The Toronto Blue Jays have reinstated OF Teoscar Hernández from the paternity list and he will be active for today’s game. OF Jared Hoying has been optioned Triple-A Buffalo.
NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – Sunday, June 20, 2021
THREE HARD LAPS
* The Islanders withstood Brayden Point and the Lightning to pull even in their Stanley Cup Semifinals series and guarantee a Game 6 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
* Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin was a runaway winner of the 2020-21 Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, receiving 73 of the 100 first-place votes in collecting 827 voting points. Click here to read more.
* The Canadiens can move within one win of their first Stanley Cup Final berth in over 28 years when they clash with the Golden Knights in Game 4 tonight.
ISLANDERS, PULOCK PREVENT LIGHTNING FROM COMPLETING RALLY IN GAME 4
Josh Bailey, Mathew Barzal and Matt Martin each scored second-period goals to give the Islanders a 3-0 lead through 40 minutes. New York then withstood a two-goal rally by Tampa Bay in the third period – which included Ryan Pulock making a goal line save in the dying seconds to preserve the victory – as the Islanders evened their Stanley Cup Semifinals series, which shifts back to AMALIE Arena for a pivotal Game 5.
* New York earned a Game 4 win after facing a 2-1 series deficit for the third time in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs (also R1 vs. PIT & R2 vs. BOS). In each of the two previous instances, it was the first of three straight wins in the series en route to eliminating their opponent.
* Bailey (16-34—50 in 68 GP), who was held off of the score sheet in each of his last two outings, became the 12th player in franchise history to record 50 playoff points with the Islanders and required the sixth-fewest games among that cohort to reach the mark. He has gone three consecutive games without a point within a postseason only once in his NHL career.
* Martin scored his first career game-winning goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Martin, who is in his second stint with New York, has scored six playoff goals since returning to Long Island (6-2—8 in 46 GP) after having just one in his first four NHL postseasons (1-3—4 in 30 GP).
POINT PUSHES GOAL STREAK TO SEVEN GAMES
Lightning forward Brayden Point extended his goal streak to seven games (7-2—9), which marks the longest by a player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since Claude Lemieux had a run of equal length over 24 years ago.
* Point scored the 34th playoff goal of his NHL career (34-32—66 in 59 GP), surpassing Tampa Bay icon Martin St. Louis (33-35—68 in 63 GP) for sole possession of third place on the franchise’s all-time list.
* Point paces the NHL with 12 goals in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs (12-4—16 in 15 GP) after leading the League with 14 during the 2020 postseason and setting a franchise record for most in a single playoff year.
SLAVIN WINS LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY
Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin is the 2020-21 recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, awarded “to the player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability”. He became the second player in franchise history to claim the award after Ron Francis (2001-02), who announced Slavin as the winner on Saturday.
* The 2020-21 recipient of the Jim Gregory General Manager of the Year Award will be revealed tonight.
CANADIENS LOOK TO MOVE WITHIN ONE WIN OF FIRST FINAL BERTH SINCE 1993
Montreal, which pulled even during the final two minutes of regulation before earning an overtime win in Game 3, aims to take a 3-1 lead in its Stanley Cup Semifinals series against Vegas.
* The Canadiens’ penalty kill went four-for-four on Friday, with Ben Chiarot (5:27), Phillip Danault (4:41), Shea Weber (4:15) and Artturi Lehkonen (4:04) each logging at least four minutes of shorthanded time on ice. Weber (42:21) has the second highest shorthanded time on ice among players still competing in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs and has assisted on two of Montreal’s League-leading four shorthanded goals this postseason, which exceed its three power-play goals against.
* The Canadiens have not allowed a power-play goal in 10 consecutive contests, which is tied for the longest such run by an NHL team in a playoff year since 1933-34 when goals by type were officially tracked (w/ DET in 1937, NYR in 1940 & NJD in 2000). Montreal has killed 25 consecutive penalties over its 10-game run.
MATCH RECAP: Júnior Urso Nets Game-Winner in Lions’ 3-2 Victory Over Toronto FC Tesho Akindele, Nani also score in the match
ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando City SC (4-1-3, 15 points) returned to the pitch on Saturday night, taking a 3-2 victory over Toronto FC (1-5-2, 5 points) at Exploria Stadium. The Lions took the field as the road side on the night, as Toronto FC continues to share the Club’s facility in downtown Orlando, with the match played without spectators.
Júnior Urso scored the deciding goal in the 84th minute of play, combining on the give-and-go with Chris Mueller ahead of the finish. Tesho Akindele and Nani also found the back of the net, with the former scoring in the first minute for the second time this season and the latter extending his team-lead with four goals on the year.
Brandon Austin made his Orlando City debut in between the posts, starting in net for the Lions, while Daryl Dike made his first appearance since returning from his loan spell at Barnsley, entering the contest in the 65th minute for Akindele.
Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“Great victory. First of all, we want to send a message to the people who have lost family members during the past year. Today was an emotional day for us and we want to share this joy that we have with Rodrigo [Schlegel] and his family. We dedicate this triumph to him, his family. Regarding the game, it was an exceptional performance for us. Today we played against a very good team and especially in the second half we had the personality to resolve the game. We scored three goals today, good sensations, a great victory. Emotional for us, but a great victory, a great three points.”
Scoring Recap:
1’ Tesho Akindele (Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea) – ORL 1, TOR 0
The Lions wasted no time in the match, with Andrés Perea finding Mauricio Pereyra up the middle, who took one touch before threading the needle to find a running Tesho Akindele. The front man needed just one touch to slot home the finish in the first minute of play.
8’ Nani (Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water) – ORL 2, TOR 0
City doubled its advantage after Silvester van der Water pressured Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg before stealing the ball and finding Akindele. The goal-scorer lofted a ball into the center of the box that found the head of Lions’ captain Nani for the finish.
10’ Ayo Akinola – ORL 2, TOR 1
Toronto grabbed one back just two minutes later, with former Lion Richie Laryea rifling a shot only to be saved by goalkeeper Brandon Austin. The rebound however fell to the head of Ayo Akinola to halve the deficit.
39’ Jonathan Osorio (Alejandro Pozuelo) – ORL 2, TOR 2
The Reds leveled with Alejandro Pozuelo taking it to the endline before cutting it back to Jonathan Osorio for the first time finish.
84’ Júnior Urso (Chris Mueller) – ORL 3, TOR 2
City regained the lead after a Toronto turnover found the feet of Júnior Urso, who ran the combination with Chris Mueller before sending it past Quentin Westberg for his second goal of the year and the game-winner.
Match Notes:
Júnior Urso scored his second goal of the season and his first deciding finish of the year.
Tesho Akindele scored his third goal of the year in the match and his second inside the first minute of play. The finish served as Akindele’s 40th in MLS regular-season action, with 24 as a member of FC Dallas and 16 now as a Lion.
Nani found the back of the net for the fourth time this season to extend his team lead, now tied with Kaká for second in Club history in all competitions with 25 as a Lion.
Five different Lions earned an assist in the match, with Chris Mueller and Tesho Akindele adding to their team-high three assists on the year while Mauricio Pereyra and Silvester van der Water recorded their second of 2021. Andrés Perea tallied his first such mark of the year with the secondary assist on Akindele’s first-minute finish.
Brandon Austin recorded his Orlando City debut on the night, starting in between the sticks for the Lions.
Daryl Dike made his first appearance since returning from his loan-spell with Barnsley FC, entering in the 64th minute for Tesho Akindele.
Antonio Carlos and Júnior Urso each made their 30th starts for Orlando City in all competitions on the night.
Next Match: The Lions face a quick turnaround, set to host the San Jose Earthquakes on Tuesday, June 22 at Exploria Stadium in front of a full-capacity crowd.
Scoring Summary:
ORL – Tesho Akindele (Mauricio Pereyra, Andrés Perea) 1’
ORL – Nani (Tesho Akindele, Silvester van der Water) 8’
TOR – Ayo Akinola 10’
TOR – Jonathan Osorio (Alejandro Pozuelo) 39’
ORL – Júnior Urso (Chris Mueller) 84’
Misconduct Summary:
TOR – Marky Delgado (Yellow Card) 64’
TOR – Omar González (Yellow Card) 67’
ORL – Júnior Urso (Yellow Card) 70’
ORL – João Moutinho (Yellow Card) 75’
ORL – Nani (Yellow Card) 90+8’
Lineups/Substitutions:
Orlando City SC – GK Brandon Austin; D João Moutinho, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Kyle Smith; M Silvester van der Water (Chris Mueller 71’), Júnior Urso, Andrés Perea, Mauricio Pereyra (Benji Michel 80’); F Tesho Akindele (Daryl Dike 64’), Nani ©
Substitutes Not Used: GK Mason Stajduhar; D Michael Halliday, Rio Hope-Gund; M Joey DeZart, Uri Rosell; F Alexander Alvarado
Toronto FC – GK Quentin Westberg; D Kemar Lawrence, Chris Mavinga, Omar González, Richie Laryea; M Auro Jr., Michael Bradley ©, Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan Osorio (Jacob Shaffelburg 71’), Marky Delgado (Dom Dwyer 87’); F Ayo Akinola (Patrick Mullins 64’)
Substitutes Not Used: GK Alex Bono; D Nick DeLeon, Justin Morrow, Eriq Zavaleta; M Tsubasa Endoh, Noble Okello
Details of the Game:
Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Weather: Cloudy
Date: June 19, 2021
Stats:
Possession:
TOR – 52.3%
ORL – 47.7%
Shots:
TOR – 15
ORL – 12
Saves:
TOR – 1
ORL – 2
Fouls:
TOR – 6
ORL – 13
Corners:
TOR – 8
ORL – 6
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 0, Austin FC 0
Quakes continue road trip vs. Orlando City SC on June 22
AUSTIN, Texas – The San Jose Earthquakes earned a point in a scoreless draw against Austin FC on Saturday evening in the first ever MLS match at Q2 Stadium. The match also marked the first meeting between the two clubs.
Both teams created chances throughout the match, including a blast by Quakes midfielder Cristian Espinoza in the 36th minute that caromed off the post, but neither goalkeeper would concede. San Jose goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski made six saves to keep his first shutout of 2021, while Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver made nine saves.
The Earthquakes will now take on Orlando City SC in their second consecutive road match on Tuesday, June 22. The match kicks off from Exploria Stadium at 4:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on UniMás, Twitter, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes now hold a 3-5-1 record (10 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference.
The Quakes are now 0-0-1 all-time vs. Austin FC.
With the draw, the Quakes snapped their four-match losing streak dating back to May 12.
Goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski earned his sixth career shutout and first of 2021. His last shutout came on Oct. 28, 2020 vs. RSL. Marcinkowski made six saves, equaling his career high. His 12 saves over the past two games are the most in consecutive matches in his career (previous high was 10).
Chris Wondolowski made his first start of the 2021 season. It marked his first regular season start since Nov. 8, 2020.
MLS Regular Season
Austin FC 0 – 0 San Jose Earthquakes
June 19, 2021 – Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas
Man of the Match: JT Marcinkowski
Scoring Summary: None.
Misconduct Summary: SJ – Florian Jungwirth (caution) 15; SJ – Eric Remedi (caution) 25; ATX – Jared Stroud (caution) 44.
AUSTIN FC: Brad Stuver; Matt Besler, Julio Escalante, Zan Kolmanic, Nick Lima; Tomas Pochettino, Alex Ring, Diego Fagundez (Sebastian Berhalter 90+3), Jared Stroud (Manny Perez 71); Cecilio Dominguez, Jon Gallagher (Kekuta Manneh 85).
Substitutes not used:, Hector Jimenez, Freddy Kleeman, Rodney Redes, Jhohan Romana, Aedan Stanley, Andrew Tarbell.
SHOTS: 19, SHOTS ON GOAL: 6; FOULS: 16; CORNER KICKS: 9.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Paul Marie (Carlos Fierro 76), Oswaldo Alanis, Florian Jungwirth; Judson, Jackson Yueill, Eric Remedi, Cristian Espinoza, Chofis (Cade Cowell 67); Andy Rios (Shea Salinas 67), Chris Wondolowski (Tommy Thompson 78).
Substitutes not used: Luciano Abecasis, Tanner Beason, Benji Kikanovic, Jack Skahan, Daniel Vega.
SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 9; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 7.
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA
On implementing a new formation and system:
“We were asked what we have been working on during the break. During this time, we were practicing this style of play and method because we thought we should play this way in this match. I am very pleased. I thought the team made a huge effort. We created clear counterattacking opportunities through this system. We still need that last step. We will keep working on that aspect, but overall, the guys were great interpreters.”
On how the team can improve their finishing and if some good luck is needed:
“I don’t believe in luck or bad luck. I believe in hard work and the capacity of our players. When I played soccer, I was aware of my own limitations. They allowed me to have a career because I always looked to improve. That is what I look for from the players. At some moment, this will have to change. It was important to end the losing streak. Overall, we went back to seeing a team that is combative and a team that can control the game, and a team that came to be the protagonist of this event.”
On the team having a more vertical approach:
“In the second half, we made changes to our system again and we had more goal-scoring chances. I think the effort made in changing positions has a risk in tiring out the players. That is why I appreciate the effort they made. I repeat that this is how we thought this match should be played. Within the losses that we had, I looked inward and felt that I had to make effective changes. I think these changes were effective.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES GOALKEEPER JT MARCINKOWSKI
On keeping his first shutout of 2021:
“I think it’s a long time coming to be honest. We’ve been playing well in the back, just haven’t found a clean sheet yet. It was a really good night to have our first one and unfortunate not to get more. I thought we deserved a little bit more out of the game, but we’ll take the point and all eyes on Orlando now.”
On having another game Tuesday in Orlando and the recovery process:
“Yeah, a lot of the guys begrudgingly had to get in the ice bath. It’s going to be a lot of that, a lot of recovery tomorrow. We’ll fly to Orlando and have a good session there, have a good session Monday. But it’s going to be a lot of recovery and massages, recovery boots and all the tools that we have. We’ll be prepared. I’m not worried about it. We’re used to playing on three days and we did that a lot last year, so there’s that experience. Orlando’s going to be a really fun game, a great environment and easy to get up for. All eyes on that and the guys will be ready.”
Sounders FC Captures 2-1 Comeback Victory at LA Galaxy, Remaining Unbeaten in 2021
Following recent FIFA break, Seattle picks up where it left off, remaining top of the Supporters’ Shield race with sixth victory of the season; Goals on either side of halftime from Yeimar and Ruidíaz secure all three points for Sounders FC
CARSON, CALIF. – Sounders FC (6-0-3, 21 points) fought back to earn a 2-1 victory over the LA Galaxy (5-3-0, 15 points) on Saturday evening at Dignity Health Sports Park. After falling behind to an early Galaxy penalty kick, Yeimar headed home an equalizer before the halftime whistle. Fresh off international duty with Peru, striker Raúl Ruidíaz recorded his seventh goal of the season in the 49th minute, securing all three points for the Rave Green in Southern California. Seattle moves to 2-0-0 this season against the Galaxy following a 3-0 win at Lumen Field on May 2. Brian Schmetzer’s side maintains pole position in Major League Soccer, one point ahead of the New England Revolution in the Supporters’ Shield race, and four points ahead of Sporting Kansas City in the Western Conference.
The home side kicked off the scoring in the 21st minute via penalty kick, after Javier Hernández was fouled inside the 18-yard-box. Sacha Kljestan converted the ensuing spot-kick, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 lead.
Seattle found the equalizer 20 minutes later via Yeimar Gómez Andrade, with the Colombian heading in a corner kick from João Paulo for his first goal of the season. It marked the fifth assist of 2021 for the Brazilian, ranking second in MLS.
Ruidíaz gave the visitors a 2-1 lead minutes after halftime for his seventh goal of the season, tied with the Galaxy’s Hernández for the lead in the MLS Golden Boot race. After Yeimar found Cristian Roldan with a back-heel pass inside the area, the initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Jonathan Bond. Ruidíaz pounced on the loose ball and knocked it into the net. With the tally, Ruidíaz has seven goals in seven career regular season matches against the Galaxy, passing Roldan for the most goals in club history against LA.
Saturday’s match marked the first contest in a stretch of three games in eight days for Seattle, as the club hosts RSL on Wednesday, June 23 (7:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM) and Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, June 26 (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
MATCH NOTES
Saturday’s comeback victory ensures that Seattle remains unbeaten in 2021. Through nine matches, the club has six wins and three draws, good for 21 points.
Following the win, Seattle remains atop both the Supporters’ Shield race and MLS Western Conference standings. The Rave Green lead the New England Revolution by one point for the top record in MLS, while also maintaining a four-point lead over Sporting Kansas City in the West.
Despite conceding a penalty-kick goal tonight, Seattle still has not allowed a goal from the run of play in 2021. Of the league-leading four goals the club has allowed, two have come from penalties and two have come from direct free kicks.
Sounders FC maintains the best goal difference in MLS (+12) while also ranking second in the league in scoring (16 goals; Sporting Kansas City leads with 17 goals in 2021).
Seattle now has 16 wins, 15 losses and 11 draws all-time in all competitions against the Galaxy. Sounders FC is unbeaten in the club’s last seven matches against the Galaxy (four wins and three draws). Seattle last lost to LA on September 23, 2018, a 3-0 road defeat.
Raúl Ruidíaz’s second-half goal gives him seven strikes so far in 2021, tied with the Galaxy’s Javier Hernández for first in MLS. The Peruvian has seven goals in seven career regular season matches against the Galaxy, passing Cristian Roldan for the most goals in club history against LA.
João Paulo’s assist on Yeimar’s goal marked his fifth of the season, second in MLS behind New England’s Carles Gil.
Yeimar’s goal in the 41st minute of play was his first goal of 2021 and his third overall in two seasons with the Rave Green.
21-year-old defender AB Cissoko made his Sounders FC debut tonight, starting in place of the injured Nouhou, who sustained an adductor strain while on international duty with Cameroon. Cissoko was signed from Tacoma Defiance on May 21, after making 12 appearances for the club’s USL affiliate in 2020.
With the result today, Sounders FC is now unbeaten in a club-record nine games to start the 2021. Brian Schmetzer’s side is the 10th team in league history to begin a season with nine games unbeaten.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 – LA Galaxy 1
Saturday, June 19, 2021
Venue: Dignity Health Sports Park
Referee: Drew Fischer
Assistants: Corey Rockwell, Kathryn Nesbitt
Fourth Official: Ismir Pekmic
VAR: Kevin Stott
Attendance: 23,165
Weather: 74 and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
LAG – Sacha Kljestan (penalty) 21’
SEA – Yeimar (João Paulo) 41’
SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz 49’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
None
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan (Will Bruin 87’), Yeimar, Shane O’Neill, Abdoulaye Cissoko (Danny Leyva 87’), Brad Smith; Kelyn Rowe, João Paulo, Cristian Roldan; Fredy Montero (Jimmy Medranda 76’), Raúl Ruidíaz
Substitutes not used: Spencer Richey, Ethan Dobbelaere, Reed Baker-Whiting
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 7
Fouls: 8
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 4
Saves: 1
LA Galaxy – Jonathan Bond; Julian Araujo, Sega Coulibaly, Daniel Steres (Nick DePuy 8’), Jorge Villafana (Cameron Dunbar 90’+1’); Victor Vazquez, Sacha Kljestan, Sebastian Lletget (Ethan Zubak 90’), Efrain Alvarez (Samuel Grandsir 79’); Kevin Cabral, Javier Hernández
Substitutes not used: Jonathan Klinsmann, Danilo Acosta, Adam Saldana, Jonathan Perez, Oniel Fisher
Total shots: 6
Shots on goal: 2
Fouls: 17
Offside: 4
Corner-kicks: 1
Saves: 5
LAFC plays to 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC
Interviews With Bob Bradley, Jose Cifuentes and Bryce Duke Below; Credential Application For Wed Match Now Open
The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) played to a 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC on Saturday night in front of a sellout crowd of 22,043 at Banc of California Stadium. Jose Cifuentes scored LAFC’s only goal, his second of the season, early in the second half, but Maximiliano Urruti equalized for the visitors just eight minutes later and the game would end 1-1. With the tie, LAFC is now 2-3-3 on the season with nine points.
The credential application for the upcoming home match on June 23 against FC Dallas is now open – click here. The deadline to apply for the match is Tuesday, June 22 at 12:00 p.m. PT. No applications will be accepted after this deadline.
After a scoreless first half, LAFC nearly took the lead in the 50th minute when Cifuentes had a long range shot tipped over the bar by Houston goalkeeper Marko Maric. From the ensuing corner kick, Carlos Vela found Cifuentes with his cross and the Ecuadoran was able to prod the ball over the line from close range, giving LAFC a 1-0 lead.
That lead would last for just eight minutes before the Dynamo equalized on a counterattack. Fafa Piccault ran at the LAFC defense before finding Urruti open inside the box, and his shot, which was Houston’s first of the game, beat the dive of LAFC goalkeeper Pablo Sisniega to even the score at 1-1.
Despite a series of chances over the final 30 minutes, LAFC were unable to find a second goal and were forced to settle for a draw in front of the first full capacity crowd at the stadium since March, 2020.
LAFC returns to action on Wednesday, June 23 when it hosts FC Dallas at Banc of California Stadium. That game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast locally on Bally’s Sports and Estrella TV.
WHAT: LAFC earns 1-1 draw with Houston Dynamo FC in front of sellout crowd at Banc of California Stadium.
Earthquakes Face Austin FC in Historic First Match at Q2 Stadium Tonight
Match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and airs nationally on UniMás and TUDN
SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes (3-5-0; 9 pts.) are in Texas to face Austin FC (2-4-2; 8 pts.) in the first ever MLS match at Q2 Stadium tonight. The match, which is also the first ever meeting between San Jose and Austin, kicks off at 6:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast nationally on UniMás and TUDN and aired via radio on KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.
After consecutive off weekends, San Jose returns to action with two away matches in a four-day span, following up tonight’s match with a Tuesday showdown at Orlando City SC.
Today’s match marks the Quakes’ third this season against an opponent from the Lone Star State, having lost to Houston Dynamo FC 2-1 on the road on April 16 and defeating FC Dallas 3-1 at home on April 24. The Earthquakes will also face an MLS expansion side for the first time since May 4, 2019, which saw them earn a 1-0 victory over FC Cincinnati at PayPal Park.
Austin, which is in their inaugural MLS season, currently sits 10th in the Western Conference, one point below San Jose. After a five-match winless streak (0-3-2), the Texas side will seek to change their fortunes in their home stadium debut. Austin FC is led by MLS veterans Matt Besler and Diego Fagundez, as well as Designated Players Cecilio Dominguez and Tomás Pochettino. Dominguez, a former Club America forward, leads his team with three goals this season.
Tonight’s historic meeting will also see the Earthquakes face former players Danny Hoesen, Nick Lima, and Andrew Tarbell. The match will mark Hoesen and Lima’s first ever match against the Quakes since their departures from San Jose prior to the 2021 MLS season. Additionally, San Jose will have midfielder Jackson Yueill available for selection after helping the United States win the inaugural Concacaf Nations League title.
NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – Saturday, June 19, 2021
THREE HARD LAPS
* Despite being outshot 30-8 through 40 minutes and 45-27 overall, the Canadiens stunned the Golden Knights in Game 3 after Josh Anderson tied the game late and scored the winner in overtime.
* The first overtime game of the Stanley Cup Semifinals marked the 23rd overall this postseason – only seven playoff years in NHL history have seen more.
* Tampa Bay’s trio of Brayden Point, Nikita Kucherov and Victor Hedman eye a commanding series lead against New York when Game 4 goes at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum tonight.
ANDERSON TIES GAME LATE, SCORES OT WINNER AS CANADIENS TAKE 2-1 LEAD
After being held without a point since Game 1 of the First Round versus Toronto (1-0—1), Josh Anderson tied the contest with 1:55 remaining in regulation and scored 12:53 into overtime as the Canadiens stunned the Golden Knights to take a 2-1 series lead in the Stanley Cup Semifinals.
* Anderson, who last produced a multi-goal game nearly two months ago (April 21 at EDM), became the ninth player in NHL history to score a tying goal within the final two minutes of regulation in a playoff game and the winning goal in overtime.
* Friday’s contest marked just the fifth time in 30 years in which Montreal tallied a game-tying goal within the final two minutes of regulation in a postseason game. The others: Game 2 of the 2017 First Round (59:42), Game 7 of the 2011 First Round (58:03), Game 1 of the 2008 Conference Semifinals (59:31) and Game 2 of the 1993 Stanley Cup Final (58:47).
* Carey Price (43 saves) helped Montreal, which was outshot 30-8 through two periods, weather a barrage of Vegas chances through 72:53 of game time en route to making 40 or more saves in a playoff game for the fifth time. Only three Canadiens goaltenders have recorded more such performances in the postseason for the franchise (since 1955-56): Ken Dryden (7) and Patrick Roy (6) and Jose Theodore (6).
CANADIENS ALSO CONTINUE STREAKING WAYS IN GAME 3 VICTORY
* Cole Caufield scored Montreal’s first game-tying goal of the contest and extended his point streak to five games. Only two Canadiens rookies in franchise history have had a longer run in the postseason: Shayne Corson (6 GP in 1987) and Howie Morenz (6 GP in 1924).
* Montreal improved to 4-0 in its last four games at Bell Centre dating to Game 6 of the First Round – when fans were brought back into the building. The club has recorded a four-game win streak at home in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for just the fifth time in 40 years, joining 1993 (8 GP), 1986 (8 GP), 1989 (5 GP) and 1992 (4 GP).
* The Canadiens, who have captured four-plus overtime wins in a single playoff year for the fourth time, have won each of their first four games of a postseason that required overtime for the first time in franchise history.
BARKOV MARKS FRANCHISE-FIRST WITH SELKE TROPHY WIN
Aleksander Barkov of the Panthers is the 2020-21 recipient of the Frank J. Selke Trophy, recognizing “the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,” as selected by the Professional Hockey Writers Association. The Panthers captain is the first player in franchise history to claim the award.
* Barkov was named on 92 of the 100 ballots, including 62 first-place selections, to finish ahead of second-place Patrice Bergeron of the Bruins, a Selke finalist for an unprecedented 10th consecutive year and with a record-tying four Selke wins. Click here to read more.
* The 2020-21 recipient of the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy will be revealed tonight.
TAMPA BAY’S TOP SCORERS TRY TO KEEP ROLLING, ISLES EYE ANOTHER SPLIT
The high-scoring trio of Nikita Kucherov, Brayden Point and Victor Hedman will hit the ice tonight looking to take a 3-1 series lead back to Tampa, but will have to contend with an Islanders team that finds itself in familiar territory. New York has faced a 2-1 series deficit in each round thus far in 2021 – roaring back to win three straight games to eliminate both Pittsburgh and Boston – and in four consecutive series overall dating to last year’s Conference Finals against Tampa Bay.
* The Islanders are the fourth team in NHL history to face a 2-1 series deficit in at least three rounds within a postseason (also 1989 Flyers, 1993 Maple Leafs and 2010 Canadiens). New York will now aim to become the first team to overcome a 2-1 series deficit to win three rounds in one playoff year.
* The Lightning, meanwhile, have built 3-1 leads in six consecutive best-of-seven series dating to the 2020 First Round – a first in NHL history – and have a chance to push that run to seven tonight. In fact, only four clubs in Stanley Cup Playoffs history have held a 3-1 advantage in at least four consecutive best-of-seven series, with New York the last to do so before Tampa Bay.
* Tampa Bay has moved within two victories of consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearances thanks in large part to the continued contributions of Point, Kucherov, Hedman – three of the top four highest-scoring players over the past two postseasons – as well as goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who has been the club’s only goaltender over the course of their 39 postseason games since last year. More information on each player, as well as Islanders netminder Semyon Varlamov, is available in the June 19 edition of #NHLStats Live Updates.
Blue Jays acquire Barnes
The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired RHP Jacob Barnes from the New York Mets in exchange for RHP Troy Miller.
Barnes, 31, has made 19 relief appearances for the Mets this season, going 1-1 with two saves while keeping a 6.27 ERA. The 6-2, 231 lb. right-hander has 12 scoreless outings this year and holds a 5BB/18K ratio over 18.2 innings for a 1.29 WHIP. The native of St. Petersburg, FL, was a 14th round draft pick by Milwaukee in 2011 and has pitched for the Brewers, Royals, Angels, and Mets over his six-year career, amassing a 4.53 ERA and a .247 opponents’ batting average across 219 games.
Miller, 24, has made six starts and one relief appearance between Advanced-A Vancouver and Double-A New Hampshire this season, combining for a 3-2 record with a 4.93 ERA. The University of Michigan product signed a Minor League contract with Toronto in 2018 and holds a career 4.72 ERA across 39 games over three seasons in the minors.
Mets acquire Minor League pitcher Troy Miller
FLUSHING, N.Y., – The New York Mets today announced they have acquired right-handed pitcher Troy Miller from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jacob Barnes. The Mets designated Barnes for assignment on June 14.
Miller, 24, has made six starts (seven games) between New Hampshire (AA) and Vancouver (High-A) and is 3-2 with a 4.93 ERA (19 earned runs/34.2 innings) with 15 walks and 33 strikeouts.
The 6-4, 210-pounder was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2018. He played three years at the University of Michigan after graduating from Soquel High School in California.
Barnes appeared in 19 games for the Mets this season, going 1-1 with a 6.27 ERA (13 earned runs/18.2 innings) with five walks and 18 strikeouts. He was claimed by the Mets on October 30, 2020 off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels.
Twins return Byron Buxton from rehab assignment and reinstate from 10-day injured list
