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NHL Preview: Edmonton Oilers(34-21-8) at Winnipeg Jets (35-25-2)

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NHL Preview: Edmonton Oilers(34-21-8) at Winnipeg Jets (35-25-2)

EDMONTON OILERS NOTES:

ALL-TIME RECORDS vs. WINNIPEG GP RECORD HOME (18) AWAY (18) GF GA
OILERS ALL-TIME vs. WINNIPEG 36 19-11-0-6 9-8-0-1 10-3-0-5 113 103
OILERS vs. WINNIPEG – 2022-23 2 1-1-0 1-1-0 0-0-0 7 5

QUICK FACTS
Saturday’s game will mark Edmonton’s third and final game against the Winnipeg this season and the lone game in Winnipeg. This game marks the second in a home and home, back-to-back matchup.

These teams met last night in Edmonton, with the Oilers winning 6-3. Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with 50 career points against Winnipeg and Mattias Ekholm has played a team high 36 career games against Winnipeg.

NEED FOR SPEED
With two goals in 40 seconds in the second period on Mar. 3 vs. WPG, Kailer Yamamoto recorded the fastest two goals by an Oilers since Taylor Hall scored twice in 8 seconds on Oct. 17, 2013.

POWER PLAY PROWESS
The Oilers have the top three power play point getters in the NHL, with McDavid (57), Draisaitl (x) and Nugent-Hopkins (x) ranking first, second and third respectively. Connor McDavid collected his 57th power play point of the season on Mar. 3 vs. WPG, tying him with Wayne Gretzky (1981-82) for the Oilers single season record. Leon Draisaitl scored his 24th power play goal of the season on Mar. 3 vs. WPG to equal his own franchise record for most PPG’s in one season, a mark he set in 2021-22. Only two active players have scored more than 24 PPG’s in a single season – Chris Kreider (26 in ’21-22 w/NYR) and Alex Ovechkin (25 in ’14-15 w/WSH).

GOALS BY PERIOD
The Oilers rank 1st in the NHL in goals for in the second period with 99. They also rank 2nd in the NHL in first period goals with 66 goals.

LAST 10 GAMES vs. WINNIPEG
Record: 4-3-3
GF: 26 GA: 28
2022-23 3/3/23 @ EDM 6-3 W
2022-23 12/31/22 @ EDM 2-1 L
2021-22 2/19/22 @ WPG 4-2 W
2021-22 11/18/21 @ EDM 2-1 W (SO)
2021-22 11/16/21 @ WPG 5-2 L
*2020-21 5/24/21 @ WPG 4-3 L (3OT)
*2020-21 5/23/21 @ WPG 5-4 L (OT)
*2020-21 5/21/21 @ EDM 1-0 L (OT)
*2020-21 5/19/21 @ EDM 4-1 L
2020-21 4/28/21 @ WPG 3-1 W
*Notes it was a playoff game

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Feb. 27 F Devin Shore loaned to Bakersfield
Feb. 28 F Devin Shore recalled from Bakersfield
F Jesse Puljujarvi was traded to Carolina
D Mattias Ekholm was acquired from Nashville, in exchange for Tyson Barrie

OILERS IN MARCH
Overall – 584 GP, 285-220-39-40 – 649 PTS
2022-23 – 2 GP, 2-0-0 – 4 PTS
2021-22 – 15 GP, 9-4-2 – 18 PTS

WINNIPEG JETS NOTES:

Scene Setter
The Winnipeg Jets return to Canada Life Centre on Saturday to host the Edmonton Oilers in the back half of their weekend home-and-home set… The Jets lost 6-3 to the Oilers in the first game on Friday in Edmonton… After this weekend’s games, the Jets host the San Jose Sharks on Monday and Minnesota Wild on Wednesday as part of a three-game homestand.

Tale of the Tape
WPG Stat EDM
62 GP 63
35 W 34
25 L 21
1 OT 8
71 PTS 76
190 GF 243
171 GA 209
21.4% PP 31.4%
84.2% PK 75.3%

Next Five Games
Date Opp TV Radio
Mar. 4 EDM SN CJOB/Power 97
Mar. 6 SJS SN CJOB/Power 97
Mar. 8 MIN SN CJOB/Power 97
Mar. 11 At FLA SN CJOB/Power 97
Mar. 12 At TBL TSN CJOB/Power 97

Recent Five Games
Date Opp SC Res Streak
Feb. 22 At NYI 2-1 L 1L
Feb. 24 COL 5-1 L 2L
Feb. 26 NYI 4-0 L 3L
Feb. 28 LAK 6-5 SOL 4L
Mar. 3 At EDM 6-3 L 5L

Broadcast Information
TV: Sportsnet
Play-By-Play: Harnarayan Singh
Analyst: Louie DeBrusk
Rinkside: Sean Reynolds
Radio: 680 CJOB/Power 97
Play-By-Play: Paul Edmonds
Analyst: Jamie Thomas
Host: Kelly Moore

Upcoming Schedule
Saturday, March 4
Jets vs. Edmonton Oilers 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, March 5
Day Off – No Media Availability
Monday, March 6
Morning Skate 10:30 a.m.
Jets vs. San Jose Sharks 7:00 p.m.
All Times Local

Last Game
Edmonton Oilers 6
Winnipeg Jets 3
Jets Scorers: Jonsson-Fjällby (5), Scheifele (35), Dillon (2)
Oilers Scorers: Draisaitl (37, 38), Nugent-Hopkins (29, 30), Yamamoto (7, 8)
Jets Goaltenders: Connor Hellebuyck (20 sv, 4 ga), David Rittich (7 sv, 2 ga)
Oilers Goaltender: Stuart Skinner (24 sv, 3 ga)
Jets PP: 1-for-3
Jets PK: 7-for-9
Recap: The Jets scored three times in the third period, but lost 6-3 to the Edmonton Oilers on Friday night. Axel Jonsson-Fjällby had a goal and an assist to lead the Jets, while Saku Mäenalanen tallied two assists. Mark Scheifele scored his team leading 35th goal of the season, while Brenden Dillon scored his second.

Winless
The Jets are winless in their past five games, which is the longest winless streak of the season… Winnipeg had two winless streaks of five games or longer last season… The Jets have allowed six goals against in consecutive games for the ninth time in franchise history,

Back-2-Back
The Jets are playing their 10th of 13 back-to-back sets on their schedule this season, having gone 12-7-0 so far… Winnipeg’s .632 points percentage in back-to-back games this season is 10th in the NHL.. The Jets were 7-4-2 in the first game of a back-to-back last season and 5-5-2 in the second game for an overall record of 11-9-4.

Home Comforts
The Jets are 20-11-0 at Canada Life Centre this season, which is sixth in the NHL and second in the Western Conference… Winnipeg is winless in three consecutive home games for the first time this season… Kyle Connor (15G, 23A) leads the team with 38 points in 31 home games… Mark Scheifele’s 18 goals at home leads the team and has him six goals behind his career high 24 goals he had at home during the 2018-19 season… Connor Hellebuyck has been stellar on home ice this season, going 16-9-0 with a 2.25 goals-against average, .927 save percentage and three shutouts… Winnipeg is 249-160-36 all-time at Canada Life Centre and have posted a .500 record or better at home in six consecutive seasons.

PK Prowess
Winnipeg is second in the NHL with a penalty kill successful 84.2% of the time… Winnipeg is 24-for-27 (88.9%) on the penalty kill in their past seven games… Winnipeg had to kill of a season high nine power plays on Friday in Edmonton… It was the first time since Oct. 11/18 at NSH that Winnipeg’s opponent had nine power plays in a game… The last time the Jets had a penalty kill better than 82% was in 2013-14 when they finished the season at 83.2%… The franchise record for penalty kill percentage in a season is 85.2%, which occurred in Atlanta during the 2003-04 season.

Productive Thirds
The Jets’ three goals in the third period on Friday gives them 67 third period goals, which is their most productive period this season…Winnipeg holds a plus-nine goal differential in the third period, which is eighth in the NHL.

Jets vs. EDM Records
Overall Record
GP W L OT
48 21 24 3

Home Record
GP W L OT
23 10 12 1

Away Record
GP W L OT
25 11 12 2

Jets vs. EDM Notes
Season Series
This is the third of three games between the Oilers and Jets this season… Winnipeg won the first meeting on Dec. 31 with a 2-1 score, while the Oilers won 6-3 on Friday to even the season series.

Recent History
The Jets are 2-8-1 in their past 11 games against the Oilers, but 2-2-1 in the past five games… Winnipeg has scored on the power play in three consecutive games against the Oilers (3-for-12) and are 16-for-19 (84.2%) on the penalty kill as well.

In Winnipeg
The Jets are 5-5-1 in their past 11 games against the Oilers at Canada Life Centre… The past six games have been decided by two goals or more after the two teams played five consecutive one-goal games in Winnipeg.

Player Notes
Mark Scheifele has 22 points (11G, 11A) in 34 games against the Oilers, including six power play goals… Scheifele had a five-game point streak against the Oilers from Mar. 11/20-Feb. 17/21… Axel Jonsson-Fjällby’s two-point game on Friday gives him four points (2G, 2A) in four games against the Oilers.

Jets vs. EDM Past 10 Games
Date Opp Res G GA S PPO PPG PIM SA PPOA PPGA PIMA
03/18/2021 @Edm L 1 2 25 1 0 2 21 1 0 2
03/20/2021 @Edm L 2 4 31 3 1 16 37 3 0 6
04/17/2021 Edm L 0 3 26 3 0 12 25 6 2 6
04/26/2021 Edm L 1 6 37 2 1 2 30 1 0 4
04/28/2021 Edm L 1 3 30 1 0 6 27 3 2 2
11/16/2021 Edm W 5 2 35 4 1 8 34 4 2 8
11/18/2021 @Edm SOL 1 2 47 5 0 11 32 2 0 17
02/19/2022 Edm L 2 4 24 6 1 12 40 5 1 14
12/31/2022 @Edm W 2 1 17 3 1 10 32 5 0 6
03/03/2023 @Edm L 3 6 28 3 1 20 33 9 2 8

NHL Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets (20-36-6) at Ottawa Senators (31-26-4)

NHL Editor
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NHL Preview: Columbus Blue Jackets (20-36-6) at Ottawa Senators (31-26-4)

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS NOTES:

Mar. 4, 2023 Game No. 63 (20-36-6, 46 pts.)
at Ottawa Senators (31-26-4, 66 pts.), Canadian Tire Centre Road Game No. 29 (7-17-4, 18 pts.) The Blue Jackets Press Box website, which includes game notes, stats, releases and video/audio clips as well as the 2022-23 Media Guide can be accessed at bluejackets.com/pressbox. Follow @BlueJacketsPR on Twitter for comprehensive information and updates on the team.

THE LAST GAME: MAR. 3, 2023 – CBJ 2 vs. SEA 4
CBJ Goal Scorers: PP – Laine (18), Boqvist (3)
SEA Goal Scorers: PP – McCann (30), Eberle (14), PP – Wennberg (11), EN – Tanev (12)
Goalies: CBJ – Merzlikins (31/34; 59:08); SEA – Grubauer (21/23; 60:00)
CBJ PP: 1/4; PK: 2/4 | Shots: CBJ: 23 / SEA: 35
3 Stars: 1. Wennberg, SEA; 2. Boqvist, CBJ; 3. McCann, SEA
Noteworthy: CBJ had their 3-game points streak snapped (2-0-1)… CBJ scored the 1st goal of the game 10:18 into the 2nd period, but SEA followed up with 2 goals in the 2nd… CBJ scored 4:53 into the 3rd period to tie the game at 2 but SEA scored final 2 goals to win… Laine notched his 12th multi-point effort of the season (1-1-2), giving him points in 2-straight games (1-2-3)… Boqvist recorded his 3rd multi-point contest of the campaign (1-1-2)… Gaudreau tallied his team-leading 40th assist of the season, becoming the 13th different player in club history to do so in a single season… Gudbranson registered his 11th assist of the campaign, tying his single-season career high in assists (78 GP with CGY in 2021-22).

OhioHEALTH INJURY REPORT
Danforth (torn labrum); Placed on Injured Reserve (Oct. 25); 6 months (56 games)
Werenski (torn labrum); Placed on Injured Reserve (retro to Nov. 10); rest of regular season (49 games)
Bean (shoulder); Placed on IR (retro to Nov. 15); out indefinitely (47 games)
Kuraly (left oblique strain); 6 weeks (1 game)
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 422

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Mar. 2 Acquired Hutchinson and a 7th-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from Vegas in exchange for Quick
Mar. 2 Acquired Gillies from Arizona in exchange for Voracek and a 6th-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and assigned Gillies to Cleveland (AHL)
Mar. 1 Loaned Greaves to Cleveland (AHL)
Mar. 1 Acquired Quick, a conditional 1st-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and a 3rd-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft from Los Angeles in exchange for Gavrikov and Korpisalo
Feb. 28 Acquired a 5th-round pick in 2023 NHL Draft from Minnesota in exchange for Nyquist
Feb. 28 Recalled Greaves from Cleveland (AHL) and assigned Sweezey to Cleveland

TODAY’S GAME BROADCAST INFO
7pm ET | Bally Sports Ohio | 97.1 The Fan

AGAINST THE SENATORS
2022-23 Series: 0-1-0 (0-1-0 at OTT)
2021-22 Series: 1-1-1 (1-0-0 at OTT)
All-Time Series: 16-16-2-2 (7-9-1-1 at OTT)
Last 10 (Overall | Road): 6-2-2 | 5-4-1
All-Time GF/GA: 101/102
All-Time SF/SA: 1,133/1,057
All-Time PP: 25-of-135
All-Time PK: 101-of-128

THE LAST GAME VS. OTT: JAN. 3, 2023 – CBJ 0 at OTT 4
CBJ Goal Scorers:
OTT Goal Scorers: PP – Brassard (5), Stutzle (15), PP – Batherson (13), EN/SH – Watson (4)
Goalies: CBJ – Korpisalo (30/33; 59:37); OTT – Forsberg (22/22; 60:00)
CBJ PP: 0/3; PK: 4/6 | Shots: CBJ: 22 / OTT: 34
3 Stars: 1. Stutzle, OTT; 2. Forsberg, OTT; 3. Giroux, OTT
Noteworthy: CBJ failed to score a goal for the 3rd time this season… OTT’s eventual GWG was scored 2:59 into the 2nd period with the club adding two more 2nd period goals (7:00 and 11:31) and one 3rd period goal (16:41)… CBJ were led by Kuraly in shots (3), Olivier in hits (6), Marchenko and Sillinger in blocked shots (3) and Gudbranson in TOI (22:21).

SEASON SERIES LEFT: Apr. 2 at CBJ
Columbus Blue Jackets: Media Notes

NOTED (Team Highlights vs. OTT)
CBJ have recorded points in 9 of last 11 meetings vs. OTT dating back to 3/17/18 (7-2-2)… CBJ had registered points in 4-straight games at Canadian Tire Centre (3-0-1) prior to a 4-0 shutout loss in the Jan. 3 loss earlier this season… The road team has recorded points in 7 of the last 9 games in the series dating back to 2/22/19 (5-2-2)… 5 of the last 7 meetings have been decided by a single goal (CBJ; 3-2-2) with 3 of them decided in OT… The club has killed off 28-of-32 Ottawa power play chances over the last 14 meetings dating back to 3/4/17 (87.5 pct.)… CBJ and OTT have split the 6 shutouts in the all-time series at 3 each with the Senators recording the most recent one in the earlier game this season by Anton Forsberg in a 4-0 win over CBJ in Ottawa on Jan. 3, 2023 (22 saves)…. OTT has registered both hat tricks and owns all three penalty shot attempts in the series… Most goals scored at OTT: 7 (1/22/17)… Most goals allowed at OTT: 6 (1/22/17).

NOTED (Player Highlights vs. OTT)
Bayreuther notched 1st NHL goal on 11/23/18 vs. OTT… Gavrikov skated in his 200th career NHL game on 4/22/22 vs. OTT… Gudbranson skated in his 100th career NHL game on 4/7/13 vs. OTT… Jenner recorded his 100th NHL career assist on 11/25/19 vs. OTT… Laine skated in his 100th NHL career game on 12/3/17 vs. OTT and notched his 8th career hat trick on 2/8/20 vs. OTT.

PLAYER NOTABLES vs. OTT
• Gaudreau – 6-15-21 in 24 career GP, including 3-7-10 with two multi-point efforts in his last 11 contests vs. the club

• Laine – 4-8-12 in 11 career GP, including points in 7 of his contests and 3-4-7 with 3 multi-point efforts in his past 5

• Merzlikins – 1-1-1 with a 2.05 GAA and .931 SV% in 5 career GP, including a 0.96 GAA and .965 SV% while recording points in his last two games (1-0-1)

• Robinson – 1-2-3 in 8 career GP with all 3 of his points scored in his last 3 road games.

• Roslovic – 3-1-4 in 8 career GP, including goals in 2 of the last 3 games played (3-0-3)

STRONG PLAY OF LATE
The Blue Jackets had their three-game points-streak snapped (2-0-1) and now have collected points in six of their last eight games (4-2-2) following Friday’s 4-2 loss to Seattle. The club is 7-6-4 in the past 17 contests and has registered points in seven of its last 10 games (5-3-2) with wins against four of the top-14 teams in the League in points (Toronto-4th; Dallas-8th; Edmonton-12th; Winnipeg14th). Columbus, which has collected points in four of its last five games of a back-to-back set (2-1-2), concludes its 13th of 17 back-to-back sets of the season at Ottawa (Saturday).

HIT THE ROAD, JACK(ETS)
After playing a schedule heavy in-home games to date, the Blue Jackets will keep their travel bags packed over the next month. The club, which has collected points in a season-high five-straight road games (3-0-2), kicked off a stretch on Sunday of 12-of-15 games away from Nationwide Arena through the end of March. The schedule includes a season-long five-game road trip from March 14-21 with stops in California (San Jose, Los Angeles and Anaheim), Vegas and Washington. The lone home games during that stretch are March 3 (vs. Seattle), March 11 (vs. St. Louis) and March 24 (vs. NY Islanders).

COMEBACK JACKETS
The club picked up its ninth comeback victory of the season (four by multiple goal deficits) with a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Feb. 16. CBJ have come-from-behind to win in four of their last seven victories after trailing 2-0 and 3-2 in a 5-3 win vs. San Jose (Jan. 21), 2-1 in a 3-2 OT win at Edmonton (Jan. 25), 2-0 in a 4-3 win at Toronto (Feb. 11) and 1-0 in the 3-1 win vs. Winnipeg. The team set a franchise record in 2021-22 by coming back at some point in a game in 23 of its 37 wins (6th in the NHL).

OTTAWA SENATORS NOTES:

LAST GAME: March 2, 5-3 win at N.Y. Rangers: The Senators scored at least five goals for a fourth consecutive game to extend their winning streak to four games with a 5-3 win at Madison Square Garden. The victory marked the fifth time in the last six seasons in which the two teams played that Ottawa emerged with more wins in the season series. Brassard became the 10th skater to appear in a 1,000th career regular season game with the Senators while pacing Ottawa with two goals in the contest to become the seventh skater in league history to record multiple goals while skating in the milestone game. Giroux added a goal and two assists for a game-high three points to mark his 19th multi-point game of the season, tied for the second most by a player in their first year with Ottawa. Pinto moved into a tie for second in rookie goal scoring with his 16th of the year and Stützle added his third goal of the season against New York. Kreider (shorthanded), Trouba and Tarasenko scored for the Rangers. Talbot made 29 saves to earn the win for Ottawa while Halak turned aside 29 shots in taking the loss for the Rangers. Scratches: Brannstrom, Kelly; Injuries: Forsberg, Norris; Shots: OTT – 0-3, NYR – 0-4; PP: OTT – 34, NYR – 32.

BROADCAST INFORMATION: This evening’s game against Columbus will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet ONE, Citytv and
TVAS as a part of Hockey Night in Canada. On the radio, the game will be available locally via TSN 1200 (English) and 94,5 UniqueFM (French).

WHAT’S NEXT: Ottawa begins a five-game road trip at Chicago on Monday evening at 9 p.m. ET. The contest will mark the second of two regular-season meetings and the lone matchup at United Center.

INJURY REPORT: G Forsberg and C Norris are on IR and will not oppose the Blue Jackets this evening. Total man-games lost: 213.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS: Acquired D Chychrun from Arizona in exchange for three draft picks on March 1; Re-assigned D Larsson to Belleville (AHL) on March 2.

OTTAWA vs. COLUMBUS – History:
2022-23 (1-0-0): Jan. 3 @ Ottawa (4-0 win), March 4 @ Ottawa, April 2 @ Columbus
2021-22 (2-1-0): 1/23/22 @ Columbus (2-1 win), 3/16/22 @ Ottawa (4-1 loss), 4/22/22 @ Columbus (2-1 SO win)
Series record: Overall: 18-12-2-4; Home: 10-5-1-2; Away: 8-7-1-2
Last Ottawa win: @ Ottawa: Jan. 3 (4-0); @ Columbus: 4/22/22 (2-1 SO)
Last Columbus win: @ Ottawa: 3/16/22 (4-1); @ Columbus: 2/24/20 (4-3 OT)
Last OT result: 2/24/20 (4-3 OT loss) @ Columbus
Last shootout: 4/22/22 (2-1 SO win) @ Columbus
Most goals, game: Scored: 7, (10/14/15, 7-3 win); Allowed: 7, (1/22/17, 7-6 OT loss); Both teams: 13, (1/22/17, 7-6 OT loss)
Last Game: Jan. 3, 4-0 win @ Ottawa; OTT Goals: Brassard, Stützle, Batherson, Watson; CBJ Goals: None; OTT Scratches: None; OTT Injuries: Chartier, Joseph, Motte, Norris, Zaitsev; OTT Goalie: Forsberg; CBJ Goalie: Korpisalo; OTT PP: 2-6; CBJ PP: 0-3; Shots: 34-22.

Career vs. Columbus: Giroux leads all players in career games played (35), in goals (11), in assists (24) and in points (35); Hamonic leads in penalty minutes (18) against Columbus.

SWEATER WEATHER: The Senators enter their third season of wearing a primary logo which sees the organization return to its roots with the implementation of the modified original “2D” logo. The team has earned a 82-92-15 all-time record (27-25-4 this season) while wearing its current sweater. Ottawa unveiled their Reverse Retro jersey on Oct. 20 and wore the sweater on five occasions in 2022-23 (4-1-0 this season). The Senators hold an all-time record of 116-76-7-25 when wearing an alternate; 27-19-2-5 when wearing a red alternate, 88-56-5-19 when wearing a black alternate and 1-1-0-1 when wearing a cream alternate.

HOME ON THE RANGE: Ottawa has a record of 18-12-2 at home this season … Tim Stützle is the Senators leader with 19 goals at home while also maintaining the club lead with 24 assists at Canadian Tire Centre … Through 32 home games, Stützle leads the team with 43 points on home ice … The Senators earned a record of 15-22-4 at home through 41 home contests in 2021-22.

BACK-TO-BACK GAMES: Ottawa will play back-to-back games on 12 occasions in 2022-23 and will open their 10th set of the season on March 11 when the team visits Vancouver ahead of visiting Calgary the following evening … The Senators played 17 back-to-back sets last season and earned a record of 6-9-2 in the first half of contests on consecutive nights (6-3-0 this season) while posting an 8-8-1 record (6-3-0 this season) in the second half of games on consecutive days.

ON THE POWER PLAY: The Senators are 58 for 231 (25.1%) on the power-play in 2022-23 … Drake Batherson leads with 12 powerplay goals while Alex DeBrincat maintains the club lead with 25 points while the team enjoys a man advantage … Ottawa has recorded multiple power-play goals 15 times in an individual contest in 2022-23 after having done so 11 times in 2021-22.

ON THE PENALTY KILL: Ottawa has overcome 186 of the 224 occasions the team has been shorthanded in 2022-23 to maintain an efficiency of 83.0% through 61 regular-season games … The team has registered six (Watson x3, Joseph x2, Motte) shorthanded markers this season after recording nine such goals in 2021-22.

NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (33-32) at Sacramento Kings (37-25)

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NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (33-32) at Sacramento Kings (37-25)

When the Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings meet on Saturday night in the capital of California, they will be put to the test as two teams coming off dramatic and draining victories 24 hours earlier.

On Friday night, Minnesota defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 110-102 on the road thanks to Mike Conley’s crucial late 3-pointer and Rudy Gobert’s 22 points and 14 rebounds double-double.

At the same time, about 400 miles to the north, Domantas Sabonis converted a foul on the offensive boards into two free throws, giving the host Kings a 128-127 victory over the Clippers, the other Los Angeles team.

On a four-game California trip in which they have played or will play only playoff contenders, the Timberwolves recorded their second win in a row. After beginning the journey with a 109-104 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, they swept the Los Angeles teams.

In the meantime, the Kings have won five of their last six games. They are currently in third place in the Western Conference, three games ahead of the Phoenix Suns, who recently acquired Kevin Durant, and four games ahead of the Warriors, who are the defending champions and have also won five games in a row.

During their two previous meetings in Minneapolis, which were scheduled as part of a same-site miniseries, the Timberwolves and Kings were separated by little. On Jan. 28, the hosts prevailed 117-110 in the set opener thanks to 34 points from Anthony Edwards. Two days later, the Kings prevailed 118-111 in overtime thanks to 32 points from De’Aaron Fox.

On March 27, the clubs will meet once more in Sacramento.

Conley and the Timberwolves will be seen by the Kings for the first time this season. The seasoned point guard averaged 17.5 points and 7.5 assists in Sacramento’s two previous meetings with the Utah Jazz.

Gobert, Conley’s former Jazz teammate, has reunited with Conley. In his last five games, Gobert has averaged 18.6 points and 12.8 rebounds.

Gobert, who has shot 39-for-56 (69.6%) in those games, is aware that the meteoric rise in his stats since Conley joined the team is not accidental.

With their victory on Friday, the Kings, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2006, got closer. They moved within one game of the Memphis Grizzlies, who lost 113-97 to the Denver Nuggets, who were in first place, on Friday.

Mike Brown was named Western Coach of the Month for February, giving Sacramento a reward for its continued success this season.

Brown insisted that the accomplishment was the result of a team effort, as he has repeatedly stated about his team throughout the year.

NHL Preview: Washington Capitals (30-27-6) at San Jose Sharks (18-32-12)

NHL Editor
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NHL Preview: Washington Capitals (30-27-6) at San Jose Sharks (18-32-12)

WASHINGTON CAPITALS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Washington 3, Anaheim Ducks 2 (OT)
March 1, 2023 * Honda Center * Anaheim, CA
Shots: WSH: 39; ANA: 23
Power Plays: WSH: 0/3; ANA: 0/2
Three Stars: 1. Wilson (WSH), 2. Terry (ANA), 3. Gibson (ANA)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Loaned forward Aliaksei Protas to AHL Hershey, 3/3
Re-signed forward Nicolas Aube-Kubel to a one-year contract extension, 3/3
Recalled defensemen Vincent Iorio and Gabriel Carlsson from AHL Hershey and loaned defenseman Dylan McIlrath to Hershey, 3/3
Signed forward Ethen Frank to a one-year, two-way contract, 3/2
Acquired a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft from the Colorado Avalanche for forward Lars Eller, 3/1
Signed forward Ryan Hofer to a three-year entry level contract, 3/1
Re-signed defenseman Nick Jensen to a three-year contract extension, 2/28
Acquired defenseman Rasmus Sandin from the Toronto Maple Leafs for defenseman Erik Gustafsson and Boston’s first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, 2/28
Acquired a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft from the Minnesota Wild in exchange for forward Marcus Johansson, 2/28
Recalled forward Aliaksei Protas from AHL Hershey, 2/24
Acquired a first-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, a third-round pick in the 2024 NHL Draft and forward Craig Smith from the Boston Bruins for Dmitry Orlov and forward Garnet Hathaway, 2/23

INJURIES/ILLNESSES
Carl Hagelin: 10/12/22-3/1/23 (63 games)
Connor Brown: 10/20/22-3/1/23 (59 games)
John Carlson: 10/31/22-11/9/22, 12/27/22-3/1/23 (33 games)
Washington Capitals: Media Notes
Marcus Johansson: 2/25/23-2/26/23 (2 games)
Tom Wilson: 10/12/22-1/6/23, 1/26/23-2/16/23 (49 games)
Nicklas Backstrom: 10/12/22-1/6/23, 1/24/22 (43 games)
Alex Ovechkin: 12/21/22 (1 game)
Dmitry Orlov: 11/7/22-12/9/22 (16 games)
Erik Gustafsson: 12/11/22 (1 game)
Lars Eller: 12/13/22 (1 game)
Sonny Milano: 12/15/22 (1 game)
Darcy Kuemper: 12/5/22-12/17/22 (7 games)
Hunter Shepard: 12/17/22 (1 game)
Alex Alexeyev: 12/11/22-12/19/22 (5 games)
Beck Malenstyn: 11/3/22-12/27/22 (26 games)
Martin Fehervary: 12/5/22-12/29/22 (12 games)
T.J. Oshie: 10/31/22-11/19/22, 12/19/22-12/31/22 (17 games)
Nic Dowd: 12/17/22, 1/17/23-2/18/23 (13 games)
Anthony Mantha: 2/12/23, 2/23/23-2/26/23 (4 games)
Man Games Lost: 354

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
March 6, 10:30 p.m. ET vs. Los Angeles (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
March 9, 7 p.m. ET vs. New Jersey (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
March 11, 7:30 p.m. ET at New York Islanders (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
March 14, 7 p.m. ET at New York Rangers (ESPN, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
March 15, 7 p.m. ET vs. Buffalo (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)

TONIGHT’S GAME
The Capitals visit the San Jose Sharks on Saturday at SAP Center for the second and final meeting between the teams this season. Saturday’s contest marks the third game (1-1-0) of a four-game road trip for Washington. In their previous meeting on Feb. 12 at Capital One Arena, the Sharks defeated the Capitals 4-1. Washington has won four-straight games at San Jose dating back to March 10, 2018 and have outscored the Sharks 16-3 in their last four meetings.

AWAY vs. SAN JOSE SHARKS
Record Goals For Goals Against Streak
9-13-1-0 62 71 4 WSH wins (3/10/18-11/20/21)

CAPITALS vs. SHARKS ALL-TIME (Career Totals)
Games Goals Assists Points
Oshie (32) Ovechkin (14) Backstrom/Carlson (14) Ovechkin (23)
Smith (31) Oshie (10) Oshie/Smith (12) Oshie (22)
Ovechkin (25) Smith (7) Ovechkin (9) Smith (19)

SAN JOSE SHARKS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Game 62 – 3/2 – SJS 3 vs STL 6…Alexander Barabanov (1g, 1a) had a pair of points in the opening frame, his 38th and 39th of the year to match his career high, scoring a goal 3:50 into the contest and adding an assist 2:41 later, but the San Jose Sharks could not maintain a hot start in a loss to St. Louis. Logan Couture (1g, 0a) recorded his 50th point of the season, a goal in the first, to become one of four Sharks all-time to record nine or more 50-point seasons with the club (Thornton – 12, Marleau – 11, Pavelski – 10). Andreas Johnsson (0g, 1a) notched his first point with the club, Steven Lorentz (1g, 0a) netted his first career shorthanded goal and Matt Benning (0g, 1a) pushed his season scoring total to a career-best 22 points.
SJ Goals: Barabanov (12), Couture (21), Lorentz (6)
SF: 25
SA: 23
SJ PP: 0/1
SJ PK: 1/3
W: Greiss
L: Reimer

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
3/3 Recalled F William Eklund from the San Jose Barracuda
3/3 Acquired F Jacob Peterson in exchange for F Scott Reedy; assigned Peterson to the San Jose Barracuda
3/3 Assigned D Derrick Pouliot to the San Jose Barracuda
3/3 Acquired Winnipeg’s 2025 fourth-round selection in exchange for Vladislav Namestnikov
3/3 Acquired Pittsburgh’s 2023 seventh-round selection and conditional 2024 fifth-round selection (becomes fourth-round if Pittsburgh advances to the 2023 Eastern Conference Final) from Pittsburgh and the rights to D Arvid Henriksson from Montreal in a three-team trade. The Sharks traded F Nick Bonino and the club’s 2024 fifth-round selection to Montreal and D Tony Sund to Pittsburgh. Montreal traded Bonino (50% retained) to Pittsburgh in exchange for Sund.
3/2 Signed D Derrick Pouliot to a one-year, two-way contract
3/1 Acquired F Vladislav Namestnikov from Tampa Bay (50% retained) in exchange for F Mikey Eyssimont

TONIGHT’S OPPONENT – WASHINGTON CAPITALS
The Capitals continue a west coast road trip Saturday against San Jose, coming into the contest after starting the sojourn with a 3-2 overtime win against the Anaheim Ducks on Wednesday. The Capitals have won two of their past three contests entering the Saturday matinee. San Jose claimed the lone meeting between the teams earlier this season, a 4-1 final score in the nation’s capital on Feb. 12.

STORYLINES
TRICKS OF THE TRADE…On Feb. 26, San Jose and New Jersey made a blockbuster, 13-piece trade which saw San Jose bolster their collection of draft selections and add to its prospect pool ahead of the upcoming draft. The Sharks acquired three draft selections, two prospects and two roster players in exchange for five players (two roster players and three prospects) and one draft selection. A detailed breakdown and notes on all components of the trade are available below (sorted by draft selection then alphabetical by last name).

PRIME PENALTY KILL…After going 1-for-3 shorthanded against St. Louis on March 2, the Sharks boast the NHL’s fourth-best penalty kill at 83.1-percent on the year. San Jose has operated at a 90.9-percent clip since the All-Star break, fifth-best in the league. The Sharks have finished top-two in the NHL on the PK in two of the past three years, including second (85.2%) in 2021-22 and first (85.7%) in 2019-20.

NHL Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-9) at Florida Panthers (30-27-6)

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NHL Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (31-21-9) at Florida Panthers (30-27-6)

PITTSBURGH STEELERS NOTES:

LAST 2 GAMES
Mar. 2: Pittsburgh 5, Tampa Bay 4 (OT) – Amalie Arena
PIT Goals: Petry (2), Zucker (2), O’Connor
Multiple Points: Zucker (2G), Petry (2G), Carter (2A), Pettersson (2A)
Goalie: Jarry (27 saves, 31 shots)
Key Stats: Jason Zucker’s third-career overtime winner helped Pittsburgh to its fourth-straight win.
PP: 0-5
PK: 3-5

Feb. 28: Pittsburgh 3, Nashville 1 – Bridgestone Arena
PIT Goals: Crosby, Zucker, Rust (EN)
Multiple Points: None
Goalie: Jarry (24 saves, 25 shots)
Key Stats: Jason Zucker’s game-winning goal was his second in as many games and fourth in his last seven contests.
PP: 0-3
PK: 2-2

INJURIES
Position Player Status Consecutive Games Missed Total Games Missed
F Ryan Poehling Upper-Body 9 23
2022-23 Total Regular-Season Man-Games Lost: 147

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
Mar. 3 D Dmitry Kulikov acquired in exchange for Brock McGinn and a 2024 third-round draft pick.
Mar. 3 F Nick Bonino acquired in exchange for a conditional 2024 fifth-round draft pick and 2023 seventh-round draft pick.
Mar. 3 F Drew O’Connor and F Drake Caggiula re-assigned to WBS (AHL).
Mar. 1 F Mikael Granlund acquired from Nashville for 2023 2nd round draft pick.
Mar. 1 F Peter DiLiberatore and 2024 3rd Round Draft Pick acquired form Vegas in exchange for Teddy Blueger.

Pittsburgh’s All-Time Record vs. Panthers: 56-35-11
In Pittsburgh: 33-14-4
In Florida: 23-21-7
OT Record vs. Panthers: 14-5-6
Shootout Record vs. Panthers: 5-2

2022-23 Results: Pittsburgh is 2-0-0.
Penguins All-Time Point Leaders vs. Panthers:
Sidney Crosby – 46GP, 63 PTS (29G-34A)
Evgeni Malkin – 41GP, 45 PTS (16G-29A)
Kris Letang – 42GP, 34 PTS (10G-24A)

TONIGHT’S GAME

  • The Penguins conclude their three-game road trip as they take on the Florida Panthers at FLA Live Arena (TV: AT&T Sportsnet; Radio: 105.9 The X).
  • Pittsburgh is 4-1-1 in its last six games versus Florida dating back to Feb. 8, 2020.
  • The Penguins have points in 19 of their last 23 meetings versus the Panthers (15-4-4 record) dating back to December 20, 2014.
  • Here at FLA Live Arena, the Penguins have picked up points in 10 of their last 12 visits (6-2-4).
  • Following tonight’s game, Pittsburgh will play five straight, and six of its next eight games, at home.

QUICK HITS
1) Pittsburgh has points in 77.8% of their games versus Atlantic Division opponents this season (9-4-5).

FLORIDA PANTHERS NOTES:

BAPTIST HEALTH INJURY REPORT

  • F Patric Hornqvist | Games Missed: 38
  • F Sam Bennett | Games Missed: 6
  • F Aleksander Barkov | Games Missed: 3
  • F Givani Smith | Games Missed: 3
    Total Man Games Lost Due to Injury: 194

LAST GAME
Panthers 1, Predators 2 – March 2 – FLA Live Arena
FLA Goals: Montour (11)
NSH Goals: Duchene (19-PPG), Leonard (1)
FLA Goalie: Bobrovsky (L) – 21 Saves
NSH Goalie: Lankinen (W) – 30 Saves
FLA Shots: 31
NSH Shots: 23
Notes: Ryan Lomberg and Radko Gudas notched assists on Brandon Montour’s goal…Montour led Florida with 26:06 time on ice…Aaron Ekblad paced the Cats with five shots on goal…Carter Verhaeghe’s four hits paced the team…FLA PP: 0-0, FLA PK: 0-1

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:

  • March 3: F Zac Dalpe loaned to Charlotte (AHL)
  • Feb. 24: F Zac Dalpe and F Grigori Denisenko recalled from Charlotte (AHL) | F Anthony Duclair activated from LTIR | F Givani Smith placed on LTIR
  • Feb. 23: F Chris Tierney claimed off waivers by MTL

PANTHERS vs. PENGUINS
ALL-TIME vs. PIT: 42-42-4-14
ALL-TIME HOME vs. PIT: 27-20-1-3
2022-23 vs. PIT: 0-1-1

CATS STATS

  • Gustav Forsling is expected to play in his 300th NHL game tonight.
  • Florida’s 37 goals by defensemen are tied for the league lead.

HOME SWEET HOME
The Panthers play the second game of a season-long seven-game homestand tonight against Pittsburgh. The Cats’ 3.69 goals for per game at home ranks tied for fourth and they lead all teams averaging 38.9 shots on goal per game on home ice in 2022-23. Since Jan. 3, Florida owns a 7-4-0 record on home ice, outscoring their opponents 41-31. Over that span, Matthew Tkachuk leads the Panthers with 19 points (5-14-19) over 11 games on FLA Live Arena ice.

CATS AND PENGUINS
Florida faces off against Pittsburgh tonight for the third and final time in 2022-23. The Penguins have taken each of the prior two matchups this season, but the Panthers are 4-2-0 in the Penguins’ prior six visits to FLA Live Arena dating to Feb. 24, 2018. Carter Verhaeghe has produced eight points (5-3-8) over seven career games against Pittsburgh. Verhaeghe (2-1-3), Sam Reinhart (2-1-3) and Aaron Ekblad (1-2-3) have all posted three points in Florida’s two games against Pittsburgh this season.

NHL Preview: Colorado Avalanche (34-20-5) at Dallas Stars (33-16-13)

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NHL Preview: Colorado Avalanche (34-20-5) at Dallas Stars (33-16-13)

COLORADO AVALANCHE NOTES:

UPCOMING GAMES

Date Opponent Time (MT) TV Radio
Sat, Mar. 4 at Dallas 1:30 p.m. ESPN+, ABC, SNet 92.5 FM
Sun, Mar. 5 SEATTLE 7 p.m. Altitude 92.5 FM
Tue, Mar. 7 SAN JOSE 7 p.m. Altitude 92.5 FM
Thu, Mar. 9 LOS ANGELES 7 p.m. Altitude 92.5 FM
Sat, Mar. 11 ARIZONA 4 p.m. Altitude 92.5 FM

TODAY’S GAME
COLORADO @ DALLAS
1:42 p.m. MT / 2:42 p.m. CT
ABC, ESPN+ / 92.5 FM
The Colorado Avalanche heads to Dallas for a Saturday afternoon matchup against the division-rival Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center … Today’s game is the first half of a back-to-back for the Avs, who will host Seattle tomorrow night in Denver… The Avs are coming off a 7-5 loss to the Devils at home on Wednesday, snapping a six-game winning streak and eight-game point streak (7-0-1) … Colorado is still 7-1-1 in its last nine games and 14-3-2 in its last 19 contests … Colorado has won four straight road games and is 7-1-1 in the last nine away from home … The Avalanche finished 7-1-2 (.800) in February, the second-best record in the NHL behind the Bruins (9-1-0, .900) … Today starts a stretch of 15 games in 26 days through March 29.

ON THE CALL
ESPN+/ABC: Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), Brian Boucher (analyst), Leah Hextall (reporter)
Altitude Radio: Conor McGahey

LAST GAME
March 1 – New Jersey 7, Colorado 5 at Ball Arena
The Avalanche rallied from 5-1 down to twice pull within a goal but the Devils held on to beat Colorado, 7-5, at Ball Arena… Dawson Mercer had a goal and three assists and Tomas Tatar added a goal and two helpers as New Jersey snapped Colorado’s six-game winning streak and eight-game point streak … Nathan MacKinnon scored twice for the Avalanche, while Valeri Nichushkin had a goal and one assist … Mikko Rantanen and J.T. Compher had the other tallies for Colorado and Justus Annunen made 22 saves in his second start of the year.
SF: 31 SA: 29 PP: 0-1 PK: 1-2
The loss snapped Colorado’s six-game winning streak, which equaled a season high, and eight-game point streak (7-0-1), which was the club’s longest of 2022-23 Rantanen scored for the sixth consecutive game, tying his career-long goal streak set Jan. 15-26, 2021 … He is one shy of matching the longest streak by an Avalanche player since the franchise relocated … Joe Sakic scored in seven straight in 1997-98 and 1999-2000 and Milan Hejduk did it in 2002-03 Rantanen’s tally was his 41st goal of the season, tied for the fourth-most by a Colorado player since the team moved to Denver Rantanen’s goal was his league-leading 33rd at even strength, the most in a single season in Avalanche history (since relocating) MacKinnon extended his goal streak to five games and point streak to nine games, both season highs … His nine-game point streak ties Artturi Lehkonen (Nov. 5-26) for the longest by an Avalanche player in 2022-23 … Nathan’s five-game goal streak is one shy of career high set Oct. 4-16, 2018 MacKinnon has points in 12 consecutive home games (10g/11a) The two-goal effort marked MacKinnon’s 199th career multi-point game Compher’s goal came in his 400th career NHL game Rantanen (7:32), MacKinnon (9:00) and Compher (9:36) combined for three goals in a 2:04 span of the second period, the fastest three goals for the Avalanche this season Nichushkin extended his point streak to six games (3g/5a) and picked up his 200th NHL point with an assist on MacKinnon’s first tally Lehkonen had a pair of assists to reach 200 points for his NHL career Josh Manson recorded his 100th career NHL assist on Rantanen’s goal

CURRENT INJURIES
Pavel Francouz – lower body (Feb. 14 – present)
Darren Helm – lower body (Jan. 14 – present)
Erik Johnson – lower body (Feb. 14 – present)
Gabriel Landeskog – lower body (Oct. 12 – present)
Kurtis MacDermid – head (Feb. 27 – present)
Josh Manson – lower body
Total: 333

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Mar. 3 – Keith Kinkaid, Brad Hunt, Ben Meyers recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) … Gustav Rydahl acquired from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Anton Blidh … Rydahl will report to the Colorado Eagles … Cale Makar activated from Injured Reserve
Mar. 1 – Ben Meyers recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) … Lars Eller acquired from the Washington Capitals in exchange for a second-round selection in the 2025 NHL Draft … Cale Makar placed on Injured Reserve (retroactive to Feb. 18) … Brad Hunt recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) … Justus Annunen, Brad Hunt, Ben Meyers reassigned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL)
Feb. 28 – Justus Annunen recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL)
Feb. 27 – Darren Helm placed on Injured Reserve (retroactive to Jan. 12) … Brad Hunt, Jonas Johansson, Ben Meyers recalled from Colorado (AHL) … Brad Hunt, Jonas Johansson, Ben Meyers reassigned to Colorado (AHL)
Feb. 26 – Jack Johnson acquired from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Andreas Englund
Feb. 25 – Justus Annunen recalled from the Colorado Eagles (AHL) … Keith Kinkaid acquired from the Boston Bruins in exchange for Shane Bowers … Kinkaid reports to the Colorado Eagles (AHL) … Keaton Middleton signed to a two-year contract through 2024-25 … Justus Annunen, Brad Hunt reassigned to the Colorado Eagles (AHL)

TODAY’S OPPONENT – DALLAS STARS
The Avalanche and Stars meet for the third time this season and the second and final time here in Dallas … They will face off once more on April 1 at Ball Arena … Colorado won the first two matchups back in November, prevailing 3-2 in a shootout here at American Airlines Center on Nov. 21 and 4-1 less than a week later on Nov. 26 in Denver.

SCHEDULE vs. STARS
Nov. 21 @ Dallas (W, 3-2 SO)
Nov. 26 vs. DALLAS (W, 4-1)
Mar. 4 @ Dallas
Apr. 1 vs. DALLAS

RECORD vs. STARS
THIS SEASON 2021-22 ALL-TIME SINCE 1995-96 PLAYOFFS
Overall: 2-0-0 Overall: 1-2-0 Overall: 72-55-23 Overall: 49-37-19 Series: 5 (2-3)
Home: 1-0-0 Home: 0-1-0 Home: 43-19-13 Home: 27-14-11 Record: 18-14
Road: 1-0-0 Road: 1-1-0 Road: 29-36-10 Road: 22-23-8 Last: 2020 R2 (L, 3-4)

BACK-TO-BACK
Today’s game is the first half of a back-to-back for the Avs, who will host Seattle tomorrow night in Denver … The Avs have swept four of their last five back-to-back sets are 9-0-1 combined in those last five … Colorado is 11-4-1 (.719) in back-to-back games this season, third best in the NHL behind only Boston (14-2-2, .833) and Carolina (13-3-2, .778) … The Avs are 5-2-1 in the first game and 6-2-0 in the second contest, as only the Hurricanes (7-1-1) and Bruins (7-2-0) have a better record on the second night of a back-to-back … The Avalanche had a stretch of three consecutive sets of back-to-back games from Feb. 14-25, with the club earning 11 of a possible 12 points during that span … All three back-to-backs required travel in between (either home/road or road/home) and all three opponents on the second half of the back-to-back were waiting for the Avs, with Colorado sweeping all three games … The Avalanche posted a 15-5-2 (.727) combined record in back-to-back games last season, the second-best mark behind Minnesota (.732, 19-6-3) … The Avs finished 7-3-1 in the first game and 8-2-1 in the second.

Oct. 12 vs. CHI (W, 5-2)
Oct. 13 @ CGY (L, 3-5)
Oct. 21 vs. SEA (L, 2-3)
Oct. 22 @ VGK (W, 3-2)
Oct. 28 @ NJD (L, 0-1)
Oct. 29 @ NYI (L, 4-5)
Nov. 4 vs. CBJ (W, 6-3)
Nov. 5 @ CBJ (W, 5-1)
Jan. 20 @ VAN (W, 4-1)
Jan. 21 @ SEA (W, 2-1)
Feb. 14 vs. TBL (O, 3-4)
Feb. 15 @ MIN (W, 3-2)
Feb. 18 @ STL (W, 4-1)
Feb. 19 vs. EDM (W,6-5)
Feb. 24 @ WPG (W, 5-1)
Feb. 25 vs. CGY (W, 4-1)

DALLAS STARS NOTES:

LAST DALLAS STARS GAME
March 2, 2023 – STARS 5 at BLACKHAWKS 2
Led by a hat trick from forward Roope Hintz (3-0—3) and a 19-save performance from rookie goalie Matt Murray in his NHL debut, the Stars defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 5-2 at United Center on Thursday. Murray, who went undrafted and signed a one-year entry-level contract on Oct. 31, 2022, became the first Stars rookie netminder to win in his NHL debut on the road since Mike Smith on Oct. 21, 2006. Captain Jamie Benn (1-0—1) and defenseman Esa Lindell (1-0—1) rounded out the scoring for the Stars, who won their second game in a row and third in their past four games. Forwards Joe Pavelski (0-2—2), Jason Robertson (0-2—2) and defenseman Miro Heiskanen (0-2—2) had multi-assist nights, while forwards Evgenii Dadonov (0-1—1) and Wyatt Johnston (0-1—1) added helpers.
PP: 2-4 | PK: 2-2 | SF: 36 | SA: 21 | DAL TOI: Heiskanen (25:31 – game high) | Attendance: 17,612
Three Stars: 1. DAL – R. Hintz 2. DAL – M. Heiskanen 3. DAL – J. Benn

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE
Date Opponent Time (CT) Location TV/Radio
Sat, March 4, 2023 Colorado Avalanche 2:30 p.m. American Airlines Center ABC/KTCK
Mon, March 6, 2023 Calgary Flames 7:30 p.m. American Airlines Center BSSW/KTCK
Thu, March 9, 2023 Buffalo Sabres 6 p.m. KeyBank Center BSSW/KTCK
Sat, March 11, 2023 Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. Climate Pledge Arena BSSWX/KTCK
Mon, March 13, 2023 Seattle Kraken 9 p.m. Climate Pledge Arena BSSWX/KTCK

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Feb. 28 – Loaned forwards Fredrik Karlstrom and Fredrik Olofsson to Texas (AHL)
March 1 – Recalled forwards Fredrik Karlstrom, Fredrik Olofsson and goaltender Matt Murray from Texas (AHL)
March 1 – Placed forward Luke Glendening on injured reserve retroactive to Feb. 17
March 2 – Signed defenseman Gavin White to a three-year entry-level contract
March 2 – Acquired forward Max Domi and goaltender Dylan Wells from Chicago for goaltender Anton Khudobin and a 2025 second-round draft pick
March 2 – Assigned goaltender Dylan Wells and loaned forwards Fredrik Karlstrom, Fredrik Olofsson and goaltender Matt Murray to Texas
March 4 – Acquired forward Scott Reedy from San Jose for forward Jacob Peterson
March 4 – Recalled goaltender Matt Murray and forward Fredrik Olofsson from Texas (AHL)

INJURIES
Man-games lost, 2022-23: 43

NAME INJURY # OF GAMES DATES
D Miro Heiskanen Upper body 3 Oct. 25-29
G Jake Oettinger Lower body 4 Nov. 1-8
F Denis Gurianov Upper body 6 Nov. 11-21
F Roope Hintz Lower body 1 Nov. 19
F Roope Hintz Upper body 7 Jan. 10-21
F Joel Kiviranta Lower body 11 Feb. 8-pres.
F Luke Glendening Undisclosed 7 Feb. 18-pres.
G Scott Wedgewood Undisclosed 1 Feb. 22-25
Undisclosed 3 Mar. 1-pres.

DALLAS STARS NOTES
TODAY’S GAME: Dallas looks to push its win streak to three consecutive games with an afternoon matchup against the Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center. Today’s game features two teams separated by just six points in the standings. The Avs, who are 7-2-1 in their past 10 games, have three games in hand on the Stars. Dallas enters today’s game holding the top spot in the Western Conference with 79 points (33-16-13), while Colorado sits in third place in the Central with 73 points (34-20-5). This is the third of four meetings between the Stars and Avalanche and the final regular season meeting in Big D. They’ll wrap up their four-game season series on April 1 at Ball Arena in Denver.

MY SOURCES SAY THE ROADS ARE CLEAR AND STREET SIGNS POINT THE WAY

  • The Stars are 1-1-0 vs. the Avalanche this season, losing 3-2 in a shootout on Nov. 21, 2022 at American Airlines Center and falling 4-1 five days later at Ball Arena.
  • Dallas is 66-64-20 all-time vs. Colorado, including a 41-22-12 mark at home.
  • Forward Jason Robertson leads the Stars with three points (2-1—3) in two games against the Avs this season. He enters today’s game averaging better than a point a game vs. Colorado with six points (3-3—6) in five career contests.
  • Forward Joe Pavelski leads active Stars in goals (19), co-leads in points (19-23—42) and ranks third in assists (23) in 51 career games vs. the Avalanche. Pavelski also paces the club in power-play goals (11), game winners (4) and shots on goal (155).
  • Among active Stars, captain Jamie Benn shares first in points (13-29—42), ranks second in assists (29) and third in goals (13) in 52 career contests against Colorado.
  • Forward Tyler Seguin ranks second in goals (18) and fourth in assists (21) and points (18-21—39) in 36 career contests vs. the Avs.
  • Forward Roope Hintz enters today’s game with seven points (2-5—7) in 11 career games vs. Colorado.
  • Defenseman Ryan Suter leads active Stars in assists (36) and ranks third in points (5-36—41) in a team-high 78 career games against the Avs.
  • Goaltender Jake Oettinger is 2-0-1 with a 1.36 goals-against average and .965 save percentage in three career appearances vs. Colorado.
  • Netminder Scott Wedgewood is 1-1-0 with a 3.58 GAA and .894 SV% in three career appearances vs. the Avalanche.

2022-23 REGULAR SEASON SCHEDULE
Nov. 21, 2022 vs. Colorado – L, 3-2 (shootout)
Nov. 26, 2022 at Colorado – L, 4-1
March 4 vs. Colorado
April 1 at Colorado

NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (40-22) at Milwaukee Bucks (45-17)

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NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (40-22) at Milwaukee Bucks (45-17)

Even though Jae Crowder only has four games under his belt since joining the Milwaukee Bucks last month, he already has a great deal of respect for his new team.

When the Bucks take on the Philadelphia 76ers, who have lost three of their last four games, on Saturday, they will look to extend their winning streak to 17 games.

Milwaukee defeated the Orlando Magic on Wednesday by a score of 139-117, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 31 points and Jrue Holiday adding 23. In the victory, the Bucks made a season-high 26 3-pointers.

Since the Phoenix Suns won 18 games in a row last season, Milwaukee’s winning streak is the longest in the NBA. The Bucks have won 20 straight games, which is a team record that dates back to the 1970-71 season, when they also won 16 games in a row to win the NBA championship.

In Milwaukee’s victory over Orlando, seven players scored twice. Antetokounmpo and Pat Connaughton each attempted three three-pointers, while Grayson Allen, AJ Green, Joe Ingles, and Lopez each attempted four.

Over the past few weeks, Crowder’s surroundings have dazzled him, as evidenced by his 20-minute performance of six points and four rebounds.

This season, the Bucks have split their first two encounters with the Sixers, both in Philadelphia. In the season opener on Oct. 20, Milwaukee prevailed 90-88 and lost 110-102.

After losing on the road to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday by a score of 133-126, Philadelphia wants to get back on track. Dallas stars Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, who scored a combined 82 points, were too much for the Sixers to handle.

Philadelphia allowed the Mavericks to make a season-high 25 3-point attempts, which is also the most the Sixers have allowed in a game this season. Joel Embiid had 35 points, Tyrese Maxey had 29, and James Harden had 27.

After missing Wednesday’s 119-96 road victory over the Miami Heat because of soreness in his left foot, Embiid played again. Averaging 33.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game, the six-time All-Star is averaging those stats.

The Sixers, who are currently third in the Eastern Conference and five games behind Milwaukee, Embiid stated that he is confident that the soreness in his foot will not be an ongoing issue for the team.

Two Minor League players suspended

MLB Editor
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Two Minor League players suspended

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball announced today that two Minor League players have been suspended following their violations of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Free agent Minor League pitcher Dalton Moats has received a 50-game suspension without pay following a second positive test for a drug of abuse in violation of the Program.

Miami Marlins Minor League infielder Carlos Santiago, who is currently on the roster of the Triple-A Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp of the International League, has received an 80-game suspension without pay after testing positive for Stanozolol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the Program.

Twins option Jordan Balazovic

MLB Editor
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Twins option Jordan Balazovic

FORT MYERS, FL – The Minnesota Twins announced today that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Jordan Balazovic to Triple-A St. Paul.

The Twins now have 67 active players in camp (28 non-roster): 33 pitchers (11 non-roster), eight catchers (6 non-roster), 14 infielders (7 non-roster) and 12 outfielders (4 non-roster), plus two players on the 60-day Injured List.

NHL Morning Skate – March 4, 2023

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate – March 4, 2023

* A total of 21 trades involving 34 players were completed on NHL Trade Deadline Day presented by OFX. Among the moves, Vladislav Namestnikov (to WPG) was dealt on deadline day for the fourth time in his career, tied for the most by any player (since 1979-80) and the Ritchie brothers (Brett and Nick) went opposite ways in the same deal – believed to be the first brother-for-brother trade in NHL history.
 

* The Golden Knights-Devils game saw a franchise record set (saves in a game by a VGK goaltender) and another tied (longest goal streak in NJD club history) as Vegas moved into the top spot in the Western Conference.


* Carolina gained a slight edge in their pursuit of the Metropolitan Division title while one of their prospects, Pyotr Kochetkov, scored the latest goalie goal playing for the club’s AHL affiliate.

* Upwards of six Czech-born players could hit the ice when the Bruins host the Rangers as part of the first-ever Hockey Day in Czechia. The contest will also be part of a doubleheader in North America on ABC, ESPN+ and Sportsnet.

RUSH TO THE PLAYOFFS INTENSIFIES AS TRADE DEADLINE PASSES
The focus around the League now shifts toward the Rush to the Playoffs as the 2022-23 NHL Trade Deadline presented by OFX came and went Friday. Although Deadline Day featured 21 trades, much of the heavy lifting came in the weeks prior. Including deals made March 3, a total of 74 trades were completed in the six weeks leading up to the deadline – with 70 of those occurring in the past two weeks alone (the most ever in the 14 days ahead of the deadline).

Below is a recap of some key acquisitions by current playoff teams as we enter the final six weeks of the regular season:

Eastern Conference
* The NHL-leading Bruins (48-8-5, 101 points), the fastest team in NHL history to reach 100 points in a single season, added multiple pieces ahead of the deadline including Tyler Bertuzzi. Bertuzzi is the sixth player on Boston’s roster with at least one 30-goal season in his career; only four other teams have as many (FLA: 7; NYR: 6; PIT; 6; & CGY: 6).

* Stanley Cup champions Ryan O’Reilly (2019 w/ STL & Conn Smythe Trophy winner) and Luke Schenn (2020 & 2021 w/ TBL) were added to the Maple Leafs roster ahead of the trade deadline. Schenn, who captured two Cups with Tampa Bay, looks to aid Toronto – which is currently lined up to square off against the Lightning in the First Round for the second time in as many seasons – to its first playoff series victory since the 2004 Conference Quarterfinals.

* The Rangers also acquired Stanley Cup champions ahead of the deadline – reuniting 2013 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Patrick Kane with former Blackhawks teammate Artemi Panarin and also adding 2019 champion Vladimir Tarasenko. The 2022-23 campaign is just the second to feature three winners of the Conn Smythe Trophy traded within the same season (also Jonathan Quick to CBJ & VGK) following 1995-96 (Bill Ranford, Patrick Roy & Wayne Gretzky). Of note, Claude Lemieux was dealt by the Devils to the Islanders, and then the Islanders to the Avalanche on Oct. 3, 1995 – three days before the 1995-96 campaign began.



Western Conference
* The Kings continue to chase down the Golden Knights – who now have Jonathan Quick on their roster – for top spot in the Pacific Division and added Joonas Korpisalo to accompany Pheonix Copley between the pipes in Los Angeles. Korpisalo produced one of the greatest single-game playoff performances on record during his time with Columbus, posting 85 saves in Game 1 of the 2020 First Round against Tampa Bay – eclipsing Kelly Hrudey for the most by a goaltender in a playoff game since 1955-56.

* The Oilers added defenseman Mattias Ekholm ahead of deadline day and look to build off an appearance in the 2022 Western Conference Final. Ekholm has appeared in 75 career playoff games – including a run to the 2017 Stanley Cup Final with Nashville (1-10— 11 in 22 GP) – which stands as the most among all players on Edmonton’s current roster and 14 more than the next closest (Mattias Janmark: 61 GP).

* The Jets added to their playoff push by acquiring Vladislav Namestnikov from the Sharks. Namestnikov was traded on deadline day for the fourth time in his career (also 2018, 2020 & 2022), tying Alan May (1988, 1989, 1994 & 1995) for the highest such total by an NHL player since 1979-80.


PACIFIC DIVISION TIGHTENS UP WHILE HURRICANES PULL AHEAD IN METROPOLITAN
The Golden Knights (37-19-6, 80 points), Kraken (35-21-6, 78 points) and Oilers (34-21-8, 76 points) all won in an ever-tightening Pacific Division playoff race, while the Hurricanes strengthened their lead atop the Metropolitan Division.

* Adin Hill set a franchise record with 47 saves and Jonathan Marchessault (2-1—3) factored on every Vegas goal in regulation to help the club overtake idle Dallas (33-16-13, 79 points) for first place in the Western Conference standings. The Golden Knights hold a two-point edge atop the Pacific Division, where the top four clubs are divided by only four points.


* Jared McCann (1-1—2) became the first player to score 30 goals in a season for the Kraken as Seattle secured its third straight win and moved within two points of idle Los Angeles (35-20-8, 78 points) for second place in the Pacific Division.

* Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (2-2—4) became the third Oilers player to hit the 30-goal mark this season, marking the first time since 1989-90 that Edmonton has had at least three 30-goal scorers. The Oilers, who continue to occupy the first Western Conference Wild Card position, will have a chance Saturday to sweep a home-and-home against the Jets (35-25-2, 72 points), who hold the second Wild Card spot.

 
* Brent Burns (37 years, 359 days) recorded his first career four-assist outing and became the fourth-oldest defenseman in NHL history to post four helpers in a game as Carolina (40-12-8, 88 points) moved two points ahead of New Jersey (40-15-6, 86 points). The Hurricanes have spent 74 consecutive days atop the Metropolitan Division as they try to fend off the Devils – the only other team to occupy first place in the division since late October. Despite New Jersey’s loss, Dawson Mercer extended his goal streak to eight games – tied for the second-longest in NHL history by a player age 21 or younger – as he set a new benchmark for the longest in the NHL this season and matched the Devils franchise record.


The Hurricanes-Coyotes game Friday marked the exact three-quarter mark of the 2022-23 NHL season. Click here to view the Final Quarter: 2022-23 NHL Season document.


NHL PODCAST WEEKLY ROUNDUP

* NHL Fantasy: Impact of Timo Meier trade on Devils

* La Tasse de café LNH: Spécial Date limite des transactions

* Draft Class: Brayden Yager joins; Adam Fantilli & NTDP analysis

* The Chirp w/ Daren Millard: Pete DeBoer joins; Showtime on Broadway

* NHL Fantasy: Fantasy Spin on flurry of trades

* NHL @ The Rink: Mike Rupp joins; Trade Deadline frenzy

QUICK CLICKS

* Friday edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates
* Seth Jarvis sports mullet in honor of Hurricanes trip to Mullett Arena
* Mark Wahlberg hypes up Max Domi-to-Stars trade, says Dallas got ‘a warrior’
* NHL Buzz: Aleksander Barkov expected back for Panthers on Saturday
* Pyotr Kochetkov scores goalie goal for Chicago Wolves


ABC, ESPN+ DOUBLE BILL CHOCK-FULL OF CONTENDERS
A pair of afternoon games on ABC, ESPN+ and Sportsnet are loaded with teams in the thick of the playoff picture. The double bill opens with the NHL’s League-leading Bruins (48-8-5, 101 points) hosting the Rangers (35-18-9, 79 points) and their new prized addition in three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Kane. It concludes with the defending Stanley Cup champion Avalanche (34-20-5, 73 points), who have won six of their last seven contests, squaring off with the Central Division-leading Stars (33-16-13, 79 points).

* The Bruins, who have held the No. 1 seed in the Atlantic Division for the entire 2022-23 season, enter on a nine-game win streak dating to Feb. 14. They can earn their first double-digit win streak nine years (12 GP in 2013-14).


KARVINA SET TO HOST FIRST HOCKEY DAY IN CZECHIA
The NHL, Nova Group and Czech Ice Hockey Federation along with community organizations will host the first-ever ”Hockey Day In Czechia” in Karvina on Saturday. The schedule of free events and activities open to the public at the Sport Complex include a youth hockey tournament, an exhibition game with former NHL players including Michal Neuvirth, Pavel Brendl and Jaroslav Svoboda, as well as interactive activities and a coaching seminar.

* The day will culminate with a viewing party of the NHL Saturday presented by SAP game broadcast of the Rangers-Bruins game, which will air on Nova Sport 1 in Czechia and Slovakia.
 

* A total of 253 Czech-born players have played at least one NHL game (regular-season or playoffs) in NHL history, including 37 this season and six set to be part of Saturday’s Bruins-Rangers contest.

Click here to view more #NHLStats ahead of the first-ever Hockey Day in Czechia

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