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NHL Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Minnesota Wild (2-2) at Dallas Stars (2-2)

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NHL Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Minnesota Wild (2-2) at Dallas Stars (2-2)

MINNESOTA WILD NOTES:

REGULAR-SEASON SERIES NOTES
DALLAS STARS
All-Time Wild Record: 37-37-13 (24-13-5 at Xcel Energy Center, 13-24-8 at Dallas)

2023-23: The Wild went 2-2-0 in the season series with the Stars…Minnesota won the series opening game at American Airlines Center, 6-5, in a shootout (12/4), lost 4-1 at Xcel Energy Center in the second game (12/29), lost 4-1 at Dallas in the third game (2/8) and won, 2-1, in shootout in the final meeting at St. Paul (2/17)… LW Kirill Kaprizov (2-1=3) and RW Mats Zuccarello (1-2=3) led Minnesota with three points each…C Joel Eriksson Ek (2-0=2), D Jared Spurgeon (0-2=2), RW Ryan Reaves (0-2=2) each recorded two points…G Marc-Andre Fleury went 1-1-0 with a 3.87 GAA and a .896 SV% after starting the first two meetings for the Wild…G Filip Gustavsson started the final two games and went 1-1-0 with a 1.97 GAA and a .939 SV%…C Roope Hintz paced Dallas with seven points (4-3=7)…LW Jason Robertson had five points (1-4=5)…C Wyatt Johnston tallied four points (1-3=4)…G Jake Oettinger went 2-0-1 with a 1.87 GAA and a .947 SV% in four starts for Dallas…G Scott Wedgewood entered during the first game (12/4) and stopped 14 of 15 shots faced, earning the loss.

WILD LEADERS: Zuccarello (3-16=19 in 22 games) leads Minnesota with 20 points (4-16=20) in 23 games against Dallas…Spurgeon owns 19 points (6-13=1) in 42 contests…C Ryan Hartman has 14 points (7-7=14) in 27 matches…Kaprizov has 12 points (6-6=12) in eight contests…D Matt Dumba owns 12 points (6-6=12) in 30 games.

WILD GOALIES: Fleury is 13-6-1 with a 2.18 GAA, a .927 SV% and one shutout in 20 games played (20 starts) vs. the Stars…Gustavsson is 3-1-0 with a 1.73 GAA and a .950 SV% in four starts.

STARS LEADERS: C Tyler Seguin (18-27=45 in 41 matches) and LW Jamie Benn (20-25=45 in 52 games) lead the Stars with 45 points each against Minnesota…C Joe Pavelski owns 44 points (21-23=44) in 53 games against the Wild…Hintz has 15 points (7-8=15) in 16 contests.

STARS GOALIES: Oettinger is 4-0-1 with a 2.40 GAA and a .917 SV% in seven career games (six starts)…Wedgewood is 0-1-2 with a 3.25 GAA and a .887 SV% in four games (two starts).

FAST FACTS: Minnesota is 20-14-5 in the last 10 seasons (2013-23) against Dallas…The Wild is 6-4-0 in the last 10 games against the Stars at Xcel Energy Center…Minnesota has points in 11 of the last 19 games (9-8-2) played at American Airlines Center…Minnesota was defeated by Dallas in six games in the 2016 First Round.

KEY NOTES AND NUMBERS
Team: Earned a 3-2 double overtime victory in Game 1 at DAL (4/17), lost 7-3 in Game 2 at DAL (4/19), won 5-1 in Game 3 in Saint Paul (4/21) and fell 3-2 in Game 4 in Saint Paul (4/23)

• Limited the Stars to 24 shots on goal in Game 3. In the regular season, Dallas was held to 24-or-fewer SOG just seven times.

• The Wild played the longest contest in franchise history in Game 1, earning the win 32:20 into extra time. The previous mark was 28:06 on 5/10/03, a 1-0 double overtime loss vs. ANA (CF-Game 1)

• Minnesota recorded 48 shots on goal in Game 1, the second-highest postseason total in franchise history (52 SOG vs. STL, 4/12/17)

• The Wild is 23-11 all-time in postseason games where they score the first goal

INJURIES
Joel Eriksson Ek: lower body
Mason Shaw: torn ACL, out for season

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
April 15 – April 24, 2023
4/24/23 Recalled G Jesper Wallstedt from Iowa
4/21/23 Reassigned F Sammy Walker to Iowa
4/19/23 Recalled F Sammy Walker from Iowa
4/17/23 Recalled G Hunter Jones from Iowa
4/15/23 Reassigned F Nic Petan to Iowa

DALLAS STARS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME: In a series gridlocked through four games, the Stars return home to host the Wild in a pivotal Game 5 tonight at American Airlines Center. (7 p.m. CT, TV: BSSW, TBS, Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM/1310-AM). Both teams have alternated wins in the first four games of this best-of-seven, with Minnesota taking Games 1 and 3 and Dallas earning victories in Games 2 and 4. Regardless of the outcome tonight, the series will return to Saint Paul for Game 6 on Friday, April 28.

TALE OF THE TAPE VS. MINNESOTA

  • This marks the second time the Stars and Wild have met in the playoffs, with the Stars winning the 2016 First Round series in six games.
  • Through four games, forward Roope Hintz ranks third in the NHL in points (4-4—8) and shares fourth in goals (4).
  • Hintz needs three more points to set the record for the most in a best-of-seven series in Stars team history – a mark currently held by Mike Modano (4-6—10 in 2003 CQF), Sergei Zubov (4-6—10 in 2003 CQF) and Jamie Benn (4-6—10 in 2016 R1). Dallas has never lost a series when a player registers a double-digit point total.
  • In Game 4, Hintz recorded his second three-point outing (0-3—3) of the series and became the fourth player in franchise history in the past 30 years with as many three-point outings in a single series. He joined Joe Pavelski (2 GP in 2020 R1), Jamie Benn (2 GP in 2016 R1) and Mike Modano (2 GP in 2003 CQF).
  • In Game 2, Hintz (3-1—4) recorded the first playoff home hat trick in Dallas Stars history (since 1993) and second in franchise history (also Dino Ciccarelli in 1981 w/ MNS). It marked the first postseason hat trick for the Stars since forward Joel Kiviranta in Game 7 of the 2020 Western Conference Second Round at Colorado on Sept. 4, 2020.
  • Hintz became the 15th different player in Stanley Cup Playoffs history with an even-strength goal, power-play goal and shorthanded goal in a contest and first since Tyler Johnson in Game 2 of the 2015 Conference Finals (w/ TBL).
  • Defenseman Miro Heiskanen has five points (0-5—5) in four games vs. Minnesota, including a four-assist performance in Game 2.
  • Heiskanen (0-4—4) matched the franchise record for most points in a playoff game by a Stars/North Stars defenseman, a mark set by Brad Maxwell (0-4—4 in Game 4 of 1981 SCF) and equaled by Heiskanen (1-3—4 in Game 6 of 2020 R1).
  • In Game 2, Hintz (3-1—4) and Heiskanen (0-4—4) combined for the second time in the past 30 years where two Stars players have recorded four-plus points in a playoff game. The other instance: Heiskanen and Denis Gurianov in Game 6 of the 2020 First Round.
  • In Game 4, forward Tyler Seguin (2-0—2) matched the franchise record for power-play goals in a playoff game – a feat only three other players have accomplished in Stars team history: Alexander Radulov (2 in Game 7 of 2020 R2), Brendan Morrow (2 in Game 3 of 2008 CQF) and Pat Verbeek (2 in Game 2 of 1998 CQF).
  • Seguin has three power-play goals through four games vs. Minnesota. The last time a Stars player had more in a playoff year was in 2008, when Mike Modano (5) and Brenden Morrow (4) both did so. Seguin leads the club in power-play allies (3) and shares second in goals (3).
  • Forward Evgenii Dadonov shares second on the Stars in goals (3) through four games against the Wild. Two of his three goals came in Game 2, which also represented the first two goals of his postseason career (6 GP).
  • In Game 2, captain Jamie Benn scored his 21st career playoff goal to pass Al MacAdam (20) and move into a tie with Brett Hull for 10th place on the franchise’s all-time list.
  • Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 32 saves in Game 4 to help the Stars even the series at two apiece. His .941 career playoff save percentage is the highest on record (since 1955-56) by a goaltender age 24 or younger (min. 10 GP). The next closest is Montreal’s Rogie Vachon (.938 SV%).
  • With a win in Game 2, goaltender Oettinger (Lakeville, Minn.) became the first Minnesota-born goalie to earn a playoff victory against a Minnesota-based team (the Wild and North Stars).

ENTERING THE POSTSEASON

  • The Stars are in the postseason for a second straight year, 18th time since relocating to Dallas in 1993-94 and 35th time in franchise history. Dallas became the 10th team to clinch a berth in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
  • The Stars are looking for their 20th series win since relocation (19-16; .543 series W%) and to advance past the opening round for the first time since their run to the 2020 Stanley Cup Final. They have required at least six games in 13 of their last 14 Stanley Cup Playoffs series dating to the 2007 Conference Quarterfinals.
  • Goaltender Jake Oettinger can become the second goaltender in franchise history to win a series-clinching game before his 25th birthday (Don Beaupre: age 19: Game 5 of 1981 QF; age 22: Game 5 of 1984 DSF & Game 7 of 1984 DF).
  • Forward Jason Robertson (Arcadia, Calif.) can become the third different California-born Stanley Cup winner in NHL history, joining Brooks Orpik (2009 PIT & 2018 WSH) and Scott Parker (2001 COL). Robertson recorded four points (1- 3—4) in seven games during the 2022 First Round vs. Calgary.
  • Defenseman Miro Heiskanen (9-29—38 in 51 GP) has the seventh-best points-per-game among active defensemen in the postseason (min. 10 GP). He needs one point to move into sole possession of fourth place in franchise history for playoff points by defensemen; he can also ascend lists for goals and assists.
  • Captain Jamie Benn (21-34—55 in 70 GP) is one of 11 players in franchise history with 21 career playoff goals and one of eight with at least 50 points, highlighted by a 19-point performance (8-11—19) in 2020 when he finished fourth in team scoring. With another double-digit performance in 2023, Benn (3x) can join Mike Modano (7x) and Bobby Smith (4x) as the third player in franchise history with at least four postseasons with 10 or more points.
  • Forward Joe Pavelski (64-62—126) has the fourth-most postseason points among U.S.-born players, behind Mike Modano (58-88—146 in 176 GP), Chris Chelios (31-113—144 in 266 GP), and Patrick Kane (52-80—132 in 136 GP). Pavelski’s 64 goals are the most among U.S.-born players and the fourth most among active skaters. He also ranks third among players drafted in the seventh round or later for career playoff points, behind Doug Gilmour (60-128—188 in 182 GP) and Luc Robitaille (58-69—127 in 159 GP).
  • Pavelski (169 GP) is one of five players in NHL history to appear in 165+ playoff games without yet hoisting the Cup (or who retired without one); the others are Patrick Marleau (195), Joe Thornton (187), Dale Hunter (186) and Steve Thomas (174). To date, the three highest playoff game counts before winning a championship are 214 (Ray Bourque, 2001 COL), 169 (Glen Wesley, 2006 CAR) and 162 (Dave Andreychuk, 2004 TBL). Pavelski ranks third in terms of regularseason games played for active players who have yet to win.
  • Forward Tyler Seguin is the only Dallas player with a Stanley Cup, winning as a 20-year-old with Boston in 2011 (3-4—7 in 13 GP). He can become the fourth player in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to win a Cup at age 20 or younger and at age 30 or older – only Greg Gilbert (1982 NYI & 1994 NYR), Claude Lemieux (1986 MTL, 1996 COL & 2000 NJD) and Patrick Roy (1986 MTL, 1996 COL & 2001 COL) have done so in that timeframe.
  • Head coach Peter DeBoer, in his first season with Dallas, has advanced past the opening round in his first postseason behind the bench with three franchises (2012 w/ NJD, 2016 w/ SJS & 2020 w/ VGK). Two head coaches in NHL history have won a series in their first postseason with four clubs: Alain Vigneault (1998 w/ MTL, 2007 w/ VAN, 2014 w/ NYR & 2020 w/ PHI) and Roger Neilson (1978 w/ TOR, 1981 w/ BUF, 1982 w/ VAN, 1990 w/ NYR).
  • The Stars/North Stars franchise has advanced to the Stanley Cup Final five times, twice while based in Minnesota and three times in Dallas. They stand as one of two non-Original Six franchises with a Final berth in four different decades (1980s, 1990s, 2000s & 2020s), alongside Philadelphia (1970s, 1980s, 1990s & 2010s).

NHL Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: New York Islanders (1-3) at Carolina Hurricanes (3-1)

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NHL Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: New York Islanders (1-3) at Carolina Hurricanes (3-1)

NEW YORK ISLANDERS NOTES:

LAST GAME
DATE NYI RESULT SCORE NYI SCORERS IN GOAL
April 23, 2023
Game Four
Loss
CAR leads 3-1
CAR 5 at NYI 2 Pelech, Horvat Sorokin (24/29)
Adam Pelech and Bo Horvat each scored, but the Islanders could not overcome the Hurricanes’ four-goal lead, including two goals by Seth Jarvis, and the Islanders fell to the Hurricanes, 5-2, Sunday afternoon at UBS Arena. Scott Mayfield and Brock Nelson each tallied assists and Ilya Sorokin made 24 saves on 29 shots. The Islanders will travel back to Raleigh for Game Five down 3-1 in the series.

INJURIES PLAYOFF GAMES MISSED

26 Oliver Wahlstrom 4

28 Alexander Romanov 2

2022-23 Man Games Lost: 209

ROUND ONE SCHEDULE
Game One Monday, April 17 PNC Arena L, 2-1
Game Two Wednesday, April 19 PNC Arena L (OT) 4-3
Game Three Friday, April 21 UBS Arena W, 5-1
Game Four Sunday, April 23 UBS Arena L, 5-2
Game Five Tuesday, Apr. 25 PNC Arena 7pm
Game Six (if necessary) Friday, Apr. 28 UBS Arena TBD
Game Seven (if necessary) Sunday, Apr. 30 PNC Arena TBD

VS. CAROLINA:
Last five regular season meetings
(3-0-2)
Apr. 2, 2023 PNC Arena L, 2-1
Jan. 21, 2023 UBS Arena L, 5-2
Dec. 10, 2022 UBS Arena L, 3-0
Oct. 28, 2022 PNC Arena W, 6-2
Apr. 8, 2022 PNC Arena W, 2-1

2022-23 Reg. Season 1-3-0
Franchise History 65-74-9-7
NYI Home 30-38-4-4
NYI Away 35-36-5-3
Playoffs 1-7 (1-3 home/0-4 away)

Last playoff meeting – 2019
EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIFINAL
(Carolina wins series 4-0)
APR 26 NYI 0 vs. CAR 1 L OT
APR 28 NYI 1 vs. CAR 2 L
MAY 1 NYI 2 at CAR 5 L
MAY 3 NYI 2 at CAR 5 L

TEAM NOTES
TODAY’S MATCHUP
Tonight, the New York Islanders visit the Carolina Hurricanes for Game Five of their First Round Series of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Islanders will look to force a Game Six tonight, following a 5-2 defeat at UBS Arena on Sunday afternoon. The Islanders have a 4-2 record in their last six Game Fives, and have never lost a Game Five on the road when facing elimination. A win tonight would be their first on the road at PNC Arena in the postseason.

SERIES NOTES
This year is the first season that the Islanders have qualified for the playoffs with Lane Lambert as Head Coach, and their fourth appearance in the playoffs in their last five seasons. While this is Lambert’s first postseason as a Head Coach, he had a 69-52 career record across eight postseason campaigns as an Associate and Assistant Coach prior to this postseason campaign, including a Stanley Cup championship in 2018 with the Washington Capitals. The Islanders and Hurricanes have met in the playoffs once before, in the Second Round in 2019. These teams also met four times in their 2022-23 regular season series (1-3-0), most recently in the regular season on April 2 at PNC Arena, a 2-1 decision in the Hurricanes’ favor. The Islanders finished the 2022-23 regular season with a 16-8-2 record against Metropolitan Division, one of three teams (Carolina, New Jersey) to collect at least 16 intra-division wins in the Metro. The Islanders and Hurricanes have combined for three Conference Final appearances in the past four years (2019, 2020 and 2021).

CAROLINA HURRICANES NOTES:

GAME ONE
The Hurricanes earned a 2-1 win over the Islanders in their playoff opener at PNC Arena on 4/17, improving to 8-1 in their nine home playoff games over the last two seasons. Sebastian Aho scored Carolina’s first goal of the playoffs on the power play, and Stefan Noesen added a second power-play goal in his Hurricanes playoff debut as Brent Burns (2a) and Martin Necas (2a) registered the assists on both goals. Antti Raanta stopped 25 of 26 shots faced, improving to 7-0 on home ice in his Hurricanes playoff career.

GAME TWO
Carolina posted a 4-3 overtime win against New York at PNC Arena on 4/19, winning its fifth straight playoff overtime game on Jesper Fast’s first career overtime goal. Brent Burns (2a) and Jaccob Slavin (1g, 1a) tallied two points, Paul Stastny scored his first Hurricanes playoff goal and Stefan Noesen scored his second power-play goal in as many games. Antti Raanta made 23 saves in net.

GAME THREE
The Hurricanes suffered a 5-1 loss against the Islanders at UBS Arena on 4/21, losing their eighth straight road playoff game dating back to Game 4 of the 2021 Second Round. Jesper Fast scored a shorthanded goal with a primary assist from Jordan Staal, while Antti Raanta stopped 32 of 36 shots faced in net.

GAME FOUR
Carolina registered a 5-2 win over New York at UBS Arena on 4/23, ending an eight-game road playoff losing streak. Sebastian Aho posted a team-high three points (1g, 2a), Seth Jarvis scored two goals and Mackenzie MacEachern recorded two points (1g, 1a) in his Hurricanes debut, the first playoff points of his NHL career. Stefan Noesen also tallied two power-play assists on goals by Jarvis and Martin Necas, as Antti Raanta stopped 27 of 29 shots to earn his first career road playoff win.

INJURY REPORT
Frederik Andersen, undisclosed, missed three games (4/19-4/23)
Jake Gardiner, upper-body, missed 86 games (10/12-4/23)
Ondrej Kase, concussion, missed 85 games (10/14-4/23)
Max Pacioretty, torn Achilles, missed 41 games (1/21-4/23)
Andrei Svechnikov, torn ACL, missed 22 games (3/12-4/23)
Teuvo Teravainen, broken hand, missed two game (4/21-4/23)
2022-23 Regular-Season Man-Games Lost Due to Injury: 334
2023 Playoffs Man-Game Lost Due to Injury: 21

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
April 21 Recalled Ville Koivunen, Maxime Lajoie, Jamieson Rees, Zach Sawchenko and Ryan Suzuki from Chicago (AHL)
April 20 Recalled Mackenzie MacEachern from Chicago (AHL)
April 17 Recalled Pyotr Kochetkov from Chicago (AHL)
April 14 Signed Domenick Fensore to a two-year, entry-level contract
April 11 Signed Yaniv Perets to a two-year, entry-level contract

PLAYOFF STREAKS
None

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT TIME TV RADIO
April 25 NY Islanders 7 p.m. ESPN, BSSO HRN
April 28 at NY Islanders (if nec.) TBD TBD TBD
April 30 NY Islanders (if nec.) TBD TBD TBD

  • All times are Eastern | BSSO = Bally Sports South | HRN = Hurricanes Radio Network
    Carolina Hurricanes: Media Notes

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
DATE DAY LOCATION TIME
April 25 Tuesday PNC Arena 10:30 a.m.
April 26 Wednesday PNC Arena 12 p.m.
April 27 Thursday No practice
April 28 Friday UBS Arena 11:30 a.m.
April 29 Saturday PNC Arena 12 p.m.

  • All times are local. Times and locations are subject to change.

HURRICANES vs. ISLANDERS SERIES NOTES
— Carolina is facing New York in the playoffs for the second time in franchise history. The Hurricanes earned a 4-0 series sweep of the Islanders in the 2019 Eastern Conference Second Round.

— The Hurricanes and Islanders have met 155 times in their regular-season histories. Carolina holds an 81-54-9-11 overall record, including a 39-29-5-6 home record and a 58-26-0-11 record since relocation.

— The Hurricanes won the regular-season series 3-1-0 in 2022-23 (Islanders: 1-3-0), and they are 9-2-0 in the teams’ last 11 regular-season matchups dating back to 1/8/19.

— The Hurricanes suffered a 6-2 loss against the Islanders at PNC Arena on 10/28. Martin Necas and Brent Burns each scored for Carolina, while Frederik Andersen made 26 saves in net.

— Carolina earned a 3-0 win over New York at UBS Arena on 12/10. Paul Stastny, Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jordan Staal scored for the Hurricanes, with Stastny’s goal marking his first tally with his new team, and Pyotr Kochetkov posted a 16-save shutout.

— The Hurricanes posted a 5-2 win over the Islanders at UBS Arena on 1/21. Sebastian Aho scored his second hat trick of the season (3g), and Jordan Staal (1g, 1a) and Teuvo Teravainen (2a) each recorded two points as Frederik Andersen stopped 29 of 31 shots faced in net.

— Carolina recorded a 2-1 win over New York at PNC Arena on 4/2. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Jordan Martinook scored for the Hurricanes, while Frederik Andersen stopped 21 of 22 shots faced in net.

— Brent Burns has recorded 19 points (7g, 12a) in 26 career regular-season games against New York.

— Calvin de Haan was selected 12th overall by New York in the 2009 NHL Draft and earned 81 points (12g, 69a) in 304 games with the Islanders from 2011-17.

— A native of Tarrytown, N.Y., Brett Pesce has recorded eight points (2g, 6a) in 25 career regular-season games against the Islanders and added three assists in four playoff matchups in 2019.

— Jaccob Slavin has scored six career regular-season goals against New York, including his only career hat trick in an 8-4 win at Barclays Center on 3/3/17. He has tallied 13 points (6g, 7a) in 25 career regular-season games against the Islanders, marking his most points against any opponent, and he also posted two assists in four playoff games against New York in 2019.

— Islanders Assistant Coach Doug Houda posted 20 points (6g, 14a) and 356 penalty minutes in 142 games with Hartford from 1991-93. Acquired from DET in exchange for Doug Crossman on 2/20/91, Houda was traded to LAK in exchange for Marc Potvin on 11/3/93.

CHANCE TO CLINCH
After winning a road playoff game for the first time since Game 3 of the 2021 Second Round at TBL, Carolina will head back to PNC Arena for Game 5 with a chance to clinch a sixth series victory in five seasons (also 2019 ECFR vs. WSH, 2019 ECSR vs. NYI, 2020 ECQF vs. NYR, 2021 ECFR vs. NSH, 2022 ECFR vs. BOS). The Whalers/Hurricanes have posted a 10-14 record in the fifth game of best-of-seven series (8-5 on home ice), they are 1-2 in Game 5 after taking a 3-1 series lead, clinching their only 4-1 series victory in Game 5 of the 2006 Eastern Conference Semifinal vs. NJD. Hartford/Carolina is also 14-13 with a chance to clinch a best-of-seven series, with a 5-4 record on home ice. After setting the franchise playoff record for wins by a head coach in Game 2, Rod Brind’Amour could become the third head coach in NHL history to lead his team to a postseason series victory in each of his first five seasons in charge, alongside Pat Burns (6: MTL, 1989-94) and Toe Blake (5: MTL, 1956-60).

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – April 25, 2023

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NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – April 25, 2023

* The Maple Leafs earned a three-goal comeback win less than 24 hours after the Oilers completed one of their own at Crypto.com Arena. This marked the third time in Stanley Cup Playoffs history where a team earned a three-goal comeback victory on consecutive days, following Aug. 6-7, 2020 (CBJ in Game 3 of SCQ, TOR in Game 4 of SCQ) and April 19-20, 2011 (SJS in Game 3 of CQF, WSH in Game 4 of CQF).
 

* The Devils and Golden Knights also earned road wins Monday, with New Jersey pulling even after facing a 2-0 series deficit and Vegas withstanding the “Winnipeg Whiteout” once again to go up 3-1.


* The Kraken scored their first playoff overtime goal to earn their first postseason home win in franchise history and even their opening-round series at 2-2.

* The Hurricanes hope to become the first team to advance to the Second Round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs as three Game 5s go Tuesday.

LEAFS COMPLETE THREE-GOAL THIRD-PERIOD COMEBACK WIN TO TAKE 3-1 SERIES LEAD
Alexander Kerfoot scored the overtime winner after his team overcame a three-goal third-period deficit as Toronto sent fans at Maple Leaf Square into a state of pandemonium and moved within one victory of its first series win in over 19 years.


* Auston Matthews had two third-period goals in a span of 2:45 and Morgan Rielly recorded the tying tally, with Mitchell Marner (2-8—10 in 4 GP) assisting on two of the three markers to become the first 10-point scorer this postseason. Marner became the second player in franchise history with a double-digit point total through four games in a playoff year, joining Darryl Sittler in 1977 (3-8—11 in 4 GP).

* The Maple Leafs hold a 3-1 lead in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Playoffs series for the 14th time in franchise history. Toronto owns an all-time series record of 11-2 in the previous 13, including seven instances where the clinching win was earned in Game 5.

EBERLE SCORES KRAKEN’S FIRST PLAYOFF OVERTIME GOAL AS SEATTLE EVENS SERIES
Jordan Eberle scored the first postseason overtime goal in franchise history as the Kraken earned their first-ever home win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and evened their opening-round series with the Avalanche at 2-2. Eberle scored his second career overtime goal in the postseason, following the 2OT winner in Game 5 of the 2020 Conference Finals (w/ NYI).

* Each of the NHL’s last four expansion franchises have earned a win in their first playoff game which required overtime. The Kraken followed the Golden Knights (Game 2 of 2018 R1), Blue Jackets (Game 2 of 2014 R1) and Wild (Game 6 of 2003 CQF).
 


SWISS-BORN PLAYERS SHINE AS NEW JERSEY EVENS FIRST ROUND SERIES ON THE ROAD
Akira Schmid (22 saves) allowed one goal against for the second time in as many appearances while fellow countrymen Jonas Siegenthaler (1-1—2) and Nico Hischier connected on the winning goal as the Devils earned another victory at Madison Square Garden to pull even in their First Round series.

* Schmid improved to 2-0 through his first two career appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a 0.91 goals-against average and .966 save percentage. He became the second goaltender in Devils/Rockies/Scouts history to earn a victory in each of his first two career postseason games, joining Chris Terreri (2-0 in 1990).

* New Jersey tied a best-of-seven series at 2-2 after dropping its first two contests for the third time in franchise history (also 2002 CQF & 1994 CSF). The Devils went on to earn a six-game triumph against the Bruins in the 1994 Conference Semifinals before facing the Rangers during the following round.
 

GOLDEN KNIGHTS ONE OF THREE ROAD WINS IN #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES

Chandler Stephenson (0-2—2) recorded his third straight multi-point game to help the Golden Knights take a 3-1 series lead back to Vegas. Monday concluded with three road teams earning wins – this note and more were featured in the most-recent edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.

QUICK CLICKS


*Matthew Tkachuk fined $5,000 for actions in Panthers’ Game 4 against Bruins
* Filip Gustavsson comfortable, ‘been great’ for Wild ahead of Game 5 vs. Stars
* Tyler Bertuzzi proving he’s ‘made for playoffs’ with Bruins in East 1st Round

* Oilers ‘showed a lot of maturity’ to rally for Game 4 win
* Color of Hockey: Willie O’Ree, Bob Dawson to receive honorary doctorate degrees

KEY CONTRIBUTORS LOOK TO RISE TO THE OCCASION FOR GAME 5s

A trio of Game 5s account for the Tuesday schedule in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs, with the Islanders looking to stave off elimination against the Hurricanes while the Wild and Stars as well as the Kings and Oilers battle it out for a 3-2 series lead.


* Zach Parise of the Islanders and Sebastian Aho of the Hurricanes have relished in their opportunities during potential elimination games and series-clinching games, respectively. Parise has posted 5-10—15 in 22 career games in his predicament – the most on the Islanders current roster – while Aho (6-4—10 in 8 GP) needs one to surpass Eric Staal (4-6—10 in 12 GP) for the most career points in potential series-clinching games by a Hurricanes/Whalers player.

* Mats Zuccarello (2-3—5 in 4 GP) and Roope Hintz (4-4—8 in 4 GP) look to continue their recent strings of success as the Wild and Stars square off in Dallas. Zuccarello can join Parise (6 GP in 2014) as the second player in franchise history with a postseason-opening point streak of at least five games, while Hintz sits two points shy of tying the most in a single series in Stars team history (Mike Modano: 4-6—10 in 2003 CQF, Sergei Zubov:4-6—10 in 2003 CQF & Jamie Benn: 4-6—10 in 2016 R1).

* Leon Draisaitl (5-4—9 in 2023) sits two points shy of 70 career points in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (23-45—68 in 41 GP). With another multi-point game – something he has done in three of four outings so far this postseason – Draisaitl would be the third-fastest player in NHL history to reach the mark. Wayne Gretzky (29 GP), Mario Lemieux (36 GP) and Jari Kurri (49 GP) are the only ones to do so in fewer than 50 contests.
 

D-backs roster moves

MLB Editor
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D-backs roster moves

The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves:

Recalled LHP Tommy Henry from Triple-A Reno.

Optioned RHP Drey Jameson to Reno.

The D-backs’ 40-man roster is at 39.

Twins option Bailey Ober

MLB Editor
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Twins option Bailey Ober

MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Twins announced tonight that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Bailey Ober to Triple-A St. Paul.

Ober was recalled prior to yesterday’s game against the Washington Nationals and made the start, earning the 3-1 win after allowing one run on three hits, with three walks and four strikeouts in 5.2 innings of work.

The Twins will make a corresponding move prior to tomorrow night’s game against the New York Yankees at Target Field.

NFL Transactions 4-24-23

NFL Editor
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NFL Transactions 4-24-23

The following are the NFL transactions for Monday, April 24. Transactions will be published each day after they are circulated to NFL clubs. This public version will include waiver requests, assignments via waivers, terminations, free agent signings, reserve list and practice squad additions and deletions, and trades.

WAIVER SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS

WAIVER REQUESTS (All are NO RECALL)

CHICAGO

Hand, Harrison

DB

Temple

DALLAS

Bunting, Ian

TE

California

     Failed Physical

Taylor-Stuart, Isaac

DB

Southern California

     Failed Physical


CLAIMING DEADLINE: 4:00 p.m., N.Y. Time, Tuesday, 4/25/23

TERMINATIONS OF VESTED VETERANS

DALLAS

Bond, Devante

LB

Oklahoma

   Failed Physical

PHILADELPHIA

Blair, Marquise

DB

Utah

     Non-Football Injury

TERMINATION VIA WAIVER SYSTEM

DETROIT

Cephus, Quintez

WR

Wisconsin

FREE AGENCY SYSTEM TRANSACTIONS

SIGNINGS: PLAYERS WHOSE CLUBS RETAINED EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS

CHICAGO

Blackwell, Josh

DB

Duke

PHILADELPHIA

Jackson, Tyree

TE

Buffalo

SIGNING: RESTRICTED FREE AGENT

BALTIMORE

Huntley, Tyler

QB

Utah

     Asked to Re-Sign

SIGNINGS: UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

BALTIMORE

Seymour, Kevon

DB

Southern California

NEW YORK GIANTS

Robinson, A'Shawn

DT

Alabama

     Old Club: LOS ANGELES RAMS

NEW YORK JETS

McGovern, Connor

C

Missouri

PITTSBURGH

Boykin, Miles

WR

Notre Dame

NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (1-3) at Phoenix Suns (3-1)

NBA Editor
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NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (1-3) at Phoenix Suns (3-1)

Midway through the third quarter Saturday, Devin Booker fired a sidearm pass across court to the left corner and casually walked down court, ready to play defense.

The eye-level pass found a wide-open Kevin Durant, who got into rhythm and drained what looked like an effortless 3-pointer. Booker already knew what was coming.

When the ball was in the air, the Phoenix Suns were down a point in Game 4 of their playoff series with the Los Angeles Clippers. After it splashed through the net, the Suns never trailed again.

Durant scored 31 points with 11 rebounds in 45 minutes Saturday as the Suns grabbed a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference playoff series. The first opportunity to advance to the second round arrives Tuesday when Phoenix returns home to face the Clippers in Game 5.

Outside of an ankle injury before his first home game with his new team, Durant’s arrival from the Brooklyn Nets in February has been everything the Suns had hoped for. Phoenix was 8-0 in the regular season with Durant on the court and has won three more times in four tries during the playoffs, including Saturday’s 112-100 victory.

Booker added 30 points with nine rebounds Saturday, and Chris Paul tied it all together from the point-guard spot with 19 points and nine assists.

While the Suns appear destined for a spot in the second round, likely against the Denver Nuggets, the Clippers’ path is a bit murkier. After creating second-round hopes with a victory in the series opener, those dreams of advancing have been all but dashed.

Los Angeles forward Kawhi Leonard missed his second consecutive game Saturday with a knee injury and the severity remains unknown.

Leonard has already been ruled out for Game 5.

The injury has brought back reminders of the 2021 playoffs, when Leonard missed the last eight games with a knee injury and the Clippers were eliminated by the Suns. He ended up needing ACL surgery that cost him the entire 2021-22 campaign.

Without Leonard and Paul George, who has been out with a knee injury but worked out before Monday’s practice, the Clippers have been competitive against the Suns but have lacked a finishing touch. Los Angeles led 66-65 in Game 4 until Durant’s go-ahead 3-pointer with 5:19 remaining in the third quarter.

The Clippers’ Russell Westbrook scored 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting in Game 4. While taking over the primary scoring role, Westbrook has averaged 31.7 points over the last three games, while also adding 7.0 assists and 6.3 rebounds.

After a rough season when he struggled to adapt to Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, was traded to the Utah Jazz, was waived and then signed by the Clippers, Westbrook has restored his image in his short time with his new team.

NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (1-3) at Denver Nuggets (3-1)

NBA Editor
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NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (1-3) at Denver Nuggets (3-1)

The Denver Nuggets have never been a No. 1 seed before this season, which has meant there are some things to get used to with the lofty perch.

One new scenario: Embracing the benefits of closing out a No. 8 seed as soon as possible.

The Nuggets had a chance to sweep the Minnesota Timberwolves with a Game 4 win on Sunday night and nearly pulled it off in overtime. But Minnesota persevered and now the teams are heading for a Game 5 at Denver on Tuesday night.

The Timberwolves still have a daunting task ahead of them. No NBA team has won a seven-game series after losing the first three games. A few teams have rallied to force a seventh game, including the 1994 Nuggets, but that’s as close as any team has come.

Denver is determined not to make another trip to the Midwest in the series. After blowing their chance at victory Sunday night the Nuggets are expected to be focused at home.

They also should be realistic. The closest any team has come to sweeping through the postseason is losing just one game. The last one to do it was the 2017 Golden State Warriors, who won their first 15 playoff games before losing.

The Nuggets failed in that department in Game 4, especially in overtime when they were beaten by timely 3-pointers. Two of those extra-period 3s came from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who is getting more playing time while Jaden McDaniels is out with a broken hand.

He may be relied on more if Kyle Anderson is ruled out for Tuesday night. Anderson left Game 4 after teammate Anthony Edwards inadvertently smacked him in the eye in the third quarter. Coach Chris Finch said Anderson saw an eye specialist and his availability is undetermined.

If the Timberwolves have a chance of extending the series, it rests on the shoulders of Edwards. He has averaged 37.0 points since being held to 18 in Game 1 and sealed the victory Sunday on a 3-pointer to put Minnesota ahead by four with seconds left.

Despite being just 21 years old, he accepts the burden of leadership.

Edwards has scored 30 or more points in half of his 10 career playoff games, and is only the second player to have five such games at age 21 or younger. LeBron James did it eight times, while Kobe Bryant did it four times.

NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Atlanta Hawks (1-3) at Boston Celtics (3-1)

NBA Editor
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NBA Playoff Round 1 Game 5 Preview: Atlanta Hawks (1-3) at Boston Celtics (3-1)

The Celtics look to eliminate the Atlanta Hawks when their Eastern Conference first-round series shifts back to Boston for Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Boston took a 2-0 series lead at home before splitting the last two games in Atlanta, with Sunday’s 129-121 win putting the No. 2 seed on the verge of advancing. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each scored 31 points, leading six Celtics who scored in double figures.

After having the middle two of their four 2022 postseason series — against Milwaukee and Miami — extended to the maximum seven games en route to last year’s NBA Finals, the Celtics do not want to leave anything to chance this time around.

Atlanta faces an even steeper climb. The Hawks will play without guard Dejounte Murray, whose contact with referee Gediminas Petraitis at the end of Game 4 earned him a one-game suspension and loss of a game check.

Murray has averaged 25.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.3 steals through the first four games of the series.

During Sunday’s game, Smart played through a lower back contusion while Brown went without the mask he had been using to protect his cheekbone that he fractured earlier in the season.

Smart had been listed as questionable on Saturday’s pregame injury report.

But Brown’s best performance of the playoffs to date, and the team’s overall effort, showed a sense of urgency that it will look to use to finish off the series.

If the Celtics eliminate Atlanta on Tuesday, their second-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers will begin Saturday at Boston. The 76ers could be without star Joel Embiid (knee sprain) for the start of that series.

Whether or not Murray is in the lineup, the Hawks face an uphill climb against a team they had not beaten in five consecutive meetings this season before Friday. Atlanta earned a 130-122 victory at home in Game 3.

After watching the Hawks shoot 56.0 percent in Game 3, the Celtics returned to their defensive principles Sunday and never looked back after leading a 33-19 with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Trae Young scored a team-high 35 points in the Game 4 defeat and dished out 15 assists.

The Hawks have won back-to-back Game 5s in their playoff history against Boston (2012 and 2016), but this one is do-or-die.

White Sox reinstate Joe Kelly from injured list; place Lucas Giolito on bereavement list

MLB Editor
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White Sox reinstate Joe Kelly from injured list; place Lucas Giolito on bereavement list

TORONTO – Prior to tonight’s series opener at Toronto, the Chicago White Sox placed right-handed pitcher Lucas Giolito on the Bereavement List and reinstated right-hander Joe Kelly from the 15-day injured list.

Kelly, 34, is 0-1 with a 10.13 ERA (3 ER/2.2 IP), one hold and three strikeouts over three relief appearances this season, his second with the White Sox. He was placed on the injured list on April 10 (retroactive to April 9) with a right groin strain.

Giolito, 28, is 1-2 with a 4.50 ERA (14 ER/28.0 IP) and 28 strikeouts over five starts this season. He must remain on the Bereavement List for a minimum of three days and not more than seven.

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