SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 5/4/2021 1211547 Ducks fall short against Blues 1211576 Top prospect Alex Newhook, 20, expected to make NHL 1211548 Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf shows he still has something to offer debut during Avalanche’s road trip in loss to Blues 1211577 Colorado’s retail sportsbooks vary in stages of operation approaching Nuggets, Avalanche playoffs Coyotes 1211578 Deen’s List: Nazem Kadri’s slump buster helps Avalanche 1211549 lose two leads, game to Kings; playoff overcome two- deficit hopes on the brink 1211579 Third-period rally sends Avalanche to 5-4 overtime victory 1211550 Arizona Coyotes center Nick Schmaltz injured in pregame in San Jose warmups, out vs. Kings 1211580 Ryan Graves back in Avs lineup tonight, Newhook to play 1211551 With playoffs chances slim, Coyotes taking 'Game 7' soon mentality into final week of 1211581 Dubnyk on Covid list Bruins 1211552 A win, and they’re in: Bruins blank Devils to clinch spot in 1211582 Emil Bemstrom's first career hat trick not enough for Blue playoffs Jackets in OT, naturally 1211553 Goaltending rotation is a high priority for Bruins heading 1211583 Elvis Merzlikins shining under spotlight again as Blue down the stretch Jackets' top goaltending option 1211554 Bruins clinch a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory over the 1211584 Blue Jackets evaluating Lehtonen, Bayreuther with eye on Devils next season's roster 1211555 Bruins Notebook: LW Brad Marchand reaches milestone 1211585 Emil Bemstrom’s first career hat trick gives Blue Jackets a against Devils reason to smile 1211556 Highlights: Craig Smith scores hat trick as B's beat 1211586 Former Blue Jackets on what’s wrong with Columbus: ‘If Sabres, 6-2 you’re going to try to sign free agents, you need to ov 1211557 Clinch Playoffs ‘Winning The Right Way’ 1211558 Talking Points: Boston Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth, Beat Stars Devils 3-0 1211587 2021 NHL playoff tracker: Where do the 1211559 Game 51: Boston Bruins @ Devils Lines, stand in the Central Division race? Preview 1211588 Panthers spoil ’s inspirational return, push 1211560 Boston Bruins Focused On “Taking Care Of Business” Stars to the brink of falling out of playoff race With Clinching Bid 1211589 Dallas Stars activate Tyler Seguin, who hasn’t played 1211561 How the Boston Bruins can re-sign Tuukka Rask, Taylor since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final Hall and David Krejci 1211590 Jubilation of Tyler Seguin’s return to anger of a loss, Stars were an emotional roller coaster 1211591 Inside the Stars’ Tyler Seguin’s grueling 6-month hip 1211562 Michael Houser's 'special night' following difficult road rehab, from ‘chicken leg’ back to the NHL ends with a Sabres win 1211563 The Wraparound: Sam Reinhart helps Sabres rally from 2-goal deficit in win 1211592 3 weeks in, Detroit Red Wings winning Jakub Vrana- 1211564 Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark rejoins team for first time Anthony Mantha trade since injury 1211593 Wings' Thomas Greiss named NHL's First Star of the 1211565 Sabres game day: With UPL out, Michael Houser to make Week, capping turnaround season NHL debut vs. Isles 1211594 Red Wings’ Jeff Blashill: ‘No doubt we’re a better team,’ 1211566 Goalie Michael Houser wins his NHL debut with Sabres: after topping 2019-20 win total ‘I’ve worked my whole life for this’ 1211595 Red Wings get strong goaltending but power play struggles costly in home finale Flames 1211567 Life is just beachy for former Flames forward Sam Bennett Oilers since trade to 1211596 X marks the playoff spot as make it with win against Canucks 1211597 Khaira '100 per cent' confident he's ready to return to 1211568 In stretch against also-rans, Hurricanes haven’t just Oilers lineup maintained their edge. They’ve honed it. 1211598 What are the Oilers’ pressing questions ahead of the 1211569 Aho hat trick spurs Carolina Hurricanes to 5-2 victory over expansion draft? Chicago Blackhawks 1211599 With playoffs locked up, Panthers put future on display vs. 1211570 Chicago Blackhawks are eliminated from playoff Stars — and it looks bright contention with a 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes 1211600 Aleksander Barkov’s goal in overtime lifts Panthers over 1211571 Blackhawks lose to Hurricanes, mathematically eliminated Stars from playoff contention 1211601 Florida Panthers win wild one in OT against desperate 1211572 Many reasons for Blackhawks' struggles down stretch Dallas Stars 1211573 Hawks officially eliminated from postseason contention 1211602 Home is where the Panthers want to start the playoffs 1211574 10 observations: Blackhawks suffer fifth straight loss 1211603 Chris Driedger has a new mask — and it features his 1211575 Blackhawks rookie Philipp Kurashev’s unique hockey teammates background shaped him into the player he is 1211604 How L.A. sports team owners contributed money to the 1211641 Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko happy with his improved play: ‘So 2020 election race much better’ 1211605 Anze Kopitar reaches 999 career points, Kings beat 1211642 NHL must ban Tom Wilson for nearly killing Artemi Coyotes Panarin 1211606 Kings’ Anze Kopitar reaches 999 career points in win 1211643 Tom Wilson punches defenseless Ranger, rag-dolls against Coyotes Artemi Panarin: ‘Horrible’ 1211607 FINAL – Kings 3, Coyotes 2 – Kempe, Iafallo, McLellan 1211644 Rangers’ playoff dream is officially over 1211608 Game Thread – Kings @ Coyotes, 5/3 1211645 Rangers must resolve disconnect between David Quinn 1211609 5/3 Preview – Top line changes, Grundstrom in, Bjornfot’s and top forwards development, Roy video 1211646 Rangers lose as Capitals' Tom Wilson attacks three players 1211647 Rangers officially are eliminated from playoff chase after 1211610 Kevin Fiala's overtime goal highlights a well-rounded loss to Capitals game 1211648 With playoffs out of reach, Rangers will experiment 1211611 Monday's Wild-Vegas game recap 1211649 Teflon Tom Wilson strikes again … against Artemi Panarin 1211612 Late goals by Jonas Brodin, Kirill Kaprizov catapult Wild as the Rangers are eliminated from the playoffs past Vegas 6-5 1211650 Tom Wilson, the Capitals’ tweet and what happened 1211613 Wild's homestand continues vs. West Division leading against the Rangers Golden Knights 1211614 Wild makes changes to find success after struggles with St. Louis 1211651 Nikita Zaitsev comes through in the nick of time as Filip 1211615 Wild complete incredible comeback, beat Golden Knights Gustavsson leads Ottawa Senators to victory in playoff preview 1211652 SNAPSHOTS: Connor Brown is excited to suit up for 1211616 For playoff-bound Wild, creativity is encouraged, as long Team Canada, but Batherson taking a wait-and-see as it’s done responsibly approach to 1211617 Russo: Something possibly special could be brewing with 1211653 Jets coach Maurice says fatigue is more of a factor the Wild because there are no fans in arenas 1211654 Weekly Senators thoughts: Races to watch down the Canadiens stretch, still no JBD, the best celebrations of all time 1211618 Canadiens rookie Cole Caulfield scores second straight game-winning goal in OT win over 1211619 Cole Caufield scores in OT again as Canadiens come 1211655 Alex Lyon, Claude Giroux help Flyers whip Penguins, 7-2, back to beat Leafs and aid Caps in East Division race 1211620 What the Puck: Canadiens better off without Carey Price 1211656 Flyers trying to slow down surging Penguins as Evgeni and Malkin returns; Alex Lyon gets the call 1211621 Canadiens focused on catching Jets for third place in 1211657 Blow up the Flyers’ roster? Not necessary, says Dave North Division Scott, the team’s chairman. 1211622 Leafs at Canadiens: Five things you should know 1211658 Flyers Notebook: Goal drought ended, Farabee tallies 1211623 Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki is stringing together moments with again in 7-2 win over Pens such frequency that they cease to be moments 1211659 Flyers' 2021 photo day a reminder of Oskar Lindblom's perseverance 1211660 Will Flyers 'show up as a team,' spoil some things for 1211624 Nashville Predators could potentially lock down playoff division leaders? spot with win on Wednesday 1211661 Where has this been? Flyers have themselves a night to 1211625 Roman Josi saves Nashville Predators with overtime goal bump Penguins out of 1st after blowing three-goal lead to Columbus 1211662 With season’s end in sight, Flyers at a loss to explain why 1211626 Juuse Saros, Hart Trophy candidate? Why the Predators a promising campaign fell apart: O’Connor’s Observ goalie deserves consideration 1211627 Hynes: Predators can’t get too high with playoffs within Penguins reach 1211663 Empty Thoughts: Flyers 7, Penguins 2 1211664 Penguins routed by Flyers in forward Evgeni Malkin's return 1211628 Devils hold off Flyers, 6-4, to end 10-game winless streak 1211665 Penguins notebook: Defenseman Mike Matheson out 1211629 Devils win 2nd straight, eliminate Flyers from playoff several weeks contention 1211666 Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin to return against Flyers 1211630 Devils shut out by Boston as Bruins clinch playoff spot 1211667 Mark Madden: Kris Letang has been great for Penguins, 1211631 Ryan Murray focused on final stretch of Devils season despite what Twitter suggests 1211632 Devils shut out by Bruins as winning streak ends 1211668 Penguins Prospect WATCH: Nathan Legare leads Val-d'Or to QMJHL quarterfinals 1211669 Penguins notes: Mike Matheson out week-to-week after 1211633 Michael Houser, career minor-leaguer, shuts down taking puck to face Islanders 1211670 Evgeni Malkin’s return unable to spark the Penguins in 1211634 Islanders give up two-goal lead, fall to Sabres their confounding 7-2 loss vs. the Flyers 1211635 Islanders have confidence they can go further in third 1211671 The Yohe’s 10 observations: A night for the Penguins to straight playoff appearance forget in Philadelphia 1211636 Islanders' Semyon Varlamov named NHL's third star of the 1211672 Kevin Stevens, Penguins-Bruins and the story behind the week most famous guarantee in Pittsburgh sports history 1211637 How the Islanders turned a goalie graveyard into one of 1211673 WATCH: Tom Wilson Assault on Buchnevich, Panarin the league’s best Sparks Brawl 1211638 Semyon Varlamov Shutout Streak Ends in Buffalo 1211674 Final Analysis: Flyers Blow Past Disheveled Penguins 7-2 1211639 How The Islanders Can Win In The Playoffs… And How 1211675 Malkin ‘Will Play’, Gm53: Penguins Lines, Notes & They Can’t Matchups vs. Flyers 1211640 ‘We Know It’s Not Over’: Islanders Lineup, Matchups and 1211676 Penguins vs. Flyers Prediction, Odds, Picks (May 3, 2021) Game Notes vs. Buffalo 1211677 Penguins Injury Updates: Malkin IN, Matheson OUT, Tanev a Full Go 1211678 Dan’s Daily: Fleury Ties for 3rd All-Time, Matthews Mario-Like Year 1211679 Sharks blow lead, lose to Avalanche in OT as playoff 1211714 Sprong sends Capitals to win over eliminated Rangers hopes officially end 1211715 A 'character win': Why Caps' victory is one to rally around 1211680 San Jose Sharks’ low-risk trade deadline acquisition could 1211716 Laviolette updates Ovechkin injury, Kuznetsov and be a keeper Samsonov benching 1211681 Avalanche rally for 5-4 overtime win vs Sharks 1211717 Alex Ovechkin's return to Capitals' lineup cut short 1211682 Sharks can see 'big picture' despite missing playoffs again 1211718 Kuznetsov, Samsonov out for disciplinary reasons 1211683 Sharks eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Avs 1211719 With Oshie out, Caps are potentially facing serious lineup 1211684 Several young Sharks forwards fighting for their futures as issues season winds down 1211720 Capitals knocked to 2nd place as Penguins sweep 2-game 1211685 GOTTA SEE IT: Boughner Tells No Lies as Sharks Miss series Playoffs Again 1211721 Tom Wilson, the Capitals’ tweet and what happened 1211686 Postgame Notes #52: Sharks Miss Playoffs, Lose 5-4 in against the Rangers OT 1211722 Capitals scratch Evgeny Kuznetsov, Ilya Samsonov for 1211687 Game Preview/Lines #52: Boughner Gives Gabriel, disciplinary reasons Blichfeld Updates 1211688 30 Sharks: Marcel Goc Was an Instant Playoff Hero Websites 1211731 The Athletic / NHL playoffs WATCH: Matchups if the St Louis Blues postseason started today and excitement level for each 1211689 Hochman: In the playoffs, the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko seri will be the wild card 1211732 The Athletic / DGB weekend rankings: Predators up, Jets 1211690 Blues move closer to playoff spot with 3-1 win over Ducks down and getting excited about potential matchups 1211691 Blues notebook: Backes makes what could be his last trip 1211733 .ca / After season of growth, Oilers finally a team to St. Louis as a player to be reckoned with in playoffs 1211692 Tarasenko is expected back for Blues game on Monday 1211734 Sportsnet.ca / Foligno injury underscores Maple Leafs' 1211693 Bortuzzo, Schenn score in Blues’ 3-1 victory over Ducks challenge balancing health, momentum 1211694 ‘It was a great road trip’: Blues rightfully proud of results in 1211735 Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Caufield showing he can be Minnesota, but one big issue needs addressing counted on in most crucial moments 1211736 TSN.CA / Habs hope physical play will slow down Matthews 1211695 Lightning’s third line getting it done early 1211737 TSN.CA / OHL teams file lawsuits against insurers after 1211696 ‘I’m crying and I don’t know why’: How Lightning approach COVID-19 claims rejected to mental health helped lead them to the Stanley Cup 1211738 TSN.CA / Matthews among star forwards testing limits of expected goal models 1211739 USA TODAY / Tom Wilson sets off massive brawl in 1211697 Montreal’s Artturi Lehkonen defends against the Leafs’ Washington Capitals' game against New York Rangers Ilya Mikheyev as players scrum around the Canadiens net 1211740 USA TODAY / 'You don’t belong here': Racism in youth 1211698 Goal Caufield: Rookie sniper scores his 2nd straight OT hockey league shows hurdles facing Black players winner as Habs edge Leafs 3-2 1211699 The Maple Leafs aren’t talking about it, but a first Presidents’ Trophy is within reach 1211723 Towering rookie Logan Stanley opening eyes 1211700 Power Rankings: Leafs and Canadiens lead the Atlantic 1211724 Spiralling Jets drop seventh straight in 2-1 loss to Sens Division alumni 1211725 Make it seven: Jets find another way to lose 1211701 HORNBY: Maple Leafs' playoff picture still muddled 1211726 'I want to play in Winnipeg': Maurice doesn't want Sun-Belt 1211702 Matthews scores again, but Maple Leafs fall to Canadiens playoffs. And don't ask him which team he'd rather in overtime SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1211703 TRAIKOS: How you finish the NHL regular season is more important than where you finish 1211704 Matthews' goal-a-game consistency lauded by Leafs, a challenge for Canadiens 1211705 Maple Leafs report cards: Winning streak comes to an end after a game of ‘missed opportunities’ 1211706 Monday Morning Leafs Report: Don’t overlook the historic season Mitch Marner is having 1211727 Oilers 5, Canucks 3: McDavid the McDifference as club clinches playoff spot 1211728 Canucks: Brandon Sutter, Marc Michaelis injuries push sidelined forwards count to eight 1211729 UPDATED: Canucks Game Night: Sutter, Michaelis injuries add to depleted forward list 1211730 The Armies: Canucks give their 2-week notices 1211707 Golden Knights blow late lead, spoil top prospect’s debut 1211708 Alex Tuch gets experience at new position before postseason 1211709 Golden Knights lose late lead, drop heartbreaker to Wild 1211710 A shift-by-shift breakdown of Peyton Krebs’ NHL debut for the Golden Knights 1211711 Meltdown In Minnesota As Wild Score Two Goals In Final 1:32 To Defeat Golden Knights, 6-5, Monday; VGK Goalie 1211712 Robin Lehner, Golden Knights Blow Late Lead in Minnesota Loss 1211547 Anaheim Ducks

Ducks fall short against Blues

By WARREN MAYES ASSOCIATED PRESS MAY 3, 2021 7:59 PM PT

ST. LOUIS —Robert Bortuzzo got his first goal of the season and Brayden Schenn also scored, leading the St. Louis Blues to a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Monday night.

Jordan Binnington had 19 saves to earn his 70th career win, becoming the 10th in Blues history to reach the mark. The Blues have won seven of their last nine against the Ducks and are 5-1-1 this season against Anaheim.

Ryan O’Reilly added an empty-netter to seal the win.

Ryan Getzlaf scored for Anaheim and John Gibson had 29 saves.

The teams meet again Wednesday in St. Louis.

Bortuzzo gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead at 2:13 of the third period. From behind the net, Jordan Kyrou saw Bortuzzo in the slot and his wrist found the back of the net. It was Bortuzzo’s 17th goal in his 10-year NHL career. His last goal came March 8, 2020, at Chicago.

The Blues have won six of their last eight games at home. The win puts St. Louis five points ahead of Arizona for the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Blues have three games in hand on Arizona, which hosted Los Angeles Monday.

After a scoreless first period, each team scored within 25 seconds of each in the second period.

St. Louis took a 1-0 lead at 5:52 when Schenn snapped a wrist shot by Gibson for a power-play goal. Schenn has seven points in seven games against the Ducks this season.

The Ducks tied it with an unassisted goal by Getzlaf at 6:17. Colton Parayko was unable to handle a pass from Sammy Blais. Getzlaf picked off the pass and buried the puck on a breakaway.

LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211548 Anaheim Ducks placed on the NHL’s COVID-19 protocol list. A family member tested positive, but Henrique did not. Henrique didn’t play Monday. …

David Backes, a former Blues , wasn’t in the Ducks’ lineup for Ducks’ Ryan Getzlaf shows he still has something to offer in loss to Blues Monday’s game, but Eakins said he would play Wednesday against St. The 35-year-old captain scores the Ducks' only goal in a 3-1 loss in St. Louis. Backes hinted last week that this might be his final NHL season, Louis after 15 years, the last two with the Ducks. …

Josh Manson also made the trip but wasn’t in the lineup. He suffered an apparent head injury during a fight with Brendan Lemieux of the Kings in By ELLIOTT TEAFORD | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 7:47 p.m. | the third period of an April 20 game at Staples Center. Manson has been UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 8:47 p.m. limited to 21 games this season because of various injuries.

Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2021 Ryan Getzlaf made two plays, two very different plays, that stood out in the Ducks’ 3-1 loss to the Blues on Monday night at Enterprise Center in St. Louis, each proving the 35-year-old captain still has something to give his teammates as his 16th season in the NHL winds to a close.

First, he pounced on a Blues turnover in their own end of the ice and, finding himself all alone in front of Jordan Binnington’s net, he sent a laser past him for the tying goal, only 25 seconds after St. Louis had taken a 1-0 lead.

Second, he chased down Jaden Schwartz of the Blues, denying him an empty-net goal in the closing moments of the game, leaping past the St. Louis player and then tumbling to the ice and crashing into the boards.

Getzlaf’s future remains to be determined, as he reminded reporters Monday. His eight-season, $66 million contract comes to an end when the Ducks’ season ends Saturday in St. Paul, Minnesota. He said he would think about what comes next for him during the offseason.

“I think I’ve made it pretty clear over the past year or so that being a part of a rebuild was something I was comfortable with,” Getzlaf said. “I’m trying to help this team any way I can. I’m going to continue to do that the rest of the way. As I’ve said all along, this summer, we’ll address the situation and talk to Bob (Murray, the Ducks’ general manager,) and ownership and make sure we’re pulling the same way.”

As for the present, Getzlaf can continue to provide leadership and mentorship to his youngest and least-experienced teammates, as he did by scoring the Ducks’ lone goal and then displaying some hustle and grit when the game was still in doubt.

“It’s critical,” Ducks coach said. “When you see your leaders doing that, and the second effort, it rubs off on everyone. It’s equal the other way. When we see our young guys bring so much energy, it brings energy to our older guys.

“It’s kind of the yin and the yang going back and forth. Ryan’s effort at the end gave us another chance to score. It’s important for everybody to bring energy, have second efforts, and Ryan’s always going to lead the way in that department.”

Near the end, with the Ducks in search of a tying goal, Eakins had mostly youngsters on the ice along with veterans Getzlaf and . They failed to produce the tying score and Ryan O’Reilly sealed it with an empty-net goal with nine seconds left.

Robert Bortuzzo’s first goal of the season broke a 1-1 tie 2:13 into the third period. Brayden Schenn gave the Blues a 1-0 lead at 5:52 of the second. Getzlaf countered at 6:17, for his 982nd career , six shy of Teemu Selanne’s franchise record for his career.

The Ducks misfired on a third-period power play, missing the quarterbacking abilities of defensemen Jamie Drysdale, who sat out because of an unspecified lower-body injury, and Cam Fowler, who was forced from the game after suffering an apparent head injury.

The Ducks said Drysdale was day-to-day. Fowler’s status for Wednesday’s rematch with the Blues was uncertain.

“When you’re in a game like that and especially you’re looking for another goal, you want Cam Fowler out there,” Eakins said. “We’ve got enough injuries, enough guys out on the back end. You can go down the list. The guys we have are doing their best, but we need the skating ability and the offensive game that Cam has.”

AROUND THE RINK

Adam Henrique joined his teammates for their season-ending trip to play the Blues and the Wild after spending a week in quarantine after he was 1211549 Arizona Coyotes injury. The Coyotes pressured Petersen and the Kings with 15 shots on goal in the third but could not find an equalizer to force overtime.

The Coyotes had an extra attacker on the ice with Kuemper pulled in the Arizona Coyotes lose two leads, game to Kings; playoff hopes on the closing minutes, but their shots were stopped or blocked or the puck brink cleared away by the Kings.

Arizona had nine more shots on goal then L.A. for the game.

JOSE M. ROMERO | Arizona Republic Arizona Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse after loss to Kings on Monday

Arizona Coyotes forward Lawson Crouse, on the frustration of The Arizona Coyotes are on the brink of elimination from playoff inconsistent play contention following Monday night's 3-2 loss to the Los Angeles Kings at ARIZONA REPUBLIC Gila River Arena. Goal of the game The Coyotes can't hope to catch the St. Louis Blues without a win and Blues loss for starters on Wednesday in the home finale at Gila River This has been a season to remember for Chychrun. Tocchet said Arena. Any standings point gained by St. Louis leaves the Coyotes with Chychrun's snap wrist shot is "a gift that he has." no shot, with the Blues controlling the top playoff tiebreaker of more regulation and overtime wins. What a season for Jakob Chychrun (@j_chychrun7) who gets his League-leading 17th goal by a defender! pic.twitter.com/prX6aaqGsc Christian Dvorak and Jakob Chychrun scored goals for the Coyotes, who led twice by a goal. But Arizona (22-25-6) lost ground to the Blues, who — NHL (@NHL) May 4, 2021 won on Monday, and trail them 55 to 50 points in the standings, with the 'Toc' talk Coyotes down to three games left to play. Tocchet was asked why defenseman Jordan Oesterle, a healthy scratch The Coyotes got a little good news with the bad on Monday. Playmaking in the previous 11 games who got in the lineup with the injury to forward Conor Garland returned to the lineup from injury and was back to Schmaltz and centered the fourth line, hasn't had an opportunity to play. his old self as scoring threat and agitator/opposing team target. Oesterle, 28, could very well be down to his last three games as a Garland said he thought he surprised some people by coming back from Coyote with him able to become an unrestricted free agent at season's a lower body injury so quickly. He missed six games. end.

"I mean, probably after the first period I felt back to normal. In the first, I Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet, on lack of playing time for Jordan was kind of trying to read the play and not really cost us or make a bad Oesterle read defensively," Garland said. "So I kind of just tried to get back to my Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet, on why defenseman Jordan Oesterle details and then kind of got my legs in the second, felt good after that.” hadn't seen playing time of late

The Coyotes were dealt a blow even before the game started. They lost ARIZONA REPUBLIC center Nick Schmaltz to an upper-body injury in pregame warmups when Schmaltz, head coach Rick Tocchet said, was struck in the head by a Up Next puck that caromed off the goal bar. The Coyotes host the Kings in the eighth and final meeting of this season Schmaltz was a late scratch after being helped off the ice. He's to be re- between the the teams on Wednesday night. It's the home finale for the evaluated on Tuesday. Coyotes on Cinco de Mayo, and it's Fan Appreciation Night at Gila River Arena. Some details here on what's planned for the night include fan "That hurts. Obviously it's very frightening going through that and seeing giveaways and entertainment. him laying there. It's a tough balance 15 minutes before puck drop, but we just had to go out there and do our best to win a hockey game and we Arizona Republic LOADED: 05.04.2021 didn't."

Schmaltz hadn't missed a game this season, playing the first 52.

"We have a tough time scoring as it is. Nick's a guy that drives offense for us," Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said.

The Coyotes scored first, with Lawson Crouse feeding Dvorak with a backhand pass toward the net and Dvorak using a backhand of his own to score his 15th goal of the season.

NHL Video Highlight - Christian Dvorak gets a pass in front of the goal, moves the puck to his backhand and slides it in, giving the Coyotes a 1-0 lead in the 1st. pic.twitter.com/oH83dtxQZ6

— Coyotes Game Bot (@CoyotesGameBot) May 4, 2021

The Kings responded 35 seconds later with 2:15 to play in the first period, Trevor Moore scoring off a faceoff near the Coyotes' net.

The Coyotes started the second period on a power play and cashed in quickly. Chychrun had his head up for a no-look pass from Garland, who faked a shot, and Chychrun fired in a wrist shot that hit the post and went into the net.

But the Kings answered with an Anze Kopitar goal, then took their first lead with a power play goal from Alex Iafallo. Coyotes goalie Darcy Kuemper couldn't control Drew Doughty's shot, and the rebound resulted in Iafallo scoring to make it 3-2 with 6:20 left in the second period.

Kuemper was solid early, robbing Sean Walker of almost a sure goal and later turning away Moore's breakaway, both in the first period.

The Kings had to make a change at goalie to start the third period, turning to Cal Petersen after Jonathan Quick exited with an upper body- 1211550 Arizona Coyotes

Arizona Coyotes center Nick Schmaltz injured in pregame warmups, out vs. Kings

Jose M. Romero | Arizona Republic

Arizona Coyotes center Nick Schmaltz was injured during pregame warmups on Monday and scratched just before the Coyotes played the Los Angeles Kings.

The Coyotes announced that Schmaltz suffered an upper body injury and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Schmaltz, who has 10 goals and 22 assists this season, had appeared in all 52 of the team's previous games this season.

That leaves five players who have played all of the team's games — Jakob Chychrun, Clayton Keller, Christian Dvorak, Alex Goligoski and Phil Kessel.

It wasn't clear what happened to Schmaltz, but he was down on the ice along the boards and needed help getting up. He was helped off the ice and to the locker room by trainers, doubled over in pain.

Arizona went with seven defensemen in the starting lineup, one more than the usual six, and defenseman Jordan Oesterle was slotted in as center for the fourth line. Oesterle had not played in almost a month.

The Coyotes got forward Conor Garland back from injury for Monday's game. Garland had not played since April 19 and was injured in practice the next day.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211551 Arizona Coyotes

With playoffs chances slim, Coyotes taking 'Game 7' mentality into final week of season

JOSE M. ROMERO | Arizona Republic

The time to look back and reflect on what could have been or should have been will come, maybe sooner than later for the Arizona Coyotes.

For the moment, their season and playoff hopes come down to creating a four-game winning streak, and getting help from teams playing the St. Louis Blues this week and next.

Arizona (22-24-6) trailed St. Louis (23-19-7) 53-50 for fourth place and the final West Division playoff spot going into Monday night's NHL schedule. The Blues have three games in hand, but those won't matter if the Coyotes lose Monday and Wednesday to the Los Angeles Kings and the Blues defeat the last-place Anaheim Ducks on the same nights.

That scenario would give the Blues a seven-point lead, and the Coyotes won't be able to catch them with just two games left after Wednesday. St. Louis started this week 4-0-1 in its last five games.

The 56-game NHL schedule was supposed to end on Saturday, but the league needed to extend things an extra week to fit in games postponed by the COVID-19 pandemic that were unable to be made up earlier. The rescheduled games mostly involved teams from the North (Canada) and West divisions, but not the Coyotes.

"It's Game 7 for us. It's a do-or-die game. You've got to treat this as a Game 7, you've got to treat this as a playoff game, you've got to treat this as whether yourself individually, how you can play in a pressure situation. Your team, how you play in a pressure situation," Coyotes head coach Rick Tocchet said on Monday. "It's red alert. We've got to be ready to play."

The Coyotes are soon to get back the services of one of their most dynamic players, forward Conor Garland. Garland, who missed the previous six games with a lower-body injury but began skating late last week, took part in Monday's pregame skate and was to be a game-time decision, Tocchet said.

Garland, despite having missed a total of seven games this season, entered Monday night tied for the team lead in assists with 22.

"He's an awesome, skilled player. He's a lot of fun to play with," Coyotes forward Clayton Keller said of Garland. The pair has formed a high- scoring line for the Coyotes this season.

"It's a big element to our team."

Keller said the Coyotes have to take care of business and focus on themselves. Arizona is 3-2-1 this season against Los Angeles, but a 4-3 loss on the road on April 7 has turned out to a crucial loss of two points since the Coyotes led that game 3-1 going into the third period.

Keller has been a part of Coyotes teams that have been in this position before. In 2019, the team entered the final week of the 2018-19 season still alive for the playoffs, only to come up short by four points.

Last season, the Coyotes were in contention again until the stoppage of sports, and qualified for the NHL postseason bubble.

"You want to be playing in these meaningful games, these playoff-like games and just fighting for everything at the end," Keller said.

Arizona Republic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211552 Boston Bruins It was Ritchie’s 14th goal this season, matching his career high with the Ducks. The Bruins had Ritchie pegged higher in the order when they acquired him at February 2020 trade deadline, but he seems to have A win, and they’re in: Bruins blank Devils to clinch spot in Stanley Cup found a home on a heavy man’s third line with Sean Kuraly and Charlie playoffs Coyle. It’s a 656-pound Here’s-the-Beef threesome.

The ever-efficient Bergeron knocked home his 20th of the season with 2:06 remaining in the second and Grzelcyk popped in the third, his fifth of By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff,Updated May 3, 2021, 9:31 p.m. the season, with 2:43 to play.

The Devils did not put a shot on Rask — fired from the neutral zone — until Connor Carrick sent in a long-ranger wrister at 8:26 of the first., by NEWARK — The start date remains a mystery, and their opponent is which time the Bruins already had landed 11 shots. TBD, but the Bruins secured a Stanley Cup playoff berth for a fifth year in a row Monday night with their 3-0 win here over the Devils at the The Bruins continued to build on the shot disparity in the second period Prudential Center. and owned a 37-9 advantage at the 40:00 mark. They also had a 50-21 edge in shot attempts. Nick Ritchie , Patrice Bergeron and Matt Grzelcyk paced the triumph with a goal apiece and Tuukka Rask, who faced a feather-light workload of 20 “Being around for so many years,” mused Bergeron, “you have a better shots, recorded his 52nd career shutout. understanding of just how hard it is to make it. Especially, I know it’s cliché, but the parity is really there — our division is definitely not easy. It also was Rask’s 305th career win, tying him at No. 32 on the all-time list with Battlin’ Billy Smith, the fiery, ill-tempered tender who backed the “Some great teams were pushing us — the Rangers, and Philly. So it Islanders to their four consecutive Cups, 1980-83. was a challenge. The goal is always to make it . . . so we’re really proud we did that today.” The win meant the Rangers, the only other club in the NHL East with a prayer of reaching the playoffs, once again finished out of the Cup Boston Globe LOADED: 05.04.2021 tournament. The Capitals dealt the Blueshirts a 6-3 pasting in what turned out to be their Elimination Monday.

The Bruins will be making their fifth consecutive trip to the playoffs since Bruce Cassidy took charge of their bench in February 2017. He improved his career regular-season mark to 192-80-40, .679 since taking charge of the Jacobs juggernaut.

“What I told the guys, first of all was congratulations,” said Cassidy. “Our expectations, obviously, are higher than to just make the playoffs, but it’s still an accomplishment in this league. It’s not automatic. Ask Philadelphia. They had a really good last year and won’t be in this year. Dallas is fighting for their life — went to the final last year and I’m sure thought they’d be in a better position than they are now.”

First and foremost, Cassidy said he told his charges, “Let’s keep building.”

The Bruins, who slipped ahead of the Islanders to No. 3 in the East, will enter the playoff mix with the Capitals, Penguins and Islanders.

They still have five games left in the pandemic-shortened 56-game regular season, including Tuesday night’s rematch here with the Devils. The first two rounds of the playoffs will be played within the league’s four respective divisions. Each division winner then will be ranked, 1-4, for the start of the Cup semifinal round, seeding determined by points earned during the regular seasons.

As the clock struck midnight, the Bruins would have opened the playoffs in Pittsburgh in a best-of-seven series vs. the Penguins. But there are still a few midnights to go before the final order is known.

The Bruins (31-14-6) are now 10-2-0 in the dozen games since adding Taylor Hall, Curtis Lazar and Mike Reilly at the April 12 trade deadline. None of those three factored in the clinching math on Monday. But the big line, centered by Bergeron, finished 1-3—4 and now stands 15-21— 36 since over the last dozen games.

Once the playoffs begin, the Bruins will be pursuing their seventh Cup title in franchise history. Their win in 2011 was their first since 1972, the high point of the legendary Big Bad Bruins era.

“We know we’re a great team,” said Bergeron, wrapping up his first year as team captain. “I like where we’re at, and I know we can keep improving . . . make sure we are ready for Game 1 of the playoffs.”

The Bruins all but had the seed-to-be-name later guaranteed by the end of 40 minutes, their lead at 2-0, and the Devils with only 9 shots landed on Rask. It’s going to be a long rebuild for the former Trappist Wonks, whose glorious Cup years backed by Martin Brodeur are a faded memory.

Ritchie’s goal broke the scoreless tie 9:08 into the second, set up by Jakub Zboril. Ritchie opted for a quick one-time snap instead of a slapper, and his shot beat goalie the short side, roughly halfway up the right post. 1211553 Boston Bruins style of play, but I think in our division they’re all strong teams and you’ll have a handful no matter who you get.”

Milestone for Marchand Goaltending rotation is a high priority for Bruins heading down the stretch Brad Marchand played in his 800th regular-season game Monday. He began the night leading the Bruins in scoring at 27-34—61, which ranked By Kevin Paul Dupont Globe Staff,Updated May 3, 2021, 4:38 p.m. seventh in the league. Not bad for a mid-Round 3 pick (No. 71 in ’06) who cracked the lineup more than a decade ago as a fourth-line pest.

Marchand said he was unaware that he was reaching 800 until Matt GLOBE STAFF NEWARK — The NHL has yet to make public when its Falconer, a member of the equipment crew, mentioned it to him in the playoffs will begin, and the tight scrum at the top of the East Division morning. among the Capitals, Penguins, Islanders, and Bruins makes for a fool’s errand when trying to figure Round 1 matchups. “A nice little milestone,” said the left winger, who’ll turn 33 next Tuesday. " I think the biggest thing, as you get older, it’s all about how you take His club needing but a single point to lock down the final East playoff care of yourself.” berth, before facing the Devils in the first of a two-game set, Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy said priority No. 1 would be charting a goaltending plan Rest for Reilly mixes up blue line for the remaining regular-season games. Mike Reilly, a dependable back-line addition since coming aboard from “Assuming we get in, then we would look at goalie rotation — what’s the Ottawa at the trade deadline, was given the night off to tend to a minor best plan?” he said. “Tuukka [Rask] won’t play [Tuesday]. What’s the injury. Jakub Zboril drew back into the six-pack … Veteran Kevan Miller best plan going forward for him?” suited up as one of the back-line six, but he will not play Tuesday, keeping to his plan not to play on back-to-back nights so as not to tax his Rask (13-4-2) played in his 22nd game Monday and is certain to finish surgically repaired knee … Brandon Carlo, who exited with a injury to an the season with his lightest workload since making only 29 appearance oblique muscle April 1, is expected to play Tuesday and likely will be as Tim Thomas’s backup in the Stanley Cup-winning 2010-11 season. reunited with Matt Grzelcyk on the No. 2 defense pairing.

The Bruins’ focus will be on getting Rask enough work to keep his game Critical stretch for DeBrusk tuned, while avoiding aggravating a recent injury (believed to be a back strain) and remaining rested of mind and body. Jake DeBrusk (cap hit $3.675 million) remained in the lineup as the No. 4 left winger with Curtis Lazar and Karson Kuhlman. DeBrusk led the team The next part of the discussion, for management and coaching crew to stretch following the morning workout. He needs to catch fire, be it now chew over, will be whether the best fit for postseason backup will be or in the playoffs, for the Bruins not to shop him this offseason. He veteran Jaro Halak (9-6-3) or rookie Jeremy Swayman (6-2-0). The first carries too high a ticket to play that deep in the rotation, especially if hint could come Tuesday in the rematch here, depending which of the general manager Don Sweeney needs to turn over the sofa cushions to two gets the call. find enough coin to sign UFA Taylor Hall … Many Bruins received their first COVID vaccinations after the game April 20. That would position Halak, who spent much of April in COVID protocol, has made only a relief them for final injections on or about May 14. “Some are awaiting Phase appearance of 17:19 (April 23) since his last 60-minute effort April 3. The 2,” Cassidy confirmed. “I’m not sure when that will fall, but it will be obvious question: If he is the backup choice, is there enough time to get interesting if it is the middle of the playoffs, something I’ll have to keep an him the requisite work to prepare, even if his postseason role is only as eye on.” The second injection frequently triggers flulike symptoms, Rask’s second? including fatigue, that typically resolve in 24-48 hours. Swayman, who made his NHL debut April 6, made his eighth start in 26 Boston Globe LOADED: 05.04.2021 days in Saturday’s 6-2 win over Buffalo. Of the three available , the ex-Maine Black Bear has been by far the busiest B over the last month. But there’s no telling whether he’ll be prepped as Rask’s backup or destined to watch the postseason from a COVID-safe location in the arena yet to be named.

“When are we starting?” asked Cassidy. “That can affect a lot of [decisions] down the stretch. Is there a little bit of time between the Washington game, No. 56 [May 11 in D.C.], and when we start?”

The best guess, with an emphasis on guess: The earliest date for a postseason puck drop would be Friday, May 14. Much of the decision- making stems around what happens in the North (Canadian) Division, specifically whether the Flames and Canucks remain in a hunt for a playoff berth. The two clubs are scheduled to play one another May 16, 18, and 19. If they’ve been eliminated before the 14th, the league likely would be comfortable opening up play then for the 16 playoff squads.

“Then, obviously, health of players always comes into it,” Cassidy said. “Who needs to play and who is good? Some of that is the eye test from us and what we think, and some of it is a discussion with the players. Then keeping your game sharp and winning hockey games. You always want to go into the playoffs playing well and winning — never want to lose sight of that.”

In terms of matchups, Cassidy agreed with a reporter’s assessment that facing the Penguins, Capitals, or Islanders is a pick-your-poison scenario.

The Bruins were the hottest of the bunch (9-2-0 going into Monday) since the April 12 trade deadline. The Penguins were 7-2-1, followed by the Capitals (5-3-1) and Islanders (4-4-1).

“There’s no easy matchups in this division,” Cassidy said. “I don’t think any coach would tell you they are looking for a certain one 90 percent of the time. There might be the odd time you have a real good record against a team and you say, ‘Hey, that would work really well for us,’ or a 1211554 Boston Bruins said Cassidy. “Tonight’s start was excellent and I think it sent a real good message to Jersey we are here to take care of business.”

Boston Herald LOADED: 05.04.2021 Bruins clinch a playoff berth with a 3-0 victory over the Devils

By RICH THOMPSON | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 10:53 p.m. | UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 11:01 p.m.

The Bruins clinched the final playoff slot in the competitive East Division with a 3-0 shutout of the New Jersey Devils Monday at the Prudential Center.

The Bruins (31-14-6) moved into third place, a point (68-67) ahead of the New York Islanders and three behind the Penguins and Capitals with five games remaining. The Bruins have qualified for the playoffs in five straight seasons under coach Bruce Cassidy and will close out their eight-game season series with the Devils on Tuesday night in Newark.

“You play for an opportunity to play for the Cup,” said Cassidy. “We’ve accomplished the first part of that, getting into the playoff and we are starting to play some real good hockey right now.

“We are playing the right way and guys are preparing themselves for how you need to play.”

Goalie Tuukka Rask made 20 saves to improve to 14-4-2 with his second shutout of the season.

“It’s a great accomplishment (making the playoffs) and it is definitely not easy and this division is pretty tough, it’s tight,” said Rask. “There was no room to have slumps, you have to be able to keep up with the other teams.”

The Bruins carried the action in a scoreless first, ganging up on Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood with four lines in attack mode resulting in a 17-4 shots advantage after one.

Second-line right wing Craig Smith, who had a hat trick in a 6-2 win over the Sabres Saturday, ripped a spinning backhand that Wedgewood absorbed at 11:00. Brad Marchand had a hard rush down the right flank but was denied prior to smashing into the end boards.

Rask was eventually tested with under two minutes to play when he stoned Devils’ center Nico Hischier on the two-on-one break.

The Devils showed a semblance of sustained offense early in the second, but the momentum swung back. Wedgewood maintained his edge during a Bruins blitz while Rask stymied another two-on-one break with a big save on Janne Kuokkanen.

The Bruins ended the deadlock on a laser shot by Nick Ritchie at 9:08 of the second. Charlie Coyle led the rush into the zone, then backhanded the puck to Sean Kuraly who dropped it back to defenseman Jakub Zboril at the left point. Zboril fed a pass diagonally across the slot to Ritchie, who one-timed it from the right dot inside the near post for his 14th of the season.

The Bruins went up 2-0 at on a prolonged zone presence by the Perfection Line at 17:54. Brad Marchand, who was playing in his 800th NHL game, circled the Devils and slipped the puck into the low slot. Patrice Bergeron made an off-balance upswing that beat Wedgewood for his 20th of the season. Bergeron has scored 20 or more goals in a season 12 times.

“I knew he was going to come from behind the net and I did kind of lose my balance,” said Bergeron. “I was just trying to get open and get a shot on net.”

The highlight of the third period was an unabated punch-a-thon between Bruins defenseman Connor Clifton and Devils forward A.J. Greer. Clifton was irate after Greer drew a for boarding Zboril. Clifton got in several quality shots and when the hostilities subsided, Greer skated off nursing his nose.

Boston went up 3-0 at 17:17 of the third when Matt Grzelcyk’s slap shot from the left point deflected off Devils defenseman Ryan Murray and eluded Wedgewood (39 saves).

“We knew what was at stake and we could punch our tickets and not rely on anyone else, go in the front door and the guys wanted to be ready,” 1211555 Boston Bruins Swayman filled the void, especially in back-to-back game situations while Rask was working his way back into the rotation. Swayman, 22, is a rangy presence in the net who played collegiately at Maine.

Bruins Notebook: LW Brad Marchand reaches milestone against Devils He is currently 6-2 in eight starts with a 1.62 goals against average and a .942 save percentage. Cassidy will start either Halak or Swayman in the curtain call against the Devils on Tuesday night. By RICH THOMPSON | Boston Herald “He is a mature kid for his age and obviously to come into the pros in his first year and to be able to handle what has been thrown at him,” said Cassidy. “There is a certain level of obvious physical skills and the ability Longevity in the NHL is never a given, especially for a pugnacious to stop the puck and play the position. undersized winger willing to muck it up against all comers in the dirty areas. “He is hard working guy and he’s humble. He credits his teammates in front of him, he does the right things and then gets down to work knowing Bruins left wing Brad Marchand played in his milestone 800th NHL game he’s a good goaltender.” during Monday night’s encounter with the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. The Bruins will face the Devils for the eighth and final Shifting blue line time on Tuesday night. Cassidy said defenseman Brandon Carlo with play in Tuesday’s game “The game gets easier as you get older as long as you can keep up with against the Devils, a move that should be an indicator of the unit’s make the pace and everything,” said Marchand following the Bruins’ morning up down the stretch and into the playoffs. skate. Carlo missed 10 straight games after taking a devastating blow to the “It’s been a fun ride, no question about that and it’s been an incredible head by Capitals’ forward Tom Wilson on March 5. He returned for two journey. We are so fortunate to play this game and your career can end games but suffered an abdominal injury against Pittsburgh on April 1 and any day. So, every day we get truly is a gift and I try to make the most of hasn’t played since. Carlo played most of the season alongside puck- it and enjoy every day.” mover Matt Grzelcyk and Cassidy liked that pairing.

The 5-foot-9, 181-pound Marchand entered his 48th game of the season Kevan Miller will sit out the Devils’ finale because he does not play in averaging 18:57 minutes per game, the most by a Bruins forward, back-to-backs. Mike Reilly missed Monday’s game with a maintenance logging significant ice time on the first power play and penalty kill units. but will only miss one match. He was replaced by Jakub Zboril. Charlie Marchand skates on the “Perfection Line” with captain Patrice Bergeron McAvoy was paired with Jeremy Lauzon in the final game against the at center and David Pastrnak on the right flank. Sabres on May 1.

“I feel very fortunate,” said Marchand. “It is a nice little milestone but as Boston Herald LOADED: 05.04.2021 you get older, it is all about how you take care of yourself.

“You kind of have to learn that at a younger age and I’ve had great leaders to watch and learn from. So that’s good, this is another game and hopefully there will be many more.”

Marchand, 32, joined the organization as the 71st pick in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and began his career as an instigator who delighted in rattling opponents.

Marchand joined the Bruins full time in the 2010-11 season and helped guide the team to the Stanley Cup championship. Under Bergeron’s guidance, Marchand developed into a reliable two-way forward who would later evolve into one of the NHL’s elite scorers.

Marchand is enjoying one of his best campaigns in the pandemic abbreviated 2020-21 season. Marchand was named the East Division’s Player of the Month in April after scoring 14 goals with 10 assists in 17 games.

Marchand notched his fourth career hat trick against the on April 3 to go along with three multi-goal games and three four-point games. Marchand’s efforts in April puts him in the discussion for the Hart Trophy, give annually to the league’s MVP.

“I think as you get older and the longer you are around the game just slows down for you,” said Marchand. “You learn where the space is and how to kind of put yourself in position to give yourself more time.

“I think that is the biggest thing. As you come in you just kind of skate around a million miles and hour and just try to earn your spot. But as you kind of learn the game a lot more and positionally where you should be. It’s just a matter of where you should be.”

Swayman’s stellar start

Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy cited rookie goalie Jeremy Swayman’s maturity as a contributing factor to the magnificent start to his NHL career.

Swayman and Dan Vladar were summoned from Providence when the Bruins backend was hit with a double whammy.

From March 9 to April 15, No. 1 goalie Tuukka Rask missed 17 games in an 18-game stretch with an upper body injury. The team’s backup Jaroslav Halak went into the NHL’s COVID-19 protocols on April 5 and has only played one period since. 1211556 Boston Bruins

Highlights: Craig Smith scores hat trick as B's beat Sabres, 6-2

BY JUSTIN LEGER

The Boston Bruins wrapped up their season series vs. the Buffalo Sabres in style on Saturday.

With help from a Craig Smith hat trick, the B's cruised to their third straight victory. Boston's second line stayed hot as David Krejci notched three assists and trade deadline acquisition Taylor Hall added one of his own.

Sean Kuraly, Patrice Bergeron, and Nick Ritchie also found the net in the blowout win.

Here's a recap of the B's 30th win of the season.

FINAL SCORE: Bruins 6, Sabres 2

BOX SCORE

BRUINS' RECORD: 30-14-6

Bruins vs. Sabres highlights

Craig Smith gets the scoring started:

Craig Smith gets it started for the @NHLBruins today. pic.twitter.com/7zjESUrFd7— NHL (@NHL) May 1, 2021

Sean Kuraly puts B's back ahead:

Sean Kuraly (@kurals9) is fired up! pic.twitter.com/7CzdttT8Zt— NHL (@NHL) May 1, 2021

Patrice Bergeron extends the lead:

Captain Bergy always coming through. pic.twitter.com/TfwCtXqaSD— NHL (@NHL) May 1, 2021

Smith gets his second of the day:

That's goal No. 2 for Craig Smith today. pic.twitter.com/pL5pYl842v— NHL (@NHL) May 1, 2021

Smith completes the hat trick:

Not a bad day if we do say so ourselves, Craig Smith!

He snags the @Enterprise hat trick. pic.twitter.com/VMFTjmo1P6— NHL (@NHL) May 1, 2021

Bruins schedule

Monday, May 3: vs. New Jersey Devils, 7 p.m. ET

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211557 Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins Clinch Playoffs ‘Winning The Right Way’

By Joe Haggerty

At this point, the Boston Bruins have been operating at their highest level for nearly a month and have officially clinched their Stanley Cup playoff spot.

The B’s punched their ticket with a solid, no frills 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night at the Prudential Center and have passed the New York Islanders for the third spot in the East Division. The Black and Gold have won 10-of-12 games since adding Taylor Hall, Mikey Reilly and Curtis Lazar at the NHL trade deadline and have Boston’s leadership group feeling extremely confident with just five games remaining in the regular season.

“It’s always the goal during the regular season, to get your ticket, to get in and then to go from there,” said Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron. “We know we’re a great team. I like where we’re at and I know we can keep improving.”

That’s a scary thought for the rest of the East Division given the lineup depth Boston has now achieved that go along with the elite goaltending, high quality special teams and excellent two-way play they’ve been featuring since mid-April. Clearly there are still some things to be ironed out with Brandon Carlo yet to be introduced back into the lineup and the B’s bottom-6 forward combinations still to be determined.

But now is a time to pat the Bruins on the back for a job well done after a back-breaking regular season where they were forced into playing 17 games during the month of April due to COVID Protocol postponements, and a steady stream of injuries that’s impacted the Bruins at every position throughout the year.

“We had our share of adversity with COVID rescheduling, and injuries and playing different people,” said Bruce Cassidy. “But the flip side of that…the positive of that is that you learn a bit about [the players]. We saw it with the goaltending and on the back end, and we came out of it okay. I think we came out of it playing some really good hockey now.

“I watch how we’re winning and how we’re playing, and we’re winning the right way. Guys are preparing themselves for how to play in May and June, and hopefully July.”

With all of that, there’s plenty of reasons to be optimistic about a Boston Bruins team that’s hitting their peak with the postseason right around the corner. The veteran players inside the B’s dressing room seem to understand they’ve got a very good shot headed into the postseason.

“It’s a great accomplishment. It’s definitely not easy,” said Tuukka Rask. “You look at our division and it’s tough, and it’s tight. There was no room to have slumps really. We’ve had our ups and downs, but lately we’ve kind of found our game and our identity and we’ve stuck to it. We’ve got bigger goals in my mind and we get to ‘go for it’ again.”

It’s now five consecutive seasons under Cassidy’s tutelage that the Bruins have qualified for the playoffs, but this season will mark one of the best shots that the Boston Bruins will have to hoist the Cup based on the quality lineup, how the team is playing at the end of the year and the wide-open nature of their playoff division.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211558 Boston Bruins Extra Honorable mention to Boston Bruins defenseman Jakub Zboril and Wedgewood, who kept this game from being an absolute blowout on the scoreboard.

Talking Points: Boston Bruins Clinch Playoff Berth, Beat Devils 3-0 BY THE NUMBERS: 800. Congrats to Brad Marchand on playing in his 800th game.

By Jimmy Murphy QUOTE TO NOTE: “You play for an opportunity to play for the Cup. We’ve accomplished the first part of that. … We’re playing the right way.” – Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy on him and the team making the for a fifth straight season. The Boston Bruins are headed to the Stanley Cup playoffs for a fifth straight season. Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 The Bruins punched their ticket to the dance with a convincing 3-0 win over the New Jersey Devils Monday night. The B’s outshot a disinterested and woeful Devils team 42-20 and while Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood did everything he could to steal another game from the Boston Bruins, the Bruins were just too determined to not let that happen and to clinch a playoff berth.

Patrice Bergeron had a goal and an assist; Nick Ritchie and Matt Grzelcyk lit the lamp and Brad Marchand had two helpers. Tuukka Rask got probably the easiest shutout of his career, stopping all 20 Devils shots.

GOLD STAR: Brad Marchand. In his 800th game in the NHL, Marchand once again showed just how far he has come as a player since entering the NHL in the 2009-10 season. At age 32, Marchand is having a Hart and Selke Trophy-worthy season. He was named the NHL East Divison Player Of The Month after leading the league in goals (14) and points (24) in 13 games in the month of April. With an assist on Bergeron’s 20th goal of the season at 17:54 of the second period and then on Grzelcyk’s tally at 17:17, Marchand already has an assist in each of his first two games in May and three total. He now has 36 assists and 27 goals in 49 games this season.

Matt Grzelcyk goal of the year candidate lololol #NHLBruins pic.twitter.com/im5ZaesaX5

— Bruins Diehards (@BruinsDiehards) May 4, 2021

BLACK EYE: Devils effort. No one is discounting the mental effect this season has had on NHL players and combined with the fact that the New Jersey Devils will miss the Stanley Cup playoffs for a third straight season, it’s understandable if the Devils are struggling to muster up the motivation. That being said, they’ve been playing pretty scrappy and aggressive hockey lately so that’s why their effort Monday was so disappointing. To say the Devils were pathetic would be too kind. If not for Wedgewood, the score could’ve been at least 5-0 after the first period. The Bruins led in shot attempts (27-9), shots on goal (17-4), scoring chances (19-6), and high-danger scoring chances 5-0. The Bruins then racked up 20 shots on net to the Devils’ four in the second period, with two finally getting past Wedgewood. The Bruins finished with a shot edge of 42 to 20 and simply toyed with a disinterested Devils team.

TURNING POINT: Does the opening faceoff count as a turning point? This game was over then! All joking aside, we’ll have to go with Ritchie’s goal 9:08 of the second period. That goal sent a message that no Devils goalie was going to steal another game from the Bruins this season and while Wedgewood was still solid for the remainder of the game, the Bruins had their way in every aspect of the game after that.

HONORABLE MENTION: Patrice Bergeron. Just another day at the office for the captain in Newark on Monday. Bergeron doesn’t get the Gold Star or Honorable Mention nearly enough here but that’s simply because his extraordinary play every game is thankfully ordinary for the Boston Bruins and their fans. Bergeron scored his 20th goal of the season and has now hit the 20-goal plateau for eight straight seasons. He also picked up the secondary assist on Grzelcyk’s goal. In 15:22 TOI, Bergeron was 12-10 at the faceoff dot, had four shots on net, one hit, and was a plus 2. At 35, he looked younger than the teenagers and Devils players in their early 20’s did on Monday. He’s simply one of the best hockey players of his era and will be a major reason for whatever playoff success the Bruins have this year.

The Marchand-Bergeron-Pastrnak line cashes in again.

Make it 12 20-goal seasons for Patrice Bergeron.

2-0 Bruins. pic.twitter.com/fqe4EuuQdT

— Conor Ryan (@ConorRyan_93) May 4, 2021 1211559 Boston Bruins -The PK killed off both of the Sabres powerplays on Saturday. They’re second in the NHL with an 86.2% success rate. They’ve killed off 146 of 169 powerplay attempts against them this season.

Game 51: Boston Bruins @ New Jersey Devils Lines, Preview -Boston Bruins winger Chris Wagner has been out the last two games after suffering an injury on Thursday night, but did return to practice on Sunday. Karson Kuhlman will slot in for Wagner for the second straight By Joe Haggerty game.

-Defenseman Brandon Carlo is just waiting for final medical clearance from an oblique strain to return on Tuesday night against the Devils in The Boston Bruins (30-14-6, 66 pts) and the New Jersey Devils (17-27-7, New Jersey. Kevan Miller is slated to play on Monday night for the Bruins 41 pts) will meet each other for the final two times this season when they but will sit on the second half of the back-to-back games as he has all begin a two-game series at the Prudential Center (7 PM ET, NESN, season. NHN, SN) on Monday night. -Fellow rearguard John Moore is out for the season after undergoing hip If the Boston Bruins get at least one point in Monday night’s game surgery. Forward Ondrej Kase is still listed as week-to-week with an against the Devils at the Prudential Center, they will clinch a playoff spot upper-body injury but has been skating. for the fifth consecutive season under head coach Bruce Cassidy. The B’s are just a single point behind the New York Islanders and hold games Devils Notes in hand against the three East Division teams ahead of them, so it’s entirely possible that the Bruins will be able to finish with a higher seed -Former Boston University forward AJ Greet will be making his Devils after clinching the fourth spot. debut on Monday night in New Jersey after being part of the Kyle Palmieri/Travis Zajac trade with the New York Islanders. It sounds like “We want to clinch first. Hopefully, we take care of business [on Tuesday] the Devils are expecting Greer to make a physical impact in the matchup and then we’ll start worrying about [other things]. You always want to with a Bruins team looking to sweep up some points tonight. finish as high in the standings as you can,” said Cassidy. “But I think this year more than any other year it’s not going to matter as much. You’ve “We’re going to get a player that is hungry for the opportunity,” said got four really good teams [in the East Division] that have been jockeying Devils head coach Lindy Ruff. “He brings size and physicality at the all year. same time.”

“I guess the Islanders are the one that’s different with their discrepancy Greer had three goals and six assists in 10 games for the Binghamton between the home and road records. That’s something you want to keep Devils prior to getting called up from the AHL. an eye on. And Pittsburgh falls into that category a bit as well. So as two -Scott Wedgewood gets the starting nod between the pipes for the of the three teams we might be facing, you want to keep an eye on that. Devils. Wedgewood had a rough month of April with a goals against But for us, our record is very balanced. We feel we can win no matter average over 5.00 and a .736 save percentage during three appearances where the game is going to be played.” last month.

Tuukka Rask will be back between the pipes for the Boston Bruins on -The Devils are 28th in the NHL in power play success rate this season Monday as he continues to round into playoff form. Rask is 13-4-2 with a with a paltry 14.6 percent rate for their PP. 2.27 GAA and a .916 save percentage and went a perfect 5-0-0 during the month of April after returning from an upper body injury. -The Devils are also dead last in the NHL with a 70.4 percent success rate. Somehow, they have managed to give the Bruins a hard time this Devils backup Scott Wedgewood (3-6-3, 3.04 goals against average and season despite a seemingly massive special teams mismatch between .899 save percentage) will get the starting nod for the Devils. the two hockey clubs based on the statistics.

Bruins Notes -PK Subban and Jonas Siegenthaler are both injured for the Devils and -David Krejci has been a man on fire since the NHL trade deadline, out on Monday night, but have begun working out off the ice. clearly energized by the presence of power forward Taylor Hall on his Boston Bruins Lines line. Forwards: “He’s re-energized in terms of attacking,” Boston Bruins Head Coach Bruce Cassidy said after the game Thursday. “That was an all-world play Brad Marchand – Charlie Coyle – David Pastrnak tonight, obviously, beating guys one-on-one. But he’s moving his feet and going north a little more. He’s got a guy on his left wing who can bomb Taylor Hall – David Krejci – Craig Smith down the wing, a guy on his right wing that can skate. I’d say the biggest Nick Ritchie – Sean Kuraly – Charlie Coyle thing is his pace. He’s playing with a little more pace. His wingers are maybe forcing him to do that. He’s making plays, obviously, and finishing Jake DeBrusk – Curtis Lazar – Karson Kuhlman plays while he’s doing it.” Defense: Since the Boston Bruins acquired Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar from the Jeremy Lauzon – Charlie McAvoy Sabres, Krejci has been en fuego! The just-turned 35-year-old (April 28), veteran center has five goals and seven assists for 12 points in 11 Matt Grzelcyk – Kevan Miller games since being put in the middle of Hall and Craig Smith on April 13. The depth scoring that the trio has provided has been pivotal in the Jakub Zboril – Connor Clifton Bruins going 9-2-0 in their last ten games. Goalies: -Defenseman Mike Reilly is out for Monday night’s game with an issue Tuukka Rask that’s been nagging him over the last week. Jakub Zboril will replace him as a left side defenseman. Jaro Halak

-Boston Bruins winger Jake DeBrusk drew back into the lineup last New Jersey Devils Lines weekend after being a healthy scratch for the last two games and will remain in the lineup for the Black and Gold on Monday night in New Forwards: Jersey. DeBrusk replaced rookie power forward Trent Frederic in the Kuokkonen-Hughes-Sharangovich lineup. Zacha-Hischier-Bratt -Jaro Halak will back up Tuukka Rask. Greer-Bovquist-Merkley –The Bruins’ powerplay went 1-for-4 on Saturday. They are now 31-for- 146 on the man advantage this season. They’re 14th in the NHL with a Wood-McLeod-Bastian 21.1% success rate. Defense: Murray-Severson

Butcher-Carrick

Bahl-Smith

Goalies:

Wedgewood

Blackwood

Here’s your #NJDevils lineup from morning skate today ahead of facing the Bruins:

Greer (pictures here) will make his Devils debut since being acquired in the Palmieri/Zajac trade with the Islanders. pic.twitter.com/PQlJgXx3Wz

— Amanda Stein (@amandacstein) May 3, 2021

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211560 Boston Bruins

Boston Bruins Focused On “Taking Care Of Business” With Clinching Bid

By Joe Haggerty

After pushing through a regular season that’s seen plenty of challenges this season, the Boston Bruins are poised to clinch a playoff spot.

With an eight-point lead over the New York Rangers and two games in hand, the B’s need just a single point on Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center to punch their postseason ticket. It will be the fifth consecutive season the B’s have pushed into the playoffs with Bruce Cassidy behind the bench, and another postseason where hopes are high as Boston has won nine of their last 11 games coming out of the NHL trade deadline while key players like David Krejci are getting red-hot down the stretch.

It’s not just about simply clinching the playoffs, however, as the Bruins are within five points of the top spot in the East Division with games in hand against the Islanders, Capitals and Penguins teams that they’re chasing. That race will play itself out over the next week of hockey, but for now the Boston Bruins simply want to “take care of business” punching their ticket before worrying about resting players, going all out for higher seeding or taking a breather after a crazy April where they played 17 regular season games.

“We want to clinch first. Hopefully, we take care of business [on Tuesday] and then we’ll start worrying about [other things]. You always want to finish as high in the standings as you can,” said Boston Bruins head coach Bruce Cassidy. “But I think this year more than any other year it’s not going to matter as much. You’ve got four really good teams [in the East Division] that have been jockeying all year.

“I guess the Islanders are the one that’s different with their discrepancy between the home and road records. That’s something you want to keep an eye on. And Pittsburgh falls into that category a bit as well. So as two of the three teams we might be facing, you want to keep an eye on that. But for us, our record is very balanced. We feel we can win no matter where the game is going to be played.”

Cassidy didn’t buy into any theories about the road playoff games being any more emotionally or mentally taxing this postseason, either. Some have theorized that players will enjoy more freedom at home when it comes to some of the COVID Protocols, and there may be an inherent advantage during road-and-home situations in a playoff series.

Considering it’s not going to be a bubble situation where the players are basically living as shut-ins for two months, though, that doesn’t seem to be much of a consideration for a one or two-game stint on the Stanley Cup playoff road. Instead, it’s the same old story where NHL teams highly value home ice advantage in a Game 7 situation most of all, even with reduced crowd capacities that will be bumping up to 25 percent at TD Garden starting next week.

“If you ask any team, they’d rather, have it for the comforts of home. Once the playoffs start it’s not a bubble situation where you know you’re going in there for could be two months,” said Cassidy. “You’re going in there to play two games, probably three or four days in and out. You’re there to focus on the task at hand anyway, so I don’t buy in that part of it. But the comforts of home and sleeping in your own bed matter. You want it for the Game 7.

“I think earlier on in the series teams don’t really care where they’re playing, but it is important for the last game. That’s where it comes into play more than other times, and I don’t think this year is any different in that regard.”

So clearly the Bruins will be balancing rest and pushing for home ice advantage in the final handful of games during this regular season. In that sense it feels pretty normal for the Bruins readying for the final regular season stretch with the Stanley Cup playoffs just one point away from being a certainty for the Black and Gold again this year.

Boston Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211561 Boston Bruins Hall’s current $8 million AAV will be out of reach. But Hall could look to the six-year, $39 million extension Brendan Gallagher signed with Montreal on Oct. 14, 2020. Gallagher, who is six months younger, had 43 How the Boston Bruins can re-sign Tuukka Rask, Taylor Hall and David points in 2019-20, one more than Hall. For this exercise, we’ll put Hall Krejci under Brad Marchand’s $6.125 million threshold and slot him at $6 million annually.

The Bruins have been satisfied with Mike Reilly since his arrival from By Fluto Shinzawa May 3, 2021 Ottawa. Reilly has been sharp at moving the puck and defending with his feet and stick.

But the pending UFA could be pricing himself out of the Bruins’ market. The Bruins have $14.25 million of breathing room coming in 2021-22. It’s possible that Jakub Zboril, jumpy prior to his healthy scratches, After this season, the six-year, $43.5 million contract of David Krejci and settles his game down as a second-year NHLer in 2021-22. The Bruins the eight-year, $56 million deal of Tuukka Rask will expire. also have Urho Vaakanainen and Jack Ahcan as internal left-shot It remains to be seen how much of their formerly projected financial candidates. We’ll assume Reilly finds his fortune elsewhere. flexibility the Bruins will end up exercising. The Bruins also have restricted free agents to re-sign: Nick Ritchie, With each game, Rask and Krejci are making their cases for extensions. Ondrej Kase, Trent Frederic and Brandon Carlo. Ritchie is up to 13 goals In Krejci’s case, it is especially so if Taylor Hall, also on an expiring and 11 assists. If Tanner Pearson could score a three-year, $9.75 million contract, re-signs with his new employer. extension with Vancouver, Ritchie should at least double his current $1,498,925 annual payday. Krejci and Hall, 11 games into a roaring second-line partnership with Craig Smith, could be a package deal. On Saturday against Buffalo, Kase is a tricky one. He didn’t even finish his second game because of Smith had a hat trick. Krejci recorded three assists, the last helper setting injury. It’s unknown how he’ll perform in 2021-22. Perhaps the fairest way up Smith’s third goal. The Hall trade has breathed new life into Krejci. to proceed is a one-year extension with a slight raise on his $2.5 million AAV. “That’s typical Krech. He’s looking for him the whole third period,” coach Bruce Cassidy said of Krejci after the 6-2 win. “Krech is obviously going Frederic is not eligible for arbitration. Players of his profile usually receive to do the right thing because the game is still in hand. But at the same two-year extensions on their second contracts. We’ll mark Frederic down time, looking after a teammate. Guys have done that around here when for $1.5 million AAV next season. they can.” Carlo is eligible for arbitration. But injuries have limited the right-shot Bringing back all three UFAs-to-be is possible. defenseman to two goals and one assist in 23 games. Although John Marino has more offense to his game, we’ll use his six-year, $26.4 million Because of Krejci’s age, the alternate captain’s next deal is the trickiest extension signed on Jan. 3, 2021, as a Carlo comparable. to project. There aren’t many 35-year-old centers with Krejci’s history of production who have signed extensions. Assuming Jack Studnicka makes the jump next year, this leaves the Bruins with 13 forwards, seven defensemen and two goalies. They would Krejci’s closest comparable is . On July 21, 2019, Dallas be at $79.3 million: compliant, but not by much. signed the former San Jose captain to a three-year, $21 million contract, according to CapFriendly. This is not ideal. Multiple teams had to exercise long-term injured reserve this season. Tampa Bay led the way by exceeding the cap by some of It’s not a perfect comparable. Pavelski signed his deal before the ’s $9.5 million AAV. pandemic, and he was 34 years old when he signed his contract. Both of those factors elevate Pavelski’s average annual value over Krejci’s future For both cap and hockey purposes, the Bruins would have to consider earnings. trading Jake DeBrusk. Marchand and Hall would be the top two left wings. The Bruins have been satisfied with Ritchie and Frederic as third- The Bruins could consider different approaches with Krejci. They would line left wings. DeBrusk is the odd man out. prefer a one-year extension because of his age and risk of injury. If so, they could include performance bonuses to nudge him closer to previous DeBrusk was the No. 4 left wing on Saturday. He was a healthy scratch income thresholds. General manager Don Sweeney went this route with for the two previous games. Zdeno Chara on two consecutive one-year extensions. “It’s video. It’s talking to him on the bench. It’s challenging the player,” If Krejci puts his foot down on a two-year agreement, it would most likely Cassidy said of the usual stages of addressing underperformance. “Then lower the per-year payout. The Bruins, however, would be at greater risk it becomes … the one thing every player likes is playing time. You start with a two-year contract because of the injury possibility. taking some of that away. Responsibility. Maybe it’s off the power play, penalty kill, whatever it is. So less minutes. Then it becomes no minutes. Either way, let’s assume a $5 million AAV for Krejci for 2021-22. You’re upstairs. Now we’re at the point where I think there’s only so much you can do to get the message across. … In our case, we’ve said, Rask, as a 34-year-old, will not be eligible for performance bonuses. As ‘We need better second effort in forecheck situations, in puck-recovery such, it’s more likely that he could score a multi-year extension. Both situations, in attack situations.’ Because I feel it’s a second-effort league. sides could look to the two-year, $10 million deal that Pekka Rinne The guys that have second effort will have much more success in this signed with Nashville on Nov. 3, 2018. league the sooner they figure that out. The uber-talented guys, which are Again, it’s not a perfect comparable. Rinne was 36 at the time, and it was rare, can get away with it. And I’m not even sure anymore, the way a pre-pandemic deal. But in 2017-18, Rinne’s platform year, the Finn was players check, that they can. So you need to have that second effort. performing as well as Rask this season. That’s always been the message, for the most part, with Jake. And it continues to be.” Jeremy Swayman, who won his sixth start on Saturday, looks like the ace of the future. But Swayman is 22. When a hotshot like Carter Hart goes Trading DeBrusk for futures would leave the Bruins just shy of $75 million sideways, it is a reminder that there are no sure things with NHL in 2021-22. That’s a reasonable amount of room under the ceiling. It also goaltending. gives them more space to address Charlie McAvoy’s pending raise.

So if Swayman can share the net with Rask for at least one more Bruins' 2021-22 salary chart season, it sets the Bruins up for continued crease stability. Let’s say, PLAYERS AAV then, that Rask signs a two-year, $11 million extension. Patrice Bergeron As for Hall, the 29-year-old may be at a point where stability and an opportunity to win are higher priorities than maximizing open-market $6,875,000 income. The 2017-18 MVP flexed his no-movement clause to guarantee that Boston was his destination. Even before his first game, Hall said he David Pastrnak was up for extending his stay beyond this season. $6,666,667 Brad Marchand

$6,125,000

Taylor Hall

$6,000,000

Charlie Coyle

$5,250,000

David Krejci

$5,000,000

Nick Ritchie

$3,750,000

Craig Smith

$3,100,000

Ondrej Kase

$2,750,000

Trent Frederic

$1,500,000

Chris Wagner

$1,350,000

Curtis Lazar

$800,000

Jack Studnicka

$769,167

Charlie McAvoy

$4,900,000

Brandon Carlo

$4,500,000

Matt Grzelcyk

$3,687,500

John Moore

$2,750,000

Connor Clifton

$1,000,000

Jeremy Lauzon

$850,000

Jakub Zboril

$725,000

Tuukka Rask

$5,500,000

Jeremy Swayman

$1,050,000

Total

$74,898,334

No transactions are imminent. The July 21 expansion draft comes first. The Bruins have set up their protection plan well.

But the signings could follow soon after Seattle makes its pick.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211562 Buffalo Sabres procedures before the age of 2, followed by one more at around 12 years old.

The condition was rarely discussed in the Houser family. His doctor Michael Houser's 'special night' following difficult road ends with a Sabres inspired confidence and hope by reminding Houser’s parents, Monica win and Bill, that it would have no impact on his quality of life or ability to perform any activity. The diagnosis was rarely discussed by the family, unless a young Michael had questions. It also had no bearing on his Lance Lysowski May 3, 2021 ability to perform on the ice, but Michael described his beginnings as a source of motivation.

“It’s kept me going, for sure, it’s made me work I think a little bit harder Monica Houser was on the phone with a customer service representative knowing that I have to keep up, that I’m not as naturally I guess gifted as Monday morning in her Pittsburgh-area home when an email flashed some others in terms of maybe footwork or height for sure, but it’s across the screen that filled her with pride, joy and a sense of urgency. definitely made me work harder,” Houser said. Her 28-year-old son Michael, a professional goaltender whose National Houser went on to have an outstanding junior career for the Hockey League dream never wavered while competing for eight different Hockey League’s London Knights. He was the rock for a 2011-12 team minor-league teams across nine years, sent a three-word message: “I’m that reached the Memorial Cup and included multiple future first-round starting tonight.” draft picks. He was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player and The Wraparound: Sam Reinhart helps Sabres rally from 2-goal deficit in became the first American-born athlete named the Canadian Hockey win League’s goalie of the year.

Sam Reinhart's game-winning goal with 4:04 remaining in regulation When you covered the Sabres in those post-lockout years, Miller's locker stood as the game-winner and gave rookie goaltender Michael Houser was the place to be most days, Mike Harrington says. his first win in his NHL debut. For all Houser accomplished in the top junior league, he was never Monica apologetically interrupted the conversation and explained why drafted by an NHL team. Houser bounced around the minors with stops she had to hang up: her son was making his NHL debut with the Buffalo in San Antonio, Ontario, Manchester, Cleveland, Tucson, Fort Wayne, Sabres. Rochester and . He hasn’t played more than six AHL games in any season since 2014-15. “She probably thought I was nuts,” Monica joked. There were long bus rides to small rinks for scarcely attended games Monica frantically awoke her 26-year-old son Alex, a doctorate student at across North America while hoping that dedication and success would the University of Michigan, and began to pack a bag for Buffalo. She get noticed by decision-makers around the NHL. But no matter where soon learned fans were not permitted to attend the game inside KeyBank Houser played, his family always made trips to watch in person. Center against the East Division’s third-place New York Islanders, but the Houser family still says it was a day they’ll never forget. “He had that passion, that goal, that maybe someday, maybe, he would get there,” Monica said. “And here’s that someday.” Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark rejoins team for first time since injury With two notable prospects in the pipeline, the Sabres signed Houser to Although Ullmark felt well enough to take shots from teammates and be what coach Matt Thomas called a “competitive received medical clearance to rejoin the team, there's no guarantee he'll backup.” They wanted Houser to push for the job while mentoring young be able to play this week. goalie partners such as Johansson and Luukkonen. Thomas recalled Houser always being first on the ice for practices or morning skates, After some difficult moments to begin his first game at any level since routinely arriving at the rink early with a request for Thomas to construct March 7, 2020, Houser stopped all 15 shots he faced in the third period, team drills that would help him improve a specific area of his game. standing tall to help the Sabres rally from a two-goal deficit to defeat the New York Islanders 4-2. Houser was the backbone of the Cyclones during a 2018-19 season in which Johansson missed significant time with a knee injury. He had a “It’s so exciting,” said Houser, who joked he was still catching his breath. .922 save percentage in 41 games and earned the title of ECHL goalie of “I’ve worked my whole life for this. For it to happen and just to play a the year. game is really special.” “Man, the hardest working guy,” Thomas said. “I’ve never seen a more Houser’s circuitous journey included three consecutive NHL drafts in popular player as a goalie. All the guys love him. He’s so well-liked. He’s which he was not selected and 283 games between the American got that great balance of making sure he’s keeping everybody working. Hockey League and ECHL. He’s just a leader. I’ll tell ya right now, I think JJ and UPL owe a lot to He was the sixth goalie to appear in a game for the Sabres this season, Michael Houser. … He showed them how hard you have to work every tied for the most in franchise history (2013-14 and 1988-89). Linus day to get to the NHL.” Ullmark, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen are unavailable Patience can be difficult for a player in Houser’s position. He was because of injury. Dustin Tokarski did not play while dealing with a talented enough to pursue a more lucrative opportunity overseas. “family matter,” according to interim coach Don Granato, and Jonas Houser, though, earned enough on AHL contracts to have financial Johansson was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in March. stability, which allowed him to spend his summers training rather than With no additional goalies on an NHL contract, the Sabres were granted working a second job. an exception by the league to add Rochester’s Stefanos Lekkas on a He remained resolute in his pursuit for an NHL opportunity and, until this professional tryout to back up Houser. This unprecedented goalie season, continued to hone his craft by working with Sabres goalie situation is one of many calamitous moments in a trying season for the development coach Seamus Kotyk, whom he described as a mentor. franchise. “Every year, I thought he would leave for a job overseas and Michael Sabres Mailbag: Is Don Granato the primary reason behind the would say, ‘I’m not ready,' ” recalled Thomas. “He always believed all he improvement? ever needed was a chance.” As the Buffalo Sabres’ 10th consecutive non-playoff season draws to a Houser savored every moment, but he wasn’t simply happy to be in this close, General Manager Kevyn Adams soon will decide which direction to position. He regretted both goals against, although his 34 saves gave take at head coach. Buffalo its first win over the Islanders this season. But after Sam Yet, for all that needed to occur for Houser to finally receive his NHL call, Reinhart’s two goals completed the comeback and time expired, the he never doubted this day would arrive. Sabres’ bench cleared to congratulate Houser.

Houser’s story of perseverance began long before he joined the Sabres Granato stopped in his tracks to watch the celebration from the bench. organization ahead of the 2018-19 season. He was born with bilateral The dream isn’t over. Houser is expected to start against Tuesday night, club feet, a congenital deformity that affects a child’s bones, muscles, another chapter in his tale of perseverance. tendons and blood vessels. Houser underwent a series of corrective “What an opportunity and an incredible job to seize an opportunity,” Granato said. “Very special night. Special person. … What a moment.”

Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211563 Buffalo Sabres However, the goal was overturned after a coach’s challenge by Granato because officials determined that Casey Cizikas’ contact with Houser prevented the Sabres' goalie from making the save.

The Wraparound: Sam Reinhart helps Sabres rally from 2-goal deficit in Response: The Sabres had six consecutive shots on goal during a win stretch in the second period, including one by Casey Mittelstadt that went off goalie Semyon Varlamov’s glove during a 2-on-1 rush.

Lance Lysowski May 3, 2021 Another one: Wahlstrom tipped a Pelech shot from the point between Houser’s legs for a 2-0 Islanders lead at 10:42 into the second period.

When you covered the Sabres in those post-lockout years, Miller's locker The celebratory shouts from the Buffalo Sabres’ bench could be heard in was the place to be most days, Mike Harrington says. an eerily quiet KeyBank Center. Breaking through: Varlamov’s shutout streak ended at 248 minutes, with Rasmus Asplund had just scored on a loose puck to tie the score in the Thompson scoring at 14:04 into the second period on a power-play shot third period against the New York Islanders, a team the Sabres had yet from the right-wing circle, cutting the Sabres’ deficit to 2-1. Asplund tied to beat in six meetings during this shortened season. the score in the third period after Sam Reinhart extended his arm to poke the puck to the slot. Michael Houser's 'special night' following difficult road ends with a Sabres win Roster moves: Ahead of puck drop Monday, the Sabres assigned forwards C.J. Smith and Steven Fogarty from Rochester to the taxi Playing in his first game at any level since March 7, 2020, Houser squad. Stefanos Lekkas, a 25-year-old goalie, served as Buffalo’s back stopped all 15 shots he faced in the third period, standing tall to help the up after joining the team on a professional tryout. Lekkas had an .863 Sabres rally from a two-goal deficit to defeat the New York Islanders 4-2. save percentage in seven games with the Amerks. At the other end of the ice was Michael Houser, a 28-year-old rookie Defensemen Colin Miller and Matt Irwin were healthy scratches for making his NHL debut after having played only two games above the Buffalo. ECHL since 2015-16. Houser turned his back to the play and got ready to try to help the Sabres spoil the Islanders’ desperate push for two points. Next: The Sabres are scheduled to host the Islanders for the final game of their season series Tuesday night at 7. His teammates ensured he would walk away with a win, rallying from a two-goal deficit to defeat the Islanders 4-2 on Monday. Sam Reinhart’s Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2021 goal with 4:04 remaining in regulation stood as the game-winner.

The Sabres (14-32-17) lost seven of their previous nine games and avoided clinching the NHL's worst record, which would ensure that they have the best odds of selecting first overall in the 2021 draft.

Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark rejoins team for first time since injury

Although Ullmark felt well enough to take shots from teammates and received medical clearance to rejoin the team, there's no guarantee he'll be able to play this week.

Houser, who was called on to start with Dustin Tokarski and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen unavailable, made 34 saves.

Tage Thompson cut the deficit to 2-1 with his power-play shot in the second period to snap the Sabres’ skid on the man advantage. Asplund tied the score with 8:35 remaining on a loose puck in front of the net. Reinhart then tipped a point shot by Rasmus Ristolainen in for the 3-2 lead, and he added his second of the game on an empty-netter for his 25th of the season, which matches his previous career high.

Adam Pelech and Oliver Walstrom scored for the Islanders (31-16-5), who had shutouts in each of their previous two games and have clinched one of four playoff spots in the East Division. New York entered Monday with a 15-0-1 record when leading at the second intermission.

On an island: The Sabres did little to help Houser in the first period. While Granato had his players tighten their coverage in the defensive zone, it allowed the Islanders too much time to move the puck and find open lanes for shots.

Opening salvo: The Islanders took a 1-0 lead when Pelech’s shot from near the half wall deflected off Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju’s stick and past Houser, who was in the middle of gliding to his left when the puck changed directions.

Sabres Mailbag: Is Don Granato the primary reason behind the improvement?

As the Buffalo Sabres’ 10th consecutive non-playoff season draws to a close, General Manager Kevyn Adams soon will decide which direction to take at head coach.

The Sabres have allowed the first goal in eight consecutive games. Entering Monday, the Islanders were 22-1-3 when scoring first.

More issues: Buffalo had two shots on goal during a pair of power plays in the first period. New York, meanwhile, had one shot during that four- minute span.

Close call: It appeared that the Islanders took a 2-0 lead when Ryan Pulock’s shot from near the blue line was tipped by Mathew Barzal. 1211564 Buffalo Sabres

Sabres Notebook: Linus Ullmark rejoins team for first time since injury

Lance Lysowski May 3, 2021

The outlook in goal for the Buffalo Sabres might have brightened Monday with the surprising return of Linus Ullmark at the morning skate in KeyBank Center.

Ullmark, 27, practiced with the Sabres for the first time since he suffered a lower-body injury in a game against the Boston Bruins on April 13. It was an unexpected development after interim coach Don Granato told the media last week that Ullmark was not an option for the Sabres anytime soon.

However, Ullmark felt well enough to take shots from teammates and received medical clearance to rejoin the team. The Sabres will monitor Ullmark’s health to determine if he can be an option before the season ends with a game Saturday in Pittsburgh.

This was a second unrelated lower-body injury for Ullmark, who has missed a combined 26 games in 2020-21.

“It certainly was a very frustrating thing to happen, especially when you’ve gone through a bigger one beforehand,” Ullmark said following the skate. “If I can rewind and obviously do something different I would’ve done it, but looking back at it at the time, I did what I had to do to be ready for the game and to play like I normally do. It was kind of a weird thing that just happened and I’m standing here now.”

The injury occurred during the first period in Boston’s TD Garden. Ullmark appeared to be experiencing some discomfort upon standing up from the butterfly position after making a save on defenseman Mike Reilly. Ullmark remained in the game before he skated to the bench and was replaced by Dustin Tokarski.

Ullmark, a pending unrestricted free agent, has a .917 save percentage in 20 games. General Manager Kevyn Adams opted to not trade Ullmark before the April 12 deadline, as both sides plan to continue to discuss a new contract for the starting goalie.

“It was all right,” Ullmark said of his first skate with the team. “It’s the first practice back and it was certainly enjoyable. I had fun out there skating around with the boys. And regarding the future, there’s still things that need to be done beforehand but we’ll see.”

UPL update

The Sabres are still awaiting word on the severity of the ankle injury rookie goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen suffered in the final moments of the second period Saturday in Boston.

Luukkonen, 22, dropped to the ice in pain after gliding to the left post while tracking the puck in what would be a 6-2 loss to the Bruins. He managed to scramble in the crease until time expired, when he was then helped off the ice and did not return.

A second-round draft pick in 2017, Luukkonen has a .906 save percentage in four games with Buffalo. His backup in those games, Tokarski did not skate with the Sabres on Monday morning for what Granato later said is a "family matter" to tend to.

Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211565 Buffalo Sabres Looking ahead: The Islanders enter Monday third in the East Division, only four points behind the first-place Pittsburgh Penguins. New York is 4-2-1 in its last seven games and has won each of its six games against Sabres game day: With UPL out, Michael Houser to make NHL debut vs. Buffalo this season, outscoring the Sabres, 24-9. Isles The Sabres have lost seven of their last nine games.

Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2021 Lance Lysowski May 3, 2021

Matchup: Buffalo Sabres (13-32-7) vs. New York Islanders (31-15-5)

Where: KeyBank Center

When: 7 p.m.

TV: MSG

Radio: WGR 550

The goalie carousel continues to turn for the Buffalo Sabres, causing Don Granato to use an unlikely starter Monday night in KeyBank Center.

Michael Houser, a 28-year-old with zero games of NHL experience, will receive his first career start against the New York Islanders. He has not appeared in more than six games in any season since 2014-15.

Much of Houser's professional career has been spent in the ECHL, where he was the league's goaltender of the year while playing for the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2018-19.

“In situations like this you certainly hope and expect the players to rally around and fight a little harder net-front and to clean things up and to get him more of a look at shots, more shots to the outside, all of those things," Granato said. "Manage the puck better. So, those will be points to be made this evening and points of emphasis for us.”

Dustin Tokarski is not available. The Sabres are monitoring Tokarski's status after he was hit hard on a collision with Boston Bruins winger David Pastrnak on Saturday. Tokarski replaced rookie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who had started each of the past three games.

Luukkonen, 22, suffered a lower-body injury late in the second period of the 6-2 loss to the Bruins. The Sabres are awaiting word on the severity of the injury, as Luukkonen was evaluated by a doctor Monday.

Linus Ullmark rejoined the team Monday morning after being out with a lower-body injury since April 13. The 27-year-old is not ready to appear in a game and it's unclear if he'll be able to return before the season finale Saturday in Pittsburgh. Granato told reporters the Sabres will evaluate Ullmark following the skate.

"We come back, he had a couple skates on his own and wanted to jump in, felt comfortable enough on the medical side with him to jump into the skate today," Granato said of Ullmark. "So, we’re gathering more information on that to see how he responded and felt with regard to the skate today to see if there’s more reason to be optimistic on him in the next few days.

Houser has not appeared in a game since March 7, 2020, when he earned his second consecutive shutout with 24 saves for the Cyclones. He had a .902 save percentage in 26 games with Cincinnati last season.

This is the first time since 2013-14 the Sabres will use six different goalies in a season.

Lineup: Cody Eakin, a healthy scratch in each of the past seven games, is expected to draw into the lineup and will center a line alongside Riley Sheahan and Drake Caggiula.

Granato also reunited Tage Thompson with Casey Mittelstadt and Rasmus Asplund at the morning skate, while Arttu Routsalainen took line rushes with Dylan Cozens and Anders Bjork.

Here's how the Sabres lined up:

Sabres' lines/pairings at the morning skate:Skinner-Reinhart- OlofssonAsplund-Mittelstadt-ThompsonBjork-Cozens- RuotsalainenSheahan-Eakin-CaggiulaSamuelsson-RistolainenDahlin- JokiharjuBryson-BorgenRieder, Miller among the extras.Houser and Ullmark are the goalies.

— Lance Lysowski (@LLysowski) May 3, 2021 1211566 Buffalo Sabres Ryan Miller, , , Nathan Lieuwen, and Connor Knapp.

The difference is those were full seasons. This year features a truncated Goalie Michael Houser wins his NHL debut with Sabres: ‘I’ve worked my 56-game schedule played in four months. whole life for this’ “This is an odd one,” Granato said. “We know how challenging the year’s been for so many teams but, yeah, this is certainly an odd one.”

By John Vogl May 4, 2021 The backup situation Monday was just as strange. The Sabres signed 25-year-old Stefanos Lekkas to a professional tryout contract before the game and dressed him as the backup. Buffalo designated assistant BUFFALO, N.Y. – There were times when Michael Houser felt the NHL coach Mike Bales, 49, as the emergency backup goalie. was out of reach. Lekkas has 19 games of professional experience while Bales hasn’t “Anytime you’re in the East Coast League, it seems like it’s quite a jump played since 2009-10 when he was with the Straubing Tigers in to get there,” the 28-year-old said. Germany.

But nine years after signing his first pro contract, after 210 games in the So, how’d the Sabres get here anyway? ECHL, 73 games in the American Hockey League and zero games anywhere for 14 months, Houser’s time finally arrived Monday. The • No. 1 goaltender Linus Ullmark has been out with a lower-body injury Sabres goalie skated to an NHL crease for the first time in his life, and he since April 13. He practiced for the first time since the ailment Monday. skated out of it with a 4-2 victory over the Islanders. • No. 2 goalie Carter Hutton suffered a lower-body injury March 22.

He left with a game puck and memories that made those seemingly • Buffalo traded No. 3 goalie Jonas Johansson to Colorado on March 20. endless bus rides worth it. • No. 4 goalie Dustin Tokarski is away from the team to deal with a family “I know it’s so cliche, but they always tell you to stay ready, and I’ve matter. taken that to heart the last few years,” Houser said in celebratory KeyBank Center. “It’s so exciting. I’ve worked my whole life for this to • Top prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen suffered a lower-body injury happen. Just to play a game is really special, but to win, winning’s always Saturday during his fourth career start. the goal.” Houser was next on the roulette wheel. In another lost season for Buffalo, any win is memorable. But as the players smiled and mobbed Houser at the crease and in the dressing “I’m very happy for him,” Ullmark said. “It’s a great opportunity for him to room, it was easy to tell this was a different kind of day. play at the top level, playing against one of the best teams in the league, as well. I’m just happy for him, you know?” “The boys are really fired up for him,” forward Tage Thompson said. “I don’t think there’s too many more deserving guys.” Ullmark was not alone. This is Houser’s third season in the organization and he’s made plenty of friends among prospects, minor-league coaches Thompson praised Houser’s work away from the spotlight, which is the and the player development staff, most notably traveling goalie coach only place Houser has been working for 14 months. His last game was Seamus Kotyk. March 7, 2020, for Cincinnati of the ECHL. But a run of injuries, trades and absences finally opened the door to his dream. “As we talked as a staff about the potential of putting him in, the guys that have known his history and followed his career are really excited for him “What an opportunity and an incredible job to seize an opportunity,” because he is such a dedicated athlete and good teammate, good Sabres interim coach Don Granato said. person,” Granato said.

Houser stopped 34 of 36 shots, shutting the door after New York took a Houser was penciled to play this year with Cincinnati, but the Cyclones 2-0 lead midway through the second period. Buffalo rallied with four opted out of the ECHL season. He began as the Amerks’ No. 3 goalie straight goals, including three in the final nine minutes. behind Luukkonen and Tokarski but never got a game. The Sabres signed Houser to an NHL deal when they traded Johansson and As the players looked to the scoreboard in anticipation of the final buzzer, assigned him to the taxi squad to fulfill COVID-19 roster requirements. Houser tapped his stick off both posts and readied for the mob scene. “It’s not an easy spot for any of the taxi guys to grind through this every CONGRATS TO MICHAEL HOUSER ON HIS FIRST NHL WIN day,” Granato said. “It becomes monotonous for them because they’re #LETSGOBUFFALO #ISLES PIC.TWITTER.COM/RG21FSE1VT not in the lineup, and he’s been outstanding through that.”

— BUFFALO HOCKEY MOMENTS (@SABRESPLAYS) MAY 4, 2021 Houser’s professional journey to the NHL was arduous enough, but he The party may have been more strenuous than the game. had personal travails to conquer. The native and Pittsburgh-area resident was born with bilateral club feet and underwent more than a “I’m not really in that great of game shape, I’ll admit that,” Houser said, dozen surgeries on each foot before age 2. “so after the game I was celebrating and everything, I could barely breathe. I’m just trying to catch my breath right now.” He wanted to join his brother, Nick, in youth hockey leagues, but the surgeries affected his skating ability. Houser was just fine in net, though. He’d better hurry. Granato announced Houser will start Tuesday’s He excelled in the famed Little Caesars program in Detroit and was the rematch, too. Goalie of the Year in 2011-12.

The Islanders have yet to beat Houser with a clean shot. The first goal “I was born with club feet, and it’s never really hindered me at all,” came with 9:15 gone, and there was nothing Houser could do. New Houser said. “I’ve been able to perform and perform at a high level at York’s Adam Pelech sent a pass toward the front that bounced off the various times. stick of Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju and redirected past the goalie. “It’s made me work a little bit harder, knowing that I have to keep up, that I’m not, I guess, as naturally gifted as some others in terms of maybe The second goal was also a redirect as Oliver Wahlstrom tipped Pelech’s footwork.” point shot midway through the second period. On this night, one that was nine years in the making, he was gifted “I really wasn’t thrilled about either goal, but I was happy how I enough to appear in an NHL game and win it. He was eager to call the responded,” Houser said. people who helped make it happen.

Houser became the sixth goalie to appear in Buffalo’s crease, tying the “My parents are basically the only ones who have seen my entire career,” franchise’s single-season record. The Sabres also used six goalies in Houser said. “I’m sure this is just as special for them as it is for me, and 1988-89 — Tom Barrasso, Daren Puppa, Jacques Cloutier, Clint I’m really excited to talk to them.” Malarchuk, Darcy Wakaluk and — and again in 2013-14 with The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211567 With 13 points since the swap, he’s equalled his total from 38 outings this winter with the Calgary-based crew. He was a team-worst minus-14 at the time of the trade but has quickly climbed to just three shots below Life is just beachy for former Flames forward Sam Bennett since trade to even. Florida And while the Flames — next in action Wednesday against the Winnipeg Jets — are clinging to a snowball’s chance in you-know-where of advancing to the second season, the Panthers have already clinched Wes Gilbertson their own playoff berth.

“Obviously I’m not going to get complacent and get too comfortable,” Bennett promised. “I know it is only a short sample size. There’s still a lot Sam Bennett’s former teammates in Calgary are happy for him. more that I have to prove.” Mostly. True, but you could ask for a much more impressive introduction. “I think a bit jealous, too, about the sun and the beach,” chuckled Bennett has already potted an overtime winner for the Panthers and Bennett, now settling in with the Florida Panthers. “I sent them some picked up a couple of assists on the man-advantage. He’s dropped his pictures when I was laying by the beach, and they weren’t too happy mitts for a fight. He has played 20-plus minutes on four occasions, about that. something that never happened once in his 402 regular-season dates in “There are some great guys in Calgary, and that’s the hardest part. I am the Flaming C. definitely going to miss those guys, but I’m sure we’ll stay in touch.” Life is … well … just beachy. You can’t help but be happy for Bennett. “It’s been awesome,” said Bennett, who missed Monday’s matchup with After six fairly ho-hum seasons — plus a couple of superb playoff the Dallas Stars due to a minor injury. “Right away, given the big role, big performances — with the Calgary Flames, it was plain-as-a-blue-sky-day opportunity, getting chances to play on the power-play, penalty-kill and that he needed a fresh start. then getting all the ice-time, it’s been a lot of fun. I’m really enjoying hockey. I’m really enjoying everything right now. I’m just lovin’ it. The suddenly-suntanned forward, shipped south three weeks ago at the NHL’s trade deadline, has certainly made the most of it. “I think it’s nice to actually be able to take advantage,” he added. “I obviously have always believed in myself and believed that I could In nine appearances as the Panthers’ second-line , Bennett has accept and take a bigger role and produce and have success and help notched five goals and eight assists. In Florida’s franchise history, only the team. So to actually be able to capitalize and to make the most of my one other gent put up 13 points in his first nine twirls with the Cats — opportunity here, it feels really good. It’s something that I’ve always inductee Pavel Bure. known that I could do, so to actually be able to go do it, it’s pretty special.” “It’s pretty cool to even be mentioned in the same sentence as him,” Bennett beamed. “He was a heck of a player, so that’s definitely a cool It might be pretty painful for some fans in Calgary — and a tad nerve- stat.” wracking for a team that is presumably pondering a significant roster shakeup in the off-season — but Bennett has been feeling the support The hope, of course, was this dude would be rewriting the franchise from his old stomping grounds. record book in Calgary, not threatening to become a cautionary tale after the team traded him away. Not just from his former locker-room pals. From franchise legend Lanny McDonald, too. The return for the 24-year-old Bennett — forward prospect Emil Heineman and a second-round selection next summer — was viewed on “He reached out right after the trade and wished me all the best,” Bennett deadline day, and still should be, as solid value for a player who likely said. “And then when he found out I was going to wear No. 9, he said, wasn’t going to be protected in the upcoming expansion draft. But it’s ‘Make sure you wear the moustache and the number proud.’ And I told absolutely fair to wonder why the fourth-overall pick in 2014, a kid who him, of course I would.” never seemed to lack talent or tenacity, couldn’t put it all together at the Saddledome. So far, so good.

Did Bennett, who always figured he could be most effective up the FEELING LUCKY? middle, get a long enough look at centre? Wednesday’s winner can share their smile. Now that he’s racking up points between Jonathan Huberdeau and The Calgary Flames Foundation is putting a unique twist on their latest Anthony Duclair, did he have enough talent to work with, and enough RE/MAX 50/50 Draw — one lucky fan will pocket half of the total jackpot, time to strike chemistry when he did? as per usual, but will also have a say on which eligible charity benefits After a stellar showing in the summer bubble, where he led the team in from the proceeds of the raffle. both goals and hits, why was he cast as bottom-six sort again this The winner will choose the recipient for 25% of the pot, or half of the half season? Why was he riding pine when his squad was on the power-play? that is earmarked for donation. The remaining funds will be directed And why is a guy who was so inconsistent in Calgary now scorching in through the Flames Foundation. Florida? “This season, Calgary Flames fans and raffle participants helped ensure Was Vitamin D the only missing ingredient? the Calgary Flames Foundation could honour our commitments and support valuable community programs,” said Candice Goudie, executive “When you’re on one team for a while, you can kind of be trapped and director of the Flames Foundation, in a press release. “With our fans’ put in a position and there’s always new, younger guys coming up or new support, we have been able to continue donations to charities through guys to the team, and sometimes they get given bigger roles,” Bennett our COVID-19 Community Support Program. We have been able to carry reasoned. “Just like how I’m a new guy in Florida and I was given a big on the creation of programs and partnerships that resulted in books for role right away. That’s just how it goes sometimes. It’s part of the game, I schools, technology for students at home, new rinks and playgrounds guess. But when you are given those opportunities, you just have to and sports equipment sent to homes of low-income families. make the most of it.” “Albertans continue to be incredibly dedicated to philanthropy. This He’s done that. special 50/50 allows us to say thank you to our supporters in a meaningful way.” Bennett logged his Panthers debut on April 17, announcing his arrival with two assists in a victory over the defending champs from Tampa Bay. The Flames play host Wednesday to the Winnipeg Jets (7:30 p.m., Heading into Monday’s action, there were only two NHLers who had Sportsnet West/Sportsnet 960 The Fan). Tickets for the 50/50 raffle will been more productive since that date — his minor-hockey linemate be on sale online from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Connor McDavid and his new linemate Huberdeau. Calgary Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211568 Carolina Hurricanes “That’s the whole name of the game right now,” Brind’Amour said. “It’s human nature. It would be easy to let off the gas. You push so hard to get into the playoffs and you get in, but we have to keep getting better. In stretch against also-rans, Hurricanes haven’t just maintained their When we get to playoffs, we can’t have bad habits and things creep into edge. They’ve honed it. our game. I give the guys a lot of credit. The last three games haven’t been picture perfect, but we haven’t come off the gas at all.”

The Hurricanes have been building something, all season long, but over BY LUKE DECOCK the past four weeks or so in particular as they round into health and start to get players back from injury. They’re in a run of seven straight games

against teams that aren’t going to make the playoffs — whether that’s RALEIGH-It has now been three weeks since the Carolina Hurricanes Dallas at the start of it or Nashville at the end of it — and they haven’t last lost in regulation, and while they have benefited from a mild drop in just maintained their edge, but honed it. the quality of competition, they have responded to that with an increase News Observer LOADED: 05.04.2021 in quality of their own.

As the end of the regular season fast approaches, the Hurricanes continue to get better.

Getting players like Teuvo Teravainen and Brady Skjei back certainly helps, but there’s more than personnel to the kind of overflowing confidence the Hurricanes displayed in Monday’s 5-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks. They passed repeatedly into open space knowing a teammate would quickly fill it, deftly doubled back to defuse threats at the other end and over and over again made the kind of subtle plays that belie the tremendous trust inherent in them.

“It’s all about sharpening up,” Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We’ve got to find a way to stay razor sharp and keep getting better.”

When it’s going your way, it’s all going your way. Sebastian Aho was hooked and dropped his stick at one end, with no call, then was the recipient of an Andrei Svechnikov pass to finish a two-on-one on the very next rush, his first of three. Dougie Hamilton took a shot from deep in the corner behind the Chicago net, and banked it off the goalie and in. Real puck-don’t-lie stuff.

Of course, it also helps that this is the kind of Blackhawks team that would look familiar to Alpo Suhonen, Trent Yawney, Brian Sutter and Lorne Molleken, all of whom oversaw dismal Blackhawks teams in the post-Chelios/Roenick-pre-Kane/Toews intermission, a period when the Blackhawks made the playoffs once in 10 years and weren’t even a gleam in NBC’s eye yet.

There’s still something to be said for putting a team playing out the string out of its misery quickly rather than giving it a reason to hang around and make a nuisance of itself, and the Hurricanes made quick work of that Monday. It was 2-0 at the end of the first — easily could have been 4-0 — and was 4-0 midway through the second. Game over at that point, although the Blackhawks tacked on a pair late as the Hurricanes coasted in third gear before Aho clinched the hat trick with an empty-netter.

“We just tried to go into this game and play our game,” said Martin Necas, who scored his first goal since April 10. “Be strong on the puck, play in the offensive zone, if there was a play just make it, or try to skate it in there as well. It was a good start. ... We want to win every game. It’s been pretty good so far. Right now it’s the time of year when you have to be dialed in and be ready for the playoffs.”

The first two goals both had a tinge of luck to them and more than a tinge of misfortune on the part of Chicago goalie Malcolm Subban, but the Hurricanes more than earned them. Hamilton banked the first off Subban’s skate from deep below the goal line and Necas’ long shot hit the post and then Subban twice for the Hurricanes’ second.

Aho tacked on a pair in the first half of the second period to chase Subban, but goaltending wasn’t the Blackhawks’ issue. On this night, they were utterly unequipped to keep up with a far better hockey team playing with verve and style.

The Hurricanes certainly still have everything to play for at this point, despite having a playoff spot safely secured. It’s not just positioning, even though first place in this division means potentially only having to play one of Tampa Bay and Florida instead of both, no small consideration given the quality of those teams.

It’s less concrete than that. A game like this, a performance like this, even against an outmanned opponent that’s ready for the end of a chronologically short but emotionally long season, requires the same rigid focus and lack of mercy required to complete a sweep or take care of business at home in the first two games of a first-round series. 1211569 Carolina Hurricanes ▪ Forwards Brock McGinn (upper-body) and Jordan Martinook (lower- body) continue to be sidelined. McGinn has been out the last 14 games and Martinook five.

Aho hat trick spurs Carolina Hurricanes to 5-2 victory over Chicago ▪ The Canes (35-10-7) and Blackhawks (22-24-6) play three times in four Blackhawks days to finish out their Central season series. Carolina, now with 77 points, went into the first game with a two-point lead over Tampa Bay and Florida in the division, with one game-in-hand on the Lightning and BY CHIP ALEXANDER two on the Panthers. The Canes also led the NHL in points. That all held true, save for the game in hand.

“There’s a lot on the line,” center Vincent Trocheck said. “We’re trying to It has been a while since hats came flying on the ice at PNC Arena. win every game going down the stretch. Nobody wants to create bad But Sebastian Aho of the Carolina Hurricanes had ‘em flying Monday. habits going into the playoffs.” Scoring the fourth hat trick of his career, the ever competitive center ▪ Because Nedeljkovic played more than 30 minutes in Monday’s game, spurred the Canes to a 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. it marked his 27th game with 30 or more minutes — he played 29:57 in Aho scored off the rush. He scored on the power play, with a crafty his first NHL game. The 27th game qualifies him as a restricted free redirection. He then finished off the hat trick with an empty-net goal in the agent after the season. Nedeljkovic could have qualified as a Group 6 final two minutes of regulation, scoring with the Blackhawks’ Patrick Kane unrestricted agree agent. He is 25, has played three years of on his hip and pushing him all the way. professional hockey and has an expiring contract this season.

It wasn’t like the days before the pandemic, when the arena was full and News Observer LOADED: 05.04.2021 hats filled the playing surface. But it was a proper tribute to a player who always has his game face set, his focus sharp and his eyes on only one prize: winning.

Asked after the game about the hat trick, Aho replied, “It’s pretty nice, but we’re here for a bigger goal.”

The Hurricanes (35-10-7) have established themselves as Stanley Cup contenders. They lead the Central Division and the NHL with 77 points. They have points in their last 11 games and are intent on staying sharp in the final days of the regular season.

“The human nature part of it, it would be easy to let off the gas,” Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour said. “We have to keep getting better because you get to the playoffs you just can’t have bad habits creep into your game.

“It’s all about sharpening up. We have to stay razor sharp here and find a way to keep getting better.”

Defenseman Dougie Hamilton had a goal and assist, Martin Necas scored his first goal in 12 games and Vincent Trocheck had two assists as the Canes led 2-0 after the first period and 4-1 after the second.

Canes goalie Alex Nedeljkovic picked up his 15th win of the season, facing 17 shots as the Canes were quick on getting sticks on pucks and even quicker in exiting their zone. Nedeljkovic, 7-0-1 in his last eight starts, had his biggest stop of the game with 1:34 left in regulation, gloving a shot by Kane with the Canes leading 4-2.

Aho, who has an eight-game point streak, scored his first goal off a perfectly executed two-on-one rush with Andrei Svechnikov in the second. His second goal made it 4-0 and chased goalie Malcolm Subban of the Blackhawks (22-24-6), now officially out of playoff contention.

Aho’s third goal, his 24th of the season, came at 18:44 of the third off a Jesper Fast pass. No easy shot to an empty net, either. He had Kane hounding him but finished up the natural hat trick.

“He’s a complete player,” Necas said “He can skate, he can make plays, he’s got a good shot. Especially this year I feel like he’s played so much better in the defensive zone. What can I say? He’s a great player.”

Defenseman Ian Mitchell scored for Chicago late in the second period and speedy forward Alex DeBrincat picked up his 26th in the third.

The Blackhawks had another score in the second overturned on a successful coach’s challenge by Brind’Amour for goaltender interference.

The Canes and Blackhawks go at it again Tuesday at PNC Arena, then again Thursday to close out their divisional series.

“I think why we’ve had success this year is we’ve been able to stay in the moment,” Aho said. “That’s been the whole message here lately: take one day at a time, one game at a time, and that we have to do it right every game, every day.”

NEWS AND NOTES

▪ Goalie Petr Mrazek served as the backup goalie to Alex Nedeljkovic after being out six games with a lower-body injury. 1211570 Chicago Blackhawks Hurricanes outshot the Hawks 38-18, including a 17-7 advantage in the second and 11-0 in high-danger chances, according to NaturalStatTrick.com.

Chicago Blackhawks are eliminated from playoff contention with a 5-2 With the Panthers and Lightning both two points behind entering Monday loss to the Carolina Hurricanes night’s slate, the division-leading Hurricanes couldn’t afford a slip-up against the sixth-place Hawks. They maintained a two-point edge on the Panthers, who beat the Dallas Stars in overtime, and moved four in front By PHIL THOMPSON of the idle Lightning.

The Predators secured the division’s fourth and final playoff berth when the Hawks lost, and they went on to beat the Blue Jackets in overtime. The Chicago Blackhawks had less than a 1% chance of earning a playoff berth entering Monday night’s game at PNC Arena, and that door finally The Hawks have relied a lot on rookies and second-year players whom closed when the Hawks lost 5-2 to the Carolina Hurricanes to eliminate coaches were trying to develop simultaneously. Eight players have made them from postseason contention. their NHL debuts this season, while two others, Brandon Hagel and Nicolas Beaudin, made their debuts last season but were limited to one It’s a letdown for a rebuilding team that defied preseason predictions. game before the pandemic brought the season to a halt. The Hawks were picked to finish last in the Central Division by several The young players have been major contributors. Suter and Hagel, for media pundits, and they were outscored 15-5 in three losses to open the example, rank among the top five on the team in scoring. season. But they steadily built a 14-9-5 record in the first half of the season. DeBrincat leads the Hawks in goals (26) after a down season in 2019-20.

From mid-February to mid-March, the Hawks reached as high as second Rookie Kevin Lankinen emerged as a candidate to become the everyday place and spent the bulk of that span clinging to a playoff position in goalie of the future, going 16-14-5 and posting a 3.04 goals-against fourth place. average and .908 save percentage in his first 36 starts.

But it has been a precipitous fall since the midpoint of the season as the And some things never change: Patrick Kane remains the team’s points Hawks have gone 8-15-1. leader (62).

“It’s tough,” forward Alex Debrincat said. “Obviously not the spot we want The Hawks did an admirable job blending a cast that had little time to to be in with four games left. We had a good stretch middle of the build chemistry while dealing with setbacks such as Dach’s late start season, but we have to play a full season.” because of wrist surgery, Adam Boqvist’s season-ending wrist injury, the retirements of Andrew Shaw and Brent Seabrook, a stretch with five At least some of the Hawks’ early success could be attributed to the players going into COVID-19 protocol around the same time and schedule, as they played the majority of their series against the Jonathan Toews’ seasonlong absence because of an undisclosed illness. Columbus Blue Jackets (6-2-0 for the season) and Detroit Red Wings (6- 2-0). But they were undone by sporadic five-on-five offense (2.82 goals per game, ranking 16th), a power play that faded in the second half, a But against the division’s top competition, the Hawks struggled, including penalty kill that didn’t click until recently, a transition offense that losing records against the Tampa Bay Lightning (1-6-1), Florida Panthers defenses eventually solved by stopping it at the blue line and untimely (2-4-2) and Nashville Predators (1-5-2). turnovers. Goaltender Malcolm Subban was pulled from Monday’s game in the The focus for the remaining four games will be setting up for the future, second period after giving up a fourth goal. Collin Delia came on in relief starting with two more games at Carolina on Tuesday and Thursday. The — just his third game this season and his first appearance since Jan. 17. season then wraps up with a pair of home games Sunday and Monday Delia looked sharp after being idle for 3½ months. He started 6-for-6 with against the Stars. three straight saves, and in the third period he shut down a 2-on-1 short- “Love the competition and … it’s a combination of evaluation but also handed breakaway by Sebastian Aho and Martin Nečas. Delia had 19 development,” Colliton said before Monday’s game. “We’re trying to stops for the game. challenge these guys to give a little bit more and show how they can be “He was good,” coach Jeremy Colliton said of Delia. “Obviously our plan part of more team success going forward. was to get him in soon here. Wasn’t planning on it being tonight, but he “So it’s a big opportunity. Every game is a gift, every game you can’t take did an excellent job for us.” it for granted, no matter the situation. So that’s the approach we want to The Hawks were no match for the Hurricanes’ strong forecheck, a have.” problem that has followed the Hawks for much of the season, particularly Chicago Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021 against bigger teams. The Hurricanes kept the Hawks on their heels and in their own zone for long stretches of the first and second periods.

Dougie Hamilton put the Hurricanes up 1-0 about 6½ minutes in when his shot from below the goal line banked in off Subban’s stick. Seven minutes later, Nečas made it 2-0 with a long wrister while Subban was screened. Aho finished off a 2-on-1 break with Andrei Svechnikov early in the second, then Aho scored again on a deflection.

Philipp Kurashev’s would-be goal for the Hawks in the second was overturned because of Pius Suter’s goaltender interference, but with 1:25 left in the second, Ian Mitchell one-timed Dylan Strome’s pass from below the goal line.

With 5:22 left in regulation, DeBrincat made it 4-2 when he raced out on a breakaway on a long pass by Dominik Kubalík, spun Brady Skjei and snapped the puck past Alex Nedeljkovic for his 26th goal. Kirby Dach’s backward pass almost set up DeBrincat for another one, but DeBrincat couldn’t control a roller and fired wide.

Aho completed a hat trick with an empty-netter with 1:16 left.

Despite a lively third period, it was too much Hurricanes for most of the game.

Elite teams either have been quicker to the puck than the Hawks or have bullied the Hawks off of it, and it was the case again Monday. The 1211571 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Sun Times LOADED: 05.04.2021

Blackhawks lose to Hurricanes, mathematically eliminated from playoff contention

A 5-2 defeat Monday officially knocked the Hawks out of the race. But they have been realistically dead for a while.

By Ben Pope May 3, 2021, 9:36pm CDT

The Blackhawks’ mathematical chance of qualifying for the playoffs died Monday as quietly as their realistic chance did two weeks ago.

The Hawks long ago had accepted their fate, even before their 5-2 loss to the Hurricanes — their fifth consecutive defeat — dealt the official blow.

‘‘It doesn’t change the message as far as what we’re trying to do,’’ coach Jeremy Colliton said. ‘‘We have to get better, have to keep improving.’’

‘‘Obviously, [it’s] not the spot we want to be in with four games left,’’ wing Alex DeBrincat said. ‘‘We had a good stretch there in the middle of the season, but you’ve got to play a full season. It’s tough. But these next four games, we’re still building for something in the future. Still have to play hard.’’

The Predators’ overtime victory against the Blue Jackets and the Stars’ overtime loss to the Panthers means the fourth and final playoff spot in the Central Division almost certainly will go to the Predators.

The Hurricanes, who lead the Central and the NHL with 77 points, raced to a 4-0 lead midway through and never looked particularly threatened. They finished with a 39-18 edge in scoring chances, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Collin Delia relieved Malcolm Subban, who continued the Hawks’ run of poor goaltending starts by knocking in the Hurricanes’ first two goals himself, and provided a bright spot.

Making his first NHL appearance since Jan. 17, Delia stopped all 19 shots he faced and made the Hawks’ decision to exile him from the goalie rotation for months seem questionable.

‘‘I just want to battle for the team,’’ Delia said. ‘‘It’s definitely been a long, long road for me, but my focus is just trying to help the team win as best I can. And if that’s playing or if that’s [being] in a supportive role, so be it.’’

Colliton has rotated the Hawks’ lineup heavily in recent games and likely will continue to do so. Defenseman Nicolas Beaudin displaced Riley Stillman, and forward Pius Suter returned in Brett Connolly’s spot Monday.

But turnovers have remained an issue, no matter the personnel.

‘‘If we want more success, we have to manage the puck better,’’ Colliton said. ‘‘If we’re under pressure, we have to . . . support [each other], make enough plays to advance [the puck], get through the neutral zone. There was some unforced stuff, too, that fed their transition [attack].’’

Mitchell battling mental grind

Colliton was happy to see rookie defenseman Ian Mitchell score a goal to help boost his confidence.

Mitchell, back in the lineup lately after more than a month mostly out of it, talked earlier in the day about how this season has taxed him mentally more than physically.

‘‘When I was playing every night the first 30 games, I thought, ‘I’m really starting to get into a groove,’ ’’ he said. ‘‘But . . . a couple of [bad] games and you get rattled, get thrown off your game. You really understand how difficult a league it is. I’m going to work really hard to try to get that consistency back.’’

Mitchell cited ‘‘a couple of not-so-great plays’’ he made March 18 and March 20 against the Lightning as particularly discouraging for him.

‘‘For a while, I was letting the time run out instead of trying to do good things, create offense,’’ he said. ‘‘Those are things I’ve been trying to get back in the time I haven’t been playing.’’ 1211572 Chicago Blackhawks

Many reasons for Blackhawks' struggles down stretch

John Dietz

Nobody on the Blackhawks is going to make excuses for a losing streak that reached five after a 5-2 loss at Carolina on Monday.

They could, no doubt, point to the fact that a bunch of new faces have arrived over the past month. Forming chemistry on the fly and learning a new system is never easy.

It's not just that, though.

• The goaltenders are struggling. Badly.

• Defensive assignments are being blown. Badly.

• The power play is non-existent.

• Patrick Kane has all but disappeared.

And while those are all big reasons why the Hawks have fallen out of the playoff picture, let's also recognize that Nashville, Tampa Bay, Florida and Carolina are all on a completely different level right now.

The Hurricanes (35-10-7) proved as much Monday, taking a 4-0 lead after 30 minutes. Know how many SHOTS the Hawks had to that point?

Try six.

Carolina's first goal by Dougie Hamilton at 6:33 of the first period came when the puck -- which was being sent cross ice from behind the net -- hit Malcolm Subban's stick and somehow got behind the Hawks' goalie. Subban was pulled after Carolina's fourth goal, having made just 14 saves.

Collin Delia came on in relief and stopped all 19 shots he saw. It was Delia's third NHL appearance of the season and first since January 17.

Ian Mitchell and Alex DeBrincat scored for the Hawks, DeBrincat's coming with 5:22 remaining to make it 4-2. DeBrincat has 26 goals on the season.

Sebastian Aho notched a hat trick for the Hurricanes.

The teams meet again Tuesday.

Daily Herald Times LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211573 Chicago Blackhawks

Hawks officially eliminated from postseason contention

BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

The Blackhawks have officially been eliminated from postseason contention following Monday's 5-2 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. It's the third time in the last four seasons they've missed out on the playoffs.

The Blackhawks started the campaign with a 13-7-5 record for 35 points, which was tied for fifth-best in the NHL at the time. But since March 6, they're 9-17-1 and have accumulated only 19 points, which is tied for third-worst over that span.

According to oddsmakers, the Blackhawks' over/under point total before the season was set at 49.5. They're currently at 50 with four games to go.

The Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning have all secured playoff spots in the Central Division. The No. 4 seed is up for grabs and will come down to the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211574 Chicago Blackhawks

10 observations: Blackhawks suffer fifth straight loss

BY CHARLIE ROUMELIOTIS

The Blackhawks fell to the Carolina Hurricanes 5-2 on Monday at PNC Arena.

Here are 10 observations from the loss:

1. The Blackhawks dropped their fifth straight game (0-4-1) and are officially eliminated from postseason contention. It's the third time in the last four seasons they've missed out on the playoffs.

2. Head coach Jeremy Colliton changed up all four lines and the three defensive pairings for this game. Here's what they looked like:

First line: Philipp Kurashev — Pius Suter — Patrick Kane

Second line: Alex DeBrincat — Kirby Dach — Dominik Kubalik

Third line: Vinnie Hinostroza — Dylan Strome — Adam Gaudette

Fourth line: Mike Hardman — David Kampf — Brandon Hagel

First pairing: Wyatt Kalynuk — Connor Murphy

Second pairing: — Ian Mitchell

Third pairing: Nikita Zadorov — Nicolas Beaudin

3. At the halfway mark of the contest, the Hurricanes had four goals and 18 shots on net. The Blackhawks had zero goals and only six shots. It was a very one-sided first half.

4. Malcolm Subban started between the pipes and gave up four goals on 18 shots, although it's difficult to fault him for any of the goals aside from the first one when Dougie Hamilton's shot from below the goal line went off his stick and in.

5. Collin Delia, who served as the backup, replaced Subban after the fourth goal at the 9:52 mark of the second period. It was his first NHL action since Jan. 17 and he was absolutely terrific in relief, stopping all 19 shots he faced. His best stop came on a Martin Necas breakaway in the middle frame.

6. During 5-on-5 action, the Hurricanes led the Blackhawks in scoring chances (30-13) and high-danger chances (20-6), according to Natural Stat Trick. In the second period alone, the Hurricanes generated 11 high- danger chances to Chicago's two.

7. Before the game, Mitchell talked about trying to get his swagger back by being more aggressive and making more of an impact on the ice. He did that on Monday by scoring his third goal of the season and his first since Feb. 19. That was much-needed for his confidence.

Ian Mitchell scores his third goal of the season and first since Feb. 19. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/CQ6atrYdmP— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) May 4, 2021

8. Alex DeBrincat scored for the third straight game and increased his goal total to 26 on the season. In a normal 82-game season, he would be on pace to finish with 44 goals, which would be a new career-high; his personal best is 41, set during the 2018-19 campaign.

9. The Hurricanes improved to 8-0-3 during their 11-game point streak and have killed off 30 of 33 penalties for a success rate of 90.9 percent over that span. They went 3-for-3 against the Blackhawks on Monday.

10. The Hurricanes rank No. 2 in the NHL with a faceoff win percentage of 53.7. The Blackhawks rank No. 28 with a win percentage of 46.8. The Hurricanes got the better of the Blackhawks in this game, winning 33 of 55 draws for a win percentage of 60.0.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211575 Chicago Blackhawks But just because hockey was Konstantin’s life, that didn’t mean it had to be Philipp’s. Konstantin wanted his son to choose whatever made him happy. It just so happened hockey made Philipp happier than anything.

Blackhawks rookie Philipp Kurashev’s unique hockey background “This is honest, you know, we never pushed Phil into hockey,” Elena shaped him into the player he is said. “Actually, my husband always knew that Philipp was motivated for hockey, he was like over-motivated, always. It’s like from morning till night only hockey. Konstantin would always say to me, ‘Don’t ask him By Scott Powers May 3, 2021 (about hockey), don’t even go into this because he’s over-motivated all the time. We need to just a little bit calm him down because he wants to

win all the time. He wants to go and play, and, oh, my god, you don’t Florida Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky seemed to have a firm read on need to add extra.’” Blackhawks forward Philipp Kurashev’s shot as it came off Kurashev’s What especially drew Kurashev to hockey was his Russian family stick. heritage. He never played in Russia or spent much time there outside of Kurshev had let it go from a fair distance and there was no traffic around family trips, but he gravitated toward everything Russian. While his older Bobrovsky. But the puck deflected off the top of Bobrovsky’s glove and sister began speaking more German, Switzerland’s primary language, sailed into the net. Kurashev raised his arms and a smile broke out over even in their home, Philipp stuck to Russian. He had posters of Russian his face, but his celebration was muted for someone who had just scored players in his bedroom. his first NHL goal. The time was just after 9 p.m. locally in Sunrise, Fla., “After Philipp made his debut with the Chicago Blackhawks, his first on Jan. 19. coach sent him a picture of a questionnaire he filled out when he was 12 Let’s pick up the scene in an apartment in St. Gallen, Switzerland, where years old,” Elena said. “One of the questions was what is your main goal, it was just after 3 a.m. and much a wilder celebration was happening. and Philipp is like, play in the NHL and play for the Russian national team. But he was born in Switzerland, he was raised in Switzerland and “Oh, my goodness, should we describe like our jumping, dancing, never did any tournament in Russia, but he’s like giving this answer to a running around here, hugging, kissing?” Elena Kurashev, Philipp’s Swiss coach. Konstantin had to explain to him, you love (Alex) Ovechkin, mother said. “Our neighbors must think, ‘what’s going on here in this you love (Pavel) Datsyuk, but you live in Switzerland, you play in a Swiss apartment,’ because we live in the apartment building and we’re always club.” up in the night. And when he scored the goal, I was jumping to the ceiling and we were just so happy.” Kurashev later understood that. He laughs about it now. He couldn’t help gravitating toward his Russian blood. Kurashev has family staying up all over the world watching him play in his first NHL season. His parents, Elena and Konstantin, watch every “At home, it’s all Russian, all my relatives are Russian,” Kurashev said. “I game live in Switzerland, which is where Kurashev was born and grew don’t know, it’s hard to say. I grew up in Switzerland, all my friends are up. He has other family watching games live in Russia, where his parents Swiss. I think I’m both, obviously. But I think my mentality is maybe a little are from. Kurashev likes to joke they’re all living on the same U.S. time bit more Russian because of my parents, my grandma and all my zone. relatives.”

“When I go to sleep, it’s like five, six o’clock in the morning,” Elena said. The same went for hockey. “Like our family in Moscow, they have one hour more. It used to be in the “I just always kind of liked the Russian players, the way they played like wintertime two hours more difference. When the game is over, my father with the Russian national team, how they played, how they passed with from Moscow would call me. It’s already morning time. He doesn’t sleep, each other and their style of play,” he said. “I always enjoyed watching it but we talk about hockey.” and I always wanted to be a part of it. But obviously, I grew up in Kurashev calls home, too. He’s especially talkative if he’s scored a goal. Switzerland and I started playing in the national team there. So it just If not, his parents might just receive a late-night text. Either way, kind of worked like that. I never actually played in Russia for a team or Kurashev is in constant communication with them. He knows how tough anything, so it couldn’t really change anyway. So I’m happy that I can it has been on them not to be able to see him play in person. They just play for Switzerland.” want to feel as connected as possible to his experience. Konstantin and Philipp Kurashev possess a lot of similarities on and off If it hadn’t been for the pandemic, Elena and Konstantin would have the ice. (Courtesy of the Kurashev family) definitely been at his first NHL game. They might even be following him Kurashev’s hockey game is a blend of a lot of different influences. There around North America watching games. Even from afar, Konstantin was is some Russian. There is some Swiss. He played three seasons in the overwhelmed by the moment his son made his NHL debut. QMJHL, so he got a good taste of hockey in Canada. He spent time Elena mostly translated Konstantin’s Russian into English during our visiting family in Detroit, too. Konstantin made a point as well of staying recent phone interview, but he made sure to say the following in English. out of the way of his son’s coaches. He didn’t want it to seem as if he was trying to interfere. He also wanted Philipp to have as diverse of a “The same time, so happy, so nervous,” Konstantin said. “I was so hockey background as possible. It’s something Konstantin tried to have nervous. I was like shaking. I was not so nervous when I was at his birth.” for himself after he left Russia and began learning how other countries taught and played the game. Elena said, “Konstantin used to say to me, that’s my heart’s desire to go watch Phil’s first game live. Just go, we’ll fly whatever, wherever it is. Kurashev’s unique style is something Blackhawks coach Jeremy Colliton We’ll just go fly. And because of pandemic, you can’t do it right now, so has noticed. we couldn’t do it.” “He’s a really intriguing player,” Colliton said. “He’s still young. The way The Kurashev family should have plenty of opportunity in the coming he plays, you would feel like he’s older, how he carries himself and he’s years to watch their son in person. At 21, Kurashev was the third got a lot of confidence on the puck.” youngest player behind Kirby Dach and Adam Boqvist to play for the Blackhawks this season. The Blackhawks tend to think he’s just Kurashev left Switzerland at 16 to expand his hockey horizons. He told scratching the surface on his potential. his parents he needed to play in North America to further develop his game. The Remparts were interested in him and drafted him in How Kurashev has gotten here is an interesting story. You would assume the CHL import draft. He joined them for the 2016-17 season. Elena Kurashev was born and bred to be a hockey player. Konstantin grew up came along to live with her son and help him adjust. in the Soviet Union and learned a very specific way to play hockey. Konstantin played the Russian way and did so for hours upon hours After two years with the Remparts, Kurashev got an unexpected offer. every day. He played professionally in Moscow throughout the 1980s and There was a KHL team (he wouldn’t say which) that wanted to sign him. finished up his career in Austria and Switzerland. Once done playing, he It would have been a dream come true to play in Russia. He was tempted quickly transitioned into coaching. He’s been a professional hockey and was leaning that way. coach for 20-plus years. He last coached in St. Petersburg in Russia’s And then, Patrick Roy was named the coach of the Remparts. That VHL earlier this season. changed everything. “So the deal was almost done with the KHL and then Phil get a call,” The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 Elena said. “We were in the Montreal airport (returning to Switzerland). I was with him. He gets a call from the Quebec Remparts and they say that his previous coach was finishing his job and they were hiring Patrick Roy. They said Patrick Roy, and Philipp and I were like, what? Then like for two or three weeks it started every day Patrick Roy would call Philipp and his agent.”

Roy would eventually persuade Kurashev to remain in Quebec for another season. Kurashev was sold that it was the best decision for his more important dream — the NHL.

“It took me a couple weeks to decide because I thought it was a pretty big decision for me,” Kurashev said. “So, yeah, obviously, I always wanted to play in Russia, like when I was growing up. But obviously my goal was to play in the NHL. And I think going back to another year with Patrick that was the best way for me to get to the NHL, so I think I did the right choice.”

If Kurashev leaves for the KHL, who knows how his hockey fate would have played out. The Blackhawks drafted him in the fourth round a few months after he turned down the KHL offer. He played the next season with Roy, signed with the Blackhawks and turned pro for the 2019-20 season. He spent all of last season with the Rockford IceHogs in the AHL and then made his NHL debut this season.

Kurashev has no regrets.

“No one will ever know how it would do or went or anything, so I think for me it was the right decision and I’m happy with it,” Kurashev said.

As Kurashev has grown up, he and Konstantin have shared their love for hockey more and more. It became easier for Konstantin over the years not to worry about putting undue pressure on his son. It’s obviously clear now it’s what Philipp sought for himself.

Once their hockey discussions began, the floodgates opened.

“We always talk hockey, obviously,” Kurashev said. “Don’t really talk about much else. It’s just my whole family, like my uncle was a hockey player too. And just that’s what we do in our house. So my dad is always watching, always looking at pictures, old games, old everything. So yeah, I mean, we just always talk hockey in our house. That’s what it is.”

Kurashev learned the similarities between him and his dad on and off the ice.

“I obviously watched his old games and stuff and the way he played obviously (he) was (a) defenseman, I’m (a) forward, but I think kind of like the base and everything, I think is kind of the same,” Kurashev said. “He had some really good vision, you know, great shot. So I think there was some similarity. It’s funny to see. I think me and him have a lot of like, even just off the ice too the way we talk and kind of our movements are pretty similar.”

Konstantin has plenty of questions for Philipp these days, too. He talks to Philipp as a former player, as a coach and as a father.

“He says because he’s a coach he wants to know more,” Elena said while interpreting. “He loves North America, loves to watch the games. He watched more games now than before. He said he was always interested in the North American style. … I think he admires a lot of stuff and he just wants to learn more. But because (Philipp) has so many games, they don’t have so much time to discuss like the details, but they do talk about it, not just personally, but the way how they do it. Konstantin is very, very interested.”

Konstantin is currently between coaching jobs and has been able to watch his son’s games more this season. Konstantin is hopeful to be back coaching next season.

“Obviously, it’s a little bit unfortunate for the moment how it worked, but you know, I think everything happens for a reason,” Kurashev said. “And I’m sure he’s enjoying the time, you know, with my mom and watching the games, and I think they feel like they’re here. So it’s nice for me, too. I’m trying to make them proud and I’m trying my best. I think we’re all having a lot of fun. And hopefully, they can come watch me play in real life soon.”

Regardless of whether Konstantin is coaching or not next season, that’s what he plans to do.

“This is my big dream,” Konstantin said in English. “I want to see him. I want to see him live.” 1211576 Colorado Avalanche

Top prospect Alex Newhook, 20, expected to make NHL debut during Avalanche’s road trip

By MIKE CHAMBERS

Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said the club’s top prospect, forward Alex Newhook, will likely make his NHL debut at some point during a five- game road trip that begins Monday night in San Jose.

Newhook, 20, won’t play against the Sharks after just one ice session with the Avs, which was Monday’s morning skate at SAP Center. Newhook, who signed out of Boston College on March 31, has nine points (five goals) in eight games with the AHL’s .

“It’s a very good possibility that he’ll play on this trip,” Bednar said. “I want to let him settle in for a day here. If we’re putting him in, we want to put him into a situation and position where he can succeed. Obviously, he’s got a knack offensively. He’s made an impact (with the Eagles) in a short amount of time so we’d like to give him the same opportunity here playing with good players, and play him up the lineup a little bit.”

Newhook, selected by the Avs with the 16th pick of the 2019 draft, is a natural center. But Bednar might have him begin on the wing and contribute on the power play and the penalty kill.

“He’s a guy who has played both special teams his whole career and he’s done a nice job with the Eagles on both those spots,” Bednar said. “So I think we can use him in both of those. We’ll get some looks at him, some reps in practice, and then we’ll see if there’s a spot for him to plug into our lineup and play maybe one if not both special teams. Center or wing, I think. We’ll just have to see how he does.”

The Avs conclude a two-game set with the Sharks in San Jose on Wednesday before traveling south to Los Angeles, where they’ll face the Kings on Friday and Saturday at Staples Center. The trip concludes May 10 at the Vegas Golden Knights.

Injury updates. Defenseman Ryan Graves will return to the lineup after missing Saturday’s 4-3 win against the Sharks at Ball Arena. Graves was injured early in Friday’s 3-0 victory over San Jose.

Avs winger Logan O’Connor, who has missed the last 14 games with a lower-body injury, underwent surgery last week, Bednar said. However, there’s a chance O’Connor could return at some point in the playoffs.

Defensemen Sam Girard and Bo Byram are not on the trip. Girard will miss his second game Monday with a lower-body injury sustained Friday. He was originally scheduled to miss two weeks. Byram, who has missed 17 games after taking a hit to the head from Vegas’ Keegan Kolesar, has resumed skating in small groups but could be at least a week away from being cleared.

Defenseman Jacob MacDonald, who has missed six games with a lower- body injury, is recovering with the team in San Jose and could play at some point on the trip.

Forwards Matt Calvert (upper-body) and Brandon Saad (lower-body) are weeks out from a possible return, as is defenseman Erik Johnson — whom Bednar previously said could possibly play deep into the playoffs. Goalie Pavel Francouz is out for the season after undergoing hip surgery.

Denver Post: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211577 Colorado Avalanche “As you walk in our building from our parking garage, the very first thing you see when you look across is a giant 12-by-24-foot TV,” Dawn said. “We really wanted it to be the center of attention. To create that vibe: Colorado’s retail sportsbooks vary in stages of operation approaching This is where I want to watch a game. I like to refer to it as the coolest Nuggets, Avalanche playoffs living room in Colorado.

What fans need to know before making in-person wagers at casino “We get a good flow. Obviously, mid-week it’s a little more difficult being sportsbooks across the state up here in the mountains. But the weekend crowd, the football Sundays, the and hockey Saturday night games, we do really well.”

Other local sportsbooks with retail locations are still in progress. Monarch By KYLE FREDRICKSON | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 1:17 p.m. | Casino in Blackhawk operates its sportsbook with a sister location — UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. Atlantis (Reno, NV) — and has multiple kiosks available to facilitate sports wagers. Monarch aims to open a completed retail sportsbook with

Vegas-Esque amenities sometime around Labor Day weekend. Robert Garner walked through the front doors of Blackhawk’s Saratoga “We are building our sportsbook lounge area as we speak,” said Nick Casino last summer and made Colorado sports betting history. Epstein, Monarch’s sportsbook manager. “I’m certainly hoping it’s going Garner, a Fort Collins firefighter, became the first person in the state to to be done right when football starts, that’s my goal. Opening a place an in-person wager at a retail sportsbook. On June 18, he bet $100 sportsbook in a pandemic was challenging, but it worked out great on the Broncos to win the Super Bowl. because we could slowly build everything to where we are now.”

“It didn’t pan out,” said Garner, a longtime Broncos season-ticket holder Post: LOADED: 05.04.2021 inducted into the Ford Hall of Fans at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “But it was 56-to-1 odds. So, I would have won $5,600.”

Yesterday, I had the honor of the placing the first in person bet on the @Broncos to win the Super Bowl. Thank you @Betfred and @SaratogaBlkHawk for inviting me. #broncos #broncoscountry #unitedinorange #orangecrush #denverbroncos #firefighter #fireduptailgate pic.twitter.com/KFtDuj4Qqz

— Robert Garner (@RescueRobBronco) June 18, 2020

Colorado has eclipsed the one-year anniversary of legalized sports gambling with its retail casino sportsbooks in varying stages of operation. The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Division of Gaming lists 17 locations — between Blackhawk, Commerce City and Cripple Creek — that are licensed to provide fans a Las Vegas-style experience to wager on live games.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, and its impact on the global sports landscape, only a handful of Colorado retail sportsbooks are currently operational. According to the state’s division of gaming, sports gamblers in Colorado wagered a total of $300,990,842 in March, with 98% of all wagers made online.

The growth of retail sportsbooks hinges on state health guidelines as many counties start to roll back COVID-19 restrictions. For now, there are at least three Blackhawk casinos — Ameristar, Golden Mardi Gras, and Saratoga — with completed sportsbooks that are ready for fans.

Saratoga opened first in Colorado due to its partnership with Betfred, a British sportsbook anchored in the tradition of retail locations. Saratoga’s intimate 1,400 square-foot sportsbook features a wall of TVs, multiple betting windows, and a lounge area with tables and plush chairs. Betfred COO Bryan Bennett described it as a “hometown sportsbook.”

“The great thing about having a smaller space is that it also allows us to show pay-per-view events, which a lot of the larger books can’t do because it’s so cost-prohibitive,” Bennett said. “We’re likely to show at least a monthly UFC fight going forward to give Colorado sports betting fans a place to go to watch the events they can’t watch anywhere else.”

Hyoung Chang, The Denver Post

A customer purchase a ticket from a betting kiosk at Barstool Sportsbook in Ameristar Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado on Friday, April 30, 2021.

Just down the street from Saratoga is the Barstool sportsbook at Ameristar Casino. The pandemic scrapped its initial plans for a July 1 completion date, sportsbook manager Kevin Dawn said, but construction resumed for a November grand opening.

It’s a much larger space with a capacity for 130 people without COVID restrictions. Ameristar currently allows for about 50 or 60 bettors.

Sportsbooks establish Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic as clear MVP frontrunner: “It’s pretty much now Jokic vs. everyone else”

Nuggets’ 2020-21 championship odds drop after Jamal Murray suffers torn ACL 1211578 Colorado Avalanche Turnovers happen. But if they happen this often then you’re likely not going to make a deep playoff run. Colorado’s priorities heading into the playoffs are to stay healthy and eliminate bad habits. This is one of those Deen’s List: Nazem Kadri’s slump buster helps Avalanche overcome two- bad habits that can’t happen. goal deficit COVID-protocol postseason

And speaking of staying healthy, COVID still exists. And it’s likely going By Aarif Deen - May 4, 2021 to have an impact on the Stanley Cup playoffs.

The 2020 playoffs were COVID free, largely because of the successful bubbles in Edmonton and Toronto. That won’t be the case this year. And Slump busters aren’t always pretty but man do they feel good. Just ask for the only team that’s had two COVID pauses in 2021, the potential for Avalanche center Nazem Kadri, who scored his first goal in 20 games more COVID risk is very much a possibility. from a tough angle to tie the game against the San Jose Sharks 4-4 on Monday with 3:39 remaining and force overtime. Backup goalie Devan Dubnyk was added to the COVID protocol list Monday after testing positive Avs coach Jared Bednar said. Dubnyk will The Avalanche won on the first shot in OT, defeating San Jose 5-4 remain in his San Jose home and quarantine for 10 days before driving thanks to a goal from Andre Burakovsky. back to Denver.

But the tight-angle snipe from Kadri that found twine was just what the He is out for a minimum of two weeks. 30-year-old needed heading into the final six games of the regular season. This just may be the perfect time for him to return to form milehighsports.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 heading into what many are expecting to be an extended playoff run for the burgundy and blue.

The Deen’s List:

Kadri’s slump buster

That’s the type of goal, the moment it was going to take to break Kadri out of his 20-game goal slump.

With the Avalanche trailing 4-3 with under five minutes to go, Kadri skated into the zone and fired the puck over the shoulder of goalie Martin Jones from a tight angle to tie the game and give the Avs the opportunity to win the game in OT.

Kadri had just three assists during this 20-game stretch.

He had an exceptional run in the playoffs in 2020, scoring nine goals (five game-winners) and 18 points in just 15 games. If this was the goal that sets him up for another long and successful postseason performance, then the 2021 version of the Avs may very well make it past the dreaded second round.

MacKinnon’s road glory

Being dominant on the road isn’t easy. But when you’re superstar Nathan MacKinnon, everything is easy. MacKinnon’s two assists extended his road point streak to 17 games — the most in club history and second- most in franchise history behind Quebec’s Peter Stastny (23 games in 1983-84).

MacKinnon’s 65 points lead the Avalanche. His 36 road points are the second-most in the NHL (Connor McDavid, 40) as the Avs prepare to play four more games away from home to close out their road schedule.

MacKinnon had nine shots for the second consecutive game.

Four-game sweep?

Regardless of who your opponent is, four-game sweeps in consecutive games are not easy.

The Avalanche have a chance to win four straight against the Sharks on Wednesday. Colorado has outscored San Jose 12-7 in three games, including a 3-0 shutout in the first game Friday.

Turnovers aplenty

The Avalanche dominated most of the first period. But that was after the first goal from San Jose’s Evander Kane at 3:20 which came after a turnover. Avs forward Valeri Nichushkin tried to pass the puck back to a defender instead of getting it out of the zone and San Jose intercepted it and scored.

The second period was worse. Colorado was outshot 13-2, outscored 2-0 and both goals were the direct result of turnovers. The first Sharks goal of the period came after Avs defenseman Patrik Nemeth passed the puck into the skate of teammate Tyson Jost in his own zone.

The second goal was an offensive zone turnover after left winger Gabe Landeskog shot the puck into a Sharks defender, who quickly passed it to Evander Kane, sending him in on a breakaway. 1211579 Colorado Avalanche

Third-period rally sends Avalanche to 5-4 overtime victory in San Jose

By Aarif Deen - May 4, 2021

Andre Burakovsky scored on the only shot in overtime just 41 seconds in on Monday to help the Avalanche erase multiple two-goal deficits in the third period and defeat the San Jose Sharks 5-4 at SAP Center.

Colorado (34-12-4) is two points back of Vegas for first in the West Division with a game in hand. It also leads the third-place Minnesota Wild by two points with a game in hand as the race among the top three tightens.

The Wild defeated the Golden Knights 6-5 in regulation on Monday, overcoming a late two-goal deficit of their own.

Burakovsky’s goal was his third game-winner this season. He skated into the zone and fired a shot from in between the hash marks that struck Jones’ glove and trickled into the net.

“I found some ice and I was just trying to get a shot off,” Burakovsky said. “I saw that the puck kind of ended up behind the goalie but I didn’t know it was going in. I saw that when I was level with the goal line.”

Colorado trailed 3-1 entering the third and 4-2 before clawing back to tie the game. Captain Gabe Landeskog put the Avs within a goal and center Nazem Kadri scored his first goal in 20 games with 3:39 remaining to force OT. Kadri had just three assists during his goal-scoring slump.

“Oh man, it felt good. It felt good for sure,” Kadri said of his goal. “The timing of the game, and obviously we needed a goal. The guys on the team just kept encouraging me to shoot it and finally one went in.”

The Avs scored just 1:18 into the third period to make it 3-2 but gave up a goal less than two minutes later to fall back behind by two. The tally from Valeri Nichushkin, his 10th of the season, was deflected off a shot by Burakovsky.

Burakovsky was the catalyst, firing a shot that beat goalie Martin Jones but not the post. He went in for a second chance but ended up whacking at Nichushkin’s stick, which hit the puck into the open net on the rebound.

Burakovsky has four goals and eight points in his last seven games. He replaced star winger Mikko Rantanen on the top line alongside superstar Nathan MacKinnon and Landeskog when Rantanen was out due to COVID protocol.

MacKinnon had two assists and recorded nine shots for the second consecutive game.

“Once we lost Mikko to COVID protocol and we put Burky with MacK and Landy, he had a couple of exceptional games in St. Louis,” Avs coach Jared Bednar said. “He had an off game in Vegas and after that game, he’s just back and skating and being aggressive. He makes those two plays tonight — huge difference-maker in our game.”

Philipp Grubauer, Colorado’s No. 1 netminder, made his second start since returning from COVID protocol. Grubauer shut out the Sharks on Friday but made just 23 saves to win his 27th game in 35 starts.

Grubauer started a career-high 36 games in 2019-20, a number he will pass if he starts just two of Colorado’s final six games. Bednar said postgame that backup goalie Devan Dubnyk tested positive for COVID- 19 and will miss a minimum of two weeks, making it all the more likely Grubauer plays most of the remaining games.

“He made some big saves for us,” Bednar said of Grubauer. “The second period he had a lot of work. We just weren’t sharp with all those turnovers.” milehighsports.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211580 Colorado Avalanche

Ryan Graves back in Avs lineup tonight, Newhook to play soon

By Adrian Dater

SAN JOSE, CALIF. – The Colorado Avalanche get back in action tonight against the San Jose Sharks, and one player who will return to the Avs lineup is defenseman Ryan Graves.

Ryan Graves missed Saturday’s game, one night after taking an errant elbow to the face from Sharks forward Evander Kane.

So….that’s about as much lineup information as I have for tonight’s game. Jared Bednar’s new policy with the media is to not give lineup info. on days of the game, such as the starting goalie, line combinations, etc. etc. I do believe it’ll be Philipp Grubauer in net tonight, however.

Yesterday, we told you about Alex Newhook being called up to the taxi squad by the Avs. Today, Bednar did reveal that he plans to play Newhook at some point in this five-game road trip. Bednar said Newhook won’t play tonight, because he wants to go over more video with him, talk over team systems, etc.

I asked Bednar what type of role he foresees with Newhook on this current team, and he said he’s still trying to figure that out. He said he doesn’t know whether he’d use him as a center or winger. He did say that he could be part of the special teams, both of them, that he’s used to that from college and from earlier days than that.

Man, right now I can see Newhook being anything from a third-line center to possibly a second-line winger – especially with Brandon Saad still out. Tyson Jost has played pretty well as a 3C this season, so I doubt Newhook would take that spot necessarily. Yet, it wouldn’t shock me either.

Bednar said forward Logan O’Connor had surgery last week for his lower-body injury and, while he said he’s out longer-term, he seemed to indicate he might still have a chance of returning by the playoffs. Bednar said Bo Byram has been skating again, but that he does not have a “timetable on a return.”

Bednar said defenseman Jacob MacDonald is progressing nicely from his latest injury and could play soon. So, there’s some decent news there.

The weather here is UN-believable, 80 and sunny. I understand the temperature is about half that today in Denver. I will raise a fruity beverage in all your honor back home, folks, and thank YOU to the many people who have contributed to the Avalanche Travel Tip Jar. You help make these trips possible – with the first priority being covering the Colorado Avalanche of course! The playoffs are coming (hint, hint).

But seriously folks, thank you. My goal here is always: I’m gonna cover the Avs to the best of my ability, and go where I need to go to do that.

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211581 Colorado Avalanche

Dubnyk on Covid list

By Adrian Dater

This afternoon, Colorado Avalanche goalie Devan Dubnyk was placed on the NHL’s Covid protocol list. it is unknown if Dubnyk tested positive for the virus or whether it’s a contact tracing thing.

He is one of three NHL players currently on the list, and the only Av.

More info as it develops.

Colorado hockey now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211582 Columbus Blue Jackets Nashville outshot the Blue Jackets 14-10 and took a 3-0 lead on goals by Forsberg, Johansen and Josi’s first. The Predators pinned the Blue Jackets into their own end for long stretches, forced multiple turnovers Emil Bemstrom's first career hat trick not enough for Blue Jackets in OT, and finally scored on Merzlikins at 9:01 with Forsberg’s goal. naturally Johansen made it 2-0 just 2:28 later to cap a power play – making the Second-year forward broke out of a season-long slump with three goals Blue Jackets pay for Alexandre Texier’s delay-of-game minor for sending in the third period, but Roman Josi came through in overtime for the the puck over the glass – and Josi pushed it to 3-0 with 44 seconds left Nashville Predators. on a blast from the blue line.

It was another frustrating second period for the Blue Jackets, who continued to struggle in that frame, but Bemstrom made sure the third Brian Hedger belonged to Columbus.

He scored his first goal at 1:54 by swatting the puck into the net out of mid-air – a goal that needed a video review to confirm – and that opened It ended the way too many Blue Jackets’ games have concluded this the floodgates. His second one cut it to 3-2 at 7:26, scored with a laser season. into a small window over Saros’ left shoulder, and the third one beat the Despite Emil Bemstrom’s first career hat trick helping them overcome a Predators’ netminder to the short side to cap a power play with 4:53 left 3-0 deficit in the third period, a victory wasn’t in the cards Monday night in regulation. at Nationwide Arena. Rather than Bemstrom scoring a fourth goal to lift Cam Atkinson screened Saros before the shot, which was taken from the Columbus to victory, the Nashville Predators won, 4-3, in overtime on a right-wing circle. Bjorkstrand usually lines up there on the first power play goal 3:24 into it by defenseman Roman Josi. unit, but Tortorella went with the hot hand. It was Josi’s second goal of the game and yet another sour finish for the “I guess he trusted in me at that point,” Bemstrom said. “Ask any goal Blue Jackets (16-25-12), who earned an unlikely point but lost another scorer. A goal can make a huge difference, and today it did.” game that needed more than three periods. Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 “You’ve got to be happy about (the point) for the guys, but ... it just gets old,” Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said. “I mean, that’s 12 of them for us, where we haven’t been able to do it in overtime or a shootout. It’s frustrating.”

The bright side was Bemstrom, a goal-scorer in who hadn’t hit the back of the net since the final game of last season – prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Playing his second game since returning from a high-ankle sprain, Bemstrom finally scored to overcome a season filled with missed shots, flubbed shots, defenseman saves and other means of scoring chances turning to dust.

He didn’t score just once either. He broke out of his slump with a natural hat trick in the third period that tied it 3-3 on his first hat trick since playing junior hockey in Sweden. Hats began hitting the ice seconds after he lit the goal lamp to cap a Blue Jackets power play late in the third.

“I’m just happy that I scored some goals,” said Bemstrom, who became just the fourth Blue Jackets player in franchise history to score three goals in one period. “Unfortunately, we didn’t win the game, but I think we played a pretty decent game. I’m just happy and proud of myself that I could get a hat trick in this league.”

His teammates were too.

“Any goal-scorer who goes through a streak of not scoring, you know it weighs on them,” said defenseman Michael Del Zotto, who assisted on Bemstrom’s first two goals. “They’re different breeds, guys who can put the puck in the net that easily, and I’m super happy for him. I’m not sure if he’s old enough to have a beer to celebrate or not, but hopefully that’s on the agenda for tonight.”

The Predators also left the ice with something to celebrate. The victory combined with the Carolina Hurricanes’ win over the Chicago Blackhawks officially eliminated Chicago from contention for the fourth- and-final playoff spot in the Central Division. It also put them four points up on the Dallas Stars, who lost in overtime to the Florida Panthers.

Filip Forsberg and former Blue Jackets center Ryan Johansen scored the other two goals for the Predators (29-22-2), who got 29 saves from goalie Juuse Saros. Elvis Merzlikins made 34 saves on 38 shots for Columbus, which dropped to 2-9 in games decided in 3-on-3 overtime periods.

“I’m happy we answered,” Tortorella said. “I’m happy for the kid (Bemstrom). Elvis gives us a chance. I think we play a lot of good minutes, but it’s just the same thing with losing in OT.”

Neither team scored in the opening period.

Saros stopped all 11 shots he faced in the period, including a quick glove save to deny Oliver Bjorkstrand late in the period from the low slot. Merzlikins stopped all 10 of Nashville’s shots, including two during a Predators power play less than two minutes into the game.

The second was all Predators. 1211583 Columbus Blue Jackets Danforth, who's Canadian, has yet to make his NHL debut. His previous professional stops following a collegiate career at Sacred Heart University include stints in the ECHL, American Hockey League and Liiga Elvis Merzlikins shining under spotlight again as Blue Jackets' top — where he was a point-a game player in two seasons for Lukko. goaltending option The contract with the Blue Jackets is for $750,000.

Joonas Korpisalo's recent injury ended the team's 'full tandem' split of the Blue Jackets grieving net. Like he did after Korpisalo went down last season, Merzlikins is flourishing. The Blue Jackets are mourning the loss of Rick Shepherd, the broadcast engineer for their game operations and event presentation department. Shepherd, who died this past weekend, was memorialized during the Brian Hedger Bally Sports Ohio television broadcast Saturday, and fans who’d gotten to know Shepherd expressed condolences on social media.

Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 Elvis Merzlikins is doing it again.

The Blue Jackets’ second-year goalie has found his peak form as the team’s unrivaled No. 1 option with Joonas Korpisalo sidelined by a season-ending injury.

Going into a matchup against the Nashville Predators on Monday at Nationwide Arena, Merzlikins had stopped 79 of the past 82 shots he’d faced, starting with a 7-of-8 performance in relief of Korpisalo on April 25 in the Jackets’ 4-3 overtime loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.

It’s similar to what Merzlikins did after Korpisalo went down with a knee injury last season, only the window of games is a lot smaller.

“I’m not going to say it’s mentally easier, but you are more relaxed maybe,” Merzlikins said of Korpisalo’s absence. “You know that for now, this moment, you’re No. 1. You are sure that you are No. 1 and you just play with a free mind, I guess. Even if you (make) mistakes, you are not worrying about it.”

Part of that stems from the Blue Jackets’ situation, which has lowered the pressure levels for everybody on the roster, including goaltenders. They’ve been eliminated from the playoffs, their roster has been decimated by injuries and trades, and their biggest motivational factor now is pride.

Merzlikins has a lot of that fueling his resurgence, but it can’t be overlooked that he’s thriving again as the top option. His level of play had already begun to increase prior to Korpisalo’s injury, which is shown in Merzlikins’ blistering .945 save percentage in six games prior to facing Nashville, but the upward trajectory increased afterward.

Merzlikins led the way with 41 saves in a 1-0 shootout victory Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings and came back with 31 saves on 33 shots in a 2-1 overtime loss Saturday to the Carolina Hurricanes.

“I think for every No. 1 goalie, it’s nice to know the team completely trusts you, that there is a really big trust, that they know that you are ‘the guy,’ ” Merzlikins said. “I felt (Thursday), the first time, that feeling this year — that full trust from the coaches, from all staff, from the organization and from the team. That’s the trust that you’re trying to find inside, and I think that’s really important for a (No. 1) goalie.”

Werenski changes agents

The Dispatch has confirmed Blue Jackets defenseman is changing his representation from agent Pat Brisson of CAA to Judd Moldaver of the Wasserman and Orr Group, as first reported in The Athletic.

Werenski, 24, has one year left on the three-year, $15 million contract extension he signed prior to last season. Once free agency opens in the offseason, he will be a pending restricted free agent and the Blue Jackets can negotiate with him on a new contract. That’s what makes his decision to switch agents now interesting.

Brisson, who’s regarded by many as a “super agent,” also represents Seth Jones, Werenski’s friend and usual defense partner. Jones will become a pending unrestricted free agent this offseason, which also makes him eligible for negotiations on a new deal with the Blue Jackets.

Danforth signs

The Blue Jackets announced Monday that Justin Danforth, an international free agent forward, had signed a one-year, one-way NHL contract for next season. Danforth, 28, was sixth in scoring with 55 points on 23 goals and 32 assists for Vityaz Podolsk in the Kontinental Hockey League, 1211584 Columbus Blue Jackets Chinakhov, 20, was selected by Columbus with the 21st pick in the 2020 NHL draft and helped his hometown team, Avangard Omsk, win the Gagarin Cup as a rookie in the Kontinental Hockey League. His agent, Blue Jackets evaluating Lehtonen, Bayreuther with eye on next season's Shumi Babaev, indicated in a Twitter post Friday that Chinakhov was roster close to signing, saying the player and his family had decided signing an NHL deal would be the next step in his career. Defensive duo is looking to earn new contracts to keep their NHL aspirations alive, preferably in Columbus. Avangard Omsk was unsuccessful in trying to re-sign the young forward, who had 10 goals, seven assists and 17 points in 32 games plus a scoring line of 5-2-7 in the team's 21-game playoff run. The KHL team issued a scathing statement Sunday prior to the Blue Jackets' release, Brian Hedger blasting Babaev for advising his client to sign an NHL contract at a young age and accusing the agent of deceit during the negotiation process.

Their motivations are different, but Mikko Lehtonen and Gavin Babaev responded with his own recorded statement in Russian on Bayreuther share the same personal goal while helping the Blue Jackets YouTube, but the contract flap with Avangard doesn't change the fact finish out this season. Chinakhov can begin his NHL career as soon as next season.

Both defensemen are hoping the opportunity they’re getting in Columbus It might've started this season had there been time. The length of his extends their stay in the NHL beyond this season, whether it’s with the playoff run plus the amount of time it would take to gain a U.S. work visa Blue Jackets or another team. make that highly unlikely, even though the current season is the first of the three-year deal. “I’m playing for a contract for next year, so every game and every shift is important to me,” said Lehtonen, a 27-year old puck mover who’s skating Predators at Blue Jackets in his first NHL season. “I want to stay here in the NHL, so I’ve got to do When: 7 p.m. Monday my best every shift. Every time I play, I want to play my best. That’s why I play hockey. I try to do my best every night and show what I’ve got, TV: Bally Sports Ohio because I know I can be really good here.” Radio: WBNS-FM (97.1) Bayreuther, 26, has an incentive beyond proving he has NHL talent, which helped him earn his first contract with the Dallas Stars in March Columbus Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 2017 and then a one-year, two-way deal with the Jackets last offseason.

“I’ve worked very hard the past two years to get back to a moment like this,” said Bayreuther, who made his NHL debut with the Stars in 2018- 19. “I now have a family, a kid on the way, so it means a little more. I was telling my wife (recently), ‘When there is a baby on the way, something in it really does help you,’ and I’m really excited for that.”

Bayreuther shared those thoughts before he made his debut for the Blue Jackets in a 4-2 loss to the Florida Panthers on April 19 in Sunrise, Fla. He hasn’t left the lineup since, skating in the Jackets’ past six games and settling into a role on the third defense pairing with Dean Kukan.

Lehtonen has played the past seven games and has missed just one of the previous 16 as a healthy scratch, carving out a role on the right point of the second pairing with Vladislav Gavrikov. That happens to be the spot former defensive stalwart David Savard skated before a trade last month sent him to Tampa and could potentially be a spot for Lehtonen next season.

A lot is riding on the way he finishes up this year.

The Blue Jackets would like to see more of his offensive side, which made him one of the most dangerous defensemen in the Kontinental Hockey League the past couple of years. Lehtonen’s two-way game also led to him signing a one-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs last offseason over an offer from the Blue Jackets, who then acquired him in a March trade for goaltending prospect Veini Vehvilainen.

“It’s been a weird season for me,” said Lehtonen, who is still looking for his first NHL goal and has one assist in 15 games with Columbus. “I want to keep going with good defense every game, but I just want to also create offense, because I know I can do that.”

Bayreuther can also play a two-way game and appears to be staking his NHL future on two primary things: work ethic and grit. It didn’t take long during his Columbus debut in Florida to show both qualities, first roughing up former Blue Jackets forward Anthony Duclair with a hard hit and fighting Panthers center Sam Bennett a couple of seconds later.

“I came here with the idea that if I worked hard and earned this opportunity that I was going to get it,” said Bayreuther, who started the season playing 10 games for the in the American Hockey League. “I’ve been here before (in the NHL), and I hope to create more opportunities in the future.”

In the meantime, the Blue Jackets are watching.

Chinakhov signs

The Blue Jackets made it official by announcing Sunday that forward Yegor Chinakhov had signed a three-year entry level contract. 1211585 Columbus Blue Jackets At 7:26, Bemstrom was denied on a shot on Saros from in tight just seconds before he was set up from behind the net by Mikhail Grigorenko. Bemstrom picked a tight spot over Saros’ left shoulder and sniped it.

Emil Bemstrom’s first career hat trick gives Blue Jackets a reason to 3-2 smile BEMSTROM WITH HIS SECOND OF THE GAME – AND OF THE SEASON. #CBJ #PREDS PIC.TWITTER.COM/FAYAZCV4AI

By Aaron Portzline May 4, 2021 — ALISON (@ALISONL) MAY 4, 2021

Down 3-2, the Blue Jackets were granted a power play late in the third COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Blue Jackets haven’t had much to celebrate period when Nashville’s Brad Richardson sailed the puck over the glass this season, and Monday’s game against Nashville ended like so many in the defensive zone, a delay of game penalty. others: Roman Josi scored with 1:36 remaining in overtime to give the This is where Tortorella deserves a tip of the cap. Predators a 4-3 win. He sent out his first power-play unit to start but quickly replaced Oliver But it wasn’t another ho-hum, can’t-quite-get-there loss for the Blue Bjorkstrand with Bemstrom on the right half-wall. Defenseman Seth Jackets, either. Jones repeatedly passed the puck to Bemstrom — almost as if he was For one thing, the Blue Jackets came back from a 3-0 deficit with a three- insisting he shoot — and sure enough, it came to pass. goal third period to force the extra period and earn a point for the fourth At 15:07, Bemstrom tied the game from almost the exact spot he scored straight game (1-0-3). Moral victories are for losers, sure, but some his second goal. The game was tied. The hats started sailing. points are sweeter than others. “I don’t know a ton about him, but just watching him in a practice and But the biggest smile of the night was provided by the owner of quite understanding his past … ” Del Zotto said. “Any goal scorer goes through possibly the best toothless grin in the dressing room: forward Emil a streak when they aren’t scoring, and it weighs on them. They’re Bemstrom. different breeds, the guys who can put the puck in the net that easily.

Bemstrom came to the Blue Jackets from Sweden, where he drew “Torts deserves the primary apple for putting him out there in Bjorky’s enormous acclaim after leading the in goal spot on that power play. Good job, Torts, throwing the hot stick out there. scoring as a teenager in 2019. That’s rare, as is Bemstrom’s ability to He rewarded him.” shoot a puck at tiny targets from tight spaces. HATTIE CELLYS #CBJ PIC.TWITTER.COM/J7NVHAL3V6 But after a 10-goal rookie season, Bemstrom had fallen on hard times. He’d battled injuries and ineffective play — the Blue Jackets’ season in a — ALISON (@ALISONL) MAY 4, 2021 nutshell, really — and went into Monday’s game still looking for his first goal of the season. Snacks

“We joked about it the other day, that when he came back he was going • Tortorella put Bemstrom out for the start of overtime, too, but it didn’t to get two,” Blue Jackets defenseman Michael Del Zotto said. work out quite as well. The Preds’ Josi beat Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins with a wrister from the left circle to end it. Del Zotto and the boys thought they were exaggerating. • The Blue Jackets are 2-9 in overtime this season and 5-12 overall when Bemstrom had the first hat trick of his career and the sixth “natural” hat games go beyond regulation. “You have to be happy about (getting the trick in franchise history. He also became only the fourth Blue Jackets point) for the guys,” Tortorella said, “but shit, it just gets old. That’s 12 of player to score three goals in a single period and the first to do so in a ’em for us where we haven’t been able to do it, overtime or shootout. It’s third period. frustrating. I’m happy we answered. I’m happy for the kid (Bemstrom). Elvis gives us a chance. We played a lot of good minutes. But it’s just the CONGRATULATIONS @BEMSTROM_EMIL ON YOUR FIRST NHL same thing when you’re losing in OT.” HAT TRICK! #CBJ | @MARATHONPETROCO PIC.TWITTER.COM/IMUV9LVTTH • Bemstrom is the first Columbus player to score three goals in a period in Nationwide Arena. The other players with three-goal periods all — COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS (@BLUEJACKETSNHL) MAY 4, 2021 happened on the road: Jeff Carter (Dec. 22, 2011) at Nashville, Geoff “If you panned the bench after he scored his goals, you’ll see how much Sanderson (March 29, 2003) at Calgary and Deron Quint (March 9, the guys are pulling for him,” Blue Jackets coach John Tortorella said. 2001) at Florida. “We haven’t had many fun times this year. This was good. I’m happy for • Goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks was assigned to the taxi squad after the the kid.” game.

Nationwide Arena is allowed to have only 25 percent of its capacity • The Blue Jackets on Monday announced the signing of 28-year-old because of COVID-19, so the typical shower of hats was replaced by a forward Justin Danforth to a one-year, one-way contract for next season. light shower. But the building erupted when Bemstrom scored his third on Danforth played four seasons at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut the power play at 15:07 of the third. but was never drafted and has played only in the minor leagues as a pro “I’m super happy for him,” Del Zotto said. “I’m not even sure if he’s old in North America, mostly in the East Coast Hockey League. But Danforth enough to have a beer to celebrate, but hopefully that’s on the agenda has been a breakout performer overseas the last three years, first in tonight.” Finland for two seasons and this season in Russia. Danforth led Vityaz Podolsk and finished sixth in the KHL with 23-32-55 in 58 games. Let the beers commence, because Bemstrom is 21 years old. He turns 22 next month. But how long had it been since he scored before The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 Monday? The last time Bemstrom scored a goal — March 8, 2020 — he was, in fact, underage for alcohol.

“I tried to push it away from my mindset,” Bemstrom said. “Finally I’m here, scoring my first three goals of the year.”

At 1:54 of the third period, Bemstrom batted the puck out of the air in front of Nashville goaltender Juuse Saros. At full , it appeared the puck clanged off the crossbar, but a quick review showed it hitting off the camera in the back of the net.

That made it 3-1 and gave the Blue Jackets’ bench some life. 1211586 Columbus Blue Jackets “It’s a really special place that could be so much better, and I want to see that happen.”

What was your experience like with the Blue Jackets? Former Blue Jackets on what’s wrong with Columbus: ‘If you’re going to try to sign free agents, you need to overpay’ Player 3: I was surprised by the fan support. You play there and you hear the cannon. It seems similar to a lot of other places in the league. But then you get on a run and you get in the playoffs, and you realize, “Wow, By Aaron Portzline May 3, 2021 people are really fired up about this and it’s loud.” That was unexpected for me. It reminded me of a football atmosphere, actually. You go to a football game and people are very passionate about the home team. They’ve got chants and it’s loud. Any little thing happens and there’s a COLUMBUS, Ohio — Pierre-Luc Dubois’ trade request last winter rattled reaction. In some cities you have to work harder to get a reaction from the Blue Jackets to their very foundation. It led to a trade that has the fans. but the crowds there, I thought, were really into it, and that part knocked the roster out of alignment and sent the club reeling to one of of it, to me, was really cool. the franchise’s worst seasons. When you come into Columbus as part of another team, there’s not a lot But you could also say that Dubois’ departure only continues a worrying of action downtown, right? So the assumption is, then, there’s not a lot to trend for the Blue Jackets, one that’s allowed a long-ago reputation — do. But living there you realize there is. There’s a lot of redeeming “Nobody wants to play in Columbus!” — to be conjured all over again. qualities about living there and playing there that you don’t know about After the 2018-19 season, forwards Artemi Panarin and until you actually play there. and goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky all opted to leave the Blue Jackets to Player 2: You have to actually live there to realize how nice it is. You’re sign elsewhere as free agents. The Blue Jackets didn’t try to sign not going to change that (to the rest of the world) because you’re not Duchene and didn’t want to make Bobrovsky the NHL’s highest-paid comparing it to Cincinnati when you’re talking NHL cities. It’s being goalie, but that’s a lot of talent walking out of Nationwide Arena. compared to Miami and New York and Los Angeles and Chicago. Is This last offseason, the Blue Jackets were forced to trade Josh Anderson Columbus ever going to be seen with those cities? Maybe not, but it can when it became apparent that Anderson would only agree to a one-year still be a great city compared to say, Cleveland. The question has to be, contract, allowing him to leave as a UFA the following summer. as an organization, how can we change to make up for that? The Anderson’s situation was less messy than Dubois’ situation, certainly, but weather, the nightlife … not great. But my wife and I, we loved going to they are not altogether different, either. German Village. It’s so cool. So awesome. We loved it.

Dubois has never revealed why he was so desperate to leave Columbus. Player 1: It’s funny, but when people ask me about Columbus, it’s Was it the tough negotiating tactics used by general manager Jarmo probably framed a certain way, like, “Really, you liked it? You actually Kekalainen? Dubois says no. Was it the relentless coaching style of John liked it?” I totally enjoyed my time there. The guys were great. Our team Tortorella? He denies this, too, mostly. had some sucky seasons, but we had some fun seasons, too. And we had Torts, who was really hard, really demanding, but it was fun hockey Now, with another critical fork-in-the-road summer awaiting the franchise, to play because we were playing the right way. Everything is good when the Blue Jackets face the risk of losing more top players if the current you’re winning. trend isn’t reversed. What is it like to be a pro athlete in Columbus compared to some of the Seth Jones is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after next other cities in which you played? season, while fellow defense cornerstone Zach Werenski is poised to become a restricted free agent. Player 1: Not even close to the same. I’d go out after a game for a beer or for dinner (in other cities) and people know who you are, they want a Of the 23 players who dressed in the 2019 playoffs when the Blue picture, “Can you sign this?” … there’s a little bit of stardom, especially if Jackets upset Tampa Bay in the first round and lost to Boston in the you’re a big player or you just scored a big goal or something. In second, only 10 remain with the organization, and that includes seldom- Columbus, I don’t think it’s even a quarter of that. Maybe in the playoffs. used defensemen Adam Clendening and Scott Harrington. When they won a round (2019), I guess guys were getting free dinners when they went out, but I didn’t experience that. You could go to any bar To get to the root of the challenges the Blue Jackets have had retaining or restaurant, any time of the day, and nobody would know who you are. elite talent, The Athletic wanted to take a deep look inside the That’s actually good, and it’s kind of what I wanted when I went there, so organization, not by talking to those who still work or play there — Blue I liked it. But some people want and need that notoriety. Jackets fans hear from them all the time — but by talking to respected veterans who have recently worn the sweater and have seen the Player 2: Young guys, guys who have a choice, they want to go and get operation from the inside out. the spotlight, be rock stars, be professional athletes where they get attention. I don’t hold that against them, but you’re probably not going to We asked them about their perception of Columbus as a city, why they get that in Columbus. think the Blue Jackets keep losing players, what it’s like to play for coach John Tortorella, what it’s like to negotiate with the Blue Jackets, and what What are your thoughts on how/why the Blue Jackets keep losing top they’d change if they were running the club. players, either to free agency or forced trades?

We had several stipulations to these interviews: Player 2: Young kids would rather get drafted somewhere else. Maybe this is overgeneralizing, but a lot of the younger guys want to go where the players would be granted full anonymity so that they could speak they’re rock stars — Toronto, New York, Boston. They want to go hang freely out with hot chicks in Miami and Arizona and L.A. They want to try to the players must have played in Columbus during the wheel girls in Montreal. That’s what they want to do. So there has to be Kekalainen/Tortorella era some other draw that Columbus has, right? There has to be something else. “We have a great team and a great culture and we’ll pay you.” Or, the players needed to have played in multiple other cities during “We really value this (aspect) in you and we want you to stay and we’ll established NHL careers make sure you stay no matter what the cost.” the players must have left the organization on good terms, with no ax to When we talked contract it was, “Where do you want to be?” And we said grind and no agendas “X” amount, they immediately said, “Nope, no chance.” And we were like, “Well, that’s where we’re at and there are like six other teams willing to Two players we asked to participate politely declined. Three others go there.” They expected me to give up a ton of money to play there, like agreed to talk, with the promise that their comments would be only lightly they were the only team in the league. When you’re a (restricted free edited to avoid revealing their identities. agent) they play hard, hard, hardball, which is unfortunate, because then “The only reason I’m willing to do this is because I actually really love that as soon as a guy gets a chance to get out there, he’s like “Fuck this, I’m city and I love a ton of the people I met there, both in and out of hockey,” gone.” It’s tough to treat players as nothing more than assets and then try one player said. “Those people there deserve to go on a playoff run. to get undying loyalty from them as people. They deserve a great franchise. Player 3: I’m not really surprised, I hate to say. I wanted to stay there, but Player 2: They don’t do any marketing, really, at all, from what I could tell. I never got the sense it was possible. If guys want to be there and you That’s a problem across the NHL, too, not just Columbus. I don’t think have a winning culture, you have to do everything you can to keep it Torts wants individual players singled out. I don’t think Jarmo wants that, together. I have a ton of respect for Jarmo, but I feel like Columbus either, at all. In a way, I understand that, it’s a culture thing. But on the always has their eye on the future, what they can build, without maybe other hand, how do you garner interest for an individual player? When recognizing what they already have. I’ll never forget our exit meetings Panarin was there, he should have been the king of that town. Now, he after my last season there. We had a great season. We were so excited didn’t speak English or do a ton of interviews, but just talent-wise. Pierre- about the future. And then after a bunch of us players had our (exit) Luc, you could have pumped him. Jones, you could pump him. There’s meetings, we were sitting around in the room just kind of stunned. “Wait. just not a ton of that going on. Am I going to be back? Shouldn’t we all be back?” And a bunch of us kind of realized that was it, we were moving on. I was sad as hell, to be Is negotiating a contract different with Kekalainen and the Blue Jackets honest. than it is with other clubs?

I get why they’re so hard on their RFAs. You have to keep your numbers Player 2: Jarmo is really good, but he’s really tough on guys. He wants to down when you can. But also, the way that generation is, you have to get a good deal, which, in his defense, isn’t that different from other GMs make them feel like you really like them and value them, and I don’t think in the league. They all want guys for below market value, if they can. I they really do that. I just know how the negotiations worked with me and loved it there. The city, the team, Torts … I would have loved to come it was like, “Shit, they don’t want me at all.” back. That being said, they wanted to get me below market value. When it comes down to it … teams want undying loyalty from all their players, What’s it like playing for John Tortorella? but then as soon as you don’t play well or there’s a hiccup of there’s somebody else, you’re gone. Right like that. I think it’s a little unfair for Player 3: You see the perception, right? But I watched the game where teams to ask players to take hometown discounts — “Oh, you like it, well Patrik Laine got benched (earlier this season). I don’t like saying this kind take less money, stay here.” To me, if this is going to be a transactional of stuff about other players because I know how hard this league is. But I relationship, let’s keep it as such. see the response afterward, and it’s “Well, it’s Torts’ fault.” And I’m like, “How is that Torts’ fault?” Torts is hard on guys and he’s honest, but I Player 1: Listen, Jarmo’s a great hockey mind, right? He’s been a really think he’s mellowed out a lot over the years. There are things about him good scout for years. He’s done a great job of bringing in players who that you don’t like, but there are things about every coach that you don’t want to be there. Yes, he’s demanding on contracts and things like that, like. After you’re done playing for Torts, though, you appreciate what he but that’s what he’s paid to do. He’s paid to save every penny for the brings. He tells you exactly what he thinks. I would love if every coach owners and put out the best product he can. I think he’s done a heck of a was like that. job with what he’s been able to do.

Some of the stuff he does out in the open in front of everybody, some Player 3: I’ve played in places where they would tell you stuff and it was guys don’t like that. I think they would appreciate it more if it was kept just a complete fabrication, a lie. In Columbus it was always “Here it is, private. But I have a lot of respect for Torts and I appreciate how he goes here’s how it’s going to be, we have young players coming up … ” Very about his business. The perception around him should probably change, matter-of-fact, blunt. I appreciate that they have their eye on the future but people don’t want to hear it. and the cap and how much you have to pay guys later in their career … I understand that all. But you keep the group together and build from there Player 2: The big thing to me was that Torts gets a bad rap. He sets a and guys end up wanting to stay. Guys love to win, almost more than standard and expects you to play to it every night. I will say this … I’ve anything. had coaches who try to do the same thing as Torts, guys who want to be Tortorella, but they can’t be. Not even close. They want to be Torts but If you were hired by the Blue Jackets in an executive position, where then they cater to the top players, the star players. “How do I make sure would you start? What changes would you make? these guys stay happy? How do I keep them feelin’ good?” And all the stuff they can’t say to the star players, they take out on the other players. Player 2: It’s tough. You’re still fighting an uphill battle with the city of They preach honesty, like Torts does, but they don’t actually follow Columbus. I say this as somebody who really liked the city of Columbus. through on it. That’s the hard part. With Torts, he gets a bad rap, but I I just think generally speaking guys don’t love the city of Columbus, as a found his complete honesty with everyone to be very refreshing because whole. When you are trying to sign guys, you might have to fly them in, I’d been with coaches where you’re like, “Fuck off. You’re honest, but wine and dine them, show them ‘Hey, this is actually a really great city! only with like half the team.” Let’s show you around.’ I don’t know if they do that, and I don’t know if they do that enough to entice people. Not to say you’re going to have to Torts would just as soon call out Bob or Panarin or Cam (Atkinson) as he overspend on everyone, but if you want to get guys or your want to keep would Lukas Sedlak or whoever on the fourth line. I had a ton of respect certain guys, you’re going to have to spend money. You’re going to have for that. I respected the hell out of that. Now, Torts may have some to land some big players and hold onto your best players when they hit misgivings as a coach with tactics and adjustments. His thing is go out, their UFA years to change the perception that the Blue Jackets are a work hard and we’ll win (laughs), and that’s not always the case. But I team that won’t pay. Get good players. Draft them, surround them, make think he is a fantastic coach. them love it and love being there.

John Tortorella. (Darryl Dyck / AP) Player 1: This is anonymous, right? (laughs) I would say fire the coach, for sure, and I love Torts. I wish I would have had Torts at Dubois’ age, to Beyond the paycheck … what are the perks of being a Blue Jacket, and learn how to be a pro the right way — how to work, how to play, how to how does it compare to your other stops in the league? focus. I’d love to have him as a coach when I was 20 years old. But I Player 1: It’s not like they’re staying at Holiday Inn Express and the other think he’s probably worn out his welcome, and guys have tuned him out. I teams are at the Four Seasons. No, it was fine. The old plane they had, think you need a coach that wants to bring guys together, play a fun that was a bit of a disaster, just with how old it was. Obviously, Swift Air system, score goals … that’ll lead to wins. They have the players, in my (charter service) is a lot better, but some teams are flying I’d say at a opinion, everybody’s just kind of stymied with him. whole different level. As for how they treat guys, making things available Player 3: It’s a tough one. You have to establish who wants to be there for them at the rink, it’s nothing short of all the other teams I played for. and who really doesn’t and try to build around that. If you get the sense When I first started playing, teams didn’t have kitchens and cooks. Now that there are players who don’t want to be here long-term, even if you they have all the meals for the kids, the breakfasts, the smoothies … like them, you have to find a way to get valuable pieces for them. The Columbus has followed suit with that, too. There’s no amenity that Jarmo guys who are there, make sure you’re doing everything you can to make hasn’t put in there to make the life a little more pampery for the players. sure they love it there and that they’re part of the long-term solution. It’s Player 3: I wouldn’t say it’s the best in the league, but I don’t think it’s easier said than done. If you’re the GM of the New York Rangers, the job bad. They treat the players pretty well. There’s a (salary) cap, so you can is easier. I understand that. Some states have tax situations that are only pay so much. What you should be spending your extra money on is really good so guys sign for less and still make more money. Or they’re the stuff surrounding the team. Certain places have endless amounts of treated really well and have a chance to win. money, so the dressing room, the facilities, it’s all tricked out and over the Right now in Columbus, you don’t get a sense that they really have a top. But in some cities the revenue is so high they can spend whatever chance to win right away. It’s a smaller market. But when you have it they want on whatever they want. I know it’s different in Columbus and together and going, you should try to keep it together as long as you can. some other places. And it’s not all a money thing, either. You need to let guys know, “Hey, listen, we love you here. You’re a huge part of things. This is what we want for you, and this is how we envision your career here, but this is all we can pay based on our salary-cap outlook.” I would have signed in Columbus for less than I got on the market. That didn’t matter to me. What mattered to me was having a chance to win and having a good role. If you’re going to try to sign free agents, you need to overpay. But when you have guys who are there and love it there — a lot of guys who are there love it — you have to keep it together and make them feel like they’re part of something.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211587 Dallas Stars Make the playoffs: 15.8%

Winning the Stanley Cup: 0.1%

2021 NHL playoff tracker: Where do the Dallas Stars stand in the Central Odds via sportsclubstats.com. Division race? Stars’ last 5 games

Apr. 26 — Win, 4-3 (OT) over Hurricanes (Home) By SportsDay Staff 10:00 AM on Apr 27, 2021 CDT — Updated at 11:29 PM on May 3, 2021 CDT Apr. 27 — Loss, 5-1 to Hurricanes (Home)

Apr. 29 — Loss, 3-0 to Lightning (Away)

The NHL playoffs are fast approaching, and the Stars are battling for a May 1 — Loss, 1-0 (OT) to Predators (Away) postseason berth. May 3 — Loss, 5-4 (OT) to Panthers (Away)

Thanks to a strong stretch of play in April, the Stars are in the thick of the Record: 1-2-2 playoff hunt and remain on the fringes of securing the Central Division’s final playoff spot. Stars’ games this week

The league switched things up for the shortened 2021 season, scrapping 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, at Tampa the Eastern and Western conferences in favor of realigning teams into 6:00 p.m., Friday, at Tampa four geographic divisions. The top four teams in each division will qualify for the playoffs, which will follow the traditional best-of-seven, four-round 6:00 p.m., Sunday, at Chicago format. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.04.2021 Here’s a look at where the Stars stand in the Central playoff race:

[Updated through games ending on May 3]

Current Central Division standings

Team GP W L OTL ROW Points

1. x- Carolina 52 35 10 7 31 77

2. x-Florida 54 35 14 5 34 75

3. x-Tampa Bay 52 35 14 3 34 73

4. Nashville 53 29 22 2 24 60

5. Dallas 52 21 17 14 19 56

6. e-Chicago 52 22 24 6 20 50

7. e-Detroit 54 18 27 9 16 45

8. e-Columbus 53 16 25 12 13 44

ROW — regulation and overtime wins — is the first tiebreaker for teams deadlocked in points with equal games played. Teams play 56 games. x- clinched playoff spot

Tiebreaker scenarios

If two or more clubs are tied in points during the regular season, the standing of the clubs is determined in the following order:

1. The fewer number of games played.

2. The greater number of regulation wins.

3. The greater number of regulation and overtime wins.

4. The greater number of total wins.

5. The greater number of points earned in games against each other among two or more tied clubs. For the purpose of determining standing for two or more Clubs that have not played an even number of games with one or more of the other tied Clubs, the first game played in the city that has the extra game (the “odd game”) shall not be included. When more than two Clubs are tied, the percentage of available points earned in games among each other (and not including any “odd games”) shall be used to determine standing.

6. The greater goal differential for the entire regular season.

7. The greater number of goals scored for the entire regular season.

Stars’ current odds 1211588 Dallas Stars “I was honestly questioning if I would ever kind of be back to 100% or be back to even playing hockey,” Seguin said. “It felt like it was a positive day and then just two steps back. That’s what happens with injuries, but Panthers spoil Tyler Seguin’s inspirational return, push Stars to the brink having two surgeries, it was tough.” of falling out of playoff race In the last month, Seguin strengthened his quad and believes “I can get back to 100 and 110%.”

By Matthew DeFranks 10:31 PM on May 3, 2021 CDT “I couldn’t get back to that this season, but with the progress I’ve made, I know that the light at the end of the tunnel is definitely there,” Seguin said. “There’s no question by next season, I’ll be 110.”

For 30 minutes Monday night — before the Stars suffered a 5-4 overtime For the Stars, time may be running out on this season. loss in Florida — the feel-good story of early May was authoring itself, dueling storylines revealing themselves simultaneously. Khudobin pulled: was pulled for the fifth time this season after he allowed four goals on 15 shots in 20:45 of play. It was the In Sunrise, Fla., there was Tyler Seguin, the franchise center making his second time Khudobin was yanked in the last five games, subpar exultant return to the ice after hip and knee surgeries that kept him out of performances that sour a masterful one Saturday in Nashville when he the Stars’ lineup for the first 51 games. Just playing in the game felt like didn’t allow a goal in the first 63 minutes of the night. an accomplishment for Seguin, who last played in the Stanley Cup Final in September, but the bigger feat was scoring the game-tying goal in the Oettinger made 27 saves in relief to allow the Stars the chance to erase third period. The goal knotted the score at 4 and erased the two-goal a two-goal third-period deficit. In the five games that he’s replaced lead the Florida Panthers once held. Khudobin, Oettinger owns a sparkling .938 save percentage and 1.66 goals against average. In Columbus, Ohio, there was Emil Bemstrom, the plucky 21-year-old without a goal this season, scoring a hat trick to dismantle a 3-0 lead that Dickinson out: Forward missed Monday’s game due to a Nashville once held. At this point in the season, Stars fans are rooting for lower-body injury. He has not played since blocking a shot during the Dallas and whoever is playing the Predators, so Bemstrom’s hatty was second period of Saturday’s overtime loss in Nashville. just as significant. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.04.2021 A pair of concurrent comebacks with unlikely heroes. It felt almost too good to be true.

It was.

Aleksander Barkov dashed the Stars’ dreams of a massive comeback win when he smashed a one-timer in overtime, capitalizing on Joe Pavelski’s hooking penalty that put Florida on the power play. One minute before, Roman Josi won the game for Nashville in overtime.

As a result, the Stars’ playoff chase could end as soon as Wednesday in Tampa with a Nashville win and Dallas loss in regulation. The Stars trail the Predators by four points with four games remaining, and Nashville owns the tiebreaker.

The Stars pushing the game to overtime was unlikely itself. They trailed 2-0 just 2:42 into the game. They trailed 4-2 just 45 seconds into the second period. But and Seguin scored 11 seconds apart in the third, and made 27 saves in relief of Anton Khudobin to give the Stars a chance.

It evaporated when Pavelski hooked Barkov and Barkov blasted a one- timer.

“We’ve got to stop taking these stupid penalties in overtime,” coach said. “They’re just stupid penalties. That’s as simple as what it is. That’s what’s hurting us. I know the overtime record. I get it. But when you’re shooting yourself in the foot like we are, you’re not going to win in overtime taking penalties. You’re just not.”

If the Stars miss the playoffs, Monday’s result will be lost in the cacophony of 14 overtime and shootout losses this season. It will be another point thrown away, an opportunity missed.

Regardless of the season’s result, though, Monday will be remembered for Seguin.

The 29-year-old made his long-awaited season debut, sidelined since surgery Nov. 2 to repair a torn labrum in his hip. It was a difficult recovery for Seguin, who was too excited to nap before Monday’s game and was emotional talking about it at the end of the night.

“This whole day trying to make your mind your friend,” Seguin said. “A lot of excitement, a lot of nerves and, frankly, a lot of emotion. It was a long, long journey to get to this point. It’s been tough watching our team going through everything they have this whole year and not being able to help. It was nice to finally get out there.”

Seguin began the game as the right wing on the fourth line, but finished the night with a goal in 17:09 of ice time, including time on the power play, penalty kill and in overtime. Seguin said the original was plan was to play 8-10 minutes Monday night, but that got lost with Seguin’s stellar performance and his adrenaline backing it.

In the previous months, though, Seguin had doubts during his recovery. 1211589 Dallas Stars

Dallas Stars activate Tyler Seguin, who hasn’t played since Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final

By SportsDay Staff 12:35 PM on May 3, 2021 CDT

For the first time all season, Tyler Seguin is actively on the Stars’ roster, according to the team’s roster on the NHL Media Site.

The Stars center has missed the first 51 games of the season following offseason hip surgery for a torn labrum — and hasn’t played since Game 6 of the Cup Final more than seven months ago. He posted a video on Twitter chronicling his journey back to playing Monday afternoon.

Seguin’s way back to the Stars’ roster has been slow. He skated with Dallas for the first time all year on April 15. At the time, head coach Rick Bowness said of the center: “We need to get him back as quick as we possibly can. We won’t put him back until we know he’s ready, but this is a big step forward in getting him ready to play.”

Nearly a week later, on April 23, Bowness said they weren’t going to rush Seguin’s return, but the center was “anxious to play, there’s no question.”

Without Seguin, the Stars have witnessed the breakout of as the team’s No. 1 center, while shifted to the middle recently from his customary left wing role. Jason Robertson has become an offensive force, and contributes on the power play from Seguin’s spot in the left circle (as does Hintz).

While not officially out of the playoff race yet, the playoff math for Dallas is discouraging for the Stars, Matthew DeFranks of The Dallas Morning News recently wrote.

The Stars wasted a chance Saturday night to take control of the playoff race in the Central Division, losing 1-0 in overtime in Nashville. The loss dropped Dallas three points behind the Predators for fourth place in the division with five games remaining, and severely damaged the team’s postseason aspirations.

Dallas hasn’t scored in the last 155:47 of action, shut out in back-to-back games in the team’s two most important games of the season. All five remaining games are on the road: one Monday at Florida followed by two at Tampa Bay and two at Chicago.

If Nashville splits its final four games (two at Columbus, two against Carolina), it finishes with 62 points. The Stars would have to go 4-1-0 in order to get to 63 points since they do not own the tiebreaker with Nashville. Dallas has two winning streaks of at least four games, but each featuring two wins over Detroit.

Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211590 Dallas Stars The Stars defense was weak on those plays, as well as on MacKenzie Weegar’s goal late in the first period, but Anton Khudobin didn’t look solid either. It’s understandable why Khudobin got the start. He did just Jubilation of Tyler Seguin’s return to anger of a loss, Stars were an essentially post a shutout two days earlier against the Nashville emotional roller coaster Predators through regulation before they won in overtime, and Khudobin had two of his best games of the season against Florida in late February, including a 43-save shutout. But once that third goal was scored 14 minutes into the game, it seemed to be time to consider a goalie change. By Saad Yousuf May 4, 2021 Khudobin looked shaky in the crease all night and even beyond Monday night, he plays a bit more antsy in the crease after a puck slips through. Bowness decided to keep Khudobin in for the remainder of the first Monday night’s game between the Stars and Panthers was one of wide- period. During the intermission, Bowness talked to goaltending coach ranging emotions. Dallas ended up losing in 5-4 in overtime, a fitting way Jeff Reese and they decided against pulling Khudobin during the break to all but put the dagger in hopes for a playoff spot in 2021, but one of as well but agreed that if another goal went in, rookie goaltender Jake their top players also returned from a grueling six-month rehab. Tyler Oettinger would replace Khudobin. Seguin not only made his season debut but scored a big, timely goal that secured a point. It didn’t take long for that to come to fruition. Forty-five seconds into the second period, Gustav Forsling scored Florida’s fourth goal in the first 21 Given the ridiculousness of Monday night’s game, let’s go through the minutes. Oettinger came on in relief and shut out the Panthers for the emotions in the air throughout the evening. remaining 39 minutes of regulation and almost the first three minutes of overtime. It gave the Stars’ offense time to rally as they scored two goals Excitement in those 39 minutes to tie things up at 4-4. The defense didn’t vastly At 10:15 a.m., head coach Rick Bowness held his morning game-day improve with Oettinger in the net; he just made a number of remarkable availability. He said Seguin would be a game-time decision Monday saves to keep the puck out of his net. If Oettinger plays 45 more seconds night, which was an upgrade from previous updates about Seguin but still in the second period, is that fourth goal (we’re getting to it!) a game- a sense of cautious optimism. Around 12:15 p.m., the Stars officially winner instead of an equalizer? Hockey isn’t so simple to exchange moved Seguin to the active roster for the first time in 2021. That’s was events one-for-one because some things lead to others, but it’s possible the first bit of excitement. Even though Seguin was still officially a game- that with those extra 45 seconds, the Stars are looking at a 4-3 win time decision, given how carefully he and the Stars calculated his return instead of a 5-4 overtime loss. to the ice, they weren’t going to just move him to the active roster for a The other element of disappointment on the night was the NHL little warm-up skate. It was a fair indication that Seguin was likely going scoreboard. After the Predators took a commanding 3-0 lead on the Blue to play. Jackets, Columbus evened things up at 3-3. The Blue Jackets failed to Then, at 2:58 p.m., Seguin took to Twitter and posted a two-minute video finish the comeback, though, as the Predators won 4-3 in overtime and of visuals, photos and videos of his entire recovery timeline. It went from gathered two very important points. If the Predators beat Columbus on him walking into surgery to the dark moments of recovery and smiles as Wednesday and the Stars lose to the Lightning — both being the favored he got closer to returning in recent weeks. It all but confirmed Seguin was outcomes — the Stars will officially be eliminated from postseason going to play. contention.

PIC.TWITTER.COM/AQDW4USCBO Humor

— TYLER SEGUIN (@TSEGUINOFFICIAL) MAY 3, 2021 As bad of a loss as it was for the Stars, we have to discuss Jason Robertson’s goal. Or as it officially is Weegar’s goal that was credited to At 6:11 p.m., Seguin stood behind Rhett Gardner on the ice as Gardner Robertson but then credited to Hintz and then finally credited to took a faceoff. Seguin was officially back. Robertson. You follow?

“It was emotional, kind of this whole day,” Seguin said. “Trying to make The Stars have been talking about their lack of puck luck this season. your mind your friend. A lot of excitement, a lot of nerves and frankly, a Well, that was pretty lucky, though it’s also true that one creates his own lot of emotion. It was a long journey to get to this point. It’s been tough luck. Hintz and Robertson did a great job pressuring Weegar to force him watching our team going through everything they have this whole year into that errant pass back to his own goal. and not be able to help so it was nice to finally get out there.” Jubilation Seguin’s night was filled with exciting moments as well. He started the game as a fourth-line winger and made stops quite literally everywhere. There’s no question what the moment, video and image of the game was After beginning the game with Gardner and Tanner Kero, Seguin quickly for the Stars. Four minutes into the third period, Seguin went to track a moved up to the FCC checking line and played with and puck along the boards. After it went past him, he went straight to the front as spent a chunk of his first period in of the net to set up shop. controlled the puck and made a the box. After that, beginning in the second period, Seguin moved up to very good, alert play in quickly identifying Seguin being alone in front of the second line to play with his longtime linemate, Jamie Benn, and Joel . The puck was deflected by Seguin, and Knight made a Kiviranta. Additionally, Seguin played 48 seconds on the penalty kill and save with his right toe. Seguin gathered the puck and shoveled it into the 52 seconds on the second power-play unit, where he fired off his net for a storybook moment. patented one-timer. “I felt more comfortable than I thought (I would) tonight,” Seguin said. “I The plan coming into the night was for Seguin to play eight to 10 didn’t try to overthink much, just told myself before the game, let’s rely on minutes. He ended up playing just over 17 minutes in a variety of roles, in instincts. I was really excited for a nap today, but that didn’t happen. It regulation and in overtime. was an emotional day. I tried to just kind of keep to myself. The bus ride over, I know everybody goes through injuries, but for some reason, this “Bones just got in my ear every two shifts and said, ‘We good?’ and once one — well, I know why — but this one definitely got to me. Just to be you’re in that moment, that adrenaline, I definitely wasn’t going to say able to be back in the lineup, that was kind of scoring a goal for me, as it no,” Seguin said. “As the game went on, I felt even better, but when it got was. Just really happy to be back.” to overtime, I ran out of steam a little bit.” To understand why Seguin was as emotional about his goal, it’s Disappointment important to know the context. Before missing 51 games this season, he had missed only 32 games in his first 10 NHL seasons. Missing games is There was a lot of disappointment throughout the game, starting from the not something Seguin is accustomed to. Additionally, while hip injuries top. Within the opening minute of the game, it looked like Kiviranta was are common in hockey, Seguin’s was anything but and his recovery going to give the Stars a quick 1-0 lead. Dallas couldn’t even get through process was far from linear. Knowing all of that, his emotions after the the disappointment of Kiviranta’s shot hitting the post or another puck game are much more understandable. getting smothered in the crease before Jonathan Huberdeau gave the Panthers a 1-0 lead instead. And before the Stars could even process “If you asked me three months ago, four months ago, there were some the single-goal deficit, Nikita Gusev gave Florida a 2-0 lead 49 seconds days where I was honestly — not to be a pity party — I was honestly after Huberdeau’s score. questioning if I would ever be back to 100 percent or be back to even playing hockey,” Seguin said. “It felt like it was a positive day and then just two steps back. That’s what happens with injuries, but having two surgeries, it was tough. But really in the last month, I kind of realized that with this quad work I’ve been doing and I know I posted a video today and some people got some behind-the-scenes, I really do believe I can get back to 100-110 percent. I couldn’t get back to that this season, but with the progress I’ve made, I know that the light at the end of the tunnel is definitely there. There’s no question by next season I’ll be 110 (percent).”

The jubilation behind Seguin’s goal was best captured in this picture posted by the Stars:

.@TSEGUINOFFICIAL LOVES THE GAME PIC.TWITTER.COM/QSF2OJXXUP

— DALLAS STARS (@DALLASSTARS) MAY 4, 2021

At the time Seguin scored it, making the score 4-4, one of the first things that came to my mind was ’s goal last season on Oct. 31 against the Minnesota Wild. Seguin’s goal Monday night, a falling scoop right in front of the net, looked similar to Radulov’s score that night when the Stars fell behind 3-0. Radulov’s goal ignited a comeback that resulted in a 6-3 win that night and turned the tide from a rough start to the season to a run of victories that helped position the Stars to eventually make the playoffs and embark on the Stanley Cup run in 2020.

Though Seguin’s goal got the Stars a point, Dallas failed to complete the comeback.

Anger

Seguin’s comeback was certainly the feel-good story of the evening, but there also was the reality that the loss may have just buried the Stars’ 2021 season. That was evident after the game.

Benn was asked how he viewed the game Monday night.

“Our line wasn’t ready to go tonight,” Benn said. “It starts with myself. You look at the last two games, we’re on the ice for four goals against. It’s just dogshit and that’s it.”

What does the line need to do to improve?

“Fuck, a lot. A lot of improvements,” Benn said.

Bowness’ take on the game?

“Well, we’ve got to stop taking these stupid penalties in overtime,” Bowness said. “They’re just stupid penalties. It’s as simple as (that). That’s what’s hurting us. I know the overtime record, I get it, but when you’re shooting yourself in the foot like we are, you’re not going to win in overtime taking penalties. You’re just not.”

Personnel

Jason Dickinson was a game-time decision with a lower-body injury and did not play. Here is what the Stars’ lineup looked like to begin the game:

Jason Robertson — Roope Hintz — Joe Pavelski

Joel Kiviranta — Jamie Benn — Denis Gurianov

Andrew Cogliano — Radek Faksa — Blake Comeau

Tanner Kero — Rhett Gardner — Tyler Seguin

Esa Lindell —

Jamie Oleksiak —

Andrej Sekera — Sami Vatanen

Anton Khudobin

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211591 Dallas Stars After four weeks in a wheelchair, not putting weight on his repaired hip, Seguin graduated to crutches in early December. There were still mobility limitations, but it was at least a step in the right direction.

Inside the Stars’ Tyler Seguin’s grueling 6-month hip rehab, from ‘chicken Then Seguin had a setback. leg’ back to the NHL On Dec. 14, Seguin went in for another procedure, this time to get his right knee scoped.

Saad Yousuf May 3, 2021 “There’s a saying in my world, in the physical rehabilitation world, that the knee is a slave to the ankle and the hip,” Nichol said. “So any level of dysfunction to the ankle or any level of dysfunction to the hip, a lot of In early February, the Dallas Stars were in the middle of a five-game times it’s going to manifest in the knees.” homestand. Every game featured approximately 4,000 fans cheering on players as they took the ice. In Toronto, 1,400 miles north, Tyler Seguin Knee scopes can be fairly routine, so Seguin went in with positive spirits. entered a defunct military base with his longtime trainer, Matt Nichol. However, knee scopes don’t usually come a few weeks after major hip surgery. Doctors took out his whole fat pad, a mass of fatty tissue that There were no fans cheering, no photographers documenting his walk lies below the kneecap and behind the patellar tendon. With that, new into the building and no media hovering. In fact, there was almost issues arose. nothing. Nichol was in the early stages of transferring his training facility to a new location. “I ended up losing kind of my whole quad muscle,” Seguin said. “That’s what I’ve been dealing with the last five months, rebuilding the quad and “I remember he walked in the first day and it was bare concrete floors. have all the mechanics moving properly.” Everything was in boxes,” Nichol told The Athletic. “It looked like something out of some kind of a horror movie or something. He walked in Shortly before the Stars’ regular season began, Seguin flew to Toronto, and said, ‘I love it, it’s time to get to work.’ All of the paparazzi, the glitz where he could focus on his rehab. He worked with Prebeg, a and glamour and high-end facilities are somewhere else. This was back chiropractor who specializes in acupuncture and treatment of sports to the basics, back to the grind. It was like something out of ‘Rocky III.’” injuries, and Nichol, the physical therapist. Prebeg and Nichol have both worked with Seguin going back over a decade and worked in conjunction Seguin, a little over three months removed from right hip arthroscopy and with each other throughout Seguin’s hip rehab. labral repair, was still limited in his physical movements. He was making progress, slowly but surely. In that stage, he just needed a space to Seguin’s first meeting with Prebeg took place on Jan. 18, two and a half perform basic exercises. Seguin likened the experience in the months after he was taken off his feet by hip surgery. warehouse-esque building with broken floors to the martial arts comedy- “He comes there and he’s got, like, a chicken leg,” Prebeg said. drama “Cobra Kai.” “Everything we do hurts. We did an exam, and we’re trying to find out “It was great. That’s just kind of how we got started,” Seguin told The where he is and what he can do and try to take it from there. The Athletic. “I’ve been with (Nichol) now for 10 (to) 12 years. It’s been a long problem is, there wasn’t much he could do.” time. He’s kind of my sensei. I told him to watch ‘Cobra Kai’ because Seguin was on the ground floor in terms of physical ability. For decades, there are a lot of similarities. It was nice to be back in that quiet space he glided effortlessly across 200-foot hockey rinks, and now he was with him. Just me and him every morning, and Mike Prebeg. Just doing having to relearn how to walk and how to move his ankle. Every morning, the work.” six days a week, Seguin checked in with Prebeg for an hour or two As Seguin was activated to the roster Monday, it was the fulfillment of before going to work out with Nichol. Early on, those workouts included one of the most arduous journeys of his life. What began as a hip injury such things as simple ankle turns to build up strength and mobility, in July — and actually went further back to a knee injury last March — meticulous leg workouts and exercises to strengthen his core. Those turned into so much more. Hip surgeries among hockey players are not workouts were as frustrating for Seguin as they were important. terribly uncommon, similar to a pitcher in undergoing Tommy “It’s a different kind of hard, a different kind of challenge,” Nichol said. John surgery. The Stars have certainly compiled quite the patient list “It’s hard in a different way. Running until you pass out and puke and over the past decade, with Jamie Benn, John Klingberg, Jason lifting weights until the bar is bending and muscles are trembling, that’s Dickinson, Ales Hemsky, Trevor Daley and Valeri Nichushkin all hard, but this is probably even harder for a lot of athletes to cope with undergoing hip procedures. doing these tiny, monotonous movements that we do in rehab.”

However, not all hip injuries are the same. Seguin initially felt a pop in his Again, the mental and physical aspects were blending for Seguin. After hip in practice on July 29, the day before the Stars’ exhibition game almost three months since the hip surgery, he had come to accept that against the Nashville Predators in the Edmonton bubble. He went on to the four-to-six-month window was likely going to lean toward the latter. play 26 playoff games as the Stars made their run to the Stanley Cup Final. Throughout the run, Seguin knew an unpleasant operation awaited “It was frustrating, just because like any athlete, we’re competitive,” him in the offseason. What he didn’t know was the magnitude of that Seguin said. “So, when we get a timeline, we’re competitive with our operation. Seguin’s surgeon alerted him that as far as shaving off the timeline. You want to be on that timeline or you want to beat it. That’s just bone, on the wide-ranging scale his situation was pretty much as severe how we’re driven. That’s how I’m driven. But it was a lot of very as it gets. methodical movements. The training was very slow, boring and uncomfortable. … Going to the gym, doing those workouts and them “What I didn’t realize is that there are different kinds of versions of this being so meticulous and just kind of annoying, it became frustrating, just hip surgery,” Seguin said. “It was a labral tear, but my labrum, looking at because I knew I was behind what you might want to call a schedule. the image, it was completely, literally off. … I kind of knew it wasn’t going to be that four-month goal (of a four- to six-month timeframe). It was “Also, just sitting in the Toronto area, being in lockdown. I was by myself going to be kind of looking at that six-month goal.” and just watching the games on TV. There were some tough days, but that’s why I was very happy to be with the people I was with, with Matty The surgery repaired ailments, but this was going to be a test for Seguin, and people that have been with me since Day 1. But it was frustrating at physically and mentally. For the first four weeks after his surgery on Nov. the time. I didn’t really see a light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s nice to 2 in New York, Seguin was in Dallas, confined to a wheelchair. Playing be sitting here today and saying that I see a light.” hockey through an injury at the highest level wasn’t new territory for him, but not being able to walk around a farmers market or through the mall? At a time when Seguin was trying to rack up “little wins,” there was still That was a new challenge. the matter of his right quad, which remained inhibited (asleep) and had trouble activating. Prebeg explained that this sort of neurological “There were good days and bad days,” Seguin said. “A lot of that time inhibition from the knee scope is to be expected, but the fact that it came was a lot of the mental side of it, just grinding through it. It gave me a lot just five weeks after the hip surgery compounded the inhibition, which of time to reflect on things, on my career and on the game I love. It gave means the quad muscles were “turned off.” me a lot more appreciation for the game. … It was some tough times.” “The nerve that innervates the knee is the same nerve that innervates the quad and is the same nerve that does some branches of the hip,” Prebeg said. “So, the nerve doesn’t know what’s (messed) up. The body doesn’t know what’s messed up. It just says, ‘Uh oh, we’ve got to protect this While Seguin was in Toronto, he watched every Stars game and knee, something is wrong here.’ But when you’re protecting the knee, it examined certain aspects of the team and broke things down as if he means you can’t fire the quad (muscles).” were part of the equation. There was always a sense of reality, that no matter how many losses stacked up or what he noticed on tape, he Early on, Prebeg did a few things to activate the quad, but it would either couldn’t do anything about it. That hit home even more when he moved work for a limited time or not be very effective. One day in February, back to Dallas, especially when the team hit the road. Prebeg went aggressively at Seguin’s vastus lateralis, the largest and most powerful part of the quad. With electro-acupuncture, Prebeg “We’ve been in a fight all year and it’s been hard, mentally, to not being inserted three rows of needles with two or three different stimulators, and able to help with all of the adversity everyone was going through,” Seguin that got Seguin’s quad jumping. He stood up from that, did a squat and said. “The COVID stuff, our schedule changing, the injured guys going in told Prebeg it resonated and felt good. Figuring that out was a big step and out, taxi squad going in and out and other guys stepping up. Those because Prebeg got clarity on the solution and shifted his attention to were some miserable times of having to be at home and not helping and sustaining that ability. then just going to the rink and smiling and be the happiest guy I could. It was tough, but I was in good hands.” (Courtesy of Mike Prebeg) Most of the Stars trainers followed the team on the road, but assistant Prebeg’s work came daily in the training room, whereas Nichol’s work strength coach Nick Andreas stayed back and worked with Seguin, was done in the gym. They worked together in a constant cycle, with particularly to develop his quad. A week after he came back to Dallas, Nichol conducting the workouts, as small as they were in the beginning, Seguin lightly skated a couple of times with skills coach Stan Tugolukov. and then Prebeg conducting the evaluation of the body the next day. It was a gradual buildup, skating a couple of times per week, then When Seguin arrived for his daily early morning checkup, Prebeg growing that to three times a week and then four times. Two weeks ago, checked for inflammation, how the muscles were firing off and the overall Seguin went three days in a row for the first time and carried that response of the body. He let Nichol know if Seguin’s body was handling momentum over to last week as he inched closer to a return. everything properly or if things needed to be toned down and when they could afford to elevate the intensity. Missing games has always been one of the toughest pills for Seguin to swallow. In half of Seguin’s 10 seasons, he has played every game, “In a normal summer, if you were to come spend some time in my gym, including three 82-game campaigns, a full 69-game COVID-19-shortened there are all sorts of video-worthy or Instagram-worthy moments of guys season and a full 48-game lockout-shortened season. In two other doing really cool, dramatic things with super-heavy weights, running fast seasons, he played at least 80 games. He had missed a total of 32 or smashing medicine balls. Tyler’s no stranger to that,” Nichol said. games in his 10-year NHL career before missing the first 51 games of “This would not be that. Especially if you came early on, it would have this season. been a lot of slow, small, boring, meticulous movements. Just grinding through to get an extra 10 degrees of motion. It’s not what’s going to cut “I’ve taken a lot of pride in not missing any games the last few years,” it on Instagram these days, but it was what had to be done. Seguin said. “That’s been really important to me. As much as scoring 40 goals (matters), playing in every game has been a huge part of my drive.” “If you’re an athlete who, for your whole life, you’ve bought into the idea that you’re willing to do the hard, uncomfortable work and every time you Seguin also wants to ensure a full recovery from everything that’s gone do that, tomorrow and the next day, you see the benefits. This rehab on — the hip, the knee and the quad — so he can get back to that level process is not like that. You’re not getting these big, significant of consistent availability. He likely won’t reach peak physical health until improvements in muscle size that you can see and feel the next couple of next season, after he gets the entire upcoming offseason under his belt. days. You get small, tiny incremental improvements in range and motion, Last week, as Seguin got closer to returning, his confidence for the future which are very significant to someone like me, but they’re not as exciting molded with the excitement of his journey. for an athlete.” “We’ve made good progress as of late and obviously with where we In mid-to-late February, Seguin went on the ice for the first time, in a (Stars) are, I’ve pushed it a lot lately,” Seguin said. “I know structurally tracksuit. One of Seguin’s best friends in Toronto accompanied him, but it nothing can go wrong now. Now it’s just having the confidence, the wasn’t anything like an actual skate. It was more stepping on the ice in mechanics and getting that cardio up, which has been happening over ice skates, which Seguin hadn’t been able to do for months and dearly the last 10 days. missed. About an hour after they left the ice, Seguin’s friend texted him. “I (had) kind of stopped looking at really a date for me because there isn’t “You looked like a sad puppy dog when you left,” the text read. really a date with this. It really has been day by day, especially as of late. The progress I’ve been happy about is having this quad come back in the “It was just a realization that I was nowhere close to being on the ice,” last month after months and months of training it. I can feel better, and I Seguin said. “I was just kind of baby-stepping out there.” know it’s progressing.”

As Seguin got into his final couple of weeks in Toronto in early March, One of the final steps for Seguin was getting ready for game speed and Nichol said there was “a breakthrough.” More than a month after Seguin game intensity. That’s been increasingly difficult because of the unique showed up with a “chicken leg” and did tiny workouts, he started doing circumstances this season, particularly for the Stars, who have seen an some of the normal things. Nichol prioritized getting the fundamental already compressed schedule get squeezed further. movements down with proper technique, then building the strength, repetition and muscle mass on top of that. Seguin was doing lunges, “There hasn’t been a single full practice since I’ve been skating,” Seguin pulling and pushing sleds and generally starting to move like an athlete. said. “I’ve been in three morning skates and those are two drills, but other than that, it’s just been taxi squad. That’s just the nature of this “Tyler’s not a guy that needs to be motivated. It was more me pulling the season.” reins back,” Nichol said. “People see this public persona. He’s a good- looking guy, he’s a fun guy. They make lifestyle judgments, but ever There’s also the speed of the game. Players usually have a full training since I’ve known him, he’s always worked hard in the gym and then at camp, which leads into the preseason, which leads into low-stakes this stage of the game for him, he’ll still shoot pucks until his hands are regular-season games and eventually to high-stakes games. Right now, bleeding.” Seguin joins a team that is playing its most important games of the year. With a lack of practices, he has relied on a greater attention to video. To The rehab process that once moved at a snail’s pace was suddenly simulate the physicality, Seguin had Ty Dellandrea engage in one-on-one starting to snowball. Seguin got to a point where he stepped on the ice battles with him before Dellandrea got sent to the AHL. Lately, he’s had just to check out the fit of his full gear and skates. His movements were Nicholas Caamano chip him in the corner and run through him. more similar to what he’d done with his friend a few weeks earlier than to his performances in NHL games. “There are going to be some of those things that you need to happen in a game, just to get the confidence with your body,” Seguin said. “Especially But now, Seguin was getting ready for the next step — a big one. after major surgery like I had. It’s a weird time. I feel like I’ve gone By mid-March, Seguin could start working some on-ice things into his through everything in my career and now I’m in this new spot. There’s routine. Given the heavy COVID-19 restrictions in Canada, it made more going to be (an) adjustment of obviously not playing for a long time and sense for Seguin to head to Dallas, where ice was easier to access and then an adjustment of just trying to get the confidence in the mechanics he could have a full support group around him — his Stars teammates and the structure of all of these surgeries and new movements and new and coaches and, particularly, the training staff. quad. I’ll kind of go from there and do everything I can.” Even with all the procedures and physical therapy Seguin has endured, he says the journey has been more than just physical. There’s also been a strong mental component to it, as well as a spiritual one. Seguin has gotten into meditation and started listening to audiobooks. Though his availability will be a game-time decision, a return to the ice is possible Monday, and he’ll bring a renewed perspective to accompany his fresh bill of health.

“Just getting away from the game, I’d say the biggest eye-opener that I’ve had is just always loving the game but finding new appreciation for this job, lifestyle and career,” Seguin said. “Going to Detroit (April 21) and being on the plane and not realizing how much I missed just being on a plane, playing cards with all of the guys on the team. There are things over this past year with COVID and all of the surgeries and being injured that I realized I was taking for granted. The biggest eye-opener is having that appreciation again.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021

1211592 Detroit Red Wings

3 weeks in, Detroit Red Wings winning Jakub Vrana-Anthony Mantha trade

Helene St. James

Three weeks have passed since got an A-plus for his trade deadline dealings, specifically acquiring Jakub Vrana as part of the package return for sending Anthony Mantha to the Washington Capitals.

In the small sample size so far, Vrana has won the flip of the former first- round picks.

He has six goals in nine games with the Wings, and that doesn’t include the beauty of a shootout goal in the 1-0 victory over the Lightning over the weekend, because shootout goals don’t count as individual statistics.

Vrana leads the Wings with seven points since April 12, and has played in a lineup that lacked Tyler Bertuzzi, Bobby Ryan and Robby Fabbri and, since April 20, Dylan Larkin.

Both Vrana and Mantha scored in their debuts. But Mantha hasn’t had as hot a scoring hand, with four goals total among six points. He plays in a lineup that includes Nicklas Backstrom, Evgeny Kuznetsov, T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin (Ovechkin has missed four games in the three-week span).

Mantha, 26, is minus-2 on a team competing for first in its division. Vrana, 25, is plus-2 on a team second-from-last in its division.

The Wings and Capitals each have picked up 11 points since the trade, though the Capitals have gone 5-3-1 and the Wings 4-4-3, giving Washington a better winning percentage.

Vrana made his Wings debut April 15, scoring the decisive goal in a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. On April 22, he scored four goals in a 7-3 rout over the Dallas Stars. He scored on a breakaway and a backhand, making one highlight-reel move after another. His sixth goal came Thursday in a 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes.

One of Vrana's deftest moves came Saturday in the shootout, when he pulled off a Peter Forsberg goal, sliding the puck to the right as he approached the net and reaching around to knock the puck in on a backhand.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211593 Detroit Red Wings Fabbri, Bobby Ryan and Frans Nielsen have really impacted the offense in the waning days of the season.

Sunday, specifically, the Lightning controlled the puck often and kept the Wings' Thomas Greiss named NHL's First Star of the Week, capping Wings bogged down defensively. turnaround season “We have to learn to spend more time in their zone," Bernier said. "That’s why lately the shot differential is big. We have to come out of our zone cleaner. Ted Kulfan "I feel defensively we’ve improved. We obviously have to find a way to score more goals, that’s the bottom line. It’s going to tough to win every night if you score only one or two." Detroit — This was another testament to how far goaltender Thomas Greiss has come this season. Also starring

After a difficult start to the year where nothing was going seemingly his Throughout the 2020-21 season the NHL is celebrating the efforts of the way, Greiss has completely turned things around to the point where off-ice personnel from the regions represented by the weekly stars, who Monday he was named the NHL's First Star of the Week. made it possible for the season to take place.

Greiss beat out second star Edmonton’s Connor McDavid — who Along with Greiss, the NHL recognized Joanne MacDonald, Saint Joseph arguably could be a candidate every week — and New York Islanders Mercy Health System regional director of pharmacy. goaltender Semyon Varlamov. MacDonald serves as a pharmacy leader within the Saint Joseph Mercy Greiss stopped all 66 shots he faced across 130 minutes of regulation Health System, overseeing five hospitals and providing support to more time — and made six saves in shootouts — to earn two shutouts along than 100 colleagues across the southeast Michigan region, including with a 1-0-1 record this past week. hospital and retail pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and clinical dietitians. Greiss hasn’t lost in regulation time in his last eight outings — he’s 5-0-3 — and heads into his next start this weekend in Columbus (likely Friday) Throughout the past year, MacDonald has worked to implement elevated with a shutout streak of 136 minutes, 31 seconds. safety standards that have prevented the spread of COVID-19 within clinical care areas. Additionally, MacDonald has assisted in the planning, It’s been a remarkable turnaround, considering Greiss began his Wings coordination and deployment of clinics throughout southeast Michigan. career with only one win in his first 11 decisions (1-8-2). Although with a 2.90 goals-against average and .904 save percentage, you could sense Detroit News LOADED: 05.04.2021 he wasn’t getting much goal support from his teammates.

Greiss had been getting a bit more support, until the Wings hit another drought recently. But, to his credit, Greiss continues to play well.

The turnaround has been simple in Greiss’ estimation.

"Just playing better, getting a couple of bounces," Greiss said. "Those bounces weren't going my way at the beginning of the year and now they're going my way."

Twice this season, with Jonathan Bernier out with injuries, Greiss had to take over the bulk of playing time and his play suffered.

It also didn’t help the Wings’ lineup, especially the first extended playing time, was in flux with key players out.

But with Bernier in the rotation and the two veteran goaltenders essentially alternating starts, Greiss, 35, has thrived.

“He (Greiss) was called on to play so much that he got worn out a little bit,” said coach Jeff Blashill, who believes Greiss has played his best with a touch more rest between starts. “(With) a couple days of rest, he’s done a real good job.

“Both guys are in a good spot where their games are at and it gives you a ton of confidence that you’re going to get good goaltending.”

Saturday’s shutout of Tampa was Greiss’ 15th of his career.

It was the third time Greiss has posted consecutive shutouts during his NHL career (also Jan. 16-19, 2017, and Jan. 18-Feb. 1, 2019, both with the New York Islanders) and the first time a Wings goaltender has accomplished the feat since Petr Mrazek (Jan. 14-22, 2018).

In 33 games this season, Greiss is 7-15-8, with a 2.73 GAA and .911 save percentage.

Greiss has one more year left on his contract, at a $3.6 million salary cap hit. Bernier, 32, is an unrestricted free agent this summer after earning $3 million this season (Bernier had a three-year, $9 million contract).

The Wings are likely to extend Bernier before free agency begins, given his performance the last two seasons, his work alongside Greiss and the fact the Wings have nobody in the organization remotely ready to replace Bernier.

Starved for goals

The Wings have scored a grand total of three goals in the last five games, as injuries to forwards Dylan Larkin, Tyler Bertuzzi, Robby 1211594 Detroit Red Wings “Great kill,” Blashill said. “How you kill those is you stay tight like we did, you block shots, you get a huge save and you get a little lucky -- they hit a post. The sacrifice was there all night from our team. It was illustrated with that kill; the number of blocked shots is unreal. Red Wings’ Jeff Blashill: ‘No doubt we’re a better team,’ after topping 2019-20 win total “We’re not playing for the playoffs and we got guys laying it on the line with 3-4 games to go. It shows the character of guys we have.

“It shows you can win games without necessarily outplaying your Updated May 01, 2021; Posted May 01, 2021 opponent.”

By Ansar Khan Michigan Live LOADED: 05.04.2021

DETROIT – Through large parts of the season, the eye test told Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill that his team was making progress.

As it winds down, their record shows it.

The Red Wings defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 1-0 in an eight-round shootout Saturday at Little Caesars Arena. Thomas Greiss made 33 saves for his second consecutive shutout.

Detroit has 18 wins and 45 points in 53 games, after recording 17 wins and 39 points in 71 games last season.

The Red Wings (18-26-9) are 24th out of 31 teams in points percentage (.425), after finishing last by a significant margin in 2019-20 (.275). The have three games remaining, including a nationally televised rematch against Tampa Bay on Sunday (3 p.m., NBC).

“I don’t think there’s any doubt, anybody who’s watched us, that we’re a much better team this year than we were a year ago,” Blashill said. “What I’ve liked here in the last bit is we’ve won a number of games with a whole bunch of young guys in the lineup and that’s a big thing for our organization. That shouldn’t discredit the older guys in the lineup; they’re making great contributions. We’ve got a number of them that have done a great job.”

The Red Wings are better defensively. They rank 20th in the NHL in goals-against per game (3.00), after finishing last in 2019-20 (3.73).

Much of that is due to goaltending. Jonathan Bernier has been strong for the better part of two seasons. Greiss, after struggling for a stretch earlier this season, has played well for several weeks, outstanding of late (5-0-3 in his past eight starts, with a 1.54 goals-against average and .951 save percentage).

“We’re clearly a better defensive team,” Blashill said. “I don’t necessarily believe in a whole bunch of stats that you can make an argument for one way or another, but we’ve got stats we trust, like Grade A (scoring chances) against in different situations, Grade A’s against for the season. We’re giving our goalies a chance to make saves on a more consistent basis.”

Said Greiss of his recent performance: “Just playing better. We got a couple of bounces, a couple of two-on-ones where they could have easily scored with an empty net and they just missed.”

Offense continues to be an issue. The Red Wings have been shut out seven times and are averaging only slightly more goals per game (2.17) than last season (2.00).

But they have been hit hard by injuries and COVID protocol, missing key contributors Tyler Bertuzzi, Bobby Ryan, Robby Fabbri and Dylan Larkin for large parts of the season.

“We’re not a better offensive team today than we were a year ago, so we need to find ways to score,” Blashill said. “But you can win games when they’re tight.”

That is what they did against the defending Stanley Cup champion, a team that is competing with Carolina and Florida for the top spot in the Central Division and home-ice advantage throughout the playoffs.

Detroit outscored Tampa Bay 4-3 in the shootout, getting goals from Jakub Vrana, Filip Zadina, Valtteri Filppula and the winner by Sam Gagner.

It wouldn’t have reached that point if they hadn’t killed a five-on-three power play that lasted for 1:46 with less than four minutes remaining in regulation. Luke Glendening, Danny DeKeyser and Marc Staal were on the ice for most of it. 1211595 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings get strong goaltending but power play struggles costly in home finale

Updated May 02, 6:28 PM; Posted May 02, 5:57 PM

By Ansar Khan

DETROIT – Their goaltender once again kept the Detroit Red Wings in the game and gave them a chance to win when they could have been blown out early.

But their offense and power play once again failed them in a 2-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning Sunday at Little Caesars Arena in their home finale.

Jonathan Bernier made 40 saves and Filip Zadina scored Detroit’s lone goal.

The Red Wings had an excellent opportunity to tie it in the final minutes after three consecutive Lightning penalties resulted in a full two-minute five-on-three advantage. But they failed to capitalize, going 0 for 4 on the power play, registering only five shots, including just one on the two-man advantage.

The Lightning (35-14-3) tied Florida for second place in the Central Division, two points behind Carolina in a three-way competition for the top spot.

The Red Wings (18-27-9) have a four-day break before closing out the season with games at Columbus Friday and Saturday.

Zadina scored on a nice give-and-go with Vladislav Namestnikov during a four-on-two rush at 13:37 of the second period. It was his sixth goal of the season and trimmed Tampa Bay’s lead to 2-1.

The goal gave the Red Wings some momentum, but they couldn’t complete the comeback. They registered only 23 shots against Christopher Gibson, making just his second NHL appearance in the past two years (both against Detroit).

The Lightning scored 16 seconds into the game, after Filip Hronek’s turnover behind the net. He put the puck right onto ’s stick. Goodrow passed to Coleman in the slot, and he one-timed a shot past a helpless Bernier.

The Lightning continued to press in the period, outshooting the Red Wings 19-6. Bernier prevented them from adding to the lead. Blocking 10 shots, including three by Danny DeKeyser, helped, too.

Tampa Bay took a 2-0 lead at 1:09 of the second period when ’s shot from the point through traffic found the back of the net. The Red Wings were caught scrambling in their own zone.

Michigan Live LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211596 Edmonton Oilers blocked in front and Puljujarvi fished it out from between the legs of Canucks Alexander Edler.

McDavid then made it 30 goals and 90 points in 50 games, picking up a X marks the playoff spot as Edmonton Oilers make it official with win loose puck at centre and taking it back the other way before muscling a against Canucks shot past goaltender Braden Holtby with 3:25 left in the period.

With three more games against the Canucks this week, McDavid might reach the milestone of 100 points by Saturday. Derek Van Diest “I’m trying to play the best I can, and personally, make sure my game is Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 2 hours ago where it needs to be heading into the playoffs,” McDavid said. “I’ve said this before (100) is a number, if I get there great, if not, it’s not the end of

the world either. The most important thing is that our team is gearing up It has been foregone conclusion for some time, but considering the for the playoffs and making sure we’re flying on all cylinders in Game 1.” struggles the Edmonton Oilers have endured trying to qualify for the NHL The Canucks responded 43 seconds later, as J.T. Miller took the puck to Stanley Cup Playoffs, it was important to make it official. the net and lifted a backhand shot over Koskinen. With a 5-3 victory, on the road, against the Vancouver Canucks on Dominik Kahun restored the two-goal lead, taking a pass from Dmitry Monday, the Oilers officially clinched a playoff spot and will likely host Kulikov on a rush and snapping a shot past Holtby with 45 seconds left in either the Winnipeg Jets or the in the first round. the period. “That’s what you’re after, that’s Step 1, you can’t compete for the Stanley Brock Boeser ripped a shot off the face-off past Koskinen to make it 4-3 Cup unless you make the playoffs,” said Oilers head coach Dave Tippett. with 3:27 left in the game. McDavid, however, sealed the victory, scoring “We accomplished that and we have six games left that we have to make into an empty net with Holtby pulled for an extra attacker. sure we’re playing and continue to build our team. But I give our guys credit, the goal was to make sure we were a playoff team and that’s what “He (McDavid) has proven difficult to keep off the scoresheet this year we accomplished and now we have to keep building.” and he plays the right way every night,” Barrie said. “He hasn’t taken any nights off, which is pretty incredible. It’s been impressive to watch this The Oilers were in a similar position last year before the COVID-19 year and fun to be a part of and we’re going to try and get him there pandemic put a halt to the regular season, and then they failed to qualify (100) the best we can, but he can get it done on his own if he needs to. for the playoffs, losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in the play-in round. It’s pretty impressive.” The play-in round wasn’t the playoffs, regardless of how some may try to Notes: Jujhar Khaira was back in the lineup after missing the past five spin it. games with a head injury. Khaira had been buckled by a solid hit from Officially, it’s only the third time since 2006 the Oilers have made it into Montreal Canadiens defenceman Alexander Romanov and had to be 16-team NHL playoff tournament. The last was in 2017, when they made helped off the ice. It was concerning considering the Oilers forward had it to the second round before bowing out in seven games to the Anaheim been knocked out in a fight against Calgary Flames forward Brett Ritchie Ducks. a few weeks earlier … Tyler Ennis also drew back in the lineup, recalled on an emergency basis off the taxi squad as Gaetan Haas and Devin What was supposed to be a stepping-stone at the time became an Shore sat out injured. Ennis had not played since April 10. anomaly in a long, dark period after getting to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final in 2006. Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2021

“It means a lot, your first goal every season is to play in the playoffs and that’s Step 1 and we’ve been able to do that,” said Oilers captain Connor McDavid, who finished with two goals and four points on the night to give him 91 in 50 games this season. “No we need to continue to work on our game, pay attention to details and get ready for the playoffs.”

The Oilers clinched with six games to play. They have four more against the Canucks and two against the Montreal Canadiens to close out the COVID-shortened 56-games schedule.

While the Canucks can no longer catch the Oilers, they are technically not eliminated from playoff contention, falling 16 points behind the Canadiens and Jets for the final playoff spot with 10 games to play.

The Oilers pulled away from the Calgary Flames on Saturday, but the Canucks still had 11 games to play and going into the contest, were 19 points behind. Now they are 21 points behind the Oilers with 10 to play, which is why Edmonton clinched Monday instead of Saturday.

“It’s nice to get that X beside your name (clinched) and kind of get that out of the way,” said Oilers defenceman . “We’ve got a shot to win the Stanley Cup and that’s what the goal is at the beginning of the year and we’ve done a good job accomplishing that and now we have six games left to gear up and get playing the way we want to play in the playoffs.

“It’s great to get that done, but there is a lot of work to be done still.”

Jesse Puljujarvi scored 3:41 into the game on a set-up from Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to put the Oilers ahead. The goal gave McDavid 88 points on the season.

It was also Puljujarvi’s 13th goal of the season, a career high and three more than Finnish countryman Patrik Laine has on the year.

Nate Schmidt tied the game, 1-1, 13 minutes into the period, firing a shot through traffic and beating Mikko Koskinen on the short side.

McDavid picked up his 89th point of the season 18 seconds into the second. Barrie found the puck in the slot after a McDavid shot was 1211597 Edmonton Oilers With the season winding down and Edmonton’s post-season spot pretty much determined, Tippett will have the luxury of resting goaltender Mike Smith … to the extent that Smith actually wants to be rested, which isn’t much. Khaira '100 per cent' confident he's ready to return to Oilers lineup Nevertheless, he and the coaches will try and strike the right balance between keeping the goalies sharp and keeping them fresh.

Robert Tychkowski “We’ll maximize both guys with work and rest,” said Tippett. “We’ll take it game by game, but we have a plan in place to make sure they both get Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 2 hours ago enough (rest and work) down the stretch.”

As for getting No.3 Alex Stalock a game, even just to sit on the bench as As far as Jujhar Khaira is concerned, video of him struggling to find his a backup to give Smith a complete day off, Tippett says that isn’t likely. balance after a taking a routine hit April 19 against Montreal is much “We like to talk about the rhythm of our team and the rhythm of our worse than the actual injury. lineup,” he said. “If we got to a situation where Smith or Koskinen was It was a frightening scene that had Oilers fans concerned for the 26-year- battling a small injury or something, we might look at that. But, as of right old’s health and future, particularly after he was concussed in a fight a now, we like both our guys to be involved in every game.” month earlier, but Khaira says he felt fine within minutes of the second GOALIE SIGNING incident and has been symptom free ever since. The Oilers signed goaltender Ilya Konovalov to a two-year entry level “I definitely got my bell rung, but by the time I was in the tunnel I felt back contract beginning next season. to normal pretty quickly,” he said before returning to the Oilers lineup Monday. The five-foot-11, 196 pound Russian was selected 85th overall in the 2019 NHL Draft. He appeared in 19 games this season for Lokomotiv “Confidence-wise, my comfort level is 100 per cent. The frustrating thing Yaroslavl in the Kontinental Hockey League, posting a 9-7-2 record, a was not being able to play. For myself, it was just focusing day by day to 2.29 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. In 111 career get back as soon as possible.” games, he has a 53-41-9 record, a 2.14 goals-against average, a .922 Even though Khaira had been feeling fine over the last two weeks, he’d save percentage and 14 shutouts. been held out of the lineup until everyone was certain he was ready to Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2021 come back. The team conducted further tests, ran him through a number of physical challenges to gauge his response and then met as a group to see if everyone was satisfied with the results.

“I’ve made sure the doctors and neurologist, everybody (was in agreement),” said head coach Dave Tippett, adding they then kept him out a few extra days just to make absolutely certain. “In talking to the doctors and T.D. (Forss, head athletic therapist), they have zero hesitation in him playing. I felt we needed to get to that point before we played him again.

“He’s been totally cleared by all the professionals, so you have to take their opinion on it. He’s been anxious to play for three or four days now.”

Khaira understands the concern — every pro athlete in this day and age realizes the risks and dangers associated with head injuries. All he can go by, though, is how he feels and what the medical experts are telling him. So, he’s plenty good with the green light.

“At this point, it’s how comfortable I feel,” he said. “In my whole hockey career, these are the first two incidents I’ve ever had.

“I know this stuff happens. I’ve seen it happen to other guys. It was my turn, I guess, to be in that situation. I’ve seen guys bounce back. I’ve seen the work they’ve put in to get back and I’ve just tried to follow that. For myself, it’s building confidence day by day to get me to this point, now it’s excitement.”

X MARKS THE SPOT

The Oilers have known for weeks that they are going to be a playoff team this year, but being in a position to officially put an X next to their name with two weeks left in the season is still a significant milestone.

“It’s a goal we were striving for all year,” said long-serving veteran Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. “We’re just pushing to keep improving our game, but once you see that (you’ve clinched) it’s a good feeling. We worked all season to get to this point; to have it confirmed is obviously important.”

It might even be a little better that it’s happening this year, in an all- Canadian division. With the eyes of a hockey mad country focused entirely on the north, bragging rights are even sweeter.

“It’s definitely been a unique season, we all know that,” said Nugent- Hopkins. “We didn’t know how it was going to all play out at the start of the year, playing these teams nine and 10 times.

“I think we should be proud of where we are at this point but the work isn’t done. We still have games left in the regular season to make sure that we’re playing our best hockey leading into the playoffs.”

ROTATION PLAN 1211598 Edmonton Oilers Klefbom averaged the fifth-most ice time in the NHL last season, and led Oilers blueliners in minutes on the power play and shorthanded — special teams that ranked at or near the top of the league. Klefbom turns 28 in July and has two more team-friendly years on his contract; he’s the What are the Oilers’ pressing questions ahead of the Seattle Kraken type of player teams normally wouldn’t think twice about letting another expansion draft? organization nab. Now, exposing him could be worth the risk.

The Oilers — and Klefbom — are hoping they’ll have a lot more clarity about his status by early July. By Daniel Nugent-Bowman and Ryan S. Clark May 3, 2021 Regardless of what decision the Oilers make pertaining to protecting

Klefbom, it’ll have ripple effects throughout their defence. A riddle that’s wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. As murky as that Barrie, Larsson, and trade deadline acquisition Kulikov are all slated to sounds, it might be the clearest way to describe how unclear the Oilers’ hit the open market. Barrie’s contract status with the team is most linked situation is as the Seattle expansion draft approaches. to Klefbom’s health. Sure, they have a few players so obvious to protect that your dog Barrie signed a one-year deal after an underwhelming season in Toronto wouldn’t even have to think twice. But injuries, contract uncertainties and specifically to take Klefbom’s spot on the top power-play unit. He’s been a few tricky talent projections have the potential to create some major excellent there, ranking among the league leaders in points by headaches for GM Ken Holland and his staff. defencemen with the man advantage. But he could be due for a There’s bound to be some hair pulling in the weeks and months ahead. reasonable raise and has top prospect Evan Bouchard — same handedness and similar skill sets — pushing for playing time behind him. Perhaps the easiest way to understand the Oilers’ landscape is to dissect Bouchard’s growth and the prospects of Klefbom returning would make it everything by position group. more difficult to justify bringing back Barrie, especially on a multi-year contract. Forwards Larsson has had a strong season, rebounding after being slowed by For now, the understanding is the Oilers are going to protect eight knee and back injuries in 2019-20. He brings unique attributes to the skaters. Going that route means they will protect forwards Leon Draisaitl, Oilers as a big, strong, defence-first defenceman. He currently carries a Connor McDavid, Jesse Puljujarvi and Kailer Yamamoto. Meanwhile, cap hit of just under $4.2 million, and probably won’t command a massive prospect forwards Dylan Holloway, Raphael Lavoie and Ryan McLeod pay increase because of his lack of offensive production and age. He’ll are exempt. be 29 in the fall, so contract length could be a sticking point. So what about Ryan Nugent-Hopkins? Figuring out what happens with Kulikov is so new to the Oilers that it’s hard to gauge how he’ll fit in long Nugent-Hopkins has become the most notable question facing Holland term. However, he doesn’t appear to be in consideration for protection. and his staff when it comes to their forwards. It is understood the Oilers would protect Nugent-Hopkins, who is a pending unrestricted free agent, Depending on Klefbom, Barrie and Larsson, the Oilers could have the should he re-sign with the team. But if he does not, then, the Oilers would ability to block off none, one or both of Caleb Jones or William Lagesson. press ahead protecting eight skaters. They have battled for minutes this season as depth defencemen, with Jones vaulting ahead in recent weeks. Jones has more offensive upside Getting Nugent-Hopkins a new deal would then present another question and is a year younger, variables that should be more enticing to the about the Oilers’ protection path. Holland would then be forced to protect Oilers if a choice came down to the two players. seven forwards. But it comes at the expense of losing a defenceman. As for which defencemen become exposed? That is also a bit complicated The loss of Jones or Lagesson wouldn’t be ideal, but the Oilers are and that dynamic will be explained shortly. teeming with defence prospects that are exempt from expansion draft consideration. Nugent-Hopkins hitting free agency even comes with its own set of hypotheticals. Allowing him to reach the open market means the Oilers Bouchard has been in Edmonton all season and should push for more would not have to worry about their protection format and still retain four minutes next season. Philip Broberg, the team’s 2019 first-rounder, is defencemen. But even that comes with a couple potential costs. One of scheduled to start his North American career by the fall. Dmitri them being Nugent-Hopkins could leave and sign elsewhere. Another Samorukov was coming along nicely in his first pro campaign in being he could return to the club. But at what price? The flat cap has Bakersfield last year and played this season in Russia. Theodor made every front office concentrate even harder on how they spend Lennstrom, Philip Kemp, Markus Niemelainen, Michael Kesselring and money. Nugent-Hopkins makes $6 million and stands to be one of the Filip Berglund aren’t up for grabs either. more high-profile UFAs. CapFriendly projects the Oilers will have a little more than $25 million in available cap space this offseason. Yet the Veteran Kris Russell, back on a $1.25 million deal, is all but assured of Oilers have eight UFAs and four restricted free agents on the active being exposed to Seattle. roster in need of a new contract. Three of those UFAs include Goaltenders defencemen Tyson Barrie, Dmitry Kulikov and Adam Larsson. It could essentially come back to where the Kraken feel comfortable Exposing Nugent-Hopkins and keeping the eight-skater protection route shopping. The Oilers’ defensive options could be enough to make them also means the Oilers would then expose forwards , Tyler look elsewhere for goaltending. Although, there is enough in place to Benson, Dominik Kahun, Jujhar Khaira, Zack Kassian, Cooper Marody, suggest there could be someone intriguing enough for the Kraken to Devin Shore, James Neal and . Of that group, Benson, Kahun, consider. Khaira, Marody and Shore are pending RFAs. Let’s start with Mikko Koskinen and Mike Smith. It is a tandem that has Defencemen seen one goalie struggle to find consistency with the other serving as one There are two no-doubt protection locks here. The first is Darnell Nurse, of the Oilers’ more trusted figures this season. Koskinen, 32, has a year a two-way force who’s having a season worthy of some Norris Trophy remaining on his current deal at $4.5 million while the 39-year-old Smith consideration. The second is Ethan Bear, a solid defender with one more is a pending UFA who only costs $1.5 million. season on a low-cost deal ($2 million AAV) and three more years of team Seattle is going to have an assortment of goaltending options. It is a control. group that could feature Jake Allen, Anton Khudobin, Chris Driedger, Things get dicey pretty quickly after that. Braden Holtby, Matiss Kivlenieks, Cam Talbot and Vitek Vanecek, among others. Those are also goalies who all make less than Koskinen The biggest wild card, and probably the biggest domino, is the status of at the current moment. Driedger is a pending UFA who is in line for a Oscar Klefbom’s health. new contract. But there is still a chance he could come at a cheaper freight for a Kraken organization that is expected to remain steadfast in Klefbom won’t play a game this season because of a left shoulder injury, managing its cap space in a flat cap environment. which required surgery in March. Though optimistic about returning to full health and returning to the lineup next season, Klefbom isn’t sure if he’ll Or to frame it this way: The combined cost of an Allen-Vanecek tandem ever play again. next season at $3.59 million is still cheaper than Koskinen by himself. It’s the sort of savings that could offer the Kraken more financial flexibility Lagesson, 25, has appeared in 25 games over the past two seasons. should they pursue that route. Seventeen of those contests for the defensive-mind defenceman have come in 2021. He could continue his trajectory as a reliable option in his Now factor Smith into the equation. He ranks second in wins among own zone and on the PK. pending UFA goaltenders. The Oilers could be tempted to protect him just so they could have the first chance to re-sign him should they want to Relinquishing one of Jones or Lagesson wouldn’t be ideal — especially explore that route. But there is also the reality that other teams might be since neither makes more than $1 million — but a departure could soon skeptical of signing a 39-year-old goaltender, even if he could come with be offset by the emergence of Bouchard, Broberg or another prospect a relatively cheap cap hit. down the line.

Where it gets a little interesting is the circumstances surrounding Stuart In the event the Kraken opt for an Oilers forward, the one worth noting is Skinner. He’s having his strongest AHL season and made his first NHL Benson. (It’s hard to imagine the Oilers not finding a way to block off start earlier in the year. His work is enough to suggest that he could be Yamamoto or Puljujarvi if Nugent-Hopkins is re-signed before the draft, ready to at least challenge for a spot in training camp. The Kraken could either by going to a 7-3-1 scheme or by way of a side deal.) take a look at Skinner should they want to grab a third goaltender who could also be a potential option for later. But it is also possible they could Though Benson is now in his third pro season and has played just seven go with Arizona Coyotes netminder Adin Hill to fill that void. NHL games, he was eighth in AHL scoring as a rookie in 2018-19 and has been near the top of the list all of this year. Cross-border quarantine Also under contract for next season is Alex Stalock. He was claimed off rules and an abundance of players in Edmonton thanks to the taxi squad waivers on March 1 but has yet to dress for a game. Olivier Rodrigue, a have only hurt his chances for a recall from the minors this season. first-year pro and Canada’s third-stringer at the 2020 world juniors, is exempt from selection. In Benson, the Oilers wouldn’t be saying goodbye to a winger with top- line NHL potential. However, he could be a middle-six player with What it all means for the Kraken offensive skill, someone who’s been working at adding penalty killing to his repertoire in AHL Bakersfield. He’s an RFA this summer but won’t The state of Klefbom’s shoulder in mid-July could play the ultimate role command much more than the league minimum, which would be a useful when it comes to what players could be made available to the Kraken. A piece for any team in today’s NHL economy. healthy Klefbom likely receives protection and it prompts Holland to expose Jones or Lagesson. Getting either one would provide the Kraken The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 with a young defenceman that already has NHL experience and could immediately slot into the lineup. And the most important part of all? Both of them are on cheap contracts and will be RFAs with team control at the end of their current deals.

An unhealthy Klefbom could lead to Holland exposing him. That would then leave the Kraken with a rather interesting choice: Do they take a legitimate top-pairing defenceman who is still recovering from an injury? Or are they better off going in another direction? Selecting Klefbom under that scenario means the Kraken could be in a position to be a bit more patient with a player who has not played since the 2019-20 season. Yet taking that approach would give them a productive defenceman who consumes plenty of minutes, generates production and can log time on the penalty kill. Another item to consider with Klefbom, who turns 28 on the day before the expansion draft, would be his cap hit. He has two years remaining at $4.167 million annually. It’s a similar contract value to other defencemen that could be available elsewhere but the Kraken could be swayed by a cheaper option should that be a possibility.

Keep in mind that those are hypotheticals in which Barrie and Larsson, who are pending UFAs, have yet to re-sign. If they do? It leaves Holland and his staff sorting through their options with the idea a side deal could be in play. That way, it allows them to keep whom they deem to be their most prominent defencemen while the Kraken could potentially receive a player and another asset in return.

What it all means for the Oilers

The Oilers were barely affected the last time there was an expansion draft; Vegas selected blueliner Griffin Reinhart. Though the price to acquire him from the Islanders was exorbitant — two high draft picks, one of which used to select Mathew Barzal — Reinhart had played only 29 games for the Oilers and never wore a Golden Knights jersey in a regular season contest.

It’s likely the Oilers lose someone more important this time.

Defence appears to be the position where the Oilers are most vulnerable to losing a good player. The most logical targets at this point appear to be Klefbom, Jones or Lagesson.

As mentioned earlier, Klefbom is likely only exposed if there are still questions about his health and only selected if the Kraken decide to take a leap of faith. If they’re rewarded, the Oilers would be without one of their longest-serving players and most reliable (when healthy) and well- rounded rearguards. That would be a massive blow in a flat-cap world since Klefbom’s contract fits in nicely within the Oilers budget.

Jones turns 24 in June and is closing in on 100 NHL games. He’s appeared in spot duty in the top four and on the penalty kill over the last three seasons. There appears to be untapped upside in Jones that, if unleashed, would be tough to see realized elsewhere after years of nurturing. 1211599 Florida Panthers Panthers a 3-1 lead. In the second period, Denisenko won a battle behind Dallas’ goal, and fed Forsling for a one-timer to push Florida’s lead back to 4-2 and chase Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin from the game just 45 seconds into the second. With playoffs locked up, Panthers put future on display vs. Stars — and it looks bright Denisenko now has four points in four games since he rejoined the Panthers on Tuesday and Tippett, who has been with Florida all season, has five points in his last four games.

BY DAVID WILSON “They’re playing the right way and they’re getting rewarded for it,” Weegar said. “They’re getting good chances, but when you’re playing MAY 03, 2021 09:45 PM, well defensively and you’re playing hard, and playing over the puck — that’s what they’re doing.”

The Florida Panthers spent Monday weighing the future with the present. Dallas rallied to tie the game 4-4 by scoring two goals in 11 seconds early in the third period, but Knight stopped the final four shots he faced In most cases, the future meant this weekend and the week beyond, in the final 15:54 of regulation, then picked up his fourth straight win when the Panthers hope they’ll be able to get fully healthy in time to when Barkov scored a power-play game-winner on a one-timer with 2:10 close the season with a pair of meaningful games against the Tampa Bay left in overtime, triggering chants of “MVP!” from the 4,702 at the BB&T Lightning before the 2021 Stanley Cup playoffs begin. Center.

In other cases, it means the years and years beyond. Those injuries and While it was the rockiest start of Knight’s career, the goalie still finished maintenance meant a slew of rookies in the lineup. with 25 saves on 29 shots and became the youngest player in NHL history to start his career 4-0. There were still playoff implications at stake for Florida against the Dallas Stars, but it was much more important to just make sure everything is in The Stars were fighting for their playoff lives, desperate to chase down place when the playoff run begins later this month. Thanks to those the Nashville Predators for the No. 4 seed, and Knight staved them off to rookies — and a game-winning, overtime goal by Aleksander Barkov — guarantee Florida some more meaningful games later in the week. the Panthers didn’t have to sacrifice either in a 5-4 win in Sunrise. “It’s a good test, a good learning curve,” Quenneville said. “He settled “The future’s bright here,” defenseman MacKenzie Weegar said. down after that, found a way to win, so there’s some good things you can pick out of that game going forward.” Rookie left wing Grigori Denisenko handed out two assists. Rookie right wing did, too. In net, rookie goaltender Spencer Knight Miami Herald LOADED: 05.04.2021 picked up his fourth straight win and put Barkov in position to win the game for Florida on a one-timer with 2:10 left in overtime.

With two games left in the regular season, the Panthers control their own destiny for the No. 2 seed in the Central Division after they beat the Stars with a rookie-laden lineup.

“We want to keep the playoff mentality like we’ve been doing the last 15, 20 games,” defenseman Gustav Florsling said. “We’ve just got to keep it going. You can’t settle back and take it easy. You’ve just got to keep playing like you want to play in the playoffs.”

Florida remains two points behind the first-place Carolina Hurricanes and two ahead of the third-place Tampa Bay Lightning, although both the division rivals have played two fewer games than the Panthers. Florida, however, closes the regular season with two games against the Lightning on Saturday and next Monday, and would sew up second place by sweeping the series in regulation, no matter what Tampa Bay does in its two other games.

With their win Monday, the Panthers put themselves in as good a position possible to have home-ice advantage for a first-round series in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Right wing Patric Hornqvist missed his fifth straight game with an upper- body injury. missed his 12th straight with an upper- body injury, too, and fellow forward Sam Bennett also sat out his first game with an upper-body injury. Coach Joel Quenneville was even content to give Sergei Bobrovsky a full day off, starting Knight and letting fellow rookie Philippe Desrosiers dress for the first time as the backup goaltender.

Quenneville is optimistic Hornqvist, Verhaeghe, Bennett and goaltender Chris Driedger will all be able to return this weekend, and he wasn’t going to rush them back Monday with Florida staring at a four-day break in the schedule. His rookies have held their own, anyway, and they did again Monday.

Denisenko — the No. 15 pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft and the Panthers’ No. 1 prospect, according to ESPN.com — played his fourth game on the top line next to star center Aleksander Barkov. Tippett — the No. 13 pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft and Florida’s No. 4 prospect — played his fourth straight on the second line with All-Star left wing Jonathan Huberdeau. Knight — the No. 15 pick in the 2019 NHL Entry Draft and the Panthers’ No. 3 prospect — made his third career start, all in the last two weeks.

Tippett assisted on the first goal, setting up Huberdeau to put Florida ahead 1-0 just 1:53 into the game. Denisenko and Tippett both assisted on their third, teeing up Weegar for an open shot from the slot to give the 1211600 Florida Panthers Seguin returned to action for the first time since undergoing a right hip arthroscopy and labral repair after the 2020 post-season. Seguin was activated off the injured reserve earlier on Monday and was a game-time decision. Seguin, 29, led the Stars in scoring the past two seasons. Aleksander Barkov’s goal in overtime lifts Panthers over Stars “A lot of excitement, a lot of nerves and frankly a lot of emotion,” Seguin said. “It was a long journey to get to this point. It’s been tough watching our team going through everything they have this whole year and not By PAUL GEREFFI being able to help, so it was nice to finally get out there.” ASSOCIATED PRESS | FIRST TIME MAY 03, 2021 AT 10:19 PM Panthers goalie Philippe Desrosiers backed up Knight. Desrosiers, 25, was selected by the Stars in the second round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft and donned an NHL jersey for the first time. SUNRISE — Aleksander Barkov scored 2:50 into overtime to lift the Florida Panthers to a 5-4 win over the Dallas Stars on Monday night. INJURY UPDATE

Jonathan Huberdeau, Nikita Gusev, Gustav Forsling and MacKenzie Panthers: Sam Bennett day-to-day (upper body), Carter Verhaeghe: out Weegar also scored for the Panthers, and Owen Tippett had two assists. (upper body), Patric Hornqvist: day-to-day (upper body).

Spencer Knight stopped 25 shots in his third career start and fourth ATTENDANCE appearance. Knight, who turned 20 on April 19th, is the youngest goalie The Panthers cap attendance at 25% capacity. Monday’s game drew in NHL history to start 4-0. 4,702. The Panthers are two points behind Carolina for first place in the Central UP NEXT Division and two points ahead of Tampa Bay. The Hurricanes and Lightning each have two games in hand over the Panthers. Panthers: Host Tampa Bay on Saturday night to open a two-game series.

Tyler Seguin scored a goal in his first game of the season, Roope Hintz Sun Sentinel LOADED: 05.04.2021 had a goal and an assist, and Joe Kiviranta and Joe Pavelski also scored for Dallas. Anton Khudobin allowed four goals on 15 shots before being replaced by Jake Oettinger early in the second period. Oettinger finished with 27 saves.

The Stars sit four points behind the Nashville Predators for the final playoff spot in the Central Division.

In overtime, Barkov fired a shot from the right circle during a power-play that beat Oettinger on the stick side.

“We know they’re a great team battling for their playoff spot and would give it everything they have,” Barkov said. “We want to play (just) as well, too. We did that and came out with two points.”

Trailing 4-2, the Stars scored two goals in 11 seconds to tie the score. Kiviranta pulled the Stars within one when his shot from the left circle went past Knight’s glove and into the net at 3:55 of the third. Seguin, playing his first game since hip surgery last Nov. 2, tied it when he backhanded in a rebound. It was the fastest two goals the Stars have scored this season.

“We’re playing desperate hockey right now,” coach Rick Bowness said. “It was a huge comeback in the third period to get those two quick goals. I give us credit for battling back and the desperation needed to get back and get that point, but again it’s just disappointing when you shoot yourself in the foot (by taking a penalty in overtime) and you keep losing these games like we did.”

Knight showed good poise after giving up two quick ones, according to coach Joel Quenneville.

“A good test, a good learning curve. Things change quickly. He settled down after that and found a way to win,” Quenneville said.

Huberdeau and Gusev scored 49 seconds apart to give the Panthers a 2- 0 lead 2:42 into the game.

Pavelski’s power-play goal pulled Dallas wthin one with 7:56 left in the first. Pavelski leads the Stars with 45 points, scoring 22 goals and 23 assists.

Weegar had a hand in the next two goals, but one was credited to Dallas. Weegar’s wrist shot from the slot stretched the Panthers lead to 3-1 with 5:47 left in the first.

Hintz was credited with a goal when forechecked Weegar before Weegar threw the puck across the crease and it hit Knight’s skate and went across the goal line. The fluky goal closed the score to 3-2 with 2:44 left in the first.

Forsling’s goal 54 seconds into the second put the Panthers ahead 4-2 and chased Khudobin from the game.

TIMELY RETURN 1211601 Florida Panthers ”Those are going to happen … and we had a couple of laughs in the room,” Weegar said. “I didn’t see the guy behind me, things happen quick. I just swept it away and it ended up going in the back of the net.

Florida Panthers win wild one in OT against desperate Dallas Stars ”I was trying to get the hat trick tonight. Too bad I didn’t.”

The Panthers got the lead back to two early in the second when Gus Forlsing whipped a Grigori Denisenko pass through Khudobin. Published 7 hours ago on May 3, 2021By George Richards Dallas coach Rick Bowness had seen enough, pulling his starting goalie in favor of Oettinger.

When Jonathan Huberdeau and Owen Tippett took off moments after A first-round draft pick in 2017 out Boston University, Oettinger was one Spencer Knight made a big save this early in the Panthers game Monday reason why Dallas didn’t qualify Philippe Desrosiers and allowed him to night against the Dallas Stars, we all probably should have buckled in for sign with the Panthers in 2019. a wild night of hockey. More on that Tuesday. Huberdeau scored a beautiful goal off Tippett’s pass less than two minutes in Monday and things just took off from there. Regardless, Oettinger stood tall, as he has against the Panthers in previous games this season. The Panthers scored four goals in the first period (well, one went in the wrong net) then Dallas scored twice in a span of 11 seconds to tie it in He kept the Panthers in check allowing Dallas to come back when Joel the third. Kiviranta and Tyler Seguin scored 11 seconds apart early in the third period to tie the game up. That all came before Sasha Barkov scored with 2:10 left in overtime to give the Panthers a 5-4 victory at BB&T Center. ”I thought we did a good job after that,’’ Joel Quenneville said. “We generated some looks and were in their end again. A couple quick ones It was one of those games in which Dallas pulled starter Anton Khudobin like that and it’s ‘what’s going to happen next?’ But for the most part, we — who had been so good against the Panthers this season — and did a lot of good things.” replaced him with rookie Jake Oettinger who made 27 saves before Barkov scored on a power play chance in OT. Oettinger made sure it went to OT. He went into the extra period with 21 saves — and helped the Stars get a point they desperately needed. It was also a night in which Florida’s 20-year-old rookie goalie gave up those two quick goals yet held on to make NHL history as Knight became There wasn’t much more he could do in overtime as he stopped the first the youngest to start a career 4-0. five shots he faced included a breakaway from Anthony Duclair and a jab from Huberdeau down low. Just another wild night in Sunrise, eh? KNIGHT MAKES HISTORY For the Stars, getting to OT was a win and Oettinger was a big reason why. Knight was making his third start and fourth appearance since leaving Boston College. Dallas is now four points back of Nashville in the playoff race. He ended up making 24 saves and became the youngest goalie in NHL If not for Oettinger, it would have been five. history to win the first four games of his career.

”They’re a desperate team trying to make the playoffs,” MacKenzie Knight, who also won in relief last week at Nashville, is 4-0-0 in his short Weegar said. “We knew that coming in. With (Tyler) Seguin coming back, NHL career. we knew they would have an extra jump in their step. He is also the youngest goalie in Panthers history to ever win a game as “They battled hard. They’re a good team. But we found a way to get the best Columbus in his debut a day after his 20th birthday. two points and that’s all that matters.” There have not been a whole lot of U.S.-born goalies drafted in the first The Panthers won their fourth consecutive game and kept pace with the round, but with Knight going against Oettinger, two of them were in Central-leading Hurricanes who beat the Blackhawks in the opener of Sunrise on Monday night. their three-game series. While giving up two quick goals like that in the third are not ideal, Knight The Panthers, by winning Monday, have two games left in the regular showed more of that composure the Panthers have been so impressed season and still control their destiny when it comes to taking second with by not giving up anything more. place in the division — and home ice in the opening round of the playoffs. ”It was a good test, a good learning curve knowing that you have different Florida, which won six of eight against Dallas this season, had a pair of situations and you always have to be prepared in the course of a game,” two-goal leads in the first period (and one in the third) only to see the Quenneville said. Stars fight back. “Things change quickly. Momentum is very important, goaltenders After Huberdeau’s sick backhanded goal, Nikita Gusev jumped on a influence momentum and he settled down after that and found a way to loose puck and put it past Khudobin to make it 2-0 just 2:42 into the win. There is some good things to pick out of that game to improve upon. game. But he does a lot of good things.”

Dallas made it 2-1 on a Joe Pavelski power play goal 10 minutes later, NEWS & NOTES but Weegar buried a drop-pass from Tippett at 14:13. While Mason Marchment was back in the lineup Monday night, The 3-1 lead wouldn’t last. Quenneville said that Patric Hornqvist, Carter Verhaeghe and Sam Bennett would all return in the (regular) season-ending series against the WEEGAR’S OWN GOAL Lightning. Trying to get the puck out of harms way from behind the net, Weegar Bennett was a newcomer to the injured list although Quenneville said it made an off-balanced clearing pass that went right at the Florida goal. was nothing serious. Knight didn’t see it, the puck snapped off his skate and went backward — It honestly sounds like Monday was just a good day to give the guy a day right into the net. off after his whirlwind tour of travel after being acquired by the Panthers It took the NHL a few minutes to figure out who, exactly would get credit at the trade deadline. for the goal. — Dallas had Seguin back in the lineup for the first time since Game 6 of Roope Hintz was decided to be the last Dallas player to touch the puck, the 2020 against the Lightning. so, he gets credit for it. Seguin missing the season is one reason it appears the Stars will go from reigning Western Conference champs to being out of the playoffs. — Both Sergei Bobrovsky and Chris Driedger were healthy scratches Monday and that’s just something you don’t see often — or at all.

Driedger did skate Monday and Quenneville says he will likely get one of the final two starts before the playoffs; Bobrovsky will get the other.

— Denisenko got his first NHL point on Saturday night in Chicago. Monday, he picked up two more assists to give him three.

— Gusev also got his first goal with the Panthers on Saturday. He was signed as a free agent at the deadline when he and New Jersey parted ways. Gusev had two goals in 20 games with the Devils; he has two in 10 with Florida and played a strong game Monday.

GEORGE’S OF THE NIGHT

1. Sasha Barkov, Florida

2. Owen Tippett, Florida

3. Jake Oettinger, Dallas

ON DECK: LIGHTNING AT PANTHERS

When: Saturday, 7

Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise

Tickets: AVAILABLE HERE

Season series: Florida leads 3-2-1

TV: BS-FLA, Go streaming

Radio: WQAM 560-AM

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211602 Florida Panthers Records (standings): Florida 34-14-5, 73 points (T-2nd in Central); Dallas 21-17-13, 55 points (5th)

All-time series: Florida leads 22-19-1, 3 ties Home is where the Panthers want to start the playoffs Season series: Florida leads 5-2

Last season: Florida won 1-0 Published 19 hours ago on May 3, 2021By George Richards Up next: Tampa Bay at Florida, Saturday, 7

Panthers This Week — Monday: Dallas at Florida, 7; Saturday: Tampa The Florida Panthers will be home for a while as they kick off their final Bay at Florida, 7 homestand of the 2021 season against the Dallas Stars on Monday PROJECTED FLORIDA PANTHERS LINES night. FLORIDA FORWARDS The Panthers, certainly, would like to stick around South Florida a little longer than just these final three games to wrap things up. 14 Grigori Denisenko — 16 Sasha Barkov — 91 Anthony Duclair

Florida, despite only having three games left, controls its own destiny 11 Jonathan Huberdeau — 9 Sam Bennett — 74 Owen Tippett when it comes to earning home ice advantage to start the playoffs. 77 Frank Vatrano — 21 Alex Wennberg — 20 Aleksi Heponiemi The Panthers definitely need some help when it comes to catching Carolina (which has an additional two games to get points in) but Florida 94 Ryan Lomberg — 55 Noel Acciari — 94 Nikita Gusev can still get second in the Central Division all on its own. FLORIDA DEFENSEMEN

Because two of those final three games are against Tampa Bay, Florida 42 Gus Forsling — 52 MacKenzie Weegar winning its final three games — while limiting the Lightning to one point in the upcoming two-game set — would give the Panthers home ice in the 65 Markus Nutivaara — 62 Brandon Montour opening round without getting into any tiebreakers. 3 Keith Yandle — 7 Radko Gudas It seems like Florida playing Tampa Bay in the opening round of the NHL’s divisional playoffs is a foregone conclusion. FLORIDA GOALIES

The Panthers certainly would like to have four of those seven games at 30 Spencer Knight BB&T Center — especially with the team planning to expand capacity to 95 Philippe Desrosiers close to 50 percent for the first round. Scratches: F Eetu Luostarinen, D Matt Kiersted, D Anton Stralman, F It obviously won’t come easy. Juho Lammikko, F Lucas Wallmark, G Sergei Bobrovsky

Florida Panthers to increase arena capacity for Stanley Cup playoffs Injured: F Carter Verhaeghe (upper body, return next week); G Chris Not only would the Panthers have to beat the Lightning twice (or not, Driedger (LBI, day-to-day); F Patric Hornqvist (URI, return next week); F depending what Tampa Bay does this week) but get a win Monday Mason Marchment (UBI, d2d); D Noah Juulsen (UBI, TBD); D Aaron against Dallas as well. Ekblad (leg, out for regular season)

The Stars, as was the case with Nashville last week, are fighting for their Taxi squad: D Kevin Connauton, F Cole Schwindt, F Scott Wilson, G playoff lives. Sam Montembeault, D Brady Keeper

Saturday night, Nashville beat Dallas 1-0 in overtime giving the Predators Florida power play (37/175 21.1% — 13th in NHL) a three-point lead for the final spot in the Central. Florida penalty kill (123/156 78.8% — 20th in NHL)

Dallas has one game in hand on Nashville and that comes Monday in PP1: Sasha Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Anthony Duclair, Keith Florida. Yandle, MacKenzie Weegar

It desperately needs two points against the Panthers. PP2: Alex Wennberg, Owen Tippett, Frank Vatrano, Anthony Duclair, Dallas could also do the Panthers a favor as the Stars head to Tampa for Brandon Montour two games against the Lightning while the Panthers hang out at home PROJECTED DALLAS STARS LINES this week. DALLAS STARS FORWARDS A couple Dallas wins against the Lightning would certainly be welcomed in Sunrise. 21 Jason Robertson — 24 Roope Hintz — 16 Joe Pavelski

The Panthers go into Monday with wins in their past three games. 18 Jason Dickinson — 14 Jamie Benn — 64 Tanner Kero

Florida could also have some old friends back in the lineup as coach Joel 11 Andrew Cogliano — 12 Radek Faksa — 15 Blake Comeau Quenneville said Patric Hornqvist, Mason Marchment, Carter Verhaeghe 25 Joel Kiviranta — 49 Rhett Gardner — 13 Mark Pysyk and Chris Driedger would all return during this homestand.

Per Quenneville, Marchment is in with Sam Bennett out with a minor day- DALLAS STARS DEFENSEMEN to-day deal. 23 — 3 John Klingberg

Spencer Knight will start with Philippe Desrosiers — a second round pick 2 — 4 Miro Heiskanen of the Stars in 2013 — backing up. 39 — 5 DALLAS STARS AT FLORIDA PANTHERS DALLAS STARS GOALIES When: Monday, 7 35 Anton Khudobin Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise 29 Jake Oettinger Tickets: AVAILABLE HERE Dallas power play (35/149, 21.1% — 7th in NHL) TV: BS-FLA, Fox Sports Go streaming Dallas penalty kill (107/135 79.3% — 17th in NHL) Radio: WQAM 560-AM Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211603 Florida Panthers

Chris Driedger has a new mask — and it features his teammates

Published 21 hours ago on May 3, 2021By George Richards

It is apparently mask season for Florida Panthers goalies. Last week, we got a sneak peek at Spencer Knight’s new mask. Sunday, Chris Driedger gave us a look at his new one as well.

And it’s a doozy.

Driedger’s mask this season already created some buzz as it came on the heels of the popular Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian complete with the Baby Yoda.

This new one is more inside-baseball but, for fans of the Panthers, it is no doubt going to be popular.

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The mask, which features the Panthers logo on the top, also has sketches of his teammates.

On one side of the helmet, Driedger has Jonathan Huberdeau depicted driving Keith Yandle. In Yandle’s hand is a cup — an iced coffee perhaps?

“Did @JonnyHuby11 think he could show up to camp in a baby blue Lamborghini and expect me not to put it on my mask?” Driedger wrote on Twitter and posted on Instagram Sunday afternoon.

On the other side of the mask are more teammates: MacKenzie Weegar, Aaron Ekblad, Frank Vatrano and Radko Gudas, rocking a fedora as if he was strolling into the arena.

There are also a few palm trees painted on there as well. Click on the Twitter link below to see the helmet in all of its glory.

Here’s a look at the full mask. A few more celebrity appearances on the other side.. Credit to @daveartofficial for pulling it off pic.twitter.com/ctON4cgLVg

— Chris Driedger (@ChrisDriedger) May 2, 2021

On the back, there’s Rafiki from Lion King doing some yoga (which Driedger really got into during the pandemic while in quarantine) as well as Baby Yoda.

As with Knight’s new mask, it was designed and painted by David Gunnarsson whom Driedger thanked in his tweet for “pulling this off.”

We should see the mask in action soon as Driedger — who has been out with what is believed to be a groin injury — is close to a return per coach Joel Quenneville.

On Saturday, Quenneville said Driedger would get a start during Florida’s final homestand of the season which starts Monday night against the Dallas Stars.

Driedger is not expected to play Monday, but could be in one of the final games against Tampa Bay.

ON DECK: STARS AT PANTHERS

When: Monday, 7

Where: BB&T Center, Sunrise

Tickets: AVAILABLE HERE

Season series: Florida leads 5-2

TV: BS-FLA

Radio: WQAM 560-AM

Florida Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211604 Los Angeles Kings Spanos each sent $25,000 to Take Back the House 2020. They also contributed a total of $43,800 to the National Republican Congressional Committee.

How L.A. sports team owners contributed money to the 2020 election Among the least politically involved in this Los Angeles group were the race Lakers owners. Jeanie Buss donated $2,700 to Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and also made nearly $5,000 in donations through ActBlue, the online fundraising platform. Jim Buss’ donations to Republican efforts, including Trump’s reelection, totaled about $7,200. By MARIA TORRES Political contributions made by Lakers team owners Jeanie and James NOV. 2, 2020 5 AM PT Buss since November 2018.

A breakdown of how L.A. sports team owners donated ahead of the 2020 Leading up to this week’s presidential election, The Times scoured the election. Donations to California Democrats and Republicans represent databases of the Federal Election Commission and the California less than one percent of all donations. Secretary of State to gain an understanding of the political activism of the About the data: owners and partners of professional sports teams in Los Angeles. The Times searched FEC and the California Secretary of State data for That group of deep-pocketed contributors combined to spend more on all members and spouses of the ownership groups that control Los Democrats and their causes than on Republican efforts, bucking the Angeles’ NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and MLS teams. The data nationwide trend of most sports owners. Former Vice President Joe presented here includes only the names of those who donated to political Biden’s campaign drew $642,200 in support from owners of Los Angeles’ causes or campaigns after the election donation cycle began Nov. 7, sports teams, compared to $7,971 donated to President Trump’s 2018. campaign. Missing from the dataset were those for whom no contributions were The group’s combined financial support during this election donation found, including Magic Johnson, a vocal supporter of Democratic cycle totaled more than $18 million, with the bulk coming from one family. nominee Hillary Clinton ahead of the 2016 election. He donated more Total political contributions made by owners of eight Los Angeles than $500,000 to Democratic entities during that cycle. But he did not professional sports franchises since November 2018. make any contributions ahead of this year’s presidential election.

Steve and Connie Ballmer, of the Clippers, dedicated half of their nearly The same goes for the family of Stan Kroenke, who owns the Rams. The $15-million political spending spree on promoting California Propositions Kroenkes were politically active in the past. They donated $100,000 to 16 and 25. If accepted, Proposition 16 would end the ban on affirmative the Hillary Victory Fund in 2016 and more than $1 million to President action and Proposition 25 would eliminate cash bail. Connie Ballmer Trump’s inaugural committee but nothing in this cycle. made a $7-million donation to Everytown for Gun Safety Victory Fund. LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2021 A breakdown of the $14,782,100 in political contributions Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie, have made in the run up to the 2020 election.

When it came to strictly partisan donations, Philip and Nancy Anschutz of the Kings and Galaxy were the most aggressive. They spent more than $1 million on Republican causes and campaigns to elect Republican members of Congress from California, Colorado, Oklahoma, Georgia, Kansas and . Through the Anschutz Entertainment Group, the family donated about $50,000 to elect Democrats in California state elections and $100,000 to stop Proposition 15, which raises commercial property taxes. The Anschutzes also dropped $5,000 to endorse Propositions 16, 17 and 18. Proposition 17 restores parolees’ right to vote and 18 gives some 17-year-olds the right to vote in California primaries.

A look at how Los Angeles Kings owner and L.A. Galaxy owner Philip Anschutz and his wife, Nancy, donated to political entities ahead of the 2020 election. Also represented are AEG and Anschutz Corp.

Marc Merrill, one of many co-owners of LAFC, emerged as one of Los Angeles’ top spenders. A cofounder of video game developing company Riot Games, Merrill donated $826,200 to mostly Democratic campaigns and committees. He made a donation of $620,600 to the Biden Victory Fund.

Angels owner Arte Moreno, a Republican who spoke at a Latinos for Trump event in Phoenix in September, donated about $20,000 to Trump’s campaign and victory fund prior to this election cycle. Neither he nor his wife, Carole, have donated to Trump since. They instead used this donation cycle to spend upwards of $50,000 on supporting Republican members of Congress, including matching $10,600 donations to a political action committee for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

A breakdown of political donations made by Angels owner Arte Moreno and his wife, Carole.

Of the Dodgers’ owners, the most active was Todd Boehly, who also has a stake in the Sparks. He spent roughly $133,000 on both Democratic and Republican causes and campaigns.

Dodgers ownership political contributions ahead of the 2020 election.

The Chargers ownership group combined to donate more than $300,000 in this cycle to primarily Republican issues and races. Dean and Michael 1211605 Los Angeles Kings

Anze Kopitar reaches 999 career points, Kings beat Coyotes

By JOHN MARSHALL ASSOCIATED PRESS

MAY 3, 2021 10:16 PM PT

Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist to reach 999 career points and the L.A. Kings put a big dent in the Arizona Coyotes’ playoff hopes with a 3-2 win Monday night.

Kopitar scored in the second period and had an assist on Alex Iafallo’s goal, putting him within one point of becoming the fourth Kings player to reach 1,000 for his career.

Trevor Moore also scored and Jonathan Quick had 17 saves before leaving after the second period with an upper-body injury. Cal Petersen stopped 15 shots and helped the Kings withstand a wild late flurry by the Coyotes in relief.

Jakob Chychrun scored his 17th goal, which leads all NHL defensemen, and Christian Dvorak scored for the Coyotes. Darcy Kuemper had 22 saves.

Arizona is five points behind St. Louis for the West Division’s final playoff spot with three games left after the Blues beat Anaheim earlier Monday. The Coyotes have lost 11 of 14.

The Coyotes got off to a slow in a 3-2 loss to Vegas on Saturday and did it again in another must-win game.

Arizona had one shot on goal in the first 15 minutes — the Kings had nine — and Kuemper had to make some difficult saves, including a diving stop on Sean Walker in the early going.

The Coyotes finally generated some offensive pressure late and Dvorak scored, gathering a pass from Lawson Crouse and knocking it past Quick with a backhander.

The lead didn’t last long.

Moore scored 35 seconds later, beating Kuemper to the short after an Arizona faceoff win to the goalie’s right.

The Coyotes closed the period on the power play after the Kings’ Tobias Bjornfot ran Clayton Keller into Quick. Chychrun capitalized 53 seconds into the second, beating Quick from the left circle on a shot off the post.

Kopitar tied it midway through the period, one-timing a pass from Adrian Kempe past Kuemper’s stick side on a 2-on-1. Iafallo put the Kings up on a late power play, jamming in a rebound after Kuemper stopped Drew Doughty’s initial shot.

Petersen made several difficult saves in the final two minutes after Arizona pulled Kuemper for an extra attacker. The Coyotes also had a couple of good in-close chances just miss due to bouncing pucks.

LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211606 Los Angeles Kings a lunging Quick, who went to the poke check and tripped Dvorak as he scored in a watered-down “flying V” moment.

Five Kings defenders were at or below the faceoff dots but could not sort Kings’ Anze Kopitar reaches 999 career points in win against Coyotes out the back-check against two Arizona forwards.

A mere 35 seconds after they fell behind, the Kings knotted the game.

By ANDREW KNOLL |PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 9:55 p.m. | Moore scored his 10th goal of the season, unassisted, after he controlled UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 11:00 p.m. a loose puck following an offensive-zone faceoff. He stepped into a wrist shot for his fifth goal and seventh point in his last nine games.

Moore had a partial breakaway earlier in the period, which saw the Kings The Kings employed a bit of the crab mentality on Monday night, yanking earn more than two thirds of possession in terms Corsi-for, Fenwick-for, the Arizona Coyotes back into the bucket with a 3-2 victory at Gila River shots-for and scoring chances-for percentages. Arena. “The first period was as good of a period as we’ve played in a long time,” Though the Kings had effectively been eliminated from postseason McLellan said. contention, Arizona entered the game clinging to slim hopes of catching fourth-place St. Louis, which beat the Ducks on Monday. The Coyotes Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2021 have not qualified for a traditional playoff bracket since 2012, when they lost to the Kings in the Western Conference finals.

The Kings got out of the funk that saw them come away with only a split of four critical games against the last-place Ducks, lose to Arizona 4-0 and also drop a game to Minnesota in which most barometers of success favored the Kings.

“You could tell everybody had a great game. Up and down, the whole lineup,” winger Alex Iafallo said.

Center Anze Kopitar notched a goal and an assist to move within one point of 1,000 for his career, while Iafallo and winger Trevor Moore also scored goals for the Kings. Jonathan Quick stopped 17 of 19 shots before exiting the game with an upper-body injury at the second intermission. Cal Petersen relieved him and turned away all 15 shots he faced.

Center Christian Dvorak and defenseman Jacob Chychrun tallied for Arizona. Darcy Kuemper made 23 saves.

The Kings were able to weather a modest storm from the Coyotes in the third period and a more fervent one with Kuemper pulled. They largely denied Arizona any second-chance opportunities. Rookie center Quinton Byfield also did his best Evgeni Malkin impersonation, protecting the puck as he maneuvered about the offensive zone fending off defenders.

The Kings began the second period a man down and Chyrchrun made them pay for defenseman Tobias Bjornfot’s transgression. Winger Connor Garland faked a shot and slipped a pass to Chychrun, who dragged the puck to load up a hard wrister. He fired a laser off the near post and into the net, beating a set Quick with a precise shot 53 seconds into the frame.

Yet 7:40 into the stanza, the Kings found another equalizer, this time off the rush. A strong breakout during an Arizona line change sent the Kings up ice with speed. Forward Adrian Kempe, who skated on the top line since Iafallo moved down in the lineup, sent a saucer pass over defenseman Alex Goligoski’s stick and to Kopitar for a one-timer.

“(Kempe and Iafallo) flipped positions and I thought they both played pretty well,” Kings Coach Todd McLellan said.

The goal was Kopitar’s 13th of the year and the 998th point of his career.

Kopitar netted point No. 999 with a saucer pass of his own to defenseman Drew Doughty, who sent a blast to the net that generated a rebound for Iafallo’s 12th goal of 2021. It was Iafallo’s first power-play goal in 33 games, his first goal in 10 matches and his first point in nine contests.

“It’s incredible just to even be out there with him. (Being) one point away, it’s a pretty amazing accomplishment,” Iafallo said of Kopitar.

Although winger Clayton Keller had a pair of near-misses late in the period, the Kings carried their one-goal edge into the second intermission.

In the first period, the Kings had mounted an 11-2 edge in shots on goal and dominated possession but found themselves down a goal with 2:50 remaining.

Three Kings followed winger Lawson Crouse down low, who reached the puck first below the goal line and centered it in front for Dvorak. He received the puck and went forehand to backhand to sneak the puck past 1211607 Los Angeles Kings third period we got some saves and held on. We’ll take the win any way we can get it and happy with the response.

On how Adrian Kempe took advantage of his opportunity, and his fit on FINAL – Kings 3, Coyotes 2 – Kempe, Iafallo, McLellan the top line

I thought Adrian played one of his better games of the season. I thought he was aggressive all over the rink, set the tone on the forecheck, By Zach Dooley3 hours ago meshed well with those two. He was as good defensively as he was offensively, and he was pretty good at that end too. Really happy for him

tonight. The LA Kings, to a man, bounced back from this weekend’s games On the first period tonight, and what he felt the team did well against Anaheim with a strong 3-2 victory in Arizona, to begin a two- game set this week in Glendale. I thought we were aggressive early, we tried to take the game to them, rather than receiving it. When we forechecked, we had five players Despite a start to the game that tilted shot attempts in favor of the Kings, involved in it instead of three, we were able to stay ahead of them in line it was Arizona that opened the scoring late in the opening period. Lawson changes, we were the fresh five instead of the tired five, which makes a Crouse got to a puck in the right-hand corner and sent a no-look pass big difference for our team. We were just aggressive. It didn’t cost us towards the crease to Christian Dvorak, who deked to his backhand and defensively at all, which was nice to see our team play that way. in for the goal. On Alex Iafallo’s game tonight, after swapping spots with Kempe The Kings answered right back, however, tying the game less than a minute later. Quinton Byfield won a faceoff in the offensive zone to They flipped positions and I thought they both played really well. Al’s Trevor Moore, who wristed his shot past Darcy Kuemper for the game- been snakebit a little bit, hasn’t been on the scoresheet, to get the winner tying goal. Moore reached double digits in goals on the play, with his on the power play, which hasn’t been performing as well as we would tenth tally of the season, but Byfield’s originally credited first-career NHL like, was a nice sign for him and for us. Good for both of them. point was eventually changed to an unassisted goal. Notes – The Coyotes also scored first in the second period through defenseman Jakob Chychrun on the man advantage, who wired home a wrist shot – Forward Anze Kopitar collected points number 998 and 999 in his NHL from the left-hand circle, off the post and in. The Kings flipped the script, career with a goal and an assist in the second period. however with two additional goals of their own, to take a one-goal lead – Forward Trevor Moore scored his tenth goal of the season, the sixth into the second intermission. Kings player to reach double figures in goals this season. Moore now has First, Anze Kopitar tied the game at two, as he buried a 2-on-1 feed from seven points (5-2-7) over his last nine games played. Adrian Kempe. The Swede made the play by using his speed down the – With the primary assist on Kopitar’s goal, forward Adrian Kempe right wing, creating the odd-man rush opportunity. The Kings then scored collected an assist for the second straight game. Kempe has five points a power-play goal with 6:20 remaining in the second period, as Alex (1-4-5) over his last five games played. Iafallo got to the front of the net and buried a Drew Doughty rebound to put the visitors on top. – Forward Alex Iafallo snapped an eight-game scoreless run with his second-period tally. A goaltending change was necessitated to begin the third period, with Jonathan Quick leaving the game with an upper-body injury. Cal – Jonathan Quick left tonight’s game with an upper-body injury after 40 Petersen entered in relief and made 15 saves on 15 shots in the final minutes. Quick made 17 saves on 19 shots in the first two periods and period of the game, to help seal the deal on a 3-2 victory. earned the victory.

As Head Coach Todd McLellan details below, he was happy with the – In relief, Cal Petersen stopped all 15 Arizona shots he faced in the third response the team showed tonight after a disappointing weekend against period. the Ducks. The Kings are scheduled to return to practice tomorrow afternoon at 2 Hear from Adrian Kempe, Iafallo and McLellan from after tonight’s game. PM at Gila River Arena.

Oh for sure, you could tell everybody had a great game. Up and down LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.04.2021 the lineup, goalies were awesome, everybody played well and it’s a huge win for us.

On his new line, and his play with Gabe Vilardi

We had a lot of support, great players are making good plays and that just gives us momentum going forward. Our line had a good game and we’ve got to keep that going.

On the first period tonight, and a full sixty-minute effort

I felt like we were moving the puck a little bit faster. You’ve got to hand it to Quickie, he made some big saves, and I feel like everybody was putting their bodies on the line, a lot of blocked shots. Good PK, good power play, and in our zone, just getting the puck out and making quick plays in the d-zone, that really helped us.

On Anze Kopitar, and his approach of the 1,000-point milestone

It’s incredible. Just to be out there with him, for him to be one point away, it’s pretty amazing. It’s just an honor to be able to play with him. He’s a good leader, on and off the ice, and a good friend as well.

To rewind, we were really disappointed leaving Anaheim after that second game, to a man. We didn’t need to say too much, I think the guys felt it and lived it for a day. I was asked about what was important and the response coming up and we had it. We had a real good response tonight, to a man, everyone played real well early in the game, which gave us some confidence. Quickie made some saves early and I thought the first period was as good a period as we’ve played in a long time. Second period, they buckled down a little bit and made it more difficult for us, 1211608 Los Angeles Kings

Game Thread – Kings @ Coyotes, 5/3

By Zach Dooley7 hours ago

Los Angeles Kings 3, Arizona Coyotes 2

FINAL

Game Previews: LA Kings Insider – NHL.com

Bally Sports Live Stream

SOG: LAK – 25 ARI – 34

PP: LAK – 1/2 ARI – 1/2

First Period

1. ARI – Christian Dvorak (6) – (Lawson Crouse, Christian Fischer) – 17:10

2. LAK – Trevor Moore (10) – (Quinton Byfield) – 17:45

Second Period

3. ARI – Jakob Chychrun (17) – (Conor Garland, Alex Goligoski) – 0:53 (PP)

4. LAK – Anze Kopitar (13) – (Adrian Kempe, Dustin Brown) – 7:40

5. LAK – Alex Iafallo (12) – (Drew Doughty, Anze Kopitar) – 13:40 (PP)

Third Period

No Scoring

Friday, May 3, 2021 – 7:00 p.m. PT

Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ

Referees: #10 Kyle Rehman, #40 Steve Kozari

Linesmen: #88 Tyson Baker, #74 Shandor Alphonso

KCOP Channel 13, Bally Sports, LA Kings Audio Network

LAK Starters: G Jonathan Quick, D Mikey Anderson, Drew Doughty, F Adrian Kempe, Anze Kopitar, Dustin Brown

LAK Scratches: Kale Clague, Blake Lizotte, Matt Luff, Kurtis MacDermid, Christian Wolanin

ARI Starters: G Darcy Kuemper, Jakob Chychrun, Alex Goligoski, F Lawson Crouse, Christian Dvorak, Christian Fischer

ARI Scratches: Lane Pederson, Tyler Pitlick, Antti Raanta, Nick Schmaltz,

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211609 Los Angeles Kings “Saturday’s game presented itself where it was going to be equal, we didn’t have a line that was going real well,” McLellan said. “Normally, if we have a line that’s dominating, or playing really well, they tend to get more minutes. There wasn’t a lot of power-play or penalty-kill time in the 5/3 Preview – Top line changes, Grundstrom in, Bjornfot’s development, game so that often gives certain players a chance to maximize the Roy video minutes, or minimize for others. As we go forward, we want to see everybody play and want to see everybody play well, so it’s hard for the

coaching staff to decide who should be out there. The other night, we By Zach Dooley11 hours ago had very few players play well, so we had to put somebody on the ice and we just balanced it out.”

Nothing from today points to any changes being made o the backend, WHO: Los Angeles Kings (19-24-6) @ Arizona Coyotes (22-26-6) while the rotation would turn to Jonathan Quick in net, though unconfirmed. If Quick does go, he’s won four of his last five starts and WHAT: NHL REGULAR SEASON GAME brings a 2-1-0 record, a .889 save percentage and a 2.61 goals against WHEN: Monday, May 3 @ 7:00 PM Pacific average against Arizona this season.

WHERE: Gila River Arena – Glendale, AZ COYOTES VITALS: Arizona enters tonight’s action with a glimmer of hope at the postseason, sitting three points out, but with three less HOW TO FOLLOW: Video: KCOP Channel 13 – AUDIO – iHeart games left to play than St. Louis. Radio – TWITTER: @DooleyLAK The Coyotes are expected to roll with goaltender Darcy Kuemper tonight, TONIGHT’S MATCHUP: The Kings are in Arizona for their second-to-last who could face his former team for the fourth time this season. From road trip of the season, and the final games played against the Coyotes. three games played against the Kings in 2021, Kuemper is just 1-1-1, but has posted stellar splits, with a .935 save percentage and a 1.64 goals HEAD-TO-HEAD: Defenseman Drew Doughty leads all Kings skaters against average. with seven points (2-5-7) from six games played against Arizona this season. In his career, Doughty’s 41 points versus the Coyotes are his Here’s how Arizona lined up last time out, in a 3-2 overtime loss to Vegas most against any team, with his 12 goals and 29 assists also tied for on Saturday – career highs. Forward Gabriel Vilardi scored the game-winning goal in Bunting – Schmaltz – Keller both games played here in Arizona this season, one in regulation, one in the shootout. The home side is led by forward Phil Kessel (3-3-6) and Crouse – Dvorak – Fischer defenseman Jakob Chychrun (1-5-6) with six points apiece from six games played. Hunt – Larsson – Kessel

KINGS VITALS: The Kings held a full-team skate this morning at Gila Brassard – Chaput – Pederson River Arena, following a travel day yesterday on which the team did not Ekman-Larsson – Lyubushkin skate. Chychrun – Goligoski The Kings will be shuffling around their forward lines this evening, with Adrian Kempe slotting in alongside Anze Kopitar and Dustin Brown on Hjalmarsson – Demers the top line, per Todd McLellan this morning. Alex Iafallo will skate on a different line, as he was among the players in white jerseys today. Kuemper / Hill Additionally, Carl Grundstrom will check back in tonight, with Austin This lineup could change though, with forward Conor Garland a game- Wagner sitting out, which was the only personnel change disclosed from time decision to check back in for the hosts. Garland has been out of the this morning. lineup with a lower-body injury since April 19 and has four points (1-3-4) Here’s how the forwards lined up during morning skate – from five games played against the Kings this season. Despite missing seven games, Garland ranks fourth on the Coyotes in total scoring on the Gray: Athanasiou, Brown, Byfield, Kempe, Kopitar, Moore, Rymsha, season, with 32 points (10-22-32) from 45 games played. Vilardi Bjorn To Run White: Anderson-Dolan, Andersson, Grundstrom, Iafallo, Lemieux, Luff, Wagner Defenseman Tobias Bjornfot is the youngest member of the LA Kings backend, but as he grows and develops throughout his first full season in It wasn’t disclosed exactly who Iafallo would line up with tonight, but the NHL, the term young becomes relative. McLellan was hopeful that perhaps just switching something up for him, and for Kempe, might help both players to create more offensively here. “In my mind, the word young is an age-orientated word for [Bjornfot and Mikey Anderson], because now, they’ve experienced the league to be out “Alex has gone eight or nine games now without being productive of, for lack of a better term, diapers,” Todd McLellan said this morning. offensively – doesn’t mean he hasn’t created chances or been involved in “They’ve graduated up to, not a veteran-type defenseman, but certainly the play, he certainly does enough away from the puck to warrant his ice an experienced couple of players. They’ve gone through enough games time – but maybe a look with a different centerman, or something to to understand, at least the eight teams we play against, how they play, freshen things up, may get him back creating offensively,” McLellan said what it’s going to feel like.” this morning. “It might also give [Kempe] a chance to create offensively with Kopi and Brownie. It’s something we haven’t tried, we might as well Now, as he approaches his 27th game of the season tonight, Bjornfot see what it looks like tonight, and we can make a decision going continues to earn his role on the backend at just 20 years of age. Bjornfot forward.” has shown tremendous growth from where he started last October, as he lined up against Connor McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers for his NHL As McLellan noted, Iafallo hasn’t tallied a point in eight straight games, debut as an 18-year-old player. though he’s been a +15 in terms of Corsi and +4 in both scoring chances and high-danger chances created in that span. You expect your top-line Fast forward through a season in the American Hockey League, where players to produce though, and hopefully switching some things up can he skated on the top pairing for the Ontario Reign, and passed with flying benefit both Iafallo and Kempe, as well as the players around them. colors, to now. He didn’t enter this season in the lineup but earned his spot and hasn’t let it go. McLellan has seen several areas of In terms of distribution of ice time, all four centers played between 13:37 improvement from Bjornfot as he’s progressed through the season. and 14:57 in total time on ice on Saturday, the most even TOI we’ve seen between four lines this season. That’s not necessarily something “I think he’s physically stronger than he was last year at this time, he’s that was planned though, or done strategically, but how Saturday’s game able to read and react a lot quicker, he’s got way more confidence,” played out. How it shakes out moving forward will play out game-by- McLellan added. “The players believe in him a lot, and he just fits, he game. looks like he belongs now, whereas maybe in the past, he was just trying to survive.”

His usual defensive partner, Matt Roy, has seen similar areas of growth. As Bjornfot has progressed, so has his confidence, and with that comes more self-belief in certain areas of his game. Roy feels that Bjornfot isn’t afraid to make a mistake, and has grown as a two-way defenseman, joining the play offensively more frequently.

“I think his confidence has improved a lot and I feel like he’s jumping in a lot more offensively,” Roy said of Bjornfot this morning. “He’s not afraid to make a mistake out there and I think in those regards, he’s made his best improvements.”

On that offensive front, The Upplands Vasby, Sweden native scored his first career NHL goal on Saturday in Anaheim. There is a belief that there is more offense in his game as he continues to grow in confidence and development, which can only come with time. Certainly one of the more interesting players to focus on here down the stretch, as one of several in the lineup pushing for a larger role moving forward.

Speaking of Roy…

I asked the now second-year blueliner about not only Bjornfot, but what he’s looking for from the team tonight in terms of a response after a disappointing set of games in Anaheim over the weekend, as well as about the increased, overall, offensive production from the blueline as of late, something that McLellan also touched on earlier today.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211610 Minnesota Wild Nick Bjugstad remained in action, his second game since missing almost a month as he recovered from an upper-body injury and then sat as a healthy scratch.

Kevin Fiala's overtime goal highlights a well-rounded game "This is a team that we're so deep and we've got such a strong group, it's next man up," Bjugstad said. "Obviously, you want to play. But as a member of this team, it's just exciting to be a part of this. When my name's called, I try to bring my energy." By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MAY 3, 2021 — 10:21PM Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021

The highlights were typical for Kevin Fiala, an overtime game-winner on Saturday in a 4-3 rally against the Blues after he set up the tying goal with a minute left in regulation.

But that wasn't the only impact Fiala made for the Wild.

He helped on the penalty kill and doled out a pair of hits, including a heavy check on St. Louis' Brayden Schenn, an example of how the skilled winger is evolving into much more than just a scorer.

"I hope so," Fiala said. "I want to be more of an all-around player and not just the offensive guy. Playing PK is a big part of it. Even in the end [of games], I want to play. Doesn't matter if you're leading or not leading.

"Of course, I want to be that kind of a key player that can play in all situations."

Like last season, Fiala has emerged as one of the Wild's top producers — at even strength and on the power play.

LEILA NAVIDI

Gallery: Wild rallies to edge Golden Knights

This year, though, he's gotten more of an opportunity to contribute when the Wild is on the defensive, a role on the penalty kill Fiala has done well at and a responsibility he's grateful to have.

"I've played with him for a while, and he's got a ton of skill and he makes great plays," said Nick Bonino, who previously was with Fiala when both suited up for Nashville. "I was happiest with Kevin's hit [Saturday]. When Kevin is on his game and he's a factor, he's killing penalties a bit and he lays out Schenn — one of their strongest guys. Those are the plays I'm pretty pumped to see."

Smart decision-making with the puck is also key to Fiala's growth. He is showing progress in that area after getting benched last month for turnovers.

Even the game-winning goal Saturday, although crafty, wasn't a dangerous chance to take. Fiala dragged the puck behind his back before finishing a give-and-go with Mats Zuccarello.

"He doesn't beat the guy between his stick and his skates," coach Dean Evason said. "He doesn't beat the guy trying to go through him. The puck still goes around him, difficult for the guy to get a stick on puck. So, that's hopefully Kevin's maturity level going forward."

And these strides are coming with the playoffs right around the corner.

"I'm going to be ready," he said.

Faceoff focused

Bonino continues to line up at wing, but the veteran center is still stepping into the faceoff circle — like he did Saturday, winning two late draws ahead of the game-tying goal when the Wild pulled the goalie for an extra attacker.

"Yeah, that's one of the things I pride myself on are my faceoffs," Bonino said. "Any time you're out there, you want to try to snap them back. The first one [Jared Spurgeon] swept across and helped win that, and Kirill [Kaprizov] tied up his d-man. It's definitely not an individual thing. Those guys are battling for pucks and you have to when it's 6-on-5."

Injury update

Marcus Johansson is "fine," Evason said after Johansson missed Saturday's game with an upper-body injury, but the Wild kept the forward out of the lineup Monday.

"We're going to get him get him some good quality ice and then make a decision when to get him back in," Evason said. 1211611 Minnesota Wild

Monday's Wild-Vegas game recap

MAY 3, 2021 — 10:24PM

Sarah McLellan

GAME RECAP

STAR TRIBUNE'S THREE STARS

1. Jonas Brodin, Wild: The defenseman capped off the Wild's comeback by scoring the game-winning goal with 1 minute, 6 seconds to go in the third period.

2. Nick Bonino, Wild: The winger scored twice and had an assist for his second three-point game of the season.

3. Kirill Kaprizov, Wild: The rookie tied the game at 5 with his team- leading 24th goal of the season.

BY THE NUMBERS

1 Coach's challenge by the Wild, the team's first this season.

20 Goals this season for Kevin Fiala after he scored in the third period.

200 Career points for Victor Rask after his assist on Fiala's goal.

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211612 Minnesota Wild The Wild went 1-for-2 on the power play, and the Golden Knights were 1- for-3.

"We just kept with it and kept shooting pucks," Spurgeon said. "Not the Late goals by Jonas Brodin, Kirill Kaprizov catapult Wild past Vegas 6-5 prettiest of goals. But when they go in, everyone's happy."

Before the second ended, Jonathan Marchessault finished off a tic-tac- toe passing play at 16:04. But that put the Wild in a position it has had By Sarah McLellan MAY 4, 2021 — 12:04AM success in before — down two goals with one period to go.

"We can feel it," Talbot said. "It doesn't matter if we're down one goal, two goals going into the third, we're still a confident group. We're going to Last goal wins wasn't an exaggeration. go out there, keep playing our game. It's never out of the question for us. It was reality. We've shown that lately."

The Wild and Golden Knights ditched their typically sharp styles for a Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021 scoring bonanza, with the Wild burying two goals in the final two minutes to shock Vegas 6-5 Monday in front of 3,000 at Xcel Energy Center in an entertaining preview of a potential playoff matchup.

"In a game like that," goaltender Cam Talbot said, "just put the puck at the net and see what happens."

After rookie Kirill Kaprizov roofed a rebound over Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner to tie the game with 1:32 to go in the third period, Jonas Brodin sealed the comeback just 26 seconds later on a slapshot from the point.

"It was rolling up to me, and I was just trying to get it on the net," said Brodin, who notched a career high in goals with the tally — his ninth of the season.

Kevin Fiala kick-started the rally 10:49 into the third with his 20th goal of the season before Kaprizov's team-leading 24th goal and second game- tying goal in three games. Kaprizov also had an assist, his 21st, to tie Filip Kuba for the most in a season by a Wild rookie.

This was the fourth time this season the Wild has overcome a multi-goal, third-period deficit to win, which is tied for the most in the NHL.

The Wild also did it Saturday in a 4-3 overtime victory vs. St. Louis, with Brodin supplying the tying goal with one minute remaining.

"It's definitely not something I think anyone could foresee with our two teams and how well we play defensively," said Talbot, who had 27 saves; Lehner made 26. "But sometimes you have to scratch and claw and put every puck on net like Brods did at the end there, and you never know what can happen."

BOXSCORE: Wild 6, St. Louis 5

As frenzied as the finish was, it wasn't out of the blue considering how the game started.

Lehner was shaky, at one point losing his stick and then clutching it upside down when he got it back. That's when Joel Eriksson Ek wired in the puck 3:36 into the first.

But 53 seconds later, Vegas — playing shorthanded and dressing only 11 forwards — evened the score on a Shea Theodore shot with setting the screen in front of Talbot, who immediately protested.

The Wild issued its first coach's challenge of the season, but video review determined Talbot wasn't interfered with on the goal.

"That has been called all year long," Talbot said. "It never gets called on me. I don't know why. Maybe I need to start diving. It's unbelievable that this keeps happening. The inconsistency is ridiculous."

Vegas went to the power play because of the unsuccessful challenge, and cashed in with its first lead — on a rising shot by Alec Martinez at 6:05.

Just 1:43 later, a Matt Dumba shot bounced out of Lehner's glove, and Nick Bonino backhanded in the rebound. But Vegas hauled a 3-2 lead into the intermission after Alex Tuch's shot trickled through Talbot at 12:20.

That deficit ballooned to two goals by 6:48 of the second when Chandler Stephenson picked off a Jared Spurgeon pass and set up Mark Stone.

Soon after, Spurgeon atoned for the gaffe on the power play when Bonino redirected in his shot at 8:44 off his back en route to his second three-point effort of the year and fifth multi-point game in the last 11. 1211613 Minnesota Wild

Wild's homestand continues vs. West Division leading Golden Knights

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MAY 3, 2021 — 11:46AM

Two losses last week weren't the only reason why the Wild hasn't been able to climb out of third place in the West Division.

The teams the Wild is chasing have been winning lately to stay ahead, especially the Golden Knights, but the Wild can slow down that momentum Monday when it hosts first-place Vegas at Xcel Energy Center.

"They're a good team," coach Dean Evason said. "We think we're a good team. They play the game hard. They play right, no different than the team we just played. It could go either way most nights."

Cam Talbot will be back in net for the Wild after backing up Kaapo Kahkonen on Saturday when the Wild rallied for a 4-3 overtime win against the Blues. Talbot is 2-1-1 this season vs. Vegas, and one of those wins was one of his best performances of the season – a 35-save effort in a 3-2 shootout win on April 1.

The rest of the Wild's lineup will remain the same from Saturday.

Marcus Johansson missed the game due to an upper-body injury; he skated Monday morning and is fine, Evason said, but the team wants to get him "some good quality ice" before deciding when he should return.

Although the Wild moved Nico Sturm up to the Kevin Fiala and Victor Rask line in the third period Saturday, Evason said the team likes Sturm at center – which suggests he'll be back up the middle anchoring the fourth line against the Golden Knights.

Projected lineup:

Jordan Greenway-Joel Eriksson Ek-Marcus Foligno

Kirill Kaprizov- Ryan Hartman-Mats Zuccarello

Kevin Fiala-Victor Rask-Nick Bjugstad

Zach Parise-Nico Sturm-Nick Bonino

Ryan Suter-Jared Spurgeon

Jonas Brodin-Matt Dumba

Carson Soucy-Ian Cole

Cam Talbot

Key numbers:

4: Wins for the Wild in six games this season vs. Vegas.

3: Goals by winger Marcus Foligno in four games this year against the Golden Knights.

11: Points for Fiala over his past seven games.

8: Points for rookie Kirill Kaprizov in his last eight games.

199: Career points for Rask.

About the Golden Knights:

Vegas is sitting atop the West Division with 74 points, four ahead of No. 2 Colorado and six in front of the No. 3 Wild. The Golden Knights have won 11 of their past 12 games, most recently prevailing 3-2 in overtime on Saturday at Arizona. Vegas is just the fourth NHL team to make the playoffs in each of its first four seasons. The Golden Knights are 4-9-1 vs. the Wild since they entered the league. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has 489 career wins, which is tied with for third all-time in NHL history.

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211614 Minnesota Wild

Wild makes changes to find success after struggles with St. Louis

By Sarah McLellan Star Tribune MAY 3, 2021 — 7:01AM

Third-period comebacks and last-minute goals are trending right now for the Wild, leading the team to an overtime victory on Saturday after almost doing the same the previous game.

But what's also fueling these furious finishes are reconfigured lines, in- game adjustments that have yielded immediate results.

After Kevin Fiala and Victor Rask were paired up to revitalize the Wild in the 5-4 overtime loss to the Blues last Thursday, the two were joined Saturday by Nico Sturm to help organize another rally against St. Louis — and this one was successful, a 4-3 overtime stunner at Xcel Energy Center that ended the Wild's two-game skid.

"That's kind of what you wish for in that situation to happen," Sturm said.

Trailing 3-1 after two periods, the Wild promoted Sturm from the fourth line to the Fiala-Rask tandem.

Sturm switched spots with Nick Bjugstad, who was playing for the first time in nearly a month after sitting out eight games with an upper-body injury and then another four as a healthy scratch. Bjugstad was replacing Marcus Johansson, who the Wild learned that afternoon would be out because of an upper-body injury.

"Bjuggy, his game was good," coach Dean Evason said. "But it was off a bit, and we just wanted to just get that speed going. [Sturm] seemed like he had a lot of jump in his legs."

With less than six minutes to go in the third, the switch clicked. Sturm deflected in a Jonas Brodin shot with his back to the net, trimming the Wild's deficit to a goal.

"A mix of luck and skill," Sturm called the goal, which set the stage for what happened next.

Brodin's point shot sailed by Blues goalie Jordan Binnington with exactly one minute left in the third, and then in overtime, Fiala — who set up Brodin's shot — buried the game-winner. Fiala scored off a give-and-go with Mats Zuccarello, but the opportunity was created by Rask carrying the puck up ice at the end of a shift.

"It started with Rasker in the neutral zone," Bjugstad said. "I think he was gassed and put on a stickhandling clinic, and then Fiala took over from there."

That was the third goal Fiala and Rask have both had a direct hand in since they started skating together in the third period of Thursday's game but fifth overall the Wild has scored when they've been on the ice.

Sometimes, line changes are wholesale and random.

"Just put the numbers in a pingpong lottery and see what comes out," Evason said.

In other instances, the tweaks are subtle and precise — the strategy the Wild has opted for lately.

And whether the team sticks with what's working or reverts to what was in place before, it now has a record of what the reward for being adaptable can look like.

Same for the perseverance it takes to overcome adversity that pops up in a game.

"We have the skill set, and we have a really good hockey club that can win on any given night," Evason said. "If we do those things and hang around like we did here [Saturday], we catch a break and we get a win.

"It's a good thing for us now to be able to reference if we get in this situation again, mentally that we can get the job done."

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211615 Minnesota Wild That paved the way for the second period where Mark Stone scored to increase the lead to 4-2, Bonino scored once again to cut the deficit to 4- 3, and Jonathan Marchessault scored to stretch the lead back to 5-3.

Wild complete incredible comeback, beat Golden Knights in playoff That score held into the third period where the Wild came charging back preview for good. It started with a goal from Kevin Fiala to cut the deficit to 5-4 with about 10 minutes to play.

That set the stage for Kaprizov to tie the game at 5-5 with about a minute By DANE MIZUTANI | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 9:55 p.m. | to play, and for Brodin to ultimately play hero less than 30 seconds later. UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 11:14 p.m. Asked about the goal after the game Brodin bashfully said, “I was just trying to shoot it and I got lucky.”

There’s something special percolating on the corner of Kellogg Boulevard While that might be the case, the Wild have been making their own luck in downtown St. Paul, and while coach Dean Evason prefers the Wild with their stellar play this season, and they don’t look to be slowing down take a one-game-at-a-time approach, it’s getting tougher and tougher to anytime soon. not start looking big picture. “Obviously we don’t want to be in this position every game,” Spurgeon For the first time in a long time things feel different as the Wild gear up said. “We are learning ways to win, though, and we are happy with it.” for the playoffs. They will likely play either the Vegas Golden Knights or the Colorado Avalanche in the first round in a couple of weeks and it Pioneer Press LOADED: 05.04.2021 seems like the confidence is building with each passing game.

Just look at Monday’s game for proof. Trailing by two goals with 20 minutes to play, the Wild mounted their latest comeback in an incredible 6-5 win over the Golden Knights. Jonas Brodin scored the game-winner with barely a minute left in regulation. That came 26 seconds after Kirill Kaprizov dramatically tied the game with an incredible shot from in close.

“We have a lot of confidence in our group,” captain Jared Spurgeon said after the win. “Everyone just keeps going. That’s the best thing about this group. No one shuts it down. We play until the final buzzer.”

When the final buzzer sounded, the Wild (33-14-4, 70 points) had completed an incredible comeback to pull closer to the Golden Knights (36-13-2, 74 points) in the standings.

“In a race like this, it’s obviously huge to deny them points,” said Nick Bonino, who continued his stellar play with a pair of goals in the game.” As a group, we’re pretty sure at some point we’re going to have to go through Vegas or Colorado. We’d obviously love to continue to move up the standings.”

To say there was a definite playoff feel to Monday’s game would be the understatement. Whether it was Matt Dumba tossing Reilly Smith like a rag doll, Marcus Foligno plowing into Brayden McNabb in response to a late hit, or the countless other scrums after the whistle, it truly felt like a playoff preview with neither team backing down.

If that’s the case, the Wild might be in good shape. They match up extremely well with the Golden Knights and that proved true once again on this particular night.

It was a fast start for the Wild as Joel Eriksson Ek got the scoring started early in the first period with a goal to put the Wild ahead 1-0.

That lead was shortlived as Shea Theodore helped the Golden Knights tie the game at 1-1 less than a minute later with a wrist shot through a Mattias Janmark screen in front. Immediately after the goal, the Wild challenged for goaltender interference, alleging that Janmark impeded Cam Talbot’s path to the puck. The officials determined that no goaltender interference occurred.

“There was no explanation, which I think is a joke,” Talbot said. “That has been called all year long. It never gets called on me. I don’t know why. Maybe I need to start diving. It’s unbelievable that this keeps happening. The inconsistency is ridiculous.”

To make matters worse, that unsuccessful coach’s challenge put the Wild on the penalty kill, and Alec Martinez scored on the ensuing power play to put the Golden Knights up 2-1.

As frustrated as Talbot was at that point — and he definitely let the officials know how he felt — he kept his composure to keep the Wild in the game.

“It didn’t rattle him,” Evason said. “He wasn’t constantly on the referees. That shows what a pro he is.”

After that frustrating sequence, Bonino helped take the edge off by hammering home a rebound to tie the game at 2-2. Unfortunately for the Wild, former top prospect Alex Tuch helped the Golden Knights retake the lead late in the frame with a goal to make it 3-2. 1211616 Minnesota Wild

For playoff-bound Wild, creativity is encouraged, as long as it’s done responsibly

By DANE MIZUTANI | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 8:27 p.m. | UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 8:28 p.m.

Kevin Fiala’s move in Saturday’s overtime win was a thing of beauty. He collected a puck in the neutral and singlehandedly started the rush by skillfully passing behind the back to himself. He finished the sequence with a laser to lift the Wild to a 4-3 win over the St. Louis Blues.

Talking about the move a couple of days later, Wild coach Dean Evason was most appreciative of the fact that Fiala stayed responsible with the puck. While the move itself was flashy on the surface, a closer look shows that Fiala gave himself some margin for error.

He didn’t try to beat a guy one-on-one in the neutral zone. He simply pushed the puck ahead with open ice in front of him.

“We talk to Kevin all the time about being creative,” Evason said. “We want it in are areas where if we don’t have success beating a guy, or making that move, the other team has to come a long way in order to get an opportunity at our net. He’s worked toward that. He’s done a good job of it as of late. He has to continue to do that.”

To be clear, the Wild encourage creativity, as long as it’s done responsibly. Asked how he coaches the art of being creative, Evason quipped, “You tell them, ‘Don’t turn the bloody puck over in the neutral and at the blue lines.'”

That doesn’t just go for Fiala. It goes for superstar rookie Kirill Kaprizov, dynamic defenseman Matt Dumba, and every other player on the team.

“It’s simple,” Evason added. “Don’t go through people. Don’t try to put the puck between a guy’s stick or between his legs where the other team has an opportunity to go stick on puck. Don’t do that.”

As far as Evason is concerned, those types of plays are high-risk, low- reward. The best-case scenario is the Wild gain the offensive zone with some speed. The worst case-scenario is the Wild leave goaltenders Cam Talbot or Kaapo Kahkonen out on an island.

It’s a completely different story if the Wild have the puck in the offensive zone. If below the hash marks, for example, Evason give his players carte blanche to try whatever they want.

“If it gets turned over, we have an opportunity to get back, and we hopefully have other teammates that have the opportunity to check from there,” Evason said. “You can be creative down there. Just be a little more simple and don’t expose the puck in those areas where we can turn it over.”

BRIEFLY

Marcus Johansson missed Monday’s game against the Vegas Golden Knights as he continues to nurse an upper-body injury. He did partake in morning skate in the hours leading up tot he matchup, so it doesn’t appear to be anything too serious.

“He’s fine,” Evason said. “He could play tonight. We just aren’t going to put him in.”

Pioneer Press LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211617 Minnesota Wild Fiala, who has been so good lately with six goals and 13 points in his past eight games, got the comeback started when Rask and Bonino teamed up to get a puck on net and Fiala followed his own shot with the goal to cut the Wild’s deficit to 5-4 with 9:11 to go. Russo: Something possibly special could be brewing with the Wild When he scored, you just knew the game would be there for the taking.

Adversity struck when Ian Cole errantly sent a puck into the seats with By Michael Russo May 4, 2021 5:31 left for a penalty, but the Wild got a huge kill behind Talbot’s exceptional goaltending and great sticks in passing lanes by Eriksson Ek

and Brodin to ruin scoring chances. The playoffs are obviously a different animal than the regular season, Talbot had a rough start and has allowed 14 goals in his past three and the path to where the Wild want to ultimately get to this postseason starts, but he put that all behind him and made some great stops in the will have to go through Vegas or Colorado, and, quite frankly, probably third period, especially late on Alex Tuch and Alec Martinez. both. “I know with the guys we have and the confidence we have on the bench But doesn’t it feel like there’s something different about this team and right now, that especially after the other night (against St. Louis), we can that something possibly special could be brewing with the Wild? come back and we don’t need a lot of time to do it,” Talbot said. “It was They’ve got threats on every line, including two bona fide game breakers just focusing on making that next save and just giving us that opportunity. in Kevin Fiala and Kirill Kaprizov. They’ve got a goalie in Cam Talbot that You could tell the guys were confident after (the penalty kill). We never makes the clutch stops when it most matters. They’ve got one of the best get down on each other and everyone picks each other back up. I think shutdown centers in the league in Joel Eriksson Ek who also happens to that’s why we’re so successful in these situations. It doesn’t matter what be on a near 30-goal pace over an 82-game season. They’ve got guys the score is, every guy just wants to play for each other on that bench with Stanley Cup pedigree such as super-handy Nick Bonino, who’s and you can see it come out at the end.” consistently scoring, winning big draws and sacrificing his body to block Before Talbot could even get completely to the bench for an extra shots. They’ve got defensive stalwarts such as Jonas Brodin, who in his attacker, Kaprizov buried his rookie- and team-leading 24th goal off ninth season is finally becoming an offensive threat. Fiala’s rebound. Twenty-six seconds after that, just like two nights earlier, Heck, even Victor Rask (yes, that Victor Rask) is making big plays of Brodin wired a seeing-eye shot for his ninth goal and, this time, game- late. winner.

Every time one counts this deep Wild team out, every time one questions “I’m trying to work on my offense, bring a little more offense because I their goaltending or the number of turnovers they commit or their know I have my defensive game,” Brodin said. “So I’m trying to create thinness up the middle or confusing line combinations, the Wild find a more offense, and I think one big thing is I’m trying to shoot more. Like new way to make the naysayers feel foolish. the last shot today, it was rolling up to me and I was just trying to get it on the net. And sometimes it goes in and sometimes it doesn’t go in, but I “They’re having a great year,” Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin think that’s the big thing, I’m just trying to put more pucks on the net this Lehner said Monday night as he tried to digest how it was possible that year.” the Wild were able to turn a 5-4 deficit with 92 seconds remaining in the third period into a (pun intended) wild 6-5 regulation victory. “They made Bonino, who has five multipoint games in his past 11, had two goals and a bunch of changes. They have a lot of skill. Some of their lines have a an assist. Kaprizov, Fiala, Brodin and Jared Spurgeon had two points lot of grit. They play very hard, good goaltending. They play fast. They apiece. Bonino’s first goal came off Matt Dumba’s rebound. His second make plays. They’re very dangerous off the rush, but they’re also very goal came as the net-front on a five-on-three when Spurgeon banked good at grinding. one home off Bonino’s back.

“I was talking to (fellow goalie Marc-Andre) Fleury about this team, how “Good thing he’s been eating that extra bread. That helps out,” Spurgeon good they are at creating offense around your net. They always move. joked, much to Bonino’s amusement. There’s a lot of plays from behind the net. There’s a lot of cross-ice plays, The Wild not only improved to 17-2-1 in their past 20 at home, they beat stuff like that. They’re good. Vegas for a fifth consecutive time and improved to 11-2-2 against the “But, still unacceptable. We had the game in our hands.” Golden Knights all-time, 6-0-1 at home.

That was until the Wild ripped it right from their grasp during their latest The regulation win was big because it kept the Golden Knights from comeback victory. improving on their division lead as the Wild try to chase down at least the second seed in the West Division playoffs and home-ice advantage For the third consecutive game, the Wild rallied from a multiple-goal against the Golden Knights or Avalanche. deficit. Three games ago, Kaprizov forced overtime before the Wild lost in overtime to the St. Louis Blues. Two games ago, Brodin forced “These teams that are so good, you know, Vegas, Colorado, St. Louis … overtime before Fiala beat the Blues in OT. And this time, Kaprizov and you want to beat them,” Bonino said. “And I thought our fight tonight was Brodin scored 26 seconds apart at the 18:28 and 18:54 marks to take indicative of that. And obviously, we’d love to carry that over (to two regulation points and surrender zero to a Golden Knights team that Wednesday’s regular-season finale against Vegas). We know they’re a won 11 of its previous 12 and a goaltender in Lehner that was 12-2-2 team that you’re probably gonna have to go through to advance, and with a 2.03 goals-against average. they’re really good.

Rallying one time or every now and again can be deemed a fluke. But “In a race like this, it’s obviously huge to deny them points. As a group, when it happens over and over, it’s a pattern and, dare we say, a skill. we’re pretty sure at some point we’re going to have to go through Vegas or Colorado. Obviously, we’d love to continue to move up the standings, Saturday’s game was the fourth time the Wild rallied from a multiple-goal, but wherever we end up, we just want to focus on these (last) five third-period deficit for a win. That’s tied for first in the NHL with the games, playing the right way, flipping the playoff switch now, getting our Boston Bruins. mind right and just playing the right way all the way through.”

“I think the belief is in each other,” coach Dean Evason said. “I think Bring up the standings with Evason, and he visibly clenches his neck. that’s the key. You don’t know obviously what’s going to happen, the result, but I think the group believes that if their attitude is correct, then “The season will end, and we’ll see where we sit,” Evason said. we’re going to have an opportunity. That’s what they do when we get But you can tell he, too, has incredible belief in what this team can down. We don’t panic. There’s no throwing shots at each other. There’s accomplish. no frustration. Part of the reason is having poised characters like Talbot in goal and “There’s constructive stuff said as far as so many times early in the guys such as Bonino, who has played up and down the lineup and has hockey game, the guys were screaming at each other to finish checks. just brought this presence to the locker room. When stuff like that happens, it’s obviously exciting for our coaching staff that we’re not sitting back there barking and they’re doing it.” “He’s won two Cups. That tells you everything,” Evason said. “He knows exactly what to do. He knows how to do it. And he teaches our group every night. His value is immense. Clearly, that’s what (GM) Billy (Guerin) knew and why he went out and got him.”

Bonino, somebody Guerin hopes to re-sign after the season, is feeling good about this group he’s part of.

“I love it. I love the guys here. I think they like me, for the most part,” Bonino said, causing Spurgeon to crack up. “It’s been a good fit. It’s great everywhere — at the rink, away from the rink, my family loves it. We couldn’t be happier here. Coming here, you see how much talent is on the team and youth, too. As the year’s gone on, it’s been a really fun ride so far, clinching the playoffs relatively early in a short season, and now hopefully we’ll keep rolling the playoffs.

“I feel like I’ve played pretty consistently throughout the season. I’ve said it before: Sometimes it goes in, and sometimes it doesn’t. Today, it went off my back and a rebound fell there. I’ll definitely take ’em. I like to think whether I’m getting points or not, I’m doing the right things.”

Talbot unenthused by goalie interference decision

Talbot rarely shows a temper on the ice, but he was fuming after the game and right after Shea Theodore’s tying goal in the first period when he felt Mattias Janmark spun in front of the crease and clipped him, which inhibited his ability to make the save.

Evason challenged for goalie interference, and referees Corey Syvret and Kelly Sutherland disagreed.

“There was no explanation, which I think is a joke,” Talbot said. “That has been called all year long. It never gets called on me. I don’t know why. Maybe I need to start diving. It’s unbelievable that this keeps happening. The inconsistency is ridiculous. The fact that no one even came up to me and told me why, I think is a complete joke.”

Because the Wild lost the challenge, Vegas was given a power play, scoring on a Martinez blast. It was a shame because Eriksson Ek had just scored his 18th goal and the Wild’s opening goal for a 1-0 lead when Lehner had lost his stick the previous shift, scrambled to pick it up but held it the wrong way on Eriksson Ek’s shot.

“The worst part was that they scored right after that on the power play that they shouldn’t have even had,” Talbot said. “For Ek to get a big goal to start the game and get the crowd into it, that call really deflates us. And then they score on the power play and all of a sudden it’s a 2-1 hockey game for them.

“But I gotta keep my composure back there and play for the other 19 guys on the bench. I did everything in my power to not let it affect me and go out there and make the saves that I needed to. I still wasn’t happy with my overall game tonight, but I thought I played pretty well in the third and guys did a heckuva job coming back and battling for me.”

Most frustrating from a Wild perspective is April 19, Carson Soucy had a goal wiped out because Marcus Foligno was called for incidental contact upon video review. The plays look awfully similar, except perhaps Darcy Kuemper sold his better than Talbot.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211618 Montreal Canadiens The games on Thursday and Saturday are critical for the Canadiens, who are trying to push their way up the standings. Montreal has a game before those contests, Wednesday night in Ottawa.

Canadiens rookie Cole Caulfield scores second straight game-winning Toronto will face the fourth-place team in the division in the first round, goal in OT win over Toronto while the second- and third-place teams square off against one another. There is a distinct possibility that the Maple Leafs and Canadiens could renew acquaintances again in the postseason.

Marty Klinkenberg 5/4/2021 “We just had a meeting about that this morning,” Jake Muzzin said earlier Monday. “It is definitely something we have talked about and are thinking

about. We are going to see these guys the next three games and maybe Cole Caufield did it again on Monday night, winning his second straight in the first round. It’s maybe a little introduction to the playoffs.” game for the Canadiens. Keefe said it was too early to worry about that. The rookie, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL draft, snapped a wrist shot “We aren’t looking beyond the fact that it is a three-game series for us past Toronto goalie Jack Campbell with 17 seconds left in overtime as [now with Montreal],” he said. “In terms of a potential playoff matchup, Montreal beat the Maple Leafs 3-2 at the . there are too many variables at play. There are a lot of different options Caufield, playing in just his fifth game since being called up from the for who we might face in the first round. American Hockey League, also had the winning goal in overtime on “All that stuff will get sorted out in time,” Saturday against Ottawa. The win, the third in a row, all coming from behind, moved the Canadiens into a third-place tie with the Jets in the all- Globe And Mail LOADED: 05.04.2021 Canadian North Division. Winnipeg lost Monday, its seventh straight defeat, to the Senators.

Toronto entered the night with five consecutive wins but was denied what would have been a season-long sixth. Auston Matthews continued his march toward the Rocket Richard Trophy, burying another puck in an opponent’s net for a 2-1 lead in the second period.

The goal was the NHL-leading 39th for Toronto’s star centre and his 18th over the last 18 outings. He has goals in five straight games and has a 10-goal lead in the race to first over Edmonton’s Connor McDavid. Matthews has 12 game-winners in all, two more than McDavid, whose Oilers met the Canucks in a late-night engagement in Vancouver.

Matthews deflected a shot by Jake Muzzin past Montreal goalie Jake Allen with 2:39 left in the second period. Joe Thornton was also credited with an assist on the play. That extended the 41-year-old’s points streak to six games.

The loss dropped Toronto to 5-3 in eight meetings with Montreal during the COVID-abbreviated regular season. They play twice more, at Scotiabank Arena on Thursday and Saturday. After that, the Maple Leafs have only two more games – at Ottawa on May 12 and Winnipeg on May 14.

Jack Campbell had 20 saves in defeat, while Allen stopped 27 of 29 shots. Campbell is 15-3-1 on the season.

One dark cloud was cast over the effort for Toronto, which has already clinched first in its division. Nick Foligno, who had points in each of his first four games since joining the Maple Leafs in a trade with Columbus, skated off the ice gingerly late in the second period with an apparent injury. He did not return.

“I don’t have any word on him,” Toronto coach Sheldon Keefe said. He said the team is off on Tuesday, and Foligno’s condition will be evaluated again on Wednesday.

Montreal played without veteran defenceman Shea Weber, who missed his third straight game with an upper-body injury. Carey Price, who has been plagued by the effects of a concussion incurred against Edmonton on April 19, is expected to skate on Tuesday and perhaps return to the lineup later this week.

The Maple Leafs, who are 24-5-2 when they score first, jumped out to an early lead. A wrist shot from Morgan Rielly from 65 feet out found its way past Allen fewer than five minutes after the opening puck drop. It was Rielly’s fifth of the year.

Montreal tied it early in the second period on Tyler Toffoli’s 28th goal of the season. Then Matthews scored. Toronto held onto the lead until Phillip Danault tied it with 52 seconds remaining. At the time, the Canadiens had their goalie pulled for an extra attacker.

Both teams squandered chances in the extra period, with Toffoli shooting wide on a breakaway and Matthews and Mitch Marner failing to score on a 2 on 0.

“I think we just overpassed it,” Matthews said. “I wasn’t really able to get my stick on it at the end. It’s late in the game, late in overtime. A little fatigue was setting in.” 1211619 Montreal Canadiens

Cole Caufield scores in OT again as Canadiens come back to beat Leafs

Pat Hickey • Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 6 hours ago

Rookie Cole Caufield scored with 16.8 seconds remaining in overtime to give the Canadiens a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Monday at the Bell Centre.

It was the second consecutive overtime winner for Caufield and it allowed the Canadiens to move into a tie with the Winnipeg Jets for third place in the North Division. The Jets lost 2-1 to the Senators in Ottawa.

This was another example of the Canadiens’ resilience as Phil Danault, who is prized for his defensive play, sent the game into overtime with some last-minute heroics. He won a faceoff against Auston Matthews in the offensive zone and them jammed the puck behind Jack Campbell to tie the game with 52 seconds remaining in regulation time. It was his fifth goal of the season and his first in 14 games.

Allen didn’t have a chance late in the second period when Matthews showed why he’s the leading goal scorer in the NHL. The Canadiens did a good job of limiting Matthews’s chances and he didn’t have a shot on goal through the first 37 minutes of the game, Joel Edmundson was checking Matthews in front of the net but he and Allen were helpless as Matthews redirected Jake Muzzin’s shot from the blue line to give Toronto a 2-1 lead at 17:21. It was Matthews’s 39th goal of the season.

Matthews has 18 goals and 28 points in 22 career games against the Canadiens.

Morgan Rielly gave the Leafs a 1-0 lead with a goal early in the first period when he beat Allen with a shot from the blue line. Former Canadien Alex Galchenyuk played a key role on the goal. He set up Rielly with a backhand pass from the behind the net and then went to the front of the net to screen the goaltender.

Montreal failed to take advantage of two power-play chances in the first period, but Caufield created some excitement when he rang a shot off the crossbar during the first power play. Seconds later, Mitch Marner had a shorthanded breakaway but Allen made the save.

The Montreal special teams delivered early in the second period. Tyler Toffoli converted a cross-ice pass from Nick Suzuki to tie the score with a power-play goal at 1:55.

The penalty-killers had to do their bit when the Canadiens took consecutive penalties before the period was five minutes old. Toronto managed four shots on goal with the extra man but Allen wasn’t seriously challenged and the best scoring chance belonged to Montreal when Campbell stopped Artturi Lehkonen on a shorthanded 2-on-1 rush with Jake Evans.

The Canadiens continue to play without six regulars but there were signs Monday that the team is getting healthier. Shea Weber, Tomas Tatar and Brendan Gallagher all skated on their own and coach Dominique Ducharme said Tatar and Weber are day-to-day although Gallagher’s broken thumb will keep him on the sidelines through the end of the regular season.

Goaltender Carey Price, who been out since April 19 with a concussion, will resume practicing Tuesday. He’ll need some time to regain his conditioning but the Canadiens will want him to see action before the payoffs begin.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211620 Montreal Canadiens It goes beyond their play on the ice. Price simply isn’t a natural leader. He’s just not that guy. He’s usually sullen with the media and has never taken seriously the responsibility of speaking to the public.

What the Puck: Canadiens better off without Carey Price and Shea Weber is marginally better in that department, but he showed a real lack Weber of leadership during that slump when he refused to entertain questions about his poor play. Leaders don’t pass the buck. They say they need to be better when they’re not doing well.

Brendan Kelly • Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 13 hours ago Imagine what a GM could do with an extra $18 million. You could add three or four A-list players with that dough. Jake Allen has shown that

you don’t need a goalie who makes $10.5 million. The Canadiens are a better team without Carey Price and Shea Weber. So yeah, the Habs would be better without Price and Weber. Sadly Since Saturday night’s improbable come-from-behind 3-2 victory against though, they’re probably stuck with them given both have what look like the surging Ottawa Senators, all everyone has been talking about is Cole untradeable contracts. Caufield’s overtime goal to clinch the big win — and with good reason. It LOADED: 05.04.2021 was one of the magical moments of this Habs season and a storybook ending to an exciting game.

For the much-hyped youngster, playing only his fourth game for the Canadiens, it was right out of an inspirational Hollywood movie. The 20- year-old scored his first NHL goal, and it came in overtime during a significant game for a team on the hunt for a good playoff position.

But the real story of the weekend is how Montreal won two games in a row for the first time in weeks with a lineup that didn’t include the two chaps who are routinely described as the team’s leaders. In fact, the Habs won both games over the weekend — including a 5-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets Friday — with six key players on the sidelines.

Price is out with a concussion, Weber is off with an undisclosed upper- body injury, Brendan Gallagher is still recovering from a broken hand, Jonathan Drouin is on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons, and Tomas Tatar and Paul Byron are both out with lower-body injuries.

The team won the two games missing six players whose salaries add up to just over US$36 million on the salary cap. That’s kind of mind-blowing and also kind of cool. Think about it. They played two emotional games and won both of ’em without Price, Weber, Gallagher, Drouin, Tatar and Byron.

The short version is that the kids were all right on the weekend. Caufield probably had a better game on Friday, but when it counted, he was the hero Saturday, putting the puck in the top of the net in OT with a perfect goal on a seeing-eye pass from a suddenly re-energized Jeff Petry. (Petry seems to play better when Weber is not in the lineup, a bit like Evgeni Malkin who steps up his game when isn’t around to overshadow him.)

Nick Suzuki is on fire, scoring two on Friday against the Jets and looking way better recently than he did during the team’s lengthy slump in April. Alexander Romanov has been playing top-pairing minutes with Man Mountain nursing his wounds, and he looks ready for prime time. Jake Evans lost his job as fourth-line centre when general manager went out and snared veteran , but he’s back because of all of the injuries, and even if Evans isn’t lighting up the scoresheet, he has fit perfectly in the lineup.

Of the new kids, Jesperi Kotkaniemi is the one who’s still the most inconsistent. He hasn’t scored a goal since March 30, and interim head coach Dominique Ducharme has moved the struggling centre to the wing. Oh, and in the nets Saturday was 21-year-old goalie Cayden Primeau, who picked up his third win in only his sixth game played in the Big League.

These guys are the future of this team. Price, Weber and the other older guys on the injured list are not. More significantly, Price and Weber are bringing the team down at the moment.

Those two alone count for more than $18 million on the team’s salary cap, and the 2021 versions of those two players aren’t worth that kind of money. Price is no longer an elite goalie. He has flashes of brilliance, like in the bubble last summer, but for a few years now, his numbers have been average at best.

Price is also frequently injured and just as often plays like he doesn’t have his head in the game. Weber’s play has fallen off a cliff this season. Is that because of the injury that has him out right now? It’s hard to say. But he has often looked terrible out there. 1211621 Montreal Canadiens

Canadiens focused on catching Jets for third place in North Division

Pat Hickey • Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 15 hours ago

While some are viewing the Canadiens’ three games against the Maple Leafs this week — they play at the Bell Centre Monday and in Toronto Thursday and Saturday — as a playoff preview, Josh Anderson said the Canadiens are focused on moving up in the standings and avoiding Toronto in the first round.

“I think we’re looking up in the standings and not looking behind us,” Anderson said Monday after the team’s morning skate. “We’re only two points behind (third-place) Winnipeg and we have some crucial games coming up and tonight we have to carry the momentum we’ve had the last couple of games.

The Canadiens are coming off two victories in games where they rallied from two-goal deficits and Anderson said that has served as a confidence booster.

Anderson will be playing with Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Phil Danault and they will be tasked with stopping the NHL’s top goal-scorer, Auston Matthews. Matthews has 27 points in 21 career games against Montreal and has five goals and six assists in seven games this season.

“He’s a pretty special player and he’s on a roll,” Anderson said. “It seems like he scores every game, so it’s going to be a really big challenge for our line and we like that role, trying to shut down their top line. We’re going to do everything we can to be physical, not let them have fun out there. They want to come here looking for an easy game, but we’re not going to let that happen.

“Phil has been great this year,” added Anderson. “H’s been really consistent. He plays hard, he plays the right way, You saw the way he played against Connor McDavid in Edmonton. He was hard, he was skating and we have to bring the same game tonight.”

The only change in the lineup that beat Ottawa Saturday will be in goal, with Jake Allen replacing Cayden Primeau. Allen will be making his 13th appearance in the past 16 games.

Allen has been forced to play a bigger role than planned because Carey Price is out with a concussion. Coach Dominique Ducharme said Monday that Price will resume practising Tuesday, but while it’s important that Price gets some playing time before the playoffs, hr’s unlikely to play before the weekend.

Tomas Tatar (lower body) skated before the practice and Brendan Gallagher (broken thumb) and Shea Weber (upper body) were on the ice after the morning skate. Ducharme said Weber, Tatar and Paul Byron (lower body) are all day-to-day, but said it was unlikely Gallagher would return in the regular season.

Toronto defenceman Justin Holl will miss the game. He took a puck in the face during the Leafs’ 5-1 win over Vancouver Saturday.

He’s doing well, but he is uncomfortable, understandably,” Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said. “He’s not going to travel with us, but we’re not expecting him to miss any length of time.”

Holl will be replaced by Timothy Liljegren, who practised alongside Jake Muzzin Monday.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211622 Montreal Canadiens

Leafs at Canadiens: Five things you should know

Pat Hickey • Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 20 hours ago

Here are five things you should know about the Canadiens-Maple Leafs game at the Bell Centre Monday (7 p.m., TSN2, RDS, TSN-690 Radio, 98.5 FM).

The matchup: This is the eighth of 10 games between these traditional rivals this season, and the series concludes with games in Toronto on Thursday and Saturday. The Canadiens, who have a 2-4-1 record against Toronto, are coming off comeback wins over Winnipeg and Ottawa and are currently fourth in the Canadian division with 55 points, two back of Winnipeg and eight ahead of fifth-place Calgary. Toronto is the first team in the division to clinch a playoff spot with 71 points and ran its winning streak to five games with a 5-1 win over Vancouver on Saturday.

Toffoli leads the way: Tyler Toffoli scored the tying goal in Saturday’s win over Ottawa and he has a goal in six of his last seven starts. Toffoli leads the Canadiens with 27 goals. Nick Suzuki had a goal wiped out by goaltender interference Saturday, but he assisted on Toffoli’s goal and has four goals and three assists in a five-game point streak. Defenceman Jeff Petry ended a 22-game goal drought to jump-start the comeback against Ottawa and he set up Cole Caufield’s first NHL goal for the overtime winner. Petry has stepped up in the past week with a goal and four assists.

Matthews feasts on Canadiens: Auston Matthews has a lock on the Rocket Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal-scorer. He scored twice Saturday to boost his total to 38, nine more than Connor McDavid. He has five goals and six assists in seven games against Montreal this season and has 17 goals and 11 assists in 21 career games against the Canadiens. Mitch Marner is the Leafs’ leading scorer with 64 points, which is third in the NHL scoring race. Marner has 16 goals, and other Leafs in double figures are John Tavares (17), William Nylander (16), Zach Hyman (15) and veteran Jason Spezza, who has 10 playing on the fourth line.

The goalies: Neither team will have the goaltender who started the season as No. 1. Carey Price is listed as day-to-day with a concussion. He’s expected to resume practising this week, but Jake Allen will get the start in goal. He has a 1-2 record against the Leafs this season with a 3.04 goals-against average. The Leafs’ Frederik Andersen is out with a lower-body injury, and 29-year-old journeyman Jack Campbell has taken advantage of the opportunity to post the best numbers of his career. He has a 15-2-1 record with a 2.07 GAA and a .927 save percentage. He is 2-1 against Montreal with a 2.04 GAA.

Medical updates: Price isn’t the only casualty for the Canadiens, who produced two comeback victories last week without six regulars. Brendan Gallagher (broken thumb) is out for the remainder of the regular season as is Jonathan Drouin, who is taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. Price, captain Shea Weber (upper body), Tomas Tatar (lower body) and Paul Byron are all listed as day-to-day. The missing players represent a cap hit of more than $35 million. For the Leafs, Hyman is day-to-day with a knee injury while Andersen, (shoulder), Riley Nash (knee) and Scott Sabourin (undisclosed injury) are on the injured reserve list.

Montreal Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211623 Montreal Canadiens “Every young player goes through highs and lows, but you always have to go back to what makes you successful, what got you to this level and how you will have success at this level,” Ducharme said. “We talked about some things, and I felt he understood it well. We see it in his Canadiens’ Nick Suzuki is stringing together moments with such game.” frequency that they cease to be moments What makes you successful? What got you to this level? So much of what we are now seeing from Suzuki are things that have been evident in his game for some time. But they were never more evident than his final By Arpon Basu May 4, 2021 playoff run in junior, when he led the Guelph Storm to the OHL championship in 2019 and, most importantly, showed what would make him successful at this level. Moments can be fun, just like they can be excruciating. Suzuki was clearly too good for the OHL in his final junior season and But moments can’t define a young player as he tries to find his way in the were it not for the agreement between the CHL and NHL that prevents NHL. junior-age players from playing in the AHL, Suzuki would not have played that final season. Cole Caufield has had two wondrous moments the past two games, giving the Canadiens the win in overtime both times to complete late But he did, and he played a ton. comebacks. Those were fun moments, but they don’t necessarily define what Caufield will eventually become in the NHL. Yes, he has a The Storm acquired him as they loaded up for a playoff run, one that tremendous shot that will serve him very well in the NHL, much like it appeared destined to end early when Guelph fell behind to the London served him Monday night when he beat Jack Campbell off the right post Knights in the second round of the playoffs. And that’s when Suzuki took to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs in overtime 3-2. over. He led them back to win four straight against London, then helped the Storm erase a 3-1 deficit the next round before leading them back But there is more to his game, and he will have to prove he can be about from a 2-0 deficit in the OHL final. more than moments playing three-on-three hockey to earn a regular job and regular ice time in the NHL. He is doing that right now, but despite It was a sign that Suzuki liked moments like the ones he experienced in the two moments, he still has a ways to go. the bubble last season, and what he is about to experience in this season’s playoffs, something he has helped secure for the Canadiens by Alexander Romanov is also a rookie, and he had the opposite moment in elevating his level of play at the right time of year. this game when he was comfortably controlling the puck on a power play until he was suddenly skating as hard as he could back toward his own “We want to be part of the playoffs, that’s where we want to be and we’re net with one of the best players in the NHL skating in alone on his goal. talking about playing playoff hockey,” Ducharme said. “He raised his Luckily for him, Jake Allen got a piece of Mitch Marner’s shot and nicked game.” it over the crossbar, but it was a play that was indicative of what was a This should really come as little surprise. Suzuki has the temperament to difficult night for the Canadiens’ rookie defenceman. Does that mean handle expectations because his own are already so high. Nothing that Romanov is terrible? Of course not, just as Caufield’s moment – or comes from the outside can really match it. moments, in his case – do not ensure he is ready for a heavy dose of NHL responsibility. During the OHL final, just after doing a full session with the Canadiens web team, answering fan questions for a video feature, Suzuki sat down Same thing applies to Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who did not have a great night with me in the stands for a chat while in the midst of this critical series. and watched the final nine minutes of regulation and all of overtime from He calmly answered every question I threw at him, but this answer really the bench. That doesn’t define him either. stood out based on what he showed on the ice in that series. Kotkaniemi will not be benched every game. Romanov will not be turning “I think every player in hockey wants to be relied upon to be, I guess, a pucks over left and right every game. Caufield will not be scoring clutch player,” he said then. “Every player wants to be a guy that’s going overtime goals every game. That’s the nature of being a young player in to score in a big moment to help your team stay alive and win a series. the NHL, you are constantly searching to stabilize your game, to be I’ve just been trying to do whatever I can to help the team win, everyone reliable or predictable or any of the other adjectives coaches use to in the room is doing that. Who’s getting the points doesn’t really matter to describe players they trust. me, all I want to do is win.” This is what makes what Nick Suzuki is doing right now different because It should therefore not be considered a coincidence that Ducharme saw a his game is not solely defined by moments. Over the past couple of shift in Suzuki’s game in Calgary, since that was easily the most critical weeks, Suzuki has strung together moments at both ends of the ice, and point in the Canadiens’ season, the point at which they needed him the when moments are strung together, they cease to be moments. most. They become consistency, the holy grail of hockey traits players are But that is also when the chemistry Suzuki had been building with Tyler always seeking. Toffoli, a similarly cerebral player who understands space and passing Suzuki appears to have found it. lanes on a similar level to Suzuki, began manifesting itself. And this is something that was also foreseeable back in junior. “I think he found his game, but he found his game every single game, too, it’s not one every two games,” Phillip Danault said. “That’s hard to Storm coach and general manager George Burnett did not have Suzuki get in the NHL. That’s the biggest value, you get your game and you’re playing for him for long, but he sent Suzuki over the boards often enough steady night after night. I think Nick is doing a great job. He wants to win, and has seen enough of his players graduate to the NHL to understand he wants to be the difference-maker. And he is.” that Suzuki’s hockey brain would one day find a match in the NHL.

Even Caufield, five games into his NHL career, can see it. “He does have some other very strong players that he plays with on our club, but when he takes the next step to the pro game he will have some “The thing that stands out to me is how consistent he is,” he said. “Each more established, elite thinkers, elite skill guys, elite skaters that are night, he brings it.” probably going to make him elevate his game even more so,” Burnett said then. “So I think, and not in a negative way, there’s a long way to go Coach Dominique Ducharme and Suzuki recently had a chat. It was for him. As long as he’s physically strong and fit and takes care of himself sometime just before or toward the beginning of the Canadiens’ trip to and has a great summer, the sky’s the limit as far as where he fits in at Alberta, at a time when their season appeared to be hanging by a thread. the next level. That’s beyond my scope, but from what I’ve viewed here, Ducharme asked Suzuki to show some more competitiveness in his it’s because he thinks the game so well and he doesn’t waste a lot of game, to increase the pace, to be more disruptive and create turnovers. energy.” When the Canadiens arrived in Calgary for a season-defining three-game There was one other factor Burnett failed to mention, and that is how set, Ducharme saw a change in his young centre, and there has not been Suzuki was already showing then to what extent deception was a major a change since. factor in his game, his ability to use his eyes and the angle of his stick to There’s been consistency, instead. get people to believe what he wants them to believe. “I like to use deception in my game just with my shot and playmaking,” Suzuki said back then, “trying to get the defender to think I’m doing something and then do the other thing.”

Watch the two goals Suzuki got the primary assist on against the Maple Leafs. On the first, everyone believed Suzuki was going to shoot, because the Maple Leafs had surely seen video of Suzuki scoring a bunch of goals from that very spot on the power play. Campbell was so convinced Suzuki would shoot that he even dropped to his knees.

On the tying goal by Danault, watch Suzuki’s eyes as he passed the puck to the goal line. Campbell probably should have had it, but the split second that cost him as he read Suzuki’s eyes might have made the difference here.

In other words, we are seeing what has always made Suzuki successful, what got him to the NHL, and what will make him successful in the NHL.

Those two goals were moments, much like Caufield’s overtime goal. But we have seen those moments far more frequently from Suzuki of late to the point where there are enough of them to cease being moments. They are a pattern, and Suzuki is establishing that pattern when the games matter most.

He began the season with points in his first seven games, and the hype around how well Suzuki was playing was significant at that time. Except the hockey being played in the North Division back then was not even close to the hockey that is being played now. It was loose, free-flowing, devoid of much defence. It was not all that difficult for Suzuki to succeed. But then things changed.

“I struggled a little bit over the middle half of the season,” Suzuki said.

When you first hear that, it sounds weird. Not many people refer to a “middle half” of the season, but not many people think the game like Suzuki and, upon reflection, it is a very accurate depiction of when he struggled. He had a good first quarter of the season, a difficult “middle half” and is now having an excellent final quarter.

“It’s great timing,” Danault said.

It is, but when you look at what has made Suzuki successful in the past, what made it so he reached the NHL, the timing should come as no surprise.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211624 Nashville Predators

Nashville Predators could potentially lock down playoff spot with win on Wednesday

Will Backus

The Nashville Predators are one game away from an NHL playoff spot.

Potentially, at least.

With Monday's 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville now has 60 points in the Central Division standings. That puts it squarely in fourth place, four points ahead of Dallas, which lost to Florida earlier in the night.

The top four teams from each division earn a shot at the Stanley Cup.

It will take a combination of skill and luck, but the Preds can punch their ticket to the postseason this week.

"This time of year, like playoffs," Nashville coach John Hynes said. "I think the most important thing, obviously, is you have to find ways to win. I think there's a lot of good lessons we can take out of tonight's game."

If Nashville wins one more game in regulation, which is worth two points, and Dallas loses, than the Preds are guaranteed the fourth spot.

That means Nashville will have a chance to clinch if it can get a regulation win against Columbus on Wednesday.

All it would take is a Dallas loss at Tampa Bay, a team that's still in contention for the No. 1 overall seed in the league.

Dallas and Nashville are the only two teams with a shot at squeaking into the playoffs. Chicago was eliminated from contention with a loss to Carolina on Monday, and Detroit and Columbus have been out of the race for a couple of weeks.

Even if both Nashville and Dallas both win on Wednesday, the Preds' road ahead is easier.

After closing out the road trip to Columbus, they'll return home to finish the regular season against Carolina on April 8 and 10. While Carolina is the NHL's leader in points, with 77, Nashville will benefit from an energized home crowd.

Meanwhile, past Wednesday, Dallas still has games at Tampa Bay on Friday and at Chicago on April 9 and 10.

"It's definitely been a lot of hard work," Nashville's Roman Josi said. "With the start we had into the season, it didn't look great for us and we kind of turned it around. ... We definitely earned that chance to clinch the playoffs."

Tennessean LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211625 Nashville Predators

Roman Josi saves Nashville Predators with overtime goal after blowing three-goal lead to Columbus

Will Backus

The Nashville Predators picked up a 4-3 overtime win against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday night at Nationwide Arena.

The Predators (29-22-2) scored three goals in the final 10 minutes of the second period to cruise to a 3-0 lead. Columbus' Emil Bemstrom answered with a hat trick in the third period to tie the score and send it to overtime.

Just under 3:30 into overtime, Nashville captain Roman Josi found the puck near the faceoff circle and launched the game-winning goal into the top right corner of Columbus' net.

It was Nashville's second straight overtime win. With Dallas' loss to Florida on the same night, the Predators now have a four-point lead in fourth place in the Central Division with 60 points.

Tennessean LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211626 Nashville Predators 12.1 Sv%

0.895 Juuse Saros, Hart Trophy candidate? Why the Predators goalie deserves consideration 0.945

Slot Sv%

By Adam Vingan May 3, 2021 0.826

0.891

Shortly after the Predators defeated the Dallas Stars in overtime Inner Slot Sv% Saturday, The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus fired off this thought-provoking tweet from Chicago: 0.747

Juuse Saros had just won for the 14th time in his past 20 starts, shutting 0.856 out the Predators’ archrival in their biggest regular-season game in Hynes has also praised Saros, 26, for quickly adjusting to the rigors of recent memory. In those 20 starts, Saros has a 1.83 goals-against being a full-time starter, especially during a pandemic-shortened season. average and .945 save percentage. “Maybe a few weeks prior to the pause last year, he was really seeing The Predators’ win Saturday improved their chances of making the the puck well,” Hynes said. “He was on his game, and you could see how playoffs to 77 percent, according to Dom Luszczyszyn. On March 18, good he can be through traffic and (on) rebounds and east-west plays. when Saros returned from a two-week stint on injured reserve, they had The stretch that he’s on now, you can see growth, too. I think he’s a 4 percent chance. learning how to handle playing as much as he’s playing, meaning your Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid is going to win his second mental focus in the games. There’s not a lot of practice time, so how do Hart Trophy this season, and it should be unanimous. The rest of the you get yourself ready (to play) as much as he’s playing? I just think his MVP ballot, however, is up for debate. This season, 100 members of the rest and recovery, his ability to focus mentally night in and night out is Professional Hockey Writers Association — 20 from each NHL division something that you have to learn going from not playing as much (to and 20 national voices — will vote on the Hart, Calder, Norris and Selke playing every night). … The consistency level that he’s played with and to Trophies, among others. (General managers choose the Vezina Trophy be ready mentally every night to play the way that he needs to play has winner.) been a real good growth step for him. It’s been a huge step for our team.”

These discussions tend to devolve into arguments about what it means Historically, goaltenders, despite having the greatest influence on a to be “most valuable.” Saros’ case is straightforward: Without him, the team’s success, do not get much love in MVP voting. Carey Price was Predators’ season would have been over two months ago, when they the last one to win the Hart Trophy, in 2015. Sergei Bobrovsky, then of were 26th in the league at the halfway point. the Columbus Blue Jackets, was the most recent finalist, finishing third in 2017. No goaltender has been tougher to beat than Saros since mid-March. He has saved an extra 12.1 goals in all situations over that span, nearly Saros’ slow start should not disqualify him from consideration. In January double the amount of the next closest goaltender. In his first 13 2015, the Minnesota Wild, who were in last place in the Central Division, appearances this season, he allowed an extra 2.9 goals. traded for journeyman Devan Dubnyk, who went 27-9-2 with a 1.78 GAA and .936 save percentage after switching teams. For leading the Wild to Goals saved above expected since March 18 an unlikely playoff berth, Dubnyk finished fourth in Hart Trophy voting.

GOALTENDER GSAE (ALL SITUATIONS) If Saros can do the same, then a top-five finish would be within reason. The Predators, who have a three-point lead over the Stars, play the Blue Juuse Saros Jackets and Carolina Hurricanes twice each to close the regular season. 12.1 Unless the team clinches a playoff spot with games to spare, Saros is expected to be in goal for all of them. Elvis Merzlikins This is Saros’ chance to strengthen his case as a legitimate Hart Trophy 6.7 candidate.

Andrei Vasilevskiy The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 6.4

Connor Hellebuyck

6.2

Robin Lehner

6.1

Predators coach John Hynes said that Saros has worked to change his stance in order to improve his positioning, which was already solid, and lateral movement. Perhaps relatedly, Saros has been much better at stopping shots from high-danger areas over the past two months.

Juuse Saros’ first and second halves

STATISTIC JAN. 14-MARCH 2 (13 GP) MARCH 18-MAY 1 (20 GP)

GAA

3.1

1.83

GSAE

-2.9 1211627 Nashville Predators

Hynes: Predators can’t get too high with playoffs within reach

MICHAEL GALLAGHER MAY 3, 2021

Nashville Predators forward Erik Haula knew exactly what defenseman was thinking once he intercepted a Dallas Stars pass and furiously skated toward goaltender Anton Khudobin.

Ekholm skated by three Dallas players as he circled the net before rifling off a pass to Haula, who had centered himself right in front of Khudobin and slammed home the game-winning goal with just 1:28 left in overtime to hand Dallas its third straight loss.

“I saw (Ekholm) had good speed and he was going in there, and I had a feeling he was going to try the wraparound,” Haula said. “I was just trying to time myself and luckily it hit right on my tape and back of the net, so it was a good feeling.”

In the eight meetings this year between the Predators and Stars, Nashville has won five and needed overtime or a shootout to win each time. Saturday was no different.

The victory gives Nashville a three-point lead over Dallas for the final playoff spot in the Central Division with four games left for the Predators and five for the Stars. Nashville has the easier road to the playoffs, closing out the season with two games against the last-place Columbus Blue Jackets and two against the Carolina Hurricanes at home.

Dallas, on the other hand, plays one against the Florida Panthers, two against the Tampa Bay Lightning and two against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Stars are a combined 5-10-4 against those three teams this season.

"It's (a) big (two) points," said goaltender Juuse Saros, who had a 28- save shutout. "It was a really tight game, and we just stayed with it and eventually got it done. But it's a big [win], and we still got some business to do here. So it's a fun, tight race."

Saros has been a vital part of the Predators’ resurgence. The 26-year-old leads the NHL in wins (14) and save percentage (.949) and is tied for the third-best goals-against average (1.83) since returning from a lower-body injury on March 18, sparking Nashville’s torrid six-week run just to scratch its way back into the playoff discussion.

Two months ago, the Predators had a 2 percent chance of making the playoffs. Now, they have a 91 percent chance. Following a 16-6-1 run that produced 33 points — second-most in the NHL over that span — the Predators need just two more wins, coupled with two more losses for the Stars and they’re in the playoffs.

“Our job right now is that we accomplished the mission tonight, but we have a big week ahead of us,” Hynes said. “Starting (Sunday), we've got to make sure we're focusing on Columbus… So, like we've always said: Don't get too high on this one. Let's enjoy it, but let's make sure we're ready to go this week and take care of business."

Nashville Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211628 New Jersey Devils

Devils hold off Flyers, 6-4, to end 10-game winless streak

Updated Apr 27, 2021; Posted Apr 27, 2021

By The Associated Press

Yegor Sharangovich scored the go-ahead goal at 12:36 of the third period, and the Devils snapped a 10-game winless streak with a wild 6-4 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers at the Prudential Center in Newark on Tuesday night.

Nico Hischier, Pavel Zacha, Miles Wood and Connor Carrick also scored for the Devils, who saw the Flyers rally from third-period deficits twice to tie the game.

Mackenzie Blackwood made 26 saves as the Devils ended an 0-9-1 skid and won for the first time since April 8. Mikhail Maltsev scored into an empty net in the waning seconds to ice the game.

Oskar Lindblom, Philippe Myers, Claude Giroux and Sean Couturier scored for the Flyers, who had rallied from a late two-goal deficit on Sunday to beat the Devils in a shootout. Brian Elliott made 21 saves for Philadelphia, whose playoffs hopes are all but gone.

The Devils built a 3-1 lead after two periods on power-play goals by Hischier and Zacha, and Wood’s third goal in as many games.

Lindblom started the Flyers’ comeback, scoring 15 seconds after Wood.

The third period was crazy with six goals. Myers, scoring for the first time in 37 games this season and Giroux, who scored the Flyers two third- period goals Sunday, scored in the opening 3:34 to tie the game at 3-all.

Carrick, who spent most of the season in the AHL, scored his first at 8:04 to give the Devils the lead, but Couturier tied the game at 12:25 with a shot from the side board.

Sharangovich got the winner 11 seconds later when Elliott and his defenseman misplayed the puck behind the net, and the Russian rookie deposited it into a vacant net.

The Flyers had two great chances to tie the game with their net empty. Devils defenseman Matt Tennyson used his stick to prevent Couturier from tying the game after he beat Blackwood, who also stopped Giroux in close before the Maltsev goal.

This was the second of four straight games between the teams. They will play again in New Jersey on Thursday and meet on Saturday in Philadelphia.

NOTES: Undrafted Russian defenseman Egor Zamula made his NHL debut for the Flyers. ... Devils forward Andreas Johnson was hurt Sunday and missed his first game of the game with a lower-body injury. ... New Jersey was 1 for 25 on the power play during the skid before converting on its first two chances. ... New Jersey is 5-17-3 at home.

Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211629 New Jersey Devils UP NEXT Flyers and Devils conclude a stretch of four consecutive games against

each other Saturday evening in Philadelphia. Devils win 2nd straight, eliminate Flyers from playoff contention Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2021

Updated Apr 30, 2021; Posted Apr 30, 2021

By The Associated Press

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Yegor Sharangovich scored twice, Mackenzie Blackwood made 21 saves and the New Jersey Devils beat the Philadelphia Flyers 5-3 Thursday night.

Jesper Boqvist, Pavel Zacha and Jesper Bratt also scored as the Devils won their second straight game after an 0-9-1 stretch. Defensemen Damon Severson and Will Butcher each recorded two assists.

Scott Laughton, Sean Couturier and Travis Konecny scored for Philadelphia and Alex Lyon made 14 saves, but the Flyers fell for the third time in four games and were officially eliminated from postseason contention.

“Definitely not the way we saw this year going,” Laughton said. “Had very high expectations and just didn’t happen.”

Boqvist helped New Jersey restore a two-goal lead at 9:00 of the second period. The Swedish forward hammered a pass from Nicholas Merkley at the top of the right faceoff circle after a Flyers neutral-zone turnover to lead 3-1.

Zacha extended the Devils lead to 4-2 and provided insurance with a short-side wrist shot at 13:15 of the third period.

Bratt added an empty-net goal late in the third period, snapping an eight- game scoring drought.

“Obviously always want to have those kinds of starts,” Boqvist said. “But I feel like we got down a little bit early in the second but came back and finished strong in the third.”

Couturier pulled the Flyers within one goal with a backdoor tap-in at 12:17 of the middle period. Justin Braun found Couturier all alone near the top of the crease to set up the goal. Jakub Voracek and Couturier each extended their individual point streaks to five games on the play.

“Most of our five-on-five opportunities and chances are coming from Couturier’s line,” Flyers coach Alain Vigneault said. “We need other guys, as much as they might be working hard, to contribute more.”

Sharangovich opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 8:10 of the first period. The Russian forward wired a shot from the right faceoff circle that found an opening between the glove and shoulder of the Flyers goaltender. Will Butcher and Severson assisted on the play.

The Devils increased their lead to 2-0 when Sharangovich scored his second power-play goal of the first period. Severson found the 22-year- old rookie darting toward the back post prior to a nifty deke to his backhand at 15:28. Janne Kuokkanen also assisted on the play.

Sharangovich finished April with 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) to lead the team.

Devils rookies have recorded a total of 106 points this season, leading the Ottawa Senators by a wide margin for best in the NHL.

Laughton trimmed the Flyers’ deficit to one with a short-handed goal at 7:14 of the second period. Philadelphia’s forward blocked a dump-in attempt from Devils defenseman Ty Smith and converted a breakaway with a patient maneuver to his forehand. Laughton snapped a 25-game scoring drought with his eighth of the season

“It would have been nice to pot one when we were fighting there for a playoff spot,” Laughton said. “It’s nice to get one, but it doesn’t really matter.”

Konecny notched his 10th of the season at 18:10 of the third period.

HART OUT

Flyers goaltender Carter Hart, who has not played since April 15 when he sustained an injury during a 2-1 shootout win against the Penguins, will miss the remainder of the 2020-21 NHL regular season. 1211630 New Jersey Devils

Devils shut out by Boston as Bruins clinch playoff spot

Robert Aitken Jr.

A three-game winning streak had the Devils feeling good entering the final week of the regular season. The Devils have been able to figure out the Boston Bruins all season long, but that luck ran out in the penultimate meeting between the two teams this season.

Boston's 3-0 win over the Devils was the first regulation win by the Bruins in seven tries. The victory allowed the Bruins to exorcise their demons against the Devils this season while also clinching a spot in the postseason as one of four teams from the East division.

"I think we saw a completely different Bruins team," said coach Lindy Ruff. "A team that's ramped up and getting ready for the playoffs. They knew they could clinch. They brought their A game."

Nick Ritchie lit the lamp to put the Bruins on the board in the second period. His 14th goal of the season put the Bruins ahead, 1-0. Later in the second, Patrice Bergeron's 20th goal of the season doubled the lead at 2-0 before intermission. As the Devils attempted to climb back into the game, Matt Grzelcyk's fifth goal of the season on a redirect put the game on ice.

Tukka Rask stopped all 20 shots from the Devils on the night for the shutout.

Devils short on shots

The most glaring statistic on Monday night was the shot differential between the teams. The first 11 shots on goal were all from the sticks of Bruins players as the Devils were not credited with a shot on goal until more than eight minutes into the game. In fact, Boston nearly outshot the Devils in the first period alone.

The Bruins had 17 shots on goal in the first period, compared to only four from the Devils in the first 20 minutes and 20 total shots on the night. Boston added another 20 shots in the second period when they broke through for two goals to take the lead for good.

Wedgewood tested often

Scott Wedgewood had his first action since April 22 on Monday night and the Bruins let him make up for some lost time. Wedgewood had 39 saves on the night, one shy of a season high and two away from the most in a single game in his career.

"I thought he gave us a real good night in goal," said Ruff. "He made several key saves just to allow us to hang around. I thought some of his saves allowed us to be around in that game."

Wedgewood turned aside the first 25 shots he faced on Monday before Ritchie's shot broke the scoreless tie.

"With the year coming to an end here, it's a nice step to get on the ice and show what I can do," said Wedgewood. "I felt that I've had a strong year and one tough period, but other than that, I was trying to earn coach's trust."

Bruins playoff bound

The magic number for the Bruins was down to only one. All that Boston needed Monday night was to at least head to overtime with the Devils. A win in regulation gave the Bruins 68 points and clinching the final playoff spot in the East division.

"I'm going to give them a lot of credit," Ruff said. "They were clicking every line, they winning faceoffs, they had puck possession. Their speed exposed us a little bit and our gaps weren't good. It was a five-man effort."

The Rangers are eliminated from playoff contention with Boston's victory.

Bergen Record LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211631 New Jersey Devils Bergen Record LOADED: 05.04.2021

Ryan Murray focused on final stretch of Devils season

Robert Aitken Jr.

Ryan Murray joined the Devils in October 2020 as the Columbus Blue Jackets were clearing salary cap space. Murray was halfway through a guaranteed two-year contract worth $9.2 million when he was dealt to New Jersey. Now, Murray is in the final week of that deal and will be among the top defenseman on the free agent market during the offseason.

"I just kind of want to finish this season off and see what happens," said the 27-year old Murray. "It's been a weird year with a lot of things and right now, we're looking at the last five games and we'll go from there."

Murray has 13 assists in 43 games with the Devils this season and has stood as one of the veteran defensemen on this team throughout the year. Murray's plus-minus of 5 is the highest on the team and he leads the Devils with 55 blocks on the season. Yet, when other veterans were sent away during the trade deadline in April. Murray remained.

Murray never officially stated meeting with general manager Tom Fitzgerald around the deadline, but rather states "that type of stuff remains in the room". It left Murray in a leadership position defensively, especially lately with Jonas Siegenthaler and P.K. Subban both being in COVID protocol at the final stretch of the season.

"I think we've a lot of things a lot better," said Murray. "I think that our special teams have been better. I just think that we have been playing better hockey."

Murray said the team hit a rough patch after the trade deadline, which included the first 10-game losing streak for a Devils team since 1983 and tied the longest losing streak since the team has been in New Jersey.

"We want to finish strong," said Murray. "We want to finish the right way. We want to play the right way every night and we've made some steps to do that. We just want to continue doing that."

Despite the unusual season that the Devils have endured, Murray still feels fortunate for the opportunities given to him. A COVID outbreak shut the team down and crowded an already hectic schedule, but Murray knows things could be different.

"It's been fun coming to the rink every day," said Murray. "There's places where people are fully locked into their houses and can't go out and can't do anything. Life for us is fairly normal. That's a good thing that I don't think we've taken for granted."

Following that 10-game losing streak, the Devils have won three in a row and will look to win a fourth straight game for the first time in three years against the Boston Bruins on Tuesday night.

Greer set to make Devils debut

One of the players acquired in the trade that sent Kyle Palmieri and Travis Zajac to the Islanders, 24-year old A.J. Greer will play his first game for the Devils on Tuesday against the Bruins.

"As far as opportunity, everyone has to create their own opportunity," said Greer. "Nothing is given to you, especially at this level, and for me, it's just to be able to work hard and do my job. I have a chance to show what I can do at the highest level of professional hockey and that's a dream come true for me."

It will be the first NHL appearance for Greer since February 2019 with the Colorado Avalanche. Greer is inserted into the lineup as the team is without Mikhail Maltsev, who will sit out after blocking a puck in Philadelphia over the weekend.

"He's a player that's hungry for the opportunity," said coach Lindy Ruff. "He skates well, has a physical presence, he's excited to play. He brings size and he brings some physicality at the same time."

Greer has 37 career NHL games, all with the Avalanche, who drafted him in the second round of the 2015 draft. Greer has collected a goal and five assists in his NHL career. 1211632 New Jersey Devils

Devils shut out by Bruins as winning streak ends

By Associated PressMay 3, 2021 | 10:47pm | Updated

NEWARK, N.J. — Captain Patrice Bergeron scored his 20th goal of the season and the Boston Bruins clinched their fifth straight playoff berth with a dominating 3-0 victory over the New Jersey Devils on Monday night at Prudential Center.

Tuukka Rask stopped 20 shots for his second shutout of the season and Nick Ritchie broke a scoreless tie in the second period as the Bruins won their fourth straight game and ended the Devils’ three-game winning streak.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk scored on a deflection off Devils defenseman Ryan Murray late as the Bruins won for the 10th time in 12 games. Brad Marchand, who was playing in his 800th NHL game, and Bergeron got the assists on the third goal.

The win was the sixth in a row for Rask.

Boston got off to a dominating start. The Bruins took the first 11 shots of the game and limited New Jersey to nine in the first 40 minutes in taking a 2-0 lead. The Bruins finished with a 42-20 shots advantage.

The Devils were shut out by the Bruins on Monday night.

Devils goalie Scott Wedgewood gave New Jersey a chance, stopping all 16 shots in the first period and 35 of 37 in the first 40 minutes. He finished with 39 saves.

Ritchie got the game’s opening goal at 9:08 of the second period, taking a cross-ice pass by defenseman Jakub Zboril and beating Wedgewood with a one-timer from the right circle.

Bergeron’s 20th was a perfect play by the “Perfection Line”. Marchand got the puck from David Pastrnak, skated around the Devils’ net and found Bergeron alone in front.

Rask’s toughest saves of the game came against Devils captain Nico Hischier. He made a pad save on a breakaway in the first period and stopped a backhand in close with under five minutes to play.

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211633 New York Islanders

Michael Houser, career minor-leaguer, shuts down Islanders

By Associated PressMay 3, 2021 | 10:59pm | Updated

Michael Houser stopped 34 shots in his NHL debut, Sam Reinhart scored twice in Buffalo’s three-goal third period and the Sabres beat the playoff- bound New York Islanders 4-2 on Monday night.

Tage Thompson and Rasmund Asplund also scored for Buffalo, which trailed 2-0 early in the second period.

Houser spent the past 8 1/2 seasons in the minor leagues. It was his first game since March 7, 2020, with Cincinnati of the ECHL.

Adam Pelech and Oliver Wahlstrom scored for the Islanders. Semyon Varlamov, coming off three straight shutouts, finished with 36 saves.

The Islanders fell to fourth place in the Eastern Division —one point behind Boston, which beat New Jersey 3-0. The Bruins also have a game in-hand on the Islanders.

The teams finish their season series Tuesday night in Buffalo.

Thompson’s power-play goal got the Sabres on the scoreboard with 5:56 left in the second period and ended Varlamov’s shutout streak at 248 minutes.

Asplund tied the score with 8:35 remaining in the third.

Reinhart gave the Sabres a 3-2 lead with 4:04 left and sealed the win with an empty-netter, his career high-tying 25th, with 52 seconds to go.

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211634 New York Islanders Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021

Islanders give up two-goal lead, fall to Sabres

By Andrew Gross

Updated May 4, 2021 2:46 AM

The Islanders are playoff-bound and still vying for home-ice advantage. With nothing left on the line this season, the young Sabres are auditioning for 2021-22.

This deep into a season, those often are the toughest teams to face.

"Yeah, definitely, that was a point of emphasis going into the game," defenseman Adam Pelech said. "They have a ton of young guys in the lineup. They have a lot of skill and they have nothing to lose, so they’re playing free. We knew what to expect. Unfortunately, we just didn’t do what we needed to do."

The Islanders couldn’t hold a two-goal lead and lost, 4-2, in Buffalo on Monday night as the Sabres scored three times in the third period.

Semyon Varlamov (36 saves) had his shutout streak end at a team- record 248:00, the 12th longest in NHL history and the third longest in the expansion era (since 1967-68).

The Islanders (31-16-5), coming off emotional back-to-back shutouts over the Rangers, dropped to fourth place in the East Division, four points out of first and one point behind the third-place Bruins, who have played one fewer game.

"We had two really strong performances against the Rangers," Matt Martin said. "That’s something that we should have carried into tonight.

"We didn’t play our game consistently enough and gave up 40 shots, and that’s not like us. We can feel a little humbled today and get back on the wagon tomorrow."

The teams will play again on Tuesday night at KeyBank Center. The Islanders have four regular-season games remaining through next Monday’s finale in Boston.

"That’s what being a good pro is, understanding how you’re going to be successful against a team," coach Barry Trotz said. "We played with a little bit of arrogance. We were just saying, ‘It’s going to be easy, we’ve got a lead.’ We just made it easy for them."

Tage Thompson’s power-play wrister from the right circle at 14:04 of the second period brought the Sabres within 2-1.

It also ended the Islanders’ team-record shutout streak at 212:35 and snapped a run of 18 straight successful penalty kills.

Rasmus Asplund, left open at the crease, tied the score at 2 at 11:25 of the third period, ending a sequence of five straight Sabres shots.

Sam Reinhart’s winner came at 15:56. After the Islanders iced the puck, he beat Mathew Barzal on the faceoff and got to the crease to deflect defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen’s shot from the point.

Barzal was not able to convert on a chance from the low slot off a Sabres turnover just before the icing. Reinhart then added an empty-netter.

"They seemed to find a way to hang around," Josh Bailey said. "I’ve been on the flip side of things before in their shoes, late in the season and you’re not going to make the playoffs. They played hard. We expect more of ourselves, no question. Disappointed with tonight, but we’re not going to dwell on it."

The Sabres will miss the playoffs for the 10th straight season.

With the Sabres’ top four goalies injured, including Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton, Michael Houser — a 28-year-old journeyman who has played mainly in the ECHL — made 34 saves in his NHL debut. It was Houser’s first game in any league since March 7, 2020.

Pelech’s attempted feed from the left wall deflected off the stick of Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju and past Houser at 9:15 of the first period. The Islanders built a 2-0 lead as rookie Oliver Wahlstrom deflected Pelech’s shot from the left point at 10:42 of the second period. 1211635 New York Islanders Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021

Islanders have confidence they can go further in third straight playoff appearance

By Andrew Gross

Updated May 3, 2021 4:50 PM

Several players had the same message for Barry Trotz shortly after he was hired as the Islanders coach but perhaps none as forceful as Cal Clutterbuck.

"One of the first phone calls I had with him was that he was going to be surprised with how eager the guys were to get this going and be good," Clutterbuck said. "We had some confidence in each other."

Three seasons later and the Islanders are three-for-three in qualifying for the playoffs under Trotz after missing the previous two seasons before he and president and general manager Lou Lamoriello took over the team.

The Islanders opened a two-game, back-to-back series in Buffalo on Monday night against the East Division-trailing Sabres after clinching a playoff berth with Saturday’s 3-0 win over the Rangers at Nassau Coliseum.

The Islanders advanced to the second round in Trotz’s first season and the Eastern Conference finals last season. Many of the players, such as Clutterbuck, were with the Islanders before Lamoriello and Trotz’s arrival.

The Islanders had allowed a league-worst 296 goals in 2017-18. That improved to a league-best 196 goals in Trotz’s first season.

"I remember distinctly talking with Cal and he says, ‘You’ll be surprised that this team is a good team,’" Trotz said. "’This team really wants to win and we’ll do what we need to do to win.’ And he was spot on. This group was hungry to win. There was a lot of good pieces in place. They needed to get their confidence back. The year before they gave up the most goals and it was because they just didn’t play the right way to help each other. They were all about getting points but not getting wins."

Clutterbuck said most of the credit for the organizational turnaround belongs to Lamoriello and Trotz for creating a solid team structure and accountability. But, Clutterbuck added, "Some credit goes to the players, too, for checking themselves and their personal agendas and going out there and trying to be a successful team.

"We were confident in the group of guys we had. I knew and most of us knew that it wasn’t a case of guys not wanting to succeed and not wanting to put in the time to play well. I think we just needed a little guidance. And Barry came in and gave us some good guidance."

Of course, qualifying for the playoffs — and being consistent about that — is only the first goal.

That was a message Trotz made clear to his players after Saturday’s win.

"Part one done," Trotz said. "But we want to finish as high [in the standings] as we can."

"It’s nice to clinch the playoff spot," defenseman Scott Mayfield said. "But we know it’s not over."

Winning the Stanley Cup is always the ultimate goal. The Islanders have not done so since winning their fourth straight Cup in 1983. They haven’t been to the Cup Final since 1984.

But a third straight playoff berth, and the upward trend of their first two appearances under Trotz, is a confidence booster.

"All signs point that we’re trending the way we want to trend," Clutterbuck said. "I don’t think teams who make the playoffs, then miss the playoffs and are inconsistent, really have that great a chance to win a Stanley Cup. You watch a lot of teams that win the Cup, it’s not a one-off. They learn and there’s a core group of players that are there that go through year after year of building and getting better. And I think that’s where we’re positioned right now." 1211636 New York Islanders

Islanders' Semyon Varlamov named NHL's third star of the week

By Andrew Gross

Updated May 3, 2021 11:06 PM

Semyon Varlamov was named the NHL’s third star of the week on Monday after the Islanders goalie had back-to-back shutouts and set the team record for longest shutout streak.

Thomas Greiss, Varlamov’s partner last season, was the league’s first star after also recording two shutouts for the Red Wings. The Oilers’ Connor McDavid, who had four goals and six assists in four games, was the second star.

Varlamov stopped all 53 combined shots in a 4-0 win over the Rangers on Thursday at Madison Square Garden and a 3-0 win on Saturday at Nassau Coliseum.

He had his shutout streak finally end at 248:00 in Monday night’s 4-2 loss in Buffalo. That eclipsed ’s old club mark of 178:29, set in 1975-76.

Pageau out

Jean-Gabriel Pageau was held out Monday after missing most of Saturday’s third period with what coach Barry Trotz described as a strain. Travis Zajac, a healthy scratch the previous two games, took Pageau’s spot centering the third line.

But Trotz expects Pageau back for Tuesday night’s rematch in Buffalo.

"It’s just something minor," said Trotz, who does not anticipate resting healthy regulars even with a playoff spot clinched. "He should be able to go tomorrow."

Isles files

Brock Nelson played in his 600th career game. He became the 16th skater to play in at least that many for the Islanders…Rookie goalie Ilya Sorokin is expected to start on Tuesday…The Sabres successfully challenged that Casey Cizikas interfered with goalie Michael Houser on an apparent goal 35 seconds into the second period, despite defenseman William Borgen pushing Cizikas into Houser. "They felt (Cizikas) had time to get out," Trotz said… Defenseman Ryan Pulock was caught in the Islanders’ zone for a second-period shift that lasted three minutes, nine seconds…Josh Bailey’s assist gave him five in his last three games.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211637 New York Islanders Trotz rightly identified the need to not only get better goaltending but get better in front of his goalies. Greiss remained, Lehner came in late in the summer as a one-year bet to revitalize his career and Trotz got the same group of players (minus one captain) to buy into his defense-first style. How the Islanders turned a goalie graveyard into one of the league’s best “I remember one of my first conversations with Barry, I told him he’d be surprised how much guys want to win here,” Cal Clutterbuck said. “It wasn’t a matter of guys not wanting to be successful.” By Arthur Staple May 3, 2021 Trotz’s defensive-zone system emphasized clear sightlines for the

goalies and prioritized all five Islanders having their man once a shot got The Isles’ goaltending records keep falling. released, ensuring second and third chances were minimal or nonexistent. Semyon Varlamov is now in the Islanders record book for the longest shutout streak in the regular season (213 minutes, 56 seconds and “It’s about predictability,” defenseman Scott Mayfield said. “Our goalies counting) as well as the playoffs (138:17). His seven shutouts in this 56- know where the shooting lanes are going to be, where we’re going to be game season are tied with Chico Resch for most in a single Isles season. before and after a shot’s taken. I think that helps all of us out.” Ilya Sorokin has three shutouts, tied with Resch for most by a rookie The Islanders knocked 100 goals against off their 2017-18 total, which Islanders goalie. One more shutout in these final five games and the had been the highest number in the league in a decade. Lehner was a Isles goalie duo would equal the team record for a season with 11 — and Vezina Trophy finalist, the Isles’ first top-three finish in the Vezina voting that was set two seasons ago by Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss. since 1987-88, when got the most recent first-place Vezina From about 1990 until 2018, goalies came to the Island and left broken, vote for an Islanders goalie. And the Isles strengthened their defensive angry, deflated — whatever adjective best described playing behind game, allowing 724 high-danger chances, 18th in the league. teams that could never consistently win, that was how a wild collection of This season, the Isles’ commitment to defending the house has become goalies felt. even stronger, albeit with the intra-divisional schedule that allows for Barry Trotz came to the Island three years ago, bringing Mitch Korn, his adjustments game to game as you’d see in a playoff series. They’re sixth legendary and longtime goalie coach, with him. Korn, in turn, hired Piero in the league, allowing just 364 HD chances and 44 HD goals, both Greco, a well-regarded but little-known goalie coach who’d worked his among the best in the East. way up from the OHL to the AHL with the Maple Leafs’ affiliate. Those When Lamoriello, Trotz and Korn identified Varlamov in the summer of three, bolstered by Lou Lamoriello’s free-agency decisions, have 2019 as a goalie they wanted, the move puzzled plenty of people inside reshaped what had long been a black hole position in the franchise into and outside the game. Lehner had publicly and courageously faced down perhaps its strongest aspect in just three short years. his mental-health and addiction struggles to post one of the great That they’ve done it with four different goalies makes it even more comeback seasons for any goalie; his connection to Islanders fans was remarkable. intense for just one season on the Island. But the Isles brain trust went in a different direction after negotiations with Lehner, talks that centered on “I didn’t know Piero at all, but he understands depth, he has a good the short term, fizzled. personal relationship with all the goalies,” Trotz said. “He has their trust and demands a lot from them. Mitch has been with me for 20-odd years. The Isles went out and gave Varlamov, then 31 and coming off a down He’s a problem-solver. He has the ability to think outside the box to solve season with the Avalanche, a four-year deal. After the obligatory problems with goaltenders. Connecting the dots from a positional adjustment period with Korn and Greco in 2019-20, Varlamov started to standpoint to a mental standpoint.” show why the team wanted him so badly.

In the three years before Lamoriello and Trotz arrived, the Islanders had Islanders goaltending 2018-21 capable goalies but not a capable system to keep high-danger chances CATEGORY VALUE RANK away from their goalies. Jaroslav Halak had his best Islanders season in 2014-15 and was only intermittently solid after that; Greiss, who signed High-danger chances allowed prior to the 2015-16 season, was top 20 in the league with a .926 even- strength save percentage his first two seasons. 1,749

But in 2017-18, the floor dropped out from the goaltenders and the entire 17th Isles defensive structure. According to Natural Stat Trick, the Islanders High-danger goals allowed gave up the most high-danger scoring chances in the league that season, with 856. An .818 high-danger save percentage was 24th in the 202 league — so even with decent goaltending on those chances, the Isles were doomed. 7th

Islanders goaltending 2015-18 High-danger save percentage

CATEGORY VALUE RANK 0.844

High-danger chances allowed 4th

2,402 Save percentage

30th 0.931

High-danger goals allowed 2nd

301 In his last 44 regular-season starts, Varlamov has allowed more than three goals just eight times. He’s given up more than four goals twice. In 31st last year’s playoff run, where he made 19 starts, he allowed more than three goals twice (he gave up five in relief of Greiss in Game 1 of the High-danger save percentage Eastern Conference finals as well). He won’t win the Vezina this season, 0.836 not with the years Marc-Andre Fleury and are having, but Varlamov could get some first-place votes. 10th “It’s a team sport and there’s no way I could do this without my brothers,” Save percentage Varlamov said. “They work hard for me every game.”

0.92 Sorokin too has had his adjustment period after seven years in the KHL. His first NHL start was a disaster and he’s been prone to giving up a soft 28th goal every start or two, but he’s given up more than three goals twice in his last 16 starts.

“Every goalie we’ve had since Barry came here has posted good numbers because they’re good goalies,” Mayfield said. “Our system does help and we do try to keep things to the outside, we’ve done that really well I think these last couple years. But you have to have confidence in your guys back there because mistakes are going to happen and our guys are really good at cleaning up mistakes.”

The future may hold more twists and turns in terms of goalie personnel. Varlamov has two years left at $5 million per; Sorokin is a restricted free agent who will likely get a sizable bump from the $2 million he’s making this season. With the Isles’ other cap issues, that sort of investment in goal may not be sustainable even beyond this season. The Islanders could very well see what sort of return Varlamov could bring and go cheaper with his replacement.

The template has been put into place, however, and that should ease any concerns should Lamoriello decide to make another change in net. The Goalie Graveyard of Long Island has been paved over and they’ve built a goalie school on top of it.

“Mitch is a teacher by background and it really comes to the forefront when goalies struggle,” Trotz said. “He is really strong at that.”

And now the Islanders are as strong in goal as any team in the league.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211638 New York Islanders

Semyon Varlamov Shutout Streak Ends in Buffalo

Published 8 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Christian Arnold

Semyon Varlamov had his historic shutout streak come to an end in upstate New York on Monday night.

Tage Thompson, the son of Bridgeport Sound Tigers head coach Brent Thompson, ended Varlamov’s run at 248 minutes. The streak was the 12 longest in NHL history.

The goal came at the 14:04 mark of the second period with Buffalo on the power play. Thompson took the shot from the top of the faceoff circle and beat Varlamov on his stick side. The goal cut the New York Islanders lead to 2-1 at the time.

It was the first goal that Semyon Varlamov had surrendered since the 11:04 mark of the first period on April 20 against the New York Rangers.

“He’s seeing the puck really well,” Islanders head coach Barry Trotz said about Varlamov before the game. “I think we’ve been able to keep him fresh and I think the guys around him are playing really hard. When we do break down he’s been there real solid, but we haven’t overworked him lately. I think we’ve been able to stabilize with our overall game.”

The shutout streak was just the latest addition to Varlamov’s resume this season. The Islanders netminder has recorded seven shutouts this season, which is a career-high for the 13-year NHL veteran.

Monday was not only the end of Varlamov’s shutout streak, but he helped the Islanders set a new team record for the longest team shutout streak at 212:35. It surpassed the old streak of 199:14 which was set during the 1997-98 season.

NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211639 New York Islanders are a mess, there is no movement or flow, and the only player willing to shoot is Oliver Wahlstrom. In tight, close playoff games, simply one power play can make the difference between winning and losing.

How The Islanders Can Win In The Playoffs… And How They Can’t New York has dominated inferior opponents in the East division this year, going 22-4-2 against the Rangers, New Jersey Devils, Philadelphia Flyers and Buffalo Sabres. None of those teams are going to the playoffs. Against potential opponents in round one, the Islanders have Published 15 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Andy Graziano sputtered to the tune of 9-11-3. And that was before the Bruins were reborn.

The New York Islanders punched their ticket to the Stanley Cup Playoffs The Islanders can be considered favorites to go a long way in this with a 3-0 win over the rival New York Rangers, capping off a two-game season’s cup tournament. They have the mentality, experience and sweep in which they outscored their cross-town opponents, 7-0. The coaching. But due to the issues we’ve seen over the last four weeks, they playoffs are exciting and will be packed with intrigue. If an animated Tom could also be a first-round out. Hanks was hole punching a golden ticket for the Islanders, it might read It’s really anyone’s guess. one of two things. "We're not done. The group wanted to tick this off as getting in the ’Believe’ or ‘Uncertainty.’ playoffs and finish as high as we can. In the playoffs, it's a new season." You’ve watched the New York Islanders flounder over the better part of NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 their last 11 games, and so have I. I’ve seen them play three solid games over the course of that stretch, ironically all against the Rangers, a team that will NOT be in the playoffs. It’s not like they simply lost the other eight, they were outplayed by a considerable margin in almost all of them.

Sure, they’re built for playoff success, and the Barry Trotz team-first mentality could take them a long way. But, first, they need to use the time allotted over the next two weeks to solve many issues that have cropped up in their game and threaten to derail a promising year.

BELIEVE

I am not a conspiracy theorist by nature, never have been, but I’ll hop on the Twitter ‘they’re all out to get the Islanders’ bandwagon if Semyon Varlamov isn’t, at a minimum, a Vezina Trophy finalist. He’s simply been that good. For all the praising by fans at the statues of Trotz, and team president and general manager Lou Lamoriello, director of goaltending Mitch Korn could quietly erect his own right next to them.

The numbers are staggering. 33 games, 19 wins, 1.99, .930 and seven shutouts. Rob Vollman of hockey abstract created a ‘quality start’ percentage, like the one used in baseball, and Varlamov is at 66%. The league average is 53%. Goaltending simply wins in the playoffs. A hot goaltender can take you a long way and cover-up for other deficiencies.

Varlamov is beyond hot, he’s been fantastic.

The Islanders defense has excelled at their primary responsibility this season – keep the puck out of your net. In combination with Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin, they have allowed the second-fewest goals against in the entire league, trailing only the Vegas Golden Knights.

Mathew Barzal is one of the most dynamic forwards in the tournament. While he has been struggling, scoring once in his past 13 games, his struggles mirror that of the entire offense and have something to do with feeding Leo Komarov instead of Kyle Palmieri.

Simply put, he’s a game-changer.

UNCERTAINTY

The New York Islanders likely would have missed the postseason last year, had it not been for the Coronavirus pause. Instead, they qualified and got a three-month reset before the bubble playoffs began, and they started their trek to the conference finals.

This year will be different.

What transpired in Vancouver as the Canucks battled a serious outbreak of the virus will likely provide New York with a week and a half pause between their final game against the Boston Bruins next Monday and the opener of the first round.

‘We Know It’s Not Over’: Islanders Lineup, Matchups and Game Notes vs. Buffalo

Will that be enough to erase from their memory the fatigue and defensive lapses? To rediscover their scoring touch? To fix an abysmal power play?

Speaking of the power play, that is the most pressing issue that could send the Islanders home. It’s absolutely inept, and everyone from the coaching staff to fans is left scratching their heads why. The zone entries 1211640 New York Islanders Nick Leddy — Scott Mayfield Adam Pelech — Ryan Pulock

Andy Greene — Noah Dobson ‘We Know It’s Not Over’: Islanders Lineup, Matchups and Game Notes vs. Buffalo Semyon Varlamov

Ilya Sorokin

Published 13 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Christian Arnold BUFFALO SABRES LINEUP (PROJECTED)

Jeff Skinner — Sam Reinhart — Victor Olofsson

The New York Islanders may have clinched a playoff spot on Saturday Rasmus Asplund — Casey Mittelstadt — Tage Thompson night, but they know the job is far from over. The Isles are down to their final five games of the season beginning tonight against the Buffalo Anders Bjork — Dylan Cozens — Arttu Ruotsalainen Sabres at KeyBank Arena. Riley Sheahan — Cody Eakin – Drake Caggiula

It’s the first of two games back-to-back that the Islanders will have Mattias Samuelsson — Rasmus Ristolainen against basement-dwelling Buffalo. The Islanders have defeated Buffalo in all six previous meetings, including a 5-2 win in their last games. Rasmus Dahlin — Henri Jokiharju

The Islanders have also outscored Buffalo 24-9 this season. Jacob Bryson — William Borgen

The game comes as New York looks to close out the regular season on a Michael Houser high note and keep their hopes of home ice alive. All four playoff spots have all but been secured and the final five games for the Islanders are Dustin Tokarski all about playoff positioning at this point. GAME NOTES

The New York Islanders have a 19 percent chance of finishing the year in Sam Reinhart has six goals in his last five games with Buffalo. He picked second and a three percent chance at first in the East Division, according up his first hat trick of the year on April 29 against Boston. … Buffalo’s to PlayoffStatus.com. penalty kill is 24-for-27 in their last 15 games against the Islanders dating “Now it’s all about finishing as high as we possibly can,” Scott Mayfield back to April 2, 2017. … Buffalo is 3-10-0 in the first game of back-to- said. “We’re just focused on the game tonight. Whatever happens, back sets and 3-9-1 in the second game this season. … Semyon happens. It’s nice to clinch the playoff spot, but we know it’s not over.” Varlamov was named the NHL’s third star of the week ending May 3. Varlamov stopped all 53 shots he faced in two shutouts of the New York Right now the Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals occupy the Rangers. … Brock Nelson will appear in his 600th NHL game tonight top spot in the East Division and one will likely end up being the Islanders when the Islander face Buffalo. He becomes the 16th skater to reach that first-round opponent once the postseason begins. The Islanders are just feat as a member of the Islanders. … The Islanders have killed 30 of the two points back of Washington for a second and four points back of last 31 penalties they’ve faced for a league-best 96.8 PK% in that span. Pittsburgh for the top spot. HOW TO WATCH Both teams are in action tonight, with Pittsburgh playing Philadelphia and Washington facing the New York Rangers. Tonight’s game airs locally on MSG+2 and can be streamed on MSGGo or NHL.tv. On the radio dial, the game can be heard on 970 AM WNYM, “We set out to make the playoffs and I felt there were six really legitimate 88.7 FM WRHU and 103.9 FM LI News Radio. teams that could make the playoffs, and we wanted to be one of them,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. ” We can check that off that we got to NYI Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 that point, but we want to finish as high as we can. Hopefully, if we just take care of our business maybe some slips just a hair and we can get a home-ice advantage, which would be nice.”

Including tonight, four of the Islanders’ next five games are against non- playoff teams.

The New York Islanders could make one lineup change tonight when the puck drops in Buffalo. Trotz said he may take one player out of the lineup because he is dealing with “a little bit of a strain,” but the Islanders bench boss added that if that player does come out he would be back in the lineup the next game.

Trotz did not say who would start, but with the games being played back- to-back the expectation is Semyon Varlamov and Ilya Sorokin will split the starts.

Buffalo will give undrafted nine-year-pro Michael Houser the start tonight against the Islanders. Houser has spent most of this year on Buffalo’s taxi squad and hasn’t played in any professional game since March 7, 2020, when he put the pads on for the ECHL’s Cincinnati Cyclones.

“It’s a little nerves right now, but I think after the puck drops, settle in, hopefully get a quick touch and then it is just another hockey game,” Houser said, according to John Vogl of The Athletic. “I’m going to have to tell myself I’ve played a million of these before and it’s just different players on the ice.”

NEW YORK ISLANDERS LINEUP (PROJECTED)

Leo Komarov — Mathew Barzal — Jordan Eberle

Anthony Beauvillier — Brock Nelson — Josh Bailey

Kyle Palmieri — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Oliver Wahlstrom

Matt Martin — Casey Cizikas — Cal Clutterbuck 1211641 New York Rangers

Rangers’ Kaapo Kakko happy with his improved play: ‘So much better’

By Mollie WalkerMay 4, 2021 | 2:17am | Updated

Kaapo Kakko may not have seen the jump in his numbers that he would’ve liked, but the 20-year-old winger has no doubt that his overall game has improved.

The statistics are where forwards like to evaluate themselves, and even though he added to his totals with a goal in Monday’s 6-3 loss to the Capitals, Kakko has made it clear that he had higher expectations of himself. However, he appears to have taken solace in the fact that his confidence has improved, as well as his understanding of how to generate offense in the NHL.

“I think I’m getting so much better than last season,” he said before the loss, which officially knocked the Rangers out of playoff contention. “Not that many points, of course everyone, forwards like me, I want to score some goals and get some points. [I didn’t] have that much this season, but I think my game is getting so much better than last season.”

In the second period, Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere jumped out on a two- on-one rush. Lafreniere managed to dish the puck around a diving Zdeno Chara before Kakko cradled the puck around Capitals netminder Vitek Vanecek and in for the 3-2 lead. It was his ninth goal of the season, bringing his point total to 17.

Kakko is in just his second NHL season, with barely over 100 games of experience. Considering this season was shortened due to the pandemic, Kakko hasn’t had nearly enough opportunities for conclusions to be made about his overall game.

The fact is, Quinn has entrusted Kakko with a handful of stretches on the second line, where toward the end of the season he began to find a groove alongside Artemi Panarin and Ryan Strome. He has continued to discover what his size and strength can accomplish in the dirty areas of the ice and how to take advantage.

Kakko, the No. 2-overall pick in 2019, specifically mentioned the difference in his plus-minus from last season (minus-26) to this season (plus-four). He has become more reliable in the defensive zone and has the numbers to back it up. Last season, Kakko had an alarming 3.14 expected goals against. Now, it is down to 1.89.

“I think he’s made a lot of progress this year, his all-around game has certainly improved, defensively as well,” head coach David Quinn said Monday night. “His wall play has improved, and it’s a hard league to develop in, but he’s done a good job.”

The young Swede also acknowledged that he feels more comfortable in his second year, and how being around so many players his age has helped as well.

Goalie Igor Shesterkin made his fourth start in the last five games Monday against Washington. The 25-year-old had 34 saves in the loss.

Chris Kreider (lower body), Jacob Trouba (upper body) and Ryan Lindgren (upper body) are all still “day-to-day.” All three did not play Monday.

Trouba, who is presumed to have a concussion after getting leveled by Islanders forward Matt Martin on April 20, missed his seventh game. Kreider missed his third, while Lindgren was out for the second straight contest.

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211642 New York Rangers

NHL must ban Tom Wilson for nearly killing Artemi Panarin

By Larry BrooksMay 4, 2021 | 12:54am | Updated

The NHL’s ultimate decision whether and for what duration to suspend Tom Wilson for twice body-slamming Artemi Panarin, who will miss the final three games of the season, to the ice after the Washington recidivist went upside a prone and defenseless Pavel Buchnevich’s head with a sucker punch during a second-period incident at the Garden on Monday will not be a reflection on Wilson, but instead on the league, itself.

This was not only bush-league stuff from this notorious headhunter who has been suspended five times in his NHL career, it was frightening how close his initial body slam of Panarin, on which the Washington winger grabbed a chunk of hair to gain leverage, came to causing calamitous damage.

Had Panarin’s head, rather than shoulder, hit the ice full force, the NHL might be presiding over a death.

This is reckless stuff that is repeated over and over again and is enabled over and over again by the Washington organization. Just as Caps coach Peter Laviolette shrugged off Wilson’s blow that concussed Boston’s Brandon Carlo in early March that earned Wilson a seven-game suspension, the coach did it again after Monday’s match.

“I thought it was just a scrum,” Laviolette said after his team’s 6-3 victory in which Wilson, who received nothing more than a double minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct for his indiscretions, scored once. “Some physical play … it happens a lot.”

Incorrect. Pulled his hair and then slammed his head on the ground. Slow-no video, watch Wilson’s left hand pic.twitter.com/CLT1t2blSm

— dantelives13 (@dantelives13) May 4, 2021

Funny how it happens a lot when Wilson, who preened in the penalty box, is involved. But it is not funny at all. It is a blight on the league.

Tom Wilson could have killed Artemi Panarin on Monday night.

Getty (2)

This is stuff from the 1970s, stuff from the days of the Broad Street Bullies, stuff that no longer can be tolerated. This is stuff that merits as strong a rebuke as possible from Sixth Avenue.

Enough is enough. Wilson should be banned for the rest of the season and the playoffs, and he should have to apply for readmission to the league next season. A man with no hockey conscience has forfeited his right to play.

You’re up, commissioner.

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211643 New York Rangers

Tom Wilson punches defenseless Ranger, rag-dolls Artemi Panarin: ‘Horrible’

By Mollie WalkerMay 3, 2021 | 11:44pm | Updated

The nature of the game may change this time of year as the playoffs approach, but that does not excuse the deplorable nature with which notorious Capitals forward Tom Wilson played the game Monday night and throughout his eight NHL seasons.

Wilson reminded everybody of that Monday night at Madison Square Garden, when he punched Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head while he was face down on the ice and then rag-dolled Artemi Panarin, knocking the Rangers’ star winger out of the rest of the game, and for the final three games of the season, as the Blueshirts were officially eliminated from playoff contention with a 6-3 loss to the Capitals.

The debacle occurred shortly after the Rangers’ took a 3-2 lead on a Kaapo Kakko goal roughly 4 ¹/₂ minutes into the second period. Wilson, whose roughing penalty at the start of the middle frame led to Mika Zibanejad’s game-tying goal, was on the ice to kill off the Capitals’ bench minor (too many men) when he acted out as he has many times before.

Buchnevich was already cheek-to-ice when Wilson began sandwiching the Rangers forward’s head between his mitt and stick. Ryan Strome pulled Wilson off before Panarin jumped on his back. Wilson then went at Panarin, pulling his hair to drag him down to the ice, punching him in the face and grabbing the back of his jersey to slam him down again.

Tom Wilson (l) pulls Artemi Panarin’s hair during tonight’s Rangers- Capitals game.

Wilson received a double-minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct, but he finished out the rest of the game. Panarin didn’t skate in the final 12:20 of the second period and stayed in the locker room for the remainder of the game after the second intermission.

“I figured you should have some more respect for the game and for the players,” Zibanejad said after the loss. “I don’t honestly know where to start. It’s just there’s zero respect. I don’t know why I’m surprised; just horrible.”

Added Rangers head coach David Quinn: “We all saw it. There are lines that can’t be crossed in this game, and it’s just zero respect to the game in general. You have one of the star players in this league now, who could have got seriously, seriously hurt in that incident.

“You saw what happened. And you know, it happens time and time again with him. It’s just totally unnecessary.”

To make the night even more of a spectacle, the Capitals’ official Twitter account created a since-deleted meme that made light of Wilson’s violence on the ice. The social media team made a point to condone Wilson, who has been suspended for 27 games throughout his career — 14 for an illegal check to the head, 11 for boarding and two for interference.

Quinn said Panarin was “fortunately OK,” but the Rangers certainly missed his presence on the ice as the Capitals broke open the game following the incident. Washington scored four unanswered goals, one at the end of the second and three in the third, including an empty-netter from Wilson.

But the Rangers gave the Capitals a challenge until the tiff with the notorious agitator. After Washington got on the board with two goals roughly 1 ¹/₂ minutes apart in the first period, Zibanejad netted his first of the night off a hard wrister with two minutes left in the opening frame.

Even though the Rangers were able to ride the momentum from that first goal and pull even in the second, not even a win could’ve salvaged their postseason aspirations due to the Bruins’ 3-0 win over the Devils.

“It’s just another level of disappointment, really,” Quinn said. “We just didn’t get enough done this year. We had some great moments, some great stretches, but it just wasn’t enough.”

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211644 New York Rangers

Rangers’ playoff dream is officially over

By Mollie WalkerMay 3, 2021 | 10:16pm | Updated

The Rangers fell short of their ultimate goal this season.

Making the playoffs has been a daunting challenge for the Rangers in the last month and a half, one that the team attacked head on. But a Bruins’ playoff-spot clinching win, coupled with a 6-3 loss to the Capitals on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, officially knocked the Blueshirts out of the postseason.

The Rangers may have been undermanned without Chris Kreider (lower body), Ryan Lindgren (upper body) and Jacob Trouba (presumed concussion), but so were the Caps.

It was announced prior to the game that top-line center Evgeny Kuznetsov, as well as goalie Ilya Samsonov, would not dress after being late to a team function. Winger T.J. Oshie was not in the Capitals’ lineup due to personal reasons, and it was revealed that defenseman Justin Schultz was out with a lower-body injury.

Washington was supposed to get top scorer Alex Ovechkin back after four games without him, but he took one shift and headed to the locker room.

Despite the depleted lineups, there was no shortage of action. Things started to heat up early in the second with the Capitals up 2-1, when Tom Wilson was visibly displeased after being called for roughing Adam Fox. Mika Zibanejad capitalized on that power play for his second goal of the night to tie the game.

The Rangers sustained the momentum, with Kaapo Kakko finishing a highlight-reel, two-on-one rush with Alexis Lafreniere at 4:35 to take their first lead of the game.

After Washington was called for too many men on the ice, it fueled an already agitated Capitals bench. And Wilson was the one to act out, punching Pavel Buchnevich in the back of the head while he was face down on the ice following the whistle. Artemi Panarin jumped on Wilson’s back, and the known instigator body slammed the Rangers forward to the ice.

The Rangers won’t make the playoffs this season.

Wilson received a double-minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct. Panarin didn’t skate in the final 12:20 of the middle frame and didn’t return Rangers’ bench to start the third.

The Capitals then broke the game open, scoring three unanswered goals, with one at the end of the second and three in the third.

After trading power plays early in the first, the Capitals got on the board with two goals roughly 1 ¹/₂ minutes apart. But Zibanejad managed to keep the Rangers in the game, sending a hard wrist shot far side to cut the deficit to one goal with two minutes left in the opening frame.

New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211645 New York Rangers The Rangers have cut down their goals-against by a full half-goal per game over the last season, their GAA dropping from 3.14 to 2.63, their rank in the league improving from 23rd to ninth. This does not represent a fun-house mirror reflection of their work warped by extraordinary Rangers must resolve disconnect between David Quinn and top forwards goaltending, either. For per naturalstattrick.com, the club’s xGA per 60:00 has gone from a league-worst 3.23 to 15th-best 2.5.

These numbers indicate tangible progress both on the blue line and in By Larry BrooksMay 3, 2021 | 1:02pm | Updated the club’s approach away from the puck. While there is no doubt that Jacques Martin’s work as lead defensive assistant has been critical, this also falls under the aegis of the head coach who has overseen — all There is an issue at the top of the Rangers lineup that must be resolved together now — the youngest team in the league! The young forwards before the hierarchy can move into what necessarily must be a Summer are infinitely more responsible two-way players. of Reconstruction to transform this collection of homogenous ingredients into a more diverse blend that can take the next step in its evolution. But the team needs to be reimagined. Grit does not have to altogether replace glitter, but will need to reinforce it. Before that, though, issues And that is resolving what surely seems a disconnect between the team’s must be addressed and resolved. marquee forwards and head coach David Quinn. It is critical that Quinn’s relationship with his marquee forwards be at the I am not suggesting that there has been a rebellion that has undermined top of the list. the team, eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth straight season with Monday’s 6-3 Garden defeat to the Caps. I am not saying this is New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2021 tantamount to the -Roger Neilson schism of 1992-93 that resulted in the coach’s dismissal that ultimately cleared the way for the hiring of . It has, however, been clear for months that the high-end players and Quinn do not see the game the same way.

But more consequential than that, it has also been clear that the high-end players have had little if any interest in changing their approach in order to accommodate the coach. It is their way, their increasingly obstinate way, in which there has been no quarter given by either side.

As frustrating as it must be for Quinn to watch the top two lines continue with a high-risk, high-reward approach that has provided diminishing returns this season despite constantly being counseled against it, it must be equally infuriating for, say, Artemi Panarin, Mika Zibanejad, Ryan Strome and Pavel Buchnevich to hear the coach publicly complain about it after nearly every game, including victories.

There have been points this year when Strome, who at times goes into a stream of consciousness doing Zoom interviews and should be applauded for adding candor to the mix, has talked about how the talented players’ shoot-last mentality should not be second guessed.

Meanwhile, the coach has repeatedly referred to the lack of a shooting mentality as a problem, often using the “east-west” shortcut as code in his Zoom conferences. After one game early last month Quinn said that not shooting the puck “has been a problem since I’ve been here.”

But it is the coach’s job to rectify problems, isn’t it?

The Rangers have been east-west since the moment Alain Vigneault removed the metaphorical shackles that had been affixed to the clubs’ high-end skaters by John Tortorella. So, for eight years. For most of their existence, the Blueshirts have been pretty. The time of the Black-and- Blueshirts was an aberration. Pretty is in the bloodline.

Here’s the thing, though. The Rangers were a lot of east-west last year, but it was not like this. The post-game taffy-pull did not exist, at least not like this. And the skill guys — and, honestly, we’re talking for the most part about Panarin, Zibanejad and Strome — weren’t like this against the top teams. They were not like this against the Islanders.

In fact, perhaps the team’s two most noteworthy games last season came at the Coliseum, thrilling 3-2 and 4-3 victories within five weeks over the Islanders, the first won in the final half-minute of regulation by a Kreider power-play goal and the second won in overtime on Zibanejad’s dart off an impossible feed from Panarin, who was surrounded by three opponents.

Here’s what I don’t get: Panarin, Zibanejad and Strome all had career seasons last year while playing for Quinn. So they certainly weren’t stifled. Something has changed. Maybe last season’s experience under the bubble in which the top players were stifled by Carolina changed the dynamic. Maybe Quinn became more insistent, maybe he became less patient with them. Maybe there is simply too much literal looking over the players’ shoulders.

I cannot say for sure, but I am also not certain that it can be simply marked as a coincidence that Zibanejad’s twin six-point explosions against the Flyers eight days apart in March came while Quinn was away from the team on the COVID-protocol list while a more restrained Kris Knoblauch was behind the bench as acting coach. 1211646 New York Rangers "The league’s been dealing with him and this for a while,’’ he said. "That’s an answer for somebody else.’’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021 Rangers lose as Capitals' Tom Wilson attacks three players

By Colin Stephenson

Updated May 4, 2021 2:42 AM

At this point, all the Rangers want to do is play out their final few games, get some quality experience for their kids and maybe experiment with a few new line combinations, just to get some ideas going into next season.

But when you play against the Washington Capitals, you always have to deal with the problem that is Tom Wilson.

Wilson, who has been suspended five times in his NHL career — including a seven-game suspension this season for boarding Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo — brutally attacked three Rangers forwards while the Capitals were killing a too-many-men-on-the-ice penalty in the second period Monday.

He was assessed a double-minor for roughing and a 10-minute misconduct by the referees, but he was able to remain in the game, which the Capitals won, 6-3.

Artemi Panarin, one of the three players Wilson attacked, wasn’t so lucky. Panarin, who was punched multiple times, left the game after the second period and did not return. Coach David Quinn said after the game that Panarin is OK — and very lucky to have escaped serious injury.

"We all saw it, and there are lines that can’t be crossed in this game, and to me, it’s just zero respect for the game in general,’’ Quinn said of Wilson’s antics. "You get one of the star players in this league now who could have got seriously, seriously hurt in that incident. It’s just — you saw what happened and, you know, it happens time and time again with him and it’s just totally unnecessary.’’

"I figure you should have some more respect for the game and for the players,’’ Mika Zibanejad said. "I don’t honestly know where to start. It’s just horrible. Zero respect. And I don’t know, I don’t know why I’m surprised. Yeah, just horrible.’’

The incident overshadowed the fact that even before they lost, the Rangers had been officially eliminated from playoff contention when the Bruins beat the Devils in Newark, 3-0.

Their elimination was hardly a surprise. Seeing Wilson jump on top of Pavel Buchnevich and punch him while Buchnevich was lying on the ice after falling in a goal-mouth scrum? That was a shock.

When Ryan Strome jumped in to get Wilson off Buchnevich, Wilson started punching Strome, who fell to the ice. When Panarin went in to pull Wilson off Strome, Wilson turned his attention to Panarin, hardly the toughest guy in the league.

The Rangers were leading 3-2 at the time on two goals by Zibanejad and one by Kaapo Kakko, and they had a brief five-on-three power play at 7:40 of the second period after all of the penalties were sorted out.

Buchnevich and Panarin somehow got roughing minors, as did Washington’s Brenden Dillon. With Buchnevich and Panarin in the penalty box, the Rangers failed to score on the five-on-three or the subsequent five-on-four, and Garnet Hathaway’s goal off a scramble in front with 1:30 left in the period tied the score at 3-3.

Goals by Washington’s Daniel Sprong at 4:37 of the third and Nicklas Backstrom at 11:41 broke the tie and doomed the Rangers to their third straight loss. Adding insult to injury, Wilson scored the empty-net goal that made it 6-3.

The Capitals pulled into a tie for first in the East Division with the Pittsburgh Penguins, who lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

The Rangers and Capitals will play again Wednesday, and unless Wilson is suspended by the league before then, the Blueshirts are going to have to have a plan for keeping their players safe.

Quinn was asked if the league should do something about Wilson. 1211647 New York Rangers

Rangers officially are eliminated from playoff chase after loss to Capitals

By Colin Stephenson

Updated May 3, 2021 11:33 PM

The Rangers went into Monday one point away from elimination from playoff contention, so the fact they were eliminated with their 6-3 loss to the Washington Capitals at the Garden was not a surprise.

"Just another level of disappointment really,’’ coach David Quinn said when asked to describe his emotions after it all became official. "We just didn't get enough done this year. We had some great moments, great stretches. But it just wasn't enough.’’

"The odds of us making it after two games against the Islanders weren't big -- for sure not in our favor,’’ Mika Zibanejad said. "And you have some guys gone as well [Chris Kreider, Jacob Trouba and Ryan Lindgren did not play] and you're just trying to battle through it and try to do the best we see how far that takes you in a situation like that.’’

Caps were depleted

Because of injuries, discipline, personal and salary cap issues, Washington dressed 17 skaters for the game. Halfway though the first period, they were down to 16.

Goalie Ilya Samsonov and forward Evgeny Kuznetsov were held out of the lineup for disciplinary reasons, and forward T. J. Oshie out for personal reasons. Alex Ovechkin, who had missed four games with a lower body injury, and defenseman John Carlson, who had missed two games with a lower body injury, were able to dress. But Ovechkin played just one shift, for 39 seconds, before he had to leave.

D Justin Schultz was a no-go with a lower body injury, and with Washington not having enough salary cap space to call up someone from the taxi squad or the minor leagues, the Caps started with 11 forwards and six defensemen. When Ovechkin left, they went down to 10 forwards.

Blue lines

Trouba missed his seventh game with an upper body injury, Kreider missed his third game with a lower body injury, and Lindgren missed his second game with an upper body injury… Igor Shesterkin started in goal for the Rangers, his 17th start in the past 22 games… Phillip DiGiuseppe and D Anthony Bitetto were the Rangers’ healthy scratches… Monday was Pride Night at the Garden.

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211648 New York Rangers

With playoffs out of reach, Rangers will experiment

By Colin Stephenson

Updated May 3, 2021 6:20 PM

Now, in the final week of the season, and with the playoffs out of reach, it is time for the experimenting to begin for the Rangers.

Of course, having had the youngest roster in the league for most of the season, coach David Quinn had to be somewhat creative all season long with how he deployed his younger players within the lineup. But now that the results are no longer critical to the team’s chase for a playoff spot, Quinn can feel free to be even more creative.

"Yeah, if It's gonna help us win the game, we'll experiment, and try anything,’’ Quinn said after Monday’s morning skate, as his team prepared to take on the Washington Capitals at the Garden Monday night. "You know that with as many young players as we have, I think you're always looking for different combinations, because there's just so much uncertainty on… who can play with who. And I think you're going to try different things.’’

Chris Kreider’s lower body injury and Brett Howden’s broken foot opened a couple spots for Quinn to get prospect Morgan Barron into the lineup, as well as get another look at Julien Gauthier, who sat out 14 straight games before being playing against the Islanders Saturday night.

And with Artemi Panarin missing Monday’s skate for what Quinn said were "maintenance’’ reasons, the coach got a chance to move some people around on his power play units, including putting together a second man-up group that featured five players all 21 or younger.

Vitali Kravtsov, 21, Filip Chytil, 21, Kaapo Kakko, 20, Alexis Lafreniere, 19, and point man Zac Jones, 20, got to work together in the morning, and were expected to be together as a unit Monday. Quinn also has the option, over the final four games of the season, of giving some of the young players a look with the first power play unit, as he did late in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to the Islanders, when he used Kakko on the first unit for a shift.

"Yeah, that'll be, probably, a game-by-game decision,’’ he said of the distribution of first-power play time. "And even within the game, make those types of decisions. We're open for anything right now.’’

The experimenting extends beyond just who plays on the power play. Against the Capitals, Quinn changed up his forward lines, moving Panarin to the left side of the Mika Zibanejad-Pavel Buchnevich line, and putting Lafreniere on the left of a second line, with Ryan Strome and Kakko. Kravtsov was put on the left of a third line, with Chytil and Colin Blackwell.

When the Rangers signed Panarin as a free agent in the summer of 2019, Quinn’s original intention had been to play he and Zibanejad together. But he soon split the two up, and Panarin found great chemistry with Strome, while Zibanejad seemed to continue to have success between Kreider and Buchnevich. Now, apparently, is as good a time as any to try Panarin and Zibanejad together again, to see what that looks like.

And as far as the younger players, Quinn said these final games, against Washington (Monday and Wednesday) and Boston (Thursday and Saturday) will be good for their continued development.

"We're playing teams that are heavy, playoff-type teams, and it gives them a chance to really get a better gauge of what the NHL is all about, and the teams you're gonna have to play to win Stanley Cups,’’ he said. "These games are helpful for them.’’

Kakko, though, said he isn’t looking at these final games and dreaming of what the possibilities could be for he and the other young guns next season and beyond.

"No, not yet,’’ he said. "We have four games left, so just, enjoy your game and then just keep playing. That's it.’’

Newsday LOADED: LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211649 New York Rangers McCauley and Charron, who watched this whole thing from a close distance, blowing their whistles, could easily have tossed Wilson from the game for attempt(s) to injure, for causing injury, for gross misconduct (hair pulling), or, really, given him a major and game misconduct for the Teflon Tom Wilson strikes again … against Artemi Panarin as the deliberate “hits to the head.” Any of those. They chose to go double Rangers are eliminated from the playoffs minor and a 10, and Wilson returned to the game.

Whether the Department of Player Safety thinks there was a breach of player safety here or not is anybody’s guess, because there’s no telling By Rick Carpiniello May 4, 2021 what they see up there on their big screens in Toronto and what they choose to see — or not see.

The Rangers were officially eliminated from playoff contention even “Well, we all saw it, and there are lines that can’t be crossed in this before their 6-3 loss to Washington on Monday night. Their tragic number game. And, to me, it’s just zero respect for the game in general,” was reached a bit earlier when Boston beat New Jersey. Rangers coach David Quinn said. “You’ve got one of the star players in this game now who could have gotten seriously, seriously hurt in that And, yeah, this could be time for reflection on a hockey season, a fourth incident. You saw what happened. And it happens time and time again straight year out of the playoffs, in the fourth year of a rebuild, and what with him. It’s just totally unnecessary.” went well and what didn’t. And, yeah, there will be plenty of time for that in the next week or so. What can be done about it?

But, of course, this is the , where a few cretins “Listen, the league’s been dealing with this (guy) for a while. I mean, can just soil the league crest and steal the attention from, you know, that’s an answer for somebody else,” Quinn said. hockey stories. Panarin’s teammate, Mika Zibanejad, who was also involved in the whole The biggest, filthiest villain of all — a player who over and over has whack-a-mole scene, sounded dumbfounded. sought out opportunities to injure opponents — struck again in this game, “I figure you should have some more respect for the game and for the and he did so against one of the most gentlemanly (a very likely strong players,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t honestly know where to start. It’s just Lady Byng candidate), valuable players (he was a finalist for the Hart horrible. Zero respect. Trophy last season) in the league. “I don’t know why I’m surprised. Yeah, it’s just horrible.” Teflon Tom Wilson, enabled time and again by the league, enabled by its absurdly named Department of Player Safety, enabled by its Panarin wasn’t seriously injured, Quinn said, but with three games left, cowardly/incompetent on-ice officials, did it again, in a completely his season could be over. unhinged act of pure violence that didn’t even get him tossed out of the game. Actually, it was acts of pure violence, plural. The Rangers’ season is over.

Wilson, if you’re not familiar, has been suspended five times by the Wilson and the Capitals get to go to the playoffs. They play at the Garden league and fined, from what I gather, two other times — and been again on Wednesday — and, no, the Rangers don’t have a physical involved in dozens of other incidents from which he walked away scot- answer or a weapon for frontier justice unless, perhaps, they call up big free. Mason Geertsen from Hartford — though that would hardly be fair to Geertsen. In March, he got a seven-game unpaid vacation for a vicious head-hunt on Boston’s Brandon Carlo, who was hospitalized with a concussion and Or the league could step up and do the right thing with this repeat reportedly suffered from mood changes and blurred vision. Nice. offender, repeat assaulter, and let him sit for a while again.

Oooh, oh, poor Tom was going to change. That’s what we heard from Don’t hold your breath. league-affiliated enablers, right? Thoughts Fast forward to Monday at the Garden. The last time the teams met, 1. Quinn did loads of experimenting because of all the injuries, including Wilson and Alex Ovechkin were screaming at the Rangers’ bench at the reunion of Panarin with Zibanejad — the original Bread and Butter — game’s end. Early in the second period, Wilson needlessly reached from alongside Buchnevich. That left Strome centering the last two lottery behind and punched Adam Fox, the Rangers’ smooth Norris Trophy picks, Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafrenière. Why not? candidate. Wilson served a minor penalty. The Rangers scored on the power play, and he was irate with referees Wes “Look at Me!” McCauley 2. The Rangers had given Washington some tough times, six wins in the and Francis Charron. previous eight meetings, including a 4-2 record this season, before Monday. They knew they weren’t getting into the playoffs, even though Later in the period, with the Rangers having scored three straight goals they weren’t officially eliminated until late in the third period, when Boston to take a 3-2 lead, Washington took a too-many-men penalty. During the won. power play, there was a scramble in front of goalie Vitek Vanecek. Nothing unusual. “Just another level of disappointment, really,” Quinn said. “We just didn’t get enough done this year. We had some great moments, some great Nothing, that is, until Wilson arrived on the scene. Pavel Buchnevich was stretches, but it just wasn’t enough. … We just didn’t play well enough for face down in the blue paint. Wilson fell on top of his head. (By accident, long enough to get in.” right?) Then, with Buchnevich’s face pinned to the ice with Wilson’s stick across the back of his neck, Wilson delivered a couple of punches. 3. Earlier in the day, though, he emphasized the importance of these final four (now three) games. Unfortunately for the young Rangers, they are Ryan Strome jumped to his teammate’s defense and grabbed Wilson decimated with the losses of three hard players: Jacob Trouba, Ryan from behind and some hell broke loose. At some point, Artemi Panarin Lindgren and Chris Kreider. was trying to pull Wilson from a pile. Wilson reached around, appeared to grab the back of Panarin’s hair, and body-slammed Panarin face-first into “You learn about people every day,” Quinn said about the evaluation that the ice, resulting in a gash and a welt. Wilson also delivered at least one is ongoing despite the math. “Certainly in situations like this, you learn an punch to the face of the prone Panarin. awful lot about people. And our players know that. They know that regardless of what you’re doing, you’re getting evaluated daily. How Our fine, fine NHL officials gave Teflon Tom four minutes for roughing people react to certain situations helps you form your opinion on them. and a 10-minute misconduct for those assaults. They somehow took the So, they understand that.” clown show a step further by assessing a roughing minor to Panarin, who had two minor penalties all season, to go along with his 40 assists, hence Last summer, after the disaster in the bubble, Quinn used the term “can’t the Lady Byng likelihood. Panarin was out of the game at that point with unsee,” meaning you watch every player all the time. That said, he what the team called a “lower-body” injury. In fairness, Panarin has been understands his team is baby-faced and now, likely, overmatched. nursing something for a while and didn’t participate in Monday’s morning skate. “Each guy’s had different types of seasons, but overall we’ve all seen the progress that they’ve made,” Quinn said. “It’s an opportunity to play important games. You play in the National Hockey League and we’re playing teams that are heavy, playoff-type teams, and that gives them a 2. Pavel Buchnevich chance to get a better gauge of what the NHL is all about and the teams you’re going to have to play to win Stanley Cups. So these games are 3. Kaapo Kakko helpful for them. The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 “It’s very important. You want to feel good after every game you play. You want to make sure you give a good effort; you want to make sure you compete, and the winning and losing usually takes care of itself. … There’s really no more or no less. That’s the bottom line.”

4. There sure was a lot more room to play fancy hockey in this one than the previous two games against the Islanders, and Washington, though legit, is a much different opponent. And frankly, I do wonder how the Caps will defend in the postseason.

5. Igor Shesterkin was tested early. Then Vitali Kravtsov had a near-miss behind Vanecek … and Panarin and Fox hit consecutive posts, and Panarin got one more chance in close.

Smith took a penalty, and the Rangers had their hands full with the Capitals’ power play, even though Evgeny Kuznetsov and TJ Oshie did not play and Ovechkin had gone to the trainer’s room early and never played a shift. Shesterkin made a big save on Wilson and, with some help from K’Andre Miller and Fox, in particular, survived it.

6. But later in the first, Nic Dowd got behind Tarmo Reunanen and sent a shot through Shesterkin’s pads. A bit of odor on that one. 1-0.

7. Teflon Tom sent a puck toward the net, but it hit Kevin Rooney’s skate and went directly to a wide-open Conor Sheary, who one-timed it past Shesterkin. 2-0.

8. Zibane-jectory: With two minutes left in the first, Zibanejad scored the Rangers’ first goal in three games (144:11 worth of play, actually), taking a lead pass from Panarin, skating past Zdeno Chara and snapping a left- circle shot past Vanecek. It was his 21st of the season. (He had the five- goal game against Washington last season.) 2-1.

9. Daily Bread: Early third, Teflon Tom cuffed Fox from behind and our fine, fine NHL officials — who allow him to get away with 10 times worse on a nightly basis — called him for roughing. On the power play, Fox went cross-ice to Panarin, who went cross-ice again to Strome, who sent it back the other way to Zibanejad in the slot for a snap past Vanecek. 2- 2. No. 22. Try that against the Islanders. Oh, wait, they did.

10. Kakk-O-Meter: Then the Lottery Kids took over. Miller (while taking a slash from Anthony Mantha) got the puck to Rooney, who sent out Kakko and Lafrenière a two-on-one against Chara (who’s literally older than both of them combined). Lafrenière made a cool move, waited for Chara to do a 6-foot-9 snow angel, then sent a perfect pass to Kakko, who toe- dragged it away from Vanecek and Nick Backstrom and tucked it. 3-2. Big-time goal-scorer’s goal. Timeout Washington.

11. Late second, after the Rangers wasted the Wilson power play and survived a too-many-men penalty of their own, they got lazy around the front of their net, with Smith, Miller and Kravtsov fishing for pucks after two Shesterkin saves, and Garnet Hathaway buried the third rebound. 3- 3. It was starting to go downhill.

12. “Well, losing Bread for the rest of the game was certainly a big blow to us,” Quinn said. “We were going to go on a five-on-three, and not having him and Buch — who are regulars on our five-on-three — that certainly set us back on that.”

13. Early third, Smith coughed one up, and Daniel Sprong beat Shesterkin for an unassisted goal and the lead. 4-3.

14. Backstrom took a pass from Michael Raffl, got between Miller and Zibanejad and beat Shesterkin with a neat little backhander. 5-3.

15. And of course, Teflon Tom, who should have been thrown out of the game at the very least, scored the empty-netter. 6-3. By then the Rangers had been eliminated via the events in Newark.

16. Zibanejad briefly looking beyond these last three games: “We have a lot of young guys still developing and still trying to figure out the NHL and what it takes to play at this level and their own identity. And we have a group of older guys who have been through it, and we have a good mix. But it’s still a young group, still a lot of development left, and for sure it looks bright.”

My three Rangers stars

1. Mika Zibanejad 1211650 New York Rangers The Wilson incident and deleted tweet capped a day where the Capitals somehow moved back into first place with the 6-3 win at Madison Square Garden.

Tom Wilson, the Capitals’ tweet and what happened against the Rangers It began with T.J. Oshie being excused to deal with a personal issue. Ninety minutes before the opening faceoff, star center Evgeny Kuznetsov and goalie Ilya Samsonov were scratched for disciplinary reasons. Defenseman Justin Schultz was also a scratch due to injury. Then By Tarik El-Bashir May 4, 2021 captain Alex Ovechkin, who had missed the previous four games with a lower-body injury but was pressed into duty because of a depleted roster, was forced to leave the game just 39 seconds in after aggravating the At 9:47 p.m. Monday, the Washington Capitals posted a picture of Tom injury. Wilson on Twitter accompanied by the words, “atCapitals chooses: Violence” with a reference to Wilson living rent-free in the minds of his Kuznetsov and Samsonov, who are close friends, arrived late to a team detractors. function, a source told The Athletic, but it was not immediately known which function they were late for, how tardy they were, or whether the The tweet was in reference to a second-period melee that earned Wilson team-imposed discipline would last longer than one game. four minutes for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct and sent Rangers star Artemi Panarin to the dressing room for the rest of the game with a Asked if it was a tough decision to scratch Kuznetsov and Samsonov, lower-body injury. coach Peter Laviolette said, “It’s not about that. It’s about we’ve got to work together inside here. There’s got to be rules, there’s got to be The post was deleted about 30 minutes later. boundaries and there’s got to expectations set and you have to be accountable to them.” The damage, however, was done. Asked if Kuznetsov and Samsonov would be available for Wednesday’s Twitter was afire, as it often is after a controversial play involving Wilson, game, Laviolette said: “We’ve got a lot on our plate today. You can ask the Capitals’ top-line winger and the NHL’s most polarizing figure. that question again tomorrow.” The post drew at least 1,800 quote tweets, 2,400 retweets and 1,500 The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 likes in the short time it was up. Even for an account with 786,000 followers that’s a lot of engagement.

Why was it taken down? The team realized it had made a mistake.

A team official told The Athletic that the tweet didn’t meet the team’s social media standards.

Since Jan. 1, the team’s main account has sent out more than 2,700 tweets. But that one — and in particular the choice of the word “violence” — missed the mark, the official said.

The question now is what’s next, if anything?

It wasn’t immediately known if the NHL’s Department of Player Safety will scrutinize the play. But this much we already know: Wilson is always under the microscope and history plays a role.

Earlier this season, he was suspended seven games for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. In his career, the 27-year-old has accrued a total of 30 games in suspensions and forfeited nearly $1.3 million in salary for his on-ice transgressions.

“I thought it was just a scrum, like a physical play,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “There was something going on originally with the goalie and they’re jamming at the goalie and a bunch of players jump in there. It happens a lot.”

Rangers coach David Quinn saw things differently, saying: “We all saw it. There are lines that can’t be crossed in this game. There’s just zero respect for the game in general. You got one of the star players in this league now that could have gotten seriously, seriously hurt in that incident.”

Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad, who was involved in the scrum, sounded disgusted after the game.

“I figure, you should have some more respect for the game and for the players,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t honestly know where to start. It’s just horrible. Zero respect. I don’t know why I’m surprised. Yeah, it’s just horrible.”

After Wilson’s seven-game suspension in March, he vowed to “continue to adjust.”

“At the end of the day, it can’t happen,” he said two weeks after the suspension. “I can’t be missing seven games. I can’t be missing one game. I’ve got to be in the lineup.”

Wilson said then that he texted the Bruins’ blueliner the following day.

“A lot of people probably wouldn’t believe me, but you never want to see a peer get injured,” Wilson said in March. “They’re hockey players just like I am, and this is their living and their livelihood, and when a guy goes down it’s not a good feeling.” 1211651 Ottawa Senators “That’s the best goaltending play we’ve seen,” said Smith. “To be honest, we made some mistakes in front of him, and even in Montreal, and he’s making some incredible stops. It’s good to see.”

Nikita Zaitsev comes through in the nick of time as Filip Gustavsson The Senators were outshot 17-4 by the Jets in the second and alone and leads Ottawa Senators to victory that forced Gustavsson to stand on his head.

It didn’t help that the Senators allowed Winnipeg to have six power plays through two periods. Through 40 minutes, Artem Zub and Zaitsev were Bruce Garrioch being called on to play big minutes and it wouldn’t have been 1-0 if it weren’t for Gustavsson. He was all over the crease in only his sixth Publishing date:May 04, 2021 • 5 hours ago • appearance in the NHL to keep the Jets at bay.

The Senators were trying to limit the good chances and attempted to Gus The Bus got a little help from his friends Monday night. keep the Jets to the perimeter when possible but that just wasn’t the case at all. Just when it looked like goaltender Filip Gustavsson might have to do it all by himself, Nikita Zaitsev scored the winner with only 1:13 left in the The Senators couldn’t get much control in the second because the Jets third period to give the Ottawa Senators a dramatic 2-1 victory over the had four power plays in the second alone and it sure felt like the ice was Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre. tilted in Winnipeg’s favours. The Jets had 13 shots with the man advantage alone. GARRIOCH: Nikita Zaitsev comes through in the nick of time as Filip Gustavsson leads Ottawa Senators to victory “I thought Gus was our best penalty killer,” said Brown.

Close sticky video The Senators pulled out to a 1-0 lead on the strength of Brown’s fourth shorthanded effort of this season. That tied him with Boston’s Brad That was only Zaitsev’s fourth goal in two years with the Senators and it Marchand and Cam Atkinson of Columbus for the NHL lead in that was the first he has scored on a goaliee because his first three were into category. It was also the Senators sixth shorthanded goal of the year and an empty net. Zaitsev beat Laurent Brossoit through a crowd while they’ve been dangerous in that category. Connor Brown also chipped in for Ottawa and only Josh Morrissey was able to beat Gustavsson on 29 shots he faced. It was the eighth time in the last nine games that the Senators have opened the scoring and Brown beat Brossoit blocker side at 11:31. “If you just shoot the puck towards the net usually good things happen,” said Zaitsev, who logged 25:03 of ice time. “It’s unbelievable really. I The Senators host the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday. forgot that feeling on scoring on a goalie, except in practises, it felt good.” Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 The Senators only registered 18 shots on Brossoit as the Jets dropped their seventh straight and this victory didn’t come under easy circumstances for Ottawa.

The Senators finished night without alternate captain Thomas Chabot. He left the ice holding his shoulder in the first period and went straight to the dressing room after a collision with Winnipeg’s Logan Stanley. Chabot appeared briefly on the bench a few minutes later and looked like he would try it again but it was in pain and couldn’t go.

“We aren’t going to take any chances,” Smith said of Chabot.

He likely won’t play again this season.

“All five of them (stepped up) after Chabot left. They battled defensively, they moved pucks and you’ve got to give Winnipeg credit because they worked and they tracked and if it’s not for the great goaltending that’s on display you’re not going to win,” Smith added. “All five of them back there were good.”

That meant, without their team leader in ice time with an average of 26 minutes per night, the Senators were forced to finish the night with five defencmen. The club announced he wouldn’t return after the first with an upper body injury which means all those wanting rookie Jacob Bernard- Docker to play will get their chance to see him Wednesday.

Morrissey tied it up with his fourth of the season at 9:46 of the third that squeezed through Gustavsson’s arm. That was unfortunate because he looked like he would be unbeatable most of night and the Senators were doing a better in front of him than they had through the first two periods.

“It feels great. You have those games sometimes where you’re in the moment and you just have great timing and you’re set and ready for the shots. When you have that feeling you know you have to take that shot and I had that feeling,” said Gustavsson. “I felt great and we blocked a lot of shots and we played a great penalty kill.”

This was the ninth time the Senators and Jets have faced off this season. Yes, the Senators have had their share of issues with Winnipeg by posting a 2-5-1 record in the first eight games, but three of the last four games between these two teams have been determined by a goal.

It was no surprise that Smith decided to stick with Gustavsson. He made 36 stops in the loss to the Habs and had to come up huge in the second period as the Senators were back on their heels. If anybody really questioned what Chabot means to this blueline then they got a taste of what life is like without him. 1211652 Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators left wing Tim Stuetzle controls a loose puck against the Vancouver Canucks at the Canadian Tire Centre.

A STRONG ROOKIE SEASON SNAPSHOTS: Connor Brown is excited to suit up for Team Canada, but You have to give rookie winger Tim Stuetzle a lot of credit because he’s Batherson taking a wait-and-see approach to world championship made an impact for this team in his first year in the NHL.

The 19-year-old Stuetzle, the club’s top pick in the NHL draft in October, Bruce Garrioch has lived up to the billing he had going into this season and he’s only going to come back stronger next year. He went into Monday’s visit by Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 9 hours ago • the Jets to Ottawa with nine goals and 26 points in 48 games this season.

Stuetzle has done a good job impressing his teammates. Ottawa Senators right wing Connor Brown eludes the check of Vancouver Canucks defenceman Nate Schmidt. “We were chatting the other day and when I was his age I was playing my first year of junior,” said Batherson. “It’s pretty amazing what he can The final buzzer won’t signal the end of the season for all the Ottawa do out there with the puck and he’s so smart, he’s got such a high Senators. Hockey IQ, and he’s got so much more to give for years to come. As noted here before, some have been offered the opportunity to extend “He’s going to be such a special player and such a big part of this their year by suiting up at the IIHF world championship that will take organization. He’s an awesome guy, he loves the game and he’s so place from May 21-to-June 6 in Riga, Latvia. talented.” Close sticky video Stuetzle’s teammates like his intensity and, at times, he shows Ottawa wingers Connor Brown and Drake Batherson both confirmed frustration. Monday they’ve both been asked by Team Canada general manager “It’s a good thing and it shows how much he cares,” Batherson added. Roberto Luongo to suit up for the country later this month, but there’s no “He wants to make every play perfect and you see that with a lot of the certainty they’ll attend. It’s believed defenceman Thomas Chabot and best players in the league. When they’re younger, they’re like that. He winger Nick Paul are also on Canada’s radar screen. just wants every play or every shot to be perfect. He’s just hard on In the case of the 27-year-old Brown, it’s a rare opportunity to represent himself and we just want him to be the best he can be to help the team. his country and it doesn’t sound like he’ll pass up. He has the chance to “We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to help the team win and I think be a key role player for coach Gerard Gallant, plus chip in offensively on that’s what he shows. He’s so talented, and so skilled, he’s going to be a Canadian roster that’s expected to be young with a lot of players such a good player for a long time.” concerned about heading overseas because of COVID-19. THE LAST WORDS “I’ve been in contact with them,” Brown said Monday before facing the Winnipeg Jets at home. “It’s definitely something I’d consider and After missing Saturday’s game in Montreal because he wasn’t feeling something I’d be excited about doing. Nothing’s been finalized, but it’s Friday, winger Alex Formenton returned. That meant Michael Amadio something I’d like to do.” was a healthy scratch … Goalie Anton Forsberg, who has been out with an ankle injury suffered while getting ready for warmup, wasn’t able to With two years left on his deal, the decision is easy for Brown to play for back up for this game. The expectation is Forsberg will play one of the Canada. As for Batherson, it’s a different story and as much as he’d like club’s final four games. He’s a UA in the summer and there’s a chance to play for the country it may not make sense. he may return next season … It was the 17th annual Canadian Armed A restricted free agent, there would be concerns regarding insurance Forces Appreciation Night Monday. The players wore camouflage jerseys coverage for Batherson and he may be advised by his agents not to in warmup that were auctioned off to help Support Our Troops. attend. He has a big contract negotiation ahead of him and even though Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 he loves playing the game attending this tourney at this point may not be prudent.

Batherson said he has to consider all the factors before making a determination.

Ottawa Senators right wing Drake Batherson eyes there face-off during first period NHL action against the Winnipeg Jets at the Canadian Tire Centre.

“I don’t know much about it honestly. I’ve never been through a summer where I’m up for a contract so I’m going to have to ask some people who have been through it and see what advice they give me,” said Batherson. “My agents will lead me in the right direction. I’ll have to ask some former players and guys in our dressing room before I make a final decision.”

It’s not like Batherson, 23, hasn’t suited up for Canada before so if he doesn’t go other opportunities will come along when the timing is better and he has a contract in place.

“If it works out, it works out. If it doesn’t, that’s the way it goes,” Batherson said.

The Senators will wrap up their schedule May 12 against the Toronto Maple Leafs in Ottawa and Team Canada will meet in Newark, N.J. on May 15 to charter overseas the next day to Riga.

Brown is ready to extend his year.

“It’s a chance to play some meaningful hockey and that’s always the most fun,” said Brown.

As for Chabot, he may need to head overseas to help cement a spot with Canada at the Winter Olympics in Beijing while Paul could be used in a fourth-line role. 1211653 Ottawa Senators What is intriguing, and yet to be decided given ever-changing COVID-19 numbers, is what happens when the winner of the North Division advances to the semifinals with the other three divisional winners.

Jets coach Maurice says fatigue is more of a factor because there are no The Canadian winner could be housed in a U.S. city for the duration of its fans in arenas playoff run to avoid teams crossing the border.

All things being equal, though, Maurice’s preference would be to play all home playoff games at home. Ken Warren “I want to play in Winnipeg, man,” he said. “I know our record is not great Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 11 hours ago (the Jets are 11-2 at the Bell MTS Place and 16-9-1 on the road), but I think there is something psychological about being in your own home

town, even if there are no fans in your building.” Once Winnipeg Jets coach Paul Maurice was through talking about the Like so much else in a season with few guarantees, though, Maurice nuts and bolts of the changes to his line-up Monday, he got to the says the Jets have little choice but to roll with whatever it takes to get the essence of what is so different and so difficult about the grind of the entire season completed. 2020-21 NHL season. “We’re going to do what we have to do,” he said. “If that means we’ve got By now, fans watching on TV have become accustomed to seeing tarps to play somewhere else, we’ve got to play somewhere else. And when I instead of fans above the players’ benches, but there’s nothing normal get asked that question (in the playoffs), I’m going to say it’s great, about the stale in-house environment. The pumped-in crowd noise to because there’s no room for whining in hockey.” celebrate goals, saves and big hits — at Canadian Tire Centre, the canned Go Sens Go chants is for the benefit of the TV audience — is Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 nowhere near a reasonable facsimile of the real thing.

In the absence of spectators, shots off the boards echo inside empty areas and players can’t feed off the passion and spirit of fans.

Just ask Maurice, who was at his colourful and passionate best when asked by AP’s Stephen Whyno about the repercussions of the condensed schedule on his team, which had lost six straight games before facing the Senators.

“It was a challenge for us a month ago, a real challenge, (when) we played 17 (games), 12 of them on the road, that was brutal,” said Maurice, beginning an answer that went on for 88 seconds, the length of two average NHL shifts.

“But what it feels like to me, the biggest challenge (is) there are no fans in the building. When fatigue sets in, it’s not even the pressure to perform, (it’s) the excitement about performance.

“A lot of time late in the year, (energy) is driven by the fans. You get in the building, you’re tired, but they’re wired. And it brings a lot to the game.”

Maurice wasn’t done there, not even close. He recognizes every one involved with the NHL is doing whatever is necessary to keep the games going through COVID-19 protocols and that every team is dealing with its own individual set of adjustments to deal with its rosters and health conditions. Geographically, the Jets are Canada’s middle of the road franchise and every road game — and even many home games due to the demands of the TV audiences is played in a different time zone.

It’s all part of the trickiness of jamming a condensed 56-game schedule into four months.

Through all that, though, Maurice says there’s no way to re-create the enthusiasm that comes from the fans.

Winnipeg Jets Head Coach Paul Maurice looks on in the third period against the Edmonton Oilers at Bell MTS Place.

“It’s the lack of fans,” he said. “I’m not talking about our six-game (losing streak). I’m just talking about the juice that you get when you get on the bench and the players get going.

“And sometimes, even on the road it’s better, because you’ve got everybody screaming at you. And there’s none of that (this season). It’s dead out there.”

Maurice believes that the playoffs —Winnipeg was clinging to third spot in the North Division, two points ahead of Montreal before Monday’s games — will bring their own energy, but he’s anxious for the start of the 2021-22 season, when the NHL’s Canadian-based teams should have at least some percentage of fans back in the seats.

There are, of course, no spectators allowed now. As of Friday, though, when all 24 U.S. based franchises will allow at least some percentage of fans back in their arenas, there will be a great divide between the NHL’s north and south of the border teams. 1211654 Ottawa Senators is not something anybody could say with a straight face in each of the previous three seasons.

After winning five out of six games, there was also a feeling of confidence Weekly Senators thoughts: Races to watch down the stretch, still no coursing through the dressing room that the coaching staff doesn’t want JBD, the best celebrations of all time to dampen.

As D.J. Smith noted on Friday, “I’d certainly rather deal with over- swagger than under. We dealt with the under-swagger at the start of the By Ian Mendes May 3, 2021 year.”

Of course, some of that swagger and confidence evaporated after the Senators squandered a 2-0 lead in the third period against Montreal. If you openly cheer for the Ottawa Senators, there is a good chance you Saturday’s loss felt more like a teachable moment to a young group that were on the receiving end of some mean-spirited texts from Habs fans on needs to pay attention to details — rather than a relapse into the abyss of the weekend. January and February. The Canadiens’ comeback victory Saturday officially eliminated Ottawa What it means for the week ahead: The Senators have four games on from playoff contention and so you may have received any one of the the slate this week and the two contests against Winnipeg can serve as following messages from obnoxious Montreal fans: good measuring sticks for how far they’ve actually progressed. The “Weren’t you guys eliminated from the playoffs in January?” Senators have had issues with the Jets this season, posting just two wins in their previous eight encounters this season. A win or two this week “Will the golf courses open in Ontario for the Sens players who have against the Jets will solidify the notion that the Ottawa team we’re seeing nothing to do now?” at the end of the season has zero resemblance to the team that hit the ice four months ago. “Did you know it’s actually spelled G-O-A-L Caufield?” 2. Let’s analyze that upward trajectory If you’re requiring a snappy comeback to a Habs fan, just remind them about the Senators’ all-time record against Montreal in May: Even after A couple of people have written in the comment section of my last few Saturday night’s loss, Ottawa’s May record against the Habs is 4-1-1. articles asking for me to do a breakdown of the Senators season in 10- game segments to illustrate their improvement. So if they are taunting you with the Cole Caufield OT winner, maybe send them the video clip of Kyle Turris’ OT winner against Peter Budaj. And sure enough, the improvement is startling when you analyze this team in increments of 10 games: Or that Mika Zibanejad soccer ball GIF goal. Breakdown of 10-game segments Or the line brawl. Or the Pageau hat trick. Or Paul MacLean clowning the Habs at the podium. 1-10

Because it all happened in May — and it’s all decidedly titled in Ottawa’s 1-8-1 favour. 24 And if they tell you to stop living in the past, you can simply bask in the irony of receiving that comment from a Montreal Canadiens fan. 48

Now, onto the 10 things I learned about the Sens last week. 13.6

1. Believe it or not, this is actually the worst season of the rebuild 70.0

There is genuine optimism around this team for the first time in four years 11-20 and you’ll certainly see that reflected when I release the results of our 4-6-0 Senators fan survey later this week. 23 But the funny thing is the Senators technically have their worst record at the 50-game mark of any season during this rebuild. Ottawa hit the 50- 32 game plateau of the season last week and the 42 points accumulated by this year’s edition of the Senators is the lowest total at this point in the 6.9 season over the past four campaigns: 80.8 Record after 50 games during rebuild 21-30 2020-21 4-6-0 19-27-4 30 42 41 2019-20 25.9 18-23-9 72.7 45 31-40 2018-19 4-3-3 19-26-5 27 43 28 2017-18 14.8 17-24-9 88.0 43 41-50 The difference this season, of course, is the Senators are ending the 6-4-0 season on an upward trajectory. But this table above is a great illustration of how records and standings don’t matter as much as perception. The 33 fans feel genuinely optimistic at the 50-game mark of this season, which 24 15th (17.5%)

22.6 9th (83.7%)

86.2 2009-10

Aside from the vastly improved record, the upgraded special teams is the 21st (16.9%) most striking portion of that final line. That most recent 10-game segment marks the first time the Sens power play and penalty kill have added up 7th (84.3%) to at least 100 percent — a good measuring stick for successful hockey 2008-09 teams. For most stretches this season, one unit was scorching hot while the other was inevitably ice cold. Now that they’ve got both units clicking, 10th (19.5%) we can truly see the impact of special teams. 15th (81.5%) “I mean, it’s a difference of a goal or two a night really,” D.J. Smith said 2007-08 when asked about improved special teams. “We just have good units rolling right now on the kill. And on the power play, we were probably due 12th (18.3%) for a bunch of goals that didn’t go in early. So certainly, when your special teams are rolling, you’re going to win more games.” 22nd (81.1%)

This recent 10-game stretch is an aberration for the Senators, who have 2006-07 been plagued by special teams issues for the better part of 15 seasons. 14th (17.9%) In the post-lockout era, the Senators have had only one season in which 10th (84.5%) both their power play and penalty kill were ranked inside the top 10 in the league. And it occurred in the first season after the lockout in 2005-06, 2005-06 when the Senators were a juggernaut: 4th (20.8%) Sens special teams in post-lockout era 4th (84.7%) 2020-21 Even when the team was playing well under Guy Boucher in that 2016- 26th (16.5%) 17 season, their special teams were mediocre. This latest 10-game stretch provides a shred of optimism that maybe better days are ahead 21st (78.4%) for the special teams. If the Senators want to flirt with a playoff spot next 2019-20 season, I firmly believe both of their special team units need to rank in the top half of the league. 31st (14.2%) What it means for the week ahead: It was really interesting to hear D.J. 28th (76.1%) Smith immediately mention Alex Formenton as a major reason for the penalty-killing unit having some recent success. “The addition of 2018-19 Formenton — especially on our penalty kill — with his speed and his 13th (20.4%) ability in our forecheck to pivot and put guys on the outside of dots has really been something,” Smith said on Saturday. 23rd (79.2%) Formenton’s presence was certainly missed on the penalty kill on 2017-18 Saturday when the Canadiens were able to score the tying goal in the 27th (16.6%) third period on the power play.

26th (76.2%) 3. Is Filip Gustavsson the goalie the Sens should be protecting?

2016-17 The more I see Filip Gustavsson play, the more I’m thinking he might actually be the goalie of the future for this franchise. 23rd (17.0%) In all of his appearances this season, Gustavsson has looked cool and 22nd (79.7%) confident. Even though he was in net for the Habs’ big comeback on Saturday, it’s awfully difficult to pin the blame on Gustavsson for any of 2015-16 the three late Montreal goals.

26th (15.8%) And in most seasons, the Senators would be rather bullish on their 29th (75.8%) collection of young and up-and-coming netminders. However, the upcoming Seattle expansion draft is on the horizon, which could result in 2014-15 the Senators losing one of their prized goaltending prospects.

22nd (16.8%) So how should they proceed?

11th (82.9%) Let’s remove Matt Murray from the equation, since he’s locked into a fairly big contract which will inadvertently serve as expansion draft 2013-14 protection. Now take a look at how the other four goalies have fared in 14th (18.5%) somewhat limited action this season:

22nd (80.9%) Sens goalies this season

2012-13 Marcus Hogberg

20th (15.9%) 14

1st (88.0%) 4-7-0

2011-12 .876

11th (18.2%) 3.74

20th (81.6%) 3

2010-11 Joey Daccord 8 threshold of doing something extremely rare on a couple of fronts and this should be fun to watch down the stretch. 1-3-1 What it means for the week ahead: Tkachuk is the Sens’ runaway leader .897 in hits and PIM, so that race won’t be compelling. But he’s in a tight battle 3.27 for the goal scoring and point lead, which should come right down to the wire. 3 5. Can Evgenii Dadonov join the Cy Young club? Anton Forsberg Evgenii Dadonov has certainly had one of the strangest seasons in 6 recent memory. Brought in specifically to help bolster the power play, the Russian forward has still only managed a single power-play assist this 2-3-1 season. Dadonov has now gone 48 consecutive games without a power- .910 play point, which is arguably the most astonishing Senators-related statistic this season. 3.18 But Dadonov is tied for the team lead with 13 even-strength goals, which 5 adds an extra layer of confusion as we try to analyze his debut season with the Senators. Has he actually been decent at even strength and just Filip Gustavsson been bad on the power play? 5 I think that’s a bit of a stretch, considering he hasn’t really done an 2-1-2 effective job of driving offence for a team that was desperate for the influence of a high-end offensive player at the start of the season. .940 On Saturday, he showed a glimpse of his offensive prowess at 5-on-5 2.06 with a nifty pass that served as the primary assist on Thomas Chabot’s goal in the third period. 3 But Dadonov has not exactly been an assist machine this season, only The Senators may have to make a decision based on a small sample, racking up seven helpers to go along with his 13 goals. So as we look for but it’s hard to argue that Gustavsson isn’t the best choice to protect fun little races to watch down the stretch, Dadonov has a chance to join here. Sure, Joey Daccord is locked under a reasonable contract for the the rare Cy Young club in Senators history — players who score 15-plus next two seasons at $750,000, but Gustavsson might have the highest goals but end up with fewer than 10 assists: upside. Most goals - fewer than 10 assists My best guess is the Senators will end up losing a goalie in the expansion draft and it will be their choice: Gustavsson or Daccord. Patrick Eaves

What it means for the week ahead: The Sens may be wise to give 2005-06 Gustavsson some more starts in the final five games of the regular season to see if this solid play is sustainable. If he plays well in two or 20 three more starts, it will make that decision even more difficult come 9 expansion draft time in July. Tom Chorske 4. Can Tkachuk lead team goals, points, PIM and hits? 1996-97 I loved Down Goes Brown’s piece this week on the various races we should be watching in the final two weeks of the NHL season. One thing 18 he omitted (presumably because he hates us in Ottawa) is Brady Tkachuk’s pursuit to become the first player to lead the NHL in hits and 8 shots on goal in the same season. Artem Anisimov The race on both fronts was pretty tight this weekend: 2019-20 Shots & Hits Leaders - NHL 15 Brady Tkachuk (201) 5 Radko Gudas (229) Mike Fisher Auston Matthews (201) 2001-02 Brady Tkachuk (222) 15 Nathan Mackinnon (193) 9 Jani Hakanpaa (200) (For the non-baseball fans, we simply refer to Cy Young because the Equally intriguing is Tkachuk’s attempt to lead the Senators in goals, lopsided goal-to-assist ratio for these players looks like the win-loss points, PIM and hits this season. If he can sit atop the Sens leaderboard record for the best pitchers in baseball). in those four categories, I believe he will join Alex Ovechkin as the only I should also point out that Colin White could potentially join this club if he players to accomplish that feat in a season in the post-lockout era. has a torrid stretch in the next five games. White enters the week with 10 In 2009-10, Ovechkin led the Capitals in goals (50), points (109), PIM goals but only seven assists. (89) and hits (181). I spent a good chunk of time researching this and What it means for the week ahead: It’s possible Dadonov scores a could only find Ovechkin’s name. couple of goals in the next 10 days to get to the 15-goal plateau to join David Backes had a close call with the Blues in 2010-11, leading them in that little club listed above. But does anybody think one of those goals goals (31), points (62) and hits (213) — but he finished third on the club could come on the power play? with 93 PIM. Brad Marchand has also had a couple of seasons of flirting 6. The transition game has been much better lately with this stat line for the Bruins but has come up short. If we take the third period of Saturday’s game out of the equation, the If anybody else’s research reveals a different name, please pass it along Senators have done a very effective job lately of moving the puck out of in the comment section below. But in any event, Tkachuk is on the their own zone. Earlier this season, it felt like the transition game was an unmitigated 7 disaster for Ottawa. But over the past couple of weeks, the club is moving the puck out of their own zone with less difficulty. Many fans will 56.30% point to the addition of puck-movers Erik Brannstrom and Victor Mete to 4 the back end while the club parted ways with less-mobile defenders in Erik Gudbranson and at the trade deadline. 5

Last week, I asked D.J. Smith if the improved transition game was a 1 result of personnel or something tactical that has been implemented by 1 the coaching staff. April 26 vs VAN “It’s a combination of things for sure. There’s some mobility back there, but the biggest thing is our O-zone time has increased significantly over 15:25 the last little bit,” explained Smith. “When you have the puck in the other team’s O-zone, it forces them to change.” 12

Smith went on to explain that if the opponent was tired in their own zone 10 and dumped the puck into the Ottawa zone, they would be forced to 54.50% change. 7 “When they’re changing, you’re able to break out because their forecheck is not intact,” Smith added. “The team that has the puck in the O-zone 8 the longest usually breaks out well all night.” 0 What it means for the week ahead: The Senators had done a nice job of limiting chances before Saturday’s misstep in Montreal. Prior to that, 0 Ottawa had gone eight consecutive games in allowing fewer than 50 shot April 24 @ VAN attempts — their best stretch of shot suppression of the season. It’s been refreshing watching the Senators play with a little more pace and 9:34 structure lately and it’s evident in the way they are transporting the puck out of their own zone. If they can let Saturday’s game against the Habs 8 be an aberration, this will be a tremendous way to end the regular 5 season. 61.54% 7. The bat signal for JBD goes unanswered again 3 Another week has gone by without Jacob Bernard-Docker suiting up in a game for the Senators. I’ll admit this is odd because Bernard-Docker 4 didn’t look out of place in his NHL debut on April 14 against Winnipeg. But if you recall, the only reason Bernard-Docker drew into that game 1 was because of a late injury to Nikita Zaitsev. 0

So barring another injury on the back end, it’s hard to imagine the 20- Despite seeing these fairly solid underlying numbers, the majority of year-old suiting up in multiple games in the final 10 days of the season. Sens fans still want to see the young players utilized in these final five Still, the head coach insists he will slide Bernard-Docker into at least one regular-season games. But Smith will counter with the argument that more game before the end of the season. Brannstrom and Mete are the two young defenders getting a significant “He continues to work in practice and get better. At some point, we’re audition to prove they belong firmly inside the top six next season. The going to get him in here for a game or two depending on what happens,” timeline for Bernard-Docker, the Senators will argue, is probably Smith said. “But it’s a process to make him what we think is going to be a stretched out a little bit longer. good defenceman for this franchise for 10 years. And we’re not in a hurry What it means for the week ahead: It seems like an easy spot to drop to do it today.” Bernard-Docker into one of the back-to-back games coming up this Clearly, the head coach is comfortable with Josh Brown in the lineup. weekend in Winnipeg or Calgary. If he gets into that contest and plays The Senators are 5-1-1 in the seven games since Bernard-Docker played well, it would seem like a smart idea to play the 20-year-old in what and I’m sure that is weighted accordingly in Smith’s decision-making should be a completely meaningless regular season finale on May 12 process. against Toronto.

And over the past few games, Brown and Mete have formed a pretty 8. Is that Logan Brown’s music? decent bottom-pairing for the Senators. There are now just 10 days left in the Sens’ regular season and we’ve Mete-Brown pairing - last 4 games still yet to have a Logan Brown appearance in the Ottawa lineup.

May 1 @ MTL On Saturday, he had a nice effort in picking up a primary assist on this Jonathan Aspirot goal in the first period of a 5-3 Belleville victory. 12:43 Then on Sunday, he picked up another helper on an Angus Crookshank 12 goal in the first period, giving Brown four assists in his past five games. He’s finally staying healthy and generating a little bit of offence. But is 13 this a case of too little too late for Brown?

48.00 When listening to Pierre Dorion earlier this season, the plan was to give 5 Brown a handful of games at the NHL level once he was healthy and playing well in Belleville. In March, the general manager hinted that 7 Brown was on the verge of a call-up and playing time in between Drake Batherson and Tim Stützle before an injury sidelined him for an extended 0 period. 0 Now it seems like the emergence of Shane Pinto has cost Brown a April 28 vs VAN chance down the stretch — unless there is an injury to Chris Tierney or Colin White. 11:06 What it means for the week ahead: Belleville doesn’t play again until 9 Friday, meaning Brown won’t have any more chances to impress the Sens brass over the next few days. If Brown somehow joins the NHL club this week, it would probably create the most interesting storyline in the 3. Milan Michalek’s out-of-character finger-twirl final week of the regular season. Milan Michalek was a quiet, conservative player with a soft-spoken 9. Should players have a say in their line’s nickname? personality. Except for this one random goal against the Washington Capitals in February 2012, where he briefly transformed into a flashy NFL Sens fans spent a good chunk of last week trying to come up with a wide receiver with a signature celebration move: nickname for the No. 1 line featuring Brady Tkachuk, Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. As I was researching this goal, I even found my original tweet from that evening which noted my surprise at Michalek’s out-of-character Since all of their fathers played pro hockey, several of the suggested celebration. names on social media had parental connections. (I love when I can cite my own Twitter account for historical context. And The Bloodline the fact it was sent from “Twitter for Blackberry” serves as a certificate of Fathers and Sens Line authenticity).

Sens of Anarchy Line 2. Magnus Paajarvi’s epic fail

The one that seemingly had a lot of traction was The Offspring Line, Quick: What’s your favourite memory of Magnus Paajarvi’s time with the which was also a nod to the band that was churning out music while all Senators? three members of this line were wearing diapers. Don’t have one?

So when Norris joined TSN 1200 on Friday, the 21-year-old showed his Now you do. age when asked about that possibly being the nickname for his line. 1. Alex Kovalev’s moonwalk “Did you say Offspring was a band?” Norris said. “I didn’t really know that.” Is there a better way to end a column than this?

OK, we may scratch Offspring off the list of potential nicknames, but it The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 does bring up an interesting question: Should players have to approve a nickname for their line?

I don’t recall going to , Jason Spezza or Dany Heatley to ask if they officially endorsed the Pizza Line moniker. And there is still a percentage of fans who refer to them as the CASH Line — standing for Captain Alfredsson, Spezza and Heatley. (And also for the fact they were straight money.)

The club also had the Ministry of Offence Line featuring Alexei Yashin, Shawn McEachern and Andreas Dackell back in the day. That was before my time covering the team, so a more seasoned reporter will have to weigh in on whether those players gave a seal of approval for the nickname.

If you have a nickname that you like for the Tkachuk-Norris-Batherson trio, I suggest you just use it and hope it gets some traction. It’s been a long time since Sens fans have had a chance to be this excited about a combination of young forwards and the best part is that arguably their most dynamic player — Tim Stützle — isn’t even a part of his unit.

It’ll be interesting to see if the team starts training camp with this line together or if they break them up to try to work Stützle into the mix. In any event, the concerns around this club’s high-end offence have disappeared, thanks in large part to the emergence of the Tkachuk- Norris-Batherson line.

What it means for the week ahead: All three of these guys are part of the fun race to see who will end up leading the team in goals. Batherson (17), Tkachuk (16) and Norris (15) all have a legitimate shot at the crown and all appear genuinely excited to set up their linemates for goals. Last week alone, we saw Tkachuk end up with three primary assists on goals from Norris and Batherson.

10. Let’s countdown the best random celebrations in Sens history.

Sens fans have also fallen in love with Brady Tkachuk’s goal-scoring celebration this season, in which he pays homage to Will Ferrell’s character of Frank the Tank from “Old School.”

So to wrap this week’s column, I thought it would be fun to rank the five most random and unique celebrations in Sens history:

5. Thomas Chabot’s “game-ender” against Nashville

I really love this one from Chabot, as he kind of channels his inner Vince Carter with the “It’s Ovah” move.

4. Mike Hoffman’s non-celly, celly in Florida

This game will be best remembered as the one where Mark Borowiecki replaced Mike Hoffman as the club’s first-line left winger, as Dave Cameron was trying to send a message to his talented sniper.

So full marks to Hoffman here, who never broke character — even as he scored the game-winning goal in the dying minutes at Florida. You’ve never seen a player with less of a reaction to scoring a go-ahead goal at the end of the third period. 1211655 Philadelphia Flyers draft with Seattle. (Ivan Provorov and Travis Sanheim are locks to be protected.)

It was Gostisbehere’s 60th career goal, fourth in franchise history among Alex Lyon, Claude Giroux help Flyers whip Penguins, 7-2, and aid Caps defensemen. He passed Behn Wilson. Tom Bladon (67) is next on the in East Division race list.

Just 64 seconds later, Giroux made it 3-0 as he converted Couturier’s pass and scored from the slot. by Sam Carchidi Down the other end, Lyon was superb in the opening period. Midway Published May 3, 2021 through the period, he lost his stick while making save on Kasperi Kapanen, but the puck flipped up in the air and fell behind him and

trickled toward the goal line. Lyon spun around, lunged at the puck as it While the Flyers are playing out the string on a forgettable season, the was about to cross the goal line, and while flat on the ice, swatted it away Pittsburgh Penguins are in a hotly contested battle to win the East from the net with his right glove. Division title. With 12:10 remaining in the second, the lead grew to 4-0 as the Flyers So the Flyers were playing loose Monday when they faced a Penguins took advantage of a bad Penguins line change. Allison, after taking a team that should have had urgency on its side in their meeting at the drop pass from Scott Laughton, scored from the high slot. A long pass Wells Fargo Center. from Gostisbehere to Laughton put the play in motion.

Loose won. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin returned to the lineup after missing 23 games because of a lower-body injury. Pittsburgh, showing off its depth, Flyers 7, Penguins 2. went 16-5-2 while Malkin was sidelined.

Claude Giroux had two goals, including an empty-netter, and an assist as Breakaways the Flyers ended a three-game losing streak, all against the Devils, and improved their record to 5-2 against their archrivals this season. Voracek collected his 602nd point with the Flyers on Hayes’ goal, putting him ahead of Rod Brind’Amour and into 10th place in franchise history. They also hurt the Penguins’ chances in the tight battle for first place in Voracek has a team-high 43 points this season. ... Travis Konecny had the East Division. Pittsburgh and Washington, which beat the Rangers on two assists and seven shots. ... Couturier had an assist, 10 shot Monday, are tied for the most points (71) in the East, but the Capitals attempts, and was 18 for 20 on faceoffs. ... Brian Elliott will face the have a game in hand. Penguins on Tuesday. ... The Flyers held their annual Pride Night on Monday, aiming to promote inclusivity in hockey and support to the “We did the right things tonight,” said rookie right winger Wade Allison LGBTQ+ community. ... Tristan Jarry replaced DeSmith (lower-body after scoring his second NHL goal. “We were getting pucks deep and injury) at the start of the third period. ... The Flyers had a season-high 45 playing the way we should.” shots. ... It was former Flyer Jeff Carter’s first game as a Penguin at the The Flyers (23-22-7) have four games left, including Tuesday’s rematch Wells Fargo Center. with the visiting Penguins (34-16-3). Pittsburgh's Jeff Carter (right) skates past teammate Sidney Crosby “I think we were just faster,” Jake Voracek said after a three-assist night. during warm-ups before the Penguins played the Flyers on Monday. “Sometimes, you don’t have your legs. .... They didn’t have them and we Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2021 did. I think [Tuesday’s] game will be a lot different.”

Alex Lyon (1-3) made 35 saves and notched his first NHL win in a little over 15 months, since a 6-3 victory over Colorado. Sidney Crosby ended his bid for his first career shutout with a power-play goal on a slick deflection with 17:30 left in regulation.

“I was extremely happy with his compete level,” coach Alain Vigneault said of Lyon, who hasn’t been able to get into a rhythm because he has played so infrequently. “He gave us a chance.”

The Penguins got to within 4-2 on Jason Zucker’s power-play goal with 11:36 remaining, but (team-leading 17th goal; three points) restored the three-goal lead on a power move in front with 8:23 to go.

Getting a job in 2021: tips for college graduates on job searches, remote work and more

For the first time in the last 11 games, the Flyers scored first — and they did it in a bizarre manner. The refs ruled that Pittsburgh goalie Casey DeSmith made a sprawling glove save on Kevin Hayes from the side of the net. After a stoppage of play, however, the play was reviewed and the replay showed DeSmith’s glove was well past the goal line.

“When you’re playing with a lead, it’s a lot different than when you’re chasing the game, especially for how many times we’ve been chasing the game the last 10 games,” said Shayne Gostisbehere, who had a goal and an assist. “You could see in our play, the boys had some hop, and Alex has done a great job battling hard for us and we wanted to get him a win.”

That goal ended Hayes’ 16-game drought and gave the Flyers a 1-0 lead with 14:02 left in the opening period. The Flyers had not held an in-game lead in about 332 minutes.

Gostisbehere increased the lead to 2-0 with 5:52 to go in the first, scoring a power-play goal on a point drive as James van Riemsdyk and Sean Couturier screened DeSmith. It gave Gostisbehere nine goals in just 39 games, and the Flyers will have a difficult choice whether to protect him or Phil Myers if they use the three-defensemen option in the expansion 1211656 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers trying to slow down surging Penguins as Evgeni Malkin returns; Alex Lyon gets the call

Sam Carchidi

The Penguins will try to hold first place in the East Division.

The Flyers will try to play the role of spoiler.

The cross-state rivals will meet tonight at the Wells Fargo Center, and they will have a rematch there on Tuesday.

Evgeni Malkin, who has missed the last 23 games with an unspecified injury, will return to the Penguins’ lineup and center the second line. The Pens didn’t skip a beat without him, going 16-5-2 in his absence.

In 63 career games against the Flyers, Malkin has 77 points (29 goals, 48 assists) and is averaging 1.22 points per contest.

The Flyers were ahead of the Penguins when March rolled around. Since then, Pittsburgh is 23-7-2 for 48 points, while the Flyers are 11-18-4 for 26 points.

Yikes.

The first period has been the Penguins’ most dominant stanza, and the Flyers’ worst.

Pittsburgh has a plus-13 advantage in the first period (55-42); the Flyers are minus-23 in the first (59-36).

The Penguins (34-15-3) begin the night in first place, two points ahead of Washington, which has a game in hand.

The Flyers (22-22-7) have lost three straight, all to the Devils.

Alex Lyon (0-3, 4.20 GAA, .848 save percentage) will face Pittsburgh’s Casey DeSmith (11-6, 2.42, .913).

Pride night

The Flyers will hold their annual Pride Night on Monday. The celebratory night aims to promote inclusivity in hockey and support to the LGBTQ+ community.

Breakaways

Former Flyers defenseman Mark Friedman is expected to be in the Pens’ lineup, replacing the injured Mike Matheson. ... The Flyers are 4-2 against the Penguins this season, and Travis Konecny has nine points (four goals, five assists) in the six games. ... Sidney Crosby has 111 points (46-65) in 75 games against the Flyers, which computes to (gulp) 1.48 points per game. .... Claude Giroux has 57 points (18-39) vs. Pittsburgh. ... Brian Elliott will face the Pens on Tuesday.

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211657 Philadelphia Flyers “I don’t think we need a total rebuild,” he said. “Last season wasn’t that long ago” and the Flyers did well with a similar roster. “I think we’re a lot better than what our record reflects right now. Clearly, it starts with goaltending.” Blow up the Flyers’ roster? Not necessary, says Dave Scott, the team’s chairman. The Flyers are last in the league is goals allowed per game (3.57).

“You get behind like we have, and then you chase the game and make mistakes,” he said. “We all see it.” Sam Carchidi Scott said there were several players “who took a step back this year, but I still believe in those guys. The young corps we have” — he mentioned Travis Konecny, Travis Sanheim, Phil Myers, and Carter Hart — “I really Dave Scott, the Flyers’ chairman, understands the fans’ grief over an think they’re going to be OK. Carter has a heavy load, but he’s a young underachieving season that has turned miserable. kid, and I really believe he’ll get it turned around and be everything we He shares their frustration. thought he would be and more.”

“I feel for our fans. I mean, it’s a sad situation,” he said in an interview Scott was asked what makes him think the Flyers are a better team than Monday. “I’m angry. I’m frustrated. Everyone keeps saying they’re they showed when they repeatedly fell behind early, struggled mightily on disappointed, and it’s beyond disappointment where we’re sitting today.” special teams, and did not give a full 60-minute effort.

He paused. “There’s no excuses for it, but everybody had their own issues with COVID,” he said. “We actually started the season very well, and then we “But I’m not discouraged, and I’m determined,” he added. went through COVID. We had a lot of veterans sit. So did a few other teams, but it seemed like when we got everybody back, we could never Determined to turn things around after a two-month collapse — 11 wins get it back on track. in their last 33 games entering Monday — that knocked the Flyers out of the NHL playoff picture. They will miss the playoffs for the fifth time in the “I’m really looking forward to a normal season of 82 games. If you look at last nine years. Chuck and A.V., they have not had an 82-game season with the Flyers, which is unreal. I think we’re a team that needs a training camp. We got A year ago, the Flyers went 41-21-7, finished second in the Metropolitan all new coaches two seasons ago, plus going through COVID, so it hasn’t Division, and won their first playoff series since 2012. been easy for sure. But I think we’re going to have a normal season [in That created high expectations, making this season’s fall from contention 2021-22], and Chuck and A.V. will take us where we need to go.” even more head-scratching. Faith in Fletcher No overhaul coming Scott said he hasn’t lost faith in Fletcher, who never replaced Matt In a wide-ranging interview, Scott, who confers with general manager Niskanen with a suitable defenseman and made some questionable Chuck Fletcher every day and believes in his decision making, said he moves in the last year. doesn’t think the team needs radical changes. He believes the Flyers “Last year, he got [Kevin] Hayes and Nisky, and just that little bit of need another scorer and top-pairing defenseman, and he strongly hinted tweaking seemed to help a lot,” Scott said. “Kevin hasn’t had the same that a backup goaltender is on the team’s wish list. type of year this year, but he’s young and has potential. I think this will be “I think we’re closer than our record shows,” Scott said. “If you look at it, the summer to make some things happen and make some tough it’s the same core group we had last season, and we took a big step decisions. Chuck has all my confidence … and so does A.V.” under difficult circumstances, playing up in Toronto in the bubble.” Last week, Vigneault said he had an idea why so many of his players had The Flyers are 22-22-7 this season and sit in sixth place in the East poor seasons, but he said he wouldn’t talk about it until after the season. Division. Was he referring to COVID-19?

“There’s no excuses. We just didn’t get it done,” Scott said. “We took a Scott said he wasn’t sure what the coach would reveal. big step back. And I can’t stop thinking about our fan base.” “I really don’t know what he meant,” Scott said. “All I know is we had the He said he was walking around the Wells Fargo Center the other day six veterans out, and it was hard. But again, other teams have gone “and looking at our past [championship] banners, and I know our fans are through this, too.” frustrated. All I can say is that Chuck and I talk every day, and we’re If Ed Snider was alive, he would have erupted countless times over the really determined to turn this thing around and give these guys what they last two months at the Flyers’ passive play. need to get the job done.” He would have said that his team was embarrassing the city and that He believes Fletcher will have the salary-cap space to add some key changes would be made in the offseason because he couldn’t stomach pieces even if he doesn’t trade an expensive player such as Jake the listless play any longer. Voracek or James van Riemsdyk, or lose one of them in the expansion draft. He would have used colorful language — like you probably have while watching the team underachieve this season — and he probably would Scott supports head coach Alain Vigneault and his assistants but wasn’t have said that no job was safe. Not the players, coaches, or exactly thrilled at the job they did this season. management. Scott was asked who is the most accountable for the season: coaches, Snider was far from perfect as the team’s chairman and cofounder. He players, or management. sometimes interfered too much, and that led to some bad decisions (see “You look at it, and it’s the coaches’ jobs to make sure the players are Ilya Bryzgalov, wannabe cosmonaut). ready to play,” he said. “We’ve been showing up not ready to play. I But no one could match his passion for the team. mean, the guys have gotten off to slow starts in, what, 19 of the last 21 games” and allowed the first goal. Scott, the Flyers’ relatively new head honcho, is more reserved and hands-off when compared to Snider. But he cares deeply, works hard at “But I don’t think there’s just one thing that you can point to” for the poor his job, and, though he has other duties for Comcast Spectacor, says he season, he said. “All I can tell you is that we’re going to have a busy is invested “24/7” in the hockey team. summer. I’m determined to get his thing back on track, and that ‘s everything from spending to the cap and giving the resources to Chuck His style is not to interfere. He trusts the people running the team on a and A.V.” daily basis and relies on their knowledge to build the Flyers’ first Stanley Cup champion since 1975. It starts in goal Scott knew Snider for 20 years and worked closely with him for 2½ years As far as making multiple changes to the roster, Scott doesn’t believe it’s before Snider died in 2016. necessary. “He was always about hiring the right people and letting them do their job,” Scott said. “That’s what I’m doing. That’s what you have to do.”

Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211658 Philadelphia Flyers The Flyers’ planned to take a good look at defenseman Cam York, their first-round pick in the 2019 season, before the end of this season.

A week ago York scored his first professional goal to go with two assists Flyers Notebook: Goal drought ended, Farabee tallies again in 7-2 win to spark the to a 6-5 win victory. over Pens But York sustained a lower body injury that could delay an appearance with the Flyers until next season.

By Bob Grotz 3 hrs ago Meanwhile goalie Felix Sandstrom is tearing it up at Lehigh Valley. Previously coach Alain Vigneault doubted Sandstrom would debut with the big-league club this season.

Joel Farabee woke up Monday with a career-high 16 goals, tied for the There’s always a chance that could change, for Vigneault said he and Flyers’ lead with James van Riemsdyk. general manager Chuck Fletcher are in constant discussion on who to play as the season winds down. Six of those goals came during an 8-3 Flyers start. Just six goals have come in the last two months, the Flyers winning only five of their last 17 NOTES >> Goalie Alex Lyon stopped 35 shots Monday to collect his first games entering a two-game series with the East Division-leading win in four starts this season. Brian Elliott starts Tuesday. "He really gave Pittsburgh Penguins Monday at Wells Fargo Center. us a chance tonight," Vigneault said … Vigneault was asked to evaluate forward Kevin Hayes, back in the lineup this past Saturday. “I thought Farabee got another goal Monday, just when the Flyers needed it. After defensively Kevin was in the right position,” Vigneault said. “Offensively, securing a 4-0 lead, the Flyers gave up two goals in the first nine minutes he had a couple of looks. Hopefully it’s a step in the right direction for of the final frame. But it was lights out after Farabee got his 17th goal him.” Hayes scored the first goal of the game Monday, marking the first with 8:23 left, the Flyers prevailing 7-2. time the Flyers got the first goal in 11 straight starts... Monday marks the Farabee almost did cartwheels after breaking a nine-game goalless beginning of a stretch in which the Flyers play their final five games over drought against the New Jersey Devils last Saturday. Unfortunately, he an eight-day span … The Flyers now are 5-2 this season versus the was the only Flyer to find the net in a 4-1 setback. The lack of scoring Penguins (34-16-3, 71 points) … The Flyers snapped a three-game punch is right there with Carter Hart’s mysterious regression among the losing streak. They hadn’t lost four in a row in the regulation since the dubious story lines of the Flyers’ season. 2018-19 season.

Though 20 goals would be an accomplishment for the 21-year-old Delaware County Times LOADED: 05.04.2021 Farabee, he hasn’t lost sight of the big picture.

“Every time I’m out there just do anything I can to help the team,” Farabee said Monday afternoon. “Whatever happens points-wise happens. If we can get two points tonight that would be great.

“Every time you see the puck go into the back of the net it definitely gives you some confidence. Hopefully, I can bring that over into this little two- game series, and hopefully we get some things going.”

The Flyers (23-22-7) are floating around the fringe of the NHL like a bunch of survivors of a shipwreck in a life raft. For the players, there is little to look forward to other than playing the role of spoiler and the community initiatives.

Monday was the Flyers’ annual Pride Night celebration to promote inclusivity in hockey and support the LGBTQ community.

Fans at Wells Fargo Center were greeted with the iconic rainbow hues representing the LGBTQ community at every turn. The Pride Night celebration also included a donation by Flyers Charities to the William Way LGBTQ Community Center.

Farabee sported the Flyers’ Pride T-shirt for his media availability. He, Shayne Gostisbehere and Scott Laughton banded together for another photo. Players warm-up sticks were wrapped in rainbow pride tape for the pre-game skate, and will be auctioned off.

“I think just overall it’s one of those days you look forward to in the season,” Farabee said. “I think it goes well with the cancer night, too. It’s really cool in warmups. Everyone uses the tape and obviously the message it brings is really important, too. We’re just happy we can use our platform to express that. It’s a great initiative.”

Ideally, the Flyers had their fingers crossed they’d still be in the playoff hunt at this point of the season. That goal a pipe dream, the next best thing would be making Sidney Crosby and the Penguins sweat. It seemed like only yesterday that the Flyers opened the season with a convincing sweep of the Penguins.

“Every game is important this league whether you’re in or out,” Farabee said. “Obviously, the season hasn’t gone the way we wanted it to. But these are definitely big games. We can hopefully spoil some of their aspirations. Obviously they’re pushing for first place.”

More than 40 graduating high school seniors from the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation and members of their families will be guests of the Flyers when they host the Penguins Tuesday.

All the students are dedicated Snider Hockey participants in numerous hockey, education, life skills and scholarship programs. 1211659 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers' 2021 photo day a reminder of Oskar Lindblom's perseverance

JORDAN HALL

The Flyers on Monday morning held their annual team photo at the Wells Fargo Center. The club takes on the Penguins tonight in Philadelphia (7 p.m. ET/NBCSP).

Last season, the Flyers held their photo day in March 2020, just a few days before the NHL suspended the regular season because of the coronavirus pandemic. Despite being in the middle of his cancer fight and having lost his blonde hair, Oskar Lindblom was present for the team picture, smiling and wearing his No. 23 jersey.

"Fantastic, every time he shows up," Matt Niskanen said on March 10, 2020. "The guy never stops smiling."

A picture of Lindblom from this season's photo day served as a powerful reminder of Lindblom's perseverance. The 24-year-old Swedish native completed his radiation treatments in July 2020 and has remained cancer-free, playing in 45 games this season.

“Every time I look at him, I see a beautiful young man," Flyers head coach Alain Vigneault said last month. "I wish he had the same hairdo that he had last year, but it’s coming back. I have flashbacks sometimes of when we had to tell him in Denver that he had cancer — we didn’t quite know what type it was, but we had to send him back to Philly. Some of the flashbacks that I have are him every time he’d be around the team with no hair, smiling and being positive. I think it made everybody in our group — players and coaches and management that were close to Oskar — realize how important every moment is, to make sure that you're always at your best and doing the right things when you see someone go through that, such a wonderful person."

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211660 Philadelphia Flyers

Will Flyers 'show up as a team,' spoil some things for division leaders?

BY JORDAN HALL

Coming off three straight losses to the seventh-place Devils, the Flyers (22-22-7) welcome the first-place Penguins (34-15-3) to Philadelphia for a back-to-back set starting Monday.

Let's get into the essentials for the game:

When: 7 p.m. ET with The Warm Up at 6 p.m. ET and Flyers Pregame Live at 6:15 p.m. ET

Where: Wells Fargo Center

Broadcast: NBC Sports Philadelphia

Live stream: NBCSportsPhiladelphia.com and the NBC Sports MyTeams app

• The Flyers haven't played the Penguins at the Wells Fargo Center since the season's first two games. The Flyers won both matchups by a combined score of 11-5, fueling the high expectations around the team.

By simply looking at the records, everyone can see the clubs have gone in different directions since that season-opening two-game set.

The Flyers have gone 20-22-7 after those pair of victories, while Pittsburgh has gone 34-13-3 and sits atop the East Division.

The Penguins come to Philadelphia having won 10 of their last 13 games. They are two points ahead of the second-place Capitals, who have a game in hand on Pittsburgh.

The Flyers are playing for jobs and pride at this point as management ponders how to rework a group that fell well short of expectations. Perhaps the Flyers will jump on the challenge of making things difficult for the Penguins and Capitals. The Flyers have these two games against Pittsburgh, two more with Washington and then their regular-season finale versus New Jersey.

"At this point, we’ve got to worry about ourselves and how we play and try to play as a team," Claude Giroux said after the Flyers' 4-1 loss Saturday. "Just battle out there. Obviously, it doesn’t matter who we play, we need to show up as a team here."

• The Penguins have a losing record against only two East Division teams.

They've gone 2-3-1 against the Flyers and 3-4-1 against the Bruins. Against the other five teams in the division, they've gone a combined 29- 8-1.

Projected lineup

Forwards

Claude Giroux-Sean Couturier-Travis Konecny

Joel Farabee-Kevin Hayes-Jakub Voracek

James van Riemsdyk-Nolan Patrick-Nicolas Aube-Kubel

Oskar Lindblom-Scott Laughton-Wade Allison

Defensemen

Ivan Provorov-Justin Braun

Shayne Gostisbehere-Robert Hagg

Travis Sanheim-Philippe Myers

Goalies

Alex Lyon

Brian Elliott

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211661 Philadelphia Flyers • With 34 saves, Alex Lyon earned his first NHL win since Feb. 1, 2020. "It just gives me a lot of confidence that, yes, if I just do the things that I

know I can do, I can play here," Lyon said. Where has this been? Flyers have themselves a night to bump Penguins One of his stops was of the acrobatic variety in the first period and kept out of 1st the Flyers' lead at 1-0.

"Everybody was extremely happy with his battle level, his compete level 6H AGO — he really gave us a chance," Vigneault said. "What we did tonight was we made the other team pay for their early mistakes and Alex made BY JORDAN HALL some big saves, they had some real good looks. No doubt that he was a big part of tonight’s win."

The 28-year-old allowed his first goal in the third period when Sidney s the East Division's first-place team came to Philadelphia, the Flyers Crosby made a highlight-reel redirection look nonchalant for a power play showed a style of play in which their fan base was hoping to see a lot of goal. Jason Zucker added another man advantage goal after a this season.A questionable goalie interference call on Joel Farabee. The problem is it felt more like an aberration given the Flyers have The Flyers have allowed an NHL-high 43 power play goals after allowing watched other clubs clinch playoff berths. The Flyers blew out the only 38 though 69 games last season. Penguins, 7-2, Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center. Farabee, who had a three-point game, made up for his penalty with an After three straight regulation losses, all to the Devils, the Flyers (23-22- insurance goal to push the Flyers' lead back to three at 5-2. 7) matched their season high in goals and improved to 5-2-0 against Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh netminder Casey DeSmith nearly made an insane glove save on Hayes' game-opening goal. It was just the start of DeSmith facing a Weird year, right? barrage. The Flyers got after him with 37 shots and he was pulled at In the Alain Vigneault era, the Flyers have never lost four straight in second intermission. regulation. But this season, the Flyers have won consecutive games only • Monday was Pride Night at the Wells Fargo Center. once since March 1. Unfortunately for the Flyers, that fact will sum up their 2020-21 fate, while Monday night's win will serve merely as a blip on "It's really cool in warmups, everyone uses the tape and stuff like that," the club's overall, postseason-less picture. Farabee said before the game. "The message it brings is really important, so we're just happy we can use our platform to express that. Via tiebreakers, the Penguins (34-16-3) fell into second place behind the It's a great initiative." Capitals. • Wrapping up their eight-game regular-season series, the Flyers and • The you-never-know Flyers that is the 2020-21 club looked a lot more Penguins are right back at it Tuesday in Philadelphia (7 p.m. like the 2019-20 team on Monday night. The Flyers were in attack mode ET/NBCSP). and completely wore down Pittsburgh, a team that is vying to win the East Division and entered Monday tied for second in the NHL with 3.37 Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 goals per game.

The Flyers had 30 shots by the halfway mark of the game and finished with a season-high 45. They held a 4-0 lead at second intermission. The last time the Flyers had held a 4-0 lead or four-goal advantage was last season on March 1, 2020, against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

"I think every night your goal is to go out there and get as many pucks to the net as you can," Travis Konecny said postgame. "I just think the way we played the first two periods, just being above and creating turnovers kind of gave us the opportunities to get all those shots. It's definitely a plus. I’ve been saying it all year — we know we can play the right way, it’s just a matter of us doing it."

Perhaps there's some validation to the Flyers' victory and record against Pittsburgh. But until they prove it again in an actual stretch of games, it's hard to believe there's thick substance to it. There's a base there, but the Flyers need much more help this offseason.

• Since the start of March, the first period has become a recurring nightmare for the Flyers. Going back to the beginning of March, the Flyers had trailed first in 24 of their 33 games and been outscored 47-19 in the first period. In their previous four games, all against the Devils, they were outscored 5-1 during the opening frame.

The seventh-place Devils left town, the first-place Penguins rolled in and the Flyers' first-period fortunes oddly flipped.

Kevin Hayes, Shayne Gostisbehere and Claude Giroux all scored goals to hand the Flyers a 3-0 advantage. The Flyers had gone 10 games in a row without a first-intermission lead.

In the third period, Giroux added his second of the game with an empty- netter and Robert Hagg gave the Flyers the point after a touchdown to cap things off.

With three assists, Jakub Voracek moved into 10th place on the Flyers' all-time points list.

• Throughout his development as a prospect, Wade Allison's shot has been highly advertised. He put it on display to hand the Flyers their 4-0 lead. 1211662 Philadelphia Flyers “Let’s get through the season here, and we’ll be able to analyze what happened in more depth,” he said. “If you’ve got a question about tonight’s game, I’ll answer that. But as far as analyzing what’s happened and why it’s happened, I’ll do that at the end there.” With season’s end in sight, Flyers at a loss to explain why a promising campaign fell apart: O’Connor’s Observations And Friday after practice.

“I’ve been getting questions in that form here for a little bit here, and like I’ve said on every occasion, now’s not the time to reflect on the past,” he By Charlie O'Connor May 3, 2021 repeated. “We’ll do that once the season is over, I’ll answer all your questions at that time.”

The idea of being “focused on the present” isn’t inherently the wrong one, Not even four games against the New Jersey Devils could get the 2020- of course. The problem is that when the team on the ice is making the 21 Philadelphia Flyers back to their winning ways. present miserable to watch, and no one is either able to or willing to talk After barely squeezing out a shootout victory over the Devils due to a about the past, there just isn’t much to discuss — period. Aside from late-third period surge on Sunday, the Flyers quickly showed that it was more and more losses, of course. the comeback that was the anomaly, not the poor play that required it. Interestingly enough, Vigneault hinted on Friday that he does have an Three losses later, and the team’s season is all but over. The playoffs are overarching theory for why the Flyers’ season went off the rails, even if officially an impossibility rather than merely highly unlikely. Another losing he’s not going to speak it aloud to the media until after May 10, when this month (April) is in the books. And just five games remain before the front season comes to a merciful end. office will embark on an especially critical offseason. “Some guys for different reasons, haven’t been able to get their games to But before that can happen, hard questions will have to be answered where it needs to be. I have an idea of the reason behind it,” he offered. regarding what happened this season. So far, those answers have been “I’m not willing to share that at this time. At the end of the year, we’ll talk lacking, as the Flyers’ dispiriting season slowly sputters to a conclusion. and I’ll answer your questions.” 1. A team lacking answers to give Will his answer be satisfying to a frustrated fanbase? Probably not. In the wake of Saturday night’s 4-1 loss to the New Jersey Devils — their They’re long past the point of viewing explanations as anything other third straight to a club that entered the week 15 points behind the Flyers than excuses. But at least it’ll be an answer. — Claude Giroux’s sentiment at the end of his first answer in his media 2. Gostisbehere knows changes are coming availability was as telling as a detailed explanation could have been. The players certainly aren’t ignorant to the situation, of course. They “To be honest, I’m not too sure what to say here,” he admitted. know this season was a massive disappointment and an outright It’s become abundantly clear that, with five games remaining, the organizational failure, especially accounting for the sky-high expectations Philadelphia Flyers simply have no satisfactory answers for how and why that preceded it. Unsurprisingly, it was the typically blunt Shayne the 2020-21 season devolved into disaster. They can’t explain why they Gostisbehere who cut right to the heart of the matter last week. keep falling behind early in games. Why so many players can’t seem to “We realize, obviously, some changes are gonna come,” he said. “We’re buy a goal. Why one mistake tends to snowball into a second and a third, not stupid in that sense. It’s our lives too, we know sometimes is gonna a phenomenon that Giroux pointed out later in the session. Why the happen.” confidence that allowed them to play with a constant attacking mentality in the second half of 2019-20 has been replaced by hesitancy and It wasn’t said in angry or bitter fashion — merely a statement of fact from passiveness. And why, above all else, they won’t even have the a player who has lived through the Flyers’ 2020-21 season and knows opportunity to participate in the playoffs later this month. what is likely to follow it. At this point, it would be more surprising if general manager Chuck Fletcher delivers a ho-hum, tweak-things- Sure, there are reasons. Explanations like the league-worst save around-the-edges offseason than one full of eye-catching moves. percentage, the glaring void in the defense left by the Matt Niskanen retirement that was never filled, the stagnation or even regression of That’s not to say that Fletcher will blow up the team. But 2020-21 made it most of the under-25 section of the roster, even the strange season itself, plain to see that the team’s inherent roster weaknesses — the lack of an which became even more demanding due to the team’s February pause impact right-handed blueliner, too few forwards with shooting mentalities, caused by a COVID-19 outbreak. But those are big-picture reasons. The the absence of a viable backup plan in case of a Carter Hart regression smaller picture comes into focus every time the Flyers hit the ice. — were significant enough that they will hold this team back from true Stanley Cup contention even in normal seasons. Take this four-game set versus the Devils. It’s not that the Flyers were a structural mess — in fact, they led in five-on-five expected goals in three The Flyers most likely aren’t this bad from a true talent standpoint — of the four games and won the xG battle in aggregate by an 8.29 – 5.61 2020-21 was something of a Murphy’s Law year. But it sure doesn’t look margin. But numbers aside, Philadelphia rarely looked dangerous, like they’re good enough, either. The “hope that improvements will come playing at a level that would inspire an increasingly dwindling crowd at an from within” strategy apparently isn’t going to cut it. Add in the already-sparse Wells Fargo Center to get excited about the show. It’s as combination of fan anger and apathy — the paid attendance for if the Flyers are doing an unconvincing impression of all the things that Saturday’s game was 2,683 but the numerous empty assigned seats an actually competitive club would do. And they’re at a total loss to sure made it seem like the actual attendance was far lower — and an describe why that seems to be the case. active offseason looms as even more essential if Comcast Spectacor wants to guarantee a packed house come October when hopefully the The players lack answers. Head coach Alain Vigneault might have them, COVID-19 situation is under enough control to allow for full attendance at but he’s made it abundantly clear that he’s not sharing, at least right now. games. On multiple occasions over the past week, Vigneault has been asked to reflect on the season at large. The message has always been the same: 3. Zamula makes his debut, impresses not yet. Before prospect Egor Zamula made his NHL debut Tuesday, Vigneault First, before the game on Thursday, when Carter Hart’s season was was asked why the organization felt the 21-year old was now ready for officially halted. the highest level of hockey, especially coming after a training camp in which he struggled mightily from a physical standpoint against NHL- “Now’s not the time to reflect on any particular player, even though caliber competition. Vigneault was honest and blunt in his answer: he Carter’s season is over,” he noted. “We still have work to do here. We might not be. still have seven games to play. Once the season is done, I’ll be able to answer those questions in more depth but at this time I don’t think it’s the “I don’t know if he’s ready,” Vigneault chuckled a few hours before puck right time to talk about that.” drop. “We’re going to get an opportunity to see what he can do.”

Then, in the wake of Thursday’s loss, which mathematically eliminated But Zamula didn’t look out of place at all. While he was given heavier the Flyers from playoff contention. usage (19:19 minutes) in his first game, it was in his second appearance when Zamula looked his best. And it was the signature aspect of his 50 game that stood out the most: his poise with the puck. 1.96 Zamula’s instincts with the puck are undeniable — he has a calmness and decisiveness that has long been a central element of his game, Travis Konecny which in tandem with his strong passing ability from a physical 1 standpoint, often leads to deceptively difficult feeds to teammates. He also showcased a willingness to make the riskier but higher-reward pass 5 down low to a forward on the cycle rather than resorting to the easier D- 45 to-D pass, a sign of early confidence at the NHL level. 2.17 That said, Zamula’s first two games weren’t perfect. At times, his calm can look like a lack of urgency, especially when facing a high-pressure Michael Raffl forecheck. He also occasionally looked lost in the defensive zone in coverage — though in fairness, the same could be said for the entirety of 1 the Flyers’ blueline corps this season — and was still clearly trying to find 6 the balance between aggressively attacking opposing forwards and understanding the need to play contain at times. In one instance in his 34 debut, Zamula crossed over to his partner’s side of the ice to challenge an entry — an obvious sign of overaggressiveness that can lead to a 2.86 collapse in structure. Nolan Patrick On the whole, however, Zamula impressed. He didn’t look out of place 2 physically (he even was quite active in net front battles) and also posted strong advanced metrics at five-on-five (60.0 percent Expected Goals for 2 Percentage), albeit in a small sample. With Shayne Gostisbehere back healthy, Zamula was returned to the minors before Saturday’s game and 47 will require a traditional recall (using one of the Flyers’ remaining two) in 4.08 order to return for one of the team’s final five games. That’s not a guarantee. Still, he certainly made his presence felt. Morgan Frost

4. Hayes the newest “healthy” scratch 2

Back in late January, when Vigneault made the decision to scratch Travis 47 Konecny, it was a controversial decision that sent shockwaves through the fanbase and the league at large. Vigneault’s scratching of veteran 2 Kevin Hayes on Thursday simply didn’t have the same effect — likely 50.00 because fans are simply too drained to be angry, especially when it comes to a player whose offensive game has been missing in action for Oskar Lindblom weeks. But it was still noteworthy, for a few reasons. 3 “Kevin, like all players at this time, is not 100 percent, but also, in my estimation even though he’s not at 100 percent, he should be playing 3 more efficiently and better than he is right now,” Vigneault said prior to 45 puck drop on Thursday. 6.25 Vigneault’s acknowledgment of Hayes’ health shouldn’t be ignored. Hayes has certainly looked like a player battling injury for quite a while Shayne Gostisbehere now; his skating stride in particular has seemed limited and lacking 4 power. It at least provides an explanation for why Hayes has just three points (no goals) in his last 16 games. 9

That said, Vigneault made it clear that the scratching wasn’t merely 38 injury-driven, and confirmed it by pushing Hayes right back into the lineup on Saturday. Sure, Hayes is clearly hampered, but this wasn’t like 9.52 Vigneault’s scratching of Oskar Lindblom and Nolan Patrick at the end of Nicolas Aubé-Kubel March, driven more by sympathy for their physical conditions. This was a remedial move meant to send a message to Hayes, who was poised to 6 play in his 500th NHL game that night. 0 “He’s a proud young man that wants to be a Flyer and wants to be a big part of being a Flyer,” Vigneault noted. “Like I said, he’s not 100 percent, 45 but his play is dictating more tonight, the fact that he’s not playing. I really 11.76 believe that he can be quite a bit more effective at both ends of the rink.” Philippe Myers 5. A breakdown of the 2020-21 healthy scratches 6 Hayes, of course, isn’t the first Flyers player to be healthy-scratched by Vigneault and the coaching staff this season. But which players have 6 incurred the staff’s wrath the most? 39 To answer that question, here’s a breakdown of each skater who began the 2020-21 season on the 23-man roster and was scratched for non- 13.33 injury (or COVID-19) reasons this season, and how often each player Robert Hägg was scratched. This should help to provide an idea of who was sat the most, relative to how often they were actually available to play. 8

Flyers healthy scratches 11

Kevin Hayes 32

1 20.00

0 Mark Friedman 12 moment — Konecny’s point is well-taken. Giroux’s effort, in particular, has been difficult to question, especially after he dragged his team back 0 from the cliff of sure defeat last Sunday in the third period versus the 4 Devils. How frustrating has it been for Giroux that — as a lead-by- example style captain — his efforts haven’t led to better play from the 75.00 team as a whole? I asked him last week that question, and Giroux predictably deferred. Erik Gustafsson “Yeah, it’s definitely frustrating to be a player in the situation that we’re in 17 right now. We believe that we’re a playoff team, and to be not even in the 0 race at this point of the season, it’s very disappointing. Last year we took a huge step forward, and we weren’t able to get that momentum from last 24 year and keep winning games. It’s definitely frustrating and disappointing.” 41.46 8. Yes, Hart’s season really was that bad Unsurprisingly, Mark Friedman leads the way, sitting in 12 of 16 games before he waived and claimed by the Pittsburgh Penguins, ending his Carter Hart’s 2020-21 season officially came to an end this week, when Flyers career. Erik Gustafsson ultimately was scratched on 41.46 percent the Flyers chose to pull the plug on his attempted return from what was of occasions, the tell-tale sign of an acquisition that just didn’t work out originally thought to be a minor knee sprain. It’s nothing that should linger for both sides. Then, there’s Robert Hägg, who has received treatment throughout the offseason, but there was no real reason to rush Hart back befitting that of a seventh defenseman. for a few more games in a lost season given the fact that his recovery process was apparently taking longer than expected. Out of the “big name” players, Myers and Aubé-Kubel lead the way with six scratches each, though Myers has been scratched more often on a The final stat line: A 9-11-5 record, a 3.67 goals-against average, an .877 game-by-game basis after accounting for his early-season injuries. As for save percentage, and per Evolving-Hockey, a negative-24.45 Goals the others? Konecny and Hayes received one-game sit-downs, Patrick Saved Above Expectation rate. In other words, across 27 appearances, and Lindblom’s scratchings didn’t last long and stretched the definition of Hart allowed about 24 and a half more goals than Evolving-Hockey’s “healthy” given both players’ comeback attempts (as did Raffl’s), and public expected goals model deemed he “should have” stopped. Gostisbehere’s removal from the lineup was limited to that stretch in March. Where do these results rank next to other poor seasons by NHL goalies in the recent past? Not well. Since 2007-08, only two netminders — Vesa 6. Who has drawn the most penalties this season? Toskala (2009-10) and Curtis Joseph (2008-09) — appeared in at least 20 games and posted a worse single-season save percentage. As for the One proxy way to measure dangerous puck possession is penalties GSAx advanced metric, after accounting for minutes played, Hart’s 2020- drawn. While some penalties are called for fluky reasons, generally 21 season was the fourth-worst of any goalie since 20070-08 (which is speaking, a player draws a penalty in the NHL by putting an opponent in when shot location began to be tracked by the NHL). Just Jimmy Howard an uncomfortable position and forcing him to do something that he’d (2019-20), Manny Legace (2008-09) and Steve Mason (2011-12) rather not do simply to slow down said player. In other words — it’s a performed worse. last-resort defense. So which players have drawn the most this season for the Flyers? So yes, Hart’s season really was that bad.

First on the list is Jakub Voracek, who has drawn a whopping 20 9. Why haven’t we seen Felix Sandström? penalties — his highest mark since 2017-18. Next up is Claude Giroux at 17, with Sean Couturier trailing close behind at 13. Kevin Hayes and With Hart on the shelf for the rest of the season, some have raised the Travis Konecny round out the top five with 11 each. question of why the Flyers have yet to give goalie prospect Felix Sandström a crack at his NHL debut. After all, he’s spent extended time Part of this, of course, is a product of ice time — those players rank first, on the Flyers’ taxi squad this season, and as a third-round pick (2015), second, third, fourth and sixth in total minutes this season among he does have the pedigree. Vigneault, however, threw cold water on the Philadelphia forwards. But even after controlling for minutes played, idea before puck drop on Saturday. Voracek, Giroux and Couturier still rank 1-2-3. “Felix just has a small sample size in the American League, has played In other words, the vets. extremely well the last two games,” Vigneault acknowledged. “If I’m thinking today, I would say it’s gonna be Brian (Elliott) and Alex (Lyon), 7. Vets’ effort not in question in Flyers’ room but things are always evolving and changing, so you never know.” One of the primary topics of conversation once a season gets to this In other words, don’t hold your breath for a Sandström recall. point — when the playoffs are no longer a possibility and the next big event on the calendar is the final game of the year — is whether a group But why not? Well, even setting aside the sample size argument that has packed it in. Given up. Stopped pushing. So when Philadelphia’s top Vigneault put forth, the hard truth is that Sandström just doesn’t have that line — Giroux, Couturier, Voracek — and its top defensive pair (Ivan impressive of a track record. In ten AHL appearances, he Provorov and Justin Braun) were the only five players not on the ice for has a .901 save percentage, and in 25 games in the ECHL in 2019-20 he practice on Friday, the criticisms started piling up on social media. “Great posted an .885 rate. Sandström’s athleticism has always popped, and he example they’re setting,” the grumblers grumbled. has delivered three straight very strong efforts for the Phantoms, hinting that just maybe, he’s starting to figure out the North American game. But As it turns out, Vigneault granted players an off day for the opposite this is a 24-year old goalie who has yet to show he can thrive at the reason. minor league level for an extended period of time. Add in the fact that the “I gave the day off to five players today that logged a lot of minutes Flyers only have two post-trade deadline recalls remaining, and it yesterday,” Vigneault noted in the wake of the skate. wouldn’t at all be a surprise if Sandström doesn’t end up getting one of them. So it wasn’t a case of older players taking the option — it was the coach rewarding those players for their effort. An effort that just minutes later, 10. Final recalls? Konecny felt the need to praise unprompted in his own media session. So who might get those last two recalls during the final five games? “I think the biggest thing that I’ve noticed is, if anyone could pack it in, it Cam York feels like a good bet for one of them. Chuck Fletcher came up could be our top guys who have all the trophies and records and these just short of promising that York would get a look at the NHL level this things, and at this point in time, they’re our hardest working group, season after York signed his entry-level contract, and York’s play in the leading the way,” he said. “If anyone else is packing in, then that’s not the AHL was trended upward before a minor lower-body injury knocked him right thing to be doing, because our leaders are the ones pushing right out of action. He was back in the lineup on Sunday for the Phantoms, now.” however, and presumably — so long as he stays healthy — will nab one Aside from the comment about trophies — Couturier has a Selke, but of those spots. aside from that, the Flyers veteran core is a bit lacking in hardware at the As for the final one? Well, the Flyers don’t have to use it — there’s no requirement, after all. That said, they could always bring Egor Zamula back up for a second look, this time using a traditional recall rather than the emergency recall (which doesn’t count against the four) that they used for his first two NHL games. Maybe Linus Sandin could get a look. The Sandström possibility wasn’t dismissed completely, though it should be viewed as unlikely. And in theory, they could give one of Tyson Foerster or Zayde Wisdom a look, though considering their young ages and the fact that neither has been promoted yet, that seems far from a lock. The Flyers have options, but it very well could end up just being York getting his shot at some point during these final five contests.

All statistics courtesy of Evolving-Hockey.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211663 Pittsburgh Penguins of arms, sticks and legs as well as past DeSmith’s glove for his ninth goal. Assists went to forwards Travis Konecny and Claude Giroux.

The Flyers took a three-goal lead shortly after that at the 15:12 mark. Empty Thoughts: Flyers 7, Penguins 2 Corralling a rim on the left half wall of the offensive zone, Flyers forward Sean Couturier sent it back to the end boards where Konecny deflected

the puck off the near side of the cage to the left circle where Giroux SETH RORABAUGH | Tuesday, May 4, 2021 3:24 a.m. claimed possession and ripped a wrister past DeSmith’s glove hand on the far side for his 15th goal. Konecny and Couturier tallied assists.

A botched line change by the Penguins allowed the Flyers to claim a Observations from the Penguins’ 7-2 loss to the Flyers: four-goal lead 7:50 into the second period. As Penguins forwards Evgeni Malkin and Kasperi Kapanen casually made their way to the bench – First things first, backup goaltender Casey DeSmith, who got the start, which is on the far side of the ice for second periods – Gostisbehere took was pulled after two periods due to an undisclosed injury. advantage of the vacant ice and snapped a stretch pass from behind his Any prolonged absence by him would be significant given the drop-off on own net for forward Scott Laughton at the offensive blue line. Pushing the Penguins’ organizational depth chart. Journeyman Max Lagace, who play through the right circle, Laughton drew in Penguins defenseman hasn’t played an NHL game since February of 2019, would presumably Mark Friedman and fed a pass to rookie forward Wade Allison, trailing on be in line to take over as the backup should DeSmith be sidelined for any the sequence. Leaning down Allison snapped off a wrister that squirted period of time. between DeSmith’s left arm and ribs for his second career goal. Assists went to Laughton and Gostisbehere. As for the game, it was ugly. The Penguins got on the scoreboard 2:30 into the third period with a Trying to dissect this one would be like trying to perform an autopsy on power-play score. Malkin fed a pass from the high slot to defenseman roadkill. Kris Letang above the right circle. From there, Letang slid a hard pass to In terms of goal differential, it was the Penguins’ worst loss of the the right of the net where forward Sidney Crosby tapped a dazzling season, eclipsing an 8-4 road setback against the New York Rangers on redirection that slipped over the left shoulder of goaltender Alex Lyon on April 6. the near side for his 21st goal. Letang and Malkin netted assists.

It was also the seventh game they’ve allowed five or more goals this It became a two-goal game at 8:24 of the third late on another power- season with three of those contests taking place within the hostile play opportunity. From the right point of the offensive zone, Penguins boundaries of Philadelphia. defenseman John Marino lobbed a wrister towards the cage. Penguins forward Jason Zucker, battling Flyers defenseman Justin Braun for Thankfully for the Penguins, they won’t face the Flyers in the postseason position above the crease, reached out to deflect the puck over Lyons’ as their cross-state rivals were formally eliminated from playoff right shoulder on the far side for his eighth goal. Marino and Kapanen contention on Thursday. recorded assists.

The Penguins should count their blessings for that. Any threat of a comeback was trampled by the Flyers who finished the game with three unanswered goals. Of the seven teams the Penguins have played this season – thanks to the NHL’s pandemic restrictions – no team has scored on them quite like At 11:37 of the third, Farabee collected his 17th goal. After Voracek won the Flyers. a puck battle against Penguins defenseman Cody Ceci in front of the Penguins’ bench, Voracek slipped a pass along the wall to Farabee. In fact, the Flyers have averaged just over a goal per game more against Facing minimal resistance from the right wall, Farabee made his way to the Penguins than any other East Division squad: the net and put a forehand shot past Jarry’s blocker on the far side. flyersgoals Assists went to Voracek and defenseman Travis Sanheim.

For whatever reason, the Flyers can consistently pull the Penguins into The Penguins pulled Jarry in a vain attempt to make it a competitive run-and-gun affairs, especially near the shores of the Delaware River. contest but yielded another goal, this time to Giroux at 17:39 of the third. Any notion of defensive structure by the Penguins gets abandoned by the There were no assists. attraction of trading goals. It’s fun to watch – depending on what team The lopsided nature of this contest was punctuated at 18:55 of the third. you’re rooting for - but not very conducive to winning on a consistent Off a give-and-go sequence with Farabee, Hagg uncorked a wrister from basis. the slot that toasted Jarry’s glove for his second goal. Farabee and When the Keystone State’s teams meet up, it’s probably safe to bet the Voracek had assists. over. Statistically speaking

“We just gave up way too much,” Penguins defenseman Marcus • The Flyers dominated shots, 45-27. Pettersson said via video conference. “Our start was bad in the first period. We got lured into a chance-for-chance game with them. We know • Konecny led the game with seven shots. we’ve got to be better than that. • Forward Teddy Blueger led the Penguins with five shots. “We all know that’s not going to cut it in the playoffs moving forward.” • Letang led the game with 25:19 of ice time on 27 shifts. What happened • Defenseman Ivan Provorov led the Flyers with 23:51 of ice time on 32 The Flyers opened the scoring 5:58 into regulation. Pushing play into the shifts. offensive zone on the left wing, Flyers forward Joel Farabee chucked a wrister on net from the half wall. DeSmith made the initial save but • The Flyers dominated faceoffs, 47-22 (68 percent). allowed a rebound that clunked off the end boards and deflected to the • Couturier was 18 for 20 (90%)! right of the crease. Flyers forward Kevin Hayes corralled the bouncing puck and snapped a quick wrister that appeared to be denied by a • Giroux was 11 for 14 (79%). sprawling, desperate DeSmith who batted the puck away with his glove. • Penguins forward Jeff Carter was 10 for 20 (50%). Play continued until a television stoppage during which off-ice officials reviewed the sequence and ruled the puck had crossed the goal line • Crosby had a really rough game on the dot going 4 for 19 (21%). before DeSmith cleared it. Hayes was credited with his 12th goal of the season off of assists from Farabee and forward Jakub Voracek. • Penguins defenseman Mark Friedman led the game with four blocked shots. It became a 2-0 contest through more conventional means at 14:08 of the first period with a power-play goal. Taking a pass at center point of • Gostisbehere and Braun each led the Flyers with three blocked shots. the offensive zone, Flyers defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere surveyed • DeSmith recorded the loss after making 33 saves on 37 shots. for a shooting lane and whacked a slapper that sailed through a phalanx • Jarry made five saves on seven shots. • Lyon made 35 saves on 37 shots. • This has nothing to do with this game, but arguably the brightest moment connected to Pittsburgh hockey on Monday took place a few Randomly speaking hours north in Buffalo.

• Malkin returned to the lineup after missing 23 games due to a Sabres goaltender Michael Houser, a 28-year-old native of Youngstown, suspected right knee injury. It’s difficult to say he had a strong game, Ohio who grew up in Wexford playing for the former Pittsburgh Hornets even if you account for the assist he had as well any possible rink rust youth program, recorded a win in his first career start. A nine-year from such a long layoff. professional who has primarily played in the ECHL during his career, His lackadaisical effort on his line change – along with Kapanen – kind of Houser was given a start due to the Sabres’ various issues, particularly punctuated this game for the entire team. with regards to all their injuries in net, and led his team to a 4-2 home win against the New York Islanders by making 34 saves on 36 shots. Malkin logged 14:07 of ice time on 23 shifts, recorded three shots on four attempts and was 6 for 17 (35%) in the faceoff dot. Historically speaking

• Malkin replaced Jared McCann on the top power play and that change • With a roughing minor at 17:52 of the second period, Malkin recorded clearly paid off as he helped set up Crosby’s goal. his 984th career penalty minute and surpassed forward Troy Loney (982) – one of the toughest players in franchise history - for second place on For all the talk of the Penguins’ success on the power play with McCann the franchise’s career penalty minutes list. Only power forward Kevin in recent weeks, the Penguins haven’t been that successful over the past Stevens (1,048) has more. week with the man advantage. In their previous four games, they were 0 for 9 with the power play. • Gaudreau appeared in his 100th career game. That’s no small thing for a player who has had taken the long road in getting back to the NHL. • With Malkin back, the Penguins changed up their bottom three lines. Malkin skated with Zucker at left wing and Kapanen on the right wing. Publicly speaking Meanwhile, Carter centered the third line with McCann on the left wing • With a rematch looming on Tuesday, Voracek summed this game up and Frederick Gaudreau, who was promoted from the fourth line, on the pretty well for both teams: right wing. “We were just faster than them I think. Obviously, (the Penguins are) one The fourth line was composed of Zach Aston-Reese on the left wing, of the best teams in the league but it happens to every team. Sometimes, Blueger at center and Colton Sceviour. you just don’t have the legs. We were just faster, fresher than them. It’s probably safe to assume none of those changes had their desired That’s why we won the game. I’m sure they’re going to come out way effects. harder and way more prepared in (Tuesday’s) game. But sometimes, especially in this season, you just don’t have it. They didn’t have it, we • The Penguins’ top line of Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Rust had a very did. That’s why the score was like that. (Tuesday’s) game is going to be rough game. According to Natural Stat Trick, they generated five shot way, way different.” attempts and allowed 20 shot attempts against while primarily going against the Flyers’ top line of Giroux, Couturier and Konecny in five-on- • Pettersson spoke about how the Penguins have played so well with five situations. depleted lineups compared to their effort on Monday:

• Speaking of Crosby, his goal snapped a three-game scoreless streak, “When we’ve had guys out of the lineup, you see how we play. We play his longest such streak of the season. tight as a five-man unit with speed. … We’ve got to find our way back to that. … When we play hard and we defend, we create our own offense. • Judging either DeSmith or Jarry in this contest would be unfair given That’s something that we’ve got to find our way back to.” how much duress they were under. • Sullivan on the game: • With defenseman Mike Matheson sidelined on a week-to-week basis, Friedman got back into the lineup for the first time since March 4. “I just don’t think we were on our game. I don’t think we were skating. I Primarily paired with Ceci, Friedman logged 13:02 of ice time on 21 shifts don’t think we were playing the game that we’ve played here for a long and had two shots on three attempts. time that’s brought us success. When we’re at our best, I think we’re a team that plays on its toes. There’s an element of simplicity associated The chemistry Matheson and Ceci have developed as the second with our game that gives us a chance to be successful and makes us defensive pairing over the course of the season has been apparent to the hard to play against. I just didn’t think we were on our game tonight.” naked eye. The drop-off in terms of cohesion between Ceci and Friedman was fairly clear. If the Penguins hope those two are going to be • Zucker gave an upbeat assessment of Malkin’s return: a steady duo, they need to get on the same page. “I thought (Malkin) was good. He was good with the puck. He made some • Given his talent and and the success he experienced earlier this nice plays. … It’s always tough getting back into it after that long of a season, it’s tempting to wonder if left-handed P.O Joseph deserves a time off. He didn’t seem like he missed any time. He was making great chance at cracking the lineup during Matheson’s convalescence. plays. He was heads-up with the puck as he always is.”

• Matheson’s absence snapped a 23-game streak for the Penguins in Visually speaking which they dressed the same six defensemen. Considering how much • Game summary. their blue line was beat up in the early portions of the season, that’s a pretty good run. • Event summary.

• For what it’s worth, Friedman formally identified the injury he suffered • Highlights: on March 4 as a concussion. To this point, the team merely used the nugatory “upper-body injury” description with regard to his ailment. Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021

• Just looking at the Flyers on paper then seeing them in how they usually light things up against the Penguins, it’s a head-scratcher as to why they’re not a better team. This is a deep roster with lots of skill, particularly up front. There are some holes on defense and obviously goaltending is always a big question mark given starter Carter Hart’s regression this season, but this team is too talented to not be a playoff contender.

• Even if this was a rout, don’t dismiss how well Lyon played. He had to make some tough saves including one of the best in the NHL this season at 9:29 of the first period when it was still a one-goal game. Off a rebound from a screened wrister by Kapanen, he reached back to scoop out a loose puck from rolling into the cage while Zucker fell on top of him.

A goal there and this is potentially a very different game. 1211664 Pittsburgh Penguins associated with our game that gives us a chance to be successful and makes us hard to play against.

“I just didn’t think we were on our game tonight.” Penguins routed by Flyers in forward Evgeni Malkin's return Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, May 3, 2021 9:52 p.m.

The Penguins welcomed forward Evgeni Malkin back to their lineup for a road contest against the hated Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center on Monday.

Activated from long-term injured reserve, Malkin played his first game since suffering a suspected right knee injury March 16.

For anyone with a rooting interest in the Penguins, it was a cause for celebration.

It was also largely the only thing worth celebrating Monday.

Despite the presence of Malkin, the Penguins were routed, 7-2, by a Flyers team that had been eliminated from postseason contention Thursday.

To make matters worse, backup Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith, who got the start and served as little more than target practice behind a porous defense, was pulled after two periods due to an undisclosed injury, according to coach Mike Sullivan. He finished with 33 saves on 37 shots and recorded a loss.

“We just gave up way too much,” defenseman Marcus Pettersson said via video conference. “Our start was bad in the first period. We got lured into a chance-for-chance game with them. We know we’ve got to be better than that.”

The Flyers blitzed the Penguins with three goals in the first period by forward Kevin Hayes (his 12th at the 5:58 mark), defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere (his ninth on a power play at 14:08) and forward Claude Giroux (his 15th at 15:12).

The hole got deeper at 7:50 of the second period. Off a bad line change in which Malkin and linemate Kasperi Kapanen were slow in getting to the bench – which is at the far end of the ice during the middle period – a stretch pass by Gostisbehere allowed forward Scott Laughton to set up rookie forward Wade Allison for his second career goal.

Tristan Jarry replaced DeSmith to open the third period and the Penguins seemed to garner some temporary momentum by that change starting with a power-play goal 2:30 into the final frame.

Malkin, who replaced forward Jared McCann on the top power-play unit, fed the puck from the high slot to defenseman Kris Letang above the left circle. From there, Letang dished a hard pass to the right of the cage, where forward Sidney Crosby tapped a brilliant deflection over goaltender Alex Lyon’s left shoulder on the near side for his 21st goal.

That assist was the lone bright spot for Malkin, who logged 14:07 of ice time on 23 shifts and recorded three shots on four attempts. He was also 6 for 17 (35%) on draws.

“It’s always tough getting back into it after that long of a time off,” said Malkin’s linemate, Jason Zucker. “He didn’t seem like he missed any time. He was making great plays. He was heads up with the puck as he always is.”

Zucker made a heads-up play with the puck on a deflection for a power- play goal, his eighth of the season, at 8:24 of the third period to make it a 4-2 contest.

Any notion of a comeback was strangled out of existence by the Flyers, who blasted the Penguins with three unanswered goals to cap the scoring. Forward Joel Farrabee (his 17th at 11:37 of the third), Giroux (on an empty net at 17:39) and defenseman Robert Hagg (his second at 18:55) all padded their statistics by taking advantage of a terrible defensive effort by the Penguins.

“I just don’t think we were on our game,” Sullivan said. “I don’t think we were skating. I don’t think we were playing the game that we’ve played here for a long time that’s brought us success. When we’re at our best, I think we’re a team that plays on its toes. There’s an element of simplicity 1211665 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins notebook: Defenseman Mike Matheson out several weeks

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, May 3, 2021 7:56 p.m.

Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson will be sidelined on a week-to- week basis with a suspected face injury.

His status was announced by coach Mike Sullivan via video conference Monday afternoon.

Matheson was injured during the second period of Saturday’s 3-0 road win against the Washington Capitals when Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry inadvertently lifted a clearing attempt into the left side of Matheson’s face.

Matheson has 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) in 44 games this season.

During Monday’s road game against the Philadelphia Flyers, Matheson was replaced by defenseman Mark Friedman, who manned the left side of the second pairing with right-handed Cody Ceci.

It was Friedman’s first game in nearly two months. His most recent game was a 4-3 home loss to the Flyers on March 4. Friedman left that contest during the second period with a suspected head injury.

Before Monday, Friedman, whom the Penguins acquired through waivers Feb. 24, had played in six games this season and had two points (one goal, one assist).

Front and center

With forward Evgeni Malkin returning to the lineup after being sidelined for 23 games with a suspected right knee injury, the Penguins deployed an embarrassment of riches at their center position Monday.

With Sidney Crosby and Malkin assuming the first- and second-line center roles, Jeff Carter, a two-time All-Star, opened centering the third line. Teddy Blueger manned the fourth-line center slot.

“From a forward position, we’re as close to healthy to as we’ve been since Day 1 of training camp. We’re still not there yet but we’re inching closer, and that’s encouraging from our standpoint. It gives us the balance that I think we need to have success when the stakes are high. We’re excited about the group that’s assembled here. We think we have the makings of a pretty good hockey team. Now, we’ve got to go out and put it together. We’ve got to earn it on the ice.”

Familiar foe

Carter played his first game as a member of the Penguins in Philadelphia since he was acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Kings on April 12.

A member of the Flyers for the first six seasons of his 16-year career, Carter said there was no significance in a return to Wells Fargo Center as a member of the Penguins.

“I’ve been gone for 10 years,” Carter said. “To be honest with you, it doesn’t feel any different. Just another game for me at this point.”

Injury updates

The Penguins are still missing forwards Evan Rodrigues and Brandon Tanev.

Rodrigues remains sidelined on a day-to-day basis because of a suspected left ankle injury. During the second period of Thursday’s 5-4 overtime win against the Washington Capitals, Rodrigues was struck on the left ankle by a one-timer from Matheson.

Absent for two consecutive games, Rodrigues, who can play all three forward positions, has appeared in 35 games this season and has 14 points (seven goals, seven assists).

Tanev missed his 15th consecutive game because of an undisclosed injury. Sullivan said Tanev was given clearance for contact in practices and morning skates. Tanev, on long-term injured reserve, participated in Monday’s morning skate without any limitations.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211666 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin to return against Flyers

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, May 3, 2021 12:47 p.m.

Penguins forward Evgeni Malkin is scheduled to return to the lineup for Monday’s road game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center.

He has missed the past 23 games due to a suspected right knee injury.

Malkin’s status was announced by coach Mike Sullivan via video conference.

In 29 games this season, Malkin has scored 24 points (eight goals, 16 assists).

Notes:

• Per Sullivan, defenseman Mike Matheson will be sidelined on a “week- to-week” basis due to a suspected face injury. During Saturday’s 3-0 road win against the Washington Capitals, Matheson left the contest during the second period when he was struck in the face by a puck.

• Forward Evan Rodrigues remains sidelined on a “day-to-day” basis due to a suspected left ankle injury. During Thursday’s 5-4 overtime road win against the Capitals, Rodrigues left that contest in the first period after being struck by a puck.

• Forward Brandon Tanev remains sidelined due to an undisclosed injury. He was given clearance to participate in practice in a full-contact capacity.

Tanev has missed the past 14 games due to his ailment.

• Per a team spokesperson, the Penguins will start goaltender Casey DeSmith.

In 19 games this season, DeSmith has an 11-6-0 record, a 2.42 goals against average, a .913 save percentage and two shutouts.

With the Penguins scheduled to face the Flyers again on Tuesday, they will presumably start Tristan Jarry in that contest.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211667 Pittsburgh Penguins As Mike Tyson said, “Social media made you all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.”

The mute function is the next best thing. Mark Madden: Kris Letang has been great for Penguins, despite what Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021 Twitter suggests

MARK MADDEN | Monday, May 3, 2021 10:59 a.m.

One of the best things about the Pittsburgh Penguins’ excellent season is Twitter has had to absorb a sharp stick in the eye, or perhaps someplace a bit further south.

When the Penguins obtained defenseman Mike Matheson, he was called the new Jack Johnson.

When defenseman Cody Ceci signed, he and Matheson were labeled the Jack Johnson twins.

But Matheson and Ceci are playing so well that they have become the team’s No. 2 defensive pair, usurping John Marino and Marcus Pettersson. This has gotten Matheson and Ceci ignored by Twitter, which hates to be wrong.

The Penguins don’t miss Johnson. Twitter certainly does.

Twitter instead scapegoats Kris Letang, showing just how remarkably stupid Twitter is.

Twitter has never liked Letang.

Letang has 41 points in 51 games and is a team-best plus-18. He had an assist and was plus-3 in Saturday’s 3-0 victory at Washington. Letang is weighing risk vs. reward and managing score and situation. The Penguins have turned much more systemic, and Letang is buying in.

At 34, Letang is having one of his best seasons. The eye test and fancy stats mostly confirm.

But that doesn’t matter to Twitter. If Letang makes one mistake — as he did, in coverage, when the Penguins gave up a late goal and ultimately a loser point in Thursday’s overtime win at D.C. — Twitter descends viciously because Twitter roots for Letang to fail.

Twitter reflects the sad tribalism that ruins society. Twitter doesn’t judge objectively. Twitter picks sides, plays favorites and warps reality. Twitter needs to be right, especially when it’s not.

Twitter thinks Letang can’t possibly play well. That’s Twitter’s story. “THEY WON THE CUP IN 2017 WITHOUT HIM!”

Yes, we know. But the Penguins won a Stanley Cup in 2009 and ’16 with Letang playing a major role. Letang scored the Cup-winning goal at San Jose in ’16.

Twitter is 10% OK, 90% cesspool. If it required the use of real names and profile photos, Twitter would be much better, maybe even tolerable.

But it doesn’t, so morons operate under a smooth, anonymous handle like @RutherfordHater. That lampoons the ex-Penguins GM who got Pittsburgh two Cups and is still helping the Penguins win via his acquisitions of Ceci, Matheson and Kasperi Kapanen this past offseason.

Twitter’s idiocy isn’t limited to the Penguins.

Witness the backwash that occurred during and after the Steelers draft.

The NFL Draft is a crapshoot. Pro teams draft college kids. Those kids jump to a much higher level where the game is played quite a bit differently. It often takes years for a team to really know what it has. Who knows if a pick is good or isn’t?

Twitter does, or thinks it does.

That’s fine. When it comes to sports, Twitter has always been talk radio distilled to a 24/7 barrage that’s unfortunately addictive.

Knee-jerk reaction is one thing. But to make conflict deeply personal and obscenely insulting — over a draft pick! — is vile and sickening. It was much worse than decorum lets me describe.

But if you’re part of Twitter, this is the business you’ve chosen.

I’m often no better. I wish I were. But Twitter is a tangled web. 1211668 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins Prospect WATCH: Nathan Legare leads Val-d'Or to QMJHL quarterfinals

SETH RORABAUGH | Monday, May 3, 2021 8:01 a.m.

A weekly look at how Penguins prospects and minor leaguers have fared over the past seven days:

• In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) postseason, forward Nathan Legare scored a goal for the Val-d’Or Foreurs in a series- clinching 4-1 road win against the Baie-Comeau Drakkar in Game 3 of a second-round series on Tuesday.

Val-d’Or swept the best-of-three series and will face the Rimouski Oceanic in the quarterfinal round.

A third-round pick (No. 74 overall) in 2019, Legare, 20, is signed to a three-year entry-level contract that has yet to begin.

• In Finland’s Mestis championship final, goaltender Joel Blomqvist was pulled after allowing three goals on three shots in only 3:08 of ice time for Hermes which dropped Game 5 of the series, 8-3, to Kettera on Thursday.

Kettera won the best-of-five series, 3-2.

A second-round pick (No. 52 overall) in 2020, Blomqvist, 19, has yet to sign with the Penguins.

• In the American Hockey League (AHL), defenseman P.O Joseph recorded two assists for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in a 2-1 overtime home win against the rival Lehigh Valley Phantoms on Wednesday.

Acquired in a 2019 trade, Joseph, 21, is in the second year of a three- year entry-level contract.

• On Friday, goaltender Alex D’Orio made 23 saves on 24 shots for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton in a 3-1 road win against the Binghamton Devils.

An undrafted free agent signing in 2017, D’Orio, 22, is in the second year of a three-year entry-level contract.

• Forward Sam Miletic had a goal and an assist for Wilkes- Barre/Scranton in a 4-3 overtime home loss to the Hershey Bears on Saturday.

An undrafted free agent signing in 2017, Miletic, 24, is currently signed to a one-year, two-way contract.

• In the (WHL), forward Lukas Svejkovsky scored two goals for the Medicine Hat Tigers in a 6-2 road win against the Lethbridge Hurricanes on Thursday.

A fourth-round pick (No. 108 overall) in 2020, Svejkovsky has yet to sign with the Penguins.

Statistics

(Players currently on the NHL roster and taxi squad are excluded.)

Forwards and defensemen penguinsforwards

Goaltenders penguinsgoaltenders

*-Current team

(All figures are through Sunday.)

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211669 Pittsburgh Penguins The team’s other options in Matheson’s absence include lefties Juuso Riikola and Pierre-Olivier Joseph and righty Chad Ruhwedel. Joseph, who did some good things early this season, has been in the American Hockey League since March 5. Penguins notes: Mike Matheson out week-to-week after taking puck to face More on the injury front

Evgeni Malkin getting the green light to return Monday against the Flyers wasn’t the only piece of positive injury news shared by Sullivan before MATT VENSEL the game.

MAY 3, 2021 3:05 PM Brandon Tanev took another step forward in his recovery. He participated in the morning skate without contact restrictions. But he did not play

Monday. PHILADELPHIA — Mike Matheson is out “week-to-week” after getting Tanev has skated in just two games since March 18 as he has on two cracked in the face with a puck Saturday, putting his bounce-back occasions been sidelined by an upper-body injury. At this point, he season on pause. appears to be good to go for the start of the playoffs. The question is During the second period of that 3-0 win in Washington, Tristan Jarry’s whether he will rejoin the lineup before the end of the regular season. clearing attempt caught Matheson underneath the visor. The Their next game is Tuesday in Philadelphia. defenseman went down in a heap and blood dripped onto the ice as he Evan Rodrigues, who suffered a lower-body injury Thursday when he got got up onto his hands and knees. He covered his face with a white towel hit by a Matheson one-timer, did not participate in Monday’s morning as he went to the dressing room. skate. The forward, who is day-to-day, briefly watched the morning skate Matheson did not return and the Penguins would have to hold off the from the bench. Capitals with five defensemen. Mark Friedman skated alongside Cody Malkin’s return led to a significant reshuffling of the Penguins’ forward Ceci when the Penguins visited the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo lineup. Center on Monday. He was reunited with Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen on the second The fluky play ended a stretch of 23 straight games in which Penguins line. coach Mike Sullivan deployed the same three defensive pairs. They went 16-5-2. Sullivan liked what he has seen from Jared McCann and Jeff Carter and wanted to keep them together. Freddy Gaudreau joined them on the third Linesman Libor Suchanek, center, tries to split up the Flyers' Philippe line Monday. Myers, left, and the Penguins' Evgeni Malkin during the second period of an NHL game Monday, May 3, 2021, in Philadelphia. Zach Aston-Reese, Teddy Blueger and Colton Sceviour made up the fourth. Evgeni Malkin’s return unable to spark the Penguins in their confounding 7-2 loss vs. the Flyers “It gives us the balance that I think we need to have success when the stakes are high,” Sullivan said. “And so, yeah, we’re excited about the It also abruptly and disappointingly cut short the regular season for group that’s assembled here. We think we have the makings of a pretty Matheson, the 27-year-old who was acquired from Florida in the Patric good hockey team.” Hornqvist deal. Carter’s happy to be back The Panthers, who once envisioned Matheson as a future top-pairing defenseman, moved on from him last fall after they made him a healthy Carter, who began his career with the Flyers, didn’t have much to say scratch on multiple occasions in the 2019-20 season, including their final Monday when asked by a reporter about being back in town with his new two playoff games. team. But Carter, whom the Penguins acquired from the Los Angeles Kings last month, was more willing to chat about being back in the Former general manager Jim Rutherford correctly believed that the playoffs for the first time since 2018. Penguins could get Matheson’s career back on track. Matheson’s elite speed and edge work proved to be a good fit in Sullivan’s up-tempo “It’s been a little bit of a journey to get back but I’m definitely excited. You attack, and assistant coach Todd Reirden and the organization helped know, it’s a first step in getting to where everybody wants to be,” the two- the blue-liner build back up his confidence. time Stanley Cup-winner said. “Hats off to the team for playing like they did all year. And for myself, personally, it’s real nice to get back and have After an uneven start, Matheson settled in alongside Ceci and the two another shot at it.” newcomers climbed ahead of Marcus Pettersson and John Marino on the depth chart. In his last 20 games, Matheson had three goals, 12 points Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2021 and a plus-8 rating.

Matheson has tantalized at times with his skating, puck skills and offensive flair. For example, entering Monday he led all NHL defensemen in wraparound tries. And his defense has been good enough to keep the focus on the offense. In particular, his stick work in his own end has been strong, per Sportlogiq’s tracking.

With Matheson’s status for the first game of the playoffs in question at this point, Friedman was given the first chance to fill his spot in the lineup.

Friedman was claimed off of waivers from the Flyers in late February, making him the first acquisition made by new general manager Ron Hextall. The 25-year-old is a right-hand shot but has said he is comfortable playing on the left side.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin carries the puck up ice against the Flyers defense Thursday, March. 4, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh.

With Evgeni Malkin’s return looming, which version of the star center will the Penguins get?

He played two games for the Penguins in early March, both against his old team, before spending several weeks on injured reserve with an upper-body injury. 1211670 Pittsburgh Penguins said, acknowledging later, “I didn’t envision us coming out and having this type of game. But this is the human aspect of sports and we’ve got to find a way to move past this.”

Evgeni Malkin’s return unable to spark the Penguins in their confounding Tristan Jarry replaced DeSmith, who stopped 33 of the 37 shots he 7-2 loss vs. the Flyers faced, after the second intermission. DeSmith suffered a lower-body injury, Sullivan said.

Sidney Crosby scored on the power play early in the third to get the MATT VENSEL Penguins on the scoreboard. It also snapped the captain’s three-game scoring skid. MAY 3, 2021 9:56 PM Zucker added another power-play goal to make the game briefly

interesting. PHILADELPHIA — Evgeni Malkin was back in the Penguins lineup But Joel Farabee scored to get a gleeful Gritty gyrating again. The Flyers Monday night. There was not much else to smile about, unless you’re poured it on with a pair of late goals, including an empty-netter. They some kind of a masochist. finished the game with 45 shots. Nineteen of them were from the slot, The Penguins were dominated by the Philadelphia Flyers in a 7-2 loss at according to Sportlogiq. Wells Fargo Center and lost their grip on the top spot in the East Division “When we’ve had guys out of the lineup, you see how we play. We standings. played tight as a five-man unit [and] with speed. We played a physical It was a confounding end to what was an exciting day for the Penguins, game,” Marcus Pettersson said. “As you saw this weekend [in who hope the return of the big Russian will propel them on a deep Washington], when we play hard and we defend, we create our own postseason run. offense. That’s something we’ve got to find our way back to.”

Malkin, who had been sidelined since March 16 with a lower-body injury, In the lopsided loss, Malkin logged 14:07 of ice time, notched an assist was again a full participant when the Penguins took the ice for their and posted a minus-3 rating, though two of those goals against came morning skate at Wells Fargo Center. As the players stretched at center during garbage time. He was part of the top power-play unit, bumping following the workout, Malkin nodded as coach Mike Sullivan quietly Jared McCann back to the second unit. That had been a subject of shared a few words with him. curiosity as Malkin neared his return.

Pittsburgh Penguins center Evgeni Malkin carries the puck up ice against Malkin was injured in a loss to the Boston Bruins at PPG Paints Arena on the Flyers defense Thursday, March. 4, 2021, at PPG Paints Arena in March 16. His right knee collided with the right knee of Bruins Pittsburgh. defenseman Jarred Tinordi. He briefly returned to that game but would go on long-term injured reserve. With Evgeni Malkin’s return looming, which version of the star center will the Penguins get? The 34-year-old, after a series of skates with the taxi squad or on an individual basis, was elevated to full participation during the team’s April Moments later, Sullivan officially declared that Malkin was ready to rock. 28 practice. He was activated from injured reserve Monday.

He then stressed that the rest of his players had to keep doing what they “[He] was good. He was good with the puck. He made some nice plays,” had been doing — defend hard, work together and make wise choices Zucker said. “I haven’t talked to him about how he was feeling but it’s with the puck. always tough getting back into it after that much time off. He didn’t seem like he missed any time.” “That’s the message we’ve been preaching here for quite some time and we’ll continue to preach that,” he said. “And everybody has to take The Penguins get a chance to get back on track at Wells Fargo Center ownership of their own respective game and their contribution to helping on Tuesday, when they face off against the rival Flyers for the final time this team win.” this season. They will then close out the regular season with two home games against Buffalo. The Penguins did not heed any aspect of Sullivan’s message later that night. Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2021 They came out flat two days after a dominant win over the Washington Capitals gave them sole possession of first place. The Flyers, who have been in a free-fall for a few weeks now, scored three goals on 18 shots in the first period.

“I just don’t think we were very good tonight. I think that showed pretty quick,” Jason Zucker said. “We were fighting it from the first shift, it seemed like.”

Kevin Hayes got the scoring started when he emerged from behind the net with the puck and barely flipped it across the goal line. Casey DeSmith sprawled to swat it away. But a video review confirmed that the puck had broken the plane.

Mike Matheson #5 of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Garnet Hathaway #21 of the Washington Capitals battle for the puck during the second period at Capital One Arena on May 01, 2021 in Washington, DC.

Shayne Gostisbehere scored on a power play then Claude Giroux got another after an unfortunate bounce behind the net put the puck on his stick in front.

After Giroux’s goal, Kris Letang skated straight to the bench then smashed his stick on the doorframe, snapping the shaft and sending the blade spinning away.

The frustration continued during the second period. The Flyers caught the Penguins sleeping on a line change and Wade Allison increased their lead to 4-0.

“I don’t think we were skating. I don’t think we were playing the game that we’ve played here for a long time that’s brought us success,” Sullivan 1211671 Pittsburgh Penguins But not this time. Not by a long shot. • Mike Matheson is out “week to week” with an upper-body injury. He was

hit by a puck Saturday and didn’t return to that game. Given that The Yohe’s 10 observations: A night for the Penguins to forget in Matheson was hit in the face, we can speculate all we want, but it’s Philadelphia difficult to determine what the injury is. It could be a broken facial bone. It could be an eye injury. It could be a concussion. It could be something else.

By Josh Yohe 4h ago I’ll tell you this much: It’s potentially a big problem for the Penguins. Matheson, in my view, is at worst the Penguins’ fourth-best defenseman

right now. Kris Letang and Brian Dumoulin are in a league of their own That didn’t go quite as planned. and Cody Ceci’s steadiness has been something to see. But don’t discount how important Matheson has become. His defensive The Penguins, 48 hours removed from a flawless performance in breakdowns, which were considerable in the early going, have been Washington that left them in control of their destiny to win the East basically nonexistent since late March. He’s playing very, very high-level Division, laid an enormous egg against the struggling Flyers in a 7-2 hockey. The offensive prowess in Matheson’s game is legitimate. He shellacking on Tuesday night in Philadelphia. very much helps the Penguins’ transition game. I can’t say enough good things about the way the guy is playing right now. It was a staggeringly bad performance from the Penguins, who now could finish the season 3-0 and would still require a little bit of help from His departure from the lineup, for any period of time, could represent a the Capitals and Bruins to win the division. It’s perfectly conceivable that real problem. John Marino and Marcus Pettersson are wonderful for a the No. 1 seed in the East will still be theirs, of course, but the Penguins third pairing. However, those two might become the second pairing no-showed a game against their biggest rival with the division title very should Matheson be unavailable when the postseason begins. much within their grasp. Pettersson has been average at best this season and Marino, while he is playing better, hasn’t reached last season’s brilliance at any point this 10 postgame observations season. It’s not the end of the world if Matheson is out for a playoff • I don’t think anyone saw this coming, and to act so would be utterly series, but it’s not a good thing. disingenuous. However, I have detected something of a trend. • So, who replaces Matheson? It was Mark Friedman, who played in his Let’s look back at this season and identify some of the Penguins’ best first game in two months. I didn’t think he was very good, but he hadn’t wins of the season. We’ll start with Saturday night in Washington, an played in quite some time and his teammates weren’t exactly clicking on awesome performance in a 3-0 victory. I’d also go back to April 25, when all cylinders either. the Penguins suffocated the Bruins in a 1-0 victory that wasn’t as close I can’t help but think about P.O Joseph. His first few games with the as the score indicated. Also, the Penguins put on quite a show in Penguins were sensational. He faded noticeably in his past few games defeating the Bruins 4-1 in Boston on April 1. Those were all examples of before being sent to Wilkes-Barre, but he was playing with Letang in the Penguins playing a particularly magnificent brand of playoff-style those games. Letang isn’t easy to play with, especially for a rookie. I hockey, the type that could potentially propel them on a Stanley Cup think Joseph is clearly at his best when he has the puck on his stick a lot, quest this spring and summer. and when you play with Letang, you aren’t going to have the puck much. Do you know what those games have in common? In the games that Joseph’s inclusion in the lineup would keep the Penguins’ defensive pairs followed those impressive victories, the Penguins went 0-3 and were with three left-handed players and three right-handed players, which is outscored 17-8. I don’t know why, but when the Penguins have played at what Sullivan prefers. Also, when considering what the Penguins will be their best this season, they almost always follow it up with a dud. There missing without Matheson, Joseph most clearly mirrors his style. Both were plenty of reasons for the Penguins to look flat Monday, and being are gifted offensively and outstanding skaters. You don’t want Joseph two days removed from an emotional victory like what we saw Saturday killing many penalties, but then, that’s not Matheson’s thing, anyway. can be the recipe for such a thing. It doesn’t really make it any better, though. It’s still a brutal loss. Maybe Matheson will be back when the playoffs begin. But maybe he won’t. There are other options. But if you play Friedman or Chad • I’m not in the excuse-making business for the Penguins. They stunk in Ruhwedel, you’ll have four righties in the lineup. I think that’s a problem. this game. It was an unusually unprofessional performance from a team that has made a habit of playing professional hockey this season. And do you really think Juuso Riikola is better than Joseph? Riikola isn’t bad by any stretch. Good depth guy to have around. But is he better than But I will say this: The way the schedule is set up this season pretty Joseph? I don’t think so. much begs for the occasional awful loss. It has happened around the league. Washington recently lost at home to Buffalo. In fact, the Islanders • Speaking of injuries, Casey DeSmith was yanked after the second lost to the Sabres while the Penguins were getting steamrolled in period for a “medical reason,” Sullivan said. He permitted four goals in Philadelphia. two periods of work. I’d hardly blame DeSmith for anything that happened in this game. The Penguins allowed an outrageous 45 shots The Penguins had two showdowns against Boston last Sunday and on goal, 37 of which came against DeSmith in the first two periods. He Tuesday, then had to play two equally emotional games in Washington wasn’t great, but he was overwhelmed. on Thursday and Saturday. One day off, and then they headed to Philadelphia for back-to-back games. It’s a lot. Yes, they’re millionaires. If there’s anything seriously wrong with him, it serves as a significant Yes, they’re paid well to play a focused brand of hockey every game. But problem for the Penguins. There’s not much goaltending depth in the they’re also human and this schedule isn’t what they are accustomed to. Penguins system behind DeSmith. Tristan Jarry will be the guy in the Look around the NHL. The bad teams aren’t always losing to the good playoffs, and should be. But it’s nice to have some backup, just in case. teams right now, as you’d normally expect. • Oh, yeah, Evgeni Malkin made his return to the lineup. He finished with No one wants to hear that, and I get it. But it’s difficult to maintain the an assist on Sidney Crosby’s power-play goal, was a minus-3 and had kind of focus we saw from the Penguins in Washington, especially when three shots on goal. dealing with regular-season games. The playoffs are a different beast. He looked a little rough in the first period, as you’d expect. But he looked • My colleague, the great Jesse Marshall, recently made the observation perfectly strong as the game went on. There’s going to be a common that, if you watch the Penguins closely in the first few minutes of a game, narrative that Malkin is screwing up the Penguins if they struggle after his you can typically determine how the evening will unfold. It’s so true. return, and this wasn’t an ideal return.

The Penguins were on their heels from the earliest moments of Monday’s But please, please, please don’t blame Malkin for anything that game. While the Flyers had nothing to play for but pride, they were the happened in this game. It was a collectively miserable team team that looked sharp and hungry. The Penguins were unable to muster performance. It was refreshing seeing Malkin back in the lineup. anything resembling a satisfactory forecheck. That, above all else, is how one can determine if Mike Sullivan’s team is mentally engaged. More • Jason Zucker scored in the third period, which is great. He probably times than not, they are. should have had three goals in this game. He had a tap-in, but the puck skipped over his stick in the second period. Something similar happened to him in the first period, when Zucker just needed to tap the puck across the goal line, only to have it hop over his stick.

He’s a curious case. He’s a good player and plays so hard. Despite the goal in the third period, he just needs to start scoring more regularly. He knows it. It just needs to start happening.

• If the Penguins play the Capitals at any point in the postseason, will Tom Wilson be available? He shouldn’t be. What a menace to the National Hockey League. He was starting to become unhinged in Saturday’s game against the Penguins, going after Teddy Blueger in the final moments. Looks like he was still having a tantrum Monday in New York.

• Let’s see how the Penguins come out of the gates Tuesday. It’s a quick turnaround but, if the Penguins want to win the division, they have to win this game. Bottom line.

Josh Yohe iAthletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211672 Pittsburgh Penguins ‘Only Artie could have done it’ Stevens took a shower immediately after the game, then was met by a

number of reporters, most of them from Boston. Sweating through his Kevin Stevens, Penguins-Bruins and the story behind the most famous white dress shirt in the heat of the locker room, Stevens said repeatedly, guarantee in Pittsburgh sports history “We’re going to win four straight. Write it. We’re going to win four straight.”

Stevens then saw some of the Pittsburgh reporters who weren’t initially By Josh Yohe May 3, 2021 involved in the gathering, called them over and repeated the same words to them.

“I’ll never forget it,” Bourque said. “I was headed back to my stall after BOSTON — On this night, 30 years ago, the Pittsburgh Penguins weren’t coming out of the shower. I’m putting my suit on, and I notice Artie is much of anything. They had never won the Stanley Cup, had earned only holding court with a bunch of reporters. I could hear every word he was one division championship in their 24 years of existence and, though they saying. I hear him guarantee that we’re going to win the series.” had finally reached the conference final in spring of 1991, no one was taking them seriously. Sure, they had . But the Penguins Bourque absorbed the scene, then relayed the information to one of the were always losers and, through two games against the Bruins, nothing Penguins’ elder statesmen. From the moment Stevens boasted the had changed. Penguins would win, not one of his teammates was upset with him.

Then, Kevin Stevens spoke. Life for the Penguins has never been the They loved it. same. “I walk up to Troy Loney,” Bourque continued. “And I said, ‘Did you hear In the steamy, cramped visitor’s locker room inside Boston Garden, what Artie just said? He just told all the reporters that we’re going to win Stevens, who had blossomed into perhaps the NHL’s premier power four straight. He guaranteed it.'” forward that season, guaranteed the Penguins would “win four straight.” Loney took the news in stride. And then they did. “Troy looked at me and said, ‘Fucking right we’re going to win the “Kevin is a man of action,” Ron Francis said. “He said what he believed.” series,'” Bourque said.

There have been other guarantees in hockey. Mark Messier famously Stevens didn’t speak just out of anger. He said the Penguins were going promised the Rangers would beat the Devils in Game 6 of the 1994 to win the series for a very specific reason. Eastern Conference final, then delivered a hat trick in New Jersey. Evgeni Malkin guaranteed the Penguins would beat the Lightning before “Honestly, I wasn’t afraid to say it because I knew were going to win,” he Game 6 of the 2016 Eastern Conference final. said. “I knew that because we had Mario. I still remember the look on his face after that game. I knew he wasn’t going to let us lose. So many But “Artie” Stevens, Joe Namath notwithstanding, was a real trendsetter. great players in that room. When you’ve got the best player who ever lived on your side, it makes it a little easier to say something like that. I Why did he do it? just didn’t care what anybody thought at that moment. I just never ‘I was just really, really mad’ doubted we were going to win, so I just blurted it out.”

Make no mistake, what Stevens did wasn’t premeditated, nor was it done The Penguins were not the least bit rattled by the bold prediction. It was to motivate his teammates. just Artie being Artie as far as they were concerned.

“I was just really, really mad,” he said recently. “Frustrated. So fucking “I didn’t know he did it until later,” Errey said. “I was on the bus already frustrated. I didn’t say it to fire us up. I just said it because I was angry because I just wanted to get the hell out of there. He was one of the last and because I knew we were going to win anyway, so what was the guys on the bus. He was still barking when he got on the bus. He got on difference? I didn’t do it to draw attention to myself or anything like that. I the bus and said, ‘Screw these guys. We’re winning four straight.'” just felt very strongly about it, so I needed to say it.” Those Penguins were loaded with talent and leaders. Lemieux, Francis, The Penguins had dropped Game 1 to the favored Bruins, 6-3. Lemieux’s Bryan Trottier, Paul Coffey, Jaromir Jagr, Errey and Loney were all team dramatic goal late in the third period of Game 2 gave the Penguins a 4-3 captains at some point in their careers. Other famously admired leaders lead. But referee Dan Marouelli then awarded the Bruins a five-on-three — and future Hall of Famers — like Mark Recchi, Larry Murphy and Joey power play. Back then, assault was typically required to trigger a penalty Mullen were in that locker room. So, too, were good players with big call in the third period of a close playoff game. However, within 17 personalities in Bourque and Ulf Samuelsson. seconds of one another, two of the Penguins’ key penalty-killers — Peter And yet Stevens, who was 26 at the time, was unquestionably the Taglianetti and Gordie Roberts — were penalized, giving the Bruins a Penguins’ vocal leader. five-on-three for 1 minute, 43 seconds. Craig Janney quickly scored to even the game. “I can’t think of another who could have said it quite like he did,” Bourque said. “Maybe Trots. Maybe Coff. But I don’t know. It wouldn’t have been Vladimir “Rosie” Ruzicka won the game for the Bruins in overtime. the same if anyone did it. Artie was different that way. He spoke like he To this day, many of the Penguins bristle at how the game ended. played. He was powerful. To say that, and to say it in his hometown? Only Artie could have done it.” “Here’s the thing,” Stevens said. “We never should have lost that game. We were better than them. We played better than they did. And then they ‘He did it for four games’ get a five-on-three? Everything about it was bullshit. Then the game- Stevens’ guarantee is the stuff of legend. He was right. The Penguins did winner goes across the goal line by about four inches. Christ, was I mad.” win four straight games. But perhaps history has forgotten how dominant For Stevens, everything about it was personal because the opponent he was after making the promise. was the Bruins. Five of the Penguins — Stevens, Phil Bourque, Tom “What Messier did with the hat trick in Jersey was incredible,” Bourque Barrasso, Taglianetti and Paul Stanton — were Boston natives. said. “But what Artie did was more incredible, because after he made the “It was always different for Artie when we were in Boston,” Bob Errey guarantee, he played at the level Messier played at for four straight said. “I think it was different for all of the Boston guys, but him especially. games. He did it for four games.” He took it hard when we lost to them. He was such a Boston guy. He’s Bourque isn’t wrong, but so many other memorable events occurred got the accent and everything. He trained with all of the Bruins in the during the next few days that Stevens’ on-ice performance has been lost summer. He knew all of those guys. He loves where he’s from. But he in time. Game 3 produced Samuelsson’s famous knee-on-knee hit on also took so much pride in being a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins. It Cam Neely, which affected the remainder of Neely’s career. That incident killed him to lose to that team.” triggered Boston coach ’s infamous meltdown that resulted And so it was a salty Penguins team that sat in the locker room when in him calling Penguins coach Bob Johnson “the professor of goonism.” reporters entered to ask questions about the game. “Milbury,” Stevens said with a booming laugh. “What a beauty that guy is. He just kept talking and talking. Probably not a good idea to piss us off. But it wouldn’t have mattered anyway.”

Through it all, Stevens broke out offensively. He started the scoring in Game 3 with a goal on a slap shot, and the Penguins won, 4-1. Samuelsson mocked goalie Andy Moog after he allowed the goal, a pretty good indication of the Penguins’ overflowing confidence.

They won Game 4 by the same score, and Stevens scored again.

Then came Game 5 back at the Garden. That was the evening many of these Penguins will tell you they knew they would win the Stanley Cup. In a building where the Bruins almost never lost, the Penguins strutted into Boston and won, 7-2. Stevens led the way with two goals and three assists. In the three games after his prediction, he put up four goals and four assists.

The Penguins put the Bruins away in Game 6.

“I couldn’t have made the prediction that Kevin made because I wasn’t capable of being that dominant,” Bourque said. “That’s the thing. He put a ton of pressure on himself by making that guarantee. Maybe that’s part of why he did it, to push himself. He went into total beast mode. It was unreal what he did.”

Stevens remains an icon in Penguins history and among the most popular teammates the franchise has known.

“It was perfect that he said it,” Errey said. “You know, it wasn’t a prediction like everyone makes it out to be. That’s what the press said. It’s just different when you’re a player. He just said what he felt. That was it. It wasn’t technically a fact because we hadn’t done it yet. But I’ll tell you, it wasn’t totally fiction, either. We knew we were going to win that series in our hearts. We knew. And you know what? He believed it. So he said it. And we believed it, too. So we just followed what he said. We followed him. He was just confirming how we all felt. It meant an awful lot to all of us that he had the guts to do it.”

No NHL team has won more than the Penguins’ five championships since 1991. They’ve become perhaps the NHL’s glamour franchise and are synonymous with the Stanley Cup.

In so many ways, the Penguins didn’t really become champions until Stevens spoke that night. The Penguins were tired of being losers, and their vocal leader wasn’t afraid to let the world know that times were changing.

“People were going to make a big deal out of it after I said it,” Stevens said. “I’d either look smart or look like an idiot. But it wasn’t really about that. I knew we were going to win, so I just said it. No team was beating us in four of seven games. I knew it. I’d say it again if I had to. I knew how great we were. I knew what we had. I just had so much confidence in those guys. It’s been 30 years, huh? Crazy. But I remember it like it was yesterday. I’ll never forget that night. I said what I felt. I said what I thought needed to be said.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211673 Pittsburgh Penguins

WATCH: Tom Wilson Assault on Buchnevich, Panarin Sparks Brawl

Published 6 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Chase Wilpert

In fairness, it was more of a short “Pedigree” reminiscent of Triple H’s WWE career than it was a DDT that Tom Wilson delivered on New York Rangers forward Pavel Buchnevich. The assault touched off an angry brawl midway through the second period in the Washington Capitals 6-3 win over the New York Rangers on Monday night.

The Washington win pushed them past the Pittsburgh Penguins and back into first place in the MassMutual East Division, but that won’t be the story on Tuesday morning.

During a pileup at the Washington net, Wilson drove Buchnevich’s face into the ice and delivered a punch for good measure. As the fists flew, Wilson grabbed New York star Artemi Panarin and pummeled him, too. Both kept the gloves on, but Wilson landed a fleury of punches until more Rangers grabbed Wilson and began throwing punches at him, too.

It was another wild situation which NHL’s leading villain set in motion during a season of borderline hits and calls for supplementary discipline.

Wilson was suspended for seven games in March for boarding Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo, which sent Carlo to the hospital. The NHL cited Wilson’s long history of disciplinary action. They didn’t cite the other close calls this season.

The situation drew an awkward tweet from the Capitals organization that seemed to revel in the brawl and the extra-legal hits which sparked the melee. Steer into the skid, I suppose?

Tom Wilson was given only a couple of roughing minors and a misconduct penalty. Not only did Wilson bulldog a defenseless Buchnevich, but Wilson also ragdolled then faceplanted Panarin while he continued punching, too. It sure seemed like intent to injure from the replays, which should have been an ejection.

“Just horrible. Zero respect,” Rangers center Mika Zibanejad said. “I don’t know why I’m surprised. Just horrible.”

Quote from ESPN. Wilson was allowed to remain in the game and even scored the Washington empty-net goal to seal the win.

The MSG network found a close-up of the near assault, and Wilson did some posing and mockery from the penalty box, too.

UPDATE: Watch this alternate angle video. It just gets worst.

Update #2: According to Sportsnet, the New York Rangers do not expect Panarin to play again this season.

Pittsburgh Hockey NowLOADED: 05.04.2021 1211674 Pittsburgh Penguins Later in the first period, after more domination, the Flyers scored a pair of goals 64 seconds apart.

After Kasperi Kapanen took an interference penalty, Shayne Final Analysis: Flyers Blow Past Disheveled Penguins 7-2 Ghostisbehere (9) unleashed a rising point shot through traffic which lit the lamp. 2-0.

After a recent rise in penalty killing, the Penguins PK has again fallen into Published 8 hours ago on May 3, 2021 the mid-20s.

By Dan Kingerski The Flyers rubbed a little salt in the Penguins’ bad period when Travis Konecny kicked the puck into the slot for Claude Giroux, who was

uncovered. Giroux (15) neatly snapped it past DeSmith. 3-0. Remember those final days of senior year, after the finals, after the prom, The Penguins had a couple of close calls. A pair of shots, including one after the college acceptance letters were received, but you still had to by Kasperi Kapanen, got past Philadelphia goalie Alex Lyon but were show up? The Pittsburgh Penguins were there Monday night, and bigger swatted away as they slid across the goal line. plans await, but the Philadelphia Flyers are going nowhere, so they threw a kegger. Philadelphia had 20 shots in the first period and generally controlled the Penguins. After the first 20 minutes, it was essentially over. The And just like a kegger, the Flyers got sloppy later in the night, while the Penguins were flat again in the second period, and the Penguins’ deficit Penguins gained their stride, but the Philadelphia rallied for a few late was too much to overcome. goals to create a blowout. Midway through the second period, the Malkin line was slow to get off the The Penguins found some hop in the third period, but it was too late. The ice, and the Flyers had easy three on two, which more closely resembled Philadelphia Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 7-2 at the Wells Fargo a two-on-one or a one-on none. Rookie Wade Allison slapped a bouncing Center on Monday night. puck past DeSmith from 10 feet away. 4-0. Evgeni Malkin returned to the Penguins lineup, but the blue line was Claude Giroux (16) filled the empty net late in the third period. He had a without Mike Matheson, so the Penguin had three new lines and a new three-point game (2-1). Robert Hagg (2) snapped a one-timer past Jarry defensive pairing. In addition to a level of disinterest, the Penguins were in the final seconds, too. also adjusting to the changes. Their game finally materialized in the third period. Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith wasn’t sharp, but his jersey should have come with clothes pins because his team hung him out to dry. The Flyers The addition of Malkin and the new blue line created three new lines and fired 20 and 17 shots in the first two periods, respectively. DeSmith a new defensive pairing. The resulting lack of coordination, chemistry, stopped 33 of 37 shots. He was not on the bench for the third period, and and intensity spotted Philadelphia a 3-0 lead in the first period. Tristan Jarry was in the net. The Flyers attempted to let the Penguins back into the game with four PHN will update DeSmith’s status as head coach Mike Sullivan updates consecutive penalties, including three in the early third period. Malkin the situation. returned to his spot on the top power-play unit. Jared McCann dropped to PP2. The Flyers had a 63% Corsi and 65%-35% scoring chance advantage in the first two periods. The Penguins’ first goal was a power-play tally by Sidney Crosby (21) early in the third period. Near the goal line, Crosby neatly deflected Kris Based on the scoreboard Monday night, the Boston Bruins and Letang’s pass behind Philadelphia goalie Alex Lyon. Washington Capitals won to reclaim first place, but the New York Islanders lost and slipped to fourth. The Penguins PP got the second tally. Jason Zucker gained position at the front of the net and deflected John Marino’s shot with 12 minutes So, the Pittsburgh Penguins are now in second place. Boston is in third. remaining. Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 The Penguins PP was 2-4, but the team did not score an even-strength goal.

However, after the Penguins scored a pair, Flyers forward Joel Farabee (17) charged from the wall to the net and beat Jarry for the backbreaker. 5-2.

Sidney Crosby and Bryan Rust were each a minus-3.

And this is why we predicted a few flat games in the final week and compared the Penguins last week to previous Stanley Cup winners. In other words, relax. This was a likely result, if not Monday night, then later in the week.

The Penguins activated Malkin on Monday afternoon, and for the first time in 23 games, the Penguins had a full complement of centers. Before Malkin was injured, he had an eight-game scoring streak with 12 points in that span but suffered a lower-body injury on March 16.

The Flyers beat the Pittsburgh Penguins in four of the previous six games, including a shootout win on April 15. After Monday, the Flyers have won five of seven against the Penguins (2-4-1), the only team among the East Division top four, which the Flyers have a winning record and have outscored in the season series.

One noticeable Penguins absence was Matheson, who is out week-to- week after goalie Tristan Jarry’s clearing shot hit him in the face on Saturday. Without Matheson, the Penguins lacked speed out of their zone and the accompanying offensive pressure.

Nearly six minutes into the first period, Flyers center Kevin Hayes (12) scored on a point-blank wrist shot. It appeared Penguins goalie Casey DeSmith made the save, but after several minutes of play, review officials determined the puck crossed the line before DeSmith gloved the shot. Count the goal. Rewind the clock. 1-0. 1211675 Pittsburgh Penguins Joel Farabee Kevin Hayes Travis Konecny James Van Riemsdyk Nolan Patrick Nicolas Aube-

Kubel Malkin ‘Will Play’, Gm53: Penguins Lines, Notes & Matchups vs. Flyers Oskar Lindblom Scott Laughton Wade Allison

LD RD Published 15 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Dan Kingerski Ivan Provorov Justin Braun

Shayne Gostisbehere Travis Sanheim Evgeni Malkin is ready to rejoin the Pittsburgh Penguins (34-15-3) lineup Robert Hagg Philippe Myers Monday night when they face the Philadelphia Flyers (22-22-7). The Penguins have already clinched a playoff spot but have first place within TEAM Power Play Penalty Kill their grasp, while Philadelphia’s season will mercifully end in a few days without a sniff at the playoffs. The pucks drops at the Wells Fargo Center Pittsburgh Penguins (31 for 142) 21.8% 10th NHL (115 for 148) on Monday at 7 p.m. 77.7% T-23rd NHL

Observers at the Penguins morning skate in Philadelphia noted Malkin Philadelphia Flyers (30 for 155) 19,4% 21st NHL (112 for 153) took line rushes as part of the top four lines. Jason Zucker was his left 73.2% 30th NHL wing. Jared McCann skated with Jeff Carter on the Penguins third line. What to WATCH: Malkin has been a full participant in recent practices and skates but has not formally taken a position in line rushes until Monday. He was injured Let’s see what the Flyers have left in the tank. They’ve been hopelessly against Boston on March 16. lost and left nearly speechless after another bad loss this weekend.

Head coach Mike Sullivan confirmed Malkin “will play.” Something tells me the next two games will be the Stanley Cup to the Philadelphia Flyers. If they win the next two, they can at least feel good However, defenseman Mike Matheson is out week-to-week with an for a few days, despite their season collapse. upper-body injury, after he was clipped just below the visor by Tristan Jarry’s clearing attempt on Saturday. The first 10 minutes are a “thing.” Watch for Philadelphia to throw everything at the Penguins to get an early goal. The Penguins are tied As a team, the Penguins haven’t won the division since 2013-14 but are with the Toronto Maple Leafs with the most first-periods goals in the NHL in position after completing a bruising week with two against Boston and (55). So, a patient counter-attack and strike may just put a dagger two in Washington. The Penguins won three of four against the East through Philadelphia, too. Division bruisers, including two impressive shutout wins. Flyers coach Alain Vigneault has, at various points, tried to attack the The good week vaulted the Penguins to the top of the MassMutual East Penguins defense with an aggressive forecheck this season. That’s a Division with a two-point lead over Washington, which has one game in departure from his typical 1-3-1 counter. However, in previous meetings, hand. The Bruins and Islanders are scrapping for third and fourth place. Philadelphia lacked the team speed to keep up with the Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins have a much different week ahead. They have defensemen, and the Penguins breakouts flawlessly zipped past the two against the already eliminated and increasingly despondent forecheck. Philadelphia Flyers, then cap off the whirlwind 2020-21 NHL season with However, the Penguins have also been muddled when Philadelphia pulls two against the long-ago eliminated Buffalo Sabres. back into the neutral zone clogging 1-3-1. Watch for both, but given the The Flyers may use these two games against their hated arch-rivals to Penguins increased team speed with former Flyer Jeff Carter, the wash some of the bitter taste out of their mouth, or they could continue to pullback seems to be a better option against the Penguins. slump to the finish line. Perhaps we’ll find out in the first 10 minutes. Also–the Malkin factor. The Penguins need to reintegrate Malkin into The Penguins dismantled the Flyers in their last meetings in March. If not their lineup, and Malkin has just one week to find his form (assuming he for thorough domination on March 4, in which the Penguins stopped plays on Monday). playing after a 3-0 lead then lost 4-3, the Penguins would be winning the Pittsburgh Penguins Game Notes season series. However, the Flyers have won two of the past three games, including a shootout win on April 15, 2-1. -The Penguins’ amazing run, which began in March, has continued. The Penguins have points in 18 of their last 22 games (16-4-2). Flyers goalie Carter Hart is done for the season with a lower-body injury. Expect Brian Elliott to get the call between the pipes. Elliott has -The Penguins are 9-5-3 in their last 17 vs. Philadelphia alternately great and leaky against the Penguins this season. -After a rough start on the road, the Penguins are 6-1 in their last seven Casey DeSmith will start the front end of the back-to-back for the road games. Penguins -Jeff Carter is riding a three-game point streak after scoring his fourth Expected Pittsburgh Penguins Lines & Special Teams goal with Pittsburgh on Saturday.

LW C RW -Since the beginning of last season, Bryan Rust has scored 49 goals in 107 games. Head coach Mike Sullivan gushed in each of the last two Jake Guentzel Sidney Crosby Bryan Rust weekends.

Jason Zucker Evgeni Malkin Kasperi Kapanen -Evgeni Malkin might play on Monday. In the 23 games that Malkin has Jared McCann Jeff Carter Frederick Gaudreau missed, the Penguins are 16-5-2.

Zach Aston-Reese Teddy Blueger Colton Sceviour -Sidney Crosby has scored 111 points against the Flyers (46-66-111). Throughout NHL history, only three players have recorded more points LD RD against the Flyers – Mario Lemieux (124), Jaromir Jagr (120), and Bryan Trottier (117). Brian Dumoulin Kris Letang Penguins Taxi Squad: Mark Friedman Cody Ceci D – Josh Maniscalco D – Juuso Riikola D – G – Emil Marcus Pettersson John Marino Larmi Philadelphia Flyers Lines How to WATCH: LW C RW TV: AT&T SportsNet, ESPN+; Radio: 105.9 The X. Claude Giroux Sean Couturier Jakub Voracek Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211676 Pittsburgh Penguins Penguins Bets We Like With a Pittsburgh Win Penguins -1.5 (+143, DraftKings)

This bet looks to good to be true, doesn’t it? The Flyers have been losing Penguins vs. Flyers Prediction, Odds, Picks (May 3, 2021) games by an average of 1.5 goals for more than a month. The Penguins offense is top notch. The Flyers goaltending is a sieve. Don’t overthink it. Look at this one as a gift that oddsmakers overlooked and just take the Published 15 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Kyle Laskowski Pittsburgh Penguins to cover this number.

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These games used to really matter. Tonight, for the Pittsburgh Penguins States: NJ, PA, IN, CO, MI, VA, WV and Philadelphia Flyers, it seems just another game on the season’s calendar. That’s what happens when one team goes horribly south, as GET THE APPSIGNUP BONUS$600 the Flyers have this season. The Flyers have lost three straight, four of RISK-FREEBET NOW their last five, and are 5-9-3 over their last 17 games. That means they are setting up the tee times for next week once their season ends, while Flyers Bets We Like With a Philly Win the Penguins get ready for the postseason, and Penguins betting may pounce. Flyers to win after falling one goal or more behind (+460, DraftKings)

Let’s take a look at this matchup from a betting perspective in our We don’t particularly like the Flyers to win this game, but, if you have a Penguins vs. Flyers betting preview with odds, picks, and predictions. few extra pennies to throw around looking for a longshot to hit, these are some great odds. After all, the Flyers have allowed the first goal of the DraftKings Sportsbook game 10 consecutive times. And the one thing about the Flyers is that they do mount comebacks. Even after they get behind, they find ways to States: PA, NJ, IN, IL, CO, MI, TN, VA, WV occasionally win. Heck, in three of the four games they’ve won against GET THE APPSIGNUP BONUSUP TO $1,050 FREE Pittsburgh this season, the Penguins scored first.

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Evgeni Malkin will return to the Penguins lineup, and Mike Sullivan could Penguins to score first and win the match (+112, FanDuel) earn the award as coach of the year because he took a The Penguins are -175 just to win the game. Add in the Flyers’ first Penguins team that had low expectations and has them in first place in period woes and issues with giving up the first goal (they’ve allowed their the division. The Pittsburgh Penguins are coming off consecutive wins in opponent to score first in 31 of 51 games this season), and you are Washington, where they surpassed the Caps for the East Division lead, basically getting the Penguins to win at a great value with this bet. have won six of their last seven, and are a red hot 16-4-2 over their last 22 games. Ahem, Penguins betting. Flyers vs. Penguins Prediction

Talk about two teams headed in different directions. There really is no contest here. The Penguins are the far superior team. A lot of Flyers players are not giving a 60-minute effort right now. Their Flyers vs. Penguins Betting Pick goaltending has been atrocious. The Penguins are deep. Evgeni Malkin will return to the lineup (another What else is there really to say?. The Penguins will win, cover the puck ahem, Penguins betting), and Jeff Carter already paying dividends since like and probably take the game over the 6.5 goals as well. being acquired at the trade deadline last month, the Pittsburgh Penguins can score in a lot of ways. Pick: Penguins 5, Flyers 2

Last time out, the Penguins got two goals from Bryan Rust and one from New FOX Bet players can get a $500 risk-free first bet. Get the offer right Carter. That game followed a two-goal effort from Kasperi Kapanen, the here. game-winner from Jake Guentzel, and depth scoring from Frederick Gaudreau and Zach Aston-Reese. FOX BET Sportsbook

Notice whose name isn’t listed: Sidney Crosby. Not that he hasn’t been PENNSYLVANIA good for the Penguins this season, because he has. Still, it shows that Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 even with him on the scoresheet or Evgeni Malkin, who will return tonight after missing 23 consecutive games, the Penguins can still put the puck in the net.

That concept is something that is completely lost on the Flyers — putting the puck in the net. The Flyers have just 38 goals in their last 17 games (2.24 per game), and they have been held to two goals or fewer nine times in that span. The Flyers bigger problem, as it has been all season, is defense and goaltending. In those same 17 games, the Flyers have allowed 63 goals (3.71 per game).

The one silver lining for the Flyers is they (somehow) lead the season series against Pittsburgh (4-2-0).

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Flyers vs. Penguins Odds

Here are the lines for Penguins vs. Flyers at DraftKings Sportsbook:

Team Spread Moneyline Total

Penguins -1.5 (+143) -175 O 6.5 (+100)

Flyers +1.5 (-175) +145 U 6.5 (-121) 1211677 Pittsburgh Penguins

PENGUINSPenguins Injury Updates: Malkin IN, Matheson OUT, Tanev a Full Go

Published 16 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Dan Kingerski

Pittsburgh Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan did away with the suspense on Monday morning. Rather than classify star center Evgeni Malkin as a game-time decision, which Sullivan typically does for players ready to come off the injured list, the Penguins coach simply declared, “Malkin will play.”

And with that, Malkin will have four games to get his legs back after missing the last 23 games due to a lower-body injury. Malkin last played on March 16 against the Boston Bruins. This season, he has 24 points (8-16-24) in 29 but was on a hot streak before Boston defenseman Jared Tinordi caught him flush with an open-ice hit.

Evgeni Malkin suffered a lower-body injury and has been skating with the team for about one week.

Sullivan also updated the rest of the Pittsburgh Penguins injuries.

–Defenseman Mike Matheson will be out week-to-week with an upper- body injury. Matheson suffered a facial injury on Saturday when goalie Tristan Jarry cleared the puck, but it struck Matheson just below the visor.

Matheson skated off the ice under his own control, but a towel covered his face.

This season, Matheson has 16 points (5-11-16) in 44 games, his first season with the Penguins after the team acquired him from the Florida Panthers as the centerpiece in the Patric Hornqvist trade.

–With Matheson out, it appears Mark Friedman will draw into the lineup. Since the Penguins claimed Friedman off waivers from Philadelphia in February, he has played only two games for the team–both against Philadelphia. It appears his mono-opponent trend will continue on Monday.

–Forward Evan Rodrigues is still termed day-to-day after he suffered an apparent foot injury last week. Rodrigues was hit by Matheson’s slap shot on the boot and immediately dropped to the ice.

Rodrigues has 14 points (7-7-14) in 35 games this season.

–Winger Brandon Tanev skated in full contact mode for the first time since leaving the lineup on April 3 with an upper-body injury. Tanev has been skating in a non-contact sweater.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211678 Pittsburgh Penguins

Dan’s Daily: Fleury Ties for 3rd All-Time, Matthews Mario-Like Year

Published 21 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Dan Kingerski

For those of you who still follow Vegas Golden Knights goalie Marc- Andre Fleury like he’s still part of the family, and based on the numbers there are a lot of you, this weekend was an important milestone as Fleury moved closer to all-time great status. Auston Matthews is having a Mario- like season, and please don’t ask “Mario who?” The Pittsburgh Penguins have one more lap in this grueling regular season, but what does it mean?

I’m not sure I realized just HOW good Matthews season has been. The comparison is pretty cool.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We compared the Pittsburgh Penguins’ final week to that of recent Stanley Cup Winners and what wins, or lack of wins, will mean for their Stanley Cup chances.

PHN+: There could be a lot of Pittsburgh running through the Seattle Kraken. “Off the Record” spoke with NHL execs and hockey insiders who gave us the scoop on the first Seattle Kraken head coach.

Here’s a special sale to join PHN+ for just $19.99. The playoffs are still a couple of weeks away, but in short order, we’ll have the Stanley Cup, the NHL Draft, Free Agency, followed by rookie camps, and the next training camp.

Our goal is 25 new annual subscribers this week! We really do appreciate your support. It means the world.

Now to Marc-Andre Fleury…

Vegas Hockey Now: He may want the second goal back, but Fleury made 19 saves and is one win away from joining Martin Brodeur and Patrick Roy as the top three all-time winningest goalies in NHL history.

NHL and National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Auston Matthews has 17 goals in his last 17 games. He’s having a Mario Lemieux-like year. The charts from HNIC were pretty cool.

NY Post: Following another beatdown by the NY Islanders, Larry Brooks opines a shakeup throughout the New York Rangers organization, including star players, is necessary.

Philly: The Flyers are speechless as the losses pile up.

Possible Pittsburgh Penguins playoff opponents:

Boston: The Bruins’ patience with Jake DeBrusk seems to be wearing out. He “earned” a healthy scratch.

NYI: The takeaways from that Islanders smackdown of the Rangers.

A reader recently argued that the Rangers have plenty of grit in their lineup. On paper, they do. In practice, the New York Rangers are too easy to play against. They do lack tenacity and real-world grit. They’re “soff.”

Colorado: Potential super rookie Alex Newhook got the call–halfway. Adrian Dater thinks he’ll play a few games before the end of the season.

Florida: Chris Driedger has revived his career this season with the Panthers. Now he’s got a new mask celebrating his teammates.

San Jose: They will conclude a disappointing season this week, but that means rookies get to play! Josef Korenar made 40 saves and stood on his head in the Sharks win. His teammates were impressed, and the kid brings some hope…

Pittsburgh Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211679 San Jose Sharks playoffs in 1992 and 1993, and 1996 and 1997. Before this year, the Sharks had missed the playoffs seven times in 29 seasons.

“I think every team that missed last year’s playoffs is still out,” Boughner Sharks blow lead, lose to Avalanche in OT as playoff hopes officially end said. “It just goes to show you don’t flip things around in this league is six months, eight months, or 10 months. It takes time and there’s pain involved and some growing to do. That’s where we’re at.”

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 10:12 p.m. | The Sharks were just three points out of a playoff spot on April 10, but UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 11:18 p.m. then went 0-7-1 over their next eight games to take themselves out of contention. The Sharks entered Monday eight points behind St. Louis for

the fourth and final playoff spot in the division. SAN JOSE – The Sharks failed to keep their razor-thin playoff hopes Boughner said he talked to the Sharks’ leadership group after the NHL alive for at least one more game. trade deadline last month to discuss what the team’s plan was moving After blowing a two-goal lead in the third period, the Sharks saw Andre forward, and to get everyone on the same page. Burakovsky score at the 41-second mark of overtime in a 5-4 loss to the “We’re trying to build out a better team next year, and this is the short- Colorado Avalanche on Monday as they were officially eliminated from term pain you’re going have to go through,” Boughner said. “These guys playoff contention. have bought into that, they know that/ I haven’t seen anybody throw the Burakovsky got a head of steam into the Sharks’ zone, backed off white flag up or quit. defenseman Brent Burns and fired a shot from the top of the slot that “It is a situation that everybody wants to see the finished product, but Martin Jones couldn’t handle. they’re not really interested in seeing how that’s built.” “It’s tough to see the way that game ended,” Sharks coach Bob San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.04.2021 Boughner said. “I thought we should have been celebrating the two points tonight for sure.”

Up by two goals in the third period, the Sharks allowed goals by Gabriel Landeskog and Nazem Kadri as the Avalanche came back to force overtime. Burakovsky’s goal was his 16th of the season.

“I’m not sure what happened, but I found a lot of room in the middle of the ice,” Burakovsky said. “I don’t know if they were changing or what they were doing, but I found some ice and I felt like Burns was standing pretty low, so I shot. Definitely nice to see it go in.”

Asked what he saw that turned the game around, Boughner said, “I don’t know. Three bad goals. Didn’t get a save. You guys watched the game, it’s pretty obvious.”

The Sharks were up after two periods and were up 4-2 early in the third after Timo Meier scored with 16:28 left in regulation time. Landeskog scored at the 8:59 mark of the third to cut San Jose’s lead to one, then Kadri scored with 3:39 left in regulation after a Burns turnover to tie the game.

Evander Kane scored twice and Tomas Hertl added a goal and an assist for the Sharks, who lost their third straight game to the Avalanche. The Sharks and Avalanche play again Wednesday when the two teams wrap up their season series. San Jose is now 1-6-0 against Colorado this year.

Alexander Barabanov assisted on Kane’s second goal at the 7:47 mark of the second period for his fifth point in five games since he joined the Sharks lineup on April 26. Jones finished with 26 saves.

Kane now has five goals and four assists in his last six games, and Hertl has four goals and six assists in his last seven games.

The Blues beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-1 earlier Monday, meaning the Sharks had to beat the Avalanche to stay alive for a playoff spot. San Jose is now nine points back of St. Louis with four games to play.

“I thought we played a hard game tonight,” Boughner said. “You get a 4-2 lead with eight minutes to go and there were some real good things. We limited them in the second period, our penalty kill was good.

“We’ve got guys that are playing hard and no one’s cashing in their ticket yet, or no one’s taking the easy way out. I’m happy about that.”

The Sharks and their fans accepted some time ago that they would miss the playoffs for a second straight year.

The Sharks last week began to accept that they would fail to make the playoffs for the second straight year, as they began to rotate some less- experienced players into the lineup.

Along with Barabanov and with some other players at less than 100 percent health, the Sharks have also given playing time to forwards Joachim Blichfeld, Alex True, Ivan Chekhovich and defensemen Brinson Pasichnuk and Christian Jaros.

This year marks just the third time in the Sharks’ history that they’ve missed the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. They also missed the 1211680 San Jose Sharks There’s no doubt Barabanov’s first preference is to remain in North America and play in the NHL. Barabanov, a left shot, played full time with St. Petersburg in the KHL from 2015 to 2020 before he came to North America. San Jose Sharks’ low-risk trade deadline acquisition could be a keeper Keeping Barabanov would add another layer of forward depth the Sharks will desperately need.

By CURTIS PASHELKA | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2021 at 12:34 p.m. | “His plan, his goal, and his dream is to stay in North America,” Knyzhov UPDATED: May 3, 2021 at 1:01 p.m. said of Barabanov. “Obviously now it’s tough to answer whether he wants to sign here and stay here. It just all depends on how the game goes and

how he plays and how it just turns out.” SAN JOSE — Perhaps the best move general manager “It’s not easy being in the position he’s in,” Couture said. “To come from a and the Sharks’ front office made this season was claiming forward different team completely different country, obviously doesn’t speak a ton Rudolfs Balcers off waivers from the Ottawa Senators in January. of English. But he’s come in and he’s fit in seamlessly with our group.” Acquiring Alexander Barabanov from the Toronto Maple Leafs for San Jose Mercury News: LOADED: 05.04.2021 seldom-used Antti Suomela just before the NHL trade deadline last month could prove to be another low-risk, high-reward move by Wilson that pays off for the Sharks long-term.

Barabanov will play in his fifth straight game in the Sharks’ top-six forward group Monday night when they start a two-game series with the Colorado Avalanche at SAP Center.

Playing alongside Tomas Hertl and Evander Kane, Barabanov has two goals and two assists in his first four games with San Jose, averaging 17:36 of ice time. He had a goal and an assist in the Sharks’ 4-3 loss to the Avalanche on Saturday in Denver for his first two-point game in the NHL. The night before, Barabanov played 19:15, third-most among all Sharks forwards.

In other words, Barabanov looks like he belongs.

“He’s got extreme skill,” Sharks captain Logan Couture said of Barabanov. “He’s got patience with the puck. Just to watch him in practice, as soon as we got him, he showed up and his skill was evident from the first time he touched the ice with us.”

Barabanov, 26, had a goal and an assist in his first two games for the Sharks, averaging just under 17 minutes of ice time. He was immediately added to the Sharks’ power-play as well.

“I like what he provides in situations where he’s getting crashed on along the wall where he doesn’t have a lot of time and space,” Sharks coach Bob Boughner said. “You can tell he’s a little bit older, a little bit wiser, and he doesn’t panic. It’s good to see.”

With Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc playing in the Sharks’ bottom-six forward group in recent games, Barabanov is getting the kind of opportunity now that he lacked in Toronto, as he dressed for just 13 of the Leafs’ first 41 games, playing mostly fourth-line minutes.

“It’s a great opportunity,” Barabanov said with the help of an interpreter, Sharks defenseman — and fellow Russian — Nikolai Knyzhov, last week. “Happy to get the chance to get back on the ice, play steady and be a full-time NHL player.”

Barabanov is slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after he signed a one-year, $925,000 deal with the Maple Leafs last April.

An extension for Barabanov would not figure to be too costly for the Sharks. Considering what on the surface appears to be their tight salary cap situation for next season, the Sharks need all of the impactful forwards on economical contracts that they can get.

The NHL’s salary cap of $81.5 million is expected to remain flat for next season and possibly beyond and per CapFriendly, the Sharks have 13 players for next season who have a total cap hit of $68.5 million.

The Sharks will lose one player in the Seattle Kraken expansion draft – possibly defenseman Brent Burns and his $8 million cap hit for the next four seasons – which would ease the burden to some degree. Still, the Sharks’ roster has holes the team needs to fill.

Balcers, 24, had 16 points in 36 games for the Sharks before Monday and projects to be a top-nine forward next season. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent this summer, but an extension seems likely.

But the Sharks will still need another right-shot forward to fit into their top- six forward group. Plus if they lose Burns, it figures the Sharks will need to use some of the money they save on another experienced right-shot defenseman that can play big minutes. 1211681 San Jose Sharks Avalanche backup goalie Devan Dubnyk was added to the COVID-19 list before the game after testing positive. Dubnyk will quarantine for two weeks at his house in the San Jose area that he still has after being traded from the Sharks last month. Jonas Johansson suited up as the Avalanche rally for 5-4 overtime win vs Sharks backup goalie. Grubauer returned after missing more than two weeks on the COVID-19 list last week for Colorado.

UP NEXT JOSH DUBOW The teams finish the season series on Wednesday in San Jose. AP Sports Writer Colorado is 6-1 in the season series including three in a stretch of four in May 3, 2021 a row against the Sharks.

Updated: May 3, 2021 11:25 p.m. San Francisco Chronicle LOADED: 05.04.2021

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Andre Burakovsky scored 41 seconds into overtime and the Colorado Avalanche gained ground in the race for first place in the West Division by rallying past the San Jose Sharks 5-4 on Monday night.

“It was a really big one at the end here," Burakovsky said. “We want to be in first place. This was a must win for us ... Even though we were down there was no doubt. We just found a way to get it done. It was fun to play and fun to watch.”

Martin Jones got a piece of Burakovsky's shot but it trickled past him into the net for the game-winner.

Colorado scored three times in the third period to overcome a pair of two- goal deficits and got the tying goal from Nazim Kadri with 3:39 to play.

“I loved our response in the third period,” coach Jared Bednar said. “Just the heightened sense of urgency and a little bit of desperation in our game.”

Mikko Rantanen scored his 29th goal of the season and Valeri Nichushkin and Gabriel Landeskog also scored for the Avalanche. Philipp Grubauer made 23 saves.

Colorado Avalanche left wing Andre Burakovsky (95) celebrates with teammates after scoring during overtime of an NHL hockey game against the San Jose Sharks in San Jose, Calif., Monday, May 3, 2021. The Avalanche won, 5-4.

1ofColorado moved within two points of first-place Vegas with a game in hand after the Golden Knights lost 6-5 to Minnesota.

Evander Kane scored twice and Tomas Hertl and Timo Meier also scored for San Jose. Jones made 26 saves.

The Sharks lost for the 11th time in 13 games and were officially eliminated from playoff contention. This is the third time in franchise history that they missed playoffs in back-to-back years, also doing it in 1992 and ‘93, and in 1996 and '97.

“You don't flip things around in this league in six months or eight months or 10 months. It takes time,” coach Bob Boughner said. "There's some pain involved in that and some growing to do. That’s where we’re at. ... It’s a little disappointing not to be in the playoffs. But we know what the big picture looks like and where we’re going.”

San Jose appeared in control after scoring twice in the second period to take a 3-1 lead. But Nichushkin scored early in the period to make it a one-goal game and Landeskog made it 4-3 after Meier scored for San Jose.

A turnover by Brent Burns set up Kadri's game-tying goal that ended a 19-game stretch without a goal and then Burakovsky won it in overtime.

“It’s tough to see the way that game ended,” Boughner said. “I thought we should have been celebrating two points tonight.”

FLIP THE SCRIPT

The Avalanche came into the game with a league-best goal differential in the second period of plus-33. But the Sharks dominated the frame with Hertl scoring off a turnover and Kane on a breakaway. San Jose outshot Colorado 13-2 in the period, holding the Avalanche to their fewest shots in any period since they had one in the second period against St. Louis on Oct. 21, 2019.

COVID-19 LIST 1211682 San Jose Sharks

Sharks can see 'big picture' despite missing playoffs again

BY BRIAN WITT

The lights went out on the Sharks' already-dim playoff hopes on Monday night with a frustrating 5-4 overtime loss to the Colorado Avalanche, guaranteeing a second consecutive campaign in which San Jose will miss out on the postseason. The Sharks entered the night with the thinnest possible margin for error, so the end and ultimate result didn't exactly come as a shock.

"It's not a surprise," Sharks coach Bob Boughner said after the loss. "If you look around the league at the 31 teams, as of right now, I think every team that missed the bubble, last year's playoffs, is still out. So it just goes to show you don't flip things around in this league in six months, in eight months or 10 months ... it takes time, and there's pain involved in that, and there's some growing to do. And that's where we're at."

Every NHL team hopes to contend for the Stanley Cup, but obviously, that's not realistic. And while Boughner and the Sharks certainly regret the fact that they've been eliminated from playoff contention, they're also keeping things in perspective.

"We've tried to work on certain things this year -- systematically, in culture and things like that -- there's a lot of things going on behind the scenes that are real, real solid in the young guys," Boughner continued. "It's a situation where you're going through some stuff and it's a little disappointing not to be in the playoffs, obviously, but we know what the big picture looks like and where we're going."

As for where the Sharks are headed, the obvious intent would be upward. After finishing dead last in the Western Conference last season, they won't finish much higher when the current season comes to a close. This is the first time since 1995-96 and 1996-97 that the Sharks have failed to qualify for the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, so you can be sure there will be increased pressure to bring that streak to an end next year.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211683 San Jose Sharks

Sharks eliminated from playoff contention with loss to Avs

BY DALTON JOHNSON

The Sharks officially have been eliminated from Stanley Cup playoff contention Monday after losing to the Colorado Avalanche, 5-4, in overtime at SAP Center.

With the St. Louis Blues winning earlier in the night, the Sharks needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

San Jose took a 3-1 lead into the third period, but the Avalanche rallied to force overtime, and Andre Burakovsky beat Martin Jones just 41 seconds into the extra period, ending the Sharks' chances of making the playoffs.

This is the Sharks' second straight season failing to reach the postseason. That marks the first time they have gone back-to-back seasons without continuing their season into the playoffs since the 1996- 97 season, when they failed to do so for their second straight campaign.

While they did keep 41-year-old franchise icon Patrick Marleau at the NHL trade deadline, it was clear then that this team is trending more towards a rebuild. General manager Doug Wilson doesn't want to tear it all down, although this should be a fascinating offseason.

San Jose still has plenty of star power and young talent. Which direction will Wilson go during the offseason?

We'll see. It surely will be a wild ride.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211684 San Jose Sharks that Donato started on the fourth line, and he’s no longer getting power- play time.

The Sharks traded a third-round pick for Donato on Oct. 5, hoping he Several young Sharks forwards fighting for their futures as season winds would become a key part of their future, but he no longer seems like a down lock to be back.

Asked about his season Saturday morning, Donato said: “I think I could have given a little bit more in certain areas but I definitely think I have a By Kevin Kurz May 2, 2021 lot more to give. I’m not upset, there was no lack of effort from me. But other than that, I definitely think I would like to execute better, at times.”

Boughner said that after a strong start, Donato’s “details slipped a little It was somehow less than two calendar years ago that the Sharks were ways back and we tried to get that back on track. … I think all in all his in the process of eliminating the Colorado Avalanche in the second round first half was better than his second half. But (he’s a guy) we’re trying to of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It took seven games and a risky offside experiment with throughout the lineup.” challenge, but the Sharks advanced to the Western Conference final with a 3-2 win on May 8, 2019. Sharks RFA forwards stats

Colorado’s roster against the Sharks for their two games in Denver this Ryan Donato weekend featured many of the same players from that series. Nathan MacKinnon, Gabriel Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen were all key players 25 for the Avalanche then, as they are now. But in the past two years, 49 important depth players such as Nazem Kadri and Devon Toews were added, while guys such as and Sam Girard have developed 6 into difference-makers, too. 14 The Sharks have many of the same players from that series two years ago, as well, such as Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl, Erik Karlsson and 20 Brent Burns. In contrast to the Avalanche, though, it’s been an ongoing Dylan Gambrell struggle since then to find players underneath them who can contribute consistently. 24

The meetings Friday and Saturday could have been much worse for the 44 Sharks. They lost 3-0 Friday, surrendering a pair of power-play goals and an empty-netter. On Saturday, it was a 4-3 loss in which goaltender Josef 5 Korenar made 40 saves, some of which were spectacular. 6

Regardless, the two teams — who will meet again in San Jose on 11 Monday and Wednesday — are worlds apart. Not only are the Avs’ high- end players much more dangerous than those on the Sharks, but so are Rudolfs Balcers their depth players. It’s what makes them a legitimate Stanley Cup 24 contender. The Sharks being able to compete again with teams like the Avalanche looks several years away. 36

But that process, however long it may take, is underway. 7

The primary benefit of falling out of the playoff race with some time left in 9 the season is that the Sharks can experiment at will with different players and line combinations. There are some important decisions looming on 16 players in an offseason that begins in a week and a half. Noah Gregor “Everybody that’s got an expiring contract is something we’ve got to look 22 at, (to) see what we’re going to look at next year as a team — who fits, and who doesn’t,” coach Bob Boughner said Saturday morning. 25

Some pending unrestricted free agents we can already assume have 5 played, or are playing, their last games in a teal sweater. They include Marcus Sorensen and, most likely, Patrick Marleau. 1

Forward Matt Nieto remains out due to injury, but one league source 6 indicated that the Sharks are interested in bringing back the speedy, well- Alexander True liked Long Beach, Calif., native (he would help fulfill the exposure requirements needed for the Seattle expansion draft, too). Alexander 23 Barabanov, who scored a power-play goal Saturday and has points in three of his four games with the Sharks since he was acquired from 5 Toronto, also seems to be playing his way into a new contract. Neither 0 should break the bank. 1 The more compelling decisions will come with the pending restricted free agents. Assuming the Sharks aren’t able to unload at least one of their 1 major salaries this summer, they’ll again have to rely on some cheap (or at least cheap-ish) talent to fill out the roster in a flat-cap world. Among Joachim Blichfeld the young forwards who are on expiring contracts but who remain under 22 team control are Rudolfs Balcers, Ryan Donato, Noah Gregor, Alex True, Joachim Blichfeld, Jeffrey Viel and Dylan Gambrell. Among those 5 players, the only one who is probably assured of being in the opening night lineup next season is Balcers, who has been a mainstay in the top 1 six for most of the second half of the season and for whom a contract 0 extension is nearly inevitable. 1 Donato is the priciest of that group this season, making $1.9 million. But after a solid first few weeks as a Shark, the 25-year-old has steadily Jeffrey Viel worked his way down the lineup. Saturday was the eighth straight game 24

10

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0

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One player that still has the potential to make Donato expendable if he’s able to finish strong, and would be cheaper to qualify, is Gregor. It’s been a struggle for Gregor, 22, to remain on the NHL roster, and on more than one occasion Boughner has called him out for a defensive error. One example was in a 5-2 loss to the Wild on April 24 when Gregor “misread the play,” according to the coach, on a goal by Jared Spurgeon. There was another Saturday when Gregor was unable to get in front of a point shot by Toews in the third period that was deflected by Rantanen into the net and was the game-winner. Gregor played in the top six Saturday on a line with Couture and Balcers, which was opposed primarily by the MacKinnon line, so it wasn’t an easy assignment.

Gregor, who was minus-3 with two shots and three hits, said: “I think we definitely could have prevented one or two of those for sure, but they’re good players and they get chances. You can definitely learn from that.”

Gambrell, who missed his third straight game with a foot injury after blocking a shot April 26 against Arizona, is a long-term question mark. The 24-year-old has been the third-line center on pretty much a full-time basis since the second week of the season, with mixed results.

On a good team, is Gambrell a third-line center? No, probably not. But perhaps he could be a fourth-line center moving forward, as seemed to be the suggestion from Boughner on Friday morning.

“He’s a guy that’s really sort of earned my trust — a guy that can play that 15, 16 minutes a night in different situations,” Boughner said. “I think he’s still looking to find some more offense to his game. At the end of the day, I thought he’s done a real good job of coming in and solidifying he can play center at this level. Where he tops out, I’m not sure of that as of yet. I think he’s going to be a bottom six, third (or) fourth-line center for quite some time in this league.”

Like Nieto, Gambrell could also be a guy that gets signed to be exposed to Seattle. He could be a logical choice for the Kraken, considering he’s from Bonney Lake, Wash., about 45 minutes south of Seattle.

The other remaining restricted free agents might have to make more of an impact over these final few games to still be considered NHL-level prospects. True is filling in for Gambrell and has just five assists in 18 career NHL games. Blichfeld is out with a lower-body injury but he hasn’t yet been able to create the kind of time and space he needs to unleash his dangerous shot at the NHL level. Viel had an impact early with his fists and his physicality, but he hasn’t been very noticeable in his past few games and is once again on the outside looking in.

In the meantime, the organization is also trying to get a handle on some of its other younger players that are signed beyond next season, such as Ivan Chekhovich, Brinson Pasichnukand, perhaps when the Sharks get back home next week, Sasha Chmelevski, who had seven points (four goals, three assists) in a recent two-game stretch with the Barracuda.

The hockey might not be pretty over this final stretch, but the steps toward trying to become a team that can compete against the likes of Colorado again have to start at some point.

“Some guys we need to see and make decisions on this summer of what we actually have, and see these guys at the NHL level,” Boughner said. “It’s a constant every day, of myself and (assistant general manager Joe Will) and (general manager Doug Wilson) talking about what our lineup looks like moving forward.”

Gregor said: “It seems like everyone’s getting an opportunity here, whether it’s top six, or power play, or some new guys getting out there shorthanded. It’s an opportunity to show what you can do, and you’ve just got to do the best you can.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211685 San Jose Sharks

GOTTA SEE IT: Boughner Tells No Lies as Sharks Miss Playoffs Again

Published 3 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Sheng Peng

Bob Boughner, as he has been so often this season, was refreshingly candid in his post-game availability tonight, after a San Jose Sharks 5-4 OT loss that eliminated San Jose from the playoffs for the second consecutive season.

“Last year was a situation where we sold veterans at the deadline and got picks back. This situation this year, a lot of young guys are getting chances, [we’re] calling it a reset,” Boughner said, when asked about his disappointment about missing the post-season.

“It’s not a surprise. When you look around the league at 31 teams, as of right now, I think every team that missed the bubble, last year’s playoffs, is still out. It just goes to show, you don’t flip things around in this league in six months, eight months, or 10 months. It takes time.

“There’s pain involved. There’s some growing to do and that’s where we’re at. We’ve tried to work on certain things this year, systematically, culture, and things like that.

“There’s a lot of things going on behind the scenes that are real solid and young guys, but yeah, it’s a situation where you’re going through some stuff and it’s a little disappointing not to be in the playoffs obviously. But we know what the big picture looks like, where we’re going.”

Judging by Twitter’s reaction, a lot of San Jose Sharks fans are up in arms about Boughner’s comments – but he’s not telling any lies. It’s hard to turn any non-playoff team, not just the 2019-20 Sharks, into a post- season squad, and San Jose did not get enough from veterans and youngsters alike this year to turn things around.

Boughner saved his last bullet for a general question about why the San Jose Sharks blew a 4-2 third period lead to Colorado – spoiler alert, Martin Jones surrendered three goals in his last 11 shots of the game.

San Jose Hockey NowLOADED: 05.04.2021 1211686 San Jose Sharks I’ve liked Jaros tonight, but looks like he’s getting the 3rd period treatment from San Jose Sharks bench boss Boughner. Only 2 shifts in this frame.

Postgame Notes #52: Sharks Miss Playoffs, Lose 5-4 in OT Kadri goal: Burns heels the indirect, too soft, has to get out. Then Jones gives up I don’t know what. Goal should read Kadri (Jones, Burns). That’s terrible in a one-goal game with 4 minutes left.

Published 3 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Sheng Peng OT

Grand opening, grand closing.

PERIOD 1 San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 Kane goal: Another nice play from Barabanov, a couple of them. First, he starts breakout, receives puck, stops up along wall, deceiving Colorado forecheck, putting it in place for Hertl to skate into. Then, he jumps an ill- advised Nichushkin pass, throws it in front, then Kane beats Avs up slot.

Rantanen goal: Burns, who was trying to block shot, is a step slow on Rantanen and rebound there. Between he and Ferraro, that can’t happen.

8 left: Jaros gets in front of Kadri and takes it away from him in the corner. Impressive individual defensive effort against a legit top-6 forward. He’s, as the expression goes, a guy who looks great off the bus, maybe we’re starting to see some of that come together?

7 left: Great wheels and move by Gregor to evade MacKinnon, get it out. He should be an asset on the rush for years to come.

PERIOD 2

Opening shift: Strong shift by Meier, just churning forward with puck toward net. San Jose Sharks want more of that.

Next shift: Smart play by flat-footed Labanc to serve up Gregor and his speed.

Hertl made Nemeth look real bad there. First, Nemeth breakout pass was into Jost’s skate. Then he overcommitted on Tommy and got himself embarrassed.

15 left: Landeskog gets away with a pick on Jaros. Basically, Jaros is up top trying to contain point, puck leaves that area, Landeskog skates right into Jaros. Then Jaros holds Rantanen off, away from puck behind Jones – impressive – but needs Vlasic’s help on clear.

Kane goal: It’s Barabanov that stands up Landeskog, doesn’t allow the Avs captain through to puck. Solidly built, basically runs a legal pick there. Then Hertl hits Kane for the breakaway.

Following shift by Hertl line, another great Barabanov shift. Finds Karlsson for one-timer, then wraparound chance. Getting to the point that every time Barabanov has the puck, I expect something positive, small or big, to happen. He executes and his puck distribution has touch, he’s not just firing passes in general areas.

10 left: Another Jaros pin. This time on Sherwood, who can’t move.

6 left: Donato draws another penalty. He’s had a nice year in that department, think he leads San Jose Sharks in goal differential.

PERIOD 3

Jost picks Couture, I think that should’ve been called — it isn’t, Avs cut it to 3-2.

2 in: Barabanov can’t get the pass over to Kane, so he’s human.

3 in: Jaros has good job of identifying his man and stapling himself to his man since he’s been back. This time, was on Sherwood, hands off Sherwood to Vlasic, then walls off Compher.

4 in: What a Barabanov pass to Knyzhov. Did he see him, did Knyzhov call for it? Wow.

Landeskog goal: But then Ferraro gives it up, leads to Landeskog goal. Been an overall tough series for him. Jones probably wants that back too.

9 left: Big save by Jones there though. Hertl, end of long, long shift, can’t turn corner on Toews, puck stays in. Shot down slot, Jones sucks it up.

7 left: Nothing fantastic, but once again, a series of quality puck touches from Barabanov. 1211687 San Jose Sharks

Game Preview/Lines #52: Boughner Gives Gabriel, Blichfeld Updates

Published 10 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Sheng Peng

SAN JOSE SHARKS (20-26-5)

Projected lines for the #SJSharks. Gambrell is a game-time decision but looks like he should be in. Jones in net.

WHERE TO WATCH

Puck drop is 7:30 PM PT at SAP Center. Watch it on NBC Sports Bay Area Plus, Altitude Sports, or NHL.tv.

MORNING SKATE

Everybody on the San Jose Sharks’ current 23-man roster has played a game in the last month. Everybody, that is, except Kurtis Gabriel.

Gabriel’s last appearance was on Mar. 27 against Arizona, when he was tossed from the game for a late hit on Johan Larsson. Since then, Gabriel has toiled either as a 23-man roster extra or on the taxi squad. As far as we know, he hasn’t been hurt either.

The biggest news that he’s made in the last month, apart from his social activism, was being on the Trade Deadline block.

The 6-foot-4 winger stayed in San Jose, but he’s also stayed on the bench.

Will we see Gabriel on the ice again this season?

“Not sure if he’s gonna draw in by the end of the season,” Bob Boughner acknowledged. “Gabes, I thought did a really good job for us. I’m a big fan. I like him a lot.

“But there’s a situation where certain guys are getting looks. We know what we have in Gabes. We know what he’s gonna give us every night.”

The 27-year-old will be a UFA – have we seen his last game in teal?

Also, Boughner revealed that Joachim Blichfeld is in concussion protocol:

The San Jose Sharks certainly want to get more of a look on Blichfeld, so hopefully, he can suit up soon.

AROUND THE NHL

Is former San Jose Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss done with the German national team? This is what this EIS Hockey News story suggests.

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211688 San Jose Sharks The German forward reflected on the goal against the Avalanche. “After my first shift in Colorado, it took me 10 minutes to recover,” an

amused Goc recalled. “I was so gassed. I believe I chased Milan Hejduk 30 Sharks: Marcel Goc Was an Instant Playoff Hero around in the neutral zone. He didn’t get tired but I was gassed. But I’ll never forget the goal. I was able to get my stick and put in the net.

“Curtis Brown had a rush in the O-zone. He took a shot, I hit the puck Published 14 hours ago on May 3, 2021By Ryan Cowley and it snuck through. I was pretty pumped that it was the game-winner. I was lucky but it was a nice moment for myself and it also ended up being

the series-clinching goal. So, that’s kind of cool. [The Sharks] gave me A FIRST-ROUND PICK IN 2001, MARCEL GOC DELIVERED ON HIS the puck and I still have it at home, so it’s always a nice memory to POTENTIAL AS A VERSATILE TWO-WAY PLAYER. have.”

Perhaps more than other organizations, Dean Lombardi and his scouting Believe it or not, that game was just the second of Goc’s very young NHL staff looked to Europe for players to help turn the San Jose Sharks into a career. perennial Stanley Cup contender in the late ’90s and early ’00s. One “It was like hockey on a new level,” Goc said of transitioning to the NHL country the Sharks brass took a special interest in was Germany, a and right into playoff hockey. “It was kind of cool because we had this country that, while not a hockey powerhouse, was beginning to establish medal or something of a nice imitation of a Stanley Cup and it was, like, itself as a hotbed for future talent. Lombardi and company wound up 16 holes in it (for each win it takes to win the Cup) and we put the puck in building a winner in San Jose with three Germans: Marco Sturm, one of those holes. The game-winner, I got to sign [the puck], so that was defenseman , and versatile two-way center Marcel Goc. kind of cool for me. It’s too bad we didn’t go all the way but that’s how it Drafted 20th overall by the Sharks in 2004, Goc wouldn’t start playing in went and I’m so glad I was on that team.” North America until 2003, playing for the Sharks’ then-AHL affiliate, the THE ROAD THROUGH MINI-CAMP Cleveland Barons. But, he wouldn’t have to wait long to make his NHL debut as Goc suited up for the Sharks during the 2004 playoffs, scoring a While he certainly had a good test in the 2004 playoffs, Goc would have goal and an assist in five postseason outings. to wait over a year for his first mini-camp with the San Jose Sharks.

In this installment of my “30 Sharks” series for San Jose Hockey Now, I Under normal circumstances, players in Goc’s situation would only need speak with Marcel Goc, who reflects on his career in San Jose, including to wait a few months for this. Unfortunately, due to the NHL lockout and how he found out about his promotion to the big club and the connections subsequent cancellation of the 2004-05 campaign, the rookie was forced he made along the way. to be patient.

GETTING THE CALL During this time, Goc returned to Cleveland, scoring 16 goals and 34 assists in 76 games for the Barons. He then returned to San Jose where The date was April 15, 2004. Marcel Goc received the call every kid his long wait for training camp had finally reached its conclusion. playing hockey dreams of. “At the start of my career, the whole coaching staff, as is the case with The San Jose Sharks, coming off a 104-point regular season, found any team, they try and help you, try to give you everything you need to themselves on the verge of advancing past the St. Louis Blues in the first improve your game and crack the lineup,” Goc explained. “So, I was able round. But up 3-1, they needed a little help. to go through the [Sharks] mini-camps. Those were not easy but they Enter Marcel Goc, who took me through what happened and how he felt were a great learning experience for me coming from Europe, but in the when he got the news that he was bound for the West Coast. end, what I noticed is that it doesn’t really matter where you play, players are all the same breed: We all want to play hockey and the road [through “I got the call to go from Cleveland,” the former Shark recalled. “[Barons mini-camp] was good for us.” head coach] Roy Sommer called me. We had a game that night and he said, ‘Hey Marcel, you’re playing tonight. Come to the rink, you’re going SUCCEEDING WITH GUIDANCE to pack your stuff and you’re going to San Jose.’ Then, I was like, ‘Whoa! In his first full season with the San Jose Sharks, Goc played 81 games, Sweet!’ scoring eight goals and 14 assists but making his mark both defensively “The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the plane to San Jose.” and in the faceoff circle.

THE DEBUT For the former first-rounder, though, it was the guidance of his teammates that helped him through his first full NHL season. It’s not every day that a player makes his NHL debut in the playoffs. This was the case for Goc, though, who took me through the hours leading up “Patty Marleau — Patty was, not just a special player, but he was a really to his NHL debut. good guy,” Goc reflected. “He was there from day one with Marco Sturm, who helped me as a young German player who I could speak to in my “Well, like everyone else who plays their first game, it was pretty cool,” native language. He obviously already had a pretty nice career in San beamed the former centerman. But, unlike his usual pre-game routine, Jose and he knew everybody there in the town. So, that made it easier, that whole day was different for the German. Heck, the excitement for his transitioning to living there and playing hockey there.” debut interfered, but that was quite all right for the youngster. While the connections he made in San Jose helped him in the short term, “It was a really good experience for me,” Goc continued. “They told me, the friendships Goc has made from his days with the Sharks are what ‘Goccer, you’re in tonight,’ and, I mean, I have a pre-game routine where stand out the most. I nap for a little bit, but that day, I didn’t. It was pretty cool and for everyone who grows up as a little kid playing hockey and dreaming of “Mike Grier and Curtis Brown were my linemates there for a bit,” Goc playing [in the NHL] and then you play your first game, it was a special noted. “I’m coaching now [in Mannheim, Germany]. I retired last year and moment. It’s something that I will never forget.” I’m in contact a little bit with Mike Grier — we text and back and forth a few times — so it’s kind of nice when you’re in touch after all these years. Goc’s NHL debut, by the way, was a successful one. He registered an I mean, it’s not like we speak on the phone every day but you text a guy assist in Game 5 and helped the Sharks advance past the Blues into the like Mike Grier and he still remembers me. second round. “And Patty is still playing and that speaks for him as an athlete. I always SAN JOSE’S FIRST CONFERENCE FINAL looked up to him and the way he worked and played and just how he was as a person, I just think he was a great guy.” In the 2004 playoffs, Marcel Goc scored just one goal, but it was a big one. In four full seasons with the Sharks, Marcel Goc played 265 regular season games for the club, scoring 20 goals and 34 assists while winning Giving the San Jose Sharks a 2-0 lead in Game 6 of the second round, 56.4% of his faceoffs. He even dished out 128 hits over that stretch, Goc’s tally stood as the game- and series-winner, propelling the team to using his 6-foot, 200-pound frame to his advantage. Goc would also add their first-ever appearance in the Western Final. three goals and five assists in 37 playoff games in teal. He was a jack of all trades, if you will, for the San Jose Sharks, an integral figure in the squad’s consistent success. After stops in Nashville, Florida, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis, Goc would return to his native Germany in 2015, suiting up for the Mannheim Eagles for five seasons before retiring in 2020.

Goc did not have to go very far for his next step, remaining with the Eagles as an assistant coach. In something of a full circle, one of his current players is former Sharks forward Andrew Desjardins. San Jose prospect and fellow German Lean Bergmann also played under Goc before the 2020-21 AHL season.

San Jose Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211689 St Louis Blues And even if Tarasenko isn’t scoring, there are ways he can contribute to winning hockey.

“Just like anybody else (can contribute) — you’ve got to play 200 feet of Hochman: In the playoffs, the Blues' Vladimir Tarasenko will be the wild hockey, you’ve got to work,” Berube said. “You got to be part of the card game, not just scoring or with the puck, it’s without the puck. I think he’s doing a good job, he reloads hard, he’s checking, he can be physical on the forecheck, which he is, again, using his body, and just creating for other people. Maybe he’s not scoring but the threat of him scoring opens 9 hrs ago 0 up other opportunities for other people.” Benjamin Hochman As of now, Tarasenko is playing the right wing on a line with Tyler Bozak and longtime teammate Jaden Schwartz. They’ve had some chemistry. And so, in the final six games for No. 91, it’s about fine-tuning and finding It was “Retro ‘90s Night” at the Blues game on Monday. They wore the his postseason legs. jerseys from the 1990s and the scoreboard had pixilated graphics like in the ‘90s and the in-house DJ played songs from the ‘90s. Maybe there’s some still danger in that No. 91 sweater. Just not the retro one that Tarasenko wore on Monday. Alas, it wasn’t “Retro 91 Night.” “He is a dynamic scorer, he doesn’t need many chances to put the puck Vladimir Tarasenko didn’t tally a point in his first game back from a lower- in the net,” teammate Robert Bortuzzo said after Monday’s win. “At a body injury. In fact, he had an empty stat line in his 15:36 during the time of the year when scoring chances are kind of few and far between, Blues’ 3-1 win against Anaheim — no shots, not hits, no takeaways, no it’s nice to have a guy who has that electrical offense in him. He’s a big giveaways, no nothin’. But he had looked good in some of the games part of our group, has been for a long time and it’s nice to have back.” before the injury. Still has some snipe in that stick. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 And so, the top four teams in each division make the playoffs, but in the West, there is one wild card. Not a team — a player.

Just who is Vladimir Tarasenko? Who will show up in that No. 91 sweater in mid-May and beyond?

After three shoulder surgeries in 28 months, he’s no longer “Video Game Vladi,” the guy who made the cover of EA Sports’ NHL 17 and made moves in real life that looked straight out of a video game. In his 23 games this season, after returning from the latest surgery, he has 14 points (four goals, 10 assists). And he’s at minus-seven.

But those four games before the recent lower-body injury, he had a goal and two assists. Coach Craig Berube said he thought his game was trending in the right direction: “I did, I thought that he was getting better looks. I liked that line before he got hurt, I thought they were doing some good things. And power play-wise, he was doing a good job at the netfront, got a goal. He’s a guy that can make plays down there on the goal line, and he’s strong and he can find rebounds around the net. He’s a big body, so he’s effective down there.”

In today’s 10 a.m. video, columnist Ben Hochman shares some insight and numbers about Ryan O’Reilly that you might not know. Also, a certain Cardinal Molina celebrates a birthday and, as always, Hochman chooses a random St. Louis Cards card from the hat. Ten Hochman is presented Monday-Friday by The Milliken Hand Rehabilitation Center.

That’s been one of the more-clever moves by Berube, assistant Jim Montgomery and the St. Louis staff. If Tarasenko wasn’t going to take the puck to the net, take Tarasenko to the net. They recently moved him near the crease for the power play, instead of the wing, and he’s caused some havoc and made some nifty, swift passes, too.

“He’s a smart guy around the net,” Berube said earlier this spring. “He knows where to go and what to do, and if you look at . . .all the top power-play scorers in the league, they’re at the net-front or in the slot. .

“There’s a couple guys, (the Capitals forward Alexander) Ovechkin to name one that’s on the flank, who are on top of the league in scoring. But guys that score goals on the power play are (usually) around the net.”

In these pending playoffs, I’ll temper my expectations. Tarasenko should tally some points — he’s a proven veteran with playoff panache, and he’ll get a couple more weeks of games under his belt by the time the postseason starts. But can he be dangerous? Is that still in him?

A postseason ago, Tarasenko returned from injury and played with some spry spunkiness in his first game back. But as the bubble hockey went on, the reality was — Tarasenko wasn’t Tarasenko. And the Blues were bounced.

But unlike last year, there isn’t this anticipation or even expectation for Tarasenko greatness. That was the talk last year — that a healthy and rested Vladi could surely put the Blues over the top. This year, it’s more of — they’ll take what we can get. And that’s probably the best way of going about this, about going into this. 1211690 St Louis Blues The win wasn’t sealed until Ryan O’Reilly scored into an empty net with 8.6 seconds to play. David Perron had an assist on the goal, giving him 600 points in his NHL career and 400 points with the Blues.

Blues move closer to playoff spot with 3-1 win over Ducks The Blues needed the Bortuzzo goal in the worst way because they had been playing, if not in the worst way, in a way that was keeping the Ducks in the game. Their defense, consistently tested by offensive turnovers, kept the game in check. The Blues blocked nine shots in the Tom Timmermann 6 hrs ago first period when Anaheim could have opened up a multi-goal lead and instead ended up with just three shots on goal.

Defenseman Robert Bortuzzo was the last player who had been with the “It didn’t seem like we had a lot of jump or juice,” Berube said. “But early Blues the whole season who didn’t have a goal, and don’t think he and on in the game I thought that we did what we had to do to defend our net, his teammates weren’t aware of that. blocking shots and things like that. It wasn’t a pretty first period. . . . And then I thought our game got better as the game went along. It was one of “Guys tell me probably before every game that they feel like I got one those games where it wasn’t a free-flowing game, just a lot of grinding tonight,” Bortuzzo said several days ago. “They keep telling me that and out there and things like that. But on the other side, we found a way to hopefully, eventually, someone will feel like a genius or something.” win and guys did a good job I thought.”

Bortuzzo might not score many goals, but when he scores them, he picks It was a step up from the last time the Blues played the Ducks, when they his spot well. On Monday, with the Blues stuck in a 1-1 swamp with blew a 2-0 lead and lost in overtime in a lost weekend where they took Anaheim, a team that was 30th in a 31-team NHL in points, Bortuzzo just one out of four possible points from the Ducks, one of several times took a shot on goal that was blocked and, like all great goalscorers do, during the season it looked as if the Blues were ill-suited for the playoffs. followed it up by driving to the net. That’s where he waited just a few moments for a feed from Jordan Kyrou from behind the goal line that he “I don’t think we were as good as we needed to be tonight,” Schenn said. drove into the net to give the Blues the lead and send them on their way “I think we maybe turned over some pucks and maybe gave them some to a 3-1 win at Enterprise Center that moved them to the brink of a odd-man rushes, but at the end of the day we got two points. Those are playoff berth. important points.”

So who ended up looking like the genius? St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021

“No one made a prediction tonight,” Bortuzzo said. “Maybe that was the secret sauce.”

The Blues can, with the right combination of results, secure on Wednesday a playoff spot that everyone expected before the season began and that no one was quite too sure of April 17 when the Blues lost to Arizona and dropped into fifth place. A Blues win and a loss by the Kings in regulation would send the Blues back into the postseason and render the final week of the season essentially meaningless. Neither of those events is inherently unlikely, though getting them to line up on one night can be difficult.

“Big goal tonight,” Blues coach Craig Berube said. “He’s been playing good hockey for us. Doing a lot of different things. It was nice to see him get a goal.”

“Guys love when he scores,” said forward Brayden Schenn, whose power-play goal in the second period gave the Blues a 1-0 lead for 25 seconds before the Ducks tied it. “Obviously (game-winning) big goal tonight, and obviously scoring goals is one thing, but I think we all know what he does for our team. He’s a team-first guy, brings a ton to our locker room and does the little things on the ice to make our team win. So when you see him get rewarded, guys couldn’t be happier for him.”

“Happy to contribute,” said Bortuzzo. “It’s a big game for us coming off a road trip; those games are tough sometimes. A lot of guys stepped up tonight and it’s a big win for us.”

It was just the 14th goal of Bortuzzo’s long NHL career, which now covers 411 games. (He also had two goals during the team’s Stanley Cup run in 2019.) He had predicted that when he did score a goal a good celebration would ensue, and he was right on that: a fist pump and a huge smile before he was swallowed up in a sea of teammates.

“I think the guys on the bench think it was the right amount,” Bortuzzo said, “which I’m happy with. It’s nice to show a little emotion there, especially this time of year. Games and points are huge for us.”

“I haven’t watched the replay yet,” assessed goalie Jordan Binnington, who faced only 20 shots on goal but still had a hectic night in the nets. “But you can feel the passion behind it.”

The goal reveals a truism about Bortuzzo: For a guy who doesn’t score many goals, he knows a lot about scoring goals. He read the situation perfectly to get to where he needed to be.

“I knew we had numbers just off the rush so I could hang in a little longer,” he said, “and then high-end guys like (Robert Thomas) and (Kyrou) are able to spin off guys and make those really in-tight plays. I was expecting the puck to come below the goal line and we score a lot of goals in that way. Just lingered a little longer than usual. Fortunately it was able to go in and find a hole there.” 1211691 St Louis Blues us was very positive. We’ll get him some contact, hopefully (Tuesday), and go from there.”

Notes Blues notebook: Backes makes what could be his last trip to St. Louis as The Blues wore their retro ’90s jerseys Monday night. They were a player scheduled to wear them last weekend for the back-to-backs with Minnesota, but those games were moved to Minnesota in part of the league’s many COVID-19 schedule changes. Tom Timmermann 8 hrs ago • Utica, the Blues American Hockey League affiliate, had its game with Rochester on Monday postponed because of COVID protocols. The Comets’ season runs through May 16, but with no playoffs, the season Former Blues captain David Backes is in town, probably for the final time easily can be extended. Utica has eight games left, four with Rochester as a player. and four with Syracuse. Backes, 37, is in the final year of the five-year, $30 million contract he • With forward Vladimir Tarasenko returning to the Blues’ lineup, Kyle signed with Boston after he and the Blues couldn’t come to terms after Clifford was a healthy scratch. the 2015-16 season. Boston, needing to clear space under the salary cap, traded Backes, his ice time limited by injuries and the toll they have St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 taken, to Anaheim at the deadline last season and he has continued to not play much.

Backes told reporters last week that retiring was a “possibility, I’d say it’s more of a probability, but it’s not a certainty.” He said he has put off making the decision until after the season because he wanted to be sure he won’t change his mind.

“When I say that’s enough, I’d like it to be enough and not have to go back and forth,” he said. “That’s just kind of where I’m at.”

Of course, the decision might not be his alone. This season, he has appeared in 14 games and in just one of the past 12. Anaheim is unlikely to re-sign him and it’s unlikely he’ll be in high demand as a free agent, though it takes only one team.

He wasn’t in the lineup for the Ducks on Monday — Backes is, at the moment, on the team’s taxi squad. But when Ducks coach Dallas Eakins was asked if there was a chance Backes would play in St. Louis, he said there was but didn’t expand on that. Anaheim’s final two trips could serve as a fitting coda on his career. After the game here Wednesday, the Ducks finish their season in Minnesota, where Backes was born.

“He was the guy that played hard, every night,” Blues forward Jaden Schwartz said. “He was the captain when I came in and he’s a guy that really cared about his teammates. He helped me out a lot as a young guy and he was a guy that you can kind of ask questions and learn from. He’s the guy that played a lot of hard minutes, played (on the) power play, penalty kill, played other teams’ top lines. That’s not easy to do, shut down the other teams’ top lines and be counted on to produce and he did a good job of that.

“We had some good runs in the playoffs. We ran into some good teams, we were like one win away a lot of times from moving on. He was obviously a big part of this organization for a long time. He was a guy that when I think about him, he just did everything he could to win.”

Eakins praised Backes.

“I know what he has meant to the St. Louis organization in the past,” Eakins said, “obviously being a captain and I think really setting a standard for leadership, character and work ethic. Even though he has been limited in the number of games he has played for us, he has not relented with his leadership, with his character or with his work ethic.

“I think he’s been a real shining light for our veterans on how to conduct yourself through an adverse time and I think he’s been an inspiring figure for our younger players. I just can’t say enough about that young man, not only on how he has handled himself throughout his career but just how he has gone about his business with our organization, his interactions with me, our staff and our players over this year.”

Krug still out

Defenseman Torey Krug missed his second consecutive game because of an upper-body injury and Blues coach Craig Berube said Krug still is day to day.

Defenseman Vince Dunn joined the team on the ice for their morning skate Monday but missed his fourth game because of an upper-body injury.

“I think he’s doing well,” Berube said. “I think you could see him in the lineup this week. Right now, I’m not sure, him being out there today with 1211692 St Louis Blues Defensemen Cam Fowler -- Jacob Larsson

Haydn Fleury -- Jamie Drysdale Tarasenko is expected back for Blues game on Monday Simon Benoit -- Kevin Shattenkirk

Goalie Tom Timmermann 12 hrs ago John Gibson

Backes on Wednesday? In the continuing jigsaw puzzle that is the Blues lineup, where who is in and who is out seems to change on an hourly basis, it looks as though David Backes isn't going to play tonight -- he didn't appear to be on the the Blues will have Vladimir Tarasenko back for tonight’s game with ice for the morning skate -- but Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said there Anaheim at Enterprise Center. was a chance he could play Wednesday. "It won't be tonight, though," he said. Tarasenko and Sammy Blais split time on line rushes Monday morning, alongside Jaden Schwartz and Tyler Bozak, but when it came time to do Backes has talked that retirement may be in the very near future for him. power play work, Tarasenko was part of the first unit where he normally He's played in only 14 games this season for the Ducks, just one of the is. last 11 games, and this is the final year of the five-year contract he signed when he left the Blues. “Yeah, there’s a good chance he’s going to play,” coach Craig Berube said. “We’ll see in warmups.” "The one thing I'll add on Backes," Eakins said, "I know what he has meant to the St. Louis organization in the past, obviously being a captain If Tarasenko is back in, Kyle Clifford will come out. Berube had an on-ice and I think really setting a standard for leadership, character and work chat with Clifford at the end of the morning skate, usually a sign of a ethic. Even though he has been limited in the number of games he has player coming out. played for us, he has not relented with his leadership, with his character Tarasenko has missed the past two games with a lower-body injury. He or with his work ethic. I think he's been a real shining light for our was a late scratch on the first of those games. Tarasenko had a goal and veterans on how to conduct yourself through an adverse time and I think two assists in the four games preceding his injury and Berube said he he's been an inspiring figure for our younger players. I just can't say liked the way his game was trending. enough about that young man, not only on how he has handled himself throughout his career but just how he has gone about his business with “I did,” he said. “I thought that he was getting better looks. I liked that line our organization, his interactions with me, our staff and our players over before he got hurt, I thought they were doing some good things and this year." power play wise he was doing a good job at the netfront, got a goal, just being at the net, he’s a guy that can make plays down there on the goal St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2021 line, and he’s strong and he can find rebounds around the net. He’s a big body, so he’s effective down there.”

Torey Krug will miss his second consecutive game with a lower-body injury. Berube said he is still day to day.

Defenseman Vince Dunn, who has missed four games with an upper body injury, was back on the ice, but isn't ready to play yet.

"I think he’s doing well," Berube said. "I think you could see him in the lineup this week. Right now, I’m not sure. Him being out there today with us was very positive. We’ll get him some contact, hopefully tomorrow, and go from there."

Lines

Assuming Tarasenko comes back, it will otherwise be business as usual for the Blues.

Forwards

Schenn-O'Reilly-Perron

Hoffman-Thomas-Kyrou

Schwartz-Bozak-Tarasenko

Sanford-Barbashev-Blais

Defensemen

Scandella-Faulk

Walman-Parayko

Bortuzzo-Mikkola

Goalie

Binnington

Ducks

Forwards

Max Jones -- Ryan Getzlaf -- Sam Carrick

Alexander Volkov -- Isac Lundestrom -- Rickard Rakell

Max Comtois -- Trevor Zegras -- Troy Terry

Nicolas Deslauriers -- Derek Grant -- Danton Heinen 1211693 St Louis Blues RW David Perron played in his 900th career game and 600th with St. Louis. He has 600 career points and 400 with the Blues. Perron, who assisted on O'Reilly's late goal, is the 14th player in Blues history to dress in 600 games with the club and the 57th active player to reach 900 Bortuzzo, Schenn score in Blues’ 3-1 victory over Ducks career games. Perron was originally drafted 26th overall by the Blues in 2007.

MAYBE WEDNESDAY BY WARREN MAYES David Backes, who is in the final year of a five-year contract he signed ASSOCIATED PRESS when he left St. Louis, did not take part in the morning skate. Backes has MAY 03, 2021 10:49 PM played in one of the last 11 games and only 14 all season. Eakins held out hope Backes has a chance to play Wednesday.

“I know what he has meant to the St. Louis organization in the past, Robert Bortuzzo got his first goal of the season and Brayden Schenn obviously being a captain and I think really setting a standard for also scored, leading the St. Louis Blues to a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim leadership, character and work ethic,” Eakins said. “Even though he has Ducks on Monday night. been limited in the number of games he has played for us, he has not relented with his leadership, with his character or with his work ethic.” It was Bortuzzo's third career game-winner. INJURY UPDATES “He's not a gifted scorer or anything,” St. Louis coach Craig Berube said. “Or a gifted puck guy. But he has a very smart brain. He uses his head Blues: RW Vladimir Tarasenko (lower-body injury) returns to the ice after well out there. He's got a good hockey IQ.” missing two games. With Tarasenko back, Kyle Clifford was scratched. ... D Vince Dunn (upper-body injury) will miss his fourth consecutive game. The Blues and Bortuzzo did not go overboard celebrating his rare goal. He did take part in the morning skate. ... D Torey Krug (upper body “Yeah, you don’t want to over-celebrate and make him feel stupid, or act injury) will miss his second consecutive game. He is second on the team surprised that he scored," Schenn said. "He’s still a good player and still with 28 assists. very capable of doing it. I think guys were just excited to see him score. Ducks: C Adam Henrique, who has been out the past week while in First one of the year, big goal, game-winner.” COVID-19 protocol (though he did not test positive), is on the road trip Jordan Binnington had 19 saves to earn his 70th career win, becoming but did not play. He has missed five games. ... D Josh Manson (upper- the 10th goaltender in Blues history to reach the mark. The Blues have body injury) hasn’t played since suffering his injury during a fight April 20 won seven of their last nine against the Ducks and are 5-1-1 this season — missing six games — at Los Angeles. He is on the trip but is “day to against Anaheim. day and we’ll see how that one goes,” Eakins said.

“This time of year, the points we need, it’s all business and one game at ROSTER MOVE a time and give it everything we have and refocus and prepare for the The Ducks recalled D Josh Mahura, 22, from San Diego of the AHL on next one,” Binnington said. Monday. Mahura, who hasn’t seen any NHL action since March, has a Ryan O'Reilly added an empty-netter to seal the win. goal and three points in 11 games with Anaheim this season.

Ryan Getzlaf scored for Anaheim and John Gibson had 29 saves. Belleville News-Democrat LOADED: 05.04.2021

“We all have no margins for error,” Ducks coach Dallas Eakins said. “I think John Gibson lays it on the line every night to try to keep it where they score none. Everyone knows we're limited in the goal scoring column. Every night he comes in and does everything he can to keep the other team to zero.”

The teams meet again Wednesday in St. Louis.

Bortuzzo gave St. Louis a 2-1 lead at 2:13 of the third period. From behind the net, Jordan Kyrou saw Bortuzzo in the slot and his wrist shot found the back of the net. It was Bortuzzo’s 17th goal in his 10-year NHL career. His last goal came March 8, 2020, at Chicago.

“I’m confident in my abilities. No one made a prediction tonight. Maybe that was the secret sauce. No one had to say anything. Happy to contribute," Bortuzzo said. “It’s a big game for us coming off a road trip, those games are tough sometimes. A lot of guys stepped up tonight and it’s a big win for us.”

The Blues have won six of their last eight games at home. The win puts St. Louis five points ahead of Arizona for the final playoff spot in the West Division. The Blues have three games in hand on Arizona, which hosted Los Angeles Monday.

After a scoreless first period, each team scored within 25 seconds of each in the second period.

St. Louis took a 1-0 lead at 5:52 when Schenn snapped a wrist shot by Gibson for a power-play goal. Schenn has seven points in seven games against the Ducks this season.

The Ducks tied it with an unassisted goal by Getzlaf at 6:17. Colton Parayko was unable to handle a pass from Sammy Blais. Getzlaf picked off the pass and buried the puck on a breakaway.

"I like that we’re still battling. I mean, that’s a good hockey team right there," Getzlaf said. “We were right in that game there.”

MILESTONE 1211694 St Louis Blues Kyrou sets up Robert Bortuzzo for an attempt that’s easily gloved by Talbot.

The Blues don’t score on that sequence, but the stoppage in play leads ‘It was a great road trip’: Blues rightfully proud of results in Minnesota, to a faceoff in the offensive zone. but one big issue needs addressing The Wild’s Nick Bonino wins that draw against Thomas, but after a turnover by Dumba, Thomas feeds Kyrou in front of the net. Driving to the crease, Kyrou loses control of the puck, but it still finds the back of By Jeremy Rutherford May 3, 2021 the net for a 3-3 score with 12:19 remaining in regulation.

“It’s definitely tough to defend when all three guys are forechecking like that,” Kyrou said. “We were just all over the puck creating turnovers and The Minnesota Wild were on a seven-game winning streak when the attacking the net.” Blues arrived in St. Paul, Minn., on Wednesday for a three-game set. The Blues kept rolling, with Thomas netting the go-ahead goal with 23 The Blues ended the streak at seven and nearly left town with all three seconds left in regulation. victories. They earned five of six points after losing the finale Saturday. “We’re a team that always keeps on fighting and that’s been the story of “It was a great road trip,” Blues coach Craig Berube said. “Guys played my years here,” Thomas said. “You’re never out and we’re always going hard, did a great job.” to bring it in the third.” The Blues are back home to host Anaheim on Monday. They have a Thursday three-point lead on Arizona with seven games to play, including three in- hand on the Coyotes. But while the playoff scenario looks promising, Except, 24 hours later, the Blues did not bring it in the third period. another takeaway from the trip is that they must do a better job of playing with multi-goal leads. They had built a 3-0 lead in the middle of the second period, but the Wild got one back late in the frame to make it 3-1 at the second intermission. In each of the three games against Minnesota, one of the teams led 3-1 going into the third period, and all three times the lead was blown, We’ll pick up the game two minutes into the third period, with Thomas including two by the Blues. winning a faceoff in the offensive zone.

The Wild did it Wednesday, with the Blues rallying for a 4-3 victory. The Certainly, the Blues can’t create a scoring chance out of every Blues coughed one up Thursday, though they recovered for a 5-4 possession, but the clip below shows how they were settling for a shot overtime win. On Saturday they did it again but this time fell 4-3 in OT. from the outside, with no one crashing the Wild net like we saw on Wednesday. After Ryan O’Reilly scored the OT winner Thursday, the Blues captain said the team can’t afford to play on its heels in those situations. But two Hoffman puts a puck on net from a side angle, and despite there being a days later, the same scenario unfolded and it cost the club. rebound, Thomas is still standing on the faceoff dot as it lays in front of Talbot, and there is no other Blues player visible on the TV screen. This hasn’t been a prominent issue for the Blues, who are 14-0-3 when leading after two periods this season, one of 10 teams in the NHL without Minnesota took possession and was able to clear the defensive zone. a regulation loss in that situation. But with it happening in back-to-back The Wild did turn the puck over in the neutral zone, but a series of errors games and the playoffs potentially just around the corner, it’s worth by Blues would soon lead to a goal by Kevin Fiala. addressing. First, Colton Parayko makes a soft pass in the neutral zone that’s The Athletic went back and rewatched the third period of all three games. scooped up by Victor Rask and advanced into the offensive zone. After a With the use of video clips, we’ll illustrate what’s going on. We’ll start with shot by Marcus Johansson goes wide, Parayko tries to push the puck up Wednesday’s game, when the Blues overcame a 3-1 deficit, to show the ice with just one hand on his stick, and it goes to Fiala. He passes to stark contrast in how they played when trailing by two goals compared to Rask in the corner, and Rask returns the puck for a shot that beats Blues when they were protecting such a lead. goalie Ville Husso.

Wednesday Fiala gets off a great shot, cutting Minnesota’s deficit to 3-2.

The Blues were outshot 16-7 in the second period, and the Wild took a 3- Perhaps Husso could have made the stop, but as you can see in the 1 lead on a goal by Marcus Foligno. sequence of the two videos, the Blues aren’t applying any pressure in the offensive zone, and they’re on their heels throughout the rest of the ice. “There were certain situations where they had us hemmed in our zone,” Berube said. “I tell the team why and what’s going on, but it’s a mindset They would lose the momentum briefly on Fiala’s goal, but regain it about with me more than anything.” four minutes later when O’Reilly scored for another two-goal lead (3-1 and now 4-2). In the video below, you’ll see a stronger mindset return for the Blues. The speed with which they leave their defensive zone shows how much they Then with about 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Wild get back in the want to score. game again.

Jaden Schwartz gets his legs moving and teammate Torey Krug hits him In the clip below, they are first in on the forecheck and cycle the puck with a pass in stride. The left winger blows past the Wild’s Mats around the offensive zone, outhustling the Blues until Rask buries a shot Zuccarello and Matt Dumba, who has to hook Schwartz to perhaps to make it 4-3 with 4:39 remaining in regulation. prevent a goal. That goal by Rask led to Minnesota pulling Talbot late in the game for an Dumba is sent to the penalty box just 3:20 into the third period, and 29 extra attacker and Kirill Kaprizov scoring a six-on-five goal tie the game seconds later, Mike Hoffman scores his second power-play goal of the at 4-4 with 52 seconds left in regulation. game to pull the Blues to within 3-2. Luckily for the Blues, though, they were able to pull this one out in Absent that assertiveness, the Blues don’t draw the penalty from Dumba, overtime, with O’Reilly netting his second goal of the game. which leads to the PP goal. But it’s not only that; if you watch the clip “When they come that hard, with that much momentum, we just get on again, you’ll see Tyler Bozak crashing the net for a potential pass or our heels and we’re trying to play a little too safe,” O’Reilly said after the rebound, and Vladimir Tarasenko skating into the high slot looking for a game. “Guys want to do the right things out there, but when they come scoring chance. that aggressive, they’re going to force turnovers. We all know we’ve got Now the Blues’ deficit is one goal, and they continue to put pressure on to find a way to close that out. Having that lead, we have to be harder in the offensive zone. and maybe force them to play in their end a bit more. We found a way to get it done, but yeah, it is an issue.” With under 13 minutes to play in regulation, Robert Thomas gains the blue line and Justin Faulk puts a shot on net that’s turned away by Wild Saturday goalie Cam Talbot. Thomas forces a turnover on the boards, and Jordan After a day off Friday, the Blues grabbed another 3-1 lead entering the third period, and what was interesting this time is they actually started off with a lot of energy.

The offense created some scoring chances on its first few shifts of the period and had some extended zone time in the clip below.

O’Reilly wins the faceoff back to Jake Walman, who puts a shot on net. He doesn’t convert, but keeps the puck in the zone, which allows O’Reilly to set up Schenn for a shot that goes wide.

O’Reilly gets the puck again and sets up another shot by Walman. And though that’s stopped by Wild goalie Kaapo Kahkonen, it’s clear the Blues are looking to add to their lead, not protect it.

Asked after the game if he thought the Blues started the third period on their toes, Berube replied, “Yeah, I did.”

But as the period went along, they got less aggressive and started turning pucks over.

Here’s an example of that, where Parayko passes up the wall to Kyrou, who gets a piece of it, but ultimately the puck is picked off by the Wild.

The turnover didn’t result in a goal this time, but it would be the theme of the third period, in which the Blues were outshot 19-7.

“They were shooting everything and kind of got us running around a little bit,” Berube said “We just got to have better composure.”

A goal by Minnesota was a matter of if, not when, and it came on a remarkable redirection by Nico Sturm to make it 3-2 with 5:51 left in regulation.

Parayko is hurried because of the heavy forecheck by Rask. Kyrou can’t make a play on the wall, and neither can Thomas. The puck gets rimmed around, and on the other side, Ivan Barbashev makes a fruitless backhanded attempt to get the puck out.

“The second goal is soft all around and it goes in our net and now it’s 3- 2,” Berube said. “There’s no reason not to be (aggressive). We played a solid two periods, got a 3-1 lead, just go close it out. All you’ve got to do is manage the game. You’ve got to advance the puck, make sure you get it in deep, get line changes and make hard plays.”

But for the second straight night, the Blues didn’t do that.

“Just sitting back too much,” Schenn said. “We’ve got to pressure a little bit more and go expect to win. I think when you get a little tentative or sit back, looking to block shots and stuff like that, you’re going to give them lanes and they’re taking advantage of it. When you don’t keep your foot on the gas, they’re going to get chances, and they capitalize on them.”

The Wild did capitalize, and then with Kahkonen pulled for an extra attacker, Jonas Brodin tied it 3-3 with one minute to go. That marked the first time in Blues’ franchise history that they had allowed the game-tying goal in the final minute of consecutive games, according to @STLBlueshistory.

And this time it hurt, as Fiala followed with the OT winner.

You can lament the six-on-five goals and the personnel that was on the ice. Zach Sanford was on for both the Kaprizov and Brodin goals. Berube noted Saturday that Brodin’s shot in front of Sanford should have been blocked.

But here’s the thing: The Blues have scored the most six-on-five goals in the NHL this season (nine) and have had their share of good fortune with the extra attacker. The focus here isn’t the extra-attacker goals; it’s the multiple times they blew two-goal leads at even-strength.

The reflection, though, will have to wait until the Blues are in that situation again because, on Saturday, they were just thankful to leave Minnesota with what they did.

“There’s a lot of positives for sure that we’ve done over the last three games here,” Perron said. “I think we’ve got seven games left, and they’re going to come pretty quick. We’ve just got to turn the page on this and be pretty happy we got results the last several games. We’ve still got a point-streak going and we’ve got to keep pushing.”

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211695 Tampa Bay Lightning benefit the line as a whole. And I think we’ve really grown to understand each other’s games and know what to expect.”

Tampa Bay Times LOADED: 05.04.2021 Lightning’s third line getting it done early

By Eduardo A. Encina

Published Yesterday

Updated Yesterday

TAMPA — They’ve often started games this year, and the Lightning depend on their third forward line of , and Barclay Goodrow to provide a spark out of the gate.

In Sunday’s 2-1 win over the Red Wings, the line not only scored on its first shift of the game, but also on the first shift of the second period.

Since debuting last season after the Lightning acquired Coleman and Goodrow at the trade deadline — and shining through Tampa Bay’s postseason run — the Gourde line only continues to provide disciplined and determined hockey.

“They’ve got a better part of three quarters of this year, a lot of the playoffs last year,” Lightning coach said. “So, for all intents and purposes, they’ve had a full year of games to get to know each other and they’ve got a lot of chemistry. They know where each other is; they’ve got a lot of attributes that blend with each other.”

They’re known for making life hard on opponents with their forecheck, and Sunday, they utilized their aggressiveness to manufacture both Lightning goals in a low-scoring game.

“There’s going to be off nights,” Coleman said. “That’s life and that’s hockey, and the more good nights we can put together as a line, the better this team’s going to be. It’s going to give us a chance to win games like this where maybe pucks aren’t necessarily falling in for some of our big scorers.”

Coleman scored Sunday’s first goal 16 seconds into the game, and both of his linemates were instrumental. Moments after puck drop, Gourde sent it up ice and pursued, meeting Detroit defenseman Filip Hronek into the far corner. Goodrow converged as well and past the end line, he intercepted Hronek’s back-handed pass behind the net, looked up and found Coleman skating into the slot.

Goodrow’s feed in front of the net landed on Coleman’s stick for a one- timer that beat Red Wings goaltender Jonathan Bernier, giving Coleman goals in three of his past four games.

On the first shift of the second period, the Gourde line was at it again, peppering Bernier with shots and keeping the pressure on with a strong retrieval game. Gourde came in from the far corner to walk in front, but couldn’t get a shot off in traffic.

Coleman found the puck and flipped a wrister at the net. Goodrow chased the rebound and fed Coleman for another shot. Gourde corralled the puck off the end boards and kicked it off the side board to defenseman Mikhail Sergachev, who fired from the left point through Coleman’s screen — Coleman jumped and the puck went through his legs — and into the net at 1:09 into the period.

That was all the offense the Lightning would have, and it was all they’d need, thanks to relentless play from the Gourde line.

“Clearly, those first shifts of the first and second period, we needed every one of those goals to win this hockey game,” Cooper said. “You never know how many you’re going to need. You’ve just got to make sure you get one more and those are the three that did it for us.”

After a plus-2 game for the trio Sunday, Coleman (15) and Goodrow (14) lead the Lightning in plus-minus. The also lead in hits — Goodrow has 99, Coleman 95 — and both players are key members of a penalty kill unit that’s been nearly perfect over the past five games, going 17-for-18.

“The identity hasn’t changed, but maybe a little bit of that chemistry of understanding where we each like to play in the offensive zone and defensive zone,” Coleman said. “I think it’s one of those things where you really learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and can use that to 1211696 Tampa Bay Lightning “I can’t tell you if it’s all 31 NHL clubs who have someone on staff (like Hamilton) but I’m sure we’re getting close to the day, and it will come, where every club will have someone. It’s that important.”

‘I’m crying and I don’t know why’: How Lightning approach to mental When the Lightning’s AHL affiliate missed the playoffs health helped lead them to the Stanley Cup in 2013-14, BriseBois met with Crunch coach Rob Zettler to figure out how they could improve.

Zettler suggested they bring in a sports psychologist, having seen the By Joe Smith May 3, 2021 value while coaching with the Maple Leafs, who now use Meg Popovic.

BriseBois recalled the work of Dr. David Scott, who spent time with several NHL teams, including the Canadiens when BriseBois was an The night before every playoff round in the Stanley Cup bubble last executive there. BriseBois reached out to Scott, telling him, “We’re summer, the Lightning held a team meeting. looking for the next David Scott.” It was in their hotel ballroom, the same one they ate team meals at Scott was Hamilton’s mentor at the University of New Brunswick. during their 65-day stay in Toronto and Edmonton. Coaches went over Hamilton got his master’s and PhD with him. This was Hamilton’s big pre-scout of their opponent and top players. break. “Recommending Ryan to Julien was a bit like me recommending Then it was Ryan Hamilton’s turn. that you sign a kid called Gretzky,” Scott said.

The University of New Brunswick psychology professor, who has been Hamilton grew up in the tiny town of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick. Tampa Bay’s mental performance coach the last six years, stepped up to Breaking into pro sports wasn’t easy. Some called it “hocus pocus” the front and delivered a speech. It was usually five minutes or so, talking instead of what it actually is: Science. When Hamilton got on a call with about key values like resilience, gratitude and commitment — tools on Zettler, BriseBois and then-GM Steve Yzerman, he sat in his UNB office, how they can make the most of a tough situation. The 42-year-old father notes scattered all over his desk. of two gave players and staff a book each round, the first “Energy Bus” Hamilton was tempted to tell the Lightning, “maybe you should try this in by Jon Gordon, which focused on positive energy and everyone being on a few more years,” when he had more experience. But then Hamilton board. took advice he’d give to his clients, “Sometimes you’ve got to lean into Then came the family videos. discomfort.”

The wives and kids of each of the Lightning players and staff put together Hamilton explained his mental toughness model, about dealing with colorful clips as a surprise. It started as simple, “Good luck, Dad, I love challenges, emotional control, confidence and fostering commitment. He you,” and turned into elaborate skits and crafted scripts. believed toughness is a verb, not a noun, something they could get better at. There were the parents of firing up their popcorn machine shaped like the Stanley Cup. “I don’t fix people, I don’t psychoanalyze people,” Hamilton said. “I teach them skills. The same way a strength and conditioning coach helps them There was Pat Maroon’s 12-year-old son, Anthony, eating cereal out of a get stronger. I teach psychological skills.” bowl, saying he’s hoping he can have it out of the Cup again. BriseBois said they like how they can use their AHL affiliate as a Then there was Yanni Gourde’s wife, Marie, who became the “queen” of “laboratory” for their NHL club, so he had Hamilton spend his first year chugging Bud Lights while listening to the team’s win song, Yung Gravy’s with the Crunch to see how it went. Zettler introduced Hamilton in a “Gravy Train.” group setting on Nov. 3, 2014. The Crunch had Hamilton give a presentation and then made it mandatory for every player to see him at Some were heartfelt. Some were funny. But they also reinforced mental least once. Zettler worried guys would shy away believing it might show messaging from Hamiton about the importance of gratitude and knowing “weakness,” so this at least gave them a no-pressure trial run. It didn’t they’re not alone — even if it felt like it. take long for Zettler to find players lining up to visit with Hamilton on his “It reminded you that there were a lot of people that helped you get to visits. that point,” said former Lightning defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. “As bad “What I love about Ryan is there’s not a lot of bullshit,” Zettler said. “It’s as you want to win it for yourself, you want to win it for your family too.” ‘How do we handle it? How do we get better?’ It’s not fluff. It’s not ‘poor The Lightning won the Stanley Cup because they were the best team, you.’ It’s how do we ‘lean into it?’ with their top players like , , Nikita Kucherov “If you back away, you’re going to fail.” and Andrei Vasilevskiy coming through with clutch performances. But they’d be the first to tell you they were able to navigate the admitted there was some initial skepticism when Hamilton unprecedented stay in a “bubble” because of their approach to mental gave his first talk with the Lightning in the fall of 2015. health, with Hamilton playing a key role. Hamilton was with the team for seven days during training camp, and Hamilton would rather remain in the background and points out anything said — other than a few players he worked with in Syracuse — nobody he’s done has been a collaborative effort with other members of the else spoke to him (other than to say hello or how are you doing?). It was organization. He won’t talk about individual players and his relationships, humbling. But the night before his flight home, a player reached out, with maintaining trust paramount. But Hamilton also feels people need to asking him if he’d be free to talk in the morning around 10 a.m. know this type of work happens in hockey, that there are progressive thinkers in the game. There are many NHL teams with sports psychology Hamilton’s flight was at 9 a.m. He canceled his flight, taking a later one resources, whether it’s full- or part-time, including the Maple Leafs, Wild, so he could meet with the player. Sabres, Blackhawks and Blues. Hamilton sees players like Robin Lehner “I know some guys were hesitant at first, like, ‘What do we need a sports speaking out about their experiences and believes it inspires others to psychologist for?’” Killorn said. “‘What’s going on?’ But the thing with “normalize” the struggles. The mental strains have continued into this Ryan is that he’s such a good guy, the more you get to know him, the season, with multiple players saying it’s been even more challenging more you want to open up to him.” than the bubble. Hamilton suggested Killorn try meditation and it’s become a key part of Hamilton and sat down to discuss the important topic of mental health his routine. Goalie Andrei Vasilevskiy credited Hamilton for helping spark and hockey and how it played a role in the Lightning’s run to the Cup. his midseason turnaround last season, improving his mental approach in “I think society in general views mental health issues the same way we games where he faces low-shot volume. Shattenkirk recalled Hamilton look at physical issues,” Lightning GM Julien BriseBois said. “There’s an giving a speech after a rough loss in Chicago before the pause, acceptance that this happens and it’s something that needs to be reminding them to take a breath when things go awry. The exercise was addressed and needs to be treated and that it could heal and get back to four second breath in, four second pause and four second breath out. being better. “It’s something I took and still use now,” Shattenkirk said. Hamilton said there’s a handful of Lightning players he meets with The family videos, however, stole the show. The Lightning got the idea formally on each trip, a handful of guys he’ll sit down with a couple times from the Hurricanes, which used them in the play-in round in the bubble. a season and another handful he won’t have extensive talks with at all. It all varies based on need. Some players are dealing with confidence “They took on a life of their own,” Hamilton said. “And became part of the issues, others with anxiety or sleep. Hamilton addresses the team a few routine.” times a year and is always available as a sounding board. So did Hamilton’s talks. Before each round, he’d address the team with a “He brings you in with funny stories,” Killorn said. 10-15 minute speech. He’d focus on an area, whether that was surrendering the outcome, staying in the moment, handling adversity or That’s Hamilton’s approach. He’ll tell a personal anecdote using his committing to each other. share of self-deprecating humor. He’ll then relate it to science and then they do an exercise/affirmation. “He’d always use some personal stories, about struggles and triumphs,” Killorn said. “The way he made it all relatable is what you look for in a Hamilton’s favorite is about a 70-year-old man from a rural town who player. He wasn’t grasping for straws. He wasn’t over the top. Just very would always be seen walking on the side of the road. One day, he got direct and to the point. More than anything, his attitude towards it really attacked by a bear. Hamilton went to visit him in the hospital, and he’d made you believe in everything. say, “Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” “His speeches were talking about how, ‘This is not the best situation, but But the old man stopped walking. we can make the most out of it. You’re not with your family, but we have a chance to win a Stanley Cup.’” Hamilton explains it wasn’t because all the bears in the forest have conspired against him, it’s not like the man forgot how to walk. He didn’t Hamilton said the burdens of the bubble led him to experience things he come back because he kept thinking about what happened to him on that never had before in the sports psychology field. day. What happened in the past is impacting his future, “What if it happens again?” There were a few times where a player would approach him at mid-day, whether it was before heading to the rink or after practice, with a Hamilton said the parallel in hockey is giving up three awful goals in a sobering and sad message. game or making a critical turnover, then letting it impact you the next day. “If we can shake ourselves of that thought and forget the past,” Hamilton “Hammy, can I talk to you? I’m crying and I don’t know why.” said. “We play more in the present.” “There were a few instances that kind of got emotional, ‘Why am I close Then a player will go through affirmations focused on strengths and to tears right now?’” Hamilton recalled. “‘I feel fine, I’m happy to be here, intentions, saying things like, “I am hardworking.” “I am explosive.” “I am close to the end and the Cup. What is happening?’ a leader.” “It was a new thing for players to experience and so new for me to have Hamilton’s best work, however, came in the 65 days the Lightning spent to help them through.” in the bubble. The challenges of the bubble were immense. There was caution Early into the four-month pause last spring, Hamilton opened up his exhaustion of the COVID protocols, the monotony and boredom, email to find an inspiring message from BriseBois. separation from families and children. There were strains on relationships in the team, which comes naturally when you’re together for two months The note was sent to players, staff and hockey ops. straight. There was a growing racial tension around the world, with the NHL postponing playoff games out of respect for the “Black Lives Matter” “We’re going to play hockey again,” BriseBois wrote. “We’re going to be movement. The bubble may have kept COVID out, but it didn’t prevent the most prepared team when we play hockey again. And we’re going to other stressors from entering. win the Stanley Cup.” What if their kids were sick, or having issues at home? FaceTime calls It fired up Hamilton. So did BriseBois’ message that they were going to could only do so much. There were many dads (Hamilton and his wife be the most “well” team. Karyn have two kids, Ben, 15 and daughter Addy, 11), who were away BriseBois had been connecting with general managers across all sports, from their families. Shattenkirk, , Ryan McDonagh, Braydon from NBA, MLB and NHL to rugby and soccer. They were essentially Coburn, Zach Bogosian were among the many with little kids at home. crowd-sourcing ideas on how to handle the breaks in their respective Victor Hedman’s wife, Sanna, was pregnant and expecting back in seasons. Tampa.

An NBA GM mentioned that the most important thing when they returned “It was hard,” Shattenkirk said. “It was the day between games that were to play would be mental. The team that was going to have the most the toughest, you had time to really sit and think about where you are success were the ones that were the most mentally fresh. and what you could be doing back home. You’re hearing about what the kids are doing and missing those milestone moments. You’re hearing “It really hit a chord with me,’ BriseBois said. “Internally, we tried to keep how hard of a day that might have been. You’re feeling like you’re that in mind at all times.” powerless. You’re sitting in your room, twiddling your thumbs, watching Netflix feeling like a waste of space.” While strength and conditioning coach Mark Lambert worked on creating at-home workouts for players, Hamilton was sending weekly newsletters Hamilton said it was natural for everyone to deal with anxiety, sadness, to players and staff with tips on coping with the break and staying stress. There just wasn’t the same amount of abilities to escape, whether mentally strong. There were book recommendations, too. that was getting outside or going to a favorite local pub or hugging your child. He used the example of coping resources as a phone battery, The team formed a focus group to plan for the bubble, with Hamilton, where it starts fully charged but eventually loses its juice. Hamilton wasn’t BriseBois, assistant GMs and , director of immune, saying he chipped two teeth clenching due to stress, which was team services Ryan Belec and doctor of hockey administration Liz helped by writing in a 100-page journal. He encouraged players to do the Koharski. Coaches and other staff chimed in with ideas, too. same. They sent out a survey to players and staff asking them for their favorite “Sometimes the battery runs out completely and you kind of break down,” snacks, board games, movies, books, quotes (some Russian food and Hamilton said. “Guys were experiencing emotions in a way they weren’t Czech beer, for example, were brought into the bubble to provide used to. You understand that because you’ve been dealing with a chronic personal touches to foreign-born players). They gathered family photos stressor without real escape for two months.” to fill the digital photo frame that would be a surprise for players and staff, who would see the photos updated often throughout their two-month There was a poetic justice and fitting jumpstart when the Lightning beat stay. Columbus in the first round. They had been part of one of the sport’s biggest upsets the spring before, with the Blue Jackets sweeping the The players’ families were given gifts after each round, whether that was Presidents’ Trophy champs. a popcorn machine for a watch party, flags, jewellery, Lightning gear. The idea was if the families felt supported, it would be easier for them to Even Hamiton took it hard. support the individuals they loved in the bubble. “The conversation after we lost the series wasn’t, ‘Oh jeez, these guys got their nutrition plan wrong,’ or ‘they didn’t have a talented team or a good coach,’” Hamilton said. “The conversation was that something happened mentally here.”

Hamilton looked in the mirror, “What should I have done?”

Many believed the series victory over the Blue Jackets, including the five- overtime win in Game 1, propelled the Lightning on their Cup run. Even coach Jon Cooper pointed to the mental impact of believing and getting the Blue Jackets out of their head

“There’s nothing more important than being confident in your ability to be resilient,” Hamilton said. “And this was the starting point for us and our run.”

Hamilton believed Stamkos was modeling all the values the team had during the bubble, from resilience to trust, sacrifice and gratitude.

And it paid off with an iconic goal in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final.

And with the Lightning one win away from hoisting the Cup, they faced one of their tougher mental challenges. Tampa Bay had won Game 4 over Dallas to take a 3-1 series lead, and then it was impossible to get the end goal out of their minds. The team had to talk about logistics.

Who will get the Cup first?

How will they celebrate?

When will they leave the bubble?

The coaches and leaders all talked about staying in the moment, resisting the seductive urge to think of the outcome and fulfilling their lifelong dream. Before the Stars tied Game 5 late and forced overtime, several Lightning scratched players, including Stamkos, got ready in full gear in preparing for the inevitable celebration (then had to quickly switch back after the overtime loss).

It’s hard to not think about it. The hallway at Edmonton’s had photos on the wall of previous Stanley Cup champions hoisting hockey’s holy grail, from Mark Messier and Jonathan Toews to Ray Bourque. It smacked you in the face.

Cooper, who preached process over outcome in most of his intermission and postgame speeches, kept on message, up until the second intermission of Game 6

“There’s no outcome,” he said. “Forget about that. Keep investing in the process. Keep doing it.”

Hamilton remembered walking in with a Lightning player on that Cup- clinching night. They weren’t talking, just strolling in side by side. They passed by the Toews and Bourque Cup banners. The player turned to Hamiton.

“Not yet.”

They both kept walking. Hamilton smiled. He knew everything they had preached had sunk in.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211697 Toronto Maple Leafs But Montreal is on a roll and the two points over Toronto put the Canadiens in a tie with Winnipeg for third place. The Jets, who hold the tiebreaker, have lost seven games in a row, including a 2-1 decision to Ottawa on Monday, so a Leafs-Canadiens playoff may not be in the Montreal’s Artturi Lehkonen defends against the Leafs’ Ilya Mikheyev as cards, at least not in the first round. players scrum around the Canadiens net. Highs and lows: The Leafs power play went 0-for-2 and is now 4-for-59 dating back to March 21 ... Rielly scored his first goal in 13 games ... With an assist on Matthews’ goal, Thornton has a six-game points streak By Kevin McGran (two goals, four assists) ... Alex Galchenyuk’s assist on Rielly’s goal was Mon., May 3, 2021 his first point against Montreal, the team that drafted him ... It has been 20 years since the Leafs had a scorer in the top five in points at the end updated 6 hrs ago of the season (Mats Sundin). Marner was third going into Monday’s game; Matthews was fifth.

Keep looking: Keefe continued to take a look at young players who may The idea, for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is to get to the post-season not not be in the lineup when the playoffs start. just on a roll but healthy. Rasmus Sandin was part of the third defensive pairing with Travis So blowing a lead late in the game and losing Nick Foligno to injury in a Dermott, and on the first power-play unit. He played 15:45, including 4:25 3-2 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens is not exactly how Leafs with the extra man. And Timothy Liljegren was with Muzzin, playing coach Sheldon Keefe would have liked Game 52 of a 56-game season to important shutdown minutes against Montreal’s top lines. Liljegren played go down. 14:39, including 3:49 killing penalties. But it’s what the Leafs ended up with after Phil Danault tied the game Neither played a perfect game. In fact, each gave the puck away on a with 52 seconds to go and Montreal’s newly minted overtime hero — couple of opportunities, struggling through the second period. Campbell’s highly hyped rookie Cole Caufield — came through for them in the extra netminding covered up the mistakes. period for the second game in a row. Keefe on Sandin: “He looked comfortable there (on the power play). “Ultimately, in terms of the game, it was just missed opportunities,” Keefe There was the one where he gave up the big chance again — they got said. “We had a number of opportunities in that first period to score a lot the great short-handed look — but he looked comfortable, moved the more than we did. We failed to do so. We had a couple of other chances puck well, moved it with poise.” later in the game, and then we even had the puck on our stick on their side of the ice with their goalie pulled. That doesn’t go for us either. Little Keefe on Liljegren: “I thought he was OK. I thought he had some really things like that just didn’t go for us.” good moments in the game. We gave him a lot of opportunity, especially on that penalty kill, and again, in the first 21 minutes or so of the game So while little things — like another 0-for-2 power play — didn’t go for we had taken three penalties. Not a good night to not have Justin Holl, Toronto, there might be a bigger worry: Foligno. and that puts a lot on Liljegren. We wanted to give him that opportunity Keefe could offer no update or context as to why the forward, a key trade and that opportunity will serve him well, but I think it showed it was deadline pickup, left the ice late in the second period. It seemed he maybe a little bit too much too soon. But this is why you put them in tweaked a knee stopping in front of Montreal goaltender Jake Allen on a these situations because they’ll be better for it down the line.” rush. He had fallen into the boards in a previous shift. The TV Roster notes: The Leafs have lost 137 man-games dues to injury and it commentators suggested it might have been a groin injury or hip pointer. should be remembered that the playoff lineups will be vastly different “I don’t have any word on him,” Keefe said. “We have the day off from the ones that played Monday night. Scratched or injured for the tomorrow so we’ll just see how it settles down. We’ll know more on the Leafs: Hyman, Bogosian, Holl, Andersen, Riley Nash, Ben Hutton, Pierre next practice day.” Engvall and Scott Sabourin. Scratched or injured for Montreal: Shea Weber, Carey Price Erik Gustafsson, Paul Byron Tomas Tatar, Brendan With no media availability Tuesday, there’s very little chance followers of Gallagher and Jonathan Drouin. the team will be able to keep an even keel while having to wait for the prognosis. Not when the team already has injuries to key players like Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2021 Zach Hyman, Zach Bogosian and Justin Holl, each of whom would have been called on to kill penalties and would have been on the ice in the final minute when Allen was pulled for an extra attacker.

Amazing Matthews: Matthews scored his league-leading 39th goal of the season, a hand-eye deflection of a Jake Muzzin shot. For a while it looked like it would be his fourth-game winner in four games. Even after Danault tied the game, Matthews had a chance to win it in overtime when he and Mitch Marner had a 2-on-0 break. They overpassed. Marner probably should have shot. Everyone, including Allen, knew Marner would have loved to have set up Matthew’s 40th in game-winning fashion.

“We just maybe overpassed it,” Matthews said. “I wasn’t able to get my stick on it there at the end. I mean, it’s late in the game — late, late in overtime. Maybe a little fatigue setting in. Obviously, (I) would have liked to see that one go into the net.”

Cool Cole: There was another amazing American sniper living up to his hype in the game: Caufield. He has scored at every level, even bettering records Matthews set in the U.S. National Development Program.

“He’s obviously got a pretty good shot,” Leafs goalie Jack Campbell said after Caufield rang the winner in off the right post. “He’s a good player and, you know, we’ll look forward to playing next time.”

Next time: The Leafs face Montreal on Thursday and Saturday in Toronto. For the better part of a month, if not longer, it looked as if Montreal and Toronto were on a collision course to meet in the first round of the playoffs. The two historic rivals haven’t met in the post-season since 1979. 1211698 Toronto Maple Leafs “There’s still positions up for grabs,” Suzuki said. “We’re trying to put ourselves in the best position possible. The Jets are struggling a bit right now.

Goal Caufield: Rookie sniper scores his 2nd straight OT winner as Habs “We need to keep going and focus on ourselves.” edge Leafs 3-2 Down 2-1 late in the third, Danault jammed home his fifth between Campbell and his near post with 51.8 seconds left in regulation after beating Matthews on an offensive zone faceoff to set up a wild, knife- By The Canadian Press edged OT.

Mon., May 3, 2021 Toffoli missed the net on a breakaway, Matthews and Mitch Marner couldn’t connect on a 2-on-0, and John Tavares hit the post for Toronto updated 5 hrs ago before Caufield won it.

“Off to a wonderful start,” Danault said of his young teammate. “I don’t MONTREAL - Cole Caufield doesn’t cut an imposing figure on the ice. want to put too much pressure on him. He knows his job, he’s doing well. He’s dynamic, he’s fast. He just comes up big when it matters most. “I really like his game, and cherries on a sundae with two goals in The diminutive rookie sniper scored at 4:43 of overtime — his second overtime.” extra-time winner in 48 hours — after Montreal tied it late as the Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in a potential North Although the players had left the ice, Caufield waited in the tunnel Division playoff preview Monday. leading to Montreal’s locker room after being mobbed by teammates as the officials took a second look on their video monitor to make sure Armia “The feeling doesn’t get old,” said Caufield, who also buried the decisive didn’t interfere with Campbell. OT chance in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators. “Everybody left the rink,” Caufield said with a smile. “There wasn’t too “And it never will.” much worry.”

Playing just his fifth NHL game, the five-foot-seven, 162-pound winger Matthews snapped a 1-1 tie with 2:39 left in the second, tipping Jake took a pass from Jeff Petry, just like he did in Saturday’s 3-on-3 period, Muzzin’s point shot past Allen as he battled in front. The goal was and fired off Jack Campbell’s post and in with Joel Armia providing a Matthews’ sixth in as many contests, 18th in his last 18 games, and 18th screen. in 22 career outings versus the Canadiens.

“He’s done it at all levels,” Canadiens centre Nick Suzuki said of Toffoli got Montreal on the board earlier in the period on a power play Caufield’s goal-scoring prowess. “It’s a big moment, playing against the when he beat Campbell for his 28th at 1:55 on Toronto’s third penalty of Leafs, back-to-back OT winners ... it’s decent.” the night. The visitors got their first man advantage shortly thereafter, but Campbell had to make a big stop off Artturi Lehkonen following a The reigning Hobey Baker Award winner as the top player in U.S. college Rasmus Sandin turnover. hockey, Caufield found the back of the net 30 times in 31 games at the University of Wisconsin this season before signing an entry-level deal Allen stoned William Nylander on a breakaway later in the period, but with the team that drafted him 15th overall in 2019. Matthews wouldn’t be denied on his deflection.

“Every goal in overtime is huge,” said Phillip Danault, who bagged Montreal looked to push in the third, with Campbell denying Ben Chiarot Montreal’s equalizer at the side of the net with under a minute to go in on a delayed penalty before stopping Josh Anderson at the side of his regulation, before adding with a grin: “I don’t know which one is his net, but was fooled on Danault’s effort down low in the final minute. favourite. Rielly opened the scoring at 4:07 of the first on a point shot through a “We’ve got to ask him.” screen for his fifth goal of the campaign and first in 13 games.

Tyler Toffoli had the other goal in regulation for Montreal (24-18-9), which Montreal, which has trailed in every game of its current winning streak, has won three in a row and now sits tied with the free-falling Winnipeg came close to getting on the board later in the period when Caufield rang Jets for third in the division. Jake Allen made 27 stops, while Petry and a shot off Campbell’s crossbar on the power play — a warning of things Suzuki added three assists each. to come from the 20-year-old goal poacher.

Auston Matthews, with his league-leading 39th of the season, and “It’s a challenging game,” Caufield said of his first moments in the NHL. Morgan Rielly replied for Toronto (33-13-6), which saw its five-game “It’s something that doesn’t come easy at all. You’ve got to work for it and winning streak come to an end. earn your spot and earn your trust with the guys. That’s something you’ve got to respect about the game. “We played well enough to win,” said Campbell, who finished with 20 saves, including a handful of the highlight-reel variety. “That comes down “It’s been a lot of fun.” to just a fluky goal to tie it up and send it into overtime. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 3, 2021. “I’m not going to overthink it.” Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2021 Toronto lost veteran forward Nick Foligno to a lower-body injury right before Matthews scored late in the second, but head coach Sheldon Keefe didn’t have an update post-game.

“We played a good game at 5 on 5,” Keefe added. “We find a way to get two goals at 5 on 5. We don’t give up any.

“Special teams are the big difference in the game. Our penalty kill, power play, 5 on 6, 3 on 3 ... those are the situations that cost us.”

The first-place Leafs and Canadiens meet twice more this week in Toronto, although Montreal has to first deal with the Senators in Ottawa on Wednesday.

The Canadiens — once again minus injured No. 1 goalie Carey Price, captain Shea Weber, as well as forwards Tomas Tatar, Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher, while winger Jonathan Drouin remains out for personal reasons — have taken advantage of seven straight regulation losses from Winnipeg to climb into a tie for third in the North. 1211699 Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2021

The Maple Leafs aren’t talking about it, but a first Presidents’ Trophy is within reach

Mark Zwolinski

Mon., May 3, 2021 updated 7 hrs ago

The Maple Leafs, while they aren’t focusing on it, are just five points behind Carolina for the Presidents’ Trophy, the bauble awarded to the team with the league’s top regular-season record. And that’s after a 3-2 overtime loss in Montreal on Monday.

The Leafs are in the thick of a crowded battle. Seven teams had 70 or more points after the weekend’s games, including the North Division leaders.

Paul Patskou, a Leafs historian and the author of several books on the team, suggests the league’s COVID-altered divisions and 56-game schedule — down from the regular 82 — must be considered when discussing this season, but it shouldn’t take away from what could be a historical moment for the franchise. Toronto has never won the Presidents’ Trophy, which has been awarded since 1986. The Leafs last led the league in points in 1962-63.

“Even though they don’t play other teams, (the Presidents’ Trophy) still signifies strength and a superiority over other teams,” Patskou said. “For fans of the team, it’s still an accomplishment.”

The 1962-63 Leafs finished a point ahead of Chicago and three up on Montreal, the regular-season leader the previous five seasons. It was part of a changing of the guard that had started with the Leafs’ Stanley Cup win the previous spring. Montreal had won five straight Cup from 1956 to 1960; Toronto would win four from 1962 to 1967.

Patskou sees comparisons between the ‘62-63 Leafs and the current version of the team, which entered Monday with a nine-point lead atop the North Division. The teams of the 1960s were strong down the middle, with Red Kelly, Dave Keon and Allan Stanley centring the top three lines. Toronto’s current group includes Auston Matthews, the NHL’s goal- scoring leader, captain John Tavares and the speedy Alex Kerfoot. The biggest similarity, though, is success.

“It doesn’t feel the same as a full season, but I’m sure the Leafs will take it,” Patskou said. “Even with (the pandemic), Tampa didn’t give back its Stanley Cup win last season. It isn’t the Leafs’ fault that the league is different this season. Winning is an accomplishment, any way you look at it.”

The current Leafs are more concerned about finishing their season strong and getting ready for a potential first-round series with Montreal.

“I haven’t looked at (the Presidents’ Trophy race), to be honest,” Leafs defenceman Jake Muzzin said. “But I think if we focus on ourselves and our team going into the playoffs, maybe that will look after itself. We’re trying to improve and be consistent in our games going down the stretch here, and if that results in (wins), then maybe we’re there at the end of the day.”

Nick Foligno said the Leafs’ strengths were central to his decision to accept a trade from Columbus, adding he sees “something special here.”

“It’s probably the most overly said thing when you come to a new team, but it’s how great the guys are,” Foligno said. “I’ve been on teams where you’ve had the it factor, you have that room that runs itself, the guys care a tremendous amount about each other … you can sense that in this room.

“That’s kinda what drew me to this team. I know firsthand how important that is to having success on the ice, when you have the chemistry, when you have that right mix in the room. Every one of those guys seems to get it … I can’t single out one guy, everyone has impressed me. I watch how they go about their business, I watch how they are on the ice, how they are on the bench, and all signs point to a real mature and understanding team of where we’re at and where we want to get to.” 1211700 Toronto Maple Leafs Senators could ride a strong finish to this season into a big start next year. No team plays as hard as the Senators. They get Winnipeg twice and Montreal once this week.

Power Rankings: Leafs and Canadiens lead the Atlantic Division alumni 5. Winnipeg Jets (LW: 4). We put the Winnipeg Jets here because they have to go somewhere and I want to respect they are a playoff team even if they’re not playing like one. An 0-3-0 week adds up to six losses in a row. Their season fell off the rails with injuries to Adam Lowry and Kevin McGran Nicolaj Ehlers. At full strength, they’re a dangerous team with the best Mon., May 3, 2021 goalie in the division (). But they lack depth. A game against Calgary is sandwiched between two against Ottawa. was updated 17 hrs ago 6. Calgary Flames (LW: 2). Our biggest dropper. They were getting close to Montreal, and lost head-to-head, part of a 1-2-0 week that leaves them only mathematically alive in the playoff race. This team is in for big The North Division has taken its lumps — largely from critics south of the changes. One against Winnipeg, one against Ottawa. border — that somehow it is the weakest division. 7. Vancouver Canucks (LW: 5). It feels like there’s a little black cloud I’m not sure how anyone comes to a conclusion which division is over the Canucks this season. They could use some good news. Maybe strongest or weakest, given they don’t play against each other. that will come in the form of the league tapping them on the shoulder in a Each division ended up with six teams that made the 24-team playoff week’s time, telling them don’t bother to finish the season. Gotta get bubble last year. None of the North teams went very far, so perhaps there first. It’s four in a row vs. the Oilers this week. that’s the basis of the criticism. But that was last year. So much changed Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2021 in the off-season.

To me, what’s more interesting is looking at how each of the traditional divisions are doing.

Consider the Atlantic, where Toronto, Montreal, Tampa, Florida, Boston are all heading toward the post-season.

The Metropolitan Division has Carolina, Pittsburgh, Washington and the New York Islanders heading to the post-season.

So the “Eastern Conference” has nine teams making the playoffs. We all know, only eight of them can make the playoffs next year. And of the also-rans, the Rangers and Senators will be a handful in the years to come.

It’s the West, with only seven teams heading to the post season, that will benefit from a return to the old alignment.

The traditional “Central Division” is holding up its end of the bargain: Winnipeg, Colorado and surprising Minnesota are more or less locks this year. Nashville-Dallas and St. Louis-Arizona still have to sort things out. All four of them will play in the Central next year (Arizona moves to make space in the Pacific for Seattle.)

Edmonton and Vegas are solid from the Pacific but that’s it.

To the Power Rankings.

Breakaway Blog Power Rankings

North Division Only. (Who needs the other guys?)

1. Toronto Maple Leafs (Last week: 1). A perfect 3-0-0 week, putting space between themselves and everyone else. Kind of firing on all cylinders. The team seems to suggest to its opponent: “We’re going to win, you just get out the way and no one gets hurt.” I’m not saying they’re making it look easy. But they do appear to be winning with surgical precision. Three games against Montreal this week.

2. Edmonton Oilers (LW: 3). A 3-1-0 week and you get the feeling this team is salivating for the post-season. The Connor McDavid era has never had goaltending quite as solid as what Mike Smith is providing. Smith will be the most important 39-year-old in the post season. And let’s get behind a 100-point season for McDavid while we’re at it. Would be a remarkable achievement in a 56-games season. He’s at 87 points now heading into tonight. McDavid’s points-per-game average has risen each season since he averaged 1.07 as a rookie in 2015-16. It’s at 1.79 now. Four games against Vancouver this week. Poor Canucks.

3. Montreal Canadiens (LW: 7). Our week’s biggest riser. They faced a challenge and emerged with a 3-1-0 week. They’ve done it without two of their most important players, Brendan Gallagher and Carey Price. The problem is if they keep winning, they might pass Winnipeg and deny us all a Leafs-Habs first-round playoff. This week’s three-game showdown with Toronto will be pivotal to the final standings. They also get Ottawa.

4. Ottawa Senators. (LW: 6). The Senators aren’t going to make the playoffs, but they have made a statement with a 2-0-1 week. They had the third-best April (7-7-0) of any team in the North. They got out of the North Division basement. Sure, Vancouver has games in hand, but the 1211701 Toronto Maple Leafs “It’s hard for me to comment because I’m not there right now,” Foligno said before departing with an upper-body injury. “But I know how much those guys care in that room and take pride in playing the right way. It didn’t go our way while I was there and you feel for that. That’s the hard HORNBY: Maple Leafs' playoff picture still muddled part of losing in the NHL, the realization that things change and you have to find a way to be better.”

Foligno, Anderson and Nash were all in the lineup last summer as Lance Hornby Columbus beat Toronto, a feat that got them noticed and helped make Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 6 hours ago them desirable to their new Canadian teams.

“I do feel fortunate,” Foligno said. “Knowing how lucky I am to go and chase this (what would be his first Stanley Cup). I don’t take that for Maybe Sheldon Keefe had good reason to stay away from any crystal granted.” ball playoff prognosticating. LOOSE LEAFS “Any time I have a look at it, there are too many variables at play,” the coach cautioned before a game that could have gone a long way to Kerfoot saw even strength, penalty kill, power play time and a bit as shaping the Montreal-Toronto first-round series that Eastern Canada Matthews’ left winger after Foligno was hurt. “I’m comfortable playing craves. different roles and tonight when you have 11 forwards, it’s hard to get in the rhythm, but that’s the nature of it,” Kerfoot said … Monday was the His own team didn’t help clear the picture, allowing a late 6-on-5 first time Montreal and Toronto played a game in May since the Montreal goal and then falling in overtime. Coupled with Winnipeg’s loss Canadiens swept the Leafs in the 1978 semifinal, a span of 15,701 days. to Ottawa, suddenly the Leafs are consulting a Manitoba road map as Or if you prefer, 54 years and a day since Toronto’s most recent Stanley part of their playoff prep. Cup … Morgan Rielly’s 59th goal tied him with Todd Gill among defenceman in team history as Rielly approaches the top 10 in that “(The Canadiens) can finish third or fourth, we can finish first or second,” department … Campbell’s best stop was in the second period, a two-man Keefe added. “There’s a lot of different options for us in terms of who we short-handed break when Rasmus Sandin lost the puck. Campbell got might face in the first round. All of that will get settled in time.” over with his pad to stop Artturi Lehkonen from burying Jake Evans’ feed. The Canadiens, who were missing some key players as the Leafs were, Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 before Nick Foligno exiting late in the second period, showed they’ll be a handful for whar ever club they play first.

“This was a tight game start to finish, but whoever we play it will be a battle,” said Alex Kerfoot. “The games have been tighter and tighter down the stretch. We’d like the win tonight, but we have four more to solidify (top) spot.”

Two of those four are against Montreal, and if Toronto doesn’t win them, the 401 series will be on hold again. The loss of the point Monday also reduced Toronto’s chances of winning the President’s Trophy as well.

MATTHEWS NEMESIS?

Centre Phillip Danault makes significantly less than Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid, but he has earned every penny in several matchups with the two Hart Trophy candidates this year. In addition to keeping Matthews to a goal on Monday, he beat him on the draw for the tying marker.

“A really good player, he does everything well,” conceded Matthews. “A pretty under-rated guy in my opinion as two-way centres go in the NHL.”

Mattews did make history on his 39th goal, the most by a Leaf or Toronto St. Patrick in a season of 56 games or less.

BADLY FITTING JACKETS

From a distance, Foligno and Montreal’s Josh Anderson are watching the implosion of their former team, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The two appreciate being in a playoff race, while, have slipped to last place in the Central Division, in need of major repairs. Goalie Elvis Merzlikins lamented in the past few days it feels like his mates are “embarrassing the organization,” though he assures they are trying their best.

A long line of players have exited Columbus the past two years, Sergei Bobrovsky, Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene and Anderson (traded to Montreal), followed by the mid-season dealing of Pierre-Luc Dubois for Patrik Laine. That deal has helped neither team, though at least Dubois’s Jets are going to see post-season action.

Then came recent trades with Toronto that brought Riley Nash and Foligno here.

The Athletic Columbus interviewed three past Jackets about why the club can’t hang on to its core or attract young UFAs and got a variety of answers, from management’s conservative spending to the perceived notion it’s too small an NHL market to bring in stars. The two Jackets who spoke about coach John Tortorella’s methods called him outspoken, but fair. 1211702 Toronto Maple Leafs Tyler Toffoli tied the game at 1:55 of the second, one-timing a pass from Nick Suzuki past Campbell as Foligno served a tripping minor.

On the Matthews goal, Joe Thornton also had an assist, stretching his Matthews scores again, but Maple Leafs fall to Canadiens in overtime point streak to six games.

With Justin Holl in Toronto recovering from taking a puck in the face on Saturday against Vancouver, Timothy Liljegren slotted in on the blue line Terry Koshan with Muzzin.

Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 6 hours ago • The Leafs were 0-for-3 on the power play, and the Canadiens 1-for-4. Rasmus Sandin got a look with the top power-play unit, but it didn’t make

a difference for the struggling group. Mr. Consistent. “Special teams aside, I liked a lot of things about our game,” Keefe said. That’s how Maple Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe referred to TJ Brodie on “Special teams are the big difference. Ultimately, it’s missed opportunities Monday, taking into consideration the game-in, game-out steadiness of (throughout the game).” the veteran defenceman on the Toronto blue line. The Leafs are entertaining the possibility that their three games this week You could apply the same nickname to Auston Matthews, one of many against the Canadiens will be a first-round Stanley Cup playoffs preview. monikers that could be used to describe what the Leafs’ superstar centre Tavares is third in scoring for the Maple Leafs. has been doing for the past several weeks. The Leafs were 10 points up on the Oilers before Edmonton’s result in In Montreal against the Canadiens on Monday night, Matthews scored Vancouver on Monday night and have all but cliched first place in the his 18th goal in 18 games and 39th on the season, though it didn’t have North Division. the desired result. But the Canadiens have pulled into a tie with the Winnipeg Jets for third, With 17 seconds left in overtime, rookie Cole Caufield scored for the as both teams have 57 points and both have five games remaining. Canadiens, giving Montreal a 3-2 victory and ending the Leafs’ five-game winning streak. The chance of a Leafs/Canadiens matchup is on the mind of the Toronto players. Leafs winger Nick Foligno departed in the second period, coming up lame after a hard stop in front of the Canadiens net. The Leafs “We just had a meeting about that, actually,” Muzzin said on Monday announced that Foligno wouldn’t return because of an upper-body injury. morning. “We were talking about looking at a little miniseries here against them. We’re going to see these guys maybe in the first round of playoffs. Given the way Foligno has meshed with his new teammates since being It’s a little chess match (in the games this week).” acquired from Columbus on April 11, it goes without saying that his absence for any length of time will hurt. Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 “I don’t have any word on him,” Keefe said. “We have a day off (Tuesday), so we’ll see how it settles down. We’ll know more on our next practice day (Wednesday).”

Using Joel Armia as a screen, Caufield beat Leafs goalie Jack Campbell on the glove side for the winner. That came just after Leafs captain John Tavares hit the post; moments before, Matthews and Mitch Marner couldn’t finish on a 2-on-0.

“We just maybe overpassed it,” Matthews said. “I wasn’t able to get my stick on it. It’s late in the game, late in overtime, maybe a little fatigue setting in, but you would have liked to have seen that go in the net for sure.”

Phillip Danault tied the game with 52 seconds to play in regulation as Montreal had an extra skater on the ice.

Campbell finished the night with 20 saves, some of them terrific.

Matthews scored at 17:21 of the second period, getting space in front of defenceman Joel Edmundson to deflect a Jake Muzzin shot past goalie Jake Allen.

On March 27, Matthews scored against Edmonton to end a five-game skid without a goal. He has since scored at least one goal in 14 of his 18 games.

With 39 goals in 48 games, Matthews had a 10-goal cushion on the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid, who played later Monday in Vancouver, in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy.

Truthfully, it’s not a race now. There has been no indication that Matthews — whose 201 shots on goal prior to Monday were tied for the National Hockey League lead with Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators — will hit a slump before the playoffs.

“He’s the ultimate superstar, the way that he works, the way that he plays,” Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly said. “You watch what he does for our team, with the puck, without the puck. He’s a special player, and we’re bit spoiled, we’re just used to seeing it.

“He has certainly been putting it on display lately and we’re very proud of him.”

Rielly scored for the first time in 13 games when his soft shot from the point eluded Allen at 4:07 of the first for a 1-0 Toronto lead. 1211703 Toronto Maple Leafs way when the time comes and hopefully you know we play strong the last week here.”

You want to look good and feel good when the games start to really TRAIKOS: How you finish the NHL regular season is more important matter. You want to be playing with confidence. You don’t want to be than where you finish going into the playoffs on a goal-scoring slump or with your goalie struggling to stop the puck.

You don’t want to be wrestling with negative momentum, as Winnipeg Michael Traikos has been these past two weeks, with the team having entered Monday’s game against Ottawa on a six-game losing streak and question marks Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 11 hours ago • now surfacing in regards to their goaltending, defence and top forwards.

You’d much rather be in Montreal’s position, even if that means losing Josh Anderson and the Montreal Canadiens have their sights set on several key players to injury. At least, the Canadiens entered Monday’s catching the Winnipeg Jets in the standings before the playoffs start. game against Toronto with three wins in their past four games, and with a chance to leap past the Jets in the standings. Two weeks to get in summer shape. At least they were playing with confidence. If you haven’t done so already, it’s not too late to start looking good. Time to get serious. Cut out the carbs, work up a sweat and lose that Whether that lasts will be determined in how they finish the season. But troublesome flab. With the temperatures starting to warm up, you need to with three of their final six games against the Leafs and two against the get hot. And fast. Oilers, Montreal has an opportunity to pick its poison and determine which team it will play in the first round of the playoffs. That is what this final stretch of the regular season now represents for the playoff-bound teams. They also have an opportunity to poison the confidence of two upcoming opponents. “I think we’re looking up in the standings now — and not behind us,” said Montreal’s Josh Anderson. “Were only two points behind Winnipeg right “Anything’s possible, really,” Toffoli said of sending a message to the now, so you know these are going to be crucial games coming up here.” Leafs and Oilers. “These next six games are pretty crucial. We control our own fate and who we want to play. But there’s no easy games.” We’re four months into this condensed season of watching the same seven or eight teams playing each other over and over again. And while Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 the top-three seeds in each of the four divisions have been decided for some time now, the order of the standings is still very much in flux.

In the North, these next two weeks will determine who draws the short straw of having to play the first-place Maple Leafs, and whether the second-place Oilers will play the Jets or Canadiens in the first round.

Things are so tight in the East that it’s entirely possible that the first-place Penguins end up swapping spots with the fourth-place Bruins. In the West, Vegas and Colorado are still jockeying for first place. And there is a three-way race between Carolina, Tampa Bay and Florida for the chance to play whatever team ends ups backing into the final playoff spot in the Central.

But it’s not just about where you finish that matters. It’s about how you finish.

You don’t want to back into a playoff spot. Given the choice, you’d rather win first place than simply end up in first. You want to go on a run. You want to finish the season on a hot streak — not a slump. You want momentum to carry you into and throughout the playoffs.

Pittsburgh currently has a better overall record than Boston. But do you think the Penguins want to play a Bruins team that has gone 9-2-0 in the past 11 games?

Being the best is one thing; being the best at the best possible time is another.

Two years ago, the St. Louis Blues won the Stanley Cup after going on a 30-10-5 run to finish the season. That same year, the Tampa Bay Lightning finished with the best record in the regular season, but stumbled into the playoffs on a 4-3-0 run and got swept in the first round by a Blue Jackets team that had won seven of their last eight games.

Once the playoffs begin, it will not matter who the better team was in the regular season. All that will matter is who the better team is then. Just ask the Penguins or the Oilers, both of which were upset by the 12th- seeded Canadiens and Blackhawks, respectively, in last year’s playoff qualifier.

Maybe that is why Montreal’s Jake Evans was more concerned about the state of his own team than with whomever the Habs might play in the first round. After all, it’s not easy to simply flip on the switch when you want to. It can be even harder to turn off another team’s switch.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a matter of who you want to play against in the playoffs,” said Evans. “I think when the playoffs come, the best team wins and if you win that first series, you’ll play the best team in the next round too. I think for us, the main goal is to be ready for the playoffs and getting there and feeling good about ourselves going into it and playing the right 1211704 Toronto Maple Leafs Keefe confirmed that Jack Campbell will start in goal. With Justin Holl back in Toronto to recover from taking a puck in the face on Saturday against Vancouver, Timothy Liljegren will slot in on the blue line on a pair with Muzzin. Matthews' goal-a-game consistency lauded by Leafs, a challenge for Canadiens The projected lineups for Monday night:

TORONTO

Terry Koshan Forwards

Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 15 hours ago • Nick Foligno-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner

Alex Galchenyuk-John Tavares-William Nylander

Sheldon Keefe on Monday morning floated an appropriate nickname for Ilya Mikheyev-Alex Kerfoot-Wayne Simmonds Maple Leafs defenceman TJ Brodie. Joe Thornton-Adam Brooks-Jason Spezza “He’s Mr. Consistent,” the Leafs coach said of Brodie. “He just goes Defence about his business and is consistent in his emotions and his energy and consistent in his play. Morgan Rielly-TJ Brodie

“He’s out there to do his job and do it effectively. The way he moves the Jake Muzzin-Timothy Liljegren puck, the way he defends and breaks up plays, does a lot of little things extremely well that help our team go.” Rasmus Sandin-Travis Dermott

Keefe easily could use the same handle for his superstar centre, Auston Goalies Matthews. Jack Campbell

For the past five weeks, Matthews has been filling the opponents’ nets David Rittich without much pause, scoring in 13 of his past 17 games after going five games without a goal, a skid that ended on March 27. MONTREAL

In total, Matthews has 17 goals in his past 17 games. With 38 goals in 47 Forwards games, Matthews has a nine-goal cushion on the Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid in the race for the Rocket Richard Trophy. Jesperi Kotkaniemi-Phillip Danault-Josh Anderson

Truthfully, it’s not a race now. There has been little indication that Tyler Toffoli-Nick Suzuki-Joel Armia Matthews — whose 201 shots on goal are tied for the National Hockey Artturi Lehkonen-Jake Evans-Cole Caufield League lead with Brady Tkachuk of the Ottawa Senators — will hit a bump in the Leafs’ final five games and stop scoring. Michael Frolik-Eric Staal-

Against the Montreal Canadiens, the Leafs’ opponent at the Bell Centre Defence on Monday night, Matthews has five goals in seven games this season. Joel Edmundson-Jeff Petry “He works at it,” Leafs linemate Nick Foligno said. “That’s something I’ve Ben Chiarot-Alexander Romanov always been impressed with. Brett Kulak-Jon Merrill “The elite players in this league, Auston being one of them, they’re working at their craft constantly. How he prepares for games, how he Goalies prepares for practice, the skill work that he does, the type of guy is in the room — he has this aura around him where you can tell the he expects Jake Allen greatness out of himself. Cayden Primeau “It’s fun to be around people like that. It’s neat to watch.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.04.2021 And this from Canadiens forward Josh Anderson: “(Matthews) has been on a roll and it seems like he scores every night, so it’s going to be a really good challenge, but a challenge that our line accepts. We’d like to have that mentality of shutting down the (Leafs’) top line. We’re going to try to do everything we can to not let them score and try to be physical.”

The Leafs, who have won five in a row, are entertaining the real possibility that their three games this week against the Canadiens (the teams meet in Toronto on Thursday and Saturday) will be a first-round Stanley Cup playoffs preview.

Nine points up on the Oilers, the Leafs have all but cliched first place in the North Division, though Edmonton has two games in hand.

The Canadiens are in fourth place in the division, two points behind the Winnipeg Jets, and both teams have six games remaining.

While Keefe said the focus is on the game on Monday and said “there’s too many variables at play” for him to look too closely at the Canadiens as a first-round opponent, there’s no denying that the possibility of a Leafs/Canadiens matchup is on the mind of the players.

“We just had a meeting about that, actually,” defenceman Jake Muzzin said on Monday morning. “We were talking about looking at a little miniseries here against them, so it’s definitely something we’ve talked about and we’re thinking about. We’re going to see these guys maybe in the first round of playoffs.

“It’s a little chess match for the next three games.”

Against Montreal this season, the Leafs are 5-2-0. 1211705 Toronto Maple Leafs continued to play well, blocking shots and moving with the kind of energy that allows him to separate himself from the pack. Kerfoot continued to pressure the Canadiens well on the penalty kill.

Maple Leafs report cards: Winning streak comes to an end after a game Kerfoot doesn’t always leap off the page with his play, but when he does, of ‘missed opportunities’ he becomes really, really noticeable. He could have been the third star on Monday.

T.J. Brodie (RD, No. 78): Some good cross-ice passes to evade pressure By Joshua Kloke May 4, 2021 and change the course of play from Brodie, and some just-as-good defensive plays with his stick. If this was indeed a preview of the playoffs,

it’s easy to see why Brodie is going to be such an integral part of the Heading into Monday night’s game against Montreal, it was clear the Leafs’ chances. He was second among all Leafs with 25:48 time on ice Leafs were treating the next three games against the Canadiens, a and finished with 52 percent five-on-five expected goals. (All stats via possible first-round opponent, as more than just a standard regular- Natural Stat Trick.) season series. And it showed. The tightly contested 3-2 Leafs’ overtime B loss looked more like a chess match than a track meet for most of regulation. Ilya Mikheyev (RW, No. 65): Mikheyev did well to cut off passes and try to create scoring chances afterward. He also looked responsible on the “It’s a little introduction to, maybe, the playoffs here,” defenceman Jake penalty kill, trying not to allow the Canadiens much room. He finished Muzzin said ahead of the game. second among all Leafs with 76 percent five-on-five expected goals. Giving up a lead with less than a minute left in regulation before losing But still, a lot of people will be talking about this play: undoubtedly stings and is not the sort of thing we’ve seen often from the Leafs this season. Yet it was still far from a disappointing performance Mitch Marner (RW, No. 16): Great anticipation from Marner near the blue from the Leafs overall, and the message afterward from the players and line to strip the puck from Alex Romanov for a short-handed breakaway Sheldon Keefe seemed to focus on what they could learn from this game chance. Speaking of breakaways, a lot of people were probably with the first round of the playoffs just on the horizon. expecting him and Matthews to convert their two-on-zero chance in overtime. “I think what we want to change over the past couple years is you enter the playoffs rolling, playing well, playing confident and not stumbling,” “I think we just overpassed it,” Matthews said. said Morgan Rielly after the loss. Marner might have made one too many passes, too often, on the power On to the observations! play, but he still led all skaters with 26:10 TOI and was tied for second with four shots on goal. Player reports Rasmus Sandin (LD, No. 38): Sandin with the puck on his stick: First star: Auston Matthews (C, No. 34): Who else? Keefe noted how comfortable Sandin looked, once again, in the game, Matthews used his size early on to try to create turnovers but didn’t particularly on the power play, save for the short-handed chances he and create a ton of offense — until he did this: the rest of the power play gave up. Still, his 4:25 of power-play TOI has Where does deflecting a shot from like 60 feet out for a goal rank among to be yet another vote of confidence for him. the more difficult finishing plays in sports? Harder than a bicycle kick Jake Muzzin (LD, No. 8): Muzzin doing Muzzin things, just throwing the goal? Easier than a long-distance putt? Either way, Matthews’ elite skill is puck on net from the blue line in the hopes of creating a chance, much in starting to look routine. That’s 18 goals in 18 games for the Hart Trophy the way I used to assume I could play darts after, like, two beers — the contender, and he’s scoring those goals in different ways, too. He led all difference being Muzzin often fares much better than I do, as he did late Leafs with five shots. in the second period: “It’s what makes him the best goal scorer in the game today,” Alex It was a mostly decent game from Muzzin, as he led all Leafs with 77 Kerfoot said. percent five-on-five expected goals, save for a very questionable pass up I’ll leave the descriptions of Matthews’ game to Rielly. the middle in the Leafs’ zone that resulted in a scoring chance.

“He’s the ultimate superstar,” Rielly said after the game. B-

Second star: Jack Campbell (G, No. 36): Yes, Campbell allowed three William Nylander (RW, No. 88): Nylander made a good effort to strip the goals on 23 shots, but this still felt like a monster of a game from him. I puck from the Canadiens in the neutral zone. He was the most don’t think any of the goals allowed were directly on Campbell. dangerous player on his line by moving the puck really well with short passes. He had one assist Monday. “He’s just been playing unbelievable for us,” Matthews said. Also, for a player who doesn’t always show a ton of emotion, this was Campbell’s excellent, momentum-swinging save on Tyler Toffoli from in great: close early in the first period came ahead of Rielly’s goal. And those types of saves didn’t stop. Still, it looked like Nylander got drawn into a bad position on the overtime goal. Campbell’s saves were a little flashier and highlight-reel worthy, as opposed to his typically composed play. It must be reassuring for the C+ Leafs to know he has that ability to make those high-end saves in him. Timothy Liljegren (RD, No. 37): You ultimately want Liljegren to make We know he’s usually in control of his net, and that’s not to say he wasn’t smart, simple plays and be responsible with the puck in his own zone, against the Canadiens, but he seemed to have to cover for his which he did at times. There were moments when he played controlled, teammates more than usual Monday. And in doing so, he undoubtedly heads-up hockey, and there were also moments when he tried to do a continued to build up a ton of confidence from his teammates. little too much or didn’t move with enough pace: Third star: Morgan Rielly (LD, No. 44): It’s been a good stretch of games Liljegren made some good defensive plays on the penalty kill but wasn’t for Rielly lately. He kept things tight defensively, pinning players against always in the right position, either. Let’s call it a work in progress. It’s the boards to quell the Canadiens’ efforts to cycle the puck. He better for him to be learning while the pressure isn’t as high, I suppose. maintained good defensive structure as well, including in overtime. And he obviously contributed offensively with his first goal in 13 games. “I thought he was OK,” Keefe said of Liljegren’s game. “We wanted to give him that opportunity here today, and that opportunity will serve him A well, but I think it showed it was maybe a little bit too much too soon in Alex Kerfoot (C, No. 15): Full credit to Kerfoot for his tenacious play that sense for him, but this is why you put them in these situations, behind the Canadiens’ goal in the first period. His efforts to strip the puck because they’ll be better for it down the line.” and then send it out in front of the goal for a chance were notable. He John Tavares (C, No. 91): Not the most noticeable game for Tavares offensively, but he stuck to his game defensively by using his body well to try to slow down the Canadiens. He did well to be pesky on the puck and draw a third-period penalty as a result.

Alex Galchenyuk (LW, No. 12): Galchenyuk tried to read plays well, and his quick pass through the neutral zone off a turnover to spring Nylander for a breakaway was notable. He had one assist Monday.

Joe Thornton (LW, No. 97): Some good efforts to put the puck in dangerous positions for his linemates but an otherwise quiet night for Thornton — until he moved to the top line and made a smart play to keep the Leafs’ possession alive and got the assist on the Matthews goal.

Travis Dermott (LD, No. 23): Dermott showed much better chemistry with Sandin on Monday night, anticipating his movement really well.

Wayne Simmonds (LW, No. 24): Simmonds was really precise in his skating and puck movement in the first period but sort of drifted out of the game as it went on.

C

Jason Spezza (RW, No. 19): Spezza stickhandled well through the neutral zone but, like the rest of his line, not much came of it.

Adam Brooks (C, No. 77): Brooks’ puck movement wasn’t nearly as effective as it was Saturday night. But again, his line as a whole didn’t have its best night.

Nothing to see here

Nick Foligno (LW, No. 71): This is not an indictment of Foligno’s game at all. But given that he left the game in the second period with what the Leafs called an upper-body injury, it doesn’t feel fair to give him a grade. Here’s hoping the injury is not serious.

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.

Heat map

Natural Stat Trick helps us out with a snapshot of where the shots were coming from Monday:

Final grade: B

The Leafs owned the majority of shots (29-23), five-on-five possession (59 percent) and expected goals (54 percent).

“If you break down the turnovers and break down the odd-man rushes, I thought we were OK,” Rielly said.

He’s right, and this game could have gone either way. But blowing a late lead is never a good look, especially ahead of the playoffs, which results in the slightly lower grade. The Leafs’ five-game winning streak is over, but there are undoubtedly lessons the coaching staff will take away from this game to find reasons to be optimistic.

Keefe himself called the loss the result of some “missed opportunities.”

The Leafs didn’t sound overly frustrated with the result but instead looked forward.

“For us, it’s just about gearing up,” Kerfoot said of the game.

Stay-ready squad: Pierre Engvall, Michael Hutchinson, Stefan Noesen, Teemu Kivihalme

What to watch for Thursday vs. Montreal: Tuesday is an off day for the Leafs, so an update on Foligno’s status likely won’t come until Wednesday’s practice. Whether Foligno plays, or at least how severe his injury is, will be one of the key storylines in the second of these three games against the Canadiens.

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211706 Toronto Maple Leafs Doug Gilmour 1993-94

76 Monday Morning Leafs Report: Don’t overlook the historic season Mitch Marner is having 4

Mitch Marner

By Jonas Siegel May 3, 2021 2018-19

68

Because Batman for the Maple Leafs is scoring in 60 percent of his 5 games this season, it’s been fairly easy to overlook the accomplishments of Robin. Darryl Sittler

So while Mitch Marner is playing the sidekick role to Auston Matthews, 1977-78 he’s doing it in historic fashion. 65

“I don’t know if he gets really enough credit with what he’s been doing 3. Don’t like the adjusted stats? OK. Well, how about this: Marner’s 46 this year,” Matthews said over the weekend after Marner set up his 37th assists alone would place him just inside the NHL’s top 30 scorers. and 38th goals of the season. 4. Or how about this: Scrap Marner’s 18 goals and he would still lead Just how special has this Marner season been? Let’s review some of the more than half of the league’s teams in scoring — 16 of them (Anaheim, particulars, starting with this: Arizona, Buffalo, Calgary, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Minnesota, 1. Adjusted for era, Marner is having the most productive season by a Montreal, Nashville, New Jersey, New York Islanders, Ottawa, Leafs player in the modern era — topping even franchise legends like Philadelphia, San Jose, Vancouver). Doug Gilmour and Darryl Sittler. 5. Marner has assisted on 63 percent of Matthews’ goals this season (24 1 of 38). Three-quarters of them are primary assists.

Mitch Marner These aren’t cheap assists either.

2020-21 6. The only players with more assists than Marner this season are three Hart Trophy winners: Connor McDavid (58), Patrick Kane (47) and Leon 109 Draisaitl (47).

2 7. Only McDavid has more 5-on-5 assists (29) than Marner (27).

Auston Matthews 8. Marner, for that matter, trails only McDavid in 5-on-5 scoring this season. He’s four points back (42) of the likely MVP (46). 2020-21 9. Those 42 5-on-5 points represent the second highest total in a season 105 for Marner in the NHL (he had 58 in 2018-19). 3 10. Marner’s 27 5-on-5 assists have also been eclipsed only once Darryl Sittler previously in his NHL career. Again, he’s played in 51 games.

1977-78 11. Marner is having the 82-game equivalent of a 29-goal, 74-assist, 103- point season. Those would all be career highs. 105 12. Marner has collected a point in 38 games this season (75 percent of 4 the Leafs’ games), equal to McDavid for the league lead.

Doug Gilmour 13. The only players with more 5-on-5 goals this season than Marner (15) are Matthews (25), McDavid (17) and Mikko Rantanen (17). You 1992-93 read that correctly: Marner is tied for fourth in the league in 5-on-5 goals. 102 14. Marner is averaging 22:22 per game, the most by a Leafs forward 5 since the NHL began keeping the stat — and third among all NHL forwards this season. Doug Gilmour 15. The Leafs are giving up 5.1 expected goals per 60 minutes with 1993-94 Marner on the ice shorthanded, the stingiest mark on the team.

100 16. Marner has logged more minutes on the penalty kill this season than any other Leafs forward. 2. Adjusted for era, Marner is having the most accomplished season for assists by a Leafs player in the modern era. 17. Marner has blocked 39 shots this season, tied for 16th among NHL forwards. 1 18. Marner has a legitimate case for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the Mitch Marner league’s top defensive forward. 2020-21 19. I probably could have mentioned this one sooner: Marner is third in 78 league scoring with 64 points, trailing only the awesome twosome in Edmonton. 2 You get the point: Marner is putting together an extraordinary regular Doug Gilmour season, one of the best ever for a Leafs player.

1992-93 What about Matthews?

76 McDavid is going to win the Hart Trophy, and deservedly so. 3 Matthews should be the slam-dunk runner-up, though. He’s scoring at a 3 66-goal pace this season, and that includes about a month-long stretch while he played through a wrist injury. Mikheyev

The Leafs are 21-3-4 when Matthews scores. He’s scored in 13 of the Kerfoot last 17 games. Simmonds

Were it not for the dysfunction of the Leafs’ power play, which lasted well 4 over a month, Matthews might have a case over McDavid as MVP. Thornton McDavid has 18 more power-play points than Matthews — 31 to 13. They’re closer to even at even strength, with McDavid sporting a seven- Nash point lead over Matthews, who’s played in two fewer games. Spezza Matthews, nonetheless, has a nine-goal advantage over McDavid in the Extras Rocket Richard race, with eight more even-strength goals. Galchenyuk What should still give McDavid the edge anyway: The Oilers crumble without him at 5-on-5 while the Leafs are merely ordinary when Matthews Brooks isn’t out there. Engvall Matthews & McDavid dominance Robertson Leafs w/ Matthews Point is, with Foligno around and Hyman healthy, Galchenyuk becomes 64% expendable, potentially, in the top six.

61% Keeping him in the lineup would mean scratching one of Thornton, Simmonds, Kerfoot or Nash, which is obviously a possibility if Leafs w/o Matthews Galchenyuk is really performing. 54% Nash hasn’t played a game in a month because of injury (April 4), so 51% maybe he’s a mid-series option, which would keep Galchenyuk in the lineup. Or perhaps Keefe decides that against an opponent like Montreal, Oilers w/ McDavid lacking in firepower, a defensive guru like Nash isn’t as necessary, 59% especially after a long layoff.

55% Maybe Kerfoot becomes less vital with Foligno and Nash around to kill penalties and Nash around to play the middle. Oilers w/o McDavid Kyle Dubas went out of his way to point out that Galchenyuk’s 44% performance had influenced the team’s approach at the deadline, namely, that Galchenyuk had made adding a sure-fire top-six forward 42% less essential. But Galchenyuk, after grabbing this opportunity and Sorting out the bottom of the lineup running with it, has cooled off.

One thing I’ve been wondering about with regard to the Leafs’ likely The goal he scored emphatically on Saturday was only his third point in Game 1 lineup in the playoffs: Are we sure Alex Galchenyuk is a lock to the last 10 games — and third goal in 21 games with the Leafs — despite be there? ample run on the top two lines. Over the last 10 games, the Leafs have been outscored 11-4 when he’s been on the ice. (Say this for the 27- Let’s start with the locks — eight of them: Matthews, Marner, John year-old, though: He doesn’t lack for effort.) Tavares, William Nylander, Zach Hyman, Nick Foligno, Ilya Mikheyev and Jason Spezza. (Bob Frid / USA Today)

Which leaves four spots for Alex Kerfoot, Joe Thornton, Wayne Sheldon Keefe said last week that he was generally pleased with the job Simmonds, Riley Nash and Galchenyuk. Oh, and Adam Brooks merits Galchenyuk had done on the left wing of Tavares and Nylander. consideration with how well he’s played. “At the same time,” the Leafs coach said, “I’ve been talking to Alex here A recent surge has probably sealed Thornton’s spot. And the more I’ve just about making sure he has the continued level of consistency in his thought about it, the more I struggle to see Keefe scratching Simmonds, game and (that) all the things that have made us really believe in him — an emotional leader, when the chips are down. So that leaves two spots they have to stay strong and he’s got to stay with that here as the for Kerfoot, Nash, Galchenyuk and Brooks, both of them likely at centre. schedule piles on, as he’s playing more minutes and as he’s continually playing against harder competition, that he can stay with it. One of those gigs likely goes to Kerfoot, a malleable player who’s averaging 14 minutes, including on the penalty kill, and is seventh on the “Hyman’s gonna come back here and that’s gonna create even more team in 5-on-5 scoring. depth for us and we gotta make some decisions on that.”

The Leafs added Nash for a reason at the trade deadline, so you figure if Foligno’s fit he’s healthy and ready to go, he’s in. And if he’s not, it’s not hard to It’s likely that at some point in the final five games — perhaps when imagine Brooks grabbing that last spot in the middle for the time being. Hyman returns from a knee injury — Keefe will hand Foligno off to 1 Tavares and Nylander (and reconnect Hyman with Matthews and Marner). Hyman “You don’t want to bounce him around too much,” Keefe said of Foligno, Matthews who’s played each of his four games, all of them wins, alongside Matthews and Marner. “At the same time, I do think it’s important to give Marner him a bit of a feel with other lines and other people on our team, just 2 because it’s such a short amount of time — you don’t want to be locked into one thing and then you end up changing things, whether it’s an injury Foligno situation or whether it’s just a strategic thing, where you want to change your lines. Tavares “I’m gonna look to give him opportunities to play with different people.” Nylander Foligno has fit seamlessly on the top line. His forechecking pursuits on The struggle in goal on the PK has mostly been an Andersen problem. Saturday spurred the first of Matthews’ two goals against the Canucks. Jack Campbell ranks fourth (with a .909 save percentage on the PK) among the 56 goalies who’ve logged at least 60 minutes this season. The Leafs have outscored teams 6-0 with those three on the ice, with an expected goals mark of 70 percent. Andersen ranks 55th (.786).

Crazy but true If the former No. 1 ends up playing a role for the Leafs again in the playoffs, that’s an area where, clearly, he needs to be a lot better. Spezza, at 37, in his 18th NHL season, has collected more 5-on-5 points this season (22) than the following players: Taylor Hall, Johnny Legends of the game Gaudreau, Tyler Toffoli, Josh Anderson, Matthew Tkachuk, Nazem Kadri, , Blake Wheeler and Andrei Svechnikov. The Leafs have two of the top 100 scorers in NHL history playing in their lineup — Thornton, who is 14th with 1,525 points (five behind Paul John E. Sokolowski / USA Today Coffey for 13th and seven off Mark Recchi for 12th), and Spezza, who recently nosed his way into 99th (968 points). It’s a bit surreal for their Playing time teammates.

Frederik Andersen hopes to grab some game action before he finally “It’s hard to even take it for granted,” Campbell said, “because every day returns from a knee injury that’s kept him out since March 19. “We have we come in and it’s like you’re in awe to see those guys in the locker different options to try to do that,” he said. room. You’re having a coffee with Jumbo or Spezz, and it’s just like — I The option that makes the most sense given the Leafs’ salary cap find myself just chuckling in the car after practice because I’m like, ‘Wow, restraints: a conditioning loan specific to players on long-term injury Jumbo and Spezz are my buddies.’ reserve. “It’s pretty cool.”

Article 13.9 of the CBA lays out how players on LTIR can be loaned out The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 — with their consent — “for a period not to exceed up to the longer of six (6) days and three (3) games, solely for the purpose of determining whether the Player is fit to play.”

Crucially, the player’s LTIR status “will continue until the Conditioning Loan ends …”

The Marlies have five straight home games, beginning on May 6 and concluding on May 12, with three more after that in Montreal.

Squeezing Andersen into three of those games on the back end makes a lot of sense, lining him up for a return that times out for the start of the playoffs. (Nash could conceivably join him.)

More saves required

It was sort of surprising to hear Keefe express confidence recently in the Leafs’ 26th-ranked penalty kill. “To be honest, I haven’t been concerned about the PK all season,” he said last week. “I know the percentages haven’t been great. But I think it reflects strongly upon our goaltending and how that’s gone. When our goalies have been really solid and consistent, I think our penalty killing’s been great. And when the goaltending hasn’t been, I think it’s fallen through a little bit.”

The numbers mostly back up his assessment.

Underlying numbers for the Leafs' PK

CA/60

5th

FA/60

9th

SA/60

9th

SCA/60

14th xGA/60

12th

GA/60

26th

SV%

28th

“At times, whether it’s winning a faceoff, getting clears, being in lanes and blocking shots — doing things that help the goaltenders — that’s something we want to continue to stay on top of,” Keefe added. “But the process of our penalty kill, how it’s gone, of limiting shots and chances against on the kill, I think has been quite strong all season for us.” 1211707 Vegas Golden Knights Later in the first, Lehner tried to catch Matt Dumba’s long shot, but the puck bounced out of his glove and Nick Bonino shoveled it in to tie the score at 2.

Golden Knights blow late lead, spoil top prospect’s debut The Knights scored on three of their first seven shots against Wild goalie Cam Talbot.

Theodore answered Eriksson Ek’s opener with a wrist shot from the right By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal May 3, 2021 - 4:38 PM circle at 4:29 of the first that was helped by a screen from Mattias Updated May 3, 2021 - 10:13 PM Janmark.

Minnesota unsuccessfully challenged for goaltender interference, and the Knights took advantage of the power play for a 2-1 lead. This was all set up to be Peyton Krebs’ night, with coaches and teammates raving about the Golden Knights’ top prospect after his NHL Martinez, who was denied earlier on the man advantage, buried a cross- debut Monday. ice feed from Reilly Smith at 6:05 for his eighth goal.

The 2019 first-round pick provided them with plenty of material, too, LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.04.2021 including his first career point.

But a shocking collapse late in the third period changed the narrative.

The Knights allowed two goals in the final 1:32 and suffered a crushing 6- 5 loss to the Wild at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

“That’s about as tough as they get, that kind of loss,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “We did a lot of good things. Thankfully, it’s not two weeks from now in a playoff series because that would obviously be a lot harder to take.”

The Knights (36-13-2, 74 points) saw their lead in the West Division shrink after losing a two-goal lead in the third period for the second consecutive game.

With five games remaining, the Knights have a two-point lead over Colorado, which rallied to beat San Jose in overtime and also has a game in hand. Minnesota is four points back in third place.

“We had the game in our hands, and again, we all got to be better,” goalie Robin Lehner said. “I felt like I made a lot of good saves, but I needed to come up with more, and obviously I had a couple of bad ones. I got to figure it out.”

Jonathan Marchessault gave the Knights a 5-3 advantage in the second period when he finished off a pretty passing sequence with Alec Martinez and William Karlsson.

The Knights were in control during the third period, but Minnesota rallied with three goals in the final 9:11.

Kevin Fiala knocked in his own rebound to cut the lead to 5-4. Kirill Kaprizov tied the score with 1:32 left when he pounced on a rebound, and defenseman Jonas Brodin put in the winner 26 seconds later.

Nick Bonino had two goals for the Wild.

“They just capitalized, got some bounces there in the third,” Lehner said. “I have to come up with saves. It’s that simple sometimes. There’s nights like this. You don’t want to have them, but it happens. It’s good it’s now and not in the playoffs.”

The Knights, who could face Minnesota in the first round of the playoffs if they don’t win the division, lost their fifth straight in the season series with the Wild.

They are 1-6 all time in Minnesota, with the win coming in a shootout Oct. 6, 2018.

Krebs, 20, became the youngest player to appear for the Knights after he joined the team for the two games in Minnesota.

With leading goal scorer Max Pacioretty out of the lineup because of an undisclosed injury, Krebs was inserted on the third line.

He picked up an assist in the first period when he pulled up near the blue line and found Alex Tuch flying down the left wing for his 18th goal and a 3-2 advantage.

“I actually thought he was excellent,” DeBoer said. “He jumped right in with both feet. Looked confident. Made plays. I wish I could have gotten him out there a little bit more. He deserved to play a little bit more the way he was playing.”

Minnesota’s first goal came after Lehner made a handful of stops without his stick. Once he retrieved the paddle, it was upside down and Lehner was unable to stop Joel Eriksson Ek’s wrist shot 3:36 into the first. 1211708 Vegas Golden Knights

Alex Tuch gets experience at new position before postseason

By David Schoen Las Vegas Review-Journal

The postseason almost certainly will present the Golden Knights with surprises, and coach Pete DeBoer wants to be ready for as many as possible.

That includes preparing a winger such as Alex Tuch to move to the middle in a pinch.

Tuch officially was listed as the third-line center for Saturday’s overtime victory at Arizona, giving him a game under his belt should an emergency arise at the position. He was back on the wing for Monday’s matchup at Minnesota.

Mattias Janmark previously auditioned for DeBoer playing center.

“For me, I think it’s just getting a book on guys heading into the playoffs on what they can potentially do without it being the first time we’ve seen it,” DeBoer said. “Alex Tuch playing center isn’t going to obviously be where we start or an optimal situation, but it’s nice to know if we get in a spot in the playoffs where we lose some centermen or we’re down some guys that he can go in there and play that and it’s not going to be the first time in two years that he’s done it.”

Tuch said the last time he played center was when he was 16 or 17 while playing with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

In 17:08 of ice time against the Coyotes on Saturday, Tuch was one of three players who failed to register a shot on goal, and he went 2-for-4 on faceoffs. His speed through the neutral zone was evident at times, though he often drifted to his more familiar right wing on the attack.

Defensively, Tuch was familiar with the responsibilities that come with the position.

“In all honesty, in this system it’s the first man back on the forecheck plays low,” Tuch said. “Obviously everyone has played that position at some point on this team. It wasn’t the biggest difference except going in for the first faceoff probably.”

Pacioretty out

Leading goal scorer Max Pacioretty missed Monday’s game at Minnesota with an undisclosed injury. Janmark skated in his spot on the first line.

Pacioretty did not play in the third period of Saturday’s 3-2 overtime victory at Arizona and was considered a game-time decision.

“Anybody that’s with us right now that’s healthy enough is an option to play,” DeBoer said when asked about Pacioretty’s status.

Forward Nicolas Roy returned to the lineup after missing the past three games.

Latino night

The Knights will host Latino Heritage Night on Friday when they take on St. Louis at T-Mobile Arena.

Players will wear custom jerseys during warmups that will be signed and auctioned off online. Warmup pucks and locker nameplates also will be available for purchase. Fans can visit LatinoHeritage.givesmart.com or text “LatinoHeritage” to 76278 to participate.

Proceeds will benefit the Vegas Golden Knights Foundation, and a portion will go toward a local scholarship through the Latin Chamber of Commerce.

LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211709 Vegas Golden Knights But it’s still a regular season game, albeit an important one. No regular season game will be as important as any playoff game, though, as the Golden Knights were more than ready to talk about.

Golden Knights lose late lead, drop heartbreaker to Wild “Sometimes it’s a blessing that this happens now before the playoffs so you can take a look at it, both as players and us goalies, can see what we need to sharpen up,” Lehner said. “Sometimes there are nights like this. You don’t want to have them, but it happens. It’s good it’s now and By Justin Emerson not in the playoffs.”

LAS VEGAS SUN LOADED: 05.04.2021 The curse of Xcel Energy Center continued for the Golden Knights on Monday in the most painful way possible.

Vegas led by two goals past the 10-minute mark of the third period, but Kevin Fiala brought the Wild within one, Kirill Kaprizov tied it with 1:32 to go in regulation, and Jonas Brodin stuck in the dagger with 1:05 to play. Vegas lost 6-5 to the Wild, falling to 1-6-0 all-time in Minnesota.

The Golden Knights dropped to 24-2-0 this season in games they led after two periods. Both losses have come to the Wild.

“The rosters or the way they play isn’t a mismatch, it’s just that a team is in another team’s head mentally, and for us you’ve got to fight through that,” coach Pete DeBoer said. “These games, the toughest part isn’t physically recovering, it’s mentally recovering when you lose that way.”

Vegas looked to have the game wrapped up, and DeBoer and players agreed the entire third period wasn’t the problem — only the last few minutes were. Vegas carried over a 5-3 lead into the third and played a nearly flawless first 10 minutes of the third period. They cleaned up earlier defensive breakdowns and held Minnesota to just two shots through in the first half of the period.

The third shot hit the back of the net and triggered Minnesota's comeback that carried over to the rest of the frame. The Golden Knights even had a chance to put the game away after a delay-of-game penalty by the Wild with 5:31 to go, but couldn't restore the two-goal lead they had for much of the game.

The third was the only period in which Vegas did not score, allowing Kaprizov's missile to tie it and set up Brodin's winner 26 seconds later.

“We’ve got to seal the deal. We’ve got to keep playing the entire game,” captain Mark Stone said. “We had our looks, we played aggressive and then we sat back a bit. I think the momentum swings, those happen when you’re playing in these critical games. Yeah we’ll learn from it. It is what it is.”

Historically, five goals has been a magic number for the Golden Knights. They had never lost in regulation, including the playoffs, when reaching that total, and only a 6-5 shootout loss last season kept them from a perfect mark. They are now 77-1-1.

The problem is when you allow six, which Vegas did for the first time this season and 16th time ever, it’s hard to win. Robin Lehner was in net for the Golden Knights, and the six goals marked the most he had allowed since his trade to Vegas last year, including the playoffs, and tied the most goals he’d allowed in his career.

Lehner battled through the early parts of the game. He lost his stick and was unable to recover in time on the Wild’s first goal, then allowed a rebound to pop out of his glove on the second. He settled in for awhile after that, including denying a breakaway chance in the final minute of the second. Still, he shouldered much of the load in the postgame press conference.

“I should have come up with a couple more saves,” Lehner said. “That’s kind of how it goes sometimes as a goalie. I felt good, I felt like I made a lot of good saves, but I needed to come up with more and obviously I had a couple of bad ones, so I’ve got to figure it out.”

It’s easier to shake off an outing like Monday’s if the Golden Knights didn’t just have one similar to it. In their last game on Saturday against Arizona, the Golden Knights coughed up a two-goal lead and needed overtime to defeat the Coyotes. No harm done then, but Monday’s loss hurt, especially this close to the postseason with Vegas fighting for the West Division title.

Players were disappointed postgame, as would be expected, but they weren’t distraught. They acknowledged that they can’t let games like that slip away, and if Minnesota is a future playoff opponent — the Wild have also clinched a West Division berth — a game like that has the potential to linger in the back of the mind. 1211710 Vegas Golden Knights Shift 4 | 8:26 1st period | 2-2 Krebs leaped over the boards and sprinted straight through the neutral

zone to pressure the Wild defenders holding the puck in their own zone. A shift-by-shift breakdown of Peyton Krebs’ NHL debut for the Golden Jonas Brodin felt Krebs’ pressure and tried to move the puck up the left Knights wall, but it bounced through a crowd and right onto the stick of Vegas’ Alec Martinez.

Krebs’ speed and forechecking ability were two of the things emphasized By Jesse Granger May 4, 2021 most by the Golden Knights from the day they drafted him, and they were already showing up Monday.

Roy fed Krebs with an easy pass at the red line, where Krebs looked like Peyton Krebs was a surprise addition to the Golden Knights’ lineup he was going to try to squeeze past Brodin along the walls. Young Monday night in Minnesota, where the 2019 first-round pick made his players often opt for the simple play to get the puck deep into the zone, NHL debut. especially in their debut. But instead, Krebs quickly cut back, creating Krebs wrapped up his 24-game junior hockey season with the Winnipeg space between him and Brodin, and then found Tuch streaking down the Ice on March 17 and immediately joined the AHL’s Henderson Silver left side. Krebs’ pass was perfectly placed right between the sticks of Knights. But before he even made an appearance, Krebs was called up Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno and hit Tuch in stride. to the Golden Knights’ taxi squad and was a late addition to Monday’s Tuch did the rest with a wrist shot that snuck underneath Talbot’s glove lineup. arm. It was a fantastic play by Krebs. It showed the playmaking ability Krebs played only 9:05 of ice time, the lowest of any player in the game, that allowed him to rack up 169 assists over 199 games with the but even in limited ice time he registered the first assist of his career and Winnipeg Ice and made him such a highly coveted prospect. His patience made an impact. not to force the puck up the boards is obvious, and then he threaded a perfect pass that somehow kept Tuch onside. “I actually thought he was excellent tonight,” coach Peter DeBoer said after the game, “when you consider the circumstances, just coming back “I thought he played really well for us,” Stone said of the rookie. “He has from his junior season. He really hadn’t skated until pregame skate today lots of poise and moves the puck well. He’s a guy who is confident in his since last Wednesday.” ability. You can tell; for his first game, I was really impressed.”

It was a disappointing game overall for the Golden Knights, who Krebs was on the ice for two goals in his first four shifts. Not bad. surrendered three straight goals in the third period to fall 6-5 to Shift 5 | 4:08 1st period | 3-2 Minnesota. It was Vegas’ fifth straight defeat at the hands of the Wild and closes the gap with second-place Colorado. But even in defeat, the silver Krebs’ fifth shift wasn’t nearly as eventful. He spent most of it chasing lining was clearly the 20-year-old Krebs, who looked fast and fearless Minnesota defenders in their own end but without much success. Vegas with and without the puck. played the puck offside, leading to a neutral-zone draw that Roy once again took over Krebs. “I wish I could’ve got him out there a little bit more,” DeBoer said. “He deserved to play more, the way he was playing.” Vegas deflected the puck over the boards shortly after the faceoff, and Krebs jumped back onto the bench. The Okotoks, Alberta, native played 15 shifts in his impressive debut. Here’s a shift-by-shift look at each one. Shift 6 | 0:09 1st period | 3-2

Shift 1 | 19:05 1st period | 0-0 Krebs hopped over the boards with less than 10 seconds to play in the period but still found a way to make a nice play. He showed off his Krebs came flying off the bench for the first NHL shift of his career and acceleration with a nice burst of speed through the center ice and stole won a race to a loose puck against Mats Zuccarello near the Golden the puck away from Kirill Kaprizov as he was being pressured by Tuch. Knights’ defensive blue line. Krebs fell down on the play but hopped up quickly to join linemates Alex Tuch and Nic Roy in the offensive zone. Nothing came of the turnover because time expired, but if Golden Knights coaches and front-office executives are watching this game as a Tuch was able to single-handedly win the puck back after pinning it tryout for Krebs to be on the postseason roster, his speed and instant against the sidewall, then muscled it through two Wild defenders to gain impact have to be impressive. possession behind the net. He tried a backhand pass to Krebs in the slot, but it was broken up before it ever made it to him. Shift 7 | 17:57 2nd period | 3-2

Wild goalie Cam Talbot swallowed up a wrist shot by Alex Pietrangelo to After stepping aside for Roy to take the first two faceoffs while Krebs was freeze play and end Krebs’ debut shift. on the ice, DeBoer trusted the rookie enough to take his first NHL draw in his own zone. Krebs rewarded DeBoer with a clean faceoff win back to Shift 2 | 15:33 1st period | 0-1 Nic Hague. Krebs won’t get an easier tally on his plus-minus record than this shift. Vegas’ clear of the zone didn’t last long, but Krebs won a race to a loose He hopped onto the ice only to see Shea Theodore wire a gorgeous shot puck that put the Wild offside on their attempted zone entry. past Talbot’s blocker only seconds later. Shift 8 | 15:49 2nd period | 3-2 Chandler Stephenson went to the bench for a quick change after helping Mark Stone and Mattias Janmark establish possession in the offensive Krebs’ forechecking ability is already a nightmare for opposing zone. Krebs barely made it onto the ice for the goal and played no real defenders, and he hasn’t even adjusted to the speed of the NHL game part in it, but he’s credited with a plus-one regardless. yet. His pure skating ability allows him to glue himself to players and turn on his edges when the puck goes in a different direction without losing Shift 3 | 12:12 1st period | 2-2 his angle. There were three more goals scored before Krebs’ next shift, which came His eighth shift was probably the best example. Krebs was Vegas’ lone directly after Nick Bonino’s goal to tie the game 2-2. Despite being listed forechecker on the play and first chased Matt Dumba all the way back to as the center on that line, Krebs didn’t take the faceoff at center ice. his own net, keeping his stick between Dumba and Eriksson Ek to Instead, Roy won it back to Zach Whitecloud, who dumped it up the prevent a pass until Dumba forced one across. boards and into the Wild zone. At that point, it seemed they avoided Krebs’ pressure, but he circled Krebs and Tuch were flying around the Wild defensemen like gnats and behind the net and immediately pressured Eriksson Ek. He cycled the eventually disturbed the breakout enough to win the puck back briefly, puck off to Brodin, who gave it right back to Dumba. But Dumba wasn’t but Minnesota was able to clear the zone. Krebs pressured Minnesota’s ready for the pass, or the pressure Krebs was applying, and fell down Kevin Fiala on a one-timer chance that he fanned on. Then the rookie and lost the puck to Krebs. beat the veteran to the puck in the corner and calmly moved it along the boards to Whitecloud for an easy breakout. Nothing spectacular here, but Krebs nearly finished the play with a spectacular spinning pass to Roy in a nice, safe play to calm the nerves. the slot, but the puck didn’t make it through. The rest of the shift was spent battling for the puck along the walls in the Minnesota end. A very From that point in the shift, it wasn’t great for Krebs. Roy threw a pass off safe, productive shift thanks to Krebs’ skating. his skates on a breakout chance, then allowed a rebound chance from right in front that cut Vegas’ lead to 5-4. Shift 9 | 12:33 2nd period | 4-2 Vegas’ defense was caught scrambling after a pinch in the offensive Krebs’ third shift of the middle frame was cut short after Brayden McNabb zone by Alec Martinez. Robin Lehner made the initial save on Fiala with cross-checked Minnesota’s Kaprizov. In the small time he was on the ice, his left pad but then couldn’t get back into position. The initial pass to Krebs was caught defending in his own zone. He didn’t look too sure of Fiala went through Krebs, and then Krebs was left standing in front of the himself in terms of his defensive responsibility on one of the plays, but crease watching as Fiala put the second chance into the wide-open net. that’s to be expected in a debut. This goal certainly was not Krebs’ fault, but he did have multiple chances Shift 10 | 7:52 2nd period | 4-3 to clear the puck, both on the centering pass and after Lehner’s initial DeBoer allowed Krebs to take his second faceoff of the game, in the save. Krebs didn’t seem to locate the puck after the shot, which is fair neutral zone right next to Vegas’ bench. Krebs initially tied up Bonino, but considering Lehner didn’t either. It was all-around poor play by the team. the crafty veteran kicked it back to win Minnesota the draw. Shift 15 | 6:24 3rd period | 5-4

The Golden Knights struggled to clear their zone with possession, and it Krebs’ final shift of his NHL debut was essentially 49 seconds of him certainly wasn’t highlight-reel material for Krebs, who dropped his stick at chasing Minnesota players around the ice. The Wild possessed the puck one point and fell down at another. for nearly his entire shift, but he did apply decent pressure, and moments But the rookie finished his shift with yet another impact play in the after he changed with William Karlsson, the Wild flipped the puck over offensive zone, this time intelligently cutting to the middle of the ice after the ice for a delay of game penalty. a center-lane drive by Roy. Krebs followed Roy’s drive before a behind- Krebs wasn’t on the ice for either of Minnesota’s late goals to tie and the-back pass to Janmark as he entered the zone. eventually win the game. He remained on the bench for the final six You can see Krebs peek over his left shoulder and somehow spot minutes. Janmark skating in. His pass was slightly behind Janmark, which “I’ve been skating with him for quite a while now,” Stone said of Krebs. prevented him from doing much with the puck once he had it, but the play “He was with us in the (2020 postseason bubble in Edmonton), and I saw still shows Krebs’ patience and vision in transition. firsthand the kind of skill he has. So I’m excited for him to keep “He jumped right in with both feet,” DeBoer said. “He looked confident developing.” and made plays.” In total, Krebs’ debut was successful. He didn’t attempt a single shot, but Shift 11 | 3:56 2nd period | 5-3 he led all Golden Knights in Corsi percentage while on the ice. In the nine minutes Krebs was on the ice, Vegas held a 9-4 edge in shot attempts, a At this point, Krebs is probably wondering whether every NHL game will 7-2 edge in shots on goal, a 4-2 edge in scoring chances and, most see as many goals as his junior hockey games did. He was once again importantly, a 2-1 advantage on the scoreboard. starting his shift at center ice after a Golden Knights goal — this one by Jonathan Marchessault to extend Vegas’ lead to 5-3. The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021

Krebs won the draw clean with his forehand back to Whitecloud. He played the shift with Keegan Kolesar and William Carrier, who played with a rotating forward all game because of Vegas dressing only 11 forwards. There wasn’t a ton of action for Krebs other than helping Carrier dig a puck out of a battle along the boards in the neutral zone to gain possession before heading to the bench.

Shift 12 | 18:31 3rd period | 5-3

Krebs started his first shift in the final period as the left wing, with Roy taking the neutral-zone draw just outside the Wild zone. The Golden Knights won the draw and spent the entire shift in the Minnesota zone, ending with a relatively harmless shot by Pietrangelo that Talbot froze.

If there was one shift where Krebs looked small, it was this one. There were a couple of 50-50 pucks along the boards that he wasn’t close to winning against bigger, stronger Wild players. But his speed still allowed him to stay on the right side of the puck. Even when looking for a critique, Krebs rarely looked out of place in his debut.

Shift 13 | 15:23 3rd period | 5-3

Krebs lined up for an offensive-zone draw against a winded Eriksson Ek following an icing by Minnesota. He tied up Eriksson Ek long enough for Roy to help on the faceoff, but it was Krebs who sprung loose and skated the puck out of the scrum.

After that, it was perhaps a case of the rookie trying to do a little too much, as he circled the top of the zone using his body to shield the puck from the defender before eventually losing it along the wall.

Shift 14 | 10:03 3rd period | 5-3

DeBoer’s decision about whether Krebs makes the playoff lineup will likely come down to play away from the puck as much as it does his offensive skills. The start of this shift is another example of the speed and energy Krebs brings.

He jumped over the boards and immediately into the forecheck, forcing a pass as Minnesota entered the zone. Then he circled back to the blue line and applied heavy pressure to Dumba at the point before the defenseman made a nice spin move to escape it. 1211711 Vegas Golden Knights The Knights and Wild go at it again Wednesday in Minnesota. The Wild have pulled within four points of the Knights. VGK have 74

points, while Minnesota is at 70. Colorado came back to defeat San Meltdown In Minnesota As Wild Score Two Goals In Final 1:32 To Defeat Jose, 5-4, in OT and pulled within 2 points of VGK. The Avs have 72 Golden Knights, 6-5, Monday; VGK Goalie Lehner: ‘We Had The Game points. In Our Hands’ LVSportsBiz.com LOADED: 05.04.2021

By Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com

Just the facts: Minnesota Wild 6 Vegas Golden Knights 5

Disastrous ending for VGK: Minnesota trailed, 5-4, but scored final two goals in final 1:32 of game

Minnesota has Vegas’ number?: Wild has taken five of seven games from Vegas this season, including the last five games

Records: Vegas 36-13-2 for 74 points, Minnesota 33-14-4 for 70 points

Even by typical Minnesota vs. Vegas close game standards, Monday’s Wild/Knights showdown had an extra dash of craziness as the Golden Knights broke down in the final minutes and lost a painful 6-5 decision to Minnesota.

The Golden Knights were nursing a 5-4 lead late in the game when the Wild scored two late-game goals to snatch two points in the heated West Division race for first as VGK goalie Robin Lehner played arguably his worse game as a Knights player.

It’s not every game where you see both teams have to pull their goalie for an extra attacker in the final two minutes. Minnesota did it when goaltender Cam Talbot skated off the ice and the Wild scored the equalizer at 18:28 and then the goal that turned out to be the game- winner a mere 26 seconds later. When Minnesota scored to take the 6-5 lead, it was the VGK’s turn to swap out their netminder for a sixth skater.

“We played really good for most part of the third. They’re a dangerous team,” Lehner said after the game.

The Golden Knights actually led, 5-3, mid-way through the third period before Minnesota’s Kevin Fiala (20th goal of the season), Kirill Kaprizov (24th) and Jonas Brodin (9th) scored to secure the 6-5 win for the Wild. Kaprizov scored with a minute and 32 seconds left in the game, while Brodin notched the game-winner with only 66 seconds left in the third period.

The silver linings are we worked hard to put ourselves in a position to win with a couple minutes left, did a lot of good things and thankfully it’s not two weeks from now in a playoff series. — Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer

“We have to handle momentum swings better,” VGK captain and forward Mark Stone said. “We’ve got to seal the deal. We’ve got to keep playing for the entire game.”

Minnesota has been a nemesis for the Golden Knights since VGK’s Season 1, Vegas has won only a single game out of eight tries in Minnesota since the Knights came into the NHL in 2017-18.

The loss did feature the debut of Golden Knights top prospect Peyton Krebs, who played on the third line with wingers Alex Tuch and Nic Roy.

It was a high-scoring opening 20 minutes.

Joel Eriksson Ek opened the scoring with his 18th, but the Knights countered with goals by defensemen Shea Theodore (8th) and Alec Martinez (also 8th) for a Vegas 2-1 lead.

After Minnesota’s Nick Bonino scored his eighth to knot the game at two, VGK forward Alex Tuch put the Knights ahead, 3-2, after one period with his 18th. Krebs notched his first career NHL point with an assist on the Tuch goal.

The Knights took a 4-2 lead in the second period when Stone scored his 21st off a nice steal and then soft drop pass by linemate Chandler Stephenson.

Minnesota’s Bonino (9) and VGK’s Jonathan Marchessault (16) traded goals and the Knights led, 5-3, heading into the final 20 minutes. The Marchessault goal resulted from nice passes from Roy, William Karlsson and Martinez. 1211712 Vegas Golden Knights

Robin Lehner, Golden Knights Blow Late Lead in Minnesota Loss

By Tom Callahan

The Minnesota Wild scored three unanswered goals on Robin Lehner in the third period to beat the Vegas Golden Knights 6-5 on Monday night.

Vegas appeared to be in the driver’s seat after 40 minutes of play, leading 5-3 in a back-and-forth game. But the entire game was one where no one could rest easy and the Wild came charging back with three goals in the final half of the period, including two goals 26 seconds apart in the final two minutes.

With the regulation loss, Vegas blew an important chance to all but put a bow on the Honda West Division title, and now give the Minnesota Wild an outside shot at first place with five games remaining for each team.

GOLDEN GRADES

Goaltending – D-

Robin Lehner was terrible. There’s no other way to put it. He couldn’t control rebounds. If he went down, he was out of the play for the next three to five seconds. When he did move, he had to roll over and get up slowly. NHL goaltenders do not do that. They scramble back up. Peewee goalies have to roll over to get back up. At one point in the second period, he actually conceded a loose puck at the side of the net – meaning if the Wild had gotten to it, it was going in and he was not going to make an effort at the save. Lehner’s compete level was awful. He had no interest in scrambling for pucks or second-effort saves. It has me wondering if he’s seriously playing through an injury, but if he’s not there’s real room for concern. If Fleury makes this start, the Golden Knights leave Minnesota with their two points and their groceries.

Defense – C-

Not much better defensively as the Golden Knights struggled to contain the Wild offense. That said, they did bail out Lehner on several occasions or believe it or not, it would have been worse.

Forwards – B-

At least the VGK forwards were able to score goals. They also scored the goals in all kinds of ways, from takeaways to the power play. Five goals should be enough on any night. It wasn’t this evening.

Special Teams – A

The power play goes 1-for-3 and the penalty kill is perfect on two chances against, so no complaints here.

THE TAKEAWAYS

I cannot get over how bad Robin Lehner was. He’s slow, unaware and plodding. Minnesota could have scored a lot more goals if it weren’t for the defense. Again, it looks like either he is hurt somewhere in his lower body or his core, or he just has given up. Either way it’s not good.

This is the first time in franchise history the Vegas Golden Knights have scored five goals in a game and lost.

Once again, the Golden Knights failed to win in Minnesota. They’ve only done it once two years ago, and that took a shootout. They’ve never won in regulation or OT in the State of Hockey.

Congratulations to Peyton Krebs, who recorded his first NHL point with an assist on Alex Tuch’s first period goal.

Vegas has to bounce back Wednesday when they face the Wild again.

Mark Stone hinted at it in the post-game, but it sounds like Ryan Reaves will be back patrolling things soon and it will make a difference in what turned out to be a chippy game.

Vegas Hockey Now LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211714 Washington Capitals The Rangers are the only NHL team that has five players with at least 44 points (no other team has more than three). New York is one of two clubs with three players who have 20 or more goals (Pittsburgh is the other).

Sprong sends Capitals to win over eliminated Rangers TRI-STATE AREA

The Rangers are in the midst of a 17-game stretch in which they only play in the New York metropolitan area (11 games at MSG, four at By - Associated Press - Monday, May 3, 2021 Nassau Coliseum and two at Prudential Center in New Jersey). It began April 6 and will end Thursday when the Rangers visit Boston.

UP NEXT NEW YORK — Daniel Sprong’s tiebreaking goal in the third period propelled the Washington Capitals to a 6-3 victory over the fading New The teams conclude their eight-game season series Wednesday night at York Rangers, who were knocked out of playoff contention Monday night. Madison Square Garden.

Nic Dowd, Conor Sheary, Garnet Hathaway, Niklas Backstrom and Tom Washington Times LOADED: 05.04.2021 Wilson also scored for the Capitals as they snapped a two-game skid. Vitek Vanecek made 23 saves to earn the 19th win of his rookie season.

Mika Zibanejad scored twice and Kaapo Kakko also had a goal for New York, which dropped its third consecutive game. Artemi Panarin added two assists and Igor Shesterkin stopped 34 shots, but the Rangers were eliminated from the postseason picture when Boston beat New Jersey.

Alex Ovechkin returned to the lineup after missing four games with a lower-body injury but went to the locker room after playing 39 seconds in the first period and did not return. Washington’s captain remains one goal from tying Marcel Dionne for fifth on the NHL’s career list.

Sprong put the Capitals ahead 4-3 at 4:37 of the third period. Rangers defenseman Brendan Smith misplayed a puck that set up Sprong for his 12th goal of the season.

Backstrom provided insurance when he flipped the puck over the glove of Shesterkin at 11:41 to make it 5-3.

Hathaway knotted the game at 3 with his sixth of the season at 18:30 of the second. Dowd stripped the puck from 21-year-old defenseman K’Andre Miller prior to a scramble in front that Hathaway eventually capitalized on.

New York erased a 2-0 deficit in the first period with three consecutive goals.

Zibanejad notched his second of the game on the power play at 2:30 of the second. Ryan Strome found the Swedish center all alone in the slot after receiving a cross-ice pass from Panarin.

Kakko gave New York a 3-2 advantage at 4:35 with a skilled forehand- backhand maneuver. Alexis Lafreniere fooled Washington defenseman Zdeno Chara with a deke to his backhand to set up Kaako.

Zibanejad trimmed the Rangers’ first-period deficit to one goal with his 21st of the season at 18:00. Panarin received a pass outside the blue line, then gracefully spun into the offensive zone and found a streaking Zibanejad. The goal helped the Rangers snap a 144:11 scoring drought that included back-to-back shutout losses against the New York Islanders.

The Capitals gained a two-goal advantage with first-period goals from Dowd and Sheary just 92 seconds apart.

Dowd opened the scoring when his wrist shot zipped through the legs of Shesterkin at 14:12.

Washington doubled its advantage when a puck eluded several Rangers skaters and found its way to Sheary’s stick before a turnaround wrist shot. Michael Raffl and Tom Wilson assisted.

Panarin did not return after a second-period quarrel that led to a double- minor penalty and 10-minute misconduct for Wilson. The bruising forward added an empty-net goal late in the third.

ROSTER SHUFFLING

Capitals forward Evgeny Kuznetsov and goaltender Ilya Samsonov did not dress for disciplinary reasons after being late to a team function. … F T.J. Oshie missed the game while attending to a personal family matter. … D Justin Schultz unexpectedly did not participate in warmups due to a lower-body injury. As a result, Washington was only able to dress 17 skaters (11 forwards, six defensemen) instead of the permitted 18.

BALANCED ATTACK 1211715 Washington Capitals them out in the third period, no incredible setup by Kuznetsov, no momentum-swinging play from Oshie. It was just the Caps playing to their system to a win because they knew they had to.

A 'character win': Why Caps' victory is one to rally around Will this win mean much if they come out a lose again on Wednesday? Perhaps not, but after the Pittsburgh series, Monday's game felt like a shot of confidence for a team that needed to be reminded just how deep it really is. BY J.J. REGAN "It was a big effort win for us, character win, and it's just the guys in the

room that just came together," Hathaway said. "That's about the best I On paper, Monday's game may not look like much. You might scroll by can say. It wasn't pretty for a while, but we managed to play our game in the 6-3 Capitals over New York Rangers score on your phone and not the end and come out with a win." think twice about it. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 It's a Stanley Cup playoff-bound team beating a non-playoff Rangers team on a Monday night late in the season. But this win was so much more than that. Monday's game was the type of win a team can build on and rally around as it prepares for its championship push.

Washington was going to be missing a few players for this game, but no one knew just how many until mere hours before game time. Already out injured was defenseman Justin Schulz. Forward T.J. Oshie was out for personal reasons as announced during Monday's morning skate.

Then a few hours before the game, it was announced forward Evgeny Kuznetsov and goalie Ilya Samsonov would not dress for disciplinary reasons after being late to a team function. Captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman John Carlson were both game-time decisions and while Carlson managed to play, Ovechkin came out after just 39 seconds.

That's a lot of significant players out of the lineup for one game.

“We’ve just been answering the bell all year," Carlson said, "Out, injured, whatever it is and you know, you just see the level of compete go up. The players that need to step up, step up. Players need to play bigger roles, they play bigger roles and not just do the job but succeed at it and I think that is a sign of a really good team that has each other’s backs.”

It wasn't a perfect night by any means.

After going up 2-0, Mika Zibanejad, as he often does, torched the Caps. He scored twice to erase Washington's early lead. In the second period, the Caps found themselves trailing, dealing with the miscommunication that comes with constantly having to shift lines and it looked like the game was getting away from them.

It would have been very easy for a team that already has secured its spot in the playoffs and with every excuse to lose this game to pack it in. Instead, they rallied.

With several top offensive players out, the fourth line delivered. It was easily Washington's best line of the night and both Nic Dowd and Garnet Hathaway scored in the effort.

"We took a lot of pride taking those draws in the d-zone," Hathaway said. "We work hard to get it to the o-zone."

With Ovechkin out, Daniel Sprong once again delivered, scoring his fifth goal in five games. His proved to be the game-winner on Monday.

"He’s really moving," Laviolette said. "He’s trying to attack the game with speed. He is a fast player. I think the goals are a result of that because when he’s moving, he’s dangerous. But there’s been other things, too, I thought have been good. He’s been trying to play physical. He’s been trying to get into battles."

While Vitek Vanecek only had 23 saves on 26 shots, he came through as well with a critical shorthanded save in the third period with the game still tied.

"I thought he's been unbelievable all season for us," Hathaway said. "He stepped up when we needed him to and I think that just goes back to it. When we needed guys to play their best for us to win tonight and he's one of the guys."

The Caps were riding high after a three-game sweep of the New York Islanders, but were brought back down to Earth after two losses to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In the wake of that sweep and with several players out, Washington seemed to be losing momentum at at time when teams hope to be gaining steam. That's why Monday's game could prove to be so important.

Wins like this can be an lesson for teams to understand the importance of winning together as a team. There was no Ovechkin hat trick to bail 1211716 Washington Capitals

Laviolette updates Ovechkin injury, Kuznetsov and Samsonov benching

BY J.J. REGAN

The Capitals pulled off an improbable 6-3 win over the New York Rangers on Monday without T.J. Oshie, Evgeny Kuznetsov, Justin Schultz, Ilya Samsonov and, after one shift, Alex Ovechkin.

As good as the win was in the moment, the status for each player looms large with the Stanley Cup playoffs on the horizon.

Ovechkin had missed the last four games with a lower-body injury. He took one shift of 39 seconds before coming out of the game on Monday. Towards the end of the shift it looked like he was skating awkwardly and he grimaced as he headed to the bench.

"[Ovechkin] felt really good in the morning and you saw him practicing before he left," head coach Peter Laviolette said. "He felt really good in the morning and went into the warmups and it was not quite as good. We were already shorthanded, so it’s not like we were making a lineup decision. He got into the game and the first shift he just didn’t feel comfortable, so at that point, again, we’re not going to push or risk"

Laviolette added: “We were going more on how he felt yesterday, how he felt in the pre-game skate. There weren’t any issues and it just wasn’t quite as good in the warmups, so he came out for a spin and decided to call it off.”

Laviolette said the undisclosed injury was not reaggravated or made worse, just that it felt bad enough for Ovechkin to come out as a precaution.

"That was the whole thing," Laviolette said. "If he felt anything that didn’t feel right or normal, then he was going to come out."

As for Kuznetsov and Samsonov, who were surprising scratches after being late for a team function, Laviolette would not provide any further details on the situation saying the team 'usually keep things internally."

The Caps were already facing the possibility of a shorthanded lineup before their potential benching was announced, but even so Laviolette said the decision to hold them out was not a difficult one.

“It’s about we’ve got to work together inside here," Laviolette said. "There’s got to be rules, there’s got to be boundaries and there’s got to expectations set and you have to be accountable to them.”

Laviolette would also not commit to their benching being limited to just one game.

“You know, we’ve got a lot on our plate today," Laviolette said. "You can ask that question again tomorrow.”

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Alex Ovechkin's return to Capitals' lineup cut short

BY J.J. REGAN

Alex Ovechkin's return to the lineup on Monday was short-lived as he left for the locker room after just his first shift and has now been declared out for the remainder of the game, according to the Capitals.

A lower-body injury has kept Ovechkin out of the lineup for the last four games. He took one shift against the New York Rangers lasting 39 seconds. Towards the end of the shift, his skating looked awkward and he grimaced as he made his way to the bench. He soon went down the tunnel behind the Washington bench and did not return.

With Ovechkin out, the Caps are now down two forwards on the night as Peter Laviolette dressed 11 forwards and seven defensemen due to the absences of T.J. Oshie (personal) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (disciplinary).

After struggling in his return, the top focus for Ovechkin and the Caps will be to get healthy before the playoffs. After Monday, the team has four regular season games remaining, the last of which will be on May 11 against the Boston Bruins. That's a little over a week for Ovechkin to recover before the playoffs should he need it.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211718 Washington Capitals

Kuznetsov, Samsonov out for disciplinary reasons

BY J.J. REGAN

Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov will not dress for Monday's game against the New York Rangers (7 p.m., NBC Sports Washington) due to disciplinary reasons, per the Capitals. Both players were late to a team function.

Washington was already staring at the potential of a shorthanded lineup on Monday so this news is not ideal. T.J. Oshie is out for personal reasons and both Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson are considered game-time decisions as both are dealing with lower-body injuries. Now Kuznetsov and Samsonov are both out.

Head coach Peter Laviolette said after Monday's morning skate that Vitek Vanecek would start the game. Craig Anderson will now back him up with Samsonov moving to the taxi squad. The rest of the lineup is very much a question mark.

With Kuznetsov out, Michael Raffl will most likely move to center. If both Ovechkin and Carlson return, then the team can dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen. If one or both are out, then the team will not have a full lineup for the game as the team does not have enough cap space for a recall and the rules for emergency recalls dictate teams with no cap space must play shorthanded for a game before making a recall.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211719 Washington Capitals

With Oshie out, Caps are potentially facing serious lineup issues

BY J.J. REGAN

The Capitals could potentially be facing serious lineup issues for Monday's game against the New York Rangers (7 p.m., NBC Sports Washington) as T.J. Oshie is out due to personal reasons and both Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson are game-time decisions.

Oshie was declared out Monday morning and was not on the ice for the morning skate. Both Ovechkin and Carlson were. While neither has been medically cleared, they are expected to meet with the trainers later Monday to determine their availability.

"It was great that they're both out there," head coach Peter Laviolette said. "They're participating in full. They look good and they will be game- time decisions tonight."

In an appearance on The Sports Junkies radio show on Monday, Laviolette stressed the importance of being cautious with Ovechkin and Carlson so close to the playoffs.

"There's an 'X' next to our name for the playoffs," Laviolette said. "So you've got to prioritize really what the importance is here."

Laviolette reiterated that sentiment after Monday's morning skate saying, "At this point in the season, the biggest thing is their health. We're not hiding anything, you see them out there practicing, participating in full. And yet, when you get to a game, it's a different strain. I feel like there's more demands on your body and so, at that point, we're making a decision as to what's in the best interest of our team, what's in the best interest of that player. While we'd love to have them in the lineup, at this point with a handful of games to go, we want to make sure we're doing the right thing."

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With only five games left to go in the regular season and a playoff spot already assured, it certainly makes sense to be cautious with star players returning from injury. But Laviolette may not have that option for Monday's game given the lineup constraints.

With Oshie out, that leaves the team with only 11 available forwards not including Ovechkin. Dressing 11 forwards and seven defensemen is a possibility, but only if Carlson is available. Otherwise, the team will only have six available defensemen.

If Carlson, Oshie and Ovechkin are all out, that would leave them with only 17 skaters and no cap space to make a recall.

The rule with emergency recalls when teams have no cap room is that they have to play a game shorthanded before they can make an emergency recall. That would apply in this case. So no, an emergency recall does not seem possible for Tuesday. It's either Ovechkin and/or Carlson plays or the Caps go shorthanded.

Said Laviolette, "There's a lot of things in the air with regard to the lineup."

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Capitals knocked to 2nd place as Penguins sweep 2-game series

BY J.J. REGAN

Bryan Rust scored twice and goalie Tristan Jarry did the rest for the Pittsburgh Penguins as the Capitals fell 3-0 on Saturday.

The win puts the Penguins in the driver seat for the East Division title with 71 points, two ahead of the Caps (69). Washington now sits two points ahead of the third-place New York Islanders and three points ahead of the Boston Bruins. The Capitals and Penguins have already clinched Stanley Cup playoff spots.

Here is how the loss happened.

Bryan Rust

Rust, always a Capitals killer, was the star on Saturday with two goals which he got as a result of getting the puck past Washington's last man on the offensive blue line.

In the first period, the Caps cycled the puck in the offensive zone and Garnet Hathaway fell as he tried to close off the boards at the blue line. Rust turned on the jets to pick up the puck for the breakaway which he delivered to the back of the net.

In the second period, Rust blocked a slap shot from Dmitry Orlov at the point. The puck bounced out to the neutral zone and Rust turned on the jets again and ended up beating Orlov to the puck, getting a step on him, then beating goalie Ilya Samsonov again on the breakaway.

A sleepy offensive start

Perhaps the loss of Alex Ovechkin and John Carlson finally caught up with them because there just was no offense to speak of for Washington through the first half of the game.

Through the first period, the Caps had five scoring chances compared to Pittsburgh's 11 and one high-danger chance compared to Pittsburgh's five. If not for a flurry of opportunities late in the second, the offensive stats would have appeared pretty damning through the second period as well.

Washington actually had seven of its 10 second-period shots on goal in the last 5:30 of the middle frame when the score was already 3-0. Prior to that, this game was just too easy for Jarry in net.

Tristan Jarry

Once the offense finally woke up for Washington, Jarry was ready. He denied several sparkling opportunities by Anthony Mantha, had a great denial of Lars Eller from the slot and one of his best saves of the game to stone Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Through the first half of the game, Jarry was almost a non-factor as the Caps just were not pushing enough offense. Once the offense started to come, Jarry did not allow Washington any opportunity to get back into the game and his team now is in position to snap the Capitals' streak of five straight division titles.

Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211721 Washington Capitals The Wilson incident and deleted tweet capped a day where the Capitals somehow moved back into first place with the 6-3 win at Madison Square Garden.

Tom Wilson, the Capitals’ tweet and what happened against the Rangers It began with T.J. Oshie being excused to deal with a personal issue. Ninety minutes before the opening faceoff, star center Evgeny Kuznetsov and goalie Ilya Samsonov were scratched for disciplinary reasons. Defenseman Justin Schultz was also a scratch due to injury. Then By Tarik El-Bashir May 4, 2021 captain Alex Ovechkin, who had missed the previous four games with a lower-body injury but was pressed into duty because of a depleted roster, was forced to leave the game just 39 seconds in after aggravating the At 9:47 p.m. Monday, the Washington Capitals posted a picture of Tom injury. Wilson on Twitter accompanied by the words, “atCapitals chooses: Violence” with a reference to Wilson living rent-free in the minds of his Kuznetsov and Samsonov, who are close friends, arrived late to a team detractors. function, a source told The Athletic, but it was not immediately known which function they were late for, how tardy they were, or whether the The tweet was in reference to a second-period melee that earned Wilson team-imposed discipline would last longer than one game. four minutes for roughing, a 10-minute misconduct and sent Rangers star Artemi Panarin to the dressing room for the rest of the game with a Asked if it was a tough decision to scratch Kuznetsov and Samsonov, lower-body injury. coach Peter Laviolette said, “It’s not about that. It’s about we’ve got to work together inside here. There’s got to be rules, there’s got to be The post was deleted about 30 minutes later. boundaries and there’s got to expectations set and you have to be accountable to them.” The damage, however, was done. Asked if Kuznetsov and Samsonov would be available for Wednesday’s Twitter was afire, as it often is after a controversial play involving Wilson, game, Laviolette said: “We’ve got a lot on our plate today. You can ask the Capitals’ top-line winger and the NHL’s most polarizing figure. that question again tomorrow.” The post drew at least 1,800 quote tweets, 2,400 retweets and 1,500 The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 likes in the short time it was up. Even for an account with 786,000 followers that’s a lot of engagement.

Why was it taken down? The team realized it had made a mistake.

A team official told The Athletic that the tweet didn’t meet the team’s social media standards.

Since Jan. 1, the team’s main account has sent out more than 2,700 tweets. But that one — and in particular the choice of the word “violence” — missed the mark, the official said.

The question now is what’s next, if anything?

It wasn’t immediately known if the NHL’s Department of Player Safety will scrutinize the play. But this much we already know: Wilson is always under the microscope and history plays a role.

Earlier this season, he was suspended seven games for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo. In his career, the 27-year-old has accrued a total of 30 games in suspensions and forfeited nearly $1.3 million in salary for his on-ice transgressions.

“I thought it was just a scrum, like a physical play,” Capitals coach Peter Laviolette said. “There was something going on originally with the goalie and they’re jamming at the goalie and a bunch of players jump in there. It happens a lot.”

Rangers coach David Quinn saw things differently, saying: “We all saw it. There are lines that can’t be crossed in this game. There’s just zero respect for the game in general. You got one of the star players in this league now that could have gotten seriously, seriously hurt in that incident.”

Rangers veteran Mika Zibanejad, who was involved in the scrum, sounded disgusted after the game.

“I figure, you should have some more respect for the game and for the players,” Zibanejad said. “I don’t honestly know where to start. It’s just horrible. Zero respect. I don’t know why I’m surprised. Yeah, it’s just horrible.”

After Wilson’s seven-game suspension in March, he vowed to “continue to adjust.”

“At the end of the day, it can’t happen,” he said two weeks after the suspension. “I can’t be missing seven games. I can’t be missing one game. I’ve got to be in the lineup.”

Wilson said then that he texted the Bruins’ blueliner the following day.

“A lot of people probably wouldn’t believe me, but you never want to see a peer get injured,” Wilson said in March. “They’re hockey players just like I am, and this is their living and their livelihood, and when a guy goes down it’s not a good feeling.” 1211722 Washington Capitals room for two goalies in there. So we want to make sure that both of our goaltenders, all of our players are ready for the playoffs. … You’re going to need everybody and I believe that includes the goaltending position as well.” Capitals scratch Evgeny Kuznetsov, Ilya Samsonov for disciplinary reasons The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021

By Tarik El-Bashir May 3, 2021

Evgeny Kuznetsov and Ilya Samsonov did not suit up for Monday’s game against the Rangers due to disciplinary reasons, the Capitals disclosed 90 minutes before the opening faceoff at Madison Square Garden.

The players, who are close friends, arrived late to a team function, a source told The Athletic.

The Caps arrived in New York with five games remaining in the regular season and in a tight battle with the Islanders and Penguins for first place in the East Division.

Losing Kuznetsov and Samsonov further compounded Washington’s depth issues entering Monday’s game. Although Alex Ovechkin (UPDATE: Ovechkin left the game after playing just one shift Monday night and the team announced he would not return because of a lower- body injury) and John Carlson returned from injury, earlier in the day the team announced that T.J. Oshie was unavailable for personal reasons. Justin Schultz was also absent due to a lower-body injury. As a result, the team dressed 11 forwards, six defensemen and two goalies — one player short of the usual 20-man game roster.

It was not immediately known which function Kuznetsov and Samsonov were late for, how tardy they were, or whether the team-imposed discipline would last longer than one game.

Asked if it was a tough decision to scratch Kuznetsov and Samsonov, coach Peter Laviolette said, “It’s not about that. It’s about we’ve got to work together inside here. There’s got to be rules, there’s got to be boundaries and there’s got to expectations set and you have to be accountable to them.”

As to whether the pair would be available for Wednesday’s game, Laviolette said, “We’ve got a lot on our plate today. You can ask that question again tomorrow.”

This much, however, is clear: the benching comes amid a challenging season for both players.

In January, Kuznetsov and Samsonov were among four players who ran afoul of the league’s stringent COVID-19 protocol on a road trip. The team was fined $100,000 as a result.

It was later learned that Kuznetsov and Samsonov struggled through a nasty bout with the coronavirus. They both ended up missing about a month.

A couple of weeks after returning to the lineup, Kuznetsov suffered an upper-body injury and missed a pair of games. He is sixth on the team in points with 29 (nine goals, 20 assists) in 41 games.

Samsonov’s troubles go back to last summer’s restart. He missed the postseason in part due to neck and shoulder injuries that he sustained in an ATV accident at home in Russia during the pause.

A 2015 first-round pick the Caps hope will blossom into their long-term solution in goal, Samsonov is currently embroiled in a close competition with less heralded youngster Vitek Vanecek for Washington’s net as the regular season nears its conclusion.

Samsonov had been scheduled to back up Vanecek on Monday night. Instead, veteran Craig Anderson was recalled from the taxi squad to serve as the No. 2 behind Vanecek and Samsonov was sent to the taxi squad.

“We’ve played the whole year moving back-and-forth on our goaltenders, and I think it’s important going into the playoffs that we don’t just cut one guy off,” Laviolette said after the morning skate but before Samsonov was scratched. “And so, to answer your question, we’re definitely going to have to name a starter before the playoffs.”

“There will be somebody that goes in the net for Game 1 but, just playoffs the way they’ve been played recently over the years, there’s definitely 1211723 Winnipeg Jets "When you look at your potential opponents, they got some high-end skill, but they’ve also got some weight in their lineup now. But I do think that toward the end here that you’re going to see Ville again."

Towering rookie Logan Stanley opening eyes Stanley brings impressive size and a penchant for putting pucks on net, while the 33-year-old Benn is the veteran presence Maurice seems to love. The Jets are carrying one other defenceman, who appears to be a complete afterthought at this point. That would be 24-year-old Sami Niku, Mike McIntyre who has appeared in just six games this season — and none since his last appearance way back on March 1.

It hasn’t exactly been an open casting call when it comes to the Maurice made one other lineup change on Monday with Adam Lowry competition on the Winnipeg Jets blue-line. But it appears a job remains returning from a head/neck injury. Kristian Vesalainen stayed in, skating up for grabs as the club heads down the stretch. on a fourth line with Nate Thompson and Trevor Lewis, while Jansen Harkins came out. Both players have one assist this year — Vesalainen Coach Paul Maurice declared a few weeks ago that he would employ a in his first 11 games, Harkins in 22. rotation of defencemen in the third-pairing spot beside Dylan DeMelo. And that seemed to be the case, at least to start. "It’s getting higher and higher every game I play. I feel pretty good out there," Vesalainen said of his current confidence level after spending Ville Heinola suited up for the April 15 game in Toronto, a 5-2 victory, and extended stints with both the taxi squad and the . played 12:34. Logan Stanley took his spot two nights later in a 3-0 loss to Edmonton in which he saw 12:54 of ice time. Next up was Jordie Benn "Obviously it’s not easy but you’re working hard every day. You know on Apr. 22, making his Winnipeg debut following a trade deadline when you get the chance you’re going to play good because we’re not addition, in a 5-3 defeat to Toronto where he played 11:30. playing that much, we’re working really hard out there. When we get the chance, we know we’re in good shape to play," he said. Back to Heinola for the next one, right? Wrong. The 20-year-old Finn hasn’t seen the lineup since that brief look. Stanley played April 24 (4-1 "We don’t have too many games left in the regular season, so I just have loss to Toronto), and then Benn got the next three games on April 26 (6-1 to play as good as I can and don’t have to worry about it. I’ve trained a lot loss to Edmonton) April 28 (3-1 loss to Edmonton) and Apr. 30 (5-3 loss so I think that’s where my confidence comes from." to Montreal). One other young player in the organization right now who is filled with On Monday night in Ottawa, it was back to Stanley. confidence is 19-year-old Cole Perfetti, who was named the AHL’s rookie of the month on Monday. The 10th-overall pick from the 2020 NHL draft "As a competitor, no one wants to get taken out of the lineup. You want had four goals and nine assists in nine games. to play every night, every game and in all situations. That’s never enjoyable. But I think you’ve got to be a good pro about it and take every Perfetti wouldn’t normally even be eligible to play for the Moose if not for day as trying to get better. Whether it’s in the gym or on the ice, just try the fact the Ontario Hockey League didn’t have a season due to COVID- and get better. So when you do get another shot that you’re ready to go 19. Whether he gets a late-season look by the Jets, or has to wait until and your game’s right," Stanley said following the morning skate. training camp next fall, remains to be seen.

The towering 22-year-old rookie has opened plenty of eyes this season, Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 05.04.2021 now skating in 34 NHL games and counting. He made an impact early in the 2-1 loss to the Senators, rocking defenceman Thomas Chabot with a first-period hit that knocked him out of the game with an upper-body injury.

"I’ve got to play my game, which is simple and good defensively and playing yard. I just have to control what I can control and try to be the best that I can," Stanley said prior to puck drop at Canadian Tire Centre.

"I think confidence is a big thing. Being able to play in a bunch of games this year. Developing and feeling more comfortable out there. I think every year since I’ve been drafted, since I started in the OHL, it’s been my skating. I think that continues to develop and that’s helping me have success this year."

Still, he admits there’s perhaps a bit more pressure these days, with the team mired in a funk, internal competition brewing and only five more games until the playoffs.

"I think there’s pressure with every game, especially when you’re a younger guy trying to solidify yourself in the lineup. There’s definitely pressure. I think having played a few games this year, I’ve got my feet wet and am more comfortable with it now. Just knowing that I have to go out and work hard and try to be physical and play good defence, that’s what’s going to keep me in the lineup, I think," said Stanley.

"I think everyone wants to play in the playoffs. They’d be lying to you if they said they didn’t. Or I don’t think they’d be in the NHL if they said they didn’t want to be in the playoff lineup. Definitely I want to. Just going to have to play good (Monday night) and try to get on a roll."

As for Heinola, Maurice was asked Monday morning whether the smooth-skating sophomore will get another crack.

"I needed to get a look at Jordie here just on a consecutive set of games, and I like what I saw. He’s got some good poise with the puck and he moved it. Those two guys were pretty darn clean together. We feel that Stan has something when he’s on his A game that makes him a little bit different than everybody else because he does move the puck very well for a big man. And we’re going to get into a heavy series one way or the other," said Maurice. 1211724 Winnipeg Jets Kyle Connor, the team's leading goal scorer, doesn't have a point in the last five, and has gone a ghastly minus-nine with just five combined shots. Mark Scheifele has one goal and no assists in his last five. That's simply not good enough for two-thirds of the reunited top line, along with Spiralling Jets drop seventh straight in 2-1 loss to Sens Wheeler. And there's no question the Jets are missing flashy winger Nikolaj Ehlers, who has missed the past four games with a shoulder

injury and won't be back until the playoffs. Mike McIntyre Winnipeg's only goal against Ottawa rookie Filip Gustavsson came at 9:46 of the third period, off the stick of Josh Morrissey. It was one of his career-high nine shots on goal, and it brought the Jets back to even The even-strength offence is AWOL. The once-potent power play is terms after that. putrid. The margin for error is razor-thin. And the collective confidence is badly shaken. But just when it looked like they'd at least get this to regulation, it blew up in their faces. The Jets have plenty of experience with late-game Such is the current sad state of the Winnipeg Jets, who came up empty heartbreakers this year, including previous regulation defeats to for a seventh straight game Monday in an agonizing 2-1 loss to the Edmonton (one second), Ottawa (nine seconds) and Calgary (1:42) in Ottawa Senators. Defenceman Nikita Zaitsev stuck the latest dagger in the extremely late stages of third periods. their backs, blasting home the winner over goalie Laurent Brossoit with just 73 seconds left in regulation. "Unfortunately we’ve been there a handful of times. I guess it doesn’t matter if you lose by three or lose with one in the last minute; it’s still a "It feels like we have to be perfect to win a game," said captain Blake loss. But those one do sting a lot more, especially when we’re in a Wheeler. "That’s how it’s going for us right now. They had a couple of situation where we are right now," said Morrissey. even-strength scoring chances all game, and we lose the game. It’s kind of hard to describe." "So we’ve just got to try to find a way to stay confident as well and look at a lot of the good things we did here tonight and realize that we are a Indeed, the Jets carried play for long stretches, and outshot the Senators good hockey team and try to play with confidence. To me, that’s what the by a 29-18 margin. But going 0-for-6 with the man advantage, and giving last few minutes of the game are always about: confidence. We should up a first-period shorthanded breakaway goal to Connor Brown, came be a confident team, and we will keep that and keep it going in the right back to bite them when a broken play in their own end quickly ended up direction by sticking together." in their net for the deciding tally. Sure, the Jets will still make the playoffs barring a complete collapse -- "Every sport’s imperfect, but hockey is the most imperfect sport there is. Calgary has to win out, while Winnipeg's losing streak would have to hit Each player on both teams probably makes a mistake at some point on double-digits -- but it will at least cost them a higher-seed, and perhaps almost every shift, and right now we made a couple of them and we paid home-ice advantage, for whatever that's worth. And their recent play isn't for them," said Wheeler. going to put a scare into first-round opponent Toronto or Edmonton.

"It’s just really important for our team to drown out the noise right now The Jets have one final stop on this season-ending road trip to try and and look at that film and say that the only thing missing was the result." get things pointed in the right direction. They'll face the Flames on Wednesday night, then come home for the final four at Bell MTS Place That noise, coach Paul Maurice conceded, might include some starting on Saturday with a visit from the pesky Senators, who are now suggesting he's no longer the right man for the job. But the veteran 20-27-5 including 6-1-1 in their last eight. bench boss, now in his seventh full season in Winnipeg, said he isn't losing sleep over his own security. Winnipeg Free Press LOADED 05.04.2021 "I’m not worried about it at all. And it has nothing to do with keeping it," said Maurice.

"The set of circumstances you’re in, you just don’t let it affect you. This is a tough situation. But don’t have any problem with the heat. I do this every day. I’m here every day. I know what’s going on. We’re trying to fix it. Guys played hard tonight. They’re playing hard, they’re competing, they’re sticking together. That’s the only path out of this. That’s the right path. So I’m not going to spend a minute worrying about that."

Winnipeg falls to 27-21-3, now in a third-place tie with the Montreal Canadiens in the North Division. Both teams have five games remaining, and are 10 points ahead of fifth-place Calgary which has six games left to play

"We’ve lost seven in a row and that’s just a fact. What we’re talking about here is not to let that be the story in the room and being able to keep your head composed and be able to come out and fight your way out of this," Maurice said of the current mindset.

"There are fans that love this team, but if you lose seven in a row, they’re not going to be very happy with that and why would you be. I can tell you that nobody here is happy about it. This is a tough situation because we came out tonight and played a hell of a game and again, didn’t have the result we needed."

There's a widespread belief in the hockey world that the Jets have one of the deepest forward groups in the NHL. But they sure haven't looked like it lately. Winnipeg has scored just 10 times in this seven-game slide, and the power play has gone just 1-for-13 in that stretch including Monday's ugly result.

"The first few they pressured us really well, they did a good job. We kind of switched up our look and we did everything but score, you know? I think when you’re on the power play long enough you realize there’s gonna be an opportunity here or there where they stop you, and I think the last couple for our unit was a case of just we didn’t score. That’s all there is to it," said Wheeler. 1211725 Winnipeg Jets Maurice acknowledged his players are squeezing the graphite out of their sticks when they do get a chance.

“It’s just going to look like that until it doesn’t,” he said. “The problem is Make it seven: Jets find another way to lose we never got the goal that we needed… that’s the way it looks until you go bar-down on a guy. But they didn’t let that affect their five-on-five game. They went back out on their five-on-five shift and did it right. Those are hard things, mentally, to do.” Paul Friesen The Jets could have won this game in the second period alone. Shots

were 11-zip at one point, 17-4 by the time it ended. Now this is a losing streak with teeth. But streaks don’t care about shots or chances. A cross-bar or two is all The Winnipeg Jets’ skid has taken on a life of its own, baring its fangs in the Jets had to show for it. Ottawa on Monday. Next up, a trip to Calgary for the last road game of the regular-season, These things don’t become living, breathing beasts until a team begins Wednesday. Then four more at home. finding multiple ways to lose. Five more chances to get the beast off their backs. The Jets found a whole new way against the Senators: anemic on the Not for a better spot in the standings. power play, dominant at even strength but with just enough mistakes to ultimately wind up on the short end of a 2-1 score against a team out of But for a better place in their heads. playoff contention and playing its fifth goalie of the season. “We’ve got to win,” Wheeler said. “We’ve just got to stay with it and not Oh, and the dagger coming with just 1:13 to play. let it get to us. Hopefully we can build some confidence here before the end of the regular season.” You can almost hear the streak laughing as it grows, now seven games long – the ugliest run since this franchise relocated from Atlanta to By The Numbers Winnipeg. Goals by period “It’s hard to describe,” captain Blake Wheeler said during the post- mortem “It feels like we have to be perfect to win a game. Hockey is the Jets: 0-0-1—1 most imperfect sport there is. Each player on both teams probably makes Sens: 1-0-1—2 a mistake at some point on almost every shift, and right now we made a couple of them and we paid for them. Shots by period

“It’s just really important for our team to drown out the noise right now Jets: 6-17-6—29 and look at that film and say that the only thing missing was the result.” Sens: 6-4-8—18 The noise you hear is the whoosh of the Jets (27-21-3) falling in the North Division standings. Power plays

While they were in a losing fight with their demons, Montreal beat Jets: 0-6 Toronto, 3-2 in overtime, to pull into a tie with Winnipeg for third place in Sens: 0-3 the division. Faceoff % Wrenching the Jets’ hearts even more than the other six losses, Josh Morrissey had erased a 1-0 Senators lead during a four-on-four midway Jets: 64% through the third period, providing a sliver of hope. Sens: 37% “Those do sting a lot more, especially when we’re in a situation where we are right now,” Morrissey said. “It’s tough to continually say that when we Hits keep losing, but we’ve got to stick together now more than ever. Keep Jets: 27 battling and keep fighting. It’s not going to be easy. Sens: 30 “It’s an unforgiving league.” Blocks Nikita Zaitsev hammered home the winner, a blast goalie Laurent Brossoit had little chance on with defenceman Logan Stanley providing a Jets: 10 6-foot-7-inch screen. Sens: 20 The Jets had two chances to get the puck out of their zone on the play, but Stanley’s clearing attempt hit a skate on the first and they were Giveaways outmuscled for the puck on the second. Jets: 6

“It’s difficult to give up a goal when you’re dying for a win and you’ve Sens: 7 scratched and clawed back in there,” head coach Paul Maurice said. Scoring leaders “As good as you’ve been at five-on-five in a number of games and then you give one up five-on-five, the first one of the night. Yeah, it’s tough.” Jets: Morrissey 1-0-1, Pionk 0-1-1, Wheeler 0-1-1

Even though the Jets controlled the play early, it was Ottawa who struck Sens: C. Brown 1-1-2, Zaitsev 1-0-1 first. On a Winnipeg power play, no less. Shots The streak showing no mercy, defenceman Neal Pionk saw the puck hop Jets: Morrissey 9, Pionk 4, Wheeler 3 over his stick and hit the linesman, helping to create an Ottawa two-on- one that Connor Brown finished off. Sens: C. Brown 4, Brannstrom 2, Tkachuk 2, Norris 2

The Jets came up empty on four more power plays, one of them Hits abbreviated, before the game was half over. Jets: Pionk 4, Lowry 3, Appleton 3 By the end of the night they were 0-for-6, now 1-for-19 during the streak. Sens: Tkachuk 6, J. Brown 4 Their power play didn’t really test 22-year-old goalie Filip Gustavsson until its sixth and final chance, which is hard to explain given the talent Blocks the Jets have up front. Jets: Morrissey 4, Forbort 2 Sens: Zaitsev 5, Zub 4

Ice time

Jets: Morrissey 24:27, Pionk 23:54, Connor 23:38

Sens: Zaitsev 25:26, Zub 24:07, Mete 23:46

Faceoffs won-lost

Jets: Scheifele 14-5, Lowry 8-4, Stastny 6-2, Dubois 3-5

Sens: Norris 4-11, Paul 4-8, White 5-6, Pinto 4-4

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 05.04.2021 1211726 Winnipeg Jets He finally made a change for Monday’s game in Ottawa, going with 22- year-old Logan Stanley over veteran trade-deadline pickup Jordie Benn.

Stanley hadn’t played since April 24. 'I want to play in Winnipeg': Maurice doesn't want Sun-Belt playoffs. And “As a competitor, no one wants to get taken out of the lineup,” Stanley don't ask him which team he'd rather face... Vesalainen says start of said. “But you’ve got to be a good pro about it and take every day as season seems a long time ago... auditions begin on blue line trying to get better.”

Maurice says we should expect prospect Ville Heinola in the lineup Paul Friesen eventually, too.

Winnipeg Sun LOADED 05.04.2021

It’s not likely the NHL will move the Canadian division playoffs to the U.S., and that’s just fine with Winnipeg Jets head coach Paul Maurice.

Maurice says home losing streak or not, he’d rather be sleeping in his own bed for home games in the post-season.

“I want to play in Winnipeg,” the coach said, Monday. “I know our record is not great, but if we ever get a 7 o’clock start, our record is not too bad. I think there’s something psychological about being in your own town, even though there’s no fans in your building.”

The Jets recently completed an 0-for-5 home stand, dropping their record in Winnipeg to a mediocre 11-11-2.

By comparison, they were 16-9-1 on the road going into Monday’s game in Ottawa.

There’s been some talk of sending the four North Division teams to Arizona for a neutral-ice playoff.

COVID outbreaks, though, have been kept to a minimum and given the precautions the Canadian teams are taking there’s no reason to believe they won’t be allowed to stay.

The one thing Maurice might prefer about playing down south, if forced to relocate: there would be some fans in the building.

Playing without them just hasn’t been the same.

“Sometimes even on the road it’s better because you got everybody screaming at you,” he said. “There’s none of that. It’s dead out there.

“There will be a completely different energy level in the playoffs because it’s the playoffs.”

With the runway to the playoffs getting shorter, Maurice is downplaying the need for any momentum going in.

“You can get into the playoffs and feel great,” he said. “And if you lose the first game, that doesn’t make you feel good. You feel like sh–. But if you win the first game, you’re feeling really good.

“The opportunity for momentum change happens every single time the puck drops.”

Some may look at the Jets’ potential playoff opponents and think they’d be better off continuing their plunge in the standings and finishing in fourth place, where they’d face first-place Toronto instead of second- place Edmonton.

“I don’t spend a lot of time worrying about that,” Maurice said. “I wouldn’t admit it to you even if I did.”

Been a long year

Winger Kristian Vesalainen has the distinction of playing in three different pro leagues this season: in Finland, with the AHL Manitoba Moose and the Jets.

“It’s been a different season, a long one for sure,” the 21-year-old said. “It’s hard to keep up with the rules and you have to stay home a lot. Maybe that’s why it feels like a really long season.”

Vesalainen went into Monday’s game wanting to shoot more.

“That’s kind of a problem,” Vesalainen said. “I have a really good shot. I have to find those spots and be in the right place to get some shots in.”

He had just one shot in his previous three games.

Stanley’s turn

Maurice not long ago said there would be an “audition” of sorts on the blue line down the stretch. 1211727 Vancouver Canucks “There’s a reason why they’re two of the best players in the world — you usually don’t shut them down,” Green said prior to puck drop. “There are certain parts of your game and systems you have to tweak against them. We have had some nights where we’ve been able to do a pretty good Oilers 5, Canucks 3: McDavid the McDifference as club clinches playoff job.” spot Earlier this season, McDavid had a hat trick in a four-point night and Here’s what we learned as the Canucks lost their fifth-straight and have Draisaitl had a four-assist outing. To their credit, the Canucks minimized scored just nine goals in that span the damage in holding the pair to one point apiece in a 2-1 win on March 13.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Ben Kuzma On a night where you wondered who was going to sacrifice what to make

a difference, a big play by a small player was a pretty good start. To the victors go the spoils. And eventual rest. Rookie Nils Hoglander went hard to the net in the opening period and The Edmonton Oilers have contemplated giving their dynamic duo of stood his ground against defenceman Ethan Bear. He took away the Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl a breather from being high-powered eyes of goalie Mikko Koskinen, just as Nate Schmidt did the dangle and engines that have driven the North Division club to prominence. The found the angle to erase a 1-0 deficit. It was the hard stuff that had to NHL’s top point producers also lead all forwards in average ice time, so a happen more often than not against McDavid and Draisaitl. break is coming. “Against a line like that that’s going real well, turnovers will kill you,” said The Vancouver Canucks would have preferred it was Monday. Schmidt. “If you give them plays, they’re going to have a chance to put it in the back of your net. It’s no secret when you’re playing against some However, that wasn’t going to occur with the Oilers one point shy of of the top guys in the world that the best thing you can do is make them clinching a playoff position and advancing with a 5-3 victory at Rogers play defence — make them play in their zone. Arena. “Make it a lot harder for them. When it’s an easy game, they can wheel NEXT GAME and deal through the neutral zone all game long. You’re playing with fire with guys like that.” Tuesday The Canucks could have folded when McDavid made it 3-1, but J.T Miller Edmonton Oilers vs. Vancouver Canucks responded less than a minute later with a strong bull rush that ended with 7 p.m., Rogers Arena. TV: Sportsnet Pacific. Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM a forehand-to-backhand goal to keep it close before Dominik Kahun restored a two-goal lead. McDavid and Draisaitl had combined for 18 points in five previous meetings with the Canucks this season and the easiest way to earn a “I just saw the puck kind of bounce to me and knew there was going to rest was to do what they do best. be a little breakdown and thought I had more speed and I didn’t have a lot of time and just had to lift it (puck),” said Miller. “I don’t think effort is And against a club that continues to be numbed by an endless string of our issue. We work hard every game. injuries — Brandon Sutter and Marc Michaelis are the latest, upping the count to eight sidelined forwards — and trying to generate complete- “We’ve had the injury problem lately and a lot of new faces, but for me game efforts after a coronavirus outbreak shutdown, the ice could have that’s no excuse. We want to win. We’re not playing bad, but we’ve got to been tilted. do more against these teams that are playoff ready. These games are hard and we take a lot of pride competing in them. “It’s just different,” understated Canucks defenceman Tyler Myers. “A very unique situation with what happened last month, but we’re battling “We had our looks and chances, but a couple of mistakes cost us today.” hard.” Jimmy Vesey is pointless in 10 games after being claimed off waivers And they did. and has been scratched three times. The unrestricted free agent was trying to making something happen, but the chip and chase and not Brock Boeser scored a late goal with Braden Holtby pulled to narrow the beating the defender wasn’t going to get it done. deficit to 4-3 before McDavid added an empty-netter. He had a four-point night and Draisaitl had two assists to drive home their difference-maker Waiver-wire claim Travis Boyd is also a UFA and is pointless in nine monikers. games while Highmore is pointless in eight. And even though the trio was deployed in bottom-six roles, they needed to make more of an “Our guys worked and competed tonight,” said Canucks coach Travis impression. Green, who had praise for the third line of Tyler Graovac, between Matthew Highmore and Jayce Hawryluk. “It’s a tough loss and obviously RATHBONE ON RADAR their big line was a factor. Kole Lind made his NHL regular-season debut Thursday. “We made a couple of mistakes on a couple of goals and they made us What about Jack Rathbone? pay. We tried to push at the end.” In the mix of too many games jammed into too short a period —the final Here’s what we learned as the Canucks lost their fifth-straight and have 11 in just 17 days as the Canucks play out remainder of a meaningless scored just nine goals in that span: May slate — and with rare practice time, when does the left-shot QUICK STRIKE SUPERSTARS defenceman get inserted into the starting lineup?

The usual time-and-space concerns aren’t enough to bottle up McDavid “There’s certainly a chance you’ll see him,” said Green. “I’m not going to and Draisaitl. tell you when and what game or what night, but we’re considering everything. Lind has done a good job and there’s a chance you’ll see There’s a sixth sense and a special chemistry between the two to throw other young players go in as well.” quick blind passes to each other or a spot. They needed less than four minutes to set up the opening goal by Jesse Puljujarvi. The 21-year-old Rathbone teased of potential with three assists in his first AHL game with the Utica Comets. He had nine points (2-7) in his first When the Canucks couldn’t exit their zone, Draisaitl found McDavid, who nine games before the fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft was hesitated briefly to give Puljujarvi the puck at the right angle to have more summoned to the taxi squad and then recalled to the roster Monday. net. McDavid then drew an assist when Tyson Barrie pinched from the point and shoved a rebound between the pads of Holtby. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.04.2021

And in a second-period transitional burst, McDavid’s shot went off Travis Hamonic’s stick, got between the arm and body of Holtby and trickled over the line to give the Oilers a 3-1 advantage. 1211728 Vancouver Canucks However, not only would it be a quick turnaround with the Canucks’ regular season ending May 19 in Calgary, the club could need a collective exhale. There are the final 11 games crammed into 17 days and the physical and mental strains of the COVID-19 outbreak. Canucks: Brandon Sutter, Marc Michaelis injuries push sidelined forwards count to eight Horvat had seven points (3-4) in 10 games as Canada placed fourth in 2018 at the world championship. Hughes has played in two events and in “It’s a lot — you usually don’t run into that. It’s a good opportunity for 2018 was the youngest player at age 18 for the third-place U.S. He had other players, but you’ve got to have a team that can play well. — two assists in 10 games and three assists in 2019. Boeser has yet to play Canucks coach Travis Green in the event, but had three points as the U.S. won bronze at the 2016 world junior championship.

Jurmo on the move again Ben Kuzma Publishing date:May 03, 2021 • 12 hours ago • 4 minute read • Join the conversation Defenceman Joni Jurmo, who has eight points (3-5) in 10 games this season after being loaned to Kiekko- (Tier 2, Finland) — following

20 pointless games with cellar-dwelling JyP HT Jyvaskala in the Eight is more than enough. It’s beyond belief. country’s top loop — has signed a two-year deal with Tier 1 Mikkelin Jukurit. The loss of Brandon Sutter and Marc Michaelis to upper-body injuries has only added to the adaptation and angst of trying to make May The 6-foot-4 198 pound Jurmo was selected in the third round of the somewhat meaningful for the slumping Vancouver Canucks. 2020 NHL draft.

With the absence of other ailing roster forwards in Tyler Motte, Antoine “He needs to play and still needs to round out his game,” said Canucks Roussel, Jay Beagle and Elias Pettersson — along with Justin Bailey and general manager Jim Benning. “I look at him a lot like Alex Edler was in Michael Ferland sidelined long term — the timing of additional ailments his progression. As he got physically stronger, he developed into a good couldn’t be worse. two-way defenceman, where he’s now our best penalty killer, and he also became good with the puck and has a good hard shot. He (Jurmo) will be Four games this week against the surging Edmonton Oilers — starting a good player for us at some point.” Monday and Tuesday at Rogers Arena — have gone well beyond a litmus test to negate the league’s leading point producers in Connor Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.04.2021 McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.

In a season gone incredibly sideways with a slow start, mounting injuries and the numbing effects of a coronavirus outbreak that shut the NHL club down March 31, the game of chasing a long-shot playoff position has become a game of survival.

Especially with few offensive weapons and Pettersson missing his 20th- straight game Monday with a suspected wrist injury.

“It’s a lot — you usually don’t run into that,” Canucks coach Travis Green admitted of the crazy injury count. “It’s a good opportunity for other players, but you’ve got to have a team that can play well. We’ve been talking to our group about skating and energy in our game and we need that. And we need confidence with the puck to make plays.

“We haven’t scored many goals of late (six during a four-game losing streak heading into Monday) and we’ve got to execute plays that you need at the NHL level. We need to bring those elements if we want to win against a good team. And where do you start?

The Canucks were ranked 27th in offence with 2.58 goals per game to start the Oilers series and the power play has plummeted to 19th with three goals in 20 chances in the last 20 games in which the club went 3- 6-1.

Brock Boeser, who leads the club with 17 goals, had just one goal in his previous 10 games.

“When you don’t have your top players, a good example was Saturday. Toronto maybe wasn’t on top of their game and I thought we played a very strong two periods and a game-breaker (Auston Matthews) gets the goals. You miss that. It’s not an excuse, but I’m not going to sit here and say we don’t miss that in our lineup.

“Petey (Pettersson) is a big part of our team and future. He’s trying to get back and working and, obviously, if he was ready to play he would. There’s a reason why those guys (star players) are where they’re at because they’re difference-makers and they alleviate pressure in your own zone.”

“But we can’t dwell on it. And we haven’t. We worry about the guys who are here.”

Pondering the world stage

Hockey Canada is starting to reach out to NHL players to help stock its world championship roster.

Ottawa Senators winger Drake Batherson has been approached for the May 21-June 6 event in Riga, Latvia and general manager Roberto Luongo could reach out to Bo Horvat. And maybe the U.S. management head Chris Drury puts out a similar feeler to Quinn Hughes and Boeser. 1211729 Vancouver Canucks Article content Nils Hoglander — J.T. Miller — Brock Boeser

Matthew Highmore — Tyler Graovac — Jayce Hawryluk UPDATED: Canucks Game Night: Sutter, Michaelis injuries add to depleted forward list Jimmy Vesey — Travis Boyd — Zack MacEwen

The Vancouver Canucks need Brock Boeser to start lighting the lamp Defence again if they are going to right what's wrong Alex Edler — Nate Schmidt

Quinn Hughes — Travis Hamonic Ben Kuzma Olli Juolevi — Tyler Myers

Goalies: Braden Holtby, Thatcher Demko BEN KUZMA’S CANUCKS GAME NIGHT SICK BAY Edmonton Oilers (30-17-2) at Vancouver Canucks (19-23-3) Oilers: Oscar Klefbom (LTIR), Slater Koekkoek (LTIR), Zack Kassian Tonight: 7 p.m., TV: Sportsnet Pacific, Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM (LTIR) Jujhar Kharia, Kris Russell.

Tuesday: 7 p.m., TV: Sportsnet Pacific, Radio: Sportsnet 650 AM Canucks: Brandon Sutter, Marc Michaelis, Tyler Motte, Antoine Roussel, Jay Beagle (LTIR), Elias Pettersson (LTIR), Justin Bailey (LTIR), Micheal FIVE KEYS TO THE GAME Ferland (LTIR). 1. Canucks catching breath: Four road losses in the last six games, six SPECIAL TEAMS goals in that tiring span and one day off. There are a myriad of reasons why the club has lost seven of its last 10 — lingering COVID-19 effects, Oilers: PP 26.6% (2nd) PK 80.0% (16th) injuries, scoring droughts and a taxing schedule — and has run out of gas. Rest is their biggest missing weapon. Canucks: PP 19.5% (19th) PK 78.9% (19th)

2. McDavid’s magnificence: Connor McDavid’s three points Saturday STATS PACKAGE were significant. The NHL scoring leader’s 556 points through 400 Season series games are only topped by Eric Lindros (563), Jari Kurri (570), Mike Bossy (600), Peter Stastny (607), Mario Lemieux (774) and Wayne Oilers (3-2-0) GF 16 Gretzky (935). McDavid had four points (3-1) in a 5-2 win over the Canucks on Jan. 14. Canucks (2-3-0) GF 12

3. Boeser lighting lamp: Brock Boeser had four shots and eight attempts Previous scores Saturday in a 5-1 loss at Toronto. The winger has one goal in his last 10 (home team in caps) games and a slight hesitation hasn’t affected the accuracy and velocity of his team leading 107 shots and 17 goals. It has given goaltenders that Jan. 13: Vancouver 5, EDMONTON 3 extra second to better track releases. Meanwhile, the loss of Brandon Jan. 14: EDMONTON 5, Vancouver 2 Sutter and Marc Michaelis to upper-body injuries pushes the sidelined forwards count to eight. Feb. 23: Edmonton 4, VANCOUVER 3

4. Deny Draisaitl dish: Leon Draisaitl is just as adept at setting up his Feb. 25: Edmonton 3, VANCOUVER 0 linemates as he is pulling the trigger. Second in league scoring with 71 points behind McDavid’s 84, he’s also second to McDavid in assists. He March 13: VANCOUVER 2, Edmonton 1 had four helpers against the Canucks on Jan. 14 and three on Feb. 23. TEAM SCORING LEADERS 5. Power in their play: The Canucks have scored only three power play OILERS vs. CANUCKS goals during their current 10-game slide (3-6-1) and aren’t doing enough to draw man advantages with just 20 opportunities in that span. They Leon Draisaitl 1 9 10 +6 need to play harder and must be less plodding and predictable on the power play. Connor McDavid 5 3 8 +1

PROJECTED OILERS LINEUP Ryan Nugent-Hopkins 2 2 4 -1

Forwards Dominik Kahun 2 1 3 +2

Leon Draisaitl — Connor McDavid — Kailer Yamamoto CANUCKS vs. OILERS

Ryan Nugent-Hopkins — Ryan McLeod — Jesse Puljujarvi Bo Horvat 3 1 4 -2

Dominik Kahun — Gaetan Haas — Josh Archibald Elias Pettersson 1 2 3 +2

James Neal — Devin Shore — Alex Chiasson Quinn Hughes 0 3 3 -1

Defence Tanner Pearson 0 3 3 E

Darnell Nurse — Tyson Barrie Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.04.2021

Dmitry Kulikov — Adam Larsson

Caleb Jones — Ethan Bear

Goalies: Mikko Koskinen, Mike Smith

PROJECTED CANUCKS LINEUP

Forwards

Tanner Pearson — Bo Horvat — Kole Lind

STORY CONTINUES BELOW

This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 1211730 Vancouver Canucks WHERE DO YOU SEE GRIFFIN MOLINO'S CEILING AS A PLAYER? BOTTOM SIX FORWARD?

— JOSHUA REY (@JOSHUAREY91) SEPTEMBER 11, 2017 The Armies: Canucks give their 2-week notices Canucks fans and constantly wondering when the bottom six will emerge from the Sea of Granlunds.

By Wyatt Arndt May 4, 2021 Best advice

MCDAVID GIFS. GOOD FOR BUSINESS

The Canucks have officially entered their two-week notice mode. — JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 3, 2021

No, not the delightful rom-com “Two Weeks Notice” starring Hugh Grant I mean, sure, I can do a GIF of McDavid, but he’s going to what, get one and Sandra Bullock in which two people from different backgrounds point, maybe? come together and find love. At no point in the game did J.T. Miller tell LOL CHILD’S PLAY FOR THE OILERS Brock Boeser that the last chili dog was really barking. — PHIL FIGUEIREDO (@PHILFIGS) MAY 4, 2021 I am talking about the two-week notice someone gives when they leave their job, which is where the Canucks find themselves with their playoff Well, McDavid actually got himself four points on the night as his chase hopes basically non-existent at this point as Vancouver lost to Edmonton for one of the most incredible 100-point seasons of all time continued 5-3 on Monday. against the Canucks.

In that scenario, you don’t give that person any real work, you honestly On the Oilers first goal, a turnover led to McDavid doing what Hank Sedin just hope they show up for work. And you know what, even if they did to so many people by making a pass look like the easiest thing in the stopped coming in for their shifts, you wouldn’t be too put out over it. world:

And while the Canucks don’t have the option of staying home and power- Braden Holtby’s options here included: washing their deck, they are in a scenario where not much is expected out of them the rest of the season. Screaming “Oh, my God, somebody please tackle McDavid.”

Sure, show up for the games, offer some pushback, and try and win a Screaming “Oh, my God, somebody please tackle Draisatl.” game or two down the stretch. Keeping the games close is probably a Screaming “Oh, my God, my knee” and faking a knee injury. high point for the rest of the season. If you really want to set goals for yourself, maybe try and deny Connor McDavid’s 100th point against your Try and make a save, but after the goal is scored, reassure yourself that team. the defense let you down, as Greg Balloch does.

Alex Edler scoring his 100th career goal is pretty much the Stanley Cup Braden chose option four, but I’ll be damned if option three wasn’t the at this point for the Canucks. way to go.

For all intents and purposes, the season is done. Yes, they will talk about The worst part of the goal? Edler being drawn in by McDavid and not players showing up hungry and proving they deserve a spot in the lineup being able to make his 100th career save. next season, and coach Travis Green will probably berate a media member who dares suggest he isn’t dressing a lineup that is here to win If you thought McDavid was going to slow down on the night, he sure 100 percent. wasn’t:

But, honestly, in a season in which covering the team, much less NURSE GOES IRON AFTER DISH FROM MCDAVID. #CANUCKS watching the team, much less playing for the team, has never felt more — BEN KUZMA (@BENKUZMA) MAY 4, 2021 miserable, I think it’s OK to take our foot off the pedal on the pleas to duty and honor from the players. You’re legitimately at the point where he can carve you up like Razor Ramon in your own zone and has the option of either a great scoring They need to just finish the season, sit back and wait and see just what chance or a great passing play on, like, half his shifts. in the hell the management group is going to do to turn things around for this team like the rest of us. Best styling and profiling

Also, Serendipity is the best rom-com, but it didn’t work for this analogy. NATE SCHMIDT!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOO!!! MAYBE THEY WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS AFTER ALL!! Well, it could have worked, but it involved Elias Pettersson showing up with a matching glove to Boeser’s, and them somehow making the NO NO NO JUST KIDDING TEAM TANK BABY!!!#CANUCKS playoffs. — YOUNGJUDD (@YOUNGJUDD_1) MAY 4, 2021 Best McDavid vs. Goliath The good news is the Canucks did have some pushback in the game VESEY-BOYD-MACEWEN which, sure, can kind of fall under the moral victory banner (right beside that 7th man banner) we all know and love. But realistically, scoring three HIGHMORE-GRAOVAC-HAWRYLUK goals and keeping the game close certainly plays out better than getting VS blown out by five.

MCDAVID-DRAISAITL Nate Schmidt, a man who used to be on the Vegas Knights who are strong Cup contenders, and is now many many years away two years — JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 3, 2021 away from contending with the Canucks, has struggled to put the same offensive numbers as he did last season but got the Canucks on the Not since the days of Borna Rendulic, Joseph Labate and Joseph board with this wrister: Cramarossa has the Canucks bottom six felt like coach Willie Desjardin could slide right in and feel perfectly at home. Please note that Nils Höglander set up a nice screen in front of Mikko Koskinen as there was no way he was letting the Oilers goalie have a Geezus, remember Griffen Molino? better night than him. It is a well-known fact that the best Finnish player Seeing some of these names just reminds me of all the Twitter fights in a hockey contest gets a Karjalanpiirakka baked for them after the Canucks Nation has been through, and how 75 percent of them are due game, and you don’t give that up without a fight. to the angst of 2011. To answer your next question, no, I have no idea if Tommy has ever Tell me when “Rolling in the Deep” comes on that you don’t get eaten a Karjalanpiirakka. transported back in time and wonder how you could have had it all. To answer your next next question, yes, we can ask him to eat one in Best the more things change the more they stay the same sadness after the next Canucks loss. Best light the corners of my mind Two more lines comprised depending on how Brendan Batchelor is feeling that day. THE START OF THE 2ND PERIOD HAS BEEN TROUBLE FOR #CANUCKS LATELY. ALONG WITH THE START OF THE FIRST. THE The two-thirds of the Lotto Line that still exists got a nice goal when a MIDDLE OF THE FIRST. THE END OF THE FIRST…YOU GET THE solid Boeser forechecking effort led to Miller having the option of driving IDEA to the net or passing to Tyler Myers:

— JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 4, 2021 Miller chose driving to the net and ended up scoring a pretty nice goal, thus earning his Jimothy Timothy name for the night. HTTPS://T.CO/QTP1PIVMEV PIC.TWITTER.COM/ATMNC194RJ I will say to the people saying, “Well, thank God he didn’t pass to Myers” — CLARISSA! (@QUINNSEDGEWORK) MAY 4, 2021 that you are out to lunch on this one, though.

The McDavids got their second goal of the night after, and stop me if If there is one place I am passing to the chaotic neutral rogue Myers, it’s you’ve heard this one before, the Canucks start running around in their on a random rush into the offensive zone because that’s when he does own zone and lose all sense of defensive structure: his best work.

The good news is that McDavid only got a second assist on this goal, If Miller passes there, it’s a high chance Myers busts out a spin-o-rama and it wasn’t even a pretty one. You call that a 60th assist on the goal, complete with doing a Running Man celebration in the middle of the season? Call me when it’s body blocking a defender so you can set up a ice. Mike Weaver point shot that club legend Trevor Linden then knocks in for his last two-goal game of his career like did. Best Milford Man defense

Pfft. ALL YOU KIDS WHO DIDN’T EXPERIENCE THE 80S CANUCKS, THIS IS IT. YOU’RE EXPERIENCING IT NOW. BUY SOME PARACHUTE Best PANTS.

MCDAVID MAY GET 100 TOMORROW NIGHT — JASON BROUGH (@SADCLUBCOMMISH) MAY 4, 2021

— CAM BARRA (@CAMJBARRA) MAY 4, 2021 IF YOU TAKE OUT THE 3 GOALS THAT CONNOR MCDAVID GOT A OH, BRADEN. #CANUCKS POINT ON, THE #CANUCKS WOULD BE LEADING THE OILERS 2-1, WHICH IS MORE IMPRESSIVE THAN GRETZKY'S 92 GOAL SEASON. — LACHLAN IRVINE (@LACHINTHECREASE) MAY 4, 2021 — THOMAS DRANCE (@THOMASDRANCE) MAY 4, 2021 CONNOR MCDAVID HAS AT LEAST 3 POINTS IN 6 OF HIS LAST 7 GAMES LMAO VESEY IS AMAZING AT FAILING TO EXIST. JUST COMPLETELY DISAPPEARS IN THE MIDDLE OF ALL THAT ACTION. #CANUCKS — DIMITRI FILIPOVIC (@DIMFILIPOVIC) MAY 4, 2021 — THE CANUCK FAN (@THECANUCKFAN) MAY 4, 2021 McDavid’s third point of the night felt like Holtby was debating option three of faking a knee injury but just didn’t commit in time: The one goal McDavid didn’t assist on still ended up being a nice goal for the Oilers as they once again took advantage of a confusing Canucks Sure, that’s a nice goal, but call me when it’s splitting Shea Weber and defensive scheme to score their fourth of the night: Shane O’Brien in a playoff game… Jimmy Vesey was a low risk, medium (?) reward addition to the team and OK, look, McDavid is a cheat code, we all know this. Dude skates faster it’s safe to say in a season in which many people are waiting to see who than Pavel Bure, has better hands than and has more can separate themselves from the pack in the bottom six, Vesey has not YouTube views than Pavel Barber. done nearly enough.

The Pavels of the world weren’t ready for this heat, to be honest. It was a bit amusing to watch Vesey on this goal because he’s trying to play solid defense here, he really is. He managed to skate around to Look at that goal and watch Travis Hamonic take one stride to the left defend an Oiler briefly before leaving them, on three occasions, so he and he’s already dead in the water. You can almost see McDavid cackle somehow ended up covering and not covering three guys on one shift. about the importance of body language as he flies by and unleashes a It’s like he was stuck in traffic and every time he changed lanes, the lane shot under the sea. he just left would start moving faster. Best question Quinn Hughes once again looks tired, which again, is completely @THESTANCHION CAN’T BELIEVE COLE CASSELS CAN’T CRACK understandable, which I only note because there is a marked difference THIS BOTTOM SIX. between the in-control skating and defense we saw in season one from him compared to this season. Instead of sticking tight to his man and — STEPHEN QUINN (@GOFOUR3STEVE) MAY 4, 2021 winning races to the puck, he’s giving up room and flailing at pucks.

Cole Cassels isn’t in the lineup and McDavid goes off for four points. Next season cannot come quick enough for this team. Coincidence, or are the Canucks simply paying for the fact they gave up on their McDavid lockdown defender? Best strategy

Best it wasn’t over, it still isn’t over 6:15 REMAINING. NO GOALIE PULL? THAT'S BEEN THE PLAY THE PAST FEW GAMES MILLER WISELY KEEPS IT INSTEAD OF DISHING TO MYERS & SHOWS CRAFTY MITTS BACKHAND UPSTAIRS. — JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 4, 2021

— STU WALTERS (@STUWALTERS_) MAY 4, 2021 Why pull the goalie when you have these two handsome devils in the crowd? AS MUCH AS WE'RE ON MCDAVID WATCH, J.T. MILLER JUST SCORED AN ABSOLUTE BEAUTY POWERING BY TWO DEFENDERS I am all for the Canucks in-rink crew having fun with these cutouts. This TO BRING IT BACK TO 3-2. #CANUCKS season is going to be such a slog to get through so, please, put as many stars in the audience as you can. — SKATE OR DIE, MR. BOND (@ARASHMEMARZADEH) MAY 4, 2021 Maybe have Rob Fai in the stands with his best friend Mark Messier? The Canucks forward group is basically comprised of: Best of my client One line that can score nice goals but at the end of the day just misses their friend THE FLOW BABY #CANUCKS

Bo Horvat on another line in which he is set up in a variety of, “But how — BO CAP MY CAP (@BOCAPMYCAP53) MAY 4, 2021 will they get along?” roommate sitcom scenarios for linemates BOESERFUL #CANUCKS — STEVE�� (@ICANUCKLEHEAD) MAY 4, 2021 They had Höglander using his Jannik Hansen-like ability to generate breakaways at will: Boeser, aka The Flow, aka Brockstar, aka “That nice polite fellow who always pays in cash for a bag of oranges,” cut the Canucks’ deficit to one And they were setting up a couple of dangerous chances in the slot: goal late in the third period: The problem with these games is the hockey from the Canucks is very Delightful shot, delightful goal, and one that he busted out his patented basic (which makes sense) but makes for a tedious product when you stick twirl goal celebration. see the other teams are able to generate a variety of dangerous and creative-looking chances. The goal ended up being like the entire heist planning in “Fast Five” in that it was ultimately meaningless, but it still felt entertaining. The problem on top of this problem is I could have written that statement for 85 percent of the time Jim Benning has been running this team, which Seriously, go grab “Fast Five” and watch half a movie setting up an again, speaks to the roster depth continuously being an issue for this “Ocean’s 11”-level of heist planning and hijinks, only to scrap it all and club. just go with, “Let’s just drive a vault around the streets for 10 minutes instead.” Best going hard to the net

Best scattered pictures Matthew Highmore? More like Matthew Lowmore, am I right?

#CANUCKS WITH 10 GAMES TO GO. COULD MAX OUT AT 61 OK, look, it’s been a long season. POINTS. WINNIPEG & MONTREAL BOTH AT 57. THE MATHEMATICAL END IS VERY NEAR Best obsession

— JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 4, 2021 I honestly have kept a folder of the Canucks making these side-to-side passes getting picked off this year and I don’t know why. MCDAVID WANTS 100. NO LOAD MANAGEMENT UNTIL HE GETS IT, I SAY. Worst confirmation

— RANDIP JANDA (@RANDIPJANDA) MAY 4, 2021 J.T. MILLER GOT TOSSED OUT OF THE FACEOFF CIRCLE THEN SUCCESSFULLY ARGUED HIS WAY BACK INTO IT. I DON'T THINK He’s going to get 100 points: I'VE EVER SEEN THAT BEFORE. #CANUCKS PIC.TWITTER.COM/LXRFO2ZP0C Best laugh — DANIEL WAGNER (@PASSITTOBULIS) MAY 4, 2021 ALRIGHT LET'S WATCH THE THIRD PERIOD. #CANUCKS Here’s the problem with letting Miller go full Dennis Reynolds and arguing — NICK (@SKYCORPS) MAY 4, 2021 his way out of trouble: It means he now sees it can work.

I just enjoyed one fan sitting down and not even expressing excitement When will the swearing and arguing ever stop? or happiness, just stating that yes, they were going to watch the third period now. When?

Edmonton got a breakaway to start the third period, by the way: Best back-up goalie

Best promo ALEX EDLER WATCHING HAMONIC MAKE A GOALIE SAVE PIC.TWITTER.COM/XQA7WEAZMN AGREED. EVEN THOUGH HE TRIED TO SEEM UNBIASED, YOU CAN TELL HOW MUCH HE IS PULLING FOR SHOTZI BLACKHEART AND — WILL ANDERSON (@WILLANDERSON393) MAY 4, 2021 EMBER MOON IN THE TAG TEAM STREET FIGHT. Hamonic did indeed make a huge save early on, which you know Edler — J.BOWMAN (@JBOWMANCOUVER) MAY 4, 2021 saw:

Having John Shorthouse psyche himself up to deliver the NXT promo for But here’s the thing about Edler. You don’t think he’s seen people come Sportsnet and absolutely nailing it was one of the highlights of the night at him his entire career in Vancouver trying to take his crown? for me. The guy who got closest was Chris Tanev and Edler outlasted him, so Best special teams what chance does Hamonic have? You don’t think Edler raises his game when pushed? TIME TO MAKE EM PAY BOIS! #POWERPLAY GOAL TIME #CANUCKS You come at the King, you best not miss.

— JIMMY B (@HEATAPOCALYPSE) MAY 4, 2021 Best news

Hughes is out here playing like he’s programmed with the Ignite engine: THE BOTCHFORD PROJECT 2021@QUINNSEDGEWORK @LACHINTHECREASE @ARASHMEMARZADEH Best summary of the season THANKS @CANUCKSPR PIC.TWITTER.COM/PJKOB61WIX KNOWN GOON QUINN HUGHES TO THE BOX — JEFF PATERSON (@PATERSONJEFF) MAY 3, 2021 — X – MORGAN (@CROCBOESER) MAY 4, 2021 The best news of the night was that the Botchford Project continued, an Ten more games, Quinn. initiative that lets up-and-coming writers experience the thrill of covering Best roster construction an NHL game.

HORVAT WITH MACEWEN AND VESEY IS SUCH AN ODDITY, I Now, I will say I hope they bring these three back when hockey is open to ACTUALLY HAD TO PUT MY GLASSES ON TO DOUBLE CHECK THE the public again because you haven’t truly experienced covering the JERSEY NUMBERS. #CANUCKS Canucks until you’re in the hockey room trying not to step on a player’s equipment while Farhan Lalji towers over you asking all the good — LACHLAN IRVINE (@LACHINTHECREASE) MAY 4, 2021 questions, or felt the buzz race through press row when dessert is brought out. Best setting the bar low But it’s still amazing to see our good friend Jason Botchford being JUST DON’T GET BLOWN OUT. #LOWEXPECTATIONS #CANUCKS remembered in a way that truly honors what he brought to this city and — NUX4LIFE (@CANUCKS0709) MAY 4, 2021 this industry.

Again, this wasn’t the worst game in the world for the Canucks and, to Best shot their credit, they did play hard.

They were generating some shots and working for rebounds: A COUPLE OF BEAUTIES ARE IN ATTENDANCE TONIGHT AT @ROGERSARENA… – @KBIEKSA3 @RYAN_KESLER PIC.TWITTER.COM/HPZN3RPB24

— VANCOUVER #CANUCKS (@CANUCKS) MAY 3, 2021

Best chaser

KESLER: WHEN IT WAS THE GILLIS ERA, I DON'T KNOW THE WAY THEY ARE NOW BUT WE WERE GIVEN ANYTHING WE WANTED. THEY WOULD DO ANYTHING RECOVERY, SLEEP, ALL THAT STUFF. I DON'T KNOW IF THEY'RE CONTINUING TO DO THAT BUT THAT WAS THE 2% THAT I BELIEVE PUSHED US.

(650)

— TAJ (@TAJ1944) MAY 4, 2021

BIEKSA: "I THINK YOU CAN DO A REBUILD WITHOUT MISSING PLAYOFFS FOR 5 SEASONS, BUT THAT'S JUST ME."

#CANUCKS

— CODY SEVERTSON (@CODYSEVERTSON) MAY 3, 2021

The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211731 Websites 7 7-2

7% The Athletic / NHL playoffs WATCH: Matchups if the postseason started today and excitement level for each series Jets

27-20-3

By Scott Burnside May 3, 2021 6

2-7

Barring an unexpected setback, two weeks from now the NHL playoffs 5% will be underway. The Oilers are starting to look invincible. They are tighter defensively. Exactly when all eight first-round series spread across four divisions will Mike Smith is playing his way into the Vezina Trophy discussion and did start remains a bit fluid and the matchups themselves likewise remain we mention Connor McDavid? He’s got his sights set on 100 points unpredictable for the most part. But this week will go a long way to which is simply mind-boggling. bringing some clarity on both the playoff schedule and the actual matchups. As for the Jets, never mind having or finding an answer for the Oilers, they don’t have an answer for anyone right now. Losers of six straight, As of Monday, this is what the playoff grid would look like and some head coach Paul Maurice has been trying to coax some emotion out of things to consider as we hit the stretch run. his group, reducing ice time for veterans like Mark Scheifele and shuffling lines. The loss of Nikolaj Ehlers is a big blow although it looks like Adam North Division Lowry is edging closer to return. Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens Chances this series happens: TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S As noted, the Canadiens could overtake Winnipeg for third place in the CUP CHANCES North but just don’t see it happening, even as bad as the Jets have been. Maple Leafs Interest-Meter: ���½ 33-13-5 Frankly, any series involving the dynamic Oilers and McDavid and Leon 5 Draisaitl is going to be chock full of anticipation and more than a little drama, especially given how the Oilers took a knee in the play-in round 5-2 against middling Chicago last summer.

19% East Division

Canadiens Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Boston Bruins

23-18-9 TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S 6 CUP CHANCES

2-4-1 Penguins

1% 34-15-3

A week ago, we said there were questions surrounding the Maple Leafs’ 4 goaltending. That seems like a million years ago after five wins in a row 3-4-1 and the Leafs seem to grow more confident by the day. It seems like the plan will be to get Frederik Andersen some game action over the final 3% five games. But it sure seems like you can lock Jack Campbell, 15-2-1 Bruins and .927 save percentage, into the starter’s role come playoff time. 30-14-6 The Habs? Meh. Came from behind to beat Ottawa on Saturday and won a crucial game against Calgary early last week to really push the Flames 6 out of the playoff picture. But without Carey Price, who continues to rehab a concussion, this looks like a team that can’t stand much 5-3 adversity. Still, great to see Cole Caufield get his first goal on Saturday 9% against the Sens. The Penguins are slowly getting healthy at just the right time and are Chances this series happens: expecting Evgeni Malkin back at some point this week. Bad news for the Montreal has closed to within two points of the slumping Jets but the Jets rest of the East Division. We’re guessing the Penguins hang onto first have a big lead in regulation or overtime wins which is the top tie- place given their final four games are against divisional patsies Buffalo breaker. Each team has six games remaining but Montreal has Toronto and Philadelphia. three times and Edmonton twice. Yikes. So let’s pencil them into fourth The Bruins are on fire having gone 9-2-0 since the trade deadline. Taylor place. Hall has 10 points in 11 games since being dealt at the deadline and with Interest-Meter: ����� Craig Smith tearing it up offensively, this Bruins team suddenly looks like the Bruins of old, able to hurt you from everywhere in the lineup. Of course, this would be off the charts given the rivals haven’t faced off in the playoffs since 1979. And in spite of Montreal’s up and down play, Chances this series happens: getting Brendan Gallagher and Carey Price back will change the Five points separate first and fourth in the most balanced division and the emotional temperature of this series. standings change on a daily basis, so get back to us in a week. Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets Interest-Meter: ��� TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S Not a ton of recent playoff history but both these teams are looking to CUP CHANCES prove their Stanley Cup windows aren’t closed and, of course, Boston is Oilers where Pittsburgh head coach Mike Sullivan got his NHL head coaching

30-17-2 start and a little Patrice Bergeron/Sidney Crosby tete-a-tete is bound to issues is key. Alex Nedeljkovic is a number one NHL netminder as his be meaningful. 1.89 GAA and .934 save percentage suggests and the 25-year-old deserves to start come playoff time, in our opinion. Washington Capitals vs. New York Islanders Chances this series happens: TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S CUP CHANCES Dallas is still hovering on the edge of the race for fourth place in the Central. The Canes are closing in on a division title while still in the hunt Capitals for a possible Presidents’ Trophy. 32-14-5 Interest-Meter: ��� 5 Two excellent buildings that are likely to see the number of fans allowed 6-2 in grow by the time the playoffs roll around.

3% Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Florida Panthers

Islanders TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S CUP CHANCES 31-15-5 Lightning 5 35-14-3 2-5-1 4 3% 3-3 The Capitals have been shuffling along for a week or so now without captain Alex Ovechkin, who is recovering from a lower-body injury. We’re 15% guessing if the playoffs started today he’d be in the lineup. The Capitals Panthers have all kinds of opportunities to slide back into first place, although it really doesn’t matter where they start the playoffs given how good 34-14-5 they’ve been on the road. Their 17 road wins are the most in the division. 3 Meanwhile, the Isles are the Isles — not really lighting it up offensively but not needing to. Same as it ever was under Barry Trotz. Deadline 3-2-1 additions Travis Zajac and Kyle Palmieri have combined for just two 1% goals and two assists. Tampa is just sort of ambling along. Not really good. Not really bad. Their Chances this series happens: win in Detroit on Sunday avenged a shootout loss to the lowly Wings the Boston’s games in hand and ease of schedule suggest they will move day before. You know head coach Jon Cooper is going to have this team into the top three of the East Division while the Caps still have designs on in the right place come Game 1. Tampa’s 20 home wins are tied for the first place. most in the NHL so the Panthers will be looking to stay ahead of the Bolts and keep home-ice advantage, although the Bolts hold the edge Interest-Meter: ���� now. Tampa is hoping to add elite talent in the form of Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos for the postseason. You know the Capitals would love a shot at a little playoff payback after their miserable outing against the Islanders in the first round last season. The Panthers continue to pile up the goals and how good has Sam Bennett been since being acquired from Calgary at the deadline? How Central Division about 13 points in nine games good? He might be the single most Carolina Hurricanes vs. Nashville Predators impactful deadline acquisition at this point. They’re likely going to need all those goals as they must figure out what to do about their goaltending. TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S Chris Driedger has been out with a minor injury. This begs the question, CUP CHANCES is Sergei Bobrovsky currently the third-best goaltender on the roster now with Spencer Knight looking impressive after being given his first taste of Hurricanes NHL goaltending? Not a great debate to be having with less than two 34-10-7 weeks to go before the playoffs.

5 Chances this series happens:

6-0 There’s a possibility either of these teams could overtake Carolina for first place but unlikely given Carolina’s schedule and the math. 7% Interest-Meter: ����� Predators How much fun would the first-ever all-Florida playoff series be? Given the 28-22-2 firepower both these teams possess every night would be a carnival of 4 goals. Bring it.

0-5-1 West Division

0% Vegas Golden Knights vs. St. Louis Blues

The Predators have achieved the very difficult goal of transforming their TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S identity on the fly. This team is more physical and much harder to play CUP CHANCES against than early in this season and certainly during the last couple of Golden Knights disappointing seasons. They don’t score a bunch and their special teams aren’t great but they work hard and have found a way to revive their 36-12-2 season behind the play of Juuse Saros, who should be getting some love 6 not just for the Vezina Trophy but a place on Hart Trophy ballots, too. Come playoff time will be playing with house money. 4-1-1

Meanwhile, the Hurricanes are dialed in and have so much speed and 8% depth they are going to be a handful for anyone they come across. Teuvo Teravainen’s return after missing almost half the season with concussion Blues 23-19-7 1. Dallas really needed a regulation win in Nashville on Saturday. Then, when they went to overtime with the score 0-0, they really needed the 7 extra point. Didn’t happen as the Stars ended up losing 1-0 in OT. It was 2-3-1 their 13th overtime or shootout loss of the season, most in the league. Woulda, coulda, shoulda but if even three or four of those games go the 1% other way, they control their own fate. Now they start the week three points back of Nashville with five games to play, all on the road. Yes, Watching the Blues spit up a 3-1 lead on Saturday against Minnesota, they have one game in hand but does it really matter especially when the losing 4-3 in overtime, was a reminder of just how wacky this team is. If Stars have Florida and Tampa twice this week? Probably not. the Blues are one-and-done in the playoffs, as they were last summer, you have to believe significant changes will be made by GM Doug 2. It is, for us, a two-team race to see who earns the Presidents’ Trophy: Armstrong. The Blues are lucky Arizona is, well, Arizona, and actually Vegas and Carolina. Carolina starts the week with a one-point lead but qualifying for the playoffs isn’t a real issue. Vegas has a better winning percentage. Does it mean anything, especially in this most unusual of seasons? We’d argue yes, perhaps In the end, it may not matter what mental shape the Blues are in come even more than normal. Without the traditional conference structure, playoff time as Vegas is just that good, a team with no real obvious flaws. having the best record would give you home-ice advantage throughout As Pierre LeBrun noted after talking to Vegas owner Bill Foley, it’s the playoffs but also in the final four the team with the most regular- possible the Golden Knights will be playing in front of a full house early in season points draws the team with fewest. That is not insignificant, the postseason. They’re 19-4-2 at home and their plus-58 goal especially if there’s an upset or two along the way. Of course, history differential is tops in the league. suggests that owning that particular piece of hardware has little to do with Chances this series happens: winning the big prize. Since the 2004-05 lockout, only two teams, the 2008 Red Wings and the 2013 Blackhawks, have parlayed a Presidents’ Still like Vegas to win the West but Colorado’s schedule is pretty easy. Trophy win into a Stanley Cup win. Interesting, though, that the ’13 So could easily see the Avs sneaking ahead of Vegas for first place. Blackhawks did so during a season shortened to 48 games due to a labor dispute, so there’s that. Interest-Meter: ��� 3. Don’t often see goaltending debates headed down the stretch but this Actually, this is one of those series that would either be 5-out-5 or 1-out-5 week will go a long way to determining whether Ilya Samsonov regains because either St. Louis is going to get their act together, as they did in the starter’s net for the playoffs for the Capitals or if rookie Vitek 2019, and turn this into a seven-game epic or they’re going to play like Vanecek, who leads all rookie netminders with 18 wins, supplants him. they have for long stretches of the season and they’ll get steamrolled. We’d say Samsonov has the inside track but just barely and games Colorado Avalanche vs. Minnesota Wild against the Rangers and Flyers will be closely scrutinized. We noted the Florida dynamic where Bobrovsky has been just average for most of the TEAM RECORD REMAINING HEAD-TO-HEAD DOM'S season. Of the 18 goaltenders with 30 or more appearances, Bobrovsky CUP CHANCES ranks 14th with a .904 save percentage. Driedger has been the steadier of the two with a nice 2.17 GAA and .923 save percentage. But do you Avalanche leave a $70-million goalie on the bench in the playoffs? You do if it 33-12-4 means knocking off the Lightning. In Boston, it looks like Jeremy Swayman, 6-2-0, .942 save percentage, will back up Tuukka Rask to 7 start the postseason ahead of Jaroslav Halak. Frankly, we get the feeling there is so much confidence in Swayman that if Rask falters Bruce 5-2-1 Cassidy wouldn’t hesitate to go to the 22-year-old. 22% 4. After losing on the night of the trade deadline, April 12, the Hurricanes Wild are 7-0-3 and we’re already penciling in Jani Hakanpaa as this year’s possible Michal Kempny Award winner. Kempny, of course, was the 32-14-4 under-the-radar add by Washington at the 2018 trade deadline and helped stabilize its blue line en route to a Stanley Cup. Hakanpaa was 6 acquired from Anaheim for Haydn Fleury and has fit seamlessly into a 3-5 deep, talented blue line corps adding size and physicality while proving to be surprisingly mobile and he’s scored twice. Go figure. If, as predicted 3% by some, Seattle takes Brady Skjei in the expansion draft, it wouldn’t Everyone knows there will be at least a couple of upsets in the first surprise us if GM Don Waddell circles back to Hakanpaa, a UFA. round. We’re guessing the West is ripe for one such upset. The Wild 5. A tip of the hat to netminder Ryan Miller who announced he will retire have the offensive chops to stay with the big boys in the division – they at the end of this season. He will walk away with more wins than any are tied for eighth in the league in goals per game – a deep, talented blue American-born netminder in the history of the NHL, a Vezina Trophy and line, solid goaltending and a great never-say-die attitude that should see a silver medal from an MVP turn during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. head coach Dean Evason a finalist for the Jack Adams Trophy. Probably not quite a Hall of Fame resume but pretty damned good. We The Avalanche, of course, are elite and with Philipp Grubauer back in the had a ringside seat to his greatest moments in Vancouver as he led an lineup, they will hit the postseason as a Stanley Cup favorite regardless unheralded bunch of Americans to within one goal of an improbable gold medal. Have to imagine Dallas Eakins will give Miller the start in the of where they finish in the West. The absence of Nazem Kadri is problematic but not crushing. Ducks’ final regular-season game Saturday against Minnesota. And if we’re running things at new broadcast partners ESPN and/or Turner Chances this series happens: Sports, we are on the phone yesterday with Miller and his people about whether he might consider joining a national broadcast crew. Thoughtful As noted above the Avs, in theory, have a pretty easy time of it down the and candid, Miller would be a welcome addition to what is a brave new stretch, so could jump into first ahead of Vegas. Of course, if the Avs world of NHL hockey broadcasting set to begin next fall. stumble the Wild have an opportunity to jump into second and steal home-ice advantage in the first round. The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021

Interest-Meter: ����

There’s just something about this Wild team that makes you want to pay attention and even though they’d be prohibitive underdogs against the Avs or the Golden Knights, scouts and analysts we’ve spoken to are universal in their belief the Wild are going to be a difficult out.

Five things to watch this week 1211732 Websites I mean, just about all of that sounds pretty great. And sure, some of it might fall through, or end up being pushed back to the second round. Like we said, don’t get too invested. But it’s OK to start looking forward a little, if only because outside of Dallas and Nashville, we don’t have much The Athletic / DGB weekend rankings: Predators up, Jets down and to get excited about over the final two weeks. getting excited about potential matchups Road to the Cup

The five teams with the best chances of becoming the first team in By Sean McIndoe May 3, 2021 history to win a Stanley Cup in July.

It wasn’t exactly unexpected, but the most historical news of the weekend was Friday’s announcement that we can finally say that we officially have So about those furious playoff races down the stretch. Uh, never mind. a 32nd team. As far back as the final rankings of March, we worried about whether TODAY MARKS A HUGE MOMENT IN OUR CLUB’S HISTORY: WE most of the races would be already decided by now. And sure enough, HAVE OFFICIALLY COMPLETED THE PROCESS OF JOINING THE that’s pretty much what’s happened. Ten teams have mathematically NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE. clinched, and a few more are solidly in “unless there’s a miracle” territory. The East is done, with four teams locked in and only seeding to play for. TO OUR FANS, OWNERSHIP GROUP, PARTNERS AND THE @NHL – The Blues’ surge combined with a Coyotes cold streak has all but ended THANK YOU. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITH OUT YOU. the West race. In the North, the Habs’ late-season wobble opened the PIC.TWITTER.COM/WJYEHA60I0 door, but the Flames and Canucks said “No thanks, we’re fine,” meaning we’re pretty much set there too. — SEATTLE KRAKEN (@SEATTLEKRAKEN) APRIL 30, 2021

If you enjoy a good late-season bubble watch, you’re down to the Stars Condolences in advance to all the GMs out there whose entire long-term and Predators in the Central. That’s pretty much it. And even that race roster-building strategy will be completely wrecked by the possibility of could be done within days. losing their backup goalie or third-line left winger in an expansion draft, you guys had a good run. Ah well. This is hockey, and all we can do is adjust on the fly. So let’s do that, by turning our attention to the matchups we might get in Round 1. 5. Toronto Maple Leafs (33-13-5, +38 true goals differential*) – I know, I There’s some good news there, because man, the first round might be know, every time I put them here they go on a losing streak, and I’ll amazing. probably get yelled at by diehard Leafs fans. But Toronto has all but clinched top spot in the North, and their path out of the division isn’t any Emphasis on “might,” because if you’ve been a fan long enough you tougher than the other top seeds will have, and might be significantly know how this goes. A matchup looks like a sure thing, you let yourself easier. I do think whoever wins the North will be facing a very tough task get hyped for it, and then something weird happens on the season’s final if they have to go on the road for the remainder of the postseason, and week that blows it. We’ve all been there. I’ve sure been there. And I am there’s a case that nobody in the division should be in the top five for ready to get hurt again, so let’s do this. exactly that reason. I’ll chew on that for a week, but for now, the Leafs are rolling and I really don’t have a choice. We covered a few of the matchups we should be rooting for last week, including the potential for the first-ever Battle of Florida. That one’s 4. Tampa Bay Lightning (35-14-3, +42) – They started off the week well, looking more likely, as the Hurricanes are in good shape to run out the running their win streak to four before losing in a shootout to the Red clock on the division title. That would give us a Florida/Tampa Bay Wings on Saturday night, which you can’t even really get mad about it matchup that would be all sorts of fun, not to mention pairing Carolina when the other guys are doing stuff like this: with either Dallas or Nashville, both of which would be sneaky cool matchups of non-traditional markets that we normally couldn’t get in a JAKUB VRÁNA JUST PULLED OFF THE FORSBERG IN THE conference-based format. The Central looks good. SHOOTOUT. PIC.TWITTER.COM/ACN390FGN5

The West seeding might come down to the wire, and there’s a temptation — SPORTSNET (@SPORTSNET) MAY 1, 2021 to view their first round as the undercard to an inevitable Golden They followed that with a rematch win over the Wings yesterday. All in Knights/Avs showdown in Round 2. Maybe it works out that way, but we all, a good week, but one where they didn’t gain much ground on the know enough not to get ahead of ourselves, so let’s focus on the Hurricanes, and they’re running out of time to get back into first. Of appetizer of one of those powerhouses facing a very good Wild team course, if you’re hoping for that Panthers matchup, that’s just fine. while the other tries to figure out a Blues team that looked awful for most of the season but has recently flipped the switch. By the way, the Blues One more note about that potential Battle of Florida first-round matchup: have never played the Knights in the playoffs and somehow haven’t The two teams face each other in the final two games of the regular faced the Avalanche in 20 years, so if you’re a “fresh matchup” sort of season. If Carolina can hold onto top spot, those games could determine fan, you’ll get your wish. home-ice advantage. Or they may just be about setting the tone for the real thing. The East matchups remain up in the air, but there really aren’t any bad ones in play. We’re rooting for that Pens/Caps matchup, although that’s 3. Carolina Hurricanes (34-10-7, +43) – Hurricanes fans, how nervous looking a little less likely now than it did a few days ago. No worries, are we getting about the Rod Brind’Amour situation? Everyone’s always though, because even if it doesn’t happen, we’ll get something cool. kind of assumed he’d be back, and based on ’s report, Caps/Bruins? It’s the Zdeno Chara revenge series. Penguins/Islanders? that’s still the most likely outcome. But it’s not done yet, and if he wants All sorts of Patrick Division baggage, plus some cap era bad blood. his staff taken care of, that could complicate things. Penguins/Bruins? One of the most underrated rivalries in modern history. You can do this for just about any series that’s in play. OK, maybe It’s worth noting that nobody who follows the Hurricanes closely seems Bruins/Islanders doesn’t have a ton of history, but we could at least make especially worried, and nine times out of 10 these situations get resolved fun of Mike Milbury. The East should be great. and we all forget about them. Those one out of 10s can get messy, though. And then we get to the North, and the big one: the first Leafs/Canadiens matchup in over 40 years. We’re not locked in yet, because the Jets have 2. Colorado Avalanche (33-12-4, +52) – This week brought the first three- decided to put third place back in play (and honestly, having the one game losing streak of the season, as injuries seem to be catching up to a team nobody in Canada hates be the one to blow a Toronto/Montreal team that had been rolling. Nothing that a series against the Sharks series would be a great heel turn). But at this point, it’s at least likely that couldn’t fix, though. we’ll finally get the first Leafs/Habs series in a generation, which will 1. Vegas Golden Knights (36-12-2, +59) – They took the top spot last splinter families and end friendships, the way all great hockey rivalries week, and then held serve by beating a depleted Avalanche team in this should. Mix in an Oilers/Jets reunion three decades after their one-sided week’s head-to-head matchup. The two teams face each other once Smythe rivalry, as we get to see if Connor McDavid can break the more in the regular season, a week from tonight. postseason scoring record in one series, and the North will be must-see TV unless they figure out a way to blow this. Meanwhile, be sure to check out Pierre’s interview with Bill Foley, which includes the news that the Knights are hoping to have a full arena by June 1. I really don’t think NHL fans and media have fully processed the rest any hopes of a division title. Two more losses to the Oilers and one extent to which discrepancies in fan capacity could impact the playoffs, to the Canadiens ran the regulation losing streak to six. and if Vegas can get to 100 percent that quickly then you have to think it has the potential to give them a nice boost in a short series. And now, the unthinkable is in range. No, not missing the playoffs — the Jets are one of those teams that’s in barring a miracle. But a drop all the *Goals differential without counting shootout decisions like the NHL does down to fourth in the division is suddenly very plausible, with Montreal for some reason. just two points back (but the Jets holding the tiebreaker). That would mean a matchup with the Leafs, and at this point maybe that’s the best Not ranked: Nashville Predators – The biggest game of the weekend was option, since the alternative is facing an Oilers team they’ve lost to six Saturday night’s showdown between the Stars and Predators, and the games in a row. Nobody can stop Connor McDavid, but the Jets really two teams delivered … well, not a classic, but at least a close game, with can’t stop him, giving up multiple points in all nine meetings, including the Predators taking it 1-0 in overtime. seven points in two games this week.

The win wasn’t quite the dagger that it could have been, since it came in Those losses were part of an ongoing slump for Connor Hellebuyck, one overtime and the Stars still got a loser point (their league-leading 13th of that’s cost him any hope of contending for a second straight Vezina. the season). But it did put the Predators three points up in the race for Nikolaj Ehlers is out for at least the rest of the regular season, Mark the final Central spot; Dallas has a game in hand, but Nashville will Scheifele got benched, and Kevin Cheveldayoff whiffed on significantly almost certainly own the regulation wins tiebreaker. The teams don’t play upgrading the blue line at the trade deadline. This suddenly looks like a again this season. With the Predators moving on to face the Blue Jackets very flawed team. twice this week while the Stars have to take on the Panthers and Lightning and Nashville already at 77 percent to take the spot, this one Of course, you always look like that during a slump, so if that’s all you could be over soon. think this is, you’re not too worried. They’re still going to the playoffs, they still have a dangerous top six (assuming Ehlers is back), and they should The bottom five have a goaltending edge over either Edmonton or Toronto. Oh, and if you The five teams that are headed toward the best lottery odds and trying to believe in knowing how to win, you’ll note that the Jets will also be the figure out if we should call this an Owen Power Ranking. only team in the North Division bracket that’s actually won a real playoff round in the last three years. We don’t know a lot about the Jake Virtanen situation yet, although we do know that he’s been accused of sexual assault and placed on leave They should be fine. They just need to end the slump. Assuming, you by the Canucks. Thomas Drance has more on what we know and what know, that it is just a slump. happens next. The Athletic LOADED: 05.04.2021 5. Ottawa Senators (19-27-5, -37) – They continue to show signs of improvement down the stretch, and have been flipping standings spots with Detroit for the last few days. It would feel cruel to put the Wings back in the bottom five after finally setting them free last week, so Ottawa keeps a spot for the 68th straight week. But it’s the end of the season, which means by next week these rankings will basically just be the standings, so if the Senators want out they know what they have to do.

And since it came against Ottawa, we can use their section to drop in a mention of this:

The Cole Caufield era begins. Pretty solid celebration game too.

4. Columbus Blue Jackets (16-25-11, -49) – There isn’t much left to play for down the stretch, aside from lottery odds and waiting to see if John Tortorella can figure out a way to bench himself. The big stuff will come in the offseason, and Aaron got to sit down with team president Mike Priest on what the future might hold, including whether this is still a reload and not a rebuild.

3. New Jersey Devils (17-27-7, -37) – This week saw them snap their 10- game losing streak in style, with three wins in a row against Philadelphia powered by 15 goals scored. Does that tell us more about the Devils or the Flyers? You know what, maybe don’t answer that.

2. Anaheim Ducks (16-29-7, -49) – This has been a season short of genuinely feel-good moments, so Saturday night’s Ryan Miller show in the final home game of his career was welcome.

Here’s Eric Stephens on Miller’s career and legacy.

1. Buffalo Sabres (13-32-7, -59) – After a brief bout of optimism a few weeks ago, the Sabres’ home stretch is going from bad to worse.

THE SABRES' SEASON SWIRLS AGAIN. UKKO-PEKKA LUUKKONEN HELPED OFF THE ICE IN HIS FOURTH CAREER GAME. HTTPS://T.CO/WEPHT6WHQI

— JOHN VOGL (@BUFFALOVOGL) MAY 1, 2021

Not ranked: Winnipeg Jets – So at what point is a slump not a slump? That sounds like a philosophical question, and it kind of is, but when you get to this point in a season it starts to feel important. Slumps come and go, after all, and while you never want to have one at the wrong time, they end. Unless they’re not slumps, but something worse.

So, the Jets. A little over two weeks ago, on April 15, they chased Jack Campbell early and beat the Maple Leafs to move within three points of first place. It was their fifth win in six games. Life was good.

Six games later, life is not good. The Jets were shut out by the Oilers in their next outing, then dropped two straight to the Maple Leafs to put to 1211733 Websites Remaining Time -1:29 McDavid putting team first before personal accolades

So, what’s happened here? Sportsnet.ca / After season of growth, Oilers finally a team to be reckoned with in playoffs They’ve stopped importing leaders, for one.

Of course McDavid and Draisaitl — the NHL’s two leading scorers with 91 and 73 points — are fabulous. But they now lead by example. The Mark Spector pair that led the NHL in scoring last season but combined to go minus- 13, now lead the league in points once again.

EDMONTON — X. But this time they are plus-58 combined.

It has been inevitable for some time now, so it’s easy for hockey fans in “The leadership group with McDavid, Draisaitl, Nurse, Larsson and Nuge, other markets to see the Edmonton Oilers clinch a playoff spot and they really drive that room,” said head coach Dave Tippett. “Smitty simply shrug their shoulders. getting healthy and coming in to have a heck of a year for us … the added depth has helped. Tyson Barrie has played very well for us. There But for long suffering Oilers fans, whose team has made the playoffs are a lot of factors.” exactly five times now in this 21st century — and just twice in the past 14 seasons — it is time to stop, maybe crack a beer, and enjoy a long slow With his 13th snipe of the year Monday, Jesse Puljujarvi gives pause to pull. look back at the 2016 draft class. He now has more goals this season than Patrik Laine (12), Matthew Tkachuk (10) and Pierre-Luc Dubois With a 5-3 win against the Vancouver Canucks Monday night, the Oilers (nine), all drafted in the Top 6 the year Puljujarvi went fourth overall. clinched only their second playoff appearance since Connor McDavid joined the team six seasons ago. Even though they were a playoff lock Meanwhile McDavid became the first player to record 30 goals and 90 when the pause hit last March, a loss in the Qualifying Round does not points within the first 50 games of a season since Mario Lemieux and qualify as a playoff appearance. Jaromir Jagr in 1995-96.

That loss to Chicago counted for only one thing: a hard, embarrassing Now, all that’s left for these Oilers in the regular season is to drag him to lesson that this Oilers team took to heart. 100.

“Everyone left the bubble in a bad mood. No one felt great about where “I don’t know if we have to try and get him there. He’ll just get there we were at, or how that series went,” said McDavid, fresh off of lighting himself,” laughed Barrie. “This guy — he’s proven very difficult to keep off the Canucks up with two goals and four points. “It was a good moment to the score sheet this year. step back and learn from it. Learn what it takes to win.” “He plays the right way every night.” The first thing they decided was, it can’t be all about offence anymore. And as such, McDavid has led his team to the NHL playoffs. They are a And the first guys to make that decision? The players that had to do it no-doubt divisional contender, and a team to be reckoned with. before anyone else would. Finally. The two top scorers. The Hart Trophy guys. “It’s the first step. We’ve given ourselves a chance at it now,” said Barrie. “In the past we tried to come back from (a deficit) by cheating on offence, “Now we’ve got a shot to win the Stanley Cup. That’s what the goal is at and it was led by Connor and myself,” said Leon Draisaitl, early in the the beginning of the year.” 2020-21 season. “Him and I, we figured out that, if you stay patient — if Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2021 you continue to play good defence — you’re going to get your chances.”

It’s been a theme that has allowed the Oilers to climb up to ninth in the NHL in both goals against per game (2.68) and goals for (3.26). Take those numbers, combine them with a goaltending tandem that has a save percentage of .914 — ranked fourth in the league — and you have the ingredients for a pretty decent recipe.

“That’s the recipe for a playoff team,” said McDavid. “We’ve found ways to keep pucks out of our net, and offensively we’ve been pretty good.”

This was a team that got off to a 3-6 start. Since then they’ve gone 28- 11-2.

Tyson Barrie, the UFA signing who is tied for third in points by a defenceman with 43, looked back to an early season meeting on Monday that stopped the skid.

“There were some new faces in here, myself included, and we were trying to figure out where guys fit in,” Barrie said. “After the (3-6 start) we had a little meeting and just realized, with the shortened season we could be out of it really quickly if we didn’t turn it around.

“I don’t think there’s an easy answer for it, but we did a pretty good job of digging out from that.”

Since Game 10, Edmonton had the three-game losing streak to Toronto in February, and back-to-back losses in March that were sandwiched between seven wins. Those are their only losing streaks. That’s it.

“The cool thing is,” Barrie said, “we’re winning high-scoring games, we’re winning low-scoring games. We’re finding ways to hold a one-goal lead in the third period, which isn’t easy. But that’s a sign of a mature and responsible team.

“Our ability to limit the losing streaks, the poor play, has been amazing.”

Ask the Winnipeg Jets how amazing that is. They’ve dropped seven straight. 1211734 Websites 33-year-old winger carries. Keefe noted how much confidence emanated from him when he first joined the group in the meal room at Winnipeg’s Delta Hotel on April 21 and teammates have been impressed by his willingness to make his voice heard in the dressing room so soon. Sportsnet.ca / Foligno injury underscores Maple Leafs' challenge balancing health, momentum “It’s not easy joining a new team late, but we have a pretty open group in there,” Muzzin said. “He comes in and he’s been vocal. He doesn’t want to talk out of line, but I talked to him the other day about just being yourself; he knows what to do, he’s been around.” Chris Johnston You could argue that Foligno stands to benefit most from these final

regular-season games because of his unfamiliar surroundings and now Morgan Rielly was asked if a team would rather arrive at the start of the it’s unclear if he’ll be in any position to play them. playoffs in top form or with a full complement of healthy players. He’s got four assists to show for his brief time in Toronto manning the left “Well both, I think, is ideal,” Rielly said. “But realistically that’s a wing alongside Matthews and Mitch Marner, and Keefe wanted to find challenge.” him minutes elsewhere just to get a look at other possibilities before the post-season arrived. This is the delicate line his Toronto Maple Leafs are trying to walk right now and the challenge had just been underscored during Monday’s 3-2 “Every day I’m getting more comfortable with the room, the training staff, overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens that saw Nick Foligno miss the the coaches, the system, but also full-well knowing there’s certain final 27 minutes with an injury. attributes that I can bring that will help move that along,” Foligno said Monday morning. “As my game starts to get more comfortable, more stuff When you’ve still got games to play you have to play. And injuries are an will come out.” unavoidable part of hockey, which the Leafs have seen during a two- week stretch where they’d already lost Justin Holl (puck to face), Zach The sight of him hobbling off the ice three minutes before the second Hyman (sprained MCL) and Zach Bogosian (shoulder). intermission was worrying.

It really wasn’t clear what sent Foligno to the dressing room late in the “Yeah it’s obviously not great,” Rielly said. “I think even in the weeks he’s second period. He’d got his skates tangled with Joel Edmundson and slid been here, he’s been able to lead and provide influence on guys and into the boards on his third-last shift of the night. And he grabbed at his [offer] different points of view, different perspectives. left leg after stopping innocently at the edge of Jake Allen’s crease “I think he’s been outstanding. He’s just kind of meshed right into our immediately before gingerly walking off. group.” The Leafs called it an upper-body injury, but didn’t provide any specifics. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2021 “I don’t have any word on him, no,” head coach Sheldon Keefe said post- game. “We have a day off [Tuesday] so we’ll just see how it settles down and know more on the next practice day [Wednesday].”

Remaining Time -0:33

Foligno heads off ice in discomfort after shift

Losing Foligno for any length of time would be particularly crushing under the circumstances. He’s still getting up to speed in his new organization, having dressed for just five games since coming over from Columbus at the trade deadline, and there was next to nothing riding on the game where he went down.

The Leafs basically have the North Division’s regular-season title wrapped up, but are choosing to push hard through the finish. They kept Foligno, Rielly, Jake Muzzin and Jack Campbell out of the second half of a back-to-back last week but otherwise haven’t shown any inclination towards load management beyond spreading around ice time more evenly in-game.

“I think what we want to change [compared to] the past couple years is you enter the playoffs rolling,” Rielly said. “Playing well, playing confident and not stumbling. Like you’re confident with your structure, you know what you’re doing and then you go and you execute well.”

They liked much of what happened at 5-on-5 against Montreal, where they outscored their opponent 2-0, generated 88 per cent of the high- danger chances and 54 per cent of the expected goals. But the Canadiens countered with a Tyler Toffoli power-play goal and Phillip Danault’s equalizer with 52 seconds left in regulation with Allen pulled for an extra attacker.

Cole Caufield then froze the clock in overtime for the second time in three days.

“I thought we played well enough to win the game and it comes down to just kind of a flukey goal to tie it up and send it into overtime,” said Campbell, who made 20 saves.

Added Rielly: “I think if you break down turnovers, you break down odd- man rushes, I thought we were OK.”

The reality is that Foligno’s injury situation overshadowed the result and another goal from Auston Matthews, who now incredibly has 18 to show for his last 18 games and is lapping the league with 39 on the season.

Foligno was acquired from the Blue Jackets for a first-round pick and two fourth-rounders — a hefty price that reflects the intangible qualities the 1211735 Websites (portion) of the season, so just wanted to keep learning, keep improving and just build my confidence against top players on other teams.”

It’s there now, and there’s something to take from that if you’re coach Sportsnet.ca / Canadiens' Caufield showing he can be counted on in Dominique Ducharme. most crucial moments He must show the same confidence to 20-year-old Jesperi Kotkaniemi, whom he rightly benched with nine minutes left in the third period. He must show it to Alex Romanov, who had an even rougher first period Eric Engels sMay 4, 2021, 12:26 AM than Kotkaniemi and was moved from the first defence pair to the third one in the second.

And Ducharme will, because he knows both those players are as MONTREAL — Cole Caufield didn’t get the Montreal Canadiens there, important to the Canadiens’ present as they are to their future. he got them through. He’ll have a tougher decision to make on Caufield once Tomas Tatar, When Caufield flashed into the slot and got the puck on his stick with a Paul Byron and Brendan Gallagher are all prepared to return from injury chance to score the second goal of his NHL career, his second overtime — assuming no one else goes down between now and then. Because, winner in as many games, there was no hesitation. He ripped it into the like Suzuki, Kotkaniemi and Romanov, Caufield can make a difference top corner of Jack Campbell’s net and earned the Canadiens a 3-2 win now, but unlike them, he has only played a handful of games at this level over the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Bell Centre. and does require more sheltering than the others. It was their third straight — all three of them by way of comeback — and That’s been obvious throughout each of the Wisconsin native’s games so a win that pulled them even in points with the Winnipeg Jets in the North far, and this one was no different. Division. But his game-breaking ability has shone through, as well, and it’s Both teams have five games left, the Jets currently have the edge extremely difficult to turn away from. because they have 21 regulation wins to Montreal’s 20, but this is a race because of a couple of young Canadiens players who have made a huge How many kids can jump into the NHL and not freeze up when the puck’s difference at the most crucial juncture of the regular season. on their stick with a chance to win the game? How many hop on against John Tavares, William Nylander and T.J. Brodie and end up making the One of them is Caufield — the five-foot-seven 20-year-old who was born best play on the ice? to score goals like the two he’s earned in five NHL games. As teammate Phillip Danault put it after Monday’s win, “Cole’s very small, but he loves Not enough is the answer. those big moments.” But the Canadiens have one — a kid drafted 15th overall in 2019 “That’s for sure,” Danault continued. “In overtime, he’s always there. because he’s a threat to score on nearly every chance he gets — and We’ve seen since the beginning, seriously, he’s got a hell of a freaking they don’t have any others outside of Tyler Toffoli, who notched his 28th shot. Really great addition, and at the right time for our team.” of the season to tie Monday’s game 1-1 in the second period.

Remaining Time -1:17 They have players who can score — Gallagher’s a two-time 30-goal man who had 14 in 35 games before he suffered a fractured right thumb, Josh Caufield rips puck from slot for second straight overtime winner Anderson has 17 goals and Corey Perry and Tomas Tatar are veterans Caufield came out of college in late March riding in on that Hobey Baker capable of chipping in. high, ripping three goals and an assist in his only two AHL games with But Caufield’s a natural at it, and Ducharme knows this. the before joining the Canadiens right when they needed him most. “He’s handling the situations well,” the coach said. “He knows it’s an adaptation for him, but, like all other young players, he’s getting through Nick Suzuki, 21, has been here since the start. He opened his it. At 3-on-3, especially with the space that’s on the ice, when he has a sophomore season on a seven-game point streak, he had 12 points over chance to get his shot off, he’s very dangerous. Even in the first period, his first 13 games, and then he hit a bit of a wall. he had an excellent chance on the power play (Caufield hit The Post). It’s Well, Suzuki has taken a sledgehammer to that brick. His first two assists his biggest strength — the speed and quality of his shot, the force and in Monday’s game got the Canadiens to overtime, and his third was precision of it — so those are two big goals that he scored.” notched before he took a seat on Montreal’s bench and watched Caufield It’s what Caufield has been doing ever since he began playing uncork the shot that won it. competitive hockey. With the performance, Suzuki unlocked his Schedule ‘A’ bonus, with 24 “I think he’s done it all levels, obviously,” said Suzuki. “It’s a big moment, assists earning him an extra $145,122. It also extended his point streak playing against the Leafs. Back-to-back OT winners, and I was telling him to six games, over which he’s been in on 10 of the 16 goals the I haven’t gotten one yet. So, he’s got two goals up on me. That’s pretty Canadiens have scored. awesome for him and his confidence moving forward.” “I think he took a step,” said Danault. “I think he found his game—and Nothing should really hurt it, because every second Caufield spends with found his game every single game, too. It’s not one every two games. It’s the Canadiens right now is a bonus, and every game he plays offers him hard to get in the NHL, too. It’s the biggest value (when) you get your an opportunity to show the situation won’t overwhelm him. game and you stay steady night after night. If Caufield continues to rise to the occasion, he’ll increase his chances of “I think Nick is doing a great job. And he wants to win, he wants to be the playing when it matters most. difference maker, too, and he is.” “I think you need to feel it (out) every game, depending who you’re It didn’t happen automatically. Suzuki rode through his struggles, kept his playing against and the matchups,” said Ducharme. “You need to weigh head up, kept it in perspective that he’s a young player who’s frequently the kind of night that the kid has, so it’s different situations. It depends; going up against the best lines of the opposition and the best you need to be looking at those things and making those decisions at the defencemen in the North, and he never allowed himself to get right times. It’s important for a young player to be put in the situations discouraged. where they can succeed, so all those things matter.” All along, the Canadiens coaching staff stuck by him and let him find his We’ll see how they factor in when the Canadiens need to get through the way through. playoffs, because they’re a step closer to making them thanks to a “It was definitely a learning curve,” said Suzuki. “Last year, I don’t want to couple of kids. say I was a little sheltered, but not always going up against the top lines. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2021 Now I think I’m confident in going out and playing against whoever. Just trying to build the trust from the coaching staff that they can put me out there in important moments. I struggled a little bit during the middle 1211736 Websites "They defend really well as a team," said coach Sheldon Keefe. "They're one of the top defending teams in the NHL in terms of what they don't give up, so offence is a challenge to come by. So, you're expecting the games to be tight and, for the most part, most of the games have been TSN.CA / Habs hope physical play will slow down Matthews tight so just got to be sharp there."

Josh Anderson and linemates Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Phillip Danault The Leafs won the most recent meeting 4-1 last week in Montreal. should see most of the five-on-five minutes against Auston Matthews, However, every other game between the clubs has been decided by two Nick Foligno and Mitch Marner tonight. or fewer goals.

"We look at our previous games and what we can adjust and get better at," Muzzin said of the team's prep, "and what they might adjust as well By Mark Masters ... so a little chess match here for the next three games."

Keefe stressed that the focus remains on the task at hand tonight and the Auston Matthews has picked up a point in all seven games against the standings remain fluid. The Canadiens, after all, are chasing the Canadiens this season. Toronto's top-line centre has also scored in the Winnipeg Jets for the No. 3 seed. last four meetings against Montreal. "We're looking up in the standings right now," Anderson said. "We're not "He's a pretty special player and he's been on a roll," said Canadiens looking behind us. We're only two points behind Winnipeg." winger Josh Anderson. "It's going to be a really good challenge, but a Playoff preview? Leafs anticipate 'chess match' against Habs challenge that our line accepts. We like to have that mentality, that role of shutting down the top line. We're going to do everything we can to not let The Maple Leafs and Canadiens will get reacquainted with a three-game them score and try to be physical and not let them really have fun out series beginning tonight in what could serve as a playoff matchup there." preview. Jake Muzzin acknowledged the team is aware the two teams could cross paths in the postseason but head coach Sheldon Keefe Despite being slowed at times by a wrist injury, Matthews has been reiterated that 'there's too many variables at play' to look too far ahead. remarkably consistent, scoring in 60 per cent of his games this season (28 of 47). Lately, he's been even more lethal, with goals in 13 of 17 --- games. During his time in Columbus, Foligno would jump into the arms of Elvis "He has this aura around him where you can tell he expects greatness Merzlikins to celebrate wins. After a recent Blue Jackets victory, the out of himself," observed new linemate Nick Foligno. "It's fun to be Latvian goalie leaped up on his own wrapping his arms around his own around people like that. It's neat to watch. Even as an older player you body. appreciate guys who are good at their craft and Auston takes it very serious." "I was laughing at the jump hug he did to himself," Foligno said. "It was pretty funny. I had to text him after." Anderson and linemates Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Phillip Danault should see most of the five-on-five minutes against Matthews, Foligno and Mitch After Sunday's practice, Foligno did a similar jump into the arms of Marner tonight. backup goalie David Rittich. The pair shared a laugh. It was another example of Foligno looking comfortable with his new teammates and new "Phil's that gritty centre when he wants to be," Anderson noted. "He plays surroundings. hard. He plays the right way. You saw the way he played against Connor McDavid when we were in Edmonton. He was hard. He was skating. He Foligno has been praised for making a seamless transition to Toronto. was physical and he had that mean side to him. We got to bring that." Merzlikins with an homage to Nick Foligno in his post win celebration. Anderson was asked to compare what it’s like defending against #SoloJumpHugs #CBJ pic.twitter.com/dWkJjAHCju Matthews versus McDavid. — Alison (@AlisonL) April 28, 2021 "They're two different players," he said. "With McDavid, he has so much "I must be a good actor," the 33-year-old said with a chuckle. "I feel like speed and so much skill and his hockey sense is off the charts,. so you I've screwed up a few things." never know, really, what he's going to do out there. With Matthews, he's grown a lot and you've seen what he's capable of doing this year. It Muzzin, who was acquired by Toronto in a mid-season trade a couple seems like he scores every game, so you got to always know where he is years ago, spoke to Foligno after he arrived and urged him to be himself. on the ice. It seems that Marner usually likes to find him and he's pretty good at that and Matthews [is good at] finding that open ice too. We have "It's a credit to the guys for making me feel that way," Foligno said. to have our heads on a swivel and just know where those guys are and "Without having them get up and make the extra effort to make me feel play hard on those guys." welcome and a part of this early on maybe it wouldn't be that way."

Foligno on Matthews: 'He has this aura around him ... he expects "Different guys handle those situations differently," Muzzin noted. "I was greatness' maybe a little shy and kind of quiet until I felt really comfortable and felt like a bigger part of the team." In his limited time with the Maple Leafs, Nick Foligno has already seen first-hand the work ethic Auston Matthews has which has translated into Foligno is more outgoing, it seems, and actually gave a short speech to his success this season. Foligno notes that Matthews 'has a ton of fun' his new teammates before his first game. but also takes his craft very seriously. "I know who I am," Foligno said. "I'm comfortable with what I can bring --- and I'm just trying to do that and slowly work my way into it. Every day I'm getting more comfortable with the room, the training staff, the Tonight is the first of three games between the Canadiens and Leafs this coaches, the system, but also knowing there's certain attributes I can week. As things stand now, the forever rivals are on a collision course to bring to help move that along." meet in the first round of the playoffs. The Leafs have won five straight games since Foligno's quarantine "We just had a meeting about that, actually," revealed Leafs defenceman ended and he joined the group in Winnipeg on April 22. Foligno has Jake Muzzin. "We were talking about looking at a little mini-series here played in four of the games, producing an assist in each outing. against them. It's definitely something we've talked about and we're thinking about. We're going to see these guys in the next three games "They have something special here," Foligno said. "I've been on teams and maybe in the first round of the playoffs, so it's a little introduction to when you have that 'it' factor. You have that room that runs itself and the maybe the playoffs here." guys care a tremendous amount about each other. You can sense that in this room and I think that's so important. That's what drew me to this Toronto has won five of seven games against Montreal this season with team ... They have the focus. They have the fun and they have the care, one of those wins coming in overtime. which I think is so important in this league."

Foligno looks very comfortable with Leafs: 'I must be a good actor' Despite being an NHL veteran, it still isn't easy for Nick Foligno to transition to a new team but his comfort level has been aided by the welcome he has received from the Maple Leafs. Foligno credits his teammates and says he senses that everyone cares about each other and believes that is an important factor in determining team success.

---

Alex Galchenyuk celebrated emphatically after snapping a six-game goal drought on Saturday night.

"I feel good," he said after the game. "Last few games I definitely played better than the games before. I knew I got to be better and find my game a little bit. But, at the same time, got to stay focused. Keep building. Keep working on the same things and building that momentum."

Galchenyuk has three goals and six assists in 21 games with the Leafs.

Come for the goal, stay for the celly #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/KDYrv4VwDo

— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) May 2, 2021

---

After taking a puck to the face on Saturday night, defenceman Justin Holl didn't make the trip to Montreal. Timothy Liljegren will take his spot alongside Muzzin tonight. It will be Liljegren's second NHL game this season.

"I've been feeling good all year developing with the Marlies and just waiting for an opportunity," Liljegren said after logging 15 minutes and 35 seconds of ice time against the Canucks on Thursday. "It kind of took a couple of shifts there. I was so excited to play so it was kind of easy to get going. I felt like I played a solid game. It was fun."

With Morgan Rielly and Muzzin both sidelined for maintenance, Liljegren and Ben Hutton played in Thursday's win against the Canucks.

"How well our D corps did the other night when we had the big boys out, it was just a sign of how great our depth is," said Travis Dermott.

But that improved depth, especially the recent play of Rasmus Sandin, may make it tough for Dermott to maintain a top-six spot once Zach Bogosian returns from a shoulder injury in the playoffs.

"Honestly, it's great," the 24-year-old insisted. "You can think about it in a selfish way and go, 'Oh, damn, we got a lot of competition,' but we want to win a Cup. So, that’s our goal and defensive depth is an important part of that."

Toronto has held its opponent to one goal in each of the last four games while boosting their physical play.

"It’s definitely gotten better," said T.J. Brodie. "Something we've focused on that last couple weeks is getting stops behind the net, try to get pins and get between the guy and the puck and create those battles and it's definitely got better, but there's always room for improvement."

---

Projected Leafs lines for Monday's game:

Foligno - Matthews - Marner

Galchenyuk - Tavares - Nylander

Mikheyev - Kerfoot - Simmonds

Thornton - Brooks - Spezza

Rielly - Brodie

Muzzin - Liljegren

Sandin - Dermott

Campbell starts

Rittich

TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211737 Websites On Oct. 5, Intact informed the team that it was denying the claim, the Wolves said.

“Intact has thereby acted in breach of contract and is liable to the Club for TSN.CA / OHL teams file lawsuits against insurers after COVID-19 damages for same,” the Wolves wrote. “These damages are estimated to claims rejected be $1,000,000, the particulars of which will be provided before trial.”

The Kingston Frontenacs and Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey Sudbury’s most recently available financial documents indicate the team League have filed lawsuits against insurance companies alleging that the turned a profit of $90,638 during 2014 on revenue of $3.6 million. insurers breached their contracts after refusing to cover the teams’ TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2021 financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Rick Westhead

The Kingston Frontenacs and Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League have filed lawsuits against insurance companies alleging that the insurers breached their contracts after refusing to cover the teams’ financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Frontenacs filed a $1.1 million lawsuit against Lloyd’s Insurance Co. on Jan. 22, 2021, in Ontario Superior Court in Kingston. The team has asked a judge to rule that the insurer is guilty of negligence and of engaging in unfair or deceptive acts or practices. The Frontenacs have asked a judge to demand Lloyd’s pay $1 million for lost revenue and another $100,000 in punitive damages.

The Wolves, meanwhile, filed a $1-million lawsuit against Intact Insurance Co. on March 12 in Ontario Superior Court in Sudbury.

Frontenacs lawyer Hovsep Afarian and Wolves lawyer Gord McGuire declined to comment. Spokespeople for Lloyd’s and Intact did not respond to requests for comment.

The OHL was the only Canadian major junior hockey league that did not play a game this season. The OHL canceled its season Apr. 20 after the Ontario government, amid a surging third wave of the coronavirus pandemic, refused to approve the league's plan to stage a shortened season in hub cities.

Since the pandemic began in early 2020, insurance companies around the globe have defended allegations from policy holders in numerous industries that they have wrongly refused to honour insurance claims. Many disputes have ended up in court.

Major League Baseball and its clubs have filed a lawsuit in California against three insurers who denied their claims over COVID-related losses.

The Frontenacs allege in their 24-page claim that Lloyd’s drafted “template rejection letters” that had the effect of “misrepresenting the extent of coverage available … and discouraging the Plaintiffs from pursuing their claim any further.”

The team wrote in its claim that COVID-19 is tantamount to structural damage and should be treated like a fire or flood.

“The coronavirus has come into contact with and changed physical surfaces and objects within the premises," the Frontenacs wrote. "The presence of the virus on these surfaces and objects is a physical alteration which renders them, and the premises, unsafe and unfit for use. The coronavirus also renders the air in the insured premises unsafe because suspended droplets or aerosols are physically present in the air, and pose a risk of transmission through inhalation or contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth. There is a physical change to the air in such situations, just like there would be in the event of a gas leak or the release of a poisonous substance.”

The Frontenacs did not detail their financial losses from shutting down because of COVID-19. According to the team’s financial statements filed in court in connection with a still unresolved minimum-wage class action lawsuit (a settlement in that case has yet to be approved by a judge), the Frontenacs reported a profit of $707,488 on revenue of $1.3 million during the fiscal 2016 year.

According to the Wolves’ lawsuit, the City of Sudbury ordered the closure of certain public facilities, including the team’s arena, on March 16, 2020.

The Wolves wrote in their claim that they submitted an insurance claim for business interruption six months later, on Sept. 9. 1211738 Websites mouth, you would probably think that player would be near the league lead in scoring.

Obviously that’s not the case for Tkachuk. He’s a great player, but one TSN.CA / Matthews among star forwards testing limits of expected goal whose expected goal share always dwarfs his actual scoring: models If you think Tkachuk is alone, think again. Montreal’s Brendan Gallagher At some point you run out of things to say about the season Toronto and Florida’s Patric Hornqvist show a very similar career trend line. Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is having. With 38 goals in 47 games, The one qualitative factor we know differentiates this group from the likes That pace would put him ahead of Washington Capitals sniper Alexander of Matthews and Ovechkin surely encompasses shooting velocity and Ovechkin’s 65 goals in 2007-08, the apex of single-season goal-scoring precision; high-volume shooters can find soft areas in the defensive zone marks in the modern era, Travis Yost writes. all day long, but if a player can’t find a way to play the angles and beat goaltenders, the goals don’t manifest.

By Travis Yost More than anything, I think this points to the limitations of what the hockey stats community can reasonably do with the NHL’s Real-Time Scoring System data – and I say this as someone who thinks the work that has been done off of these data sets is extraordinary, compelling, At some point you run out of things to say about the season Toronto and has drastically improved our understanding of the sport. Maple Leafs star Auston Matthews is having. But if someone asked me what’s the singularly most intriguing part of the With 38 goals in 47 games, he’s playing at a 66-goal pace over a full NHL’s push for puck and player tracking technology, I’d say it’s regular season. That pace would put him ahead of Washington Capitals understanding how goal scorers differentiate from one another and what sniper Alexander Ovechkin’s 65 goals in 2007-08, the apex of single- attributes contribute to goal scoring in the offensive zone. season goal-scoring marks in the modern era. When we get there, perhaps we will be able to look back on the 2020-21 What’s so fascinating about Matthews this season, and in his career season and better understand just how Matthews was able to string more broadly? It’s the consistency with which he scores goals, and his together such a torrid goal-scoring season. ability to surpass goal-scoring expectations on a routine basis. It has been a common theme with Matthews since he entered the NHL in the TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2021 2016-17 season.

Expected goals – which are part and parcel of player-level analysis at this point and quite predictive of future scoring for most players – consistently underrate the danger Matthews poses in the offensive zone. In many ways, Matthews has become the face of the next challenge for hockey statisticians: how to improve the accuracy of expected goal models with high-volume shooters.

In most cases, players float around their expected goal rates after multiple seasons are logged. But high-volume shooters continue to test the limits of public and private models alike. The more these players shoot, the more goals they score – the famous Michael Scott adage is worth recalling here.

But every rule has an exception, or in this case, outliers. Consider the actual versus expected goal rates for Matthews since entering the league, with his shot-on-goal volume overlaid. You’ll notice that his actual scoring rates have persistently dwarfed his expected goal rates; you will also notice that shot-on-goal rates tend to have much more collinearity with his goal scoring.

For his entire career – and on a base of 99th percentile shot volume – Matthews has routinely beaten goal-scoring expectations outlaid by public models. What makes Matthews so interesting is that raw shot-on- goal totals tend to have much higher correlation with his goal-scoring rates than expected goals – expected goals being modelled off shot volume and adjusted for factors that enhance (or diminish) scoring probability, like angles, distances, and shot types.

By and large, this approach works, which pushes Matthews into outlier territory. But it is not lost on me that the other outliers – players like Boston’s David Pastrnak and St. Louis’ Vladimir Tarasenko, as two examples – show similar trends.

Then there is perhaps the best goal scorer ever in Ovechkin. Anyone who has built a model knows it can be broken by the extremes, and Ovechkin certainly qualifies.

Expected goal models have never been able to capture the lethality with which Ovechkin scores goals, and in his case, that trend spans more than a decade:

That is a career-long trend of beating expectations. But not all players with high shooting volumes are proportionally beating goal-scoring expectations. In fact, it’s shooting volume that has become a canary in the coal mine for high levels of variance and lower levels of confidence.

Few players generate more offensive volume than Ottawa’s Brady Tkachuk, who has emerged as a high-end top-six forward with scoring touch – all before turning 21 years old. But if I told you that a first-round pick would enter the league and generate shots at the 99th percentile, with the lion’s share of those shots coming from just outside of the net 1211739 Websites

USA TODAY / Tom Wilson sets off massive brawl in Washington Capitals' game against New York Rangers

Jim Reineking

Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson set off a massive brawl during the second period of his team's 6-3 win against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.

The scrap occurred after Capitals goalie Vitek Vanecek made a save on a Rangers shot. With a number of players tussling inside the crease, Wilson began punching a prone Pavel Buchnevich in the head. Wilson then followed up his battering of Buchnevich by body-slamming Artemiy Panarin to the ice during the ensuing donnybrook.

Wilson received a 10-minute misconduct penalty and four minutes for roughing. To cap it all off, Wilson flexed after making his way to the penalty box.

"I figure you should have some more respect for the game and for the players," Rangers center Mika Zibanejad said of Wilson’s play. "I don’t honestly know where to start, it’s just horrible. Zero respect. I don’t know why I’m surprised, but yeah, just horrible."

Wilson scored an empty net goal late in the third period for the Capitals.

With the Boston Bruins' win over the New Jersey Devils, the Rangers were eliminated from playoff contention.

Wilson has an extensive history of suspensions. In March, Wilson was handed a seven-game suspension after his hit on the Boston Bruins' Brandon Carlo, who spent a night in the hospital after being slammed into the boards.

Wilson also earned a 20-game suspension - later reduced to 14 games by an independent arbitrator - for an illegal hit to the head of Oskar Sundqvist during the 2018-19 preseason. That was his fourth suspension in 105 games.

Before his suspension in March, however, Wilson somehow managed to go more than two years without earning a suspension.

USA TODAY LOADED: 05.04.2021 1211740 Websites Gregorio tried to confirm any discipline but discovered that no Ashburn player had been listed as scratched or suspended in lineups filed with USA Hockey, the national governing body for amateur hockey.

USA TODAY / 'You don’t belong here': Racism in youth hockey league “We know somebody at the other club they played the next game, shows hurdles facing Black players nobody scratched," Gregorio said. "So we know nothing was done.”

MacCormick declined comment when contacted by USA TODAY Sports, and Huber did not respond to emails. The Xtreme had a statement on Chris Bumbaca, USA TODAY their website that said, “There has been an allegation of racism raised against a player in our club,” but it has been removed.

Brandon Bernard said he didn’t think anything of the noises at first. He ASHBURN, Va. — The first time a racist taunt was directed at Brandon thought the Xtreme were randomly chanting. But when Wivell informed Bernard from the opposing team during a youth hockey game was bad him of the nature of the taunts, “It broke me down,” Bernard said. enough. In hindsight, Gregorio said he wishes he'd filed a formal complaint after Players screeched monkey noises when Bernard skated past the the first incident with the Chesapeake Bay Hockey League and USA benches or controlled the puck. Hockey SafeSport, which investigates abuse in the game. Five times. Recorded on video. 'The Talk' Two months later, on March 6, came another taunt from the same team Almost every Black family has "the talk." at a game in Ashburn, Virginia. A member of the Ashburn Xtreme skated up to Bernard and called him a “n-----.” Instead of retaliating, Bernard What to do when pulled over by a police officer. How to behave in certain went to the referee, just like his father, Lionel Bernard, told him to do. white-dominant spaces.

Yet the Xtreme never publicly took any action against members of the So Lionel Bernard sat his boys down after the first incident. 14-and-under team. When USA Hockey opened an investigation several days later, the Bernards hoped for a quick and decisive ruling. Brandon (left) and Landon (right) played for Montgomery in the CBHL before moving to the Frederick club. Here they pose with their mother, Lionel Bernard to his 14-year-old twin sons Cleo.

You’re going to run across this thing. But note that you’re not the first “If this happens again, the first thing you should do is reach out to the individuals who have faced racism in sports. referee or coach. Don’t retaliate or get upset,’ " Bernard told his sons.

USA Hockey ultimately suspended Xtreme coach Karl Huber for 10 "I also told them that this is what you can expect when you’re playing a games, hockey director Troy MacCormick for five games and an sport that has a limited number of minorities playing it," he said. "You’re unnamed player for three games. But the Bernards and the coach of their going to run across this thing. But note that you’re not the first individuals sons' team, the Frederick (Maryland) Freeze, were not satisfied. who have faced racism in sports.”

They didn't learn of any formal discipline until more than a month later, He pointed to legends and Hank and said the suspensions did not go far enough, failing to publicly Aaron, both of whom faced racial abuse from fans, opponents and censure the club or discipline other players who were involved. teammates and death threats from all over.

Now Brandon Bernard and his twin brother Landon, a goaltender on the His father's words were in Brandon Bernard's mind the next time Freeze, say they feel isolated by their league and USA Hockey. But in a Frederick played Ashburn and an Xtreme player called him the "n-word." sport that has a long reputation for being unwelcoming to people of color, the Bernards are also finding support in unexpected places. “The first thing I did when I heard it, (I) was angry, and then I calmed myself down,” Bernard recalled, “and then I ran over to the ref and was “I don’t think the game is as fun, as pure, as awesome, honestly, as it like ‘This, this, and this happened. It was so and so.’” should be if everyone can’t enjoy it,” said Duante’ Abercrombie, a member of the Washington Capitals’ Black Hockey Committee, founded Since neither referee heard the slur, the game continued, but not for this year and comprising community leaders who work to address racism long. A teammate skated up to Landon Bernard in net and told him what and grow the game in under-served communities. had been said to his brother. Landon proceed to let the other team score enough goals to invoke the mercy rule as a way to escape the situation. “There’s an air of ‘you don’t belong here,’ ” Abercrombie said, “that still is in many rinks in America.” After the game, the referees noted the incident on the official scorecard.

An ugly moment With no parents allowed in the rink due to COVID-19 precautions, the Frederick group gathered under a tent outdoors in a tailgate-like Meredith Wivell, team manager for the Freeze, was working the atmosphere. They were in a festive mood as the team was playing in the scoreboard on Jan. 9 when the team played the Xtreme, and she heard championship game. monkey sounds coming from their bench during the second period. Although it’s usually Lionel Bernard who takes the boys to their games, Wivell alerted the officials and Huber but no action was taken, Freeze his wife, Cleo, was in attendance that night. As the parents wondered coach Mike Gregorio told USA TODAY Sports. why the game was running late, Wivell called her husband who was with the rest of the parents and told him what happened. He relayed it to Cleo, LiveBarn, a video company that produces online broadcasts of amateur who walked away to compose herself. and youth sports from various venues, had a feed running during the game. “You better hope to God that doesn’t show anything,” Gregorio “Imagine that’s how the kids ended their season,” Cleo said. “All sad and recalled telling Huber. stuff.”

The Bernard brothers have been teammates on the ice for nearly nine Racism won't be tolerated years. When Abercrombie first heard about the incident involving the Bernards, It did, though, as the monkey sounds were audible on five occasions. he said he nearly pulled over his car to vomit. Gregorio downloaded 30-second clips of each incident and sent them to Frederick hockey director Tommy Demers. “(Hockey) is a very exclusive sport sometimes,” said Abercrombie, who is an assistant coach for the men's hockey team at Division III Stevenson. Demers told USA TODAY Sports he contacted his Ashburn counterpart, MacCormick, who asked if there was video of the slurs. Demers told More than nine out of every 10 players in the NHL are white, according to them there was but didn’t provide it. Nevertheless, MacCormick told him the data analysis website FiveThirtyEight, and more than three-quarters the incident would be handled internally. of NHL fans are white, per a FiveThirtyEight/Ipsos poll from May 2020. The majority of racist incidents that take place on the ice are not made public or not reported through the proper channels, Abercrombie said. The Bernard brothers played for Mike Gregorio at Montgomery and the impression they’re not wanted. They’re very peer-sensitive. If their followed him to Frederick. peers start talking to them this way, then that gives them the impression, ‘OK, I don’t want to play this sport anymore.’ Tammi Lynch is a special educator in Maryland and co-founded Players Against Hate, which aims to remove racism from hockey by educating “Our goal primarily is to make sure that this doesn’t happen to other kids younger players. She is trying to address those unreported incidents and on the ice which leads them to quit or feel some sort of insecurity about collect data around them. Players Against Hate now has a tool that themselves in the long-term,” he added. allows people to confidentially report alleged incidents and provide updates regarding potential investigations, discipline and solutions. And that's why the Bernards sat on the videos with the monkey noises for months before going public with their story. They feared it would be a But it's not just about acknowledgment and punishment. To that end, distraction and that other players may retaliate. Players Against Hate is developing a curriculum Lynch is hoping to pilot this year – with the help of the Capitals – that teaches players, coaches, Landon, the quieter twin, is already on a pre-engineering track at Seneca parents and officials that racism won’t be tolerated. Valley High School. Brandon, who plays striker for the school soccer team, is more of the reading and writing type — a future lawyer, Lionel “We want to educate to eradicate racism,” Abercrombie said. “Of course, predicts. the individual needs to be suspended, because they’ve shown they’re not mature enough to be a part of competition or USA Hockey at the “I want to be defined by my personality, and what I show,” Landon said. moment. So, suspend their ability to participate, but don’t just cut them “Not just the way I look, or my skin color.” off. You have to rehabilitate, so to speak, so that this doesn’t happen “I couldn’t say it any better,” Brandon said. “How I treat my teammates. again and, honestly, so this individual becomes an advocate for race My game, too. I just want to be seen as another player.” relations in the future.” USA TODAY LOADED: 05.04.2021 Part of the discipline doled out to Ashburn, USA Hockey said, will include educational training at the recommendations of the organization's director of diversity and inclusion, Stephanie Jackson.

One tactic to combat on-ice racism in the future, Lynch described, could look like this: If an incident happens during a game, stop the contest, announce to the rink what has allegedly happened and why it’s being reported, and have a conversation about how those actions aren’t tolerated.

“You nip it in the bud and do that, but there still has to be official guidelines,” she said. “And that’s one of the things that as an organization we’re still working on.”

The Bernards would like a more public statement condemning the actions along with the discipline being formally announced. And, Cleo Bernard added, more than one player should be suspended on the account of the multiple players making monkey noises during the first incident.

"I personally have not seen change that has come of (investigations in general)," Lynch said. "And as a hockey mom, and seeing what’s happening, I don’t see a change that’s coming. I see that there’s situations where the victim or the target is blamed, where maybe a person is not believed. In conversations that I have with people, some of what I’m seeing in the reports, is that nothing is done and nothing has happened."

Seen like any other player

The Bernard brothers have heard from many supporters throughout this ordeal. The Hockey Players of Color Movement, a group composed of players of color who mentor youth players, made a video that addressed the twins directly and encouraged them to not let the experiences stain their passion for the game. But Brandon Bernard said he thinks Abercrombie was the ideal person to offer guidance.

“It was almost like I was talking to an older version of myself because he had the same exact experiences as us,” he said.

Both twins wear glasses; Brandon with black rims, Landon's white. As a forward-goalie tandem, practicing with each other is easy. Sometimes they'll throw the pads on for a garage session if they don't feel like going to a nearby rink.

Brandon plays forward on the ice and striker on the soccer pitch.

Prior to these incidents, Brandon said, the Bernards hadn’t experienced explicit racism on the ice aside from the typical microaggressions, such as a player skipping them in the post-game handshake line.

“Never thought anything about it,” he said.

The more Lionel Bernard reflects on his sons’ experiences, the more he believes they can serve as an example to others on how to best handle racism on the ice.

“When you’re this age, you’re very sensitive. As an adult, if someone does those things to you, you can deal with it, you can process it,” said Lionel, who immigrated to the from Liberia in 1986. (Cleo also arrived from Liberia 12 years later.) “But at this age, it gives them