Blog

  • The Stigma of Counterfeit Jerseys and Why It Has To Come To An End

    The Stigma of Counterfeit Jerseys and Why It Has To Come To An End

    Today we are going to look the stigma of NHL jerseys and the fact that there in a crowd, you can see hundreds and hundreds of counterfeit jerseys.

     

    To most, you can’t tell what they are but if you are a jersey buyer and actually want to support the team and player(s), it would be best to buy from official jersey suppliers.

     

    For an example of a counterfeit jerseys, take a look the this Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Paul Kariya.

    The biggest giveaway on how this is a counterfeit jersey is they way the nameplate on the jersey looks and how the number has a bubble look to it.  The third giveaway is the center logo is not the size it should be.

    This is how the jersey should look like from when it was made available for purchase.

     

    Here is an example of a NEW Philadelphia Flyers Stadium Series jersey and everything with is completely off.

     

    The name plate is not even and the last name colouring is not the same as on the jersey.

     

    The Stadium Series jersey logo patch is also too bubble looking

    Another giveaway that this is a knockoff jersey that little adidas logo on the front left side of the jersey toward the end of it.  That was a project that was abandoned by adidas and the NHL after the end of last season.  The logo had a little chip in it that would give fans locker room access for players and teams.

    Flyers Stadium Series jersey

     

    Compare the knockoff Flyers Stadium Series jersey to the one that is on the NHL’s official shop site.

     

     

     

    The biggest problem with the counterfeit jersey market is that most of them are coming in from China and with any of the counterfeit jerseys that are purchased whether they are NHL jerseys, NFL, NBA, MLB, and any other team jersey, it is a direct Intellectual Property theft.  When you don’t buy from the official team stores, sites, and official league sites, it is a cut the league, teams, and players don’t get from the merchandise.

     

    Although it is not officially a reason as to counterfeit jerseys, the rise in NHL jersey prices has been quite drastic over the last decade or so.  When the launch of the Reebok NHL jerseys happened, you could get a blank team jersey for $100 and a player jersey for about $150-$170.  Then about three years later, the blank jerseys would be $125-$140, depending on if it was a speciality jersey for the Winter Classic, Heritage Classic, and/or Stadium Series jerseys.  The player jerseys would then rise to $170-$190.

     

    Then comes the current adidas run.  For a blank jersey now, the team blank jersey goes for $180-$190, depending on if it is for the Stadium Series or Winter Classic.  A player jersey $225-$230 depending on league events. There is still the option for personalization on jerseys through the NHL Shop site as well as CoolHockey.com for $250 on the NHL Shop site and about $250-$280 on the CoolHockey site (they currently have a deal on free customization).

     

    What is new with the adidas deal is that they also partnered with Fanatics to provide a cheaper alternate for the team jersey.

     

    Personally, I am not a fan of the Fanatics versions because the nameplate, the numbers on the arms and back of the jersey, as well as the logos on the jersey are all a flimsy material that looks like it heat-pressed on.  I understand why some people like this version seeing as it is a bit cheaper and a bit more lightweight.

     

    I know most people out there can’t tell a difference between a counterfeit jersey and the official jersey in a crowd but for me as a jersey collector, it really bothers me that people will not buy the official deal because they want to save money.  When I buy jerseys, no matter what it is, I buy the official deal from team and/or league sites.

     

    The Toronto Maple Leafs have also provided an excellent article that I recommend reading about the counterfeit jerseys and they also have provided a key on how they can determine a counterfeit jersey from the official team jerseys.  To see this article please go here.

    So once again, ladies and gentleman, if you are going to buy NHL jerseys, please buy the official jerseys from the NHL Shop site, team sites and official team store, or CoolHockey.com.  They provide the legitimate product and you support the team, the players, and the league when you purchase the legitimate product and not buying from a third party.  Just remember that when you buy from a Chinese website, you are participating and supporting that business to keep going and effectively hurting the league.

     

    If you ever need a question on how to determine a counterfeit jersey, feel free to leave a comment and if not, you can always reference the Toronto Maple Leafs Counterfeit Jersey guide.

  • Game Recap – 2/11/2019 – Los Angeles Kings v. Washington Capitals

    Game Recap – 2/11/2019 – Los Angeles Kings v. Washington Capitals

    Los Angeles Kings (23-27-5 51pts) v. Washington Capitals (30-18-7 67pts)

     

    Game Recap:

    The Washington Capitals look to end their season long six game homestand with a victory, and it would be an early penalty by Michael Amadio that would give the Capitals the first power play opportunity of the game. The Capitals would not need much time as they would swarm the Los Angeles Kings as Alex Ovechkin would score his 38th goal of the season for the 1-0 lead. However, the Kings would respond quickly when Derek Forbort made an amazing pass to Austin Wagner to tie the game at one. The Capitals would get another power play opportunity when Alec Martinez would be called for holding, but the Capitals would not convert. The Kings would then get their first power play opportunity when Evgeny Kuznetsov would be galled for hooking, but the Capitals would hold the Kings shotless on the power play. The Capitals would eventually get the lead back when Brett Connolly would get his own rebound and roof it over Jonathan Quick, but it would be a Dmitry Orlov hooking penalty that would give the Kings a chance to tie the game up at two as Tyler Toffoli would score on the powerplay.

     

    The Capitals would start the period by killing off the late Brett Connolly hooking call, but they would get hemmed into their own zone as the Kings would tire the Capitals and gain the lead for the first time this game when Oscar Fantenberg would blast a one timer for his second goal of the season. However the Capitals would respond quickly as Evgeny Kuznetsov would score off of a Tom Wilson rebound to tie the game at three a piece. The Capitals would then get the lead back as they would crash the net and create chaos for Quick and the Kings defense as Christian Djoos would poke the puck with one hand on his stick for his first goal of the season. the Capitals would not let up there as Michal Kempny and Jakub Vrana would connect to get Quick out of position and Vrana his 17th of the season.

     

    For the third period both teams would play a more contained style of game that would feature both Austin Wagner and Evgeny Kuznetsov scoring their second goal of the game for their respective teams. However, it would be the Capitals holding on and winning 6-4 to end their six game homestand with a 4-1-1 record.

     

    Lineups:

    Los Angeles Kings:

    Alex Iafallo — Anze Kopitar — Dustin Brown

    Brendan Leipsic — Michael Amadio — Tyler Toffoli

    Carl Hagelin — Adrian Kempe — Ilya Kovalchuk

    Kyle Clifford — Trevor Lewis — Austin Wagner

    Derek Forbort — Drew Doughty

    Alec Martinez — Oscar Fantenberg

    Dion Phaneuf — Paul LaDue

    Jonathan Quick

    Jack Campbell

    Scratched: Sean Walker

    Injured: Jeff Carter (lower body), Jonny Brodzinski (upper body)

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Alex Ovechkin — Evgeny Kuznetsov — Tom Wilson

    Jakub Vrana — Nicklas Backstrom — T.J. Oshie

    Andre Burakovsky — Lars Eller — Brett Connolly

    Chandler Stephenson — Nic Dowd — Devante Smith-Pelly

    Michal Kempny — John Carlson

    Dmitry Orlov — Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik — Christian Djoos

    Pheonix Copley

    Braden Holtby

    Scratched: Madison Bowey, Dmitrij Jaskin, Travis Boyd

     

    First Period:

    Kings Penalty – 2:10 – Michael Amadio 2 minutes for Hooking

    Capitals PPG – 3:07 – Alex Ovechkin (38) from Evgeny Kuznetsov (37) and TJ Oshie (16)

    Kings Goal – 4:50 – Austin Wagner (6) from Derek Forbort (9) and Kyle Clifford (3)

    Kings Penalty – 6:49 – Alec Martinez 2 minutes for Holding

    Capitals Penalty – 11:54 – Evgeny Kuznetsov 2 minutes for Hooking

    Capitals Goal – 15:17 – Brett Connolly (13) from Andre Burakovsky (9) and Matt Niskanen (14)

    Capitals Penalty – 15:38 – Dmitry Orlov 2 minutes for Hooking

    Kings PPG – 17:22 – Tyler Toffoli (12) from Anze Kopitar (25) and Drew Doughty (26)

    Capitals Penalty – 19:13 – Brett Connolly 2 minutes for Hooking

     

    End of 1st – LA – 2       WAS – 2

    Shots              10                12

    Faceoffs         10                12

    Hits               06                  05

    PP                 1/2                 1/2

     

    Second Period:

    Kings Goal – 3:42 – Oscar Fantenberg (2) from Alec Martinez (10) and Adrian Kempe (11)

    Capitals Goal – 6:39 – Evgeny Kuznetsov (14) from Tom Wilson (12)

    Capitals Goal – 10:31 – Christian Djoos (1) from Alex Ovechkin (25) and Evgeny Kuznetsov (38)

    Capitals Goal -13:09 – Jakub Vrana (17) from Michal Kempny (13) and TJ Oshie (17)

    Kings Penalty – 15:08 – Anze Kopitar 2 minutes for Holding

     

    End of 2nd – LA – 3        WAS – 5

    Shots               20                 22

    Faceoffs          14                 24

    Hits                 10                  12

    PP                   1/3                  1/3

     

    Third Period:

    Kings Penalty – 6:58 – Anze Kopitar 2 minutes for High Sticking

    Kings Goal – 10:25 – Austin Wagner (7) from Trevor Lewis (2) and Kyle Clifford (4)

    Capitals Goal – 15:13 – Evgeny Kuznetsov (15) from Alex Ovechkin (26)

     

    End of 3rd – LA – 4         WAS – 5

    Shots              33                   31

    Faceoffs        25                    34

    Hits               18                     14

    PP                 1/3                    1/4

     

    Next Up:

    Washington (31-18-7 69pts) @ Columbus (31-20-3 65pts)

    Los Angeles (23-28-5 51pts) v. Vancouver (25-24-7 57pts)

  • Gameday Preview – 2/11/2019 – Los Angeles Kings v. Washington Capitals

    Gameday Preview – 2/11/2019 – Los Angeles Kings v. Washington Capitals

    Los Angeles Kings (23-27-5 51pts) v. Washington Capitals (30-18-7 67pts)

     

    Time: 7p EST

    Station: NBC Sports Washington and Fox Sports West

     

    Preview:

    The Washington Capitals host the Los Angeles Kings as they end their six game homestand. The Capitals will be looking to bounce back from their overtime loss to the Florida Panthers, while the Kings will be looking to get themselves back in the win column after having their 3 game winning streak end by the Boston Bruins the other night.

     

    Los Angeles Kings:

    Projected Lineup:

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Contain the Capitals speed

    The Kings are not a very fast team, and they will need to contain the Capitals speed if they hope to take it to the Capitals.

     

    Washington Capitals:

    Projected Lineup:

     

    Keys to the Game:

    1. Get a good start

    The Capitals did not start well against the Florida Panthers the other night, and will need a better start to the game if they hope to end their homestand with a victory.

  • TXHT at the NWHL All Star Festivities!

    TXHT at the NWHL All Star Festivities!

    The NWHL hosted their All Star festivities in Nashville, TN this past weekend. The best players from all five teams came down and showcased their talents in front of an electric Nashville crowd. The skills competition was held at the Ford Ice Center, the practice facility for the Predators; while the All Star Game itself was at the Bridgestone Arena in Downtown Nashville.

    Here’s how the rosters looked for the weekend:

    NWHL-ASG2019-Roster-4_large
    Photo from nwhl.zone

    Skills Competition

    It was a full house at the Ford Ice Center for the NWHL skills competition; people gathered to watch the players have fun and show off. The first event was the fastest skater, in which Kristin Lewicki won the event last year. This year had the likes of Michelle Picard, Amanda Pelkey, Lexi Bender, and Kendall Coyne Schofield for Team Szabados; and Lisa Chesson, Jonna Curtis, Kate Schipper, and Allie Thunstrom for Team Stecklein. If anyone saw the NHL’s fastest skater competition, knows that Coyne was going to be the odds on favorite, and she delivered. Coyne was actually faster than when she did the NHL’s event, [14.3 for the NHL and 13.9 for the NWHL].

    The next competition was the fastest goalies, in which Amanda Leveille returned to defend her title. All four goalies Katie Burt, Amanda Leveille, Shannon Szabados, and Nicole Hensley skated. The final showdown came in the form of a “battle of the teammates” Szabados v Hensley, and it was Nicole Hensley who claims bragging rights.

    Accuracy shooting was up next, where Corinne Buie was the winner last year. The three shooters for Team Szabados were Haley Skarupa, Haley Scamurra, and Savannah Harmon and the three shooters for Team Stecklein were Hannah Brandt, Dani Cameranesi, and Emily Pfalzer. In the end, it was Dani Cameranesi who proved to be the most accurate!

    Talents were on display during the next event, which was the trick shot challenge. All of the skaters have great hands and great creative minds. For Team Szabados it was Amanda Kessel, Madison Packer, and Katerina Mrázová and for Team Stecklein it was Gigi Marvin, Emily Fluke, and Jillian Dempsey. In this particular event, the fans got to vote for the winner of the competition. The event had everything, from Amanda Kessel doing the Flying V from the Mighty Ducks, to Madison Packer with a smooth spin-o-rama attempt that almost scored, to Emily Fluke throwing a cowboy hat, and having her second shot saved by Katie Burt with her back toward her.

    In the end it was Team Stecklein who won over the fans and getting their vote.

    Up next was the hardest shot competition with players who can really bring the heat on their slapshots. Last years winner of the event was Kelsey Koezler, and the players looking to take the title were, for Team Szabados were Shannon Doyle, Amanda Boulier, Audra Richards, and Blake Bolden; and for Team Stecklein were Michelle Löwenhielm, Alyssa Gagliardi, Courtney Burke, and the captain Lee Stecklein. There were a lot of really hard shots, but Blake Bolden won with her shot reaching 80 mph!

    The last event was a go for goal shootout relay in which all the skaters for Team Szabados and Team Stecklein took shootout attempts, and the team with the most goals was declared the winner. After some pretty nifty attempts, it was Team Stecklein who won the event.

    This meant at the end of all competitions, both teams were tied at three wins a piece. It meant that to settle it in a tiebreaker, it was captain vs captain in a best two out of three shootout attempts. Szabados made all the saves and her team won the Skills Competition!

    Audio from Dani Cameranesi of the Buffalo Beauts [Team Stecklein]

    Audio from Kendall Coyne Schofield of the Minnesota Whitecaps [Team Szabados]

    All Star Game

    The All Star Game took place at Bridgestone Arena after the Blues v. Predators game, in which the St. Louis Blues proved victorious in overtime.

    Predators Game.jpg

    It wouldn’t be Nashville without someone throwing a catfish on the ice that landed right by Shannon Doyle just before the opening faceoff.

    Catfish Opening Faceoff.jpg

    Both teams skated to two 25 minute halves of four on four hockey. In the first half, Team Szabados jumped out to the lead, the goal coming from the Riveters rookie forward Audra Richards. Richards, who has eight goals on the year continues her scoring prowess by getting the opening marker. Later in the half, Shannon Doyle led the rush and made a nice drop pass on top of the circle, and it fell on the stick of leading Connecticut Whale scorer Katerina Mrázová, who roofed the shot over Nicole Hensley. The goal gave Team Szabados a 2-0 lead heading into halftime.

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

    During the intermission, and because Nashville is known as Music City, there was some live music being played while we waited for the second half.

    The second half had a lot of good back and forth action and then Gigi Marvin took a shot from the point which got redirected by Lisa Chesson and it found the net beating Katie Burt. The goal cut the Team Szabados lead in half. Later in the half, the game would be tied at two as Whale captain Emily Fluke netting a five hole goal!

    Both goalies [Leveille and Burt] made really incredible saves and at the end of the second half, the score was tied at two. The game moved into a shootout in which Amanda Kessel was the first shooter and she beat Leveille five hole. Then Katie Burt stopped all three Team Stecklein attempts, giving the victory to Team Szabados!

    The best part about the All Star Game weekend was the attendance by the Nashville faithful. The recorded attendance was 6, 120, which set a record for largest crowd for a women’s hockey game in the United States!

    Audio from Amanda Kessel of the Metropolitan Riveters [Team Szabados]:

    Audio from Jonna Curtis of the Minnesota Whitecaps [Team Stecklein]:

    Audio from Shannon Szabados of the Buffalo Beauts [Team Szabados]:

    Audio from Lee Stecklein of the Minnesota Whitecaps [Team Stecklein]:

    Tweet from Women’s Sports Highlights and Anya Battaglino were used with their permission. You can follow them on Twitter here: @WSportHilites and @battaglinoa

  • 3 Teams to Watch Out for at the Trade Deadline

    3 Teams to Watch Out for at the Trade Deadline

    I think teams will be active at the deadline this year but I think the three teams we need to keep our eyes on at the deadline are the ones I will be discussing in this article. Not because they will be big spenders, but because they may be the ones with the most intriguing moves to make at the deadline.

     

    MON Thumb - CopyMontreal Canadiens

    Marc Bergevin went on record saying he will not mortgage the future for the now. But if I were the General Manager of the Montreal Canadiens you’d have to be sitting there questioning whether you should go out and get something. Your sitting in a playoffs spot with your team playing very well. A Defencemen or a scoring winger there must be some sort of rumblings going on in Bergevin’s head. My thoughts are this for team who is looking to keep it’s hard working core intact Ilya Kovalchuk won’t be an option. But should Carolina put themselves in seller mode, Justin Williams could be intriguing or a Brayden Schenn in St.Louis. But I don’t expect Montreal to be quiet at the deal even if it’s just a small move or 2. My thoughts are if Montreal goes big, it will be someone with term.

     

    EDM Thumb - CopyEdmonton Oilers

    Peter Chiarelli really left this team in the dumps. But from everything we’ve heard in management they intend to be buyers. Most people believe that management won’t be as dumb as Chiarelli, I’m not so sold on that though. Everyone blames Chiarelli but the truth for the majority of his decisions he would have to get approval from upper management. The same upper management that’s controlling the show now. They have also they will not mortgage the future for now but other than Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl what do they have other than picks and prospects? I can answer that question or you….NOTHING. No one is going to want 90% of those players. But the reason I put them in here was that Edmonton will be Edmonton in my opinion (until they get new ownership and management) and continue to trade away picks and prospects for the now. I don’t expect anything less, that’s why they will be active at the trade deadline. That’s why they are a sleeper because yes they could go out and bring in a few good players and have a temporary fix and even make the playoffs.

    NYI Thumb - CopyNew York Islanders

    This is where I think the real interesting part will come into play. Lou Lamiarello is a realist but also enjoys rewarding his teams for playing well. He did it Toronto with the acquisition of Brian Boyle which helped the Leafs look legitimate in the first round against Washington. So maybe Lou decides to reward the team, maybe a defencemen,  Niklas Kronwall in Detroit is an option as well as maybe a Brett Pesce or Dougie Hamilton. I don’t expect them to mortgage the future, not Lou’s style. But offer a reward to the players for their hard work and dedication. I also expect it will be someone with term in under 30, meaning they will have more then 1 year left on their contract. Lou will judge based on the expectation that he has for the team whether it will be a rental or a  player to be with the team long term. But I don’t expect the Islanders to be quiet.

  • The Xperience – Farpoint 2019

    The Xperience – Farpoint 2019

    Bringing the entertainment to you, it’s The Xperience!!

     

    Audio Version:

     

    YouTube Version:

     
    The Xperience comes to you live from Farpoint in Hunt Valley, MD.

     

    Michael is joined by his friends at Castwave Studios as they preview and recap… or at least we try to… Farpoint.

     

    Plus interviews with our great friend and author Mary Fan, and our friend and facial hair king Matt Black from the Browncoat Ball which will be in Las Vegas this year.

     

    This episode was recorded live at Farpoint on Saturday, February 9th, 2019.

    Have a convention that you want The Xperience to cover? Let us know in the comments, and we’ll see what we can do!

  • February 10th, 2019  —  News and Notes

    February 10th, 2019 — News and Notes

    Today is Sunday, February 10th, 2019, and these are your news and notes.

     

    There were 14 contests in NHL action yesterday.

     

    There will be a quick recap of the league’s action yesterday.

    BOSTON 5, Los Angeles 4 (OT)


    BUFFALO 3, Detroit 1

     
    Minnesota 4, NEW JERSEY 2


    NY ISLANDERS 4, Colorado 3 (OT)


    PHILADELPHIA 6, Anaheim 2


    ST. LOUIS 3, Nashville 2

     

    OTTAWA 5, Winnipeg 2

    The Ottawa Senators would go on to have a great win by taking down the Winnipeg Jets with a 5-2 win.


    ARIZONA 3, Dallas 2

    The Arizona Coyotes would have a much needed win with the 3-2 victory over the Dallas Stars last night.


    San Jose 5, EDMONTON 2

     
    Toronto 4, MONTREAL 3 (OT)

    The Montreal Canadiens would fall in the overtime frame to the Toronto Maple Leafs, by the score of 4-3.

     

     

    Toronto’s John Tavares would reach the 60 point mark in the shortest time with the Maple Leafs win over the Canadiens last night.

     

    TXHT’s Steve Gardiner has your full coverage of the Toronto Maple Leafs against the Montreal Canadiens at the following page.


    TAMPA BAY 5, Pittsburgh 4

     

     


    Florida 5, WASHINGTON 4 (OT)

    In this contest, the Florida Panthers would defeat the Washington Capitals by a score of 5-4 in overtime.

     

    Florida’s Mike Hoffman would be the seventh player in Florida Panthers history to record at least 25 goals in their first season with the club.

     

    TXHT has your coverage of this contest at the following page.

     

    VANCOUVER 4, Calgary 3 (SO)


    Columbus 4, VEGAS 3

    The Vegas Golden Knights had a 3-2 lead but would fall 4-3 to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Today’s slate of NHL contests…

     

     

    NWHL All Star Game

    The NWHL has their All-Star Game today and TXHT’s Chris Vasilas will be at the game and provide a full recap of the all the action upon the conclusion of the contest.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens – 9/2/2019 – Game Recap

    Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens – 9/2/2019 – Game Recap

    Toronto Maple Leafs (33-17-3 for 69 points) v, Montreal Canadiens (31-18-6 for 68 points)

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Patrick Marleau – Auston Matthews – Kasperi Kapanen

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Connor Brown – Nazem Kadri – William Nylander

    Andreas Johnsson – Pars Lindholm – Frederik Gauthier

     

    Morgan Rielly  – Jake Muzzin

    Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev

    Travis Dermott – Ron Hainsey

     

    Frederik Andersen

    Garrett Sparks

     

    Scratched: Justin Holl & Igor Ozhiganov

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back),Tyler Ennis (Leg)

    Suspension: None

     

    Montreal:

    Jonathan Drouin – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

    Tomas Tatar– Max Domi– Andrew Shaw

    Artturi Lehkonen –  Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Joel Armia

    Nicolas Deslauriers – Michael Chaput – Charles Hudon

     

    Victor Mete – Shea Weber

    Mike Reilly – Jeff Petry

    Brett Kulak – Jordie Benn

     

    Carey Price

    Antti Niemi

     

    Scratched: Matthew Peca

    Injuries: Paul Byron

    Suspension: None

     

    Gameday:

    First Period:

    Montreal Goal – 0:51 – Andrew Shaw (12)  assisted, Jeff Petry (28) and Max Domi (31)

    Toronto Goal – 2:20 – Andreas Johnsson (14)  assisted, Zach Hyman (14)

    Toronto Goal – 4:42 – Nikita Zaitsev (2)  assisted, Par Lindholm (11)

    Montreal Penalty– 4:53 – Phillip Danault, 2 minutes for Tripping

    Toronto Penalty– 7:46 – John Tavares, 4 minutes for High Sticking

     

    End of 1st – TOR–2        MTL – 1

    Shots              16                 15

    Faceoffs     12/20              8/20

    Hits               7                     13

    PP                 0/1                 0/2

     

    Analysis

    Leafs started slow but then picked it up and seemed to settle into a rhythm and scored 2 to take a 2-1 lead going into the intermission

     

    Need to Do:

    Keep on the forecheck and stay disciplined in the defensive zone

    Second Period:

    Montreal Goal–01:13 – Tomas Tatar (17), assisted by Shea Weber (12) and Carey Price (1)

    Montreal Penalty – 4:41 – Artturi Lehkonen, 2 minutes for Tripping

    Montreal Penalty – 8:25 – Jonathan Drouin, 2 minutes for Interference

    Toronto Penalty – 18:08 – Zach Hyman, 2 minutes for Interference

     

    End of 2nd – TOR– 2          MTL – 2

    Shots              25                    24

    Faceoffs       19/35             16/35

    Hits              11                    34

    PP                 0/3               0/3

     

    Analysis:

    Leafs played alright but not up to their level, Montreal seemed to dictate the action.

     

    Need to Do:

    Need to get back to the forecheck and cycle game

     

     

    Third Period:

    Toronto Penalty – 5:37– Auston Matthews, 2 minutes for Delay of Game

    Montreal PP Goal–07:24 – Brendan Gallagher (22), assisted by Max Domi (32) and Andrew Shaw (14)

    Toronto Goal–08:35 – William Nylander (3), assisted by John Tavares (27)

    Toronto Penalty – 19:28– Nikita Zaitsev, 2 minutes for Delay of Game

     

    End of 3rd – TOR– 3       MTL – 3

    Shots             30                    36

    Faceoffs     32/57                25/57

    Hits               16                        49

    PP                0/3                    1/5

     

    Analysis:

    Leaf came out slow again in the third but William Nylander snipes home his 3rd of the season and helps the Leafs take it to overtime

     

    OT:
    Toronto Goal–02:17 – John Tavares (33), assisted by Mitch Marner (46) and Morgan Rielly (41)

     

    End of 3rd – TOR– 3       MTL – 3

    Shots             30                    36

    Faceoffs     32/57                25/57

    Hits               16                        49

    PP                0/3                    1/5

     

    Analysis:

    Leafs killed the penalty kill and then stormed up the ice for the Marner slick pass to Tavares for the win.

     

    Next Up:

    Toronto (34-17-3 71pts) vs New York Rangers (23-23-8 54pts)

    Montreal (31-18-6 68pts) at Nashville (33-20-4 70pts)

     

  • Gameday Recap  —  February 9th, 2019  —  Florida Panthers @ Washington Capitals

    Gameday Recap — February 9th, 2019 — Florida Panthers @ Washington Capitals

    Florida Panthers (22-22-8 52pts) at Washington Capitals (30-18-6 66pts)

    Florida Panthers Lineups:

    Frank Vatrano – Aleksander Barkov – Evgenii Dadonov

    Jonathan Huberdeau – Vincent Trocheck – Derick Brassard

    Mike Hoffman – Michael Haley – Riley Sheahan

    Troy Brouwer – Denis Malgin – Colton Sceviour

    Keith Yandle – Aaron Ekblad

    Mike Matheson – Mark Pysyk

    Ian McCoshen – Josh Brown

    Roberto Luongo

    James Reimer

    Injuries: Jayce Hawryluk (lower body), Derek MacKenzie (upper body), 52-MacKenzie Weegar (illness)

    Scratches: Bogdan Kiselevich, Henrik Borgstrom

     

     

    Washington Capitals Lineups:

    Alex Ovechkin – Nicklas Backstrom – TJ Oshie

    Jakub Vrana – Evgeny Kuznetsov – Tom Wilson

    Andre Burakovsky – Lars Eller – Brett Connolly

    Dmitrij Jaskin – Nic Down – Travis Boyd

    Michal Kempny – John Carlson

    Dmitri Orlov – Matt Niskanen

    Brooks Orpik – Christian Djoos

    Braden Holtby

    Pheonix Copley

    Injured: none

    Scratched: Chandler Stephenson, Madison Bowey, DeVante Smith-Pelly

     

     

     

     

    1st Period:

     

    Florida Penalty: Ian McCoshen for Holding – 2 min minor – 5:34

     

    Washington Penalty: TJ Oshie for Tripping – 2 min minor – 10:54

     

    Florida Goal: Frank Vitrano (18) assisted by Vincent Trochek (14), Aaron Ekblad (14) – 12:55

     

    Florida Goal: Keith Yandle (8) assisted by Denis Malgin (7) and Riley Sheahan (4) – 13:30

     

     

    Washington Penalty: Christian Djoos for Elbowing – 2 min minor – 16:35

     

    End of 1st – FLA – 2       WAS – 0

    Shots               09                09

    Faceoffs         12                07

    Hits               06                  08

    PP                 0/2                 0/1

     

     

    Need to do: The Capitals need to create a little more chaos around the net.   Florida scored two quick goals after the TJ Oshie tripping penalty and Washington needs to play offensively a bit stronger

     

    Analysis:  The Capitals played a strong first 10 minutes of the period but would start to turn the puck over more and would allow to quick goals after the TJ Oshie penalty.  There would be a very questionable penalty call on Djoos for elbowing after Colton Sceviour would run into Djoos’ elbow.

     

     

    2nd Period:

     

    Washington Goal: Brett Connolly (11) assisted by Andre Burakovsky (7) – 5:02

     

     

    Florida Goal: Colton Sceviour (5) assisted by Aaron Ekblad (15) – 9:17

     

     

    Washington Penalty: Brett Connolly for Slashing – 2 min minor – 16:33

     

    Washington Goal: Lars Eller (7) assisted by Nic Dowd (10) and Brett Connolly (17) – 19:19

     

     

    End of 2nd – FLA – 3       WAS – 2

    Shots              18                20

    Faceoffs         22                21

    Hits               13                  11

    PP                 0/3                 0/1

     

     

     

    Need to Do:  The Capitals need to try and focus on the game and continue playing a hard 20 minutes and avoid turnovers and the penalty box.  The Capitals have given up a couple of penalties in this game and need to play their game.

     

    Analysis:  This would be a slow period for both teams.  Washington would score two goals in the period to bring the contest within a goal.  Lots of good back and forth action between the Panthers and Capitals but when Eller scored, play continued until ten seconds after the goal was scored.  This happened due the puck going in and out of the net in a very fast pace until the whistle came and the Situation Room in Toronto would call this a good goal.

     

    3rd Period:

    Florida Goal: Derick Brassard (10) unassisted – :07

    Washington Goal: Brett Connolly (12) assisted by Andre Burakovsky (8) and Lars Eller (17) – 6:12

     

    Washington Goal: Evgeny Kuznetsov (13) assisted by Dmitry Orlov (13) and Alex Ovechkin (24) – 16:54

     

     

    Washington Penalty: Brett Connolly for Slashing – 2 min minor – 19:56

     

    End of 3rd – FLA – 4       WAS – 4

    Shots              27                30

    Faceoffs         31                31

    Hits               20                  16

    PP                 0/4*                 0/1

    *- 1:56 left in the Power Play

     

    Overtime:

    Florida PPG: Mike Hoffman (25) assisted by Keith Yandle (34) and Aleksander Barkov (34) – 1:31

     

    End of OT – FLA – 5       WAS – 4

    Shots              31                30

    Faceoffs         32                31

    Hits               20                  16

    PP                 1/4                 0/1

     

    Postgame Analysis:  The Washington Capitals would fall after taking the late penalty in the third period to the Florida Panthers.  Washington would fall behind early and would do their best to overcome two different deficits of two goals but it would not be enough as the Capitals would fall to the Florida Panthers 5-4 in overtime.

    The Washington Capitals look to rebound from this loss on Monday night when the Washington Capitals take on the Los Angeles Kings.

  • Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens – 9/2/2019 – Game Day Preview

    Toronto Maple Leafs vs Montreal Canadiens – 9/2/2019 – Game Day Preview

    Time: Saturday, February 9th,  2019

    Toronto: 33-17-3 for 69 points

    Montreal: 31-18-6 for 68 points

    The Toronto Maple Leafs look to keep winning as they start a road trip in Montreal. Leafs look to reinvigorate the rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens.

    Top Scorers/Goalie Matchup

    Mitch Marner –65 points (20 goals 45 assists)
    John Tavares – 58 points (32 goals 26 assists) 54% on face-offs
    Morgan Rielly – 53 points (14 goals 39 assists)
    Auston Matthews – 47 points (24 goals 23 assists) 53% on Face-offs)

    Max Domi – 47 points (17 goals 30 assists)
    Jonathan Drouin – 46 points (17 goal 29 assist)
    Phillip Danault – 40 points (11 goal 29 assists)
    Tomas Tatar – 39 points (16 goal 23 assists)

    Frederik Andersen
    24-11-2 2.56GAA .923SV%

    Carey Price
    23-13-4 2.52GAA .916SV%

     

    Lineups:

    Toronto:

    Patrick Marleau – Auston Matthews – Kasperi Kapanen

    Mitch Marner – John Tavares – Zach Hyman

    Connor Brown – Nazem Kadri – William Nylander

    Andreas Johnsson – Pars Lindholm – Frederik Gauthier

     

    Morgan Rielly  – Jake Muzzin

    Jake Gardiner – Nikita Zaitsev

    Travis Dermott – Ron Hainsey

     

    Frederik Andersen

    Garrett Sparks

     

    Scratched: Justin Holl & Igor Ozhiganov

    Injuries: Nathan Horton (Back),Tyler Ennis (Leg)

    Suspension: None

     

    Montreal:

    Jonathan Drouin – Phillip Danault – Brendan Gallagher

    Tomas Tatar– Max Domi– Matthew Peca

    Artturi Lehkonen –  Jesperi Kotkaniemi – Joel Armia

    Nicolas Deslauriers – Michael Chaput – Charles Hudon

     

    Victor Mete – Shea Weber

    Mike Reilly – Jeff Petry

    Brett Kulak – Jordie Benn

     

    Carey Price

    Antti Niemi

     

    Scratched: None

    Injuries: Andrew Shaw, Paul Byron

    Suspension: None

     

    Keys to Winning against Montreal

    1. Force them to play defence the majority of the game
      1. Some good young players here but if you trap them in their own zone for long periods they won’t be able to hurt you.
    2. Defensive positioning
      1. Be solid down low don’t let them cycle. Break it up and transition quickly
    3. Powerplay
      1. This needs to go in order for the Leafs to be successful.