Category: NHL

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.

Atlantic team defeats Central 7-5 to win NHL All-Star 3-on-3 tourney

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, Metropolitan Division’s goaltender Igor Shesterkin, of the New York Rangers (31) blocks a shot from Atlantic Division’s Brady Tkachuk, of the Ottawa Senators (7) during the NHL All Star hockey game, Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023, in Sunrise, Fl (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, February 4, 2023

Detroit’s Dylan Larkin had a hat trick in the 3-on-3 NHL All-Star Game final, and Toronto’s Mitch Marner picked up three assists for the Atlantic Division squad in its 7-5 win over the Central Division Saturday at FLA Live Arena in Miami.

Larkin wound up with five goals in the Atlantic’s two 20-minute games. Matthew Tkachuk of Florida had a five-point effort, including a hat trick, in the semifinal win over the Metropolitan Division to secure most valuable player honors for the day.

It was the first time the Atlantic Division won the All-Star Game in the seven years the NHL has used the divisional format. The 11 players on the Atlantic roster will split $1 million for the win.

In the second semifinal, the Atlantic squad defeated the Metropolitan Division 10-6 behind the efforts of the Tkachuk brothers. Matthew’s brother Brady Tkachuk of Ottawa had a goal and three assists, while Panthers’ Aleksander Barkov had three assists. Other goals for the Atlantic team were scored by Nick Suzuki of Montreal with two, and single tallies by Nikita Kucherov of Tampa Bay and David Pastrnak of Boston. Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevsky faced 13 shots on goal, stopping 10.

Sidney Crosby of Pittsburgh and Alex Ovechkin of Washington combined for three goals while collecting three points each, and Johnny Gaudreau of Columbus had a hat trick.

Earlier, the Central Division knocked off the Pacific Division 6-4. St. Louis forward Vladimir Tarasenko picked up a goal and three assists, and Nathan MacKinnon of Colorado had two goals.

Central goalies Connor Hellebuyck of Winnipeg and Juuse Saros of Nashville surrendered four goals on 22 shots. For the Pacific, Stuart Skinner of Edmonton and Logan Thompson of Vegas each allowed three goals on seven shots,

Other goals for the Pacific were scored by San Jose defenseman Erik Karlsson and Oilers star Connor McDavid. Seth Jones of Chicago and Clayton Keller of Arizona each scored for the Central team. Karlsson also assisted on McDavid’s goal.

NHL All Star Game podcast with Matt Harrington: Bruins Pastrnak not worried about becoming a free agent; NHL Skills contests reviewed; plus more

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The Boston Bruins forward David Pastrnak addresses the media at the 2023 All Star Game in Sunrise Florida on Fri Feb 3, 2023 (NHL.com photo)

On NHL All Star Game podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Matt, will David Pastrnak will become a free agent at the end of the season. Pastrnak said that he’s not concerned and is still pushing hard on the Boston Bruins and says he not worried about his contract status.

#2 Matt, the NHL All Star skills contests were presented  The Enterprise NHL Splash Shot,  Chipotle NHL Pitch ‘n Puck, Sunshine State golf hole, Discover NHL Tendy Tandem.

#3 The next set of NHL All Star skills are Upper Deck NHL Fastest Skater, GEICO NHL Hardest Shot, Great Clips NHL Breakaway Challenge, and Honda NHL Accuracy Shooting.

#4 The Washington Capitals Dylan Strome came to an agreement with the Capitals signing a five year $25 million deal which starts next season at $5 million a year. Strome is third on the Capitals with 36 points with 11 goals and 25 assists.

#5 Matt, today is the NHL All Star game in Sunrise Florida this is the first time the Atlantic Division won the three on three format defeating the Central Division 7-5.

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

NHL All-Star Game podcast with Len Shapiro: Splash Shot skills happens at Ft Lauderdale beach; Sabers Thompson out with upper body injury; plus more

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The NHL All Star Game will host the Splash Shot skill competition at Ft Lauderdale Beach on Fri Feb 3, 2023 (photo from NHL.com)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The NHL Splash Shot takes place Friday night in the 2023 All Star Skills at Ft. Lauderdale Beach, participants include Sid Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche.

#2 The Atlantic Division added Ramus Dahlin defenceman who will replace Tage Thompson of the Buffalo Sabers. Thompson is suffering an upper body injury. On Wednesday Thompson sat out at Key Bank Arena in the Buffalo Sabers 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes. Thompson leads Buffalo with 34 goals and 34 assists.

#2 The Vegas Golden Knights Mark Stone is out indefinitely due to having back surgery on Tuesday. Stone while playing against the Florida Panthers injured his back on Jan 12. Stone has 17 goals and 21 assists in 43 games this season.

#3 The Columbus Blue Jackets Gustav Nyquist suffered a shoulder injury on Jan 25 during overtime against the Edmonton Oilers in a 3-2 win over the Oilers. Nyquist left the game in the first period at 2:56.

#4 The St Louis Blues Vladimir Tarasenko said despite the Blues five game losing streak there is “belief in the room.” Tarasenko is still pushing the Blues to move up in the standings while he’s been part of trade rumors to help another club who are in playoff position.

#5 Len, You’ve been in the NHL a long time and Gary Bettman Commissioner of the NHL was addressing diversity in the league and Emmanuel Umoffia center from the University Florida Memorial basketball team is at the NHL All Star week and said he was surprised to see the number of black people and diversity in the league. You’ve been in the NHL since the 1970s how far has the NHL come along becoming a diverse league?

Join Len for the NHL podcasts regularly Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Couture’s 5 Points Boost Sharks to 6-4 Win Over Pens

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The San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson (65) puts the puck in the net on Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) at PPG Paints Arena on Sat Jan 28, 2024 (@SanJoseSharks photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks snapped a four game losing streak, beating the Pittsburgh Penguins 6-4 Saturday night from PNC Arena. Logan Couture had five points, including two goals and Alex Barabanov and Erik Karlsson had multipoint nights. Evgeni Malkin scored twice for the Pens and Sidney Crosby scored as well.

Malkin scored with 9:54 left in regulation to tie the game, but Couture scored with 4:25 left to play for the lead. He also scored an empty netter for his career high 5th point and 19th goal of the year.

Michael Eyssimont scored 1:25 into the game, but Malkin and Crosby scored power play goals for a 2-1 lead. Erik Karlsson scored his 16th of the year to tie the game 2-2 with seven seconds left in the opening frame.

Noah Gregor lit the lamp 4:54 into the second period for a 3-2 lead, Ryan Poehling responded with a short-handed strike with 5:06 left in the period. Alexander Barabanov handed the Sharks the brief lead, scoring his seventh of the year with 2:53 left in the second.

Kaapo Kähkönen made 37 saves for the Sharks in net for the win while Casey Desmith made 26 in defeat.

The Sharks get a brief rest but hit the road again on the other side of the break. They’ll face Tampa Bay, Florida and Washington to kick off the second half.