Tag: Nashville Predators

Predators v. Hurricanes – Canes Storm the Preds in Game One

#4 Nashville Predators v. #1 Carolina Hurricanes – Game 1

Game Recap:

In Carolina for their first ever meeting in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Hurricanes would play host to the Nashville Predators for game one of their best of seven series. In the first period things would be chippy as both teams would combine for 4 penalties, but only two powerplays which neither team would convert on. Then a little past the midway point of the period Filip Forsberg would strike to give the Preds the 1-0 lead, but about 90 seconds later Teuvo Teravainen would strike to tie the game up at one for the Canes. The Canes would get another powerplay opportunity before the period ended, but would not be able to score on the opportunity.

In the second period things would remain chippy between the Canes and the Preds as both teams would trade powerplays once again. However, with three seconds left in four on four action, Jordan Staal would score his first of the playoffs to give the Canes the lead, but a little over four minutes later Erik Haula would strike to tie the game back up at two for the Predators. After both goals were scored, they would then trade penalties once again, and both teams would still be unable to capitalize on their powerplay opportunities.

Then in the third period the Hurricanes would take advantage of even strength play as they would out work the Predators. First we would see Nino Niederreiter scoring to retake the lead for the Canes, and then Staal would net his second of the game to grow the Canes lead to two and then Andrei Svechnikov would ice this one for the Hurricanes with the empty netter as they would go on to defeat the Predators 5-2 and take the 1-0 series lead.

Lineups:

Nashville Predators:

Filip Forsberg — Ryan Johansen — Viktor Arvidsson
Calle Jarnkrok — Mikael Granlund — Luke Kunin
Alexandre Carrier — Erik Haula — Matt Duchene
Yakov Trenin — Colton Sissons — Tanner Jeannot

Roman Josi — Matt Benning
Ryan Ellis — Mattias Ekholm
Erik Gudbranson — Ben Harpur

Juuse Saros
Pekka Rinne

Scratched: Nick Cousins, Brad Richardson, Rocco Grimaldi, Tyler Lewington, David Farrance, Michael McCarron, Jeremy Davies, Eeli Tolvanen , Rem Pitlick, Dante Fabbro
Injured: Luca Sbisa (lower body), Mark Borowiecki (upper body), Mathieu Olivier (lower body)

Carolina Hurricanes:

Nino Niederreiter — Sebastian Aho — Teuvo Teravainen
Warren Foegele — Vincent Trocheck — Martin Necas
Andrei Svechnikov — Jordan Staal — Jesper Fast
Jordan Martinook — Steven Lorentz — Brock McGinn

Jaccob Slavin — Dougie Hamilton
Brady Skjei — Brett Pesce
Jake Gardiner — Jani Hakanpaa

Alex Nedeljkovic
Petr Mrazek

Scratched: Morgan Geekie, Jake Bean, Max McCormick, Drew Shore, Roland McKeown, Maxime Lajoie , James Reimer
Injured: Cedric Paquette (lower body)

First Period:

CAR Penalty – :51 – Brock McGinn 2 minutes for Embellishment

NAS Penalty – :51 – Calle Jarnkrok 2 minutes for Interference

NAS Penalty – 6:09 – Alexandre Carrier 2 minutes for Tripping

CAR Penalty – 8:10 – Nino Niederreiter 2 minutes for Cross Checking

NAS Goal – 12:14 – Filip Forsberg (1) from Ryan Johansen (1) and Ryan Ellis (1)

CAR Goal – 13:41 – Teuvo Teravainen (1) from Brett Pesce (1) and Steven Lorentz (1)

NAS Penalty – 16:54 – Ryan Johansen 2 minutes for Tripping

End of FirstNAS – 1CAR – 1
Shots1013
Faceoff Wins813
Hits1811
Powerplay0/10/2

Second Period:

NAS Penalty – 2:22 – Filip Forsberg 2 minutes for High Sticking

CAR Penalty – 3:50 – Teuvo Teravainen 2 minutes for Tripping

CAR Goal – 4:19 – Jordan Staal (1) from Brett Pesce (2)

NAS Goal – 8:41 – Erik Haula (1) from Matt Duchene (1) and Alexandre Carrier (1)

CAR Penalty – 11:41 – Steven Lorentz 2 minutes for Roughing

NAS Penalty – 13:55 – Roman Josi 2 minutes Holding

End of SecondNAS – 2CAR – 2
Shots1525
Faceoff Wins2426
Hits2836
Powerplay0/30/4

Third Period:

CAR Goal – 2:26 – Nino Niederreiter (1) from Martin Necas (1) and Vincent Trocheck (1)

CAR Goal – 8:00 – Jordan Staal (2) from unassisted

NAS Penalty – 11:11 – Matt Duchene 2 minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct

CAR Penalty – 11:11 – Warren Foegele 2 minutes for Unsportsmanlike Conduct

CAR ENG – 18:13 – Andrei Svechnikov (1) from unassisted

End of ThirdNAS – 2CAR – 5
Shots2438
Faceoff Wins3436
Hits4753
Powerplay0/30/4

Playoff Preview: Predators and Hurricanes Prepare for Battle

It’s that time once again where 16 teams aim to win the most prestigious trophy in all of sports, the Stanley Cup. In the first round I’ll be covering the Central Division champion Carolina Hurricanes and the Nashville Predators as they face off for the first time in Stanley Cup Playoff history.

How Did They Get Here?

Carolina Hurricanes

Record: 36-12-8 80 points – First in Central Division

Season Series v. NAS: 6-2-0

Nashville Predators

Record: 31-23-2 64 points – Fourth in Central Division

Season Series v. CAR: 2-5-1

Offense

Going into the playoffs Sebastian Aho of the Hurricanes would lead the team with 57 points (24 goals and 33 assists) in 56 games played. However, after missing a little over half of the season due to injury Teuvo Teravainen would get himself back into the groove of things as the regular season came to a close. In his first full season with the Hurricanes since being traded over by Florida last season, Vincent Trocheck would make himself at home in Carolina as he would produce 17 goals and 26 assists for 43 points in 47 games played to give the Hurricanes stability in the center position.

For the Predators it would be a shaky season for them as they would not have anyone crack the 20 goal plateau or 40 points. Filip Forsberg had a respectable season with 32 points (12 goals and 20 assists), as did Calle Jarnkrok (13g, 15a for 28 points), but more is to expected from Ryan Johansen (7g, 15a for 22p) and Matt Duchene (6g, 7a for 13p) if Nashville looks to contend against the Hurricanes.

Defense

On defense the Predators tout a solid group lead by Roman Josi, who would also lead the team in scoring with 33 points (8g and 25a). Mattias Ekholm (6g, 17a for 23p), Ryan Ellis (5g, 13a for 18p), and Dante Fabbro (2g, 10a for 12p) will be tasked with shutting down speedy Hurricanes team.

For Carolina Dougie Hamilton would lead the way with with 10 goals and 32 assists for 42 points amongst all Hurricane defenders. Hamilton is surrounded with a solid defense core that also features Jake Gardiner (8a), Jaccob Slavin (3q, 12a for 15p), Brady Skjei (3g, 7a for 10p), Brett Pesce (4g, 21a for 25p), and recently acquired Jani Hakanpaa (2g, 1a in 15 games with CAR), and they will be looked to keep up with their stellar defensive play to help guide the Hurricanes past the Predators.

Goaltending

The Carolina Hurricanes would get some very balanced goaltending from their three goaltenders. In his rookie season Alex Nedeljkovic would shine for the Hurricanes as he would go 15-5-3 in 23 games played. He would split games with James Riemer who would go 15-5-2 in 22 games played, and originally slated number one Petr Mrazek would only play in 12 games due to injury, but would record a 6-2-3 record for the Hurricanes.

For the Predators this would be the season Juuse Saros would truly breakout as he would play in 36 games and record a 21-11-1 season, while Pekka Rinne would record a 10-12-1 record in 24 games played as he settles into being the number two to Saros.

Final Thoughts

While the Predators would defeat the Hurricanes in their final two games of the season, one has to look at those games as throwaways. By the time they had gotten to those games the Hurricanes were well established as the division champions, and the Predators already had their playoff spot locked in. The one question to ask is how will the Hurricanes respond once the puck is drop no that the games have meaning once again. If the Hurricanes flip that switch and play their game, it’ll be a short series. However, if Saros remains hot, the Predators could steal a couple games.

My prediction will the Hurricanes in five games.

NHL Stars of the Week – Fox Assists His Way to Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of February 8th through 14th.

First Stars – Adam Fox (D – NYR) and Deena Trupkin (Long Island Jewish Medical Center)

  • Fox would lead the League with 10 assists and 11 points in four games played. Fox would begin the week with a goal and two assists in a 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on March 22nd. Then on March 25th against Philadelphia he would record 5 assists, and first Ranger to do so since Wayne Gretzky in Feb. 1999, in a 8-3 victory. On March 27th Fox would tally an assist in the Rangers 2-1 loss to the Flyers, and then would close out the week with two assists in a 5-4 loss to Washington on March 28th.

Second Star – Martin Necas (C – CAR)

  • Necas would record four goals and three assists for seven points in three games for the Hurricanes. Necas would start the week with recording a goal against Columbus in a 3-0 victory, and then a goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory over Columbus on March 25th. On March 27th he would record 2 goals and two assists in a 4-3 victory over Tampa Bay to end the week.

Third Star – Jusse Saros (G – NAS)

  • Saros would stop 80 out of 82 shots he faced throughout the week to record a perfect 3-0-0 record with a 0.67 GAA and .976 save percentage, including one shutout. Saros would start the week with his 12th career shutout as he would stop all 31 shots in a 2-0 victory over Detroit on March 23rd. Then on March 25th against the Red Wings he would stop 20 shots in a 7-1 victory, and then he would close out the week with a 29 save 3-1 victory over Chicago on March 27th.

*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL.

NHL Stars of the Week – Jarnkrok Powers Preds for Top Honors

Today the National Hockey League announced their Three Stars of the Week for the week of February 8th through 14th.

First Stars – Calle Jarnkrok (C – NAS) and Dr. Alex Jahangir (Vanderbilt Univ. Medical Center)

  • Jarnkrok would factor in on six of the nine goals the Predators scored for the week as he would record three goals and three assists. Jarnkrok would open the week with with a goal and three assists in a 4-1 victory over Tampa on March 15th, and then would score a goal for the Predators in their 2-1 victory over Florida on March 18th. After being held off the scoresheet on March 20th, he would complete the week with a goal in a 4-3 victory over Dallas.

Second Star – Connor McDavid (C – EDM)

  • McDavid would share the League lead in scoring as he would record four goals and four assists for eight points in four games played. In a pair of games against Calgary McDavid would record a total of four points in a 4-3 loss (1a – Mar. 15th) and a 7-3 victory (1g, 2a – Mar. 17th). He would score both goals for the Oilers in a 2-1 victory over Winnipeg on Mar. 18th, and then he would close out the week with a goal and an assist in a 4-2 victory over the Jets on March 20th.

Third Star – Mika Zibanejad (C – NYR)

  • Zibanejad would tie McDavid for the League lead in scoring as he would also record four goals and four assists for eight points in four games played for the Rangers. After being held scoreless on March 15th by Philadelphia, he would respond with three goals and three assists for a six point second period against the Flyers in a 9-0 victory on March 17th. Then against Washington, he would be held off the scoresheet again on March 19th, but Zibanejad would record a goal and an assist in a 3-1 victory over the Capitals on March 20th.

*All Graphics courtesy of the NHL.

The Beat Goes on For Lightning

Deja vu. The Tampa Bay Lightning face the struggling Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena. Andrei Vasilevskiy returns after his night off after starting the first 9 games of the season. Tampa Bay looked to build off the strong play they had in the first 40 minutes of the game last night and tighten up in the final frame

The scoring was often and it started early. They did start the first five minutes a little slow allowing a goal from Nashville’s Grimaldi and Roman Josi hit iron shortly after. Then, Lightning struck. Steven Stamkos continues his hot streak slamming home a rebound just seconds after the Lightning power play ended. Onjre Palat scored what would be the eventual Game winning goal on the powerplay firing a one timing from Stamkos past Saros to give the Lightning a go ahead 2-1 lead. After some impressive net minding from Vasilevskiy mikhael Sergachev shot a perfect lay up to mathiue Joseph who was crashing the net. Only twenty minutes had gone by but it was clear who was in control of the game

The 2nd period was quite in comparison to with the game. Both teams had excellent netminding on both ends of the ice. The Game definning play occurred at 3:37 of the 2nd when Roman Josi gave a beautiful pass to Jeff Sissons who scored to cut the lead to one again. Tampa Bay challenged the play for offsides and won. Sissons who had an infamous goal called back in game 6 of the 2016 Stanley Cup final was understandably unhappy. Neverthelessthe lead went back to 3-1 heading into the final frame

That called back goal removed all the life for Nashville. The bolts scored 3 more goals Yanni Gourde got on the score sheet at 13:20 of the period putting home another Tampa friendly rebound. After a shift of absolute bombardment Steven Stamkos finished the job with his second goal of the game and 7th of the season. Mathuie Joseph tipped in a Victor Hedman blast for his 2nd goal of the game and the dagger 6th goal of the night by the Bolts. The Lightning chased the Predators off their home ice with their tail between their legs. The final scoring ending at 6-1 and Tampa is off a one of the franchises strongest starts ever at 9-1-1

This time the Lightning were able to say what Tom Brady said after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl victory “We played our best game tonight” They did. Aside from a few chances they completly dictated the flow of the game. Play Shut down hockey at both ends of the ice. Steven Stamkos looks the healthiest he’s been in years. Andrei Vasilevskiy is having a Vezina caliber season. It’s a good time to be a sports fan in Thunder Bay

Bolts Still Buzzing in Road Win

The Bolts rolled into Music City on top of the Central Division. The host Nashville Predators find themselves near the basement. After 9 straight starts Andrei Vasilevskiy got the night off being the lone scratch and opening up for Curtis Mchelleny to make the start and see action of any kind almost a year ago March 8 2020 a 5-4 shoot out loss against Detroit. Tampa is absolutely on a roll as of recent. The original Champa bay team looked to steal the Thunder of the Predators on the night they debut their reverse retro jerseys.

Just over two minutes into the contest Luke Schenn dropped the gloves and had a spirted bout with undrafted second year Nashville Forward Mathieu Olivier. Both players trying to get their respective Squads fired up & into the game early. Anthony Cirelli took a pass from Killorn and shot a knuckler into the net from a sharp angle. A goal Predators long time netminder Pekka Rinne would like to have back, leaking right over his shoulder. Tampa Bay already put up 9 shots in the first ten minutes bombarding the Nashville defense core from the get go. Tampa looked dialed in through out the first frame. Tampa out shot Nashville 17-6

Rinne and McElhinney stayed excellent and both teams played a very even and physical game for the first half of the period. Tampa broke through on the power play with Anthony Cirelli putting his team ahead with a little breathing room with his 4th goal of the season and second goal of the game 13 minutes into the second period. The Bolts lead 2-0. The Lightning powerplay has been absolutely electric this season. The balance of the game was beginning to tip in favor of the Lightning after mostly a low shot and low scoring 2nd period. Curtis McLhinney made a marvelous stop during a late powerplay by the Predators with a little help from Ryan McDonagh. The Predators best chance of the night was a very close call that was dangerously close to crossing the goal line to cut the lead in half. Nashville handed a costly penalty to Tampa in the form of a interference call against Nashville forward Calle Jarnkrok prematurely ending their powerplay. Tampa will take 1:23 on the man advantage into the 3rd. The bolts once again were 20 minutes from another win. The Offensive Dominance Outshooting their division rivals 27-12 through two periods.

The Lightning had a parade to the Penalty box in the first half of the 3rd. having to stay on the penalty kill for a majority of the period. on powerplay number 4 for the Predators on the night they finally converted Dante Fabbro scoring on the penalty to the games only other goal scorer Anthony Cirelli Blowing a shot past a heavily screened McElhinney, cutting the lead in half 2-1. The Predators have had a number of late game comebacks this year. With 7:43 Tampa followed up the allowed goal with a strong shift to shake off the jitters after really their first mistake of the night. The Lightning looked passive prior to the goal and seemed to wake up following the failed penalty kill. Nashville had more shots and possession time in the 3rd period than the first two periods combined. The Predators had new life. But time was running out for it to matter. The Lightning responded to a soft 15 minutes of the 3rd with a strong finish. Blake Coleman scored on the empty net to distance Tampa and inevitably Sealing it for Tampa. The Predators would not quit. McElhinney made another jaw dropping save in his 22 save win on a mad goal mouth scramble at the very end of the game, Stamkos found the puck on his stick with 2 seconds remaining and did what he does best. Score. His 5th goal of the season and Tampa’s second empty net goal of the game. The Bolts finished strong beating the Nashville Predators 4-2

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers smothered a very good opponent and played a full 60 minutes as the Lightning’s neighbors captured the Super Bowl last night. The Lightning are a very skilled team and have developed a habit of sitting back in the later parts of games this season. They may be able to stumble through the final period in the regular season but will need to take a page out of their Super bowl winning neighbors and play their game from start to finish to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. The Lightning won’t get any rest, getting right back into it with The Predators Tomorrow night as part two of their back to back series in Nashville.

NHL Daily – Challenges and Close Games


NHL News and Notes from Thursday, February 4th, 2021

News

Game Recaps

  • Buffalo Sabres v. New York Islanders – 7p ET
    • Postponed
  • Washington Capitals v. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • In their lone trip to Madison Square Garden for the month, the Washington Capitals would take on the New York Rangers, but a slow start would benefit the Rangers as Ryan Strome would tip one in past Vitek Vanecek to give the Rangers the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Anthony Bitetto would net his first as a Ranger to grow there lead to two, but Carl Hagelin would get a friendly bounce to let the Caps cut their deficit back to one. Then in the third period Strome would net his second of the game to take the two goal lead back for the Rangers, but Alex Ovechkin would strike for his third of the season to bring the Caps back within one. However, Pavel Buchnevich would get the empty netter to give the Rangers the 4-2 victory over the Capitals.
  • Nashville Predators v. Florida Panthers – 7p ET
    • In Florida the Panthers would play host to the Nashville Predators, and in the first period Jonathon Huberdeau would strike quickly for the 1-0 lead for the Panthers, but Filip Forsberg would strike on the powerplay to tie the game at one. Then Markus Nutivaara would score to retake the one goal lead, but Calle Jarnkrok would tie the game back up at two. In the second period Aaron Ekblad would strike 54 seconds into the period while on the powerplay to give the Panthers the 3-2 lead, but Matt Duchene would strike to tie the game at three for the Preds. However, Aleksander Barkov would strike to retake the lead again for the Panthers, and Huberdeau would net his second of the game to give the Panthers the two goal lead. The in the third period the Predators would come roaring back as Roman Josi and Duchen (2nd of the game) would score to tie the game at five and send the game to overtime. In the extra frame with a minute left it would be Forsberg with his second of the game to give the Predators the 6-5 comeback victory.
  • New Jersey Devils v. Pittsburgh Penguins – 7p ET
    • Postponed
  • Dallas Stars v. Columbus Blue Jackets – 7p ET
    • In Columbus the Dallas Stars would look to rise above the Blue Jackets, and in the first period Oliver Bjorkstrand and Jack Roslovic would tally for the Jackets to take the 2-0 lead. In the second period Roope Hintz would score to get the Stars on the board, but Patrik Laine’s first as a Jacket would let Columbus regain the two goal lead, but Alexander Radulov would strike to bring Dallas back within one. Then in the third period Cam Atkinson would strike for the Jackets to take the two goal lead, and while Jamie Been would strike for the Stars, the Blue Jackets would hold on to win 4-3.
  • Ottawa Senators v. Montreal Canadiens – 7p ET
    • In Montreal the Canadiens would play host to the Ottawa Senators, and in the first period Brendan Gallagher would strike first for the 1-0 Montreal lead, but Thomas Chabot and Tim Stutzle would score to give the Sens the 2-1 lead. Then in the second period Connor Brown would score his first of the season to grow the Sens lead to two. In the third period Josh Anderson would score a shorthanded goal for the Canadiens, but the Senators would hold on to win 3-2 for their second win of the season.
  • Vancouver Canucks v. Toronto Maple Leafs – 7p ET
    • In a Canadian battle, the Toronto Maple Leafs would host the Vancouver Canucks, and in the first period Tanner Pearson would tally for the Canucks, but goals from Auston Matthews and Jason Spezza would give the Leafs the 2-1 lead. In the second period Matthews would net his second of the game to give the Leafs the two goal lead, but Bo Horvat would strike to bring the Canucks back within one. However, Spezza’s second of the game, and John Tavare’s fifth of the season would give the Leafs the 5-2 lead. Then in the third period JT Miller would score for the Canucks, but Spezza would complete the hat trick, and Mitch Marner would score to give the Maple Leafs the 7-3 victory over the Canucks.
  • Carolina Hurricanes v. Chicago Blackhawks – 8p ET
    • In Chicago the Carolina Hurricanes come to town to take on the Blackhawks, and in the first period Sebastian Aho would strike to get the Canes on the board first, but moments later Mattias Janmark would score on the powerplay to tie the game at one, and Dominik Kubalik would get a powerplay tally to give Chicago the 2-1 lead. Before the first was over Andrew Shaw would also tally on the powerplay for Chicago, but in the second period Nino Niederreiter and Andrei Svechnikov would strike within the first minute of the period to tie the game at three. Then in the third period Patrick Kane would net his sixth of the season to give the Blackhawks the one goal lead, but Brock McGinn would strike back for the Canes to tie the game at four. However, Alex DeBrincat would score two goals later in the third to give the Blackhawks the 6-4 victory.
  • Arizona Coyotes v. St. Louis Blues – 8p ET
    • In St. Louis the Blues would go with their 90’s Reverse Retros as they host the Arizona Coyotes, and in the first period Tyler Pitlick and Nick Schmaltz would strike for the Coyotes to take the 2-0 lead. Then in the second period Conor Garland would net his fourth of the season to grow the Coyotes lead to three. Then in the third period the Blues would get a pair of goals from Mike Hoffman and a tally from Ryan O’Reilly, but a goal from Christian Dvorak would give the Coyotes the 4-3 victory.
  • Calgary Flames v. Winnipeg Jets – 8p ET
    • In Winnipeg we would see the Calgary Flames come to town to take on the Jets, and in the first period Andrew Mangiapane would strike to give the Flames the 1-0 lead. Then in the second period Mason Appleton, Kyle Connor, and Mark Scheifele would all score to give the Jets the 3-1 lead. Then in the third period Appleton would net his second of the game to secure the 4-1 victory for the Jets over the Flames.
  • Minnesota Wild v. Colorado Avalanche – 9p ET
    • Postponed

Today’s Games

  • BOS v. PHI – 7p ET
  • DET v. TB – 7p ET
  • NSH v. FLA – 7p ET
  • LA v. VGK -10p ET
  • SJ v. ANA – 10p ET

NHL Daily – Bunch of News and Games

NHL News and Notes from Monday, February 1st, 2021

News

  • Thatcher Demko of the Vancouver Canucks earned First Star honors with both Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl of the Edmonton Oilers out the NHL Three Stars of the Week.

  • The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has announced that Minnesota Wild forward Nick Bjugstad has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the CBA, for cross checking defenseman Ryan Graves of the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday night.

  • The NHL announced that the New Jersey Devils season has been postponed through February 6th as 10 players have been placed on the COVID Protocols List.

Game Recaps

  • Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • In New York the Penguins visit the Rangers. In the first period, Jason Zucker opens up the scoring as Pittsburgh takes the 1-0 lead. In the second period, the Rangers tie the game at 1-1 when Kevin Rooney scores his second goal of the season. In the third period, New York’s Chris Krieder scores a PPG to make it a 2-1 Rangers lead. Artemi Panarin scores with one second left in the period to give the Rangers the 3-1 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Boston Bruins vs. Washington Capitals – 7p ET
    • In the Nation’s Capital, the Bruins visit the Washington Capitals. In the first period, Zdeno Chara gets the scoring started, as the Capitals take the 1-0 lead. Washington makes it a 2-0 lead when Daniel Sprong scores 11 seconds after the Chara goal. In the second period, John Carlson scores a PPG to make it a 3-0 Capitals lead. David Pastrnak scores to get the Boston Bruins on the board. In the third period, Boston comes within a goal when Pastrnak scores his second goal of the game. Craig Smith ties the game for the Bruins with his third goal of the season. Boston takes the 4-3 lead when Brandon Carlo scores his second goal of the season. Brad Marchand gives the Bruins the two goal lead when he scores his sixth goal of the season. The contest comes to a close with the Boston Bruins handing the Washington Capitals their first regulation loss of the season with a 5-3 victory.
  • Nashville Predators vs. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7p ET
    • In Tampa, the Tampa Bay Lightning look to sweep the two game set against Nashville. In the first period, Ondrej Palat scores his fourth goal of the season to give Tampa Bay the 1-0 lead. Yanni Gourde gives the Lightning the 2-0 lead with his second goal of the season. Tampa takes the commanding 3-0 lead when Brayden Point nets his third goal of the season. In the second period, Steven Stamkos nets his fourth goal of the season, a PPG, to give the Lightning 4-0 lead. In the third period, Nashville gets on the board with a goal from Eeli Tolvanen, his first of the season. Nashville comes within two when Mikael Granlund nets his third goal of the season. Gourde gives the Lightning the 5-3 lead and win with Gourde’s second goal of the night as the Tampa Bay Lightning strike down the Nashville Predators with a 5-3 win.
  • Vancouver Canucks v. Montreal Canadiens – 7p ET
    • In Montreal, the Canucks and Canadiens resume their rivalry. In the first period, Montreal gets on the board first with a Nick Suzuki goal one minute into the game. The Canadiens take the 2-0 lead with an unassisted shorthanded goal by Artturi Lehkonen. Adam Gaudette gets the Canucks on the board with an unassisted goal of his own. Jeff Petry gives the Habs the two goal lead with his third goal of the season. In the second period, Brendan Gallagher gives Montreal a three goal lead with his fourth goal of the season. Petry gives the Canadiens the commanding 5-1 lead with his second goal of the night. Tyler Toffoli gives the Habs a 6-1 lead with his seventh goal of the season, a PPG. As the contest moves to the third period, Jay Beagle nets his first goal of the season giving the Canadiens the 6-2 lead. Montreal goes on to cruise past the Canucks with the 6-2 win.
  • Calgary Flames vs. Winnipeg Jets – 8p ET
    • In Winnipeg, the Jets look to extinguish the Flames. In the first period, Winnipeg’s Kyle Connor scores two power play goals to give the Jets the 2-0 lead. In the second period, Calgary comes within a goal just seven seconds into the period when Christopher Tanev scores his first goal of the season. As the contest shifts to the third period, Calgary ties the game when Johnny Gaudreau nets his sixth goal of the season. The Flames take the 3-2 lead when Andrew Mangiapane gets his first goal of the season. The Jets will tie the game when Mark Scheifele gets his fourth goal of the season. After a scoreless overtime frame, we head to a shootout. The Flames will win this contest in the fourth round of the shooutout when Johnny Gaudreau scores, giving Calgary the 4-3 win.
  • Vegas Golden Knights vs. San Jose Sharks – 10:30p ET
    • Postponed

Today’s Games

  • BUF v. NYI – 6p ET
  • NJ v. PIT – 7p ET
  • DAL v. CLB – 7p ET
  • VAN v. MON – 7p ET
  • CAR v. CHI – 8p ET
  • ARI v. STL – 8p ET
  • CGY v. WPG – 8p ET
  • MIN v. COL – 8:30p ET
  • ANA v. LA – 10p ET
  • OTT v. EDM – 10p ET

Bolts Strike Predators Twice in 3 Days

The Tampa Bay Lightning hosting the Nashville Predators for the 2nd time in 3 days. Both teams looking to play Better than their previous meeting that saw Tampa win 4-3. The Lightning need to play a full 60 minute effort and have some help on defense so Andrei Vasilevski who will make his 7th Start this season against Juues Saros. Nashville will look to stay out the penalty box as they gave up 7 penalties resulting in two power play goals.

Both teams started the game with an excellent penalty kill. Tampa killing off an interference penalty to Erik Cernak who is back in the lineup after missing 2 games with an injury. And Nashville killing off a minor on Tinordi for holding Brayden Point. For the 3rd time this season and for the second consecutive game Ondrij Palat opened the scoring. Palat was able to collect the puck after Nashville Captain Roman Josi broke up a cross ice feed and put it by Saros giving the Bolts the lead 10:47 into the 1st period. Josi was called for tripping Palat less than two minutes later giving Tampa another go on the Man advantage. This time they made Nashville pay. Yanni Gourde scored a power play goal off an excellent feed in the crease from Tyler Johnson. 2-0 bolts. After chances on both ends in the dying minutes of the 1st period, Brayden Point delivers again, beating the buzzer off a sizzling shot on a brilliant give and go play with Matthieu Joseph. A passing sequence that would put the Harlem Globetrotters to shame. After a Review in Toronto the puck crossed the line with .4 seconds remaining giving Tampa a commanding 3-0 lead heading into the first intermission

Nashville continued to take undisciplined penalties. Giving up 4 power plays over the first two periods. Despite peppering Vasilevski with Shots the bolts back end remained dominant. Stopping all attempts to try and get one in the net. Tampa Bay’s defense showed up to the game and made things a little easier for Vasilevski this time around after he bailed out the team during Saturday’s tilt. Steven Stamkos stays absolutely red hot scoring his 4th Goal of the season. Threading a Wrister from just above the Faceoff dot off the post and in. to make it 4-0 scoring his 301st career powerplay point giving him the All time Franchise lead in Power play points. Stamkos Stays absolutely red hot.

But a big lead in hockey can sometimes be worse than trailing. Tampa found their lead cut in half after goals from Eeli Tolvanen and Mikael Grandlund to make it a two goal game in quick Fashion Once again Nashville had crawled back into a game they were trailing by 4 goals heading into the final frame. Brayden Point was denied by Saros on a one timer to start swing the scoring back in the Lightning’s momentum. The bolts put on excellent two way shifts in the last 10 minutes of the game. Marooning the Predators in their own zone and peppering them with shots. Despite the two goal slip Tampa continued their dominance over a struggling Predators team. Yanni Gourde Sealed the victory with his second goal of the night. A 5-2 victory for the home team.

The Bolts Played a much better game despite a similar score. The Lightning played a complete game, and continue to look absolutely lethal. Vasilevski played excellent once again. After 7 straight starts it’s possible we could see Curtis Mchelleny make his first start after getting off the Covid-19 reserve list. Tampa doesn’t look like they’ve missed a step since winning the Stanley Cup. Tampa got some much needed aid on the backend with the Return of Erik Cernak a right shooting defenseman the Lightning are low in supply on. The future looks bright as the Bolts keep rolling. Reclaiming their familiar spot atop the division

NHL Daily – Saturday Night Hockey

NHL News and Notes from Saturday, January 30th, 2021

Game Recaps

  • New Jersey Devils v. Buffalo Sabres – 1p ET
    • In Buffalo the Sabres would play host to the New Jersey Devils for their weekend series, and after a scoreless first period Eric Staal would score to get the Sabres on the board first, but a tally from Ty Smith on the powerplay would tie the game at one. Then in the third period both teams would trade goals as Tobias Rieder and Victor Olofsson would score for the Sabres and Andreas Johnsson would score his first as a Devil and Janne Kuokkanen would score his first career NHL goal as this game would go to OT tied a three. Then after a scoreless five minutes of overtime, it would be Jack Eichel in the shootout to give the Sabres the 4-3 victory.

  • Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Rangers – 7p ET
    • In New York, the Rangers and Penguins continue their long-rivalry.  In the first period, the Penguins get on the board first with a goal by Jason Zucker, his second on the season.   The Rangers tie the game 1-1 with a goal by Brendan Lemieux.  Christopher Tanev gives the Penguins the lead back with 40 seconds left in the first.  In the second period, Kevin Rooney will tie the game again for the Rangers.  Pittsburgh takes the 3-2 lead with a goal by Kasperi Kapanaen, his second.  Chris Kreider makes it a 3-3 game with his third goal.  The Rangers take their first lead of the game with an Artemi Panarin PPG.  As the contest moves to the third period, Pittsburgh ties the game at 4-4 when Jake Guentzel nets his third goal of the season.  In the overtime session, Sidney Crosby scores his fourth goal of the season to give Pittsburgh the 5-4 win over the Rangers.
  • New York Islanders v. Philadelphia Flyers – 7p ET
    • In Philadelphia, the Islanders and Flyers face off for the first time of the season.  In the first period, Jakub Voracek gives the Flyers the 1-0 lead.  Philadelphia takes the 2-0 lead with a Kevin Hayes goal.  In the second period, the Islanders come within a goal when Jordan Eberle scores his third goal of the season.  The Islanders tie the game 2-2 with a Scott Mayfield goal,  After no goals are scored in the third period, Philadelphia’s Scott Laughton nets the game winner at 3:16 in the period to give the Philadelphia Flyers the 3-2 win over the New York Islanders.
  • Boston Bruins v. Washington Capitals – 7p ET
    • In Washington, the Capitals take the 1-0 lead when Nicklas Backstrom scores his fifth goal of the season at 18:06.  In the second period, Trevor van Riemsdyk nets his first goal as a Capital to give Washington the 2-0 lead.  Washington takes the 3-0 lead with a PPG from Richard Panik, his first goal of the season.  Boston gets on the board with a PPG from Nick Ritchie.  In the third period, Brad Marchand brings the Bruins within one with his fifth goal of the season.  Charlie McAvoy ties the game for the Bruins with his first goal of the season at 19:02.  In the overtime frame, Alex Ovechkin scores 28 seconds into the frame as the Capitals defeat the Bruins 4-3.

Kassie’s TXHT Recap – Ovechkin Scores 28 Seconds into Overtime to Defeat Bruins, 4-3

  • Dallas Stars v. Carolina Hurricanes – 7p ET
    • In Raleigh, the Stars and Hurricanes face-off.  In the first period, Carolina’s Vincent Trocheck scores two goals to make it a 2-0 Hurricanes lead.  In the second period, Andrei Svechnikov scores a power play goal to make it a 3-0 Carolina lead.  Ryan Dzingel nets a goal to make it a 4-0 lead for Carolina.  In the third period, Joe Palevski nets his fifth goal of the season to give bring the Stars within three.  However a Dallas comeback was not in the cards as the Hurricanes hand the Stars their first loss of the season in a 4-1 Carolina victory.
  • Nashville Predators v. Tampa Bay Lightning – 7p ET
    • In Tampa, this the first match-up of the season between the Predators and Lightning.  In the first period, Nashville takes the 1-0 lead with a Ryan Ellis goal.  In the second period, Tyler Johnson scores his first goal of the season to tie the contest 1-1.  Callan Foote gives the Lightning the 2-1 lead.  Tampa take the two goal lead with a goal by Victor Hedman, his second on the season.  Steven Stamkos scores a PPG to give the Lightning the 4-1 lead.  In the third period, Mathieu Oliver brings Nashville within two.  Viktor Arvidsson scores and brings Nashville within a goal but the comeback falls short as the Lightning defeat the Predators 4-3.

Tim’s TXHT Recap – Lightning Hold on Late to Beat Predators 4-3

  • Florida Panthers v. Detroit Red Wings – 7p ET
    • In Detroit, The first match-up of the season between these two teams took place.  In the first period, Aleksander Barkov scores a PPG to give the Panthers the 1-0 lead.  Anthony Mantha ties the game for the Red Wings.  Detroit takes the 2-1 lead with a Tyler Bertuzzi goal.  Florida ties the game 2-2 with a Keith Yandle goal.  Florida goes on to defeat the Red Wings 3-2 in overtime with a goal by Aleksi Heponiemi, his first on the season.
  • Calgary Flames v. Montreal Canadiens – 7p ET
    • In Montreal, the Flames and Canadiens play in the second of nine on the season.  In the first period, Johnny Gaudreau scores for the Calgary Flames and they take the early 1-0 lead.  After penalties plague the Canadiens in the latter part of the second period, the contest shifts to the third period.  With 32 seconds remaining in the period, Mikael Granlund scores his second goal of the season as the Calgary Flames hand the Montreal Canadiens their first regulation loss of the season as the Flames down the Canadiens 2-0.
  • Toronto Maple Leafs v. Edmonton Oilers – 7p ET
    • In Edmonton, the fourth of nine match-ups between the two squads took place.  In the first, Dominik Kahun gives the Oilers the 1-0 lead.  Toronto ties the game 1-1 with a goal by William Nylander.  Edmonton retakes the lead with a goal by Josh Archibald.  In the second period, Connor McDavid scores a power play goal to give the Oilers the 3-1 lead.  Auston Matthews to bring Toronto within a goal.  Zach Hyman ties the game with a PPG, his second goal of the season.  With no goals scored in the third period, Connor McDavid scores his second goal of the night, and the game winner to give the Oilers the 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.
  • Colorado Avalanche v. Minnesota Wild – 8p ET
    • In St. Paul, the first match-up of the season between these two teams took place.  In the first period, Logan O’Connor gets the Avalanche the 1-0 lead.  Minnesota ties the game with a Matt Dumba goal.  Colorado take the 2-1 lead with a goal by Joonas Donskoi.  As the contest moves to the second period, Mikko Rantanen gives the Avs the 3-1 lead.  In the third period, Brandon Saad makes it a 4-1 Colorado lead.  J.T. Compher scores to give Colorado the 5-1 lead and eventual win with his PPG.
  • St. Louis Blues v. Anaheim Ducks – 9p ET
    • In Anaheim, St. Louis strikes 20 seconds into the game to lead 1-0 with a goal from Jordan Kyrou.  St. Louis takes the 2-0 lead 37 seconds later with a goal from Zach Sanford.  Kyrou makes it a 3-0 St. Louis lead with his second goal of the night.  Anaheim gets on the board with a goal from Max Jones, his first of the season.  In the second period, David Perron gives the Blues the three goal advantage.  In the third period, Kyle Clifford gives the Blues the commanding 5-1 lead over the Ducks.  Vince Dunn scores a power play goal as the Blues go on to cruise past the Ducks 6-1.
  • Vancouver Canucks v. Winnipeg Jets – 10p ET
    • In the final contest of the night in Winnipeg, Vancouver strikes 29 seconds in the period when Brock Boeser scores his seventh goal of the season.  Mason Appleton goes on to tie the game with his first goal of the season.  Nils Hoglander nets his fourth goal of the season to give the Canucks the 2-1 lead.  In the second period, Vancouver takes the 3-1 lead when Zack MacEwen nets his first goal of the season.  In the third, Boeser scores his second goal of the night, an empty net goal, as Vancouver defeats the Jets 4-1.

Today’s Games

  • NJ v. BUF – 1p ET
  • DAL v. CAR – 5p ET
  • FLA v. DET – 5p ET
  • NYI v. PHI – 7p ET
  • CLB v. CHI – 7p ET
  • COL v. MIN – 8p ET
  • STL v. ANA – 8p ET
  • OTT v. EDM – 9p ET