. Sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t. When things aren’t going well, you try to change things up.”

Getting off a shot from just inside the blue line, for example. Moving to the right point as the high forward as defenseman Trevor van RIemsdyk pinched down in the offensive zone, Niederreiter unleashed a long shot that got past Devils goalie Louis Domingue.

“If there’s a guy who probably deserved a goal, it’s him,” Brind’Amour said. “He’s had a tough year that way.”

Still, it was one of those shots where you had to do a double-take — was that No. 21, Niederreiter? Yep, Niederreiter, from the point.

“When you’re struggling you have to go back to the little things,” Niederreiter said. “I know I’m a shooter and know I have to make sure to get my shot off quick.”

But from the point?

“I’m not sure I’ve ever scored on a one-timer from there,” he said, smiling again. “It felt great.”

After Friday’s morning skate, Brind’Amour again mentioned the need to get contributions from everyone on the roster and not just the top line of 1176658 Carolina Hurricanes “Relentless, in one word. Actually that gives it a little short strip,” Bettman said of Dundon. “His main focus was ‘I want to do this for the community, I want to do this for the fans, we’ve got a really good thing going. I would ‘We’ve definitely turned the page here as an organization’: Hurricanes to like to be able to bring this to the Triangle and the terrific fans.’ I think host 2021 Stadium Series game at NC State across the board, this organization is engaged.”

Dundon, Brind’Amour and Williams had a lot of goals for the Hurricanes last season, but they always circled back to a “return to relevancy.” Going By Sara Civian from near-constant relocation rumors to hosting an outdoor game is one heck of a testament. Feb 15, 2020 “I think it’d be great for the area, that’s something, especially now, we’ve

definitely turned the page here, as an organization,” Brind’Amour said. Last month, as part of The Athletic’s annual NHL player poll, I asked the “The city is really behind us. I think we’re due for one.” Hurricanes if the NHL has too many outdoor games. It’s a fair question, Looks like that feeling is mutual. considering it does feel like overkill at times and you don’t want to overdo what’s meant to be a novelty event.

“For Chicago,” one Hurricane quipped. The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 “There actually aren’t enough,” another chipped in. “Until we get one.”

He’s about to be a very happy man.

Commissioner Gary Bettman officially confirmed that the Hurricanes will host next season’s Stadium Series game at North Carolina State’s Carter-Finley Stadium. The game is set for Feb. 20, 2021, as The Athletic confirmed on Saturday afternoon, while ticket prices and things of that nature are still being deliberated.

“I never really thought about (outdoor games) when I was playing, because we didn’t really have them when I was playing,” said Rod Brind’Amour, in true Rod Brind’Amour fashion, earlier Saturday. “Now coaching it, I think it’s more about the players – standing behind the bench doesn’t really matter, wherever you are. I think the environment would be really cool. I wish I would’ve had (the experience), I guess is the better way to put it.”

Bettman said via phone conversation that the NHL has “not yet selected an opponent,” and joked he was giving the media time to speculate.

One league source told The Athletic that the Washington Capitals were the obvious front-runner, but that nothing had been set in stone. Multiple sources then told The Athletic that this probably won’t be the case, as certain logistics couldn’t be panned out. The Capitals themselves said they aren’t the opponent.

One Hurricanes source said: “Various options – expected and unexpected – were on the table and got reasonable support.”

Uncertain opponent aside, there’s just no fan base that deserves this more.

The thing is, the outdoor shtick is approaching overkill in Los Angeles. It’s approaching overkill for hosts like New York City, Chicago, Philly and maybe even the State of Hockey.

Raleigh is different.

There’s an invigorated market full of tailgating fans who wake up at 8 a.m. already rowdy come morning skate. There are young players who haven’t yet crossed the novelty off the list. There’s a new owner, Tom Dundon, who Bettman described as “relentless” in his pursuit of this event.

Bettman recognized this sort of thing when he gave Dallas and Nashville this season’s Winter Classic. He’s at it again, and it’s not just some feel- good favor. It’s a good financial decision.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing an outdoor game to Carolina, (more specifically) Raleigh,” he said. “It’s a testament to the great fan base that we’ve always known has been in the Triangle, it’s great to see the community re-engage as they have this season. Ticket sales are up 25 percent. There’s no doubt the fan base is passionate, engaged, excited. We’re very mindful of our experience in Dallas, with two so-called newer markets participating – the reaction was incredible, unbelievable. We’re anticipating the same type of reaction.”

As polarizing as Dundon can be in the hockey world, ball don’t lie. Free agents often credit him when they sign, he talked to Justin Williams almost daily during his hiatus and the owner is spending to the cap for the first time in Hurricanes history. Dundon was apparently just as bullish about the Canes getting an outdoor game. 1176659 Chicago Blackhawks

Alex Nylander’s 2 goals lead the Blackhawks to an 8-4 win over the Flames that ends their 5-game losing streak

Staff Report

FEB 16, 2020 | 12:38 AM

CALGARY, ALBERTA

Alex Nylander scored two goals, and the Blackhawks snapped a five- game losing streak with an 8-4 victory over the Flames on Saturday night.

Jonathan Toews, Dominik Kubalik, Alex DeBrincat, Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane and Kirby Dach also scored for the Hawks (26-24-8).

After entering with two goals in his previous 34 games, Nylander scored twice in the second as the Hawks took advantage of several defensive miscues to outscore the Flames 4-1 in the period despite being outshot 14-7.

Sam Bennett and Elias Lindholm had two goals apiece for the Flames (30-24-6), who have lost five straight home games.

Saad broke a 2-2 tie at 4:24 of the second, and Nylander gave the Hawks their first two-goal lead about a minute later, pouncing on a bad giveaway in front by Dillon Dube and beating David Rittich with a move to his backhand.

[Most read in Sports] Michael Jordan’s birthday party and other celebrity sightings during NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago »

With goalie Cam Talbot on in relief, Nylander made it 6-3 at 18:14 with the second of two Hawks goals in 27 seconds. Another turnover by the Flames behind the net led to rookie Matthew Highmore setting up Nylander in the slot.

Robin Lehner stopped 38 of 42 shots on goal for the Hawks.

The Flames entered the night in the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference. While they still have other teams to pass, the Hawks pulled within six points of the Flames with two games in hand.

Chicago Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176660 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 02.16.2020

Nylander, DeBrincat, Dach get morale-boosting goals as Blackhawks rout Flames

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST

Feb 16, 2020, 12:44am CST

CALGARY, Alberta — Alex Nylander walked into the Scotiabank Saddledome on Saturday with two goals in his last 34 games.

Kirby Dach walked in with two in his last 37. Alex DeBrincat, a 41-goal scorer a year ago, walked in with five in his last 27. Even the Blackhawks as a team entered with just eight total goals in their last five games, all losses.

What a difference one night in Calgary made.

Nylander left the arena a few hours later after a two-goal performance, DeBrincat and Dach also both added much-needed tallies and the Hawks altogether doubled that five-game sum with an 8-4 rout of the Flames.

“For guys like that and the way they think, the way they play the game, their skill set, scoring goals gives you a ton of energy,” said Jonathan Toews, who began the scoring onslaught in the opening minute. “It’s nice to see them get a few and see a few pucks go in. Even if you’re just on the ice and you’ve got nothing to do with the play, just to be around goals is infectious.”

The victory snapped the losing streak, provided the first win of this season-long road trip through western Canada and kept the 12th-place Hawks within six points (with three games in hand) of the eighth-place Coyotes, who upset the Capitals 3-1.

The individual effects may be even more important, though. If this Hawks team is going to make a real playoff push in March, they’ll do it by simply out-scoring opponents — that’s also what worked, when things worked, last spring — and that means scoring contributions from everyone.

“Those guys, they have the ability to chip in for us offensively,” coach Jeremy Colliton said. “If they can do that, it’s going to make a big difference for us.”

Nylander first scored by brilliantly intercepting a Dillon Dube pass — “I read that he was looking at the [defenseman]...so I just jumped ahead there,” he said — and using a pretty breakaway move to beat Flames goalie David Rittich, ending Rittich’s night early.

He added another goal later, giving the Hawks a comfortable 6-3 lead heading to the third period, by finishing a Matthew Highmore centering pass.

“You always want to score every game,” Nylander said. “Finally, it’s come. We’ve had a lot of chances and finally getting the bounces in.”

For DeBrincat, who has been struggling tremendously over the past week and battling through the most adversity of his three-year NHL career, the goal — a visually unimpressive slot finish — may have been even more important. After it, he had his head up and was back to making the creative-yet-safe plays he’s known for.

“The past while, I’ve been fighting with the puck,” DeBrincat said. “I had a breakaway pass two shifts before [my goal] and fumbled it. It’s not always the pretty ones — you just go to the net and bang one in.”

Dach added his goal with just 61 seconds left by driving the net and depositing a Drake Caggiula rebound — an irrelevant goal for the team (Patrick Kane had already sealed the result with an empty-netter), but a nice boost for the rookie center nonetheless.

In fact, Saturday should prove to be a nice boost for the entire team.

“If you have a bad period, if you have a bad shift, you can’t let that turn into something more than it is,” Toews said. “You’ve got to turn it around mentally and find ways to battle back and create something, even if the good feelings aren’t always there. It’s just the way you’ve got to play in playoffs, and this has to be playoff hockey for us right now.”

1176661 Chicago Blackhawks 2019-20 (Prorated) 98 72%

Colliton agrees with the statistics that the penalties have influenced coaches’ willingness to send a play to review. Blackhawks notebook: Harsher penalty discouraging Jeremy Colliton from using challenges “It’s probably across the league,” he said. “Everyone’s trying to be very careful, and it seems like even if it’s a more than 50-50, they’re not likely to overturn it.”

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST Smith timetable given

Feb 15, 2020, 4:08pm CST Zack Smith will be out for seven to 10 days after his left hand was cut by Elias Pettersson’s skate blade Wednesday.

CALGARY, Alberta — Jeremy Colliton’s failed goaltender-interference That means the veteran winger, whose role had been elevated lately with challenge Wednesday in Vancouver was just his third challenge attempt his promotion to the first power play unit, will miss four or five games and of the season, and his first for interference. could return Feb. 23 in Dallas or Feb. 25 in St. Louis.

He’s not alone in that infrequency. Those two games sandwich the Feb. 24 trade deadline, so if the Hawks were involved in trade discussions about Smith — although there’s been Since challenges were instituted by the NHL in 2015, league coaches no indication of that — the injury could also affect those. had challenged an average of 161 instances per season, but with a mere 25 percent success rate. The rule often proved too vague to provide Smith, who turns 32 in April, has tallied four goals and 11 points in 50 conclusive evidence that the call on the ice was wrong. games this season.

So to motivate coaches to challenge only the most blatant (in their eyes) Saad filled Smith’s vacated role as the front-of-the-net man on the situations, the NHL changed the rule this season to punish failed Hawks’ struggling top power play unit Saturday. Saad has played interference challenges with a two-minute delay-of-game penalty, and surprisingly sparingly on the power play. Colliton said that has been to thus a power play for the opponent. preserve his energy for five-on-five play, where he’s been excellent.

As a result, the NHL is on pace to see just 65 such challenges this season, yet with a 48 percent success rate. Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 02.16.2020 Goaltender Interference Challenges

Season Attempts Success Rate

2015-16 147 20%

2016-17 136 29%

2017-18 177 28%

2018-19 182 24%

2019-20 (Prorated) 65 48%

In Vancouver, Colliton’s rare gamble — arguing that Brandon Saad was pushed into Jacob Markstrom’s way and did not intentionally interfere, as was ruled when waving off a potential first-period Hawks goal — backfired. The call was upheld after review, so the Canucks received a power play and scored on it.

“We felt like, in the moment, that Saad didn’t prevent him from making a save and felt like we had a decent chance of getting a goal,” Colliton said Wednesday. “Feel pretty good about our penalty kill, so it’s worth taking a shot.”

Asked about the subject Saturday, Colliton again mentioned the Hawks’ strong penalty kill — 10th in the NHL entering the day — as a reason he does consider challenging certain plays.

But he actually hasn’t done it much. Only nine teams have attempted fewer challenges than the Hawks’ three; the Red Wings lead the league with eight, followed by the Canucks and Avalanche at seven.

Still, challenge rates are down greatly across the continent from 2015-16 and 2016-17, before the penalty punishments were instituted even on offside challenges.

Those, too, plummeted in frequency but increased in efficiency after the 2017 rule change, from 167 instances with a 31 percent success rate in 2016-17 to 74 instances with a 56 percent success rate in 2017-18. This year is on pace for 98 instances with an incredible 72 percent success rate.

Offside Challenges

Season Attempts Success Rate

2015-16 106 39%

2016-17 167 31%

2017-18 74 56%

2018-19 97 63% 1176662 Chicago Blackhawks Wing Drake Caggiula is a pending restricted free agent and — given his affordability, versatility and recent strong play — would be an easy player to move. But his usefulness to the Hawks might exceed his trade value.

Blackhawks trade-deadline preview: Who could be dealt? Who could be Wing Brandon Saad was speculated about earlier in the season, but it acquired? would take a massive package to convince Bowman to deal him a second time.

By Ben Pope@BenPopeCST At the lower levels, Dylan Sikura and Anton Wedin are two arguably NHL-caliber forwards stuck in Rockford who might want a change of Feb 15, 2020, 6:55am CST scenery.

Whom might the Hawks trade for?

CALGARY, Alberta — For the second consecutive season, the If Bowman decides to commit to this season and trade away assets for Blackhawks enter the crucial week leading up to the NHL trade deadline players, he’ll do so from a very odd position: with a ton of salary-cap stuck in no man’s land. space for the rest of this season and virtually none for next season.

They’re within theoretical reach of the playoffs, but they’re not close That’s because injuries and surgeries to defensemen Brent Seabrook enough that the odds of getting there this spring are anywhere near 50- and Calvin de Haan have freed up their combined $11 million-plus cap 50. If they don’t make it, they’ll have a lottery pick. But even the most spaces, but both remain under contract for several more years and are dramatic tanking in March wouldn’t land them a top-three pick, barring expected to return by training camp next fall. another lottery miracle in April. So the Hawks almost exclusively would be looking for rentals, pending Their five-game losing streak has caused the fan base to lose hope, but UFAs on non-contending (or cash-strapped) teams. That’s good because optimism still abounds in the locker room. rentals make up a huge portion of the annual market at the trade deadline; that’s bad because they help only in the short term. Amid these confusing contradictions, general manager Stan Bowman has been secretive about his own perspective and approach. Defense seems the most likely area the Hawks might look to bolster.

But come midafternoon Feb. 24 — a week from Monday — he’ll be The Devils’ Sami Vatanen, the Sharks’ Brenden Dillon and the Senators’ forced to show his cards, if he has any. Here are the possibilities of what Dylan DeMelo, Ron Hainsey and Mark Borowiecki (despite his injury this those cards might be: week) all fit the bill.

What will the Hawks’ philosophy be? Vatanen and Dillon are among the top five in TSN’s trade-bait rankings, have produced solid possession stats on poor teams and sport $4.9 The Hawks are close enough to playoff contention — and Bowman million and $3.3 million respective cap hits for the rest of this season, seemingly remains committed enough to his core — that the team is making them an easy fit for the Hawks (for now). unlikely to launch an earth-shattering fire sale. Offensively, the mightily dysfunctional power play is one unit in need. The Once considered within the realm of possibility, the Hawks’ midwinter Panthers’ Mike Hoffman is one of the best power-play weapons in the upswing (their recent struggles notwithstanding) essentially has NHL, but he would cost quite a lot to acquire. eliminated that route. The Predators’ Mikael Backlund was quietly one of the better power-play So the Hawks likely will decide between largely standing pat — their playmakers the last few seasons with the Wild, but he hasn’t clicked with course of action last season, when Bowman’s only moves in February the Predators. He might be an intriguing buy-low candidate. were two minor-league swaps — or acquiring a few pieces to turn around the downward trajectory and excite the existing core. The Rangers’ Chris Kreider, the Kings’ Tyler Toffoli and the Senators’ Jean-Gabriel Pageau are other pending UFA forwards generating lots of With the margins around the playoff bubble so slim, the results in the final buzz, but there’s nothing connecting them to the Hawks at this time. few games before the deadline might make the difference in which path Bowman takes. Bowman also could seek to weaponize his abundant short-term cap space by taking on a contender’s bad contract and adding a draft pick for The leaguewide parity this season has forced a number of other teams doing so. The Maple Leafs’ Cody Ceci is the most glaring example. into the same conundrum, which has limited the usual trickle of pre- deadline trades so far. Whether mounting time pressure punctures that dam is yet to be determined. This might end up being a conservative year trade-wise around the NHL. Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 02.16.2020

Whom might the Hawks trade?

Defenseman Erik Gustafsson is by far the most likely Hawks player to be traded.

He’s a pending unrestricted free agent, the Hawks probably won’t be able to afford the substantial increase on his current $1.2 million cap hit he’ll command and Adam Boqvist already has begun taking over his role as the team’s primary offensive defenseman. Gustafsson’s agent, Peter Wallen, said this week that there have been no negotiations with the Hawks about a new contract.

Gustafsson’s value has decreased since last offseason — in step with his declining production — but he still might garner a second-round pick or a solid prospect in return.

Goalies Corey Crawford and Robin Lehner also are pending UFAs with substantial value, but they’re the main reason the Hawks are in semi- contention at all, and dealing one away would represent a surprising risk on the health of the other or a surprising shift toward a selling mindset.

Furthermore, in-season goalie trades are extremely uncommon around the league. Before the Kings sent Jack Campbell to the Maple Leafs last week, the only NHL goalie dealt at either of the last two deadlines was Keith Kinkaid. 1176663 Chicago Blackhawks • Defenseman Ian McCoshen, acquired in a trade with Florida earlier this season, scored 2 goals in Rockford's 4-1 victory over Cleveland on Saturday. The IceHogs, who have won five of six, also got goals from Chicago Blackhawks still feel they're in it to win it Brandon Hagel (18) and Dylan Sikura (13). Sikura is on a 10-game point streak in which he has 4 goals and 9 assists. John Quenneville, who had an assist, has 5 goals in the last eight games.

By John Dietz [email protected] Daily Herald Times LOADED: 02.16.2020

After watching the Blackhawks drop the first three games of a critical five- game road trip, there may be some who believe they should throw in the towel.

You know, play for draft position. Trade anyone of value. Start thinking about off-season moves and contract extensions.

Just don't tell the players something like that.

Because they still believe the postseason is well within reach.

"We've been in this position the last couple of years and we haven't capitalized on the opportunity to get ourselves back in the playoffs," Patrick Kane told reporters before scoring an empty-net goal and dishing out 2 assists during the Hawks' 8-4 victory Saturday night at Calgary. "We have that chance again ...

"I think if we put something special together down the stretch ... it could be big for us heading into the postseason. We could have a lot of momentum."

So is Kane dreaming? Delusional? Completely unrealistic?

Well, maybe not.

At 26-24-8 after defeating the Flames on the strength of a 4-goal second period, the Hawks are actually 3 points better than a year ago at this time when they were 24-25-9.

And remember what happened next?

That's right -- coach Jeremy Colliton's squad went 9-5-0 over the next 14 games and was just 5 points behind Arizona with a game in hand with 11 games remaining.

But the Hawks proceeded to lose three straight and that essentially was that.

In order to overcome the odds this season -- and they aren't impossible when you look at the home-heavy schedule in March -- the Hawks better hope GM Stan Bowman doesn't start unloading players as the Feb. 24 trade deadline approaches.

While this trip has been a disappointment thus far, the Hawks were leading against Winnipeg and Edmonton, then played extremely well against Vancouver, firing a whopping 49 shots on goal in a 3-0 loss.

They came out strong against Calgary as well, scoring 30 seconds in on a Jonathan Toews goal and eventually grabbing a 6-3 lead by getting second-period goals from Brandon Saad, Alex Nylander, Alex DeBrincat and Nylander again.

Colliton had to be especially pleased that DeBrincat (just 5 even-strength goals all season) and Nylander (2 goals previous 34 games) spearheaded the scoring spree.

Nylander gave the Hawks a 4-2 lead at 5:28 of the second when he faked out goalie David Rittich with some nice stickhandling in front of the net. About 13 minutes later, Matthew Highmore won a puck battle behind the net and threw a perfect pass to Nylander, whose one-timer past Cam Talbot made it 6-3.

Dominik Kubalik and Kirby Dach also scored for the Hawks, who are in last place in the Central Division but still right in the thick of the tight wild- card race. Robin Lehner was strong in net, making 19 of his 38 saves in the third period.

Up next is a critical week in which the Hawks must convince Bowman they are still a playoff-caliber team when they square off against Winnipeg, the Rangers, Nashville and Dallas.

If they do, the roster may well stay mostly in tact.

If not? Well, it promises to be an interesting, nerve-racking time for many. 1176664 Chicago Blackhawks

4 Takeaways: Blackhawks' offense explodes in Calgary

By Scott King

February 15, 2020 9:19 PM

Jonathan Toews collected three points to help the Blackhawks win 8-4 against the Calgary Flames on Saturday. Here are four takeaways:

Tazer sparks offense

Toews collected two points in the first period of Saturday's game. First, he scored 30 seconds into the contest, keeping the puck on a 2-on-1 to give Chicago an early 1-0 lead. It was the fifth time this season a Hawks player has scored less than a minute into a game.

Toews' second point of the opening frame came when he fed Dominik Kubalik the puck from below the goal line as a Hawks' power play was expiring to make it 2-1 at 9:17 of the first.

The captain later assisted on Patrick Kane's empty-net goal at 16:48 of the third period to collect his third point of the night.

Monster second

Other Hawks followed the captain's lead in the first, spawning a fruitful second period for Chicago. Brandon Saad and Alex Nylander scored the first pair of goals in the second, 1:04 apart. Flames goalie David Rittich was pulled following Nylander's goal when it was 4-2.

Then, with Cam Talbot in net for Calgary, Alex DeBrincat got on the board and Nylander found the back of the net again, 27 seconds after DeBrincat's marker to have the Hawks exit the second up 6-3.

The Blackhawks got four goals off of seven shots in the period. By the end of the second, a player from each line had scored for the Hawks.

The Hawks withstood a Flames resurgence in the third period, being outshot 9-20 and allowing a Calgary goal, but Kane scored into the empty net and Kirby Dach scored with 1:01 remaining in regulation to make it 8-4. Eight goals in a game is a new season-high for the Hawks.

Can someone PLEASE turn on the power

All eight Hawks goals came from 5-on-5 play. They failed to capitalize on any of their three power plays in Saturday's game. The Blackhawks are now 1-for-24 in the month of February and 0-for-14 in their last four games on the man advantage.

As the Hawks attempt to finish their five-game road trip strong (1-3-0 so far) and make a push for the playoffs before time runs out, they won't always catch a defense having a brutal night like Saturday in Calgary. They have to start scoring on the power play by drawing up different plays or changing personnel around before it's too late.

Stay out of the box, Johnny

Despite having a strong offensive performance on Saturday, Toews took his fifth minor penalty, slashing in the second period, in four games. He's been to the box in four straight.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176665 Colorado Avalanche

Avalanche goalie Philipp Grubauer’s status questionable after Stadium Series injury

By KYLE FREDRICKSON | [email protected] | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 9:46 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 9:54 p.m.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Avalanche goaltender Philipp Grubauer tumbled backward to the ice when the rear end of teammate Ian Cole collided with him late in the third period.

Grubauer left the ice slowly, with assistance, Colorado turned to backup Pavel Francouz in net, and the Kings skated away with a 3-1 victory on Saturday night at Falcon Stadium to spoil the home team’s NHL Stadium Series showcase. And worse, a pesky Avalanche injury bug continues to bite.

“The fact that (Grubauer) left the game tonight tells me there is certainly a possibility that he could miss games,” Colorado coach said. “I don’t know. They were still looking at him when we came through. I just got word on the bench that they’ll be checking him out.”

The game was tied 1-1 at the time of Grubauer’s exit, but don’t pin the loss solely on his replacement. Francouz, 13-4-2 with a .925 save percentage this season entering Saturday night, was unable to get warmed up after sitting in subfreezing temperatures on the bench the entire game. Kings forward Tyler Toffoli recorded a hat trick and scored the go-ahead goal on Francouz with less than an minute left in the game.

“It’s tough, because (Grubauer’s) been sitting out there for two-plus hours probably by the time that he was in and he’s actually warm out there,” Bednar said. “He did what he could to help us win. We gave up a pretty good slot shot there with a little bit of traffic in front for the game-winner. We need to do a better job of checking that puck off the faceoff.”

Added Francouz: “It always helps if you make some stops at the start. You get the feeling with the puck. … Unfortunately, we lost with a goal in the last minute, so it really (stinks). We’re really sorry for the fans, and we really wanted to win.”

Bednar said he will receive an injury status update for Gruabuer on Sunday. The Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday at the Pepsi Center.

“Hopefully, (Grubauer) is not out too long,” Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon said. “Just a frustrating game.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176666 Colorado Avalanche The Avs had two power plays, but only for a combined 20 seconds. Both advantages were quickly erased by taking penalties to Landeskog and Andre Burakovsky, the latter midway through the third period in a 1-1 Tyler Toffoli ruins the Avalanche’s outdoor party with three goals in game. Kings’ 3-1 win at Air Force “That’s a little frustrating,” Bednar said. “We nullified what should be two real good opportunities to break even in the game and go ahead in the game. Those are mistakes we’d certainly like back.” By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post The Avalanche could have caught the St. Louis Blues with a Western PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 9:09 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, Conference-most 74 points if it had won. Instead, the Avs (33-18-6) have 2020 at 10:52 p.m. lost two straight after winning five in a row — with their next game against the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, which is on a 10-game winning

streak. The Kings (21-33-5) still have a conference-low 47 points. AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Pregame festivities Saturday night included “We realize how big of an event this, and how big of a party it’s going to multiple flyovers by Air Force jets and two parachuters embarking on be,” Landeskog said before the game. Falcon Stadium through the air, the latter holding the game puck. Soon thereafter, geography and uniform gave “The Star-Spangled Banner” a In the end, it wasn’t much of a party for the partisan fan base. deeper meaning, with hundreds of cadets standing at attention. Footnotes. The Avs played their third game without second-line center And then it was game on for the NHL’s 11th Stadium Series event, and Nazem Kadri, who is expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a leg injury. … the league’s 31st outdoor game overall in celebration of hockey’s NHL referee Tom Chmielewski worked the game with Chris Rooney. deepest roots. Chmielewski is from Colorado Springs.

It was the host Avalanche against the Los Angeles Kings — a game the visitors won 3-1 behind Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick, including the game-winner in the final minute of regulation. In front of what was left of a refrigerated Denver Post: LOADED: 02.16.2020 sellout crowd of 43,574, Toffoli scored his second goal of the game at 19:05 of the third period before adding an empty-netter with five seconds remaining.

“It’s disappointing in a regular environment, and then you play in front of a crowd like this — our crowd, and a huge event — we wanted nothing more than to win the game,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said.

“We were excited to play this game,” Colorado captain Gabe Landeskog said. “The fans showed up big time, and they were great all game. Disappointed that we couldn’t give them a better finish. Overall, it’s been a good experience. Would have been nice to leave with two points.”

The game began with stadium temperature at 31 degrees and ended at 21.

“It’s just been pretty surreal. We had the whole marching band walk us in, which was pretty neat,” Avs rookie Cale Makar said before the game.

No previous NHL outdoor game had taken the breath away from players as much as this one. This one was played at a record elevation of 6,621 feet, smashing the previous high mark of 5,280 feet set in 2016 at Coors Field when the Detroit Red Wings beat the Avalanche 4-3 on a last- minute goal by .

“I grew up in Minnesota, so we played a lot of outdoor hockey. My dad would flood the backyard when I was kid,” Avs defenseman Erik Johnson said. “So a lot of outdoor memories and being an American, playing on the Air Force base is extra special. It’s an exciting time.”

Johnson was among just four current Avs to have played at Coors Field four years ago. His biggest take from playing a stadium game: “The noise travels in like a wave, and takes a while to hit you.”

The Avs outshot the Kings 13-1 to begin the game, but L.A. held a 1-0 lead at the first intermission when fans stuck in traffic were trying to park their vehicles. Toffoli scored at 14:01 of the opening period, using a backhand off a rebound to beat goalie Philipp Grubauer, who left the game early in the third period with an injury after colliding with teammate Ian Cole.

Bednar said Grubauer and forward Matt Calvert both exited the game with lower-body injuries.

The Avs tied it with a goal from defenseman Sam Girard in the final minute of the second period. Girard capped a relentless attack on Jonathan Quick with a wrist shot from between the circles while the goalie was trying to retrieve his stick.

Toffoli scored his second goal, a wrist shot on his own rebound from between the circles, on Grubauer’s replacement, Pavel Francouz, who gave new meaning to entering a game cold. He sat on the bench for the first 42:27 of the game.

“Probably tough for Frankie, going in ice-cold,” Landeskog said. 1176667 Colorado Avalanche

Thousands descend on Falcon Stadium for Avalanche outdoor game: “It can’t get any better than this”

By KYLE FREDRICKSON | [email protected] | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 7:04 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 7:49 p.m.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Avalanche rookie Cale Makar was unsure of what to expect from fans on Saturday night for their outdoor hockey showcase when the team bus rolled toward Falcon Stadium.

But one glance out the window as Colorado neared the Air Force Academy erased any doubt.

The Avs and Kings, undoubtedly, were must-watch entertainment.

“Seeing all the traffic on the one side of the road was insane,” Makar said.

Thousands descended upon Air Force for the NHL Stadium Series with significant vehicle congestion keeping some motorists stuck in hours-long traffic jams outside the academy well after the game started.

Only two points of entry, a driver’s license check for each vehicle, and a traffic accident in the area just made problems worse. For those who arrived early, though, the extra preparation was rewarded.

A continuous single-file line of vehicles rolled over mud roads and into snow-packed parking lots to tailgate when gates opened at 1 p.m.

Colorado Springs resident Steve Strauch brought an expert-level setup unloaded from a large van. Brisket, pulled pork, meatballs and fried chicken rested on tables beneath two tents and standing propane heaters, as temperatures hovered around 40 degrees. Strauch’s group even turned a pair of cornhole game boards on their sides, then used hockey sticks to blast pucks through their hole openings.

“We’ve had this planned for a long time,” Strauch said. “The Avs are my team. My son was born when they went to the Stanley Cup. … This is the perfect weather. It can’t get any better than this.”

The sound of live music performances from a pregame party stage on the east side of Falcon Stadium drew huge crowds. Fans also had the opportunity to take a picture with the Stanley Cup. Dave Oliver, of Monument, said he waited more than an hour for his chance to witness hockey glory. He didn’t mind the long line.

“It’s a perfect backdrop with the mountains,” Oliver said.

Falcon Stadium, the home of Air Force football, was retrofitted to seat about 43,500 fans and a near-capacity crowd was expected. John and Sandy Fraser, Avs season ticket holders from Denver, were among the first to find their spot in the west stands; 12 rows up and near the 50-yard line. John Fraser said: “Right when they announced the game, we got our tickets and room reservations.” The Frasers were initially concerned play might be obstructed by the boards, but they were just high enough for a near-horizontal view of the action.

However, seated high in the upper northwest corner, the Prouty family also had an excellent viewing angle. Mike and Sylvia, of Colorado Springs, have been hooked on Avalanche hockey since their son’s youth playing days. Their perspective proved that the experience of Saturday night was not dictated by ticket face value.

“It’s being played in a stadium, outside, when it’s cold and in Colorado,” Mike Prouty said. “I love it.”

Denver Post: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176668 Colorado Avalanche Denver Post: LOADED: 02.16.2020

Chambers: Trevor Moore, like most former Pioneers, proud to have been coached by Jim Montgomery

By MIKE CHAMBERS | [email protected] | The Denver Post

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 4:14 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.

COLORADO SPRINGS — If Trevor Moore chose one NHL team to play for, it would be the Los Angeles Kings. And if he had one state to play in an NHL Stadium Series game, it would be Colorado.

That much is obvious. And if he chose to play for one coach, it would probably be Jim Montgomery. Moore didn’t say that Friday when I caught up with him after the Los Angeles Kings’ practice at Falcon Stadium; he only noted that Montgomery is the primary reason he’s enjoying an NHL career.

Moore, 24, is a Los Angeles-area native who starred at the University of Denver, and thanks to his Feb. 5 trade from Toronto to L.A., he’s now playing for his hometown Kings. He faced the Avalanche in Saturday’s outdoor game at Falcon Stadium with his parents and college sweetheart in attendance.

“Special place, Colorado. I loved it here,” Moore, now the Kings’ third-line left wing, told me. “I loved the city, the people. Just a great place.”

Moore played three years at DU under Montgomery, who became the Dallas Stars head coach before the 2018-19 season and was fired Dec. 10 for unprofessional conduct. On Jan. 3, Montgomery released a statement saying his firing was alcohol-related and he was heading to rehab.

“Monty really molded me into a 200-foot player. I started to improve my whole game and I think that’s what ended up getting me this far,” Moore said. “If I was just a skilled guy out there, I don’t think I’d be nearly as successful as I am now, thanks to what Monty and DC (David Carle) taught me.”

Moore left DU in July 2016 before his senior season, signing a maximum free-agent contract with the Maple Leafs. The Pioneers went on to win the 2017 NCAA championship when Moore was playing for the of the American Hockey League.

Moore has no regrets about turning pro and watching his classmates win the national championship. Some of those classmates, such as Evan Ritt of Lakewood, were scheduled to attend Saturday’s game in support of Moore.

“You’re a free agent and never know how things are going to shake out your senior year. You have to strike when the iron’s hot. You got to do it when you can do it,” Moore said.

Moore’s girlfriend, Monique Domme from Colorado Springs, and parents Dave and Sharon Moore from Simi Valley, Calif., took in Saturday’s game as a proud celebration of Trevor’s accomplishments.

Sky-high Colorado. Saturday’s game was played at an elevation of 6,661 feet, the highest NHL game in league history. It broke the previous record of 5,280 feet at the 2016 Stadium Series game at Coors Field.

While the Avs are accustomed to playing at 5,280 feet, “the extra (1,400) feet was quite the difference, to be honest with you,” Gabe Landeskog said after Friday’s practice. You think you’re used to playing at altitude, but coming up here, we were sucking wind out there. It was hard. At the end of the day, it’s going to be a blast. These games, you kind sort of play on adrenaline. You’re nervous. You’re excited. You just kind of go out there and play. You’ll be tired no matter what. But the altitude will probably play a little bit of a factor.”

Added Nathan MacKinnon: “You could feel it, for sure. Sucking wind. But it feels good. The air is so thin you feel like you’re just flying around; you feel like you’re really fast. I always find that coming back from sea level right to Denver, I feel — it’s easy to skate and it kind of felt like that today, for sure.”

1176669 Colorado Avalanche Sakic and his front office staff needing to make a decision regarding Miska and Werner.

Miska has a single game of NHL experience. That game occurred during Bad timing and a rash of goaltender injuries leave questions at all levels the 2018-19 season when he stopped eight of nine shots in a mop-up for the Avs role during a 6-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings when he was with the Coyotes. Werner has two games of NHL service time with both appearances coming this season. Of course, his first game was By Ryan S. Clark memorable after he replaced Francouz — who was filling in for a then- injured Grubauer — after 31 seconds and stopped all 40 shots he faced Feb 15, 2020 Nov. 12 in a 4-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets. That led to him earning his first NHL start, which was jarring by comparison given he allowed five goals on 18 shots in a game that saw Connor McDavid finish with a hat COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Hardly anything about what happened trick and six points in a 6-2 loss to the Edmonton Oilers. Saturday was new for all the parties involved. It’s just the one variable that has changed might be the most important one worth considering. One aspect of the Avalanche’s potential situation is clear: Francouz is the constant in that he is the one healthy goaltender at Bednar’s disposal. That variable, of course, being timing. “It’s tough too because he’s been sitting out there for two-plus hours by Philipp Grubauer was not just playing well lately, he was having some of the time he goes in and it’s not exactly warm out there,” Bednar said in his strongest performances of the season. Look at his last five games reference to how the game was played at temperatures below 32 alone. Grubauer appeared to be in the midst of one of those efforts until degrees. “So, it’s a tough position to try to come in and get in the game a collision with defenseman Ian Cole led to him hitting the ice hunched and do what he could to help us win.” over in discomfort. He was able to get back up but soon skated over to the bench with his backup, Pavel Francouz, gearing up to take his place. The 29-year-old Francouz is an example of how Sakic and his staff have managed to strengthen portions of their roster over the offseason. Grubauer was headed to the dressing room. Francouz was in net. There Colorado was the only NHL club to offer him a contract after he led the was an emergency goaltender somewhere in Falcon Stadium in the Czech Republic to a fourth-place finish at the 2018 Winter Olympics event something else happened. while also capturing the KHL Best Goaltender Award that same year. Francouz became an AHL All-Star and was one of the primary reasons The Colorado Avalanche took a 3-1 loss against the Los Angeles Kings why the goal-strapped Eagles reached the playoffs in their first AHL in a Stadium Series game held outdoors at the U.S. Air Force Academy. campaign after spending the last several in the ECHL. Falling to the Kings is one thing. But seeing Grubauer make the longer- than-normal walk to the locker room accompanied by a camera and a Francouz went from being an insurance policy to the Avalanche’s backup boom microphone on national television is something different. goaltender after Grubauer got the team into the postseason, which led to Semyon Varlamov leaving the team in free agency. Francouz came into Especially when Avalanche coach Jared Bednar provided context. He Saturday with a 13-4-2 mark, a 2.42 GAA and a .925 save percentage to said Grubauer and veteran winger Matt Calvert were both diagnosed with give the Avalanche a two-goaltender tandem that had a few questions to lower-body injuries. answer. And then came the following revelation. Questions such as, could Grubauer, a career backup, perform in the role “The fact he left the game tonight tells me there’s certainly a possibility as a starter over an 82-game schedule? Or was Francouz capable of he could miss games,” Bednar said of Grubauer. “I don’t know. They being an NHL backup after spending just a single season in North were still looking at him when we came through. I just got word on the America? bench and they’ll be checking him out and I’m sure they’ll check him out One might believe Francouz simply sits on the bench wearing a ball cap tomorrow and then we should be able to get a timeline on how severe it when Grubauer is in net. His approach is to track everything. He pays is.” attention and takes notes on how Grubauer performs in certain Sunday was already scheduled to be an off-day with no practice for the situations. Francouz’s sole focus is on everything Grubauer does. That Avalanche at their facility. It’s possible more information might not be only intensifies in the event Grubauer gets injured. From there, it provided on Grubauer until Monday, except by possibly monitoring the becomes a mad dash to get ready and take over with the mentality he AHL transactions page. Even then? There is something of an injury has played the entire game. situation involving the Colorado Eagles’ goaltending dynamic that also “It always helps if you make some stops in the start,” Francouz said. “You requires a bit of explaining. get the feeling with the puck and it always helps. You always have to be Eagles No. 1 goaltender Adam Werner, who appeared in two games for ready, so, I was mentally ready.” the Avalanche this season, has not played since Jan. 25 after sustaining Go back to timing: Most of the Avalanche’s injuries came earlier in the an upper-body injury. He did travel with the Eagles on their two-game season at a time when there was still ground to make up. Now this is a California trip after being a full participant in the team’s two most recent team in February in the midst of trying to grab every point possible so it practices. Werner’s backup Antoine Bibeau is out with a long-term lower- can attempt to clinch a postseason berth well before the final week of the body injury and is currently on injured reserve. regular season. The Avs are 57 games into their season and are two It leaves the Eagles with Hunter Miska serving as the team’s new starter points behind the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues for with Mason McDonald as his backup. Miska entered Saturday with a 12- possessing the best record in both the Central Division and Western 5-3 record, a 2.60 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage in Conference. his first season with the franchise after spending the past few years in the The Avalanche are third in the Central behind the Dallas Stars while Arizona Coyotes’ system. The Calgary Flames used a second-round pick having a six-point lead over the Flames for the first wild-card spot. in 2013 on McDonald. He spent most of this season with the Avalanche’s ECHL affiliate, the Utah Grizzlies, until injuries resulted in him being Sorting through injuries has become commonplace in a season that called up to the Eagles despite not playing a game going into the started and still has the Avalanche as a legitimate Stanley Cup weekend. contender. They have lost players such as captain and star left winger Gabriel Landeskog along with star right winger Mikko Rantanen to The Avalanche signed Miska to an NHL contract on Feb. 10 in a move longer-term injuries. Star rookie defenseman Cale Makar has also that, at the time, just appeared to be about depth in the event something missed his share of games, too. happened. Earlier in the week, veteran second-line center Nazem Kadri was ruled Well? A number of scenarios could play out between now and Monday out indefinitely with a lower-body injury for a timeframe Bednar described when the Avalanche host the Tampa Bay Lightning at Pepsi Center. The as “weeks, not days.” first being Grubauer could be in good enough shape to either start or be on the bench should Bednar turn to Francouz. The second is Grubauer Now the week closes with the Avalanche worrying about the injury status will have to miss games and that would result in general manager Joe of one of the most critical players on their entire roster. Again.

“I saw the same thing as you did. I saw him go down and for sure, it’s not a great feeling because you don’t want to see your teammate get hurt,” Francouz said. “But it’s my job to be ready, and I just grabbed my stuff and went on the ice.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176670 Colorado Avalanche “Coming out of All-Star,” Silver said, “(the NBA) will be redoubling their efforts to try to find a path forward here.”

‘It’s a bad situation for everyone’: NBA commissioner Adam Silver weighs in on Altitude/Comcast saga The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020

By Nick Kosmider

Feb 15, 2020

CHICAGO — The carriage dispute between Altitude TV and Comcast that has kept thousands of Nuggets fans in Colorado and the surrounding region from watching games is firmly on the NBA’s radar.

But it doesn’t appear as though the league has a clear answer for the problem that keeps dragging on for sports fans along the Front Range.

“It’s a bad situation for everyone,” commissioner Adam Silver said during his annual state-of-the-league address at the United Center on Saturday.

A brief recap: Altitude TV’s 15-year contracts with Comcast, Dish Network and DirecTV expired back in September, before the seasons for the Nuggets and the NHL’s Avalanche began. After a monthlong standoff, Altitude reached a new multiyear agreement with DirecTV, but agreements with Dish and Comcast, the most important party in this dispute given its reach in the market, have not been reached.

Altitude filed an antitrust lawsuit a November, claiming that Comcast sought to “extinguish competition from Altitude so that Comcast can pocket more of the money it takes from consumers each month for sports programming.”

Comcast filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit last month. The result has been that many sports fans in the region have been unable to consistently watch two young, exciting teams that are competing at the top of their leagues.

“I’m incredibly sympathetic to those fans that live in Colorado and are unable to get those games,” Silver said. “(Nuggets owner) Stan Kroenke and (president and governor) Josh Kroenke are here in Chicago. I’ve had a chance to talk to them. I know they’re extraordinarily frustrated as well.”

Silver said the league’s involvement in the dispute “has been to be helpful to both sides.” Bill Koenig, the league’s head of media, has been the NBA’s point person on the dispute, and the commissioner said he and others in the league office will increase their efforts coming out of the All-Star break in an effort to help facilitate a resolution that could put the games back on TV in the region.

“In terms of owners’ obligation, ultimately, all of our obligations are to the fans,” Silver said. “I think that’s absolutely clear. Having said that, that isn’t necessarily the answer to the question as to what the terms should be of distributing those games going forward, and I think this relates to some of the other questions I’ve been asked. There’s a lot happening right now transformationally in the media market, and I think the (regional sports networks) are sort of resetting in terms of their business models. I think the teams are rethinking what the best ways are to distribute our games to reach the most number of fans.”

Executives at Altitude have had exploratory conversations about expanding to streaming platforms like Amazon, Roku or Sling, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment executive vice president and CEO Matt Hutchings told The Athletic back in September, but distribution concerns have kept those talks from advancing to anything substantive.

“If there is a way to increase distribution, we would do that,” Hutchings said.

The ongoing stalemate has been frustrating for fans who have been forced to find alternatives to simply turning on their TVs and having the Nuggets or Avalanche playing in their living rooms. Workarounds, such as purchasing a VPN to alter an IP address and using that with a League Pass subscription, can be complicated and costly. Switching from one cable or satellite provider to another can also be a financial burden.

None of that is lost on Silver.

The question is whether, at any point this season, the league, owners and Comcast officials will be able to fix a problem that has dragged on in Colorado and the surrounding region for more than five months. 1176671 Colorado Avalanche Anze Kopitar: Aside from his crucial faceoff win, Kopitar assisted on both goals in the final minute.

Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick ruins the Avalanche’s outdoor event; Philipp Grubauer injured in third period milehighsports.com LOADED: 02.16.2020

By Aarif Deen

February 15, 2020

AIR FORCE ACADEMY — Playing in front of a sellout crowd of 43,574 at Falcon Stadium, the Avalanche suffered perhaps their most disappointing loss of the season, falling 3-1 to the Los Angeles Kings in the final minute Saturday.

Colorado (36-18-6) lost starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer early in the third period and surrendered two goals in the final 55 seconds. Kings forward Tyler Toffoli scored all three goals for the visiting team to record the first hat-trick in an NHL outdoor game.

“It would’ve been nice to see the Kings play from behind,” Avs superstar Nathan MacKinnon said. “They were pretty passive after they got the lead. We blew a point, at least. I liked our chances in overtime. I think if we were more ready to bury those early—I had a couple of chances to bury some myself. It was just frustrating.”

A faceoff between Kings center Anze Kopitar and Colorado’s J.T. Compher ended up being the turning point. Kopitar won the draw clean to Toffoli. After whiffing on his first shot, Toffoli picked up his own rebound and fired it past Francouz with 54 seconds remaining in regulation.

Toffoli added an empty-netter 50 seconds later to complete the hat trick.

Colorado, which had 13 of the games 14 shots, was stymied by Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick in the early going. After weathering the story, the Kings scored the games’ first goal as Toffoli was able to beat Grubauer off a rebound in tight to make it 1-0.

The Avalanche’s lone goal was scored by Sam Girard late in the second period to tie the game through 40 minutes.

Pavel Francouz replaced Grubauer for the Avalanche with 17:33 remaining. He faced seven shots in the losing effort and could be the starter Monday against Tampa Bay.

“Gruby is lower body,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said about his starting goalie’s injury. “The fact that he left the game tonight tells me there is certainly a possibility he could miss games. They were still looking at him when we came to the room. I’m sure we’ll check him out again tomorrow.”

The loss was frustrating for Colorado in many ways. Aside from losing their starting goaltender and forward Matt Calvert (lower-body) to injury, Avalanche had an opportunity to jump into first place in the Western Conference with a victory. Instead, Colorado lost to the worst team in the Western Conference and fell to third place in the Central Division.

The frustration piled on for Colorado as the game progressed. The Avalanche had two chances on the power play—both vital opportunities to turn the game around. But on both occasions, the Avs took a penalty shortly thereafter and nullified the man-advantage. Colorado’s first power-play lasted three seconds, and the second 17 seconds.

“It was frustrating. Right off the faceoff we take one three seconds in. And then the first breakout,” Bednar said. “So we nullify what should be two really good opportunities to even the game or end the game. Those are things we certainly would like to have back.”

MacKinnon added: “It sucked … I don’t know, those calls could have gone either way. The only time they called penalties were right after we got power plays so it was just weird how that worked out.”

Three Stars

Tyler Toffoli: His hat-trick, the first in an NHL outdoor game, gives him 18 goals on the season.

Jonathan Quick: Finished with 32 saves, including 13 in the first 10:15 of the first period. Quick was winless in eight games (0-7-1) before Saturday’s performance. 1176672 Dallas Stars affects me today. I hope for him that he goes on and plays the rest of the year and plays well. I hope everything goes well.”

-- Comeau is still confused about his goal. Stars goalie Ben Bishop puts on another dazzling performance in Montreal “Saw a shot lane, so I just tried to get it to the net,” Comeau said. “I saw [Andrew Cogliano] going to the net and still don’t know how it went it, but I’ll take it.”

By Matthew DeFranks

5:34 AM on Feb 16, 2020 Dallas Morning News LOADED: 02.16.2020

MONTREAL — After morning skate on Saturday, Bowness said the plan for goaltending was always going to include Ben Bishop playing Saturday night in Montreal, meaning Anton Khudobin would draw the Senators on Sunday evening.

Bishop entered Saturday with a .926 save percentage and 2.01 goals against average in 11 previous games at Bell Centre, and made 29 saves Saturday night.

“It’s been pretty good to me,” Bishop said. “It’s a really fun place to play, especially on a Saturday night, Hockey Night in Canada against one of the best goalies in the world. It doesn’t get much better than that as a player. I love this building. I love playing here. I’ve had some good fortune here so far, so hopefully, we can keep it rolling. I love this city.”

Without Bishop, the Stars don’t make it through overtime. He made big saves within 30 second of each other to keep Dallas alive, robbing Tomas Tatar in 1 on 1 situation before stoning Ben Chiarot.

“Just 1 on 1 there, just trying to react,” Bishop said of the Tatar save. “He made a pretty good move, I was able to get my toe on it. So I’ll take it.”

No Sleep: When Jason Robertson said he didn’t sleep the night before his NHL debut Thursday in Toronto, he was not kidding. After AHL affiliate Texas bused from Milwaukee to Chicago and checked in at 12:30 a.m., Robertson was restless.

“I took a shower. I shaved. I had nothing else to do,” Robertson said. “I was on my phone all night, especially because it was an early flight. It was a 7:45 flight so I’ve got to be up at 5:30. We get to the hotel at 12:30. I only have five hours, then an hour goes by, hour goes by. I look, it’s like 4 o’clock. I’m like ‘I can’t even sleep now. I can’t even try.’”

Robertson, who was also flying to Toronto with Stars assistant general manager Scott White, and Robertson said the flight was delayed about three hours before taking off. He tried to keep his eyes open.

“Whitey, I can’t sleep at the gate, I’m going to sleep right through,” Robertson said. “I can’t miss this flight, so I just waited until I got on the plane.”

Robertson took a customary rookie lap on Saturday in Montreal, skating by himself during warmup before the rest of the Stars joined him. Typically, players will skate by themselves before their NHL debut, but the Stars had Andrew Coglino skate by himself in Toronto for his 1,000th NHL game.

Robertson picked up his first career point against the Maple Leafs, with a secondary assist on Tyler Seguin’s power-play goal. He almost scored his first goal on a one-timer Saturday in Montreal. Robertson is in his first year of professional hockey after leading the in points last season.

“You can be lackadaisical in juniors but here in pro, you’re always go go go,” Robertson said. “No nights off, that’s something they kind of drill in me in main camp and my first couple months in Texas. These last couple months have been really good for me and I think that’s confidence.”

Helping hand: Stephen Johns said Saturday morning that Blues forward David Perron texted him during that All-Star break after asking for his phone number to extend words of encouragement. Perron is one of the few people who understand what Johns has gone through by missing more than a season due to head injuries.

On Saturday night in Montreal, Johns played his ninth game of the season after missing the previous 22 months due to post-traumatic headaches. Almost 10 years ago, Perron missed 13 months of action because of a concussion.

“It’s the hardest thing in your life for sure when you go through that,” Perron said in January. “It took me a while to recover from that and it still 1176673 Dallas Stars

Joe Pavelski is thriving with Rick Bowness’ new strategy for the Stars offense

By Matthew DeFranks

5:11 AM on Feb 16, 2020

MONTREAL — Joe Pavelski made an immediate impact, picking up two assists on the night to extend his personal point streak to six games. He assisted on Mattias Janmark’s second-period goal after picking off Marco Scandella’s pass in the Montreal zone. He also helped set up Seguin’s blast from the left circle in the second period.

Pavelski now has 15 assists this season and continued his recent hot stretch with eight points in his last six games played. Pavelski’s resurgence bodes well for a Stars team that needs every boost of offense they can get, especially from their primary offseason acquisition making $7 million a season.

“If you can be somewhat natural out on the ice and reactive and use your instincts out there,” Pavelski said of his recovery. “It feels really good that way. Everything’s been good. Everything’s been responding well.”

Recently, the Stars have asked for more shots from defensemen, and they’ve been coming quicker. That style fits what Pavelski does in the slot with tips, redirections and rebounds. He gets to the right areas and then knows that a shot is coming from the point.

“Our game’s kind of sped up and the execution has been there,” Pavelski said. “We’re on a good little run now, and playing well. We established our compete level early, and hopefully everything will fall right into play.”

Stars interim head coach Rick Bowness said: “More importantly than anything, he was feeling comfortable in his game, regardless of the goals. Yeah, it’s all nice, and the points and everything. I think he was starting to feel more comfortable here and comfortable with his overall game.”

Pavelski centered the fourth line with Janmark and rookie Jason Robertson, while also playing on the first power-play unit.

“First time playing with Robo,” Pavelski said. “Smart player, makes some plays. I think early on, I kind of found it out quick. There was a few times you give it and he gives it back. It was nice, felt like we had it a lot tonight.”

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176674 Dallas Stars Canada. They are a legitimate threat in the Western Conference, and their highest paid player has three goals in the last two games.

Are the Stars getting enough credit for what they’ve done this season? Tyler Seguin finishes best Stars comeback of the season with an overtime goal against the Canadiens “I don’t any of us really care about the credit right now,” goaltender Ben Bishop said. “It’s about getting in the playoffs and kind of going from there. Hopefully, we get some credit when we get in the playoffs.”

By Matthew DeFranks By the end of this trip, the Stars could find themselves tops in the West. 3:07 AM on Feb 16, 2020 The last time Dallas was one point back of first in the West, it was Oct. 2, before the Stars even played a game.

“It’s an exciting time of the year, for sure,” Comeau said. “I think MONTREAL — This version of the Stars — indomitable and unflappable, everybody knows where we’re at. We’re in a dog fight. We’re trying to panic-free and confident — can’t be knocked out. Not after a miserable jockey for position. That’s a position you want to be in. You want to be start to the season. Not after a midseason coaching change. Not after a playing meaningful games and it’s going to be a fun finish to the season.” three-goal deficit Saturday night in Montreal. Scoring Seguin: For almost seven weeks, people around the Stars In defeating the Canadiens 4-3 in overtime on Saturday night at Bell wondered when Tyler Seguin would score again. His chances were Centre, the Stars again flashed their resilience, peacocked their there, the shots were there, but for 17 games, Seguin did not find the stubbornness, and presented on Hockey Night in Canada how difficult back of the net. they are to put away. The three-goal comeback was the team’s second of the season, joining Oct. 29’s win over Minnesota. Now, he’s back to scoring, and his 14 goals are fourth on the team.

Tyler Seguin scored two goals, including the game-winner 2:52 into Bowness spoke at length about Seguin after the win in Montreal. overtime by toe-dragging around Victor Mete and backhanding a shot “We’ve been pumping his tires for a couple weeks about all the good past Canadiens goaltender Carey Price. Seguin also scored a power- things he does to help us win,” Bowness said. “The last couple games, play goal in the second period, his second straight game with a power- it’s the goal scoring that’s helped us win. Even without those two goals, play goal after totaling just one in the season’s first 56 games. you saw him battling in the offensive zone. He’s playing very hard. He’s Blake Comeau tied the game midway through the third period by flinging leading by example. There’s a lot of passion in his game right now. This a puck on net from the far boards. Comeau’s shot was screened by is probably the best we’ve seen him play in a long stretch of time. Give Radek Faksa, and resulted in Comeau’s 15th goal of the season. Joe him kudos and give him credit. Pavelski picked up two assists in his return to the lineup after missing two “When you’re a goal scorer and you’re not scoring, there’s a lot of noise games with an upper-body injury. around you. It’s easy to get distracted so we’re very proud of how he’s “No, it wasn’t part of the plan to fall behind 3-0,” Stars interim coach Rick handled that whole scenario and just kept plugging away. It’s nice to see Bowness opened his press conference. him be rewarded tonight.”

But why are the Stars so resilient? The game was just Seguin’s second two-goal performance of the season. He also scored twice in a loss at Florida, where he scored his “I guess because we’ve been there enough this year and we’ve fallen first power-play goal of the season. behind for various reasons,” Bowness said. “I don’t think we’ve fallen behind 3-0 and come back to win, but the guys on the bench, there’s “We’re going to be a tough team to beat when he’s producing,” Comeau times when you know your team’s in a bit of a panic, and there was no said. “He puts a lot of pressure on himself. For him to go through sense of that tonight at all.” something like he was doing with the goal drought, obviously we knew he was pressing. But he’s still talented, we knew it was going to be a matter It was Dallas’ fourth straight win and brought them just one point behind of time until he started scoring.” St. Louis for first place in the Western Conference. The Stars can sweep their three-game Canadian swing with a win Sunday evening in Ottawa.

The Stars now lead the NHL in both wins when trailing after the first Dallas Morning News LOADED: 02.16.2020 period (11) and when trailing after the second period (nine). Dallas’ 14 wins when allowing the first goal is tied for third-most in the league.

“If we’re down after the first, all we can try to do is win the second,” Pavelski said. “Nothing changes that way. Just come back in 3-2, we tie that second but we’ll take that score after being down 3-0. It was about going out and winning the third. We were able to do that and give ourselves a chance to get two points.”

Since the All-Star break, the Stars have transformed what their target is. Initially, it looked like Dallas could be locked into a first-round matchup with Colorado, both teams too far behind St. Louis to catch the Blues, but safely in the playoff picture.

Now, the Stars are threatening to win the West.

For that to be a possibility in mid-February is remarkable itself after a 1-7- 1 start to the season, the firing of Jim Montgomery and the various other hurdles: injuries to key players, illnesses forcing other coaches behind the bench.

After 1-7-1, the Stars needed to be a top five team in the league to have a chance at the playoffs. They’re been the league’s best team for the last four months. It hasn’t always been pretty with the Stars grinding opponents and slowing the game. But Dallas hasn’t lost three straight regulation games since Oct. 18 and hasn’t lost three straight overall since Dec. 3.

They just beat the Maple Leafs in the center of the hockey universe in Toronto. They completed a three-goal comeback in a raucous building filled with more than 21,000 Montreal fans, on national television in 1176675 Dallas Stars career games in Montreal and has since gone 7-2 in Quebec, including two wins with Dallas.

It is fair to say he likes playing in the building. Stars 20/20: Tyler Seguin’s OT stunner puts Dallas in position to claim top spot in Western Conference “Yeah, it’s been pretty good to me,” Bishop said. “It’s a really fun place to play, especially on a Saturday night on ‘Hockey Night in Canada’ against one of the best goalies in the world. It doesn’t get much better than that By Sean Shapiro as a player. I love this building. I love playing here. I’ve had some good fortune here so far, so hopefully, I can keep it rolling. No, yeah, I love this Feb 15, 2020 city.”

5. The rest of Bishop’s teammates didn’t panic when the Stars went down 3-0. MONTREAL — The Dallas Stars extended their four-game win streak with a 4-3 overtime win against the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday. Often, the anatomy of a blowout in the NHL is desperation around the two- or three-goal lead. It happened when the Stars got trounced by the 1. When Rick Bowness was suddenly named the Stars’ interim head Florida Panthers and Minnesota earlier this season. coach in December, one of his first changes was putting more of a focus on the standings. But on Saturday, the Stars didn’t change their game when they were down 3-0. They stayed committed to a rigid defensive structure and While Jim Montgomery was more of a day-to-day, focus-on-the-process waited for the offense to come. If you couldn’t see the scoreboard, you coach, Bowness gives more credence to big-picture goals driving the would assume the Stars were playing a goalless game at the time, and day-to-day success. That’s why the Stars added a standings board right that’s a point of pride for Bowness when he looks at the Stars’ identity. outside the locker room. It’s a constant reminder of what the Stars are chasing, and Bowness isn’t afraid to make it clear winning, well, “We continue to preach that our offense will come from good defense,” everything is the goal. Bowness said. “We don’t deter from that. We’re not a team that says, ‘OK, we’re going to play one way on the road and one way at home.’ We And when the Stars wake up Sunday morning in Ottawa, they’ll have an are going to play the right way regardless. I worked with Al Arbour for a opportunity to finish the night with the top spot in the Central Division and while in the Islanders, and he used to tell me that. He said, ‘There is no in the Western Conference. road way to play or home way to play. You play the right way.’ And that It’ll take some help. But with a win and a loss by the first-place St. Louis kind of stuck with me for a long time.” Blues that evening, the Stars will head home from Canada as the leaders 6. The coaches often use Blake Comeau as an example of Bowness’ out west. mantra and playing the game the right way. That’s a remarkable statement to make about a team that started 1-7-1 It’s something that dates to when Dallas first signed him as a free agent. and went through a sudden coaching change. Montgomery said at the time that Comeau never played below a B-level 2. The winning goal Saturday was also remarkable, and it’s fair to say game. The forward may not be at the A level every game, but even when Tyler Seguin is back to his old self. he’s not at his best, he finds a way to help his team.

One game after snapping a 17-game goal drought, Seguin scored the That is what happened when his prayer of a shot got through everything nicest goal of the Stars’ season to clinch the victory in overtime. He to tie the score at 3 and silence a crowd that had been whipped into a turned a one-on-one with Victor Mete into a one-on-zero with a big deke, wave-induced frenzy. then finished Carey Price with a backhand the Vezina Trophy-winning “I still don’t know how it went in,” Comeau said. goalie couldn’t get to in time. 7. The comeback started with a spark from Joe Pavelski, who returned to It was a superstar play, the type of play worthy of being the highest-paid the lineup after missing two games because of an unspecified upper- player on the Stars and one of the NHL’s top earners. body injury. “That’s a highlight-reel goal, there’s no question,” Bowness said. “And Pavelski intercepted the puck on a pass through the middle of the zone you score those when you are feeling it. When the puck’s not going in, by Marco Scandella, skated in on net and bought time before teeing up you don’t even try those — you’re shooting it quick. But when you’re Mattias Janmark for an easy tap-in after Price committed to playing the feeling it, the confidence comes back and the poise comes back with the shot from Pavelski. puck, you try those plays. And good for him. I’m thrilled for him.” It doesn’t count as a point streak because of the injury, but Pavelski has 3. It was also Seguin’s second two-goal game of the season. He scored points in six consecutive games and has eight points during that span. on a power-play blast in the second period to cut the deficit to 3-2. Pavelski also had a secondary assist on Seguin’s power-play goal. It was It was a crucial part of a massive comeback for the Stars, who won for Pavelski’s sixth multi-point game of the season, and in games in which the second time this season after trailing 3-0. The prior such comeback Pavelski has two or more points, the Stars are undefeated. was on Oct. 29 against the Minnesota Wild, and it saved the early part of the season. Saturday’s three-goal comeback was more of a reminder the 8. Pavelski played on a line with Jason Robertson, who was playing in Stars are a contender and are never out of a game, even on nights when his second NHL game. Robertson fit in well with Pavelski and Janmark. Bowness opened his media availability without taking a question and stating, “No, it wasn’t part of the plan to fall behind 3-0.” It’s not the most fleet line. Janmark looked like he was jet fuel compared with his linemates, but the combination of Pavelski and Robertson was 4. Dallas is resilient, and on Saturday, Ben Bishop had to be a resilient effective in the offensive zone, patiently holding possession and goalie. hemming the Canadiens in for extended periods.

Bishop was beaten on a pair of similar goals that made it 2-0, then let up Robertson didn’t have a point, as he did in Toronto on Thursday, but he a goal five-hole to Nick Cousins to make it 3-0. The Cousins goal was was a big part of the Stars’ first two goals. On Janmark’s goal, he scored with some defensive blame, but the shot and the location made it pressured Scandella into a turnover, and on Seguin’s goal, he set a solid a goal Bishop should have prevented. screen in front of Price.

It was at that time Bishop buckled down and said “that’s it.” He gave his Robertson knows where to be in the offensive zone. His time in the NHL team a chance to tie the score and was superb in overtime. might be short once Alexander Radulov is healthy, but the forward has a bright future. His pad save on Tomas Tatar 93 seconds into sudden death was the biggest of the night, and he had a couple of other key stops as he 9. Analytically, the Janmark-Pavelski-Robertson line rocked a 70 percent thwarted all three Montreal chances in overtime. Corsi For at even strength.

On Saturday morning, Bowness said the plan on the trip, no matter the 10. Corey Perry was very good offensively, again. setup, was for Bishop to play at the Bell Centre. Bishop lost his first three Perry has gone from what looked like a complete bust of a signing to a Robertson didn’t take a rookie lap Thursday against the Maple Leafs low-risk, high-reward move for Dallas. He, like everyone in Dallas, would because Cogliano was playing his 1,000th NHL game and the Stars like to forget his first half of the season, but you can’t ignore what he’s wanted to trick the veteran into taking one. Comeau was the mastermind done since he returned from the suspension he earned in the Winter behind it, and Bishop was the one who helped orchestrate it. Classic. 18. Someone is going to overpay for Tatar at the trade deadline. 11. Pavelski, who was considered a “game-time decision,” was the only player to skate Friday when the Stars had ice at the Bell Centre. In theory, he would fit well in Dallas. He would be a nice complement and would instantly be the Stars’ leading scorer. But I don’t think general It was a comical moment. After a meeting and an off-ice workout, the rest manager Jim Nill is willing to part with a first-round pick and a prospect of his teammates cheered Pavelski on while he went through skating like Ty Dellandrea or Thomas Harley. drills with assistant coach Todd Nelson. Backup goalie Anton Khudobin then stepped onto the ice in flip-flops and started passing pucks to 19. The Stars are 17-8-2 since the coaching change on Dec. 10. Pavelski and shooting them for the forward to tip. They have 36 points in 27 games with Bowness in charge after posting 12. The Stars rolled out this lineup: 37 in 31 with Montgomery.

Roope Hintz — Tyler Seguin — Corey Perry That’s a .667 winning percentage with Bowness in charge. No team in the Western Conference has performed that well in the same span. Jamie Benn — Jason Dickinson — Denis Gurianov 20. The Stars have been hanging a rope, roughly 5 feet long, in the Andrew Cogliano — Radek Faksa — Blake Comeau locker room on the road recently.

Mattias Janmark — Joe Pavelski — Jason Robertson The reason? “Everyone pulls the same rope on this team,” Bishop said.

Esa Lindell — John Klingberg

Miro Heiskanen — Stephen Johns The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020

Jamie Oleksiak — Andrej Sekera

Montreal countered like this:

Tomas Tatar — Phillip Danault — Brendan Gallagher

Artturi Lehkonen — Max Domi — Joel Armia

Ilya Kovalchuk — Nick Suzuki — Jordan Weal

Nick Cousins — Jake Evans — Dale Weise

Ben Chiarot — Victor Mete

Marco Scandella — Jeff Petry

Brett Kulak — Xavier Ouellet

13. Forward Joel Kiviranta went through the morning skate as a defenseman paired with fellow healthy scratch Roman Polak.

After the morning skate Saturday, Polak made sure to point out that he and Kiviranta had a great connection.

“You and me, Kivi, we shut ’em down,” Polak said. “They had nothing.”

14. The officiating was spotty Saturday.

Canadiens coach Claude Julien had even more to say about that, going so far as to say Montreal would have had to beat two teams.

15. Bowness has been pretty tight-lipped about the goalie selection process, often simply repeating the party line that goalie coach makes those decisions.

On Saturday, I asked Bowness if he and Reese ever disagree when it comes to who starts in goal.

“Well, we have discussions,” Bowness said. “I wouldn’t call them disagreements. But we have discussions much like we did on the plane the other night (about) who was gonna play in Toronto. Those are healthy discussions and every coach has input on it. Ultimately, the decision is mine, but I rely heavily on Reeser. If he tells me he wants (one goalie) to play, they are pretty much playing.”

16. Bryce Desrochers wasn’t at the game, but he was able to watch the Stars’ morning skate and meet up with Seguin, his favorite player.

Desrochers lives in Ottawa and made the two-hour drive with his family to Montreal. Desrochers has cerebral palsy, a disability that affects movement and posture and is caused by damage to the brain during development. Bell Centre has limited handicapped seating, so even with the Stars’ help, Desrochers wasn’t able to secure suitable tickets to the game.

Desrochers is going to the game in Ottawa on Sunday and made a trip to Dallas last season for his first meeting with Seguin, who has been his favorite player since 2010, when Seguin was with the Boston Bruins.

17. Robertson took a rookie lap before warmups. 1176676 Dallas Stars to somebody in Toronto who then places the order in China, so nothing really gets done during the Christmas break, either.”

That’s why Sumner placed his last big order in early December, and it For the Dallas Stars equipment staff, a stick shortage isn’t a concern — typically takes “at least two weeks” for sticks to arrive at the Stars’ at least not yet practice facility in Frisco.

There is also a trickle-down impact on the Texas Stars. The AHL has a By Sean Shapiro contract with CCM, so aside from a couple of players each game who are granted a stick exception, all of the Texas Stars are required to use a Feb 15, 2020 CCM instrument.

Joel L’Esperance is the heaviest user of sticks for Texas, according to Sumner, but since he’s on the NHL call-up radar, they have a large stock MONTREAL — China is on the mind of NHL equipment managers right of sticks for L’Esperance in Frisco that Sumner could send to Cedar Park now. if the forward ends up with a shortage. The outbreak of the coronavirus, which has halted work and travel in Sumner said the Stars, like all teams, are going to continue monitoring China since January, is having a significant impact on the production of the situation in China and, to be safe, will likely place an order to sticks that NHL players use. replenish stock whenever they restart production. There had been plans CCM and Bauer build their sticks in China and outfit much of the NHL — for Bauer to get things going again in its factory Monday, but like all an estimated 75 percent of players. On the Dallas Stars, 18 players use a things, it’s fluid right now. CCM or Bauer stick while six use Warrior, which is built in Mexico. “We’ll see what happens. We aren’t overly worried right now,” Sumner Stars head equipment manager Steve Sumner said the Stars aren’t in as said. “It works out well enough with the group I have here that we bad of shape as some other NHL teams. shouldn’t be short anytime too soon.”

“It didn’t really affect us; they were shutting down for Chinese New Year anyways,” Sumner said. “And when I order sticks, I project how to get The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 through road trips and all that, so I kind of project what I’m going to need for the long term. At the time they had shut down for the coronavirus, I had at least 24 sticks on the shelf for everybody, so we were more than ready for it.”

Sumner typically orders sticks in batches of 24 for each player and estimated that the Stars are already covered when it comes to sticks through the end of March. Other teams, ones with shorter road trips, sometimes order sticks in smaller batches and therefore might be scrambling a bit more as the work stoppage in China continues.

The life of a stick depends on the player. Many use a new one every game, while others ride one out for three or four games. When The Athletic Dallas did a story on stick lifespans last season, the average player used 100 to 120 in a season.

Sumner said the fact that Joe Pavelski uses a Mexican-made Warrior stick makes life easier.

“My heaviest user is Pavelski,” Sumner said. “If he used CCM or Bauer, we might have had a problem.”

Sumner said the Stars also have a pretty good stash of backup stock for players who have been with the organization for more than one season.

“I don’t really get rid of stuff they’ve used in the past,” Sumner said. “Some of the sticks that I do have, they’re maybe something they used last year, but it’s the same curve and same flex and everything but just a different graphic. So I’ve told the guys, if we do get short, this is what you have. So everyone was really positive about that.”

Some NHL players have also been proactive about adding to their stock. Earlier this week, Tyler Seguin ended up grabbing four sticks from his mom’s garage in , Ont., that hadn’t been used last season.

Among the Stars players asked about the topic, Seguin was the only one who had any real concerns about a potential shortage. Players who take a heavy number of faceoffs, like Seguin, are the prime candidates to be most affected by a shortage.

The Stars also travel with a large stock of sticks. For every road trip, Sumner packs two new sticks per game for each player in case of breakage, so on this three-game jaunt through Canada, the stick stock was close to 140. In a typical season, an NHL team uses at least 3,000 sticks and sometimes upward of 4,000.

Sumner said keeping that stock filled was just a practice in planning, and the planned shutdowns before the coronavirus even became an issue made this easier to deal with for now.

“It’s not just Chinese New Year; it’s also Christmas, because they shut down for Christmas over here (in North America),” Sumner said. “They are still working over there, but over here you can’t place orders and all that around Christmas. When we place an order with our rep, it has to go 1176677 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings goal differential hits triple digits after 4-1 loss to Boston Bruins

Helene St. James, Detroit Free Press

Published 3:53 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 8:12 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020

BOSTON — The game played out as so many have: Jonathan Bernier delivers a huge first period, gives the Detroit Red Wings a chance to be in the game.

Saturday’s matinee between the Wings and Boston Bruins at TD Garden started on a familiar note and ended on one, too, as the Wings were shown up by their much more talented opponent to the tune of a 4-1 loss.

The Wings’ goal differential ballooned into three digits for the first time this season, at minus-102. The Los Angeles Kings have the second- worst differential at minus-44.

Brad Marchand put the Bruins up by three goals late in the third period when he drove to Detroit’s net, slipping the puck between Andreas Athanasiou’s legs before feeding David Pastrnak for his 42nd goal of the season. Athanasiou had a tough third period, roughed up by Boston’s Chris Wagner after a nothing play.

Bernier did what he could, holding off one of the best teams in the NHL through almost 30 minutes, even as the Bruins came at him in waves. Darren Helm scored short-handed in the first period as the Wings’ penalty killers once again outperformed the power-play guys.

The Wings failed to generate any kind of a threat — they had a combined one shot on net through six minutes with a man advantage — and let the Bruins score on one.

The Bruins (36-11-12) outshot the Wings, 41-26.

Veteran Trevor Daley left the game with an upper-body injury.

The Wings (14-42-4) are 0-3 on this trip, which concludes Sunday at Pittsburgh.

Tilted rink

Frans Nielsen won the opening faceoff against David Krejci and snapped a shot on net on the same shift, but the Bruins dominated the first period, keeping Bernier busy. He made 18 saves in the first, though only needed to make two during two penalty kills thanks to efficient teammates. It was during the first kill that Helm notched his ninth goal of the season, racing up ice and firing a shot that Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask stopped, only to get beat on the rebound.

Bruins break through

It took until the 25th shot on net for the Bruins to best Bernier. Charlie McAvoy scored at 8:01 and Patrice Bergeron at 9:40, during a Wings power play. Mike Green chased the puck into Detroit’s zone only to turn it over, and Marchand fed Bergeron for a go-ahead goal. Charlie Coyle furthered the damage at 12:30, giving the Bruins three goals in 4:29.

Perlini in/Abdelkader out

Brendan Perlini was back in the lineup after missing just one game following a scary incident Tuesday at Buffalo. Perlini, who just scored his first goal of the season last weekend when the Wings hosted the Bruins, suffered a deep gash on the right side of his nose when he accidentally was clipped by the skate of Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju. Perlini had a chin protector and full shield on his helmet to protect his face. He played on the fourth line with Christoffer Ehn and Adam Erne, in place of Justin Abdelkader.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176678 Detroit Red Wings

Game thread: Red Wings downed 4-1 by Bruins

Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press

Published 12:00 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 3:34 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020

Detroit Red Wings (14-41-4, 32 points) vs. Boston Bruins (35-11-12, 82 points)

When: 1 p.m.

Where: TD Garden, Boston.

TV: Fox Sports Detroit, NHL Network.

Radio: 97.1 FM.

Game notes: Another case of the NHL's best against its worst. Though it has been the Red Wings who have come out on top in both of their meetings this season. Most recently, the Wings took a 3-1 decision on Sunday at Little Caesars Arena.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176679 Detroit Red Wings The Wings moved back to the East for the 2013-14 season, and the move has generally been applauded by fans, organization, and the media.

Red Wings want balance between Mantha's fighting, holding back Still, there are some logistical issues for the Wings in the travel department.

“One of the disadvantages of being in the East for us, if you talk to guys Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News who’ve been in both conferences (Blashill mentioned Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall), it’s we're the furthest west team in the East, but we Published 5:35 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 5:37 p.m. ET Feb. 15, aren’t far enough away where we get a lot of these trips where you stay 2020 on the road,” Blashill said. “So, we get a lot of one and dones, back and forth, and get in our beds at 3, 3:30 in the morning by the time you fall asleep. Boston — It’s a delicate balance, for sure. “That can take a toll on you.” The Red Wings don’t want to take away Anthony Mantha’s desire to stick up for teammates. But at the same time, they want him to be careful. Big, bad Bruins

Mantha returned this week from a punctured lung, which he sustained Boston leads the NHL with 84 points, which doesn't surprise Blashill. while getting into a fight Dec. 21 with Toronto’s Jake Muzzin. “They have a bunch of really good two-way players,” Blashill said of Boston Bruins' Patrice Bergeron (37) and Detroit Red Wings' Anthony Boston’s commitment to offense and defense. “If you look at their Mantha (39) battle for the puck during the third period. centers, up the middle, they’re real good up the middle, real good two- way, what I call winning hockey players. Mantha didn’t like Muzzin’s hit on teammate Madison Bowey, which led Mantha to confront Muzzin who, arguably, slewfooted Mantha to the ice. “You have super dynamic wingers on that top line with (David) Pastrnak and (Brad) Marchand. I watched the game the other night and they make It was the third time Mantha has gotten hurt while standing up for a something out of nothing, and there are few players in the league who teammate. can do that.

The Wings aren’t telling Mantha to stop with the fighting — but do want “Their defense corps is built well, they have size, skill, a puck mover, a him to be cautious. defender. Then you take all that and you have a great goalie (Tuukka Rask), so you’re going to earn lots of points with that." “I’ve said this a lot, we’ve run across this a couple times where certainly in his case, he’s been hurt looking after himself, looking after his Ice chips teammates,” coach said. “It’s a fine line. I don’t want a locker room full of guys who don’t look after each other — that’s no good. The Wings lost defenseman Trevor Daley to an upper-body injury. Daley only played 8:28 on 11 shifts. Blashill had no update on Daley after the “But I also think you have to be super measured, especially with him in game, but Madison Bowey was likely to replace Daley in the lineup his approach in those situations.” Sunday.

Mantha’s loss from the Wings’ lineup is always a factor, being that he’s … Mike Green played in his 300th game as as Red Wing. one of the team’s best offensive players — on a roster that simply doesn’t have many of them. … The 12 short-handed goals the Wings have allowed are most in the NHL. Edmonton is next with 10 short-handed goals allowed. Mantha had a team-high four shots on net in Saturday’s 4-1 loss in Boston, while playing 18 minutes 30 seconds. Red Wings at Penguins

“We can’t afford to have him continuously be out of the lineup,” Blashill Faceoff: 12:30 p.m., Sunday, PPG Paints Arena. said. “He’s got to be real smart about that. He’s the one on the ice and he TV/radio: NBC/97.1 has to make decisions in real time. He just has to be real smart about that.” Outlook: The Penguins (35-15-6) have closed to within 3 points of division-leading Washington and are 20-5-4 at home. … C Evgeni Malkin Goaltender Jonathan Bernier said the Bruins took control of the game - (40 assists, 58 points) and Troy native RW Bryan Rust (22 goals) lead a and the Wings couldn't get it back. The Detroit News deep offensive attack. Bernie rolls on

Goaltender Jonathan Bernier has arguably been the Wings’ best player Detroit News LOADED: 02.16.2020 in recent weeks.

You could certainly make that statement Saturday, as Bernier turned aside 40 shots — including 18 in a spotless first period — during the 4-1 loss.

“Bernie was great tonight,” forward Luke Glendening said. “It’s the same every night. He’s been playing outstanding. He kept us in the game. We were fortunate it was only 4-1, because of all the saves he made.”

The Wings have won two games in the last 15, and it’s been Bernier who has been in net for both of them.

Bernier has 12 of the team’s 14 victories this season, and has solidified himself as the No. 1 goalie.

“You have to focus on your own job, you can’t let three or four losses in a row get to you,” Bernier said. “Keep working hard, and give your team the best chance to win a hockey game.”

Luke Glendening talks about the final 21 games for the Red Wings this season. The Detroit News

East Coast travel

Blashill had an interesting opinion recently on the Wings playing in the Eastern Conference. 1176680 Detroit Red Wings Detroit News LOADED: 02.16.2020

Bruins maul Red Wings in second period, end losing streak in series

Ted Kulfan, The Detroit News

Published 3:50 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 5:08 p.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020

Boston — It had to happen eventually — the Red Wings finally lost to the Boston Bruins.

Sure, the Bruins entered Saturday’s game with the most points in the NHL (now with 84), and have All-Stars and league leaders sprinkled throughout their lineup.

The Red Wings had beaten them five straight times. Until Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Boston, that is.

The Wings held a 1-0 lead after one period — on Darren Helm’s short- handed goal, putting back his own rebound off a 2-on-1 rush — and goaltender Jonathan Bernier was looking impenetrable.

Then, it happened again. An opponent, this time Boston, scored three times in a matter of 4 minutes, 29 seconds, and the game completely changed.

“We made it too easy for them,” forward Frans Nielsen said of the Bruins’ second-period eruption. “They got chances off turnovers, and it’s a great team (Boston) but they have to at least work for their chances out there.

“Bernie had a great game, by far our best player on the ice, and we still let up four (goals).”

Coach Jeff Blashill put the Wings through a rugged practice Friday after a sub-par effort in a loss in New Jersey.

The message from Blashill, for the most part, was delivered.

“We know we weren’t good enough, and the compete level wasn’t high enough in Jersey,” forward Luke Glendening said. “We have to find a way to compete every shift and there can’t be any quit.”

After a disappointing effort in Jersey, coach Jeff Blashill was pleased Saturday in Boston despite another loss. The Detroit News

Blashill felt the compete level was fine — “It wasn’t for lack of compete,” he said — but losing puck battles in the offensive zone and on the power play hurt the Wings.

“We have to make sure we bear down in those areas,” Blashill said. “We shot ourselves in the foot in the second (period).”

With general manager Steve Yzerman along on this trip, what with the trade deadline rapidly approaching (Feb. 24), players could be playing for their Red Wings’ future.

“We all know the situation, we know anything can happen,” Nielsen said. “We saw earlier this year he isn’t afraid to pull the trigger if there’s a trade to be made. We all know the situation.”

Charlie McAvoy (at 8:01, from the high slot), Patrice Bergeron (short- handed, 9:40, after Brad Marchand stripped Mike Green in the corner) and Charlie Coyle (12:30, deflected McAvoy shot) scored the Bruins goals.

The Wings had two consecutive power plays late in the second period, but couldn't inch closer.

The power play was scoreless in three attempts, and the lack of quality chances had Blashill mulling changes.

“A lack of execution,” Blashill said of what hurt the power play. “Those guys have to be way better, we don’t have other guys to put out there. At some point, we have to be way better. It was just lack of poise with the puck, lack of compete, not at the level of desperation you need to have.”

David Pastrnak finished the scoring with his NHL-leading 42nd goal in the third period off a dazzling set up by Marchand.

1176681 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings’ Darren Helm scores lone goal in 4-1 loss to Bruins

Staff Report

Posted Feb 15, 2020

By The

BOSTON — David Pastrnak scored his 42nd goal of the season Saturday to lead Boston past the Detroit Wings 4-1, giving Bruce Cassidy of the Bruins his 200th victory as an NHL coach.

Brad Marchand scored his 25th goal of the season and assisted on Pastrnak's goal for the Bruins, who have won eight of their last nine games. Charlie McAvoy added a goal and an assist and Charlie Coyle had his 13th goal. Tuukka Rask finished with 25 saves to improve to 14- 0-6 at home this season.

Darren Helm scored for the Red Wings, who have lost three straight and have the fewest points in the NHL. Jonathan Bernier finished with 37 saves.

Cassidy has 153 victories with Boston and 47 with the Washington Capitals.

The Bruins were outscored 7-3 in two losses to the Red Wings earlier this season. This time Boston was the aggressor from the outset, outshooting Detroit 41-26 for the game.

Though much like in the previous two meetings, the Bruins had trouble finishing off early offensive opportunities.

Boston was awarded the game's first power play when Gustav Lindstrom was sent to the penalty box for holding Danton Heinen. Boston was on the attack when Detroit's Darren Helm swiped Torey Krug's pass near the blue line and started a 2-on-1 break. Krug backpedaled and tried to slow Helm down, but Helm was able to get his wrist shot past Rask to put the Red Wings in front 1-0.

Things changed in the second period when the Bruins needed less than five minutes to manufacture three straight goals.

Boston came up empty on a 3-on-2 break when Brad Marchand's shot was cleared back up the slot in the direction of a trailing Charlie McAvoy. He gathered it and punched it through a crowd and into the left corner of the net to tie the game at 11:59.

Less than two minutes later, Bergeron put Boston in front when he took a feed from Marchand, cut inside Adam Erne and backhanded his shot by Bernier.

Boston struck again 2:10 later when Heinen poked the puck out of a scrum behind the Red Wings' net and passed it to McAvoy at the blue line. McAvoy fired a shot, which was deflected by Coyle into the net to make it 3-1.

Michigan Live LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176682 Detroit Red Wings

Pastrnak scores 42nd goal; Bruins roll past Detroit, 4-1

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

Feb 15, 2020 Updated 6 hrs ago Comments

BOSTON — David Pastrnak scored his 42nd goal of the season Saturday to lead Boston past the Detroit Wings 4-1, giving Bruce Cassidy of the Bruins his 200th victory as an NHL coach.

Brad Marchand scored his 25th goal of the season and assisted on Pastrnak's goal for the Bruins, who have won eight of their last nine games. Charlie McAvoy added a goal and an assist and Charlie Coyle had his 13th goal. Tuukka Rask finished with 25 saves to improve to 14- 0-6 at home this season.

Darren Helm scored for the Red Wings, who have lost three straight and have the fewest points in the NHL. Jonathan Bernier finished with 37 saves.

Cassidy has 153 victories with Boston and 47 with the Washington Capitals.

The Bruins were outscored 7-3 in two losses to the Red Wings earlier this season. This time Boston was the aggressor from the outset , outshooting Detroit 41-26 for the game.

Though much like in the previous two meetings, the Bruins had trouble finishing off early offensive opportunities.

Boston was awarded the game's first power play when Gustav Lindstrom was sent to the penalty box for holding Danton Heinen. Boston was on the attack when Detroit's Darren Helm swiped Torey Krug's pass near the blue line and started a 2-on-1 break. Krug backpedaled and tried to slow Helm down, but Helm was able to get his wrist shot past Rask to put the Red Wings in front 1-0.

Things changed in the second period when the Bruins needed less than five minutes to manufacture three straight goals.

Boston came up empty on a 3-on-2 break when Brad Marchand's shot was cleared back up the slot in the direction of a trailing Charlie McAvoy. He gathered it and punched it through a crowd and into the left corner of the net to tie the game at 11:59.

Less than two minutes later, Bergeron put Boston in front when he took a feed from Marchand, cut inside Adam Erne and backhanded his shot by Bernier.

Boston struck again 2:10 later when Heinen poked the puck out of a scrum behind the Red Wings' net and passed it to McAvoy at the blue line. McAvoy fired a shot, which was deflected by Coyle into the net to make it 3-1.

Macomb Daily LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176683 Edmonton Oilers After the game, Kassian said he was just trying to pry his other leg loose and there weren’t any malicious intention on his part.

“That’s exactly it,” Tippett said. “It’s a tough situation to be in and if you Pulling goalie early against Oilers backfires for Panthers look at the video more than just the two or three seconds, there is more to it. It is what it is, we have to live with that and we will.”

Kassian’s prior two-game suspension for rag-dolling Calgary Flames Derek Van Diest forward Matthew Tkachuk played a part in the length of the suspension, as he was considered a repeat offender. February 16, 2020 12:48 AM MST “They are very different infractions,” Tippett said. “You understand where

the league is at. Kass has to be a little more careful, I guess. We’ll deal SUNRISE, Fla. — The Florida Panthers may have let the Edmonton with the penalty, get him back in seven games and he’ll be ready to go.” Oilers off the hook Saturday by pulling their goaltender early in a 4-1 loss START ME UP Saturday at the BB&T Center. It’s rare in the NHL to have a 4 p.m. local start time and the Oilers are Trailing by a goal and with the Oilers on the ropes, Panthers head coach looking at two of them back to back to finish off the three-game road trip. decided to pull Sam Montembeault for an extra attacker with 2:32 left in the third period on an offensive zone face-off. Puck drop against the Panthers was 4 p.m., and it will be again when they face the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. Darnell Nurse scored into the empty net 30 seconds later to put the Oilers up 3-1 and essentially kill off the game with two minutes “It’s a little different, I don’t think I’ve ever had a 4 p.m. game,” said Oilers remaining. Kailer Yamamoto added another empty-net goal with 46 forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins prior to the game. “I guess you could say seconds left. it’s kind of like a 2 p.m. (MT) game back home. Once you get to the rink and you get into your routine, it kind of feels the same. It’s weird back-to- There used to be a time when pulling the goaltender was considered a back 4 p.m., but I think we should be fine once we get going.” desperation move usually reserved for the last minute of the game. Teams have shifted to pulling their goaltender earlier in recent years, which can shorten the game if an empty-net goal is conceded early. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 “I think there have been some studies into it that have revealed the percentages (of scoring) can go up,” said Oilers head coach , who has also been known to pull his goaltender early. “It’s a feel a little bit with how your team is doing. It’s harder now because you’d rack it up where you’re top people would get the last minute, the last 1:20 and now you’re looking at two shifts, unless you’re lucky enough to get a whistle and maybe you can get a timeout.

“There is double the players involved in it. It’s an interesting time, it makes the game more exciting.”

Teams now defending a lead have to be aware opponents may opt for an extra attacker with well over a minute left in the contest, even if just trailing by a goal.

The strategy backfired for the Panthers as the Oilers scored to extend their lead and relieve the pressure they were facing with over two minutes left it the game. It made for a much more relaxing final two minutes.

“You used to plan (to defend) for around a minute and now you plan for two,” Tippett said. “That’s just common around the league now.”

SERVING TIME

Zack Kassian sat out the first of his seven-game suspension Saturday after the NHL Department of Player Safety brought the hammer down on the Oilers forward.

Kassian was suspended for kicking out at Tampa Bay Lighting defenceman Erik Cernak in a 3-1 loss Thursday.

The league offered Kassian an in-person hearing in New York, but it was refused and the two parties had a phone hearing. Within a few hours, the NHL had come down with the seven games.

“Obviously, it’s tough. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth seven games, but maybe it’s because I’m an Oiler,” Klefbom said. “There is nothing I can comment too much on it right now. It’s seven games, there is nothing we can do too much about it right now and we’re just going to work around it.”

Kassian will be out until Feb. 29, when the Oilers host the Winnipeg Jets. Connor McDavid, who is out with a quad injury, is expected back around that time as well.

“I understand what the league is doing,” said Oilers head coach Dave Tippett. “I thought the precedent that we were looking at wasn’t that many. But they made the ruling and we have to live with it.”

Kassian was under Cernak and Josh Archibald inside the Oilers blue line late in the first period and, trying to break free, kicked out at the Lightning defenceman, making slight contact with his chest. 1176684 Edmonton Oilers Nurse seemed as surprised as anyone the puck went in and celebrated by raising-the-roof while being mobbed by teammates.

“It was a big focus of ours to come out and we did that start to finish,” Oilers hold off Panthers with help from Mikko Koskinen Nurse said. “They had a couple of pushes, but we didn’t break and that was big for our group.”

Yamamoto added another empty-net goal with 46 seconds left to play to Derek Van Diest make the game look more lopsided than it actually was.

February 15, 2020 6:23 PM MST The Oilers conclude the road trip Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes, before hosting the Boston Bruins on Wednesday and the

Minnesota Wild on Friday. SUNRISE, Fla. — It’s a nice luxury for Edmonton Oilers head coach “Our focus has been our work ethic and compete and winning battles and Dave Tippett to have when he can rest his hot goaltender and still get an we did that (Saturday),” Nurse said. “That needs to continue as long as outstanding performance from his other one. these guys are out.” Mikko Koskinen, who has been more of a spectator these past seven The Panthers made some big free-agent investments this summer weeks as Mike Smith plays out of his equipment, got the start against the looking to end a three-year playoff drought, but are heading in the wrong Florida Panthers and backstopped the Oilers to a vital 4-1 win at the directions. BB&T Center on Saturday. Florida lost 6-2 at home to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday and Koskinen made 33 saves in only his fifth start of the calendar year, Saturday was their seventh lost in its past nine games (2-7-1). They went helping the Oilers grind out a victory with five regulars out of the lineup, into their bye week and All-Star break on a six-game streak winning 10 of including Connor McDavid, Zack Kassian and James Neal. 13. “He was really solid and really just confidence-building; everything that “It’s not going to be pretty, at this time of the year it has to be simple came around him, he was just big and real solid,” Tippett said. “It was a game,” said Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov. “Before the All-Star little bit like the rest of our team, we played hard and played pretty solid break we had fun, we battled for each other, we worked hard. Right now, positionally, we kind of banged it around a found a way to get a win.” it feels like we’re not first on pucks, we don’t get there first; all the little Heading into the second of a three-game road trip, the Oilers were down things, we have to get better at.” to one offensive line and three just-don’t-get-scored-on units against the

Panthers. The idea was to buckle down defensively, which requires a strong goaltending performance in order to accomplish. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 “He’s been outstanding all year and now we have two really, really good goaltenders and I think that’s a dream for every team to have two solid, big goaltenders,” said defenceman Adam Larsson, who scored his first goal of the season to give the Oilers the lead. “Smitty is probably a little bit more active with his stick and that’s probably the biggest difference, but once they’re in net they’re playing the same way and they’re playing really good.”

Koskinen was solid throughout the game, particularly in long stretches when the Oilers were unable to get the puck out of their own end. He did enough to keep the Oilers afloat until Larson hammered a shot through traffic from the point, which cleanly beat Panthers goalie Sam Montembeault, who got the start ahead of high-priced free-agent signing Sergei Bobrovsky. The goal 15 minutes into the opening period settled the Oilers down in the contest.

“It feels good to get it, it’s something I’ve been waiting for, for a long time, so it’s good,” Larsson said. “I thought we played well. The first period was excellent and they made a push in the second. I thought we played solid hockey all night and that’s a good sign for us. It’s a hard, desperate team over there too, it’s a hard challenge, but I thought we answered the bell.”

Koskinen made 19 saves through the first two periods, then turned away 14 shots in the third.

Leon Draisaitl scored off a rebound 13 seconds into the third period to extend the lead to 2-0. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had originally taken a backhand shot that hit a body in front and Kailer Yamamoto was first to the puck and got off a quick shot on Montembeault. He made the save on Yamamoto, but the puck fell to Draisaitl alone at the side of the net, which he buried for his 33rd goal and 91st point of the season.

Later in the third, Koskinen made a number of key saves to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard. His best came against Brett Connolly on a quick shot from the slot. Koskinen made another moments later, but was eventually beaten by Jonathan Huberdeau, who picked the top corner coming from around the net with 11:15 to go in the period. It’s all the Panthers would get, losing for the sixth time in their past seven games. They went on to concede two empty-net goals to the Oilers.

“He was unbelievable tonight, he was making saves left and right, so it’s good to see him step in there and play like that,” Yamamoto said. “We need him down the stretch.”

Darnell Nurse sealed the victory with his fifth goal of the season, sending a clearing attempt out of the corner into an empty net at the other end of the ice with just under two minutes to play. 1176685 Edmonton Oilers Edmonton, in those 25 games, will play nine teams currently ahead of them in the overall standings. Sixteen of their remaining games are against a team positioned below them.

JONES: What is the magic number of games the Edmonton Oilers need But how significant is that when you consider how well Dave Tippett’s to win to make playoffs? team has played against the top teams and the extent they’ve floundered against teams currently positioned out of the playoffs?

There’s one staggering statistic you should be aware of here. Terry Jones If the Oilers had won Thursday night in Tampa Bay, they would have not February 15, 2020 9:50 AM MST only been the first Pacific Division team to beat the Lightning all season, but it would have allowed the Oilers to tell themselves they’d defeated

every single team ahead of them in the overall standings, as well as So what’s the number? every single team currently occupying a playoff position.

No, not the number of games Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian is And the Oilers have a second game against Tampa scheduled at home going to get for kicking his skate blade into the chest of Tampa Bay in March, so they could still do it. forward Erik Cernac. What does all of that tell you? With an in-person-hearing involved, it opened the possibility of a Well, for one thing, I believe it says they deserve to be in the playoffs and suspension of five games or more — and late Friday was revealed to be would have a chance to match their success from going to Game 7 of the seven games — and created the possibility of being gone longer than Pacific Division final three years ago if they got there. Connor McDavid will be out with his quad injury. Beyond that, I guess it would depend on what general manager Ken And Kassian deserves it. Definitely deserves it. Holland does 10 days from now on the NHL trade deadline. He won’t get the support the fans gave him for rag-dolling a turtling And now with Kassian gone, what does he do? Matthew Tkachuk in the game in Calgary. Scramble to make a deal or two to get help now? No, that’s not the number in question, although it certainly now becomes a contributing factor to the number in question with the entire first line of Or hold off until Feb. 24, in case they can’t win a game in the interim and McDavid, Kassian and James Neal removed from the lineup for a fall out of a playoff position? significant number of games.

What’s the number of games the Oilers now need to win to get into the playoffs? Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020

The Oilers, with a loss in Tampa Bay on Thursday, remained at 66 points in the NHL standings.

They have 25 games to play.

Will the number be 96 points to get into the playoffs, as a recent poll suggested fans figure it will take?

If that’s the number they’ll need to win 15 of their last 25 games, and maybe six or eight of those without that entire first line.

The Oilers, with or without their captain and his wingers, would need to play .600 the rest of the way.

If you broke it down into segments, they’d need to win three of every five games.

This is the seventh season using the current divisional and wildcard format in the NHL, and it’s varied.

The Montreal Canadiens put up 96 points in the Eastern Conference last year and missed the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche had 90 points last year in the West and made it as the second wildcard team.

The year before, the Florida Panthers had 96 points in the East and missed while the Avalanche, recent specialists at this sort of thing, claimed the final wildcard spot with 95.

In 2016-17, the Toronto Maple Leafs made it in with 95 while the New York Islanders and Tampa Bay Lightning missed with 94. That was the only season in the last 13 that the Oilers made it in, collecting 103 points to finish second in the Pacific Division and open at home. Nashville and Calgary claimed the two available wildcard spots with 94 points each.

In the preceding three seasons, the final playoff position in the East went to teams that ended up with 96, 98 and 93 points in the standings. In the West during those three seasons, the last playoff position went to teams ending up with 87, 99 and 91 points.

You get the idea. It’s not an exact science.

With only four exceptions — Winnipeg with 99 last year, Ottawa with 98 three years ago, Tampa Bay with 97 in 2015-15 and the New York Rangers with 96 in 2013-14 — it took 100 points for teams to win the right to home-ice advantage in the first round by reaching 100 points. If 100 points is the number, the Oilers need 34 more points from their final 25 games to get there. 1176686 Edmonton Oilers “This is the development league of the NHL and we have to make sure we’re fulfilling the needs of the NHL along with making sure our league is safe and fair,” said Howson, who has relationships with all the NHL GMs and knows many of the managers in the AHL, too. Oilers vice-president Scott Howson takes a giant leap to be president of American Hockey League Howson will continue with Oilers until sometime in April, and move to the AHL on May 1, working alongside Andrews for a couple of months before he retires.

Jim Matheson, Edmonton Journal After going through two interviews and a third when he was the only candidate before the AHL’s Board of Governors, he’ll move to the head February 15, 2020 3:00 AM MST office in Springfield, Mass. He signed a multi-year deal with the AHL.

Until he officially starts, Howson will continue his work with the Oilers How do you prepare for the job as president of the American Hockey draft. League? He was the big push, pumping the tires of Oiler draft defenceman John You work for the Edmonton Oilers, obviously, because Scott Howson, Marino before they had to trade him to Pittsburgh because he didn’t want who heads up the NHL club’s hockey development is replacing Dave to sign with them. Marino, out of facial surgery but a top four defencemen Andrews in that very role. with the Penguins in his rookie year, would have been a great addition here, but looked at the prospects in the Oilers organization and, Andrews got his pro hockey start with the Oilers running their farm team considering he’s a New England-born kid, decided not to come to in Cape Breton from 1994-97 before taking over from Jack Butterfield as Edmonton. AHL chief. Under Andrews, the AHL has grown from 2.9 million in attendance to over 7 million annually and they have 31 teams, including a Pacific Division in California and Arizona. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 Howson, who played 18 NHL games with the New York Islanders and got his law degree, replaced Andrews in Cape Breton in ’94 and ran the Oilers AHL affiliate there and, later, in Hamilton before coming aboard as Oilers assistant general manager under Kevin Lowe. He was Columbus’s GM for five years, then rejoined the Oilers, currently looking after their prospects.

So the AHL must like how the Oilers develop their people in the minors, too.

“Hey, make the Oilers proud,” laughed Howson. “Glen (Sather) hired us (Andrews and Howson) both. He’s got a pretty significant tree out there.

“I had my eye on this job for three or four years because Dave was talking of retiring. It’s a unique challenge, more of a selfless position, you’re trying to do what’s best for the league. The challenge was really appealing. It’s a great league, it’s got a prominent place in the hockey world. I’ve seen it grow in stature and presence and I grew up in the league and it means something to me.”

In 1994, when Andrews left, Sather picked Howson to run his farm club.

“Glen hired our law firm in Toronto to do an arbitration for the Oilers. It was the Steven Rice/ arbitration and I worked on it with Glen. I think I had applied for the farm team job before that, then he gave me the job after the arbitration,” said Howson.

Former New York Rangers GM and team president Sather worked a huge trade with Howson for Rick Nash when Howson was Blue Jackets GM.

“It’s a helluva hire. Scott’s a smart guy, dedicated, works hard, sincere, a lawyer, an ex-hockey player,” said Sather. “He’s got a lot of connections a lot of people don’t have. He played in the , he was a general manager in the the NHL, an assistant general manager in Edmonton. He checks all the boxes off pretty well.”

Andrews did the same when Sather hired him. He was a former goalie, a former coach and GM of the Victoria Cougars, then worked for Sport Canada.

“Dave was running the Canadian Ski Jumping Association and I got to know Dave through a friend Craig Allan because Craig’s son was a ski jumper,” Sather said. “It was pretty evident right away that Dave was a bright guy. Then we had him in Cape Breton.”

The American League, which started in 1936, has 27 teams in the U.S. and four in Canada — Manitoba Moose (Winnipeg), Laval, Que., Belleville, Ont. and the Toronto Marlies. They are bringing in a 32nd team in Palm Springs in 2021 as a farm team of the new Seattle entry. Andrews will stay on as chairman of the AHL board

“Dave Andrews has done great job, the cities they’re in now, expansion (California) the league is on television,” said Sather.

Howson, 59, was on the AHL’s competition committee from 1996-2002 and on the executive committee from 2003-07 so he wasn’t somebody coming in from the cold when they were hiring Andrews’ replacement. 1176687 Edmonton Oilers

Jujhar Khaira looks to elevate game with Oilers in Zack Kassian's absence

Derek Van Diest

February 15, 2020 3:00 AM MST

SUNRISE, Fla. — With Zack Kassian out of the lineup, Edmonton Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira knows he’s required to do heavier lifting.

Khaira is expected to take Kassian’s spot on the second line as the Oilers continue their three-game road trip Saturday against the Florida Panthers.

He is in a bit of a slump, having gone 12 games without a point and being a healthy scratch in three others.

“Definitely, he’s a big piece for our team and missing him is huge,” Khaira said. “At the same time, we can’t dwell on it, we need other guys to step up, including myself. We have to play more like a team and play a strong road game.”

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176688 Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton Oilers Game Day: No Kassian to face Panthers

Derek Van Diest

February 15, 2020 1:45 PM MST

Five Things to Watch

1. KASSIAN OUT

The Oilers will be without forward Zack Kassian, was suspended seven games for kicking Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Erik Cernak in the 3-1 loss on Thursday. Cernak was on top of both Kassian and Josh Archibald inside the Oilers’ zone late in the first period. In an effort to free himself, Kassian instinctively kicked out and made contact with his skate blade on Cernak’s chest. Kassian waved his right to an in-person hearing from the NHL.

2. BENSON BACK

Without Kassian, Tyler Benson will draw back into the lineup for the Oilers. Benson was called up on Feb. 1 and got into two games before being sent back down to AHL’s Bakersfield. Benson played one game with Bakersfield and was right back on a plane to catch up with the team in Tampa Bay, where he was out of the lineup as the lone extra forward against the Lightning. He’ll draw in Saturday with Kassian out.

3. SMITH TAKES A SEAT

The Oilers will start Mikko Koskinen against the Panthers giving Mike Smith a day off. Smith was excellent in the loss to Tampa Bay, particularly in the first period when the team was under siege. The regulation loss was Smith’s first in 11 games. He went into the contest with an 8-0-2 record in his previous 10 starts. Dave Tippett is expected to go back with Smith against the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday.

4. BIG LINE

Oilers coach Dave Tippett is reluctant to split up his top unit of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Leon Draisaitl and Kailer Yamamoto, even with Connor McDavid out of the lineup. The trio has been extremely effective since Yamamoto was called up late in December, giving the Oilers more scoring depth. With Kassian out, Tippet may have to shuffle a few players around, but he’s likely to start with the trio intact against the Panthers.

5. GIVING UP SHORTIES

The Oilers gave up their 10th shorthanded goal of the season in Tampa on Thursday. Only the Detroit Red Wings have conceded more with 11. Edmonton still have the best power-play percentage in the league at 29.6 per cent. Their 50 power-play goals are next best to the Boston Bruins’s 51, but factor in the shorthanded goals the Oilers have conceded and they are 40 goals to the positive with the man advantage this season.

Big Matchup

JONATHAN HUBERDEAU VS. LEON DRAISAITL

With McDavid and now Kassian out of the lineup, the Oilers will be leaning heavily on Draisaitl to generate offence against the Panthers. Draisaitl has shown in the past he can carry the load with his scoring partner, McDavid, out of the lineup. Draisaitl had the best chance to tie the game against the Lightning, but was robbed by goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy in third period. Huberdeau is carrying the Panthers offensively this season, although he is getting support from Aleksander Barkov, Mike Hoffman, Evgenii Dandonov and Keith Yandle. Huberdeau leads the Panthers with 20 goals and 69 points in 57 games this season.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176689 Edmonton Oilers Benson was selected by the Oilers in the second round (32nd overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. The Edmonton product has overcome lengthy injuries to make it to the NHL.

Edmonton Oilers' Matt Benning on wrong end of Erik Cernak elbow “I think he’s in a great position, he’s paid his dues,” Gulutzan said. “He’s going to get chances (in the NHL). Maybe it’s up and down for a while, but you usually get a bounce from the first time you bring him up.”

Derek Van Diest The Oilers got off to a slow start after traversing the continent to face the Lightning on Thursday, and got better as the game went along. February 15, 2020 3:00 AM MST They are looking to build on that momentum against the Panthers, who

took it on the chin from the Philadelphia Flyers in a 6-2 loss at home SUNRISE, Fla. — While Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Erik Cernak Thursday. was involved in a much-publicized incident with Edmonton Oilers “I think for the last little bit, with the exception of a few games, we’ve forward Zack Kassian on Thursday, there was another encounter with been playing pretty well as a team,” said Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira. “I defenceman Matt Benning that flew under the radar. think it took us a period and half to get our legs under us and when we Benning remembers it well, however, with the wound to prove it, suffering started playing like we usually do, we did well. a bloody nose after taking an elbow to the face from the six-foot-thee, “We don’t have an excuse for this one against Florida, we didn’t have a 233-pound Tampa Bay blueliner. long plane ride or anything. We know the importance of these two points Considering Benning’s concussion history this season, the outcome of that we need and I think everyone is going to be ready.” the hit could have been much worse. Loose pucks: The Oilers have recalled forward Markus Granlund from “I got it right in the nose. I get a lot of nose bleeds and it was a pretty big Bakersfield and placed McDavid on injured reserve, retroactive to Feb. 9. hit to the nose, but it’s fine,” Benning said. “He’s a big guy. I was just kind of sneaking up the boards, there was a little pocket, and suddenly he came up and got me right in the nose.” Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 02.16.2020 There wasn’t a penalty assessed to Cernak on the play, although it appeared to be a direct head shot. Benning has missed 25 games this season with two separate head injuries.

“I think you kind of know right away if it’s serious or not,” Benning said. “For me, getting jammed in the nose, your eyes start watering and you wonder if you broke your nose. I had a pretty big nose bleed so I had to get that under control. But my head was fine and I knew right away.

“A lot of times with head stuff you might not feel it at that time, because the adrenaline is going, but you feel it the next day and that’s kind of why I was out here (Friday) skating and I feel fine.”

Benning has played eight games since returning to the lineup from his latest head injury. He’s been an important member of the Oilers blue line, particularly with Kris Russell currently out with a concussion.

Tyler Benson had a whirlwind couple of days, being sent back down to the American Hockey League and then promptly recalled and having to meet up with the Oilers across the country.

Benson, 21, was sent back down to the Bakersfield Condors after playing two games with the Oilers and recalled after Connor McDavid was injured crashing into the end boards against the Nashville Predators last Saturday.

“I had to fly to San Diego, so flew that morning and played a game with Bakersfield that same day,” Benson said. “Then a couple of days later, I was told after practice I had to come back up.

“It was a long travel day (Wednesday) but it was worth it.”

Benson will be back in the lineup against the Florida Panthers on Saturday (2 p.m.) with Zack Kassian likely suspended for the game. Benson did not have a point in his first two games with Edmonton, but expects things to be a different the second time around.

“I feel a little more comfortable and it’s nice to get on the road too and be with the team,” he said. “I’m kind of excited for it and I feel even getting that one game in Bakersfield, I felt like a stronger player just getting those first two games in the NHL.”

Benson has had a strong season with the Condors scoring nine goals and collecting 36 points in 43 games. He is expected to play more of a defensive role with the Oilers as they shuffle the lineup to make up for the absence of McDavid and Kassian.

“Sometime with these young guys, when you call them up, they’re nervous, they’re getting their first games in, he’s waited a long time and he’s a little anxious,” said Oilers assistant coach Glen Gulutzan. “He goes back down and thinks he should have done a few things different, and then he gets back up, and when he gets back up, you get a bit of a balance from the kid.” 1176690 Edmonton Oilers “Just seeing the way he’s played all year, he’s confident and he’s extremely good defensively, too,” said Oilers blueliner Adam Larsson, who netted his first goal of the season. “He has that and has shown it lately. I think he is one of the best two-way players when he’s on his Stepping out and up, Leon Draisaitl puts himself in the Hart Trophy mix in game.” Connor McDavid’s absence The cherry on top was the offence as Draisaitl cashed in on a loose puck as part of a two-point third period.

By Daniel Nugent-Bowman “He’s the second-best player in the world for a reason,” Yamamoto said after the game. Feb 15, 2020 For the first quarter of the season, there was a legitimate argument to be

made that Draisaitl was the team MVP. He was — and still is — playing SUNRISE, Fla. — Leon Draisaitl isn’t just working toward an Art Ross more on average than McDavid and was a force as he was leaned on Trophy. He’s making a case for winning the Hart Trophy as the player heavily by Tippett in all situations. determined to be the most valuable to his team. Draisaitl’s play then went into a tailspin late in the 2019 calendar year, With the Oilers missing superstar captain Connor McDavid for the third highlighted by a dreadful December from him and the team. Although he consecutive game because of injury, Draisaitl scored the winning goal had 14 points in as many games, the Oilers were outscored 23-3 at five- and chipped in a late assist in a 4-1 win over the Panthers on Saturday. on-five in the 215 minutes he was on the ice during the month. The Oilers went 5-8-1 during that span. The goal, scored 13 seconds into the third period to put the Oilers up 2-0, was Draisaitl’s 33rd of the season. He then increased his league-leading Playing with Yamamoto and Nugent-Hopkins has been a shot in the arm point total, 92, when he assisted on Kailer Yamamoto’s empty-net goal, for Draisaitl. That line was established Jan. 2 in Buffalo, and the Oilers Edmonton’s second such tally late in the game. are 10-4-2 since. Nugent-Hopkins has 20 points over the 14 games, Yamamoto has 15, and Draisaitl has 30. (They each had two points It’s not just the points. Draisaitl has been Edmonton’s best skater in two Saturday.) of the three McDavid-less contests. That’s been par for the course for Draisaitl this season, save for a wretched month of December. “He’s probably one of the best in the NHL at holding onto the puck,” Yamamoto said earlier this week. “His passing is ridiculous. Some of the “You look at what he’s doing for our team, without a doubt, he should be plays he makes, I don’t even see them myself until he makes them. He’s there,” Oilers coach Dave Tippett said of Draisaitl’s MVP case. a very easy guy to play with.”

It’s hard for an offensive force like Draisaitl to be unheralded, but he At the onset of this trip, Tippett compared Draisaitl and McDavid to sometimes is because he’s McDavid’s teammate (and sometimes Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. “When one’s out, the other linemate). one gets a little more attention. That’s probably gonna be the case here, too,” he said. McDavid gets all the attention thanks to his breathtaking speed and jaw- dropping goals. Since being the surefire No. 1 pick in 2015, all McDavid “It’s a big challenge for Leon,” Tippett added. “He’s really engaged right has done since is claim the Art Ross twice in his first four seasons for his now. He wants this challenge, and he wants to make sure we keep scoring exploits. moving along and keep getting our points. He knows he’s a big part of that.” McDavid is Edmonton’s poster boy and captain. It’s hard to imagine a scenario where he’s with the Oilers and isn’t the star attraction. The Oilers are off to a good start in this stretch without McDavid, winning each of their first three games. But with him temporarily out of the picture, as he nurses what the Oilers are calling a quad injury, Draisaitl has a chance to get more recognition Saturday’s win was an all-around team effort. Goaltender Mikko league-wide. Koskinen, in particular, stood tall with 33 saves.

“I think he’s already out of his shadow,” Yamamoto said of Draisaitl Draisaitl was great, too, of course. earlier this week. “They’re two different players. If he can keep the Oilers in the playoff hunt without McDavid around — “He’s an unbelievable player, and if you can’t see that already, you might and if they ultimately make it come April — this stretch could be wanna start watching some more hockey.” noteworthy come voting time for the Hart Trophy.

Draisaitl’s line — with Yamamoto and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — has been Just ask Draisaitl’s teammates. the focal point of the opposition since McDavid went down. And Draisaitl has largely succeeded during that time. “How could you not see him in that race?” defenceman Darnell Nurse said. “He’s such an important part of this team. He’s so valuable to us. He was tremendous at home against the Blackhawks on Tuesday, When he’s playing like this, some nights he’s the single reason why we racking up a goal and three assists. win games. It’s hard not to put him in that consideration.”

Draisaitl wasn’t at his best against the Lightning on Thursday. Still, he picked up an assist on the lone Oilers goal, by Caleb Jones, in a 3-1 loss while facing a steady dose of behemoth blueliner Victor Hedman. The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020

And then there was the two-point evening Saturday.

“When guys need to step up and they do, it just shows a lot about their game and their character,” centre Riley Sheahan said. “He plays an important game and big minutes for us.”

As Sheahan also noted, Draisaitl can slow the game down to his pace and make “unreal plays that maybe people that are just general fans don’t appreciate.”

Draisaitl exemplified that against the Panthers when he meandered along the left boards in the Oilers’ end and then zipped a cross-ice pass to Yamamoto. The puck landed on Yamamoto’s stick on the opposite side of the ice just past centre.

The German forward was all over the ice. He created a breakaway try in the second period. He had a clear-cut, shorthanded chance at the 12- minute mark of the third as part of the 2:39 he played four-on-five. The Panthers were 0-for-3 on the power play. 1176691 Florida Panthers For the final 20 minutes, the Panthers and Edmonton skated in front of an often silent, often restless crowd of 15,069. A goal by Huberdeau with 11:14 remaining could only ignite the Panthers so much. With 24 games left, Florida faces an uphill climb to get back to the ‘We don’t play hard enough:’ Panthers search for answers after 7th loss for the first time since 2016 and the task appears more daunting every in 9 games time it takes the ice.

“I think before the All-Star break we had fun,” Barkov said. “We played for each other, we battled for each other, we work hard and right now it feels BY DAVID WILSON like we’re not first on the pucks, we don’t get there first and all those little FEBRUARY 15, 2020 06:41 PM things we need to get better at.”

The Florida Panthers set a standard on offense for all of hockey through Miami Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020 the first 49 games of the season. They were averaging 3.7 goals per game, the most in the NHL, and it was enough to have the Panthers pointed toward their first trip to the Stanley Cup playoffs since 2016.

In nine games since the NHL All-Star Game, Florida’s offense has vanished and its postseason hopes have started to fade. The Panthers’ offense was once again nearly invisible Saturday in a 4-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers and it has Florida, averaging just two goals per game in February, searching for answers.

For Joel Quenneville, the answer is simple.

“We don’t play hard enough,” the coach said.

Quenneville said his Panthers (30-22-6) has been unpredictable all season long and now their slump has reached dangerous levels. They returned from a 10-day layoff Feb. 1 and their season has swung. They entered Saturday two points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs for the third and final playoff spot berth from the Atlantic Division, and still trail the Philadelphia Flyers by five points for the second and final Wild Card berth in the Eastern Conference after losing to the Oilers.

On Saturday, Florida dropped the gloves to fight Edmonton (31-21-6) more often than it found the back of the net to score. Forward Noel Acciari first went after Matt Benning with 14:43 left in the second after the Edmonton defenseman crushed center Aleksander Barkov with a check against the boards, then defenseman Josh Brown fought Oilers forward Jujhar Khaira with 9:02 left in the period. The Panthers already trailed 1-0 at the time of the first fight and neither could spark their lifeless offense.

For the second straight game at the BB&T Center, Florida didn’t score in the opening two periods. The Panthers have now dropped 7 of 9 in February and scored two goals or fewer in each of the seven losses. They’ve been outscored 35-18 this month after outscoring opponents by 20 goals before the break.

“I don’t think we’re working hard enough,” All-Star winger Jonathan Huberdeau said. “We didn’t take advantage of two games at home and that’s where we’re at. We can’t do that right now. There’s no emotion. It starts with us.

“We’ve got to show a little more urgency around here.”

It took nearly 17 minutes for Florida to show any signs of life. The Panthers put just three shots on goal in the first 16 minutes before a goaltender-interference penalty finally set them up for the first power play of the game with 3:17 left in the opening period. Florida finally put some pressure on Mikko Koskinen.

In the final minute of the period, the Panthers peppered the Edmonton goaltender with three shots in a 17-second flurry. It was the only time they sustained offense.

Florida finished with 34 shots on goal and again wasted their only power play chances, totaling just three shots on goal. It has now converted on just 2 of 26 extra-man opportunities this month after going 0 of 2 on Saturday.

Just 13 seconds into the third period, the Oilers buried the Panthers. They scored first on an uncontested slap shot by defenseman Adam Larsson with 4:46 left in the first period, then again with 19:47 left in the game. Florida iced the puck after winning the opening faceoff in the third period to give Edmonton a faceoff by the Panthers’ net. All-Star forward Leon Draisaitl won the faceoff for the Oilers and threw a puck into traffic. A shot bounced off goaltender Samuel Montembeault, who started in place of sick superstar goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, and Draisaitl flushed home the rebound. 1176692 Florida Panthers

Panthers go with backup goalie over sick, struggling Sergei Bobrovsky against Oilers

BY DAVID WILSON

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 03:00 PM

The Florida Panthers were without their $70-million goaltender as they tried to get back on track Saturday. Sergei Bobrovsky, who inked a seven-year contract to become the Panthers’ franchise goalie in the offseason, dressed but didn’t start against the Edmonton Oilers in Sunrise. Bobrovsky missed practice Friday with an illness, so Joel Quenneville opted to go with Samuel Montembeault as his starter in net.

“He’s going to play today, but he’s not starting,” the coach said of Bobrovsky. “He’s going to dress, I should say.”

Montembeault also outplayed the superstar starter in Florida’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. After Bobrovsky allowed three goals on nine shots in the first period, Quenneville turned to Montembault to start the second. Montembeault kept the Flyers off the board for nearly 19 minutes in the second period before he finished with 16 saves and three goals against.

The Panthers were able to cut the lead down to two goals early in the third period in large part because Montembeault stabilized their defensive effort.

“Monty kept us in here for a while there,” Quenneville said Thursday. “We had a little hope in the third with some action there.”

Jayce Hawryluk is also dealing with an illness and not playing Saturday. The winger missed each of the Panthers last two games and last played Monday in a loss in Philadelphia.

Noel Acciari, however, is back in the lineup Saturday after going down with an upper-body injury Thursday. Acciari, who can play both center and right wing, scored and dished out two assists to spark a win against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, playing with two defensemen on Florida’s surprisingly feisty fourth line.

There were no shortage of boos raining down from the BB&T Center crowd Thursday and most were reserved for the ends of period.

Frustration boiled over one other time in particular in the second period. The Panthers got their first and only power play of the game, and it quickly became clear nothing was going to come of it. Florida couldn’t sustain any sort of possession or generate any good shots. The Panthers ended the two-minute opportunity with just one shot on goal and one turnover to stay three goals behind the Flyers.

A day later in Coral Springs, Florida went to work trying to sort out its special teams, particularly its power-play unit.

“We worked on special teams today — some PK, but mostly PP. That was what we were doing out there today,” Quenneville said following practice Friday at the Florida Panthers IceDen. “That part of our team game can help our 5-on-5 game.”

In the eight games after the All-Star break, a strength turned into a weakness for Florida. The Panthers entered the weekend tied for eighth in the NHL in power-play percentage, but went just 2 of 24 in their first eight games after the NHL All-Star Game.

“We’ve been pretty fortunate all year having the power play be a big part of our offense,” Quenneville said. “When it goes a little a dry, it extends.”

Miami Herald LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176693 Florida Panthers “[Our play is] just not good enough. At the start of the game, we didn’t dictate the tempo or the pace," Quenneville said. "They get the lead and they control the game, and we’re chasing it the whole game.”

Panthers lose seventh game in past nine after defeat by visiting Oilers Florida got a scare five minutes into the second period when Barkov left the game after receiving a blindside hit from Edmonton's Matt Benning against the boards. Barkov returned to the bench a few minutes later.

By RICK MENNING Things got a little chippy after the Barkov incident. After Noel Acciari mixed it up with Benning, the Panthers' Josh Brown and Larsson dropped ASSOCIATED PRESS the gloves at center ice. Both received five-minute majors. FEB 15, 2020 | 7:13 PM

Sun Sentinel LOADED: 02.16.2020 SUNRISE

Adam Larsson scored his first goal since last February, Leon Draisaitl added an insurance goal seconds into the third period and the Edmonton Oilers beat the Florida Panthers 4-1 Saturday night.

Darnell Nurse and Kailer Yamamoto had empty-net goals in the final two minutes for the Oilers, who have won three of their last four games.

It was the sixth loss in the last seven games for the Panthers, who are 2- 6-1 since the All-Star break. Florida had entered the break on a six-game win streak.

Edmonton goalie Mikko Koskinen made 33 saves, while back-up netminder Sam Montembeault stopped 25 of 27 shots for Florida.

Larsson's first goal since Feb. 19, 2019 put the Oilers ahead 1-0 at the 15:14 mark of the first period on a one-timer from just inside the blue line.

"I thought we played solid hockey all night tonight," he said. "That’s a good sign for us.”

Larsson praised the solid outing by Koskinen.

“He’s been outstanding the whole year and now we have two really, really good goaltenders," Larsson said.

His goal was assisted by Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, who has points in 12 of his last 14 games. Nugent-Hopkins has been pesky against the Panthers with 13 points in his last 14 games against them.

Edmonton coach Dave Tippett called the victory a confidence-builder.

"We played really solid positionally," he said. "We just kind of banged it around and found a way to get a win."

Draisaitl's insurance tally, into a wide open right side against an out-of- position Montembeault, came just 13 seconds into the third period. It was the 33rd goal this season for Draisaitl, who has eight points in his last four games.

Draisaitl, who entered the game leading the NHL with 90 points, became the first player to have 10 game-winning goals since Jari Kurri tallied the same number in 1986-87.

The Panthers cut the deficit to 2-1 at 8:45 of the third period when Jonathan Huberdeau scored his 21st goal.

Huberdeau said a quick change is needed as the team heads to California and the start of a five-game road trip.

“There’s no emotion, and that starts with us. We [all] have to pick it up ... especially when we’re going on a long road trip,” he said. “I don’t think we’re working hard enough.”

With his assist on Huberdeau's goal, captain Aleksander Barkov moved into second place in assists (250) in Panthers history.

Barkov said the sense of urgency has to start out west.

"Before the All-Star break, we had fun and played for each other. We battled for each other and worked hard," he said. "Now it feels like we're not first to the pucks. All the little things we need to get better at."

Edmonton came close to scoring midway through the first period, but Alex Chiasson's breakaway shot glanced off Montembeault's stick blade.

A morning update with the latest news and analysis on South Florida sports, including info about the Dolphins, Heat, Marlins, Panthers and much more.

Florida coach Joel Quenneville said the team should not be looking for excuses.. 1176694 Los Angeles Kings

Toffoli scores NHL’s first outdoor hat trick, Kings beat Avalanche

Staff Report

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 8:31 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 8:32 p.m.

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Col. — Tyler Toffoli scored twice in the final minute to complete the NHL’s first outdoor hat trick and the Los Angeles Kings beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 Saturday night at the Air Force Academy.

Toffoli put Los Angeles ahead 2-1 with 54 seconds remaining, then scored an empty-netter with 4.3 seconds left in the third and final outdoor game in the NHL this season.

The Kings won their second straight, improving to 4-12-1 since New Year’s Day.

At 6,621 feet above sea level, this was the highest altitude ever for an NHL game. Unlike during the week when the rink was installed, the snow stayed away. It was 32 degrees with 66% humidity at puck drop with 6 mph winds. The temperature quickly dipped into the 20s.

Colorado goaltender Philipp Grubaurer stopped 14 of 15 shots before leaving after teammate Ian Cole slammed into him early in the third period and sent him tumbling. He was replaced by backup Pavel Francouz with 17 1/2 minutes remaining.

Los Angeles goaltender Jonathan Quick survived Colorado’s 15-shot flurry in the first period, when the Kings took a 1-0 lead at Falcon Stadium, where an F-16 fighter jet highlighted the north end of the field and cadets sat on the south side of the rink on either side of a runway complete with synchronized red lights.

The Stadium Series game was a sellout — 43,574 fans, more than twice the capacity of the Pepsi Center some 60 miles north of the Air Force Academy.

Alex Iafallo tipped Joakim Ryan’s shot, which went off the left post and slid across the crease where Toffoli tapped it in 14 minutes into the game.

Country singer Sam Hunt serenaded the crowd from a stage near the fighter jet after the first period.

Quick stopped the first two dozen shots he faced but he lost his stick in the final minute of the second period after two quick stops and while he was reaching for it, Samuel Girard sent the puck sailing over his right shoulder to tie it at 1.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176695 Los Angeles Kings Here, the temperature was 32 degrees at puck drop, and it grew colder as the game went along.

“I think that third period we were all kind of looking at each as we were all Tyler Toffoli’s hat trick might come back to haunt him before the trade lining up,” Toffoli said. “We were like, ‘Did the temperature go down that deadline much?'”

Said Martinez: “The glaring thing is the temperature. But everyone has grown up playing hockey outside. It was a little less windy than Central By Lisa Dillman Park (practice), which is nice.”

Feb 15, 2020 On Friday, the Kings were talking about how much they were impacted by the altitude in Colorado Springs. There was really nothing they could

do in one day to adjust. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Will a historic hat trick end up “I don’t think we were quite prepared for the elevation factor and for how expediting Tyler Toffoli’s way out of town? much of a factor it would play in the game,” McLellan said. “… Then we The sound heard around the league was Kings general manager Rob figured out this isn’t going to work playing regular shift lengths. Blake’s phone blowing up with eight days to go until the NHL’s trade “We focused on getting off the ice as much as we did getting on the ice deadline on Feb. 24. Toffoli already was reportedly on the lists of half- for the rest of the night, and I think that paid off for us.” dozen teams because he is on an expiring contract and would serve as the missing piece for any team looking for a top-six forward who plays on Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick, who made 32 saves, was appreciative the right side. of the cadets who stood behind one end of the rink, which was on the way to the dressing rooms. Presumably, the list got longer after Toffoli’s hat trick led the Kings to a 3- 1 victory against the Colorado Avalanche in the NHL Stadium Series at “Man I hope they enjoyed themselves,” he said. “I know it was cold Falcon Stadium at the U.S. Air Force Academy on Saturday night. It was outside. That was pretty special.” the first hat trick in an NHL outdoor regular-season game and the third of Toffoli’s career. The cadets high-fived the Kings and Avalanche players as they made their way back and forth between the ice and dressing rooms. He scored in the first and third periods. The hat trick was completed on an empty-netter at 19:55. Anze Kopitar assisted on his second and third At the game’s conclusion, some of the players gave their sticks to the goals, and Alex Iafallo had an assist on his first and third goals. cadets, including Frk and Carter.

“It was pretty cool,” Toffoli said. “It was a lot of fun just going out there. “The whole military aspect just makes it really special,” Carter said. “To Kopi and AI said, ‘Just get open and put it in the empty net.’ I think that’s have all the cadets and the whole deal was great. They were fired up all the most nervous I’ve ever been to put the puck in an empty net in my night, giving us high-fives on and off the ice. So we’ve got plenty (sticks), life.” right?”

Toffoli scored the game-winner at 19:05 of the third period, breaking the Frk said the same thing. 1-1 tie. “They were all cheering, so I might as well give a stick and make them “Even before he (Kopitar) was taking the draw he said, ‘I’ll be really happy as well,” said Frk, who was called up from AHL Ontario last week. happy if you put this in,'” Toffoli said. “And he was really happy.” “I’m really happy I was a part of it.

The players noticed that one tradition wasn’t followed after the hat trick. “You don’t play (outdoors) every day. You can play but it’s around Christmas time and you go on the lake and you have a little match there.” “I know the guys were saying no hats on the ice because they (the spectators) are so far away,” Kings forward Martin Frk said. “He had a He completed his own professional hat trick, playing outdoor games at great game. It was nice to see him scoring.” three levels of professional hockey. “I will always remember,” Frk said.

It was an emotional night for Toffoli’s wife, Cat, who was on hand at Falcon Stadium, and he made a point of mentioning her in his postgame The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 press conference.

Toffoli has made it clear he wants to stay in Los Angeles. He told The Athletic in an interview in late January: “I definitely want to stay here and be part of what their plan is, and I feel like I’d be a really good person to be involved in that.”

The elephant in the room this weekend was the persistent trade speculation.

“A lot of talk, right?” Jeff Carter said. “A lot of talk about a lot of guys in the room. I think every single guy has done a good job of knowing you have a job to do, go out and play hockey, do the best you can. Leave it all on the ice.”

Said Kings coach Todd McLellan: “An incredible night for him and his line. But I think the win was team deep. … It was nice to see him get rewarded. He’s had numerous chances, a little snake bit. His numbers would normally be a little bit higher.”

For one weekend, the Kings’ season-long struggles and possible roster changes were put to the side when they embraced the rich tapestry of the event.

“You get four fighter jets over top, if you don’t love that, then you don’t have a pulse,” Kings defenseman Alec Martinez said of the pregame hoopla.

The Kings’ two previous outdoor games — at Dodger Stadium in 2014 and Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in 2015 — were played under much warmer conditions. 1176696 Los Angeles Kings

STADIUM SERIES HIGHLIGHTS; TODD MCLELLAN POST-GAME QUOTES

JON ROSEN

FEBRUARY 16, 2020

Todd McLellan, on Tyler Toffoli and the most memorable moments in the event:

Well, Toff, I’m going to answer that part. An incredible night from him and his line, but I really think the win was team deep. He needed help and he got it, but that’s the type of player he is. He’s got some poise in and around the net, he’s patient, and it’s nice to see him get rewarded. He’s had numerous chances. A little snakebit. His numbers would be normally be a little bit higher, but a really good night. Memorable moments – boy, there were a lot of ‘em. Obviously, the win for us was something that I’ve said before, we’ll celebrate wins and we’re excited about that. We got here Thursday and we got to spend time at the Broadmoor. Our owner had us there and we appreciated that, so that was a really unique experience. We were up in the canyon. I know I’m not even talking about the game, but you asked me what I’m going to remember – that part. The atmosphere of the fans here was incredible. I think having the cadets on or near the ice surface was good. We felt that both on and off the rink. They had a lot of energy. They were having a lot of fun on the floors. The arena – and that’s why it’s called the Stadium Series – a lot of times you’re going to a brand-new building. We had one in Santa Clara with the Sharks, and this had a whole bunch of history to it. Those will be things we’ll remember and cherish.

McLellan, on players crediting Jonathan Quick’s performance early in the game:

Well, I don’t know how you could put it any better than what the guys said. He stood on his head early in the game. I don’t think we were quite prepared for the elevation factor and for how much of a factor it would play in the game. I thought we really fell behind in shift length, we fell behind in – they would win faceoffs, they would get to loose pucks, they got fresh, we stayed on tired for about the first 10 minutes of the game, and we needed Quickie. And then after that, we kind of figured out that this wasn’t going to work playing regular shift length, losing faceoffs, turning pucks over. So we simplified things, we made it a lot shorter. We focused on getting off the ice as much as we did getting on t he ice for the rest of the night, and I think that paid off for us.

McLellan, on Jared Bednar referencing his players getting frustrated by the Los Angeles defense:

Well, we have to check. We’re not a gifted scoring team. You guys are all really good hockey player, you watch us play, you know that as well as we do, so we have to play with really strong structure, we have to be predictable to each other as teammates, and we have to slow teams down, and obviously this was a prime candidate in this game, but also in the way they play. We weren’t successful all the time, but we got ‘em to the point maybe where they were frustrated, and if we did do that, I’m sure it helped. But if their coach was feeling that and some players felt that, then all the more power to us.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176697 Los Angeles Kings

GAME 59: LOS ANGELES AT COLORADO

JON ROSEN

FEBRUARY 15, 2020

First Period

1) LAK – Tyler Toffoli (16) (Alex Iafallo, Joakim Ryan), 14:01

Second Period

2) COL – Samuel Girard (3) (Mikko Rantanen), 19:18

Third Period

3) LAK – Tyler Toffoli (17) (Anze Kopitar, 19:05)

4) LAK ENG – Tyler Toffoli (18) (Anze Kopitar, Alex Iafallo), 19:55

Los Angeles Kings (20-33-5) at Colorado Avalanche (33-17-6)

Saturday, February 15, 2020, 6:00 p.m. MT

Falcon Stadium, Colorado Springs, CO

Referees: #5 Chris Rooney, #18 Tom Chmielewski

Linesmen: #52 Shandor Alphonso, #54 Gary Devorski

NBC, NBC Sports App, LA Kings Audio Network, Westwood One Radio Network

LAK starters: G Jonathan Quick, D Joakim Ryan, D Drew Doughty, LW Alex Iafallo, C Anze Kopitar, RW Tyler Toffoli

LAK scratches: D Ben Hutton, D Derek Forbort, F Nikolai Prokhorkin

COL starters: G Philip Grubauer, D Ryan Graves, D Cale Makar, LW Gabriel Landeskog, C Nathan MacKinnon, RW Mikko Rantanen

COL scratches: F T.J. Tynan, D Mark Barberio

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176698 Los Angeles Kings Via the NHL: U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY–A look at the 2020 Navy Federal Credit

Union NHL Stadium Series™ “By the Numbers.” PRE-GAME NOTES, QUOTES, PHOTOS; STADIUM SERIES BY THE 1 – The U.S. Air Force Academy is hosting its first outdoor hockey game NUMBERS in Falcon Stadium, home of the Air Force Falcons Football and Lacrosse teams, as well as, the Academy’s annual graduation.

JON ROSEN 1 – The NHL, Colorado Avalanche, USA Hockey and Athletica Sport Systems unveiled the first-Ever On-Ice Sled Hockey Sled Bench FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Prototype unveiled as part of the 2020 NHL Stadium Series Legacy Project.

2 – The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will mark — The vitals: Jonathan Quick starts. He’s 17-6-1 in his career against the second regular-season outdoor game for the Colorado Avalanche; Colorado with a 2.32 goals-against average, a .911 save percentage and having hosted the 2016 NHL Stadium Series at Coors Field in Denver, a two shutouts in 25 games. Joakim Ryan will enter the lineup for Derek 5-3 loss to the Detroit Red Wings. The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union Forbort, per Todd McLellan, so expect groups of Iafallo-Kopitar-Toffoli, NHL Stadium Series™ at Falcon Stadium will also mark the second time Kempe-Carter-Frk, Moore-Lizotte-Brown and Lewis-Amadio-Wagner up the NHL has brought the NHL Stadium Series™ to a U.S. Service front and defensive pairs of Ryan-Doughty, Martinez-Roy and Academy following the Washington-Toronto matchup at Navy-Marine MacDermid-Walker. Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Md. in 2018. — Their vitals: Colorado turns to Phillip Grubauer, 2-2-0 in his career 3 – The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will mark against Los Angeles with a 1.52 goals-against average, a .953 save the third regular-season outdoor game for the Los Angeles Kings; having percentage and one shutout in four starts. Nazem Kadri and Colin Wilson hosted the 2014 NHL Stadium Series, a 3-0 loss to the Anaheim Ducks are on IR with lower-body injuries. They’re expected to turn to the same at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, and travelled to Santa Clara, Calif., lineup used in a 3-2 loss to Washington two days ago that snapped a for the 2015 NHL Stadium Series at Levi’s Stadium, where they defeated five-game winning streak, so expect forward groups of Burakovsky- the San Jose Sharks 2-1. MacKinnon-Rantanen (oh boy), Landeskog-Compher-Donskoi, Calvert- Bellemare-Nichushkin and Nieto-Jost-Kamenev, and D-pairs of Graves- 3 – Air Force hockey has been to the NCAA Elite Eight three times over Makar, Girard-Johnson and Cole-Zadorov. the course of 51 seasons as a Division I hockey program (2009, 2017, 2018). — Trevor Lewis lived in Colorado Springs for two years, and before he’d switched billets while playing for the Pikes Peak Miners, actually went to 4 – Air Force hockey has had four All-American players, including Eric Air Academy High school, only two miles from Falcon Stadium. “You’d Ehn in 2007, Jaques Lamoureux and Greg Flynn in 2009 and Tim Kirby get to go on the base every day, so you’d have to show your ID. But it in 2012. wasn’t military school, it was just a normal high school,” he said. 4.5 – Approximate number of hours the Truly Hard Seltzer® NHL® He played for the Miners for two seasons, totaling 35 goals the first PreGame at the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ season and 118 points in 70 games the next alongside good friends Kyle will be open on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Falcon Alley at U.S. Air Force Gover and Mike Testuide, players who celebrated the 2012 Stanley Cup Academy. The 2020 Truly Hard Seltzer® NHL® Pregame will feature an with him on the ice at Staples Center. appearance by the most revered trophy in all of sports – the Stanley Cup® where fans can take photos from 1:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. MT – a “I had a great experience there,” Lewis said. “I had a couple close friends variety of hockey attractions, free giveaways, live musical performances, go other with me too and so I knew some people right away. My billets and much more. were awesome – I still keep in touch with them.” 7 – Falcon Stadium will become the seventh football stadium to host the Lewis’ brother lives in Denver, as do a number of childhood friends. A NHL Stadium Series. Falcon Stadium is the third college football venue player recognized when the Kings played in Salt Lake City in each of the to host the game, joining TCF Bank Stadium (2016) and Navy-Marine past two preseasons, it’s an honor to play in a mountain-themed league Corps Memorial Stadium (2018). event. “I still keep in touch with a lot of buddies and they’ve told me they’re going, so it’ll be fun to see everyone, fun to play in front of all 8 – Number worn by Colorado Avalanche defenseman, Cale Makar , who those guys too. We get to play in Denver, but a lot of those guys work is second in NHL rookie scoring and sixth amongst all defenseman with and don’t get to come up, so it’ll be cool to have them at the game.” 42 points (12-30-42 in 48 GP) through games played on Feb. 13.

— Drew Doughty, who scored his last goal December 7 at Calgary, was 8 – Members of the eight gold-medal U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Sled asked who’d score the game’s first goal. “I haven’t scored in like 30 hockey teams spanning 60 years will be taking part in a special salute to games, I feel like, so I’m going to go with me.” the national governing body during the second intermission. Bill Cleary (1960 Men’s), Guy Gosselin (2018 Paralympic Sled), Nicole Hensley The Kings have had patience for the type of questions alluding to their (2018 Women’s), Taylor Lipsett (2010 & 2014 Paralympic Sled), A.J. place in the standings and whether this type of high-profile event is an Mleczko Griswold (1998 Women’s), Buzz Schneider (1980 Men’s), Kip opportunity to show they’re better than their win total says they are. But St. Germaine (2002 Paralympic Sled) and Andy Yohe (2010 Paralympic you can tell they’re not particularly fond of that characterization. Sled) will be joined by more than 30 local youth hockey players for the “I’m not going to say we can beat every team every single night, but I tribute, followed by a performance of “America the Beautiful” by USAFA’s believe we compete with the teams,” Doughty said. “There’s no way that “In the Stairwell.” the teams are leaving the arena saying this team doesn’t battle, this team 9 – The U.S. Air Force Academy is the top service academy in the doesn’t compete hard, they’re that easy to play against.’ There’s no way Learfield IMG College Director’s Cup standings for the ninth consecutive teams are leaving the rink saying that. We play hard and when we play year. Air Force ranked is 51st nationally in the 2019-20 standings so far. the system we can be effective, we just can’t put 60 minutes together a lot of the times, and that’s why we lose games. We could put 20, 30, 40 11 – The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will minutes together, and that’s our downfall this year. Yeah, we want to try mark the 11th NHL Stadium Series. Since 2014, the Stadium Series has to be a really good team.” been played in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago (2014), Santa Clara (2015), Minneapolis and Denver (2016), Pittsburgh (2017), Annapolis — Austin Wagner, whose speed can create mismatches in this game, (2018) and Philadelphia (2019). spoke about the feel at ice-level. “It’s a little bit different when you don’t have a lot of stands right along with you,” he said. “But the glass felt 11 – Number worn by Los Angeles Kings forward, Anze Kopitar, who good, got some bend to it, and the boards, got some good kick off it. It’ll leads the club in scoring with 49 points (17-32-49 in 58 GP) through be good fun [Saturday]. The ice felt good. It felt a little bit snowy but that’s games played on Feb. 12. because we were doing a lot of stopping and starting and stuff like that. I think for the game, once they get the ice crew going and everything, it F16 – Part of the field décor for the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL should be good.” Stadium Series™ features the first ever F16 Thunderbird aircraft sitting atop a simulated airfield, runways adorned with working lights, a helipad 7,000 – The U.S. Air Force Academy is 7,000 feet above sea level. serving as the musical stage, and landing zones for parachute jumpers. 20,000 – Gallons of water needed to create a two-inch ice surface at 17.4 – According to Visit Colorado Springs, the projected economic Falcon Stadium for the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium impact of the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will Series™. be $17.4 Million. 1,578,507 – Total attendance for the NHL’s 29 regular-season outdoor 17.6 – Average low temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for U.S. Air games, an average of 54,431 per game. Force Academy, Colo. on Feb. 15,according to accuweather.com. 6,000,000+ – The Legacy initiative is an ongoing philanthropic endeavor 27 – The U.S. Air Force Academy has 27 NCAA intercollegiate sports. through which the League and the local Club support community organizations in the host city of an NHL Event. Since 2003, the League, 29 – Number worn by Colorado Avalanche forward, Nathan MacKinnon , its Clubs and partners have donated more than $6 million to communities who leads the club in scoring and is fourth in NHL scoring with 80 points across North America. Legacy projects have aided thousands of hospital (32-48-80 in 56 GP) through games played on Feb. 13. patients in recovery; helped at-risk youth and families gain better access 30 – The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will to educational and vocational training; and provided greater access to mark the 30th NHL® regular-season outdoor game contested. Of the people of all ages to learn and play hockey. previous 29 games that have been played, 18 of those have been hosted within football stadiums, 10 have been inside baseball stadiums and one inside a soccer stadium. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 02.16.2020

41.1 – Average temperature at puck drop, in degrees Fahrenheit, for the previous 10 NHL Stadium Series games (2014 — 62°, 2014 — 25°, 2014 — 22°, 2014 — 17°, 2015 — 57°, 2016 — 35°, 2016 — 65°, 2017 — 46°, 2018 – 41.7°, 2019 – 40.5°).

42.8 – Average high temperature, in degrees Fahrenheit, for U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. on Feb. 15,according to accuweather.com.

53 – Length, in feet, of the world’s largest mobile rink refrigeration unit, specially built for outdoor games conducted by the NHL.

62 – This year’s senior class at the U.S. Air Force Academy will be the 62nd graduating class.

101 – As part of the countdown to the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ Mike Craig, NHL Senior Manager of Facility Operations, hosted an Ice Making 101 field trip for fifth grade students from Christa McAuliffe Elementary as part of the NHL & NHLPA’s Future Goals program, an Industry Growth Fund initiative. The students saw the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) concepts they are learning in the classroom come to life during the Feb. 12 field trip at the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium.

134 – The 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™ will mark the 134th time the Colorado Avalanche/ and Los Angeles Kings have faced off in regular-season games since the 1979-80 season, with the Kings holding a 152-127 edge in points over the Avalanche (LAK 70-52-12-152; COL 56-63-15-127). In addition, the two franchises have met twice in the Stanley Cup® Playoffs, with the most recent meeting coming in the 2002 Western Conference Quarter Final, which was decided in seven games by the Avalanche.

183 – In the last five years the U.S. Air Force Academy has had 183 cadet-athletes recognized as All-Americans, the best five-year run in school history.

243 – Number of ice pans under the rink at Falcon Stadium, each measuring 30″ x 340″ in size.

300 – Ton capacity of the refrigeration trailer that will keep the ice cool at Falcon Stadium.

350 – Gallons of non-toxic paint used to make the ice at Falcon Stadium white.

811 – Number of players and coaches who have participated in the NHL’s 29 regular-season outdoor games to date (777 players, 34 coaches).

1,000 – Number of cadets that will be inside Falcon Stadium for the 2020 Navy Federal Credit Union NHL Stadium Series™, with 846 of them seated in chairs on the field, making this the first-ever NHL outdoor game to have spectators on the field.

1,091 – Number of players who have won the Stanley Cup® since the NHL assumed full control of the trophy in 1926-27. The Stanley Cup® will be on display at the Truly Hard Seltzer® NHL® PreGame, Feb. 15 from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

1962 – Year that the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Falcon Stadium officially opened its doors.

3,000 – Gallons of coolant used to freeze the rink at Falcon Stadium. 1176699 Minnesota Wild

Wild-San Jose game recap

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 — 9:10PM

GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE’S THREE STARS

1. Martin Jones, Sharks: The goalie turned aside 39 shots for his first shutout of the season.

2. Dylan Gambrell, Sharks: The winger deflected in the winning goal.

3. Joel Eriksson Ek, Wild: The center had five shots and four hits in 15 minutes, 18 seconds of ice time.

BY THE NUMBERS

0 Goals for the Wild for the fourth time this season.

3 Unsuccessful Wild power plays.

400 Career games for Matt Dumba, the sixth defenseman in team history to reach the milestone.

SARAH McLELLAN

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176700 Minnesota Wild Star Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020

Jones shuts out Wild, Sharks win 2-0

By BRIAN HALL Associated Press

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 — 8:00PM

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Already without Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl, the San Jose Sharks learned they would also be without leading scorer Erik Karlsson and leading goal-scorer Evander Kane. They adjusted by playing a tight game in front of goaltender Martin Jones to win for the fourth time in five games.

Jones stopped 39 shots for his first shutout of the season, and Dylan Gambrell scored his third goal for San Jose in a 2-0 win against the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. Melker Karlsson added an empty-net goal.

Erik Karlsson, the defenseman who leads the team with 34 assists and 40 points, is out for the rest of the season after breaking his thumb in Friday's win at Winnipeg. Kane, who has 21 goals, was suspended three games for elbowing Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in the same game.

"Facing the injuries that we are facing, I think that little bit of adversity and Jonesy coming in there and doing the job, I know they wanted to play hard for him," San Jose interim coach said. "I thought that we really defended well. … I think it's a heck of a last couple days. Two tough buildings with teams that are fighting hard for a playoff spot."

Alex Stalock made 19 saves for Minnesota, which lost its first game under interim coach Dean Evason a day after firing Bruce Boudreau.

"We liked what we did as far as how we prepared and our energy," Evason said. "We liked our attempts at the net. I think we had 40 shots and 70-something attempts at the net. We were trying to do the right thing, so we like that part of our game. You're just never pleased when the results aren't there."

The Sharks won 3-2 in Winnipeg the previous evening and the Wild, who started the day three points behind Arizona for the final wild card in the Western Conference, hoped the coaching change would spark a run to the playoffs.

General manager Bill Guerin made the move to fire Boudreau, who was 158-110-35 in three-plus seasons with Minnesota, following a shootout loss at home on Thursday to the New York Rangers in which the Wild surrendered a two-goal, third-period lead.

Minnesota had won seven of its past 11 games during a home-heavy stretch under Boudreau. A day later, the Wild finished a stretch of 18 out of 22 games at home with another lackluster effort against San Jose.

"We're comfortable with Deano," Minnesota forward Marcus Foligno said. "He did a great job tonight with the bench and everything. It is what it is. In the situation that we're in, we're fighting for our lives and we're still in our minds a playoff team and just tough to not get this one."

The Sharks, who are 11-12-2 under Boughner, have started to find their way even as injuries have taken out many key players. Couture has missed 13 games because of a broken left ankle. Now, Karlsson and Hertl are out for the season.

Gambrell is trying to make the most of his opportunity as one of the fill- ins.

He scored his first goal since Nov. 30, a span which includes a stint in the minors, just over 3 minutes into the third period. San Jose defenseman Brent Burns flipped a shot on net that deflected off Gambrell and past Stalock.

"I think we just keep doing what we're doing," Gambrell said. "Guys are really coming together in the locker room. Really supporting each other on the ice. Just working for each other."

Jones, who's seen his playing time diminished behind Aaron Dell, made the goal stand up even as Minnesota outshot the Sharks 39-21

"Pretty gutsy win last night and tonight with another two guys down," Jones said. "That was huge." 1176701 Minnesota Wild dirty areas. Obviously, that game was just going to come down to a dirty goal like the one that they scored.”

In the end, the Sharks’ Martin Jones made 39 saves for his first shutout Wild shut out 2-0 at home by San Jose in first game since Bruce of the season. Alex Stalock had 19 stops. Boudreau's firing “I don’t think it was a letdown,” center Eric Staal said. “I thought we competed hard.”

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune One game won’t define Evason’s takeover, and although the value of every point gets magnified in a packed playoff race like the one the Wild FEBRUARY 15, 2020 — 11:22PM is in, this outcome isn’t likely to diminish the team’s hopes too much.

But what the result did reinforce is how the most meaningful impact from the week’s maneuvering is set to arrive at a later date — even more so Change is nothing new for the Wild. than last season’s trades of Nino Niederreiter, Charlie Coyle and Mikael The organization is on its third general manager in the past three Granlund. seasons and has shipped out four longtime players in the last year, The pick and prospect (defenseman Calen Addison) the Wild also former figureheads who at one point were supposed to lead the way to a received from the Penguins headlined the return in the Zucker trade, brighter future. assets that could certainly help the team down the road. This shuffle, however, hasn’t done much to alter the identity of the team And whoever the Wild tabs as its next permanent head coach will be on the ice. essential in shaping that future, whether that’s Evason or someone else. A group still headlined by veterans despite a budding crew of youngsters, These looming ramifications weren’t designed to detract from the current the Wild has been competitive but not a Stanley Cup contender — a goal Guerin has outlined for the Wild, and that’s to continue to jostle for a middle-of-the-pack designation that has manifested itself in first-round playoff berth — the message players took from the week. playoff losses or last season’s absence altogether. “It’s all about the guys in this room,” Stalock said. “Right now, we’ve got That’s still the perception the Wild is working to shrug off even after the to win games.” latest shakeup, a reality that was evident in a 2-0 loss to a lowly Sharks squad Saturday in front of an announced 18,611 at Xcel Energy Center. What’s clear, though, is that this isn’t the only objective, with progress beyond this season appearing to be very much part of Guerin’s plan for VideoVideo (01:33): Interim coach Dean Evason recaps the 2-0 loss to the franchise. the Sharks on Saturday.

It was a missed chance for the Wild to gain ground in a tight Western Conference race. Star Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020 But what is different after the trade of Jason Zucker and firing of coach Bruce Boudreau is how much the Wild is setting itself up to evolve in the future while still transitioning in the present as it chases a playoff spot — a two-track metamorphosis that’s become the tone of first-year GM Bill Guerin’s tenure.

“We’re fighting for our lives,” winger Marcus Foligno said, “and we’re still in our minds a playoff team.”

Signs of the Wild’s busy week were accounted for Saturday.

Interim coach Dean Evason was behind the bench, his first game since he was appointed on Friday to replace Boudreau for the rest of the season before a thorough search gets underway in the summer.

And winger Alex Galchenyuk was in the lineup for his third Wild game after being acquired from Pittsburgh on Monday night in exchange for Zucker.

After that move, the Wild responded like a team focused on staying in the hunt for the postseason — dispatching the Golden Knights 4-0 on Tuesday. Even in the 4-3 shootout loss to the Rangers on Thursday, the Wild moved closer to the second wild-card seed in the West, continuing a 7-3-1 run that captured the urgency of the team’s situation.

But on Saturday, its push looked listless, routine — especially against a Sharks club that played the night before and was missing a handful of regulars. Evason and the players, however, described the Wild as having an engaged attack.

“Before the game, we thought our energy was awesome,” Evason said. “We had a lot of life before, and, honestly, we just chatted in the room that we liked where the feel was with our group. It didn’t obviously translate.”

San Jose opened the scoring 3 minutes, 8 seconds into the third period on a deflection by Dylan Gambrell off a shot from Brent Burns. Melker Karlsson tacked on an empty-net goal with 15 seconds to go.

Before then, it was a tug-of-war struggle that included quite a few looks for the Wild but zero execution.

This was the second consecutive game in which the power play came up empty. It went 0-for-3, as did San Jose.

“I thought our bench was upbeat and guys were ready to go,” Foligno said. “We had a lot of looks, and I just would like [us] to get to the more 1176702 Minnesota Wild • Evander Kane was suspended three games for elbowing Winnipeg defenseman Neal Pionk on Friday, and the Sharks winger wasn’t happy. “A completely FLAWED system in so many ways,” Kane wrote on Twitter. Interim Wild leader Dean Evason settles quickly into being in charge • San Jose defenseman Erik Karlsson will miss the rest of the season after breaking his left thumb Friday.

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 — 10:48PM Star Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020

Dean Evason has been in charge before, running teams in the minors and the junior-hockey ranks.

But Saturday was the first time he was overseeing an NHL team, and although he would have liked a better outcome than the Wild’s 2-0 loss to the Sharks, his experience behind the bench was still enjoyable.

“Once you get back in that spot when you’ve been there before, it feels right,” Evason said.

After he was announced as the team’s interim coach following the dismissal of Bruce Boudreau on Friday, Evason had just one practice to prepare the team for a new voice.

He didn’t scramble the lineup, keeping the forward lines the same and leaving Alex Stalock in goal — his third consecutive start and fifth over the past seven games. The only change Evason made was subbing Brad Hunt for Greg Pateryn on the third defensive pairing, continuing a rotation the team has had for the last week.

Tweaking, rather than a major systems overhaul, is Evason’s plan, and he already addressed an adjustment to the team’s neutral-zone play during Friday’s session. But with the Wild not playing its next game until Wednesday in Vancouver, Evason will now have more practice time.

GRAND CELEBRATION Wild winger Zach Parise and his family watched a video tribute Saturday that marked his 1,000th NHL game.

“There’s not a whole lot that we’re going to do differently,” Evason said.

This was the first time the 55-year-old was at the helm since a six-season stint as coach of the Milwaukee Admirals in the American Hockey League, Evason’s last gig before joining the Wild as an assistant in 2018.

Evason also was a head coach in the Western Hockey League, where he embarked on coaching following a lengthy playing career.

“I thought Dean did a good job,” center Eric Staal said. “He was engaged and communicating with guys as far as what he wanted on certain plays throughout the game.”

The Wild is the eighth team to make an in-season switch at coach, but the other new faces around the league have had more time to settle in. Before Boudreau was let go, Gerard Gallant’s firing in Vegas on Jan. 15 was the most recent.

What can help Evason adapt, though, is the familiarity he already has with the team from being on staff since last season.

“The time of the year was weird,” winger Marcus Foligno said of the shuffle. “You expect coaching changes somewhat earlier just so you can give the guy that takes over a little bit more time to get comfortable, but we’re comfortable with Deano. He did a great job tonight with the bench and everything.”

The team recognized winger Zach Parise during a pregame ceremony for playing in his 1,000th game last Friday in Dallas.

After a video that included a clip of Parise’s late father, J.P. Parise — “I wasn’t expecting that,” Parise said — the organization presented Parise with a commemorative silver stick and crystal. He was also gifted a vacation and utility vehicle, and a $5,000 donation was made to Children’s Minnesota, where Parise is a title sponsor of a private patient room.

Parise was accompanied on the ice by his mother, Donna, wife, Alisha, and their three children. He and his father rank sixth all-time (1,893) in combined NHL games among fathers and sons. “It was awesome,” he said. “I thought they did a great job with the video.”

Etc. 1176703 Minnesota Wild

Wild hosts Sharks in Dean Evason's first game as interim coach

By Sarah McLellan

FEBRUARY 15, 2020 — 9:59AM

A new chapter of the Wild starts Saturday.

Dean Evason will be behind the bench for his first game as interim coach when the Wild hosts the Sharks Saturday afternoon at Xcel Energy Center, the team’s first test since General Manager Bill Guerin fired coach Bruce Boudreau on Friday.

“I expect this team to compete for a playoff spot,” Guerin said. “I think maybe some adjustments or a different voice that Dean will bring will help the guys.”

Boudreau’s dismissal continued a shakeup for the Wild that kicked off Monday when the Wild traded forward Jason Zucker to the Penguins.

After that move, Guerin said he expected players to react to the decision by being professional and showing up for the next game – which they did, blanking the Golden Knights 4-0. Following Boudreau’s exit, Guerin’s perspective didn’t change.

“If players are hurt by this, then maybe they’re not the players that we should have here,” he said. “This is the business that we’re in. It’s unfortunate. It’s always a sad time when you do this, but this is the business.”

Evason ran his first practice Friday and although he kept the forward lines and defensive pairs the same, it’ll be interesting to see how he decides to tweak the team. What’s already clear, though, is the message he’ll stress.

“We want the group to be accountable, and we want to be aggressive,” Evason said. “If we make aggressive mistakes, you can live with them. If you make passive mistakes, they’re hard to live with.”

Star Tribune LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176704 Minnesota Wild Pioneer Press LOADED: 02.16.2020

Dean Evason makes NHL head coaching debut with Wild

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 8:02 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 8:34 p.m.

His journey has taken him everywhere from the Western Hockey League to the American Hockey League before finally settling in behind the bench in the NHL.

That’s exactly where Evason stood on Saturday night during the game against the San Jose Sharks, rocking a fresh suit as he made his long- awaited NHL head coaching debut

If only the result were better.

“You’d like it to be a little more positive,” Evason said after the Wild suffered a lifeless 2-0 loss to the Sharks. “It was nice to be behind the bench like that again.”

Now the man in charge after former coach Bruce Boudreau was abruptly fired, Evason will serve as the interim coach for the rest of the season. It’s more or less a tryout for him before general manager Bill Guerin launches a full coaching search this offseason.

While the timing of everything caught the Wild locker room off guard, Evason has been around for a couple of seasons and has the support of everyone on the roster.

“We are comfortable with Deano out there,” winger Marcus Foligno said. “He did a great job tonight with the bench and everything.”

“I thought Dean did a good job,” center Eric Staal agreed. “He was engaged and communicating with guys as far as what he wanted on certain plays.”

That said, Evason was the first to admit the last 24 hours have been a bit of a blur and is excited to have a few practice days before the next game.

“Everything has happened real quick,” Evason said. “We weren’t really able to practice (on Friday). We had a 20- or 25-minute skate. We can put some stuff in place and some tweaks that we want to make (on Sunday).”

PARISE HONORED

After reaching the 1,000-game milestone during a road matchup with the Dallas Stars on Feb. 7, winger Zach Parise finally got his moment in the sun before Saturday’s game.

He was honored with a touching video tribute, which featured an archived clip of his father J.P. Parise, and general manager Bill Guerin presented the ceremonial silver stick before puck drop.

Congratulations are in order.

“I thought they did a great job with the video tribute and all that stuff,” Parise said. “I’ve got to go find someone and tell them thanks because it was really special for all of us.”

Asked about momentarily tearing up when he saw his dad on the big screen, Parise responded, “I wasn’t expecting that. I don’t know where they dug that one up. That caught me off guard.”

It’s been an illustrious career for Parise so far, as he has 382 goals and 400 assists in 1,004 games. He also currently leads the Wild with 21 goals this season.

After an impressive effort in his last outing, Greg Pateryn was scratched for Saturday’s game, replaced on the blue line by fellow defenseman Brad Hunt.

That was the only change Evason made in his NHL head coaching debut, though it wouldn’t be surprising if he shook up the lines at some point.

1176705 Minnesota Wild

Wild fall to Sharks in first game since Bruce Boudreau’s firing

By DANE MIZUTANI | [email protected] | Pioneer Press

PUBLISHED: February 15, 2020 at 6:42 p.m. | UPDATED: February 15, 2020 at 7:51 p.m.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin was hoping to light a fire under his team with the abrupt firing of former coach Bruce Boudreau.

He appears to have done the complete opposite.

In what will forever go down as Dean Evason’s official NHL head coaching debut, the Wild looked rather lifeless in Saturday’s 2-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks at Xcel Energy Center.

Just don’t ask them about it.

“I don’t think it was a letdown,” center Eric Staal said. “I thought we competed hard. I thought both teams competed hard. It was tight.”

That was the tenor throughout the locker room postgame.

While the 60 minutes of regulation appeared to be mired by listlessness, the Wild actually seemed satisfied with their effort, chalking the result up to a couple of bad bounces.

“I mean, I felt like on the bench and in the locker room, I thought there was plenty of energy,” winger Zach Parise said. “I don’t know. Maybe it didn’t look like it from up top. I felt like there was.”

“I think guys were excited to come to the game,” defenseman Matt Dumba added. “It is what it is. It (stinks) that we gave these (points) up. We just have to go forward.”

Regardless of how the Wild felt like they played, they looked inexcusably sleepy in the opening 40 minutes of play, saved by the simple fact that the Sharks looked just as disinterested in the game itself.

In that sense, it felt fitting that the final 20 minutes of play were highlighted by the Sharks scoring the eventual game-winner on a shot that had no business finding the back of the net.

With nobody interested in seizing control, star defenseman Brent Burns fired a shot that deflected off Dylan Gambrell and bounced into the back of the net to give the Sharks a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

While the Wild fired 39 shots on goal in the game, most of them were from way outside, making life fairly easy for goaltender Martin Jones.

“I thought there were some things that we did really well,” winger Marcus Foligno said. “We had a lot of looks, and I just would have liked (us) to get to the more dirty areas. That game was going to come down to a dirty goal like the one that they scored. I thought we deserved better in that game.”

Where do the Wild go from here? That remains to be seen.

There are still 24 games left to play, meaning the playoff push is far from over in the gridlocked Western Conference.

That was the message Evason preached postgame, trying his best to keep the mood positive, which might be a good idea considering time is ticking.

“We liked what we did as far as how we prepared,” Evason said. “We liked our attempts at the net; I think we had 40 shots and 70-something attempts. We were trying to do the right thing, so we like that part of our game. You’re just never pleased when the results aren’t there.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176706 Minnesota Wild “Before the game, we thought our energy was awesome,” said interim coach Dean Evason, the former Milwaukee Admirals coach who made his NHL head-coaching debut after spending parts of two seasons as Boudreau’s top assistant. “We had a lot of life before and, honestly, we Russo: Coaching change was meant to inject Wild with urgency, but loss just chatted in the room that we liked where the feel was with our group. to Sharks sure didn’t show much “It didn’t obviously translate, but we had a lot of pucks at the net. They played a real tight hockey game. We didn’t get as many rebound chances and net front that we needed against a team like that and knew By Michael Russo they were going to play that type of a hockey game. They got the bounce Feb 15, 2020 off a body, and we did not.”

Alex Stalock played a strong game in goal for the Wild but was victimized by his latest bad bounce — a Brent Burns third-period shot that deflected Maybe the bored-out-of-their-minds spectators who attended a Wild in off the body of Dylan Gambrell during a battle for position with Matt game that would have been perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon nap are Dumba. It was the type of goal you almost expect when you allow a team the delusional ones, because the Wild actually thought they deserved to just hang around and hang around. better. “It’s just a frustrating game because our legs were good, our heads But despite Friday’s firing of head coach Bruce Boudreau and despite were up,” Foligno said. facing a down-and-out opponent that had played 22 hours before, were without four key players and were starting a goalie that had won once And as Evason alluded, with the Sharks without injured Logan Couture, since Nov. 30, the Wild responded to Friday’s league-shaking news with Erik Karlsson and Tomas Hertl and suspended Evander Kane, they a damaging 2-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks. played a smart, tight-checking game in which they protected the front of the net and just got pucks out. The team, five points behind the Arizona Coyotes for the second wild- card spot, now sits idle until the start of its father-son trip Wednesday They kept things simple. night in Vancouver. From a desperate team like the Wild, more was expected. Sure, the Sharks played a tight-checking, smart, boring road game and, For instance, during a third-period power play with a chance to tie, the yes, the Wild fired 39 shots on goal and out-attempted the Sharks by No. 1 unit failed dramatically. almost 30, but the Wild are the ones allegedly fighting for their playoff lives and just witnessed their coach being kicked into the unemployment Staal was pushed off the puck, Kevin Fiala committed an offensive blue- line. line turnover, Jared Spurgeon committed an offensive blue-line turnover, Ryan Suter committed a red-line turnover, and finally, Staal and Fiala One would think that would be plenty of reason to show a tad more couldn’t connect on a dump-in before the puck came out and boos rained urgency than they did against the Sharks. down from the restless crowd. But in a locker room afterward that seemed almost in a state of denial, If anything, Evason said, the Wild were squeezing their sticks too tight the Wild collectively felt they competed hard, played with lots of energy and probably feeling the pressure from Friday’s change. and displayed that urgency some believed they’d been lacking. “We were anticipating probably a little bit more, and I think we probably “I don’t think it was a letdown,” said Eric Staal. “I thought we competed lost a bit of energy because of that or expended a little bit of energy hard. I thought both teams competed hard. It was tight. There wasn’t a lot because of that,” Evason said. “But, no, we liked our fit.” out there. It would have been nice to get that first one, get the energy in the building going, but I don’t think it was a letdown. … We have urgency. Despite the in-season coaching change, it was a little surprising that We’re not worried about that.” Evason didn’t change any of his forward lines heading into the game and kept them intact throughout. He did seem to ride his top line, Parise- “I mean, I don’t know, I thought we had some good energy,” Marcus Staal-Fiala, a lot more than Boudreau did. And during a late-game Foligno said. “I thought there were some things that we did really well. I timeout, with 45.1 seconds left during a six-on-five as the Wild pushed for thought our bench was upbeat and guys were ready to go. We had a lot a tying goal, he and his coaches barely said a word, seemingly leaving it of looks, and I just would like (us) to get to the more dirty areas. up to the veteran players on the ice to strategize. “Obviously, that game was just going to come down to a dirty goal like It’ll be interesting to see what, if anything, Evason tweaks in two practices the one that they scored. I thought we deserved better in that game. It before the Wild play in Vancouver. Perhaps the three days off will be was a tough one, a team like that playing back-to-back, and we need good for some of the veterans, with players like Staal and Mats points. But I don’t think we hurt ourselves tonight. We just couldn’t get the Zuccarello struggling mightily to produce. Staal missed a golden chance job done offensively.” in the second period to give the Wild a 1-0 lead on a setup from Fiala. “I thought, I thought, I mean, I felt like on the bench and in the room, I “It’s a fine line, isn’t it?” Evason said. “You’re getting the chances and thought there was plenty of energy,” Zach Parise echoed. “I don’t know, I you’re happy with the opportunities, but it’s a results league, and you just felt like there was. I don’t know, maybe it didn’t look like it from up need to get results. You can say all you want, ‘You’re getting top, but I felt like there was.” opportunities, you’re getting opportunities,’ and you gotta believe that Maybe this was the reaction that should have been expected after the eventually, they’re going to go in the net, and that’s our thought process. Wild were shut out by such a beatable opponent, a loss that sent the “I hope the individuals are thinking that same way. They’re doing the right Wild’s record to 1-2-1 in their past four. things to get opportunities. If you’re getting opportunities, you gotta Now that Boudreau is gone, there’s nobody to blame but the players believe that some of them are going to fall.” themselves, so maybe it should have been expected that they would try Of the Wild’s past three regulation losses, their opponent had played the to convince us all that they worked their butts off and deserved more. night before. That’s a big source of disappointment as the team blows But in the Wild’s position, one day after their coach got fired and playing chances to climb up the standings from outside the playoff threshold. a tired team in front of a goalie who has been routinely shelled all After all that transpired Friday, the only thing the Wild achieved Saturday season, it just felt like the alleged “wake-up call” players said they was to help resurrect a goaltender who was 1-9-1 since Nov. 30 with a received the day before was nonexistent on the ice. 3.70 goals-against average and .874 save percentage. It was dejecting, Yes, the Wild had plenty of looks, but even struggling Sharks goalie to say the least. Martin Jones is going to stop everything he sees from the perimeter. The Wild tried their best to paint lipstick on the pig after the game, but it While it felt like the Wild had the puck all game, they did a terrible job of was not the response expected from a desperate team whose players penetrating the middle of the offensive zone to get at those rebounds and had vowed: “It’s on us now.” second and third opportunities. At least for one game, the message was not received. At least for one game, a new voice, one expected to bring accountability, “Because it is frustrating,” Guerin acknowledged. “But he’s got to know, didn’t change a thing. we’re on top of this. It’s not like we’re sticking him down there just for no reason. There’s a thought process in this. We don’t want him to sit on the “We’ve got the fathers’ trip coming up. Things like that can rally a team,” bench up here. We have to wait for a spot. I don’t know when it’s going to Foligno said. “Everyone’s going to work a lot harder when your dad’s be, but it’s coming. We know that.” watching you. Big two-game road trip ahead of us that can bring us right back to speed. We’re not out of it. We’re still right there.”

Evason’s comfort behind the bench The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020

Maybe it’s just like riding a bike, but Evason felt comfortable being the head honcho again for the first time since leaving Milwaukee for Minnesota in 2018.

“You’d like it to be a little more positive,” Evason said of his debut. “But it’s like once you get back in that spot when you’ve been there before, it feels right. It feels good. So it was nice to be behind the bench like that again.”

Foligno said Evason had a good command of the bench.

“You expect coaching changes somewhat earlier just so you can give the guy that takes over a little bit more time to get comfortable, but we’re comfortable with Deano,” Foligno said. “He did a great job tonight with the bench and everything.”

To Foligno’s point, sources say GM Bill Guerin came very close to firing Boudreau after the 6-1 loss to Boston coming out of the bye on Feb. 1 but decided to give it more time.

“I thought Dean did a good job,” Staal said. “He was engaged and communicating with guys as far as what he wanted on certain plays throughout the game.”

Parise honored during an emotional pregame ceremony

Parise was joined on the green carpet before the game by his mom, Donna, his wife, Alisha, their three children, and Guerin, Wild owner Craig Leipold and executive advisor and Hall of Famer Mike Modano as the Wild and the NHL honored him for playing his 1,000th game Feb. 7.

During a video montage, Parise welled up when old video of his late father, J.P., talking about Parise appeared on the center-ice jumbotron.

“I’ve got to go find someone and tell them thanks because it was really special for all of us, for our family,” Parise said. “I wasn’t expecting (my dad). I don’t know where they dug that one up, but that caught me off guard.”

Why no Gerry Mayhew yet?

With Guerin in attendance, Gerry Mayhew, playing only his 44th game of the season, scored his 37th, 38th and 39th goals for Iowa in Friday’s 3-0 win over San Diego. He became the first AHL player to score 39 goals since Cory Conacher in 2011-12. He did that in 75 games for Norfolk.

Assuming Mayhew hits the 40-goal mark, he’ll be the first AHL player to do so since Colin McDonald (42) and Nigel Dawes (41) in 2010-11. The AHL single-season goals-scored record is 70 by Stephan Lebeau in 1988-89.

“He’s having a season for the ages down there,” Guerin said. “We want to keep doing what he’s doing.”

In an interview with The Athletic before Saturday’s game, Guerin was asked what’s keeping him from recalling Mayhew for a fourth time this season.

“He’s scored the most goals in that league eight or nine years, and we’re not going to pull him out of that playing every night, being a big part of that, scoring all the time, to come up here and play (fourth line),” Guerin said. “Knock on wood, we’re healthy. Just to come up and force-feed him into here is not fair to him, not fair to the guys here and not fair to Iowa. Let him keep playing. His time will come.”

Mayhew has two goals in seven games with the Wild this season, but if he does get another chance this season or next, he’ll probably want to play like a dog on a bone. In the AHL, he’s a dangerous, energetic player every single shift. In his NHL chances, he hasn’t been nearly as noticeable, albeit in a fourth-line role.

Guerin understands it is probably frustrating for Mayhew to understand, but he said Iowa coach Tim Army and assistants Alex Tanguay and Brett McLean have done a good job conveying to Mayhew to remain patient and trust that his time will come. 1176707 Montreal Canadiens Montreal added another early one when Jordan Weal broke free of defenceman John Klingberg’s coverage, skated into the blue paint and deflected Nick Suzuki’s pass in the crease at 3:58. Weal was a game- time addition to the lineup after Jonathan Drouin (sprained ankle) was a Tyler Seguin completes Stars’ rally vs. Canadiens in 4-3 overtime win late scratch.

The home team increased its lead less than three minutes later when Nick Cousins used Klingberg as a screen to beat Bishop five-hole on a KELSEY PATTERSON fast break. MONTREAL “That was a good hockey team over there,” said Domi of blowing the 3-0 THE CANADIAN PRESS lead. “They’re a veteran team and they stuck with it. They got some bounces, some power plays and they capitalized.” PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 15, 2020

UPDATED FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Globe And Mail LOADED: 02.16.2020

Claude Julien was frustrated with the officiating in Montreal’s latest defeat, and he let it show.

Julien felt referees Dean Morton and Garrett Rank missed several calls in the Montreal Canadiens’ 4-3 overtime loss to the visiting Dallas Stars on Saturday night. The Canadiens, who have lost four games in a row, led 3-0 in the second period.

“‘It’s pretty obvious we should have gotten power plays,” said the Canadiens coach, who’s rarely outspoken about officiating. “Some people need to be held accountable after this game. We had to beat two teams tonight.

“We couldn’t talk to the official. He was screaming at our players. I told him, when he was close to the bench, that I hoped he watched his games back. He told me to take a hike.”

Julien pointed to three plays that he believed should have been penalties against the Stars but weren’t: Tyler Seguin breaking Ilya Kovalchuk’s stick, Jason Dickinson hooking Joel Armia in overtime and Mattias Janmark’s high stick on Max Domi in OT.

But instead of the power play Julien felt Montreal deserved, the teams played 3-on-3 hockey with Seguin netting the overtime winner at 2:52 on a nifty backhand, a minute after Ben Bishop robbed Tomas Tatar in close.

“I think Kovalchuk is an automatic penalty with that slash,” said Julien. “Armia, that’s a hook, there should have been a penalty on him in overtime. Max in overtime, he gets a stick in the mouth. He’s bleeding from the mouth. There’s no penalty there.

“It’s embarrassing, honestly.”

Down 3-0, the Stars (34-19-5) scored twice within six minutes in the second to get within one.

An awful giveaway by defenceman Marco Scandella to Joe Pavelski on a zone exit led to Janmark’s easy tap-in at 9:05. And with time expiring on Armia’s hooking penalty, Seguin ripped a one-timer top shelf past Carey Price at 15:47.

Dallas has scored a power-play goal in seven consecutive games.

Blake Comeau completed the comeback for the Stars at 9:08 of the third when his shot from the blue line went off Scandella and changed directions.

The Stars extended their win streak to four games and improved to 6-1-1 in their last eight.

“We’ve been doing this all season,” said Bishop, who made 29 saves and improved to 14-4-4 against Montreal. “I don’t think there’s any doubt in this room when we go down. It’s kind of the way we play. We stick to our systems.

“They got a couple of lucky bounces to get their goals, so I don’t think anybody was too worried.”

The Habs (27-26-8) were playing the second game of a back-to-back after dropping a 4-1 contest to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Friday.

Outscored 11-4 on their three-game slide, Montreal’s offence finally got going. They needed a fast start and they got it through Armia’s opener at 1:02. The Finnish winger cashed in Domi’s loose rebound in the slot for the easy tap-in. 1176708 Montreal Canadiens Washington on Thursday to face the -leading Capitals.

In the Habs' Room — Julien points finger at officiating after dual hooking Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 plays

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: February 15, 2020

Joel Armia was involved in two key plays in the Canadiens’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars on Saturday at the Bell Centre.

Armia, who opened the scoring on a night the Canadiens squandered a 3-0 lead, hooked Andrej Sekera late in the second period. In overtime, Jason Dickinson hooked Armia.

“The plays were the same,” Armia said.

Except they weren’t.

In the first instance, Armia was sent to the penalty box and, less than a minute later, Tyler Seguin scored the first of his two goals to cut Montreal’s lead to 3-2.

There was no call in overtime and Seguin went on to score at 2:52 of the extra period to put another dent in the Canadiens’ playoff hopes.

A television shot showed Claude Julien wasn’t pleased with the call on Armia and it was clear from his postgame comments he wasn’t happy with the officiating.

“We’re up 3-0, we’re playing well,” Julien said. “We make a bad mistake on giving them the puck on that first goal. But given those situations after that, we could have had power plays. It was such a poorly managed game … let’s put it that way. I think (Ilya) Kovalchuk it’s an automatic penalty with that slash. (Ben) Chiarot, if you look at the replay, he gets tripped and he gives a one-hand slash. So we get the slash, no trip. Armia, that’s a hook in overtime. There should have been a penalty. Max (Domi) in overtime there gets a stick in the mouth, he’s bleeding from the mouth. There’s no penalty there.

“They looked frustrated … or one of them looked frustrated tonight, the referee,” Julien said. “He should have been. Because tonight, to me, it was embarrassing. I can’t say anything else. We take responsibility for some of our stuff and when we’re not good I’m going to stand up here and say we weren’t good enough tonight. Well, tonight we had to beat two teams and it was tough.”

Defenceman Marco Scandella gave up the puck for the mistake that led to the first Dallas goal, but this was not the greatest of nights for Carey Price, who was in goal after playing Friday night in Pittsburgh. He surrendered four goals on 26 shots.

This was one of those rare occasions when the Canadiens had the better of goaltender Ben Bishop, whose career goals-against average against the Canadiens is below 1.80. They scored three goals in the first half of the game, but Bishop gave the Stars a chance to force overtime and he made a couple of game-saving stops in the extra period, most notably on Tomas Tatar, who went in alone, but failed to convert on a backhand shot.

It was yet another example of the Canadiens’ failure to take advantage of the home-ice advantage. The Canadiens have a 13-15-5 record at the Bell Centre, which is one reason why the prospect of post-season play has all but disappeared. The one point the Canadiens earned with the overtime loss left them eight points behind the Toronto Maple Leafs in the battle for third place in the Atlantic Division and Toronto had two games in hand.

Montreal did pick up a point on Columbus and Philadelphia, which hold the two wild-card spots in the Eastern Conference, but each team has a nine-point edge over the Canadiens and, again, they hold two games in hand.

The Canadiens go on the road for the next three games and they face two teams that are below them in the standings. That would be good news except the trip starts Tuesday in Detroit, and the Red Wings have 3-0 record against Montreal, and ends Saturday in Ottawa against the Senators, who have a 1-0-2 record against Montreal. They are in 1176709 Montreal Canadiens

About Last Night: Those Alexis Lafrenière chants are only going to get louder

JULIAN MCKENZIE, SPECIAL TO THE MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: February 16, 2020

The Bell Centre nosebleeds behind the press gallery are a great place to hear unique chants from the fans.

You might hear someone trying to start a “Go Habs Go” chant one night. You may hear a group of friends cheer loudly for Dale Weise on another night. However, for a brief moment on Saturday night, you could hear some fans beckon for a certain someone to save their franchise.

A group of fans started chanting “Lafrenière” as a call to Alexis Lafrenière, the projective No. 1 overall pick in this coming summer’s National Hockey League Entry Draft. They weren’t overly loud, but loud enough to be heard through the crowd noise. But their calls for Lafrenière were eventually swallowed by groans from the fans in attendance as the Habs blew a 3-0 lead, resulting in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars at the Bell Centre.

Instead of a post-game press conference where his team’s mistakes (or dwindling playoff chances) were put front and centre, Habs head coach Claude Julien expressed frustration at the quality of officiating.

“We’re up 3-0, we’re playing well. We make a bad mistake and give them the puck on that first goal,” Julien said. “In those situations after that, we could’ve had power plays. It was such a poorly managed game. Let’s put it that way.

“Tonight to me, it was embarrassing. I can’t say anything else. We take responsibility for some of our stuff. When we’re not good, I’m going to stand up here and say we weren’t good enough tonight. Well, tonight we had to beat two teams and it was tough.”

The Canadiens have a point about the calls that didn’t go their way Saturday night against Dallas. A number of fans in our liveblog have complained about officiating throughout the season. But officiating isn’t the only reason why the Habs are in the position they’re in.

The Canadiens find themselves eight points out of third place in the Atlantic Division and nine points out of the second and final Wild Card spot. There’s a very real chance the Buffalo Sabres could pass the Canadiens in the standings as they sit only two points behind.

If your glass is half-empty, you might be sad at the Habs’ playoff chances faltering. If your glass is half-full, you might already be thinking about how the Canadiens can continue to improve their chances at obtaining a high draft pick through the draft lottery.

Habs fans earlier in the week cheered for Lafrenière earlier in the week when the Habs hosted him, and a number of Quebec Major Junior Hockey League prospects, during a game against the Coyotes. On two separate occasions, the fans warmly cheered for him when his face was shown on the Jumbotron. And that was when some optimism remained in the team’s chances at the postseason.

It’s clear fans some Habs fans see him as a game-breaking talent their roster has sorely needed for years. Others are already looking into players like Quinton Byfield, Tim Stutzle, or Jamie Drysdale as consolation prizes.

Since Lafrenière’s appearance at the Bell Centre, the Canadiens are winless in their last four games. If their run of play continues, there’s a chance those Lafrenière chants will get louder and louder at the Bell Centre.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176710 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens relinquish 3-goal lead to lose 4-3 in OT to Stars

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: February 15, 2020

The Canadiens blew a three-goal lead Saturday and Tyler Seguin scored his second goal of the game at at 2:52 of overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 win over the Canadiens on Saturday at the Bell Centre.

Blake Comeau sent the game into overtime when he scored midway through the third period to tie the score at 3-3. His shot from the point appeared to hit a Montreal defenceman in front of Carey Price.

With the loss, the Canadiens fell farther behind the Toronto Maple Leafs in the battle for third place in the Atlantic Division. The Leafs squeaked past the Ottawa Senators 4-2 to take an eight-point edge over the Canadiens. The Leafs also hold two games in hand over Montreal.

After falling behind 3-0, the Stars crept back into the game with two second-period goals. Price lost his shutout midway through the period after Joe Pavelski intercepted Marco Scandella’s attempt to clear the puck and he set up Mattias Janmark for his sixth goal.

Dallas cut the Montreal lead to one with a power-play goal by Seguin after Joel Armia was sent off for hooking. Dallas went 1-for-2 on the power play, while the Canadiens failed to draw a single penalty.

Things were looking for bright for the Habs as they found a way to score on Ben Bishop, who came into this game with a lifetime 1.75 goals- against average against Montreal.

The Canadiens took the early lead when Armia scored the only goal of the first period at 1:02. Bishop had difficulty handling Max Domi’s shot from the left wing and Armia buried the rebound. It was Armia’s 15th goal this season, but only his second in the past 11 games.

Montreal gave Price some breathing room with two more goals early in the second period. Jordan Weal, a last-minute addition to the lineup, went to the net and scored his sixth goal of the season when he redirected Nick Suzuki’s pass from the right side and the Canadiens made it 3-0 when Nick Cousins scored off the rush with a shot through Bishop’s pads.

Claude Julien had to do some juggling to start the game after Nate Thompson bowed out with the flu and Jonathan Drouin, who participated in the warmup, was a last-minute scratch because of a lower-body injury.

Weal went from being a healthy scratch to a spot on the No. 2 line with Suzuki and Ilya Kovalchuk, while Jake Evans moved to the middle between Cousins and Dale Weise on the fourth line.

Julien also threw his defencemen into a blender and came up with some new pairings. Scandella played with Jeff Petry, Victor Mete was with Chiarot and Brett Kulak was paired with Xavier Ouellet.

The Canadiens are on the road for the next week, leading up the Feb. 24 trade deadline. They begin with a Tuesday night game in Detroit (7:30 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN 690 Radio). They move to Washington on Thursday and finish the week Saturday in Ottawa.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176711 Montreal Canadiens

Liveblog replay: Seguin's pair leads Stars to a win over Habs

JULIAN MCKENZIE, SPECIAL TO THE MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: February 15, 2020

The Canadiens had a 3-0 lead, but the Stars came all the way back to win it.

Tyler Seguin’s pair, including an overtime winner, gave the Stars a 4-3 victory over the Canadiens. Dallas was down 3-0, but they scored four unanswered to win. Joel Armia, Jordan Weal and Nick Cousins have scored for Montreal. Mattias Janmark and Blake Comeau also scored for Dallas.

Montreal is now winless in their last four contests.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176712 Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens have now lost four straight games, their playoff hopes have become nothing but a pipe dream and the frustration is starting to boil over.

Canadiens Game Day: Claude Julien blasts referees after OT loss The referees aren’t the only reason they lost to the Stars, but the men in stripes certainly didn’t help the situation and the Canadiens need all the help they can get these days.

STU COWAN, MONTREAL GAZETTE Get the cheque ready, Claude.

Updated: February 16, 2020 Where they stand

The loss dropped the Canadiens’ record to 27-26-8, including 13-15-5 at the Bell Centre. I wonder if Claude Julien will get fined more than the $5,000 Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara had to pay after cross-checking Brendan Toronto beat the Ottawa Senators 4-2 Saturday night, meaning the Gallagher in the throat? Canadiens now trail the Maple Leafs by eight points for the third and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division. Toronto also holds two games in The NHL will no doubt fine the Canadiens coach for his comments after hand. Saturday night’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Dallas Stars at the Bell Centre. The NHL will probably rule that words hurt more than a cross-check to The Canadiens are nine points behind the Philadelphia Flyers, who lost the throat and Julien’s penalty will be more than the joke fine Chara had 5-3 to the Tampa Bay Lightning Saturday night, for the final wild-card to pay with his spare change. A frustrated Julien will probably consider it spot in the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia holds two games in hand money well spent. and there are three teams between the Canadiens and the Flyers in the standings. The Canadiens were leading this game 3-0 at the 6:23 mark of the second period on goals by Joel Armia, Jordan Weal and Nick Cousins Before Saturday’s games, the Sportsclubstats.com website had the before the wheels fell off with a little help from referees Dean Morton and Canadiens’ chances of making the playoffs listed at 1.1 per cent, so it’s a Garrett Rank. very solid bet they will miss the playoffs for the third straight season and the fourth time in five years. “We take responsibility for some of our stuff and when we’re not good I’m going to stand up here and say we weren’t good enough tonight,” Julien The good news for the Canadiens is that Saturday’s game was officially a said after a game in which Dallas was not given a single penalty and the sellout of 21,302, even though there were some empty seats at the Bell Canadiens had two with the Stars scoring a power-play goal. “Well, Centre. tonight we had to beat two teams and it was tough.” Drouin has ankle injury Ka-ching! Jonathan Drouin was a late scratch from the Canadiens’ lineup after There was more. taking part in the pregame warmup.

“We’re up 3-0, we’re playing well,” Julien said. “We make a bad mistake After the game, Julien said Drouin suffered an ankle injury late during on giving them the puck on that first goal. But given those situations after Wednesday’s game in Boston, was able to play through it Friday in that, we could have had power plays. It was such a poorly managed Pittsburgh, but wasn’t able to play against the Stars. Drouin had played game (by the referees) … let’s put it that way.” the previous four games and was pointless after finally recovering from wrist surgery on Nov. 18. Julien noted that Ilya Kovalchuk had his stick broken by a slash when he had the puck and there was no call. Julien said Ben Chiarot was tripped Weal, who had sat out the previous seven games and had only played — with no call — and retaliated with a one-handed slash that was once since Jan. 15, was put into the lineup on a line with Nick Suzuki and penalized. Then Joel Armia was hooked to the ice during overtime and Ilya Kovalchuk and scored his sixth goal of the season. Max Domi had his lip split open and there was no call on either of those plays before Tyler Seguin scored the game-winner, his second goal of Weal only found out he was playing after the pregame warmup. the game. “I had a little head’s up before I got here so I could prepare like I was “They looked frustrated … or one of them looked frustrated tonight, the going to play and that helped a bit,” he said. “But it’s tough. One game in referee,” Julien said. “He should have been. Because tonight, to me, it a month and then you hop into the big game like that against a really was embarrassing. I can’t say anything else.” good hockey team. It’s tough, but I got to play with some good players who were making a lot of plays lately and that helps out a lot. I thought Ka-ching! Ka-ching! we had a good game as a line.

A furious Gallagher had a lot more to say to Morton after the game, “It’s frustrating,” Weal added about the loss. “It seems like it’s a broken berating the referee with some F-bombs for about 20 seconds before record right now. It’s a back-to-back for our squad. We came out like we linesman Steve Barton stepped in and escorted him to the Canadiens wanted to and got an early lead. When you got a 3-0 lead halfway locker room. Morton should have showed some poise in the situation, but through the game, even if it’s a back-to-back or not, you got to find ways instead poured fuel on the fire by responding with an F-bomb for to just lock it down. It’s been a tough thing for us to do this year. We’ve Gallagher. had so many games where we get the leads and we need to win those hockey games. We need to buckle down and just find ways to win. If it’s The ref tells a complaining Brendan Gallagher to "go f*ck yourself" blocking 40 shots, if it’s scoring two more goals, if it’s just defending and pic.twitter.com/CyVmEdh0pf— Gino Hard (@Ginohard_) February 16, keeping them on the outside, it doesn’t matter what it is, we just got to 2020 find ways to do it. This is a tough one.”

Gallagher smashed his stick to pieces on the boards as he left the ice. There was one other change to the Canadiens’ lineup with Nate It was during Wednesday’s 4-1 loss in Boston that Gallagher was cross- Thompson missing his first game this season because of the flu. That checked in the throat by Chara, who only received a two-minute penalty, opened a spot for Dale Weise, who had been a healthy scratch for the while Gallagher was also given two minutes for getting cross-checked in previous four games. the throat — although the official call was roughing. Price starts again

Here's why Domi's lip was bleeding. Carey Price made his sixth straight start in goal for the Canadiens and When Gallagher was asked about Chara’s $5,000 fine after Friday night’s his third in four nights after making 24 saves in Friday’s 4-1 loss to the 4-1 loss to the Penguins in Pittsburgh, he said: “I’ve moved on. Penguins. Price stopped 22 of 26 shots against the Stars and now has a Obviously, we would have liked a power play from that in that game. But 24-21-5 record with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .911 save after that you move on.” percentage. It was the 50th start this season for Price, four more than any other NHL goalie. It was also Price’s 12th start in the last 13 games. The Canadiens didn’t have a morning skate after flying home from Pittsburgh after Friday’s game.

“You hope that leaving the guys at home today and just coming in tonight will give us a chance to be a little bit more fresh than normal,” Julien said before the game. “So we’re going to hope that our guys have some jump and, again, sharpness because this is a team that doesn’t give up much. So if we’re going to make mistakes and end up seeing the puck go in the back of our net it’s going to be hard to play catch-up hockey against Dallas.”

Scoring slumps

After getting off to a great start with the Canadiens, Kovalchuk is now pointless in his last four games despite getting four shots against the Stars.

Max Domi picked up an assist to end his five-game pointless streak, but has only one goal in the last 21 games. Domi set career highs in goals, assists and points last season when he posted 28-44-72 totals in his first season with the Canadiens. This season, Domi has 13-24-37 totals in 61 games.

When Julien was asked before the game what’s the difference between Domi this season and last season, the coach said: “Guys, I don’t know why it’s Domi today? A lot of guys aren’t scoring right now and that’s why we only got one goal in (each of) the last two games. I’m not going to start talking about one player when other players are doing the same thing. So I think we need the guys to pick up the scoring as a team more than looking at one guy to do it.”

Phillip Danault has now gone 13 games without a goal, Artturi Lehkonen has gone eight games without a goal and has one in the last 12, and Tomas Tatar has one goal in the last seven games.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176713 Montreal Canadiens

Stars at Canadiens — Five things you should know

PAT HICKEY, MONTREAL GAZETTE

Updated: February 15, 2020

Here are five things you should know about the Canadiens-Stars game at the Bell Centre on Saturday (7 p.m., City, SNE, TVA Sports, TSN 690 Radio).

The matchup: This is the tail end of a back-to-back for the Canadiens, who lost 4-1 in Pittsburgh on Friday. It was the third consecutive loss for the Canadiens, who remain seven points out of a playoff spot. The Stars have a three-game win streak after edging the Maple Leafs 3-2 in Toronto on Thursday. They are 6-3-1 in their last 10 games and have moved into third place in the Central Division.

The goaltenders: Claude Julien has to decide whether to start Carey Price in back-to-back games or to give him a rest. Price played in his league-leading 49th game Friday night. The Stars will likely choose Ben Bishop over Anton Khudobin. Bishop has a long history of success against Montreal, most of it while playing for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He has a lifetime 13-4-4 record against Montreal with a 1.75 goals- against average.

Offence is missing in action: The Canadiens have scored only four goals in their current losing streak and Julien has been encouraging his team to get more pucks to the net. The Canadiens should have a potent third line with Max Domi and Jonathan Drouin, but Domi has only one goal since Jan. 2 and Drouin continues to struggle with the wrist injury that sidelined him for three months. He has been back for four games and is still looking for his first point.

Home-ice woes: If the Canadiens hope to make a late-season run at a playoff berth, they have to play better in their nine remaining home games. They have a 13-15-4 record at the Bell Centre and have one of the worst power-play records at home. It’s a different matter on the road, where they have a winning record and are ranked third on the power play. Brendan Gallagher scored the lone Montreal goal on the power play Friday when he deflected a shot by Tomas Tatar. It was Gallagher’s 20th goal of the season. Tatar also has 20 goals and is Montreal’s leading scorer with 53 points.

Radulov on the limp: Alexander Radulov fans will be disappointed because the former Canadien is on the injured reserve list with a lower- body injury. Tyler Seguin leads the Dallas offence with 42 points, including 12 goals. Jamie Benn has 18 goals and 31 points to tie Radulov for second place on the team. Roope Hintz and Denis Gurianov each have 17 goals. Joe Pavelski missed the Toronto game with an upper- body injury, but practised Friday and is listed as day-to-day.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176714 Montreal Canadiens Kudos, Jeff Petry. Oh hey there, No. 14

Nick Suzuki will never be the fastest player on the ice, but his intelligence Video Review: An overtaxed Carey Price loses as the Canadiens’ more than makes up for his lack of foot speed, which, frankly, has been frustration boils over exaggerated.

Esa Lindell is no slouch, and yet Suzuki managed to turn nothing into By Marc Dumont something with patience and perfect timing. A stick tap goes out to Jordan Weal for providing Suzuki with a surface on which he could bank Feb 15, 2020 the puck into the goal.

Speaking of players whom I definitely don’t spend too much time analyzing in postgame video reviews, Jake Evans did a great job driving Even though he played less than 24 hours ago, Carey Price was set to the net on the Canadiens’ third goal. Once again, that’s the type of play start his sixth game in a row as the Canadiens hosted the Dallas Stars at coaches love to see from their bottom-six players. It’s the type of play the Bell Centre on Saturday night. Evans provides with regularity. With the Canadiens all but mathematically eliminated from the playoff Full marks to Nick Cousins for driving the play up the ice with speed, race, it’s rather hard to understand why Price, who already started three catching Ben Bishop cheating and deciding to shoot rather than forcing a sets of back-to-back games this season, was preferred over Charlie play. Lindgren, who hasn’t played since Feb. 7. Or maybe it isn’t hard to understand. Claude Julien is still trying to win games, an understandable The Canadiens were in complete control of the game. They had a 3-0 position for someone whose job requirements involve winning as many lead, were outshooting and outchancing the Stars by a significant margin, games as possible, but there’s a clear disconnect between his marching and on their way to an easy win. orders and Marc Bergevin’s inability to find a reliable backup goaltender. Except we all know there are no easy wins for the Canadiens. To complicate matters further, the Canadiens were without Jonathan Drouin, who did participate in the warm-up but was a late scratch due to Especially not when their defencemen make perfect passes to Joe a lower-body injury. Pavelski, who quickly found an unmarked Mattias Janmark for the easiest goal he’ll score this season. The Canadiens did manage to build an impressive 3-0 lead, but they also managed to completely bungle their advantage by losing 4-3 in overtime, Marco Scandella, who had an incredibly rough game, made several which was equally impressive, but not in a good way. unforced errors, but he was far from the only Canadiens player to give away the puck on several occasions against the Stars. Carey that weight As per usual, one mistake led to a flood of weak plays from the Julien’s penchant for relying on Price paid off early, as the Canadiens Canadiens, including poor goaltending from Price, who simply waved at started with all the focus of that frozen bag of fruits you bought 10 Tyler Seguin’s point shot. months ago when you bought a blender and were convinced you were going to start living healthy. There’s no denying Price kept the Canadiens in the game early, but the second and third goals against were perfect examples of shots that It took them just 20 seconds to allow a high-danger scoring chance, a should have resulted in saves. Shots that a backup goaltender surely scoring chance that also involved a cross-ice pass, which significantly could have handled. increases the difficulty involved in making the save. Call it fatigue, call it what you will, but it’s not what you want to see from If there’s been one constant this season, it’s that the Canadiens are your franchise goaltender. His body language following both goals rather shambolic when it comes to defending the rush. Not all scoring against said it all. chances are created equally. “And now we go live to Claude Julien for his reaction to the latest Whether it’s a poorly timed line change or simply a lack of defensive meltdown.” awareness, Price has had to face a constant barrage of odd-man rushes, the type of odd-man rushes that are acceptable in the preseason but not This is going to shock you, but the Canadiens completed the meltdown 61 games into the regular season. by allowing the Stars to win it in overtime, on yet another shot Price could have saved. Even when a play seems somewhat innocuous, the Canadiens have the ability to quickly turn it into a half-decent scoring chance for their It was a good shot by Seguin, no doubt, but Price was clearly out of opponents by leaving the passing lanes wide open. position.

Matter of effort As Gallagher approached the referee after the game to compliment his perfect judgment in avoiding any penalty call on the Stars, you have to Joel Armia stands alone among Canadiens forwards when it comes to wonder, how much more can the players take before they completely winning puck battles along the boards, but he’s also quite good at using lose focus? his size to gain the inside track on his coverage. That’s what he did prior to the first Canadiens’ goal when he outmuscled Stars captain Jamie It’s one thing to go with the goaltender who gives you the best chance to Benn, who showed an unwillingness to give an honest effort down low. win and put on a good show for the fans. It’s another to completely ignore your backup goaltender as you run your starter ragged. It was also the epitome of a slump buster for all three players involved. Price is on pace to start 67 games this season. His backup goaltenders The goal was Armia’s 15th of the season and his first since Feb. 4, which are on pace to win one more game from here to the end of the season. happens to be the last time Max Domi hit the scoresheet. It was also Another way of looking at it is that in 15 games, they’re on pace to win a Artturi Lehkonen’s first point since Feb. 1. grand total of four games. OK, it’s actually 3.75 wins, but who’s counting?

This is a clip of Brendan Gallagher doing Brendan Gallagher things. An even more cynical way of looking at it is that the Canadiens have left 22 points on the table when they start their backup goaltenders. See title. And if you really want to drive the point, you could easily argue a reliable He did what? backup goaltender who has the ability to win half his games would have Those of you familiar with my video reviews know I’m a big fan of been enough to put the Canadiens in the playoffs, or, at the very least, controlled defensive-zone breakouts, but this is the first time I’ve seen a neck and neck with the Toronto Maple Leafs. defenceman use a between-the-legs pass to initiate said breakout. If you want to tighten the screws a little more, you could even consider It didn’t lead to a goal, but the sheer level of audacity and skill involved in what Price, when rested, would do for the Canadiens. making that type of play must be celebrated.

The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176715 Montreal Canadiens The Canadiens have multiple prospects who should be able to help the team in fairly short order. But how many will stand out from the group and become the game-breaker the club is pining for? Beyond natural skill, is there a kid whose impact will be defined by ruthless opportunism? Marc The Canadiens got a blunt reminder this week of what’s keeping them Bergevin needs to run the rule over his personnel chart and coldly from taking the next step evaluate the odds that one of the names on it is indeed that kind of player.

The quest for an elite talent should be the GM’s prime directive going By Marc Antoine Godin forward. Easier said than done, you might reply. Sure. But maybe, just Feb 15, 2020 maybe, it’s time to start considering the type of sacrifice that the team has thus far refused to consider. Bergevin made a tentative step in that direction last summer when the Canadiens signed Sebastian Aho to an offer sheet. We’re constantly told that these kinds of players are almost PITTSBURGH – This was always going to be one of the toughest weeks impossible to acquire, but until the club tackles that fundamental task, no on the Canadiens’ 2019-20 schedule; a trip to Boston, then a quick hop amount of patched holes or crossed fingers will sustain the ambition a over to Pittsburgh before returning home to face the Dallas Stars in the team needs to contend. second half of a back-to-back. After Friday’s game, Claude Julien was less than thrilled about Brett A trio of teams who have each won 11 games since the calendar flipped Kulak’s blown coverage on the third Penguins goal. It came only 36 to 2020, which ties them for third in the NHL. seconds after Tomas Tatar narrowed the gap to 2-1; Kulak allowed Three games in four nights is a grind under any circumstance. When Zucker to slip through his fingers and expertly fire Marcus Pettersson’s you’re in the Canadiens’ position, it’s a literal march to the gallows. pass into the top shelf.

Consecutive defeats at the hands of the Bruins and Penguins provide a “That was a pretty good dagger, I’ll tell you that,” he said. sharp picture of what it is the Canadiens are missing, and why an unlikely He has a point; the timing couldn’t have been worse. But if the winning streak to make the postseason is more of a mirage than Canadiens knew they had the firepower to respond in kind, not only anything. would they have better odds of climbing back into a game like that, the The Canadiens didn’t lose to the Penguins because of a lack of work, pressure would ease on the rest of the lineup and it’s a fair bet the effort or commitment. They lost because a more talented team cashed in number of unforced errors would shrink. Difference-making players on its chances when Montreal didn’t convert theirs; it wasn’t the first time provide a sense of security and confidence to their peers. It’s easier to this season that’s happened. This situation is often accompanied by a play when you know a teammate can erase a blunder all by himself. familiar corollary, the old “it feels like every mistake ends up in the back The Canadiens are not a club that folds in the face of adversity. That of our net” line we’ve heard so often. much was clear after the Penguins’ third goal. Montreal came out for the You’ll doubtless be shocked to learn the Canadiens don’t have a Sidney third period and fired 18 shots at Tristan Jarry. The problem is none of Crosby or an Evgeni Malkin to lean on, and that there is no such player them found twine. on the immediate horizon. But even without hoping to land a generational There was no quit. But nor was this a team playing with the firm belief talent like Crosby, the Canadiens are mostly bereft of game-breaking that, given time, their hard work would definitely tip the balance. Hard forwards, players who with a moment of individual brilliance can upend a work matters, but as the Canadiens fade further out of the playoff picture, game. it simply isn’t enough. There is no margin for error, which makes a player For example, a player like David Pastrnak. On Wednesday, the Boston grip the stick a little more tightly, incentivizes him to try a little too hard, to winger potted a hat trick. Then, on Friday, it was Sid’s turn; Crosby has a force a difference-making play that quickly blows up in his face. new toy to play with on his wing in the form of newly-acquired Jason For the second time this season the Canadiens find themselves in the Zucker, and play with it he did. Three assists for Crosby, two goals for midst of a four-game sequence where they’ve scored only six goals. The Zucker. same thing happened between Dec. 31 and Jan. 6; the Canadiens lost all “It’s a good hockey team,” said Max Domi. “They got some veteran four games (one in overtime). It immediately snowballed into an eight- players over there. At this time of year, those kind of players step up to game winless string, their second one of those this season. the plate. It’s not to say we don’t have that in our room – we do – but we It’s a good thing Kovalchuk scored in overtime against the Maple Leafs just got to find a way to bury the puck when we have a chance and last week, otherwise the Canadiens would have put up an identical tighten up a little bit defensively.” record over this four-game stretch, too. Okay, if the Canadiens have those kind of players, what might their The Canadiens are a desperate team, and have been playing with names be? commendable urgency to achieve their stated goal of winning three out of The point here is not to single out a particular player, but every winning every four games between now and the beginning of April. Losing three team has at least a couple of those trump cards in their hand. The in a row ahead of Saturday’s tilt against a rested Stars team is pretty Canadiens are not a bad team, and they are well-stocked in courageous much the worst possible outcome. foot soldiers. But for all the soothing talk of being a competitive team The Canadiens are working extremely hard to get the train rolling in the when healthy, this is not a team that can make it to the end of the playoff right direction. It would help if there was a locomotive to pull it. road without that crucial ingredient.

Nick Suzuki might eventually be the kind of player we’re talking about, and Ilya Kovalchuk has shown flashes of what he once was, but at this The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 stage of his career he’s not exactly the cornerstone on which a gleaming new contender can be built.

This is a proud team, a battling team, a team that must play impeccably night after night without the quiet assurance that an otherwise costly defensive bungle can be erased by a little bit of magic at the other end. The players keep promising to raise their game, and that’s indeed what they must do, but how much more can anyone reasonably ask of Brendan Gallagher, or Tomas Tatar, or Phillip Danault, who are already pulling the sled with all they have?

Domi? Jonathan Drouin? They have all the talent to fill the job description, but if they were destined to be difference-making players, they would have reached that stage by now. 1176716 Nashville Predators "You notice his speed and tenaciousness," Hynes said. "He's so aggressive and intense on the forecheck. Then you see what he can do off the rush. ... I think he's shown signs of that, but with regularity since I've been here, it hasn't been there as much as he or we would like. ... I 'Rattled' Viktor Arvidsson, Predators get revenge against Blues, Robert think the multiple injuries does factor into some of those things. Then Bortuzzo some system changes ... but I do see some progressions with him. There's a little bit more explosiveness to his game."

Paul Skrbina, The Tennessean Tennessean LOADED: 02.16.2020 Published 1:58 p.m. CT Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 7:14 p.m. CT Feb. 15, 2020

ST. LOUIS — Viktor Arvidsson would rather forget the last time the Predators visited St. Louis.

But the Predators forward can't help but remember Robert Bortuzzo's bruising hit that Arvidsson called "dirty." The double crosscheck in front of the Blues' net cost Arvidsson four weeks and 12 games on injured reserve with a lower-body injury and cost Bortuzzo a four-game suspension.

When teams met two days later, neither player was on the ice.

On Saturday at Enterprise Center, that happened for the first time since that Nov. 23 game. And Arvidsson wasted little time checking in with Bortuzzo in what turned out to be a big 4-3 victory for the Predators, capped by Mikael Granlund's power-play goal that gave the team its sixth victory in nine games.

While taking the ice for a shift less than three minutes into the first period, Arvidsson found Bortuzzo at mid-ice and gave him a little shove/check.

"I was rattled last time we were here and I was a little rattled today, too," Arvidsson said.

Shortly after the fight nobody expected — Filip Forsberg took on Brayden Schenn, the second fight of Forsberg's career — Arvidsson was checked hard into the boards by Ivan Barbashev. Arvidsson responded immediately with his first goal (and point) in seven games to give the Predators a 1-0 lead 6:29 into the first.

And he wasn't shy about celebrating the feat, pumping his fist and screaming as he eyed the Blues crowd.

Arvidsson and Bortuzzo were tangled up during the middle of the third period, when Arvidsson threw a couple of punches and went after Bortuzzo again on the way to the bench.

Arvidsson left the real fighting to teammate Jarred Tinordi, who wasn't even on the roster when Bortuzzo's hit sidelined Arvidsson.

With 11:01 left in the first, Tinordi went for revenge for Arvidsson, landing a few blows on Bortuzzo before being taken down near center ice.

"It's awesome to know he has my back and everyone in this room has my back," Arvidsson said. "I'm not a fighter, so it's hard for me to do it. It's cool to see guys stepping up for other players."

St. Louis Blues goaltender Jake Allen (34) defends the net against Nashville Predators right wing Viktor Arvidsson (33) on Feb. 15, 2020.

When Arvidsson finally returned in late December, he didn't mince words when asked about the hit.

"It was a dirty play," Arvidsson said then. "Shouldn't be that way on a hockey rink. I had my back turned and was in a vulnerable position. You don't need to do that. I'd rather turn around and have a chance to defend myself. That was a bad play.

"It was (crappy) to go out for four weeks and not play."

Now the Predators find themselves fighting for a playoff spot, with the first of a home-and-home, back-to-back against the division-leading, defending Stanley Cup champion Blues. Saturday's victory pulled the Predators within a point of the Coyotes for the second wild-card spot.

Arvidsson, who had six goals and nine assists before he was injured, hasn't been the same since. He had six goals and one assist since, and zero points in his last six games going into Saturday.

New Predators coach has noticed Arvidsson hasn't looked like the player he coached against since the injury. And he thinks he might know why. 1176717 Nashville Predators

Predators top Blues 4-3 on Granlund’s power-play goal

Staff Report

Associated Press

Published 6:00 a.m. CT Feb. 15, 2020 | Updated 5:19 p.m. CT Feb. 15, 2020

ST. LOUIS – Mikael Granlund scored a power-play goal early in the third period after St. Louis had rallied from a two-goal deficit and the Nashville Predators held off the Blues 4-3 on Saturday.

Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Duchene, and Kyle Turris also scored for Nashville, which improved to 3-0 this season against the defending Stanley Cup champions.

With Carl Gunnarsson serving a penalty for holding, Granlund took the rebound from a Roman Josi shot from the point and pushed it through Jake Allen’s legs to give Nashville the lead for good 3:59 into the third period. Granlund’s 14th goal of the season was his fourth in his last six games.

Jusse Saros made 24 saves to improve to 11-9-4 on the season. He has won five of his last six decisions and is now 4-3-1 lifetime against St. Louis.

Allen surrendered four goals on 27 shots to fall to 8-6-3 in just his fourth home start of the season. St. Louis is 2-6-3 in its last 11 games.

Nashville Predators' Viktor Arvidsson, second from left, of Sweden, celebrates with teammates Ryan Johansen, Mattias Ekholm, middle, of Sweden, and Mikael Granlund, right, of Finland, after scoring a goal against the St. Louis Blues during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, in St. Louis.

Arvidsson put Nashville on top 6:29 into the first period when he one- timed a pass from Granlund past Allen for his 13th goal of the season. It was Arvidsson’s first goal in his last nine games.

Duchene made it 2-0 at 12:23 when he skated in and pushed the puck past Allen on the stick side for his 12th goal of the season.

Zach Sanford cut the deficit to 2-1 when he one-timed a pass from Sammy Blais past Saros 4:13 into the second period for his 13th goal of the season.

Turris responded 21 seconds later when his wrist shot eluded Allen for a 3-1 lead.

St. Louis again pulled within a goal less than two minutes later when Jaden Schwartz deflected Brayden Schenn’s shot past Saros on a power play.

Jordan Kyrou tied the game at 3-all when he intercepted a Predators clearing attempt from in front of the net and pushed it past Saros for his second goal midway through the second period.

Tennessean LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176718 New Jersey Devils

Impressions from Nick Merkley’s Devils debut | ‘He stood out’

Posted Feb 15, 2020

By Chris Ryan

Interim coach Alain Nasreddine wanted to make sure Nick Merkley got a chance to build some traction in his first NHL game with the Devils on Friday night.

Playing on the fourth line, Merkley wasn’t going to get the top-six minutes he became accustomed to in the AHL, but Nasreddine didn’t want to limit him to just four or five minutes.

Merkley played 11:25 in the Devils’ 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina, and more often than not, he did something to make his presence known when he stepped on the ice.

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“He stood out. He competed. He worked. Hard on the puck. I really liked his game,” Nasreddine said. “That line I thought was really effective all night long. They played in the offensive zone, kept it simple.”

Merkley was rewarded with his first NHL point when he picked up a primary assist on a Joey Anderson goal in the third period. The play was created by Merkley when he gathered a loose puck behind the net and skated it the wall by the right circle. The forward turned on a dime to create space before firing a cross-ice pass to Anderson, who buried a shot into an open net.

The assist served as a nice way to cap off his Devils debut, but Merkley did plenty of good things prior to the point.

From watching Merkley’s game, here are a few impressions:

- Despite being a smaller player at 5-11, Merkley isn’t afraid to throw his body around. In the opening moments of his very first shift, Merkley rushed to the boards behind the net in the Devils’ offensive zone and delivered a big check on Canes defenseman Haydn Fleury. He had another big hit in the second period that drew a retaliatory check.

- Merkley has some good closing speed to get to loose pucks, particularly on the forecheck. He surprised Canes goalie Petr Mrazek in the first period while playing a puck behind the net, forcing him to quickly send the puck away and back to a Devils stick in the offensive zone.

- When Merkley has the puck, he looks to do one thing: get it to the middle or to the net. He set up a chip shot from Kevin Rooney on his second shift, though that redirection went high. When he had the puck at the point on a second-period shift, he turned and sent it toward the crease, where it was deflected wide of the post. His assist to Anderson was another example of him turning and finding a way to get the puck to a dangerous area.

- His quick chemistry with Anderson wasn’t surprising, given there time in Binghamton prior to both being recalled. The two didn’t play on the same line in the AHL, but both received top power-play minutes together.

Star Ledger LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176719 New Jersey Devils the ice. He grew comfortable and it showed in his 18 points in 21 games with the B-Devils.

“A lot of it was opportunity,” Merkley said. “In Binghamton, I got a lot of NJ Devils get first look at return on Taylor Hall trade with Nick Merkley opportunity on the power play and 5-on-3 and in those sorts of situations. That was the biggest thing, but proving myself after that trade was another thing.”

Abbey Mastracco, NHL Writer It’s not often that teams give up on first-round picks. They put a lot of time, effort and energy into developing them with the hope they'll become Published 5:52 a.m. ET Feb. 15, 2020 key contributors. Not all of them turn into impact players and Merkley doesn’t exactly project as a top-six winger.

RALEIGH — When Nick Merkley reported to training camp in Arizona in But top-six or bottom-six, Merkley was eager to show his new the fall, he was hopeful for another shot on the NHL ice but not organization that he could make an impact anywhere in the lineup after convinced he would get that chance. Injuries had stalled the winger's the trade. development and the 30th overall pick in the 2015 NHL Draft was facing “When that happens, you get a little extra burst of energy and you just a loaded group up front with the Coyotes. want to prove it to yourself,” he said. “I want to be in this league and Merkley, the 23-year-old out of Calgary, is still trying to reconcile the that’s the goal.” uphill battle he faced a few months ago with what happened Friday night The next goal is to help the team win, but Merkley made an impression in in North Carolina. the Devils’ loss with his physical play, his energy and his signature Late in the third period with the New Jersey Devils' trailing the Carolina playmaking. Hurricanes 4-1, Merkley spun off the boards and hit Joey Anderson with “He stood out,” Nasreddine said. “He competed and he worked. He was a hard cross-ice feed in the left circle. Anderson hit the open net easily hard on the puck and I really liked his game. That line, I thought, was for his first NHL goal of the season and Merkley’s first NHL point. really effective all night long.” “I had those injuries as well so it’s nice to kind of get back into the real It’s tough to prove yourself when you’re playing a fourth-line role in a call- game,” Merkley said Friday at PNC Arena before the Devils lost to the up situation, but the line of Merkley, Kevin Rooney and Joey Anderson Hurricanes 5-2. “I know I can play at this level so it’s nice to actually see was the Devils’ best Friday night. it happen.” It’s hard for Merkley to look at where he was in the fall with Arizona and In a lost season like this one, the focus turns toward the future around his where he is now, but he’s confident that he’s right where he belongs. time of year. Merkley and Anderson are two of the players the Devils are hoping to get contributions from in the future. They both think they can play at this level and they’re getting a chance to show it. Bergen Record LOADED: 02.16.2020 This is what Merkley knew he was capable of, he just didn’t know how to convince others of his belief when he was rehabbing major injuries and then buried in the minor leagues.

We're big fans of this Merkley to Anderson connection. BIG FANS.

“Whatever happened in the old organization, you just don’t know,” Devils interim coach Alain Nasreddine said. “Maybe some people didn’t believe in him. Whatever the reason is, he started here fresh.”

Coming out of camp with the Coyotes, Merkley was assigned to Tucson of the American Hockey League and once again it seemed like his development was stalled, though this time there were no injuries. The two shoulder injuries and the ACL surgery was well behind him and he was skating as if his knee had never been injured in the first place, but he couldn’t quite find his stride in the AHL, putting up only 16 points (three goals, 13 assists) through 26 games with the Roadrunners.

But then his phone lit up with a text message from Coyotes general manager John Chayka and everything changed.

“I was sitting on the couch with my roommate and I got a text from John Chayka that said, ‘Call me,’” Merkley said. “I called him and he gave me the news.”

As it turned out, Merkley would not play an NHL game for the Coyotes in the final year of his contract. Instead, he played his first NHL game since December 19, 2018, for the New Jersey Devils.

Almost two years to the date of that cup of coffee in the NHL, Merkley was traded to the Devils, along with Tucson/Binghamton teammate Nate Schnarr, defense prospect Kevin Bahl and two draft picks in exchange for Taylor Hall. His fortunes immediately turned when he went from the desert to Western New York.

“It was a big change of weather and those types of things,” Merkley said. “But it was nice to get that fresh start.”

Former Devils’ GM Ray Shero insisted Merkley wasn’t just a throw-in player in the Hall deal. He showed promise as a strong-skating playmaker in the Western Hockey League and was starting to show that this year in Tucson as well. Coach Mark Dennehy threw him right into the fire, slotting him on to the top line with Ben Street and Brett Seney and putting him on the power play.

He moved from a hotel to an apartment with Schnarr, who helped him ease the transition. He made connections with his teammates on and off 1176720 New Jersey Devils In that case, the PA might be able to create some leverage by agreeing to expand the playoffs in return for an agreement on the Olympics and an international calendar. No Olympics, no expanded playoffs. This would represent an imperfect solution, but it would solve the Olympic issue. NHL playoff expansion, Olympics could decide next CBA Which would, if necessary, be worth the trade-off.

We talk of heroism on the ice within the context of competitive sports feats. But there was no context to the heroism displayed by medical By Larry Brooks personnel in Anaheim, who likely saved Jay Bouwmeester’s life when the February 15, 2020 | 5:46pm | Updated 36-year-old Blues defenseman collapsed on his bench as a result of a cardiac episode during the first period of a game on Tuesday.

Yes, it would ultimately be Travis Zajac’s call, the Devils’ veteran center It has not come up thus far in CBA talks between the NHL and NHLPA, with one year remaining on his deal at $5.75 million per, owning a no- we’re told by a trusted source, but a confluence of events could lead to trade clause heading into the Feb. 24 deadline. an agreement between the parties to both participate in the Olympics and expand the playoffs. But does this current and presumably interim New Jersey management group led by Tom Fitzgerald and Martin Brodeur believe Jack Hughes’ First, the agreement between the league and union regarding the playoff development would be best served as third center next season behind format expires at the end of this season. Talk of extending or changing Nico Hischier and Zajac, or that the teenager should be deployed in a the current structure is expected to be joined by discussions about top-six role? realignment. The NHL has proposed shifting Arizona from the Pacific into the Central Division in 2021-22 in order to accommodate Seattle’s entry into the league, and though that remains likely, the league will require the New York Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 union’s approval in order to effect the move.

Meanwhile, Sixth Avenue is poised to soon open negotiations on its next U.S.-based television and media contracts, with the league’s current agreement with Comcast-owned NBC and NBC Sports Network scheduled to expire at the end of 2021-22. The NHL will seek multiple broadcast partners and platforms, including ESPN, next time around, just like every real major league in this country.

And what did we learn this week from Joel Sherman of our paper about Major League Baseball and their negotiations with broadcast entities? That expanding the playoffs by another four teams and one round (plus other preposterous bells and whistles) is at the top of the agenda for both parties. More teams, more elimination games.

We also know the IOC seems willing to bend its exclusionary policies and is willing to underwrite NHL costs to a significant extent in order to guarantee the league’s participation in 2022 at Beijing and beyond. But, of course, the Board of Governors, if not Gary Bettman himself, has appeared unimpressed with the policy of open arms.

The league has never presented a single metric supporting its amorphous claim that taking a three-week Olympic hiatus has had a negative impact on late-season business, but that’s the canard that’s been out there for years. Probably because it works as a cudgel to use in bargaining.

Listen, I think expanding the NHL tournament to add a couple of more teams per conference and thus adopt best-of-three play-ins that pit No. 7 vs. No. 10 and No. 8 vs. No. 9 is a terrible idea that would create even more of a lowest-common-denominator league. Good teams do not finish in 10th place. Don’t tell me about teams with 95 points that miss the playoffs. The addition of the loser’s point has skewed point totals beyond context.

Before the advent of the three-point game, the average NHL team would come in at 82 points (for an 82-game schedule). Simple. That was the context under which, say, a 95-point team could be measured. But last year, an additional 271 points awarded to overtime and shootout losers drove the league average to 90.7 points. So 95 points? Just slightly better than average.

Yes, I know, 16 of 21 teams made the playoffs through the ’80s. Four of six were in during the . Smoking was also allowed in all arenas back in those days. You could buy hot dogs, prepackaged ice cream sundaes that tasted like cardboard, peanuts, popcorn and carbonated soda at the concession stands. You really want to go back?

Plus, the two fault lines in the standings would be sixth place and 10th. The race for first place would be entirely overshadowed and devalued … unless, say, the division winners in each conference were in line to play five home games (Games 1, 2, 5, 6, 7) of the best-of-seven first round against the play-in survivors.

But regardless of whether expanding the playoffs is a good idea, players and management both might agree it makes sense if it guarantees higher revenue, greater exposure over broadcast and streaming platforms and an increased cap. 1176721 New York Islanders blade over in time to keep the game scoreless until Smith’s 22nd goal of the season gave Vegas momentum for the third period.

After giving up five goals to the St. Louis on Thursday, when the Golden Islanders shut down by Golden Knights, Marc-Andre Fleury Knights allowed several second and third shots on Malcolm Subban, they did a much better job in keeping the Islanders’ opportunities limited.

“We talked about giving up five even-strength goals last game,” DeBoer Staff Report said. “We wanted to clean that up. Coming down the stretch, playing playoff hockey, you have to win 1-0, 2-0.” By Associated Press

February 16, 2020 | 1:39am New York Post LOADED: 02.16.2020

LAS VEGAS — Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt said he missed the gold goalie pads Marc-Andre Fleury was set to sign and let the team auction off for charity. For the past couple of weeks, he had been pushing the veteran goaltender to dust them off.

“Schmidty talked to me about it, so I found them in the closet; there’s (been) a lot of goals scored lately, so I said might as well bring them out and see what they can do,” Fleury said.

All they did was help Fleury get his 60th career shutout as Reilly Smith scored late in the second period, and the Golden Knights beat the New York Islanders 1-0 on Saturday night.

“About time, right?” said Fleury, who improved to 26-11-6 with five shutouts in his career against the Islanders. “I don’t know if it was the gold pads, but I think my teammates played awesome. They had the puck a lot … (and) when they were in our zone they defended well.”

Vegas, which leads the NHL in shots per game with a nightly average of 34.6, outshot the Islanders 43-19.

“We needed more chances,” Islanders coach said. “But you’re not going to get any chances when you spend the whole second period in our end.”

The wins are the third-most against any opponents for Fleury, while the shutouts are tied for second-most.

Fleury’s fourth shutout this season helped Vegas keep pace with Edmonton for second in the Pacific Division with 68 points. However, the Oilers, who beat Florida 4-1 on Saturday, have two games in hand and face the Golden Knights three more times this season.

“I think a lot of guys stepped up defensively; I think we had a lot of key blocked shots, especially on the (penalty-kill), I thought we really limited that,” Vegas defenseman Shea Theodore said. “Things are coming down pretty tight in the standings and guys are really stepping up, guys are getting in the lanes. (Fleury’s) been playing great back there and that’s always nice to have.”

Vegas is now 6-3-2 since coach Pete DeBoer replaced the fired Gerard Gallant on Jan. 15.

Semyon Varlamov finished with 42 saves for the Islanders, who were shut out for the second straight game after being blanked in Nashville 5-0 on Thursday. The Islanders are clinging to third place in the Metropolitan Division, just one point in front of Columbus and Philadelphia.

Until Smith’s goal with 34 seconds left in the second, the most exciting moment took place just 3 seconds into the game when fourth-line bruisers Ross Johnston and Ryan Reaves dropped gloves at the opening puck drop and sent the announced crowd of 18,444 into a frenzy before the first shot on goal.

Johnston and Reaves traded several haymakers to the delight of a sold- out crowd. Reaves said the two agreed to fight specifically because British heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury was at the game.

“He asked me to go, I said, ‘well let me go run somebody first’ and he goes ‘no Fury’s here’ and I was like ‘yeah that’s true, we’ll do it,'” Reaves said. “I like to get one shift in me, but it’s alright. Those are fun ones, especially a big boy like that.”

With Vegas fighting for a playoff spot, the Golden Knights’ motivation exponentially increased after the scoreless and physical first period that included two fights and a combined 25 hits.

The second period didn’t match the physicality, but did include a highlight save when Vegas’ Paul Stastny fired a backhand at what appeared to be a wide-open net, but his shot was stymied by Varlamov, who got his 1176722 New York Islanders Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.16.2020

Islanders shut out for second straight game in loss to Vegas

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated February 16, 2020 2:09 AM

LAS VEGAS — The good: The Islanders snapped a streak of seven straight games in which they allowed at least three goals. The bad: They haven’t scored in two games, plus four seconds.

Unable to generate enough chances from near the net, the Islanders lost to Vegas, 1-0, at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday night as they were outshot 43-19, including 20-4 in a one-sided second-period.

“I didn’t mind our first and third, but our second, I thought we lost way too many battles,” coach Barry Trotz said. “We didn’t have enough chances. We need more chances.”

The Islanders (33-18-6) started the road trip with a 5-0 loss to the Predators in Nashville on Thursday night that left Trotz fuming over his team’s turnover-prone performance and lack of urgency.

The Islanders, who remain in third place in the Metropolitan Division by one point over the Blue Jackets and Flyers, were blanked for the fourth time this season. They were last shut out in back-to-back games on March 19 and 21, 2019 — 5-0 to the visiting Bruins and 4-0 to the Canadiens in Montreal, respectively.

“I thought we had a good start today,” said Semyon Varlamov, brilliant at times in the Islanders’ net. “Then we sit back in the second period and Vegas started creating scoring chances. We know where we are in the standings. Every game is important because we’re battling for the playoffs. There’s a lot of games left, but we have to find that consistency in scoring goals.”

Marc-Andre Fleury was rarely tested for Vegas (30-22-8) in his 60th career shutout until Varlamov was pulled for an extra skater with 2:11 left in regulation.

“Some of the game, I thought we pushed the pace and had some good looks,” Mathew Barzal said.

Vegas’ 20 shots in the second were the most the Islanders have allowed in a period this season, and Reilly Smith finally gave the Golden Knights a 1-0 lead with 34.7 seconds left. Varlamov tried to leave the puck for defenseman Nick Leddy behind the crease, but Jonathan Marchessault got there instead. Smith was free at the right post behind Derick Brassard.

“It’s been one thing or another the last few games where it’s execution or a play where we don’t commit to it and it ends up in the back of our net,” Trotz said.

Varlamov made his best save at 16:35 of the second period, diving to his right and using his stick to swipe away Paul Stastny’s look at the open net from the left post. Varlamov also had to make a shorthanded stop on Smith at the net after defenseman Ryan Pulock lost the puck at the left point while trying to line up a shot.

Rookie defenseman Noah Dobson had a nightmarish second period. A turnover led to an early scoring chance for Vegas, he iced the puck trying to clear the zone at 8:05 and he then negated the final 47 seconds of the Islanders’ second power play by tripping defenseman Nate Schmidt at 14:34.

Trotz indicated he is ready to sit Dobson in favor of Sebastian Aho, a healthy scratch for the 18th straight game.

The game started with Ross Johnston and Vegas’ Ryan Reaves engaging in a heavyweight bout off the game’s opening faceoff.

The first-period chippiness continued at 10:29 as Vegas defenseman Nick Holden drilled Barzal face-first into the boards behind the Golden Knights’ net. Lee pushed his way to get to Holden, with both receiving five-minute fighting majors. Surprisingly, Holden avoided a boarding penalty and Lee was not whistled for instigating. 1176723 New York Islanders They face the Coyotes on Monday afternoon after a day off in Arizona on Sunday. The trip ends Wednesday at Colorado.

Trotz is likely hoping for snow. Crowd energy, glitzy entertainment make Vegas one of tougher road games of season Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.16.2020

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated February 15, 2020 8:48 PM

LAS VEGAS – Barry Trotz was walking out of T-Mobile Arena after the Islanders’ practice on Friday, thinking about winning the Stanley Cup in the building with the Capitals in 2018, when he turned to his assistant coaches.

“If you’re ever going to win, you want to win in Vegas,” Trotz told them.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Trotz added. “Obviously, the afterparty was exceptional. That started three or four days without sleep. I had an 8:15 bus [the next morning] and got back around 8 o’clock and I threw myself in the shower because I still smelled like sour beer and I took my wet clothes and all my stuff and threw it in the suitcase and ran downstairs.”

The stakes, of course, were different as the Islanders continued a four- game western road trip on Saturday night against the Golden Knights following a 5-0 loss at Nashville on Thursday.

But the city had not changed. There are plenty of distractions, from the casinos to the shows. Nashville, too, has a reputation for its music-and- bar based nightlife.

“I don’t think that was a problem for our group,” Trotz said. “It can be for some teams and some players, no question. They are hard cities sometimes, there’s lots going on. But the guys are pretty good now. They don’t run like the guys used to.”

Veteran left wing Matt Martin described the Islanders as a “mature group” and that even the younger players were “responsible, their focus is on the game.”

But even without the off-ice distractions, Vegas is typically one of the harder road games of the season.

Vegas has embraced the Golden Knights, now in their third season after losing to Trotz’s Capitals in a five-game Stanley Cup final in their expansions season, and the crowds at T-Mobile Arena are typically among the loudest in the league. It’s a different atmosphere than many NHL buildings, with jousts and glitzy entertainment throughout the game.

Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena is similar, minus the medieval jousts.

“They’re for sure in the top five of the toughest places to win a road game,” Derick Brassard said. “Not only because there’s the distractions – it’s Nashville, Smashville, Vegas – the buildings, the fans, how loud they are. You’ve got to try and find a way to play your game.”

“It’s just part of what we have to do, both are tough buildings to play in,” Martin said. “They love their team here. Don’t get me wrong, we love the atmosphere, the vibe of these cities. You’ve got to find a way to keep them under control, especially early in games. You want to kind of kill the energy and control the tempo.”

That’s something the Islanders were unable to do at Nashville, as the Predators scored 35 seconds into the first period and three times in the first 13:33 on their way to a lopsided win that left Trotz fuming about his team’s mistakes and lack of execution.

It was rainy and chilly while the Islanders were in Nashville. The weather was sunny and warm – compared to New York – in Vegas.

And Trotz said that was another potential distraction.

“It’s sunny, you lose your edge sometimes, that bite,” Trotz said. “It’s cold and nasty in Winnipeg and that’s how you feel and you play that way. Sometimes, you come out to California and it’s sunny, or Arizona, it’s nice and it sometimes reflects in your game.”

The Islanders did go 0-2-1 on their California trip in November. 1176724 New York Islanders

Isles' Ross Johnston, re-inserted into the lineup, has good memories of Las Vegas

By Andrew Gross [email protected] @AGrossNewsday

Updated February 16, 2020 2:09 AM

LAS VEGAS — Ross Johnston’s physical play is his first priority with the Islanders and a main reason he was inserted into the lineup for Saturday night’s 1-0 loss to the often-chippy Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena.

But Johnston also can chip in the odd goal — three this season for the 6- 5, 235-pound wing to go with 78 penalty minutes after he fought Ryan Reaves off the game’s opening draw— which is why he always has fond memories of Las Vegas.

Johnston scored his first career goal in a 2-1 win here on Jan. 25, 2018, six days after he was recalled from the Islanders’ AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.

“It was kind of chippy that game, a few things were said,” Johnston said. “I just basically threw a puck to the net. It was [Cody] Eakin’s stick it hit off through [Marc-Andre] Fleury’s five-hole. I didn’t know I scored right away, but it was pretty exciting when I was told. A whirlwind of emotions that week, but it brings back memories coming here.”

Johnston was in the lineup for the second time in four games but has not played consecutive games since Jan. 16-18.

“Yeah, it’s tough. Nobody’s going to tell you they don’t want to be in every game,” said Johnston, a healthy scratch in 27 of the Islanders’ 57 games. “I’d love to play every game. That being said, team success comes first.”

Isles files

Cole Bardreau was a healthy scratch after being a minus-1 in 12:46 of ice time in Thursday’s 5-0 loss at Nashville, his first game since being recalled from Bridgeport with Casey Cizikas (left leg laceration) out three to four weeks. “There are quite a few things I’d like to see him improve on, but the energy was good,” coach Barry Trotz said . . . Rookie forward Kieffer Bellows and defenseman Sebastian Aho also were healthy scratches.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176725 New York Rangers

Rangers taking look at top blue-line prospect Joey Keane

By Brett Cyrgalis

February 16, 2020 | 2:21am

Amid all the defensive prospects the Rangers have stockpiled, maybe Joey Keane has gone a little under the radar. But when the club thought it might need a righty-shot in light of Tony DeAngelo’s minor upper-body injury — coupled with lefty-shot Marc Staal battling the flu and another lefty, Brendan Smith, already in the lineup — it was the 20-year-old Keane who got the call-up from AHL Hartford on Friday morning.

Keane didn’t end up playing Friday night at Columbus because Staal was able to go and Smith switched to the right side. Keane was sent back to Hartford after the game, though it’s clear the organization thinks highly of him.

“We liked him an awful lot in training camp,” coach David Quinn said Friday afternoon before giving his players Saturday off with the Bruins due in the Garden for a Sunday matinee. “He skates real well, he competes, he’s got good puck skills.”

Keane was acquired as a result of the trade that sent Nick Holden to the Bruins in 2017-18. The return was Rob O’Gara and a third-round pick (No. 88 overall), which was used to take Keane, a Chicago kid playing in the OHL. In 48 games with the Wolf Pack this season, Keane was leading the team’s defensemen with eight goals and 28 points (fourth on Hartford overall).

Quinn said that after conversations with assistant general manager Chris Drury (who also is the GM of the Wolf Pack) and Hartford coach Kris Knoblauch, it became clear the offense-minded Keane had “really honed his game.”

“There is a simplicity to his game that maybe there wasn’t early on in his pro career,” Quinn said. “because when you have that much offensive ability and you’re a puck-carrier and puck-mover, a guy that is involved offensively, you try to do that at this level, and it is an adjustment you have to make.”

With DeAngelo out on Friday, Quinn needed to find a new point man for his first power-play unit and tabbed Adam Fox, whose game has somehow gotten even better as his terrific rookie season has progressed. Fox played there on the first unit early in the season and Quinn said there was “no hesitation” putting the 21-year-old back in that role.

The man-advantage technically went 0-for-3, but Chris Krieder scored the decisive goal just two seconds after a power play ended with 3:11 left in regulation.

Electric winger Artemi Panarin is the only NHL player to register 75 or more points and a plus-30 rating or better this season, his first with the Rangers. His plus-30 rating is tied for second in the NHL, behind only former Rangers prospect and current Avalanche defenseman Ryan Graves (plus-41).

Panarin has been on for 72 even-strength goals this season, fourth-most in the NHL.

New York Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176726 New York Rangers “It’s about coming to the rink and working,” Kreider said, “because that’s the only thing you can control.”

That’s easier said than done, but winning surely helps the insulation. Rangers are tuning out Chris Kreider, Henrik Lundqvist noise

New York Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 By Brett Cyrgalis

February 15, 2020 | 9:37PM

That was the biggest takeaway from the Rangers’ season-best four- game winning streak — which includes an impressive sweep of the three-game road-trip through Winnipeg, Minnesota and Columbus. Making it five in a row will be a tall task, with the mighty Bruins coming into the Garden on Sunday afternoon.

And the Blueshirts are carrying three goalies in a situation all have dubbed “not ideal.” There is also a pesky date looming over all the work, as the trades to be made (or not) before the Feb. 24 deadline provide the context in which these games are being played. Along with the development of all the young players with whom so much of the Rangers’ future is staked, the big picture is complicated.

To avoid thinking about it, the Rangers have managed to find ways to win.

“That’s professional hockey. You’re going to have distractions — especially playing in New York,” Chris Kreider told The Post on Friday night, with his season peaking while his agent has serious discussions with general manager Jeff Gorton that could either lead to a new contract or a trade before the deadline. “There’s always something going on. Part of professional hockey is compartmentalizing whatever’s going on in your personal life.”

The lives of the three goaltenders have becoming increasingly complicated, as has the job of the man juggling those three, coach David Quinn. Of course there was a stir when Quinn declared 24-year-old Russian rookie Igor Shesterkin his No. 1, even with his explicit qualifier, “right now.” And of course Quinn bristled when the impact of that statement reverberated around the echo chamber.

Quinn didn’t say “he’s No. 1 right now because he’s starting today,” which had been stated previously. It was the coach saying Shesterkin was currently the club’s best option in goal — obvious to those who watched him win six of his first seven NHL starts, but still a statement no Rangers coach has uttered since Henrik Lundqvist took the net as a rookie in 2005-06.

Speaking of Lundqvist, how much longer will he amicably sign autographs from the bench and interact with fans during warmups before that gets old? He will turn 38 on March 2 and has one more year left on his contract. He has made just two starts in the five weeks since Shesterkin was called up on Jan. 6, by far his most dormant period while healthy in his illustrious 15-year career as the face of the franchise.

But then what to say of Alex Georgiev, another 24-year-old who ho- hummed his way to consecutive victories, and stated the obvious about playing time?

“I felt a little bit more sharp than the previous game,” Georgiev said Friday night, after making 36 saves in a sterling and steady performance at Columbus after he found his legs in making some game-saving saves late at Minnesota on Thursday. “It helps a lot for the confidence, playing in a couple days, a couple games.”

After a day off on Saturday, Shesterkin’s minor ankle injury could be healed enough to make him ready to play by Sunday. (He still is the No. 1, right? Or is that Georgiev now? Or will Lundqvist get thrown to the meat-grinder of the spoked-B?)

“You have to be ready whenever you get the chance to play,” Georgiev said. “Very important games for our team, and you have to be prepared every time.”

The Bruins are also one of the teams that could be acutely interested in Kreider as a rental at the deadline. And Pavel Buchnevich, who finally is playing with consistency away from the puck, finally shooting the puck more (six goals and 10 points in his past 10 games), playfully mentioned that he is No. 12 of TSN’s Trade Bait list, while Kreider is No. 1.

Of course, those are only more distractions. 1176727 New York Rangers “This kid is not a fluke,” former Rangers goalie Mike Richter said on The Post’s “Up in the Blue Seats” podcast. “They’ve been saying it for some time, ‘The best goalie coming out of Russia.’ There’s an adjustment coming to North America, so that was a question, but I think he’s Inside look of Igor Shesterkin taking Henrik Lundqvist’s crown answered that with an exclamation point coming over and playing as well as he did in the AHL.

“Unbelievable numbers, so you couldn’t keep him down there forever. Is By Peter Botte [three goalies] a problem? I don’t think so. It’s a great problem to have. In February 15, 2020 | 3:16pm | Updated perhaps the most important position on the ice, the organization has done what it’s had to, to have strength there.”

Richter, who backboned the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup-winning squad, In the spring of 2019, Nick Bobrov sat down multiple times with Igor similarly recalled being a part of a three-goalie rotation with John Shesterkin to gauge the emerging goaltender’s desire and readiness to Vanbiesbrouck and Bob Froese. make the transition from the Kontinental Hockey League to North America. Richter watched the 24-year-old Shesterkin’s first start — a 5-3 victory on Jan. 7 against Colorado — and believes the rookie has “never looked In the ensuing conversations, however, Bobrov — the Rangers’ director back.” He also has watched closely how Quinn has handled parsing of European scouting — felt more like he was staring into the bright lights playing time to Shesterkin, Lundqvist and third goalie Alex Georgiev. than the one asking the questions. “Depending on the position you are in, of those three, it can be fantastic, “When I was talking to him, he was still mulling whether to come to the ho-hum or terrible. In my position it was fantastic,” Richter said. “It wasn’t NHL or to give it another year in the KHL or two, the Q-and-A sessions I until I was a bit older that I realized how gracious those two guys were to had with him were almost like an interrogation on his part,” Bobrov told me. The fact remains you’re that third wheel and in the way at the same The Post earlier this week. “He knew exactly what was happening with time. … In the beginning it’s fine, in the long-term it’s untenable. the organization. He knew all the goaltending tendencies. He knew every nuance, every right question to ask, that other players customarily don’t. “But that’s what sport is, the best man wins. Nothing is granted. You can be the best goalie in the world and at some point someone is going to tap “He’s the kind of kid who just studies every nuance and nook and cranny you on the shoulder and say we have a young kid who can do this as about everything going on in his life. I probably was less prepared for that well as you now and is younger and has more upside. … I think the sort of bombardment than I should have been. But that’s just him. That’s coaching staff has a really good eyeball for this, and I think [Quinn] has how he studies hockey, that’s how he studies business, how he studies handled it very well.” his future. He’s very meticulous, and I think we’re seeing that reflects in the way he plays.” The Rangers still could ship out the 24-year-old Georgiev before the Feb. 24 trade deadline or over the summer, but the 37-year-old Lundqvist has Indeed, like Daniel Jones wrested the starting quarterback position away started just two games since Shesterkin was called up on Jan. 6. from Eli Manning earlier during this local sports cycle with the Giants, Shesterkin officially has usurped the crown and mask that have been The five-time All-Star has given no public indication he’d be willing to donned between the Rangers’ pipes since 2005 by team legend Henrik waive his no-movement clause, but it’s possible the Rangers could Lundqvist. attempt to buy out the final year and $8.5 million left on Lundqvist’s contract. Blueshirts coach David Quinn publicly declared New York’s latest high- profile changing of the guard Thursday, deservedly anointing the rising “Let me preface this to be completely objective by saying that Hank and I Russian rookie as the Rangers’ No. 1 netminder for the first time since are great friends,” said NHL Network analyst Kevin Weekes, who shared Shesterkin’s stellar play forced a summoning from AHL Hartford in the Rangers’ net with Lundqvist during the King’s first two NHL seasons January to form a typically untenable three-headed goalie rotation at the from 2005-07. “I think this is difficult for everybody, but it’s great to be in Garden. the position to have this much depth. That’s a testament to the organization and [goalie coach] Benoit Allaire and his brother, Francois, The team’s 2014 fourth-round draft pick has won six of his first seven who I think should be in the Hall of Fame one day with how they’ve NHL starts, temporarily interrupted by missing the past two games with a revolutionized the position. minor ankle injury. Shesterkin earned that crack at the top designation with a cool demeanor, a steady crease presence and a continuation of “As far as Shesterkin is concerned, I had a chance to see him up close the staggering penchant for winning games he showed throughout his six last week against [Toronto]. He’s really patient in the net, he reads very seasons with SKA St. Petersburg and a half-year in the AHL after finally well when to be a little more conservative and when to challenge. He’s a signing with the Rangers in May of last year. really good first-shot goalie, which I think is a really huge skill, and he controls the puck really well in terms of rebounds. And you can already Shesterkin, the first Russian-born goalie ever to play for the Blueshirts, see that he has the right demeanor. He looks like a real nice package.” posted a career record of 88-16-7 in the KHL, including the best goals- against average (1.68) of any goalie in league history with at least 50 Rangers assistant general manager Chris Drury, who also doubles as appearances. His .935 save percentage ranks No. 2 all-time. Some Hartford’s GM, says he also noticed an “unmistakable calmness” in critics have discounted those numbers as a byproduct of SKA being a Shesterkin “on and off the ice” upon arrival with the organization’s top deep-pocketed team in a top-heavy league, with high-profile teammates minor league affiliate. Shesterkin made a seamless adjustment to the such as longtime NHL star Ilya Kovalchuk, but Bobrov disagrees. smaller rinks of the North American game, registering a 17-4-3 record with a 1.90 GAA in 25 appearances for the Wolf Pack. “The stats were completely deserved and earned,” Bobrov said of Shesterkin, whose father, Oleg, played soccer professionally in Russia. “Everyone would always talk about how his demeanor never changes, “SKA was always a very loose team. They were sort of the equivalent of just day in and day out, and they were 100 percent right,” Drury said. the Edmonton Oilers of the ’80s, by KHL standards. They had a lot of “That really translates to the ice, how he handles himself in every good, skilled players, big-budget team, big names. situation while making saves. Whether it’s a bang-bang shot, a breakaway, a backdoor play, scrambling for a rebound, he just has a “But it’s not like you had the New Jersey Devils defense of the ’90s in calmness and an ability mentally and physically to be in the right place to front of him like Marty [Brodeur] did. He had to come up with major saves make the save when needed. all the time because the other guys were looking to pad their stats and score goals.” “He makes thing look easy that are anything but easy.”

Bobrov, who credited Slovakia-based Rangers scout Jan Gajdosik with Shesterkin also has handled what could be a tricky relationship with first uncovering Shesterkin as a targeted prospect, described the rookie’s Lundqvist, “as well as possible, and that goes both ways,” Drury added. goaltending style to a hybrid of Brodeur’s puck-handling ability and 2015 Last month, Lundqvist admitted to The Post he saw similarities with his Hart Trophy winner Carey Price’s propensity for smothering pucks and pending demotion to that of Manning, who announced his retirement controlling rebounds. following the Giants’ season after yielding the starting job he had held since 2004. “You look at it two ways: It’s challenging, first, because you want to be respectful, but you also want to respect all that they’ve done and all that they’ve accomplished,” Weekes said. “As a goalie, when you come in, that’s difficult, that’s really challenging, in itself. Hank’s a Hall of Fame lock and he can still play.

“But I think Jones was the same thing when he came in with the Giants and Eli was still there. I think the biggest thing is you want to believe in yourself, and there’s a fine line between respect and deference and also continuing to push your career forward. It’s never easy. You have to have some finesse in how you go about that.”

According to Bobrov, Lundqvist “definitely” has reciprocated in easing the situation, saying the 15-year veteran “has been unbelievable” in mentoring both Georgiev and Shesterkin.

“He’s a real pro and he obviously leads by example, the way he works and prepares in practice. That really resonated with Shesty right away,” Bobrov said. “I think he was a little bit shocked. Shesty had heard all the stories, but then seeing it live, it was a very different visual for him. He’s ramped up his own work ethic even above what it was, and it already was great. He obviously followed Hank’s career his whole life. Hank has been a role model and he’s looked up to him since he was a little boy. And now he gets to learn from him in practices and in games, and I think he is just in heaven.

“From our conversations, it’s like it’s Christmas for him every time he’s on the ice with Hank.”

As goalies, by definition, they never can be on the ice together in games. With the revamped Rangers seven points removed from a playoff position entering Saturday’s action, the soft-spoken Shesterkin has usurped the King with the potential to backstop an unforeseen postseason push.

Heavy is the head that wears the crown, indeed.

“Shesty is extremely intelligent, naturally. He is one of those kids who almost doesn’t need an agent,” Bobrov said. “He just makes a point of learning every matter that he’s involved with. He takes a deep dive into everything, studies everything, including the goaltending craft.

“He’s very serious about whatever he is learning or perfecting. But he’s also a very funny kid with a great sense of humor. So he’s got that balance of being a very likeable teammate, but also being very serious and calm when it comes to anything at all in life that requires being serious about.

“I think the word meticulous also reflects in his ability to absorb the shots, not give the rebounds, just suck everything up. Just being very clean in his movements and making everything look easy in hockey and his life, even when it’s not easy at all.”

New York Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176728 New York Rangers “I really feel like we’ve got three No. 1 goalies, and at any time, one of them’s going to emerge and go on a run,’’ Quinn said. “I’ve been through this before as a coach, where you’ve got good goalies and you tell the guys, ‘All right, whoever’s got the hot streak can be the No. 1.’ ’’ Chris Kreider making it more and more difficult for the Rangers to deal him If Shesterkin’s ankle, injured Tuesday in Winnipeg, is OK, Quinn will have a decision to make. But even if he’s ready to go, Georgiev (14-11-1, 3.02 GAA, .911 save percentage) might be the choice to start Sunday against Boston. Two wins in a row suggests he’s the one on the hot streak right By Colin Stephenson now. @ColinSNewsday

Updated February 16, 2020 12:49 AM Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 02.16.2020

The more Chris Kreider scores, and the bigger the goals he scores, the more difficult it is to imagine the Rangers dealing him away at the NHL’s Feb. 24 trade deadline, which now is just over a week away.

When Kreider scored the game-winner in Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, it was his seventh goal in the last nine games, his eighth in 12, 10th in 15 and 23rd overall.

That certainly makes him that much more attractive to whatever suitors there are for him — and there are believed to be many — but the way he is playing, and the way his line, with center Mika Zibanejad and right wing Pavel Buchnevich, is playing, how can the Rangers break that up?

Ask Zibanejad why the line is on fire right now (Buchnevich also scored Friday) and he says it’s because the three players have been together, on and off, for four years, since Zibanejad came over from Ottawa in the Derick Brassard deal. Kreider and Buchnevich were Zibanejad’s first linemates when he joined the team.

“I keep coming back to this — we’ve been playing together for quite some time now, as far as our line, and it just feels good,’’ Zibanejad said.

Kreider thinks the trio still hasn’t peaked yet.

“No, I think we’ve got another level,’’ he said. “We just want to keep on working. It’s pretty easy playing with those two guys. I think I could wax poetic about how good those two are all day, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we just want to continue to get better and continue to help the team win hockey games.’’

Last month, team president John Davidson told reporters that the Rangers were going to have to be flexible around the deadline — that they could go from being out of the playoff hunt to in it, or vice versa, in a hurry. Well, with their four straight wins, including a sweep of the three- game road trip, they are in it right now, seven points out of a playoff spot (with two games in hand on both the Blue Jackets and Flyers) going into Sunday’s matinee matchup against the Bruins.

So, at the moment, the Rangers need to win games. Kreider definitely is helping them do that. What kind of message would it send to the rest of the team — and especially to his linemates — if they traded him away now?

Whose turn is it now?

The Rangers’ three-goalie situation continues to be a fascinating topic.

After Igor Shesterkin made 42 saves last Sunday in a 4-1 home win over the Kings, coach David Quinn said he was done trying to figure out how to rotate three goaltenders (Shesterkin, Alexandar Georgiev and Henrik Lundqvist) to keep all of them sharp, and added that he was just going to play the best guy.

Then, after Shesterkin put up another 42-save performance in another 4- 1 win Tuesday in Winnipeg, Quinn answered a question about whether he was the No. 1 goalie by saying, “Yes . . . right now, that’s the situation we’re in because of his play, for sure.’’

The Rangers weren’t happy when a couple of newspapers (including Newsday) took that as a declaration that Shesterkin officially was the No. 1. And the plot thickened when Shesterkin’s ankle injury opened the door for Georgiev to play both ends of the back-to-back in Minnesota and Columbus. The Rangers beat Minnesota in a shootout, and after making 36 saves in Friday’s win over Columbus, Georgiev said he felt much sharper in Friday’s game after playing Thursday.

When Quinn was asked if his thinking on his No. 1 goaltender had changed, he joked that he was thinking of calling up a fourth goaltender, because the team is 10-5 since it began carrying three goalies. 1176729 Ottawa Senators Senators and Maple Leafs. Toronto has played one more game than Florida.

The goaltending matchup was also intriguing. WARREN GAME REPORT: Maple Leafs finish off a game Senators Hogberg, who picked up the win Thursday against Arizona and is squad seemingly well on his way to being part of the goaltending tandem for the 2020-21 season, made his third consecutive start.

Ken Warren Campbell, meanwhile, was making his fourth start since being acquired in a trade from the Los Angeles Kings in order to provide insurance February 15, 2020 11:10 PM EST behind No. 1 goaltender Frederik Andersen. In Campbell’s first three starts, he registered two wins and an overtime loss.

Hogberg’s night got off to a rough start. Once again, the Ottawa Senators showed enough energy and determination to hang around in a game that could have easily slipped Matthews scored on the first shot the Sens goalie faced, a bad-angle away into a lopsided romp. attempt that somehow slipped between his legs. The goal, Matthews’ 42nd of the season, tied Boston’s David Pastrnak for the NHL lead. Once again, though, they didn’t have enough of the elusive scoring touch to turn the effort into victory. On this night, given the environment of an arena filled largely with Maple Leafs fans, it spawned an eruption of applause and more “Go Leafs Go” Instead, the Toronto Maple Leafs, playing in front of a largely blue-and- chants. white clad crowd that repeatedly broke out into “Go Leafs Go” chants at , held on to register a crucial 4-2 victory in their The Senators stayed with the Maple Leafs for much of the first period, pursuit of a playoff berth. holding a 9-8 edge in shots. Chabot put on a skating exhibition. Ultimately, though, it was about the finishing touch. Or lack thereof. “We had our fair share of chances to win that thing,” said ex-Maple Leaf Connor Brown, who started the Senators’ rally from a 3-0 deficit late in The coach talks about tonight’s loss to the Leafs. the second period. “They are a talented team. They put pucks away pic.twitter.com/OtTwGCoapa when they have their chances, but, for the most part, we are going in the right direction from a team identity point of view and from a work ethic — Ottawa Senators (@Senators) February 16, 2020 point of view.” Campbell was sharp when he needed to be, but the Senators also Auston Matthews, Jake Muzzin, and Mitch Marner, into couldn’t take advantage of the Maple Leafs breakdowns. an empty net, scored for the Maple Leafs. Jack Campbell made 25 saves Come the second period, though, the Maple Leafs cranked up their game in the Toronto net. a notch, taking advantage of Senators turnovers, pulling ahead 3-0 on Cody Goloubef was credited with the other Senators goal — his first in the Muzzin and Nylander goals. the NHL since Nov. 17, 2015 — but there was plenty of discussion post- At that point, Senators coach D.J. Smith pulled Hogberg in favour of game that the Goloubef goal could eventually be given to Anthony Anderson, who hadn’t played since being pulled after two periods of the Duclair, who entered the game on a 19-game goal-scoring drought. Senators’ 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 8. Marcus Hogberg started in goal for the Senators, but was pulled for Craig Anderson after allowing the three Leafs goals on 16 shots. “The best thing about it is you don’t have to think,” said Anderson of jumping into the fire. “You get thrown in and your adrenalin kicks in and Down 3-0 after Nylander’s goal, the Senators made a game of it with new your fight or flight (mentality) comes in. Two things can happen. It can go forward line combinations. Brown finished off a pretty passing play with really good or really bad. (Saturday) was one of those where I came in Chris Tierney and Vladislav Namestnikov to make it 3-1 late in the and did pretty good.” second. Anderson will start for the Senators in Sunday’s game against the Dallas Anderson stopped all 14 shots he faced. With the clock ticking down and Stars at Canadian Tire Centre. the Senators down 3-2, Anderson kept the Senators close by making a spectacular breakaway save on Zach Hyman. Campbell also came up Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 big with the game on the line, stopping Jean-Gabriel Pageau on a rush that would have deadlocked the contest 3-3.

Marner then iced the game. With Anderson on the bench for an extra skater, Marner flipped the puck from his own blueline into the empty net with 1:14 remaining.

“In the situation we are in, we’re not going to make the playoffs,” said defenceman Thomas Chabot, who played a game-high 28:56. “I think it shows a lot, we want to show a lot to our fans that we will keep going to the end, whatever the score is.”

Whenever the Senators and Maple Leafs meet, particularly on a Saturday, the spirits and energy in the building are sky-high.

There were a few additional elements in play this time around.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe, the longtime owner, general manager and coach of the of the CCHL. Keefe was well supported by a large section of Ottawa Valley fans who made the trek to Canadian Tire Centre.

Former Senators captain was also making his first blue- and-white appearance here since joining the Maple Leafs last summer.

While the Senators are most interested in establishing a foundation for future play, the Maple Leafs remain in the thick of a tough battle for a playoff spot.

The Florida Panthers, who lost 4-1 to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday, trailed the Maple Leafs by two points in the fight for the third and final playoff spot in the Atlantic Division before the puck dropped between the 1176730 Ottawa Senators Kings who helped him reach the top of the coaching ladder despite his ties to former controversial coach/agent David Frost.

Keefe bought the CCHL franchise in 2003 and served as coach and Spezza and Senators fans, missing Borowiecki and Keefe's praise for general manager from 2006-07 until 2012-13 when he left to coach the Pembroke OHL’s Soo Greyhounds. He bussed 40 people from Pembroke to Ottawa for the game.

“The number of volunteers and supporters, the sponsors, the fans,” Ken Warren Keefe said. “It’s all of those things that allowed that (Lumber Kings) organization to support me in my endeavour to try and be a coach and February 15, 2020 9:46 PM EST start a new life and all those sorts of things. (Saturday) is a good opportunity for me to thank them and have them in the building. It’s something I always wanted to do. If I ever had a chance to coach in the Jason Spezza no longer bleeds Ottawa Senators colours, but it still pains NHL, I wanted to make sure I would go out of my way to acknowledge him to see Canadian Tire Centre half-empty on many nights. them.”

Saturday was not one of those nights, of course, as Spezza played in a LOVE IS IN THE AIR soldout CTC for the first time as a member of the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. Before going to work against the Maple Leafs, Brady Tkachuk had some fun talking about his Friday night dinner with his mother, sister and But as a student of the game, he has seen the highlights of the many girlfriend. “It’s Valentine’s Day every day,” he said, smiling. “You’ve just nights where there are only 9,000-11,000 fans in attendance. Before got to love everyone as much as you can.” Then he talked about the Saturday’s game, the Senators had averaged 12,050 per game this importance of hitting Matthews and company as much as possible … season, 31st in the 31-team NHL. Naturally, new chief executive officer Senators coach D.J. Smith served as coach for Maple Leafs netminder Jim Little says putting fans in the seats is his top priority. Jack Campbell when both were with Windsor in the OHL in 2010-11. “Jack is one of the most hard-working kids, and maybe one of the nicest “I look at this as a strong hockey community with great fans and we filled human beings I’ve ever coached. Generally just a really nice guy,” Smith the building every night when our teams were good,” said Spezza, who said. played for the Senators from 2002-14, the final season as captain, before being traded to Dallas. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 “It’s a little bit upsetting when you see it like this and you’re not sure what all the reasons are or what’s behind it, but you would like to see it (improve). Hopefully, people can just put everything aside and just come out and enjoy the games.

“It’s just too good of a hockey city and you don’t want to put that into jeopardy where (outside) people think it’s a bad market. You need full buildings for things to go well.”

REMEMBER WHEN?

Spezza has played 425 regular-season games since leaving the Senators, but it still seemed weird to see him on the other side of the Battle of Ontario. While Spezza played for the Maple Leafs against the Senators in Toronto on Feb. 1, Saturday was his first game wearing blue- and-white at Canadian Tire Centre. “When I was with Ottawa, did I ever think it would happen? No, but now I’m a Toronto Maple Leaf, it doesn’t feel weird, at all. My time in Ottawa feels like a long time ago.”

IN PRAISE OF A FORMER TEAMMATE

Spezza has nothing but superlatives for defenceman Chris Phillips, who will have his No. 4 retired on Tuesday. “He was a steady rock for us. He was a huge, huge, huge piece to our teams, but he wasn’t the flashiest piece. I would like to think he gets due justice for what he did. He was a big presence in the room. I think we tried as much as possible to give the Chris Phillips’, the Chris Neils’, the Chris Kellys’ credit, to make sure those guys were in on the conversation (in our success), because they were huge parts of our team. To see him get his jersey retired is amazing and well-deserved.”

MISSING BOROWIECKI

With Toronto in town, former Maple Leaf Nikita Zaitsev made a rare appearance in front of the media Saturday. After he talked about his time with Toronto, he was asked about the ankle injury suffered by defenceman Mark Borowiecki on Thursday. “It’s a huge loss,” he said. “He’s one of the hardest-working guys I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s very important for us.” Cody Goloubef took Borowiecki’s spot in the lineup. Up front, Scott Sabourin returned in place of Filip Chlapik, who was shipped back to Belleville of the AHL on Friday. Sabourin scored his one and only NHL goal in the season-opener in Toronto, a few weeks after 41-goal scorer Auston Matthews offered him a big-league platform during a pre- season game … Christian Wolanin played for Belleville in Friday’s 4-2 loss to the Toronto Marlies, his first competitive game since suffering a torn labrum on the eve of training camp. He had no points, but he fought Toronto’s Adam Brooks.

PRAISE FOR PEMBROKE

Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe saw Saturday’s game as an opportunity to thank the countless supporters from the Pembroke Lumber 1176731 Ottawa Senators Forward lines Brady Tkachuk–Jean-Gabriel Pageau–Connor Brown

Vladislav Namestnikov–Chris Tierney–Drake Batherson GAME DAY: Stars at Senators Nick Paul-Artem Anisimov–Anthony Duclair

Tyler Ennis–Colin White –Scott Sabourin Bruce Garrioch Defence pairings February 15, 2020 7:44 PM EST Thomas Chabot–Dylan DeMelo

Ron Hainsey–Cody Goloubef After taking on the Maple Leafs at home on Saturday night, the Ottawa Senators get right back at it on Sunday at 6 p.m., again at the CTC, Mike Reilly–Nikita Zaitsev against the Dallas Stars. Goaltending Dallas (33-19-5 before Saturday games) at Ottawa (19-27-11) Marcus Hogberg Sunday, 6 p.m., Canadian Tire Centre, TSN5, TVAS, TSN 1200 AM, Unique 94.5 FM Craig Anderson

THE BIG MATCHUP STARS LINEUP

Brady Tkachuk vs. Jamie Benn Forward lines

The Senators’ sophomore winger leads the league in hits and has helped Roope Hintz-Tyler Seguin-Corey Perry lead this team most nights this season. Tkachuk’s physical style is Jamie Benn-Jason Dickinson-Denis Gurianov needed against Western Conference teams and he has never backed down from any challenge, which is why he went into Saturday night with Andrew Cogliano-Radek Faksa-Blake Comeau 17 goals and 32 points. Benn had 18 goals and 31 points before facing the Habs and has been among the Stars’ more consistent players Mattias Janmark-Joe Pavelski-Jason Robertson offensively so Ottawa has to find a way to shut him down. Defence

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME Esa Lindell-John Klingberg

1. Back-to-back challenge Miro Heiskanen-Stephen Johns

This is a rare set of back-to-back home games for the Senators and this Jamie OIeksiak-Andrej Sekera is the 11th set overall this season. The club went into Saturday’s visit by the Leafs with a 3-4-3 record in the first game of the series and has a 3- Goaltenders 4-3 record in the second game. The Stars played Saturday night in Montreal and then made the short trek here to face Ottawa. Ben Bishop

2. So, who starts in goal? Anton Khudobin

With back-to-back games, you have to think the Senators will go with SICK BAY Craig Anderson in this one versus the Stars at home. He hasn’t played OTT: Mark Borowiecki, Anders Nilsson since the club’s 5-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets last Saturday on the road and was pulled there after giving up four goals on 22 shots. It’s a week to DAL: Martin Hanzal, Alexander Radulov the deadline and maybe a strong performance will draw some interest in Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 Anderson.

3. Shut down Joe Pavelski

The Stars were able to get Pavelski back from injury Saturday in Montreal and that’s a big boost for the club’s lineup. Pavelski has been a big factor on the road for the Stars this season with 6-7-13 points in 28 road games heading into the visit to the Bell Centre. The Senators have to be aware when he’s on the ice because Pavelski poses a big challenge.

4. Stars don’t align

This will be the second and final meeting against the Stars this season for the Senators. The club dropped a 2-1 decision in Dallas on Oct. 21 to close out the club’s first lengthy road trip of the year. Only Vladislav Namestnikov was able to beat Stars goalie Anton Khudobin on the 19 shots he faced. The expectation is Khudobin will get the net for this one.

5. Welcome back Rick Bowness

Interviewed for the Ottawa’s vacant head coaching job last spring, Bowness was passed over by the Senators in favour of D.J. Smith for the job. He was named the Stars’ head coach on Dec. 10, 2019, and this is the sixth time in his career he’s been in the top job. He’s only the third coach in NHL history to be behind a bench in five decades, joining Scotty Bowman and the late Pat Quinn.

SPECIAL TEAMS

OTT: PP 14.4% (29th); PK 78.5% (21st)

DAL: PP 20.5% (14th); PK 81.5% (11th)

SENATORS LINEUP 1176732 Ottawa Senators missed a shift. He didn’t fight much, but he was a strong as anyone. I remember him playing with (Anton Volchenkov) and shutting down guys, sometimes playing the full two minutes of an (opposition) power play. His job was to defend and play tough.” The Big Rig Legacy: "Big, strong, silent" The Big Rig logged some hard miles, usually without the fanfare accorded the team’s scoring stars. He will, however, be the star attraction Tuesday as his number is retired. Ken Warren Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 February 15, 2020 5:47 PM EST

Wisecracks aside, ex-teammates and Wade Redden have deep respect for Chris Phillips' deeds during 17 seasons and 1,179 NHL games.

Jokes are flying through the air as Chris Phillips’ former teammates prepare to join in on Tuesday’s retirement jersey celebration.

“We’re the same age, but, when I first saw him, I thought he was eight years older because he had that full beard,” ex-Ottawa Senators winger Chris Neil says.

Asked about sharing a house with Phillips when they were both teenagers with the Senators, Wade Redden says, “No, there were not a lot of homemade meals.”

Wisecracks aside, Neil and Redden have deep respect for what Phillips accomplished during his 17 seasons and 1,179 regular-season games in the National Hockey League.

It’s not just about the quiet leadership he displayed, but also about how Phillips handled himself through the tough times in his career and for how he helped sell the team to the community.

“When you get drafted first overall, the expectations are extremely high. There’s so much expectation of big (offensive) numbers,” Neil says, marveling at Phillips’ ability to alter his game over time to fit the organization’s needs.

Even when he played in the Western Hockey League as a teenager, first with the Prince Albert Raiders and then with a Lethbridge Hurricanes team that went to the , Phillips was often a rushing defenceman, routinely carrying the puck into the opposition end. In the NHL, though, he needed to carve out a different role.

“It’s his longevity and what he did for the organization against top lines,” Neil continues. “He became one of the NHL’s best shutdown guys, always playing against (Alex) Ovechkin and the other superstars.”

Despite all the management and coaching changes during his career — after Jacques Martin left as head coach, Phillips played for Bryan Murray, John Paddock, Craig Hartsburg, Cory Clouston, Paul MacLean and Dave Cameron — he continued in that role.

“To be drafted and stay with one team for your whole career isn’t very likely,” says Neil, whose NHL years were also spent exclusively with the Senators. “Just look at guys like Mark Stone or Erik Karlsson. There’s a lot more turnover now. But Phillips had all those different coaches and they all thought the same way about him as the previous coach did.”

Over the years, Phillips has been involved with countless charities, which connects the team to fans and vice versa. Not everything, though, was publicized.

“Guys like (Phillips, and Redden), they led the way,” Neil says. “If you were out for dinner and they saw a sick kid, they would take the time to go over and say hi and later pay a visit.”

Redden, who played with Phillips on Canada’s world junior team before they both joined the Senators, says Phillips was a presence from the beginning.

“He was always such a mature guy,” says Redden, who spent his first 11 seasons with the Senators before signing as a free agent with the New York Rangers in 2008. “He was a big strong, silent guy. A force as a player.”

In big games, Phillips also earned a reputation for being able to play through an assortment of injuries.

“I remember him coming to the bench one time and his ring finger was sideways,” Redden says. “He was kind of ho hum about it and Doc (Don) Chow was behind the bench and popped it into place. I don’t think he 1176733 Ottawa Senators one of the NHL’s elite squads, also playing in 114 playoff games. It takes all types of players to build a winning chemistry.

Looking back, it was impressive that the Senators managed to keep Chris Phillips is happily living a dream family life after retiring from the together such a solid core group featuring Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, NHL Mike Fisher, Chris Neil and Wade Redden for as long as they did. During his tenure, Phillips’ defensive partners also included Zdeno Chara, Anton Volchenkov and Erik Karlsson.

Ken Warren It’s remarkably rare for an NHL player to stay in one place for his entire career as Phillips did. February 15, 2020 5:33 PM EST Just like the crop of potential unrestricted free agents in advance of this

year’s NHL trade deadline on Feb. 24, Phillips contemplated the The longest-serving player in Ottawa Senators history will see his No. 4 possibility of moving to a Stanley Cup contender near the end of his jersey retired and raised to the rafters on Tuesday night. career. Ultimately, he took a bit less salary-wise to stay in Ottawa.

It’s 3 o’clock on a snowy Tuesday afternoon in late January. There are “Before my last deal (in 2014), where I didn’t have a contract right at the only a couple of cars in the parking lot outside the Bell Arena in Ottawa’s deadline, there was a question about whether I would re-sign or be west end and a mere handful of spectators inside to watch a high school traded,” he says. “It would be a lie if I didn’t say I spent some time girls hockey game. thinking about that, but I looked at guys that had moved around at the trade deadline, and there are no guarantees with that, either. Chris Phillips is one of them. “Although we never won it, I’ve been to a Stanley Cup final (in 2007). I’ve The longest-serving player in Ottawa Senators history, who will see his been with some amazing teams. I wish I could have won it all in Ottawa, No. 4 jersey retired and raised to the rafters beside Daniel Alfredsson’s but, after a lot of conversations with Erin, it just didn’t make sense (to No. 11 on Tuesday night, is doing what he does just about every day move).” now. He’s relishing any opportunity he can find to see his children — Ben, 16, Zoe, 15, and Niomi, 12 — at play. When the pain of a devastating back injury finally forced his retirement in May 2015, there were natural concerns about what would come next for “It’s great,” Phillips says, watching as Zoe, a defenceman sporting No. 4, Phillips. For players who have enjoyed extended careers in the spotlight, carries the puck up the ice. “I certainly missed a lot of that stuff when it’s often difficult to adjust to new life away from the game. they were younger, when (the Senators) were on the road or we had game nights or whatever. I just didn’t have the time. Now I try to get out “I was personally a bit worried about that,” Erin says. “You hear those as much as I can.” stories about players in retirement … but, in the end, he was as busy as he wanted to be. It was an easy transition. We got lucky. You see how Phillips, 41, is routinely checking his phone, just to make sure there are many former players settle down and are happy to stay here. It’s a great no last-minute changes to the hockey schedules and to ensure that either place to raise kids.” he or his wife, Erin, can be here, there and everywhere. When the playing days were over, Phillips spent time knocking down He’s not sitting still. As a director of community and business doors, literally doing the dirty work while exercising his passion and development and a community ambassador for the Senators, Phillips is expertise for renovating and re-selling houses. He got his feet wet as a pulled in a variety of directions, an invaluable resource during the partner in business in The Big Rig, lending his nickname to the popular organization’s rebuilding phase. He’s also a hands-on presence in the restaurant and microbrewery. The Big Rig has since expanded, but building of the family’s new Kanata home. Phillips sold off his share last year.

The Big Rig Legacy: "Big, strong, silent" He also has the never-boring gig with the Senators.

Erin Phillips, an Ottawa native who is now a real-estate agent, says it can “It’s a little bit of everything,” he says. “Promoting game nights, working be a whirlwind. “We’re probably busier than we were before. We see with corporate partners on the business side, cutting ribbons for a new each other less than when he was playing,” she says, with a laugh. rink, being a face in the community. It’s not 9 to 5. It’s not a desk job. It’s different all the time.” Indeed, Zoe also plays on the Kanata Midget A competitive squad. Then there are four or five ice times a week that the former Senators Central to his post-playing life, of course, is family. If he could do it all defenceman spends as an assistant coach with Ben’s Kanata Lasers over again, he wouldn’t change much. under-18 squad. If that wasn’t already enough to pile up kilometres in the truck, Niomi also plays for the Kanata PeeWee C competitive team. “I couldn’t have scripted it any better for myself, minus the back injury,” Phillips says. “To stay in one city, to set up everything … the number of Phillips sympathizes with other hockey parents who have multiple people we’ve met, the contacts we have. If we were able to bring a Cup children involved in sports and other activities, marveling at how they here, it would have been icing on the cake, but there are certainly way manage to get their kids everywhere while holding full-time jobs. Earlier more positives than negatives.” on that same Tuesday, he joined Niomi for a career day presentation at her school. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020

“Every afternoon or evening, usually one of them has a practice or a game,” he says. “If it’s the girls, I’m there to drop off or watch. And, with the boys’ team, I’m usually on the ice (at practice) twice a week and there are two games a week, so I’m on the bench for those. That’s typically how our evenings and weekends go.”

Phillips, who has always displayed a dry sense of humour and down to earth personality, wouldn’t have it any other way. He blesses his good fortune in being entrenched — and having his family rooted — in the same community where he began his National Hockey League career 23 years ago.

After being drafted first overall by the Senators in 1996, the native of Fort McMurray, Alta., played 17 seasons and a franchise-record 1,179 regular-season games. When the Big Rig scored, it was a big deal. He notched only 71 goals during his career, punctuating most of them with a signature celebration.

Yet that wasn’t what he was all about. He was a stay-at-home, physical, shot-blocking defensive fixture during the Senators decade-long run as 1176734 Ottawa Senators Sitting five points out of the final wild card spot as they prepared to host the Oilers on Saturday at home, the Florida Panthers could be on the verge of accepting reality. The Panthers are getting ready to sell off assets, and with teams looking for help up front, they may have some The loss of Erik Karlsson means the San Jose Sharks could be busy at that attract attention. Wingers Mike Hoffman and Evgeni Dadonov, both deadline UFAs on July 1, could be on the move while there’s been talk the Panthers may also ship out forward Vincent Trocheck. While the

Panthers probably wouldn’t mind moving Trocheck, he has a cap hit of Bruce Garrioch $4.75 million through the next two seasons and that’s going to be difficult to move unless GM Dale Tallon is wiling to accept a contract in return … February 15, 2020 6:34 PM EST There’s no shortage of talk that Ottawa blueliner Dylan DeMelo will be on the move to a contender this spring. The belief is Calgary, Tampa Bay,

Winnipeg and Vegas all want to add a defenceman. The Golden Knights It has gone from bad to worse for the San Jose Sharks. have the assets to make a deal for DeMelo, who has played a big role on the Senators’ blueline this season. If the club can’t get him signed, then Already out of the playoff race in the Western Conference and in the there’s a strong chance he’s moved along … The Rangers are still trying midst of a disastrous season, the Sharks announced Saturday that all- to sign forward Chris Kreider, but there’s talk that’s not going to be easy. star defenceman Erik Karlsson is done for the season with a broken left If he doesn’t get moved, then Ottawa centre Jean-Gabriel Pageau could thumb he suffered Friday in Winnipeg that’s going to require surgery. become the top forward available in what’s a really thin market. If you’re Acquired from the Senators in September 2018 and signed to an eight- expecting the Senators to get a first-round pick in exchange, then lower year extension last spring, the Sharks are going to pay for that trade big your expectations. time this spring when they surrender their top selection in this year’s draft Have a nice Sunday. in Montreal to Ottawa. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 Heading into play Saturday, the Sharks had the sixth-best odds of winning the No. 1 pick overall, while the No. 29-ranked Senators owned the third-best chance. It’s plausible the Senators could have two picks in the top five because the Karlsson injury isn’t going to help matters for the Sharks and winger Evander Kane was handed a three-game suspension Saturday for elbowing Neal Pionk in Winnipeg.

The belief is Sharks general manager Doug Wilson has put up the “For Sale” sign and is trying to move as many pieces as possible before the deadline kicks in Feb.A 24 at 3 p.m. ET. The Sharks are expected to move defenceman Brenden Dillon, but there will be a lot of eyes on captain Joe Thornton.

He has a full “no move” clause, but the Sharks would like to give him the opportunity to win a Stanley Cup. If he’s going to be dealt, then league executives believe he’ll only go to a team that has a chance to win, so the Colorado Avalanche and Boston Bruins are both viewed as good fits.

AROUND THE BOARDS

Devils interim GM Tom Fitzgerald could be among the busiest before the deadline. While the club has UFAs Wayne Simmonds, Kevin Rooney, Andy Greene and goalie Louis Domingue, they’re not the only ones who could be moved. With the exception of some of the young players, the belief is Fitzgerald is prepared to discuss just about anybody on the club’s roster. There’s some talk New York Islanders GM may be showing mild interest in veteran forward Travis Zajac. He has a year left with a cap hit of $5.75 million, but has a history with Lamoriello. … The decision by Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin to fire coach Bruce Boudreau caught people off guard mostly because of the timing. The Wild are pushing for a playoff spot in the West, but Boudreau was sent packing after the club lost in a shootout to the New York Rangers on Thursday night on a questionable goal. In the final year of his contract, Boudreau wasn’t hired by Guerin and the expectation is he wants to bring in his own coach next year. The betting money is on former Nashville coach as the leading candidate.

OFF THE GLASS

A lot of eyes will be on Montreal GM Marc Bergevin because the Habs went into their game Saturday against the Dallas Stars 10 points out of a playoff spot. Bergevin, who’s under the microscope with the club ready to miss the post-season for the third straight season, hasn’t got a whole lot of assets that are going to help anybody in a push to make the playoffs. Yes, teams will call about winger Ilya Kovalchuk, but the club will have to lower its asking price of a second-round pick because 29 other teams could have had him for free when he was bought out by the Kings earlier in the season. Teams are going to call about RFA forward Max Domi, but it seems doubtful the Habs are ready to go that route and move him. … Yes, this is a strong draft, but one reason teams don’t want to give up first-round picks is because it’s a huge gamble for the franchise. If it works and you win the Stanley Cup, then you look like a genius, but if you don’t go on a long playoff run there’s a chance you’ll get fired.

THE LAST WORDS 1176735 Ottawa Senators By then, Smith had started his first season as the head coach of the Generals after six years with Windsor. Each coach took his organization to new heights.

D.J. Smith and Sheldon Keefe’s shared road to the NHL, and the Battle Smith won a Memorial Cup in 2014-15, his final year coaching in junior, of Ontario while Keefe transformed a struggling Soo Greyhounds team into one of the best teams in the . They never won a Memorial Cup like Smith’s Generals though.

Hailey Salvian Smith was named OHL coach of the year in 2013-14 in his second year as the Generals coach. While Keefe, in his third year with the Soo, won Feb 15, 2020 the same award in 2014-15.

In 2015-16, Smith and Keefe found themselves in the Leafs organization, The connections run deep between the men behind the benches in the former as an assistant coach under Babcock and the latter the head Saturday’s third installment of the 2019-20 Battle of Ontario. coach of the AHL Marlies. Both were being groomed for NHL head coaching roles. D.J. Smith, in his first year as a head coach in the NHL, and Sheldon Keefe, 35 games into his NHL coaching career, were roommates more Keefe remains the franchise leader in wins by a coach in Marlies history. than 15 years ago as members of the — the AHL affiliate He led the team to four playoff appearances and won the organization’s of the Colorado Avalanche. first championship in 2018.

The then-26-year-old Smith was the heavy-hitting defenceman in his Four years later, the two men are facing off for the second time as head ninth year as a professional. While the then-23-year-old Keefe was the coaches at the NHL level on opposite sides of the Battle of Ontario. skilled young forward. The veteran was the messier roommate. So, did a young Smith and young Keefe ever talk about this being a “Oh, that was me,” Smith said with a laugh. “For sure.” possibility back in Hershey?

It’s just one of the relationships that has brought a more peaceful feeling “Not at all,” Smith said, laughing. “I always thought I would be a coach. I to the once heated rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa didn’t maybe picture him as a coach, but you never know who is going to Senators. be a good coach and who’s not. And he’s certainly put a lot of time into being a good one.” On July 1, the Senators acquired Connor Brown, along with defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, in a trade with Toronto in exchange for Cody Ceci, Ben Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe has paid his dues. (Joe Camporeale / USA Harpur and Aaron Luchuk. The Senators added two more members of Today) the 2018-19 Maple Leafs by signing unrestricted free agents Tyler Ennis Keefe said that Smith’s shot at the NHL is well deserved. and Ron Hainsey. The four Senators play for Smith, who spent four years as an assistant coach for on Toronto’s bench. “Not even from my time playing with him, just working with him here in the organization, he was so great for me and my job with the Marlies,” Former Senator Jason Spezza — who is second in Ottawa history in Keefe said. “Anytime I had a question or wanted to make a call he was points behind Daniel Alfredsson — signed with his hometown Leafs in there to take a call, and to watch games, give feedback on our guys but the summer. also just being around him to learn from him in training camp and those But if you trace the paths of Keefe and Smith from their junior hockey types of things.” playing days to coaching in the NHL, it’s clear the connections are The connections between the two highlight what has become a much strongest behind the benches. gentler rivalry between the two organizations. But it also shows how “I’ve known him for a long time,” Smith said about Keefe. “We played small the hockey world can be, that two players could be so connected together in the minors, and we’ve kept in touch over the years and he’s for almost 20 years in pursuit of an NHL future. done a really nice job developing himself as a coach.” “It really is a small world,” Smith said. “And you’re starting to see more Smith and Keefe came up through the Ontario Hockey League but guys from our era starting to coach, starting to become general played a few years apart with Smith — now 42 — three years older than managers or get into management. Keefe — now 39. “It seems like a really long time when you’re in the OHL coaching at 27 They played against each other in the pros for a number of years in the years old and for me to be at this point coaching with guys I played NHL and AHL — Smith played in the Leafs organization from 1996-97 against now … it (has just been) a long time to get here, but it’s the best until 2001-2002 — before they became teammates in Hershey in 2003- league in the world for a reason and you (have to) work to get here.” 04. When Jason Spezza played his first game on the other side of the Battle “He was captain of our team and it was his final year, and I played a few of Ontario on Feb. 1 — he was scratched in Game 1 of the provincial more games after that in the lockout year,” Keefe recalled when asked rivalry on opening night Oct.2 — he admitted the rivalry isn’t what it used about his former roommate. “He was the captain of our team, a real to be. leader of our team.” The Senators and Leafs faced off in the postseason four times from “He was always a really hard-working guy,” Smith added about Keefe. 2000-2002 and 2004. The Leafs won every series. There was bad blood “He was a scorer in junior, but in the pros, he could check, and he was in almost every game with the likes of and facing really hard to play against. He was a really good guy and a good off against Alfredsson and Marian Hossa. And in the later years, a young teammate.” Spezza was involved.

After the 2003-04 season, Smith retired from professional hockey. In “It was definitely at its peak (when I played),” Spezza told reporters in 2005-06, he started his coaching career in the OHL with his former team Toronto. “They were definitely a big hurdle for us as a team. The regular- — the Windsor Spitfires — as an assistant coach. Keefe started coaching season games meant more because we were trying to prove we could a year later with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, a Junior A team he play against (them). purchased in 2002-03 while still a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. A “They built big, strong, physical teams, and we were skilled teams. We knee injury ended his career early. couldn’t get through and then when we did feel like we could start to Keefe coached the Lumber Kings to five consecutive league titles, control the series, it gave us confidence as a team. It was a very culminating in a as national Junior A champions. important rivalry at the time.” In 2012-13, Keefe left the Lumber Kings to take over as head coach of The rivalry has been dormant for years now, and the two sides haven’t the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The general manager who hired him faced off in the playoffs since 2004. The Leafs made the playoffs just was Kyle Dubas, now the GM of the Maple Leafs. once between 2005 and 2016. The Senators haven’t made the postseason since the run that saw them reach the Eastern Conference final in 2017. There have been some heated regular-season games over the years, but the rivalry will never truly be back until both sides are playoff contenders. And Keefe thinks Smith might be just the man to reignite the Battle of Ontario.

“I’ve always admired his ability as a coach, and coaching against him in junior, his teams were no fun to play against and his success with Oshawa is no coincidence,” he said. “You can see the foundation of things starting to come about in Ottawa. Just watching and preparing for (games against Ottawa) you know it’s not going to be an easy one.”

Smith thinks his Senators will get there too.

“In time, we are going to catch up to these guys,” he said. “I was here for some of the lower times (in Toronto), and I’m fortunate to be able to grow with (the Senators) and they are going to be competitive soon enough.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176736 Philadelphia Flyers Killorn scored after his pass deflected off Provorov’s skate, and he collected the rebound and put it off Hart, who did not have the short side covered, and into the net 3:17 into the game.

Flyers rally late, but Lightning hold on to tie franchise record of 10 “Just an unlucky bounce,” Provorov said. straight wins A Provorov turnover led to Paquette’s sixth goal of the season. Tyler Johnson, operating behind the goal line, found a wide-open Paquette in the slot, and he put a one-timer past Hart with 5:05 to go in the period. Sam Carchidi, Carter Verhaeghe converted Victor Hedman’s saucer pass and finished a three-on-two rush that gave the Bolts a 3-0 lead2:35 into the second period. TAMPA, Fla. – Flyers coach said Saturday’s game was a chance for his team to show how it measured against the surging Tampa The Flyers, however, regrouped. Bay Lightning. “There’s no quit in this team. We battled hard,” Flyers coach Alain Well, the Flyers huffed and puffed and outplayed Tampa over most of the Vigneault said. “Unfortunately, this is a tough team to give a three-goal last two periods. lead to. Obviously, on the first one, Carter would like to have that one back, and we had a terrible [line] change on their third goal. ... The But the damage had already been done. difference in the third period was their goaltender. We had enough looks The Bolts got outstanding goaltending from Andrei Vasilevskiy and were and the right type of looks to tie this game up. Give their goaltender opportunistic, jumping out to a 3-0 lead and outlasting the Flyers, 5-3, at credit.” Amalie Arena. Breakaways Tampa held off a furious late charge that saw the Flyers trim a 4-1 deficit The Flyers were 2-for-5 on the power play and got another goal with Hart to 4-3, and it escaped with its 10th straight win, matching a franchise pulled for an extra skater. Tampa was 0 for 5 on the power play. ... record. It also gave Tampa a franchise-record 11 consecutive home Vasilevskiy beat the Flyers and Hart, 1-0, on Jan. 11, at the Wells Fargo victories. Center. ... The Flyers recalled defenseman Mark Friedman from the “After it went to 3-0, after that it was all us,” defenseman Ivan Provorov Phantoms, but he was a healthy scratch and was sent back to Lehigh said. “We had control of the game, we had the puck, we were creating. If Valley. Friedman was recalled in case Travis Sanheim (leg) was unable it wasn’t for their goalie, we would have won the game.” to play. Sanheim played nearly 20 minutes. … Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere will have his left knee examined Monday to find out why it Vasilevskiy made 30 saves and raised his point streak to 21 games (19- is healing slowly after arthroscopic surgery. … Up next for the Flyers: 0-2). The NHL record is 27 straight by the Flyers’ Pete Peeters in 1979- consecutive games against Columbus on Tuesday (home) and Thursday 80. (away).

“He’s been feeling it, for sure, as has their whole team,” Flyers winger Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 02.16.2020 James van Riemsdyk said. “They’re finding ways to win.”

The 25-year-old goalie turned aside Travis Konecny from in front with 1 minute, 50 seconds left to keep the Lightning ahead, 4-3. Nikita Kucherov iced the win with an empty-net goal with 21.6 seconds remaining.

The Flyers outshot the Lightning, 33-24, including a 25-13 margin over the last two periods.

“They’re a team pushing for the playoffs, so they’re pushing," Tampa coach said of the Flyers. "I really respect that team. They’re good. They pushed, and we didn’t push back, to be honest with you.”

Trailing 3-1, the Flyers dominated the third period, but Vasilevskiy stopped Sean Couturier twice in front, denied Kevin Hayes from the slot, and robbed the suddenly offensive Robert Hagg from the doorstep, as the Lightning maintained a two-goal cushion. He also made a terrific stop on Jake Voracek after he redirected a slick goal-mouth pass from ever- present Couturier midway through the third.

Konecny, who was involved in several after-the-whistle scrums in the feisty game, and Joel Farabee had a two-on-none rush with about nine minutes to go but didn’t get off a shot.

With 7:26 left, Brayden Point scored from the right circle with a well- placed shot into the left corner, giving Tampa a 4-1 lead.

“If I stop that puck at the end, I think we win this hockey game," Carter Hart said.

The Flyers didn’t quit. Van Riemsdyk (six goals in the last 11 games) scored a power-play goal with 4:29 to go. The Flyers pulled their goalie with 4:21 remaining, and Claude Giroux scored on a rebound with 3:45 left to cut the deficit to 4-3.

In the second period, the Flyers cut into Tampa’s 3-0 lead on Ivan Provorov’s power-play goal, a tracer from the point after he took a feed from Giroux. The pass gave Giroux 234 power-play assists, tying Bobby Clarke’s franchise record.

First-period goals by Alex Killorn and Cedric Paquette had the Flyers chasing the game – not a good formula against a team that allowed two goals or fewer in eight of its previous nine games. 1176737 Philadelphia Flyers Andreas Athanasiou, LW, Detroit ($3 million cap hit): A 30-goal scorer last season, he has seen his production drop considerably, but the offensive potential is there.

Flyers would like to add offensive depth at the trade deadline, but it won’t Ryan Donato, LW/C, Minnesota ($1.9 million cap hit): He has a quick be easy | Sam Carchidi release, a high-end shot, and is a responsible two-way player. Oh, and he’s affordable.

Chris Tierney, C, Ottawa ($2.9 million cap hit): There will be a fire sale in Sam Carchidi, Ottawa, and Tierney is expected to be a part of it.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 02.16.2020 TAMPA, Fla. — Head coach Alain Vigneault and general manager Chuck Fletcher say the Flyers, as currently constructed, are a playoff team.

“And once you get in, anything can happen,” Vigneault said.

“We definitely like our team and like the way the team has responded and improved over the course of the year,” Fletcher said before watching the Flyers whip Florida, 6-2, on Thursday. “But it’s a tough division, a tough conference, and we have a lot of work to do.”

That said, both men are not against upgrading the Flyers’ depth at forward. There’s not much time left to do that. The trade deadline is Feb. 24.

“We do like our depth in general, but if there’s a way we can improve our depth up front, we’d look at that just to continue to protect against injuries down the road," Fletcher said.

Fletcher said there’s no sense of urgency to do something. "But we call around and see if there’s value and see if there’s something that makes sense.”

Complicating matters, is the fact the Flyers are projected to have only about $2 million in trade-deadline cap room, according to CapFriendly.com.

With the Flyers having a surplus of defensemen, Shayne Gostisbehere ($4.5 million cap hit) was a prime chip to trade. If included in a deal, his cap hit would enable the Flyers to acquire a quality forward.

But Gostisbehere’s surgically repaired left knee is still bothering him, and it seems unlikely the Flyers will be able to deal him. That will make it much more difficult for the Flyers to fit an expensive forward under the cap.

If Gostisbehere was put on the long-term-injured reserve list, the Flyers would gain cap relief and have enough room to add a pricey forward, but that could create overages that would plague next season’s cap.

In other words, the Flyers’ best chance to improve their forward depth may be if center Nolan Patrick returns from a migraine disorder. Patrick hasn’t played all season but has made significant progress recently and may start practicing with the team regularly as early as Monday.

But if Fletcher somehow can work some cap magic, here are the forwards who are reportedly on the block as the trade deadline approaches:

Chris Kreider, LW, Rangers ($4.6 million cap hit): An unrestricted free agent on July 1, Kreider would be difficult to fit under the cap.

Jean-Gabriel Pageau, C, Ottawa ($3.1 million cap hit): Another pending UFA, he would be a great addition if Patrick can’t return.

Tyler Toffoli, LW, Los Angeles ($4.6 million cap hit): Fletcher talked with Kings front-office executive Ron Hextall on Thursday in Florida, but it’s not known if Toffoli was the topic. Like Kreider, he’s a pending UFA who is a long shot to wear the orange and black.

Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Toronto ($3.2 million cap hit): He is signed until after the 2021-22 season and would be more than just a rental. Much more.

Ilya Kovalchuk, RW, Montreal ($700,000 cap hit): At 36, he can still score and he would help an inconsistent power play. He’s cheap, too.

Derek Grant, C, Anaheim ($700,000): He isn’t flashy but does a lot of little things that make him valuable, including his work on the penalty kill.

Ondrej Kase, RW, Anaheim ($2.6 million cap hit): A fearless player who gives his team lots of energy, Kase has a 20-goal season on his resume. His brother, David, played six games with the Flyers this season and is now with the Phantoms. 1176738 Philadelphia Flyers

Nolan Patrick making progress, could be a regular at Flyers’ practices next week; ‘Ghost’s’ knee improved

Sam Carchidi,

SUNRISE, Fla. — Center Nolan Patrick is making very good progress and there’s a chance he will join the Flyers’ practices on a full-time basis as early as Monday, general manager Chuck Fletcher said before Thursday’s game in Florida.

Patrick, 21, who scored 13 goals in each of his first two seasons, skated Thursday in Voorhees. He has missed the entire season because of a migraine disorder.

“He’s really been ramping up the intensity of his skates,” Fletcher said, “and hopefully on Monday he’ll be part of our group for skating. He’s not cleared for contact yet, but, again, he’s continuing to do more and more on the ice and more and more off the ice. He’s trending the right way.”

Added Fletcher: “Our schedule the next few weeks has us at home more than we’re traveling, so we should have the opportunity to integrate him into our [practice] group.”

Fletcher said he will know more after he confers with trainer Jim McCrossin when the Flyers return from their road trip.

If the Flyers are able to get Patrick back, it might reduce their need to hit the trade market.

“It certainly could,” said Fletcher, mindful that the Feb. 24 trade deadline is approaching. “You can never have enough depth, but it’s hard to find a player of [Patrick’s] caliber available.”

Asked if Patrick’s headaches were subsiding, Fletcher said: “The intensity of his workouts has been able to increase, so I think that’s a good sign.”

‘Ghost’ update

Defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere returned home Thursday — he grew up in South Florida — but was not in the lineup as the Flyers faced the Panthers at the BB&T Center.

The good news: Gostisbehere’s surgically repaired left knee is feeling much better, and he may be available when the Flyers play in Tampa on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Alain Vigneault said Gostisbehere was almost 100 percent.

Because the Flyers have a surplus of defensemen, Gostisbehere’s name will surface in trade rumors before the deadline. He is viewed as an attractive trade candidate because of his ability to quarterback a power play. Gostisbehere has just one power-play goal this season, but the hope is that his repaired knee will give him better lateral movement and make him more effective.

Breakaways

Gostisbehere and Morgan Frost were healthy scratches. ... Entering Thursday, Sean Couturier had 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) in his last 13 games. ... Former Flyers GM Ron Hextall, now working in the Kings’ front office, scouted Thursday’s game. He and his wife have a home in South Florida and he attends most of the Panthers’ home games.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176739 Philadelphia Flyers In the middle stanza, the Lightning beat Hart on a 3-on-2 to grab a commanding 3-0 advantage. Tampa Bay improved to 33-4-3 when it scores three or more goals.

Subpar start leads to Flyers loss vs. Lightning but doesn't hurt spot in Not only are the Lightning really good, but the Flyers also didn't play their NHL playoff race typical forechecking, possession-based game until it was too late.

Killer on the board first! pic.twitter.com/oAIjHjeJm0

Jordan Hall — Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 15, 2020

February 15, 2020 7:25 PM Ceddy on the spot! pic.twitter.com/ymSbHQRF6B

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 15, 2020

The Flyers didn't bring their A-game to a game they needed it. This pass from Heddy... pic.twitter.com/V4gsdzht39

There would be no giant killing Saturday as the Flyers lost to the — Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 15, 2020 Lightning, 5-3, at Amalie Arena. • Outside of the van Riemsdyk's third-period goal, Lightning netminder Goals from Ivan Provorov, James van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux Andrei Vasilevskiy was strong with 30 saves, 15 of which came in the weren't enough for the Flyers (32-20-7), who are 6-3-2 against the final stanza. Bruins, Lightning, Capitals, Penguins and Blues, the league's top five clubs. Vasilevskiy improved to 18-0-1 with a 1.83 goals-against average and .940 save percentage over his last 19 starts. Tampa Bay is the only one the Flyers haven't beaten. They'll get a final crack at the Lightning on March 12 in the same building. • Provorov was far from his best against Tampa Bay but he did score the Flyers' first goal to trim the Lightning's lead to 3-1 in the second period. The Lightning (39-15-5) have won 10 straight games. He also had an assist.

• This really wasn't a bad loss for the Flyers. The 23-year-old has grown into a power play quarterback this season. He leads all NHL defensemen with seven man advantage goals after They were at the end of a road trip and playing the NHL's hottest team. scoring only two over his first three NHL seasons. Tampa Bay is 22-2-1 over its last 25 games and hasn't lost at home since Dec. 19. Provorov on the power play! | @skiJFBB pic.twitter.com/WeVEP2JxPw

The Flyers entered Saturday with a 66.9 percent chance to make the — NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) February 15, 2020 playoffs, according to Hockey-Reference.com, and still hold an Eastern Conference wild-card spot (see standings). • Travis Sanheim played 19:43 minutes Saturday after missing almost the entire third period of Thursday's 6-2 win over the Panthers because of a Alain Vigneault's team just needs to recharge and be ready for a big lower-body issue. home-and-home set against the Blue Jackets next week. • The Flyers are off Sunday, practice at 11:30 a.m. Monday in Voorhees, • Things got chippy in the second period. Travis Konecny was right in the New Jersey and host the Blue Jackets Tuesday (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP). middle of it all. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 Steven Stamkos appeared to trip Giroux before a faceoff. Giroux didn't even look to be that mad about it.

During the final 6:09 of the middle frame, 22 penalty minutes were accrued.

“Me?”

“That guy.”

That guy being All-Star Travis Konecny. pic.twitter.com/mjcw5oMzg4

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) February 15, 2020 coolcoolcoolcool.#PHIvsTBL | #NowOrNever pic.twitter.com/9sLYVC0A37

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 15, 2020

Amazing show of disrespect by Stamkos towards Giroux. Purposely tripped him before a draw with a slew foot. Was not called a penalty!

— Chris Therien (@ctherien6) February 15, 2020 see. just chatting. #PHIvsTBL | #NowOrNever pic.twitter.com/OjOlHVoPgW

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) February 15, 2020

• Brayden Point (10-game point streak) is good at hockey.

Brayden Point, everybody. pic.twitter.com/gK9ZorJWGL

— Tampa Bay Lightning (@TBLightning) February 15, 2020

• Carter Hart, who was coming off his first road victory since Nov. 10, allowed four goals on 23 shots.

The 21-year-old wasn't the problem.

The first goal was a fluky one by Alex Killorn. On the second, Provorov was sloppy with the puck in the defensive zone and Tampa Bay capitalized to take a 2-0 lead into first intermission. 1176740 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers, Lightning have 4 p.m. start on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Jordan Hall

February 15, 2020 2:20 PM

Saturday's game should be a good one.

The Flyers and Lightning are two of the hottest teams in the NHL. Since Jan. 8, the Flyers have the league's most goals (52) and only one team has more points (21) — the Lightning (27).

Tampa Bay is also on a nine-game winning streak and 21-2-1 over its last 24 games.

The big showdown comes a little earlier than usual. Puck drop will be shortly after 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia, with Flyers Pregame Live set for 3:30 p.m. ET.

The matchup finishes off a three-game road trip for the Flyers, who then play four of their next five games at the Wells Fargo Center.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176741 Pittsburgh Penguins

Minor league report: Penguins lose to Sound Tigers, 3-2

Seth Rorabaugh

February 15, 2020 11:06 p.m.

Goaltender Casey DeSmith made 25 saves for the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 3-2 road loss to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers at in Bridgeport, Conn. on Saturday.

Forwards Joseph Blandisi and Jamie Devane scored goals for the Penguins (25-20-3-5).

The Penguins’ next game is at home against the rival Hershey Bears at Mohegan Sun Arean in Wilkes-Barre on Friday, 7:05 p.m.

—-

Forward Ryan Scarfo had a goal and an assist for the in a 6-1 home win against the at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling.

Goaltender Jordan Ruby made 39 saves for the Nailers (23-20-5-0) while forwards Brady Fluerent and Willy Smith each recorded two assists.

Tribune Review LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176742 Pittsburgh Penguins Standings: First place of the Metropolitan Division What they need: Bottom-six centers. There are few teams with a better 1-

2 punch at center than the Capitals duo of Nicklas Backstrom and Lars What would work for Eastern Conference contenders as trade deadline Eller. The problem is on the bottom two lines, where the Capitals have approaches? the adequate but hardly overwhelming duo of Travis Boyd and Nic Dowd. A playoff series against the Penguins, the Bruins or even the Islanders would present some issues down the middle among those lines.

Seth Rorabaugh Who would make sense if the price was right: Miiko Koivu, Minnesota Wild; Trevor Lewis, Los Angeles Kings; Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Ottawa February 15, 2020 7:04 p.m. Senators

New York Islanders The Pittsburgh Penguins, as they are wont to do under general manager Record: 33-17-6 (72 points). Jim Rutherford, didn’t wait until the Feb. 24 trade deadline to make a deal that could alter the trajectory of their season. Standings: Third place of the Metropolitan Division

On Monday, Rutherford swung a major trade by bringing forward Jason What they need: A little of everything. The Islanders have plenty second- Zucker from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Alex or third-liners playing to their full potential. A legit top-six forward could Galchenyuk, defensive prospect Calen Addison and a conditional first- push this team past the Penguins and Capitals in this division. It’s a round draft pick. similar story on defense, where there are plenty of second- or third- pairing-caliber players. That transaction already has paid dividends as Zucker scored two goals, including the winner, during Friday’s 4-1 home win against the Montreal Who would make sense if the price was right: Mike Hoffman, Florida Canadiens. Panthers; Ilya Kovalchuk, Montreal Canadiens; Toffoli

Zucker’s arrival shouldn’t be seen a final move for the Penguins, Tribune Review LOADED: 02.16.2020 especially because other contenders in the Eastern Conference have yet to make any trades of significance.

Here’s a quick look at the top teams in the Eastern Conference and what they could use:

(Note: All records are through Friday.)

Pittsburgh Penguins

Record: 35-16-6 (76 points)

Standings: Second place of the Metropolitan Division

What they need: Depth on defense. A No. 6, 7, 8 (or beyond) defenseman could be useful for a playoff series against teams with heavy forechecks like the New York Islanders, Boston Bruins or especially the Washington Capitals, a team that has injured several Penguins players, particularly defensemen, over the past half-decade. Additionally, with defensemen Brian Dumoulin and John Marino on the mend from injuries, the blue line already is battered.

Who would make sense if the price was right: Brenden Dillon, San Jose Sharks; Erik Gustafsson, Chicago Blackhawks; Trevor Daley, Detroit Red Wings

Boston Bruins

Record: 35-11-12 (82 points).

Standings: First place of the Atlantic Division

What they need: Complementary scoring. The Bruins’ top line of Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak drives so much of this team’s offense. A little balance, particularly on the second line, would go a long way toward making life easier for that trio.

Who would make sense if the price was right: Chris Kreider, New York Rangers; Mikael Granlund, Nashville Predators; Tyler Toffoli, Los Angeles Kings

Tampa Bay Lightning

Record: 38-15-5 (81 points).

Standings: Second place of the Atlantic Division

What they need: Defensive depth. Like the Penguins, the Lightning are dealing with some injuries on the blue line to Ryan McDonagh and Jan Rutta. Unlike the Penguins, the Lightning have some older, slower options filling out their bottom pairing in Braydon Coburn and Luke Schenn. Some youth and speed would help this group.

Who would make sense if the price was right: Marco Scandella, Minnesota Wild; Dillon; Gustafsson

Washington Capitals

Record: 37-15-5 (79 points). 1176743 Pittsburgh Penguins

Empty net or not, Penguins’ Zach Aston-Reese snaps scoring drought

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:42 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Zach Aston-Reese snapped a 14-game streak without a goal during Friday’s 4-1 home win against the Montreal Canadiens.

He didn’t exactly boast about how he scored it, however.

Mainly because it was on an empty net.

“It’s a lot easier when there’s no goalie there, obviously,” said Aston- Reese, whose previous goal came Jan. 4. “It’s nice that coach trusts us in those situations. We made a nice play as a line. Everyone got a touch in on it. Like I said, it’s a lot easier when there isn’t a goalie.”

Down 3-1 late in regulation, the Canadiens pulled goaltender Carey Price in lieu of an extra attacker. The Penguins countered with their defensive line of Aston-Reese, Teddy Blueger and Brandon Tanev. Blueger and Tanev recorded assists on the goal.

Even if the net was vacant, the significance of Aston-Reese getting a goal of any type wasn’t lost on coach Mike Sullivan.

“Sometimes, it jump starts a guy. They defended well, those guys. They did a real good job in our end, and they got rewarded for it at the other end,” Sullivan said.

“In Zach’s case, that will hopefully take a little bit of pressure off because I know all of these guys want to score. When that doesn’t happen for a while, it’s a natural inclination to squeeze your stick a little bit. Hopefully (the empty-net goal) takes a little bit of pressure off, and he can just go relax and play.”

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Sidney Crosby offers take on Penguins’ mix-and-match top line

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:39 p.m.

Over the past two games, top Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby had gotten adjusted to new left winger Jason Zucker. He also has had to make adjustments working with familiar options on the right wing with Patric Hornqvist and Dominik Simon.

The Penguins opened Tuesday’s 2-1 overtime home loss to the Tampa Lighting with Hornqvist on that line but subbed him out with Simon late in the second period. On Friday, Simon virtually played the entire game on the top line.

“Dom really likes to possess the puck down low,” Crosby said. “So I think just trying to support him there. He’s really strong on battles. So you don’t always necessarily have to go support him right away. He’s able to hold guys off and spin and make plays. With (Hornqvist), I think it’s different because he’s just so active in and around the net. He almost forces you to shoot the puck more because of his presence there. You’re probably looking as a shooter a bit more with (Hornqvist) just because he likes being around the net.

“It’s knowing who you’re playing with. You don’t have to really change too much but just knowing the tendencies and trying to play to each other’s strengths.”

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Penguins’ Dominik Kahun practices for 2nd consecutive day

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, February 15, 2020 5:35 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Dominik Kahun (concussion) participated in his second consecutive practice Saturday. Operating in a noncontact capacity, Kahun reported feeling “way better.”

Aside from a lack of contact, Kahun has displayed few limitations with regards to his skating or conditioning during practice.

“I’m going 100 percent already,” Kahun said. “We’re going to figure out when I can go with contact, and I’ll be ready to play. I’m very positive about it.”

Kahun has not played since being injured Jan. 19. In 48 games this season, he has 27 points (10 goals, 17 assists).

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Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad resumes skating

SETH RORABAUGH

Saturday, February 15, 2020 2:18 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad resumed skating for the first time in several weeks Saturday at the Penguins’ facility in Cranberry.

Absent from the lineup since Nov. 15 because of a core muscle injury, Bjugstad skated before the team’s practice. He had not skated since mid- January during his recovery and had been restricted to off-ice workouts during that time.

Various injuries have limited Bjugstad to 10 games and one goal this season. Primarily used as third liner in those games, Bjugstad could fill a variety of roles if he ever returns to the lineup.

“We’ve talked about all the options,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “We could use him in the center-ice capacity, and he could be our third-line center. We could use him on the wing, in which case, we could use him (on any line). All options are on the table. We’ve discussed all of those things as a coaching staff. We’ll make those decisions when we get there. But nothing’s off the table.”

Notes:

• The Penguins’ practice was relatively brief, lasting approximately 30 minutes. There were no line rushes.

• The Penguins are scheduled to host the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday at PPG Paints Arena.

Tribune Review LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176747 Pittsburgh Penguins They made it a 2-0 game at 18:00 of the second after forwards Jason Zucker and Sidney Crosby connected for the first time. Zipping up the left wing, Crosby gained ht offensive zone to create a two-on-two with Zucker against Canadiens defenseman Ben Chiarot and Armia. Drawing them Empty Thoughts: Penguins 4, Canadiens 1 in, Crosby fed a pass to the vacant right circle where Zucker leaned down and snapped a shot off of Price’s glove and into the cage for his

15th goal. Crosby and forward Dominik Simon netted assists. SETH RORABAUGH Montreal got on the scoreboard only 54 seconds later. Controlling a puck Saturday, February 15, 2020 3:38 a.m. at the left point, Canadiens defenseman Victor Mete worked his way to the center point and fed a forehand pass to forward Tomas Tatarabove the left circle. Moving in towards the dot, Tatar released a wrister clunked through through goaltender Tristan Jarry’s five hole. It was Tatar’s 21st Observations from the Penguins’ 4-1 win against the Canadiens: goal. Assists were credited to Mete and forward Nick Suzuki. Empty netters are kind of an odd thing. It took Zucker a mere 36 seconds to restore a two-goal lead for the Think about it. Penguins, 3-1. Gaining the offensive zone on the right wing, Zucker left a drop pass for Crosby at the point. Taking a moment to let things develop, The goaltender, the one player on a team whose sole job to keep pucks Crosby snapped a pass to defenseman Marcus Pettersson in the left out of a cage, is completely removed off the ice, usually very late. circle. Reaching around a poke check by Petry, Pettersson slid a pass to That would be like if they just stopped paving Route 30 two miles east of the front of the crease. Battling through a check from Canadiens Astoria, Ore. defenseman Brett Kulak, Zucker chopped the puck over Price’s hand. Pettersson and Crosby collected assists. It’s such a unique circumstance for this sport, or any sport really. Aston-Reese’s empty net goal at 18:16 secured victory. It was his sixth Empty net goals are kind of looked down upon as a result. goal. Forwards Brandon Tanev and Teddy Blueger got assists.

Many players will oftentimes call it not “a real goal.” Statistically speaking

Even the ones that score them. • The Canadiens led in shots, 35-28.

Take Zach Aston-Reese for instance. • Canadiens forward Ilya Kovalchuk led the game with eight shots.

“It’s a lot easier when there’s no goalie there obviously,” the Penguins • Forward Jared McCann led the Penguins with five shots. forward quipped when asked about his goal Friday. “It’s nice that coach trusts us in those situations. We made a nice play as a line. Everyone got • Letang led the game with 25:52 of ice time on 27 shifts. a touch in on it. Like I said, it’s a lot easier when there isn’t a goalie.” • Petry led the Canadiens with 23:43 of ice time.

This space on the Internet here is to defend the empty netter. • The Canadiens had a 24-21 edge in faceoffs (53 percent).

They should be appreciated. Usually, if you’re on the ice in a defensive • Canadiens forward Phillip Danault was 9 for 12 (75 percent). situation with an empty net, that suggests the coach trusts you to protect the lead against a desperate opponent with an extra attacker on the ice. • Crosby was 9 for 16 (56 percent).

Empty netters can secure wins. They can give you a unique place in NHL • Pettersson and Kulak each led the game with three blocked shots. history. And they can be the names of blogs full of references about the Historically speaking Ruutu brothers and Jiri Slegr jerseys. • Zucker is the 530th player to score a regular season goal for the And they can help you break out of a 14-game skid without a goal. Penguins. Such was the case for Zach Aston-Reese who had not scored since Jan. • The last player with a last name beginning with “Z” to score a goal for 4. the Penguins was forward Harry Zolnierczyk. He helped the Penguins to “We do think he is capable of more,” Sullivan said on Thursday. “Zach is a 5-1 road win against the Buffalo Sabres, Feb. 5, 2014. a real good player. He has good instincts. He’s strong in front of the net. Randomly speaking It’s just going to take just staying with it. Just stick-to-it-ness and shooting the puck when he has the opportunity. Going to the net when he has the • This is the basis of our game story, but Zucker said on Wednesday with opportunity. He’s good at the net-front. He’s shown the ability to score at the benefit of a normal gameday routine, things would be better for him. every level that he’s played at. We believe that he has the ability to score Well… that “normal” looked pretty good. He just seemed so much more at this level. His line has been a real valuable line for us and his line has in tune with what the Penguins do on Friday whereas on Tuesday, chipped in offensively as a group extremely well for us. But we think in against the Lightning, he was primarily just skating around trying to fit in Zach’s personal situation, we do think he’s capable of another level of as best he could. offense.” It’s enticing to wonder what he could offer with even more acclimation. It wasn’t difficult, but Aston-Reese scored an important goal for himself and his team tonight. • The Penguins’ power play is gaining some traction having recorded goals in three consecutive games. It’s fair to say it’s still a work in Even if it was … no… BECAUSE it was an empty netter. progress but it’s progressing in a good direction.

What happened • Jarry did little to shift anything in the competition between himself and Murray. That’s to say he played very well. He made 34 saves and looked (Note: Our normal method for clipping video files is not available at the in control, albeit against a limited opponent. moment. We’ll restore those types of videos as soon as possible.) • The Canadiens played a pretty strong game within their limitations. Following a scoreless first period, a power-play goal at 7:35 of the Outside of a few legit talents such as an older Kovalchuk and Tatar, they second period gave the Penguins the contest’s first lead. After forwards mostly have third- and fourth-liners who are playing to their full but limited Patric Hornqvist, Evgeni Malkin and Bryan Rust won a battle in the potential. And they all skate. They’re missing a vital component in offensive left corner for a puck against Canadiens forward Joel Armia defenseman Shea Weber and that doesn’t help things. But this team will and defenseman Jeff Petry, Hornqvist fed a pass to forward Sidney make the opponent work for every inch on the ice. They did that to the Crosby at the left point. Surveying the zone for a moment, Crosby slid a Penguins on Friday. cross-ice pass to defenseman Kris Letang in the left circle. Teeing up a shot, Letang snapped a wrister past the glove of goaltender Carey Price • One could label the Canadiens a poor man’s version of the Islanders. on the near side for his 113th goal of the season. Assists went to Crosby And the Islanders are kind of a team on workman’s comp. and Hornqvist. Publicly speaking • Zucker’s first goal was the game-winner but Sullivan suggested his second goal might have been more important:

“There’s critical moments, I think, in games that … significantly influence the outcomes. The shift or two right after a goal is scored on either side is really important. For me, that’s one of those critical moments. There’s an opportunity to try to influence the game in a positive way. We get scored against … we come out shortly thereafter and score the way that we did gives our bench a huge boost. Those types of moments go a long way to controlling momentum. And this game is so much about momentum, it’s important to do your best to control it. That particular goal I think was an important one for us.”

• Crosby on Zucker’s second game:

“He just looked comfortable out there. It’s hard. There’s so many new things that are thrown at you. (He) probably had a lot of things going through (his) mind in that situation. Today probably felt like more of a regular game day for him. It’s the same game. You just need to go out there and feel that. He got that first (game) under his belt but tonight, he was just flying. He created a lot. Got a couple of big goals for us.”

• Sullivan on Zucker’s second game:

“His speed was more noticeable tonight. You could see how good he is on the transition when the puck changes from defense to offense. His ability to create separation to jump into windows of opportunity and we’ve got some guys that can get him the puck. I thought that was much more evident tonight. Jason’s going to get more comfortable with each day that he’s here. You could see his ability to finish. He had two real good goals tonight. So we’re excited about having him. We think he’s only going to get better. Familiarity is going to help him.”

• Zucker sees a simple approach being best with regards to skating with Crosby:

“I’m just going to get open. That’s about it. I’m going to skate, try to push some (defensemen) back on that play. Get open, use my speed so the option is there.”

• Crosby on Zucker’s offensive instincts:

“His speed opens up a lot. He creates turnovers and creates chances off the rush, as you see on the goals there. That’s kind of what’s allows him to do everything else, his speed. … He knows when it’s time to pull up and open up for a shot or go hard to the net. Sometimes too, it’s not always going to translate to you scoring but you might take someone with you and open up space for somebody else. His speed really pushes guys back. It allows him to get open.”

• Zucker on being around the Penguins for a few days:

“It’s a winning culture and I felt that the day I got here. I felt that the very first game. It was a different feeling in here in a very great way. I’m just excited to be a part of it and hope I can help these guys win some games down the stretch here.”

• Zucker joked about Pettersson’s pass setting up his second goal:

“That was unbelievable. I’m going to start giving (Pettersson) the puck more often. I stole one from him the shift before.”

• On Thursday, many reporters from Montreal took in the Penguins’ practice in Cranberry and were struck by how high-tempo the session was. Sullivan was asked by a Montreal media member about their approach to practice after Friday’s game:

“We preach to our players all the time that we’re creatures of habits. We are what we repeatedly do. So we try to practice the way we play. We try to practice with pace. There’s always an element of intensity in the way we try to practice because we’re trying to prepare guys for game scenarios. I give our players really so much credit because of the worth ethic that they have. We have great leaders on the team that set the standard that starts in practice. But it translates into games. It’s hard to just flip the switch. These guys, they practice hard like that all the time. That’s part of the environment we’re trying to create here. We’ve got a great group of players that work extremely hard and I think our leaders set the bar there.”

Tribune Review LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176748 Pittsburgh Penguins “When defensemen go back and they know they’re going to get hit, sometimes they’re inclined to move the puck quicker. That forces turnovers, errant passes, and opportunity presents itself because of it.”

Once deemed too small for hockey, Penguins winger Brandon Tanev has For the Penguins, what Tanev has been bringing this season is exactly become among the NHL's most physical hitmen what they were missing.

Tanev ranks third in the league with 209 hits After an early postseason exit in 2018-19, general manager Jim Rutherford openly questioned whether drinking from the Stanley Cup had extinguished the flame that once burned in the players’ bellies. He stated his desire to improve the team in three ways, making them younger, MIKE DEFABO faster and tougher to play against. FEB 15, 2020 10:52 PM Tanev is all three.

In addition to dishing out punishment, Tanev embraces it. He ranks fourth The NHL’s leading hitters are an intimidating bunch of bruisers whose in the league in hits taken (142) and leads Penguins forwards in shots physical dimensions alone elicit a painful response. blocked (59). He also leads Pittsburgh in penalties drawn (17).

At the top of the list is Vegas Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves, a 6- These attributes have made him, arguably, the Penguins’ best penalty 2, 225-pound aggressor who will lay a shoulder (or a fist) into an killer and a critical piece of an under-appreciated line. Playing next to opponent and then smile about it. He’s followed by 6-4, 210-pound Blueger and left wing Zach Aston-Reese, Tanev is often asked to begin Ottawa Senators winger Brady Tkachuk, who looks like a basketball his shift in the defensive zone and to shut down opponents’ top line. power forward on skates. And fourth is Washington Capitals instigator “It’s a tough line to play against,” Tanev said. “We want to play a full 200- Tom Wilson, a 6-4 heat-seeking missile who plays on the edge of the foot game. That starts in our own zone. We want to be strong on pucks. rules – and occasionally on the wrong side of that line. Any opportunity we get to play in the offensive zone, especially against Then, in third place? Penguins forward Brandon Tanev, a somewhat some of the other team’s top lines, they’re not comfortable in the sense unlikely hitman if you know his story. they don’t want to be hemmed in there.”

At 15 years old, he stood just 4-foot-10 and weighed less than 100 The forechecking, physicality and speed were exactly what the Penguins pounds. Deemed too small for a physical game, he was cut and gave up anticipated when they signed the 28-year-old free agent to a six year for about four seasons. Even now, after a unique journey to deal that carries a $3.5 million average annual value. the NHL, Tanev is listed generously at 6-foot and 181 pounds. Standing Post Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 next to him, it’s easy to wonder if both the height and the weight might be at least a little artificially inflated.

Ja­son Zucker’s sec­ond game as a Pen­guin went a lot bet­ter than his first. “I was ex­cited,” he said. “But, to me, it’s just about the win.”

Yet, despite that fact that he might not have the same hulking dimensions as some of the others, Tanev has become a physical force.

“It’s part of my game I try to bring every night,” Tanev said. “I try to bring some energy. It gets me going in that sense.”

During Friday’s 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens at PPG Paints Arena, for example, Tanev tallied his 200th hit of the season … and hits No. 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208 and 209. By the end of the night, he had racked up a season-high 10 hits in one game.

“He must have a good relationship with the guy up top taking stats,” Tanev’s linemate Teddy Blueger said. “I don’t know. I feel like I don’t see him hit that often.”

Blueger was joking of course. Watch any Penguins game and it’s almost impossible not to notice the tightly coiled ball of energy in the No. 13 jersey. He’s fast. Physical. Grimy. Gritty. Like a non-stop Energizer Bunny after one too many cups of coffee.

“We call him ‘Turbo’ for a reason,” said forward Jared McCann, who sits next to Tanev in the dressing room. “He brings a level of energy to our team that not a lot of teams have. Whenever there’s one night when we’re not going, he’s usually a guy to say something and get us going.”

And he’s definitely not afraid to throw his weight around.

Matt Cullen battles for a loose puck with New York Rangers center Boo Nieves on Saturday, April 6, 2019.

Since the NHL started tracking hits in 2005-06, Tanev is just the seventh Penguin in team history to record 200 or more. With 11 goals and 13 assists in 56 games, it’s just the fifth time in Penguins history that a player scored 10-plus goals and tallied 200-plus hits in a single season.

At this rate, Tanev is on pace for 306 hits, which puts him within range of breaking the franchise record set by Brooks Orpik (309) during the 2008- 09 season.

“It’s a big part of his game,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He’s abrasive. He’s hard to play against. When you combine that with his skating ability and his ability to get in on the forecheck and disrupt breakouts, I think the physical play is a big part of it. 1176749 Pittsburgh Penguins “Every single one of those kids is great," McCann said. "The Penguins do a great job with ‘Make-A-Wish’ to let us be involved with them and get to know them. They’re amazing kids. We’re lucky to meet them."

Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad begins skating again as his rehab from In addition to the signing-day press conference, the kids were treated to core muscle surgery continues breakfast with the players in the locker room. After practice, they joined selected Penguins on the ice for a skate at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. All six families will attend Sunday’s game against the Red Wings at PPG Paints Arena. MIKE DEFABO “It certainly puts things into perspective for us when you see some of the FEB 16, 2020 2:48 AM challenges that this group is going through in their personal lives,” Sullivan said. “For us to have the opportunity to bring them a day of happiness and inspiration, it’s the least we can do. Penguins forward Nick Bjugstad’s recovery from core muscle surgery took a notable step forward on Saturday afternoon, when he skated “Really, the real benefactors are us. Because they inspire us. That’s how individually prior to the team’s practice. I look at it.”

“It’s real encouraging,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “We’ll see where it Aston-Reese snaps his slump goes, but that certainly indicates significant progress.” Zach Aston-Reese is part of a critical line for the Penguins. As the left Bjustad has not played since a Nov. 15 game against the New Jersey winger on the line featuring center Teddy Blueger and right wing Brandon Devils and underwent core muscle surgery a few days later. The Tanev, Aston-Reese is often asked to start shifts in his defensive zone Penguins estimated that he’d be sidelined at least eight weeks. He’s now and help shut down the opponent’s top players. At all these tasks, he’s been out more than 12 weeks. living up to expectations.

The rehab process has followed a nonlinear trajectory. A few weeks ago, But the winger admits himself, he’d like to have a little more offense. Bjugstad was skating individually and even went on the team's West He found it Friday night. With time winding down, Aston-Reese buried the Coast trip the second week of January to continue his rehab around the puck in the empty net, snapping his 14-game scoreless streak with just team. But just when it looked like perhaps Bjugstad would join the team his second goal in the past 31 games. for practice, he instead went the other direction and went back to off-ice treatments. “It’s a lot easier when there’s no goalie there,” Aston-Reese joked.

Ja­son Zucker’s sec­ond game as a Pen­guin went a lot bet­ter than his OK, true. But a goal is a goal. Perhaps it’s the spark to add a little more first. “I was ex­cited,” he said. “But, to me, it’s just about the win.” offensive fire to his game.

Asked at the time if Bjugstad had endured a setback, Sullivan said, “He “I know all these guys want to score,” Sullivan said. “When it doesn’t hasn’t had a setback, per se. … There are always improvements and happen for a while, it’s a natural inclination to squeeze your stick a little plateaus as part of the rehab process, especially when it involves a bit. Maybe that takes a little pressure off.” longer-term injury like Nick’s.” Penguins to host ‘Hockey Day in America’ For now the biggest question surrounding Bjugstad is: When will he return? But soon, the team could be asking: Where will he play? The Penguins will host “Hockey Day in America” when they take on the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday. The game-day event is a celebration of all With left winger Jason Zucker now in the fold, the Penguins have more levels of Pittsburgh amateur hockey, including sled hockey, special forward depth than they have in months. That depth – coupled with Jared needs hockey, blind hockey and the Pittsburgh Warriors Disabled McCann’s natural ability to play center – creates some options for the Veterans Hockey Team. Penguins when Bjugstad eventually returns. There will be six “DICK’S Sporting Goods Junior Starters,” representing “We can use him at a center-ice capacity and then he could be our third- Southpointe Grizzlies Special Hockey, Mighty Penguins Sled Hockey, line center,” Sullivan said. “We could use him on the wing, in which case Pittsburgh Rhinos Blind Hockey, Pittsburgh I.C.E., DICK’S Sporting we can use him anywhere. All options are on the table.” Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite and the Little Penguins.

Kahun skates again in non-contact jersey In addition, Damien Gabis, a member of the Pittsburgh Warriors Disabled Veterans Hockey Team, will be honored before the game. Damien, who Meanwhile, in other injury news, Dominik Kahun’s concussion rehab received a Purple Heart after being seriously injured in Afghanistan, remains on track. returned from his Army service to earn a degree at Pitt. He is currently Kahun, who was injured during a 4-3 win over the Bruins on Jan. 19, employed as a social worker. rejoined practice in a non-contact jersey on Thursday. He again sported Post Gazette LOADED: 02.16.2020 a gray, non-contact sweater during Saturday’s practice.

Jason Zucker's two goals propel Penguins to win over Canadiens

Sullivan said there’s no change in Kahun’s status but that he’s making progress. Kahun plans to skate individually prior to Sunday’s game against the Red Wings.

“I’m going 100% for sure already,” Kahun said. “We’re going to figure out when I can go with contact and then I’ll be ready to play. I’m very positive about it.”

Penguins ‘sign’ six kids from Make-A-Wish

Penguins general manager Jim Rutherford stepped to the microphone at the team’s practice facility in Cranberry on Saturday, ready to announce six new additions to the team.

“It’s been a little difficult for me trying to figure out the cap,” Rutherford joked. “But late last night with the analytics guy, we were able to do that.”

No, he wasn't talking about the Zucker trade this time. Instead, Saturday was about making the day of six young fans from the Make-A-Wish program. Jessica, Michael, Hughes, Allison, Brayden and Morgan filed into the room and signed their one-day “contract” with the Penguins. 1176750 San Jose Sharks Safety and its leader, George Parros, for what he felt has been a lack of consistency in its rulings.

Kane’s suspension stemmed from a penalty he took for elbowing Jets Sharks top Minnesota Wild without Erik Karlsson, Evander Kane defenseman Neal Pionk in the third period of Friday’s game. But Kane issued a statement Saturday saying similar plays have gone unpunished Dylan Gambrell scored in the third period and goalie Martin Jones earned by the league. his first shutout of the season to lead the San Jose Sharks past the Minnesota Wild “The fact the NHL Department of Player Safety headed by George Parros continue to pick and choose who and what they suspend is ridiculous!,” Kane wrote. “There have been countless incidents of the same nature through this season and past seasons that have gone CURTIS PASHELKA unsuspended for fined. No one person can tell you what is or isn’t a February 15, 2020 at 5:38 p.m. suspension in today’s game, it’s become a complete guess.

“There is a major lack of consistency with the NHL Department of Player Safety. A completely FLAWED system in so many ways. From the A Saturday that started with news that Erik Karlsson would miss the rest suspensions to the appeal rights, it’s baffling to me how we as players of the season with a broken thumb and the NHL had suspended Evander agreed to this. Kane for three games ended — perhaps remarkably — with a Sharks victory. “You can’t continue to give some players a pass and throw the book at others. There has to be an outside third party making these decisions to Dylan Gambrell broke a scoreless tie at the 3:08 mark of the third period remove the bias that transpires in this department headed by George and goalie Martin Jones made 39 saves for his first shutout of the season Parros. None of it makes any sense.” to lead the Sharks to a 2-0 win over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minn. Kane is fourth on the Sharks this season with 37 points in 54 games. He has a team-high 110 penalty minutes this year, and leads all forwards in Brent Burns took a pass from Antti Suomela and fed a shot toward the average time on ice with 19 minutes and 40 seconds per game. net that bounced off Gambrell and past Wild goalie Alex Stalock for his third goal of the season. The Sharks are already without centers Logan Couture (fractured left ankle) and Tomas Hertl (torn knee ligaments) and defenseman Dalton Melker Karlsson scored an empty-net goal off an assist from Barclay Prout (concussion). Although Couture, injured Jan. 7, could return in a Goodrow with 15 seconds left to seal the victory, the fourth straight for few weeks, Hertl is out for the season after he was hurt Jan. 29 and the Sharks away from SAP Center. The Sharks, who beat the Winnipeg Prout has not played in three months. Jets 3-2 on Friday, return home to play the Florida Panthers on Monday afternoon. Suomela drew into the lineup for Saturday’s game in place of Kane, who had been playing on the Sharks’ top line with Barclay Goodrow and “Credit to the players,” Sharks interim coach Bob Boughner said. “Facing Patrick Marleau. Stefan Noesen started Saturday’s game in Kane’s spot. the injuries that we’re facing, a little bit of adversity and Jones coming in there and doing the job. I know they wanted to play hard for him and I San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 02.16.2020 thought we really defended well.

“We gave up 39 shots and they threw a lot at us. But I thought we played hard down low, I thought Jonesy made the saves that he had to. It’s a heck of a last couple days, in two tough buildings with teams that are fighting hard for a playoff spot.”

Jones, making just his fourth start in 17 games since the start of January, stopped all 24 shots he saw in the first two periods as the Sharks killed penalties to Mario Ferraro and Kevin Labanc. Jones also had 15 saves in the third period as he picked up his first shutout since March 11 of last season against the Wild.

Without Karlsson and Kane, the Sharks managed just 14 shots in the first 40 minutes and missed an opportunity to take an early lead on the power play. The Sharks also failed to cash in on a two-man advantage for 1:52 in the first period, and had another power play after Marcus Foligno took a high sticking penalty at the 16:28 mark of the first.

The Sharks (26-28-4) also killed a delay of game penalty on Suomela with 7:02 left in regulation time.

The Sharks announced Saturday morning that Karlsson would require surgery to repair a broken left thumb that he suffered the night before. In the third period of Friday’s game with the Winnipeg Jets, Karlsson, 29, appeared to be hurt following an awkward collision with center Joe Thornton.

The Sharks expect Karlsson, who leads the team with 40 points in 56 games, to be ready well in advance of training camp in the fall. Karlsson also leads the Sharks with 34 assists and is second among all skaters in average time on ice at 24:31.

Karlsson, in the first season of an eight-year, $92 million contract extension he signed in June, played 19:26 on Friday before he was injured.

Tim Heed dressed in place of Karlsson and started the game alongside Marc-Edouard Vlasic as his partner. The Sharks recalled Jacob Middleton from the Barracuda to take Karlsson’s spot on the roster.

Shortly after the announcement of the NHL’s suspension later Saturday, Kane took to social media to rip into the NHL’s Department of Player 1176751 San Jose Sharks Kane was suspended for three games Oct. 1, a day before the season opener, for physical abuse of officials in a Sept. 29 preseason game with the Vegas Golden Knights. He also forfeited $112,903.23 in salary.

Sharks’ Evander Kane suspended, then rips NHL Player Safety The announcement of Kane’s suspension came shortly after the Sharks disclosed that defenseman Erik Karlsson would miss the rest of the Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks was suspended for three games season with a broken thumb in his left hand. Karlsson leads the team by NHL’s Department of Player Safety on Saturday for elbowing Neal with 40 points in 56 games. Pionk of the Winnipeg Jets The Sharks were already without its top two centers — Logan Couture (fractured left ankle) and Tomas Hertl (torn knee ligaments).

CURTIS PASHELKA “We’ve done a decent job of battling through that adversity and competing hard and sticking together as a team,” interim coach Bob February 15, 2020 at 3:08 p.m. Boughner said Saturday before the NHL handed out its suspension.

On Dec. 4, Kane was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the San Jose Sharks winger Evander Kane took to social media Saturday to collective bargaining agreement, for elbowing defenseman Radko Gudas rip into the NHL’s Department of Player Safety and its leader, George in a game with the Washington Capitals the night before. Parros, shortly after the league suspended him for three games for Antti Suomela will draw into the Sharks’ lineup for Saturday’s game. elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in the head. Kane had been playing on the Sharks’ top line with Barclay Goodrow and “The fact the NHL Department of Player Safety headed by George Patrick Marleau. Stefan Noesen will start Saturday’s game in Kane’s Parros continue to pick and choose who and what they suspend is spot. ridiculous!,” Kane tweeted in a statement. “There have been countless Kane is fourth on the Sharks this season with 37 points in 54 games. He incidents of the same nature through this season and past seasons that has a team-high 110 penalty minutes this year, and leads all forwards in have gone unsuspended for fined. No one person can tell you what is or average time on ice with 19 minutes and 40 seconds per game. isn’t a suspension in today’s game, it’s become a complete guess. The Sharks entered Saturday in 13th place in the Western Conference “There is a major lack of consistency with the NHL Department of Player standings, 10 points back of the Arizona Coyotes for the second wild Safety. A completely FLAWED system in so many ways. From the card spot. Their 3-2 victory over the Jets on Friday was their third straight suspensions to the appeal rights, it’s baffling to me how we as players away from home. agreed to this. San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 02.16.2020 “You can’t continue to give some players a pass and throw the book at others. There has to be an outside third party making these decisions to remove the bias that transpires in this department headed by George Parros. None of it makes any sense.”

Kane also tweeted a video that showed Arizona’s Lawson Crouse elbowing Boston’s Charlie McAvoy in the head, where Lawson was penalized but not fined or suspended. Kane tweeted, “But this doesn’t get anything?? Tell me what this difference is please!”

But this doesn’t get anything?? Tell me what this difference is please! https://t.co/MSw50eIENa

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020

Kane was suspended at the start of the season for three games for physical abuse of officials, and was therefore considered a repeat offender. On Dec. 4, Kane was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, for elbowing defenseman Radko Gudas in a game with the Washington Capitals

Kane, the Sharks’ leading scorer this season with 21 goals, will miss Saturday’s game with the Minnesota Wild, Monday’s home game with the Florida Panthers and Thursday’s road game with the New Jersey Devils. Based on his average annual salary of $7 million, Kane will forfeit $112,903.23.

In the third period of Friday’s game between the Sharks and Jets in Winnipeg, Kane was given a two-minute elbowing penalty at the 13:17 mark of the third period.

Pionk was in the corner to the right of the Jets net and had just released the puck behind him when Kane’s right elbow made contact with his head against the glass at the 13:02 mark.

According to the NHL’s explanation video, Kane, after Pionk released the puck, “raises his arm, extends his elbow and drives it with force into Pionk’s head, knocking Pionk to the ice.”

The NHL noted that Kane, “does not keep his arm close to his chest to deliver a full body hit, but instead raises his arm up and away from his core and directly into Pionk’s head. It is also important to note that Kane is in control of this hit at all times.”

The league acknowledged that Pionk slows his momentum to control the puck, but said that it was “Kane’s choice to extend his elbow both up and out significantly, driving it into Pionk’s head. What causes this hit to rise to the level of supplemental discipline is the dangerous extension of the elbow upward and outward, combined with the force of the hit.” 1176752 San Jose Sharks The Sharks could take on another team’s onerous expiring contract as a third party in a trade, with another team throwing in a sweetener — such as a high draft pick or a prospect — to the Sharks to help make a deal happen. The money would not be an issue for the Sharks, who are San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson to miss rest of season owned by Hasso Plattner, whose net worth, according to Forbes, is $16 billion. San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson will miss the rest of the season with a broken left thumb, which will require surgery Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported last month the Anaheim Ducks, also flush with cap space, may entertain that option as well.

What Karlsson’s injury may mean for the Sharks as it relates to trading CURTIS PASHELKA their own pending unrestricted free agents — such as defenseman February 15, 2020 at 3:36 p.m. Brenden Dillon — before the deadline is unknown.

The Sharks have been thought to be sellers for some time and have a handful of players who will be UFAs this summer, including forwards The San Jose Sharks announced Saturday that defenseman Erik Melker Karlsson, Joe Thornton, Stefan Noesen and Patrick Marleau and Karlsson will miss the rest of the season with a broken left thumb, which defensemen Heed and Radim Simek. will require surgery. Please check back for updates. Karlsson, 29, was hurt in the third period of Friday’s game with the Winnipeg Jets. Following an awkward collision with center Joe Thornton, San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 02.16.2020 Karlsson did not play the final 13-plus minutes of what became a 3-2 Sharks win.

The Sharks expect Karlsson, who leads the team with 40 points in 56 games, to be ready well in advance of training camp in the fall. Karlsson also leads the Sharks with 34 assists and is second among all skaters in average time on ice at 24:31. Karlsson played 19:26 on Friday before he was injured.

The Sharks are already without centers Logan Couture (fractured left ankle) and Tomas Hertl (torn knee ligaments) and defenseman Dalton Prout (concussion). Although Couture, injured Jan. 7, could return by the end of the month, Hertl is out for the season after he was hurt Jan. 29 and Prout has not played in three months.

“We’re dealing with many injuries already and it’s just another one that piles up,” interim coach Bob Boughner told reporters Saturday before the Sharks’ game with the Minnesota Wild.

The Sharks have recalled Jacob Middleton from the Barracuda to take Karlsson’s spot on the roster, although it would seem that Tim Heed would take Karlsson’s spot in the lineup, at least for the time being.

The Sharks (25-28-4) play the Minnesota Wild on Saturday at 2 p.m. (PT). They are in 13th place in the Western Conference, 10 points behind the Arizona Coyotes for the second wild card spot.

Here is what we believe to the play where Karlsson broke his left thumb. Innocent looking as it gets, but often the worst kind of injuries. #SJSharks pic.twitter.com/MMnlpMD880

— Brodie Brazil (@BrodieNBCS) February 15, 2020

Karlsson’s injury is just the latest in a string of maladies that have struck the Sharks over the past five-plus weeks.

Sharks captain Logan Couture suffered a fracture in his left ankle in a game against the Blues on Jan. 7, and, at the time, was expected to miss approximately six weeks. On Jan. 29, Hertl was lost for the season with torn anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his left knee. Hertl had surgery last week and is expected to be ready to play for the start of training camp in September.

Also on injured reserve for the Sharks is Prout, who started to skate again in recent weeks but has not played since Nov. 14 with concussion issues.

Karlsson had to miss 27 of the Sharks’ final 33 games last season with a groin injury. Karlsson returned to play once before the end of the regular season and appeared in 19 straight playoff games before he had to sit out Game 6 of the Western Conference Final with the St. Louis Blues on May 21. The Sharks lost that game to end their season, and Karlsson had surgery 10 days later.

There is one bright spot to the Sharks’ injury woes. With Karlsson and Hertl on long term injured reserve, the Sharks, per CapFriendly, have over $17 million in salary cap space they could potentially weaponize to take on expiring contracts before the NHL’s Feb. 24 trade deadline.

Karlsson is in the first season of an eight-year, $92 million contract extension he signed in June of last season that has an average annual value of $11.5 million. Hertl is in the second year of a four-year deal that has an AAV of $5.625 million. 1176753 San Jose Sharks

Sharks’ Evander Kane facing supplemental discipline from NHL for elbow

Evander Kane of the San Jose Sharks will have a hearing Saturday with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk

CURTIS PASHELKA

February 15, 2020 at 8:50 a.m.

Sharks winger Evander Kane is once again facing supplemental discipline from the NHL.

Kane will have a hearing Saturday with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk, the league announced.

Kane was given a two-minute elbowing penalty at the 13:17 mark of the third period of Friday’s game. Pionk was in the corner to the right of the Jets net and had just released the puck when Kane’s right elbow made contact with his head against the glass.

Pionk remained on the ice for a few seconds and Kane was confronted by Jets center Mark Scheifele right after the play. Pionk finished the game.

The Sharks (25-28-4) killed the penalty and went on to win 3-2. They play the Minnesota Wild on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. (PT).

Kane, the Sharks’ leading scorer this season with 21 goals, has already been disciplined by the NHL twice this season.

Kane going off again. This time for elbowing. #SJSharks | #GoJetsGo | #SJSvsWPG pic.twitter.com/nwP4V9vY8p

— Teal Town USA – A San Jose Sharks Podcast (@TealTownUSA) February 15, 2020

On Oct. 1, a day before the season opener, Kane was suspended three games for physical abuse of officials in a Sept. 29 preseason game with the Vegas Golden Knights. He also forfeited $112,903.23 in salary.

On Dec. 4, Kane was fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement, for elbowing defenseman Radko Gudas in a game with the Washington Capitals the night before.

San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176754 San Jose Sharks

Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson out for season with broken thumb

Brian Hall

8:30 pm PST, Saturday, February 15, 2020

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Already without forwards Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl because of injuries, the Sharks on Saturday learned that they would also be without defenseman Erik Karlsson — their leading scorer — for the rest of the season.

They adjusted by playing a tight game in front of goaltender Martin Jones to win for the fourth time in five games.

Jones stopped 39 shots for his first shutout of the season, and Dylan Gambrell scored his third goal for San Jose in a 2-0 win against the Minnesota Wild. Melker Karlsson added an empty-net goal.

Erik Karlsson, whose 40 points lead the team, suffered a broken thumb Friday in San Jose’s win at Winnipeg.

“Facing the injuries that we are facing, I think that little bit of adversity and Jonesy coming in there and doing the job, I know they wanted to play hard for him,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “I thought that we really defended well. I think it’s a heck of a last couple days. Two tough buildings with teams that are fighting hard for a playoff spot.”

The Sharks, who are 11-12-2 under Boughner, have started to find their way even as injuries have taken out many key players. Couture has missed 13 games because of a broken left ankle. Now, Karlsson and Hertl are out for the season.

Sharks goalie Martin Jones makes a glove save on a shot by the Wild's Jason Zucker. Jones turned aside 39 shots in his first shutout of the season.

Players aren’t giving up on the postseason, even though the Sharks sit in 13th place in the Western Conference standings. Only eight teams in the West will make the playoffs.

“It’s a good road trip for us,” Sharks forward Patrick Marleau said. “Obviously getting the points is huge. And I think how we got them speaks to how we’ve been playing. We’re going to have to continue it.”

Gambrell is trying to do his part, getting an opportunity because of the team’s injuries.

He scored his first goal since Nov. 30, a span that includes a stint in the minors, just over 3 minutes into the third period. San Jose defenseman Brent Burns flipped a shot on net that deflected off Gambrell and past goalie Alex Stalock.

“I think we just keep doing what we’re doing,” Gambrell said. “Guys are really coming together in the locker room. Really supporting each other on the ice. Just working for each other.”

Jones, who’s seen his playing time diminished behind Aaron Dell, made the goal stand up even as Minnesota outshot the Sharks 39-21

“Pretty gutsy win last night and tonight,” Jones said. “That was huge.”

Stalock made 19 saves for Minnesota, which lost its first game under interim coach Dean Evason.

“We liked what we did as far as how we prepared and our energy,” Evason said. “We liked our attempts at the net. I think we had 40 shots and 70-something attempts at the net. We were trying to do the right thing, so we like that part of our game. You’re just never pleased when the results aren’t there.”

Briefly: Sharks wing Evander Kane was unavailable against the Wild after he was suspended for three games for elbowing Winnipeg defenseman Neal Pionk on Friday. ... With Erik Karlsson out, the Sharks recalled defenseman Jake Middleton from the American Hockey League.

San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176755 San Jose Sharks

Erik Karlsson injury creates opportunity for Sharks' depth defensemen

Marcus White

February 15, 2020 9:23 PM

It would be difficult for the Sharks to find a positive in the wake of Erik Karlsson's season-ending broken thumb.

Their 2019-20 season was lost well before the two-time Norris Trophy joined the ranks of their walking wounded. San Jose faced an uphill climb -- we're talking a 90-degree incline -- to make the playoffs with the defenseman in the lineup down the stretch. Without him, and Tomas Hertl (knee; out for the season) and Logan Couture (ankle; out indefinitely), the Sharks are certain to clean out their lockers soon after the April 4 regular-season finale.

That doesn't mean the season is a lost cause for Karlsson's teammates, particularly those behind him on the defensive depth chart.

"You're gonna see a situation where a lot of guys get to step up, and see what they can do and prove that they deserve to play in the NHL," former Sharks defenseman Scott Hannan said on Sharks Postgame Live after San Jose's 3-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Saturday. "Sometimes, it's [an] opportunity for other guys, but [it's] just an unfortunate circumstance. When it rains, it pours, and it seems like that's the way it's going for the Sharks right now."

The Sharks recalled Jacob Middleton from the AHL Barracuda before Saturday's game, but defenseman Tim Heed got the first look in Karlsson's absence. The Swedish defenseman skated 14:08, including 1:04 of power-play time.

Heed had not played since Jan. 16, but was second among Sharks defensemen with two shots on goal Saturday. The 29-year-old seems poised for his longest look in the NHL since making his Sharks debut three seasons ago, and at an opportune time. He's an unrestricted free agent at the end of the summer, and he can use the stretch run to prove he's worthy of an NHL look -- whether in San Jose or elsewhere.

Heed's fellow Swede, despite the injury, doesn't face nearly as much uncertainty. Karlsson is under contract through 2027 after signing a massive eight-year extension this offseason. The 29-year-old will have played in just 109 of a possible 164 regular-season games with the Sharks over his first two seasons in teal, as a groin injury hobbled him down the stretch last year, too.

Karlsson previously sustained a lacerated left Achilles tendon in 2013 and underwent major ankle surgery in 2017. Another lower-body injury would've been much worse news for Karlsson and the Sharks, according to Hannan.

"And on a positive -- not knowing, of course, what the extent of that broken thumb is," Hannan said, "but it's not like it was the groin injury [again] for someone that relies so much on his skating, and his ability to evade checks and get away from people. So hopefully, this thumb injury is not that serious and he's able to just get that thing healed and be ready for the start of the season."

The Sharks will count on Karlsson to be at full strength this fall in order to ensure their playoff drought doesn't last longer than a season. His replacements, starting with Heed, will have plenty of motivation to make an impression in his absence.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176756 San Jose Sharks

Sharks takeaways: What we learned in surprising 2-0 win over Wild

Marcus White

February 15, 2020 4:57 PM

The Sharks were in a hole before the puck dropped Saturday.

They didn't trail before facing off against the Minnesota Wild, but they might have felt that way on the second night of a back-to-back. Star defenseman Erik Karlsson was ruled out for the rest of the season with a broken thumb and Evander Kane was handed a three-game suspension hours before the game.

San Jose, somehow, found a way to win Saturday night, beating Minnesota 2-0 at Xcel Energy Center. Sharks goaltender Martin Jones stopped all 39 Wild shots, picking up San Jose's first shutout of the season in Dean Evason's first game as Minnesota's interim coach.

Here are three takeaways from the Sharks' second win in fewer than 24 hours.

Feel-good win in absence of good feelings

The Sharks had every reason to lose Saturday. The Kane and Karlsson news would have deflated any team, and playing on the second night of a back-to-back wouldn't bring out their best, either.

San Jose wasn't necessarily at its best against Minnesota, as the Wild pressed their puck-possession advantage from puck drop through the final whistle. But the Sharks largely prevented the Wild from creating any quality chances, hanging around long enough to take the lead on a fortuitous bounce when Brent Burns' third-period shot bounced off Sharks forward Dylan Gambrell and in the net.

1-⃣ 0 ⃣ Sharks pic.twitter.com/QnAYFoG4qZ

— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) February 16, 2020

Melker Karlsson's empty-netter sealed the game with under a minute remaining in regulation. Sometimes, luck is all you need in hockey, and the Sharks will take a feel-good win in a disappointing season devoid of many good feelings -- however they could have gotten it Saturday.

Jones stands tall

Jones must love playing the Wild. He shut out Minnesota on March 11, 2019, and the 30-year-old picked up his first shutout since then -- and his fourth overall against Minnesota -- Saturday.

His first start in over two weeks wasn't the most challenging, but Jones was a steady presence in the Sharks' crease. Saturday's start easily was Jones' best in 2020, after giving up at least four goals in each of his first three starts of the year.

Aaron Dell has seized the Sharks' starting role, but Jones has plenty to play for down the stretch. One shutout isn't enough to prove Jones -- who's under contract for four more years -- has a future in San Jose, but the Sharks' onetime franchise goalie surely hopes it's a start.

Power outage

Kane and Karlsson lead the Sharks in power-play goals (11) and assists (12), respectively, so San Jose's listless performance on the man advantage Saturday isn't a surprise. The Sharks' power play has recently struggled with both players in the lineup, scoring just three power-play goals in 20 opportunities over the last 10 games entering Saturday.

San Jose didn't generate a single scoring chance on its lone power play, and that's probably going to be the norm with Kane, Karlsson and injured centers Logan Couture and Tomas Hertl all out of the lineup. You shouldn't expect much from the Sharks' power play when Kane returns to the lineup, either.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176757 San Jose Sharks

Sharks' Evander Kane blasts 'ridiculous' NHL Player Safety discipline

Alex Didion

February 15, 2020 1:45 PM

“A completely flawed system in so many ways.”

Sharks winger Evander Kane described the NHL’s Department of Player Safety this way Saturday, after being handed a three-game suspension for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk in the head during Friday night’s win.

The 28-year-old posted a lengthy statement on social media Saturday, calling the decision-making process “ridiculous” in addition to the above quote.

MY STATEMENT: pic.twitter.com/taoALpVmvn

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020

Kane also brought up multiple incidents similar to his current situation, as well as his suspension during last year's Stanley Cup playoffs. He cited what he calls a “major lack of consistency” in penalties and suspensions assessed.

But I thought this was a 1 game playoff suspension??? No? https://t.co/v6NCUqquGI

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020

But this doesn’t get anything?? Tell me what this difference is please! https://t.co/MSw50eIENa

— Evander Kane (@evanderkane_9) February 15, 2020

The suspension was Kane’s second of the season, as the veteran missed the first three games of the regular season after “physical abuse of an official” during a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176758 San Jose Sharks

Sharks' Evander Kane suspended three games after elbowing Neal Pionk

Alex Didion

February 15, 2020 12:48 PM

The Sharks' lineup of available players continues to dwindle.

After news broke Saturday morning that defenseman Erik Karlsson will miss the remainder of the season with a broken thumb, the NHL suspended Evander Kane three games for elbowing Winnipeg Jets defenseman Neal Pionk in Friday night's 3-2 win.

The Sharks winger was assessed a minor penalty for the hit, and Pionk remained in the game.

This isn't Kane's first suspension of the season, as the winger missed the first three games of the regular season after shoving an official during a preseason game against the Vegas Golden Knights.

He will be eligible to return to the ice Feb. 22 in New York, when the Sharks visit the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176759 San Jose Sharks

Erik Karlsson out for remainder of Sharks’ season with thumb injury

Scott Bair

February 15, 2020 10:22 AM

This nightmare Sharks season just keeps getting worse.

Superstar defenseman Erik Karlsson is out for the remainder of the season after breaking his left thumb during Friday’s 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets, a source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Saturday morning.

The Sharks later confirmed Karlsson's status and said he will have surgery to repair his thumb in the coming days. The team also announced that defenseman Jake Middleton has been recalled from the AHL's San Jose Barracudas in a corresponding roster move.

This major blow for the Sharks comes after All-Star center Tomas Hertl recently was lost for the season to a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. Captain Logan Couture also has been out an extended stretch with a fractured left ankle.

The playoffs are a pipe dream for the Sharks in a season that cost coach Peter DeBoer his job in December, and now is winding down. Their 54 points rank 13th in the NHL’s Western Conference with 24 games remaining.

This season’s post-Karlsson era begins with Saturday's game against the Minnesota Wild.

Karlsson’s 2019-20 campaign wraps with 40 points (six goals, 34 assists) in 56 games played. It’s also the first season played under an eight-year, $92 million contract that runs through 2026-27. The Sharks acquired Karlsson in a Sept. 13, 2018 trade with the Ottawa Senators.

This is Karlsson’s second consecutive season facing injury issues. He missed 27 of the Sharks’ final 33 regular-season games last season while recovering from groin surgery. He aggravated the injury in last year’s Western Conference finals and was unavailable for the Sharks' season-ending Game 6 loss to the St. Louis Blues.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176760 San Jose Sharks “I take a lot of pride in being able to play as many games as I have throughout the year. I’m at (747 combined regular-season and playoff games), I could have played another (84) games. I think that speaks differently than ‘injury prone.’ Erik Karlsson’s broken thumb ends his season, Evander Kane fires back after getting a 3-game suspension “This is the first time with the groin. I don’t know what happened, but the other ones there’s nothing I could have done about it. It’s not something that I worry too much about.”

Kevin Kurz Tim Heed will take Karlsson’s place in the lineup after the right-shot defenseman and pending free agent was a healthy scratch for 18 of the Feb 15, 2020 previous 19 games. Heed has just one assist in 25 games this season. The Sharks recalled defenseman Jake Middleton from the Barracuda on Saturday, as well. Erik Karlsson’s second season with the Sharks, and the first of his eight- year extension signed last June, is over. The defenseman suffered a The Sharks would have needed a small miracle to get back into the broken left thumb in the Sharks’ 3-2 win in Winnipeg on Friday that will playoff race, as they enter Saturday’s game in 13th place in the Western require season-ending surgery, the team announced Saturday morning. Conference, 10 points behind the second wild-card spot.

In 56 games this season, Karlsson posted six goals and 34 assists for 40 Instead, the Karlsson injury is just the latest bit of bad news in a season points and 16 penalty minutes, while averaging 24:31 of ice time. He was that has been a total disaster. the team’s leading scorer headed into Saturday’s matinee against the A little more than an hour after the Sharks revealed the Karlsson injury, Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center, and tied for ninth in the league in the league handed leading goal scorer Evander Kane a three-game scoring among defensemen. suspension for hitting Jets defenseman Neal Pionk up high with an elbow Karlsson’s 52.72 shot-attempt percentage ranks third among Sharks on Friday night in Winnipeg. players who have dressed regularly this season, while his 48.28 goals-for Kane will miss Saturday’s game against the Wild, Monday’s matinee with percentage is also third. Karlsson has a minus-15 rating overall but is just Florida and Thursday’s game in New Jersey. It’s the second time Kane a minus-3 during 5-on-5 play (42 goals-for, 45 goals-against). has been suspended this season, as he missed the first three games of The injury is the third devastating blow to the Sharks in the past few the regular season for an abuse of officials penalty in the Sharks’ weeks. Logan Couture fractured his ankle in St. Louis on Jan. 7 and has preseason finale against the Golden Knights. yet to return, although he has started skating again. Tomas Hertl tore the Kane has been suspended three times in his career and was fined for ACL and MCL in his left knee on Jan. 29, ending his season. elbowing Washington’s Radko Gudas on Dec. 4. The league took that If there is a silver lining to the news for the Sharks, it’s that Karlsson into account before doling out his punishment. didn’t re-injure his groin, which looked like it might have been the case Kane disagreed with the ruling, admonishing NHL Director of Player when he fell awkwardly over Joe Thornton in the third period of the game Safety George Parros via his Twitter account, which could very well land against the Jets and missed the final 13 minutes. Karlsson, who had him in more hot water. In 2013, the Sharks were fined $100,000 for Doug offseason surgery to repair the groin, hasn’t looked quite as mobile or Wilson’s comments criticizing the league for suspending forward Raffi effective as he’s been in past seasons, two of which concluded with him Torres for the remainder of a playoff series with the Los Angeles Kings, capturing the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenseman — in 2012 after Torres hit Jarret Stoll in Game 1. and 2015. MY STATEMENT: PIC.TWITTER.COM/TAOALPVMVN NOT SURE IF THIS IS WHY KARLSSON MISSED LAST 13:26 OF GAME, BUT HE FELL AWKWARDLY OVER THORNTON AT END OF — EVANDER KANE (@EVANDERKANE_9) FEBRUARY 15, 2020 HIS LAST SHIFT PIC.TWITTER.COM/UWGUIQ6W2Q The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 — SHENG PENG (@SHENG_PENG) FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Further, Karlsson and his $11.5 million annual salary could be placed on long-term injured reserve by the Sharks, giving them more flexibility leading up to the Feb. 24 NHL trade deadline. They could conceivably take on a hefty, expiring contract in exchange for future assets, helping general manager Doug Wilson achieve his stated goal of returning to the playoffs in 2021.

Still, this is the second straight season in which the 29-year-old Karlsson will miss significant time, as he was sidelined last season from Feb. 26 until the final game of the regular season on April 6. He returned for the playoffs, but was not at 100 percent health as the Sharks advanced to Game 6 of the Western Conference final before bowing out to eventual Stanley Cup champion St. Louis.

His latest injury will do nothing to quell the notion that Karlsson is injury- prone. He suffered a lacerated Achilles tendon in 2013 and an ankle injury in the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs before the groin issues last season.

On the other hand, Karlsson appeared in 394 of a possible 410 regular- season games from 2013-14 through 2017-18. He missed just one game previously this season, the opener in Vegas on Oct. 2, for the birth of his daughter.

In an interview in September, Karlsson took issue with being labeled as a player who frequently gets hurt.

“If you look at guys that have played 10-plus years in this league, the minutes that I have, and missed as few games as I have, I don’t think you’d find many guys,” he said on Sept. 5. “Yeah, I’ve had some injuries. Everybody has. I think the first two, the Achilles I couldn’t do anything about and the ankle I couldn’t do anything about — I blocked a shot. Played playoffs all the way until the conference final. 1176761 St Louis Blues “I think of our team as a defend-first mentality, frustrate, and then the offense comes. That’s the fun part. Or we get creative and things open up that way.”

For Blues, the struggle to return to normalcy includes defense and Scoring is up league-wide in the NHL so far this season, so factor that goaltending into the discussion. And the Blues still rank 10th in defense, but their current 2.86 goals allowed per game is on pace to be their worst figure since the 2006-07 squad — a team that finished under .500 at 34-35-13 — allowed 3.02 goals per game. Jim Thomas “We just need to get back to our details,” said Zach Sanford, whose four-

goal night wasn’t enough to get the Blues two points against Vegas. The Blues certainly have had longer trips, but none more draining, more “We’re just loose down low, not closing out guys, and giving up too many wrenching than the two-game trek over four days to Anaheim and Las extra opportunities. We saw that (Thursday) on a couple goals. I think we Vegas. just need to take a step back, focus up, and get back to our details.”

They left one of theirs behind in defenseman Jay Bouwmeester, who In terms of goals, both scored and allowed, three is the magic number. collapsed on the bench in Tuesday’s game in Anaheim due to a cardiac Score at least three goals and you’re going to win a lot more often than episode before being revived. For the most part the team was still in you lose. Allow three goals or more and you’re going to lose much more almost a shellshocked stage Wednesday when they arrived in Vegas. than you win.

There, they got a much-needed off day to exhale and reset, with not only Well, the Blues are 2-5-3 in their last 10 games and have allowed three teammates but their fathers around for emotional support on the annual or more goals in all 10 games. (And four or more goals seven times in Dads’ Trip. that stretch.)

“A lot of the guys got together (Wednesday) afternoon,” Alex Pietrangelo There’s a lot that goes into it. said. “I think a lot of us got together (Wednesday) night for dinner. That’s “I think we’re playing too much in our end,” Pietrangelo said. “When we’re what you do, you lean on each other. When you have a group as close good, we’re playing in the offensive zone. You guys (reporters) always as our group is, it helps in these situations.” hear us talk about how playing in the O-zone is obviously the best way to Thursday brought a sense of normalcy because of the game-day routine. play defense. Coach thought there was good energy during the morning “We’re just not really occupying the offensive zone like we were before. skate and in team meetings. And then came another knock-down, drag- Teams are getting more chances, more shots on goal.” out affair with the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday night. And more goals. It was similar in many ways to the Blues’ contest in Vegas on Jan. 4 because in both games the Blues were minus one of their elite “It’s on everybody, goalies included,” Berube said. “We gotta be better. A defensemen, blew a multi-goal lead, and then lost in overtime. little tighter and manage the puck a little bit better. A lot of the goals are caused by turnovers and things like that.” On Jan. 4, Colton Parayko was out with an upper-body injury, the Blues squandered a 3-0 first-period lead, and lost 5-4 in overtime. Speaking of “goalies included,” things have reached the point with struggling Jordan Binnington that the question had to be asked following On Feb. 13, while Bouwmeester was at UC Irvine Medical Center in the 6-5 loss to Vegas: Do you think about playing Jake Allen more, given Orange County, Calif., the Blues couldn’t hold a 4-2 second period lead Binnington’s struggles? and lost 6-5 in overtime. “Well, we started Jake last game (in Anaheim), and then a lot went They were a physically and emotionally spent bunch after Thursday’s OT down,” Berube said. “We just felt that this was the game for Binner setback, a group that couldn’t wait to get home. (against Vegas). But Jake’s gonna get his opportunities for sure. He’s “I think we’re all looking forward to getting home and going to see Bo’s gonna play.” wife (Devon),” Pietrangelo said postgame in the visitors’ locker room at St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.16.2020 T-Mobile Arena. “And hugging our kids and our wives.”

The team returned to St. Louis on Friday afternoon.

If anything, the events of the past few days brought an already tight-knit group even closer together.

“They rallied around Bo obviously and care a lot about him, and they care about each other,” Berube said. “It’s a good group of guys and tight. He’s just family, right? It’s tough.”

On the ice, the show goes on. Suddenly struggling to stay atop the Central Division and the entire Western Conference, the Blues play division rival Nashville on successive days — at 2 p.m. Saturday at Enterprise Center and Sunday at 5 p.m. in Nashville.

Defense and goaltending continue to be THE issues.

The Blues came out of their Christmas break ranked fourth overall in defense, yielding only 2.53 goals per game.

In the 19 games since then, starting with a 5-4 overtime victory in Winnipeg on Dec. 27, they are tied for last in the league in defense — allowing 3.53 goals per game — with Ottawa.

That’s right. Ottawa. Last.

It boggles the mind because it’s so out-of-character for the Blues. Over the past eight seasons, the Blues have ranked seventh or better on defense seven times, and finished in the top five on five occasions. It’s what they do. Play defense and stop pucks.

“Yeah, absolutely,” Ryan O’Reilly said. “I think that is our identity, where we make it tough on teams. We make it tough for them to score goals. And we’ve been giving up way too much. 1176762 St Louis Blues So far this season, the Blues are 3-3-1 on the front end and 5-2-0 on the back end of back-to-backs. The Nashville contests marks the only back- to-back this season against the same team.

Blues notebook: Bouwmeester undergoes procedure to monitor, control • Sanford’s four-goal night gives him a career-high 12 goals for the heartbeat season. He’s among eight Blues who have either set or matched their career-high in goals scored already this season. The Blues still have 25 games left to play.

Jim Thomas , Tom Timmermann • The Vegas contest marked the second time in six days and the sixth time this season that the Blues have blown a two-goal lead and lost a

game. All six of those losses have come in overtime or a shootout. Jay Bouwmeester had an implantable cardioverter defibrillator placed in St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.16.2020 his chest to monitor and control his heartbeat, the Blues announced Friday.

The procedure was done at the UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange County, Calif.. Bouwmeester had a cardiac episode on the bench during the Blues’ game Tuesday at Honda Center against the Anaheim Ducks. He collapsed and had to be revived with a defibrillator.

An ICD is a small, battery-powered device that monitors heart rhythm and detects irregular heartbeats. If an abnormal rhythm is detected, it can deliver electric shocks to the heart.

It is, according to the Mayo Clinic’s website, usually placed under the left collarbone and is different from a pacemaker. According to Mayo, people who need ICDs have sustained ventricular tachycardia (an abnormal heartbeat), survived a cardiac arrest or fainted from a ventricular arrhythmia.

The procedure was performed by the cardiology department at UC Irvine.

When Bouwmeester is released, he will fly back to St. Louis and be monitored by Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University physicians.

The Blues said the next update on Bouwmeester will come early next week.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong told the Post-Dispatch on Wednesday that Blues players undergo fitness testing and medical testing at the start of each season.

“Yeah, they get their heart checked, they get everything checked,” Armstrong said.

In terms of Bouwmeester’s fitness, Armstrong said, “he’s at the top of that group, too. So it’s shocking when it happens to anyone, but (especially) someone that seems to be at that level of fitness.”

Fans attending Saturday’s 2 p.m. game against the Nashville Predators at Enterprise Center can show their support for Bouwmeester by signing or writing a message on a banner that will be in the arena concourse — at Portal 15 — until the end of the second intermission.

Sanford makes historyThe Blues have had players score twice in a game on 15 occasions this season, led by Brayden Schenn, who’s done it three times: Oct. 24 against the Los Angeles Kings; Dec. 23 at the Los Angeles Kings; and Feb. 4 against Carolina.

The team’s only hat trick of the season was by David Perron on Dec. 16 against Colorado.

But when it comes to Zach Sanford, he became only the eighth player in Blues history to score four goals in a game, and the first since David Backes on Jan. 6, 2015 against Arizona. This season, he’s the fifth player in the NHL to score four times in one game.

“It’s a pretty cool thing,” Sanford said. “I owe it to my teammates and stuff.

“It’s always good to get one early. Right off the bat. I just shoot one and it goes through everyone and finds its way in. When you can get one early, or even get a couple good shifts in, it helps build your confidence and gets you into it a little bit more.”

Sanford’s first goal came just 25 seconds into Thursday’s 6-5 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.

Blue notesThe Blues have only two sets of back-to-backs remaining this season, and they both come over the next seven days. They play Nashville on Saturday in St. Louis and then on Sunday in Nashville. On Thursday, they play Arizona at home and then play at Dallas the next day. 1176763 St Louis Blues

Preview: Blues vs. Nashville

Jim Thomas

BLUES VS. PREDATORS

When, where: 2 p.m. Saturday, Enterprise Center.

TV, radio: FSM, WXOS (101.1 FM).

About the Predators: Nashville (27-22-7) entered the weekend on the fringe of the Western Conference playoff picture, in 10th place with 61 points. The Predators are 6-4-0 in their last 10 contests, routing the New York Islanders 5-0 in their most recent game on Thursday.

The Predators have taken both games against the Blues this season, 4-2 on Nov. 23 in St. Louis and 3-2 in a shootout two days later in Nashville. In the Nov. 23 game, Nashville scored 20 seconds into the game on a Filip Forsberg goal and led 3-1 after one period, peppering Jordan Binnington with 22 shots on goal in that period. Robert Bortuzzo received a four-game suspension for cross-checking Viktor Arvidsson, resulting in a lower-body injury that sidelined Arvidsson for a month.

In the Nov. 25 game, Daniel Carr — called up from the AHL to replace the injured Arvidsson — scored the game-winner in the fourth round of the shootout.

St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176764 St Louis Blues His Celtics, sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, have won 11 of their last 13.

“He’s been great," Hayward told reporters. “He really put us on his back BenFred's 5: First-time All-Star Tatum just keeps getting better tonight, especially when some of us had an off shooting night, so he’s been tremendous out here. We need to keep him playing like that.”

If we’ve learned anything by now, it’s that Tatum will find a way to play Feb 14, 2020 better.

Ben Frederickson 2. Beal deserved better

One quick note on the previously mentioned Brad Beal. I’m not sure how the NBA has an All-Star game if he is not included. Someone explain this Five topics from columnist Ben Frederickson that St. Louis sports fans to me. I know his team stinks. The Wizards are 20-33. But is Beal, a two- should be discussing: time All-Star, not playing against NBA defenders while he’s doing 1. Tatum's third NBA season his best yet? everything possible to change that? Is it Beal’s fault John Wall is hurt? Beal is fifth —FIFTH — in the league in scoring, averaging a career-high You know Jayson Tatum had a big night when his mentor starts tweeting. 29.1 points. Players one through four on the scoring list are All-Stars. Players six through 10 on the scoring list are All-Stars. But not Beal? “Jay don’t show em everything!!!” Washington Wizards star Brad Beal That’s bogus. posted Thursday, after his fellow St. Louis native finished off the Los Angeles Clippers in a double-overtime thriller in Boston. Beal is about to make history by becoming the player with the highest scoring average to miss the All-Star game. What a shame. And for those Thirty-nine points. Nine rebounds. who will argue, “Well, who should be left off to make a spot for Beal?”, Tatum shot 61 percent from the field. He sank five of 10 threes. The first- here’s your answer — any one of the guys who is not a top-five scorer. time All-Star spent 48 minutes on the court, refusing to let his Celtics 3. Unpleasant context for Sanford's big game enter the All-Star break with a loss. Marchessault's OT goal lifts Golden Knights past Blues 6-5 Mission accomplished. Zach Sanford’s four-goal game Thursday night in Las Vegas marked just Tatum’s Celtics outlasted Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers in a 141-133 double the seventh time the Blues have had a player score four or more in a OT win. game. This was the first time one of those games ended in a loss. “A guy I watch film on a lot, I have been watching film of him since I was No NHL player has scored more than four goals in a game this season. in high school,” Tatum, 21, told reporters about Leonard, 28, after the Sanford is one of five players to score four. That group consists of Jack win. “Obviously, he’s one of the best players in the league, probably top Eichel, Anthony Mantha, James Neal, David Pastrnak and now Sanford. two, top three players, so you know you want those ones, just to compete But Sanford is the only player in the group who did not get to celebrate against a guy like that who has accomplished so much in this league, just the accomplishment after a win. try to make it tough." In the past decade, a player has scored four or more goals in a game just Speaking of film, Landry Shamet is going to want to burn the tape from 35 times. Unless I missed one, the Blues are just the fourth team to lose Thursday night. He received the short straw of trying to stop Tatum. one of those games. Brutal. When he gave Tatum an inch, Tatum shot over his head. When he closed the gap, Tatum left him guarding air. 4. Burroughs-Lutheran North debate continues

Speaking of Leonard, he scored 28 points. That’s usually what he Class 2 State Football Semifinal - Lutheran North vs. Lathrop averages in regulation. He shot 37 percent from the field and made one of six threes. He averages percentages of 46.3 (field goal) and 37.4 Thanks to the good folks at "Donnybrook" for the lively discussion of a (three). recent column topic. The debate about John Burroughs dropping Lutheran North in football continues. I’ve had many productive What happened? conversations with readers on the issue.

Tatum’s defense against Leonard happened. I’ve also heard plenty of bogus excuses defending Burroughs’ decision. Those arguing “player safety” as their reason don’t get to play the “He wants the challenge,” Celtics coach Brad Stevens said in his “transfer” card. Pick one, please. And know that Burroughs coach John postgame media session. “Nobody respects Kawhi more than Jayson Merritt and at least one notable former Burroughs player wanted the and appreciates him more than Jayson. He is going to play his heart out series to continue. against him on both ends of the court because he knows if you don’t you get embarrassed pretty easily. I thought he did a really good job. You just "Sad to see this as a former Bomber," tweeted former Burroughs player try and make those shots as tough as possible. When Jayson is able to Jake Bain. "I loved the storied rivalry between the two schools. Instead of challenge shots his length is a factor. He did that on a lot of occasions dropping good teams, let’s strengthen the program and get back to the and Kawhi still hit a few, as did the other guys. He played a good two- Bomber way. Hopefully this game will come back soon." way game and has been a good two-way player all year. I think that is what makes us feel really comfortable. He was playing at an all-star level 5. Albert answers, but do you believe him? on both ends of the court.” Cropped Jeff Albert and Yairo Munoz Added fellow Celtics All-Star Kemba Walker in an interview with the Give Jeff Albert some credit for finally answering the questions that have Boston Globe: “He was incredible. He made every right play. He made hovered above the Cardinals hitting coach since his former team, the every big shot.” Houston Astros, have been consumed by the electronic sign-stealing Well, almost every one. scandal. Albert needed to answer questions. He did.

Tatum missed a potential game-winner that could have kept the Celtics What he has to understand is those answers are really hard to believe. from needing a second overtime, but who’s counting? A Tatum drive in Albert’s claim is the same one the Cardinals shared during Winter Warm- the second OT turned into a layup that put the Celtics ahead by four with Up. He says not only was he not involved in wrongdoing, but that he did two minutes to go. A Gordon Hayward 3-pointer made it five with a not know it was happening. That’s hard to buy, considering he was in the minute and a half left. The assist on that shot? Tatum. dugout during the 2018 sesaon, working closely with the replay-room employees and players who were breaking rules during the 2018 season. This is the fourth time since the calendar flipped to 2020 that he’s scored more than 30 points in a game. He’s averaging career-highs in minutes There is no proof available right now that says Albert is being untruthful. (34.1), points (22.4), rebounds (6.9), assists (2.9) and steals (1.4) during The Cardinals are clearly buying his story. If something comes out that his third season in the league. proves otherwise, a lot of people are going to look bad. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176765 St Louis Blues “From my vantage point, they started yelling, ‘Trainer,'” said Huff, the Ducks’ head athletic trainer. “And as soon as that happened, I jumped over the boards and I went to their bench. And they were removing the bench at that point. So, I helped them move the bench and then went to ‘We’re in great hands’: Ducks staff gets praise for saving Jay Jay’s side. At that point, (Chad) had already run and signaled with the fist Bouwmeester’s life in the air, which gets the paramedics.

“It’s the same sign everywhere we go. If you put your fist in the air. Obviously in most scenarios, you’re on the ice with the player so it’s Eric Stephens pretty easy to see. The paramedics always know to look for that. As soon Feb 14, 2020 as that happens, that signals everybody.”

Fibel, who is Anaheim’s medical director and primary physician said, “We have a timeline. We just don’t know if it’s the right time to say it. We had ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Ducks are not looking for credit or praise, compressions going quickly. The AED was working within a minute and a particularly not the individuals who make up their medical and training half. It’s just unbelievable how fast that got applied.” staffs. They were simply doing a job, a task they have spent many hours educating themselves on and practicing for, should the situation ever call “The players initially recognized the seriousness of the situation,” Huff for it. They do their work in the background, while the players they said. “So that is really what triggered everyone else to respond to that.” routinely associate with are in the limelight. The emergency kit that all NHL teams must keep near both benches Mostly, they would prefer not to be seen as heroes, even though many during games. (Eric Stephens / The Athletic) have showered praise on them in the aftermath of the direct and Walker, who assists Huff on the training staff, said, “If you watch the clip, supplementary assistance they provided to save the life of a man, a you can actually see (Alex) Pietrangelo. As soon as he sees something’s husband, a father and a hockey player. wrong, he sprints right over the Zamboni tunnel. Because he knows. I St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester remains at UC Irvine don’t think he was ever directly told that’s where help is. But they know Medical Center in nearby Orange, where he is resting comfortably and, that’s where the ambulance guys are and we need to get them out.” according to those who have spoken with him, is in good spirits after Emergency medical personnel would stabilize Bouwmeester and take suffering a cardiac episode on the team’s bench Tuesday night during him out of the arena on a gurney. Within a few more minutes, he was the first period of their game against the Ducks. Bouwmeester, 36, rushed on the two-mile drive to the hospital, where physicians there were continues to undergo a series of tests to determine the exact nature of already notified of the critical situation. Before all that was the initial act of the horrific moment that threatened his life. reviving him. It is why a defibrillator is part of a large red bag that is We do not know the cause of Bouwmeester’s cardiac event. Nor do we essentially an outsized emergency kit. One sits near each bench for know the future of an exemplary hockey career that had reached 1,240 every NHL game. Cardiac events involving Detroit’s Jiri Fischer in 2005 NHL games, with another 75 in the postseason. Last spring provided the and Dallas’s Rich Peverley in 2014 have factored in the mandate of apex, with the widely respected defender hoisting the Stanley Cup for the those as well as a team physician seated within 50 feet of the bench. first time. Now he is in the hospital, resting as the Blues announced The team effort was something the four compared to how a NASCAR pit Friday that he underwent surgery for the insertion of an implantable crew operates. cardioverter defibrillator. The device restores the heart’s normal rhythm. “I think everyone was doing different roles in whether someone was But we know that he is alive and seemingly well, which is all that matters. physically hands-on,” Fibel said. “Everybody had a part that was crucial The Blues and Ducks tried to go about their usual business on Thursday. to the final outcome. Their trainers were involved. Our trainers were quick Both lost, with St. Louis falling 6-5 in overtime to the Golden Knights in to go over and assess and basically initiate the emergency action plan, Vegas. Anaheim suffered a 6-0 home defeat to Calgary. Neither game which then involved our emergency physician that was in the stands. was easy to play. Myself. And the paramedics. EMS. Their head trainer, Ray, was the first one over at Jay’s side. I think everyone then started just naturally going The one thing that provided comfort was the knowledge that into their role.” Bouwmeester is still here for his family, friends and fans, that he has more days ahead. That there are hopefully many more, to where this All had to perform their roles correctly and rapidly. episode no longer comes up first on a Google search of his name. And “Whenever there’s what he had, which was a sudden cardiac arrest, time that right now he continues to receive the best of care. is of the essence,” Fibel said. “And really the quicker you induce their That care began with the instantaneous response by his Blues chest compressions and AED is really where the survival rate is teammates, St. Louis trainer Ray Barile, and Ducks players and staff, as significantly increased. Basically every minute that goes by — after a few well as the emergency medical technicians who also jumped into action. minutes, the mortality rate or survival rate decreased by about 10 Blues general manager Doug Armstrong confirmed in a news conference percent. So every minute is extremely crucial. Which is why we practice Wednesday that an automated external defibrillator was used to revive this as a group. Basically every second that ticks by, you’re losing your Bouwmeester after he became unresponsive upon collapsing after his chance at a potential ability to save someone’s life.” first-period shift. Each summer, hundreds of athletic trainers and equipment managers Concern over Bouwmeester’s welfare has been paramount. The Ducks convene with team physicians and strength coaches for discussion, continue to have the defenseman in their thoughts. They’re also thankful education and application of existing and new procedures within their to have a training and medical staff that showed its expertise and fields. Emergency medical services professionals are also involved. It is displayed incredible calm under pressure in a dire situation. a means to share knowledge and refine techniques.

“That’s the whole thing,” Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf said. “They’re all In September, the Ducks’ staff reviewed and practiced its protocol to trained in the things that you hope they never have to use. They put that handle a traumatic event. No one ever anticipates the time when that on display the other night. It’s very good to see those guys in how they protocol has to be enacted. responded. And they’re humans, too. It affects them and the way they “It’s a testament to the practice,” Huff said. “Because let’s face it. How work. They hope they never have to do stuff like that. But everybody did many times has this actually happened? I cannot tell you that I’m going to an outstanding job.” stay calm or that anyone’s going to stay calm. You practice and you hope Initially, they didn’t feel like talking about their role in helping keep that you practice enough that it becomes second nature and you’re able Bowmeester alive. This was not about them. But then Joe Huff, Chad to just react and take care of — even if it’s not your specific duty, it is a Walker, Kevin Taylor and Dr. Kenton Fibel thought about the value their duty that you know. You’re going down that mental checklist and experience Tuesday might provide for other teams, organizations, even everything is getting done in the order in which it should be. individuals who might have to encounter a similar episode. “That’s the beauty of getting all together as a group and working with It was St. Louis defenseman Vince Dunn who first noticed Bouwmeester different teams and different doctors from different teams. Everybody. in danger. And then everyone else quickly mobilized. Equipment managers. Everybody that’s there. Everybody has something happen to anyone. Puts things into perspective that you really cherish to do and it’s going to get done.” each day. Live it. It could be your last because you never know.”

The Ducks who spoke about Bouwmeester have shared a locker room There is a juxtaposition. To live your life fully, you must have a sense of with him. Getzlaf and Bouwmeester played together for Team Canada normalcy, and part of that is assuming that you will wake up each day internationally, with both capturing gold medals at the 2014 Winter and go about your business. But an event like Tuesday’s, in full view of a Olympics. Michael Del Zotto was alongside the defender for the Blues’ large crowd at an arena and those watching on television, is a stark Cup run. Ryan Miller was his teammate in St. Louis in 2014. warning that life can’t be taken for granted.

They’ve been relieved by the positive news that has come out in the “I just think we’re all at risk and we all do our best to keep our bodies in aftermath. the best shape possible,” Eakins said. “That’s a great reminder. You can be a very, very fit young man and things might not be wired right that one “Certainly, as we’ve kind of absorbed it, if suddenly that is going to day. There’s no rhyme or reason to anything sometimes.” happen, he’s in a pretty good place for it to happen,” Miller said. “The response by the medical staff on both sides and the emergency crews On Thursday, Eakins included a discussion about Tuesday night as he definitely kept him with us. We’re thankful to that group, and we’re happy prepared his team for its game against the Flames. “And then we got on that everything seems like Jay is going to be able to proceed with his the ice,” he said, “because that’s what we do.” life.” The game’s result, hours later, raised a question about possible The Ducks’ staff is receiving universal recognition for its response to the carryover. Calgary jumped out to a 4-0 first-period lead and shifted into emergency. Armstrong thanked them in a statement released Thursday coast mode as the Ducks failed to convert on their offensive chances. night and during his press briefing. Their work behind the scenes has They’ll have to sharpen their focus, and suffering the most lopsided loss been brought into the light. of the season should make that easier as they head back out on the road for games Sunday (Vancouver) and Monday (Calgary). “I’m not a doctor,” Del Zotto said. “I don’t understand how this stuff works. But I understand it can be a matter of seconds or minutes and things can But they could at least start moving on with some level of peace, after change pretty drastically. It was great to see how quickly everyone went being a witness to horror. out there. Especially in a situation like that where everyone is panicking around them. To remain calm, cool and collected and they did their job. “The fortunate part about it all is Jay’s OK,” Getzlaf said. “If we were Hats off to them. sitting here in a different situation and things didn’t go as well as they did, I’m sure today would be a little bit different of a conversation. A little bit “I’ve had it before with skate cuts. It’s always comforting to know that you harder.” have numerous guys that are very well qualified to take care of you if any emergency were to happen. We have a great staff here. We’re thankful Eakins said some Ducks have reached out to Bouwmeester. He did also. to have them.” He got a text back, which made him feel the defenseman is in good spirits. Ducks coach Dallas Eakins took it a step further. Still, Eakins thought about the fragility of life. He noted the recent tragic “We’re in great hands,” Eakins said. “You wish nothing to happen to helicopter crash that killed Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others. anyone. I can tell you one thing. If I’m going to have a heart attack, I Miller echoed those sentiments and said the Bouwmeester incident hope I have it on the bench. And I’m not even joking. I don’t want to have brought both a harsh dose of realism and an opportunity to reflect and it in my car. I don’t want to have it out on my bike. If I’m going down, appreciate the ability to play a sport they enjoy. “We’re not as strong as please put me down on the bench. Please. Because I know those people we think we are all the time,” the goalie said. are right there to help me.” “No one’s immune,” he added. “We think we can guard against it with Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester is still recovering at UC Irvine either exercise. Vitamins. Eat healthy. Say your prayers. Everything. Medical Center. (Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today) There’s just certain things you can’t avoid. So, you have to enjoy what’s in front of you.” Many people took action to bring about some semblance of order during a time of complete chaos. Dunn and Pietrangelo immediately recognizing Eakins praised the “unbelievable teamwork” from everyone involved on Bouwmeester was in distress. Armstrong was on the telephone with Tuesday night. “They saved a young man’s life,” he said. Bouwmeester’s wife, Devon, (who was not watching the game) to give her all the details and reassure that her husband was receiving the best At the forefront was a group of people who hoped to never put this kind care. The Blues got Bouwmeester’s father, Dan, to the hospital so he of training into use but were at their absolute best when needed. could be with his son. Ducks GM Bob Murray got in touch with league “We don’t do this with the expectation of getting a thank you,” Fibel said. personnel and top officials from both teams in conjunction with the NHL “It’s always nice to get those. And do we appreciate those and does it to make the proper decision to postpone the game. reinforce some of the practicing and the hard work that we put in? I think “It was irrelevant obviously,” Getzlaf said. “Sports are second to anything it does. But I think at the end of the day, this is our job and this is what when it comes to stuff like that. The organizations got together. Talked. we expect of ourselves. And this is what drives us to continue to look at Did the right thing. Talked to their players. Our players. What we wanted how we can always make ourselves better and do better for the future.” to do and what we felt was best for Jay.” Praiseworthy stuff.

Said Eakins: “It was 100 percent the right call. It would be head-shaking if The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 anybody was questioning that.”

Among the things hardest for some to reconcile is the idea of Bouwmeester being the one in harm’s way. A cardiac episode can happen to anyone and it would be no less traumatizing. But what makes it tougher is, Bouwmeester long has been hailed for his commitment to physical fitness. Teammates and opponents marvel at his conditioning and how much of a role it has played in his durability. He has one of the league’s longest ironman streaks — a 737-game run that lasted for a decade.

“Not to say it should happen to anyone, but he is a specimen,” Del Zotto said. “He is a freak of nature in how he takes care of his body and his strength and conditioning. His off-ice program. So, he’d be the last guy you would think that would happen to. But it just goes to show it can happen to anyone.

“What is he, 36? He’s an animal. He’s the last guy you’d assume that would happen to. It’s unfortunate to see. It just goes to show it can 1176766 Tampa Bay Lightning — Here's Your Replay (@HeresYourReplay) February 15, 2020

James van Riemsdyk score three minutes after Point to bring the Flyers within two, but it was Claude Giroux’s goal less than a minute later that Lightning hold off Flyers to win 10th straight put the game in the balance.

Philadelphia makes a late push, but Tampa Bay holds on to set a Vasilevskiy made a save on a Provorov shot, but Giroux wristed the puck franchise home win-streak record. right back at him. The goalie grabbed the puck in an elbow but couldn’t keep his balance and toppled over into the net. Initially, a referee signaled no goal, but upon review, the Flyers were given it to trail just 4- Diana C. Nearhos 3.

This was reviewed. Good goal.

TAMPA — Make it 10. The Lightning extended their winning streak to Claude Giroux 4-3 #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/7my53mngU4 double digits for the second time this season with a 5-3 win over the — Here's Your Replay (@HeresYourReplay) February 15, 2020 Flyers on Saturday.

Tampa Bay is only the second franchise to post multiple winning streaks Philadelphia pulled Carter Hart from the net with about three minutes to of 10-plus games in one regular season NHL history. The Bruins did it in play, but the Lightning limited the Flyers’ scoring chances. 1929-30 and 1970-71. Vasilevskiy made the two more stops he needed to extend his point “We’re feeling confident, that’s for sure,” said Steven Stamkos, back in streak to 21 games, something only five other goalies have done in NHL the lineup with two assists after missing the previous three games with history. an injury. “That’s a very delicate thing in the world in sports, and in life in “We’ve been on a pretty good run here,” Cooper said. “I’ve stood up here general. We’re feeling good about ourselves.” a lot, and it’s not too often where I can criticize this team because they’ve RELATED: Sign up for our Lightning Strikes newsletter to get weekly given it everything they have. You can’t be on top of the game all the updates to your inbox time, but (Saturday) … we found a way to win, but it just wasn’t the right way.” Adding to the overall winning streak — Tampa Bay’s second one of 10 games this season — the Lightning (39-15-5) set a franchise record with Lightning 2-1-2—5 their 11th consecutive win at Amalie Arena. The previous record of 10 Flyers 0-1-2—3 was set in the 2014-15 season. First Period—1, Tampa Bay, Killorn 22 (Shattenkirk, Sergachev), 3:17. 2, Stamkos quipped that the players like home cooking. Tampa Bay, Paquette 6 (Maroon, Johnson), 14:55. Penalties—Stephens, The Lightning haven’t lost at Amalie Arena since coach Jon Cooper said TB (Cross Checking), 5:37; Provorov, Phi (Hooking), 7:53. they needed “to win some games at home” on Dec. 23, amidst a home- Second Period—3, Tampa Bay, Verhaeghe 8 (Hedman, Gourde), 2:35. heavy stretch. 4, Philadelphia, Provorov 11 (Couturier, Giroux), 8:57 (pp). Penalties— At the time, the Lightning had played 11 of their previous 14 games at Kucherov, TB (Hooking), 7:53; Raffl, Phi (Elbowing), 10:36; Gourde, TB home and were 5-5-1 at Amalie. They’ve played only 11 of the 25 games (Interference), 13:09; Konecny, Phi (Roughing), 13:51; Giroux, Phi since that comment in Tampa but have won them all. (Slashing), 13:51; Stamkos, TB (Roughing), 13:51; Konecny, Phi (Roughing), 17:12; Coburn, TB (Roughing), 20:00; Cernak, TB The path to that mark got a bit bumpy at the end Saturday, enough so (Misconduct), 20:00; Voracek, Phi (Roughing), 20:00. that Cooper joked that “how are you” from a fan visiting from Bali to open the postgame news conference was a loaded question. Third Period—5, Tampa Bay, Point 21 (Kucherov, Stamkos), 12:34. 6, Philadelphia, van Riemsdyk 18 (Sanheim, Niskanen), 15:31 (pp). 7, “I was good about an hour and a half ago,” he said. “I’m calming down Philadelphia, Giroux 16 (Konecny, Provorov), 16:15. 8, Tampa Bay, now, so I’m better.” Kucherov 28 (Hedman, Stamkos), 19:38 (en). Penalties—Provorov, Phi (Boarding), 0:46; Coburn, TB (Holding), 5:01; Stephens, TB (Hooking), With less than five minutes left in the game, the Flyers scored twice in 14:00. less than a minute to pull within 4-3. Nikita Kucherov, back after missing one game with an injury, scored an empty-netter with 22 seconds left to Shots on Goal—Philadelphia 8-10-15_33. Tampa Bay 11-6-7_24. Power- seal the win. play opportunities—Philadelphia 2 of 5; Tampa Bay 0 of 5. Goalies— Philadelphia, Hart 17-12-3 (23 shots-19 saves). Tampa Bay, Vasilevskiy There’s just something about the Flyers when it comes to the Lightning. 32-9-3 (33-30). A—19,092 (19,092). T—2:42. Referees—TJ Luxmore, Last season the Lightning twice gave up three-goal leads to them in the Kelly Sutherland. Linesmen—Matt MacPherson, Bevan Mills. third period and had to win in overtime. Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 02.16.2020 Saturday they pulled this one out in regulation, with the help of Andrei Vasilevskiy in goal and Kucherov, Stamkos and Anthony Cirelli, who also returned after missing one game hurt.

Through two periods, the Lightning built a 3-1 lead. Alex Killorn got them started early in the first, and Cedric Paquette followed with his second goal in two games. Carter Verhaeghe capitalized on a beautiful pass from Victor Hedman in the second period before the Flyers got on the board.

Carter Verhaeghe 3-0 #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/Yc0h7gj4Vj

— Here's Your Replay (@HeresYourReplay) February 15, 2020

Ivan Provorov scored a power-play goal from just inside the blue line at center point about nine minutes into the second. But even as the already high physicality, including extracurricular activities, amped up, the Lightning largely maintained control.

Brayden Point landed a no-look shot off the crossbar with about eight minutes to go in the game for a 4-1 lead. At the time, it felt like he was putting the game out of reach, but the Flyers weren’t done.

Brayden Point 4-1 #GoBolts pic.twitter.com/0i0RunB9RY 1176767 Tampa Bay Lightning “It’s hockey. That stuff happens. It’s an aggressive sport, a sport where sometimes your emotions can get the best of you,’’ Stamkos said. “It’s the team that can stay disciplined (that wins), but at the same time, we’re not going to let teams try to do that to us. For the most part, we don’t Lightning were brothers in arms, and also in fists, against Flyers want to take any dumb, stupid penalties. I don’t think we did. It sucked that Cernak got the 10-minute misconduct. We’d rather him be on the ice.

“But like I said, we’re going to stick up for each other in this room.’’ John Romano Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 02.16.2020

TAMPA — The coach did not sound particularly thrilled, and that’s understandable. It’s his job to preach discipline and good judgment, and the Lightning occasionally forgot both when Saturday’s game started to turn nasty.

On the other hand, standing up for yourself matters.

And standing up for teammates matters even more.

So yes, Lightning players might have allowed the Flyers to get under their skin in the final 30 minutes Saturday. And yes, that probably had something to do with Philadelphia nearly erasing a three-goal deficit.

But at the end of their 5-3 victory, the Lightning were not apologizing.

“Anytime you’re in a team sport, it’s kind of like brotherly love in here, right? You stick up for your family, and that’s what we’re going to do,’’ Lightning captain Steven Stamkos said. “That’s been a point of emphasis. It’s been no secret some of the guys we brought into this lineup are big, strong guys that are going to be able to help us out in those situations, and they have.

“You look at (Luke) Schenn, you look at (Braydon Coburn), you look at (Pat) Maroon, (Erik) Cernak. These are big boys that can take care of business on the ice, and it just lets you breathe a little sigh of relief when you’re out with them. So, it’s been great to have them.’’

If you had any doubt about the lessons of camaraderie, just rewind the video to near the end of the second period.

The game had already gotten a little uncomfortable, with Mikhail Sergachev yanking Travis Konecny around by his sweater, Yanni Gourde taking an elbow to the head, and Stamkos and Konecny trading punches near the boards.

So when Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped a shot with 2:48 remaining in the second and Anthony Cirelli tried to clear Travis Sanheim from the front of the net, things got interesting quickly. Sanheim turned on Cirelli but was grabbed by Coburn before he could do any damage.

That’s when Kevin Hayes went after Cirelli and was intercepted by defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Finally, Konecny dove in and ripped Cirelli’s helmet off before Alex Killorn stepped in to protect his teammate.

“That’s the kind of game they wanted to get into, and there’s not much you can do,’’ Killorn said. “You try not to take penalties, and you try to play within the whistles, but you also have to stand up for yourself, so it’s kind of a tough balance.

“Guys like Maroon and Schenn have helped a ton. When you look at our lineup, there are more guys who are willing and able to step up and defend teammates. Everyone in the league knows those guys will stand up, so now maybe the mindset changes a little bit with them on the ice.’’

The big boys and veterans haven’t been the only ones willing to get physical. Sergachev’s presence has been growing in the past two months. Cirelli and Gourde have never been afraid to take on bigger players.

The preferred method is to pick your spots and deliver your hits within the context of the game. Not letting another team push you around might be important, but you also cannot take on a 10-minute misconduct penalty the way Cernak did at the end of the second period.

Coach Jon Cooper was asked if it was a good lesson for the Lightning to avoid being pulled into that type of penalty-heavy game.

“But we did get dragged into it,’’ Cooper said.

It did not cost the Lightning anything other than some anxious moments Saturday. And maybe there will be a game in the future where it might tip the score in the wrong direction, but that might also be the price of making a larger point to teammates and opponents, too. 1176768 Toronto Maple Leafs

Jack Campbell wins third game for Toronto as Maple Leafs down Senators 4-2

LISA WALLACE

FEBRUARY 15, 2020

Jack Campbell stopped 24 shots for the Toronto Maple Leafs in a 4-2 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.

Campbell is now 3-0-1 since the Leafs acquired him Feb. 5

Auston Matthews, Jake Muzzin, William Nylander and Mitch Marner scored for the Leafs (31-20-8), who are trying to stay ahead of the Florida Panthers in the Atlantic Division.

Florida lost to Edmonton 4-1 earlier in the day.

Connor Brown and Cody Goloubef scored for the Senators (19-28-11), who are now 1-5-2 in their last eight games.

Marcus Hogberg got the start, but was pulled after giving up three goals on 16 shots. Craig Anderson stopped all 14 shots he faced.

While Toronto games have always brought a number of Leafs fans to Canadian Tire Centre, on this night it was hard to find a Senators jersey through entire sections of the building. The 18,544 on hand was the biggest crowd of the season.

Trailing 3-1 the Senators made it a one-goal game midway through the third as Goloubef scored his first of the season. It was the 30-year-old’s first goal since Nov. 17, 2015.

Zach Hyman had a great opportunity to regain the two-goal lead as he took advantage of a Senators giveaway and broke in alone, while shorthanded, but Anderson made a great glove save to keep Ottawa within reach.

Marner sealed the win with an empty-net goal with just over one minute remaiing in regulation. He flipped the puck into the net from deep within his own zone, launching it over the Senators defence.

The second period saw the Leafs jump out to a 3-1 lead and Hogberg being pulled.

Toronto doubled its lead as Muzzin sent a wrist shot past a screened Hogberg, who had no chance at the puck.

Ten minutes later Nylander tipped a shot past Hogberg to make it 3-0 and end the Ottawa goalie’s night.

The Senators got on the board at the 16-minute mark as Chris Tierney made a nice pass out front to Vladislav Namestnikov who fed Brown for the open net for his 11th of the season. With his 36th point Brown, a former member of the Leafs, tied his career high.

Toronto came out of the first with a 1-0 lead as Matthews was able to squeeze a shot through Hogberg, on a goal the rookie goaltender would surely want back.

Notes: With Mark Borowiecki sidelined with an ankle injury Thomas Chabot was given the “A”. Mikkel Boedker was the lone healthy scratch for the Senators. Toronto cancelled practice on Friday because of a flu bug making its way through the team.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 13, 2020.

Globe And Mail LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176769 Toronto Maple Leafs exploitation charges from their time together with the Quinte Hawks in 2001. As a St. Louis Blue, Danton pleaded guilty of hiring a hitman to kill Frost during the 2003-04 season.

Frédérik Gauthier and coach Sheldon Keefe check out the replay on the Keefe won over the locals when he bought the team in 2003, and took it videoboard after a second-period goal by William Nylander, left, in over as coach after his playing career ended prematurely in 2004. Saturday night’s win in Ottawa. “We figured out he meant business,” said Greg Kossatz, who was in charge of billeting while Keefe was in Pembroke. “He really came along and did great for the kids and it’s (something) that will probably never Kevin McGran happen again.”

Sat., Feb. 15, 2020 Keefe’s Lumber Kings went on to win five straight league championships and the 2011 Royal Bank Cup, representing national supremacy at the

Junior A level. OTTAWA—In a building pretty much equally divided between Maple “It’s great that he appreciates the people that did help them,” said John Leafs and Senators fans, it was the Sheldon Keefe fans who went home Fitzpatrick, the team’s bus driver. “He won’t ever forget. He’s turned into happiest. a very fine young man — or a middle-aged man, I guess I should say. Keefe treated about 40 people who were closest to him — whom he He’s matured considerably since he came to Pembroke. It’s been a credits with changing his life — when he owned and ran the Junior A steady progression with him and he’s always accomplished what (he) set Pembroke Lumber Kings to Saturday night’s 4-2 Leafs win over the out to do.” Ottawa Senators. Game notes: Leafs defenceman Timothy Liljegren picked up his first NHL “It was special for me,” said Keefe. “Nothing to do with the game, just a point, an assist on Muzzin’s goal … Matthews had his 23rd multi-point chance to see many of the people that were important in supporting me game, adding an assist on Marner’s empty netter … The Leafs went 3- and my family through our time in Pembroke in the operation of the for-3 on the penalty kill, 0-for-1 on the power play … The Canadian Tire Lumber Kings, and to have them in the building and a chance to thank Centre had a rare sellout and can thank Leafs fans for filling the place. them in person was important to me.” The “Go Leafs Go” chants were much louder than Sens chants.

Goals from Auston Matthews (his team-leading 42nd), Jake Muzzin, Up next: The Leafs head to Buffalo to face the Sabres on Sunday at 7 William Nylander and an empty-netter by Mitch Marner helped the Leafs p.m., the middle of the three-game road trip. Frederik Andersen is move four points ahead of the Florida Panthers for third place in the expected to start in net for the Leafs. Atlantic Division. Toronto Star LOADED: 02.16.2020 A 25-save performance from Jack Campbell didn’t hurt either. Campbell is 3-0-1 as a Leaf, surrendering goals to Connor Brown and Cody Goloubef.

Keefe’s Leafs didn’t even know about the special night.

“I wish I would have known before. It’s good we got the win,” said Muzzin.

“He doesn’t like to make things about himself; it’s about the team,” said forward Zach Hyman.

“It’s a class act by him, through and through,” said Shawn Caiton, Keefe’s assistant coach with the Lumber Kings. “He understands what those people and what the town of Pembroke meant to him, not only with his career but also on a personal level.”

‘Leap of faith’: Caiton knows first hand what Keefe went through on his journey from angry young man to coach of hockey’s most storied franchise. They were teammates in minor hockey with the Quinte Hawks and the OHL’s , and even shared a “family adviser” in the controversial David Frost.

Caiton said the people of Pembroke — from business owners who became sponsors to citizens who became volunteers — took a “leap of faith” in support of Keefe.

“They trusted him,” said Caiton. “He’d do anything to repay them.”

They were decked out in Leafs gear in a private box, with Keefe taking a moment with them before the game.

“It all started for me in Pembroke, in working with the Lumber Kings there,” said Keefe. “The number of volunteers and supporters that we had — sponsors, fans — all these things that allowed that organization to support me, my endeavour to try to be a coach and start a new life. Today is an opportunity for me to thank them.”

Coming home: The Canadian Tire Centre, about 125 kilometres southwest of Pembroke, is special to Keefe, a place where he coached in the OHL and the AHL, and for the first time as an NHL coach in an exhibition game. He’d also come to the building when he lived in Pembroke to cheer for the Leafs when they played the Senators.

“Being here in this building, for me, brings everything full circle,” said Keefe.

Keefe had been a noted hothead as a junior star in Barrie and was linked to controversial figures such as his agent Frost, and former Quinte Hawks teammate Mike Danton. In 2008, Frost was acquitted of sexual 1176770 Toronto Maple Leafs points a game — using one made by True. William Nylander’s a Bauer guy. All of CCM, True and Bauer make their sticks in China. While various spokespeople for China-based manufacturers have spoken hopefully of production resuming this coming week — Monday was a A typical NHLer goes though 100 to 125 sticks a season. About 75 per target date — all described the situation as fluid. There’d been hope, cent of them are made in China, where the bulk of production was after all, that production would resume Feb. 10, and yet the factories recently halted in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus. remained shuttered.

Not that every Maple Leaf seems particularly concerned. Marner, for his part, said that thanks to the foresight of longtime equipment manager Dave Feschuk Brian Papineau, he’s likely got enough stock to last the rest of the Sat., Feb. 15, 2020 season, barring an unusual rash of broken twigs.

Matthews, mind you, didn’t sound quite as sure.

Imagine the scene. The Maple Leafs’ season is down to its final few “I think everybody’s got enough inventory to go around for the next few games. Auston Matthews, in a neck-and-neck race with Alex Ovechkin weeks,” Matthews told the Star’s Kevin McGran before Thursday’s 3-2 for the Rocket Richard trophy as the league’s top goal scorer, is fed a loss to the Stars. “So we shouldn’t be too worried.” puck on a tee in the slot. The only major manufacturer whose supply chain is unaffected by the He shoots … He snaps his stick! situation is Warrior, which manufactures its sticks in Tijuana, Mexico in a factory a short drive over the border from San Diego. The company And instead of doing what NHLers normally do — cuss and head back to began making sticks there more than a decade ago in part to carve out a the bench for a new one — Matthews digs into his jeans, pulls out a high- competitive advantage. Since players can be notoriously fickle about limit credit card and sends a dressing-room attendant to the nearest sticks, the idea was that a factory on the North American continent would sporting goods retailer for a stack of replacements. reduce the lag time between a player’s whim and the delivery of a bespoke product. While Warrior says it can turn around an order from As far-fetched as it might seems, that’s the rough sketch of a potential Mexican factory to NHL rink in less than a week, an order to a Chinese- scenario being bandied about the NHL. There is, after all, a potential based manufacturer under normal operating circumstances can take 10 shortage of pro-model hockey sticks in the offing. Given that to 14 days to arrive at one’s dressing-room stall. approximately 75 per cent of NHL-used sticks are made in China — and given that the bulk of Chinese production was recently halted in an So Warrior, let’s just say, is well-positioned to earn some potential new attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus — players around the league business. have been told to ration their usage. “They’re licking their chops,” said an equipment rep from one of “We’ve been told it could be a problem,” said Jason Spezza, the Maple Warrior’s competitors. Leafs centreman. “If it drags on for two months, who knows?” If Chinese production doesn’t resume shortly, after all, the options for a First, a word of perspective. Nobody in hockey is putting an equipment replenishment of one’s stick supply could get slim. It could come down to supply problem on the same level as a public health crisis caused by an Warrior or retail. It could come down to Auston battling Ovie with a stick infectious disease that’s killed thousands. There are real-world concerns plucked off a big-box rack, the pros using equipment normally sold to the and then there’s sports-world minutiae, and this is, to be clear, very much Joes. a discussion around the latter. Toronto Star LOADED: 02.16.2020 Second, nobody is suggesting Matthews, or any player, is ever going to actually have to pay for his stack of sticks. NHL teams, not their well-paid employees, foot the bill for the normally bottomless stock of pricey carbon-fibre sticks. Teams spend in excess of half a million dollars a season on the things. Still, more than one industry insider told the Star that the idea that NHLers might eventually need to forgo their preferred custom models in favour of ones currently sitting on store shelves isn’t out of the realm of possibility. A typical player goes though 100 to 125 sticks a season. A new one every game, plus extras for practice, isn’t out of the ordinary, and some NHLers use far more. Even though teams devote considerable arena square footage to storage — the stick room is an NHL-standard accoutrement — they’ll eventually run out.

“We could end up having to use retail stock for pro players, which is not the ideal situation,” said one representative of a stick manufacturer this past week. “It’s like saying to a PGA Tour player: ‘Use this driver from Golf Town. Yeah, I know it’s not the same one you’re used to getting, but it looks the same, sort of.’”

It’s not ideal, of course, because the sticks typically used by NHL players often bear only a surface resemblance to the ones being sold to the paying public for $300 and more. NHL players can customize every aspect of the primary tool of their trade. They can personalize its curve. They can dial in its flex. They can tweak the precise stickiness of its handle. And if the combination isn’t to their liking — or if they’re looking to blame, say, a scoring slump on something beyond bad luck — they can order up a new shipment made to a new set of specifications on a whim.

At least, that’s how the industry works under normal conditions. This season, it’s different. Key Chinese factories have been shut down over the past month, first for the annual two-week hiatus to celebrate Chinese New Year and more recently in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus. So it’s currently impossible for players who use Chinese- made sticks to request any such changes.

Plenty of Maple Leafs are in that boat. Matthews scored his career-high 41 goals — tied for the league lead with Boston’s David Pastrnak and one ahead of Ovechkin heading into Saturday — using a stick made by CCM. Mitch Marner piled up 58 points in 47 games — a team-best 1.23 1176771 Toronto Maple Leafs guy. All of CCM, True and Bauer make their sticks in China. While various spokespeople for China-based manufacturers have spoken hopefully of production resuming this coming week — Monday was a target date — all described the situation as fluid. There’d been hope, Marner has enough. Matthews isn’t so sure. The NHL’s stick shortage is after all, that production would resume Feb. 10, and yet the factories nearing the breaking point — because of the coronavirus remained shuttered.

Not that every Maple Leaf seems particularly concerned. Marner, for his part, said that thanks to the foresight of longtime equipment manager Dave Feschuk Brian Papineau, he’s likely got enough stock to last the rest of the Sat., Feb. 15, 2020 season, barring an unusual rash of broken twigs.

Matthews, mind you, didn’t sound quite as sure.

Imagine the scene. The Maple Leafs’ season is down to its final few “I think everybody’s got enough inventory to go around for the next few games. Auston Matthews, in a neck-and-neck race with Alex Ovechkin weeks,” Matthews told the Star’s Kevin McGran before Thursday’s 3-2 for the Rocket Richard trophy as the league’s top goal scorer, is fed a loss to the Stars. “So we shouldn’t be too worried.” puck on a tee in the slot. The only major manufacturer whose supply chain is unaffected by the He shoots … He snaps his stick! situation is Warrior, which manufactures its sticks in Tijuana, Mexico in a factory a short drive over the border from San Diego. The company And instead of doing what NHLers normally do — cuss and head back to began making sticks there more than a decade ago in part to carve out a the bench for a new one — Matthews digs into his jeans, pulls out a high- competitive advantage. Since players can be notoriously fickle about limit credit card and sends a dressing-room attendant to the nearest sticks, the idea was that a factory on the North American continent would sporting goods retailer for a stack of replacements. reduce the lag time between a player’s whim and the delivery of a bespoke product. While Warrior says it can turn around an order from As far-fetched as it might seems, that’s the rough sketch of a potential Mexican factory to NHL rink in less than a week, an order to a Chinese- scenario being bandied about the NHL. There is, after all, a potential based manufacturer under normal operating circumstances can take 10 shortage of pro-model hockey sticks in the offing. Given that to 14 days to arrive at one’s dressing-room stall. approximately 75 per cent of NHL-used sticks are made in China — and given that the bulk of Chinese production was recently halted in an So Warrior, let’s just say, is well-positioned to earn some potential new attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus — players around the league business. have been told to ration their usage. If Chinese production doesn’t resume shortly, after all, the options for a “We’ve been told it could be a problem,” said Jason Spezza, the Maple replenishment of one’s stick supply could get slim. It could come down to Leafs centreman. “If it drags on for two months, who knows?” Warrior or retail. It could come down to Auston battling Ovie with a stick plucked off a big-box rack, the pros using equipment normally sold to the First, a word of perspective. Nobody in hockey is putting an equipment Joes. supply problem on the same level as a public health crisis caused by an infectious disease that’s killed thousands. There are real-world concerns Toronto Star LOADED: 02.16.2020 and then there’s sports-world minutiae, and this is, to be clear, very much a discussion around the latter.

Second, nobody is suggesting Matthews, or any player, is ever going to actually have to pay for his stack of sticks. NHL teams, not their well-paid employees, foot the bill for the normally bottomless stock of pricey carbon-fibre sticks. Teams spend in excess of half a million dollars a season on the things. Still, more than one industry insider told the Star that the idea that NHLers might eventually need to forgo their preferred custom models in favour of ones currently sitting on store shelves isn’t out of the realm of possibility. A typical player goes though 100 to 125 sticks a season. A new one every game, plus extras for practice, isn’t out of the ordinary, and some NHLers use far more. Even though teams devote considerable arena square footage to storage — the stick room is an NHL-standard accoutrement — they’ll eventually run out.

“We could end up having to use retail stock for pro players, which is not the ideal situation,” said one representative of a stick manufacturer this past week. “It’s like saying to a PGA Tour player: ‘Use this driver from Golf Town. Yeah, I know it’s not the same one you’re used to getting, but it looks the same, sort of.’”

It’s not ideal, of course, because the sticks typically used by NHL players often bear only a surface resemblance to the ones being sold to the paying public for $300 and more. NHL players can customize every aspect of the primary tool of their trade. They can personalize its curve. They can dial in its flex. They can tweak the precise stickiness of its handle. And if the combination isn’t to their liking — or if they’re looking to blame, say, a scoring slump on something beyond bad luck — they can order up a new shipment made to a new set of specifications on a whim.

At least, that’s how the industry works under normal conditions. This season, it’s different. Key Chinese factories have been shut down over the past month, first for the annual two-week hiatus to celebrate Chinese New Year and more recently in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus. So it’s currently impossible for players who use Chinese- made sticks to request any such changes.

Plenty of Maple Leafs are in that boat. Matthews scored his career-high 41 goals — tied for the league lead with Boston’s David Pastrnak and one ahead of Ovechkin heading into Saturday — using a stick made by CCM. Mitch Marner piled up 58 points in 47 games — a team-best 1.23 points a game — using one made by True. William Nylander’s a Bauer 1176772 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin says new contract is 'close'

Lance Hornby

February 15, 2020 11:31 PM EST

OTTAWA — Jake Muzzin saw the giant scrum awaiting him and quipped: “Geez, you score just one goal …”

But expect the big defenceman to be spotlighted again in a few days, with a new contract. He and the Maple Leafs are nearing a four-year contract, which Postmedia’s Terry Koshan and others have alluded to this week.

“I let my agent handle these things, but we are close,” a smiling Muzzin said after his big goal in Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Senators, his first in weeks. It was his fourth goal of the season.

A number in the $5.5-million US AAV range has been speculated once the salary-cap parameters are settled.

Muzzin, acquired a year ago from the Kings, is a huge piece for the Leafs’ blueline moving forward. When he signs, a decision on Tyson Barrie and a deal for restricted free agent are next.

Goalie Jack Campbell said he would miss the bearded Muzzin protecting him.

“I was so upset when they traded him from L.A.,” Campbell said. “It’s great to be back with him.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176773 Toronto Maple Leafs “The boys have played well and now Andersen’s back (starting in Buffalo).”

The one-anthem game began with recognition of the Canadian flag’s Leafs win nail-biter over Sens to finally hit 70-point plateau 55th anniversary of being flown above Parliament Hill, and a high number of visiting minor hockey players and Winterlude vacationers pushing recent sparse attendance to the Sens’ first sellout of 2019-20.

Lance Hornby “I’m used to being on the other side,” joked Brown earlier in the day of the heavy Toronto presence. February 15, 2020 11:26 PM EST “Hopefully, all those people will forget to come.”

Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 OTTAWA — Welcome to the 70s, Maple Leafs.

Though it felt like years to get here, and added grey hairs behind the bench and in the management booth, Toronto broke the 70-point barrier on Saturday with what turned into a 4-2 nail-biter win over the 49-point Ottawa Senators.

Where close to 80 by this stage of the NHL schedule seemed possible after Christmas, the Leafs hit some potholes with injuries, weak goaltending and even recent scoring issues as they flailed around .500.

That was eased to a degree on Saturday at the Canadian Tire Centre when the Leafs scored first, built upon it and, when the Sens rallied, had the proper response, with Jack Campbell bending, but not breaking in net.

“When they made a push, we came back and made plays in their end,” said Auston Matthews, whose 42nd goal in his favourite visiting rink opened the scoring.

At least now, Toronto has simplified the math to a magic playoff number somewhere in the mid-90s, if they manage some combo of 25 points in their remaining 23 games. They’ve yet to escape the pursuing Panthers, who lost again at home Saturday and are four points back with a game in hand, but Florida is also among 13 teams still in the mushy 60-plus points bracket.

“I not keeping track of where are points are. I just know we have to collect as many as we can,” said coach Sheldon Keefe. “We took care of what we needed to today and now have a chance to do it tomorrow (in Buffalo).”

After the puzzling low output from blending Matthews, Mitch Marner and William Nylander on a super dollar-sign line, Keefe went back to the less glamorous, but effective Zach Hyman on their left wing. Nylander shifted back to John Tavares and Alex Kerfoot, while the starting five included popular former Senator Jason Spezza, with Pierre Engvall and Kyle Clifford.

The Leafs were on the roster tightrope at forward after Andreas Johnsson required surgery on his knee and Pontus Aberg was sent back to the Marlies. After reinstating Frederik Gauthier and Dmytro Timashov, the Leafs have no extra forwards and one spare defenceman, Martin Marincin.

Yet, with the Marlies winning four straight, Keefe is reluctant to mess with the farm team’s chemistry unless he really has to.

Matthews waited for Ottawa goalkeeper Marcus Hogberg to commit before scoring his 15th in 13 games overall against the Sens.

Then Nylander helped set up Jake Muzzin’s first goal in months, before tipping in his own via Tavares.

But with the Nylander goal signalling Hogberg’s departure on 16 shots, Craig Anderson came in and Ottawa fought its way back in on goals by Connor Brown and Cody Goloubef.

Andersen stopped a couple of breakaways before Marner’s high floating empty-netter, assisted by Matthews.

Only 10 Leafs have ever reached 42 goals, topped by Rick Vaive’s franchise-record 54. Nylander’s 26th is as many goals as his father Michael had in his best NHL campaign, 13 years ago with the Rangers.

Campbell, whose enthusiasm for this new career chapter since the trade with L.A. is infectious, couldn’t get over how many Toronto fans were here.

“That was cool, that first lap (of warmup) with all the blue and white,” he said after 25 saves and his third win in four games, one fewer than Michael Hutchinson before the latter was waived on Friday. 1176774 Toronto Maple Leafs While rail travel is a little tricky in Canada these days with the blockades, what happened on a train to Toronto on this date in 1927 was significant.

The St. Patricks were coming back from their last game under that Ex-Leaf Connor Brown scoring for Sens, but he's not surprised monicker, a 5-1 loss to the Detroit Cougars in the latter’s temporary home in Windsor before the Olympia was built. A Toronto newspaper reported that Conn Smythe, head the group who’d just bought the St. Pats two days earlier, revealed that one of the new sweaters they’d debut Lance Hornby at home next night, a green and white Toronto Maple Leafs logo February 15, 2020 8:16 PM EST temporarily sewn over the St. Pats’ crest.

But Corb Denneny, who scored the final goal for the St. Pats — and the 1918 Cup winner for the — would never play for the new GAME DAY: Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres Leafs. Saskatoon of the Prairie League had taken the NHL and the Leafs to court, insisting they had a valid contract with Denneny. A judge TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS decided in Saskatoon’s favour on Feb. 16, ordering Denneny return Leafs' Johnsson to have knee surgery, out at least 8 weeks immediately to Saskatchewan.

OTTAWA — No, Connor Brown didn’t slip a bonus clause into his LOOSE LEAFS contract for leading the Senators in scoring this season. Keefe heartily endorsed the AHL’s decision on Friday to reverse its forfeit But it’s not that surprising that the best offensive Maple Leaf to switch of the Jan. 10 game by the Marlies against the Texas Stars and addresses in the summer of moves between the provincial rivals took a reschedule the match at a later date. After Toronto assistant coach Rob one-point advantage on all Ottawa players into Saturday’s game against Davison had a frightening pre-game seizure, the Marlies were given visiting Toronto. three different re-start times but voted not to play as the players were too shaken up. A 1-0 forfeit loss was the initial ruling. Marlies GM Laurence Brown was just one point off his best Leafs season total before the Gilman and MLSE chief legal and development officer Peter Miller match. pushed to have the decision overturned … Special guests for Keefe in “It’s just belief in me, belief in my ability,” said Brown, whose 35 points his first road game in the Battle of Ontario were several friends were one more than Jean-Gabriel Pageau and Anthony Duclair prior to associated with the nearby tier-II Pembroke Lumber Kings that he owned puck drop. and coached before landing with Kyle Dubas and the Soo Greyhounds … Jake Muzzin, whose contract talks are progressing well with the Leafs, “Smitty (former Leafs assistant D.J. Smith) has given me a great and Kyle Clifford caught up with Davis Payne before the game, the opportunity to succeed here. It has kind of seeped into me, being able to Ottawa assistant who was on the bench for the Kings in 2014 when all go back to what I was able to do (as a premier scorer in the OHL and three won the Stanley Cup. AHL ranks). Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 “It’s obviously a different role than in Toronto (emphasizing checking) and I’ve been enjoying it.”

The proud Brown said he and the Senators did not see their prime role over their final 24 games this season as spoilers for teams such as Toronto.

“Moreso than the spoiler, we’re interested in ourselves, playing the kind of brand we can implement moving forward,” Brown said. “That’s what it comes down to more than spoiling other teams. We’re trying to build an identity with this team, a culture that’s sustainable to win year after year.”

Two other Leafs — defencemen Nikita Zaitsev and Ron Hainsey — are also doing well here, though it’s become a long year for the whole team.

Hainsey gets plenty of praise from Smith and there is the belief Ottawa will pursue him when he becomes a free agent again this summer.

HEALTH COMES FIRST

The Leafs returned to the ice after a second day off this week, a break meant in part to alleviate the effects of a flu bug. But seven games in 12 nights is not leaving much time for recovery.

“Playing four games (this) week is a lot, especially when you’re travelling and everything you’re facing with that,” said captain John Tavares, a flu- fighter himself a few days ago. “But everyone goes through that. It’s important to take care of yourself and do the best you can. If you’re sick, not to get any worse, or to prevent it.”

Tavares says Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe will consult him and the leadership group when making the call on rest versus practice. It has been veterans such as 36-year-old Jason Spezza who’ve been the hardest to keep away from the rink.

MARLIES WIN AGAIN

Matt Read, one of many Marlies on a tear of late, scored to trigger a late three-goal rally in Saturday’s 7-6 overtime win over the at Coca-Cola Coliseum. That’s four victories in a row for the farm team.

The Leafs have also been quite pleased by the recent development of defencemen Mac Hollowell and Joe Duszak, who are taking up some of the ice time for the promoted Rasmus Sandin and Timothy Liljegren.

BIRTH OF A NATION 1176775 Toronto Maple Leafs DEFENCE PAIRINGS Jake Muzzin-Justin Holl

Travis Dermott-Tyson Barrie GAME DAY: Toronto Maple Leafs at Buffalo Sabres Rasmus Sandin-Timothy Liljegren

GOALIES Lance Hornby Frederik Andersen February 15, 2020 7:40 PM EST Jack Campbell

SICK BAY MAPLE LEAFS AT BUFFALO SABRES D Morgan Rielly (foot) 7 p.m., KeyBank Center D Cody Ceci (ankle) TV: Sportsnet; Radio: Fan 590 LW Andreas Johnsson (knee) THE BIG MATCH-UP RW/LW Ilya Mikheyev (wrist) RW Victor Olofsson vs. D Rasmus Sandin SABRES LINEUP The Sabres’ super rookie is giving the team something to cheer about as a playoff spot becomes more remote. In Buffalo’s previous game, FORWARD LINES Olofsson came back from five weeks away with an ankle injury with the tying and winning goals in a 4-3 win over Columbus, the former giving Victor Olofsson-Jack Eichel-Sam Reinhart him 10 goals on the power play this season. Sandin, meanwhile, has yet Marcus Johansson-Curtis Lazar-Jimmy Vesey to show any ill effects of jumping from the AHL into the grind of the NHL, this being his third back-to-back and his 20th game of the season. Jeff Skinner-Evan Rodrigues-Conor Sheary

KEYS TO THE GAME Zemgus Girgensons-Johan Larsson-Kyle Okposo

1. BACK-TO-BACK BLAHS DEFENCE PAIRINGS

For a while last Saturday in Montreal, it looked like Toronto might have a Brandon Montour Rasmus Ristolainen rare shutout win in a back-to-back game, but it ended with another loss. Getting two non-playoff teams on consecutive nights is a break, but the Rasmus Dahlin Colin Miller Leafs have only won a couple of the back-enders this year, one against Jake McCabe Henri Jokiharju Buffalo. GOALIES 2. INFRA-FRED LIGHT Carter Hutton With a day off as backup on Saturday (the Leafs didn’t want to pile too many games on his schedule coming off an injury), Frederik Andersen J. Johansson/A. Hammond returns to face a Buffalo team he’s dominated (11-3-0), one of the few Leafs goalies who have that advantage. He gave up a goal on the first SICK BAY shot of every period against Dallas, but the one-goal loss was not entirely G Linus Ullmark (lower body) his fault. D Matt Hunwick (neck) 3. LIKING EICHEL RW Tage Thompson (shoulder) Jack Eichel has points in nine of his past 10 games and with six in three games this season in prior meetings versus Toronto. He needs just a RW Vladimir Sobotka (knee) couple more on Sunday to make the Leafs his most consistent victims. RW Michael Frolik (illness) Revving up against off-ice pal Auston Matthews usually inspires him, too. SPECIAL TEAMS 4. DEADLINE PRESSURE POWER PLAY After this game, Toronto has just three more before the NHL trading deadline. It’s getting near last call for a few forwards, particularly bottom- Toronto 25.2% (3rd) sixers, to prove they belong. Buffalo 19.3% (18th) 5. SHOTS IN THE DARK PENALTY KILLING While the Leafs are among the NHL leaders in faceoffs, shots on goal and shot attempts, the Sabres are the league’s worst team on the draw, Toronto 77.8% (23rd) while averaging less than 30 shots a game. They’ll have to make the Buffalo 75.0% (29th) most of what they manage on Andersen. Toronto Sun LOADED: 02.16.2020 Hyman Matthews Marner

Nylander Tavares Kerfoot

Engvall Spezza Kapanen

Clifford Gauthier Timashov

MAPLE LEAFS LINEUP

FORWARD LINES

Zach Hyman-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner

Alex Kerfoot-John Tavares-William Nylander

Pierre Engvall-Jason Spezza-Kasperi Kapanen

Kyle Clifford-Frederik Gauthier-Dmytro Timashov 1176776 Toronto Maple Leafs will be time for Liljegren to move up the lineup. Showing the coaching staff that he is not a single-tool player will help him do that.

One of Liljegren’s offseason goals was improving his endurance. Though With his first NHL point, Timothy Liljegren is showing why he belongs he’s playing fewer minutes with the Leafs than the Marlies, that improved with Leafs fitness has helped him jump into the Leafs’ lineup and play five games in eight nights.

He’s come a long way from being the player whom Mike Babcock wanted Joshua Kloke not to get discouraged during games.

Feb 15, 2020 “Sometimes when I make a mistake I can be hard on myself,” Liljegren said in October. “He wanted me to relax and not be as hard on myself.”

But now, just over four months later, Liljegren has learned to be patient. OTTAWA — There is a shelf in Timothy Liljegren’s home that contains some of his most prized hockey possessions. There are awards from “The more you play, the game comes to you easier instead of you when he was a young player in Sweden, his championship ring from the chasing the game and that’s what I’m trying to do here. Just stay calm. 2018 Calder Cup win and his silver medal from the 2018 world juniors. Focus on my next shift and just play solid defence,” Liljegren said.

But things are changing fast for the 20-year-old defenceman, and he’ll There’s no doubt whether he will be a full-time NHL player at the start of have to make more room on that shelf for a new possession: the puck he next season. And he will at least force a conversation about what moves passed along the boards to Alex Kerfoot that eventually became a Jake the Leafs should make on the blue line when Morgan Rielly eventually Muzzin goal. It was Liljegren’s first NHL point. returns from a broken foot.

After the goal, Liljegren skated toward Muzzin. And, as if mimicking the Even if the Leafs do opt to return Liljegren to the Marlies, as he does not older, wiser defenceman, Liljegren barely even smiled. require waivers, he is proud of the progress he’s made in the NHL.

The point was special, yet Liljegren is trying to downplay “I think my game gets a little bit better each game. I feel more accomplishments. That puck will grace his shelf, but Liljegren wants it to comfortable playing out there each game and obviously you get to know just be par for the course in his young NHL career. how the other guys play and you know them a little bit better,” Liljegren said. “It’s nothing I really focus on,” the typically calm Liljegren said of producing his first NHL point. It was his sixth NHL game. “I’m just trying Learning how to play defence in the NHL at such a young age can be a to play as good as I can.” difficult process. In Toronto, where the spotlight on young players is often magnified, Liljegren’s climb toward becoming a dependable NHL In a 4-2 win for the Leafs over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday, defenceman might have appeared to take longer than expected, if only Liljegren’s continued improved play might have been overshadowed at by comparison to Rasmus Sandin. times by Jack Campbell’s athleticism in timely saves and John Tavares’ dominance in the offensive zone. But according to Justin Holl, his progress should instead be celebrated.

But along with his first NHL point, his 11:40 of ice time was the most of “It’s funny to even talk about him coming along later than expected. He’s his six NHL games. Liljegren showcased why his two-and-a-half seasons 20 years old, it’s crazy. Like it’s impressive for anybody to be playing (in with the Marlies have helped him become a player who can contribute the NHL) at 20 years old,” said Holl, who likes Liljegren’s use of his gaps offensively but also be relied upon in all areas of the ice. and how he’s been moving his feet in all areas of the ice.

Early in the season, Liljegren gained some attention not because of what Holl is well-versed in the transition from the AHL to the NHL and how he did, but what he didn’t do: make a strong enough impression out of long it can take to crack an NHL lineup. But he’s refrained from giving training camp to start the season with the Leafs. any advice to Liljegren. He hasn’t seen the need to.

As much as they shouldn’t be lumped together, when 2018 first-round “He’s got a pretty good grasp on it,” Holl said. “He’s a great hockey draft pick Rasmus Sandin played Opening Night for the Leafs and player. So really, what I’m talking to him about is basically saying, ‘Just Liljegren didn’t, it was easy to wonder what the future might hold for keep going and going. You’re playing great. You know what to do out Liljegren, the Leafs’ first-round pick in 2017. there. Trust your instincts and go play.'”

But as Liljegren points out, returning to the Marlies for a third season If Liljegren has been nervous in the NHL, Holl hasn’t seen it. allowed him to attain a better understanding of how plays develop and how to minimize risk. He did not get frustrated as he remained with the “He’s settled in really nicely. Honestly, he’s been playing great. And I’m Marlies this season. not just saying that,” Holl said.

“This year with the Marlies, I played more mature. I made smart, good Liljegren does not log the same number of minutes, or make the same plays. I think that’s what you have got to do when you’re up here, is make highlight-reel plays, that he did with the Marlies. There are times during a low-risk plays,” Liljegren said. game when LIljegren doesn’t even stand out that much at all. For a young blueliner, that’s not always a bad thing. And that has helped him survive in the NHL. With the Marlies, Liljegren said poor decisions can often be swept under the rug. Shooters simply His transition from being a big-minute player expected to create offence aren’t as dangerous in the AHL. In the NHL, Liljegren acknowledged the with every shift toward a player who can be relied upon to make safe, but obvious: Those same types of errors with the puck usually mean smart, plays in his own zone has impressed those around him. “something bad happens.” “Playing simple and hard,” Muzzin said of Liljegren. In looking back over what his time with the Marlies has provided him this “Lily’s going to be a really good player on this team,” Auston Matthews season, Liljegren said it’s his decision-making that has improved the said. “And I think once he continues to play more and more and kind of most. He believes he’s getting closer to making good on his desire, as he builds that confidence, it’s going be fun to watch.” expressed in October, to be “more of a two-way defenceman than when I entered the (AHL).” The way the coaching staff has become increasingly more dependant on Liljegren speaks to his evolution as a player and the likelihood that he will Many will want to see the Timothy Liljegren of the AHL, who could be utilized more with Rielly out of the lineup. quarterback the power play and be an offensive weapon. Liljegren had 29 points in 38 games for the Marlies this season. Those offensive Late in the third period, with the Leafs on the penalty kill and up just one inclinations were evident Saturday in an impressive stretch pass to goal, Liljegren and Sandin were sent out together, a point Leafs head Dmytro Timashov toward the net. coach Sheldon Keefe noted after the game.

But what the Leafs need him to be, and what he’s succeeded in being on It was a sequence that not that long ago would have been difficult to Saturday and in the NHL so far, is a low-risk, dependable option. There imagine for Liljegren with the Leafs. “I see a guy that’s playing with a lot of confidence. And I can see with each game (assistant coach) is getting more confident in putting him on the ice,” Keefe said.

But like his first NHL point, things have come fast for Liljegren in the NHL. He’s showing that he can keep up.

“Lily,” Keefe said, “certainly is getting better.”

The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176777 Toronto Maple Leafs Dmytro Timashov (RW, #41) — Since I tend to rip on Timashov for being “unnoticeable” in most games, I have to concede he was a difference- maker Saturday. He was able to create some quality chances thanks to some clever passing, solid positioning and the odd stretch pass from Leafs Report Cards: Is Jack Campbell the backup goalie Toronto needs? Timothy Liljegren.

Jason Spezza (C, #19) — With Andreas Johnsson injured, the Leafs had Alexander Kerfoot playing wing in the top six and Spezza filling in at Ian Tulloch third-line centre. The 36-year-old veteran looked good there, threading a Feb 15, 2020 few gorgeous saucer passes in the offensive zone that led to Grade-A scoring chances.

William Nylander (LW, #88) — It sounds like Nylander wants to try These Leafs-Senators games tend to be weird ones. The shot attempts playing more on his off-wing, which I don’t mind. Frankly, when the Leafs were 20-4 in favour of Ottawa after 13 minutes, which is not what most have the puck, he tends to play more as a centre anyway, swinging back viewers expected. Things eventually fell into place as the game went on, on the breakout and carrying the puck from end to end. I really liked his with Toronto eventually winning 4-2, but it was a lot closer than the Leafs work in the neutral zone defensively, winning some one-on-one puck would’ve liked. battles by being strong on his stick when engaging with opposing puck carriers. As you saw, he scored another goal from the inner slot. The main storyline is the strong goaltending the Leafs continue to receive from Jack Campbell, who earned first-star honours for his strong Remember how many Leafs fans wanted to trade “Perimeter Willy” last performance on “Hockey Night in Canada.” We’ll start with him as we season? break down each player’s grades. ⭐⭐⭐ Player reports Kasperi Kapanen (RW, #24) — He seems to be playing with more ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ confidence lately, which is great to see. As always, he’s been using his speed to get up the ice with the puck, but I’ve really enjoyed some of the Game Ball : Jack Campbell (G, #36) — I hate evaluating goaltenders, skilled plays he’s made out of tight spaces in the offensive zone. He especially in small samples, but is it crazy to suggest Campbell has looked more comfortable as the primary puck carrier on the third line, officially solved Toronto’s backup problem? He looked excellent in his which realistically is going to be his role. I thought he was lucky that the crease again. There are times it feels like he’s moving a bit too much in referee called offsetting minors in his little scuffle with Cody Goloubef in his crease, but his athleticism is so high-end that it allows him to get the corner, but it was nice to see someone on the Leafs bringing a bit of across on shots. that playoff nastiness in the regular season. Kapanen also got Zach Campbell was also doing a great job of tracking the puck through some Hyman in behind the defence on the penalty kill with a great stretch pass, pretty tough screens, which is something Michael Hutchinson really but Craig Anderson made a spectacular save on the breakaway. struggled with. I know that it’s early, but this is the most confidence I can Pierre Engvall (LW, #47) — It’s funny how Engvall can go long stretches remember having in a Toronto goaltending tandem in a long time. without being noticed, then he gets the puck in the neutral zone and John Tavares (C, #91) — This was your trademark John Tavares game. almost blows the game wide open with a breakaway. He wasn’t quite He’s so smooth in the way he slowly carries the puck up the ice, makes able to pull away from Ottawa’s defencemen — it’s pretty difficult when an opposing defender miss, then passes a teammate into open ice for a Thomas Chabot is chasing you down — but I continue to be amazed at clean entry into the offensive zone. It shouldn’t be a surprise that William how much space he creates by simply skating the puck out of the zone Nylander is having a career year; it’s happened with every winger who on a normal breakout. I’ve mentioned this before, but my theory is that plays alongside Tavares. That isn’t to take away from Nylander’s strong opposing defenders see a lanky 6-foot-5 giraffe and don’t expect much season, which is mostly due to the Swede’s great play, but Tavares has — then he blows by them with deceptively strong skating. a knack for making his players better. The Muzzin-Holl pairing — First things first: Jake Muzzin and the Leafs WILL NY. have reportedly agreed on a four-year contract, but they’re waiting until March 1 before they can make the salary official. When it comes to his HAND EYE. play Saturday, I thought he was all right. There was nothing really that stood out, except for a seeing-eye point shot that somehow ended up in WHAT A TIP TO EXTEND THE LEAD! #LEAFSFOREVER the back of the net. Justin Holl had a quiet game by his standards, but PIC.TWITTER.COM/JAB0AREYLR you can live with that from a guy in his role. I didn’t love his confidence — TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (@MAPLELEAFS) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 with the puck on his stick, but I did like the way his gap control improved throughout the game. My favourite moment of his was when he shut Call that luck, hand-eye, a bit of an accident — or simply some of the down a one-on-one rush by Brady Tkachuk at the end of the second magic that comes with playing beside Tavares. period.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Sandin-Liljegren pairing — There were a few scary moments for Timothy Liljegren with the puck, but I still really like his confidence to Auston Matthews (C, #34) — After Matthews scored four goals in his make plays up the ice. As we mentioned, he made a great stretch pass rookie debut back in 2016, it’s pretty impressive that Matthews can score to spring Timashov on a partial breakaway, which is something he’s the exact same goal against Ottawa four years later. always been good at. Rasmus Sandin had a bit more of subtle game, but AUSTON MATTHEWS IS THE FIRST @MAPLELEAFS PLAYER TO he was making steady plays to get the puck going in the right direction. REACH THE 70-POINT MARK IN 59 GAMES OR FEWER SINCE MATS He also got a heavy wrister off that almost fooled Ottawa’s goaltender; he SUNDIN IN 1996-97 (57 GP). #NHLSTATS can get a lot of power behind that thing. PIC.TWITTER.COM/P8HIOKJKIF Zach Hyman (LW, #11) — We don’t get too many of these, but it was a — NHL PUBLIC RELATIONS (@PR_NHL) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 bit of an off night for Hyman. He really struggled to get the puck to his linemates whenever he had it pinned on the wall. There was also an His release is so deceptive that goaltenders don’t realize it’s coming off inexplicable icing near the end of the game where Hyman launched the of his stick until it’s too late. Matthews generated quite a few chances, puck down from the wrong side of centre, giving Ottawa a chance to pull leading the Leafs with five shots from the slot. There are shifts when you its goalie and put its best forward line on the ice. We probably could’ve can tell he wants to get his shot off and the defence collapses to prevent bumped him up a star if he’d finished on this breakaway. it, so he simply wheels around the zone until he can get to his spot and get a good shot off. He’s been in the zone offensively all season, with his CRAIG ANDERSON WITH WHAT MAY BE THE SAVE OF THE latest tally putting him on pace for 59 goals. SEASON. PIC.TWITTER.COM/WABK1APLBC

I wonder if James Mirtle thinks he can do it. — LEAFS ALL DAY (@LEAFSALLDAYY) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 That’s an EA Sports save right there — I love it. Mitch Marner (RW, #16) — I didn’t love Marner’s game. He had some always recommend combining stats with video, since single-game awesome moments on the penalty kill as the first forward in (F1) on the numbers can be wonky. forecheck, but he also keeps taking weak shots from the outside on the power play. I understand there’s a “spacing” element to the 1-3-1 Trending up or down? formation — you need to make teams know you’re willing to shoot from This is where we break down the latest trends in my Leafs Report Cards, there — but Nicklas Backstrom doesn’t waste possessions with bad courtesy of Mark Norman. You can play around with the data at his shots because he knows that’s not his role on the power play. Tableau page if you’re interested.

This was looking like a two-star night for Marner, but then he did this: Tweets of the night

MARNER ENG SEALS IT! #LEAFSFOREVER JACK CAMPBELL IS HANDING OUT POPSICLES AND JUICE BOXES PIC.TWITTER.COM/SZRWYSB4KE IN THE DRESSING ROOM RIGHT NOW.

— DAVID NESTICO (@DAVIDNESTICO200) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 — ACTIVE STICK (@THEOAKLEAFS) FEBRUARY 16, 2020

That’s one of the best empty-net goals I’ve seen from a Leaf. It sounds Forget about goaltending ability. Is Jack Campbell a nicer human than stupid to overvalue a shot when there’s literally no goaltender in net, but James Reimer? Now we’re getting into the hard-hitting questions. it was a high-skill play and it secured the win. Screw it: We’re going to bump Marner up to three stars. TRAVIS DERMOTT THIS SEASON PIC.TWITTER.COM/NO7NY6XSDF

Tyson Barrie (RD, #94) — It’s always fun going through the replies to this — MIKE STEPHENS (@MIKEYSTEPHENS81) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 tweet, which I’ve been putting out after every Leafs game: Kyle Dubas better win this negotiation. ALRIGHT LEAFS FANS, WHO ARE WE THINKING FOR: D.J. SMITH ON NIKITA ZAITSEV: "I DON'T KNOW IF HE LET TAYLOR A) MOST IMPRESSIVE PLAYER TONIGHT HALL IN MORE THAN A COUPLE TIMES THE OTHER NIGHT. HE'S FEET ARE THE BEST OF ANYONE ON OUR BACK END…. HE'S A B) LEAST IMPRESSIVE PLAYER TONIGHT GUY YOU WANT TO PLAY AGAINST THE BEST PLAYERS. HE'LL BE SEEN EVERY SHIFT AGAINST (AUSTON) MATTHEWS TONIGHT." — IAN TULLOCH (@IANGRAPH) FEBRUARY 16, 2020 — LUKE FOX (@LUKEFOXJUKEBOX) FEBRUARY 15, 2020 Barrie’s name showed up in a lot of (a) and (b) ballots from Leafs fans, which sums up the controversial defenceman pretty well. He has It went about as well as you’d think. dynamic moments in open space that wow you — I loved some of the moves he was able to pull off — but he also looks like he’s never played Final grade: B- in the defensive zone before. The good news is he’s spent most of his The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 time in the offensive one since Sheldon Keefe took over, but as Justin Bourne likes to say, even the best players in the league need to defend for 45 percent of the game. I thought Barrie was great when his team had the puck and pretty terrible when it didn’t, which sums him up in a nutshell.

⭐⭐

Alexander Kerfoot (RW, #15) — I haven’t loved his game on the wing lately. He’s been able to make a few nice passes off the rush, but overall, it doesn’t feel like he’s been making a major impact. I much preferred him at third-line centre.

Kyle Clifford (LW, #73) and Frederik Gauthier (C, #33) — Funny story: I saw a 6-5 Leaf head into the corner hard and deliver a big hit. At first, I thought it was Gauthier because I saw the number 3 at the end of his jersey, but then I remembered Clifford’s jersey number was 73 and life started to make a bit more sense. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a great night for either player. They got caved in at even strength, and to make matters worse, Clifford wasn’t able to stay on the ice after his helmet came off, which upset everyone watching.

⭐

Travis Dermott (LD, #23) — Do you know how much it hurts me to keep giving Travis Dermott one-star ratings? I’ve been such a big believer in him over the past couple of years, but man, he’s been struggling this season. There are times he looks lost in the defensive zone, which is something I’m sure the organization thought would’ve improved by now. He did walk into the slot late in the third period and hit the butt-end of Craig Anderson’s stick with a nice wrist shot, but the rest of his game was pretty frustrating.

I still believe in Dermott’s talent, but his campaign is starting to feel like a lost season.

Heat map

Here’s a quick look at where each team’s shots were coming from, courtesy of Natural Stat Trick.

They don’t ask how — they ask how many!

Game Score

Game Score is a metric developed by The Athletic’s Dom Luszczyszyn to quickly measure a player’s performance in a single game.

It’s not perfect, but it can help give us a decent idea of how well players performed in a particular game based on their numbers — although I’d 1176778 Toronto Maple Leafs By then, Smith had started his first season as the head coach of the after six years with Windsor. Each coach took his organization to new heights.

D.J. Smith and Sheldon Keefe’s shared road to the NHL, and the Battle Smith won a Memorial Cup in 2014-15, his final year coaching in junior, of Ontario while Keefe transformed a struggling Soo Greyhounds team into one of the best teams in the Canadian Hockey League. They never won a Memorial Cup like Smith’s Generals though.

Hailey Salvian Smith was named OHL coach of the year in 2013-14 in his second year as the Generals coach. While Keefe, in his third year with the Soo, won Feb 15, 2020 the same award in 2014-15.

In 2015-16, Smith and Keefe found themselves in the Leafs organization, The connections run deep between the men behind the benches in the former as an assistant coach under Babcock and the latter the head Saturday’s third installment of the 2019-20 Battle of Ontario. coach of the AHL Marlies. Both were being groomed for NHL head coaching roles. D.J. Smith, in his first year as a head coach in the NHL, and Sheldon Keefe, 35 games into his NHL coaching career, were roommates more Keefe remains the franchise leader in wins by a coach in Marlies history. than 15 years ago as members of the Hershey Bears — the AHL affiliate He led the team to four playoff appearances and won the organization’s of the Colorado Avalanche. first Calder Cup championship in 2018.

The then-26-year-old Smith was the heavy-hitting defenceman in his Four years later, the two men are facing off for the second time as head ninth year as a professional. While the then-23-year-old Keefe was the coaches at the NHL level on opposite sides of the Battle of Ontario. skilled young forward. The veteran was the messier roommate. So, did a young Smith and young Keefe ever talk about this being a “Oh, that was me,” Smith said with a laugh. “For sure.” possibility back in Hershey?

It’s just one of the relationships that has brought a more peaceful feeling “Not at all,” Smith said, laughing. “I always thought I would be a coach. I to the once heated rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ottawa didn’t maybe picture him as a coach, but you never know who is going to Senators. be a good coach and who’s not. And he’s certainly put a lot of time into being a good one.” On July 1, the Senators acquired Connor Brown, along with defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, in a trade with Toronto in exchange for Cody Ceci, Ben Keefe said that Smith’s shot at the NHL is well deserved. Harpur and Aaron Luchuk. The Senators added two more members of “Not even from my time playing with him, just working with him here in the 2018-19 Maple Leafs by signing unrestricted free agents Tyler Ennis the organization, he was so great for me and my job with the Marlies,” and Ron Hainsey. The four Senators play for Smith, who spent four years Keefe said. “Anytime I had a question or wanted to make a call he was as an assistant coach for Mike Babcock on Toronto’s bench. there to take a call, and to watch games, give feedback on our guys but Former Senator Jason Spezza — who is second in Ottawa history in also just being around him to learn from him in training camp and those points behind Daniel Alfredsson — signed with his hometown Leafs in types of things.” the summer. The connections between the two highlight what has become a much But if you trace the paths of Keefe and Smith from their junior hockey gentler rivalry between the two organizations. But it also shows how playing days to coaching in the NHL, it’s clear the connections are small the hockey world can be, that two players could be so connected strongest behind the benches. for almost 20 years in pursuit of an NHL future.

“I’ve known him for a long time,” Smith said about Keefe. “We played “It really is a small world,” Smith said. “And you’re starting to see more together in the minors, and we’ve kept in touch over the years and he’s guys from our era starting to coach, starting to become general done a really nice job developing himself as a coach.” managers or get into management.

Smith and Keefe came up through the Ontario Hockey League but “It seems like a really long time when you’re in the OHL coaching at 27 played a few years apart with Smith — now 42 — three years older than years old and for me to be at this point coaching with guys I played Keefe — now 39. against now … it (has just been) a long time to get here, but it’s the best league in the world for a reason and you (have to) work to get here.” They played against each other in the pros for a number of years in the NHL and AHL — Smith played in the Leafs organization from 1996-97 When Jason Spezza played his first game on the other side of the Battle until 2001-2002 — before they became teammates in Hershey in 2003- of Ontario on Feb. 1 — he was scratched in Game 1 of the provincial 04. rivalry on opening night Oct.2 — he admitted the rivalry isn’t what it used to be. “He was captain of our team and it was his final year, and I played a few more games after that in the lockout year,” Keefe recalled when asked The Senators and Leafs faced off in the postseason four times from about his former roommate. “He was the captain of our team, a real 2000-2002 and 2004. The Leafs won every series. There was bad blood leader of our team.” in almost every game with the likes of Darcy Tucker and Tie Domi facing off against Alfredsson and Marian Hossa. And in the later years, a young “He was always a really hard-working guy,” Smith added about Keefe. Spezza was involved. “He was a scorer in junior, but in the pros, he could check, and he was really hard to play against. He was a really good guy and a good “It was definitely at its peak (when I played),” Spezza told reporters in teammate.” Toronto. “They were definitely a big hurdle for us as a team. The regular- season games meant more because we were trying to prove we could After the 2003-04 season, Smith retired from professional hockey. In play against (them). 2005-06, he started his coaching career in the OHL with his former team — the Windsor Spitfires — as an assistant coach. Keefe started coaching “They built big, strong, physical teams, and we were skilled teams. We a year later with the Pembroke Lumber Kings, a Junior A team he couldn’t get through and then when we did feel like we could start to purchased in 2002-03 while still a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning. A control the series, it gave us confidence as a team. It was a very knee injury ended his career early. important rivalry at the time.”

Keefe coached the Lumber Kings to five consecutive league titles, The rivalry has been dormant for years now, and the two sides haven’t culminating in a 2011 Royal Bank Cup as national Junior A champions. faced off in the playoffs since 2004. The Leafs made the playoffs just In 2012-13, Keefe left the Lumber Kings to take over as head coach of once between 2005 and 2016. The Senators haven’t made the the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. The general manager who hired him postseason since the run that saw them reach the Eastern Conference was Kyle Dubas, now the GM of the Maple Leafs. final in 2017. There have been some heated regular-season games over the years, but the rivalry will never truly be back until both sides are playoff contenders. And Keefe thinks Smith might be just the man to reignite the Battle of Ontario.

“I’ve always admired his ability as a coach, and coaching against him in junior, his teams were no fun to play against and his success with Oshawa is no coincidence,” he said. “You can see the foundation of things starting to come about in Ottawa. Just watching and preparing for (games against Ottawa) you know it’s not going to be an easy one.”

Smith thinks his Senators will get there too.

“In time, we are going to catch up to these guys,” he said. “I was here for some of the lower times (in Toronto), and I’m fortunate to be able to grow with (the Senators) and they are going to be competitive soon enough.”

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1176779 Vegas Golden Knights With lineal heavyweight champion Tyson Fury in the building to crank the rally siren before the start of the game, the Knights and Islanders were in a fighting mood during the first period.

Golden Knights ride Marc-Andre Fleury to win over Islanders Knights enforcer Ryan Reaves and the Islanders’ 6-foot-5-inch, 235- pound Ross Johnston threw hands as soon as referee Gord Dwyer dropped the puck on the opening faceoff. Reaves nodded his head on his way to the penalty box, pleased with both combatants’ effort. By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal Midway through the period, Knights defenseman Nick Holden wiped out February 15, 2020 - 10:04 PM Barzal behind the net, and New York captain Anders Lee stepped in to Updated February 15, 2020 - 10:32 PM fight Holden.

The teams combined for 24 minutes in penalties and 25 hits in the first period. Marc-Andre Fleury wasn’t happy with his play recently and thought a change was in order. Home cooking

The Golden Knights goaltender dug out his gold pads for Saturday’s The Knights improved to 2-0 on this rugged five-game homestand and game, and the new look served its intended purpose. moved into third place in the Pacific Division, tied in points with Edmonton. Fleury posted his fourth shutout this season, and Reilly Smith had the lone goal as the Knights grinded out a 1-0 victory over the New York After struggling at home most of the season, the Knights are now 16-10-4 Islanders at T-Mobile Arena. at T-Mobile Arena. They continue the homestand Monday against Washington before hosting Tampa Bay and Florida. “I don’t know if it was the pads, though,” Fleury said. “I think my teammates played awesome. They got to pucks and didn’t give the other team much.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.16.2020 Fleury allowed nine goals in his past two outings and entered with a .904 save percentage, well below his career average. But he made 19 saves wearing his gold setup for the first time since last season’s home finale April 4.

It was Fleury’s 60th career shutout, moving him past Evgeni Nabokov into 18th place on the all-time list.

Fleury was hardly tested until a late push from the Islanders, and he made a key stop on Ryan Pulock’s drive from the high slot with 1:07 remaining to secure the Knights’ 30th win.

Semyon Varlamov also shined in the Islanders’ net with 42 saves, including a spectacular stop with the paddle of his stick to deny Paul Stastny from in tight late in the second period.

The Knights finished with a lopsided advantage in shot attempts (68-36) and shots on goal (43-19) and also generated 3.38 expected goals off 30 scoring chances.

Smith provided the breakthrough late in the second when he gathered his own rebound after a backhand attempt went off the post and smashed the puck past Varlamov.

“It’s a big win, and we’ll take it and move on,” Smith said.

Here’s what stood out from the win:

Protect the house

St. Louis forward Zach Sanford scored four goals Thursday, and his final three measured a combined 31 feet from the net, though that number seems high since he was camped in front of the Knights’ net.

Knights coach Pete DeBoer said Friday his team needs “to get more of an attitude around there,” and that’s what happened against the Islanders.

New York managed 10 shots on goal through two periods and went from 6:35 of the second period until the 3:48 mark of the third period without testing Fleury. When the Islanders did threaten near the crease, the Knights were there to clear the danger.

Early in the first period, Islanders leading scorer Mathew Barzal skated through the Knights’ defense and put the puck into the slot, but William Karlsson intercepted the pass and skated it to safety.

Defensemen Brayden McNabb and Zach Whitecloud also had key clearances during a first-period penalty kill.

“I think tonight’s game, that’s the way we want to play,” defenseman Shea Theodore said. “I think we were a lot better defensively. (Fleury) played unbelievable, but most importantly, guys were stepping in the lanes and really blocking a lot of shots.”

Fight night 1176780 Vegas Golden Knights

St. Louis Blues struggle to process Jay Bouwmeester incident

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

February 15, 2020 - 3:55 PM

Most hockey games are just that, games. Tuesday was a stark reminder of that.

That’s when St. Louis Blues defenseman Jay Bouwmeester suffered a cardiac episode on the bench while playing the Anaheim Ducks, lost consciousness and had to be revived by medical personnel with a defibrillator. The frightening scene, which led to the game being postponed, provided eerie perspective on how life can change in an instant.

Somehow, the Blues have to turn their focus back to games. The NHL grind is unrelenting, especially for the defending Stanley Cup champions. So the team now faces the unenviable task of getting back to hockey when its thoughts often stray from the rink.

“We’ve all been through a lot,” center Ryan O’Reilly said. “You can tell, we miss (Bouwmeester). For myself, every game I’ve played here in the last two years, he’s been here. It’s weird not having him in the room, and just his presence alone is such a calming thing for our team.”

Bouwmeester, who had surgery Friday to insert a defibrillator to restore his heart’s normal rhythm, was part of perhaps the league’s best blue line. Him not being on the ice is a huge loss for the Blues, who had allowed at least three goals in their last 10 games entering Saturday.

They went 2-5-3 in that stretch and suddenly have the Colorado Avalanche on their heels in the Central Division. That span includes a 6-5 overtime loss to the Golden Knights in their first game after Bouwmeester’s incident, a game in which coach Craig Berube said his players weren’t “very sharp” mentally.

“It’s a pretty tough time,” left wing Zach Sanford said afterward.

It will continue to be difficult for the Blues to battle for points while thinking of their recovering teammate. Returning home should help, as Saturday began a stretch in which the team plays three of four at home.

Captain Alex Pietrangelo said as much Thursday after the loss to the Knights.

“I think we’re all looking forward to getting home, going to see (Bouwmeester’s) wife (Devon) and hugging our kids and our wives and spending a couple days at home,” Pietrangelo said.

Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid is out two to three weeks with a quad injury, general manager Ken Holland said Tuesday.

The Oilers better hope he’s not gone any longer than that. The team’s play with and without their 23-year-old center is staggering.

Edmonton is outscoring its opponents 53-51 at 5-on-5 with McDavid on the ice and being outscored 78-59 with him off it.

Another one bites the dust

Bruce Boudreau became the eighth NHL coach to lose his job this season when Minnesota Wild general manager Bill Guerin fired him Friday.

Boudreau, like most of the rest, can put a lot of the blame for his dismissal on goaltending. The Wild had the 25th-best team save percentage in the league when Boudreau was fired. The fact that the team was three points out of a playoff spot despite its poor play in net and a lack of star forwards is a huge testament to his coaching.

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Cody Glass returns to Golden Knights’ lineup

By Ben Gotz Las Vegas Review-Journal

February 15, 2020 - 11:31 am

Updated February 15, 2020 - 7:48 PM

The Golden Knights didn’t change the locks on Cody Glass when he was gone, but most everything else was different for the rookie when he rejoined the team.

Glass played Saturday against the New York Islanders at T-Mobile Arena, his first NHL game after sustaining a lower-body injury Jan. 4. Since then, the Knights have new lines, new systems and — oh, yeah — a new coach. Even the morning skate was different for the 20-year-old, who was accustomed to a certain routine under former coach Gerard Gallant.

“I’m used to doing the old pregame skate,” Glass said with a smile.

Glass was happy to roll with the changes if it meant being back in the NHL. His latest injury caused him to miss 14 games after he previously missed eight with an upper-body injury.

Both injuries have contributed to an inconsistent first season for the Knights’ first-ever draft pick. Glass’ vision and playmaking have been evident on the power play, and the team missed them dearly. He’s still trying to find his stride at 5-on-5, though. He’s spent most of the season playing right wing instead of his natural center position.

But that hasn’t dampened enthusiasm about his future.

“I know how excited the organization is about him,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “I’m going to temper my enthusiasm a little bit because it’s not easy being out that long, but I think everyone’s excited about him.”

Glass faced a steep learning curve upon his return, because Saturday’s morning skate was his first chance to work with DeBoer. Glass played Thursday for the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves and scored a goal, but he admitted he wasn’t at his best after a long layoff.

He was hoping to be better Saturday. No matter what, he was playing hockey again.

“I’m just having fun again,” Glass said. “That’s the good part about it.”

Tuch week to week

Knights right wing Alex Tuch is week to week with a lower-body injury, DeBoer said Saturday.

DeBoer said Tuch’s injury was “probably not as serious as it could’ve been, but he’s going to be out for a little bit.”

Tuch, who has 17 points in 42 games, was injured in the third period of the Knights’ 6-5 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. He crashed into the end boards and left the ice without putting any weight on his left leg.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176782 Vegas Golden Knights taking away chances,” defenseman Nick Holden said. “He prides himself on not getting scored on and we do too, so I think that was a really good game for the team and obviously for him.”

Golden Knights’ shutout of Islanders as good as they come The Golden Knights held the Islanders to just four shots on goal in the second period, and in a stretch spanning the second and third periods, did not allow a shot on goal for 17:13. That was the timeframe that the Golden Knights scored and where the game was ultimately decided. By Justin Emerson The Islanders had a strong push at the end of the game after they pulled Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 goalie Semyon Varlamov with 2:13 left in the game. They fired seven shot attempts from the time Varlamov left his crease until the final whistle. That was where Fleury played his best to preserve the shutout. Five straight games at home will likely define the Golden Knights' season. Vegas can solidify itself as a playoff contender and make a run “It shows that this team can win a lot of different ways, and tonight was for the Pacific Division title, or the Golden Knights can struggle and risk one of those where there just wasn’t going to be a lot,” Schmidt said. “It’s not making the postseason. We discuss. important for our guys to be able to lock it down in a situation like that.”

Shea Theodore replied quickly to the question with the obvious answer, especially considering it was asked of a defenseman. LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 02.16.2020 The Golden Knights have won their past two games by one goal — 1-0 Saturday against the Islanders; 6-5 Thursday in a slugfest with the Blues. So, Shea, which one do you prefer?

“I think tonight’s game is the way we want to play,” Theodore said. “You’re not going to win a lot of games giving up five goals down the stretch.”

Vegas controlled the puck so well Saturday night that until the last few minutes of the game, the franchise record for shots allowed on goal against was in play. New York finished with 19, four more than the fewest Vegas has ever allowed, with six of those coming in the final 3:31 of the contest.

The Golden Knights had 43 shots but only one them wound up in the net. That was Reilly Smith’s put-back try at the end of the second period after Jonathan Marchessault pounced on a puck behind the New York net left open because of a miscommunication between the goalie and defenseman.

Marchessault fed Smith, who back-handed the puck off the post, then buried the rebound at 19:25.

It’s a stark contrast to the 6-5 win against the Blues on Thursday, where defensive lapses allowed St. Louis to score five times on 24 shots. Vegas allowed five goals at 5-on-5, which was the most in a game this season. It was clear the Vegas players were far happier with Saturday’s outcome.

“Going forward that’s how we’re going to have to play,” Theodore said. “It’s going to be tight all the way until the end and it’s good to get comfortable in those kinds of games right now.”

Part of the success was keeping New York’s top line in check. Mathew Barzal is the Islanders’ top-line center, one of the more electrifying players in hockey and the team’s leading scorer. He played 23:23 on Saturday — more than any Vegas player — but he mustered just one shot attempt in the game.

Barzal’s line generated 10 shot attempts at 5-on-5 which accounted for almost half the 24 that New York had as a team. But while he, Anders Lee and Jordan Eberle were on the ice together, they also surrendered 20 shot attempts, more than any other line.

“I thought the best defense against that line tonight was making them play in their own end,” Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer said. “We kept them pinned in their zone for a lot of shifts, which kept (Barzal) from attacking and getting into open ice.”

That’s credit to the Golden Knights’ forward line of Max Pacioretty, William Karlsson and Mark Stone, as well as the defensive pair of Nate Schmidt and Brayden McNabb. Barzal played more than half of his 5-on- 5 time against those five, which forced the Islanders to play in their own zone with their best forwards on the ice.

And if the Islanders’ top line can’t cross center-ice, what chance does the rest of the team have? The Golden Knights generated 61 shot attempts at 5-on-5 and surrendered just 24. That 71.8% share is the highest in a single game in team history.

Marc-Andre Fleury recorded his fourth shutout of the season and the 60th of his career.

“I thought we did a really good job supporting the puck all over the place, whether we had it or they had it we had guys surrounding the puck and 1176783 Vegas Golden Knights while limiting the opposition’s slot shots, is vitally important to winning hockey games.

According to Sportlogiq, which tracks micro statistics in the NHL, the As season winds down, Golden Knights need results to start matching Golden Knights take 25.1 shot attempts per game from the slot, which process leads the league. They take four more shots from the slot than an average NHL team.

How many of those hit the target? Vegas also leads the NHL in shots on By Jesse Granger goal from the slot, with 14.9 per game, according to Sportlogiq.

Feb 15, 2020 On the other end of the ice, the Golden Knights hold their opponents to the fewest number of slot shot attempts per game, at only 18.9. They

allow 11.5 slot shots on net per game, which ranks seventh. After a disappointing 4-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Feb. 4, That means that, on average, Vegas attempts 6.2 more shots from the Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer remained steadfast that he believes slot than its opposition. That should lead to a lot of wins, but to this point his team is playing winning hockey. it hasn’t. One of the biggest reasons is goaltending, where the Golden “The points matter, but for me, the process matters more,” DeBoer said. Knights rank 24th in save percentage. “If we won tonight and didn’t play well, or I didn’t see the type of game Ask any player in the dressing room and he’ll tell you, without hesitation, that I’m seeing out of our group, I would be worried.” that Marc-Andre Fleury is the most important player on the team. But the DeBoer is right. As a coach, he’s forced to focus on the process and not star netminder has struggled recently. get wrapped up in the results of games. Hockey is filled with variance, “It’s been frustrating, for the last little while here,” Fleury said Thursday. and the better side doesn’t always get rewarded on the scoreboard. A “I’ve been inconsistent. I’m trying to relax. I know sometimes I get puck bounces over a stick or off a crossbar instead of landing on the tape frustrated, and let in another three or four goals when you’re thinking or hitting the twine, and it changes the outcome of games. (about the last goal) and saying some bad words.” But no team in the NHL has seen a larger variance between the process Fleury has a save percentage of only .904, his lowest since 2005-06, and the results this season than the Golden Knights. when he was 21 years old. The good news for the Golden Knights is he Vegas is among the NHL’s elite in nearly every offensive statistic and is is fully capable of returning to form. It was just a few months ago that very good in most defensive statistics. But somehow the Golden Knights Fleury had a .921 save percentage through his first 21 games. have only the 17th-best record in hockey and sit in third place in the “I think I need to just relax and make the next stop,” he said. “We’re going Pacific Division, barely grasping one of the final playoff spots in the to win some games 6-5 or 5-4, so I think it’s important to just stay Western Conference. composed and stop the next one.” The process is important, but at some point, the results must follow. That was also the case Thursday, when the Golden Knights outshot the Thursday night at T-Mobile Arena, the Golden Knights didn’t play a Blues 52-24 and held a commanding 50-26 edge in scoring chances, and perfect game. They almost certainly didn’t play as well as they did in just eked out a victory with Malcolm Subban in net. Tampa Bay nine days earlier. But they somehow mustered a comeback “Last night, we were a little bit leaky still in some areas, so that’s to top the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues 6-5 in something we still need to work at,” DeBoer said. “But at the end of the overtime for two crucial points. day, we still outshot and out-chanced them almost 2-to-1, so we’ll take “It wasn’t pretty, but we found a way,” DeBoer said after the game. “I those odds most nights.” thought we put a lot of pressure on them to get back into the game.” You normally would take those odds, but the Golden Knights have I think we’ve reached the point in the season where points are more outshot the opposition in 37 of their 59 games, yet they’ve won only 29 important than the process. times.

Only 23 games remain for the Golden Knights, and entering Friday’s The time is running out, and it’s time for the results to match the process. action, five points separated first place and fifth place in the Pacific “I think when points are so tough to come by now, it definitely adds to the Division. Vancouver, Edmonton, Vegas, Calgary and Arizona are all urgency,” Shea Theodore said. “There are a lot of pressure situations. within striking distance, and the standings flip nightly. You’re never sure which goal is going to be the game-winner. That’s So while the Golden Knights would rather not surrender a goal 25 always good, and having that all happen now is good for our group.” seconds into the game and fall behind 4-2 in the third period, the most Fleury, who has been to the postseason for 13 consecutive years, agrees important thing Thursday night was earning two points to pull within three that it’s not necessarily a bad thing that the Golden Knights are fighting of division-leading Vancouver. for their playoff lives in February and March. “It’s definitely good to win games like that,” defenseman Brayden “I think it’s good preparation for playoffs,” Fleury said. “I feel like if you McNabb said. “Going forward, we probably don’t want to be going back battle your way into the playoffs, you’re ready for those big, meaningful and forth like that, but it was a big two points.” games. When the playoffs start, you have those good habits from those That’s not to say the process doesn’t matter. It definitely does. The teams close games, and you just keep rolling. … I don’t think it’s a bad thing to that play the best hockey in February and March tend to keep that rolling be fighting for a spot right now.” in April and beyond once the postseason arrives. But to this point, the The Golden Knights certainly have a fight in front of them. After knocking Golden Knights have had zero issues with the process. off the defending champs Thursday, they now face a remaining four- No team in the league has recorded more shots on goal (2,035), and the game homestand against the Islanders, Capitals, Lightning and Golden Knights have created a league-high 1,855 scoring chances, Panthers. which are 82 more than the next-closest team (Toronto). Down the stretch, Vegas will play three games against Edmonton, and Because of those factors, Vegas leads the NHL with an even-strength two games against Calgary, Vancouver and Arizona. As the end of the expected-goals percentage of 55.35. That means, based on the quantity regular season draws closer, these games become more and more like and quality of shots in every game, the Golden Knights should have playoff games. scored 55.35 of the goals. The problem is, they’ve actually scored only The process has been good. It’s time to get results. 49 percent. “We know the position we’re in,” Max Pacioretty said. “We know we’re At this point, I’m sure you’re sick of hearing about expected goals. battling for our lives, and had a letdown two games ago (against They’re hard to quantify in real situations and haven’t been particularly Carolina) and dropped a point. (Thursday’s win over St. Louis) was an kind to the Golden Knights. So here’s another way of looking at it: Shots important game for our group to get back on it, and give ourselves a from the slot are by far the most dangerous and have the highest chance chance here.” of scoring. Therefore, taking as many shots as possible from the slot,

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Golden Knights Win Old-Fashion 1-0 Defensive Battle Over Islanders Before 18,444 Saturday Night

February 15, 2020

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

No 6-5 Vegas Golden Knights game this time.

It was a throwback defensive battle Saturday night and the VGK muscled out a 1-0 win over the tough New York Islanders before a big crowd of 18,444 at the Big Ice House by the Strip.

Marc-Andre Fleury pitched another shutout.

VGK forward Reilly Smith notched his 22nd goal with seconds left in the second period after the Islanders had a mix-up behind their net. Jonathan Marchessault picked up the puck and set up Smith on the side of the net.

That Smith goal stood up to win the contest.

VGK celebrate Smith goal.

It was a superb defensive effort by the Knights, which limited the Islanders to 19 shots on goal. The Knights had 43 shots on goal.

Fleury closed the deal in period three for his 60th career shutout and it meant a dozen free Krispy Kreme donuts for the attendees under a VGK- Krispy Kreme promotion. Fleury had recovered his gold pads that he used Saturday off the VGK auction block and wore them to a shutout victory.

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Golden Knights Receive More Than 6,000 Season Ticket Deposits For New American Hockey League Team In Henderson

February 15, 2020

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

The number of season ticket deposits for the new Golden Knights’ American Hockey League team in Henderson is more than 6,000.

The cheapest per-game ticket price under a season deal would be $10, too. The cost of an individual game ticket would likely be in the $25 range.

The Knights’ AHL team will be play in the Orleans Arena in 2020-21.

The city of Henderson and the Golden Knights plan to partner on an arena deal to enclose the Henderson Pavilion to have a 6,000-seat arena to house the AHL team. That’s in addition to the $25 million community ice center that the Golden Knights are already building on 3.2 acres on Water Street. The city of Henderson is contributing $10.75 million toward that VGK community ice center that will be officially called, Lifeguard Arena.

It’s not known whether the 6,000-seat arena in Henderson at Henderson Pavilion will be read for the 2021-22 season, so there is a possibility the AHL team might play a second season at the Orleans Arena.

The city and the Golden Knights hope to present more details at the end of the month on their partnership.

LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176786 Vegas Golden Knights

Golden Knights Players Should Stick To Hockey

February 15, 2020

By J. Tyge O’Donnell and Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

Juggling a soccer ball among teammates is a common pre-game rite for NHL players.

But Vegas Golden Knights players took the good-hearted warm-up to a higher level before Thursday’s Knights’ 6-5 overtime win over the St. Louis Blues.

Carrier emerged from behind the curtain with three hockey sticks duct- taped together and attempted to recover the soccer ball.

LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176787 Washington Capitals can't be focusing and thinking like, 'Oh, I didn't score. It's over.' Sooner or later it will come."

Ovechkin was trying to reach 700 goals in the same building where he Alex Ovechkin’s scoreless drought reaches a season high as the scored perhaps the most memorable goal of his 15-year NHL career: his Capitals fall at Arizona falling-to-the-ice, behind-the-back tally against the then-Phoenix Coyotes during his rookie season in January 2006. But on Saturday he couldn't get the puck Coyotes goaltender Antti Raanta, who made 36 saves.

By Samantha Pell The Capitals' Carl Hagelin tied the score at 1 with 2:50 left in the second period. The Swede scored on a rebound after a strong rush to the net by February 16, 2020 at 2:37 AM EST former Coyote Richard Panik. Hagelin, whose tally was his fifth of the season, has nine points (four goals, five assists) in his past 11 games. Panik recorded his first point since a Feb. 2 assist against Pittsburgh. GLENDALE, Ariz. — Alex Ovechkin was all over the puck during the Washington Capitals' 3-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes on Saturday night The Coyotes produced the first goal at 7:06 of the period when Christian at Gila River Arena. The energy kept rising as he remained in search of Dvorak went five-hole on Holtby. A turnover in the neutral zone led to a the elusive 699th and 700th goals of his career, but he came up empty give-and-go opportunity for Dvorak and Conor Garland. It was the fifth for the fourth straight game. It's the first time this season Ovechkin has straight game in which the Capitals had given up the first goal. gone that many games without scoring. "We should probably just now on try to get the puck deep every time," He finished with eight shots on goal and 17 attempts; he has 33 shot Hagelin said. "Don't make any plays the first five minutes and just get it attempts in his past two games. He nearly tallied his 699th goal multiple deep and start skating because that is where we are at our best. Like you times; the biggest groan from the heavy pro-Capitals crowd came early in said, we've had some bad starts and we need to figure that out." the second period on a power play, when his signature one-timer from Holtby (21-12-4) kept the Capitals within striking distance with some the left circle hit the right post. strong stops in the third. For the second straight game, he was the "He's getting himself into some good spots and that's really the least of Capitals' best player. He held strong Thursday at Colorado as the my concerns," Capitals Coach Todd Reirden said. "He hits a post, a Capitals rallied, notching 32 saves, and he again showed Saturday that couple plays that are bouncing off guys on the way in, he's getting he is more than capable of holding his own. himself into scoring areas which is the key for him and you know for me, it's about our team being able to help him out and be able to produce a little more through our four lines." Washington Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 While Ovechkin seemingly was doing everything but score, the rest of the Capitals were out of sync: Players whiffed on pucks, passes weren't sharp, and a turnover in the neutral zone led to a goal in the second period. The Capitals seemed to come together and connect in Thursday's 3-2, comeback win at the Colorado Avalanche, but their struggles returned Saturday.

"We're finding our way and it is not going to be easy, but in the long run, going through these types of games and having a tough time scoring makes you focus on your defensive play, because at times that isn't going to be there," Reirden said. "For us, we want to work from our end out and when we get those chances as we move forward here, we have plenty of skill and ability to be able to convert on those and right now we are not finding the back of the net."

The Coyotes' game-winner came on a power-play deflection by Phil Kessel at 5:25 of the third period. With just three seconds remaining on defenseman Michal Kempny's penalty for tripping, Jakob Chychrun patiently waited up top before flinging the puck into the slot, where Kessel redirected it past Braden Holtby. The Capitals' goaltender had another solid night, making 27 saves.

"Oh yeah. I think he play with confidence and that's what you need from him," Ovechkin said. "We all knew how good he is, how good Sammy is and if something happen we always knew he would step it up and make a pretty good save."

The Metropolitan Division-leading Capitals (37-16-5) had opportunities in the final 14-plus minutes to find the equalizer, but they couldn't light the lamp. Lawson Crouse's empty-netter with 27.8 seconds left ended the drama.

The Penguins have a real shot to catch the Capitals and win the NHL’s Metropolitan Division

The Capitals now head to Las Vegas to wrap up their three-game road trip Monday against the Vegas Golden Knights. They hope to end it on a high note and get back center Evgeny Kuznetsov, who did not play Saturday. He has missed back-to-back games after suffering an upper- body injury in a loss to the New York Islanders on Monday.

While Kuznetsov's absence wasn't glaring Saturday, the rest of the Capitals' top six failed to produce offensively despite some close calls by Ovechkin. The captain had been on a stunning heater before this four- game drought, posting 14 goals in a seven-game span. On Saturday, he seemed to do everything but score.

"Of course, you want to get it [700] over with and move forward, but, how I said, if you didn't score you just move it forward," Ovechkin said. "You 1176788 Washington Capitals

Capitals center Evgeny Kuznetsov will miss second straight game after upper-body injury

By Samantha Pell

February 15, 2020 at 4:03 PM EST

GLENDALE, Ariz. — Washington center Evgeny Kuznetsov (upper body) will not play Saturday night when the Capitals face the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. It will be the second consecutive game Kuznetsov has missed after suffering an injury in the second period of the team’s loss to the New York Islanders on Monday.

Kuznetsov skated on his own Thursday in Colorado and on Saturday — for the first time since the injury — he practiced with the team in a regular contact jersey. However, Kuznetsov did not partake in morning line rushes and is still not at “100 percent,” Capitals Coach Todd Reirden said. The team hopes Kuznetsov will be able to play Monday in Las Vegas, which is the final game of the team’s three-game road trip out West.

“Just wanted to see how things were going this morning,” Reirden said. “Still not at 100 percent so he will do some conditioning here and practice tomorrow and we will see we can get him in the game against Vegas.”

Kuznetsov was noncommittal after morning skate on whether he would be ready to play Monday.

“Whatever the docs will say, I will follow them,” Kuznetsov said. “But you know, it’s still tough to see [how I feel] between off the ice and on the ice, so I don’t think I’m in a rush right? I just have to pay more attention to some of those details a little bit and when I am going to feel good, the coaches are going to give me a chance to play.”

Lars Eller plays a lot of roles for the Capitals, and they count on all of them

Kuznetsov said he is happy he has been able to get back on the ice so quickly after the injury, but remarked that most players in the league play through pain regardless.

“I think 85 percent of players play during the pain, right,” Kuznetsov said. “And it is not easy, but for me, I just have to be sure there will be nothing more after that. We are not in a Game 7 where you have to play through some pain, but you know I’m just going to listen to [the doctors] and whatever they tell me, I am going to follow them.”

With Kuznetsov out, the Capitals will be rolling out the same lineup as they did in Thursday’s 3-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche, with Lars Eller bumping up to the second line and Travis Boyd acting as the third- line center. Washington will be looking to build off the last 40 minutes against the Colorado, when the team finally started to look closer to the identity it has built this season.

“I think structurally we were a lot more sound,” Reirden said. “Whether we were coming into our defensive zone a little bit lower and a little more collapsed around the net than we had been in awhile, something we focused on the last few days in practice and continued to when you have the puck and you have to execute with a purpose and a lot less turnovers as the game went on.”

Washington Post LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176789 Washington Capitals Strength vs. strength Washington ranks second in the NHL in offense with 3.54 goals per

game. Defense is the strength of the Coyotes who rank fifth with 2.68 Caps at Coyotes: Can Ovechkin find No. 700 in the desert? goals allowed per game. Ovechkin is going to put that defense to the test looking for goals No. 699 and 700.

By J.J. Regan Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 02.16.2020 February 15, 2020 6:00 AM

The Capitals (37-15-5) are back in the win column after beating the Colorado Avalanche in a come-from-behind win on Thursday. Can they keep up that momentum on Saturday against the Arizona Coyotes (28- 24-8)?

Tune in to NBC Sports Washington for the game broadcast plus pre and postgame coverage. Pregame coverage begins at 9 p.m. with Caps FaceOff Live followed by Caps Pregame Live bringing you up to the 10 p.m. game broadcast. Stick with NBC Sports Washington after the game for postgame coverage with Caps Postgame Live.

Here is what you need to know for Saturday's game.

698 and counting

Alex Ovechkin remains stuck on 698 career goals. He last scored on Feb. 4 against the Los Angeles Kings in the miraculous third period hat trick. That marks three straight games without a goal for the Great 8. There have been five other times this season in which Ovechkin has gone three games without a goal and each time he did not allow that streak to reach four games.

Kuznetsov watch

Evgeny Kuznetsov did not play in Thursday's game due to an upper-body injury, but he did skate after the morning skate. Because the team did not practice on Friday, we won't know Kuznetsov's status until Saturday's morning skate, scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET.

Here are the lines from Thursday's game with Kuznetsov out:

Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - Tom Wilson

Jakub Vrana - Lars Eller - T.J. Oshie

Carl Hagelin - Travis Boyd - Richard Panik

Brendan Leipsic - Nic Dowd - Garnet Hathaway

Michal Kempny - John Carlson

Dmitry Orlov - Nick Jensen

Jonas Siegenthaler - Radko Gudas

We will also have to wait to see who will be in net. Braden Holtby seems most likely after he turned aside 32 out of 34 shots he faced in Thursday's win.

When last we met

The Coyotes came to Washington on Nov. 11 and ended the Caps' six- game win streak with a 4-3 shootout victory. It looked like Washington's 11-game point streak was also in jeopardy as Arizona jumped out to a 3- 0 lead thanks to two goals in the first minute of the second period. Washington battled back with two goals from Kuznetsov and Oshie scored the game-tying goal with just 76 seconds remaining in regulation.

In overtime, it looked like Oshie had scored the game-winning goal, but it was called back on an offside review.

Slumping

The Caps snapped a two-game losing streak on Thursday and while that may not sound too bad, it was the way they lost those two games, by a combined score of 12-5, which made it so brutal. Since returning from the all-star break, Washington is 4-4-0.

But if you want to talk about slumps, that's nothing compared to the one Arizona is slogging through. The Coyotes come into Saturday's game with two straight losses, including a regulation loss to the lowly Ottawa Senators. Arizona has only won three out of its last 15 games going from western contender to the second wildcard spot. The Taylor Hall trade has not propelled them to the top of the West as they may have hoped. 1176790 Winnipeg Jets Head coach has stated he’d like to see the 6-4, 235- pounder in action with the big club but doesn’t believe insterting him into the lineup is the immediate cure for what ails the team.

Kane suspended 3 games for Pionk hit "The player that I take out, if that happens, is not going to be the reason that we lost that game (Friday). You’re not looking to bring a guy up who has played in the minors to change your fortunes. We lost the game and that’s the only thing that matters," said Maurice. lBy: Jason Bell Poolman gets day off Posted: 02/15/2020 11:00 PM Defenceman Tucker Poolman, who returned to the lineup after a month

away with a lower-body injury, ducked out of practice early. He’s one of a NEAL Pionk didn’t skate Saturday but appeared fully intact the morning number of guys fighting the sniffles. after taking a couple of sinister hits from San Jose Sharks forward Third-line centre Adam Lowry (upper body), out since Jan. 19 is still listed Evander Kane. as week to week. Mathieu Perreault (upper body) is within a similar time An elbow levelled at Pionk’s head late in the third period, the second of frame. He was hurt Jan. 31 after receiving a punishing open-hit from two MMA-style manoeuvres administered to the Winnipeg blue-liner, has Boston Bruins forward Karson Kuhlman cost the former Jets winger big time. Kane received a minor penalty for elbowing on the play but was slapped with a three-game suspension Saturday by the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 02.16.2020 Kane forfeits US$112,903.23 of his salary to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund. He’s considered a repeat offender with a couple of suspensions in the past, including a three-game punishment at the beginning of the season for abuse of an official.

In a sharply worded statement posted to his Twitter account Saturday afternoon, Kane expressed his confusion over what he described as "a major lack of consistency" with the NHL’s department of player safety.

"A completely flawed system in so many ways. From the suspensions to appeal rights, it’s baffling to me how we as players agreed to this. You can’t continue to give some players a pass and throw the book at others," the statement said in part. "There has to be a (sic) outside third party making these decisions to remove the bias that transpires in this department headed by George Parros. None of it makes any sense."

Pionk, meanwhile, said was he was no worse for wear after getting crushed along the boards by Kane deep in Jets territory. "I feel good. Woke up feeling fine and felt fine after the game," he said. "I’m fortunate that I’m OK."

The 24-year-old blue-liner is in the midst of a career year, with six goals and 32 assists, and has been the most dependable member of a much- maligned back end.

Pionk kept his emotions in check when discussing the illegal contact.

"I watched the replay. Something hit my head. I don’t know. I’m not exactly sure what it was. I’ll probably have to watch it again," he said. "It’s part of the game. I have to take hits to make plays and we all know that."

Lack of urgency

The Jets shot count Friday was altogether misleading, considering 20 of their 32 total drives were generated during a pair of second-period power plays and a 6-on-5 late in the game with goalie Connor Hellebuyck on the bench for an extra attacker.

Their play for the bulk of the contest was stale, absent of the kind of urgency a team below the playoff lines needs to demonstrate each time out.

Winnipeg is 29-25-5 with 23 games left in the season and sits fourth in the Central, eight points back of the Dallas Stars. The Jets’ best bet is a wild-card spot but just five points separates no fewer than seven teams in the hunt.

"Over the course of the next 23, there’s going to be a lot of nights that feel like it or like playoff games, for sure. I feel like with the way we’re going right now, every night’s a playoff game," said Andrew Copp.

Andrei Chibisov was returned to the Manitoba Moose for the AHL squad’s tilt with the visiting Milwaukee Admirals but is expected to be recalled by the Jets today in time for their battle with the Chicago Blackhawks. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

The strapping Russian winger, who turns 27 this month, spent seven years in the KHL before inking a deal with the Jets last summer. In 47 games with the Moose, he has seven goals and 17 assists. 1176791 Winnipeg Jets possibly a spot up the middle in the top-six, and a return to the wall for the captain?

"It’s (Wheeler’s) natural position. There is a certain energy burned for him Slapshot head injury shuts Jets centre out for the season at centre ice. You spend more, especially with the style of game that he plays. Your wings get in on the forecheck, especially if you change sides, your wingers are far more important on the forecheck," said Maurice. "At centre, you’ve got to be patient in the defensive zone bringing the puck By: Jason Bell up the ice, so you’re slowing your game down a little bit to make sure that Posted: 02/15/2020 2:27 PM | Last Modified: 02/15/2020 11:08 PM you’re getting your exit and into the entrance. So, you miss that size on the walls."

Bryan Little looked like a carefree kid playing shinny with his buddies during his infrequent skates with the rest of the Winnipeg Jets in recent Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 02.16.2020 weeks.

On Saturday, his equipment was tidily stored in his locker-room space in the bowels of Bell MTS Place — and that’s how it will stay the rest of the NHL season.

The injured centre won’t return to the Winnipeg lineup.

Little, still recovering from a head injury and perforated ear drum after getting blasted by an errant shot in early November, has been shut down by the Central Division team.

Head coach Paul Maurice said Little needs surgery, and the focus now is on the 32-year-old’s long-term health.

"(Little) has gone through a series of tests over the last couple of weeks, and while there’s been some really good improvement the feel from the medical community is the amount of time that he’s going to need to safely heal is going to take us through the rest of our hockey season," Maurice said Saturday, following an optional practice.

"He also has a procedure that we were possibly hoping to put off to repair the eardrum that will have a three-month rehab to that, a no-flying situation. That will happen in the near future but Bryan won’t play this season."

Little was struck in the left ear by a Nikolaj Ehlers’ slapshot in the third period against the New Jersey Devils and immediately fell to the ice. He required 25 to 30 stitches to close the gash and suffered a brain bleed, spending two nights at the Health Sciences Centre neurological unit.

The 13-year veteran had joined the Jets for several practices in recent weeks, wearing a yellow non-contract jersey, and hope remained he would get back into the lineup for the stretch run to the playoffs.

More than three months after getting hurt, doctors say that simply isn’t possible.

"There has been good progress in his healing, it’s just that you get a lot of tests done and you get a lot of people to look at it, the rate of healing says — and because of the injury — we’re not putting this player at any risk," said Maurice. "We’re not going to wait until the very end and say, ‘Yeah, you’re close.’"

Little had a pair of injury-filled seasons from 2015-17 but competed in all 82 regular-season games the past two campaigns and 23 playoff games.

He missed the first nine regular-season games of the season after taking a high hit from Minnesota forward Luke Kunin, sustaining a concussion in the final pre-season contest against the Wild.

He rejoined his teammates Oct. 20 against the visiting Edmonton Oilers and played a total of seven contests, scoring twice — highlighted by the overtime winner over the Calgary Flames on Oct. 26 in Regina at the Heritage Classic outdoor game — and chipping in three assists.

When Little went down a second time, Blake Wheeler switched to the second-line centre position from his customary spot to the right of top-line centre Mark Scheifele and has remained there since.

"We’ve operated under this environment for so long. We’ve explored a bunch of different things on how to best handle it. We do have a plan of what we’ll do going forward," Maurice said.

A subsequent injury to centre Adam Lowry meant a shift to third-line centre for Andrew Copp, who continues to play some of the best hockey of his career.

Copp has three goals •— all game winners — and three helpers in seven games in February. Has he been impactful enough for an expanded role, 1176792 Winnipeg Jets

GAME DAY: Chicago Blackhawks at Winnipeg Jets

Scott Billeck

February 15, 2020 5:01 PM CST

THE BIG MATCHUP

Say vs. do

In the immediate aftermath of a 3-2 defeat to the San Jose Sharks on Friday, players and coaches suggested that the Jets need to do several things differently in order to be successful. Head coach Paul Maurice, specifically, bemoaned the team’s lack of adaptation to the events that transpired in the loss. He said his team didn’t shoot the puck. He said they tried to force stuff that wasn’t there. On Saturday, it was about taking that to heart and making the changes for Sunday’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, a division rival also in the fight for a wild-card spot. Losing to the New York Rangers and the Sharks was bad enough. Losing to a Blackhawks team that played at 9 p.m. on Saturday, flew in very late to Winnipeg and then had to do it all over again? That just can’t happen if you want to be considered a playoff team.

FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME

1. Changes coming?

We saw Blake Wheeler moved back out to right wing and Andrew Copp moved to second-line centre in Friday’s loss. The Jets were chasing the game at one point and they also weren’t penetrating the neutral zone with much gusto either, so Maurice was looking for a different look. Will the lines stay that way? Saturday’s practice was optional, so we won’t know more until Sunday’s morning skate. Andrei Chibisov could play, however. He was sent down Saturday to play for the Manitoba Moose, but is expected to be called right back up on Sunday.

2. Wheeler producing

Blake Wheeler rarely has an off night and that’s reflected on the stat sheet. He has 13 goals and 26 assists over his past 36 games and hasn’t gone consecutive games without a point since Nov. 19-21. He has 16 multi-point games this season, tied for tops on the team.

3. More finish (again)

It wasn’t the 32 shots the Jets put on goal in their 3-2 loss Friday, it was the 25 they attempted that either missed the net or were blocked. There wasn’t one that stung more, either, than a flubbed shot by Kyle Connor who was parked on the doorstep and had a wide-open cage to shoot at. The shot wasn’t registered as a shot at all as it glanced off the post. The Jets fired 44 shots on goal in a 4-1 loss to the New York Rangers a game earlier.

4. Paging Scheifele (again)

Mark Scheifele has been under the weather for the past few days, but his stick has been that way for a few weeks now. Schiefele hasn’t scored in his past 10 games and has just one goal in his past 14. Questions have arisen about Scheifele’s game as of late, with some pointing to lazy backchecks and other issues at the moment. He has six assists during his goalless streak, but the Jets need his goal-scoring prowess once again. Scheifele did have seven shots on Friday, so it’s not for lack of trying in the goal department.

5. Connor keeps scoring

Kyle Connor leads the Jets with 29 goals this season and could quite easily achieve his third straight 30-goal season on Sunday. Connor has scored four times in his past three games, including a ridiculous through- the-legs shot that beat an unsuspecting Aaron Dell cleanly into the top corner on Friday. And to think some folks believe the Jets should trade Connor, who is on pace for 40 goals this year.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.16.2020 1176793 Winnipeg Jets That something was Kane’s elbow, which caught Pionk in the head late in the third period.

With the Sharks playing in Minnesota on Saturday, the NHL Department JETS NOTEBOOK: Concern for plays not there, shots not taken; Pionk of Player Safety held a hearing with Kane. It was later announced that fine, Kane suspended after elbow Kane had received a three-game ban.

Kane took to Twitter to air his grievances with the system he called “completely flawed.” Scott Billeck “The face the NHL Department of Player Safety headed by Geroge February 15, 2020 4:40 PM CST Parros continue to puck and choose, who and what they suspend is ridiculous!” Kane wrote. “There have been countless incidents of the

same nature through this season and past seasons that have gone There were two sentences from Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice, unsuspended or fined. No one person can tell you what is or isn’t a one after another, that stuck out like a sore thumb in his post-game suspension in today’s game, it’s become a complete guess. comments on Friday night. “There is a major lack of consistency with the NHL Department of Player Fresh off a 3-2 defeat to the lowly San Jose Sharks, Maurice bemoaned Safety. A completely FLAWED system in so many ways. From the both his team’s penchant for trying to hit the seam when the seam suspensions to the appeal rights, it’s baffling to me how we as players doesn’t exist. He also lamented his team’s seemingly unwillingness to agreed to this. You can’t continue to give some players a pass and throw shoot when they should. the book at others. There has to be a outside third party making these decisions to remove the bias that transpires in this department headed by “We just got hung up at the line a whole lot of times, and when we did George Parros. None of it makes any sense.” (enter the zone) we seemed to be looking for seam plays that aren’t there this time of year. We don’t want to shoot the puck,” Maurice said, Kane is considered a repeat offender, with his most recent suspension referencing his team’s great difficulty at progressing through the neutral coming during the preseason after abusing an official, an infraction that zone in the game and then all the rest when they managed to squeak earned him an automatic three-game suspension and one he labelled as into the offensive zone. a “complete joke.” He was also fined for elbowing back in December.

With 23 games remaining and embroiled in a tightly-contested race for a wild-card spot in the Western Conference, trying to thread a puck through Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.16.2020 five players or needing to alter the mentality when it comes to shooting appears concerning.

“You’ve had success and you’ve got a certain style of offensive guy and we’ve had success moving pucks into holes and getting chances,” Maurice said Saturday after his team’s optional practice at Bell MTS Place. “We’ve been a team for a while that was willing to be outshot in a lot of ways. We don’t want to put handcuffs on skilled guys and say that everything has to go to the net. That’s not smart either. You make those plays, but what we didn’t do well last night was adjust to the game that was being played against us and understanding that there were going to be quite a bit fewer of those. We forced it a lot. We got hung up in the neutral zone trying to make plays to the inside that weren’t there.”

Maurice has liked his team’s offensive game dating back to a couple games before the all-star break. In their seven games since, they’ve compiled a 4-2-1 record.

But they’ve now lost back-to-back against teams, like them, who are below the playoff line. The only difference is the Jets sit one point adrift and both the New York Rangers and Sharks are already thinking about tee times and next season.

“I think what (Maurice) is trying to say is that when the play is not there, have the confidence to not try and force it,” forward Andrew Copp said. “Have the confidence that you’re going to make the right read when it is there and it’s going to come to the point where that playing is going to be wide open but if it’s not open right now, you don’t need to force it. It will be open later in the game.”

Patrik Laine, who’s caught fire as of late with his stick, said ultimately the team is just trying to make plays. The Jets put up 32 shots in Friday’s game but also have 25 shots that either missed the net or were blocked.

“We’re not scoring if we’re not shooting, so we definitely need to get more pucks to the net,” Laine said.

Laine figures the team is skating with the mentality that they need to make plays.

“Last night, we just turned the puck over too many times and we should just get it deep and play in their end, but now we’re just trying to make plays from the blue line and in the neutral zone,” he said. “That’s not the way we need to play.”

Neal Pionk said he felt fine after the game and just as good on Saturday morning when he woke up after taking a high hit from former Jets forward Evander Kane in Friday’s 3-2 defeat to the San Jose Sharks.

“I’m fortunate that I’m OK today,” Pionk said as he met with the media after Saturday’s option practice. “Something hit my head. I don’t know. I’m not exactly sure what it was.” 1176794 Winnipeg Jets Andrew Copp in that mix as a centre iceman, we’ll end up with the bulk of time them staying together and we’ll move the pieces around a little bit.”

The Jets have been battered by injuries this season, with a total of 245 Jets' Little shut down for the remainder of season man-games lost and counting to this point.

Mark Letestu has missed 52 games and is not expected to return. Carl Dahlstrom has been on the shelf for the past 12. Adam Lowry’s number Scott Billeck has climbed to 10 and Mathieu Perreault, who has missed several stretches now, is at seven with his current injury. February 15, 2020 6:46 PM CST Others have returned to health, some multiple times such as Nathan

Beaulieu. Mason Appleton, Andrew Copp, Dmitry Kulikov and Tucker Bryan Little’s long road to recovery from a hellacious incident last Poolman have all missed significant time, too. November will have to wait a while longer. Updates on Lowry and Perreault on Saturday revealed not much has The Winnipeg Jets announced Saturday that the 32-year-old centre is changed. being shut down for the remainder of the season, bringing an end to a Lowry is still week-to-week with an upper-body injury, one sustained on forgettable year for one of the team’s most beloved members. Jan. 19 in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks. Perreault is in the same Little hasn’t played in 43 games, not since he was circling around the boat, a week-to-week timeline with his own upper-body injury. He hasn’t back of the opposing net when he was struck down by a Nikolaj Ehlers played since a Jan. 31 loss to the Boston Bruins. one-timer during the third period of a 2-1 shootout loss to the New Jersey The Jets sit one point behind the Arizona Coyotes for the second and Devils on Nov. 5. final wild-card spot in the Western Conference entering Saturday’s NHL That puck perforated Little’s eardrum, blew open a gash on the side of action. The Jets are back on the ice to face the Blackhawks at home on his head that required more than two dozen stitches to sew back up, Sunday night. concussed him, and led to a brain bleed that would land Little in the neurological unit at Health Sciences Centre for a couple of nights. Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.16.2020 Now, Little will undergo a procedure to repair his eardrum, a surgery with a recovery time that will add another three months to a timeline that has always been indefinite.

“(Little) has gone through a series of tests over the last couple of weeks, and while there’s been some really good improvement the feel from the medical community is the amount of time that he’s going to need to safely heal is going to take us through the rest of our hockey season,” head coach Paul Maurice said after beginning his availability with the news.

Nearing the middle of January, Little had returned to the practice ice with the team. Clad in a yellow non-contact jersey, Little twirled around Bell MTS Place. As infrequent as the skates were, the times where Little was on the ice displayed a player that appeared well on the road to a return at some point.

As Little practiced more, his intensity grew. Sporting a tinted visor and a mighty beard, the former Barrie Colts star was making good progress.

“There’s a hope this thing’s going to heal at a certain rate and that’s going to allow you to come back and play, and that’s the player’s hope,” Maurice said. “There has been good progress in his healing, it’s just that you get a lot of tests done and you get a lot of people to look at it, the rate of healing says — and because of the injury — we’re not putting this player at any risk. We’re not going to wait until the very end and say, ‘Yeah, you’re close.’ It’s also in part to the procedure that he has to have that the smart thing for Bryan the person and Bryan the hockey player and the Winnipeg Jets is not to have him play this year.”

Little’s presence also brought joy to his teammates, who were thrilled to see him on the ice when he took part in his first practice on Jan. 13.

“Yeah, it’s the best,” Andrew Copp said. “When you see someone go through something as traumatic as what he went through, you kind of just never know in that instance what his career even looks like. So it’s great to have him on the ice. Such a great person, such a great teammate, good character guy in the room. It puts a smile on my face to see him out there, too.”

Little’s season will end with two goals and three assists in seven games played, including a memorable overtime winner in the 2019 NHL Heritage Classic at Mosiac Stadium in Regina. He returned from his first concussion on Oct. 20 in a 1-0 win against the Edmonton Oilers.

Maurice said the Jets will continue as they have for most of the season with Little out of the lineup.

“We’ve explored a bunch of different things on how to best handle it,” Maurice said. “We do have a plan of what we’ll do going forward. The question of whether Blake stays at centre and do we need to get him out to the wing. We’re going to answer that not as a permanent solution but we’re going to find those six players that comprise now and I’ll put 1176795 Winnipeg Jets Hull didn’t show up for his own induction into the Jets Hall a few years back, and that was a good thing.

But he remains an ambassador for the Chicago Blackhawks. FRIESEN: Jets remain tone-deaf in honouring Bobby Hull And here he was on Tuesday, welcomed back like a hero for the induction of Thomas Steen and Randy Carlyle.

Paul Friesen Why?

February 15, 2020 The Jets’ position is the Hall is only about his accomplishments on the ice. Fair enough. He’s in. We can leave him there.

But given how far we’ve come as a society in recognizing the horrors of The words on the popcorn box have faded a little, but they’re still legible. abuse of women, the shadow victims are forced to live in because they’re afraid to come forward, the price the victim often pays, particularly with a “To Paul,” the message begins. “Best regards. 40 years later!!! Bobby popular or powerful public figure – given all that, how can organizations Hull. #9.” still celebrate a man with such a history? The popcorn box sits on a bookshelf next to my desk. The message was Hockey’s culture is supposed to be changing. Physical abuse and racially penned in 2012. or gender-motivated verbal abuse is no longer tolerated, but rather Loyal readers might remember the story behind it. vigorously investigated, with perpetrators held accountable.

How when I was 10 years old, I attended my first big-league hockey Unacceptable behaviour in one’s past leads to consequences. You only game with my brother and my dad, so I could get a glimpse of the NHL have to look at the price paid by former head coach Bill Peters. mega-star who’d signed with the World Hockey Association Winnipeg It’s supposed to be an inclusive, respectful environment, for all races, Jets. genders and sexual orientations. How a court injunction filed by the NHL meant Hull wasn’t playing that So what message does it send when a team trots out Hull for a special night, leaving him behind the bench as an assistant coach. occasion, asking its fans to applaud him? How I tore the top flap off a popcorn box and navigated my way through What does a cheering father say to a daughter who asks about this the seats of the old Winnipeg Arena – I guess I didn’t know about the person they call the Golden Jet? concourse – so I could get to Hull. I noticed not everyone in the rink here on Tuesday night stood and How he reached those big arms over the glass, took the piece of applauded the man. cardboard from my trembling hands, signed it, smiled and handed it back. I applaud them.

They say Hull never turned down an autograph request, and my But the Jets deserve a loud chorus of boos for their tone-deaf approach. experience is pretty good evidence of that. And I’m left wondering what to do with an empty popcorn box that For many years that box top stayed in the bottom of my drawer, every represents the innocence of my youth. once in a while appearing through a pair of socks or peeking out from under a T-shirt, a reminder of a more innocent time. A box overflowing with evidence of guilt.

Eventually, it got lost.

Eight years ago, I was interviewing Hull on the phone for some stories Winnipeg Sun LOADED 02.16.2020 marking the 40th anniversary of the start of the WHA, and before hanging up I mentioned our first encounter, and how I’d lost his autograph.

Five days later, more evidence of Hull’s public relations skills: a parcel arrived at my door, containing the new popcorn box with Hull’s unmistakable scrawl and signature.

I’m looking at that box as I write this, and I’m reminded of less innocent times.

The time, for example, when Hull’s ex-wife, Joanne, detailed years of abuse at his hands in a televised profile of Hull that aired on ESPN in 2002.

Hull’s daughter, Michelle, now a lawyer whose practice includes working with battered women, told the program that her dad and booze were an explosive combination.

There was the time when Hull’s third wife, Deborah, called police to their home in 1986, and Hull took a swing at a police officer, for which he was convicted, fined and put on probation.

Hull’s comments about his past have never been remorseful, or even about taking responsibility.

An apology? Nothing resembling it.

And so it was with some discomfort that I watched the Winnipeg Jets parade Hull out for their Hall of Fame celebration this past week.

I wondered, as he fist-bumped members of the current team on his way past the bench, if they knew of his history.

Jets management does, of course.

Yet it continues to separate the man from the playing legend who no doubt paved the way for the Jets of today. 1176796 Winnipeg Jets Maurice certainly didn’t think so — he challenged for goaltender interference but lost the challenge, costing the Jets a two-minute minor for delay of game.

From haymakers to heartbreak — how Winnipeg fell into the Sharks’ trap Hellebuyck had a lengthy chat with referee Justin St. Pierre later in the and let a golden opportunity slide game but was unsatisfied with the explanation he received.

“I heard multiple reasons,” Hellebuyck said of why the challenge was overruled. “One, they said they saw it in the net before they touched me. By Murat Ates That was clearly not right. Another one, they said something about the contact wasn’t forced.” Feb 14, 2020 “It really doesn’t matter what they say,” Maurice said. “There’s no way

they can tell me that’s not goalie interference. It’s two sticks into his pad This was supposed to be the softest portion of Winnipeg’s schedule — that pushes him behind the line. I understand the puck goes five-hole on nine consecutive games against teams below the playoff cut line from him, but that’s the reason why. He’s spread open on the two sticks that Feb. 8 to Feb. 23. push him behind the goal line. It’s not incidental contact. The puck’s outside of where the two sticks are pushing him, it’s not with the puck. It’s Ottawa? The Jets stomped them. Chicago? They stomped them. not beside or away from the puck, it’s the two sticks that are under his Playoffs! After each win, ever so briefly, Winnipeg had its wild-card spot pad that drive his leg in that create the five-hole that they put it. It’s not back. going to matter. I don’t understand it. I’m not going to agree that they’re ever right on that call.” A loss Tuesday night appeared to be a minor setback. The Jets had two full days of rest and an 11-point lead on their Friday night opponent — a Before we move on to the night’s much rosier middle chapter, here is the despondent San Jose Sharks team at least as concerned with Joe NHL’s official ruling on the play. Thornton trade rumours as with the playoff race. Sorensen’s stick contact was deemed “incidental” because the puck was Winnipeg began the night one point behind Arizona for the second in play. Gambrell’s stick was either seen in the same light or not Western Conference wild-card spot. considered at all.

Winnipeg began the night with a 40-goal lead on San Jose in season- The goal against was not the only thing wrong with Winnipeg’s first long goal differential and five skaters — Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, period — the Jets were outshot 13-3 after 20 minutes — but the Jets did Patrik Laine, Blake Wheeler and Nik Ehlers — with more points than San manage to kill off the ensuing delay of game penalty and make it to the Jose’s leading scorer, Erik Karlsson. first intermission within a goal. Interesting side note? Gabriel Bourque is the player Winnipeg put in the penalty box for the bench minor and its The Sharks were supposed to be sitting ducks. Instead, they laid a too-many-men penalty in the second period. Valentine’s Day trap that Winnipeg could not escape its 3-2 loss. Bourque was signed to a one-year, $700,000 contract last summer — “I thought we got hung up in the neutral zone an awful lot tonight,” Paul ostensibly to kill penalties in the wake of Brandon Tanev’s UFA Maurice said. “There are things you gotta do to get through the neutral- departure. He averaged 38 seconds of PK time per game until his Nov. 5 zone trap. It’s the easiest of the systems to get through, but we wouldn’t injury … and just seven seconds per game since then. Whether because put the puck in deep and go get it.” of injury or ineffectiveness, the Bourque PK experiment has largely been By eye, it was one of Winnipeg’s choppiest neutral-zone games in a called off. season with a handful of choppy neutral-zone games. The Jets failed to Enter the villain … break the puck out with speed and, when they did break the puck out with speed, they killed that speed looking for extra neutral-zone dangles. You could put together a highlight reel of dangerous plays Evander Kane made against Neal Pionk alone. It didn’t work. San Jose outshot Winnipeg 27-11 at five-on-five. First period. Jets zone. Late hit. No penalty. “You don’t respect what the other team’s doing at the line, there’s lots of bodies there,” Maurice said. “We just got hung up at the line a whole lot First period. Offside circle. High stick. No penalty. of times, and when we did we seemed to be looking for seam plays that aren’t there this time of year.” Second period. Jets zone. Late hit. Interference penalty:

From haymaking season to heartbreak. Did I mention that Winnipeg was Third period. Jets zone. Elbow to the head. Elbowing penalty: 11 points and 40 goals better than San Jose before the night began? Kane finished the night with four penalty minutes, three shots on goal, Now, let’s be clear. Winnipeg started the game with quality looks from the ire of most Jets and a -1 rating. dangerous spots. Wheeler had three, Scheifele had two and Laine had The first of his penalties led to the most brilliant play of the night. one. The Jets just kept missing those looks — a theme that would haunt them again before the end of the night. Poetry in motion …

San Jose found a way not to miss, but it took a play that — well, you be Let it be known that Friday, Feb. 14 — Valentine’s Day as it will be the judge. known to some — Kyle Connor scored one of the filthiest, dirtiest, most brilliant and quickly executed power-play goals of the season. Alexander True breaks free from Tucker Poolman and drives the net with his backhand. Marcus Sorensen wins a battle with Dmitry Kulikov and They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and the video of Connor’s shoots the rebound into Connor Hellebuyck’s pad. game-tying goal is priceless.

Then Hellebuyck tries to cover the puck but can’t. Sorensen and Dylan But first, to honour the day: three poems. Gambrell are both pushing on his pad, his five-hole opens up, and San Jose scores the 1-0 goal. 1. The Sawyer

“If they didn’t push my pad off, I would have just covered it,” Hellebuyck “How about that? You just can’t teach that. Pulls it through the legs — try said. “It would have been a simple play. But they threw me completely off to track that one.” and one guy, there was two sticks, one guy pushed me off the post, 2. The haiku which was my anchor, and the other guy pushes my pad straight in. I’m trying to hold my balance and fight it but there’s really no play for me to Net drive one, no goal make.” Net drive two, stealing Dell’s soul: If there is no play to make and the goaltender’s five-hole is only open because he has two sticks pushing his pads out of position, the goal Kyle Fucking Connor shouldn’t count … should it? 3. The classic Tupac rap song "I MADE A G TODAY" “We didn’t get the puck through the neutral zone clean enough times to get the zone time to create more shot opportunities. That’s the complaint, "BUT YOU MADE IT IN A [GREASY] WAY — SELLING [BACK-HAND] I think.” TO THE KIDS" Winnipeg still has five games of “haymaking season” left — Sunday "I GOTTA GET PAID" against Chicago, then Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and next Sunday WELL HEY, THAT'S THE WAY IT IS. against Los Angeles, Ottawa, Philadelphia and Buffalo. That last game against Buffalo is the day before the trade deadline. The Jets have cap We see moves like this in practice and yes, we’ve seen it in games, too. space to burn and a GM who has declared a willingness to improve his But at that speed? Lordy. club for the stretch run, especially if he can acquire a defenceman with term on his contract. Colleague Ken Wiebe asked Connor how he knew to go for it. If ever there were a stretch of games on which a season hung, these are “Honestly it was just kind of instincts. I just got the puck and I knew he those games. dropped down there, just have to get to the other side, right? Just instincts I guess.” Winnipeg had better “want to” play the right way again in an awful kind of hurry. Right? Right. Sprezzatura.

For a moment, it looked like Winnipeg would take over in the wake of Connor’s goal. Ehlers picked off a breakout pass from Marc-Edouard The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 Vlasic less than two minutes later, sending the puck to Andrew Copp in the Sharks’ corner with time and space. Copp found a seam through Kane and True to center for Wheeler, whose long-range wrist shot picked the top corner over Dell’s right shoulder. 2-1 Jets heading into the third period and all kinds of momentum, right?

Right?

The Sharks outshot the Jets 10-4 in the third period, scored two quick goals of their own, and left Winnipeg outside of the playoffs looking in. Opportunity: lost.

With such a poor start to the game, such an electric takeover, and such a poor finish — power play and six-on-five time excluded — I had to ask: What was the difference between the Jets at their best and their worst Friday?

“That’s the million-dollar question,” Hellebuyck said. “I really don’t know. I think it’s a better question for Paul, to be honest. I don’t think we changed too much. I think we did get a couple of lucky bounces on their goals but we needed to amp it up in the third and that was our mistake tonight.”

OK, so I asked Maurice. Back to that Shark-trap.

“I think the speed that you have to generate against a trap is almost easily generated,” Maurice said. “For the most part, I don’t think it’s a difficult system to get through — at least to get a hard rim in on and I don’t think we wanted to do that.”

I must say: Game 59 against a bottom-feeding Sharks team with a playoff spot on the line hardly seems like an ideal time for the will to play the right way to fade.

I must also admit that I think the Jets had a solid start despite missing the target on most of their early chances. Their power play looked phenomenal, generating 14 shots and a ton of shot quality (1.75 expected goals, for trivia, although I loathe using xG in tiny samples).

And when Winnipeg had its goaltender pulled and Pionk faked out all six Sharks and fed a hard pass to Connor in the slot, I thought Winnipeg would tie it. His deflection went straight into Dell’s body.

When a six-on-five faceoff scramble bounced right to Connor in front of the net, I thought Winnipeg would tie it. Brent Burns dove face-first to block Connor’s shot.

And when the puck was bouncing in the slot with 20 seconds left and Connor had the game on his stick with Dell out of position, I definitely thought Winnipeg would tie it. He hit the post.

Kyle Connor — the best in-tight finisher the Jets have on a team full of great finishers — he of all Jets hit the post?

“Yeah, it was kind of a bouncing puck,” Connor said.

“It’s frustrating to not cash in there,” Wheeler said. “Had the right guys with the puck in the right areas. It just wasn’t meant to be tonight.”

That’s sad, sad poetry. But Connor can generally be counted on to finish those chances.

Moving forward, Maurice’s assessment of the game might be more pertinent for the Jets to work on. 1176797 Vancouver Canucks

Concussion symptoms return for Ferland just a few minutes into his return

PATRICK JOHNSTON

February 15, 2020 4:41 PM PST

Micheal Ferland's latest attempt to return from concussion was abandoned after just one period of AHL action.

It would appear that Micheal Ferland is back to square one in his hope to return to hockey.

The gritty winger suffered a concussion in late October in a fight against the Los Angeles Kings’ Kyle Clifford and while he’s twice worked his way back to what he believed to be full health, the simple exertion of playing a game of hockey has seen the return of concussion symptoms.

The latest moment came Friday while in action for the Utica Comets. After playing the first period for the Canucks’ AHL affiliate, he did not return for the second. It was later announced he’d been pulled from action because he was, once again, feeling concussion-like symptoms.

In December, Ferland thought he was healthy enough to play and got through four periods of hockey before realizing that he’d been wrong to think so.

“I feel for Ferly. I know he’s worked hard and wants to get back playing. And, you know, you just feel for a guy when he works that hard,” Canucks head coach said Saturday.

Ferland has been following the standard SCAT-V return-to-play protocol, which has five rigorous steps to clear, with a player moving through more and more exercise at each step and needing to be symptom-free for 24 hours after progressing to each step.

Ferland had completed all the steps, had completed in full practices involving contact and hadn’t reported any symptoms and thus was cleared to play in Friday’s game.

Concussions can be a truly unfair beast. A person can be feeling fine, have thought they’d recovered and then be injured by what might the slightest moment of contact.

The more you get, the more vulnerable you are to a new injury. Some athletes suffer serious side-effects after one concussion but recover and never again encounter problems again.

But others like, Ferland, seem to be cursed with a brain that has only become more vulnerable with the passage of time.

“As far as a coach and a player you feel for him. You want him to get back as soon as he can. Never mind the team aspect but from the personal aspect of him being a guy that loves the game and loves to play it, it’s hard when you’re injured,” said Green. “And when you work that hard to get back and don’t, it’s, it’s difficult. I know he’s going to do everything he can to play.”

Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.16.2020 1176798 Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Province: LOADED: 02.16.2020

Patrick Johnston: Suddenly, the Canucks are fighting mad

PATRICK JOHNSTON

February 15, 2020 4:27 PM PST

Astros' Correa lashes out at Dodgers' Bellinger: 'Cody, you don't know the facts'

After six fights in the last ten days, the Vancouver Canucks are suddenly up to 10 fights on the season.

Before Jake Virtanen could answer the question of whether he was the original spark in the Vancouver Canucks’ recent outburst of fisticuffs — six fights over the last four games — his teammate Tanner Pearson spoke up.

“No, no. Don’t give him that credit. Not allowed,” he said with a laugh.

Virtanen shrugged his shoulders and then replied: “Oh, I don’t know. I think it’s just that time of year. It’s getting down to the stretch and that stuff happens I guess, when things are on the line and we want to make sure we’re winning and it’s just emotions get high and that’s what happens. It’s part of the game.”

The Canucks have been in a fighting mood of late, a stretch that seems to come out of nowhere, especially given the extreme decline of fighting in the NHL as a whole.

Virtanen stood up for Antoine Roussel after his teammate was the victim of a borderline hit by the Minnesota Wild’s Jason Zucker on Feb. 6. Later that game Zack MacEwen squared up with Marcus Foligno.

MacEwen’s was more about him just making a statement.

“I knew I was going to before that game for sure,” he said. “It’s a way to make a statement and also yourself into the feel of the game. It helps get me in the game and keeps me on my toes too and … it gets the guys going too so it’s a win-win.”

The next game, a Saturday night contest at home against the Calgary Flames, J.T. Miller dropped the mitts with the Flames’ Matthew Tkachuk, right after Pearson had opened scoring seconds into the game.

“All of a sudden these little slashes hurt a little more and you want to get back at guys and it’s just part of the game. I think it’s cordial on both sides for the most part … you’re trying to win. Intensity is high, tempers are going, I think it’s great. It’s been around the game a long time, it’s nice to see from time to time,” Miller said.

Tyler Myers fought Austin Watson last Monday after the giant Canuck threw a cross-check on Watson’s teammate Calle Jarnkrok.

Myers was the most willing to consider the notion that maybe there was a bit of the subconscious at play.

“Maybe,” he said with a laugh.

“You can tell the atmosphere during the games is getting into a playoff feel. And it’s just a matter of going into the hard areas and sometimes doing that just creates a lot of battle.”

Wednesday night, both Pearson and Adam Gaudette got into tussles against the Chicago Blackhawks. Gaudette challenged giant Chicago defenceman Connor Murphy after taking a high hit.

“I thought it was a high hit and I didn’t even have the puck and he lunged a bit. I kind of got ticked off a bit and it happened,” he said.

“No chance,” Pearson declared when asked if it was possible that the run of fights, started by Virtanen, might have been sitting in his subconscious, pushing him to get into his fourth career scrap.

Mostly it was about getting back at Drake Caggiula, who’d knocked him down from a funny angle.

“I just was still mad about the offside,” he joked.

1176799 Vancouver Canucks Hughes and Troy Stecher both face challenges because of their lack of reach (Hughes is also learning to be a little less lackadaisical with his skating).

Canucks’ defensive lapses have been a problem all season. Here’s what Alex Edler and Tyler Myers, meanwhile, are flat out liabilities with regards they need to fix to entry defence.

Edler’s struggles are understandable — his foot speed has declined and it’s hard to close space aggressively knowing that he won’t be able to By Harman recover if he gets beat. Keeping this in mind, Edler sags far in transition with a loose gap (gap is the space between the puck carrier and the Dayal Feb 15, 2020 defender) which ensures he doesn’t get beat on the outside but it gives the other team lots of time and space to enter the zone and make a play. He’s able to make up for a lot of this with how well he defends in-zone Even with the Canucks atop the Pacific Division standings, the team’s but stopping entries is a weak point. defensive form has been exposed as a major issue. Myers’ gap control, meanwhile, has been poor throughout his career, Only three NHL teams have allowed 5-on-5 goals against at a higher rate which is odd given his long reach and the fact that he’s a pretty good since Jan. 1 than the Canucks, which is alarming given that their skater. You’ll notice just how far he backs up in transition — giving the goaltending has remained excellent. puck carrier lots of time to make a play.

It’s a concerning trend, but what this smaller sample won’t capture is that Vancouver’s blue line simply doesn’t feature many solid neutral zone their defensive play has been a weakness all season. defenders and there’s not much Travis Green and the coaching staff can do about that. At 5-on-5, the Canucks are bottom five in the NHL when it comes to preventing shots (30th), expected goals (28th) and scoring chances Controlled entries are a primary issue for two reasons. The obvious part against (28th) — other teams with similarly weak defensive profiles are is that teams can score directly off the rush, but there’s also a cumulative not even close to the playoff picture. toll to factor in. It’s easier to convert an entry with possession into a long shift with sustained pressure and chances off the cycle than it is to dump Score adjusted data via Natural Stat Trick the puck in, fight to get it back and then try pinning your opponent. Jacob Markstrom deserves a huge chunk of credit for why the Canucks So not only do controlled entries allow for quick-strike offence on the remain in a playoff spot, but he won’t be able to bail them out forever, counterattack, but they lead to longer shifts that wear down a team and despite delivering a 10-3-0 record in games where Vancouver’s allowed allow for lots of shots. more than 35 shots on goal. The Canucks can’t do a lot with their current back end, but that doesn’t Improved defensive play needs to be a priority down the stretch and in mean that this is an area that can’t be improved upon. Many of the unpacking specific issues, there are a few areas that need to be Canucks’ woes stem from poor support coming from the forwards. addressed. The high forward (F3) isn’t providing enough support on the backcheck Too many controlled entries against By now, we’ve established that it’s important for defencemen to play a Entering the offensive zone with possession of the puck is typically tight gap in the neutral zone. What often goes underreported is that preferable to dumping it in — research shows that carrying the puck in forwards play an important role in this — it’s a lot easier for blueliners to leads to roughly double the shots and goals compared to dump-ins. close space when they know they have a forward who’s coming back Some teams shy away from carrying the puck through the neutral zone hard. and are still able to find success, but it’s usually a club like the Islanders “A big part of defending the rush has to do with our forwards skating hard where the benefit is that they rarely turn over the puck and allow very and coming back because then it allows our D to trust our gap,” Stecher little coming back defensively. From an offensive standpoint, there’s told The Athletic earlier this season. “If the other team chips a puck and typically a relationship between teams that enter the zone with there’s another guy coming with speed at least your forwards are back so possession and the ones that score more often. it doesn’t turn into an odd-man rush. It’s a conscious effort of the five P-value is 0.05 guys on the ice together.”

Even more important than just entering the zone with possession is being As Stecher mentioned, the fear is often that the carrier will chip in the able to make a passing play off the rush. That’s where there’s a much puck and essentially make an indirect pass off the boards to one of their stronger correlation. teammates if the defenceman is playing a tight gap and doesn’t have a forward backchecking hard. Given the importance that zone entries have on creating offence, it’s crucial defensively to limit time and space through the neutral zone to On Calgary’s first goal of the game last Saturday, we see exactly why force dump-ins or at the very least, prevent them from being able to that matters. Benn is tight on Dillon Dube in the neutral zone and forces a make a subsequent pass if they’ve carried it into the zone. chip. This is the right play from Benn’s perspective, but because Jake Virtanen isn’t backchecking his man, Milan Lucic gets to the puck first In Vancouver’s case, the sample of games Corey Sznajder has tracked and has lots of time to make the pass that leads to the goal. this season tells us that the Canucks have allowed teams to carry in the puck on 52.6 percent of entries (league average was 48.4 percent in This is the type of sequence that will make Benn question whether he 2018-19). Only three NHL teams have entered the zone with possession can play that tight of a gap next time. He expects that Virtanen will stick at a higher proficiency than 52.6 percent according to Sznajder’s tracking with Lucic and if not recover the puck, will at least be tight enough to him from this season. that Lucic won’t be able to make a play.

Put simply, the data suggests that the Canucks are one of the league’s Another issue related to the first forward coming back is one I’ve harped worst teams when it comes to defending in transition. This aligns with a on for the entire year and that’s insufficient F3 support when a lot of what we’ve seen through the eye test; at the end of November, I did defenceman pinches. This is frustrating because, in an ideal world, you’d a video breakdown of Vancouver’s issues containing the rush. love to give your defenders full autonomy to step low into the offensive zone and either make a play or chase a loose puck to keep it alive. Naturally, the question we need to answer is why teams are able to Vancouver’s offence would be stagnant and have a tougher time keeping create so much offence in rush situations. It’s especially interesting to in pucks if they didn’t have their defenders pinch. ponder because the Canucks don’t look like they turn over the puck a lot in the neutral zone, which is often a big issue for leaky transition teams The problem is that the highest forward who’s meant to cover for that like the Blackhawks. defenceman has failed to fulfill that duty all year. As much as I love positional fluidity, you need a full team commitment and so far the Part of it simply comes down to the personnel on the back end. Chris negative outcomes have outweighed the positive ones when it comes to Tanev and Jordie Benn are the only defenders who seem capable of Vancouver’s aggressive pinches. consistently angling players to the outside and forcing dump-ins. Quinn We saw that unfold against the Flames again where nobody covered for So many parts of defence are connected. It’s especially tough to easily a pinching Edler on Calgary’s second goal of the game. identify some of the specific deficiencies from the outside given the limited scope of public data available. There are gaps in what we can There was another example that remarkably didn’t lead to a goal against objectively measure on the defensive side of the puck and fully dissecting where Tanner Pearson, who was covering for Hughes, took a shortcut the tape to identify every major problem would be quite the long-term chasing a loose puck which led to an odd-man rush. project.

Better F3 rotations were a problem in November and they remain an What we can immediately identify, however, is that a lot of the Canucks’ issue. defensive woes stem from the freedom they give the opposition on zone A recent pattern that’s emerged is that the trailer option is the one doing entries; the rate at which they’re allowing carry-ins is very concerning. damage off the rush against the Canucks. That was the case on the This gives teams the chance to make plays directly off the rush and it Flames’ first goal we showed where Derek Ryan scored and it’s once contributes to the extended zone time and subsequent shots against again a shortcoming with the forward support. In the last section, a lot of numbers. While a lot of the issues in this respect relate to defensive the examples shown were ones where the F3 was a step behind in their personnel, the support from forwards has been equally discouraging on adjustment while with these clips, while the forwards are often back, the backcheck, F3 coverage for pinching defencemen and recently when they’re not able to key in on and take away the trailer. it comes to picking up the trailer.

The prime scoring chance below illustrates this. Adam Gaudette is the The other issue is how they’re defending in front of the net as they’re one first forward back (F3) and he’s in a good position. Where the breakdown of the bottom teams in the NHL at preventing rebounds. occurs is with the second forward, Virtanen. Instead of pulling up and curling back to the point to cover Rasmus Andersson, Virtanen collapses Diagnosing the “why” in Vancouver’s defensive struggles, I believe that low and parks himself in front of the net where he’s not marking anybody. they’re mostly personnel-related. The defensive lapses when blueliners This gives Andersson time to dance into the middle and get off an pinch are systems-related given how long it’s gone on, but a lot of the excellent shot. other issues covered come down situational awareness and poor decision-making away from the puck that the coaching staff can’t really This is a play where Virtanen is unsure of where he needs to be. His control. It’s up to the individual players to take responsibility for a lot of default instinct is to protect the front of the net, when really, there’s no these shortcomings. The back end hasn’t been great but the forwards need to be collapsing and that’s what enables the trailer to activate so have quietly been significant contributors to the problem. effectively. It’s something that needs to change soon, because the way things have Brad Marchand’s goal as the trailer last week is another sequence that gone, the Canucks can’t afford to keep relying on their goaltending to shows poor forward support. All three Canucks forwards are caught up continue being incredible. the ice, which gives the Bruins an initial numbers advantage. After that, nobody identifies and takes away Marchand in the slot as the fourth Bruin in the play. The Athletic LOADED: 02.16.2020 Or take this excellent rebound chance that Drake Caggiula gets when nobody picks him up as the trailer heading into the slot.

One weakness that we can objectively point to is the number of rebounds that the Canucks are allowing their opponents to pounce on.

Only the Panthers, Blackhawks, Rangers and Jets are conceding more rebound shots and they all have awful reputations defensively.

Rebounds are dangerous, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that there’s a strong relationship between the number of rebounds a team concedes and how high their expected goals against rate is.

P-value is 0.003

Diagnosing why this has been a problem is a little tougher to break down.

I’d say part of the problem is the fact that Edler and Tanev are the only defencemen that consistently seem to recover rebounds and clear the crease.

Size certainly plays into these net-front battles (Hughes and Stecher will always be at a disadvantage), but so much of it also has to do with smart reads. Erik Gudbranson was a prime example of a player who had size but could rarely ever clear the crease because he was usually unaware of the forwards lurking nearby.

This is a weakness that applies on a smaller scale to Myers and Benn, who often seem a split second late in identifying and tying up the man in front. We saw Benn at fault on Lucic’s power play tip goal on Saturday and below Myers was very late to react to Rocco Grimaldi as a threat right in front of Markstrom.

But as I’ve harped on throughout this piece, a lot of that net-clearing responsibility falls on the forwards as well.

In Monday’s game against the Predators, for example, Elias Pettersson gives his man, Mikael Granlund, an easy path right to the doorstep where he’s able to jam home a rebound.

Another example would be a glorious rebound chance against the Flames where Myers signals at Virtanen to pick up the weak side man, Noah Hanifin. The Canucks forward instead pulls up at the slot which leaves Hanifin free to jam away for the rebound.

And against the Blackhawks when Loui Eriksson stopped moving his feet and gave Kirby Dach the freedom to pounce on the loose rebound in front instead of staying close and tying him up. 1176800 Websites and say we weren’t good enough tonight. Well, tonight we had to beat two teams and it was tough.”

There’s no excuse dropping a game the way the Canadiens did, but Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Julien rips 'embarrassing' referees after fourth- there’s also no denying the validity of Julien’s comments afterwards. straight loss And his frustration, in a season that’s seen his team lead the NHL in shots and high-danger scoring chances (according to naturalstattrick.com) but draw the 25th-most penalties, understandably Eric Engels | @EricEngels boiled over.

February 16, 2020, 12:19 AM It also obviously enraged Julien that there was no accountability from Morton, who refused to talk to him after the game.

“It was out of the question to talk to the ref,” Julien said. “He was yelling MONTREAL — For what it’s worth, the Montreal Canadiens players were at our players. They weren’t even able to speak to him, he was yelling offered several opportunities to use the blatantly inconsistent officiating in and telling them to get lost. He showed his frustration, but I didn’t talk to their 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars as a crutch to explain how they blew a him. I didn’t get to say a word.” 3-0 lead and dropped a fourth consecutive game — but none of them did. The words Julien said in his press conference are all but guaranteed to Not even Max Domi, who was bleeding profusely from a cut to his lip that get him fined by the league. It’s a fact he seemed perfectly at ease with opened up following a third-period collision with Stars defenceman Jamie as he delivered his rant in both languages. Oleksiak, one that got worse after he took a straight arm to the face from Mattias Janmark in overtime. Somebody had to say something, because it was farcical the way things played out — with the Stars likely deserving more than two power plays He said, “No comment on that,” when asked about the officiating. they got in the game and the Canadiens certainly deserving more than It was only after his brief scrum that we asked Domi to explain why he the zero they got. was bleeding, and he said, “Two high-sticks right to the face.” In French, Julien added, “Some people are going to have to be held Joel Armia was at the other end of the dressing room. He searched for accountable for this.” some way to explain how a hook he got called for in the second period — As for the players, they owned up to losing the game on their own. a seemingly innocuous one-handed stick lift — went unbalanced when he was pulled down on the rush in overtime. It was their fourth game in six nights and the second of back-to-backs. It seemed clear they were lower on energy than the rested Stars, but they “The ref said I toe-picked,” said Armia. refused to factor that into why they dropped the game. Admittedly, Armia went down easy on the play in question. But so did “(Fatigue) catches up to everybody,” said Canadiens goaltender Carey Andrej Sekera to draw the penalty on Armia that led to the power play Price. “A lot of teams are battling through this. This month is a grind for Dallas scored its second goal on. everybody, so I don’t think we can use that as an excuse.” It was just five minutes before that goal that Canadiens defenceman Ben

Chiarot was tripped in the offensive zone. Frustrated with the no-call, Chiarot took a one-handed swing at Blake Comeau, slashed him on the Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.16.2020 back of the leg and was called for it. He wasn’t available to comment, though.

Ilya Kovalchuk also wasn’t around to discuss a slash that broke his stick and went un-penalized. And Brendan Gallagher was getting treatment for a leg injury he suffered early in the first period, so he wasn’t available to explain what was said in his exchange with official Dean Morton, which left him incensed after Tyler Seguin scored his second goal of the game with a backhand shot at 2:52 of overtime.

Cameras caught Morton telling Gallagher, “Go (expletive) yourself.”

Gallagher retorted, “You want me to go (expletive) myself,” which he repeated before telling Morton to shut the (expletive) up. And then he shattered his stick to smithereens on his way off the ice.

All the players who were available in the room after the game took ownership for letting this crucial game slip away.

But Canadiens coach Claude Julien didn’t mince his words, neither in French nor in English, when he was asked whether he was more frustrated with his team for blowing a 3-0 lead or with the officiating. And we don’t blame him for venting.

“We’re up 3-0, we’re playing well,” Julien said. “We make a bad mistake and give them the puck on the first goal [Marco Scandella passed it directly to Joe Pavelski, and Janmark finished the play]. But in those situations after that we could have had power plays… There’s so many… It was such a poorly managed game, let’s put it that way.

“I think Kovalchuk gets an automatic penalty, that slash. And I think on Chiarot, if you look at the penalty, or the replay, he gets tripped and he gives a one-hand slash, so we get the slash and no trip. Armia — if that’s a hook, well then in overtime there should have been a penalty on him. Max, in overtime there, gets a stick in the mouth, he’s bleeding from the mouth, there’s no penalty there.

“Like I said, (the officials) looked frustrated, or one of them looked frustrated tonight — the referee. He should have been, because to me it was embarrassing. I can’t say anything else. We take responsibility for some of our stuff and when we’re not good I’m going to stand up here 1176801 Websites "Looking at this road trip, it’s probably one of the toughest road trips of the year," he continued. "You’re travelling a long way and you have a lot of games in four days. To grind two points out tonight and going into tomorrow, we should have a good feeling." Sportsnet.ca / Oilers continue to find wins with next man up mentality Khaira fought the massive Josh Brown, a sign of how engaged the Oilers winger was in this one. What set them off?

Mark Spector | @sportsnetspec "I don’t really know," Khaira said. "We were just skating, and he asked. I know there are some days when I need a fight… We just fought." February 15, 2020, 8:52 PM Khaira’s issue is his inconsistent play — some nights he looks like he did

Saturday, then he goes two weeks where he’s invisible. SUNRISE, Fla. — Mikko Koskinen, Adam Larsson, Jujhar Khaira. And of With five minutes left in the third period a rebound bounded towards course, Leon Draisaitl. Khaira’s stick in the low slot, the net wide open, with the Oilers leading 2- The recipe for winning, when you’re a long way from home with a quarter 1. It was his reward for a game well played — until that puck bounced of your team either injured or suspended, requires a precise set of right over his stick. ingredients. "It’s been that kind of a year," shrugged Khaira, who is stuck on six goals It starts with stellar goaltending. Like, not just really good. Stellar. and hasn’t scored since Dec. 4. "We have guys who score, and we need guys who play hard. I’m happy with my game today. I obviously wish I Then you need a goal from an unlikely source, like Larsson. And if you scored, but I’m not going to be discouraged. I’m going to play the same get both of those, the role players still have to up their game a notch, as way and points will come." Khaira did. Personally, and for his team. Games like this one, like 3-2 wins at home Finally, your star player who is still healthy and in the lineup? He has to over Nashville, these are the games where you bank points only because play like the superstar he has become. Which Draisaitl did on a two- of "structure and work ethic," Tippett said. point, plus-three, 23:35-minute night. "We’re missing a lot of people right now. You’ve gotta make sure you’re "He’s the second-best player in the world for a reason," said Kailer solid in a lot of areas," the coach said. "I thought we were tonight." Yamamoto, who had an empty-netter and two assists. "The things he does with the puck, not many people can do it. It’s unbelievable and I think he’s just getting started in his career." Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.16.2020 The Edmonton Oilers checked every one of those boxes on a rainy night in Sunrise, Fla., Saturday afternoon, dropping the Florida Panthers 4-1 in a game that was much closer than the score lets on.

Darnell Nurse and Yamamoto had empty-net goals, disguising this tight 2-1 victory as a 4-1 win — exactly the kind of game a depleted team needs to prove to itself that it can win, with names like Connor McDavid, James Neal and Zack Kassian out of the lineup.

"Everyone gets a little bit more opportunity," Khaira said. "These are exciting games, and when Connor, Kass, Nealer and all those guys get back in, we want to be in the same spot where they left off."

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Khaira was around the puck all night, a big part of a physical Oilers forecheck that separated Panthers from pucks all day long.

Larsson scored his first goal of the season, the game-opener. "He was all smiles," head coach Dave Tippett said. "He said that’s his one for the year. He’s done."

And Koskinen was simply fantastic, beaten only by a top-shelf laser beam off the stick of Jonathan Huberdeau. It was the kind of we used to say was a "bad goal," but as shooters today raise the bar for power and accuracy, today we just tip our hat to Huberdeau on a shot well taken.

"Yeah, 10 years ago when I was playing in Vancouver that was a bad goal," joked the Special Advisor to the Panthers GM, Roberto Luongo. "Now it’s a great shot."

That’s as much humour as could be found around these Panthers, who have won just two of their past nine games. The smiles, they were all in the Oilers locker room, a nervous place a few hours earlier with a game 24 hours later in Raleigh, and the very real threat of losing all three on this road trip, after a tight, 3-1 loss at Tampa Thursday.

The performance by Koskinen, who has started just five games in the calendar year, was a godsend. He stopped 33 shots and was near perfect.

"Really solid. Just confidence-building. Everything that came around him, he was just big. Really solid, just like the rest of our team," said Tippett, who will start Mike Smith against Carolina on Sunday.

"Now we have two really, really-good goaltenders," said Larsson. "I think that’s a dream for every team to have two solid, big goaltenders. It’s definitely a good sign." 1176802 Websites Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.16.2020

Sportsnet.ca / Well-rested Maple Leafs continue dominance of lowly Senators

Luke Fox | @lukefoxjukebox

February 15, 2020, 9:56 PM

OTTAWA – If D.J. Smith’s crystal ball could show him how the night’s first goal would develop, he might have been a tad less effusive in his praise for defenceman Nikita Zaitsev.

Before Saturday’s Battle of Ontario installment was but five minutes old, Auston Matthews — he of an NHL-co-leading 42 goals — scooted on a rush down Zaitsev’s right side, burned his former teammate wide and snapped an insta-release wrister through Marcus Hogberg’s legs.

“I don’t know if he let Taylor Hall in more than a couple times [Thursday] night. His feet are the best of anyone I know,” Smith said of Zaitsev prior to puck drop. “His gap is really good. He doesn’t give you much time. He plays you hard in the D-zone.

“He’s a guy you want to play against the best players. He’ll be seeing every shift against Matthews tonight. And he’s gonna do everything he can to keep that puck out of the net.”

No one doubts that the Senators are doing everything they can.

And surely Smith deserves kudos for keeping a fire stoked under his young, exciting roster, a thin group working honestly through a cultural rebuild most locals are electing not to witness in person.

But when the Sens’ leading scorer, Connor Brown, is a guy whom the offensively loaded Maple Leafs deemed expendable this summer because $2.1 million was too much cap hit for a fourth-line winger, well… the gap is really good. In favour of Toronto’s depth chart.

Matthews’ early strike was a reminder how much better the Leafs have fared with a lead and on the road this season, as a well-rested Toronto group won 4-2 and took care of business.

Even if things got scary.

Jake Muzzin, who hadn’t found the net since before Halloween, sifted a seeing-eye puck through four bodies crowding Hogberg’s crease to register his first goal in 35 games.

Then William Nylander laid a nifty tip on John Tavares’ shot to increase the visitors’ lead to 3-0 and chase Hogberg out of the net.

Smith had dubbed this as “a playoff game for free,” a chance to see how his developing stars respond to a loud, sold-out barn when the standings points matter desperately to their opponent.

Brown responded with a second-period goal to give Ottawa a jolt of life, Craig Anderson was excellent in relief, and defenceman Cody Goloubef’s first goal since 2015(!) chopped the lead to one.

But Toronto clamped onto a third-period lead the way it should, by continuing to press, and Mitch Marner flipped one into the empty net with 74 seconds left to seal the deal.

“They play very hard,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said of those pesky Sens.

“Be it the Battle of Ontario, be it the number of former Leafs that are on the team, including D.J. himself, the game means a lot to Ottawa — and we’ve got to make sure that it means a lot to us because it certainly does for all those same reasons, in addition to the fact that we’re in a battle here, as we all know, right through to the very end.”

The Maple Leafs’ tussle for playoff security picks right back up Sunday night in Buffalo.

With backup Jack Campbell holding up his end of the bargain, having now picked up seven of a possible eight points as a Leaf, Frederik Andersen will get the start.

1176803 Websites On three separate occasions the Flames lost battles behind their own net, leading to net-front conversions by Dominik Kubalik, Alex Nylander and Alex DeBrincat.

Sportsnet.ca / Flames squander chance to keep pace in Pacific with Mental mistakes led to two other goals as a Michael Stone pinch in the humiliating loss opening minute led to Toews’ goal, followed early in the second by a Dillon Dube pass picked off by Nylander — who made no mistake to chase Rittich from the game with the score 4-2.

Eric Francis | @EricFrancis The coach said Rittich was left out to dry on “several” goals, and simply wanted to try jolting his team awake. February 16, 2020, 1:05 AM The team responded with Elias Lindholm’s first of two on the night, to get

the Flames within a goal at 4-3 midway through. CALGARY – The Calgary Flames finally lead the league in something, After failing to convert on a power play that could have tied the game, the and it only took them 30 seconds to do so Saturday. Flames coughed up two goals from behind their net to put the game out For the ninth time this season, the Flames allowed the first shot on goal of reach. to go in. “We just came off a huge road trip for our team – it’s frustrating, for A Jonathan Toews snipe past David Rittich half a minute into their whatever reason, we’re not getting the wins we should at home,” said Hockey Night in Canada matchup catapulted the Flames ahead of Bennett. Arizona and Toronto for honours as the league’s worst team out of the “That was not a pretty performance. I think everybody knows it. We’ve blocks. got to learn from it.” And although the first of Sam Bennett’s two goals on the night tied it 97 Bennett, who missed two games last week with the flu, made a rare start seconds later, the Flames inability to triumph after early setbacks at centre due to the absence of Derek Ryan — who now has the flu, too. continues. Bennett whacked in a brilliance pass from Dube two minutes into the An 8-4 humiliation at home to the 25th-place Blackhawks gives the game to tie it 1-1. Flames an 8-19-3 record after surrendering the first goal. Kubalik and Bennett traded goals before the end of the period, with “It’s a concern for sure – it’s way too many times,” said interim coach Bennett’s second coming on a perfectly finished breakaway that came Geoff Ward of his team’s first-shot follies. courtesy of a Dube pass from mid-air sure to be replayed all season.

“We’ve got to be more dialled in there. That’s a lot of time to be giving up Lindholm tied his career-high of 27 goals with his second of the game first shot goals. We’ve got to fix it. Saying that, the truth about late in the third, to no avail. The Swede has five goals in his last three competition is it brings out worst in you or it brings out the best in you. outings to extend his point streak to ten games. Tonight it brought out our worst.” No one will be talking about that Sunday, as the Flames squandered yet No, as Ward alluded to, this isn’t all on his goalies, who have actually another opportunity to keep pace in the air-tight Pacific division. been one of the team’s biggest strengths this year. Patrick Kane’s empty-netter and Kirby Dach’s eighth did well to scatter a Yes, Rittich has allowed the first shot in a whopping six times, Cam good portion of the crowd that chose not to partake in the boos that Talbot three. Unacceptable. punctuated one of the team’s worst efforts of the season.

But this latest face plant was about compete levels, being ready for battle The Flames host Anaheim Sunday in a rare matinee slated for 2 p.m. and providing a much more stable mental approach to games they can’t Locals can be forgiven for starting pools as to how soon thereafter the seem to win at home these days. visitors will start celebrating. This team has not won at the Dome since Jan. 11.

Home of the Flames Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.16.2020 Stream all 82 Flames games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, all outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and more.

The Flames have gone 0-4-1 in that stretch, erasing the momentum of last week’s chest-puffing road trip through the west that saw them go 3-1 to stay in the thick of the NHL’s closest divisional race.

One step forward and one step back for a team that saw every other team in the division win Saturday, leaving Calgary clinging to the final wild card spot.

“It’s concerning obviously – we’ve got to start winning some home games,” added Ward of his team’s pedestrian 13-11-4 Dome record.

“One thing I know for sure is if you’re not playing at the same intensity level as your opposition – if your compete level is not where it needs to be – it’s an awful tough league to play in. I don’t think right now at home we need to look any further than that. Let’s start there and then we can move on.”

Twice in the last two weeks the team has given up an eight-spot, and twice in that time the coach has questioned his team’s mettle.

It’s a theme this year for a team that is known as much for its inconsistency than anything else.

On Saturday, giveaways — another nagging problem for the club all season — played the biggest role in the Flames’ latest humiliation. 1176804 Websites Jason Spezza, whose playing career overlapped with that of his new coach, spoke with Keefe prior to puck drop about their mutual ties to this neck of the woods.

Sportsnet.ca / For Keefe, Leafs' win over Senators doubles as a thank Spezza said the Maple Leafs would try to win this one for guy behind the you to supporters bench.

Then they did, wire to wire, with Keefe sending the former Senator out for puck drop in the town that drafted Spezza second overall. Luke Fox | @lukefoxjukebox A sense of occasion, of history. A personal touch. February 16, 2020, 12:43 AM These things resonate in a Maple Leafs room that believes in their chances to not only make the playoffs but contend, likely more than you or I do. OTTAWA – They held aloft homemade, Magic Markered signs that cheered “Always a Lumber King!” and “Thank You Sheldon!” And they In defeating the Senators Saturday, Keefe’s Leafs improved to 22-10-4 were but a few of the Toronto Maple Leafs fans who dominated since the coaching change, despite a parade of personnel to injured Canadian Tire Centre with an overwhelming blue majority. reserve and an overdue correction to the backup goalie situation.

But this select group didn’t have to drive four hours east on the 401 to Were it not for their skittish start under Mike Babcock, Toronto would be attend this Battle of Ontario. Nah. An easy 80-minute cruise down the humming along at a 109-point pace. 417 from Pembroke, Ont., would do the trick. “There’s lots of positive things. Obviously, our play has been better under For they didn’t flock to Kanata — at least primarily — to root for Auston him. He’s very smart [with] in-game changes, in staying calm,” said Jake Matthews, who kept pace with David Pastrnak in the Rocket race with his Muzzin, who mercifully snapped a 35-game goal drought. 42nd of the year. Nor did they come to see William Nylander tie his father Michael’s career high in goals (26). “But when we need a stern talking to, it’s also there — and you feel it. It’s authentic. It’s real. I enjoy having him as a head coach, for sure.” They came — 40 of them, giddy in suites — to watch their host, Sheldon Keefe, coach. (In a suit lined with Pembroke Lumber Kings logos, no Seldom does Keefe put himself out there. Most of his focus is on those less.) ever-fluid lines, on implementing his possession-first system, on motivating a relatively inexperienced group, on balancing rest and the When the rookie bench boss holds the memento puck from this 4-2 win, whip. marked with the date Feb. 15, 2020, he’ll think fondly of those faces who had faith in him when he was just one of dozens of ex-pros trying to hang Muzzin, for instance, had no clue about those 40 people dear to his around. To carve a second life in the sport he’d always loved, but not coach that joined in the “Go! Leafs! Go!” chants and helped propel The always in the right way. Wave that ripped ’round Canadian Tire Center in this home-away-from- home game. Home of the Maple Leafs But when he found out, he was happy. Stream 56 Maple Leafs games this season with Sportsnet NOW. Get over 500 NHL games, blackout-free, including Hockey Night in Canada, “That’s good we got the win for them,” Muzzin said. all outdoor games, the All-Star Game, 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs and There is a lesson Keefe gleaned from his takes-a-village rebirth in more. Pembroke that he’d like to pass on to his players as they scramble out of By first bringing a Canadian Junior Hockey League championship to their self-dug hole and through this wild winter of adversity. Pembroke in 2007 and then using it a springboard to the OHL, the AHL “Something I’d like to instil into the players is to not focus on proving and eventually here, to the bigs, Keefe was moved by gratitude’s gravity anybody wrong,” Keefe said. “But just focus on proving the people right in a game, in a place, that gave his career a “full circle” feel. that believe in the you, whether it’s people within our organization or our He paid back and thought back to his roots. For once, it was not all about fans.” the two points.

“Just a chance to see many of the people that were important in Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 02.16.2020 supporting me and my family through our time in Pembroke and the operation of the Lumber Kings. To have them in the building and have a chance to thank them each in person was important to me,” Keefe explained.

“Anytime when I think about the chance for me to coach in the NHL, right away I would think, ‘How can I thank those people?’ I can never say or do anything to really repay them for everything they sacrificed to give me a start and a foundation to be able to coach at that level. But having them in the building was special, and I was happy that it worked out.”

During his years in Pembroke, as Keefe pushed through that difficult transition from freewheeling player at the top to finding his niche in a second career in a small town, he’d frequently drive down here, to the Canadian Tire Centre, to watch hockey.

To maybe dream of getting back not only to barns this size, but this very barn itself.

“In particular, I was drawn to the times when the Leafs were in town,” Keefe said. “But also I coached in this building in the OHL, I coached in this building in the AHL with the Marlies, I coached my first time ever on an NHL bench in this building in an NHL exhibition game.

“It all started for me in Pembroke and in working with the Lumber Kings there. The number of volunteers and supporters that we had, sponsors, fans, all these things that allowed that organization to support me in my endeavour to try to be a coach and start a new life.

“If I ever had a chance to coach in the NHL, I wanted to make sure I could go out of my way to acknowledge them.” 1176805 Websites How 'Soupy' Campbell has already won over the Leafs dressing room Jack Campbell will get the start against the Ottawa Senators, as coach

Sheldon Keefe wants to give Frederik Andersen a bit of a break after TSN.CA / Jack Campbell winning games and respect in Toronto Maple coming off of his recent neck injury. The team was happy with the Leafs room decision of Campbell in net all saying that he brings a really young, positive energy to the team.

This is the third installment of the Battle of Ontario this season, but the Mark Masters first one in Ottawa where Smith will have the last change. And he'll use that advantage to get Nikita Zaitsev out against Matthews as much as

possible. TSN Toronto reporter Mark Masters checks in daily with news and notes "He's been great," Smith said of the ex-Leaf. "I don't know if he let Taylor on the Maple Leafs. The Maple Leafs (optional) skated at Canadian Tire Hall in more than a couple times the other night. His feet are the best of Centre on Saturday. anyone on our back end, defensively anyways, backwards skating, his Jack Campbell will often tap the pad of the nearest teammate after he gaps are really good, he doesn't give you much time, he plays you hard freezes the puck. in the D-zone. He's a guy you want to put against the best players. He'll be seeing every shift against Matthews tonight and he's going to do "They always tell me, 'Good job,' so it's kind of like (me saying), 'Good everything he can to keep the puck out of the net." job,'' the goalie explained. "It kind of makes you interact with your teammates a little more. Being in the net, you're not on the bench so you "We have to make our gaps tighter than last game," Zaitsev said in can't really chat it up with the boys." reference to Toronto's possession-based system. "We'll be ready."

That quote didn't go unnoticed. The Russian defenceman played just under seven minutes against Matthews in five-on-five action in the last meeting between the teams on "Just loves the boys, honestly," centre Auston Matthews said of Feb. 1. Shot attempts favoured the Leafs in those minutes 10-5, but Campbell. "Just really easygoing, just wants to compete out there and Matthews was held without a point before assisting on the OT winner on have fun and be in the locker room and his quote the other day was the power play. pretty special. He wants to show us how supportive he is." "Zaits competes hard," Matthews said. "He's a guy who likes to battle Campbell gets another chance tonight in Ottawa. Frederik Andersen, and enjoys playing his role and in that kind of environment. We had him who just returned from a 10-day layoff, will start Sunday night in Buffalo. for three years and each and every practice (he was) a guy who Andersen allowed three goals on 19 shots in a loss to Dallas on competes really hard and likes to play tough." Thursday. Matthews memorably launched his NHL career with a four-goal night in "We just thought that given Fred's coming off the injury and everything it Ottawa and has continued his domination over the years with 12 goals just gives him an extra day here," coach Sheldon Keefe explained. "We and eight assists in 14 games against the Senators. Zaitsev, meanwhile, haven't practised much as a team." doesn't have pleasant memories of this rivalry, especially the games in Ottawa. But the fact Campbell is 2-0-1 with a .918 save percentage since coming over from Los Angeles certainly factored into the decision. "For me, it was one of the toughest buildings to play," Zaitsev recalled. "I don't know why, but I think I was minus-six here in my career. Like, it was "Also, it's a little bit less time off for Jack," Keefe acknowledged. "He's terrible for me." found some real consistency playing three games for us so (good to) get him back in today as opposed to having to wait another day." Sens expect Leafs to be 'fighting for their lives'

Campbell credits his new teammates for getting him a win in his first start While the Senators are firmly out of the playoff picture in the Eastern against the Ducks even though he allowed four goals on 30 shots. That Conference, they know that they still have a part to play in the race. With victory on Feb. 7 allowed Campbell to build some momentum and ride a the Maple Leafs coming to town on Saturday night, D.J. Smith wave of adrenaline. acknowledged that Ottawa will have to be on their toes against a desperate Toronto team. "It's an honour to be here," he said with a smile that hasn't seemed to leave his face since he landed with the Leafs. "The biggest thing that It's going to be an emotional night for Keefe, who is experiencing a bit of stands out was the first game against Anaheim, you know, little critical of a homecoming. myself, but the boys picked me up and came out and scored some big goals. That explosiveness was jaw-dropping and I'm excited to keep "Being here, in this building, for me, brings everything full circle," Keefe seeing it." said. "First of all, I was in this building as a fan and an observer a lot throughout my time in Pembroke and, in particular, I was drawn to the Campbell's positive demeanour has long been a hallmark of his game. times the Leafs were in town. But, also, I coached in this building in the OHL, I coached in this building in the AHL with the Marlies, I coached my "Jack is one of the most hardworking kids and maybe, I tell people this all first time ever on an NHL bench in this building in an NHL exhibition the time, nicest human beings I have ever coached," said Senators game. But, it all started for me in Pembroke and working with the Lumber bench boss D.J. Smith, who had Campbell in Windsor during their OHL Kings there." days. "Generally, just a really nice guy." Keefe started his coaching career with the Central Canada Hockey So, it's no surprise that the 28-year-old received Toronto's player-of-the- League's Pembroke Lumber Kings just 150 kilometres down the road game basketball on Tuesday night after turning aside 35 of 37 shots in from Ottawa. The 39-year-old has arranged to bring a big group from an overtime win against the Coyotes. He dribbled the ball between his Pembroke to watch tonight's game from a suite. And Keefe has put some pads much to the delight of his teammates. time aside before puck drop to go up and share a moment with his old Campbell used to let the pressure get to him early in his career. It's a big friends. reason why he struggled to stick in the NHL despite being a first-round "The number of volunteers and supporters that we had, sponsors, fans, pick and World Junior success story. all these things that allowed that organization to support me in my "He's really matured as a player," said winger Kyle Clifford, who spent endeavour to try to be a coach and start a new life and all those types of the last four seasons with Campbell in Los Angeles, "and just the things, today is an opportunity for me to thank them and have them in the confidence he has in himself (has grown)." building and it's something I've always wanted to do if I ever had a chance to coach in the NHL," Keefe said. "I wanted to make sure I could Campbell faces another challenge tonight as the Michigan native gets his go out of my way to acknowledge them." first taste of the Leafs-Senators rivalry. Keefe has made it a point to start players when they visit their "I'm just really excited," he said, "kind of at a loss for words, just ready to hometowns or play a former team so you better believe Toronto's go." dressing room is aware that this is a big night for the man behind the bench. "This is an important game for him," said Jason Spezza. "We'd like to get him a win, because we know he's going to have a lot of people here tonight and it culminates him becoming an NHL coach, coming through here now as an NHL coach."

Spezza will be playing his first game as a Leaf in Ottawa where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career. The 36-year-old, much as he did on Feb. 1 ahead of his first Battle of Ontario game since changing sides, downplayed that storyline.

"Did I ever think it was going to happen, no," he said. "I didn't think after being in Ottawa for so long that I would play for the Leafs, but now I'm a Toronto Maple Leaf and it doesn't feel weird at all ... my time in Ottawa feels like a long time ago."

But Spezza's emotional connection with this city remains very much in tact and the former Senators captain is disappointed to see the franchise rank last in average attendance this season (12,050).

"I look at this as a strong hockey community with great fans and we filled the building every night when the teams were good and it's a little bit upsetting to see it like this and you're not sure what the reasons are or what's behind it," Spezza said. "Hopefully people can put everything aside and just come enjoy games. This is too good of a hockey city, you don’t want to put it in jeopardy where people think it's a bad market. You need full buildings for things to go well. I'd like to see the building here full again because it's such a strong hockey community."

Spezza defends Ottawa market, but says low attendance is 'a little upsetting'

Jason Spezza defends the Ottawa market saying that when he used to play there the building was always filled and there was a strong hockey community. Spezza went on to add that it's 'a little upsetting' to see the state of the Ottawa attendance as of late.

With Andreas Johnsson out with a knee injury, Spezza has been reunited on the third line with Pierre Engvall and Kasperi Kapanen.

"We had a good run as a line for a little bit there when we were winning games and then different guys came back into the line-up so things got changed up, but we feel comfortable with each other," Spezza said. "Even last game, when we got put together for a bit, we had some good spurts. They are both great skaters and that complements my game and I try to get the puck and slow things down for them and I think we have a chance to be a good line."

Spezza scored a power-play goal against the Senators in Toronto's 2-1 win a couple weeks ago.

Sens Ice Chips: Sens aim to make a dent in Leafs playoffs run

The Ottawa Senators are aiming to play a physical game against the Leafs in the hopes of putting a dent their playoff run. TSN's Brent Wallace has more on the Sens' strategy of how they'll 'stay above the Leafs.'

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