May 29th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate

MONDAY’S RESULT

Down 4-3 early in the third period, the Golden Knights scored three unanswered goals – including the winning and insurance tallies by Tomas Nosek – to defeat the Capitals in 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 78.2% of the time (61 of 78 series) – including each of the past six years. The Bruins were the last team to rally for a series victory after losing Game 1 of the Final, winning in seven games in 2011 (vs. VAN).

GOLDEN KNIGHTS, CAPITALS ENGAGE IN RECORD SEESAW AFFAIR . . .
The Golden Knights and Capitals traded the lead four times in Game 1. Washington overcame a 1-0 deficit to go ahead 2-1, Vegas responded by taking a 3-2 advantage. The Capitals then rallied for a 4-3 lead, but the Golden Knights scored the final three goals for a 6-4 victory.

This marked just the third game in NHL postseason history – and first in the Stanley Cup Final – to feature four lead changes. The others: Game 2 of the 1936 Quarterfinals (NYA 4 at CHI 5) and Game 2 of the 1992 Division Semifinals (EDM 5 at LAK 8).

. . . COMBINE FOR 10 GOALS TO CONTINUE PLAYOFF SURGE

The Golden Knights and Capitals contested the ninth Game 1 in Stanley Cup Final history with 10 or more combined goals – and third since 1983 (also 2000 and 2010). Overall, it marked the most combined goals in any Stanley Cup Final contest since Game 4 of the 2013 series (CHI 6 at BOS 5, OT).

* The 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs are averaging 5.9 goals per game (468 G in 80 GP), the most since 2010 (6.0).

NOSEK PLAYS UNLIKELY HERO IN GAME 1

Golden Knights forward Tomas Nosek (2-0—2) registered his first multi-goal game and game-winning goal while skating in his 97th NHL contest (regular season and playoffs).

* Vegas acquired Nosek from Detroit in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft. The 25-year-old Pardubice, Czech Republic, native originally signed with the Red Wings as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

* Nosek recorded 7-8—15 in 67 regular-season games with the Golden Knights in 2017-18, followed by 1-2—3 in 12 playoff contests entering Game 1. Overall, he had 9-10—19 in 96 NHL appearances prior to Game 1.

* Nosek also provided the heroics in Game 1 of last year’s Calder Cup Final, scoring the winning goal for the Grand Rapids Griffins with 13.9 seconds remaining in regulation (vs. SYR). He led the Griffins, and ranked third in the AHL, with 10-12—22 in the playoffs en route to winning the Calder Cup.

MARCHESSAULT SETS RECORD FOR FIRST-YEAR PLAYOFF TEAM

Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault collected one assist, giving him 8-11—19 in the 2018 Stanley Cup Playoffs (16 GP). That established a record for a player with a franchise in its first-ever postseason, surpassing the Islanders’ Jude Drouin in 1975 (6-12—18 in 17 GP) and Sharks’ Igor Larionov in 1994 (5-13—18 in 14 GP).

Teammate Reilly Smith added 1-1—2, moving within one point of Marchessault for the team lead in playoff scoring (3-15—18 in 16 GP).

GOLDEN KNIGHTS PICK UP ANOTHER WIN AT T-MOBILE ARENA
The Golden Knights improved to 7-1 at T-Mobile Arena during the playoffs, outscoring opponents 31-16. Their lone loss came in double-overtime in Game 2 of the Second Round vs. SJS (4-3 L).

During the regular season, Vegas shared third in the NHL with 29 victories on home ice (29-10-2). That included an eight-game winning streak from Oct. 15 – Nov. 24, matching an NHL record for a team in its inaugural season.

DID YOU KNOW?
Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves scored the tying goal 1:31 after the Capitals took the lead in the third period. It marked the fifth time in the last six games that Vegas has responded to an opponent’s goal with one of its own within 2 minutes.

KUZNETSOV, CARLSON STAY HOT FOR CAPITALS

Capitals teammates Evgeny Kuznetsov (0-1—1) and John Carlson (1-0—1) each found the scoresheet to pad and set franchise records:

* Kuznetsov extended his franchise-record postseason point streak to 11 games (6-10—16), the longest by any player in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2010 and fifth-longest since 1997:

* Carlson scored his 17th career playoff goal (all w/ WSH) to move past Kevin Hatcher (16) for the most by a defenseman in Capitals history. Carlson leads NHL blueliners with 4-13—17 this postseason, franchise records for assists and points by a defenseman in one playoff year.

What Did You Miss Monday?

--In a highly entertaining affair, Vegas beat Washington 5-4 to take Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Tomas Noesek had the winner midway through the third.  Game 2 is Wednesday.  The team that takes Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final has gone on to claim the prize 78 per cent of the time (61-17) in NHL history. Game 2 goes Wednesday night.

--The frosty silence over the building of a new NHL arena in Calgary thawed a little Monday.
City council voted to form a committee that will attempt to re-engage the Calgary Flames in talks on a new sport and concert venue."If we are going to say we are still at the table, let’s act like we’re at the table," Coun. Jeff Davison said.

A Flames spokesman said the team had no comment.

--The Edmonton Oil Kings need a new head coach and general manager.  The Oil Kings, who had the worst record in the WHL this year, relieved head coach Steve Hamilton of his duties while saying GM Randy Hansch was taking a job as an amateur scout with an NHL team.

--The Riders did not practice Monday after their 32-15 defeat in Edmonton Sunday. They don't play again until June 8 at home against Calgary.  The season opener is on the 15th against Toronto

--It will be Cleveland vs Golden State in the NBA final for the 4th straight year.  After Cleveland won in Boston Sunday night in Game 7 to advance, the Warriors beat Houston 101-92 to advance. The Rockets, who were up 11 at the half,  were 7 of 44 from 3-point range.

--Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping announced his retirement from mixed martial arts Monday. Bisping’s lengthy career culminated in a knockout victory over Luke Rockhold at UFC 199 — a fight the British fighter took on 17 days’ notice after original challenger Chris Weidman dropped out due to injury — which earned the MMA veteran the UFC Middlewight Championship.

Riders Release 4

The Saskatchewan Roughriders announced the following roster moves:



RELEASED:

International defensive lineman Justin Horton
International running back Josh McPhearson
International quarterback Marquise Williams
International defensive back Sam Williams

(Ryan Pollock/Rider Media)

May 28th Stanley Cup Playoffs Morning Skate

HISTORIC STANLEY CUP FINAL BEGINS TONIGHT IN LAS VEGAS
History will be made tonight when the Golden Knights and Capitals face off at T-Mobile Arena for Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final (5 p.m. PT / 8 p.m. ET on NBC, CBC, SN, TVAS).

* 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 78.2% of the time (61 of 78 series) – including each of the past six years. The Bruins were the last team to rally for a series victory after losing Game 1 of the Final, winning in seven games in 2011.

* The expansion Golden Knights are seeking to become the first NHL, MLB, NBA or NFL team to win a championship in its inaugural season – excluding the first year of a league’s existence – since the 1950 Cleveland Browns captured the NFL Championship. The NBA’s Minneapolis Lakers (1948-49) and Baltimore Bullets (1947-48) also won the title in their respective first seasons.

* The Capitals are playing in the Stanley Cup Final for the second time in franchise history and first time since 1998, when they were swept by the Red Wings (4-0 L).

KEY CONTRIBUTORS: 2018 STANLEY CUP FINAL

Goaltenders Braden Holtby and Marc-Andre Fleury each carry strong stat-lines into Game 1, while forwards Alex Ovechkin and Jonathan Marchessault are on the brink of record-breaking totals.

* Holtby enters his first Stanley Cup Final with an active shutout streak of 159:27 dating to Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final. It is the longest such run of his playoff career and 9:45 shy of matching his personal-best during the regular-season (169:12 from Jan. 5-9, 2017).

* Fleury gets set for his fifth Stanley Cup Final having not allowed a goal against in a Game 1 on home ice this postseason, following shutouts against the Los Angeles Kings (30 saves) and San Jose Sharks (33 saves). He can become the first goaltender in League history, and eighth player regardless of position, to win the Stanley Cup in consecutive years with different teams.

* Ovechkin sits two goals shy of matching the franchise record in a single postseason, set by John Druce in 1990 (14). Ovechkin, who has 607 goals in his regular-season career (1,003 GP), ranks ninth in NHL history with an average of 0.50 goals per game during the playoffs (58 in 116 GP) among players with at least 100 games played.

* Marchessault (8-10—18) has tied the NHL record for point by a player with a franchise in its first-ever postseason, pacing Vegas in both goals and points, with linemates Reilly Smith (2-14—16) and William Karlsson (6-7—13) not far behind.

LOOKING BACK AT OTHER FIRST-TIME PLAYOFF TEAMS IN THE STANLEY CUP FINAL

The expansion Golden Knights are the sixth team in NHL history to reach the Stanley Cup Final in their first trip to the playoffs, and just the second to do so in their inaugural season.

* The 1917-18 Toronto Arenas captured the Stanley Cup in the NHL’s first season, defeating Pacific Coast Hockey Association’s Vancouver Millionaires in a best-of-five series (3-2).

* The 1925-26 Montreal Maroons became the second NHL team to win the Cup in its first-ever playoff appearance, ending their second season in the League by winning a best-of-five series (3-1) against the Victoria Cougars of the Western Hockey League

* The 1926-27 Boston Bruins reached the Final in their third season, losing to the “confident” Ottawa Senators in a best-of-five series (2-0-2).

* The 1967-68 St. Louis Blues defeated the Minnesota North Stars to emerge from the all-expansion West Division to advance to the Stanley Cup Final, where they ultimately lost to the Canadiens in four straight games.

* The 1995-96 Florida Panthers were the last NHL club to reach the Final in their first trip to the postseason, falling in four games to the Colorado Avalanche.

(NHL Media) 

Something To "Mitch" About

PHOTO: Keith Hershmiller 

--The Acadie-Bathurst Titan spoiled the party. Did they ever!  It was like the cops showing up to break up things before everyone came to the house.  Right from the opening puck drop, the Quebec champs seized control of the Mastercard Memorial Cup final not allowing the Pats to do anything.  If it wasn't for Max Paddock, one can only imagine how bad it might have been as the Titan dominated Regina for the first half of the game.  At one point, they were outshooting them 16-0 in the 2nd and 28-5 for the game.  The sold-out crowd kept waiting to explode and had the Pats tied it, one wonders what might have happened.  It didn't meaning Pats fans had to for a second year in a row watch a different team skate around with the hardware.  Chances are they won't get the opportunity to see that for a 3rd year as the likes of Steel, Mahura, Hebig, Bradley and Hajek are done.  While guys like Max Paddock, Nick Henry, Jake Leschyshyn and Robbie Holmes will be back, the run we saw this team take for the last two years won't be happening

--What a great week of hockey.  The Broncos, Pats, Bulldogs and Titan treated fans to what some are saying has been the most entertaining Memorial Cup in years.  Those are from ones who have followed the tournament along.  It was a treat to watch.

--Is it just me or was it nice to see the Pats not get moved to the backseat as they were the focus of many on the same day the Riders played. Has that ever happened before?

-- Are we ready for the Stanley Cup? As Sportsnet's Ian Mendes said last week, it is a final which will feature a morally bankrupt city that is built on corruption, greed & deceit against Las Vegas. The Knights have been the story of the sports world and they are four victories away from completing something that few thought could happen at this time a year ago.  I'm taking Washington ( although I did take SJ and Winnipeg) in earlier rounds.  The Saskatchewan connection of Trotz, Stephenson, Holtby is what I'm going with.  At the end of the day, I could care less about who is hoisting the Cup as it isn't my team, but I'll take the Capitals to do it in 6.

--I think it is safe to say Marc-Andre Fleury is the Conn Smythe favourite at this time. If the Capitals do hoist the Cup who have ya got.  I think it could still be open as to who gets that, but Alexandre Ovechkin may be the favourite.

--I wonder what NHL GM's think of Evander Kane getting seven million a year for the next 7 years in San Jose.  I bet Kevin Cheveldayoff is happy seeing he has all of those young forwards he needs to sign to new deals at some point along with guys like Jacob Trouba and Josh Morrissey.

--The Riders lost 35-12. Who cares? Three quarterbacks played that if all goes well won't hit the field this season. Over 20 regulars were left at home.  If the Riders lose to Toronto in the season opener, you can start asking questions.  I'm sure Chris Jones didn't like the way things went down as he doesn't like to lose at checkers, but pre-season games are evaluation games.  They don't matter when all is said and done.

--Lebron James is in the NBA finals again. Did anyone really think that wasn't going to happen? I am guessing Golden State joins them there tonight.

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

What Did You Miss Saturday?

-The Acadie-Bathurst Titan will try to spoil the plans of the Regina Pats to win the 100th Memorial Cup in their 100th Anniversary Season.  The two teams meet at 5 o'clock Sunday in the final in what will be the biggest hockey game ever played inside the Agridome/Brandt Centre.  With the Riders game on CKRM, the Mastercard Memorial Cup final will be on the WOLF 104.9 starting with the pre-game show at 4. The game will also be on Sportsnet starting with their pre-game show at 430.

--Alex Barre-Boulet is the CHL Player of the Year.  The Blainville-Boisbrand Armada forward led the Quebec league in scoring with 116 points in 65 games. Barre-Boulet belongs to the Tampa Bay Lightning.  Everett goalie Carter Hart was named the CHL goaltender of the year for the second straight year, Swift Current's Alexsi Heponiemi was named the sportsmanlike player of the year while Jayden Halbegewachs of Moose Jaw was recognized as the CHL's top scorer,

--Are you ready for some football?  The CFL pre-season starts Sunday with the Eskimos home to the Riders in a game that comes just one week into training camp  Kickoff is 3 o'clock with 620 CKRM's pre-game show starting at noon.  The Riders aren't taking a lot of their regulars with them as Zach Collaros, Jerome Messam, Zack Evans, Charleston Hughes and Ed Gainey are just some of the veteran players who won't be making the trip

--The Josh Freeman experiment is over.  The Alouettes quarterback retired Saturday.  The 30 year old was at the bottom of the Alouettes depth chart.

--Leafs coach Mike Babcock and Colorado coach Jared Bednar are helping out the Humboldt Broncos as they hold a three-day camp in an attempt to restock their roster after last month's bus crash that killed 16. The two helped run on-ice sessions in Saskatoon.  The Broncos are in need of a new head coach as Darcy Haugan was one of the 16 killed.

--Quite the day for Canadian P-G-A Tour rookie Corey Conners. The Listowel, Ontario native had eight birdies over his last 12 holes for a career-best round of 63, matching Ted Potter junior for the best of the day. Conners is 8 under, six shots back of leader Justin Rose.

What Did You Miss Friday?

--The Regina Pats are heading to the Mastercard Memorial Cup final.  Jake Leschyshyn's empty-net goal in the dying seconds sealed a 4-2 win over Hamilton in the semi-final. The final goes at 5 on Sportsnet and the WOLF 104.9.

--The Vancouver Canucks have signed Elias Pettersson to an entry-level contract. Pettersson, taken 5th overall in the 2017 NHL draft, won the regular season scoring title and was named playoff MVP after his Vaxjo team won the championship and he again was the top scorer.

--The B.C. Lions have acquired defensive lineman Davon Coleman from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Lions also received a sixth-round pick and will send a fourth-round selection to the Tiger-Cats in the deal. Both picks are in the 2019 draft. In his rookie campaign with Hamilton last season, the six-foot-two, 295-pound Coleman collected 41 tackles and five sacks in 17 games.

--Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein insists his team has not engaged in trade talks, despite speculation about a potential deal for Baltimore Orioles superstar Manny Machado. Epstein wouldn't comment on reports that the Cubs could be a landing spot for the slick-fielding slugger. He says there are ``zero trade talks'' at the moment. He also says the Cubs have enough to win the World Series for the second time in three years.

---A Derek Jeter rookie card has sold for $99,100, the highest price ever paid for a modern-day baseball card.

Brent Huigens, CEO of PWCC, which conducted the eBay auction, confirmed to ESPN on Friday that winning bidder Adrian Proietti had paid the company for the card.