Tuesday, April 21, 2026
SwC Poker
Home Blog Page 4045

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – Monday, June 28, 2021

NHL Editor
-
0
NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – Monday, June 28, 2021

THREE HARD LAPS

* Game 1 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final goes tonight at AMALIE Arena with both the Lightning and Canadiens looking to earn a pivotal series lead (8 p.m. ET on NBCSN, SN, TVAS, CBC).

* Canadiens rookie Cole Caufield aims to build on his storybook season during the Final, while Lightning captain Steven Stamkos will continue writing a different script from last postseason as a key contributor to Tampa Bay’s success in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

* A goaltending showdown will take center stage as two Vezina Trophy winners are set to go head-to-head: Andrei Vasilevskiy and Carey Price.

LIGHTNING, CANADIENS FACE OFF IN GAME 1 TONIGHT
After 868 regular-season games and 79 playoff contests, two teams remain. The first instalment of the grand finale begins tonight at 8 p.m. ET with Game 1 of the 2021 Stanley Cup Final between the Lightning and Canadiens.

 

* Teams that take a 1-0 lead in a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final hold an all-time series record of 61-20 (.753). However, each of the last three teams to lose Game 1 went on to win the Cup: Washington (2018), St. Louis (2019) and Tampa Bay (2020).

* In three previous Stanley Cup Final appearances, the Lightning lost Game 1 of the series each time but went on to win the series twice (2004 & 2020). The Canadiens own an all-time record of 15-2 (.882) when winning the first game of a best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final.

ROOKIE CAUFIELD LOOKS TO CAP MAGICAL SEASON WITH STANLEY CUP

Cole Caufield (4-5—9 in 15 GP) will look to continue his storybook season which started at the University of Wisconsin and included a gold medal at the 2021 World Junior Championship, as well as a Hobey Baker Memorial Award as the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player.

* Caufield is set to become the second player in NHL history to appear in the Stanley Cup Final in the same season in which he won the Hobey Baker, joining North Stars forward Neal Broten in 1981. Caufield can become the first player to win a Stanley Cup in the same season he was named the NCAA’s top player – Broten and the North Stars fell to the Islanders.

* The 20-year-old has scored four goals in the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, all in the last round against Vegas. The only other player with four or more goals since the start of the 2021 Stanley Cup Semifinals is playoff goals leader Brayden Point (6).
* Caufield has shown he can score at all levels – he has combined for 41 goals in 2020-21, amassing 30 as a member of the Wisconsin Badgers in the NCAA’s Big Ten, three with the AHL’s Laval Rocket, four regular-season tallies with the Canadiens on top of his four in the playoffs.

* Caufield (20 years, 177 days), who was a healthy scratch in Games 1 and 2 of the First Round before becoming a mainstay in the Canadiens’ lineup, can become the 12th player age 20 or younger to skate in more playoff games than regular-season contests (10 GP) before winning the Stanley Cup. Only four players of that age have done so in the expansion era (since 1967-68): Kelly Buchberger (1987 w/ EDM), Claude Lemieux (1986 w/ MTL), Esa Tikkanen (1985 w/ EDM) and Greg Gilbert (1982 w/ NYI).

CAPTAIN STAMKOS SET FOR MUCH DIFFERENT FINAL

Following a championship run where Steven Stamkos played only 2:47 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs due to injury – including a storybook moment that featured a dramatic goal off his first shot in Game 3 of the Final – the Lightning captain has written a different script as a healthy, integral component to Tampa Bay’s success this postseason.

 

* Stamkos (7-10—17 in 18 GP) is tied for third in League scoring during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, behind teammates Nikita Kucherov (5-22—27 in 18 GP) and Brayden Point (14-6—20 in 18 GP). Stamkos’ seven goals are tied for a career high in a single postseason (also 7 in 2015 & 2018), while his point total is one shy of a career best set in 2015 (7-11—18 in 26 GP).

* The Lightning captain is set to become the seventh player to skate in 90 playoff games with the franchise when he takes to the ice in Game 1. Stamkos, who has 31-40—71 in 89 career postseason contests, will trail only Kucherov (36-59—95 in 90 GP) for the most points by a Lightning player through 90 postseason games with the franchise.

STAR GOALTENDERS TAKE CENTER STAGE IN GAME 1

A pair of Vezina Trophy winners will look to backstop their team to a Stanley Cup when Tampa Bay’s Andrei Vasilevskiy (.936 SV%, 1.99 GAA, 4 SO) and Montreal’s Carey Price (.934 SV%, 2.02 GAA, 1 SO) meet in a much anticipated battle of star goaltenders. They each rank among the top three in both save percentage and goals-against average this postseason.

* Vasilevskiy and Price have met in a playoff game just once, during the 2015 Second Round when then-rookie Vasilevskiy relieved Ben Bishop in Game 4, a contest Montreal won 6-2. The two goaltenders have seen more of each other in the regular season, with Vasilevskiy yet to lose in regulation against Price.

* Vasilevskiy and Price, recipients of the Vezina Trophy in 2018-19 and 2014-15, respectively, are set to become the first pair of Vezina Trophy winners to appear against each other in a Stanley Cup Final game since 1999 (Ed Belfour w/ DAL vs. Dominik Hasek w/ BUF).

Washington Nationals recall Andres Machado

MLB Editor
-
0
Washington Nationals recall Andres Machado

The Washington Nationals recalled right-handed pitcher Andres Machado from Triple-A Rochester and placed right-handed pitcher Erick Fedde on the 10-day Injured List (retroactive to June 24) with an oblique strain on Sunday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement.

 

Machado, 28, has pitched to a 2.63 ERA (4 ER/13.2 IP) with 18 strikeouts, three walks and one home run allowed in 10 games out of Triple-A Rochester’s bullpen. He’s tossed scoreless relief in seven of the 10 outings and has pitched more than one inning in five of the 10.

 

This will be Machado’s second stint with the Nationals this season. He had his contract selected on June 12 but did not appear in a game before being optioned later that day.

 

Fedde, 28, is 4-4 with a 3.90 ERA in 11 starts for the Nationals this season.

MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 3

MLS Editor
-
0
MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 3

Cowell scores his third goal of the 2021 season, Quakes welcome back capacity crowd

SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the LA Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday evening at PayPal Park. The match was the Quakes’ first with no capacity restrictions since March 2020 and was attended by a sold-out crowd of 18,000 fans. The match also featured a number of festivities, including skydivers pregame and a halftime ceremony honoring frontline workers.

The LA Galaxy jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the 11th minute when Samuel Grandsir sent a cross to Chicharito, who redirected the ball goalward. LA would then add two more goals in second half.

San Jose created a number of chances before finding the breakthrough in the 82nd minute. Seventeen-year-old Cade Cowell received a pass, turn onto his left foot and sent a low shot just inside the far post. The Quakes pushed forward to cut the deficit in half, even hitting the post on two occasions, but couldn’t add to their tally.

The Earthquakes will now prepare to travel to the Midwest to face Minnesota United FC next Saturday, July 3. The match kicks off from Allianz Field at 5:00 p.m. PT and will be broadcast on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 and 1370 KZSF.

GAME NOTES

Saturday’s match marked the first with no capacity restrictions since March 7, 2020.

The Earthquakes now hold a 3-7-1 record (10 pts.) during the 2021 MLS regular season and are currently in 10th place in the Western Conference.

The Quakes are now 26-34-16 all-time vs. the LA Galaxy.

Forward Cade Cowell scored his third goal of the season and fourth of his MLS career.

Midfielder Chofis tallied an assist on Cowell’s goal, marking his first assist in MLS.

MLS Regular Season

San Jose Earthquakes 1 – 3 LA Galaxy

June 26, 2021 – PayPal Park in San Jose, Calif.

Attendance: 18,000 (sellout)

Scoring Summary: LA – Chicharito (Samuel Grandsir) 9; LA – Chicharito (Kevin Cabral) 50; LA – Florian Jungwirth (own goal) 70; SJ – Cade Cowell (Chofis) 82.

Misconduct Summary: SJ – Judson (caution) 6; LA – Jonathan Bond (caution) 59; SJ – Eric Remedi (caution) 66; SJ – Chofis (caution) 90.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski, Paul Marie (Benji Kikanovic 85), Oswaldo Alanis, Florian Jungwirth (Andy Rios 85); Eric Remedi, Jackson Yueill, Judson (Cade Cowell 54), Shea Salinas, Cristian Espinoza, Chofis; Chris Wondolowski.

Substitutes not used: Tanner Beason, Said Haji, Nathan, Jack Skahan, Tommy Thompson, Daniel Vega.

SHOTS: 13, SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 10; CORNER KICKS: 10.

LA GALAXY: Jonathan Bond, Julian Araujo, Sega Coulibaly, Jorge Villafana, Nick DePuy; Jonathan Dos Santos, Sebastian Lletget (Sacha Kljestan 63), Efrain Alvarez (Victor Vazquez 64); Kevin Cabral, Samuel Grandsir (Cameron Dunbar 64), Chicharito (Ethan Zubak 72).

Substitutes not used: Oniel Fisher, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Jonathan Klinsmann, Jonathan Perez, Adam Saldana.

SHOTS: 13, SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 15; CORNER KICKS: 22.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES HEAD COACH MATIAS ALMEYDA

On moving forward from this result:

“When you lose, I try to see the negatives, which I have obviously seen, but I also need to look at the positives. Obviously, it’s better to win derbies. I thought the team looked different today from the previous match. They recovered their identity, and we keep repeating the same mistakes and resetting in the middle. We hit the post four times, we had goal-scoring chances. When a winning team such as the LA Galaxy sits back, it will be normal for them to have dangerous counter-attacking moments.”

On fans being back in attendance:

“It brings happiness. Having our supporters present feels nice. Today was a special moment for me. My mother was present for the match and got to know the stadium. She is visiting me here. My wish was for my father to also be present. Everyone knows what took place with my father, but I was happy because I told my mother what the club means to me. I obviously wanted a victory. In life, we have to accept when things get twisted. We will double down on our bet to get ahead. If there is one thing that has characterized me, it’s that I never let my arms drop.”

On how the addition of Nathan can reinforce the roster:

“I think the addition of Nathan will reinforce the defense. Having competition and substitutions is always good. I have spoken with Jesse Fioranelli and the owner quite a bit and have given them my opinions regarding vision for this team soon. Every coach wants a deep roster. Our roster has many young players. Our project and process is clearly different from the LA Galaxy’s. Our idea is always to compete, but we know our young players still need time to learn.”

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER JACKSON YUEILL

On what went wrong tonight:

“Yeah, it was an important game for us, and we were hoping to come out and get a good result. I think we still are playing our style of football and we’re still trying to do things. I think what’s hurting us at the moment is our mistakes and our turnovers that lead to really good chances for the opposition and they’re putting away the chances that we give them and the mistakes that we make. We’re having a hard time recovering and scoring goals on the offensive end. It’s just about limiting those mistakes and working on ways to try and create more chances because I think we do have good moments in the games, and I think we do have opportunities to be in the lead and stay ahead but we’re kind of shooting ourselves in the foot early on in the game and having a hard time recovering.”

On having a full crowd for the first time since Covid began:

“Yeah, it was awesome. Love having everyone back. It definitely felt different. Of course, it was a Cali Clasico but just seeing everyone when you’re coming into the stadium, when you’re warming up, when you’re in the game is different. We loved having everyone back and we’re excited to have them all the rest of the season and hopefully they can continue their support and their cheers throughout the rest of the year and we turn it around and make something of this year.”

2-2 Draw with Cascadia Rival Vancouver keeps Sounders FC unbeaten in 2021

MLS Editor
-
0
2-2 Draw with Cascadia Rival Vancouver keeps Sounders FC unbeaten in 2021
Jimmy Medranda bags his first MLS goal in over three years to grab a share of the points, while Raúl Ruidíaz’s hot hand continues with his ninth goal of the season; Rave Green look ahead to Independence Day showdown in Colorado on July 4 (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM)
SEATTLE, WASH. – In a back-and-forth Cascadia clash, Sounders FC (7-0-4, 25 points) drew 2-2 with longtime rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC (2-6-2, 8 points) on Saturday evening at Lumen Field. Raúl Ruidíaz and Jimmy Medranda scored for Seattle, extending the Rave Green’s unbeaten run to 11 games, as the club remains in first place in the Western Conference and the Supporters’ Shield race. In the club’s second home match in four days, 25,603 took in the contest at Lumen Field, the biggest audience of 2021 as the club continues to add capacity via its evolving COVID-19 protocols.
Seattle took a 1-0 first-half lead courtesy of Ruidíaz’s ninth goal of the season, currently second in the race for MLS Golden Boot. Josh Atencio began the play with a hard tackle to gain possession before feeding Will Bruin to lead the break. The ball found its way back to Atencio, who played Brad Smith down the left side of the 18-yard-box, resulting in a cross to Ruidíaz, who slotted it into the back of the net.
The visitors equalized minutes into the second half, as the Rave Green gave up their first goal from open play on the season, halting a league-record streak of 949 minutes. Caio Alexander played a long over-the-top ball into Seattle’s final third to Cristian Dájome, who got behind the defense and rounded Stefan Cleveland before rolling a shot into an empty net. Lucas Cavallini gave Vancouver a 2-1 lead seven minutes later, receiving a cross from Dájome and heading the ball down and into the net.
Medranda evened the score in the 71st minute for his first Sounders FC goal. Following a corner kick, the Colombian collected the initial clearance at the top of the area and smashed a shot through traffic into the back of Vancouver’s goal. It marked Medranda’s first MLS strike since April 20, 2018 while with Sporting Kansas City, also against Whitecaps FC.
After playing three matches in eight days, Seattle now has a full week to prepare for its next opponent, with the Rave Green heading to Colorado for an Independence Day showdown with the Rapids on July 4 (6:00 p.m. PT / JOEtv, Prime Video, Sports Radio 950 KJR AM, El Rey 1360 AM).
MATCH NOTES
  • In a rivalry dating back to 1974 in the original North American Soccer League, tonight’s matchup marked the 144th all-time contest between Sounders FC and Vancouver. In MLS regular-season play since 2011, Seattle moves to 15-7-6 all-time against Whitecaps FC.
  • Scoring in the 40th minute of play, forward Raúl Ruidíaz bagged his ninth goal of 2021, good for his 51st career MLS goal for the Rave Green (regular season and playoffs). The only other player to hit 50 goals or more in MLS regular season and postseason play is Clint Dempsey (53 goals), while Fredy Montero holds the all competitions club scoring record (62 goals).
  • Ruidíaz’s first-half goal gives him nine strikes so far in 2021, one behind the Galaxy’s Javier Hernández for first in MLS.
  • Returning from a right quad strain, Homegrown midfielder Josh Atencio made his first start for the Rave Green since April 24 vs. LAFC. The 19-year-old bagged his first career assist in the 40th minute of play, unlocking Vancouver’s defense with a deft through ball to an onrushing Brad Smith, who played the ball across the opposing area to Raúl Ruidíaz for the tap-in.
  • With the final ball on Ruidíaz’s opening goal, Brad Smith earned his second assist of 2021, tying him with two other players for second in assists on the roster (Will Bruin and Alex Roldan). In his Sounders FC career, Smith has nine regular-season assists.
  • Jimmy Medranda scored his first goal in over three years on Saturday night, striking a driven shot at the top of the eighteen-yard-box to level the score at two goals apiece. Medranda last scored in MLS on April 20, 2018 for Sporting KC, a match that was also against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
  • After conceding the club’s first goal from open play of 2021 in the 49th minute, Seattle’s streak was halted at 949 consecutive minutes. Having allowed just seven goals all season, tonight’s goals from Vancouver were the first allowed from open play this year. Previously, three goals came from penalties and another two from direct free kicks. Seattle had already set a new league record in this category, surpassing 2011 Real Salt Lake (803 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal from open play).
  • With the win, Seattle remains unbeaten in 2021. Through 11 matches, the club has seven wins and four draws, good for 25 points. Should the club win or draw its next match, it would tie the all-time MLS record. Four clubs have started a season unbeaten through 12 games. The last team to accomplish this feat was Real Salt Lake in 2014.
  • Following the win, Seattle remains atop both the Supporters’ Shield race and MLS Western Conference standings. The Rave Green lead Sporting Kansas City by two points in both sets of standings (the New England Revolution also have 23 points in the Eastern Conference).
  • Following Wednesday’s 2-1 victory over RSL, Head Coach Brian Schmetzer made two changes to tonight’s starting lineup against RSL: Brad Smith returned to his left wingback role for Jimmy Medranda, and Josh Atencio relieved Kelyn Rowe in central midfield.
  • Tonight’s Lumen Field crowd of 25,603 was the biggest audience to see a Sounders FC match since March 7, 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. 24,652 watched Wednesday’s win over RSL under the club’s evolving COVID-19 protocols. Beginning with the club’s July 7 home match versus Houston, Sounders FC contests will be fully open once again.
MATCH SUMMARY
Seattle Sounders FC 2 – Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Venue: Lumen Field
Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.
Assistants: Eric Weisbrod, TJ Zablocki
Fourth Official: Luis Guardia
VAR: Ramy Touchan
Attendance: 25,603
Weather: 90 degrees and sunny
SCORING SUMMARY
SEA – Raúl Ruidíaz (Brad Smith, Josh Atencio) 40’
VAN – Cristian Dájome (Caio Alexandre) 49’
VAN – Lucas Cavallini (Cristian Dajome, Andy Rose) 56’
SEA – Jimmy Medranda (Fredy Montero) 71’
MISCONDUCT SUMMARY
VAN – Lucas Cavallini (caution) 22’
VAN – Caio Alexandre (caution) 45’+4’
VAN – Maxime Crepeau (caution) 89’
LINEUPS & STATS
Seattle Sounders FC – Stefan Cleveland; Alex Roldan (Kelyn Rowe 86’), Yeimar, Shane O’Neill, Abdoulaye Cissoko (Jimmy Medranda 68’), Brad Smith; Josh Atencio (Danny Leyva 61’), João Paulo, Cristian Roldan; Will Bruin (Fredy Montero 71’), Raúl Ruidíaz
Substitutes not used: Spencer Richey, Ethan Dobbelaere, Reed Baker-Whiting
Total shots: 19
Shots on goal: 5
Fouls: 9
Offside: 0
Corner-kicks: 2
Saves: 2
Vancouver Whitecaps FC – Maxime Crepeau; Cristian Gutierrex, Andy Rose (Ranko Veselinovic 74’), Erik Godoy, Deiber Caicedo (Leonard Owusu 74’); Caio Alexandre, Janio Bikel, Russell Teibert (Ryan Raposo 85’), Michael Baldisimo (Patrick Metcalfe 81’); Lucas Cavallini, Cristian Dájome (Brian White 85’)
Substitutes not used: Thomas Hasal, Evan Newton, Derek Cornelius, Theo Bair
Total shots: 11
Shots on goal: 4
Fouls: 13
Offside: 2
Corner-kicks: 1
Saves: 3

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – Sunday, June 27, 2021

NHL Editor
-
0
NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Final Edition – Sunday, June 27, 2021

THREE HARD LAPS

* Storylines are aplenty heading into the fourth head-to-head postseason meeting, and first with the Stanley Cup on the line, between the Lightning and Canadiens.

* The Lightning are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in as many seasons and fourth time in franchise history (also 2004, 2015 & 2020). Tampa Bay can become the ninth different franchise to repeat as champions and fifth among clubs to join the NHL in 1967-68 or later (PHI, NYI, EDM & PIT).

* The Canadiens are set to make their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 28 years after a season in which they were the League’s final team to clinch a berth into the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

CANADIENS, LIGHTNING READY FOR 2021 STANLEY CUP FINAL
The stage is set for the Lightning and Canadiens to go head-to-head in the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which will begin on Monday, June 28, at AMALIE Arena in Tampa Bay (8 p.m. ET, NBCSN, SN, CBC, TVAS). Tampa Bay looks to become the third different franchise in 30 years to repeat as Stanley Cup champions, while Montreal and its storied history have its sights set on its first Cup since 1993.

* The Lightning, with seven consecutive series victories, are the fourth defending Stanley Cup champion since 2000 to advance to the Final in the ensuing postseason, joining the Penguins (2016 W & 2017 W), Red Wings (2008 W & 2009 L) and Devils (2000 W & 2001 L).

* The 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs marks the second straight year Montreal has entered with the lowest regular-season rank among playoff teams. In 2020, the Canadiens upset the higher-seeded Penguins in the Stanley Cup Qualifiers before falling in six games to the Flyers in the First Round. This year, Montreal (No. 16) ousted three higher-seeded opponents on its way to the Final: Toronto (No. 6), Winnipeg (No. 14) and Vegas (No. 2).

CHAMPIONSHIP PEDIGREE HEADLINES 2021 STANEY CUP FINAL
The 2021 Stanley Cup Final is set to feature an abundance of players who have been to this stage of the postseason before and left victorious.

* The Lightning have 21 players on their current roster remaining from their Stanley Cup win in 2020, while the Canadiens had zero at the conclusion of last season but have since added six to their roster – with five having dressed for the club during the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs (Eric Staal: 2006 w/ CAR, Corey Perry: 2007 w/ ANA, Tyler Toffoli: 2014 w/ LAK, Jake Allen: 2019 w/ STL & Joel Edmundson: 2019 w/ STL).

* Among teams that haven’t won a championship in the past five years, the Canadiens’ six Stanley Cup winners on their roster are tied with the Red Wings (Valtteri Filppula: 2008 w/ DET, Darren Helm: 2008 w/ DET, Jonathan Bernier: 2012 w/ LAK, Christian Djoos: 2018 w/ WSH, Jakub Vrana: 2018 w/ WSH & Robby Fabbri: 2019 w/ STL) for the most among all teams.

* Lightning forward Pat Maroon, already one of eight different players in NHL history to win a championship in consecutive seasons with different teams, can become the first player to win three straight Stanley Cups since multiple players did so during the Islanders dynasty from 1980 to 1983.

VETERANS PRICE, WEBER IN SEARCH OF FIRST CUP
Despite the various accolades on their resumes, Canadiens veterans Carey Price and Shea Weber will be making their first-ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Final and continue their quest toward their first championship.

* Price enters the 2021 Stanley Cup Final as the Canadiens’ franchise leader in regular-season games played (707) and wins (360) by a goaltender, a Hart Memorial Trophy winner (2014-15), Vezina Trophy winner (2014-15), Ted Lindsay Award winner (2014-15) and a William M. Jennings Trophy recipient (2014-15).

* Along with 42 career playoff victories, Price is set to become the first goaltender in NHL history to record 400 career wins (regular seasons and playoffs combined) before making their Stanley Cup Final debut.

* Canadiens captain Weber, who scored in Montreal’s series-clinching game during the Semifinals, is currently tied for the third-most playoff goals among active defensemen (18). Weber’s journey to the 2021 Stanley Cup Final includes a Mark Messier NHL Leadership Award (2015-16), a World Cup of Hockey championship (2016) and two Olympic gold medals with Team Canada (2010 & 2014) in addition to 1,038 career regular-season NHL games.

LEADERS KUCHEROV, POINT LOOK FOR RARE REPEAT
Lightning forwards Nikita Kucherov (5-22—27 in 18 GP) and Brayden Point (14-6—20 in 18 GP) have been regular contributors for the club during each of the last two playoff years. The duo, who led the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs in points and goals, respectively, set their sights on doing so again in 2021.

* Kucherov registered 7-27—34 in 25 GP during the 2020 postseason and can become the sixth different player in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to lead the League in points in consecutive postseasons, joining Wayne Gretzky (3x: 1983-85; 2x: 1987-88), Guy Lafleur (3x: 1977-79), Mario Lemieux (2x: 1991-92), Rick MacLeish (2x: 1974-75) and Phil Esposito (2x: 1969-70).

* Point netted 14 goals in Tampa Bay’s run in 2020 and can become the eighth different player in League history to lead the Stanley Cup Playoffs in goals in consecutive postseasons (tied or outright), joining Mike Bossy (3x: 1981-83), Jari Kurri (2x: 1984-85; 2x: 1987-88), Phil Esposito (2x: 1969-70), Bobby Hull (2x: 1962-63), Maurice Richard (2x: 1946-47), Gordie Drillon (2x: 1938-39) and Howie Morenz (2x: 1924-25).

GMs HAVE CONNECTIONS TO CUP OPPONENT
The Stanley Cup Final storylines branch off beyond the reaches of the players on the ice and extend to Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois and Canadiens general manager Marc Bergevin.

* BriseBois was the Canadiens’ director of legal affairs from 2001-02 to 2002-03, director of hockey operations from 2003-04 to 2005-06 and VP of hockey operations from 2006-07 to 2009-10. His final four seasons with the organization also involved overseeing the AHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs, which won the Calder Cup in 2007 with a 19-year-old Carey Price pocketing the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as the league’s playoff MVP.

* Bergevin was signed by the Lightning ahead of their inaugural season and skated with the team in each of its first three NHL campaigns from 1992-93 to 1994-95 (5-31—36 in 205 GP). Bergevin also played in one game with Tampa Bay during the 2002-03 season.

Houston Dynamo FC close three-game stretch with 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake

MLS Editor
-
0
Houston Dynamo FC close three-game stretch with 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake

NEED TO KNOW:

·       Dynamo forward Maxi Urruti scored his sixth goal of the season

·       Houston closed three-game stretch unbeaten with today’s 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake

·       Dynamo return to BBVA Stadium on July 3 to host FC Cincinnati for their first full capacity game since Feb. 29, 2020

 

SANDY, Utah – Houston Dynamo FC earned their second consecutive point on the road today with a 1-1 draw against Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium.

Salt Lake took the lead off a corner kick from Albert Rusnak in the 11th minute. Salt Lake defender Justen Glad positioned himself in front of two Dynamo defenders for a one-touch finish outside the six yard box.

The Dynamo equalized in the opening minutes of the second half against the run of play. Maxi Urruti dribbled into the midfield and maintained his balance following a foul from a Salt Lake defender. Referee Nima Saghafi allowed play to continue resulting in a one-two combination with Tyler Pasher at the edge of the box. Urruti dribbled toward the near post to create space for his sixth goal of the regular season.

Houston’s most dangerous opportunity of the first half came off a diving header from Memo Rodriguez that went over the crossbar in the 30th minute.

Salt Lake almost doubled their lead in the 38th minute off a cross from Maikel Chang that found Damir Kreilach inside the box. Dynamo goalkeeper Marko Maric was well positioned to make the save and finished with seven saves tonight, the most in a single game for the shot-stopper this season.

Kreilach forced a save from Maric in the 62nd minute after he won a ball in the air just inside the six-yard box.

Second half substitute Darwin Quintero found Ariel Lassiter in Space in the 85th minute to force a one-on-one with the Salt Lake goalkeeper David Ochoa. Lassiter’s effort was on target but saved by Ochoa.

The Dynamo return to BBVA Stadium on Saturday, July 3 to host FC Cincinnati in their first full-capacity game since the home opener of the 2020 season.

— 

Real Salt Lake (3-2-4; 13 pts.) 1-1 Houston Dynamo FC (3-3-5; 14 pts.)

MLS Regular Season – Week 10

Rio Tinto Stadium – Sandy, Utah

Attendance: 13,588

SCORING SUMMARY

TEAM

1H

2H

FT

Real Salt Lake

1

0

1

Houston Dynamo FC

0

1

1

RSL: Justen Glad 1 (Albert Rusnak 2) 11′

HOU: Maxi Urruti 6 (Tyler Pasher 3, Joe Corona 2) 52′

LINEUPS:

Real Salt Lake: David Ochoa; Donny Toia Justen Glad, Erik Holt, Aaron Herrera (Andrew Brody 83); Nick Besler (Justin Meram 83), Pablo Ruiz; Albert Rusnák (c), Damir Kreilach, Maikel Chang (Anderson Julio 66); Rubio Rubín (Bobby Wood 66)

Unused substitutes: Everton Luiz, Marcelo Silva, Zac MacMath, Justin Portillo, Ashtone Morgan

Total shots: 21 (Damir Kreilach 6); Shots on goal: 9 (Damir Kreilach 3); Fouls: 11 (Aaron Herrera 3); Offside: 1 (Anderson Julio 1); Corner kicks: 13; Saves: 2 (David Ochoa 2)

Houston Dynamo FC: Marko Marić; Adam Lundkvist, Sam Junqua, Tim Parker (C), Zarek Valentin; Derrick Jones, Matías Vera (Darwin Ceren 59); Joe Corona (Boniek Garcia 60); Tyler Pasher (Ari Lassiter 74), Maxi Urruti (Darwin Quintero 81), Memo Rodriguez (Maynor Figueroa 82)

Unused substitutes: Michael Nelson, Jose Bizama, Mateo Bajamich, Nico Lemoine

Total shots: 7 (Maxi Urruti 3); Shots on goal: 3 (Maxi Urruti 2); Fouls: 8 (Darwin Ceren and Sam Junqua tied with 2); Offside: 1 (Memo Rodriguez 1); Corner kicks: 4; Saves: 7 (David Ochoa 7)

DISCIPLINE:   

HOU: Matias Vera (caution; foul) 42 

HOU: Tab Ramos (caution) 52 

HOU: Maxi Urruti (caution; dissent) 66 

HOU: Darwin Ceren (caution; foul) 84

OFFICIALS:

Referee: Nimi Saghafi

Assistant Referee: Claudiu Badea

Assistant Referee: Peter Balciunas

Fourth Official: Michael Radchuk

VAR:  Kevin Terry Jr.

Weather: 89 degrees and clear skies

NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – Saturday, June 26, 2021

NHL Editor
-
0
NHL Morning Skate: Stanley Cup Playoffs Edition – Saturday, June 26, 2021

THREE HARD LAPS

* The defending-champion Lightning blanked the Islanders in Game 7 to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the fourth time since their inaugural season in the early 1990s.

* Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who had zero shutouts in his first 57 career playoff appearances, has five in his last 19 including four earned in series-clinching fashion.

* The Lightning’s victory locked in the schedule for the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which opens on Monday when Tampa Bay welcomes Montreal to AMALIE Arena for Game 1.

LIGHTNING ADVANCE TO SECOND STRAIGHT STANLEY CUP FINAL
Tampa Bay blanked New York in Game 7 to clinch a berth in the Stanley Cup Final for a second straight year and fourth time in franchise history (also 2004, 2015 & 2020).

* The Lightning became the fourth franchise to reach the Stanley Cup Final at least four times since 1992-93, when the club contested its inaugural season. The others to do so over that span are the Red Wings (6x), Devils (5x) and Penguins (4x).

* Tampa Bay became the seventh defending Stanley Cup champion during the last 30 years to advance to the Final, following Pittsburgh (1991–1992 & 2016–2017), Detroit (1997–1998 & 2008–2009), Dallas (1999–2000) and New Jersey (2000–2001). The only teams to repeat in that timeframe are the Penguins (both times) and Red Wings (1997–1998).

* Overall, the Lightning have their sights set on becoming the ninth different franchise to repeat as Stanley Cup champions and fifth among clubs to join the League in 1967-68 or later (PHI, NYI, EDM & PIT).

LIGHTNING’S GAME 7 VICTORY LOCKS IN STANLEY CUP FINAL SCHEDULE
Tampa Bay’s series-clinching win over New York confirmed the dates, start times and television information for the 2021 Stanley Cup Final, which opens Monday, June 28 at AMALIE Arena when the Lightning host the Canadiens in their first head-to-head playoff game since the 2015 Second Round.

* Tampa Bay owns an all-time series record of 2-1 in three playoff rounds against Montreal, earning a six-game win in 2015 as well as a four-game sweep in the 2004 Conference Semifinals. The Canadiens swept the Lightning in the 2014 First Round.

VASILEVSKIY POSTS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE SERIES-CLINCHING SHUTOUT
Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (18 saves) recorded his fourth straight series-clinching shutout (also Game 6 of 2020 SCF, Game 6 of 2021 R1 & Game 5 of 2021 R2), extending the longest such run by a netminder in NHL history. His four career series-clinching shutouts trail only Clint Benedict and Chris Osgood (both w/ 5) for the most in League history. He became the first netminder in League history with three series-clinching shutouts in a single playoff year.

* Vasilevskiy became the fifth goaltender in the NHL’s expansion era (since 1967-68) to backstop his team to the Stanley Cup Final in consecutive playoff years while earning each win for his club across the two postseasons, joining Ken Dryden (4; 1976–1979), Ed Belfour (1999–2000), Martin Brodeur (2000–2001) and Marc-Andre Fleury (2008–2009).

* Vasilevskiy became the third different goaltender in franchise history with a shutout in a Game 7, joining Ben Bishop in the 2015 First Round and 2015 Conference Finals as well as Dwayne Roloson in the 2011 Conference Quarterfinals.

MORE GAME 7 QUICK HITS

* Friday’s finale marked just the eighth Game 7 in NHL history decided by a 1-0 margin and the first since the 2011 Eastern Conference Final, when Boston edged Tampa Bay at TD Garden.

* Lightning forward Yanni Gourde became the first player in franchise history to score a shorthanded goal in a Game 7 and just the 10th NHLer to do so over the last 25 years (since 1996).

* Gourde scored the NHL’s 34th all-time shorthanded goal in a Game 7. Six of those goals also stood as the series clincher – Gourde’s is the only one of the six which was in a 1-0 victory.

MATCH RECAP: Lions Secure Nine-Point Week with 2-1 Win Over Inter Miami CF

MLS Editor
-
0
MATCH RECAP: Lions Secure Nine-Point Week with 2-1 Win Over Inter Miami CF
Nani blast goes down as game-winner; Chris Mueller scores first of the year
FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla – Orlando City SC (6-1-3, 21 points) rallied from a 1-0 deficit to defeat intrastate foe Inter Miami CF (2-6-2, 8 points), 2-1, at DRV PNK Stadium on Friday night. With the win, the Lions secured their third win in a span of seven days, a feat accomplished for the first-time in Club history, while the victory marked the first time in the series the visiting team took all three points.

Chris Mueller and Nani tallied for Orlando, the first of the season for the former, while the latter scored his sixth of 2021. Nani also recorded the assist on Mueller’s goal, his third assist over the team’s last two matches.

Goalkeeper Brandon Austin earned the nod again between the pipes, picking up his third-straight win to open his MLS career. The Tottenham loanee made a total of two saves on the night, including a big stop just three minutes in to keep Lewis Morgan off the board.

Head Coach Oscar Pareja:
“First, let me transmit a message from our Club, fans, our players, to the people who have lost their families in the collapse of the tower here in Miami. I would like to express our sympathy and our empathy, as well, for the pain they are having. Obviously we have them in our thoughts and we’re praying for relief. About the game, very happy, very proud. Three points that mean a lot for us; it’s a derby. This is a game that we wanted to win, playing in their place here, we haven’t done that [before]. The first half, it was a long week and we felt it. We had heavy legs and I think the boys did an excellent job overcoming that part and their heart was bigger than those three points. All for the players. It’s incredible, the effort, and they deserve to win.”

Scoring Recap:

67’ Gonzalo Higuain (Jay Chapman) – MIA 1, ORL 0
The home side took the lead in the 67th minute of the match, after second-half substitute Gonazlo Higuain hit a low shot from outside of the area that found its way through traffic for Miami’s first and only goal of the game.

73’ Chris Mueller (Nani, Robin Jansson) – ORL 1, MIA 1
It didn’t take long for the Lions to equalize, however, with Nani and Chris Mueller connecting on a goal that only took two touches to slam home. Robin Jansson got things started with a ball over the top, which Nani crossed into the area with a single touch. The Wisconsin product was ready on the other end, one-timing in his first goal of the season.

80’ Nani (Benji Michel) – ORL 2, MIA 1
The Lions captain put the game to bed with 10 minutes remaining, rifling home his sixth goal of the season. After collecting a pass from Benji Michel, Nani sent a bending ball from outside the box into the far side past John McCarthy.

Match Notes:

  • With his helper on Chris Mueller’s goal, Nani recorded his third assist over the last two matches. The forward also helped set up both of Daryl Dike’s goals just three days ago, when the Lions defeated visiting San Jose Earthquakes 5-0 on Tuesday.
  • Nani has also recorded goals in three-straight matches, scoring from the run of play versus both Miami and Toronto FC, and recording a penalty-kick goal against San Jose. The forward has had a hand in six of the Lions’ last nine goals, totaling three goals and three assists over that span.
  • Chris Mueller scored his first goal of the season on Friday, upping his career regular-season total to 19. With the score, the forward has now recorded goal contributions in three-straight matches after tallying an assist in each of the Club’s previous two games.
  • Each of the five all-time regular season meetings between the two sides has been decided by a difference of one goal, with the Lions’ taking the all-time series advantage 3-2-0 with Friday’s victory.
  • Friday’s win marked City’s first three points in Fort Lauderdale and the first time in the series that the visiting side took the win.
  • Coming in as a 77th minute substitute, Uri Rosell made his 95th MLS appearance and his 52nd in an Orlando City uniform.
Next Match: The Lions return to Exploria Stadium for a matchup with the New York Red Bulls, hosting the side on Saturday, July 3 in a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. Tickets are available at OrlandoCitySC.com.
Teams 1 2 F
Orlando City SC 0 2 2
Inter Miami CF 0 1 1
Scoring Summary:
MIA – Gonzalo Higuain (Jay Chapman) 67’
ORL – Chris Mueller (Nani, Robin Jansson) 73’
ORL – Nani (Benji Michel) 80’

Misconduct Summary:
ORL – Mauricio Pereyra (Yellow Card) 10’
ORL – Junior Urso (Yellow Card) 62’
MIA – Victor Ulloa (Yellow Card) 62’
MIA – Blaise Matuidi (Yellow Card) 71’
ORL – Chris Mueller (Yellow Card) 79’
MIA – Leandro Gonzalez Pirez (Yellow Card) 79’

Lineups/Substitutions:

Orlando City SC – GK Brandon Austin; D Kyle Smith, Robin Jansson, Antonio Carlos, Michael Halliday; M Mauricio Pereyra (Chris Mueller 46’), Júnior Urso (Uri Rosell 77’), Andrés Perea, Silvester Van der Water (Benji Michel 46’); F Nani © (Joey DeZart 84’), Daryl Dike (Tesho Akindele 64’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Mason Stajduhar; D Rio Hope-Gund; F Alexander Alvarado, Matheus Aias

Inter Miami CF – GK John McCarthy; D Christian Makoun (Federico Higuain 84’), Nicolas Figal, Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Kelvin Leerdam; M Lewis Morgan, Blaise Matuidi, Victor Ulloa ©; F Jay Chapman, Brek Shea, (Rodolfo Pizarro 61’) Julian Carranza (Gonzalo Higuain 61’)

Substitutes Not Used: GK Dylan Castanheira; D Joevin Jones; M Joshua Penn

Details of the Game:
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Weather: Clear
Date: June 25, 2021

Stats:


Possession:
ORL – 47.1%
MIA – 52.9%

Shots:
ORL – 11
MIA – 10

Saves:
ORL – 2
MIA – 4

Fouls:
ORL – 9
MIA – 8

Corners:
ORL – 4
MIA – 5

Heineken Man of the Match: Nani

Hard Hitting Promotions Announces Landmark 12-Fight Card Series with The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City

Fight Editor
-
0
Hard Hitting Promotions Announces Landmark 12-Fight Card Series with The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City

First Show, Set For Saturday, July 31st

 

Christian Tapia Takes on Mason Menard in Main Event; Dylan Price in the Co-Feature; Much Anticipated Homecoming for Anthony “Juice” Young as he continues towards a title opportunity; Plus Undefeated Dezmnd Lucas and Emmanuel Rodriguez to See Action

 

Atlantic City, NJ — Hard Hitting Promotions is pleased to formally announce a landmark boxing series at The Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City titled, Boardwalk Boxing Powered by Hard Hitting Promotions and Showboat Hotel.

 

The series was announced at a packed press conference that took place this past Tuesday at The Showboat Hotel, with the first event taking place on Saturday, July 31st.

 

“I am so glad to be part of this. This is just the tip of the iceberg,” said Manny Rivera, Partner with Hard Hitting Promotions. “This is just a small piece of what is going to happen in Atlantic City. This has been a vision for the last three and a half years. What we will be doing is putting on great fights and high quality events, and we can see this as the start of bringing big time boxing in Atlantic City like it used be. You can see what we are trying to do in our first event, by having excellent fights with all of the fighters getting tested in real fights.”

 

“Starting on July 31st, we will start a 12-fight series with Hard Hitting Promotions. This is the largest commitment to boxing in Atlantic City in an Atlantic City property since the 1990’s,” said Brandon Dixon, president of Tower Investments. “We are committed to making boxing an integral part of the city’s non-casino entertainment in addition to our professional boxing series, we will be rolling out a truly unique amateur fight series.”

 

In the main event on July 31st, undefeated Christian Tapia battles Mason Menard in a 10 round fight for the NABA Super Featherweight title.

 

Tapia of Coamo, Puerto Rico, has a record of 11-0 with 10 knockouts,

 

Tapia, 27 years-old is a four-year professional, and is coming off a 4th round stoppage over Carlos Colon on March 7th, 2020 in Atlantic City..

 

Menard of Rayne, Louisiana has an impressive mark of 36-5 with 25 knockouts.

 

The 32 year-old Menard is a 14 year-professional who has racked up wins over Thomas Dardar (8-1), Lonnie Smith (14-3-2), Ivan Otero (8-1), Oscar Bravo (21-4), Eudy Bernardo (21-0), Bahodir Mamadjonov (19-2). Menard is coming off a close majority decision defeat to highly ranked Emmanuel Tagoe (31-1) on November 27th in Hollywood, Florida.

 

In the co-feature, undefeated bantamweight Dylan Price of Sicklerville, New Jersey takes on tough Edwin Rodriguez in an eight-round bout.

 

Price, 22 years-old of Sicklerville, NJ is 13-0 with 10 knockouts. Price, a four-year professional, has stopped his last four opponents, and is coming off a 2nd round destruction over Elias Joaquino on April 17th in Philadelphia.

 

Rodriguez, 28 year-old of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico has a record of 11-5-2 with five knockouts.

 

Rodriguez, a nine-year veteran, has wins over Carlos Rodriguez (12-1), Juan Carlos Camacho (6-0) and highly regarded Saul Sanchez (12-0). Rodriguez is coming off a disputed draw with decorated contender Joshua Greer (22-2-1) on November 14th in Las Vegas.

 

Local favorite, Anthony “Juice” Young returns in an eight-round bout against veteran, Todd Manuel in a welterweight fight.

 

Young of Atlantic City is 21-2 with eight knockouts.

 

Young, 33, will be making his 13th appearance in his hometown, is coming off the best win of his career, as he stopped former super welterweight world champion Sadam Ali in three-rounds on March 4, 2019 in Las Vegas,

 

Manuel of Rayne, Louisiana is 19-17-1 with five knockouts, has posted wins over K Lon Spencer (4-0), Arthur Thomas (1-0) and Tom Howard (8-1). Manuel is on a two-fight winning streak, and in his last contest, he won an eight-round unanimous decision against Jesus Angulo on June 4th in Mexico.

 

In six-round bouts:

 

Ricardo Caraballo (6-1, 2 KOs) of Riverview, Florida takes on an opponent to be named in a flyweight fight.

 

Emmnauel Rodriguez (9-0, 4 KOs) of Quebardillas, PR will fight an opponent to be named.

 

Jan Carlos Rivera (4-1, 4 KOs) of Philadelphia will take part in a welterweight bout.

 

Jerome Conquest (10-5, 1 KO) of Philadelphia fights an opponent to be named.

 

In a four-round bout, welterweight Dezmond Lucas (2-0, 1 KO) of Bronx, NY will make an appearance against an opponent to be named.

 

Tickets for this amazing evening boxing are $150, $100, $75 and $55 and can be purchased.

Undefeated Featherweight Edward Vazquez in Action Tonight in Weston, Florida

Fight Editor
-
0
Undefeated Featherweight Edward Vazquez in Action Tonight in Weston, Florida

Undefeated Texan battles Yeison Vargas

 

Weston, Florida – Tonight at The Bonaventure Resort Spa in Weston, Florida, undefeated featherweight Edward Vazquez will be back in action when he takes on Yeison Vargas in a six-round bout.

 

Vazquez of Fort Worth, Texas, has a record of 9-0 with one knockout. The 25 year-old Vazquez is managed by DKO Management, will be making his first start since winning an eight-round split decision over Irvin Gonzalez (14-2) on November 28th in Las Angeles to capture the WBC USNBC Title.

 

Vazquez also has wins over Everado Jhoao (1-0), Brandon Arvie (2-0), Brandon Cruz (6-0) and Adan Ochoa (11-1).

 

Vargas of Colombia is 16-6 with 11 knockouts.

 

Vargas, 30, has wins over Ramiro Rojas (12-1-1) and Sander Diaz (5-1-1).

 

Vargas’ six losses are to fighters with a combined record of 116-5-4

 

“It has been a pleasure to work with Blake Davis and the entire BAD Promotions team In putting this bout together. We look forward to Edward earning his 10th straight victory in convincing fashion on Saturday night,” said Dave Dubinsky, cgno-manager of DKO Boxi

 

“Edward had an amazing training camp, under the tutelage of Raymond Barrera, and he is ready to go. Edward fears no one, and he will prove once again that he is the most dynamic prospect in the featherweight division,” said DKO Boxing co-manager, Jim Kurtz

 

Said John Anderson who promoted Vazquez under the KO Night Boxing banner, “KO Night Boxing is so excited for Edward to be fighting in Florida . Edward has been in some unbelievable exciting fights as of late. I thought he was fight of the night on the Tyson -Jones card his last time out and he showed the same type of fight on ESPN before that . Edward Vazquez is what boxing needs more of and that’s the warrior spirit he brings .I expect nothing less on Saturday night.”

 

Vazquez weighed 125.8 lbs at Friday’s weigh-in. Vargas was 126 lbs.

1...4,0444,0454,046...4,067Page 4,045 of 4,067

Contact us: info@sportsgamingjournal.com

* PLEASE NOTE: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED AT THIS SITE IS FOR NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. ANY USE OF THIS INFORMATION IN VIOLATION OF ANY FEDERAL, STATE OR LOCAL LAWS IS PROHIBITED.

FOLLOW US

TODAY"S TOP CATEGORIES

© Copyright 2024, Sports Gaming Journal. All rights reserved.