X75 Productions

Author: Scott Fairchild

  • Game Recap – 1st Rd. Game 3 – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    Game Recap – 1st Rd. Game 3 – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    OGame Recap

    Tonight, Game 3 takes the Colorado Avalanche back home to the Pepsi Center to square off against the Calgary Flames. The first period certainly was very interesting for the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche jumped out to a 3-0 lead. Nathan MacKinnon scored twice on the power play. However, the biggest story of the first period featured rookie Cale Makar scoring his first National Hockey League goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs. It has been a crazy and interesting last few days for the rookie as he won the Hobey Baker award on Friday night as the top college hockey player. On Saturday, Makar appeared in the NCAA Championship game v.s eventual champions Minnesota Deluth. Sunday, Cale Makar signed his entry-level deal with the Avalanche so he could play and replace the injured defenseman, Sam Girard. After the first period, the Colorado Avalanche would lead 3-0 over the Calgary Flames.

    In the second period, the Avalanche kept their scoring up as they struck twice. Matt Nieto scored his second shorthanded goal of these series and Mikko Rantanen added his first goal of the playoffs. Calgary would get on the board on a Sam Bennett power play goal. After two period, the Avalanche would lead 5-1 over the Flames.

    The third period saw each team trade goals as Erik Johnson scored for the Avalanche and TJ Brodie scored for the Flames. The Avalanche shut down the Flames for the remainder of the game and claimed the victory 6-2. The Avalanche now lead the series 2-1 heading into Game 4 on Wednesday night.

     

    Lineups:

    Colorado Avalanche:

    Forwards:

    Gabriel Landeskog-Nathan MacKinnon- Alexander Kerfoot

    Mikko Rantanen-Carl Soderberg-Colin Wilson

    Matt Nieto- Derek Brassard- JT Compher

    Matt Calvert- Tyson Jost- Gabriel Bourque

    Defensemen

    Ian Cole – Erik Jonson

    Nikita Zadarov – Tyson Barrie

    Cale Makar – Patrik Nemeth

     

    Goalies:

    Starter- Phillip Grubauer

    Backup- Semyon Varlamov

    Scratches: Andrew Agozzino, Sven Andrighetto, Vladislav Kamenev, Mark Babeiro, Ryan Graves, Sam Girard

     

    Calgary Flames:

    Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan- Elias Lindholm

    Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michal Frolik

    Sam Bennett – Mark Jankowski – James Neal

    Andrew Mangiapane – Derek Ryan -Garnet Hathaway

    Defensemen:

    Mark Giordano – TJ Brodie

    Noah Hanafin – Travis Hamonic

    Oscar Fantenberg – Rasmus Andersson

    Goalies:

    Starter- Mike Smith

    Backup- David Rittich

    Scratches: Austin Czarnik, Dillon Dube, Alan Quine, Oliver Kylington, Dalton Prout

     

    First Period Highlights

    Colorado Goal-16:02-Cale Makar (1) assisted by Nathan MacKinnon (1) & Alex Kerfoot (1)

    Second Period Highlights:

    3rd Period Highlights:

    Final Stats:

     

    Next Up:

    Game 4- Wednesday April 17th, 2019 @ 10pm

    (Colorado leads the series 2-1)

  • Breaking News-Opinion-Maple Leafs Center Nazem Kadri suspended for the remainder of the 1st round v.s Boston Bruins (5 games)

    Breaking News-Opinion-Maple Leafs Center Nazem Kadri suspended for the remainder of the 1st round v.s Boston Bruins (5 games)

    Since Saturday night Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and hockey fans have been waiting to see what kind of discipline Nazem Kadri would receive after his wreck-less and inexcusable cross check to the face of Bruins forward Jake DeBrusk. Well, the NHL has decided to suspend Nazem Kadri for the remainder of the first round or essentially a 5 games suspension.

     

    How did we get here?

    Nazem Kadri is a repeat offender and has been suspended five times since 2013. Kadri has been suspended for things such as Interference (taking a deliberate run at then Minnesota Wild goalie Nicklas Backstrom), illegal check to the head, boarding, and similarly cross checking Red Wings player Luke Glendening in the face. He has also even had a team imposed suspension for being late to team meetings. Kadri has also been fined for poor behavior such as a throat slashing gesture, & diving/embellishment.

    Earlier in Saturday nights game, Kadri took exception to what he felt were some hits that went unpenalized. Late in the second period, DeBrusk was lining up Kadri for a huge open ice hit. Kadri tried to jump out of the way, which produced a leg-on-leg hit that went unpenalized. Later on DeBrusk checked Leafs forward Patrick Marleau into the Bruins curved glass at the end of their bench. Kadri became upset, saw red, and cross checked DeBrusk in the face which resulted in a major penalty and a game misconduct.

     

    Thoughts on the suspension

    I wholeheartedly agree with that NHL department of player safety suspending Nazem Kadri for the rest of this series or essentially 5 games. In fact, I wouldn’t have been opposed to it if it were longer. What happened on Saturday night was not the first time Nazem Kadri has done this or other forms of negative behavior on the ice. He continues to hurt his team as a result of his actions and is only thinking of himself. Essentially, I’m saying he’s being very selfish. When is he going to learn that the actions he takes on the ice at times are not acceptable and effect other people? His team needs him right now in the playoffs and not being suspended. When he’s not involved in negative on ice behavior, Kadri is a very solid two-way Center-man with exceptional offensive and defensive capabilities. The Maple Leafs really need a player of his caliber in the lineup at this point in the year as it’s the Stanley Cup playoffs. It doesn’t help your team who have serious Stanley Cup aspirations when you keep getting in trouble over silly and ridiculous shenanigans. It would have been better for Kadri to challenge DeBrusk to fight and stand up for his teammates then to do what he did. Kadri needs to adapt, start doing better, and put his team first.

     

    Feature image courtesy of TSN.

  • Game Recap – 1st Rd. Game 2 – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    Game Recap – 1st Rd. Game 2 – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

     

    Game Recap:

    Game 2 resumes play tonight between the Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames. The first period featured no scoring between the two teams but the physical and rough play certainly was there. There were five penalties between the two teams in the first period. Each team had their power play chances but were unable to convert. After one period of play, the game would be scoreless.

     

    In the second period, both the Avalanche and Flames each got on the scoreboard. While the Flames were on the power play, Matt Nieto of the Avalanche would pick the puck off near the boards and take it down the ice to score on a breakaway shorthanded. Calgary would even the score up on a power play goal by Rasmus Andersson. Heading towards the 3rd period, the score would be tied 1-1.

     

    The third period became very exciting overall. The Calgary Flames thought they had in the game in hand as Sean Monahan scored to give the Flames the lead at the 12:27 mark. However, the Avalanche battled back late in the game to tie the score up 2-2 on a goal by JT Compher at the 17:21 mark to force in overtime.

     

    During the first two minutes and nine seconds of overtime, Ian Cole of the Avalanche was called for cross-checking. The Avalanche were able to kill the penalty and gave themselves the opportunity to remain in the game. Moments later, Avalanche superstar and captain Nathan MacKinnon, scored the game-winning goal in overtime to help even the series at one game apiece. The Colorado Avalanche host the Calgary Flames on Monday night at the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO.

     

    Lineups:

    Colorado Avalanche:

    Forwards:

    Gabriel Landeskog-Nathan MacKinnon- Alexander Kerfoot

    Mikko Rantanen-Carl Soderberg-Colin Wilson

    Matt Nieto- Derek Brassard- JT Compher

    Matt Calvert- Tyson Jost- Gabriel Bourque

     

    Defensemen

    Sam Girard – Erik Jonson

    Nikita Zadarov – Tyson Barrie

    Ian Cole – Patrik Nemeth

    Goalies:

    Starter- Phillip Grubauer

    Backup- Semyon Varlamov

    Scratches: Andrew Agozzino, Sven Andrighetto, Vladislav Kamenev, Mark Babeiro, Ryan Graves

     

    Calgary Flames:

    Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan- Elias Lindholm

    Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michal Frolik

    Sam Bennett – Mark Jankowski – James Neal

    Andrew Mangiapane – Derek Ryan -Garnet Hathaway

    Defensemen:

    Mark Giordano – TJ Brodie

    Noah Hanafin – Travis Hamonic

    Oscar Fantenberg – Rasmus Andersson

    Goalies:

    Starter- Mike Smith

    Backup- David Rittich

    Scratches: Austin Czarnik, Dillon Dube, Alan Quine, Oliver Kylington, Dalton Prout

     

    First Period:

    Calgary penalty-4:34- Mike Smith, 2 minutes for roughing

    Colorado Penalty-4:34- Derrick Brassard, 2 minutes for roughing

    Colorado Penalty-10:26- Derrick Brassard, 2 minutes for slashing

    Calgary Penalty-13:45- Derek Ryan, 2 minutes for holding

    Calgary Penalty-20:00- Sam Bennett, 2 minutes for roughing

     

    End of 1st – COL – 0       CGY – 0

    Shots             15                      10

    Faceoffs      12/25              10/21

    Hits               10                   11

    PP                 0/1                 0/1

     

    Second Period:

    Colorado Penalty-5:30-Gabriel Bourque, 2 minutes for hooking

    Colorado Goal (shorthanded)-7:16- Matt Nieto (1) unassisted

    Calgary Penalty-9:31- Mike Smith, 2 minutes for delay of game

    Colorado Penalty-11:38- Derrick Brassard, 2minutes for tripping

    Calgary Goal (power play)-12:26-Rasmus Andersson (1) assisted by Sam Bennett (2) & TJ Brodie (1)

    Calgary Penalty-17:28- Rasmus Andersson, 2 minutes for holding

     

    End of 2nd – COL – 1       CGY – 1

    Shots            27                   20

    Faceoffs      19/42              23/42

    Hits                13                 14

    PP                 0/4                 1/3

     

    Third Period:

    Colorado Penalty-6:40-Patrik Nemeth, 2 minutes for holding

    Calgary Penalty-6:40- Johnny Gaudreau, 2 minutes for embellishment

    Colorado Penalty-9:21-Nikita Zadorov, 2 minutes for interference

    Calgary Goal-12:27-Sean Monahan (1) assisted by Sam Bennett (3) & Johnny Gaudreau (1)

    Colorado Goal-17:21- JT Compher (1) assisted by Grabiel Landeskog (1) & Mikko Rantanen (1)

    End of 3rd – COL – 2       CGY – 2

    Shots            37                   30

    Faceoffs      22/60           38/60

    Hits              19                  21

    PP            0/4                    1/4

    Overtime:

    Colorado Penalty-2:09- Ian Cole, 2 minutes for cross checking

    Colorado Goal-8:27- Nathan MacKinnon (1) assisted by Mikko Rantanen (2) & Ian Cole (1)

    End of OT – COL – 3       CGY – 2

    Shots            39                   37

    Faceoffs      25/71          46/71

    Hits              20                24

    PP            0/4                   1/5

     

    Next Up:

    Game Three – Monday April 15th, 2019 @ 10:00pm

    *Series is tied 1-1

     

  • Colorado Avalanche vs Calgary Flames – Round 1 – Game #1 Recap

    Colorado Avalanche vs Calgary Flames – Round 1 – Game #1 Recap

    Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

     

    Game Recap:

    Calgary seemed to impose their will from the beginning of this game with very little push back from the Avalanche. The Flames couldn’t strike in the first period though, due in part to superb goaltending by Colorado goalie Philip Grubauer. As the second period rolled around the Flames kicked it up a notch again and rookie Andrew Mangiapane put one behind Grubauer to get the crowd rolling into it. Nothing other than a few penalties and more play in the Colorado end transpired until Matthew Tkachuk tipped one past Grubauer on the powerplay with just over a minute to go in the 2nd period. The Flames would go on to strike 2 more times in the 3rd period including an empty netter to convincingly defeat the Avalanche and take game 1.

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Johnny Gaudreau – Sean Monahan – Elias Lindholm

    Matthew Tkachuk – Mikael Backlund – Michael Frolik

    Sam Bennett – Mark Janokowski – James Neal

    Andrew Mangiapane – Derek Ryan – Garrett Hathaway

     

    Mark Giordano  – TJ Brodie

    Noah Hanifin – Travis Hamonic

    Oscar Fantenberg – Rasmus Andersson

     

    Mark Smith

    David Rittich

     

    Scratched: none

    Injuries: None

    Suspension: None

     

    Colorado:

    Gabriel Landeskog – Nathan MacKinnon – Alexander Kerfoot

    Colin Wilson – Carl Soderberg – Mikko Rantanen

    Matt Nieto – Derick Brassard – JT Compher

    Matt Calvert – Tyson Jost – Sven Andreighetto

     

    Samuel Girard – Erik Johnson

    Nikita Zadorov – Tyson Barrie

    Ian Cole – Patrick Nemeth

     

    Philip Grubauer

    Seymon Varlamov

     

    Scratched: None

    Injuries:  Mark Barberio, Vladislav Kamenev

    Suspension: None

    GameDay:

    First Period:

    Colorado Penalty – 6:38 – Erik Johnson, 2 minutes for High Sticking

    Calgary Penalty – 11:02 – Mikael Backlund, 2 minutes for Cross Checking

    Calgary Penalty – 15:58 – Noah Hanifin, 2 minutes for Holding

    End of 1st – COL – 0       CGY – 0

    Shots             7                  6

    Faceoffs         9/22          13/22

    Hits               11                  12

    PP                 0/2                 0/1

    Second Period:

    Calgary Penalty – 00:49- TJ Brodie, 2 minutes for Hooking

    Colorado Penalty – 10:05 – Carl Soderberg, 2 minutes for Tripping

    Colorado Penalty – 18:37 – Patrick Nemeth, 2 minutes for Holding

    Calgary Goal – 14:25 – Andrew Mangiapane (1) unassisted

    Calgary PP Goal – 18:58 –Matthew Tkachuk (1) assisted by Mark Giordano (1) and Elias Lindholm (1)

    End of 2nd – COL- 0        CGY- 2

    Shots               15                 19

    Faceoffs         15/47             32/47

    Hits                 22                  24

    PP                   0/3                  1/3

    Third Period:

    Calgary Penalty – 5:08- Oscar Fantenberg, 2 minutes for Hooking

    Colorado Penalty – 16:36 – Nikita Zadorov, 2 minutes for Tripping

    Calgary PP Goal – 17:01 –Mikael Backlund (1) assisted by Sam Bennett(1) and Rasmus Andersson (1)

    Calgary Goal – 17:55 – Matthew Tkachuk (2) assisted by Mike Smith (1)

    Colorado Penalty – 18:05 – Matt Calvert, 2 minutes for Roughing

    Calgary Penalty – 18:05- Travis Hamonic, 2 minutes for Roughing

    Colorado Penalty – 19:52- Gabriel Landeskog, 2 minutes for Slashing

    End of 3rd – COL – 0         CGY – 4

    Shots              26                   32

    Faceoffs       24/68              44/68

    Hits              33                     36

    PP                 0/4                   2/5

  • 2019 NHL Playoffs – 1st Round Preview – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    2019 NHL Playoffs – 1st Round Preview – Colorado Avalanche v. Calgary Flames

    Colorado Avalanche (38-30-14 90pts) v.s. Calgary Flames (50-25-7 107pts)

     

    Ladies and Gentleman, the best time of year as a hockey writer or a fan has arrived in the Stanley Cup playoffs! My name is Scott Fairchild and I will be previewing this very intriguing first round match up between the Colorado Avalanche and the Calgary Flames. Let’s first take a look back and see how these two teams arrived to the Stanley Cup playoffs.

    https://twitter.com/NHLFlames/status/1115388856734486528?s=19

     

    How did the Colorado Avalanche get here?

    The Colorado Avalanche had some ups and downs this season but ultimately were able to get into “the big dance”. At one point in the season, the Avalanche had to weather one of their best players and captain Gabriel Landeskog being out of their lineup for a significant amount of time with a lower body injury. The Avalanche had to battle the Minnesota Wild and the Phoenix Coyotes in the standings during the final month of the season to qualify for the playoffs. The Avalanche clinched a spot in the playoffs on Game 81 as they defeated the Winnipeg Jets in overtime. Looking back on the season, there were two driving forces that helped the Avalanche get to the playoffs. The first of the driving forces that got them where they are is the outstanding play of their top line of Nathan MacKinnon (41g-58a-99pts), Gabriel Landeskog (34g-41a-75 pts), & Mikko Rantanen (31g-56a-87pts). Also, the hot hand in goal as of late in Phillip Grubauer (18-9-5, 2.64 GAA, & .917 SV%) really helped propel his team into the playoffs. It’s no surprise to see this kind of play from Grubauer as he similarly did this to help the Washington Capitals win their first Stanley Cup championship last season.

     

    How did the Calgary Flames get here?

    It is no surprise to see the Calgary Flames in the position that they are. The Flames have been a promising, young, and up incoming Stanley Cup contender for a little bit now. Calgary features dynamic forwards such as Johnny Gaudreau (36g-63a-99pts), Sean Monahan (34g-48a-82pts), Matthew Tkachuk (34g-43a-77pts), & Elias Lindholm (27-g-51a-78pts) who was acquired in an offseason trade from the Carolina Hurricanes. Lindholm has fit in very well on the top line with Gaudreau and Monahan as that trio developed instant chemistry creating one of the best lines in hockey this year. The Calgary Flames also feature a very deep defensive core lead by captain Mark Giordano, Travis Hamonic, & Noah Hanafin who was also acquired along with Elias Lindholm from the Hurricanes. Giordano was one of the overall leaders in scoring in the NHL by a defenseman this season as well as his stellar defensive play. It would not be a surprise to see him winning the Norris Trophy as the leagues best defenseman. The Calgary Flames finished the season as the second best team in the league overall with a 50-25-7 record with 107 points.

     

    How do these teams match up?

    Goaltending: Colorado Avalanche (advantage)- the Avalanche have had solid goaltending all season from the tandem of Semyon Varlamov & Phillip Grubauer. Grubauer especially has been on fire and is one of the main reasons Colorado qualified. Calgary on the other hand, has not had at times very solid or consistent play in net especially with their number one goalie in Mike Smith. Goaltending is always a factor in the Stanley Cup playoffs and if you don’t have it, normally teams don’t go very far.

     

    Forwards: Calgary Flames (advantage)- Calgary has more than one solid and dependable scoring line besides just their top line featuring Johnny Gaudreau. The Flames also feature talented forwards such as Sam Bennett, Mikael Backlund, & sniper James Neal. Colorado on the other hand primarily relies on their top line for offense. For the reasons I listed above I would give the advantage to the Flames as you need as much primary and especially secondary scoring in the playoffs.

     

    Defenseman: Calgary Flames (advantage)- Calgary’s defense led by Mark Giodano (who lead the league in plus/minus with a plus 39 rating) is very solid up and down their defensive lineup. Travis Hamonic (plus 18) and Noah Hanafin (plus 21) are also very reliable and defensively responsible. Colorado has very solid defenseman but are not as deep as what the Flames defensive corps have to offer. Their defensive group is more prepared to shutdown the Avalanche’s top scoring line than the Avalanche stopping the scoring depth the Flames offer. Having the potential/most likely Norris Trophy winner also helps swing things towards the Flames way as well.

     

    Power Play: Calgary Flames (slight advantage)- both teams featured a top 10 ranked in the league power play respectively. I’m giving the Flames the edge as they don’t rely on one line for offense while the Avalanche primarily do. The Flames have the better second Power Play unit as well. Their forward depth and ability to score puts them over the top here.

     

    Penalty Kill: Calgary Flames (advantage)- having one of the best defensive corps in the league as well as the favorite to win the Norris Trophy helps make your penalty kill look fantastic. Colorado is no slouch here on the PK either but based on the overall defensive personnel, the Flames have what it takes to kill off the important penalty kills in the playoffs. Their defenseman and forwards are better equipped to get the puck out more quicker.

     

    3 Keys to the Series for Both Teams

    Colorado Avalanche

    1. Great Goaltending

    2. Secondary scoring

    3. Grind it out defense

     

    Calgary Flames

    1. Mike Smith steps his game up

    2. Shutdown Avalanche top line

    3. Your best players are your best players

     

    My Prediction: Calgary in 7 Games

    I see this going ALL the way to seven games with Calgary coming out on top in Game 7. The Flames great primary and secondary scoring as well as their defense should propel them onto the second round. However, there is the potential for a big time upset here if Mike Smith is not on his “A” game and playing well in between the pipes for the Flames. Colorado’s top line can be very scary and could take over a series as well as the great play from the Avalanche’s goalie tandem of Varlamov and Grubauer.

  • Game Recap – 4/6/2019 – New York Islanders v. Washington Capitals – Regular Season Finale

    Game Recap – 4/6/2019 – New York Islanders v. Washington Capitals – Regular Season Finale

    Washington Capitals (48-26-8 104pts) v. New York Islanders (48-27-7 103pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    Tonight, both the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders conclude their regular season against each other as they prepare for the Stanley Cup Playoffs beginning next week.  The first period was a very sleep one between both teams as it ended with a 0-0 tie going into the 2nd.

     

    In the second period, the Islanders got on the board first with a goal by Valteri Filpula at the 2:55 mark.  That would be the only goal for the period.  After two periods, the Islanders would lead 1-0 over the Capitals.

     

    Valteri Filpula of the Islanders would add his second goal of the game to give the Islanders a 2-0 lead at the 10:54 mark.  Matt Martin would seal the victory for the Islanders as he scored an empty net goal to make it 3-0.  Up next for the Capitals and Islanders is the Stanley Cup playoffs which begin next week.  The Capitals this past week clinched the Metropolitan Division and will square off against the Carolina Hurricanes as they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins gaining one point to lock up the third spot in the division.  The Islanders will square off against the Pittsburgh Penguins in the first round as a result of the Penguins gaining an additional point in the standings.

     

    Lineups:

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin-Evgeny Kuznetsov-Tom Wilson

    Carl Hagelin-Lars Eller-Brett Connolly

    Jakub Vrana-Travis Boyd-Dmitrij Jaskin

    Andre Burakovsky-Nic Dowd-Chandler Stephenson

    Dmitri Orlov-Matt Niskanen

    Jonas Siegenthaler-Nic Jensen

    Brooks Orpik-Christian Djoos

    Starter: Phoenix Copley

    Scratches: TJ Oshie, Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson

     

    New York Islanders:

    Anders Lee-Mathew barzal-Jordan Eberle

    Josh Bailey-Brock Nelson-Tomas Kunhackly

    Anthony Beauvillier-Valteri Filpula-Leo Komarov

    Matt Martin-Casey Cizikas-Cal Clutterbuck

    Nic Leddy-Johnny Boychuk

    Adam Pelech-Ryan Pulock

    Devon Toewes-Scott Mayfield

    Starter- Robin Lenher

    Backup- Thomas Greiss

    Scratches: Michael Dal Cole,Ross Johnston, Thomas Hickey, Dennis Seidenberg,Luca Sbisa, Andrew Ladd 

     

    First Period:

    N/A

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 0       NYI – 0

    Shots              8                     8

    Faceoffs         7/12                5/12

    PP                 0/0                    0/0

     

    Second Period:

    Washington Penalty-4:50- Carl Hagelin, 2 minutes for Hooking

    New York Goal-2:55- Valteri Filpula (16) assisted by Devon Toewes (13) & Anthony Beauvillier (10)

    New York Penalty-13:23- Devon Toewes, 2 minutes for Holding 

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 0        NYI- 1

    Shots             18                     14

    Faceoffs        16/27             11/27

    PP                 0/1                    0/1

     

    Third Period:

    New York Penalty-6:30- Ryan Pullock, 2 minutes for Hooking

    New York Goal-10:54- Valteri Filpula (17) assisted by Adam Pelech (16) & Leo Komarov (20)

    New York Goal (empty net)-17:27- Matt Martin (6) assisted by Casey Cizikas (13) & Cal Clutterbuck (15)

    End of 3rd – WAS – 0         NYI- 3

    Shots              24                   29

    Faceoffs        22/46              24/46                    

    PP                 0/1                    0/2

     

    Next Up-Stanley Cup Playoffs Round 1:

    Washington Capitals v.s Carolina Hurricanes

     

    New York Islanders v.s Pittsburgh Penguins

     

  • Game Recap – 4/1/2019 – Washington Capitals v. Florida Panthers

    Game Recap – 4/1/2019 – Washington Capitals v. Florida Panthers

    Washington Capitals (47-24-8 102pts) v. Florida Panthers (35-32-12 82pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    In their final road game of the regular season, the Washington Capitals visit the Florida Panthers with a chance to clinch the Metropolitan Division title for the fourth season in a row. However, the Panthers would have different ideas as they would strike first to put the Capitals in an early 1-0 deficit on a Frank Vatrano goal.

     

    Then in the second period, the Panthers would continue to push the play as Jonathan Huberdeau would bank in the loose puck past Pheonix Copley to make it 2-0. Then while the Capitals were on the lone powerplay of the period Vincent Trocheck would blast a shot five hole on Copley to give the Panthers a three goal lead while shorthanded. And to end the period for the Panthers it would be former Capital Troy Brouwer getting the goal off of a beautiful Aleksander Barkov pass to make it 4-0 going into the second intermission.

     

    Halfway thru the third period the Capitals would come alive as Evgeny Kuznetsov would get the Capitals on the board with the hopes of a late comeback victory. Then after a failed powerplay opportunity the Capitals would strike again as Nicklas Backstrom would be the recipient of a TJ Oshie pass in front of the net to cut the Panthers lead to two. And Oshie would not be done there as with Copley pulled for the extra attacker, Oshie would find an open Jakub Vrana to cut the Panthers lead to one. However, despite their best efforts, Vincent Trocheck would ice the game for the Panthers with an empty net goal in the final minute to win the game 5-3 for the Panthers.

     

    Lineups:

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Nicklas Backstrom — Tom Wilson

    Carl Hagelin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — T.J. Oshie

    Jakub Vrana — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Andre Burakovsky — Nic Dowd — Chandler Stephenson

    Matt Niskanen — Dmitry Orlov

    Christian Djoos — John Carlson

    Nick Jensen — Brooks Orpik

    Pheonix Copley

    Braden Holtby

    Scratched: Dmitrij Jaskin, Jonas Siegenthaler, Travis Boyd

    Injured: Michal Kempny (lower body)

     

    Florida Panthers:

    Jonathan Huberdeau — Aleksander Barkov — Evgenii Dadonov

    Mike Hoffman — Vincent Trocheck — Jayce Hawryluk

    Frank Vatrano — Riley Sheahan — Troy Brouwer

    Dryden Hunt — Henrik Borgstrom — Colton Sceviour

    Mike Matheson — Aaron Ekblad

    Keith Yandle — MacKenzie Weegar

    Mark Pysyk — Josh Brown

    Roberto Luongo

    Sam Montembeault

    Scratched: Jamie McGinn, Denis Malgin, Ian McCoshen, Brady Keeper, James Reimer

    Injured: Derek MacKenzie (shoulder)

     

    First Period:

    Panthers Goal – 13:48 – Frank Vatrano (24) from Colton Sceviour (10) and Henrik Borgstrom (10)

    Capitals Penalty – 16:30 – Nicklas Backstrom 2 minutes for Holding

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 0       FLA – 1

    Shots              05                14

    Faceoffs         11                10

    PP                 0/0                 0/1

     

    Second Period:

    Panthers Goal – 3:34 – Jonathan Huberdeau (28) from unassisted

    Panthers Penalty – 11:48 – Frank Vatrano 2 minutes for Holding

    Panthers SHG – 12:01 – Vincent Trocheck (9) from Aleksander Barkov (58) and Mike Matheson (19)

    Panthers Goal – 17:57 – Troy Brouwer (12) from Aleksander Barkov (59) and Dryden Hunt (7)

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 0        FLA – 4

    Shots               19                 24

    Faceoffs          21                 16

    PP                   0/1                  0/1

     

    Third Period:

    Capitals Penalty – :41 – Tom Wilson 2 minutes for Hooking

    Capitals Goal – 10:55 – Evgeny Kuznetsov (21) from John Carlson (57)

    Panthers Penalty – 11:45 – Vincent Trocheck 2 minutes for Tripping

    Capitals Goal – 16:25 – Nicklas Backstrom (22) from TJ Oshie (28) and Alex Ovechkin (38)

    Capitals Goal – 17:39 – Jakub Vrana (24) from TJ Oshie (29) and Matt Niskanen (17)

    Panthers ENG – 19:33 – Vincent Trocheck (10) from Evgenii Dadonov (41) and Aleksander Barkov (60)

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 3         FLA – 5

    Shots              30                   34

    Faceoffs        32                    29

    Hits               35                     29

    PP                 0/2                    0/2

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (47-25-8 102pts) v. Montreal (42-29-8 92pts)

    Florida (36-32-12 84pts) v. NY Islanders (46-27-7 99pts)

  • Game Recap – 3/28/2019 – Washington Capitals v. Carolina Hurricanes

    Game Recap – 3/28/2019 – Washington Capitals v. Carolina Hurricanes

    Washington Capitals (46-24-8 100pts) v. Carolina Hurricane (42-28-7 91pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Washington Capitals tonight conclude their season series against the Carolina Hurricanes on the road at PNC Arena in Raleigh, North Carolina.  Each teams traded goals in the first period.  Goals were scored by Nino Niedereitter of the Hurricanes and Brett Connolly of the Capitals.  The first period would end with both teams 1-1.

     

    In the second period, we did not see much action until the 12:30 mark when Warren Foegel scored a highlight reel worthy goal to take the lead for the Hurricanes.  The Capitals would have an opportunity on the power play later on in the period but were unable to convert.  After two periods, the Hurricanes would take a 2-1 lead going into the third period.

     

    Period three saw a lot of action as each team traded scoring chances.  The Capitals would tie it up early in the period at the 1:35 mark on a Jakub Vrana goal.  At the 15:04 mark, the Capitals would take the lead on a Nic Dowd goal which was deflected in front of the net on a Nic Jensen shot.  The Hurricanes came close to tying the game towards the end but, the Capitals were able to hold on and get the victory with the final score being 3-2.  As a result of tonight’s victory over the Hurricanes, the Capitals officially clinched a playoff spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs.  The Capitals continue their road trip on Saturday against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

     

    Lineups:

    Washington Capitals:

    Forwards

    Alex Ovechkin- Nicklas Backstrom- Tom Wilson

    Carl Hagelin- Evgeny Kuznetsov- Andre Burakovsky

    Jakub Vrana- Lars Eller- Brett Connolly

    Chandler Stephenson- Nic Dowd- Travis Boyd

    Defenseman

    Christian Djoos – John Carlson

    Dmitri Orlov – Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik – Nic Jensen

    Goalies:

    Starter- Braden Holtby

    Backup- Phoenix Copley

    Scratches:

    Dmitry Jaskin, TJ Oshie (illness), Jonas Siegenthaler

    Injury: Michal Kempny (lower body)

     

    Carolina Hurricanes:

    Forwards

    Nino Niedereiter- Sebastian Aho- Justin Williams

    Andre Svechnikov- Jordan Staal- Teuvo Terravainen

    Michael Ferlund- Lucas Wallmark- Jordan Martinook

    Warren Foegele – Greg McKegg- Brock McGinn

    Defenseman

    Jacob Slavin – Dougie Hamilton

    Brett Pesce – Justin Faulk

    Calvin de Haan – Trevor van Riemsdyk

    Goalies

    Starter- Curtis McElhinney

    Backup- Petr Mrazek

    Scratches: Saku Maenalanen

     

    First Period:

    Carolina Goal-4:31- Nino Niedereiter (22) assisted by Justin Williams (28) & Sebastian Aho (51)

    Washington Goal-5:13- Brett Connolly (22) asssited by Brooks Orpik (7)

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 1      CAR – 1

    Shots              7                    5

    Faceoffs         7/16                9/16

    Hits                6                    10

    PP                 0/0                 0/0

     

    Second Period:

    Carolina Goal-12:30- Warren Foegele (8) assisted by Justin Faulk (24) & Brett Pesce (20)

    Carolina Penalty-16:01- Justin Williams 2 minutes for tripping

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 1       CAR- 2

    Shots               16                    16

    Faceoffs          10/31             21/31

    Hits                 10                  20

    PP                   0/1                  0/0

     

    Third Period:

    Washington Goal-1:35- Jakub Vrana (23) assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov (49) & Christian Djoos (8)

    Washington Goal-15:04- Nic Dowd (7) assisted by Nic Jensen (17)

    Washington Penalty-15:45- Brooks Orpik 2 minutes for tripping

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 3         CAR – 2

    Shots              20                     26

    Faceoffs        18/46              28/46

    Hits               19                     25

    PP                 0/1                    0/1

     

    Next Up:

    Washington Capitals (45-24-8 98pts) v.s. Tampa Bay Lightning (59-14-4 122pts)

    Carolina Hurricanes (42-28-7 91pts) v.s. Philadelphia Flyers (37-32-8 82pts)

  • Game Recap – 3/22/2019 – Minnesota Wild v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 3/22/2019 – Minnesota Wild v. Washington Capitals

    Minnesota Wild (35-31-9 79pts) v. Washington Capitals (43-24-8 94pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Capitals tonight are playing the second of their four game home stand against the Minnesota Wild.  The first period showed this was going to be a tight and defensive game between the two teams as the Wild are desperate to get back into a Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.  The Wild struck first at the 16:33 mark on a drive to the net type of goal from Jordan Greenway.  The Wild would take a 1-0 lead over the Capitals going into the second period.

     

    The second period saw the same tight defensive period that was featured in the first period.  However, the Capitals managed to tie the game at 1-1 on a tip in goal by Brett Connolly off a Nic Jensen shot from the point.  Going into the third period, the game would be tied 1-1.

     

    In the third period, the Minnesota Wild took back the lead at the 12:25 mark on a Luke Kunin as he scored the game winning goal to seal the victory.  The Capitals continue their home stand tomorrow afternoon for a matinee game against the Philadelphia Flyers.  The playoff spot desperate Minnesota Wild take on the Carolina Hurricanes in their second of a back to back games on Saturday night.

     

    Lineups:

    Minnesota Wild:

    Zach Parise-Eric Staal-Kevin Fiala

    Ryan Donato-Luke Kunin-Jordan Greenway

    Jason Zucker-Victor Rask-Matt Read

    Marcus Foligno- Eric Fehr-J.T. Brown

    Defensemen:

    Ryan Suter- Jared Spurgeon

    Jonas Brodin – Brad Hunt

    Anthony Bitetto – Greg Pateryn

    Goalies:

    Starter- Devon Dubnyk

    Backup- Alex Stalock

    Scratches: Nick Seeler, Joel Eriksson Ek, Pontus Aberg

    Injuries: Miko Koivu, Matt Dumba

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Forwrads:

    Alex Ovechkin- Nicklas Backstrom- Tom Wilson

    Jakub Vrana- Evgeny Kuznetsov- TJ Oshie

    Andre Burakovsky- Lars Eller- Brett Connolly

    Chandler Stephenson- Nic Dowd- Travis Boyd

    Defensemen:

    Christian Djoos- John Carlson

    Dmitri Orlov- Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik- Nic Jensen

    Goalies:

    Starter-Braden Holtby

    Backup- Phoenix Copley

    Scratches: Dmitri Jaskin, Carl Hagelin (illness)

    Injury: Michal Kempny (Lower Body) 

     

    First Period:

    Minnesota Penalty-4:52- Kevin Fiala, 2 minutes for high sticking

    Minnesota Goal-16:33- Jordan Greenway (12) assisted by Ryan Donato (13) & Devon Dubnyk (2)

    Minnesota Penalty-18:46- Marcus Foligno, 2 minutes for tripping

     

    End of 1st – MIN – 1       WAS – 0

    Shots              6                       6

    Faceoffs         10/22             12/22

    Hits               3                     3

    PP                 0/0                 0/1

     

    Second Period:

    Minnesota Penalty-4:18- Brad Hunt, 2 minutes for slashing

    Minnesota Penalty-8:00- Jason Zucker, 2 minutes for roughing

    Washington Penalty-8:00- Brooks Orpik, 2 minutes for roughing

    Washington Goal-10:42- Brett Connolly (21) assisted by Nic Jensen (15) & TJ Oshie (26)

    Washington Penalty-19:51- Tom Wilson, 2 minutes for hooking

     

    End of 2nd – MIN – 1        WAS – 1

    Shots               21                       15

    Faceoffs          20/43              24/43

    Hits                 12                     7

    PP                   0/0                  0/3

     

    Third Period:

    Minnesota Goal-12:25- Luke Kunin (6) assisted by Zach Parise (33) & Ryan Donato (14)

     

    End of 3rd – MIN – 2         WAS – 1 

    Shots              27                   22

    Faceoffs        27/56               29/56

    Hits               16                     15

    PP                 0/1                    0/3

     

    Next Up:

    Washington Capitals (43-24-8 94pts) v.s Philadelphia Flyers (36-30-8 80pts)

    Minnesota Wild (35-31-9 79pts) @ Carolina Hurricanes (40-26-7 87pts)

  • Game Recap – 3/19/19 – Washington Capitals v. New Jersey Devils

    Game Recap – 3/19/19 – Washington Capitals v. New Jersey Devils

    Washington Capitals (43-23-7 93 pts) v. New Jersey Devils (27-38-9 63pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Washington Capitals conclude their four game road trip tonight as they travel to the Garden State to take on the New Jersey Devils.  The Capitals started the scoring early as Andre Burakovsky put his 12th goal of the season in the back of the net at the 2:52 mark.  The first period was an uneventful one until Kenny Agostino scored late in the period at the 19:59 mark.  After the first period, the game would be tied 1-1.

     

    However, the 2nd period saw a more offensive and dominate showing from the Capitals as they put three goals in the back of the Devils net.  Goals in the 2nd period by the Capitals came from Brett Connolly, Evgeny Kuznetsov, & Tom Wilson.  Brett Connolly scored his 20th goal on the season.  This is the first time Brett Connolly has scored twenty goals in his career and is having his best offensive season yet.  After a dominant second period, the Capitals would take a 4-1 lead over the Devils into the third period.

     

    In the 3rd period, the depleted and struggling Devils were completely shutdown by the more dominant team in the Capitals as they finished off the game for the 4-1 victory.  The Capitals return home tomorrow as they face the Tampa Bay Lightning for the second time in less than a week.  The New Jersey Devils are next in action on Thursday at home against the Boston Bruins.

     

    Lineups:

    Washington Capitals:

    Forwards:

    Alex Ovechkin – Evgeny Kuznetsov – Tom Wilson

    Jakub Vrana – Nicklas Backstrom – TJ Oshie

    Carl Hagelin – Lars Eller – Brett Connolly

    Andre Burakovsky – Nic Dowd – Chandler Stephenson

    Defenseman:

    Michal Kempny – John Carlson

    Dmitri Orlov – Matt Niskanen

    Christian Djoos – Nic Jensen

    Goalies:

    Starter – Phoenix Copley

    Back Up – Braden Holtby

    Scratches: Dmitry Jaskin, Brooks Orpik, Travis Boyd

     

    New Jersey Devils:

    Forwards:

    Blake Coleman – Travis Zajac – Stefan Noesen

    Kenny Agostino – Kevin Rooney – Kyle Palmeiri

    Drew Stafford – Blake Pietila – Joey Anderson

    Eric Tangradi – Michael McLeod – Kurtis Gabriel

    Defensemen:

    Andy Greene – Damon Severson

    Will Butcher – Connor Carrick

    Egor Yakolev – Steven Santini

    Goalies:

    Starter – Mackenzie Blackwood

    Back Up – Cory Schneider

    Scratches:  Nico Hischier (upper body, day-to-day); Jesper Bratt (lower body, week-to-week); Nathan Bastian (upper body); Miles Wood (broken ankle, practicing); Pavel Zacha (upper body, practicing, no contact); John Quenneville (upper body); Nick Lappin (healthy)

    Injured: Taylor Hall

     

    First Period:

    Washington Goal – 2:52 – Andre Burakovsky (12) assisted by Nic Dowd (13) & Brett Connolly (22)

    New Jersey Penalty – 9:59 – Kurtis Gabriel, 2 minutes for cross checking

    New Jersey Goal – 19:59 – Kenny Agostino (6) unassisted

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 1       NJ – 1

    Shots              4                  7

    Faceoffs         9/19            10/19

    Hits               6                    9

    PP                 0/1                 0/0

    https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1108159930379448320

     

    Second Period:

    Washington Goal – 5:57 – Brett Connolly (20) assisted by Christian Djoos (7) & Carl Hagelin (10)

    Washington Penalty – 6:34 – Lars Eller, 2 minutes for slashing

    Washington Goal – 12:16 – Evgeny Kuznetsov (19) assisted by Jakub Vrana (23)

    Washington Goal – 13:28 – Tom Wilson (21) assisted by Alex Ovechkin (34) & Nicklas Backstrom (50)

     

    End of 2nd – WAS – 4       NJ- 1

    Shots               13                 12

    Faceoffs          21/40           19/40

    Hits                 12                  15

    PP                   0/1                  0/1

    https://twitter.com/NJDevils/status/1108174096293158914

     

    Third Period:

    Washington Penalty – 0:51 – Michal Kempny, 2 minutes for tripping

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 4        NJ – 1

    Shots              22                   21

    Faceoffs        23/53             29/53

    Hits               15                     20

    PP                 0/1                    0/2

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (43-23-7 93 pts) v.s Tampa Bay Lightning (56-13-4 116 pts)

    New Jersey Devils (27-38-9 63 pts) v.s Boston Bruins (44-20-9 97 pts)