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NHL Preview: Philadelphia Flyers (12-17-7) at Los Angeles Kings (21-12-6)

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NHL Preview: Philadelphia Flyers (12-17-7) at Los Angeles Kings (21-12-6)

PHIADELPHIA FLYERS NOTES:

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT LOCATION TIME BROADCAST INFO.
Mon., Jan. 2 Anaheim Ducks Honda Center 10 p.m. NBCSP+, 93.3 WMMR
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

CURRENT INJURIES
PLAYER INJURY DATES GAMES MISSED
Cam Atkinson IR-upper body 9/25-present 36
Sean Couturier IR-back 9/19-present 36
Ryan Ellis LTIR-groin/hip/back 10/11-present 36
Carter Hart IR-upper body 12/29-present 1
Tanner Laczynski IR-lower body 12/7-present 10
2022-23 TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 207

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
12/29 – Loaned F Max Willman to Lehigh Valley (AHL)
12/28 – Recalled F Olle Lycksell from Lehigh Valley and placed F Max Willman on waivers; Placed G Carter Hart on
Injured Reserve

FLYERS VS. KINGS: HEAD-TO-HEAD
FLYERS KINGS
89-43-21 ALL-TIME RECORD 49-86-18
45-18-12 HOME 26-44-8
44-25-9 ROAD 23-42-10
2-2-1 LAST 5 MEETINGS 3-1-1
4-4-2 LAST 10 MEETINGS 6-3-1
527 GOALS SCORED 403
33.4% POWER PLAY 25.6%
74.4% PENALTY KILL 66.6%
van Riemsdyk: 11 pts (4-7=11) in 19 GP
Hayes: 12 pts (6-3=9) in 12 GP
Ristolainen: 12 pts (2-7=9) in 16 GP

TEAM SCORING LEADERS Kopitar: 14 pts (2-12=14) in 23 GP
Danault: 11 pts (2-9=11) in 13 GP
Doughty: 11 pts (4-7=11) in 22 GP
Sandstrom: Has not faced LA
Ersson: Has not faced LA

TEAM GOALTENDERS Quick: 11-3-2, 1.92 GAA, .938 SV%, 2 SO in 17 GP
Copley: 1-0-0, 3.01 GAA, .925 SV% in 1 GP

TEAM NOTES
QUICK HITS

  • Philadelphia has earned points in six of its last 11 games (4-5-2).
  • The Flyers have scored three-plus goals in seven of their last 11 games, posting a 3-3-1 record when scoring three-plus goals.
  • Philadelphia has allowed the opposing team to score first in 25 of its 36 games this season. The Flyers rank T-1st in the NHL with nine wins when trailing first in a game.
  • The Flyers set a season-high 41 shots Dec. 11 at ARI and have outshot their opponents in seven of the last 14 games, posting a 3-3-1 record in those seven contests.
  • Philadelphia 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.
  • The Flyers lead the NHL with 1,070 hits and rank third with 636 blocked shots.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

  • Philadelphia continues 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 5-8-6 on the road this season and have earned a point in eight of its last 14 road games (3-6-5).
  • The Flyers are 2-1-2 on the road against a Western Conference opponent this season.

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR

  • Philadelphia plays its final two games of the 2022 calendar year on Thursday, Dec. 29 at SJ and Saturday, Dec. 31 at LAK before opening the 2023 calendar year Tuesday, Jan. 2 at ANA.
  • The Flyers are 4-1-0 since the 2017-18 season in games played on Dec. 29:
    Dec. 29, 2017 at TBL (5-3 W)
    Dec. 29, 2018 at FLA (2-1 L)
    Dec. 29, 2019 at ANA (2-1 OTW)
    Dec. 29, 2021 at SEA (3-2 OTW)
    Dec. 29, 2022 at SJ (4-3 OTW)
    *No Games around this time in 2020-21 due to COVID
  • The Flyers will play their 21st all-time game held on New Year’s Eve, it’s 20th on the road. Philadelphia is 9-7-2-2 all-time in New Year’s Eve contests, 8-7-2-2 on the road. The Flyers are 1-1-0 in two all-time New Year’s Eve contests against the Kings:
    Dec. 31, 1967 vs. LA (9-1 W)
    Dec. 31, 2019 at LA (5-3 L)
  • Philadelphia has played two games on Jan. 2 since the 2016-17 season and three games on New Year’s Day in that span:
    Jan. 1, 2017 at ANA (4-3 SOL)
    Jan. 2, 2018 vs. PIT (5-1 L)
    Jan. 1, 2019 at NSH (4-0 L)
    Jan. 2, 2020 at VGK (5-4 L)
    Jan. 1, 2022 at LA (6-3 L)
    *No Games around this time in 2020-21 due to COVID

CAPITALIZING WHILE SHORTHANDED

  • Philadelphia ranks T-2nd in the NHL in shorthanded goals (6) this season. The team netted six SHG during the 2021- 22 season.
  • The Flyers scored a season-high two shorthanded goals Dec. 23 at CAR and own four SHG in the last five games.
  • Travis Konecny (1-1=2) and Scott Laughton (1-1=2) each recorded two shorthanded points Dec. 23 at CAR to become the 18th and 19th time, respectively, in Flyers history to record two-plus SHP in a game. They also became the 15th and 16th players, respectively, to record two-plus SHP in a game, last done by Simon Gagne on Nov. 13, 2008 at PIT.
  • Dec. 23’s contest marked the fifth time in franchise history that two-or-more players tallied two-plus SHP in a single game.

LOS ANGELES KINGS NOTES:

DEC. 31 vs. PHILADELPHIA FLYERS – 1:00 PM PT // Venue: Crypto.com Arena // TV: Bally Sports West // Radio: iHeartRadio

  • The LA Kings host the Philadelphia Flyers for the first of two meetings between the clubs this season (Jan. 24).
  • The Kings and Flyers met at Crypto.com Arena nearly one year ago from this date on Jan. 1, 2022. The Kings won, 6-3.
  • With a win tonight, the Kings can extend their point streak to eight games (6-0-1).

WARM-UPS
1) The LA Kings overcame a two-goal deficit in the final frame Thursday night versus Colorado for their third multi-goal third-period comeback victory of the season, tied with the Islanders and Ducks for the most in 2022-23. That equals the highest single-season total in franchise history (also 3 in 2005-06 and 2007-08).

2) Blake Lizotte has five points (1-4=5) in his last five games.

3) The Kings are one of four teams (Tampa, Buffalo, Ottawa) with six skaters with 10 or more goals this season.

4) The Kings aim to finish the month of December 6-1-0 at Crypto.com Arena and 10-3-2 overall.

5) Philip Danault has points in his last five consecutive games against Philadelphia (1-8=9).

vs. PHILADELPHIA ALL-TIME:
All-Time Record: 49-86-15-3
Home: 26-44-8-0
Away: 23-42-7-3
OT: 6-4 (2 ties)
Shootout: 3-0
2021-22: 1-0-1
2022-23: 0-0-0

FRANCHISE LEADERS vs. PHILADELPHIA
Marcel Dionne – 37 GP, 40 PTS (15-25=40)
Eddie Joyal – 37 GP, 31 PTS (17-14=31)
Dave Taylor – 41 GP, 31 PTS (9-22=31)
Luc Robitaille – 28 GP, 27 PTS (14-13=27)
Wayne Gretzky – 16 GP, 26 PTS (5-21=26)
*-denotes active roster player

LAST MEETING vs. PHILADELPHIA: Jan. 29, 2022 – LAK 3 vs. PHI 4 (OT)
Venue: Wells Fargo Center
LAK Goals: Arvidsson (11, 12), Kopitar (14),
PHI Goals: Mayhew (3), Atkinson (16, 17), Laughton (7)
Goalies: LAK: Quick (OTL, 32 saves, 36 shots) PHI: Hart (W, 37 saves, 40 shots)
LAK PP: 1-for-3
LAK PK: 2-for-2

THE NEXT THREE:
Tues., Jan. 3 | vs. Dallas Stars | 7:00 p.m. PT | ESPN | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
o Kevin Fiala (6-6=12) is riding an eight-game point streak against the Dallas Stars, dating back to Dec. 1, 2019.

Thurs., Jan. 5 | vs. Boston Bruins | 7:30 p.m. PT | Bally Sports West | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
The LA Kings look to sweep the season series against the Bruins after winning the first meeting between the two clubs, 3-2, in a shootout on Dec. 15 in Boston.

Thurs., Jan. 7 | at Vegas Golden Knights | 7:00 p.m. PT | Bally Sports West | LA Kings iHeart Radio Audio Network
The LA Kings have won two of their last three games at T-Mobile Arena (2-1-0).

INJURY & MGL REPORT
Player, Games Missed, Date(s), Status
F Alex Iafallo, 23 games, Oct. 18 – Dec. 3 (lower-body)
F Brendan Lemieux, 18 games, Nov. 14 – Dec. 20 (lower-body)
F Quinton Byfield, 6 games, Oct. 27 – Nov. 5 (illness)
F Arthur Kaliyev, 4 games, Dec. 22 – Pres. (lower-body)
F Viktor Arvidsson, 2 games, Oct. 13 (illness); Oct. 25 (illness)
D Sean Durzi, 2 games, Nov. 19 – Nov. 22. (lower-body)
D Drew Doughty, 1 game, Dec. 11 (lower-body)
F Gabriel Vilardi, 1 game, Nov. 27 (lower-body)
2022-23 Total Regular-Season Man-Games Lost: 57

RECENT TRANSACTIONS (as of 12/30/22)
Dec. 19 – Rasmus Kupari (F) and Jordan Spence (D) recalled from Ontario (AHL).
Dec. 22 – Brendan Lemieux (F) activated from injured reserve.
Dec. 22 – Tobie Bisson (D) loaned to Hockey Canada for the Spengler Cup.
Dec. 23 – Rasmus Kupari (F) and Jordan Spence (D) loaned to Ontario (AHL).
Dec. 27 – Quinton Byfield (F), Rasmus Kupari (F) and Jordan Spence (D) recalled from Ontario (AHL).
Dec. 27 – Arthur Kaliyev (F) placed on injured reserve retroactive to Dec. 20.

A ROYAL ROCKIN’ NEW YEAR’S EVE
The LA Kings will play on New Year’s Eve for the 23rd time in franchise history and just the fifth at home. The last time the Kings played on New Year’s Eve was in 2019 against the Philadelphia Flyers, prevailing 5-3. Entering this afternoon, the Kings have won four consecutive Dec. 31 matchups and seven of their last nine.

Last nine LA Kings New Year’s Eve games
Date Opponent Location Result
Dec. 31, 2019 Philadelphia Crypto.com Arena 5-3 W
Dec. 31, 2018 Colorado Ball Arena 3-2 (OT)
Dec. 31, 2016 San Jose Crypto.com Arena 3-2 W
Dec. 31, 2015 Calgary Scotiabank Saddledome 4-1 W
Dec. 31, 2013 Dallas American Airlines Center 3-2 L
Dec. 31, 2011 Vancouver Crypto.com Arena 4-1 W
Dec. 31, 2009 Minnesota Xcel Energy Center 5-2 W
Dec. 31, 2006 Detroit Joe Louis Arena 6-2 L
Dec. 31, 2005 Dallas American Airlines Center 3-2 W

NHL Preview: Montreal Canadiens (15-18-3) at Washington Capitals (20-13-5)

NHL Editor
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NHL Preview: Montreal Canadiens (15-18-3) at Washington Capitals (20-13-5)

MONTREAL CANADIENS NOTES:

À SURVEILLER CE SOIR / KEEP AN EYE ON…

  • Les Canadiens et les Capitals s’affrontent ce soir pour la 176e fois en saison régulière. En incluant les matchs de séries,
    c’est le 183e affrontement entre ces deux équipes.
  • The Canadiens and Capitals are facing each other for the 176th time in regular season. Including playoff contests,
    tonight’s the 183rd match-up between the two teams.

DERNIER MATCH / LAST GAME – FLA 7 VS. MTL 2 (@ FLA LIVE ARENA)
Buts MTL Goals – Xhekaj (AN/PP), Anderson (AN/PP)
Buts FLA Goals – Barkov, Barkov (AN/PP), Barkov, Tkachuk (AN/PP), Verhaeghe, Tkachuk (AN/PP), Luostarinen
Gardien MTL Goalie – Montembeault (34-41)
Gardien FLA Goalie – Bobrovsky (25-27)
Avantage numérique MTL Powerplay – 2/4
Avantage numérique FLA Powerplay – 3/6
Meneurs MTL Leaders – TOI (Xhekaj – 19:26) ; S (Hoffman – 5) ; HT (Guhle – 6) ; BS (Guhle – 5)

MATCHS À VENIR / UPCOMING GAMES
3 JAN. @ NASHVILLE 20 h / 8 p.m.
5 JAN. VS. NY RANGERS 19 h / 7 p.m.
7 JAN. VS. ST. LOUIS 19 h / 7 p.m.
9 JAN. VS. SEATTLE 19h30 / 7:30 p.m.
12 JAN. VS. NASHVILLE 19 h / 7 p.m.

RAPPORT MÉDICAL DE LA SAISON / SEASON INJURY REPORT
Joueur
Player
Date Blessure
Injury
Matchs ratés
Games lost
Retour
Return
C. Price – Genou / Knee 36 –
P. Byron – Hanche / Hip 36 –
M. Matheson – Haut du corps / Upper-body 17 19/11/2022
B. Gallagher – Bas du corps / Lower-body 14 –
D. Savard – Haut du corps / Upper-body 12 –
S. Monahan – Bas du corps / Lower-body 11 –

RÉAFFECTATIONS, SIGNATURES ET TRANSACTIONS / ROSTER MOVES, SIGNINGS AND TRANSACTIONS
Les Canadiens ont rappelé le défenseur Justin Barron du Rocket de Laval (27/12)
The Canadiens have recalled defenseman Justin Barron from the Laval Rocket (12/27)
Les Canadiens ont cédé l’attaquant Rem Pitlick au Rocket de Laval et ont rappelé l’attaquant Anthony Richard (18/12)
The Canadiens have loaned forward Rem Pitlick to the Laval Rocket and recalled forward Anthony Richard (12/18)
Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Rem Pitlick du Rocket de Laval (01/12)
The Canadiens have recalled forward Rem Pitlick from the Laval Rocket (12/01)
Les Canadiens ont cédé l’attaquant Rem Pitlick au Rocket de Laval (18/11)
The Canadiens have loaned forward Rem Pitlick to the Laval Rocket (11/18)
Les Canadiens ont rappelé l’attaquant Rem Pitlick du Rocket de Laval (16/11)
The Canadiens have recalled forward Rem Pitlick from the Laval Rocket (11/16)

NOTES DES CANADIENS / CANADIENS NOTES
STATISTIQUES D’ÉQUIPE / TEAM STATISTICS – AVANT LES MATCHS DU 30/12 – BEFORE GAMES ON 12/30
PTS (33 – 25e/25th)
V/W (15 – 25e/25th)
BP/GF (94 – 27e/27th)
BC/GA (129 – 26e/26th)
Tirs-PM/Shots-PG (28.2 – 30e/30th)
Tirs accordés-PM/Shots allowed-PG (33.5 – 26e/26th)
MÉ/Hits (660 – 28e/28th)
MP/PIM (461 – 1er/1st)
AN/PP (14.9% – 32e/32nd)
DN/PK (75.4% – 22e/22nd)

LES CANADIENS CONTRE CHAQUE DIVISION L’AN DERNIER / THE HABS VS. EVERY DIVISION LAST SEASON
Adversaire
Opponent
Fiche
Record
PTS Buts pour
Goals for
Buts contre
Goals against
Atlantique 9-14-3 21 84 89
Centrale 3-9-4 10 39 65
Métropolitaine 6-17-1 13 55 103
Pacifique 4-9-3 11 43 62
Total 22-49-11 55 221 319
*Inclut les buts en fusillade / Includes the shootout goals

LES CANADIENS CONTRE CHAQUE DIVISION CETTE SAISON / THE HABS VS. EVERY DIVISION THIS SEASON
Division Fiche
Record
PTS Buts pour
Goals for
Buts contre
Goals against
Atlantique 3-6-0 6 18 36
Centrale 4-4-2 10 28 31
Métropolitaine 4-3-0 8 22 25
Pacifique 4-5-1 9 30 37
Total 15-18-3 33 98 129
*Inclut les buts en fusillade / Includes the shootout goals

WASHINGTON CAPITALS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Washington 3, Ottawa Senators 4 (OT)
December 29, 2022 * Capital One Arena * Washington, D.C.
Shots: WSH: 23; OTT: 45
Power Plays: WSH: 0/1; OTT: 0/1
Three Stars: 1. DeBrincat (OTT), 2. Kuemper (WSH), 3. Strome (WSH)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Loaned forward Beck Malenstyn to AHL Hershey, 12/28
Recalled defenseman Lucas Johansen to AHL Hershey, 12/27

INJURIES/ILLNESSES
Nicklas Backstrom: 10/12/22-12/29/22 (38 games)
Carl Hagelin: 10/12/22-12/29/22 (38 games)
Tom Wilson: 10/12/22-12/29/22 (38 games)
Connor Brown: 10/20/22-12/29/22 (34 games)
Martin Fehervary: 12/5/22-12/29/22 (12 games)
T.J. Oshie: 10/31/22-11/19/22, 12/19/22-12/29/22 (16 games)
John Carlson: 10/31/22-11/9/22, 12/27/22-12/29/22 (8 games)
Dmitry Orlov: 11/7/22-12/9/22 (16 games)
Erik Gustafsson: 12/11/22 (1 game)
Washington Capitals: Media Notes
Lars Eller: 12/13/22 (1 game)
Sonny Milano: 12/15/22 (1 game)
Darcy Kuemper: 12/5/22-12/17/22 (7 games)
Nic Dowd: 12/17/22 (1 game)
Hunter Shepard: 12/17/22 (1 game)
Alex Alexeyev: 12/11/22-12/19/22 (5 games)
Beck Malenstyn: 11/3/22-12/27/22 (26 games)
Man Games Lost: 243

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Jan. 3, 7 p.m. ET vs. Buffalo (NBCSW+, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Jan. 5, 7 p.m. ET at Columbus (ESPN, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Jan. 6, 7 p.m. ET vs. Nashville (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Jan. 8, 5 p.m. ET vs. Columbus (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Jan. 11, 7 p.m. ET at Philadelphia (NBCSW+, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)

TONIGHT’S GAME
The Capitals host the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday at Capital One Arena for the second of three meetings between the teams this season. Washington is 78-74-17-6 all-time vs. Montreal and 11-4-1 in their last 16 games against the Canadiens dating back to the 2016-17 season. In 53 career games vs. Montreal, Alex Ovechkin has recorded 60 points (34g, 26a). Ovechkin’s 34 goals against the Canadiens are the most among active players, while his 60 points are the second most. The Capitals have a record of 6-6-0 all-time on New Year’s Eve and are 1-2-0 on New Year’s Eve at home.

HOME vs. MONTREAL CANADIENS
Record Goals For Goals Against Streak
41-34-9-3 242 245 2 WSH wins (11/24/21-
10/15/22)

CAPITALS vs. MONTREAL CANADIENS ALL-TIME (Career Totals)
Games Goals Assists Points
Ovechkin (53) Ovechkin (34) Ovechkin (26) Ovechkin (60)
Backstrom (42) Backstrom (11) Backstrom (24) Backstrom (35)
Carlson (37) Mantha (9) Carlson (18) Kuznetsov (22)

POINT STREAKS
Erik Gustafsson – 6 game point streak (5g, 5a), 5 game assist streak (5a)
Evgeny Kuznetsov – 4 game point streak (2g, 3a)
Conor Sheary – 3 game point streak (1g, 4a), 3 game assist streak (4a)
Dylan Strome – 3 game point streak (1g, 2a)

TOP CAPS FACTS
A December to Remember

  • The Capitals have a record of 10-2-2 in December. Washington’s 10 wins since Dec. 1 rank tied for second in the NHL, while their 22 points rank second.
  • Washington ranks second in goals against per game (2.21) and sixth in goals for per game (3.64) since Dec. 1.
  • Alex Ovechkin ranks tied for fifth in the NHL in scoring (10g-9a–19p) since Dec. 1, trailing only Connor McDavid (13g-13a–26p), Tage Thompson (12g-9a–21p), Leon Draisaitl (6g-15a–21p) and Kyle Connor (7g-13a–20p), through games played Dec. 29.
  • With one game remaining this month, the Capitals have an opportunity to record an 11-win December for the fourth time in franchise history (1984: 12-2-2-0; 2015: 11-2-0-1; 2008: 11-3-0-0).
  • Should the Capitals win on Saturday, their 24 points would tie for the 12th-most points by a team in a single December in NHL history.

Did You Know?

  • The Capitals are 20-1-2 when scoring three or more goals this season.
  • Seven of the Capitals’ next eight games following the NHL’s holiday break will come against Eastern Conference opponents, including five Metropolitan Division games.
  • Washington’s 948 hits this season are the seventh most in the NHL, through games played Dec. 29. Garnet Hathaway’s 134 hits lead the Capitals and rank third in the NHL.
  • The Capitals rank sixth in the NHL in blocked shots (592), through games played Dec. 29. Trevor van Riemsdyk’s 75 blocked shots lead the Capitals and rank ninth in the NHL.
  • Since Nov. 1, the Capitals have won 51.6 percent of their faceoffs, which is the 11th-highest win percentage in the NHL during that span.

NHL Preview: Chicago Blackhawks (8-22-4) at Columbus Blue Jackets (10-22-2)

NHL Editor
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NHL Preview: Chicago Blackhawks (8-22-4) at Columbus Blue Jackets (10-22-2)

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: NBCSCH – Chris Vosters (PxP) and Troy Murray (analyst)
RADIO: WGN-AM 720 – John Wiedeman (PxP) and Caley Chelios (analyst)

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Sunday, Jan. 1 vs. SJS, 6:00 p.m. CT (NBCSCH, WGN Radio, Univision (Spanish))
Tuesday, Jan. 3 vs. TBL, 7:30 p.m. CT (NBCSCH, WGN Radio, Univision (Spanish))
Friday, Jan. 6 vs. ARI, 7:30 p.m. CT (NBCSCH+, WGN Radio, Univision (Spanish))
Sunday, Jan. 8 vs. CGY, 6:00 p.m. CT (NBCSCH, WGN Radio, Univision (Spanish))
Thursday, Jan. 12 vs. COL, 7:30 p.m. CT (NBCSCH, WGN Radio, Univision (Spanish))

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Dec. 19 – Activated Alex Stalock off IR and assigned Arvid Soderblom to Rockford … Placed Jarred Tinordi on IR and recalled Isaak Phillips from Rockford … Dec. 13 – Activated Tyler Johnson off IR and assigned Filip Roos to Rockford … Dec. 12 – Activated Petr Mrazek off injured reserve and assigned Jaxson Stauber to Rockford … Dec. 7 – Assigned Lukas Reichel to Rockford … Dec. 6 – Recalled Lukas Reichel and placed Petr Mrazek on IR … Dec. 1 – Recalled Ian Mitchell from Rockford and placed Jarred Tinordi on IR.

LAST TIME OUT
Score: Chicago (1) at St. Louis (3) – Thu., Dec. 97 – Enterprise Center
CHI Goals: Kane (6; PP)
STL Goals: Leivo (3), Rosen (4), Saad (8; EN)
Goalies: CHI – Stalock (26/28, 58:41) STL – Binnington (21/22, 60:00) 
CHI PP: 1/2; PK: 3/3
STL PP: 0/3; PK: 1/2
Recap: The Blackhawks fell to the Blue 3-1 on Thursday evening in St. Louis … Patrick Kane scored the lone goal for the Blackhawks on the power play with Max Domi and Seth Jones picking up the assists … Chicago was perfect on the penalty kill, going 3-for-3.

TONIGHT’S OPPONENT – COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS
The Blackhawks close out the season series against the Blue Jackets today on New Years’ Eve in Columbus … Chicago is 10-3-0 in their last 13 games against the club, including six straight from Feb. 21, 2021 – Jan. 11, 2022 … In the Blackhawks’ 5-2 win over Columbus on Dec. 23, Patrick Kane (1G, 2A) and Jonathan Toews (1G, 2A) each notched three-point nights … Kane has points in 11-straight games against Columbus (5G, 16A) … Toews has six points (3G, 2A) over his last five games against them … Seth Jones played for the Blue Jackets from 2015-21, notching 223 points (50G, 173A) in 381 games … Max Domi played two seasons in Columbus, posting 56 points (18G, 38A) in 107 games.

2022-23 Schedule/Results: HOME: Dec. 23 (5-2) | AWAY: Dec. 31
All-Time Record: 59-30-9 | Home: 30-16-3 | Road: 29-14-6
Last Home Win: Dec. 23, 2022 (5-2) | Last Road Win: Jan. 11, 2022 (4-2) | Last Home Loss: Feb. 17, 2022
(4-7) | Last Road Loss: Feb. 24, 2018 (2-3) 

ACTIVE BLACKHAWKS VS. CBJ ALL-TIME
GOALS: Patrick Kane, 24; Jonathan Toews, 20; Tyler Johnson, 4
ASSISTS: Patrick Kane, 52; Jonathan Toews, 27; Tyler Johnson, 11
POINTS: Patrick Kane, 76; Jonathan Toews, 47; Tyler Johnson, 15

BLACKHAWKS RECORD ON…
One-Day Rest: 6-9-1
Two-Days Rest: 0-4-0
Three+ Days Rest: 1-2-1
First Game of a B2B: 1-3-1
Second Game of a B2B: 0-4-1

BLACKHAWKS RECORD BY DAY
Monday: 0-1-0
Tuesday: 1-4-0
Wednesday: 0-5-0
Thursday: 1-4-1
Friday: 2-2-1
Saturday: 3-2-1
Sunday: 1-4-1

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS NOTES:

Dec. 31, 2022 Game No. 35 (10-22-2, 22 pts.)
vs. Chicago Blackhawks (8-22-4, 20 pts.), Nationwide Arena Home Game No. 21 (8-11-1, 5 pts.) The Blue Jackets Press Box website, which includes game notes, stats, releases and video/audio clips as well as the 2022-23 Media Guide can be accessed at bluejackets.com/pressbox. Follow @BlueJacketsPR on Twitter for comprehensive information and updates on the team.

THE LAST GAME: DEC. 29, 2022 – CBJ 1 at NYI 2
CBJ Goal Scorers: Bemstrom (3)
NYI Goal Scorers: Pageau (8), PP – Barzal (8)
Goalies: CBJ – Korpisalo (34/36; 57:47); NYI – Sorokin (20/21; 60:00)
CBJ PP: 0/2; PK: 2/3 | Shots: CBJ: 21 / NYI: 36
3 Stars: 1. Pageau, NYI; 2. Sorokin, NYI; 3. Barzal, NYI
Noteworthy: CBJ lost their 7th-straight game… NYI scored 2 goals in the 2nd period while CBJ scored lone goal with 22 seconds left in the game… Bemstrom scored to give him 2-1-3 in his last 4 appearances… Bjork registered an assist for the 2nd-straight game (1-2-3)… Gaudreau tallied his team-leading 25th assist of the season.

OhioHEALTH INJURY REPORT
Danforth (torn labrum); Placed on Injured Reserve (Oct. 25); 6 months (28 games)
Voracek (concussion); Placed on Injured Reserve (Nov. 4); out indefinitely (23 games)
Blankenburg (ankle); Placed on Injured Reserve (Nov. 10); 6-8 weeks (21 games)
Werenski (torn labrum); Placed on Injured Reserve (retro to Nov. 10); rest of regular season (21 games)
Bean (shoulder); Placed on IR (retro to Nov. 15); out indefinitely (20 games)
Jenner (thumb); Placed on IR (Dec. 19); approximately 4 weeks (4 games)
Chinakhov (ankle); Placed on IR (Dec. 20); 4 weeks (3 games)
Laine (COVID); day-to-day (1 game)
TOTAL MAN GAMES LOST: 215

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Dec. 28 Activated Sillinger off Injured Reserve, added Bemstrom to roster on emergency recall from Cleveland (AHL) and assigned Christiansen to Cleveland (AHL)
Dec. 24. Assigned Dunne to Cleveland (AHL)
Dec. 22 Activated Boqvist and Korpisalo off Injured Reserve, placed Sillinger on Injured Reserve retroactive to Dec. 17 and assigned Greaves to Cleveland (AHL)
Dec. 20 Placed Chinakhov on Injured Reserve and added Greaves to roster on emergency recall from Cleveland (AHL)
Dec. 19 Signed Richards to a one-year, two-way NHL/AHL contract for rest of 2022-23 season
Dec. 19 Placed Jenner on Injured Reserve and recalled Dunne from Cleveland (AHL)
Dec. 12 Recalled Tarasov from Cleveland (AHL) and assigned Greaves to Cleveland (AHL)

TONIGHT’S GAME BROADCAST INFO
1pm ET | Bally Sports Ohio | 105.7 FM

AGAINST THE BLACKHAWKS
2022-23 Series: 0-1-0 (0-0-0 vs. CHI)
2021-22 Series: 1-1-0 (0-1-0 vs. CHI)
All-Time Series: 37-46-2-13 (19-21-1-8 vs. CHI)
Last 10 (Overall | Home): 2-5-3 | 3-4-3
All-Time GF/GA: 268-325
All-Time SF/SA: 2,822-2,994
All-Time PP: 64-of-394
All-Time PK: 315-of-387

THE LAST GAME VS. CHI: DEC. 23, 2022 – CBJ 2 at CHI 5
CBJ Goal Scorers: PP – Marchenko (4), Bjork (3)
CHI Goal Scorers: Kane (5), Domi (11), Athanasiou (7), Raddysh (10), PP – Toews (11)
Goalies: CBJ – Tarasov (16/20; 23:24), Korpisalo (17/18; 36:22); CHI – Stalock (27/29; 60:00)
CBJ PP: 1/4; PK: 4/5 | Shots: CBJ: 29 / CHI: 38
3 Stars: 1. Toews, CHI; 2. Kane, CHI; 3. Stalock, CHI
Noteworthy: CBJ lost 6th-straight game… CHI led 4-0 until CBJ scored with 6:12 left in the 2nd period and again 3:21 into the 3rd period to make it 4-2… CHI scored a PPG with 7:44 left in the 3rd… Bjork notched his 1st career multi-point game (1-1-2)… Roslovic (0-2-2) recorded his 3rd multi-assist/4th multi-point effort to extend his assists streak to 3-straight games (0-4-4), while also notching his 100th career NHL assist (1st assist)… Marchenko scored in his 2nd consecutive game (2-0-2)… Nyquist registered an assist, extending his assist streak to 3-straight outings (0-3-3).

SEASON SERIES LEFT: Series is complete.

NOTED (Team Highlights vs. CHI)
CHI’s victory on Dec. 23 snapped a 6-game win streak for the visiting team… Road team has collected points in 13 of the last 15 meetings since 10/20/18 (11-2-2)… Winning team has scored 4+ goals in 5-straight wins and 7 of last 9… CHI owns 8 of the 10 shutouts in the all-time series (MR: Subban, 26 saves in 2-0 W at CBJ on Feb. 25, 2021) while CBJ has recorded 2 of the 3 hat tricks, including one by Laine on Feb. 17, 2022 (7-4 CBJ win)… Most goals scored vs. CHI: 8 (3/25/10)… Most goals allowed vs. CHI: 7 – 3x (MR: 2/1/11).

NOTED (Player Highlights vs. CHI)
Boqvist skated in his 100th career NHL game on 1/11/22 vs. CHI… Gaudreau skated in his 100th career game on 11/15/15 at CHI and notched his 600th career point (1st goal) on 4/18/22 at CHI… Kuraly notched his 1st NHL career assist on 4/2/17 at CHI… Laine notched his 100th NHL career goal on 11/29/18 vs. CHI , 300th career point (1st goal) and 9th career hat trick (Soderblom) on 2/17/22 at CHI… Olivier notched his 1st career assist on 1/26/21 vs. CHI… Roslovic notched his 100th career NHL assist on 12/23/22 at CHI (1st assist).

PLAYER NOTABLES vs. CHI
• Gaudreau – 9-17-26 in 21 career GP, including goals in three of his last four games (4-2-6) and points in 11 of his last 13 – with 8 multi-point efforts – against the club (8-13-21).
• Laine – 17-9-26 in 28 career GP, including points in nine of his last 12 contests overall (11-4-15).
• Nyquist – 6-12-18 in 22 career GP, including multiple points in three of his last six contests (2-6-8).
• Roslovic – 6-10-16 in 22 career GP, including five multi-point efforts (0-2-2 on Dec. 23).

BLUE JACKETS NOTES
HOME AT LAST
The Blue Jackets fell for the seventh-straight game and moved to 7-13-2 in the last 22 games overall following a 2-1 loss at the NY Islanders on Thursday. It’s been a road heavy stretch for Columbus. With Tuesday’s home game vs. Buffalo postponed due to weather, the club closed out a stretch of six-of-seven contests away from Nationwide Arena on Thursday. The stretch of road games began back on December 13. The team gets to put away the large suitcases for the next week as it plays three of its next four contests at home through January 7.

NHL Preview: Buffalo Sabres (17-14-2) at Boston Bruins (28-4-3)

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NHL Preview: Buffalo Sabres (17-14-2) at Boston Bruins (28-4-3)

BUFFALO SABRES NOTES:

LAST GAME
Thursday, Dec. 29
Detroit 3 at Buffalo 6
Goals: Okposo (3), Mittelstadt (2), Skinner
Goalie: Luukkonen (28 saves/31 shots)
PP: 1/5; PK: 2/3; Shots: Buffalo 35 – Detroit 31

CURRENT INJURIES – (Man Games Lost: 90)
Player (injury, first game missed) – total games missed
Eric Comrie (Lower body, Nov. 19; IR) – 16 games
Henri Jokiharju (Lower body, Dec. 10; IR) – 6 games

TRANSACTIONS IN PAST SEVEN DAYS
12/29: Activated D Jacob Bryson from injured reserve; Placed D Lawrence Pilut on waivers
12/30: Loaned D Lawrence Pilut to the Rochester (AHL)

UPCOMING GAMES
Sunday, Jan. 1: Buffalo at Ottawa, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 3: Buffalo at Washington, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 7: Minnesota at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 9: Philadelphia at Buffalo, 7 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 10: Seattle at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

TONIGHT’S GAME
SABRES AT BRUINS
• This is the second of four meetings between the Sabres and Bruins this season.
• Last meeting: Boston defeated Buffalo 3-1 in Buffalo on Nov. 12, 2022.
• Next meeting: Thursday, March 2, 2023 in Boston.
• The Sabres are 1-8-1 in their last 10 games against the Bruins; 1-7-2 on the road.
• This is the 310th game all-time between Buffalo and Boston; Buffalo has a 126-136-47 series record.
• The Sabres are 51-79-23 on the road against the Bruins all-time.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
• Entering play on Friday, Buffalo (4.00) and Boston (3.80) ranked first and second, respectively, in goals for per game played.
• The Sabres are riding a five-game winning streak, their longest since the team won 10 straight contests from Nov. 8 to 27, 2018.
• Buffalo has outscored its opponents by a combined total of 24-9 in that span.
• Kyle Okposo has recorded at least one point in each of his last three games and owns five points (4+1) in that span.
• A point in tonight’s game would give Okposo his seventh point streak of four or more games as a member of the Sabres.
• Tage Thompson has recorded 47 points (25+22) in his last 26 games.
• Dylan Cozens has tallied 24 points (7+17) in his last 20 games.
• Rasmus Dahlin has recorded 20 points (3+17) in his last 18 games.
• In his last 12 games, Jeff Skinner owns 23 points (12+11).
• Alex Tuch has notched 24 points (8+16) in his last 18 games.

BOSTON BRUINS NOTES:

TODAY’S GAME

  • The Bruins host the Sabres today in the 2nd of 4 games between these teams this season and the 1st of 2 Buffalo visits to TD Garden.
  • They are 28-4-3 overall this season and are 18-0-2 on home ice … They are 16-3-1 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
  • The Bruins are playing today the 4th of 16 matinees this season (local start time 4:00 pm or earlier) … They have a 3-0-0 record in afternoon games so far.
  • The Bruins host Buffalo today in closing out 2022 and will open 2023 hosting Pittsburgh on 1/2 in the Winter Classic at Fenway Park … They will then face a 3-game road trip to Los Angeles on 1/5, in San Jose on 1/7 and in Anaheim on 1/8.

RECENT GAMES:

  • The Bruins are 7-0-2 in their last 9 games with wins vs Vegas (3-1 on 12/11), vs NY Islanders (4-3/SO on 12/13), vs Columbus (4-2 on 12/17), 7 vs Florida (7-3 on 12/19), vs Winnipeg (3-2 on 12/22), and in New Jersey both 4-3 on 12/23 and 3-1 on 12/28; and 3-2 shootout setbacks each to Los Angeles on 12/15 and Ottawa on 12/27.
  • They are 11-1-3 in their last 15 games and are 18-2-3 in their last 23 contests.
  • They are 18-0-2 in their 20 home games, including a 14-game home win streak, the longest from the start of a season in league history … That is the 2nd longest point streak from a season’s start in Boston annals to 1973-74’s 21-game stretch at 19-0-2 … This is their fifth longest home point streak overall in team history (4x) with their club mark a 26-0-1 stretch in 1970-71.
  • Boston 4 at New Jersey 3 … The Bruins scored 4 straight 2nd period goals en route to the 4-3 victory with goals by Patrice Bergeron, David Pastrnak (2) and Jake DeBrusk (GWG+A) and 2A from David Krejci … Linus Ullmark extended his pt streak to 11-0-1 … SOG: Bos 23, NJ 40 … PP: 0/1 … PK: 1/2
  • Boston 2 at Ottawa 3/SO … Jake DeBrusk and Pavel Zacha scored but Ottawa prevailed in the shootout … Jeremy Swayman earned a point in net … SOG: Bos 51, Ott 33 … PP: 0/3 … PK: 1/2
  • Boston 3 at New Jersey 1 … Trent Frederic, Patrice Bergeron (GW) and Pavel Zacha (EN) scored goals and Hampus Lindholm added 2A … Linus Ullmark earned his 2nd career 20-win mark with the victory … SOG: Bos 27, NJ 31 … PP: 0/3 … PK: 0/2

INJURIES (Total man-games lost in 2022-23: 36)

  • None

BOSTON vs BUFFALO, LIFETIME SERIES

  • The Bruins and Sabres are meeting for the 310th time in their histories with the Bruins having a 154-114-29-12 record and 1,002- 948 scoring advantage in those games.
  • The Bruins are 88-46-14-5 lifetime vs. Buffalo at home with a 545-437 scoring edge in those 153 contests.
  • The Bruins won the first game of this season’s series with a 3-1 win at Buffalo on 11/12 and they have won the last 7 games vs. the Sabres … They are 9-0-0 on their last 9 home games of the lifetime series.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS:
Dec. 20: Craig Smith assigned to Providence/AHL (cleared waivers 12/19).
Dec. 21: Craig Smith recalled from Providence/AHL.

NHL Morning Skate – Dec. 31, 2022

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NHL Morning Skate – Dec. 31, 2022

* Connor McDavid did what he does best – collect points in bunches. While he assisted on two of Edmonton’s three goals in the opening 3:55, the Oilers captain finished with five points and four assists to eclipse the 70-point mark in 2022-23.

* The Hurricanes benefited from another shutout performance to push their win streak to a franchise-record 10 games while also extending their point streak to 16 contests.

* As the calendar year approaches its conclusion, many star players have milestones on their mind before the clock strikes midnight on an #NHLStats-filled 2022.
 

McDAVID DAZZLES ON ESPN+ WITH FIVE-POINT PERFORMANCE
In a contest broadcast nationally across the United States on ESPN+, Connor McDavid (1-4—5) collected his first two of five points on Edmonton’s three goals in the opening 3:55 of play and extended his point streak to 17 games – but he wasn’t done there. The Oilers captain (32-40—72 in 37 GP) then factored on three more to reach the 40-assist and 70-point mark in the process.



* The 2022-23 campaign is the second season McDavid has collected 40 assists in 37 games or fewer following 2020-21 (35 GP). He is one of only two active players to accomplish the feat multiple times joining Sidney Crosby (34 GP in 2006-07 & 35 GP in 2012-13).

* Friday marked the 25-year-old’s eighth career game with at least five points – tied with Evgeni Malkin for the most among active players. In fact, only seven players in NHL history have recorded more such performances before their 26th birthday: Wayne Gretzky (71 GP), Mario Lemieux (29 GP), Dale Hawerchuk (11 GP), Bryan Trottier (11 GP), Steve Yzerman (10 GP), Paul Coffey (10 GP) and Jari Kurri (9 GP).

* With Leon Draisaitl out of the lineup, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (0-4—4) also played a crucial part in Edmonton’s seven-goal outburst. McDavid has been involved in each of the past two instances where Oilers teammates each had four-plus assists in the same game (also Jan. 31, 2021; Draisaitl: 0-6—6 & McDavid: 1-4—5). The last instance before Jan. 31, 2021 was March 14, 1986 (Coffey: 2-6—8 & Gretzky: 1-4—5).

HURRICANES SURGE TO 10TH STRAIGHT WIN AND FRANCHISE RECORD

Brent Burns (0-2—2) was one of three players with multiple points and Antti Raanta (19 saves) posted his second consecutive shutout as the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes (24-6-6, 54 points) established a franchise record with 10 straight wins.

* Carolina, which has trailed for only 6:08 and posted four shutouts through its current 10-game win streak, joined New Jersey (13 GP from Oct. 25 – Nov. 21) as the second team to register a double-digit win streak in 2022-23. All but two campaigns in the past decade have featured multiple teams register a win streak of 10-plus games (2020-21: VGK, 10 GP & 2014-15: none).



* Carolina has also collected at least one point in each of its past 16 games dating to Nov. 25 (14-0-2) – also the longest such run in franchise history. The Hurricanes held a 10-6-4 (24 points) record prior to their point streak and sat eight points back of the first-place Devils (16-4-0, 32 points) in the Metropolitan Division, but now hold a six-point advantage on New Jersey (23-11-2, 48 points).

HUGHES, FORSBERG SHINE IN LATEST EDITION OF #NHLSTATS: LIVE UPDATES
On the night Filip Forsberg (1-2—3) played a pivotal part in his 600th career game for the Predators (15-14-5, 35 points), Jack Hughes (2-0—2) reached the 20-goal mark for the second time in as many seasons to lift the Devils (23-11-2, 48 points) to victory. Tap here for the latest edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates, which includes everything you need to know from the action Friday.

* While the Predators scored at least six goals in a road game for the fifth time in 2022 (excluding shootout-deciding goals), Forsberg boosted his career totals to 231-267—498 in 600 games – the most goals and points by any player through their first 600 contests with the Predators franchise. Martin Erat holds the next highest point total (133-252—385).
 
* After finishing with 26 goals in 49 games during 2021-22, 21-year-old Hughes scored No. 20 in his 36th contest of 2022-23. Only six players in Devils franchise history have reached the mark in fewer games: Paul Gardner (23 GP in 1977-78), Claude Lemieux (27 GP in 1991-92), John MacLean (29 GP in 1990-91 & 31 GP in 1988-89), Lanny McDonald (32 GP in 1979-80), Sylvain Turgeon (33 GP in 1989-90) and Zach Parise (35 GP in 2008-09).



NHL PODCASTS: WEEKLY ROUNDUP

* NHL @ The Rink (Dec. 28):Winter Classic, Bruins’ needs, Super 16 & Alex Ovechkin
* NHL Fantasy (Dec. 29): Fantasy waiver wire pickups, mailbag for Week 12


QUICK CLICKS

* National Anthem at 2023 Winter Classic to be performed in ASL

* ‘Ideal’ rink, weather expected for 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic

* Linus Ullmark of Bruins chosen as Unmasked Goalie of the Year

* Fans of Bruins, Penguins enjoy atmosphere at 2023 Winter Classic Plaza

* Alex Ovechkin‘s son Sergei scores goal at Capitals practice

BRUINS READY FOR FINAL TUNE UP AHEAD OF WINTER CLASSIC

While the Penguins (19-11-6, 44 points) contested their final game before the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic on Friday, the Bruins (28-4-3, 59 points) will do the same Saturday when they eye an NHL-first against the Sabres (17-14-2, 36 points). Boston, with 65 regular-season wins since Jan. 1, 2022, can become the first team in League history to record 66 such victories in a single calendar year.

* Click here for the 2022 Year in Review for #NHLStats, a detailed breakdown of all the biggest storylines that caught our attention this year. Please note, all stats are updated as of games through Dec. 18 and will be updated again on Dec. 31.
 



* The Bruins return to TD Garden after a three-game road trip – an arena which has witnessed the team collect at least one point in their past 20 outings (18-0-2) as well as David Pastrnak finding the score sheet in each of his past seven home contests (6-4—10 in 7 GP since Dec. 3). Pastrnak already has 56 regular-season goals in 2022 and should he score again, he would tie Phil Esposito (57 in 1972) for the sixth most in a calendar year by a Boston skater.



U.S.-BORN GOAL-GETTERS ALSO LOOK TO END 2022 ON A HIGH NOTE
A trio of high-scoring Americans are set to contest their final game of 2022 when Auston Matthews, Jason Robertson and Tage Thompson take to the ice.

* Matthews (57), Robertson (55) and Thompson (52) have each scored more than 50 regular-season goals in 2022, marking the first calendar year in NHL history with three U.S.-born players to have each reached the mark. Prior to 2022, the only years to have featured multiple U.S.-born players with 50-plus tallies were 1997 (John LeClair: 56 & Keith Tkachuk: 55), 1996 (Tkachuk: 55 & LeClair: 54) and 1992 (Pat LaFontaine: 61 & Kevin Stevens: 54).

* The Maple Leafs forward has found the score sheet in all but two games during the month of December (5-8—13 in 11 GP) and sits three points shy of 500 in his career (276-221—497 in 443 GP). Matthews can require the fourth-fewest games by a U.S.-born skater to reach the milestone behind Jeremy Roenick (430 GP),Stevens (431 GP) and Craig Janney (435 GP).

* Robertson (13) also shares the lead in game-winning goals in 2022 with Sidney Crosby and Leon Draisaitl. Should he score another Saturday, he would become the fourth player in NHL history with at least 14 in a calendar year.
 



* Thompson has collected 5-4—9 in his past five games and has registered 98 regular-season points in 2022 to go along with his 52 goals through that span (52-46—98 in 79 GP). He can become the sixth different Sabres player to record 100-plus points in a single calendar year and first since Alexander Mogilny in 1993 (59-50—109 in 75 GP).


OVECHKIN EYES MORE HISTORY AS CALENDAR YEAR COMES TO AN END

Alex Ovechkin has collected a plethora of milestones this year and most recently his 802nd career goal just before the Holiday Break on Dec. 23. While he has amassed 49-33—82 in 2022 (82 GP), Ovechkin returns to Capital One Arena with the hopes of closing out another calendar year with another stretch of 50 regular-season goals.

* Ovechkin has netted at least 50 regular-season goals in a calendar year seven times in his career to date: 2018 (54), 2015 (57), 2013 (62), 2009 (57), 2008 (60), 2007 (51) and 2006 (54). Should he do so in 2022, the NHL’s second-highest goal scorer would tie Mike Bossy (8: 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984 & 1986) for the most in League history.

NBA Preview: Miami Heat (18-18) at Utah Jazz (19-19)

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NBA Preview: Miami Heat (18-18) at Utah Jazz (19-19)

Two teams looking to end the year on a good note after taking disappointing losses Friday night will square off on Saturday when the Utah Jazz face the Miami Heat in Salt Lake City.

The New Year’s Eve contest gives the teams a quick opportunity for a positive outcome after each side squandered a late lead on the road on Friday. Miami is coming off a 124-119 loss to the Denver Nuggets, while Utah clawed back to take a lead over the Sacramento Kings, only to stumble in the final seconds of a 126-125 setback.

The Jazz, who didn’t take their first lead until early in the fourth quarter, were up 124-121 with under a minute to go after Lauri Markkanen hit a 3-pointer with 1:03 left and another bucket with 36.1 seconds to go.

However, Markkanen’s 36-point effort went for naught. Sacramento’s Kevin Huerter drained a game-winning 3-pointer with nine seconds to go after the Jazz couldn’t corral a defensive rebound on two misses by the Kings. Huerter scored 15 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter, a period in which the teams exchanged the lead 12 times.

Markkanen’s 16-foot shot at the buzzer was off, resulting in a third straight loss for Utah. The Jazz saw their record slip to 19-19, marking the first time they’ve been at .500 all season after a sizzling start.

While the Jazz rallied from a 10-point, third-quarter deficit to move into position for a possible win, Miami squandered a second-half advantage in Denver.

The Heat, who were outscored 39-29 in the fourth quarter, held a 117-115 lead with two minutes to go before the Nuggets finished with a 9-2 surge.

The result got the Heat off to a sour start to their five-game Western Conference trip and spoiled a historic night for Duncan Robinson. He hit three 3-pointers to surpass Tim Hardaway (806) and become Miami’s all-time leader in treys made with 807.

Tyler Herro led Miami with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo scored 22 points.

Coincidentally, the Heat also saw their record drop to .500 at 18-18 as they lost for just the third time in nine games.

The Saturday game will be the first of two games between Utah and Miami this season, with the Heat having won the past three meetings. The Jazz will visit Miami on March 13.

NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (20-14) at Oklahoma City Thunder (15-20)

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NBA Preview: Philadelphia Sixers (20-14) at Oklahoma City Thunder (15-20)

Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey will take some time to return to form after missing more than a month of action, 76ers coach Doc Rivers said.

After a nine-point outing in his return on Friday, Maxey may or may not be on the court Saturday as the 76ers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Philadelphia lost its second game in a row on Friday, falling 127-116 to the host New Orleans Pelicans. Maxey came off the bench to hit 4 of 10 shots while adding one rebound and one assist in 19 minutes.

Before going down with a fractured foot, Maxey was averaging 22.9 points, 4.4 assists and 3.5 rebounds — all career highs for the third-year player.

Though Rivers said before Friday’s game that it was unlikely Maxey would play both games of the back-to-back set, both Rivers and Maxey left open the possibility afterward.

Maxey’s return figured to take some of the scoring pressure off star Joel Embiid, who enters Saturday as the NBA’s leading scorer at 33.8 points per game.

Over the past four games, Embiid is averaging 41 points per game and shooting 57.5 percent from the floor. He had 37 points, eight rebounds and five assists at New Orleans.

The Saturday game will be the first of two meetings between the teams this season. The 76ers have won five consecutive matchups with the Thunder.

Oklahoma City is coming off a 121-113 road loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday, a game in which it was outscored 66-56 in the paint.

The Thunder are third in the NBA in paint scoring, averaging 55.8 points per game.

The recent improvement in paint defense helped Oklahoma City win four of its last six games.

Next the coach wants to see consistency.

Philadelphia is sixth in paint defense, holding opponents to 47.3 points per game.

Saturday’s game is the finale of a four-game road trip for the 76ers, who need a win to salvage a split before returning to play five of their next six at home.

For Oklahoma City, the matchup is the first in a two-game homestand.

The game will mark the 15th consecutive time the Thunder have played at home on New Year’s Eve since their move to Oklahoma City.

NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (9-29) at Minnesota Timberwolves (16-20)

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NBA Preview: Detroit Pistons (9-29) at Minnesota Timberwolves (16-20)

One of the NBA’s most perplexing teams this season has been the Minnesota Timberwolves, who carry a five-game losing streak into their Saturday matchup against the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Expected to contend in the Western Conference following the acquisition of center Rudy Gobert, the inconsistent Wolves are 16-20 heading into the final game of the calendar year.

Gobert sat out Minnesota’s 123-114 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday due to a non-COVID illness and is listed as day-to-day. With center Karl-Anthony Towns out indefinitely because of a right calf strain, the Wolves struggled to slow down Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The two-time MVP had 43 points and 20 rebounds against Minnesota, which led by 11 at the half but was outscored 39-22 in the third quarter.

The Wolves will aim for a more complete effort against Detroit, which has lost seven of its past eight games. The Pistons faded at the end of a 132-118 defeat against the host Chicago Bulls on Friday. The Bulls pulled away after leading by two points with 7 1/2 minutes left.

Ivey had 22 points and six assists to lead Detroit, which played without guard Killian Hayes and forward Hamidou Diallo. Both were suspended for their involvement in an altercation against the Orlando Magic on Wednesday.

Hayes will continue his three-game suspension on Saturday, while Diallo will return after serving his one-game punishment.

Detroit coach Dwane Casey is asking for an improved defensive effort after the Pistons allowed Chicago to shoot 57.6 percent from the field on Friday.

Pistons forward Saddiq Bey has averaged 22 points, 8.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in three career games against Minnesota, which is beginning a four-game homestand.

The Wolves are monitoring the status of guard Anthony Edwards, who had 30 points and 10 rebounds on Friday. Edwards gave the team a scare when he landed hard on his hip late in the fourth quarter and remained on the floor for several minutes before remaining in the game.

Forward Luka Garza, who had a season-high 16 points in the loss to Milwaukee, said the Wolves aren’t far from meeting their lofty expectations.

Minnesota has won the past five meetings against Detroit, which is shooting 44.3 percent (51 of 115) from 3-point range over its past three games.

NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (23-12) at Memphis Grizzlies (21-13)

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NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (23-12) at Memphis Grizzlies (21-13)

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies, two of the top three teams in the Western Conference, are led by the top two picks in the 2019 NBA Draft.

The Pelicans’ Zion Williamson and the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant will face each other in their final game of 2022 on Saturday night in Memphis, but they figure to be competing with each other throughout the 2023 portion of the season, too.

New Orleans beat the visiting Philadelphia 76ers 127-116 on Friday night to win its fifth game in a row and stay tied with the Denver Nuggets atop the West.

Williamson, the top pick in 2019, had 36 points after scoring a career-high 43 in a win against the Minnesota Timberwolves two nights earlier. His relentlessness in driving to the basket against Philadelphia enabled him to hit 13 of 19 field-goal attempts and to make frequent trips to the foul line, where he went 10-for-16.

Williamson is the Pelicans’ leading scorer on the season, but he was only their No. 2 scorer against the 76ers. CJ McCollum poured in a season-high 42 points and set a franchise record by making a career-high 11 3-pointers.

Speaking of career highs, Morant, the No. 2 pick in the 2019 draft, had a career-best 17 assists and scored 19 points as the Grizzlies beat the host Toronto Raptors 119-106 on Thursday night.

The teamwork proved contagious as Memphis finished with a season-high 37 assists.

Memphis’ Desmond Bane added 16 points before fouling out, and Steven Adams had 14 points and 17 rebounds. The Grizzlies outscored Toronto 70-50 in the paint.

Memphis had lost four of its previous five games and had made fewer than 10 3-pointers in each of the past four games before Thursday. The Grizzlies sank 13 3-pointers against the Raptors as seven players made at least one.

Memphis and New Orleans have split their first two meetings this season, with the home team winning each time. The Pelicans prevailed 113-102 on Nov. 15, and the Grizzlies won 132-111 on Nov. 25.

The second meeting featured the most points allowed by the Pelicans in a regulation game this season and matched their largest margin of defeat. It also marked the Grizzlies’ first win in the five meetings in which Williamson and Morant have both played.

The teams conclude the season series April 5 in New Orleans.

NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (22-14) at Chicago Bulls (16-19)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Cleveland Cavaliers (22-14) at Chicago Bulls (16-19)

The Cleveland Cavaliers, coming off a trio of rough defensive showings, hope to snap their three-game losing streak on Saturday night when they visit the Chicago Bulls.

Cleveland is in the midst of its second-longest skid of the season and faces the possibility of Darius Garland sitting out due to a sprained right thumb. Garland was injured Thursday in the fourth quarter of the Cavaliers’ 135-126 loss at Indiana when he collided with Pacers forwards Oshae Brissett and Jalen Smith.

The Cavaliers won eight of their first nine games this season, when they were allowing 103.9 points per contest. Then came a five-game losing streak from Nov. 7-13 when the Cavaliers allowed 118.8 points per game and 51.1 percent from the field.

Cleveland followed up its five-game slide by winning 14 of 19 starting with a double-overtime victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 18. During the 19-game run, the Cavaliers allowed 101 points per game and earned nine double-digit wins.

The final game of the hot streak was a 114-106 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Dec. 21. Since then, the Cavaliers dropped home games to the Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets before allowing their highest point total of the season at Indiana.

During the past three games, Cleveland allowed 126 points on average as opponents shot 54.6 percent. The Pacers shot 56.5 percent from the floor vs. the Cavaliers after Brooklyn shot 57.3 percent. The Cavaliers also conceded a season-high-tying 19 3-pointers on Thursday, and they are allowing 57.1 percent shooting (56 of 98) from behind the arc in the past three contests.

The Bulls endured a stretch of 12 losses in 17 games, culminating with a disastrous defensive showing in a 150-126 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Dec. 18. After that contest, Chicago coach Billy Donovan cited a severe lack of compete level.

Since allowing its highest point total in regulation since 1969, Chicago has improved. The Bulls are 5-1 in their past six games, a stretch that includes last-second road wins at Atlanta and New York along with a 119-113 overtime win at Milwaukee on Wednesday, when Chicago erased a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

The Bulls continued its strong form Friday in a 132-118 win over the visiting Detroit Pistons.

Zach LaVine scored a season-high 43 points, including 18 in the first quarter and seven in Chicago’s 17-3 run over the final 4:10. DeMar DeRozan added 22 after scoring 42 against the Bucks and a week after he hit the game-winning shot in New York.

While Chicago is 5-2 against the top four teams in the East (Boston, Milwaukee, Brooklyn and Cleveland), its biggest margin of defeat this year came in a 128-96 home loss to the Cavaliers on Dec. 22. Cleveland, with Garland out due to an eye injury, shot 56.5 percent from the floor. Donovan Mitchell paced the Cavaliers in that game with 32 points, nine rebounds and eight assists.

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