Tag: Washington Capitals

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

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Panthers Montour scores game winner in OT; Engvail scores go ahead goal for Isles; plus more news

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Florida Panthers defenseman Brandon Montour celebrates his overtime game winning goal against the Toronto Maple Leafs in an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Wednesday, March 29, 2023. (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Florida Panthers came back in the third period to tie it up 2-2 and won it in overtime with a goal by the Panthers Brandon Montour at 1:41 as Florida gets by in a one goal win 3-2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

#2 The New York Islanders improved their chances in the Eastern Conference in the wild card race with a 2-1 over the Washington Capitals in Washington at the Capital One Center on Wednesday night. The Islanders Pierre Engvail scored for the second straight game. Islanders goaltender IIya Sorokin stopped stopped 25 shots and was key in the Isles win.

#3 The New York Rangers Filip Chytil signed a four year deal with the Rangers worth $17.75 million. The contract at a yearly salary is $4.4375. Chytil scored 22 goals, 20 assists, for 42 points in 66 games. The Rangers like his game and what he has done and wanted to get Chytil signed as he could have been a free agent at the end of the season.

#4 The Chicago Blackhawks Jonathan Toews might not be with the Blackhawks in the closing days of the regular season. Toews is a three time Stanley Cup champion and has been ill with long Covid 19 and has been out of action since Jan 28th and said he will be taking time off on Feb 21. Toews had missed the entire 2021-22 season.

#5 Thomas Chabot of the Ottawa Senators will be out for the rest of the regular season due to an upper body injury Chabot who plays defenseman had to leave on Monday after getting hit the by the Florida Panthers Givani Smith in the third period in a 5-2 win. Chabot did return to the game but after the game head coach DJ Smith said Chabot would not be available Thursday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Capitals bury Sharks 8-3; SJ drops fifth straight game

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Kappo Kahkonen (36) goaltender of the San Jose Sharks stopped 22 shots faced 30 and allowed eight goals against the Washington Capitals at SAP Center in San Jose on Sat Mar 4, 2023 (photo by SanJoseSharks)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, March 4, 2023

Alex Ovechkin and Craig Smith each scored twice on Saturday, leading the Washington Capitals past the San Jose Sharks 8-3 at SAP Center.

Rasmus Sandin had three assists in his first game as a Capital, Garrison Carlsson had two assists in his Washington debut and Vincent Iorio picked up his first point in his first NHL game.

The Capitals pumped in four goals in the second period and four more in the third after trailing 2-0 at the first intermission. Tomas Hertl scored San Jose’s first goal on the power play at 12:03 and Alexander Barabanov made it 2-0 for the home team at 15:30.

In the second period, after the Capitals made a couple of line adjustments, Smith scored from the right circle on an assist from Dylan Strome, cutting the Washington deficit to 2-1 at 8:46. Less than three minutes later, Nicolas Aube-Kubel scored the equalizer, beating Sharks netminder Kaapo Kahkonen at 11:30.

Former Shark Matt Irwin put the Capitals ahead to stay at 15:28 of the second with a slap shot from the left point. Smith scored his second goal of the game with a minute remaining in the period.

T.J. Oshie made it 5-2 at 5;50 of the third period, shortly before Sharks coach David Quinn received a game misconduct penalty for arguing a call. Nico Sturm scored on a one-timer to cut the Washington lead to 5-3 at 9:02, but Ovechkin scored his 34th and 35th goals of the season in response, followed by a tally from Strome.

Kahkonen stopped 22 of 30 shots, while Washington goalie Darcy Kuemper made 38 saves.

The Sharks have a two-game road trip on Monday and Tuesday, visiting Winnipeg and Colorado.

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 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.

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.

Red Wings Take 3-2 OT Win Over Sharks, San Jose Loses Third In A Row

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Detroit Red Wings center Andrew Copp (18) celebrates his goal against the San Jose Sharks during overtime in an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2023, at Little Caesars Pizza Palace in Detroit (AP News photo)

By Matthew Harrington

San Jose twice found responses to the Detroit Red Wings Tuesday night at little Caesars Arena, but Andrew Copp scored 25 seconds into overtime to hand the Sharks (14-25-10) their third loss in a row and sixth loss in seven games.

Erik Karlsson assisted on both Sharks goals, strikes by Logan Couture and Timo Meier and James Reimer made 32 saves in the loss. Ville Husso made 28 saves in net for the Red Wings (20-18-8), Michael Rasmussen had a goal and an assist and Adam Erne also lit the lamp for the Winged Wheel.

Copp’s game winner, his fifth of the year, came on a net front scramble after a Rasmussen shot bounced off Reimer. With Reimer down and all skaters searching for the puck, Copp picked up the loose change to end the game.

Erne opened the scoring on a tip-in 2:17 into the second period, but Timo Meier was able to cash in on a wrap around from behind the net to Husso’s left, scoring his 28th goal of the year 7:58 into the period. Karlsson and Tomas Hertl assisted on the goal.

While Little Caesars may not have the lively boards that Joe Louis Arena was known for, the Wings still can benefit from a Detroit bounce from time to time.

That was the case for Rasmussen’s goal, after a clearing attempt off the glass by a Sharks defender found its way right back into the slot on an unexpected carom. Rasmussen was there to wire it home past Reimer for a 2-1 Detroit lead with 3:31 left in the second.

Couture tied the game in the closing seconds of the middle frame, beating Husso with just seven seconds remaining before the second intermission. Karlsson took a pair of shots that took healthy bounces off a pair of Wings defenders. Couture, waiting to Husso’s left, managed to bat the puck out of mid-air for his 17th goal of the year.

Nico Sturm nearly won the game for San Jose on a breakaway after a dogged back check forced a Wings turn over, but Husso was able to shut the door to set up Copp’s heroics.

The Sharks continue the arduous roadie, heading to Carolina to face Brent Burns Friday night. They’ll then head to Pittsburgh to face the Penguins in a back-to-back before adjourning for the All-star Break. They’ll open post break with contests against the Lightning and Panthers on the road , finishing up with another road game in Washington D.C. Sunday the 12th. In total, that’s four playoff teams of five with the Panthers also waiting in the playoff wings.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: NJ’s Severson goal come up big against Rangers; Jackets Marchenko’s hat trick does the trick against Canes; plus much more

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On the NHL podcast with Matt:

New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey on Sat Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

#1 Damon Severson of the New Jersey Devils scored at 2:17 in overtime to help New Jersey get a 4-3 win in overtime against the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center in Newark. Severson stole the puck away from the Rangers Alex Lafreniere and went two on one with it against Nico Heschier to score the gamer.

#2 Columbus Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko picked up his first NHL hat trick that help defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Saturday. Kent Johnson contributed with the game winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout stanza for the win.

#3 On Friday night the Nashville Predators Ryan McDonagh got a first goal of the season after playing in 31 games. McDonagh got a pass from Ryan Johansen and avoided the Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lingren’s left pad with a back handed goal to beat the Caps 4-3.

#4 The Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad scored two power play goals as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Detroit Red Wings at Little Casers Pizza Arena on Friday 3-2.

#5 In a game that’s coming up on Saturday night at SAP in San Jose the Boston Bruins who are 30-4-4 face off with the San Jose Sharks 12-20-8. The Bruins always show up but can the Sharks play up to the level tonight?

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

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Ovechkin is #2 on all time NHL goals list; Pastrnak scores twice in 4-3 Bruins win; plus much more

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Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Washington DC on Thu Dec 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

On NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin scored career goals 801 and 802 to tie and pass Gordie Howe for second on the all time NHL list. Ovechkin scored at 18:22 in the first period and at 19:22 in third period Ovechkin scored goal number 802. The Caps defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1.

#2 The Boston Bruins David Pastrnak scored twice for the Bruins 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils for their fourth straight win. Pastrnak extends his point streak to 11 games.

#3 Good things are happening for the Carolina Hurricanes they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday 6-5. The Hurricanes hit a point streak of 14 consecutive games. Hurricanes have now won eight straight games and The Flyers lost goaltender Carter Hart who stopped six out seven shots after suffering an upper body injury.

#4 The Colorado Avalanche’s Samuel Girard scored at 4:17 in the overtime stanza to help defeat the Nashville Predators on Friday at Bridgestone Arena. The Aves Evan Rodrigues said “We’ve been fighting, grinding out wins, low-scoring games,” Rodrigues said. “Even when we’re down, guys believe we can come back.”

#5 The Las Vegas Knights Chandler Stephenson picked up four points and scored in the shootout stanza to defeat the St Louis Blues 5-4. Stephenson scored a goal and had three assists.

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

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