Tag: Minnesota Wild

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Rangers closing in on second place; Flames win ties them with Jets for Wild Card spot; plus more

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Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) stands near the goal as the New York Rangers celebrate a goal by Chris Kreider during the third period at Madison Square Garden in New York on Wed Apr 5, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len:

#1 The New York Rangers Chris Kreider and Tyler Motte scored a goal each in the Rangers win over the Tampa Bay Lightning to notch closer to second place in the Metro Division. The Rangers picked up a 6-3 win at Madison Square Garden and are now just three points behind first place New Jersey Devils.

#2 The Calgary Flames are in a tie with the Winnipeg Jets for a second wild card for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference. The Flames defeated the Jets 3-1 at Canada Life Centre Wednesday night. You wanted to say something Jacob Marston.

#3 The Edmonton Oilers are having a great season and their closing in on first place in the NHL Pacific Division picking up their sixth straight win defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-1. The Oilers Ryan Nugent-Hopkins reached 100 points and goaltender Jack Campbell stopped 27 shots. The Oilers extended their points streak to 12 games.

#4 The Minnesota Wild Kirill Kaprizov got to practice on Wednesday for the first time since Mar 8th due to a lower back injury. Kaprizov wore a non contact sweater during the practice. Kaprizov will sit out Thursday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However Kaprizov could return on Saturday against the St Louis Blues.

#5 The Washington Capitals will miss their first post season for the first time in eight years It’s the first time the Caps have missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs since 2013-14 season. The Capitals played .500 hockey (34-34-9) but was not good enough to make the playoffs. The Caps are in 13th place in the Eastern Conference.

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

San Jose Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers: Sharks just can’t hold a lead; San Jose looking to snap three game skid tonight vs. CBJs

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The San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) shows his disappointment after allowing a goal to the Minnesota Wild’s center Fredrick Gaudreau (89) in the second period on Sat Mar 11, 2023 at SAP Center in San Jose (Mercury News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Troy Ewers:

#1 Dead last in the NHL Pacific Division the San Jose Sharks (19-36-12) who have now lost a seven of their last ten games and can’t hold a lead or when their tied.

#2 The Sharks have lost three in a row entering tonight’s game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at SAP Center. The Sharks took a tough loss in their last game to the Minnesota Wild (38-21-7) on Saturday 5-2.

#3 In the Saturday night loss Sharks goaltender James Reimer just couldn’t hold back the Wild attack in the third period giving up three goals and pretty much icing it for Minnesota for a three goal win 5-2.

#4 Reimer in net faced 28 shots, saved 24 and gave up five goals. This was a game where the Wild held the lead in all three periods: 1-0 in the first period, 2-1 after the second period, and 5-2 for the final.

#5 The Columbus Blue Jackets (20-38-7) who have lost four straight games and have struggled in their own right losing their last game to the St Louis Blues on Saturday 5-2. Troy how do you see tonight’s match up between the CBJs and the Sharks?

Troy Ewers fills in for the San Jose Sharks podcasts at the SAP Center in San Jose at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Wild use balanced attack to defeat Sharks 5-2

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The Minnesota Wild’s defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) scores the first goal of the game against the San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) in the first period at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 11, 2023 (@mnwild photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, March 11, 2023

Five different Minnesota players scored, John Klingberg and Ryan Hartman each assisted on two of its goals, as the Wild defeated San Jose 5-2 Saturday at SAP Center.

It was the third straight loss for the Sharks after beating Winnipeg on the road on Monday.

The Wild (38-21-7, 83 points) opened the scoring at 1:44 of the first period on Jared Spurgeon’s 10th goal of the season, giving Minnesota a 1-0 lead t the first intermission.

San Jose (19-36-12, 50 points) tied the game at 1-1 at 10:19 of the second period when Logan Couture scored on the power-play on assists from Erik Karlsson – his 64th helper – and Tomas Hertl. It was Couture’s 23rd goal of the season. Minnesota regained the lead just over two minutes before the second intermission on a power-play goal by Frederick Gaudreau.

The Wild extended their lead to 3-1 30 seconds into the third period when Marcus Johansson scored his 14th. Hertl’s 19th goal of the season, a power-play tally, pulled the Sharks to within 3-2 at 8:36. But Mats Zuccarello scored for Minnesota on the power-play at 11:00 and Matt Boldy addd an empty-netter at 18:03 to put the game away.

Marc-Andre Fleury stopped 35 of 37 shots for Minnesota, while Sharks netminder James Reimer faced 28 shots, stopping 24.

The Sharks’ homestand continues on Tuesday, when they host Columbus.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Len Shapiro: Sharks hope to build on Thursday’s win in Vancouver on Tuesday

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Minnesota Wild goaltender Filip Gustavsson (32) is unable to stop a shot by San Jose Sharks left wing Oskar Lindblom, foreground, for a goal during the second period at SAP Center on Thu Dec 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Len:

#1 Defenseman Erik Karlsson had a goal and three assists for the San Jose Sharks (11-18-6) Thursday, and was one of five different goal scorers for the Sharks in a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild (19-12-2) at SAP Center.

#2 Karlsson, Timo Meier, Kevin Lebanc, Oskar Lindblom and Noah Gregor each tallied for the Sharks, while goaltender James Reimer stopped 24 of 26 Wild shots. Karlsson’s three helpers gives him a team-leading 33 in that category.

#3 Kevin Labanc closed out the scoring with an unassisted power-play empty net goal at 19:46 of the third period. Minnesota’s Matt Boldy was serving a 2-minute minor for slashing at the time of Labanc’s goal.

#4 San Jose, 7th in the Pacific, improved to 11-18-6, 28 points. The Wild, third in the NHL Central, are 19-12-2, 40 points, and tied with Seattle for the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.

#5 The Sharks head to Vancouver to face off with the Canucks who have won five of their last ten games. The Canucks won in a shootout Thursday over the Seattle Kraken in Seattle 6-5. Face off at Rogers Centre in Vancouver on Tue Dec 27 at 7:00pm. Len how do you see this match up?

Join Len Shapiro Fridays for the Sharks podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Big night by Karlsson lifts Sharks past Minnesota 5-2

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San Jose Sharks center Noah Gregor is congratulated for his goal against the Minnesota Wild during the first period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Dec 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Thursday, December 22, 2022

Defenseman Erik Karlsson had a goal and three assists for San Jose Thursday, and was one of seven different goal scorers for the Sharks in a 5-2 win over Minnesota at SAP Center.

Karlsson, Timo Meier, Kevin Lebanc, Oskar Lindblom and Noah Gregor each tallied for the Sharks, while goaltender James Reimer stopped 24 of 26 Wild shots. Karlsson’s three helpers gives him a team-leading 33 in that category.

San Jose, 7th in the Pacific, improved to 11-18-6, 28 points. The Wild, third in the NHL Central, are 19-12-2, 40 points, and tied with Seattle for the fifth-best record in the Western Conference.

The Sharks opened the scoring 44 seconds into the first period on Karlsson’s 13th goal of the season, assisted by Jaycob Megna and Alexander Barabanov.

Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game at 1-1 for Minnesota with his 12th goal, coming at 2:20, Gregor’s second goal of the season at 11:37 gave San Jose a 2-1 lead at the first intermission.

Meier’s 16th goal of the season, a power-play tally, came at 12:47 of the second period, assisted by Karlsson and Nick Bonino. Prior to Meier’s goal, Mason Shaw of the Wild was serving a 5-minute major for kneeing, in addition to receiving a game misconduct penalty.

The Sharks extended their lead to 4-1 five minutes later on Lindblom’s second goal of the season, from Karlsson and Meier.

Mats Zuccarello pulled Minnesota to within 4-2 with his 15th goal, six seconds b3fore the second intermission.

Labanc closed out the scoring with an unassisted power-play empty net goal at 19:46 of the third period. Minnesota’s Matt Boldy was serving a 2-minute minor for slashing at the time of Labanc’s goal.

Filip Gustavsson gave up four of San Jose’s goals while stopping 20 of 24 shots.

After a break for the Christmas holiday, the Sharks return to action on Dec. 27 in Vancouver.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Kyrou’s two goals puts Blues past Flames; Zuccarello’s hat trick helps Wild defeat Hawks; plus more NHL news

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St. Louis Blues goalie Thomas Greiss, is congratulated by Pavel Buchnevich after defeating the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome in Calgary on Fri Dec 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Jordan Kyrou scored two goals for the St Louis Blues enough to wind up getting a three goal 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Friday night at the Saddledome in Calgary.

#2 Matt, Nats Zuccarello scored a hat trick for the Minnesota Wild to help beat the Chicago Blackhawks. Zuccarello also picked up an assist. Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and two assists for three points to hand the Hawks their fourth straight loss in St Paul.

#3 At the Capital One Center in Washington the Capitals Alex Ovechkin will face off against fellow Russian and Toronto Maple Leaf goaltender Ilya Samsonov tonight who said he’s proud that Ovechkin and wishes him well on his way to tying Gordie Howe’s career goal record at 801 goals which would put Ovechkin in second place on the all time list but Samsonov said but not against the Maple Leafs.

#4 Michael, the NHL is considering increasing the amount of the regular season schedule from 82 to 84 games. The reason would be travel demands of the NHL schedule but mainly it’ll bring more revenue for teams and the league.

#5 The Arizona Coyotes (10-14-4) hung on to beat the New York Islanders (17-13-1) in a see saw game 5-4. The Islanders Mathew Barzal provided a key goal that help defeat the Coyotes as the Islanders improve to 17 season wins. The Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka allowed four goals and stopped 30 shots.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: CBJs-Predators game postponed in Nashville; Leafs extend point streak to seven; plus more

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Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) go after the puck during the first period at the Excel Energy Center in St Paul on Fri Nov 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 A very unusual NHL occurrence as today’s game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators has been postponed due to a water main break at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The report says the break had significantly impacted the building and can’t service fans or even the players at the Nashville rink. The Jackets, Predators, or the NHL have not announced a make up date yet.

#2 The Toronto Maple Leafs have extended their point streak to seven games with a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild at the Excel Energy Center in St Paul. The Leafs Mitchell Marner extended his point streak to 15 games with a goal. The Leafs have now won two straight games and got 25 saves from goaltender Matt Murray.

#3 The Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dach has an eye for the backend of the net during shootouts. Dach scored his second consecutive game winning shootout goal getting the Habs a 3-2 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago.

#4 Can’t hold a good team down as the Boston Bruins won their 12th consecutive game which is a NHL record for home victories getting the win over the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. The Bruins David Pastrnak scored on a power play goal at 3:19 in the overtime stanza for a one timer after a pass from Brad Marchand.

#5 The Pittsburgh Penguins Ryan Poehling scored scored two goals which help contribute to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Pens Teddy Blueger had three assists, Josh Archibald got a goal and an assist, good enough for their fifth straight win.

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

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Buffalo suffering from key injuries; NHL teams inquiring about a Karlsson trade with San Jose; plus more news

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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) checks Ottawa Senators right wing Mathieu Joseph (21) as they skate after the puck through the crease of Sabres goaltender Eric Comrie (31) during the second period at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Fri Nov 18, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Buffalo Sabers are suffering from key injuries the Sabers report that goaltender Eric Comrie has suffered a lower body injury and is expected to be out for multiple weeks. Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Dahlin rammed Ottawa right winger Mathieu Joseph into Comrie at 9:43 in the second period. Comrie stayed 14 seconds longer and allowed a goal and was pulled after the goal.

#2 San Jose Sharks general manager Mike Grier said that he is entertaining offers from other NHL clubs who would be interested in defenseman Erik Karlsson’s services. Karlsson right now leads all NHL defenseman in goals scored with 11 goals. Grier says that Karlsson and his family is happy in San Jose and Grier would speak with Karlsson before anything is decided.

#3 For the Dallas Stars goaltender Scott Wedgewood a scary moment when he was carted off the ice with an upperbody injury during Thursday night’s game against the Florida Panthers at FLA Arena in Sunrise. Wedgewood ended up holding the Panthers center Anton Lundell on a breakaway Wedgewood’s back locked up and he was laid out only to get stretched off. Stars head coach Peter DeBoer said that Wedgewood later was walking around in the dressing room after the game and that he should be fine.

#4 The Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is out with a upper body injury. Fleury has an upper body injury the report says that Fluery had contact in net likewise his counter Nashville goaltender was bumped around quite a bit. Fleury is listed day to day. Fluery is getting treatment from the doctors.

#5 Matt it’s been a very special week as the NHL and NHLPA are in joint initiative to raise cancer awareness for Hockey Fights Cancer. This is the 24th season the NHL and NHLPA are doing Hockey Fights Cancer. It’s been a humbling but yet special week for the players all that have been involved.

Matt does the NHL podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Rally to Erase 2 Goal Deficit, Beat Wild 3-2 in Shootout for First Back-to-back Wins of Season

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Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek is stopped by San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer (47) with Sharks’ Jaycob Megna and Nico Sturm (7) looking on in the first period at the Excel Energy Arena in St Paul Minn on Sun Nov 13, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

The San Jose Sharks scored two goals in the final seven minutes to erase a two-goal deficit and finished off the Minnesota Wild in a shootout for their first set of consecutive wins. Steven Lorentz scored his second goal of the year for San Jose (59-3), Nico Sturm scored his sixth and James Reimer made 28 saves for the win.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic had a pair of assists and Erik Karlsson added a helper for his team-leading 22nd point of the season. Connor Dewar and Frederick Gaudreau tallied the goals for Minnesota (7-6-2) while Filip Gustavsson made 35 saves.

Kirill Kaprizov had the lone goal of the shootout when Nick Bonino hit the ice for the Sharks third do-or-die shot. He beat Gustavsson then Reimer made a toe save on Joel Eriksson Ek to give San Jose a shot to win in the fourth round. Alexander Barabanov went five-hole on Gustavsson to seal the deal for the two points.

With the Sharks Trailing 2-0, Lorentz started the comeback after grazing the net front and picking up a rebound off Vlasic’s point shot. His first backhander wasn’t successful but he got a second opportunity and buried it at the 13:56 mark.

Sturm, a member of the Minnesota Wild from 2018 to a mid-season trade last year, created the tying goal out of nothing. He picked the puck off the Sharks end boards while Minnesota were transitioning back to defense. He fed it to Vlasic in the Sharks end and Vlasic dished it to Karlsson coming down the center lane.

Karlsson backhanded it to Sturm before crossing the defensive blue line and Sturm skated it all the way into the offensive zone, snapping a wrist shot before the faceoff circle that beat Gustavsson stick side for a 2-2 tie with 4:11 left.

Gaudreau’s goal 6:45 into the first period was a thing of beauty both for the goal and Kaprizov’s assist. Kaprizov was able to thread a puck through three Sharks defenders on the boards in an inexplicable angle. Gaudreau was turned with his back to the end wall, but he turned and waited out Reimer skating across the crease for the 1-0 lead.

The other Wild goal came on a Sharks gaffe with Karlsson manning the point on the power play. The defenseman was back skating butay have hit a divot and took a tumble, giving Mason Shaw a breakaway chance. Dewar joined Jim for a 2-on-0, Shaw did the unselfish thing and made the pass and Dewar buried the easy goal 3:37 into the third.

After winning back-to-back games where they weren’t their best, the Sharks will need their A-game for the win in their next game. They travel to Sin City to face the Western Conference leader Golden Knights Tuesday night.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Montreal Legend Lafleur passes at 70; Wild’s Kaprizov passes 100 points for the season; plus more

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Former Montreal Canadien Guy LaFleur was a staple in Montreal sports, LaFleur was a five time Stanley Cup Champion and scored 50 or more points for six consecutive seasons (file photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 He was called the cornerstone of the Montreal Canadiens dynasty, scoring at least 50 goals for six straight seasons for the Habs superstar Guy Lafleur died at age 70 after a three year battle with cancer. LaFleur played from 1971 to 1985 and returned to playing from 1988-91 and was a five time Stanley Cup Champion.

#2 The Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov scored his 100th point and then eclipsed it on Friday against the Seattle Kraken at the Xcel Energy Center in St Paul in a 6-3 win. Kevin Fiala set a Wild record with five assists for points in nine consecutive games.

#3 The Ottawa Senators goaltender Filip Gustavsson stopped 33 shots enough to hold back the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on Friday night in Columbus. The Senators won in a shootout 2-1. The Sens Tim Stutzle scored the only goal in the shootout enough for Ottawa to get by Columbus.

#4 The Toronto Maple Leafs Wayne Simmonds was fined $2250 for charging the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Mikhail Sergachev at 15:21 of the third period of Thursday’s game in Tampa Bay. The money goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund.

#5 The Chicago Blackhawks and San Jose Sharks are at SAP Center in San Jose. The Blackhawks have won two of their last 11 games, more recently winning two of their last five games. The Sharks come into tonight’s game winning one of their last 11 games.

Matt does the Sharks podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com