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  • AwesomeMania – 3/2/2019 – McMahon-o-Mania *18+ Podcast*

    AwesomeMania – 3/2/2019 – McMahon-o-Mania *18+ Podcast*

    Welcome to AwesomeMania!!

    Audio Version:

     

    YouTube Version:


    This week on AwesomeMania Ben and Michael talk about Roman Reigns and his battle with Leukemia, The Road to WrestleMania and how the McMahons factor into this years storylines. Plus News and Notes and the first ever inductees into the AwesomeMania Hall of Fame.

     

    This week’s episode was recorded on Thursday, February 28th, 2019

    Have a question you want answered on the show? Ask us! Comment on here or on one of our Social Media outlets, and we’ll answer it.

  • March 2nd, 2019 —  News and Notes

    March 2nd, 2019 — News and Notes

    Today is Saturday, March 2nd, 2019, and these are your news and notes.

     

    There were eight contests in NHL action last night.

     

    BUFFALO 4, Pittsburgh 3 (OT)

    The Pittsburgh Penguins would face off against the Buffalo Sabres and would come out of this contest with a point, falling to the Buffalo Sabres by the score of 4-3 in the overtime frame.

     

    *Image is the property of the Pittsburgh Penguins and their respective owners

    Philadelphia 6, NEW JERSEY 3

    The Philadelphia Flyers would double up the New Jersey Devils last night with the 6-3 win and this would also mark the first win as a Philadelphia Flyer for Cam Talbot.

     

     

    Washington 3, NY ISLANDERS 1

    The Washington Capitals would visit the New York Islanders last night and would come away with two crucial points in the division standings.  Washington would go on to defeat the Islanders by the score of 3-1.

    Alex Ovechkin would register his 45th goal on the season for the 10th time in his career and now holds the League record for most 45 goals in a season.

    TXHT has your full complete coverage of the contest at the following page.

     

    Montreal 4, NY RANGERS 2

    The Montreal Canadiens would visit the New York Rangers and they would come out of New York with the 4-2 win last night with Montreal’s Joel Arima registered hat trick in the contest.

     

    CAROLINA 5, St. Louis 2

    The Carolina Hurricanes would come away from this contest against the St. Louis Blues with a 5-2 in Raleigh last night.

    Carolina’s Sebastian Aho would score his fourth SHG (shorthanded goal) on the season and would move into a tie with three others for the League lead.

     

    WINNIPEG 5, Nashville 3

    There would be five different goal scorers for the Winnipeg Jets in their 5-3 win over the Nashville Predators last night.  With the win for the Jets, they leapt ahead of the Predators for the Central Division lead.

     

    Vegas 3, ANAHEIM 0

    Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury would come away with a shutout win for Vegas in their 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks last night.

     

    SAN JOSE 4, Colorado 3

    The San Jose Sharks would squeak by the Colorado Avalanche with the 4-3 win, with San Jose’s Marcus Sorensen scoring two goals in the contest.  On the three Avalanche goals, Gabriel Landeskog would have an assist on all three goals.

    *Image is the property of the San Jose Sharks Twitter page.

     

    There are 10 contests in NHL action today

    *Image is the property of the NHL and NHL Public Relations Twitter page

     

    For more news, notes, information, and statistics, please check out the NHL’s Morning Skate at the following page.

     

    The final games on the NWHL Regular Season begin tonight with the Minnesota Whitecaps visiting the Boston Pride at 7:30 p.m., ET.  The game can be seen on NWHL.zone.

    TXHT will have coverage of the contest tomorrow.

  • Game Recap – 3/1/2019 – Washington Capitals v. New York Islanders

    Game Recap – 3/1/2019 – Washington Capitals v. New York Islanders

    Washington Capitals (36-21-7 79pts) v. New York Islanders (37-19-7 81pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Washington Capitals head to Nassau Coliseum for the first time to take on the New York Islanders, and it would be the Islanders that would get on the board early as Tom Kuhnhackl would score in the opening minutes of the game on a very casual breakaway due to a blown offside by the officials. Then Alex Ovechkin would take a very blatant interference penalty, but the Capitals would kill the penalty off.

     

    A very uneventful second period outside of a Brett Connolly penalty, and some heavy hits on both ends of the ice.

     

    Unlike the second period, the third period would be fast and hectic in the first half of the period. The Capitals would strike early as Jakub Vrana would battle in front of the net and knock in the rebound to tie the game at one, then right away on the powerplay it would be Alex Ovechkin batting the puck and getting a lucky bounce to get his 45th of the season and give the Capitals a 2-1 lead. This would be followed with 3 penalties that would start with a Capitals powerplay, and then end in a Capitals powerplay. Then to ice the game for the Capitals, with Thomas Griess pulled TJ Oshie would clear the puck out of the zone and without paying attention Josh Bailey accidentally shot the puck into his own net to give the Capitals a 3-1 victory.

     

    Lineups:

    Washington Capitals :

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson

    Jakub Vrana — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Andre Burakovsky — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Carl Hagelin — Nic Dowd — Travis Boyd

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik — Nick Jensen

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

    Scratched: Dmitrij Jaskin, Chandler Stephenson, Christian Djoos

     

    New York Islanders :

    Anders Lee — Brock Nelson — Jordan Eberle

    Tom Kuhnhackl — Mathew Barzal — Josh Bailey

    Anthony Beauvillier — Valtteri Filppula — Leo Komarov

    Ross Johnston — Casey Cizikas — Cal Clutterbuck

    Nick Leddy — Johnny Boychuk

    Adam Pelech — Ryan Pulock

    Devon Toews — Scott Mayfield

    Thomas Greiss

    Robin Lehner

    Scratched: Thomas Hickey, Luca Sbisa, Andrew Ladd, Matt Martin

     

    First Period:

    Islanders Goal – 2:43 – Tom Kuhnhackl (4) from unassisted

    Capitals Penalty – 3:47 – Alex Ovechkin 2 minutes for Interference

     

    End of 1st – WAS – 0       NYI – 1

    Shots              12                09

    Faceoffs         09                07

    Hits               10                  16

    PP                 0/0                 0/1

     

    Second Period:

    Capitals Penalty – 2:53 – Brett Connolly 2 minutes for Tripping

     

    End of 2nd – WAS- 0        NYI- 1

    Shots               19                 13

    Faceoffs          19                 18

    Hits                 21                  29

    PP                   0/0                  0/2

     

    Third Period:

    Capitals Goal – 3:26 – Jakub Vrana (19) from Nicklas Backstrom (46) and Michal Kempny (15)

    Islanders Penalty – 4:21 – Anders Lee 2 minutes for Interference

    Capitals PPG – 4:34 – Alex Ovechkin (45) from TJ Oshie (21) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (42)

    Islanders Penalty – 8:11 – Anthony Beauvillier 2 minutes for Goalie Interference

    Capitals Penalty – 8:26 – John Carlson 2 minutes for High Sticking

    Islanders Penalty – 9:58 – Ryan Pulock 2 minutes for Tripping

    Capitals ENG – 18:32 – TJ Oshie (21) from unassisted

     

    End of 3rd – WAS – 3         NYI – 1

    Shots              29                   21

    Faceoffs        31                    24

    Hits               28                     36

    PP                 1/3                    0/2

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (37-21-7 81pts) @NY Rangers (27-27-4 67pts)

    NY Islanders (37-20-7 81pts) v. Philadelphia (31-26-8 70pts)

  • Whale Set For Weekend Back To Back

    Whale Set For Weekend Back To Back

    The Connecticut Whale will close out their regular season with back to back home games at Terry Conners Rink in Stamford, CT, against the Buffalo Beauts and the Minnesota Whitecaps.

    The first game against the Beauts will be on Saturday at 6p EST. The last time the Whale played the Beauts at home was on Opening Day in which the Whale were defeated 4-0. Also, unfortunately, the last game the Whale played against the Beauts, they were also defeated 3-1 in Buffalo.

    The game can be watched here:

    https://www.nwhl.zone/watch

    3 Players to Watch

    Katerina Mrázová: Having scored the only Whale goal against the Beauts, she looks to continue her great rookie campaign, in which she has scored six goals on the year.

    Emily Fluke: She has had a great sophomore campaign in the NWHL, having scored two goals and added seven assists. She looks to continue to lead her team with fierceness and tenacity.

    Michelle Löwenhielm: The Swedish rookie scored in her last game against the Boston Pride, as she looks to continue her great play she has consistently displayed all season long.

    The Whale’s next game on Sunday is against the Minnesota Whitecaps. In the three previous games though, they have shown that they can skate well with them. Unfortunately the last game, they were defeated by the score of 9-0 and worse yet, that was the game they lost star goalie Meeri Räisänen for the rest of the season. Their last home game against the Whitecaps, they were beaten by a score of 4-1. The Sunday game will be at 3p EST.

    The game can be watched here:

    https://www.nwhl.zone/watch

    3 Players to Watch

    Amanda Boulier: In her previous homecoming match, the former Whale defender registered a goal and added two assists. Also, in her last game against the Whale in Minnesota, she scored a goal.

    Michelle Löwenhielm: Having scored the only goal against the Whitecaps, off a sweet assist from Emily Fluke, the Swedish All Star has three goals and three assists in her rookie year in the NWHL

    Shannon Doyle: She got a secondary assist on the Löwenhielm goal against the Whitecaps in Connecticut. She currently has registered five points in her last seven games.

  • Trade Deadline Winners & Losers

    On Monday,  TXHT covered the 2019 NHL Trade Deadline. It started off slow and then came fast and then calmed down before the floodgates opened just before the deadline. Some teams sold, some teams bought, some teams made smart deals. Here is TXHT Winners and Losers recap of the NHL Trade Deadline.

    1200px-Anaheim_Ducks.svg Anaheim Ducks

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Michael Del Zotto, Brian Gibbons, Brandon Montour

    Brought in: 6th round pick 2019 STL, Patrick Sieloff, Brendan Guhle, 1st round pick 2019 BUF

    Explanation: The Ducks job during this trade deadline was to begin a restructuring process in Anaheim. Most people wish they would full out rebuild and move on from certain parts – but that doesn’t look like it will be happening. Moving Del Zotto and Gibbons was positive for them when some youth or picks is brought back the other way. But the deal of intrigue for most is moving 24 years old stud blueliner, Brandon Montour. It was apparent from sources around the league that the Ducks had thrown his name out there as potential trade bait. But most believed it was just the Ducks trying to gauge his worth on the open market – especially considering he’s a right-handed defenceman who was logging 20 minutes a night for the Ducks. But for the Ducks to get back Brendan Guhle – a young 2-way defender, who should easily be a top 4 defenceman in NHL – and a 1st round pick in 2019 – gauging it will be around 15-20th overall – is a steal for the Ducks.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    ARI Thumb - CopyArizona Coyotes

    Sellers or Buyers: Neither

    Traded: Jordan Weal

    Brought in: Michael Chaput

    Explanation: The Coyotes made quite a few moves earlier on in the season and because deadline trackers were open for business. Shipping out Dylan Strome, Brandon Perlini, Laurent Dauphin, Adam Helweka and bring in Nick Schmaltz, Jordan Weal, Emil Petterson. But unfortunately for the Coyotes, their season has gone down in injuries.

    Winner or Loser: Neither

    BOS Thumb - CopyBoston Bruins

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Ryan Donato, 2019 5th round pick (conditional), 2nd round pick 2019 (BOS), 4th round pick 2020 (BOS)

    Brought in: Marcus Johansson, Charlie Coyle

    Explanation: The Bruins find a way to come out winners at the trade deadline almost every year. This season the Bruins did it again acquiring a mixture of speed, skill, and grit in Charlie Coyle and offensive winger in Marcus Johansson. The Bruins were already dangerous this just makes them more dangerous right down their lineup.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    BUF Thumb - CopyBuffalo Sabres

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: 1st round pick 2019, Brendan Guhle

    Brought in: Brandon Montour

    Explanation: The Sabres got their right-handed defencemen and improved their blueline. Will it bring them the playoffs? Who knows but they definitely improved their blueline moving forward.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    CAL Thumb - CopyCalgary Flames

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: 4th round pick 2020 (CGY)

    Brought in: Oscar Fantenberg

    Explanation: The Flames had a rough go at the trade deadline. Most analysts and reporters reporting that the Flames had 3 big deals in the work that we’re all finished but fell through last second. Jason Zucker to Calgary was all but done but something happened that Minnesota called off the deal last second. A lot of sources say that the Flames had the best deal on the table for Wayne Simmonds but that Simmonds would not wave his No Trade to go to Calgary. Finally, most outlets are reporting that Calgary was all in for Alex Edler but the deal was contingent on Edler resigning with Calgary, and within the last hour or 2 the Canucks decided against trading Edler and pulled out.

    Winner or Loser: Losers

    DAL ThumbDallas Stars

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: 2nd round pick 2019 (DAL), 3rd round pick 2019 (DAL), 3rd round pick 2020 (DAL), Conor Carrick

    Brought in: Mats Zuccarello, Ben Lovejoy

    Explanation: The Stars made the tough choice of whether to throw in the towel for this season or go for it – they decided to go for – acquiring speedy winger Mats Zuccarello – highly sought after – and Ben Lovejoy – solid stay at home guy who works hard. Zuccarello scored a goal and an assist in his first game as a star but then was injured and is out 4 weeks. But still, these deals make them better

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    DET Thumb - CopyDetroit Red Wings

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Gustav Nyquist, Nick Jensen, 5th round pick 2019 (DET)

    Brought in: 2nd round pick 2019 (SJ), 3rd round pick 2020 (SJ), Madison Bowey,  2nd round pick 2020 (WSH)

    Explanation: The Red Wings had another excellent deadline for their rebuilding process. Grabbing a couple of 2nd rounders and a 3rd rounder would have been a nice haul but grabbing Madison Bowey – Who could potentially turn into a number 2 or 3 defenceman and will be given the opportunity to do so in Detroit – is an amazing pick up for the Wings.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    FLA Thumb - CopyFlorida Panthers

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Derrick Brassard, 6th round pick 2019 (FLA), Chris Wideman

    Brought in: 3rd round pick 2020 (COL), Sebastian Dea

    Explanation: The Panthers season has been an utter failure and so was their trade deadline. Bring in a pick and prospect but have yet to bring in an impact player to play with Barkov. Panthers should have been looking for players with term on their contract to compliment Barkov.

    Winner or Loser: Loser

    LA Thumb - CopyLos Angeles Kings

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Oscar Fantenberg, Carl Hagelin

    Brought in: 4th round pick 2020 (CGY), 3rd round pick 2019 (WSH), 6th round pick 2020 (WSH)

    Explanation: The Kings fell short on what should have been a firesale in LA. Names like Kovalchuk, Toffoli, Carter, Clifford were all thrown out there. Rumors swirled all day at Boston taking a jab to get Toffoli – who seemed to be Boston’s first choice for a winger, but the price was a 1st pick and the Kings wouldn’t come down off that price – But none of the trades seemed to come to pass, which leads to believe like many analysts have reported that the Kings were overpricing their players.

    Winner or Loser: Loser

    MIN Thumb - CopyMinnesota Wild

    Sellers or Buyers: Neither

    Traded: Mikael Granlund, Charlie Coyle

    Brought in: Kevin Fiala, 4th round pick 2019 (BOS), Ryan Donato

    Explanation: The Wild seemed to be sellers coming into the deadline but with the deals, they made at the deadline they didn’t lose much skill and what they did lose in skill they gained in potential. Donato has been lights out since coming from Boston -Donato seemed to lose favor with the coaching staff in Boston – while Kevin Fiala is a young kid who looked good in Nashville and oozes potential.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    MON Thumb - CopyMontreal Canadiens

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Ryan Donato, 2019 5th round pick (conditional), 2nd round pick 2019 (BOS), 4th round pick 2020 (BOS)

    Brought in: Marcus Johansson, Charlie Coyle

    Explanation: The Bruins find a way to come out winners at the trade deadline almost every year. This season the Bruins did it again acquiring a mixture of speed, skill, and grit in Charlie Coyle and offensive winger in Marcus Johansson. The Bruins were already dangerous this just makes them more dangerous right down their lineup.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    NAS Thumb - CopyNashville Predators

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Ryan Hartman, 4th round pick 2020, Kevin Fiala

    Brought in: Wayne Simmonds. Mikael Granlund

    Explanation: The Preds found a way again to end up with one of the top talents in the league and really give up very little for him. Then swapping a young player with potential for a proven top-six winger isn’t old at all. Preds got everything they want without sacrificing Tolvanen.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    NJ Thumb - CopyNew Jersey Devils

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Ben Loveoy, Keith Kincaid

    Brought in: Connor Carrick, 3rd round pick 2019 & 5th 2019

    Explanation: The Devils find a way to deal some guys. The Kincaid deal was a head-scratcher, almost a shot at Kincaid’s ability but none the less decent deadline for Jersey

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    NYR Thumb - CopyNew York Rangers

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Adam McQuaid, Kevin Hayes, Mats Zuccarello

    Brought in: Julius Bergman, 4th round pick 2019 (CBJ), 7th round pick 2019 (CBJ), Brendan Lemieux, 1st round pick 2019 (WPG), 4th round pick 2022 (WPG), 2nd round pick 2019 (DAL), 3rd round pick 2020 (DAL)

    Explanation: The Rangers did some amazing things at the deadline – bringing in a ton of picks and some good prospects to add to an already impressive young core. Give the Rangers 2-3 years and they could be very dangerous.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    OTT Thumb - CopyOttawa Senators

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Matt Duchene, Julius Bergman, Ryan Dzingel, 7th round pick 2019 (OTT), Patrick Sieloff, Mark Stone

    Brought in: Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, 1st round pick 2019 (CBJ), Conditional 1st round pick 2020 (CBJ), Anthony Duclair, 2nd round pick 2020 (CBJ), 2nd round pick 2021 (CBJ), Brian Gibbons, Oscar Lindberg, Erik Brannstrom, 2nd round pick 2020 (VGK)

    Explanation: The Sens did all the right things at the deadline, the rumors about signing Duchene and Stone would have been nice from an organizational perspective. But the Senators did everything right, all these prospects and picks especially Brannstrom. Senators fans are in for a real treat.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    COL Thumb - CopyColorado Avalanche

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: 3rd round pick 2020 (COL)

    Brought in: Derrick Brassard, 6th round pick 2019 (FLA)

    Explanation: The Avalanche told everyone they wouldn’t be making any big moves at the deadline, but they quietly made one of the best low risk/high reward moves of the deadline. Brassard has struggled but with the right team could flourish and they didn’t give away anything of huge substance.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    CLB Thumb - CopyColumbus Blue Jackets

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Vitaly Abramov, Jonathan Davidsson, 1st round pick 2019 (CBJ), Conditional 1st round pick 2020 (CBJ), Anthony Duclair, 2nd round pick 2020 (CBJ), 2nd round pick 2021 (CBJ), Julius Bergman, 4th round pick 2019 (CBJ), 7th round pick 2019 (CBJ), 5th round pick 2019 (CBJ)

    Brought in: Matt Duchene, Julius Bergman, Ryan Dzingel, 7th round pick 2019 (OTT), Adam McQuaid, Keith Kincaid

    Explanation: The Blue Jackets know that Panarin might be on his way out but in a last-ditch effort to convince Duchene to sign and Panarin to stay they went all in. I’m sure they will regret this in the future but I guess we will find out.

    Winner or Loser: Winner/Loser

    PHI Thumb - CopyPhiladelphia Flyers

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Wayne Simmonds, Anthony Stolarz

    Brought in: Ryan Hartman, 4th round pick 2020 (NSH), Cam Talbot

    Explanation: The Flyers sold a UFA in Simmonds but picked one up in Talbot as well. So kind of a half sale in Philly. Don’t think the Flyers are sold they are out of a playoff spot just yet.

    Winner or Loser: Loser

    PIT Thumb - CopyPittsburgh Penguins

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Sebastian Dea, Tyler Toffoli

    Brought in: Chris Wideman, Erik Gudbranson

    Explanation: The Penguins made their small depth moves as normal with such a strong core you can’t really blame them. Gudbranson could be a gamechanger for the Penguins.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    SJ Thumb - CopySan Jose Sharks

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: 2nd round pick 2019 (SJ), 3rd round pick 2019 (SJ)

    Brought in: Gustav Nyquist

    Explanation: The Sharks are also all in this solidifies the wing position and gives them some more scoring punch. Sharks didn’t pay a premium price.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    STL Thumb - CopySt. Louis Blues

    Sellers or Buyers: Small buyers

    Traded: 6th round pick 2019

    Brought in:  Michael Del Zotto

    Explanation: The Blues just adding a little more offensive flair to the blue for cheap. Del Zotto has never really found a home. So can’t really say winner or loser.

    Winner or Loser: undetermined

    TOR Thumb - CopyToronto Maple Leafs

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Par Lindholm

    Brought in: Nic Petan

    Explanation: The Leafs had an underwhelming deadline. They were expected to come in and grab one of the power forwards – Wayne Simmonds or Kreider – to add some size and grit to the team. But didn’t do it. Instead, Kyle Dubas decided to stay the course and ship off an expiring contract of a player that the Leafs probably wouldn’t resign and get a player that is smallish but oozes potential. This still doesn’t make up for the terrible deadline and not addressing needs.

    Winner or Loser: Loser

    VAN Thumb - CopyVancouver Canucks

    Sellers or Buyers: Sellers

    Traded: Erik Gudbranson

    Brought in: Tyler Toffoli

    Explanation: The Canucks had an interesting deadline considering they almost dealt Alex Edler away but pulled out of the potential deal just before finalizing it. This deal is an interesting one because I’m not sure what sense this makes for the Canucks, From all accounts Gudbranson was a good locker room guy and was the hardest worker on the defence.

    Winner or Loser: Loser

    VGS Thumb - CopyVegas Golden Knights

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Erik Brannstrom, Oscar Lindberg, 2nd round pick 2020 (VGK)

    Brought in: Mark Stone

    Explanation: The Golden Knights bring in one of the most prized possessions at the deadline in Mark Stone and yet still considered losers because of the package they paid. A lot of talk was going on that the Knights would not part with Brannstrom, no matter what – But not only did they give up one of the most highly touted prospects in the league, they gave up a young forward in Lindberg who hasn’t been given top 6 minutes as of yet.  This trade could come back to bite Vegas but they did resign Stone so this could be interesting for both sides.

    Winner or Loser: Winner/Loser

    WAS Thumb - Copy Washington Capitals

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Madison Bowey, 2nd round pick 2020 (WSH), 3rd round pick 2019 (WSH), 6th round pick 2019 (WSH)

    Brought in: Nick Jensen, 5th round pick 2019 (DET), Carl Hagelin

    Explanation: The Caps wanted to add some speed and little more offensive flair to their lineup. They accomplished both with Hagelin and Jensen. Jensen is a great young defender as well so locking him up was key.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

    WIN Thumb - CopyWinnipeg Jets

    Sellers or Buyers: Buyers

    Traded: Brendan Lemieux, 1st round pick 2019 (WPG), 4th round pick 2022 (WPG), Nic Petan

    Brought in: Kevin Hayes, Par Lindholm

    Explanation: The Jets did everything right. Acquiring a big number two centermen who can score and skate. Then adding some 4th line grinding defensive help. Jets are geared up for a big run this season.

    Winner or Loser: Winner

     

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders – 28/02/2019 – Recap

    Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders – 28/02/2019 – Recap

    Toronto Maple Leafs (39-20-4 82pts) v. Toronto Maple Leafs (36-19-7 79pts)

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Andreas Johnsson – Auston Matthews – Kasperi Kapanen

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Patrick Marleau – Nazem Kadri – William Nylander

    Tyler Ennis – Frederik Gauthier – Trevor Moore

     

    Morgan Rielly  – Jake Muzzin

    Justin Holl – Nikita Zaitsev

    Martin Marincin – Ron Hainsey

     

    Garrett Sparks

    Frederik Andersen

     

    Scratched: none

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back), Jake Gardiner (Back) and Travis Dermott (Shoulder)

    Suspension: None

     

    Islanders:

    Anders Lee – Brock Nelson– Jordan Eberle

    Andrew Ladd – Matthew Barzal–Leo Komarov

    Anthony Beauviller – Valtteri Filppula – Josh Bailey

    Matt Martin – Casey Cizikas– Cal Clutterbuck

     

    Nick Leddy – Johnny Boychuk

    Adam Pelech – Ryan Pulock

    Thomas Hickey – Devin Toews

     

    Robin Lehner

    Thomas Greiss

     

    Scratched: None

    Injuries: None

    Suspension: None

    Game Recap:

    Leafs look flat after the first period and struggle the rest of the game to get any rhythm or gain any momentum. As the Islanders ruin John Tavares trip back to New York with a 6-1 dismantling of the Toronto Maple Leafs. The forecheck was slow and giveaways were abundant but despite giving up 6 goals Garrett Sparks was the only bright spot as he gave his team a chance to win in the beginning.

    First Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 3:54 – Auston Matthews, 2 minutes for Interference on the Goaltender

    Toronto Goal  – 13:33 – Zach Hyman (14) assisted by Mitch Marner (53) and Ron Hainsey (14)

    Islanders Goal –16:16 – Anthony Beauvillier (15) assisted by Josh Bailey (34) and Matthew Barzal (35)

    Islanders Penalty – 17:54 – Valtteri Filppula, 2 minutes for Hooking

     

    End of 1st – TOR – 1       NYI – 1

    Shots              13               10

    Faceoffs         7/16            9/16

    Hits               7                  13

    PP                 0/1                 0/1

     

    Second Period:

    Islanders Goal – 4:49 – Anders Lee (22) assisted by Brock Nelson (23) and Jordan Eberle (16)

    Islanders Penalty –11:48 – Leo Komarov, 2 minutes for Holding

    Islanders SH Goal –13:40 – Casey Cizikas (18) assisted by Cal Clutterbuck (11)

    Islanders Goal –19:00 – Valtteri Filppula (13) assisted by Andrew Ladd (6) and Leo Komarov (14)

    End of 2nd – TOR- 1        NYI- 4

    Shots               27                25

    Faceoffs          14/32              18/32

    Hits                 14                  26

    PP                   0/2                  0/1

     

    Third Period:

    Islanders Goal –0:33 – Nick Leddy (2) assisted by Cal Clutterbuck (12) and Matt Martin (8)

    Islanders Goal –8:41 – Brock Nelson (20) assisted by Jordan Eberle (17) and Ryan Pulock (24)

    End of 3rd – TOR – 1        NYI – 6

    Shots              35                  37

    Faceoffs        21/48            27/48

    Hits               22                     39

    PP                 0/2                    0/1

     

    Next Up:

    Buffalo Sabres (39-20-4 82pts) v. Toronto Maple Leafs (29-26-8 66pts)

    Washington Capitals (36-21-7 79pts) @ NY Islanders (37-19-7 81pts)

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders – 28/2/2019 – Game Preview

    Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Islanders – 28/2/2019 – Game Preview

    Toronto Maple Leafs (39-20-4 82pts) v. New York Islanders (36-19-7 79pts)

     

    Time: 7pm EST

    Station: TSN4

     

    Preview:

    John Tavares makes his unwelcomed homecoming for the first time since leaving the Island. There is expected to be a ceremony but that the boos will rain loud on Tavares’s party. Leafs look to win their 4th straight and Tavares looks to not let the Islander crowd be a distraction.

    Top Scorers/Goalie Matchup

    Mitch Marner –74 points (22 goals 52 assists)
    John Tavares – 68 points (36 goals 32 assists) 54% on face-offs
    Morgan Rielly – 61 points (15 goals 46 assists)
    Auston Matthews – 59 points (30 goals 29 assists) 53% on Face-offs

    Matthew Barzal – 51 points (17 goals 34 assists)
    Josh Bailey –47 points (14 goals 33 assists)
    Anders Lee – 41 points (21 goals 20 assists)
    Brock Nelson  –41 points (19 goals 22 assists)

    Garrett Sparks
    29-13-3 2.59GAA .923SV%

    Robin Lehner
    19-10-5 2.10GAA .930SV%

    Toronto Maple Leafs:

    Projected Lineup:

    Toronto:

    Andreas Johnsson – Auston Matthews – Kasperi Kapanen

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Patrick Marleau – Nazem Kadri – William Nylander

    Tyler Ennis – Frederik Gauthier – Trevor Moore

     

    Morgan Rielly  – Jake Muzzin

    Justin Holl – Nikita Zaitsev

    Martin Marincin – Ron Hainsey

     

    Garrett Sparks

    Frederik Andersen

     

    Scratched: none

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back), Jake Gardiner (Back) and Travis Dermott (Shoulder)

    Suspension: None

     

    Islanders:

    Anders Lee – Brock Nelson– Jordan Eberle

    Andrew Ladd – Matthew Barzal–Leo Komarov

    Anthony Beauviller – Valtteri Filppula – Josh Bailey

    Matt Martin – Casey Cizikas– Cal Clutterbuck

     

    Nick Leddy – Johnny Boychuk

    Adam Pelech – Ryan Pulock

    Thomas Hickey – Devin Toews

     

    Robi Lehner

    Thomas Greiss

     

    Scratched: None

    Injuries: None

    Suspension: None

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Win Draws – Need to have the puck on your stick at all times, against this team.

    2, Garrett Sparks – Which one will show up? the Good, the Bad or the Ugly?

    3. Robin Lehner – Get traffic in front, get into his head or you will never score,

     

     

  • Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs – 27/02/2019 – Game Preview and Recap

    Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs – 27/02/2019 – Game Preview and Recap

    Gameday Preview:  Edmonton Oilers vs Toronto Maple Leafs

    Time: Wednesday, February 27h  2019

    Toronto: 38-20-4 for 80 points

    Edmonton: 26-29-7 for 59 points

    The Toronto Maple Leafs look to keep winning at home and continue to hold onto their place in the standings against the severely struggling Connor McDavid and The Edmonton Oilers.0

    Top Scorers/Goalie Matchup

    Mitch Marner –74 points (22 goals 52 assists)
    John Tavares – 68 points (36 goals 32 assists) 54% on face-offs
    Morgan Rielly – 61 points (15 goals 46 assists)
    Auston Matthews – 59 points (30 goals 29 assists) 53% on Face-offs

    Connor McDavid – 86 points (32 goals 54 assists)
    Leon Draisaitl –77 points (39 goals 38 assists)
    Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – 27 points (20 goals 36 assists)
    Darnell Nurse  – 32points (7 goals 24 assists)

    Frederik Andersen
    29-13-3 2.59GAA .923SV%

    Mikko Koskinen
    16-16-4 2.87GAA .907SV%

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Andreas Johnsson – Auston Matthews – Kasperi Kapanen

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Patrick Marleau – Nazem Kadri – William Nylander

    Tyler Ennis – Pars Lindholm – Frederik Gauthier

     

    Morgan Rielly  – Jake Muzzin

    Travis Dermott – Nikita Zaitsev

    Igor Ozhiganov – Ron Hainsey

     

    Frederik Andersen

    Garrett Sparks

     

    Scratched: Justin Holl

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back), Jake Gardiner (Back)

    Suspension: None

     

    Edmonton:

    Ryan Nugent-Hopkins – Connor McDavid – Sam Gagner

    Tobias Reider – Leon Draisaitl– Alex Chiasson

    Milan Lucic – Colby Cave – Josh Currie

    Brad Malone – Kyle Brodziak – Zack Kassian

     

    Oscar Klefblom – Adam Larsson

    Darnell Nurse – Kris Russell

    Matt Benning – Andrej Sekera

     

    Mikko Koskinen

    Anthony Stolarz

     

    Scratched: None

    Injuries: Jesse Pulijarvi and Juraj Khaira

    Suspension: None

    Keys to Winning against Edmonton:

    1. Shut Down McDavid
      1. McDavid has over 70% of the points the Oilers have if you shut him down the offense is almost non-existent
    2. Puck Possession
      1. Play a game of keep-away cycle the puck and keep them hemmed in their own zone.
    3. Attack the Defence
      1. Oilers defence is known for its giveaways and bad defensive play. Attack them make them rush and pay dividends from the turnovers.

    Gameday:

    https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1100896118844674050

    First Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 10:04 – Morgan Rielly, 2 minutes for Hooking

    Edmonton PP Goal – 11:06 – Leon Draisaitl (39) assisted by Connor McDavid (54) and Darnell Nurse (23)

    Toronto Goal – 18:02 – Patrick Marleau (14) assisted by Jake Muzzin (23) and Connor Brown (17)

    Edmonton Penalty – 15:57 – Alex Chiasson, 2 minutes for Slashing

    End of 1st – EDM–1        TOR – 1

    Shots              12                   12

    Faceoffs     7/19               12/19

    Hits               12                   5

    PP                 1/1                  0/1

     

    Analysis

    Edmonton came out flying and scored a nice powerplay goal courtesy of Leon Draisaitl. But the Leafs settled in and came back to tie it late with a Patrick Marleau goal with 2 minutes left in the 1st.

     

    Need to Do:

    Don’t take stupid penalties and continue to clog up the neutral zone for Connor McDavid.

    https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1100921062844440576
    Second Period:

    Toronto Goal – 1:09 – Mitch Marner (22) assisted by Zach Hyman (15) and Ron Hainsey (13)

    Toronto Goal – 2:26 – Andreas Johnsson (18) assisted by Kasperi Kapanen (22) and Auston Matthews  (29)

    Edmonton Penalty – 4:07 –Darnell Nurse, 2 mins for Slashing

    Toronto PP Goal – 4:50 – William Nylander (5) assisted by Tyler Ennis (5) and Patrick Marleau (19)

    Edmonton Penalty – 6:39–Colby Cave, 2 mins for Interference

    Toronto PP Goal – 8:09 – Andreas Johnsson (19) assisted by John Tavares (32) and Mitch Marner (51)

    Toronto Penalty – 17:12–Auston Matthews, 2 mins for High Sticking

    Edmonton Penalty – 18:47– Leon Draisaitl, 2 mins for High Sticking

    Edmonton Penalty – 19:51– Matt Benning, 2 mins for Cross Checking

    End of 2nd – EDM– 1          TOR –5

    Shots              24                    24

    Faceoffs       14/38              24/38

    Hits              24                      10

    PP                 1/2                   2/5

     

    Analysis:

    Leafs came out in the 2nd period to kill. They held McDavid for most of the night away from the net and then in the 2nd began to score at will. Andreas Johnsson netted a pair in the 2nd to make it 5-1.

     

    Need to Do:

    Tighten up defensively and get ready for a push in the 3rd.

    https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1100936200951656448

    Third Period:

    Toronto PP Goal 00:25 – John Tavares (36) assisted by, Mitch Marner (52) and William Nylander (11)

    Edmonton Goal– 16:06 – Ryan Nugent Hopkins (20) assisted by Darnell Nurse(19)

    End of 3rd – EDM – 2       TOR –6

    Shots            36                  36

    Faceoffs     22/59               37/59

    Hits              33                       17

    PP                1/2                 3/5

     

    Analysis:

    Leafs settle down in the 3rd and carry the game the rest of the way home.

    https://twitter.com/MapleLeafs/status/1100949368990064642

    Next Up:

    Toronto (39-20-4 82pts) vs NY Islander (36-19-7 79pts)

    Edmonton (26-30-7 59pts) at Ottawa (22-30-5 49pts)

  • Game Recap – 2/26/2019 – Ottawa Senators v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 2/26/2019 – Ottawa Senators v. Washington Capitals

    Ottawa Senators (22-35-5 49pts) v. Washington Capitals (35-21-7 77pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Washington Capitals host the Ottawa Senators as they close out the month of February and it would be the Senators who would get the first goal of the game when newly acquired forwards Brian Gibbons and Oscar Lindberg connect for Lindberg’s first goal with the Senators and Gibbons first point with the team to give them the 1-0 lead over the Capitals. Then on a Travis Boyd slashing penalty, the Senators would get a goal from another newly acquired forward Anthony Duclair on the powerplay  to give them a 2-0 lead. However, the Capitals would get back into it when they would take advantage of a poor line change by the Senators as the top line of Evgeny Kuznetsov, Alex Ovechkin, and Tom Wilson would play tic tac toe for Wilson’s 18th of the season, then 53 seconds late Lars Eller would rip one past Senators goaltender Anders Nilsson to tie the game at two.

     

    The Capitals started off the period flying and as a result they would get a powerplay opportunity when Chris Tierney would be called for tripping and the Capitals would make the most of their powerplay opportunity as it would be a John Carlson bomb from the point to give the Capitals a 3-2 lead, but then it would be back to back dirty goals by TJ Oshie and Brett Connolly to give the Capitals a powerful 5-2 lead. Then Oshie would get his second of the game in a confusing sequence as it would be Nilsson knocking the net off the moarings as Oshie shot the puck in the net, but a goal is a goal, and it is now 6-2 for the Capitals with the Senators pulling Nilsson for Craig Anderson.

     

    Going in the third period the Capitals would waste no time as Evgeny Kuznetsov would score 17 seconds into the game to make it 7-2 for the Capitals. The Capitals would control the play in the third to kill the clock and secure the victory.

     

    Lineups:

    Ottawa Senators:

    Brady Tkachuk — Colin White — Anthony Duclair

    Rudolfs Balcers — Chris Tierney — Mikkel Boedker

    Zack Smith — Jean-Gabriel Pageau — Bobby Ryan

    Brian Gibbons — Oscar Lindberg — Magnus Paajarvi

    Thomas Chabot — Dylan DeMelo

    Mark Borowiecki — Christian Jaros

    Ben Harpur — Cody Ceci

    Anders Nilsson

    Craig Anderson

    Scratched: Christian Wolanin

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson

    Jakub Vrana — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Andre Burakovsky — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Carl Hagelin — Nic Dowd — Travis Boyd

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik — Nick Jensen

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

    Scratched: Dmitrij Jaskin, Chandler Stephenson, Christian Djoos

     

    First Period:

    Senators Goal – 3:16 – Oscar Lindberg (5) from Brian Gibbons (4) and Magnus Paajarvi (3)

    Capitals Penalty – 5:22 – Travis Boyd 2 minutes for Slashing

    Senators PPG – 7:10 – Anthony Duclair (12) from Cody Ceci (16) and Christian Jaros (7)

    Capitals Goal – 16:57 – Tom Wilson (18) from Alex Ovechkin (29) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (41)

    Capitals Goal – 17:50 – Lars Eller (8) from Dmitry Orlov (16) and Brett Connolly (19)

     

    End of 1st – OTT – 2       WAS – 2

    Shots              13                09

    Faceoffs         09                12

    Hits               05                  03

    PP                 1/1                 0/0

     

    Second Period:

    Senators Penalty – 2:00 – Chris Tierney 2 minutes for Tripping

    Capitals PPG – 2:38 – John Carlson (10) from Nicklas Backstrom (44) and TJ Oshie (21)

    Capitals Goal – 6:29 – TJ Oshie (19) from Brooks Orpik (5) and Nicklas Backstrom (45)

    Capitals Goal – 9:05 – Brett Connolly (16) from Andre Burakovsky (12)

    Capitals Goal – 10:33 – TJ Oshie (20) from Dmitry Orlov (17) and Jakub Vrana (21)

     

    End of 2nd – OTT – 2        WAS – 6

    Shots               18                 26

    Faceoffs          22                 23

    Hits                 11                  06

    PP                   1/1                  1/1

     

    Third Period:

    Capitals Goal – :17 – Evgeny Kuznetsov (17) from Alex Ovechkin (30) and Tom Wilson (15)

     

    End of 3rd – OTT – 2         WAS – 7

    Shots              23                   37

    Faceoffs        35                    30

    Hits               15                     08

    PP                 1/1                    1/1

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (36-21-7 79pts) @ NY Islanders (36-19-7 79pts)

    Ottawa (22-36-5 49pts) v. Edmonton (26-29-7 59pts)

  • Washington Pride Hockey Takes Over Rockville Ice Arena This Weekend!

    Washington Pride Hockey Takes Over Rockville Ice Arena This Weekend!

    This weekend at Rockville Ice Arena in Rockville, MD the Washington Pride 19’s take on Liberty University in weekend Women’s Hockey action before heading to Burlington, VT for the JWHL Playoffs.

     

    For the first game of the back to back between these two teams will take place this Saturday, March 2nd at 520p on Rink 1. Then the second game will take place Sunday, March 3rd at 920a also on Rink 1.

     

    Also TXHT’s own Michael Lindenbaum will be the PA Announcer for both games.