X75 Productions

Author: Shaggy901516

  • Whale Bring Back Doyle For Fifth Season

    Whale Bring Back Doyle For Fifth Season

    The Connecticut Whale made a signing today. Bringing back their veteran All Star blue liner Shannon Doyle, for a fifth season!

    Doyle had an amazing season last year, as she played in 13 games, registering 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points. One of her goals came via the power play and she scored a game winning goal against the Riveters. She also accounted for 15 blocked shots, in the newly revamped defensive play that the Whale displayed last season. Also, in the playoff game against the Riveters, she recorded an assist and a blocked shot.

     

    Earlier this week, she posted this:

     

    Here are a couple of highlights that she provided last season:

    https://twitter.com/WSportHilites/status/1064262804595793921

    https://twitter.com/WSportHilites/status/1069355814568243201

    https://twitter.com/WSportHilites/status/1094711430144774145

     

    After she signed, she posted this on Twitter:

     

     

    Tweets from Women’s Sports Highlights were used with their permission, you can follow them on Twitter here: @WSportHilites

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 3 Game 3: Bruins Win In Raleigh; Take Commanding Lead In The Series

    2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 3 Game 3: Bruins Win In Raleigh; Take Commanding Lead In The Series

    The Carolina Hurricanes hosted the Boston Bruins in Raleigh tonight. The Bruins came into the game with a 2-0 lead in the series, and both victories were in convincing fashion. The Hurricanes came to tonight’s game to try and take advantage of their home ice; as coming into tonight, they are undefeated at PNC Arena.

     

    In the first period, the Hurricanes came out flying, trying to capitalize on the momentum of home ice, but the Bruins weathered the storm. The first period would have no scoring, but the Hurricanes out-shot the Bruins 20-6. The period also featured a ton of penalties between the two teams. The Bruins took six penalties and the Hurricanes took four penalties, with both team’s PK units taking care of business.

     

    All the scoring in this game happened in the second period. The Bruins would quickly strike first in the period, at a little over a minute in. It would be Chris Wagner, who would notch his second goal of the playoffs.

     

    The Bruins would proceed to take a 2-0 lead in the game about five minutes later, when everyone’s favorite hockey player Brad Marchand would notch his sixth goal of the playoffs. A back hand shot in the slot, beating McElhinney.

     

    The Hurricanes would get one back, as seven minutes later Calvin de Haan would notch his first goal of the playoffs with a nice slap shot goal from the circle, beating Rask five hole. The goal would be de Haan’s first career playoff goal. The period would end 2-1 in favor of the Bruins.

     

    In the third period the Bruins held on as the Hurricanes would throw 10 more shots at Rask, who stopped them all. As Boston’s defense again made the difference in seeing out the 2-1 victory and the win would give the Bruins a commanding 3-0 series lead. For the Hurricanes this loss represents the first loss at home for them in the playoffs.

     

    Game 4 will be on Thursday at PNC Arena in Raleigh, where the Hurricanes will look to avoid the sweep.

     

    Boxscore

    https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-car/2019/05/14/2018030313#game=2018030313,game_state=final

     

    3 Stars of the Game

    Tuukka Rask

    Chris Wagner

    Calvin de Haan

     

    Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Game 2: Hurricanes Pull Off Another Road Victory

    2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Game 2: Hurricanes Pull Off Another Road Victory

    Game 2 of the second round between the New York Islanders and the Carolina Hurricanes took place today on nationwide TV, on NBC. The Islanders were looking to tie up the series before it heads back to Raleigh, while the Hurricanes were looking to extend their series lead.

    The game started off well for the Islanders, as a little over halfway in the first period, the Isles would grab the lead. The goal would come from Matthew Barzal, and it would be his first of the playoffs. The puck would bounce off of Jaccob Slavin’s stick and beat Petr Mrázek and go into the net. Then, the Islanders would then finish off the period with a 1-0 lead.

    There would be no scoring between the two teams in the second period. The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 13-9 in the period. Also, only two penalties were called in the period, both going against the Islanders, in which their penalty kill were successful in killing off the penalties.

    In the third period, the Hurricanes would nab a quick goal 17 seconds into the period. It came from Carolina hot man, Warren Foegele, who shot the puck from the right circle beating Robin Lehner. It would be Foegele’s fifth goal of the playoffs.

    Shortly after, slightly over a minute into the period, the Hurricanes would grab another quick goal. This time it came from Nino Niederreiter, it would be his first goal of the playoffs, and it could not come at a better time.

    The Hurricanes would then hold on to win the period and the game, and take a 2-0 series lead heading back to Raleigh.

     

    Things to note, that Petr Mrázek went down injured in the second period and it was Curtis McElhinney who would come on in relief. The Hurricanes were dealt another injury as Saku Maenalanen would depart from the game early. Also Trevor van Riemsdyk left the game early as well.

     

    3 Stars of the Game

    Third Star: Matthew Barzal

    Second Star: Warren Foegele

    First Star: Nino Niederreiter

     

    Boxscore

    https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-nyi/2019/04/28/2018030222#game=2018030222,game_state=final

     

    Game 3 of the series will be at PNC Arena in Raleigh on May 1st at 7p on NBCSN.

    Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Game 1: Hurricanes Steal Game 1 In OT

    2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Game 1: Hurricanes Steal Game 1 In OT

    The second round of the playoffs began yesterday; however, for these two Metropolitan division rivals, their first game was tonight. It was the first game for the Islanders since April 16th, when they swept the Pittsburgh Penguins. For the Hurricanes, the last game that they played was Wednesday in DC, when they defeated the Washington Capitals in double overtime. The last time that these two teams played against each other though, was all the way back on January 8th. Which saw the Hurricanes come out victorious in that game.

    Game 1 took place at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, and it saw a tightly contested match with great defensive play on both sides and great goaltending from both teams. In the first period, saw great back and forth action from both teams, but unfortunately, no one was able to find the back of the net. The Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 11-9 though.

    In the second period, we saw much of the same as the first period, great back and forth action from both teams. Again, unfortunately there was no scoring between both teams. However the shot count in the second period was even, with both teams registering 12 shots on goal.

    In the third period, we got more of the same as the first two periods. There was no scoring, as I’m sure all of the fans stress levels went up a few notches as the game would head to overtime. It was the Hurricanes who outshot the Islanders in the third period 10-6.

    Also, through three periods of play, both teams penalty kills went perfect. The Hurricanes penalty kill was 5 for 5, and the Islanders penalty kill went 3 for 3.

    In overtime, there were no penalties called on either team. There also wasn’t much shooting going on in the third period either, as the Islanders outshot the Hurricanes 2-1. Everything from both teams was on lockdown. Then four minutes into overtime, a shot came from Nino Niederreiter, which bounced off the back boards and landed on Jordan Staal’s stick. He took a shot which beat Robin Lehner to give the Hurricanes the 1-0 victory in OT and a 1-0 lead in the series.

    This was some absolutely incredible hockey and I hope that there is more to come with this series.

     

    3 Stars of the Game

    Third Star: Petr Mrázek

    Second Star: Robin Lehner

    First Star: Jordan Staal

     

    Boxscore

    https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/car-vs-nyi/2019/04/26/2018030221#game=2018030221,game_state=final

     

    Game 2 action will be this Sunday at 3p on NBC.

     

    Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

    2019 NHL Playoffs: Round 2 Preview: Carolina Hurricanes vs New York Islanders

    The first round of the playoffs came to its final conclusion yesterday. With the second round set, it’s time to take a look at the match up for these two teams.

    New York Islanders First Round

    The New York Islanders played the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round. Handily sweeping them in four games. The Islanders outscored the Penguins in the series by a combined score of 14-6. Only Game 1 of the series was close, going to overtime; the other games were just dominating play by the Islanders.

    Carolina Hurricanes First Round

    The Carolina Hurricanes defeated the Washington Capitals in seven games in the first round. The series saw the Hurricanes barely outscored in the series, the combined score being 19-20. However, the team has heart and soul, and used it to beat the Stanley Cup Champions.

    That being said, let’s see how these two Metro division rivals matched up against each other in the regular season.

    In the regular season series, saw the Islanders win 3 out of the 4 games against the Hurricanes. In the first game of the regular season, these two teams squared off on 10/4 which saw the Islanders come out on top in OT with a 2-1 victory. A couple of weeks later, the Islanders would get a 2-1 win in regulation on 10/28. These two teams would not see each other for another month, and when they finally met again on 11/24, the Islanders were once again victorious by a score of 4-1. It would not be until the new year when these two teams would meet again. This coming when the Hurricanes were playing a lot better hockey, and they were rewarded with a 4-3 victory against the Islanders.

    Keys to Victory for the Islanders

    • Goaltending: Robin Lehner was spectacular against the Penguins all series, and will need to continue his stellar play.
    • Defense: The shot blocking and defensive play in the series against the Penguins was also spectacular. It’s one of the biggest reasons why the Islanders dominated play, so far in the playoffs.
    • Secondary Scoring: The Islanders got contributions from all over the line up and that’s always important in the playoffs.

    Players to Watch

    Devon Toews (D)

    Jordan Eberle (F)

    Robin Lehner (G)

     

    Keys to Victory for the Hurricanes

    Goaltending: Petr Mrázek was downright awesome at times during the series with the Capitals, he stood on his head and kept the Hurricanes in the game. If the Canes want to pull off another upset, he needs to play just as well as he has been.

    Home Ice Advantage: I would have kept this for the Islanders, however because they are now playing at Barclay’s Center, it’s not quite as good as Nassau Coliseum. However, PNC Arena in Raleigh is noisy and raucous, and there is a reason why the Hurricanes are undefeated in their barn so far in the playoffs.

    Leadership: Justin Williams, aka Mr. Game 7, is the unquestioned leader in that locker room. The team plays well, when he plays well. He has the experience and it’s gonna be needed in this round as well.

    Players to Watch

    Petr Mrázek (G)

    Justin Williams (F)

    Sebastian Aho (F)

     

    Game 1 of the series starts tomorrow at 7p in Barclay’s Center. The game will be on NBCSN.

    Should be interesting to see if there is any rust on the Islanders squad, as they have not played a game since 4/16 when they swept the Pens.

     

    Make sure to follow TXHT’s extensive Playoffs coverage on our 2019 NHL Playoffs page.

  • NHL Playoffs 2019: Rd 1 Game 4: Isles Complete The Sweep

    NHL Playoffs 2019: Rd 1 Game 4: Isles Complete The Sweep

    The Pittsburgh Penguins squared off once again in Pittsburgh for Game 4 of the series. The Pens, looking to get the win, to try and extend the series one more game. While the Islanders just needed one more win to complete the sweep.

    In the first period, the Pittsburgh Penguins came out flying, as expected. They would get a goal not even a minute into the game. An early goal coming from Jake Guentzel beating Lehner top blocker. It would be the first goal of the series for Guentzel.

    Seemingly gathering the early momentum, the Penguins would look to capitalize on early chances, but the Islanders would answer back, scoring on a beautiful 2 on 1. The goal coming from man on fire Jordan Eberle, scoring his fourth of the series.

    Before the end of the period, the Islanders would add a second goal. This time coming from Brock Nelson. A beautiful chip play in front of the crease, beating Matt Murray upstairs. The goal was Nelson’s third of the series.

    In the second period, there was great back and forth chances, but the only big action to note of, in the period, was an altercation between Penguins forward Patrick Hornqvist and Islanders goalie Robin Lehner. A scrum that saw the Islanders go on the power play after the dust had settled, which they failed to capitalize on.

    In the third period, it was more of the same. A lot of great back and forth action, which saw both goalies make some incredible saves. Pittsburgh would get a wonderful opportunity to tie the game up while on the power play, a shot from Phil Kessel was saved off the line by Isles defensive Scott Mayfield. The icing on the cake though was the empty net goal that was scored by Josh Bailey, after a great defensive faceoff win by Valtteri Filppula.

    It should be pointed out that this is the second year in a row that Islanders Head Coach Barry Trotz led his team to victory against the Penguins in the playoffs. Last year, he did it with the Washington Capitals in the second round. 

    The Yes Movement will be moving on to the second round, where they will be waiting for the winner of the Washington Capitals and Carolina Hurricanes series.

    Boxscore

    https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-pit/2019/04/16/2018030144#game=2018030144,game_state=final

  • NHL Playoffs: Rd 1 Game 3 Review: Isles Take A Commanding Lead In The Series

    NHL Playoffs: Rd 1 Game 3 Review: Isles Take A Commanding Lead In The Series

    The Pittsburgh Penguins and the New York Islanders squared off today in Pittsburgh for a pivotal Game 3 match up. The New York Islanders won the first two games at Nassau Coliseum.

    In the first period, the Penguins got out to the lead eight minutes into the game. Garrett Wilson would notch his first of the playoffs.

    However the lead wouldn’t last for the Pens, as Jordan Eberle would notch a goal, not even a minute later, tying the game. Then the Islanders would show a quick fire offense as Brock Nelson would notch his second of the playoffs a minute after the Eberle goal. The Isles took a 2-1 lead at the end of the 1st.

    In the second period there was great back and forth action, but the goalies were really settled in. Matt Murray made 16 saves in the period, and Robin Lehner made 9 saves.

    In the third period, about a little over halfway through, Leo Komarov would net his first of the playoffs, assists coming from Beauvillier and Filppula.

    The Penguins would made a hard push, but to no avail, as Anders Lee would also net his first of the playoffs, an empty net goal.

    The Isles now have a commanding 3 – 0 lead in the series. They are now one victory away from eliminating the Penguins. Game 4 will be Tuesday April 16th at 730p. The game will be on NBCSN.

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs- Game 1 Review: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders

    2019 NHL Playoffs- Game 1 Review: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders

    Tonight, the NHL Playoffs kicked off with a spirited match up between two Metropolitan Division rivals. At the end of the night, the Islanders would take Game 1 in overtime, in front of a raucous crowd at Nassau Coliseum.

    The Islanders got off to a quick start when Tom Kuhnhackl skated in the zone and sent a beautiful wrist shot which beat Murray high to the glove side, just 33 seconds into the game. Unfortunately Matt Martin was slow coming back to the bench and was offsides on the play, nullifying the goal. However, about a minute later, Jordan Eberle would net a goal, that would count, and got the crowd back in the game.

    The lead wouldn’t last long, as Phil Kessel would notch his first of the playoffs. It came 4 minutes after the Eberle got the opening goal. Kessel beat Robin Lehner five hole in the slot, after Cizikas lost an edge in the neutral zone.

    After some great back and forth action between the two teams, the Penguins would find themselves on the penalty kill late in the first period. The Islanders would score a power play goal off the rush, giving them the lead heading into the intermission. The goal coming from Brock Nelson.

     

    At the start of the second period, the Islanders would get the early momentum, but could not capitalize with it, and after some great action that yielded no results, the Islanders would find themselves on the penalty kill. It would be Evgeny Malkin who would provide the power play goal for the Penguins. A great wrist shot that went off of Adam Pelech’s stick and over Lehner’s shoulder and in the net.

     

    In the third period, much like the second period, all of the action came at the back half of the period. It started when Erik Gudbranson and Anders Lee both went awkwardly into the boards at the 9 minute mark of the period. When the dust settled, Anders Lee earned a boarding penalty and Gudbranson went straight to the Penguins locker room. The Penguins would fail to score on the ensuing power play.

    3 minutes later, the Islanders would score the go ahead goal. Nick Leddy would take a shot from the point and it would knuckle past a screened Matt Murray, off the post and in. The Penguins then ramped it into high gear to try and tie the game, but were unsuccessful for a while because the Islanders defense was playing well. With about a minute thirty left in the game, the Penguins would pull their goalie, giving them the extra man. With their experience in the playoffs, they didn’t panic and Justin Shultz would net a goal from the point, that beat a screened Lehner.

     

    The Islanders had a chance to win the game off the rush before the end of the third. Josh Bailey would get a glorious chance in the slot that hit the post as time was expiring. This game would be the first playoff game to go to overtime.

    It would only take a little over 4 minutes to find a winner. Matthew Barzal would skate to the slot, stop and tried to beat Murray on the back hand. His shot hit the post and the rebound came right to Josh Bailey, who slotted it home to seal the victory for the Islanders.

     

    My 3 Stars of the Game

    Third Star: Phil Kessel (1g, 1a)

    Second Star: Jordan Eberle (1g, 1a)

    First Star: Josh Bailey (OTGWG)

     

    Boxscore

    https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-nyi/2019/04/10/2018030141#game=2018030141,game_state=final

     

    Game 2 of the series will be Friday night at 730p on NBCSN.

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs – 1st Round Preview – Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Islanders

    2019 NHL Playoffs – 1st Round Preview – Pittsburgh Penguins v. New York Islanders

    The NHL Playoffs kicks off this Wednesday. In this match up, we have two Metro division rivals squaring off against each other. The Islanders boast a record of 48-27-7 (103 Points) and finished 2nd in the division. While the Penguins have a record of 44-26-12 (100 Points) finishing 3rd in the division.

    The Penguins and the Islanders split the season series against each other 2 games apiece. In the first meeting on October 30th, the Islanders defeated the Penguins 6-3, then followed that up with a 3-2 victory in the shootout, just two days later. It wouldn’t be until December before the two teams would square off again, and it was the Penguins that were victorious, beating the Islanders 6-2 on December 6th. 4 days later, the two teams would square off for the final time in the regular season, and it was the Penguins who came out on top, a 2-1 shootout victory for them.

    The last time the Penguins and the Islanders played against each other in the playoffs, it was 6 years ago, way back in 2013. It was the Penguins who won the series, 4 – 2. It should be of note, that the game winning overtime goal in that series was provided by current Capitals defenseman Brooks Orpik.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK8I7qIkugQ

    Keys to Victory for the Islanders

    • Use the home ice to their advantage. In round 1, the Islanders will be playing at Nassau Coliseum. Historically, the Islanders do well in this barn, and should take full advantage of the amped up crowd.
    • Shot blocking. One of the main reasons for the Islanders resurgence this season is their commitment to defense. They need to muck up the lanes and get in front of the puck.
    • Goaltending. Robin Lehner and Thomas Greiss won the William Jennings trophy for least goals allowed. They are both playing really well and will need to step up big time for the Isles going forward.

    Players to Watch

    Matthew Barzal (F)

    Robin Lehner (G)

    Devon Toews (D)

    Keys to Victory for the Penguins

    • Experience. The Penguins have made it to the playoffs for the last 13 consecutive seasons. Really impressive, because in those 13 years, they have won 3 Stanley Cups during that time.

    • Power plays. The Penguins ranked 7th in the NHL in power play percentage during the regular season. If the power play can continue with this trend, there are going to be some big opportunities for the star players to score some big goals.
    • Penalty Kill. As well as their power play has been, their penalty kill is also good. The Penguins are tied for the 3rd best penalty kill in the league. Special teams always is a difference maker in the playoffs.

    Players to Watch

    Sidney Crosby (F)

    Matt Murray (G)

    Evgeny Malkin (F)

    Here is what the schedule of the series looks like:

  • Riveters Punch Ticket To Minnesota

    Riveters Punch Ticket To Minnesota

    The NWHL had their playoff play-in game tonight; as it was the Metropolitan Riveters against the Connecticut Whale in Newark. The two teams had split the season series and were headed for an epic confrontation. At the end of the game, it was the Riveters who came out on top by a final score of 5-2. They now have the honor of flying to Minnesota and taking on the red hot Whitecaps on Sunday at TRIA Rink.

    A quick recap of the game. In the first period, the Riveters were dominating play early. Until a counterattacking rush by the Whale led to a goal coming from the captain Emily Fluke. Four minutes later, the Riveters would get one back, as Courtney Burke came around the net, and her shot hit the post and went in. Two minutes later, Whale rookie sensation Katerina Mrázová showed off some incredible moves and roofed a shot, off her backhand beating Katie Fitzgerald, giving the Whale a 2-1 lead.

    Three minutes later, the Riveters would claw back in the game before the end of the first, Alexa Gruschow would find herself in-between the hash marks and she fired a shot that beat a screened Erin O’Neil. The first period would end tied at 2.

    There was only one penalty called in the first, and it was late in the period. Why do I bring that up? In the second period, there was a grand total of 9 penalties called throughout the period. 5 penalties were dolled out against the Whale and 4 penalties were called on the Riveters. Unfortunately, there was nothing doing on both power plays as the penalty kills were performing phenomenally. At the end of the second period, there was no scoring and heading into the third, the game was still tied at 2.

    In the third, there were no penalties called, as the referee’s decided to swallow their whistles and let the players play. The Riveters got off to a quick start into the third as rookie Audra Richards continued to plague the Whale, sniping a shot over Erin O’Neil. The Whale pressed play hard, and had a few great chances, but Katie Fitzgerald shut the door on them. Late in the period, while the Whale were pressing the attack, Riveters forward Alexa Gruschow was sprung on a breakaway and deked to her back hand beating Erin O’Neil for a goal.

    Audra Richards would add the empty net at the end of the game, sealing the victory for the Riveters. Erin O’Neil made 22 saves off of 26 shots, and Katie Fitzgerald made 24 saves of 26 shots.

    For the Connecticut Whale, it means that their season is over. Unfortunately with an 11 game losing streak to boot. The team consistently plays hard and has proven to be able to skate with the best of them. What an incredible year the Whale have had, and I’m looking forward to the players continued development and taking the league by storm next season.

     

    3 Stars of the Game

    Whale

    Katerina Mrázová: The incredible rookie skated hard and had some incredible dekes to boot. Her hard work got her a goal and an assist on the scoreboard.

    Emily Fluke: The captain got the team going, scoring the first goal of the game. She made some great plays in the offensive zone that led to some significant chances for the Whale.

    Shannon Doyle: She’s the textbook example of what hard work is supposed to be, she was flying all over the ice. Jumping up on the rush in the offensive zone and blocking shots on the back end. She contributed with an assist, which is her 5th against the Riveters this season.

     

    Riveters

    Audra Richards: She really likes playing against the Whale. She had already scored 6 goals against them in the regular season, she added 2 more to that tally. One of them is a game winner.

    Alexa Gruschow: She contributed with two goals on the score sheet. Both goals were huge; as the first one tied the game at 2 and the second one, on the breakaway, gave the Riveters an insurance marker.

    Miye D’Oench: The Riveters forward played her last home game for them, and she had an incredible performance, tallying two assists.

     

    Boxscore

    The boxscore for this epic game can be found here:

    https://www.nwhl.zone/game/show/24666097?subseason=593663&referrer=4170043