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  • Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins – 10/11/2018 – Game Preview & Recap

    Toronto Maple Leafs @ Boston Bruins – 10/11/2018 – Game Preview & Recap

    Time: Saturday, November 10th, 2018

    Toronto: 11-5-0 for 22 points

    Pittsburgh: 8-5-2 for 18 points

    The Toronto Maple Leafs come into Boston with backup goalies ready to battle each other. Rask on leave in Boston and Andersen coming off a sensational game last night in New Jersey. Big guns will going at it tonight.

    Top Scorers/Goalie Matchup

    Morgan Rielly – 20 points (7 goals 13 assists)

    Mitch Marner – 19 points (5 goals 14 assists)

    John Tavares – 18 points (9 goals 9 assists) 49% on face-offs

    Auston Matthews – 16 points (10 goals 6 assists) 53% on Face-off

    Patrice Bergeron –21 points (8 goals 13 assists) 56.5% faceoffs

    David Pastrnak– 17 points (12 goal 5 assists)

    Brad Marchand– 17 points (5 goal 12 assist)

    David Krecji– 13 points (2 goal 11 assists)

    Garrett Sparks

    2-0-0 3.50GAA .892SV

    Jaroslav Halak

    4-1-2 1.96GAA .936SV%

    Probable Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Kasperi Kapanen – Nazem Kadri– Patrick Marleau

    Tyler Ennis – Pars Lindholm – Connor Brown

    Andreas Johnsson – Frederik Gauthier – Josh Leivo

    Morgan Rielly – Ron Hainsey

    Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev

    Travis Dermott – Martin Marincin

    Garrett Sparks

    Frederik Andersen
    Scratched: Justin Holl & Igor Ozhiganov

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back), Auston Matthews (Shoulder)

    Suspension: None

     

    Bruins:

    Brad Marchand – Patrice Bergeron – David Pastrnak

    Joakim Nordstrom – David Krecji– Jake DeBrusk

    Dalton Heinen– Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson – Anders Bjork

    Chris Wagner – Sean Kuraly – David Backes

    Zdeno Chara –Brandon Carlo

    Torey Krug – John Moore

    Matt Grzelcyk– Steve Kampfer

    Jaorslav Halak

    Daniel Vladar
    Scratched: None

    Injuries: Charlie MCaVoy (Upper Body), Urhu Vaakanainen (Concussion), Kevan Miller (Hand), Tuuka Rask (Leave of Absence)

    Suspension: None

     Keys to Winning against Boston:

    1. Be Aggressive
      1. Play fast, make Boston chase you, don’t let them dictate the play
    2. Shots
      1. Get shots, no Rask. Take advantage
    3. Limit Turnovers
      1. No crazy turnovers, especially against the top line.

    Game Day Lineups:

    First Period:

    Boston Penalty – 05:48 – Steven Kampfer 2 minutes from Interference

    Boston Goal – 16:12 – Patrice Bergeron (9) from David Pastrnak (6)

    End of 1st – TOR –0       BOS – 1

    Shots              20                06

    Faceoffs         12/23         11/23

    Hits               9                  11

    PP                 0/1               0/0

    Analysis:

    Leafs were flying all period and one bad tip and a goalie who hasn’t played in 20+ days, allowed the bruins to take the lead.

    Need to Do:

    Continue to play hard and aggressive and get bodies to the net.

    Second Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 00:41 – Zach Hyman 2 minutes for Cross Checking

    Boston Goal – 05:46 – David Pastrnak (13) from Patrice Bergeron (14) and Matt Grzelcyk (7)

    Toronto Penalty – 09:09 – Martin Marincin 2 minutes for Holding

    Boston PPG Goal – 10:34 – David Pastrnak (14) from Brad Marchand (13) and Patrice Bergeron (15)

    Boston Penalty – 17:28 – Brandon Carlo 2 minutes for Roughing

    Toronto Goal – 19:30 – John Tavares (10) from Mitch Marner (15) and Morgan Rielly (14)

     

    End of 2nd – TOR – 1       PIT – 3

    Shots               30                 22

    Faceoffs          22/47            25/47

    Hits                 17                    15

    PP                   0/2                  1/2

    Analysis:

    Leaf came out flat in the 2nd period and the Bruins took advantage scoring 2 goals and playing all over Toronto.

    Need to Do:

    Desperation mode. Need some kind of offence

    Third Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 11:28 – Kasperi Kapanen 4 minutes for High Sticking

    Boston PP Goal – 14:04 – David Pastrnak (15) from Brad Marchand (14) and Torey Krug (5)

    Boston Goal – 14:30 – Joakim Nordstrom (3) from David Krecji (3)

    Boston Penalty – 17:29 – Steven Kampfer 2 minutes for Slashing

    End of 3rd – TOR – 1        BOS – 5

    Shots              41                      34

    Faceoffs        32/68            36/68

    Hits               20                       22

    PP                 0/3                    2/4

    Analysis:

    Leafs came unraveled in the 2nd and 3rd periods. Sparks looked like a shadow of the goalie he was against LA and the offence couldn’t put almost anything past Halak.

    Next Up:

    Toronto (11-6-0 22pts) @ Los Angeles (5-9-1 11pts)

    Boston (8-5-2 18pts) @ Colorado (7-6-3 17pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • November 10th, 2018 — News and Notes

    Today is Saturday, November 10th, 2018, and these are your news and notes

    There were six contests last night.

     

    TORONTO 6, New Jersey 1

    In the annual Hockey Hall of Fame game, the Toronto Maple Leafs would go on to rout the New Jersey Devils 6-1, thanks to a four-goal burst in the second period.

    Toronto’s Patrick Marleau would record his 600th career assist and Morgan Rielly would be the sixth defenceman in team history to have at least seven goals in the team’s first 16 games.

    TXHT’s Toronto Maple Leafs contributor Steve Gardiner has his recap of the contest at the following page.

    New Jersey @ Toronto – 09/11/2018 – Game Preview and Recap
    Columbus 2, WASHINGTON 1

    This contest featured a re-match of last year’s Eastern Conference First Round match-up between the Columbus Blue Jackets and the Washington Capitals.

    The three goals scored in this contest were all power-play goals, with the final goal being scored by Anthony Duclair, his seventh of the season.  With Duclair’s goal, he became the fourth player in franchise history to have seven goals in 16 games played.

    November 9th, 2018 — Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals Full Gameday Preview and Coverage
    DETROIT 3, NY Rangers 2 (OT)

    The Detroit Red Wings won their fifth contest in six games after being down by two going into the third period.

    Dylan Larkin would score the game-winner with five seconds left in the overtime frame.


    ST. LOUIS 4, San Jose 0

    Ryan O’Reilly is the first player in St. Louis history to have a nine game point streak since the 2014-15 season when David Backes and Alexander Steen accomplished the same feat.


    WINNIPEG 5, Colorado 2

    Blake Wheeler had a five point contest in the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.


    Minnesota 5, ANAHEIM 1

    The Minnesota Wild would win their fourth contest on their current road trip for the third time in franchise history as they would defeat the Anaheim Ducks 5-1.

    There are 11 contests on today’s slate…

    This week’s NHL European Game of the Week:

     

    In NHL news…

    The Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2018 participated in the ceremonial puck drop before the contest between the Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils.

    -In the Washington Capitals Hockey Fight Cancer Awareness night, Capitals commentator, Craig Laughlin and his wife, Linda, participated in the ceremonial puck-drop.

     

  • November 9th, 2018 — Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals Full Gameday Preview and Coverage

    November 9th, 2018 — Columbus Blue Jackets at Washington Capitals Full Gameday Preview and Coverage

    Washington Capitals (7-4-3 17pts) v. Columbus Blue Jackets (8-6-1 17pts)

    Time: 7p EST

    Station: NBC Sports Washington

     

    Preview:

    In the first match-up between the two clubs this season, Washington looks to have their first three game win streak of the season.  In the last nine games for Columbus, the Blue Jackets are 4-4-1.

    Washington will be without the services of John Carlson tonight and in his place is Jonas Siegenthaler, who was recalled from the Hershey Bears earlier today.

    Columbus’ Cam Atkinson looks to get back on the scoring sheet with no points in the last five contests.

     

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Projected Lineup:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Dmitrij Jaskin

    Chandler Stephenson — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Jakub Vrana — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Andre Burakovsky — Travis Boyd — DeVante Smith-Pelly

    Michal Kempny — Matt Niskanen

    Dmitry Orlov — Christian Djoos

    Jonas Siegenthaler — Madison Bowey

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

     

    Scratched: Nic Dowd, Aaron Ness

    Injured: John Carlson (day-to-day), Brooks Orpik (LTIR)

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Be consistent in the faceoff circle

     

     

    2. Keep your feet moving

     

     

    Columbus Blue Jackets:

    Projected Lineup:

    Artemi Panarin — Pierre-Luc DuBois — Cam Atkinson

    Nick Foligno — Boone Jenner — Josh Anderson

    Lukas Sedlak — Alexander Wennberg — Anthony Duclair

    Markus Hannikainen — Brandon Dubinsky — Riley Nash

    Ryan Murray — Seth Jones

    Markus Nutivaara — David Savard

    Zach Werenski — Scott Harrington

    Sergei Bobrovsky

    Joonas Korpisalo

    Scratched: Adam Clendening, Cam Atkinson, Dean Kukan

    Injured: None

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Get a good start

     

     

    First Period:

    Columbus Penalty — Josh Anderson for Cross-checking — 2 min minor — 4:46

    Washington Penalty — Evgeny Kuznetsov for Interference — 2 min minor — 15:28

    Columbus PPG — Oliver Bjorkstrand (2) from Nick Foligno (5) and Alexander Wennberg (8)

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 0       CLB – 1

    Shots              15                09

    Faceoffs         12               13

    Hits               03                  12

    PP                 0/1                 1/1

     

    Analysis:  The Washington Capitals came out shooting pretty well but started to fall midway through the first period.  Faceoffs throughout the contest have been virtually even and the Capitals need to continue playing their game in shooting the puck.

     

     

    Need to Do:  Much like in the previous contest, the Capitals have to play more physically.  The Blue Jackets are dominating the Capitals when it comes to the hits.  In addition, the Capitals need to do a better job of hitting the net.  There were several missed opportunities to get goals.

     

     

    Second Period:

    Columbus Penalty — Alexander Wennberg for Hooking — 2 min minor — 6:51

    Washington PPG — Matt Niskanen (3) from Nicklas Backstrom (15) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (14) — 7:53

    Columbus Penalty — David Savard for Holding — 2 min minor — 11:08

    Washington Penalty — Michal Kempny for Holding — 2 min minor — 18:13

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 1        CLB – 1

    Shots               25                 25

    Faceoffs          25                 21

    Hits                 10                  20

    PP                   1/3                  1/2*   :13 left in current power play

     

    Analysis:  The Power-play units have been very effective.  In the face-off circle, the Capitals were better and both teams continue to shoot the puck very well.

     

    Need to Do:  The Capitals must get better on the physicality.  Columbus is all over the Capitals on this aspect.  In the last 20 minutes, the Capitals need to attack the net to make Bobrovsky uncomfortable and take advantage of any open net chances that happen.

     

     

    Third Period:

    Washington Penalty — Dmitry Orlov for Roughing — 2 min minor — 4:04

    Columbus PPG — Anthony DuClair (7) from Artemi Panarin (12) and Zach Werenski (8)  —  5:09

    Columbus Penalty — Pierre-Luc Dubois for Holding the Stick — 2 min minor — 13:00

    Columbus Penalty — David Savard for Hooking — 2 min minor — 19:17

    End of 3rd – WAS – 1         CLB – 2

    Shots              34                   36

    Faceoffs        32                    29

    Hits               19                     24

    PP                 1/5                    2/3

     

    Analysis:  The Capitals fizzled out when it came to attacking the net until the last five minutes of the contest.  The Capitals physicality did not come out until the third period but still was not enough.

    The Capitals did not take enough shots on the power-play and must shoot the puck when it comes to the power-plays.

    In the faceoff circle, both teams were fairly even throughout the contest.  Both teams were also fairly even in shots on goal overall.

    Washington will look to fix some of these issues when they take on the Arizona Coyotes Sunday at 5 p.m., ET.

     

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (7-5-3 17 pts) vs. Arizona (7-6-1 15 pts)

    Columbus (9-6-1 19 pts) vs. New York Rangers (7-7-1 15 pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

     

  • New Jersey @ Toronto – 09/11/2018 – Game Preview and Recap

    New Jersey @ Toronto – 09/11/2018 – Game Preview and Recap

    Time: Friday, Novemeber 9th , 2018

    Toronto: 10-5-0 for 20 points

    New Jersey: 6-6-1 for 13 points

    The Toronto Maple Leafs play their first game of a back to back starting at home in Toronto verses the New Jersey Devils. The Devils have always seemed to cause problems for the Leafs and will try to come into Toronto and spoil it again for the Leafs.

    Top Scorers/Goalie Matchup

    Mitch Marner – 19 points (5 goals 14 assists)

    Morgan Rielly – 18 points (6 goals 12 assists)

    John Tavares – 17 points (8 goals 9 assists) 49% on face-offs

    Auston Matthews – 16 points (10 goals 6 assists) 53% on Face-off

    Kyle Palmieri – 17 points (10 goals 7 assists)

    Taylor Hall– 15 points (3 goal 12 assists)

    Nico Hischier– 12 points (3 goal 9 assist)

    Travis Zajac– 10 points (5 goal 5 assists)

    Frederik Andersen

    8-5-0, 2.18 GAA .929SV%

    Keith Kincaid

    6-4-1, 2.59 GAA .918SV%

    Probable Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Kasperi Kapanen – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Mitch Marner – Nazem Kadri– Patrick Marleau

    Tyler Ennis – Pars Lindholm – Connor Brown

    Andreas Johnsson – Frederik Gauthier – Josh Leivo

    Morgan Rielly – Ron Hainsey

    Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev

    Travis Dermott – Igor Ozhiganov

    Frederik Andersen

    Garrett Sparks

    Scratched: Justin Holl & Martin Marincin

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back), Auston Matthews (Shoulder)

    Suspension: None

    New Jersey:

    Taylor Hall – Nico Hischier – Kyle Palmieri

    Marcus Johansson – Brent Seney– Jesper Bratt

    Blake Coleman– Travis Zajac – Joey Anderson

    Brian Boyle – Travis Wood – Jean-Sebastian Dea

    Mirco Mueller –Sami Vatanen

    Andy Greene – Damon Severson

    Will Butcher – Ben Lovejoy

    Keith Kincaid

    Corey Schneider

    Scratched:

    Injuries: Stefan Noesen

    Suspension: None

     

    4 Keys to Winning against New Jersey:

    1. Use your speed
      1. Don’t give the Devils an opportunity to use their speed against you. Take it to them first.
    2. Puck Possession
      1. If the Leafs can have a lot of possession, it will negate the speed the devils which is how they create offence.
    3. Taylor Hall/Kyle Palmieri
      1. Control, be physical, don’t give these 2 much room on the ice. They will create and score.
    4. 3rd Line offence
      1. Need more offence from theses guys especially while Matthews remains out.

    Game Day Lineups:

    First Period:

    New Jersey Penalty – 08:28 – Sami Vatanen 2 minutes from Kneeing

    Toronto Goal – 12:24 – John Tavares (9) from Ron Hainsey (5) and Morgan Rielly (13)

    New Jersey Penalty – 14:26 – Marcus Johansson 2 minutes from High Sticking

    Toronto Penalty – 17:14 – Nikita Zaitsev 2 minutes from Holding

     

    End of 1st – NJD – 0       TOR – 1

    Shots              07                15

    Faceoffs         7/16          9/16

    Hits               11                  6

    PP                 0/1              0/2

    Analysis:

    Leafs came ready to be aggressive against the Devils. Attacking offensively and defensively putting everything at the net and getting the most chances possible and preparing for rebounds.

    Need to Do:

    Continue the pressure and press the pace.

    Second Period:

    Toronto Goal – 01:24 – Nazem Kadri (5) from Patrick Marleau (6)

    Toronto Goal – 05:07 – Connor Brown (3) from Par Lindholm(3) and Ron Hainsey (6)

    New Jersey Goal – 07:23 – Travis Zajac (6) from Blake Coleman (2)

    Toronto Goal – 15:44 – Andreas Johnsson (1) from Jake Gardiner(8) and Par Lindholm (4)

    Toronto Goal – 17:27 – Morgan Rielly (7) from Nazem Kadri (6)

    New Jersey Penalty – 19:24 – Joey Anderson 2 minutes for Interference

     

    End of 2nd – NJD – 1        TOR – 5

    Shots               23                   27

    Faceoffs          14/38            24/38

    Hits                 26                  15

    PP                   0/1                  0/3

    Analysis:

    Leafs took the foot off the gas pedal a little and New Jersey took advantage for a bit but then they came right back. Depth is taking control of the game. Exactly what Toronto needed.

    Need to Do:

    3rd period is all about continuing to play their game. Do that and that will be a win.

    Third Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 01:51 – Par Lindholm 2 minutes for Slashing

    Toronto Goal – 12:01 – Tyler Ennis (2) Unassisted

    Toronto Penalty – 14:39 – Frederik Gauthier 2 minutes for High Sticking

    New Jersey Penalty – 15:32 – Kyle Palmieri 2 minutes for Interference

     

    End of 3rd – NJD – 1         TOR – 6

    Shots              39                   32

    Faceoffs        23/58             35/58

    Hits               39                    23

    PP                 0/3                   0/4

     Analysis:

    Huge win for Toronto on the first half of a back to back. Strong showing from the bottom 6 and a dominating performance all around. Morgan Rielly consistently showed how much better he is this season.

    Next Up:

    Toronto (11-5-0 22pts) @ Boston (8-5-2 18pts)

    New Jersey (6-6-1 13pts) @ Winnipeg (8-5-1 17pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live this Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

     

  • November 9th, 2018 — News and Notes

     

     

     

    Today is Friday, November 9th, 2018, and these are your news and notes…

    In action yesterday, there were nine contests…

     

    Vancouver 8, BOSTON 5

     

    Vancouver had eight goals in a contest for the first time in nearly a decade in the win over Boston at TD Garden last night.

     

    FLORIDA 4, Edmonton 1

     

    Florida’s Mike Hoffman extended his point scoring streak to 10 games when he registered two assists in the Panthers 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers.

     

     

    PHILADELPHIA 5, Arizona 4 (OT)

    Despite the Philadelphia Flyers win in overtime over the Arizona Coyotes, Arizona is the second team to have nine shorthanded goals in 14 games since 1933-34.

     

    They share the record with the 1975-76 St. Louis Blues franchise.

     

    Buffalo 6, MONTREAL 5 (OT)

     

    The Buffalo Sabres would win on an overtime goal by Rasmus Ristolainen, the fourth in franchise history in regular-season play by a defenceman.

     

    Vegas 5, OTTAWA 3

     

    Vegas’ fourth line would power the team through a hard-fought win over the Ottawa Senators and earn the season-sweep.

     

    TAMPA BAY 4, NY Islanders 2

     

    The Tampa Bay Lightning for the second straight season have 25 points through 16 games or less with the win over the Islanders last night.

     

     

    Carolina 4, CHICAGO 3

     

    Despite being down by four, Chicago’s comeback in the contest fell short when they were defeated by Carolina in the debut for Chicago’s new bench boss, Jeremy Colliton.

     

     

    DALLAS 4, San Jose 3

     

    San Jose’s Brent Burns became the fourth member in team history to record at least 20 points in 16 or fewer team games last night.

     

    Joe Thornton would, in fact, play in his 1500th NHL game, the most ever for a number one overall pick in League history.

     

    Minnesota 3, LOS ANGELES 1

     

    -Minnesota’s Zach Parise registered his 700th career point and leads all active U.S. born players with 339 goals.

     

    There are six games on tap tonight…

    nov_9th_schedy-09022104

     

    In NHL news,

     

    -The Washington Capitals will host their annual Hockey Fights Cancer Awareness night.

     

     

    -Yesterday, the Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks unveiled the jerseys that they will wear for the 2019 NHL Winter Classic.

    There is more on the unveiling here:  2019 NHL Winter Classic Jerseys unveiled

     

    -With the 2018 Hockey Hall of Fame induction happening Monday night, the new inductees received the rings as a part of festivities.

     

     

    Tonight, the Toronto Maple Leafs host the New Jersey Devils in the annual Hockey Hall of Fame Game at Scotiabank Arena.

    There will be more on the Hall of Fame induction ceremony Tuesday.

     

    -The Chicago Blackhawks and 2018 first round pick, defenceman Nicolas Beaudin, agreed to a three-year, entry level deal.

    Beaudin will remain with the QMJHL’s Drummondville Voltiguers.

     

    -Vegas Golden Knights D Nate Schmidt, who is still suspended for a violation of the League’s Substance Abuse Policy, participated in practice earlier today.

    Also with the Golden Knights, the team today announced that they will hold their Military Appreciation night on November 14th.

     

    -John Carlson of the Washington Capitals will miss tonight’s contest.  In a corresponding move, the Washington Capitals recalled Jonas Siegenthaler from the American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears.

    -The Montreal Canadiens announced earlier today that Tomas Plekanec has been placed on unconditional waivers for the purposes of buying out his contract.

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • A Maple Leaf prospect overview – Part 2

    A Maple Leaf prospect overview – Part 2

    If you don’t follow much of the American Hockey League, OHL, KHL or any of the Swedish Leagues that’s 100% ok. By the end of this article, you have an overview of what you can expect coming out of the Leafs organization over the next few years and if I can give you hint you should be very excited.

    These are no particular order just going to do my best to give you an overview of what’s in the Maple Leafs system over the next few weeks. Part 2 will consist of 4 players that aren’t very known in the Maple Leafs system.

     

    1. Sean Durzi– Drafted 2nd round 2018 (52nd overall) From the Owen Sound Attack (OHL)
      Position: Defence
      Shoots: Right
      Born: October 21st, 1998 — Mississauga, Ontario
      Height: 6’0”
      Weight: 195 lbs
    1. Background: Durzi had a rough last couple of years. In 2016 Durzi had to have surgery on his ankle as he found out that he had an extra bone and it would eventually cause serious damage. He returned in 2017 but didn’t have a strong season, in fact didn’t look anything like himself. 2017 NHL draft he was passed over by all 31 teams and went back to the OHL. He had a monster season making NHL teams take another look at him. 2018 the Leafs thought he could be a good player for them and drafted him in the 2nd
    2. Scouting Report:
      • Skating – Very good skater and intelligent puck mover. Durzi could use some edge work but his transition from offence to defence and vice versa is seamless.
      • Offensively – Great side to side movement, scores a lot of goals mainly by sneaking into nice shooting range and firing a wrister or a snapper. Improved his slap shot over the summer expect him to use it more and it’s a nice one. Amazing vision and passing ability. Needs to work on his puck protection and stickhandling. Not a Powerplay quarterback, but more of an in-zone offensive weapon.
      • Defensively – Durzi’s defensive game needs work. Durzi brings good positioning and the ability to cut down passing lanes. Very tough to beat in one-on-one situations, with a strength of Durzi’s being his backwards skating and good gap control.
      • Comparison: If I had to choose someone solely based on potential I really couldn’t find someone because of the potential that Sean Durzi has somewhat of an unknown. But what I’ve heard and saw game style wise he compares Tobias Enstrom.
    1. Semyon Der-Arguchintsev– 3rd round pick (76 overall) 2018 draft – Peterborough Petes
      Position: Center
      Shoots: Right
      Born: September 15, 2000– Moscow, Russia
      Height: 5‘10”
      Weight: 159 lbs

      1. Background: Arguchintsev has always been looked down upon because of his size. Most scouts within the KHL, and OHL and now the NHL have said he’s too small. Arguchintsev seems to have taken that as a challenge and so far he’s faired very well. KHL is trying to convince him to stay ( and seems to have failed), the OHL Peterborough Petes drafted him and helped him develop and become one of the most underrated playmaking centres in the OHL.
      2. Scouting Report:
        • Skating: Fantastic speed, can beat defenders in a heartbeat. He will need to work on his acceleration but once he gets moving it’s scary.
        • Offence: Amazing vision on the ice, Arguchintsev can easily make one tap passes right on the stick. He possesses the same kind of vision as Mitch Marner. Incredibly patient, but smart with the puck. Always thinking about his next move and can execute in a second. His Passes are always hard and accurate,, he can even make passes that jump many sticks and fall right on his teammates stick.
        • Defence: He needs to work on the defensive game, but he is not devoid of one at all. Arguchintsev backchecks and is a decent defensive player. If he can develop some acceleration (which I think he will) he could be a dynamic player at both ends of the ice.
        • Comparison: Closest comparison would Mitch Marner with less goal scoring ability.
    1. Riley Stotts – Drafted in the 3rd round (83rd overall) in the 2018 NHL draft – Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
      Position: Center
      Shoots: Left
      Born: January 5, 2000 – Winnipeg Manitoba
      Height: 6‘00”
      Weight: 174 lbs

      1. Background: Started off his seasons with the Swift Current Broncos and only had 2 points in 22 games. Was traded to the Hitmen and ended up scoring 41 points in 47 games. Stotts is a low-risk high reward kind of player.
      2. Scouting Report:
        • Skating: Good skater nothing fancy not bad not superb just good.
        • Offence & Defence: I put these 2 together for Stotts because he does nothing exceptional but everything great. He’ll probably be a 3rd line centre with good hands, faceoffs and defensive coverage. He’s a 3 zone player, always in the right position.
        • Comparison: Closest comparison Morgan Klimchuck or Joel Armia
    1. Mac Hollowell– Drafted in the 4th round (118th overall) in 2018 – Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds
      Position: Defence
      Shoots: Right
      Born: Sep 26, 1998– Niagara Falls, Canada
      Height: 5‘9”
      Weight: 170 lbs
    1. Background: Just like Durzi faced some doubts about his abilities especially his size. But Hollowell took it as fuel to his game and came out flying as an over-ager in the OHL.
    2. Scouting Report:
      • Skating: Great mobility and acceleration. Once he gets moving he is hard to catch. He is at his best when he’s moving his feet.
      • Offence: Hollowell is confident with the puck on his stick and comes with really impressive vision and he never second guesses any of his decisions he makes them quick and precise. A very aggressive player, when Hollowell crosses the opposing blueline his thought are always pass or attack himself
      • Defence: a bit of neutral zone gamble, he can make a lot of mistakes there although his speed bails him out of a lot of the time. Where he gets into a lot of trouble defensively is when the opposing team is super aggressive while forechecking. His lack of size and strength are exposed in these instances.
      • Comparison: Closest comparison Nate Schmidt

  • 2019 NHL Winter Classic Jerseys unveiled

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    January 1st, 2019 brings in the 11th annual Winter Classic but it will be the 10th contest due to there not being a Winter Classic in 2013 because of the NHL lockout that postponed the match-up between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings to 2014.

     

    This year’s contest will pit the Boston Bruins against the Chicago Blackhawks at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana.

     

    Today, both teams unveiled the jerseys that they will wear for this contest.
    First, with the Boston Bruins.

     

    The look the Boston Bruins are going with is a nod to the franchises of the 1930s.

     

    The look is similar to the 1932-36 and will make used of the iconic Spoked-B logo that the Bruins have had for decades.

     

    On the inside neckline has six shamrocks with the years of their Stanley Cup championships in the shamrocks.

     

    Boston Bruins 2019 Winter Classic Jersey

     

     

    Next we have the Chicago Blackhawks.

     

    The jersey they will wear is a nod to the 1934 team, the first time the Blackhawks were crowned Stanley Cup champions.

     

    The slashes on the neckline represent the classic hashmarks at Notre Dame Stadium and the years between the slashes represent the six Stanley Cup championships that the Blackhawks have won.

     

    Chicago Blackhawks Winter Classic Jersey

     

     

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • Gameday Preview: Montreal Canadiens vs Buffalo Sabres

    Montreal Canadiens (8-5-2) vs Buffalo Sabres (7-6-2)

    Game Time: 7:30pm at Bell Centre

    Referees: #20 Tim Peel, #21 TJ Luxmore

    Linesmen: #78 Brian Mach, #82 Ryan Galloway

    The Montreal Canadiens are coming off a 5-3 loss to the New York Rangers on Tuesday night. The Habs looked solid for about 2 periods then fell apart in the third period of a very physical game on the second night of a back to back for the Habs. Tonight the Habs will play a Sabres team that beat them in the final minute two weeks ago. With the Habs currently down 2 wingers tonight’s line-up will look a little different. Carey Price will get the start between the pipes for the Habs.

    Keys To The Game

    • Fast Start, Fast Finish. The Habs are doing a great job getting on the board early but can’t seem to close out a game. This needs to change tonight
    • Stay out of the box. The Habs were great on the PK on Tuesday Night killing six penalties. Yes they have a good PK unit but let’s not make taking penalties a habit. It’s gonna come back to bite them
    • Carey Price looked good on Tuesday but the defense was lack-luster giving up way too many odd man chances.

     

    Forwards:

    Tomas Tatar- Phillip Danault- Brendan Gallagher

    Jonathan Drouin- Max Domi- Andrew Shaw

    Artturi Lehkonen- Jesperi Kotkaniemi- Kenny Agostino

    Nicholas Deslauriers- Matthew Peca- Charles Hudon

    Defensemen

    Jordie Benn- Jeff Petry

    Karl Alzner- Mike Reilly

    Xavier Ouellet- Victor Mete

    Tonight’s Scratches: Noah Juulsen (Healthy Scratch), Joel Armia (LBI)

  • November 8th, 2018 — News and Notes

    Today is Thursday, November 8th, 2018, and these are your news and notes.

     

    There were three contests in League action yesterday…

    WASHINGTON 2, Pittsburgh 1

     

    The Washington Capitals went on to defeat their arch-rivals, the Pittsburgh Penguins last night.

    Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby would open up the scoring, and Washington’s Alex Ovechkin would score his 235th career power-play goal.  Ovechkin now has sole possession of seventh place in that category.

    Washington F T.J. Oshie would net the game-winner with 1:14 left in regulation.
    This would mark the ninth time in 47 contests in the regular-season in which Crosby and Ovechkin would find the net in the same contest.

    TXHT’s coverage of the contest:
    Game Recap – 11/7/2018 – Pittsburgh Penguins v. Washington Capitals
    Nashville 4, COLORADO 1

     

    Nashville’s Colton Sissons recorded his second career regular-season hat-trick and helped lift the Predators back into first place in the NHL standings at 12-3-0 and 7-0-0 on the road.

    Sissons last hat-trick in the regular-season was during the 2016-17 season.

    ANAHEIM 3, Calgary 2

    Calgary would tie the game at 2 a piece with F Mark Jankowski’s goal in the third period but Anaheim captain Ryan Getzlaf would score the eventual game-winner 27 seconds later to give Anaheim the win.
    Calgary has been behind in three out of their last four games, and would win those contests.
    So far on the season, Getzlaf is averaging one point per game.

    Anaheim G Ryan Miller would win his 372nd game, two away from tying John Vanbiesbrouck for most all-time among U.S. born goalies.


    Today’s Schedule of Games:
    nov_8th_schedy-08013129
    In NHL news…
    -The Boston Bruins unveiled their 2019 Winter Classic jerseys this morning.  They will take on the Chicago Blackhawks, who will unveil their Winter Classic jersey today at 5:30 p.m. CT, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana on January 1st, 2019.

     

    -With Sissons hat-trick in last night, it marked the fourth consecutive day of game action in which a hat-trick was achieved.

    -In a bit of tragic news, the Minnesota Wild and the NHL announced that former Wild chairman Robert O. Naegele passed away due to complications from cancer.


    -Tonight when the Vancouver Canucks take on the Boston Bruins in Boston, Canucks rookie Elias Pettersson looks to be the fourth player since the 1920-21 season to register at least 11 goals through 11 career games.

    You can watch TXHT Live next Tuesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.

  • Game Recap – 11/7/2018 – Pittsburgh Penguins v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 11/7/2018 – Pittsburgh Penguins v. Washington Capitals

     

    Pittsburgh Penguins (6-4-3 15pts) v. Washington Capitals (6-4-3 15pts)

     

    Lineups:

    Pittsburgh Penguins:

    Dominik Simon — Sidney Crosby — Bryan Rust

    Carl Hagelin — Evgeni Malkin — Patric Hornqvist

    Jake Guentzel — Riley Sheahan — Phil Kessel

    Zach Aston-Reese — Matt Cullen — Garrett Wilson

    Brian Dumoulin — Kris Letang

    Olli Maatta — Chad Ruhwedel

    Jack Johnson — Jamie Oleksiak

    Casey DeSmith

    Matt Murray

    Scratched: Juuso Riikola, Daniel Sprong

    Injured: Justin Schultz (left leg fracture), Derick Brassard (lower body)

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Dmitrij Jaskin

    Chandler Stephenson — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Andre Burakovsky — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Jakub Vrana — Travis Boyd — Devante Smith-Pelly

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Christian Djoos — Madison Bowey

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

    Scratched: Nic Dowd

    Injured: Brooks Orpik (lower body)

    Suspended: Tom Wilson

     

    First Period:

    Penguins Penalty – 2:17 – Jamie Oleksiak 2 minutes for Slashing

    Capitals Penalty – 11:33 – Jakub Vrana 2 minutes for Tripping

    Penguins PPG – 12:16 – Sidney Crosby (7) from Jack Johnson (2)

    Penguins Penalty – 15:09 – Carl Hagelin 2 minutes for Goalie Interference

     

    End of 1st – PIT – 1       WAS – 0

    Shots            09                07

    Faceoffs       11                07

    Hits               14                04

    PP                 1/1               0/2

     

    Analysis:

    This was an ok period for the Capitals. They were able to generate some chances, but the Penguins were very aggressive with their coverage forcing the issue, especially on special teams.

     

    Need to Do:

    The Capitals need to pick up their physicality. The Penguins are dominating them physically, and that is why the Penguins are generating some of the better quality scoring chances. Also the Capitals need to do a better job of establishing zone time in the Penguins zone.

     

    Second Period:

    Penguins Penalty – 6:33 – Sidney Crosby 2 minutes for Hooking

    Capitals PPG – 7:09 – Alex Ovechkin (12) from John Carlson (12) and Nicklas Backstrom (14)

    Capitals Penalty – 9:35 – Michal Kempny 2 minutes for Tripping

    Penguins Penalty – 11:27 – Jake Guentzel 2 minutes for Tripping

    Penguins Penalty – 15:05 – Evgeni Malkin 2 minutes for Roughing

     

    End of 2nd – PIT – 1        WAS – 1

    Shots               26                 17

    Faceoffs          19                 18

    Hits                 22                  12

    PP                   1/2                  1/5

     

    Analysis:

    This was another ok period for the Capitals. They started well and drew a good amount of penalties against the Penguins, however, the Capitals only capitalized on one of those powerplays. It was very evident that both teams did not play a full 20 minutes.

     

    Need to Do:

    The Capitals need to bring out their physical game. They are still getting out worked by Pittsburgh, and the Penguins are playing a lot choppier, and it is helping them generate scoring chances. Also the Capitals need to do a much better job on their powerplay opportunities. They’ve had 5 thus far and only one was successful.

     

    Third Period:

    Capitals Penalty – 2:36 – Christian Djoos 2 minutes for Holding

    Penguins Penalty – 3:27 – Evgeni Malkin 5 minute major for Illegal Hit to the Head & Game Misconduct

    Capitals Goal – 18:46 – TJ Oshie (8) from John Carlson (13) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (13)

     

    End of 3rd – PIT – 1         WAS – 2

    Shots              42                   22

    Faceoffs        31                    28

    Hits               28                     22

    PP                 1/3                    1/6

     

    Analysis:

    Despite the Capitals having a horrible night in the shot department and with the powerplay, they were able to persevere and win this one 2-1. TJ Oshie took a stick near his eye, and then much later was elbowed in the head by Evgeni Malkin, but neither events would keep him in the locker room as he would return both times, and the second time he came back would score the game winning goal to give the Capitals the victory. Also Braden Holtby played out of his mind and made a lot of amazing saves tonight.

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (7-4-3 17pts) v. Columbus (8-6-1 17pts)

    Pittsburgh (6-5-3 15pts) v. Arizona (7-6-0 14pts)

     

    You can watch TXHT Live next Wednesday at 8p EST on both Twitch and Facebook Live.