The Arizona Diamondbacks made the following roster moves:
Recalled RHP Humberto Castellanos from Triple-A Reno.
Placed OF/INF Ketel Marte on 10-day injured list (strained left hamstring), retro to June 27.
Cubs recall RHP Trevor Megill from Triple-A Iowa, option RHP Tommy Nance to Iowa
MILWAUKEE – The Chicago Cubs today recalled right-handed pitcher Trevor Megill from Triple-A Iowa and optioned right-handed pitcher Tommy Nance to Iowa.
Megill, 27, is in his third stint with the club this season, having made four scoreless relief appearances spanning 3.0 innings with three walks and two strikeouts. He made his major league debut with scoreless innings of relief, April 26 and April 29 in Atlanta, before he was placed on the 10-day injured list on April 30 with a right forearm strain. He was reinstated and optioned to Iowa, June 2, then promoted to Chicago, June 12. He made two more scoreless outings (1.0 IP total) before he was optioned to Iowa, June 16.
Megill has a 6.75 ERA (6 ER/8.0 IP) along with nine hits, seven walks, and seven strikeouts in eight relief appearances with Iowa this season.
The six-foot eight-inch Megill was selected by the Cubs in the major league portion of the 2019 Rule 5 draft from San Diego last season and spent time at the South Bend Alternate Site. He reached the Triple-A level for the first time in 2019, appearing in 32 games for El Paso and pitching to a 4.47 ERA (25 ER/50.1 IP).
Originally selected by the Padres in the seventh round of the 2015 draft out of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, Megill owns an 11-3 record with 11 saves and a 3.55 ERA (65 ER/165.0 IP) in 110 career minor league games, all in relief.
Nance, 30, is 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA (7 ER/19.2 IP) in 18 relief appearances for Chicago in his first major league season. He has walked nine, struck out 21 and pitched to a 1.02 WHIP.
Colorado Rockies transactions
The Colorado Rockies announced today that they have recalled left-handed pitcher Ben Bowden and have placed right-handed pitcher Robert Stephenson on the 10-day injured list with upper back tightness.
Cardinals add pitchers Ramírez & Waddell
Elledge & Woodford sent to Memphis (AAA), Nogowski is D.F.A.
ST. LOUIS, MO., – The St. Louis Cardinals announced this afternoon that they have selected the contract of right-handed rookie pitcher Roel Ramírez from Memphis (AAA) and recalled rookie left-hander Brandon Waddell (pronounced wah-DELL) from Memphis. The team also optioned pitchers Seth Elledge and Jake Woodford to Memphis and designated first baseman John Nogowski for assignment.
Ramírez, 26, who debuted with the Cardinals in 2020, has worked 18 games in relief for the Memphis Redbirds this season, going 0-1 with a 4.67 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP in his 27.0 innings pitched. The 6-0, 220-pound Texas native has been especially good of late, posting a 0.63 ERA and 0.63 WHIP in nine June contests (14.1 IP) with 15 strikeouts and just three walks. Ramirez was acquired by the Cardinals from Tampa Bay on July 31, 2018 in a deal that also included Génesis Cabrera and Justin Williams.
Waddell, 27, was claimed on waivers from Baltimore on June 6. He has appeared in seven career games in the majors with Pittsburgh (2020), Minnesota (2021) and Baltimore (2021). In five relief appearances with Memphis this month, the 6-3, 180-pound Waddell has logged 7.0 innings pitched with a 2.57 ERA.
Ramírez wears uniform no. 77 and Waddell no. 70.
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
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
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
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
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
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
