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Home , Andrey Pedan, Joe Starkey, Kerry Fraser, Los Angeles Rams, Martin Frk, Randy Carlyle

SPORT-SCAN DAILY BRIEF NHL 05/04/17 1062875 Oilers refuse to take Randy Carlyle's bait in white-glove 1062902 Dan Barnes: Anaheim Ducks winning face-off battle test against Edmonton Oilers as expected 1062876 Ducks even playoff series by defeating Oilers 4-3 in 1062903 'I thought we were supposed to be the team whining': overtime of Game 4 Edmonton Oilers coach on Anaheim Ducks counterpart's 1062877 carries the Ducks to another win in Game 4 'whi against the Oilers 1062904 Terry Jones: This group of Edmonton Oilers 'a family' 1062878 Three keys to the Ducks' Game 4 overtime win against the 1062905 Terry Jones: Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl ahead by a Oilers century 1062879 Duck coach Randy Carlyle’s ‘white-glove treatment’ 1062906 Game Day: Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks, Game 4 comment on Connor McDavid draws return fire from Oilers 1062907 R&R: Rest and Ryan Getzlaf benefit Ducks in 4-3 overtime 1062880 Ryan Getzlaf propels Ducks to overtime victory, evens win series with Oilers 1062908 No home-run play to open scoring for the Anaheim Ducks 1062881 Ducks Notes: Ryan Getzlaf’s pass key in Game 3’s set this time play 1062909 Ducks' overtime win evens series against Edmonton 1062882 Game 4 line rushes: Ducks vs. Oilers Oilers 2-2 1062884 McLellan suggests Ducks whining about McDavid’s 1062910 Oilers coach on Ducks counterpart's 'white glove' quip: 'I ‘white-glove treatment’ thought we were supposed to be the team whining' 1062913 Jones: Draisaitl hits century mark for the season 1062885 ‘Yotes Notes: Murphy, Dineen signs, Treliving Kings gets new deal 1062916 GERMAN CONNECTION REINFORCED WITH LIQUI MOLY PARTNERSHIP 1062917 REIGN’S SEASON CLOSES WITH UNLIKELY, ALBEIT 1062886 HAGGERTY: BRUINS HAVE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR FITTING GOALTENDING ORDEAL OFFSEASON IMPROVEMENTS Buffalo Sabres 1062918 Jason Zucker to undergo sports hernia surgery Thursday 1062887 Botterill has brains, bloodline to successfully lead NHL team 1062888 Mike Harrington's Power Take: Sabres' new GM should 1062919 McDavid is receiving ‘white-glove treatment’ from referees: deal his first No. 1 pick Carlyle 1062889 Report: Sabres conduct second interview with Botterill 1062920 Rexrode's Playoff Barometer: Whining, scrapping and 1062890 Calgary Hitmen hoping to predict future at WHL Bantam singing Draft 1062921 Predators, Blues embrace mutual disdain during NHL playoffs 1062922 Barry Melrose: finals in Nashville would be 1062891 Raleigh’s Wilkins on NHL radar 'best' ever 1062892 How Raleigh became a hotbed of hockey prospects Devils 1062923 Nashville Predators’ Defense Is Becoming Their Best 1062895 retains faith in GM Joe Sakic despite rough Offense season for Avalanche 1062924 After latest concussion, should Penguins' Sidney Crosby retire? 1062925 Will No. 1 pick help Devils playoff drought? How it 1062896 Bubble players: Does it make sense for Stars to leave impacted other teams Stephen Johns unprotected? 1062926 Season in Review: Jacob Josefson 1062897 Detroit Red Wings add Adam Nightingale as assistant coach 1062898 Svechnikov ‘more hungry’ after brief stay with Wings 1062899 Red Wings hire Adam Nightingale as assistant coach/video 1062900 No. 1-ranked European skater projected to be Red Wings' top draft pick 1062901 Martin Frk returns to make immediate impact in Game 1 for Griffins St Louis Blues 1062927 Tanner Glass Hopes to Lift Rangers Again in Game 4 1062973 Blues are down 3-1 but not out Against Senators 1062974 Ortiz: Brodeur enjoys playoff feel as Blues' goalie coach 1062928 Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist talks ‘desperation’ of 1062975 Hochman: Time for Blues to take it up a notch Game 4 against Senators 1062976 Blues are getting shots but few goals 1062929 Brendan Smith, key deadline pickup, thriving in playoffs for 1062977 Brodziak sitting out Game 4 was surprise Rangers 1062930 Two vital ways the captain has steadied the Rangers’ ship 1062931 How Senators lineup will change after Rangers 1062978 Marlies a minor-league club but a major investment for breakthrough Leafs 1062932 The Rangers know if they look ahead, they’re done 1062979 Dylan Strome, Mike McLeod renew old rivalry in OHL final 1062933 This is the J.T. Miller the Rangers have been waiting for 1062981 If Crosby were an amateur, he’d be advised to quit 1062934 Rangers’ Game 4 question: Defensemen’s playing time hockey: neurosurgeon 1062935 This ‘lucky’ hat may have saved the Rangers’ season 1062982 Leafs legends reunite to talk about fabled Cup win 50 1062936 Rangers not looking too far ahead with chance to tie years ago series with Senators in Game 4 1062937 Mats Zuccarello’s style makes him a fan favorite 1062938 Rick Nash erasing questions about his scoring in NHL 1063007 Travis Green has 'ideas' about how to utilize the Sedins on playoffs the power play 1062939 John Amirante to sing national anthem before Rangers’ 1063008 ‘Knocking on the door’: Canucks re-sign Andrey Pedan to Game 4 one-year deal 1062940 Senators put Game 3 loss to Rangers behind them Vegas Golden Knights 1062983 ’ Jason Zucker to have sports hernia surgery 1062941 Boucher won't sit still with his lineup 1062984 Capitals favored in Game 4 vs. Sidney Crosby-less 1062942 Stone's struggles continue in Game 3 loss: 'I just didn't Penguins play well' 1062943 Zibanejad working through mental and physical battles to find his groove for the Rangers 1062985 says Matt Niskanen should’ve been 1062944 Senators looking for some desperation to get back on suspended for hit on Sidney Crosby track for Game 4 1062986 Alex Ovechkin on Sidney Crosby’s concussion: ‘I hope 1062945 Anderson's misadventures deflating to Senators he’s going to be fine’ 1062946 Steady McDonagh is Rangers' answer to Karlsson 1062987 Tensions high after Sidney Crosby concussion, Jay 1062947 Former Senator Zibanejad playing hungry and it's working Beagle challenges … to Mario Kart 1062948 Senators know it's 'time to get desperate' 1062988 With Sidney Crosby out for Game 4, Evgeni Malkin 1062949 Senators made things too easy for Lundqvist in Game 3 assumes an even bigger role 1062989 The Capitals will forever be linked to Sidney Crosby’s history of concussions 1062950 Flyers' Ron Hextall: 'I jumped off my couch' with draft 1062990 For Pittsburgh, a win to be remembered for the player who news wasn’t on the ice 1062951 Ron Hextall: High draft pick will help Flyers' development 1062991 For Caps, just another ‘bad bounce’ for a pantheon filling plan up fast with them 1062952 Ron Hextall: 'I jumped off my couch' after getting No. 2 1062992 In Game 4, the Capitals find a more deadly opponent than pick Sidney Crosby: Themselves 1062953 NHL PLAYOFFS: RANGERS DOMINATE SENATORS 1062993 Capitals can’t cash in on chances, and now find TO CUT SERIES DEFICIT TO 2-1 themselves on brink of being done 1062954 Will No. 1 pick help Devils end playoff drought? How it 1062994 Phil Kessel kind of, but not really, calls Jay Beagle an impacted other teams ‘idiot,’ and Beagle responds perfectly 1062995 Matt Niskanen is prepared for retribution over hit that took out Sidney Crosby 1062955 Chipped Ice A.M.: Avenging Crosby not on Penguins' 1062996 Ovechkin frustrated by lackluster performance against agenda Penguins 1062956 Fleury 'like a fine wine' in playoffs 1062997 Penguins take Game 4 3-2, lead Caps 3-1 in series 1062957 Gorman: Fleury impenetrable against cracking Capitals 1062998 3 BOLD PREDICTIONS: LET'S GET READY TO 1062958 Plus-Minus: Penguins vs. Capitals, Game 4 RUMBLE 1062959 Crosby-less Penguins down Capitals, take 3-1 lead in 1062999 JAY BEAGLE CHALLENGES PHIL KESSEL TO…MARIO series KART? 1062960 Penguins notebook: Sullivan tweaks lines in absence of 1063000 MATT NISKANEN SAYS HE'LL WAIT TO REACH OUT Crosby, Sheary TO SIDNEY CROSBY AFTER SIDELINING HIM WITH A 1062961 Penguins take the lead in Game 4 CONCUSSION 1062962 Jay Beagle issues Mario Kart challenge to Phil Kessel 1063001 GAME INFORMATION FOR CAPS-PENGUINS GAME 5 1062963 Pregame: Penguins vs. Capitals, 7:38 p.m. RELEASED 1062964 Paul Zeise: Stop with the Penguins-Capitals conspiracy 1063002 CAPITALS VS. PENGUINS: GAME 4 TIME, TV theories CHANNEL, HOW TO WATCH, LIVE STREAM 1062965 Marc-Andre Fleury stands out during busy night 1063003 DECISIVE GAME 4 COMES AFTER 1062966 Joe Starkey: Penguins have heart of a champion QUESTIONABLE CALL ON JOHN CARLSON 1062967 Dave Molinari's report card: Penguins 3, Capitals 2 1063004 3 KEY OBSERVATIONS FOR GAME 4: CAPS FAIL TO 1062968 Postgame: Penguins 3, Capitals 2 (Pittsburgh leads, 3-1) TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CROSBY'S ABSENCE 1062969 Instant analysis: Fleury fights off Capitals in Game 4 1063005 THIS BOGUS ON TJ OSHIE SEVERELY victory HAMPERED THE CAPITALS' COMEBACK ATTEMPT 1062970 Fleury uses his helmet to take subtle shot at Niskanen 1063006 CAPS PUSHED TO THE EDGE WITH GAME 4 LOSS DESPITE NO SIDNEY CROSBY 1062971 BARRACUDA ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND IN THRILLING FASHION Websites 1063009 ESPN / Alex Ovechkin cites own 'stupid decisions' with Caps in 3-1 hole 1063010 ESPN / Penguins push Capitals to the brink of another disappointing ending 1063011 ESPN / Caps' Niskanen believes Pens may retaliate for hit on Sidney Crosby 1063012 FOXSports.com / Marc-Andre Fleury throws shade at Matt Niskanen with equipment tweak following Crosby injury 1063013 CNN/ / Marc-Andre Fleury, blooming defense power Penguins past Caps for 3-1 series lead 1063014 CNN/Sports Illustrated / Playoff Roundup: Ducks even series, shorthanded Penguins take 3-1 lead 1063015 Sportsnet.ca / Getzlaf more than Oilers can handle in Game 4 as Ducks even series 1063016 Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down Ducks’ controversial Game 4 goals and why they counted 1063017 Sportsnet.ca / Capitals outcompeted by Penguins in Game 4 as top guys fail to step up 1063019 Sportsnet.ca / Rangers’ Zibanejad trying to up game to next level vs. former team 1063020 Sportsnet.ca / Alex Ovechkin talks about play that led to Sidney Crosby concussion 1063021 Sportsnet.ca / Stanley Cup contender with a great arena, Nashville becomes a must-see 1063022 Sportsnet.ca / Top 20 RFAs of 2017: Latest on big contract years 1063023 TSN.CA / Oilers have no answer for Getzlaf as Ducks even series 1063024 TSN.CA / McLellan says Carlyle’s complaint rich with irony 1063025 TSN.CA / McLellan responds to Carlyle: I thought we were supposed to be whining 1063026 TSN.CA / Post 2 Post: Anderson kept the struggling Sens going 1063027 USA TODAY / Penguins continuing on tradition of resiliency against Capitals 1063028 USA TODAY / Without Sidney Crosby, Penguins push Capitals to brink of elimination 1063029 USA TODAY / Matt Niskanen: Not the right time to reach out to Sidney Crosby SPORT-SCAN, INC. 941-284-4129 1062875 Anaheim Ducks

Oilers refuse to take Randy Carlyle's bait in white-glove test

Kevin Baxter

The verbal sparring between the Ducks’ Randy Carlyle and Edmonton’s Todd McLellan has not tempered as their teams’ second-round playoff has gone on. Before the best-of-seven series even started, Carlyle predicted the Oilers would whine about the Ducks cheating on faceoffs. Then, during the break between Games 3 and 4, Carlyle opened a new offensive in the war of words, saying that Edmonton star Connor McDavid gets “white- glove treatment” from protective referees — a charge McLellan and his team answered Wednesday, hours before Game 4 was scheduled to begin. “I heard that and I was surprised. Because I thought we were supposed to be the team that was whining,” said McLellan, whose team leads the series 2-1. “So that threw me off a little bit.” But, he added: “The white glove part of it, I think that’s questioning the integrity of the officiating. So I’m going to stay out of that.” McDavid, who led the NHL in scoring during the regular season, also refused to take Carlyle’s bait. “It doesn’t affect me. Everyone’s going to have their opinions,” he said. “That’s his opinion. If that’s the way he thinks, that’s the way he thinks.” Asked if he believes he receives preferential treatment, McDavid said no. “I think the ref is going to call the game how he sees it,” he said. “That’s what every ref would do. That’s how they’re taught to ref. That’s what they’re supposed to do. That’s their job.” Bouncing back Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot stopped just 22 of 28 shots in the Ducks’ 6- 3 win in Game 3 on Sunday, which may actually be a good thing for the Oilers heading into Game 4, since Talbot is unbeaten in five games following ones in which he’s allowed five or more goals. Connor McDavid following 's advice as he also follows in his footsteps “He’s bounced back all season long,” forward Drake Caggiula said. “And so has the team. Any time we’ve had a tough game, we’ve always been able to find a way to bounce back.” That includes Game 4 of their first-round series with San Jose, which the Sharks won, 7-0. The Oilers then captured the next two to close out the series. “That’s that young competitive edge in us,” Caggiula said. The atmosphere in Edmonton is also on the Oilers’ side. Signs and banners supporting the team are ubiquitous around Edmonton, as are orange Oiler jerseys, which were everywhere Wednesday. “They kind of get us going,” Caggiula said. “We feed off them as much as they feed off us. Any time you can kind of rely on your crowd to give you that little extra boost of energy, it’s a pretty big thing.” Taking the crowd out of the game, then, will be a goal for the Ducks — even though center Andrew Cogliano admitted the visitors get almost as pumped up by the fans as the home team. “Whenever you play in front of a crowd like this, you always want to put on a show and play well,” he said. “These are atmospheres you like playing in. It’s a great building, a great city to play playoff hockey in. “It’s great to be a part of it.” LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062876 Anaheim Ducks The overtime had just started when Getzlaf intercepted a pass, then set up Silfverberg for the game winner.

“It all comes from the experience we have in this room,” Silfverberg said Ducks even playoff series by defeating Oilers 4-3 in overtime of Game 4 of the Ducks’ composure in the extra period. “We kind of told ourselves just keep [doing] what we’ve been doing. Just Kevin Baxter staying with the same patience. Not getting frustrated, not start cheating. And it worked out.”

LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2017 Ryan Getzlaf made history Wednesday. But more important, he may have also saved the Ducks’ season, scoring two goals and assisting on two others in a 4-3 overtime victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series. Jakob Silfverberg scored the game-winning goal 45 seconds into the extra period, one-timing a feed from Getzlaf — who else? — past Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot from the center of the left circle. Getzlaf’s two second-period goals were the 35th and 36th of his postseason career, breaking Teemu Selanne’s franchise record. And with two assists, Getzlaf has 13 points in eight playoff games this season. For Silfverberg, the game winner gave him a goal in each of the four games with Edmonton and allowed him to match Getzlaf with a team- high seven goals in eight postseason games. Only Pittsburgh’s Jake Guentzel, with eight, has more. But the talk in the Ducks’ locker room afterward was all about Getzlaf. “It’s remarkable,” Silfverberg said. “When he plays like he did tonight, with that aggressive and that physicality, he just kind of pushes the whole team forward with him. “If you want to be a team that goes far, it’s him that’s going to have to keep playing like that.” He played well enough Wednesday to even the series with the Oilers at two wins apiece, turning the best-of-seven playoff into a best of three, beginning Friday night in Anaheim. Home ice hasn’t exactly been an advantage in this series, though — or in this postseason in general. With the Ducks’ second consecutive win in Edmonton, the home team has lost all four games in this series. In the NHL postseason, the home team is 26-31. It appeared as if the Oilers were going to buck that trend, taking advantage of a Ducks mistake and a freak bounce to take a 2-0 lead in the first period. Milan Lucic got the first goal, collecting a loose puck in the crease and redirecting it off the near post 18 seconds after the Ducks were whistled for too many men on the ice. Connor McDavid doubled the advantage two minutes later with his second goal of the series. The Oilers captain was actually trying to get the puck to Leon Draisaitl in the slot, but the pass bounced off the skate of Ducks defenseman Shea Theodore and came right back to McDavid, whose wrister cleanly beat Ducks goalie John Gibson. Ducks vs. Oilers, Game 4 But the Ducks shut down the Oilers after that. Edmonton went more than 13 minutes without a shot on goal, at one point sandwiching the second intermission. That gave Getzlaf time to lead the comeback from the 2-0 deficit. He took over early in the second period, scoring on a wrister from the top of the left circle 97 seconds after the break. The goal was his sixth of this postseason, but he wasn’t done. Four minutes later his pass through the crease found Rickard Rakell on the edge of the faceoff circle, and from there Rakell sent the puck past Talbot to tie the score. Getzlaf then scored the go-ahead goal on a brilliant play with less than six minutes to play in the period. Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had his back to Getzlaf when he reached out to control a rebound to the left of the net, and that allowed the Ducks captain to charge in from behind, take the puck off Nugent- Hopkins’ stick and drive it past Edmonton goalie Cam Talbot for his first multigoal playoff game. With the Ducks in sight of the finish line, though, Edmonton pulled Talbot with less than two minutes to play and Drake Caggiula made the move pay off, collecting a rebound in the slot and scoring to send the game to overtime. 1062877 Anaheim Ducks “He’s been a tremendous player. I think he’s their best player,” McLellan said. “He’s been through it. As a real young player he was lucky enough to play on their fourth line when they won the Stanley Cup and he Ryan Getzlaf carries the Ducks to another win in Game 4 against the learned the ropes that way. Oilers “Looking back on some of the other finals-series type situations, he’s played in the Olympics, a World Cup. He’s at the peak of his career right now. There’s a lot of things. He’s been through a lot and drawing on that Helene Elliott experience. He has that positive impact for their team.” He did it again Wednesday. Ryan Getzlaf turned 22 during the Ducks’ 2007 Stanley Cup run, LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2017 standing out as a support player on a star-laden roster and positioning himself as a potential future leader of championship teams. He fulfilled that promise with Team Canada at the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics and again at last year’s World Cup tournament, but he and the Ducks haven’t gone as deep into the playoffs as they did in that triumphant season a decade ago. Getzlaf will celebrate his 32nd birthday next Wednesday. If the Ducks’ season is still alive then, it will be because he has taken the team upon his strong back and is leading the way forward not only with his familiar slick playmaking skills but with his surprising goal production. The Ducks’ captain orchestrated a second-period rally against the Oilers on Wednesday by scoring twice and assisting on Rickard Rakell’s goal and then set up Jakob Silfverberg’s winner 45 seconds into overtime as the Ducks won, 4-3, and tied their series against Edmonton at two games each. It was a stunning loss for the Oilers and a momentous step forward for the Ducks, but after a chorus of whoops and hollers and loud music seeping through the locker-room doors, they were surprisingly calm, none more so than Getzlaf. “What a game,” he said, a small smile the only sign of his emotions. It became a tense, close game that turned into a Ducks victory because of his leadership. The Ducks trailed, 2-0, after the first period and the crowd at Rogers Place was anticipating a win for the home team. A few choice words from Getzlaf began the process of changing that. He insisted again, as always, that there are no great secrets or motivational speeches in the team’s locker room, but he had found other ways of leading his teammates back onto a winning path. “I was really disappointed with the way we played in the first period,” he said, adding a chiding note about another less-than-perfect penalty-killing effort. “Our PK has got to find a way to get the job done a little bit and we’ve got to find a way to dig in. I thought we lost a lot of battles in the first period. “I’ve always said that I can say anything I want in the dressing room but I’ve got to go out and live it, and I tried to do that in the second period and the group just went along with it and kept playing.” The magic words? “We talked about the little things we need to improve on. And the things that we need to do to turn the game around and we were able to do that tonight,” he said. “Gave up one late there. Really nice to go out there and get one in OT.” Getzlaf downplayed his role in that overtime goal by Silfverberg, who has scored at least one goal in each game of this series. “I made a terrible pass to him in the neutral zone, which forced him to forecheck. He got in on that forecheck, forced the guy up the wall,” said Getzlaf, who had four goals and eight points in the series. “It was a well- executed forecheck. [Rakell] went in, made the guy turn the puck over, I was able to get it over to Silvy and he does what he does.” And the Ducks did what they did, which is follow his lead. “You just go out and play. That’s just it,” he said. “You’ve got to win more battles than the guy across from you. That’s playoff hockey. We’ve got to, as a group, keep moving forward. We haven’t accomplished anything yet. All we did was get our home ice back. We’ve got to take this one, breathe the next day and a half and get ready for Game 5.” That game will be played on Friday at , with Game 6 back here in Edmonton. “I feel good right now. It’s a fun time of year,” Getzlaf said. “I love playing now. Things don’t always go your way — believe me, I’ve been on the other side of it too. It’s one of those things where I’m going to focus every day on doing my job, not anybody else’s.” Earlier this week, Oilers Coach Todd McLellan acknowledged the imprint Getzlaf had made on the series. 1062878 Anaheim Ducks

Three keys to the Ducks' Game 4 overtime win against the Oilers

Curtis Zupke

Three keys to the Ducks' 4-3 win over the Oilers at Rogers Place in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series: 1. Ryan Getzlaf took over. The Ducks captain scored their first goal, made a deft pass on a broken play to set up their second goal and scored an unassisted goal. He had four points. 2. Ducks coach Randy Carlyle made a shrewd choice. He started overtime with the unlikely line of Jakob Silfverberg, Getzlaf and Rickard Rakell, and Silfverberg used his superb shot for the game-winner, off Getzlaf's setup from an Oilers turnover. 3. Ducks goalie John Gibson weathered the storm again. He had a 14- save first period and could not be faulted for Edmonton’s first two goals. It followed Gibson’s excellent second period in Game 3. LA Times: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062879 Anaheim Ducks

Duck coach Randy Carlyle’s ‘white-glove treatment’ comment on Connor McDavid draws return fire from Oilers

By ERIC STEPHENS | May 3, 2017 at 2:04 PM

EDMONTON, Alberta – As the Ducks prepared to face the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 on Wednesday, Randy Carlyle’s assertion that Edmonton star Connor McDavid gets the “white-glove treatment” when it comes to drawing penalties drew an ironic response from his coaching counterpart. “After I heard that, I was surprised because I thought we were supposed to be the team whining,” said Oilers coach Todd McLellan, referring to Carlyle’s series-opening contention that they would complain to the officials about the Ducks’ work on faceoffs. “So that threw me off a little bit.” On Tuesday, Carlyle sparked the latest back-and-forth between the coaches when he addressed Corey Perry’s interference penalty on McDavid in an open-ice collision during Game 3. “It seems like there is somewhat of a white-glove treatment for Mr. McDavid,” Carlyle told reporters following their practice in Kelowna, B.C. “The restrictions on anybody touching him seems to be a little higher than normal.” When told that his comment would draw instant attention, Carlyle added: “It’s fact. Simple. We review the tape numerous times. He does draw penalties because of his speed. But if you don’t get close to him and if you’re not inside of him, you’re watching him or you’re going to try to impede his progress.” Before Game 1, McLellan suggested that Carlyle’s preemptive strike on the Oilers “whining to the officials” about the Ducks’ dominance in the faceoff circle was an admission of guilt. On the white-glove topic, McLellan said McDavid is like Sidney Crosby and other superstars who draw their share of calls but deal with a lot of infractions that don’t get called. “They do a tremendous job with it,” McLellan said. “They’re terrific in playing through it. Yeah, they do draw some penalties. It’s also about double that total that doesn’t happen. “The white-glove part of it, I think that’s questioning the integrity of the officiating so I’m going to stay out of that and let them do that.” In the Oilers’ dressing room Wednesday morning, McDavid shrugged off what was said from the opposing side. “It’s doesn’t affect me,” McDavid said. “Everyone’s going to have their opinion. It’s his opinion and he has the right to have that. That’s what he thinks, that’s what he thinks.” Asked if there is a such thing as “white-glove treatment” from officials, McDavid added, “I don’t think so at all. I think the ref is going to call the game how he sees it. I think that’s how every ref will do.” Teams do get to meet with an assigned supervisor of the referees for each playoff series and Carlyle said that is beneficial in terms of having an open dialogue to make clear what is within the rules and allowable on the ice and what isn’t. “You have a conversation to get an explanation on what they thought your team was doing,” Carlyle said. “So it’s not a one-sided event where you’re just going in and basically saying there should have been this and there should have been this. That’s not the way it works. “It’s all a part of the process and when you’re in the playoffs, I think it’s a helpful process that at least we have an understanding of what the officials are seeing and they have an understanding of what we feel.” Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062880 Anaheim Ducks with some equally dazzling goaltending, with massive saves on McDavid and Patrick Maroon among his 29 stops.

But the Oilers were determined to write a different story as they had a Ryan Getzlaf propels Ducks to overtime victory, evens series with Oilers look at putting the Ducks on the verge of elimination. Milan Lucic made them pay for a too many men on the ice penalty as he broke through Gibson after Leon Draisaitl’s pass was directed toward him by the Ducks’ By Eric Stephens | [email protected] | Orange County Register Ryan Kesler. Another kind bounce allowed McDavid to get in the scoring action himself two minutes later. A two-on-one was created when Ducks defenseman EDMONTON, Alberta – Ryan Getzlaf has played in 112 playoff games Josh Manson got himself trapped up ice and McDavid could go to worth over 19 postseason series in his 12 seasons with the Ducks, the only with Draisaitl. NHL team he’s ever played for and the one he plans to stay with until it is time to hang up the skates. McDavid tried to give a pass to Draisaitl but the puck struck the skate of Manson’s partner, Shea Theodore. It came right back to him and a With his team staring at a two-goal hole and a potential two-game series corresponding shot from the right circle gave the Edmonton star a goal in deficit Wednesday night, the Ducks’ longtime captain answered with a the second straight game and the Oilers a 2-0 lead. virtuoso performance that might be among the best in his long career. Because of Gibson’s early work, it wasn’t any worse when the horn Getzlaf would not let his team fade away, willing the Ducks and rallying sounded. Pure survival of an often-withering series of body blows in the them with a game-changing second period. And then the center quickly first period gave the Ducks a chance to counter punch. And they did in a got them past the disappointment of a lost lead in regulation and silenced stirring second – the period that’s often been the bane of their existence a Rogers Place crowd that had been rocking. in recent years. The center’s steal and pass to Jakob Silfverberg set up the winger’s shot The head of the franchise took the lead. An early possessive shift by the that gave the Ducks a pivotal 4-3 overtime victory in Game 4. Ducks ended with Getzlaf snapping another wrist shot past Talbot to start Silfverberg’s one-time winner 45 seconds into the extra session capped a the comeback. The goal was put into question as Oilers coach Todd massive four-point effort from Getzlaf that will sit high among his best McLellan challenged that Corey Perry interfered with Talbot’s ability to playoff games. make the save. “It’s just another exclamation point on the type of player Getzy’s been for After a lengthy review that went to the NHL’s Hockey Operations in our hockey club,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “He’s our captain. Toronto, it was determined that no goaltending interference infraction He’s our leader. He’s done a lot of things that go unnoticed. Now in these was committed by Perry and Getzlaf’s score stood up. And the center situations in the playoffs, he’s been a guy that’s stepped to the forefront didn’t stop. and taken the bull by the horns.” Taking advantage of Perry keeping a broken play alive, Getzlaf quickly The decisive play saw Getzlaf head toward the sideboard as he read fed a pass across the crease to Rickard Rakell and the winger quickly Edmonton’s Adam Larsson looking to chip the puck out of the zone on buried a shot for a goal in his second consecutive game. A two-goal his backhand. Getzlaf picked it off and slid a pass across ice to a waiting Oilers lead was erased in fewer than four minutes. Silfverberg, who was ready to fire a shot. Silfverberg has goals in every game of this series. “I can say anything I want in the dressing room but I got to go out and live it,” Getzlaf said. “And I tried to do that in the second period. The group “I kind of turned my back on the play and looked behind the net,” just went along with it and we kept playing.” Silfverberg said. “Next thing I look and I see Getzy having a lot of time and I was kind of wide open. I just opened up and was ready to shoot. The lead was gone nearly 10 minutes later. Rakell had a chance at a second goal denied on a terrific stop by Talbot but Getzlaf overpowered “I’m not really sure exactly what happened on the boards but it turned out Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the loose puck and tallied again. pretty good for us.” The Oilers ultimately saw that the center wasn’t done. The Ducks had positioned themselves into taking the two games at Rogers Place and heading back to Anaheim with the home-ice “When he goes, I think our whole team follows suit because we have no advantage back in their possession for Friday’s Game 5 on the strength choice to and we have no choice to compete like he does because he’s of Getzlaf putting his team on his broad shoulders. leading the charge,” Ducks winger Andrew Cogliano said. “And when he goes, I don’t know if you can stop him. I really don’t because he’s so big. Incredibly, Getzlaf had never before scored twice in a playoff game. But He’s so strong and he’s so poised with the puck. And he makes plays. that changed in Game 4 when he wrapped goals around a score by linemate Rickard Rakell that the center also set up in turning the game “Tonight was just … I don’t even know how to describe it. He was on its ear. absolutely phenomenal. He won us the game.” The heroics seemed to be saved for him as the Ducks nursed a 3-2 lead Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2017 deep into the third. But Oilers rookie Drake Caggiula jumped on a rebound in the slot and beat Ducks goalie John Gibson for his first NHL playoff goal as Edmonton pulled goalie Cam Talbot for an extra attacker. It ended a sequence where the Ducks were on the defensive, having to kill off a faceoff violation penalty by Antoine Vermette for moving the puck with a closed hand as he battled with Edmonton’s Mark Letestu for a critical draw in the defensive zone with 3:46 left. “The way I saw it, I hit his stick with my hand,” Vermette said. “I thought his blade touched the puck and I was trying to explain that. That being said, you can’t do anything about. They called it and that’s the way it is.” Vermette’s penalty was killed off in a technical sense. It hurt the Ducks from an emotional standpoint, with the opportunity to pull even within sight. But it didn’t break them and they’re back on equal footing. “You got to go out and win more battles than the guy across from you,” Getzlaf said. “That’s playoff hockey. We got to, as a group, keep moving forward. We haven’t accomplished anything. All we did was get our home ice back.” The Oilers came out looking to make amends for a poor Game 3, when they were stung by an opening-minute goal and a failure to capitalize on the momentum built from erasing a three-goal deficit. Connor McDavid danced and dazzled with the puck and the Ducks were no match for him – except for Gibson. Gibson kept it a scoreless game 1062881 Anaheim Ducks Sami Vatanen and easygoing humor go hand in hand. When an injured Patrick Eaves watched his teammates practice Tuesday, Vatanen skated by and waved hello to the winger. And the defenseman jokes about the Ducks Notes: Ryan Getzlaf’s pass key in Game 3’s set play popcorn he’s eaten in the press box during stretches where he’s dealt with an injury.

So while he was glad to move beyond a shoulder injury and be back on By Eric Stephens | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2017 the ice for Game 3, Vatanen endured being victimized by a Connor McDavid turn-on-a-dime move and score that became instant highlight- reel material. EDMONTON, Alberta – There is the setup and then the execution. “Well, he welcomed me back,” Vatanen quipped. “He’s a fast guy. I was still turning when he already scored the goal. I got to find something. I got When the two work in sync within the controlled chaos of a hockey game, to tell Sluggo (trainer Doug Shearer) to change my (blades) or something it can be a thing of beauty. And if you’re the Ducks, that is reflected in so I can turn that fast.” their ability to create scoring chances and actual goals out of set plays. Otherwise, Vatanen offered an 18-minute contribution that included four Their faceoff prowess makes it all happen and the recent defining hits and five blocked shots. example came in the opening minute of Game 3 against Edmonton. The end result was Rickard Rakell’s breakaway score just 25 seconds in, but “I actually felt pretty good,” he said. “In the first period, the legs were a it was the perfect execution of teammates that set the designed play in little tired but they open up usually after that.” motion. KASE INJURED Ryan Kesler cleanly won a faceoff against Oilers rookie Drake Caggiula back to defenseman Brandon Montour, who swung the puck back around Ducks winger Ondrej Kase did not return to the game after suffering what the boards behind the Ducks’ net to a waiting Ryan Getzlaf. Getzlaf Carlyle called a lower-body injury after being hit by Edmonton’s Milan spotted an open lane the length of the ice and hit Rakell in stride at the Lucic in the first period. Lucic received an interference penalty. Edmonton blue line. Carlyle said that Kase will undergo an MRI exam back in Anaheim on And then there was pressure on Rakell, who had the puck on his stick Thursday and be under further evaluation from the team’s medical staff. and Oilers goalie Cam Talbot alone in front of him. Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2017 “It has to click from how the faceoff is won to the bump over to the long stretch pass,” Rakell said. “He zipped that right on my stick. It was nice. I think everybody got pumped up seeing that. No one really believes in it but when they see it worked … “I was almost a little nervous. Everybody else did their job and I had to do mine too.” Andrew Cogliano did his as well. Cogliano was on the ice for the faceoff but took off for the bench after Kesler won the draw and Rakell, sitting at the other end of it, jumped on and got behind Edmonton defenseman Andrej Sekera. “I’ve never skated that hard to sit on a bench,” Cogliano said. Cogliano said the play was similar to one the Ducks scored on in a game at Washington during the season. He marveled at Getzlaf being able to hit Rakell’s stick from about 150 feet away. “Maybe there’s three guys in the league that can make that pass,” Cogliano said. “If you don’t have him feathering that, I don’t know if it’s going to happen. And for Raks to score like he did, it’s probably most perfect play you can find.” With his tongue planted firmly in cheek, Cogliano made sure it was known who the key was to the entire sequence. “Hey, I made the play. Let’s be honest. I didn’t get anything for it but I made it. I didn’t get a plus (rating). Nothing.” A BEGINNING The goal for Rakell was his first of this series after scoring twice in the opening round against Calgary. And the winger hopes that it will be jumping off point for becoming a bigger presence as the series continues on. “It always feels good scoring and feeling that you’re helping the team out,” Rakell said. “I think I had a good feeling before the game too. But also the previous game, I felt like at least I was creating scoring chances and having chances in the game. So I just tried to build off that.” After just three shot attempts and one on net in Game 1, Rakell said his five shots on goal in Game 2 left him feeling better about himself. He had another three in Game 3 but Ducks coach Randy Carlyle wants more from his 33-goal scorer during the regular season. Carlyle said the young sniper is dealing with teams being tighter defensively in the playoffs and out to limit space for forwards to create offense. “Ricky’s going to have to push through those things,” Carlyle said. “He’s a tremendously gifted player and we think that he’s got more to give. As we ask from all of our group. As the games go on deeper into the playoffs, we need more from everybody.” LAUGH AWAY THE PAIN 1062882 Anaheim Ducks Cam Talbot (6-3, 2.47 GAA, .918 save percentage) allowed all six goals in Game 3, making it the most he’s allowed in this postseason. Talbot gave up five to San Jose and was pulled in that contest but he’s also had Game 4 line rushes: Ducks vs. Oilers two shutouts and two other contests where he allowed just one goal. “Cam’s a mature goaltender,” Edmonton coach Todd McLellan said. “His entry into the league wasn’t out of the Western Hockey League or By Eric Stephens | May 3, 2017 at 3:36 PM anything like that. He went to college (at Alabama-Huntsville) and put some years in. He put some years in as a backup so he’s mature.

“He’s got a real good level of emotional control. He doesn’t get too high EDMONTON, Alberta – Patrick Eaves is not expected to play for the or too low. And I think one of the big things for him is he accepts Ducks on Wednesday night when they take on the Edmonton Oilers in responsibility for his performances.” Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals at Rogers Place. Coming out of their defensively-deficient Game 3, McLellan singled out Eaves was labeled “doubtful” to dress by Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. Jordan Eberle has one that he needs more from. Eberle has yet to score The winger suffered an injured right foot in Game 3 on Sunday on a a goal in this postseason and has only two assists and a minus-4 rating. collision with Oilers forward Patrick Maroon during a collision in the neutral zone. “We don’t him to play a big-risk, low-reward game,” McLellan told reporters Tuesday. “We want a little bit of risk and high-reward game.” Eaves, who has two goals and two assists in seven playoff games, was wearing a boot on the foot Monday and has not skated since getting hurt. Here is the projected lineup for the Oilers: The Ducks will also be without Kevin Bieksa (leg) for a third consecutive contest after the defenseman was injured in Game 1. Patrick Maroon-Connor McDavid-Leon Draisaitl Ondrej Kase is expected to draw in for his second NHL playoff game. Milan Lucic-Ryan Nugent-Hopkins-Jordan Eberle Kase, who played in Game 1 of the first round against Calgary, skated Drake Caggiula-Mark Letestu-Zack Kassian with Antoine Vermette and Nick Ritchie on the third line during Tuesday’s workout in Kelowna, B.C. Benoit Pouliot-David Desharnais-Anton Slepyshev Corey Perry is expected to move back up to the top line in Eaves’ Oscar Klefbom-Adam Larsson absence. Perry and Ryan Getzlaf were linemates for a decade but the two have split up more often in the last two seasons, with Perry playing Andrej Sekera-Kris Russell much of this one on the third line. Darnell Nurse-Matt Benning Game 4 is a pivotal contest after the Ducks got back in the series Orange County Register: LOADED: 05.04.2017 following two losses at Honda Center. Carlyle laid it out in basic terms. “Let’s do the math,” Carlyle said. “Tied 2-2 or down 3-1. Simple as that. By (tonight) 10:30, 11 o’clock Edmonton time, that’s what it’ll be. It’ll either be a 2-2 series or a 3-1 series.” John Gibson (4-2, 280 GAA, .911 save percentage) has started all seven playoff games and is coming off a 24-save effort in Sunday’s 6-3 win. Gibson’s back-to-back stops on Maroon and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins were the game’s turning point as they came after Chris Wagner restored the Ducks’ leading in the second period. “That game’s behind us and we got the win there,” defenseman Brandon Montour said. “We’re still down in the series and we want to keep the same mentality. It’s a loud building and all that. We want to get in there, maybe get a goal or a couple of hard shifts right off the bat. We should be good.” Here is the projected lineup for the Ducks: Rickard Rakell-Ryan Getzlaf-Corey Perry Andrew Cogliano-Ryan Kesler-Jakob Silfverberg Ondrej Kase-Antoine Vermette-Nick Ritchie Chris Wagner-Nate Thompson-Logan Shaw Cam Fowler-Sami Vatanen Hampus Lindholm-Brandon Montour Shea Theodore-Josh Manson The Oilers last had a 3-1 playoff series lead in 2006 when they won the first three games against the then-Mighty Ducks, lost Game 4 and then went on to close them out in Game 5 and advance to the Stanley Cup Final. After taking a 2-1 lead in the first round against San Jose, Edmonton suffered a humiliating 7-0 loss to the Sharks and went back home. The Oilers won Game 5 and then headed back to San Jose to wrap up the series. Now they’re looking to respond to a ragged Game 3 against the Ducks, where no player was particularly effective over the entire 60 minutes. “Every game is a new game,” winger Milan Lucic said. “As soon as you take your foot off the gas pedal, the other team is going to pounce on you. At this time of year, all the teams are good. It’s not like we’re playing a bottom-10 team in the league. We’re playing one of the best teams in the league and the top team in our division. “We know in order to give ourselves the best chance to win, it’s having a good start and being ready to play from the drop of the puck and bringing our best game.” 1062883 Anaheim Ducks After a lengthy review that went to the NHL’s Hockey Operations in Toronto, it was determined that no goaltending interference infraction was committed by Perry and Getzlaf’s score stood up. And the center Ryan Getzlaf propels Ducks to overtime victory, evens series with Oilers didn’t stop. Taking advantage of Perry keeping a broken play alive, Getzlaf quickly fed a pass across the crease to Rickard Rakell and the winger quickly By Eric Stephens, Posted: 05/03/17, 11:26 PM PDT buried a shot for a goal in his second consecutive game. A two-goal Oilers lead was erased in fewer than four minutes.

The lead was gone nearly 10 minutes later. Rakell had a chance at a EDMONTON, Alberta >> Ryan Getzlaf would not let the Ducks fade second goal denied on a terrific stop by Talbot but Getzlaf beat away and his team is all the way back in the Western Conference Edmonton’s Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Adam Larsson to the loose puck semifinals because of his virtuoso performance. and tallied again. Getzlaf rallied the Ducks from a two-goal hole with a game-changing Just as it could have been more for the Oilers in the first, so could it have second period and then quickly got them past the disappointment of a been for the Ducks in their responsive second. At the final seconds ticked lost lead in regulation. The center’s steal and pass to Jakob Silfverberg off, Talbot managed to stop Jakob Silverberg on a jam-in rebound try and set up the winger’s shot that gave the Ducks a pivotal 4-3 Game 4 sprawled to turn away Ryan Kesler. overtime win. But the Ducks completely turned the game around with the 21-shot blitz It was four-point effort that will sit among the best playoff performances throughout the middle 20 minutes. It allowed them to get into a situation by the Ducks’ captain. And it was capped with Silfverberg’s one-time of holding a lead, where they’ve been much more comfortable at than winner 45 seconds into the extra session to even the best-of-7 series having to pull off late rallies. after Edmonton’s Drake Caggiula scored the tying goal with 1:42 left in regulation. LA Daily News: LOADED: 05.04.2017 The Ducks had positioned themselves into taking the two games at Rogers Place and head back to Anaheim with the home-ice advantage back in their possession for Game 5 on the strength of Getzlaf putting his team on his broad shoulders. Incredibly, Getzlaf had not scored twice in a playoff game over the 104 he appeared in over 19 different series in his 12 seasons. But that changed in Game 4 when he wrapped goals around a score by linemate Rickard Rakell that the center also set up in a game-changing second period. The heroics seemed to be saved for him as the Ducks nursed a 3-2 lead deep into the third. But Caggiula, who tried to change the momentum with a big on Getzlaf earlier in the period, jumped on a rebound in the slot and beat Ducks goalie John Gibson as Edmonton pulled goalie Cam Talbot for an extra attacker. The Ducks were back on the defensive as they h Ryan Getzlaf propels Ducks to overtime victory, evens series with Oilers ad to kill off a penalty by Antoine Vermette for closing his hand on the puck as Edmonton’s Mark Letestu yelled for a violation after the two battled for the critical draw with 3:46 left. Vermette’s penalty was killed off in a technical sense. It hurt the Ducks from an emotional standpoint, with the opportunity to pull even within sight. But it didn’t break them and they’re back on equal footing. The Oilers came out looking to make amends for a poor Game 3 where they were stung by an opening-minute goal and failure to capitalize on the momentum built from erasing a three-goal deficit. Connor McDavid danced and dazzled with the puck and the Ducks were no match for him – except for Gibson. Gibson kept it a scoreless game with some equally dazzling goaltending, with massive saves on McDavid and Patrick Maroon. But the Oilers were determined to write a different story as they had a look at putting the Ducks on the verge of elimination. Milan Lucic made them pay for a too many men on the ice penalty as he broke through Gibson after Leon Draisaitl’s pass was directed toward him by the Ducks’ Ryan Kesler. Another kind bounce allowed McDavid to get in the scoring action himself two minutes later. A two-on-one was created when Ducks defenseman Josh Manson got himself trapped up ice and McDavid could go to worth with Draisaitl. McDavid tried to give a pass to Draisaitl but the puck struck the skate of Manson’s partner, Shea Theodore. It came right back to him and a corresponding shot from the right circle gave the Edmonton star a goal in the second straight game and the Oilers a 2-0 lead. Because of Gibson’s early work, it wasn’t any worse when the horn sounded. Pure survival of an often-withering series of body blows in the first period gave the Ducks a chance to counter punch. And they did in a stirring second – the period that’s often been the bane of their existence in recent years. The head of the franchise took the lead. An early possessive shift by the Ducks ended with Getzlaf snapping another wrist shot past Talbot to start the comeback. The goal was put into question as Oilers coach Todd McLellan challenged that Corey Perry interfered with Talbot’s ability to make the save. 1062884 Anaheim Ducks popcorn he’s eaten in the press box during stretches where he’s dealt with an injury.

So while he was glad to move beyond a shoulder injury and be back on McLellan suggests Ducks whining about McDavid’s ‘white-glove the ice for Game 3, Vatanen endured being victimized by a Connor treatment’ McDavid turn-on-a-dime move and score that became instant highlight- reel material. By Eric Stephens, Posted: 05/03/17, 3:08 PM PDT “Well, he welcomed me back,” Vatanen quipped. “He’s a fast guy. I was still turning when he already scored the goal. I got to find something. I got to tell Sluggo (trainer Doug Shearer) to change my (blades) or something so I can turn that fast.” EDMONTON, Alberta >> There is the setup and then the execution. Otherwise, Vatanen offered an 18-minute contribution that included four When the two work in sync within the controlled chaos of a hockey game, hits and five blocked shots. it can be a thing of beauty. And if you’re the Ducks, that is reflected in their ability to create scoring chances and actual goals out of set plays. “I actually felt pretty good,” he said. “In the first period, the legs were a little tired but they open up usually after that.” Their faceoff prowess makes it all happen and the recent defining example came in the opening minute of Game 3 against Edmonton. The LA Daily News: LOADED: 05.04.2017 end result was Rickard Rakell’s breakaway score just 25 seconds in but it was the perfect execution of teammates that set the designed play in motion. Ryan Kesler cleanly won a faceoff against Oilers rookie Drake Caggiula back to defenseman Brandon Montour, who swung the puck back around the boards behind the Ducks’ net to a waiting Ryan Getzlaf. Getzlaf spotted an open lane the length of the ice and hit Rakell in stride at the Edmonton blue line. And then there was pressure on Rakell, who had the puck on his stick and Oilers goalie Cam Talbot alone in front of him. “It has to click from how the faceoff is won to the bump over to the long stretch pass,” Rakell said. “He zipped that right on my stick. It was nice. I think everybody got pumped up seeing that. No one really believes in it but when they see it worked … “I was almost a little nervous. Everybody else did their job and I had to do mine too.” Andrew Cogliano did his as well. Cogliano was on the ice for the faceoff but took off for the bench after Kesler won the draw and Rakell, sitting at the other end of it, jumped on and got behind Edmonton defenseman Andrej Sekera. “I’ve never skated that hard to sit on a bench,” Cogliano said. Cogliano said the play was similar to one the Ducks scored on in a game at Washington during the season. He marveled at Getzlaf being able to hit Rakell’s stick from about 150 feet away. “Maybe there’s three guys in the league that can make that pass,” Cogliano said. “If you don’t have him feathering that, I don’t know if it’s going to happen. And for Raks to score like he did, it’s probably most perfect play you can find.” With his tongue planted firmly in cheek, Cogliano made sure it was known who the key was to the entire sequence. “Hey, I made the play. Let’s be honest. I didn’t get anything for it but I made it. I didn’t get a plus (rating). Nothing.” The goal for Rakell was his first of this series after scoring twice in the opening round against Calgary. And the winger hopes that it will be jumping off point for becoming a bigger presence as the series continues on. “It always feels good scoring and feeling that you’re helping the team out,” Rakell said. “I think I had a good feeling before the game too. But also the previous game, I felt like at least I was creating scoring chances and having chances in the game. So I just tried to build off that.” After just three shot attempts and one on net in Game 1, Rakell said his five shots on goal in Game 2 left him feeling better about himself. He had another three in Game 3 but Ducks coach Randy Carlyle wants more from his 33-goal scorer during the regular season. Carlyle said the young sniper is dealing with teams being tighter defensively in the playoffs and out to limit space for forwards to create offense. “Ricky’s going to have to push through those things,” Carlyle said. “He’s a tremendously gifted player and we think that he’s got more to give. As we ask from all of our group. As the games go on deeper into the playoffs, we need more from everybody.” Sami Vatanen and easygoing humor go hand in hand. When an injured Patrick Eaves watched his teammates practice Tuesday, Vatanen skated by and waved hello to the winger. And the defenseman jokes about the 1062885 Arizona Coyotes both on and off the ice. I also want to thank the Coyotes’ staff for all of their hard work over the past season.”

— Counting Murphy, five Coyotes are scheduled to participate in the ‘Yotes Notes: Captain Murphy, Dineen signs, Treliving gets new deal World Championships. Forwards Christian Dvorak and Clayton Keller will also play for Team USA. Forward Tobias Rieder will play for Germany. Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson will play for Sweden. By Craig Morgan | May 3, 2017 The tournament begins Friday in Cologne, Germany, and Paris, France, and runs through May 21 when the championship game is scheduled at LANXESS Arena in Cologne. Ask Coyotes coaches and veterans which players they view as the future leaders of the team and Connor Murphy’s name is always on the short “Hopefully, I’ll be there the whole two weeks,” Ekman-Larsson said. list. The 24-year-old right-handed defenseman took another step in that direction when USA Hockey named him team captain this week for the — Coyotes prospect Dylan Strome and the Erie Otters advanced to the upcoming 2017 IIHF World Championship. championship round of the OHL Playoffs with a 4-2 series win over Owen Sound. Strome had two goals and an assist in the series-clinching, 7-2 “It means a lot, especially on this stage when you’re playing for your victory on Sunday. He is third in playoff scoring with 11 goals and 25 country,” Murphy said by phone from Germany on Tuesday. “It’s a group points in 17 games. Erie opens the finals at home on Thursday against of guys that I’ve been playing with for a number of years. Knowing they Mississauga. trust you in that role is a pretty cool feeling.” Arizona Sports LOADED: 05.04.2017 Murphy, 24, has played 38 games for Team USA in international competitions, including the past three world championships. He won a bronze medal in 2015, a medal at the 2011 U18 World Junior Championship and a gold medal at the 2013 U20 World Junior Championship. Team USA opens the tournament on Friday when it faces host Germany in Cologne. The game can be seen on NHL Network at 11:15 a.m. Arizona time. With a short break after an exhibition game against Italy on Tuesday, Murphy and the team were out sampling German cuisine on Wednesday night. “Pork and Schnitzel,” Murphy said, when asked what he was eating as he stepped outside a restaurant for the phone call. “It definitely gets you away from the diet you’re on during the season, but you’ve got to do it. You’ve got to sample German cooking while you’re here.” Dineen signs entry-level deal The Coyotes signed left-handed defenseman Cam Dineen to a three- year, entry-level contract with an average annual value of $759,167, per capfriendly.com. The Toms River, New Jersey native played in 29 games with the North Bay Battalion (OHL) this season, posting six goals and 14 points, but he was injured in a knee-on-knee collision with Oshawa Generals forward Robbie Burt in December, suffering a torn MCL that sidelined him for the rest of the season. Dineen, 18, is five months into his rehab and is expected to be ready for training camp. He will likely spend another year in the OHL since he is not AHL eligible, per the CHL-NHL agreement. Treliving re-ups with Flames Former Coyotes assistant GM Brad Treliving signed a multi-year deal this week to remain the Calgary Flames’ GM. “Which beats multi-week,” Treliving told George Johnson of the Flames website. Calgary qualified for the playoffs for the second time in Treliving’s tenure, but the Anaheim Ducks swept the seventh-seeded Flames in the first round. The Flames went down to the wire with their third-year GM twisting in the wind, but Treliving insisted, at least publicly, that he never doubted a deal would get done before his contract expired in June. “I didn’t envision anything else happening,” he said. “Maybe that’s just the optimist in me. You always want clarity. But (leaving) wasn’t on my radar. There’s still lots of work to do. Last I looked, we’re not tripping over any rings or Cups around here. A lot more sweat needs to go into it. And I know there are 29 other (GMs) out there thinking the same thing. But we really think we’ve got something here and you want to see that through.” Loose pucks — Majority owner Andrew Barroway announced Wednesday in a release that Coyotes Chief Operating Officer, Ari Segal, has left the organization. “We thank Ari for his significant contributions during his time with the club,” Barroway said in the release. “Ari felt that it was time to move on to his next challenge. We look forward to seeing Ari thrive in his next role. On behalf of the entire organization, we wish him the best of luck in the future.” “I want to thank Andy Barroway and his family for the opportunity,” Segal said in the release. “The Coyotes have a dynamic core of young players and I’m confident that they will enjoy great success in the years ahead, 1062886 Boston Bruins some speed and we played a faster game actually. We practiced faster and played faster. I think there are opportunities for guys that are in our system to maybe push and [show that they] have some speed,” said HAGGERTY: BRUINS HAVE PLENTY OF OPTIONS FOR OFFSEASON Neely. “I still like to play hard and go to the net, and those are areas IMPROVEMENTS where it’s difficult to score in this league. You’ve got to get there to score those goals.

“Whether we have someone on the left side on the back end that can By Joe Haggerty May 03, 2017 3:40 PM push for a job, or we go out and find that player. I think our right side on the back end is pretty well covered. Maybe a little bit of help on the left side on the wing that can maybe contribute offensively. We’re hoping we maybe had a couple players in our system that will maybe be able to BOSTON – The good news is the Bruins took a step forward this season, push and show that they’re ready to play in the NHL and contribute.” and a number of prudent hockey decisions patched up the Black and Gold bleeding that had gone on in Boston the past few years. Clearly, some of the left wing solutions for Krejci’s running mate may be in-house. The better news is that Boston’s decision-makers are fully aware they’re just scratching the surface while slowly, deliberately building things back There’s still hope that a healthy offseason for Frank Vatrano could lead to up again, and there are miles to go before they know to even entertain him blossom into a sharp-shooting 20-goal scorer next season, but he’ll the idea of getting comfortable with their position in the Eastern also need to add a little more toughness, grit and two-way attentiveness Conference. if he wants to make that happen. Former first-round pick Jake DeBrusk was Providence’s best player in the second half of his rookie season in Bruins GM Don Sweeney said last week the Bruins need to be a “deeper, the AHL and he’s got the pedigree even if there’s some debate over more talented team” if they’re truly hoping to compete after taking the whether he’s ultimately a top-six talent or a third line-type winger at the season in total. B’s President Cam Neely seconded that motion while NHL level. also expressing happiness the fan base finally got a tasty bite of what’s to come after sitting through some pathetic home-ice performances the Anders Bjork would be the guy that could presumably jump in and seize past couple of seasons. that role right away given how good he looked at Notre Dame last season, but Danton Heinen was the same kind of heralded player going Thankfully for both the Bruins and Neely, the Hall of Fame power forward into this past season. was talking up the future prospects rather than healthy wraps or jumbo home-cooked meatballs this time around. It was clear early in the NHL season that Heinen needed more development time in the AHL. That could always be the case with Bjork This is the way it’s supposed to be on Causeway Street. as well. So pinning top-six hopes on an unproven rookie can be a bit “It’s been challenging. I know how competitive this city is and how treacherous in the NHL landscape, and doing it with a center like Krejci, successful some of the other teams have been, and we certainly want to who comes with his own package of expectations and demands, can be be that successful,” said Neely. “I knew what we were signing up for and problematic as well. it’s hard to relay that information to your fan base because they want “On the wing, we probably feel like there are a couple of players in results now. And I get that. They’re coming to watch us play and they’re Providence that could step in after a season or so in the pro game, so expecting a good performance from our team. we’re anxious to see if they can step in and contribute next season,” said “So I knew where we were headed. It just wasn’t going to happen Neely. “We’ve had an opportunity to see what we have coming up, and it overnight. I think now with some of the players that are stepping in this maybe gives us an opportunity to maybe use some of those prospects in year it’s given some hope, not only to us but also to the fans of where an opportunity to add somewhere else. If something was appealing to us we’re headed and what the future looks like because of it.” where we were getting a young player with some [NHL] experience, then we’d have the assets to be able to do that.” Injuries and a few questionable calls from the refs conspired to doom the Bruins against the Ottawa Senators in the first round, and the blistering That’s the exact kind of description one could use for Gabriel Landeskog, 18-8-1 clip to finish the season might be tough to maintain over a full Jordan Eberle, Cam Fowler, Jacob Trouba or any other number of season with their current roster. The Bruins also have to expect that established NHL players that have been linked to the Black and Gold the there will be growing pains with truly brilliant young talents Charlie past couple of years. The Bruins are just in the beginning stages for their McAvoy, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson and Brandon Carlo and that’s just a offseason roster improvement plan while having negotiations with Bjork normal part of the process. and David Pastrnak to worry about in the coming weeks. So, the Bruins have an improvement plan in mind to continue sculpting But the good news is that Neely and Sweeney are no longer dealing from the NHL roster into something resembling a contender. One that a desperate stance, boast a hockey cupboard bursting with affordable, combines talented youngsters and a grizzled, proven-core group. That young talent and now they’ve bought themselves some time by showing means a few specific areas of improvement. true progress this season. It was clear this season that the Bruins need to find a top-six left wing to There’s still much work to be done before another Stanley Cup is complement David Krejci, they need to revamp a third line that went far anything more than a fantasy in Boston’s front office, but it’s okay to once too silent on far too many nights and, most importantly, they need again start feeling good about the True North direction the Spoked B is another top-four left side defenseman. The Bruins are locked and loaded headed toward. for bear on the right side with McAvoy, Carlo, Kevan Miller, Adam That in and of itself is something to feel good about as deeper, more McQuaid and Colin Miller, and will still be stacked even after the likely talented NHL teams continue their spring journey toward Cup immortality. departure of one of the latter three in the NHL Expansion Draft next month in Vegas. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 The Bruins will most likely need to go outside the organization for a left- side D-man that would project to play with McAvoy and leave the B’s with a shutdown middle pairing of 41-year-old Zdeno Chara and 21-year-old Carlo. That would leave Torey Krug and Miller/McQuaid as a very good third pairing capable of picking up the additional slack in the ice-time department. The problem is there will be plenty of competition with NHL teams like the also shopping for the same kind of defenseman and GMs like Steve Yzerman reportedly being willing to dangle the dynamic Jonathan Drouin to land whatever difference-making D-man surfaces on the trade market. While Ryan Spooner, relatively young offensive player, will have some value in trade offers, it won’t trump any offers from the Lightning involving a player of Drouin’s stature or other NHL GMs willing to pay market price for an established D-man. “You see the way that the game’s going. There’s a lot of speed in the games. We added some of that when we saw some players that brought 1062887 Buffalo Sabres The Sabres' first round of interviews also included Los Angeles’ Mike Futa, Columbus’ Bill Zito, Nashville’s Paul Fenton, Pittsburgh’s Bill Guerin, Calgary’s Craig Conroy and New Jersey’s Tom Fitzgerald. Botterill has brains, bloodline to successfully lead NHL team ------Add video coach to the Sabres’ list of vacancies. Adam Nightingale, who By John Vogl held the job this season, has been hired by the Detroit Red Wings as assistant coach/video.

Nightingale is working as the video coordinator for the U.S. national team Jason Botterill has long aspired to become an NHL . His at the world championships, which begin Friday. He spent four years as college coach had even bigger plans. the director of hockey operations and video coordinator for Michigan State. “I would love to see him as the next commissioner of the NHL,” Michigan legend Red Berenson told MGoBlue.com in 2009. “I think that much of His brother Jason is the Sabres’ coordinator of analytic-related hockey him. He would be perfect. evaluation. “He knows hockey. He knows business. He has a great education. He's Since the end of the season, the Sabres have let go of General Manager the kind of smart, young guy that you want to see running things.” Tim Murray, coach Dan Bylsma, scouting director Rob Murphy, amateur scouting director Greg Royce and massage therapist Chuck Garlow. The Sabres could very well agree. Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2017 Buffalo has held a second interview with Botterill for its GM job, according to multiple reports Wednesday. It’s not known how many of the seven candidates are getting second looks, but The Buffalo News has learned that one has not been contacted for another talk. That would point to Botterill as a favorite. The 40-year-old entered the first round of interviews with an impressive résumé. He has been in the Penguins’ front office for more than a decade, including the last three seasons as associate GM. He was also Pittsburgh’s assistant GM for five years and the director of hockey administration for two. With a degree in economics and a master’s in business administration from Michigan, the former Sabres forward has combined hockey and numbers to become a salary cap expert. The Penguins have remained perennial contenders while adding pieces at the trade deadline despite five players with salaries of $5.75 million or more. "Jason is a very smart and talented guy, and he was always more than just hockey," Berenson told the university website. “Jason knew he could use his intelligence in many ways, and I knew he'd be great because he was such a good student here.” Working alongside Penguins GM Jim Rutherford and former GM Ray Shero, Botterill has assisted in scouting, player development, contract negotiations and cap management. The Edmonton native is also the general manager of the Penguins’ minor-league team. Wilkes-Barre/Scranton has made the playoffs in all seven of Botterill’s seasons, compiling a 325-173-38 record. The team led the AHL this year with a 51-20-5 record. The Sabres’ minor-league team has missed the playoffs the past three years. Buffalo is in a six-year drought. Among Botterill’s coaching hires for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton was Mike Sullivan. The Penguins promoted him to the NHL late last year, and Sullivan guided the Pens to the Stanley Cup. Botterill is also credited with being an architect of Pittsburgh’s championship team in 2009. Botterill has success in his blood. His mother, Doreen, was a Canadian Olympian in speed skating in 1964 and 1968. His aunt, Donna McCannell, represented Canada in speed skating at the 1972 Games. Botterill’s father, Cal, is a pioneer in sport psychology and was inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. Botterill’s sister, Jennifer, has trumped them all. She played hockey for Canada in four Olympics, winning golds in 2002, 2006 and 2010, plus a silver medal in 1998. Jason Botterill helped Michigan win the 1996 NCAA title and was part of three Canadian gold-medal teams in the world juniors. Selected by Dallas in the first round of the 1994 NHL Draft, Botterill played for the Stars and Calgary Flames before joining the Sabres’ organization in 2002. He recorded 37 goals and 59 points in 64 games for Rochester in 2002- 03, earning 17 games with the Sabres. He shuffled between Buffalo and Rochester the following season, but his career ended early in 2004-05. Botterill had six goals in the Amerks’ opening eight games before suffering a major concussion. Rather than risk further brain damage, he retired. It allowed him to re-enroll at Michigan and get his MBA. The Stars hired him as a scout in 2006-07, and the Penguins put him in their front office the following year. The Sabres may want him in their building now. 1062888 Buffalo Sabres

Mike Harrington's Power Take: Sabres' new GM should deal his first No. 1 pick

By Mike Harrington

I don't care who ends up being the Sabres' new general manager. I've got the same message to all of them: Trade your first-round pick for an NHL-level defenseman. As usual, the Sabres didn't have any lottery luck Saturday and were shipped back to the No. 8 slot by the time the draw was done. That's where they took Alex Nylander last year and Rasmus Ristolainen in 2013 and it's where they would again get a good future prospect. But even with a new GM and coach on the horizon, there better not be a lot of down- the-road and let's-be-patient thinking preached for a team that hasn't won a playoff series since 2007. Winning next year has to be an immediate priority and improving the blueline is paramount. Brendan Guhle will help. KHL defenseman Viktor Antipin will be an upgrade, assuming the Sabres close the deal on him. Putting the No. 8 pick in some sort of package with a defense-rich team like Anaheim or Minnesota, neither of which will be able to protect its entire back end in the expansion draft, is the obvious first move at hand and an immediate test for the man who claims Tim Murray’s old chair. Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062889 Buffalo Sabres

Report: Sabres conduct second interview with Botterill

By John Vogl

The Sabres have interviewed at least seven people for their front-office job, and it appears they’re circling back for second looks. Buffalo has held a second talk with Pittsburgh Associate General Manager Jason Botterill, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reported Wednesday. It’s not known if any other candidates are scheduled for follow-up interviews. Botterill, 40, entered the talks with an impressive résumé. He has been in the Penguins’ front office for a decade, including the last three as associate GM. He’s a salary cap expert who helped fill out the NHL roster while running the organization’s American Hockey League team. He hired coach Mike Sullivan for Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and Sullivan was quickly promoted and won a Stanley Cup last year. Botterill played in the Sabres' organization for three years in the mid- . The Sabres have also interviewed Los Angeles’ Mike Futa, Columbus’ Bill Zito, Nashville’s Paul Fenton, Pittsburgh’s Bill Guerin, Calgary’s Craig Conroy and New Jersey’s Tom Fitzgerald. Buffalo News LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062890 Calgary Flames ICE CHIPS: Regina Pats sharpshooter Sam Steel was the toast of Wednesday’s WHL awards gala. The 19-year-old centre from Sherwood Park, Alta., was announced as winner of the Four Broncos Memorial Calgary Hitmen hoping to predict future at WHL Bantam Draft Trophy as Player of the Year and also accepted the Bob Clarke Trophy as the regular-season scoring leader. Other honourees included Seattle Thunderbirds blue-liner Ethan Bird ( of the Year), Everett Silvertips stalwart Carter Hart (Goaltender of the Year), Swift Current Wes Gilbertson Published on: May 3, 2017 Broncos teammates Aleksi Heponiemi (Rookie of the Year) and Tyler Steenbergen (Most Sportsmanlike), Lethbridge Hurricanes captain Tyler

Wong (Humanitarian of the Year) and Silvertips centre Brian King These are not finished products. (Scholastic Player of the Year). Pats honcho John Paddock doubled up as Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. The Calgary Hitmen scouting staff has invested countless hours on the road, countless hours at the rink, countless hours of research in prep for Calgary Herald: LOADED: 05.04.2017 Thursday’s WHL Bantam Draft at Deerfoot Inn, but there is still some guesswork involved. These are, after all, 14- and 15-year-old kids. The skates and shoulder- pads they wear now won’t likely fit forever. “You can’t necessarily predict that a player like Ryan Getzlaf is going to grow from five-foot-eight or five-foot-nine to six-foot-three,” acknowledged Hitmen general manager Mike Moore, using one the franchise greats as his example. “It’s hard to predict. You try to figure out parents’ sizes, whether a kid is shaving right now, a number of things that go into will he grow or won’t he grow. “But to be honest, the way the game is being played right now, size isn’t as critical, as you see at the NHL level let alone our level.” The Hitmen selected Getzlaf in the third round of the WHL Bantam Draft in 2000. And he did grow. Boy, did he ever. Getzlaf would blossom into a standout for the Hitmen, then a Stanley Cup champion, Olympic gold medallist and one of the NHL’s marquee men. “He wasn’t a real big guy and had a ways to go,” recalled Moore, who was GM of the Kamloops Blazers when the current Anaheim Ducks captain was available to the Hitmen at No. 54 overall. “And lo and behold, he becomes an NHL superstar.” Thursday’s top priority, of course, is to find youngsters that will make an impact at the major-junior level. The current crop consists of those born in 2002, kids who won’t be eligible to skate full-time in the Dub until the 2018-19 campaign. The Prince Albert Raiders will start the proceedings at 8:30 a.m. with the first-overall selection. Moore will make his first announcement at seventh-overall, and the usual game plan applies: “Pick the best player available.” The Hitmen own a pick in each of 15 possible rounds, with the exception of the fourth. “You might hear that it’s not as good a draft as last year but these are 14- and 15-year-old kids, so it’s our job to project forward what a player might become when he’s 16, 17, 18, 19, and how that best suits our organization,” Moore said. “I think there are some very, very good players in this draft. I think it’s a deep draft. I think it’s a projection draft where there are going to be a lot of players that, if you get it right, are going to be terrific players down the road. “It’s what they’re going to be, not just what they are right now.” To their credit, the Hitmen have done a heck of a job of reading the crystal-ball. Recent first-rounders Beck Malenstyn (2013) and Tristen Nielsen (2015) were both regulars at the Saddledome this past season. In 2014, they traded away their first-round holler but plucked Mark Kastelic in the second. He, too, is a contributor in Calgary. The Hitmen welcomed Jackson van de Leest at No. 16 overall last spring. The up-and-coming defenceman impressed in 10 contests as an underage call-up – including three playoff dates – and seems to have a bright future ahead. “If you count the miles on the road and the flights and the hotel rooms and the long nights and the number of games, it’s significant what our scouting staff goes through. As the general manager of the team, I can’t thank them enough,” Moore said. “It’s feeding the future of the Calgary Hitmen and the Western Hockey League with this draft. It is exciting for all the time and effort put in. Everybody is extremely happy after the draft tomorrow that they got their guy, and then you kind of project and watch over the next one, two, three, four years to see how things work out.” 1062891 Carolina Hurricanes

Raleigh’s Wilkins on NHL radar

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

Josh Wilkins was pleasantly surprised to be invited last summer to the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospects development camp. Wilkins is from Raleigh and grew up a Canes fan. The forward played in the Junior Hurricanes program before stepping up in competition, first in the U.S. Hockey League, then this past season at Providence College. “It gave me the chance to go and compare myself with the Hurricanes’ draft picks,” Wilkins said of attending the camp. “I really wasn’t on the NHL radar last year. So I had a chance to go compete against the prospects and compare myself.” The Canes had their 2016 draft picks in camp, including their two first- rounders, defenseman Jake Bean and forward Julien Gauthier. Also in camp was defenseman Haydn Fleury, a first-round pick in 2014. How did Wilkins compare? “I felt I did pretty good,” he said. “I thought it was a good week for me.” One with a flashy finish. During a prospects scrimmage at PNC Arena to cap Summerfest, Wilkins was part of a shootout competition and said he received advice from Canes assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour before his shot. “He said to do something fancy, something cool,” Wilkins said. And Wilkins did. He swept in front of the net, pushing the puck between his legs, spinning and scoring with a quick backhander. “I’m glad it worked, or I could have looked kind of stupid,” Wilkins said, laughing. Wilkins, 19, carried over the confidence from camp into his freshman year at Providence. The 5-11, 181-pound forward helped the Friars to a 22-11-5 record in a good season that ended with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Harvard in the NCAA tournament. Wilkins became the first Providence freshman in 20 years to have 30 or more points in a season, finishing with 13 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. The last: forward Fernando Pisani, the surprise star for the Edmonton Oilers in the 2006 who bedeviled the Canes in the Stanley Cup final. “I wanted to prove some people wrong and I worked hard at doing that,” Wilkins said. Wilkins is on the NHL radar. NHL Central Scouting had him No. 190 in its final draft rankings for 2017, and Wilkins said he has had some interviews with NHL teams although not naming them. One of Wilkins’ friends, forward Skyler Brind’Amour of Raleigh, also could be drafted. A year from now, it could be one of Wilkins’ closest friends, forward Tyler Weiss of Raleigh. “Tyler is extremely skilled and talented,” Wilkins said. “It’s just good to see some kids from Raleigh doing well.” For now, Wilkins said his plans are to stay at Providence this summer rather than returning home, going to summer school and working out with other players in the area. But he will be paying attention when the NHL Draft is held June 23-24 in . His name could be called. “If it happens, it’s a big honor,” he said. “But I’m focused on being here at Providence. Either way, I’ll just keep on going.” News Observer LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062892 Carolina Hurricanes After playing for the East Coast Eagles in Raleigh, Tyler joined the Richmond Generals, the Weiss family making the round trips to Virginia. Then came a huge step: Tyler was allowed to move to Toronto at 14. How Raleigh became a hotbed of hockey prospects “It was tough but we want him to live out his dream,” Kelly Weiss said. “This is what he wants. You can see his future in his eyes.” BY CHIP ALEXANDER Tyler joined the Don Mills Flyers, a AAA team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. He lived with a billet family and had a one-hour train ride each way to his high school. The way the story is told, Tyler Weiss was about seven or eight years old “If you want to go to the NHL you have to move out early,” Tyler said of and at a weekend hockey practice being held at Fort Bragg. leaving home. “It was really tough my first year, making all new friends and being the only American on the team. Tyler’s mom, Kelly, recalls an assistant coach during a break telling the kids “none of you will ever be an NHL player” and then being startled by “They don’t like American players in Canada. We’d play other teams and what her son did next. their kids would say ‘Go back to the U.S.’ I’d just smile at them.” “He stood up and said, ‘Well, I am’ and skated off,” Kelly Weiss said, Back to the U.S. laughing. Tyler Weiss did go back to the U.S. Invited to be a part of the USA Tyler Weiss still has that firm belief, still has that pluck about him. Now Hockey program, he moved on to Michigan, where the days are tightly 17, he is a year away from being NHL draft eligible. The Raleigh native regimented. wants to hear his name called at the draft and one day be in the best hockey league in the world. Canes defenseman Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin both spent time in the program, as did Josh Wesley. Skyler Brind’Amour played some USHL Weiss has spent this past year in USA Hockey’s National Team games for the juniors team this past season. Development Program in Plymouth, Mich. The forward was a first-round pick by the Sting in the Hockey League Priority Selection, Tyler Weiss said a typical day would be: up at 6:30 a.m, classwork for taken 15th overall in 2016, and is committed to playing college hockey at four hours, lunch, a couple of hours in the gym, more hours on the ice, Boston University. dinner, homework. “He’s come a long way, on and off the ice,” said Mason Graddock, an Graddock, an assistant coach with the Under-17 team, said Weiss has assistant coach in the USA Hockey program. “He has elite skills and elite put on 20 pounds in his first year and now tops 160. “All good weight,” speed, but it’s all about becoming a complete player. He’s totally bought said Weiss, who is 5-11. in. Tyler’s in a great place going into his draft year.” Used primarily at left wing, saying he only played center “back in the This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Hartford Whalers moving to day,” Weiss was on the U.S. team last fall that won gold in the 2016 North Carolina and becoming the Carolina Hurricanes. In the past two Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. The Americans, decades, kids such as Weiss have grown up with the sport in the state, undefeated in the tournament, beat Canada 5-2 in the gold-medal game. some putting on skates and grabbing hockey sticks rather than shooting Weiss, a left-handed shooter who says he patterns his game after the a or throwing a football. Caps’ Evgeny Kuznetsov, played 34 games in the U.S. Hockey League The Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 spiked interest in (USHL) this past season, putting up modest numbers – seven goals and hockey. Youth programs began to grow. Travel teams developed. Better nine assists. coaches joined in. “Everyone has their early bumps and it can be a rude awakening,” Rod Brind’Amour was the captain and leader of the ’06 champs. A son, Graddock said. “Tyler turned a corner in December and you could see Skyler, was born in Raleigh, played in the Junior Hurricanes youth him begin to break out. He became one of our more consistent go-to program and now is committed to Michigan State. Skyler, 17, could hear guys.” his name called in this year’s NHL Draft. Weiss gets homesick at times and makes good use of FaceTime to stay Josh Wesley, 21, already has had that big moment – taken by the in touch with family. He’ll spend the summer in Raleigh, working with a Hurricanes in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. The son of former Canes personal trainer, skating with Muldoon and seeing such hockey friends as defenseman Glen Wesley, another of the ’06 Cup stars, Josh was the Skyler Brind’Amour. first locally developed player to be drafted by an NHL team and spent Another good friend, Josh Wilkins, is coming off a strong freshman most of this year, his first full professional season, with the Florida season at Providence College. The forward from Raleigh, like Everblades of the ECHL. Brind’Amour, spent time in the Junior Hurricanes program and could be “Hockey is growing in the state and its roots are digging in,” Rod drafted this year. Brind’Amour, a Canes assistant coach, said. “You can see it in the Shawn Weiss said the is making a hard push to get Tyler to number of kids who are playing and where they are going.” move to the OHL next season, but that Tyler is committed to staying with When Kasperi Kapanen of the Toronto Maple Leafs scored in double the U.S. program. Tyler’s grades are good, his parents say, and the overtime a few weeks ago to beat the Washington Capitals in a Stanley hockey competition is strong. Cup playoff thriller, it was mentioned his father, Sami, played for the “Tyler lives and breathes hockey,” Shawn Weiss said. “He has a passion Hurricanes. Kasperi was born in Finland but had his first hockey for it. He has the skill. He has gotten stronger and needs to continue to experiences in Raleigh. get stronger. This is his most important year.” Taking another hockey path That’s dad talking. Kelly Weiss said she will continue to text her son the Weiss doesn’t have the advantage of having had a father in the sport, same message: “Keep your head up, play hard, I love you.” smoothing the way. PROSPECTS TO WATCH Shawn Weiss, an N.C. State graduate, has worked for LabCorp in Josh Wilkins, forward, Raleigh Raleigh for many years and as a hockey referee on the side. He and his wife have two other sons, and an upward path for a player in hockey can Wilkins, 19, this year became the first Providence College freshman be expensive, costing thousands of dollars a year. since Fernando Pisani in 1996-97 to reach the 30-point mark. Attended Hurricanes’ prospects development camp last summer. Ranked No. 190 Tyler Weiss was briefly part of the Junior Hurricanes program before in NHL’s final Central Scouting rankings heading into 2017 NHL Entry leaving. Shawn Weiss cites “politics” and leaves it at that, although Tyler Draft. said, “I couldn’t make the Junior Hurricanes team – I got cut two straight years.” Skyler Brind’Amour, forward, Raleigh Colin Muldoon, director of player development for the Junior Hurricanes, Brind’Amour, like his father, Rod, plans to attend Michigan State. The 6- said Weiss, with a 2000 birth year, was trying to play up a level on a 2, 175-pound forward played last season at the Selects Academy in team filled with 1999 kids. Though he had a good skill set, Muldoon said, Connecticut. Also played games for U.S. National Team Development he was younger, smaller. Program teams. Ranked No. 157 in Central Scouting rankings. “Tyler’s definitely a high-level talent and now arguably one of the best Alex Wilkinson, defenseman, Raleigh players in the national team program,” Muldoon said. The defenseman, 22, played college hockey last season at Army West Point after three years with the Connecticut Oilers. In 30 games for the Cadets, had three goals and 13 assists and a plus-2 rating. Played in the Junior Hurricanes program. Scott Moldenhauer, defenseman, Oak Ridge Has played two seasons at Western Michigan after competing for Cedar Rapids in the USHL. Moldenhauer, 22, has good size at 6-4 and 225 pounds and will be a free agent. Was member of Jr. Hurricanes program. News Observer LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062893 Carolina Hurricanes

Raleigh’s Wilkins on NHL radar

BY CHIP ALEXANDER

Josh Wilkins was pleasantly surprised to be invited last summer to the Carolina Hurricanes’ prospects development camp. Wilkins is from Raleigh and grew up a Canes fan. The forward played in the Junior Hurricanes program before stepping up in competition, first in the U.S. Hockey League, then this past season at Providence College. “It gave me the chance to go and compare myself with the Hurricanes’ draft picks,” Wilkins said of attending the camp. “I really wasn’t on the NHL radar last year. So I had a chance to go compete against the prospects and compare myself.” The Canes had their 2016 draft picks in camp, including their two first- rounders, defenseman Jake Bean and forward Julien Gauthier. Also in camp was defenseman Haydn Fleury, a first-round pick in 2014. How did Wilkins compare? “I felt I did pretty good,” he said. “I thought it was a good week for me.” One with a flashy finish. During a prospects scrimmage at PNC Arena to cap Summerfest, Wilkins was part of a shootout competition and said he received advice from Canes assistant coach Rod Brind’Amour before his shot. “He said to do something fancy, something cool,” Wilkins said. And Wilkins did. He swept in front of the net, pushing the puck between his legs, spinning and scoring with a quick backhander. “I’m glad it worked, or I could have looked kind of stupid,” Wilkins said, laughing. Wilkins, 19, carried over the confidence from camp into his freshman year at Providence. The 5-11, 181-pound forward helped the Friars to a 22-11-5 record in a good season that ended with a disappointing 3-0 loss to Harvard in the NCAA tournament. Wilkins became the first Providence freshman in 20 years to have 30 or more points in a season, finishing with 13 goals and 18 assists in 39 games. The last: forward Fernando Pisani, the surprise star for the Edmonton Oilers in the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs who bedeviled the Canes in the Stanley Cup final. “I wanted to prove some people wrong and I worked hard at doing that,” Wilkins said. Wilkins is on the NHL radar. NHL Central Scouting had him No. 190 in its final draft rankings for 2017, and Wilkins said he has had some interviews with NHL teams although not naming them. One of Wilkins’ friends, forward Skyler Brind’Amour of Raleigh, also could be drafted. A year from now, it could be one of Wilkins’ closest friends, forward Tyler Weiss of Raleigh. “Tyler is extremely skilled and talented,” Wilkins said. “It’s just good to see some kids from Raleigh doing well.” For now, Wilkins said his plans are to stay at Providence this summer rather than returning home, going to summer school and working out with other players in the area. But he will be paying attention when the NHL Draft is held June 23-24 in Chicago. His name could be called. “If it happens, it’s a big honor,” he said. “But I’m focused on being here at Providence. Either way, I’ll just keep on going.” Herald-Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062894 Carolina Hurricanes After playing for the East Coast Eagles in Raleigh, Tyler joined the Richmond Generals, the Weiss family making the round trips to Virginia. Then came a huge step: Tyler was allowed to move to Toronto at 14. How Raleigh became a hotbed of hockey prospects “It was tough but we want him to live out his dream,” Kelly Weiss said. “This is what he wants. You can see his future in his eyes.” BY CHIP ALEXANDER Tyler joined the Don Mills Flyers, a AAA team in the Greater Toronto Hockey League. He lived with a billet family and had a one-hour train ride each way to his high school. The way the story is told, Tyler Weiss was about seven or eight years old “If you want to go to the NHL you have to move out early,” Tyler said of and at a weekend hockey practice being held at Fort Bragg. leaving home. “It was really tough my first year, making all new friends and being the only American on the team. Tyler’s mom, Kelly, recalls an assistant coach during a break telling the kids “none of you will ever be an NHL player” and then being startled by “They don’t like American players in Canada. We’d play other teams and what her son did next. their kids would say ‘Go back to the U.S.’ I’d just smile at them.” “He stood up and said, ‘Well, I am’ and skated off,” Kelly Weiss said, Back to the U.S. laughing. Tyler Weiss did go back to the U.S. Invited to be a part of the USA Tyler Weiss still has that firm belief, still has that pluck about him. Now Hockey program, he moved on to Michigan, where the days are tightly 17, he is a year away from being NHL draft eligible. The Raleigh native regimented. wants to hear his name called at the draft and one day be in the best hockey league in the world. Canes defenseman Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin both spent time in the program, as did Josh Wesley. Skyler Brind’Amour played some USHL Weiss has spent this past year in USA Hockey’s National Team games for the juniors team this past season. Development Program in Plymouth, Mich. The forward was a first-round pick by the Sarnia Sting in the Priority Selection, Tyler Weiss said a typical day would be: up at 6:30 a.m, classwork for taken 15th overall in 2016, and is committed to playing college hockey at four hours, lunch, a couple of hours in the gym, more hours on the ice, Boston University. dinner, homework. “He’s come a long way, on and off the ice,” said Mason Graddock, an Graddock, an assistant coach with the Under-17 team, said Weiss has assistant coach in the USA Hockey program. “He has elite skills and elite put on 20 pounds in his first year and now tops 160. “All good weight,” speed, but it’s all about becoming a complete player. He’s totally bought said Weiss, who is 5-11. in. Tyler’s in a great place going into his draft year.” Used primarily at left wing, saying he only played center “back in the This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Hartford Whalers moving to day,” Weiss was on the U.S. team last fall that won gold in the 2016 North Carolina and becoming the Carolina Hurricanes. In the past two Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway. The Americans, decades, kids such as Weiss have grown up with the sport in the state, undefeated in the tournament, beat Canada 5-2 in the gold-medal game. some putting on skates and grabbing hockey sticks rather than shooting Weiss, a left-handed shooter who says he patterns his game after the a basketball or throwing a football. Caps’ Evgeny Kuznetsov, played 34 games in the U.S. Hockey League The Hurricanes winning the Stanley Cup in 2006 spiked interest in (USHL) this past season, putting up modest numbers – seven goals and hockey. Youth programs began to grow. Travel teams developed. Better nine assists. coaches joined in. “Everyone has their early bumps and it can be a rude awakening,” Rod Brind’Amour was the captain and leader of the ’06 champs. A son, Graddock said. “Tyler turned a corner in December and you could see Skyler, was born in Raleigh, played in the Junior Hurricanes youth him begin to break out. He became one of our more consistent go-to program and now is committed to Michigan State. Skyler, 17, could hear guys.” his name called in this year’s NHL Draft. Weiss gets homesick at times and makes good use of FaceTime to stay Josh Wesley, 21, already has had that big moment – taken by the in touch with family. He’ll spend the summer in Raleigh, working with a Hurricanes in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. The son of former Canes personal trainer, skating with Muldoon and seeing such hockey friends as defenseman Glen Wesley, another of the ’06 Cup stars, Josh was the Skyler Brind’Amour. first locally developed player to be drafted by an NHL team and spent Another good friend, Josh Wilkins, is coming off a strong freshman most of this year, his first full professional season, with the Florida season at Providence College. The forward from Raleigh, like Everblades of the ECHL. Brind’Amour, spent time in the Junior Hurricanes program and could be “Hockey is growing in the state and its roots are digging in,” Rod drafted this year. Brind’Amour, a Canes assistant coach, said. “You can see it in the Shawn Weiss said the Sarnia Sting is making a hard push to get Tyler to number of kids who are playing and where they are going.” move to the OHL next season, but that Tyler is committed to staying with When Kasperi Kapanen of the Toronto Maple Leafs scored in double the U.S. program. Tyler’s grades are good, his parents say, and the overtime a few weeks ago to beat the Washington Capitals in a Stanley hockey competition is strong. Cup playoff thriller, it was mentioned his father, Sami, played for the “Tyler lives and breathes hockey,” Shawn Weiss said. “He has a passion Hurricanes. Kasperi was born in Finland but had his first hockey for it. He has the skill. He has gotten stronger and needs to continue to experiences in Raleigh. get stronger. This is his most important year.” Taking another hockey path That’s dad talking. Kelly Weiss said she will continue to text her son the Weiss doesn’t have the advantage of having had a father in the sport, same message: “Keep your head up, play hard, I love you.” smoothing the way. PROSPECTS TO WATCH Shawn Weiss, an N.C. State graduate, has worked for LabCorp in Josh Wilkins, forward, Raleigh Raleigh for many years and as a hockey referee on the side. He and his wife have two other sons, and an upward path for a player in hockey can Wilkins, 19, this year became the first Providence College freshman be expensive, costing thousands of dollars a year. since Fernando Pisani in 1996-97 to reach the 30-point mark. Attended Hurricanes’ prospects development camp last summer. Ranked No. 190 Tyler Weiss was briefly part of the Junior Hurricanes program before in NHL’s final Central Scouting rankings heading into 2017 NHL Entry leaving. Shawn Weiss cites “politics” and leaves it at that, although Tyler Draft. said, “I couldn’t make the Junior Hurricanes team – I got cut two straight years.” Skyler Brind’Amour, forward, Raleigh Colin Muldoon, director of player development for the Junior Hurricanes, Brind’Amour, like his father, Rod, plans to attend Michigan State. The 6- said Weiss, with a 2000 birth year, was trying to play up a level on a 2, 175-pound forward played last season at the Selects Academy in team filled with 1999 kids. Though he had a good skill set, Muldoon said, Connecticut. Also played games for U.S. National Team Development he was younger, smaller. Program teams. Ranked No. 157 in Central Scouting rankings. “Tyler’s definitely a high-level talent and now arguably one of the best Alex Wilkinson, defenseman, Raleigh players in the national team program,” Muldoon said. The defenseman, 22, played college hockey last season at Army West Point after three years with the Connecticut Oilers. In 30 games for the Cadets, had three goals and 13 assists and a plus-2 rating. Played in the Junior Hurricanes program. Scott Moldenhauer, defenseman, Oak Ridge Has played two seasons at Western Michigan after competing for Cedar Rapids in the USHL. Moldenhauer, 22, has good size at 6-4 and 225 pounds and will be a free agent. Was member of Jr. Hurricanes program. Herald-Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062895 Colorado Avalanche “The buck always stops with me,” he said. “I’m never one to shy away from that. So as much as I want to put this on somebody else, I have to take ownership of this because it is our franchise. We want to win as Josh Kroenke retains faith in GM Joe Sakic despite rough season for many games as we can, trust me. It makes it a lot easier across the Avalanche board. But I try to give guys freedom to make moves, across all of our teams, and the two teams I’m directly responsible for in . I don’t think I’ve said no to anything, especially over the last three years. By Terry Frei | PUBLISHED: May 3, 2017 “I think that sometimes teams can get themselves in trouble by pivoting off a direction when they’ve already started down that path. I want to give our GMs as much of a runway as I can to make decisions in both a one- year and a three-year plan.” As many of the NHL’s other nonplayoff teams have fired general managers and coaches since the end of the regular season, the Because of the Kroenkes’ affinity for basketball and their multiple-sport Avalanche — which in 2016-17 had the worst record posted in the league ownerships, the charge occasionally is levied that they don’t care about since the expansion Thrashers in 1999-2000 — has stood pat. hockey. At the top, that means Avalanche and Nuggets team president Josh “People have brought that up to me before,” Josh Kroenke said. “And I Kroenke is sticking with GM Joe Sakic. That cuts against the grain of the don’t really understand it. I genuinely mean it when I said we’re equally league’s traditional “off with their heads” reactions in the wake of concerned about all of our teams. From a financial standpoint, I don’t disappointing seasons — in this case, a horrible season that unfolded as know what else we could provide from a resources standpoint. We really the Avalanche scraped the league’s $73 million salary cap ceiling. want to try to win, even it it comes with losing a lot of money, which we have done for quite a while here on the hockey side. We just want to get In a Wednesday afternoon interview in his Pepsi Center office, Kroenke the product back to where our fans expect it to be. There’s a great called the 48-point season “unacceptable” but said that he still had faith hockey fan base here in Denver, and we need to show them who the in Sakic and that there were extraordinary circumstances involved last Avalanche are and where we’re headed.” season, including — but not limited to — Patrick Roy‘s abrupt August resignation and injuries to goaltender Semyon Varlamov and How much money has the Avalanche lost and for how long? defenseman Erik Johnson. “I’m not going to discuss any internal financials,” Kroenke said. “As much “I think conventional wisdom is nice to look at every now and then,” as we want to try to figure out a way to break even or move forward from Kroenke said. “But there were so many moving parts coming into this a positive financial standpoint, we have to keep reinvesting in the team to season that Joe Sakic, based on what he has done for this organization get the product back to where the fans expect it and the building is as a player, as an executive and, honestly, as a person in the Denver starting to be filled again. Then everything can go from there.” community, deserves the benefit of the doubt to try to figure out what the best thing is for this organization going forward. Kroenke confirmed that as part of the potential redevelopment in the Elitch’s/Pepsi Center area, the Avalanche probably will end up with a “I want to be sure that this staff, based on being in the tough position that new practice rink. Kroenke said talks are in the early stages, and said they were, has a chance to get it right.” consideration is being given to making it a double practice facility for both the Nuggets and Avalanche … or beyond. Asked if Sakic’s leash has shortened, Kroenke said: “Joe’s leash hasn’t changed at all. Nobody wants to get the Avalanche back to where they “We’re working on the conversations as we speak,” he said. “Eventually, were, where we all expect them to be, more than Joe Sakic. We’re going that’s definitely going to happen. I’m excited about the conversations. I’ve to continue to give him every resource at his disposal and I’m going to had them on the hockey side, I’ve had them on the basketball side. help him in any ways he sees that I can. At the end of the day, Joe wants We’ve had conversations with both the lacrosse and the Rapids as well.” what’s best for the Colorado Avalanche. Whether that’s him in his current role or something else, it doesn’t matter. Joe Sakic is committed to More from Josh Kroenke making the Avalanche better.” On the Avalanche season: “Initially, I didn’t think it was going to be a Roy, citing his diminishing influence on player personnel decisions, great year simply based on the fact that we had a coach step into a resigned Aug. 11 and Sakic hired his former teammate’s successor, situation that was going to be tough to hit the ground running, four weeks Jared Bednar, two weeks later. out from training camp. But I thought our staff did its best considering the circumstances. Then we got out and played decent hockey, say, through “I like a very black and white situation,” Kroenke said. “Based on what the first 15 or 20 games or so. And then the injury bug started to bite a happened before the season, with our head coach resigning, it created a little bit. We lost some momentum and then the bottom kind of fell out. lot of gray. There was really no way to evaluate the situation, based on There’s no way around that.” trying to find a new head coach four weeks before training camp started, the injury bug biting and trying to impart a couple of new players as well. On the Kroenke ownership’s commitment: “It’s tough because we’ve never really said no to anything when it comes to the hockey operations. “I think from top to bottom, from our players, to management, to We wanted to give both Joe and when Patrick Roy was here, every ownership, we’re embarrassed by what happened this season. To look at opportunity to succeed, as with all our teams. Last summer, Joe and I the season as a whole, though, I thought in the second half we made had a couple of conversations abou where we were from a salary cap some adjustments, toward the last month of the season in particular. We standpoint. We took a philosophy toward re-signing Nathan MacKinnon identified what we wanted to do going forward, set ourselves a path to try and Tyson Barrie and we started planning for our future a little bit more to go about doing that, and then I would say for the last three weeks of than we had over the last few years. I think that approach is going to the season, when we had a lot of our young players called up, we played serve us well this summer and into the future.” some of our most exciting hockey of the year and we started to play a more competitive brand of hockey against playoff teams. On whether the Kroenke ownership’s attention is divided because of its multiple-team portfolio: “I don’t know how our attention would be divided. “I think that provided a glimmer of what we were hoping for going Our philosophy has always been to put good people in place and let forward. To be honest, Joe Sakic, based on the position he was put in them make the decisions that they see fit, while providing adequate before the season, deserves a little bit of leeway, all things considered. resources.” The one thing I always will say about Joe Sakic is that no matter what’s going on, Joe Sakic can look at it through the prism of wanting what’s On how much he is in Denver: “I’m in and out of town quite a bit but I’m best for the Colorado Avalanche. Joe and I have had different still here quite a bit. I own a house here. I would say I’m here more often conversations of where I fit, where he fits, the future of the organization, than I’m not.” and even if we can look back at what we’ve done historically what made us successful. On whether he still had faith in the six-player “core,” all tied up with long- term contracts: “That’s not a decision for me. I have to defer that to our “It was a tough year on so many levels, but I have a funny feeling that we general manager and everyone else down there. I know what happened might bounce back a little sooner than people think.” this season isn’t acceptable for anybody, our players included. For our core that’s always identified, I don’t think they found anything about this Kroenke, a former University of basketball player, season to be acceptable, either. But I know from speaking to a few of acknowledged that he and Kroenke Sports — which also owns the them and a few of our management at the end of the year that they were Nuggets, Rapids, , and Arsenal of excited about the style of hockey that we started to play over the last part the English — largely delegate authority in their of the season.” operations, including with the Avalanche. On Sakic’s plan to tie up the core and fill in around it: “With the way the NHL is and has been since the (2004-05) lockout, it puts even more of an emphasis on drafting and development. I think that’s one of our main areas of focus where we’ve improved immensely over the last three years. I know it hasn’t shown up on the big club just yet. But over the last three weeks of the season, when some of the kids came up, we saw that they were NHL-ready. A lot of the struggles we had this season were a lack of depth. You can cite back to drafts from 2009 to 2012, there’s different areas in there when we know we let a few things get away from us. Those mistakes don’t show up right away. They show up down the road. As much as we want to say this season was a lost season, we provided a glimpse of hope, at least internally, of seeing some of the development that’s gone on down in San Antonio pay off with some of our young guys.” On the trading deadline last season: “Joe and I had lots of dialogue leading up to the deadline and my only message to him was, ‘Do what you think is right for the longterm, we don’t need to do something just to do something. If someone thinks we’re in the fire-sale mode based on our record and you don’t think the return is adequate for the player, then don’t hesitate to just sit.'” On the Avalanche attendance, while 26th in the league, not falling off as much as might be expected: “That’s why I say Denver’s a great hockey market. They want to see a competitive team, but it’s not like everyone vanished. That can go back to some of the success we’ve had over the last 20 years, obviously the first 10 more so than the last 10 … That builds a sense of loyalty and the fans are more inclined to give you the benefit of the doubt when you’re trying to rebound as an organization. And there’s no way around it, that’s obviously what we’re trying to do right now.” On the offseason, including free agency: “We’re going to have a little more flexibility this summer than we had last summer. There are going to be some free agents we have our eye on, but I don’t think, in speaking with Joe, there’s what magic bullet that we’re going to see out there and sign and bring us back immediately. If that’s the case, we need to continue to focus internally, develop our young guys, continue to focus on drafting well, buiding our depth throughout the organization, and eventually success will come.” On next season: “From a win-loss standpoint, I’ve always tried to shy away from predictions. But this summer people are going to see some changes. We’re going to be younger and faster heading into next season. We’re going to have (Varlamov) back from his hip surgeries and that’s going to be very big. When you lose your starting goaltender, no matter how the rest of the team is playing, I think that hurts not only on the ice, but it hurts psychologically as well. It’s going to be good to have everybody healthy.” Denver Post: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062896 Dallas Stars

Bubble players: Does it make sense for Stars to leave Stephen Johns unprotected?

By Mike Heika

The Vegas Golden Knights will get to stock their team starting June 17, and that means they have the opportunity to take a player from the Dallas Stars. Vegas will have the ability to select one player from all 30 teams, but also could strike a deal with the team to take draft picks or prospects. Each team is allowed to protect seven forwards, three defensemen and one goalie (or eight skaters and one goalie). There are also young players who are exempt and don't have to be protected, like Mattias Janmark and Julius Honka for the Stars. We will look this week at players the Stars might expose. Stephen Johns One of the biggest questions for the Stars this summer is who do they protect on defense in the expansion draft. Teams are allowed to protect three defensemen, and the Stars will definitely list John Klingberg and Esa Lindell. That means they have to choose between Dan Hamhuis, Jamie Oleksiak, Stephen Johns and Patrik Nemeth and protect just one. Hamhuis is 34 and has one year left on his contract, so the odds are the Golden Knights won't be picking him. The odds also are that Vegas won't take a chance on the inconsistent Nemeth, who played just 40 games last season. Bubble players: Could Stars leave Cody Eakin exposed in the expansion draft? That means you have to choose between Johns and Oleksiak, each of whom could be taken. So why would you choose to protect Oleksiak over Johns? Well, the stats say you shouldn't. Johns led the Stars in hits (159) and blocked shots (130) while playing in just 61 games. He is 6-4, 230 and one of the better skaters on defense. He tallied a respectable 4 goals and 6 assists for 10 points. Still, he made bad decisions and didn't read the game well. Even though Lindy Ruff and James Patrick trusted him to play two minutes more a game than Oleksiak (18:15 to 16:12), there was still frustration that Johns too often made the wrong play at the wrong time. Johns had 45 giveaways, which was third most among defensemen, despite the fact he played 20 fewer games, and it seems the Stars have trust issues with him. But would that be enough to allow him to be taken by Vegas? We'll find out when the expansion draft selections are revealed in June. Dallas Morning News LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062897 Detroit Red Wings

Detroit Red Wings add Adam Nightingale as assistant coach

Helene St. James , Detroit Free Press Published 12:35 p.m. ETMay 3, 2017 | Updated 7 minutes ago

The Red Wings have made a minor coaching staff change. Adam Nightingale joins the team as an assistant/video coach, after spending last season as video coach for the Buffalo Sabres. Nightingale, 37, is currently in Cologne, Germany, where he is video coordinator for the U.S. team, which is coached by the Wings’ Jeff Blashill. Nightingale was head coach at Shattuck St. Mary’s bantam team in 2014-16, winning a national title in 2016. He is originally from Cheboygan, and played collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State (2000- 02) and Michigan State (2003-05). He played pro hockey in the East Coast Hockey League. Evgeny Svechnikov leads Red Wings prospects into AHL's Round 2 Nightingale replaces Dave Noel-Bernier, who accepted a job as an assistant coach at his alma mater, University of Nebraska-Omaha. Last week, goaltending coach Jeff Salajko’s contract was renewed for another year. Head coach Jeff Blashill has two years left on his contract, assistant coach Doug Houda (defensemen, penalty kill) has two years left on his contract, and assistant coach John Torchetti (forwards, power play) has one year left on his contract. Pat Ferschweiler and Chris Chelios round out the assistant coaching staff.

Detroit Free Press LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062898 Detroit Red Wings Prior to joining the Sabres, Nightingale was head coach of powerhouse Shattuck-St. Mary’s (Minnesota) from 2014-16.

Goaltending depth Svechnikov ‘more hungry’ after brief stay with Wings The Red Wings signed Czech Republic goaltender Matej Machovsky to a one-year contract. Ted Kulfan , The Detroit News Published 2:08 p.m. ETMay 3, 2017 | Machovsky, 23, played the last four seasons in the Czech Republic for Updated 6 hours ago HC Plzen. In 178 games with HC Plzen, Machovsky was 94-84-0 with a 2.23 goals- Detroit — Evgeny Svechnikov didn’t take it as a disappointment or a against average and .923 save percentage, with 14 shutouts. letdown when he was sent back to Grand Rapids late this season. World championships Svechnikov played two games with the Red Wings — scoring the winning Dylan Larkin had two goals for Team USA in Tuesday’s 5-2 exhibition goal in the shootout April 3 against Ottawa — and didn’t look out of a victory over Italy. place for a 20-year-old in his first full professional season. Danny DeKeyser added an assist, and goaltender Jimmy Howard But, everyone knew this was only going to be a brief look-see for stopped 10 of 11 shots while playing half the game. Svechnikov, and that’s what it was. Team USA opens its tournament play Friday against host Germany (2:15 Still, rather than sulking, Svechnikov did the exact opposite. p.m. (EST)/NHL Network). “It made me more hungry,” Svechnikov said. “It gave me more confidence and it helped my game.” Detroit News LOADED: 05.04.2017 Svechnikov returned to Grand Rapids and finished off a fine regular season — 20 goals and 31 assists in 74 games — and it carried into the playoffs. Svechnikov was one of the Griffins’ best player in their first-round three- game sweep of Milwaukee, with one goal and three assists in the series. “He’s a young guy that is constantly looking to get better,” Griffins coach Todd Nelson said. “With his size and skill, that translates well to this time of year. He plays a complete game, and he’s a guy with a bright future.” A 2015 first-round draft pick, Svechnikov has done nothing to dim the enthusiasm or expectations surrounding his potential. He’s strong on his skates, is a fine skater, and appears willing to go to the net to make a play or create offense. As with most young players, defense was an issue early this season, but Svechnikov has progressed nicely. “He’s really grown as a player throughout the year,” Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill said during Svechnkov’s time in Detroit in April. “He works extremely hard at his game. In training camp he showed some flashes of skill but he needed to learn how to play to be effective. “Over the course of the season, he took steps in the right direction to learn how to play, how to be efficient and effective, not just the flashes of skill. “Making plays to create offense and be good defensively.” At 6–foot-3, 205 pounds Svechnikov already a big, strong frame. But there’s the expectation he’ll get even stronger, which will make Svechnikov that much more of a force with or without the puck. “He’s a big body,” Blashill said. “He’s real strong on the puck, he has good hands, can pass the puck excellent. He can shoot it, too, so it’s a good package.” Svechnikov is eager for the Griffins to begin the second round of the American League playoffs, which begins Wednesday night in Chicago. Svechnikov enjoyed the intensity of the first round, saying the feel of the games were completely different from the regular season. “The games are so great, so fun to play in, it’s disappointing we have to go through such a long season to get to these games,” Svechnikov said. “It’s been a lot of fun. You hear about it, and it’s true: It’s the best time of the year.” Winning a in his rookie pro season would be a thrill, said Svechnikov, who feels the Griffins have the roster to do so. “We just have to play like a hungry team,” Svechnikov said. “We definitely have confidence, but we have to keep working and play hard. We have the players (to win).” Adam Nightingale has been named the new assistant coach/video. Nightingale, 37, spent last season with the Buffalo Sabres as that team’s video coach.. Nightingale is currently serving as video coordinator on coach Blashill’s staff for Team USA at the 2017 world championships. 1062899 Detroit Red Wings

Red Wings hire Adam Nightingale as assistant coach/video

By Ansar Khan | [email protected] May 03, 2017 at 12:18 PM, updated May 03, 2017 at 12:32 PM

DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have hired Adam Nightingale as assistant coach/video. Nightingale, 37, spent the 2016-17 season as video coach for the Buffalo Sabres and is currently serving as video coordinator on head coach Jeff Blashill's staff for Team USA at the World Championship in Germany. Before joining the Sabres, Nightingale served as head coach of Shattuck St. Mary's bantam team for two seasons (2014-16), winning a national championship in 2016, in addition to working as video coordinator for the U.S. at the 2015 World Junior Championship. Before that, Nightingale spent four seasons (2010-14) as director of hockey operations and video coordinator at Michigan State. The native of Cheboygan split his collegiate career between Lake Superior State University (2000-02) and Michigan State (2003-05), compiling 37 points (including 18 goals) and 160 penalty minutes in 118 games and serving as an alternate captain for the Spartans as a junior and senior. Nightingale also played professionally, recording 10 goals, 27 points and 171 penalty minutes over four ECHL seasons with the Gwinnett Gladiators, Greenville Grrrowl and Charlotte Checkers between 2004-08. Previous video coach Dave Noel-Bernier left to become an assistant coach at Nebraska-Omaha, his alma mater.

Michigan Live LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062900 Detroit Red Wings

No. 1-ranked European skater projected to be Red Wings' top draft pick

By Brendan Savage | [email protected] May 03, 2017 at 6:06 AM, updated May 03, 2017 at 6:08 AM

With Pavel Datsyuk back in Russia, how about another forward from his homeland coming to Detroit via the first round of this year's NHL draft, Red Wings fans? A new mock draft sees the Red Wings adding exactly that to the organization. Bleacher Report is projecting the Red Wings will use the ninth overall pick in the first round of next month's NHL draft to select forward Klim Kostin of Russia. Kostin, who turns 18 Friday, had his season cut short by a shoulder injury and played in just 18 games in three Russia leagues. He had one goal, 33 penalty minutes and an even plus-minus rating. That included eight games with Dynamo Moscow in Russia's top league, the KHL. He had no points and 27 PIM. In 13 international games for Russia, Kostin had six goals, six assists and 43 PIM last season. "A big (6-3, 196), strong left-shot forward with very good puck control and skating ability," NHL.com's Mike G Morreale wrote in January. "He knows how to use his size and strength when skating toward the net and has good drive and determination. He's expected to miss about three months because of a shoulder injury." Despite his injury-shortened season, Kostin is the No. 1-ranked European skater in the draft, according to NHL Central Scouting. He was also ranked No. 1 at midseason. Kostin served as Russia's silver-medal winning team in the 2015 under- 17 World Hockey Challenge and was also captain of the country's 2016 U18 World Championship team and Ivan Hlinka Memorial squad.

Michigan Live LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062901 Detroit Red Wings

Martin Frk returns to make immediate impact in Game 1 for Griffins

By Peter J. Wallner | [email protected] May 03, 2017 at 11:28 PM, updated May 03, 2017 at 11:30 PM

Martin Frk showed within the first minute how eager he was to get on the ice for the postseason series against Chicago. The Griffins right winger, who missed the first round with an injury, scored 40 seconds in, added an assist minutes later on a power play goal - which was originally credited to him - and had five shots in a 4-1 win. "I was really excited," Frk said. "The whole day I was thinking about finally getting a chance to play, then first shift to get goal put us right in the game and felt great." His return made a big difference for the Griffins in the opener of the Central Division Finals. "Oh, he brought a lot of energy," coach Todd Nelson said with a chuckle. "I think scoring on his first shift gave him a lot of confidence and our power play produced - and that first power play was fast.They moved the puck well." The 23-year-old, the Griffins' leading scorer in the regular season with 27, missed the final three games of the regular season and all three in the division semifinals against Milwaukee with a shoulder injury. Getting a goal within the opening minute on a sweeping backhand provided some dividends. "I don't know if it was confidence, but it was where you want to do the little things right and I don't get too many goals with backhands, so maybe that's something I'll keep in mind for the future." His impact was also felt on the power play, an shortcoming in the first round as the Griffins went 2 of 16 with an 0 for 11 stretch inbetween. But one minute in on the Griffins' first man advantage, Frk's blast from the left circle blew past Villie Hossa, with a top later credited to Matthew Ford. The Griffins put on 17 shots in an impressive - albeit scoreless - second period that helped change the momentum of the game. "Getting that goal in the third from (Tomas Nosek) gave us some room," Frk said, "but that second period we were able to get in a lot of shot there later in the period." As for endurance in his first game in a month, Frk said it wasn't an issue. I tried not to overshift a shift on the ice and make sure that I kept my legs fresh, and I felt pretty good."

Michigan Live LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062902 Edmonton Oilers “If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying,” said Letestu. “The best guy in the league probably cheats the best. It’s one of those things where you’re just trying to get an advantage and the linesman is there to throw you out Dan Barnes: Anaheim Ducks winning face-off battle against Edmonton when it’s too over the line. It’s not like we’re not cheating. We’re not the Oilers as expected cleanest team in the league in face-offs. We just haven’t won as many as the other team right now.”

Nobody has won at a better clip than Vermette, who has always been Dan Barnes, Edmonton Journal good at it. Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 3, 2017 3:41 PM MDT “I think you get better as you gain experience,” he said. “Every aspect of the game, if you look back, is getting better and better. I’m sure if you look at some technique back when I started, I don’t think guys were paying as much attention. Now the game is so dissected in every aspect, Every other significant matchup is a fair fight: goaltending, power play you’ve got to pay more attention to it. versus penalty killing, goals for and against, coaching acumen. “There is certainly some timing involved. You’ve got to anticipate when But the Ducks own the face-off dot. The Oilers are being evicted. the puck is going to drop and try to adjust with what your opponent is If face-off winning percentage was a statistic that didn’t have any real- doing also.” world value, the Oilers could shrug off the fact they have been on the losing end in all three games. Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017 But face-off wins, by their very definition, reward the victors with puck possession. The loser has to chase. If the teams essentially alternate roles through 60 minutes, the game takes on a balanced look. When one team, let’s call them the Ducks, holds such a major advantage in the circle over another team, we’ll go with Oilers in this case, the imbalance is obvious throughout other facets of the game. There is no doubt the Oilers have had to chase the puck in this series, having been outgunned in the face-off dot 119-81 through three games. That they still owned a 2-1 advantage before Wednesday’s Game 4 at Rogers Place was testament to the goaltending prowess of Cam Talbot and a couple of lucky bounces for goals. “I think you realize more when you’re on a team that wins face-offs how much it really pays you dividends in terms of starting with the puck and having possession,” said Andrew Cogliano, who took plenty of draws as an Oiler but moved to the wing with Anaheim and doesn’t miss the work. “If we can start with the puck, if we can get our match-ups or changes at the right time, if we can create plays that make us create pressure on the forecheck, I think it helps us. So it’s big in terms of just overall possession of the game, and I think that’s gone a long way for us this year.” If a penalty killer wins a draw in the defensive zone, he takes valuable time off the clock and sends the other team’s power play 200 feet the other way. A clean win in the offensive zone on a power play comes back to the point for a shot on goal, and maybe a rebound, with three forwards ready to pounce. It simply increases your chance of success, no matter the mission. Face-offs have to become a team thing. Mark Letestu At 54.7 per cent through the regular season, the Ducks were tops on the dot in the NHL. The Oilers were dead last at 47 per cent. In the playoffs, the Ducks sat at 56 per cent through seven games, the Oilers at 44.6 per cent through nine. Vermette, who has been an elite faceoff man for years, led all full-time centremen in this series at 59.8 per cent prior to Game 4. Connor McDavid was dead last at 33.3 per cent. Worse yet, all of Anaheim’s full- time face-off men had better percentages than all of Edmonton’s pivots. “We have to be better as centremen,” Oilers centre Mark Letestu said Tuesday morning. “They were one, we were 30, so this disparity was probably expected a little bit coming into this series. But face-offs have to become a team thing. Your wingers have to get bumps inside, your D have to win pucks that are 50-50 pucks. Then maybe you bring that from a 70-30 (advantage for Anaheim) to a 55-45, something like that. “We’re probably not going to win the face-off battle, but we have to do a better job of at least turning those face-offs into battle situations where it’s not just a free set.” The Ducks scored just 25 seconds into Game 3 on a set play that sprung Rickard Rakell on a breakaway. The key was another face-off win. Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle kicked off this series by suggesting the Oilers would be whining to the referees about the Ducks’ tactics in the circle. If they have done any whining on that front, it hasn’t helped. What they ought to be doing is working harder or smarter to get an edge. And if that means cheating more effectively than the other guy, so be it. 1062903 Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017

'I thought we were supposed to be the team whining': Edmonton Oilers coach on Anaheim Ducks counterpart's 'white-glove' quip

Robert Tychkowski Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 3, 2017 12:06 PM MDT

Edmonton Oilers coach Todd McLellan took that white glove Randy Carlyle was talking about and slapped the Anaheim Ducks coach upside the head with it. “I thought we were supposed to be the team whining,” said McLellan, when asked Wednesday to respond to suggestions that referees are giving Connor McDavid preferential treatment in this second-round series with the Ducks. “That threw me off a little bit.” Zing. Carlyle said before the series even began that he expected the Oilers to be complaining about Anaheim cheating in the faceoff circle, then followed that up Tuesday by saying you can’t touch McDavid these days without drawing a penalty. “To me, it seems like there is something of a white-glove treatment for Mr. McDavid,” said Carlyle. “The restrictions on anybody touching him seem to be a little bit higher than normal.” It was an assertion that was quickly laughed off in the Oilers room. “I think he’s just trying to get the attention of the referees,” said Milan Lucic. “In saying that, with his speed and his skill, he’s going to create penalties and power plays. It’s happened all year long. He gets a step on a guy, a guy takes him down, takes away a scoring chance, that’s usually a penalty in my eyes. I think the referees have done a good job with him. “And on the other end, you can say the same thing the other way. I think they’ve gotten away with a lot. It’s part of the gamesmanship. We try not to let comments like that affect us too much.” McDavid has enough to worry about on the ice that he isn’t going to drawn into the war of words. “It doesn’t affect me,” he said. “It’s his opinion and he has the right to have that. If that’s what he thinks, then that’s what he thinks.” But no, he doesn’t think he or anybody else out there is getting an easy ride from the officials. “I think the ref is going to call the game the way he sees it,” McDavid said. “That’s what every ref would do. That’s how they’re taught to ref, that’s what they’re supposed to do. That’s their job. They’re going to call the game the way they see it.” If McDavid is drawing a lot of calls, McLellan says it’s because he’s one of a few players in the league who are a step above everyone else and opponents have no choice but to step outside the rules to try and slow them down — and referees have no choice but to call it sometimes. But if you’re keeping a ledger of times a superstar is fouled versus times penalties are called, the defenders come out way ahead. “I think there are two or three, maybe four players in the league who have to play through the hooking, holding and mauling, and they do a tremendous job of it,” said McLellan. “Yes, they do draw some penalties, but when all is said and done it could probably be double that amount. “The white glove part of it, I think that’s questioning the integrity of the officiating, so I’m going to stay out of that.” Early on in his career, McDavid wasn’t getting those calls. The hooking and holding and tripping went largely uncalled, as it does for most rookies in the NHL. But McDavid never said a peep, showing respect and earning respect from the men who call the games. “You have to earn their respect,” said McDavid. “I try not to do that. I try not to complain because it’s a hard game, things happen fast. The play is so fast out there that they are going to miss some things, and sometimes, they’re going to see something that I don’t see. “They’re only human, they can only call the game the way they see it.”

1062904 Edmonton Oilers pick ourselves up in there. They are a close group. They are supportive of each other.

“I think it’s a real good sign to have that. I think we’ve earned that Terry Jones: This group of Edmonton Oilers 'a family' throughout the year, too, building it as we go forward.” Keep that in mind as this series goes to Game 5 Friday in Anaheim. Terry Jones Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 3, 2017 12:17 PM MDT Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017

“We’re a very close group. I think a lot of the misery that a lot of our players have been through has resulted in that to some extent. As it began to turn, players were unified. They believe in each other and do a lot of things together. The players that were added by Peter Chiarelli and his staff fit the personality of the team.” Every day and every game is a study as Edmonton’s growing-before- your-eyes, two-steps-forward and one-step-back team proceeds along the Stanley Cup playoff trail. The Oilers one night prove that they’ve come a long way. The next night, they prove they have a long way to go. But as their coach said the other day almost in passing, they have grown into a very close group. And in there, somewhere, provides the hope that they can go further than anyone expected them to go in their first season back in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 11 years. “We do have a close group,” said Connor McDavid. “It’s fun to come to the rink and see these guys every day. It’s great for everything. When you have a close group and times are tough, it makes it easier. These are guys you want to dig in for and do everything you can for.” It’s visible to the naked eye, and whatever happens in this second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, it’s not going to go away. “Over the last two years, we’ve grown as a group,” said goaltender Cam Talbot. “As a whole, you can tell this group is so much closer this year. I think that’s why we are so much better at rebounding after games like the other night. “Everyone believes in this room, and there is not one guy who points fingers at another guy. Everybody tends to look at themselves first. I think that’s the biggest thing. “A team can’t start pointing fingers in the playoffs. You have to look in the mirror first. That we’re all like that in this room says a lot about this team.” “It’s tougher because you are under the microscope more here,” said Talbot of Gotham on the North Saskatchewan compared to New York, where he previously played for the Rangers. “In New York, there are six or seven other professional teams to worry about. They are not always focused on the Rangers. Here, there’s such a focus that it might be easier to deflect some of it. But guys are great at owning it, and that’s what it takes to be a great team.” Leon Draisaitl says the Oilers players “love playing for each other.” “We’re a very tight team,” he said. “We’re a family, and I think you can see that every night.” The players are cognizant and appreciative of that family feeling carrying over as changes are made by general manager Peter Chiarelli. “Everybody that we brought in has augmented that, too,” is how Mark Letestu phrased it. “Adam Larsson. Zack Kassian. Pat Maroon. Everybody just kind of hangs together,” Letestu said. “It’s just a good group. It feels special in here. “The precedent was set early. The guys were willing to fight for each other. Guys were willing to go battle. We care for each other. We have each other’s back. When things don’t go well, we just kind of come together and we’ve done it all year.” I think it’s a real good sign to have that. I think we’ve earned that throughout the year, too, building it as we go forward. Coach McLellan made the comment at the top of this column earlier in the playoffs. When your correspondent asked him to view this team togetherness going forward prior to Wednesday’s Game 4 against the Anaheim Ducks, he had more to say. “When you are around teams that don’t quite have that, you can certainly pick up on the vibe and the heart-beat of the locker-room,” he said. “Our group was disappointed in the result of the game the other day, but we 1062905 Edmonton Oilers “No,” he said. “I feel pretty good.” When Chiarelli’s quote about Draisaitl playing all those games with Kelowna after a half season with the Oilers was passed on to him, Terry Jones: Edmonton Oilers' Leon Draisaitl ahead by a century McDavid said he believes he’s benefitting from his deep runs in the playoffs with the Erie Otters as well. Terry Jones “I played a ton of games in junior.” Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 3, 2017 11:52 AM MDT When your agent suggested to head coach Todd McLellan Tuesday that despite the number of games they’ve played that his two young superstars appear relatively unaffected by it, he laughed. The so-called German Gretzky has played exactly 100 mean-something “Yeah, young legs. Wouldn’t it be nice to have those, all of us in here,” he hockey games so far this season. said. “We’re fortunate they’re young, they’re youthful and they have a real exuberance in their game. They’ve hauled big, heavy bodies around It’s funny, as the Anaheim Ducks return from two days in Kelowna that all season. Draisaitl’s general manager, Peter Chiarelli, thinks his guy will be the biggest benefactor on the ice tonight of having taken a trip to the “Leon started mid-August for the Olympic qualifier. That’s a lot of hockey Okanagan. right now for a 21-year-old. But he’s handling it fine, Conner as well. “I think the playoff experience in Kelowna really helped him,” said “I think that’s the Fountain of Youth right now.” Chiarelli of the Oilers pulling the parachute on Draisaitl’s rookie season two years ago to join the Rockets and go all the way to be MVP of the . Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017 “He’s played a lot of hockey this year starting with that Olympic qualification and the World Cup. I think playing at that high level really helped him through the season. “Todd had a great quote the other night about how it’s been with Leon and Connor McDavid. They push and they pull each other.” For Connor McDavid, the next actual Gretzky, it’s 94 mean-something games played to this point. People forget what the two have gone through as they go into Game 4 of the Pacific Division Final of their first Stanley Cup playoffs at ages 21 and 20 respectively. Draisaitl started his hockey season Sept. 1 in an IIHF Olympic Qualification Tournament in Riga, Latvia. He played three games in four days in a round robin against Japan, Austria and Latvia and scored a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win in the final game over Latvia to give Germany the spot in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics. He then flew to Toronto and played six tournament games for Ralph Krueger’s Team Europe, going all the way to the final against Canada. Draisaitl finished eighth in NHL scoring with 29 goals and 77 points. With two goals and six assists, he has eight points for his first nine Stanley Cup playoff games. McDavid played three games in the World Cup for Todd McLellan’s Team North America. He won the Art Ross Trophy and was named finalist for the Hart Trophy with his 30-goal, 70-assist 100-point season. McDavid with three goals and three assists has six points for his first nine Stanley Cup playoff games. And both, especially McDavid, are having to battle through the toughest checking they’ve ever experienced. If the expected response when your correspondent asked Draisaitl about hitting 100 games after practice Tuesday was “you’re kidding”, it was quite the opposite. “I’m way over 100 already,” he informed. “We had two games in Germany before the qualifying. Before the World Cup we had three exhibition games. And when I came back I played two pre-season games.” Add those up and he’ll play Game 108 tonight. “I did a good job taking care of my body all year. I’m fresh. I feel I still have the jump. I feel pretty good.” Draisaitl agrees with Chiarelli that the half season and run to the Memorial Cup with Kelowna went a long way to preparing him for this run. “Yeah, for sure. That was my first long playoff run and it helped me mentally and also physically. That definitely helped me.” McDavid is under some scrutiny because he’s not putting up regular- season numbers in the playoffs, although his goal in Game 3 might have been the greatest goal in the playoffs so far. Asked if he feel like he’s played 94-meaningful games, the youngest captain in the history of the NHL who played 45 games as a rookie last year, didn’t hesitate with his response. 1062906 Edmonton Oilers

Game Day: Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks, Game 4

Robert Tychkowski Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 3, 2017 5:00 AM MDT

Oilers: Mark Letestu He’s tied for the Oilers team with three goals in the playoffs, all on the power play, and has been a workhorse in the face-off circle. Oilers need another strong game from their veteran centre as they try to stake a 3-1 series lead. Ducks: Jakob SIlfverberg Anaheim’s winger had three points last game to bring his total to eight in seven playoff games this year. He has four goals and an assist in the three games against Edmonton so far. Oilers might want to rein this guy in. Who has the advantage Forwards: Ducks — The Ducks put up six goals on Edmonton last game. Defence: Oilers — They’ve been under siege, but still healthier and deeper. Goaltending: Ducks — Gibson definitely won the goaltending battle last time out. Power play: Ducks — Ducks clicking at 20.8 per cent in the playoffs so far. Penalty kill: Oilers — Ducks improving, but still have worst % of all remaining teams. Intangibles: Oilers — Oilers know they can’t let a 2-0 series lead slip away. Overall: Oilers — Oilers find a way to get their split on home ice. The Oilers haven’t lost back-to-back games at home since March 12. They are 11-2 in their last 13 games at Rogers Place. Jordan Eberle has two assists and has a plus/minus -4 in nine playoff games. He was still on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic at practice Tuesday. All of the other lines from the last game remained intact. Anaheim defenceman Hampus Lindholm was +5 in Sunday’s 6-3 win. Brandon Montour was +4. The Oilers have gone 36, 36 and 42 per cent in the faceoff circle through the first three games of the series, although Mark Letestu went 12-7 last game. Anaheim has an all-time record of 17-9 in Game 4s. Oilers goalie Cam Talbot has only lost two games in a row three times since Jan. 1. Ryan Getzlaf is one goal away from tying Ducks great Teemu Selanne for all-time playoff goals with 35. Injuries — Oilers: RW Tyler Pitlick (knee); Ducks: D Simon Despres (concussion), D Clayton Stoner (abdominal surgery), Kevin Bieksa (knee), RW Patrick Eaves (day-to-day, foot)

Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062907 Edmonton Oilers “The way I saw it, was I’m hitting his stick … I think only one other time have I been called on that, in pre-season when they had just put that rule was implemented,” said Vermette. R&R: Rest and Ryan Getzlaf benefit Ducks in 4-3 overtime win “Good for the heart and the character.”

Jim Matheson Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017 Published on: May 4, 2017 | Last Updated: May 4, 2017 1:03 AM MDT

When Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle was asked by a Kelowna newspaper scribe Tuesday if getting out of hockey-mad Edmonton for a few days would be worth it, he shrugged his shoulders. “We think it’ll benefit us but we’ll be judged by our performance in Game 4, won’t we?” he said. “Tied 2-2 or down 3-1. By tomorrow night about 10:30 or 11 in Edmonton, we’ll know.” Actually, it was closer to 11:15 p.m. but that’s a small quibble. We know now, the R&R (rest and Ryan Getzlaf) worked just fine even though the Oilers caught a break with a penalty to the NHL’s second best face-off guy, Antoine Vermette. He was nailed for putting his glove on the puck on a draw against Mark Letestu in the 16th minute of the third and Drake Caggiula tied it just after the penalty ended. In overtime, Rickard Rakell forechecked down on Adam Larsson along the wall, the puck went to Getztlaf and he fed Jakob Silfverberg for a wide-open one-timer for the 4-3 winner 45 seconds in. It was Getzlaf’s second assist to go with two goals as he grabbed his team by the throat as if to say, ‘Follow me,’ Wednesday. Especially in the second, when the Ducks had dug an 0-2 first-period hole. Getzlaf scored twice (his first- ever multiple-goal playoff game) and set up Rakell for another one in the middle frame. The Ducks captain was total calm under fire, cruising around the ice with that six-foot-four, 220-pound frame, playing keep-away as the series is now tied 2-2. It was the fourth road win of the playoffs for the Ducks, who also won two in their sweep of the Calgary Flames in Round 1. Getzlaf has eight points in the four games against the Oilers and 13 (seven goals) in the eight Ducks’ games this spring. But, guys get the C for two reasons, leadership and leadership. “When he goes like that we have no choice. We have to follow suit to compete like he does. And when he’s leading the charge, when he goes like that, I don’t know if you can stop him because he’s so big and so poised with the puck and makes those plays,” said Ducks winger Andrew Cogliano. “I don’t even know how to describe tonight. He was absolutely phenomenal, he won us the game. “He should be getting some serious praise. He’s been the difference in this series for us.” Silfverberg has also scored in all four games against the Oilers with five in all, and six this spring. He was on in overtime for Corey Perry, when he usually only plays with Getzlaf on the power play. Perry had a good game in place of the injured Patrick Eaves, but he’s been snake-bitten around the net this season, and was stopped by Cam Talbot on a two- on-one earlier in the game. “I made a terrible pass to Silfy before that in the neutral zone but he got in on the forecheck, Raks got in and made him give the puck up and I was able to get it over to Silfy and he does what he does,” said Getzlaf, who got no argument from Cogliano.. “If you want anybody there, you want Silfy. He practises that shot before every practice.” Silfverberg, who’d been robbed late in the second in the crease by Talbot, had about three steamboats before the puck got over and he unloaded, he was so alone. “I’d looped behind the net and I was thinking of going off,” said Silfverberg. “I’d turned my back on the play and didn’t see what happened (along the boards). Next thing I look and there’s Getzlaf and I’m wide-open. What can I say about him? Pretty much every shift he dominated. “Remarkable performance. When he plays with that aggressiveness and that physicality he pushes the whole team. He showed the team the right way tonight.” Vermette, who won 64 per cent of his draws, wasn’t happy with the face- off call as he fell to his knees after the draw, but his complaints fell on the usual deaf ears. The rule was put in because Zenon Konopka shovelled pucks back with his glove, but Vermette said it didn’t happen that way. 1062908 Edmonton Oilers ones, wanted to sign me,” said Letestu, who took an offer from the Pittsburgh Penguins. “I’m going to school now, still trying to finish my degree. I do it during the year and in the summer. I have a year and a No home-run play to open scoring for the Anaheim Ducks this time half left.” Letestu’s five-year-old hockey-playing son Cale has a favourite Oilers player, of course. Jim Matheson “Connor, of course,” Letestu said. “I think dad’s a close third, behind Cam Published on: May 3, 2017 | Last Updated: May 4, 2017 1:05 AM MDT (Talbot).” THIS ‘N’ THAT: Country star Brett Kissel was in the Rogers Place press box before singing the U.S. national anthem. “Lots of mic checks. The Anaheim Ducks didn’t work their ol’ trick play to open Wednesday’s Everything works,” he said. “But who knows, they might like the other Game 4 by springing Rickard Rakell for a breakaway goal 25 seconds in (crowd sung) version better?” … Ducks winger Patrick Eaves, who like they did in Game 3, but the home-run pass is always part of their injured his right foot in Game 3 in a neutral-zone collision with Patrick arsenal. Maroon, didn’t even try an optional Wednesday morning skate. So he was out for Game 4, with Corey Perry taking his old spot alongside Ryan Here’s the how and the what of a drawn-up, set-play when it works, Getzlaf. Rookie Czech winger Ondrej Kase was on the third line in place which usually looks way better on a grease-board or on paper. With a of Perry … The Oilers are still hot and heavy to sign local boy, Union face-off in the Ducks’ end, Andrew Cogliano hurried off after a Ryan College free-agent right-shot RW Spencer Foo, but like a kid who’s Kesler draw, and was replaced by Rakell, who got in behind everybody to deciding what school to go, he’s checking out other NHL teams. As one take Ryan Getzlaf’s long pass. team executive said, “The Oilers though have one selling feature nobody “Never skated that hard to sit on the bench,” laughed Cogliano. “Hey, I else has, McDavid.” Foo is still in school too, his year’s not over … Oilers made the play. I didn’t get anything for it, no plus, no nothing.” draftee Ethan Bear, playing for the Seattle Thunderbirds, was named the WHL’s defenceman of the year. With Cogliano leaving the ice to enter the bench at one end, they picked up about 20 feet with another winger darting out the other. “I thought it was a great play,” said Cogliano. “I didn’t think Raks cheated. Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017 He came out right as I as going in. “When we discussed it before the game, I thought there would be a 50- 50 puck (off the face-off), and I thought the play would be over. But when I saw Kes snap the puck back perfectly (to Brandon Montour), I thought this might work, so I better get going here. “But what’s missed is this: That pass that Getzlaf made … there’s maybe only three guys in the league who can make that pass. If we don’t have him feathering that, it doesn’t happen. And Raks scores.” How often does it ever work, even with all the game-planning? “Well, never. Well, not a lotm” Cogliano said. “We did a play in Washington this year too. Cam Fowler made the pass to Getzlaf and he worked an inside-out like a football receiver play and he caught the D. Yeah, we scored there, too.” “It can work against you though, if you don’t get the draw clean. If I’m rushing to bench, I’m not helping anybody out defensively. Then they’d maybe have gotten a good chance to score.” Oilers defenceman Matt Benning wasn’t surprised by the home-run play. “Nah, we were doing that when I was about 12 years old,” he said. “Learned it from my dad (former NHLer Brian Benning).” Former Oilers coach and goalie Ron Low was in the house with Oilers player development vice-president and ex-captain Kelly Buchberger as alumni VIPs for Game 4, and Low shrugged at Ducks coach Randy Carlyle statement that: “Connor McDavid is getting the white-glove treatment (from officials).” As Low said: “If you’re not working the officials, you’re not coaching. First game I saw Connor play in this series, he could have drawn 30 penalties. So, it’s all gamesmanship.” Being part of the goalie union, Low has the softest spot for Cam Talbot, though. “I remember running into MacT (Craig MacTavish) two years ago at the mailbox because we live pretty close to one another and we were talking about picking up a goalie,” Low said. “I said, ‘If these two guys are available, you should get them.’ One was Cam Talbot, the other was in Arizona. “I’d been talking to Glen (Sather in New York) about Talbot and he said when Henrilk Lundqvist got hurt that year, people said it was an easy job for Cam to win 16 or 18 games. He said, ‘Are you kidding? We were playing awful at that time.’ ’’ With so many players not finishing their four years of school before turning pro, Oilers centre Mark Letestu remembers being in that boat in 2006 after his first year at Western Michigan, sitting in the seats at Rexall Place at Game 4 of the Cup final against the Carolina Hurricanes. Suddenly, he had NHL teams wanting to sign him. “I was going for a degree in accounting because I wasn’t an NHL prospect but I had a great first year and four teams, two really serious 1062909 Edmonton Oilers assists in the playoffs and has moved past Ducks great Teemu Selanne for the all-time lead in post-season goals with 36.

Ducks' overtime win evens series against Edmonton Oilers 2-2 Edmonton Journal: LOADED: 05.04.2017

Robert Tychkowski Published on: May 4, 2017 | Last Updated: May 4, 2017 12:02 AM MDT

The Edmonton Oilers had the game and the series in a stranglehold, but somehow they were the ones who got choked out Wednesday. They were up 2-0 at home and seemingly in control, with a chance to go up 3-1 in their second round series with the Anaheim Ducks, only to let everything slip away in a crushing 4-3 overtime defeat. Anaheim’s Jakob Silfverberg landed the kill shot, scoring 45 seconds into the extra period (after Drake Caggiula tied it with 1:42 left in regulation) to pull the Ducks back to even after losing the first two games at home. It’s now a best-of-three with Anaheim controlling all of the momentum. “We were in this same position last series,” said Edmonton captain Connor McDavid. “We’re going into a building where we’ve had success before, we’re comfortable playing there. “You never want to play a series where you lose both games at home, but that’s the case for both teams — now it’s a race to two.” Ryan Getzlaf ran Anaheim’s show all night, scoring two goals and adding two assists in the win. He was also plus four and went 62 per cent in the face-off circle. “He’s a big body, he skates well and he’s very skilled,” said McDavid. “That adds up to a good hockey player. We have to find a way to control him.” The fact the series is shifting back to Anaheim for Game 5 Friday is no big deal to Oilers coach Todd McLellan. “We won two games in their building, obviously it’s a road series,” he said. “We’ll take road ice advantage into Game 5.” What is of concern is that Edmonton still hasn’t played a full 60 minutes of their best hockey in this series, and the time to start is well past due. The first period was their best of the series — they delivered intense pressure, two clutch penalty kills and a pair of late goals from Milan Lucic and McDavid to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission — but it trailed off badly after that, As good as Edmonton was in the first, Anaheim was better in the second. They outshot Edmonton 21-5 and outscored them 3-0. Getzlaf, who’s been a man on a mission in this series, cut the lead to 2-1 at 1:37 (after a long and very close goaltender interference challenge on Corey Perry didn’t go Edmonton’s way), set up Rickard Rakell at 5:35 and silenced the crowd with the go-ahead goal at 14:25. “Obviously I disagreed with the challenge result, I thought he interfered,” said McLellan. “I thought he interfered with the blocker and he couldn’t make the save. They obviously didn’t see it that way. “(Anaheim) gained a little momentum from that. Then they get the second one, it bounced around it and it was a lucky break. Then the third one. It took a lot of life and energy out of the building and even more so out of us. It took a lot of work to get back into the game.” Talbot said he was definitely interfered with, but probably didn’t get the call because he didn’t flop. “I try to play with integrity in my game, I’m not a guy who’s going to flop and dive and try to get calls,” he said. “But if those are the goals that are going to count when I’m trying my best to make a save then maybe I do have to flop and dive and get those calls like all the other guys.” The Oilers launched a push back in the third period, and had their best opportunity to pull even with 3:46 left when Antoine Vermette gloved a puck off the face-off to give Edmonton a last chance power play. Seconds after the penalty expired, and with Talbot on the bench for the extra attacker, Caggiula roofed a rebound from the Anaheim doorstep to send it to overtime. LATE HITS: Jordan Eberle got busted down to the fourth line, replaced on the second line by Anton Slepyshev, for his part in Anaheim’s first goal of the period. Eberle had two chances to get the puck out of the defensive zone and didn’t … Getzlaf already has seven goals and six 1062910 Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2017

Oilers coach on Ducks counterpart's 'white glove' quip: 'I thought we were supposed to be the team whining'

BY ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017 12:06 PM MDT | UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017 12:09 PM MDT

Edmonton Oilers coach Todd McLellan took that white glove Randy Carlyle was talking about and slapped the Anaheim Ducks coach upside the head with it. “I thought we were supposed to be the team whining,” said McLellan, when asked Wednesday to respond to suggestions that referees are giving Connor McDavid preferential treatment in this second-round series with the Ducks. “That threw me off a little bit.” Zing. Carlyle said before the series even began that he expected the Oilers to be complaining about Anaheim cheating in the faceoff circle, then followed that up Tuesday by saying you can’t touch McDavid these days without drawing a penalty. “To me, it seems like there is something of a white-glove treatment for Mr. McDavid,” said Carlyle. “The restrictions on anybody touching him seem to be a little bit higher than normal.” It was an assertion that was quickly laughed off in the Oilers room. “I think he’s just trying to get the attention of the referees,” said Milan Lucic. “In saying that, with his speed and his skill, he’s going to create penalties and power plays. It’s happened all year long. He gets a step on a guy, a guy takes him down, takes away a scoring chance, that’s usually a penalty in my eyes. I think the referees have done a good job with him. “And on the other end, you can say the same thing the other way. I think they’ve gotten away with a lot. It’s part of the gamesmanship. We try not to let comments like that affect us too much.” McDavid has enough to worry about on the ice that he isn’t going to drawn into the war of words. “It doesn’t affect me,” he said. “It’s his opinion and he has the right to have that. If that’s what he thinks, then that’s what he thinks.” But no, he doesn’t think he or anybody else out there is getting an easy ride from the officials. “I think the ref is going to call the game the way he sees it," McDavid said. "That’s what every ref would do. That’s how they’re taught to ref, that’s what they’re supposed to do. That’s their job. They’re going to call the game the way they see it.” If McDavid is drawing a lot of calls, McLellan says it’s because he’s one of a few players in the league who are a step above everyone else and opponents have no choice but to step outside the rules to try and slow them down — and referees have no choice but to call it sometimes. But if you’re keeping a ledger of times a superstar is fouled versus times penalties are called, the defenders come out way ahead. “I think there are two or three, maybe four players in the league who have to play through the hooking, holding and mauling, and they do a tremendous job of it,” said McLellan. “Yes, they do draw some penalties, but when all is said and done it could probably be double that amount. “The white glove part of it, I think that’s questioning the integrity of the officiating, so I’m going to stay out of that.” Early on in his career, McDavid wasn’t getting those calls. The hooking and holding and tripping went largely uncalled, as it does for most rookies in the NHL. But McDavid never said a peep, showing respect and earning respect from the men who call the games. “You have to earn their respect,” said McDavid. “I try not to do that. I try not to complain because it’s a hard game, things happen fast. The play is so fast out there that they are going to miss some things, and sometimes, they’re going to see something that I don’t see. “They’re only human, they can only call the game the way they see it.”

1062911 Edmonton Oilers Keep that in mind as this series goes to Game 5 Friday in Anaheim.

Terry Jones: This group of Edmonton Oilers 'a family' Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2017

BY TERRY JONES, EDMONTON SUN FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017 11:41 AM MDT | UPDATED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017 11:45 AM MDT

Every day and every game is a study as Edmonton’s growing-before- your-eyes, two-steps-forward and one-step-back National Hockey League team proceeds along the Stanley Cup playoff trail. The Oilers one night prove that they’ve come a long way. The next night, they prove they have a long way to go. But as their coach said the other day almost in passing, they have grown into a very close group. And in there, somewhere, provides the hope that they can go further than anyone expected them to go in their first season back in the Stanley Cup playoffs in 11 years. “We do have a close group,” said Connor McDavid. “It’s fun to come to the rink and see these guys every day. It’s great for everything. When you have a close group and times are tough, it makes it easier. These are guys you want to dig in for and do everything you can for.” It’s visible to the naked eye, and whatever happens in this second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, it’s not going to go away. “Over the last two years, we’ve grown as a group,” said goaltender Cam Talbot. “As a whole, you can tell this group is so much closer this year. I think that’s why we are so much better at rebounding after games like the other night. “Everyone believes in this room, and there is not one guy who points fingers at another guy. Everybody tends to look at themselves first. I think that’s the biggest thing. “A team can’t start pointing fingers in the playoffs. You have to look in the mirror first. That we’re all like that in this room says a lot about this team.” It isn’t easy in a place like Edmonton. “It’s tougher because you are under the microscope more here,” said Talbot of Gotham on the North Saskatchewan compared to New York, where he previously played for the Rangers. “In New York, there are six or seven other professional teams to worry about. They are not always focused on the Rangers. Here, there’s such a focus that it might be easier to deflect some of it. But guys are great at owning it, and that’s what it takes to be a great team." Leon Draisaitl says the Oilers players "love playing for each other." “We’re a very tight team," he said. "We’re a family, and I think you can see that every night.” The players are cognizant and appreciative of that family feeling carrying over as changes are made by general manager Peter Chiarelli. “Everybody that we brought in has augmented that, too,” is how Mark Letestu phrased it. “Adam Larsson. Zack Kassian. Pat Maroon. Everybody just kind of hangs together," Letestu said. "It’s just a good group. It feels special in here. “The precedent was set early. The guys were willing to fight for each other. Guys were willing to go battle. We care for each other. We have each other’s back. When things don’t go well, we just kind of come together and we’ve done it all year.” Coach McLellan made the comment at the top of this column earlier in the playoffs. When your correspondent asked him to view this team togetherness going forward prior to Wednesday’s Game 4 against the Anaheim Ducks, he had more to say. “When you are around teams that don’t quite have that, you can certainly pick up on the vibe and the heart-beat of the locker-room," he said. "Our group was disappointed in the result of the game the other day, but we pick ourselves up in there. They are a close group. They are supportive of each other. “I think it’s a real good sign to have that. I think we’ve earned that throughout the year, too, building it as we go forward.” 1062912 Edmonton Oilers

Game Day: Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks, Game 4 of Western Conference semifinal

BY ROBERT TYCHKOWSKI FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017 04:54 AM MDT | UPDATED: TUESDAY, MAY 02, 2017 02:58 PM MDT

Oilers: Mark Letestu He’s tied for the Oilers team with three goals in the playoffs, all on the power play, and has been a workhorse in the face-off circle. Oilers need another strong game from their veteran centre as they try to stake a 3-1 series lead. Ducks: Jakob SIlfverberg Anaheim’s winger had three points last game to bring his total to eight in seven playoff games this year. He has four goals and an assist in the three games against Edmonton so far. Oilers might want to rein this guy in. The Oilers haven’t lost back-to-back games at home since March 12. They are 11-2 in their last 13 games at Rogers Place… Jordan Eberle has two assists and has a plus/minus -4 in nine playoff games. He was still on the second line with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins and Milan Lucic at practice Tuesday. All of the other lines from the last game remained intact … Anaheim defenceman Hampus Lindholm was +5 in Sunday’s 6-3 win. Brandon Montour was +4 … The Oilers have gone 36, 36 and 42 per cent in the faceoff circle through the first three games of the series, although Mark Letestu went 12-7 last game … Anaheim has an all-time record of 17-9 in Game 4s … Oilers goalie Cam Talbot has only lost two games in a row three times since Jan. 1 … Ryan Getzlaf is one goal away from tying Ducks great Teemu Selanne for all-time playoff goals with 35.

Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062913 Edmonton Oilers Asked if he feel like he’s played 94-meaningful games, the youngest captain in the history of the NHL who played 45 games as a rookie last year, didn’t hesitate with his response. Jones: Draisaitl hits century mark for the season “No,” he said. “I feel pretty good.” When Chiarelli’s quote about Draisaitl playing all those games with BY JIM MATHESON Kelowna after a half season with the Oilers was passed on to him, McDavid said he believes he’s benefitting from his deep runs in the FIRST POSTED: TUESDAY, MAY 02, 2017 07:47 PM MDT | UPDATED: playoffs with the Erie Otters as well. TUESDAY, MAY 02, 2017 07:52 PM MDT “I played a ton of games in junior.”

When your agent suggested to head coach Todd McLellan Tuesday that Leon Draisaitl is at 100. despite the number of games they’ve played that his two young superstars appear relatively unaffected by it, he laughed. The so-called German Gretzky has played exactly 100 mean-something hockey games so far this season. “Yeah, young legs. Wouldn’t it be nice to have those, all of us in here,” he said. “We’re fortunate they’re young, they’re youthful and they have a It’s funny, as the Anaheim Ducks return from two days in Kelowna that real exuberance in their game. They’ve hauled big, heavy bodies around Draisaitl’s general manager, Peter Chiarelli, thinks his guy will be the all season. biggest benefactor on the ice tonight of having taken a trip to the Okanagan. “Leon started mid-August for the Olympic qualifier. That’s a lot of hockey right now for a 21-year-old. But he’s handling it fine, Conner as well. “I think the playoff experience in Kelowna really helped him,” said Chiarelli of the Oilers pulling the parachute on Draisaitl’s rookie season “I think that’s the Fountain of Youth right now.” two years ago to join the Rockets and go all the way to be MVP of the Memorial Cup. “He’s played a lot of hockey this year starting with that Olympic Edmonton Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2017 qualification and the World Cup. I think playing at that high level really helped him through the season. “Todd had a great quote the other night about how it’s been with Leon and Connor McDavid. They push and they pull each other.” For Connor McDavid, the next actual Gretzky, it’s 94 mean-something games played to this point. People forget what the two have gone through as they go into Game 4 of the Pacific Division Final of their first Stanley Cup playoffs at ages 21 and 20 respectively. Draisaitl started his hockey season Sept. 1 in an IIHF Olympic Qualification Tournament in Riga, Latvia. He played three games in four days in a round robin against Japan, Austria and Latvia and scored a goal and an assist in a 3-2 win in the final game over Latvia to give Germany the spot in the PyeongChang 2018 Olympics. He then flew to Toronto and played six tournament games for Ralph Krueger’s Team Europe, going all the way to the final against Canada. Draisaitl finished eighth in NHL scoring with 29 goals and 77 points. With two goals and six assists, he has eight points for his first nine Stanley Cup playoff games. McDavid played three games in the World Cup for Todd McLellan’s Team North America. He won the Art Ross Trophy and was named finalist for the Hart Trophy with his 30-goal, 70-assist 100-point season. McDavid with three goals and three assists has six points for his first nine Stanley Cup playoff games. And both, especially McDavid, are having to battle through the toughest checking they’ve ever experienced. If the expected response when your correspondent asked Draisaitl about hitting 100 games after practice Tuesday was “you’re kidding”, it was quite the opposite. “I’m way over 100 already,” he informed. “We had two games in Germany before the qualifying. Before the World Cup we had three exhibition games. And when I came back I played two pre-season games.” Add those up and he’ll play Game 108 tonight. “I did a good job taking care of my body all year. I’m fresh. I feel I still have the jump. I feel pretty good.” Draisaitl agrees with Chiarelli that the half season and run to the Memorial Cup with Kelowna went a long way to preparing him for this run. “Yeah, for sure. That was my first long playoff run and it helped me mentally and also physically. That definitely helped me.” McDavid is under some scrutiny because he’s not putting up regular- season numbers in the playoffs, although his goal in Game 3 might have been the greatest goal in the playoffs so far. 1062916 opportunity for our staff in the most immediate future and then you see how things develop,” Cheeseman said.

For the organization, it’s also important to reinforce its ties in Berlin, GERMAN CONNECTION REINFORCED WITH LIQUI MOLY where an L.A. Live-like entertainment center, Mercedes Platz, is under PARTNERSHIP construction next to the Mercedes Benz Arena that the Eisbären play out of. JON ROSEN MAY 3, 20170 COMMENTS “[Anschutz has] been involved in the Berlin marathon, he’s run the Berlin marathon with his daughters before, so he has a lot of personal attachment to the marketplace,” Cheeseman said. “We’ve won a lot of championships there, and frankly, he just wants to make sure that we’re Just as the Los Angeles Kings are in preparation to cross the Pacific successful again and get that team back up to championship standards Ocean to grow its brand and build partnerships as part of the NHL China that we had for many years.” Games, Liqui Moly, the automotive chemicals, oils and lubrications specialists, is vying to build a bridge across the Atlantic to become the So even if “corporate synergy” sounds as if it came straight from a board first German oil brand to market itself in professional American athletics. room of one of the skyscrapers towering over , it’s As such, Liqui Moly will become the first company to build a sponsorship certainly an accurate depiction of this particular business-minded thrust with all three AEG-owned hockey teams: the Kings, the that AEG hopes can reestablish the success of its model German and Eisbären Berlin. program while also strengthening relationships between the Kings and Reign and businesses that would love to use sports teams as a means of There’s a lot of corporate syntax involved here. Cross-marketing. Target reaching a wider audience. groups. Sponsorship activation. Kings and Reign fans won’t be overly aware of the day-to-day orchestration of the marriage, which to this point “It’s a great business opportunity to merge all three teams,” Robitaille has been most visible in the Liqui Moly dasher boards advertisements said. “The one thing that AEG and our global partnership group has done that have surfaced in Los Angeles and Ontario and will remain for the really well is they’re really client friendly, they really make our partners next three seasons. are happy, they’re Kings fans, they understand what we stand for, which we’re always trying to be the best, and we want to have the same For business endeavors, the partnership allows Liqui Moly additional structure in Berlin, and in Ontario’s the same. recognition in the largest car market in the world. “You never know in sports. One year is good, one year is bad, but the “We entered that market a few years ago, but now we the push the pedal one thing we always want is striving to be the best, and in Berlin they to the bottom and invest in brand increase, so it was a quite close idea to won seven championships out of nine years. They’ve slipped a little bit in cooperate with a top sports club in the U.S., and that’s NHL.” Based on a the last few years, and we don’t want that to stay and the Reign have had strong relationship with Eisbären – the German word for polar bears – really good success, and it’s the same here with the Kings. We’ve had the company decided to expand more decisively into a United States sellouts after sellouts. This is one of those things where we can give a market. few companies an opportunity to expand their brand in those markets.” But more locally, this partnership relates to the strengthening Luc Robitaille, on his role on the board with Eisbären Berlin: consolidation of AEG executives between the company’s American and German interests, which will be at its most visible when Kings President I think the biggest thing is to give the opportunity for the team to get back Luc Robitaille and AEG Chief Operating Officer Kelly Cheeseman travel to the level that everyone expects them to be. I think in the past it’s no to Germany as part of the Eisbären Berlin Board of Directors with the one’s fault where you’re, I think that it was really ran tight as a business Kings now overseeing all operations of the DEL club. Mike O’Connell, but it wasn’t really run as much as a hockey team and we’re just going to Los Angeles’ Senior Advisor to the General Manager/Development, will go and help them run as a hockey team. And we just want to get Peter also aid in Berlin’s hockey operations efforts. Lee there, who’s the CEO, and the opportunity for him to run the team the way he wants to run it. So it gives him an opportunity to win a “They’ll probably be involved in our development camp here. It could be a championship. Look, our focus is always the Kings. It’s never gonna stop. possibility that we run one there for them as well,” O’Connell said. “Sit So for us, we’re just on the board, and he’s going to come up to us with with the coaching staff and kind of tell them what we see, and have them his budget, with his decision-making and we’re going to approve and tell us what they see.” we’re going to help him into building his business the way it should be. In hockey operations, the goals of the partnership surround returning the Kelly Cheeseman, on what a typical fan might notice about the new Eisbären back to a Championship-model franchise. Berlin won seven partnership: DEL titles in a nine-year span between 2005 and 2013. Because of the graduation of many prospects into more advanced stages of the I think there will definitely be branding opportunities that we’ll continue to professional game, and because, for instance, Los Angeles had only four evaluate and develop, especially as the summer goes on. You know, all draft picks last year, spots at development camp have been taken by three teams are currently meeting to evaluate how we’re going to do do German players in addition to the general camp invites and players on that. You’ll see probably a lot more opportunities, especially in Ontario AHL contracts. Three Eisbären skaters took part at last year’s and Berlin, of bringing the Kings logos in there like you’ve seen on development camp. affiliation nights before. So it’s a big part of it. We like to make sure all three teams have an opportunity in each of those markets. “I think you’ll see different transactions going across the pond probably four to six times a year between different staff members,” Cheeseman Cheeseman, on serving on the board of Eisbären Berlin with Luc said. “So the development camp we’re planning this summer in June or Robitaille: July, we’d like to have our strength and conditioning coaches, our trainers go over there and help them in addition to the development staff Yeah, what was different before is really all we did was consult to them, that’s coming over. In addition to that we’ve had obviously their coaches give them some analysis and some business planning expectations, but and some players coming in for our development camp so we’ll see more we weren’t accountable to them and they weren’t accountable to us, so in consistent exchanges.” this case they report directly to us, which creates a whole different level of expectation, of accountability especially, and also, there wasn’t as Berlin is coached by former Stanley Cup hero Uwe Krupp, who served as strong of a hockey connection. We were doing some development work an on-ice instructor during Los Angeles’ 2015 development camp, which out there with Mike O’Connell and his staff, but now we’re talking about was also attended by several executives of DEL teams and a small how can we help the players, how can we help the scouting, how can we handful of German reporters. make sure that they have the resources to win. There probably aren’t going to be opportunities for Kings prospects to be Mike O’Connell, on any added responsibilities with the team in Germany: loaned to Berlin, but there still exists the possibility for links between the Eisbären staff and players that have come through Los Angeles. A We’ve changed our involvement with them. More of an affiliate now, former defenseman for the ECHL’s Reign and Manchester Monarchs, we’re going to monitor a lot of the things they do along with the business former Kings farmhand Alex Roach totaled two assists in 21 games with side and they’re in the second round of the playoffs [Ed: Berlin was in the Berlin this past season. second round at the time of this interview; despite a losing regular season record, they advanced to the league semi-finals, where they lost “I think probably the biggest example where you may see that to the eventual champion, EHC München.] and that’s just basically opportunity, and it’s going to be as those opportunities arise, but we support. If they have some questions regarding the next year and what typically always have a goalie down in Manchester, and maybe this is a kind of players they’re looking for and the whole bit, well, then we’ll help better league for a goalie to be in versus the ECHL, and that could be an them with this. That’s basically what it is right now. We’re a support role.

LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062917 Los Angeles Kings An insurance goal by their former teammate Jordan Samuels-Thomas at 14:20 of the third put to rest any and all hopes of making it a game. Samuels-Thomas’ shot was his team’s 15th and final one on Campbell, REIGN’S SEASON CLOSES WITH UNLIKELY, ALBEIT FITTING who looked especially uncomfortable at the end of the second when GOALTENDING ORDEAL having to move side-to-side on the Gulls’ final power play. In the end, the Reign did all they could under the bizarre circumstances. LINDSAY CZARNECKI MAY 3, 20170 COMMENTS “The mentality is such, man, I’m proud of the guys for just focusing enough to deal with what was going on here,” Stothers said. “Until you were actually were experiencing it down in the locker room area, you can’t even describe it.” In some weird, unfortunate way, it was fitting that Ontario’s season would end under the unlikeliest of scenarios. But for this organization as whole, this was the year of the goalie injury. The Kings’ season started with Jonathan Quick going down and the The scoresheet will forever read: Gulls 4, Ontario Reign 1, but Reign’s ended with Campbell unable to play at 100 percent. He declined the story of game and the 24 hours leading up to it will always be about to talk to the media afterwards and didn’t want to divulge any details this you-had-to-be-there goalie ordeal. about his injury. The morning of the Reign’s winner-take-all Game 5 on Tuesday against But of course the Reign’s season would end with yet another bizarre Gulls started with a big, unexpected question: Would No. 1 goalie Jack story, right? Don’t forget, this was the season when goalie coach Dusty Campbell be available? Imoo backed up his son Jonah in a game in late October. That was due to injuries up to both Quick and Zatkoff. That secret was even news to some of his teammates. “I think we’ve faced so much adversity this year that, I mean, this was The Reign’s rock the whole season and series, played through his team’s something that almost you’d expect from our team right now,” forward Game 4 victory a night prior despite suffering a lower-body injury in the Jonny Brodzinski said. “Throughout the whole year I think that we’ve had opening twenty. Head coach Mike Stothers decided after morning skate a lot of guys hurt in a lot of crucial moments in this season and we’ve just that Campbell wouldn’t even put his gear on for the decisive game. battled through it the entire year and this was just another test for us.” So veteran Jeff Zatkoff instead led the group out for warmups. That was It was one they couldn’t overcome. the first surprise. Minutes later he was face-down on the ice in serious pain and being attended before being escorted off by trainer Mike Muir with the assistance of forward Michael Mersch. That was the second (and also horrible) surprise. LA Kings Insider: LOADED: 05.04.2017 His teammates skated around somewhat aimlessly, attempting to prepare for their biggest game of the season before heading back to the locker room. Jack Flinn, the 22-year-old of who played in just five games with the Reign all season and was mostly relegated to work with ECHL- Manchester, would start. “I guess it’s a continuation of what’s turned out to be a wacky season as far as goaltending goes, and goalies getting hurt and situations that arise,” head coach Mike Stothers said following the loss, adding, “it was, a tough thing to deal with at the start of, it happened in a short amount of time and there wasn’t a whole lot of time to get anybody’s head wrapped around it. So, it’s unfortunate.” The third-string Flinn hadn’t played since April 8 and was forced to enter in the Reign’s biggest game of the season. “Well, there wasn’t a whole lot of time to think about it so I just focused on trying to stop pucks,” he said. He did fine at the start. The Reign had to kill a penalty just 17 seconds in, so he was indeed tested. But San Diego had the right idea: Get pucks in on the netminder till he cracked and the Reign couldn’t hold off the barrage. The Gulls finally put away three goals on 11 shots in a 2:37 span in the opening 11:40: A Nic Kerdiles power play redirect, a Keaton Thompson blast from the left point and the final one, an oh-so- unfortunate one as a shot bounced off Kevin Roy’s skate and in. That was it for Flinn, who Stothers said “deserves a lot of praise.” “That’s a real tough situation for anybody to go into and he faced it head- on. He didn’t look the least bit worried or nervous, he just wanted to help his team out,” Stothers said. When the gate near the Reign locker room opened out came Campbell in relief: “He goes from not even suiting up to all of a sudden getting his stuff on … stretching out. He was still limited with the injury he had. Took some time. Who was expecting what happened to Zats to happen in warmup? You could have never predicted that one,” Stothers said. To start the game Campbell wasn’t on the bench because, well, there’s no room for backup netminders there in San Diego’s old barn, the Valley View Casino Center. Instead, the trainers have an ear bud to chat with those back in the locker room and that was Stothers’ mean of communication back to Campbell. When he entered he was steady, although, limited. Ontario did a valiant job keeping the puck out of his direction during the comeback attempt. They peppered the Gulls’ Jhonas Enroth with 16 shots in the second period and then another 15 in the third. They broke through on a third period goal by Brett Sutter, but failed to score on four power plays, finishing 1-for-16 in the series. 1062918 Minnesota Wild

Jason Zucker to undergo sports hernia surgery Thursday

By Michael Russo MAY 3, 2017 — 11:49AM

Jason Zucker, coming off a career year, is expected to undergo surgery for a sports hernia Thursday in Philadelphia, Wild sources say. The Wild will make an announcement Thursday after a core muscle injury expert who has operated on multiple professional athletes and several Wild players can better assess Zucker's recovery time. Zucker missed three games down the stretch of the regular season with a lower body injury. In his first game back April 6 at Colorado, Zucker scored 10 seconds into the game to match his own team record for fastest goal to start a game. Typically, Wild players who have undergone core muscle surgery recover by training camp. Zucker, 25, scored a career-high 22 goals, 25 assists and 47 points last season, had a career-high 172 shots and 11 multi-point games and tied with teammate Ryan Suter with a league-leading plus-34. Zucker's tying goal in Game 5 against the St. Louis Blues forced overtime. Monday, Christian Folin underwent right shoulder surgery. Tuesday, Marco Scandella underwent left hip surgery. Both are expected to be recovered by training camp. Mikael Granlund also played in the playoff with a broken right hand. It's believed Suter was also affected in the playoffs with an upper body injury. It's unclear if he'll need surgery. GM Chuck Fletcher's longstanding policy is to not announce surgeries until they occur because often doctors find out things are better or worse once they operate and recovery times will be more accurate afterward.

Star Tribune LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062919 Montreal Canadiens

McDavid is receiving ‘white-glove treatment’ from referees: Carlyle

MARTY KLINKENBERG EDMONTON — The Globe and Mail Published Wednesday, May 03, 2017 5:07PM EDT

Anaheim Ducks coach Randy Carlyle has complained to the NHL that Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid is receiving “white-glove treatment” from referees. Carlyle, whose team was assessed the second-most penalty minutes in the league this season, says the Ducks have given video to a league supervisor who oversees officials assigned to the Edmonton-Anaheim series in an attempt to prove their contention. McDavid, who drew more penalties (38) than any player in the NHL this season, has drawn one in each of the first three games in the second round. Game 4 was to be played in Edmonton on Wednesday night. “We all have tape and review infractions on the ice,” Carlyle said. “We think there are situations where people are getting preferential treatment. We have had a conversation with the overseer [of referees] to get an explanation off what’s involved.” Edmonton coach Todd McLellan was amused when he heard about Carlyle’s complaint. Earlier, the Anaheim coach asserted that the suggestion that the Oilers are a young team is “a load of crap” and predicted that McLellan would be whining about his team’s inability to win faceoffs. “I thought we were supposed to be the team whining,” McLellan said. “This surprises me. It is questioning the integrity of the officials. I am going to stay out of it.” The Ducks were flagged for 32 minutes in the first three games, two of which were won by the Oilers. Edmonton was called for 30. “That’s a silly thing for [Carlyle] to say,” Oilers centre Mark Letestu said. “The referees treat all players and teams the same. Connor has the puck all the time. Of course, he is going to draw more penalties.” McDavid, the league scoring leader during the regular season with 100 points, has a goal and an assist in the first three games. He has been tightly checked by Ryan Kesler. He is one of the top defensive forwards in the NHL, and unafraid to bend the rules if it gives him the advantage. With so much at stake, it would be no surprise if the Oilers had been quietly complaining to the league at the same time as the Ducks. “This is not something new,” Carlyle said. “This stuff has been going on for years.” McDavid smiled when he was asked about Carlyle’s comment. “It doesn’t affect me,” Edmonton’s 20-year-old captain said. “It’s his opinion. If that is what he thinks, that’s what he thinks.”

Globe And Mail LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062920 Nashville Predators

Rexrode's Playoff Barometer: Whining, scrapping and singing

Joe Rexrode , USA TODAY NETWORK -- Tennessee Published 3:33 p.m. CT May 3, 2017 | Updated 4 hours ago

For as long as the Predators are in the playoffs, we’ll take the temperature of the series the morning after each game. History in the forecast: The Predators can’t think this way or that series lead is going to shrink fast on them. But the excitement in this city tells the story. Nashville is one win from reaching the first conference final in its history. The first crack at it is Friday’s Game 5 at St. Louis. If it doesn’t happen then, Sunday’s Game 6 in Nashville will have a case as the most important single game in franchise history. It’s raining red: Ryan Ellis and his undersized frame and enormous red beard are stealing the show in this series. Ellis ripped another shot past Jake Allen in Tuesday’s Game 4, on a third-period power play to open the scoring. That’s three straight games with a goal for the defenseman, and a team-high four in this postseason. It’s also a seven-game playoff points streak for Ellis, which ties the franchise record. Add that to his diving play to stop a puck from getting past Pekka Rinne in the second period Tuesday, and you have a great race for Nashville 2017 playoffs MVP at this point – Ellis vs. Rinne. Nashville storm: Peter Laviolette’s bench celebration after the Ellis goal Tuesday was an emotional outburst that contrasts starkly with Laviolette’s stoic demeanor in public. He downplayed it after the game and got back to extreme seriousness. But we will always have the GIF. St. Louis storm: The other coach, Mike Yeo of St. Louis, didn’t hold back in ripping officials for the call that set the Predators up with the power play that led to the Ellis goal. And he threw in some shots at the Nashville bench for the way they’re campaigning for calls. Yeo has a gripe with a five-on-five skirmish sending two St. Louis players and one Nashville player to the box, especially at that point in a scoreless game. Overall, though, this series has been called pretty evenly. Not necessarily well, but evenly. Whipping winds: When this series is over and the handshake line forms, here’s hoping Nashville’s Cody McLeod and St. Louis’ Ryan Reaves hug it out. Yeah, probably not happening. Those two are at the center of the post-whistle eruptions that are getting more frequent with every game. These teams are liking each other less and less, and this is the kind of series that creates a rivalry for future seasons. Drought WATCH: Predators forward Viktor Arvidsson is somehow having a dominant, goal-less series, if there is such a thing. He can’t get anything to go in the net, but he had several high-quality looks among 10 shot attempts Tuesday. Allen stoned him on a few, and the post got him once. The Blues aren’t doing much to stop Arvidsson. But Allen is, and that’s what ultimately matters. Hot spot: Celebrities such as Cowboys Dak Prescott, NFL coach Rex Ryan and former Vols football players Joshua Dobbs and Jalen Reeves-Maybin are showing up at Bridgestone Arena for this series. And the team is now 4-for-4 in thrilling the crowd with national anthems from country stars. Although Carrie Underwood’s reception and sizzling rendition before Game 3 against Chicago will be hard to match, Vince Gill and his daughters brought down the house with their performance before Game 4 against St. Louis. The Predators might want to bring that one back.

Tennessean LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062921 Nashville Predators

Predators, Blues embrace mutual disdain during NHL playoffs

Adam Vingan , USA TODAY NETWORK — Tennessee Published 1:45 p.m. CT May 3, 2017 | Updated 2 hours ago

The statement stood out for how matter-of-factly it was delivered. Blues coach Mike Yeo wanted to see more intensity from his players, who he felt hadn't been assertive enough against the Predators through the first three games of the teams' conference semifinal matchup. “I think coming into this series, one of my concerns was we really didn’t hate this team,” Yeo said Monday. Forget that. This second-round series, led 3-1 by the Predators, has turned nasty. The animosity reached peak levels Tuesday in the Predators' pivotal 2-1 win and assuredly will spill over into Friday's potentially series-ending Game 5. To capture a Stanley Cup, you must embrace the hate. “I think the playoffs probably bring out the best and worst in everybody," Predators coach Peter Laviolette said. The postseason breeds contempt. Two teams are caged inside a best-of- seven Thunderdome. One team leaves. Nashville and St. Louis, Day 1 division rivals since the former's inception nearly 20 years ago, didn't need a reason to dislike each other. The first playoff meeting between the teams, however, has cranked the mutual disdain into another gear. “When it’s a team that you see more frequently than others, I’m sure there’s some bad blood in the water from whatever’s happened in the past," Predators forward Harry Zolnierczyk said. "It’s the Stanley Cup playoffs. Regardless of who you’re playing, you’re going to feel that animosity and that hatred build through each game. "It’ll just start to increase as you get further along in the series. You can tell things are starting to ramp up here.” Individual spats surface within the larger battle. Predators forward Cody McLeod and Blues forward Ryan Reaves, the enforcers of their respective teams, constantly were in each other's orbits Tuesday as if they were magnetized. Referees threw them into the penalty box with matching unsportsmanlike conduct minors after an exchange of shoves and sharp cross-checks before a first-period faceoff. They also were at the center of the game-altering moment in the third period, a 10-man melee near the benches that resulted in a Predators power play and defenseman Ryan Ellis' goal. The contentiousness continued after the game, with the Blues upset about that particular turn of events. “Every stoppage, they’re yelling at the refs," Yeo said of the Predators. "They’re talking to the refs. … It’s worked all series, let’s be honest." How a team harnesses that hatred can be a determining factor in a playoff series. The Predators and Blues each have had their penalty-taking problems, and special teams have played a significant role so far. Discipline is important, no matter how tempting that venomous hit or extra shove might be. But it's that palpable distaste between teams that makes the postseason so compelling. “I think it’s only natural to start hating another team when you’re in a playoff series," Reaves said. So has Reaves' hatred for the Predators grown in the past week? “I’ve never really liked them anyway," he said.

Tennessean LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062922 Nashville Predators

Barry Melrose: in Nashville would be 'best' ever

Jaime A Cardenas , USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee 12:00 p.m. CT May 3, 2017

ESPN personality Barry Melrose is on record as saying Nashville would be a terrific site for a Stanley Cup finals. "If Nashville goes to the Stanley Cup finals it will be the best Stanley Cup finals we've ever had. That's how good the city of Nashville has been," Melrose told Scott Van Pelt after last night game at Bridgestone Arena. "Nashville would be spectacular." This is music to Nashville's ears. The Music City has has developed a reputation as an "it city" due to population growth and tourism. Nashville is no stranger to hosting big events, of course. Both the NHL All-Star and NCAA Women's Final Four were held here in 2016. CMA Fest and the CMA Awards are also held here annually. The Predators are one-win away from reaching the conference finals for the first time in club history. They took a 3-1 series lead after beat the Blues 2-1 Tuesday night.

Tennessean LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062923 New Jersey Devils Subban credits players who have bought into what Laviolette wants to do.

“We don’t care who’s First Star at the end of the night,” Subban said. Nashville Predators’ Defense Is Becoming Their Best Offense “Whoever gets the recognition, it’s just about how we’re playing, and everybody pulling in the right direction, and we have that.” Staff Report By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSMAY 3, 2017 New York Times LOADED: 05.04.2017

NASHVILLE — Three years ago, David Poile, the general manager of the Nashville Predators, let go of Barry Trotz, the only coach the team had ever had, and hired Peter Laviolette to inject more offense into the lineup. The payoff has been the best start by any team in this N.H.L. postseason. Nashville is a win away from its first conference finals appearance in franchise history. It leads St. Louis, three games to one, in their Western Conference semifinal series, after a 2-1 victory on Tuesday night. Game 5 is Friday night at St. Louis. “It’s in our own hands, for sure,” goaltender Pekka Rinne said. The Predators are 7-1 in these playoffs, and the only undefeated team on home ice. They have gotten goals from 13 players, and are spreading the wealth: Seven players have scored a game-winner. The Predators are led by their top line of Ryan Johansen, Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, who have combined for 21 points. The Nashville defensive corps has a league-high eight goals to go with 14 assists. Ryan Ellis leads all defensemen with 9 points and has the league’s longest playoff points streak since 1998 at seven games. Credit Laviolette’s aggressive offensive scheme, which lets everyone shoot at the net. He also has a knack for plugging players into the lineup at the right time. “It’s a five-man game in all zones, and conversely the offense won’t work three-on-five,” Laviolette said of including defensemen in the attack. “If it’s just our three and five of their guys defending, we’re not going to create. There’s a fine line with that, but our guys do a pretty good job defending and taking care of that, and offensively five guys making sure we attack.” During the regular season, the Predators tied for the league lead with 12 players scoring at least 10 goals. They also tied San Jose for the most points (181) scored by defensemen, led by Roman Josi with 49. Laviolette has taken advantage of Nashville’s fast-skating blue liners, giving them the freedom to attack the net with the flow of the puck. They love to take advantage. “Everyone right now is really putting an emphasis on getting up ice and getting those opportunities,” defenseman Mattias Ekholm said, adding that Ellis, P.K. Subban, Yannick Weber and Matt Irwin were doing a great job. As a defense, he said, “we’re just trying to play our game and do it to our strength.” The final piece came last June when Poile stunned the N.H.L. by sending his captain and star defenseman, Shea Weber, to Montreal for Subban as part of an effort to add even more offense to the lineup. Subban had 40 points in 66 games during his first regular season in Nashville, and he has 6 points in eight games in these playoffs. Subban said the key to the defensemen scoring so well was the ability to make the smart read in a second. He added that the presence of the assistant coach Phil Housley, who is fourth among defensemen in career scoring, on the bench helped. “I feel very confident coming back to the bench to know that if we’re not sure about something or make a mistake that it can be corrected,” Subban said. Then there’s Laviolette’s knack for putting in a player at just the right time. Harry Zolnierczyk, a 29-year-old left winger, had only 4 points in 24 games during the regular season. Laviolette has already played Zolnierczyk in six games in his first postseason. He came through with his first playoff goal in a Game 2 victory over Chicago. He also had an assist and provided a key screen on Josi’s final goal in a 3-1 win in Game 3 against St. Louis on Sunday. Laviolette inserted the veteran Vern Fiddler into the lineup for the first game against St. Louis, and Fiddler responded with the winning goal. Cody McLeod, who also sat out against Chicago, scored the winner on Sunday. 1062924 New Jersey Devils

After latest concussion, should Penguins' Sidney Crosby retire?

Joe Giglio May 03, 2017 at 11:00 AM, updated May 03, 2017 at 11:10 AM

Despite carrying palpable disdain from many NHL fans, Sidney Crosby is a wonderful player, Hall of Fame talent and one of the best to ever take the ice. But despite how good he still is and how much hockey the 29-year-old would seem to still have in front of him, it's time for the Penguins star to seriously consider hanging up his skates. The reason: Concussions--and what we know now about brain injuries. Crosby has been ruled out of Wednesday's Eastern Conference Semifinal Series Game 4 vs. the Washington Capitals after suffering another head injury in the series. Numbers don't lie. Crosby has missed 114 games in his career due to concussion-related issues. That's more than a full season gone because of head trauma, and the after effects of hits to the head. With CTE such a big problem in the NFL, this would be a larger national story if the NHL had anything close to football's popularity. Issues are now back. Most of the time Crosby missed came from 2010-2012. At that time, it was easy to wonder if Pittsburgh's star would ever return to form. He has- -but the latest concussion opens up the can of worms all over again. It's impossible to know just how many concussions Crosby has suffered during his hockey life, but the idea of another long-term window of on-ice issues is daunting. Devils trading No. 1 pick? He's already accomplished more than most great players. Crosby's career is already legendary. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft has won two Stanley Cups, two MVP awards, made six All-Star teams, earned a Conn Smythe Trophy and is a two-time Olympic gold medalist. Add in 382 goals and over 1,000 points and there's little left for Crosby to accomplish on the ice. Eric Lindros. Crosby could--and should--look at the career and trajectory of recent Hall of Fame inductee Eric Lindros. The ex-Flyers and Rangers star suffered from concussions throughout his career, but played during a time before real awareness and empathy toward head injuries. Lindros hung on and tried to keep his career going after years of issues. What transpired was four years of uninspiring play, nowhere near the Hall of Fame level Lindros had once established. Crosby could use Lindros as an example, retire on top (whether or not the Penguins repeat as Stanley Cup champions) and eventually land in the Hall of Fame based on his career to date.

Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062925 New Jersey Devils

Will No. 1 pick help Devils end playoff drought? How it impacted other teams

Posted May 03, 2017 By Chris Ryan

The Devils missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season in 2016-17, but thanks to a little luck, they won the No. 1 overall pick in June's entry draft during the Draft Lottery. The Devils will pick first for the first time since the team moved to New Jersey, and if recent history is any indication, it should help them get back into the postseason. Here is how long it took every team since 2004 to go from making the top pick to returning to the playoffs. If the trend continues, the Devils will be back soon. Alex Ovechkin,Sidney Crosby 2004 No. 1: Washington Capitals The Pick: Alexander Ovechkin Seasons until team made playoffs again: 3 It took the Capitals three seasons to get back into the playoffs after drafting Ovechkin, getting back into the chase for the Stanley Cup in 2007-08 (there was no season in 2004-05 due to the lockout). But once they broke in, the Capitals were there to stay. Washington made the playoffs every season since then, with the exception of 2013-14, although the Capitals are still trying to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in the Ovechkin era. 2005: Pittsburgh Penguins The Pick: Sidney Crosby Seasons until team made playoffs again: 2 The Penguins struggled in Crosby’s rookie season in 2005-06, winning just 22 games, but they won 47 games in 2006-07, and the Penguins haven’t missed the playoffs in a decade. The Penguins won a pair of Stanley Cups in that run and are still pushing for a third in 2016-17.

Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062926 New Jersey Devils

Season in Review: Jacob Josefson

Andrew Gross , NorthJersey 12:13 p.m. ET May 3, 2017

(Writer’s note: The Devils have concluded a fifth straight season out of the playoffs and management is now beginning its offseason analysis and strategy planning. Meanwhile, Fire and Ice will present a daily – weekends excluded – player by player review of the 2016-17 season, in alphabetical order.) Name: Jacob Josefson Position: Center Age/Height-Weight: 26/6-0, 190 NHL statistics: One goal and nine assists in 38 games Devils buck odds to win NHL Draft Lottery, first pick A-Devils eliminated in triple overtime How former Devil Ilya Kovalchuk can return to the NHL Contract status: Impending restricted free agent with arbitration rights upon completion of a one-year, $1.1 million deal Expansion Draft eligible: Not unless signed prior to draft Season in review: Depending on how the Devils’ offseason goes, it may be time to cut ties with the 20th overall pick in the 2009 NHL Draft. The assumption, based on his production and his injury issues, might be to think that would be an easy decision for GM Ray Shero. But it won’t be. Against Josefson’s under-performing statistics is the high level of respect he carries within the team’s dressing room, from both his teammates – in a word, he is adored by the other players in the room – and by management for his top-notch work ethic and lead-by-example ways. And, for a stretch this season, the Swedish third-line center was arguably centering the Devils most consistent line when teamed with right wing Stefan Noesen and whoever was placed on the left side – Pavel Zacha for a bit, Michael Cammalleri for a bit. Still, there just wasn’t enough of that from Josefson because of long injury absences and there certainly wasn’t enough offensive production. In 2015-16, Josefson had four goals and 10 assists for a career high 14 points but was a minus-21 while playing 58 games. He’s never played more than 62 games in an NHL season and he’s never scored more than six goals. This season, Josefson struggled with his game early and was a healthy scratch seven times in the opening 10 games. Coach John Hynes held him out of the lineup seven straight times from Dec. 1-15. He then missed 11 of 13 games from Dec. 18-Jan. 12 with concussion symptoms. He also missed 17 games from March 2-April 4 with an upper-body injury that both Hynes and Josefson insisted was not related to his previous concussion symptoms. When healthy, Josefson is a smart player who tends to do the little things right. But the Devils needed bigger things from him. Grade: C

Bergen Record LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062927 New York Rangers As the Rangers try to tie the series at two games each on Thursday, they hope this most recent shuffle in the lineup continues to be effective.

“It’s up to each individual to prepare for success,” Glass said. “We just Tanner Glass Hopes to Lift Rangers Again in Game 4 Against Senators want to be hard on the forecheck, hard to play against.” He added: “It’s like making deposits into a bank account: Keep hitting By ALLAN KREDAMAY 3, 2017 guys, and it will pay off later in the series. We have to play with the same urgency and desperation in Game 4.”

Senators Coach Guy Boucher said forwards Bobby Ryan and Zack Smith The Rangers needed a jolt for their first home game of their second- remained “day to day” after sustaining injuries in Game 3. Boucher said round series against the Ottawa Senators. Turning to Tanner Glass and that he was considering dressing seven defensemen and 11 forwards for his physical style, they may have found the catalyst. Game 4 and that forward Tom Pyatt and defenseman Chris Wideman could play. Glass was a decisive factor in the Rangers’ 4-1 win over the Senators in Game 3 on Tuesday. He hit nearly every Senator in sight without taking a penalty, and he helped set up a second-period goal by Oscar Lindberg that gave the Rangers a four-goal cushion. Glass’s energy seemed to lift New York Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 the entire Rangers’ lineup as they dominated Ottawa start to finish after losing each of the first two games by a goal. “He is a true professional — the way he trains and the way he prepares,” Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist said. “He does his job really well, and the guys appreciate that. He wants to play with emotion and be physical. It’s huge for the team.” The Rangers played with a fresher and more focused approach in Game 3, much different from the tentative and often inconsistent style they displayed in the first two contests in Ottawa. Glass skated on a line with Lindberg and J. T. Miller that proved hard for the Senators to contain. All four Rangers lines contributed offensively Tuesday. “I bring a little bit of an edge,” Glass said. “I think the guys like that.” Glass spent most of the season with Hartford of the American Hockey League but was summoned to the Rangers in mid-March when they needed a physical player. Glass responded well in limited playoff duty, scoring the winning goal in the Rangers’ playoff opener in Montreal. He played the first three games against the Canadiens, but when the Rangers’ offense sputtered, he was benched in favor of the playmaking winger Pavel Buchnevich for the last three, and the opening games of the Ottawa series. After Game 2, during which Coach Alain Vigneault seemed to lose faith in some of his younger players, he again inserted Glass, who has played 64 playoff games in his career with the Rangers, Pittsburgh and Vancouver. “He never leaves a detail out of his game,” the Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh said of Glass. “You see him diving after a puck, which leads to Oscar’s goal. He blocks a huge shot” from Erik Karlsson. “He wants to do whatever he can to help us win a game,” McDonagh said. Glass, who reached the Stanley Cup finals with the Canucks under Vigneault, said he thrived in the postseason spotlight. “Playoffs are so much fun,” Glass said. “It’s a different element when you’re playing against the same guys every night. I just try to go out there and enjoy it.” The Rangers were also heartened to see Miller, who scored 22 goals during the regular season, finally emerge as a factor in a postseason game. Miller had only one assist in eight playoff games before he electrified the crowd at Madison Square Garden by weaving around several Senators late in the second period before passing the puck to Lindberg on the doorstep for an easy tap-in. The effort pleased the hard-working Lindberg, who picked up his first career postseason goal. “You can see how strong he is on the puck,” said Lindberg, a quiet force all season with eight goals and 12 assists. “J. T. is fun to play with. On my goal, he did all the work, and I was open.” Lindberg agreed that his line might have provided a spark for the squad. “The way we came out, we had a great first period,” he said. “There was energy from that, and we just kept playing. It was an extra boost for sure.” Glass said he felt an extra benefit from being reunited with Miller, with whom he skated on a checking line two years ago in a seven-game second-round series against the especially physical Washington Capitals. “Our games complement each other well,” Glass said. “He’s a guy who plays hard and can hang onto the puck and make plays.” 1062928 New York Rangers

Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist talks ‘desperation’ of Game 4 against Senators

BY Justin Tasch NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Updated: Thursday, May 4, 2017, 1:40 AM

On the heels of a stellar wire-to-wire effort in Game 3 against Ottawa to get themselves back in the series at 2-1, the Rangers know it’s going to take a similar performance in Game 4 Thursday at the Garden if they want to head back to Ottawa all square. “Just have to push yourself,” Henrik Lundqvist said after Wednesday’s practice at MSG. “Just need to understand how important the game is, and then the desperation and determination will come. If you understand the importance, it’s hard not to come with that desperation. It’s a big one. We try to tie it up here.” As Alain Vigneault said simply: “(Thursday’s) the most important game of the season for us.” Mika Zibanejad in Game 3 looked like a player who was beginning to put it all together, Vigneault explaining the center has added an improved battle level to his innate abilities. Zibanejad has been candid at times about how he sometimes plays too passive and that prevents him from being as effective. Rangers' Brendan Smith, key deadline pickup, thriving in playoffs “His growth has more to do with him taking charge,” Vigneault said of Zibanejad. “We’re gonna be sitting here in a couple of years probably saying he’s a real good player or we’re gonna say he never quite figured it out, and that’s part of him working at his game, working at his mental game, working with our sports psychologist and trying to put it all together. “There’s a lot of players that have a tremendous amount of skill, but you always have to combine that with the right work ethic and the right attitude and you’ve got to develop your skills — not just the on-ice skills, but the off-ice skills that separate good players from really good players. I think Mika’s starting to grasp that. Obviously right now there’s a lot of pressure, and I think the last little while he’s managed it well and I think he’s getting better.” Rick Nash did not practice on Wednesday, sitting out for what the club dubbed “maintenance.” Nash also missed a practice for maintenance last Tuesday two days before the start of the second round after the Rangers had two days off. Nash has been saying he’s feeling fine and Vigneault said it’s nothing more than bumps and bruises.

New York Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062929 New York Rangers “For sure I am. I think it’s fun to be with these guys,” Smith said. “They’re good. It’s fun to be on a good team.”

Brendan Smith, key deadline pickup, thriving in playoffs for Rangers New York Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2017

Justin Tasch NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 5:56 PM

The way things have turned out, perhaps the Rangers are better off with Brendan Smith instead of Kevin Shattenkirk, the apple of contenders’ eyes at the trade deadline. And that is not a slight against Shattenkirk, rather a recognition that Smith in these playoffs has been everything the Rangers hoped, a sharp blue-liner with plenty of bite, and some bark to go along with it. Both players enter unrestricted free agency this summer, and the longer Smith plays this effectively the higher a priority he should be becoming for the Rangers’ offseason plans. Smith says he’s not thinking beyond the playoffs, but he did allow that he could see himself sticking around New York. “Yeah, for sure. I enjoy it here,” Smith told the Daily News. “I like the guys, I think the team is really good, and we’re only gonna get better with all the young players.” Smith, the 28-year-old whom the Rangers acquired at the deadline for a 2018 second-rounder and a 2017 third-rounder, is on the final year of a contract that carries a $2.75 million cap hit. He’ll get a raise but likely less than Shattenkirk, whose offensive skillset will net him a pretty penny. There will however be a number of teams seeking a guy like Smith who is versatile — a lefty comfortably playing the right side — aggressive, determined, can handle the puck solidly and is a positive presence in the locker room. Rangers’ Brendan Smith striving for more minutes in Game 3 For now he is a significant figure in the Rangers’ quest for the Cup as they head into Thursday’s Game 4 of the second round against the Senators trailing 2-1 after a massive Game 3 victory, one during which Smith was plus-1 in 19:39. He’s a better player now than he was in 18 regular-season games with the Rangers after playing parts of six seasons with the Red Wings. He had to learn Alain Vigneault’s system and acclimate himself to a new city, a new routine. To his benefit, he walked into a locker room with two former University of Wisconsin teammates in Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan. “Obviously coming into New York, it’s a big city so it’s kind of overwhelming, but I was able to have two really close buddies to help me through that, which was really good for the off-ice,” Smith said. After needing time to acclimate to New York following a midseason trade to the Rangers, Brendan Smith has become a key factor so far in the playoffs. After needing time to acclimate to New York following a midseason trade to the Rangers, Brendan Smith has become a key factor so far in the playoffs. It was an uncommonly tough year for Detroit, which had its 25-season playoff streak snapped. McDonagh told him whatever happened there was in the past and to play to his strengths. Rangers leave nothing to chance, earn crucial Game 3 win, 4-1 “For us to get a player, just his competitiveness is what we wanted out of him, the way he plays with an edge,” said McDonagh, who went 12th overall to Montreal in the 2007 draft, 15 picks before Smith. “He’s been a huge help for our success here, and we need some more out of him, too.” He does find himself in the penalty box quite a bit, but that’s not such a bad thing, according to another player with an edge, Tanner Glass. “I love his game. He’s so hard to play against,” Glass said. “He takes some penalties, but those penalties are good penalties. He makes a guy think twice when he’s coming to the net. His stick’s up. He makes it tough. I remember the same thing when we was playing in Detroit. He was always one of those guys that when you go to the net you’ve got to be aware of when he’s out there.” Right now everyone’s aware of Brendan Smith. He’s thriving and enjoying his role on Broadway. 1062930 New York Rangers game, which exceeds his career high of 26:49 he first established in 2012 then matched in 2014.

“It’s something you need to build up over the course of the season, but Two vital ways the captain has steadied the Rangers’ ship everyone here has a voice,” the captain said. “It’s not always easy to speak up, but there are no egos in this room. Everyone’s pulling for one another. It’s only about winning. By May 3, 2017 | 8:07PM “And talking … you have to do it on the ice. [Tuesday] night was one of our quietest locker rooms going into a game all playoffs. You could sense that nothing more needed to be said and that we were where we needed There is the leadership group of the Rangers that you so often hear to be. referenced by the players. But there also is the team leader, and his name is Ryan McDonagh — who, three full years into his captaincy, has “I’m the captain, but it’s not on one guy here. We’re a team.” grown into and fully embraced the role on and off the ice.

“I think every year Mac has become more comfortable and has accepted more responsibility as captain,” Henrik Lundqvist told The Post after the New York Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 Rangers skated at the Garden on Wednesday in advance of Thursday’s Game 4 against the Senators. “It’s obvious how he conducts himself with us and in the games. “It’s good to see.” The Blueshirts remain one game down in the conference semis — or is this the crossover final? — even as they have led for 104 minutes and trailed for just 4:11 through the first three games. The series naturally has become more contentious as it has developed, featuring more skirmishes and more physical confrontations. More chirping, too, as evidenced by one Game 3 exchange between the often yappy Tanner Glass and the generally quiet Kyle Turris late in the first period — when the two locked eyes, words were traded, the Ottawa center told No. 15, “You were in the minors,” and the New York winger responded, “But I’m here now, buddy!” Anyway. McDonagh always has made an impact with his legs, his speed, and his ability to skate out of trouble and beat forecheckers. But in these playoffs, No. 27 has made an impact with his own physical play. He has been mean in front of Lundqvist and punishing in the corners. That isn’t just by happenstance. “I think I took it upon myself to impose my will physically,” McDonagh told The Post. “It’s different than in the regular season, where you’re playing a different team every night. In the playoffs, everything you do matters and carries over from one game to the next. “Hits early have an impact later in a series. They take their toll. Guys remember.” McDonagh was fierce against the Canadiens. He has been no less engaged in this round — late in the second period of Saturday’s Game 2, manhandling and throwing Erik Karlsson down into the corner boards. “When you have an opportunity to finish a hit, you take it,” McDonagh said. “It’s not about message-sending, it’s about making an impact.” The Rangers do have 1,122 games of combined playoff experience on the roster, but, for the first time since the Lundqvist Era commenced in 2005-06, they’re in the playoffs without a past Stanley Cup winner in the room. (Antti Raanta was technically a member of the 2015 champion Blackhawks, but he was not with the club at the end and his name is not on the Cup.) So it is leadership-by-committee in the room, even as McDonagh acknowledged he does speak up more now than he might have in the past. “When there is something necessary to be said, I have no problem saying it, but it’s certainly not only me,” he said. “We’ve made it a priority this year to hold the whole group accountable. “One of my messages is to make sure that we don’t have any regrets, that we bring everything we have onto the ice, that we have the right focus and that everybody is locked in.” Lundqvist said that the room is absent a caste system and that talking — or leading — is not limited to the letter-wearers. “You don’t have to be a star player to talk in this room,” said The King, who is scheduled to make his 126th consecutive playoff start in Game 4, just 68 shy of the record established by Martin Brodeur on the other side of the Hudson. “It doesn’t matter who you are if you have something to contribute.” That notion was seconded by McDonagh, who has five points (one goal, four assists) and is seventh in the league in playoff ice time at 27:33 per 1062931 New York Rangers

How Senators lineup will change after Rangers breakthrough

By Howie Kussoy May 3, 2017 | 6:57PM

Changes are coming to the Senators’ lineup, after being thoroughly dominated by the Rangers in Game 3 of their second-round playoff series. Ottawa Coach Guy Boucher said he plans to play center Tom Pyatt and defenseman Chris Wideman for the first time in the series in Game 4 on Thursday night. Center Zack Smith — unable to return Tuesday after taking a big hit from J.T. Miller — could be out for Game 4 and is considered day-to-day with an upper-body injury. Boucher said he believes he will have standout forward Bobby Ryan, though, after the New Jersey native left the ice in the third period of Game 3 when he was struck on the right thigh by a slap shot from teammate Erik Karlsson. Ryan is tied for the team-lead with eight postseason points (four goals, four assists), and delivered a beautiful no-look assist in Game 3. “From the looks of it, Ryan, I don’t see not playing,” Boucher said Wednesday. “I need to see him on the ice, but right now he should be ready to go.” Even if Ryan is ready, is the rest of the team? After being soundly beaten, 4-1, at Madison Square Garden, the Senators didn’t sound like a team with a 2-1 series lead, one that still has home-ice advantage. Ottawa talked like a team that has held a lead for less than five minutes in the entire series, and feels lucky to be where it is — a team that won Game 1 on a fluke goal and needed a miracle comeback to steal Game 2. The Senators know how quickly control of the series can be taken away. “This team is so good on the other side. You can’t even start thinking of being rivals with them if you don’t have everybody on the same page. It won’t even be close if we’re not what we were before,” Boucher said. “Even though we were expecting them to charge out and have the urgency and desperation that they had, I think until we lived it, we didn’t realize how much higher the caliber could go up and now we know. Now we really know because we’ve lived it. It’s pretty scary out there.” Watching the composure and intensity of the Rangers’ veteran group in Game 3, Ottawa forward , 36, said he hopes his younger teammates learned how hard it will be to close out an experienced group. “Some guys, if it’s the first time you’re living it, you really see a good veteran team like the Rangers were desperate, and they were doing all the right things to win the game,” Burrows said. “We saw from them that they are an experienced team that’s been there before, and they really took it to another level courage-wise and we didn’t match that.

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The Rangers know if they look ahead, they’re done

By Brett Cyrgalis May 3, 2017 | 5:35PM

The Rangers understand the context of the situation, but they’re trying to block all of that context out. Because the minute they take their focus off the immediate task at hand is when that big picture can start to look dire — again. And so it’s with that mindset that they prepare for Game 4 of their second-round series against the Senators on Thursday night at the Garden. Following two disheartening losses in Ottawa to start the series, the Blueshirts put together an emphatic Game 3 win at home on Tuesday, a comprehensive, 4-1 victory that got them back into the series while cutting the Senators’ lead in the best-of-seven contest to 2-1. As nice as it would be to think about the series being 2-2 going back up there for Game 5 on Saturday afternoon, that can’t be the Rangers’ focus — and it isn’t. “It’s pretty obvious that it’s a lot better position to go up there 2-2 than being down 3-1, that would be a really tough spot. But right now, I think it’s important we don’t think about the series,” goalie Henrik Lundqvist said after Wednesday’s practice at the Garden. “We just take [Game 4] and focus on that and try to make the most of it. The preparation and how we execute, it’s all about that.” The Rangers know their opponent is going to be better. Really, there are not a lot of ways they can be worse after a Game 3 performance that Ottawa coach Guy Boucher said was “a slap in the face.” So just as the Rangers were desperate to win Game 3, so will the Senators be desperate to win Game 4, knowing that going home tied after leading 2-0 will put all the momentum on the Rangers’ side. But coach Alain Vigneault wanted to put things in a little bit of short-term perspective before his team — or anybody else — got ahead of themselves. “At the end of the day, all we’ve done is win one game,” Vigneault said. “That’s all we’ve done. So we’re going to need a better effort [in Game 4]. We’re going to need a complete game from start to finish, and that’s what we talked about.” It doesn’t have to be reiterated to the Blueshirts that they have played pretty well despite the status of the series. They have only trailed for 4:11 of the total 202:54 of game time through the first three games, but they also know that guarantees them nothing. “To tie it up, it’s going to be a more challenging game, and they’re going to be more desperate this time,” Lundqvist said. “We’re just going to have to match it.” What the performance in Game 3 did give the Rangers was a sense of things turning in their favor. They lost Game 1 on a shot that banked in off the back of Lundqvist’s head, then lost Game 2 after they blew three separate two-goal leads, including a 5-3 cushion with under four minutes to play in regulation before losing in double overtime. But they were on top of the puck from the start of Game 3 and never allowed a bad bounce to undo them. Now they do have the momentum, as fleeting as it can be. “Momentum shifts from period to period, shift to shift, game to game,” Vigneault said. “[Game 3] is behind us. The most important game we have right now is the one that we have in front of us [on Thursday]. We’re getting ready for it.” So the Blueshirts weren’t getting ready for what a win or a loss will bring. They were only getting ready to play one game and see where it takes them. “You just have to push yourself and just need to understand how important the game is,” Lundqvist said. “Then the desperation and determination will come. If you understand the importance, it’s hard not to have that desperation. So it’s a big one, we’ll try to tie it up here.”

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This is the J.T. Miller the Rangers have been waiting for

By Mark Cannizzaro May 3, 2017 | 4:42am

The Rangers were already in complete command of the game they positively had to have, up 3-0 late in the second period. But still, the highlight-reel play of their 4-1 Game 3 victory over the Senators at the Garden was the gem that J.T. Miller turned in with 1:43 remaining in the period. It was a play the Rangers had been waiting for Miller to make all postseason. He had been conspicuously quiet in the playoffs after posting a career-best 22 goals and 56 points in the regular season. That all changed with his spectacular effort late in the second when Miller skated the puck into the Senators’ zone, slowed up to allow some support to join him, left two Senators players sprawled on the ice with some nifty stick handling, outmuscled and outmaneuvered Ottawa defenseman Mike Hoffman and delivered the perfect pass to Oscar Lindberg. Lindberg, loitering at the back door of Craig Anderson’s crease, one- timed Miller’s pass past the Ottawa keeper for a 4-0 Rangers lead. “I’m just happy to chip in when I can and help the team,’’ Miller said. “It’s not about me, it’s about winning that game and getting back on track.’’ The Rangers are back on track and so, too, is Miller. “It’s a good sign for us,’’ Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh said of Miller’s performance. “He’s been doing a lot of things off the score sheet as far as helping us win games. He’s a physical force out there, tough to take the puck off of — like on that goal. He spins off his guy, hangs onto the puck, uses patience to find the open guy. “Hopefully, this really jump-starts him and continues his strong play for us.’’ Making the Miller effort even more impressive was the fact that it came at the end of a shift and after the Rangers had iced the puck twice. Asked after the game how he was able to come up with that effort on the goal after being so gassed from the shift, Miller said, “I have no idea.’’ Lindberg, who scored his first career playoff goal on the play, was the beneficiary of Miller’s strong effort. “It was a great play by ‘Millsy’ and I had a pretty open backdoor there, so it was nice to put it in,’’ Lindberg said. “I thought he was going to shoot it early, but he was strong on the puck and was able to walk it in, so I tried to back off and try to create some space.’’

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Rangers’ Game 4 question: Defensemen’s playing time

By Brett Cyrgalis May 4, 2017 | 3:41am

At first, Alain Vigneault was looking for the matchups he wanted when considering which defensemen he was sending over the boards. But then the Rangers’ coach had to deal with a constantly changing Senators lineup, hobbled with injuries to two forwards as Game 3 of the second- round series with the Senators wore on Tuesday night at the Garden. And in the end, as the Rangers took an emphatic 4-1 victory, it seemed the hierarchy of his defensive pairs had changed. How that hierarchy will play out in Game 4 Thursday night is still to be seen, with the Blueshirts having cut the Senators’ lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven contest. “You’ve got to trust your players and obviously [in Game 3], it was just because of the nature of how the game unfolded, sometimes you just get away from [matchups],” Vigneault said after Wednesday’s practice at the Garden. “I thought for the most part, it worked out fairly well.” As always, captain Ryan McDonagh led the team with 26:52 of ice time. But what changed below him was the duo of rookie Brady Skjei (20:13) and Brendan Smith (19:39) leapfrogging the more veteran combination of Marc Staal (16:17) and Nick Holden (14:29). “It might be hard to tell sometimes, but we are looking for certain matchups,” Vigneault said. “There’s no doubt that our group, Ryan is going to play more than the other five just by what he can do for us on the power play and penalty killing. The other five, there’s a mixture of depending on what the other team is doing, because there are certain matchups that I’m looking for.” Winger Rick Nash missed practice for “maintenance,” according to the team. It was the second practice he has missed in the past 10 days, but after a consultation with trainer Jim Ramsay, Vigneault said he was not concerned about Nash’s availability for Game 4. “He could’ve practiced,” Vigneault said. “Talked it over with Rammer and he’ll probably skate [Thursday] morning and be good to go.” Rugged forward Tanner Glass returned to the lineup in Game 3 after being a healthy scratch for the previous five postseason games. He replaced talented rookie winger Pavel Buchnevich. It was the 64th career playoff game for Glass, and he’s not taking them for granted. “Playoffs are so much fun, I enjoy it so much,” Glass said. “It’s a different element out there. It’s a little tougher when you’re playing against the same guys every night. So just try to go out there and enjoy it.”

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This ‘lucky’ hat may have saved the Rangers’ season

By Brett Cyrgalis May 3, 2017 | 11:04PM

Now this is a hat trick! The Rangers, who rallied from a cold March into the NHL’s elite eight, might owe some of their recent good fortune to team owner Jim Dolan’s sense of style — in this case, his penchant for fedoras. Back on , Dolan, who also owns the Knicks, was in New Orleans playing with his band, JD and the Straight Shot, when he glided into a local haberdasher and spotted a fedora that scored his interest. He knew the Rangers had been struggling at home — no wins in their previous six games at Madison Square Garden. And he was well aware of his team’s years-long tradition of plopping a black fedora on a game’s best player after a win. It’s called the Broadway Hat. Spotting the beige incarnation — with a wider brim than the Broadway Hat and more structure in the top — he bought it. At some point, feathers of red, white and blue were added to mark the team’s colors. Dolan sent it back to New York in hopes of changing the team’s fortunes. “We were in a bit of a rut at home, and he wanted to change it up,” star goalie Henrik Lundqvist told The Post after Wednesday’s practice, a day after the Rangers won 4-1 over the Ottawa Senators to pull to within 2-1 in their series. “It’s a nice hat — and it came in a nice box, too.” The hat sat there for a while, until it was finally awarded to Mats Zuccarello on April 2 in a home win over the Flyers — and the Rangers have been skating well ever since. Legend has it that the original Broadway Hat once belonged to a Swedish model — and that then-alternate captain Brad Richards bought it off her head for $100 in a club in Gothenburg when the team was overseas for a preseason game in 2011. “Maybe,” smiling Swede Lundqvist said of that story. After Game 3 Tuesday night, Mika Zibanejad was awarded the new hat.

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Rangers not looking too far ahead with chance to tie series with Senators in Game 4

Updated May 3, 2017 7:08 PM By Steve Zipay [email protected]

On the surface, the strategy seems slightly askew: Win so you can tie. But that’s what the Rangers hope to accomplish on Thursday: Summon up the resolve in what coach Alain Vigneault called “the most important game of the season for us” to hold serve at home and even the Eastern Conference semifinals at 2-2 and force at least a sixth game against the Ottawa Senators. “In the end, all we’ve done is win one game, that’s all we’ve done,” said Vigneault. “So we’re going to need a better effort, a complete game.” There’s no grey area. Drop to 3-1 and the Blueshirts would have to win three straight to advance to the conference final against either Pittsburgh or Washington. The idea, after all, was to take this route: Finish with the first wild-card, avoid a meatgrinder in the Metropolitan Division, cross over to the Atlantic, knock off Montreal and Ottawa and then try to upset either the Capitals or Penguins to reach the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in four seasons. Both Canadian clubs have made it difficult. Montreal wasn’t eliminated until the sixth game and the Senators took the first two games in this series. “I think it’s [Game 4] going to be a more challenging game,” Henrik Lundqvist said after practice at the Garden on Wednesday. “It’s a big one, we’re trying to tie it up here . . . It’s a lot better position to go up there [to Ottawa for Game 5] 2-2 than 3-1. Right now, it’s important that we not think about the series as a whole, just take tomorrow and make the most of it.” Injuries to Bobby Ryan and Zack Smith (day-to-day) will force Senators coach Guy Boucher to alter his lines. And Chris Wideman might come in on defense. The Rangers will stay the course. On defense, for example, Vigneault said that Ryan McDonagh “will play more [minutes] than the other five just by what he can do on the power play and penalty killing, the rest [will play] depending on what I’m looking for in matchups.” For his part, McDonagh predicted a closer game than the 4-1 finish on Tuesday. “I’m sure it’ll be a little tighter as far as the scoreboard goes,” he said. Expect veteran Tanner Glass, (three hits, and a shot block in 10 minutes on Tuesday) to stay in the lineup, but he downplayed suggestions that his aggressive style has energized his teammates. “It has nothing to do with my game,” he said. “It’s up to each individual to prepare the way they need to do to have success. Our skill players showed what they can do, and I thought we were really tenacious in our own zone.” But Glass didn’t deny that physical play is a factor in the postseason. “Every bump is like a making deposits in a new bank account,” he said. “You keep hitting those guys, it’s going to pay off sooner or later.” Notes & quotes: Rick Nash did not practice Wednesday, but Vigneault answered “yes, yes” when asked if he would be ready for Game 4. “He could have practiced today, just talked it over with [trainer Jim Ramsay], probably will skate Thursday morning and be good to go.” . . . With Pavel Buchnevich scratched in Game 3, Derek Stepan moved from the second power play unit to the first as a second righthanded shot. “There’s different lanes that might be open, different shot selections,” said Vigneault. Vigneault liked J.T. Miller’s play on the fourth line with Glass and Lindberg, and added, “it doesn’t matter if he plays on 1, 2, 3 or 4 . . . He’s a power forward that’s got to play to those strengths, he’s got to make room for himself out there.” . . . Lindberg said he doesn’t have the puck from his first NHL playoff goal. “I don’t know what happened to it,” he said.

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Mats Zuccarello’s style makes him a fan favorite

Updated May 3, 2017 7:01 PM By [email protected]

Twenty or thirty years from now, he will be one of the figures whose image on the big screen at Madison Square Garden will draw an instant and joyful response. At the sight of his face, the crowd will jump up and shout, “Zoooooook!” Mats Zuccarello is the people’s choice, in the stands and in the Rangers locker room. He is the little guy with a big game. When good things happen for the Rangers, they often start with him, as they did when he scored the goal that began the avalanche of momentum in an absolutely essential Game 3 win against the Senators Tuesday. He is beloved partly for his results — he is tied with Michael Grabner and Brady Skjei for the team playoff lead in goals (four) and has five points in his past four games — and mostly for his style. “His compete level. That’s all I can say,” said Brendan Smith, who made the transition from opponent to teammate late in the season. “We know he’s got a lot of skill, we know he can score. That’s why a lot of people would love to have him on their team. But what drives a player from being an average player to a great player is your compete level and your work ethic. He has that. Obviously, he gives up a lot of weight, he gives up a lot of size, but he wins a lot of battles. That’s just because he wants it more than a lot of other players. “When he wins battles and makes plays, everybody feeds off of it.” Zuccarello gives the Rangers universe something else for which it hungers. The 5-8, 179-pound winger’s spunk and out-of-nowhere back story bring sparkle to a team that, however solid, is not brimming with charisma. Fans relate to an undrafted kid from Norway, where hockey was seen as something that people from Sweden did. New York is a pushover for a guy who endured a frightening head injury (on a shot from teammate Ryan McDonagh in the first round of the 2015 playoffs). He suffered a fractured skull and brain contusion that rendered him unable to speak for four days. But you didn’t hear that from Zuccarello. He reverted to what he has called his Norwegian humility after nights such as Tuesday, when he was voted No. 1 star (he also had an assist). “I don’t know — skating, getting pucks deep, working hard,” he said, in a capsule summary of the torrid start to a 4-1 rout. True to his times, he was more emphatic and expansive in an essay for the Players’ Tribune earlier in the season. There, he wrote of his mother having enrolled him in skating lessons because he just couldn’t sit still, of playing more pond hockey than rink hockey and of rarely being able to find a game to watch on Norwegian TV. He told of begging his mother to buy a VHS tape of the 2001 Colorado Avalanche’s Stanley Cup run. He figures he watched it 1,500 times. “I just kept rewinding it and rewinding it,” he wrote. These days, people all over Norway stay up to 3 a.m. to watch Rangers games. He calls it a happy nation, and he makes it happier. He does the same for Rangers country. “I think you can take a lot from Zuke,” said Jimmy Vesey, who has the adjoining locker stall. “He’s obviously not the biggest guy on the ice. His work ethic and how tenacious he is on the puck, that inspires all of us, I think.” Alain Vigneault said, “He’s fun to be around, always upbeat and always positive . . . He’s got a real good skill set but his best skill is his competitive nature.” That, and the ability to light up the Garden. Zuccarello has secured his place there. It is stature that, to quote a favorite Rangers phrase, will last a lifetime.

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Rick Nash erasing questions about his scoring in NHL playoffs

Updated May 3, 2017 10:10 AM By Neil Best [email protected]

Sure, players in every sport are judged disproportionately by the playoffs, fair or not. But make that double in hockey, where — as in college basketball — casual fans zone out during the regular season and emerge come tournament time. Which brings us to Rick Nash of the Rangers, the long-ago first overall pick in the NHL draft and a big-name offseason acquisition in 2012 from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Avid followers of the team know him as an often-very-good, seldom-great forward who in five seasons here has not broken out as a crossover star such as Henrik Lundqvist or a fan favorite such as Mats Zuccarello or a strong-silent-type fixture such as captain Ryan McDonagh. The rest of us know him for what he does in the playoffs, where to his credit he has been a regular visitor and a reliable winner, much like the rest of this core group of Rangers. But . . . let’s just say there has been some unevenness there for a guy with his regular-season scoring credentials, including three seasons with 40 or more goals and five others with at least 30. Nash, 32, had five goals in his first 41 playoffs games with the Blue Jackets and Rangers, including three in the 25 games the Rangers played en route to the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. But he has 10 in his last 33, including one in Tuesday night’s 4-1 rout of the Senators in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinal. He has three in nine playoff games this year, including the game-winner — part of a stellar all-around effort — against the Canadiens in the pivotal fourth game of the first round. In nine playoff games, he has 31 shots, among the league leaders. Asked after Tuesday’s game whether he is happy with his performance of late, Nash said, “Yeah, I feel like I’m battling, getting to the net. It seems like each series there’s a heavy battle. As long as we keep winning them, I’m happy.” Nash is happy to be credited as an all-around, two-way player, but he knows his primary goal is goals, so anything short of that won’t do. Thus after a 6-5, double-overtime loss to the Senators in Game 2 did he lament a missed opportunity in the first overtime in which he had a clear shot with Senators goaltender Craig Anderson out of position. But Ottawa’s Kyle Turris was able to deflect Nash’s attempt wide of the net. After practice Monday, Nash was asked whether he had replayed that moment in his mind over the ensuing two days. “Only a thousand times,” he said. There will be only good replays on Wednesday’s off day. With the Rangers leading Game 3, 2-0, in the second period, Nash took a pass from Derek Stepan and ripped it past Anderson to all but seal the victory. Nash kept the play alive by deftly stopping himself at the blue line to wait for Stepan to cross it. Not as easy as it looks. “It was at the end of a shift,” Nash said. “It always sucks to stop and start when you’re a little tired, but Step made a great play early, which made their D man make a decision to step up or take the pass away. He opted to take the pass away.” That would be Ottawa’s Marc Methot, who stayed with Stepan as he charged down the middle. So Stepan passed to Nash, who had no need to rush before snapping the puck off Anderson’s right arm from the left faceoff circle. “You’re not used to that much time, especially in the playoffs,” Nash said, “but Step made a good play to pass it early, which made their defenseman make a decision.” It was just one goal in one game. But it is May, and thus the kind of goal that people remember.

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John Amirante to sing national anthem before Rangers’ Game 4

May 3, 2017 8:32 AM By Neil Best [email protected]

The Rangers are one home victory from putting serious pressure on the Senators in the Eastern Conference semifinals, and they plan to kick off that effort Thursday with a traditional flourish. John Amirante is scheduled to sing the national anthem before Game 4 at Madison Square Garden, his first time doing the honors this postseason. It is not as if the Rangers specifically are deploying him because of the situation; he was scheduled for the second home game of the second round regardless of circumstances. But his appearances do tend to fire up nostalgic fans. Amirante first sang the anthem for the Rangers on Nov. 2, 1980, a 6-3 loss to the Kings before any of the current players were born. After initially being told in 2015 that he no longer would sing for the Rangers after that postseason, Amirante has been invited to return on an occasional basis. He sang before Game 4 of last year’s first round against the Penguins, a 5-0 loss that turned out to be the Rangers’ final home game of the season.

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Senators put Game 3 loss to Rangers behind them

Updated May 3, 2017 9:06 PM By Arthur Staple [email protected]

The Senators’ formula for a competitive Game 4 Thursday night against the Rangers seems pretty clear. “Start at the same time as them,” Senators coach Guy Boucher said Wednesday. “That’s it or else we have no chance.” Boucher and his players lamented the no-show first period by Ottawa in Game 3. They met, watched some video at the team’s hotel and were ready to put it behind them. There wasn’t much talk of on-ice adjustments, simply an attitude adjustment to properly match what the Rangers brought from the start on Tuesday night. “You could see they were winning puck battles, they were first on pucks, they were blocking shots, they were doing all the right things to win the game and we’ve got to match that intensity if we want to go home with a 3-1 lead,” Alex Burrows said. Boucher quoted some numbers from his coaching staff’s breakdown of Game 3. The Sens won fewer than 35 percent of the up-for-grabs puck battles and blocked 11 shots. Ottawa was third in the NHL this regular season, averaging 16.5 blocked shots per game. “It doesn’t matter what you do and it doesn’t matter what systems you use, if we’re playing like that we can’t win any game, not even a regular season game,” Boucher said. The coach said Bobby Ryan, who left Tuesday’s game in the third period after catching an Erik Karlsson slap shot in the left knee, will play in Game 4. Zack Smith also left Tuesday’s game after the first period; Boucher wasn’t so sure on Smith and said he’s likely to put Tom Pyatt back in the lineup. The same goes on defense for Chris Wideman, a healthy scratch the past two games. Ben Harpur struggled along with his teammates in Game 3 and will likely take a seat. But the Sens aren’t terribly concerned with individuals. They were all bad in Game 3, from goaltender Craig Anderson on out, especially in the first period. “This team is so good on the other side that you can’t even start thinking of being rivals with them if you don’t have everybody on the same page,” Boucher said. “It won’t even be close if we’re not what we were before, but you have to be fair, it’s been a long time since we played a bad game.” However, that’s two games in a row this series where the Sens were not up to their usual structure. Their furious rally saved them in Game 2; nothing could have saved them in Game 3. Another poor showing would leave the series tied heading back to Ottawa but somehow it would feel worse than that for the Sens. “The biggest thing for us is really the desperation part,” Burrows said. “The battle level has to be a lot higher, the compete level, the paying-the- price level, the really wanting it more. I think yesterday you saw from them that they’re an experienced team, they’ve been there before. They really took it another level, courage-wise, and we didn’t match that.”

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Boucher won't sit still with his lineup

Bruce GarriochBRUCE GARRIOCH

NEW YORK — The time has come for Guy Boucher to send a message. And, that will likely be the case Thursday. Yes, the Senators coach will be forced to make at least one change because it sounds like centre Zack Smith is doubtful for Game 4 of the club’s Round 2 series against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. But coming off a 4-1 loss in Game 3 Tuesday night, it doesn’t sound as if he’ll stop there. While winger Bobby Ryan looks like he’s OK after taking an Erik Karlsson shot off the thigh in Game 3 and leaving the game in the third period, it sounds like winger Tom Pyatt will play regardless of whether Smith is ready or not. Defenceman Chris Wideman, meanwhile, looks like he’ll return for the first time since Game 5 of the Boston series. Smith was hit by Tanner Glass and J.T. Miller in the first period Tuesday, left the game and didn’t return. “I was looking at putting Wideman in at some point, but we were winning the games and it’s hard to get him back in. I’m definitely looking at that for (Thursday), regardless of injuries,” said Boucher Wednesday. “Pyatt, also, I was looking at bringing him in for the last game, but I didn’t want to touch our lineup because it had won. “The chances are two regular guys that have been really good for us all year (will) be back in and who we’re taking out is going to depend on the injuries.” Boucher said he expects Ryan will be fine as long as he’s able to skate Thursday. Injured Mark Borowiecki is not ready to play. Defenceman Ben Harpur, who is making his post-season debut this spring after being called up from Binghamton late in the year, had difficulties in Game 3. It’s possible he could be taken out and replaced by Wideman. Up front, winger Ryan Dzingel, who has struggled to find consistency this spring, would be a candidate to be scratched if the club was completely healthy. He wasn’t very good in Game 3 with a minus-2 rating and also was called for two penalties. Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062942 Ottawa Senators “Always,” he said. “When we look at why we need players — the position first of all and the type of player — and who’s going to be playing with them, his name is always up. And (Chris) Neil, and (Chris) Kelly and him, Stone's struggles continue in Game 3 loss: 'I just didn't play well' of course (Tom) Pyatt now, (Chris) Wideman, (Jyrki) Jokippaka. The names are always on the table. We always discuss them. And then we make a final decision on what we need.” Don BrennanDON BRENNAN The fact White has only played two NHL games works against him. “Of course it does,” said Boucher. “Before we start choosing guys who have not been here all year long, you’ve got to privilege the guys that NEW YORK — Mark Stone looked out of sync all night. have been. But if we feel we need him for the tools he can bring, because we’re missing either a centre or we’re missing somebody that His passing was off. His instincts weren’t as sharp as usual. He was has the speed or puck handling he has, we won’t hesitate.” caught out of position a couple of times. And his second period collision with Erik Karlsson allowed the 2-on-1 break that led to the Rangers third Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 05.04.2017 goal. Most glaring of all was the zeros beside his name on the stats sheet at the end of Game 3. Not only was Stone one of four Senators who didn’t register a shot, he didn’t even attempt one. None that were blocked. None that went wide. Nothing. “I just didn’t play well,” Stone said Wednesday in a meeting room at the team’s hotel. “I didn’t generate any chances, like the rest of the guys. We just didn’t start well and we didn’t finish well.” He’s right, none of the Senators created much offensively in the 4-1 loss. But Stone is looked at as a go-to guy. And he relishes the responsibility. When he’s his usual self, Stone is the best all-round forward on the team. He creates. He finishes. He steals pucks. He does it all. But for some time now, for whatever the reason, he hasn’t been himself. Stone has just two goals and one assist through nine playoffs. This, after failing to score in the final 15 regular season games. “I need to produce,” said Stone. “I need to start playing better. At the same time, I can’t just think about that. I need to think of the little things to improve (my) game and I’m trying to do that.” Stone cares very much. No one is more dedicated to the Senators’ cause. His demeanour on this off day spoke volumes. He was unhappy with his own failures and those of his teammates in Game 3, a night they blew the opportunity to take a stranglehold of this Eastern Conference semifinal series that, with momentum belonging to the Rangers, is now up in the air. “We didn’t really play that well in Game 2, either,” said Stone. “We had some heroics from (Jean-Gabriel Pageau), and we made some good plays that kept us in the game. But Game 3 we didn’t play well at all. We had stretches of the game we were all right, but we just didn’t take over any shifts. “I think we could have stopped that bleeding by just one line going there and dominating a shift and we didn’t get that through the whole 60 minutes, really.” The Senators fate does not rest solely with Stone, of course, but it sure would help things if he could rediscover his game. SENATORS LOOK TO INCREASE TRAFFIC IN FRONT OF LUNDQVIST When Henrik Lundqvist was named one of the game’s three stars on Tuesday, it raised a legitimate question: What exactly did he do? The Senators put 27 shots on goal in their 4-1 loss to the Rangers, but very few were of high quality. That pretty much allowed Lundqvist to have a night off after his off night in Game 2. “He didn’t get tested, that’s for sure,” said Clarke MacArthur. “Obviously (the three stars selectors) want to boost him up or whatever, but everything was perimeter. “We didn’t get to the net.” Coach Guy Boucher also said the Senators were too good to Lundqvist. “He had an easy night for the same reason any goalie will have an easy night — on less than 40 per cent of our shots, we screened him,” said Boucher. “We’re not going anywhere against any goalie when we have that. He worked harder around his crease than our players did. (When that happens) you’re not going to score any goals, especially on him.” Boucher and his staff will consider making changes unrelated to injury for Game 4, but it’s unlikely they’ll turn to Colin White — even though the former first rounder is the most offensively skilled player on the list of reserves. Boucher did say White’s name is in the mix, however. 1062943 Ottawa Senators “There are a lot of players that have a tremendous amount of skill, but you always have to combine that with work ethic, the right attitude, and develop those skills,” he said. “Often, it’s the off-ice skills that separate Zibanejad working through mental and physical battles to find his groove the good players from the really good players. I think Mika is starting to for the Rangers grasp that and, obviously, right now, there’s a lot of pressure. In the last little while, he has managed it well and he’s getting better.”

Indeed. Zibanejad’s size, speed and skill could become a bigger factor as Ken Warren, Ottawa CitizenKEN WARREN, OTTAWA CITIZEN the series progresses. The Rangers have had success with a strong forecheck, forcing the Senators into making mistakes inside their blue line. NEW YORK — Throughout his career, Mika Zibanejad has been an “We’re coming up with a lot of pucks in their zone, we’re coming through enigma, a riddle that nobody can quite figure out. the neutral zone well,” said Zibanejad. “There’s no secret recipe, really, just come at them with speed. It’s not as easy as it sounds or looks, At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, with great hands and good speed, he has sometimes. (The Senators) have done a really good job, too. They’re always had the necessary equipment to dominate games just like he did here for a reason.” in the New York Rangers’ 4-1 bounce-back Game 3 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault also says Zibanejad is at his best when he takes charge. He, too, was a bit philosophical when discussing the up At the same time, Zibanejad, 24, has also been prone to deep and down nature of Zibanejad’s play. introspection, tying himself into mental knots while trying to figure out why he has been so inconsistent. “We are going to be sitting here in a couple of years, saying either he’s a really good player or we’re going to say he never quite figured it out,” “(At times), I’ve been too safe, not the player I should be,” Zibanejad said said Vigneault. following the Rangers practice at Madison Square Garden Wednesday. “It’s something I’m working on. It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s “That’s part of him working at his game, working at his mental game, something I’m trying to work on every day.” working with our sports psychologists, trying to put it all together.” The deep valleys in his game ultimately prompted Senators general Vigneault says Zibanejad is hardly alone in having to find a way to use manager Pierre Dorion to trade him here for Derick Brassard last his natural gifts to best advantage. summer. During the 2015-16 season, Zibanejad experienced separate goal-scoring droughts of 12, nine and seven games, much of that while “There are a lot of players that have a tremendous amount of skill, but serving as a first-line centre with Kyle Turris injured. you always have to combine that with work ethic, the right attitude and develop those skills,” he said. “Often it’s the off-ice skills that separate After taking him sixth overall in the 2011 entry draft, Zibanejad had the good players from the really good players. I think Mika is starting to decent numbers — he has 78 goals and 110 assists in 337 regular- grasp that and obviously, right now, there’s a lot of pressure. In the last season games — but the Senators’ patience in waiting for a steadier little while, he has managed it well and he’s getting better.” Zibanejad ran out. Indeed. Zibanejad’s size, speed and skill could become a bigger factor as Naturally, though, the deal is getting plenty of attention now, given that the series progresses. The Rangers have had success with a strong the Z’s were wild on Tuesday. Zibanejad set up Mats Zuccarello for the forecheck, forcing the Senators into making mistakes inside their game-opening goal, had six shots on goal and overpowered Ottawa’s blueline. defence throughout. “We’re coming up with a lot of pucks in their zone, we’re coming through While Zibanejad suggests it was probably his best game since breaking the neutral zone well,” said Zibanejad. “There’s no secret recipe, really, his leg in November and missing two months, he was once again an just come at them with speed. It’s not as easy as it sounds or looks, open book in talking about his mental and physical battles. sometimes. (The Senators) have done a really good job, too. They’re here for a reason.” “My battle level was good, I was skating a lot more and that’s something that has been growing throughout the playoffs,” he said. “I think I’m not STEADY McDONAGH RANGERS’ ANSWER TO KARLSSON thinking too much, just playing on my instinct. That’s something I’ve been trying to do. It’s so easy for me to say that, but it’s a lot harder to do. For As a proven steady-as-a-rock two-way defender, it must be a little tough me, it’s just about getting ready for (Game 4) and being hungry again. for New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh to hear, over and over Not being too passive.” again, just how dominant and dynamic Senators captain Erik Karlsson is. It’s rare for an NHL player to publicly discuss the between-the-ears Yet, McDonagh has little interest in engaging in a conversation about a battle, but Zibanejad has never been shy to go there. The way he sees it, head-to-head battle with Karlsson. trying to take charge is a better approach than waiting for the game to come to him. Pressed a couple of times on Wednesday on whether he’s driven to match or even outplay Karlsson, he turned the conversation into a team- After struggling in the opening games of the playoffs against Montreal oriented one. and getting down on himself, he has rediscovered his confidence and playmaking abilities, recognizing that when he’s “too safe” he’s selling “He’s a huge part of that team, making an impact, offensively and himself — and his team — short. With one goal and six assists in nine defensively and he plays a ton of minutes,” said McDonagh. “We’ve got games, he now leads the Rangers in playoff scoring. to make it as difficult as we can on him. Certainly, with the physical aspect, but also by taking away his options, not allowing him to make the “I’ve been trying to say it to myself,” he said. “Mistakes are going to plays and passes he wants.” happen, but if I’m going to make mistakes, it should be by being aggressive. That’s better than making mistakes when I’m passive. That’s McDonagh has landed a few big hits on Karlsson — he sent the Senators what frustrated me a little bit in the first three games in the Montreal captain flying into the boards in overtime of Game 2 — but it’s all part of series. I was too passive (or) nervous, I don’t know what you want to call what he says is a deliberate team approach. it, (but) it wasn’t good enough. “It’s a strategy the whole team is talking about and (Karlsson) is a big “After that, I just kind of let go and started playing. I want to be a creative key. It’s a matter of trying to make it hard for him and all of their top player. I have to be a creative player. I have to make those plays.” guys.” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault also says Zibanejad is at his best when Perhaps the Senators need to take a similar approach to McDonagh. His he takes charge. He, too, was a bit philosophical when discussing the up- strengths are more subtle than Karlsson’s, but it’s hard to overstate his and-down nature of Zibanejad’s play. value to the Rangers. “We are going to be sitting here in a couple of years, saying either he’s a The comparisons are intriguing. really good player, or we’re going to say he never quite figured it out,” In the first three games of the series, McDonagh has played 89:36, has said Vigneault. one goal and one assist, has 12 blocked shots and 17 hits, including 11 “That’s part of him working at his game, working at his mental game, in the Game 2 double-overtime victory by the Senators. working with our sports psychologists, trying to put it all together.” Karlsson has played 90:08, has one goal and one assist, has blocked six Vigneault says Zibanejad is hardly alone in having to find a way to use shots and delivered three hits. his natural gifts to his best advantage. “(McDonagh) is one of the best defencemen in the league,” said the Rangers’ Jimmy Vesey. “Karlsson is obviously world-class offensively, but Ryan, just with his skating ability and how strong he is, he’s one of the best defenders I’ve seen. His ability to separate defenders from the puck and then lead the attack the other way has been great asset for our team. He’s such an explosive skater. When he rounds the net and leads the charge, it’s hard to catch him.” While McDonagh and Rangers coach Alain Vigneault say the series is not about the two captains going against each other, their respective performances do create an engaging game within the game. THE KING LOVES HIS PEOPLE Smack dab in the hub of the mega-metropolis that is New York, with Penn Station running under and around the arena, Madison Square Garden serves as a never-ending beehive of activity. Given all that, it only seems natural that the MSG crowd would be a source of inspiration for the Rangers. “In the last two or three games, there has been a lot of energy,” said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, praised with “Hen-rik, Hen-rik” chants throughout the Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Senators on Tuesday. “We have received a lot of help from that energy. It is a lot more fun when you feel that support. But it starts with us. It starts with how we set the tone.” The perfect scenario for the Rangers would be to copy and paste their Game 3 start when they rolled over the Senators at the outset, outshooting the visitors 10-2 in the first 10 minutes and 15-5 in the first period, en route to a 2-0 lead. Lundqvist, 35, has been around the playoff block. He fully expects the Senators to deliver a firm response to what coach Guy Boucher called “a slap in the face” on Tuesday. “Sometimes, it’s not about playing your absolute best, it’s about being smart and finding a way,” he said. “If we continue to do the good things we’ve been doing in the last couple of games, we have a good chance of winning that game.” Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062944 Ottawa Senators “It doesn’t matter what you do and it doesn’t matter what systems you use, if we’re playing like that we can’t win any game, not even a regular season game. That was below every single standard (they’ve set). We Senators looking for some desperation to get back on track for Game 4 blocked 11 shots in the entire game and we’re always a team (around) 22-to-25 blocked shots a game. We’re at 11 so we’re not even close to our standards. We know that.” Bruce GarriochBRUCE GARRIOCH And the Senators are aware if they let the Rangers tie up the series before heading home, the degree of concern could escalate quickly.

Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 05.04.2017 NEW YORK — Gentlemen, start your engines. The Ottawa Senators better be ready to go from the drop of the puck if they’re going to have a prayer against the born-again New York Rangers. Coming off a disgraceful 4-1 loss to the Rangers in Game 3 Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden, an unhappy coach Guy Boucher dispensed with practice, held a video session to go over the horror show one last time and then told the players to turn the page to prepare for Thursday’s pivotal Game 4 on Broadway. The message was simple from Boucher: Get your act together and be ready to go. “Start at the same time as them. That’s it or else we have no chance,” Boucher said Wednesday at the club’s Manhattan hotel. “We have to have the urgency and the battle level that we normally have and we’ve got to match theirs. “We know that they’ll be home and they’ll most probably display the exact same urgency as they did the last game. That’s where you start, then we have a chance to at least compete with them and that’s what we’re looking for.” The good news for the Senators is they can’t be much worse than they were in Game 3 against the Rangers. Until they lost by that three-goal deficit, every one of the club’s previous eight playoff games had been decided by one goal — including four overtime victories in the five games they’ve been forced to do extra work. Yes, the Senators knew New York was going to push back, but they weren’t prepared for the level that the Rangers threw the club’s way. New York certainly looked like they wanted it more, and that’s the major concern the Senators should have because this was a playoff game whether they were up 2-0 in the series or not. The Senators have looked at it and now it’s time to move on. “We’re still up 2-1 in the series,” said winger Clarke MacArthur. “They had a great game. That’s good for them. That’s great. It’s one game. We know that. The biggest thing will just be coming out with a better effort. We’ve got a little bit more desperate. “It’s time to get desperate. The next one is a really big game and it changes the whole series so I think you’ll see that from us.” Remember, the Senators came into this series telling anybody who would listen with a camera or a tape recorder that they’re the underdogs. The reality is they’ve been outplayed in two straight games by New York and if they don’t have a better effort in Game 4 then they’ll be booking a trip back here next Tuesday for Game 6. Make no mistake, the Senators are still sitting in a good spot, especially if they can find a way to get a split out of here before heading back to the Canadian Tire Centre for Game 5 Saturday at 3 p.m. The Rangers are only one loss way from being pushed to the brink of elimination so they’re not out of the woods yet. The Senators couldn’t manufacture desperation because they weren’t feeling it as they arrived at MSG with a 2-0 lead. Perhaps this loss will serve as a good wakeup call that they can’t afford a sub-par effort and expect to win. “You learn quick in the playoffs. I’ve been up 2-0 and I’ve been down 2-0 in a playoff series…you can really see a good veteran team like the Rangers were desperate (Tuesday) night,” said winger Alex Burrows. “You could see they were winning puck battles, they were first on pucks, they were blocking shots, they were doing all the right things to win the game and we’ve got to match that intensity (Thursday) night if we want to go home with a 3-1 lead.” Boucher said the first period pretty much did the Senators in immediately. “There was nothing different that they did, when you look at the video they just wanted it more than us,” Boucher said. “They were first on (the) puck and they won the battles. Our percentages of being first on (the) puck and winning battles in the first period was below 35%. 1062945 Ottawa Senators Meanwhile, Boucher’s “rest is a weapon” line is turning into a drinking game for all those listening to his availabilities at home. … Across the street from the Senators hotel is a Shake Shack that has a longer lineup Anderson's misadventures deflating to Senators than the Florida Panthers ticket windows. The chicken burgers and “arena” fries are apparently very good. … Among the many stars staying in the same hotel as the Senators is Emma Watson, from Harry Potter fame. … A group of Ottawa reporters attended Wednesday night’s Blue Don BrennanDON BRENNAN Jays-Yankees game, even with the Caps-Penguins on TV. It’s OK to have one night off from playoff hockey, although there is the danger

we’re going to be missing something good. … From Methot: “I’m hoping NEW YORK — You know it’s going to happen again. and positive we’re going to have a much different start tomorrow night.” The New York Rangers will play with as much desperation and hunger Ottawa Citizen LOADED: 05.04.2017 Thursday night as they had in Game 3. They have to. They don’t want to put themselves in a position where they need to win three in a row. Especially with two of them at Canadian Tire Centre, where they are 0-4 since a shootout victory on Nov. 14, 2015. The Rangers will try to follow the same recipe as they used in Tuesday’s 4-1 victory. They are going to come out like they’re on fire. If the Senators skaters fail to match New York’s first period intensity once more, they’re going to need their goalie to come up big. Not only was Craig Anderson unable to save them from themselves in Game 3, but he also deflated his team. You know it’s going to happen again. The Rangers are going to send the puck along the boards behind the Ottawa net and Anderson is going to need to make a play. He’ll have to leave his crease to stop it from rimming to another Blueshirt charging in. It should be easy for Anderson. It’s something that is practised every day. But suddenly, he’s having all sorts of trouble with the routine. One game he retrieves the puck but is too slow in moving it, creating a scoring opportunity out of a nothing play. The next game he hesitates, starts for it then decides to stay put, only to be unable to get across to stop the wraparound. “It happens,” he said, shrugging off the gaffe that was on him, more than rookie defenceman Ben Harpur, on what turned out to be the crushing goal Tuesday. That can’t happen again. It’s a simple play that he’s counted on to make. And he can, if he just realizes that because this is the playoffs, the speed is turned up. He has to be decisive and quick. He has to make the simple handoff or pass. This is not the time to take a risk, to put the puck anywhere but the high percentage areas. The Senators knew the Rangers were going to come out hot on Tuesday. If they could have just made it through the first period down 1-0 on the Mats Zuccarello goal that again originated on a wraparound, they might have been all right. Instead, they trailed by two, and it was game, set and match. The area behind the net was known as Wayne Gretzky’s office years ago. Now it is becoming Craig Anderson’s hell — but mostly because he’s allowing it to be. NOTES AND QUOTES: One way to determine a team’s commitment level is the blocked shots category. On Tuesday, the Rangers had 19 while the Senators had just 11. “I thought (Cody) Ceci was one of the guys who had a really solid game,” said coach Guy Boucher, who also gave honourable mention to Jean-Gabriel Pageau. “(Ceci) had five blocked shots out of our 11, and I thought he played fine from beginning to end. He was plus-1 in a game like that.” … Alex Burrows summed up the Senators Game 4 needs the best. “The biggest thing for us is really the desperation part,” he said. “The battle level needs to be a lot higher. The compete level. The paying the price level. Really wanting it more. They took it to another level courage wise (in Game 3), and we didn’t match that.” … By no coincidence, Erik Karlsson’s worst game of the playoffs was also the Senators’ worst. Karlsson saw only 23:42 of ice time, his lowest of the post-season. He was also a minus-3, but it’s still rather confusing why he wasn’t used more, with Ottawa playing catchup most of the night. … Months ago, if you would have told the Senators they’d have a 6-3 playoff record on May 3, they would have jumped up and down. “You have to be fair,” said Boucher. “It’s been a long time since we’ve played a bad game. It’s been a long, long time.” BLOWING THE WHISTLE: Along with Mark Stone, the other Senators failing to test Henrik Lundqvist with a shot on goal were: Marc Methot, who as a defensive defenceman can be excused; Zack Smith, who played only 1:50 before suffering his injury; and Ryan Dzingel, who fired one off in his 17:55 of ice time, but watched it go wide. … Once again Senator players enjoyed a day off while the Rangers had a full practice. 1062946 Ottawa Senators Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017

Steady McDonagh is Rangers' answer to Karlsson

BY KEN WARREN

NEW YORK — As a proven steady-as-a-rock two-way defender, it must be a little tough for New York Rangers captain Ryan McDonagh to hear, over and over again, just how dominant and dynamic Senators captain Erik Karlsson is. Yet, McDonagh has little interest in engaging in a conversation about a head-to-head battle with Karlsson. Pressed a couple of times on Wednesday on whether he’s driven to match or even outplay Karlsson, he turned the conversation into a team- oriented one. “He’s a huge part of that team, making an impact, offensively and defensively and he plays a ton of minutes,” said McDonagh. “We’ve got to make it as difficult as we can on him. Certainly, with the physical aspect, but also by taking away his options, not allowing him to make the plays and passes he wants.” McDonagh has landed a few big hits on Karlsson — he sent the Senators captain flying into the boards in overtime of Game 2 — but it’s all part of what he says is a deliberate team approach. “It’s a strategy the whole team is talking about and (Karlsson) is a big key. It’s a matter of trying to make it hard for him and all of their top guys.” Perhaps the Senators need to take a similar approach to McDonagh. His strengths are more subtle than Karlsson’s, but it’s hard to overstate his value to the Rangers. The comparisons are intriguing. In the first three games of the series, McDonagh has played 89:36, has one goal and one assist, has 12 blocked shots and 17 hits, including 11 in the Game 2 double-overtime victory by the Senators. Karlsson has played 90:08, has one goal and one assist, has blocked six shots and delivered three hits. “(McDonagh) is one of the best defencemen in the league,” said the Rangers’ Jimmy Vesey. “Karlsson is obviously world-class offensively, but Ryan, just with his skating ability and how strong he is, he’s one of the best defenders I’ve seen. His ability to separate defenders from the puck and then lead the attack the other way has been great asset for our team. He’s such an explosive skater. When he rounds the net and leads the charge, it’s hard to catch him.” While McDonagh and Rangers coach Alain Vigneault say the series is not about the two captains going against each other, their respective performances do create an engaging game within the game. THE KING LOVES HIS PEOPLE Smack dab in the hub of the mega-metropolis that is New York, with Penn Station running under and around the arena, Madison Square Garden serves as a never-ending beehive of activity. Given all that, it only seems natural that the MSG crowd would be a source of inspiration for the Rangers. “In the last two or three games, there has been a lot of energy,” said goaltender Henrik Lundqvist, praised with “Hen-rik, Hen-rik” chants throughout the Rangers’ 4-1 victory over the Senators on Tuesday. “We have received a lot of help from that energy. It is a lot more fun when you feel that support. But it starts with us. It starts with how we set the tone.” The perfect scenario for the Rangers would be to copy and paste their Game 3 start when they rolled over the Senators at the outset, outshooting the visitors 10-2 in the first 10 minutes and 15-5 in the first period, en route to a 2-0 lead. Lundqvist, 35, has been around the playoff block. He fully expects the Senators to deliver a firm response to what coach Guy Boucher called “a slap in the face” on Tuesday. “Sometimes, it’s not about playing your absolute best, it’s about being smart and finding a way,” he said. “If we continue to do the good things we’ve been doing in the last couple of games, we have a good chance of winning that game.” 1062947 Ottawa Senators “There are a lot of players that have a tremendous amount of skill, but you always have to combine that with work ethic, the right attitude, and develop those skills,” he said. “Often, it’s the off-ice skills that separate Former Senator Zibanejad playing hungry and it's working the good players from the really good players. I think Mika is starting to grasp that and, obviously, right now, there’s a lot of pressure. In the last little while, he has managed it well and he’s getting better.” BY KEN WARREN Indeed. Zibanejad’s size, speed and skill could become a bigger factor as the series progresses. The Rangers have had success with a strong forecheck, forcing the Senators into making mistakes inside their blue line. NEW YORK — Throughout his career, Mika Zibanejad has been an enigma, a riddle that nobody can quite figure out. “We’re coming up with a lot of pucks in their zone, we’re coming through the neutral zone well,” said Zibanejad. “There’s no secret recipe, really, At 6-foot-2 and 222 pounds, with great hands and good speed, he has just come at them with speed. It’s not as easy as it sounds or looks, always had the necessary equipment to dominate games just like he did sometimes. (The Senators) have done a really good job, too. They’re in the New York Rangers’ 4-1 bounce-back Game 3 victory over the here for a reason.” Ottawa Senators on Tuesday. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 At the same time, Zibanejad, 24, has also been prone to deep introspection, tying himself into mental knots while trying to figure out why he has been so inconsistent. “(At times), I’ve been too safe, not the player I should be,” Zibanejad said following the Rangers practice at Madison Square Garden Wednesday. “It’s something I’m working on. It’s not going to happen overnight. It’s something I’m trying to work on every day.” The deep valleys in his game ultimately prompted Senators general manager Pierre Dorion to trade him here for Derick Brassard last summer. During the 2015-16 season, Zibanejad experienced separate goal-scoring droughts of 12, nine and seven games, much of that while serving as a first-line centre with Kyle Turris injured. After taking him sixth overall in the 2011 entry draft, Zibanejad had decent numbers — he has 78 goals and 110 assists in 337 regular- season games — but the Senators’ patience in waiting for a steadier Zibanejad ran out. Naturally, though, the deal is getting plenty of attention now, given that the Z’s were wild on Tuesday. Zibanejad set up Mats Zuccarello for the game-opening goal, had six shots on goal and overpowered Ottawa’s defence throughout. While Zibanejad suggests it was probably his best game since breaking his leg in November and missing two months, he was once again an open book in talking about his mental and physical battles. “My battle level was good, I was skating a lot more and that’s something that has been growing throughout the playoffs,” he said. “I think I’m not thinking too much, just playing on my instinct. That’s something I’ve been trying to do. It’s so easy for me to say that, but it’s a lot harder to do. For me, it’s just about getting ready for (Game 4) and being hungry again. Not being too passive.” It’s rare for an NHL player to publicly discuss the between-the-ears battle, but Zibanejad has never been shy to go there. The way he sees it, trying to take charge is a better approach than waiting for the game to come to him. After struggling in the opening games of the playoffs against Montreal and getting down on himself, he has rediscovered his confidence and playmaking abilities, recognizing that when he’s “too safe” he’s selling himself — and his team — short. With one goal and six assists in nine games, he now leads the Rangers in playoff scoring. “I’ve been trying to say it to myself,” he said. “Mistakes are going to happen, but if I’m going to make mistakes, it should be by being aggressive. That’s better than making mistakes when I’m passive. That’s what frustrated me a little bit in the first three games in the Montreal series. I was too passive (or) nervous, I don’t know what you want to call it, (but) it wasn’t good enough. “After that, I just kind of let go and started playing. I want to be a creative player. I have to be a creative player. I have to make those plays.” Rangers coach Alain Vigneault also says Zibanejad is at his best when he takes charge. He, too, was a bit philosophical when discussing the up- and-down nature of Zibanejad’s play. “We are going to be sitting here in a couple of years, saying either he’s a really good player, or we’re going to say he never quite figured it out,” said Vigneault. “That’s part of him working at his game, working at his mental game, working with our sports psychologists, trying to put it all together.” Vigneault says Zibanejad is hardly alone in having to find a way to use his natural gifts to his best advantage. 1062948 Ottawa Senators “It doesn’t matter what you do and it doesn’t matter what systems you use if we’re playing like that we can’t win any game not even a regular season game. That was below every single standard (they’ve set). We Senators know it's 'time to get desperate' blocked 11 shots in the entire game and we’re always a team (around) 22-25 blocked shots a game. We’re at 11, so we’re not even close to our standards. We know that.” bruce-garrioch BY BRUCE GARRIOCH, OTTAWA SUN And, now, the Senators are aware, if they let the Rangers tie up the series before heading home, the degree of concern could escalate quickly. NEW YORK — Gentlemen, start your engines. BOUCHER PONDERING CHANGES And the Ottawa Senators better be ready to go from the drop of the puck The time has come for Guy Boucher to send a message. if they’re going to have a prayer against the born-again Rangers. The Senators coach will be forced to make at least one lineup change Coming off a disgraceful 4-1 loss to the Rangers in Game 3 Tuesday because it sounds like centre Zack Smith is doubtful for Game 4 of the night at Madison Square Garden, an unhappy coach Guy Boucher on club’s Round 2 series against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden. Wednesday dispensed with practice, held a video session to go over the horror show one last time and then told the players to turn the page. And, coming off a 4-1 loss in Game 3 Tuesday night, it doesn’t sound like he’ll stop there. The message was simple from Boucher: Get your act together and be ready to go Thursday for a pivotal Game 4 on Broadway. While winger Bobby Ryan appears to be OK after taking an Erik Karlsson shot off the thigh in Game 3 and leaving in the third period, it sounds like “Start at the same time as them. That’s it or else we have no chance,” winger Tom Pyatt will play regardless of whether Smith is ready to go. Boucher said Wednesday at the club’s Manhattan hotel. “We have to Also, it looks like defenceman Chris Wideman will return for the first time have the urgency and the battle level that we normally have and we’ve since Game 5 of the Boston series. got to match theirs. Smith got hit in the first period by Tanner Glass and J.T. Miller, left and “We know that they’ll be home and they’ll most probably display the exact didn’t return. He’s listed as doubtful. same urgency as they did the last game. That’s where you start then we have a chance to at least compete with them and that’s what we’re “I was looking at putting Wideman in at some point but we were winning looking for.” the games and it’s hard to get him back in. I’m definitely looking at that for (Thursday), regardless of injuries,” Boucher said Wednesday. “Pyatt, The good news for the Senators is they can’t be much worse than they also, I was looking at bring him in for the last game but I didn’t want to were on Tuesday. touch our lineup because it had won. Until they lost by that three-goal deficit, every one of the club’s previous “The chances are two regular guys that have been really good for us all eight playoff games had been decided by one goal — including four year (will) be back in and who we’re taking out is going to depend on the overtime victories in the five games requiring overtime. injuries.” Yes, Ottawa knew New York was going to push back, but they weren’t Boucher said he suspects Ryan will be fine as long as he’s able to skate prepared for the level thrown the club’s way in Game 3. The Rangers Thursday. certainly looked like they wanted it more and that’s the only major concern the Senators should have because this was a playoff game, “From the looks of it, Ryan, I don’t see him not playing tomorrow,” whether they were up 2-0 in the series or not. Boucher said. “We just need to check on the ice but right now he should be ready to go.” The Senators have done an autopsy and now it’s time to move on. If Mark Borowiecki was healthy enough to play, he’d be back in on “We’re still up 2-1 in the series,” winger Clarke MacArthur said. “They defence in a second. had a great game. That’s good for them. That’s great. It’s one game. We know that. The biggest thing will just be coming out with a better effort. Defenceman Ben Harpur, who is making his post-season debut this We’ve got a little bit more desperate. spring after being called up from AHL Binghamton late in the year, had difficulties in Game 3. It's quite possible he could be taken out and “It’s time to get desperate. The next one is a really big game and it replaced by Wideman. changes the whole series so I think you’ll see that from us.” Up front, winger Ryan Dzingel, who has struggled to find his way Remember, the Senators came into this series telling anybody who consistently this spring, would be a candidate to be scratched if the club would listen with a camera or a tape recorder that they’re the underdogs. has enough healthy bodies. He wasn’t very good at all in Game 3, The reality is, they’ve been outplayed in two straight games by New York finishing with a minus-2 rating and also was called for two penalties. and, if they don’t have a better effort in Game 4, they’ll be booking a trip back here next Tuesday for Game 6. Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 Make no mistake, the Senators are still sitting in a good spot, especially if they can find a way to get a split out of here before heading back to the Canadian Tire Centre for Game 5 Saturday. The Rangers are only one loss way from being pushed to the brink of elimination, so they’re not out of the woods yet. The Senators couldn’t manufacture desperation because they weren’t feeling desperate as they arrived at MSG with a 2-0 lead. Perhaps this loss will serve as a good wake-up call. “You learn quick in the playoffs. I’ve been up 2-0 and I’ve been down 2-0 in a playoff series and some guys when they’re living it you can really see a good veteran team like the Rangers were desperate (Tuesday) night,” winger Alex Burrows said. “You could see they were winning puck battles, they were first on pucks, they were blocking shots, they were doing all the right things to win the game and we’ve got to match that intensity (Thursday) night if we want to go home with a 3-1 lead.” Boucher said the first period pretty much did in his team. “There was nothing different that they did when you look at the video, they just wanted it more than us,” Boucher said. “They were first on (the) puck and they won the battles. Our percentages of being first on (the) puck and winning battles in the first period was below 35%. 1062949 Ottawa Senators

Senators made things too easy for Lundqvist in Game 3

By Don Brennan, Ottawa Sun

NEW YORK — When Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist was named one of the game’s three stars on Tuesday, it raised a legitimate question: What exactly did he do? The Senators put 27 shots on goal in their 4-1 loss to New York, but very few were of high quality. That pretty much allowed Lundqvist to have a night off after his off night in Game 3. “He didn’t get tested, that’s for sure,” said Senators forward Clarke MacArthur. “Obviously (the three-stars selectors) want to boost him up or whatever, but everything was (from the) perimeter. “We didn’t get to the net.” Coach Guy Boucher also said the Senators were too good to Lundqvist. “He had an easy night for the same reason any goalie will have an easy night — on less than 40 percent of our shots, we screened him,” said Boucher. “We’re not going anywhere against any goalie when we have that. He worked harder around his crease than our players did. (When that happens) you’re not going to score any goals, especially on him.” Boucher and his staff will consider making changes unrelated to injury for Game 4, but it’s unlikely they’ll turn to Colin White — even though the former first-rounder is the most offensively skilled player on the list of reserves. Boucher did say White’s name is in the mix, however. “Always,” he said. “When we look at why we need players, the position first of all and the type of player and who’s going to be playing with them, his name is always up. And (Chris) Neil, and (Chris) Kelly and him, of course (Tom) Pyatt, (Chris) Wideman, (Jyrki) Jokippaka. The names are always on the table. We always discuss them. And then we make a final decision on what we need.” The fact White has only played two NHL games works against him. “Of course it does,” said Boucher. “Before we start choosing guys who have not been here all year long you’ve got to privilege the guys that have been. But if we feel we need him for the tools he can bring, because we’re missing either a centre or we’re missing somebody that has the speed or puck handling he has, we won’t hesitate.” Ottawa Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062950 Philadelphia Flyers

Flyers' Ron Hextall: 'I jumped off my couch' with draft news by Sam Carchidi , STAFF WRITER @BroadStBull | [email protected]

Flyers general manager Ron Hextall admitted he was in a state of euphoria Saturday night. His team was one of the winners in the NHL draft lottery and moved from No. 13 to No. 2 in the opening round. The Flyers had a little over a two percent chance of advancing to No. 2. “I just got back from Europe. I sat down on my couch and watched it, and when I saw that No. 13 card turn around with Winnipeg on it, I jumped off my couch _ almost like we won a big game,” Hextall said on Sirius radio’s NHL show on Wednesday. “It’s huge for our organization. I think everybody knows, obviously, that the top end of the draft is good. We felt actually pretty good about 13. We’ve done a lot of homework about that and felt pretty good about that, but we feel a lot better at 2.” Hextall is expected to select either Nolan Patrick or Nico Hischier, whichever center the New Jersey Devils bypass with the No. 1 overall pick. “It’s going to be huge to draft a top player that high,” Hextall said. “We just barely missed the playoffs and you get down to 2 somehow, so it was great for our organization. I know our people are excited about it.” Hextall said the overall draft board is “probably average,” but that it is stronger that a lot of people are saying. Some of the first-round picks are “not as clear cut maybe as it’s been in past years, but our scouting staff feels it’s a pretty good draft,” he said. The draft will be held June 23-24 in Chicago. The Flyers have 11 selections in the seven rounds, including two picks in the third round and three in the fourth round. Flyers in tourney. The IIHF World Championships start Friday in France and Germany, and the Flyers have 11 players in the tournament, including five on Team Canada: Wayne Simmonds, Claude Giroux, Brayden Schenn, Sean Couturier, and Travis Konecny. The 16-team tourney ends May 21. Hextall, who is Team Canada’s general manager, said he hopes to add a defenseman to his squad as teams are eliminated from the Stanley Cup playoffs. On Friday, Team Canada will face the Czech Republic, whose team includes the Flyers’ Jake Voracek and Radko Gudas. The other four Flyers in the tournament: Russia’s Ivan Provorov and Roman Lyubimov; Finland’s Valtteri Filppula, and France’s Pierre- Edouard Bellemare. Philadelphia Inquirer / Daily News LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062951 Philadelphia Flyers “Obviously, Steve Mason is still an option for us but we’re going to look around and see what else is out there,’’ he said. “In the end we’ll decide what our best option is.’’ Ron Hextall: High draft pick will help Flyers' development plan As general manager of Canada’s team at the World Championships, Hextall was heartened to see an opening-game victory over Switzerland. By Wayne Fish, staff writer “It’s always hard, you all of a sudden flop 20-plus guys together, throwing them out there and they’re playing their first game,’’ Hextall said during an interview with the NHL channel on Sirius XM radio. It’s no secret the Flyers are trying to build something special through a “There’s some familiarity but not a lot. I think given that, we were happy youth movement. with the effort and the result.’’ That plan received a big shot of energy Saturday night when the NHL Burlington County Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 Draft Lottery came up strongly in their favor. The luck of the draw, which saw the Flyers move up an NHL-record 11 places (13th to second), sort of puts them in the same position as Edmonton and Buffalo two years ago. The Sabres, who were drafting No. 2, knew they weren’t going to get the top prospect, which was Connor McDavid. But they did get a nice consolation prize in Jack Eichel, who stepped right in and had a big impact on the team. Similarly, the Flyers knew they are probably not going to get this year’s No. 1-rated prospect, Nolan Patrick. Yet if they wind up with the No. 2-rated youngster, Nico Hischier, the Finnish forward, that wouldn’t be too bad, either. In an interview with the NHL Network on Wednesday, Hextall said he’s going to keep all his options open. “We know we’re going to get a good player,’’ Hextall said. “I was asked the other day whether we would trade the pick. I said I don’t envision trading the pick. But, obviously, you have to listen. There are certainly some good players there.’’ There’s always a slight chance the New Jersey Devils might not take Patrick with the No. 1 pick. If that’s the case, Hextall will be ready. “You have to be prepared for everything,’’ he said. “You hate to be sitting at the draft table there and something happens. We’re going to look at every scenario possible. We’ll be prepared for every one of them and act at the time.’’ The Flyers’ lucky moment caught Hextall completely by surprise. He had just returned from Finland when everything suddenly turned upside down. “I had just gotten back from Europe,’’ Hextall said. “I sat down on my couch and watched it and when I saw that No. 13 card turn around with Winnipeg on it, I jumped off my couch like we just won a big game or something. It’s like, oh my god, this is something special. I was happy only my wife and son were there, because I made a complete fool of myself.’’ Combine this development with the kind of year the Flyers’ development system had and you can see why there’s so much excitement throughout the organization. “We’ve kind of built our pipeline up,’’ Hextall said. “We’ve had a real good year. The Lehigh Valley Phantoms (who were just eliminated in the first round of the AHL/Calder Cup playoffs by Hershey), a lot of our kids had a real big piece of the pie. Our first and second power plays, our penalty kills. We not only had a lot of kids in the lineup but a lot in important positions. “They’re getting a lot of experience. (Travis) Sanheim, (Sam) Morin, (Robert) Hagg, (Phil) Myers, (Mark) Friedman, both goalies (Anthony Stolarz, Alex Lyon) had good years. We had an exciting year in our organization. Oskar Lindblom made real good progress, German Rubtsov (played well in Canadian junior), Mikhail Vorobyov in the World Juniors came out of the shadows. You want the big team to make the playoffs but we had a lot of growth in the organization.’’ Hextall talked about the disappointment of the Flyers not making the playoffs, the second time in three years that has happened. “Expectations are always going to be to make the playoffs,’’ he said. “There were a few areas where we fell short. Some of our top players didn’t have great years. We need to bring things together. Our guys need to come back focused, in great shape. We put a good push at the end of the year but we all know how tight it is. It’s hard to come from behind. We need a better start.’’ Hextall was asked about his goaltending. He said he’s going to check the entire field before making a decision. 1062952 Philadelphia Flyers

Ron Hextall: 'I jumped off my couch' after getting No. 2 pick

By Tim Panaccio | CSNPhilly.com May 03, 2017 6:12 PM

Ron Hextall said he got so excited about landing a spot in the top three during last weekend's NHL draft lottery, he momentarily became a gymnast of sorts. "I jumped off my couch and I don't do that very often," Hextall said Wednesday night on the NHL Network. "As soon as that 13th card went over, it was, 'Oh my God, this is special.'" The Flyers advanced from 13th overall to No. 2 in the lottery where they will draft next month. "It was an exciting moment," Hextall said. "I was thankful only my wife and my son were sitting there because I made a complete fool of myself." Hextall would not elaborate on any of the top players who will be available in the draft, and again mentioned while he doesn't envision trading the pick, he will go into the draft with an open mind and expecting the unexpected. North American prospect Nolan Patrick has the slight edge over Nico Hischier, who played for Halifax in the QMJHL (see options at No. 2). Hextall was asked whether Patrick’s series of significant injuries over the last 18 months represented a warning flag should the New Jersey Devils, picking first, decide not to take him. "Any young player, who has had injuries, you do background checks," Hextall said. "We are going to do research on all of them to make sure we're prepared. … With a guy like Nolan, who had a tough year injury- wise, anyone who has a shot at him or thinks they have a shot at him, is going to do their research." Both Patrick and Hischier are considered the two most elite players in the opening round. This draft is not exceptionally deep with many players in the same overall talent category outside of the top of the first round. Hextall was asked whether this is an easy choice for him at No. 2. That is, simply pick the player the Devils don't pick. Or does he see other possibilities for the second pick outside of Patrick and Hischier? "We've got to be prepared for everything," he said. "You can be sitting at the draft table there and something happens. Like last year with the [third] pick and all of a sudden, 'Oh boy, we didn't envision that.'" Hextall was referring to what happened in Buffalo last summer. Going into that draft, Hextall predicted if someone was picked out of order, it might create chaos and players would fall. That's exactly what happened when Columbus chose Pierre-Luc Dubois at No. 3, bypassing celebrated forwards Matthew Tkachuk and Alexander Nylander, and even Jakob Chychrun. That set off a chain reaction, which is why Chychrun, considered to be a franchise defenseman, kept dropping and was still on the board at No. 16 for Detroit. The Red Wings ended up trading the pick to Arizona, which selected Chychrun. Edmonton, selecting fourth, chose Jesse Puljujarvi, yet another surprise. "Things do happen at the draft you are not prepared for," Hextall said. "You have to look at every scenario possible and be prepared for every one of them." Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062953 Philadelphia Flyers

NHL PLAYOFFS: RANGERS DOMINATE SENATORS TO CUT SERIES DEFICIT TO 2-1

By The May 03, 2017 12:10 AM

NEW YORK -- Mats Zuccarello got the New York Rangers off to a fast start and they cruised to a crucial win against the Ottawa Senators. Zuccarello had a goal and an assist in the first period and the Rangers went on to a 4-1 victory Tuesday night that cut the Senators' lead to 2-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series. Michael Grabner, Rick Nash and Oscar Lindberg also scored, and Henrik Lundqvist stopped 26 shots. Looking to avoid falling into a 0-3 series hole and with the home crowd buzzing from the singing of the national anthems, the Rangers came out aggressive from the start. They outshot the Senators 15-5 in the first period while building a 2-0 lead. "We played a solid first period and we came out strong," Zuccarello said. "I think that we set the tone right away." The Rangers have won three straight playoff games at Madison Square Garden after losing six straight on home ice, including Game 3 of the first round against Montreal. "There's no doubt we played a strong game," New York coach Alain Vigneault said. "We were able to score a couple, get early pace and we were able to bring it home and win the game," (see full recap). NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis gave goalie Pekka Rinne a hand in the crease with a key save inside the final minute of the second period, then he broke open a scoreless game with a power-play goal. The St. Louis Blues just don't agree with how Nashville got the man advantage that led to Ellis' goal. James Neal made sure it didn't matter, scoring the game-winning goal with 6:57 left, as the Predators beat the Blues 2-1 on Tuesday night to take a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference semifinal. "That was by far the hardest game of the series," Ellis said. "I thought they played well at both ends of the ice. I thought we played well too. It was deadlocked at zeroes for most of the game and we just got a couple of bounces." Rinne outdueled St. Louis' Jake Allen with 32 saves, and the Predators are a victory from reaching the Western Conference final for the first time in franchise history. "Obviously that's something that would be amazing for this organization too," Rinne said. "Now we have a chance to really step on their throats, and we can control our destiny. You couldn't ask for more," (see full recap). Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062954 Philadelphia Flyers

Will No. 1 pick help Devils end playoff drought? How it impacted other teams

By Chris Ryan

The Devils missed the playoffs for the fifth straight season in 2016-17, but thanks to a little luck, they won the No. 1 overall pick in June's entry draft during the Draft Lottery. The Devils will pick first for the first time since the team moved to New Jersey, and if recent history is any indication, it should help them get back into the postseason. Here is how long it took every team since 2004 to go from making the top pick to returning to the playoffs. If the trend continues, the Devils will be back soon. Alex Ovechkin,Sidney Crosby 2004 No. 1: Washington Capitals The Pick: Alexander Ovechkin Seasons until team made playoffs again: 3 It took the Capitals three seasons to get back into the playoffs after drafting Ovechkin, getting back into the chase for the Stanley Cup in 2007-08 (there was no season in 2004-05 due to the lockout). But once they broke in, the Capitals were there to stay. Washington made the playoffs every season since then, with the exception of 2013-14, although the Capitals are still trying to reach the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in the Ovechkin era. 2005: Pittsburgh Penguins The Pick: Sidney Crosby Seasons until team made playoffs again: 2 The Penguins struggled in Crosby’s rookie season in 2005-06, winning just 22 games, but they won 47 games in 2006-07, and the Penguins haven’t missed the playoffs in a decade. The Penguins won a pair of Stanley Cups in that run and are still pushing for a third in 2016-17. Star Ledger LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062955 Pittsburgh Penguins NEXT GAME: The Penguins get another chance to prove their resilience when they proceed without the services of Sidney Crosby or Conor Sheary for Wednesday's 7:30 p.m. home game. Chipped Ice A.M.: Avenging Crosby not on Penguins' agenda A NOTE: Crosby last missed a playoff game in 2013, when he sat out of the first-round series opener against the because of a broken jaw. The Penguins won, 5-0. Pascal Dupuis scored twice. BILL WEST | Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 8:03 a.m. Evgeni Malkin, Jarome Iginla and Jussi Jokinen each had two assists. A QUOTE: “It's a tough series, and we knew it was going to be tough. Obviously we're going to try to get (the job) done.” — Jake Guentzel, on Save the sounding of the Tom Sestito alarm for another day, Penguins whether Niskanen's hit on Crosby changed the nature of the series fans. A NUMBER: 22 — playoff wins with the Penguins for coach Mike If retribution for Sidney Crosby's concussion is on the Penguins' agenda Sullivan, who only needs one more victory to tie Scotty Bowman for for Wednesday's Game 4 against Washington at PPG Paints Arena, it's second place on the franchise's all-time leaders list. far more likely to come through psychological than physical means. And history suggests that suffices for the Penguins. Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 Coach Mike Sullivan's club, up 2-1 in the second-round series, made two roster moves Tuesday in the hours after he announced Crosby's diagnosis. Neither involved a recall of the Penguins' resident pugilist, the 6-foot-5, 228-pound Sestito. Forwards Oskar Sundqvist and Josh Archibald, the two skaters recalled from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, hold their own in puck battles and know when to “chip bodies,” to use the team's terminology. However, Matt Niskanen, whose high hit on Crosby earned a game misconduct but received no further discipline, and Alex Ovechkin, whose slash on Crosby started the whole injury sequence, probably will not worry if either of those two — or any of the Penguins' other skaters — step to them for vigilante justice. “We're just going to play the game,” Sullivan promised after Monday's 3-2 overtime loss.” We're going to play the game hard, and we're going to do everything we can to win hockey games.” A year ago to the day, the Penguins threatened to take a different approach after that second-round series with Washington accumulated ugly incidents. In Game 2 of the 2016 series, Brooks Orpik injured Olli Maatta with a late, high hit that earned the Washington defenseman a two-minute minor for interference and eventually a three-game suspension. Two days later, in Game 3, Kris Letang leveled Marcus Johansson with a late, high hit. Johansson, after clearing concussion testing, returned at the start of the second period and finished the game. Letang, who received an interference minor, ultimately accepted a one-game suspension from the league. Those incidents set the stage for May 3, 2016, when the Penguins announced the recall of Sestito. Game 4, scheduled for the following day, presented an opportunity for the Penguins to build on their 2-1 lead in that series. But Bryan Rust was ailing after Game 3, so the Penguins needed a back-up plan for that lineup spot. Fans and media found themselves wondering if Sullivan, the mastermind behind the team's “Just Play” ethos, really wanted to insert Sestito into a volatile situation. Rust, a game-time decision, dressed. The Penguins won, 3-2, in overtime to take a 3-1 lead in the series, and the game's most confrontational, penalty-inducing moment involved a tussle between Ian Cole and Tom Wilson that earned roughing minors for each. Sestito's stint on the official roster lasted five days. He was reassigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton's roster on May 8, the day after a 3-1 Penguins loss in which slashing, hooking and interference minors represented the worst penalties. Sullivan never revealed how seriously he considered dressing Sestito in 2016. This year, it appears the question will not even arise. Carl Hagelin and voiced what much of the team likely believed when they expressed displeasure with Niskanen's hit, but Sullivan's “Just Play” agenda remains fine by the Penguins, including the few stars still healthy enough to play. “It's the playoffs,” Marc-Andre Fleury said. “Every play matters. Every win matters. I think our focus has to be on not retaliating and on winning the next game.” THE SERIES: Penguins lead, 2-1. LAST GAME: Evgeni Malkin and Justin Schultz scored in the final two minutes of regulation to force overtime, but Kevin Shattenkirk buried a shot on the power-play in overtime to deliver Washington its first win of the series in Game 3 Monday. 1062956 Pittsburgh Penguins

Fleury 'like a fine wine' in playoffs

Bill West | Thursday, May 4, 2017, 12:12 a.m.

Marc-Andre Fleury savored the sweat that ran down his face after Wednesday night's 3-2 win over Washington in Game 4 at PPG Paints Arena. This time a season ago, his brow remained pretty dry as he watched Matt Murray propel the Penguins' Stanley Cup run. He became available in Game 3 of 2016's second-round series against the Capitals only to watch Murray put together a 47-save effort. Hopes of reclaiming the starting job looked pretty bleak after that. At no point in this series or the previous one did Fleury present these playoffs as a redemption tour. His performance refuses to go by any other name, though. He finished with 36 saves in Game 4. He matched or exceeded 30 saves for the eighth time since the start of the playoffs. Murray needed to stop 30-plus pucks just six times all of last postseason. But that was when the Penguins dictated terms with possession. Fleury has shined for a very different version of the team, one that arguably is far more reliant on the performance of its goaltender. And that's still just fine by Fleury. “I don't mind it,” he said. “I just go out and try to stop the next one. Sometimes I like to see more shots than others. I like the action. I like to contribute. “I thought our guys did a good job of blocking them and letting me see the puck.” Blocking shots is a core element of this playoff run for the Penguins, who stepped in front of 24 more shot attempts in Game 4. Washington, despite its abundance of high-level offensive talent, continues to find itself without many angles to attack. “They're getting in front of things,” Capitals forward Justin Williams said. “They're sacrificing. They're committed to not letting the puck get to the net, and we need to find a way.” Columbus players and coach John Tortorella said the same thing. Then the Blue Jackets lost in five games. They left shaking their heads at where things went wrong. The Capitals now face that same possibility. Defenseman Ron Hainsey considers it difficult to share all of the Fleury- centric moments that help explain why two of the league's strongest regular-season teams have been left scratching their heads. “You could talk for a while (about him). He's made so many key saves at key times,” Hainsey said. Fleury heard the criticisms about his playoff performances for years. Speculation about whether he lost his way after stellar 2008 and '09 runs got around the league. That's no longer something Fleury sweats. And those around the league noticed that, too. “Because of maturity and because of the way the game has changed, I think he's evolved,” Washington coach Barry Trotz said. “I think he's a lot more patient than he used to be. ... Just like any veteran goaltender, they're like a fine wine. They get better. They adjust to the game. And right now, this is two years in a row where guys come in and play very well for the Penguins. It's a real good situation.” Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062957 Pittsburgh Penguins The Capitals continue to take shots, and Fleury continues to stop them. “I don't know,” Fleury said. “I don't worry too much about what they're thinking. I just want to stop the next one.” Gorman: Fleury impenetrable against cracking Capitals Like a fine wine, we are watching vintage Fleury.

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 Tribune-Review | Thursday, May 4, 2017, 12:03 a.m.

Lucky for Matt Niskanen, the Washington Capitals defenseman isn't active on social media. Only then would he know that Penguins fans wanted his flesh and blood as payback for his cross-check on Sidney Crosby. Niskanen was nervous after being cast as the villain for knocking the Penguins captain out indefinitely with a concussion in what is the defining play of this Eastern Conference semifinal series. The Penguins had other ideas for retribution Wednesday night in Game 4. While the PPG Paints Arena crowd booed lustily every time Niskanen touched the puck, players such as Patric Hornqvist and Chris Kunitz got into his head early and took Niskanen out of his game. The Capitals, however, had no answer for Marc-Andre Fleury. The Penguins goaltender has become impenetrable, whether it's protecting the net or his mindset. Fleury stopped 36 of 38 shots in the 3-2 victory before a sellout, standing-room-only crowd and has emerged as the shining star on a team suddenly in need of one. “I think Marc has played extremely well for us,” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said. “He's a competitive guy. He's a Stanley Cup-winning goaltender, and I think he's showing it.” Turns out, the Penguins didn't need to seek revenge on Niskanen, who drew a game misconduct for his hit on Crosby but avoided any further punishment from the NHL. Niskanen was tentative and ineffective, and it was reflective of his Capitals teammates, who had six penalties and went 0 for 5 on the power play. “Your goaltender is usually your best penalty killer,” Sullivan said. “They make that timely save for you. Marc did that all night long, not just on our penalty kill but five-on-five, as well.” Where Washington won Game 3 with what was debated as a dirty play, the Penguins won Game 4 with their play in the dirty areas. They fought for pucks along the boards. They gave up their bodies to block 24 shots, compared to the Capitals' 11, and won the battle of hits (40-30). “He's been our No. 1 star all playoffs,” said Penguins defenseman Justin Schultz, who scored the winner on a power-play goal at 11 minutes, 24 seconds of the second period. “It seems every other night we're saying how good he was. Again, he kept us in it in the second when they were coming. He has a lot of fun back there, and he loves the moment and it's fun playing for him.” Afterward, Capitals coach Barry Trotz lamented his star players didn't do enough but credited Fleury for another fine performance. In these four games against the Capitals, who feature one of this generation's great goal scorers in Alex Ovechkin, Fleury has stopped 133 of 142 shots, a .937 save percentage. “Marc has elevated his game at an important time of the season,” Sullivan said, “and I think it's the highest compliment you can give a player.” Trotz said the Penguins have the edge in pedigree as reigning Stanley Cup champions. The Capitals have only the President's Trophy, awarded to the NHL's best regular-season team. The Penguins take a 3-1 series lead to Game 5 on Saturday at Verizon Center with a chance to clinch. “You've just got to mentally fight through it,” Trotz said. “That's the part we have to wrap around our minds. One of the things in playoff hockey is you have to earn the right to play. That's not a given. “The Pittsburgh Penguins have played without a number of players all year, and you were going to get their best game and we needed our best game to beat them. We had a lot of zone time. We had a lot of chances. Fleury was a big player. We had some good chances. We didn't bury them. We're sitting here now, down 3-1.” Fleury acknowledged the Capitals have tried to get into his head, once considered the most fragile part of his game to the point that he sought counsel from a sports psychologist after one playoff failure. From crashing the crease to setting screens in front of the net, nothing has rattled the 32-year-old netminder this postseason. 1062958 Pittsburgh Penguins

Plus-Minus: Penguins vs. Capitals, Game 4

Bill West | Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 11:59 p.m.

No game sheet is complete without plus-minus, a sometimes-misleading statistic that attempts to reflect a skater's two-way performance. The Tribune-Review's version of plus-minus for the postseason also addresses two-way play, albeit with more taken into account. PLUS Penguins D Justin Schultz His four shots on goal led the team. None proved bigger than the winner on the power play. PLUS Penguins D Ian Cole While his blueline partner brought the offensive flash, Cole brought the own-zone fortitude. He blocked three shots, dished out six hits and allowed the Penguins to find some success in transition. PLUS Penguins G Marc-Andre Fleury No matter how much the Penguins ask of him, Fleury continues to flourish. His 36 saves represented his highest total of the series. PLUS Washington F Evgeny Kuznetsov A goal and a team-high six shots on goal made Kuznetsov far more productive than most of the Capitals' top-end talent. EVEN Penguins F Scott Wilson Thrown back into the lineup after serving as a healthy scratch in Game 3, Wilson tallied one shot on goal and two attempts in just 4 minutes, 49 seconds of ice time. He was on the ice for as many five-on-five shot attempts for (seven) as against. MINUS Washington F Alex Ovechkin On a night the Capitals needed to seize the series momentum, he went shy on offense and finished with just two shots on goal and four attempts. MINUS Washington D Dmitry Orlov How he failed to get his skate out of the way of Jake Guentzel's centering pass or to at least avoid kicking the puck directly at his netminder on the Penguins' second goal almost defies explanation. MINUS Washington G Braden Holtby Another game passed without a timely stop from the Capitals' goalie, who allowed three goals on 18 shots. Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062959 Pittsburgh Penguins "I didn't think our top guys really stepped up today," Trotz said, "which is very unfortunate for us."

Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 Crosby-less Penguins down Capitals, take 3-1 lead in series

Jonathan Bombulie | Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 10:24 p.m. captain in the best way possible Wednesday night. They didn't do it by challenging Matt Niskanen to a fight for giving Sidney Crosby a concussion with a violent cross-check two days earlier. They didn't do it by going out of their way to deliver a bone-rattling hit to Alex Ovechkin for his role in the play. They did it by battling. They won one for Crosby by playing the way he would have played. Justin Schultz scored a tie-breaking power-play goal in the second period, and the Penguins held on for a 3-2 victory, taking a formidable 3- 1 lead in the best-of-seven series heading into Game 5 on Saturday night in Washington. "You hopped on the ice, and you didn't worry about anything else. You just went out there and you played," Maatta said. "We battled really hard today. This is a battle win. "When you look at Sid out there, he's winning all the battles. He has that want. He's a resilient guy. He wants to win. I think we did a pretty good job of that today." The one area where the Penguins most needed to prove they could have success without Crosby was on the power play. Without him, they struggled terribly in Game 3, going 0 for 5, and in the first period of Game 4, going 0 for 2. The power play picked an opportune time to come to life. Schultz ripped a one-timer past the block attempt of Jay Beagle and over the shoulder of goalie Braden Holtby to give the Penguins a 3-2 lead with 8 minutes, 36 seconds left in the second period. "It's nice. It gives us some more confidence," Schultz said. "We knew we had the guys in this room to get the job done. Obviously, Sid's a big part of this team. We miss him out there. But we have the guys in here that can step up and we showed it tonight." The game opened with a healthy degree of animosity streaming down from a capacity crowd, which booed Ovechkin — and especially Nisknanen — every chance it got. The Penguins obliged the crowd not with violence but by taking an early lead. Less than five minutes into the game, Maatta made a pinpoint breakout pass to spring Patric Hornqvist between defenseman Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner for a breakaway goal. "Sid is a big loss for us," Hornqvist said. "We wanted to get that win for him. We all played really, really hard. We didn't play our best game, but we found a way to win." Early in the second period, the Penguins benefitted from a stroke of luck. Jake Guentzel threw a centering pass from the left wing to the top of the crease, and Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov kicked it right into his own net. The goal didn't floor the Capitals. Immediately afterward, they began to spend long stretches in the offensive zone, a trend that would continue throughout much of the rest of the game. They scored twice, too, forging a 2-2 tie when Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nate Schmidt connected 72 seconds apart in the middle of the second period. Those were the only blemishes on the record of Marc-Andre Fleury, however, who turned in another brilliant performance, making 36 saves. "He always has a smile on his face. It's so fun to play in front of him," Hornqvist said. "He made some huge saves for us in big moments, and that's what really good goaltenders do." After the game, Capitals coach Barry Trotz was complimentary of Fleury's efforts. He was less impressed with the performances turned in by his own star players. Ovechkin, for instance, had two shots on goal and was rarely a threat to score. 1062960 Pittsburgh Penguins Capitals center Jay Beagle and Kessel engaged in an odd war of words Wednesday morning.

In an off-day meeting with reporters Tuesday, Beagle did not mention Penguins notebook: Sullivan tweaks lines in absence of Crosby, Sheary Niskanen's cross-check that injured Crosby but said he enjoyed the nature of “nasty” playoff hockey. Bill West | Wednesday, May 3, 2017, 8:33 p.m. “It's fun to play hard between the whistles,” Beagle said. Kessel, when asked about Beagle's comment on “nasty” hockey, steered the conversation back toward the Crosby incident. Not even the absence of Sidney Crosby from the lineup caused the Penguins to tweak their hottest forward combination in pursuit coach “If he thinks that's clean, then he's an idiot,” Kessel said. Mike Sullivan's oft-mentioned “scoring balance.” Beagle, informed of Kessel's declaration, clarified his comment did not Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel, first and second in playoff scoring, apply to the Niskanen's cross-check, which the Capitals center said did continued to operate as linemates in Game 4 against Washington on not qualify as clean. He then proposed an interesting way for he and Wednesday night at PPG Paints Arena. The adjustments to the absence Kessel to settle their dispute. of Crosby as well as Conor Sheary, both out with concussions, included “We can always play some Mario Kart,” Beagle said. “He knows where to Jake Guentzel joining Nick Bonino and Bryan Rust on the second line find me. We can take it there.” and Matt Cullen centering Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist on the third line. Tribune Review LOADED: 05.04.2017 Carter Rowney and Scott Wilson, healthy scratches earlier in the second- round series, slotted back into the lineup to flank winger Tom Kuhnhackl on the fourth line. Malkin and Kessel combined for 27 points, including eight goals, through eight playoff games. Among the Penguins' other healthy players, only Guentzel (seven goals, three assists) averaged at least a point per game. Sullivan, in sticking with his usual philosophy, emphasized after Wednesday's morning skate that he and his staff constructed the lineup they considered most likely to give the Penguins a chance to win. But he also indicated nothing is set in stone. “Every possibility is on the table in this type of circumstance,” Sullivan said. Saving his ‘sorry' Matt Niskanen has not reached out to Crosby to apologize for the cross- check to the head that gave the Penguins captain a concussion in Game 3 on Monday night, but he said he will in the future. “I don't think there's anything I can say that's going to make him feel better about it,” Niskanen said after morning skate Wednesday. “I'm sure he's (ticked). When the time's right, I'll probably reach out to him after the boiling over kind of cools down.” Niskanen also reiterated his stance that he had no intention to injure Crosby on the play. “I regret that it happened, but I am adamant that I'm not sure, at that game speed, what I could have done different,” Niskanen said. “I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down. But the collision happened fast.” Marc-Andre Fleury offered a subtle, silent protest of Niskanen for Game 4 when he altered the back plate of his goaltender's mask by putting a piece of tape over the name of the former Penguins defenseman. Fleury's mask, made earlier this season for the outdoor game at , lists numerous current and former teammates, but it initially did not include Niskanen. But the netminder later added “Nisky” in marker. Sunny disposition Oskar Sundqvist's adventures in moving out of apartments continued this week. Recalled by the Penguins hours after the announcement of Crosby and Sheary's concussions, the Swedish center, who turned 23 in March, adjusted his intended schedule for removing his belongings from his place in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton by about 24 hours. “My plan was to pack up the apartment (Tuesday) and (Wednesday),” Sundqvist said. “But obviously I just had one day to do it so we did it in a rush and I hope we got everything.” Last season, he already had left Wilkes-Barre/Scranton when the time came to move his belongings. The Penguins recalled him March 30 and never sent him back to the American Hockey League, so Sundqvist made an arrangement for someone else to pack everything up and stow it elsewhere until the NHL playoffs ended. “I'd say it was a little bit more stressful this time,” Sundqvist said, “because I was there (in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton) when I got the call, and I know I'm not going down there anymore this season so that's why.” War of words 1062961 Pittsburgh Penguins

Penguins take the lead in Game 4

SAM WERNER

The Penguins are facing the Washington Capitals in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal Wednesday at PPG Paints Arena. They’re looking to extend their series lead to 3-1. Here are some thoughts on the game as it progresses. First period: On the scoreboard, that was about as good a start as the Penguins could have hoped for as they begin life without Sidney Crosby. Patric Hornqvist's go-ahead goal was set up by a great feed from Olli Maatta, and Hornqvist pulled away from Karl Alzner and Brooks Orpik, and put a nice move on Braden Holtby. Looking at how the Penguins lined up tonight, it seems like Mike Sullivan was pretty pleased with how things have been going and didn’t want to shake too much up. Evgeni Malkin’s line stayed intact, and there weren’t any drastic moves (like shifting Jake Guentzel over to center). He could have totally blown things up, but this lineup was basically as status quo as it could be while missing two top-six guys. Sidney Crosby lies on the ice after taking a hit in the first period of Game 3 Monday against the Capitals. Dave Molinari and Sam Werner 'Retribution' for Sidney Crosby not as simple as it sounds The Penguins’ power play appears to be starting to figure out how to operate without Crosby. They went 0-for-2 in that period, but the second one looked a lot better than the first. Marc-Andre Fleury was excellent again that period, as he has been all postseason. Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062962 Pittsburgh Penguins head. I’m trying to play hard within the rules, hit guys in the body. To be honest with you, I wasn’t even trying to hit him on that play. It was a collision that happened because he was coming in with a serious amount Jay Beagle issues Mario Kart challenge to Phil Kessel of speed, trying to score. He was getting lower and lower, partially because he’s falling down.”

No apology … yet JASON MACKEY Niskanen said he has not reached out to Crosby. Figures it’s not the right time. But he will. Talk about the intensity of playoff hockey: Capitals forward Jay Beagle “I don’t think there’s anything I can say that’s going to make him feel has challenged Penguins forward Phil Kessel to a game of Mario Kart. better about it,” Niskanen said. “When the time’s right, I’ll probably reach out to him. After the boiling over cools down. At this point, there’s not Beagle said he was deeply hurt by Kessel's 'idiot' comment. If they want much I can say to him that’s going to make him feel better about it or to settle it, Beagle proposed Mario Kart. believe me.” 12:17 PM - 3 May 2017 Ovechkin’s angle 37 37 Retweets 117 117 likes Alex Ovechkin and Crosby aren’t terribly close for obvious reasons, but they do have a pretty good amount of professional respect for one Follow another. Jason Mackey ✔ @JMackeyPG

Jay Beagle: "I’m hurt deeply. If he wants to settle it, we could always play While not exactly gushing — it’s not his style — Ovechkin said he did some Mario Kart. He knows where to find me." hope that Crosby would be back soon. 12:29 PM - 3 May 2017 “This stuff happens,” Ovechkin said. “It’s hard to see. … I hope he’s fine 3 3 Retweets 7 7 likes and comes back in the series.” The two traded barbs following Wednesday’s morning skates prior to Without Crosby, the biggest focal point for the Capitals will be Ovechkin’s Game 4 of the teams’ Eastern Conference semifinal series, a microcosm countryman, Evgeni Malkin, who has averaged 1.31 points per game in of how the intensity has turned up in this one. 118 regular-season games without Crosby. “If he thinks that’s clean, then he’s an idiot,” Kessel said in reference to “[Crosby’s] the best player in the game and the key to their success,” Beagle discussing the Alex Ovechkin-Matt Niskanen-Sidney Crosby Ovechkin said. “I think Malkin’s going to step up pretty big, and we have sequence in Game 3 that has sidelined the Penguins captain with a to play very smart against his line.” concussion. Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 “Ouch,” Beagle responded with a smile when alerted to Kessel’s comments. “That hurts. That’s not very nice. Winger Chris Kunitz and the Penguins will be looking to get the best of goalie Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Wednesday at PPG Paints Arena. “It hurts. I’m hurt deeply. If he wants to settle it, we could always play some Mario Kart. He knows where to find me. We’ll take it there.” No word on whether a game is scheduled. Or what system they’d play it on. Or who’s favored to win. The only thing we know is that Niskanen-Ovechkin-Crosby sequence has triggered some interesting comments from both locker rooms. “We don’t like them,” Capitals forward Tom Wilson said. “They don’t like us. I’m expecting that to continue.” “I think it’s a different game, right?” Kessel said of playoff hockey. “It’s a rougher, a closer-checking game. There’s a clean way to do it and not.” Will there be any retribution against Niskanen? Could happen, Niskanen said. Tom Wilson doesn’t think it would be in the Penguins’ best interest to do anything of the sort. “I don’t think that would necessarily be smart on their part,” Wilson said. “Power plays and special teams are such a big part of today’s game. If they go out there and do something and we score on the power play, that’s going to cost them. They’re going to play hard. They’re going to stay focused. We’re going to do the same.” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said he wasn’t worried about Niskanen’s psyche — “He’ll be fine,” Trotz said. “He’s a pro. He’s been around.” — but it wouldn’t be outside the realm of possibility that Niskanen was beating himself over this, too. Not that any Penguins fan wants to hear about it. “Possibly,” Niskanen said when asked about potential retribution. “It’s a hockey game. Hockey players are emotional guys. If that happens, we’ll cross that bridge when it happens.” Niskanen maintained what he said after the game, that the contact with Ovechkin changes Crosby’s angle. Niskanen also said he wasn’t planning on hitting Crosby at all. “My intent was not to forcefully cross-check him in the face,” Niskanen said. “Anybody who knows me knows I’m not trying to hit guys in the 1062963 Pittsburgh Penguins This lineup would also put Malkin with Hornqvist, a rarely-used but often effective combination, and keep the HBK line together. The concern would be Guentzel adjusting to center on that third line, and potentially Pregame: Penguins vs. Capitals, 7:38 p.m. losing his scoring production if things don’t click there. It also reunites the Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rowney trio, which was a really effective fourth line against Columbus. SAM WERNER Player to watch Evgeni Malkin. I wrote in today’s Post-Gazette about Malkin’s tendency to raise his game with Crosby out of the lineup, and he’ll probably have to If the Penguins are panicking after Sidney Crosby’s concussion diagnosis do that tonight if the Penguins want to win. It’s always a bit of a fine line yesterday, it’s tough to tell. with Malkin. He can do things with the puck on his stick that not many players in the league can do, but he also sometimes can go overboard Rather, they arrived at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday morning with a with the possession, to the detriment of the team (especially in Sullivan’s matter-of-fact, get-to-work attitude that has been around most of this up-tempo system). He’ll need to be dialed in and dominant, but still play season — through a number of other injuries, as well. within himself, tonight. “We’ve had more, right?” winger Phil Kessel said. “We seem to get some Numbers of note injuries once in a while here, and we just kind of keep going.” 8: Career playoff games Crosby has missed due to injury. The Penguins Especially in the second half of the season, when injuries just kept piling are 4-4 in those games. up, the Penguins kept plugging away, and they’ll try to keep that attitude again tonight. Granted, they never lost Crosby (he actually stayed 15-2: Penguins' record when in series where they win the first two remarkably healthy this year after missing the first six games with a games. concussion) and the playoffs are a different animal. 30: Marc-Andre Fleury has made at least 30 saves in seven of his last Still, they feel like they have a reason to be confident. eight starts. “I just think based on the history, they have hard evidence that they can Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 have success,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “I think that should provide a certain level of confidence and belief and trust that this group of players is very capable, regardless of who’s in our lineup. We’re not so much focused on who’s not in our lineup tonight. We’re focused on who’s in our lineup tonight, and those guys are going to help us win a game.” From the Penguins’ skate ***Optional skate for the Penguins this morning. Absent guys were Evgeni Malkin, Matt Cullen, Chris Kunitz, Carl Hagelin, Brian Dumoulin and Ron Hainsey. Crosby, Conor Sheary and Matt Murray (all injured) were also not out there. ***Since it was an optional, we didn't get a chance to see what type of lineup the Penguins will use tonight without Crosby and Sheary. Josh Archibald and Oskar Sundqvist were out there a long time, so it’s a reasonable assumption they won’t play tonight. As far as the line combinations, the Penguins have a couple of different ways they could go. The first would be keeping things relatively status quo, but just effectively sliding Cullen up into Crosby’s old spot. That could look like this: Kunitz-Malkin-Kessel Guentzel-Cullen-Hornqvist Wilson-Bonino-Rust Hagelin-Rowney-Kuhnhackl They could also get creative, though, and make some wholesale changes. I think an HBK reunion is on the table (and maybe even likely). If Sullivan really wants to spread the scoring ability up and down his lineup, that would mean breaking up the productive Kessel-Malkin partnership, but it would put the Penguins’ three biggest scoring threats (those two plus Jake Guentzel) on three different lines. That could look something like this: Kunitz-Malkin-Rust Guentzel-Cullen-Hornqvist Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel Wilson-Rowney-Kuhnhackl A third (and maybe the most intriguing) option is moving Guentzel to center. He played one game there for the Penguins this season, but has pretty extensive experience at the position in Wilkes-Barre and his college days. Sullivan said it was an option, but only really in the context of everything being on the table, so we’ll see if it happens. If it does, though, we could see: Kunitz-Malkin-Hornqvist Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel Wilson-Guentzel-Rust Kuhnhackl-Cullen-Rowney 1062964 Pittsburgh Penguins Crosby out, wouldn’t they have made sure it was a player that isn’t essential to their chances of winning?

It’s all silly, yet this nonsense has been spewed on talk radio and social Paul Zeise: Stop with the Penguins-Capitals conspiracy theories media the past few days. There was no conspiracy to take Crosby out of the game. None. There PAUL ZEISE was no belief that it was the only way they could beat the Penguins, either. Niskanen’s hit was dirty, but it wasn’t with the intent to injure.

Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 I’m all for good conspiracy theories, but the ones flying around the Penguins over the past few days would make Oliver Stone blush. The Capitals didn’t wake up Monday morning and discuss the best way to take out Sidney Crosby. Barry Trotz didn’t decide this was the only way his team could beat the Penguins and draw up a plan to pull it off. Matt Niskanen hit Crosby in what is a very routine play that happens quite often in hockey games. It was a dirty hit and a free shot at a vulnerable player, but it wasn’t over the top or even close to one of the most malicious plays I’ve seen in NHL games. Crosby was falling down, and Niskanen got his stick up and hit him in the head. Had Crosby still been on his skates, Niskanen’s stick would have hit him in the chest, a hit we see all the time. Niskanen received a game misconduct and that’s where the discipline should have ended. The NHL saw it that way, which prompted the usual nonsense about how the league is stuck in the old days and doesn’t protect its players. Evgeni Malkin takes a shot on goalie Marc-Andre Fleury in morning practice Tuesday in Cranberry. I thought for a minute that maybe I was being overly kind to Niskanen. That was before I heard former Penguins player and coach Ed Olczyk on 93.7 The Fan Tuesday afternoon discussing the play. He, too, thinks the play wasn’t with malicious intent and didn’t deserve a suspension. He took it a step further and said Niskanen shouldn’t have even been thrown out of the game. “I felt it was a reactionary play by Matt Niskanen, and those types of plays happen a lot where a guy turns and may run into somebody,” Olczyk said. “It was just one of those plays that went bad.” Those are the words of a hockey expert with obvious affection for the Penguins despite being fired by the team in 2005. It’s a rational analysis of the play as it actually happened. Niskanen said he didn’t try to hurt Crosby, and it’s easy to believe him if you watch the play. He had Crosby in a very vulnerable position and could have lowered the boom to try to injure him but didn’t. Still, the conspiracy theorists are out in force the same way they always are when Crosby is injured. It wouldn’t be so bad if it was limited to fans, but these theories have extended to media members, which is just nuts. My favorite two conspiracies have a level of sheer lunacy: No. 1: Matt Niskanen and Sidney Crosby have a history because they got into a fight in a game when Niskanen was in Dallas in 2010. Seven years is a long time to hold a grudge, but I can definitely see how that would be relevant. It isn’t like he was traded to the Penguins the next season and became Crosby’s teammate for four years or anything. Sidney Crosby leaves the ice Monday after taking a hit early in Game 3 against the Capitals. And it isn’t like Niskanen played against Crosby in last year’s playoffs or a bunch of times in the regular season the last two seasons. No, he waited all this time to find the perfect spot to retaliate and take a cheap shot on Crosby. That’s as ridiculous as it sounds. If Niskanen wanted to get Crosby he had plenty of opportunity before Monday. Crosby happened to be the player coming through the crease at that time, and Niskanen lined him up and hit him. I firmly believe if it was anyone else in that same spot, Niskanen would have done the same thing. No. 2: The Capitals dressed seven defensemen because knew one of their defensemen would be thrown out for taking out Crosby. First, this requires you to believe that the entire team is sworn to secrecy about a grand plan to take out Crosby. Then it requires you to believe that the Capitals were OK with the idea of losing their best defenseman for the majority of the game. The Capitals would also have had to be OK with the risk of losing him for multiple games if he was suspended. That’s why it makes no sense. If they were going to have a defenseman take 1062965 Pittsburgh Penguins

Marc-Andre Fleury stands out during busy night

Sam Werner

Marc-Andre Fleury often says he has the most fun in net when he’s a little bit busy. Wednesday night must have been a blast for him. Fleury stopped 36 of 38 shots in the Penguins’ 3-2 Game 4 win against the Capitals at PPG Paints Arena and withstood an onslaught of Washington offense late in the game. “It was a good challenge,” Fleury said. “It was hard. It was a tough game and I thought we battled through.” Penguins forward Carter Rowney celebrates with Jake Guentzel after scoring against the Capitals in the second period Monday at PPG Paints Arena. Fleury was at his best late, when he stopped Lars Eller on a pair of shots in close to preserve the Penguins’ one-goal lead and ensure that they’ll go to Washington for Game 5 Saturday with a chance to close out the series. “He’s been playing great,” defenseman Ron Hainsey said. “I could talk for a while, he’s made so many key saves at key times. The one in the third, 4-on-4 play where the guy walks off the wall and he just stays with him when the guy had a lot of time to really extend him across the net. That’s the one that really sticks out in my mind.” Fleury has been especially good at home, not just in the postseason but throughout the entire year. At PPG Paints Arena this season, he went 14- 3-2 with a 2.52 goals-against average and a .928 save percentage. “It’s tough to explain,” he said. “It’s definitely nice to have our fans behind us, the support they give us every night, how loud it gets. I think we just feel comfortable. It’s our home and it’s been good for us.” Just as Fleury has been good for the Penguins this postseason. As they’ve been routinely dominated in the shot department both this series and in the first round against Columbus, Fleury has answered the bell just about every time. It’s not the first time, of course. Penguins coach Mike Sullivan was quick to remind everyone after Wednesday’s game that Fleury is a Stanley Cup-winning goalie — “and I think he’s showing it” — and he’s been at his best when the Penguins have needed him. “I think Marc has played extremely well for us,” Sullivan said. “Yes, he’s elevated his game at an important time.” Washington coach Barry Trotz agreed. “I think he’s a lot more patient than he used to be,” Trotz said. “Just like any veteran goaltender, they’re like a fine wine. They get better, they adjust to the game.” Fleury, though, isn’t concerned about any big-picture improvements or evolution to his game. He’s just thinking about the next shot, and when they’re coming as fast as they did Wednesday night, he doesn’t even have much time to do that. “I don’t mind it,” he said. “I don’t really think about it either. I just go out and try to stop the next one. Sometimes it happens, they get more shots than others. I don’t mind it. I like the action, I like to contribute, I like to have a good sweat.” And a good smile. After just about every big save, any time the TV cameras zoom in on Fleury, it’s possible to make out his grin through his yellow facemask. “He’s been our number one star all playoffs,” defenseman Justin Schultz said. “It seems like every night we’re saying how good he was. He kept us in it in the second when they were coming and he has a lot of fun back here. He loves the moment and it’s fun playing with him.” Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062966 Pittsburgh Penguins No fewer than 14 skaters blocked at least one shot. “Guys are throwing themselves in front of every puck right now to give us a chance,” Rowney said. Joe Starkey: Penguins have heart of a champion Earlier in the day, Sullivan conveyed an unmistakable sense of confidence in his wounded team. Joe Starkey “We’re not so much focused on who’s not in our lineup,” Sullivan said. “We’re focused on who’s in our lineup, and those guys are going to help us win a game.” You can have your X’s and O’s and your analytics and your lopsided shot totals. I want to talk about the heart of a champion. Help they did. Every last one of them. On the way out of the arena, I spotted Crosby engaged in a pleasant conversation with NBC I want to talk about a thousand 50/50 puck battles and a million blocked broadcaster Doc Emrick. I didn’t have a chance to ask Sid what he shots in the wake of the Sidney Crosby-less Penguins out-willing the thought of his team’s performance, but I’m guessing he loved their tortured Washington Capitals, 3-2, in Game 4 Wednesday night at courage and determination. I’m guessing he saw what we all saw. pulsating PPG Paints Arena. The heart of a champion. I want to talk about Patric Hornqvist limping to the bench after dropping to his knees to block a bullet slap shot even though he was already Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 injured from dropping to his knees to block a bullet slap shot. I want to talk about Carter Rowney winning some of those 50/50 puck battles with his team desperately fending off a Capitals’ power play late in the second period. I want to talk about Marc-Andre Fleury extending his right pad all the way to Pitcairn to thwart Lars Eller’s layup with 10:50 left. I want to talk about Bryan Rust racing like Eric Heiden to overtake T.J. Oshie and nullify an icing call. I want to talk about Ron Hainsey lugging his 36-year-old carcass to a team-high 22 minutes, 26 seconds of ice time and 40-year-old Matt Cullen killing penalties, winning faceoffs (nine of 15) and assisting on a goal. I want to talk about Phil Kessel bull-rushing his way into the offensive zone to steal a puck and nearly score a goal. I want to talk about the 24 blocks and the 40 hits and the countless mini- scrums the Penguins won all over the ice. I want to talk about their penalty killing and late-lead protecting in what coach Mike Sullivan described as a “gutsy, gritty, scrappy game.” I also want to talk about every guy I didn’t mention yet — Evgeni Malkin, Olli Maatta, Justin Schultz, Trevor Daley, Brian Dumoulin, Nick Bonino, Chris Kunitz, Scott Wilson, Ian Cole, Tom Kuhnhackl, Jake Guentzel and Carl Hagelin — because it literally took every one of them to pull off one of the truly memorable wins in franchise history. “Four lines, six D, everybody contributed,” said Fleury, who stopped 36 shots. “That’s how we won the game.” Hornqvist was just as succinct when I asked if this victory was about pure heart. “I think it was all will,” he said. “There was not much skill out there.” The mood was set just before faceoff when the lights darkened, and the Penguins flashed a quote from Cole on the scoreboard: “We play great here and part of the reason is the crowd. We need them tonight. We need them to be loud all night.” Yeah, the crowd showed heart, too. Their main target, of course, was Matt “I Was Not Even Trying to Hit Him” Niskanen, who was booed loudly the first time he touched the puck. Hornqvist opened the scoring at 4:39 when he finished a beautiful passing play by roofing a shot over Braden Holtby’s glove. The place erupted again at 3:51 of the second period when Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov scored an own-goal, deflecting a Guentzel centering pass off his skate. It was a kick that must have impressed ex-Steeler Shaun Suisham, seated in the crowd in a Penguins jersey. The Capitals scored twice in 72 seconds to render the crowd temporarily silent — but that is when a dormant Penguins power play woke up. It had been 1 for 12 in the series when Schultz eyed a perfect feed from Malkin and loaded up for an unscreened slap shot from the high slot. He blew it past Holtby for what proved to be the winning goal. “It definitely was flush,” Schultz said of the moment his stick touched puck. Then it was nail-biting time — especially when Cullen was assessed a double-minor for drawing blood on a high stick against Justin Williams. Rowney and Kuhnhackl did some of their best killing work there. 1062967 Pittsburgh Penguins

Dave Molinari's report card: Penguins 3, Capitals 2

Dave Molinari

May 4, 2017 FORWARDS The Penguins were seriously shorthanded up front, with Sidney Crosby and Conor Sheary sitting out the game because of concussions, but the guys left up front did a pretty fair job of competing for most of 60 minutes against a supremely talented opponent. Patric Hornqvist put them in front by converting a breakaway at 4:39 of the opening period and Jake Guentzel got the Penguins’ second goal – and his eighth of the playoffs – when his centering pass went off Washington defenseman Dmitry Orlov at 3:51 of the second. Carter Rowney and Scott Wilson filled limited roles commendably. Grade: B. DEFENSEMEN It was another strong performance by Olli Maatta, beginning with his pass that sprung Hornqvist behind the Washington defense for the first goal. He also blocked three shots and was credited with three hits and, with partner Trevor Daley, was not on the ice for either Washington goal. Ian Cole had the latest in a series of strong showings — three blocks and a team-leading six hits — and even logged a little power-play time in the closing minute [never mind that it was because the Penguins were more interested in trying to prevent a goal than to score one]. Grade: B. GOALIE Marc-Andre Fleury gave up two goals during a 62-second span as the middle of the second period approached, but again was the single biggest reason for the Penguins’ victory. He made 36 saves, more than a few of which were of the spectacular variety. Again. That part of the storyline has been a constant throughout these playoffs, and if it persists, the Penguins just might survive their personnel problems after all. If Fleury continues collecting game stars at his current rate, he should be able to assemble his own constellation before this round is over. Grade: A. SPECIAL TEAMS Winning the special-teams battle against Washington, which is accomplished both when up or down a man, is no small feat, but the Penguins pulled it off. After going 1-for-10 in the previous three games, their power play failed to capitalize on its first two chances in Game 4, but Justin Schultz ended the slump by hammering a shot past Capitals goalie Braden Holtby during a power play at 11:24 of the second for what proved to be the game-winner. That was their only man-advantage goal in five tries, but it proved to be enough because the Penguins snuffed all four of Washington’s tries with the extra man. Grade: B+. COACHING With Crosby and Sheary unavailable, Mike Sullivan opted to keep Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel on the same line, rather than diversifying – or maybe diluting – his offense. And while the only point they got was a Malkin assist on Schultz’s goal, they kept the Capitals’ top defensive players occupied throughout the game, so the decision paid off. More important, though, Sullivan and his staff deserve credit for convincing their players that they can overcome any adversity — including what they faced in Game 4 — and to make the commitment needed to make it happen. Cutting down the shots and scoring chances against wouldn’t hurt, though. Grade: B+. Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062968 Pittsburgh Penguins entered my mind that he did it on purpose. I could see the puck was sticking to the ice. That’s really why I turned my head.”

Maatta building confidence Postgame: Penguins 3, Capitals 2 (Pittsburgh leads, 3-1) Very impressed with defenseman Olli Maatta tonight. Picked up an assist on Patric Hornqvist’s breakaway goal. Great breakout. Then on Jake Sam Werner and Jason Mackey Guentzel’s goal, Maatta won the puck along the wall. Maatta finished as a plus-2 in 18:16 with three hits and three blocked shots. His stat line is never going to be sexy, but man, was Maatta The newly-constituted fourth line of Scott Wilson, Carter Rowney and steady. Tom Kuhnhackl didn’t get a ton of ice time in Game 4 of the Penguins’ Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Capitals at PPG Paints “I’m feeling good,” Maatta said. “Just getting more confident. I think that’s Area, but coach Mike Sullivan liked what he saw when they were out a big thing. Just want to play solid D and play my own game. Don’t worry there. too much about it. Don’t think too much out there. That’s when you get too hesitant.” “Those guys, they play somewhat limited minutes, but they’re important minutes for us,” Sullivan said. “Those guys play key role in helping us win Speaking of Guentzel hockey games.” Did you know that his eight goals are more than any other NHL rookie In a game where the Penguins once again got crushed from a shot has points? You keep expecting him to come back to reality. It hasn’t perspective, the fourth line was actually their best unit in that department happened. (yes, small sample size alert). Rowney won two of three faceoffs, he and Guentzel has 12 points this postseason. That’s the second-most in Kuhnhackl each blocked a shot, and Wilson chipped in two hits. franchise history for a rookie behind what Jaromir Jagr did in 1990-91 (13 Kuhnhackl obviously has a pretty clear role on this team, not just 5-on-5 points). but on the penalty kill, too. But Rowney also continued his strong play Numbers to note: from the end of the season. He got squeezed out of the lineup when Kunitz returned, but he played his role to a T in a big moment tonight. 8: Fleury has made 30 or more saves in eight of his past nine games. He also became the 16th goalie in NHL history with 60 or more playoff wins. The group played just barely more than four minutes, but Sullivan said he planned on making a concerted effort to increase that number in Game 5 5: Wins in nine chances for the Penguins in the playoffs without Crosby. Saturday. 11: Minor penalties, plus one double-minor, for the Penguins over the “I would’ve liked to have gotten more minutes for our fourth line tonight,” past two games. he said. “But a lot of it was reaction to certain matchups that we were looking for on the bench, special teams and the timing of those. It doesn’t Did you know? always go the way you draw it up, I guess. Sullivan now has 23 playoff wins, tied with Scotty Bowman for second “I would’ve liked to have gotten a few more minutes for our fourth line. place in franchise history. Moving forward, we’ll try to do that. I think our team’s at its best when we Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 can spread the minutes because we’re trying to play a speed game, and it takes energy to play that way.” Fleury on new tape job Marc-Andre Fleury initially feigned ignorance when asked about the piece of tape he put over Matt Niskanen’s name on his helmet. Eventually, he relented, but didn’t say a whole lot. “I don’t have much to say,” he said. “You guys are good. Good spot.” The back of Fleury’s helmet has a list of important teammates he’s had during his time in Pittsburgh. Until tonight, that included “Nisky.” But after Niskanen’s hit against Sidney Crosby in Game 3, Fleury clearly thought otherwise. Trotz: Calls were ‘light’ Washington coach Barry Trotz said his team’s penalty issue Wednesday night was partially due to some “light calls” by the officials. “Some of them were a little bit self-inflicted, some of them were really light,” Trotz said. Specifically, Trotz took issue with the roughing call on John Carlson midway through the second period against Wilson. “The one I thought was really light was when we had all the momentum in the second period and we had a defenseman go down the wall to cycle, he’s looking for the puck and he runs into one of their guys, we have a penalty,” Trotz said. “Some of it is self-inflicted, some of it is just the way the refs are calling the game.” Hainsey on Ovechkin’s shot Ron Hainsey doesn’t think Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin shot at his head on purpose during Game 2 in Washington. Ovechkin’s shot caught Hainsey, a Penguins defenseman, where the helmet meets his skull, and Hainsey left the game. He missed practice the next day and was a game-time decision for Game 3 – and played. “He didn’t shoot at me on purpose,” Hainsey said. “The whole reason I turned my head was because I could see the puck was rolling. Really the ice all night in Washington was not very good. That’s the greatest goal- scorer of this time pretty much. He’s trying to score from there. It never 1062969 Pittsburgh Penguins winning goal, corralling a rebound of a shot off Holtby and finding Malkin, who dished it to Schultz for the tally. He leads the NHL with eight goals in these playoffs and doesn’t seem like he plans to slow down without Instant analysis: Fleury fights off Capitals in Game 4 victory Crosby. Late call a big one: If you’re looking for the point of controversy that may stir the series for the next couple of days, a late high-sticking call on the Adam Bittner Capitals’ T.J. Oshie is probably it. On replay, it appears Oshie’s stick never caught center Nick Bonino in the face. Bonino just sold it pretty well. The Penguins earned a 3-2 win against the Washington Capitals in Oshie was sent to the box anyway, and Washington was denied a Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series Wednesday at PPG chance to play 6-on-5 after pulling their goalie in the final minutes. Paints Arena. Here are some initial impressions from the victory. What’s next: The teams get the next couple of days off before they It was over when: The clock struck 0:00. The Capitals blitzed the convene back in Washington for a 7:15 faceoff of Game 5 at Verizon Penguins throughout the third period, desperately trying to score the Center. tying goal while trailing, 3-2. The Penguins were on the defensive but for a few bursts into the Washington end, but they never broke and took a 3- Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 1 lead in the series. Heroes: First winger Patric Hornqvist scored the Penguins’ first goal in the first period. Then he stayed in the game after blocking a shot off of what looked like his knee. He hobbled to the bench and stayed there for a while, but was back out for another shift soon thereafter and played the rest of the game. It was an admirable effort for a Penguins team already missing captain Sidney Crosby and winger Conor Sheary because of concussions sustained in Game 3. The Evgeni Malkin-Justin Schultz connection paid off again for the Penguins. After Malkin found the defenseman for a big slap shot that tied Game 3 late in regulation, the Penguins’ star center made a great pass to Schultz to set up another heavy blast that gave the Penguins a power play goal and the lead in the second period of Game 4. Penguins forward Carter Rowney celebrates with Jake Guentzel after scoring against the Capitals in the second period Monday at PPG Paints Arena. Marc-Andre Fleury was under assault to the very end. The Capitals generated great attempt after great attempt, sometimes with help from the Penguins’ skaters. But Fleury stood tall, fighting off several flurries of activity with some impressive acrobatics. What more can you say about him at this point? He’s been the Penguins’ best player in this series. He stopped 36 of 38 shots in Game 4. Goats: Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov knocked a shot by winger Jake Guentzel off his skate and into the net behind goalie Braden Holtby early in the second period. It was an unbelievable gift to the Penguins in a game where they were badly outshot by Washington for most of the way, and in a one-goal game, proved to make the difference. Sloppy play hurts: Careless turnovers. Defensive breakdowns. All of it helped Washington rack up a 38-18 advantage in shots on goal. Earlier in the series, the Capitals were padding that margin by beating the Penguins to pucks and doing a nice job of cycling the puck in the Penguins end. Some of that reappeared Wednesday. Many of Game 4’s big chances, though, came off simple gaffes by the home team. That needs to be cleaned up quickly if the Penguins are going to finish the Capitals off in the series, let alone Game 5. Shot blocking key: Once again, the Penguins were going down to the ice all night to take some of the bite out of relentless Washington pressure. The Capitals easily could have had another 20 shots on Fleury, but seemingly every guy on the roster dropped to deflect a Washington attempt at some point. It made a huge difference in a game the Penguins couldn’t generate much of their own pressure sans Crosby and Sheary. Penalty kill comes up big: The Capitals had a golden chance to tie the game, 3-3, when Matt Cullen was issued a 4-minute penalty for a high stick late in the second period. The Penguins killed the whole thing, with Bryan Rust drawing a slash on Washington captain Alexander Ovechkin early in the third. That was the by far the biggest of four penalty kills on the evening. Solid on faceoffs: The Penguins didn’t possess the puck much, taking a more defensive posture especially in the third period when they had the lead. But they did win 32 faceoffs to the Capitals’ 26, with Malkin winning 13 of his 17 draws. This allowed them to control the puck in their own end, keeping it away from Fleury in the corners or chipping it up ice to the safety of center on a number of occasions. Guentzel’s star doesn’t fade: The rookie winger has spent much of his time with the Penguins on Sidney Crosby’s wing. It was fair to wonder how he’d respond without one of hockey’s best to skate with, but he answered that question in a big way in Game 4. The goal off Orlov involved a lot of luck, obviously, but it probably brought a smile to the face of a captain in Crosby who always preaches the value of getting the puck to the net. Guentzel also earned a secondary assist on the game- 1062970 Pittsburgh Penguins

Fleury uses his helmet to take subtle shot at Niskanen

ADAM BITTNER

The crowd at PPG Paints Arena had a few choice words for Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen Wednesday in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinal. Most of them were “BOO!” and shouted every time Niskanen touched the puck. Goalie Marc-Andre Fleury chose a more subtle route to express his displeasure with Niskanen for his cross check in Game 3 that left captain Sidney Crosby concussed and took him out for at least Wednesday’s game. He taped over Niskanen’s name on the back of his helmet. Niskanen’s name was there in the first place as part of a tribute by Fleury to some of his favorite teammates over the years. (Niskanen played for the Penguins from 2011 to 2014.) Fleury first wore the mask at the Stadium Series game against the Philadelphia Flyers back in February. Fleury’s not the most outspoken Penguin, to say the least. This gesture, then, is a characteristically understated approach that sends a powerful message without saying a whole lot. He may have appreciated Niskanen from their days as teammates, but he’s also not going to shy away from standing up for his captain. Post Gazette LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062971 San Jose Sharks

BARRACUDA ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND IN THRILLING FASHION

By Kevin Kurz May 02, 2017 11:18 PM

SAN JOSE – Ryan Carpenter’s shorthanded goal in overtime gave the AHL Barracuda a thrilling 2-1 win on Tuesday night at SAP Center, as the Sharks’ top minor league affiliate advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Barracuda downed Stockton, the primary affiliate of the Calgary Flames, three-games-to-two by capturing the decisive Game 5. San Jose will now face the , the Ducks’ top affiliate, beginning on Friday at SAP Center. Carpenter’s goal, his team-leading fourth of the series, came with Joakim Ryan in the penalty box on a delay of game minor. Barclay Goodrow hustled to a loose puck that was gliding towards the offensive corner, and dished it to a trailing Carpenter who was alone between the circles. Carpenter’s wrist shot cleanly beat goalie Jon Gillies at 8:52 of the extra session, and the home bench erupted. “[Goodrow] made a heck of a play,” Carpenter said. “It looked like a 50- 50 puck and he just beat the guy to it and made a heck of a backhand pass. I was all alone, just tried getting it off quick. Didn’t want to do too much with it. It was just nice it went in.” The Barracuda registered a whopping 54 shots on goal to just 27 for the Heat, but it took until the third period for them to dent the scoreboard. Timo Meier tied the game at 1-1, taking advantage of an Oliver Kylington turnover and buzzing a wrist shot from the faceoff dot into the top far corner at 9:47. “Slipped off the Stockton guy’s stick and I was right there,” Meier said. “I was able to put it behind him and go for a two-on-one, and just picked a corner and put it in.” In four games in the series, Meier finished with two goals and an assist for three points. In Game 5 he registered eight shots on goal, while his linemate, Carpenter, had a game-high nine shots as San Jose enjoyed the territorial advantage for much of the night. Still, the Barracuda needed goalie Troy Grosenick, especially late. The AHL’s top netminder in the regular season made a pair of late stops to force overtime, denying Hunter Shinkaruk breaking in alone with 5:40 to go, and then robbing Michael Angelidis a few minutes later with a dazzling glove save. “They didn’t get a ton of shots, but they had some grade A [chances],” Grosenick said. In overtime, Shinkaruk had a breakaway in the second minute but his attempt caught iron. How did that sound? “Some sound good and some sound bad,” Grosenick said. “That one sounded pretty good.” Coach Roy Sommer said: “The plays [Grosenick] made late in the third – the one on Angelidis – woof. Then, Shankiruk – I thought it was over.” Instead of it being over, though, Sommer and his club assured that the ice at SAP Center would remain in place at least a little while longer with the Sharks’ already on summer vacation. “I thought we deserved to win,” Sommer said. “I thought we were the better team tonight.” Grosenick said: “We had a big series here with probably our biggest rival, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We battled through, so it feels good.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062972 San Jose Sharks

BARRACUDA ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND IN THRILLING FASHION

By Kevin Kurz May 02, 2017 11:18 PM

SAN JOSE – Ryan Carpenter’s shorthanded goal in overtime gave the AHL Barracuda a thrilling 2-1 win on Tuesday night at SAP Center, as the Sharks’ top minor league affiliate advanced to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Barracuda downed Stockton, the primary affiliate of the Calgary Flames, three-games-to-two by capturing the decisive Game 5. San Jose will now face the San Diego Gulls, the Ducks’ top affiliate, beginning on Friday at SAP Center. Carpenter’s goal, his team-leading fourth of the series, came with Joakim Ryan in the penalty box on a delay of game minor. Barclay Goodrow hustled to a loose puck that was gliding towards the offensive corner, and dished it to a trailing Carpenter who was alone between the circles. Carpenter’s wrist shot cleanly beat goalie Jon Gillies at 8:52 of the extra session, and the home bench erupted. “[Goodrow] made a heck of a play,” Carpenter said. “It looked like a 50- 50 puck and he just beat the guy to it and made a heck of a backhand pass. I was all alone, just tried getting it off quick. Didn’t want to do too much with it. It was just nice it went in.” The Barracuda registered a whopping 54 shots on goal to just 27 for the Heat, but it took until the third period for them to dent the scoreboard. Timo Meier tied the game at 1-1, taking advantage of an Oliver Kylington turnover and buzzing a wrist shot from the faceoff dot into the top far corner at 9:47. “Slipped off the Stockton guy’s stick and I was right there,” Meier said. “I was able to put it behind him and go for a two-on-one, and just picked a corner and put it in.” In four games in the series, Meier finished with two goals and an assist for three points. In Game 5 he registered eight shots on goal, while his linemate, Carpenter, had a game-high nine shots as San Jose enjoyed the territorial advantage for much of the night. Still, the Barracuda needed goalie Troy Grosenick, especially late. The AHL’s top netminder in the regular season made a pair of late stops to force overtime, denying Hunter Shinkaruk breaking in alone with 5:40 to go, and then robbing Michael Angelidis a few minutes later with a dazzling glove save. “They didn’t get a ton of shots, but they had some grade A [chances],” Grosenick said. In overtime, Shinkaruk had a breakaway in the second minute but his attempt caught iron. How did that sound? “Some sound good and some sound bad,” Grosenick said. “That one sounded pretty good.” Coach Roy Sommer said: “The plays [Grosenick] made late in the third – the one on Angelidis – woof. Then, Shankiruk – I thought it was over.” Instead of it being over, though, Sommer and his club assured that the ice at SAP Center would remain in place at least a little while longer with the Sharks’ already on summer vacation. “I thought we deserved to win,” Sommer said. “I thought we were the better team tonight.” Grosenick said: “We had a big series here with probably our biggest rival, and we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. We battled through, so it feels good.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062973 St Louis Blues But after the game, Blues center Paul Stastny said he felt that officials could have let it go because the extra skater didn't have an impact on the play, and on Wednesday Yeo pointed out that he had seen a similar Blues are down 3-1 but not out situation earlier in the game go ignored. "I'm watching other (NHL playoff) games and if it's part of the play I understand," Stastny said. "But if it has nothing to do with the play, I By Jeremy Rutherford and Tom Timmermann would let it go on. I'm not the ref, I don't know. That's one of those rules last year they tried changing it where if it affects the play, they call it. Maybe we shot ourselves in the foot by going back with the puck instead of realizing we were changing and bringing it back." In the 50-year history of the Blues, they've come back from being down 3-1 in a best-of-seven series just twice. Yeo said he wanted to be careful not to come across like he was complaining about the officiating again, but said, "I thought there was In 1991, the Blues were in a two-game hole against Detroit, but came up about four or five situations in the game that could have been called (too with a 6-1 victory in Game 5, a 3-0 shutout in Game 6 and a 3-2 win in many men) like that. I thought that we were actually going on a power Game 7. In 1999, they did it against Phoenix, winning two of the final play earlier in the game for a 'too many men' that was very similar to that. three on the road in overtime, claiming Game 7 with a 1-0 triumph. "I think they had the wrong idea who came on for who. I'm not disputing The percentages aren't promising that the Blues can do it a third time, that we had six guys on the ice for a moment, but certainly he wasn't part after a 2-1 loss to Nashville in Game 4 of their Western Conference of the play. I'm not going to try and argue against that call and just would semifinal series put them in the same predicament. According to like to see if that's the way it's going to be, then that's the way it is." Hockeyreference.com, only a 10.3 percent chance exists that the club can climb out and advance. But as one can imagine, after returning to St. SITTING BRODZIAK Louis Wednesday, players and coaches alike were keeping a positive outlook heading into Game 5 Friday at Scottrade Center. The Blues made a somewhat surprising decision to make veteran center Kyle Brodziak a healthy scratch in Game 4, opting to use Jori Lehtera as "We don't really worry about percentages, we're just really focused on their fourth-line center. Friday and that's all we're worried about," Blues forward Jaden Schwartz said. "So we've got a couple of days to regroup and look at some things, "I'm not pointing a finger at (Brodziak)," Yeo said, "but our penalty-kill and like I said, we're just worried about Friday and we're not looking past hasn't done great and I would say if you look at this series in general, that. We all know the importance of it." special teams and lines scoring from 2-4 and defense obviously has been a bit of a factor and a bit of a difference. We're looking at all areas The Blues stayed off the ice Wednesday, but Yeo had players come to (to make upgrades) right now." the rink because he wanted them to put Tuesday's loss behind them. He felt good about a lot of things, winning the faceoff battle by a narrow Lehtera played just seven minutes, less than any forward except for margin (53-47 percent), outhitting Nashville (33-31) and seeing the team Ryan Reaves, and assisted on the Blues' only goal. But with Lehtera not post its most shots on goal of the postseason (33). receiving any ice time on the penalty kill, the club had to mix up its PK pairs to cover for Brodziak. "There was emotion and we were all disappointed with how it played out ... (but) the guys gave an awful lot in the game," Yeo said. "It's "It was weird, we shuffled things up," said Upshall, who is Brodziak's disappointing but that's why we came to the rink today is we just want to linemate and PK partner. "The good thing we do have is depth, but we're put it behind us. We're getting ready for a practice (Thursday) and to all in this together. Brodziak knows that when he's out there, he's got a come back home and to play in front of our crowd and to be playing big job to do for our team. It was different, for sure, but whenever we hockey this time of year is a real good thing. We've got a good challenge throw 20 guys out there, it's to do a job, and I thought we battled hard." but what we have to do is get excited and prepare for one game right now." Yeo hasn't announced his lineup for Game 5. It's been 18 years since the Blues have been in this position and come "That was what we would figure we'd try last game ... we'll have to out on top. But it's been less than two weeks since the club was on the reevaluate it and see going forward," he said. other side, leading Minnesota 3-0, and saw just how difficult it was to FLOOD RELIEF close out the Wild. The Blues and their alumni will be partnering with the Red Cross during "There's no question that to win this series, it's going to be a battle," Game 5 Friday at Scottrade Center to raise money for disaster relief Blues forward Scottie Upshall said. "It's going to be inches and we're efforts. going to have to claw away. Scoring the first goal in a playoff hockey game is a huge thing – we haven't been able to do that yet. They will collect proceeds from the team's 50/50 raffle, memorabilia sales, a silent auction and the sale of pucks used in Friday's pre-game "A team that's been playing well, you've got to be able to put them under warmups ($50 each and sold outside Section 114). pressure. There's going to be moments next game when we have to cash in on opportunities and take momentum when we can grab it – and just St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2017 roll with it. You win one game at home and the series is a completely different look." LAVIOLETTE RESPONDS In Yeo's post-game comments following Tuesday's loss, he said that Nashville had successfully lobbied the referees for the extra penalty the Blues received in the third period that led to the Predators' power-play goal by Ryan Ellis. "Every stoppage, they're yelling at the refs, talking to the refs and it worked there," Yeo said. "It's worked all series, let's be honest. Game 1, we had one game where we've had more power plays than them and the other three, they're winning that category, clearly." On Wednesday, Nashville coach Peter Laviolette was asked about Yeo's claim and responded, "I think everybody gets upset once in a while. We’re going to just keep our focus on the ice. I think we’ve done a good job of trying to stay whistle to whistle, trying to stay disciplined. We’re going to keep our focus on that." TOO MANY MEN The Blues went on a power play with 10:35 remaining in regulation in Game 4, but had the final 39 seconds of the man-advantage wiped out when they were whistled for having too many men on the ice. The call was legitimate. 1062974 St Louis Blues coach Mike Yeo said. “But at the same time you kind of look back and you say, ‘Well he’s probably the best goaltender of all time.’”

Brodeur called former Blues goaltender Jacques Caron soon after Ortiz: Brodeur enjoys playoff feel as Blues' goalie coach Armstrong asked him to finish the season as a goalie coach. Caron served as Brodeur’s goalie coach during his 21-year tenure with Jose de Jesus Ortiz St. Louis Post-Dispatch the Devils. He remains close with the mentor that he has credited with helping him become one of the greats.

“Until (Allen) recognized what his faults were it was hard for him to fix it,” NASHVILLE, TENN. • Even in a suit, the great Martin Brodeur still Brodeur said. “We really had a lot of good conversations about like, explodes toward the puck to make a save once in a while. It has been ‘What do you see there? Why do you think this went in?’ almost five years since he made his last playoff appearance in the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals, but the adrenaline still rushes through his body as he “And after two weeks he knew his game better than I knew his game, and watches Jake Allen from a suite with the rest of the Blues’ front office. that’s the way it should be. When you’re a goalie you should know your game. You should know when you’re making a mistake, when you’re Considering that Brodeur will celebrate his 45th birthday Saturday, it’s playing well the reason why you’re doing it. That’s why you’re able to do not hyperbole to say that this is a special time of the year for him. It it over and over and over. I think he got to that point pretty quickly.” merely grew in significance as he polished his legend as perhaps the greatest goaltender in National Hockey League history with postseason St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2017 brilliance. And for the first time since he ended his playing career in late January 2015 after a brief tenure with the Blues, he’s feeling those playoff juices again as a coach. Brodeur has played a crucial front office role as an assistant general manager to Doug Armstrong in the two years since he retired. He returned to the saves business when he was lured back to the ice Feb. 1 to coach Allen and backup goaltender Carter Hutton. With the three-time Stanley Cup champion Brodeur at his side, Allen blossomed into one of the most productive goaltenders in the NHL since the coaching change. Allen’s ascension helped the Blues secure the third seed in the Central Division and an upset over the No. 2-seeded Wild in the first round of the playoffs to earn a spot in the Western Conference semifinals against the Predators. “I’m just enough removed that you always feel like if I played this game,” Brodeur said before Game 4 Tuesday night at Bridgestone Arena. “You kind of want to have that feeling again. When you retire you lose that.” Brodeur’s competitiveness never wavered as he transitioned into a front office role. It was different, though. As an assistant GM he could focus more on the big picture. The losses didn’t hurt quite as much because his focus was greater than the daily grind. The wins and losses leave greater marks as a coach, especially two rounds away from the Stanley Cup Finals. “Front office, it’s a big picture,” he said. “If it’s a good game, bad game, oh well. You’re kind of looking at what’s ahead and try to get that team there. It’s not really in the moment. Coaching is in the moment. “Coaching is like rewarding at times. Hard work, but if you’re watching videos and you see something that happens that you just talked about and he’s doing it the right way it makes you feel good. You’re like, ‘All right, good, he’s listened.’ It’s really rewarding being a coach because of that, but you’re making saves upstairs up there too.” Brodeur flashes a sheepish smile as he concedes that his body almost naturally explodes as if he were making a save during games at times. The stats would tell you that Brodeur hasn’t made a save in the NHL since he made 29 on 33 shots on Jan. 2, 2015, while giving up four goals against the Ducks in his final game for the Blues. The stat sheet also shows that he hasn’t made a save in the playoffs since he made 19 on 24 shots on goal for the New Jersey Devils as the Kings clinched the championship in Game 6 of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals. Blues fans, however, know Brodeur has made one of the biggest saves of the season by helping unlock Allen’s brilliance. “He’s been good for me,” Allen said. “He’s a really good sounding board. He understands the game, I think he understands me being here now for a couple years. Obviously his experience is vital. Not many hockey players in general, (particularly) goaltenders, have had the experience he has in the regular season and playoffs. It’s tough to come by.” Brodeur, who made his playoff debut as a 19-year-old with the Devils in 1992, finished his 21-year career as the NHL’s all-time leader in postseason starts and shutouts. He also is second all-time in postseason victories with 113. The four-time Vezina award-winner and seven-time All-Star is also the NHL’s all-time regular season leader in victories with 691 and shutouts (125). “You catch yourself sometimes just thinking like, ‘Wow that’s Marty Brodeur that I’m talking to’ because he’s such a humble person and you feel like when you’re around him that he’s just one of the guys,” Blues 1062975 St Louis Blues If anything, win or lose, this spring has weathered worries about the Blues goaltending situation going forward. St. Louis has a guy who can keep you in a series — shoot, win you a series. Hochman: Time for Blues to take it up a notch Like a steady left tackle in football, Jake Allen can be written in, game after game, at this important position. That might be the biggest takeaway of this postseason, heading into next season. By Benjamin Hochman St. Louis Post-Dispatch But stop the “next season” stuff, Benjamin! What about this postseason? Does Allen have another “Round 1 Jake” game in him? Wednesday, well, it was just a miserable miscreant of a day, in which it Won’t matter if the Blues can’t get a few past Pekka. would not stop raining, floodwaters came into communities, news broke of a bullet grazing a fan inside Busch Stadium and Blues fans coped with And so, we wait. Another day … for a chance to keep this thing going the season on life support. I tweeted this viewpoint, and someone another day. replied: Oh, and the St. Louis statue in Forest Park was vandalized. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2017 Which was, to be fair, a creative jest of a response … until I realized that was true, too. As for the beloved Blues (and Blues faithful), Thursday therapy will come in the form of time. The longer the break from Tuesday’s dispiriting Game 4 loss, the farther away it’ll seem for both teams, come Friday’s Game 5. “That game’s gone now, boys,” the Blues’ Scottie Upshall told a few fellows in the media. “We’re focused on being the better team come Friday — being a team that Nashville hasn’t seen play yet, because we still have another level.” So that sounds interesting. Another level. Like, “11.” Well, Friday would be the day to go there, with the Blues down 3-1 to Nashville. The Blues have gotten very little from, well, most of the Blues. The line featuring Jaden Schwartz, Paul Stastny and Vladimir Tarasenko is the only one that constantly creates. Yes, gritty players such as Alexander Steen are playing through pain. But guys such as Patrik Berglund and David Perron, two of the biggest surprises of the regular season, have been two of the biggest disappointments in the postseason. Coach Mike Yeo said he’ll cook up some line changes. Good. Here’s hoping Yeo’s better in the kitchen than, say, Mike Kitchen. “There were enough times where we were wondering if playoffs were even a possibility for us,” Yeo said. “We battled and we scratched and we clawed and we found a way to get into the playoffs. I think that we’re all still grateful and happy to have an opportunity to keep playing — so we’ve got a game on home ice that we’re excited (for). We want to play real well in front of our fans and obviously we want to keep this going.” The Blues, in a weird way, have a glimpse inside the minds of the Predators. The Blues themselves were the lower-seeded team but up 3-1 in their previous series. They, too, headed into a road Game 5. So if anything, they can understand what they’re up against right now — they were in that same mental state as the Predators just a dozen days ago. “It’s a tough game to win,” Upshall said of a closeout Game 5. “We thought we had it in the bag in Minnesota, and they came back and tied it (before St. Louis won in overtime). And the feeling of that was — (shoot), here we go, this could go either way now. We know there will be moments in the next game when our pressure we put on them, our fans, our building, our start, our effort is going to make them either go — ‘We can close it out tonight or we’re going to have to go home.’ And we’ve got to know that we have the chance to put the pressure on them. “That’s what we look forward to.” This series is the new nasty. Nashville and St. Louis play like against each other, and even though the Predators thrived in Game 4 in regard to game-altering hits, I like the idea of the Game 5 desperate Blues trying to bruise. Gosh, the first period will tell us so much about the way that game goes. “We know that we have to be disciplined,” Yeo said, “but for me, the competitive level for our team last game, that was really good. Obviously there’s a line that you don’t want to cross. We want to get as close to it as we can.” And they should get as close to Pekka Rinne as they can. After allowing six goals in the first two games, the relentless Predators goalie only allowed two in the next two. At times, on home ice, he seems impenetrable. And he mucks it up behind the boards, spoiling pucks headed for possible Blues possession. It’s as if he’s got a halo above his mask, and one around him too, because the Blues haven’t been getting in front of him much. Rinne cannot feel comfortable in Scottrade Center. Not if the Blues want to return to Bridgestone Arena. 1062976 St Louis Blues and I think I hit Vladi (Tarasenko’s) skate. That’s just the way it goes sometimes. We’ve just got to do a better job of making tape-to-tape passes, coming down hill a little bit more and not looking for the perfect Blues are getting shots but few goals pass, just getting them on net and find a way to get rebounds.” Yeo remembered another potential power-play goal for the Blues late in the second period Tuesday. By Jeremy Rutherford St. Louis Post-Dispatch “That puck’s going across the goal line, but (Ellis) put a hand on the puck and scooped it out of there, so that’s good on them,” Yeo said. “But it’s not good enough right now. For a large part of the year, we were one of The Blues registered a playoff-best 33 shots on goal Tuesday against the better power plays in the league and I think we have to approach that Nashville but could only put one past goalie Pekka Rinne. game with an aggressive mindset. As a staff, we can’t just ask the players to be better. We have to look at what we can do and see if They had seven of those attempts on the power play, but their best there’s something different that we can try.” chance ended with Predators defenseman Ryan Ellis sweeping the puck out of the crease. St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2017 The offense is the subject of much scrutiny after scrounging up just two goals in Games 3 and 4 of their Western Conference semifinal series. The club is averaging 2.11 goals a game in the playoffs, which ranks last among the eight teams left, and converting 8.3 percent of its power plays, which is second to last. Yet the Blues seem confident returning home for Game 5 on Friday at Scottrade Center, where they netted three goals against Rinne in both Games 1 and 2. “It wasn’t there on the road and obviously that was a factor,” Blues coach Mike Yeo said. “Last game, we certainly generated enough chances to score more than one goal. We can sit here and maybe say we deserve better, but bottom line is we know where we’re at and we know what we’re up against, so we have to be ready for that challenge.” The challenge is being made more difficult by the fact the Blues are going up against Rinne, the goaltender who has the best goals-against average (1.33) and save percentage (.953) thus far in the NHL playoffs. Rinne surrendered six goals on a combined 50 shots in the opening two games of the series, but just two on 53 attempts in the last two. “We’ve been able to find ways to score at home against Pekka,” Blues forward Scottie Upshall said. “We got our chances (on the road), but he is a world-class goalie that doesn’t give up rebounds when he sees pucks. He smothered a lot of good shooting opportunities. We have to get second and third chances, and to do that you have to be standing on top of him, you’ve got to find ways to skate by him and, even if he’s out of his crease, you’re bumping him because you’re right there. It’s second and third efforts that we need to worry about.” The Predators are making that difficult by boxing out the Blues, who haven’t been effective in front of Rinne. Of their eight goals, six have come on wrist shots outside of nine feet and none on deflections. “Their job is to box us out, but we’re getting chances, we’re getting rebounds,” Blues forward Jaden Schwartz said. “But sometimes (the shot) is hitting a skate or hitting a stick (and not going in). But obviously you can always do better ... taking the goalie’s eyes away and trying to get more numbers there.” The Blues didn’t have much success crashing the crease in the first round against Minnesota, either. But what was different in that series was that they had more room to operate at the top of the offensive zone, passing the puck back and forth between the defensemen before finding a shot. They’re not getting that against Nashville. “The last series, we had a good chance to go D to D a lot, but these guys are coming out hard,” Blues defenseman Colton Parayko said. “It’s tough to get a shot lane.” Yeo says, though, that the forwards can help matters when they have possession down low. “There’s some situations where we can move it up top quicker and give the defenseman a little bit more time,” Yeo said. “So if (the Predators) want to come charging out, if we can get a puck to the net, then we’ll get a little more odd-man situations down low. Those are the things we have to look at and things we have to address. “Usually this time of year, that’s how an awful lot of goals are scored. We have to be prepared for that. Without tipping our hand too much, I don’t think it’s going to be a big secret. I think they’re trying to do the same thing. Whatever team executes the best is going to have the best chance.” The Blues also need to find more power-play goals. They are just one for nine in the series, picking up their lone goal from Vladimir Tarasenko in a 3-2 victory in Game 2, and they’re now just two for 24 in the postseason. “That’s something that we need to be better at for sure,” Schwartz said. “There was a couple of games where we only had one, but even when you get one, you want to try to build some momentum and try to take advantage of it. But (Tuesday), there was a rebound, I had an open net 1062977 St Louis Blues The Blues and Blues alumni, along with the American Red Cross, will raise money for victims of the flooding during Game 5 against Nashville. Proceeds from the 50/50 raffle will go to flood relief, along with Brodziak sitting out Game 4 was surprise memorabilia sales and the Blues for Kids silent auction. Bidding on Blues autographed memorabilia can also be done at home via blues.myab.co or by texting “blues” to 53182. By Tom Timmermann St. Louis Post-Dispatch St Louis Post Dispatch LOADED: 05.04.2017

Probably the most surprising move the Blues made for Game 4 of their series with the Predators was dropping Kyle Brodziak from the fourth line and moving Jori Lehtera, who at the end of Game 3 had been centering the top line, into his spot. The fourth line has been one of the most consistent all season for the Blues and Brodziak had been a healthy scratch only one other time all season. “It was different, for sure,” said Scottie Upshall, who has been on a line with Brodziak in just about every game he’s played this season, “but whenever we throw 20 guys out there, it’s to do a job, and I thought we battled hard.” In addition to centering the fourth line, Brodziak is a regular on the team’s penalty killing unit, which could have been another factor in Yeo giving him the night off. “You lost a couple games,” Yeo said. “I’m not pointing a finger at him, but our penalty kill hasn’t done great and I would say if you look at this series in general, special teams and scoring from lines 2-4 and defense obviously has been a bit of a factor and a bit of a difference. We’re looking at all areas right now.” Lehtera, meanwhile, played just seven minutes, less than any forward except for Ryan Reaves. Yet, Lehtera had one of the assists on the Blues’ only goal and has five points this postseason while playing in only six games, giving him the best point-per-game number on the team. He’s also a plus-5, the best number on the team among forwards and behind only Joel Edmundson and Colton Parayko. He also leads the team in points per minute played. “We haven’t figured out our lineup for the next game yet,” Yeo said, “so that was what we would figure we’d try last game. You know what, we’re not going to sit here and try to pat ourselves on the back that we played a good game, that we played hard, all those types of things. I thought we gave ourselves a really good chance and we fell short, so we’ll have to reevaluate it and see going forward. There’s a number of situations, scenarios and thoughts that we can have going into that game. The most important thing for me right now again is we moved past our last one and we start getting excited for the next one. Now as a staff, we’ll just start putting the pieces together.” LET IT LAY Predators coach Peter Laviolette pretty much shrugged off the assertion by Yeo that the Predators have been lobbying the referees for calls after every whistle in the series. “I think everybody gets upset once in a while,” Laviolette said. “We’re going to just keep our focus on ice. I think we’ve done a good job of trying to stay whistle to whistle, trying to stay disciplined. We’re going to keep our focus on that.” COMEBACK HISTORY Twice in franchise history, the Blues have been down 3-1 and come back to win, but both occurrences came last century. In 1991, the Blues were down 3-1 to the Red Wings in a series that followed the same pattern as their current one with Nashville: The Blues lost the first at home, won Game 2, then went on the road and lost twice. They then posted an easy 6-1 win in Game 5, a 3-0 shutout in Game 6 and pulled out a 3-2 win on home ice in Game 7. In 1999, the Blues did it against Phoenix, though they had to win two of the final three on the road, both in overtime. Game 7 was a 1-0 overtime win; the Blues then went on to lose in six games to Dallas. The Blues almost did it in 2000, the Presidents’ Trophy season, when they went down 3-1 to San Jose, fought back to tie the series at 3-3 and then lost Game 7 to the Sharks 3-1 at Scottrade Center. SCHMALTZ MOVES AGAIN The Blues assigned defenseman Jordan Schmaltz to Chicago on Wednesday so he could play in Game 1 of their AHL series with Grand Rapids on Wednesday night. Game 2 of that series is Friday, so the Blues will probably be bringing either Schmaltz or another defenseman back in case of an emergency before Game 5. FLOOD RELIEF 1062978 Toronto Maple Leafs The veterans have heard the nightmares. “It’s funny seeing some of the rookies, they don’t know how good they’ve got it,” Griffith says. “You hear stories about struggles in The A. Some Marlies a minor-league club but a major investment for Leafs teams, they don’t have the money so you don’t get your curve. You take somebody else’s stick. You struggle with that.” By KEVIN MCGRAN Campbell adds to that list. “Or they stay at budget hotels, or eat crappy meals. We stay at first-class hotels,” Campbell says. It’s the food: breakfast, lunch, a take-home dinner. It might sound like a pampered life, but it goes toward producing a better It’s the equipment: the right stick, the right curve, the right lie. hockey player. Making the Marlies a top draw for the best veteran AHLers is in turn best for the young Leaf prospects by creating a winning It’s the training, with the same staff and treatment that the Toronto Maple and competitive environment. Leafs get. “The two go hand in hand,” Campbell says. “If you’re an American league It’s, well, everything. The Toronto Marlies are a minor-league club with a veteran like myself, I can’t think of a better place to be with the way you major-league attitude. get treated.” “Everything is first class,” Marlies captain Andrew Campbell says. Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2017 “Everything from hotels and meals to staff.” The farm team is no longer a place to simply put prospects, which used to be how the Maple Leafs did things. Now the organization is on the leading edge of player development, investing in the growth potential of their young charges. “From the time I’ve been with the Marlies, it doesn’t feel like an American Hockey League team,” says forward Seth Griffith, who played in the NHL with the Leafs, Bruins and Panthers in the 2016-17 season. “You get treated so well. There’s an unlimited amount of resources. If you need something equipment-wise, they get it for you right away. It makes you feel wanted.” The shift started when the Leafs moved their top farm team from St. John’s to Toronto for the 2005-06 season, mainly as a cost-saving measure. The commitment from ownership has grown through the years, but it is only in the past couple of seasons that the team has been properly stocked with prospects. That’s led to a couple of playoff runs — Toronto opens a second-round series in Syracuse on Friday — and resulted in a loyal fan base, with the Marlies averaging more than 6,100 a game at the Ricoh Coliseum. “It’s the right thing to do,” Leafs general manager Lou Lamoriello says. “The thing I was most impressed with when I came here to Toronto was that ownership allowed the hockey department to have a minor-league team with the resources to develop players — which means complementing them with veterans — to help them improve, help them to become competitive every year. “If you want to be a successful organization in the NHL today, you have to develop players.” Marlies coach Sheldon Keefe says everything he needs it at his disposal, from staff to player development programs. “There’s a lot of resources here . . . to create a positive environment in which the players can come to the rink knowing they have everything they need, that they will be well taken care of,” Keefe says. “That in itself has players feeling they’re getting better. They’re not feeling down because they’re in the minors . . . they feel they part of something.” The players that made the leap to the NHL this year — and an impactful leap at that — have helped the organization’s reputation as a developer of talent. It’s impossible to know where the 2016-17 Leafs would have been if William Nylander, Connor Brown and Zach Hyman had been rushed to the NHL, or if their development had been ignored or neglected. “When you’re in the same city, there are more eyes on you,” Keefe says. “You feel like you are a part of something. The commitment from the organization has been terrific. It makes our job easier in terms of dealing with the players and having what we need to make them better.” Surrounding young prospects with good people, both as teammates and in support roles, only makes sense to Lamoriello. “If you have children, who would you want them studying with? Or going to movies with? Or working out with?” the Leafs GM says. “You want quality people to help them become better, not drag them down.” It isn’t easy to live off a minor-league salary, especially in a city with expensive housing like Toronto. So to have meals taken care of at home is a big help, something that doesn’t happen with other AHL teams. “It’s very NHL,” Campbell says. “A lot of NHL teams have meals for the players. There are only a handful of teams in the American league that do it. We’re very fortunate.” 1062979 Toronto Maple Leafs

Dylan Strome, Mike McLeod renew old rivalry in OHL final

By KEVIN MCGRAN

Dylan Strome has faced off against Mike McLeod for the championship many times before. They both captained their teams. They both got their name on the cup. Of course, they were kids at the time. The game was road hockey in their families’ Mississauga neighbourhood. The chalice was a Stanley Cup replica made by a friend. This time, however, it’s for real. Strome is captain of the Erie Otters, McLeod is captain of the Mississauga Steelheads. The two will face each other in the Ontario Hockey League final, squaring off for the Robertson Cup, starting Thursday in Erie, Pa. (7. p.m.) “He’s a great player, had a great playoffs,” Strome said of McLeod. “We’ve played each other the past three years now. Four times a year. But it is weird going against one of your best childhood friends. “My little brother played, his brothers, some neighbourhood friends,” said Strome, whose team was sometimes bolstered by the presence of Mitch Marner. “(McLeod) and I were always the captains . . . we’d pick the teams. We were always competing. We bring out the best in each other. I think this series will show that.” That replica Stanley Cup, complete with winners’ names on it, is in the McLeod house. “I won it last,” said McLeod. “It was always a lot of fun. Usually, it didn’t end well for one of us, and we weren’t friends for a few days after.” McLeod, the 12th overall pick by New Jersey in the 2016 draft, feels his game has come a long way this year. “I feel I simplified my game, and am a lot stronger down the middle of the ice. My coach has been on me all year to stay in the middle of the ice and let the play come to you. It’s working out well for me right now. “I can get better each game and I’m excited to see how I do in NHL training camp in the summer.” But the focus for both right now is the Robertson Cup. “Anytime you have a chance to win a championship, it’s huge and great for our organization,” McLeod said. “There is not better feeling than winning this championship and going to the Memorial Cup.” For Strome, this is his last chance at winning a championship in the OHL, complete with its trip to the Memorial Cup. In three previous years with the Otters — including two seasons with Connor McDavid — his seasons have ended too soon. “It’s something that I’ve been working toward for a long time,” Strome said. “Just for myself, being so close so many times, it feels like every year we have a chance to win and things don’t go right in the playoffs. “We’re here in this position with probably the best shot we’ve had to win in the four years we’ve been here — a great team going to the finals. It would mean a lot to my family. Teams like winners, and hopefully I can add that to my resume.” Strome, the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, has had a whirlwind year, starting the season with the Arizona Coyotes before being returned to Erie. He captained Canada at the world junior championship — he and McLeod were teammates there — and won silver. “I experienced so many different levels of hockey this year,” Strome said. “It’s been great. Different things you have to adjust to. We want to go as far as we can get. That’s one more step. Hopefully we can finish it off.” Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062980 Toronto Maple Leafs

Dylan Strome, Mike McLeod renew old rivalry in OHL final

By KEVIN MCGRAN

Dylan Strome has faced off against Mike McLeod for the championship many times before. They both captained their teams. They both got their name on the cup. Of course, they were kids at the time. The game was road hockey in their families’ Mississauga neighbourhood. The chalice was a Stanley Cup replica made by a friend. This time, however, it’s for real. Strome is captain of the Erie Otters, McLeod is captain of the Mississauga Steelheads. The two will face each other in the Ontario Hockey League final, squaring off for the Robertson Cup, starting Thursday in Erie, Pa. (7. p.m.) “He’s a great player, had a great playoffs,” Strome said of McLeod. “We’ve played each other the past three years now. Four times a year. But it is weird going against one of your best childhood friends. “My little brother played, his brothers, some neighbourhood friends,” said Strome, whose team was sometimes bolstered by the presence of Mitch Marner. “(McLeod) and I were always the captains . . . we’d pick the teams. We were always competing. We bring out the best in each other. I think this series will show that.” That replica Stanley Cup, complete with winners’ names on it, is in the McLeod house. “I won it last,” said McLeod. “It was always a lot of fun. Usually, it didn’t end well for one of us, and we weren’t friends for a few days after.” McLeod, the 12th overall pick by New Jersey in the 2016 draft, feels his game has come a long way this year. “I feel I simplified my game, and am a lot stronger down the middle of the ice. My coach has been on me all year to stay in the middle of the ice and let the play come to you. It’s working out well for me right now. “I can get better each game and I’m excited to see how I do in NHL training camp in the summer.” But the focus for both right now is the Robertson Cup. “Anytime you have a chance to win a championship, it’s huge and great for our organization,” McLeod said. “There is not better feeling than winning this championship and going to the Memorial Cup.” For Strome, this is his last chance at winning a championship in the OHL, complete with its trip to the Memorial Cup. In three previous years with the Otters — including two seasons with Connor McDavid — his seasons have ended too soon. “It’s something that I’ve been working toward for a long time,” Strome said. “Just for myself, being so close so many times, it feels like every year we have a chance to win and things don’t go right in the playoffs. “We’re here in this position with probably the best shot we’ve had to win in the four years we’ve been here — a great team going to the finals. It would mean a lot to my family. Teams like winners, and hopefully I can add that to my resume.” Strome, the third overall pick in the 2015 NHL draft, has had a whirlwind year, starting the season with the Arizona Coyotes before being returned to Erie. He captained Canada at the world junior championship — he and McLeod were teammates there — and won silver. “I experienced so many different levels of hockey this year,” Strome said. “It’s been great. Different things you have to adjust to. We want to go as far as we can get. That’s one more step. Hopefully we can finish it off.” Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062981 Toronto Maple Leafs

If Crosby were an amateur, he’d be advised to quit hockey: neurosurgeon

By The Canadian Press

The director of the Canadian Concussion Centre at Toronto Western Hospital says when it comes to the number of acknowledged concussions, you can usually double the total for athletes who participate in collision sports. That is not good news for Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby, who suffered what is believed to be the fourth concussion of his NHL career on Monday night. Neurosurgeon Dr. Charles Tator says when someone has suffered multiple concussions, the chance of having persisting symptoms “goes up terrifically.” He notes that athletes may experience the sensation of seeing stars or might take knocks to the head at the youth level but don’t acknowledge them as head injuries. Tator says a concern for Crosby to consider at this point is the likelihood of a full recovery, since the chances of that go down as the number of concussions goes up. He also says the fact that Crosby needed almost a year to recover from a concussion in early 2011 means there was a significant, residual effect on his brain. Tator adds that if Crosby were an amateur, he would probably be advised to quit the sport. Toronto Star LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062982 Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs legends reunite to talk about fabled Cup win 50 years ago

BY LANCE HORNBY, FIRST POSTED: WEDNESDAY, MAY 03, 2017

TORONTO - The Stanley Cup parade was back for the Maple Leafs on Tuesday night, as a group of distinguished players and personnel gathered exactly 50 years after Toronto’s last title. Red Kelly, one of Punch Imlach’s Over The Hill Gang, led a panel at the Sports Gallery in the Distillery District, joined by Ron Ellis, former Leaf Dick Duff (who scored the only goal for Montreal in Games 6’s 3-1 final), journalist Lou Cauz who covered the series for The Globe and Mail and ’s Brian McFarlane. The group recounted some little-known stories about that series, but there was plenty of credit given to the late Imlach’s motivational tricks, such as stacking $10,000 on the dressing-room table for Game 6, refusing to let the Leafs touch it until they won. “You sensed this was the last chance for a lot of guys,” said Ellis, one of the younger players on the team. “I just admired watching these guys, playing hurt going far beyond what anyone thought they could do.” Toronto upset the first-place , then got past the Montreal Canadiens in six games. They haven’t been back to the finals since. “If you’re going to win the Cup, every man has to give extra,” Kelly said. “It’s not like golf. Off the ice, we stayed together. That Cup (and three others that preceded it) were four that Montreal didn’t get.” Toronto Sun LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062983 Vegas Golden Knights

Las Vegas’ Jason Zucker to have sports hernia surgery

By Steve Carp May 3, 2017 - 10:37 am

Jason Zucker didn’t get through his best NHL season unscathed. The 25-year-old left wing of the Minnesota Wild is scheduled to undergo sports hernia surgery Thursday in Philadelphia. Zucker, Las Vegas’ lone NHL player, is expected to recover in time to attend training camp in September. The news was first reported Wednesday by the Star- Tribune. Zucker, a six-year veteran, is coming off a career year for the Wild. In 79 games played, he finished with 22 goals, 25 assists and 47 points and had a plus-minus rating of plus 34, tied for first in the NHL. He missed three games toward the end of the regular season with a lower body injury. He returned in time for the end of the regular season and played in all five games of Minnesota’s first-round playoff series against St. Louis. He scored the tying goal in Game 5 for his lone point of the series. LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062984 Vegas Golden Knights

Capitals favored in Game 4 vs. Sidney Crosby-less Penguins

By Todd Dewey May 3, 2017 - 12:13 am

With Sidney Crosby in the lineup, the Penguins would be a slight favorite in Game 4 of their NHL second-round playoff series against the Capitals in Pittsburgh. Without Crosby, who will miss Wednesday’s game with a concussion suffered in Game 3, the Penguins are plus-110 underdogs to Washington. The Capitals are a consensus minus-125 favorite to win Game 4 on the road and tie the series 2-2. The injury to Crosby, who was knocked out of Monday’s 3-2 overtime loss in the first period, also has impacted the series odds. Despite having a 2-1 series lead and playing Game 4 at home, defending Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh is only a minus-125 favorite to win the series. “If it wasn’t for the Crosby injury, it would be 7-5 or higher for the series,” Sunset Station sports book director Chuck Esposito said. “With the teams that are left right now, the two most impactful players, in my opinion, are Crosby and (Edmonton’s) Connor McDavid. Crosby’s arguably the most exciting player in the league. “Not having Crosby, along with some of the other injuries the Penguins have, will definitely have a huge impact on the Penguins and that entire series.” Pittsburgh left wing Conor Sheary also will miss Game 4 with a concussion suffered in Game 3. The Penguins are 4-4 in the playoffs without Crosby, who led the league in goals scored this season with 44 and has four in the postseason. The Capitals are 5-0-2 against Pittsburgh in games in which Washington star Alex Ovechkin played and Crosby didn’t, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Handicapper (AxSmithSports.com) picked the Penguins to upset the Capitals before the series started and still expects them to prevail. But he’s backing Washington in Game 4. “Short term, I think the injury is obviously going to help Washington. You’d already heard that Pittsburgh’s weakness is they’re thin because they’ve already had injuries,” he said. “But losing Crosby and Sheary on top of all the injuries they’ve already had is too much for them to miss. And now that (Capitals defenseman Matt) Niskanen will not be suspended, all six defensemen will be back for the Caps.” Crosby suffered his concussion when he was cross-checked in the head in front of the net by Niskanen, his former teammate. A two-time Hart Trophy winner as the NHL’s MVP, Crosby has missed 114 games in his career because of concussion-related issues: 48 in 2010-11, 60 in 2011-12 and the first six this season. Pittsburgh won the first two games in Washington, cashing as plus-120 underdogs in a 3-2 win in the series opener and as plus-145 ’dogs in a 6- 2 win in Game 2. The Capitals cashed as minus-105 favorites in a virtual must-win Game 3. “I’d say it goes seven games, and I would still lean with Pittsburgh because Washington has a history of blowing it late in a series,” Smith said. “Without Crosby, it really hurts the offense, and the Capitals defense can focus more on Phil Kessel and Evgeni Malkin. But Sheary should be back before the end of the series, and that should help the offense. “The Penguins will find a way to win without Crosby, but it will be a heck of a lot tougher now.” LAS VEGAS REVIEW JOURNAL LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062985 Washington Capitals

Don Cherry says Matt Niskanen should’ve been suspended for hit on Sidney Crosby

By Scott Allen May 3 at 11:09 AM

During Tuesday’s Coach’s Corner segment on “Hockey Night in Canada,” Canadian Broadcasting Corp. hockey commentator Don Cherry weighed in on the cross-check from Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen that left Penguins captain Sidney Crosby with a concussion. Cherry said he was “really upset” over the incident in Monday’s second- round playoff game, which Capitals Coach Barry Trotz described as a hockey play and will cause Crosby to miss at least Wednesday’s Game 4. Cherry also said Niskanen, who will not face supplemental discipline from the league, should have been suspended. “[Alex Ovechkin] hits him in the head, bang, that’s why he falls down,” Cherry said as he broke down a replay of the hit that injured Crosby. “Now watch the guy coming across, [Niskanen] cross-checks him looking right at him. Are you kidding me? Hockey play? Anybody that says this is a hockey play is out of their mind. This guy meant to do it, in my opinion. He meant to do it, he knew what he was doing, there was bad feelings, and it goes on and on and on. You don’t like to say it was planned. It wasn’t planned at all. But the opportunity was there. When the opportunity is there, that’s a cross-check to the head, absolutely ridiculous this guy doesn’t get four or five games. And that’s the way I feel about that.” [There is no such thing as objective truth. Just look at Sidney Crosby’s concussion.] Another look at the Crosby injury. Ovechkin also got him with the stick up high & took out his leg just prior to the Niskanen hit pic..com/Z0TAbKJXyv — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 2, 2017 As for the “bad feelings” between Niskanen and Crosby, Cherry mentioned their fight in 2010, before they became teammates for four seasons in Pittsburgh. “That was a cheap shot, in my opinion, and he should’ve gotten at least four games,” Cherry said. “He just shouldn’t have cross-checked him in the head. And the key was, he didn’t look down at him. He’s looking straight ahead. He knew he got him good. In my opinion, cheap shot.” Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, for one, seemed to agree with Cherry’s assessment of the hit. Don Cherry speaks out on Ovechkin/Niskanen tag team on Crosby pic.twitter.com/ViePdiTCuI yep. yep. yep — bill peduto (@billpeduto) May 3, 2017 Meanwhile, TSN’s Pierre LeBrun surveyed 23 NHL coaches and general managers on Tuesday, and seven said they thought Niskanen should have received a suspension of one to two games. So the updated tally now: 7 of the 23 coaches/GMs canvassed believe Niskanen deserves a suspension (varies from 1 to 2 games) — Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) May 2, 2017 Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062986 Washington Capitals

Alex Ovechkin on Sidney Crosby’s concussion: ‘I hope he’s going to be fine’

By Isabelle Khurshudyan May 3 at 1:50 PM

PITTSBURGH — Alex Ovechkin and Sidney Crosby have often been pitted against each other as the NHL’s two brightest stars for the past decade. But even on opposite teams in this Eastern Conference semifinal series, Ovechkin took no joy in hearing Crosby suffered a concussion on Monday night and is out for at least Game 4. “It’s hard to see a player go down, and it’s hard to see he get hurt,” Ovechkin said. “He’s a player you don’t want that stuff to happen, so it’s sad. I hope he’s going to be fine and come back in the series.” Just 5:24 into Game 3 between the Capitals and the Penguins, Crosby drove to the net on a two-on-one, and Ovechkin’s stick made contact with Crosby’s head. With Crosby already going down, Matt Niskanen then cross-checked Crosby, and his stick caught Crosby in the head. Niskanen was ejected from the game, and Crosby, who has a history of concussions, suffered another in that incident. [The Capitals will forever be linked to Sidney Crosby’s history of concussions] But just as Niskanen’s actions on that play have been criticized, so have Ovechkin’s, since he was the one who made contact with Crosby first. crosby injury pic.twitter.com/dXcWa8YlBd — steph (@myregularface) May 1, 2017 “It’s hockey, you know?” Ovechkin said. “He’s a player you don’t want to get hurt, and you don’t want to see somebody leave the ice with the doctors. Again, we’re focusing on the games. It’s happened, so it’s your job, guys, to talk about what happened. We move forward, and they are. I’m pretty sure they’re going to be strong on the puck, they’re going to play physical, and it’s going to be interesting game.” Ovechkin and Crosby both entered the league the season after the 2004- 05 lockout, and their rivalry has been an entertaining story line since. Crosby is Pittsburgh’s captain and Ovechkin is Washington’s, so with those teams in the same division, the two stars play each other at least four times a year during the regular season. They each scored the 1,000th points of their careers this year. [PERSPECTIVE | Crosby’s concussion shakes Pittsburgh, and all of hockey] Crosby had one of his best seasons with a league-leading 44 goals and 45 assists. While Ovechkin acknowledged Crosby is a significant loss for the Penguins, he still expects a competitive series. Pittsburgh has a two- games-to-one series lead. “They still have lots of talented players, experienced players,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously, he’s their captain and their leader. You know, he’s the best player in the game, and he’s key for their success. I think [Evgeni] Malkin going to step up pretty big, and we have to play very smart against his line.” Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062987 Washington Capitals Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017

Tensions high after Sidney Crosby concussion, Jay Beagle challenges Phil Kessel … to Mario Kart

By Jesse Dougherty May 3 at 1:32 PM

PITTSBURGH — Jay Beagle walked into the visiting dressing room wondering why reporters were huddled by his locker. “Why is everyone coming to me?” Beagle asked as the crowd around him grew. “I think [Braden] Holtby just came in. That’s a more high-profile guy than me.” A small while before that Wednesday morning, Penguins forward Phil Kessel was asked about Beagle’s comment that playoff hockey “should be nasty.” Beagle said that a day after Matt Niskanen’s cross-check gave Sidney Crosby a concussion that will keep the Penguins star out of Game 4. But Beagle’s comments had nothing to do with the specifics of Niskanen’s hit. Still, Kessel took exception. “Well if he thinks that’s clean, he’s an idiot,” Kessel said of Beagle, which was puzzling given the context of the Beagle quote a reporter presented to him. Naturally, Beagle was puzzled too. “Ouch. That hurts,” Beagle said, lightheartedly, when told of Kessel’s assertion. “That’s not very nice, but I guess he said what he said.” The most significant outcome of Niskanen’s cross-check of Crosby is that Crosby will miss Game 4, and potentially more time after it. But it also gives more layers to a series between two rivals, manifesting in odd, passed-along quotes and, quite possibly, ramped-up physicality once the puck drops for Game 4. When asked about retaliating for Niskanen’s hit, the Penguins remained on message. They are going to play hockey. They are going to do whatever they can to win Game 4 and keep the Capitals from evening the series. They aren’t going to let the emotions of seeing their captain on the ice cloud their judgment. They are saying what they are supposed to say. “It’s the playoffs, every play matters, everyone matters, you know?” Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury said Tuesday. “I think our focus needs to be on not retaliating and winning the next game.” Fleury’s teammates agreed, yet Niskanen said Wednesday there could be retaliation and “we’ll cross that bridge when it happens.” After Crosby exited just 5:24 into the Capitals’ Game 3 win, there were signs of increased aggression between the two teams. Penguins forward Chris Kunitz lined up T.J. Oshie for a big it in the open ice, there were repeated scrums along the boards and most line-wide shoving matches lasted long after the referees blew their whistles to halt play. But penalties could result from a retaliatory play, so it may not be advantageous for the shorthanded Penguins to give the Capitals any free advantages. The Capitals scored two of their three Game-3 goals on the power play — the first during a five-on-three advantage in the first period, and then Kevin Shattenkirk’s game-winner in overtime. The Penguins, on the other hand, went scoreless on four power-play attempts and will not have Crosby leading that unit. “You know what, I don’t think [it] would necessarily be smart on their part,” Tom Wilson said of whether the Penguins will retaliate in Game 4. “… Power plays and special teams are such a big part of today’s game. If they go out there and do something and we score on the power play that’s going to cost them. So I’m assuming they’re going to play hard and they’re going to stay focused, and we’re going to do the same.” So that brings us back to the Kessel-Beagle exchange, which was really just the two of them responding to bits and pieces of each other’s quotes across two locker rooms. Beagle, in fact, did not think the Niskanen hit was clean. He also did not think the hit was intentional, but maintains that playoff hockey is nasty and that he likes it that way. That means Kessel called Beagle an idiot for something the Capitals’ fourth-line center didn’t even say. “It hurts. I’m hurt deeply,” Beagle said in jest. “I don’t know, if he wants to settle it, we could always play some Mario Kart. He knows where to find me. We’ll take it from there.” We’ll see if Kessel is game for that challenge. We can only hope. 1062988 Washington Capitals

With Sidney Crosby out for Game 4, Evgeni Malkin assumes an even bigger role

By Jesse Dougherty May 3 at 8:00 AM

PITTSBURGH, Pa. — There is no one way to replace the superstar presence and skill of Sidney Crosby. There probably aren’t two ways, or even three. But if the Penguins are to smoothly transition from a Crosby-led lineup to a Crosby-less one, Evgeni Malkin will need to be at the center of that effort. Crosby will miss Game 4 on Wednesday after sustaining a concussion in the first period of Monday’s Game 3. His status past that is still up in the air. That will force Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan to shuffle his lines, something he grew used to as injuries piled up during the regular season. Crosby had two goals and two assists in the first two games of the series, and his absence is not something Sullivan can just put a Band-Aid over. It will require Malkin, the Penguins’ second star, to harness another level and help keep the Capitals from evening the series after falling behind 0- 2. “We can’t just put the weight of our team on Geno,” said Penguins goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury, referring to Malkin by his nickname. “We’ve got to do it as a team, but it will be fun to watch Geno. Knowing him, knowing what he can do out there, he’s a dominant player also and I’m really looking forward to seeing him go tomorrow.” Fleury’s right in that replacing Crosby’s production will be a group effort, and the Penguins will also be without forward Conor Sheary due to a concussion he sustained in Game 3 after a collision with teammate Patric Hornqvist. The Penguins’ deep and talented roster is now fronted by Malkin for the time being, but it also includes Phil Kessel (70 points in the regular season), rookie Jake Guentzel (seven goals in eight career playoff games) and a handful of speedy forwards who create mismatches with the Capitals’ defense. But Malkin has consistently proven he can find another gear in Crosby’s absence. In 117 career games without Crosby — only one of them in the postseason — Malkin has 66 goals and 88 assists. That’s 1.32 points per game, an uptick from his career average of 1.18. Crosby played just 22 games in 2011-12 due to concussions, and that’s when Malkin won the Hart Trophy as the NHL’s most valuable player. On Monday, Crosby was named one of three Hart finalists. “He’s skating, he’s doing things with the puck like no one else,” Hornqvist said of Malkin’s next level. “He looks like he’s playing loose and he’s a hell of a player.” Hornqvist saw that side of Malkin after Crosby exited to the locker room in the Capitals’ Game 3 win. It came after Matt Niskanen cross-checked Crosby just 5:24 into the contest. Niskanen was ejected for game misconduct, and the Penguins were forced to carry on without the centerpiece of their offense. Sullivan shifted Malkin onto a line with Chris Kunitz and Kessel, and he was active in trying to scratch the Penguins onto the scoreboard. Malkin put the puck into an opportune area on a Kunitz deflection that resulted in a goal that was called back for goaltender’s interference. He then scored the Penguins’ first of two six-on-five goals in the final two minutes of regulation, humming a one-timer past Braden Holtby from the right faceoff circle. That padded his team lead with 15 points in the postseason, a number that will need to keep climbing as long as Crosby is away from the ice. “I just think Geno’s an elite player, and he has that ability,” Sullivan said Tuesday. “He’s been a very good player for us throughout the course of these playoffs and we’re going to rely on him that much more. And we believe he’ll get the job done for us. “I don’t think it’s Geno. … I don’t think the burden of responsibility falls on him solely. I think it’s a collective effort. That’s the essence of a team. But Geno’s going to have to bring his very best game to help us win.” Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062989 Washington Capitals

The Capitals will forever be linked to Sidney Crosby’s history of concussions

By Scott Allen May 3 at 7:00 AM

The Capitals and Sidney Crosby’s scary history of head injuries were linked long before the Penguins’ captain lay on the ice late in the first period on Monday after taking a cross-check to the face from Matt Niskanen. Pittsburgh Coach Mike Sullivan confirmed everyone’s worst fears and added a new chapter to that history when he announced Tuesday that Crosby suffered a concussion on the play and will miss at least Game 4 of the second-round playoff series. Monday’s collision reminded some of the hit Crosby took during the second period of the 2011 Winter Classic at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, when he was blindsided by a shoulder to the head from Capitals center David Steckel. The hit left Crosby dazed, but he would return to the ice in the third period. Like Niskanen, Steckel claimed it was unintentional. “I didn’t even know that I hit him,” Steckel said after the game. “I was coming back with the 3-on-3 and when the puck went the other way I was facing one way and I came back joined the rush. I didn’t even know it was him until I looked back. I haven’t even seen the hit yet, obviously, it wasn’t intentional. I was just trying to get up to the play and he was there when I turned around I guess.” “I couldn’t even tell you what happened,” Crosby said. “I think the puck was going the other way and I turned and the next thing I know, I am down. I can’t really comment on it. It’s pretty far behind the play. Maybe the refs didn’t even see it. A lot of people didn’t, but I don’t know. Got in my head, that’s for sure, but I don’t even know how it developed.” Crosby was in the lineup for the Penguins’ next game four days later, when he was driven headfirst into the boards by Tampa Bay’s Victor Hedman. Crosby finished that contest and traveled with the Penguins to Montreal for a game the following day, but returned to Pittsburgh for further tests and had a concussion diagnosed. Crosby missed the remainder of the regular season and Pittsburgh’s first- round loss to the Lightning, as well as the first 20 games of the following season. Crosby made his 2011-12 season debut on Nov. 21 and scored two goals in a win over the Islanders, but in his eighth game back, he collided with teammate Chris Kunitz and the team announced he would sit out the next two games as a precaution. Two games turned into three- and-a-half months, as Crosby continued to deal with concussion-like symptoms. A concussion suffered in practice during the preseason caused Crosby to miss the first six games of this season, but he’s averaged 78 games played over the past four seasons and led the league in goals this year. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist Kevin Gorman, who wrote Tuesday that the Capitals “resorted to one of hockey’s cheapest tricks: take out the opponent’s best player,” mentioned Steckel’s hit from six years ago as one of the reasons he has a hard time believing Niskanen’s explanation of Monday’s cross-check. “Maybe you’d be more willing to buy that explanation if it wasn’t from the Capitals, the same organization against which Crosby suffered a concussion on a blindside hit by David Steckel in the 2011 Winter Classic, an injury that caused him to miss 63 games over two seasons,” Gorman wrote. Crosby’s latest concussion is awful news for one of the game’s greatest players, for the Penguins and for hockey fans, including Capitals supporters, who should want to see Washington beat the best at their best. Anyone taking joy in Crosby’s injury is even more despicable than those suggesting that the Capitals were out to injure him. CSN analyst Alan May, who described Niskanen’s cross-check as an accident that “wasn’t meant to happen,” put it well after Monday’s game. “I don’t want to see Sidney Crosby hurt, I’m always worried about him playing games,” May said. “I know how much Caps fans do not like him and they despise him generally, but I don’t. I think he’s the best hockey player there is, and you look at all he’s done for the league and how much he’s done for his team, you do not want to see him get injured.” Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062990 Washington Capitals Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017

For Pittsburgh, a win to be remembered for the player who wasn’t on the ice

By Jesse Dougherty May 4 at 12:17 AM

PITTSBURGH — The closing moments were a snapshot of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ performance: They hacked the puck out of the zone, stuffed shooting lanes with flailing bodies, and the Capitals, with an extra skater stuck in the penalty box, could do little to gain solid footing in the offensive zone. This was the all-out, all-hands-on-deck effort the Penguins needed with Sidney Crosby out with a concussion. Crosby, the Penguins’ captain and the centerpiece of their offense, missed Game 4 after he was cross- checked by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen in the first period of Game 3. That left the Penguins without two regular forwards — Conor Sheary also had a concussion — and they responded with a 3-2 win that will be remembered for the player who wasn’t on the ice. Crosby paced the Penguins to a 2-0 series lead with two goals and two assists in Games 1 and 2. He also led the NHL with 44 goals in the regular season. Without him, the Penguins gritted their way to three goals on 18 shots Wednesday. They leaned on 36 saves by goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and blocked 24 more of the Capitals’ attempts. They turned a pile of Capitals mistakes into a lead they desperately protected, and they can win the series Saturday because of it. “It means everything,” Penguins forward Chris Kunitz said of winning without Crosby. “He’s our leader, he’s a guy that is the face of the organization. When a guy like that goes down, everybody wants to do it for him, because he obviously puts it on the line every single night for us and usually carries us to victory the way he plays. So if we can get out there and try to win for Sid, that’s how we did it tonight.” A glance at the box score would make this win seem a lot like the Penguins’ Game 1 victory in Verizon Center. The Penguins also won that contest 3-2, and did so with just 21 shots on goal. But Crosby was on the ice for that game, which lent a bit more elegance to the Penguins’ opportunistic offense. He scored two goals in a 52-second span, the first a whistling shot from the slot and the second a smooth one-time finish in front of the net. The Penguins eventually won on a Nick Bonino goal, and Crosby had his hands all over the result. But his absence Wednesday made the Penguins’ offense opportunistic in a different way. Their first goal came after Patric Hornqvist burned the slow defensive pairing of Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner, collected a pinpoint stretch pass from Olli Maata and beat Braden Holtby. The second came when Jake Guentzel banked the puck off the skate of an unsuspecting Dmitry Orlov and into the net. The third was on a power play created by one of six Capitals offensive-zone penalties in the game. Outside of that, the Penguins generated few high-grade chances. As it turns out, they didn’t need them. Once the Penguins regained lead on Justin Schultz’s second-period power-play goal, Fleury anchored the defense to the finish. The Penguins put just nine shots on goal in the final two periods, while the Capitals fired 26 pucks Fleury’s way in that time. He saved everything outside of a 1:12 span, which is when the Capitals tied the game with goals from Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nate Schmidt. But the next one never came, even as the Capitals repeatedly blitzed the Penguins’ zone with hollow scoring chances. “I thought it was a gutsy, gritty, scrappy game for our group,” Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan said. “Those guys personify that. They were not perfect by any stretch, but I love our compete level.” Crosby’s injury still hangs over the series, even as the Penguins take a comfortable 3-1 lead to Washington this weekend. His status moving forward is still unclear. The offense didn’t necessarily hum without him. Some Penguins have hinted at their disapproval for Niskanen’s hit, and others have outright stated that they found it dirty in nature. But they didn’t respond with a retaliatory check. They didn’t look to fight Niskanen or drop any gloves on the ice. Instead they hit the Capitals where it could hurt the most. “Nobody’s happy about it,” Fleury said. “But we got to be smart about it. We can’t just be going out there taking penalties. I think the best way to make them pay is winning, and we did tonight.” 1062991 Washington Capitals “He’s in the proper position,” Washington defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said, “where he needs to be to take away that pass.”

And yet, instead of playing the puck with his stick, Orlov allowed it to For Caps, just another ‘bad bounce’ for a pantheon filling up fast with bounce off his skate. them “It’s one of those you’re supposed to expect the unexpected,” Holtby said. By Barry Svrluga Columnist May 3 Except where the Capitals are concerned, stuff like this is, by now, expected. PITTSBURGH — It’s a terrible state of existence when every odd bounce The funny thing is, Orlov’s goal — sorry, Guentzel’s goal — seemed to that works against you has to be woven into the tapestry as part of some spark the Caps. How weird. Evgeny Kuznetsov beat Pittsburgh goalie generations-long drama — and a depressing one at that. But it is the very Marc-Andre Fleury first, less than four minutes after Orlov’s gaffe. When existence of the Washington Capitals, and who knows when — or if — Nate Schmidt fired one past Fleury 72 seconds later, the Capitals had 21 that will change. Welcome, then, Dmitry Orlov and his right skate to this shots, the Penguins just 10. disaster. They’re part of the story now, like it or not. “In the driver’s seat,” Williams said. “Going forward. Pushing for the next This is what you need to know: Orlov, one of the Capitals’ very own goal.” defensemen, deflected the puck into his own net Wednesday night. He And yet Orlov’s goal — sorry, Guentzel’s goal — was inescapable. When was not pressured to do so. There were no Pittsburgh Penguins within Pittsburgh scored on the power play to go up 3-2, it was impossible to three rivers of him. Goalie Braden Holtby was happy to allow Orlov to wonder what the game might have felt like if Orlov hadn’t been lumped play the puck, to clear the puck, to do anything other than — oh, I don’t into Caps’ lore. know — kick the puck into his own yet. “It sucks, you know?” Orlov said. Yet that’s just what Orlov did. Yes, we know. “It was just bad bounce,” Orlov said. “I don’t think if he [was] going to, like, throw 20, 30, 40 pucks — I don’t think it’s going to go in.” It was not, of course, the only bit of indignity on this night. The final slice of embarrassment came just inside of the two-minute mark, when Holtby Yet these are the Capitals. So, somehow, it did. was skating toward the bench so the Capitals could bring out an extra Mull that over for a bit. While your brain is thawing out, we’ll get to the attacker. It is reasonable, given their skill, that Washington could have impact of it all. tied the game in a six-on-five situation. Heck, the Penguins had scored twice in the final two minutes Monday to force overtime in Game 3. The Capitals lost, 3-2, in the fourth game of their second-round playoff series against the Penguins. They now trail the series 3-1. The Penguins But before Holtby was over the boards, T.J. Oshie was called for high- won the game without Sidney Crosby, their captain and their conscience, sticking — perhaps erroneously, but the call stood nonetheless, and a who sat out with a concussion. To save their season, the Capitals must man advantage for the Capitals turned into a power play for the win Saturday night in Washington just to force a Game 6 on Monday in Penguins. It was, amazingly, the sixth penalty the Capitals had taken in Pittsburgh, which they must win just to force a Game 7 next week back in the offensive zone in a catastrophe of a loss. D.C., which they must win to have any hope of altering their national Blame that, then? The Caps’ own stupidity? Sure. It was a factor. reputation as chokers. The stupidity, though, can’t be preserved on video for generations as a “Right now, it’s Game 7 every game for us,” said captain Alex Ovechkin, lesson about the fortune of this entire franchise. What can be: Dmitry who was — rightly — critical of his own lousy play Wednesday. Orlov, his right skate, the puck and an open goal mouth. The only way to The Capitals will point to a thousand little things that cost them Game 4 remove that bit of evidence from the time capsule — to completely alter before they hang Orlov out to dry. “We overcame it,” Justin Williams the way this franchise is viewed now and far into the future — is to win actually said. three straight games against a team that just doesn’t seem to make mistakes, much less put the puck in its own net. Wait. Didn’t they lose the game by one goal? Let’s do some math. Three Pittsburgh goals, minus Orlov’s boot, equals two Pittsburgh goals. Who Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 knows? They might still be playing. What we do know: If the world ends and it does so without the Capitals winning a Stanley Cup, Orlov’s own goal will be preserved in the time capsule sent to other civilizations to explain the Capitals’ entire tenure on Earth. Not many more details will be needed, and it won’t matter whether the aliens understand English — or Russian. Watch that clip. That’s about the extent of what you need to know. This isn’t to blame Orlov for the loss. Freaky things happen in hockey, in the playoffs. It’s all rather maddening. But it can’t feel coincidental that this happened to a player wearing a Capitals sweater. It might be coincidental. But it doesn’t feel that way. It feels like it’s springtime, and the Caps had the best record in the sport during the regular season — again — and they outshot Pittsburgh 38-18, and they lost anyway at least in part because one of their own players kicked the puck into his own net. “It’s kind of just a perfect storm,” Holtby said. This hurricane, then, feels like it’s raged for 40 years. The play in question came with the Penguins holding a 1-0 lead, but with the Capitals right in it. Something, perhaps Crosby’s absence, left PPG Paints Arena feeling a little lackluster, and the teams largely felt each other out for most of the first period. Less than four minutes into the second period, Pittsburgh rookie Jake Guentzel corralled a puck along the left boards in the Capitals’ zone. He really had no play. “The guy basically has nothing but to shoot short-side,” Holtby said of Guentzel. “The pass option’s so far wide that I can commit to that and get over.” Guentzel flung the puck across the crease, ostensibly for fourth-line center Carter Rowney, who was playing only because Crosby was out. But really, the puck was all Orlov’s. 1062992 Washington Capitals The Penguins flipped the special teams script in Game 4, killing all four of the Capitals’ power-play attempts and scoring the game-winning goal with a five-on-four advantage. In Game 4, the Capitals find a more deadly opponent than Sidney The Penguins had nine minutes of a five-on-four advantage in Game 3, Crosby: Themselves and the Capitals’ penalty kill held its power play scoreless. Heading into Wednesday, the Capitals had the best playoff penalty-kill percentage (85.7) of the eight teams left standing. They also scored two of their three By Jesse Dougherty May 3 Game 3 goals on the power play. [Best and worst moments from the Capitals’ Game 4 loss] The Capitals were their own worst enemy Wednesday night in Pittsburgh. Schultz said Wednesday morning that the Penguins needed to be (John McDonnell/The Washington Post) sharper in their power-play entries. He also acknowledged that would be difficult without Crosby in the lineup. PITTSBURGH — The Capitals are on the brink of elimination after a 3-2 loss to the Penguins at PPG Paints Arena on Wednesday night. They “I mean obviously he’s the best player in the world and helps our power now trail the Penguins 3-1 in the Eastern Conference semifinals series. play a lot,” Schultz said. “But we’ve got [Malkin], we’ve got Phil [Kessel], whoever else steps up on that unit. We’ve got a lot of star power and The Capitals were in their own way for the entire contest. The Penguins, firepower, so I think we’re fine.” who were without Sidney Crosby after the center sustained a concussion on a Matt Niskanen hit in Game 3, built a one-goal advantage atop a pile That wasn’t the case in the first period, as the Penguins squandered two of Capitals’ mistakes. Both of the Capitals’ goals came in a span of 1:12 more power-play opportunities. Then their power play broke through in in the second period, and they were otherwise stymied by Penguins the second period when Schultz beat Holtby with a slap shot from the goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Now the Capitals’ survival hinges on point. That came after John Carlson was called for the Capitals’ third winning three straight games, starting Saturday with Game 5 in offensive-zone penalty (roughing). That kind of mistake didn’t burn them Washington. in Game 3, but it proved costly Wednesday as the Penguins power play found its footing at an opportune time. Below is how the series looked immediately after Game 4 ended. The Penguins killed another Capitals power play soon after, and then ran It was a quick start for the Crosby-less Penguins offense, as Patric off the first half of a four-minute advantage (created by a Matt Cullen Hornqvist sneaked behind the Capitals defense and scored a breakaway high-sticking) before the second-period horn. That gave the Capitals’ goal just 4:39 into the game. power play two more minutes to score at the start of the third, but a slashing call on Alex Ovechkin wiped out the last 1:19 of the advantage. Hornqvist, who started this series on Crosby’s line, played with the That was the Capitals’ fourth offensive-zone penalty of the game, they speedy Carl Hagelin and center Matt Cullen. Penguins Coach Mike picked up another when Tom Wilson was called for interference in the Sullivan started with the same top line of Chris Kunitz, Evgeni Malkin and third, and a sixth when T.J. Oshie was called for high-sticking right as Phil Kessel that played together in the 58-plus minutes Crosby missed in Holtby was coming off for an extra skater in the final minutes. Game 3. The other two lines were Jake Guentzel, Nick Bonino and Bryan Rust and Scott Wilson, Carter Rowney and Tom Kuhnhackl. The Wow. Offensive zone penalties killing the #Caps tonight. Penguins were also without Conor Sheary, who also suffered a concussion in Game 3. — Sam Werner (@SWernerPG) May 4, 2017 Before Crosby and Sheary’s concussions, the Penguins were already That made it so the Capitals could never get a six-on-five advantage in playing without top defenseman Kris Letang and No. 1 goaltender Matt the final moments. The six offensive-zone penalties left a permanent Murray in the playoffs. Their regular season was littered with injuries big stain on the their performance, and allowed the Penguins to turn special and small. Patching holes is something Sullivan and his staff have grown teams into a needed strength with Crosby on the shelf. used to. [Svrluga: For Caps, just another ‘bad bounce’ for a pantheon filling up “It’s going to be a challenge to fill his void,” Penguins defenseman Ian fast with them] Cole said Wednesday morning. “I mean he’s the best hockey player in the world. It’s going to be a challenge, but we’re going to have to band Penguins don’t retaliate for Niskanen’s hit on Crosby together and figure out a way to do it.” Niskanen’s hit that concussed Crosby left open the possibility that the On Wednesday, the way was maximizing the Capitals’ mistakes. Penguins would retaliate in Game 4. Hornqvist’s first-period goal came with an odd defensive pair on the ice, That did not happen, and the game offered typically physical playoff the Penguins’ next goal came when Guentzel banked the puck in off hockey. One scrap broke out in the second period, in which Andre Dmitry Orlov’s skate, and Justin Schultz’s second-period power-play goal Burakovsky locked heads with Penguins defenseman Ian Cole, and Tom came after the Capitals’ third offensive-zone penalty. Wilson and Kunitz wrestled along the boards before both going to the Kuznetsov once again sparks offense (but it’s not enough) penalty box. There were a few big hits, notably Cole laying out Justin Williams in front of the Penguins’ bench in the third period. But here With the Capitals trailing 2-0 as the second period wore on, Evgeny wasn’t much more than that. Kuznetsov took a pass from Justin Williams from behind the Penguins’ goal and zipped a shot past Marc-Andre Fleury. That was his third goal of But Niskanen, a former Penguin, did hear it from the crowd whenever he the series and his second straight game with one after netting the touched the puck. Capitals’ second goal of Game 3 on Monday. Niskanen loudly booed when he has the puck. Just over a minute later, Nate Schmidt ripped a shot past an out-of- — Isabelle Khurshudyan (@ikhurshudyan) May 3, 2017 position Fleury to tie the game. The Capitals’ offense was lethargic to that point, and then it was very much awake. “You know what, I don’t think [it] would necessarily be smart on their part,” Tom Wilson said of whether the Penguins will retaliate in Game 4. Nate Schmidt scores, Capitals erase Penguins’ two-goal lead “… Power plays and special teams are such a big part of today’s game. If pic.twitter.com/XXwWLr0u3w they go out there and do something and we score on the power play — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 4, 2017 that’s going to cost them. So I’m assuming they’re going to play hard and they’re going to stay focused, and we’re going to do the same.” Kuznetsov snipes to get the Capitals on the board pic.twitter.com/9aoJdWLiYD It turns out the Penguins either agreed with Wilson or found some other reason to avoid further confrontation. They were already down two — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 4, 2017 forwards and have not been sharp on the penalty kill, two factors that made keeping a level head the logical approach in the win. The Capitals shots on goal total climbed to 22 midway through the second period, and the Penguins’ froze at 11. The Penguins only put four Capitals use seven defensemen (for real this time) shots on goal in the second period, but they netted two goals and the Capitals’ offense never found a game-tying goal. Capitals Coach Barry Trotz chose to use a seventh defensemen in favor of a 12th forward in Game 3 on Monday, subbing Karl Alzner into the Capitals special teams regresses lineup for Paul Carey. But Niskanen was ejected for his hit on Crosby just 5:24 into that contest, leaving the Capitals with the usual six defensemen and one fewer forward than they would normally have. That made Game 4 the first true test for the Capitals’s seven- defensemen approach. It seemed that Trotz tried to keep the Dmitry Orlov and Niskanen together as much as possible, and the other five defensemen (John Carlson, Alzner, Nate Schmidt and Shattenkirk) mostly cycled through the last four spots. The early results were not pretty, as Orpik and Alzner were on the ice together and got burned by Hornqvist down the middle of the ice before he scored the game’s first goal. Horqnvist is not known for speedy skating, but neither are Orpik and Alzner. Patric Hornqvist puts the Pens up 1-0 pic.twitter.com/wDkwIjeMHb — Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) May 4, 2017 If this is an approach Trotz plans to use for the rest of the series, he runs the risk of the Penguins’ speedy forwards matching up with not-so- speedy defensive pairs. The benefit is that Trotz can play a defenseman like Schmidt, who has had a great postseason but could have possibly been pushed out of the lineup when Alzner returned from an upper-body injury. Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062993 Washington Capitals critical of his play, and Trotz said he wanted to see more from his top players.

“I didn’t play my game at all tonight,” Ovechkin said. “I think, me Capitals can’t cash in on chances, and now find themselves on brink of personally, I have to play much better.” being done A lot of the intrigue entering the game was on how the Penguins would fare without Crosby. Less than six minutes into Game 3 on Monday night, By Isabelle Khurshudyan May 3 at 10:44 PM Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen cross-checked Crosby in the head, knocking him out for the rest of that game with a concussion. Niskanen was ejected for the remainder of Game 4, but the NHL decided against additional discipline, so he was back on the ice Wednesday night, booed PITTSBURGH — With less than two minutes left in a crucial Game 4, every time he touched the puck. goaltender Braden Holtby started to skate to the bench to give the Capitals an extra attacker. But with Washington fighting for an equalizer Crosby is the NHL’s best player and scored a league-leading 44 goals in in front of the Penguins’ net, forward T.J. Oshie was called for high- the regular season. Rather than physically retaliate against the Capitals sticking, putting the Capitals on the defensive again. in defense of Crosby, the Penguins chose to get retribution through their strong play early in the game. Video replay showed Oshie’s stick never actually made contact with Nick Bonino’s head, but the call marked the sixth offensive-zone penalty of the With Niskanen back in the lineup, Washington dressed a lineup of 11 game, and it assured Washington’s 3-2 loss that put the Capitals in 3-1 forwards and seven defensemen, meaning the blue line corps rotates hole against Pittsburgh in this Eastern Conference semifinal series. The partners. Against a speedy Pittsburgh line of center Matt Cullen and Capitals’ season is one loss from being over. wingers Carl Hagelin and Patric Hornqvist, the Capitals had a defensive pair of Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner on the ice. Orpik and Alzner are “Tough time to get a penalty,” Oshie said. “That’s kind of an amateur play arguably Washington’s slowest skaters, and Hornqvist was able to split by me there. You’ve got to check with your feet in those big moments. I the duo before skating past them and beating Holtby on a breakaway just don’t think I got him that hard, but I’ve been on the other side, and the 4:39 into the game. natural reaction when you get hit in the head is your head snaps back. It’s unfortunate and tough to be in that situation.” That was just the first defensive miscue for the Capitals on a night, arguably, when they beat themselves. They have put themselves in This game was a big moment for the franchise to take a step toward position that their next mistake could end their season. getting over its second-round hump, and yet Washington fell flat. The defeat feels particularly damning considering who wasn’t on the ice. “Now our backs are against the wall,” Trotz said. “Next game is the most Pittsburgh’s superstar captain, Sidney Crosby, was ruled out with a important game of the year. If we don’t have the urgency that we need in concussion, as was forward Conor Sheary. With No. 1 defenseman Kris that game, then we won’t earn the right to keep playing.” Letang and top goaltender Matt Murray already out for the series with injuries, a fully healthy Capitals team was unable to beat a depleted rival. Washington Post LOADED: 05.04.2017 The wounds were self-inflicted. With Washington down a goal entering the second period, the most frustrating moment of the postseason arrived just 3:51 after intermission. Forward Jake Guentzel’s centering pass went off the right skate of Washington defenseman Dmitry Orlov in front of the net, and the puck caromed straight into the Capitals’ net for an own goal. “It was just bad bounce,” Orlov said. “I don’t think if he going to like throw 20, 30, 40 pucks, I don’t think it’s going to go in. Kind of wait for that, it just bounced so hard and go in the net. Bad bounce for us.” Washington responded with a strong push, scoring twice in 72 seconds to tie the game. Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his third goal of the series when he beat goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury with his quick release from the left faceoff circle. Defenseman Nate Schmidt then tied the game 8:33 into the period with a snap shot. But the Capitals again cost themselves when defenseman John Carlson took an offensive-zone penalty. He went to the box for roughing, and after Washington’s penalty kill had managed to limit the Penguins’ potent power play to just one goal in its past 12 opportunities in the series, Pittsburgh defenseman Justin Schultz scored the go-ahead goal with a point shot. [In Game 4, the Capitals run into a more deadly opponent than Sidney Crosby: themselves] Defensemen Karl Alzner, left, of the Capitals and Olli Maatta of the Penguins are on a collision course. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post) “We had all of the momentum in the second period, and we had a defenseman go down the wall on a little bit of a cycle. He’s looking for the puck, and he runs into one of their guys,” Capitals Coach Barry Trotz said of Carlson’s penalty. “We get a penalty, and that sort of killed momentum. Some of it is self-inflicted, and some of it is just the way the refs called the game.” The Penguins finished the second period with just four shots on goal, but while Washington was outshooting Pittsburgh 29-13, the Penguins again were ahead on the scoreboard. What few chances Pittsburgh had, it capitalized on. Of the many the Capitals had, they couldn’t collect enough. They finished with 38 shots on goal. “It’s a little frustrating,” Oshie said. “I think we’ve got to do a better job getting to the interior. We had some golden opportunities to score goals, and for whatever reason, we didn’t put them in. Those have to go in.” With the Capitals on a power play to start the third period, Alex Ovechkin was called for slashing, wasting the man-advantage opportunity and taking yet another offensive-zone penalty. After the game, Ovechkin was 1062994 Washington Capitals

Phil Kessel kind of, but not really, calls Jay Beagle an ‘idiot,’ and Beagle responds perfectly

By Nora Princiotti - The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

PITTSBURGH — For a few hours Wednesday morning, the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins got caught up in a bizarre game of telephone involving Pittsburgh forward Phil Kessel and Washington center Jay Beagle. The root of the incident, unsurprisingly, was Matt Niskanen’s hit that took out Sidney Crosby Monday, and it ended with Beagle standing confused in front of his locker, wondering why a hoard of reporters and cameramen wanted to talk to him, of all people. You see, the day before, Beagle had been asked if he expected the physicality of Game 3 to spill over into Game 4. The question was not specifically related to Niskanen’s hit on Crosby, and Beagle said that the playoffs “should be nasty.” “That’s the way we like to play, that’s the way they like to play. Hard hits. Going after each other. I mean, these are two teams that don’t like each other,” Beagle said. On Wednesday, a reporter relayed Beagle’s sentiments to Phil Kessel in a way that seemed to make Kessel think they were somehow related to the hit. Kessel responded thusly: “Well, if he thinks that’s clean, he’s an idiot.” Naturally, everyone reacted with precisely zero chill. When Beagle returned to his locker after the Capitals morning skate, he wondered out loud why there were so many people waiting to talk to him. He mentioned that Braden Holtby was also off the ice — why wasn’t everyone looking for him? Kessel’s comments were relayed to Beagle. “Ouch,” Beagle said. “That hurts. That’s not very nice, but I guess he said what he said.” Beagle was asked if he thought the hit was clean. “No. No. Obviously not. I mean, just like Nisky, he didn’t mean to do it, right? So you know, it obviously wasn’t a clean hit but I do think the playoffs are nasty.” To recap: Kessel called Beagle an idiot if he thinks the hit was clean. Beagle does not think the hit was clean. Insult moot. Beagle did have a good idea as to how he and Kessel could sort this all out. “I mean, it hurts,” he said. “I’m hurt. Deeply. If he wants to settle it, we could always play some ‘Mario Kart.’ He knows where to find me.” If the NHL has any sense, they’ll find a way to make this happen. All-time halftime entertainment in the making. A no-banana-peels rule would have to be in effect, though. That’s just dirty. Washington Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062995 Washington Capitals

Matt Niskanen is prepared for retribution over hit that took out Sidney Crosby

By Nora Princiotti - The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

PITTSBURGH — When the puck drops at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday night, Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen knows there could be some angry Pittsburgh Penguins looking for him. “Possibly,” said Niskanen Wednesday morning, asked if he was expecting retribution for his hit on Sidney Crosby. “It’s a hockey game. Hockey players are emotional guys.” Crosby is out with a concussion. Niskanen was ejected after the hit in Monday’s game, so he has not been on the ice since. The NHL elected not to hold a hearing, so Niskanen faces no further discipline. On Wednesday he reiterated that he had no intent to injure Crosby, and said he wished the whole play had gone down differently. “I regret that it happened but I am adamant that I’m not sure, at that game speed, what I could have done different,” Niskanen said. “Obviously in super-slow-mo and in hindsight, I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down but the collision happened fast. “And Sid’s trying to score a goal, he’s getting lower and lower as it happens and my intent was not to forcefully cross-check him in the face,” he said. “I think anybody that knows me, I’m not trying to hit guys in the head.” Niskanen played for the Penguins between 2011-2013, the three seasons before he joined the Capitals. He hasn’t reached out to Crosby yet but plans to. “I don’t think there’s anything I can say that’s going to make him feel better about it,” Niskanen said. “I’m sure he’s pissed. When the time’s right I’ll probably reach out to him after the boiling over kind of cools down but at this time there’s probably not much I can say to him that’s going to make him feel better about it or believe me.” Niskanen said that he and Crosby got along “really well” when they were teammates. “He was a good leader, great teammate,” he said. “I always stood up for him when I was here, I think he could say the same thing about me that we were good teammates and got along well.” As Niskanen said, players can be emotional. In a Game 4 setting, however, the Penguins and Capitals will both have to be careful. Both teams possess excellent power plays. If the Penguins come at Niskanen, though, Capitals coach Barry Trotz was confident his player would keep a level head. “He’ll be fine, he’s a pro. He’s been around,” Trotz said. Washington Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062996 Washington Capitals

Ovechkin frustrated by lackluster performance against Penguins

By Nora Princiotti - The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 3, 2017

PITTSBURGH — Alex Ovechkin was frustrated by his lackluster performance against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Washington Capitals 3-2 loss Wednesday night. “I didn’t play my game at all tonight. Me personally, I have to play much better,” Ovechkin said. Ovechkin did not score and only took two shots on goal. He took a penalty for slashing early in the third period, when the Capitals were trying to make a comeback. “I didn’t control the puck well,” he continued. “I make stupid decisions. Unfortunately it happened.” Capitals coach Barry Trotz did not mention Ovechkin by name, but said that he was dissatisfied with some of his best players’ performances. “I didn’t think our top guys really stepped up today which was very unfortunate for us,” Trotz said. To be a non-factor is doubly frustrating for Ovechkin in a game where his rival, Sidney Crosby, did not play. Should the Capitals go on to lose this series with Crosby watching in his street clothes, Ovechkin will certainly draw criticism. The Capitals are not yet out of the series, but face elimination in Game 5 Saturday at Verizon Center. Washington Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062997 Washington Capitals in shots on goal, 31-10 in shot attempts overall, but were even 2-2 in goals, numbers that go a long way in illustrating the Capitals’ ability to play hockey well, but go nowhere in illustrating an ability to simply win. Penguins take Game 4 3-2, lead Caps 3-1 in series “I just think it’s more right now that we’ve got to find a way to get an extra goal,” Trotz said. By Nora Princiotti - The Washington Times - Wednesday, May 3, 2017 With so many chances for the Capitals, Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was excellent in a 35-save performance. He needed to be, as his team only got off 18 shots on Braden Holtby. The Capitals could have made one last push, but they were de-clawed by Oshie’s late penalty. PITTSBURGH | There was the own-goal by Dmitry Orlov. There was the high-sticking penalty from T.J. Oshie that came with the Capitals down a “Tough time to get a penalty. That’s kind of an amateur play by me goal with less than two minutes to play. The Capitals played three there,” Oshie said. periods of good, solid, dominant hockey that, in the end, served only as connective tissue between the pivotal moments in which they lost The series now returns to Washington where the puck drop is scheduled Wednesday night, 3-2, to the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. for 7:15 p.m. Saturday, once NBC is finished airing the Kentucky Derby, the fastest two minutes in sports. The Capitals now face elimination which could come as soon as Saturday, when they return to Verizon Center for Game 5. If the Capitals wish to advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs, after losing Wednesday, they’ll need to go the whole seven-game distance in this “We’re sitting here now down 3-1 and our backs are against a wall and series. it’s the most important game, next game, is the most important game of the year,” Capitals coach Barry Trotz said. Washington Times LOADED: 05.04.2017 Wednesday’s loss came on a night when Washington had every reason to win. Sidney Crosby, the pride of Pittsburgh, missed the game with a concussion, as did left wing Conor Sheary. After the two were hurt in Monday’s Game 3, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan had to change his forward lineups significantly. The line of Chris Kunitz, Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel became the top line of forwards. Left winger Jake Guentzel moved down a line to play with center Nick Bonino and right winger Bryan Rust. Carl Hagelin, Matt Cullen and Patric Hornqvist made up the third line and Scott Wilson, Carter Rowney and Tom Kuhnhackl the fourth. “It was a gutsy, gritty, scrappy game for our group,” Sullivan said. Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen, whose hit in Game 3 concussed Crosby and was the source of debate, ire and conspiracy, was booed when he took the ice and whenever he touched the puck. Other than that, he faced none of the retribution he felt was a possibility before the game. There was plenty of physical play, but the Capitals were the ones who racked up seven total penalties. It was a game that Washington needed to win. Pittsburgh won Game 1 and Game 2 in Washington before the Capitals got one back Monday on the Penguins‘ ice. A loss Saturday in D.C. would equal elimination at the hands of the Penguins for the second-straight year, this time without Crosby, Matt Murray or Kris Letang. The Capitals fell behind 2-0 after a breakaway and a bad bounce, the types of things that are easy to excuse in the regular season but difficult in a playoff game where the opponent is missing its best player and several other key pieces. “That’s sort of the deal that you’re dealt,” Trotz said. “During the playoffs you’re going to have a lot of different things that will happen to you. I could look back at a number of things.” It was Patric Hornqvist who netted the breakaway goal, giving the Penguins a 1-0 lead less than five minutes into the game. His was the only scoring action in the first period, where the Capitals survived two penalties committed in their own offensive zone, one by Alex Ovechkin, the other by Lars Eller. Offensive zone penalties stuffed momentum for the Capitals on four other occasions. Then, at the second period’s outset, Jake Guentzel was centering the puck when it hit Orlov’s skate and turned into an own-goal for the Capitals. The score was 2-0 Penguins. “It was just a bad bounce. I don’t think if he going to throw 20, 30, 40 pucks, I don’t think it’s going to go in,” Orlov said. In the span of 72 seconds, though, Washington got it all back. The Capitals, at times guilty of sitting back when they should be throwing pucks, threw pucks. First, Evgeny Kuznetsov scored 7:21 into the second and just after, Nate Schmidt scored the first playoff goal of his career to tie the game. Before the second intermission, the Pittsburgh power play got a goal. Capitals defenseman John Carlson went to the box for roughing 10:45 into the period and Justin Schultz scored on the power play to give Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead. The Capitals went into the second intermission with a 29-13 shot advantage, but trailed by a goal. In the second period alone they led 17-4 1062998 Washington Capitals

3 BOLD PREDICTIONS: LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 4:35 PM

Nats GM Mike Rizzo on Adam Eaton injury The Caps look to even their series with the Pittsburgh Penguins in what should be a contentious Game 4 (7:30 p.m., NBCSN). Here are three bold predictions for the game. 1. Matching minors will be issued in the first 10 minutes Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know Sidney Crosby suffered a concussion after a hit from Matt Niskanen in Game 3. Pittsburgh is not pleased about it. There were times on Monday where it looked like the referees lost control of that game. Given the bad blood between these two teams heading into Game 4, the referees will send a message early to both teams. I will not call for a fight since no one seems to fight in the playoffs, but there will be some physical play in the early going and the referees will not hesitate to start sending players to the box. 2. Washington’s third line will score I may just make this prediction every game until it happens since they have played so well. It’s only a matter of time. The reason why I am making it for this game specifically is because of Pittsburgh’s injury concerns. We all know the loss of Sidney Crosby is a blow for the Penguins, but that’s true in more ways than one. Not only does it hurt their top line, it also has a trickle-down effect on the rest of the lineup. The injuries are mounting for Pittsburgh which makes the Caps’ depth a major advantage. 3. Evgeni Malkin will score With no Crosby, someone has to pick up the slack for Pittsburgh. Fortunately for them, they still have a star player in Malkin. He stepped up big late in Game 3 with a goal and an assist in the last two minutes of the game to help the Penguins tie it at 2. He knows he will have to have another big night for the Penguins to stay in this one. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1062999 Washington Capitals

JAY BEAGLE CHALLENGES PHIL KESSEL TO…MARIO KART?

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 1:32 PM

There certainly seems to be a war of words playing out in Pittsburgh ahead of Game 4. That’s to be expected given the rivalry between the Caps and Penguins plus the added tension of Washington knocking Sidney Crosby out of the lineup, but it seems to be playing out in a bizarre way. Few Caps players were available to the media on Tuesday, but Jay Beagle was and he said he expected the same kind of nastiness we saw in Game 3 to carry over for the rest of the series. "It should be nasty, it’s the playoffs,” Beagle said. That’s the way we like to play, that’s the way they like to play – hard hits, going after each other. I mean, these are two teams that don’t like each other.” Harmless enough…until it got relayed to Penguins forward Phil Kessel. Even though Beagle was not talking about the hit on Crosby that knocked him out of Game 3, he was quoted to Kessel right after the forward was done talking about Crosby. “If he thinks that’s a clean hit, he’s an idiot,” Kessel said in response. You can hear Kessel's comments in the video above. Again, Beagle was not talking about the hit on Crosby, but I digress. So of course, after directly calling Beagle an idiot, everyone wanted to know Beagle’s response. “Ouch,” Beagle said, feigning sadness. “That hurts. That’s not very nice, but I guess he said what he said.” Beagle reiterated that his comments were not about the hit on Crosby and then offered a challenge to Kessel. “I’m hurt deeply,” Beagle said. “I don’t know, if he wants to settle it, we could always play some Mario Kart. He knows where to find me.” Hmm, knowing Beagle, he seems like a Luigi type of guy. Kessel? I would guess either Wario or Toad. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063000 Washington Capitals

MATT NISKANEN SAYS HE'LL WAIT TO REACH OUT TO SIDNEY CROSBY AFTER SIDELINING HIM WITH A CONCUSSION

By Tarik El-Bashir May 03, 2017 1:29 PM

PITTSBURGH—Two days later, Matt Niskanen still wonders what he could have done differently. He also said it’s way too early to reach out Sidney Crosby—a friend and former teammate—about the incident Monday night that concussed the Penguins’ captain. “I regret that it happened,” Niskanen said Wednesday after the Capitals’ morning skate. “But I’m adamant that I’m not sure, at that game speed, what I could have done different.” “Obviously,” he continued, “in super-slowmo and in hindsight, I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down. But the collision happened fast and Sid’s trying to score a goal and he’s getting lower and lower as it happens.” “My intent was not to forcefully cross check him in the face. Anybody that knows me [knows] I’m not trying to hit guys in the head. I’m trying to play hard within the rules, hit guys in the body. And to be honest, I wasn’t even trying to hit him on that play. It was a collision that happened because he was coming in with a serious amount of speed and trying to score and getting lower and lower partially because he’s falling down.” Asked if he’s heard the criticism about his role in Crosby’s injury, Niskanen said he’s focused on Wednesday's game and little else. “Lucky [for] me, I’m not on social media,” he said. “There’s going to be some outside noise.” Niskanen was also asked about the possibility of retribution from the Penguins. “Possibly,” he said. “It’s a hockey game. Hockey players are emotional guys. If that happens, we’ll cross that bridge when it happens.” Crosby, of course, is sidelined for Game 4—and possibly longer— with another concussion, his second this season. As expected, he did not participate in the morning skate. Without Crosby, the Penguins would seem to be nearing their breaking point when it comes to injuries to key players. They entered the postseason without top defenseman Kris Letang and goalie Matt Murray hasn’t played a postseason game. In addition, the Pens will be without winger Conor Sheary, who also suffered a concussion on Monday night. Niskanen acknowledged the magnitude of Crosby’s absence. But he was quick to point out that the Penguins remain dangerous. “Well, they are still a darn good team, first and foremost,” Niskanen said. “And we’re going to have to be real good to beat them. But [he’s] the best player in the world [and] he’s playing as good anybody has ever seen him. So, he’s tough to replace, for sure.” Niskanen and Crosby overlapped as teammates in Pittsburgh from 2010- 14 and Niskanen said he considers him a friend. He also praised Crosby as a great leader and a solid teammate. But the Caps’ blue liner indicated that he intends to wait a little while before reaching out to him. “I don’t think there’s anything I could say that’s going to make him feel better about it,” Niskanen said. “I’m sure he’s pissed. When the time is right, I’ll probably reach out to him, after the boiling over kinda cools down. At this time, there’s not much I can say to him that’s going to make him feel better about it, or believe me.” Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063001 Washington Capitals

GAME INFORMATION FOR CAPS-PENGUINS GAME 5 RELEASED

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 10:42 AM

With a win in Game 3, the Washington Capitals ensured their seven- game series with the Pittsburgh Penguins will return to Washington for Game 5. Now we have the information for that return. Game 5 between the Capitals and Penguins will be on Saturday, May 6 at Verizon Center with a start time at 7:15 p.m. If you can't make the game, you will be able to watch it on NBC in the United States or CBC and TVA Sports in Canada. Get your pregame coverage on CSN with Caps GameTime starting at 6 p.m. Tune back to CSN following the game for postgame coverage with Caps Extra and Caps Overtime. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063002 Washington Capitals Carl Hagelin - Evgeni Malkin - Phil Kessel Bryan Rust - Jake Guentzel - Patric Hornqvist CAPITALS VS. PENGUINS: GAME 4 TIME, TV CHANNEL, HOW TO Scott Wilson - Nick Bonino - Carter Rowney WATCH, LIVE STREAM Chris Kunitz - Matt Cullen - Tom Kuhnhackl

Defense By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 1:25 AM Ian Cole - Justin Schultz

Brian Dumoulin - Ron Hainsey The Capitals earned their first win of the series in Game 3, but they still need to win Game 4 to tie the series at two and avoid the 3-1 deficit. Olli Maatta - Trevor Daley That job will be made easier by the unfortunate injury to Sidney Crosby Goalies who will miss Game 4 with a concussion. Crosby suffered the injury on a Marc-Andre Fleury starts with Tristan Jarry as backup hit from Matt Niskanen in the first period of Game 3. Scratches Niskanen was ejected from the game, but he will be back in the lineup for Game 4 after the NHL decided not to issue any supplementary discipline Sidney Crosby, Conor Sheary, Mark Streit, Chad Ruhwedel, Matt Murray for the hit. CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4 BETTING LINES CAPITALS VS. PENGUINS GAME 4 HOW TO WATCH Stanley Cup Odds: Capitals 7/2 (+350), Penguins 17/4 (+425) Who: Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins Game 4 Spread: Capitals -1.5 What: Game 4 2017 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Eastern Conference Second Round Game 4 Over/Under: 5 goals When: 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 3 Game 4 Money Line: Capitals (-125), Penguins (+105) Where: PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, Pa. CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4 OPEN THREAD Online Stream: NBCSN's live stream page. Watch Caps GameTime at Use the comment section below to discuss the game action with other 6:30 p.m. and Caps Extra following the game with CSN's live stream Capitals fans. page here. CSN ON TWITTER: TV Channel: NBC Sports Network — CSN's official Capitals account CSN Capitals Radio: 1500 AM (Capitals Radio Network) — Capitals Insider Tarik El-Bashir WHEN IS CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4? — Capitals Digital Producer JJ Regan The Capitals and Penguins square off in Game 4 of their 2017 second- — Capitals Desk Producer Troy Machir round playoff series on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to check out CSN's Facebook page, and CSN's Instagram WHAT CHANNEL IS CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4 ON? account. Game 4 of the Capitals-Penguins series will be broadcast on NBCSN Keep up with all the action here with Capitals GameZone and join in on and CBC in Canada. the conversation here with Capitals Pulse. WHERE CAN I STREAM CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4? Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 Capitals-Penguins Game 4 is available to stream live here through NBCSN's live stream page. Caps GameTime and Caps Extra pre and postgame shows are available to stream live here through CSN's live stream page. WHAT ARE THE LINES FOR CAPITALS-PENGUINS GAME 4? Here are the projected lines for Capitals-Penguins Game 4: CAPITALS Forwards Alex Ovechkin - Nicklas Backstrom - T.J. Oshie Marcus Johansson - Evgeny Kuznetsov - Justin Williams Andre Burakovsky - Lars Eller - Tom Wilson Daniel Winnik - Jay Beagle Defense Nate Schmidt - John Carlson Dmitry Orlov - Matt Niskanen Brooks Orpik - Kevin Shattenkirk Karl Alzner Goalies Braden Holtby starts with Philipp Grubauer as backup Scratches Brett Connolly, Paul Carey, Taylor Chorney PITTSBURGH PENGUINS Forwards 1063003 Washington Capitals

DECISIVE GAME 4 GOAL COMES AFTER QUESTIONABLE CALL ON JOHN CARLSON

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 10:54 PM

After a 2-0 deficit, the Caps battled back to tie the game at 2 in the second period and had full control of the game...until an offensive zone penalty on John Carlson killed the momentum. The Pittsburgh Penguins scored the game-winning goal on the resulting power play and that was all she wrote. But, was the right call made on Carlson? The call was whistled for roughing against Scott Wilson. After passing the puck from the blue line, Carlson cut to the middle and skated towards the net. Wilson followed him, but did not see Carlson cut back to the boards. Carlson then cut off Wilson with minor contact, Wilson lost his balance for a moment and flailed his arms and snapped his head back...and it worked. He got the call. Watch the replay above. It happens fast so here's a look at it for you: SCREEN_SHOT_2017-05-03_AT_10.53.38_PM.PNG Notice that Carlson never raises his arms at any point. It certainly looks like incidental contact and nothing close to anything that would justify a roughing call. It's a shame the call was made considering it took away the Caps' momentum and led to the game-winning goal. This penalty was a turning point in the game, but it never should have been called. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063004 Washington Capitals

3 KEY OBSERVATIONS FOR GAME 4: CAPS FAIL TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF CROSBY'S ABSENCE

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 10:34 PM

The Capitals had a chance to even up the series with Sidney Crosby out of the lineup for Game 4. Instead, the Caps fell 3-2 and now sit just one game away from elimination. 1. Missed opportunity A lot of fans will point to the sell job by Nick Bonino late in the third period to draw the penalty on T.J. Oshie thus hampering the Caps’ comeback attempt, but the fact is it should never have got to that point. Washington is a team with Stanley Cup aspirations playing in a must-win game against a Penguins team that was without Sidney Crosby and Kris Letang. This was a game the Caps should have dominated. They didn’t and they have no one to blame, but themselves. Washington did not start the game well, they gave up two goals before they got on the board, they failed to score on a double-minor, etc., etc., etc. 2. Offensive zone penalties Washington was called for seven penalties on the night. Six of those penalties came in the offensive zone. That is just inexcusable. You can argue some of those calls were bad calls, but not all six. One offensive zone penalty in a critical game is enough to make your blood boil, but six? 3. Nothing special Remind me which team lost its best offensive player? Was it Pittsburgh? Oh, because it was the Caps that went scoreless on the power play. Washington was 0-for-4 while Pittsburgh was 1-for-5 with the extra man. There is no reason why a Capitals team with a lethal power play and a strong penalty kill should be outscored on special teams by a Pittsburgh team with no Crosby. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063005 Washington Capitals

THIS BOGUS PENALTY ON TJ OSHIE SEVERELY HAMPERED THE CAPITALS' COMEBACK ATTEMPT

By Peter Hailey May 03, 2017 10:40 PM

With just under two minutes left in Wednesday's Game 4 between the Capitals and Penguins, Braden Holtby skated to the bench so the visitors could play 6-on-5 in hopes of tying the score. But before the goaltender could make it over the wall, TJ Oshie was whistled for a penalty. Following the stoppage, though, Oshie headed straight to the penalty box, making it seem like he had no issue with the whistle. However, replays showed that Nick Bonino totally sold the refs on the call. Originally, it looked like Oshie's high stick hit Bonino in the face, but on second viewing it was clear Oshie got him in the shoulder instead (watch the full sequence above). That 6-on-5 never was able to materialize because of the blown penalty, and Washington didn't really muster up a final rally. Yes, there are other, much larger reasons the Caps are behind in the series 3-1, but this officiating error did make a difference at the end of Wednesday's matchup. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063006 Washington Capitals

CAPS PUSHED TO THE EDGE WITH GAME 4 LOSS DESPITE NO SIDNEY CROSBY

By J.J. Regan May 03, 2017 9:24 PM

Final score: Washington Capitals 2, Pittsburgh Penguins 3 How it happened: In a game without Sidney Crosby that the Caps desperately needed to win, it was Pittsburgh who struck first as Patric Hornqvist thread the needle between Brooks Orpik and Karl Alzner for the breakaway goal. In the second period, a centering feed from Jake Guentzel hit off the skate of Dmitry Orlov into the net. The Caps would respond, however, with goals from Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nate Schmidt, but Justin Schultz would put the Penguins back in the lead about three minutes later with a power play goal. Washington had a chance to tie it up as Matt Cullen took a double minor for high-sticking late in the second period. The Caps were unable to cash in on the power play or in the third period, however, ultimately falling to Pittsburgh 3-2. What it means: Even without Sidney Crosby, the Penguins pushed the Caps to the brink of elimination and now lead the series 3-1. Washington must win the next three games straight in order to advance. Goals Penguins goal: Patric Hornqvist from Matt Cullen and Olli Maatta at 4:39 in the 1st period. With Karl Alzner and Brooks Orpik on the ice together, Hornqvist took advantage. He played in between the two and Maatta thread the needle with the pass to launch the breakaway which Hornqvist was able to finish. Caps 0, Penguins 1 Penguins goal: Jake Guentzel at 3:51 in the 2nd period. Guentzel chased down the puck in the offensive zone to Braden Holtby’s right and tried a centering pass to Carter Rowney. The puck instead hit off the boot of Dmitry Orlov and into the net. Caps 0, Penguins 2 Caps goal: Evgeny Kuznetsov from Justin Williams and Marcus Johansson at 7:21 in the 2nd period. Johansson and Williams did good work along the boards in the offensive zone allowing Williams to pass to a streaking Kuznetsov with room to work. Kuznetsov finished the play with a short-side shot to beat Fleury. Caps 1, Penguins 2 Caps goal: Nate Schmidt from T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk at 8:33 in the 2nd period. A Penguins turnover led to an attack by the Capitals. A shot by Kevin Shattenkirk was blocked, bounced off the wall and out to Schmidt who fired the quick one-timer for the goal. Caps 2, Penguins 2 Penguins goal: Justin Schultz (power play) from Jake Guentzel and Evgeni Malkin at 11:24 in the 2nd period. The Penguins dominated possession off the faceoff in the Caps' defensive zone, A shot from Malkin was blocked, but kicked back out by Guentzel to Malkin. He fed Schultz for the one-timer and he buried it. Caps 2, Penguins 3 3 Caps stars 1. Evgeny Kuznetsov: There were a few frustrating moments that made you want to scream "SHOOT THE PUCK!" but when he did finally shoot the puck, he scored the Caps' first goal of the night. He had a game-high six shots on goal for the game. 2. Jay Beagle: The Caps did not look ready to play this game and took two penalties in the first period. Luckily, Beagle was ready to play. He looked like a one-man penalty kill out there and kept Pittsburgh from turning a 1-0 lead into a 2-0 lead. 3. Nate Schmidt: Schmidt has played a strong series and finally was rewarded with a goal in the second period which, at the time, tied the game at 2. Look ahead: The series comes back to Washington on Saturday for Game 5 and then, if necessary, returns to Pittsburgh for Game 6 on Monday. Comcast SportsNet.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063007 Vancouver Canucks “Whereas, on the power play, you can want to run a certain power play, but you have to make sure you have the players to do it.”

Green said he’s open to studying video over the years to see what Travis Green has 'ideas' about how to utilize the Sedins on the power worked for the Sedins on the power play, something the last coaching play staff passed on. “I would do that and I’d talk to (the Sedins),” Green said. “I do find with Jason Botchford Published on: May 3, 2017 elite players you have to give them rope on the power play. “But they also have to understand what is successful and what is not.” When the Sedins promise a comeback of sorts for next year, you want to Judging by the past half decade, I’d suggest they have “what is not believe them. successful” part down pat. They are heading toward their final season — at least contractually — Vancouver Sun: LOADED: 05.04.2017 with the Canucks and you want it to be, well, better. That, fortunately, won’t take much. They combined for 95 points in Willie Desjardins last season as the head coach, their lowest full-season output in 13 years. They will turn 37 before next season begins, which isn’t young, and in the past four years have each averaged exactly 57 points, which is still first- line production, but just barely. The Sedins think they can get back to the 65-point range, but much of this will depend on their new coach Travis Green. Encouragingly, when Green’s new job was announced last week he was quite clear about the type of winger he sees playing with the Sedins, who spent much of last season dealing with drag from forwards like Brandon Sutter, Jayson Megna and Michael Chaput. “I think they need to play with skilled players,” Green said. “They’re skilled guys. They’re scorers. “But it’s a little early for that. But even when you look at (Alex) Burrows playing with those guys, he had offensive capabilities.” All of this is something which will depend on how the roster shakes out in the fall, but it is intriguing at least to think about the possibility of Brock Boeser starting the season playing wing with the Sedins. That is something the locals would get excited about. A decent power play would help, too. In the past five seasons combined, the Canucks’ power play has hit 16 per cent of the time. The Florida Panthers are the only team with a lower power-play success rate during that span. The Sedins’ unit has gone from a vivid, flowing dynamic power play to the static, predictable, easily-defended unit which bottomed out this season at 14.1 per cent for the year. Whatever they’ve tried, aside from a nice bump in Desjardins’ first season with Radim Vrbata on the backdoor, it hasn’t worked. It’s going to be on Green and his staff to come up with some new ideas, because if the Canucks are ever going to escape the bottom of the league in goals-scored, they are going to need a decent power play. But can it be done? The five-season run includes three different coaching staffs, lots of different forwards and wingers, and none of them have been able to make a sustainable difference. Henrik Sedin has gone from playing against Travis Green to having him as his head coach 10 years later. “I have lots of ideas,” Green said. That is a good start, because “lots of ideas” is something no one saw in the past two years. “It does depend on your personnel,” Green continued, however, not sounding as promising. “There were lots of things we wanted to run in Utica, but we just felt we couldn’t do it. If you don’t have the right personnel for the right skill level on the power play, you have to come up with ways to improve power-play scoring chances.” He’s not wrong. A coach designing a penalty-kill strategy is not nearly as limited by personnel as one in charge of the man-advantage unit. “The hands you have matter,” Green said. “And you may want to do a drop on a breakout, but you need the right players. “On penalty killing, it’s different. You can teach penalty killing. You can lean on your beliefs and your structure. 1063008 Vancouver Canucks

‘Knocking on the door’: Canucks re-sign Andrey Pedan to one-year deal

PATRICK JOHNSTON

Big Russian defenceman Andrey Pedan is back for another go with the Vancouver Canucks. Pedan’s agent broke the news on Twitter Wednesday afternoon the 23 year old restricted free agent had signed a one-year deal. Congratulations to Andrey Pedan on one year contract extension with Vancouver Canucks! pic.twitter.com/1roNNbUAO1 — Dan Milstein- Hockey (@HockeyAgent1) May 3, 2017 Pedan didn’t skate in an NHL game in 2016-17, though he spent a good amount of time in the pressbox as injury cover. He played 52 games for the , recording five goals and five assists. He made his NHL debut in 2015-16, skating in 13 games for Willie Desjardins. He’s had a good relationship with Travis Green, now the Canucks’ bench boss. Green, of course, was Pedan’s coach in Utica. Andrey Pedan #Canucks 1 year Extension for 2017-18 NHL: $750,000 Minor: $200,000 * $300K guaranteed at the minor level pic.twitter.com/9Qp8zGp9hm — CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) May 3, 2017 “Travis Green, if I make a mistake, he teaches me. It’s not like you make a mistake he puts you on bench and forgets about you. He always tries to help you,” he told former Sun scribe Brad Zeimer in 2015. Jim Benning traded for the big defenceman during the 2014-15 season. He told former Province columnist Tony Gallagher in late 2014 about how much he liked Pedan as a prospect. The GM remained pleased with Pedan last fall too. Nonetheless, departed coach Willie Desjardins didn’t see a spot for him this past season. It will be interesting to see how Green deploys Pedan. At his introductory press conference last month, Green said Pedan is “knocking on the door.” As a junior, Pedan showed to have good puck skills, putting up back-to- back 40-plus point seasons for the . He was drafted by the Islanders in the third round in 2011. Vancouver Province: LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063009 Websites

ESPN / Alex Ovechkin cites own 'stupid decisions' with Caps in 3-1 hole

Craig Custance

PITTSBURGH -- In a game the Capitals desperately needed, Washington captain Alex Ovechkin managed just two shots on goal. He took two penalties. He was held off the scoreboard for the fourth time in five playoff games. Now, his Capitals are on the verge of elimination following their 3-2 loss in Game 4 of their series against the Penguins and he's putting it on his shoulders. "I didn't play my game tonight. Me personally, I have to play much better," Ovechkin said. "I didn't control the puck well. I make stupid decisions. Unfortunately, it happened." Capitals on the brink of disaster The Penguins' 3-2 win in Game 4 moved them one game closer to the conference finals and the Capitals one game closer to another embarrassing end to a season in which they were the Cup favorite. Minus Crosby, Penguins edge Capitals 3-2 to take 3-1 lead �� The Pittsburgh Penguins found a way to survive without injured star Sidney Crosby. Asked about his play, Ovechkin's coach, Barry Trotz, didn't necessarily disagree. "Our top players didn't play as well as they needed to," Trotz said. While Ovechkin put the loss on his shoulders, his teammates were quick to jump to his defense. Most supportive was fellow Russian Evgeny Kuznetsov, who predicted a bounce-back for Ovechkin in Game 5. "He did a lot of good things," Kuznetsov said. "He working hard like everybody. Sometimes you can't score. He will score next game for sure. I will trust him. He's big man, he will score for sure." ESPN LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063010 Websites

ESPN / Penguins push Capitals to the brink of another disappointing ending

Craig Custance

PITTSBURGH -- This isn't how it was supposed to go for the Washington Capitals. They lost Game 4 to the Pittsburgh Penguins, this time 3-2. They trail the series 3-1. Really, they're an overtime goal by the Penguins away from being swept. All this from a Capitals team that is built just about perfectly and played like it for most of this season. Now, watching it all unfold, it's hard not to feel for a group that has done so much well. They once again controlled play when it looked like the Penguins were sitting on the lead. They ended up outshooting the Penguins 38-18. They controlled 65 percent of the even-strength shot attempts. And still lost. It's all too familiar. If the Capitals played like this against the Penguins over the course of an 82-game season, they'd do pretty darn well. But that's the problem -- there are only seven games in this series. There might be only one game left. EDITOR'S PICKS Malkin needs to step into the void Every now and then, Evgeni Malkin gets his turn in the spotlight. But can he step out of the shadow of injured Sidney Crosby and lead the Penguins to victory against the Capitals? Sidney Crosby's concussion history a concern for the Pittsburgh Penguins With Sidney Crosby out due to a concussion, a look at his concussion history, how the Penguins have played without him and what he's done this season. Crosby injury huge challenge for Pens The Penguins have responded well to injuries to key players over the past few weeks. But how they react to a possible injury to superstar Sidney Crosby will determine their Stanley Cup fate. The Capitals got a really bad break in the second period, when Jake Guentzel's centering pass ricocheted in off Dmitry Orlov for an own goal that put the Penguins up 2-0. That play could soon be added to the long list of bad Capitals memories from the playoff history between these two teams. Give these Penguins credit. They are like a prizefighter who won't go down but are most definitely staggering. Matt Murray, Kris Letang and Sidney Crosby are all out. Carl Hagelin doesn't look like himself. Patric Hornqvist blocked another shot and barely made it off the ice. He's not going to be able to walk before this series is over. It's so hard to repeat as the Stanley Cup champion, because you need to get a lot of breaks health-wise in two consecutive postseasons. The Penguins aren't getting them, and they're still one win away from advancing to the Eastern Conference finals. The Capitals are either wearing them down to a limp for the next opponent, or they're preparing to stage a memorable surge in the final three games of this series. The history between these two franchises certainly points in one direction. ESPN LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063011 Websites

ESPN / Caps' Niskanen believes Pens may retaliate for hit on Sidney Crosby

Craig Custance

PITTSBURGH -- Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen reiterated his stance that he never tried to hurt Penguins captain Sidney Crosby in Game 3, explaining that the play that ended up concussing Crosby and that will keep him out of Game 4 tonight in Pittsburgh, was so fast he couldn't avoid it. "I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down," Niskanen said Wednesday after the Capitals' morning skate. "The collision happened fast." Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will miss Game 4 against Washington after suffering a concussion as the result of a cross-check by Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen during the first period of Game 3 on Monday. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports He also expects that, in an emotionally charged atmosphere, there might be teammates of Crosby's out for retribution. "Possibly," Niskanen said. "It's a hockey game. Hockey players are emotional guys. If that happens, we'll cross that bridge." Malkin needs to step into the void Every now and then, Evgeni Malkin gets his turn in the spotlight. But can he step out of the shadow of injured Sidney Crosby and lead the Penguins to victory against the Capitals? Niskanen, Crosby's former teammate from their time together with the Penguins, said he hasn't reached out to Crosby yet after the collision and fully expected Crosby still to be angry about the hit. He said he'll likely be in touch with his former teammate once everything settles down. "When I was here, I got along with him really well," Niskanen said. "He was a good leader, great teammate." Capitals star Alex Ovechkin also talked about the hit and Crosby's absence from the series because of another concussion. Ovechkin said it was hard to see Crosby go down the way he did. "He's a player you don't want that stuff to happen," Ovechkin said. "I hope he's going to be fine... He's the best player in the game, and he's key for their success." ESPN LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063012 Websites

FOXSports.com / Marc-Andre Fleury throws shade at Matt Niskanen with equipment tweak following Crosby injury

Pete Blackburn

Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen is not very popular in the Penguins’ locker room right now. That’s because Niskanen is the guy who handed Sidney Crosby yet another concussion during Monday’s Game 3 with a cross-check to the head, knocking the Pens’ captain out of action indefinitely. It was a controversial hit, but Niskanen maintains that he had no intent to injure on the bang-bang play. Still, not everyone is buying it. One guy who seems particularly displeased with Niskanen is his former Penguins teammate, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. The netminder pays tribute to several current and former Pittsburgh teammates on the backplate of his mask. Niskanen, who played with the Penguins from 2010-2014, is one of those names…even if his name seems to be a handwritten addition. But prior to Wednesday’s Game 4 in Pittsburgh, there was a slight alteration made to Fleury’s mask. Niskanen’s name appeared to be covered with tape. Ouch. Do you taste that? That seems to be some salt. It’s clearly a personal thing for Fleury, as he clearly doesn’t cover the name of every dirty player on his list of honorees. (See: Cooke, Matt.) Fleury and Crosby are great friends both on and off the ice — they’ve played together ever since Crosby entered the league in 2005 — and he clearly wants his bud healthy again. Fleury on Crosby: "I hope he feels better soon and I can see him smile again." #Pens — Wes Crosby (@OtherNHLCrosby) May 2, 2017 FOXSports.com LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063013 Websites Outside of that 1:12 in the second period, when center Evgeny Kuznetsov slung a wrister past Fleury and defenseman Nate Schmidt pumped a one-timer from the left faceoff circle, the goalie called Flower CNN/Sports Illustrated / Marc-Andre Fleury, blooming defense power was fully bloomed. Midway through the third, he stuffed Lars Eller twice Penguins past Caps for 3-1 series lead with his left pad at close range before snow-angeling atop the puck to freeze it. He shrugged aside two deep drives from Matt Niskanen, the ex- Pittsburgh defenseman-turned-public enemy for his Game 3 cross-check on Crosby. ALEX PREWITT Thursday May 4th, 2017 NHL

Q and A: In matchup between Capitals and Penguins, Brooks Orpik PITTSBURGH — During a brief break in the ongoing siege, the brings unique insight Penguins’ hatches battened yet hardly secure, Ian Cole went thwacking through their personal garden on a mission of thanks. As he cruised “Could talk for a while,” Hainsey said of Fleury, “he’s made so many key across the Pittsburgh crease, Cole passed Marc-Andre Fleury, the goalie saves at key times.” who carries the appropriately sunny nickname “Flower,” who similarly spent the bulk of Wednesday night lugging his teammates on his skinny Across the dressing room carpet, Fleury looked all talked out. As the shoulders. “Keep going,” Cole told him, thumping Fleury’s pads with his English-language scrum dissipated, shooed away by a Pittsburgh public stick. The din at PPG Paints Arena drowned out the words in real time, relations official, Fleury leaned back in his stall and heaved a deep sigh. so Cole later relayed the gesture’s gist: “Enough can’t be said for how Nearby, a French-Canadian reporter waited to chat in Fleury’s native much he’s stepped up.” tongue. It was up to the official to break the news. “You’re not done yet,” she gently told Fleury. Then again these are the defending Stanley Cup champions, infinite in their capacity to cycle between different heroes. How surprised can we So he smiled and kept going. really be? Absent their workhorse defenseman (Kris Letang), their third- CNN/Sports Illustrated LOADED: 05.04.2017 leading goal-scorer (Conor Sheary), and their starting netminder during last spring’s run (Matt Murray)–not to mention, of course, the world’s best player in concussed captain Sidney Crosby—the Penguins still managed to scratch a 3-2 win from the Capitals and assume a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Thirty-six saves from Fleury undoubtedly helped. So too did a playoff- leading eighth goal from Jake Guentzel, with an assist to the unfortunately angled skate of Washington defenseman Dmitry Orlov. And a penalty kill that snuffed four disadvantages, and the game-winning sizzler from Justin Schultz in the second period, and some serious team- wide survival hockey during the third. And on and on and… NHL Penguins star Sidney Crosby diagnosed with concussion, will not play in Game 4 “That’s what I think jumps out at me with our group right now—their willingness and their commitment just to compete and defend and do what it takes,” coach Mike Sullivan said. “I’ve said this all along, what I’ve really admired about this group of players we have is their compete level allows them the opportunity to find ways to win games...I think that says something about the character of our group, and the leadership within our dressing room.” Down the hallway, the Capitals trudged toward their team bus to combat the prospect of another too-early summer, three-straight wins their only path toward reversing such consistently torturous fortune. Game 5 is Friday night at Verizon Center. Nothing else is guaranteed. “Our backs are against the wall,” coach Barry Trotz said. “Next game is the most important game of the year. If we don’t have the urgency that we need in that game, then we won’t earn the right to keep playing. Plain and simple. We have to wrap our arms around the reality of that.” The reality: Yes, the Capitals roared back from Orlov’s error by striking twice within 72 seconds to tie the game at 2-2 and hush the cacophony. Yes, they outshot Pittsburgh by 20 total, pelting as many pucks on-goal as their hosts attempted altogether (38). But they also took six offensive- zone penalties in Game 4, the last coming with less than two minutes left when T.J. Oshie was whistled for a (quite likely phantom) high-stick on Nick Bonino along the end boards. They endured self-diagnosed struggles from captain Alex Ovechkin and, according to Trotz, the rest of “our top guys…[who] weren’t as good as we needed them to be.” They are an hour of hockey away from the end of the road. The Penguins can hardly claim crisp execution, either. Aside from a nifty wraparound chance from forward Bryan Rust, who shook aside Ovechkin below Washington’s goal line before bolting to the far post, Pittsburgh spent the final 10 minutes chipping pucks from its zone, surviving icings, playing hot potato with a hand grenade. “We’d definitely like to have the puck a little more than we did, especially from when we got the lead until the end,” defenseman Ron Hainsey said. “We defended hard, defended well. Wasn’t like we were giving up breakways out there or odd-man rushes, but definitely on our half of the red line more than we want to be.” "I still think we could play a cleaner hockey game," Cole said. "That being said, the competitiveness of this team, the desperation that guys in this locker room showed out there, and obviously having a fantastic goaltender helps." 1063014 Websites the game at two-apiece. But Justin Schultz regained the lead for the Pens with a power play marker from the blue line at around the halfway point of the period. CNN/Sports Illustrated / Playoff Roundup: Ducks even series, The Capitals had numerous opportunities to retaliate, including a four- shorthanded Penguins take 3-1 lead minute power play, but could not solve Pittsburgh netminder Marc-Andre Fleury and fell by a score of 3-2. DANIEL J. FRIEDMAN Now facing elimination, Washington will need to put a "W" on the board on home ice Saturday night.

Highlight of the Night EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Jakob Silfverberg scored 45 seconds into overtime, lifting the Anaheim Ducks to a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Allen's toe save early in the third period Tuesday night against the Oilers in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series on Wednesday Nashville Predators to keep the game tied 0-0 was part skill, part luck night. and 100-percent clutch. Captain Ryan Getzlaf set up the winning score and finished with two CNN/Sports Illustrated LOADED: 05.04.2017 goals and two assists. Rickard Rakell also scored for Anaheim, which has won two in a row after dropping the first two games of the series at home. Drake Caggiula, Connor McDavid and Milan Lucic scored for Edmonton, and Cam Talbot had 35 saves. Game 5 is Friday night, back in Southern . "It's a weird series when you take both teams that went into one another's buildings and won both games," Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. "It's our turn to serve." Anaheim had a 3-2 lead before Caggiula snapped a rebound over John Gibson's head at 18:18 of the third. It was the rookie's first career playoff point. Gibson finished with 29 saves. Edmonton led 2-0 after the opening period on goals from Lucic and McDavid. Getzlaf sparked Anaheim's rally, scoring 97 seconds into the second and producing a go-ahead goal at 14:25. With his 35th and 36th playoff goals, Getzlaf surpassed Teemu Selanne as the franchise's career leader. "It's just another exclamation point on the type of player Getzy's been for our hockey club," Carlyle said. "He's our captain, he's our leader. He's done a lot of things that go unnoticed and now in these situations in the playoffs, he's been a guy that's stepped to the forefront." Patrick Eaves was scratched Wednesday due to a lower-body injury suffered in Game 3, so Corey Perry was reunited with Getzlaf on Anaheim's top line with Rakell. Edmonton unsuccessfully challenged for goaltender interference on Getzlaf's goal at 1:37. The Oilers contended Perry bumped Talbot as he was beaten on a wrist shot. The Ducks tied it at 2 when Getzlaf threaded a goal-mouth pass over to Rakell, who batted it past Talbot's glove. Getzlaf then pounced on a rebound that Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins failed to clear, giving Anaheim a 3-2 lead heading into the third. Gibson held off the Oilers over the first 10 minutes of the game when they outshot the Ducks 8-3. McDavid was the most dangerous player in the opening minutes with a pair of scoring chances. Here's a look at the other half of Tuesday night's Stanley Cup Playoffs action. Penguins 3, Capitals 2 | PIT leads 3-1 The Washington Capitals dug themselves quite a hole through the first two games of their series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, but begun their ascent to the surface with a key win in Game 3. Similarly, Game 4 in Pittsburgh was a must-win for the Caps, but they failed to get the job done and fell right back down to the bottom of that hole. Less than five minutes into the contest, Pittsburgh rearguard Olli Maatta sprung Patric Hornqvist on a breakaway, resulting in a goal for the home squad. The Penguins doubled their lead early in the middle frame thanks to a fortuitous bounce - an innocent fling of the wrist from Jake Guentzel towards the front of the net that ricocheted off Capitals defenseman Dmitry Orlov's skate and into the net. In need of a win, Rangers find their mojo in Game 3 against the Senators Desperate to claw their way back, the Caps immediately answered with a pair of tallies in 1:12, from Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nate Schmidt, tying 1063015 Websites when I’m trying my best to make a save, then maybe I do have to flop and dive and get those calls like all the other guys."

That goal turned the momentum for Anaheim, and the Oilers never got it Sportsnet.ca / Getzlaf more than Oilers can handle in Game 4 as Ducks back until the final seconds of the game. Even then, Getzlaf stole a puck even series and found Silfverberg for a one-timer just 45 seconds into overtime. So, we fly to Disneyland for Game 5 on Friday. And why not? Mark Spector This series has been nothing, if not Goofy. Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 EDMONTON — Forget about the mysterious goalie interference, the icings, the offsides and whatever calls you may believe have stacked up against the Edmonton Oilers in that Game 4 overtime loss. The fact is Edmonton had no business being up 3-1 on the Anaheim Ducks in this series. In fact, based on who has carried the play, the Oilers are damned lucky to be 2-2 through four games after Ryan Getzlaf stole a puck and put it on a Silfverberg platter just 45 ticks into the extra period Wednesday night. Anaheim erased a 2-0 deficit after 20 minutes, survived Drake Caggiula’s tying goal with 1:42 to play in third period, and won their second straight at Rogers Place by a 4-3 score on Jakob Silfverberg’s ninth shot on goal of the night. "It’s a best-of-three series now, and we’ve been in this position last series," said Leon Draisaitl, whose mastery of the Ducks disappeared here in Edmonton. Jordan Eberle, meanwhile, was demoted to the fourth line and would have fallen further had their been a fifth or sixth unit for Todd McLellan to send him to. "It’s a weird series when both teams have gone into one another’s building and won both games," observed Ducks coach Randy Carlyle. "So I’m sure they're looking at it and saying, ‘We’ve got road-ice advantage.’ We’re going to try to defend it. It’s our serve." If each game of these series are like a chapter in a book, then the surprise ending might have to be something the Ducks have seen too many times before. This tiff is heading for a Game 7 in Anaheim, a game the Ducks have choked on in the past four tries. But first, Game 4. A game that will be immortalized as the finest Tour de Force we’ve seen Getzlaf produce, perhaps ever, in our years watching the big Regina kid patrol an NHL surface. The Ducks captain owned every battle, won every puck, passed for two goals and shot the other two in himself. He was far, far more than Edmonton could handle—any team, really—both on this night and in this series. "It’s remarkable," said Silfverberg. "He’s one of the best players in the league and when he plays like he did tonight, that aggressiveness and that physicality, he just pushes the whole team to move forward with him." "He’s our captain. He’s our leader," said Carlyle. "Now, in these situations in the playoffs, he’s been a guy who’s stepped to the forefront, ready to take the bull by the horns." As good as Connor McDavid has been in spurts, Getzlaf has been better more consistently throughout this series. Which should be expected when a 20-year-old in his maiden playoff voyage goes up against a multi- Olympian, Stanley Cup winner and playoff veteran like Getzlaf. It shouldn’t be a contest, and it hasn’t been. "You got to go win more battles than the guy across from you, that’s playoff hockey," said Getzlaf, an absolute beast in Game 4. After a dominant first period by Edmonton, all the territorial advantage and puck possession by Anaheim did what it usually does: it earned the Ducks a few breaks. Getzlaf rifled a shot past goalie Cam Talbot as Corey Perry—who was on the top line only because of Patrick Eaves’ injury—rubbed/bumped Talbot as he passed through the top of the crease. Had this writer been foolish enough to bet on a decision made by the NHL’s Situation Room, he would have put his shekels on goalie interference. Of course, it was deemed a good goal, Perry’s clear contact somehow all right when so many times this season the identical play has been deemed illegal. But truly, does anyone really know what constitutes goalie interference (or offside, or icing) anymore? "I try to play with integrity in my game," Talbot said afterwards, still fuming two hours after the call. "I’m not a guy who’s going to flop and dive and try to get calls, but if those are the goals that are going to count 1063016 Websites Goal No. 2: Rickard Rakell scores, but is it offside? Edmontonians hadn't quite recovered from the first controversial goal when the second came along four minutes later. Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down Ducks’ controversial Game 4 goals and why they counted As Josh Manson carried the puck over the blue line and into the Oilers’ zone, Perry’s skate is off the ice and he appeared to be just offside.

The officials did not whistle the play offside, and the Ducks went on to tie Emily Sadler things up. Under normal circumstances, the Oilers would be most likely challenge this goal, but they lost their ability to do so when they came out on the losing end of their coach’s challenge just minutes earlier. Everything was going well for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, building up a 2-0 lead On 2-2 goal, @hnicsimmer thought it might be offside -- but EDM no by the end of the first period. longer can challenge And then Ryan Getzlaf arrived. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 The Ducks captain got his team on the board less than two minutes into Goal No. 3: Getzlaf takes the lead the second period, and then assisted on another just four minutes later. By all accounts, this was a good goal—and was called as such, He closed out the second frame with another goal to make it 3-2 after 40. controversy-free. Yet that doesn’t make it any less painful for Oilers fans: But it’s a little more complicated than that. Let’s dig in. The Oilers managed to score a game-tying goal late in regulation, and it Goal No. 1: Getzlaf scores, but should it count? looked like things might swing back the Oilers' way after all this. The confusion in this one can be found just outside Cam Talbot’s crease, No such luck in Edmonton, however. Which leads us to... where Ducks forward Corey Perry makes contact with the netminder and Goal No. 4: Overtime winner. Perfectly legal...? factors into Talbot’s ability to make the save. Total heartbreaker for Oilers fans, just 45 seconds into OT. The fact that the contact occurred just outside the blue paint caused plenty of confusion in this case. #OOHAHHSILFVERBERG ENDS IT IN OVERTIME! After review the play, officials “confirmed no goaltender interference — Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 4, 2017 infractions occurred” and upheld the original call: Good goal Anaheim Ducks. ...on second thought, it seems there was some confusion around whether it should have been called icing. @janders77 As I write to @mikeswcoast2004 , other than clear-cut net crashing goalie interference review is at best unpredictable. I thought no On GWG, Larsson thinks icing (puts his hand up) realizes too late goal! linesman has waved it off. — Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) May 4, 2017 — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 The relevent rule in this scenario is 69.4—Contact Outside the Goal Personally, I thought it was an icing...I'm guessing linesman didn't like Crease — which states the following: Klefbom turning away from the race. “If an attacking player initiates any contact with a goalkeeper, other than — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 incidental contact, while the goalkeeper is outside his goal crease, and a Take a look: goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. A goalkeeper is not ‘fair game’ just because he is outside the goal crease. The appropriate penalty And just like that, we've got a 2-2 series tie in the west. should be assessed in every case where an attacking player makes unnecessary contact with the goalkeeper.” Best-of-three starts Friday. #LetsGoOilers NHL Rule Book, 69.4 — Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 4, 2017 Appears ruling by NHL on Goalie Interference was based on Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 contact…skate on skate…occurred outside the blue paint. pic.twitter.com/54yH4Nv9iQ — John Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 4, 2017 The key here, however, could lie in the officials’ interpretation of what counts as incidental contact. Back to the rulebook we go, and to the rest of rule 69.4’s description: “However, incidental contact will be permitted when the goalkeeper is in the act of playing the puck outside his goal crease provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such unnecessary contact. When a goalkeeper has played the puck outside of his crease and is then prevented from returning to his crease area due to the deliberate actions of an attacking player, such player may be penalized for goalkeeper interference. Similarly, the goalkeeper may be penalized, if by his actions outside of his crease he deliberately interferes with an attacking player who is attempting to play the puck or an opponent.” NHL Rule Book, 69.4, continued As Sportsnet’s Ron MacLean pointed out during the intermission, this ruling could come down to Table 16 of the rule book: “An attacking player skates in front of the goalkeeper, outside the crease, at the same time a goal is being scored. The attacking player remains in motion and impairs the goalkeeper’s ability to defend his goal.” In this case, the rule book states that the “goal is allowed.” Goalie interference has become so ambiguous. I'm really hoping there isn't a challenge in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. — David Amber (@DavidAmber) May 4, 2017 The Oilers lose the challenge and their timeout. Alright, let’s move on. 1063017 Websites The Penguins took a 2-0 lead in the fourth minute of the second period. Credit on the goal went to rookie Jake Guentzel, his eighth of the playoffs and the least aesthetically pleasing one of the lot. Coming down wide on Sportsnet.ca / Capitals outcompeted by Penguins in Game 4 as top guys the left wing, Guentzel threw a puck past Niskanen and towards the low fail to step up slot. Capitals defenceman Dmitry Orlov seemed to have all kinds of time to clear it, but instead wound up with a clinical finish, as they say in soccer circles, and kicked it into a yawning net. Gare Joyce The Capitals came back to square it quickly in the second period on goals less than 90 seconds apart by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nate Schmidt. The home side might have feared that Washington was going to roar back against the short-staffed home side. It didn’t happen. On the one side, you have the Washington Capitals, who have three games (if they can make them necessary) to prove that their long-running Just past the midway point, Washington defenceman John Carlson in the act shouldn’t be blown up. box with a roughing minor, Justin Schultz blasted a slap shot from the point past Holtby for what turned out to be the game-winner. On the other, you have the Pittsburgh Penguins, seemingly a lock to win the Stanley Cup if they can just manage to lose one or two more first-line Thereafter the Penguins tightened the screws—the Capitals managed 29 players in the coming days. shots in the first two periods, only nine in the third. For most of the last 20 minutes, the Capitals faded. A nice end point on it was a huge hit, These were only a couple of things that you were left to conclude after percussive and perfectly legal, that Pittsburgh blue-liner Ian Cole laid on Pittsburgh’s 3-2 victory of the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Capitals in Justin Williams, the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner in Los Angeles Game 4 of their Eastern Conference semifinal, a couple of nights after who was brought in for late-season clutch play. Yeah, that was the sound Penguins’ captain and Hart Trophy finalist Sidney Crosby was helped off of Cole letting the air out of Washington’s balloon. the ice feeling the effects of a concussion. The defending Stanley Cup winners seized a commanding 3-1 lead with the series moving on to To their discredit, the visitors self-destructed at various turns, the final Washington for Game 4 Saturday night. one coming at the 58-minute mark. Washington looked like they were surging and pressing for an equalizer when T.J. Oshie got his stick up Washington wasn’t outplayed. They managed to get 38 pucks on Marc- near the face of Nick Bonino—I say "near" here because the replay Andre Fleury and had another 24 shots blocked by Pittsburgh skaters. showed Bonino’s head snapping back to avoid contact. Not what a ref On the flipside, Braden Holtby made only 15 saves and another 11 hit saw, however, and off to the box Oshie went. Capitals defenders. "It was all will and not much skill out there," Hornqvist said in the winners’ Washington was outcompeted. dressing room after the fact. "Our compete level was really high." "Our top guys didn’t step up," Washington coach Barry Trotz said. And this has been said many times about the Washington Capitals by no Trotz was asked if one of those was Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals’ one. franchise player and arguably the greatest player in league history who Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 has never made it to a Stanley Cup Final or even a conference final. "Our top guys didn’t step up," Trotz repeated. Really, his original answer did not need further context. Hearing taunting cheers from the Penguins crowd, Ovechkin had two more shots on goal Wednesday night than Crosby, who presumably spent the evening in a dark, quiet room in Pittsburgh. Nicklas Backstrom had no shots at all. Trotz’s counterpart on the other bench, Mike Sullivan, was effusive in his praise for his players. "I loved our compete level," he said, "Our stick-to- it-iveness." Actually, it felt more like stick-it-to-them-ism. Revenge, payback, call it what you will. The Penguins might have been inclined to physically balance the books by chasing down Ovechkin and defenceman Matt Niskanen, the tag team that knocked Crosby out of the previous game Monday night. No doubt, the home team was the more physical one—Penguins’ hits outnumbered Washington’s 40 to 30, although it would be all square if Brooks Orpik could actually catch up to half the guys he had in his crosshairs. You might have thought that Game 4 would be an ugly one from the get- go given the trash talk in the run-up to it. The woofing started from, appropriately, Jay Beagle, who wanted to rationalize away Niskanen’s cross-check on Crosby in Game 3. "It should be nasty, it’s the playoffs," Beagle said. "That’s the way we like to play, that’s the way they like to play—hard hits, going after each other. I mean, these are two teams that don’t like each other." The captain of the Penguins’ debate team, Phil Kessel, offered the rebuttal. "If he thinks that’s clean, then he’s an idiot," Kessel said. "Ouch," Beagle said when reporters read back to him Kessel’s thesis. "That hurts." The Penguins took a 1-0 lead less than five minutes in on a goal by Patric Hornqvist, who was arguably Pittsburgh’s best player not named Fleury. Hornqvist took a pass from defenceman Olli Maatta and skated down the middle into open ice between Caps blue-liners Karl Alzner and Orpik, who, at 36, looks slower with every passing game. Hornqvist made short work of Holtby on the glove side. He also made short work of fears that the Capitals would roll over a Penguins team down not only Crosby, but also their best defenceman Kris Letang (gone for the season after neck surgery) and last year’s unlikely netminding hero Matt Murray (not dressed after doing up in his knee before Game 1 in the opening round against Columbus). 1063018 Websites Goal No. 2: Rickard Rakell scores, but is it offside? Edmontonians hadn't quite recovered from the first controversial goal when the second came along four minutes later. Sportsnet.ca / Breaking down Ducks’ controversial Game 4 goals and why they counted As Josh Manson carried the puck over the blue line and into the Oilers’ zone, Perry’s skate is off the ice and he appeared to be just offside.

The officials did not whistle the play offside, and the Ducks went on to tie Emily Sadler things up. Under normal circumstances, the Oilers would be most likely challenge this goal, but they lost their ability to do so when they came out on the losing end of their coach’s challenge just minutes earlier. Everything was going well for the Edmonton Oilers in Game 4 of their second-round series against the Anaheim Ducks, building up a 2-0 lead On 2-2 goal, @hnicsimmer thought it might be offside -- but EDM no by the end of the first period. longer can challenge And then Ryan Getzlaf arrived. — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 The Ducks captain got his team on the board less than two minutes into Goal No. 3: Getzlaf takes the lead the second period, and then assisted on another just four minutes later. By all accounts, this was a good goal—and was called as such, He closed out the second frame with another goal to make it 3-2 after 40. controversy-free. Yet that doesn’t make it any less painful for Oilers fans: But it’s a little more complicated than that. Let’s dig in. The Oilers managed to score a game-tying goal late in regulation, and it Goal No. 1: Getzlaf scores, but should it count? looked like things might swing back the Oilers' way after all this. The confusion in this one can be found just outside Cam Talbot’s crease, No such luck in Edmonton, however. Which leads us to... where Ducks forward Corey Perry makes contact with the netminder and Goal No. 4: Overtime winner. Perfectly legal...? factors into Talbot’s ability to make the save. Total heartbreaker for Oilers fans, just 45 seconds into OT. The fact that the contact occurred just outside the blue paint caused plenty of confusion in this case. #OOHAHHSILFVERBERG ENDS IT IN OVERTIME! After review the play, officials “confirmed no goaltender interference — Anaheim Ducks (@AnaheimDucks) May 4, 2017 infractions occurred” and upheld the original call: Good goal Anaheim Ducks. ...on second thought, it seems there was some confusion around whether it should have been called icing. @janders77 As I write to @mikeswcoast2004 , other than clear-cut net crashing goalie interference review is at best unpredictable. I thought no On GWG, Larsson thinks icing (puts his hand up) realizes too late goal! linesman has waved it off. — Kerry Fraser (@kfraserthecall) May 4, 2017 — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 The relevent rule in this scenario is 69.4—Contact Outside the Goal Personally, I thought it was an icing...I'm guessing linesman didn't like Crease — which states the following: Klefbom turning away from the race. “If an attacking player initiates any contact with a goalkeeper, other than — Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 4, 2017 incidental contact, while the goalkeeper is outside his goal crease, and a Take a look: goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. A goalkeeper is not ‘fair game’ just because he is outside the goal crease. The appropriate penalty And just like that, we've got a 2-2 series tie in the west. should be assessed in every case where an attacking player makes unnecessary contact with the goalkeeper.” Best-of-three starts Friday. #LetsGoOilers NHL Rule Book, 69.4 — Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) May 4, 2017 Appears ruling by NHL on Goalie Interference was based on Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 contact…skate on skate…occurred outside the blue paint. pic.twitter.com/54yH4Nv9iQ — John Shannon (@JSportsnet) May 4, 2017 The key here, however, could lie in the officials’ interpretation of what counts as incidental contact. Back to the rulebook we go, and to the rest of rule 69.4’s description: “However, incidental contact will be permitted when the goalkeeper is in the act of playing the puck outside his goal crease provided the attacking player has made a reasonable effort to avoid such unnecessary contact. When a goalkeeper has played the puck outside of his crease and is then prevented from returning to his crease area due to the deliberate actions of an attacking player, such player may be penalized for goalkeeper interference. Similarly, the goalkeeper may be penalized, if by his actions outside of his crease he deliberately interferes with an attacking player who is attempting to play the puck or an opponent.” NHL Rule Book, 69.4, continued As Sportsnet’s Ron MacLean pointed out during the intermission, this ruling could come down to Table 16 of the rule book: “An attacking player skates in front of the goalkeeper, outside the crease, at the same time a goal is being scored. The attacking player remains in motion and impairs the goalkeeper’s ability to defend his goal.” In this case, the rule book states that the “goal is allowed.” Goalie interference has become so ambiguous. I'm really hoping there isn't a challenge in game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. — David Amber (@DavidAmber) May 4, 2017 The Oilers lose the challenge and their timeout. Alright, let’s move on. 1063019 Websites The Senators were extremely high on Brassard, who grew up across the bridge in Gatineau, came with a favourable contract and had shown himself to be a reliable producer in high-pressure situations. He also Sportsnet.ca / Rangers’ Zibanejad trying to up game to next level vs. played for head coach Guy Boucher in the QMJHL and was originally former team drafted by the team’s chief professional scout, Jim Clark, when Clark worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Still, on some level, they also had their doubts about Zibanejad. Chris Johnston The Sens had given him NHL games as an 18-year-old and once hoped he’d develop into a No. 1 centre. It hasn’t happened. A scout that works for another team describes Zibanejad as a "happy-go-lucky kid that NEW YORK – It was a trade that never made complete sense on the hasn’t found his internal drive train." surface. Here he is now trying to take his game to the next level while facing his By adding veteran centre Derick Brassard last summer, the Ottawa former team. Senators sent a player five years his junior and a second-round pick to the New York Rangers. "That’s something I’m working on," said Zibanejad. "It’s not going to happen over night, but it’s something I’m trying to work on every day. When you strip away all the salary cap implications and past histories That’s all I can say." and hometown connections, it was ultimately a trade that said a lot about Mika Zibanejad. He was the young, right-shooting centreman – a former Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 sixth-overall pick, the organization’s highest selection in 15 years – that the Senators were willing to part with. The team was making a gamble. They were essentially betting against him developing into a player they’d come to regret dealing away in his prime. While we still don’t have any definitive answer on that front, it is an intriguing transaction to revisit with the Rangers now facing the Senators in a second-round series. Zibanejad was a standout in a 4-1 victory here in Game 3, but has had an up-and-down post-season by his own admission so far. And, 10 months on from the trade being completed, you get the sense the Rangers are still trying to figure out what exactly they have in the soft-spoken Swede. "You know, we’re going to be sitting here in a couple years probably saying ‘he was a real good player’ or we’re going to say ‘he never quite figured it out,"’ coach Alain Vigneault said after Wednesday’s practice at Madison Square Garden. "That’s part of him working at his game, working at his mental game, working with our sports psychologist and trying to put it all together." The easiest thing to overlook when we judge any athlete is what happens between the ears. Were you to simply tune into Tuesday’s game and see Zibanejad blow past Senators defenceman Ben Harpur before sliding the puck to linemate Mats Zuccarello for a goal while falling to his knees, you’d conclude that everything is going just fine. But it has been a grind, and at times, a struggle. Zibanejad broke the fibula in his left leg in November and missed nearly two months. As recently as last round against the Montreal Canadiens, he felt unsure about what he was doing on the ice – not forcing the issue enough in games and seeing his line get hemmed in their own zone as a result. "I’ve been trying to say it to myself that … mistakes are going to happen," said Zibanejad. "I feel like I’d rather do mistakes being aggressive and really trying. I’m trying to make the plays I know I need to do and I have to do, and I think making mistakes in my game is better than to make mistakes when I’m passive. "I think that’s what kind of frustrated me a little bit in the first three games of the Montreal series – that I was too passive, I was too, I don’t know, nervous, whatever you want to call it. It just wasn’t good enough." New York has outscored its opponents 6-3 at even strength with him on the ice during the playoffs, but it has been a rollercoaster to get there. Zibanejad had just 34 per cent possession in Game 1 against Ottawa before tilting the ice the next two games – with New York out-attempting the Senators 33-23 while he was playing. The 24-year-old felt that Tuesday’s game might even have been his best performance since returning from the broken leg on Jan. 17. "I think the battle level was good," he said. "Skating a lot more. I think that’s something I’m growing through the playoffs – not thinking too much, just playing on my instinct. That’s been something I’ve been trying to find. "It’s so easy for me to say that and it’s a lot harder to do, obviously." He has steered clear of discussing the emotions that accompanied the July 2016 trade that sent him to Manhattan. He didn’t see it coming. Zibanejad was in the process of building a house in the Ottawa area at that time. 1063020 Websites

Sportsnet.ca / Alex Ovechkin talks about play that led to Sidney Crosby concussion

Mike Johnston

Alex Ovechkin addressed the play that led to Sidney Crosby’s latest concussion for the first time Wednesday and the Washington Capitals captain echoed the sentiments of his head coach Barry Trotz. “This stuff happens,” Ovechkin told reporters in Pittsburgh. “It’s hard to see a player go down and it’s hard to see him get hurt…I hope he’s going to be fine and [gets] back in the series.” The Pittsburgh Penguins superstar suffered a concussion—unfortunately it’s not the first time we’ve heard that—when he was cross-checked by Capitals defenceman Matt Niskanen in the first period of Game 3 Monday. Niskanen received a cross-checking major and game misconduct but did not receive any supplemental discipline from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety. Ovechkin has been criticized for slashing Crosby and clipping his leg moments before he collided with Niskanen. When asked if he thought the sequence was dirty, Ovechkin responded: “It’s hockey. As a player you don’t want to hurt someone and you don’t want to see someone leave the ice with the doctors. We’re focusing on the games. It happened. It’s your job [the media] to talk about what happened. We move forward.” Niskanen also spoke Wednesday and reiterated that he did not intend to hit Crosby's head. "I regret that it happened, but I am adamant that I'm not sure, at that game speed, what I could have done different," Niskanen told reporters. "Obviously in super slo-mo and in hindsight, I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down. But the collision happened fast. And Sid's trying to score a goal and he's getting lower and lower as it happens. My intent was not to forcefully cross-check him in the face. "I think anybody that knows me, I'm not trying to hit guys in the head. I'm trying to play hard within the rules, hit guys in the body. To be honest, I wasn't even trying to hit him in that play. It was a collision that happened because he was coming in with a serious amount of speed." Game 4 takes place Wednesday night with Washington looking to even the series at two games apiece. “They still have lots of talented players, experienced players,” Ovechkin added. “Obviously he’s their captain and leader. He’s the best player in the game and he’s a key for their success, so I think Malkin’s going to step up pretty big and we have to play very smart against his line.” Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063021 Websites a 3-1 series lead, the Preds are poised to get past the second round for the first time in franchise history.

At that point, who's saying no to the team with the best post-season goal Sportsnet.ca / Stanley Cup contender with a great arena, Nashville differential, a power play converting 22.2 per cent of the time, the best becomes a must-see blue-line in the league, and an offence that has two 30-goal men before we get to talking about other difference-makers such as James Neal or Ryan Johansen? Rory Boylen Stanley Cup Playoffs on Sportsnet NOW

Ready for playoff hockey? Stream every single game of the 2017 Stanley If you’re talking to your friends about taking a hockey road trip the same Cup Playoffs with Sportsnet NOW. cities are bound to be mentioned. Sign up and get 7 days free Montreal’s rich history and the Canadiens’ penchant for emotional ceremonies make the Bell Centre a must-see for hockey fans. Chicago As far as "fun to watch" goes, the Predators rank right up there with the has a great on-ice product and a twist on the Star Spangled Banner that best of the teams remaining in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They were a will give you goosebumps, so it’ll be on the shortlist. Detroit for the Joe popular pre-season pick to come out of the West, but that cooled as they Louis Arena experience and now the brand new Little Caesar’s Arena squeaked into the last playoff spot in the conference and drew a dynasty puts it in the mix. Toronto, if only in the past because of the nearby Hall in Round 1. of Fame, is another popular pick. Pittsburgh, New York, Boston all have They're proving themselves all over again and, like the atmosphere in their charms, and a deep root in hockey lore. and around the home arena, everyone needs to know how much fun the But if you’re looking for something a little different, very lively, and a Predators are. If your team is out of the playoffs, they're a good option to place where there’s no shortage of things to do, you need to hit up pick up a rooting interest in. Broadway. With this well-rounded roster, shrewdly build into a power by original GM Tape II Tape David Poile over the years, it'd actually be far from a surprise if the Western Conference's No. 8 seed reached its first Cup final. It'd be a Ryan Dixon and Rory Boylen go deep on pucks with a mix of facts and good excuse for an out-of-towner to make the trip there. fun, leaning on a varied group of hockey voices to give their take on the country’s most beloved game. "Probably every hockey writer is silently fist pumping under the table at the prospect of spending a couple weeks in Nashville at the Cup final," No not that Broadway. The one in Nashville. Johnston said. Non-traditional it may be, but Nashville has an exciting NHL team and a Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 party atmosphere in and around Bridgestone Arena that stands out. Inside, live bands perform, the team will pull in some star country music artists to sing the national anthems, and these Section 303 chants are terrific. The fact the crowd thanks their announcer, Paul, when he tells them a period is in its final minute shows off a little bit of its southern hospitality and charm. "Even just the simple thing that their building is right smack dab in the middle of their city, right off the main strip of honky tonk bars and all that stuff, it's a great place to go," Sportsnet's Chris Johnston said on Sportsnet The FAN 590's Jeff Blair Show. "I'd recommend any listeners if you’re ever just looking for a hockey road trip to get down there at some point. It's a nice spot and they’ve captured the imagination of that community." Unlike the Panthers, Senators, and some other NHL teams, the Predators' arena is right downtown on Broadway. Surrounded by restaurants and bars, the Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame, there is no shortage of things to do. As one cab driver told our own Ryan Dixon on his ride to the arena, "Man, it's the place to be now." This all ties in to Nashville's quiet emergence as a fun hockey market with a great product to watch. If you glance at league attendance marks this season you'll see Nashville ranked 20th in average crowd size, but if you look a little further into it, you'll notice the team sold out all its home games this year. The Preds had one of the best home records in the league at 24-9-8 and their playoff momentum could make this a lasting impact. The Jeff Blair Show Atmosphere in Nashville provides reason to root for Predators "They’re delivering their best TV audience in the history of the franchise during this playoff run. They’ve sort of carved into the fan base," Johnston noted. "I think sometimes because tend to look down their nose at some of those non-traditional markets, we have to recognize it takes a long time to build into the psyche of the community a support for the team, a true support, one where people live and die with it. "There are kids there that 20 years from now – that team will be far more established – and they’ll be adults and they’ll be remembering a playoff run like this one." This season is turning into one where the team is slaying all of its demons. They surprised everyone (even those who picked them to win) by sweeping the Chicago Blackhawks in Round 1, their traditional market arch-nemesis who had twice eliminated them in the playoffs, including a crushing defeat in 2010. Now dominating the St. Louis Blues and holding 1063022 Websites least $6 million a year, two defencemen making more than $4 million a year and a $7-million goaltender?

“We want David, and David certainly reiterated a number of times that he Sportsnet.ca / Top 20 RFAs of 2017: Latest on big contract years wants to play here and stay here,” Boston president Cam Neely told The Hockey Central panel look at how important Alex Galchenyuk is to reporters on May 2. “He loves it here. So I feel confident we can get the Montreal Canadiens and how when he is playing well, the Habs are something done with him.” usually winning. A look at some contracts to gauge the price/term of Pastrnak's next contract. pic.twitter.com/k4ld4nATHd Luke Fox — $10M=BruinsCapspace (@bruinscapspace) March 18, 2017 Ryan Johansen Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Nikita Zaitsev hit pay dirt with the Age on July 1: 24 seven-year, $31.5-million pact he signed Tuesday, no doubt raising the Position: Centre financial hopes of fellow D-men Colton Parayko, Justin Schultz and Dmitry Orlov. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $4 million So, will we finally start to see more impending restricted free agents Bargaining chips: Four consecutive 60-point NHL seasons. GM David finalize contracts for 2017-18? Poile traded away a high-rated defensive prospect in Seth Jones to land Johansen with the intention of him becoming the Preds' No. 1 stud pivot. Arguably the most dangerous RFA-in-waiting, 2016 Calder winner Artemi Seven points through first eight playoff contests. Panarin got the jump on his classmates by inking a two-year, $12-million extension in late December. But the Bread Man was the exception, not The latest: Poile challenged Johansen to step up his conditioning in the the rule, this season. off-season. "He needs to be our leading scorer and put up some big numbers," Poile said in September. With a looming expansion draft to prepare for and plenty of potential for trade action at the draft, business with pending restricted free agents has The pivot has responded by topping all Preds in assists and points. He taken a back seat… for now. won 54.6 per cent of his draws. A low shooting percentage (9.1 per cent) is partially to blame for his goal total (14), but when plopped between Still, summer 2017 is rife with big-ticket restricted free agents, and the list Filip Forsberg and Viktor Arvidsson, he centres one of the best lines in is heavy on skilled forwards hoping to land that Vladimir Tarasenko or hockey. Mark Scheifele payday. Nashville will have to extend a qualifying offer worth $6 million (his 2016- Here's a look at the top 20 RFAs-in-waiting whose contract negotiations 17 salary) come spring in order to maintain Johansen's rights. That's a we're most intrigued to see play out based on their 2016-17 performance. big number, and negotiations go up from there. This should be Mikael Granlund Johansen's home run. Age on July 1: 25 Leon Draisaitl Position: Centre Age on July 1: 21 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3 million Position: Centre Bargaining chips: 2017 Lady Byng finalist. Top four in goals, assists, 2016-17 salary cap hit: $925,000 points and plus/minus among 2017 RFA class. Skates nearly 19 minutes Bargaining chips: Third-overall pick. Big body for his age. Registered a night and is versatile enough to switch from centre to wing. The Wild's 0.71 points per game in his first full season in Edmonton. Great in World leading scorer, easy. Played post-season with broken hand. Cup. Even better on Connor McDavid's wing. Plays nearly 19 minutes a What the future holds: With the two-year bridge deal over, it's time for night and produces come playoff time. Granlund to strike it really rich. Consider Minnesota's other centres: What the future holds: An important extension. In a perfect world for the Martin Hanzal is likely just a rental, and despite their importance, Mikko Oilers, Draisaitl — 29 goals, 77 points — signs a Kucherov deal, but like Koivu and Eric Staal are only getting older. Granlund is the No. 1 pivot of Kucherov, he's worth more than that. Not only can he centre a line by this club's foreseeable future, and he's producing at an elite level. himself, he can slide in as a lovely complement on McDavid's right side. "He played a lot of minutes this year, starting in World Cup, but he A bridge deal could run to $5 million per. Does Peter Chiarelli aim long or competed right to the end," GM Chuck Fletcher said. "He'll have to learn short knowing that McDavid's next contract — the big one looms as early ways to create more time and space for himself. I just think he's such a as July 1 — will tighten up Edmonton's cap? competitive and such a smart player, he'll learn." Picture of Leon Draisaitl's next contract pic.twitter.com/DrVPoAX9xL More from Sportsnet — x - Jeremy Fresz (@jfresz) April 27, 2017 Does Bo Horvat deserve a massive new contract in Vancouver? Bo Horvat LUKE FOX Age on July 1: 22 NHL off-season notebook: Latest on Sedins, Kovalchuk, Jagr, Ehlers Position: Centre LUKE FOX 2016-17 salary cap hit: $894,167 David Pastrnak Bargaining chips: The Canucks' 2017 All-Star Game rep. Vancouver Age on July 1: 21 gave up a No. 1 goalie (Cory Schneider) to draft Horvat ninth overall in Position: Left wing 2013. In the process of taking the No. 1 centre baton from one-time league MVP Henrik Sedin. Career-high 20 goals and 52 points. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $925,000 What the future holds: "We're going to get something done. Bo will be a Bargaining chips: One of the NHL's best bargains and most under- part of this organization for a long time," Canucks president Trevor celebrated young stars. A 34-goal and 70-point man already. Added two Linden told a Vancouver radio station earlier this month. The sides goals and two assists in six playoff games. agreed to wait until season's end to open negotiations on an extension. We go into detail on Horvat's next contract here. What the future holds: Cash. Slightly overshadowed by teammate Brad Marchand's Hart-conversation campaign, Pastrnak is due a massive GM Jim Benning said on April 20 the sides have already touched base, raise from this breakout season at age 20. The guy performed just under but "these things take time." a point-per-game pace and sniped his 30th goal with more than 10 games left in the season. "It's a priority for us, for sure. I'm not gonna set a timeline," Benning said. "It might be something we end up talking about and working on all The question is, how bad does GM Don Sweeney want to ink another summer." large-money contract considering he already has four forwards making at #Canucks GM Jim Benning discusses Nikita Tryamkin's decision to sign Bargaining chips: Third overall pick. Exploded in run to 2016 Eastern in the KHL and provides an update on the @BoHorvat contract talks. Conference championship by registering 14 points in 17 playoff games. pic.twitter.com/5is1lGzLKb Rescinded his trade request and has become a game breaker: 21 goals, 53 points. — Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) April 20, 2017 What the future holds: More intrigue. The shaky relationship between Justin Schultz Drouin and the franchise made headlines last season, but the player Age on July 1: 26 responded the best way possible and was entrenched in the top six. Problem is, Tampa still has cap issues, and head coach Jon Cooper's Position: Defence loyalty — at least on the surface — appears to rest with Palat and Johnson. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $1.4 million Larry Brooks of the New York Post cites "several well-connected Bargaining chips: Stanley Cup champion putting up eye-popping career sources" when he reports that Yzerman will use Drouin as trade bait to highs in every category. Makes Oilers fans wonder what could have attract a top-four defenceman, "with Anaheim shaping up as the most been. A plus-27 player this year. likely trade partner." What the future holds: A pay day. Schultz has never had security in the We see both a trade or a nice extension as possible. And, hey, look, game, and truth is, his game has never been at a level to demand it. He there's even one suggestion that goal-starved Montreal should look at an took a one-year, prove-it deal as an unrestricted free agent with offer sheet. Pittsburgh last summer and has since become one of the NHL's greatest steals. No other RFA D-man had as many goals (12) or assists (39) this #tblightning Yzerman said he expects to be able to re-sign Drouin, Palat season. The Pittsburgh Gazette took an in-depth look at the size of and Johnson this summer. cheque Schultz could be looking at. — Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) April 10, 2017 This is a @6Schultz6 appreciation post. Retweet to share your support. pic.twitter.com/FHztiEzPE9 Colton Parayko — Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) May 2, 2017 Age on July 1: 24 Evgeny Kuznetsov Position: Defence Age on July 1: 24 2016-17 salary cap hit: $858,750 Position: Centre Bargaining chips: Incredible 2016 rookie campaign that saw the Alberta kid log big, important minutes and put up 40 points (including playoffs). 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3 million One of the best D-men on Team North America at the World Cup. Skates 21 minutes a night. Tough as nails. Bargaining chips: Breakout 20-goal season in 2015-16 followed by 19 goals this season. First-round pick. Washington loves talented Russian What the future holds: A long-term commitment from the Blues, who had forwards with a nose for the net. Invited to 2016 All-Star Game. Made little choice but to trade UFA defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk. GM Doug Russian national team. Lovely sense of humour. Armstrong shouldn't mess around with a bridge deal here. Already a fixture in the top four, Parayko will continue St. Louis's tradition of What the future holds: A sweet payday. Although Washington is a cap excellent D-men. team now, the 2017 off-season should see significant roster juggling, especially among the forward group. Kuznetsov, who put 0.94 points per Parayko is indeed back... after seeing his leg bend in half in last game last season (14th best league-wide), is the one most worth year and now tonight, I'm a firm believer that he doesn't break keeping. His 2016 playoff dry spell raised concern, but he had 59 points this season and was trusted enough by his coach to go head-to-head — Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) April 29, 2017 with Evgeni Malkin in the playoffs. Ondrej Palat Kuznetsov did make an interesting comment on Nikita Kucherov's Age on July 1: 25 prolonged contract negotiations last fall. Position: Left wing "If I would be in his position, I would be signed in the KHL for sure... I would sign and say bye,” said Kuznetsov at the World Cup. “That’s me. I 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.33 million would buy a beach house and a couple Rolls-Royces." Bargaining chips: One of the better two-way forwards in hockey. Alex Galchenyuk Underrated at both ends of the ice. Capable of 60 points if he can stay healthy. Age on July 1: 23 What the future holds: A nice raise. Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman will Position: Centre arguably face an even tougher set of decisions in 2017 than he did in 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.8 million 2016, a.k.a. The Year of the Stamkos. You'll notice that three of the league's best RFAs-in-waiting— Johnson, Palat and Jonathan Drouin — Bargaining chips: Twenty-goal scorer in 2014-15 jumps to 30-goal scorer wear blue and white. That Palat brings a defensive element to his game in 2015-16. Montreal needs a top-tier centre almost as much as it needs might make him harder to part with than Drouin or Johnson if/when an MVP goalie. Yzerman is forced to make a tough choice. He's on record wanting to sign a new deal ASAP. What the future holds: Scrutiny. A trade? A tough negotiation? Yes, the young American came on strong towards the end of 2016, when the #tblightning Ondrej Palat, an RFA, says he hopes a new deal can get Habs had fallen out of the playoff race, but Galchenyuk was streaky this done as "quick as possible." season and dealt with a knee injury. Expectations for a 60-point-plus breakout were tempered by a 44-point showing. — Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) April 10, 2017 How GM Marc Bergevin handles the Galchenyuk deal and fills the 1C Tomas Tatar role this off-season will be integral to his perception in Montreal. Age on July 1: 26 Galchenyuk doesn't want to talk about it, and now two head coaches believe he's not ready to be a top-line centre. Position: Left wing "Honesty I don't think about contract stuff" - Galchenyuk #Habs 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.75 million pic.twitter.com/E0GCm5cPiC Bargaining chips: Three straight 20-goal seasons in Detroit. Led all — Douglas Gelevan (@DGelevan) April 24, 2017 Wings with 25 goals this year. Most believe he still hasn't reached his ceiling. Looked fantastic for runner-up Team Europe at the World Cup. Jonathan Drouin What the future holds: Mon-ay. With Henrik Zetterberg on the sad side of Age on July 1: 22 35, the Wings need to pay men in their 20s to put the puck in the net. Position: Left wing Gustav Nyquist makes $4.75 million a year. Tatar is younger and better. He can play either wing and has quietly had a 20-goal campaign for a 2016-17 salary cap hit: $925,000 bad Red Wings club. Tatar had shoulder surgery in April and addressed his contract situation slid in lovely to the left of the world's greatest player. Keeping Sheary in with the Detroit Free Press. the fold will ease the pain of losing some UFA forwards. Chris Kunitz, Nick Bonino and Matt Cullen are all on expiring deals. “We started talking for a little and so far he haven’t talked about much,” Tatar said. “But I don’t see a problem. Of concern: Sheary was dropped to the Penguins' third line during the playoffs and suffered a concussion against the Washington Capitals. “[Detroit] feels like home to me, but I’m not afraid of change,” he added, knowing a trade is possible. “I know it’s a business and if Ken [Holland] Honestly Conor Sheary should fire his agent and just give Sid 10% of would like some deal and he thinks he can help the team this way, it whatever his next contract is worth. Sid's gonna get him a lot of money obviously can happen. Like I said, I would just respect it.” — brock (@brock_AQ) December 2, 2016 Tyler Johnson Shayne Gostisbehere Age on July 1: 26 Age on July 1: 24 Position: Centre Position: Defence 2016-17 salary cap hit: $3.33 million 2016-17 salary cap hit: $925,000 Bargaining chips: Led all players in 2015 playoff scoring, putting up 13 goals and 10 assists in 26 games for the Cup finalists. Point per game Bargaining chips: A 2016 rookie phenomenon who went off for 46 points (17 in 17) in 2016 post-season. Longtime relationship with head coach 64 games. Named to World Cup's Team North America. Great power- Jon Cooper. From undrafted to blowing up for 72 points as an NHL play man. sophomore in 2014-15. Bounced back from a disappointing 2015-16 and What the future holds: A tricky negotiation. Though poised to be the finished with 19 goals and 45 points in 66 games. Kills penalties. offensive back-end engine the Flyers need for the future, the Ghost What the future holds: A modest raise or a trade. When UFA-bound suffered the dreaded sophomore slump. A frequent healthy scratch, the captain Steven Stamkos agreed to return for $8.5 million a year in the young D-man tumbled from a plus-8 to a minus-21 (worst among Flyers summer, that signaled the rest to fall in line financially. Considering Nikita defencemen) and didn't sniff last season's total of 17 goals. The fall-off in Kucherov signed for three years at $4.76 million per season in the fall, production will give Ron Hextall an edge at the negotiating table and Johnson must aim lower. We predict the Bolts will prioritize signing fellow makes a bridge deal possible. RFA forwards Palat and Drouin, but Johnson wants to stay. "Free agency, I can't answer that question right now," GM Ron Hextall Johnson on RFA this summer. "I want to be here. Tampa is my second said in April. "We've got the expansion draft, we've got preparation, we've home. Hopefully everything works out the way that I want it to." got to sign a goalie, we've got Ghost to sign." — Joe Smith (@TBTimes_JSmith) April 10, 2017 Mika Zibanejad Alexander Wennberg Age on July 1: 24 Age on July 1: 23 Position: Centre Position: Centre 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.625 million 2016-17 salary cap hit: $925,000 Bargaining chips: Sixth overall pick. Back-to-back 20-goal campaigns. Has increased his point total every season before getting hampered by Bargaining chips: Career highs in goals, assists, points and plus/minus injury this year. The Rangers gave Ottawa a No. 1 centre in order to land coinciding with the best regular season in Blue Jackets' history. Zibanejad, so they're already half committed. What the future holds: Wennberg's perfectly timed breakout season will What the future holds: A more permanent role in New York and a nice, if make him a priority re-signing, but the cap-tight Blue Jackets will also not mind-blowing, raise. The Rangers are getting older. It's imperative have to make decisions on UFAs like Sam Gagner (due a raise) and that young, reasonably priced forwards like Zibanejad take the baton. deadline rentals Lauri Korpikoski and Kyle Quincey, plus hand a raise to one of their young, developing goalies. Forwards Brandon Pirri, Jesper Fast and Oscar Lindberg all turn RFA this summer, too, so GM Jeff Gorton has plenty to figure out (such as: Wennberg hired a new agent, Pat Brisson, and told the Columbus How aggressively do I pursue UFA Kevin Shattenkirk?). Captain Ryan Dispatch he’s had preliminary discussions about an extension. McDonagh raves about Zibanejad's all-around game, and he's been a good fit. Room to take another step. “We’ll see,” he said. “Nothing is done right now. There’s no rush, either. Take it when it comes.” Mika Zibanejad is really glad Chris Kreider scored his first goal of the playoffs. Kisses him on the helmet. pic.twitter.com/PurTRUnJHA Viktor Arvidsson — Brady Trettenero (@BradyTrett) April 29, 2017 Age on July 1: 24 Robin Lehner Position: Right wing Age on July 1: 25 2016-17 salary cap hit: $631,667 Position: Goaltender Bargaining chips: Grown into a ridiculously cheap point producer. Skates like the wind. Having a career year and deserving of his top-line 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.25 million promotion. Bargaining chips: The best goalie the Sabres have under control. Two What the future holds: After exploding for an out-of-nowhere breakout straight seasons with a save percentage of .920 or better for a lottery season —31 goals and 30 assists — the fourth-rounder will put pressure team. on GM David Poile to keep he and fellow RFA Ryan Johansen together. The question becomes this: How deep (dollars and years) do you commit What the future holds: An interesting negotiation with an unnamed to a forward after one season of elite production? general manager. The emotional Lehner has provided excellent netminding behind a bad Buffalo team and he's wrapping up a three-year Rough estimate? A five- or six-year deal at $4.2 million per season. contract. Do the sides want to make a long-term commitment here? Our guess is a two- or three-year pact. On a good team — something Buffalo Conor Sheary might become in a couple years — Lehner could be a star. Age on July 1: 25 For what it's worth, former GM Tim Murray had yet to open negotiations Position: Left wing with Lehner before ownership cleaned house this off-season. 2016-17 salary cap hit: $667,500 Nino Niederreiter Bargaining chips: Putting up nearly a point per game in his first full NHL Age on July 1: 24 campaign. Plays nice with Sidney: 23 goals and 53 points. Position: Right wing What the future holds: A relative windfall. To think: the undrafted Sheary 2016-17 salary cap hit: $2.67 million was on an AHL-only deal until 2015-16. Now he has a Cup ring and has Bargaining chips: Set career highs in goals (25), assists (32), points (57) and plus/minus (+17) this season. Big boy (6-foot-2, 211 pounds). Point per game in the 2016 post-season. What the future holds: Could nearly double his money. The Swiss forward has shown wonderful consistency throughout his three-year bridge deal — three straight 20-goal seasons — so it should be time for GM Chuck Fletcher to make a long-term commitment here. But like many Wild players, Niederreiter failed to score against Jake Allen in Minnesota's Round 1 playoff exit to the Blues. "He's been streaky before. He'll be streaky again. He gets hot. He gets cold," Fletcher said. "I don't know that he's that much different than a lot of goal-scorers. He certainly made a lot of big plays in Game 5." ---- More intriguing RFAs: Tyler Toffoli, Sam Bennett, Richard Panik, Teuvo Teravainen, Curtis Lazar, Radek Faksa, Ryan Spooner, Anthony Duclair, Connor Hellebuyck, Erik Gudbranson, Dmitry Orlov, Tanner Pearson, Damon Severson, Ryan Dzingel, Connor Brown, Esa Lindell, Brian Doumoulin, Nathan Beaulieu, Zach Hyman, Calvin De Haan, Nikita Zadorov, Andrea Athanasiou, Jean-Gabriel Pageau Sportsnet.ca LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063023 Websites Getzlaf said he’s tried to worry less about what others around him are doing and to keep the focus on himself.

“I’ve learned I can’t control what this guy is doing or that guy is doing,” TSN.CA / Oilers have no answer for Getzlaf as Ducks even series Getzlaf said. “It’s about trying to get to these moments and you don’t want to let them pass by.” By Frank Seravalli Given what the Ducks would have been facing, in a 3-1 series hole heading home, Getzlaf hardly could’ve picked a bigger moment to have a career night. He now has 112 points in 112 career postseason games, making him one of the rare elite talents to post a better points-per-game EDMONTON — Todd McLellan saw it coming. average in the playoffs (1.0) than in the regular season (0.95). The focus was so singularly on Connor McDavid’s attempt to best Ryan Maybe this shouldn’t be a surprise, given that Getzlaf has maybe been Kesler that one reporter thought to ask how the Edmonton Oilers would the best player in the world over the last two months. Since March 3, try to contain the Anaheim Ducks’ other two-time Olympian Ryan Getzlaf. when the Ducks became the last team to complete their five-day bye week, Getzlaf has 40 points in 28 games - five more than McDavid in the “I think he is their heart, he is the head of their snake,” McLellan said the same number of contests. morning of Game 1. “He comes to play. We have a tough task ahead of us to play against him during a seven-game series.” The wily Team Canada veteran has outplayed the rising face of the game. Connor McWho? Getzlaf proved Wednesday night he is best player in this second-round series - and it isn’t even close. “Ultimately, we’ve got to find a way to control him,” McDavid said. “He’s been very good. We’re in the same position we were last series. Now, it’s Four games in, the Oilers still haven’t found the answer. a race to two.” “Right now, we don’t (have one),” McLellan said. “He’s been playing that TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2017 well.” McLellan would’ve had a tough time drawing up a better start to Game 4: McDavid dazzled and deposited his second goal in as many games, Cam Talbot was sharp and Milan Lucic cashed in on the power play. But Getzlaf and the Ducks took Edmonton’s best punch in the first period of Game 4 and then punched back even harder. They’re now heading home all square. “If we were going to keep playing the same way we did in the first period, we would’ve gotten smoked,” Getzlaf said. “I can say anything I want in the dressing room, but I have to go out and live it … I’ve just got to go out and live it and hope that my team follows.” Getzlaf didn’t give his teammates much choice. He strapped them on his back and carried them. Getzlaf factored into all four goals to almost single-handedly down the Oilers, 4-3, in overtime to even their best-of-seven series at two games apiece. After notching his first career multi-goal effort in 112 career Stanley Cup playoff games, Getzlaf picked off a pass and set up Jakob Silfverberg to stun the Orange Crush just 45 seconds into bonus time. Game 5 is Friday night in Anaheim. Getzlaf was in full beast mode, reminding everyone why he has been one of Canada’s four best centres since the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. “You’d have to scratch your head and dig deep into the archives of when he’s played better,” Ducks coach Randy Carlyle said. “It’s just another exclamation point on the player ‘Getzy’ has been for our hockey club.” The Oilers may be heading back to SoCal tied - with no team able to win on home ice yet - but it sure feels like they trail 3-1 based on the way they’ve been manhandled over the last three games. The Ducks outshot the Oilers, 29-16, from the moment Corey Perry scared off Jordan Eberle along the wall to start the second period, his egregious turnover landing right on Getzlaf’s stick. McLellan lost a controversial goaltender interference challenge on the play, but the Oilers didn’t recover until Caggiula scored on what was essentially a 6-on-4 advantage late in the third after a power play with Talbot on the bench. The Oilers barely possessed the puck over the final 37 minutes of the game. Edmonton’s blown lead marked the 20th time in 57 playoff games this spring where one team blew a two-goal lead. It all started with Getzlaf. On his cross-crease pass for Anaheim’s second goal, or his pick- pocketing of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins for the third goal, he made it seem like the play was developing in slow motion inside his brain. “I feel good right now, I’ll put it that way,” Getzlaf said. “It’s a fun time of year. I love playing right now. Things don’t always go your way. Believe me, I’ve been on the other side of it.” Getzlaf, 31, is trying to change the narrative that’s surrounded his team’s playoff failures. He’s been at the centre of all that. Getzlaf has managed a grand total of two assists in the last six games in which Anaheim has been eliminated from the playoffs, going pointless in five, including three Game 7s. 1063024 Websites

TSN.CA / McLellan says Carlyle’s complaint rich with irony

By Frank Seravalli

EDMONTON — Good one, Randy. Good one. Those were the immortal words of Phil Kessel, caught on camera in 2014 when the then-Leafs coach tried to make a joke. It's essentially what the Oilers’ response boiled down to on Wednesday morning after Randy Carlyle said Tuesday that Connor McDavid has been receiving “white- glove treatment” by referees. “I don’t know what game he’s watching,” Edmonton winger Zack Kassian said. Oilers coach Todd McLellan said Carlyle’s claim was ironic because it was Carlyle who predicted before this series even started that Edmonton would be complaining about faceoffs. “I heard that and I was surprised, because I thought we were supposed to be the team whining,” McLellan said. “So that threw me off a bit.” McLellan said he believes Sidney Crosby and “maybe” one or two other players in the league take as much abuse as McDavid does, and only a fraction of those infractions are whistled. “[They] have to play through that hooking and the holding and the mauling and all that type of stuff that goes on,” McLellan said. “They do a tremendous job with it. They entertain. They’re terrific at playing through it. Yeah, they do draw some penalties, but at the end of the day, they could probably double that total. That doesn’t happen.” Carlyle said Wednesday that the Ducks made their case to the series referee supervisor, who is Don Van Massenhoven, by using video clips of the calls in question. “That stuff has been going on for years. You have conversations on what you think are penalties and what is called. It’s not a one-sided event where you’re just going in and saying ‘it should’ve been this, it should’ve been this.’ It’s all part of the process when you’re in the playoffs,” Carlyle said. “We think there are some situations where people have received preferential treatment. It’s as simple as that.” Referees Dan O’Halloran and Kevin Pollock will call Game 4 Wednesday night in Edmonton. Neither has worked a Ducks playoff game this postseason; O’Halloran worked Game 5 of Sharks-Oilers, while Pollock worked Game 3 in that Sharks-Oilers series, according to ScoutingTheRefs.com. McDavid did not draw a penalty in any of the Oilers' six Round 1 games. McDavid, 20, said he has worked to “earn their respect,” making an effort to not complain after calls – particularly wearing the C on his chest. He knows respect isn’t handed to young players, especially generational stars who have cameras monitoring their every move on the ice. McDavid also said he’s gotten more comfortable talking to the officials in his second full season. “They’re only human,” McDavid said. “They can only call the game as they see it. It happens so fast out there. They may not see everything. They may see things that I don’t see.” McDavid said Carlyle’s comment “doesn’t affect me,” and he doesn’t think it will change the referees’ decision making. “I think the ref is going to call the game as he sees it,” McDavid said. “I think that’s what every ref would do. That’s what they’re supposed to do, that’s their job.” McLellan also refused to bite on the ‘white-glove’ part of Carlyle’s comment. “I think that’s questioning the integrity of the officiating, so I’m going to stay away from that part of it,” McLellan said. “I’m done with all that stuff. We’ve got a game to play tonight.” It’s a rather large one, at that. With the Oilers clinging to a 2-1 series lead, there’s a feeling that the winner of Game 4 will go on to take the series. “This is a huge swing at stake. There’s obviously a huge difference between 2-2 and 3-1,” McDavid said. “We have to put together a good game here tonight. We want to outplay them, dominate them.” TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063025 Websites

TSN.CA / McLellan responds to Carlyle: I thought we were supposed to be whining

TSN.ca Staff

Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan had a response Wednesday for Anaheim Ducks' head coach Randy Carlyle and his 'white gloves' comment about Connor McDavid. "I heard that and I thought we were the team that was supposed to be whining," McLellan said Wednesday. A day earlier Carlyle claimed McDavid was getting preferential treatment from the referees, saying,“It seems like there is somewhat of a white- glove treatment for Mr. McDavid. The restrictions on anybody touching him seem to be a little bit higher than normal. It’s fact. Simple. We review the tape numerous times." McDavid, who has three goals and three assists in nine postseason games this year, has drawn a penalty in each of the first three games of the Oilers' series with the Ducks. He drew a league-high 38 penalties during the regular season. The Oilers lead the second round series 2-1. TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063026 Websites

TSN.CA / Post 2 Post: Anderson kept the struggling Sens going

By Jamie McLennan

Each night during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, TSN Hockey analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan provides his Post 2 Post rankings for every goaltender in action. Craig Anderson (3) - Under pressure early on, Anderson made big saves on Jimmy Vesey, J.T. Miller, Jesper Fast and twice on former teammate Mika Zibanejad. The second goal he allowed was from miscommunication with his defence. He's been an adventure outside the net lately and needs to clean that up. That forced to him to make more big saves on Miller, Zibanejad and Derek Stepan. While the Sens were bad on Tuesday night, this game could have been much worse if he didn't keep it somewhat close. Henrik Lundqvist (4) - He had a good bounce back game, though he wasn't tested much because the Sens played a bad Game 3. But he did make some timely saves on Clarke MacArthur, Erik Karlsson and Kyle Turris. Pekka Rinne (4) - Once again, Rinne was sharp all game long, with good rebound control and stopping tight chances on deflections. He made notable saves on Jay Boumeester, Alex Pietrangelo, Vladimir Tarasenko and Paul Stastny and has been great all postseason long. Jake Allen (3) - Game 4 was just a great goalie battle all night long. Allen made key saves and got some help with two posts in the third period, while the game-winning goal was a screen that he tracked late. TSN.CA LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063027 Websites “We have another level to get to as a team,” Cole said. “They still had a lot of shots and chances. We can get that down.”

But Cole said the Penguins’ level of desperation “is through the roof.” It's USA TODAY / Penguins continuing on tradition of resiliency against winning strategy, particularly when it's unknown when Crosby or Sheary Capitals might return to their lineup. “What the coaching staff admires about our team is its ability to find ways Kevin Allen , USA TODAY of winning different ways,” Sullivan said. “I think it says something about the character of our group and the leadership in our dressing room.”

USA TODAY LOADED: 05.04.2017 PITTSBURGH — When you think of Pittsburgh Penguins tradition, you think showtime offense. Mario Lemieux. Jaromir Jagr. Ron Francis. Paul Coffey. Sidney Crosby. Evgeni Malkin. The Penguins have a history of magical scorers. But the tradition that no one discusses, but everyone in the organization understands, is that the Penguins have historically found ways to overcome injuries. It’s been part of the Penguins’ culture for almost 30 years, dating to the days when Lemieux was in and out of the lineup with a variety of medical issues. That tradition of resiliency helped the Penguins win a Stanley Cup last June and was on display again Wednesday when they overcame the absence of injured captain Crosby to down the Washington Capitals 3-2 and move within one win of reaching the Eastern Conference Final. “These guys are willing to block shots, defend hard, get into people’s bodies,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “That’s what jumps out to me with our group right now — their willingness and commitment just to compete, defend, and do what takes.” When Crosby was ruled out of Game 4 because of a concussion suffered in Game 3, the presumption was Pittsburgh star Evgeni Malkin would carry Crosby's load. But Malkin wasn’t the story in this game. The story was Marc-Andre Fleury making 36 saves and the Penguins blocking 24 shots. Fourteen different Penguins blocked a shot on a night when the Pittsburgh team could only muster 18 shots on Washington's net. “(Malkin) is an unbelievable hockey player. He commands so much attention when he has the puck,” Pittsburgh defenseman Ian Cole said. “But hockey isn’t like basketball where you can say, ‘go play the entire game.’ It’s a team game, and it’s very much reliant on guys to step up.” The Penguins are now playing without the world’s best player in Crosby, top defenseman Kris Letang, No. 1 goalie Matt Murray and 23-goal scorer Conor Sheary. “It was a gutsy, gritty, scrappy game for our group,” Sullivan said. MORE NHL: Without Sidney Crosby, Penguins push Capitals to brink of elimination Matt Niskanen: Not the right time to reach out to Sidney Crosby Despite having limited offensive zone time, the Penguins scored on a breakaway by Patric Hornqvist and an ugly goal credited to Jake Guentzel, whose centering feed was deflected into the net by Washington defenseman Dmitry Orlov. The game-winning goal came on a blistering shot from the point by Pittsburgh defenseman Justin Schultz on the power play. The Penguins were the highest-scoring NHL team in the regular season, but that’s not how they found success in Game 4 “We would like to spend more time in the offensive zone, and have the puck more than we did, but I give our players credit because of their commitment to defending,” Sullivan said. “We’re paying a price.” On a night when the Penguins seemed to continually make the right plays at opportune times, the Capitals struggled with consistency. They took too many penalties, particularly in the offensive zone. Washington captain Alex Ovechkin said he didn’t like the way he played. “Our top guys weren’t as good as they needed to be,” Washington coach Barry Trotz said. “I didn’t think they stepped up.” Trotz said what his team now needs is to enter Saturday’s Game 5 in Washington with some desperation. They need to match the resiliency the Penguins showed in Game 4. “If we don’t have the urgency we need in that game, then we don’t earn the right to keep playing, plain and simple,” Trotz said. But the Penguins believe they can play better — much better — than they did in Game 4. 1063028 Websites

USA TODAY / Without Sidney Crosby, Penguins push Capitals to brink of elimination

Kevin Allen , USA TODAY Sports 10:19 p.m. ET May 3, 2017

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins are playing without the world’s consensus No. 1 player Sidney Crosby, their best defenseman Kris Letang and their No. 1 goalie Matt Murray. Yet somehow the Penguins are one win short of reaching the Eastern Conference Final after downing the Washington Capitals 3-2 in Game 4 of their Eastern semifinal. With Crosby out with a concussion, the Penguins needed goals by three different scorers plus a 35-save goaltending performance by Marc-Andre Fleury to claim a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Penguins also blocked 24 shots in the game. Pittsburgh fans consistently booed Washington defenseman Matt Niskanen in the game because he had delivered the crosscheck that injured Crosby in Game 3. The series now goes back to Washington for Game 5 on Saturday. Pittsburgh defenseman Justin Schultz scored the game-winner with a hard drive into the top of the net on the power play at 11:24 of the second period. After the Penguins grabbed a 2-0 lead, the Capitals fought back in the second period to tie the game with goals 1:12 apart by Evgeny Kuznetsov (7:21) and Nate Schmidt (8:33). Patric Hornqvist scored Pittsburgh’s first goal on a breakaway at 4:39 of the first period. Rookie Jake Guentzel was credited with Pittsburgh’s second goal, which was actually scored off of Washington defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Guentzel centered the puck and Orlov inadvertently deflected the puck into the net while trying to corral the puck. Because Guentzel was the last to touch the puck, he was credited with his NHL-leading eighth goal of the playoffs USA TODAY LOADED: 05.04.2017 1063029 Websites

USA TODAY / Matt Niskanen: Not the right time to reach out to Sidney Crosby

Kevin Allen , USA TODAY Sports 1:50 p.m. ET May 3, 2017

PITTSBURGH — Washington Capitals defenseman Matt Niskanen said it isn’t the right time to reach out to Sidney Crosby about the crosscheck that put Crosby out of the lineup with a concussion. “I don’t think there’s anything I can say to make him feel better about it,” Niskanen said Wednesday morning. “I’m sure he’s (miffed).” He said “when the time is right” he would contact Crosby. “When the boiling over cools down,” Niskanen said. Niskanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct in Game 3 for the crosscheck to Crosby's head, but received no supplemental discipline from the NHL. He will play tonight’s Game 4 while Crosby sits. "I regret that it happened, " Niskanen said, "But I’m adamant that I’m not sure at that game speed what I could have done different." Crosby was cutting across the crease when he came in contact with Niskanen who was coming back to defend the net. Crosby was already going down when Niskanen’s stick struck his face. “In hindsight, I wish I had one hand on my stick and my hands were way down,” Niskanen said. “But the collision happened fast. My intent was not to crosscheck him in the face. I’m not trying to hit guys in the head.” Niskanen said he had a good relationship with Crosby when they played together in Pittsburgh from 2010-14. “I haven’t talked to him as much since I changed teams,” Niskanen said. “But when I was (in Pittsburgh) I got along with him well. He’s a good leader, great teammate. I always stood up for him." His hit has been a hot topic on Twitter and Facebook. He has been vilified in Pittsburgh for the play. Said Niskanen: “Lucky me – I’m not on social media." USA TODAY LOADED: 05.04.2017