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NHL Morning Skate – Jan. 3, 2023

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate – Jan. 3, 2023

* Playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 39,243 fans at the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic, the Bruins staged a third-period comeback – and narrowly avoided what could have been a last-second tying goal by the Penguins – to claim their second victory at historic Fenway Park.

* The NHL announced that the Kraken will host the Golden Knights in the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners.

* Steven Stamkos, Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews all can reach a “500” milestone during Tuesday’s 11-game slate.

DEJA VU AT FENWAY PARK: ANOTHER HOME RUN FOR THE BRUINS

The second Winter Classic at Fenway Park started much like the first one did in 2010, with Jeff Carter notching an assist on the opening goal for the visitors, and ended along the same lines as well, with the Bruins staging a late comeback win. After scoring a tying goal with 2:18 left on the clock at Fenway in 2010, Boston once again came through with a dramatic finish at the home of the Red Sox, this time with Jake DeBrusk netting both goals to complete the comeback.

* DeBrusk’s tally with 2:24 remaining in regulation was the fourth go-ahead game-winning goal scored in the final three minutes of the third period in NHL outdoor game history. With the 19th multi-goal performance in outdoor game history – and second by a Bruins player after the hat trick by David Pastrnak in the 2021 NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe – DeBrusk now has five goals in his past six games and is on pace for a career-high 36 tallies in 2022-23.

* The Bruins became the first team to stage a third-period comeback win in an outdoor game more than once, following their rally at Fenway Park 13 years ago. It also stood as the 100th third-period comeback win of the 2022-23 season and Boston’s fourth win outdoors (tied for the most all time). Check out Monday’s Live Updates for more #NHLStats on the Winter Classic.

FROM TD GARDEN TO FENWAY, THE BRUINS’ RUN CONTINUES

The Bruins improved to 19-0-3 as the home team in 2022-23. That marks the longest season-opening stretch of games with a point as the home team in franchise history – the Bruins posted a 19-0-2 run as hosts to begin the 1973-74 season, with all games played at Boston Garden.

* The list below details all season-opening home point streaks of 21+ games, including neutral site contests as the home club (Boston’s current stretch is the only one to include such a contest). It should be noted that home/road streaks on Records.NHL.com exclude neutral site games.

I WENT TO A BASEBALL GAME AND A HOCKEY GAME BROKE OUT…

Paying homage to the historic ties to baseball on both sides of the Winter Classic matchup, the Bruins and Penguins each arrived at Fenway Park in full kits inspired by the Boston Red Sox and Pittsburgh Pirates. Known for his flashy fashion, Bruins forward David Pastrnak impressed once again with a special edition stick and skates.

ORR DELIVERS “FIRST PITCH” TO VARITEK AT FENWAY

The NHL transformed the field for this year’s sold-out Winter Classic, paying tribute to baseball and highlighting the iconic Green Monster with both an NHL-regulation size rink constructed parallel to the famed left-field wall and an auxiliary rink in between, resembling a baseball diamond with dugouts and a faceoff circle at the pitcher’s mound.

* After ‘fist-bump kid’ Liam Fitzgerald welcomed the Bruins to the field, players lined up on the “Ice Diamond,” where a ceremonial puck drop – in the form of a first pitch – featured NHL legend Bobby Orr, former Red Sox captain Jason Varitek, longtime pitcher Tim Wakefield, as well as Bruins legends Zdeno Chara and Johnny Bucyk.

* Fans at Fenway Park also took in performances by GRAMMY Award-winning rock band The Black Keys, legendary R&B group Bell Biv DeVoeand renowned orchestra the Boston Pops, conducted by Keith Lockhart, and had a flyover from several F-15 jets from the 104th Fighter Wing of the Massachusetts Air National Guard.

* Bell Biv DeVoe then joined the Boston Pops on the orchestra stage for the singing of the U.S. national anthem, which also was interpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) as part of the NHL’s season-long partnership with P-X-P.

* The NHL’s 12th outdoor game at a baseball park also kept with tradition by putting a new spin on Red Sox staples like a crowd sing-along to “Sweet Caroline” and a hockey-themed edition of the seventh inning stretch featuring a rendition of “Take Me Out to the Hockey Game.” It even featured a fan catching a “foul puck” and saw Bruins netminder Linus Ullmark swing for the fences with an attempt at a goalie goal.

* ICYMI: This jaw-dropping drone tour of Fenway Park takes fans inside the locker rooms, around Pesky’s Pole and even inside the Green Monster during preparations ahead of the Winter Classic.

2024 WINTER CLASSIC HEADED TO SEATTLE, DISCOVER PARTNERSHIP EXTENDED

Commissioner Gary Bettman announced during the NHL on TNT pregame show that the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic will feature the NHL’s two newest franchises, the Kraken and Golden Knights, on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, at T-Mobile Park, home of the Seattle Mariners. The game will once again be broadcast exclusively on TNT in the U.S. and on Sportsnet and TVA Sports in Canada.

* At the moment, the Kraken are one of five NHL clubs that have yet to contest a regular-season outdoor game. The Hurricanes are among that group (also ARI, CBJ & FLA) but will host the 2023 Navy Federal Credit Union Stadium Series on Feb. 18, the League’s 37th outdoor contest.

* In addition, Discover Financial Services and the NHL announced a multiyear extension of their U.S. partnership that includes Discover maintaining its status as the Official Credit Card and Official Bank of the NHL in the U.S. Click here for more information.

* ICYMI: The Maher family, who drove their Enterprise rental car 2,900 miles from Phoenix to Boston after their flights to the Winter Classic were canceled, were recognized in-arena during the game and will receive tickets to the 2024 Winter Classic in Seattle.

STAMKOS, MCDAVID, MATTHEWS HAVE 500 ON THEIR MIND TUESDAY

A trio of the game’s biggest names will look to start the new year on a high note as Tampa Bay captain Steven Stamkos, Edmonton captain Connor McDavid and Toronto forward Auston Matthews each close in on a “500” milestone.

* Stamkos (498-515—1,013 in 957 GP) enters Tuesday two back of his 500th career goal. The Lightning captain would become the first player in franchise history to reach the milestone and just the third active player across the League, joining Alex Ovechkin (806) and Sidney Crosby (536). Ovechkin and Crosby are among a group of 22 players in League history with at least 500 goals with one franchise.

* McDavid (271-498—769 in 525 GP) is two away from his 500th career assist and can require the fifth-fewest games in NHL history to reach the milestone. Only four players in League history have hit the mark within their first 550 games: Wayne Gretzky (352 GP), Mario Lemieux (433 GP), Peter Stastny (507 GP) and Bobby Orr (522 GP). To date, the fastest active player to 500 assists is Crosby (554 GP).

* Matthews (277-222—499 in 444 GP) is one shy of his 500th career point and can become the fastest in franchise history to accumulate 500 NHL points – the current benchmark is held by Darryl Sittler who hit the milestone in his 517th career game. The fastest a player has recorded 500 points in a Toronto uniform (at any stage of their career) is 495 contests. Of note, Mitchell Marner (152-345—497 in 464 GP) is also nearing the milestone.

Forsberg, Karlsson and Raanta Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NHL Editor
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Forsberg, Karlsson and Raanta Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

NEW YORK – Nashville Predators left wing Filip Forsberg, San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson and Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta have been named the NHL’s “Three Stars” for the week ending Jan. 1.

FIRST STAR – FILIP FORSBERG, LW, NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Forsberg led the NHL in goals (5) and points (t-7) across three contests (5-2—7) to power the Predators (15-14-6, 36 points) to a 1-1-1 week. He scored once in a 3-2 loss to the Dallas Stars Dec. 27. Forsberg then registered back-to-back three-point performances, collecting 1-2—3 in a 6-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks Dec. 30 and potting his eighth career hat trick (including his 500th career point and the tying goal at 19:55 of the third period) in a 5-4 overtime loss to the Vegas Golden Knights Dec. 31. It marked the second time in Forsberg’s career (601 GP) that he has posted three points in consecutive team games, following a three-game run from Feb. 21-25, 2017 (7-2—9). The 28-year-old Forsberg, who established career highs in goals (42), assists (42) and points (84) in 2021-22, currently tops Nashville in both goals (14) and points (32) through 35 total appearances this season (14-18—32).

SECOND STAR – ERIK KARLSSON, D, SAN JOSE SHARKS

Karlsson paced the NHL with seven assists in four outings (0-7—7) to extend his assist/point streak to 13 games dating to Dec. 3 (2-19—21) and guide the Sharks (12-20-7, 31 points) to a 1-2-1 week. He collected two helpers in each of his first two contests, a 6-2 loss to the Vancouver Canucks Dec. 27 and a 4-3 overtime defeat versus the Philadelphia Flyers Dec. 29. Karlsson then added one assist in a 5-2 loss to the Dallas Stars Dec. 31 before closing the week with two more helpers in a 5-2 comeback win against the Chicago Blackhawks Jan. 1. The 32-year-old Karlsson, who now owns the longest point streak in San Jose history, became the sixth defenseman in League history with an assist streak of at least 13 contests. He shares first place in the NHL with 40 helpers in 39 total games this season while topping League blueliners in both goals (13) and points (53).

THIRD STAR – ANTTI RAANTA, G, CAROLINA HURRICANES

Raanta went 3-0-0 with a 1.30 goals-against average, .944 save percentage and two shutouts to backstop the Hurricanes (25-6-6, 56 points) to a perfect week as they extended their winning streak to 11 games and point streak to 17 contests (15-0-2) – both franchise records. He opened the week with consecutive shutouts, making 24 saves in a 3-0 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks Dec. 27 and turning aside 19 shots in a 4-0 triumph over the Florida Panthers Dec. 30. Raanta then recorded 24 saves – and denied all three shootout attempts – in a 5-4 victory against the New Jersey Devils Jan. 1 to match a career high with his sixth straight win dating to Dec. 17 (also March 19 – April 3, 2018 w/ ARI). The 33-year-old Raanta has appeared in 15 total games this season, going 10-2-2 with a 2.62 goals-against average, .897 save percentage and two shutouts.

NBA Preview: Sacramento Kings (19-16) at Utah Jazz (19-20)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Sacramento Kings (19-16) at Utah Jazz (19-20)

Two teams surprisingly in the Western Conference playoff chase when the calendar flipped to 2023 go head-to-head Tuesday night when the Sacramento Kings visit the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City.

The Kings improved upon their standing Friday when Kevin Huerter buried a go-ahead 3-pointer with 9.2 seconds left in an entertaining 126-125 home win over the Jazz in Sacramento.

The Kings haven’t been to the playoffs since 2006, but new coach Mike Brown noted afterward that his team’s hometown fans got a taste of what April could have in store if the team continues at its current pace.

The meeting was the first of four this season — two at each site — with the final two coming in late March with the postseason on the visible horizon.

The pairing features a head-to-head matchup between two of the league’s most productive big men, the Kings’ Domantas Sabonis and Jazz’s Lauri Markkanen.

Despite playing with a fractured right thumb, the left-handed Sabonis shot 12-for-12 and finished with 28 points in the win over Utah. He followed that with 18 points and 14 rebounds in a 118-108 loss at Memphis on Sunday, his 13th straight double-double.

He had 12 double-doubles in 13 games in December, tying Nikola Jokic for the NBA lead last month.

While Sabonis ranks among the league’s top interior forces, Markkanen has done much of his damage from the perimeter.

He hit 16 of his 24 shots on a 36-point night against the Kings. Among his 16 hoops was a 3-pointer, giving him at least one in 26 straight games, a run that reached 27 when he bombed in three more in Saturday’s 126-123 home loss to the Miami Heat.

The 7-footer totaled 49 threes in December, which tied for the eighth most in the NBA despite the fact that he missed three games.

The earlier meeting was far from a one-on-one duel.

The Kings not only got the difference-making hoop from Huerter but also a team-high 30 points, while De’Aaron Fox gave Sacramento a third player with 20 or more points and a second with a double-double with 24 points and 10 assists.

Jordan Clarkson backed Markkanen with 25 points for Utah, which lost the game from beyond the 3-point arc, where it made just 8 of 32 while the hosts went 12-for-30.

The Kings enter the rematch in the better form of the two teams, having won two of three. With Utah having lost four in a row, Sacramento has moved two games ahead in the Western standings.

The clubs will head in opposite directions after the meeting. Utah will travel to Houston to begin a three-game road trip on Thursday, while Sacramento will fly west to tip off a five-game homestand Wednesday against the Atlanta Hawks on the second night of a back-to-back.

NBA Preview: Boston Celtics (26-11) at Oklahoma City Thunder (15-21)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Boston Celtics (26-11) at Oklahoma City Thunder (15-21)

Two teams coming off lackluster performances will look to regroup Tuesday night when the visiting Boston Celtics take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Oklahoma City wrapped up the 2022 portion of its schedule with a 115-96 home loss to Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve. The Thunder shot 38 percent from the field (35 of 92), including 12-for-36 on 3-point attempts. Philadelphia never trailed and outscored Oklahoma City 66-42 in the paint.

The Thunder trailed by 33 in the first half and never sliced their deficit below 14 points after that.

Boston had its four-game winning streak end with Sunday night’s 123-111 loss at Denver. Jaylen Brown (30 points) and Jayson Tatum (25) did much of the scoring for Boston, which trailed by double digits for most of the contest.

The Celtics’ defense allowed the Nuggets to shoot 57 percent from the floor (45-for-79) and 56.7 percent from 3-point range (17-for-30).

Unlike Denver, Boston struggled from 3-point range in the loss. The Celtics missed 24 of their 33 attempts from distance. Boston shot 46 percent from the field overall (40 of 87).

The Celtics have failed to shoot better than 35 percent from 3-point range in six of their last eight contests and have shot below 30 percent from behind the arc in five of those games.

Oklahoma City entered its game against Philadelphia having scored at least 100 points in 26 consecutive games. Josh Giddey (20 points) was the Thunder’s leading scorer in the loss.

NBA Preview: Washington Wizards (17-21) at Milwaukee Bucks (23-13)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Washington Wizards (17-21) at Milwaukee Bucks (23-13)

The Washington Wizards can claim their sixth consecutive win and second against the host Milwaukee Bucks in three days when the two teams meet again on Tuesday.

Washington extended its ongoing run to five games and six of the last seven on Sunday with a 118-95 rout in Milwaukee.

The Wizards were without Bradley Beal, who missed his third consecutive game with a hamstring injury, but successfully capitalized on the Bucks playing without two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Washington attacked the interior with Kristaps Porzingis going for 22 points and Rui Hachimura delivering 26 points off the bench.

Sunday marked Hachimura’s fifth consecutive double-figure-scoring effort since returning to the lineup, including his third game of 21 points or more. It bumped his average over the last six to 19 points per game.

Hachimura’s surge since coming back from a bone bruise on his ankle has added punch to a Wizards frontcourt that stars Porzingis, who is averaging 22.2 points per game, and Kyle Kuzma, who recorded a triple-double of 10 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the backcourt gained a boost with Delon Wright’s return. Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. praised Wright’s ability to create deflections as boosting the Wizards’ defense.

Wright made a steal on Sunday in his fifth game off the bench since returning from a nearly two-month absence. He has at least one takeaway in all but one game over the last five.

Beal is listed as questionable for Tuesday’s game. And while Washington is pulling together a more complete roster in recent weeks, Milwaukee is dealing with uncertainty in its own lineup.

Along with Antetokounmpo, the Bucks were also without Khris Middleton, George Hill and Jrue Holiday in Sunday’s loss.

Despite the loss, Sunday was another notable night for Portis. The Milwaukee forward finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds for his 21st double-double of the season. That ties teammate Antetokounmpo for third-most in the NBA.

Portis, a former Wizard, made the start on Sunday due to the absences up and down Milwaukee’s roster, but he has been one of the NBA’s top contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year Award early on in the season.

Portis is averaging 14 points per game, just shy of a career high, and a career-best 10.1 rebounds per game. When both are in the lineup, he complements Antetokounmpo on the inside.

Antetokounmpo’s 32.1 points per game represent a career-high and rank third in the league behind Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid. He scored 43 points his last time out, which was also Milwaukee’s sole win in the last six games, a 123-114 defeat last Friday of Minnesota.

NFL Announces Week 18 Schedule

NFL Editor
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NFL Announces Week 18 Schedule

WEEK 18 SCHEDULE:

SATURDAY DOUBLEHEADER: KANSAS CITY-LAS VEGAS, TENNESSEE-JACKSONVILLE ON ESPN/ABC

#GAME272: DETROIT-GREEN BAY ON SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ON NBC 

The NFL announced today the Week 18 schedule for Saturday and Sunday, January 7-8.

The regular season will conclude with #Game272, Detroit at Green Bay on Sunday Night Football on NBC.

The Week 18 Baltimore-Cincinnati game will be played on Sunday at either 1 pm ET or 4:25 pm ET, depending on the result of tonight’s Buffalo-Cincinnati game. If Buffalo wins, the game will be played at 4:25 p.m. ET. If Cincinnati wins, it will be played at 1 p.m. ET.

The Week 18 schedule (all times ET):

    Saturday, January 7, 2023

Kansas City at Las VegasESPN/ABC4:30
Tennessee at JacksonvilleESPN/ABC8:15
 
Sunday, January 8, 2023
Tampa Bay at AtlantaFOX1:00
New England at BuffaloCBS1:00
 Minnesota at ChicagoFOX1:00
 Houston at IndianapolisCBS1:00
 New York Jets at MiamiFOX1:00
 Carolina at New OrleansFOX1:00
 Cleveland at PittsburghCBS1:00
 Baltimore at CincinnatiCBS1:00 or 4:25
 Los Angeles Chargers at DenverCBS4:25
 New York Giants at PhiladelphiaCBS4:25
 Arizona at San FranciscoFOX4:25
 Los Angeles Rams at SeattleFOX4:25
 Dallas at WashingtonFOX4:25
Detroit at Green BayNBC8:20

NFL Transactions 1-2-23

NFL Editor
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NFL Transactions 1-2-23

The following are the NFL transactions for Monday, January 2. 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


TERMINATIONS VIA WAIVER SYSTEM

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
    Michel, SonyRBGeorgia   

LOS ANGELES RAMS
    Evans, BobbyGOklahoma   

NEW YORK GIANTS
    Sills, DavidWRWest Virginia   

TENNESSEE
    Okuayinonu, SamDEMaryland   
    Reid, JohnDBPenn State   

WASHINGTON
    Wise, DanielDEKansas   
 


ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS


ACTIVATIONS

BUFFALO
    Anderson, AlecTUCLA   
         From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)
    Beasley, ColeWRSouthern Methodist   
         From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)
CINCINNATI
    Browning, JakeQBWashington   
         From Practice Squad (Standard Elevation)
 

FREE AGENT SIGNINGS

CINCINNATI
    George, AllanDBVanderbilt   
         From Cincinnati Practice Squad

TENNESSEE
    Brown, MikeDBMiami, O.   
         From Cleveland Practice Squad
RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS

CAROLINA
    Horn, JayceeDBSouth Carolina   
         Reserve/Injured

TENNESSEE
    Adams, AndrewDBConnecticut   
         Reserve/Injured



PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS


ADDITIONS

JACKSONVILLE
    Charlton, TacoDEMichigan   
         Veteran

TENNESSEE
    Meadors, NateDBUCLA   


REVERSIONS FROM ACTIVE/INACTIVE LIST

ARIZONA
    Bradley, HunterLSMississippi State   
    Thomas, JoshDBAppalachian State   

ATLANTA
    Ali, JoshWRKentucky   

BALTIMORE
    Isabella, AndyWRMassachusetts   
    Nichols, RayshadDTStephen F. Austin   

CAROLINA
    Norman, JoshDBCoastal Carolina   
    Tecklenburg, SamCBaylor   

CHICAGO
    Gates, DeMarquisLBMississippi   
    Stroman, GregDBVirginia Tech   

CLEVELAND
    Kelly, JohnRBTennessee   
    Perry, RoderickDTIllinois   

DENVER
    Ray, WyattDEBoston College   
    Wilborn, RayLBBall State   

DETROIT
    Breeze, BradyDBOregon   

GREEN BAY
    Ahmed, RamizKNevada   
    Goodson, TylerRBIowa   

INDIANAPOLIS
    Coutee, KekeWRTexas Tech   
    Olubi, SegunLBSan Diego State   

JACKSONVILLE
    Cronk, CoyTIowa   

LAS VEGAS
    Brown, IsiahDBFlorida International   
    Gutierrez, SebastianTMinot State   

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
    Moa, DavidDTBoise State   
    Rountree, LarryRBMissouri   

LOS ANGELES RAMS
    Pinkney, JaredTEVanderbilt   

MIAMI
    Bronson, JosiahDTWashington   
    Scarlett, BrennanLBStanford   

MINNESOTA
    Hinton, KyleGWashburn   
    Smith, T.J.DTArkansas   

NEW ENGLAND
    Mosely, QuandreDBKentucky   
    Sokol, MattTEMichigan State   

NEW ORLEANS
    Andrews, JoshGOregon State   
    Kirkwood, KeithWRTemple   

NEW YORK GIANTS
    Gilbert, ZyonDBFlorida Atlantic   
    Myarick, ChrisTETemple   

NEW YORK JETS
    Streveler, ChrisQBSouth Dakota   

PHILADELPHIA
    Kern, BrettPToledo   

PITTSBURGH
    Wren, RenellDTArizona State   

SAN FRANCISCO
    Martin, TayWROklahoma State   
    Turay, KemokoDERutgers   

SEATTLE
    Johnson, CadeWRSouth Dakota State   
    Mabry, TylerTEMaryland   

WASHINGTON
    Apke, TroyDBPenn State   
    Patterson, JaretRBBuffalo   


CONTRACT TERMINATED BY CLUB

ATLANTA
    Batson, CameronWRTexas Tech   


CONTRACTS TERMINATED BY PLAYER

CINCINNATI
    George, AllanDBVanderbilt   
         (Also see ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS)

CLEVELAND
    Brown, MikeDBMiami, O.   
         (Also see ACTIVE LIST ADDITIONS)



OTHER TRANSACTIONS/COMMENTS


DE-ACTIVATIONS (All are 1/1)

ARIZONA
    Allen, ZachDEBoston College   
    Coward, RashaadTOld Dominion   
    Dimukeje, VictorLBDuke   
    Hamilton, AntonioDBSouth Carolina State   
    Hopkins, DeAndreWRClemson   
    McCoy, ColtQBTexas   
    Wilson, MarcoDBFlorida   

ATLANTA
    Abernathy, MicahDBTennessee   
    Anenih, DavidLBHouston   
    Dickerson, MattDTUCLA   
    Fenton, RashadDBSouth Carolina   
    Franks, FeleipeTEArkansas   
    Wilkinson, ElijahTMassachusetts   

BALTIMORE
    Boyle, NickTEDelaware   
    Campbell, CalaisDEMiami   
    Colon, TrystanCMissouri   
    Drake, KenyanRBAlabama   
    Jackson, LamarQBLouisville   
    Ojabo, DavidLBMichigan   
    Peters, MarcusDBWashington   

CAROLINA
    Barno, AmareDEVirginia Tech   
    Burris, JustonDBNorth Carolina State   
    Coleman, LarnelTMassachusetts   
    Higgins, RashardWRColorado State   
    Horn, JayceeDBSouth Carolina   
         (Also see RESERVE LIST ADDITIONS)
    Tecklenburg, SamCBaylor   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)

CHICAGO
    Borders, BreonDBDuke   
    Boyle, TimQBEastern Kentucky   
    Carter, Ja’TyreTSouthern U.   
    Evans, DarryntonRBAppalachian State   
    Leatherwood, AlexTAlabama   
    Ojemudia, MichaelDBIowa   
    Weatherford, SterlingLBMiami, O.   

CLEVELAND
    Felton, DemetricRBUCLA   
    Graham, ThomasDBOregon   
    Hubbard, ChristopherTAlabama-Birmingham   
    Mond, KellenQBTexas A&M   
    Stille, BenDTNebraska   
    Thomas, IsaiahDEOklahoma   
    Togiai, TommyDTOhio State   
 DENVER
    Anderson, CalvinTTexas   
    Badie, TylerRBMissouri   
    Browning, BaronLBOhio State   
    Guarantano, JarrettQBWashington State   
    Jones, D.J.DTMississippi   
    Swain, FreddieWRFlorida   
    Washington, MontrellWRSamford   

DETROIT
    Awosika, KayodeTBuffalo   
    Brockers, MichaelDELouisiana State   
    Bryant, AustinLBClemson   
    Elliott, DeShonDBTexas   
    Jackson, JustinRBNorthwestern   
    Pierschbacher, RossCAlabama   

GREEN BAY
    Barnes, KrysLBUCLA   
    Ford, JonathanDTMiami   
    Goodson, TylerRBIowa   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
    Jean-Charles, ShemarDBAppalachian State   
    Jones, CalebTIndiana   
    Melton, BoWRRutgers   
    Walker, RasheedTPenn State   

HOUSTON
    Allen, KyleQBHouston   
    Booker, ThomasDTStanford   
    Francis, JacobiDBMemphis   
    Morrissey, JimmyCPittsburgh   
    Quitoriano, TeaganTEOregon State   

INDIANAPOLIS
    Dulin, AshtonWRMalone   
    French, WesleyCWestern Michigan   
    Granson, KylenTESouthern Methodist   
    Johnson, EricDTMissouri State   
    McGrone, CameronLBMichigan   
    Moore, KennyDBValdosta State   
    Ryan, MattQBBoston College   

JACKSONVILLE
    Brown, MontaricDBArkansas   
    Campbell, TevaughnDBRegina, Can.   
    Dixon, De’ShaanLBNorfolk State   
    Ledbetter, JeremiahDEArkansas   
    Pryor, KendricWRWisconsin   

KANSAS CITY
    Buechele, ShaneQBSouthern Methodist   
    Christian, GeronTLouisville   
    Herring, MalikDEGeorgia   
    Kaindoh, JoshuaDEFlorida State   
    Kinnard, DarianTKentucky   

LAS VEGAS
    Bower, TashawnDELouisiana State   
    Brown, IsiahDBFlorida International   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
    Butler, MatthewDTTennessee   
    Carr, DerekQBFresno State   
    Gutierrez, SebastianTMinot State   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
    Muti, NetaneGFresno State   
    White, ZamirRBGeorgia   

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
    Bandy, MichaelWRSan Diego   
    Davison, TyelerDTFresno State   
    Horvath, ZanderRBPurdue   
    James, DerwinDBFlorida State   
    Norton, StormTToledo   
    Spiller, IsaiahRBTexas A&M   
    Stick, EastonQBNorth Dakota State   

LOS ANGELES RAMS
    Allen, BrianCMichigan State   
    Donald, AaronDTPittsburgh   
    Howard, TravinLBTexas Christian   
    Jolly, ShaunDBAppalachian State   
    Skowronek, BenWRNotre Dame   
    Wolford, JohnQBWake Forest   
 MIAMI
    Armstead, TerronTArkansas-Pine Bluff   
    Chubb, BradleyLBNorth Carolina State   
    Conner, TannerWRIdaho State   
    Ezukanma, ErikWRTexas Tech   
    Fisher, EricTCentral Michigan   
    Howard, XavienDBBaylor   
    Tagovailoa, TuaQBAlabama   
 MINNESOTA
    Barnes, KalonDBBaylor   
    Blacklock, RossDTTexas Christian   
    Bradbury, GarrettCNorth Carolina State   
    Chandler, TyRBNorth Carolina   
    Lowe, VederianTIllinois   
    Lynch, JamesNTBaylor   
    Vilain, LuijiLBWake Forest   

NEW ENGLAND
    Harris, KevinRBSouth Carolina   
    Jones, MarcusDBHouston   
    Mills, JalenDBLouisiana State   
    Parker, DeVanteWRLouisville   
    Roberts, SamDTNorthwest Missouri State   
    Smith, JonnuTEFlorida International   
    Wade, ShaunDBOhio State   

NEW ORLEANS
    Callaway, MarquezWRTennessee   
    Evans, JustinDBTexas A&M   
    Hansen, ChaseLBUtah   
    Kpassagnon, TanohDEVillanova   
    Maye, MarcusDBFlorida   
    Peat, AndrusGStanford   
    Washington, DwayneRBWashington   

NEW YORK GIANTS
    Anderson, JackGTexas Tech   
    Belton, DaneDBIowa   
    Cager, LawrenceTEGeorgia   
    Davis, JarradLBFlorida   
    Davis, WyattGOhio State   
    Jackson, Adoree’DBSouthern California   
    Williams, RodariusDBOklahoma State   

NEW YORK JETS
    Curry, VinnyDEMarshall   
    Echols, BrandinDBKentucky   
    Herbig, NateGStanford   
    Robinson, JamesRBIllinois State   
    Ruckert, JeremyTEOhio State   
    Wilson, ZachQBBrigham Young   

PHILADELPHIA
    Hurts, JalenQBOklahoma   
    Johnson, LaneTOklahoma   
    Maddox, AvonteDBPittsburgh   
    Opeta, IosuaGWeber State   
    Robinson, JanariusDEFlorida State   
    Sermon, TreyRBOhio State   

PITTSBURGH
    Crowder, TaeLBGeorgia   
    Green, KendrickCIllinois   
    Marshall, JonathanDTArkansas   
    Norwood, TreDBOklahoma   
    Reed, MalikLBNevada   
    Rudolph, MasonQBOklahoma State   

SAN FRANCISCO
    Dwelley, RossTESan Diego   
    Garoppolo, JimmyQBEastern Illinois   
    Givens, KevinDTPenn State   
    Samuel, DeeboWRSouth Carolina   
    Spence, AkeemDTIllinois   
    Turay, KemokoDERutgers   
         (Also see PRACTICE SQUAD TRANSACTIONS)
    Zakelj, NickGFordham   

SEATTLE
    Burns, ArtieDBMiami   
    Hart, PennyWRGeorgia State   
    Homer, TravisRBMiami   
    Jones, ViLBNorth Carolina State   
    Lucas, AbrahamTWashington State   
    Mack, IsaiahNTChattanooga   
    Neal, RyanDBSouthern Illinois   

TAMPA BAY
    Brate, CameronTEHarvard   
    Davis, CarltonDBAuburn   
    Nassib, CarlLBPenn State   
    Perriman, BreshadWRCentral Florida   
    Trask, KyleQBFlorida   

WASHINGTON
    Charles, SaahdiqTLouisiana State   
    Curl, KamrenDBArkansas   
    Gibson, AntonioRBMemphis   
    Howell, SamQBNorth Carolina   
    Paul, ChrisGTulsa   
    Smith-Williams, JamesDENorth Carolina State   
    St-Juste, BenjaminDBMinnesota

NHL Preview: Philadelphia Flyers (13-17-7) at Anaheim Ducks (10-23-4)

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NHL Preview: Philadelphia Flyers (13-17-7) at Anaheim Ducks (10-23-4)

PHILADELPHIA FLYERS NOTES:

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME BROADCAST INFO.
Thur., Jan. 5 Arizona Coyotes Wells Fargo Center 7 p.m. NBCSP, 97.5 The Fanatic
Sun., Jan. 8 Toronto Maple Leafs Wells Fargo Center 7 p.m. NBCSP, 97.5 The Fanatic
Mon., Jan. 9 Buffalo Sabres KeyBank Center 7 p.m. NBCSP, 97.5 The Fanatic

CURRENT INJURIES
PLAYER INJURY DATES GAMES MISSED
Cam Atkinson IR-upper body 9/25-present 37
Sean Couturier IR-back 9/19-present 37
Ryan Ellis LTIR-groin/hip/back 10/11-present 37
Carter Hart IR-upper body 12/29-present 2
Tanner Laczynski IR-lower body 12/7-present 11
2022-23 TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 212

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
12/31 – Signed D Ethan Samson to entry-level contract
12/29 – Loaned F Max Willman to Lehigh Valley (AHL)

FLYERS VS. DUCKS: HEAD-TO-HEAD
FLYERS DUCKS
15-15-10 ALL-TIME RECORD 20-11-9
6-8-5 HOME 10-5-6
9-7-5 ROAD 10-6-3
3-2-0 LAST 5 MEETINGS 2-2-1
5-4-1 LAST 10 MEETINGS 5-3-2
118 GOALS SCORED 120
23.2% POWER PLAY 19.7%
80.3% PENALTY KILL 76.8%
van Riemsdyk: 9 pts (0-9=9) in 16 GP
Hayes: 7 pts (4-3=7) in 14 GP
Three Players tied for 5 pts

TEAM SCORING LEADERS Henrique: 23 pts (14-9=23) in 31 GP
Strome: 16 pts (2-14=16) in 31 GP
Kulikov: 12 pts (2-10=12) in 30 GP
Sandstrom: Has not faced ANA
Ersson: Has not faced ANA

TEAM GOALTENDERS Gibson: 5-1-2, 2.24 GAA, .932 SV% in 8 GP

TEAM NOTES
QUICK HITS

  • Philadelphia has earned points in seven of its last 12 games (5-5-2).
  • The Flyers have scored three-plus goals in eight of their last 12 games, posting a 4-3-1 record when scoring three-plus goals.
  • Philadelphia has outscored its opponents 15-9 in the third period in the last nine games. The Flyers’ 15 third period goals ranks second in the NHL since Dec. 11.
  • The Flyers have allowed the opposing team to score first in 26 of its 37 games this season. Philadelphia leads the NHL with 10 wins when trailing first in a game.
  • Philadelphia set a season-high 41 shots Dec. 11 at ARI and have outshot their opponents in seven of the last 15 games, posting a 3-3-1 record in those seven contests.
  • The Flyers recorded a franchise-best 59 hits Nov. 12 vs. OTT. The 59 hits are tied for the ninth-most in a regular season game in NHL history.
  • Philadelphia leads the NHL with 1,108 hits and rank third with 658 blocked shots.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

  • Philadelphia concludes its five-game road stretch, Dec. 22-Jan. 2 that is split up by the NHL Holiday Break, Dec. 24-26.
  • Nine of the Flyers’ 11 games from Dec. 9-Jan. 2 are on the road.
  • Philadelphia is 6-8-6 on the road this season and is 3-3-2 in the last eight road games.
  • The Flyers are 3-1-2 on the road against a Western Conference opponent this season.

ANAHEIM DUCKS NOTES:

DEC. 30, 2022 – ANAHEIM 1 vs. NASHVILLE 6
The Ducks closed out the 2022 calendar year with a 6-1 setback vs. the Nashville Predators Friday afternoon at Honda Center. Sam Carrick scored his second goal of the season to tie the game at 1-1 at 2:20 of the second period. Urho Vaakanainen recorded the primary assist on the goal, his first point of the season and Jayson Megna also earned an assist. John Gibson made 37 saves.
PP: 0-1 PK: 0-1 SF: 27 SA: 43 TOI: Cam Fowler (21:13)
Three Stars: 1. T. Novak 2. B. Leason 3. J. Gibson Game Summary | Event Summary | Game Recap

UPCOMING GAME SCHEDULE
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME (PT) TV / AUDIO
Jan. 4 Dallas Honda Center 7 p.m. BSSC / Ducks Stream
Jan. 6 San Jose Honda Center 7 p.m. ESPN+ / Ducks Stream
Jan. 8 Boston Honda Center 7 p.m. BSW / Ducks Stream
Jan. 11 Edmonton Honda Center 7 p.m. BSSC / Ducks Stream
Jan. 13 New Jersey Honda Center 7 p.m. ESPN+ / Ducks Stream

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
Dec. 10 Recalled G Lukas Dostal from San Diego (AHL). Placed C Derek Grant on Injured Reserve (IR).
Dec. 14 Recalled G Olle Eriksson Ek from San Diego (AHL). Placed G Anthony Stolarz on Injured Reserve (IR).
Dec. 19 Acquired D Michael Del Zotto in a three-team trade. Detroit acquires C Danny O’Regan from Anaheim while Florida
receives RW Givani Smith. Assigned D Colton White to San Diego (AHL) on a Conditioning Loan.
Dec. 20 Recalled C Justin Kirkland from San Diego (AHL). Placed LW Max Jones on Injured Reserve (IR).
Dec. 29 Reassigned G Olle Eriksson Ek to San Diego (AHL).
Jan. 1 Reassigned G Lukas Dostal to San Diego (AHL). Activated G Anthony Stolarz from Injured Reserve (IR).

ANAHEIM DUCKS INJURIES
Man-Games Lost: 195

PLAYER INJURY/ILLNESS EXPECTED ABSENCE GAMES MISSED
John Moore Upper-body Indefinite 37
Jamie Drysdale Torn labrum (shoulder) 4-6 months 29
Isac Lundestrom Upper-body 6 weeks 13
Derek Grant Lower-body Day-to-day 12
Anthony Stolarz Lower-body Day-to-day 9
Max Jones Upper-body Day-to-day 8

ANAHEIM DUCKS NOTES
TONIGHT’S GAME: The Anaheim Ducks open their 2023 calendar year and continue a franchise record 10-game homestand today vs. the Philadelphia Flyers at Honda Center (7 p.m. PT, TV: Bally Sports SoCal AUDIO: Ducks Stream). The Ducks enter today’s game with points in two of the last three games (1-1-1) and four of the last seven outings (3-3-1). Anaheim commences its 13-game January schedule, consisting of seven home and six road contests. All-time, Anaheim is 162-140-37 in the month of January. Since the start of 2013-14, Anaheim is 58-39-9 in January, picking up points in 67 of the 106 contests (.632%). Following tonight’s game, the Ducks continue their homestand vs. the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, Jan. 4 at Honda Center (7 p.m.).

RECORD HOMESTAND: The Ducks are in the midst of a franchise record 10-game homestand with the stretch of contests at home spanning 24 days (Dec. 21 through Jan. 13). The homestand is tied for the third-longest in NHL history, trailing 12 straight at home by Tampa Bay (2010-11) and California (1975-76). The 24 days during the stretch are the third most, trailing Winnipeg (22 days, 2017-18) and Vancouver (22, 1981-82). Anaheim’s longest prior homestand was eight games (three times), including Dec. 28, 2014-Jan. 16, 2015 (6-2-0, 12 pts.), Mar. 2-18, 2007 (6-1-1, 13 pts.) and Oct. 28-Nov. 14, 2001 (2-4-2, 6 pts.). Anaheim begins the homestand tied for the most road contests in the NHL this season (21, also Arizona). The Ducks will also host an eight-game homestand from Mar. 12-27, 2023. Below is a list of the longest homestands in NHL history:

SEASON TEAM GAMES DATES DAYS RECORD (W-L-T-OT, PTS.)
2010-11 Tampa Bay 12 Jan. 23, 2011 – Feb. 25, 2011 34 7-3-0-2, 16 pts.
1975-76 California 12 Nov. 26, 1975 – Dec. 28, 1975 33 4-7-1-0, 9 pts.
2022-23 Anaheim 10 Dec. 21, 2022 – Jan. 13, 2023 24 1-2-1-0, 3 pts.
2017-18 Winnipeg 10 Jan. 30, 2018 – Feb. 20, 2018 22 6-3-0-1, 13 pts.
2005-06 Phoenix 10 Jan. 28, 2006 – Mar. 4, 2006 36 3-5-0-2, 8 pts
1981-82 Vancouver 10 Jan. 13, 1982 – Feb. 3, 1982 22 4-3-3-0, 11 pts.

DUCKS-FLYERS: Anaheim and Philadelphia open a two-game season series and their respective 2023 calendar year’s tonight at Honda Center. Anaheim has picked up points in seven of the last 10 meetings between the teams (5-3-2) and nine of the last 10 meetings at Honda Center (6-1-3). The Ducks own a 20-11- 9 all-time record vs. the Flyers, including a 10-5-6 mark in Orange County. The Ducks have also won eight of their last 10 road contests against the Flyers, posting a 8-2-0 mark dating to the 2009-10 season. The Ducks swept the two-game 2021-22 season series, earning a 4-1 win Jan. 4, 2022 backed by Troy Terry’s first career hat trick (3-0=3) and a 27-save performance by John Gibson. Anaheim also earned a 5-3 win at Wells Fargo Center on Apr. 9, 2022 behind Trevor Zegras’ two-goal effort (2-0=2) and multi-point games from Derek Grant (1-1=2) and Jamie Drysdale (0-2=2). Gibson leads all-time Anaheim goaltenders in wins against the Flyers (5-1-2), posting a 2.24 GAA and .932 SV%. Troy Terry (3-0=3, 3 GP) and Trevor Zegras (2-0=2, 2 GP) are each averaging a goal per game vs. the Flyers in their career. These two teams meet again in 15 days to close out the season series Jan. 17 at Wells Fargo Center (4 p.m. PT).

ANA-PHI SEASON SERIES:
DATE LOCATION TIME / RESULT TV / AUDIO
Jan. 2 Honda Center 7 p.m. PT Bally Sports SoCal / Ducks Stream
Jan. 17 Wells Fargo Center 4 p.m. PT Bally Sports SoCal / Ducks Stream

ANA-PHI ALL-TIME SERIES:
Overall @ Anaheim @ Philadelphia
All-Time Series: 20-11-9 10-5-6 10-6-3
Current Streak: Two ANA wins One ANA win One ANA win
Last ANA Win: Apr. 9, 2022 (5-3) Jan. 4, 2022 (4-1) Apr. 9, 2022 (5-3)
Last PHI Win: Dec. 29, 2019 (2-1, OT) Dec. 29, 2019 (2-1, OT) Dec. 17, 2019 (4-1)
ANA Last 10: 5-3-2 6-1-3 8-2-0

NHL Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (25-12-2) at Colorado Avalanche (19-13-3)

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NHL Preview: Vegas Golden Knights (25-12-2) at Colorado Avalanche (19-13-3)

VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS NOTES:

GOLDEN KNIGHTS UPCOMING GAMES
Golden Knights 2022-23 Record: 25-12-2, 52 points (11-9-0 at Home, 14-3-2 on Road)
DATE OPPONENT TELEVISION RADIO SPANISH RADIO
Jan. 2 at Colorado Avalanche AT&T SportsNet Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM None
Jan. 5 vs. Pittsburgh Penguins AT&T SportsNet Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
Jan. 7 vs. Los Angeles Kings AT&T SportsNet Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
Jan. 12 vs. Florida Panthers AT&T SportsNet Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM
Jan. 14 vs. Edmonton Oilers AT&T SportsNet Fox Sports 98.9 FM/1340 AM Deportes 1460 AM

GOLDEN KNIGHTS LAST GAME RECAP
December 31 – Vegas Golden Knights 5, Nashville Predators 4 OT
The Vegas Golden Knights (25-12-2) closed out 2022 with a 5-4 overtime win against the Nashville Predators (15-14-6) on Saturday afternoon at T-Mobile Arena. Nashville used goals from Filip Forsberg and Jeremy Lauzon to take a 2-0 lead in the opening frame, but Keegan Kolesar got the Golden Knights on the board late in the period. Michael Amadio tied the game early in the second before Reilly Smith gave Vegas the lead midway through the stanza. Chandler Stephenson extended the lead five minutes into the third period, but Forsberg scored again to cut the advantage to 4-4. Forsberg completed the hat trick with four seconds to go and the game went into overtime. During a delayed penalty, Nicolas Hague wired home the game-winning goal at 2:04 of the extra session to lift Vegas to the 5-4 win.

LAST GAME BY THE NUMBERS

  • Kolesar’s goal was his first in 20 games
  • Mark Stone’s three assists mark his second three point game over the last five games
  • Amadio extends his point streak to six games for the first time in his career
  • Smith adds to his team lead in scoring with 18 goals
  • Vegas improves to 25-12-2 on the season and 11-9-0 at home

Against the Avalanche
The contest between the Golden Knights and the Avalanche on Monday is the second of three this season. The last time these teams met, Vegas fell to Colorado, 3-2, at home. The Golden Knights used goals from Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson but they were not enough to complete the comeback bid. The Golden Knights are 8-11-1 against the Avalanche and have not won a contest against the defending Stanley Cup Champions since Oct. 26, 2021. Mark Stone owns 18 points in 22 meetings with Colorado, including two assists in their last contest.

2022-23 Season COL Series: 0-1-0 (Home: 0-1-0, Road: 0-0-0)
Oct. 22 – at Vegas (Vegas 2, Colorado 3)
Jan. 2 – at Colorado
Feb. 27 – at Colorado

2021-22 Season COL Series: 1-2-0 (Home: 0-2-0, Road: 1-0-0)
Oct. 26 – at Colorado (Vegas 3, Colorado 1)
Feb. 16 – at Vegas (Vegas 0, Colorado 2)
Feb. 26 – at Vegas (Vegas 2, Colorado 3)

COLORADO AVALANCHE NOTES:

UPCOMING GAMES
Date Opponent Time (MT) TV Radio
Mon, Jan. 2 LAS VEGAS 7 p.m. Altitude 2 950 AM
Thu, Jan. 5 at Vancouver 8 p.m. Altitude 950 AM
Sat, Jan. 7 at Edmonton 8 p.m. Altitude / CBC 92.5 FM

LAST GAME – Dec. 31 (Toronto 6, Colorado 2 at Ball Arena)
Auston Matthews and T.J. Brodie scored 24 seconds apart late in the second period to stretch a 3-2 lead into a 5-2 advantage and the Maple Leafs beat the Avalanche, 6-2, on New Year’s Eve at Ball Arena … J.T. Compher had a goal and one assist for the Avs, and Devon Toews also scored … Alexandar Georgiev made 21 saves before being replaced by Jonas Johansson, who stopped all seven shots he faced in relief.
SF: 28 SA: 32 PP: 0-3 PK: 3-4

• Compher extended his point streak to four games (3g/3a), one shy of his career long streak set April 20-28, 2022… He finished second on the team with 14 points (6g/8a) in December, setting a career high for goals and points in a single month.

• Evan Rodrigues extended his point streak to four contests (2g/3a), tying his career high set twice before including once earlier this year.

TONIGHT’S GAME
COLORADO vs. VEGAS
7:08 p.m.
Altitude 2 / 950 AM
Altitude: Marc Moser (play-by-play), Mark Rycroft (analyst), Katie Gaus (reporter)
Radio: Conor McGahey

The Colorado Avalanche wraps up a three-game homestand tonight against the Vegas Golden Knights at Ball Arena … The Avs are 0-1-1 so far on this three-game homestand and 0-2-1 since the holiday break after entering the break with four straight wins … Colorado is still 6-3-1 in its last 10 contests.

AVALANCHE & GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Tonight is the second of three meetings between the Avalanche and Golden Knights and the first of two at Ball Arena… The Avs won the first matchup 3-2 on Oct. 22 at T-Mobile Arena, which is Colorado’s only visit to Las Vegas in 2022-23 … The Avalanche are 7-5-0 all-time at T-Mobile Arena, the most wins of any opponent in that building.

SCHEDULE vs. GOLDEN KNIGHTS
Oct. 22 @ VGK (W, 3-2)
Jan. 2 vs. VGK
Feb. 27 vs. VGK
RECORD VS. GOLDEN KNIGHTS
THIS SEASON 2021-22 ALL-TIME PLAYOFFS
Overall: — Overall: 2-1-0 Overall: 12-7-1 Series: 1 (0-1)
Home: — Home: 0-1-0 Home: 5-2-1 Games: 2-4-1 (includes round-robin game in 2020)
Road: — Road: 2-0-0 Road: 7-5-0

JANUARY SUCCESS
The Avalanche finished last January (2022) with a 15-0-1 mark, tying the NHL record for the most wins and points (31) in a single month … Colorado equaled the wins mark set by Boston in March 2014 and Pittsburgh in March 2013 and equaled the points mark set by the Bruins in March 2014.

WORKING OVERTIME (AND SHOOTOUTS)
The Avalanche are 7-3 in games decided past regulation, 4-1 in overtime and 3-2 in shootouts … The seven wins are tied for second in the NHL (Vegas 8-2) while the .770 winning percentage is tied for fifth in the league … The Avalanche are 80-46 all-time in shootouts, the highest winning percentage (.635) of any team since the tiebreaker started in 2005-06 … The Avs have the best all-time shooting percentage at 38.2% (161/422) and the fifth-best save percentage at .714 (307/430) … Alexandar Georgiev has participated in all five shootouts this year, allowing five goals on 16 shots (.688) … His three wins are tied for the league lead while his .688 save percentage ranks sixth.

TAKE ME HOME TONIGHT
The 2021-22 Avalanche posted their best home season in franchise history with a 32-5-4 record (68 points) … Colorado tied Florida for the league lead in home points, ending with the most home points in the NHL for the second straight season after tying Pittsburgh with 46 in 2020-21 … The Avs posted an 18-game home winning streak from Nov. 11–Jan. 30,

2022-23 AVALANCHE SEASON INJURIES
Gm Player — injury (games, dates)
15 Shane Bowers – upper body (Nov. 12 – Dec. 13)
25 Bowen Byram – lower body (Nov. 5 – present)
2 Andrew Cogliano – upper body (Dec. 21-23)
1 Jean-Luc Foudy – lower body (Dec. 5)
4 Pavel Francouz – illness (1 game, Dec. 15); lower body (3 games, Dec. 27 – present)
6 Samuel Girard – lower body (Nov. 10-21)
35 Darren Helm – lower body (Oct. 12 – present)
6 Martin Kaut – illness (3 games, Nov. 29–Dec. 3); upper body (3 games, Dec. 27 – present)
35 Gabriel Landeskog – lower body (Oct. 12 – present)
3 Artturi Lehkonen – lower body (Dec. 5-9)
3 Jacob MacDonald – upper body (Oct. 12-17)
16 Kurtis MacDermid – lower body (Nov. 14 – Dec. 17)
11 Nathan MacKinnon – upper body (Dec. 7-29)
14 Josh Manson – lower body (Dec. 3 – present)
20 Valeri Nichushkin – lower body (17 games, Oct. 28 – Dec. 7); lower body (3 games, Dec. 27 – present)
9 Evan Rodrigues – lower body (Nov. 26 – Dec. 13)
2 Devon Toews – upper body (Oct. 21-22)
207 TOTAL

CFB-FBS: Citrus Bowl Preview – LSU Tigers (9-4) at Purdue BoilerMakers (8-5)

NCAAFB Editor
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CFB-FBS: Citrus Bowl Preview – LSU Tigers (9-4) at Purdue BoilerMakers (8-5)

LSU TIGERS NOTES:

LSU To Face Purdue in Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
LSU (9-4) closes out its first season under head coach Brian Kelly on Monday, Jan. 2 when the Tigers face Purdue (8-5) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando. Kickoff for the contest is scheduled for noon CT and will be televised on ABC with Bob Wischusen (pxp), Dan Orlovsky (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call. LSU, champions of the SEC Western Division, enters the game ranked No. 15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll, No. 16 in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the CFP Rankings. The Tigers are coming off a 50-30 loss to No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship Game on Dec. 3 in Atlanta. Purdue, winners of the Big Ten Western Division, is coming off a 43-22 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game. It will mark the first meeting between LSU and Purdue in football. Coach Kelly is 6-0 all-time against Purdue with all six victories coming as head coach at Notre Dame. LSU will be making its 54th bowl game appearance and its sixth in the Citrus Bowl. The Tigers are 28-24-1 all-time in bowl game/playoff appearances. Dating back to 2000, LSU has appeared in a bowl game 22 times in 23 years, only exception came in 2020. LSU is 2-3 all-time in the Citrus Bowl with its most recent appearance coming on Jan. 1, 2018 when the Tigers dropped to a 21-17 decision to Notre Dame (coached by Brian Kelly). LSU will be after the 17th 10-win season in school history and the first since going 15-0 during the national championship in 2019. LSU goes into the game riding the arm and legs of QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels has accounted for 3,592 yards of total offense (818 rushing, 2,774 passing) and 27 TDs (11 rushing, 156passing). His 3,592 yards of total offense rank No. 2 in LSU history behind only Joe Burrow (6,093 in 2019). Defensively, true freshman LB Harold Perkins leads the Tigers in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss (11.5), while senior LB Micah Baskerville (84 tackles) and sophomore LB Greg Penn (72) lead the team in tackles.

Brian Kelly: Most Accomplished Hire in LSU History
First-year LSU coach Brian Kelly joined the program as the most accomplished hire in school history, coming to Baton Rouge after winning 284 games and claiming three National Coach of the Year honors in his previous 31 years as a head coach. Kelly’s career-mark stands at 293-101 and includes 10, 10-win seasons at the FBS level (7 at Notre Dame, 3 at Cincinnati). In 12 years at Notre Dame, Kelly guided the Irish to 10 bowl appearances, including two College Football Playoff games and the BCS National Championship Game in 2012. Kelly ranks first among all active FBS head coaches in career wins (no matter the division) with 293. He went 113-40 at Notre Dame (12 years), 34-6 at Cincinnati (4 years), 19-16 at Central Michigan (3 years) and 118-35-2 at Grand Valley State (13 years). He’s the only 3-time winner of the Home Depot National Coach of the Year Award as he claimed the honor in 2009 (Cincinnati) and 2012 and 2018 at Notre Dame. Kelly is 7-6 all-time in bowl games (5-5 at Notre Dame, 2-1 at Cincinnati).

QUICK NOTES
• LSU’s Jayden Daniels is one of only 2 FBS QBs to have 800+ rushing yards and 2,000+ passing yards this year. Daniels has rushed for 818 yards and passed for another 2,774 yards. He’s joined by John Rhys Plumlee of UCF (841 rush, 2,404 pass).

• Daniels ranks No. 2 nationally in rushing yards (818) by a QB and he’s tied for No. 4 in rushing TDs by a QB with 11.

• Daniels has rushed for a TD and passed for a score in 6 games this year, the most for any player in LSU history in a single season breaking previous mark of 5 by Joe Burrow (2019) and Herb Tyler (1999).

• LSU has used 6 different starting combinations on its offensive line this year. Miles Frazier is the only player to start every game on the offensive line this year and he’s done so at 3 positions (10 at LG, 2 at RG, 1 at RT).

• LSU starts true freshmen Will Campbell (12 starts LT) and Emery Jones Jr. (11 starts at RT) on the offensive line. The Tigers are 8-2 with Campbell and Jones in the starting lineup.

• LSU’s Citrus Bowl roster features 2 receivers with 1,000 career receiving yards – Kayshon Boutte (1,782) and Malik Nabers (1,271).

• TE Mason Taylor, one of 3 true freshmen to start on offense, has 33 receptions, which ranks 5th among all tight ends in LSU history for a single-season. Taylor has caught at least 1 pass in 12 of his 13 career games.

• WR Malik Nabers goes into the Citrus Bowl with 19 catches for 326 yards and a TD in LSU’s last 3 games. He’s coming off a 5-catch, 128-yard, 1 TD game vs. Georgia.

• As a team, LSU has rushed for 35 TDs, the sixth-highest total in school history and 2 from tying the LSU record of 37 set in 2013. Daniels leads the team with 11 rushing TDs, followed by

• In the SEC Championship Game vs. Georgia, LSU had 2 QBs throw for 200+ yards – the first time in school history it’s happened. Daniels passed for 208 yards and a TD in the first half and Garrett Nussmeier set a school-record for passing yards in a half with 294 and 2 scores in the second half.

• Josh Williams is LSU’s top rusher from the running back position with 532 yards and 6 TDs. He has 2, 100-yard rushing games this year (106 vs. Florida, 118 s. Arkansas).

• Malik Nabers leads all receivers with 63 receptions for 854 yards and 2 TDs, followed by Kayshon Boutte (48-538-2 TDs).

• Offensively, LSU is averaging 32.3 points and 442.7 total yards per game (181.1 rushing, 261.6 passing).

• Defensively, the Tigers are allowing 23.7 points and 361.5 total yards per game (152.5 rushing, 209.1 passing).

• In its last 11 games, Tennessee and Georgia are the only teams to score third quarter TDs on the Tigers. Tennessee scored 2 TDs in the 3Q in week 6, while Georgia had a TD in the SEC Championship Game. Outside of those 3 TDs, the only points LSU’s defense has allowed in the 3Q since week 3 are field goals to Mississippi State and Alabama

NOTEBOOK
LSU to Face Purdue for First Time on Gridiron
LSU will face Purdue for the first time on the gridiron when the teams meet on Jan. 2 in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando. LSU and Purdue have met in men’s basketball, women’s basketball and baseball. LSU is 1-1 vs. Purdue in men’s basketball (W, 94-87 in 20T in 1986 NCAA Tournament first round; L, 80-56 in 2003 NCAA Tournament first round). LSU is 2-3 vs. Purdue in women’s basketball. The Tigers are 7-0 vs. Purdue in baseball.

LSU To Appear In A Bowl Game For 54th Time
LSU will make its 54th bowl appearance when the Tigers meet Purdue in the Cheez-It Bowl on Jan. 2 in Orlando. LSU is 28-24-1 all-time in bowl games, which includes a 2-0 mark in the College Football Playoffs. LSU is 2-3 in Citrus Bowl games. Dating back to the 2000 season, LSU has appeared in a bowl game every year with the exception of 2020. Last year, with a depleted LSU roster featuring only 39 scholarship players and no quarterback, dropped a 42-20 decision to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl in Houston.

LSU After 10-Win Season
LSU enters the Purdue game with a 9-4 mark and in search of its 10th win of the season. LSU has won at least 10 games 17 times in its history, most recently in 2019 when the Tigers went 15-0 and won the CFP National Championship. Eleven of LSU’s 16 10-wins seasons have come since the Tigers went 10-3 in 2001. Head coach Brian Kelly looks to join Mike Archer (10 wins in 1987) and Les Miles (11 wins in 2005) as the only first-year coaches in school history to win 10 games in their initial season with the Tigers. The one difference between Kelly and Miles and Archer is Kelly took over a team coming off a losing record (6-7), while Archer took over a 9-3 squad that won the SEC title in 1986 and Miles took over a 9-3 team from Nick Saban.

LSU Returns To Orlando To Open 2023 Season Against Florida State
LSU returns to Orlando for the 2023 season-opener when the Tigers face Florida State on Sunday, Sept. 3 at Camping World Stadium. LSU opened the 2022 season against Florida State in New Orleans, falling to the Seminoles, 24-23, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The last time LSU ended a season in a road/ neutral venue where they open the following year came in 2010 and 2011. That time, LSU beat Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas to cap the 2010 season and then opened 2011 with a 40-27 victory over Oregon in AT&T Stadium.

LSU Ranked No. 15 In Coaches Poll, No. 16 In AP Poll and No. 17 In CFP Rankings
LSU goes into the Purdue game ranked No. 15 in the AFCA Coaches Poll and No. 16 in the AP Top 25. The Tigers were ranked No. 17 in the final CFP Rankings, which were released on Dec. 4. The Tigers peaked at No. 6 in both the AP and Coaches polls following its win over UAB in week 11.

LSU Went 6-3 Against Teams Advancing To Bowl Games
LSU faced 9 teams who are appearing in bowl games this year and the Tigers posted a 6-3 mark in those games. LSU’s win over bowl teams came against Mississippi State (ReliaQuest Bowl), Florida (L, Las Vegas Bowl), Ole Miss (Texas Bowl), Alabama (Sugar Bowl), Arkansas (Liberty Bowl) and UAB (W, Bahamas Bowl). LSU’s losses came to Florida State (Cheez-It Bowl), Tennessee (Orange Bowl) and Georgia (Playoffs).

Brian Kelly vs. Purdue
LSU coach Brian Kelly has a 6-0 mark vs. Purdue, all coming as head coach at Notre Dame. Kelly’s first Notre Dame victory came against the Boilermakers by a 23-12 count on Sept. 4, 2010. Kelly picked up his sixth win over Purdue last year when the Irish beat the Boilermakers, 27-13, in South Bend.

LSU vs. the Big Ten
LSU is 9-15-2 all-time against current members of the Big Ten. LSU last played a Big Ten in the 2016 season-opener, dropping a 16-14 decision to Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. LSU has faced 10 of the 14 current members of the Big Ten. The four Big Ten teams LSU has yet to face in football include Purdue, Michigan, Minnesota and Northwestern. Here’s LSU’s record against current Big Ten teams:

Opponent Record Last Meeting
Illinois 1-0 2002 Sugar Bowl (W, 47-34)
Indiana 2-1 1978
Iowa 1-1 2014 Outback Bowl (W, 21-14)
Maryland 0-3 195
Michigan State 1-0 1995 Independence Bowl (W, 45-26)
Nebraska 0-5-1
Ohio State 1-1-1 2008 BCS National Championship (W, 38-24)
Penn State 0-2 2010
Rutgers 0-1 1922
Wisconsin 3-1 2016

LSU’s Citrus Bowl History
LSU’s game against Purdue will be the program’s sixth appearance in the Citrus Bowl which dates back to the 1979 season when the Tigers posted a 34-10 win over Wake Forest in what was the final game of the Charlie McClendon era. LSU is 2-3 all-time in Citrus Bowl games with wins coming over Wake Forest and Louisville in 2016 and losses to Iowa (2005), Penn State (2010) and Notre Dame (2018). Current LSU head coach Brian Kelly was on the Notre Dame sidelines for the Irish’s victory over the Tigers in the 2018 Citrus Bowl. LSU’s previous Citrus Bowl appearances have all come with drama and interesting storylines.

Here’s a look at some storylines from previous LSU appearances in the Citrus Bowl:

1979 vs. Wake Forest
• Legendary coach Charles McClendon – still the winningest coach in school history – coaches his final game at LSU, beating Wake Forest, 34-10, on Dec. 22, 1979. 2004 vs. Iowa

• In what was Nick Saban’s final game at LSU, Iowa scored on a 56-yard pass as time expired to knock off the Tigers, 30-25. LSU had taken its first lead of the game at 25-24 with 46 seconds remaining when JaMarcus Russell connected with Skyler Green on a 3-yard TD pass.

2009 vs. Penn State
• In a game played in the rain and a muddy field, Penn State kicked a 21-yard field goal with 57 seconds left to win, 19-17. LSU trailed by as many as 16-3 and took its only lead of the game at 17-16 early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run by Stevan Ridley.

2016 vs. Louisville
• LSU held Louisville’s Heisman Trophy QB Lamar Jackson to 186 total yards and to only 3 field goals as the Tiges won going away, 29-9.

2017 vs. Notre Dame
• Notre Dame, coached by Brian Kelly, scored on a 55-yard pass with 1:28 remaining to rally for a 21-17 win over the Tigers. LSU had regained the lead at 17-14 with 2:03 left in the contest on a 17-yard field goal.

The following is a game-by-game recap of LSU’s previous appearances in the Citrus Bowl:
Dec. 22, 1979
LSU 34, Wake Forest 10
LSU’s win over Wake Forest in 1979 marked the final game of the legendary coaching career of the winningest coach in LSU history Charles McClendon. The win over Wake Forest was the 138th for McClendon at LSU, a mark that still stands as the most in school history. The game also featured a quarterback named Steve Ensminger, who is currently the acting offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the Tigers. Against Wake Forest, Ensminger scored on a 4-yard run in the fourth quarter for LSU’s final points. Ensminger rushed for 43 yards and completed 5-of-7 passes for 74 yards in the contest as he platooned with David Woodley at quarterback.

Jan. 1, 2005
Iowa 30, LSU 25
In what was the final game of Nick Saban era at LSU, Iowa scored on a 56-yard pass as time expired to shock the Tigers, 30-25. LSU rallied from a 24-12 fourth quarter deficit with a pair of JaMarcus Russell TD passes to Skyler Green. The first was a 22-yard strike with 8:21 to go that cut the deficit to 24-19 and then with 36 seconds left Russell hit Green with a 3-yard TD pass to give the Tigers a 25-24 lead – their first advantage of the game. Iowa needed just three plays to go 71 yards in 46 seconds, capped by the last-second Hail Mary that gave the Hawkeyes a 30-25 victory.

Jan. 1, 2010
Penn State 19, LSU 17
A sloppy field held LSU’s explosive offense in check as the Tigers once again lost another Citrus Bowl late in the fourth quarter, this time coming at the hands of Penn State. The Nittany Lions kicked a 21-yard field goal with 57 seconds left to beat LSU, 19-17. LSU took its only lead of the game early in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard run by Stevan Ridley, putting the Tigers up 17-16. Penn State went 65-yards on 12 plays to setup the game winning kick with less than a minute left.

Dec. 31, 2016
LSU 29, Louisville 9
LSU dominated from start to finish as the Tigers limited the high-powered Louisville offense, featuring Heisman Trophy quarterback Lamar Jackson, to a season-low nine points in the 29-9 victory. Derrius Guice rushed for 138 yards, including a 70-yard TD run and a 1-yard scoring reception, to earn game MVP honors. The LSU defense held Louisville to 220 total yard and sacked Jackson a bowl record eight times.

Jan. 1, 2018
Notre Dame 21, LSU 17
Notre Dame, coached by Brian Kelly, scored on a 55-yard pass play with 1:28 left in the contest to beat the 17th-ranked Tigers, 21-17. The teams combined for 13 points in the first three quarters, before a scoring barrage took place in the final stanza. The teams combined for 25 points in the fourth quarter as the Tigers took a 14-6 lead on a Derrius Guice 2-yard TD reception from Danny Etling with 11:13 to go. The Irish tied the score at 14-14 following a TD and two-point conversion with 7:49 remaining. A 17-yard field goal by Jack Gonsulin put the Tigers back on top, 17-14, with 2:03 left in the contest before Notre Dame responded with its game-winning drive.

PURDUE BOILERMAKERS NOTES:

A WIN WOULD
• Give Purdue consecutive nine-win seasons for the first time since 1997-98 when Drew Brees was quarterback.

• Be back-to-back bowl victories, both over SEC teams.

• Improve Purdue to 5-2 over its last seven bowl games.

• Make Brian Brohm 2-0 as Purdue’s acting head coach.

• Be the Boilermakers’ fifth win away from home this season.

STORY LINES
• After playing in the Big Ten Championship for the first time in program history, the Purdue Boilermakers head south to face LSU in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Big Ten West champs battle the SEC West champs at Camping World Stadium, Jan. 2. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on ABC.

• The Boilermakers and Tigers meet on the gridiron for the first time in history.

• Purdue won the Big Ten West outright, which included a pair of victories over ranked teams and three straight wins to end the month of November.

• The Boilermakers are appearing in a bowl game for the 21st time in program history, the fourth over the past six seasons.

• Purdue is 11-9 all-time in bowl games, winning four of the past six including a 48-45 overtime victory over Tennessee in last year’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl.

• Purdue had the best passing offense in the B1G, averaging 276.6 yards through the air in league games.

• Brian Brohm, who has served as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for the past six seasons, will serve as interim head coach following the departure of his brother, Jeff Brohm, to their alma mater Louisville.

• With Brian Brohm moving into the interim head coach role, legendary Purdue quarterback Drew Brees returned to his alma mater to coach the QBs in the Citrus Bowl; Brees broke multiple school records during his time at Purdue (1997-2000).

• Ryan Walters, who spent 2022 season at Illinois as the defensive coordinator of the nation’s best scoring defense, was named the 37th head football coach in program history (December 13).

• For the bowl game, Purdue will be without wide receiver Charlie Jones (Second Team All-America), quarterback Aidan O’Connell (Second Team All-B1G), tight end Payne Durham (Second Team All-B1G) and cornerback Cory Trice (All-B1G Honorable Mention).

NUMBERS TO KNOW
6 – Purdue put together six scoring drives in the Big Ten Championship Game, the most allowed by No. 2 Michigan all season long.

14 – Purdue is playing 14 games in a season for just the second time in program history. The only other time was 2006, which also ended in Orlando (Champs Sports Bowl).

7 – Purdue ranks seventh in the nation in red zone offense, scoring 49 out of 53 opportunities (92%), including 34 touchdowns.

920 – Walk-on running back Devin Mockobee became the first Purdue freshman to run for more than 900 yards in a season, setting a new freshman rushing record.

BOILER NOTES
BOWL HISTORY
• Purdue is appearing in a bowl game for the 21st time in program history, the fourth over the past six seasons.

• The Boilermakers are 11-9 all-time in bowl games, winning four of their past six including a 48-45 overtime victory over Tennessee in last year’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl.

• Purdue won the 2021 Music City Bowl despite missing AllAmericans David Bell and George Karlaftis, who opted out of the game to prepare for the NFL Draft.

• The matchup is Purdue’s third Orlando bowl game, the first since the 2006 Champs Sports Bowl.

• The Boilermakers are playing in the Citrus Bowl for the second time with the other appearance concluding the 2003 campaign.

• Purdue is facing a ranked team in a bowl game for the eighth time, but its first since the 2004 Sun Bowl (No. 21 Arizona State).

MISSING BOILERS
• Purdue enters the matchup without four Boilermakers who opted out of the game to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft: TE Payne Durham, WR Charlie Jones, QB Aidan O’Connell and CB Cory Trice.

• Jones, a Second Team All-American, led the Big Ten in receptions (110), receiving yards (1,361) and receiving touchdowns (12), cracking the Top 5 nationally in all three categories; his 1,361 receiving yards set a new single-season school record.

• O’Connell, who earned Second Team All-B1G honors, led the conference in passing yards (290.8 per game) and ends his Purdue career with the best career completion percentage in school history (66.7%).

• Durham earned second team all-conference accolades as one of the top tight ends in the country; he ranked second on the team in receptions (56), receiving yards (560) and receiving TDs (8), ending his Boilermaker career with the second-most touchdowns by a tight end (21).

• Trice, a lockdown corner for the Boilermakers with a team-best 10 pass breakups, also added two interceptions and 34 tackles throughout the season; he earned All-B1G Honorable Mention.

BURTON OFF THE BENCH
• With All-B1G quarterback Aidan O’Connell unavailable due to injury, fellow sixth-year senior Austin Burton heard his name called to start as Purdue’s quarterback versus FAU.

• The start was Burton’s first since Oct. 5, 2019 when he was UCLA’s starting quarterback against Oregon State.

• The Newton, Massachusetts, native completed 72.4 percent of his passes (21-of-29) for 166 yards and three touchdowns.

• He connected with his roommate Charlie Jones for a pair of scores.

• Burton didn’t seem to have much rust, marching the Boilermakers down the field on the opening drive by completing all six of his passes that resulted in a touchdown toss to Jones.

WELCOME BACK DREW BREES
• Purdue will have a familiar face on the Citrus Bowl sidelines, as former Boilermaker quarterback Drew Brees will serve as an assistant coach.

• Before his 20-year NFL career, Brees was a record-breaking quarterback at Purdue; he remains the school’s all-time leader in passing yards (11,792), completions (1,026) and passing touchdowns (90).

• He concluded his Purdue career by winning the Maxwell Award (nation’s most outstanding player) and leading the Boilermakers to the Rose Bowl.

• Taking his talents to the NFL, Brees was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 4,000 yards in 12-straight seasons, including an NFL-record five 5,000-yard passing seasons. He was selected 12 times to the Pro Bowl, a Saints record.

• Brees can help the Boilermakers reach nine wins for the second straight season; the last time Purdue had back-to-back nine-win seasons, he was the starting quarterback (1997-98) under legendary coach Joe Tiller.

PUTTING UP POINTS
• The Boilermakers have proved to be one of the top offenses in college football by putting up points against the nation’s best scoring defenses.

• Against Ryan Walters’ Illinois defense, which led the country by averaging only 12.2 points per game, Purdue scored 31 points in a win; it was the most allowed by the Illini all season long.

• Minnesota surrendered 13.3 ppg to rank fourth nationally, and Purdue became one of three teams to score at least 20 points on the Golden Gophers in a 20-10 victory in Minneapolis.

• In the Big Ten Championship, Purdue marched down the field on six scoring drives, the most scoring drives by a Michigan opponent this season. The No. 2 Wolverines enter the College Football Playoff ranked fifth in scoring defense (13.4 ppg).

A NEW ERA
• Ryan Walters, considered one of the nation’s fastest rising young coaches, has been named the 37th head football coach at Purdue University (Dec. 13).

• In his second season as defensive coordinator for Illinois in 2022, Walters emerged as one of the nation’s best defensive play callers. The Illini posted an 8-4 record, with five wins holding their opponents under seven points and seven wins at 10 points or fewer.

• Along with guiding the Illini defense to Top 10 national rankings in 17 different defensive categories, Walters was named 247Sports Defensive Coordinator of the Year and On3 Coordinator of the Year.

• This past season, Walters guided the nation’s No. 1 scoring defense (12.3) and No. 2 defense in yards allowed per game (263.8).

• Walters elevated Illinois’ defensive unit from the back of the pack into one of the nation’s elite in just two seasons. Following the 2020 season, in which the Fighting Illini ranked 97th nationally in scoring defense (34.9) and 114th in yards allowed per game (466.8), Walters’ first year in Champaign saw his side of the ball rise to 29th (21.9) and 49th (367.0), respectively.

• At 36, Walters becomes one of the youngest head coaches in college football; he has hired Graham Harrell as offensive coordinator and Kevin Kane as defensive coordinator.

BIG WINS AWAY FROM HOME
• Playing on the road in Big Ten play hasn’t fazed Purdue lately. The Boilermakers have won seven of their past nine conference games away from home, including the four this season against No. 21 Minnesota (Oct. 1), Maryland (Oct. 8), No. 21 Illinois (Nov. 12) and Indiana (Nov. 26).

• Three of those victories were over ranked teams. Purdue beat No. 2 Iowa 24-7 last season (Oct. 16, 2021), knocked off No. 21 Minnesota this October and took down No. 21 Illinois (Nov. 12).

• Last season, Purdue went 3-1 in B1G games away from home, which included a neutral site win over Northwestern at Wrigley Field. The Boilermakers ended the 2021 campaign with five victories away from Ross-Ade Stadium, their most since 1943.

FOURTH QUARTER DEFENSE
• The Purdue defense steps up in the fourth quarter, allowing only 37 points (4.6 ppg) in the final quarter over the last eight games of the regular season.

• In the final six games leading into the Big Ten Championship Game, the Boilermakers surrendered only three touchdowns and two field goals in fourth quarters to finish strong.

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