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NHL Preview: Edmonton Oilers (47-23-9) at San Jose Sharks (22-40-16)

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NHL Preview: Edmonton Oilers (47-23-9) at San Jose Sharks (22-40-16)

EDMONTON OILERS NOTES:

ALL-TIME RECORDS vs. SAN JOSE GP RECORD HOME (67) AWAY (66) GF GA
OILERS ALL-TIME vs. SAN JOSE 133 60-53-12-8 33-24-7-3 27-29-5-5 403 405
OILERS vs. SAN JOSE – 2022-23 2 2-0-0 1-0-0 1-0-0 12 5

QUICK FACTS
Saturday’s game will mark Edmonton’s third of four games against the Sharks this season and the second of two games in San Jose. The next time these teams will meet is April 13th in Edmonton.

The last time these teams met was on March 20th in Edmonton, with the Oilers winning 5-4 in overtime.

Connor McDavid leads the Oilers with 35 career points against the Sharks and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins has played in a team high 37 career games against San Jose.

PPG’s
On Apr. 4, the Oilers became the first team on record to have four players each score 15 power-play goals in a season (Leon Draisaitl: 31, Connor McDavid: 21, Zach Hyman: 15 & Ryan Nugent-Hopkins: 15). The Oilers have recorded 25 games this season with 2+ PPGs, leading the NHL.

101 POINTS
With a win on Apr. 4, the Oilers record back-to-back 100+ point seasons for the first time since 1985-86 and 1986-87.

EARNING POINTS
The Oilers are 15-4-1 in their last 20 games, outscoring opponents 87-61, while earning at least a point in 16 of the 20 games.

FIVE OF A KIND
The Oilers have scored 5+ goals 30 times this season, posting a record of 28-2-1 when scoring five or more goals in a game.

GOALS BY PERIOD
The Oilers rank 1st in the NHL in goals for in the second period with 124. They also rank 1st in the NHL in first period goals with 87 goals.

LAST 10 GAMES vs. SAN JOSE
Record: 7-3-0
GF: 40 GA: 29
2022-23 3/20/23 @ EDM 5-4 W (OT)
2022-23 1/13/23 @ SJS 7-1 W
2021-22 4/28/22 @ EDM 5-4 W (OT)
2021-22 4/5/22 @ SJS 2-1 W (OT)
2021-22 3/24/22 @ EDM 5-2 W
2021-22 2/14/22 @ SJS 3-0 W
2019-20 2/6/20 @ EDM 6-3 L
2019-20 11/19/19 @ SJS 5-2 W
2019-20 11/12/19 @ SJS 3-6 L
2018-19 4/4/19 @ EDM 2-3 L

SAN JOSE SHARKS NOTES:

LAST GAME:
Game 78 – 4/6 – SJS 2 vs. COL 6…The Sharks dropped a 6-2 decision to Colorado after allowing four goals in the second period. Erik
Karlsson (1g, 1a) recorded his 97th and 98th points this season and is now in sole possession of the second-highest scoring season in
franchise history. Steven Lorentz (1g, 0a) set a new career high in goals with his ninth of the year. Jacob MacDonald (0g, 1a) logged
an assist to extend his point streak to a career long three games.
SJ Goals: Karlsson (23), Lorentz (9)
SF: 23
SA: 31
SJ PP: 0/1
SJ PK: 1/1
W: Georgiev
L: Kahkonen

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
4/6 Recalled F Adam Raska from the San Jose Barracuda
4/5 Reassigned F Danil Gushchin to the San Jose Barracuda
4/4 Recalled F Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Barracuda
4/3 Reassigned F Kyle Criscuolo and F Danil Gushchin to the San Jose Barracuda
4/1 Recalled F Kyle Criscuolo and F Danil Gushchin from the San Jose Barracuda

TODAY’S OPPONENT – EDMONTON OILERS
Today, San Jose welcome the Edmonton Oilers for a matinee matchup in what is the Sharks final home game of the season. Following today’s contest, the Sharks will depart on a three-game western Canadian road swing, including a stop in Edmonton for their final game of the regular season on April 13. Edmonton will be traveling to Colorado for the final stop on their road trip before hosting San Jose in the aforementioned game on April 13. The Sharks and Oilers played to a thrilling conclusion in their most recent meeting, a 5-4 Edmonton overtime win on March 10, with James Reimer making 47 saves and Erik Karlsson recording two goals. Five different players recorded multiple points for the Oilers including Mattias Ekholm, who scored twice.

NHL Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (39-30-10) at Detroit Red Wings (35-33-10)

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NHL Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins (39-30-10) at Detroit Red Wings (35-33-10)

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS NOTES:

LAST 2 GAMES
Apr. 6: Pittsburgh 4, Minnesota 1 – PPG Paints Arena
PIT Goals: Letang, Rakell (PP), Zucker, Carter
Multiple Points: Letang (1G-1A), Rakell (1G-1A), Dumoulin (2A), Guentzel (2A)
Goalie: Jarry (27 saves, 28 shots)
Key Stats: Jake Guentzel hit the 70-point plateau for the third time in his career.
PP: 1-4
PK: 4-5

Apr. 4: New Jersey 5, Pittsburgh 1 – PPG Paints Arena
PIT Goals: Rust
Multiple Points: None
Goalie: Jarry (31 saves, 36 shots)
Key Stats: Bryan Rust hit the 20-goal plateau for the fourth-straight season.
PP: 0-4
PK: 3-4

INJURIES
Position Player Status Consecutive Games Missed Total Games Missed
F Nick Bonino Kidney 15 15
D Dmitry Kulikov Lower-Body 13 13
D Marcus Pettersson Undisclosed 10 12
2022-23 Total Regular-Season Man-Games Lost: 206

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Date Transaction
Apr. 6 F Alex Nylander re-assigned to WBS (AHL).
Apr. 6 F Alex Nylander recalled from WBS (AHL).
Apr. 5 G Joel Blomqvist signed to a three-year entry-level contract.
Apr. 2 F Alex Nylander re-assigned to WBS (AHL).

Pittsburgh’s All-Time Record vs. Red Wings: 76-68-21
In Pittsburgh: 55-22-6
In Detroit: 21-46-15
OT Record vs. Red Wings: 6-4-8
Shootout Record vs. Red Wings: 3-1

2022-23 Results: Pittsburgh is 0-1-1.
Penguins All-Time Point Leaders vs. RED WINGS:
Mario Lemieux: 27 GP, 58 PTS (21G-37A)
Jean Pronovost: 53 GP, 55 PTS (22G-33A)
Syl Apps: 35 GP, 39 PTS (12G-27A)

TONIGHT’S GAME

  • The Penguins hit the road as they head to Detroit to take on the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena (TV: ABC; Radio: 105.9 The X).
  • Pittsburgh enters tonight’s game with points in eight of its last nine contests against Detroit (6-1-2).
  • The Penguins have won three of their last four games here at Little Caesars Arena (3-1-0).
  • Following today’s game, Pittsburgh will only play one more road game – Apr. 13 at Columbus.

DETROIT RED WINGS NOTES:

LAST GAME
RED WINGS 6 vs. BUFFALO 7 SO (4/6/23)
1ST PERIOD: BUF Thompson (Cozens, Power) 4:35-EV; DET Czarnik (Berggren, Walman) 10:38-EV; DET Larkin (Raymond, Seider) 15:05-PP; BUF Jokiharju (Tuch, Mittelstadt) 17:10-EV; BUF Cozens (Krebs, Power) 19:08-PP
2ND PERIOD: BUF Girgensons (Okposo, Power) 1:33-EV; DET Chiasson (Larkin, Raymond) 16:04-PP; DET Edvinsson (unassisted) 16:52-EV
3RD PERIOD: BUF Greenway (Mittelstadt, Jokiharju) 3:20-EV; BUF Cozens (Thompson, Dahlin) 4:32-EV; DET Berggren (Luff) 8:02- EV; DET Perron (Seider, Raymond) 19:00-EV
OT: No scoring
SO: BUF Thompson (save), DET Raymond (goal); BUF Quinn (goal), DET Perron (save); BUF Tuch (goal), DET Larkin (save)
SHOTS: DET 32 (8-14-8-2) / BUF 36 (16-7-10-3)
GOALIES: DET Husso (SOL, 30-36) / BUF Levi (W, 26-32)
PP: DET 2-3 / BUF 1-3

MAN GAMES LOST (games missed / out since)
Robby Fabbri – lower body (49 / March 8)
Filip Zadina – lower body (44 / March 24)
Michael Rasmussen – lower body (22 / Feb. 25)
Marco Kasper – lower body (2 / April 3)
Total Man Games Lost: 298
Individual Man Games Lost: Jakub Vrána (33), Matt Luff (32), Tyler Bertuzzi (31), Robert Hägg (15), Gustav Lindström (14), Elmer Söderblom (13), Ville Husso (9), Lucas Raymond (8), Oskar Sundqvist (7), Ben Chiarot (6), Olli Määttä (4), Jake Walman (3), Adam Erne (2), Jordan Oesterle (2), Alex Chiasson (1), Dylan Larkin (1)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
3/30 (POSTGAME) – Recalled forward Marco Kasper from Rögle BK (SHL)

TODAY’S GAME
RED WINGS vs. PENGUINS / 1:00 P.M. EDT / LITTLE CAESARS ARENA / TV: ESPN+, ABC / RADIO: WXYT 97.1 FM
TODAY: 166th all-time meeting, 83rd in Detroit … Third of three games this season, second of two at Little Caesars Arena
ALL-TIME vs. PIT: 73-71-16-5 / HOME: 49-18-12-3 / LAST 10: 4-5-1 / IN 2021-22: 1-2-0 / THIS SEASON: 2-0-0
DET top scorers vs. PIT: Dylan Larkin (8-9-17 in 19 GP), David Perron (6-9-15 in 19 GP), Andrew Copp (3-5-8 in 15 GP), Robby Fabbri (2-2-4 in 8 GP), Dominik Kubalík (2-1-3 in 5 GP), Joe Veleno (1-2-3 in 5 GP), Lucas Raymond (0-3-3 in 5 GP), Moritz Seider (0-3-3 in 5 GP), Jonatan Berggren (2-0-2 in 2 GP), Filip Zadina (2-0-2 in 4 GP)
PIT top scorers vs. DET: Evgeni Malkin (16-24-40 in 26 GP), Sidney Crosby (14-21-35 in 31 GP), Kris Letang (7-19-26 in 29 GP), Rickard Rakell (7-12-19 in 17 GP), Jeff Carter (10-9-19 in 27 GP), Jake Guentzel (5-7-12 in 13 GP), Jason Zucker (7-4-11 in 16 GP), Bryan Rust (2-7-9 in 16 GP), Chad Ruhwedel (2-4-6 in 10 GP), Josh Archibald (2-1-3 in 4 GP), Drew O’Connor (1-1-2 in 2 GP)

UPCOMING GAMES (ALL TIMES EDT)
Monday, April 10: RED WINGS vs. STARS / 7:00 p.m. / LITTLE CAESARS ARENA / TV: BSD / RADIO: WXYT 97.1 FM
Tuesday, April 11: RED WINGS at HURRICANES / 7:00 p.m. / PNC Arena / TV: BSD EXTRA / RADIO: WXYT 97.1 FM
Thursday, April 13: RED WINGS at LIGHTNING / 7:00 p.m. / Amalie Arena / TV: BSD / RADIO: WXYT 97.1 FM

LAST TIME OUT
April 6 vs. Buffalo – 7-6 SOL
Detroit fell 7-6 in a shootout against Buffalo to move to 35-33-10 overall and 19-15-5 inside Little Caesars Arena … The Red Wings are 4-1-1 in their last six games, recording 28 goals in that span … Detroit is 12-8-10 in one-goal games this season, and 27-9-20 since the beginning of the 2021-22 campaign … David Perron scored the game-tying goal with 59.8 seconds left in regulation … Perron has notched 10 points (7-3-10) in his last six games … Perron ranks second among Red Wings skaters in goals (23), points (54), power play points (22) and shots (186) through 78 games … Detroit has scored 10 goals at 6-on-5 this season, which is the most of any NHL team … Lucas Raymond finished with three assists for his 10th multi-point game and third three-point performance of the season … Raymond extended his point streak to three-consecutive games (1-4-5 in 3 GP) … Raymond picked up his 100th career NHL point with an assist on Alex Chiasson’s power play goal … Raymond (21 years, nine days) became the third-youngest player in franchise history to reach 100 career points with Detroit, following Steve Yzerman (19 years, 174 days on Oct. 30, 1984) and Gordie Howe (20 years, 350 days on March 16, 1949) … Dylan Larkin tallied a power play goal and an assist for his 17th multi-point game of the campaign … Larkin’s goal was his 32nd of the season, matching his career high which was set in 2018-19 … Larkin has registered 10 points (6-4-10) in his last six games, and 21 points (10-11-21) in 18 contests since he signed an eight-year contract extension on March 1 … Larkin extended his team lead in goals (32), assists (46), points (78), power play goals (16), power play points (31) and shots (236) through 77 games … Larkin became the first Red Wings skater to score 16 power play goals in a single season since Henrik Zetterberg did so in 2007-08 … Larkin also became the first Detroit skater to record more than 30 power play points in a single season since Nicklas Lidström (39) in 2010-11 … Jonatan Berggren logged a goal and an assist for his second career multi-point game … Berggren extended his point streak to three-straight games (2-2-4 in 3 GP) … Moritz Seider, who celebrated his 22nd birthday, had two assists for his ninth multi-point game of the campaign … Seider has collected seven assists in his last six games … Austin Czarnik put Detroit on the board with his third goal of the season … Chiasson scored on the power play for his sixth goal of the season … Seven of Chiasson’s nine points this season have come on the power play … The Red Wings are 7-for-14 (50.0%) on the man advantage since March 28 vs. Pittsburgh … Detroit is 11-1-1 this season when netting multiple power play goals … Simon Edvinsson made it a 4-4 contest with his second goal of the season … Chiasson and Edvinsson’s goals were scored 48 seconds apart.

NHL Preview: Carolina Hurricanes (50-19-9) at Buffalo Sabres (38-32-7)

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NHL Preview: Carolina Hurricanes (50-19-9) at Buffalo Sabres (38-32-7)

CAROLINA HURRICANES NOTES:

LAST GAME
The Hurricanes suffered a 3-0 loss against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena on Thursday, ending their win streak at three games. Brent Burns led the team with 22:56 of ice time and seven shots on goal, while Frederik Andersen stopped 20 of 22 shots faced in net.

INJURY REPORT
Jake Gardiner, upper-body, missed 78 games (10/12-4/6)
Ondrej Kase, concussion, missed 77 games (10/14-4/6)
Max Pacioretty, torn Achilles, missed 33 games (1/21-4/6)
Andrei Svechnikov, knee, missed 14 games (3/12-4/6)
2022-23 Man-Games Lost Due to Injury: 317

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
March 29 Reassigned Pyotr Kochetkov to Chicago (AHL)

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT TIME TV RADIO
April 8 at Buffalo 12:30 p.m. BSSO HRN
April 10 at Ottawa 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
April 11 Detroit 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
April 13 at Florida 7 p.m. BSSO HRN

  • All times are Eastern | BSSO = Bally Sports South | HRN = Hurricanes Radio Network

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
DATE DAY LOCATION TIME
April 8 Saturday No morning skate
April 9 Sunday Canadian Tire Centre 1 p.m.
April 10 Monday Canadian Tire Centre 11:30 a.m.
April 11 Tuesday No morning skate
April 12 Wednesday PNC Arena 12 p.m.

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

HURRICANES vs. SABRES SERIES NOTES
— Carolina is facing Buffalo in the third and final meeting between the teams during the 2022-23 season.

— The Hurricanes and Sabres are meeting for the 211th time in their regular-season histories. Carolina holds an 89-97-18-6 overall record, including a 38-55-7-4 road record and a 43-33-2-6 record since relocation.

— Carolina leads the season series 2-0-0 in 2022-23 (Buffalo: 0-2-0), and the Hurricanes are 14-1-0 in their last 15 matchups with Buffalo dating back to 12/17/16.

— The Hurricanes earned a 5-3 win over the Sabres at PNC Arena on 11/4. Sebastian Aho (3g, 1a) scored his first hat trick of the season, and Martin Necas added three points (1g, 2a) as Antti Raanta made 22 saves in net.

— Carolina posted a 5-1 win over Buffalo at KeyBank Center on 2/1. Jalen Chatfield (2a), Jesperi Kotkaniemi (2a) and Stefan Noesen (1g, 1a) each tallied two points, while Antti Ranta stopped 29 of 30 shots faced in net.

— Sebastian Aho has tallied 23 points (12g, 11a) in 15 career regular-season games against the Sabres.

— Teuvo Teravainen has recorded 19 points (6g, 13a) in 18 career regular-season games against Buffalo.

— Brett Pesce is a native of Tarrytown, N.Y., and ranks seventh all-time in points among NHL defensemen born in New York. He has earned nine assists in 17 career regular-season games against the Sabres.

— Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams skated in 300 games with the Hurricanes from 2002-07, posting 72 points (38g, 34a) and helping the franchise capture its first Stanley Cup in 2006. Acquired from FLA along with Bret Hedican and Tomas Malec for Sandis Ozolinsh and Byron Ritchie on 1/16/02, Adams was traded to PHX for Dennis Seidenberg on 1/8/07.

— Buffalo Assistant Coach Mike Bales spent two seasons as Carolina’s goaltending coach from 2017-19.

— Jeff Skinner tallied 379 points (204g, 175a) in 579 career games with Carolina from 2010-18, and he ranks tied for second in goals, fifth in points and sixth in games played in team history (since relocation). Skinner was drafted seventh overall by Carolina in the 2010 NHL Draft and won the Calder Trophy in 2010-11 after posting 63 points (31g, 32a) in 82 games during his rookie season. He was traded to Buffalo in exchange for Cliff Pu, a second-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft (Pyotr Kochetkov), a third-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft (Alexander Nikishin) and a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft (Yauheni Aksiantsiuk) on 8/2/18.

— Riley Stillman’s father, Cory, skated in 191 games with the Hurricanes (2005-08, 2011), posting 165 points (52g, 113a). He also ranked second on the team with 26 points (9g, 17a) in 25 playoff games in 2006 to help the franchise capture its first Stanley Cup, scoring the series-clinching overtime goal at MTL in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals.

BUFFALO SABRES NOTES:

LAST GAME
Thursday, April 6
Buffalo 7 at Detroit 6 (SO)
Goals: Cozens (2), Thompson, Jokiharju, Girgensons, Greenway
Goalie: Levi (26 saves/32 shots)
PP: 1/3; PK: 1/3; Shots: Buffalo 36 – Detroit 32

CURRENT INJURIES – (Man Games Lost: 144)
Player (injury, first game missed) – total games missed
Craig Anderson (upper body, March 31) – 4 games

TRANSACTIONS IN PAST SEVEN DAYS
N/A

UPCOMING GAMES
Monday, April 10: Buffalo at NY Rangers, 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, April 11: Buffalo at New Jersey, 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 13: Ottawa at Buffalo, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, April 14: Buffalo at Columbus, 7:30 p.m.

TODAY’S GAME
HURRICANES AT SABRES
• This is the third and final meeting between the Sabres and Hurricanes this season.
• Last meeting: Carolina defeated Buffalo 5-1 in Buffalo on Feb.1.
• The Sabres are 1-7-2 in their last 10 games against Carolina; 4-3-3 at home.
• This is the 211th game all-time between Buffalo and Carolina; Buffalo has a 103-79-28 series record.
• The Sabres are 59-34-11 at home against the Hurricanes all-time.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
• Tage Thompson has recorded 42 points (19+23) in his last 41 games, including 23 points (10+13) in his last 22 games.
• A point in tonight’s game would give Thompson a three-game point streak.
• Alex Tuch has notched 18 points (11+7) in his last 17 games, including eight points (5+3) in his last seven games.
• In his last six games, Casey Mittelstadt has recorded nine points (0+9).
• Dylan Cozens has five points (3+2) in his last four games and a point in tonight’s game would give him a three-game point streak.
• Cozens would earn his third three-game goal streak of 2022-23 with a goal tonight.
• Rasmus Dahlin is riding a four-game point streak (0+4) and an assist in tonight’s game would give him his third assist streak of five or more games in 2022-23.
• With one point in tonight’s game, Dahlin would join Phil Housley as the only defensemen in franchise history to reach the 70-point mark in a single season.
• Owen Power has earned six assists in his last five games.
• Power is the first Sabres rookie defenseman to record six or more assists in a five-game span since Nikita Zadorov did so from Jan. 18 to Feb. 8, 2015.
With two assists in tonight’s game, Power would become the first Sabres rookie defenseman to record eight or more assists in a six-game span.
• In his last four games, Jordan Greenway has registered three goals.

NBA Preview: Portland Trail Blazers (33-47) at Los Angeles Clippers (42-38)

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NBA Preview: Portland Trail Blazers (33-47) at Los Angeles Clippers (42-38)

When they take on the falling Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, the Los Angeles Clippers hope to secure their place in the NBA playoffs.

Los Angeles (42-38) has the potential to finish as high as the fifth seed if they win their final two games, which they will do against Phoenix on Sunday afternoon, but they also have the potential to fall as low as ninth.

The Clippers scored a huge triumph their last break, finishing a two-game skid Wednesday by beating the Lakers 125-118. Ivica Zubac had a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds, and Norman Powell scored 27 points off the bench. Kawhi Leonard had 25 points.

That gave them an advantage over the Lakers and Pelicans in their attempt to avoid the play-in tournament and earn a top-six seed.

Since March 23, Los Angeles has been without Paul George, who averaged 23.8 points per game, which is a team-high.

In a loss to New Orleans last week, Leonard, the Clippers’ second-leading scorer with 23.7 points per game, scored 40 points and grabbed eight rebounds. He scored 24 points in the Clippers’ 117-102 victory over Portland on March 19 in Los Angeles.

Damian Lillard, a star guard for the Blazers, made his final appearance on that night. Lillard has been out of the game since the March 22 game, when he scored 21 points on 4-of-17 shooting and had nine assists.

Portland (33-47) has utilized a youthful setup lately since missing being wiped out from the end of the season games, Thursday beginning a quintet of John Steward, Jeenathan Williams, Drew Eubanks, Skylar Mays and Trendon Watford in a 129-127 misfortune at San Antonio.

Eubanks scored 23 focuses, while Kevin Knox fell off the seat for a season-high 24 focuses.

Portland ran with Shaquille Harrison (10 points and nine assists off the bench) and Mays (11 points) in Lillard’s point guard position.

Since March 19, the Blazers have also been without Anfernee Simons, who averaged 21.1 points per game. His most recent appearance was in Portland’s loss to the Clippers, where he scored 16 points.

Los Angeles can finish a season clear with a success in Saturday’s early show. In addition to their victory on March 19, Powell scored 32 points—his season high—in the Clippers’ 118-112 victory on November 29.

The Clippers will travel to Phoenix on Sunday to play a possible preview of their playoff series in the first round. Early in the week, the Suns won the fourth seed.

NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40) at San Antonio Spurs (21-59)

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NBA Preview: Minnesota Timberwolves (40-40) at San Antonio Spurs (21-59)

The Minnesota Timberwolves now have the edge they need to make the postseason, but they still have a lot at stake when they play the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday afternoon in Austin, Texas.

The Timberwolves (40-40) are in ninth place in the Western Conference after two regular-season games, putting them in the running for the play-in tournament.

The Timberwolves would not fall below the ninth seed even if they lose their last two games, but they still have a chance to rise in the seedings if they win and other results favor them.

Minnesota has been off since Tuesday, when they procured a key 107-102 street prevail upon the Brooklyn Nets. After Saturday’s down, the Timberwolves will fly home for a Sunday evening season-finishing game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Karl-Anthony Towns had 22 points, including two late-game free throws that broke a tie and brought the Timberwolves’ three-game losing streak to an end. Anthony Edwards had a team-high 23 points against Brooklyn.

Towns returned from a game against Portland in which he made just three shots and the Timberwolves lost with 14 rebounds.

After a strong final quarter in their 129-127 victory over Portland on Thursday, the Spurs return to their home away from home for the second game of a two-game set in Austin. San Antonio won thanks to 25 points from Keita Bates-Diop, 10 of which came in the game-clinching final quarter.

The Spurs remained one game ahead of the Houston Rockets, who are currently in last place, with their second victory in three games.

The Spurs (21-59) were led by Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie, who each scored 24 points. Zach Collins had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Tre Jones had 18 points and 10 assists.

The team’s G-League franchise’s home, Moody Center in Austin, was the venue for their first NBA game on Thursday.

The Spurs followed by nine preceding a 13-0 run keyed by Bates-Diop’s consecutive 3-pointers pivoted the game. A record-breaking 16,023 people attended the game, which was sold out for a team that typically plays 80 miles away.

The Spurs were able to hold on thanks to 18 offensive rebounds and a season-high 33 second-chance points.

This season, San Antonio has won two of the three games it has played against the Timberwolves, but all three of those games were in October.

NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (52-28) at Utah Jazz (36-44)

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NBA Preview: Denver Nuggets (52-28) at Utah Jazz (36-44)

The Utah Jazz and Denver Nuggets were barely recognizable in their most recent games.

The Nuggets (52-28), who suffered a 119-115 defeat at Phoenix on Thursday, did not field a single starter.

The No. 1 seed was already theirs for the Western Conference, so the group gave debilitated Nikola Jokic (calf), Aaron Gordon (shoulder), Michael Watchman Jr. (heel), Jamal Murray (thumb) and Kentavioius Caldwell-Pope (disease) the night off against the Suns.

In Utah, on the other hand, the Jazz (36-44) were eliminated from contention for the postseason in their 114-98 home defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder with a slew of injured players.

Talen Horton-Tucker (ankle), Jordan Clarkson (finger), Walker Kessler (concussion), and Lauri Markkanen (hand) were not able to play. After returning from an extended absence for one game earlier in the week, reserve Rudy Gay (back) was also out. Collin Sexton (hamstring) sat.

It’s not clear who will play in the Utah-Denver game on Saturday afternoon in Salt Lake City because there is nothing at stake. This is especially true when you consider that the Nuggets could use some rest more than a win and that the Jazz could improve their draft position with a loss.

In the game against Phoenix, Bruce Brown scored 31 points, beating out the depleted Denver team. Reggie Jackson added 20 points, and DeAndre Jordan scored 12 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

The Nuggets pushed the Suns and were neck and neck until Chris Paul hit his seventh 3-pointer of his career with a few minutes left to gain some separation, even without their starters.

After Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert were traded in the offseason, the Jazz, who have frequently played with a rotating lineup, performed admirably against the hungry Thunder. After reversing a 16-point deficit in the first half, Utah simply did not have enough in the final quarter.

With two games remaining in the regular season, that put an end to the team’s unlikely bid for the postseason.

After Oklahoma City regained its significant lead in the fourth quarter, the biggest question for the Jazz in the final minutes was whether or not Kelly Olynyk would record the team’s first regular-season triple-double since Carlos Boozer did so in 2008.

With a few minutes remaining, Olynyk left the game with 16 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists.

NHL Morning Skate – April 8, 2023

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NHL Morning Skate – April 8, 2023

* Saturday will feature the first-ever 16-game day in NHL history – all 32 teams will be in action with the first puck drop set for 12:30 p.m. ET when the Hurricanes visit the Sabres, kicking off what will end up being over 12 hours of hockey played over the course of the day.


* A tripleheader broadcast nationally on ABC and ESPN+ will be home to three crucial games on the final Saturday of the regular season with the Penguins aiming to regain a Wild Card position, the Golden Knights vying for their third Pacific Division title and the Bruins with the opportunity to make NHL history.

* The battle for Wild Card positioning wages on: with only three spots in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs remaining, six teams all within one point of each other – three from each conference – will take to the ice in the hunt for weighty points.
 

GOING ALL IN FOR A 16-GAME SATURDAY

For the first time ever, the NHL will see a 16-game day contested as all 32 teams take to the ice Saturday. With Saturday officially marking the final week of the 2022-23 regular season, there are a number of major storylines on display with the Rush to the Playoffs in full speed and division titles on the line.

ABC TRIPLEHEADER FEATURES THREE CRUCIAL GAMES ON FINAL SATURDAY OF 2022-23
A tripleheader on ABC and ESPN+ features three crucial games, starting with the Penguins who are in the fight for one of the Eastern Conference Wild Card spots, followed by the Golden Knights with the ability to clinch the Pacific Division title and concluding with the League-leading Bruins who have the opportunity to tie an NHL record for most wins in a season.
 
* The Penguins (39-30-10, 88 points), who currently sit one point outside of a Wild Card spot, will visit the Red Wings (35-33-10, 80 points) for their third and final game of their season series (PIT: 0-1-1; DET: 2-0-0). Sidney Crosby (31-57-88 in 79 GP) enters two points shy of the 90-point mark, a plateau he has achieved six times in his career – only two players in franchise history have done so as many times: Mario Lemieux (11) and Jaromir Jagr (8).

* The Golden Knights (49-22-8, 106 points) visit the Stars (43-21-14, 100 points) and can capture the franchise’s third Pacific Division title should they defeat Dallas in any fashion and Edmonton lose to San Jose in regulation. Vegas, which captured its first division title during the franchise’s inaugural season (2017-18) and its second in 2019-20, can become the second franchise to win at least three division titles in its first six seasons (since 1974-75 when division titles were introduced). The only other team to do so was Edmonton (4; 1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84 & 1984-85).
 

* The Bruins (61-12-5, 127 points) will have the opportunity to tie the 2018-19 Lightning and the 1995-96 Red Wings for the most wins by a team in a single season in NHL history when they welcome the Devils (50-21-8, 108 points) to TD Garden. Boston owns a 32-4-3 record on home ice in 2022-23 and has two such contests remaining – should the club win both, they would be one of four teams in NHL history with 34-plus victories at home in a campaign. To date, the only teams to achieve the feat are the 1995-96 Red Wings (36), 1975-76 Flyers (36) and 2021-22 Panthers (34).


WILD CARD RACES CONTINUE WITH THE RUSH TO THE PLAYOFFS

With only three positions in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs remaining, a crucial Wild Card race continues – both seeds are still available in the East and three of the teams battling for the positions are within one point of each other, while in the West three clubs are also within one point with a single spot left.

* All three teams in the race for the Eastern Conference Wild Card spots are coming off wins Thursday, including the Panthers who defeated the Senators with the help of a 56-save performance by goaltender Alex Lyon. Lyon enters Saturday having won each of his previous five outings – he can become the first Florida goaltender to record a win streak of six games in his first season with the club.

* Ilya Sorokin (29-21-7) can reach the 30-win mark when the Islanders host the Flyers at UBS Arena as they aim to either capture the first Wild Card position in the East or maintain their edge over the final spot. Sorokin can become the fifth goaltender in Islanders history to hit 30 wins in a season – a feat only Rick DiPietro (32 in 2006-07 & 30 in 2005-06), Jaroslav Halak (38 in 2014-15), Billy Smith (32 in 1981-82) and Chris Osgood (32 in 2001-02) have accomplished to date.
 


* Kyle Connor and the Jets are set to take on the Predators – who enter Saturday one point back of Winnipeg – in a pivotal contest that sees the final Wild Card spot up for grabs. Connor (31-48—79 in 78 GP), who has a goal in three consecutive games, is one point shy of becoming the fifth player in Jets/Thrashers history to record multiple 80-point seasons – he would join Ilya Kovalchuk (4x) Marian Hossa (2x), Blake Wheeler (2x) and Mark Scheifele (2x).

* Across the rink, Nashville forward Tommy Novak has found the score sheet in each of his first three career games against Winnipeg (0-5—5) and enters Saturday with the most points by a Predators player since the calendar turned to 2023 with 15-22—37 (41 GP). The next closest player is Roman Josi (10-21—31 in 32 GP).

* The Flames – who are tied with the Jets in terms of standing points – will look to pick up a win against the Canucks when they visit Rogers Arena. Tyler Toffoli, who scored twice in Calgary’s previous matchup against Vancouver on March 31, has the most goals and points against the Canucks among all current Flames players with 23-15—38 (43 GP).

ACROSS THE LEAGUE: TRENDS TO WATCH OUT FOR

* There have been five days in NHL history that have featured 100-plus goals scored (including shootout-deciding goals): 104 on April 29, 2022, 103 on Jan. 23, 1993, 102 on April 16, 2022, 102 on Nov. 16, 2019 and 100 on Oct. 15, 2022.

* The most hat tricks scored on a single day is seven (Jan. 18, 1984) and there have been six days in NHL history to feature five-plus (6 on Dec. 22, 1917; 5 on April 1, 2023, March 18, 1989, Jan. 18, 1922 & Jan. 10, 1920).

* Brayden Point (48-42—90 in 79 GP) enters two goals shy of his first 50-goal season and can become the fifth player in 2022-23 to reach the plateau – he would join Connor McDavid (62), David Pastrnak (57), Mikko Rantanen (52) and Leon Draisaitl (51). There have been four seasons in the past 30 years to feature five-plus 50-goal scorers: 1992-93 (14), 1993-94 (9), 1995-96 (8) and 2005-06 (5).

* Three players enter Saturday two points shy of the 100-point mark: Elias Pettersson (37-61—98 in 76 GP), Rantanen (52-46—98 in 77 GP) and Erik Karlsson (23-75—98 in 78 GP). With eight players already having reached the plateau this season, the trio would bring 2022-23’s total to 11 – there have been 10 campaigns in NHL history to feature as many 100-point scorers and just four in the past 35 years: 1992-93 (21), 1989-90 (13), 1995-96 (12) and 1987-88 (12).

FULL TUNE-IN INFORMATION FOR SATURDAY’S SLATE

The full tune-in information for Saturday’s busy slate – which will feature 16 games played over the course of more than 12 hours – can be found below. More storylines, including multiple teams with the opportunity to secure home ice in the 2023 First Round can be found in Saturday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates.


NHL PODCAST WEEKLY ROUNDUP

* NHL Fantasy (April 3): Top pickups for fantasy championship weeks
* NHL @ The Rink (April 5): Robitaille joins; Wild Card races, Oilers support, Wild goalie dilemma
* The Chirp with Daren Millard (April 6): Stoll joins; Kopitar for Selke, Eichel poised, Playoff races
* NHL Fantasy (April 6): Early keeper / dynasty league preview for 2023-24

QUICK CLICKS

*Luke Mittelstadt hoping to add NCAA championship to 2023 NHL Draft resume
* O’Ree finalist spotlight: Derek Klein
* Penguins welcomed Make-A-Wish fan all the way from Norway

* All 32 NHL teams on ice for 1st time recalls similar scene in 1967
* Teemu Selanne celebrates Mikko Rantanen‘s 50th goal with throwback picture

MLS Preview: Minnesota United FC (3-0-2) at Chicago Fire (1-1-3)

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MLS Preview: Minnesota United FC (3-0-2) at Chicago Fire (1-1-3)

Only one of Minnesota United FC’s five matches against the Chicago Fire has resulted in a defeat (W3 D1), and that defeat came in May 2019, when Minnesota United FC lost 2-0. Minnesota United FC has scored the last five goals in the series, coming back from a 2-0 deficit to win 3-0 in April 2022 after drawing 2-2.

The Chicago Fire and D. C. United shared a 0-0 draw, their third of the season (W1 L1) and third in three home games. The Chicago Fire have played eight scoreless draws starting from the beginning of last season, most in the MLS in that time, while Minnesota Joined FC is one of two groups (Austin FC) that hasn’t played one (barring St. Louis City SC).

This season, Minnesota United FC has won one of its first three matches on the road, matching the club’s longest road winning streak (June-July 2022). In the post-shootout era (since 2000), only the New York Red Bulls have won their first five road games (5 in a row) in a season.

In six career games against the Loons, Kei Karmara, who played for Minnesota United FC in 2020, has scored four goals. The greater part (72) of Kamara’s 140 MLS objectives have been scored against groups he played for at one point in his profession.

Despite receiving 15.4 shots per game, which ranks third in the MLS, Minnesota United FC has allowed three goals this season. Minnesota United FC’s opponents have only hit the target on a league-low 20.8 percent of their attempts and scored on just 3.9 percent of those attempts, which ranks second in MLS behind Nashville SC’s 2.9 percent.

MLS Preview: Atlanta United FC (4-1-1) at New York City FC (2-2-2)

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MLS Preview: Atlanta United FC (4-1-1) at New York City FC (2-2-2)

Atlanta United FC is New York City FC’s only opponent in its last six games (W4, D2, playoffs included). The New York Red Bulls were the only MLS team with a longer streak of consecutive victories against Atlanta United FC (9 in a row), which Atlanta United FC ended last Saturday with a 1-0 victory.

While New York City FC is winless on the road (D2 L2), it has won both of its home games this season and has won six consecutive home games in all competitions since the lack season. In all competitions, New York City FC has only one longer home winning streak: a seven-game stretch from November 2017 to June 2018.

Atlanta Joined FC has risen to the best beginning in fledgling history with 13 focuses through six matches, tying its complete through the first matches of its MLS Cup winning 2018 season. Atlanta United has scored in 17 of its last 18 games, making it one of four teams this season (Columbus Crew SC, Minnesota United FC, and Vancouver Whitecaps FC) to do so.

Talles Magno’s balancer against the New Britain Insurgency on Saturday was his second objective of the year and the fourth by a Brazilian for New York City FC. Barring own objectives, 48 of New York City FC’s last 49 MLS objectives (counting end of the season games) have been scored by South Americans, with 28 of them being scored by Brazilians.

In his first two MLS starts, Girogos Giakoumakis has scored, including the lone goal in Saturday’s Atlanta United FC victory over the New York Red Bulls. In Atlanta United FC’s MLS history, Giakoumakis is the first player to score in both of his first two starts.

MLS Preview: San Jose Earthquake (3-2-1) at New York Red Bulls (1-2-3)

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MLS Preview: San Jose Earthquake (3-2-1) at New York Red Bulls (1-2-3)

The longest winning streak in the series is the New York Red Bulls’ four-match winning streak against the San Jose Earthquakes. The longest such streak in club history against a single opponent during regular season play has seen New York score at least three goals in each of its four games.

Despite only allowing five goals in six games this season, the New York Red Bulls have scored six points. Only Seattle Sounders FC in 2013 (5 points on 5 goals conceded) had fewer points while conceding five or fewer goals after six matches in the post-shootout era (since 2000).

This season, the San Jose Earthquakes have won three of their first six games, including Saturday’s 2-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo FC. You need to return to the 2012 Ally’s Safeguard winning season to figure out the last opportunity San Jose won four of its initial seven matches of a season (won 5 of initial 7 that year).

Despite limiting Atlanta United FC to just eight shot attempts, the New York Red Bulls were defeated by the Five Stripes on Saturday. New York has confronted a MLS-low 41 shots this season, rising to the least after six rounds of a season beginning around 2010 (Los Angeles System – 41 shots looked after six games in 2013).

This season, Cristian Espinoza contributed to a team-high 21 MLS chances. In five of his six matches this season, he has created at least three chances for teammates, more than any other MLS player.

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