Category: NHL

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Stadium Series with Hurricanes and Capitals tonight; McDavid, Oilers battled Rangers at MSG; plus more

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Members of the Carolina Hurricanes tune up during the morning skate on Fri Feb 17, 2023 before their meeting with the Washington Capitals in the outdoor Stadium Series in Raleigh NC at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh. (photo by the nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Matt, tonight’s the big night as the Washington Capitals and the Carolina Hurricanes match up for the NHL Stadium Series at Carter Finley Stadium in Raleigh this Sat Feb 18th. Everyone in Raleigh has been counting the days for this one and it’s the first outdoor game against the Capitals for the Hurricanes.

#2 Edmonton Oilers faced off with the New York Rangers on Friday night at Rogers Center in Edmonton. It was a game where Oilers superstar Conner McDavid needed just one more point to hit his 100th point of the season getting his 100th and 101st points. Things are going well for the Oilers they have won six of the last 11 games.

#3 Matt, wanted to go over some of the players who are up for grabs as the NHL trade deadline Fri Mar 3 is approaching. We’ll start with Patrick Kane of the Chicago Blackhawks would be a huge help on any NHL line. Kane has a no movement clause in his contract and would have to approve any deal. Kane has scored at least 20 goals 14 times during his 16 year NHL career.

#4 The Blackhawks Jonathan Toews is a 34 year center and his skills have declined is his last three seasons but has 370 career goals to his repertoire and has played over 1,000 games in his NHL career. Matt, if the Blackhawks can deal him do you see Toews being a big help for a club?

#5 The San Jose Sharks Timo Meier and Erik Karlsson’s names have circulated for trade rumors. Meier can light the lamp and has scored at least 30 goals in each of his last three seasons. Karlsson leads all NHL defencemen in goals. If the Sharks deal him they would have to take on some of his salary cap Karlsson gets $11.5 million a season and first right of refusal on any deal.

Join Matt for the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Fold Late in Sin City, Slip to Vegas 2-1

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San Jose Sharks right wing Timo Meier (28) attempts to skate around Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

Thursday night’s 2-1 loss against the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Arena could be representative of the San Jose Sharks season as a whole. Get severly outshot but still hold the lead for a time; check. Punch up against a superior class team for a majority of the game; check.

The Sharks lead into the third period but give up the advantage late; check. The only thing missing for San Jose (17-28-11) was an Erik Karlsson point or two (or three or four as this season has gone).

Alexander Barabanov scored his tenth goal of the year and Kaapo Kähkönen played brilliantly once again, making 36 saves on 38 shots but a Vegas (33-18-4) goal tied the game early in the third period and finished off the Sharks on a William Carrier goal with 18 seconds left in regulation to pick up their fourth consecutive win.

The Sharks were outshot 38-26, thanks largely to seven Golden Knights power plays, but killed off all the opportunities and survived a 14-4 first period shot differential to lead the Pacific Division leaders after 40 minutes.

The game-winner came on an offensive faceoff win for the Golden Knights and was a result of Matt Benning and Nick Bonino both getting tied up with Nicolas Roy in the slot.

Two defenders on one man allowed Carrier to sneak into the far post unmarked. Chandler Stephenson was able to make the connection and Carrier was able to hammer home the tap-in for his 15th of the year. Bonino drew an abuse of officials misconduct for arguing Roy’s entanglement.

Vegas tied the game on another Sharks miscue after Tomas Hertl wiped out in the offensive zone, with Jack Eichel spring Paul Cotter on a two-on-one. He elected to shoot rather than pass through Karlsson, beating Kähkönen from the face-off dot 6:22 into the third. Cotter has goals in three-straight.

Barabanov stayed hot for the Sharks, picking up his eight point in six games when he scores on the rebound with 2:56 left in the second period. His tenth goal of the year came off a Marc-Edouard Vlasic shot, with Logan Couture picking up the secondary assist. Kähkönen has allowed just eight goals over his last four starts.

The Sharks return home Saturday night to face the Buffalo Sabres. It kicks off a seven-game homestand filled with teams struggling to make the playoffs or fully entrenched in the Connor Bedard sweepstakes, a welcome sight after the grueling road trip of late January and early February.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Senators say DeBrincat will not be traded; Walsh named NHLPA executive director; plus much more NHL news

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Ottawa Senators 25 year old forward is off the table in trade considerations according the Senators GM Pierre Dorion. The Senators plan to negotiate a new deal with Dorion at the end of the season. (photo by nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 Alex DeBrincat of the Ottawa Senators will not be traded according to Senators general manager Pierre Dorion “We’ll see what happens before the end of the year and if we sign a contract with him before then. But he’s not getting traded.” said Dorion.

#2 Len, Martin J Walsh was unanimously voted by the NHL Players Association as the new executive director. Walsh succeeds former executive director Donald Fehr who held the position since December 2010. Walsh was the US Labor Secretary prior to joining President Joe Biden’s administration, Walsh also was the former Mayor of Boston and served 16 years in the House of Representatives. He will be the main negotiator for future collective bargaining agreements.

#3 Defenceman Olli Maatta of the Detroit Red Wings has signed a two year six million dollar contract with the Wings. Maatta has 17 points, five goals and 12 assists this season. Maatta who signed a one year $2.5 million deal back in July could have become a free agent after this season.

#4 Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin lost his father Mikhail at 71 years old. Ovechkin had been on leave from the Capitals since Tuesday and has asked for privacy for he and his family during this time. It’s never a good time to lose a family member how will this effect Ovechkin when he returns to the Capitals.

#5 The Edmonton Oilers are the club that are hot and heavy in pursuing San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson. The Oilers are willing to part with defenceman Tyson Barrie, left wing Warren Foegele, defenceman Evan Bouchard, the Oilers further are willing to depart in the deal their 2023 NHL first round draft pick and 2024 second round draft pick.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts each Thursday night at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Penguins’ top line sparks 3-1 victory over Sharks

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The score says it all as the Pittsburgh Penguins get a two goal win over the San Jose Sharks at SAP Center led by the Penguins Sid Crosby (87) who got two assists on Tue Feb 14, 2024 (@penguins photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Tuesday, February 14, 2023

Pittsburgh scored once in each period Tuesday to methodically defeat San Jose 3-1 at SAP Center.

Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith stopped 38 of 39 San Jose shots. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s top line of Sidney Crosby, Jake Guentzel and Rickard Rakell each collected three points. Crosby assisted on each goal, giving him 41 helpers on the season.

Guerntzel had two of the Penguins’ goals, including an empty-nette, while Rakell had the other Pittsburgh tally.

Timo Meier, who is rumored to be on the trading block as the trade deadline is approaching, scored his 31st goal in the third period. Aaron Dell was credited with 24 saves in his third start of the season without a win.

All-Star Erik Karlsson and Alexander Barabanov each saw their four-game point streaks come to an end.

The Penguins used an early goal by Rakell, his 19th of the season, to get a 1-0 lead. In the second period, Crosby found Guentzel with a no-look backhand pass from behind the net, Guentzel had a wide-open net to shoot at for his 22nd goal of the season,

Meier scored on a rink-long rush, beating DeSmith in the five-hole at 4:03 of the third period.

San Jose’s Logan Couture played in his 900th NHL game.

The Sharks visit the Vegas Golden Knights on Thursday.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Charanbir Mahal: Oilers, Pens, and Sens in hot pursuit of Karlsson; Sharks host Penguins tonight

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) reacts after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the third period at the Capital Center in Washington DC on Sun Feb 12, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the San Jose Sharks podcast with Charanbir:

#1 Lastest rumors are that the Edmonton Oilers, the Pittsburgh Penguins or the Ottawa Senators are in pursuit of San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson. We’ll start with the Ottawa Senators (25-24-3) what are the chances that Karlsson could wind up with his old team again?

#2 In 54 games so far this season Karlsson has 18 which leads all other NHL defencemen with 55 assists for 73 points. Sources say that the Edmonton Oilers (33-19-1) who are third in the NHL Western Conference could use a little help from someone like Karlsson how hot and heavy do you see those discussion with the Oilers.

#3 The Sharks are hosting the Pittsburgh Penguins (26-17-9) tonight here at SAP Center in San Jose. The Penguins hold eighth place in the Eastern Conference and would be a force with the addition of someone like Karlsson. How do you see Karlsson complimenting players like Sid Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.

#4 If and when the Sharks part with Karlsson the Sharks who have struggled for most parts of this season still have NHL teams pursuing Timo Meier and Logan Couture but Tomas Hertl is off the table.

#5 Charanbir, Sharks and Penguins dueling it out here at SAP Center tonight. The Sharks have won only four of their last ten games and the Penguins have won five of their last ten games. The Sharks have won two of their last three games. Who do you like in this one tonight?

Charanbir Mahal is on air talent for INDTVUSA and does the Sharks podcasts during San Jose home games at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Beat Capitals 4-1, Kähkönen leaves game with injury

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The San Jose Sharks picked up a three goal win against the Washington Capitals at the Capital One Center in Washington DC on Sun Feb 12, 2023 (@SanJoseSharks photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks (17-26-11) wrapped up their eight game road trip with a 4-1 win against the Washington Capitals (28-21-6), finishing the grueling trek that began January 21st in Columbus a respectable 3-3-2. There were plenty of positives like Erik Karlsson’s three-point effort, Tomas Hertl’s first goal since January 11th and Kaapo Kähkönen’s third strong showing. Kähkönen also was involved in the negative of the day, exiting the game with an injury after 37 minutes. Aaron Dell made the final eight saves in relief with James Reimer out with an illness.

Kähkönen exited the game on Washington’s scoring play. Evgeny Kuznetsov was able to drive the net and slide the puck past Kähkönen on the far post, making the score 2-1 Sharks at the time with 3:04 left in the second period.

The Sharks Evgeny, Svechnikov, opened the scoring 2:54 into the game. He beat Ryan Lindgren after entering the Caps zone on the left wing and beat the netminder glove side. Karlsson had the secondary assist while Jonah Gadjovich picked up his fourth helper.

Alexander Barabanov scored on the power play 9:04 into the second on a rebound in the slot. Hertl had the initial shot and Karlsson assisted as well, his 55th of the year.

After Kuznetsov’s goal, Karlsson added breathing room at the 12:55 mark, taking a facroff win along the boards and firing a snifter for his 18th of the year. Hertl added the empty netter, and first in 11 games.

The Sharks return home for a Valentine’s Day date with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Then they hit the road, though they won’t log as many miles this time. It’s a trip to Sin City for a bout with Pacific Division rival Vegas before returning home Saturday night against Buffalo.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Leafs Samsonov stops 30 CBJ shots for shutout; Rangers Tarasenko breaks in with game’s first goal vs. Kraken

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Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov, left, makes a stop in front of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner, right, and Maple leafs defenseman TJ Brodie during the second period at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Fri Feb 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Toronto Maple Leafs (32-13-8) goaltender Ilya Samsonov stopped 30 Columbus Blue Jacket (15-33-4) shots in the Leafs win over the Jackets 3-0 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The Leafs John Taveras scored two goals in the win.

#2 What a little inspiration will do as the New York Rangers (30-14-8) Vladimir Tarasenko on the first night on the job for the Rangers scored the Rangers first goal of the night at 2:49 in the first period vs. the Seattle Kraken (29-18-5). Tarasenko who was dealt to the Rangers from the St Louis Blues is enjoying his new environment.

#3 Matt, the Los Angeles Kings Dustin Brown is having his sweater number retired #23. Brown also had his statue unveiled at Crypto.com Arena, Brown’s statue also joins former Kings greats Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille statues outside of the arena.

#4 The Dallas Stars Jason Robertson is grabbing all publicity that he can he is fifth among US born players in points with 193 goals in 178 games. Robertson is fourth of US born players with 91 since joining the NHL in 2020-21. His teammate Joe Pavelski who is second of US born players has 435 goals.

#5 While the Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane says he’s intrigued about going to the New York Rangers. Kane feels that Tarsenko filled that void going from the Blues to the Rangers. How true is that and could Kane help fill a void in Madison Square Garden?

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com on Saturdays

Reinhart, Staal Score Two to lead Cats Past Sharks 4-1

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There were plenty of Florida Panthers group hugs especially down the stretch when the Panthers scored two short handed goals against the San Jose Sharks in final seconds of the third period at Fla Live Arena in Sunrise on Thu Feb 9, 2023 (@FlaPanthers photo)

by Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks saw Sam Reinhart and Eric Staal (two empty-netters) score two goals each to fall to the Florida Panthers 4-1 Thursday night in Florida. Alexander Barabanov scored his eighth goal of the year and Erik Karlsson picked up his astonishing 53rd assist.

The defenseman now has 70 points in just 53 games with an assist-per-game pace for San Jose (16-26-11). For Florida (26-22-6), Sergei Bobrovsky won his 350th game, making 33 saves on 34 Sharks shots.

Sharks coach David Quinn rode the hot hand, giving goalie Kaapo Kähkönen the net after beating the Tampa Bay Lightning Tuesday. He made 38 saves on 40 shots faced, rewarding his coach’s confidence.

With James Reimer’s name floated by the media as a potential trade target, Kähkönen could be in line to get the bulk of starts. Another possible trade chip Timo Meier was on the ice for all four Cats goals.

Barabanov scored on the rebound to open the game at the 5:09 mark. Erik Karlsson kept a clearing attempt in the offensive zone, walked the blue line and ripped a shot on Bobrovsky that landed on Barabanov’s stick for the second chance that he buried.

The 1-0 lead would hold until the 4:30 mark of the second period then Sam Reinhart took over. Reinhart carried the puck into the offensive zone and ripped a shot under Kähkönen’s glove for his 18th of the year.

Reinhart’s second of the period and game came with 41 seconds left in the period. Eetu Luostarinen took a shoot on net while falling that Reinhart redirected past Kähkönen for a 2-1 lead.

Luostarinen also assisted on Eric Staal’s first empty net goal with 1:39 left in regulation. Staal would add a second 35 seconds later for the 4-1 scoreline. The Panthers win came with Alexander Barkov out with an injury.

The Sharks play one last road game before returning home, going 2-3-2 so far on the trip. They face the Capitals in D.C. Sunday. They’ll only be home for a brief stop against the Penguins on Valentine’s Day before a roadie to Vegas Thursday.

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Tarasenko dealt to Rangers from Blues; Sabers sign Cozens to $49.7 M seven year deal; plus more news

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 Former St. Louis Blues’ Vladimir Tarasenko (91) handles the puck during the first period in Game 6 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche Friday, May 27, 2022, in St. Louis. The New York Rangers have acquired Tarasenko and depth defenseman Niko Mikkola from the Blues in a deal made Thu Feb 9, 2023 (AP News File)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Vladimir Tarasenko was dealt the New York Rangers from the St Louis Blues today was this a requested trade or something that was worked out between the Blues and Rangers.

#2 The Buffalo Sabers signed center Dylan Cozens to a seven year $49.7 contract extension on Tuesday averaging about $7.4 million a year. Cozens has 17 goals and 43 points in 49 games for this season.

#3 The Toronto Maple Leafs will host the 2023-24 All Star game for the first time since 2012. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman made the announcement before last Saturday’s All Star game in Sunrise Florida which was hosted by the Florida Panthers.

#4 The Arizona Coyotes are asking for big money for defenseman Jakob Chychrun. Chychrun would be a great acquisition for any team whose skills range from special teams to offense. Chychrun would provide the defense a team is looking for protecting the goaltender as well as the ability to grab the puck and force it back up ice.

#5 NHL teams are inquiring about the Sharks Kevin Labanc and Timo Meier. Labanc has ten goals, 15 assists and 25 points and Meier has 30 goals, 21 assists and 51 points. What’s the possibility of seeing Labanc and Meier traded soon.

Join Len for the NHL podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Stun Lightning, Surge to 4-3 Comeback OT Win

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The San Jose Sharks forward Timo Meier (28) and defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) celebrate after a goal at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay on Tue Feb 7, 2023 (@SanJoseSharks photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks opened the unofficial second half of the season with a bang, rallying from a 3-1 deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 in overtime Tuesday night. Timo Meier scored a pair of goals and had an assist, Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists and Kaapo Kähkönen made 34 saves to pick up the road win.

Brayden Point scored a pair and Ross Colton also lit the lamp but the Lightning (32-16-2) saw their home wine streak end at 12 games. San Jose (16-25-11) was outshot 37-22 but walked away with the two points.

Now that Bo Horvat has found a new home on Long Island, Meier has become the center piece for teams looking to add at the trade deadline. Despite a 10 million dollar qualifying offer expected for next year, the Swiss forward showed why he’ll cost suitors a hefty bounty. One of the premier power forwards in the league, both his goals came about five ten feet out from Brian Elliott in the Tampa net.

The game-winner, 2:19 into overtime, came after Meier drove the net and was able to sneak behind two Lightning defenders. He took the feed from Erik Karlsson, no stranger to trade chatter himself, to bury his 30th of the year.

Jonah Gadjovich deflected the tying goal 3:08 into the third, his third of the year, but before that Meier’s talents were on display for the Sharks second goal of the night. Meier, skating on the power play where his nose for the net and propensity to rip his sharp wristers, did just that with 3:37 left in the second buried.

While the penalty kill collapsed to Elliott’s right, Meier skated to the crease on the off-wing. He took the Alexander Barabanov pass off what looked like a set faceoff play and buried it for his first of the night.

The aforementioned Karlsson negated an early Colton goal to tie the game 6:28 into the first, his 17th goal of the year. Karlsson wired a shot through traffic that found its way on net as so many of his shots have this year, beating Elliott.

Brayden Point took over the first period though scoring goals 9:21 into the frame and 16:44 into the first period. The second came on the power play, normally a strength for the Bolts but against the Sharks they went just one for six and went five power plays without a shot on goal.

The Sharks continue their split eight game road trip, facing the Florida Panthers in Sunrise on Thursday. They’re now riding a two-game win streak after beating the Penguins in the last game before the break. They’ll face the Capitals in DC Sunday before finally heading home.