NHL News and Notes from Saturday, August 15th, 2020

 

News

• Hours before Game 3, Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask opted out of the NHL’s Return to Play.

 

• As noted by Chris Johnston of SportsNet, Rask’s decision to leave is specific to the moment, and will not affect him come next season as he is still under contract for the 2020-21 season.

 

 

Game Recaps

Boston Bruins v. Carolina Hurricanes – 12p EST Start Time

On NBC we’d start the day with Game 3 of the Bruins and Hurricanes as both teams look to take the 2-1 series lead. After a scoreless first period Charlie Coyle would score 14 seconds into the second while on the powerplay to give Boston the 1-0 lead. Then in the third period while shorthanded Sean Kuraly would score 1:16 into the period, but the Hurricanes would not lie down as Nino Niederreiter would score on the powerplay to cut the Bruins lead back to one. Then with 31 seconds left Brad Marchand would put the puck in the empty net to give the Bruins the 3-1 win to take the 2-1 series lead.

 

Shaggy’s TXHT Recap – Bruins Take Lead in the Series

 

 

Colorado Avalanche v. Arizona Coyotes – 3p EST Start Time

Out west the Coyotes look to turn their fortunes against the Avalanche to avoid going down 3-0. In the first period Derek Stepan would strike first for the Coyotes to take the 1-0 lead. In the second period Andre Burakovsky would score to tie the game at one for the Avalanche, but with 34 seconds left in the period Brad Richardson would score to regain the one goal lead for the Coyotes. The in the third period Mikko Rantanen weould get on the board for the Avalanche, but goals from Tyalor Hall and Lawson Crouse would seal the 4-2 victory for the Coyotes and bring them back within one in the series.

 

Russell’s TXHT Recap – Coyotes Double Up the Avs to Take Game 3

 

 

Tampa Bay Lightning v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 730p EST Start Time

Back in Toronto the Blue Jackets and Lightning look to take the series lead. In the first period Alex Killorn would strike to get Tampa on the board with the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Riley Nash would score early to tie the game at one, but Brayden Point and Victor Hedman would both score int eh final five minutes of the period to give Tampa the 3-1 lead. Early in the third period Eric Robinson would score to get the Jackets back within one, but it would not be enough as Tampa would hold on for the 3-2 victory and the 2-1 series lead.

 

Michael’s TXHT Recap – Tampa Holds Off Columbus for Game 3 Win

 

 

Vegas Golden Knights v. Chicago Blackhawks – 8p EST Start Time

To end the day, the Golden Knights look to grow their series lead over the Blackhawks. In the first period while shorthanded William Karlsson would release a wicked backhander past Corey Crawford to give Vegas the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Patrick Brown would score to grow the Knights lead to two. In the third period Olli Maatta would score to bring the Blackhaawks back within one, but the Knights would hold on for the 2-1 victory and take the 3-0 series lead.

 

Scott’s TXHT Recap – Knights Push Blackhawks to Brink of Elimination

 

 

Today’s Games

12p ET – Washington v. NY Islanders – Preview

2p ET – Dallas v. Calgary

630p ET – Vegas v. Chicago

8p ET – Philadelphia v. Montreal

1030p ET – St. Louis v. Vancouver