Tag: Toronto Maple Leafs

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

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Yasiel Puig of Team Venezuela heads to first base after being walked against Curacao in the third inning of the Caribbean Series on Feb 2, 2024. (AP file photo)

That’s Amaury News and Commentary:

Yasiel Puig signs contract in Canada while awaiting sentence in the US

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Cuban-born ex-Major League star recently signed a contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the CBL (Canadian Baseball League).

Puig is currently awaiting sentencing following his February 2026 conviction on federal charges. On February 6, he was found guilty by a Federal Grand Jury of obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal investigators. These charges stem from a 2019 investigation into an illegal sports gambling operation run by Wayne Nix, where Puig placed over 900 bets on sports, including tennis, football, and Basketball.

Yasiel Puig finds himself in quite a conundrum

The 2026 season for the Canadian Baseball League (CBL)—formerly the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL)—opens on Sunday, May 10, 2026, Mother’s Day.

The inaugural season as the rebranded, fully professional CBL begins with a matchup between the Kitchener Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs (where Yasiel Puig is expected to play) at Christie Pts in Toronto.

The situation, Puig is scheduled to be sentenced on May 26, 2026, which is a couple of weeks after he begins playing in Canada with the Maple Leafs. Those might be the last games of professional baseball that the talented Cuban player will see for a while, since he faces up to 15 years in Federal Prison

The sentencing is set to take place in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

Unfortunate story for a baseball player who came into the major leagues with great talent and a lot of promise

MLB career. Puig played in 861 regular-season games with the LA Dodgers (2013-2018) and the Cleveland Indians, where he played his final game on September 27, 2019. 

  • Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
  • Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
  • Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.
  • As a braodcaster with the LA Angels for FOX SPORT LA,  I interviewed Yasiel in one ocassion,and for our pregame show when the Dodgers were visiting Angel Stadium at the time Yasiel Puig was the player everybody was talking about.
  • Teams: Los Angeles Dodgers (2013–2018), Cincinnati Reds (2019), and Cleveland Indians (2019).
  • Career Stats: Over seven seasons, he batted .277 with 132 home runs, 415 RBI, and 441 runs scored.
  • Position: Primarily played right field, but also saw time in center and left field.
  • Debut/Last Game: He debuted on June 3, 2013, and played his final MLB game on September 27, 2019.  

“Wild Horse” -Legendary Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully nicknamed Yasiel Puig the “Wild Horse” shortly after his 2013 debut to describe his fearless, energetic, and often undisciplined style of play.

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks dominate with 3 goal win 4-1 over Leafs

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San Jose Sharks defenseman Dimitry Orlov (9) collides with the Toronto Maple Leafs center Bo Groulx (29) in the second period at SAP Center in San Jose on Thu Apr 2, 2026 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 San Jose Sharks Zack Ostapchuk’s long wait is over as Ostapchuk scored his first goal in three months helping beat the Toronto Maple Leafs at SAP Center for the Sharks fourth win in a row.

#2 Collin Graf, William Eklund and Adam Gaudette scored goals for San Jose and the Sharks goaltender Alex Nedelijokvic stopped 18 Toronto shots in the 4-1 win.

#3 The Sharks are cutting close in their chase for the last wild card spot the Sharks are closing in and they haven’t been in the post season since 2018-19

#4 Sharks Macklin Celebrini who had scored nine points in his last three games was pretty much double teamed by the Leafs defense was held to three shots and didn’t score a goal.

#5 The Sharks next game is against the Nashville Predators and the Predators are one of the teams that the Sharks had been chasing in the wild card race Saturday night at SAP Center.

Len Shapiro does the San Jose Sharks podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Keeps Hopes Up High in 4-1 Win over Toronto Maple Leafs

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San Jose Sharks players gather to celebrate their win at SAP Center over the Toronto Maple Leafs on April 2, 2026 (Sharks Media)

By: Fernando Abarca

SAN JOSE, Calif.–– The San Jose Sharks continued their late-season push toward the postseason with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night at SAP Center, extending their winning streak to three games and moving into a crucial playoff position.

With the Western Conference wild-card race tightening by the day, San Jose entered the contest fully aware that anything short of a win could jeopardize its chances. Instead, the Sharks delivered one of their most complete performances of the season, combining early offensive execution with disciplined defensive play and timely special teams.

San Jose wasted little time asserting control. Just four minutes into the opening period, the Sharks capitalized on a faceoff win in the offensive zone. A quick puck movement from the boards to the right circle set up a clean shooting lane, and a well-placed wrist shot beat the Toronto goaltender to give the Sharks a 1-0 lead and energize the home crowd.

The early goal established the tempo, as San Jose dictated play through aggressive forechecking and efficient puck movement. Toronto generated several scoring opportunities midway through the period, including a pair of quality looks from the slot, but were unable to solve the Sharks’ defensive structure and goaltending.

The Sharks extended their lead later in the first period when Colin Graf capitalized on a loose puck in front of the net. After sustained pressure in the offensive zone, a shot from the point created a rebound that Graf quickly buried, giving San Jose a 2-0 advantage heading into the first intermission.

Toronto came out with greater urgency in the second period and began to tilt the ice, earning multiple power-play opportunities. The Maple Leafs broke through on one of those chances, as John Tavares converted with a precise shot from the faceoff circle, cutting the deficit to 2-1 and briefly shifting momentum in favor of the visitors.

Despite the goal, San Jose remained composed. The Sharks adjusted defensively, closing passing lanes and limiting second-chance opportunities, while also regaining control in the neutral zone. Physical play increased as both teams battled along the boards, but San Jose’s structure prevented Toronto from building sustained pressure.

In the third period, the Sharks reestablished their offensive rhythm and began to pull away. Strong puck possession and effective zone entries led to extended time in the attacking end, eventually resulting in an insurance goal that pushed the lead to 3-1. The sequence highlighted San Jose’s depth, with multiple players contributing to the buildup before the finish.

Toronto attempted to mount a late comeback, increasing offensive pressure and pulling its goaltender for an extra attacker in the final minutes. However, the Sharks’ defensive unit held firm, blocking shots and clearing rebounds to protect the lead.

With under a minute remaining, Adam Gaudette put the game out of reach, collecting the puck in the neutral zone and scoring into an empty net to seal the 4-1 victory.

The win carries significant playoff implications, as San Jose now occupies the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. After spending much of the season on the outside of the playoff picture, the Sharks have surged at a critical moment, fueled by improved defensive consistency and timely scoring.

San Jose will now look ahead to Saturday’s matchup, which looms as potentially the most important game of its season. With multiple teams still in contention for the final postseason spots, the Sharks understand that maintaining their momentum will be essential as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Utah Mammoth game wrap: Mammoth Unleash Six Goal Stampede, Bomb Maple Leafs To The Stone Age 6-1

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Utah Mammoth center Barrett Hayton (27) takes a shot against Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Dennis Hildeby (35) in the third period at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City on Tue Jan 13, 2026 (AP News photo)

By Tom Walker

SALT LAKE CITY–Utah Mammoth scored early and often in rout of Toronto Maple Leafs 6-1 to improve to 5-1-1 in January.

The Mammoth (22-20-4) squared off against the Maple Leafs (23-15-7) on Tuesday night for the fourth game of seven in the current homestand.  Making his Delta Center debut in a Maple Leafs sweater was former Utah forward Matias Maccelli who has seven goals and ten assists in 34 games so far this season for Toronto, one goal and point shy of his 2024-2025 season totals in 55 games.

The Mammoth took an early lead at 3:22 of the first period when forward Michael Carcone, who wasn’t expecting to return to Utah this season but ultimately re-signed with the team in July, put the puck past Maple Leafs netminder

Dennis Hildeby for his ninth of the season, assisted by Nate Schmidt and John Marino. Carcone, who grew up about 30 miles outside of Toronto, has scored the opening goal both times Utah has faced the Maple Leafs this season as well as their most recent matchup last season. 

The Ajax, Ontario forward is enjoying a bounce-back season after scoring just seven goals in 53 games last year.  The remainder of the opening period was scoreless, with Hildeby stopping 11 of 12 shots and Mammoth goalie Karel Vejmelka turning away all 6 shots on goal from Toronto.

Utah forward Dylan Guenther doubled the Mammoth lead at 5:26 of the second period with his team-leading 22nd of the year, assisted by Jack McBain and Ian Cole.  Barely a minute later, Guenther lit the lamp again with a laser beam over the shoulder of Hildeby for his 23rd of the season, assisted again by McBain.

Guenther’s two goals in a 78-second span are now the fastest two goals by the same player in franchise history, surpassing the previous record of 110 seconds by Logan Cooley last October against St. Louis.  At 15:25 of the frame, German Olympian and Utah forward JJ Peterka got in on the action scoring his 16th of the season, assisted by Daniil But and Cole, much to the delight of a large group of German tourists who are attending NHL games in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles over the coming days.  The Mammoth took their 4-0 lead to the locker room, with Vejmelka stopping all 9 shots he faced in the period.

Toronto forward Calle Järnkrok spoiled Vejmelka’s shutout bid with his 6th goal of the season at 3:30 of the third, assisted by Oliver Ekman-Larsson, narrowing Utah’s lead to 4-1, but that would be the lone goal for the Maple Leafs as Utah continued to step on the gas.

At 13:29 of the final frame, Mammoth forward Jack McBain tipped in his 6th goal of the season, assisted by Guenther and Carcone, to restore Utah’s four-goal cushion.  McBain, a Toronto native, earned three points on the night against his hometown team, and now has seven points (4g, 3a) in eight career games against them.

  With three minutes remaining in the game, Daniil But put an exclamation mark on the Mammoth victory with his third goal of his rookie season, assisted by Barrett Hayton and Peterka, as Utah won its third game of the homestand 6-1 and improve to 5-1-1 in the new year.

Vejmelka stopped 19 of 20 shots in his winning effort, and leads the NHL with 21 victories this season.  Guenther’s first goal in the second period turned out to be the game-winner, his sixth on the season, just one game-winning goal shy of NHL leader Steven Stamkos who has seven. 

Defenseman Ian Cole, who recorded two assists in the game, spoke of the team’s killer attitude in his locker room interview.  “It’s more of a mindset for us, and sticking with that mindset regardless of what happens, whether we go up, whether we go down, whether it’s tied. Regardless of what the situation is, sticking with that and keeping that mindset. I think we’re getting better as we go here, but we have to keep building. That’s a good team to beat, but it’s not going to matter two days from now, so we have to do it again.” Talking about Utah’s defensive effort, which limited Toronto to 20 shots on the night, Cole said, “That’s a highly skilled team, so we want to take away time and space. You want to make sure that those skill guys have a tough time getting shots off and making plays. I think we did a pretty good job of that. It’s the right mindset, and it wasn’t just our D, It was our forwards too. We can keep good gaps, but if they don’t track back, it’s gonna be odd-man rushes all night. So they did a great job.” On the Mammoth having earned points in five straight games, Cole added, “It’s great. Accruing points is kind of the name of the game. We’re disappointed in how we let some points slip away early in the year, but as of right now, it’s kind of do or die. If we wait to find our game or we wait to turn this corner, we’re going to run out of time. There’s only eighty-two games in the season. We need to play well and play well right now. I think we’re making some great strides there.” 

Dylan Guenther added praise for the play of Michael Carcone in the game. “Yeah, he’s a really good player. I think he’s had success at every level, and he’s produced at every level. He’s worked for everything. So he’s a great guy to play with, and super fast. He’s a really big part of our team.” As for the hot start in the new year, Guenther said, “Yeah, it’s been a good stretch. I think we’ve talked about this stretch for a little bit, and have been looking forward to getting a little bit of time at home. So it’s nice to be getting points, and we play a really good team next game, so just make sure that we’re ready to go after a win like tonight.” For Utah, which fell just short of a playoff spot last season, continuing to press at this stage of the year is critical. “Yeah, I think that’s the big picture,” said Guenther. “I think we’re fighting, and every game’s a fight. So I think if we play like that every game, then, there’s a really good chance.”

A happy head coach, André Tourigny, opened his postgame remarks by saying, “Obviously, a really good game. We liked the pace of our game; the speed we had offensively and defensively. I think we attacked every shift with a lot of speed through the neutral zone and a lot of pace, a lot of pressure on their D. We knew (Toronto) was on the back-to-back; they played a big game yesterday. After the game against Columbus, I talked to you about the mindset. I said it’s not about focus, it’s not about execution. It’s the mindset we had in that game and the way we tried to play the game tonight. Obviously, we’ll take the result, but it’s more than that.” Bear talked about some of the line changes, including how McBain’s line performed as a unit. “I think they played hard and fast. They were really fast in everything they did. They never slowed down. They were coming really fast. That’s three good skaters. I think it clicked. Sometimes, it’s tough to explain why; it just happens. I think (Dylan Guenther) and (Michael Carcone) had success last year when they played together. Same thing with (Guenther) and (Jack McBain)–they had success when they played together last year. That was the rationale behind it. We were hoping (Daniil But) and JJ (Peterka) and (Barrett Hayton) would click as well. It is what it is.”  The “killer instinct” comment came up again in the interview with Tourigny, who responded, “We gave up five shots in the third. I think we kept the pace defensively. I feel, in a sense, (Toronto was) trying more plays and stuff like that. So they had a little bit more possession. Still, we played the right way. We put pucks behind; we were on them. They had no easy possessions. We were on them a lot.”

Next up for Utah (23-20-4) on Thursday are the Dallas Stars (27-11-9), who lost 3-1 to the Ducks in Anaheim on Tuesday night.

Sharks Bounce Back to Beat Maple Leafs 3-2 in OT

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San Jose Sharks’ William Eklund (72) and Alexander Wennberg (21) celebrate the game-winning goal against Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Dennis Hildeby (35) during overtime NHL hockey action in Toronto on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime. Dmitry Orlov, John Klingberg and Alexander Wennberg scored for the Sharks. Alex Nedeljkovic made 28 saves for the win. Dakota Joshua and Auston Matthews scored for Toronto. Dennis Hildeby made 29 saves in the loss.

Dakota Joshua opened the scoring at 14:33 of the first period. He tipped a shot from Jake McCabe. An assist also went to William Nylander, who started the play with a pass from behind the net.

The Sharks had two power plays in the first and took no penalties. The shots were even at 11.

Auston Matthews doubled the Maple Leafs lead with a power play goal at 14:32 of the second period. Nylander’s pass from acoss the ice found Matthews near the goal line and ready to shoot. An assist also went to Morgan Rielly.

Less than a minute later, Dmitry Orlov cut the Toronto lead in half. He took his shot from the left face-off dot and put it off the bar. Assists went to John Klingberg and Alexander Wennberg.

The shots were 14-8 Toronto in the second. The Sharks took two penalties and had no power plays.

At 8:54 of the third, Ryan Reaves put the puck in the net, redirecting a shot from Barclay Goodrow. The Maple Leafs challenged the play as offsides. Though Gaudette seemed to have control of the puck while backing into the zone, the challenge succeeded.

With their net empty, the Sharks tied it at 18:35 of the third. John Klingberg scored with a slap shot through traffic. Assists went to Macklin Celebrini and Wennberg.

Each team took one penalty and the Sharks outshot Toronto 11-5 in the third.

Wennberg capped off his three point night with the overtime game winner 2:49 into the extra frame. Skating into the zone two-on-one with William Eklund, Wennberg scored on the rebound from Eklund’s shot.

The Sharks next play on Saturday in Pittsburgh against the Penguins at 12:00 PM PT.

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro: Sharks take on Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena Thursday

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San Jose Sharks Macklin Celebrini (71) scores a goal against the Winnipeg Jets on Fri Nov 7, 2025 at SAP Center in San Jose. Celebrini and the Sharks take on the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thu Dec 11, 2025 (AP News photo)

San Jose Sharks podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 The San Jose Sharks took a tough loss on Tuesday night against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia getting beat by three goals 4-1.

#2 The Flyers Travis Konecny scored his 500th point of the season and Flyer goaltender Dan Vladar stopped 17 shots and allowed only one goal.

#3 The Sharks Collin Graf scored the first goal of the game when he drove it past the cross slot from a John Klingberg pass at 11:33.

#4 Sharks starting goaltender Yaroslav Askarov was out with an illness and the Sharks started Alex Nedelijkovic who stopped 26 shots but allowed four goals. The Sharks signed 39 year old geologist Justin Kowalkoski as an emergency back up who hadn’t played hockey since his college days 17 years ago at Colgate to a one game amateur contract.

#5 Up next for the Sharks the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday night at 4pm PT. The Leafs have won four of their last five games and are 14-11-4. The Leafs are fifth in the Eastern Conference. The Sharks have lost three of their last four games as they visit the Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Join Len Shapiro for the San Jose Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

 

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong: Stars turn up the offense on Oilers; Will Matthews and Roy return to Leafs to help end their losing streak?; plus more NHL news

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Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) can’t stop the Edmonton Oilers Connor Clattenburg’s (64) shot in the second period for a goal at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Tue Nov 25, 2025 (Canadian Press photo via AP)

NHL podcast Jessica Kwong:

  1. Was Tuesday night’s showdown between Dallas Stars and Edmonton Oilers a preview of a Western Conference power-race?
  2. Can Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Nicolas Roy return in time to help the Toronto Maple Leafs end their skid?
  3. Will the sudden surge of the Utah Hockey Club’s Logan Cooley — coming off a four-goal, five-point night — make him the breakout star of the season?
  4. Are surprise teams like Anaheim Ducks and Buffalo Sabres reshaping the early-season standings more than expected?
  5. Could lineup shakeups and injuries across the league change the playoff-race narrative before December ends?

Join Jessica Kwong does the NHL podcasts every other Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874

From the second you step in the front door, the sounds of Latin America will gently seduce your ears and continue as you relax outdoors with your favorite cocktail enjoying the view. The wonderful flavors and aromas of our cuisine will not disappoint.

We use only the finest, freshest, local ingredients in every dish and every dish is prepared to order. Enjoy live mariachi music weekly and on special occasions, catch balet folklorico dance performances among other live entertainment. Come visit us and have a great time! Enjoy fast, friendly service, fantastic food & cocktails, music and allow us to share our beautiful Mexican heritage with you.

LaTerraza Mexican Restaurant at 1027 2nd Street in Old Sacramento give them a call at 916-440-0874.

NHL podcast with Jessica Kwong: McDavid reaches milestone for Oilers; Pens drop 3-0 lead to Leafs; plus more news

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Edmonton Oilers Conner McDavid scored his 1100th career point against the St Louis Blues on Tue Nov 3, 2025 (USA Today file photo)

NHL podcast with Jessica Kwong:

#1 What milestone did Connor McDavid reach during the Edmonton Oilers-St. Louis Blues game, and why is it significant in the league history?

#2 How did the Toronto Maple Leafs manage to turn around their game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and which player(s) catalyzed the comeback?

#3 What impact did rookie Ben Kindel have in the Penguins’ loss to the Maple Leafs, and what record or milestone did he achieve in that game?

#4 In the matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and the Nashville Predators, what situation did Vancouver overcome to win the game, and what does that say about their performance under pressure?

#5 Which two superstar forwards were set to face each other in the upcoming game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Colorado Avalanche, and what was the added significance of that matchup according to the preview?

Jessica Kwong is an NHL podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa: Panthers cut Leafs series lead 2-1; Florida’s Marchand gets OT goal winner

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Florida Panthers center Carter Verhaeghe (23) celebrates teammate Brand Marchand (63) overtime game winning goal to defeat the Toronto Maple Leafs at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Fri May 9, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Mary Lisa:

#1 The Florida Panthers got the game winning goal in overtime from Brad Marchand who scored on a deflected shot at 15:27 as the Panthers picked up their first win in the Eastern Conference semifinals 5-4 to cut the Toronto Maple Leafs lead 2-1.

#2 The shot by Marchand hit the Leafs Morgan Rielly and ended up going over Toronto goaltender Joseph Woll for the goal. It was one four goals that ended up being a ricochet going off an opposing player two for each team.

#3 For Florida Aleksander Barkov, Sam Reinhart, Carter Verhaeghe, and Jonah Gadjovich all scored. The Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky saved 27 shots and Evan Rodrigues got two assists. The Panthers who lost the first two games of this series have gone 13-2 in their last 15 playoff games in overtime.

#4 The Leafs John Tavares scored twice and Matthew Knies and Reilly also had a goal apiece. Leafs goaltender Woll stopped 32 Florida shots.

#5 Game 4 is Sunday at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise. The Leafs have a chance to go up two games 3-1 but the Panthers who have home ice can tie the series up 2-2 and take the series tie for game 5 back to Toronto.

Join Mary Lisa for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro Fri May 2, 2025: Leafs eliminate Sens in six games with 4-2 win; Knights edge Wild 3-2 to advance to next round; plus more NHL news

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Toronto Maple Leafs William Nylander (right) and Matthew Knies (23) as Autin Matthews scores on the Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark (35) in game six of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Canadian Tire Centre on Thu May 1, 2025 (AP News photo)

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast Len Shapiro:

#1 In the Eastern Conference first round Max Pacioretty ended a 2-2 deadlock for the Toronto Maple Leafs at 5:39 in the third period and eliminated the Ottawa Senators 4-2 and in the series by the same score in game six at Canadian Tire Centre Thursday night. Senators goalie Linus Ullmark was beat by Pacioretty glove side with a wrist shot from the left face off circle.

#2 The Vegas Golden Knights Jack Eichel scored his first goal in the playoffs and also added an assist as the Knights eliminated the Minnesota Wild 3-2 in game six in the First Round of the Western Conference playoffs at the Xcel Energy Center Thursday night.

#3 Colorado Avalanche Valeri Nichushkin led with two goals to help prevent the Avalanche from being eliminated in game 6 on Thursday night with a 7-4 win at Ball Arena in Denver. The series is now tied up 3-3 with game seven in Dallas on Saturday. The Aves Cale Makar and Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists, Martin Necas scored a goal and got an assist.

#4 The Edmonton Oilers eliminated the Los Angeles Kings in game six four games to two. The Oilers got a two goal win 6-4 and got goals from Connor Brown, Zach Hyman, Ryan Nugent Hopkins, Darnell Nurse, Trent Frederic, and Adam Hendrique. Plenty of help in putting this first round to bed on Thursday night.

#5 Friday night the Winnipeg Jets who hold a 3-2 lead over the St Louis Blues play game six at the Enterprise Center. It’s been a grind of a series with the Jets winning the last game 5-3 on Wednesday night in Winnipeg. The Blues have home ice and tie this series up in game 6.

Len Shapiro does the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com