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NBA Preview: Washington Wizards (23-26) at San Antonio Spurs (14-36)

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NBA Preview: Washington Wizards (23-26) at San Antonio Spurs (14-36)

The Washington Wizards and the San Antonio Spurs will square off Monday in the Alamo City in a battle of teams heading in opposite directions on the NBA escalator.

The Wizards head to San Antonio after a 113-103 win in New Orleans on Saturday, their fifth consecutive victory. Daniel Gafford led Washington with a season-high 21 points, with Bradley Beal adding 16 points — nine of which came in the fourth quarter.

Beal battled his way to a three-point play and then sank a 3-pointer to garner a 103-94 lead with 2:47 left, and the Wizards held on. They outrebounded the Pelicans 53-42 and grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and converted them into 25 points.

The Wizards played without Kristaps Porzingis, who missed his third consecutive game with a sprained left ankle.

The Spurs hope their homecourt advantage will aid in snapping a five-game losing streak that has dropped them just two games ahead of the Houston Rockets in last place in the Western Conference.

The latest setback – that’s 10 of their past 11 – came Saturday in the form of a 128-118 overtime loss at home against the Phoenix Suns.

San Antonio trailed by 11 points entering the fourth quarter but rallied to force the extra period on Keldon Johnson’s three-point play with 47.8 seconds to left in regulation that tied the game at 110. Phoenix quickly took the lead in overtime and the Spurs ran out of gas.

Johnson poured in 34 points to lead San Antonio and Jeremy Sochan scored a career-high 30, with 14 of those coming in the third quarter. Keita Bates-Diop had 14 points and Doug McDermott scored 10, while Jakob Poeltl grabbed 13 rebounds and Stanley Johnson took 12 boards for the Spurs, who were missing key reserve guards Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford because of injury.

San Antonio has won just twice in their 14 January games.

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (23-27) at Brooklyn Nets (30-19)

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NBA Preview: Los Angeles Lakers (23-27) at Brooklyn Nets (30-19)

The Los Angeles Lakers left Boston frustrated by a loss on Saturday.

The Brooklyn Nets, on the other hand, are holding their own with Kyrie Irving leading the way as Kevin Durant remains out with an MCL sprain.

The two will meet Monday night at Brooklyn, when the Lakers will play without two of their own stars — LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers said Sunday that James will be sidelined by left ankle soreness and Davis by a right foot stress injury.

Austin Reaves also is out with a left hamstring strain. Lonnie Walker IV is probable with left knee tendinitis.

The Lakers are 4-6 in their past 10 since winning five straight Dec. 30-Jan. 7. Four of those defeats were by five or fewer points, including Saturday’s 125-121 overtime loss to the Celtics that left the Lakers encouraged by their showing and also peeved.

James scored 41 points, but his fifth game this season with at least 40 points — all coming since Dec. 30 — was marred by what did not happen. With one second left, James missed a potential game-winning layup and was annoyed at official Eric Lewis when a foul was not called on Boston.

James’ annoyance occurred as Irving scored 21 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter of a 122-115 win against the New York Knicks.

Irving scored at least 30 points for a career-high sixth straight game and set the record for the longest streak in team history. Since missing a game in San Antonio Jan. 17 due to a calf injury, Irving is averaging 36.3 points and shooting 51.7 percent (76 of 147), including 47.4 percent from 3-point range (28 of 59).

It was the third time in the past six games that Irving scored at least 20 points in a fourth quarter, and he helped the Nets fend off a comeback attempt by the Knicks. In his past six fourth quarters, Irving is averaging 16 points and shooting 57.6 percent (34 of 59).

Irving’s performance occurred when the Nets hit a season-high 22 3-pointers.

Brooklyn played Saturday’s game without Ben Simmons (sore left knee) and T.J. Warren (left shin contusion). Both could be out again Monday and the Nets could deploy 10 players again after all five starters reached double figures, including Nic Claxton, who has double-doubles in seven of his past eight contests.

NBA Preview: Sacramento Kings (27-21) at Minnesota Timberwolves (27-25)

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NBA Preview: Sacramento Kings (27-21) at Minnesota Timberwolves (27-25)

Two teams that have positioned themselves to make rare playoff appearances hope to continue to rise at the other’s expense when the Sacramento Kings visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night in Minneapolis.

It has been 17 years since the Kings last experienced the NBA postseason (2006), while the Timberwolves have reached the playoffs just twice since 2004. But both reside among the winning clubs in the Western Conference as the calendar prepares to turn to February.

Minnesota got the better of Sacramento on Saturday 117-110 in the opener of a three-day, same-site sequence. It was the first of four meetings between the teams this season.

Two players looking to pick up votes from the coaches when All-Star Game reserves are announced Thursday put their impressive forms on display in the series opener.

The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards was the game’s leading scorer with 34 points to go with 10 rebounds and six assists. He shot 14-for-21 on a night when the hosts buried 52.5 percent of their shots.

A third-year player who has never been in an NBA All-Star Game, Edwards has raised his scoring to a career-best 24.7 points by averaging 34.2 while shooting at a 54.0 percent clip the past five games.

The Timberwolves have won three in a row and five of the last six. They handled the Memphis Grizzlies and Kings, two of the top teams in the West, to open a six-game homestand during which the reigning NBA champs (Golden State) and current No. 1 team in the West (Denver) also will be visiting.

The Kings, whose current .563 winning percentage is nearly 200 points higher than last year’s .366, have stumbled lately, losing three of four. Saturday’s loss to the Timberwolves was the opener of their longest trip of the season — a seven-game excursion that will take them to San Antonio, Indian, New Orleans and two in Houston. Sacramento had won its previous three road outings before arriving in Minneapolis.

Like Edwards, Domantas Sabonis continued a season worthy of All-Star consideration on Saturday, posting 23 points, 10 rebounds and five assists against the Timberwolves. Sabonis leads the NBA with 37 double-doubles.

The Kings shot reasonably well in defeat (45.1 percent), but that’s not where the game was lost, coach Mike Brown insisted.

After being acquired from the Indiana Pacers last February, Sabonis made his Sacramento debut in a home game against the Timberwolves on Feb. 9. He contributed 22 points and 14 rebounds to a 132-119 win.

NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (19-31) at Philadelphia Sixers (32-16)

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NBA Preview: Orlando Magic (19-31) at Philadelphia Sixers (32-16)

Joel Embiid repeatedly has said that he believes he was snubbed when he didn’t win the Most Valuable Player award each of the past two seasons when Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets did.

Then just this week, Embiid said he was surprised that he wasn’t named as a starter in the upcoming NBA All-Star Game despite leading the league in scoring.

Embiid used these situations as motivation in a stirring 47-point, 18-rebound performance in a 126-119 win over the Nuggets on Saturday.

He’ll have another chance to build his case for redemption when the Sixers look for their eighth consecutive victory as they host the Orlando Magic on Monday.

Since starting the season 12-12, the Sixers have gone 20-4 to surge into second place in the Eastern Conference.

The Sixers’ success is largely connected to Embiid, who produced his 33rd career game with at least 40 points and 10 rebounds, according to ESPN Stats and Information. Since the 1976-77 season, Embiid has the second-most 40-10 performances, trailing only Shaquille O’Neal with 43.

Embiid also sparked a second-half comeback after the Sixers looked a bit flat and trailed 73-58 at the half.

James Harden also was impressive with 17 points, 13 assists and no turnovers.

The Magic will look to avoid a third straight loss when they battle the Sixers.

Orlando fell 128-109 to the Chicago Bulls on Saturday, though it whittled a 25-point deficit down to six with 5:08 remaining.

Moritz Wagner paced the Magic with 27 points, but the poor start was too much to overcome.

Cole Anthony added 21 points, six rebounds and six assists and provided a spark down the stretch.

But the Magic’s furious comeback landed short.

Orlando’s Markelle Fultz will return to Philadelphia to play the team that made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft. Fultz struggled with criticism from poor shooting and a shoulder injury with the Sixers.

In 29 games (all starts) this season, Fultz is averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.

NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (26-24) at Milwaukee Bucks (32-17)

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NBA Preview: New Orleans Pelicans (26-24) at Milwaukee Bucks (32-17)

The Milwaukee Bucks are rolling on offense as they begin a four-game homestand with a game against the struggling New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night.

The Bucks have averaged 132.7 points during their three-game winning streak. They have five wins in their past six games, and they put up at least 130 points in four of the five victories.

Milwaukee’s most recent victory was a 141-131 triumph against the Indiana Pacers on Friday in Indianapolis.

The Bucks opened a 33-point lead late in the first half before finishing with a season-high first-half total while taking an 85-56 halftime lead.

Milwaukee is seeking a sweep of the two-game season series with the Pelicans after Antetokounmpo had 42 points and 10 rebounds during a 128-119 victory in New Orleans on Dec. 19.

At the time, that was New Orleans’ season-worst fourth consecutive loss. However, the Pelicans are in the midst of an even worse stretch, having dropped seven straight after a 113-103 loss to the visiting Washington Wizards on Saturday night.

The Pelicans will be without All-Star forward Zion Williamson (hamstring) for at least another two weeks. They have lost both games since second-leading scorer Brandon Ingram returned from a 29-game absence caused by an injured toe. Ingram has averaged 17.5 points but made just 12 of 40 shots (30 percent) since returning.

New Orleans has lost 10 of its last 12 games.

NHL Preview: Washington Capitals (26-19-6) at Toronto Maple Leafs (30-12-8)

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NHL Preview: Washington Capitals (26-19-6) at Toronto Maple Leafs (30-12-8)

WASHINGTON CAPITALS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Washington 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 2 (SO)
January 26, 2023 * Capital One Arena * Washington, D.C.
Shots: WSH: 45; PIT: 37
Power Plays: WSH: 1/3; PIT: 0/1
Three Stars: 1. Kuemper (WSH), 2. DeSmith (PIT), 3. Johansson (WSH)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Recalled forward Aliaksei Protas from AHL Hershey, 1/18
Loaned forward Joe Snively to AHL Hershey, 1/8

INJURIES/ILLNESSES
Carl Hagelin: 10/12/22-1/26/23 (51 games)
Connor Brown: 10/20/22-1/26/23 (47 games)
John Carlson: 10/31/22-11/9/22, 12/27/22-1/26/23 (21 games)
Nic Dowd: 12/17/22, 1/17/23-1/26/23 (6 games)
Tom Wilson: 10/12/22-1/6/23, 1/26/23 (43 games)
Nicklas Backstrom: 10/12/22-1/6/23, 1/24/22 (43 games)
Washington Capitals: Media Notes
Alex Ovechkin: 12/21/22 (1 game)
Dmitry Orlov: 11/7/22-12/9/22 (16 games)
Erik Gustafsson: 12/11/22 (1 game)
Lars Eller: 12/13/22 (1 game)
Sonny Milano: 12/15/22 (1 game)
Darcy Kuemper: 12/5/22-12/17/22 (7 games)
Hunter Shepard: 12/17/22 (1 game)
Alex Alexeyev: 12/11/22-12/19/22 (5 games)
Beck Malenstyn: 11/3/22-12/27/22 (26 games)
Martin Fehervary: 12/5/22-12/29/22 (12 games)
T.J. Oshie: 10/31/22-11/19/22, 12/19/22-12/31/22 (17 games)
Man Games Lost: 299

UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Jan. 31, 7 p.m. ET at Columbus (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Feb. 11, 3:30 p.m. ET at Boston (ABC, ESPN+, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Feb. 12, 1:30 p.m. ET vs. San Jose (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Feb. 14, 7 p.m. ET vs. Carolina (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)
Feb. 16, 7 p.m. ET vs. Florida (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7)

TONIGHT’S GAME
The Capitals visit the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday at Scotiabank Arena for the third of three regular-season meetings between the teams this season. The Capitals fell to the Maple Leafs 3-2 in Toronto on Oct. 13 and defeated the Leafs 5-2 on Dec. 17 at Capital One Arena, powered by Erik Gustafsson’s first career hat trick. Washington is 77-60-10-7 all-time versus Toronto.

AWAY vs. TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS
Record Goals For Goals Against Streak
29-36-6-4 243 293 2 TOR wins (4/14/22-10/13/22)

CAPITALS vs. MAPLE LEAFS ALL-TIME (CAREER TOTALS)
Games Goals Assists Points
Ovechkin (55) Ovechkin (41) Backstrom (37) Ovechkin (74)
Backstrom/Eller (44) Johansson (10) Ovechkin (33) Backstrom (46)
Carlson (36) Backstrom (9) Carlson (25) Carlson (31)

POINT STREAKS
Alex Ovechkin – 2 game point streak (2g, 0a), 2 game goal streak (2g)

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS NOTES:

LAST GAME
Score: Toronto 2 vs. Ottawa 6
Date: Friday, January 27, 2023
TOR Goals: Anderson, Nylander (PP)
OTT Goals: Chabot, Tkachuk (2x), Brassard (PP), Batherson, Giroux
TOR Goaltender: Samsonov, 28/34, .824 SV%
OTT Goaltender: Forsberg, 31/33, .939 SV%
TOR Power Play: 1-for-3
TOR Penalty Kill: 4-for-5

Player Notes: – Joey Anderson scored his second goal of the season at 7:15 of the first period. Anderson has recorded a point in back-to-back games (1G, 1A).

  • William Nylander scored on a Toronto power play opportunity at 2:44 of the second period. Nylander extended his point streak to six games
    where he has recorded 11 points (5G, 6A).
  • Alexander Kerfoot, Justin Holl and John Tavares extended their current assist and point streaks on Friday. Kerfoot has posted an assist in consecutive games. Holl has recorded three assists through his last three games. Tavares has recorded four points (1G, 3A) through his last three games.
  • Mitch Marner posted the secondary assist on Nylander’s goal. Marner has recorded a point in back-to-back games (1G, 1A). Marner registered his 40th assist of the 2022-23 campaign, marking his seventh-consecutive 40-assist season. Per NHL Stats, “a feat accomplished by just two other players in Maple Leafs franchise history: Darryl Sittler (9) and Borje Salming (7).”

TONIGHT’S GAME
2022-23 Matchups vs. Washington: Third of Three
2021-22 Record vs. Washington: 3-0-0
Toronto Season Record: 30-12-8
Toronto Home Record: 19-4-4

TONIGHT’S STORYLINES
The Maple Leafs are taking on the Washington Capitals tonight in the third of three games between the clubs this season. Toronto has posted a 1-1-0 record against the Capitals during the 2022-23 campaign. Toronto won their first meeting of the season against Washington 3-2 on October 13th at Scotiabank Arena. The Maple Leafs dropped their second meeting 2-5 on December 17th at Capital One Arena. Toronto has earned at least one point through five of their last six games against Washington (4-1-1). The Maple Leafs are skating in their fourth matchup of a five-game homestand where they have posted a 2-1- 0 record. Toronto has earned a 6-2-1 record on home ice through the month of January and a 19-4-4 record at home during the 2022-23 campaign, the second-best home record in the league. John Tavares is scheduled to appear in his 1,000th career NHL game tonight against the Capitals. Tavares has posted 944 points (412G, 532A) through 999 career NHL games. Tavares was drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in the 2009 NHL Draft. Tavares began his NHL career with the Islanders where he spent nine seasons and posted 621 points (272G, 349A) in 669 games, ranking fifth in points, sixth in assists and seventh in goals on the Islanders franchise leader board. Tavares is skating in his fifth season with the Maple Leafs where he has recorded 323 points (140G, 183A) in 330 games. Tavares is in his fourth season as captain of the Maple Leafs. Toronto Maple Leafs: Media Notes

BROADCAST INFORMATION
TV: TSN4 RADIO: Sportsnet 590

NEXT GAME
Date: Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Opponent: vs. Boston Bruins
Time: 7:30 pm ET
Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio)

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
January 24, 2023 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Joey Anderson from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 23, 2023 The Maple Leafs have loaned forward Dryden Hunt to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
January 23, 2023 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Pontus Holmberg from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

INJURY REPORT
TJ Brodie Rib (IR)
Carl Dahlström Shoulder (LTIR)
Auston Matthews Knee Sprain
Victor Mete Lower Body (LTIR)
Jake Muzzin Neck (LTIR)
Nick Robertson Shoulder (LTIR)

ALL-TIME VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS:
First Matchup between Clubs: October 27, 1974 (Toronto 4 at Washington 3)
All-Time Record: 67-72-10-5 (154 Games)
All-Time Record at Home: 40-27-6-2 (75 Games)
All-Time Record on the Road: 27-45-4-3 (79 Games)
Last Home Win vs. Opponent: October 13, 2022 (Toronto 3 vs. Washington 2)

ACTIVE LEADERS VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS:
Games Played: John Tavares (42), Wayne Simmonds (41), Morgan Rielly (24)
Goals: John Tavares (18), Wayne Simmonds (11), Auston Matthews (7)
Assists: John Tavares (21), Morgan Rielly (16), Wayne Simmonds (11), Auston Matthews (11)
Points: John Tavares (39), Wayne Simmonds (22), Auston Matthews (18)
Penalty Minutes: Wayne Simmonds (42), Mark Giordano (18), Morgan Rielly (10)

2022-23 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS
Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO%
Toronto .680 3.36 2.68 24.4 79.4 31.9 28.8 52.6
Washington .569 3.14 2.78 20.5 81.8 32.0 30.1 49.7

THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2022-23
Power Play: 24.4%
Power Play Goal Leader: 10 – Matthews
Power Play Point Leader: 23 – Marner (5G, 18A), Tavares (9G, 14A)
2021-22 Power Play: 63/231 (27.3%)

ON THE PK IN 2022-23
Penalty Kill: 79.4%
Shorthanded Goal Leader: 2 – Marner
Shorthanded Point Leader: 3 – Järnkrok (1G, 2A), Marner (2G, 1A)
2021-22 Penalty Kill: 192/234 (82.1%)

FAST FACTS
Sunday games 4th of 8 (2 home, 6 road)
Back-to-Backs played 7 of 14
Record in first game of back-to-back 4-3-0
Record in second game of back-to-back 5-1-1
January games 14th of 14 (10 home, 4 road)

NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (28-24) at Cleveland Cavaliers (30-21)

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NBA Preview: Los Angeles Clippers (28-24) at Cleveland Cavaliers (30-21)

The Los Angeles Clippers carry a five-game winning streak into the second game of a weekend back-to-back on Sunday, a matchup against the host Cleveland Cavaliers.

The Clippers kicked off a six-game, Eastern Conference road swing on Saturday with a 120-113 defeat of the Atlanta Hawks behind 32 points from Kawhi Leonard.

It was the fifth time Leonard put up at least 30 points in his past nine games. Los Angeles is 6-0 this season when he scores 30 or more.

Leonard paced six Clippers scoring in double figures at Atlanta. Paul George produced a strong all-around game with 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Los Angeles endured a six-game losing streak as part of a 2-9 run prior to the current winning streak. The Clippers scored 110 points or fewer in seven of those nine losses.

Leonard has played a key role in Los Angeles finding its groove on offense, but the five-time All-NBA performer has not played a back-to-back yet this season while recuperating from injuries.

If he were to sit out on Sunday, that could be a factor against the best defense in the NBA.

The Cavaliers are holding opponents to a league-low 107.1 points per game on a league-low 39.2 made field goals per contest.

Cleveland allowed 40 made field goals to the Clippers when the teams last met on Nov. 7, and 17 of those were from 3-point range — more than five above the Cavaliers’ season yield per game.

Los Angeles won that contest 119-117 behind George’s 26 points.

Cleveland comes into the rematch on a minor slump, having dropped four of its past six, including a 112-100 loss to the host Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. The setback ended a three-game road swing for the Cavaliers, who return home for three straight starting on Sunday.

Cleveland was without both veteran forward and spark plug Kevin Love, and 2023 All-Star Game starter Donovan Mitchell on Friday. Love is listed as day-to-day with a back injury, and Mitchell is considered day-to-day due to a groin injury.

Mitchell, who averages 28.3 points per game, has missed five of Cleveland’s past six games, with the Cavaliers going 2-3 in his absence.

Mitchell scored 30 points in the previous matchup with Los Angeles, one of 18 games in which he reached the 30 mark this season.

NHL Preview: Boston Bruins (38-6-5) at Carolina Hurricanes (31-9-8)

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NHL Preview: Boston Bruins (38-6-5) at Carolina Hurricanes (31-9-8)

BOSTON BRUINS NOTES:

TONIGHT’S GAME

  • The Bruins visit the Hurricanes tonight in the 2nd of 3 games between these teams this season and the 1st of 2 Boston visits to PNC Arena.
  • They were the NHL’s 1st 30-win team this season and they were the fastest team in NHL history to reach 80 points in their 47th game.
  • The Bruins are 38-6-5 overall, are 16-5-2 on the road and are 22-4-3 vs. Eastern Conference opponents.
  • They are playing their 8th of 14 sets of back-to-back games last night in Florida (4-3 OT loss) and tonight Carolina

… They are currently 6-0-2 in the 1st game of those sets and are 6-1-0 in the 2nd games so far.

  • The Bruins play game 4 of a 5-game road stretch tonight in Carolina (1-1-1), concluding on 2/1 at Toronto … They are currently in span of 7-of-8 games on the road, having played at NY Islanders on 1/18 (4-1 win), at NY Rangers on 1/19 (3-1 win), vs San Jose on 1/22 (4-0 win), in Montreal on 1/24 (4-2 win), in Tampa Bay on 1/26 (3-2 loss) and in Florida on 1/28 (4-3 OT loss).

RECENT GAMES:

  • The Bruins had their 6-game win streak stopped (1/14-24) with consecutive setbacks on 1/26 in Tampa Bay (3-2) and 1/28 at Florida (4-3) … They are 17-2-4 in their last 23 games.
  • They are now 9-1-2 in their last 12 road games, including a 9-0-1 road point streak from 12/11-1/24.
  • The Bruins are 22-1-3 in their last 26 home games, including a 22-game home unbeaten at 19-0-3 and a 14-game home win streak, the longest from the start of a season in league history and longest point streak from a season’s start in Boston annals … It was also their fourth longest home point streak overall in team history.
  • Boston 4 at Montreal 2 … The Bruins opened their 5-game road trip with a 4-2 win, led by David Pastrnak’s 1-3=4 totals and 1-1=2 totals by David Krejci … Taylor Hall (PP) and Patrice Bergeron (GW) added single goals … Jeremy Swayman extended his point streak to 7-0-2 in his last 9 decisions … SOG: Bos 29, Mtl 22… PP: 0/3 … PK: 0/3
  • Boston 2 at Tampa Bay 3 … The Bruins came back twice from 1-goal deficits on Brad Marchand and Pavel Zacha goals but fell to the Lightning … Linus Ullmark took the loss in net … SOG: Bos 39, TB 35 … PP: 0/2 … PK: 1/3 – Boston 3 at Florida 4/OT … The Bruins had 3 1-goal leads on goals by Craig Smith, Charlie Coyle and David Pastrnak (19:11 of 3rd period) but the Panthers netted the equalizer at 19:57 and won just 0:17 into OT … Jeremy Swayman took the point in OT … SOG: Bos 40, Fla 37 … PP: 0/4 … PK: 0/1

INJURIES (Total man-games lost in 2022-23: 56)

  • Tomas Nosek: Non-displaced fracture in left foot
  • Jake DeBrusk: Hand and lower body injuries, IR

BOSTON vs CAROLINA, LIFETIME SERIES

  • The Bruins and Hurricanes are meeting for the 209th time in their histories with the Bruins having a 111-74-16-7 record and 697-606 scoring advantage in those games.
  • The Bruins are 49-40-9-4 lifetime in Carolina with a 341-328 scoring edge in those 102 contests.

FUN FACTS

  • The Bruins currently have 24 players on their roster (1 on IR) … 11 were drafted by the team, 4 were acquired in trade and 9 were signed as free agents.
  • The Bruins play 16 matinees this season (local start time 4:00 pm or earlier) … They have a 5-0-1 record in afternoon games so far.
  • The Bruins play 14 sets of back-to-back games this season … They are currently 6-0-2 in the 1st game of those sets and are 6-1-0 in the 2nd games so far.
  • The Bruins are playing game 14 of their 14-game January schedule tonight (5 hm/9 rd, 10-2-1) … They will play 10 in February (3 hm/7 rd), 15 in March (9 hm/6 rd) and 7 in April (3 hm/4 rd) … They went 8-1-0 in October, 11- 2-0 in November, and 9-1-4 in December.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Jan. 5: Chris Wagner recalled from Providence/AHL.
Jan. 11: Chris Wagner returned to Providence/AHL.
Jan. 11: Joona Koppanen recalled from Providence/AHL.
Jan. 13: Joona Koppanen returned to Providence/AHL.
Jan. 14: Pavel Zacha signed to a four-year contract extension.
Jan. 17: Joona Koppanen recalled from Providence/AHL.
Jan. 23: Marc McLaughlin recalled from Providence/AHL.

CAROLINA HURRICANES NOTES:

LAST GAME
The Hurricanes posted a 5-4 overtime win against the San Jose Sharks at PNC Arena on Friday, as Martin Necas became the first player in franchise history to score an overtime goal in back-to-back games. After falling behind 4-2 with 1:52 left in the third period, Carolina scored three unanswered goals to win in overtime, marking just the second time in franchise history that the Whalers/Hurricanes won a game after trailing by multiple goals in the final two minutes of regulation. Necas and Sebastian Aho each scored two goals, as Aho extended his goal streak to three games. Andrei Svechnikov also registered two assists, while Calvin de Haan scored his second goal of the season. Derek Stepan skated in his 100th game with the Hurricanes, and Antti Raanta made 26 saves in net to record his eighth win in nine appearances.

INJURY REPORT
Jake Gardiner, upper-body, missed 48 games (10/12-1/27)
Ondrej Kase, concussion, missed 47 games (10/14-1/27)
Max Pacioretty, torn Achilles, missed three games (1/21-1/27)
Jaccob Slavin, lower-body, missed three games (1/21-1/27)
2022-23 Man-Games Lost Due to Injury: 191

RECENT TRANSACTIONS
Jan. 20 Placed Max Pacioretty on injured reserve
Jan. 16 Reassigned Pyotr Kochetkov to Chicago (AHL)

UPCOMING GAMES
DATE OPPONENT TIME TV RADIO
Jan. 29 Boston 5 p.m. BSSO HRN
Jan. 31 Los Angeles 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
Feb. 1 at Buffalo 7:30 p.m. TNT HRN
Feb. 11 NY Rangers 7 p.m. BSSO HRN
Feb. 14 at Washington 7 p.m. BSSO HRN

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

UPCOMING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
DATE DAY LOCATION TIME
Jan. 29 Sunday No morning skate
Jan. 30 Monday PNC Arena 12 p.m.
Jan. 31 Tuesday PNC Arena 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 1 Wednesday No morning skate
Feb. 2-4 OFF NHL All-Star Break
Feb. 5-8 OFF Bye Week

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

HURRICANES vs. BRUINS SERIES NOTES
— The Hurricanes are facing the Bruins in the second of three meetings between the teams during the 2022-23 season. The Hurricanes will travel to TD Garden on 3/26.

— Carolina and Boston are meeting for the 209th time in their regular-season histories. Carolina holds an 81-103-16-8 overall record, including a 44-46-9-3 home record and a 40-33-3-8 record since relocation.

— The Bruins lead the season series 1-0-0 in 2022-23 (Hurricanes: 0-0-1).

— Carolina suffered a 3-2 overtime loss against Boston at TD Garden on 11/25. Jesperi Kotkaniemi and Stefan Noesen each scored on the power play, while Pyotr Kochetkov made 38 saves in net.

— The Hurricanes and Bruins also faced off in the playoffs for the third time in four seasons in 2022, with Carolina defeating Boston in seven games in the Eastern Conference First Round. Andrei Svechnikov (3g, 3a) and Teuvo Teravainen (1g, 5a) each posted a team-high six points during the series.

— Sebastian Aho has tallied 17 points (10g, 7a) in 14 career regular-season games against Boston.

— Derek Stepan has registered 22 points (8g, 14a) in 32 career regular-season games against the Bruins.

— Paul Stastny’s brother, Yan, was selected by Boston in the eighth round (259th overall) of the 2002 NHL Draft and later skated in 38 games with the Bruins from 2006-07, posting six points (1g, 5a).

— Andrei Svechnikov has earned seven points (3g, 4a) in eight career regular-season games against the Bruins.

NHL Morning Skate – Jan. 29, 2023

NHL Editor
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NHL Morning Skate – Jan. 29, 2023

* The Panthers stunned the top-ranked Bruins to earn a first-of-its-kind win during their final game before welcoming the League’s biggest stars to South Florida for the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend.

* Nikita Kucherov found the score sheet once again at AMALIE Arena as the Lightning established a new franchise record for longest home winning streak.

* Matthew Berlin made one save (and a memory that will last a lifetime) in the Oilers’ high-scoring victory versus the Blackhawks.


“COMEBACK CATS” LIVE UP TO NICKNAME ONCE AGAIN
Florida fell behind at 19:11 of the third period, but Aleksander Barkov (1-2—3) pulled the Panthers even in the final moments of regulation and Sam Reinhart recorded the winner just 17 seconds into overtime as the hosts clawed their way past the League-leading Bruins.

* The 20 seconds between Florida’s game-tying goal and overtime winner was the shortest such span by a team in NHL history – the second-shortest duration is 27 seconds, set by Oilers against the Panthers earlier this season on Nov. 28, 2022. Florida also became the second team in League history to fall behind in the final minute of regulation, tie the game and then score the overtime winner in the opening 60 seconds of extra time, joining the Hartford Whalers on Dec. 7, 1990.
 


* Barkov, who replaced Auston Matthews on the Atlantic Division roster and is set make his second career NHL All-Star Game appearance (also 2018), matched Patric Hornqvist (59:57 on Jan. 26, 2021) for the second-latest game-tying goal in franchise history. The latest was scored by Ivan Novoseltsev (59:58 on Dec. 21, 2002), which was also against the Bruins.

* With an assist on Reinhart’s overtime winner, Barkov (234-366—600 in 638 GP) became the ninth Finnish-born player in NHL history to reach the 600-point milestone. That list also includes former Florida captain Olli Jokinen (321-429—750 in 1,231 GP), who had 419 of his 750 career points with the Panthers.
 

Photo via @FlaPanthers


LIGHTNING, KUCHEROV EXTEND HOME STREAKS, INCH CLOSER TO MAPLE LEAFS
Nikita Kucherov, who is set to skate alongside Aleksander Barkov at the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend, had an assist to help the Lightning (32-15-1, 65 points) extend their home winning streak to a franchise-record 12 games. Tampa Bay, which was led in scoring Saturday by rookie defenseman Nick Perbix (0-3—3), moved within three points of Toronto (30-12-8, 68 points) which occupies second place in the Atlantic Division. The Lightning hold two games in hand on their 2022 First Round opponent.
 


CLUBS CLIMB WESTERN CONFERENCE STANDINGS IN FINAL GAMES BEFORE BREAK
The Kraken (29-15-5, 63 points), Oilers (28-18-4, 60 points), Wild (27-17-4, 58 points) and Avalanche (27-18-3, 57 points) earned wins in their final contests before the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Weekend to climb the Western Conference standings:

* Alex Wennberg scored the game-winning goal against his former club as Seattle reclaimed first place in the Pacific Division. The top three teams in the group are separated by just one point, with the Golden Knights (29-18-4, 62 points) grabbing second place by virtue of their overtime loss Saturday.

* Zach Hyman (26-34—60 in 49 GP) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (22-38—60 in 50 GP) joined teammates Connor McDavid (41-51—92 in 50 GP) and Leon Draisaitl (29-47—76 in 48 GP) in the 60-point club as Edmonton strengthened its grip on the Western Conference’s first Wild Card spot. The Oilers scored seven goals in a game for a League-leading fifth time this season.

* Jared Spurgeon (108-261—369 in 820 GP) scored a goal to tie Ryan Suter (55-314—369 in 656 GP) for the most points in franchise history among defensemen and Marc-Andre Fleury (29 saves) earned his NHL-record 64th career shootout win as Minnesota moved within five points of Winnipeg (31-19-1, 63 points), which occupies second place in the Central Division. The Wild hold three games in hand on the Jets.

* Alex Newhook opened the scoring on the day he turned 22 to mark the second consecutive year he has potted a goal on his birthday and help Colorado move ahead of Calgary (24-17-9, 57 points) for the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Newhook became the first player in Avalanche/Nordiques franchise history to score a goal on his birthday in consecutive years.
 


EBUG BERLIN GETTING TO LIVE OUT NHL DREAM FEATURED IN LIVE UPDATES
Saturday’s edition of #NHLStats: Live Updates featured several more notes from the 11-game slate, with some highlights included below:

* Logan Couture (2-3—5) collected a career-high five points – which were one shy of the franchise record set by Owen Nolan (3-3—6 on Oct. 4, 1999) – as the Sharks prevailed against the Penguins in a back-and-forth game at PPG Paints Arena. Skating across from Couture was Sidney Crosby (541-928—1,469 in 1,157 GP), who corralled 1-1—2 to surpass Stan Mikita (541-926—1,467 in 1,396 GP) for sole possession of 15th place on the NHL’s all-time points list.

* Carter Hart, one of two goaltenders to record a shutout Saturday (also Anton Forsberg), stopped all 40 shots he faced as the Flyers foiled the Jets. He became the seventh different goaltender in franchise history with a 40-save shutout during a regular-season game and sixth different NHL netminder to achieve the feat in 2022-23.

* Matthew Berlin, who signed an amateur tryout contract with the Oilers on Saturday, was inserted into the game late in the third period and was credited with one save to help Edmonton earn the victory. Berlin won a WHL championship with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2017 and has spent each of the past four seasons with the University of Alberta Golden Bears.
 


QUICK CLICKS

* Claude Giroux‘s young son gives out postgame high-fives to Senators

* Alex Ovechkin not taking latest All-Star Game experience for granted
* Lightning wear pirate warmup jerseys in honor of Gasparilla

* Zizing ‘Em Up: Coyotes ‘open’ to deals ahead of NHL Trade Deadline
* Semyon Varlamov makes highlight-reel stick save in Islanders’ 2-1 overtime win


TOP TWO TEAMS IN EAST FACE OFF ON SUNDAY
Sunday’s two-game slate includes a showdown between the top two teams in the NHL when the League-leading Bruins (38-6-5, 81 points) visit the Metropolitan Division-leading Hurricanes (31-9-8, 70 points). Carolina will look to put together a five-game win streak for the second time this season (also 11-0-0 from Dec. 10, 2022–Jan. 1, 2023), while the Bruins are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss on Saturday.
 

NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers (24-27) at Memphis Grizzlies (31-18)

NBA Editor
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NBA Preview: Indiana Pacers (24-27) at Memphis Grizzlies (31-18)

After a dreadful road trip out West, the beat-up Memphis Grizzlies return home to face the Indiana Pacers on Sunday afternoon looking to snap a season-high five-game losing streak.

The Grizzlies, owners of the NBA’s best home record at 20-3, dropped all five of their games on their eight-day road swing, which concluded with a 111-100 loss on Friday in Minnesota.

Not only was the road trip painful in the win-loss column, but it was also painful on the injury front after it was announced that Steven Adams is expected to miss three to five weeks due to a PCL sprain in his right knee.

The loss of Adams leaves a huge void in the paint for Memphis. Not only is Adams averaging 8.6 points and 2.3 assists per game, but he’s the team’s best rebounder at 11.5 boards per game and averages the most offensive rebounds (5.1 per game) in the league.

Desmond Bane, the team’s second-leading scorer (21.6 points per game), sat out Friday’s game against the Timberwolves due to right knee soreness. He’s listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Pacers.

John Konchar (6.3 ppg, 4.9 rebounds per game), who has been solid off the bench for the Grizzlies, will miss his third straight game due to concussion protocol.

With Adams out, Brandon Clarke (10.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Santi Aldama (9.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg) could get more minutes in the post. Jaren Jackson Jr. (16.2 ppg, 6.6 rpg) may also become more of a focal point for Memphis down low.

The Grizzlies can also lean on leading scorer Ja Morant (27.3 ppg, 8.1 assists per game), who is coming off his fourth triple-double of the season against Minnesota.

Indiana enters its matchup with Memphis having lost nine of its last 10 games. But one bright spot for the Pacers has been the play of rookie Bennedict Mathurin.

Mathurin has scored in double figures in 10 consecutive games and is coming off a 21-point, eight-rebound performance in a hard-fought 141-131 home loss to Milwaukee on Friday.

Buddy Hield (17.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Myles Turner (17.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg) have also played well for the Pacers with leading scorer Tyrese Haliburton sidelined. Haliburton (20.2 ppg, 10.2 apg) has missed nine straight games (left knee, left elbow) and will not play against Memphis.

T.J. McConnell has filled in for Haliburton and has played well. He had 19 points, nine assists and six rebounds in the loss to the Bucks and is averaging 16.1 points, 8.5 assists and 5.3 rebounds over his last 10 games.

Indiana trailed by 29 points after the first two quarters against Milwaukee but outscored the Bucks 75-56 in the second half.

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