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MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds (24-29) at Boston Red Sox (28-25)

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MLB Preview: Cincinnati Reds (24-29) at Boston Red Sox (28-25)

CINCINNATI REDS NOTES:

RED HOTTEST

  • In 3 games on this road trip the Reds are hitting .381 with 25 runs scored.
  • The Reds won each of C Curt Casali’s last 8 starts and 9 of his last 10 starts
  • Stuart Fairchild hit safely in 4 of his last 5 apps (.444).
  • TJ Friedl is hitting .571 during a 4-game hitting streak, all 2-hit games.
  • Luke Maile in his last 14 apps beginning 4/25 is hitting .294.
  • Matt McLain is hitting .484 during a season-high 7-game hitting streak, the longest active streak on the team…is 9-for-15 in his last 3 games.
  • Kevin Newman is hitting .571 during a 4-game hitting streak, all 2-hit games…in his last 16 apps is hitting .381.
  • Nick Senzel has a 3-game hitting streak (.364), hit safely 6 of his last 7 apps (.346) and produced at least 1 RBI in 6 of his last 7 apps.
  • Spencer Steer in his last 5 apps is 11-for-23 (.478) and hit safely in 10 of his last 11 apps (.396).
  • Tyler Stephenson in his last 5 apps produced 3 multi-hit games (.304).
  • Reds pitchers in the last 5 games are 4-1, 3.00.
  • Reds starting pitchers in the last 5 games are 3-0, 2.93.
  • Reds relievers in the last 42 games have posted a 3.30 ERA.
  • RHP Alexis Díaz didn’t allow a run in any of his last 5 apps (5.2ip)…has converted all 12 save chances, the longest conversion streak of his career.
  • RHP Buck Farmer in his last 16 apps has posted a 1.33 ERA.
  • RHP Hunter Greene in his most recent start threw 6.0 no-hit innings.
  • RHP Ben Lively in his 2 starts has posted a 3.09 ERA.
  • RHP Luke Weaver in his last start threw 6.1 shutout innings (3 hits).
  • LHP Alex Young in his last 7 apps has posted a 1.69 ERA.

RED HOTS

  • Reds baserunners in 51 attempts have scored 50 runs from second base on singles…both lead the Major Leagues.
  • In the first inning, Reds batters rank third among the Major League team leaders in hitting (.318, Atl .338) and hits (68; Atl 79, TB 74).
  • The Reds entered today ranked 28th in the Major Leagues with 41 HR (Cle 30, Wsh 38), their fewest in 53 games since the 2001 team produced 40 HR through its first 53 games…from 4/18-4/25 did not produce a home run in a season-high 8 consecutive games, their longest team homerless streak since 1992.

TONIGHT’S GAME

  • Is Game 1 of a 3-game series vs Zach Bamberger’s Red Sox and Game 4 (3-0) of a 6-game road trip to the two oldest ballparks in the Major Leagues, Chc’s Wrigley Field (1914) and Bos’ Fenway Park (1912).
  • The Redlegs are coming off an off day here yesterday following their first series sweep of the Cubs since 7/2-7/4, 2021 (3g at Great American Ball Park) and their first series sweep at Wrigley Field since 8/12-8/14, 2013 (3g).

SERIES NOTES

  • The Reds are visiting Fenway Park for the second straight season.
  • The Sox lead the all-time series, 14-3, including a split of the home-and-home 2-game series last season.
  • The Sox won 5 of the 7 series, tied the other 2 series and swept 4 series.
  • The Reds’ 2-1 win on 5/31/22 was their first victory at Fenway Park since Game 7 of the 1975 World Series.
  • In the June 2005 series at Fenway, the Reds were outscored by the Sox, 23-4, and hit .167 (15-90, 32k) while posting an 8.25era (.340ba)…gametime temperature on 6/13/05 was 91 humid degrees, dropped to a chilly 54 for Game 2 and then plummeted to a frigid 49 for the series finale.

INTERLEAGUE NOTES

  • Before the interleague schedule expanded this season to include games vs all 15 American League teams, from 1997- 2022 the Redlegs went 188-247 vs the American League, at .432 the lowest interleague winning percentage of any Major League team…in 2022 the Reds went 12-8 vs AL teams (0-2 vs Cle, 2-0 at Cle, 1-2 at Tor, 1-1 at Bos, 3-0 vs TB, 2-1 at NYY, 2-1 vs Bal, 1-1 vs Bos)…last season’s was their first winning record vs the American League since 2013 (11-9)…in the 8 seasons between the 2013 & 2022 season series wins, the Reds went 61-99 vs AL teams (.381).

Tonight’s Pitcher – #59 Ben Lively, RHP

  • Tonight is making his fifth appearance and third start for the Reds.
  • Will be his second career appearance and start vs the Red Sox, his first since June 2017…never has faced any of the current Red Sox.
  • Posted a 1.69 ERA in his 2 relief apps (5.1ip, 1er, .238baa) and a 3.09 ERA in his 2 starts (11.2ip, 4er, .167baa).
  • Joined the Reds from Louisville on 5/9, when RHP Luis Cessa was designated for assignment.
  • Made his Reds debut in the second inning of the 5-0 win on 5/11 vs NYM…relieved spot starter Derek Law and threw 3.0 scoreless innings, still tied for the longest appearance by a Reds reliever this season…was his first Major League appearance since 4/28/19 for KC vs LAA, his only appearance of that season, and his first win since his last appearance of the 2017 season (9/27/19 for Phi vs NYM).
  • His start on 5/19 vs the Yankees was his first start in the Major Leagues since since 4/26/18 for Phi vs Ari.

BOSTON RED SOX NOTES:

STATE OF THE SOX: Tonight, the Red Sox begin a 7-game, 6-day homestand vs. CIN (3 games) and TB (4 games). They won 2 of 3 series on their 9-game, 11-day road trip to SD (2-1), LAA (0-3), and ARI (2-1)…The trip tied their longest of the season by days, and was their 2ndlongest by games (10 games in 11 days from 8/14-24). At 28-25 (.528), the Sox rank 4th in the AL East and are 3.0 games back from the AL’s 3rd Wild Card spot… They would rank no lower than 3rd in any other division, including 1st in the AL Central and T-1st in the NL Central.

AL WILD CARD STANDINGS
Rk. Team W-L Pct. GB

  1. Baltimore 34-20 .630 +2.5
  2. New York-AL 33-23 .589 0.5
  3. Houston 31-22 .585 –
  • Boston 28-25 .528 -3.0
  • Los Angeles-AL 29-26 .527 -3.0

HOME COOKING: The Red Sox are 15-11 at Fenway Park, including 13-7 in their last 20-games at the venue. The Red Sox have hit 17 HR in their last 11 home games, despite not hitting a home run in 3 consecutive games from 5/13-15. The Sox have recorded 9+ hits in 11 of their last 12 home games and in 19 of their 26 home games.

RED SOX IN HOME GAMES
Stat MLB Rank
6.0 R/game 2nd
10.4 H/game 1st
4.0 XBH/game 1st
123 wRC+ T-3rd
Stat MLB Rank
.296 AVG 1st
.361 OBP 1st
.484 SLG 3rd
.845 OPS 2nd

SERIES BUSINESS: The Red Sox are 11-5-1 in series play, including 9-3-1 in their last 13 series and 6-2-1 in their last 9. They are 5-1-0 in their last 6 home series (3-1 vs. LAA, 2-1 vs. MIN, 2-1 vs. CLE, 4-0 vs. TOR, 0-3 vs. STL, 2-1 vs. SEA). The Red Sox are 8-0-0 in series when they win Game 1.

SOX AND REDS: The Red Sox are 14-3 (.824) all time against the Reds, their best record against any opponent and the 2nd-best record of any club vs. CIN (SEA: 15-3). The Sox are 6-1 vs. CIN at Fenway Park, their best record against any opponent at the venue. In 2022, the clubs split a 2-game series at Fenway Park from 5/31-6/1 and a 2-game series at Great American Ball Park from 9/20-21.

NATIONAL AFFAIRS: The Red Sox are in a stretch over which 17 of 23 games from 5/5-6/1 are against NL teams (2-1 at PHI, 1-1 at ATL, 0-3 vs. STL, 2-1 at SD, 2-1 at ARI, 3 games vs. CIN). The Red Sox are an MLB-best 297-206 (.590) all time in Interleague play.

GETTING BUSY: Yesterday was the Red Sox’ 5th day off in span of 22 days from 5/8-29…Their 5 days off in May are their most in any calendar month this season (excluding the All-Star Break). Starting tonight, the Sox will play 26 games in 27 days, through 6/25.

UPS AND DOWNS: The Red Sox (28-25, .528) own the 6th-best record in the AL, tied for 9th best in MLB. The Sox are 15-11 in their last 26 games, since 4/29…That span includes the Sox’ 2 longest winning streaks of the season (8 games, 4/29-5/6 and 4 games, 5/15-20) and 2 season-high-tying 4-game losing streaks (5/12-15 and 5/21-24). They are 6-9 in their last 15 games, beginning 5/12.

ON THE MEND: Christian Arroyo is on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Worcester…He has made 2 starts at 2nd base and 1 as the designated hitter, going 4-for-10 (2B, RBI, BB).

PITCHING & DEFENSE: Red Sox pitchers have allowed 4 ER or fewer in 10 of their last 11 games, posting a 3.06 ERA and .194 opponent AVG in that span (32 ER/94.0 IP, 67-for-345). Over that 11-game span, beginning 5/16, the Sox own the best opponent AVG in MLB and rank 5th in ERA. During that span, Sox relievers lead MLB in opp. AVG (.154), rank 2nd in WHIP (0.81), and 3rd in ERA (2.36). The Sox are on a season-high 6-game errorless streak.

RED SOX PITCHERS, LAST 11 GAMES
Role ERA IP ER H SO AVG WHIP
Starters 3.72 55.2 23 46 57 .220 1.20
Relievers 2.11 38.1 9 21 30 .154 0.81
Total 3.06 94.0 32 67 87 .194 1.04

START ME UP: Red Sox starting pitchers have allowed 2 runs or fewer over 5.0+ IP in 7 of their last 10 games…They have tossed at least 5.0 innings in 26 of their last 30 games. Beginning on 4/29 vs. CLE, pitchers in the Red Sox’ current starting rotation (Bello, Houck, Paxton, Sale, Whitlock) are 9-5 with a 3.64 ERA (43 ER/106.1 IP).

SLUGGING SOX: The Red Sox rank in MLB’s top 5 in runs scored (5th, 273), OBP (4th, .332), OPS (5th, .762), and doubles (2nd, 115). The Sox have hit 3 HR in their last 7 games, after hitting 7 HR in their previous 4 games. The Sox have been held to 0 XBH in 3 of their last 7
games, after recording 0 XBH in just 1 of their first 46.

RED SOX OFFENSIVE RANKINGS
Stat AL Rank
273 runs 3rd
475 hits 5th
115 doubles 1st
179 XBH 3rd
20.9 SO% 3rd
Stat AL Rank
.262 AVG 4th
.332 OBP 3rd
.430 SLG 3rd
.762 OPS 3rd
106 wRC+ T-4th

SOX STRIKEOUTS: Red Sox batters have struck out 423 times, 2nd fewest in the AL and 5th fewest in MLB. Red Sox batters struck out a season-high 15 times on Sunday in Arizona, their most since 8/9/22 vs. ATL (16). The Sox struck out 10+ times in each of their 9 games vs. ARI, ATL, and TB (11.4 SO/game) but have done so just 5 times in their other 44 games (7.3 SO/game).

RISPY BUSINESS: With runners in scoring position, the Red Sox rank 2nd in MLB in OBP (.370) and 4th in AVG (.289). With 2 outs and runners in scoring position, the Sox lead MLB in OBP (.395) and rank 4th in AVG (.292).

DON’T START WITH US: Starting pitchers have lasted fewer than 4.0 innings in 15 starts vs. BOS this season, most in MLB…No other team has more than 10. Opponent starters have completed 6.0 innings in in 8 of the Sox’ last 18 games, compared to 4 of their first 35. Starting pitchers are 18-19 with a 5.63 ERA vs. BOS. Against starting pitchers, the Sox rank 2nd in MLB with in AVG (.282) and OBP (.344), and 3rd in LG (.474) and OPS (.818).

RUNNIN’ RED SOX: The Red Sox rank 3rd in the AL and 5th in MLB in SB% (83.8%, 31-for-37). The Sox ranked 22nd in MLB with a 72.2 SB% in 2022.

TOUGH TEST: The Red Sox have won 19 games against opponents with a current winning percentage of .500 or better, tied with TB and NYY for most in MLB. The Red Sox are 19-16 (.543) against teams that currently have a .500 winning percentage or better. 4 of the Sox’ next 8 series, though 6/25, are against teams with a record currently below .500 (vs. CIN, at CLE, vs. COL, at CWS)…Their other 4 series during that span are vs. TB, at NYY, vs. NYY, and at MIN.

TONIGHT’S STARTER: 66 BRAYAN BELLO – RHP
W-L ERA G GS IP ER HR BB SO WHIP AVG
2023 3-2 4.08 7 7 35.1 16 7 12 37 1.44 .281
CAREER 5-10 4.47 20 18 92.2 46 8 39 92 1.65 .302

Allowed 2 runs (2 solo HR) over a career-high 7.0 IP Tuesday at LAA (6 H, 6 SO). Has allowed 8 ER over 28.0 IP in his last 5 starts (2.57 ERA), after giving up 8 ER over 7.1 IP in his first 2 starts (9.82 ERA). Has pitched at least 5.0 innings in each of his last 5 starts, beginning on 4/29. Allowed 1 run over 5.0 IP in his only start vs. CIN on 9/20/22 (W, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 SO). In his MLB career, opponents are 18-for-91 (.198) with 16 singles and 2 doubles against his changeup (8-for-34 with 14 SO in 2023). Only 8 of the 106 batted balls against him in 2023 have been barrelled (7.5%).

WNBA Preview: New York Liberty 92-1) at Seattle Storm (0-2)

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WNBA Preview: New York Liberty 92-1) at Seattle Storm (0-2)

When the New York Liberty take on the winless Storm on Tuesday night, Breanna Stewart will play in her first game as a visiting player in Seattle.

Before joining the Storm as a free agent this offseason, Stewart played on two teams that won the WNBA championship and was named league MVP for the 2018 season.

Part of the 28-year-old Stewart’s choice spun around needing to get back to her East Coast roots, yet her takeoff additionally agreed with the retirement of Seattle symbol Sue Bird.

While the Liberty (2-1) are anticipated to be a title contender, the Storm (0-2) are currently in rebuilding mode.

Stewart has scored 78 points in his first three games in New York, the most in franchise history. Tina Charles, who was 71 in 2018, set the previous record.

Stewart set a Liberty standard with 45 places in her subsequent game – – it likewise addresses her vocation high – – and circled back to 21 places, six bounce back, six takes, five helps and four hindered shots in Saturday’s 81-65 home win over the Connecticut Sun.

Stewart said that ought to be the norm as she work with her new partners, which incorporate individual offseason acquisitions Courtney Vandersloot and Jonquel Jones alongside remainder Sabrina Ionescu.

With Bird and Stewart presently not in Seattle, four-time Elite player Jewell Loyd is the substance of the Storm.

Loyd found the middle value of 26 focuses over the initial two games, scoring 30 in Friday’s 95-91 home misfortune against the Dallas Wings.

Before rallying to make it a close loss, Seattle fell 17 points behind. It likewise wasn’t generally so crippling as the season-opening 105-64 home misfortune against the Las Vegas Pros.

Loyd permitted it will require investment for the Storm to get comfortable with themselves.

WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (0-4) at Dallas Wings (2-1)

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WNBA Preview: Minnesota Lynx (0-4) at Dallas Wings (2-1)

The Dallas Wings hope to get back on the triumphant track when they have the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, in a Western Conference matchup.

The Wings (2-1) headed home after a 94-88 misfortune at the Chicago Sky on Sunday. Satou Sabally contributed 24 points and eight rebounds, while Arike Ogunbowale scored 27 points. Crystal Dangerfield scored 11 points, while Natasha Howard scored 14.

In the fourth quarter, Dallas trailed by as much as eight before drawing within 87-85 with a three-point play by Sabally with 59.1 seconds remaining. However, that was the closest Dallas would get.

Teaira McCowan, a center who has missed the last two games after suffering a leg injury in Dallas’ season opener, was not present for the Wings’ game. For the contest on Tuesday, she is listed as questionable.

After falling 94-73 to defending league champion Las Vegas on Sunday, Minnesota (0-4) is looking for its first victory. The Lynx had a reasonable assault, getting 21 focuses and 10 bounce back from Napheesa Collier and 16 focuses from Tiffany Mitchell.

Diamond Miller, Minnesota’s top pick in the draft, scored a career-high 14 points, and Rachel Banham scored 12 points. Jessica Shepard had seven helps and 15 bounce back.

The Lynx have started the season with four defeats for the third year in a row. The past three years, Minnesota has an overall May record of 3-15.

WNBA Preview: Indiana Fever (1-2) at Connecticut Sun (3-1)

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WNBA Preview: Indiana Fever (1-2) at Connecticut Sun (3-1)

With the weight of a long losing streak behind them, the Indiana Fever will aim to build on a rare win when they face the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday at Uncasville, Conn.

The Fever (1-2) outlasted the host Atlanta Dream 90-87 on Sunday to snap their league record-tying 20-game losing streak that dated back to last season. The Tulsa Shock lost 20 straight in 2011.

Sunday’s victory was Indiana’s first since June 19, 2022, and proved that the burden of the Fever’s rebuild doesn’t fall solely on 2023 top pick Aliyah Boston.

The touted rookie supplied 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting in Sunday’s win, while second-year standout NaLyssa Smith took charge with her team-leading 23 points and 12 rebounds.

All five of Indiana’s bench players who saw action scored, including Queen Egbo, who posted 10 points and fell a rebound shy of a double-double in just 14 minutes. Kristy Wallace also had 10 points off the bench.

The well-rounded contributions helped the Fever outscore Atlanta 49-40 in a teeter-totter second half that featured four ties and 19 lead changes.

The Sun (3-1) found themselves in a less competitive second half during their first loss of the season, an 81-65 setback at New York on Saturday.

Connecticut led 38-32 at halftime but was outscored 49-27 in the final two quarters, the fewest points they’ve scored and the most they’ve allowed in a half this season.

Connecticut leading scorer DeWanna Bonner slogged through a 4-of-13 shooting performance in a 14-point outing, while Alyssa Thomas managed just five points and went 0 of 5 from the floor. Bonner averages a team-best 17.2 points per game, while Thomas averages 14.8 points while shooting 42.5 percent after she entered Saturday’s game at over 50 percent.

Still, the Sun have shown they can win without a sparkling offensive display. They overcame 18 turnovers and a 31.8-percent shooting performance to outlast Indiana 70-61 in the season opener on May 19 at Indianapolis.

Bonner logged 19 points to lead Connecticut in the early victory over Indiana, while Kelsey Mitchell paced the Fever with 20 in the loss.

WNBA Preview: Chicago Sky (3-1) at Atlanta Dream (1-2)

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WNBA Preview: Chicago Sky (3-1) at Atlanta Dream (1-2)

Injuries have not kept the Chicago Sky from getting off to a strong start, while the Atlanta Dream must take advantage of an extended stretch at home.

The Sky will look to improve to 3-0 on the road when they face the Dream on Tuesday night.

After losing stars Candace Parker and Courtney Vandersloot, plus dependable shooter Allie Quigley during the offseason, Chicago (3-1) has more than held its own out of the gate. It’s even more impressive considering injured veteran forward Isabelle Harrison (knee) has yet to debut for the Sky, while Morgan Bertsch (ankle) and Rebekah Gardner (foot) — both day to day — missed Sunday’s 94-88 home win over Dallas.

After scoring 19 points in Chicago’s 71-69 home loss to Washington on Friday, Marina Mabrey had 23 versus Dallas, while Kahleah Copper added 16. Alanna Smith recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds, and Courtney Williams posted 12 and 11, respectively, as Chicago scored its most points of the young season.

Copper is averaging 15.8 points per game, while Mabrey is at 15.7 and Williams scores 10.5 with 8.3 rebounds.

The Sky, who opened with road wins at Minnesota and Phoenix, aim for a fifth straight victory over Atlanta (1-2).

In the opener of a five-game homestand, the Dream lost 90-87 on Sunday to the Indiana Fever, who ended a WNBA-record tying 20-game losing streak. All three Dream games have been decided by seven or fewer points.

While the Dream rank third in the WNBA averaging 82.7 points, they’re eighth in the 12-team league on defense, giving up 84.0 per contest.

Allisha Gray leads Atlanta in scoring (18.3 points), rebounds (7.0) and assists (4.0), while former Sky forward Cheyenne Parker, along with guard Rhyne Howard, average 17.0 points apiece.

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – May 30, 2023

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NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – May 30, 2023

* The Golden Knights became the third franchise in the past 90 years to make at least two Stanley Cup Final appearances within their first six NHL seasons, securing a first-ever postseason matchup with the Panthers and ensuring the 2023 Stanley Cup champion will be a team that has never hoisted the trophy before.

* William Karlsson and Jonathan Marchessault each boosted their goal totals in potential series-clinching games and added their names to a short list of active players with five-plus tallies during those contests in a single postseason. The pair, who played a crucial role in helping Vegas close out the series, are two of six players who skated for the Golden Knights during their 2018 Stanley Cup Final run that remain with the team.

* It took 83 games to set the stage for the 2023 Stanley Cup Final which will begin on June 3 at 8 p.m. ET when the Golden Knights welcome the Panthers to T-Mobile Arena.



THE GOLDEN KNIGHTS ARE HEADED TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL

The Golden Knights earned their fourth shutout in a series-clinching game to lock in their ticket to the 2023 Stanley Cup Final – their second-ever appearance as they continue to chase their first championship.


* The Golden Knights won their 10th series since entering the NHL in 2017-18, which trails only the Lightning (13) for the most among all teams over that span. They became the second franchise in NHL history to record 10 series victories through their first six seasons, following the Oilers (12 from 1980-1985).

* The Golden Knights became the eighth franchise in NHL history, and third in the past 90 years, to make at least two Stanley Cup Final appearances within its first six NHL seasons, joining the Oilers (3), Blues (3), Rangers (3), Bruins (3), original Senators (3), Maple Leafs (2) and Maroons (2).

* The Golden Knights can become the second major professional sports team in Las Vegas to win a championship, following the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA in 2022.

* More notes from Vegas advancing to the Stanley Cup Final can be found in Monday’s #NHLStats: Live Updates.



KARLSSON, MARCHESSAULT ADD TO GOAL TOTAL, HILL POSTS CLINCHING SHUTOUT

William Karlsson (2-1—3) and Jonathan Marchessault (1-0—1) combined for three of Vegas’ six goals and Adin Hill (23 saves), skating in his first postseason and just 11th career playoff game, posted a series-clinching shutout to propel the Golden Knights into the 2023 Stanley Cup Final.
 

* Karlsson became the fourth player in franchise history to record a multi-goal outing in a potential series-clinching contest, joining Marchessault (3-0—3 in Game 6 of 2023 R2), Mattias Janmark (3-0—3 in Game 7 of 2021 R1) and Chandler Stephenson (2-0—2 in Game 5 of 2023 R1).

* Since the Golden Knights’ inaugural season in 2017-18, Karlsson has recorded 16 points in potential series-clinching games (7-9—16) which trails only Nathan MacKinnon (9-10—19) for the most among all players over that span.

* Hill became the eighth goaltender since 2003 to earn a series-clinching shutout in the round before the Stanley Cup Final, joining Andrei Vasilevskiy (Game 7 of 2021 SF), Tuukka Rask (Game 4 of 2019 CF & Game 4 of 2013 CF), Braden Holtby (Game 7 of 2018 CF), Ben Bishop (Game 7 of 2015 CF), Henrik Lundqvist (Game 6 of 2014 CF), Tim Thomas (Game 7 of 2011 CF) and Marc-Andre Fleury (Game 5 of 2008 CF).

BRACKET CHECK: AND JUST TWO TEAMS REMAIN
After 83 games, the final bracket is set: the Golden Knights and Panthers will face off in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, meaning one of the two “Sun Belt” teams will hoist its first-ever Cup. Vegas and Florida will meet in the postseason for the first time, marking the 66th unique Stanley Cup Final in NHL history and 46th in the expansion era (since 1967-68). 



* For the second time in NHL history the Stanley Cup Final will feature two franchises that both came into existence in the 90s or later. The only other time that occurred was the 2007 Stanley Cup Final between the Ducks and Senators.
 
* This marks the fourth consecutive Final where a team from the state or Florida will be represented. The only other states or provinces to have as many consecutive years with at least one franchise represented are Quebec (10 from 1951 to 1960; 5 from 1965 to 1969 & 4 from 1976 to 1979), Alberta (8 from 1983 to 1990), New York (6 from 1979 to 1984) and Ontario (4 from 1920 to 1923).

* The 2023 Stanley Cup Final will be the seventh in NHL history to feature teams whose head coaches are in their first season with the franchise and first since 2016 (Mike Sullivan w/ PIT & Peter DeBoer w/ SJS).

* Vegas holds an all-time record of 6-3-1 against Florida (4-5-1), including a 2022-23 regular-season series split (1-1-0) that saw each team find a win on home ice.


STANLEY CUP FINAL PLAYER TO WATCH: SERGEI BOBROVSKY
Sergei Bobrovsky, the backbone of the Panthers’ run to the Stanley Cup Final and a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, has been one of the League’s top goaltenders during the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and could establish multiple franchise records by postseason’s end.
 
* Bobrovsky enters the Stanley Cup Final with a .935 save percentage – tops among all goaltenders that have made at least one start this postseason. Should Bobrovsky maintain that mark through the end of the Final, he would establish a Panthers record for highest save percentage in a playoff year, topping Roberto Luongo (.934 SV% in 2016).
 
* Bobrovsky’s 11 wins also rank first among all netminders this postseason and sit just one shy of the Florida record for most in a single playoff run. John Vanbiesbrouck went 12-10 during the Panthers’ only other run to the Stanley Cup Final in 1996.

* Bobrovsky has suffered just two losses so far in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs and could join a short list should he avoid another defeat in the Final. Only four goaltenders in NHL history have recorded at least 10 wins and two losses or fewer in a single postseason: Grant Fuhr (16-2 w/ EDM in 1988), Gerry Cheevers (12-1 w/ BOS in 1970), Ken Dryden (12-2 w/ MTL in 1977 & 12-1 w/ MTL in 1976) and Gump Worsley (11-0 w/ MTL in 1968). All four netminders led their respective teams to championships those years.

* Bobrovsky blanked the Hurricanes in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final at 34 years, 244 days, becoming the oldest goaltender at the time of his first career playoff shutout since Tim Thomas (35 years, 340 days in Game 5 of 2009 CSF). Should Bobrovsky lead the Panthers to a Stanley Cup victory, the 34-year-old would join yet another exclusive all-time list.



QUICK CLICKS

* Conference Finals Recap by #NHLStats – 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs
* Full Matchup Notes for Vegas and Florida’s upcoming Stanley Cup Final
*Matthew Tkachuk, Panthers have fans, celebrities buzzing with run to Cup Final
* Anthony Duclair overcame Achilles injury to help Panthers reach Stanley Cup Final
* 2023 Stanley Cup Final primer: Golden Knights vs. Panthers

Conference Finals Recap by #NHLStats – 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

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Conference Finals Recap by #NHLStats – 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

Close Games and Overtime Dominated Conference Finals
* All four games in the Panthers-Hurricanes series were one-goal contests, as were three of six in the Western Conference Final between the Golden Knights and Stars. The seven total one-goal games in the round before the Stanley Cup Final were the most ever when the round is completed in 10 games or fewer.

* Overall, it was the 12th time the round before the Final featured at least seven one-goal games (regardless of how many total contests were played in the round). Three of those instances have come in the past four years (7 in 2020 & 9 in 2021).

* There were five overtime games in the 2023 Conference Finals (WCF: 3, ECF: 2), the sixth time the round before the Final has required as many and one shy of the record for the round (6 in 2002 CF & 5 in each of the 1994 CF, 1968 SF, 1943 SF & 1939 SF).

* For the first time in Stanley Cup Playoffs history, both series in the round before the Stanley Cup Final required overtime in Games 1 and 2.

* Game 1 between the Panthers and Hurricanes required 139:47 of playing time before a winner was decided in the fourth overtime period courtesy of Florida’s Matthew Tkachuk. It was the sixth-longest game in NHL history.
 

* The Eastern Conference Final was tied or separated by one goal for 99% of total playing time (318:58 of 321:38).


* The 2023 Western Conference Final marked the fourth Conference Final/Semifinal series over the past 20 years to feature at least four games won by a team in come-from-behind fashion. The others: 2014 Conference Final between Los Angeles and Chicago (5 GP), 2017 Conference Final between Anaheim and Nashville (4 GP) and 2011 Conference Final between Boston and Tampa Bay (4 GP).
 

Overtime a Common Occurrence in 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

* Overall, there have been 23 overtime games in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the ninth most in a single postseason in NHL history and five shy of the record.

* Road teams have won 15 overtime games in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, one shy of the most OT wins by road teams in a single playoff year (16 in 2012 & 2017). The Panthers are a perfect 5-0 on the road in overtime this postseason – including a 2-0 mark in the Eastern Conference Final – and are one of three teams in League history to record five overtime wins on the road in one playoff year (excluding neutral site).

* Five of 14 series so far have been clinched via an overtime goal: three in the First Round (CAR, TOR & FLA) and two in the Second Round (CAR & FLA). That equals the total for the entire 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs (5 of 15 series) and is one shy of the most in a four-round playoff year in League history (6 in 1993 & 1999). In 2020, there were a total of seven series-clinching goals scored in overtime: two in the best-of-five Stanley Cup Qualifiers and five from the First Round onward.

* Thirteen of 14 series so far this year have seen at least one overtime game, with the possibility to add another in the Final. The only years the Stanley Cup Playoffs have seen 14 or more series with at least one overtime game were 2013 (15), 2021 (14) and 2014 (14).

More Trends in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs

* Road teams are 46-37 through the Conference Finals, tied with 1987 for the second-highest road win total in one playoff year behind 2012 (47).

* Nine of 14 series-clinching wins have been claimed on the road, the 12th year with as many and first since 2018 when 10 of 15 series were clinched by visitors. If the Cup is won on the road, 2023 would become the eighth year with 10 or more series-clinching wins on the road (11 in 1999 and 2010; 10 in 1980, 1982, 1998, 2009 & 2018).

* The Panthers take an active eight-game road winning streak into Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, the second longest at any point in a playoff year behind a 10-0 run as visitors by the 2012 Kings (en route to winning their first championship in franchise history).
 

* The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs are averaging 6.2 goals-per-game after the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs finished with an average of 6.3 goals per game. It has been 30 years since consecutive postseasons concluded with a League average of 6.0 G/GP or higher (previously a 15-season stretch from 1979 to 1993).
 

A First-Time Champion Will be Crowned in 2023

* For the sixth time in the NHL’s modern era (since 1943-44), both teams in the Stanley Cup Final are in search of the first championship in franchise history (also 2018 WSH vs. VGK, 2007 ANA vs. OTT, 1999 DAL vs. BUF, 1996 COL vs. FLA & 1991 MNS vs. PIT). The Panthers (4-0 L vs. COL in 1996) and Golden Knights (4-1 L vs. WSH in 2018) are each in the Final for the second time.
 

* Either the Golden Knights or Panthers will become the 21st active franchise to win the Stanley Cup.


* This will be the second Stanley Cup Final to feature two franchises that joined the League in the 1990s or later, following the 2007 showdown between the Senators (1992-93) and Ducks (1993-94).


* This is the second time in four seasons (and overall) that two “Sun Belt” teams will meet in the Stanley Cup Final, after the Lightning defeated the Stars in 2020 (a series played in Edmonton).

* The southernmost final-four in NHL history has also produced the southernmost Stanley Cup Final.

* Florida became the third team in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to reach the Stanley Cup Final as the lowest-seeded team in the postseason, following Montreal in 2021 and Nashville in 2017.

* The Panthers became the third team in League history to eliminate three of the NHL’s top four teams in the same postseason, joining the 1969 Canadiens (QF vs. NYR, No. 3; SF vs. BOS, No. 2; SCF vs. STL, No. 4) and 1980 Islanders (QF vs. BOS, No. 4; SF vs. BUF, No. 2; SCF vs. PHI, No. 1). Florida will become the first team in NHL history to face four of the League’s top five teams from the regular-season standings in one playoff year.

* Florida is the fifth team to enter the Stanley Cup Final with at least 11 wins in its previous 12 contests, following Montreal in 1993, Chicago in 1992 as well as Edmonton in both 1987 and 1983.

Player Spotlight: Florida Panthers
* Matthew Tkachuk factored on all four game-winning goals in the Eastern Conference Final (3-1—4). The only other players in NHL history to record a point on all four game-winning tallies in the round before the Stanley Cup Final are Yvan Cournoyer (1-3—4 w/ MTL in 1976), Mike Bossy (4-0—4 w/ NYI in 1983), Ray Bourque (1-3—4 w/ BOS in 1988), Wayne Gretzky (2-2—4 w/ LAK in 1993) and Ondrej Palat (2-2—4 w/ TBL in 2022).
 

* Sergei Bobrovsky made 72 consecutive saves against the Hurricanes from Game 2 to 4. The only goaltender to have a longer save streak in the Conference Finals since 1998 (when real-time stats first were tracked) is Jean-Sebastien Giguere with Anaheim in 2003 (101 saves). Bobrovsky made a franchise-record 63 saves during Florida’s quadruple-overtime victory in Game 1 and concluded the Eastern Conference Final with 168 saves overall – the most on record in any four-game sweep, eclipsing the previous high of 165 set by Giguere during the 2003 Conference Quarterfinals.

Player Spotlight: Vegas Golden Knights

* Jonathan Marchessault (4-3—7 in 6 GP) scored in three straight games in the Conference Finals, his third goal streak of at least that length in his playoff career (following two previous runs w/ VGK). Marchessault had the most points among Golden Knights players against the Stars and scored the winning goal in Game 3. He also led Vegas in points during the 2018 Conference Finals against the Jets as he recorded 4-3—7 in five games, including the winning goal in Game 2, to help the Golden Knights secure their only previous berth in the Final.
 

* Adin Hill had more starts in the Conference Finals (4-2 in 6 GS) than he had in his entire playoff career before the series began (3 GS), posting a .939 save percentage along with two shutouts in a Vegas uniform (Game 3 and 6). By helping Vegas to a 3-0 series lead, Hill extended his winning streak to five games to equal the franchise playoff record last matched by teammate Laurent Brossoit earlier this postseason. They became the second teammates in NHL history to each have a five-game winning streak in the same playoff year, following the Flyers tandem of Phil Myre and Pete Peeters in 1980.

2023 Stanley Cup Final Will Open Saturday

NHL Editor
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2023 Stanley Cup Final Will Open Saturday

NEW YORK – The National Hockey League today confirmed the schedule for the 2023 Stanley Cup Final, which will match the Eastern Conference Champion Florida Panthers against the Western Conference Champion Vegas Golden Knights.

Based on their higher regular-season point total, the Golden Knights will host Games 1 and 2 of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final, as well as Games 5 and 7, if necessary. The Panthers will host Games 3 and 4, as well as Game 6, if necessary.

Every game in the 2023 Stanley Cup Final will start at 8 p.m. ET and will be televised on TNT and truTV in the U.S., with select games also available on TBS. In Canada, every game will be televised on Sportsnet, CBC and TVA Sports.

A’s reinstate RHP Blackburn from injured list; recall INF Bride from Las Vegas

MLB Editor
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A’s reinstate RHP Blackburn from injured list; recall INF Bride from Las Vegas

RHP Acton Optioned to Las Vegas; 1B/DH Aguilar Designated for Assignment

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Oakland A’s reinstated right-handed pitcher Paul Blackburn from the 15-day injured list and recalled infielder Jonah Bride from Triple-A Las Vegas, the club announced today.  The A’s also optioned right-handed pitcher Garrett Acton to Las Vegas and designated first baseman/designated hitter Jesús Aguilar for assignment.

Blackburn began the season on the injured list with a right middle fingernail avulsion and is scheduled to start today against Atlanta.  It will be the first appearance for the A’s 2022 All-Star since Aug. 4, 2022, as he finished last year on the IL with an inflamed right middle finger and a tear of the flexor tendon sheath.  The 29-year-old right-hander made three rehab starts with Single-A Stockton and Las Vegas from April 7-16 before his rehab assignment was halted  He resumed on May 14, made three more starts with the Aviators, and had no decisions, a 7.50 ERA and 1.012 OPS in six rehab starts overall.  Blackburn allowed just one run in 5.0 innings in his final rehab start last Wednesday at Tacoma.

Bride will be making his 2023 debut after hitting .204 with a home run and six RBI in 58 games in his Major League debut with Oakland last year.  He is batting .308 with eight home runs, 34 RBI, 26 walks and a .993 OPS in 43 games with Las Vegas this year.  The 27-year-old right-handed hitter ranks second in the Pacific Coast League in doubles (16), tied for sixth in extra base hits (25) and tied for eighth in OPS (.993).  Bride reached base safely in each of his final 16 games with the Aviators and went 27-for-65 (.415) with 12 doubles, four home runs and 24 RBI over that span.  He has started 38 games at third base, two at designated hitter and one at first base. 

Acton was selected from Las Vegas on May 14 and posted a 12.71 ERA in six relief appearances in his Major League debut.  He is 5-1 with a 4.01 ERA in 16 games with Las Vegas.  Aguilar signed with the A’s as a free agent on Jan. 27 and hit .221 with five home runs and nine RBI in 36 games with the A’s.  He is a .253 career hitter with 114 home runs and 402 RBI in 795 games with six teams in his 10-year career.

White Sox announce two roster moves

MLB Editor
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White Sox announce two roster moves

CHICAGO – Prior to tonight’s series opener vs. the Los Angeles Angels, the Chicago White Sox returned right-handed pitcher Liam Hendriks from his injury rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Charlotte and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list. The White Sox also placed right-hander Jimmy Lambert on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 28) with right ankle inflammation.

Hendriks began the 2023 season on the injured list to continue his treatment for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. He publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis on January 8, completed treatment on April 3 and announced he was cancer free on April 20.

Hendriks went 4-4 with a 2.81 ERA (18 ER/57.2 IP), 37 saves, .210 (44-210) opponents average, .620 opponents OPS, 1.04 WHIP and 85 strikeouts (13.27 per 9.0 IP) in 58 relief appearances last season, his second with the White Sox. He ranked among the American League relief leaders in saves (2nd), strikeouts per 9.0 IP (3rd), save percentage (3rd, 90.2), strikeouts (6th) and strikeout-to-walk ratio (9th, 5.31). Hendriks is a two-time Mariano Rivera American League Reliever of the Year Award winner (2020-21).

Lambert is 2-1 with a 5.91 ERA (14 ER/21.1 IP), three holds and 24 strikeouts in 24 appearances (one start) this season.

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