Jonathan BaileyOctober 12, 2024The Philadelphia Flyers fought back from a one-goal deficit not once, but twice, to take the Vancouver Canucks to a shootout and emerge with a 3-2 victory at Rogers Arena on Friday night.
And with their win, the Flyers are now 8-0-2 in their last 10 openers. As we know, setting the tone only matters as much as the work you put in after.
Despite the final score, the Flyers have a lot of work to put in, particularly on the defensive side of the puck, as the defensive zone coverage and turnovers were questionable at best.
This much was apparent midway through the first period, as Rasmus Ristolainen’s routine breakout pass hit Ryan Poehling’s tape and bounced to Conor Garland, who promptly set up Nils Hoglander for a goal on the turnover.
The game was squarely in the Canucks’ favor at that point, and Hoglander’s “blink-and-you’ll-miss-it” goal was an example of how fast things can change when you take your foot off the gas.
THE PECO POWERPLAY!!! FOERSTER GETS THE SEASON OPENING GOAL. BEAUTIFUL PLAY.#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/7BIxB0jPA5
— Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) October 12, 2024
Sophomore winger Tyson Foerster, who did not score until Game 16 last season, potted the first goal of the Flyers’ 2024-25 campaign on the power play, finishing off a pretty tic-tac-toe passing play from Bobby Brink and Joel Farabee.
And, unfortunately for the Canucks, veteran defenseman Tyler Myers was ruled out out of the contest a short time later, playing just 36 seconds early in the opening frame before an awkward collision with Farabee left him down and writhing in pain.
Down to five blueliners, Vancouver would again score midway through the second period after Teddy Blueger beat rookie debutant Jett Luchanko to the far post for a redirection.
Those types of coverages are the ones you live with when Luchanko, 18, is in the lineup. And that’s nothing against him. It’s simply part of the learning process for an extremely young player being tasked with NHL minutes for the first time.
Poehling would make up for his earlier error at the very beginning of the second period, as his dangerous centering pass fell right to defenseman Cam York, who promptly dispatched the loose puck past Canucks goalie Kevin Lankinen to tie the game at 2-2.
Lankinen would continue to stand on his head, rivalling Sam Ersson, forcing the game to overtime and the subsequent shootout.
MORGAN FROST CALLS GAME WITH HIS PATTENTED MOVE. THE FLYERS WIN!!!!#LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/3oVsm1UVSL
— Flyers Clips (@Flyers_Clips) October 12, 2024
After a whopping 10 attempts in the skills competition, center Morgan Frost silenced the whole building, waiting and waiting before sneaking his shot past Lankinen on the far side and securing the victory.
Luchanko and Matvei Michkov were victorious in their NHL debuts, but they’ll have to do it again on Saturday when they face the Calgary Flames at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary at 10 p.m. as part of the Flyers’ season-opening away back-to-back. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024For the first time this year, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (calf) does not have an injury designation. He’s expected to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Justin Fields on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Wilson healthy, a decision for Mike Tomlin to name a starting quarterback is looming. Probably as early as next week. Fields’ performance against the Raiders could decide his fate as the starter. Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton thinks a decision secretly has already been made and it does not include Wilson being QB1. That’s why he thinks the Steelers should trade the nine-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion.
“Honestly, use Russell Wilson as trade value,” Newton said on ESPN’s First Take on Friday. “The fact that Miami Dolphins haven’t reached out to Pittsburgh is beyond me, especially with the specific situation at this particular point in time. I know we’ve seen enough in Pittsburgh to really crown Justin Fields, and they’ve said it without really saying it. The whole morale of the team, guys are fighting for him. They’re playing for him. And I don’t know, it’s probably too deep for Russell Wilson at the end of the day.”
Wilson has a no-trade clause in his contract, so he would have to sign off on a deal first. The Miami Dolphins have been heavily linked to Wilson since they don’t have a reliable quarterback now with Tua Tagovailoa out indefinitely after suffering a fourth concussion in two years.
Fields has played better in Pittsburgh, completing 67.6% of his passes, compared to his previous career high of 61.4%. His passer rating is 97.1, compared to a previous career high of 86.3, and his career adjusted net yards per attempt is at 6.22, compared to a previous career high of 5.29.
He took a step back in last Sunday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys, however, completing 55.6% of his passes for only 131 yards. Pittsburgh also currently ranks 23rd in yards per game, 27th in passing yards per game and 26th in scoring. They’re not necessarily lighting it up with Fields at quarterback.
https://twitter.com/FirstTake/status/1844760297493467580
Tomlin announced after practice on Friday that Fields will continue to be the starting quarterback. Tomlin thinks Wilson has to knock off some of the rust after missing five games. Wilson has been dealing with a lingering calf injury since the start of training camp. He re-injured his calf at the Thursday practice prior to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons.
“I thought he had a good week,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “He’s proven his health, now it’s just a matter of knocking the rust off. He’s probably going to be active as the No. 2 quarterback. I like what I’ve seen out here. Health and rust are two different things. I thought he had a good week displaying his heath, his ability to protect himself. Now it’s just a process of getting re-acclimated to the ball.”
Wilson’s mobility could be the one thing that’s holding him back. He looked pretty agile at practice on Thursday, but doing it in a game is a whole different story.
“I think the biggest thing, just to be honest with you guys, is being able to run well,” Wilson said.
“I was able to do a lot more this week. I was excited to get back out there and be a full participant. All the reps and everything else. That was great. It just got better from the first day to today.”
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 11, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks captured a point on Friday night, falling to the Winnipeg Jets 2-1 in overtime of a tough road matchup.
Tonight’s game was a first for a lot of Blackhawks fans. Tonight was the first regular season game on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). Getting used to watching with the antenna was a bit of an uphill battle, once I moved to a different room in the house everything worked for the most part.
The Hawks deserved to win tonight. Chicago played a full 60 minutes, giving up a late goal with just over a minute left and subsequently losing early in overtime.
Blackhawks at Jets 10/11/2024 Scoresheet:
2nd Period:
16:52 CHI: Ryan Donato (1)
Assisted by Pat Maroon (1)
3rd Period:
18:56 WPJ: Mark Scheifele (2)
Assisted by Nikolaj Ehlers (2)
Overtime:
0:38 WPJ: Mark Scheifele (3)
Assisted by Kyle Connor (1) and Josh Morrissey (3)
Takeaway:
Arvid Soderblom had a great night. After struggling throughout the preseason and last year, Soderblom looked great in the Blackhawks net. Soderblom finished the night with 33 saves and kept his rebounds under control not giving up too many chances. The Blackhawks getting one point instead of zero is to his credit.
The Blackhawks fourth line of Maroon, Donato and Athanasiou looked good tonight. While the team has not been able to roll four lines just yet, Chicago has had a lot of different players step up from time to time.
With almost 60 minutes played without giving up a goal, the Blackhawks defense definitely looked impressive tonight. The pairing of Alex Vlasic and TJ Brodie stood out in particular. Vlasic and Brodie had a strong night in their own end. How the blue line continues to develop as Richardson makes his decision on the pairings will be interesting to see.
Highlights:
Ryan Donato scores his first goal of the season, and Pat Maroon picks up an assist for his first point with Chicago. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/G4JYF7CNzB
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 12, 2024
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
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And on Threads:
@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Six Pittsburgh Steelers players have been ruled out for the team’s Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday.
The Steelers have ruled out free safety Damontae Kazee, outside linebackers Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig, defensive end DeMarvin Leal, tight end MyCole Pruitt and running back/kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson.
Highsmith will miss his third straight game after re-injuring his groin in the first half of the Steelers’ Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Herbig replaced him in that game and against the Indianapolis Colts, but he suffered a serious hamstring injury in last Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Defensive end DeMarvin Leal, who has also played some outside linebacker this season, was also injured against the Cowboys, leaving the game with a type of a neck injury called a stinger.
That has left the Steelers incredibly thin at outside linebacker. Jeremiah Moon, who made his Steelers debut on Sunday after missing the first four weeks with a preseason ankle injury, is expected to start opposite T.J. Watt.
For depth, the Steelers have just two players on their practice squad, former Notre Dame and Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Ade Ogundeji and former Northwestern, Auburn and Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Eku Leota.
At running back, Patterson will miss his second straight game with an ankle injury suffered in the Week 4 loss to the Colts. Jaylen Warren, who has been out since the Chargers game with a knee sprain, is questionable to return. Aaron Shampklin made his NFL debut against the Colts, and Jonathan Ward was also called up from the practice squad last week against the Cowboys. If Warren cannot play, Ward will likely be elevated once again.
Pruitt has been out since suffered his right knee injury during the Steelers’ Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. He was a limited participant in practice all week leading up to this game, but will be held out for one more week. Rodney Williams II has been replacing Pruitt in the lineup since his injury. Starting tight end Pat Freiermuth suffered a calf injury mid-week, but has no injury designation and is expected to play.
Kazee suffered an ankle injury when he stepped on football in pregame warmups before the Cowboys game. He was able to finish that contest, but his ankle has since swelled up and will prevent him from playing this week. It’s unclear who will replace Kazee as the third safety in the Steelers’ Heavy Nickel and Dime packages, though Terrell Edmunds is the most likely candidate.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT
Player
Injury
Date
Prognosis
Roster Status
TE Pat Freiermuth
Calf
Oct. 10
Healthy
Active, FP on Fri.
FS Damontae Kazee
Ankle
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Fri.
DE DeMarvin Leal
Neck/stinger
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Fri.
OLB Nick Herbig
Right hamstring
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Fri.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Ankle
Sept. 29
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Fri.
RG James Daniels
Achilles
Sept. 29
Out for season
Injured reserve
RB Jaylen Warren
Left PCL sprain
Sept. 22
Day to day
QUES at LV, FP on Fri.
OLB Alex Highsmith
Groin
Sept. 22
One week
OUT at LV, LP on Fri.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Hamstring
Sept. 22
Two weeks
Injured reserve
RT Troy Fautanu
Right knee dislocation
Sept. 20
Regular season
Injured reserve
TE MyCole Pruitt
Right knee
Sept. 15
Day to day
OUT at LV, LP on Fri.
WR Ben Skowronek
Shoulder
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
LB Tyler Matakevich
Hamstring
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
P Cameron Johnston
Right leg
Sept. 8
Out for season
Injured reserve
QB Russell Wilson
Calf tightness
Sept. 5
Healthy
Active, FP on Thurs.
SS Ryan Watts
Neck/stinger
Aug. 24
Out for season
Injured reserve
DL Logan Lee
Calf
Aug. 20
Week to week
Injured reserve
OT Dylan Cook
Lisfranc, left foot
Aug. 17
Week to week
IR-Return
C Nate Herbig
Torn rotator cuff
Aug. 14
Out for season
Injured reserve
OLB David Perales
Left MCL tear
July 31
Out for season
Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb
Left knee
Nov. 2, 2023
Week to week
PUP/reserve [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — On September 24, Eku Leota was released from the Carolina Panthers practice squad. Three days later, his world fell apart.
Leota is originally from Falefa, Samoa, but he was raised in Asheville, North Carolina. On Sept. 27, Tropical Storm Helene, which had formerly been a Category Four hurricane before it made landfall near Tallahassee, Florida, dumped over 30 inches in of rain in parts of the Appalachian Mountains in Western North Carolina.
Communities like Asheville have been devastated. Massive flash floods ripped through the mountain valleys, wiping entire communities off the map. Hundreds of people have been cut off from the outside world due to flood waters and mudslides wiping out roads and bridges. A total of 92 deaths have been confirmed throughout North Carolina. In Asheville’s Buncombe County alone, more than 200 residents remain unaccounted for.
The floodwaters were still subsiding on Oct. 1, when the Pittsburgh Steelers reached out to Leota with an opportunity to join their practice squad with Alex Highsmith expected to miss a few weeks with a groin injury. Despite the turmoil at home, Leota took the leap.
The following Sunday, two more Steelers edge rushers were injured against the Dallas Cowboys and now Leota is among the team’s top backup options at outside linebacker.
“It’s been pretty crazy,” the soft-spoken Leota said, in possibly the understatement of all understatements.
“I like being active. Being in practice, being in meetings has helped me mentally. It’s definitely something that traumatized my family. But this game has helped me block that out.”
With the Steelers, Leota walked into a locker room of 70 strangers and found a new family to help along this new journey. He already knew fellow Northwestern alum Dean Lowry and shares representation with Isaiahh Loudermilk.
Now, he’s spending his days picking the brains of Highsmith and T.J. Watt, while trying to keep his mind off what’s been going on at home.
“It’s a family atmosphere here,” Leota said. “I feel like I’ve been able to get on pretty well just because I’ve got really good people around me like T.J. helping me feel like I belong in this locker room and just having me work out every day. It’s just been real good.”
At the end of the day, the NFL is a bottom-line business. While the Steelers try hard to foment that family atmosphere and have players around that will help lift up the newest among them, what makes for a long stay in a black and gold uniform is production.
Leota played in 10 games since the stat of last season with the Panthers. In eight games last season, he had just four tackles, but this year, he seemed to be turning a corner, with a sack and three tackles for loss in two games before his release.
The 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge rusher has solid size for his position. He had seven sacks in his redshirt junior season at Auburn before an injury held him to five games as a senior in 2022.
Coming to the Steelers, Leota sees a defense that fits exactly what he needs to succeed at this level.
“They play a lot more freely here, I feel like,” he said. “Less reading and just more going.”
Like he said, he likes going.
Donations to help victims of Hurricane Helene can be directed to the Western North Carolina Chapter of the American Red Cross. [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 11, 2024The Washington Capitals held their alumni game at 2:00 p.m. earlier Friday at MedStar Capitals Iceplex. It was one of the celebratory events as the franchise starts their 50th Anniversary season. Team Langway took on Team Labre. Below are the rosters from both alumni teams:
Team Langway consisted of Peter Bondra, Troy Brouwer, Marcus Harter, Kevin Kaminski, Dimitri Khristich, Alan May, Paul Mulvey, Errol Rausse, David Steckel, Blair Stewart, Jim Thomson, Richard Zednik, Sylvain Cote, Anthony Kenny, Ken Klee, Jeff Schultz, Levi Cudmore, Jonny Pacea, Cory Cregg, and Brendan Daly.
Team Labre, meanwhile, consisted of Greg Adams, Eric Fehr, Tomas Fleischmann, Lou Franceschetti, Alan Hangsleben, Matt Herr, Mike Knuble, Craig Laughlin, Kelly Miller, Andrei Nikolishin, Matt Pettinger, Brian Willsie, Karl Alzner, Dan Elliott, Dennis Maruk, Pete Perzel, Tom Poti, Mike Nicholson, and Garret Dressler.
It was a back-and-forth game that came down to the wire. Team Labre defeated Team Langway in the alumni game.
Washington Capitals Alumni Game Photos
The 2024-25 Capitals Season Awaits
With the alumni game now in the rearview mirror, the first game of the regular season is straight ahead. The anticipation for the players and organization built over this past week, but tomorrow is the home opener and first matchup for the Washington Capitals. They start their 50th Anniversary campaign with a game against the New Jersey Devils. The scheduled puck drop in Capital One Arena is 7:00 p.m. Charlie Lindgren will be between the pipes for Washington. The Devils arrive to D.C. off a loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This came after the club swept their Prague series against the Buffalo Sabres.
There are many questions about how this Capitals team will look. They have quite a few new players who will make their franchise debut including Jakob Chychrun, Andrew Mangiapane, and Pierre-Luc Dubois. These questions will start to be answered tomorrow night. The 2024-25 campaign is upon us. [...]Read more...
Zachary SmithOctober 11, 2024Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.
Derrick Bell and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today’s episode, we discuss the team’s upcoming matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders. What are the key matchups and what will determine the way this game swings? Will Justin Fields and the offense bounce back against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders defense? Will TJ Watt, Cam Heyward and company dominate against Kolton Miller, Jakobi Meyers and the Raiders offense? Let’s go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss!
Check out the show on our YouTube page, or find it on Megaphone or wherever you get your podcasts.
Got a question for the guys? Leave a comment on YouTube, here on the website, or find them on Twitter at @ASaunders_PGH and @ZacharySmithPGH
Hey fans! We want to see your black and gold rides! Show us your car, truck or van that’s painted in Pittsburgh colors, decorated with logos or Terrible Towels, covered in bumper stickers, or uses some other way to show off your dedication to the Black and Gold. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and Maya Stokes welcomed a baby boy named Uzai into the world earlier this week on Monday, Oct. 7 at 5:44 p.m. Allegheny Health Network revealed the news on Friday afternoon, via our partners at WPXI.
Dr. Ronald Cypher, OB/GYN at Allegheny Health Network and the preferred OB/GYN provider for the Pittsburgh Steelers, delivered Fitzpatrick and Maya’s son at Allegheny Health Network’s labor & delivery unit at Wexford hospital. He weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz.
Fitzpatrick, 27, is in his seventh NFL season. He has played in 94 games and started 89 of them. In his 94 appearances, Fitzpatrick has tallied 547 tackles, 19 interceptions, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and 51 passes defended. Four of his 19 interceptions were returned for touchdowns. He has also recorded a fumble return for a touchdown. In his career, he’s been named first-team All-Pro three times and selected to four Pro Bowls.
The Steelers traded the team’s 2020 first-round pick, 2020 fifth-round pick, and 2021 sixth-round pick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for Fitzpatrick, a 2020 fourth-round pick, and a 2021 seventh-round pick on Sept. 16, 2019.
Minkah Fitzpatrick becomes dad with birth of son Uzai https://t.co/YJMNXmhaqA
— WPXI (@WPXI) October 11, 2024
Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt and kicker Chris Boswell will join Fitzpatrick as dad’s soon. They both recently announced that their wives are expecting a baby.
Watt and his wife Dani are expecting their first child in February of 2025. T.J. and Dani revealed the news on Instagram in early September.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by TJ Watt (@tjwatt90)
Boswell and his wife, Havana, are expecting a baby boy in March 2025. The couple got married in early June.
“We are over the moon to be adding onto our little family! Baby Boswell coming March 2025!” the Boswells wrote in an Instagram post on Sept. 20.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Havana Boswell (@havanaboswell) [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 11, 2024The Philadelphia Flyers announced a pair of transactions on Friday afternoon ahead of their season-opener against the Vancouver Canucks at Rogers Arena at 10 p.m.
First and foremost, the Flyers have placed veteran defenseman Nick Seeler on injured reserve, retroactive to Oct. 1.
The 31-year-old defenseman has been unable to practice since taking a puck to the knee against the Boston Bruins in a preseason game, which has subsequently caused Seeler to experience numbness in his leg.
Because Seeler has been unable to practice and the Flyers open the season on a four-game road trip across western Canada and Seattle, top defense prospect Emil Andrae was re-called from the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL) as a corresponding transaction.
Andrae, 22, notably made the Flyers’ NHL roster outright last season, but only survived four games with limited ice time before spending the rest of the season in Lehigh Valley. After finishing an impressive AHL debut campaign with five goals, 27 assists, and 32 points in 61 games, Andrae was again considered to be a favorite to break through and stick in the big leagues in 2024-25.
Because the Flyers already had seven defensemen on their roster, including Seeler, Andrae was the victim of the numbers game despite making it all the way to the final round of cuts last week.
The young Swede has a golden opportunity to stake claim to a spot in the lineup, as it is currently unclear how much time Seeler will miss with this mysterious leg injury.
Associate coach Brad Shaw, who works closely with the team’s defensemen, indicated that the Flyers were befuddled by Seeler’s prolonged recovery.
Additionally, as one of the team’s younger and less experienced prospects, Andrae is likely to play a significant amount if and when he plays.
The Flyers would prefer Andrae to play loads of minutes in the AHL rather than sit and watch as a reserve player, so look for the 22-year-old to draw into the lineup sooner than later. [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 11, 2024With a new team comes new expectations. Such is life for Philadelphia Flyers goalie prospect Egor Zavragin, a 2023 third-round pick quickly ascending the worldwide totem pole at his position.
Zavragin, 19, joined KHL powerhouse SKA St. Petersburg in an offseason transfer away from Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk and was subsequently loaned to HC Sochi, a team commonly used as a developmental stepping stone.
Flyers fans can look no further than rookie sensation Matvei Michkov as proof for that.
After six impressive games with Sochi where Zavragin compiled a 3-3-0 record, a .941 save percentage, and a shutout, SKA decided to bring the Flyers prospect back and terminate the loan early.
Zavragin’s agent, Alexander Chernykh, has high hopes for his client as a result of the big change.
“Zavragin has a valid contract, and, accordingly, the rights belong to SKA. Today, the coaching staff and management have made this decision, and they believe that Egor will strengthen the team’s goalie brigade. So he got ready and went,” Chernykh said.
“I can’t speak for the SKA coaching staff, but most likely, yes,” Chernykh added when asked if Zavragin’s parent club was enticed by his early performances. “Egor has very good potential, we expect something impressive from him. This is not only my opinion, but also that of many goalkeeping experts. We hope that Egor Zavragin will please us with his good performance in SKA just as he did in Sochi, that he will help the team win.”
The Flyers’ third-round pick has already played one game for SKA since returning from loan, relieving Artemi Pleshkov and playing the full third period in a 4-2 loss to Dinamo Minsk on Thursday.
In his limited action, Zavragin stopped three of four shots and was only beaten by an Ilya Usov one-timer that went off the post and in, following some terrible defending from SKA. [...]Read more...
Richard GegickOctober 11, 2024Former Steeler Bryant McFadden thinks a loss to the Las Vegas Raiders should trigger a change at QB. Appearing on CBS Sports HQ this past Thursday, McFadden made the case for Russell Wilson to overtake Justin Fields as the Steelers QB1 if Fields can’t outduel Raiders QB Aiden O’Connell.
“Justin Fields isn’t losing the ball games for you,” McFadden said. “But what we saw Sunday night, he didn’t actually put you in a position to win.”
Fields’ Week 5 performance versus the Dallas Cowboys wasn’t strong. He finished the game 15-27 for 131 yards and two touchdowns.
To McFadden’s point, Fields’ play hasn’t lost games for the Steelers. He’s limited his turnovers, throwing only one interception through five games. While Fields has an incredible athletic upside, his stats aren’t much better than 2023’s starter, Kenny Pickett.
Fields has thrown for 961 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception in his first five starts. After five games in 2023, Pickett threw for 827 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. Pickett and Fields finished the first five weeks with a 3-2 record.
But Justin Fields can’t shoulder all the blame for a stagnant Steelers offense. Former first-round pick Najee Harris hasn’t performed up to expectation in Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offensive scheme. Through five games, the “bell cow” Harris has rushed for only 270 yards and averages 3.3 yards per carry.
McFadden is correct, though. A Steelers loss this week should trigger change, especially if the offense can’t move the ball. Given Wilson’s Super Bowl-winning resume, it’s hard to imagine Mike Tomlin not starting him in Week 7 to spark the offense if the Steelers lose. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 11, 2024Jeff Petry is listed as day-to-day with an upper body injury and won’t play Saturday’s game against the Nashville Predators.
“We’ll get through tomorrow and see if he’s available for Monday,” Detroit coach Derek Lalonde said after Friday’s practice.
Without Petry, Moritz Seider is the team’s only right-shot defenseman. Lalonde said there team is recalling right-shot veteran Justin Holl from the Grand Rapids Griffins.
After Petry left the game, some lefties had to play on the right side.
“I think there’s some reality to it,” Lalonde said. “We wouldn’t want to go in tomorrow with just one righty. It probably affected it a little bit (Thursday). Some players are comfortable on their off-hand. There’s some truth to that. We’d love an ideal three and three but those are tough to come by sometimes.”
Not every left shot D man is comfortable on the right side.
“We’ll need the righty there,” Lalonde said. “Justin will be in tomorrow. I’d like to get Albert (Johansson) in. You might see Albert tomorrow. We haven’t decided on that yet. We’d like to get him in soon and get some game feel.”
The Red Wings’ defensive group didn’t perform well in Thursday’s 6-3 loss to the Penguins Thursday. Evgeni Malkin danced around Erik Gustafsson who wasn’t at his best in his Detroit debut.
Edvinsson Struggled
Simon Edvinsson, crucial to Detroit’s playoff hopes this season, didn’t play as well as did late last season when he helped the Red Wings make an unsuccessful late run for the playoffs. He took a bad penalty.
“Yeah, the penalty, but I think his whole game,” Lalonde said. “Even their second goal, he gets beat on a 50-50 off the line, gets beat on a 50-50 in front of the net. Just a little urgency you need all the time. If you’re going to stick up for a teammate, be smart about it. Grab the guy, give him the ‘Hey, I didn’t like the hit.’ Just giving the ref a freebie with the objective of calling cross-checks, it’s momentum, it’s learning, it’s game management. We got the game back with a little momentum, which was a battle for us, and (he) put them on the power play.”
If left-shot Johansson plays,he might find himself playing on the right side. Playing at home, the Red Wings can control the matchups he gets.
“We wanted to get him in sooner than later,” Lalonde said. “It’s hard. He’s never played an NHL game. He’s going to sit out for a long period of time, it’s a hard ask for him. We’re going to get him in I’d expect in the next two games, maybe (against Nashville).”
Johansson’s strengths are his defensive-mind approach and his efficiency, two qualities that the Red Wings could use.
“The way he moves the puck, good hockey sense,” Lalonde said. “He’s not the biggest D-man, so he’s got to defend through hands. I like what I saw at the end of last year and it’s pretty much translated into preseason.”
[...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 11, 2024The New England Patriots named rookie Drake Maye their starting quarterback for their Week 6 game against the Houston Texans. There are many logical reasons for the team to move on from Jacoby Brissett. New England is off to a 1-4 start and is last in the league in passing yards per game. However, many factors make the timing of the move suspicious.
New England head coach Jerod Mayo stated that the best players would play. He gave it as his reasoning for naming Brissett the starting quarterback to begin the season. Mayo said the veteran gave the Patriots the best chance to win. According to the lineup change, Mayo no longer believes that to be the case.
It is reasonable for Mayo and the Patriots to make a quarterback switch at this stage in the season. With a multitude of mediocre NFL teams, New England can still compete in 2024. Even if no changes will turn the Patriots into a championship contender, being competitive and getting things headed in the right direction could be an important launching pad for the franchise.
Also Read – What to Expect With Drake Maye as QB1 in New England
At the very least, the Patriots want to fulfill Mayo’s modest preseason guarantee that the team would win more than four games, their 2023 total. They are not on pace to do that through Week 5. If people believe Brissett’s struggles and Maye’s improvement in practice are the reasons for a quarterback change, that’s fine. However, I think the reasons run deeper.
Jacoby Brissett Lived Up to Expectations
To paraphrase former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green, “Jacoby Brissett is who we thought he was.”
Brissett gave the New England Patriots exactly what they should have expected from him. He showed great leadership and toughness while limiting his mistakes. Coming into 2024, Brissett had one 300-yard game in his last 20 NFL starts. Anyone who expected him to suddenly start for their fantasy football team, especially given the limitations of those around him, set the bar way too high.
Brissett turned the ball over twice in his five starts this season. He threw one interception and lost one fumble. Only the 2016 New England Patriots started a season throwing fewer interceptions than this season’s squad. Brissett started two of those five games in 2016.
Making the timing stranger from Brissett’s perspective is that he arguably just played his best game of the season. Pro Football Focus graded Brissett with a 72.5 for his performance against Miami. It marked his first grade of the season over 65.0. He completed 18 of 34 passes for 160 yards, with no touchdowns or turnovers. Brissett ran once for a ten-yard gain. Miami pressured him 16 times but only sacked him twice.
Offensive Line Still Struggling
To be fair to Jerod Mayo, the beating Drake Maye would take behind a porous offensive line was never an excuse given for not playing him. The narrative surrounding Maye sitting from others did revolve around that point, however. Things have not gotten noticeably better for whoever stands in the pocket for the Patriots.
Losing David Andrews for the season is a huge blow to the New England offense. It is particularly troublesome with an inexperienced quarterback in the game. Nick Leverett allowed ten quarterback pressures in his first start against the Dolphins. Unless Jerod Mayo plans to start somebody with no NFL experience playing center (Ben Brown, Bryan Hudson, or Sincere Haynesworth) Leverett will remain in the middle of the offensive line for New England.
Vederian Lowe and Michael Jordan just played their best games against Miami, and the team still allowed 12 pressures. Mike Onwenu moved to right guard, which left Demontrey Jacobs starting his first game at right tackle. None of that signals better odds of Drake Maye remaining upright. But again, Mayo did not use protection as a public reason for keeping Maye sidelined.
Drake Maye is a Distraction
So if Jacoby Brissett has not regressed and the offensive line has not improved, why start Drake Maye in Week 6? Perhaps the rookie improved so significantly in practice while getting 30% of the reps, Jerod Mayo thought he was ready. What seems more likely from this perspective is the distraction Drake Maye’s starting provides for the Patriots.
Maye moves the narrative away from their 1-4 record and overall poor play, but those are not the only things to take focus away from.
Since Drake Maye was named New England’s starting quarterback, all of the talk about the Patriots has been about Drake Maye. That is very welcome news for the franchise, which benefits from attention drawn away from their other issues. Those issues include:
1 – Breakup With Bill Belichick
The “parting ways” with the longtime Patriots head coach has not gone nearly as smoothly for Robert Kraft and company as it could have. “The Dynasty” was a public relations disaster for the franchise. The purpose appeared to be giving Belichick all of the blame and zero credit for the unprecedented 20-year run of the franchise. It included New England’s owner sharing private conversations with the coach publicly. And it was recorded before Belichick was even fired, making it apparent he was a goner before the 2023 season was ever played.
Later in the offseason, it was reported that Kraft sabotaged Belichick’s chances to land a head coaching job with the Atlanta Falcons.
Belichick got a great response to his performance at the Roast of Tom Brady. The crowd went wild for Belichick when he was introduced on Tom Brady Night in Foxboro. And the former head coach has made a smooth transition into football media. He is appearing on media outlets everywhere, appearing knowledgable and affable. If the 2024 media tour is an audition for a 2025 NFL head coaching job, Bill Belichick is crushing it.
While Belichick appears to be thriving, both professionally and with public perception, Robert Kraft and the New England Patriots are floundering. The team looks further away from contention than they have in decades. Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo, the two men who replaced Bill Belichick, have yet to win over the trust of the fanbase. It remains early in the post-Belichick world, though it is not the start the Patriots hoped for on any front.
But Robert Kraft, Eliot Wolf, Jerod Mayo, and Bill Belichick are not being discussed now that Drake Maye is.
2 – Offseason Promises Not Kept
The Patriots did not “burn some cash” in the offseason as Mayo stated they would. The head coach later said the comment was a “rookie mistake” on his behalf. But no big money was spent on outside free agents. Their most notable outside signings included Chukwuma Okorafor (who left the team after Week 1) and Jacoby Brissett (benched after Week 5). When Mayo said, “We bringing in talent, 1,000%” this is not what Patriots fans had in mind.
According to New England Patriots salary cap expert Miguel Benzan, the team currently has $36,911,960 in cap space. They reportedly attempted to sign Calvin Ridley and trade for Brandon Aiyuk, but neither wide receiver was interested in playing for the Patriots. Do fans feel good that the team is reportedly trying to acquire talent or discouraged by players willing to take less money to play elsewhere?
Regardless of the perspective on the situation, the reality is that the team signed only two outside free agents who are currently first on the team’s depth chart: Left guard Michael Jordan and center Nick Leverett. But that is not being discussed, because Drake Maye is.
3 – Lack of Excitement Around the Patriots
Expectations for this season’s squad were not high when training camp began. Vegas projected the Patriots to be battling for the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft instead of their seventh Lombardi Trophy. That said, the New England Patriots roster was not devoid of exciting players, regardless of getting shut out of the Pro Bowl last season.
If somebody had polled fans before training camp about the non-rookies they were most excited to watch in 2024, a few named would have jumped to the top of the list. Among those would be second-year cornerback Christian Gonzalez, who has lived up to expectations early. But what about other players who fans were excited about?
Christian Barmore was diagnosed with blood clots early in camp and has yet to return to football activities. New England traded Matthew Judon, the last Pro Bowl selection for the Patriots, during training camp for a third-round draft pick. Last year’s “fan favorite” award winner, Jabrill Peppers, is no longer on the lineup (more on that below). Running back Rhamondre Stevenson started strong before losing his starting job after fumbling in four straight weeks. Wide receiver DeMario Douglas is on pace for 520 yards receiving and has yet to score. Keion White began the year dominating but has struggled in recent weeks (more on that below as well).
So, which New England Patriots are fans supposed to be excited about watching? Aside from Christian Gonzalez, the answer through Week 5 is unclear. The Patriots 2024 NFL Draft Class has produced almost nothing thus far. A lack of marketable players isn’t just bad for the on-field product; it’s bad for business.
Drake Maye gives Patriots fans a player, who is also a rookie, to get genuinely excited to watch.
4 – Locker Room Mutiny
Evan Lazar of Patriots.com said on the “Catch 22” podcast the Patriots locker room was “teetering on a mutiny.” The New England Patriots employ Lazar and the people in the locker room. It did not take people long to realize that the team edited the podcast to remove Lazar’s statements about a mutiny.
What is known is that there has been turmoil. Javon Baker showed up to training camp with an entourage, recorded himself badmouthing a Mass State Police officer for giving him a ticket, and later stated he had nothing to apologize for. Receivers like DeMario Douglas and Ja’Lynn Polk have exhibited frustration on the field with poor body language. Chukwuma Okorafor started at left tackle in Week 1 and left the team before Week 2, never to return.
On defense, Davon Godchaux said his teammates were playing selfishly. Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington supported Godchaux’s public criticism. Many inferred the comment was aimed at Keion White. Whether true or not is irrelevant. Players being allowed to criticize teammates, with the backing of the coaching staff, leads to such speculation.
Keion White now has a reputation for being selfish just two weeks after fans were ready to put him in the Pro Bowl. Mayo has also publicly called out the performance of his players regularly, something that has not been seen in New England for quite some time.
Lazar stated some young wide receivers were throwing tantrums and he wondered when they would say, “Why am I going out there with a quarterback that can’t get me the football when we have a Ferrari back in the garage?” If accurate, the complaining players got their way.
Perhaps more importantly, people are discussing Drake Maye instead of locker room mutiny.
5 – Jabrill Peppers Arrest
The Patriots team captains for the 2024 season were named before the opener. Of the six captains, only two are currently in the lineup. Jacoby Brissett was benched. David Andrews and Ja’Whaun Bentley suffered season-ending injuries. But Jabrill Peppers’ loss is the most tragic. The safety was lost indefinitely after the NFL placed Peppers on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Peppers was arrested on Saturday, Oct. 5, and arraigned in court two days later. Charges against him included strangulation, assault and battery, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of a Class B substance. Peppers’ attorney stated he expects his client to be fully exonerated, but it is unquestionably an awful situation all around.
Jabrill Peppers is a team captain, an excellent football player, and one of the most popular players on the team. Along with Christian Gonzalez, Peppers was one of the two best Patriots players this season. But a situation like this extends far beyond the football field.
During “The Dynasty” series, Bill Belichick received most of the blame for the Aaron Hernandez situation in New England. But Belichick didn’t sign Jabrill Peppers to a three-year extension this offseason or name him team captain. Who can the New England Patriots blame for this situation? While they cross their collective fingers that Jabrill Peppers’ lawyer will be proven correct in court, there is no question a franchise preoccupied with public perception doesn’t want this to be the main talking point about their team.
Suddenly, Jabrill Peppers being arrested on multiple charges, including strangling a female six times, is not the front page in Patriots Nation. Drake Maye getting his first NFL start has taken over that role.
So, Why is Drake Maye Starting in Week 6?
Perhaps the New England Patriots believe Drake Maye has shown enough in practice to warrant a promotion over Jacoby Brissett. Maybe the team’s expectations for Brissett were higher than what the veteran has produced on the field. For the record, I have no problem with the Patriots starting Drake Maye. He should have been given a legitimate chance to earn the starting job during training camp, which he was not.
But to think at least part of the motivation for the franchise starting Drake Maye in Week 6 does not include the distraction it provides from a 1-4 start, the lack of enthusiasm surrounding the team and new regime, a potential locker room mutiny, the arrest of a team captain, or the other factors laid out above, feels naive. The New England Patriots organization made it clear this calendar year how important it is for them to control narratives. It began with the “parting ways” with Bill Belichick, extended through the broadcast of “The Dynasty,” and continues to this day. Now people are talking about a rookie getting a start instead of a team captain accused of awful crimes. Maybe the timing of the quarterback switch is pure coincidence, but some of us have grown to become skeptical of the Patriots’ PR machine. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has been rather quiet through five games. He has forced no turnovers, no sacks and has just one tackle for loss. The Steelers gave Queen the largest free-agent deal in franchise history by almost $5 million annually this offseason. On the surface, he’s not lived up to his contract.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin thinks Queen is playing just fine, however.
“I’m assuming he’s as good as we’re going to see, and he continues to get better as he gets more comfortable with what we do. But I don’t — I’m not sure where that comes from because I like Patrick Queen,” Austin said when asked if he sees another role for Queen on defense. “I think he’s playing really good football for us. He is leading us out there. He is running and hitting. He’s doing all the things we thought he would do when we got him.”
When asked specifically about the lack of splash, Austin didn’t express any worry.
“Don’t worry about splash right now,” he said. “What I worry about is us getting lined up, us being in the right spots and making the critical plays. That’s where he helps us in that regard right now.”
The lack of turnovers and splash plays from All-Pro free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick are also concerning. He has zero turnovers, zero forced fumbles, zero fumble recoveries and zero sacks in the last 17 games dating back to last year.
Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin thinks the turnovers will eventually come for Fitzpatrick, as well.
“Sometimes it’s not happening right now, but I got full confidence because I know what kind of player Minkah is and the more opportunities that he has and the more time he’s back there that those splash plays will come,” Austin said last week. “I don’t worry about that. I know how he leads our group in terms of the communication and everything working from back there, and it’s a lot smoother. So I think as a unit, we’ve operated really well, really smooth overall, and so the splash will come. I’m not going to get bent out of shape about that at this particular time.”
Dak Prescott led the Dallas Cowboys on two long fourth-quarter touchdown drives — a 16-play, 90-yard drive and a 15-play, 70-yard drive in Sunday night’s 20-17 win over the Steelers. The defense forced three turnovers, albeit the two interceptions were poor decisions by Prescott. They allowed a whopping 445 yards of offense, four completions of 25 yards or more and surrendered nine conversions on 15 third down attempts. That’s well below the standard.
Former Steelers free safety Ryan Clark called out the defense on Monday for not living up to expectations.
“I wanna talk about my disappointment with the Pittsburgh Steelers,” Clark said on ESPN’s NFL Live. “Where’s Patrick Queen stepping up and making plays? And Elandon Roberts making plays. And then no matter what you think about the offensive performance of Justin Fields and the lack of run game against the Dallas Cowboys who couldn’t stop it, you have the lead 17-13, late in that game in your stadium. And you’re supposed to be the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Makes a stop, find a way to get a hand on a football. Find a way to get a turnover. Find a way to get get to Dak Prescott. We saw Dak Prescott recover that fumble, but also DeShon Elliott, you know you have the crosser. That’s your guy. Beat him over the top, if he reverses back out to the other side. So bet it, sometimes you lose.”
“I feel like the Steelers lost this game more than the Dallas Cowboys won it. And the Steelers aren’t good enough to allow some of these games to slip away.”
RELATED: Ryan Clark Blames Steelers Defense for Cowboys Loss: ‘Where’s Patrick Queen?’
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 11, 2024NEWARK — After digesting the New Jersey Devils’ 4-2 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs, there are certainly some thoughts that arise. Thus, we bring you a new, annual report card following each and every Devils game this season which will be published the day after a game.
READ — Devils Postgame: Keefe Disappointed, Defense Struggles in 4-2 Loss to Maple Leafs
The Devils fell behind 3-0 to the Maple Leafs quickly in the first period. Head coach Sheldon Keefe was visibly and audibly not please with his teams’ ability to find another level and compete with the pep in the Maple Leafs’ step.
There’s the added issue that Jacob Markstrom — who was the best goaltender in the NHL at stopping high-danger chances last season — wasn’t able to bail out his teammates. They didn’t make his job any easier in front of him. The onus isn’t completely on him, as the Devils’ head coach was adamant about the defense and level of compete not being up to snuff.
“Not a great first period for , but I would agree he settled. I didn’t think we gave up very much after. There was that one sequence he made a great save that kept us in the game, but there was no one here on their game tonight,” Keefe explained.
Devils Report Card
Jacob Markstrom: C+
As coach Keefe said, Markstrom really didn’t have a good first period at all. Sure, the defense in front of hi could have been much tighter, but there’s a reason why general manager Tom Fitzgerald made Markstrom his No.1 priority over the summer. The Swedish netminder was the best goaltender in the NHL at stopping high-danger chances last season. He couldn’t buy a high-danger save in the opening frame, and it ultimately contributed to the Devils’ 4-2 loss.
After the Maple Leafs scored three goals on 11 shots in the first period, Markstrom settled and looked much more like his Prague-self, making 10 saves on the 11 ensuing shots.
The Devils will need to be tighter in front of him, but they’re also relying on the 6-foot-6 goaltender to bail them out in those big moments.
Simon Nemec: D
Again, it’s too early to be overly concerned with Simon Nemec’s performance. However, through three games thus far he hasn’t been all that convincing on the ice.
MORE: Finding Nemo: Devils Simon Nemec Struggles Raising Concern?
Sure, he’s paired with a rookie who is bound to make mistakes. However, his individual play and compete just don’t appear to be there right now. That’s not to say it’s all been bad. Nemec has had moments that have just been okay.
Yet, when zooming the lens in further, the once-aggressive rookie appears to be a bit passive to start the 2024-25 season.
Perhaps, he’s still nursing a lingering injury which stems from over the summer.
Jack Hughes: D
As opposed to the hot start Jack Hughes got off to last season, his start in 2024-25 has been lackluster.
Perhaps, it’s to be expected. Hughes is coming off offseason shoulder surgery. He’s had a full training camp and preseason to get acclimated, but hasn’t quite risen to the occasion yet. Through three games, Hughes has two assists, both coming in Game Two of the Global Series.
Yet in Thursday’s performance, Hughes looked disengaged. He registered two shots in 23:28 of time on ice and didn’t factor in on offense at all.
Hughes is talented enough to make a plethora of scoring chances even on an off night. He did so last night, yet, said chances weren’t nearly as impactful as we know Hughes can make them. He was on the positive side of the scoring chance differential, but never really felt like a threat on the ice.
In fact, Hughes wasn’t even the driving force of his line, as Timo Meier usurped that role as the successful puck carrier and chipped in a goal at 5-on-5.
Further, going 1/8 in the faceoff dot is a tough look.
As Jack goes, so do the Devils. He was a factor last Saturday in Prague when they were propelled to a 3-1 victory, but on Thursday night he largely wasn’t. And that’s not going to fly for New Jersey in what’s supposed to be a bounce-back season.
Jesper Bratt & Timo Meier: B
As opposed to Hughes, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier were a bit more effective than Jack. For starters, they each chipped in a goal. Bratt converted on the power play and Meier pulled the Devils back in the game, scoring New Jersey’s second goal.
The encouraging thing about Meier is that his shots are finding the back of the net. He’s also done a decent job of moving the puck and pushing it deep into the offensive zone. Meier’s situational awareness has been excellent as well, drawing a roughing penalty on Simon Benoit, who tried to lure Meier in to drop the gloves that led to a Devils power play.
Bratt similarly has always been quite good at carrying the puck over the blue line, and he’s even chipping in physically and winning his puck battles.
Hughes’ line mates might have been ranked similarly to Hughes after last night’s game. However, the main difference, which is perhaps the most important factor, is they each found the back of the net.
After all, that is the point of the game, right?
Devils Penalty Kill: A+
The Devils’ penalty kill (PK) was superb on Thursday, killing the only two chances that the Maple Leafs received on the man advantage. It’s also quite good that the Devils remained disciplined and only sat in the penalty box for four minutes.
For a team who can deploy a unit that consists of Auston Matthews, William Nylander, & Mitch Marner, Toronto was truly limited. The Maple Leafs were only able to accrue one shot against the Devils’ PK. In fact, there was one instance in which Jesper Bratt and Johnathan Kovacevic killed off about 40 seconds of Toronto’s power play completely on their own by keeping the puck low in the Maple Leafs’ zone.
It was a perfect night on the PK, allowing zero goals, minimal shots, and spending plenty of time in Toronto’s end of the ice.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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Christopher HurleyOctober 11, 2024BRIGHTON – The Bruins are hoping to get an added push adding Matthew Poitras to the lineup, this weekend.
After suffering an undisclosed injury during training camp, the young Bruins forward is expected to make his regular season debut in Saturday’s matinee against the Los Angeles Kings.
“He’s very close,” said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery. “He’s progressing in the right way. I’ve got to say he’s a possibility for tomorrow. We just have to see how he responds later today.”
A 5-foot-11, 181-pound center, Poitras was an active participant in Friday’s practice. Skating on a line flanked by Trent Fredric and right winger Justin Brazeau, he appeared in great spirits. He even led his team in the final stretch, before leaving the ice.
“Obviously, I’m really excited,” said Poitras, 20. “Hopefully I’m in the lineup and get to play. It’s been a long time playing a game that’s meaningful. Preseason games obviously mean something. You want to get ready for the season, but now it really means something. I just want to get out there.”
Must Red: Boston Fleet Opens Training Camp Nov. 12
Poitras is shooting to be the third winger to skate on the Bruins checking line in as many games. He is the latest in a big group that includes 6-foot-3, 222-pound left winger Max Jones and 6-foot-6, 230-pound forward Riley Tufte. While not as physically imposing as either of those two, Poitras feels he can bring his own unique blend of skill to the line.
“We’ve got a lot of big boys on this team, especially playing with Freddie and Braz,’ said Poitras. “Those guys can get into the corners. They’re big guys who hold onto the puck. For me, it’s just finding open ice. I’m not going to shy away from the corners either, but it’s nice to have some big boys out there.”
Coming in with a little more NHL seasoning seemed to give the youngster an added step this preseason play. And it showed.
“I like where he was in training camp,” said Montgomery. “Just his puck possession game, his puck support offensively and deferentially. Where he probably has to grow defensively is checking faster. That naturally has to become instantaneous, like his transition.”
Check out: Hurley-Burly: Welcome Boston Hockey Now’s Newest Beat Writer
Drafted by the Bruins in the second round (54th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft, the rookie cracked the Bruins opening night lineup as a 19-year-old. The center picked up his first NHL point in his first game, assisting on a Frederic goal. He netted his first two NHL goals later that month in a 3–1 win against Anaheim, Oct. 22.
Poitras continued to light it up while on loan to Team Canada for the 2024 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. The pivot registered two goals and two assists in five games during the tourney. He returned to Boston at the start of 2024, before suffering the shoulder injury, which ultimately required surgery. Poitras ended his rookie season with five goals and 15 points in 33 games.
Poitras appears poised to pick up right where he left off, scoring a shorthanded goal in three preseasons games, before suffering the injury.
“I just felt better and better as the preseason has been going on,” he added. “Obviously being a little bit older and having that first 30 games under my belt, my confidence just grows and grows. I’m more comfortable holding onto pucks and just trying to make plays.”
FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER HURLEY ON 𝕏: @HURLEY_BURLY
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Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren was a full participant in the team’s practice session on Friday, and he’s trying to put the pressure on the coaching staff to let him suit up for Sunday’s Week 6.
Of course, Warren didn’t want to come out of the game when he first hurt his knee three weeks ago, either, so head coach Mike Tomlin will make the final decision.
RELATED: Steelers Offense Shows Late Life, Tops Chargers, 20-10 [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 11, 2024Macklin Celebrini’s status for Saturday’s game is in question.
Celebrini missed practice on Friday, after a banner NHL debut.
The 2024 first-overall pick scored the first goal and assist of his career on Thursday, a San Jose Sharks’ 5-4 OT loss to the St. Louis Blues.
“Lower body,” San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky said, “He’s being evaluated right now.
Will he be ready for the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday?
“He’s still being evaluated today,” Warsofsky said, “so I couldn’t answer that question.”
Did this injury happen during Thursday’s game? Celebrini didn’t play the last 3:42 of the game, though he did return for OT.
“Just lower body, and he’s being evaluated,” Warsofsky said.
Celebrini, of course, dealt with a minor lower-body injury through training camp. Is this related?
“Lower body,” Warsofsky said.
Warsofsky, like wall. Make of all that what you will.
Hopefully, like Celebrini’s camp injury, which led to an early exit during the San Jose Sharks’ Oct. 1 preseason tilt against Utah Hockey Club, this latest issue isn’t much of an issue. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are plenty banged up, with about seven or eight players expected to miss the team’s Week 6 game with the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday due to injury, but don’t worry about the health of tight end Pat Freiermuth.
Freiermuth told Steelers Now after practice on Friday that he’s good to go and will be playing this Sunday when the team takes on the Raiders at Allegiant Stadium.
Freiermuth was listed as limited in Thursday’s practice with a calf injury, but said he absence was purely precautional.
The third-year tight end has been one of the Steelers’ most important offensive playmakers in the early part of the 2024 season. Freiermuth is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (178) and leads the team with two touchdown receptions.
Veteran tight end MyCole Pruitt also appears to be nearing a return. He’s been out since injuring his right knee against the Denver Broncos but participated in practice all three days this week and does not seem far from a return.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT
Player
Injury
Date
Prognosis
Roster Status
TE Pat Freiermuth
Calf
Oct. 10
TBD
Active, LP on Thurs.
FS Damontae Kazee
Ankle
Oct. 6
Week to week
DBT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
DE DeMarvin Leal
Stinger
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
OLB Nick Herbig
Hamstring
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Ankle
Sept. 29
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
RG James Daniels
Achilles
Sept. 29
Out for season
Injured reserve
RB Jaylen Warren
Knee
Sept. 22
Day to day
DBT at LV, LP on Thurs.
OLB Alex Highsmith
Groin
Sept. 22
One week
OUT at LV, LP on Thurs.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Hamstring
Sept. 22
Two weeks
Injured reserve
RT Troy Fautanu
Right knee dislocation
Sept. 20
Regular season
Injured reserve
TE MyCole Pruitt
Right knee
Sept. 15
Day to day
DBT at LV, LP on Thurs.
WR Ben Skowronek
Shoulder
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
LB Tyler Matakevich
Hamstring
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
P Cameron Johnston
Right leg
Sept. 8
Out for season
Injured reserve
QB Russell Wilson
Calf tightness
Sept. 5
Day to day
Active, FP on Thurs.
SS Ryan Watts
Necke
Aug. 24
Out for season
Injured reserve
DL Logan Lee
Calf
Aug. 20
Week to week
Injured reserve
OT Dylan Cook
Lisfranc, left foot
Aug. 17
Week to week
IR-Return
C Nate Herbig
Torn rotator cuff
Aug. 14
Out for season
Injured reserve
OLB David Perales
Left MCL tear
July 31
Out for season
Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb
Left knee
Nov. 2, 2023
Week to week
PUP/reserve [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH —Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth and running back Jaylen Warren are both on the team’s injury report, but both look ready to go and said they want to play this week.
Freiermuth said he’s good to go after being limited this week by a calf injury. Head coach Mike Tomlin said that Warren will be listed as questionable as he tries to return from a Week 3 knee sprain.
Quarterback Russell Wilson is now fully healthy. He worked in the ball security line with Justin Fields and Kyle Allen, but won’t start this week.
RELATED: Steelers Get Return Date for Injured OLB Alex Highsmith
RELATED: Patterson Out and Warren Doubtful for Week 6 [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 11, 2024The Avalanche added a goaltender on Friday, claiming Kaapo Kahkonen off waivers from the Winnipeg Jets.
Kahkonen, 28, is on a one-year deal with a $1 million AAV. He was signed as a third-string goalie behind Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck and backup Eric Comrie over the offseason.
“It’s a player with experience. He’s played well in places before, and he’s free and we’ve got room,” head coach Jared Bednar said.
The claim says a lot about what Colorado feels about its goaltending. In Wednesday’s 8-4 opening night loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, starter Alexandar Georgiev was pulled after the second period. He allowed five goals on 16 shots. His backup, Justus Annunen didn’t do any better. Despite Mikko Rantanen’s early third-period goal to pull the Avs within a goal, Annunen ended up surrendering two goals on just five shots.
“We don’t know how it’s going to play out. We’ve seen better from our goalies than we’ve seen here recently,” Bednar sad. “And if they can elevate their game, great. If Kahkonen can come in and play well, great. It’s about winning hockey games.”
Kahkonen is currently going through the immigration process so there’s no update yet on when he’ll join the team.
But when he does, he’ll be reunited with an old friend in Rantanen. Kahkonen’s stall in the practice rink dressing room will likely be side-by-side with Rantanen in the stall often reserved for the third goalie.
“We’re the same age. We skated together in the summer, and we won the World Juniors together,” Rantanen said of his fellow Finn. “So, yeah, it’s good to have him. I think he’s a good goalie.” [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Russell Wilson is healthy, but Justin Fields will remain the Pittsburgh Steelers starting quarterback — for now.
Head coach Mike Tomlin announced after practice on Friday that Fields will continue to be the starting quarterback. This week, with Wilson fully healthy, he will dress as the team’s backup, instead of being the emergency third quarterback, as he has been the first five weeks of the season.
But Tomlin gave himself and Wilson and out, citing rust after the veteran quarterback missed five weeks of practice with his second calf injury of the 2024 season.
“I thought he had a good week,” Tomlin said of Wilson. “He’s proven his health, now it’s just a matter of knocking the rust off. He’s probably going to be active as the No. 2 quarterback. I like what I’ve seen out here. Health and rust are two different things. I thought he had a good week displaying his heath, his ability to protect himself. Now it’s just a process of getting re-acclimated to the ball.”
Kyle Allen had been the team’s backup in the first five games, playing in two snaps and completing one pass.
Fields has improved his play this season compared to his three years as a starter for the Chicago Bears. He’s completed 67.6% of his passes, compared to his previous career high of 61.4%. His passer rating is 97.1, compared to a previous career high of 86.3, and his career adjusted net yards per attempt is at 6.22, compared to a previous career high of 5.29.
Wilson first injured his calf on the first week of training camp during the team’s conditioning test. He returned after about a month, and played in the team’s final two preseason games, before re-injuring his right calf before the first week of the season.
All three quarterbacks are in the final season of their contracts.
RELATED: Can Justin Fields Keep Steelers Starting Quarterback Gig? [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) was a full participant at practice on Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is optimistic that Warren will be be good to go.
“He was a full participant today. Good trajectory, on the upswing,” Tomlin said. “Feeling optimistic about his inclusion. He’s listed as questionable.”
Warren has not played since Week 3 versus the Los Angeles Chargers when he went down with a grade 1 PCL sprain.
Warren said he had pretty much a full workload on Friday and is trying to make it tough on the coaching staff to keep him out this week. He also notably refused to come out of the game when he was first injured.
“Feeling great. Whatever they decide, I’m good with that plan,” Warren said.
Starting running back Najee Harris has struggled the last two weeks, rushing for a combined 61 yards on 27 carries (2.2 average). This could be a get-right game for Harris, as Las Vegas allows an average of 131.8 rushing yards per game. The Cowboys ranked 26th in run defense heading into last Sunday night’s game, however, so it’s far from a guarantee. Harris appears to not be a good fit in Arthur Smith’s zone scheme.
That’s why getting Warren back could be a big boost for the offense. Warren’s style matches what Smith wants to do on offense.
Warren ran for 5.3 yards per carry, one of the best figures in the league in 2023. He ran 149 times for 784 yards and four touchdowns. He also caught 61 passes for 370 yards. Warren has been hampered with two separate injuries this season, but he’s without a doubt one of their top playmakers. If deemed healthy, he could ignite a struggling rushing attack.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 11, 2024Cam Talbot will be in the Detroit Red Wings net Saturday when they hope to shake off Thursday’s bumpy season opener by posting a win against the Nashville Predators.
Talbot’s mission is to help the Red Wings show a stingier defensive presence than was on display Thursday when they fell 6-3 to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Coach Derek Lalonde pulled Thursday’s starter Ville Husso early in the second period after the Penguins built a 4-1 lead. Shaky. Rusty. Inconsistent. Pick you favorite adjective to describe Husso who hasn’t played a full 60-minute game in almost nine months.
Husso won the Red Wings’ preseason goaltending competition and then gave up four goals on just 14 shots before being replaced by Cam Talbot who played 54 for the Los Angeles Kings last season. Talbot stopped 12 of 14 shots in his relieft effort.
Talbot’s .911 save percentage last season had to be attractive to a Red Wings team that finished at .902. GM Steve Yzerman gave Talbot a two-year deal worth an average of $2.5 million per season. Detroit’s other goalies, Husso and Alex Lyon, are in the last year of their contract.
Detroit’s nightmarish beginning against the Penguins wasn’t all on Husso. Despite emphasizing tighter defensive play throughout the preseason, the Red Wings could sustain defensive consistency for three full periods.
“It’s just one of those nights in which could not sustain any momentum,” Coach Derek Lalonde said. “Had signs of it, had some spurts of it, but just couldn’t sustain it. “
The Red Wings are starting the season with a challenging schedule. After facing Nashville, they have a home-and-home series with the New York Rangers, another game against the Predators and then contests against the New York Islanders and New Jersey Devils.
[...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 11, 2024The Avalanche will be without Jonathan Drouin for at least the next two games according to head coach Jared Bednar. Drouin suffered a upper-body injury in Wednesday’s season-opening 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights.
The top-line winger was absent when the team took the ice at Family Sports on Friday for their first practice since the game. While all eight defensemen and both goalies were accounted for, the Avs skated with just 11 forwards.
Bednar wouldn’t commit to a call-up just yet, saying they might instead dress 11 and 7.
“He’ll miss the next few games and then we’ll reassess,” Bednar said. “He’ll get reevaluated and we’ll see where it goes.”
Drouin was hunched over in pain while skating to the bench late in the third period at T-Mobile Arena. The 28-year-old, who signed another one-year deal to remain with the Avs for a second season, also suffered an injury in the final regular season game of the 2023-24 season.
Colorado has one of the best winger groups in the NHL on paper. The only problem is, the majority of them are unavailable. Drouin joins Gabriel Landeskog (knee), Artturi Lehkonen (shoulder), and Valeri Nichushkin (suspended) as top-six wingers that the Avs are missing from the lineup.
Ross Colton was elevated to the wing on the second line, allowing Nikolai Kovalenko to get a chance in practice with Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen in the Drouin spot.
Drouin instead watched practice while sitting on the balcony alongside Andrew Cogliano.
The Avs skated with these line combinations at practice ahead of Saturday’s home opener at Ball Arena against the Columbus Blue Jackets:
Kovalenko – MacKinnon – Rantanen
Colton – Mittelstadt – Ritchie
Wood – Kelly – O’Connor
Kiviranta – Ivan
Toews – Makar
Girard – Manson
de Haan – Malinski
Ludvig – Kylington
Georgiev
Annunen [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 11, 2024It’s time to establish the initial list for one of our most popular features, the Montreal Canadiens Prospect Power Rankings.
Power rankings are a little different from regular prospect rankings, as they keep the player’s current form in mind rather than just focusing on potential and draft positions. This allows for a little more movement in our list, while also shinning a light on some prospects who did not necessarily get drafted early, but are still playing well nonetheless.
As we did last year, we will leave the initial vote up to Canadiens fans before we start publishing our weekly power rankings.
Montreal Canadiens Prospect Power Rankings Instructions
It’s a very straightforward process. Pick the top 10 Montreal Canadiens prospects in the form embedded below, and rank them between 1 and 10, with 1 being the highest ranking available. Only rank 10 players, or your submission will be voided.
Depending on the size of your screen, you may have to scroll right to see the last few columns. Only one answer per column is allowed. There are 36 Canadiens prospects listed in total.
Rank them in terms of how much value you think they hold in the team’s prospect pipeline. This is the lone time we will base our list purely on potential. Once the initial rankings are done, I will then judge the players according to their weekly results, thus turning the initial rankings by Canadiens fans into fluctuating power rankings.
To qualify for our power rankings, players must be 23 years old or young, and must be playing outside the NHL. This means Oliver Kapanen is not currently listed, while Joshua Roy is available. If the players receive a promotion or demotion during the season, I will adjust the list accordingly.
If you need more information regarding the players being ranked, make sure to check out our summer series, which includes detailed write-ups for most of the team’s top prospects.
ON TOPIC: Montreal Canadiens 2024 Summer Rankings – The Final List
If the form is not displayed properly on your device, you can access the form directly by clicking here.
Montreal Canadiens Prospect Power Rankings Form
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[...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — There’s no two ways around it, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop had a tough game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
According to charting by Pro Football Focus, Bishop was targeted eight times by Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, and six of them were completed for 90 yards. That’s a 111.5 passer rating against — not a a figure that Bishop is likely to hang on his wall.
Bishop plays slot cornerback in the Steelers’ standard Nickel and Dime packages. He does not play in the team’s base 3-4 defense or in its three-safety Heavy Nickel. So going forward, the Steelers have the ability to minimize Bishop’s role, if they want to.
But defensive coordinator Teryl Austin sounds like he’s sticking with his undrafted rookie.
“I think when you’re talking about Beanie, I think what he ran into is what happens to most young guys,” Austin said on Thursday. “There’s going to be a game where you’re tested, and it doesn’t go your way. I don’t think that’s going to be a recurring theme. But a lot of that’s going to fall on Beanie and how he reacts to the things that happened to him last week. But I think he’s handled himself well.
“Like everybody, there’s probably a game where everybody would look at and go, ‘Boy, I didn’t play very well that game. I didn’t do what I wanted to in that game,’ or whatever it may have been, and then get back to the drawing board. I think that’s where we are with Beanie. I think he’s a young guy that got tested, and I think he’ll bounce back this week.”
This week, the Steelers will likely be without safety Damontae Kazee, which will make running their Heavy Nickel package more difficult. The Raiders play with three wide receivers on the field about 75% of the time, which means base defense won’t be much of an option, either.
Vegas has two talented receivers that play out of the slot in Tre Tucker and D.J. Turner. [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 11, 2024The Washington Capitals’ alumni game takes place at MedStar Capitals Iceplex at 2:00 p.m. later this afternoon. The organization announced all of the former players suiting up in the matchup. The two rosters are Team Langway and Team Labre, and 39 players will take part in the game.
Capitals’ Alumni Game Rosters
Team Langway will consist of Peter Bondra, Troy Brouwer, Marcus Harter, Kevin Kaminski, Dimitri Khristich, Alan May, Paul Mulvey, Errol Rausse, David Steckel, Blair Stewart, Jim Thomson, Richard Zednik, Sylvain Cote, Anthony Kenny, Ken Klee, Jeff Schultz, Levi Cudmore, Jonny Pacea, Cory Cregg, and Brendan Daly.
Team Labre, meanwhile, consists of Greg Adams, Eric Fehr, Tomas Fleischmann, Lou Franceschetti, Alan Hangsleben, Matt Herr, Mike Knuble, Craig Laughlin, Kelly Miller, Andrei Nikolishin, Matt Pettinger, Brian Willsie, Karl Alzner, Dan Elliott, Dennis Maruk, Pete Perzel, Tom Poti, Mike Nicholson, and Garret Dressler.
Alumni Game Details
As previously mentioned, the Capitals’ alumni game starts at 2:00 p.m. at MedStar Capitals Iceplex in Arlington, Virginia. The game is free and open to the public. For fans who cannot attend, Monumental Sports Network will have exclusive interviews with alumni and access to ice level from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 11, 2024Somewhere between Detroit and Toronto — The Pittsburgh Penguins are 1-1-0. The bitter, raw broccoli taste created by a ghastly self-dismantling against the New York Rangers on night one was followed by an increasingly good performance in a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings Thursday at Little Caesars Arena.
There was plenty of good.
Rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist showed his best self rather than the rookie who was twice torched in the preseason. The Penguins’ power play wasn’t terrible, and they scored an important goal with the game in the balance.
So many times last season, that exact scenario turned dark as the power play sputtered and the Penguins squandered leads, or nearly squandered leads.
Coach Mike Sullivan’s deft juggling of his top lines–putting Drew O’Connor with Evgeni Malkin and Rickard Rakell with Sidney Crosby–seemed to work well, too.
By virtue of the win, the team can say, “it’s early,” and work on problems and deficiencies rather than feeling the mounting pressure of losses and lost ground to would-be playoff competition.
Read More: Inside Penguins Locker Room: Malkin 1 on 1, Blomqvist 1st Win Relief (+)
However, that does not mean the Penguins look like a good team yet. There are simmering problems that are both a carryover from last season and probably not correctable without changes.
Penguins One-Timers
1. Tristan Jarry
OK, let’s have at it. While the fanbase rejoices in Blomqvist’s stellar performance as proof of concept that Jarry should play in Wheeling or Siberia, and anyone … ANYONE … else should be in the Penguins net, the reality is a little bit different.
And anyone who tells you differently is producing fan porn.
Must we go over Jarry again? Yes, he disappointed the team and fans last season when he was in the tank … with the rest of the team. No, I no longer bother trying to explain that he and Alex Nedeljkovic were legitimate contenders for the Jennings Trophy until the team collapse began in February.
No, I cannot defend his playoff performance in 2021, in which he was probably the singular greatest cause of defeat against the New York Islanders. And no, he does not have the ebullient or effervescent personality of Marc-Andre Fleury. But who does?
Jarry, 29, does not have that career-defining moment that fans can hang onto, and thus, more than a few are anxiously hoping Sullivan turns to Nedeljkovic as soon as he’s healthy and Blomqvist immediately.
I’m sorry. It’s not happening anytime soon. Blomqvist has some maturing to do yet and let’s not forget Jarry earned a five-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $5.375 million. Such contracts are neither tradeable nor are the players easily stashed in the AHL. Such a dramatic move is six months after the last resort.
Oh, and despite last season, Jarry’s career save percentage is still .911.
Blomqvist was very, very good on Thursday. He earned all of the accolades, but be careful when assuming that is the norm. We did extension research in the early days of Pittsburgh Hockey Now (which are likely lost forever) that showed goalies aren’t trustworthy until about 100 games—THEN teams can know what they have. See also Matt Murray.
In this moment, Blomqvist is the fair-haired favorite without baggage. Such would not be the case after a couple of bad games and Penguins’ losses.
So, if you’re lining up to shake your fist and demand Jarry’s ouster, you may want to hit the gym to get in shape because you’ll be doing it for quite a while.
It can happen to well-paid goalies such as Cal Petersen and Jack Campbell, but it’s never done lightly, and Jarry is a long way from the unusable versions those goalies became.
2. Real Problems
The Penguins have a genuine problem on defense. Thursday night, the third pairing of Ryan Graves and Jack St. Ivany was rough. In fairness, Kris Letang and even Marcus Pettersson had problems. However, our resident coach and expert analyst Francis Anzalone diagnosed some of the issues in Graves’s game during his latest Coach’s Debrief video.
There were a few more displayed on Thursday, too.
Graves was not strong on the wall and his gaps are still large. Anzalone noted Graves can struggle with nuanced positioning and even taking away passing lanes by properly using one hand on his stick.
It may be a matter of time before Sullivan turns to Ryan Shea in the Penguins lineup. Graves has ample NHL experience; he’s an NHL defenseman who will most likely be in the lineup for weeks to come, but it’s now a legitimate worry that his shortcomings are not temporary.
3. Who Stays
The easiest thing to do when Bryan Rust is healthy–perhaps as early as this weekend–is to send Rutger McGroarty down to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. That’s the easy thing do to.
Blake Lizotte’s concussion certainly complicates the situation and it seems Sullivan may disagree with Penguins GM Kyle Dubas, who viewed Kevin Hayes as a center. Sullivan seems to like him at wing, so much so that he’s using Cody Glass as the fourth line center instead of Hayes.
Glass would be the next in line for a demotion behind McGroarty, but his ability to play center will keep him in the lineup until Lizotte returns. And, if fairness, he’s been pretty good, too.
However, the Penguins’ best lineup could be jumbled because of the Rust fallout. Rust will take Rakell’s spot on the top line, pushing O’Connor to the top line or third line, which could push Anthony Beauvillier to the third line, which pushes McGroarty out. Kevin Hayes won’t come out of the lineup, and Puljujarvi is still riding high from a splendid training camp and preseason.
The Penguins remain at $0.00 cap space, so adding even a dollar is impossible.
It’s going to be a numbers game, but we’ll see how committed Dubas is to the youth movement when it collides with Sullivan’s desire to win now. [...]Read more...
Richard GegickOctober 11, 2024In a recent ESPN poll, Steelers center Zach Frazier ranked sixth among all NFL rookies. The poll took the opinion of five NFL analysts, including ESPN NFL draft analyst Jordan Reid.
“Entering the 2024 draft, it was clear that the Steelers had a huge need at center after releasing Mason Cole in January,” Reid wrote in the poll.
“Pittsburgh found that immediate answer in the second round, as Frazier has arguably been the best rookie offensive lineman of this class. In five starts, Frazier has the 20th-best PBWR (pass block win-rate). The instincts, strength, and toughness he showcased at West Virginia have all carried over early in his pro career.”
Frazier has been a revelation at the position, but he wasn’t the starting center out of training camp. The prohibitive starter, Nate Herbig, suffered a shoulder injury in practice before Week 1. Frazier was the next man up.
The former All-American anchored a 2023 West Virginia offense that gained 2,976 rushing yards. His junior campaign saw the Mountaineers win an invite to the Duke Mayo Bowl, where they trounced North Carolina 30-10.
Frazier has the physical tools. He was a four-time West Virginia state wrestling champion, going 159-2 in his four years at Fairmont Senior High School. One of those two losses was on a technicality, as Frazier was called for an illegal move.
Will Frazier develop into the next great Steelers center? Only time will tell if he is the next Mike Webster or Alan Fanaca, but Frazier’s career is trending up.
[...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 11, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks were the better team in Tuesday’s loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Tonight, the Hawks get another opportunity to get in the win column.
The Chicago Blackhawks are heading to Winnipeg to face the Winnipeg Jets in a Central Division clash. Beating divisional opponents matters for a Blackhawks team looking to make a jump in the standings, and tonight’s game marks the last divisional matchup until Oct. 25. Let’s dive in with tonight’s projected lineup.
The Blackhawks Projected Lineup in Winnipeg:
Foligno-Bedard-Teravainen
Hall-Kurashev-Bertuzzi
Mikheyev-Dickinson-Anderson
Maroon-Donato-Athanasiou
Martinez-Jones
Vlasic-Brodie
Kaiser-Murphy
Soderblom
Mrazek
Scratched: Reichel, Smith, Allan
Notes:
Tonight’s game will include season openers for a few Blackhawks. Wyatt Kaiser and Andreas Athanasiou will both get their first taste of action on the season. Keep an eye on Kaiser tonight as he has been out on IR with an illness. Athanasiou getting in the lineup for Smith seems like the right call. Smith didn’t have the best first game in Utah and Luke Richardson is still trying to figure out the best lineup to compete.
In net, Arvid Soderblom is expected to get his first start of the season. With Chicago playing in back to back games, it seemed likely Soderblom would get some action in the NHL before Laurent Brossoit’s return from injury. Richardson decided to give Soderblom the Winnipeg game instead of an Edmonton Oilers offense featuring Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
How to Watch:
How To Watch:
Channel: Chicago Sports Network
Radio: WGN 720
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Predictions:
The Blackhawks enter the game with some new look lines. The second and third lines should be interesting to watch. Look for a big game from Philipp Kurashev’s line. Tonight’s prediction is Jason Dickinson will score a goal. Dickinson looked good along with Anderson and Foligno in Utah. Adding Mikheyev to the line should make for some good offensive zone chances.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
John PerrottoOctober 11, 2024Pittsburgh Pirates fans became increasingly frustrated with Ke’Bryan Hayes this past season.
They were upset that the third baseman performed poorly following a strong finish to the 2023 season that seemed ready to propel him toward stardom. They were frustrated that Hayes missed so many games following the All-Star Game because of a balky back that has been an issue throughout much of his five-year career.
However, nobody is more frustrated than Hayes. He knows 2024 was a lost season and it bothers him.
“I want to be out there playing every day,” Hayes told Pittsburgh Baseball Now during the final days of the season. “I love to play baseball. I love to hit, and play defense. I don’t like to have to sit and watch the games when I can’t be out there.”
Hayes, though, is optimistic that he can have a healthy 2025.
Last month, he visited with Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles. Watkins is considered one of the premier back specialists in the nation.
Watkins found that Hayes has no structural damage in his back and that the pain and limited mobility is because of muscular issues. Watkins gave Hayes a back strengthening program that is more strenuous than the one he had been on this year.
“I’m really excited about the offseason,” Hayes said. “I’m confident that I’m going to be able to get healthy and come to spring training strong and ready to go.”
Hayes hit just .233/.283/.290 with four home runs in 96 games in 2024. Hayes was still a strong defender, but his 10 defensive runs saved were less than half the 21 he had in 2023 when he led all major-league third basemen.
Following the All-Star break, Hayes was limited to 23 games and had a .200/.240/.232 slash line and one homer. By contrast, in the second half of 2023, he batted .299/.335/.539 with 10 homers in 49 games.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington says he won’t know what the Pirates can expect from Hayes next year until spring training begins in February.
“I think until he’s doing all the things we expect he’s going to do on the field there’s always some level of concern. That’s just natural,” Cherington said. “At the same time, we really believe that we have way more information now than we did four months ago. It’s way more clear. I believe he’s more clear. I believe the work that he’s been doing these last two months has really helped him gain confidence in that work and what that’s going to lead to.”
The Pirates are wedded to Hayes through at least 2029 as he is three years into an eight-year, $70-million contract. He is still owed $43 million.
A case could be made for the Pirates to trade Hayes and go with Jared Triolo, another strong defender, at third base. However, Hayes’ trade value is minimal at the present and the 27-year-old still has a higher upside offensively than Triolo, who is just one year younger.
“He’s obviously really important. We need him on the field. Period,” Cherington said of Hayes. “We need him on the field, doing the things he’s capable of doing in order for us to be the team that we want to be next year. He knows that. He feels that and feels some form of responsibility for that. We’ve got to keep working to help him be that.” [...]Read more...
Christopher HurleyOctober 11, 2024BOSTON – The Boston Fleet has announced its training camp roster in preparation for the 2024-25 Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) season.
The roster includes a total of 29 players with training camp officially scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at Boston Sports Institute.
“As we enter our second season, we’re excited about the depth and talent in our training camp roster,” said Boston Fleet General Manager Danielle Marmer. “We believe we’ve done a good job identifying talent through the draft, free agency, and camp invites to create a highly competitive environment.”
The Fleet training camp roster consists of 16 forwards, nine defenders, and four goaltenders. The roster includes 19 players who competed as members of PWHL Boston during the league’s inaugural season and a total of 20 players who have already been signed to contracts for the upcoming campaign. Rosters for the 2024-25 season must be finalized by Wednesday, Nov. 27, and can include a maximum of 23 active players plus up to three players signed to reserve player contracts.
Check out: Hurley-Burly: Welcome Boston Hockey Now’s Newest Beat Writer
“Like last year, we’ve intentionally kept the group smaller to give each player a real opportunity to earn a spot,” she added. “With a shorter camp than last season, we recognize that there’s limited time for players to showcase their skills and character, so we were very selective with our invitations. That said, we’re confident in the group we’ve assembled and look forward to the opportunity to further strengthen our team.”
On Oct. 1, the PWHL announced two pre-season mini camps that will take place in Montréal and Toronto, Nov. 19-22. Both camps will include a series of information and training sessions for players and staff, along with practices and two scrimmages per team, building towards final roster selections. The Fleet will scrimmage against the Montréal Victoire on Wednesday, Nov. 20, and against the Ottawa Charge on Thursday, Nov. 21, both at Montréal’s Verdun Auditorium. A full schedule of Boston Fleet on-ice training camp sessions at Boston Sports Institute including media access and credential request details will be circulated at a later date.
2024-25 Boston Fleet Training Camp Roster
Forwards (16):
Lexie Adzija (2024 Signed Extension) *^
Kelly Babstock (Camp Invite) ^
Hannah Bilka (2024 Draft 1-4) *
Hannah Brandt (2024 Signed Extension) *^
Jill Dempsey (Camp Invite)
Loren Gabel (2023 Draft 4-22) *^
Taylor Girard (2023 Draft 9-51) *^
Hilary Knight (2023 Signed FA) *^
Shay Maloney (2024 Draft 6-34)
Ilona Markova (2024 Draft 7-37)
Alina Müller (2023 Draft 1-3) *^
Amanda Pelkey (Camp Invite) ^
Jamie Lee Rattray (2023 Draft 3-15) *^
Theresa Schafzahl (2023 Draft 7-39) *^
Sophie Shirley (2024 Signed Extension) *^
Susanna Tapani (2024 Trade) *^
Defenders (9):
Sydney Bard (2024 Draft 4-22) *
Emily Brown (2024 Signed Extension) *^
Jessica DiGirolamo (2023 Draft 6-34) *^
Emma Greco (2024 Signed FA) *
Hadley Hartmetz (2024 Draft 7-40)
Megan Keller (2023 Signed FA) *^
Sidney Morin (2024 Signed Extension) *^
Daniela Pejšová (2024 Draft 2-7) *
Maude Poulin-Labelle (Camp Invite)
Goaltenders (4):
Aerin Frankel (2023 Signed FA) *^
Cami Kronish (Camp Invite) ^
Klára Peslarová (Camp Invite)
Emma Söderberg (2023 Draft 10-58) *^
*denotes signed players
^denotes Fleet returnees
FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER HURLEY ON 𝕏: @HURLEY_BURLY
FOLLOW BOSTON HOCKEY NOW ON 𝕏 AND FACEBOOK [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 11, 2024The New England Patriots filled the open spot on their 53-man roster Thursday. The Patriots added depth at center, signing Ben Brown from the Las Vegas Raiders practice squad. The Patriots continue to try to build depth at the position following the loss of team captain David Andrews.
New England now has centers Ben Brown and Nick Leverett on their 53-man roster, with Bryan Hudson and Sincere Haynewsorth on the Patriots practice squad. David Andrews and Jake Andrews were expected to serve as the team’s top centers for the season, are on injured reserve, and are finished for 2024.
Meet Ben Brown
Brown was a three-star recruit from St. Aloysius High School in Vicksburg, Miss., in the Class of 2017. He committed to play for Ole Miss over other SEC offers from Missouri and Vanderbilt. Listed at 6-foot-6 and 290 pounds, Brown played offensive tackle in high school and was projected to stay there in college.
Also Read – Week 6 NFL Power Rankings: Jaguars Win, Exit Last Place
Ben Brown redshirted his freshman season in 2017. Ole Miss made him their starting right guard the following season, where he would remain for the next two seasons. Brown moved to center in 2020. He struggled early but improved considerably as the season progressed. The Rebels moved Brown back to right guard to start the 2021 season. He tore his biceps in the sixth game of the season. The injury sidelined Brown for the remainder of his final season.
In his four years at Ole Miss, Brown played in 40 games, starting all of them. He started 30 games at right guard and 10 games at center, though he saw action at both positions several times in 2019.
NFL Career
Still recovering from his biceps injury, Brown (now listed at 6-foot-5, 312 pounds) was not selected in the 2022 NFL Draft. He signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, Brown suffered another biceps injury in the first preseason game. Cincinnati placed him on season-ending IR.
The Bengals brought Ben Brown back for training camp in 2023. They played him at both center and guard, as they had done the year before. He appeared in all three preseason games for the Bengals but was part of their final cuts. Brown signed with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad, though he was soon signed to their 53-man roster.
Brown’s lone NFL game to date was Week 3 of the 2023 season with the Seahawks. He played eight offensive snaps at left guard. He was waived on Oct. 21 and returned to the practice squad in Seattle. The Seahawks released him on Nov. 26, 2023. Brown signed briefly with the Arizona Cardinals practice squad at the end of the 2023 season on Jan. 1, 2024.
On Jan. 16, 2024, Brown signed a future contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He spent this past offseason with the Raiders, who moved him exclusively to center through training camp and the preseason. Brown played 106 snaps during the 2023 preseason, allowed three pressures, one sack, and committed one penalty. The Raiders released Brown as part of their final cuts before bringing him back to their practice squad. He remained there until being signed to the New England Patriots 53-man roster.
Depending on how Nick Leverett performs, there could be an opportunity for Ben Brown to find a home in New England. Leverett allowed ten quarterback pressures in his first start last Sunday, a trend that cannot continue.
Fun Fact
Ben Brown’s grandfather, Allen Brown, was also an NFL player. He played two seasons as a reserve tight end for the Green Bay Packers. Allen Brown won Super Bowls in both seasons as part of Vince Lombardi’s first two champions of the Super Bowl Era. [...]Read more...
Derrick BellOctober 11, 2024While the offense has generated more of the storylines in recent days, the Pittsburg Steelers defense has been shaky the last two times that we’ve seen them take the field. It wasn’t all bad as they held the Cowboys offense to 17 points and generated three turnovers which is usually a recipe for a win. But for the second straight week, the opposing team has had no trouble moving the football particularly through the air. During that time frame, they’ve given up 17 of 29 possible third down conversions. It’s not time to panic about this unit given the talent on that side of the ball but it’s worth taking a deep dive into some of the issues on film.
SN analyst Derrick Bell breaks down the good, bad and the mixed bag from their performance in primetime. This video highlights some of the positive individual performances, details behind the collective struggles and a couple concerning trends that opposing offenses are looking to take advantage of. Injuries have struck in key positions which only makes fixing some of these issues even more difficult. But they’ll have a good matchup this upcoming weekend against a Raiders team that comes into the contest ranking 23rd in points per game.
Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more in-depth Steelers and NFL Draft content.
Related: Bell: What are Steelers Biggest Issues in Two-Game Losing Skid?
Want more from Derrick, Alan Saunders and the rest of the Sports Now crew? Subscribe to SN+ to get the best coverage anywhere on the internet, plus all the best coverage from Pittsburgh Hockey Now and Pittsburgh Baseball Now with one subscription.
Click to check out more from Derrick Bell and Alan Saunders on our YouTube page. [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 11, 2024The Hershey Bears’ championship rings were unveiled after the team won their second straight Calder Cup this past season. Baron Championship Rings and the Bears released a few pictures of the design. Hershey won the Calder Cup by defeating the Coachella Valley Firebirds in six games. They clinched the series with a 5-4 overtime victory. It is the 13th Calder Cup championship in the organization’s history.
Details of the Championship Rings
The Hershey Bears’ ring design contains some symbolism. There is a lot of representation of the journey the 2024 squad went through to win the title. The team explained the details:
Ring Top: The encrusted top showcases the Hershey Bears‘ iconic logo surrounded by the words “Calder Cup Champions,” immortalizing the team’s historic “ALL IN” mentality. Adorned with 14 dazzling chocolate diamonds, each gem represents a hard-fought playoff victory. Encircling the Bears’ logo are 53 brilliant white diamonds, symbolizing the team’s 53 triumphant regular-season wins. Further enhancing the ring’s top are 13 sparkling white diamonds on each side. The 13 diamonds on the left represent the 13 Calder Cup Championships, and the 13 diamonds on the right represent the ninth time the Bears won the regular-season title, and the fourth time the Chocolate and White finished in first place during the regular season and won the Calder Cup.
Right Shoulder: The powerful phrase “Repeat the Roar” pays homage to the Bears’ Back-to-Back Championships, along with the player’s name and number prominently displayed, honoring each individual’s commitment to excellence and contribution to the team’s success.
Left Shoulder: This side of the ring features two illustrious Calder Cups, alongside the “Back to Back” wordmarks, symbolizing the team’s consecutive Championships in 2023 and 2024.
Inside Engraving: Within the ring lies a tribute to the epic playoff journey, capturing the records from each series and immortalizing the path to victory. As requested by the Captains, “FAMILY” is also engraved to symbolize this sweet accomplishment which will forever connect the team.
Statement From Baron Ring President Drina Baron-Zinyk
“This Back-to-Back Calder Cup ring is nothing short of breathtaking,” said Drina Baron-Zinyk, President of Baron Championship Rings. “We extend our congratulations to the Hershey Bears organization for their extraordinary achievement. This ring is a testament to the grit, determination, and unity that define the Hershey Bears, and we are honored to be part of their legacy.”
What’s Next for the Hershey Bears
The Bears now aim to defend the Calder Cup and win their third straight championship. The club raises their championship banner during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, October 12. The team opens their season against the Cleveland Monsters. The team will also hold a home opener red carpet event. All fans in attendance for the game will receive a mini banner, courtesy of Highmark Blue Shield. The scheduled puck drop is 7:00 p.m. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 11, 2024Settle in folks, the Chicago Blackhawks have back to back games this weekend with a matchup against the Winnipeg Jets tonight before heading to Edmonton for a game against the defending Western Conference Champs on Saturday.
For the Blackhawks, these back to back games represent a tough challenge early in the season. How the team looks this weekend could give an early indication of the season. Last year’s Blackhawks would let one loss turn into a losing streak rather quickly. Throughout the preseason, players and coaches alike spoke of trying to stop the bleeding when games turn the wrong way. Now, it’s time to see if they can do just that.
The schedule makers gave the Blackhawks a very tough test to start the season with a four game road trip. From Utah, the team traveled to Winnipeg before going to Edmonton and then to Calgary all before taking the ice at the United Center. Luckily, the Blackhawks did get some good news on Thursday.
The Hawks activated Wyatt Kaiser from injured reserve. It won’t be long before the young defensemen makes his way back into the lineup. With Kaiser being activated, the Hawks also sent Isaak Phillips to Rockford.
Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed:
With the Blackhawks set to face a Central Division rival in Winnipeg, here is everything to know about the Winnipeg Jets.
Chicago is looking to be competitive this season. Three players in particular could hold the keys to the team’s success this season.
In Blackhawks News, on Thursday, activating Wyatt Kaiser from IR and sending Phillips to the AHL.
Connor Bedard’s first NHL game provided hope and optimism for the Blackhawks. Despite the loss, Bedard’s bold play can be a good indication of what is to come.
News from around the National Hockey Now Network:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now:
San Jose Hockey Now: Connor Bedard’s first few games were exciting to watch last season. Watching Bedard score his first goal or get his first assist were moments Hawks fans will never forget. The San Jose Sharks are seeing something similar with Macklin Celebrini.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Blackhawks are not the only team with young players struggling to find their way. New Jersey Devils defenseman Simon Nemec has struggled out gate of his sophomore season.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 11, 2024NEWARK — The New Jersey Devils suffered their first loss of the 2024-25 season Thursday night by the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was a disappointing loss for head coach Sheldon Keefe who certainly would have preferred two points, especially against the club who fired him just five months ago. And although many Devils didn’t particularly play well against the Maple Leafs, there is rising concern with Simon Nemec’s performance through the first three games of the regular season.
READ — Devils Postgame: Keefe Disappointed, Defense Struggles in 4-2 Loss to Maple Leafs
The Devils’ sophomore defenseman suffered an upper-body injury over the summer while skating for Team Slovakia in an Olympic qualifying match against Team Kazakhstan. The injury forced Nemec to miss the remainder of the tournament. However, the Devils received positive news when they learned he hadn’t broken or fractured anything. Therefore, he didn’t miss any time in training camp and has been working with the team from day one.
Yet, something appears off with Nemec. That’s not to say it’s a result of something injury-related. However, the 20-year-old defenseman certainly doesn’t look like the poised and confident defender he did in his rookie season.
In short, Nemec’s decision-making hasn’t been as quick, he hasn’t been as smart with the puck on his stick, and his ability to defend in his own end has been less than ideal.
On Thursday night, Nemec was a minus-two against the Maple Leafs and, again, looked out of sorts. On Toronto’s second goal, Nemec allowed Steven Lorentz to push the puck past him, reaching for Lorentz with his stick while the Maple Leafs forward forced his way by the Devils defenseman. Lorentz then cycled the puck to the point, made his way to the slot where Nemec followed, and won the puck battle in the slot to create traffic in front of Jacob Markstrom which resulted in a Bobby McMann goal.
In the second period, Max Domi gained the Devils’ zone with Nemec applying very little pressure to the Maple Leafs forward, just flailing his stick in Domi’s direction. As a result, Domi fed a streaking John Tavares in the slot — who Nemec weakly stick checked on the hands — and the Maple Leafs forward regained Toronto’s two-goal lead.
These are just but a few examples of Nemec’s lack of compete and inability to win puck battles so far this season. In fact, it’s the exact thing Sheldon Keefe explained wasn’t acceptable following Thursday’s loss.
“Some of the defending, like just laying on our sticks, not going through bodies .” Keefe said. “We had to defend more tonight, probably, than we had to out in Prague. But, yeah, was not it.”
According to Natural Stat Trick, Nemec is second-worst on the Devils among players who have dressed in all three games in CF% (32%), xGF% (32.33%), and is on the negative side of an 11-21 scoring chance differential. In fact, of the 21 scoring chances Nemec has been on the ice for, 12 have been in high-danger areas.
What is perhaps most concerning about this trend is that Nemec has only started one shift all season in the defensive end of the ice. Most of his shifts begin on the fly or in the offensive or neutral zone. In other words, the opposition is making quick work of Nemec — and as an extension, Seamus Casey — during 5-on-5 play.
Opponents taking advantage of Casey as a rookie is to be expected, but make no mistake, the Devils expect better of Nemec this season.
It’s been just three games in the regular season, and maybe it’s too early to ring the alarms, but there is certainly concern rising with Nemec’s on-ice performance. If he doesn’t turn things around quickly, Nemec could find himself the odd-man out when one or both of Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes returns.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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Griffin FloydOctober 11, 2024This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
A newcomer to the Pirates’ organization following the completion of the trade that sent JT Brubaker to the New York Yankees, Keiner Delgado looked like one of Pittsburgh’s best power hitting prospects during the first few weeks of the minor league season.
Delgado started the year with the Pirates’ rookie ball team, making one start and going 2-for-5 with a homer. He promptly received a promotion to Bradenton, where he homered in two of his next three games. Delgado hit seven home runs across the months of May and June… but he only finished the season with nine, his power surge tapering off as the season dragged on.
It’s worth noting that Delgado was never seen as a heavy hitter: at 5-foot-7 and 145 pounds, a 15-20 homer pace over the course of a 162 game season is perfectly reasonable for a switch-hitting shortstop like him. More troubling is the fact that his other offensive statistics tailed off from his time with the Yankees. While playing for New York’s Dominican Summer League and rookie ball teams in 2022 and 2023, Delgado posted an OPS of 1.010 and .899, respectively. During 2024 with Pittsburgh, he slumped to .676.
As of right now, it’s impossible to tell whether that regression stems from a new organization and a new hitting philosophy, growing pains as he adjusts to a higher level of the professional system, or some combination of both. At just 20 years old, Delgado has plenty of time to grow as a hitter, and 27 stolen bases in 90 games played helps flesh out his offensive contributions.
Glove Work
Defensively, Keiner Delgado played 37 games at second base and 46 games at shortstop during the 2024 season. Fielding percentage is a flawed metric—focusing solely on the proportion of errors committed to successful plays and failing to take other factors like a player’s defensive range into account—but it’s often all we have for the minor leagues where advanced statistics aren’t compiled.
Delgado posted fielding percentages of .966 and .965 at second base and shortstop, solid but not exceptional marks.
All in all, Delgado projects as a solid contributor should he make the major leagues. His bat could use some improvement (and he may not possess superstar upside) but in a system starved for offensive contributors, he’s one of the best of the bunch. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 11, 2024DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Penguins flirted with disaster in the first period. Their defensive coverage was, politely, haphazard and their scoring touch had a doctor’s ice-cold hands. There was one person between the Penguins and getting blown out for a second consecutive night.
The player between the Penguins and “uh oh, this season is off to a really bad start” was rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist, who was pressed into duty on the second of back-to-back games because 1A goalie Alex Nedeljkovic remains on the injured list.
Nedeljkovic, like the Penguins, watched in the first period as the kid moved sharply from post to post, denying a few would-be goals. Perhaps most importantly, Blomqvist didn’t over-commit or lose his place. And he didn’t serve juicy rebounds for his defensemen to clean up, which was a good thing because the Penguins’ defensemen were not in clean-up mode, especially during the first period.
By the very late end of Thursday evening, which bordered on 11 p.m. because of the late start time, goals, and choppy play, Blomqvist was all smiles because he won his first NHL game and did so in front of his parents, who made the trip from Finland; Evgeni Malkin turned back time to flash those dangerous skills that made him one of the best players of the generation, and at least for a night, the fears of a catastrophic start were eased.
The Penguins even scored a power-play goal.
And perhaps lost in the shuffle, the Detroit Red Wings have some serious flaws, including a marshmallow defense. Detroit does not appear to be better than the Penguins, which bodes well for a playoff chase.
For another season, we’re happy to present the Penguins locker room feature after (almost) every game with the sights, sounds, and raw video.
Inside the Penguins Locker Room
Joel Blomqvist
Blomqvist is just 22 years old and has been in North America for only one season. His English is passable and improving, but the Finnish lad is not a big talker. In fact, he uses as few words as possible and keeps his media interviews simple.
Read More: Penguins Report Card: Blomqvist Rescues Pens for 1st Win; Malkin Dances
However, Thursday, despite using few words, the relief and joy of not only making his NHL debut but winning it with a tremendous performance, was visible. He couldn’t hide his happiness, which was immediately noticeable on his face and obvious in his voice. He tried to downplay it, but that was impossible.
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Evgeni Malkin
Malkin was also in a pretty good mood following his two-assist performance and lifting the Penguins offense with a few plays that were reminiscent of the glory days.
Malkin tortured the Detroit defensemen Thursday. To quote Mike Lange, he had more moves than Mae West. Malkin was not shy about trying to beat defencemen one-on-one and usually succeeded. His assist on Drew O’Connor’s goal in the second period was impressive. He entered the zone 1v2 but took one defenseman wide. Malkin went left and took both defensemen to the low zone, which opened the middle of the ice near the net. O’Connor had a tap-in goal that you or I could have scored (provided you can stand upright on skates).
Malkin did it again later in the second period, just moments after Detroit closed the Penguins’ lead to 4-2. However, his second bit of magic was nullified by a goal review for a handpass, which wiped the Penguin’s tally off the board.
Malkin also registered his 800th assist.
“It’s all about partners. I’ve played with lots of guys, probably most guys are retired, but I’m still playing,” Malkin said with a quick laugh. “But I always have fun with everybody. I always have a great team here; we sign amazing players. I play with Sid (on) the power play. It’s like, I’ve probably given him the most assists in my life. It’s a great milestone for me. Like, I need more, probably a little bit.”
Coach Mike Sullivan
Sullivan has been in an uncharacteristically good mood through preseason. However, the Penguins tested the limits with their abysmal performance in the first game of the season.
On Thursday, instead of consternation or constructive criticism, Sullivan was able to praise several players, including Malkin, Blomqvist, and Jesse Puljujarvi, but also explain what his team did differently in Game 1 compared to the debacle the night before.
“Cooperative play,” was the phrase that pays on Thursday. In the pregame discussion Thursday, Sullivan highlighted the lack of cohesive play and felt his team consisted of five players trying too hard to do things individually.
“That’s the biggest takeaway,” he said.
By Thursday night, things started to jell. Sullivan could smile again. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 11, 2024Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, Alan breaks down one key matchup from the team’s Week 6 road trip against the Las Vegas Raiders: Broderick Jones vs. Maxx Crosby.
Steelers right tackle Broderick Jones has been much better since being re-inserted into the starting lineup following the season-ending injury to rookie tackle Troy Fautanu. But Jones will face his biggest test this week against Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby.
Crosby can wreck a game all by himself and did just that earlier this year against the Baltimore Ravens, as the Raiders went on the road and stole a win. Last year, Chuks Okorafor largely shut Crosby down in the Steelers-Raiders matchup.
Jones, meanwhile, has faced just one top-flight edge rusher this season. He knocked Joey Bosa right out of the game in Week 3 against the Los Angeles Chargers. He’ll need another strong performance to deal with Crosby.
Alan breaks it down and gives his prediction for the Raiders matchup
RELATED: DB’s Steelers Dudes & Duds: Watt Rebounds, Secondary Struggles
Get the full archive of episodes of Steelers Morning Rush with Alan Saunders. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been the center of attention this week after several antics in Sunday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Pickens has been scrutinized by the media and fanbase, but quarterback Russell Wilson feels like people outside of the locker room are getting the wrong picture of the talented wide receiver out of Georgia.
“We love the player that he is,” Russell Wilson said. “We love the competitor that he is and that’s the thing that you have to understand. Is George a bad teammate? Absolutely not. Is George a hell of a player? Absolutely. Is he a great competitor? Absolutely. Is he a guy that wants the ball? Absolutely. Is he a guy that can do anything on the field that most people can’t? Absolutely.
“So I think the best thing that we can focus on is find different ways to get up in the ball, obviously also to him staying composed, that matters — but also understanding that it’s all team effort.”
George Pickens’ dad also sent a message on X recently, defending his son by saying that he is misunderstood.
“George Pickens the Athlete. A very fiery competitor, that wants to win,” Pickens’ dad wrote. “He’s a very talented young guy that has definitely been misunderstood. He has the Super Competitive Gene. Guys with that Gene, have to be involved early and often. It’s a engaged tactic. Involve him early.”
Like most star wide receivers, Pickens is an emotional player. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith even admitted that when speaking with reporters on Thursday.
“George is an emotional guy. He does that every game, maybe just it’s high profile,” Smith said about Pickens slamming his helmet on the ground on the sidelines. “I’ve had players who have tackles, we get a sack, wish he had run the ball. We have guys that you throw it, wish he’d handed it off. As long as I’ve been in the league, I think, maybe things are more — there’s so many cameras out there, it’s like you’re working on The Truman Show.
“I don’t know if there’s more — people have been covering this game for a long time. If you could only go back in history and see presentation”>some of the things that make you laugh and may be out of context.But the most highly competitive guys I’ve had, you get to the point where you don’t pay attention. You have direct conversation with the players, and you get to know them, but I don’t know. I don’t know what the camera shows, what it doesn’t. I’ve certainly been guilty, regretfully, showing frustration at times, calling a game, at an official, which is not what you want. Some of that stuff, I’ll be honest, I don’t even pay attention to it. You’re just so hyper focused on trying to make adjustments and win the game.”
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers can get Pickens going on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Pickens has surpassed 100 receiving yards just once through five games and has yet to score a touchdown.
Pickens mysteriously played only 39 snaps against Dallas. Even Van Jefferson received more snaps.
“It was just part of the game plan,” Pickens said.
Asked if he feels he can earn those reps back: “No. It’s not on me. It’s all up to Art. If Art wants to do a certain type of play or certain types of game plans, it’s going to be different.”
RELATED: George Pickens Claims Low Snap Count Is Not His Fault: ‘It’s All Up to Art’
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 11, 2024It’s less than three period into the Detroit Red Wings’ new season. Yet coach Derek Lalonde was already waiting on a medical report on the extent of the Jeff Petry injury.
Bob Duff wondered in his Red Wings Notebook whether the injury will necessitate a recall of Justin Holl. If Petry is out, Moritz Seider is the only the right-shot defenseman on the team. The lack of right shots on the blue line is a concern for the team.
More information about the Petry injury should come out today after the Red Wings’ practice.
Meanwhile, Lalonde did say post-game he will use a different goalie Saturday against the Predators. Lalonde has said previously that he planned to use all three of his goalies early in the season. But Husso struggled against the Penguins, and Lalonde pulled him early in the second period. Can Talbot relieved and gave up two goals on 14 shots.
The third goalie is of course Alex Lyon who did a good job for Detroit last season when it made an unsuccessful run at earning a playoff spot.
Marcus Pettersson silences Motown, and Husso gets the hook 🫢 pic.twitter.com/mXU1G1I4Da
— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) October 11, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
How the Red Wings can silence doubters and exceed expectations. Players like Vladimir Tarasenko and Alex DeBrincat need to maximize their scoring potential. Tarasenko scored his first goal as a Red Wing Thursday and DeBrincat had two tallies.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will return to Skelleftea’s lineup tonight in the SHL.
Paywall story: Bob Duff writes about the Red Wings spoofinag the memorable older cult classic movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Darren McCarty and Danny DeKeyser play roles. To subscribe to DHN+, click here. Use the coupon code HALF to get 50% off a yearly subscription. You also get ad-free reading and access to the behind-the-paywall at our other websites.
Red Wings Extra
Members of coach Derek Lalonde’s squad are undoubtedly glad there is a quick turnaround for Game 2 after their disappointing performance in Game 1. The Red Wings will play the Nashville Predators Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Despite a commitment to improved defensive play this season, the Red Wings lost 6-3. The Red Wings were good early, but could not sustain that level as the game wore on. Prospect report: Dimitri Buchelnikov (52nd, 2022) scored again Thursday in his KHL game. His statistics: three goals, 10 assists, 13 points in 14 games for Podolsk Vityaz.
Dimitri Buchelnikov(2nd round’22):1 Goal 2 SOG 2 Hits 15:44TOI in a 3-2 OT win. #LGRW pic.twitter.com/Kf4rgpQiGu
— Red Wings Prospects (@LGRWProspects) October 10, 2024
Hockey Now Network
Montreal: Young defenseman Lane Hutson impressive in loss to the Boston Bruins. Montreal Canadiens.
Philadelphia: The Flyers’ recent roster cuts exposed an organization weakness. Jonathan Bailey has the details. Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh: Here is the Penguins’ perspective about the win over the Red Wings from Dan Kingerski. Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose: Macklin Celebrini scored in his NHL debut, but the Sharks blew a three-goal lead to lose in overtime. San Jose Sharks.
MACKLIN CELEBRINI HAS HIS FIRST NHL GOAL IN HIS FIRST NHL GAME!!! 🤩 #NHLFaceOff
📺: @ESPNPlus ➡️ https://t.co/S5tPrXCygm pic.twitter.com/y5D0IVrbot
— NHL (@NHL) October 11, 2024 [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 11, 2024NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun went live on TSN on Thursday to shed some light on what has been a fascinating situation between Mikko Rantanen and the Avalanche management. Colorado’s star forward is still without a contract extension. His current deal expires next summer, and if negotiations were already tough, they certainly didn’t get any easier after Rantanen’s hat trick in the season opener in Vegas.
“Often superstars of his ilk get signed a year out like we saw with Leon Draisaitl in Edmonton. Like we saw with Rantanen’s teammate Nathan MacKinnon a couple of years ago,” LeBrun said on TSN’s Insider Trading segment. “But in this case, negotiations have yet to produce an extension. And I really don’t think that anything is imminent at this moment. I think there’s a gap here.”
Rantanen is in the final season of a six-year deal which pays him $9.25 million annually. But he’s expected to get a large raise — especially if he commits for eight years, which would take him through the prime of his career.
Draisaitl recently signed an eight-year extension with the Edmonton Oilers that begins in 2025-26. It’ll pay him $14 million per season, giving him the highest AAV in the NHL. His agent, Andy Scott also represents Rantanen.
“Some of the same conversations are happening. The cap is going up. The percentage of the cap,” LeBrun said. “Let’s not forget that MacKinnon at 12.6 million a year may be a bit of an internal cap for Colorado.”
General manager Chris MacFarland touched on Rantanen’s contract negotiations earlier in the week when he met with media at Family Sports. He assured us that he was not concerned about going into the season without an extension.
“These are not easy deals to do. The player obviously has the UFA right and the club has to make smart decisions both for the short term and the long term,” MacFarland said on Tuesday. “We’re not going to comment on it daily or weekly. But I can assure you of one thing. My phone is always on and Mikko’s representation’s phone is always on.”
Rantanen also touched on the lack of an extension when camp opened. His allegiance is with the Avs and he’d like to be here long term. But, “it’ll get done when it’s done.”
How long this stretches is anyone’s guess. I’m not one to believe that Rantanen is moving on. But I do believe his contract may cost more than initially thought — that these negotiations aren’t near the finish line. Will he make more than MacKinnon? I doubt it. But I truly do think he’ll be very close to MacKinnon’s number when all is said and done. But that’s just a prediction on my part.
“This should get done but I will tell you, not everyone knows for sure if it will. It’ll be interesting,” LeBrun said. [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 11, 2024Goaltending is all over the map in the NHL this fall. Not only have we already been treated to an entertaining albeit stressful standoff between the Boston Bruins and Jeremy Swayman, but we also have reports from NHL Insiders that Igor Shesterkin is looking to become the highest-paid NHL goalie in history. And he’s not just trying to pass Carey Price’s $10.5 million AAV by just a hair.
On the ice, Shesterkin is 1-0 with a shutout. Swayman didn’t look quite as strong, stopping just 20 of 24 shots in a 6-4 victory for Boston over the Montreal Canadiens, who came to TD Garden on the second leg of a back-to-back.
Swayman’s old running mate Linus Ullmark was excellent in his debut with the Ottawa Senators. The Swedish netminder signed a four-year extension worth the same $8.25 million AAV as Swayman earlier in the week and took that right into a strong performance, making 30 saves in a 3-1 triumph over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
In Detroit, Ville Husso struggled while Darcy Kuemper had a great start to his second stint with the L.A. Kings.
We’re also still waiting to see how Stuart Skinner and Alexandar Georgiev respond for Edmonton and Colorado, respectively, in their next games. Neither looked all that great on Wednesday.
Around The NHL
Buffalo Hockey Now: Kuemper’s strong performance came against the Buffalo Sabres, who are already 0-3 to start the season. This was perhaps one of the few teams that needed to do everything in their power to have a strong start and it just hasn’t happened. You can read all about their latest loss here.
Macklin Celebrini: Throw the puck towards the goal and good things will happen. Celebrini scored in his NHL debut on Thursday off a deflection in front. He was attempting a pass but it ended up in the back of the net. Really fun to see all the young talent in San Jose this year. They might not win a lot of games but it’ll be entertaining hockey to watch.
Tampa Bay Lightning: The Lightning announced that their home opener Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes will be postponed due to Hurricane Milton. While Amalie Arena did not suffer any damage from the storm, the team felt it made more sense to cancel the game, for now, while the community continues to recover from what has been a tough time in Florida. It was also nice to see Steven Stamkos send his best wishes to the community he called home for so long.
Tampa’s next home game is Tuesday. [...]Read more...
Danny DemilioOctober 11, 2024There was a brief serious pause for concern for Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Termarr Johnson in his Arizona Fall League debut with the Scottsdale Scorpions on Wednesday night.
Johnson couldn’t have had a much better game as he reached base safely three times including belting a leadoff homer to open the game. But the Pirates’ 2022 first-rounder hobbled off the field with assistance after an awkward looking swing and a miss in an at-bat during the eighth inning.
A collective sigh of relief was let out when Johnson was back on the field celebrating the win with his teammates. It was later revealed that Johnson was dealing with cramps.
Johnson returned to the field on Thursday night in the Scorpions’ 12-5 loss to the Surprise Saguaros. The 20-year-old again reached base three times. He drew a walk in his second plate appearance of the game, tripled in the seventh and singled in his final at-bat in the ninth. He also scored a pair of runs.
Through his first two games of the AFL, Johnson is 4 for 8 with a homer, a triple, a pair of walks, two RBIs and four runs scored.
Johnson wasn’t the only Pirates’ prospect to appear in Thursday’s game. Outfield prospect Sammy Siani went 1 for 5 and infielder Kervin Pichardo finished 1 for 4. It was the latter’s team debut.
The Scorpions (1-2) will next face the Glendale Desert Dogs on Friday night.
Links
Perrotto: Paul Skenes Already Looking Forward
Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 27: Promising OF/1B Edward Florentino
Perrotto: Make-or-Break Offseason for Ben Cherington
Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 28: Will Matt Ager Turn Into a Steal?
Around the Network:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Report Card: Blomqvist Rescues Pens for 1st Win; Malkin Dances
Steelers Now: Can Justin Fields Keep Steelers Starting Quarterback Gig?
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Talks Future of Kade Bell, Eli Holstein in Pittsburgh
SUBSCRIBE TO PBN+
For full-access to Pittsburgh Baseball Now, CLICK HERE. *** You also get full Penguins and Steelers coverage with your subscription! [...]Read more...
Jobe MorrisonOctober 11, 2024The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of a two-game skid. They will need to regroup as they head out west to visit the struggling Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders are always seemingly a tough matchup for the Steelers and will be starting a new quarterback Sunday. DraftKings Sportsbook has plenty of bets to place this weekend. Here are a few favorites we are looking out for.
George Pickens OVER 3.5 receptions -165
Talk about a week for George Pickens. He has been under the spotlight–and not for good reason. Where do you start? Well you could start on the film showing an unenthusiastic route running show. Then you could see the NFL Investigating his eye paint. Then after the last play of the game, he is seen yanking a Cowboys player down–almost leading to a brawl if not for quick acting officiating. Throughout the week, national and local media have made it a point to discuss his on-fields issues. Which makes him a prime candidate for getting the ball early and maybe often. You can bet he will get at least 4 receptions.
Najee Harris AT LEAST 50 yards rushing -290
Once again, it doesn’t look like the full running back corps will be healthy. Though Jaylen Warren appears to be making his way back, Mike Tomlin listed him as doubtful on Tuesday. This makes him a prime candidate to, again, get a bulk of the carries. He has eclipsed this mark in his two previous matchups against the Raiders. Expect this to also be a factor as the Raiders have lost Christian Wilkins indefinitely.
Click here to claim Draft Kings new customer promo and bet $5 to win $200 in bonus bets, instantly.
Justin Fields ANYTIME TD SCORER +215
By air or by ground, Justin Fields has made some plays for the Steelers offense. Though the offense is not where fans want it to be, Fields seems to be progressing each week. I would expect this to be a game where he uses his legs to score. The Raiders defensive line is beat up and will need to take advantage of this as they are allowing 131+ yards per game.
GAME PREDICTION: Steelers (-3) COVER -112, both teams hit the UNDER 36.5 points -108
It will likely be another low scoring contest where the defense answers the bell after some questionable performances. The implied score is 20-16 if the Steelers cover. I think that’s close, but I think it will be a little lower. Steeles cover the spread but hit the under total: 19-7.
Parlay Odds with all predictions: +2400 [...]Read more...
Shelly AndersonOctober 11, 2024Like a class with a substitute teacher, Dan’s Daily isn’t really Dan’s this day. After being on hand for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ bounce-back win Thursday night, Dan Kingerski was busy pondering the seemingly head-scratching reality that you have to travel south — SOUTH — across a bridge from Detroit to visit our neighbor to the north, Canada, where the Penguins play Saturday in Toronto.
Evgeni Malkin hit a milestone, and a rookie goaltender had a memorable debut in the Penguins’ 6-3 win over the Red Wings. The win helped erase the sour memories of a season-opening 6-0 loss at home against the New York Rangers a night earlier.
Elsewhere in the NHL, ESPN has the best goalie masks this season, a San Jose Sharks rookie had the second-fastest first-goal ever, the Columbus Blue Jackets revealed that team captain Boone Jenner will miss at least most of the season after shoulder surgery, and the game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning scheduled for Saturday at Amalie Arena has been postponed because of Hurricane Milton cleanup.
Pittsburgh Penguins
What a difference 24 hours made. The Penguins shored up their game and evened their record at 1-1-0 with the win in Motown. Joel Blomqvist, forced into backup goalie duty with Alex Nedeljkovic injured, started and helped hold off the Red Wings. Here is the Penguins postgame recap.
Even within the game, there were a couple of different games. The first period was survival, followed by two periods of attacking the Detroit Red Wings’ vulnerable defense and goaltending. The Penguins got a much-needed win, and Kingerski issued a few high grades but also one stinging assessment in the Penguins report card.
Blomqvist graded out well, especially in the first period. Evgeni Malkin hit 800 career assists, Anthony Beauvillier scored twice in his Penguins debut, and the team got a boost with a goal and an assist from a somewhat unlikely source, Marcus Pettersson.
PHN Video: The Coach’s Debrief is a new series we’re piloting with coach and hockey executive Francis Anzalone. With complete detail from someone who’s been in the coaches’ room (including the Penguins’ room), here’s a sharp breakdown of what the players did (and needed to do) and what the coaches were saying after the Penguins” opening loss.
The video is a must for fans and nerds who want to know what goes on behind closed doors. Anazlone also had a detailed breakdown on Ryan Graves and the Penguins’ defensemen, too.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: One bright spot in the Pirates’ season was the performance of a starter who is a top candidate to be named Rookie of the Year. John Perrotto points out that despite feeling their way through handling the ace, the Pirates ended up with a perfect plan for Paul Skenes.
Steelers Now: The Steelers have lost two games in a row. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who has been listed all along at QB1 but has not yet made his team debut, appears to be close to ready to return from injury. So what are the chances that Justin Fields continues to start?
NHL News & National Hockey Now
TSN: Penguins division foe Columbus has learned that team captain Boone Jenner will be out an estimated five to six months after having shoulder surgery. Already reeling after the offseason death of Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matt, the Blue Jackets could be without Jenner for the season, although GM Don Waddell is hopeful Boone can return for the team’s outdoor game March 1.
Also from TSN: The insiders rolled through four unsigned defensemen with big names and reputations but no contract this season.
Sportsnet: Tampa Bay was supposed to play its home opener Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes. In a coincidence that’s not funny, the game has been postponed, with no makeup date yet, because of cleanup efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Milton.
San Jose Hockey Now: An old familiar sting hit the San Jose Sharks, who blew a three-goal, third-period lead in losing in overtime to the St. Louis Blues. However, with hard times come high draft picks, and the Sharks’ witnessed the second-fastest first-goal in history from 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini.
Of course, the fastest remains Mario Lemieux. First shift, first shot, first goal.
Florida Hockey Now: Another team captain got hurt, this time in the Florida Panthers’ loss to Ottawa. An apparent leg injury from a crash into the boards led to team captain Sasha Barkov being helped off the ice.
Philly Hockey Now: What was a promising crop of defensemen for the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers evaporated as none made the final roster. What does that say about the team’s depth?
Islanders Hockey Now: Will Mat Barzal set career highs in goals and points for the New York Islanders? Will the team finally finish with more points than Carolina? Check out four bold predictions.
ESPN: And just for fun, the best goalie masks of the 2024-25 season. [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 11, 2024Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Thursday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Top prospect Ivan Demidov’s situation in the KHL is far from ideal, to say the least. While it’s normal to expect a young player to work his way up the lineup, SKA Saint-Petersburg rewarded Demidov’s strong start to his professional career by cutting his ice time drastically. Since the time he was named the Rookie Of The Month to now, Demidov has been given very few opportunities, equating to about four minutes of ice time per game. To make matters worse, Demidov’s rare shifts take place with four liners, as he was also relegated to the bottom of the lineup.
Demidov was held scoreless on Thursday in SKA’s 4-2 loss to Dinamo Minsk, though he was only given four shifts throughout the entire game. It should be noted SKA was struggling to create scoring chances on their way to being out shot significantly, to the tune of 39-23. As a reminder, SKA has one of the best and most expensive lineups in the league, but are currently a mid-pack team, as head coach Roman Rotenberg has been out coached on several occasions.
This is the exact same treatment SKA gave to Matvei Michkov before they loaned him to Sochi, but that’s not an option in Demidov’s case, as players with just one year remaining in their contract cannot be loaned in the KHL.
SKA lost 4-2 today to Dinamo Minsk.
Ivan Demidov played 3:17 mins as the 13th forward.
1st period: 2:01 mins
2nd period: 1:16 mins
3rd period: 0 mins pic.twitter.com/Fzb6QOhG3l
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 10, 2024
Oliver Kapanen made his NHL debut on Thursday, playing on the fourth line alongside Jake Evans and Brendan Gallagher. The only other lineup change ahead of the game versus the Boston Bruins was goaltender Cayden Primeau replacing Samuel Montembeault, as it was the team’s second game in as many nights. [Oliver Kapanen Set To Make NHL Debut]
The Habs lost, but rookie Lane Hutson stole the show for the Canadiens on Thursday night, producing two assists to push his NHL totals to four points in four games. Even at this very early stage of his career it’s clear Hutson is one of the most talented players in the lineup, and often times, the ice. His ability to drive the offence via excellent play in transition will be a boon for this team for years to come. On the flip side of the age equation, veteran Brendan Gallagher put together yet another solid performance, a common theme since the midway point of the 2023-24 season. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Lane Hutson Shines In Defeat To Bruins]
The strong start to Hutson’s NHL career puts him in some very good Montreal Canadiens company.
Most points recorded by a @CanadiensMTL player younger than 21 within their first 4 career NHL games:
5- Bernie Geoffrion
5- Andre Boudrias
4- Lane Hutson (Via his 2 assists so far tonight against the Bruins)
4- Guy Lafleur
4- Petr Svoboda
4- Stephane Richer
4- Brendan Gallagher pic.twitter.com/erhA3BIU95
— StatsCentre (@StatsCentre) October 11, 2024
Patrik Laine is doing his best to maintain a positive attitude while he deals with his knee injury. The strong support from Habs fans will do a lot of good from a mental health standpoint.
Patrik Laine on IG:
“Hey everyone! Thank you all for supporting our page and happy world mental health day 💚” pic.twitter.com/nd0h2pOSmV
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 10, 2024
National Hockey Now Network
Red Wings goalie Ville Husso still hasn’t played a 60-minute NHL game since Dec. 14. He didn’t pull his groin muscle again, but he did get pulled. [Detroit Red Wings]
The Buffalo Sabres cannot win games by scoring one goal a night, as head coach Lindy Ruff pointed out Thursday postgame. The team’s lack of production, despite numerous grade-A scoring chances, cost them a win against the Los Angeles Kings. [Buffalo Sabres]
The Philadelphia Flyers had a number of young defence prospects pushing for an NHL roster spot out of training camp. [Philadelphia Flyers] [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 11, 2024The Florida Panthers had their minds on other matters following their 3-1 loss to the Ottawa Senators with captain Sasha Barkov having to be helped off the ice after being injured in the game’s final minutes.
Barkov was hurt trying to keep a puck out of an empty net, sliding in the way of Tim Stutzle and ending up going full-speed into the boards.
After a few moments down on the ice, Barkov was helped to the training room with the aid of teammates Evan Rodrigues and Uvis Balinskis.
Barkov was favoring his right leg, flexing his knee a few times as he was moving toward the bench.
“First, I want to say, I hope he’s not hurt,” Stutzle said per NHL.com. “That was just an unfortunate play, I guess. I just saw he lost a stick, so I saw an opportunity there, and the game was really tight and I felt like they were pushing.”
Coach Paul Maurice did not have much of an update on Barkov’s injury afterward — the play happened with 1:10 remaining — saying Barkov was being medically evaluated.
“He’s going to looked at here tonight, and probably tomorrow as well,’’ Maurice said.
Both Balinskis and Anton Lundell were asked about Barkov’s injury and did not have much information, either.
Barkov Gets Hurt, What the Florida Panthers Can Do Next
“I don’t really know what happened yet,’’ Lundell said. “Just saw him go down, we don’t want to see that. Can’t say much right now, but hopefully he is OK and it isn’t anything bigger.”
When it came to the game, Florida played pretty well, the result notwithstanding.
Barkov, especially.
After going down 2-0 in the first half of the opening period, the Panthers controlled the pace of play and dominated puck possession.
The only problem? Goalie Linus Ullmark.
The former Boston netminder stood on his head making 30 saves. Florida’s lone goal came on a point shot from Gus Forsling at 15:48 of the second.
Ullmark made 30 saves including 22 in the final two periods.
“We played better as the game went along,’’ Lundell said, “we just couldn’t get the second goal.’’
Ullmark has now won 10 of his past 11 regular-season games against the Panthers.
The 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner is 13-3-1 against Florida with Buffalo, Boston, and now, the Senators.
“There’s a reason why they’ve been so successful: They come in waves and keep grinding,” Ullmark said. “They don’t get frustrated, even if they’re down. So, it’s a special win, definitely.”
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— The Panthers took 85 shot attempts against the Senators, with Ottawa blocking 30 shots. Florida blocked nine with Ottawa taking 49 shot attempts.
— With Adam Boqvist out after being struck in the face with an errant clearing pass on Tuesday, Balinskis ran the top power-play unit.
Nate Schmidt made his Florida debut and was up top on the second power-play unit.
— Maurice changed his top two lines in the second period, swapping out Carter Verhaeghe and Rodrigues on the left side.
— The Panthers are off to Buffalo where they, unlike the Dolphins, must enjoy the Western New York hospitality.
Florida has won its past five games and eight of the past 11 at KeyBank Center.
ON DECK: GAME 3
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT BUFFALO SABRES
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
Last Season (Panthers Won 3-0) — At Buffalo: Panthers 4, Sabres 0 (Feb. 15). At Florida: Panthers 3, Sabres 2 (Feb. 28); Panthers 3, Sabres 2 OT (Ap.13).
All-time Regular Season Series: Florida leads 57-45-8, 4 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Monday at Boston Bruins, 1 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 11, 2024The opponents, once again, were impressed by what they saw of Macklin Celebrini.
“Those are like Crosby plays,” Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy said after Celebrini’s multi-point preseason debut for the San Jose Sharks on Sept. 22.
Following the 2024 first-overall’s one goal and one assist regular season debut on Thursday night, the St. Louis Blues were gushing too.
“An unreal player,” Radek Faksa said.
Brayden Schenn and head coach Drew Bannister were also highly complimentary of Celebrini.
The Sharks lost 5-4 in OT, but they’ve certainly won in adding one of the brightest young stars in the game.
At San Jose Hockey Now…
New San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky is doing things much differently than we’ve seen from past coaches.
Mikael Granlund appears to be a natural mentor for Will Smith.
Breaking camp with the Sharks means something extra-special to Danil Gushchin.
Yaroslav Askarov has no problem being in the AHL.
Some fun tidbits about Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith.
Other Sharks News…
Draymond Green was at SAP Center to tweet about Macklin Celebrini’s debut:
Can confirm, Draymond Green is in fact at the tank tonight with other Warriors to support Macklin Celebrini in his debut. 🏀#DubNation #TheFutureIsTeal https://t.co/96y783eyZ9 pic.twitter.com/BXojSQNsiM
— SnipeCity420 (@SnipeCity420) October 11, 2024
Yaroslav Askarov looks good in his new Barracuda duds.
Game Ready🔥 #MediaDay pic.twitter.com/OVRPT3YBWB
— SJ Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) October 10, 2024
The Sharks’ star prospects will face physical hurdles, sure, but the mental challenges may be the biggest ones.
Jay Pandolfo, Ray Ferraro, Jonathan Becher, and others talk about Celebrini.
Macklin Celebrini (18 years, 119 days) is the 2nd-youngest #TheFutureIsTeal skater to have two points in a game. Youngest: Patrick Marleau (18-064) on Nov. 18, 1997 vs Ducks (2 goals) #NHLStats
— Darin Stephens (@SharksStats) October 11, 2024
Henry Thrun on his new power play role.
Opening Night Ages (Years-Days):Macklin Celebrini 18-119, Will Smith 19-207
2nd time #TheFutureIsTeal will have two players younger than 20 years old in an opening night lineup.
Previous: Oct. 9, 1998 vs Flames in Tokyo>Patrick Marleau (19-024) and Scott Hannan (19-259)
— Darin Stephens (@SharksStats) October 10, 2024
Around the NHL…
Lightning and Hurricanes postponed by lightning and hurricanes https://t.co/XujExhUnXJ
— Greg Wyshynski (@wyshynski) October 10, 2024
How is David Quinn impacting the Pittsburgh Penguins‘ power play?
Sasha Barkov is injured.
Valeri Nichushkin is expected to practice with the Colorado Avalanche in November.
Ex-Sharks news: Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers, Nikolai Knyzhov signs in the ECHL, Steven Lorentz flourishing with his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, Santeri Hattaka undergoes shoulder surgery.
Linus Ullmark inks an extension, as does Joey Daccord. But…
88 million reasons aren’t enough to get Igor Shesterkin to sign an extension.
Steven Stamkos makes his Nashville Predators debut.
At Kraken practice where Dan Bylsma’s dog is just chilling out with a salmon in her mouth during his press conference. #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/lhcsMohUar
— Ryan S. Clark (@ryan_s_clark) October 10, 2024 [...]Read more...
Jobe MorrisonOctober 11, 2024The Pittsburgh Steelers head out west to face the Las Vegas Raiders in what will be the 4th consecutive season. The Steelers have been able to win 2 of the previous 3 matchups. On Sunday, a familiar face who has been on the rise will take the field for the Raiders. You might remember him from a memorable tackle on Derrick Henry in 2020. Mike Tomlin has a saying about nameless, grey faces. However, this particular one is former inside linebacker Robert Spillane. Spillane will certainly seek vengeance against his former team. On Thursday, Spillane was quoted expressing how this means a lot to him.
“Leaving them has only to the chip on my shoulder…they had a chance to bring me back in free agency but I’m here now and I’m so thankful to be a Raider and I look forward to bringing it to them on Sunday.”
The Steelers haven’t solidified an answer at ILB. They have shuffled through names like Devin Bush, Myles Jack, Joe Schoebert, and many more last year. So far their offseason acquisition of Patrick Queen and 3rd round pick Payton Wilson has yielded mixed results. During his time in Pittsburgh, Spillane felt like the only piece that could somehow be relied on. It makes sense he feels a certain way about the Steelers not trying to get him back in the black and gold.
Spillane entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Western Michigan in 2018. He spent his rookie campaign on the Tennessee Titans squad before his release in the 2019 offseason. He was scooped up by the Steelers and he never looked back.
Much of the 2019 season was spent on the practice squad, however he was eventually elevated to the active roster. He would contribute in special teams before he got his crack in the lineup in 2020. After Devin Bush was lost for the season, Spillane cracked the starting lineup and never looked back. He would go on to make 17 career starts for the Steelers the next three seasons. He totaled 191 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and a memorable pick-6 in his second career start.
Since joining the Raiders, Spillane has not missed a game making 22 starts to this point in the black and silver. [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 11, 2024The New Jersey Devils didn’t secure two points for their head coach on Thursday night. He certainly wasn’t happy with the effort in front of Jacob Markstrom in their own end of the ice. More on the Devils’ loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the links below.
Plus, Santeri Hatakka’s injury is finally revealed. An ex-Devils goaltender hits waivers and more Devils news.
Elsewhere, Columbus loses their captain, multiple New York Rangers contract negotiations, and are the Isles slept on?
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils News
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils’ left side of the blue line has been decimated by injuries. It doesn’t get any better after Santeri Hatakka‘s injury was revealed on Thursday.
More NJHN: In a surprise move by the Winnipeg Jets, they’ve waived an ex-Devils goaltender in favor of Eric Comrie.
Even More: Before puck drop last night, there was plenty of reason for Sheldon Keefe to be distracted by nostalgia. Yet, the Devils’ head coach remained focused.
Devils Postgame: Keefe Disappointed, Defense Struggles in 4-2 Loss to Maple Leafs
New Jersey Hockey Now +
Subscribe to NJHN+ and use code James10 for $10 off (yearly subscriptions) at checkout. Right now, take advantage of our 50% off sale. Details below⤵️
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
On the first night the NHL was hosted on Amazon Prime, insider Frank Seravalli reveals that Igor Shesterkin isn’t the only contract the Blueshirts are trying to lock down.
With so much focus on Igor Shesterkin, #NYR have also been working on a deal with Alexis Lafreniere going back to summer.
Talks ongoing. Different options on table. One of them: 8 years x $8 mil range.
Details tonight on @SportsOnPrimeCA:pic.twitter.com/0TstJvskN6
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) October 11, 2024
Sportsnet: In the most hockey related news ever, Phil Kessel joins the World Poker Tour as a global ambassador.
TSN: The Columbus Blue Jackets will be without their captain, potentially, for all of 2024-25. Announced on Thursday, Boone Jenner underwent successful shoulder surgery.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Marcus Pettersson’s boss was effusive, to say the least. That could be a great thing and a boost for the Pittsburgh Penguins steady defenseman. But there’s another side to the story.
NYI Hockey Now: Not many are singing the praises of Lou Lamoriello and his New York Islanders this season. However, they have made some sneaky good additions. Can they be better? Here are four bold predictions for the Isles.
The Isles might have lost in their season debut, but Maxim Tsyplakov scored in a big moment in his NHL debut. In fact, head coach Patrick Roy has explained his game very well might be better suited for the NHL than the KHL.
Welcome to the NHL Maxim Tsyplakov 🚨 pic.twitter.com/8Xc8MpZTPi
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 11, 2024
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
And on Threads:
@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 11, 2024What a start to Macklin Celebrini’s career.
Just 7:01 into his NHL debut, the 2024 San Jose Sharks’ No. 1 pick attempted a pass that went off St. Louis Blues’ defenseman Matthew Kessel and into the net.
Poetry on ice 🤌
pic.twitter.com/ZS5SsgIAZ2
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 11, 2024
“It was just a lucky bounce off the D skate,” Celebrini acknowledged.
But it put Celebrini in some hallowed company.
The only first-overall selection to score his first NHL goal faster was Mario Lemieux in 2:59 in 1984. Celebrini was faster than Mike Modano in 8:14 in 1989 and Auston Matthews in 8:21 in 2016.
Initially, Celebrini thought his linemate William Eklund scored: “I was like nice goal, and he was just like, I didn’t score, you did. I thought he was just super excited that he scored, but I guess he was happy for me.”
Eklund celebrates Celebrini's first NHL goal!
(H/T @hockeyshots) pic.twitter.com/zz0RGe02Qd
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
Celebrini capped off a debut to remember with a highlight-reel pass to Tyler Toffoli for his first-ever assist.
Macklin Celebrini’s first NHL assist ✅Tyler Toffoli’s first Sharks goal ✅Sharks lead ✅ pic.twitter.com/wI0dD4I5N3
— Sharks on NBCS (@NBCSSharks) October 11, 2024
“Definitely,” Toffoli said, on if he expected the pass. “He did the same thing first game preseason we played together. He’s an incredible, incredible talent.”
It was a memorable night for Celebrini and fellow San Jose Sharks’ super prospect Will Smith, despite the 5-4 OT loss.
From their team-up solo warm-up lap to their opening night introductions, San Jose Sharks fans showered them with love.
Celebrini and Smith come out for their solo lap together and to huge applause pic.twitter.com/2sRSvUUWmZ
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
This is the largest crowd for #SJSharks warmups that I’ve seen in years pic.twitter.com/L8iegvNkV5
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
The Macklin Celebrini pop! pic.twitter.com/PfxQE5TwUy
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
But despite the storybook start, the ending gnawed at Celebrini.
“It’s cool to get the first of both for my career,” he said. “But we lost, so it sucks.” [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 11, 2024The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks are set to faceoff tonight in Winnipeg for the Jets’ home opener.
For the Blackhawks, tonight’s game is all about not letting one loss turn into a losing streak. So, here is everything to know about the Winnipeg Jets going into tonight’s game.
Game 2 Blackhawks Opponent Watch: Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets enter tonight’s home opener hungry. After losing in the First Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs last summer, the Jets have something to prove over the course of the season. Winnipeg started the year on the right note facing off against the defending Western Conference Champs – the Edmonton Oilers.
In a tough game on the road, Winnipeg beat the Oilers on Wednesday. In a decisive fashion, the Jets beat Edmonton 6-0 with Connor Hellebuyck stopping all 30 shots from the Oilers.
Winnipeg had goals from a handful of different players on the roster: Adam Lowry, Mason Appleton, Rasmus Kupari, Dylan Samberg, Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele.
Highlights from the Winnipeg Jets 6 to 0 win over the Edmonton Oilers:
Season Leaders:
With just one game under Winnipeg’s belt here are last season’s leaders.
Goals: Kyle Connor (34)
Assists: Josh Morrissey (59)
Points: Mark Scheifele (72)
Special Teams:
The Winnipeg Jets went two for three on the power play and killed off the Oilers one power play on the night. Winnipeg actually had a below average power play and penalty kill last season so it will be interesting to see how the Blackhawks do with special teams tonight.
Player to Watch:
In three games against the Winnipeg Jets last season, Connor Bedard registered three goals, including two right after Christmas last season on Dec. 27, 2023. Connor Hellebuyck is a tough goalie, this will be a big test for the Hawks.
Key to Success:
The Blackhawks registered just 26 shots on goal against Utah on Tuesday. Tonight, look for the Blackhawks to shoot the puck more often – focusing less on setting up the perfect play and more on getting the puck to the net to create chances.
Hellebuyck is a tough goalie to beat. Chicago may have to hope for some deflections and screens in front to get the netminder off of his game.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@CHIHockeyNow, @JimRLynch
And on Threads:
@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Derrick BellOctober 11, 2024With the Pittsburgh Steelers dropping two straight and falling out of the division lead, you knew that the rumblings for a quarterback change were going to get a little bit louder this week. Russell Wilson, captain and still the first-team signal caller on the depth chart, went through practice as a full participant for the first time since re-aggravating his calf injury prior to the season opener. At this point, is there anything that Justin Fields can to do keep the gig under center?
It’s worth remembering that Wilson was the first domino this offseason and he was immediately considered the favorite to start the season as QB1, with head coach Mike Tomlin repeatedly admitting that the nine-time Pro Bowler had “pole position” in his competition with Fields. Because of his health, we’ve seen very little of him since the training camp began. But Wilson’s lengthy NFL resume is likely going to matter more to the coaching staff than anything they could have learned about him in that setting.
In his unexpected opportunity, Fields has been mostly solid through the first month of the season. Among NFL quarterbacks in 2024, he ranks 15th in both EPA/play and success rate while cutting his turnovers rate down from his time in Chicago. In totality, he’s played a little bit better than most would have expected given the fact that he’s functioning in an environment that includes: an offensive line featuring a revolving door of cast members, an inconsistent run game and the lack of complimentary playmakers on the outside. He absolutely deserves credit for that.
But Fields is coming off his worst game in a Steelers uniform from a tape perspective. Not all of the blame should fall at his feet as there were several throws that hit receivers in the hands that they couldn’t haul in. Tomlin repeatedly recalled the first quarter incompletion to Connor Heyward that had a smidge too much air on it but was a good enough throw to be caught. The lack of explosive plays in this offense, particularly off play action, are a notable reason why this unit is only averaging 18.4 points per game, landing 26th in the NFL. Obviously,
On Sunday night, the more concerning part was that Fields simply didn’t execute the offense at a high level. He turned down a big play to Calvin Austin III on a deep crosser over the middle before proceeding to launch an ill-advised throw to the backside safety that should have been intercepted. There were multiple occasions on third down where his eyes went to Pat Freiermuth during his drop but went elsewhere with the ball despite No. 88 winning versus man coverage. All of this of course came on a night where Dallas was missing their two best defensive players in Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence.
As a quarterback, there are things that will always be outside of your control including the separation generated by your receivers, the effectiveness of your run game and even the play calling from your offensive coordinator. But Fields has to capitalize on the plays where there are open receivers within the structure of the offense. Not executing in those moments are things that drive the folks in charge crazy because they’re effectively missed opportunities that cost you dearly at the end of the day.
That sets the stage for this Sunday being arguably the most important game of Fields career because it could determine whether or not he’s the guy moving forward. It’s unrealistic to expect him to light up the box score given the environment he’s operating within, even against a Las Vegas Raiders defense that is short-handed in their own right. But Fields is capable of playing much better than he did last weekend and we know that as the truth because we’ve seen it before as recently as this year. He just needs to execute the offense, play within himself and make the splash plays when they’re given to him.
His goal this weekend should be pretty simple: score some more points and win the game. If he leaves this weekend as 4-2 as a starter and playing pretty good football, it’s going to be a little more difficult to turn to Wilson. It would be even more impressive if he can elevate the play of his teammates. However, if Fields doesn’t play well on Sunday, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if the coaching staff wants to make a change. That’s the life of a backup quarterback in this league trying to resurrect your career. Sometimes the hand that you’re dealt is far from ideal and in this case, that’s true. All he can do is be his best, force the Steelers into making a tough decision and see where the cards fall after that. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 11, 2024Steelers Daily News & Links: Your daily stop for all of the news and links from the Pittsburgh Steelers, NFL and around the Sports Now Group
🏈 Mike Tyson picked the Las Vegas Raiders to beat the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. The former heavyweight champion lives in Vegas, so it’s not surprising that he’s going with the Silver and Black.
“Raiders gonna win baby,” Tyson said, via Vegas Sports Today.
🏈 Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth were mic’d up during the Penguins-Rangers game ringside on Wednesday night.
Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth at the Pens Game
Najee: “oh sh*t scared the f*ck out of me.” 🤣🤣#steelers #penguins
🎥IG/ bleacher report pic.twitter.com/RaEfKkGIXp
— Matthew Luciow (@matthewluciow92) October 10, 2024
🏈 The Steelers have 22 missed tackles on the season (third-lowest in the NFL). The Raiders are dead last in the NFL with 56 missed tackles, per advanced stats from Pro Football Reference.
🏈 A Politico article explained how recently Elon Musk admitted to being both a Steelers and a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
Musk was captured waiving a Terrible Towel before the Steelers-Cowboys game. He also wrote on X, “Go Steelers!!” He was next to Steelers co-owner and fellow billionaire Thomas Tull in a suite. Tull is a businessman, entrepreneur, and film producer. He is the former chairman and chief executive officer of Legendary Entertainment. Tull has been a fan of the Steelers since age four and in 2009 became a part-owner of the team.
🏈 George Pickens’ dad sent a message to the Steelers on X.
“George Pickens the Athlete. A very fiery competitor, that wants to win. He’s a very talented young guy that has definitely been misunderstood. He has the Super Competitive Gene. Guys with that Gene, have to be involved early and often. It’s a engaged tactic. Involve him early.”
George Pickens the Athlete. A very fiery competitor, that wants to win. He's a very talented young guy that has definitely been misunderstood. He has the Super Competitive Gene. Guys with that Gene, have to be involved early and often. It's a engaged tactic. Involve him early. pic.twitter.com/Bg9NkBuKDj
— George Pickens # GP3 (@George33101361) October 9, 2024
🏈 T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward are the only defensive linemen with an 80+ pass rushing and run defense grade this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
🏈 Happy 30th Birthday to Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt, born on Oct. 11, 1994 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin. Watt recorded his 100th career sack in Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. He joined Reggie White and Jared Allen as only the third player since 1982 to reach 100 career sacks before his 30th birthday.
STEELERS NOW CONTENT FROM Oct. 10
TE Pat Freiermuth Latest Steelers Starter to Suffer Injury
George Pickens Said He Didn’t Know Rule, Doesn’t Expect Blowback from Profane Eye Black Message
Steelers Get OLB Alex Highsmith Back at Practice
Russell Wilson Unsure of Role vs. Raiders: ‘That’s a Big Question’
Steelers Afternoon Drive: George Pickens SPEAKS…Sort Of
George Pickens Claims Low Snap Count Is Not His Fault: ‘It’s All Up to Art’
Could Steelers WR Roman Wilson Make His NFL Debut This Week?
Steelers Have an Unusual Option at OLB
NEWS FROM AROUND THE SPORTS NOW NETWORK
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Report Card: Blomqvist Rescues Pens for 1st Win; Malkin Dances
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Perrotto: Paul Skenes Already Looking Forward
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Pitt HC Pat Narduzzi Talks Future of Kade Bell, Eli Holstein in Pittsburgh
West Virginia Sports Now: WVU Long Snapper Austin Brinkman Makes Major Midseason All-America Team
Nittany Sports Now: How can USC Limit the Penn State Run Game? Lincoln Riley Weighs In
Pittsburgh Soccer Now: Duquesne Men’s Soccer uses second half explosion earn tie atop A-10 standings [...]Read more...
Bob DuffOctober 11, 2024Already facing a shortage of rights, the Detroit Red Wings saw another one taken away from them in Thursday’s 6-3 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Jeff Petry, one of two right-shot defenseman on the Detroit roster, was departing from the game due to an upper-body injury. His status going forward remains unclear.
“Yeah, upper body,” Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde said. “Hasn’t been evaluated yet.”
Detroit was able to get through last season without any long-term injuries along the blue line. One game into this campaign, there’s already concern regarding the team’s defensive corps.
Moritz Seider is the only right-shot defenseman currently on the roster. If Petry is to be out long-term, look for right-shot D Justin Holl to be summoned from the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.
“We asked all the lefties to play on their off-hand there and we lost a top-four (defenseman in Petry),” Lalonde
Ghost Of A Chance
Brought in to replace Shayne Gostisbehere, Erik Gustafsson certainly was filling the bill in the opener. The Swedish defenseman did some good work on the power play, collecting an assist.
This play from Geno to DOC 🔥 pic.twitter.com/j15F4UKtnb
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 11, 2024
At the same time, he was frightful five-on-five. Gustafsson was among six Detroit players who were minus-2 on the night. He was completely turnstiled by Evgeni Malkin on Pittsburgh’s third goal. Meanwhile, his D partner Olli Maatta stood there like the house on the side of the road and watched Drew O’Connor shoot the puck by Detroit goalie Ville Husso.
Crosby Crushes Red Wings
Detroit fans love to hate Sidney Crosby and there may be cause for that. Sid The Kid is an absolute Red Wings killer.
His two-assist performance on Thursday’s win was Crosby’s eighth multi-point game in the last 11 against Detroit. He’s been good for 18-28-46 numbers.
The Pittsburgh captain is a big reason why the Penguins are 10-2-2 in the last 14 against Detroit and 5-2 in their last seven visits to Little Caesars Arena.
Ice Chips
Forward Alex DeBrincat figured in all three Detroit goals, scoring twice and assisting on Vladimir Tarasenko’s first Red Wings goal. DeBrincat recorded 18 multi-point games and seven three-point performances during the 2023-24 campaign . . . Lucas Raymond would collect two assists. Raymond paced the Red Wings with 21 multi-point games in 2023-24, including nine multi-assist outings . . . Seider played his 247th consecutive NHL game, surpassing Bryan McCabe for the seventh-longest consecutive game streak by a defenseman from the start of his NHL career. [...]Read more...
Danny McCloskeyOctober 11, 2024Steve Staios could not have drawn the season opener any better than that. Well maybe a little less sitting back in the second half of the game would’ve been nice, but I digress. The Senators defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers 3-1, with Linus Ullmark and Tim Stützle leading the way. It wasn’t just that the Senators won, though. It felt like Staios’ offseason vision came together quite nicely, at least for a game. Let’s dive into the details.
READ MORE: Senators Lock in Linus Ullmark to Big Contract
Stützle’s Strong Start
Stützle started off the scoring with a power play snipe through a screen. What made this so noticeable is that he scored just one power play goal all of last year. A big emphasis this season was to fix the special teams. How about a power play goal on the team’s first power play of the season? Stützle would also put the game away with a nice hustle play to finish off an empty netter. He ate up about 20 minutes of ice-time, and is well on his way to surpassing the 18 goals from a year ago.
Ullmark’s Great Debut
This is the type of game the Senators would’ve found a way to lose last season. Step one, dominate early. Step two, give up a weak goal or two. And of course, step 3, fall apart. This time around, the Senators avoided the last two steps, thanks in large part to Ullmark. He has a calming presence in his game. There’s never any panic. In the end, Ullmark stopped 30 shots, including 16 in the third period to secure the win. Fresh off signing a new contract, Ullmark is off to a nice start.
Special Teams Success
Special teams were a disaster last season. They finished bottom ten in the league on the power play, and bottom five on the penalty kill. I won’t act like this was a special teams masterclass, but all in all, this was a good start. They scored the aforementioned Stützle power play goal in the first to get the scoring started, and they killed off both Panthers power plays. There was plenty of intrigue to see who would be playing on the Senators special teams this season.
Their top power play unit consisted of Stützle, Tkachuk, Batherson, Norris, and Sanderson. No surprises there. On the penalty kill, some interesting choices were made. They used the following forwards to kill penalties: Amadio, Giroux, Gregor, Greig, Norris, and Pinto. On defense, they used Sanderson, Zub, Chabot, and Jensen. The intriguing players in that group are Pinto, Norris, and Chabot. Starting with Chabot, he hasn’t been used much on the PK over the years. Perhaps this is an attempt to have him play a more well-rounded game. As for Norris and Pinto, it makes sense to try to round out their game by killing penalties. With Stützle as the top offensive centre, the Senators need their next centres to be able to eat up some of those defensive minutes.
Final Thoughts
It’s just one game, but it’s always nice to start the season with a win. Sanderson, Stützle and Ullmark all looked great. Shane Pinto also played a strong game, including a first period snipe. Travis Green had the players ready to go, right from puck drop. If there were any concerns, it was how the Senators backed off in the second half of the game, allowing the Panthers to push the pace as the game went along. We’ll have to see if that’s a common problem going forward or not. For now, let’s just enjoy a 1-0 start, and the dreams of the Senators becoming the first 82-0 team in league history. [...]Read more...
Russ MaciasOctober 11, 2024ELMONT, NY — The Utah Hockey Club picked up their first-ever overtime victory in a 5-4 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night in UBS Arena. Dylan Guenther, including the OT Winner, scored a pair to steal the show from debuting Islanders Maxim Tsyplakov and Anthony Duclair.
For the Islanders, it was a familiar yet different story. They started out tentative and a bit sloppy with the puck, while Utah clearly looked sharper, thanks to their game on Tuesday.
First Period:
Regardless, on their first powerplay of the game, the Islanders scored when Duclair’s skate deflected home a Noah Dobson shot from the point, giving the Islanders a 1-0 lead. Utah challenged the goal for goalie interference, but the review found nothing.
The ensuing powerplay saw Kyle Palmieri have the chance of the game. Connor Ingram went behind the net to play the puck off a dump-in. Instead, the puck caromed to the slot where Palmieri gathered and fired… only Ingram somehow dove back in time and made the mid-air save. Had that gone in and made the game 2-0, this game would likely end differently.
The Islanders squandered the rest of that powerplay and another one in the first period, leaving chances on the board. Utah got its first powerplay after Alexander Romanov took an interference penalty.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau attempted to break up a Logan Cooley-to-Matias Maccelli pass but missed, leading to Maccelli finding an open Lawson Crouse, who buried his one-timer to tie the game at 1 with under a minute to play in the period.
Second Period:
The second period was probably the worst of the three periods for the Islanders. There were turnovers aplenty, as the Islanders kept trying to be “too cute” with the puck, which Duclair said postgame. Duclair added, “We didn’t get off to a good enough start. We were finding our legs.”
Brock Nelson had multiple chances to clear the puck out while Utah buzzed but flubbed multiple times, leading to his line being stuck out there. Eventually, Barrett Hayton deflected home a Mikhail Sergachev shot, and Utah had a 2-1 lead, which lasted the rest of the frame.
Third Period:
After trailing 2-1 entering the third period, the Islanders roared back, fueled by goals from Bo Horvat and then Pageau on the penalty kill to take a 3-2 lead. Horvat’s goal was set up beautifully by Duclair, who sent a saucer pass over two defensemen to the tape of Horvat, who made no mistake. Pageau’s came off a rush with Simon Holmstrom. Pageau slid a pass to Holmstrom, whose shot popped in the air and landed perfectly for Pageau to sweep into the yawning cage.
45 seconds after Pageau’s shorty, Guenther struck a wide-open one-timer to tie the game at three. Ryan Pulock, who was out there when the goal went in, said: “You’re always going to have a man open somewhere, but we’ve got to go back and look and see when someone’s too high or too low and go from there.”
The rest of the third period saw chances at both ends, leading to a rush chance for Nelson. He carried in and made a nice pass to Tsyplakov. Tsyplakov then electrified the crowd with a blazing wrister to give the Islanders a 4-3 lead with just 2:07 left in the period.
13 seconds later, Josh Doan silenced the arena with an equalizer that never should’ve happened. Alex Kerfoot bullied Romanov away from the puck, then made a centering pass to Josh Doan, who was all alone on Varlamov. Doan only got so open because Dobson lost his man, leaving Doan all alone as he streaked in.
On the tying goal, Dobson said, “We have to do a better job assessing that situation. We can’t give up a breakaway there in a one-goal game late in the third period.”
Overtime & Final Thoughts:
That sent the game to overtime, where Dobson’s woes continued. Carrying up ice, Dobson fumbled and turned the puck over to Utah, who had a 3-on-1 with Pageau being the lone Islander back. Sean Durzi found Guenther, who wired the winner past Semyon Varlamov, sealing the loss for the Islanders.
Overall, it was not a pretty game for the Islanders. The positives speak for themselves, with new additions Duclair and Tsyplakov sparkling. Frankly, they were the two best forwards on the ice for the Islanders tonight. They also got a point, which helps, even if it is the loser’s point.
Negatives included special teams. Despite the early goal, the powerplay went 1/6, including failing to score during a four-minute double minor while the game was tied at three in the third period. Head Coach Patrick Roy said postgame, “It’s nice to move the puck around. But there has to be shots on net.”
Meanwhile, the penalty kill woes continued, as they went 0/2 and allowed two Utah game-tying powerplay goals. Pageau postgame blamed himself for the first one, while Pulock and Roy pointed to a clear systemic failure on the Guenther powerplay marker.
That failure continued the Islanders’ 2023-24 theme of being far too passive on the kill. They let Utah pass and do what they wanted, leading to Guenther having his own area code to set up shop in.
Elsewhere, Nelson struggled tonight. He won just 3 of 15 face-offs, and his powerplay unit failed to establish any structure. It’s a slow start, but the Islanders need him to improve.
Oliver Wahlstrom fit in just fine with the fourth line. He engaged the game really well physically but made some sloppy mistakes with the puck, particularly in the neutral zone. Overall, he blocked a pair of shots and did well enough to get another game in my eyes.
The Islanders head out on a road trip that kicks off Saturday night in Dallas.
[...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 11, 2024A night that began with so much promise ended in a familiar pain for San Jose Sharks fans.
It was the beginning of a new era, led by 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini and 2023 fourth-overall Will Smith. There was an energy in SAP Center that we haven’t seen since the last time that the Sharks were in the playoffs in 2019.
But San Jose, as they have so often in the last five years, snatched defeat from the jaws of victory, blowing a 4-1 third period lead to the St. Louis Blues and losing 5-4 in OT.
Celebrini, Tyler Toffoli, Fabian Zetterlund, and Barclay Goodrow scored in a heartbreaking defeat.
Of course, Celebrini and Smith were the headliners, and both made very promising NHL debuts. Celebrini had a goal and a spectacular assist, while Smith was involved in a noticeable number of scoring chances.
But for the San Jose Sharks, every period seemed to be its own game, and represented a direction where the young season and team could go.
In the first period, the Sharks were sloppy and thoroughly dominated, despite coming out of the period with a 2-1 lead. Mackenzie Blackwood was besieged but unfazed, turning back 21 of 22 shots, while San Jose had just nine.
This looked like the Sharks from last year, just thoroughly overwhelmed, but saved by their goaltending.
But in the second period, San Jose pushed back, showing signs of a forecheck that was all too rare last year, and also enjoyed a complete special teams success that also eluded them last year. Zetterlund tallied on the power play and Goodrow scored a short-hander, and the Sharks enjoyed a 17-8 shots advantage.
New San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky agreed that this was what the team could be: “We got to bottle that second period up.”
The third period, however, was same ‘ol Sharks. Blackwood faltered, and while San Jose wasn’t run out of the building like they were in the opening frame, they played timid and stopped being the aggressive team that Warsofsky is hoping that they’ll become.
“We just sat back in the third period,” Warsofsky said of the Blues’ four unanswered goals. “That’s what you get.”
It’s a new season, which road will this year’s Sharks choose? Overwhelmed, aggressive, or afraid to lose?
After the game, veteran Toffoli spoke on what the Sharks could learn from this loss. Celebrini reflected on the highs and lows of his NHL debut. Smith touched on what the fan excitement has meant to him and Celebrini. Warsofsky talked about Celebrini, Smith, and Danil Gushchin’s performances, and more.
Tyler Toffoli
Toffoli, on what San Jose Sharks can learn from loss:
It’s not easy to win. We had a really good opportunity. I thought we really relied on Blacky in the first period, obviously, and in the second, I thought we did a really good job, played the way that we wanted to play. We just got to realize it’s not an easy league.
Toffoli, on if he’s expecting passes like that from Macklin Celebrini now:
Definitely. He did the same thing first game preseason we played together. He’s an incredible, incredible talent. Works extremely hard, and like I said, at the end of the day, he wants to win games too, and he’s going to do whatever it takes.
Macklin Celebrini
Celebrini, on the energy in his first NHL game:
Yeah, it was awesome. It’s everything I thought it would be for my first game, and it was an amazing experience, and one I’ll cherish for my whole life.
Celebrini didn't know his scored his first NHL goal, Eklund told him: "I was like nice goal, and he was just like, I didn't score, you did. I thought he was just super excited that he scored, but I guess he was happy for me." (H/T @hockeyshots) pic.twitter.com/PsjijikwMB
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
Celebrini, on what he saw on his first NHL goal:
I got a pass entering the zone. Didn’t see a lot of options. They had a couple guys back, and I saw Eky driving the net, and I thought he had to step on the defenseman, so I just tried to fake up and then just throw into the middle, see if he could get a stick on it. But it was just a lucky bounce off the D skate.
Celebrini, on getting first goal and first assist in his first game: "It's cool to get the first of both for my career. But we lost, so it sucks."
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
Celebrini, on what worked for the San Jose Sharks in the second period:
, his line. We had all four lines going on the forecheck, turning pucks over, getting behind them. We put a lot of pressure on them, and we capitalized on a couple opportunities that were huge for us. Goody on that PK, it was a great play by him, just to disrupt that pass. Just all throughout our lineup, we just played good hockey.
Celebrini, on what he’ll remember most from his NHL debut:
I think just the whole process going up to it. All my teammates, going through with Smitty too, that was really cool. All those memories, just those plays, first shift, the warm-up, rookie lap, I tried to soak up as much as I could.
Will Smith
Smith, on making his NHL debut:
It was a dream come true, definitely a special night for my whole family. Obviously, it was a tough outcome, but still dream come true.
H/T @hockeyshots
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
Smith, on his first game:
I had a bunch of chances. They’re going to keep coming, so just bear down and put them in. But overall, I thought it was a good game.
Smith, on how #TheFutureIsTeal fans have embraced he and Celebrini: "It means a lot. To come to an organization year one and be treated like that, it's pretty special. We're trying to bring energy back here, and I think it's working."
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 11, 2024
Ryan Warsofsky
Warsofsky, on why the San Jose Sharks blew a three-goal lead:
We just sat back in the third period. That’s what you get.
Warsofsky, on Celebrini and Smith’s NHL debuts:
It was good, he was really good. Obviously, points is one thing, some things that he needs to learn without the puck and Will. But I thought they were both solid.
Just play away from the puck . It’s not just Will. It’s our whole team. It’s just young players at this level. The game is extremely, extremely fast, and you got to be able to think and react really quickly.
Warsofsky, on Danil Gushchin’s performance:
I thought he was a little inconsistent at times, trying some things. Had a good second period. I thought he was solid.
Warsofsky, on what team did in second period:
We were managing the puck through the neutral zone, good breakouts, we were holding on to pucks down low.
And guys started, I thought maybe gripping their sticks a little too tight in the first and kind of just played a little bit more looser in the second.
We got to bottle that second period up.
Warsofsky, on why Sharks sat back in the third:
Just a young group that’s going through some experiences together, a lot of new faces in there, a lot of scar tissue from the last couple years of how to win. It’s hard to win in the league. It’s all the little things. It’s not the big things, not the points, not the goals and the assists. It’s the little things, stopping up pucks. It’s playing without the puck, being underneath in battles, playing on the defensive side. All those things that we saw kind of spun out of control during the third period.
Warsofsky, on the contributions that he got from the PK and bottom-six:
I thought PK was good. Bottom-six was good. I thought and Goodrow’s line was solid. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 11, 2024DETROIT — So, the Penguins remembered they indeed know how to play hockey, at least for stretches, anyway. The Penguins survived a sluggish start and more than a handful of first-period defensive mistakes.
It’s amazing what some good goaltending can do for a team. The Penguins gave Joel Blomqvist his first NHL start, and he promptly inverted, standing on his head in the first period. He kept his team in the game until Anthony Beauvllier scored a pair of goals, and Evgeni Malkin weaved around defensemen on multiple occasions to set up more.
Goaltending, star players being stars—it was the magic Penguins’ elixir for a 6-3 win over the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on Thursday.
Penguins Recap: Blomqvist Stands Tall, Penguins Fill the Net in Win Over Detroit
Anthony Beauvillier scored two goals, while Sidney Crosby and Malkin had two assists. Defenseman Erik Karlson split the difference with a power play goal and an assist.
But the primary story of the game was Blomqvist and the saves that kept the Penguins in the game, even when Detroit badly outplayed them in the first period. Adding to the special night, Blomqvist’s parents arrived from Finland and were in the arena.
“It feels good. Maybe a little bit weird,” said Blomqvist. “I guess it’s something you’ve always been dreaming about and looking forward to. Yeah, I’m happy you ended up like this way.”
He’s not yet a man of many words. The language barrier, being just 22 in the Penguins veteran locker room, and being a goalie keep his word count low. Not that the Penguins mind, so long as he stops pucks at that rate.
Make no mistake, the Penguins were teetering in the first 20 minutes. The first period was more of the same lackluster slop they submitted the night before against the New York Rangers. It looked like the Penguins season was about to head south faster than geese in October. However, unlike the night before when starting goalie Tristan Jarry was leaky in the first period, Blomqvist was stellar, if not spectacular.
The Penguins found their stride in the second period, and Detroit adopted the Penguins’ carelessness with the puck and defensive disorganization.
Read More from Detroit Hockey Now: Husso Pulled in Second, Red Wings lose to Penguins
“(Blomqvist) made some key saves early in the game that gave us a chance to stay in it. And then we were able to get the tying goal,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “And then I thought we settled in after that. So, I thought he had a big impact on our ability to settle into the game.”
Penguins Report Card
Blomqvist: A+
If you haven’t already gathered, Blomqvist was exceptional. He looked like the game-changing goalie we saw last January on a scouting trip to Wilkes-Barre. Blomqvist had a bruising preseason with a couple of sketchy performances, but Thursday was showtime, and he delivered.
Blomqvist is quick to the posts, athletic, and puts himself in a good position to make saves.
Evgeni Malkin: A+
It was a vintage performance, like a Nirvana T-shirt and Docs that never went out of style. Malkin backed off the Detroit defensemen and took the space they gave. He was up on his toes and aggressive. Noticeably absent from his game Thursday were turnovers or defensive mistakes. It wasn’t quite 2009, but Malkin jumpstarted the Penguins onslaught in the second period with a few individual plays.
When you ask Malkin a question, you usually get a straight answer.
“I had great speed in the neutral zone. It’s my game, you know? I (got) the puck deeper, the D gave me a little bit in the (offensive) zone, and I had speed from the neutral zone. It paces my game. I like it,” Malkin said. “I faked the shot, and the (defense) tried blocking shot and I saw like (Drew O’Connor) with an open net, I just tried to give it to him, you know?”
Anthony Beauvillier: A+
OK, it’s still jarring to see No. 72 on Crosby’s right wing. It’s further fitting to see him fish out pucks on the wall and score goals near the net. He’s been far better than expected since the beginning of training camp, and he’s developing some chemistry with Crosby.
He doesn’t get an A for scoring two goals; he gets high marks for where he scored them—within feet of the net on second-chance plays.
Penguins Defense: D
The first period was a disaster. Kris Letang was chasing Kris Letang. Marcus Pettersson made a ghastly turnover and was on the wrong side of a rush, yielding a good scoring chance. Ryan Graves lost puck battles with alarming ease, and even Jack St. Ivany had a few head-scratching moments with loose gaps and poor puck management.
As a group, they did not have anything close to their best game, but they were able to hold firm in the second and third periods.
If you seek to make any of them scapegoats, Thursday provided a few examples, but the reality was they were all pretty bad until the second period.
The Penguins’ forwards were also chasing their tails. Their track-back in the first period was little more than chaos. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 11, 2024DETROIT — Red Wings goalie Ville Husso still hasn’t played a 60-minute NHL game since Dec. 14. He didn’t pull his groin muscle again, but he did get pulled.
Coach Derek Lalonde replaced him at 5:28 of the second period after he gave up three goals in a span of two minutes and 33 seconds. That gave a seemingly tired Pittsburgh Penguins team a 4-1 lead and they went on to post a 6-3 win in Detroit’s season opener. The Penguins lost 6-0 to the Rangers Thursday night.
“Obviously (Husso) didn’t look as sharp as he did in the preseason,” Lalonde said. “You could just tell some of the rebound control, some things that were sticking to him or he was controlling in the preseason, he didn’t tonight. So again, he hasn’t played hockey. He had a lot of looks in the exhibition, but it’s still probably a little rust there, too.”
Husso played a full game in a 2-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on December 14. Two days later, he provided a 30-minute relief effort against Philadelphia. He was then injured against the Anaheim Ducks of Dec. 18, playing only 17 minutes and 23 seconds. He returned to the lineup in February against Edmonton and lasted less than nine minutes before he was reinjured.
Loss Isn’t All on Husso
The Finnish goaltender has looked sharp in the preseason to win Derek Lalonde’s “blank slate” open goalie competition to be Detroit’s starter.
He had just recently beat the Penguins with a 43-save preseason performance. He looked like he was ready to reclaim the No. 1 job.
“I mean, you don’t want to see that at all,” captain Dylan Larkin said about Husso’s early departure. ”
And just a bad second period for all of us, and he’s the one that gets pulled. It’s not fair to him. When a goalie gets pulled, it’s not usually just him. It’s a full lineup that needs to be accountable as well. But you don’t want to see that. And hopefully Huss has bounced back from everything he’s gone through and we know what kind of player he can be for us, and I know he’ll bounce back from tonight.”
Change in Net
The Red Wings play Saturday against Nashville, but Husso likely won’t get a chance for redemption then.
“Obviously Ville did not look overly comfortable tonight, which again, understandable with the lack of hockey’s played,” Lalonde said. “But it really hasn’t changed from the exhibition preseason of three guys we have some confidence with, and we’ll obviously see a different starter on Saturday.”
Lalonde has indicated he planned to use all three of his goalies early in the season. Cam Talbot relieved Husso and gave up two goals on 14 shots. Alex Lyon could be dressed Saturday as a started or backup.
Giving up too many goals was a problem from last season that the Red Wings want to correct. They gave up four or more goals 39 times last season. It wasn’t all about the goaltending last season either.
Alex DeBrincat scored two goals and added an assist, and he was still minus-2 because he was on the ice for four of the six Pittsburgh goals. Simon Edvinsson was minus-2, as was Ben Chiarot. Erik Gustafsson was minus-2.
“I think a lot of it was us,” DeBrincat said. “We weren’t winning battles. Weren’t clean on a lot of different plays. We had some good looks, too. We had a couple good power plays. Overall, we weren’t strong on our sticks. The board battles, we end up rimming it out and no one’s there. I think there’s plenty to clean up. Some good, a lot of bad. We got to be more ready for Saturday.” [...]Read more...
Jason MoserOctober 10, 2024The Buffalo Sabres cannot win games by scoring one goal a night, as head coach Lindy Ruff pointed out Thursday postgame. The team’s lack of production, despite numerous grade-A scoring chances, cost them a win against the Los Angeles Kings. Alex Tuch scored the only goal for the Sabres as the Kings stunned them with three straight in the third for the 3-1 defeat.
The solo goal is only part of the tale of the night, however. The Sabres played a complete game for the first 40 minutes, dominating at even strength, the powerplay, and the penalty kill. The scoreboard, of course, doesn’t reflect that. To get a better idea of how well each Sabres player performed, let’s turn to the Sabres Grades.
Last season we implemented the grading system. That way, we can assign letter grades to each Buffalo Sabres player based on game performance. Sometimes our eyes deceive us, so the letter grades are assigned based on statistical computation, taking into account the following factors:
Production
Quality of offense
Quality of defense
Volume of offense
Volume of defense
Powerplay performance
Penalty kill performance
Penalties drawn and taken
Role
Minutes played
The game grades model is freshly reworked and improved for the 2024-2025 season to better account for production and more realistically detail a player doing what they’re asked to do by the coaching staff. Friday’s grades were not very good, and Saturday’s look even worse.
All game data via Evolving-Hockey.com
Studs
Alex Tuch
Grade: B
Production: C+
Offense: A-
Defense: B
Powerplay: A+
Penalty Kill: B+
Alex Tuch was not only the only goalscorer for the Sabres, but he also helped Buffalo control all facets of the game. Tuch, Tage Thompson, and Zach Benson were the best trio on the ice throughout the entire game for either team. It’s a great sign for the Sabres as Tuch and Thompson struggled in the first game of the season, but have now bounced back to land in the “Studs” column twice in a row since.
Tuch consistently was in the mix, pushing the puck into the offensive end and whipping the puck around into dangerous scoring areas for the Sabres in the offensive zone. He was instrumental in setting up Benson at the end of the first on the goal called back. If it was for half of a second, his line would’ve had two goals and potentially a different result on the gamesheet.
Owen Power
Grade: B
Production: C
Offense: A-
Defense: B
Powerplay: A
Penalty Kill: B-
Owen Power has been Buffalo’s best defenseman through the first three games. He earned the promotion to the top powerplay and immediately boosted the unit’s effectiveness. The Kings have a reputation as one of the better penalty-killing squads in the NHL, but the Sabres and Power had no problem getting set and moving the puck around on them.
Power also played the most minutes on the team, with 24:04 of ice time. Whether it was a reflection of his good play or just a case of situational demand, the trust he’s earning from the coaching staff is apparent.
Bowen Byram
Grade: B
Production: D+
Offense: A+
Defense: B+
Powerplay: A
Penalty Kill: B+
Power’s defense partner, Bowen Byram, wasn’t far behind in performance quality. Zero even-strength shots on goal and two blocked shots are not going to draw great production grades, however.
Byram, like most of his teammates, has to find a way to produce even when not playing well. He has the kind of game-breaking skill required to do so, and it’s that skill that the Sabres need to get them into the win column.
More Byram: Bowen Byram Primed to Thrive Under Ruff
Duds
Sam Lafferty
Grade: D
Production: F
Offense: F
Defense: B+
Powerplay: N/A
Penalty Kill: D-
Two hits and a penalty are all Sam Lafferty has to show for against Los Angeles. It was a quiet night for the fourth-liner, which is unusual for an energy player.
Lafferty’s move to the wing may have stymied him a bit, but his linemates Beck Malenstyn and Peyton Krebs found ways to get involved throughout the night. Simply put, Lafferty has to be better.
Mattias Samuelsson
Grade: D
Production: D+
Offense: D+
Defense: D-
Powerplay: N/A
Penalty Kill: D
“D’s” across the board for Mattias Samuelsson sums up his night. Head coach Lindy Ruff ridiculed him postgame for taking the shorthanded penalty that ultimately cost the Sabres the win. Samuelsson and Clifton were not good at even strength, although the numbers suggest that Samuelsson was the anchor, not Clifton.
We may see the first lineup move on defense this season on Saturday, as Dennis Gilbert and Jacob Bryson are lingering around as healthy scratches ready to jump at the next opportunity.
Peyton Krebs
Grade: C-
Production: F
Offense: F
Defense: A+
Powerplay: N/A
Penalty Kill: D
There wasn’t much offense from Peyton Krebs and company on Thursday, but that’s not what they were asked to do against the Kings. Krebs played the least amount of minutes of any Sabres skater, despite Jason Zucker leaving the ice temporarily after an injury from a cross-check and an eventual 10-minute misconduct in the third period.
The tidy defensive end is all you can ask from a player with only seven and a half minutes of ice time. It just didn’t do him any favors in the grading system.
More Sabres: Quick Hitters from Sabres Versus Kings
Sabres Grades [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 10, 2024The Florida Panthers lost their first game of the season on Thursday night in Ottawa, but may have lost much more after captain Sasha Barkov was injured in the game’s final minutes.
Coach Paul Maurice said he did not have an update on Barkov’s injury after the 3-1 loss to the Senators.
“He’s going to looked at here tonight, and probably tomorrow as well,’’ Maurice said.
With the Panthers trying to put some pressure on Linus Ullmark down 2-1, Barkov broke his stick high in the zone.
The puck shot up the opposite way up the ice toward the empty net — and Barkov threw down his broken stick and gave chase.
Barkov and Ottawa’s Tim Stutzle converged near the net as Barkov tried to keep Stutzle from getting to the bouncing puck.
Barkov hit the ice in a slide and crashed in skates first.
After being down on the ice for a few moments, Barkov had to be helped off the ice by Uvis Balinskis and Evan Rodrigues while trying to keep weight off his right leg and into the room.
Stutzle scored his second goal of the night into that empty net for the final score.
Barkov, as usual, was trying his hardest to make a play and give his team a chance to win a game.
Because he did not have a stick in his hand, Barkov tried to use his body to stop the puck — and made a soccer-type slide to keep it out of the empty net.
He ended up going full-speed into the boards.
So, what’s next for the Panthers?
Florida will fly to Buffalo on Friday afternoon and play the Sabres on Saturday.
Barkov, if the injury is to his right knee or ankle, may have to wait to be fully evaluated by medical personnel and could fly home to South Florida in order to be examined by team doctors.
It may not be serious, we just do not know right now.
If Barkov’s injury is not deemed too bad and he only needs to miss a game, perhaps the Panthers play seven defensemen against Buffalo and move on.
But if it is more serious, the Panthers would have to make some moves.
Due to salary cap constraints, the Panthers are two players shy of the league roster maximum, with defenseman Adam Boqvist missing Thursday’s game after taking a puck off his face in the first period on Tuesday.
The Panthers are hopeful Boqvist could play on Saturday.
If Barkov is unable to play beyond Saturday, some decisions have to be made.
In the lineup, Florida could slide Anton Lundell up to center a line with Carter Verhaeghe and or Rodrigues with Sam Reinhart; Jesper Boqvist could move up to center the third line.
The Panthers have a couple of centers at AHL Charlotte they could recall, including veteran Zac Dalpe.
Rookie Patrick Giles played center in some of Florida’s early preseason games, but was moved back to the wing in the final ones.
Dalpe may be the call here since he would be able to come right in and center a fourth line with A.J. Giles and Jonah Gadjovich.
With so little money under the salary cap — PuckPedia.com has Florida at $554,000 — Florida may be able to bring Dalpe or another player from Charlotte up under an emergency recall situation. Florida currently has no spare forwards on its roster.
Tomas Nosek, signed to be Florida’s fourth-line center, has been out since slamming into the end boards on his second shift of the preseason.
If Barkov were to be out for a substantial amount of time, he could be placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve which would allow the Panthers to spend a over the salary cap.
That, however, would mean Barkov has to miss 10 games and 24 days of action.
Nosek is on injured reserve and considered to be out for the next couple of weeks at the least.
Florida could slide him onto LTIR retroactively — he has already missed two games — and use that money for a callup from Charlotte which could stay with the team as long as Nosek is out.
Barkov on LTIR is a worst-case scenario, but would allow Florida to use the temporary cap relief to fill the roster out to 23 players and give them some extra bodies.
ON DECK: GAME 3
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT BUFFALO SABRES
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
Last Season (Panthers Won 3-0) — At Buffalo: Panthers 4, Sabres 0 (Feb. 15). At Florida: Panthers 3, Sabres 2 (Feb. 28); Panthers 3, Sabres 2 OT (Ap.13).
All-time Regular Season Series: Florida leads 57-45-8, 4 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Monday at Boston Bruins, 1 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 10, 2024DETROIT — The Pittsburgh Penguins looked like a team in deep, deep trouble for much of the first period Thursday against the Detroit Red Wings. They trailed 1-0, but only because rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist, who made his first NHL start, was spectacular.
And then, as if the switch flipped, the Penguins began creating offensive chances and then remembered how to finish them. At the outset of the second period, the Penguins scored three goals in 2:33, beating Detroit 6-3 at Little Caesars Arena.
Blomqvist, 22, stopped 12 of 13 shots in the first period, but the number belied just how well the goalie played. Detroit significantly outchances the Penguins 11-5 but scored just once. Blomqvist is entering his second professional season in North America after being the Penguins’ second-round selection in the 2020 NHL Draft.
On Thursday, Blomqvist was the shining rookie. He was the difference between the Penguins tying the game 1-1 later in the first period and trailing 4-0. Blomqvist made a handful of sparkling saves in the first period, taking what looked like a sure goal away from Lucas Raymond on the power play and stuffing Vladimir Tarasenko’s one-timer from 10 feet away.
Blomqvist faced a debatable 13 shots in the first period (it could have been several more, and scorekeepers adjusted downward on three occasions), and far too many were good scoring chances. However, his stellar play kept the Penguins in the game.
Read More: Penguins Prospects: Scouting Blomqvist, Broz; How Close to Ready (+)
After the Penguins lost 6-0 to the New York Rangers 6-0 the night before, coach Mike Sullivan shuffled his top six. Sullivan moved Rickard Rakell to the top-line RW while moving Drew O’Connor to Evgeni Malkin’s right.
O’Connor scored a pair of goals, though only one counted. However, the Penguins did not have a good start.
Playing in their home opener and first game of the season, Detroit swarmed the Penguins net from the outset. After a fumbled Penguins rush, Detroit counter-attacked, and Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson lost his defensive zone coverage, leaving Alex DeBrincat wide open on the left wing. DeBrincat (1) easily snapped the shot short-side past Blomqvist at 3:46.
After hanging on through most of the opening period, new Penguin winger Anthony Beauvillier (1) scored his first Penguins goal by banking the puck off goalie Ville Husso and defenseman Ben Chiarot into the net.
In the second period, the teams switched sides and traded effectiveness, too.
The Penguin scored two goals 58 seconds apart early in the second period, then added a third 1:35 later.
Beauvillier (2) quickly put back Sidney Crosby’s rebound for the first of the trio at 2:55.
The Penguins third goal conjured fond memories of Penguins decades gone by. With the puck on his stick, Evgeni Malkin charged a pair of defensemen just inside the offensive blue line. He took the outside shoulder to go just wide of the net and slipped a pass in the crease to Drew O’Connor, who easily buried it in the net at 3:53 of the second period.
Malkin, 38, is the Penguins’ oldest player but was one of the freshest players, despite playing it being the Penguins’ second of back-to-back games.
And for good measure, Husso allowed a wicked softie just over 90 seconds later. Marcus Pettersson’s waist-high wrister from the blue line eluded Husso for a 4-1 Penguins lead and the end of Husso’s night. Cam Talbot relieved him.
Despite the Penguins’ pressure in the second period, Detroit stayed within striking distance. Penguins winger Cody Glass’s high-sticking penalty was costly when Tarasenko scored just after the power play expired at 12:31.
The Penguins thought they answered quickly when Malkin weaved through multiple defenders, and Michael Bunting set up O’Connor near the net for the would-be fifth Penguins goal, but review confirmed a hand pass and negated the tally.
The teams traded chances and saves for the remainder of the second period, keeping the disappointed Detroit fans (the Tigers lost to Cleveland in Game 4 of the American League Division Series sometime during the second period) on the edge of their seat.
The Penguins scored twice in the third period, including a power play goal by Erik Karlsson at 1:42 and beauty by Kevin Hayes, who came off the wall toward the net and snapped a top-corner wrister past Talbot.
DeBrincat (2) scored on a five-on-three in the middle of the third period after Blomqvist made several difficult saves.
In total, Blomqvist stopped 29 of 32 shots.
Notes
The game was pushed back to an 8 p.m. start because of the Detroit Tigers’ home playoff game against the Cleveland Guardians.
Winger Bryan Rust skated in Detroit Thursday morning, as did goalie Alex Nedeljkovic. Rust did not play Thursday, but his return seems imminent. Nedeljkovic is still listed as week-to-week and has not yet participated in a full-contact practice.
With two assists, including the Penguin’s third-period power-play goal, Malkin registered his 800th career assist. He still has 498 career goals.
Crosby also had a pair of assists, and linemate Beauvillier had a pair of goals. Karlsson also had two points with a goal and an assist.
Penguins Lines
Beauvillier-Crosby-Rakell
Bunting-Malkin-O’Connor
McGroarty-Eller-Puljujarvi
Hayes-Glass-Acciari
Defense
Grzelcyck-Letang
Pettersson-Karlsson
Graves-St. Ivany [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024NEWARK — The New Jersey Devils dropped the puck on the North American side of the pond after sweeping the Global Series in Prague, hosting the Toronto Maple Leafs in their home opener at the Prudential Center.
Sheldon Keefe faced his former club for the first time in what he described as a “strange” tilt, having never been in the situation where he’s behind the bench facing a previous coached team before.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go New Jersey’s way on Thursday, falling to the Maple leafs 4-2 in regulation.
Devils Rapid Recap
The first period started evenly, with neither team capable to control play through the first five minutes of the game. The Maple Leafs later took hold of the first period and broke open the scoring on the stick of Max Pacioretty, giving Toronto a 1-0 lead. With traffic blocking Jacob Markstrom‘s vision, Bobby McMann doubled the Maple Leafs lead just three minutes later. A broken play at just about the five-minute mark in the Devils’ slot was chipped in over Markstrom’s shoulder by Steven Lorentz to give the Maple Leafs an early 3-0 lead. Just before the buzzer rang for the end of the first period, the Devils were able to convert on the power play, a goal by Jesper Bratt to cut the score to 3-1.
The second period nearly went scoreless until John Tavares regained Toronto’s three-goal lead with about five minutes left in the middle frame. Timo Meier, however, brought the Devils back within two with six seconds remaining on the clock in the second period.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube pulled back the reins on his team, clamping down the Devils in the third period. The Devils registered seven shots on goal in the final frame, but it was a scoreless third period as Toronto secured the victory.
Markstrom ended the night making 18 saves on 22 shots. Dennis Hildeby secured the victory in his NHL debut, stopping 22 out of 24 pucks.
Takeaways
New Coach, Same Issues?
Maybe they just needed to shake off the rust from their travels in Prague. It’s too early to say that the Devils have the same issue they had last season. However, going down 3-0 in the first period certainly isn’t encouraging.
Good thing the Devils didn’t start that slow in the first two games of the season, otherwise that might be a legitimate concern already. Still, the Maple Leafs are certainly more well regarded than the Buffalo Sabres. The Devils need to prove this season that they’re not a team that is going to fall behind and fall flat.
Fortunately, the Devils found the scoresheet before the first intermission. But being out-shot 7-1 in the opening 10 minutes of the game isn’t going to fly all season. They’ll need to start stronger on Saturday in Washington.
“You can’t spot any team in the league lead like that,” Keefe said, displeased. “I mean, I don’t know that they deserve to be up three like the way that they were. But, the reality is, they were. That’s a hard hole to get out of, for sure. The puck play was not nearly good enough, and defending was not even close.”
Not Enough Pressure
The Maple Leafs deployed a rookie goaltender in Hildeby on Thursday night. The 23-year-old Swedish goaltender made his NHL debut against the Devils, and New Jersey made his night way too easy.
Halfway through the game, the Devils hadn’t even broken 10 shots, registering just nine by the midway point of the second period.
Part of the Devils’ issue was they struggled to find shooting lanes and when they did, the Maple Leafs negated any secondary scoring chances. Further, they allowed Hildeby to see most shots he faced, including the one Meier scored on.
Yet, that’s the point. Meier scored on a very savable shot. The Devils just struggled to get pucks to the net. Had the Maple Leafs had Anthony Stolarz in net, they might not have even scored at all through the first 40 minutes.
“I think there were a few later on in the third period that, maybe if we were a little hungrier in front there with our stick and a little heavier on our stick with our two hand compete, I think we could have created some more chances,” Bratt explained.
Defense Struggles
The Devils’ defense did not have a good night, especially in the first period. Each of the first three goals of the game saw the Devils’ defense unable to clear the puck from high danger areas.
In fact, the Devils allowed the Maple Leafs to win puck battles in the slot, failed to clear bodies from the front of the crease, and created too much traffic in front of Markstrom.
Keefe explained he was disappointed with the Devils’ effort in their zone.
“Some of the defending, like just laying on our sticks, not going through bodies .” Keefe said. “We had to defend more tonight, probably, than we had to out in Prague. But, yeah, was not it.”
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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David LandsmanOctober 10, 2024Fresh off their season-opening 1-0 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs the previous night, the Montreal Canadiens had their second game in 24 hours as they faced the Boston Bruins on Thursday night. Ultimately, the Bruins emerged with a 6-4 win.
Let’s dive into the highlights!
Setting the Tone
The Canadiens were the first to get on the board when forward Brendan Gallagher tipped a Joel Armia shot right in front of Swayman for his first of the campaign eight minutes into the first period, his first of two on the night. Gallagher, 32, had a bounce back season in 2023-24 finding the back of the net 16 times. For a team that didn’t connect on the powerplay the entire preseason, scored their second in as many nights.
Lane Hutson with a great zone entry, gets it back and over to Armia, great feed down to Gallagher in front, and it’s 1-0 #Habs pic.twitter.com/CIuv29G9jD
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 10, 2024
Lane Hutson, in just his fourth career NHL game, notched his third career point with an assist on the goal. Even though he has less experience than most players on the ice at any given time, Hutson clearly stands out as the player with the most talent, and of course, the most potential.
Moments later Charlie McAvoy tied it up with a point shot that eluded Primeau, quickly tying up the game up at one-apiece. The tie didn’t last long as 74 seconds later the Habs lone goalscorer from last night Cole Caufield, scored his second of the season with a juicy rebound in front of Swayman’s net. Hutson recorded another assist on that play, as well.
Oliver Kapanen gets it back to Guhle, and Josh Anderson gets a piece of the shot to get the #Habs within two goals. pic.twitter.com/MbZcI5BILi
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 11, 2024
Losing Momentum
The second period saw a much quieter Montreal Canadiens squad, unable to record a shot until the eight-minute mark. The wheels did start to come off late in the second when two quick goals by the Bruins 55 seconds apart saw them jump to a commanding 5-2 lead after two periods with the shot advantage 23-11.
The Canadiens finding themselves down by three in the third, had to give it their all, Midway through the period after a clean face-off win by Jake Evans, defenceman Kaiden Guhle, who had missed almost the entire preseason with an appendectomy, fired a seemingly harmless looking shot that somehow found the back of the net for his first. Oliver Kapanen, in his first career game, got an assist on the goal, his first point in the big leagues.
Oliver Kapanen gets it back to Guhle, and Josh Anderson gets a piece of the shot to get the #Habs within two goals. pic.twitter.com/MbZcI5BILi
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 11, 2024
Minutes later they cut the lead even smaller when Gallagher got his second of the game on a shot top shelf past Swayman. But it was all for naught as 17 seconds later Kastelic, who only scored five all season, potted his second of the game, sealing the deal, and the victory, for the Bruins.
Tenacity from Gallagher and Evans, ends with a goal for Gally to bring the #Habs within one here. pic.twitter.com/8UzTycMwsx
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 11, 2024
Despite the loss, there were still a lot of positive takeaways; the youth movement is starting to work well, Caufield is on pace for 82 goals, and their power play connected yet again. Lane Hutson was a dominant force on the ice, fairly impressive when you consider this is just the start of his NHL career. We don’t expect him to maintain a point-per-game pace for the entire season, but so far Hutson has done a great job when it comes to helping the Habs control the flow of the game.
The Montreal Canadiens will look to get back into the win column as they travel home for a game Saturday versus another division rival, the Ottawa Senators. [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 10, 2024The San Jose Sharks welcome the St. Louis Blues into SAP Center for the season opener.
It’s Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith’s NHL debuts!
Celebrini and Tyler Toffoli and Fabian Zetterlund and Barclay Goodrow scored, but the Sharks lost 5-4 in OT.
Period 1
5 in: Granlund flubs a golden chance, off Smith pass.
Blackwood has been besieged, shades of last year. San Jose Sharks not killing plays, making exit passes, or forechecking with any facility so far. Hopefully just nerves, but this looks like last year so far.
Celebrini goal: But hey, you don’t need to kill plays when you get bounces like that. Celebrini spin-o-rama pass to Eklund goes off Kessel, past Hofer.
Buchnevich goal: Celebrini falls high, a 2-on-1 the other way. Ugly hockey all around so far. Blues 11-3 shots, hopefully, Sharks have so good hockey at some point.
9 in: Thrun answers by skating it up himself, then nice stretch pass to Dellandrea. Attaboy, Sharks need more of that, just good plays.
8 left: Good defensive stick by Smith. Then pass to empty point, but that’s not his fault, he’s made some plays to start.
7 left: San Jose Sharks accepting too much rush. Making it easy for the Blues, gotta rewatch, but I bet high turnovers.
6 left: Celebrini careless with the puck in the NZ a couple times. Wonder if the pace is finally getting to him, he had consistently been making the right plays in lower competition. But the NHL is another beast, I wonder if he’s finally rushing a bit.
5 left: Smith picks up a loose puck in OZ, time and space, feints one way, gets D to bite, then gives it to Granlund behind goal line. Been better than I expected to start. Still weak on the puck, but that’s probably not going to change until next year. But high-end smarts and poise are showing.
Toffoli goal: Whoa! Exceptional play by Celebrini. Beaut entry by Celebrini and Eklund. Behind the net, Celebrini goes one way, then reverses hard to Toffoli in front, slips pass under Leddy, easy goal for a guy like Toffoli.
Blues 22-9 shots…I know what the score is, but that’s unacceptable. Let’s see if San Jose can play better in the next two periods, Blackwood and Celebrini keeping it passable.
Period 2
1 in: Love that Smith entry. He fakes a dump-in and just keeps going. Easy entry, leads to a good third line shift. He is, I think, getting better.
5 in: Gushchin does a good job on an island with Kyrou, but then Kunin with an ugly exit pass giveaway. Sharks recover but that could’ve been a backbreaker.
6 in: Sturm backcheck produces turnover and Dellandrea powers his way into zone, Eklund gets a shot. San Jose Sharks have appeared to stabilize a bit here, they have only four shots in the period so far.
7 in: Fourth line providing energy, Sturm drives the center lane, Dellandrea finds Gushchin, penalty drawn.
Zetterlund goal: Granlund has a slow start to the game, like the rest of the San Jose Sharks, but exceptional on this power play. Great shot-pass to Toffoli for dangerous deflection, then finds Zetterlund from corner to front for a slam dunk shot. Great hands by Zetterlund too.
9 in: Granlund takes a faceoff for Smith weakside in OZ. That has to happen, Smith getting killed in circle. Smith getting his strong side draws.
8 left: Again Smith negotiates his way into zone with relative ease and comfort on PP entry. This is the best that he’s looked with the puck in the NHL. Gotta keep it up, but he’s been good in the OZ, disruptive on forecheck to a noticeable degree. Weak on puck and faceoffs, but we knew that already. I’ve liked what I’ve seen tonight, really something to build on.
Sturm-Dellandrea-Ferraro-Rutta over boards for PK.
Goodrow goal: Kunin-Goodrow follow on PK. Crafty putback by Goodrow off initial save…okay replay, he got lucky. BUT that was a Goodrow-created chance. Stepped up on Thomas, it looked like, who was trying to break in the zone. Yup, just sticked it away. Fantastic PK’ing.
Sharks outshot Blues 17-8 in the middle frame. Impressive responsive period after an overwhelmed first period. Let’s see if they can go in for the kill in the third period. That doesn’t mean burying a Blues team that should be hungry, more playing defensively sound and stifling St. Louis.
Period 3
Faksa goal: Looked like a rough shift for Benning, granted his first game in a while. But can’t corral Blackwood pass, turnover, then he ends up on Sturm’s man. Think he was trying to kill the play there, but couldn’t. He looks a half-step slow, if I recall him at his best. Then Faksa just jams it, beats Blackwood one-on-one.
Suter goal: Uh oh. Gushchin actually does a great job winning puck one-on-one against the (much) bigger Toropchenko in NZ, gives it back to Thrun in DZ. I haven’t disliked Thrun today, but that’s a giveaway, can’t do that.
Who’s going to turn momentum around for the San Jose Sharks? Last year, they had no answer for this unless Blackwood was lights out.
Gushchin penalty: Big moment coming up. Gushchin defending hard, I give him credit, but looks like stick got high on Schenn.
Granlund-Eklund-Walman-Rutta to start this PK. Then Goodrow-Kunin-Ferraro-Rutta. Big block by Goodrow, then battle win by Rutta. Love to see that, that’s great hockey.
5 left: Great forecheck shift by Granlund and Dellandrea, winning hockey.
4 left: Toffoli got away with a dicey exit pass there.
I’ve been, however, impressed by how San Jose Sharks have killed time after the Suter goal. But now, the hair-raising 6-on-5. Pretty good puck management, disruptive forecheck, hard defending.
2 left: Good tracking by Wennberg on wall after Walman missed clear.
Faulk goal: Blackwood may want that back. San Jose Sharks, after last year, really could’ve used a clean regulation win there. Clean the scar tissue.
OT
Celebrini-Eklund-Walman to start.
[...]Read more...
Christopher HurleyOctober 10, 2024BOSTON – It was an electric home opener for Elias Lindholm and the Boston Bruins.
The Bruins center netted a goal and added two assists, as the Boston defeated the Montreal Canadiens, 6-4, Thursday at TD Garden.
Unlike their disappointing season opening loss to the Florida Panthers, the Bruins got its offense in motion from the drop of the puck. Boston outshot Montreal 13-6 in the opening period.
The Bruins got first period goals from Charlie McAvoy, Mark Kastelic and Elias Lindholm grabbing a 3-2 lead. Elias’ goal came off a deep screen shot with 1:37 remaining in the stanza. David Pastrnak and Cole Koepke provided some second period insurance building a 5-2 cushion.
Kastelic sealed the victory with an insurance marker at 16:00, with Kopeke and Brandon Carlo assisting.
“That was a fun first game at home,” said Koepke. “It was a big bounce back for the guys, and first group win of the season.”
Koepke’s line with Johnny Beecher and Kastelic seemed to set the tone which the rest of the club following suit. the fourth line finished the night with an impressive +3 rating.
“I thought our whole line did a great job of just staying connected and playing together,” said Koepke. “I thought we were playing fast and simple. When you play like that the offense in the game comes to us. We’re trying to put the other team on their heels. Just wear them down. Take care of the puck and play our system. Everything else comes our way.”
Meanwhile, Jeremy Swayman held steady in his season debut. The Bruins netminder made 21 saves, holding the Habs scoreless in the second period giving the Bruins all the momentum it would ultimately need.
Read: Tenacious Forward Cole Koepke a Surprise Addition to Bruins Lineup
Sharing the wealth
The Bruins benefited from a spread offensive attack.
Each line made significant contributions, with all but one getting on the scoreboard.
The top line of Pavel Zacha, Elias Lindholm and David Pastrnak, accounted for two goals and four assists. Brad Marchand added a helper on the McAvoy’s goal
The third line continues to be a work in progress. Checking line center Trent Fredric, Riley Tufte and Justin Brazeau were held scoreless, but had some nice looks early. They even appeared to give Boston the lead on a Hampus Lindholm blueline blast, but Brazeau was called goaltender interference. A left winger, Tufte made his regular season debut in place of Max Jones.
Kastelic and Beecher shared for the team lead with three checks each. But both were no match for McAvoy’s thunderous hit on Kirby Dach in the first period. The open-ice check floored the center, drawing a seismic reaction from the crowd. Charlie Coyle blocked a team-high four shots.
The Bruins defense also held firm after a shaky season opener in Ft. Lauderdale. All three pairings played well, keeping rebounds to a minimum. Parker Wotherspoon was paired with Andrew Peeke, taking the place of Mason Lohrei.
Check out: Hurley-Burly: Welcome Boston Hockey Now’s Newest Beat Writer
Hutson holds own on Habs blueline
Former Boston University defenseman Lane Hutson was very impressive on the Montreal blueline.
No stranger playing on TD Garden ice, the tiny 5-foot-7, 162-pound defenseman utilized his slick skating with maximum efficiency, creating several scoring chances. He picked up his first two NHL points assisting on Montreal’s first two goals by Brendan Gallagher and Cole Caufield in the opening period.
“It’s pretty special and awesome to be back,” said Hutson, whose team was fresh off a 1-0 win over Toronto, 24 hours earlier. “Obviously you want a different outcome in the game, but it’s tough. It’s a back-to-back, not that it’s an excuse. I feel like it took us a bit to get our feet under us. But that’s the reality of the NHL. “
Hutson’s first NHL helper was a thing of beauty. The former Terrier trekked up the right side boards, as Bruin defenseman Charlie McAvoy delivered a big open ice hit on teammate Kirby Dach. Navigating around the mayhem, the rookie had plenty of room to roam.
“I just found some space,” said Hutson. “I slid the puck to Galley (Gallagher). He slid the puck back to me and I saw Army (Joel Armia) wide open on the far side. He made a great play back to Galley to finish it.”
By his estimation, this was Hutson’s fifth or sixth time playing at TD Garden, including several Beanpot and Hockey East playoffs. But it’s a different atmosphere when it comes to the NHL game.
“I’m just looking to build off of what we have here and keep learning,” said Hutson.
The Canadiens were without sniper Patrik Laine, who blew out his knee during an exhibition game. He is out indefinitely.
Bruins line
Pavel Zacha – Elias Lindholm – David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand – Charlie Coyle – Morgan Geekie
Riley Tufte – Trent Frederic – Justin Brazeau
Johnny Beecher – Mark Kastelic – Cole Koepke
Nikita Zadorov – Charlie McAvoy
Hampus Lindholm – Brandon Carlo
Parker Wotherspoon – Andrew Peeke
Jeremy Swayman, Joonas Korpisalo
Scratches: Max Jones, Mason Lohrei
FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER HURLEY ON 𝕏: @HURLEY_BURLY
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Jason MoserOctober 10, 2024The Buffalo Sabres dipped, dazzled, and riled up their home crowd, but ultimately coughed up a 3-1 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. It was a completely dominant performance through two periods for Buffalo, but the third period told a different tale.
It took until the second period, but Alex Tuch opened the scoring on his own rebound on a shorthanded breakaway. It was one of many shorthanded opportunities for the Sabres, as the Kings continuously coughed the puck up on zone entry attempts.
Anze Kopitar evened the scoring early in the third, tightening up an otherwise Sabres-heavy affair. It was the start of a third-period hat trick. Late penalties by Jason Zucker and Mattias Samuelsson cost the team, as Kopitar’s point shot found the net with just over a minute remaining to give the Kings the go-ahead goal. Kopitar’s empty-net goal sealed it with 41.1 seconds remaining.
Scoring Chances Galore
The Sabres poured it on in the first two periods, dominating not only the shot attempts but the shot quality as well. A combination of missed opportunities and spectacular goaltending by Darcy Kuemper kept the Kings only down a goal heading into the third.
If Buffalo can continue to drive the underlying statistics by playing at the pace and intensity they want, it’s a recipe for success in the long term. The Sabres had guys in the right areas of the ice all night, and the puck got to those areas as a result.
More Sabres: Ranking Sabres Forwards, Defense, and Goalies Among NHL Teams
Power Kill
The penalty kill unit brought speed and jump from the very first shorthanded opportunity. Ryan McLeod, Connor Clifton, Jordan Greenway, and Alex Tuch all produced counter-rush chances, which raised the energy level of the entire home building.
McLeod was awarded a penalty shot and stopped by Kuemper on one opportunity. Tuch picked off a Kings player at the blueline and walked in for a shorthanded breakaway goal on another.
Alex Tuch buries one of the many chances the Sabres have had on the PK pic.twitter.com/6Vc5jkrJwi
— Jason Moser 🏒 (@PuckLuckJay) October 11, 2024
The late goal aside, it was an impressive showing by the entire unit. The open ice adheres to the speed of the Sabres well, so this could be a weapon all season.
More McLeod: Evaluating Newest Sabres Forward Ryan McLeod
Process Doesn’t Always Equal Results
Despite the dominance of the first two periods, the Sabres found themselves in a dicey situation early in the third. Kopitar’s goal tied the game up for an “undeserving” even score. It’s proof that Buffalo has to be more opportunistic and finish their chances to keep themselves out of harm’s way.
Otherwise, it was a lopsided game. [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 10, 2024The Ottawa Senators have not been to the playoffs since 2017, but they came into Thursday’s home opener with hope that this is going to be the year that drought comes to an end.
Bringing in Linus Ullmark from Boston has helped fuel that optimism.
The former Bruin was the difference on Thursday. Ullmark made 30 saves and Ottawa beat the Panthers 3-1 to kick off their season in high fashion.
Ottawa got its goals from Tim Stutzle (twice) and Shane Pinto; Gus Forsling scored for Florida.
The big news for the Panthers was the potential loss of captain Sasha Barkov to injury.
In the final minutes, Barkov broke his stick in the offensive zone and went to chase a puck bouncing toward the empty net.
Barkov slid to try and block Stutzle from getting to the puck and ended up crashing skates-first into the boards.
Barkov had to be helped off the ice and into the room, trying to keep weight off his right leg.
Coach Paul Maurice said he did not have an update on the injury following the game.
Celebrate the Start of Florida Panthers Season
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The Senators certainly came out jacked to start their season after last year’s misery.
Ottawa opened up by outshooting the Panthers 7-1,
Stutzle opening the scoring on a power-play chance.
Midway through the first, Pinto picked up a bouncing puck in the Florida zone, raced up the ice and beat Sergei Bobrovsky (28 saves) with a wrister.
Florida, after a sleepy first, would find their way in the second.
The Panthers finally found the net with 4:12 left in the second period, Forsling rocking a point shot through a Matthew Tkachuk screen.
Despite dominating puck possession for much of the game’s second half, the Panthers could not get anything else past Ullmark.
Stutzle ended it with 1:10 left by scoring into an empty net.
GOALS OF THE GAME
Senators 1, Panthers 0 (5:52, 1st PP): Tim Stutzle fires off a wrist shot from the top of the right circle and Florida surrenders its first power-play goal of the young season. Ottawa was outshooting the Panthers 7-1 at the time.
Senators 2, Panthers 0 (10:42, 1st): Florida turns over a bouncing puck in the offensive zone, Shane Pinto picks it and drives down and beats Sergei Bobrovsky.
Senators 2, Panthers 1 (15:48, 2nd): With Matthew Tkachuk screening Linus Ullmark, Gus Forsling rips one from the point.
Senators 3, Panthers 1 (18:50, 3rd EN): Stutzle gets No. 2.
GR’S 3 STARS OF THE GAME
1. Linus Ullmark, Ottawa
2. Tim Stutzle, Ottawa
3. Gus Forsling, Florida
ON DECK: GAME 3
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT BUFFALO SABRES
When: Saturday, 7 p.m.
Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
Last Season (Panthers Won 3-0) — At Buffalo: Panthers 4, Sabres 0 (Feb. 15). At Florida: Panthers 3, Sabres 2 (Feb. 28); Panthers 3, Sabres 2 OT (Ap.13).
All-time Regular Season Series: Florida leads 57-45-8, 4 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Monday at Boston Bruins, 1 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Zachary SmithOctober 10, 2024Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.
Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers. On today’s episode, we discuss George Pickens finally addressing the media following Sunday Night’s game vs the Cowboys, where he was heavily criticized for his effort. We then touch on Arthur Smith’s comments about George, the play of Justin Fields and more. We go through some injury notes pertaining to Jaylen Warren, Pat Freiermuth and Alex Highsmith. Finally, we touch on what Teryl Austin had to say about Patrick Queen, Beanie Bishop and why the team isn’t blitzing very often. Let’s go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss!
Check out the show on our YouTube page, or find it on Megaphone or wherever you get your podcasts.
Got a question for the guys? Leave a comment on YouTube, here on the website, or find them on Twitter at @ASaunders_PGH and @ZacharySmithPGH
Hey fans! We want to see your black and gold rides! Show us your car, truck or van that’s painted in Pittsburgh colors, decorated with logos or Terrible Towels, covered in bumper stickers, or uses some other way to show off your dedication to the Black and Gold. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 10, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks were the better team in a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club on Tuesday. Sometimes the better team doesn’t always win.
Some nights a goaltender will put the team on his back and steal a game. Other nights an individual performance from a forward or defenseman can change the game. The Blackhawks have a few of those difference makers on this team, and for the Hawks to win this season they are going to need these three players to step up.
Three players who hold the keys to the Chicago Blackhawks success.
Petr Mrazek
Petr Mrazek had a strong bounce back season last year with the Blackhawks. In 56 games, Mrazek registered a .907 save percentage and a goals against average of 3.05. On a struggling team, Mrazek was the Blackhawks best player often keeping them in games they didn’t deserve to be.
Mrazek showed that same capability throughout the loss to Utah. Utah had some great rushes in the first period and near the beginning of the third period, if Mrazek didn’t keep the Hawks in the game there they would have had no chance at a comeback near the end.
The Hawks need Mrazek to take on the majority of the workload until Laurent Brossoit returns from an injury.
Seth Jones
Seth Jones is the face of the Blackhawks blue line. Jones registered two shots on goal playing 26:42 minutes of the opening game against Utah. He even registered an assist on the Blackhawks first goal of the game.
Bedard with the sweet setup for Teravainen 🔥 pic.twitter.com/ISHs9VtZqW
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 9, 2024
While it wasn’t the best pass in the world to Bedard in traffic, getting the puck on Bedard’s stick is always a recipe for success.
Jones is quarterbacking the Blackhawks top power play. He led the team in ice time on the man advantage at 3:48. The Blackhawks need Jones to find that offensive creativity and replicate his first season in Chicago where he registered 51 points in 78 games.
Connor Bedard
Connor Bedard is no longer a rookie. The Blackhawks forward is no longer the new kid on the block, now he is the experience pro players in the locker room are looking to in key situations.
Guys like Tyler Bertuzzi and Teuvo Teravainen signed with the Blackhawks for an opportunity to play with a player like Bedard. As the years progress, Bedard is someone the Hawks are going to look at to take over and lead. A strong second season is just what is needed for the rebuild to reach its next level.
Bedard doesn’t need to be perfect. There are always going to be mistakes at times when playing with creativity and taking chances. But the Blackhawks need him to be smarter in his second season.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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Chris WardOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson was a full practice participant for the second consecutive day, so it appears that he’ll be active for the first time this year on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. What his role will be is to be determined, however.
“That’s a big question,” Wilson said when asked what if he expects to be the starter or the backup.
“For me, I’m preparing my mind to get ready to go,” Wilson added. “That’s my mentality and help us win, whatever that is. I’m just getting prepared for Friday. “It’s not like I haven’t been out there. I’ve gotten a lot of reps over this time. I have a lot of confidence with our guys and who we are.”
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that Wilson will start by getting reps with the second unit and then see where that goes throughout the week.Tomlin added that Wilson will get reps as not to disrupt Justin Fields’ preparation. He said the “door is ajar” for Wilson to be active on Sunday, but he’ll have to see how he does at practice this week.
“We’ll see where that leads us,” Tomlin said. “First, we’ll see if he’s able to pull it off and get through the session — and if he does, what does the quality of that work look like? His ability to protect himself, etc.”
RELATED: Russell Wilson Close to Returning, Scheduled to Be a Full Participant at Practice
Russell Wilson has been dealing with a lingering calf injury since the start of training camp. He re-injured his calf at the Thursday practice prior to the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, and has been inactive for all five games.
Wilson’s mobility could be the one thing that’s holding him back. He looked pretty agile at practice on Thursday, but doing it in a game is a whole different story.
“I think the biggest thing, just to be honest with you guys, is being able to run well,” Wilson said.
“I was able to do a lot more this week. I was excited to get back out there and be a full participant. All the reps and everything else. That was great. It just got better from the first day to today.”
#Steelers QB Russell Wilson running out his fakes at practice this week. That’s a step forward. pic.twitter.com/72LLyXZ7Kv
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) October 10, 2024
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — George Pickens had a lot to say on Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium.
So much that it couldn’t be constrained by mere words. He had to spell it out for the rest of the world. Pickens wrote “Open Fucking Always” in white letters across the strip of eye black tape that adorned his face on Sunday night.
After Pickens caught three of his seven targets for 26 yards on Sunday in what became a 20-17 Steelers loss, Pickens had a lot less to say. He did not speak with the media postgame, as is required by NFL policy. Of course, NFL policy doesn’t seem to be a priority. The league’s rules strictly prohibit personal messages displayed during games. Pickens is under investigation from the league for violating that portion of the rulebook.
When he finally did speak to the media on Thursday, before practice, he had almost nothing to say.
Q: How do you feel about playing lesser snaps than what you’ve been playing?
“Yeah. I think it was probably a game plan. That’s pretty much it.”
Q: The message on your eye black, what was the purpose behind it?
“It’s just eye black. Yeah.”
Q: Did you expect a blowback about the message on the eye black?
“Nah.”
Q: Have you heard from the league about a fine or is there anything internal?
Pickens just shook his head no.
Q: Mike said you’re OK with the load management. Is that true?
“Yeah. That’s what he just asked me. It’s just part of the game plan.”
Q: What happened with the Jourdan Lewis play at the end of the game?
“Nothing.”
Q: Do you feel confident in the plan to play you fewer snaps?
“Like I said, it’s just part of the game structure, game plan. You know, if Art wants to do a certain type of play, certain types of games plans, then it’s going to be different.”
Q: Is it frustrating to be limited?
“No, not really.”
Q: How do you manage frustrations over the course of a season?
“You just keep working.”
Q: Is there something you can do to get back to playing full reps?
“No, it’s not on me. It’s all up to Art.”
Q: Have you gotten better at handling adversity like questionable penalty calls?
“I wouldn’t really say that. That’s all on the refs. That should show you where the refs are this season.”
Q: Should the Steelers trade for a wide receiver before the deadline?
“No, I wouldn’t say that. I would say the guys that’s here, they’re working hard every day.”
Q: Do you feel like you’re being used effectively in his offense?
“Yeah.”
Q: Is there anything you’d like to do more out there?
“Nah. Just keep working.”
Q: Were you aware of the rule about messaging on the eye black.
“Never seen it before. Have you seen it before?”
Cam got fined some years ago for putting his dad’s name on it.
“Years ago? When I wasn’t in the league? So, no.”
Q: Do you regret throwing your helmet on the sideline?
“No. When it’s third down and you don’t convert, a lot of fans are mad, as well.” [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 10, 2024The Boston Bruins (0-1-0) hit the ice at TD Garden for the first time this season tonight as they welcome in their Original Six rival, the Montreal Canadiens (1-0-0). Here’s what you need to know before puck drop.
Swayman Starts:
Jeremy Swaywan will make his season debut for the Bruins tonight and face live-game action for the first time since last season’s playoffs.
Jeremy Swayman To Make Season Debut In Bruins Home Opener
‘We Need Urgency’:
The Bruins couldn’t have looked much worse in their first game of the season. As they return home, they hope a change to their lineup can help change their fortunes.
Bruins Shake Up Lineup For Home Opener: ‘We Need Urgency’
Lines:
Zacha – E. Lindholm – Pastrnak
Marchand – Coyle – Geekie
Tufte – Frederic – Brazeau
Beecher – Kastelic – Koepke
Zadorov – McAvoy
H. Lindholm – Carlo
Wotherspoon – Peeke
Swayman
Korpisalo
Last Time Out:
The Bruins came out flat in their first game of the season on Tuesday. The Florida Panthers scored four goals in the first period at Amarant Bank Arena and never let up.
Pavel Zacha, Charlie McAvoy, Trent Frederic, and David Pastrnak all lit the lamp, but that didn’t make up for Joonas Korpisalo’s rough night in goal, as Boston fell 6-4 in a game that wasn’t as close as the score suggests.
Bruins Start Season With Disaster Against Panthers
The Opponent:
Samuel Montembeault made 48 saves as the Montreal Canadiens opened their campaign Wednesday night at home, shutting out the Toronto Maple Leafs to the tune of 1-0. Cole Caulfield had the lone goal in the win.
With the Habs playing in the second half of a back-to-back tonight in Boston, Cayden Primeau is expected to make his first start of the year in goal against the Bruins.
Tonight’s matchup is the first of three this season between the Bruins and Canadiens. Last year, Boston won the season series 3-0-1.
How To Watch:
Puck drop between the Bruins and Canadiens from TD Garden is set for 7 p.m. EST. The game can be seen on NESN and is available for streaming on NESN 360 and ESPN + in out-of-market areas. 98.5 The Sports Hub will carry the radio broadcast.
FOLLOW ANDREW FANTUCCHIO ON 𝕏: @A_FANTUCCHIO
FOLLOW BOSTON HOCKEY NOW ON 𝕏 AND FACEBOOKc [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024NEWARK — The left side of the New Jersey Devils’ blue line has been decimated by injuries before the puck even dropped for Game One of the regular season. Defenseman Santeri Hatakka suffered an undisclosed injury in the preseason, and the Devils finally revealed what the former sixth-round draft pick was dealing with.
Hatakka left the second period of a preseason tilt against the Montreal Canadiens on Sept. 24th, in which the Devils lost 3-0. The Finnish defenseman remained out of the lineup for the rest of the game.
For a while, Hatakka’s status remained undetermined. However, when he didn’t leave with the Devils to play in Prague, and he hasn’t skated since, it could be deduced that he was dealing with a serious injury.
On Thursday, the Devils announced Hatakka underwent successful shoulder surgery. No timeline was provided for Hatakka’s recovery, however, the Devils will be provided updates when available.
Hatakka’s injury was certainly an untimely one.
First, he explained to New Jersey Hockey Now this summer that he believed he was going to be a full-time NHL defenseman this season. That prediction became a little more realistic once it was announced that the Devils would be without Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce to begin 2024-25 for their respective injuries.
READ: Santeri Hatakka Wants Full-Time NHL Role With Devils
Now, Seamus Casey has forced New Jersey to roster him with his positive play, despite the deployment on his off side as a right-handed defenseman.
Fortunately for New Jersey, Casey has been up to snuff.
The Devils signed Hatakka to a one-year, two-way contract this summer. After a small, yet encouraging sample of his work in the NHL last season, there was certainly hope within the organization that Hatakka would be able to fill the void with Hughes and Pesce injured.
Hatakka’s lust for a full-time role in the NHL is on hold for now while he recovers.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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Shelly AndersonOctober 10, 2024Before the Pittsburgh Penguins aim to bounce back in their second game of the season, here is a way to understand what happened Wednesday night.
The Penguins play Thursday against the Red Wings in Detroit. To have a better grasp on what happened Wednesday in their season-opening 6-0 loss to the New York Rangers, check out the excellent debrief from hockey coach and instructor Francis Anzalone.
Bio: Anzalone is a hockey coach, sports executive, and mentor to student-athletes. He presently serves as Chief Operating Officer for Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy and has been a coach, scout, and administrator at the youth, Junior A, and international levels for 16 years.
He breaks down, well, all the breakdowns. And while you’re at it, be sure to subscribe to the National Hockey Now channel on YouTube. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — Starting tight end Pat Freiermuth is the latest player to find his way to the Pittsburgh Steelers lengthy injury report.
Freiermuth was listed as a limited participant in the team’s practice on Thursday with a calf injury. He was seen after practice without any apparent injury, so it does not appear to be a major issue, but his status will need to be monitored for the Steelers’ Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday.
Freiermuth has played in all five games for the Steelers this season and is second on the team in receptions (20), yards (178) and leads the team with two touchdown receptions.
The Steelers have been playing without veteran backup MyCole Pruitt, who missed the last three games with a knee injury. He was a limited participant in practice for the second straight day as he works his way back.
Darnell Washington, Connor Heyward and Rodney Williams II are the other three tight ends on the team’s roster.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT
Player
Injury
Date
Prognosis
Roster Status
TE Pat Freiermuth
Calf
Oct. 10
TBD
Active, LP on Thurs.
FS Damontae Kazee
Ankle
Oct. 6
Week to week
DBT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
DE DeMarvin Leal
Stinger
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
OLB Nick Herbig
Hamstring
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Ankle
Sept. 29
Week to week
OUT at LV, DNP on Thurs.
RG James Daniels
Achilles
Sept. 29
Out for season
Injured reserve
RB Jaylen Warren
Knee
Sept. 22
Day to day
DBT at LV, LP on Thurs.
OLB Alex Highsmith
Groin
Sept. 22
One week
OUT at LV, LP on Thurs.
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Hamstring
Sept. 22
Two weeks
Injured reserve
RT Troy Fautanu
Right knee dislocation
Sept. 20
Regular season
Injured reserve
TE MyCole Pruitt
Right knee
Sept. 15
Day to day
DBT at LV, LP on Thurs.
WR Ben Skowronek
Shoulder
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
LB Tyler Matakevich
Hamstring
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
P Cameron Johnston
Right leg
Sept. 8
Out for season
Injured reserve
QB Russell Wilson
Calf tightness
Sept. 5
Day to day
Active, FP on Thurs.
SS Ryan Watts
Necke
Aug. 24
Out for season
Injured reserve
DL Logan Lee
Calf
Aug. 20
Week to week
Injured reserve
OT Dylan Cook
Lisfranc, left foot
Aug. 17
Week to week
IR-Return
C Nate Herbig
Torn rotator cuff
Aug. 14
Out for season
Injured reserve
OLB David Perales
Left MCL tear
July 31
Out for season
Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb
Left knee
Nov. 2, 2023
Week to week
PUP/reserve [...]Read more...
Jason MoserOctober 10, 2024A big night from Victor Olofsson spawned a discussion about former Buffalo Sabres players having success. Five out of the last six seasons, a former Sabres player who recently left the team went on to win the Stanley Cup with his new team.
It started in 2019, as Ryan O’Reilly was traded to the St. Louis Blues and immediately led them on a historic second-half run up the standings and banked them a championship. The next season, Zach Bogosian was a part of the 2020 Tampa Bay Lightning squad that won the Cup. The Lightning repeated in 2021 before Jonas Johansson joined the 2022 Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche. In the past two seasons, Jack Eichel’s Vegas Golden Knights and Sam Reinhart’s Florida Panthers were dominant in the playoffs, bringing home titles.
The Cup-winning Panthers were loaded with former Sabres last season, including Reinhart, Evan Rodrigues, Kyle Okposo, Brandon Montour, and Dmitry Kulikov.
With the Sabres revamping their squad for the 2024-205 season, seven players from last season’s team are scattered across the NHL. The list includes:
Zemgus Girgensons, Tampa Bay Lightning
Erik Johnson, Philadelphia Flyers
Tyson Jost, Carolina Hurricanes
Victor Olofsson, Vegas Golden Knights
Casey Mittelstadt, Colorado Avalanche
Eric Robinson, Carolina Hurricanes
Jeff Skinner, Edmonton Oilers
So which of these players has the best chance of continuing the trend? Let’s dive into the projections.
Related: One Thing Missed from Former Sabres Not Returning from Last Season
Girgensons & the Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning lost Steven Stamkos and Mikhail Sergachev this offseason but added Jake Guentzel, J.J. Moser, Ryan McDonagh, and depth pieces like Zemgus Girgensons. Despite the activity, Tampa is barely projected to finish ahead of the Sabres, per PuckLuck’s standings projections. According to the model, the Lightning have a 40% chance of making the playoffs, slotting as the first team out of a wild card spot.
The Sabres have a 35% chance, making them the next team out in what could be a tight race for eighth in the Eastern Conference. Unfortunately for Girgensons, he’s in a position again where he’s more likely to miss the playoffs than make them. The 11-year veteran has yet to play in a postseason game.
Johnson & the Flyers
Erik Johnson was dealt to the Philadelphia Flyers at last season’s trade deadline, and the team barely missed the playoffs. The Flyers have lower odds than the Sabres of making it this season at 30%, meaning Johnson and other former Sabres, Rasmus Ristolainen and Nicolas Deslauriers, are likely on the outside looking in come April.
Robinson, Jost, and the Hurricanes
As has been the case in recent seasons under head coach Rod Brind’Amour, the Carolina Hurricanes project to finish high in the Eastern Conference standings. The Hurricanes signed former Sabres bottom-sixers Eric Robinson and Tyson Jost as depth pieces, and the two should benefit from the strong foundation of the club.
Robinson and Jost will provide fourth-line, defensive, and penalty-kill minutes for Carolina, who has a whopping 98% chance of making the postseason to start the year. In addition to the two, former Sabres forward William Carrier was signed this offseason to play in a similar role. PuckLuck is high on every aspect of the Canes’ roster, so they’re a strong contender to raise the Stanley Cup in June.
More: Which Former Sabres Forward Is The Best General Manager?
Olofsson & the Golden Knights
Jack Eichel already potted the Vegas Golden Knights a championship, and now his former Sabres linemate Victor Olofsson joins him in the desert. Olofsson had a big opening game, netting two goals. Eichel also added four assists in the game, as the Golden Knights cruised to an 8-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche.
Olofsson’s a bit of a wild card this season, as his shooting ability he displayed with the Sabres is unquestioned but the rest of his game is still incomplete. If Vegas continues to use him as a powerplay specialist, he should return to near the 30-goal mark.
The Golden Knights are just outside of the playoff picture despite the big win, with a projected 32% chance of making the playoffs. There are a lot of question marks surrounding the forward group, so the team will rely on their defensemen and goaltending to keep them going, should the scoring prove to be inconsistent. If they can overcome their depth, former Sabres Eichel, Olofsson, and Brayden McNabb will all be in pivotal roles to contribute.
Mittelstadt & the Avalanche
The Western Conference is very strong from one to twelve, so the playoff race could be tight. The Colorado Avalanche are expected to ride their top players back into a divisional playoff spot, and Casey Mittelstadt is one of their top supporting pieces. According to PuckLuck, the Avalanche have a 73% chance of making the playoffs, putting them right in the heat of the top of the Central Division.
Colorado is now three years removed from their last Stanley Cup run and is thin at forward. Health will dictate a lot about where they finish in the standings and their road through the playoffs.
Skinner & the Oilers
Jeff Skinner joins last season’s runner-ups, predictably vaulting him toward the top of the list of potential former Sabres to win the Stanley Cup this season. Skinner is infamous for playing over 1,000 NHL games without appearing in the postseason. He’s beginning the year on a line with Leon Draisaitl and Viktor Arvidsson, putting him in a prime spot to be a big contributor for the Oilers.
Edmonton is projected to finish atop the Western Conference with a 94% chance of making the playoffs. If Skinner can provide the production boost they expect, he’ll have the easiest path to winning the Cup. Here are the former Sabres’ teams and their Stanley Cup odds, according to the PuckLuck projections:
Carolina Hurricanes +1201
Edmonton Oilers +1388
Colorado Avalanche +1995
Tampa Bay Lightning +4094
Buffalo Sabres +4906
Vegas Golden Knights +5430
Philadelphia Flyers +5849 [...]Read more...
Adam BradfordOctober 10, 2024Let’s take a look at at some takeaways from Vegas’s 8-4 victory over Colorado to open their 2024-2025 campaign.
On Wednesday night, the Vegas Golden Knights opened their 2024-2025 campaign with an 8-4 victory over the Colorado Avalanche. Let’s take a a look at three takeaways from the game.
Offense on Fire
It didn’t take long for Vegas’s offense to get into form. The Golden Knights came out firing on Wednesday, unleashing an eight-goal furry on Colorado.
Notably, Victor Olofsson, Ivan Barbashev, and captain Mark Stone all had multi-goal games, with Barbashev also contributing two assists. Zach Whitecloud also pitched in a goal, and Brett Howden added an empty-netter.
Overall, it was an impressive balanced offensive performance from the Golden Knights. If Vegas can have more offensive explosions like this one, it will be a very fun season in the Sin City.
Hill Struggles
While it was an incredible night for the Golden Knights’ offense, it was a rough season debut for goaltender Adin Hill. Vegas’s top netminder did not have his best night against Colorado, allowing four goals on 32 starts, good for an .875 save percentage.
Fortunately for Hill, thanks to the offense’s explosive night, even his C-game was enough for the Golden Knights to get the win. Hill will look to bounce back in his next start.
Eichel Spreading the Wealth
For years, Golden Knights’ star Jack Eichel has made a career out of scoring goals. On Wednesday, however, it was his helping others to score that made the difference in the game.
Eichel assisted on four of Vegas’s eight goals in Wednesday night’s victory, including both of Stone’s tallies. For his impressive performance, the former Boston University standout was named the game’s second star. (Barbashev was the first star, and Stone was the third star.
It should be the start of another strong season for Eichel, who has established himself as one of the top centers in the game..
Up Next
With the victory, The Golden Knights sit at 1-0-0 on the new season. They will continue their opening homestand with games against the St. Louis Blues on Friday and the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday. Puck drop at T-Mobile Arena for both games is set for 7:00 PM PDT. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — Outside linebacker Alex Highsmith returned to practice for the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, providing hope that their logjam of injuries at that position might be short-lived.
Highsmith said that he worked only in individual periods of practice on Thursday, not team work. He said he’s feeling good — actually too good — but is still targeting next week’s game against the New York Jets for a return.
Hello, 5️⃣6️⃣
Alex Highsmith back at #Steelers practice today. pic.twitter.com/nxbe7jndhx
— Alan Saunders (@ASaunders_PGH) October 10, 2024
This is the second time that Highsmith has injured his groin this season. The first came in the preseason and the second game during the team’s Week 3 game against the Los Angeles Chargers, when he left just before the half.
Soft tissue injuries are easy to aggravate, and Highsmith having already re-injured this one once means that even though he feels good, he’s going to have to wait this one out.
“As a competitor, it’s frustrating,” Highsmith said.
That means that Highsmith, Nick Herbig and DeMarvin Leal will all miss this week’s game. Herbig (ankle) and Leal (stinger) have not been practicing. The Steelers will likely turn to Jeremiah Moon to start opposite T.J. Watt, with a combination of Ade Ogundeji and Eku Leota providing depth.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS INJURY REPORT
Player
Injury
Date
Prognosis
Roster Status
FS Damontae Kazee
Ankle
Oct. 6
Week to week
DBT at LV
DE DeMarvin Leal
Stinger
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV
OLB Nick Herbig
Hamstring
Oct. 6
Week to week
OUT at LV
RB Cordarrelle Patterson
Ankle
Sept. 29
Week to week
OUT at LV
RG James Daniels
Achilles
Sept. 29
Out for season
Injured reserve
RB Jaylen Warren
Knee
Sept. 22
Day to day
DBT at LV
OLB Alex Highsmith
Groin
Sept. 22
One week
OUT at LV
CB Cory Trice Jr.
Hamstring
Sept. 22
Two weeks
Injured reserve
RT Troy Fautanu
Right knee dislocation
Sept. 20
Regular season
Injured reserve
TE MyCole Pruitt
Right knee
Sept. 15
Day to day
DBT at LV
WR Ben Skowronek
Shoulder
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
LB Tyler Matakevich
Hamstring
Sept. 15
One weeks
Injured reserve
P Cameron Johnston
Right leg
Sept. 8
Out for season
Injured reserve
QB Russell Wilson
Calf tightness
Sept. 5
Day to day
Active
LG Isaac Seumalo
Pectoral strain
Aug. 28
Day to day
Active
SS Ryan Watts
Necke
Aug. 24
Out for season
Injured reserve
DL Logan Lee
Calf
Aug. 20
Week to week
Injured reserve
OT Dylan Cook
Lisfranc, left foot
Aug. 17
Week to week
IR-Return
C Nate Herbig
Torn rotator cuff
Aug. 14
Out for season
Injured reserve
OLB David Perales
Left MCL tear
July 31
Out for season
Injured reserve
ILB Cole Holcomb
Left knee
Nov. 2, 2023
Week to week
PUP/reserve [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 10, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks were without Wyatt Kaiser to start the 2024-25 NHL Regular season as Kaiser was on injured reserve with an illness. On Thursday, the team officially activated the 22-year-old defensemen.
Kaiser played in 32 games last season with the Blackhawks. During that time he dished out seven assists averaging 17:19 minutes of ice time a night.
Kaiser was a reliable piece in the Blackhawks blue line and seemed like a shoe in to rejoin the NHL roster once he was back from IR.
It might be some time before Blackhawks fans will see Kaiser in a game. Kaiser missed the entirety of the preseason and training camp. Head coach Luke Richardson may look to ease him back into play.
The Chicago Blackhawks drafted Wyatt Kaiser in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft. Last season he split time between the Rockford IceHogs and the Chicago Blackhawks. In 37 games with the IceHogs, Kaiser registered 18 points (4 G, 14 A).
With the Blackhawks activating Kaiser, the tea also sent Isaak Phillips to the AHL. Phillips cleared waivers earlier this week ahead of the season and won’t require waivers to be sent down right now.
For now, Kaiser will most likely serve as the team’s seventh defensemen for the next few games. There is no rush to get him back in, especially with Nolan Allan holding his own against Utah.
With Phillips being sent down to the IceHogs, the Rockford blue line gets all the more experienced. Kevin Korchinski, Ethan Del Mastro and Louis Crevier all have some NHL experience. Throw Phillips into the mix and Rockford will have a great back end in front of goaltender Drew Commesso.
Should Artyom Levshunov find his way to Rockford at some point the IceHogs will get all the more exciting.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 10, 2024The Florida Panthers will play their first road game of the new season tonight when they take on the Ottawa Senators.
No, we’re not talking about Ottawa captain Brady Tkachuk.
Nick Cousins is now a member of the Senators and will face his former Panthers teammates for the first time tonight.
Cousins is the first former member of the Panthers to receive his Stanley Cup championship ring as he met up with a number of his buddies last night for dinner and was presented with his spectacular piece of jewelry.
And, although Cousins has a lot of pals on the other side of the ice, he says he will not hold back tonight.
The Panthers expect nothing less.
“It should be fun,” Cousins said. “I told them last night that there are no deals out there. They know my game better than anyone and know I’ll be excited to play tonight. It is Game 1. … Really special, probably my favorite stop in my career. The coaches were great to me; medical, training, equipment staff were great to me. Just seeing them when I was walking through today brought back a lot of good memories. There are relationships you build in your career, but when you win, those relationships are a lot more special.”
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Said coach Paul Maurice: “His personality in our room, how he interacted with players in game and on the bench, certainly his play: I think he is underrated in how he thinks the game and certainly his hands. He can make plays. And he did. We had a pretty good run through the Eastern Conference and he played on the second line. Happy for him. It was great to see him, I think he can be impactful, enjoy his time in Canada and be a real good veteran guy for a young team.”
— The Panthers will be without defenseman Adam Boqvist after he took a puck off the face on a clearing shot during the first period of Tuesday’s opening night win against the Bruins.
Boqvist is wearing a full mask; Maurice said he may be able to go Saturday in Buffalo.
Nate Schmidt will make his debut with the Panthers in his place — and could get some power play time tonight.
— The starting goalies: Sergei Bobrovsky vs. Linus Ullmark.
Bobrovsky (1-0) makes his second straight start with Spencer Knight backing up after being recalled after being left off the opening night roster for salary cap reasons.
Ullmark will make his first start for the Senators after being acquired in a deal with the Bruins during the offseason.
— Tonight’s game will be televised locally on the new South Florida Scripps Network with the pregame kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WQAM 560-AM; WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
Local Odds — Panthers Favored: Money Line (-140); Puck line (-1.5, +155); Over/Under 6.5 (+100/-120)
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
PROJECTED FLORIDA PANTHERS (1-0-0) LINES
23 Carter Verhaeghe // 16 Sasha Barkov // 13 Sam Reinhart
17 Evan Rodrigues// 9 Sam Bennett // 19 Matthew Tkachuk
27 Eetu Luostarinen // 15 Anton Lundell // 25 Mackie Samoskevich
12 Jonah Gadjovich // 70 Jesper Boqvist // 10 A.J. Greer
42 Gus Forsling // 5 Aaron Ekblad
77 Niko Mikkola // 7 Dmitry Kulikov
88 Nate Schmidt // 26 Uvis Balinskis
72 Sergei Bobrovsky
30 Spencer Knight
Scratched: None
Injured: Tomas Nosek (UBI), Justin Sourdif (UBI), Adam Boqvist (UBI)
Waived/Sent to Charlotte: Chris Driedger, MacKenzie Entwistle
PROJECTED OTTAWA SENATORS (0-0-0) LINES
7 Brady Tkachuk // 18 Tim Stutzle // 28 Claude Giroux
71 Ridley Grieg // 9 Josh Norris // 19 Drake Batherson
57 David Perron // 12 Shane Pinto // 22 Michael Amadio
73 Noah Gregor // 81 Adam Gaudette // 21 Nick Cousins
85 Jake Sanderson // 2 Artem Zub
72 Thomas Chabot // 3 Nick Jensen
43 Tyler Klevin // 23 Travis Hamonic
35 Linus Ullmark
31 Anton Forsberg
Ottawa Senators Lines Courtesy NHL.com [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024It looks like the three-headed goalie monster in Winnipeg could be coming to an end. The Winnipeg Jets placed ex-New Jersey Devils goaltender, Kaapo Kahkonen, on waivers Thursday afternoon. Despite being named to the opening-night roster, Kahkonen now finds himself the odd-man out of the goalie rotation.
The Jets are seemingly favoring Eric Comrie as Connor Hellebuyck’s backup — at least to start the 2024-25 season.
Over the summer, the Jets signed Kahkonen to a one-year, $1 million contract with no clauses to protect the Finnish goaltender from any sort of movement.
The Devils moved on from Kahkonen after they traded for the 28-year-old netminder at the 2024 NHL Trade Deadline. The Devils sent goaltender Vitek Vanecek to the San Jose Sharks in exchange, escaping the final year of the Czech goaltenders contract.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald always intended on Jacob Markstrom becoming a Devil, and opted to keep Jake Allen as his backup.
Yet, Kahkonen posted some encouraging numbers with the Devils, accruing a .923 SV% and 2.51 GAA. The fancy stats also favored Kahkonen as he registered a 4.26 goals saved above expected rating (GSAx) and high danger SV% of .912.
In the preseason, Kahkonen didn’t exactly dazzle with Winnipeg. In two games, he accrued a 1-1-0 record, registering a .891 SV% and 3.03 GAA. Comrie’s SV% wasn’t much better at .893%, and his GAA was slightly better than Kahkonen’s at 2.59.
Kahkonen’s worst years all came with a rebuilding Sharks team. However, with more adequate structure in front of him — such as with the Devils and Minnesota Wild — he’s proven to be a steady, reliable goaltender.
It’s fair to wonder if the 28-year-old netminder makes it through waivers to head to Manitoba and play for the Moose.
Teams that come to mind that are in need of a solid goaltender — especially one with a low cap hit — are the Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, or Anaheim Ducks while John Gibson recovers from injury.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
And on Threads:
@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 10, 2024The Washington Capitals begin their 2024-25 NHL season on Saturday against the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena for a 7:00 p.m. tilt. The Devils have already started their regular season after playing two games against the Buffalo Sabres in Prague on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5. They won both games by 4-1 and 3-1 respectively. New Jersey had offensive contributions by Paul Cotter, Stefan Noesen, Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Johnathan Kovacevic, and rookie defenseman Seamus Casey. All of them provided seven goals during the Global Series. Who are some players to watch out for on the Devils for the Capitals?
Devils Appear to Have Found Their Goalie Tandem
It took New Jersey Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald some time, but he finally has his number one netminder. On June 19, he acquired goalie Jacob Markstrom from the Calgary Flames via trade. The full deal was Markstrom for defenseman Kevin Bahl and a first-round pick in 2025. Goaltending was an area where the Devils struggled last season. Five goalies played at least one game for the club in 2023-24. The list was Jake Allen, Vitek Vanecek, Akira Schmid, Kaapo Kahkonen, and Nico Daws.
Markstrom now joins Jake Allen as the goalie duo for New Jersey in the 2024-25 campaign. He suited up for the Devils in the first Prague game and looked spectacular. That included robbing Sabres forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel in what could be one of the best saves of the season. He made 30 saves on 31 shots and finished with a .968 save percentage (SV%).
Taking a look at his time in Calgary, Markstrom posted the following stats during his four seasons with the team:
2020-21: 22-19-2, 2.68 goals-against average (GAA), .904 SV%, and three shutouts in 43 games played
2021-22: 37-15-9, 2.22 GAA, .922 SV%, and nine shutouts in 63 games played
2022-23: 23-21-12, 2.92 GAA, .892 SV%, and one shutout in 59 games played
2023-24: 23-23-2, 2.78 GAA, .905 SV%, and two shutouts in 48 games played
Backup netminder Jake Allen also looked impressive during the second Prague game for New Jersey. He made 17 saves on 18 shots and finished with a .944 SV%. He is a solid goalie behind Markstrom, creating a strong tandem for the Devils this season. No matter who the Devils put in net on Saturday, they will face a strong goalie between the pipes that they will need to solve.
Andrew Mangiapane on Jacob Markstrom
One of the Capitals who knows Markstrom well is winger Andrew Mangiapane. The two played together on the Calgary Flames for the four campaigns Markstrom was there. Mangiapane talked about what it takes to go against him. He said, “He’s a great goalie…Big, mobile goalie, so for us to kind of have success, we need to get bodies in front of the net and throw pucks at the net. Throw pucks in his feet. Get the rebounds and just kind of stay with it…finish your chances. He doesn’t really give up on any plays…You saw it there in the first game where he’s out of the play and he makes that save with his paddle there behind his back. He’s never kind of out of every play, so you just gotta bear down when you get those opportunities, but I think the big thing is just getting pucks and bodies to the net.”
Devils Scoring by Committee So Far
In the two-game short span of time so far, New Jersey has gotten goals from all throughout their lineup. That makes them a tough opponent to face off against if they can keep scoring by committee. They already have seven goals in the span of two games. Stars like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier will always be important to stifle offensively, but both talents have a combined one goal right now. The offensive contributions have come from new faces, such as Paul Cotter, who the Devils acquired in the Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid deal with the Vegas Golden Knights on June 29. He is the only player with multiple goals so far through two games. Other Devils players with multiple points so far are Stefan Noesen, Johnathan Kovacevic, Nathan Bastian, and Jack Hughes.
Washington’s defense is going to be key for Saturday’s matchup. If they can find a way to shut down New Jersey’s offense or limit their abilities, it will tilt the matchup more in their favor. It will be intriguing how new defenders in Jakob Chychrun and Matt Roy factor into the blue line’s success for this matchup, playing alongside defenders who were already in D.C. last season like John Carlson, Rasmus Sandin, and others.
Carbery on Devils Playing Three Games Before Capitals Matchup
The Devils play their third game of the regular season tonight versus the Toronto Maple Leafs. They have a 7:00 p.m. start at home. By the time the team arrives in D.C., they will be gearing up for their fourth matchup. Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery discussed the benefit of New Jersey playing in three games already. Carbery said, “…I think that we’ll know at least what they look like from line combinations, d-pairs, their structure with the new coach…it’s a small part but it helps us…we’ll have a pretty good idea of what they’re trying to do as a team.”
Washington’s game with New Jersey on Saturday kicks off the franchise’s 50th Anniversary season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Capital One Arena. [...]Read more...
Alan SaundersOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH —Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson is finally running on his injury right calf, but it still doesn’t look like he’s trending toward replacing Justin Fields as the team’s starting quarterback this week. On the other hand, despite being ruled out and doubtful respectively by head coach Mike Tomlin, outside linebacker Alex Highsmith and running back Jaylen Warren both looked solid in their practice work on Thursday.
RELATED: Steelers Get Return Date for Injured OLB Alex Highsmith
RELATED: Patterson Out and Warren Doubtful for Week 6 [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 10, 2024BRIGHTON– The Boston Bruins couldn’t have looked much worse to start the 2024-25 season.
After a disastrous opening night loss to the Florida Panthers on Tuesday, the Bruins hope to add urgency to their lineup, making multiple changes for the first game of the season at TD Garden tonight against the Montreal Canadiens.
“Urgency, playing fast, winning battles. Those are the three things we need to improve on vastly from Game 1,” said Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery Thursday morning at Warrior Ice Arena. “It’s early in the year. We want to get people in the lineup, and we want to get people acclimated to game speed. For the guys who are coming out, it’s not a reflection. The whole team was porous last game. It’s just an opportunity to get two guys in.
Parker Wotherspoon will take Mason Lohrei’s spot on the third defense pairing, while Riley Tufte replaces Max Jones on the third line.
Bruins morning skate lines:
Zacha- E. Lindholm -PastrnakMarchand-Coyle-GeekieTufte-Frederic-BrazeauBeecher-Kastelic-KoepkeJones-Poitras-Johnson
Zadorov-McAvoyH. Lindholm – CarloWotherspoon-PeekeLohrei-Mitchell
KorpisaloSwayman
— Andrew Fantucchio (@A_Fantucchio) October 10, 2024
A free agent signing this offseason, Tufte will make his Bruins debut skating with Trent Frederic and Justin Brazeau on a line the Bruins need to provide a physical edge.
“It’s a big line for us,” Tufte said. “We want to be hard on the forecheck, be a presence down low, and just be noticeable out there.”
Above all else, the Bruins’ defense must improve from its performance against the Panthers.
While Florida came out energized and ready to go after hoisting their Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters, it seemed Boston never realized the game actually started.
Must Read: Bruins Start Season With Disaster Against Panthers
The Panthers had 12 of the first 13 shots on goal of the game and held a commanding 4-1 lead at the end of the frame. Boston never recovered, falling 6-4 in a game that wasn’t nearly as close as the final score suggested.
“We weren’t being firm and hard enough at our net front, but there were about five problems before that led to that,” Montgomery said. “We were poor, but it was Game 1. One great thing about sports is we get an opportunity to respond tonight and show what we’re made of.”
If there’s any consolation for Tuesday’s result, it’s that the Bruins didn’t exactly have their best option in net. Backup goalie Joonas Korpisalo was admirable in his effort but was nonetheless abused by Florida, surrendering six goals on 35 shots without much help in front of him.
Rather than roll with Korpisalo again tonight, the Bruins are calling on Jeremy Swayman to make his season debut while seeing live-game action for the first time in five months.
“I love his confidence around the team,” said Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm. “I’ve played with him now for a few years. He’s one of those guys who’s been around the team. He knows the culture. We have a lot of belief in him, and I think he has a lot of belief in us. It’s gonna be fun playing in front of him.
Fun, it may be.
However, if the Bruins come out flat again, it’ll be anything but.
“You want to get back on the horse as quickly as possible. That’s in the past. It was the first game. We don’t really put too much into it. We know we have to play way better at home against Montreal. It should be a fun way to start off the season at TD Garden.”
Puck drop between the Bruins and Canadiens is set for 7 p.m. at TD Garden.
FOLLOW ANDREW FANTUCCHIO ON 𝕏: @A_FANTUCCHIO
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Chris WardOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — To say the least, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has had a tumultuous week after Sunday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys. After making headlines for his explicit eye black message, displaying poor effort, mysteriously playing only 39 snaps and throwing Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis down by his facemask on the last play, Pickens finally spoke to the media on Thursday after denying previous requests.
Pickens made a eye-opening statement in regards to his playing time, as he doesn’t feel that it’s on him to earn back any of the reps he lost last Sunday. He placed the blame on Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.
“It was just part of the game plan,” Pickens said.
Asked if he feels he can earn those reps back: “No. It’s not on me. It’s all up to Art. If Art wants to do a certain type of play or certain types of game plans, it’s going to be different.”
He also said he was not aware of the NFL rule against personal messages displayed while playing and said he has not at this point gotten any blowback for it. Pickens’ eye black message was “Open f***ing Always.”
“It’s just eye black,” George Pickens simply stated. He also said there wasn’t as purpose behind the eye black’s message.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said that he didn’t get any sense of frustration from Pickens regarding his limited workload. When pressed about Pickens’ emotional reactions during the game, he basically said Pickens is always that way.
“Different lifetime, but certainly done it with other premium players,” Smith said about Pickens’ snap management. “Done it with Derrick Henry. He wanted to be out there to play, and he wasn’t out there in all the third downs and he got plenty of touches. Did it with A.J. Brown, early, certain things and trying to mix and match and maximize things or set things up.
” is still, I believe, depending on what metric you’re using, seventh in targets in passing downs or passing opportunities in the league. So I get it, you lose a game, and something may look off or whatever, but that’s not. And then we communicate to any player, whether it’s Scotty or Van or Connor Heyward, guys know the roles. You got to know the backups and how you package things. Those are week-to-week things. That’s the best way I can answer it.”
Alan Saunders. contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 10, 2024The Philadelphia Flyers had a number of young defense prospects pushing for an NHL roster spot out of training camp.
By the end of final roster cuts, which came on Friday, none of them were left standing.
For a rebuilding team that is returning the exact same defense core from the 2023-24 season, that is cause for some concern, even with the numbers game playing a large part in the final outcome.
And, in fairness, that also says a lot about 2024 first-round pick Jett Luchanko, who made the Flyers outright just six weeks after turning 18 years old. But it would have been just as simple to send Luchanko back to the OHL to develop with the Guelph Storm for another year,
Ultimately, the lack of progression at the other end of the ice made the decision a little bit easier.
Swedish defenseman Emil Andrae was probably the closest in terms of making the NHL roster this season, but the seven defensemen ahead of him and a lack of North American experience factored against him.
Essentially, after just one full season in the AHL with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the Flyers would prefer Andrae to play regular minutes for another season, rather than play 13 or 14 minutes a night every once in a while.
The same is true of physical specimen Hunter McDonald, who dominated his opponents along the walls but frequently struggled with his defensive assignments and passing.
Another physical defenseman, Adam Ginning, will turn 25 in the middle of the season. He, too, struggled immensely when asked to move the puck, and heading into his third season, with over 100 AHL games under his belt, the clock is ticking.
Perhaps most notably, 2023 first-round pick Oliver Bonk did not play his best hockey in this past training camp and preseason, and though the Flyers are hoping that Jamie Drysdale is good enough to make him a second-pairing player, there are no guarantees in the NHL.
In short, the Flyers do not have many defense prospects who project well at the NHL level going forward, let alone being part of a Stanley Cup-caliber group that the front office aspires to build.
If the 2024 training camp and preseason have taught us anything, it’s that the Flyers must continue to draft defensemen with a more translatable suite of tools for the pro game. [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 10, 2024PITTSBURGH — With the Pittsburgh Steelers dealing with a slew of injuries, rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson could make his NFL debut on Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. Wilson suffered a high ankle sprain early in training camp and missed the first two games. He was then a healthy scratch the last three games due to the time missed.
“You’re talking about a lot of time missed. He’s working very hard. I would imagine it will happen sooner than later, but it’s not that you got to reach this certain metric. A lot of it is getting back in game shape,” Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith said about Wilson’s path to playing. “He’s doing really well, he’s making progress every day. I’d imagine it probably happen sooner rather than later. But missing all of training camp, you (have to) get your legs back. It’s not like a guy played four games and missed a week or two. There’s a lot of football conditioning and certainly a young guy, mentally too. Very pleased with the progress he’s made.”
Mike Tomlin had the same message for Wilson a few weeks ago as Smith.
“He’s just gotta keep working. It is very difficult to get on a moving train,” Tomlin said on Sept. 24 following the Los Angeles Chargers game.
Tomlin added that veteran defensive lineman Dean Lowry was a healthy scratch twice after his lengthy camp absence, and said that’s multiplied when talking about a rookie.
“My advice to Roman is to keep working. Take that opportunity when that door is left ajar,” Tomlin said.
Wilson ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, a 4.07-second shuttle and 6.89-second three-cone drill at the 2024 NFL Combine, resulting in an 8.59 RAS out of 10.
Roman Wilson played both inside and outside at Michigan, spending 91% of his time in the slot as a junior in 2022 and 65.5% of his time in the slot last season, per Pro Football Focus.
The Steelers desperately need a boost at wide receiver, as the combination of Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin III and Scotty Miller really hasn’t moved the needle. Austin has shined at moments, but it hasn’t been enough to take the pressure off George Pickens.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 10, 2024FanDuel shows the Red Wings at +5000 to win the Stanley Cup this season. That’s a 1.97% probability. The Athletic projects Coach Derek Lalonde’s team to finish with 81 points. Only six teams are below them in the projected overall standings.
BetMGM says there is a 63% (-170) chance that Detroit won’t make the playoffs.
That’s a profile that comes with being a team that hasn’t qualified for the playoffs since 2016. It’s the regular pessimism associated with a rebuilding team. But those facts and doomsday feelings don’t represent how the Red Wings feel about their own chances of appearing in the 2025 playoffs.
Detroit’s quest to join the ranks of postseason participants begins tonight when they play the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena (8 p.m., Bally Sports). Like the Red Wings, the Penguins’ late-season bid to qualify for the playoffs fell short last season.
Building Off Last Season
“I think the guys are motivated,” Lalonde said. “I think they saw what it looked like, what it took. Obviously, we didn’t handle Dylan’s injury very well. We were barely competitive some nights without Dylan. We’ll have to be better in those situations. Some of those ups and downs and how important it is you’re battling for every point. I think it was a lesson learned.”
The Red Wings tied the Washington Capitals in points (91) for the final playoff spot but lost the tiebreaker.
Considering Detroit was 4-10 when captain Dylan Larkin was injured, it was easy to start a list of how the Red Wings could find an extra point or two. They all want to believe this team is improved, embracing a stronger commitment to keeping opponents off the scoreboard. Last season, the Red Wings surrendered four or more goals in 39 of 82 games. That was 47.5 % of the time.
“The reality of it, we sat here last year coming off an 80-point season, and no one had us in the playoffs,” Lalonde said. “I understand it. It was a little motivation for our group. I thought they pushed. We improved 11 points. But when you get to the brink, as a natural step you have to take, of course, expectations have changed. It’ll be a little different challenge for our group, how we ride some highs and lows, but I still think it’s about taking care of your game in the moment.”
The Red Wings keep talking about upgrading their defensive play. Their commitment sounds real. A healthy Ville Husso will help. Young defensemen Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson should help.
Finding More Goals
“I think there’s an emphasis, a little bit more of an emphasis, some slight changes system-wise,” defenseman Jeff Petry said. “And I think the message is kind of similar to what it was last year. We have guys that can put the puck in the net. You know we have the skill up front to get that done. So, our main focus is to make sure we’re strong defensively, keeping the puck out of our net and getting it up to those guys so they can do their thing. ”
The Red Wings were a top-10 scoring team last season, while they ranked 24th in goals-against. There concern that they will improve defensively, but their scoring will fall off because they lost 75 goals through free agency and trades.
They need free-agent acquisition Vladimir Tarasenko to score 25-plus goals and their other top six forwards (Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, J.T. Compher, and Patrick Kane) to score just a bit more than last season. They also need point man Erik Gustafsson to make up for Shayne Gostisbehere’s lost production on the power play.
There is thought that everything would have to go right for the Red Wings to have a true chance, including suffering no significant injuries.
Blowing Up Projections
The truth is that none of the projections, odds, or projections mean anything. Everyone in Detroit certainly understands that because the Detroit Tigers supposedly had a next-to-nothing chance of making the postseason. Now, they are one win short of qualifying for the American League championship series.
“They’ve come out of nowhere,” said Petry, son of former Detroit Tigers pitcher Dan Petry. “Their chances down the stretch were very slim, and they found a way to get it done. And playing that kind of gritty baseball and unconventional baseball with the way they’re rolling with their pitching staff, but it seems to be working, and the confidence, seems like it’s really high in that room. “
The Red Wings are looking for that level of confidence, especially early when they play the Penguins, and then the New York Rangers and Nashville Predators twice each in the first five games. Confidence may be as important as the goals. [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 10, 2024BRIGHTON — The Boston Bruins waited the entire offseason for Jeremy Swayman to sign a contract extension. Now that he has, they won’t have to wait nearly as long to see him start in goal.
After sitting out Boston’s season opener on Tuesday, Swayman will make his first start of the year tonight when the Bruins welcome the Montreal Canadiens to TD Garden.
Montgomery says Swayman will start tonight for the Bruins.
— Andrew Fantucchio (@A_Fantucchio) October 10, 2024
Swayman didn’t participate in Bruins training camp and only returned to the team earlier this week after signing an eight-year, $66 million contract to end the months-long negotiations.
Back in the Boston net tonight, he’ll see his first live-game action since the Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs last May.
“He’s a competitor, Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm said of Swayman Thursday morning at Warrior Ice Arena. “I never worry about that stuff. I try to worry more about what I’m going to do in front of him. That’s what the rest of us should do, too, and he’ll take care of us.”
This season will be Swayman’s first as Boston’s full-time starting goalie.
Go Deeper: Swayman Remains Committed To Boston Without Bruins Contract
His career 2.34 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage suggest little reason to believe he isn’t capable of fulfilling his new role. However, his career-high of only 44 starts in a season does allow for a minute amount of doubt.
Over the last number of years, Swayman split time in net with Linus Ullmark before the Bruins shipped the former Vezina Trophy winner to the Ottawa Senators in a trade back in June. Now that the starting job belongs to him, it’ll be interesting to see how much of the load Swayman can shoulder on his own.
“I think 55 is a good number to start the season at,” said Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery. “Then, as the season goes, depending on the development of the team, depending on how much you’re going to be relying on him, moving that number up or down.”
The Bruins are hoping to rebound from their disastrous season-opening loss to the Florida Panthers and are making multiple changes to their lineup tonight against the Canadiens.
While Riley Tufte will slide in on the third line and Parker Wotherspoon will play on the third defense pair, neither will have as much of an impact as Swayman.
“I love his confidence around the team,” Lindholm said. “I’ve played with him now for a few years. He’s one of those guys who’s been around the team. He knows the culture. We have a lot of belief in him, and I think he has a lot of belief in us. It’s gonna be fun playing in front of him.”
Puck drop between the Bruins and Canadiens is set for 7 p.m. at TD Garden.
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James NicholsOctober 10, 2024For New Jersey Devils head coach Sheldon Keefe, there will be a familiar opponent on the other side of the ice on Thursday night. The Devils host the Toronto Maple Leafs for their home opener, Keefe’s first time coaching the Devils in a regular season game in front of the home crowd. Rather than cling to his Maple Leafs history, Keefe is focused on his team and fans in the seats at the Prudential Center.
READ: Devils vs. Maple Leafs: Projected Lines; Notes; How to Watch, & More
“For us, it’s our home opener. It’s my first time in front of the Devils fans,” Keefe explained. “So in that sense I’m more focused on that. It’s a little bizarre that the Leafs are coming in here, obviously. But other than the fact that we’ve got a lot to prepare for because it’s a very good team playing against, I’m on the other side now and getting a sense of what other teams have had to contend with. I’m dealing with what’s been a top five or top 10 team in the regular season over the last number of years. So that’s what my focus is here tonight.”
Keefe made sure to keep it cordial. He expressed over and over he’s got nothing but love for the Maple Leafs organization. Still, the Devils head coach remembers how his former team were the beneficiaries of three goal reviews in their favor that resulted in a 2-1 Maple Leafs victory last season.
“I’m excited here for tonight to get a taste of it on this side and hope we get through without them throwing anything at us like they did a few years ago,” Keefe said.
The Devils are 2-0-0 on the season. They faced the Buffalo Sabres twice in the Global Series in convincing fashion. However, the Maple Leafs are viewed a notch above the Sabres as a playoff lock despite the coaching change in favor of Craig Berube.
Yesterday, the Devils players ensured Keefe led post practice drills as a sign of endearment, knowing who their next opponent was.
They remain hungry for two points, but have a little extra motivation to secure the win for their head coach.
“We know this is an emotional game for him, obviously, & we all want to help him to get that win,” Jesper Bratt explained.
“There’s definitely, in the room, some little extra motivation for sure,” captain Nico Hischier explained.
Puck drop between the Devils and Maple Leafs is at 7 P.M. Thursday night.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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Sheng PengOctober 10, 2024Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith’s NHL debut is the headline.
But there’s plenty going on with the other San Jose Sharks on opening night.
It’s Ryan Warsofsky’s first game as an NHL head coach.
Tyler Toffoli, Alex Wennberg, Ty Dellandrea, Cody Ceci, and Jake Walman will be making their Sharks debuts.
Youngsters Danil Gushchin, William Eklund, Fabian Zetterlund, and Henry Thrun are looking to take the next step in their careers.
The San Jose Sharks, as a whole, are trying to wipe the memory of a thoroughly embarrassing season last year. Mackenzie Blackwood, who was chosen for opening night starter ahead of Vitek Vanecek, will probably have to be a big part of any turnaround.
Blackwood performed ably last year, probably Team MVP runner-up behind winner Mikael Granlund.
“I think my game is trending in the right direction from last year, and I look forward to continuing to see how much better I can take it,” the veteran netminder said. “It’s all small details. I’ve worked on narrowing my stance a little bit, tracking pucks. Another thing is reading plays, not getting too aggressive, knowing when to take ice.”
Blackwood actually wasn’t the Sharks’ opening night starter last season, that honor went to Kaapo Kahkonen. But Blackwood had a Sharks’ debut to remember, making 51 saves in a 2-1 shootout loss to the Colorado Avalanche on Oct. 14, 2023.
“Hopefully I don’t have to ,” Blackwood joked, “but if I have to, hopefully I can.”
San Jose Sharks (0-0-0)
Our projected lineup for tonight is looking pretty good! 😏#TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/TOGbdPq26g
— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) October 10, 2024
St. Louis Blues (1-0-0)
Hofer off first, so he’s your starter tonight.
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) October 10, 2024
Where To Watch
Puck drop between the San Jose Sharks and St. Louis Blues is 7:30 PM PT at SAP Center. Watch it live exclusively on ESPN+. Listen to it on the Sharks Audio Network. [...]Read more...
Richard GegickOctober 10, 2024Week 6 Thursday Night Football odds have the San Francisco 49ers as -3.5 road favorites as they travel to Seattle for an important NFC West matchup.
Both teams are coming off crushing Week 5 losses, and the short rest could make this game a wild one (or a boring one). Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. this Thursday from the raucous Lumen Field.
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Here are my picks for the Week 6 Thursday Night Football odds and two exciting sportsbook promotions.
San Francisco 49ers -3.5 (Bet365)
Is San Francisco as good as we thought? Questions abound after the Niners’ 24-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, which dropped them to a 2-3 record.
Christian McCaffrey hasn’t played this season, though may return in Week 7. His absence is a gaping hole in the San Francisco offense. The Niners were the most efficient red-zone team in 2023, with McCaffrey scoring 18 touchdowns from within the 20 yard-line. Without CMC, the Niners red-zone offense ranks 30th in 2024.
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The Niners offense can still move the ball. They rank second in total yards, averaging 407.4 yards per game. Despite no CMC, the running attack averages 144 yards per game, with Jordan Mason leading the way.
Seattle’s defense showed it wasn’t for real against the Lions and the Giants. Seattle surrendered 42 points to an elite Lions offense in Week 4. The Giants, led by Daniel Jones and Tyrone Tracy, outgained the Seahawks by 87 yards in last week’s 29-20 loss.
The 49ers are the deeper and more talented team. I’ll take them up to 5.5.
Total Under 49.5 (FanDuel)
Aside from last week’s game, Thursday Night Football totals have stayed under 42 points. The short week of rest and lack of practice contribute to the lack of points. Thursday night duds are a prevailing trend, going 11-6 under the total in 2023.
Both Seattle and San Francisco are capable of scoring points. San Francisco averages 25.2 points per game, while Seattle posts 24.4. Geno Smith nor Brock Purdy played well in the first five games.
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Purdy’s thrown six touchdown passes and four interceptions. Geno Smith has thrown only five touchdown passes and four interceptions.
They’re both throwing for plenty of yards, but neither QB is playing clean right now. I like an interception or two to stall offensive drives by both teams.
I expect the Niners to keep the ball on the ground and exploit a weak Seahawks rushing defense that surrendered 129 yards to Giants RB Tyrone Tracy last week. [...]Read more...
Jason MoserOctober 10, 2024The NHL season comes home to Buffalo today, as the Buffalo Sabres make their home debut. The Sabres face the Los Angeles Kings tonight as they look to bounce back from the winless opening two games of the season in Prague. The Kings traveled across the country to make their season debut, the first full one under head coach Jim Hiller.
Where to Watch
Gametime: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: KeyBank Center (Buffalo, NY)
TV: MSG, Bally Sports West
Stream: MSG+
Radio: WGR550
Sabres Gameday
The Sabres have started 0-2, and, to make matters worse, injuries have already thinned the forward group. Head coach Lindy Ruff said top left winger JJ Peterka will be out today. He suffered a concussion in game two against the New Jersey Devils in Prague. Peterka returned to practice in full on Wednesday and skated on a line with Tage Thompson and Alex Tuch, so the news is somewhat of a surprise.
Zach Benson, according to Ruff, is a game-time decision. The Sabres will dress an extra player in case Benson cannot go, meaning they’d likely go with 11 forwards and seven defensemen.
More: Two Injured Sabres Could Return for Thursday’s Home Opener
If Benson cannot play, either Jacob Bryson or Dennis Gilbert will likely get the call. Bryson took line rushes on Tuesday with Buffalo’s fourth line in lieu of Peterka and Benson.
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was in the starter’s net, suggesting he will be the Sabres’ goalie tonight.
Los Angeles Kings
The Kings have a completely new look this season. They’re sporting a fresh new logo and flashy new jerseys, have a new coach in Hiller, and ditching the 1-3-1 system. Los Angeles also has some younger players in bigger roles for the team, especially with veteran Drew Doughty out long-term.
Jordan Spence and Brandt Clarke are expected to combine to fill Doughty’s duties at even strength and on the powerplay. Forward Quinton Byfield also shifted to center, where he was projected to excel when the Kings drafted him second overall in the 2020 NHL Draft.
The Kings have a new goaltender as well, as Darcy Kuemper practiced as the team’s incumbent starter throughout training camp. He is expected to get the start tonight for the Kings against the Sabres.
Injury Report
Buffalo Sabres
Nicolas Aube-Kubel (Lower Body) 3-6 weeks
JJ Peterka (Concussion) Day-to-day
Zach Benson (Lower Body) Day-to-day
Los Angeles Kings
Drew Doughty (Ankle) Month-to-month
Arthur Kaliyev (Collarbone) Week-to-week
Projected Lineups
Buffalo Sabres
Forwards
Jiri Kulich – Tage Thompson – Alex Tuch
Zach Benson* – Dylan Cozens – Jack Quinn
Jason Zucker – Ryan McLeod – Jordan Greenway
Beck Malenstyn – Peyton Krebs – Sam Lafferty
Defense
Rasmus Dahlin – Henri Jokiharju
Owen Power – Bowen Byram
Mattias Samuelsson – Connor Clifton
Goalies
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen (Projected)
Los Angeles Kings
Forwards
Alex Laferriere – Anze Kopitar – Adrian Kempe
Tanner Jeannot – Phillip Danault – Trevor Moore
Kevin Fiala – Quinton Byfield – Warren Foegele
Alex Turcotte – Akil Thomas – Trevor Lewis
Defense
Mikey Anderson – Jordan Spence
Vladislav Gavrikov – Kyle Burroughs
Joel Edmundson – Brandt Clarke
Goalies
Darcy Kuemper (Projected)
Source: PuckLuck
Betting Odds Breakdown
Even before the news of JJ Peterka missing the game, the Los Angeles Kings were well-liked by the PuckLuck projections. According to the model, the Kings are projected for 106 points, which would be a big season.
With the moneyline fairly even, the Kings are the obvious play over the Sabres today. PuckLuck gives them about a 56% chance of winning, compared to the implied 52% by the sportsbooks. The puckline is also a good play for the Kings, although the payout is minimal at the +1.5 spread.
The key player that endears Los Angeles to the model is goalie Darcy Kuemper. With a better environment in front of him, Kuemper’s shown that he can be a top-tier goaltender in the NHL.
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For more betting analysis across the NHL, head over to PuckLuck.com.
*PuckLuck.com provides data related to gambling and cannot guarantee the success of any suggested or related wagers. Please gamble responsibly.* [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 10, 2024The Montreal Canadiens are set to face the Boston Bruins on Thursday night, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET.
This will be the second game in as many nights for Montreal, as they’re coming off a 1-0 win in their season-opening game against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday.
Cole Caufield was the lone goal scorer, taking advantage of a fantastic setup by Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky on the powerplay to find the back of the net for the first time since he switched to No.13, the jersey number used by his late friend, Johnny Gaudreau. Even though the Canadiens scored on the powerplay, there’s still a lot of work left to do on the man-advantage if the team is to have any chance to qualify for the playoffs this season. Puck movement, in particular, will be important. So will Lane Hutson, but we shouldn’t expect a rookie to magically fix the longtime issues plaguing the powerplay.
Samuel Montembeault was dominant against the Leafs, making 48 saves, including 15 high-danger scoring chances from some of Toronto’s best players. The fantastic performance set an NHL record for the most saves made in a season-opening shutout.
On that note, the Canadiens will want to be much more active in the offensive zone if they’re to extend their winning streak to two games. The Bruins may not be the top team in the NHL anymore, but they always do their best against the Canadiens, their longtime rivals.
#Habs Jake Evans on the #GoHabsGo facing rivals Toronto, Boston and Ottawa in a row to open the regular season: “whoever made the schedule is really giving it to us right off the hop”
— Priyanta Emrith (@HabsInHighHeels) October 10, 2024
The lines and defensive pairings that will be used by the Habs will be very similar to what they ice on Wednesday, however, rookie Oliver Kapanen will make his NHL debut. Emil Heineman is the player who will watch the game from the press box, making way for Kapanen’s presence in the lineup. The only other expected change is that goaltender Cayden Primeau will guard the net for the Habs.
“He (Oliver Kapanen) is very calculated on the ice. There’s not much that he can’t do, he just has to get accustomed to the rhythm of the game, the speed of the game & the physicality of the game.”
– Coach Marty St. Louis today pic.twitter.com/LU2zELliZo
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 10, 2024
On Topic: Canadiens Instant Recap: Caufield Honours Johnny Gaudreau, Montembeault Shines
The Boston Bruins dropped their opening game of the season, a 6-4 loss to the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Jeremy Swayman did not feature in Boston’s season opener, as he only signed his eight-year, $66 million contract extension very recently, but he will be in the lineup as the Bruins host the Habs.
Charlie McAvoy had two points in the defeat, while eight players registered at least one point, connoting the offensive firepower is fairly well spread throughout the the lineup. Their captain, Brad Marchand, was held scoreless, but the Habs cannot afford to take him lightly, as the 36-year-old still has the skill required to change the momentum in any game.
Montgomery: Swayman starts tonight.
— Scott McLaughlin (@smclaughlin9) October 10, 2024
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Boston Bruins Projected Lineup
Zacha – Lindholm – Pastrnak
Marchand – Coyle – Geekie
Tufte – Frederic – Brazeau
Beecher – Kastelic – Koepke
Zadorov – McAvoy
Lindholm – Carlo
Wotherspoon – Peeke
Swayman
How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Boston Bruins, October 10, 2024.
Game 2 of the regular season will be aired on TSN2 and RDS. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 10, 2024The Pittsburgh Penguins (0-1-0) don’t have much time to dwell on getting thumped by the New York Rangers Wednesday as they begin their first road trip of the season by visiting the Detroit Red Wings Thursday at Little Caesars Arena.
The start time was moved back to 8 p.m. because the Detroit Tigers playoff game starts at 6 p.m.
The Penguins failed to score and lost to New York 6-0 on Wednesday. Good effort and chances gave way to mistakes and ultimately surrender, as New York didn’t ease up. Goalie Igor Shesterkin made the routine and difficult saves look the same. New York outshot the Penguins 41-28.
Read More: Penguins Report Card: Balloon Gets Popped
The game began well, especially for the Penguins’ third line with Lars Eller, rookie Rutger McGroarty, and Jesse Puljujarvi. The line created chances and offensive zone time but could not slip one past Shesterkin. The line was also victimized for a couple of goals, one of which counted.
After the first 10 minutes, the Penguins’ highlights were few and far between. Even the power play, which looked dramatically different during the preseason, had trouble connecting on passes and creating momentum.
The Detroit Red Wings’ first game of the season is Thursday. Follow our colleagues at Detroit Hockey Now for the Red Wings’ side.
Penguins coach Mike Sullivan won’t address the media until 6 p.m. Thursday, so we won’t know if winger Bryan Rust is available or the identity of the Penguins’ starting goalie. Sullivan could turn to rookie Joel Blomqvist, who would be making his NHL debut or return to Tristan Jarry.
UPDATE: Blomqvist will start in goal. Rust is not available.
Penguins Injuries:
Bryan Rust (day-to-day, skating), Blake Lizotte (concussion, out), Matt Nieto (lower-body, out month-to-month), Alex Nedeljkovic (lower-body, out week-to-week).
UPDATED Penguins Lines
Rickard Rakell-Sidney Crosby-Anthony Beauvillier
Michael Bunting-Evgeni Malkin-Drew O’Connor
Rutger McGroarty-Lars Eller-Jesse Puljujarvi
Kevin Hayes-Cody Glass-Noel Acciari
Defense
Matt Grzelcyk-Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson-Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves-Jack St. Ivany
Starting Goalie: TBD
Red Wings Lines (Estimated)
Alex DeBrincat-Dylan Larkin-Lucas Raymond
Vladimir Tarasenko-T.J. Compher-Patrick Kane
Michael Rasmussen-Andrew Copp-Christian Fischer
Tyler Motte-Joe Veleno-Jonatan Berggren
Defense
Ben Chiarot-Moritz Seider
Simon Edvinsson-Jeff Petry
Olli Maata-Erik Gustafsson
Goalie: Ville Husso
Special Teams
Penguins Power Play: 0.00%. 0-for-3. One shorthanded goal allowed. Penguins Penalty Kill: 100%. 2-for-2.
Rangers Power Play: 0-for-o. Rangers Penalty Kill: 0-for-0.
Game Notes
The Penguins have points in 11 of their last 13 contests against Detroit (9-2-2).
The Penguins are 4-2-0 in their last six games in Detroit, averaging 4.33 goals per game.
The Penguins will play eight of their next nine games on the road.
Rickard Rakell has 21 points (7-14-21) in 21 career games against the Red Wings, but Sidney Crosby has 44 points (18-26-44) in his last 35 games against Detroit.
Evgeni Malkin remains two goals shy of 500 for his career.
How to Watch
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh,
Radio: 105.9 The X. [...]Read more...
John PerrottoOctober 10, 2024The Pittsburgh Pirates admitted at the start of spring training that there was no blueprint to follow when it came to developing Paul Skenes this past season.
The only two things that general manager Ben Cherington and manager Derek Shelton were sure of was that Skenes would begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis and end it with the Pirates. The hope was that the 22-year-old, the first overall pick in the 2023 amateur draft, would still be strong enough to pitch in the big leagues when the season ended in late September.
It turned out that the Pirates handled Skenes flawlessly. He had one of the best seasons by a rookie pitcher in major-league history.
Skenes had an 11-3 record and 1.96 ERA in 23 starts and started for the National League in the All-Star Game. He could become just the second Pirates player to win National League Rookie of the Year, joining Jason Bay, who won in 2004.
Skenes was a bright spot in a disappointing season. The Pirates went 20-32 in their last 52 games to finish with a 76-86 record for a second straight year.
“They did a really good job for me with the plan this year,” Skenes said during the final days of the season. “I didn’t like starting in Triple-A but the plan was, I don’t know if there can be a perfect plan but it was just about perfectly put together. Next year, it’s hopefully just going to be, take the ball and pitch, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Though Skenes was outstanding during his limited appearances during Grapefruit League play in spring training, the Pirates avoided the temptation to have him begin the season in the major leagues.
Instead, Skenes was sent to Indianapolis and his workload incrementally increased. He made seven starts but only once lasted more than 4.1 innings. That came when he pitched six shutout innings in his penultimate start for the Indians.
Skenes pitched four innings in his major-league debut on May 11 against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. However, Skenes went at least five innings in his next 21 starts before pitching two perfect innings against the American League East champion New York Yankees on Sept. 28, the next-to-last day of the season.
Skenes reached the 100-pitch mark nine times and threw at least 90 pitches in 18 of his 23 outings. He finished with 160.1 innings pitched between the majors and minors, a sturdy workload for a pitcher in his first full professional season.
Skenes also pitched on at least five days of rest in every start.
In college at LSU, Skenes pitched only once a week. So, he welcomed the opportunity to take the mound pitch more often.
Skenes desires to pitch on the more traditional four days of rest next season.
“That’s why I’m here: I’m here to pitch,” Skenes said. “So, I want to pitch as much as I can. If you shorten the rest period, you can pitch more as the season goes on. I’m looking forward to that. That’s not something that’s going to be a complete 180 next year from how it is this year but there are going to be a bit fewer restrictions on me.”
Cherington says the Pirates will loosen some of the governors on Skenes next season – to some extent. Don’t expect Skenes to log 250 innings in 2025, though,
“I don’t think we go into spring training with any sort of hard limits,” Cherington said. “I think we always will need to keep assessing over the course of the season just in terms of how guys are holding up and recovery and how the pitch qualities are trending and all that and make real-time decisions inside a decision if we feel guys need a blow or a break.”
Skenes says he has a better idea of how he will train in the offseason to be better prepared for what figures to be his full big-league season next year.
“I’ve learned more about the offseason during this season than I did last offseason,” Skenes said. “The way I think about the offseason isn’t in terms of highs and lows. There’s your time to work and there’s your time to relax. I’m going to have higher highs and lower lows, I think.
“Not more time to relax but when I’m relaxing, I’m going to relax more and when I’m working, I’m going to work harder. That’s the biggest thing I’ve learned. That set me up really well in spring training and it set me up well, so I’m just going to keep going with that.”
Skenes has no reason to change. [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 10, 2024Mikael Granlund is there for Will Smith.
He was there for Smith after Saturday’s practice, chatting and setting each other up for one-timers.
#TheFutureIsTeal staying late on the ice after morning skate, last 5 guys: Granlund is feeding (potential future linemate?) Will Smith passes, Mukhamadullin firing shots from the blueline from Eklund and Zetterlund passes pic.twitter.com/VHpK82kG4Z
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 5, 2024
“We talked for about 30 minutes, just about everything,” the top San Jose Sharks prospect said after Saturday’s practice. “Just basically, if I ever need anything, he said he’s there for me. We’ll be playing together a little bit too.”
“I was just encouraging him, when it’s time to practice, you’ve been doing a really good job. Just keep going,” Granlund said. “It’s a workday, always. Let’s work on something. Try to stay with you out here after practice. Let’s work on something everyday.”
The 32-year-old Granlund appears to be a natural mentor for the 19-year-old Smith.
Both are smaller playmaking centers, Smith is 6-foot-0 and Granlund is 5-foot-10. Both were high draft picks, Smith was the San Jose Sharks’ fourth-overall pick in 2023 and Granlund was the Minnesota Wild’s ninth-overall pick in 2010.
“We also play the game the same way,” Smith smiled. “Big thinkers out there.”
So when Granlund sees Smith, well, it takes one to know one.
“He has all the tools. He’s really skilled. You can tell, the plays that he can make, that is exceptional in this league,” Granlund said of his initial impressions of Smith. “You can tell how smart he is the puck.”
How smart?
“Some of the plays, the passes he can make. The timing of that pass is exactly on time. It’s right on time, right in the spot it’s supposed to be, that’s rare,” Granlund said. “Some of the ideas I can tell what he’s trying to do, the hockey brain, a lot of guys wouldn’t try to make that pass there or wouldn’t even see that.”
For Smith, the preseason has been a little bit of slow start, with just one assist in three games. Granlund’s been there, too.
Granlund, who broke camp with the Wild in 2012-13 as a much-hyped 20-year-old, quickly learned that the NHL was a different animal: “I remember coming here. I’m like, oh boy, I have some work to do. These guys are fast. They’re strong.”
This was a culture shock for Granlund, who was used to having his way on the ice.
As a teenager, Granlund dominated the top Finnish league, a men’s league, totaling 127 points in 127 games in his last three years in Liiga, winning Rookie of the Year and Finnish Player of the Year along the way.
In much the same way, Smith blew the doors out from the NCAA last year, leading the league with 71 points in just 41 games.
“In every level, for me, I was always good and able to do my stuff,” Granlund recalled. But after starting the season in Minnesota, he suffered a tough rookie campaign, bouncing between the NHL and AHL.
Granlund finished with just two goals and six assists in 27 NHL games in his rookie year.
“I realized, this is not good enough yet,” he said. “For me, that was the wake-up moment, okay, I got to get to work even more.”
Of course, maybe Smith will have a faster adjustment to the NHL. Whatever happens, Granlund thinks it’s a good experience for Smith to see up close immediately: “It’s kind of good for a younger player just to see this is a tough league.”
That fueled Granlund, who followed an up-and-down rookie year with a solid 41 points in 63 games as a sophomore.
“It wasn’t easy my first year, but then the second year, okay, I got this, I’m stronger. You need to see that the first time,” he said.
By his fourth season, a 24-year-old Granlund broke out with 26 goals and 43 assists.
So who better on the Sharks to mentor Smith?
“He’s an experienced veteran. He’s probably the least guy I’m worried about,” head coach Ryan Warsofsky said of alternate captain Granlund. “He works extremely hard. He came in, in great shape this year. He’s a smart player. He can create offense, but he’s also really good defensively. He’s on the penalty kill, he’s on the power play, plays all situations. When he was in Minnesota, Koivu, learned a lot from him. Obviously a really good, good guy to learn from. Just the way he’s a pro, it’s really good for both these guys to learn from him.”
So Warsofsky is clearly counting on the San Jose Sharks’ 2024 MVP, a natural center, to play left wing on opening night, to help bring Smith along.
Granlund has no problem with that. He’s also played wing plenty in his career.
“My mindset, it gets a little bit more offensive when I’m playing winger. When you’re center, you always need to remember, you probably need to be the first guy back, helping defensively, spending a lot of energy in D-zone,” he said. “And when you’re winger, you kind of get to save your energy a little bit more offensively. Be more up with the puck and try to make plays. Maybe don’t need to be so cautious about always being the first guy back.”
Nonetheless, Granlund will share plenty of the center defensive and faceoff responsibilities with Smith. San Jose’s leading goalscorer last year, Fabian Zetterlund, will be on the right wing.
Smith won just 27.8 percent of his faceoffs in the preseason, so having a veteran center like Granlund as an option will help.
“Coming in as a young guy, obviously the older guys are stronger and have more experience with NHL faceoffs,” Smith acknowledged. “I’m working on them after everyday of practice with a bunch of guys.”
But whether that line clicks immediately at first, Granlund isn’t worried about Smith in the long run.
“I’ve been really impressed with these young kids, how they want to stay out there late, work their skill,” Granlund said about Smith and Macklin Celebrini and Zetterlund and William Eklund and company. “Always, that’s been my mindset, try to do things correctly on the ice. It’s good to see them doing that. It’s gonna pay off.”
It did for Granlund, and it should with Smith. [...]Read more...
Nicholas KrellOctober 10, 2024Hockey Returns to Smashville
The Nashville Predators face off against the Dallas Stars tonight at Bridgestone Arena, marking the return of hockey in Smashville. Below are key players to watch, projected lineups, and additional insights.
Offseason Recap: Key Players to Watch
The Predators made significant strides at the start of free agency by signing forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, along with defenseman Brady Skjei. These additions have positioned Nashville as one of the most improved teams in the NHL this offseason, with advanced metrics suggesting that their Stanley Cup window has reopened.
The re-signing of elite goaltender Juuse Saros to an eight-year extension highlights the commitment of Nashville’s relatively new regime, led by General Manager Barry Trotz, to remain competitive in the coming years.
While the Predators have yet to win a Stanley Cup, they feature top talent at every position, including defenseman Roman Josi, forward Filip Forsberg—who scored 48 goals last season, ranking sixth in the NHL—and Saros. The signings of Stamkos (four-year contract), Marchessault (five-year contract), and Skjei (seven-year contract) are expected to enhance the team’s overall performance.
Nashville now boasts two strong scoring lines, with Forsberg, center Ryan O’Reilly, and winger Gustav Nyquist ready to collaborate with their new star players, Stamkos and Marchessault. Stamkos, a two-time champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021, and Marchessault, who won the Cup with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy, are bringing valuable experience to the lineup.
Known for his powerful shot, the 34-year-old Stamkos remains a top performer, ranking third in 90-plus mile-per-hour shot attempts (36) among NHL forwards, trailing only Alex Ovechkin (68) and Tage Thompson (46). He was just outside the top 10 in maximum shooting speed (96.00 mph) and placed in the 82nd percentile for high-danger goals (13).
Marchessault, who achieved a career-high 42 goals with Vegas last season, joined the Predators as another potent scorer. He ranked 24th in the league in shots on goal (266) and was in the 89th percentile for total skating distance on the power play (34.50 miles).
Both Stamkos and Marchessault are key players to watch in tonight’s contest. Stamkos scored in his preseason debut with the Predators, while Marchessault recorded three goals and five points in two games played.
Projected Lineups: Saros Questionable
Juuse Saros is currently listed as day-to-day due to a lower-body injury, leaving his status uncertain for the Predators’ regular-season opener tonight.
Saros sustained the injury during the first period of a 5-3 preseason loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday. Goalie Scott Wedgewood played the final two periods of that game and may start against the Dallas Stars if Saros is unable to compete.
“I’m making progress,” Saros said Wednesday. “I feel a lot better today than yesterday. Hopefully, I’ll feel even better tomorrow.” Saros did not practice on Tuesday but participated in Wednesday’s session, indicating that his injury “was nothing too bad” and that returning to the ice is a positive sign.
The Predators have recalled goalie Matt Murray from the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League, and he could serve as the backup to Wedgewood if Saros cannot play. However, Saros was the first goaltender on the ice for the morning skate, so he should not be ruled out just yet.
Here are the lines from the morning skate, with no notable changes aside from the uncertain status of Saros and the inclusion of Pärssinen as an extra skater:
Forwards:
– Forsberg – O’Reilly – Nyquist
– Stamkos – Novak – Marchessault
– Tomasino – Sissons – Evangelista
– Jankowski – McCarron – Smith
Defensemen:
– Josi – Fabbro
– Skjei – Schenn
– Lauzon – Carrier
Goaltenders
– Wedgewood (Starting?)
– Saros
Extra Skater(s):
– Pärssinen
With the impressive offseason moves made by General Manager Barry Trotz, there is a palpable buzz in Nashville as the new season approaches. Tonight’s game is not to be missed, with the puck dropping at Bridgestone Arena at 7 p.m. CST.
EDIT: Wedgewood has been confirmed as tonight’s starting goaltender for the Nashville Predators. [...]Read more...
Tim RobinsonOctober 10, 2024The Detroit Red Wings begin the 2024-25 season tonight a little later than planned. The start of tonight’s game was pushed back to 8 p.m. due to the Tigers playoff game across the street at Comerica Park. Finding a place to park will be a challenge, but it’s the opener and the Penguins, and fans will find a way.
The opener is also a chance for fans to get their first look at some new players. They include defenseman Erik Gustafsson, forwards Tyler Motte and Vladimir Tarasenko, and goalie Cam Talbot, all of whom were signed over the summer.
Both teams finished fifth in their respective divisions, missing the playoffs. Missing the postseason was particularly painful for Detroit, which tied Washington in the standings, but missed the postseason due to a tiebreaker.
The Penguins will be looking to regroup after getting blanked by the New York Rangers, 6-0, in their season opener on Wednesday.
Game facts
Who: Penguins at Red Wings
Where: Little Caesars Arena
When: 8 p.m.
TV/Radio: Bally Sports/WWJ (950 AM)
Records: Pittsburgh 0-1, Detroit 0-0
How the roster looks: Here are the lines and defensive parings as of Wednesday:
DeBrincat-Larkin-Raymond;
Tarasenko-Compher-Kane;
Rasmussen-Copp-Fischer
Motte-Veleno-Berggren
Chiarot-Seider
Edvinsson-Petry;
Maatta-Gustafsson.
Starter: Ville Husso
Likely backup: Cam Talbot [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 10, 2024The New England Patriots filled one of their open roster spots Wednesday. They signed wide receiver John Jiles to a spot on the practice squad. New England still has an open spot on their 53-man roster and another vacancy on the practice squad.
Jiles was with the Patriots practice squad for one week earlier this season. He signed on Sept. 24 and was released on Oct. 1. New England released WR Matt Turner from the practice squad on Tuesday, which leaves Jiles as the lone wide receiver on the practice squad.
John Jiles dominated playing for Division 2 West Florida last season, amassing 66 receptions for 1,255 yards and 16 touchdowns. Despite his production and good measurables (6-foot-3, 219 pounds, 4.57 40-yard dash) he went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. He spent training camp with the New York Giants and showed flashes before being cut.
Texans Place Nico Collins on IR
When the Houston Texans come to Foxboro on Sunday they will be without star wide receiver Nico Collins. Houston placed Collins on injured reserve Wednesday. Last Sunday, he suffered a hamstring injury in the first quarter of the Texans’ win over the Buffalo Bills. Despite missing most of that game, Collins leads the NFL in receiving yardage through Week 5.
Collins has 32 receptions for 567 yards and three touchdowns through five games. He is coming off a breakout 2022 season in which he caught 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. With Collins sidelined, Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will likely be assigned to Stefon Diggs on Sunday.
Houston continues to have a dangerous offense with C.J. Stroud at quarterback, but the loss of Collins is significant.
Also in Thursday’s Patriots Daily:
Patriots Fact/Trivia of the Day
This season, Nico Collins has 32 receptions for 567 yards and three touchdowns. The seven wide receivers on the New England Patriots roster have a combined 39 receptions for 338 yards and one touchdown.
Post of the Day
Former New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton just signed a deal to join ESPN. A look at a highlight from Newton’s time in New England:
More From Patriots Football Now
Drake Maye Meets the Media as the Patriots Starting Quarterback – After being named the New England Patriots starting quarterback, Maye met with the media on Wednesday. He discussed what he expects in his first start. The rookie also had high praise for Jacoby Brissett.
NFL Places Jabrill Peppers on Commissioner’s Exempt List – Peppers was arrested on Saturday morning for multiple charges, including strangulation and drug possession. The news broke on Monday. On Wednesday, the NFL placed the Patriots captain on the commissioner’s exempt list, leaving him sidelined indefinitely.
NFL Week 6 Power Rankings: Jaguars Win, Exits Last Place – The Chiefs and Vikings keep the top two spots on this week’s NFL Power Rankings. The Panthers take back the No. 32 spot. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots drop to No. 28. [...]Read more...
Shelly AndersonOctober 10, 2024Marcus Pettersson’s boss was effusive, to say the least. That could be a great thing and a boost for the Pittsburgh Penguins steady defenseman. But there’s another side to the story.
That’s because the high praise Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas heaped on Pettersson during a season-setting press conference Monday came with something of a caveat.
First, the ode.
“Marcus, to me, represents everything that the Penguins want to be about,” Dubas said of the 28-year-old Swede, who was acquired from Anaheim for forward Daniel Sprong in December 2018 as a skinny prospect who has developed into a defenseman who is, well, still slender but one of the team’s most reliable players.
“It’s ended up being an excellent trade for the Penguins because Marcus is really about what the Penguins are always about. He’s extraordinarily competitive. He’s gotten the absolute most out of himself here and developed into an extraordinarily steady defenseman. He’s zero maintenance. He works his butt off every day. Great teammate that people love to be around. You never hear anything about him from my end other than you watch him on the ice. He makes stops, continues to evolve with his puck play.”
Pettersson and the Penguins didn’t have a great start. He was paired with fellow Swede Erik Karlsson in a season-opening 6-0 loss at home to the New York Rangers and got beat on New York’s second goal when he slid perhaps prematurely. That game wasn’t typical for Pettersson and isn’t likely to sour Dubas.
The Pettersson trade happened well before Dubas joined the Penguins, so the GM’s praise had a strong effect on Pettersson.
“It means a lot,” Pettersson said. “You want to put yourself out there as a guy that works his butt off. That’s what I took out of that. You want to exude that. If people have that perception about that, it means a lot to hear.”
Pettersson as Trade Bait?
The flip side is what Dubas said when he strayed from what he called “Marcus the player.” That would be Marcus Pettersson the impending unrestricted free agent.
Pettersson is eligible to sign a new contract at any point – the story goes that Dubas wanted to sew up things with team captain Sidney Crosby before turning to Pettersson’s situation – but Dubas stopped short of saying he fully intended to lock up Pettersson.
“With regards to the contract situations of all of our unrestricted free agents, I think the best course for us with where we are at right now, we have to look at them all case-by-case and where we are at and where we are going. … For us. the key is to protect all of our options as we go through the year.”
Those “options” could include moving Pettersson, perhaps around or at the NHL trade deadline March 7, depending on how things are going with a team that has missed the playoffs the past two seasons.
Dubas did put Pettersson and fellow impending free agent Drew O’Connor in a separate category from young players trying to prove themselves this season.
“Marcus is a key guy for us. I think we will treat him a little differently,” Dubas said. “He and Drew, I put in that case of treating a little bit differently as we go through it.”
Still, Pettersson could prove to be a valuable trade chip, and moving a top player is hardly unprecedented – Dubas traded prolific forward and preferred Crosby winger Jake Guentzel in a similar situation last spring.
Pettersson is well aware of the potential options. He pointed to an even more recent situation, when goaltender Jeremy Swayman was a holdout at Boston Bruins training camp before signing a long-term deal earlier this week.
“Everybody goes through it. You see different things happen,” Pettersson said. “You saw Swayman go through something.be
“It is a business and there are negotiations, but as a player all you can really focus on is putting a product on the ice and be yourself. I’m not going to lose sleep or go into games thinking about what could happen. I’m going to try to focus on what I can put on the ice, put myself in a good position and put the team in a good position.”
Besides, he figures the better he plays, the more he helps the team, the better the team does, the less likely the team will be a seller at the trade deadline.
“So ultimately it all comes down to what you put on the ice,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to focus on.”
Pittsburgh Has Place in His Heart
Pettersson is one of the quietest of the Penguins’ top players. Not because he is reticent – he gives thorough, thoughtful answers to reporters, and, as Dubas pointed out, is popular among his teammates.
It’s just that his role as a steady defenseman is hardly splashy, although his passing, ability to help the team in transition and contribute some offensively have continued to develop. Last season, he set season highs in goals (four), assists (26), points (30) and games (all 82).
Pettersson is just fine with others taking up most of the limelight. That fits both his game and his values.
“Be a good teammate and work hard,” he said. “I think that’s something that my family raised me with, ever since I started playing sports.
“But not even just that. Being a good friend and working hard. That’s two things that you can always do no matter what. You can always do those things, and it’s easy to do if you put your mind to it. So that’s what I try to do.
“I try not to be anything other than myself as a player and as a person. That’s something that when I started off, that’s something that really stuck with me, the older guys saying, ‘Have a personality. Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. If you’re going to stick in this league, you can have a personality, and be yourself. Don’t try to shy away from anything.’”
Pettersson is happy to pass that type of advice on to what is now the younger set. He saw those things in defensive prospect Harrison Brunicke, who was impressive in lasting to the end of training camp.
“You see (Brunicke) coming in, an 18-year-old having a good camp and just didn’t seem like he had a care in the world if something went wrong,” Pettersson said. “That’s what you want to see. He made plays. He wanted to stay. With a guy like that, you just tell him to keep working hard and be a good teammate.”
Brunicke seems to have a bright future with the Penguins. Pettersson hopes to have him as a teammate.
Despite trying to block out his impending free agency and what that might mean – and with Dubas demanding secrecy around all contract negotiations, Pettersson could end up signing a new contract just as well as being traded – Pettersson has been clear that he wants to remain in Pittsburgh.
He doubled down on that this week.
“I love it here,” he said. “My son was born here. I think it’s a really good group. (We have) a lot of people who have won (the Stanley Cup) before and they’re hungry to win another one. And mix that with a bunch of guys that haven’t won. I think we can make something special happen.” [...]Read more...
Chris WardOctober 10, 2024With the Pittsburgh Steelers decimated at the outside linebacker position, the team could pivot to an unusual option in defensive end Isaiahh Loudermilk. The 6-foot-7, 293-pound Loudermilk got a few reps at outside linebacker in Sunday night’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth quarter when the Steelers were down to just one outside linebacker.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin ruled out both defensive end/outside linebacker DeMarvin Leal (stinger, neck) and outside linebacker Nick Herbig (hamstring) for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. They join Alex Highsmith (groin) on the injury list. Highsmith is not expected to be back until the Week 7 game against the New York Jets.
Jeremiah Moon is slotted to start at right outside linebacker opposite of T.J. Watt, but could Loudermilk serve as depth piece at OLB? Tomlin expressed that it’s a legit option.
“Moving forward, he’s just a versatile guy,” Tomlin said during his Tuesday press conference. “He and Leal are defensive linemen that are participants in special teams. Both guys are on kickoff and I think that speaks to their unique skill sets and allows him to position flexibility to slide outside and give us some big man presence when lines get short, certainly.”
Tomlin said Wednesday will be a big day for the practice squad edge rushers, Ade Ogundeji and Eku Leota. One or both of those players could be elevated.
The Steelers signed Ogundeji to their practice squad on Aug. 30. Ogundeji was a fifth-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Notre Dame. He has 27 starts in 35 career games under his belt. In 2022, he recorded 42 total tackles (19 solos), two sacks, and three tackles for loss. Ogundeji spent the entire 2023 season on injured reserve. He was released by the Falcons on May 16.
Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith drafted Ogundeji out of Notre Dame when he was the head coach in Atlanta, so I’m sure he had an input in bringing him to Pittsburgh.
The Steelers signed Leota to their practice squad on Oct. 1. Leota, 25, is in his second professional season. He first joined the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn last spring. Leota played in eight games with the Panthers in 2023 and two more this season, including one start, but he was released by Carolina on Sept. 24.
In 10 NFL games, he has played 133 snaps of defense and 113 on special teams. He has also played in all six special teams phases for the Panthers.
Moon, who was originally an undrafted free agent out of Florida, signed with the Baltimore Ravens his rookie season where he spent the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad before seeing his first extended play time last year.
The Steelers activated Moon (ankle) from the injured reserved/designated to return list ahead of the Cowboys game.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting from Pittsburgh. [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 10, 2024The Florida Panthers are on the road for the first time this season and kick off a four-game road trip tonight against the Ottawa Senators.
Ottawa will be playing its home opener tonight, so, expect a strong effort from a Senators team which is improved and could be a playoff contender.
The Panthers and Senators have spirited matchups over the years — and that is especially true since Matthew Tkachuk joined Florida.
Although Matthew and his brother Brady will not fight, that does not mean other players do not go after the Tkachuks as proxy.
The Panthers made a couple of roster moves before heading north.
Celebrate the Start of Florida Panthers Season
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Spencer Knight is back with the team after being off the opening roster with Florida placing Chris Driedger and MacKenzie Entwistle on waivers just before Tuesday’s game against the Bruins.
Driedger was Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup on Tuesday — but cleared waivers on Wednesday.
Both Driedger and Entwistle cleared and were assigned to Charlotte.
While Florida needed the $1.15 million saved by initially assigning Knight to the Checkers, it remains under the $88 million salary cap since the team is now only carrying 21 players.
The NHL roster max is 23.
Florida has 12 forwards and seven defensemen and are about $550,000 under the salary cap per PuckPedia.com.
If Knight starts against Ottawa tonight, it would be his first NHL action since Feb. 18, 2023, in Nashville.
On Tuesday night, defenseman Adam Boqvist left the game early after taking a clearing shot off his jaw.
Maurice said that Boqvist was still being looked at, but could travel with the team to Canada.
Veteran Nate Schmidt could make his Panthers debut tonight.
After playing the Senators tonight, Florida visits Buffalo (Saturday), Boston (Monday afternoon), and Columbus (Tuesday) before returning home.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Danny DemilioOctober 10, 2024This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
Edward Florentino doesn’t turn 18 years old until next month, but he’s already showing promise after his first season of professional ball.
Florentino was one of the Pirates’ more highly-regarded international signings during the 2024 cycle, landing a $395,000 bonus.
The native of Los Alcarrizos, Dominican Republic, made his debut in the Pirates’ organization this past year in the Dominican Summer League and performed well.
Florentino slashed .260/.432/.459 with 10 doubles, a pair of triples, five home runs 28 RBIs and eight stolen bases. One of the more encouraging signs the 17-year-old showed was an advanced feel for the strike zone with an exceptional 20% walk rate and an 18.9% strikeout rate.
Though he’s still just a teenager, Florentino already possesses a solid frame, listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds. With his frame and the power potential he’s already shown, Florentino has upside of becoming a threat in the middle of the order.
If he continues to develop that power potential, Florentino’s bat will certainly play wherever he winds up defensively. Though he spent some time in center field in 2024, Florentino projects to ultimately land at one of the corner outfield spots or first base.
He currently grades as a below-average runner and his already large frame paints a bleak picture of being able to add improved speed as he continues to mature. However, he does have a fairly strong arm that would play well as an outfielder. Florentino recorded five outfield assists in 27 games this season.
Regardless of potential defensive deficiencies, Florentino is one to watch in the lower levels of the Pirates’ minor league system. The Bucs haven’t had much success developing international talent into Major League regulars, but Florentino has attributes that make him appealing as an emerging prospect.
It will still be years before anyone knows whether or not he can be a quality MLB player, but Florentino is a candidate to ascend up prospects list in 2025. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 10, 2024Connor Bedard is entering his sophomore season with the Chicago Blackhawks. Being a first overall pick, Bedard is always going to have all the attention on him, but this season feels different.
During the Blackhawks final game of the preseason against the St. Louis Blues on Oct. 5, Bedard played physical, even getting in a scrum with Zachary Bolduc. After the win, Luke Richardson spoke of Bedard’s physicality.
“I think Connor needs to stay out of that stuff if he could, but I like the thought process of it,” Richardson said, “his mentality that he’s not gonna take anything from anybody out there and he’s here to stay and he wants to own his ground out there.”
Bedard brought that same energy to the Blackhawks season opener in Utah. In 21:14 minutes of ice time, Bedard registered five shots on goal, dished out a hit and left his mark on the game creating some good chances for teammates, especially late in the game.
“Much like the team, I thought he really got going at the end in the third,” Richardson said following the los on Tuesday. “I thought he was really buzzing there on the forecheck, stole some pucks, kept some pucks in and made some great plays.”
The Blackhawks offense runs through Bedard.
Bedard registered two assists in the opening night loss, and he could have added a goal if his attempt at The Michigan went in.
Bedard out here trying the Michigan in game 1 of the season 😳 pic.twitter.com/OYi91wBxcb
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 9, 2024
Bedard enters his second season with more confidence. It’s a big reason we here at CHN have predicted he will register 100 points this year. Bedard has been through the grind of a full NHL Season and now can focus on just playing. With the addition of some new linemates the sky is the limit.
One area Bedard and the Hawks need to improve on – the power play. After the loss, Richardson addressed the power play which went 0 for 3 on the night.
“We got to move the puck quicker and we got to get shots from the point,” Richardson said. “That’s gonna open up plays for those guys down underneath.”
Bedard stepped into the NHL as an 18 year old last season and held his own. If he can elevate his play this season and not only hold his own but raise the bar, Chicago will be a fun team to watch in no time.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@CHIHockeyNow, @JimRLynch, @VinnieParise
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 10, 2024The Pittsburgh Penguins had high hopes and confidence after a shining preseason and enthusiastic training camp. Those hopes were dashed on the rocks of mistakes and a superior team as they lost to the New York Rangers in an embarrassingly lopsided home opener, 6-0. We’ve got full coverage before heading to Detroit this morning for Game No. 2. There is a spreading fallout around the league from the goalie contracts, including the Ottawa Senators taking a big leap of faith with Linus Ullmark and Igor Shesterkin asking for bank. And Nazem Kadri added to the coach Mike Babcock horror stories.
I wanted to do a Penguins locker room story last night or early this morning, but the late game, combined with the lack of stories and game tonight, caused it to be the first story casualty of the regular season. I had a bunch of stories started but never finished in preseason, too. Maybe someday, the world will come with a pause button.
We’re off to Detroit today. Then Toronto. Then Montreal. Our old friend and original partner at PHN, Matt Gajtka, is going to chip in with some live postgame shows on YouTube (we’ve got a few more offers to make for video content on the network).
Let’s steer into a sensitive topic. Booing. 10 minutes into Game 1? Really? There was one section, specifically one fan, who led the charge, but good lord almighty, that was just short of ridiculous. Booing in the third period, maybe, but the first when the Penguins were outplaying the Rangers?! Now–here I know many of the responses, “They have the right,” “It was the same as last year,” and “They stunk.’
All of those statements are true, but it’s not the same team as last year, and the boos began in the first period when the Penguins were outshooting and outchancing their opponent. It created an ugly atmosphere that didn’t need to be. The team is retooling. I will cover them aggressively and fairly; no sugar, but no premature arson, either. I don’t know what the boobirds expect for this season, but whatever it is, accepting some bad is part of the deal. I didn’t ask, but I guarantee the players noticed, and it most likely did not have a motivating effect.
Those same fans could have had a good time, been creative, cheered for Evgeni Malkin to get a goal or two to reach 500, or so many other things that would have enhanced the fan experience rather than quickly souring the punch. Go ahead, rip me. But I get mad as hell at boorish behavior that might make others not return.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Welp, No. 2 on the list certainly factored into the decision. Here are the three players who could lift or sink the Penguins season.
The Penguins flopped in the opener. Silly mistakes led to Rangers goals. And more Rangers goals. Here is the Penguins postgame recap.
The report card. We graded and broke down the power play and one issue contained therein, the new players, and the overall effort, including some notes for coach Mike Sullivan. It’s all in the Penguins report card.
PHN Video: The goofs, the good, and the big worries. If you’re more of the video sort- from the arena, the Penguins postgame video. Or you can watch Gajtka’s live postgame with plenty of fan reaction.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Another season of no improvement. Another season of mediocrity. It’s now or never. Make or break time for Pittsburgh Pirates GM Ben Cherrington.
SN+: Short and sweet–the biggest factors in the troubling two-game Steelers’ losing streak.
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
TSN: Nazem Kadri is releasing a book next week, and it’s going to be an honest accounting that is uplifting and inspiring. Therein are more details of former coach Mike Babcock’s incredible behavior. Tyrannical might only begin to describe it. Kadri delivered a bit more behind-the-scenes information about Babcock’s actions and the team’s reactions.
Ottawa Hockey Now: Big money, big money, no whammies, and stop! The Ottawa Senators needed goaltending, and they got it in the offseason when they picked up Linus Ullmark from division rival the Boston Bruins. However, until yesterday, Ullmark was going to be a free agent next July. That ended when the Senators ponied up the cash, and Ullmark accepted. Here are the details of Linus Ullmark’s contract.
32 Thoughts: Shesterkin wants over $12 million?! Perhaps I shouldn’t be too quick to judge because he was the difference in the first period, which became the difference in the game Wednesday against the Penguins. While Tristan Jarry allowed a couple of stoppable goals, Shesterkin stopped a couple of should-be goals. The goalie money, the fallout, predicting the awards, and playoff predictions from Elliotte Friedman.
Montreal Hockey Now: Goalie Sam Montembeault made 48 saves in a 1-0 shutout win over Toronto. And Cole Caufield paid tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. It was a big night for the Montreal Canadiens. [...]Read more...
Russ MaciasOctober 10, 2024The 2024-25 NHL season is officially here. The New York Islanders start tonight at 7:30 against the Utah Hockey Club in UBS Arena. Utah enters after defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 in front of a raucous crowd in the Delta Center on Tuesday night.
Ahead of puck drop tonight, it’s time for me to give 5 predictions for the upcoming season for the New York Islanders.
1- Mat Barzal Sets a Career High in Goals, Points
Mat Barzal enters this season after a career-high 23-goal performance to go with an 80-point campaign, the highest mark since his rookie year.
Fast-forward one year, and he’s got Anthony Duclair plopped next to him and Bo Horvat. The three of them have shown unbelievable chemistry throughout the preseason, and the time to deliver is now.
Fueled by the new linemates and improved powerplay, Barzal scores 25+ goals and adds in 65+ assists, topping the 90-point mark for the first time.
2- The Islanders Finish Ahead of the Carolina Hurricanes For the First Time Since 2018-19
The Carolina Hurricanes spent this past summer patching the holes after Jake Guentzel, Teuvo Teravainen, Brady Skjei, Brett Presce, et al. departed. Veterans like Jack Roslovic and Shayne Gostisbehere entered to plug holes.
Just looking at their lines, the Hurricanes have a significantly worse roster on paper. As good as Coach Rod Brind’Amour may be, there might not be enough for him to salvage a top-two placement in the division for yet another season.
In their first full season under Patrick Roy, the Islanders will have their best regular season since 2018-19. Career performances from Barzal and Duclair, coupled with the emergence of Maxim Tsyplakov, the Islanders seem poised to take a step forward.
Add the fact that the Islanders played around a 100-point pace under Roy, and the pieces come together.
3- Brock Nelson Makes the US Team for the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off
This might be the longest shot on the list, but it makes sense when you dig into it. Bill Guerin famously told American skaters interested in making the team to “not blow off the World’s Championship.”
Nelson might seem to rank behind players like Dylan Larkin and Tage Thompson, but Nelson has consistently gone to the tournament and did exactly that in 2024. Heck, he joined even after the Islanders got kicked out of the playoffs.
Thompson and Larkin didn’t play, though both cited injuries as the reason why. Larkin was initially named to the roster, but backed out.
Nelson has scored 30 goals in three straight seasons and has had above 70 points for two straight. He’s also got a strong reputation for defensive responsibility, including extensive P.K. work. Nelson has also played the wing and shown he can succeed there.
Even if he’s there as a spare, Nelson’s scoring prowess and versatility throughout the lineup will make him too hard for Guerin and Team USA Brass to say no to.
4- Oliver Wahlstrom and Simon Holmstrom Set Career-Highs in Goals
Oliver Wahlstrom made the Islanders’ roster after a very strong training camp and a positive attitude. His shot is Roy’s favorite attribute. He’s set himself up to be the finisher on Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean’s line. Add his chances on the power play, where Roy has given him reps. This could be easily achievable for Wahlstrom.
His previous high is 13, which he set back in 2021-22. Following his worst career shooting performance in 2023-24, Wahlstrom is due for some positive regression. Add in his first healthy summer since before his ACL tear, and you’ve got a path to 15 goals in a bottom-six role.
For Simon Holmstrom, it’s all about continuing to build. Holmstrom entered camp as confident as he’d ever been. He got looks with Nelson and Kyle Palmieri before sliding down to complete a line with Anders Lee and Jean-Gabriel Pageau. That trio has looked mighty strong on the forecheck throughout camp.
Again, similar to Wahlstrom, another year to grow and build is the key here. Holmstrom also has received looks on the power play throughout the preseason while utilizing his shot more off the rush.
Last year, Holmstrom set the bar with 15. Perhaps 20 is more reachable than anyone thinks.
[...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024The New Jersey Devils’ plan for newly acquired defenseman, Brett Pesce, was that he would make his season and Devils debut at the Prudential Center for the home opener. However, things have changed. Pesce, who had offseason surgery, will not play with the Toronto Maple Leafs in town.
Pesce had surgery this summer to repair a fractured fibula he suffered during the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs in the first round against the New York Islanders.
The 29-year-old defenseman explained after signing a six-year contract with the Devils that he should be fully recovered for the start of training camp.
“I’m about three weeks post-surgery now, so it’s getting better every day,” said Pesce. “I should be good to go by camp, for sure.”
Pesce didn’t travel to Prague as a means to continue his recovery. The veteran defenseman remained back in Newark, New Jersey to continue his on-ice training.
Although Pesce was on the ice in a regular practice sweater on Wednesday and was seemingly a full participant, he did not take reps during line drills.
After practice, head coach Sheldon Keefe explained that although the plan was to have Pesce ready for the home opener, he and Luke Hughes — which was expected for the latter — are still not close.
“ status is the same,” Keefe explained Tuesday morning. “They’re just going to be continuing to work. Obviously different injuries. They will be able to do different things out there, but neither player’s ready.”
After what appeared to be an optimistic timeline that Pesce would be ready sooner-than-later, his timeline remains unclear, although the fact that he’s in a regular practice jersey would indicate he’s not that far off.
We’ll see how this plays out.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 10, 2024The Florida Panthers got a big piece of business taken care on Tuesday when they announced a new eight-year contract with Carter Verhaeghe worth $56 million.
Verhaeghe, 29, would have been a free agent following this season.
Now, it appears he will end his career with the Florida Panthers.
Verhaeghe said it would be strange for him to wear another jersey other than the Panthers; he does not have to worry about that anymore.
General manager Bill Zito has expressed a desire to extend his other two high-profile pending free agents as well.
Both Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad are up for new deals, but as was the case last year with Sam Reinhart, Zito stresses each player is different and new contracts take time.
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These things just have to play themselves out.
In the case of Verhaeghe, the heavy lifting got done pretty quickly.
The two sides had been talking and exchanging numbers, but according to Verhaeghe, the deal did not come together until Tuesday.
Verhaeghe and the Panthers agreed to the new deal before Tuesday’s season-opener against the Boston Bruins.
Florida raised its 2024 Stanley Cup championship banner — then beat the Bruins 6-4.
Verhaeghe said it was nice to get the contract squirreled away before the puck dropped on a new season.
Florida Panthers Avoid NHL Free Agency with New Contract For Verhaeghe
“I definitely wanted to get it done before the season” he said. “It just makes the season a little easier, I can just relax a little and play hockey, do what I do. Less distractions the better. I was good either way. I wanted to be a Panthers and am just so glad it got done. It feels so good to be locked in with this team. It’s nothing but excitement. I am so happy.’’
Both Ekblad and Bennett are in a different situation.
Both have made it clear they want to stay with the Panthers.
The Panthers have made it clear they want to keep both players.
Something, one would think, will get done in due time.
Ekblad, who turns 29 in February, has only played for the Panthers.
The top pick of the 2014 NHL Draft, Ekblad is a two-time All-Star who is in the final year of an eight-year contract he signed in 2016.
Ekblad has an annual cap hit of $7.5 million which makes him the highest-paid defenseman on the team and fifth overall behind Sasha Barkov and Sergei Bobrovsky ($10 million), Matthew Tkachuk ($9.5), and Reinhart ($8.625).
What Ekblad is asking for — and what the Panthers are countering — is not known.
The general thought is, with Gus Forsling agreeing to an eight-year contract worth $5.75 million annually last season, that Ekblad will probably not get what he has been making the past eight years.
Forsling Scores Goal for Florida Panthers After Big Extension
Ekblad’s life is now here in South Florida and it is obvious he does not want to play anywhere else.
The Panthers will probably take care of Ekblad in these negotiations, but he is going to have to give a little as well.
With the Panthers having to adhere to a salary cap, some players have to take a little less to help keep the good times rolling.
Bennett may be in a similar boat as far as term goes — he will be 29 next season — but if he continues to put up strong offensive numbers, he is in line for a raise from the $4.425 million he has made over the past four seasons since signing his first extension with Florida in 2021.
In his first full season with the Panthers in the 2021-22 season, Bennett set a career high with 28 goals; he had 36 in the following two seasons while averaging 66 games.
Bennett got his contract season off to a rousing start Tuesday, scoring two goals on four shots on goal against the Bruins.
When camp started, Bennett said it was nice that the possibility of becoming a free agent is not a topic of daily discussion as it probably would be elsewhere.
“I think it’s great,’’ Bennett said. “I hear about other players in big markets and it is all people want to talk about. It is kind of nice not to have that distraction. I have a great relationship with the team. I am not worried about that at all. We can go through camp and we’ll see how things play out.’’
Zito is not going to negotiate through the media, and Tuesday’s announcement with Verhaeghe came as a complete surprise to those outside the organization.
Even at Monday night’s ring ceremony, there was no whispers of a deal being imminent.
But one thing is clear: The Panthers take care of their core guys.
Deals eventually get done — Reinhart signing for the max eight years last summer a great example. It may have gone down to the wire, but it got done.
Sam Reinhart Beats Deadline, Gets 8 Years with Florida Panthers
Ekblad and Bennett are big parts of the team culture just as Verhaeghe is.
The Panthers want to keep their guys together as best they can.
They got Verhaeghe done in quick order.
Ekblad and Bennett will probably get done as well, it just may take a little more time.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV)
[...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024The New Jersey Devils (2-0-0) kicked off their regular season in Prague, but Thursday night is their home opener. They will host head coach Sheldon Keefe’s former club, the Toronto Maple Leafs (0-1-0).
READ: 10 New Jersey Devils Bold Predictions for the 2024-25 Season
The Maple Leafs are playing in the second leg of a back-to-back to start their season. Last night, Toronto was blanked by the Montreal Canadiens as Samuel Montembault posted a 47-save shutout, propelling the Habs to their first victory of the season.
Despite the belief that it will be an emotional tilt for the Devils’ head coach who is quickly facing the team who fired him just five months ago, Sheldon Keefe is keeping focus and setting the emotion of it all aside.
“I like to believe that I’m focused and content enough with where I’m at that I’m not too concerned about anything else outside of the task of competing against one of the league’s top teams,” Keefe explained to the New Jersey media.
According to the Devils’ PR, “New head coach Sheldon Keefe improved to 4-0-0 in NHL games played outside of North America and became the first NHL head coach to win his first four career games outside of North America.
Keefe can become the fourth head coach in franchise history to start a season 3-0-0 during his first year with the team:
Jacques Lemarie (4-0-0): 1993-94
Pat Burns (3-0-0): 2002-03
Bob MacMillan (3-0-0): 1980-81
Keefe led Toronto to 46, or more, wins in his last three seasons with the Leafs. He led Toronto to 50 wins in 2022-23 and then 54 victories in 2021-22. His career points% in parts of five NHL seasons (all w/ TOR) are .665.”
Here’s the lineup he’s projected to deploy Thursday night:
Projected Devils Lineup*
Forwards
Timo Meier – Jack Hughes – Jesper Bratt
Tomas Tatar – Nico Hischier – Dawson Mercer
Ondrej Palat – Erik Haula – Stefan Noesen
Paul Cotter – Curtis Lazar – Nathan Bastian
Defensemen
Brenden Dillon – Dougie Hamilton
Jonas Siegenthaler – Johnathan Kovacevic
Seamus Casey – Simon Nemec
Goaltenders
Jacob Markstrom
Jake Allen
*Lineup subject to change
How to Watch the Devils Game — 7 P.M. EST
Watch: MSG Networks
Radio: DEVILS HOCKEY NET
Next Up
Saturday, Oct. 12 At Washington 7:00 P.M.
Monday. Oct. 14 Vs Utah 1:00 P.M. E.T.
Tuesday, Oct. 15 At Carolina 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, Oct. 17 At Ottawa 7:00 P.M.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
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@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 10, 2024Bob Duff’s story points out that coach Derek Lalonde awarded Ville Husso the opening game starter’s role because he clearly won the “blank slate” goaltending competition against Alex Lyon and Cam Talbot.
A 43-save game against Pittsburgh and a 30-save game against Toronto put Husso over the top.
But the bigger story here is that the Red Wings feel like they have stronger goaltending than they had last season. Lyon has more experience in big games — picked up last season when he won the starter’s job mid-season. Plus, they added Talbot who played a significant role in pushing the Los Angeles Kings into the playoffs last season.
“Confident in all three goalies,” Lalonde said. “Was comfortable in starting in any of those three in the (opener). I think you may even see all three sometimes early in the season. That’s what we’re going with and we’re excited about it.”
Ville Husso will start in goal for the Red Wings in tomorrow night’s regular-season opener.#RedWings | #LGRW pic.twitter.com/nFzR4HyJZ0
— The Majors Detroit (@TMSNXDetroit) October 9, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Bob Duff looks at whether coach Derek Lalonde’s Red Wings came make the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard won’t play until Saturday in the SHL.
The Red Wings signed 238-pound bruiser Austin Watson, but he won’t play tonight.
Red Wings Extra
The Red Wings open the season tonight at Little Caesars Arena against the Pittsburgh Penguins. The Penguins were hammered 6-0 Wednesday by the New York Rangers in their opener. Tonight’s game starts at 8 p.m., moved from 7 p.m. because the Detroit Tigers are playing Game 4 of their playoff series at Comerica Park. That starts at 6 p.m. Fans are being advised to arrive early for both games because the anticipated heavy traffic and availability of parking spaces.
Hockey Now Network
Boston: Cole Koepke is a surprise addition to Boston’s 2024-25 opening lineup. Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago: Jim Lynch offers five bold predictions for this season’s Chicago Blackhawks.
Montreal: Habs forward Cam Cole changed his number to 13 to honor the memory of the late Johnny Gaudreau. Montreal Canadiens.
Philadelphia: Jonathan Bailey discusses why the Flyers should have taken Nikita Artamonov with the 32nd pick in June, instead of trading it to Edmonton. The Carolina Hurricanes ended up with Artamonov who is off to a historically impressive start in the KHL. Philadelphia Flyers.
Pittsburgh: Dan Kingerski writes that the “Balloon Gets Popped” in the Penguins opening game of the season. Pittsburgh Penguins [...]Read more...
Griffin FloydOctober 10, 2024The Scottsdale Scorpions, the Arizona Fall League team consisting of prospects from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, endured a 19-3 loss to the Mesa Solar Sox on Wednesday night.
Although Pirates’ prospects played a major role in Scottsdale’s season opening win on Tuesday, the opposite happened last night as they ended up front and center to the blowout.
Mesa blew the game open against 23-year-old Australian pitcher Brandan Bidois, who signed with Pittsburgh as an international free agent out of high school in 2019 and has since made his way to Triple-A. The lanky right-hander entered an already devolving situation in the third inning, with a runner on first via error. Bidois allowed consecutive hits, then a steal of first base on a wild pitch strikeout: Mesa went on to plate six runs against him to just one out recorded.
Pirates’ catching prospect Geovanny Planchart also had a rough inning, committing a throwing error and a passed ball that helped Scorpions continue to unravel. Planchart did his best to make up for it, though, catching a runner stealing and picking another off first base. At the plate, the 23-year-old backstop went 1-for-3 with a double and a walk.
Derek Diamond, who started much of the year for the Greensboro Grasshoppers, was the last Pirates prospect to get in the game, entering in the eighth and allowing two earned runs (and two more unearned) in two innings of work. He also added a pair of strikeouts.
Scottsdale’s schedule continues at 9:30pm EDT on Thursday against the Surprise Scorpions.
Links
229-Game Winner Luis Tiant, Who Spent a Year With Pirates, Dies at 83
Pirates Upcoming Free Agent Class; At Least One Expected to Return
Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 29: Shalin Polanco Slides After Down Year
4 Under the Radar Prospects in Pirates’ Organization (+)
Around the Network:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Report Card: Balloon Gets Popped
Steelers Now: Saunders: Steelers Need to Either Trust Justin Fields or Replace Him
Pittsburgh Sports Now: Where is Eli Holstein Being Placed in National QB Power Rankings?
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For full-access to Pittsburgh Baseball Now, CLICK HERE. *** You also get full Penguins and Steelers coverage with your subscription! [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 10, 2024There were goals all over the place on Wednesday, the second official day of the regular season. Well, the goals came after the Montreal Canadiens and goalie Sam Montembeault stymied the Toronto Maples Leafs with a 48-save shutout in a 1-0 victory. But then the goals came.
In Vancouver, the Canucks jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first period against the Calgary Flames. But they suddenly found themselves needing a game-tying goal in the final moments to secure a point. In overtime, Connor Zary was the hero for the Flames in a 6-5 OT victory.
There was also a pair of one-sided 6-0 shutouts. The New York Rangers, led by goalie Igor Shesterkin, stomped the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-0 on the road. And the Winnipeg Jets — playing their first game since Colorado crushed them in five games last April — dominated the Stanley Cup finalist Edmonton Oilers behind a 30-save shutout from reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck.
Colorado Hockey Now
I purposely left out the fifth game, which, of course, was the Avalanche’s 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. This one had the most goals and perhaps the most frustrating types of goals (albeit I didn’t watch every other game).
You can catch my game recap here.
Two performances from two notable players on the Avalanche also stood out for completely different reasons. My first edition of Good & Bad features a couple of pending unrestricted free agents.
Before the Avalanche’s flight to Vegas on Tuesday, I spoke to 19-year-old Calum Ritchie about making his NHL debut and wrote about that here. Ritchie ended the night with one shot and a -3 in 16:05. Welcome to the NHL, kid. The Golden Knights are a tough team to debut against.
Around The NHL
Casey Mittelstadt Exclusive: Let’s keep it local for one more Avalanche-related piece. For those who are unaware, I host a podcast for Mile High Sports called Rinkside with Aarif Deen. The show is 300+ episodes deep. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast app to follow along. On Monday, I sat down with Casey Mittelstadt for a 1-on-1 exclusive for about 25 minutes. He was great to get to know and opened up about his trade to Colorado, playing with stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, and even answered a bunch of questions about Valeri Nichushkin. There were a few other things in there as well. The audio version is on the podcast feed for both Apple and Spotify (for real, subscribe to the show!). But the video is here, on the MHS YouTube page. Enjoy. (No seriously, what are you waiting for? Subscribe to the podcast!)
Montreal Hockey Now: The Habs’ 1-o victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs was the first shutout loss the Leafs have had in 227 games. Just a crazy long streak that came to an end thanks to an incredible goaltending performance. Oh, and the lone goal scorer wore No. 13, honoring the late Johnny Gaudreau.
NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders waived Pierre Engvall and the remaining six years of his contract on Sunday. And to start the year, they’re hoping to revive the career of their 2018 first-round draft pick. Could this be a sign that Lou Lamoriello is shifting his plan for the Islanders?
Detroit Hockey Now: Following a 6-0 loss to the Rangers, the Pittsburgh Penguins won’t have much time before needing to refocus. They are on their way to Detroit for the Red Wings’ season opener at Little Caesars Arena. After missing the playoffs by a tiebreaker on the final day, the Red Wings are hoping to kickstart 2024-25 with two points. And they’ve already named their starting goalie for Game No. 1. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 10, 2024Caught in the shuffle of a busy opening night for the Chicago Blackhawks was the fact that Nolan Allan made his NHL Debut.
Allan, 21, was drafted 32nd overall by the Blackhawks in 2021. It was an up course battle for Allan to make the opening night roster – with plenty of other defensemen with more experience entering training camp.
Allan had a fine first game in the NHL. While there is a chance he might slide out of the lineup when Wyatt Kaiser is healthy, Allan should be proud of the training camp and preseason he had.
Another fun piece of Tuesday night’s game lost in the shuffle involves Connor Bedard’s special attempt at The Michigan.
Connor Bedard going for The Michigan. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/LVcievntDo
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 9, 2024
Bedard attempting The Michigan while down by one goal in the third period is definitely a bold move. Hopefully the former first overall pick entering his sophomore season can continue to make bold moves all year long.
A number of NHL team’s played their opening night game’s on Wednesday. The Penguins were shut out at home against the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens scored the lone goal in a matchup against Toronto.
Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed:
The Chicago Blackhawks enter the season expecting to take the next step. Here are five bold predictions entering the 2024-25 NHL Season for Chicago.
The Chicago Blackhawks seem to be a step behind in their rebuild. While some hoped for a big leap in the standings this season, losing to Utah showed just how much more work the Hawks have left to do.
Lukas Reichel missing the start of the 2024-25 NHL Season hurts the Blackhawks one way or another.
If you missed the Blackhawks opening night game: Despite a late rally, Chicago lost 5-2 to open the season.
News from around the National Hockey Now Network:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the season with high expectations, unfortunately silly mistakes fueled a dominant Rangers win. (The Blackhawks can relate to that.)
San Jose Hockey Now: Danil Gushcin’s joy making the San Jose Sharks out of training camp is special to see.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Detroit Red Wings will give Ville Husso the nod during the Red Wings opening night matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins later tonight.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@CHIHockeyNow, @JimRLynch, @VinnieParise
And on Threads:
@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 10, 2024In Thursday’s edition of Bailey’s Daily, we’ll be talking the latest Philadelphia Flyers news, NHL news, stories, highlights, and more from the last day.
Flyers News
I am not under the assumption that many fans thought much of Egor Zavragin when the Philadelphia Flyers drafted him 87th overall in the 2023 NHL Draft.
Fast forward to a year later, and the 19-year-old is rapidly establishing himself as one of the world’s best goalie prospects. Zavragin has dominated every level of competition in Russia so far, and after an impressive start to the 2024-25 KHL season with HC Sochi, SKA St. Petersburg came calling and terminated his loan after six games.
On the other hand, one Flyers draft miss is the decision to trade Florida’s first-round pick to the Edmonton Oilers for a 2025 first-round pick at the 2024 draft in June.
Why?
Nikita Artamonov, one of the draft’s most talented wingers, is off to a blazing start in the KHL that rivals that of Zavragin, and the Flyers need more of that. Who will be knocking down the door to replace Travis Konecny, Owen Tippett, or Joel Farabee in six or seven years?
Well, now that he has been drafted by the division rival Hurricanes, it won’t be Artamonov.
Igor Shesterkin contract
So you want a big contract, do you?
The Igor Shesterkin contract drama has caused quite a stir online and around the league, as the superstar Russian goalie has reportedly rejected an offer from the New York Rangers that would have made him $88 million over eight years ($11 million AAV).
We recently saw Jeremy Swayman and Linus Ullmark, old Bruins pals, ink contract extensions that carried $8.25 million AAVs, so Shesterkin is looking to blow them out of the water and then some.
I have no problems with athletes getting their chunk of change when the time comes, but when you make that much money, you cannot seriously expect your team to build a competitive roster around you.
That’s good news for the Flyers, though! [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 10, 2024Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Wednesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
Goaltender Samuel Montembeault started the season on the right foot. Not only did not allow any goals from the Toronto Maple Leafs, the first time in 227 that they were blanked, he also set an NHL record by saving 48-shots in his season-opening shutout. Some reports indicate he made only 47 saves, but it doesn’t really matter, as the Leafs held a huge advantage in high-danger chances, to the tune of 15-3 at 5v5.
Welcome to the Montem-show! 😤 #NHLFaceOff
Sam Montembeault was remarkable, stopping all 47 shots sent his way for the first @pepsi shutout of the 2024-25 season! pic.twitter.com/Z8TLsDTZk0
— NHL (@NHL) October 10, 2024
Beyond Montembeault’s excellent play, sniper Cole Caufield stole the show for the Canadiens by scoring the lone goal of the game, and the first while wearing his new jersey number. Caufield switched to No.13 this offseason to honour the late Johnny Gaudreau, and was unable to contain his emotions as he pointed to the sky following the powerplay goal. It was definitely one of those fantastic NHL moments. [Canadiens Instant Recap: Caufield Honours Johnny Gaudreau]
The Habs made a roster move on Wednesday, signing Gustav Lindstrom to a one-year deal, and then proceeding to place him on waivers. The goal is to add a little depth to the Laval Rocket’s blueline, which only currently features two right-handed defencemen. This is the second time in as many seasons that Lindstrom has joined the Canadiens organization. [Canadiens Sign Depth Defenceman, Place On Waivers]
The team also adopted a new attitude at practice, thanks to assistant coach Stephane Robidas.
Vibes are good at Canadiens skate
“Why not us? Why not now?” pic.twitter.com/5LQSdMS3p0
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) October 9, 2024
There were a lot of scouts in attendance at the Bell Centre yesterday, though we should note it was essentially their back-to-school day, which means we shouldn’t take their presence with a grain of salt.
Lots of scouts in Bell Centre press box for season opener tonight between #Habs and Leafs #HabsIO pic.twitter.com/x9yl1wvHRD
— Stu Cowan (@StuCowan1) October 9, 2024
National Hockey Now Network
Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, there are 81 more games to go. However, they did little with the first of 82, failing to convert a few early scoring chances before succumbing to back checking gaffes, soft goals, and silly mistakes. The New York Rangers humbled the Penguins 6-0 at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday night. [Pittsburgh Penguins]
Over the summer, New Jersey Hockey Now ranked the top 25 New Jersey Devils prospects, which features future NHL stars. While the NHL season is in its infancy, some Devils prospects have been in action for weeks. [New Jersey Devils]
Former GM Brian MacLellan added former Los Angeles Kings blueliner Matt Roy to the Washington Capitals as a free agent, while also striking a deal with the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun. [Washington Capitals] [...]Read more...
Alan Greenberg, FHN WriterOctober 10, 2024SUNRISE — The Boston Bruins do not return to South Florida to face the Panthers for another three months.
They would probably be fine if it was closer to thirty months.
The Panthers and Bruins has evolved into a bitter rivalry.
Tuesday night showed the Panthers are pretty good at getting under the Bruins’ fur.
The Bruins came to Florida two days in advance in preparation for the season opener.
Fortunately, they could hightail it back to Boston right after their 6-4 loss to the Panthers before Hurricane Milton could have prolonged their stay.
And even though the Bruins lost by two goals, late goals by Trent Frederic and David Pastrnak prevented Florida’s opener from being a rout — at least on paper.
Celebrate the Start of Florida Panthers Season
Get HALF Off a Season Ticket to Florida Hockey Now
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Sitting in their dressing room while the Panthers and their fans enjoyed the pregame Stanley Cup championship banner-raising festivities could not have been a pleasure.
The Panthers dramatically eliminated the Bruins from the playoffs in two straight postseasons, preventing them from going after a Stanley Cup they felt they were built for in 2023.
Trent Frederic and Nikita Zadorov were penalized in the first period for taking runs at the always-peaceful Matthew Tkachuk.
Tkachuk didn’t respond, giving the Panthers a power play in each instance, only infuriating the Bruins’ bench even more.
According to Frederic, Tkachuk baited him and then didn’t drop the gloves.
“I don’t know if I can quote him. I think he said, ‘Lets go.’ I guess he wasn’t talking about fighting,” Frederic said.
Boston Hockey Now: Bruins Start Season With a Disaster in Florida
Boston coach Jim Montgomery was not very convincing that the distractions did not affect his team’s play.
“I’m sure it would seem that way,” said Montgomery, about having to wait out the opening celebration.
“We cross-checked them, we went to the box. They cross-checked us … the call didn’t go our way. In general, we weren’t good enough in so many areas tonight.”
The extra stuff continues even as the Florida goals piled up on backup Joonas Korpisalo.
When Evan Rodrigues put a wrister past Korpisalo at 6:26 of the third period, Brandon Carlo appeared to give a light tap to a charging Sam Bennett.
Bennett did not go out of his way to avoid running over Korpisalo.
Bennett took two minutes for the misdemeanor, which gave Tkachuk and Frederic an impetus to exchange pleasantries again before each was sent to the cooler.
In talking about the intimidation factor, Montgomery offered, “They’re a smart, disciplined team. Unfortunately, in that part of the game, they beat us at it.”
Korpisalo was diplomatic about the whole Bennett incident.
“I was just trying to focus on the puck,” said Sergei Bobrovsky’s former backup in Columbus who was filling in for the newly-signed Jeremy Swayman.
“I didn’t really see what happened. I don’t think anybody wants to run over the goalie on purpose. I don’t know what happened.”
Not to be denied, Zadorov took a slash at Bennett before the night was over.
He explained his role as the newest Bruin enforcer.
“I felt like Tkachuk was going against Pasta so I have to be the middle man,” Zadorov said. “I have to be in between. I have to protect my best player, and I thought Bennett ran our goalie, so I didn’t like that and I had to let him know.”
These two go at it again in a couple of days with the Panthers going to Boston on Monday afternoon.
Expect the hostilities to continue.
TD Garden cannot be considered “home sweet home” for the Bruins when it comes to the Panthers, especially since their last two seasons ended there, at the hands of Florida.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Russ MaciasOctober 10, 2024The second slate of NHL games for the 2024-25 season kicked off last night, and they certainly were games. Of the five games, three resulted in shutouts. The night’s first star goes to Sam Montembeault, who denied 48 Toronto Maple Leafs shots en route to a 1-0 Habs win. Elsewhere, the New York Rangers and Winnipeg Jets ravaged the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers, respectively. The Vancouver Canucks coughed up a lead to the Calgary Flames while the Vegas Golden Knights ran the Colorado Avalanche out of town.
In the world of the New York Islanders, Oliver Wahlstrom solidified his roster space, but he battled through some adversity to get there. Wahlstrom and the Islanders take on the Utah Hockey Club tonight at 7:30 in UBS Arena.
New York Islanders:
NYI Hockey Now: After a playoff injury in 2021 and a torn ACL in 2022-23, Oliver Wahlstrom had all of his momentum as a player snuffed out. While rebuilding himself and his confidence, he struggled all last year. This past summer brought winds of change, but nothing ever surfaced. Counted out before training camp even began, here’s how Wahlstrom saved his Islanders career.
More from NYIHN: Now that the dust has settled, it’s worth reminding how the Islanders roster took shape. As an ICYMI, here’s my piece on why Pierre Engvall being waived is a sign of a new normal on Long Island.
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Well, that wasn’t ideal. The New York Rangers walked into Pittsburgh and took the Penguins’ lunch money. Or, maybe, as Dan Kingerski writes, the Penguins handed it to the Rangers.
More PHN: Anthony Beauvillier made his Penguins debut alongside Sidney Crosby, and he didn’t look too out of place. More on Beau and the rest of the Penguins, as Dan grades them all.
Philly Hockey Now: Jonathan Bailey has put out the bat signal. He thinks Philly makes sense as a home for Pierre Engvall, currently in Bridgeport. Engvall’s speed and forechecking seem to fit what Tortorella likes, but you have to think Tortorella might lose it after seeing Engvall shy away from contact as he’s been prone to do. Nevertheless, Jonathan breaks down the fit.
Forever Blueshirts: The Rangers partied all night in Pittsburgh. Here’s the story through the lens of the Rangers arrival to the 2024-25 season.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens defeated the Leafs 1-0 behind Montembeault’s sparkling performance. Despite it all, Cole Caufield had the night’s most poignant moment when he scored Montreal’s first goal of the year. Caufield changed his number to 13 to honor Johnny Gaudreau. After scoring, he had a lot of emotion, and it was felt in the building as he scored it for Gaudreau.
Colorado Hockey Now: Well, game one is over. There was good, and there was bad in the 8-4 loss to the Golden Knights. Aarif Deen goes over it all at CHN. [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 10, 2024About 10 reporters surrounded Macklin Celebrini’s locker room stall on Wednesday, on the eve of his NHL debut.
That’s to be expected — he’s the 2024 first-overall pick, after all — but that kind of media throng, big for here, hasn’t been seen since the last time the San Jose Sharks made the playoffs in 2019.
Safe to say, there’s a lot of excitement for Celebrini and fellow super prospect Will Smith’s NHL debuts on Thursday against the St. Louis Blues.
In the lead-up to their big night, here are some of the fun things that we’ve learned about the San Jose Sharks’ new dynamic duo in the last couple days.
Smith says that he and Celebrini have been dominating at 2-on-2 knee hockey versus the Marleau boys
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 10, 2024
Smith said that he and Celebrini finally moved into Patrick Marleau and Joe Thornton’s houses, respectively, on Saturday. Smith and Celebrini had roomed in a hotel together throughout training camp.
Smith, when asked if he would miss rooming with Celebrini, smiled and said that they’d be roommates on the road this season.
Smith shared that his dad’s birthday is Oct. 10. Of course, his dad is in town for his NHL debut. So what a special day! (UPDATE: Smith says they celebrated at Maggiano’s Little Italy at Santana Row)
Smith told us, with an impish smile, to ask Celebrini what Celebrini’s head-to-head record against him was. They both definitely like to needle each other…Celebrini, with maybe a little reluctance, shared that he’s 3-7 against Smith.
Celebrini recalled the first time that he played Smith: “I had probably just turned 13…We played in this Boston tournament, both for the All-American Prospects, I was on the ’06 team, he was on the ’05 team, and we met each other in the finals.”
What was Celebrini’s first impression of Smith? “I was saying exactly that, wow, he’s really good.”
Tyler Toffoli shared this tidbit with a smile. Macklin Celebrini’s work ethic has been noticeable throughout training camp: “You guys see it, they’re on the ice first everyday and staying on as long as possible and waiting to get kicked off, basically. And basically said at the end of practice there, he doesn’t want guys staying on too late. And I’m pretty sure it’s directed at those two.”
Smith won the first match up when the AAP 05s took on the AAP 06s 😉 https://t.co/Mm5qtyb4ui
— AllAmericanProspects (@AAProspect) October 9, 2024
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A post shared by MS Films (@_msfilms)
Get excited, San Jose Sharks fans! A new era begins on Thursday night. [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 10, 2024Good morning. It’s game day in New Jersey. That felt awfully good to say. The New Jersey Devils haven’t played since Saturday after they traveled home from Prague on Sunday and had an off day on Monday. After a 2-0-0 start to the season, Jack Hughes and Co. aim to collect another two big points over the Toronto Maple Leafs — Sheldon Keefe’s former team.
In the links, the Devils’ top-five prospects have raised their stock thus far.
Elsewhere, Pittsburgh’s fate could lye with an ex-Devils player, Sens extend Ullmark, and an update on JJ Peterka.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils News
New Jersey Hockey Now: The NHL schedule might have just begun, but overseas, Devils prospects are well underway. Here’s a look at New Jersey’s top-five prospects and how they’ve raised their stock thus far.
New Jersey Hockey Now +
Subscribe to NJHN+ and use code James10 for $10 off (yearly subscriptions) at checkout.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
NHL.com: Perhaps we should have seen this coming. Shortly after his buddy, Jeremy Swayman, inked a new long-term extension with the Boston Bruins, Linus Ullmark signed an extension with the Ottawa Senators for the exact same AAV, but half the term.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins did not start off the 2024-25 season very well at all. The fate of their season could rest on a handful of players, including an ex-Devils defenseman who just hasn’t panned out in Steel City.
Colorado Hockey Now: Calum Ritchie would’ve never envisioned the past 16 months playing out the way they have. After falling in the first round of the 2023 draft to the Colorado Avalanche at No. 27, and then starting the 2023-24 OHL season injured, Ritchie suddenly finds himself ready to make his NHL debut just a year later.
Buffalo Hockey Now: No one likes to see another player get hurt. Although Devils defenseman Brenden Dillon demolished JJ Peterka who ended up concussed, the Buffalo Sabres prospect may be on the brink of returning soon.
Philly Hockey Now: Do the Philadelphia Flyers have the world’s best goaltending prospect?
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
And on Threads:
@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 10, 2024The Pittsburgh Penguins were eventually bounced out of their own arena Wednesday. A game and a season that began with excitement quickly turned as sour. Penguins scoring chances became Penguins mistakes and the New York Rangers counter-attacked then attacked in a 6-0 Rangers’ win at PPG Paints Arena.
The number of good performances was overshadowed by the wilting effort and crumbling game.
Read More: Penguins Report Card: Balloon Gets Popped
From PPG Paints Arena, we break down the few bright spots, including Rutger McGroarty’s NHL debut, as well as untangle some uneven performances, including Tristan Jarry and Jesse Puljujarvi, and the messy power play debut.
The video begins:
“Everybody be calm. Everybody chill. But really? So many of the lessons that should have been learned from last year seemed to … not be learned.”
It was a night that bewildered coach Mike Sullivan and quickly humbled the Penguins players.
“Hope and optimism became … splat.” [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 10, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 loss at the hands of the Utah Hockey Club may not be the end of the world, but the loss did remind me of just how much more work the Hawks still have left.
While this season may see the Blackhawks take a jump in the standings, Chicago still has a lot of work left on the rebuild. The loss to Utah showed just that.
Let’s just take a moment and look at who scored goals for Utah. Dylan Guenther got Utah going, followed up by Clayton Keller, Barrett Hayton, Guenther again and Lawson Crouse.
So the goal scorers were Guenther, Keller, Hayton and Crouse.
Clayton Keller was drafted seventh overall in 2016 by the Coyotes. Barrett Hayton was drafted fifth overall in 2018. Dylan Guenther was drafted ninth overall in 2021 and Lawson Crouse was acquired by the then Coyotes in 2016 in in a salary cap dump involving former Blackhawk Dave Bolland. Crouse was a good prospect at the time that the Coyotes acquired, he was drafted 11th overall in 2015.
I mention all this to say, Utah’s lineup is reaping the rewards of Arizona’s hard work over the past five plus seasons. Matias Maccelli has become a top nine forward – he was drafted in the fourth round in 2019. Jack McBain has found himself on a line with Logan Cooley and Dylan Guenther. He was acquired by Bill Armstrong while GM of the Coyotes in 2022. Armstrong gave up a second round pick for the forward.
Cooley, playing on a line with McBain and Guenther, is another example of patience through the draft. Armstrong drafted Cooley third overall in 2022, he is now entering his second full NHL Season and should be signing a massive extension once July comes around.
While the Arizona Coyotes may have had a sentimental connection to Josh Doan – drafting the forward in the second round of 2021 – Utah is just as happy to have him with the new team.
Doan had a great training camp, earning a spot on the third line with the club entering the season. Utah looks to be just a few steps ahead of the Blackhawks.
Where Utah has Logan Cooley, maybe a few years from now Blackhawks fans will be watching Frank Nazar. Where Josh Doan fits into the lineup maybe AJ Spellacy can come into the fold.
The Blackhawks should be more competitive this season, there is no denying the better team on paper Kyle Davidson has built. But to turn the corner towards Stanley Cup Playoff contention, the Blackhawks are going to be needing more of their recent draft picks under Davidson to step up.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@CHIHockeyNow, @JimRLynch, @VinnieParise
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Bob DuffOctober 10, 2024As the Detroit Red Wings prepare to open the 2024-25 NHL regular on Thursday by playing host to the Pittsburgh Penguins, everyone can agree on one point – training camp went pretty much as expected.
Forward lines and defense pairings for this game are bascially what most people would’ve projected them to be a month ago. As was anticipated, the team is keeping three goalies.
For the most part, the players who were most likely to be getting assignment to the minors are the ones presently with the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins.
"We're all excited for the real deal."
🎥 Ras, Ray, Newsy » https://t.co/NB3jUYKLYV pic.twitter.com/nAg9UTtuxE
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 8, 2024
It’s not a stretch to be suggesting that training camp and the NHL preseason were relatively uneventful. Now the question is this – can the Red Wings follow it up with the most eventful season of the Steve Yzerman GM era?
Just don’t go asking Detroit coach Derek Lalonde about long-range projections for his club. He’s all about process.
“If you start talking about being where we were at the end of last season, you’re talking outcome and it never works that way if you get lost with what you’re doing daily,” Lalonde said. “Only focus since our last exhibition game was our opening night.”
Coach Confident Red Wings Will Stay In Moment
As they were battling for a playoff spot last season, Lalonde was a fan of how his team never got caught up in the big picture.
“We did a really good job of staying in the moment,” Lalonde said. “I think the guys are motivated. I think they saw what it looked like, what it took.”
Certainly, it’s going to look different on the ice for the Red Wings this season. Personnel, perception and perspectives have all changed.
There are expectations being placed upon this squad.
“The reality of it, we sat here last year coming off an 80-point season and no one had us in the playoffs,” Lalonde said. “I understand it.
“It was a little motivation for our group. I thought they pushed. We improved 11 points. But when you get to the brink, as a natural step you have to take, of course expectations have changed.
“It’ll be a little different challenge for our group, how we ride some highs and lows, but I still think it’s about taking care of your game in the moment.”
Rugged Road Right Off The Bat
Teams won’t be taking the Wings lightly. Right out of the gate, the road is rough. There are immediate home-and-homes with Nashville and the Rangers among Detroit’s first five games.
“Everyone has those types of stretches in their schedule,” Lalonde said. “We have it at the start and Stanley Cup final could be Nashville-Rangers.
I'll go, I'll go, I'll go, I'll go, I'll go.
Be there Opening Night » https://t.co/OqaUnyLJyQ pic.twitter.com/hCxiPrAZTf
— Detroit Red Wings (@DetroitRedWings) October 8, 2024
“This will be a really good test for us. I’m looking forward to it.”
As Red Wings fans are looking forward to seeing exactly what this team can accomplish in the 82 games ahead. [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 10, 2024On a night when all eyes were on the Avalanche’s top six — where the top story coming out of training camp was the lack of depth without Artturi Lehkonen, Valeri Nichushkin, or Gabriel Landeskog, the narrative quickly shifted to the performance between the pipes.
For the first time in three years, Alexandar Georgiev suffered a loss in the season opener with the Avs. And it wasn’t anywhere close to being the type of game that inspires confidence.
Georgiev surrendered five goals on 16 shots in Wednesday’s 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena. He was pulled after the second period and watched from the bench as the backup, Justus Annunen, only stopped three of five shots the rest of the way.
Meanwhile, on offense, the Avs’ top guys pulled through. Mikko Rantanen scored a hat trick — the first three-goal game in a season opener for Colorado in eight years (Joe Colborn, 2016). Still without a contract extension, Rantanen scored three one-timers off of feeds from Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar (twice).
READ MORE: Good & Bad: A Tale of Two Performances in Avalanche’s Season Opener
The other goal came from Casey Mittelstadt, who was a bright spot for Colorado despite playing with different wingers a times throughout the night. Mittelstadt spent the majority of the game at even strength on a line where he’s suddenly the veteran of the group. He was flanked by rookies Nikolai Kovalenko and Calum Ritchie. The trio had a strong start but didn’t do much in the later stages of the game.
On the shift where Mittelstadt scored, he had Ross Colton and Kovalenko playing the wing. It’s a sign that head coach Jared Bednar will not shy away from trying different things until he gets one or both of Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin back. Neither is likely to return until November.
Following Rantanen’s first tally, which gave the Avs a 1-0 lead, the Golden Knights quickly responded thanks to a goal from Victor Olofsson. The newcomer beat Georgiev on a tough angle with a shot that the goaltender will likely want to have back. Georgiev was down and kept the short side open for Olofsson, who later added another tally with a snipe in the closing seconds of the second period.
Vegas then added two goals in 25 seconds in the final minutes of the first. It was a rare shift where Colorado’s top line let in two goals to Vegas’ top line. On the second goal, a 2-on-1 play that finished up with a tally for captain Mark Stone, Makar found himself in no man’s land after pinching at the blue line. The result of his miscue was Devon Toews getting stuck trying to stop Jack Eichel and Stone.
The trailing forward on the play was MacKinnon, but he let up for just a second and it was enough for Eichel to get away. Two rare mistakes from two players at the top of the lineup. Vegas took a 3-1 lead into the break.
But from there, each time Colorado responded, the Golden Knights added another goal to keep them out of reach. It was suddenly 3-2 after Rantanen’s second goal, but then it quickly became 4-2. Then when Mittelstadt made it 4-3, the Knights made it 5-3 on the Oloffson PP goal.
Then in the third period, Rantanen made it 5-4 only for the Knights to get one, then two past Annunen to pull ahead 7-4. Then, an empty netter after nearly five minutes of 6-on-5 play for Bednar’s club.
Colorado will need to turn the page as it prepares for its home opener on Saturday against the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Avs will play the next four games at Ball Arena in a seven-game span where they were so dominant a season ago. [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 10, 2024There weren’t a lot of great things to take away from the Avalanche’s season-opening 8-4 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. But two players stuck out, for completely opposite reasons. One couldn’t stop scoring, the other couldn’t stop letting in goals.
READ MORE: Game Recap from Colorado’s 8-4 loss at T-Mobile Arena
The Good: Mikko Rantanen
The Avalanche’s top winger came out flying on opening night, scoring a hat trick in a losing effort. Rantanen, who is still without a contract extension, was a large piece of what we expected to be a top-heavy lineup for the Avs to start the year. Alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Jonathan Drouin, Rantanen was a force at even strength and on the power play.
His first goal opened the scoring for either team. Colorado came out flying in the first handful of minutes and added a goal before the Knights had their feet under them. Rantanen waited at the top of the circle for a feed from MacKinnon and blasted a one-timer past goalie Adin Hill while down on one knee. It’s the Mikko specialty.
He followed it up with his long PP goal, playing the half wall on his off-wing and firing another one-timer off a feed from star defenseman Cale Makar. Rantanen later added another tally just as Colorado’s second power play opportunity came to an end. Same spot, same type of goal, from the same PP quarterback setting him up from up top.
Unfortunately for Rantanen, each time the Avs scored, Vegas quickly followed it up with another goal.
The Bad: Alexandar Georgiev
On Tuesday I asked general manager Chris MacFarland about entering the season with yet another pending UFA starting goalie. And MacFarland didn’t hint at all at the idea of discussing a contract extension with Alexandar Georgiev. At least not yet, and maybe not ever. Not if games like this become the norm.
Georgiev struggled in the season opener, surrendering five goals on 16 shots in two periods before getting pulled for Justus Annunen. The backup didn’t fare much better either, stopping three of five shots in 15 minutes before head coach Jared Bednar opted to pull the goalie with five minutes remaining.
Both goalies combined to stop just two-thirds of the shots they faced. The empty net, thankfully, only surrendered one goal.
But the buck stops with Georgiev. And hopefully, on Saturday, he actually stops the puck. Colorado will need much more from the starter, especially in the early going when it’s shorthanded and lacking the firepower at the top of the lineup. The one bright side? Georgiev looked terrible in Game 1 of the 2024 postseason but bounced back very well, and right away, in the first round against Winnipeg. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 9, 2024For the first couple of minutes, the Pittsburgh Penguins looked similar to the team that skated the Columbus Blue Jackets out of the barn in their final preseason game last Friday. However, it didn’t take long for the Penguins’ mistakes to pile up, leading to six New York Rangers goals, including a shortie in a 6-0 loss Wednesday at PPG Paints Arena.
The mistakes began from unexpected sources and one player who could ill-afford a poor start but eventually permeated nearly every part of the lineup.
Read More: Penguins Report Card: Balloon Gets Popped
“I thought the start of the game, we played pretty well the first whatever, 13 minutes,” said coach Mike Sullivan. “I feel like when we gave up–it was a two- or three-minute span there in the first–when we gave up a couple of goals- we just didn’t seem to grab hold of it from there.”
That is true. Also, New York goalie Igor Shesterkin was impenetrable. Had the Penguins buried one of their chances in the first 15 minutes, it would have been a different game. But that’s why Shesterkin wants more than $11 million.
The Rangers have an elite goalie, and they rely on him.
The Penguins’ confidence and optimism, coming from an ebullient preseason of competitive roster battles, youthful infusions, and hope, crashed to the ice like a helicopter in a Jean-Claude Van Damme movie.
“We got down and tried to take chances to get back in the game–they’re a team that if you take chances, give them looks, they’re going to put them in,” said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby. “We got behind and chased the game.”
The Penguins didn’t even give themselves one full day to feel like that limitless optimism that can only come from a good start to the season.
Things might not get any better Thursday when the Penguins may turn to rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist, who was sketchy in the preseason, against the Detroit Red Wings.
Jesse Puljujarvi hung Ryan Graves out to dry on the second goal less later in the first period. Despite a few puck wins and good offensive pressure throughout the first 20 minutes, Puljujarvi inexplicably peeled off his backchecking coverage, exposing Graves and a wide-open Sam Carrick for the first New York goal.
Puljujarvi was also a culprit in the Rangers’ goal, which would have been the second goal, that was overturned early in the first period.
Puljujarvi personified the Penguins’ game. He was very good for much of the first period and made a significant impact in the offensive zone and puck possession, but little breakdowns were fatal.
The mistakes gathered momentum until the Penguins were a listless, lifeless bunch waiting for the executioner, known as the final horn.
Point of No Return: Drew O’Connor takes a baseball swing at the fluttering puck, creating an icing play in the final minute of the first period. The Penguins were changing. There was no danger or reason to play the puck that was six feet above the ice. But his icing call gifted the Rangers nearly a full minute in the offensive zone against a tired group. They scored. 3-0. Game. Set and Match.
Perhaps the crashing confidence is the wrong analogy. It was more like watching an angry clown pop the balloon of hope and optimism. New York defenseman Jacob Trouba set up the first Rangers goal. Pennywise would have been proud.
Penguins Report Card
Tristan Jarry: D
Jarry was actually quite good in the second and third periods. However, he was beaten cleanly through the five-hole on the second goal of the game, scored by Lafreniere, and was overly affected by the Penguins scrambling on the third goal.
“I thought he responded really well after the first and made some big saves in the second and third periods,” said Sullivan. “You know, the reality is that’s just that’s the world we all live in, you know? And so (he’s) got to find a way to focus on the game and focus on the details of your own respective game. I’m confident Jarry will do that (in the future).”
The third goal was mistake-filled as Drew O’Connor foolishly swatted the puck out of the air in frustration–creating an icing. His exhausted line had little energy to defend, and the team scrambled. Jarry flopped and dived, once without a shot with his team rather than calmly holding the net. It was a six-player mess, but Jarry could have held his ground—he might have made one more save and kept the Penguins in the game.
Rutger McGroarty: A
None of the goals were on his back. He dug for pucks, distributed well in the offensive zone, and kept up nicely. He made a difference until the team was no longer competitive.
“I thought Rutger played well. He made some wall plays. You could see his hockey sense,” Sullivan agreed. “He’s pretty good–I think he has poise with the puck. He doesn’t just throw it away. I thought he handled the pace of play really well.”
Jesse Puljujarvi: Beauty in the eye of the beholder
He was going to get an A. His nose was over the puck in the offensive zone; he sprung loose for a couple of good chances and set up others. The line with Lars Eller and McGroarty had more buzz than any of the Penguins lines, but they couldn’t beat Igor Shesterkin.
However, they also put their own goalie in harm’s way, and Puljujarvi needed to be more structured in the trackbacks.
Anthony Beauvillier: B
Great first shift. Beauvillier sprung Crosby on a zone entry, then kept with the play for a clean shot at Shesterkin. If he buries that, it’s a different game. He was around the net, scrappy in the battle areas, and on the pucks.
Again, he was all of those things until the team deflated.
Penguins Power Play: D
Even before the shorthanded goal, the Penguins’ power play looked like it was caught between a dream and reality. PP1 knew what it wanted to do but looked like a band that had no rehearsals trying to execute a choreographed dance number. Passes were behind and off target, and the movement was chasing the puck, not pressuring the Rangers.
The obvious difference between the regular season premiere and the preseason is the inclusion of Erik Karlsson. It’s too easy to blame him, but if they don’t look better against Detroit on Thursday, Sullivan might have a quick hook for someone on PP1.
The power play was 0-for-3 with only three shots on goal. They were outscored 1-0.
Kind note to assistant coach David Quinn and head coach Mike Sullivan: Put Erik Karlsson on PP2 and put Michael Bunting back on PP1.
Mike Sullivan: Ball is in his court
It would seem a team cannot get slapped in the opening game as the Penguins did without some changes, however small.
Surely, someone has to pay a small price, right?
Sullivan said it was probably premature to make changes, but he said so without anger and perhaps without conviction. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 9, 2024PITTSBURGH – Fortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, there are 81 more games to go. However, they did little with the first of 82, failing to convert a few early scoring chances before succumbing to backchecking gaffes, soft goals, and silly mistakes. The New York Rangers humbled the Penguins 6-0 at PPG Paints Arena Wednesday night.
The boo-birds were feasting, even when there was little devour, though the Penguins allowed Pittsburgh-native Vincent Trocheck to score a shorthanded goal at 11:35 the third period, which was the sour icing on the cake, followed by Trocheck’s second goal at 16:59.
For several new Penguins, the energy and opportunities were present, but New York got the first break of the season when fourth-line center Sam Carrick (1) perfectly deflected defenseman Jacob Trouba’s wrist shot over Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry’s extended pad at 2:24 of the first period.
It was New York’s first shot of the game and and proceeded a pair of dangerous Penguins scoring chances, including Anthony Beauvillier’s open wrist shot from the slot on the first shift of the game.
Beauvillier, wearing No. 72, made his Penguins debut and played on Sidney Crosby’s line, conjuring the unmistakable images of former Crosby linemate Patric Hornqvist, who also wore No. 72 and was an integral part of the Penguins’ back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 2016 and 2017.
However, as the Penguins had a few scoring chances in the first period, New York had a few goals.
After one New York goal was overturned for offsides, New York scored twice late in the first period, swooping in like a vulture on Penguins mistakes.
Penguins defenseman Marcus Pettersson overplayed a two-on-two, dropping to the ice to defend. Instead, he slid out of the play, allowing Alex Lafreniere (1) a clean rip past Jarry at 17:23.
In the final minute of the first period, Penguins winger Drew O’Connor angrily whacked a fluttering puck out of the air in the neutral zone. Instead of a line change, it became icing, and the tired Penguins top line was unable to defend as New York peppered the Penguins with chances until Chris Kreider (1) scored with 11 seconds remaining.
New York goalie Igor Shesterkin, who reportedly turned down an eight-year, $88 million contract extension this week, was able to absorb any and all Penguins’ scoring chances until New York scored again.
Will Cuyle swooped past Pettersson on the right flank, pulling defenseman Matt Grzelcyk out of position to defend. With both defensemen collapsing on Cuylle near the net, his perfect drop pass to Filip Chytil (1), who quickly roofed a shot past Jarry.
The home fans booed at the end of the first period and elevated their displeasure into the second. The Penguins weren’t lifeless, but every mistake became a New York goal.
Leading 4-0, New York controlled the second period, outshooting the Penguins 17-8 in the middle frame.
Kreider (2) scored a shorthanded breakaway goal at 11:35 of the third and Fifth Ave. was quickly full of fans heading home.
Jarry stopped only 24 of the first 28 shots in 40 minutes and 35 of 41 overaell. Shesterkin claimed all 19 Penguins’ shots in the first two periods with nary a rebound and stopped all 30 he faced.
The Penguins embark on a three-game road trip Thursday, beginning in Detroit. Game time is just after 8 p.m. at Little Caesars Arena.
Penguins Lines
Drew O’Connor-Sidney Crosby-Anthony Beauvillier
Michael Bunting-Evgeni Malkin-Rickard Rakell
Rutger McGroarty-Lars Eller-Jesse Puljujarvi
Kevin Hayes-Cody Glass-Noel Acciari
Defense
Matt Grzelcyk-Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson-Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves-Jack St. Ivany [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 9, 2024The Philadelphia Flyers were slated to draft another player in the first round of the 2024 NHL Draft in June after selecting Jett Luchanko with the 13th overall pick.
Instead, the Flyers punted the pick, making a straight swap with the Edmonton Oilers. The trade sent Florida’s first-round pick (32nd overall, the last pick of the round) to Edmonton for a 2025 first-round pick, with nothing added. A pick for a pick.
So, rather than selecting a player they have scouted all year leading up to that point, the Flyers elected to punt the pick to 2025 hoping that the pick is slightly higher than 32nd.
Unfortunately, the value of a pick is decided by the player it’s used to select, not the number order it is assigned.
Some players left on the board were consensus second-rounders, while some were fringe first-rounders. A few more were first-round talents who carried a lot of risk but also a lot of upside. Those are the kinds of players the Flyers should be targeting with a pick as late as 32nd in this rebuild.
While winger Igor Chernyshov was generally considered to be the highest rated player still available at the time, another Russian winger, Nikita Artamonov, was also sitting there, ripe for the picking.
Artamonov fell all the way down to the 50th overall pick, where the Carolina Hurricanes snapped him up. If you recall some of my Flyers mock drafts, I was heavy on taking a swing on a player like him.
Fast forward to Oct. 9, 2024, and Artamonov suddenly has seven goals, six assists, and 13 points in 13 KHL games with Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod.
For the sake of comparison, the 18-year-old had seven goals, 16 assists, and 23 points in 54 games with Torpedo last season, and even spent some time in the MHL.
Although he played on a much worse team, Flyers rookie Matvei Michkov had 19 goals, 22 assists, and 41 points in 47 games with HC Sochi in his D+1 season last year.
This is all to say that Artamonov, who is on pace for 37 goals and 68 points, is producing at a historic rate, and the Flyers basically just said ‘Eh, we’ll pass’ on a player like that.
Of course, producing at the NHL is a different beast, but prospects aren’t good NHLers until they’re good NHLers. You have to see it to believe it in this league.
Unfortunately, the Flyers’ perplexing decision to punt a draft pick outright means that if they do see it with Artamonov, it will be with a division rival, the Hurricanes. [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 9, 2024The Montreal Canadiens hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday night, marking the season-opening game for both original six teams.
The Bell Centre faithful were quick to recognize head coach Martin St-Louis during the pre-game ceremony, a rare situation for a bench boss that is yet to coach a winning game. It just goes to show how much faith the fans have in the long term game plan at this stage of the rebuild.
The warmest reception was reserved for Patrik Laine, who showed up to the Bell Centre with crutches due to a knee injury that will keep him out of the lineup for a few months. There’s no doubt Habs fans can be harsh at times, but those types of moments remind you the depth of love the city has for its players, regardless if they’re yet to lace up the skates in an NHL game.
Samuel Montembeault was the star of Game One, pitching an impressive 47-save shutout, the first time the Leafs were kept off the scoresheet in 227 games. It was also the record for saves in a shutout game to open an NHL season.
Let’s take a look at the highlights from the Canadiens’ 1-0 win.
For Johnny
The team’s lack of success on the powerplay in the preseason was a continuation of a declining man advantage from the previous year, a major concern for a team looking to take the next step in their rebuild. 5v5 play is important, but you simply can’t make the playoffs if your special teams are less effective than a catapult compared to the vastly superior trebuchet.
With that in mind, Cole Caufield’s powerplay goal to open the season was encouraging for a variety of reasons, and not just because of the emotion he could not contain while wearing his new jersey number, 13. Caufield switched his number in the offseason to honour the late Johnny Gaudreau, and you could tell he had his friend in mind during his goal celebration.
As for the play itself, it took place because of some great passing from Kirby Dach and Juraj Slafkovsky, with the latter making a beautiful one-touch pass to find his linemate. That type of movement should pay off if the Canadiens can continue to draw coverage to the player in the slot, as they did prior to the goal. Once the Leafs started to focus on Nick Suzuki, passing lanes started to appear, and the Habs were quick to exploit the open ice.
The Habs failed to repeat the experiment later in the game, but for now, we’ll consider the fact that they actually scored on the man-advantage to be a success.
That goal was for Johnny.
Caufield overflowing with emotion. pic.twitter.com/5ozNvOGD3y
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 9, 2024
Montembeault Dialed In
It’s always important to remember goaltenders take a little longer than most to develop, as evidenced by both Montembeault (27 years old), and his backup, Cayden Primeau (25 years old). I’d also argue the Canadiens also took the right route by avoiding a significant investment in a ‘franchise’ goalie, though recent signings in the NHL seem to suggest I may be wrong. Regardless, by the end of the season the statistical difference between the highest-paid goaltenders and Montembeault will likely be negligible.
Samuel Montembeault looking sharp to start the season.
Of course, I just jinxed him, but such is life. #GoHabsGo pic.twitter.com/BgxVbHNY78
— Marc Dumont (@MarcPDumont) October 10, 2024
The Leafs did hit a series of posts, including a few in the second period, but in these situations I tend to quote Tom Barrasso, who famously responded to a question about posts by saying, “What, you want me to stop the ones that are going wide, too?”
Toronto flat-out dominated the shot clock, not to mention the high-danger count (82 percent), but Montembeault kept his team in it, a very familiar refrain for Habs fans.
Montreal Canadiens Miscellaneous Notes
– Lane Hutson looked good, as usual. I’m well aware fans want to see him play on the top powerplay unit from the very get-go, especially after the dismal 5-on-3 by the Canadiens midway through the game. It will happen, that much we know. And it’ll likely happen faster for Hutson than it has for most NHL defencemen. However, we also must remember this was just his third NHL game. Martin St-Louis deserves a little credit in this case. Not only was Mike Matheson one of the most productive defencemen on the powerplay last season, St-Louis is avoiding putting too much pressure on his star rookie, a wise approach for any head coach when dealing with a top talent.
– Joel Armia looked good on the second line, though it’s difficult to look bad alongside Kirby Dach. The 21-year-old centre completely changes the look of this team, as he provides St-Louis with another quality option down the middle of the ice that knows how to help a team in transition. With Alex Newhook’s speed, Armia’s penchant for winning puck battles, and Dach’s all-around excellence, the line certainly has potential.
That would have been quite the goal from Alex Newhook pic.twitter.com/chEV3XmQvw
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 10, 2024
– Speaking of playing well in transition, for the first time in a while, the Montreal Canadiens had more than just Suzuki driving the play. Slafkovsky had a few nice controlled entries, as did Hutson, Dach, Newhook, and a few others. It’s encouraging, but it’s just a start, as the team will have to control the neutral zone if they’re to qualify for the playoffs.
– Alex Barre-Boulet did not look out of place. He’s a hard worker with a certain amount of offensive skill that will likely come in handy should the first and second lines fail to produce. He’s also primed and ready to prove everyone in the Tampa Bay Lightning organization wrong, and we all know that can be the ultimate motivator.
Nice pass from ABB into the middle, better save from Stolarz on Dvorak. pic.twitter.com/h8EQXpmJYT
— Matt Drake (@DrakeMT) October 10, 2024
– The fourth line (Brendan Gallagher, Jake Evans, Emil Heineman) had the best possession numbers, though that may have more to do with the matchups they were given than their offensive prowess. That being said, it’s one of the most talented fourth lines the Canadiens have iced in years.
The Montreal Canadiens are back in action on Thursday. They will face the Bruins in Boston, with the puck drop scheduled for 7 pm ET. All statistics 5v5 unless otherwise noted, via Natural Stat Trick. [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 9, 2024The Jacksonville Jaguars occupied the bottom rung on the Week 5 NFL Power Rankings but managed to notch their first victory on Sunday. Their 37-34 win over the Indianapolis Colts got them out of the No. 32 spot in this week’s rankings. Now every NFL team has at least one win in 2024.
Two teams remain undefeated and atop the rankings. Both the Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings won again to improve to 5-0. Both teams have a bye week in Week 6, so the top two spots in next week’s power rankings will remain unchanged.
Dallas, Chicago, and Miami were the biggest movers upward in this week’s rankings. Seattle, Tampa Bay, and several 2-3 teams fell the furthest.
A look at Patriots Football Now‘s NFL Power Rankings entering Week 6:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (5-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 1
Week 5 Result: Beat New Orleans 26-13
Game Ball: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (7 receptions, 130 yards)
Week 6 Game: Bye Week
2. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 2
Week 5 Result: Beat New York Jets 23-17
Game Ball: LB Andrew Van Ginkel (3 pressures, stop, pick-six)
Week 6 Game: Bye Week
3. Houston Texans (4-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 3
Week 5 Result: Beat Buffalo 23-20
Game Ball: PK Ka’imi Fairbairn (3 for 3 FG, game-winning 59-yard FG)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at New England (CBS)
4. Washington Commanders (4-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 6
Week 5 Result: Beat Cleveland 34-13
Game Ball: LB Frankie Luvu (7 tackles, 5 pressures, 2.5 sacks, fumble recovery)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at Baltimore (CBS)
5. Detroit Lions (3-1)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 5
Week 5 Result: Bye Week
Game Ball: N/A
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:25 at Dallas (FOX)
6. Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 20
Week 5 Result: Beat Cincinnati 41-38
Game Ball: QB Lamar Jackson (348 yards passing, 4 TD, 55 yards rushing)
Week 5 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Washington (CBS)
7. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 20
Week 5 Result: Beat Pittsburgh 20-17
Game Ball: DT Linval Joseph (2 stops, sack, forced fumble)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:25 vs Detroit (FOX)
8. Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 11
Week 5 Result: Beat Tampa Bay 36-30
Game Ball: QB Kirk Cousins (42 of 58, 509 yards, 4 TD, Int)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:25 at Carolina (FOX)
9. Buffalo Bills (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 8
Week 5 Result: Lost to Houston 23-20
Game Ball: LB Dorian Williams (12 tackles, 11 solo, 7 stops)
Week 6 Game: Monday 8:15 at NY Jets (ESPN)
10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 4
Week 5 Result: Lost to Atlanta 36-30
Game Ball: QB Baker Mayfield (19 for 24, 180 yards, 3 TD, 42 yards rushing)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at New Orleans (FOX)
11. Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 13
Week 5 Result: Beat LA Rams 24-19
Game Ball: S Xavier McKinney (2 tackles, PBU, interceptions, fumble recovery)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Arizona (FOX)
12. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 9
Week 5 Result: Lost to Dallas 20-17
Game Ball: LB T.J. Watt (8 tackles, 6 stops, 1.5 sacks, forced fumble)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:05 at Las Vegas (CBS)
13. Denver Broncos (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 17
Week 5 Result: Beat Las Vegas 34-18
Game Ball: CB Pat Surtain II (2 tackles, 2 interceptions, TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:05 vs LA Chargers (CBS)
14. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 21
Week 5 Result: Beat Carolina 36-10
Game Ball: WR DJ Moore (5 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 9:30 AM vs Jacksonville in London (NFL Network)
15. Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 7
Week 5 Result: Lost to NY Giants 29-20
Game Ball: LB Jerome Baker (14 tackles, sack)
Week 6 Game: Thursday 8:15 vs San Francisco (Prime Video)
16. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 12
Week 5 Result: Bye Week
Game Ball: N/A
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Cleveland (FOX)
17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 19
Week 5 Result: Bye Week
Game Ball: N/A
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:05 at Denver (CBS)
18. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 23
Week 5 Result: Beat San Francisco 24-23
Game Ball: Mack Wilson Sr. (6 tackles, 3 stops, interception, fumble recovery)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at Green Bay (FOX)
19. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 14
Week 5 Result: Lost to Arizona 24-23
Game Ball: WR Brandon Aiyuk (8 receptions, 147 yards)
Week 6 Game: Thursday 8:15 at Seattle (Prime Video)
20. Indianapolis Colts (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 15
Week 5 Result: Lost to Jacksonville 37-34
Game Ball: QB Joe Flacco (33 of 44, 359 yards, 3 TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at Tennessee (CBS)
21. New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 16
Week 5 Result: Lost to Kansas City 26-13
Game Ball: WR Rashid Shaheed (4 receptions, 86 yards, TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Tampa Bay (FOX)
22. New York Giants (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 27
Week 5 Result: Beat Seattle 29-20
Game Ball: RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (18 carries, 129 yards)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 8:20 vs Cincinnati (NBC)
23. New York Jets (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 18
Week 5 Result: Lost to Minnesota 23-17
Game Ball: WR Garrett Wilson (13 receptions, 101 yards, TD)
Week 6 Game: Monday 8:15 vs Buffalo (ESPN)
24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 22
Week 5 Result: Lost to Denver 34-18
Game Ball: TE Brock Bowers (8 receptions, 97 yards, TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 4:05 vs Pittsburgh (CBS)
25. Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 31
Week 5 Result: Beat New England 15-10
Game Ball: FB Alec Ingold (88.9 PFF run block grade, TD)
Week 6 Game: Bye Week
26. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 30
Week 5 Result: Bye Week
Game Ball: N/A
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Indianapolis (CBS)
27. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 24
Week 5 Result: Lost to Green Bay 24-19
Game Ball: DT Kobie Turner (6 stops, 2.0 sacks, forced fumble)
Week 6 Game: Bye Week
28. New England Patriots (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 25
Week 5 Result: Lost to Miami 15-10
Game Ball: ST Brenden Schooler (blocked punt)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 vs Houston (CBS)
29. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 26
Week 5 Result: Lost to Baltimore 41-38
Game Ball: QB Joe Burrow (30 of 39, 392, 5 TD, Int)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 8:20 at NY Giants (NBC)
30. Cleveland Browns (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 29
Week 5 Result: Lost to Washington 34-14
Game Ball: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (5 tackles, sack, interception)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 1:00 at Philadelphia (FOX)
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 32
Week 5 Result: Beat Indianapolis 37-34
Game Ball: RB Tank Bigsby (13 carries, 101 yards, 2 TD)
Week 6 Game: Sunday 9:30 AM vs Chicago in London (NFL Network)
32. Carolina Panthers (1-4)
Last Week’s Ranking: No. 28
Week 5 Result: Lost to Chicago 36-10
Game Ball: RB Chuba Hubbard (13 carries, 97 yards, TD)
Week 5 Game: Sunday 4:25 vs Atlanta (FOX) [...]Read more...
Russ MaciasOctober 9, 2024Entering this past summer, the fate of Oliver Wahlstrom seemed to be sealed. He didn’t play a game that mattered after the end of February. He was a pending RFA, and some even guessed he may not be qualified after the NHL Draft.
After the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, New York Islanders President and General Manager Lou Lamoriello told the media the Islanders plan for Wahlstrom. The team would qualify him. Then, Lamoriello added, “If we can get him an opportunity because it hasn’t worked out, (we will), but we’re not just going to give him away.”
It seemed as blatant as Lamoriello could be that the Islanders were working toward moving on from the 2018 first-round pick. Then, as the summer rolled on, Wahlstrom remained an Islander while the media speculated on his status.
Wahlstrom’s History:
But how had things fallen so quickly? Wahlstrom had shown some early promise back under Barry Trotz, even making the game-one lineup during the 2021 Playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins. He suited up for the first five games, scored a power-play goal, and added a pair of assists. Then, in game five, Wahlstrom endured a funky hit and exited the game injured.
Travis Zajac entered for game six and never left the lineup. In Zajac’s 14 playoff games, he scored one goal and two points.
The following season, expectations were high for Wahlstrom. He played in a career-high 73 games and scored 13 goals and 24 points. It was an admitted up-and-down season as the Islanders missed the playoffs for the only time under Lamoriello.
The Islanders fired Trotz and promoted Lane Lambert. Under Lambert, Wahlstrom received more chances with the top six, and through the first 35 games, Wahlstrom registered seven goals and 16 points, putting himself on pace for a career year.
Then, Wahlstrom tore his ACL, ending his season.
Both injuries came at unfortunate times for Wahlstrom, and he spoke exclusively to NYI Hockey Now about how it affected him as a player.
“It’s just a maturity thing as the years go on. I think the key is that at the end of each year, I think you just look yourself in the mirror.
Anders Lee and how his ACL Experience helped Wahlstrom:
Wahlstrom made a point to discuss how much having Anders Lee around helped him during his recovery. “It was nice to lean on him for some questions early on. Obviously, I had no idea what to expect. Even after a year and now almost two, I still have stuff, especially rehab questions.”
Lee tore his ACL during the 2020-21 season and missed the entire playoff run, which ended in seven games against the Lightning. He knows, better than any Islander, the frustration that comes with the injury and how hard the recovery process is.
Lee opened up to NYI Hockey Now about that type of recovery.
“The knee injury takes time. You can push it as hard as you can and, you know, everyone’s is different. Still, everyone feels, you know, 18 months out of it, two years out of it, it’s really a big difference. You can maybe play at seven or eight months, but you’re not going to feel the way you want to feel for quite a long time after that.”
Lee specifically talked about how hard Wahlstrom worked during camp.
“Wally came in with a great mindset and determination. He had a great summer, putting work in. He showed up ready to go, and that was clearly evident through camp.”
This Summer:
Wahlstrom spent time in Sweden this past summer. He is a dual citizen of both the US and Sweden. He saw his family and then visited with Simon Holmstrom, another Swede.
“I wanted to see where he (Holmstrom) lived. We played tennis, focused on it, and battled hard, but it was good. We had a blast.”
He signed a one-year extension with the franchise before his arbitration date in late July. Even after training camp began, it seemed Wahlstrom’s departure was imminent. The Islanders needed to shed money to fit Maxim Tsyplakov’s deal under the cap. Wahlstrom was the odd man out, armed with a deal that could be fully buried if waived and sent to Bridgeport.
Training Camp:
Then, camp happened. Wahlstrom had a strong camp and preseason, scoring against the New Jersey Devils with a shot that impressed Head Coach Patrick Roy. Wahlstrom continued to plug away, but he often lined up with guys on the outside looking in, such as Matt Martin (PTO).
Then, he got an opportunity. Ahead of the final preseason game against the New York Rangers, Wahlstrom lined up with Casey Cizikas and Kyle MacLean, two guys secure in their role with the Islanders’ fourth line.
This was Wahlstrom’s chance to prove he could effectively play a bottom-six role and that he had more to show. Wahlstrom met with the general media group ahead of the game and emphasized the importance of this healthy summer for him. He finished by guaranteeing he’s a contributor to this team.
The game came and went, and the Islanders soundly beat the New York Rangers. Wahlstrom had an extremely effective game, working hard in the forecheck, and nearly found the back of the net on multiple occasions.
After the game, Roy was effusive in his praise for Wahlstrom and the fourth line.
“I loved him. I thought his whole line was great. (They were) up against their top line, and they had my total trust.”
The Decision and Player Thoughts:
Fast-forward a few days, and the Islanders made their decision. Pierre Engvall and Hudson Fasching were waived, and Wahlstrom made the team.
He’s poised to make the opening night lineup over Julien Gauthier. That’s not enough for Wahlstrom, though.
“You can’t really have the mindset that you made the team. I just got to go in every day and enjoy the game and have fun. I’ll have to continue to grow my game, and I know when I’m on my game, I can help this team and contribute for sure.”
MacLean thinks he’s going to help out him and Cizikas as well:
“He’s definitely earned it. Obviously, he’s a great shooter and he’s playing with some great energy. I thought we had pretty good chemistry against the Rangers, so I’m definitely excited for us to get going on Thursday.”
Ryan Pulock noticed the hard work emanating from Wahlstrom, as well.
“He had a tough injury a couple of years ago. Last year, it was tough to find his stride. Didn’t play in a whole lot of games. But you know what? He’s always held his head high. He’s always came to work. He worked hard this summer. He showed up in camp. Wally looked great, and he earned his spot. It’s really good to see him back in the mix, and he’s going to battle for us all year long.”
Holmstrom, Wahlstrom’s Swedish pal, also expressed excitement about Wahlstrom making the cut.
“It’s awesome. His shot is unbelievable, his playmaking abilities are great, and he works hard out there. He’s a great player. He’s got that Clutterbuck element, with that shot and a heavy body. I think he’ll be a great fit with Kyle and Casey.”
Wahlstrom, throughout camp, has emphasized a couple of things he’s truly been focused on above all else.
“I’ve just got to have fun out there and enjoy it. I can only control what I can. I know I can be a contributor and a factor for this team.”
Wahlstrom’s still standing after all the times he’s been counted out or written off. He’ll play tomorrow, finally feeling like himself almost two years out from his ACL injury.
[...]Read more...
Danny McCloskeyOctober 9, 2024How’s that for some great news the day before the Ottawa Senators start their 2024-25 regular season? The Senators signed Linus Ullmark to a four year, $33 million contract. That will keep Ullmark in Ottawa for the next five years, with the contract expiring at the end of the 2028-29 season. Let’s dive into the details of the deal.
READ MORE: Getting to Know Linus Ullmark
Details of Ullmark’s New Contract
Ullmark will be paid $7 million in year one, $8 million in year two, and $9 million in years three and four. He has a full no-movement clause throughout the contract. He will be 35 when the deal comes to an end. The deal is for 9.38% of the cap. It is the exact same cap hit as his former teammate Jeremy Swayman. Ilya Sorokin also signed for the same cap hit in the summer of 2023. Of course, those deals are eight years long.
Great Deal for both the team and Ullmark
In late August, I did my best to project Ullmark’s next deal. I tried to find the best comparables but there wasn’t a perfect goalie out there. Given his time spent in a tandem, as well as his age, Ullmark made for a challenging comparable. Hellebuyck was the high-end comparable at 9.66% of the cap, while Grubauer was the low-end at 7.24%. In the end, he came closer to Hellebuyck than I would’ve anticipated, but that was in large part due to this new Jeremy Swayman deal. Swayman’s new contract ended up making for the obvious comparable. They had shared the crease in Boston for the last few years, both having plenty of success. Given the age difference (Swayman is only 25), it made sense for the Senators to lock in Ullmark to a shorter deal. So the Senators get Ullmark at the same cap hit as Swayman for half the length.
Goalies Being Held in High Value
The rumours of the Igor Shesterkin turning down a massive deal from the Rangers illustrates how highly valued goalies are in today’s NHL. Teams have watched the Florida Panthers win a Stanley Cup with Sergei Bobrovsky leading the way, huge contract and all. The same can be said with the Tampa Bay Lighting, as Andrei Vasilevsky has obviously been a huge part of their success. You either pay these goalies big money, or some other team will. From there, it’s about the goalie playing up to the contract.
In the end, the Senators couldn’t afford to make a mess out of these contract negotiations. It has been a number of years of frustrating goaltending for the Senators. In the post Craig Anderson era, they wrongly put their faith in Matt Murray, Cam Talbot, and Joonas Korpisalo. With the rising cap, Ullmark’s contract will start to take up less of the cap as the years go by. He’s a Vezina trophy winner who’s put up good, if not great numbers for the last several years. This even goes back to his time with the Sabres while playing for a mediocre team.
Yes, there is some risk in this deal. Ullmark has to prove himself capable of a heavier workload. At $8.25 million per season, that makes him one of the highest paid goalies in the league. He needs to be a true number one goalie, starting over 70% of the Senators games. If he can be that true number one for the Senators, Steve Staios’ trade will go down as one the greatest in Senators history. [...]Read more...
Christopher HurleyOctober 9, 2024It’s hard not to root for a player like Cole Koepke.
Since the day he first entered Boston Bruins training camp, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound forward has had to rise to the occasion on a team full of giants.
While it certainly hasn’t been easy, the Two Harbors, Minnesota native has gladly accepted the challenge. His relentless work ethic, hustle, and never-say-die attitude turned him from the darkest of dark horses to the Bruins opening night roster. Kopeke skated on the Bruins’ fourth line against the Florida Panthers on opening night.
Although the Bruins fell in disastrous fashion, Koepeke and his linemates, Johnny Beecher and Mark Kastelic, were one of the few bright spots in the 6-4 thrashing.
“I think it’s been good,’ Koepke said last week at Warrior Arena. “I’ve been learning a lot. This group has been really welcoming. The coaching staff has helped me along, getting adjusted to the systems. I’ve been pretty happy with how I’ve been playing. They’re doing a good job of keeping me up to speed and pushing me to do my best.”
Must Read: Bruins Season Starts With Disaster Against Panthers
In five preseason games, Koepke has earned his keep, registering a goal and an assist, with eight shots on net.
Battling for a spot among the Bruins’ bottom six forwards this year has been an enormous challenge. Koepke had to measure up against the likes of behemoths such as Justin Brazeau (6-foot-6), Beecher (6-3), Max Jones (6-3), Kastelic (6-4) and Riley Tufte (6-6). Although he’s giving up some size to his towering teammates, Koepke has more than made up for it, adding some hustle to compliment the Bruins muscle.
His heady play has definitely caught the eye of Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery.
“I like the way he manages the puck,’ said Montgomery. “I like his speed, his tenacity. He’s causing a lot of turnovers, and turnovers lead to odd-man rushes. They lead to more O-zone time, no matter where you create them. He’s been creating them a lot. I like those aspects of his game.”
Check It Out: Welcome Boston Hockey Now’s Newest Beat Writer
A three-year letterman and Hobey Baker nominee for the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs, Koepke was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the sixth round (183rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut with the Bolts, Oct. 11, 2022, at Madison Square Garden. He played sparingly with Tampa in 17 games his first season, scoring a goal. He added two helpers in a nine-game stint last season.
Looking for a new challenge, Koepke signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Bruins on July 1, 2024.
“All you can ask for is an opportunity,” said Koepke. “I knew that there would be some coming in here. For me, it’s just going out playing my game, and showing what I can bring to help them win hockey games, because that’s ultimately the goal here. I just want to showcase what I can bring and put my best foot forward every time I’m out on the ice.”
So what exactly can Bruins fans expect from the former Bulldog? Dogged determination of course.
“They can expect a lot of speed,” said Koepke. “Bringing a lot of energy to the forecheck, and a relentless effort pounding pucks. If I don’t get it on that first try, I’m never going to give up. I’m going to keep trying to get that second, third and fourth effort. I just want to be a good team player and do whatever I can to help this team win.”
“Playing in the NHL is what you strive for,” he added. “To do it, especially for an organization like this would be an amazing honor. I’m just doing everything I can to push myself and try to get on the team.”
Mission accomplished.
FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER HURLEY ON 𝕏: @HURLEY_BURLY
FOLLOW BOSTON HOCKEY NOW ON 𝕏 AND FACEBOOK [...]Read more...
Bob DuffOctober 9, 2024Detroit Red Wings coach Derek Lalonde was claiming entering training camp that there was a clean slate ahead for his three NHL netminders. However, if you were to suggest Ville Husso would end up being the odd man out in the equation, no one would’ve questioned your ability to do math.
Yet, as it turns out, Lalonde is a man of his word. It was the oft-injured Husso who was Detroit’s strongest performer in net during the NHL preseason. And when the games get underway for real on Thursday, it will be Husso who’s between the pipes.
He’s getting the opening-night starting assignment as the Wings play host to the Pittsburgh Penguins at Little Caesars Arena.
Goals from Amadeus Lombardi and Nate Danielson, plus 43 saves for Ville Husso!#LGRW pic.twitter.com/FTkopJ5rnh
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 2, 2024
“His play,” Lalonde was confirming as to what won the day for Husso. “I think he was very sharp his last two performances, his win in Pittsburgh and his performance in Toronto. Those were both very hard tests.
“There’s a lot of volume. We played both opponents with their full rosters and obviously we did not (have full roster).”
Husso Rebounding From Poor 2023-24 Red Wings Campaign
Husso’s start on Thursday will be just his second NHL appearance of 2024. His previous outing in February at ended barely lasted nine minutes before he was suffering an injury. He’d already been on the shelf since December due to a lower-body injury.
In the summer, Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman made no bones about the fact that they’d signed veteran goalie Cam Talbot as a UFA simply because they didn’t know whether they could trust Husso’s health.
Tomorrow starts the Ville Husso revenge tour #LGRW pic.twitter.com/iVbjMPAcCC
— кєιтн (@DedSquid) October 9, 2024
When he did play, Husso’s performance was sub par. He’d finish the season with a 9-5-2 record, accompanied by a 3.55 GAA and .892 save percentage.
In training camp, Talbot and Husso were battling for time with Alex Lyon. And Husso won the day.
For the time being at least, the team’s doubts about Husso appear to have subsided.
“We believe in him a lot,” Lalonde said. “He did very well.” [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 9, 2024The Montreal Canadiens have signed a familiar face, Swedish defenceman Gustav Lindstrom.
You’ll remember Lindstrom from his brief stint with the team last season, as he appeared in 14 games for the Habs. The 25-year-old blueliner managed to score three goals in that time frame, a rather impressive level of production considering he how he arrived in Montreal in the first place.
Lindstrom was originally acquired in the trade that saw longtime Hab Jeff Petry join the Detroit Red Wings. The Canadiens retained 50 percent of Petry’s salary, while receiving a fourth-round pick in return. The Anaheim Ducks ended up plucking Lindstrom from waivers later in the season.
The Canadiens immediately placed Lindstrom on waivers, in a bid to assign him to the team’s AHL affiliate, the Laval Rocket. In addition to Lindstrom hitting the waiver wire, the Carolina Hurricanes waived 2016 first-round pick Tyson Jost.
Why The Montreal Canadiens Signed Lindstrom
Despite his scoring, Lindstrom’s overall play in the NHL was far from ideal, as he produced very poor underlying numbers, however, that’s par for the course for a depth player in a bottom-five lineup. This time around, Lindstrom was signed to bolster the defensive group in the AHL, adding a right-handed defenceman to the mix for the Laval Rocket.
With David Reinbacher’s knee injury keeping him out of action for four to five months, the Rocket only have two right-handed defencemen in the mix: Logan Mailloux and Zack Hayes. Mailloux is used to being one of the busiest players on the team, and he’ll happily absorb any extra ice time, but it’s never a bad idea to provide a little insurance to avoid putting too much on the top prospect’s plate.
The goal this season is to qualify for the playoffs, a challenge the team failed to accomplish last season. With new head coach Pascal Vincent in place, the organization is hoping they’ve finally found a long-term head coach to guide their top prospects to the NHL.
The Laval Rocket will open their season on October 11, facing the Bruins in Providence. [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 9, 2024Drake Maye spoke to the media on Wednesday. He talked publicly about being named the New England Patriots starting quarterback for the first time. Maye answered questions about replacing Jacoby Brissett, what he’s learned so far, and what he plans to do Sunday against the Houston Texans.
The Patriots drafted Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Many expected Maye to take the reigns at some point in his rookie season. Following the team’s 1-4 start, head coach Jerod Mayo opted to make the change at quarterback. Some of Drake Maye’s responses during his media availability on Wednesday:
On Being Named the Patriots Starter
“It’s a great opportunity,” said Maye. “Something you dream about, getting your first start in the NFL. Excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared, and try to put my best foot forward to help this team win.”
Also Read – What to Expect With Drake Maye as QB1 in New England
On What He’s Learned While Sitting
“Just trying to tag along from Jacoby (Brissett), a veteran in this league who does a great job,” Maye said. “Learned so much from him and seeing how he goes about practice. So that’s been probably the best thing of watching Jacoby and watching how he handles the whole nine yards, whether it’s preparing, handling teammates, handling y’all (the media). And just he’s been great and a great mentor.”
On What He Needs To Do
“The biggest thing is just me playing on time, playing in rhythm, and trusting the guys around me.”
On the Changes to the Game Plan
Drake Maye made former Patriots coach Bill Belichick proud with one of his answers. He responded to a question about changes to the Patriots’ offense with the change coming at the quarterback position.
“I’m trying not to give too many hints to the gameplan, we got a game to play on Sunday.”
On Jacoby Brissett
Drake Maye heaped praise upon his successor as New England’s starting QB.
“Jacoby (Brissett) is the ideal teammate, ideal guy to be in the room with as a quarterback,” said Maye. “The biggest thing is you hate it for him. Jacoby fought his butt off, got up every time he’s getting hit. Not only that, he kept that mindset of ‘hey, it’s gonna be the next play.'”
Maye summed up his relationship with Brissett, stating, “He’s a great mentor, great friend, and I’ll try to do everything I can to help him and I’m sure he’ll do the same.”
On Knowing if He Knew a Change Was Coming
“I was just trying to prepare and stay ready every week,” said Maye. “That’s the thing about this league, you never know when you’re number is gonna get called.”
Maye pointed to one key factor that could lead to a change on any team.
“The biggest thing is, it’s a winning league and we’re sitting here at 1-and-4. And I think these guys want to win.”
On Sunday’s Game Against the Houston Texans
“Opportunity against a good football team to go out there and prove some people wrong.”
Maye additionally responded to what he expects from himself on Sunday.
“Go out there and just try to make some plays,” he answered. “I think the biggest thing I was telling some of those guys is, there’ll probably be a little nerves at the beginning. But at the end of the day once we settle down we have a chance to move the football and just have fun out there. Back to having fun going out there. I think that’s what this game’s about. Don’t make it too big or the spotlight too big.”
On New England Patriots Fans
“I think Patriots fans are the best fans in the league,” said Drake Maye. “And looking forward to playing at Gillette in front of them.” [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 9, 2024Calum Ritchie would’ve never envisioned the past 16 months playing out the way they have. After falling in the first round of the 2023 draft to Colorado at No. 27, and then starting the 2023-24 OHL season injured, Ritchie suddenly finds himself ready to make his NHL debut just a year later.
“It still hasn’t really hit me,” he told me following the team’s practice on Tuesday. “It’s obviously been a dream of mine since I was a kid and my family’s coming down so it’ll be awesome to share that with them.”
Ritchie is expected to start the game on the Avalanche’s second line with center Casey Mittelstadt and fellow rookie Nikolai Kovalenko. The latter of the two, who joined Colorado in the playoffs and played two games, is also making his regular-season debut. Both of them are getting an opportunity in the top six because the Avs are starting the season without Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, and Artturi Lehkonen.
“I’m pretty confident myself, but I think even if I would have said this would happen like a couple of months ago, it still would’ve been pretty hard to believe,” Ritchie said. ” are both really smart, and they work, they compete really hard. I played the preseason game with Kovalenko and you see how good he is on the forecheck and how many battles he can win all over the ice so it’s awesome playing with him.”
Ritchie is in a unique position. It’s hard to say if this opportunity would’ve even presented itself had the Avs been fully, or even mostly healthy. But because of his age, the 19-year-old can’t play in the American Hockey League this season. His options are to either stick with the Avs all season or get sent back down to the Ontario Hockey League for another season with the Oshawa Generals.
Last year, Ritchie dominated in the OHL, scoring a career-high 28 goals, 52 assists, and 80 points in 50 games. He also had eight goals and 30 points in 21 playoff games.
There’s no doubt he has an offensive side to his game and the confidence to create scoring chances. But under head coach Jared Bednar, Ritchie is going to need to round out his defensive game if he’s looking to stick around all year.
Lehkonen might not be back in October, but he and Nichushkin could both very well join the lineup in November. Assuming everyone else stays healthy, both Ritchie and Kovalenko might find it hard to stick in the top nine when the duo of championship wingers return. They’ll have to give Bednar a reason to consider giving them third-line minutes in that scenario.
Because of his pro experience in the KHL, Kovalenko likely has the upper hand right now to do that. But Ritchie’s game is something that could improve, and quickly. He calls it a work in progress and he’s excited to see where he can go. It all begins on Wednesday in front of a raucous crowd at T-Mobile Arena.
“I think I play a smart game, and I think I’ve shown my offensive instincts,” Ritchie said. “But I needed to work on the defensive side through camp and preseason and I think I did that and got better at it. It’s still a work in progress but I’ve been improving slowly.” [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 9, 2024Ryan Warsofsky is doing it his way.
That’s been a theme throughout Warsofsky’s first training camp as an NHL head coach.
Early in training camp, Warsofsky set a tone for the last-place San Jose Sharks with what veteran Nico Sturm called “probably the hardest two days of camp that I’ve had.”
Two weeks ago, Warsofsky started optimizing practice conditions in an unusual way.
Typically, the San Jose Sharks practice on one rink, Sharks Rink, one of the six ice sheets at Sharks Ice. That’s normal, right? To practice on one rink.
Warsofsky has been bucking that norm, having the Sharks practice on one sheet for about a half hour, then walk over to another sheet for another half hour of practice.
Each time, the Sharks players get a clean, resurfaced sheet of ice.
“Execution is really important. You want good ice for that. Make our passes. It’s a mental game, in a sense. We don’t want to say it’s because of the ice, we can’t execute,” Warsofsky said. “Next thing you know, it translates to our hockey game.”
Warsofsky says that he started doing this when he coached the Chicago Wolves, who he led to the Calder Cup in 2022.
Six-year NHL veteran Nico Sturm has never seen this type of mid-practice migration before, but he gets it: “The ice is good at the start, but it wears down pretty quickly. And I think especially if you do stuff like special teams, you want the guys on the special teams to feel the puck, right? You’re able to make nice, crisp passes.”
11-year NHL veteran Cody Ceci has seen it, with the Ottawa Senators’ Guy Boucher and Edmonton Oilers’ Jay Woodcroft.
“I think in camp, you’re on the ice longer than normal, so the ice gets pretty chewed up,” he said. “I think it’s just pretty common in camp to use as many ice surfaces you can.”
Warsofsky, however, says that the San Jose Sharks will keep this mass migration up in the regular season, multiple ice sheets willing.
Something else that Warsofsky started doing in Chicago?
Music at Sharks practice? That’s a first pic.twitter.com/xfXke4B73t
— Curtis Pashelka (@CurtisPashelka) October 7, 2024
“Music at Sharks practice?” long-time Sharks reporter Curtis Pashelka tweeted on Monday. “That’s a first.”
“Just gives a little bit more energy in practice,” Warsofsky explained.
Danil Gushchin noted the last time that he practiced with music was in the USHL with the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
“I think it also helps us communicate more through the noise. It’s going to be a packed house on Thursday night, and we got to be able to communicate,” Warsofsky added. “We’re going to be on the road in Montreal. We gotta be able to communicate. I think that’s one thing that gets lost a little bit at times in this game, we don’t talk as much as we can to help each other out. So that’s part of it too.”
Like changing rinks mid-stream, this wasn’t just a one-time thing either.
Monday, the playlist was country-focused. On Tuesday, after Jake Walman made a request, some Drake was added. On Wednesday, after William Eklund and Fabian Zetterlund made a request, some Avicii was played.
Some oldies were mixed in too:
“California Love” at #TheFutureIsTeal practice pic.twitter.com/27E9eEk0eB
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) October 8, 2024
It’s also not going to be just a camp thing.
“We’ll do it quite a bit,” Warsofsky said. “You see it in football a lot with the music going. That’s kind of really all it is.”
“It got the vibes going,” Walman said. “I think guys liked it. Nobody knew it was coming.”
The San Jose Sharks hope that nobody sees them coming this season. After an embarrassing .287 Points % campaign last year, the second-worst of the salary cap era, something had to change in San Jose.
Warsofsky hopes a tough, surprising training camp leads to one thing, and it’s not necessarily wins, which of course is the long-term goal for the rebuilding franchise.
“Respect. Respect in the National Hockey League back is probably the biggest thing,” he said. “How do we do that? We’re a hard team to play against each and every night, whether we win or lose a hockey game, whether we’re in our building or we’re at somewhere else, teams don’t want to play us.”
Who could have guessed ice or music could play a part in bringing that respect back, but hey, whatever works. [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 9, 2024The Colorado Avalanche (0-0-0) are on the road at T-Mobile Arena to take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024-25 regular-season opener.
It’s been a crazy preseason for the Avs, who enter the season with three rookies ready to make their regular-season debut — Nikolai Kovalenko, Ivan Ivan, and 19-year-old Calum Ritchie.
Read More: Calum Ritchie Prepares for NHL Debut: ‘It Still Hasn’t Really Hit me’
Season Series
– Oct. 9 at Vegas
– Nov. 27 vs. Vegas
– April 8 vs. Vegas
Avalanche Injuries
Artturi Lehkonen (out until at least late October), Gabriel Landeskog (knee, no timetable), Valeri Nichushkin (suspended)
Avalanche Lines
Jonathan Drouin — Nathan MacKinnon — Mikko Rantanen
Nikolai Kovalenko — Casey Mittelstadt — Calum Ritchie
Miles Wood – Ross Colton – Logan O’Connor
Ivan Ivan — Parker Kelly — Joel Kiviranta
Devon Toews — Cale Makar
Samuel Girard — Josh Manson
Calvin de Haan — Sam Malinski
Alexandar Georgiev
Justus Annunen
Projected Starters
Alexandar Georgiev (COL) vs. Adin Hill (VGK)
Upcoming Milestones
Nathan MacKinnon – needs 1 point for 900, 9 games for 800
Casey Mittelstadt – needs 4 points for 200
Mikko Rantanen – needs 8 power-play goals for 100
Samuel Girard – needs 1 point for 200
Jonathan Drouin – needs 4 goals for 100
Devon Toews – needs 3 games for 400, 8 assists for 200
How to Watch
TV: TNT
Radio: 92.5 Altitude Radio [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 9, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks got their first taste of NHL action on Tuesday night in Utah during a 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. While the first game might not have gone Chicago’s way, there is still plenty of hockey to go this season.
Eighty-two games is a long season. From now until April, Blackhawks fans will have plenty to talk about over the course of the season. With opening night in the rearview mirror, let’s look at some early bold predictions for the Blackhawks.
Every team enters the season with hope of winning, but only half of the league can make the postseason and only one ends the season with the Stanley Cup. With predictions being made all around the league, today I want to focus on a few individual players first before we dive into how the Hawks could finish the season.
Connor Bedard puts up 100 points.
The pressure is on for Connor Bedard entering his sophomore season. After a strong rookie season winning the Calder Trophy and registering 61 points (22 G – 39 A) in 68 games, Bedard is ready to take his game to the next level.
Bedard has improved players around him this season, and it looks like General Manager Kyle Davidson is ready to see some improved play on the ice. Bedard will get to 100 points this season. Last night, he started strong with two points in game one. Chicago’s office runs through Bedard, there is little doubt he is going to be registering points on a nightly basis.
Teuvo Teravainen surpasses 35 goals.
The Blackhawks and Teuvo Teravainan were a match made in heaven this offseason. For the Blackhawks, Teravainen provides a linemate for Connor Bedard. A skilled player who can help take Bedard to the next level finishing on some scoring chances along the way.
For Teravainen, the Blackhawks provided an opportunity to play on the top line. Chicago is utilizing Teravainen more so then his role in Carolina ever permitted. While Teravainen was a good player on a good team in Carolina, he has an opportunity to be one of the faces of the offense in Chicago.
It did not take long for Bedard and Teravainen to connect in a game either. Teravainen is already one goal down to this 35 goal prediction.
The Chicago #Blackhawks first goal of the season!
Teuvo Teravainen after a great setup from Connor Bedard
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨pic.twitter.com/6mPtCquhRf
— Jim Lynch (@JimRLynch) October 9, 2024
Teravainen’s best offensive season came last year for the Hurricanes. In 76 games, he registered 25 goals. Playing a bigger role on a line with Bedard and on the top power play unit could get Teravainen to the 35 goal mark.
MORE: Teuvo Teravainen returns to a familiar Blackhawks team with new faces
Kevin Korchinski will be with the Blackhawks by the end of the season.
Kevin Korchinski will benefit from time to improve his game in Rockford. Away from the spotlight of the NHL, Korchinski has the opportunity to play meaningful minutes on a competitive IceHogs team while still being in contact with the Blackhawks management.
Korchinski seems like a shoe in to get some time in the NHL at some point this season. Should injuries arise on the blue line, Korchinski should be one of the first defensemen called up. The IceHogs kick off the 2024-25 AHL Season in Grand Rapids this Saturday. CHN will keep you up to date with the latest news on the Blackhawks prospects in Rockford.
The Lukas Reichel dilemma will be over – one way or another.
Lukas Reichel started the season as a healthy scratch in Utah, that hurts the Blackhawks. Davidson and the organization expected Reichel to be taking a big step on this team for the rebuild to reach the next level.
So far, Reichel hasn’t found his game. One way or another this problem will be over by the end of the season. Either Reichel will find his game and be the top six forward the organization is hoping for, or the Hawks may have to trade him giving him a fresh start on a new team.
The Blackhawks will finish the season outside of last place in the Central Division.
The Blackhawks are not going to leap into playoff contention in 2024-25, but the team may leapfrog a divisional opponent when the season has come to a close.
The last two seasons, the Blackhawks have finished in last place in the Central Division. With the improvements the Blackhawks made during the offseason, it looks like Chicago might be a tougher opponent. I believe the team will finish outside of last place in the Central, potentially making the Winter Classic against St. Louis all the more meaningful as the two divisional rivals battle for position in the standings.
For more Blackhawks News, visit Chicago Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
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@JimRLynch [...]Read more...
Adam BradfordOctober 9, 2024At long last, Vegas will open its 2024-2025 campaign Wednesday evening with Opening Knight against the Colorado Avalanche.
It’s official: Hockey is back!
For the first time in 157 days, the Vegas Golden Knights will take the ice for a meaningful game when they host the Colorado Avalanche at T-Mobile Arena Wednesday evening. The game will be preceded by the the team’s “Opening Knight” festivities featuring a gold carpet, fan fest, and player appearances leading up to puck drop.
The start of a new season is always an incredibly exciting time on the hockey calendar. Last year is now a thing of the past, and every team begins with a clean slate. Regardless of whether you won the Stanley Cup last season or missed the playoffs altogether, the hope and promise that comes along with starting from scratch rings high.
So as we get set to embark on this new campaign together, here is a piece of (completely unsolicited) advice: Enjoy the ride.
As we all know, the NHL season is a marathon, not a sprint. Even with all of the pomp and circumstance, tonight’s Opening Knight is simply the first of 82 games that Vegas will play this season.
While I cannot claim to predict the future, here is a little spoiler for you all: The Golden Knights will win plenty of those games. And here is another one for you: They will also lose plenty of those games.
Inevitably, there will be a lot of great moments this season. There will also inevitably be a lot of not-so-great ones. That is just how this sport works.
So as someone who has gone through the emotional roller coaster of an NHL season many times, my biggest advice would be to embrace it all. Definitely enjoy each win, while also recognizing that the team has a much bigger end goal in sight. And it is perfectly normal to be frustrated after each loss, while also understanding that one defeat is not the end-all-be-all.
When April rolls around, we will have plenty of time to stress out over every shift. Until then, let’s all just sit back, relax, and enjoy what should hopefully be a really fun season.
At long last, Opening Knight is upon us. Now let’s play some hockey! [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 9, 2024I wrote about this yesterday too but I always love that first day of a new season when you see the reigning Stanley Cup Champion unveil their Stanley Cup rings and then raise the Cup banner on opening night. After experiencing the Avalanche’s 2022 Stanley Cup run, the following opening night was like this calm joyous event for the Ball Arena crowd where you could reminisce on what a blur the 2022 summer was, and turn the page towards an opportunity to run it back.
The sight of Gabriel Landeskog skating with the Cup hoisted above him at Ball Arena is something that will stick with me forever. Seeing the Panthers do their thing last night was a reminder of just how great an accomplishment it must feel for these athletes to be crowned champions. Not to get all sappy, but this is why we watch this beautiful game.
Kudos to Florida on a successful Cup run. We’ve all seen what losing in the finals could do to a team after watching the Amazon Prime series and witnessing the Edmonton Oilers room following their Game 7 loss. But, we also know, firsthand here in Denver, how it feels to see a team win.
Can’t wait to see how the 2024-25 season plays out.
Colorado Hockey Now
Not a lot to report on from yesterday’s writings, but we did talk to general manager Chris MacFarland during practice. He’s always a great interview who does an excellent job of breaking down each question. We discussed several topics including Mikko Rantanen’s impending contract extension, Gabriel Landeskog, Valeri Nichushkin, new assistant GM Andrew Wilson, and Alexandar Georgiev. I’ll be writing about several of these throughout the week.
But the most pressing subject of the bunch was published yesterday: An update on Nichushkin, who is eligible to be reinstated on Nov. 13.
Around The NHL
Florida Hockey Now: George Richards has you covered on all things Panthers-related here at the National Hockey Now Network. He wrote about the banner raising, victory over Boston, and a massive contract extension for one of their core players.
New York Rangers: ESPN Analyst and former NY Rangers goalie Kevin Weekes reported yesterday that Igor Shesterkin turned down a whopping contract offer from the Rangers. This would’ve made him the highest-paid goaltender in NHL history. But he’s looking to really break a new barrier.
Vegas Hockey Now: Five standouts from the Golden Knights’ preseason — the host of tonight’s season opener against the Avalanche. [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 9, 2024Danil Gushchin’s joy was palpable.
Never mind that he’s already played NHL games, six over parts of the last two seasons.
Never mind that he just dropped five assists to lead the San Jose Sharks to a last-second 6-5 preseason finale victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday.
“Very nice building,” Gushchin deadpanned about T-Mobile Arena, where he scored a (preseason) hat trick in his only other game there in 2022. “I love playing there.”
But there is something special about breaking camp with the big club, a sense of accomplishment about a summer of hard work paying off, especially for younger players.
“I came here for my whole life. Work hard. Finally, I’m here,” Gushchin said on Monday, after the San Jose Sharks told him that he was making the team.
The 22-year-old came to the US from Russia when he was 16 to the USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks, not knowing any English.
“Moving to America was a collective decision between me, dad, and my agent. My goal was to play in the NHL, so it made sense to try and go all the way up through junior and minor leagues here,” Danil Gushchin told Nikita Sokolov in Russian in an intimate San Jose Hockey Now profile last February.
It wasn’t an easy move though.
“At first, I really missed home,” Gushchin said. “Would call home almost crying. I first stayed with our head coach at Muskegon. He would even cook for me.”
But finally, the 5-foot-8 Russian winger is going to be part of the San Jose Sharks’ opening night roster, after getting selected by the Sharks in the third round of the 2020 Draft.
The road here this preseason — nine points in four games to lead the NHL — may have looked easy, but it wasn’t.
From the Muskegon to the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs to the San Jose Barracuda over the last six years, the 2024 AHL All-Star has always produced. But winning NHL hockey is about more than that, and Gushchin has learned that.
“Always good when you have a point, right?” he said. “But you still have to be good in the D-zone, play hard and forecheck, play without the puck.”
San Jose Sharks head coach Ryan Warsofsky will be glad to hear it.
“The points are one thing. It’s what else he brings which is even more important,” Warsofsky said.
Gushchin rattled off Warsofsky’s checklist for him: “Play without the puck. Be strong in D-zone coverage. Play good on the wall.”
He also added a lesson from someone even more influential than his head coach.
“I know I need to shoot the puck more. That’s what my dad tells me,” he smiled.
Gushchin is ready for his opening night spotlight: “I’m so excited. Can’t wait to start the season.”
It looks like Gushchin will start the season on the fourth line with Ty Dellandrea, flanking Nico Sturm. He will also be on the second power play until with Will Smith, William Eklund, Alex Wennberg, and Henry Thrun.
“He’s earned it,” Warsofsky said. “He deserves to be here.” [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 9, 2024When the Philadelphia Flyers drafted Russian goalie prospect Egor Zavragin 87th overall in the third round of the 2023 NHL Draft, nobody thought much of it.
At the time, Carter Hart was heading into the final year of his contract, and it was still unclear whether Cal Petersen, Felix Sandstrom, or Sam Ersson would win the job as the Flyers’ backup goaltender.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Hart was not retained by the Flyers upon the expiry of his contract as he and his legal team continue the process of fighting the sexual assault charge levied against him stemming from the 2018 Hockey Canada incident, which leaves Ersson, who has two years remaining on his contract, as the starter going forward.
Fast forward to the start of the 2024-25 season, and Zavragin, who was a relative unknown this time last year, is establishing himself as one of the world’s best goalie prospects.
That is a big deal for a Flyers organization that has perpetually dealt with uncertainty at the position for the better part of the last two decades.
Zavragin, 19, was supposed to spend this season with KHL outfit HC Sochi on loan from powerhouse SKA St. Petersburg, but those plans have come to an abrupt halt.
After just six games, in which he went 3-3-0 with a 2.21 GAA, a .941 save percentage, and one shutout, SKA made the decision on Wednesday morning to terminate Zavragin’s loan to Sochi.
Now, the Flyers prospect joins a group that has Artemi Pleshkov and Nikita Serebryakov sharing the crease.
Zavragin has an identifiable path to regular playing time in the sense that Serebryakov hasn’t exactly played well in his five games.
The 28-year-old posted a 2.00 GAA, a .935 save percentage, and five shutouts en route to a 28-9-3 record for SKA last season, but is just 1-2-0 with a 3.70 GAA and .874 save percentage so far this year. As a result, Pleshkov has leapfrogged Serebryakov and could force the KHL veteran to find a new team.
As for Zavragin, it says a lot that head coach Roman Rotenberg would bring the 19-year-old in, seemingly as part of an immediate solution to the team’s struggles defensively and in goal.
The Flyers suddenly find themselves with a superstar goalie prospect who was virtually unbeatable at every level he’s played at in Russia, and now Zavragin has a big opportunity to continue that trend for one of the KHL’s most popular teams. [...]Read more...
Nick NataleOctober 9, 2024Over the summer, New Jersey Hockey Now ranked the top 25 New Jersey Devils prospects, culminating in our top five, which features future NHL stars. While the NHL season is in its infancy, some Devils prospects have been in action for weeks.
Let’s take a look at how our top five Devils prospects are doing to open up the season.
Anton Silayev
The Devils 2024 first-round pick has started this season off like he did last year: producing offense from the backend at a historic rate for a teenager. The 18-year-old has five points through 11 games and has missed two games through injury. Anton Silayev continues to play a big role for Torpedo, averaging 17:22 of ice time as a regular top-four defenseman.
Silayev has continued to develop his game over in the KHL and looks as though he’s ready to take the next step this season. He’s already shown off his tremendous skating ability, and his size is hard to miss. The next checkpoint for Silayev in his development is how he reacts to playing major minutes and being leaned on as an everyday contributor in the KHL.
Anton Silayev gets his shot through and picks up an assist.#NJDevils pic.twitter.com/HNdhxO3pQV
— Devils Insiders (@DevilsInsiders) October 7, 2024
Arseni Gritsyuk
Some were surprised when we put Gritsyuk as the Devils second-ranked prospect, but the start of the 2024-25 KHL season has only proved that the Arseni hype is real. On a stacked SKA St. Petersburg team, Arseni Gritsyuk leads all players in points (12) and assists (8) and is fourth on the team in both time on ice (15:37) and hits (16).
Gritsyuk is showing that he can do it all and is a legitimate future top-six winger for the Devils. He boasts a heavy shot, which SKA utilizes on their power play, but his most impressive attributes are his skating, edge work, and hands. He’s a slippery player, weaving in, out, and around opposing players and stickhandles through traffic to either set up himself or a teammate for scoring chances. Gritsyuk is currently on pace to have his best season ever, scoring at a point-per-game pace.
Oh my Arseni Gritsyuk what a goal! #NJDevils pic.twitter.com/CgnwKEa6DJ
— Brandon Holmes (@BHolmes_Hockey) September 5, 2024
Seamus Casey
Devils fans have already gotten their first taste of Seamus Casey at the NHL level, and there is a lot to like. He rightfully deserved to make the team out of camp and made an instant impact in the Devils opening two games. In just 12:42 of ice time, Casey has already notched his first goal of the season on the power play.
How long Casey’s tenure in the NHL this year depends on the injuries to Brett Pesce and Luke Hughes, but the 20-year-old has already earned the trust of new head coach Sheldon Keefe, something that will benefit him greatly in the long run.
Seamus Casey, welcome to the show 🔥
First NHL goal for the kid 🚨 pic.twitter.com/f0WDFCQjuJ
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) October 5, 2024
Lenni Hameenaho
If Gritsyuk is the Devils hottest prospect to start the season, then Lenni Hameenaho is right on his heels. Hameenaho took a big jump forward in his draft +1 season in 2023-24 and is on pace to take an even more sizable leap this year. Through 10 games with Assat of Liiga in Finland, he’s first on the team in points with 11 and second on the team in goals and assists with four and seven.
Hameenaho’s uptick in offense will take him a long way in earning a spot on the Devils over the next year or two. He’s touted for having exceptional hockey IQ and an ability to put himself in the right areas on the ice. Clearly, it’s working because Hameenaho is finding himself in scoring positions more often, and it’s showing up on the scoresheet. Add to that a noticeable improvement in his skating (a prior weakness of his game), look out for Hameenaho to have yet another breakout year before coming over to North America in 2025-26.
Lennin ranne puhuu. 🎯#Ässät #Liiga 🎥 @MTVUrheilu https://t.co/pHMfNTDOMH pic.twitter.com/lsyXYxlXox
— Porin Ässät (@PorinAssat) September 18, 2024
Mikhail Yegorov
While it’s been mainly positive for the Devils top four prospects, fifth-ranked prospect and highest-rated goalie prospect Mikhail Yegorov has had a difficult start to his season. The Devils 2024 second-round pick is back for another season with the Omaha Lancers of the USHL, and the team struggles continue to weigh Yegorov down.
The 6-foot-5, athletic goalie has started his season 0-2-0, with a 3.80 GAA and a 0.846 SV%. Not great numbers for a goalie looking to take the next step this year. However, the season is still very early, and he’ll have plenty of runway to improve those numbers throughout the season. The Devils will certainly hope they can improve before he makes to the switch to college hockey next season.
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
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@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 9, 2024The Pittsburgh Penguins (0-0-0) host the New York Rangers Wednesday at PPG Paints Arena, and with the first puck drop of the 2024-25 season begins a six-month fight for the Penguins to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Excitement abounded in the Penguins locker room over the last few days as the team wants to build on the good vibrations of last season’s final push. They fell short of the playoffs but made up nine points in the final few weeks with a string of wins.
Read More: Penguins Locker Room Speaks: What Do They Think of the Team?
“You know, all the hard work, all the preparation, being able to see that come into play here and get ready to start,” Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said Monday. “I think we’re all just feeling that.”
Tristan Jarry will start in goal for the Penguins, and Igor Shesterkin will go for New York.
Last season, Jarry’s late-season slump dropped his save percentage to .903. Alex Nedeljkovic is on injured reserve, and Joel Blomqvist will back up Jarry.
The Penguins had an optional morning skate Wednesday, but the lines on Tuesday looked like a reasonable guess at Wednesday’s lineup, and Rutger McGroarty will make his NHL debut.
Penguins Injuries:
Bryan Rust (day-to-day, skating), Blake Lizotte (concussion, out), Matt Nieto (lower-body, out month-to-month), Alex Nedeljkovic (lower-body, out week-to-week).
Penguins Lines
Drew O’Connor-Sidney Crosby-Anthony Beauvillier
Michael Bunting-Evgeni Malkin-Rickard Rakell
Rutger McGroarty-Lars Eller-Jesse Puljujarvi
Kevin Hayes-Cody Glass-Noel Acciari
Defense
Matt Grzelcyk-Kris Letang
Marcus Pettersson-Erik Karlsson
Ryan Graves-Jack St. Ivany
Goalie: Tristan Jarry
Rangers Lines (Estimated)
Artemi Panarin-Vincent Trocheck-Alexis Lafreniere
Chris Kreider-Mike Zibanejad-Reilly Smith
Will Cuylle-Filip Chytil-Kaapo Kakko
Adam Edstrom-Sam Carrick-Jonny Brodzinski
Defense
K’Andre Miller-Adam Fox
Braden Schneider-Jacob Trouba
Zach Jones-Victor Mancini
Goalie: Igor Shesterkin
Special Teams
Penguins Power Play: 0-for-0. Penguins Penalty Kill: 0-for-0.
Rangers Power Play: 0-for-o. Rangers Penalty Kill: 0-for-0.
Game Notes
*Evgeni Malkin has 498 goals, two away from the 500-goal milestone
*The Penguins are 14-9-3 in their last 26 games against the Rangers
*Anthony Beauvillier, Cody Glass, Kevin Hayes, Rutger McGroarty, and defenseman Matt Grzelcyk will make their Penguins debut tonight. McGoarty will make his debut, as would Blomqvist if he plays.
*Coach Mike Sullivan is beginning his 10th season with the Penguins.
*In 30 regular-season games against them, forward Anthony Beauvillier has more goals (13), assists (12), and points (25) against the Rangers than any other team in his career.
How to Watch
TV: TNT; Radio: 105.9 The X [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 9, 2024Jabrill Peppers got arrested early Saturday morning. The news broke publicly Monday when the New England Patriots safety was arraigned in court. The NFL reacted to the news on Wednesday, placing Peppers on the commissioner’s exempt list.
Being on the commissioner’s exempt list means Jabrill Peppers cannot practice or play with the Patriots. He cannot attend games. Peppers can participate in team meetings and workouts, and receive treatment at the team facilities. No timetable exists for removal from the commissioner’s exempt list. It is a temporary designation while the situation is investigated further.
Also Read – Patriots Captain Jabrill Peppers Arrested, Faces Multiple Charges
Peppers faces charges of strangulation, assault and battery, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, and possession of a Class B substance believed to be cocaine. He pled not guilty to all charges on Monday, released on $2,500 bail, and ordered to stay away from the female who made the accusations of physical violence.
Jabrill Peppers’ lawyer Marc Brofsky stated Monday, “We have evidence that completely contradicts the alleged victim’s story, and I expect my client to be fully exonerated.”
The Patriots signed Peppers as a free agent in 2022. New England gave him a three-year extension this past offseason, keeping him with the team through 2028.
Jabrill Peppers serves as a team captain. He received the 2023 Vince Wilfork Award as the New England Patriots Fan Favorite. [...]Read more...
John PerrottoOctober 9, 2024Ben Cherington thinks the Pittsburgh Pirates are in a better place than when he was hired, and he is right.
Then again, it would be almost impossible to be worse than when Cherington replaced Neal Huntington as the Pirates’ general manager following the 2019 season. The Pirates began a steady decline after winning 98 games in 2015 and then losing to the Chicago Cubs in the National League Wild Card game.
So, even though frustrated fans probably don’t want to hear it, Cherington was correct last week when he said, “I really do believe we go into 2025 already with the strongest, deepest roster we’ve had since I’ve been here.”
The Pirates are better than they were five years ago. However, the 2024 season showed that the Pirates aren’t nearly good enough.
The Pirates finished 76-86 for a second straight year. What made the lack of progress in the win column especially disappointing was that the Pirates lost 32 of their last 52 games and ended the season in a downward trend.
While Cherington and manager Derek Shelton tried to spin 2024 in a positive light, the GM is realistic enough to know that he has work to do.
“We need to make it better,” Cherington said of the roster. “There are different ways to make it better. Some of it will be through offseason acquisition, some of it will need to be through player improvement. Over time, certainly some of it is going to need to come from continuing to get better at the draft and international and internal development.”
There are many different areas where the Pirates need to improve. It is alarming that, after five years, Cherington hasn’t built a stronger overall organization.
Yet it appears that Cherington will have at least one more year to improve the Pirates. The season has been over for 10 days and there is no indication that Cherington will lose his job.
Of course, owner Bob Nutting waited a month after the 2019 season before firing Huntington. The timing raised eyebrows throughout the industry and caused the Pirates to start again in their search to replace manager Clint Hurdle.
Nutting and team president Travis Williams have yet to comment on Cherington’s status. So, we’re left to assume there will be no change at the top of the baseball operations department.
So, that begs the question of how Cherington plans to improve the Pirates’ roster between now and the start of next season. Considering the Pirates finished in the bottom of third of the major leagues in runs scored (24th), runs allowed (21st) and fielding percentage (20th), Cherington has a lot of holes to fill.
Cherington insists he is up to the challenge.
“I’m confident because I’m fully energized by the job, by the task,” Cherington said. “It’s hard, it’s a hard job and it’s not supposed to be easy. But that’s why we do it. I understand frustration. I understand there are a lot of people out there who care about the Pirates and a lot of different stakeholders who care about the Pirates, so when the outcomes aren’t yet what I want them to be, what we want them to be, there is going to be frustration that comes from that.
“I’m fully aware of that and I accept that. I’m just going to keep focused on what I can do to make it better every day, and I know I need to. That will be our sole focus this offseason.”
If the outcomes don’t change in 2025, Cherington likely won’t get another opportunity to change the outcomes for 2026. [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 9, 2024The New England Patriots have played five games this season and started five different offensive lines. They’ve had multiple starters at all five positions across the line. Only Mike Onwenu has started every game so far; four at right tackle before moving to right guard on Sunday. So what is the Patriots’ plan for the offensive line moving forward?
New England’s starting unit against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 consisted of:
LT – Vederian Lowe
LG – Michael Jordan
C – Nick Leverett
RG – Mike Onwenu
RT – Demontrey Jacobs
Lowe appears safe to remain the Patriots’ starting left tackle as long as he remains healthy. Other options from the season’s start are no longer available. Chukwuma Okorafor left the team and Caedan Wallace is on injured reserve. Most importantly, Vederian Lowe played well against Miami. He allowed no quarterback pressures.
Michael Jordan or Sidy Sow at left guard? Sow returned from an ankle injury to start in Week 4 but performed poorly. Jordan took back the starting role in Week 5 and played very well. Should the Patriots stick with Jordan regardless of Sow’s health at this point?
David Andrews’ season ended with a shoulder injury in Week 4. Nick Leverett’s first start produced two penalties and ten pressures allowed. That is not good enough. Leverett likely gets at least one more start. However, if his protections doesn’t improve he cannot keep the job for long. Bryan Hudson and Sincere Haynesworth are options from the practice squad.
The right side of the line depends on the play of right tackle Demontrey Jacobs. Mike Onwenu will start at one of the positions on the right side. New England wants him to play guard and believes he’s a better fit there. But if nobody can play right tackle effectively, Onwenu will be moved back there. That leaves Sidy Sow and Layden Robinson as options at right guard.
Somehow, left tackle suddenly seems to be the most stable position on the offensive line. Will New England roll out the same offensive line for consecutive weeks on Sunday? Stay tuned.
Also in Wednesday’s Patriots Daily:
Patriots Fact/Trivia of the Day
The New England Patriots have had two seasons where the same five offensive linemen started every game: 1976 and 1978. Four of the starters were the same in both years: LT Leon Gray, LG John Hannah, C Bill Lenkaitis, and RG Sam Adams.
Bob McKay started at right tackle in 1976. In 1978, it was Shelby Jordan.
Post of the Day
Bill Belichick never forgets a grudge. On Monday’s ManningCast (via NFL on ESPN) he reminded Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts pumping in crowd noise:
More From Patriots Football Now
What to Expect With Drake Maye as QB1 in New England – Drake Maye is reportedly replacing Jacoby Brissett as the Patriots starting quarterback. A few thoughts on what people should expect. Perhaps more importantly, what they shouldn’t expect.
PFF’s Week 5 Best and Worst New England Patriots Grades – Two special teams players were the best performers for New England on Sunday, according to Pro Football Focus. Marcus Jones and Michael Jordan were among the other standouts. Meanwhile, Nick Leverett received the week’s lowest grade, struggling in his first game as David Andrews’ replacement.
Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Sincere Haynesworth – The New England Patriots added center Sincere Haynesworth to their practice squad on Tuesday. The team also released one player from the 53-man roster and two from the practice squad. Will Sione Takitaki return to take the spot on the 53-man roster? [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 9, 2024The 2024-25 NHL season is off and running. Three games were played last night. The Utah Hockey Club made its NHL debut at home against the Chicago Blackhawks. The St. Louis Blues also took on the Seattle Kraken, while the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers faced off against the Boston Bruins. The Washington Capitals do not start their 2024-25 campaign until Saturday versus the New Jersey Devils at Capital One Arena. The game is set for a 7:00 p.m. start. Here are some Hockey Now Headlines for Wednesday, October 9.
Hockey Now Headlines: Washington Capitals
Washington Hockey Now: The Washington Capitals officially announce they have signed forward Jakub Vrana to a one-year contract worth $775,000. He signed a professional tryout agreement with the club in August and will suit up for them for the first time since the 2020-21 campaign.
Washington Hockey Now: Two former Arizona Coyotes players reunite on the Washington Capitals ahead of the 2024-25 season.
Washington Hockey Now: The Capitals trimmed their roster down to 23 players. Who made the final roster for Washington, and who were among the final cuts?
Around the Hockey World
Darren Dreger on Twitter/X: The Ottawa Senators re-signed Linus Ullmark to a four-year extension.
ESPN: The Utah Hockey Club defeated the Chicago Blackhawks in their NHL debut, scoring five goals.
Seattle Kraken: The Seattle Kraken named Jordan Eberle their next captain. He is the second captain in Kraken franchise history. The team has not had one since Mark Giordano.
Boston Hockey Now: The Boston Bruins start their 2024-25 season with a loss to the Florida Panthers.
Florida Hockey Now: The Florida Panthers signed forward Carter Verhaeghe to an eight-year contract extension.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dan Kingerski discusses three players who could lift or sink the Pittsburgh Penguins’ season.
Vegas Hockey Now: There are five players who stood out in particular for the Vegas Golden Knights during the preseason.
Detroit Hockey Now: Detroit Red Wings’ 2024 first-round pick Michael Brandsegg-Nygard will start playing in the SHL for Skelleftea on Saturday.
Philly Hockey Now: There is an injury update on Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler ahead of the club’s matchup against the Vancouver Canucks on Friday. [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 9, 2024The Montreal Canadiens are set to host the Toronto Maple Leafs on Wednesday, marking the first game of the 2024-25 regular season for both teams.
The lines and defensive pairings used against the Leafs will be very similar to what the team iced at practice on Sunday
As per usual, the top line will feature Juraj Slafkovsky, Nick Suzuki, and Cole Caufield. It’s easy to lose track of his age, since Suzuki is always incredibly stoic, but he’s the elder statesman of that trio at just 25 years old. The Canadiens will count on their top line to drive the offence, but given that teams are aware of how much damage they can do, they will need a little more support this season.
The second line will attempt to provide that support, though they’ll do so without newcomer Patrik Laine, who is nursing a knee injury. Alex Newhook will play alongside Kirby Dach, with Joel Armia completing the line. Laine would have been an interesting addition to the top six, but there’s no doubt Armia’s penchant for winning puck battles will come in handy once it’s paired to Newhook’s speed and Dach’s skill in transition.
Defensively, Mike Matheson will play with Kaiden Guhle on the top pairing, while Lane Hutson takes part in his first game following a full training camp, and will play with veteran David Savard. Goaltender Samuel Montembeault will start Game One of the regular season, which means Cayden Primeau is expected to be the starter for Thursday’s game against the Boston Bruins. Oliver Kapanen is listed as an extra attacker and will not dress for the opening game of the season.
The two teams met in the preseason, though you’d be hard-pressed to call it an actual hockey game. It was closer to an orchestrated violence rollercoaster on ice, once a minor-league player from the Leafs’ system injured Laine. This time around, the game is expected to feature a little more 5v5 hockey, however, Arber Xhekaj will be in the lineup just in case there’s any on-ice accounting to be done.
On Topic: Canadiens Instant Recap: Referees Lose Control, Habs Lose Laine
The Toronto Maple Leafs will once again ice a very strong lineup as they attempt to change the narrative surrounding their potential for success. Playing well in the regular season gets you to the big dance, but failing to find a new gear means you will often go home early, as the Leafs have in the last decade or so.
The best bet for the team hailing from the Big Smoke is to hit the ground running, with a new attitude that focuses solely on winning hockey games rather than the myriad of distractions that come with playing for the Leafs.
Matthew Knies is expected to play on the top line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner, while William Nylander is set to anchor the second line. Former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty will be in the lineup following a successful PTO that led to a one-year contract. Pacioretty has dealt with multiple Achilles heel injuries, and while we would never actively root for a team from Ontario, we do wish him well as he attempts to re-invent his game and extend his stay in the NHL.
The Leafs recalled goaltender Dennis Hildeby from the AHL, indicating that starter Joseph Woll may not be ready to go against the Canadiens. If he’s not available, expect Anthony Stolarz to be given the start.
Montreal Canadiens Projected Lineup
Toronto Maple Leafs Projected Lineup
Matthew Knies – Auston Matthews – Mitch Marner
Max Domi – John Tavares – William Nylander
Max Pacioretty – Pontus Holmberg – Nicholas Robertson
Steven Lorentz – David Kampf – Ryan Reaves
—
Morgan Rielly – Chris Tanev
Oliver Ekman-Larsson – Jake McCabe
Simon Benoit – Conor Timmins
—
Joseph Woll
How to Watch The Montreal Canadiens vs. The Toronto Maple Leafs On October 9, 2024.
Game 1 of the regular season will be aired on Sportsnet and TVA Sports. Once the game is over, an instant recap complete with highlights will be available on Montreal Hockey Now. [...]Read more...
Christopher HurleyOctober 9, 2024It wasn’t the kind of banner start the Bruins were looking for.
Sam Bennett potted a pair of goals, as the Florida Panthers rolled the Bruins, 6-4, in opening night action at Amerant Bank Arena.
The defending Stanley Cup champions, Florida appeared in midseason form, bombarding Boston for 17 shots and four goals against in the opening stanza.
It appeared that the Panthers simply got into the Bruins heads, quickly grabbing a 4-1 lead in the first period and never looked back. Boston played catch-up for the remainder of the contest, making things interesting in the closing moments.
“In general, we just weren’t good enough in so many areas tonight,” said Bruins coach Jim Montgomery. “And they were.”
After stalling out of the gates, the Bruins offense switched into gear. Pavel Zacha scored a shorthanded goal off a feed from Elias Lindholm in the first period, cutting the lead in half to 2-1. Defenseman Charlie McAvoy potted a second period goal with Johnny Beecher and Hampus Lindholm picking up helpers.
Hurley-Burly: Welcome Boston Hockey Now’s Newest Beat Writer
Still trailing 6-2 in the third period, Boston made a late game push. Trent Fredric and David Pastrnak both scored 1:15 apart. The surge prompted Montgomery to pull Joonas Korpisalo (29 saves) for the extra attacker, but it was too little too late.
Boston will have its chance to even the score with the Panthers next Monday on home ice.
Korpisalo not the problem
Designated the Game 1 starter over a week ago, Korpisalo deserved a better fate.
The Boston netminder faced a deluge of first period shots, surrendering four early goals. He also took a big hit from Bennett on Florida’s sixth tally in the third.
“The game was 4-1 after the first,” said Korpisalo. “I’m not too happy with that. A couple weird bounces, but four goals in one period, it doesn’t matter how many shots they got there. It’s pretty tough to climb back. I just got to be better.”
But despite the onslaught, the netminder was fairly solid. He made several sprawling saves, but probably could have benefitted from better team defense.
The pairing of Mason Lohrei (-3) and Brandon Carlo (-2) had a particularly rough night surrendering three giveaways each. They’ll undoubtedly look to bounce back in Thursday’s home opener.
Must Read: Bruins sign Jeremy Swayman to 8-year, $66 Million Deal
“Korpisalo was not the problem tonight,” said Montgomery. “It was the people in front of him. You can’t give up four backdoor tap-ins and expect your goalie to make save after save. He made a lot of saves on breakaways. He was good tonight. The players in front of him, the rest of the team, the coaching staff, we weren’t good enough.”
McAvoy was his steady self, netting a goal and an assist, while logging a team-high 21:54 of ice time. The Bruins assistant captain was paired with Hampus Lindholm (21:30). The duo was the only Bruins defensemen to finish at +1. Fourth line right winger Cole Koepke was the only other +1 Bruin in the lineup.
Nikita Zadorov led blueline brigade with six hits. The big Russian also attempted to tangle with several Panther players but found no takers.
“Obviously there’s history in the past against that team,” said Zadorov. “The focus level wasn’t there a little bit today, but it’s one of 82 games. We’ve got to get use to eachother and we’ll be fine.”
Credit coach Montgomery for keeping Korpisalo in the game. There was no need to hit the panic button, bringing in a stone-cold Jeremy Swayman to face a red-hot Panther squad, It would have just played into Florida’s hands. Especially since the game was pretty much decided by the first intermission.
That said, one can only imagine the hit team management would have taken had Swayman remained unsigned following this game.
Thankfully, that crisis was avoided,
Bruins Lines
Pavel Zacha – Elias Lindholm – David Pastrnak
Brad Marchand – Charlie Coyle – Morgan Geekie
Max Jones – Trent Frederic – Justin Brazeau
Johnny Beecher – Mark Kastelic – Cole Koepke
Hampus Lindholm – Charlie McAvoy
Mason Lohrei – Brandon Carlo
Nikita Zadorov – Andrew Peeke
Joonas Korpisalo, Jeremy Swayman
Scratches: Riley Tufte, Parker Wotherspoon.
What’s next?
The Bruins take on Montreal in its home opener, Thursday, Oct. 10, at TD Garden
FOLLOW CHRISTOPHER HURLEY ON 𝕏: @HURLEY_BURLY
FOLLOW BOSTON HOCKEY NOW ON 𝕏 AND FACEBOOK [...]Read more...
Griffin FloydOctober 9, 2024This is one in a series of stories breaking down PBN’s Top 30 Pittsburgh Pirates prospects.
The first player on this list who has yet to make a professional appearance, the Pirates selected right-handed pitcher Matt Ager out of UC Santa Barbara in the sixth round of the 2024 draft.
General manager Ben Cherington bought low on Ager, who received buzz as a potential first round draft pick ahead of the 2024 collegiate season. An injury marred junior season saw the 6-foot-6, 225 pound right-hander flip between the starting rotation and the bullpen, however. He posted a 4.02 ERA (respectable enough, but nearly a full run off his 2023 performance) with 59 strikeouts in 62.2 innings, then got roughed up in the wooden bat Cape Cod League during summer ball, seeing his ERA balloon to 8.59 in 7.1 innings.
Steal of the Draft?
It’s an admittedly small sample size, but that was enough for Ager to fall into the Pirates’ lap in the sixth round, signing for a hair under slot value with a $357,400 contract. Cherington took a gamble on Ager, but when one considers the rate at which prospects selected on Day 2 or later pan out in the big leagues (hint: it’s not good!), it’s hard to pass on a potential first round talent at a bargain price.
In terms of pitch mix, Ager’s fastball sits in the low 90s but can top out around 96 miles per hour. His slider is his highest-graded offering, clocking in at 55 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He also works in a slow curve and a changeup from time to time, but primarily relies on the fastball-slider combo… part of why he projects as a reliever should he make the big leagues.
Beyond the pitches he throws, Ager also displays solid command and masks his delivery well, keeping opposing batters guessing as to what he’ll throw next. [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 9, 2024Sidney Crosby is a Rolex. Dependable. Reliable. World class.
There is little question what the Pittsburgh Penguins will get from Crosby on a season-to-season basis. Even at 37 years old, Crosby remains the gold standard by which all others are judged. From there, that’s when the Penguins get interesting and surely unpredictable.
There are a few players who could make or break the Penguins’ 2024-25 season. They are the players who could rise to the top of their ranks and become integral difference-makers for good … or bad.
When all of the wins and losses are counted up in April and half of the league enters the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Penguins have a solid chance to be part of that top half, but they have an equal if not slightly greater, chance to miss the postseason as they’ve done in each of the last two years.
For the Penguins, there are three pivot points on whose shoulders the team could rise or angrily curse the fates that befall them as they watch the playoffs on their iPads.
Of course, for betting sorts looking for an edge on public numbers, PHN welcomes new sponsor Oddschecker (OC+). For a monthly subscription, you get access to all of their Positive Value Bets, Public Betting Splits, and tools to provide value for sports bettors.
3 Penguins Difference Makers
1. Tristan Jarry
The Penguins goalie has been an All-Star twice. He’s been atop the league in save percentage and goals-against-average into the second half of seasons, and he earned a five-year, $26.88 million deal with the team last July 1.
He’s also had a couple of late-season meltdowns and one playoff crumble in 2021 that was too reminiscent of Marc-Andre Fleury’s 2013 struggles.
The Penguins are not Stanley Cup contenders on any analyst’s board, which means they will need to grind to wins and fight for points for the entire season. They can’t get sloppy goaltending and win–they no longer have the superior talent advantage that allowed them to protect goalies or outscore opponents.
They’re going to need good goaltending. Actually, at times, they may need great goaltending. Jarry, 28, is capable. His first-half performances, including last season, were at times spectacular. He stole points for the team and kept them within shouting distance of a playoff spot, even though the team deserved no such courtesy. However, Sullivan benched him for the final 15 games of the season.
Tandem/1A/backup goalie Alex Nedeljkovic is a competent NHL goalie, but he lacks Jarry’s high-end ability. The Penguins can surely do more than just get by with Nedeljkovic, but the team needs the best of Jarry to achieve its goals.
A bad year from Jarry could knock the Penguins out of it before it truly begins.
2. Kevin Hayes
Jesse Puljujarvi and Rutger McGroarty had eye-popping training camps and preseason performances. There’s little question about whether they earned their roster spots, but if either doesn’t perform up to standards in the regular season, coach Mike Sullivan will swap them out with others.
Hayes, 32, is a different story. He counts for more than $3.5 million against the Penguins salary cap in each of the next two seasons. He is also a playmaker, and if his preseason performances showed anything, they showed he has top-shelf ability in that regard.
Some are down on his skating. Others knocked his lack of physicality despite being 6-foot-5 and 216 pounds.
Yet he did more than offer brief flashes of his uncanny ability to slow the play and create offense for his linemates. He did it often in the preseason. The Penguins sorely need his offensive contributions for the bottom two lines. Last season, it seems the bottom six was for defensive purposes only, and they struggled in that role, too.
If Hayes can help the third- or fourth-line score goals, that will put tons of weight off Crosby’s and Evgeni Malkin’s shoulders. If Hayes doesn’t kick in offense, then his value to the lineup is in question because the Penguins have plenty of depth grinders, and the bottom six could well become another disappointment.
Last season, Hayes contributed just 29 points to the St. Louis Blues lineup, and he found himself in the press box occasionally as the Blues struggled to stay in the playoff race. The very same could happen to the Penguins without some help from Hayes.
3. Evgeni Malkin
“Geno” can still lift the Penguins on his 38-year-old shoulders. But if Malkin succumbs to age or injury, the Penguins lineup will be thrown into chaos. Who would provide the offensive support behind Crosby? Would Sullivan turn to Hayes or Lars Eller?
For all of the promise shown by the reinvigorated prospects pool, the top centers are Sam Poulin and Tristan Broz; neither would be ready or able to carry that large bucket of water left by Malkin.
For the first time ever, the Penguins’ top two centers have played all 82 games in consecutive seasons. It might seem too much to ask for that running tally to hit three, but the Penguins are built on and built around Malkin. Wingers Michael Bunting and Rickard Rakell provide all of the necessary complements to be successful; speed, grit, talent, and puck retrieval are beside Malkin.
Last season, he slumped to just 67 points as the power play sputtered, failing to provide any statistical bump. It was the lowest output per game in Malkin’s career. To reach their goals, the Penguins need Malkin to play smartly (limit turnovers) and continue scoring somewhere close to average for average second-line centers.
Without Malkin in the middle or a productive Malkin in the middle, the Penguins won’t stand a chance.
Honorable Mentions/Sidebar
Rickard Rakell: Didn’t make the list because if he falters, the Penguins have multiple options, perhaps including rookie Rutger McGroarty.
Erik Karlsson: If he doesn’t improve on last season, the Penguins will be no worse for wear. Karlsson is bonus territory.
Ryan Graves: While many fans would put him on the list, the Penguins have options if he doesn’t rebound from last season’s rough go. The first option is Ryan Shea, who took his spot over the final month of last season. Another option could soon be rookie Owen Pickering. Graves can only help the Penguins. [...]Read more...
Marc DumontOctober 9, 2024Here are the Montreal Canadiens news items, highlights, and stories you may have missed on Tuesday.
Montreal Canadiens News
The wait is over! The 2024-25 season begins tonight for the Montreal Canadiens. They will face the Toronto Maple Leafs, but for the first time in a long time, the Habs won’t start the season on the road. While we wait for the festivities to begin, check out this fantastic pump-up video by journalism student Gregory Hamel. [Canadiens Make Final Cuts, Reveal 23-Man Roster]
Juraj Slafkovsky has his eyes on the prize, so to speak. The 20-year-old forward wants his team to qualify for the playoffs. [NHL – FR]
This is not the first time prospect Joshua Roy has been challenged by his coach. Talent has never been an issue, but the 21-year-old will need to find a new gear if he’s to return to the NHL, and more importantly, stay there.[Canadiens Prospect Joshua Roy In Familiar Situation]
“He (Joshua Roy) has to continue to push (to earn a spot with the Habs). We know he has a very good ceiling but I think he would be the first person to tell you that he didn’t show us his ceiling enough from the start of training camp to now. But we know it’s there & he’s still a… pic.twitter.com/oqy03b7R2M
— /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) October 7, 2024
Roy was disappointed to be the last forward cut at camp, but he’s also aware he has to work hard to make it back to the NHL.
“It was a hard pill to swallow, but it’s a new start this morning. I want to work on my game and myself. My goal is to get back up there .”
Joshua Roy cédé au @RocketLaval, sa 1re réaction :
« La pilule a été difficile à avaler hier, mais ce matin c’est un nouveau départ. Je veux travailler sur moi et sur ma game. Mon objectif est de retourner en haut. »
— Vincent Demuy (@VDemuy) October 8, 2024
National Hockey Now Network
The Florida Panthers had to cancel or postpone a number of activities surrounding the Stanley Cup this week due to Hurricane Milton, including today’s scheduled visit with season ticket holders. [Florida Panthers]
Hockey is officially, officially back. The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres got the show started last week in Prague. However, the rest of the NHL began to get underway yesterday with regular season games outside of the Global Series on Tuesday, including the debut of the Utah Hockey Club. [New Jersey Devils]
Despite being placed on waivers by the New York Islanders and subsequently clearing them without being claimed, flop free agent signing Pierre Engvall would actually make for a great Philadelphia Flyers trade target.[New York Islanders] [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 9, 2024Some may love Christmas shopping and decorations, others the feast at Thanksgiving, but the start of hockey season is rivaled only by the final day of the hockey season. Today is the start of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ march toward whatever destiny awaits as their 2024-25 regular season begins at PPG Paints Arena. Rutger McGroarty will be in the lineup and shared the moment he told his parents. Coach Mike Sullivan updated the Penguins injuries, including some progress. And we asked the players straight up–what do they think of their chances this season?
Elsewhere in the Daily, TNT’s Bleacher Report listed the six under-the-radar NHL trade candidates, and they made a good case for including Erik Karlsson. Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin turned down $11 million per season?! And the Florida Panthers both extended Carter Verhaeghe with a whopping sum and lifted their Stanley Cup banner.
How about this little trinket: Get a HALF PRICE PHN+ subscription. Yep, 50% off a Yearly to join this crew. The sale ends in 6 days. Use code HALF. Click here.
It’s going to be a long season, but there is an air of optimism around the Penguins. They earned some confidence in the preseason. Check out the long-form video by an old friend and hockey coach, Francis Anzalone, which we posted on the NHN YouTube page last night. It’s a pilot for a new series we’re going to do, so Francis spent the first few minutes on his bio, then really showing viewers the Penguins coaches’ internal process (He has been a guest coach with them on multiple occasions), and then he dove into the foundations for this season, including the lines, the players who have chemistry, and the power play. Oh, and Francis shared a picture at the beginning of my play-by-play days. I felt so old then, but I had hair. Brown hair!
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: OK, so what does the locker room think? We asked, point blank, what they guys think of the team this season. Of course, the responses were positive, but I think you’ll enjoy some of the descriptions and scenes as we take you inside the Penguins’ locker room.
Pony, Needs, and Ned. Oh, and Rusty, too. It sounds like a pretty good homecoming party, but instead, that was how coach Mike Sullivan began the Penguins injury updates.
The kid made it, and Tuesday, in the Penguins locker room, Rutger McGroarty shared his thoughts on killing penalties and told the tale of the moment he got to tell his parents his NHL dreams were coming true. Hello, Rutger McGroarty.
Steelers Now: Coach Mike Tomlin gave one of those cutesy and obfuscating answers when asked why George Pickens only played about half of the snaps on Sunday night. Alan Saunders writes–let’s be real, coaches benched Pickens, and he absolutely deserved it. There’s more WR drama with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Hey, at least one might return. Here is the 2024 Pirates free-agent class.
Here is Episode 1 of The Coach’s Debrief:
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Bleacher Report: The under-the-radar trade candidates and Erik Karlsson made the list. I like the story, and I think Adam Herman very well might look pretty good by the NHL trade deadline, at least with a couple or a few of them.
You just made the list!
Forever Blueshirts: Shesterkin didn’t think $11 million was enough. Good grief. It sounds like the New York Rangers will keep trying to sign him, but I might be tempted to pull up stakes and trade him. Here’s the dish on the Shesterkin contract.
Florida Hockey Now: From just beneath the George Richards coffee bar, George Richards–who is THE go-to in Panthers’ land–got to cover the banner raising and a big-time contract signing on Tuesday. It was just a great night for the Florida Panthers.
Philly Hockey Now: I was pretty skeptical when I saw colleague Jon Bailey write this. But he built a great case. The Islanders waived Pierre Engvall just one year into a seven-year deal, and Bailey writes that he would make the perfect Flyers trade target.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Luke Hughes is skating and progressing, and our James Nichols has 10 bold predictions for the New Jersey Devils.
Boston Hockey Now: One team that I’m quite curious to see is the new-look Bruins. Rather, they’re the old-school Bruins with some toughness, a bit of Swedish flare for offense, and the original six logo. And our boys have five predictions for the Boston Bruins. [...]Read more...
Danny DemilioOctober 9, 2024The Scottsdale Scorpions, the team consisting of prospects from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Detroit Tigers, New York Mets, San Francisco Giants and Toronto Blue Jays, began their Arizona Fall League slate on Tuesday night with a 9-8 win over the Salt River Rafters.
Termarr Johnson is among the Pirates’ prospects competing in the AFL this year, and despite an injury scare late in the game, appears to be alright. In the top of the eighth inning, Johnson swung and missed at a pitch and immediately grabbed for his lower right leg before being helped off the field.
According to MLB Pipeline’s Kelsie Heneghan, was removed with a leg cramp and appears to be fine and celebrated with his teammates on the field after the win.
Johnson had a productive night at the plate prior to his premature exit. He led off the game with a no-doubt home run to right. The Pirates’ No. 3 prospect later drove in his second run of the game with a base hit in the second and finished 2 for 4 with a pair of runs scored and a walk.
"Termarr Johnson to the berm!"
The @Pirates' No. 3 prospect goes yard in his first @MLBazFallLeague at-bat.@MLBDevelops | @YoungBucsPIT pic.twitter.com/dlGikvxABY
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) October 9, 2024
In addition to Johnson, three other Pirates’ prospects appeared in the game. Outfielder Sammy Siani went 2 for 5 with a home run, an RBI and a pair of runs scored.
On the mound, right-hander Khristian Curtis tossed three-perfect innings of relief, struck out four batters and was the winning pitcher. Fellow right-hander Eddy Yean allowed a run in the ninth inning but held on for the save to preserve the win for the Scorpions (1-0) over the Rafters (0-1).
Up next, Scottsdale will play the Mesa Solar Socks on (1-0) on Wednesday night.
Links
229-Game Winner Luis Tiant, Who Spent a Year With Pirates, Dies at 83
Pirates Upcoming Free Agent Class; At Least One Expected to Return
Pirates Top 30 Prospects No. 29: Shalin Polanco Slides After Down Year
4 Under the Radar Prospects in Pirates’ Organization (+)
Around the Network:
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Injury Updates: Rust and Nedeljkovic Take Next Step
Steelers Now: Saunders: Let’s Be Real, George Pickens Was Benched and He Deserved It
Pittsburgh Sports Now: WATCH: Pitt Basketball HC Jeff Capel Press Conference
SUBSCRIBE TO PBN+
For full-access to Pittsburgh Baseball Now, CLICK HERE. *** You also get full Penguins and Steelers coverage with your subscription! [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 9, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks started the 2024-25 NHL Season with a tough matchup in Utah. With the Utah Hockey Club looking to make a good first impression, the Hawks started the season on the wrong side of history losing 5-2 in Utah’s inaugural NHL game.
With the loss, the Blackhawks head to Winnipeg for another road game on Friday night. The Blackhawks will be catching the Winnipeg Jets in their home opener on Friday. Tonight Winnipeg will head to Edmonton so Blackhawks fans looking to scout the opponent keep an eye on that game.
Tuesday night was an historic night around the NHL. Utah Hockey Club played their first game, with Dylan Guenther scoring Utah’s first goal as a franchise.
WELCOME TO THE HISTORY BOOKS, DYLAN GUENTHER! 🙌
THAT’S THE FIRST GOAL IN UTAH HOCKEY CLUB FRANCHISE HISTORY! 🏔️ pic.twitter.com/vcOfBRZNw8
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 9, 2024
Utah wasn’t the only history makers on Tuesday as the Seattle Kraken made history as well.
History in Seattle:
The Seattle Kraken started the 2024-25 NHL Regular Season as the first game on Tuesday. While Seattle lost the opening night contest 3-2, the Kraken did make history as Kraken assistant coach Jessica Campbell became the first woman to coach in the NHL.
Jessica Campbell makes history by being the first woman to coach in the NHL! 🙌@SeattleKraken pic.twitter.com/HhE7KXNtD4
— ESPN (@espn) October 8, 2024
Blackhawks Stories You May Have Missed:
Despite a late rally, the Blackhawks fell back into old habits and lost 5-2 to the Utah Hockey Club.
News from around the National Hockey Now Network:
Detroit Hockey Now: Former Detroit Red Wings forward Jakub Vrana has found a spot with the Washington Capitals, signing a one year deal with the club ahead of the season.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Entering the season looking to get back into the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Penguins have a lot to prove. With some big additions this offseason, key players in the locker room were asked their thoughts on the team heading into the new season.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The New Jersey Devils are one of many teams with high expectations on the season. Entering a new year, our friends at New Jersey Hockey Now gave some bold predictions on how the year could go for the Devils. [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 9, 2024SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers had to cancel or postpone a number of activities surrounding the Stanley Cup this week due to Hurricane Milton, including today’s scheduled visit with season ticket holders.
The Panthers have moved today’s Cup-and-Greet until Dec. 15.
Although that seems sad, it does mean the Stanley Cup is returning to South Florida in a couple of months.
Due to the storm, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s famed handler — Phil ‘Keeper of the Cup’ Pritchard — plans to take that big silver mug home to Canada sometime today.
It had a good run not only in South Florida, but Pritchard and the Hall’s other handlers have taken it all over the globe to celebrate the Panthers first championship.
The Stanley Cup started its tropical sojourn back in June when the Panthers opened Game 1 against the Edmonton Oilers.
It was on hand for Game 4 in Edmonton, then had to fly back to Fort Lauderdale for Game 5.
Then back to Edmonton, and, again to Florida.
The Stanley Cup, upon being claimed by the Panthers, ended up in the Atlantic Ocean.
It got drenched during the parade down A1A, then started traveling with players and staff members lucky enough to take it to their home.
Or, in Matthew Tkachuk’s case, to the Anheuser-Busch brewery in St. Louis where a couple of Clydesdales enjoyed a snack out of it.
Perhaps Roberto Luongo left some pasta in it for them to munch on.
Over the past couple of months, the Stanley Cup has traveled throughout North America as well as Europe.
Every player on the 2024 Stanley Cup champion Panthers had their day (or more) with it, and Pritchard was there for a lot of the trips.
Now, after months on the road — he’s not complaining, mind you — Pritchard and the Stanley Cup will head home to Canada.
On Tuesday afternoon, hours before the Panthers opened a new season against the Bruins and raised their championship banner to the rafters, Pritchard joined Florida Hockey Now for a little chat about the summer, his time in Florida, and a whole lot more.
We hope you enjoy a few minutes with the ‘Keeper of the Cup’ as much as we did.
And while you read this, do not be sad knowing the Stanley Cup could be packed up and on a plane headed north.
Just be happy it was part of our lives the past couple of months.
It will be back.
Perhaps for another extended stay.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 9, 2024The price of elite NHL goaltending is going up. Way up. Hockey insider Kevin Weekes reported that New York Rangers goalie Igor Shesterkin turned down an eight-year deal worth $88 million.
That contract would have made made him the highest-paid goalie in NHL history. Carey Price holds the record for a goalie contract for his deal of $84 million over eight sesasons.
By comparison, the Red Wings are carrying three goalies at a total cost of $10.6 million. Ville Husso is the highest-paid at $4.75 million. Jeremy Swayman, Boston’s prize younger goalie, recently signed for an average $8.25 million annual salary for eight seasons.
It’s been suggested that Shesterkin wants a deal with average of more than $12 million from the Rangers. He is currently in the last season of a four-year deal that is paying him $5.667 million per season.
I do not know the source of Kevin Weekes’ information and I won’t speculate. But what possible benefit could NYR derive from leaking info that would turn their fan base against their franchise goaltender? The night before the season-opener, no less. I just don’t get it.
— Larry Brooks (@NYP_Brooksie) October 9, 2024
Red Wings In Case You Missed It
Michael Brandsegg-Nygard won’t start playing for Skelleftea in the Swedish Hockey League until Saturday.
Former Red Wings player Jakub Vrana earned the final roster spot on the Washington Capitals.
Coach Derek Lalonde still hasn’t named a starting goalie for the Red Wings’ season opener.
Red Wings Extra
Detroit is home against the Pittsburgh Penguins for its 2024-25 season opener. With the Detroit Tigers playing a postseason game just a block away, the Red Wings have moved their start time to 8 p.m. The Red Wings are 1-1 in openers with Lalonde. They beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-0 in his coaching debut in 2022. Last season, they lost 4-3 to New Jersey.
Hockey Now Network
Boston: Andrew Fantuccio writes that a disastrous first period resulted in an opening game loss to Florida. Boston Bruins.
Buffalo: Injured forwards JJ Peterka and Zach Benson are both listed now as day-to-day. Buffalo Sabres.
Philadelphia: Would Pierre Engvall be a quality acquisition for the Flyers? Jonathan Bailey weighs in on that subject. Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh: Bryan Rust and Alex Nedeljkovic have taken the next step in their recovery from injury. Pittsburgh Penguins.
San Jose: Goalie Jaroslav Askarov really doesn’t have a problem starting the season the AHL. San Jose Sharks.
[...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 9, 2024In Wednesday’s edition of Bailey’s Daily, we’ll be talking the latest Philadelphia Flyers news, NHL news, stories, highlights, and more from the last day.
Flyers News
The Philadelphia Flyers are, unfortunately, picking right back up where they left off last season.
Unless he is able to return to practice in Vancouver on Thursday, it looks like rugged defenseman Nick Seeler is trending towards missing the Flyers’ season-opener against the Canucks on Friday night.
Seeler, 31, is dealing with some numbness in his leg after taking a puck to the knee in last week’s preseason game against Boston. Usually that’s something that goes away after a few hours or a day, but it’s still keeping Seeler off the ice.
If this continues to ail the trusty blueliner, Flyers associate coach Brad Shaw won’t be the only one who is feeling concerned going forward.
Now, I know some people didn’t like this Flyers trade target, but I am a fan of Pierre Engvall.
Yes, he has a long contract, and yes, the Islanders cut him outright and he was just on waivers.
In my view, you need bottom-six players who can play a role and play it well. Engvall has done that his whole NHL career, and he’s a cost-controlled asset for a long time. Hell, maybe the Isles throw in a pick as a ‘thank you’ to the Flyers.
How did Utah do in its first NHL game?
The big NHL news on Wednesday is going to be about the Utah Hockey Club, which made its NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks under the bright lights of the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
Young star winger Dylan Guenther scored the first goal in Utah history less than five minutes into the team’s inaugural game, and later followed it up with an empty-net goal to seal the deal.
Connor Bedard picked up two assists for the Hawks, but Utah captain Clayton Keller, Guenther, and standout goalie Connor Ingram stood tall to secure a 5-2 victory for the team’s first ever win in the NHL. [...]Read more...
James NicholsOctober 9, 2024Hockey is officially, officially back. The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres got the show started last week in Prague. However, the rest of the NHL began to get underway yesterday with regular season games outside of the Global Series on Tuesday, including the debut of the Utah Hockey Club.
In the links, the Devils are trendy favorites in 2024-25. 10 bold predictions to pair with the excitement. Plus, updates on Luke Hughes and Brett Pesce. Spoiler alert, it’s not so optimistic for Pesce.
Plus, the Devils’ division rival is now fully in a contract dispute with Igor Shesterkin. More on that below.
Elsewhere, a former Devils goaltender is impressing in Vegas, a potential NHL trade within the Metropolitan Division, and Yaroslav Askarov discloses feelings on AHL reassignment.
Let’s do that hockey.
Devils News
New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils’ season might be underway, but there’s still plenty we don’t know about New Jersey as a whole. Here are 10 bold predictions for the Devils in the 2024-25 season.
More NJHN: The Devils returned to the ice in North America on Tuesday, and a familiar face joined them. Although Luke Hughes was present at practice, the optimism quickly faded when a Brett Pesce update was provided.
Even More: Keeping an eye on the Devils’ rival, New York Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin rejected a contract offer that would be the largest goalie contract in NHL history.
New Jersey Hockey Now +
Subscribe to NJHN+ and use code James10 for $10 off (yearly subscriptions) at checkout.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Utah Hockey Club played it’s first ever game in franchise history last night against the Chicago Blackhawks. The Delta Center was electric, resulting in Utah coming out of the gate firing on all cylinders. Their first goal in franchise history goes to Dylan Guenther, and it was a beauty.
WHAT. A. MOMENT. #NHLFaceOff https://t.co/1McV0vgE3e pic.twitter.com/5Mn0WphCET
— NHL (@NHL) October 9, 2024
TSN: The Seattle Kraken have officially named the second captain in their franchises’ history. Jordan Eberle is awarded the ‘C.’
DailyFaceoff: The Edmonton Oilers are padding their blue line, signing defenseman Travis Dermott who earned a contract coming off a professional tryout.
Panthers.NHL.com: The Florida Panthers agree to an eight-year extension with Carter Verhaeghe, announced following the conclusion of their 6-4 victory over the Boston Bruins.
San Jose Hockey Now: Despite the popular belief that he would be ticked when he was reassigned, Yaroslav Askarov has no problem being loaned by the San Jose Sharks to the Barracuda.
Florida Hockey Now: Up against the NHL salary cap, the Florida Panthers made a couple of surprising roster moves on Monday heading into tonight’s season-opener against the Boston Bruins, including a Spencer Knight transaction.
Colorado Hockey Now: Valeri Nichuskin‘s absence from the Colorado Avalanche is coming to an end. The Avs GM insisted on Tuesday that the Russian forward isn’t going anywhere.
Vegas Hockey Now: Of the players who stood out for the Vegas Golden Knights in the preseason, one is a former Devils goaltender who allowed just one goal in four and a half periods of play.
Philly Hockey Now: The New York Islanders waived Pierre Engvall who has six years remaining on his contract. Does an NHL trade with the Philadelphia Flyers make sense?
For more Devils news, visit New Jersey Hockey Now, subscribe to our YouTube and like our Facebook page.
Follow us on 𝕏:
@NJDHockeyNow, @JamesNicholsNHL, @NickNatale10
And on Threads:
@JamesNicholsNHL [...]Read more...
George Richards, FHN PublisherOctober 9, 2024SUNRISE — Tuesday night was about as good as it gets for the Florida Panthers. This is coming from your defending Stanley Cup champions, no less.
Yes, Tuesday night had everything a hockey fan in the tropics could want.
Or anywhere, really.
The Panthers celebrated their 2024 Stanley Cup championship by raising a crisp, new banner high above the Amerant Bank Arena.
Then, the Panthers went out and smashed a Boston Bruins team out for blood.
That 6-4 final was not as close as the score indicated.
Florida took a 2-0 lead in the first, led 4-1 after 20 minutes and were up 5-2 going into the third.
Boston made it close in the final portion of the third, but if David Pastrnak’s pass from the left circle does not ricochet off Dmitry Kulikov and make a beeline past Sergei Bobrovsky, this was just a ho-hum effort by a Bruins team which really wanted to make a statement.
Florida and the Bruins meet again on Monday afternoon at Boston’s Garden in a matinee — and Jeremy Swayman should be in net for that one.
Regardless, Tuesday was a night to celebrate for the Cup champion Panthers.
Wait, we forgot to mention the big news which came in the postgame.
Carter Verhaeghe, one of three high-profile pending free agents for the Panthers, signed an eight-year extension which should keep him in South Florida for the remainder of his career.
Once again, the Panthers and GM Bill Zito worked out a nice deal for both sides with Florida signing their top-line left winger who has averaged 33 goals over the past three seasons for $7 million annually.
Not a bad deal for either side.
Cue talk about how Verhaeghe left money on the table because he doesn’t want to pay state income tax.
Regardless, Tuesday night was one in which everything was going Florida’s way.
Even the crummy weather that was forecasted to soak the Florida faithful stayed mostly in check.
If you could craft a better opener for the defending Stanley Cup champs, one would think the Panthers hired Bob Ross to paint little trees all over a loud and proud Florida-heavy crowd.
As much as Boston fans have stormed the gates in Sunrise over the years, Tuesday was all about a Panthers team which announced earlier in the day that they had sold out their season ticket allotment for the first time in franchise history.
For a team that drew over 1 million hockey fans to their barn on the edge of the Everglades, it does not look like the party is coming to an end anytime soon.
“It was the banner for sure,” coach Paul Maurice said when asked about his team’s jump, “but it was actually the fans. There was a great buzz in the building tonight.
“It was so nice that it was all Panther fans. I think we played off that and got lots of energy from it.”
There was certainly a lot of energy in the building.
As fans filed in, the Panthers played Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final on the scoreboard with cheers rising as that game rolled on.
When the Panthers skated onto the ice for warmups and bodies were seen from the top rows of the building to the ice level, the energy could be felt.
Then came the pregame ceremony — one the Bruins sat out.
Florida’s new banner rose from the ice into the air, and its placement was left to be seen throughout the game.
If the Bruins say they did not notice it, they’re lying.
“It’s an emotional start to the season,’’ said Sam Bennett, who scored twice.
“Obviously, seeing that banner go up shoulder-to-shoulder with all the guys was a pretty special moment. I think it definitely gave us a little juice to start the season off. We came out flying, playing right back to our style of hockey right away. It was a great start.”
Yeah it was.
Florida controlled the game from beginning to, well, almost the end.
The Panthers held a 6-2 lead until the final minutes but clamped down when they had to, something the Bruins — and Florida’s fans — have grown accustomed to.
A total of 12 Panthers hit the scoresheet.
It was a night to remember — and look ahead.
If the Bruins thought the Panthers were going to come into this one with a hangover following Monday’s championship ring ceremony, they were wrong.
“Throughout camp, we have looked really good,’’ said Evan Rodrigues, who scored a goal and assisted on another.
“We had all four lines contributing tonight. That’s how we have to play if we want to play our style of hockey. I thought up and down the lineup, the new guys fit in perfectly. It was nice to get right to our game in Game 1.”
— Defenseman Adam Boqvist, who was running the top power-play unit, took a clearing pass off his face in the first period and left the game. Maurice said he had to have “some imaging’’ done and his status is unknown.
— Chris Driedger was Bobrovsky’s backup on Tuesday after being placed on waivers earlier in the day. Spencer Knight was sent to AHL Charlotte on Monday due to cap concerns.
He could be back with the Panthers for their road trip which starts Thursday in Ottawa.
Florida also placed MacKenzie Entwistle on waivers. Rookie Patrick Giles could be called up after a very strong training camp.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 9, 2024Throughout the Chicago Blackhawks opening night 5-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club, fans could see head coach Luke Richardson was still working to figure out his lines.
Star center Connor Bedard spent some time playing alongside Teuvo Teravainan and Ilya Mikheyev. He also spent some time with Teravainan and Nick Foligno paired together. Bedard even spent some time playing with Pat Maroon. All in all, the Blackhawks are trying to figure out how to succeed early in the year – on a four game road trip before the team’s home opener.
One player was missing from Tuesday night’s action. Lukas Reichel was scratched to start the season. Reichel, who was drafted 17th overall in 2020 and has long been considered a major piece in the future of the team, couldn’t crack the lineup in the season opener.
Lukas Reichel’s absence hurts the Blackhawks.
While watching the Blackhawks lose 5-2 to Utah – Lukas Reichel came to mind. Not because of his play this preseason or the fact the young forward hasn’t completely found his game just yet – but because of the fact the Hawks had some holes in the lineup and it doesn’t seem like Reichel can solve their problems.
With Richardson tinkering with Bedard’s linemates to find the right match, Reichel seems like a logical pick to play alongside Bedard. But his lack of shooting and overall performance in the preseason kept him out of the lineup. Reichel has long had the potential to be a top six forward, but now it is time for him to show it. For the Blackhawks to take a step forward this season – the are almost banking on Reichel coming into the lineup and showing he can be a difference maker.
Reichel’s absence hurts the Blackhawks, because the Chicago envisioned him taking on a big role. It looked like the Blackhawks forward units last night were missing a piece. Sure, Frank Nazar would have been a dream second line center for this team, but Reichel taking on a role in the top six would have been even more important.
If Reichel is playing alongside Kurashev and Bertuzzi on the second line it would give the Hawks the option to bring Hall to the top line with Bedard and Teravainen. Which, in turn would open up a spot for Mikheyev on the third line with Foligno and Dickinson.
Reichel controls his fate. A bad preseason gave the Hawks no choice but to scratch the 22-year-old, but what remains to be seen is how he responds. Can Reichel come into the lineup and force the Hawks to keep him in night in and night out? Can he be that impact top six forward the team needs him to be? Time will tell.
Find Chicago Hockey Now on Facebook and Twitter.
Follow Jim on Twitter
Follow Vinnie on Twitter [...]Read more...
Bob DuffOctober 9, 2024Michael Brandsegg-Nygard is jetting back to Sweden. However, he’s not in any rush to get back into the lineup of SHL champions Skelleftea
The Detroit Red Wings first pick of the 2024 NHL entry draft, Brandsegg-Nygard was given reassignment to Skelleftea after playing the entire NHL preseason with the Red Wings. According to reports, there was a disagreement between the club and the player as to where Brandsegg-Nygard would be playing his hockey this season.
Joseph Woll robs Brandsegg-Nygard! pic.twitter.com/TlQbE1Dyya
— Omar (@TicTacTOmar) October 5, 2024
The report was suggesting that the Red Wings brass was wanting the player they chose 15th overall to be plying his trade in the AHL with the Grand Rapids Griffins. However, Brandsegg-Nygard’s preference was to return to Europe and skate with Skelleftea, the reigning SHL champions.
Last season, Brandsegg-Nygard was suiting up for Mora IK in the Allsvenskan, the Swedish second division.
Brandsegg-Nygard Taking His Time To Get Back In Action
Now that the dust has settled and he’s heading back to Sweden, there doesn’t appear to be any rush in Brandsegg-Nygard’s agenda to get back into action. The big Norwegian winger was in the lineup Saturday at Toronto for Detroit’s NHL preseason finale against the Maple Leafs.
His next game action will be coming exactly a week following that game.
“He is ready to play with Skelleftea this season,” Brandsegg-Nygard’s agent Andreas Johansson told Swedish website Aftonbladet. “There will be no match on Thursday, we are aiming for Saturday.”
Skelleftea is playing Rogle on Thursday. They are in action against Timra on Saturday.
Johansson indicated that he’s been getting nothing but positive reports of the progress of his client during Red Wings camp.
“He had a great camp and they were super happy with him,” Johansson said. “Several good games against NHL opposition.”
Datsyukian stuff from Sandin Pellikka pic.twitter.com/Unl5nd7o4J
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) October 3, 2024
Skelleftea currently is sitting second in the SHL standings. The club’s roster also includes defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka. Detroit’s 17th overall selection in the 2023 NHL entry draft, Sandin Pellikka is showing 2-3-5 totals through seven games this season. He is playing in the second defense pairing for Skelleftea. [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 8, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks started the 2024-25 NHL Season with a tough road matchup against the new kids on the block – the Utah Hockey Club. Sadly, facing a new team, the Blackhawks fell into old habits losing 5-2.
Blackhawks head coach Luke Richardson hoped to leave preseason problems in the preseason. A slow start in the first period was a staple of the Blackhawks throughout the preseason, and unfortunately old habits die hard. The Hawks ended the first period down 2-0 with just a few scoring chances in the offensive zone.
The Blackhawks Score Sheet against the Utah Hockey Club:
1st Period:
4:56 UHC: Dylan Guenther (1)
Assisted by Michael Kesselring (1) Logan Cooley (1)
13:35 UHC: Clayton Keller (1)
Assisted by Nick Schmaltz (1), Barrett Hayton (1)
2nd Period:
8:46 UHC: Barrett Hayton (1)
Assisted by Mikhail Sergachev (1), Nick Schmaltz (2)
14:27 CHI: Teuvo Teravainen (1)
Assisted by Connor Bedard (1), Seth Jones (1)
3rd Period:
4:46 CHI: Nick Foligno (1)
Assisted by Alex Vlasic (1), Connor Bedard (2)
19:16 UHC: Dylan Guenther (2)
Unassisted
19:38 UHC: Lawson Crous (1)
Unassisted
Stars and standouts:
Connor Bedard registered two assists in the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 loss to the Utah Hockey Club. Bedard had a handful of linemates tonight, it looks like finding Bedard’s linemates will continue to be a theme throughout the opening road trip.
Philipp Kurashev looked great tonight. Kurashev fit right in as the second line center, generating a lot of scoring chances on one of the Hawks strongest lines. While he didn’t score tonight, Kurashev did have plenty of looks.
Philip Kurashev hits the post on an open net, and he was not happy with himself going to the bench. #Blackhawks pic.twitter.com/s95appZ6YQ
— Charlie Roumeliotis (@CRoumeliotis) October 9, 2024
Highlights:
After a tough start, the Chicago Blackhawks finally got on the board near the end of the second period. Chicago came out with some speed in the second period, looking to make up from a bad start. This was a good break for the team that gave them some life going into the second intermission.
The Chicago #Blackhawks first goal of the season!
Teuvo Teravainen after a great setup from Connor Bedard
🚨🚨🚨🚨🚨pic.twitter.com/6mPtCquhRf
— Jim Lynch (@JimRLynch) October 9, 2024
Utah came out flying in the third period. Who else but the captain Nick Foligno to bring the Blackhawks deficit to just one goal five minutes into the third?
MY CAPTAIN 🫡 pic.twitter.com/JkUqUZRiNk
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks) October 9, 2024
The Blackhawks won’t have to late too long to take the ice again. Chicago will play the second of a four game road trip on Friday against Winnipeg. [...]Read more...
Florida Hockey Now, Staff ReportOctober 8, 2024SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers had an October Surprise for their media Tuesday night with general manager Bill Zito announcing an eight-year contract extension for star forward Carter Verhaeghe.
This came moments after the Panthers opened their season with a 6-4 win over the Boston Bruins following the raising of the 2024 Stanley Cup banner.
Per the AP, Verhaeghe signed for $7 million annually which is about double what he had been making on the three-year deal which expires after this season.
A night after owner Vinnie Viola made reference to Verhaeghe being a Panther for life, this contract pretty much seals that.
The 29-year-old joined the Panthers in 2020 after the Tampa Bay Lightning decided against offering him a qualifying contract.
Verhaeghe got a two-year deal with the Panthers as a prove-it contract — and almost immediately signed a three-year extension to stay a little longer.
Now, he is not going anywhere.
“We couldn’t be happier,’’ general manager Bill Zito said, turning to Verhaeghe. “I want to thank you on behalf of the organization. And it’s not just for what you do on the ice, but for the teammate you are, the person you are.
“We had a couple of talks through this process, and this guy is a Florida Panther. I think he defines what we just went through. All the superlatives that we use about our team, Carter lives them every day. We are blessed to have him.’’
Verhaeghe has played 278 games with the Panthers over the past four seasons — scoring 116 goals.
He set a career-high in goals in his first three seasons with Florida, scoring 34 last season after going for 42 in 2022-23.
On Tuesday, Verhaeghe said his new contract was finalized before Tuesday night’s win.
“To be a Florida Panther for this long already is a huge honor for me,’’ Verhaeghe said.
“To even extend it longer, I mean, I’m just so grateful for the organization to believe in me, for Bill to believe in me and give me the opportunity a couple years ago. We kind of haven’t looked back. I’m just so appreciative of everyone and how everyone treated me, and I’m so proud to be a Panther for life.”
Did he think the Panthers would win the Stanley Cup when he first signed here — or that he would get a life-altering contract?
“Coming here, I just took it day by day. Obviously, you want to win the Stanley Cup, and that’s the goal,’’ he said. “It was kind of my goal to come here and build it, but you never know if it’s going to come true or what happens.
“It’s crazy that it came true, and to do it with this group of guys and this organization, I couldn’t be more proud. I’m so proud to be able to wear the Panther logo for a long time, and it wouldn’t be right to wear any other sweater.’’
Before training camp started, Verhaeghe indicated how much he wanted to stay with the Panthers.
Now, he does not have to worry about it.
Florida will not turn its free agent focus toward Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad who both are in the final year of their respective deals.
“I want to stay,’’ Verhaeghe told Florida Hockey Now. “It’s kind of a different situation for me; I have never been in this situation before. Obviously, my priority is to stay. I love playing for the Florida Panthers. That’s pretty much it.
“Things are good. I would feel weird putting on any other jersey than that of the Florida Panthers. I have been here for four years now, and this feels like my home. I love playing here. It is definitely hard to find something that matches this.’’
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Josh FrojelinOctober 8, 2024Ty Dellandra may only have four career fights, but two have come against Luke Kunin.
There is no bitterness between the two, who have been united on the San Jose Sharks this season. For Dellandrea, the move to San Jose has brought a needed fresh start. The 24-year-old former first-round selection was no longer receiving consistent playing time with Dallas and hopes to carve out a full-time role with the Sharks.
Kunin, who was extended this offseason and is an alternate captain, was also a former first-round pick who needed to carve out a role in the bottom of the lineup to stay in the NHL. Both forwards have great respect for one another and are excited for the San Jose Sharks regular season to kick off.
They spoke at the beginning of training camp.
Dellandrea also talked about his relationship on the Dallas Stars with San Jose Sharks legend Joe Pavelski. Kunin talks about the buzz in San Jose.
Dellandrea, on his previous fights with Luke Kunin:
We had a good laugh. If I remember correctly. I think from Dallas put us in touch, because they played together in . Brought it up. We had a good laugh about it. We talked about it today when we played each other, just joking around.
Dellandrea, on a fresh start in San Jose:
You need situations like this every so often in your career. I needed it in my career. That’s why they traded me from Dallas. It’s a fresh start. For me personally, and for the for the group, to establish new habits and a winning mentality. A lot of work that needs to go into that, both for me personally and for the group to break some of those habits and break through that threshold. But, it’s exciting times for everybody.
Walked into Sharks Ice before everybody on the ice to see Dellandrea practicing tips with Cardwell. Wonder who Dellandrea picked that up from
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) September 22, 2024
Dellandrea, on Joe Pavelski’s large impact in San Jose:
Am I surprised? No. I know what he did here. Being with him for 3-4 years in Dallas and pretty good friends with him. You see the impact he’s left, not only here, in Dallas, but just on the game. Especially here. Throughout those years, I had a lot of guys that created a winning environment and a high standard. He left his impact. I texted him the other day and said, “I’m sick of seeing your face.” (laughs)
Dellandrea, on practicing tipping pucks like Pavelski:
We would go out before morning skate every single game day for three years. Tip pucks, just him and I. It was a good little routine. Helps you get the hands going, help get the tips going and feel good.
Dellandrea, on how good Pavelski was at tipping pucks:
just makes it look easy and effortless. Jani Hakanpaa, I remember specifically, asked him to come out with us one morning to take one-timers from a coach which, and then got to tip them. One-timers, you’re not usually getting a tip on them. They’re so hard and fast, you can’t really see them. When he gets a sifter from the point, for sure you’re getting stick on it. Jani Hakanpaa, big man’s taking one-timers, he’s tipping them like nothing.
Dellandrea shared personal, "meaningful" reason why he chose to wear No. 53 pic.twitter.com/uOprOmFly3
— Sheng Peng (@Sheng_Peng) September 22, 2024
Kunin, on returning to San Jose:
I know what my role is on this team. I have the relationship with and the guys on the team being here the last few years. I want to be here. I want to help turn this around. I want to win here. That’s how it went throughout the whole process. We got a lot of young talent coming up, and I want to be here, be a part of that, and help them in any way I can. Help lead this group the right direction. All that stuff works itself out. I just want to play hockey, compete out there, and be out there with those guys. Happy with how everything went and looking forward to starting the season.
Kunin, on his fights with Dellandrea:
One in Nashville, one last year. I love his game. I love the competitiveness he plays with, the willingness to do whatever. I did remember when I saw that we got him. The one last year, we saw each other in the parking lot after and you know hockey guys, “You good? Yeah. Good job,” kind of thing. I respect it. I’m a guy who’s willing to do it, so I got a lot of respect for guys who do that for their team and their teammates. We’re happy to have him.
Kunin, on the buzz around the team so far:
Even the first day I got here, a couple weeks back, coming into the room you just feel it from the first person you see. Talking to coaches, management, trainers, chefs, whatever it may be, workers here at the rink; everyone’s excited. Everyone knows we got better. Everyone knows what’s coming within this organization, and we’re all excited about that. No one’s happy, okay, or content with what has happened here in the past. You definitely use that to fuel the fire, and never want to have that feeling again. That’s our mindset going into camp: Every day get better; every day get more competitive and putting the right pieces together to have success this year. [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 8, 2024A new season marks a fresh start. One where past failures are erased and in their place is an opportunity to rectify them.
The Boston Bruins are in need of another fresh start after losing their season opener to the Florida Panthers, 6-4, at Amarant Bank Arena on Tuesday night.
After being eliminated from the playoffs by Florida in each of the last two seasons, the Bruins spent the entire summer with the Panthers in the back of their minds. It was clear at the end of the end of the first period on Tuesday, though, that the Panthers didn’t think about the Bruins at all.
Florida entered the first intermission with a firm 4-1 lead. Not one that they so much earned, but rather one the Bruins handed them with a disastrous opening 20 minutes of play.
There were no signs of the aggressive forecheck that the Bruins had cultivated throughout training camp. As a result, Florida dominated puck possession and held a gaudy 12-1 advantage in shots on goal midway through the period.
Joonas Korpisalo looked to be in command for the Bruins. That was until Sam Bennett and Eetu Luostarinen each scored in the span of a minute to put the Panthers ahead 2-0.
Korpisalo’s Bruins debut couldn’t have gone much worse, as he finished the night with 29 saves on 35 shots. Nevertheless, Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery stuck with Korpisalo in goal rather than pulling him in favor of Jeremy Swayman.
None of the goals Korpisalo surrendered were particularly pretty. His rebound control was poor, and he seemed to have a difficult time tracking the puck.
The worst of the goals was Sam Reinhart’s shorthanded snipe off the rush at 18:34 of the first, which came just moments after Pavel Zacha gave the Bruins a bit of hope with one of his own.
Must Read: To Move Forward, Bruins Must Overcome Past Against Panthers
Bennett sent the Panthers to the dressing room with some insurance with his second goal of the night, and Florida continued to pile on as Jonah Gadjovich and Evan Rodrigues both got in on the fun.
Charlie McAvoy scored on the power play for Boston at 12:32 of the middle frame. Trent Frederic and David Pastrnak added goals in the final minutes of the third. But by then, it was too late.
The Bruins had already done more than enough to embarrass themselves, playing a sloppy and undisciplined brand of hockey. They were weak in front of their own net. They were helpless in trying to establish possession in the offensive zone.
Without much else other than pride left to play for, the Bruins did what all teams do when they’re getting steamrolled: get physical.
It seemed after every whistle, there was a hoard of white and red sweaters shoving one another, exchanging unpleasantries. By the final horn, Boston had racked up a total of 19 combined penalty minutes.
The Bruins waited nearly five months to exact their revenge on the Panthers. Now, they’ll have to wait until at least next Monday when Florida pays a visit to TD Garden.
Between now and then, the Bruins have much to work on.
They’ll get another fresh start on Thursday at home against the Montreal Canadiens.
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Florida Hockey Now, Staff ReportOctober 8, 2024SUNRISE — It sounded like the Boston Bruins were going to use being the opponent subjugated to the Florida Panthers Stanley Cup banner celebration personal.
It sounded like the Bruins were going to come out and take the game to the Panthers as they basked in the glory of their recent championship.
It sounded like a lot of things on Tuesday night — mostly like the goal horn going off time after time after time with the Panthers rolling to a 6-4 win over their rivals from Massachusetts.
If the Bruins were using Florida’s banner raising ceremony for motivational fuel, they need to find another place to fill up as their tank was empty with Florida taking control of the game from the get.
The Panthers scored the first two goals, and by the time they played Mambo No. 5, it was only midway through the second period.
Up 5-1 after Jonah Gadjovich scored off a beaut of a rush pass from Jesper Boqvist, fans in the sold out arena started taunting goalie Joonas Korpisalo — by chanting ‘We Want Swayman!’
The Panthers, now 1-0, will head out on the road for a four-game sojourn which begins Thursday in Ottawa and ends Tuesday night in Columbus.
Game No. 3 in this four-game trip is Florida’s first game back at Boston Garden since ending the Bruins’ season in game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
— Adam Boqvist left the game midway through the first period after getting hit in the face by a clearing pass. He did not return.
GOALS OF THE GAME
Panthers 1, Bruins 0 (6:27, 1st): Sam Bennett tracks down a loose puck in front of goalie Joonas Korpisalo and knocks it through for Florida’s first goal of the new season.
Panthers 2, Bruins 0 (7:31, 1st): Sam Reinhart sends a shot across the goal line with Anton Lundell getting a piece of it down low. Eetu Luostarinen then hops on the loose puck.
Panthers 2, Bruins 1 (15:33, 1st SH): The Panthers lose the puck in the offensive zone after Adam Boqvist got hurt; Elias Lindholm found Pavel Zacha in the left circle and Boston is on the board.
Panthers 3, Bruins 1 (18:34, 1st SH): Reinhart gets his first of the year as he drives in on Charlie McAvoy and lets a shot fly from the left circle and pops it off Korpisalo’s shoulder.
Panthers 4, Bruins 1 (19:34, 1st): Bennett drives in, sends it toward A.J. Greer — only gets it back and scores from the slot.
Panthers 5, Bruins 1 (9:12, 2nd): Jonah Gadjovich crashes the net and ends up on the receiving end of a sharp pass from Jesper Boqvist.
Panthers 5, Bruins 2 (12:32, 2nd): John Beecher’s shot comes off Sergei Bobrovsky’s glove and McAvoy is there to clean it up.
Panthers 6, Bruins 2 (6:26, 3rd): Evan Rodrigues pretty much ices this thing with a sharp wrister from the slot. Bennett goes flying into Korpisalo and chaos, of course, ensues.
Panthers 6, Bruins 3 (16:51, 3rd): Trent Frederic scores on a one-timer to make it a 3-goal game. And the Bruins have life.
Panthers 6, Bruins 4 (18:15, 3rd): David Pastrnak’s pass was blocked by Dmitry Kulikov, but the puck skittered toward Bobrovsky and slipped through to bring the Bs within 2.
FHN’S 3 STARS OF THE GAME
1. Sam Bennett, Florida
2. Sam Reinhart, Florida
3. Evan Rodrigues, Florida
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Dan KelleyOctober 8, 2024The New England Patriots made four roster moves on Tuesday. They opened up a spot on their 53-man roster and released two players from the practice squad. New England signed center Sincere Haynesworth to the practice squad. The Patriots now have one open spot on the 53-man roster and two open practice squad spots.
The Patriots released Jamree Kromah from the 53-man roster. He could sign with the Patriots practice squad if he clears waivers. Sione Takitaki began the season on the PUP list, along with Kendrick Bourne and Marte Mapu. Bourne and Mapu were added to the 53-man roster ahead of New England’s Week 5 game against the Miami Dolphins. Takitaki taking Kromah’s spot is the most likely outcome, assuming he has no setbacks this week.
Matt Landers’ release leaves the Patriots with no wide receivers on their practice squad. He showed some big-play ability in his lone preseason appearance. At 6-foot-4 with 4.37 40-yard speed, he has exceptional physical tools. But with Bourne’s return, New England now has seven wide receivers on the 53-man roster and may opt to fill the spot with another position of need.
Offensive lineman Jerome Carvin was the other player released from the practice squad. He has had two stints with the Patriots this season. He was on their practice squad from Aug. 27 to Sept. 10 before being released the first time. Carvin re-signed with the practice squad on Oct. 2 before his second release six days later.
Sincere Haynesworth
Haynesworth was a three-star recruit coming out of Pearland High School in Pearland, Tex in the Class of 2019. He chose to play collegiately for the Tulsa Green Wave. He started as a true freshman at right guard for the final five games of the 2019 season.
Tulane moved Haynesworth to center in 2020. He remained the team’s starting center for the next four seasons. He appeared in 59 games during his college career with 54 starts, 49 of them coming at center. Sincere Haynesworth was named first-team All-AAC in both 2022 and 2023.
Despite having a very productive collegiate career, Haynesworth’s measurables did not pop off the page. He measured just under 6-foot-1 and weighed 300 pounds while running a 5.27 40-yard dash. Haynesworth was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The New Orleans Saints signed Haynesworth and kept him throughout training camp. He appeared in two preseason games as a right guard, which he hadn’t played since 2019. New Orleans waived him with an injury designation on Aug. 20. He reached an injury settlement to become a free agent.
Sincere Haynesworth joins Liam Fornadel, Bryan Hudson, Caleb Jones, and Jalen McKenzie as offensive linemen on the New England Patriots practice squad. [...]Read more...
Florida Hockey Now, Staff ReportOctober 8, 2024SUNRISE — The Florida Panthers got their Stanley Cup championship rings on Monday night so, really, there was just one piece of business left and that was raising the banner to the rafters of Amerant Bank Arena.
The Panthers, opening their season against the rival Boston Bruins, had a quick pregame ceremony with no introduction of individual players or coaches.
Instead, the players skated out onto the ice following a highlight video — with captain Sasha Barkov coming out with the Stanley Cup.
Barkov placed the Cup near where the banner would be raised as the remaining members of the 2024 title team watched from the blue line as the banner headed into the air above the home goal.
The banner will be relocated to its permanent spot in the arena following the game.
The Panthers opened up with their hair on fire, outshooting the Bruins 12-1 to start with a pair of quick goals from Sam Bennett and Eetu Luostarinen against Joonas Korpisalo.
Boston cut its deficit in half with a shorthanded goal at 15:33 of the first.
Florida ended up taking a 4-1 lead into the second period.
Sam Reinhart got his first of the season on a shorthanded chance; Bennett got his second with 25.8 seconds remaining.
ON DECK: GAME 2
FLORIDA PANTHERS AT OTTAWA SENATORS
When: Thursday, 7 p.m.
Where: Canadian Tire Center, Ottawa
Local TV: Scripps Sports — WSFL 39 (Miami/Fort Lauderdale); WHDT 9 (West Palm); LAFF 36.3 (Naples/Fort Myers)
Streaming: Panthers+; ESPN+
Radio: WPOW 96.5-FM2; WBZT 1230-AM (Palm Beach); WCTH 100.3-FM (Florida Keys); SiriusXM
Panthers Radio Streaming: SiriusXM 932, NHL App
This Season (Panthers Lead 2-0) — At Ottawa: Panthers 5, Senators 0 (Nov.27); Panthers 6, Senators 0 (April 4). At Florida: Panthers 3, Senators 2 OT (Feb. 20); Panthers 2, Senators 0 (April 9).
All-time Regular Season Series: Ottawa leads 57-48-5, 3 ties
Up Next for the Panthers: Saturday at Buffalo, 7 p.m. (Local TV) [...]Read more...
Dan KingerskiOctober 8, 2024CRANBERRY, PA — His mother cried, and coach Mike Sullivan is working him onto the penalty-killing unit. Pittsburgh Penguins rookie Rutger McGroarty will most likely make his NHL debut Wednesday night when the Penguins begin their 2024-25 season against the New York Rangers, but part of the fun was telling everyone that he made the team.
McGroarty didn’t have a special moment or meeting with coaches to get the good news. Instead, the teams’ and players’ 21st-century media needs to provide fans with an inside look to let the cat out of the bag. Of course, the litany of Penguins injuries that will bridge the preseason and regular season probably clued him into the possibility, too.
“The PR team called me and was like, ‘Hey, you’re on the roster. We have to send out a press release,” said McGroarty. “We want to videotape you telling your family for the first time. And so, yeah, that was obviously a pretty special moment for me and my family.
“My mom. She’s a ball baby. So, she started crying. She was so happy for me and just seeing how hard I’ve worked (over) the past couple of years. And God has a plan for me. It was really cool, and it was a special moment for us, especially for my dad. I mean, him and I–he’s taught me pretty much everything I know about hockey.”
McGroarty has been waiting for his NHL shot for two years since the Winnipeg Jets drafted him 14th overall. Or, perhaps the NHL has been waiting for McGroarty. The winger comes from the powerhouse University of Michigan, which has been pumping top talent into NHL pipelines for the last few years. Beginning with first-overall pick Owen Power in 2022, Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, Luke Hughes, Frank Nazar, and McGroarty have bounced out of Big Blue.
McGroarty confirmed that the teammates who would have been the Class of 2026 take annual trips together, but this year, it will have to wait because many of them are playing professional hockey.
Nazar just missed making the Chicago Blackhawks out of training camp. He was McGroarty’s linemate for the last couple of seasons, but it is indicative of the talent coming out of Ann Arbor.
However, the top of Penguins coach Mike Sullivan’s lineup is full, and McGroarty’s game has a little way to go toward completion. So, Sullivan will thrust McGroarty into a scoring third-line roll with some penalty-killing duties.
“The way most players come into the NHL is through a third or fourth-line role,” Sullivan said over the weekend.
Tuesday, Sullivan expounded on the PK role for McGroarty.
“We like this hockey IQ. We think he has an aptitude for the game. He’s a good player on both sides of the puck,” Sullivan said. “When we’re talking about our player group and what the lineup looks like, we’re trying to make sure that we cast players in certain roles where, No.1, they can play to their strengths, but also keep them involved in a way that that makes them feel valued as part of the group, and it helps us get them minutes in the game.”
Last season, McGroarty had 52 points, including scoring 16 goals last season at Michigan. He wrapped the preseason with an eye-popping performance on center Lars Eller’s line. Eller had a pair of goals and a pair of assists, while McGroarty had a goal and two assists.
It was one of those performances which otherwise forced coaches to keep him around. [...]Read more...
Danny McCloskeyOctober 8, 2024After a few days of roster moves, the Senators have their roster set for the start of the regular season. On Sunday, I wrote about the surprising waiver decisions made by the Senators. I considered including a paragraph about Carter Yakemchuk making the team. Thankfully I held off, as yesterday the Senators announced that he was being sent back to the WHL. The other announcement was that Zack Ostapchuk was being sent to the AHL, and Adam Gaudette, who cleared waivers, was going to start in the NHL on the Senators roster. Let’s dive in and take a close look at the 2024-25 Ottawa Senators
READ MORE: Looking at the Critical First 20 Games for the Ottawa Senators
Forwards
Tkachuk-Stützle-Giroux
Greig-Norris-Batherson
Perron-Pinto-Amadio
Gregor-Gaudette-Cousins
MacEwan
Analyzing the Forwards
As hockey fans are aware, lines are often switched up at the drop of the hat in the NHL. For now, let’s focus more on the entirety of this group. It feels like Sens fans have been waiting for years to see Stützle, Norris, and Pinto all play up the middle for a significant amount of games, together. Now, there’s also Ridly Greig as a young centre that will have to start on the wing, which is by no means a problem. With his feisty style, he can channel his inner Brad Marchand and wreak havoc as a winger.
Steve Staios did a nice job bringing in solid veteran forwards to surround the talented, younger forwards. Given their time spent with winning organizations, you can expect the likes of Perron, Amadio, and Cousins to demonstrate the importance of attention to detail and commitment to two way play. I’m happy to see Gaudette receive the chance to stick around. His preseason play earned him some NHL games, now it’s time for him to make the most of them.
There’s a few internal battles with this group that I’m interested to see play out. As far as depth forwards, Gregor, Gaudette and even Cousins will have to stay in Travis Green’s good books. Not only is MacEwan waiting for his chance, but there are also a few players in the minors, most notably Zack Ostapchuk, who will be pushing for their opportunity as well. As for the top guys, it will be interesting to see who gets to play on the top power play. There’s also a bit of a battle between Norris and Pinto, who both have their sights set on big minutes and quality linemates up the middle.
Defense
Sanderson-Zub
Chabot-Jensen
Kleven-Hamonic
Bernard-Docker
Analyzing the Defense
Last season, Ottawa undoubtedly had a very talented group on defense. In the end, they scored a bunch of goals, but they were also fairly soft. There was a redundancy to the group with the likes of Chychrun and Brannstrom, given that the Senators also had Sanderson and Chabot as left-shot, puck movers. Flash forward to this season, and it looks like a more well-rounded group. Jensen shoots right, and is a more defensive minded d-man compared to Chychrun. Kleven is a much bigger, more physical bottom pairing d-man compared to Brannstrom. Nonetheless, there are still question marks with this group. Can Chabot stay healthy? How much left in the tank does Jensen have? Can Hamonic rebound from a bad year? Is Tyler Kleven ready? If nothing else, Senators fans can find solace in that top pair. Sanderson is a star in the making, and Zub is rock solid on the right side.
Goalies
Ullmark
Forsberg
Analyzing the Goalies
Ullmark provides the Senators with the most reliable goalie that they’ve had in a long time. It’s hard to find a team that made a bigger trade or free agent addition than the Senators did by adding Ullmark, given their need at the position. They went from from a huge question mark in Korpisalo, to a quality number one goalie. The questions are, can Forsberg rebound from last season, and can Ullmark handle a bigger workload? He played only 40 games last year, and 49 in his Vezina winning season the year before. Regardless, there’s no reason the Senators can’t receive much better goaltending this year because of the great trade made by Steve Staios in the offseason.
So, there you have it. This is the Ottawa Senators roster to start the season. The long wait is nearly over. The Senators quest to get back to the playoffs starts this Thursday at 7pm, at home against the Florida Panthers.
[...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 8, 2024After missing multiple practices, even after some days off, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Nick Seeler is in danger of missing Friday’s season-opening matchup against the Vancouver Canucks.
Seeler, 31, has been dealing with numbness in his leg after taking a puck to the knee in a preseason game against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 1.
Flyers associate head coach Brad Shaw shared some concerns on Tuesday, namely because Seeler’s recovery is taking longer than anticipated.
“It’s sure taking a lot longer than we thought. Most of those, you get the sensation back and you get your feeling back in minutes or hours at the most,” Shaw said of Seeler before the Flyers left for Vancouver on Tuesday. “It has been a few days now.
“Hopefully he’s ready to go, but we’ll deal with it day-to-day.”
If Seeler is unable to play against the Canucks on Friday, it means that veteran defenseman Erik Johnson will draw into the bottom of the lineup.
The one caveat to the situation, though, is that the defense pairings may become mixed and matched.
For example, Cam York and Travis Sanheim are two left-shot defensemen who play on the same pairing. Playing two right-shot defensemen on the same pairing is taboo in the NHL, and the Flyers may have to do that with Johnson.
If the Flyers want to avoid this, York and Sanheim may have to split up to give the team an adequate number of left-shot defenders to replace Seeler.
Seeler will have one more chance to return to practice on Thursday before the Flyers face the Canucks at Rogers Arena on Friday night.
The Orange and Black begin the 2024-25 season on a four-game road trip that starts in Canada with Vancouver on Friday, followed by games against Calgary and Edmonton and a trip to the West Coast to face Seattle. [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 8, 2024The Boston Bruins open their 2024-25 campaign tonight when they visit the Florida Panthers at Amarant Bank Arena. Here’s what you need to know prior to puck drop.
The Past Hangs Over The Heads Of The Bruins:
The start of a new season means a fresh slate. But for the Bruins, it means having to come face to face with their past.
The Bruins have seen their playoff hopes and dreams die in the teeth of the Panthers each of the last two years. As much as Boston would like to simply move on, that won’t be easy as Florida raises its Stanley Cup championship banner to the rafters.
Tonight, the Bruins’ past will hang over their heads.
Season Predictions:
The worst part about the offseason is that there’s no hockey. The best part is that it leaves plenty of room to predict what’s to come in the season ahead.
So before the games begin, I’m locking in my final Bruins predictions, which include them making a deep playoff run and a star player winning one of the most prestigious awards in all of hockey.
Meet The New Team at Boston Hockey Now:
Just as the Bruins begin a new season, it’s a new era here at Boston Hockey Now.
Jimmy Murphy did a tremendous job running the site over the last few years and has now turned it over to Christopher Hurley and myself, Andrew Fantucchio.
Together, Chris and I aim to provide you with the absolute best Bruins coverage possible.
Here’s to a great year!
Lines:
Zacha – E. Lindholm – Pastrnak
Marchand – Coyle – Geekie
Jones – Frederic – Brazeau
Beecher – Kastelic – Koepke
H. Lindholm – McAvoy
Lohrei – Carlo
Zadorov – Peeke
Korpisalo
Swayman
The Opponent:
The Florida Panthers enter the 2024-25 season as the defending Stanley Cup Champions.
Many of the names you’re familiar with are still on the Panthers.
Matthew Tkachuk is among the NHL’s biggest stars, and Aleksander Barkov is a perennial Selke Trophy favorite. Meanwhile, Aaron Ekblad has been a constant on the Florida blue line for a decade, and Carter Verhaeghe is one of the more underrated goal-scorers in the entire league.
Florida’s roster also features several newcomers, including former Bruins A.J. Greer, Jesper Boqvist, and Tomas Nosek, who is on injured reserve.
In goal against the Bruins tonight, the Panthers are expected to start Sergei Bobrovsky.
For more Panthers Coverage, follow George Richards at Florida Hockey Now.
How To Watch:
Puck drop between the Bruins and Panthers from Amarant Bank Arena is scheduled for 7:25 p.m. EST. Coverage of the game will begin at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The game can also be heard on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
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Dan KelleyOctober 8, 2024The New England Patriots are off to a 1-4 start to their 2024 season. New England ranks 31 out of 32 NFL in points scored (62). The team hopes a change at quarterback will help turn things around. According to reports, Drake Maye will replace Jacoby Brissett in the starting lineup for the Patriots in Week 6 against the Houston Texans.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport was the first to report the news.
The New England Patriots selected Drake Maye with the third overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. He saw limited reps with the first unit throughout training camp, despite head coach Jerod Mayo declaring it an open competition for the starting quarterback job.
Also Read – Should Mayo Have Announced Patriots Starting QB Before Camp?
Maye impressed in limited action during the preseason, though it was largely against backups and players who wouldn’t be on NFL rosters when the season began. He completed 21-of-34 passes for 192 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Maye ran seven times for an additional 32 yards and another score.
But Mayo announced, “We’re going to play the best players,” and he determined that the best player at quarterback through the first five weeks was Jacoby Brissett.
Jacoby Brissett
Brissett signed a one-year deal in free agency to return to New England. He knew he’d be the bridge quarterback between the Mac Jones Era and Drake Maye taking over the starting role. How long of a bridge that would be was unknown. It turned out to be five games.
Jacoby Brissett won over fans and teammates with his leadership and toughness. He was voted a Patriots team captain in his first season back with the team since 2016. On the field, Brissett repeatedly took a beating and kept getting up. His toughness is unquestioned. Despite his porous offensive line, Brissett never complained to the media about how things were going.
The veteran QB also dealt with some fans rooting for Drake Maye to replace him before he took a single snap. Others were rooting for him to keep playing to avoid getting the rookie taking the beatings being inflicted on Brissett. In many ways, he was put in a no-win situation.
Through five games, Brissett has completed 79-of-135 passes (58.5%) for 696 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Ironically, the quarterback switch comes after Brissett played his best game of the season, per Pro Football Focus. He received a grade of 72.5 for Week 5.
What to Expect From Drake Maye
The hope is that Drake Maye gets some game experience without getting injured. New England center Nick Leverett allowed ten pressures all by himself against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. That is not conducive to quality quarterback play from anybody.
Maye is better at running with the football and throwing on the run than Brissett. He has a stronger arm as well. Perhaps if he can keep plays alive a bit longer, it will give him more time to find open receivers. There has certainly been some frustration from the wide receiver room in New England this season.
It is also very important that Maye learns to slide and avoid taking unnecessary big hits. This was an issue he had in college. There will be enough of a beating coming his way from the opposing pass rush. He cannot pass up the opportunity to avoid contact when possible.
Most importantly, Maye can bring a spark to the New England Patriots and their fanbase. His ability to make something out of nothing, showcase a beautiful deep ball, or run for a key gain himself is not the forte of Jacoby Brissett. The veteran quarterback might be more safe, but the rookie is certain to get people more excited.
What Not to Expect From Drake Maye
Maye should not be expected to commit as few turnovers as Jacoby Brissett. Maye’s lack of experience alone will lead to poor decisions and turnovers. The hope is that he will learn from his mistakes and make fewer of them the more he plays.
The one thing people should not expect is for Drake Maye to solve all of the New England Patriots’ problems. They simply have too many of them. With Tom Brady in his prime at quarterback, the Patriots are still not a good football team in 2024. But with Drake Maye at quarterback, they at least just became more interesting. [...]Read more...
John PerrottoOctober 8, 2024Luis Tiant, who won 229 games in his 19-year career and spent one season with the Pittsburgh Pirates, has died. He was 83.
The Boston Red Sox announced Tiant’s death Tuesday. They said he died at his home in Maine but provided no further details.
The charismatic right-hander is best remembered for his eight-year run with the Red Sox from 1971-78. He won all four starts in the 1975 postseason when the Red Sox reached the World Series and lost to the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.
Tiant spent part of the 1981 season with the Pirates, making nine starts during the strike-interrupted campaign. He was 2-5 with a 3.92 ERA.
Tiant also had stints with Cleveland (1964-69), the Minnesota Twins (1970), New York Yankees (1979-80) and California Angels (1982).
Tiant was a three-time All-Star and won two ERA titles while compiling a 229-172 record and 3.30 ERA in 573 games, including 484 starts. [...]Read more...
Nathan MoserOctober 8, 2024The Washington Capitals made a couple of moves to address the team’s defense over the offseason. Former GM Brian MacLellan added former Los Angeles Kings blueliner Matt Roy to the fold as a free agent, while also striking a deal with the Ottawa Senators for Jakob Chychrun. With Chychrun, Washington is his third NHL team since being drafted in 2016. He started as a member of the Arizona Coyotes, before playing parts of two campaigns in Ottawa. When he came to D.C., he reunited with one of his teammates from his early days in Arizona in Dylan Strome. The two now find each other as teammates again for the Capitals as the puck will soon drop to begin the 2024-25 regular season in Washington.
Chychrun and Strome’s Time with the Arizona Coyotes
Both Dylan Strome and Jakob Chychrun started as draft selections by the Coyotes. Arizona picked Strome with the third overall selection in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Chychrun, meanwhile, was chosen with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 Draft. They both played together for the Coyotes for parts of three seasons. They first suited up together in 2016-17. Strome played seven games for the club, where he produced an assist, before returning to the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Chychrun suited up in 68 games for Arizona and amassed 20 points in that span (seven goals and 13 assists). They played some games together during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 campaigns too. Below are their stats for each season with the Coyotes:
Dylan Strome
2017-18: four goals and five assists for nine points in 21 games
2018-19: three goals and three assists for six points in 20 games
Jakob Chychrun
2017-18: four goals and 10 assists for 14 points in 50 games
2018-19: five goals and 15 assists for 20 points in 53 games
The 2018-19 campaign was when the paths of Strome and Chychrun separated. Then-Coyotes general manager John Chayka traded Strome to the Chicago Blackhawks, along with Brendan Perlini, for Nick Schmaltz on November 25, 2018. Strome grew more as a talent with Chicago, while Chychrun continued to be a pivotal piece on Arizona’s blue line.
Strome and Chychrun’s Journeys to Washington
Fast forwarding to the 2021-22 campaign, Strome had a great offensive season for the Blackhawks. He scored 22 goals and recorded 26 assists for 48 points in 69 games. That started his offensive stats increase from previous NHL campaigns. Strome became a free agent in the 2022 offseason, and he signed a deal with Washington to become a member of the Capitals. He continued having a scoring touch in D.C., becoming one of the vital members of the offense. During Strome’s time in D.C. so far, he has registered the following numbers:
2022-23: 23 goals and 42 assists for 65 points in 81 games
2023-24: 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 82 games
Each of these campaigns have been career-highs for Strome.
As for Chychrun, he became a defender with the Coyotes who could record his fair share of offensive stats. His best campaign for Arizona occurred in 2020-21, when he accumulated 41 points in 56 games (18 goals and 23 assists).
Chychrun was dealt from Arizona to the Ottawa Senators in the middle of the 2022-23 season. He did not spend a long time with the Senators, but he did tie his career high in points last season with 41 (14 goals and 27 assists). With one campaign remaining on his current deal, he was moved again during the 2024 offseason to the Capitals in exchange for blueliner Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round draft pick. After going on their own NHL paths the last few years, both Strome and Chychrun are reunited in D.C. prior to the 2024-25 season.
Strome and Chychrun on Their NHL History
Strome discussed his time with Chychrun in Arizona and what he brings to the Capitals. Strome said, “He’s great. He’s a fun guy to be around. We had a lot of fun times together…We lived together for four, five months when I was in Arizona. It’s just nice to see him around. A familiar face and he’s a great hockey player. Really, really strong. Really good skater. Good with the puck. Can shoot it 100 miles an hour. So, I think any time you bring a guy with that toolset, it’s only gonna help your team.”
Chychrun also talked about how good it is to be reunited with Strome, and how they came into the NHL together and have grown their games. Chychrun said, “Yeah it’s great. Yeah, we lived with each other in Arizona for a bit. Lot of good memories coming into the league at young ages together. Been able to develop together. It’s everyone’s dream at that age to make the NHL, so we made it at the same time together and just…to have that experience is pretty special. Each day is like the day of your life at that age, so we were really soaking it up together. Lots of good memories…It’s nice to be here and have that familiar face…” [...]Read more...
Jim LynchOctober 8, 2024The Chicago Blackhawks will kick off the 2024-25 NHL Season with a big game in Utah later tonight against the new Utah Hockey Club.
For the Blackhawks, tonight’s game is about setting the right tone, and helping welcome Utah to the NHL. With just a few hours till puck drop, here is the expected lineup in Utah tonight.
Blackhawks projected lines:
Ilya Mikheyev — Connor Bedard — Teuvo Teravainen
Taylor Hall — Philipp Kurashev — Tyler Bertuzzi
Nick Foligno — Jason Dickinson — Joey Anderson
Craig Smith — Ryan Donato — Patrick Maroon
Alec Martinez — Seth Jones
Alex Vlasic — TJ Brodie
Nolan Allan — Connor Murphy
Petr Mrazek
Arvid Soderblom
Scratched: Isaak Phillips, Lukas Reichel, Andreas Athanasiou
Injured: Wyatt Kaiser (illness)
Utah projected lineup:
Clayton Keller — Barrett Hayton — Nick Schmaltz
Jack McBain — Logan Cooley — Dylan Guenther
Matias Maccelli — Josh Doan — Lawson Crouse
Liam O’Brien — Kevin Stenlund — Alexander Kerfoot
Mikhail Sergachev — Sean Durzi
Jusso Valimaki — Michael Kesselring
Ian Cole — Vladislav Kolyachonok
Connor Ingram
Karel Vejmelka
Scratched: Michael Carcone, Kailer Yamamoto, Robert Bortuzzo
Injured: Nick Bjugstad (upper body), John Marino (upper body)
Notes for the Blackhawks season opener:
Nolan Allan will make his NHL debut tonight in Utah. This will be a big game for both team’s as the Blackhawks look to prove a poor preseason is something they can move past quickly. For Utah, tonight’s game will officially introduce them to the NHL. Keep an eye on newly named captain Clayton Keller for Utah.
This is not the same roster the Blackhawks saw last season in Arizona. Utah has made their mark going out and adding Sergachev this offseason to help lead the defense. While losing John Marino early to an injury might not be the best way to start the year, Utah still will be a big challenge for the Blackhawks.
Predictions:
The Blackhawks will play spoiler in Utah’s inaugural NHL game, beating the hockey club 3-1 on opening night. Look for a big game from Philipp Kurashev playing alongside Bertuzzi and Teravainen as well as a Nick Foligno scoring a goal in his first game as captain.
Nick Foligno is tonight’s player to watch.
This will be Foligno’s introduction to Blackhawks fans as the official captain of the team. Look for him to make a big impact in his first game. Foligno might be taking a secondary role in the lineup, thanks to Kyle Davidson’s offseason additions, but he still can make a big impact. [...]Read more...
Andrew FantucchioOctober 8, 2024In each of the last two years, the Boston Bruins have watched their season come to an end against the Florida Panthers.
Tonight, they’ll begin their season against their rival in Sunrise, Florida, and there’s no underselling just how important this Game 1 of 82 is for both sides.
For the Panthers, it’s one last moment to relive winning the Stanley Cup as they’ll raise their championship banner to the rafters of Amarant Bank Arena. For the Bruins, it’s a reminder that to move toward the future, they’ll have to overcome their past.
“Nothing changes the past,” Bruins captain Brad Marchand told reporters in Florida this morning. “It’s all about what you do in the moment and moving forward. We have the same goal this year and a different opportunity. Obviously, the goal is not to let these guys get in the way of it again.”
The Bruins have been unable to avoid the Panthers.
Two years ago, the top-seeded Bruins were upset by the wildcard Panthers, falling in seven games in the first round of the playoffs after putting together the best regular season in NHL history. Last season, it wasn’t nearly as competitive, as Florida chewed up Boston in six games en route to winning its first-ever championship.
As Atlantic Divison foes, they’ll play face each other four times during the regular season and, in all likelihood, will meet in the playoffs once again. Only this time, the Bruins hope to be more prepared.
Check It Out: Bruins End Year With Deep Playoff Run; 5 Predictions For 2024-25 Season
Although it was never said in so many words, the Bruins spent the entire offseason constructing a roster specifically designed to beat the Panthers at their own game. From marquee acquisitions like Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov to role players such as Mark Kastelic, Max Jones, and Riley Tufte, the Bruins prioritized size and physicality.
“If they reach their thresholds, it means we can overwhelm people,” Bruins head coach Jim Montgomery told reporters in Florida. “Physically, territorially, and those are the two things that we are looking to be much better at. I thought we were a physical team last year, but we’re built to be more physical. We’re built to wear people down below the dots and stay in the offensive zone. That’s why we’ve tweaked what we do as a team in order to accomplish that goal.”
The newcomers will get their first taste of what has become one of the NHL’s most intense rivalries tonight. Those who have been around for the last few years need no introduction.
Marchand famously missed the final two games of last year’s series against the Panthers after suffering a concussion in Game 4 courtesy of a cheap shot by Panthers forward Sam Bennett.
Sam Bennett with a sneaky sucker punch on Brad Marchand last night.
Dirty. pic.twitter.com/GHHbeJPQgS
— Savage (@SavageSports_) May 11, 2024
“That’s part of the playoffs,” said Marchand. “I’ve said it many times. If you can knock a player out in the playoffs, that only gives your team an advantage,” said Marchand. “That happens. Teams play very physical. They’re a very physical team, and it’s part of their DNA. You don’t play this game expecting to never get hurt. I’ve been on both sides of the shots. He definitely got away with one when you see the replay, but that’s how it goes. I’m not holding any animosity. I’m going to play just as hard as I always do.”
Despite Marchand not holding any ill will toward Bennett directly, there is more than enough between the two teams themselves, even if Florida has dominated the one-sided battle.
There’s nothing the Bruins can do to change that fact. The past is in the past, and the start of the new season only puts it further in the distance.
Tonight, though, when the Panthers raise their championship banner, the past will hang over the Bruins’ heads and will continue to all season.
“It’s obviously what we want to get to,” Marchand said. “There’s a long road ahead of us, but that’s obviously the goal every year, to watch that banner rise up the following season. I guess you can use it as motivation. It’s a symbol of whatever team in the league is trying to achieve.”
FOLLOW ANDREW FANTUCCHIO ON 𝕏: @A_FANTUCCHIO
FOLLOW BOSTON HOCKEY NOW ON 𝕏 AND FACEBOOK [...]Read more...
Jonathan BaileyOctober 8, 2024Despite being placed on waivers by the New York Islanders and subsequently clearing them without being claimed, flop free agent signing Pierre Engvall would actually make for a great Philadelphia Flyers trade target.
Some of you may read this and say, ‘Well, he was just on waivers. Why wouldn’t they just get him for free?’
That is a valid point, but from a logistical standpoint, it doesn’t work. Engvall is in Year 2 of the seven-year, $21 million ($3 million AAV) contract he signed with the Islanders on July 1, 2023.
And yes, he was cut from the roster entirely after one year.
The Flyers don’t have that kind of money to be able to take Engvall for free; after terminating Ryan Johansen’s contract, a situation that is still being worked out from a legal perspective, the Flyers have only $2.2 million in cap space.
Should the Flyers trade for Pierre Engvall?
So, why would the Flyers trade for a guy who was put out there for free one year into a seven-year contract?
Although he doesn’t effectively use his size, Pierre Engvall is actually 6-foot-5. The Flyers are one of the NHL’s shortest and lightest teams, so the Swedish winger would be a boost there.
Plus, Flyers head coach John Tortorella might be able to unlock something more from Engvall. I wouldn’t compare Owen Tippett to Garnet Hathaway, but Tippett has started to throw his weight around more under Tortorella, especially on the forecheck.
As a fellow speed demon, Engvall could wreak some serious havoc if he learns to harness his gifts. Plus, his combination of size and speed is something that players like Scott Laughton, Noah Cates, Nick Deslauriers, and Ryan Poehling don’t have.
Additionally, the 28-year-old is an analytics darling who has almost always made his teammates better at both ends of the ice.
JFresh Hockey, a statistician who is known for visualizing analytics data collected by Top Down Hockey, was stunned that Engvall hit waivers in the first place.
On aggregate, over the last three seasons, Engvall has a wins-above-replacement value of 74% (out of 100), buoyed by his even strength offense ranking of 90% and even strength defense ranking of 92%.
A little surprised to see Engvall on waivers despite the contract. Guy is by no means a perfect player and yeah, he is very soft for his size, but his results last year – both outscoring opponents and fancier stuff – were very strong. pic.twitter.com/8Abt2dp2hd
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) October 6, 2024
Engvall’s finishing only graded out at an average 50%, and his power play impacts were even worse at 10%. But, at the end of the day, Engvall just isn’t the offensive savant you’d like to see involved in a Flyers trade.
He’s still a useful player, though.
So what would a potential Flyers trade look like?
Well, the Flyers can’t take on the whole salary without sending something back, nor can the Islanders take a lot in return. At least, not yet.
Engvall’s cap hit is currently $1.85 million as he’s buried in the AHL, and even that leaves New York with only $2 million in cap space. A player like Noah Cates, a pending RFA with a $2.625 million cap hit, would make sense for the Islanders.
The Flyers would have to retain some salary in that specific instance, but getting a cost-controlled, effective bottom-sixer like Engvall would be beneficial given the fact that Cates’s spot in the lineup has been taken by Jett Luchanko, at least for now.
And, for helping the Islanders out of an albatross contract, the Flyers could probably ask for a good draft pick or two to sweeten the pot.
As long as Tortorella and the Flyers can find a place for Engvall, the contract is not a concern, especially given that he is very fast and an objectively good hockey player.
Engvall is an upgrade over much of the Flyers’ current bottom-six and will carry some long-term value, too. [...]Read more...
Aarif DeenOctober 8, 2024CENTENNIAL, Colo. — Valeri Nichushkin’s absence will be felt for the first handful of weeks. The Avalanche’s high-scoring winger isn’t expected back for at least 16 games as he serves the remainder of his six-month suspension. While we’ve spent all summer wondering if the Avs would even bring him back, it sounds like we’re well past the point of that being an option. Nichushkin is not going anywhere.
The team hopes Nichushkin is doing well. That’s their main priority. But after that, integrating him back into the room will be the ultimate goal.
Nichushkin is expected back in Denver later in October.
“I’ve been in touch with the league. We’re still kind of working through the reintegration process,” general manager Chris MacFarland said on Tuesday in his annual season-opening press conference. ” This is my first time through this stage but I believe we’ll get to a point where the player is traveling back to Denver later this month.”
Where things go from there is still up in the air. Last season when Nichushkin re-entered the NHLPA Assistance Program, he initially received clearance to start practicing with the group before again needing to be cleared for game action. He ended up returning on March 8. The Avalanche’s front office is still awaiting information from the league on whether he’ll be able to practice before Nov. 13 or if that’s the first day he’s allowed back in team facilities. They’ll get an update soon.
Regardless of which it is, they have a plan set to get him back up to game speed.
“How the gym and the skates and what he can do, what he can’t do has still gotta be sorted out,” MacFarland said. “And then at some point in November, he’ll be joining practice. Then when he’s officially ready to roll will depend on a lot of things, his conditioning level being one of them. But we expect to see the player here later this month.
“The last thing we’ll want, assuming everything is good, is for him to come back, play too soon, and pull the groin. That would be a disaster for everybody.”
EXCLUSIVE: Rinkside with Aarif Deen podcast featuring Casey Mittelstadt will be released Wednesday.
Subscribe to the podcast for audio and @MileHighSports' YouTube page for the full video.
Mittelstadt opens up about the trade, playing with MacKinnon, Val Nichushkin, and more pic.twitter.com/8NxLFS4fZc
— Aarif Deen (@runwriteAarif) October 8, 2024
Getting Nichushkin cleared with the league is only half the process. The reality is, gaining trust from his teammates might be the tougher hurdle to clear. Nichushkin was Colorado’s best player in the Stanley Cup Final in 2022. He ended that playoff year sitting atop a mountain as a champion after scoring several big goals and imposing a physical forechecking presence on his way to a $49 million max-term extension.
But in the two playoffs since, the Avs have been eliminated and went through the handshake line without Nichushkin in the lineup. Both times, he was suspended. Both times, the team had to answer questions about his how his actions may have led to losing a series.
‘The players, all they want to know is that Val’s healthy and that he understands the hurt that they went through, especially at playoff time,” MacFarland said. “I think how they do that is something I’m certainly not going to comment on. I think that’s personal in the room.
“But I can tell you this, there’s not one single player that’s not going to welcome back Val with open arms.”
Since the start of the 2021-22 season, Colorado boasts a record of 118-35-16 with Nichushkin in the lineup. They’ve collected a whopping 74.5% of points with Nichushkin, which averages out to 122 points in every 82 games.
Without him? They’re just simply not the same. In the games he’s missed since 2021-22, the Avalanche are 39-33-5 in 77 games. They’ve collected just 83 points, which extrapolates to 88 points over a full 82-game season.
That’s what he means to this team on the ice. And if things continue to progress the way they have, he’ll likely be back before the season is a quarter of the way through. [...]Read more...
Kevin AllenOctober 8, 2024Michael Brandsegg-Nygard confirmed to a Swedish podcast that he and the Detroit Red Wings had a disagreement about where he should play this season.
The Norwegian forward wanted to play in Swedish Hockey League and the Red Wings wanted him playing in North America. Brandsegg-Nygard didn’t give in. He will play for Skelleftea AIK, where 2023 first rounder Axel Sandin Pellikka is also playing.
Sounds like Detroit 'really' wanted Michael Brandsegg-Nygård in AHL.
MBN talks (on norwegian hockey pod TV 2 Hockeyprat) about what sounds like a fairly tense meeting with Wings brass where he & agent stood their ground on a return to SHL. https://t.co/PwtlbdzAuo
— IcehockeyGifs (@IcehockeyG) October 7, 2024
“They said that they would like to have me in the AHL and Grand Rapids,” Brandsegg-Nygard told TV2’s podcast Hockeyprat. “For me, it felt better to play in the SHL and instead come back next year, possibly. Skelleftea won (the SHL championship last year and they have pretty much the same team. So it would (be) fun to maybe experience winning.”
Brandsegg-Nygard seems more physically mature than most players his age. He boasts a hard shot and quick release. Undoubtedly, the Red Wings believe Brandsegg-Nygard is ready for the North American pro game.
“(Sweden) is a better path for me,” Brandsegg-Nygard said.
The mere fact that the Red Wings brought him to training camp this season says they are intrigued by his potential. It was never likely he was going to make the Detroit roster, but just the idea that he had a chance was another indicator that he is more advanced than you would expect.
“I didn’t go to the camp thinking I was going to play in the NHL,” Brandsegg-Nygard said. “At the same time, there is small chance and you always have a small hope. But it was nothing. I expected a fun experience.”
Kasper Outlook
The Red Wings decided that Marco Kasper would be better served playing top-line minutes in Grand Rapids than battling for playing time in Detroit. He and several of the younger players had good training camps.
“Probably more Marco of all those young guys,” Coach Derek Lalonde said. “They all had really good camps, but Marco really stood out. There were some scenarios where he could have found himself in the Day One lineup, but we’re trying to maximize our roster and it’s not a bad thing for him to go straight down and be playing 22 minutes in every situation and be a simple call-up at any time.”
Max Plante Injured
Red Wings draft pick Max Plante (47th, 2024) produced two assists in his collegiate debut for Minnesota Duluth in a 4-3 loss to Bemidji State. But he also suffered an upper body injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for a while.
He suffered the injury late in the game when he checked into the boards on a power play. There’s been no information on what the injury is.
Watson Sent Down
Forward Austin Watson was assigned to the AHL Grand Rapids Griffins on Tuesday after clearing NHL waicvers.
The Red Wings are going with their original roster player of carrying three goalies, eight defenseman and 12 forwards. Defenseman Justin Holl, who also cleared NHL waivers, will remain with the Red Wings. [...]Read more...
Sheng PengOctober 8, 2024Yaroslav Askarov has no problem being in the AHL.
And that’s where he is, after the San Jose Sharks sent him down to the San Jose Barracuda on Friday. Askarov has missed the entirety of training camp with a lower-body injury, so a spell in the AHL is exactly what he needs to get back into game shape.
“I felt awesome,” Askarov said after his second-straight day of practice on Saturday. “ feel any pain, any .”
Askarov is hoping to be ready to play by the Barracuda’s Oct. 12 season opener.
“We’re day-to-day,” Barracuda head coach John McCarthy said. “We got a full week of practice week. Everyday, we got to check in and see where he’s at.”
But Askarov also has no issue being in the AHL for longer, if need be.
According to his agent Dan Milstein, that’s part of the plan discussed with GM Mike Grier before the San Jose Sharks consummated the blockbuster trade with the Nashville Predators for the top goaltending prospect in August.
The Sharks, in a show of faith in Askarov, also signed him to a one-way, two-year $4 million contract after the trade. It’s a good deal for both sides: Some security for a 2020 first-round pick who has played just three NHL games, a reasonable AAV for San Jose if Askarov emerges as a go-to goalie, but short-term enough to set him up for a long-term payday soon.
“I appreciate it. Every hockey player believes in himself. And if management believes in too, it’s always helps,” Askarov said of his contract. “You feel more comfortable, more confident.”
Milstein noted that for the 22-year-old’s development, Askarov wants to play a lot. Askarov also knows that the Sharks already have two veteran starting goalies in Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanecek.
So the Barracuda was always a possible and likely destination for Askarov this season, even before his pre-camp injury.
The difference between the Sharks and the Predators, where Askarov reportedly wouldn’t report to the AHL’s Milwaukee Admirals?
There’s a path with the San Jose Sharks to the No. 1 job. Askarov actually has the longest contract of any of the NHL-ready Sharks goalies, that two-year extension which kicks in for the 2025-26 season. Both Blackwood and Vanecek are UFAs after this year.
That path simply didn’t exist in Nashville, with the Predators giving franchise netminder Juuse Saros a maximum extension on Jul. 1. Saros’s deal runs until 2033.
San Jose has rolled out the welcome wagon for Askarov: “I feel like all the organization and everybody around me, believes me and will help me grow everyday.”
This starts with Sharks director of goaltending Evgeni Nabokov.
“He’s a good, positive man whose positivity spreads around,” Askarov told Nikita Sokolov of the San Jose Hockey Now about Evgeni Nabokov. “It’s contagious.”
This isn’t just off the ice, it’s on the ice too.
“I really like that he’s trying to take some time and focus on the details, the small details. Goalie stance, hands, body position,” Askarov said, before pausing.
Has he given away too much?
“It’s going to be our secret,” Askarov laughed. “It’s a great answer. I love it. I love this answer.”
But what Askarov clearly doesn’t want to be a secret?
“It feels like I’m at home,” he said, just one month into what’s hopefully a long tenure between the pipes for the San Jose Sharks. [...]Read more...
