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Friday, May 31, 2019

CFL Buys Alouettes

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The Canadian Football League together with the Wetenhall family would like to confirm the Montreal Alouette Football Club Company has been sold to the CFL, effective today.

This is part of an orderly transition to new long-term ownership and a new chapter in the Alouettes storied history.

The CFL and Wetenhall family indeed have been working for several months to identify and assess potential new owners and that process is ongoing.

The CFL believes very strongly in the future of the Montreal Alouettes Football Club and that this process will be successful in bringing new, long-term and highly focused ownership to the city and the league.

To facilitate the process, the CFL has been involved in the club’s day-to-day operations in recent months.

Given the importance of stability, ongoing investment and this search for the best possible ownership group for the future, as well as preparations for the upcoming regular season, the CFL has now assumed ownership as well as operational responsibilities of the Club until a transition to permanent new ownership is completed.

“We want to reassure Alouettes’ players, coaches, staff and fans that this is part of an orderly, step-by-step process that is entirely devoted to putting in place a new foundation for the Alouettes’ and the CFL’s success” said Commissioner Randy Ambrosie.

“Our conversations have led to significant interest by new ownership groups and we are confident in the process we initiated many months ago.”

“We are ready to welcome our fans to Percival Molson Memorial Stadium and to live the 2019 season with them and all of our stakeholders.  We look forward to welcoming a future owner and working with them and the CFL for many years of future success. Our operations and financial capability are intact through this season and we are operating business as usual” said Patrick Boivin, President and CEO of the Montreal Alouettes.

The CFL and the Alouettes family express their gratitude to Bob and Andrew Wetenhall. Today’s announcement caps one of the most successful chapters in Canadian sports ownership history, a 22-year-span that included three Grey Cup championships, ten first-place finishes and an impressive record of 223 wins against 172 losses and one tie. Eleven Alouettes have been inducted into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame during their tenure, including Bob Wetenhall himself, as a builder, in 2015.

We all look forward to a season of growth and success for the CFL and the Alouettes.

Pats Ink Head Scout Dale McMullin To Contract Extension



The Regina Pats Hockey Club is pleased to announce that Director of Scouting Dale McMullin has signed a multi-year contract extension with the team.

McMullin joined the Pats in the summer of 2011 and has been the club’s Director of Scouting for eight seasons. He was previously with the Red Deer Rebels for nine seasons as a Scout and then Senior Scout.

“I couldn’t be happier,” said McMullin. “We have accomplished a lot in the last eight years, and I look forward to being a part of what’s to come with this organization.”

“Dale is an integral part of our team,” said Pats VP of Hockey Operations and GM John Paddock. “He works tirelessly at his craft; we are excited to have him continue his work here in Regina.”

McMullin played for the Brandon Wheat Kings from 1971-76, putting up 418 points (168G-250A) in 309 games. He is sixth in franchise history in career goals with 168, fourth in career assists with 250, sixth in career points with 418 and seventh in career regular season games played with 309.

Regina Pats 2019-20 Season Tickets are available now at reginapats.com. Check out the new split season tickets and flex packs available for the upcoming season.

Willie Desjardins Returns To Medicine Hat

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The Medicine Hat Tigers announced today that Willie Desjardins will be returning as General Manager and Head Coach.

Desjardins was the head coach of the Tigers from 2002-10 before leaving to become an associate coach for the Dallas Stars. During his tenure with the Tigers, Desjardins guided the team to two WHL Championships (2004, 2007).  The team also captured four consecutive Central Division banners (2004, 2006, 2005 and 2007), two Eastern Conference Championships (2004 and 2007) and the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy for winning the regular season in 2005-06.

Desjardins was named the recipient of the Dunc McCallum Memorial Trophy as WHL Coach of the Year in 2006, also capturing the Sofina Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award as the CHL Coach of the Year in that same campaign.

“I am really excited to be coming back to the Tigers and to Medicine Hat. It is a great organization, outstanding community and I have always felt it’s home,” said Desjardins.

Desjardins is an accomplished veteran coach who has won several accolades. He served as an assistant coach with Team Canada’s National Junior Team in 2009, helping them earn a gold medal. He won a silver medal as a head coach the following year. Staying on the international scene, Desjardins won gold with Canada at the Spengler Cup in 2017 and later won bronze with Canada’s team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea

He has also been a head coach in the NHL coaching the Vancouver Canucks from 2014 to the 2017 and he was the interim head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in 2018-19.

“Obviously we know exactly what Willie brings as general manager and head coach because of his previous tenure with the Organization,” said Darrell Maser, President of the Tigers Hockey Club. “Ultimately, Willie Desjardins helped establish the winning tradition of the Medicine Hat Tigers. We are excited to welcome Willie back to the Tigers Hockey Club and the community.”

This And That



--Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind.  As always, they come in no particular order.

--The wait ends tonight.  Whether you are gathered around the TV to watch the proceedings at MacMahon on TSN or you are listening to Derek Taylor and Luc Mullinder on 620 CKRM, Riders football is back.  It is pre-season so it doesn't matter but after hearing about guys like Paul McRoberts, Jamal Morrow and others over the last couple of weeks it is time to see what they can do.

Zach Collaros won't play and either will many other regulars.  I am torn on the Collaros decision. Part of me feels he needs to get out there with the number ones to start getting some chemistry, but another part of me doesn't want to see him get folded up like he did last pre-season because we know how that ended.   Head Coach Craig Dickenson says David Watford and Cody Fajardo will split the first half with Isaac Harker and Ty Gangi getting the second.  To those who have seen camp in Saskatoon, is Watford making a bid to be the number two guy?

--While cuts are a long ways away, is it possible to keep either Harker and Gangi around.  You need to start developing that young quarterback so why not keep one as 3rd stringer or as a practice roster guy.  I guess we will see what the plan is.

--I don't know how the NBA Final will turn out, but if we can get more games like Game 1, get your popcorn ready.  The Raptors and Warriors went at one another in what was a highly entertaining game.  It looked like Golden State kept getting ready to make a run and then Toronto would punch back. Great stuff.  Hopefully we see more in Game 2 and beyond.

--How much Raptormania is there in Regina?  Back when the Blue Jays got to the ALCS a few years ago, there were a lot of people wearing Jays merch.  Not so much now it would seem.  Good on Cineplex striking a deal with theatres across the country to have viewing parties.  I am guessing and hoping a lot of basketball fans went to the Galaxy Theatre in the Normanview Mall to check out Game 1.  I just wonder what you would have gotten if you put up a big screen in Victoria Park and invited people to come watch.   Its not like the weather didn't co-operate.  What a great way to get people in the downtown core. Maybe its just me.

--The U of R got put into a rather awkward position this week when some trophies, medals and plaques were found in a dumpster---artifacts that belonged to the former wrestling team.  I'm disappointed at how this was handled on both sides.  I can understand the University's argument that once it became apparent the artifacts which were in a former coaches office weren't going to be collected that something had to be done.  What should have been done is something Dean of Kinesiology Harold Riemer admitted should have been done is donate them to the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame.  Yes, the trophies were replaced by plaques and the medals were never handed out, but let the SSHOF decide if they want it and if so what to do with it.  You can't just throw it out with the rest of the trash.

This is something former wrestlers find to be insulting and they claim to have been disrespected.  I understand that thought process.  I also think a big mistake was made---not only in axing the program completely but in making sure that any pieces of history were accounted for.  It took a year for this decision to be made?   I think I would have been making the demand to clean offices out well before now.  With artifacts in there that had some value, some of the former wrestlers should have been called in to see if what was in there was worth anything or not and if so, what to do with it.  If the wrestlers recommended it be dumped so be it.  As said, the blame has to be shared on this one.

--Bill Buckner should not go down as the man that cost the Boston Red Sox a World Series.  He should go down as one of the game's best hitters.  On the day before Buckner died, 16 major leaguers struck out at least three times in their game.  Buckner never did that once in his 22 seasons.  Buckner's defensive faux-pas--perhaps the biggest in baseball history is what many remember him for.  Why John MacNamara still had Buckner in the game for that fateful bottom of the 9th at Shea Stadium will forever be a mystery.

--Garth Brooks is coming to Regina, but in true Regina fashion some have to bitch, whine and moan over the fact he is coming here on the same weekend as the Regina Folk Festival.  Just stop it!  This city is big enough to handle both. Yeah, it sucks to be those associated with the Festival, but I didn't hear any complaints when the Brier was held on the same weekend as the USports women's basketball championship and both were supported very well.  The same thing will happen here.  Maybe the folk festival people can work with EVRAZ in some kind of deal that will benefit both.

--The Victoria Square shopping centre says they are stopping the Rider Transit service at their location. The reason being tenants say there are reduced sales on game day.  REALLY???  People aren't thinking about shopping on a Rider game-day?  Shocking!  This just in, go to a Walmart or a Costco on a Rider game-day and you have very little problems with the crowd  Vic Square adds some are upset because they have a tough time finding a parking spot when trying to pay a visit.

This just in. It doesn't matter if there is a Rider game or not, you can basically roll a bowling ball down the hallways of Vic Square and not hit a soul.  I've said several times in the past that I don't know how the place stays open as a whole because there is very little traffic in it.  All the mall has done is alienate those from White City, Balgonie, Emerald Park etc etc along with those from East Regina who now have to go elsewhere to catch the bus.  Can the old Costco parking lot be used for something?  At the end of the day, I think the decision by Vic Square is very short-sighted.  I don't think I'm alone with that statement.

--That's all I got.  Have a great weekend!


Thursday, May 30, 2019

May 30th Stanley Cup Final Morning Skate



THREE HARD LAPS: GAME 2 OF THE FINAL

* Carl Gunnarsson scored in overtime as the Blues earned their first Stanley Cup Final victory.

 * Jordan Binnington improved to 6-2 following a loss in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, registering his 13th win overall - the second-most ever by a rookie in a postseason.

* Vladimir Tarasenko extended his point and goal streaks to eight and four games, respectively - one shy of matching franchise playoff records in both categories.

 GUNNARSSON LIFTS BLUES TO FIRST STANLEY CUP FINAL VICTORY

Defenseman Carl Gunnarsson (1-1—2), who had 0-3—3 in 56 career playoff appearances entering Game 2, scored at 3:51 of overtime to help the Blues even the Stanley Cup Final at 1-1. St. Louis earned its first Stanley Cup Final win 18,858 days after playing its first regular season game on Oct. 11, 1967.

* The Blues, who trailed 1-0 and 2-1 in the first period, posted the 32nd comeback win of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (82 GP) and second in as many games during the Stanley Cup Final. Both St. Louis and Boston have accounted for four of those wins, with the Blues’ other three such victories all coming in the First Round vs. WPG (Games 1, 2 and 5).

 * Gunnarsson - who hit the post late in the third period - became the third player in NHL history to score his first career playoff goal in overtime of the Stanley Cup Final. The others: Chicago’s Cy Wentworth in Game 3 of the 1931 series at MTL (7 GP) and Montreal’s Brian Skrudland in Game 2 of the 1986 series at CGY (17 GP).

 * Gunnarsson became the sixth defenseman in Blues history to score a playoff overtime goal (regardless of round). The others: Jeff Brown in Game 2 of the 1993 DF at TOR, Igor Kravchuk in Game 3 of the 1996 CSF vs. DET, Bryce Salvador in Game 5 of the 2001 CQF vs. SJS, Barret Jackman in Game 2 of the 2014 R1 vs. CHI and current teammate Joel Edmundson in Game 1 of the 2017 R1 at MIN.

* Gunnarsson also registered his first multi-point performance since Oct. 18, 2015 at WPG (1-1—2) - a span of 253 games (regular season and playoffs) - and first such effort in the postseason. He has 11 total multi-point games in 581 career regular season contests.

 * The Blues improved to 37-33 (.529) in their 70 total playoff overtime games, including a 12-17 record as visitors and 2-2 clip overall this year. Their other 2019 win came in Game 7 of the Second Round vs. DAL, when St. Louis native Pat Maroon scored at 5:50 of the second extra session for the franchise’s seventh series-clinching overtime goal.

 * St. Louis improved to 3-1 in Game 2s this postseason, including a perfect 3-0 clip on the road. The Blues now own a 29-34 record in the franchise’s 62 total Game 2s in best-of-seven series (including a 10-22 mark as visitors).

* This marks the 29th Stanley Cup Final that has been tied 1-1 since the series went to the best-of-seven format in 1939 (29-of-80 series, 36.3%). This is the second straight such occurrence and fourth in the past seven years, following 2013 (CHI-BOS), 2015 (CHI-TBL) and 2018 (WSH-VGK).

* When the Stanley Cup Final is tied 1-1, the winner of Game 3 holds an all-time series record of 22-6 (78.6%) since 1939.

 * Did You Know?: The Blues and Bruins contested the 91st overtime game in the Stanley Cup Final (since 1918) and first since Game 3 of the 2016 series between the Sharks and Penguins. In that contest, Joonas Donskoi scored at 12:18 of the extra period to also propel San Jose to its first Stanley Cup Final victory.

BINNINGTON REBOUNDS YET AGAIN, CLIMBS ROOKIE WINS LIST

Jordan Binnington turned aside 21 of the 23 shots he faced (all in regulation) to improve to 6-2 following a loss in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (1.84 GAA, .935 SV%).

* Only five goaltenders in NHL history have posted more wins after defeat within a single postseason: Nikolai Khabibulin in 2004 (8-0), Ron Hextall in 1987 (8-2), Miikka Kiprusoff in 2004 (8-3), Marc-Andre Fleury in 2009 (7-2) and Henrik Lundqvist in 2014 (7-4).

* Binnington, who played 28 games with Boston’s AHL affiliate last season, earned his 13th win this postseason - the second-most by a rookie in a playoff year.

* With a 13-8 record in 21 career playoff appearances, Binnington now holds sole possession of sixth place on the Blues’ career playoff wins list, one back of tying Brian Elliott for fifth place (14-17 in 33 GP).


TARASENKO EXTENDS POINT, GOAL STREAKS

Vladimir Tarasenko scored St. Louis’ second tying goal to extend his point streak to eight games (5-5—10) and goal streak to four contests (4-2—6). With 10-5—15 overall this postseason, Tarasenko now sits two goals back of matching Jaden Schwartz (12-6—18 in 21 GP) for the team lead.

* A five-time 30-goal scorer during the regular season, Tarasenko also sits one shy of matching franchise playoff records for longest goal streak and longest point streak.

* With the lone assist on Tarasenko’s goal, Schwartz now has 7-6—13 in 11 road games this postseason, the second-most such points by a Blues player in a playoff year. Doug Gilmour holds the franchise record after netting 9-6—15 in 10 such games during the 1986 Stanley Cup Playoffs.



GAME 2 QUICK HITS

* The Bruins - who saw their winning streak end at eight contests - scored a power-play goal for the sixth straight game, the fourth such run in franchise history following seven-game stretches in 1958, 1988 and 1999. Boston has 19 total power-play goals this postseason, tied for the franchise’s second-most within a single playoff year behind only 1991 (24).

* Blues defenseman Robert Bortuzzo scored for the second time in his past seven games after failing to find the back of the net in his first 30 career playoff outings. Bortuzzo’s first playoff goal stood as the winner in Game 2 of the Western Conference Final at SJS.

* The Bruins scored 4:44 after the opening face-off, their fifth goal within the first five minutes of a game this postseason. Boston fell to 4-1 in those contests.

(NHL Media)

Medicine Hat Tigers In Need Of New HC/GM

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The Medicine Hat Tigers announced this morning that the Hockey Club and General Manager/ Head Coach Shaun Clouston have parted ways.

Clouston joined the Medicine Hat Tigers as an assistant coach in the 2003-04 season and starting in the 2010-11 season assumed the Head Coaching duties. He leaves the Tigers as the winningest coach in franchise history.

“We would like to thank Shaun for his commitment, dedication and tireless work ethic to this organization for the past 16 years. We wish Shaun all the best in his future endeavours,” commented Tigers President Darrell Maser.

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Day 11 Rider Training Camp Report


The team practiced several in-game scenarios as they head into their first game of the preseason on May 31st in Calgary. The team travels Thursday afternoon.

ROSTER MOVES

Added Territorial Junior:

 National wide receiver Greg Lamb


INJURY REPORT

Brett Lauther (hamstring tightness)
Christopher Judge (knee)
Zack Evans (groin)
Solomon Elimimian (calf)
Jordan Reaves (knee)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)


QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “After a couple of weeks of practice you’re like ‘I’m getting the hang of everything.’ It’s coming to me mentally and I’m making all the throws. I feel like I definitely belong.” - Rookie quarterback Isaac Harker.

TOMORROW

No practice – Travel to Calgary

Award Named After Broncos Therapist Dayna Brons Is Established


The Dayna Brons Honorary Award recognizes an individual from Canada’s hockey community who exhibits outstanding dedication towards patients who rely on blood and stem cell products in Canada. This person must be deemed to have made a significantly positive impact regarding the awareness and necessity of Canada’s Lifeline.

The ideal candidate would also be one who displays some or all of the attributes Dayna was known for, such as; humility, dedication, sacrifice, work ethic and kindness. As a blood donor herself, Dayna helped to contribute to the 100,000 new donors Canadian Blood Services needs each year. Patients across Canada rely on the kindness of others to ensure they have access to the blood and stem cell products they need to help their fight against over 80 diseases and disorders.

The Canadian hockey landscape is filled with tremendous women and men who currently share similar values and we want to appropriately recognize these individuals in memory of Dayna Brons. It is truly our humble honour to bestow this award on an annual basis and we entrust each recipient will help to ensure the legacy of Dayna Brons is carried on.

Dayna Brons was the Athletic Therapist for the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Club and was on the bus that fateful day of April 6, 2018. Dayna suffered significant injuries but continued to fight for five more days before succumbing to her injuries on April 11, 2018. Dayna was 24 years old.

May 29th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate



The Boston Bruins aim for a ninth straight win while the St. Louis Blues vie for their first-ever Stanley Cup Final victory tonight in Game 2 at TD Garden.

STREAKING BRUINS HIT HOME ICE AIMING FOR 2-0 SERIES LEAD

The Bruins will look to become the 10th team in NHL history to record at least nine straight wins within a postseason – a feat last achieved by the 2008 Detroit Red Wings. 


* Boston can win the first two games of the Final for the fifth time in franchise history. They did so in 1929 against the New York Rangers to win their best-of-three series 2-0, then in 1941 against the Detroit Red Wings (4-0 series win), in 1970 against the Blues (4-0 series win) and finally in 1972 against the Rangers (4-2 series win).

* Since the Stanley Cup Final became a best-of-seven in 1939, teams have taken a 2-0 series lead 51 times – winning the Cup 46 times. A team has overcome a 2-0 series deficit to win the Final twice in the past 47 years: the 2011 Bruins against the Vancouver Canucks and the 2009 Pittsburgh Penguins against the Red Wings.

BINNINGTON, BLUES LOOK TO REBOUND YET AGAIN

Trailing 1-0 for the second time this postseason, rookie Jordan Binnington and the Blues will look to even the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece before heading home for Game 3. St. Louis has won each of its last three contests after a loss, with an overall mark of 5-2 in that scenario this postseason (outscoring opponents 19-13).

* Binnington owns a career record of 11-2-0 following a loss in his NHL career, with a 1.81 goals-against average and .936 save percentage. That includes a 5-2 mark in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (1.84 GAA, .937 SV%); San Jose's Martin Jones (6-3) is the only goaltender with more such victories this postseason.

* The Stanley Cup Final has been tied 1-1 a total of 28 times since it became a best-of-seven in 1939, including three times in the past six years.

LEADING SCORERS, POWER-PLAY EFFICIENCY FACTORS IN GAME 1

After netting 10 straight goals from Game 1 to Game 2 in the Eastern Conference Final, the Bruins have scored the last four tallies in the Stanley Cup Final. Brad Marchand notched the last Boston goal Monday, his sixth career goal in the Final; only Johnny Bucyk (8), Bobby Orr (8) and Wayne Cashman (7) have more such goals for the Bruins.


* Blues leading scorer Jaden Schwartz (12-5–17 in 20 GP) recorded his 17th point of the 2019 postseason in Game 1, the most by a St. Louis player since 1991. Adam Oates (13-7–20) and Brett Hull (11-8–19) each surpassed that mark during the 1991 Stanley Cup Playoffs (13 GP).

 The Bruins went 1-for-5 on the power-play in Game 1, bringing their overall efficiency with the man advantage to 32.7% in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (18-for-55). The Blues share second in the NHL with 12 power-play goals this postseason but went 0-for-2 in Game 1 (12-for-64 overall; 18.8%).

GAME 2 TRENDS

* Teams winning Game 2 have gone on to hoist the Stanley Cup 74.7 percent of the time since the Final went to the best-of-seven format in 1939 (59-of-79 series).

* The Bruins are 2-1 in Game 2s during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (all at home) and 53-48-1 in the franchise’s 102 total Game 2s in best-of-seven series (37‑22 at home).

* The Blues also are 2-1 in Game 2s this postseason (2-0 on the road) and own a 28-34 record in the franchise’s 62 total Game 2s in best-of-seven series (9-22 as visitors).

* The team winning Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final also has won Game 2 in 10 of the past 13 years. The only splits in that span: 2013 (Chicago won Game 1, Boston won Game 2), 2015 (Chicago won Game 1, Tampa Bay won Game 2) and 2018 (Vegas won Game 1, Washington won Game 2).

* Fifty-one teams have taken a 2-0 series lead since the Final went to the best-of-seven format in 1939. Of those, 46 (90.2%) have gone on to win the Stanley Cup.

* The all-time series record of home teams sweeping Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final is 35-3 (.921), but two of those losses have come in the past decade: the Red Wings won the first two games at home in 2009 before ultimately losing to the Penguins in seven games, while the Canucks won the opening two games at home in 2011 before eventually falling to the Bruins in seven contests.

(NHL Media) 

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Day 10 Riders Training Camp Report

It was the hottest day at camp so far and the players were a little feisty. Meanwhile, Paul McRoberts returned to the field for the first time since an illness took him out early in camp and Kyran Moore wowed with some stupendous catches.

ROSTER MOVES

 None

INJURY REPORT

 Brett Lauther (hamstring tightness)
Christopher Judge (knee)
Zack Evans (groin)
Solomon Elimimian (calf)
Jordan Reaves (knee)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)

PLAY OF THE DAY

 A pass from Zach Collaros to Naaman Roosevelt was expertly broken up by Loucheiz Purifoy.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “They are very valuable. The teams that have the best Canadian lineman have the best versatility and the most options. We’re going to continue to stock pile that position. We’ll always be looking for good Canadian lineman.” – Head Coach Craig Dickenson

TOMORROW



Practice runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

(Riders PR)

Another Saskie Becomes Oilers Head Coach



The Edmonton Oilers announced today the hiring of Dave Tippett as the 16th head coach in Oilers franchise history.

Tippett, 57, has been a head coach in the NHL for 14 seasons (2002-04, 2005-17), with Dallas and Phoenix/Arizona, posting a career record of 553-413-28-102 in 1,114 games. The native of Moosomin, Saskatchewan also served as an assistant coach in Los Angeles from 1999-2002. Prior to joining the Oilers, Tippett was serving as a senior advisor for Seattle's NHL team.

"Dave brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization," said General Manager and Oilers President of Hockey Operations Ken Holland. "He is a great communicator and has consistently led teams known for their level of compete. I look forward to seeing Dave guide the Oilers this fall and we are all excited to have him on board."

Over eight years as head coach in Arizona, Tippett had a 282-257-78 record over 620 games. He led the Coyotes to three playoff appearances and won the Jack Adams Award in 2010, presented to the NHL's top coach.

Prior to joining Arizona, Tippett spent six seasons as head coach of the Dallas Stars, posting a record of 271-162-59. Under Tippett's leadership, the Stars won two Pacific Division titles (2002-03, 2005-06), made the playoffs in five out of six seasons and advanced to the 2008 Western Conference Finals.

As a player, Tippett appeared in 721 NHL games over 11 seasons with Hartford, Washington, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. A forward, he registered 262 regular season points (93G, 169A) with 317 penalty minutes. He also appeared in the playoffs eight times, posting 22 points (6G, 16A) in 62 games.

Internationally, Tippett represented Canada at two Olympic Games (1984, 1992), winning a silver medal at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games in Albertville, France.

Tippett was also a member of Canada's coaching staff at three world championships, as a head coach in 2014 and an assistant coach in 2009 and 2013, winning a silver medal in 2009.

May 28th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate


THREE HARD LAPS: GAME 1 OF THE FINAL

 * The Bruins opened the Stanley Cup Final with a multi-goal comeback victory and extended their win streak to eight games.

 * Boston rallied from a multi-goal deficit to win a game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the 28th time in franchise history and first time in the Final.

* The recent trend of unpredictable Game 1s in the Stanley Cup Final continued.

 KURALY THE HERO (AGAIN) AS BRUINS OPEN FINAL WITH 2-GOAL COMEBACK WIN

Facing a 2-0 deficit on home ice, the Bruins scored four unanswered goals - including the winner by Sean Kuraly (1-1—2) at 5:21 of the third period - to capture Game 1 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final and extend their winning streak to eight games overall. Boston became the first team to string together eight consecutive playoff victories since Los Angeles in 2012 (also 8-0).

* The Bruins’ winning streak stands as the franchise’s third-longest in a playoff year, behind a 10-0 stretch in 1970 and 9-0 streak in 1972 (both years they won the Stanley Cup). Boston has outscored opponents 32-11 during its current streak, which dates to Game 4 of the Second Round versus Columbus and includes a four-game sweep of Carolina in the Eastern Conference Final.

* Boston posted the 28th multi-goal comeback win in franchise playoff history - and first in the Stanley Cup Final. Overall, the Bruins staged the 39th multi-goal comeback victory in Stanley Cup Final history and first since the Kings did so in Game 2 of the 2014 Final vs. NYR.

* Following a regular season in which there were a record 138 multi-goal comeback wins, Boston completed the sixth such victory during the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

* Kuraly also was the hero in Boston’s last multi-goal comeback win in the postseason (regardless of series). The Dublin, Ohio, native scored twice in Game 5 of the 2017 First Round at OTT - his 11th career NHL game (third in the playoffs) - including the tying goal and double-overtime winner to help Boston extend the series.

 * Kuraly, who has developed a knack for big moments in his NHL career, also tallied 1-1—2 in Game 7 of the 2019 First Round to help eliminate Toronto. Including the regular season, nine of his 21 career NHL goals have either tied the game (3) or stood as the winner (6) - with one of those decisive tallies coming in the 2019 Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic at Notre Dame.

2019 STANLEY CUP FINAL CONTINUES UNPREDICTABLE TREND OF GAME 1

The series opener between the Bruins and Blues continued a trend of unpredictable Game 1s in the Stanley Cup Final over the past decade:

2018: The Golden Knights and Capitals traded the lead four times - a first in Stanley Cup Final history - as Vegas emerged with a victory in its first Stanley Cup Final game.

2017: The Predators erased a 3-0 deficit, but Jake Guentzel scored the go-ahead goal with 3:17 remaining in regulation to lift the Penguins to a win.

2016: The Sharks overcame a 2-0 deficit, but Nick Bonino registered the tiebreaking goal with 2:33 left in the third period to give the Penguins a victory.

 2015: Trailing 1-0 with less than seven minutes remaining in regulation, Teuvo Teravainen and Antoine Vermette scored 1:58 apart to lift the Blackhawks to a win (at TBL).

 2014: Down 2-0 late in the opening period, Justin Williams completed the Kings’ comeback with his first career playoff overtime goal at 4:36 of the extra session (vs. NYR).

2013: Behind 3-1 early in the third period, the Blackhawks scored three unanswered goals - including the winner by Andrew Shaw at 52:08 of overtime - to capture the fifth-longest game in Stanley Cup Final history (vs. BOS).

 2012: Anze Kopitar scored 8:13 into overtime to power the Kings to a 1-0 lead in the Stanley Cup Final (vs. NJD) and 9-0 record as visitors in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

2011: Raffi Torres recorded the lone goal at 19:41 of the third period – the latest winning goal in regulation of a Stanley Cup Final game since 1992 – to give the Canucks a victory (vs. BOS).

 2010: The Blackhawks and Flyers combined for 11 goals - including five in both the first and second periods - as Chicago won the highest-scoring Stanley Cup Final game since 1992.


MORE FROM GAME 1 OF THE 2019 STANLEY CUP FINAL

* Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask (18 saves) also extended his winning streak to eight games (1.38 GAA, .956 SV%, 2 SO), matching the longest such run by any goaltender over the last 10 years (Jonathan Quick in 2012 w/ LAK and Dwayne Roloson in 2011 w/ TBL). It also is the second-longest such run by a Bruins goaltender behind only Gerry Cheevers’ 10 straight playoff victories in 1970 (including four vs. STL).

 

* Bruins defensemen Connor Clifton and Charlie McAvoy each scored in the second period to turn a 2-0 deficit into a tie game. It marked the fifth time in franchise history that multiple defensemen scored a goal in the same Stanley Cup Final game.

* Bruins forward Brad Marchand scored his sixth career goal in the Stanley Cup Final (6-2—8 in 14 GP), trailing only Bobby Orr (8-12—20 in 16 GP), Johnny Bucyk (8-5—13 in 24 GP) and Wayne Cashman (7-6—13 in 26 GP) for the most in franchise history.

* Boston improved to 9-0 in nine all-time postseason contests against St. Louis. The Bruins became the third franchise in NHL history to win each of their first nine or more playoff games against one opponent - the Oilers did so against the original Jets (16-0; 1983-88) and the Canadiens also accomplished the feat against the Blues (12-0; 1968-77).

 * Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington made 34 saves - including 16 in the second period - to match the second-highest single-game total by a rookie in the Final over the past 31 years. He equaled Cam Ward (34 saves in Game 1 of 2006 SCF) and fell three short of tying Matt Murray (37 saves in Game 2 of 2017 SCF).


* Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko scored to extend his point streak to seven games (4-5—9), tied for the third-longest in franchise playoff history.

* Since the Final went to the best-of-seven format in 1939, the team that has won Game 1 has gone on to capture the Stanley Cup 77.2% of the time (61 of 79 series).

 * Overall, Boston owns an all-time series record of 37-17 when winning the opener in a best-of-seven series, while St. Louis is 6-24 when trailing 1-0. One of the Blues’ six series victories in that scenario came in the 2019 Western Conference Final.

(NHL Media)

Monday, May 27, 2019

Day 9 Riders Training Camp Report



After a day of fun and football with our fans on Saturday and a light workout on Sunday the Roughriders were back to business Monday with a two-a-day practice. Mitchell Picton also hit the field for the first time since training camp began.

ROSTER MOVES

 Added from veteran injured:

National long snapper Jorgen Hus
 
Released:

International linebacker Deion Pierre
 

INJURY REPORT

 Elie Bouka (ankle soreness)
Solomon Elimimian (calf)
Paul McRoberts (illness)
Jordan Reaves (knee)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)
 

PLAY OF THE DAY

 Quarterback Zach Collaros hit wide receiver Kyle Davis with a long catch downfield that he came down with in double coverage.
 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “They like each other and anytime your group enjoys being around each other that’s always a good sign. It’s a good group in the locker room and it’s been a good group in the meeting room. They’re a nice bunch.” Head Coach Craig Dickenson on the cohesiveness of the offensive line.
 

TOMORROW

 Practice runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

A Blessing And A Curse --Bettman Talks About Instant Replay

Image result for gary bettman

Before game one of the Stanley Cup Final kicked off  NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly gave their annual “State of the NHL” press conference. One of the biggest questions on hockey minds around the world right now is video review and the possible expansion of the process in the future. Speaking to reporters Bettman called video review “both a blessing and a curse,” admitting that the Competition Committee would discuss the issue again when they meet in the near future. The league wants to avoid “destroying the essential fabric of the game” with too many reviews.

Expanding video review is not what everyone wants, but when asked about the possibility of a reduction—specifically in regards to the offside review process—Bettman indicated that it would not be possible at this point, using the phrase “that ship has sailed.”

Given the way things have gone in the playoffs, especially with regards to the San Jose Sharks, there was always going to have to be a longer discussion on video reviews. The Sharks were involved in two key incidents that drove public outcry for expanded review rules. First, Vegas Golden Knights forward Cody Eakin was given a five-minute major for cross-checking Joe Pavelski which the league eventually apologized for. Pavelski suffered a serious injury, but the Sharks were able to score four times during the ensuing powerplay to pull ahead in a deciding game seven. Next, a hand pass was missed completely in overtime of game three of the Western Conference Final, leading to the game-winner by Erik Karlsson. The league once again admitted that the call was missed, but nothing could be done.

Those may have been the most notable incidents given their game-changing nature, but they were obviously not the only missed calls throughout the playoffs. The question for the league to answer is when will does review expansion stop, if not now. The game isn’t yet riddled with stoppages and called to Toronto’s war room, but it also is still missing or making the incorrect call at key times.

(NBC Sports)

May 27th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate


Stanley Cup Final Guide 

STANLEY CUP FINAL BEGINS TONIGHT IN BOSTON

A rematch 49 years in the making takes center stage when the Blues and Bruins face off at TD Garden in Boston for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

* Since the Final went to the best-of-seven format in 1939, the team that has won Game 1 has gone on to capture the Stanley Cup 77.2% of the time (61 of 79 series). In 2018, the Capitals rallied for a series victory and the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup after losing Game 1 of the Final, winning in five games.

* The winner of Game 1 in any best-of-seven series owns an all-time series record of 476-219 (68.5%), including a 9-5 mark in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

* The Bruins are 6-12-1 in their previous 19 Stanley Cup Final openers (5-11 in Game 1 of best-of-seven Final), going on to capture five of their six Stanley Cups after winning Game 1 (they lost Game 1 in 2011). Boston’s six Cups are tied for the fourth-most in NHL history.

* The Blues set their sights on capturing the franchise’s first-ever win in the Stanley Cup Final (0-12). St. Louis aims to become the second franchise in as many years to win its first Cup - a streak last achieved from 2004-2007 when the Lightning, Hurricanes and Ducks each won for the first time.

* Overall, Boston owns an all-time record of 53-49 in Game 1 of best-of-seven series (38-19 at home), while St. Louis is 32-30 (12-18 on road).


STANLEY CUP FINAL STORYLINES

Something has to give in Game 1 of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final as neither Boston or St. Louis has trailed in its last three games. A look at some storylines entering Monday’s opener:

* Vladimir Tarasenko aims to extend his point streak to seven games (3-5—8 in 6 GP), which would match the third-longest playoff point streak in Blues history.

* Bruins forward David Krejci also enters the Final with points in each of his last six contests (2-5—7 in 6 GP). This marks the third time in the last 27 years that a Final will begin with at least one player from each team on a point streak of at least six games. The others: 2009 (Valtteri Filppula w/ DET; Sidney Crosby w/ PIT) and 2001 (Patrik Elias and Petr Sykora w/ NJD; Ray Bourque w/ COL).

 * Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron (39-60—99) sits one point shy of hitting career milestones for playoff goals (40) and playoff points (100). Bergeron can become the sixth Bruins player to record at least 100 playoff points (and second to hit the mark this postseason after Krejci).

* Blues forward Jaden Schwartz (12-4—16) is one goal shy of tying Brett Hull (13 in 1990) for the most goals in a single postseason by a Blues player and two back of matching San Jose’s Logan Couture (14) for the most in the 2019 playoffs.

 * Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask and Boston each take a seven-game winning streak into the Final. Rask’s streak is the second-longest ever by a Bruins goaltender in a postseason - behind a 10-0 run by Gerry Cheevers in 1970 - while Boston’s is the third-longest in franchise playoff history.

 * Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington needs one win to become the fifth rookie in NHL history to record at least 13 wins in a postseason.

* The Bruins enter the Final with an NHL-best power-play percentage of 34.0% (17-for-50). Since 1977-78, only one team has finished a postseason with a power-play success rate of at least 30.0% after a minimum of 50 opportunities: the 1981 Islanders (37.8%, 31-for-82).

(NHL Media) 


Something To "Mitch" About

Image result for toronto raptors eastern conference

--Back in the 90's, the Toronto Blue Jays officially became one of baseball's best.  I think if we are old enough to remember it, we can all remember Sean McDonough saying the iconic line "For the first time ever, the World Series flag will fly north of the border."  Could we hear it again from Mike Breen or Matt Devlin now that the Raptors are in the NBA Final. More on that in a moment.

The early 90's did  wonders for baseball in this country.  More and more kids took interest in the game because of what the Blue Jays had done and what the Montreal Expos were doing. As a result, you see a lot of Canadians playing in the majors and the minor league system.   They became interested because of the Carters, the Alomars, the Grissoms and the Martinez's.

It's not the same sport, but Saturday night in Toronto was huge for basketball in this country.  I will be the first one to tell you I am not a fan of the Raptors, but I am a fan of basketball--although admittedly moreso Canadian university and NCAA basketball.  How many kids watched Vince Carter and wanted to be like him.   Hello Jamal Murray, hello Andrew Wiggins.  How many more saw that Steve Nash was the first Canadian to be MVP and wanted to be like him.  More and more Canadians are playing the game and making us a player on the world stage because of that.

How many kids watched the Raptors win the Eastern Conference on a Saturday night no less and say that might be a game they want to play so they can be the next Kawhi Leonard, Pascal Siakam or whoever. Maybe as they watch the finals, they'll want to be the next Steph Curry or Draymond Green and there is nothing wrong with that either.

Drake or no Drake, the Toronto Raptors are doing for basketball in this country what the Jays did years ago.  There are nothing but positives that will come out of that.

If you want to localize it, tell me the Saskatchewan Rush hasn't grown the game in this province.

--As for whether or not the Raptors can get beat the high-flying Golden State Warriors, one would probably say no, but now that we're at this point, I wouldn't count them out

--Being in Minot for the weekend, I had the chance to watch the TNT broadcast from Toronto,  I have nothing against Matt Devlin or the crew he works alongside, but it was good to watch a game with balance from Marv Albert, Reggie Miller and Chris Webber. Praise when it belonged and criticism as well.  No endless shots of Jurassic Park, no endless shots of Drake.  The game was what mattered and that was the focus.

Why can't Canada's sports networks do this instead of openly waving the pom-poms?  It was the same for Game 6 of Boston-Toronto in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  The broadcast was far superior on NBC because there was no flag-waving.  If you like that, good for you.  It's not my thing.   When I watch ESPN Sportscenter, it is not devoted to one team, it is devoted to the sport.  That's the way it should be.

Here's hoping we get the ABC/ESPN version of the finals instead of the Canadian version.  If there is a choice, I know what one I will watch.

--Did Zach Collaros stink up the joint at the Riders scrimmage on Saturday.  His numbers were not what you would be hoping for.  A scrimmage is a scrimmage and a lot of stock should not be put on what he or others did, but I would understand if there is some concern and angst amongst the fan-base.  It begs the question how long do you play him Friday night in Calgary?

--As mentioned, I was in Minot on the weekend.  I know a lot of you make that trip every now and then.  Is it just me or do those in the hospitality industry give you a completely different attitude there than they do here?   At the places I was at this weekend, the people working seemed to care about their job and are hustling to serve their customers.   I don't find that at all the places I frequent here.

Many of you will also know this.  I had to stop at a grocery store because the friends I was with wanted to get some stuff you can only get in the US.  The selection shoppers have there is soooooo much more than we have. Why?

Someone also needs to tell me why Minot is such a destination.  The last time I was there my youngest daughter counted 41 cars with licence plates from different states or provinces.  While she wasn't with me on this trip, my travelling group did the same thing just to see how many we could find and we were close to 40.  I could understand if we were in a big city, but what are people from Washington State and California and Missouri and so on and so on stopping in Minot for? Good on them for getting the tourists that they do, but again its not a big city so what is the allure?

--The Quebec champs coached by Mario Pouliot and led by Noah Dobson win the Memorial Cup by beating the host team in the final.  I saw that act last year.  I didn't hate it as much this year as I did last.  SIGHHHH!!!

--Are we ready for the Stanley Cup Final?  Its been a while since we saw some playoff hockey.  Why didn't everything start Saturday?  Team Saskatchewan aka St. Louis against Boston.   The Blues have been in three Stanley Cups and have been swept in each appearance.  I don't think that happens this time, but I also don't think the Cup is presented to them either.  I just think Boston is too deep and if Tuukka Rask continues on the roll he has been, Boston will be tough to beat.

--With the Raptors in the NBA Final, how many of you care about the Stanley Cup final.  I put up a Twitter poll asking what one are you most interested in and at the time of this writing, just under 65 percent said they were more interested in the NBA Final.  That surprises me being from Saskatchewan.

--If I don't understand Gloria for the St. Louis Blues song, I certainly don't understand the Finnish national team singing "Country Roads" after winning gold at the World Hockey Championship. I saw the clip of that and well let's just say I'm confused.

--The Hunter Brothers were back at Rogers Centre this weekend performing before a game.  The boys from Shaunavon did O'Canada on Opening Day at the Jays game if you remember.   They should do that again July 1 for the Riders home opener.  Just sayin!  Those five are just getting bigger and bigger and I love it.  They are authentic Saskatchewan dudes and they did a big favour for me earlier this year which was greatly appreciated.  Whatever success comes their way is more than deserved.

--I liked Craig Biggio growing up.  He was the type of scrappy ball player that I love. If his kid Cavan is anything like Craig, the Blue Jays have themselves another player they can build around like Vladimir Guerrero Junior.

--I thought the Minnesota Twins were going to be good this year, but I didn't think two months into the season that they would have the best record in the majors.  Is Target Field a destination for a game this summer? It might be!  That is if my can pay off my VISA after a weekend in Minot.

--Many many years ago when I called the Peace Country of northwestern Alberta home, I made many a trip from Peace River further north to High Level.  The town wasn't as big as what it is now and I made some good friends in that community.  The town's golf course was one of the nicest I had seen for a small-town and it was something they were proud off. There were many good people I had the chance to spend time during my 4 1/2 years in that part of the country.   Obviously, my thoughts are with those who have had to leave due to forest fires not knowing what they'll come home to.

--That's all I got. Have a great week. We're less than a week from Rider football albeit exhibition.  We made it gang!

Friday, May 24, 2019

This And That



--Welcome to Friday and the usual thoughts running through my muddled mind.  As always, they come in no particular order.

-- If you're not a Boston Bruins fan, how can we not cheer for St. Louis in the Stanley Cup final? This is a team that years ago just about ended up in Saskatoon.  They had training camp in Regina for a few years.   They have had the likes of Bernie Federko, Doug Wickenheiser, Barrett Jackman, and Ed Staniowski play for them.  They have Jaden Schwartz, Brayden Schenn and Tyler Bozak now.  The Blues are Team Saskatchewan!  The Gloria thing still doesn't make sense to me, but whatever.  By the way, why aren't we starting the Stanley Cup until Monday?  A Saturday start would have been much better.

--It's tough to get a good gauge on what is happening at Riders camp in Saskatoon, but it would appear as if Jon Ryan can still kick the ball.  Word has it he was booming punts on Wednesday with several of them being over 60 yards.   Word also has it the 37-year-old is the first guy on the field each day.  His leadership is going to be huge as the year goes along.

--If Zach Collaros remains healthy, are the Riders fighting with Edmonton and Winnipeg for 3rd or are they fighting for a home playoff game?  I say it's the latter. Sadly though, I just don't see Collaros staying healthy for a whole season.  From the people I talk to, many feel the same way.

--I love what I'm been hearing from Craig Dickenson in post-practice scrums this week. He's what this football team needed after Chris Jones.  Players will play for Dickie the way they did for Jones, but for different reasons.

--Shouldn't Solomon Elimimian be at Rider camp instead of going around to other camps talking to players about the CBA?   Is there no one in the PA that can do Solomon's job for him.  He needs to be on the field and not the boardroom right now.

--The new deal ends at the same time TSN's contract comes up.  I don't see Sportsnet wanting to get involved with the CFL because of the Blue Jays and the NHL.  Would CBC want back in?  If the answer is no, TSN basically controls the purse-strings and can give the league as thin an offer as possible if they desire.  I guess there is no use worrying about this for three years, but it is something to remember moving forward.

--I am guessing there are no Vegas Golden Knights fans that are disappointed to see St. Louis beat San Jose.  Of course those fans still don't want to admit the team gave up four power play goals on a five minute major to get into the position they did.

--I'd rather have Patrick Marleau win a Stanley Cup than Joe Thornton and you know how I feel about the Leafs.

--The decision to give Vladimir Guerrero a day off on Monday was one of the dumbest things I have seen a pro sports team do.  VGJ is the future.  He is coming off a four homer week. It was a holiday Monday matinee game so I am guessing there were many kids at Rogers Centre.  For some, it might have been their first and only game of the year.  VGJ is who they came to see and someone in the Jays organization said nope, he sits.  What a great way to appease a fan base that is already dwindling.

--The Golden State Warriors or the New England Patriots.  Who has had the better decade?

--What would happen if a Rider fan came on the sidelines and gave Craig Dickenson a shoulder massage or yelled at an opposing player?  Security would haul his or her ass off the field immediately.  Yet there is Drake looking like a complete ass-clown.  He is worse than Spike Lee was in the Knicks heyday.  Its embarrassing and it makes the Raptors look bad.  Somebody in the organization needs to sit him down and tell him to continue sitting and not being a part of the game.

--Are the Raptors going to the NBA Final? I'll be the first to admit I didn't think the Kawhi Leonard trade would be that great for them, but he has taken that team on his back in the playoffs.  If Toronto gets past Milwaukee, will it do for basketball what the Jays did for baseball in Canada when they reached the World Series.  The Raptors have already made Canadian basketball better, but this could take it to a new level.

--Dave Tippett as the new coach of the Oilers?  It's a move that doesn't excite or disappoint me.  I just want results. Is it too late to call John Paddock?

--Why can't the WHL win a game at the Memorial Cup anymore.  Add Prince Albert to the list as their 0-3 mark in Halifax means the WHL champ has lost 13 straight dating back to Kelowna's loss in the 2015 final.  There are many thoughts out there. A lot of them are valid.  What's yours?

--The WCBL(formerly the WMBL)  season starts next week.  It will be great spending some time at Currie Field watching baseball.  Its too bad we couldn't have had games last week when the weather was perfect. If you have never been to a WCBL game, go and enjoy.

--Once again this year, some NHL teams are allowing fans to come and paint the ice with a message or something once the season is over before the ice is taken out. What a great idea!  I'd love to see the Pats do something like this.  It would be a blast for the family.  By the way, I would take no responsibility if the phrase "Phil Andrews Sucks" was found in one of the corners, but some kid might find himself $20 richer!  😃

--That's all I got.  Have a great weekend!






Thursday, May 23, 2019

Riders Day 5 Training Camp Report

Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders 

The pads were back on for a beautiful fifth day of training camp. The team practiced special teams drills and the quarterbacks had a pretty good day. Receivers K.D. Cannon and Naaman Roosevelt wowed the crowd with some big catches.



ROSTER MOVES



None


INJURY REPORT



Paul McRoberts (illness)
Jordan Reaves (knee)
Mitch Picton (undisclosed)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)


PLAY OF THE DAY



Naaman Roosevelt came through with a big 50-yard touchdown tossed by Zach Collaros during the team scrimmage.


QUOTE OF THE DAY



“Zimmermann’s a tough kid. He’s had an ankle (injury), I think a quad (injury). He just keeps playing. He’s out here running gassers at the end of practice and I’m like ‘dude you need to stop running.’ But he’s a tough kid, he just wants to make this team and he’s willing to do anything and everything to do that, so we’ve been really pleased with him.”  – Head Coach Craig Dickenson on German wide receiver Max Zimmermann


TOMORROW



Practice runs from 9 a.m. to noon.

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Riders Day 4 Training Camp Report



Day four was the warmest day of training camp so far it was also the shortest day of practice. It was marked by some big plays by the quarterbacks, but it was the defence who put an exclamation point on the day with a pick six.


ROSTER MOVES

 None

INJURY REPORT

 Paul McRoberts (illness)
Jordan Reaves (no update)
Mitch Picton (undisclosed)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)

PLAY OF THE DAY

 On the very last play of the day Ed Gainey made his presence known with a big interception he returned for a touchdown.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “I’m a little old school that way. I think the run game sets up the pass game and I believe football is still won by the more physical team.” – Head Coach Craig Dickenson

TOMORROW

Practice runs from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.

(Riders PR)

May 22nd Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate



THREE HARD LAPS: QUICK HITS FROM TUESDAY

 * The Blues netted their second five-goal outing in as many contests to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 49 years.

 * St. Louis is the only team in the expansion era (1967-68) to have been in last place in the overall League standings at any point after its 20th game of the season and rebound to make the Stanley Cup Final. They also did so in their inaugural season, reaching the Final after holding the No. 12 seed through games played Dec. 12, 1967.

* The Bruins and Blues are set to face off in their third Stanley Cup Playoffs series and will meet in the Final for the second time. In 1970, Bobby Orr scored his famous Cup-winning goal to help Boston defeat St. Louis in four games.


BLUES ADVANCE TO THE STANLEY CUP FINAL FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 49 YEARS


Veterans David Perron (1-1—2) and Ryan O’Reilly (0-3—3) led the way offensively as the Blues, who are in search of the franchise’s first-ever Stanley Cup championship, tallied five goals for the second straight game to advance to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 49 years and fourth time in franchise history.

 Vladimir Tarasenko extended his point streak to six contests and led the Blues offensively in the Western Conference Final (3-5—8 in 6 GP) - finding the score sheet in each game. He also became just the third player in Blues franchise history to score 30 career playoff goals, joining Hall of Famers Brett Hull (67) and Bernie Federko (35).

* Alex Pietrangelo assisted on Brayden Schenn’s second-period goal. Pietrangelo has collected 13 points in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (2-11—13 in 19 GP), trailing only the Sharks tandem of Brent Burns (5-11—16 in 20 GP) and Erik Karlsson (2-14—16 in 19 GP) for the most among defensemen. In the process, the Blues captain set a new franchise record for points in a single postseason by a defenseman.

 Perron opened the scoring 92 seconds into Game 6, the second time the Blues have done so in the Conference Finals after Ivan Barbashev found the back of the net 35 seconds into Game 4. The Blues improved to 5-0 when scoring in the opening two minutes of a game in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (also Game 6 of R1, Game 3 of R2, Game 6 of R2 and Game 4 of CF).


* With his team entering the final frame with a two-goal lead, Jordan Binnington turned aside all 10 shots he faced in the third period to improve to 12-7 in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (2.36 GAA, .914 SV%, 1 SO). The 2018-19 Calder Memorial Trophy finalist became the fifth rookie netminder in NHL history, and first in 32 years, to be responsible for each of his team's first 12 wins in a playoff year.

* The Blues clinched a series on home ice at Enterprise Center for the third time in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, also doing so against the Jets and Stars in the First and Second Round, respectively. Only two teams in NHL history have clinched four series at home in a playoff year: 1988 Oilers and 2007 Ducks.


STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM: ST. LOUIS’ COMEBACK SEASON

The Blues, who ranked last in the overall standings as recently as Jan. 2 when the club was 45% into their 2018-19 campaign (15-18-4, 34 points in 37 GP), look to continue a comeback season unlike any other in NHL history as they pursue the franchise’s first Stanley Cup.

 * St. Louis became the seventh team in the NHL’s expansion era to make the playoffs after ranking last overall at any point after New Year’s Day (min. 20 GP), joining the 1976-77 North Stars, 1979-80 Oilers, 1982-83 Maple Leafs, 1987-88 Kings, 1987-88 Maple Leafs and 1996-97 Senators. The Blues are the only team in that group to advance past the opening round of the playoffs.

 * An NHL team has never gone from last place at any point after their 20th game in the regular season to Stanley Cup champion in the same campaign. In fact, only four other teams in the expansion era have reached the Final after ranking among the bottom three in the standings at any point after their 20th game, with the first such instance involving both the Blues – in the franchise’s first NHL season – and the Canadiens in 1968. The others: 1991 North Stars and 2010 Flyers.

 * The 1968 Stanley Cup Playoffs were the first of the expansion era – when the NHL grew from six teams to 12 – and the Blues became the first of the new franchises to reach the Stanley Cup Final after advancing out of the all-expansion West Division with a pair of seven-game victories. In the Final, the Blues would meet the Canadiens – winners of two of the previous three Stanley Cups – and fall in four games despite the heroics of Hall of Fame goaltender Glenn Hall, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy in a losing cause. The 1968 Canadiens are the only team in the expansion era to win the Stanley Cup after ranking among the bottom three in the standings at any point after their 20th regular-season game.


STANLEY CUP FINAL OPENS MONDAY IN BOSTON

The Bruins will host the Blues in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Monday, May 27 at TD Garden in Boston.

* This will mark the third all-time playoff meeting between the Blues and Bruins and second in the Stanley Cup Final - Boston’s Bobby Orr scored his legendary Stanley Cup-clinching goal against St. Louis in Game 4 of the 1970 Stanley Cup Final. The teams also met in the 1972 Semifinals, also a four-game sweep by Boston en route to a Cup win.

* Boston holds an overall record of 74-42-29 against the Blues combining regular-season and playoff games (STL: 53-74-18), with each team earning one win in the 2018-19 season.


* Boston (1-0-1) won the first meeting this season between the clubs at TD Garden on Jan. 17, with Tuukka Rask making 28 saves to match the Bruins franchise record for career wins. St. Louis (1-1-0) emerged in the second contest, with Jordan Binnington posting a 31-save performance on Feb. 23 at Enterprise Center - the 14th win of his NHL career - to defeat Rask (28 saves) and the Bruins. Sammy Blais scored the shootout-winner in the latter contest as St. Louis improved to 13-2-0 since its first meeting with Boston, while also ending the Bruins’ season-high winning streak at seven games.

 * Bruins forward David Backes will be making a run at his first Stanley Cup against the team that selected him 62nd overall in the 2003 NHL Draft. Backes tallied 206-254—460 in 727 regular-season games over 10 NHL seasons with St. Louis, serving as captain from 2011 until 2016 when he helped them reach the Western Conference Final.

(NHL Media)


Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Day 3 Riders Training Camp Report

Picture: Saskatchewan Roughriders 

The Green and White strapped on the pads for the first time at Coors Light Training Camp leading to some spirited exchanges and some fun in the trenches. The running backs got a lot of touches and the defensive and offensives lines squared off in one-on-one drills.

 ROSTER MOVES

None


INJURY REPORT



Jordan Reaves (no update)
Mitch Picton (undisclosed)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (undisclosed)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)


PLAY OF THE DAY

 Defensive lineman Tresor Mafuta, the Roughriders sixth round pick in the 2018 draft, blasted by offensive lineman Dariusz Bladek in Tuesday one-on-one drills much to the chagrin of Bladek and the delight of his fellow defensive linemen.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“We do have a saying if you would, something we want to live by, which is team above self.”– Head Coach Craig Dickenson


TOMORROW

 Practice runs from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Griffiths Stadium

May 21st Stanley Cup Playoff Report


BLUES RETURN HOME LOOKING TO CLINCH FIRST FINAL APPEARANCE IN 49 YEARS

The Western Conference Final shifts back to St. Louis for Game 6 with the Blues looking to clinch their first Stanley Cup Final appearance since the League expanded beyond 12 teams in 1970-71.

* Over half of St. Louis’ all-time series-clinching wins have taken place on home ice (16 of 29; 55.2%), including both so far in 2019 (Game 6 of R1 vs. WPG and Game 7 of R2 vs. DAL). The Blues own an all-time record of 16-9 in potential series-clinching games as hosts (.640).

* The Blues earned a series-clinching win at home to reach the Final on one prior occasion – a 2-1 double-overtime win over the North Stars in Game 7 of the 1968 Semifinals. They also reached the Stanley Cup Final via road wins in 1969 and 1970.

* St. Louis holds a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series for the 13th time in franchise history, owning a 10-2 series record in the 12 previous instances. The Blues were in the same 3-2 scenario before two of their three trips to the Final, earning a seven-game triumph over the North Stars in the 1968 Semifinals and a six-game win over the Penguins in the 1970 Semifinals.


* In Game 5, St. Louis matched its franchise record for largest margin of victory in a shutout win during the Conference Finals/Semifinals (also 5-0 W in Game 5 of 1970 SF vs. PIT). Overall, the Blues have scored 52 goals in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (18 GP) – the franchise’s third-highest total in a postseason behind 1986 (64 GF in 19 GP) and 2016 (57 GF in 20 GP).

* The Sharks trail 3-2 in a best-of-seven series for the 15th time, having forced a Game 7 in three of the 14 previous scenarios. They won two of those series, doing so in the 1995 Conference Quarterfinals against Calgary and 2019 First Round versus Vegas.

 * The Sharks own an all-time record of 16-20 in games when facing elimination, including a 4-0 mark in 2019. Only one team in NHL history has reached the Stanley Cup Final after winning at least six elimination games - the 2014 Kings earned seven such victories before facing the Rangers.

 * The Sharks own an all-time postseason record of 7-2 in the contest following a loss by a margin of five or more goals, including a win in Game 5 of the 2019 First Round on the heels of a 5-0 defeat in their previous outing. San Jose is 11-10 all-time immediately following a shutout loss in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including a 2-0 mark in 2019.


SHARKS MUST REPLICATE RIVAL KINGS TO REACH FINAL

The Sharks must win three Game 7s to reach the Stanley Cup Final, a feat accomplished by only one team in NHL history – the intrastate rival Kings. In 2014, Los Angeles became the first team in NHL history to win three Game 7s en route to the Final.

 * Los Angeles began the 2014 postseason by overcoming a 3-0 series deficit against San Jose, then surrendered series leads against Anaheim (2-0) and Chicago (3-1) before eliminating each opponent with a road win in Game 7. The Kings capped their impressive run with a five-game defeat of the Rangers in the Final.

 * Aside from the 2014 Kings, only one other team in League history has won three Game 7s at any point in a postseason: the 2011 Bruins claimed Game 7 victories in the Conference Quarterfinals against Montreal and Conference Finals versus Tampa Bay before clinching the Cup in a winner-take-all showdown in Vancouver.

 * Sharks goaltender Martin Jones was part of the 2014 Kings roster, appearing in two games as a backup to Jonathan Quick.

BLUES FORWARDS SCHWARTZ, TARASENKO LOOK TO STAY HOT

 * Jaden Schwartz has four goals in the Western Conference Final (4-1—5 in 5 GP) and 12 overall this postseason (12-4—16 in 18 GP). He needs one goal to tie the franchise record for most in a postseason (Brett Hull: 13 in 1990, 12 GP) and one to match Red Berenson (5-2—7 in 1969, 4 GP) for the most by a Blues player in the Conference Finals/Semifinals.

* The franchise record for most goals in any Stanley Cup Playoffs series is eight, a mark set by Hull in the 1990 Division Finals (8-3—11 in 7 GP) and matched in the 1991 Division Semifinals (8-5—13 in 7 GP).

 * Vladimir Tarasenko has collected at least one point in each game of the Western Conference Final (2-5—7 in 5 GP). He has scored 29 career goals in the Stanley Cup Playoffs (29-15—44 in 62 GP), trailing only Hull (67-50—117 in 102 GP) and Bernie Federko (35-66—101 in 91 GP) for the most in franchise history.

* Tarasenko can become the second player in franchise history to collect at least one point in each game of a Conference Finals/Semifinals - Gary Sabourin is the only one to do so (4-1—5 in 1969, 4 GP).

WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL QUICK HITS

* The Blues line of Oskar Sundqvist (2-0—2 in 5 GP), Ivan Barbashev (1-1—2 in 5 GP) and Alexander Steen (1-1—2 in 5 GP) has combined for almost a quarter of the Blues’ goals in the Western Conference Final (4 of 18; 22.2%), including the winner in Game 5.

 * Sharks forward Logan Couture leads all players with 14 goals in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (14-6—20 in 19 GP), one shy of establishing a franchise record for most in a postseason. Five of those goals have come against the Blues (5-1—6 in 5 GP), tied for the most by a Sharks player in the Conference Finals (Patrick Marleau in 2010).

 * Blues captain Alex Pietrangelo has collected 12 points in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (2-10—12 in 18 GP), trailing only the Sharks tandem of Brent Burns (5-11—16 in 19 GP) and Erik Karlsson (2-14—16 in 19 GP) for the most among defensemen. Pietrangelo is one point shy of setting a franchise record for most in a postseason by a Blues defenseman.


* Craig Berube, who took over as Blues head coach on Nov. 21, 2018, is one win away from becoming the 11th head coach in NHL history to reach the Stanley Cup Final after taking over midseason.

(NHL Media)

Monday, May 20, 2019

Day 2 Riders Training Camp Report



ROSTER MOVES

SIGNED:

International wide receiver Austin Ellsworth
International defensive back Solomon Means

INJURY REPORT

 Jordan Reaves (left practice with injury believed to be severe)
Mitchell Picton (undisclosed)
Dan Clark (car accident)
Christion Jones (foot)
Brayden Lenius (hamstring ---expected to miss 10-14 days)
Justin McInnis (hamstring)


PLAY OF THE DAY

 Kyran Moore seemed unstoppable during one-on-one drills continually finding ways to make space between him and the defensive back covering him but one catch in particular during scrimmage saw him pop up his reception then pull it back in, leaving even the defensive backs around him wondering how he did it.


QUOTE OF THE DAY

 “I want my dogs ready to hunt.” – Defensive Coordinator Jason Shivers.


TOMORROW

 Practice runs from 9 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. at Griffiths Stadium

(Riders PR)

May 20th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate


THREE HARD LAPS: QUICK HITS FROM SUNDAY

 * The Blues, who held the No. 31 seed in the NHL standings on Jan. 2, moved within one win of reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in nearly half a century.

 * St. Louis forwards Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarasenko as well as goaltender Jordan Binnington all achieved franchise-firsts on Sunday.

 * When the Conference Finals/Semifinals are tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 owns an all-time series record of 19-8 (70.3%).

 BLUES ONE WIN AWAY FROM FIRST FINAL APPEARANCE IN 49 YEARS

After ranking last in the NHL on Jan. 2, the Blues – powered by Jaden Schwartz’s second hat trick of the 2019 postseason – now sit one win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in 49 years after posting a Game 5 victory in San Jose.

 * St. Louis will return home for Game 6 on Tuesday with a chance to clinch its first trip to the Final since the League expanded to 14 teams in 1970-71. The Blues have made three Final appearances all-time, emerging from the all-expansion West Division in each of its first three seasons (1968-70).

* The Blues improved to 11-7 in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs and established a franchise record for most wins in a postseason, eclipsing the previous high of 10 set in 1986 (10-9) and matched in 2016 (10-10).

 * St. Louis moved to 7-2 as visitors this postseason and became the 18th team in NHL history to win at least seven of its first nine road games in a playoff year, a feat Washington also accomplished in 2018 (7-2) en route to capturing the Stanley Cup for the first time.

* St. Louis owns a 3-2 lead in a best-of-seven series for the ninth time in franchise history, owning a 7-1 series record in the eight previous instances. The Blues were in the same 3-2 scenario before two of their three trips to the Final, earning a seven-game triumph over the North Stars in the 1968 Semifinals and a six-game win over the Penguins in the 1970 Semifinals.



SCHWARTZ, TARASENKO AND BINNINGTON ACHIEVE FRANCHISE-FIRSTS

Blues forwards Jaden Schwartz (3-0—3) and Vladimir Tarasenko (1-2—3) as well as goaltender Jordan Binnington (21 saves) all achieved feats that had never been accomplished in franchise postseason history prior to Sunday.

* Schwartz scored the sixth hat trick of his NHL career and second of the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (also 3-0—3 in Game 6 of R1 vs. WPG). He became the first player in franchise history to score multiple hat tricks in a postseason and first on any team to do so since Johan Franzen (2) in 2008 en route to capturing the Stanley Cup with Detroit.

 * Schwartz became the second player in franchise history to score multiple playoff hat tricks at any point, joining Frank St. Marseille who posted a three-goal outing in 1970 and again in 1972.

 * Schwartz now ranks second in the NHL with 12 goals this postseason (12-4—16 in 18 GP), one more than he scored in the entire 2018-19 regular season (11-25—36 in 69 GP). He is one goal shy of matching the franchise record for most in a postseason, a mark set by Brett Hull in 1990 (13-8—21 in 12 GP).

Tarasenko became the first player in franchise history to score a penalty-shot goal in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The only other Blues player to attempt a penalty shot in the postseason is Jimmy Roberts, who failed to convert against Minnesota’s Cesare Maniago in Game 4 of the 1968 Semifinals.



* Tarasenko became the fourth player in NHL history to score a penalty-shot goal in the Conference Finals/Semifinals, joining Wayne Gretzky in 1984 (w/ EDM), Mats Sundin in 1999 (w/ TOR) and Joe Sakic in 2001 (w/ COL).

* After allowing five goals on 32 shots in Game 3, Binnington has stopped 50 of 51 shots in the 120 minutes since - including all 21 he faced Sunday to record the first rookie shutout in franchise history. He became the second St. Louis goaltender (rookie or veteran) in the last 15 years to blank an opponent in the postseason, following Brian Elliott in Game 1 of the 2016 First Round.

* The Western Conference Final will resume on Tuesday night with Game 6 at Enterprise Center in St. Louis.

BLUES AIM TO ACHIEVE AN NHL-FIRST

An NHL team has never gone from last place after their 20th game to Stanley Cup champion within a season. In fact, only four teams in the expansion era have reached the Final after ranking among the bottom three in the standings at any point after their 20th game: the 1968 Canadiens, 1968 Blues, 1991 North Stars and 2010 Flyers. The Canadiens are the only one of those clubs to win the Stanley Cup.

 * Montreal ranked 10th of 12 teams with a record of 9-12-7 (25 points) after games played Dec. 15, 1967 (28 GP) before winning 33 of their remaining 46 contests to finish the regular-season first overall. The Canadiens then posted a 12-1 playoff record – including four-game sweep of the expansion Blues in the Final – to win the Stanley Cup for the third time in four years.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Sharks will have to become the second team in NHL history to win three Game 7s to reach the Final; they would join the Kings, who did so in 2014 en route to capturing the Stanley Cup. Aside from Los Angeles in 2014, only one other team in League history has won three Game 7s in a postseason: Boston in 2011, who earned its third such victory in the Stanley Cup Final.

(NHL Media)

Something To "Mitch" About

Photo: Saskatchewan Roughriders

--It looked a little dicey on Saturday night as to whether or not training camp was going to start as the CFL tried some last-second shenanigans by the sounds of it, but camp is on up in Saskatoon.  No, I am not up there so like you I will be an observer through what I hear from people like Murray McCormick, Derek Taylor and Ian Hamilton---oh wait scratch that last one for whatever reason.  Like you, there are questions that need answering.  Here are my top 3 and I'm guessing your number 1 and mine are similar


  • Who is the backup quarterback going to be? While I would love to sit here and say Zach Collaros will be able to play the whole season, I am just not confident that he can after a season last year where he sustained one too many concussions.  With all apologies to those in camp, they just don't bring me any confidence when it comes who is in charge of the offense if Collaros goes down.  The season may very well depend on his health. That health that arguably cost the Riders the WSF versus Winnipeg 
  • What impact will Justin McInnis and Brayden Lenius have? The two Canadian receivers taken with the first two Rider picks in the draft are expected to be contributors right from the opening quarter of the season.  Both suffered hammie pulls on day 1 so that question may not be answered for a while.  
  • How will the defence look? Chris Jones is gone so the "D" is in the hands of Jason Shivers. Is it realistic to expect something like what we saw last year?  Shivers needs to show us quickly that he has the personnel and the scheme to keep this "D" in the top 3.  With Johnson, Evans, Elimimian, Gainey and Moncrief, I think they will be fine, but we need to get some proof. 

--What was with the Saturday night stunt pulled off by the CFL?  Did they really try a "bait and switch" as has been suggested? .  If owners changed the wording on parts of the deal, the association had every right to be somewhat choked thus resulting in a late night conference call being held to straighten everything out.  The league needs to do some damage control here and tell us the story and just who is to blame.  I am guessing that won't be happening though. 

--We have to start talking about Jaden Schwartz being a solid candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy don't we?  As we approach the final, one has to think Tuukka Rask is still the favourite, but Schwartz has been St. Louis' best player and has to be in that conversation.  Its great to see Jaden have this success with the spotlight shining so brightly.

--Seahawks coach Pete Carroll believes the NFL should get rid of or at least decrease the amount of instant replay we are seeing.  What do you think about that and not just in the NFL. Do we want to put all the authority and the blame on the officials after having it the way we have.  Instant replay is a slippery slope and at the end of the day you want to get the call right (unless it is Game 4 of the NHL West final), but there is no doubt replay has become a bigger factor in pro sports. As I have said before, give the refs or the command centre 60 seconds to look at the play and then make a decision.

--As baseball hits the quarter-pole, the trend of the game becoming boom-or-bust continues.  Strikeouts are on pace for another record high and are up for the 14th straight season. Walks have reached their highest rates in almost 20 years and home runs are being hit at a record level.   Strikeouts, walks and homers are accounting for over 35 percent of plate appearances. It was 31 percent in 2015.  Balls put into play are down for a 6th straight year.   That should be concerning for major league baseball.  I'm not sure how you fix it though.

--They said if you let Vladimir Guerrero Junior do his thing, he will get it right.  After a bad two weeks to start his major league career, he is getting it right as he hit four homers in the last week.  He is the only thing worth watching for that Blue Jays team right now.  I think even Blue Jays fans agree with that. 

--Has anyone paid attention to the World Hockey Championship?

--Did anyone think Brooks Koepka was going to lose the PGA Championship after taking a seven-shot lead into the final round.  I'll raise my hand on that one.  Koepka was leaking oil big-time coming down the stretch and it looked like Dustin Johnson just might catch him until he faded in the last couple of holes.   Once again, a major was great theatre to watch on a Sunday afternoon.  While I'm in the minority, it was great to watch the PGA Championship without having to see Tiger Woods.  It allowed CBS to concentrate on the leaders.  Watching some of Friday's coverage, there was more given as to whether or not Tiger would make the cut with every shot being analyzed and shown while Koepka was tearing Bethpage Black apart with very little notice.

Guys like Koepka, who has four wins in the last eight majors, DJ, Spieth, Rory and others are the guys the game needs to concentrate on. If Tiger is doing what he did at the Masters than great, he deserves the publicity, but when he is hacking it down the fairways move on.

--Have you had enough of road construction yet in Regina? We've only just begun.  It was sure nice of the city to basically destroy the east service road between MacDonalds and Glencairn Road last year while fixing the Ring Road and then leave it this year.  That road has more craters in it now than the moon.  I'm not sure if that stretch of road is in the schedule for repair this year, but it should have been done already.

--That's all I got.  If in Saskatoon, enjoy Riders camp. Have a great holiday Monday. 


Sunday, May 19, 2019

May 19th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate


BLUES, SHARKS DEADLOCKED HEADING INTO GAME 5

After the Sharks and Blues split the first four contests, the Western Conference Final shifts back to SAP Center in San Jose on Sunday for Game 5. When the Conference Finals/Semifinals are tied 2-2, the winner of Game 5 owns an all-time series record of 19-8 (70.3%)

* The Sharks find themselves tied 2-2 in a best-of-seven series for the 19th time in franchise history and second in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have gone on to capture the series in seven of the previous 18 instances, including a seven-game triumph over the Avalanche in the Second Round.

* The Blues are knotted at two games apiece after four games of a seven-game series for the 25th time in franchise history (9-15) and third time this postseason. They advanced in each of the opening two rounds after the series was tied 2-2, knocking off the Jets in six games and the Stars in seven contests.

* San Jose heads home to SAP Center boasting the postseason leader in goals and points, Logan Couture (14-6–20 in 18 GP). Couture, who sits one tally shy of establishing a single postseason franchise record for goals, is one of 13 players to average at least one point per game (1.11 P/GP) in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs (min. 7 GP). After 19 players accomplished the feat in 2018, the NHL can feature consecutive postseasons with at least 13 such instances for the first time since a three-year run in 2008 (16), 2009 (16) and 2010 (17).


* Couture (8-5–13 in 10 GP) and teammates Tomas Hertl (8-5–13 in 10 GP) and Brent Burns (4-9–13 in 10 GP) have each collected 13 home points during the Sharks’ playoff run and sit one point shy of matching the single postseason franchise record for home points, set by Couture (7-7–14 in 12 GP) and Joe Thornton (3–11–14 in 12 GP) during the club’s first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 2016.

* Additionally, the duo of Couture and Hertl have already established single postseason franchise records for home goals and now sit two shy of becoming just the sixth and seventh different players in the last 30 years to tally at least 10 goals on home ice - a list paced by Cam Neely’s 14 home goals with the Bruins in 1991, which tied Reggie Leach’s NHL record set in 1976 with the Flyers.

* Conversely, Blues forwards Jaden Schwartz (4-4–8) and Ryan O’Reilly (3-5–8) pace their teammates with eight road points in eight such contests this postseason. Only Bruins teammates Brad Marchand (5-5–10 in 8 GP) and David Pastrnak (4-5–9 in 8 GP) have collected more road points in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

* During St. Louis’ previous appearance in the Conference Finals in 2016, Robby Fabbri (2-8–10 in 10 GP) became just the fourth player in Blues franchise history to notch at least 10 road points in a single postseason. The others: Doug Gilmour (9-6–15 in 1986), Bernie Federko (2-9–11 in 1986) and Rod Brind’Amour (4-6–10 in 1990).

BLUES CAPTAIN SETS SIGHTS ON FRANCHISE MARK

Captain Alex Pietrangelo has collected 2-10—12 in 17 playoff games in 2019, surpassing his previous postseason career high of 2-8—10 (20 GP) set in 2016. Pietrangelo sits one point shy of establishing a Blues franchise record for points in a postseason by a defenseman.

* Pietrangelo has proven to contribute when it matters most as a three-time champion on the international stage. He was a member of Team Canada’s gold medal-winning entries at the 2009 World Junior Championship and 2014 Olympic Winter Games and helped his country win World Cup of Hockey 2016.

(NHL Media)