Sabres Notes - Amerks Get Extended Vacation, Ex-Sabres Behind In Playoffs
The Rochester Americans earned themselves some time to heal up and rest with their three-game sweep of the Syracuse Crunch last week, but the club had to await the winner of the Laval-Cleveland series to see who they will face in the next round of the Calder Cup Playoffs. The Rockets finished off the Monsters in four games, but the clubs will not start their series until next Wednesday, giving the Amerks a 13-day break in between games.
Laval won the AHL North Division with 101 points (nine points ahead of Rochester), which means the Amerks will host the first two games of the best-of-five series on Wednesday and Friday, before heading to Quebec for Games 3, 4 & 5(if necessary) on May 21, 23, and 25.
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It has not been a good start for some former Sabres playing on teams in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Edmonton Oilers rallied from a 2-0 deficit in Las Vegas in Game 1 on Tuesday to win over Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights 4-2. The two clubs meet on Thursday in Game 2 at T-Mobile Arena.
In Toronto, Sam Reinhart, Evan Rodrigues, and Dmitri Kulikov's Florida Panthers are behind the Maple Leafs 2-0 after a 4-3 loss at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday. Former Sabre Jake McCabe assisted on Mitch Marner's game-winner early in the third.
Here is how some former Sabres did in the playoffs on Tuesday and Wednesday:
William Carrier(CAR) 8:38 TOI, 7 Hits
Eric Robinson(CAR) 8:02 TOI, 1 SOG, 2 Hits
Taylor Hall(CAR) +1, 15:57 TOI, 3 SOG, 2 Hits
Mark Jankowski(CAR) 6:17 TOI, 2 SOG, 1 Hit
Ilya Lyubushkin(DAL) 1A, 17:55 TOI, 1 Hit
Evander Kane (EDM) 1A, +1, 14:50 TOI, 2 SOG, 5 Hits
Jeff Skinner(EDM) Did Not Play
Sam Reinhart(FLA) -1, 23:06 TOI, 2 SOG, 4 Hits
Evan Rodrigues(FLA) -2, 8:48 TOI, 2 SOG
Dmitri Kulikov(FLA) -1, 13:47 TOI, 2 Hits
Jake McCabe(TOR) 1A, +1, 21:00 TOI, 2 Hits
Jack Eichel(VEG) 1A, -1, 23:00 TOI, 2 SOG, 1 Hit
Victor Olofsson(VEG) -1, 14:48 TOI, 3 SOG, 1 Hit
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Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Reinhart's first goal of Stanley Cup Final a big one in Panthers' Game 3 rout of Oilers
Forget what the game log says. Monday night was the true return of Florida Panthers star Sam Reinhart. Reinhart scored a goal – his first in six games — and set up another with a filthy pass to Aaron Ekblad in Monday's 6-1 Panthers win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final. For the Panthers' regular-season leader in goals, it was his best game since suffering an apparent knee injury early in the Eastern Conference Finals. Reinhart went top shelf three minutes into the second period to beat Stuart Skinner – the same netminder he victimized in Game 7 nearly a year ago — to jumpstart a dominant closing half of an overwhelming Panthers performance. 'The Sam Reinhart goal was the inflection point,' said Panthers coach Paul Maurice, who won his 1,000th NHL game (combining the regular season and postseason) Monday. '2-1, especially with what both teams had been through in the first two, there was no [safe] lead at that point, and Sam's goal was very important to us.' In the micro sense, Maurice of course is correct. Reinhart's goal gave the Panthers much-needed breathing room in the second period, and the Oilers didn't respond well. Oilers coach Kris Knoblach said his team 'unraveled' Monday, and the stat sheet backed that up. Edmonton racked up a staggering 85 penalty minutes and a suspension for Evander Kane isn't out of the question after his inexcusable and dangerous stick found Carter Verhaeghe's neck when the Panthers forward was defenseless on the ice. But from a wider lens, Reinhart's breakout game is even worse news for Edmonton. After two overtime games in Alberta, the Panthers looked like far and away the better team Monday. 'We're a very deep team,' said forward Brad Marchand, who scored for the third time in as many SCF games Monday. 'Not just offensively. A lot of guys play a 200-foot game. That's one of our strengths.' Florida is strongest when Reinhart is at his best. And Monday's performance was huge given his uncharacteristic couple of weeks. Reinhart has been largely a non-factor since the dirty hit laid on him by Hurricanes forward Sebastian Aho in the Eastern Conference Finals. Reinhart missed two games after Aho's hip check to his knee and struggled to find his form upon his return. He was minus-3 in the first two games of this series with zero points in nearly 60 minutes of ice time. Monday was the ultimate reversal. His goal – set up by Verhaeghe just 80 seconds after Corey Perry cut a two-goal Florida lead in half – was great. His assist on Aaron Ekblad's third-period power play goal was even better. Reinhart went no-look behind his back, a move that fooled Skinner so utterly that Ekblad couldn't have missed the net if he tried. But it wasn't just offense for Reinhart, the two-way star who finished second in the Selke Trophy voting behind teammate Aleskander Barkov. Reinhart led all Panthers with three blocked shots Monday. 'I think you guys have seen it enough,' Reinhart said of Florida's style of play. 'We try to play the same very night and keep it as simple as possible. 'We're trying to take away some time and space.' Time and space? Luxuries Edmonton no longer can afford after a second straight loss.
USA Today
3 hours ago
- USA Today
Panthers vs. Oilers live updates: Score, highlights from Stanley Cup Final Game 3
Panthers vs. Oilers live updates: Score, highlights from Stanley Cup Final Game 3 Show Caption Hide Caption NHL rescue dogs, all available for adoption, compete in the 2025 Stanley Pup 32 adorable rescue puppies representing each NHL team will compete in the 2025 Stanley Pup, airing June 6 on TruTV and Sportsnet! The 2025 Stanley Cup Final is about as tight as it can get through the first two games. Both of the opening two games have gone to overtime for the first time since the 2014 Stanley Cup Final. The teams have been within a goal of each other for all but 77 seconds. There have been four lead changes for just the second time in the past 42 seasons. There also have been six tying goals, just the second time that has happened. In Game 3, at least through two periods, that wasn't the case, with the Florida Panthers holding a 4-1 lead against the Edmonton Oilers heading into the third period. The Oilers won Game 1 in overtime, and the Panthers won Game 2 in double overtime. USA TODAY is providing live updates for Game 3 between the Oilers and Panthers. Follow along: Trent Frederic starts it by breaking his stick while cross-checking Sam Bennett. Jonah Gadjovich and Darnell Nurse get involved into an extended fight. Panthers get a power play out of this, but the Oilers kill it. Brad Marchand is called for hooking. Mattias Janmark goes off roughing. Oilers kill it off. Calvin Pickard comes into the game after Skinner gave up five goals on 23 shots. Sam Reinhart makes a great behind-the-back pass to Aaron Ekblad, who has a wide-open net. That's two power-play goals for Florida. Stuart Skinner called for delay of game after putting the puck over the glass. Stuart Skinner still in the Edmonton net. Oilers kill off the remaining Panthers power play. The Panthers build on their lead with goals by Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett following the Oilers' opening goal by Corey Perry. Florida was physical in that period with Bennett delivers back-to-back before his goals and Aaron Ekblad knocks down Connor McDavid. Florida will have a power play to start the third period. Darnell Nurse cross-checks Anton Lundell. There will be a 1:16 carryover into the third period. Oilers defenseman Jake Walman was caught on camera spraying his water bottle at the Panthers bench. Why? Before that, Florida's A.J. Greer had ripped off Walman's glove and dropped it into the bench. Fines coming? He left after an Aaron Ekblad hit but is now back. Oilers turn over the puck and Panthers get a 2-on-0 breakaway. Sam Bennett scores his 14th playoff goal. It's his fourth goal of the series and just his second one at home during the playoffs. He had two big hits before the breakaway. Bennett, a pending unrestricted free agent, is helping his cause this summer. Sam Reinhart scores 80 seconds after the Edmonton goal. Aleksander Barkov starts the play by checking John Klingberg. Carter Verhaeghe picks up the loose puck and feeds Reinhart. No assist for Barkov, who's still scoreless in the final. Edmonton scores on the power play as Corey Perry converts a rebound of a Mattias Ekholm shot. Oilers starting the period with a power play. The penalties and the power plays piled up in that period. Florida's Brad Marchand opened the scoring on a delayed penalty. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch told TNT that the constant trips to the penalty box was a "recipe for disaster." He was right as Carter Verhaeghe scored to give the Panthers just their second home power-play goal of the playoffs. Shots were 12-10 Edmonton, which also led 11-5 in hits. Evan Bouchard cross-checks Anton Lundell, who punches the Oilers defenseman. A scrum breaks out. Lundell will be in the penalty box for roughing when the second period begins. Paul Maurice puts out the second power-play unit out to start. Panthers move the puck quickly and Carter Verhaeghe scores. This is just the second two-goal lead of the Stanley Cup Final. Viktor Arvidsson knocks Sergei Bobrovsky into the net and is called for goaltender interference. Sam Bennett is called for high-sticking. And this one is killed, too. This time, it's too many men on the ice (seven players, actually) for Edmonton. Panthers are getting plenty of opportunity to work on their struggling home power play. Again, it comes up short as Aaron Ekblad is called for tripping. There will be 4-on-4. During the ensuing Edmonton power, Sergei Bobrovsky makes a glove save on Evan Bouchard. Evander Kane takes another penalty, this time for high-sticking. Edmonton kills that off, too. Evander Kane in the box. Panthers' power play is clicking at only 3.6% at home during the playoffs. Oilers kill it off. Anton Lundell called for tripping. Edmonton is dangerous but can't score. One shot goes off Sergei Bobrovsky's mask. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins misses the net on a rebound opportunity. Power play ends early when Evander Kane is called for cross-checking. Brad Marchand stays hot, scoring 56 seconds into the game on a delayed penalty. He had two goals in Game 2, including the double-overtime winner. Panthers' Aleksander Barkov line vs. the Oilers' Connor McDavid line. Edmonton outshoots Florida 2-0 with those lines out there. When is Stanley Cup Final Game 3? Panthers vs. Oilers game time The Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers will face off Monday at 8 p.m. ET at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. What TV channel is Panthers vs. Oilers Game 3 on? TNT and truTV are broadcasting Game 2 of the NHL Stanley Cup Final. Kenny Albert will provide play-by-play, while Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Darren Pang and Jackie Redmond will provide analysis and reporting. Stream the 2025 Stanley Cup Final on Sling How to watch Panthers vs. Oilers Game 3 Date: Monday, June 9 Monday, June 9 Location: Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida Time: 8 p.m. ET 8 p.m. ET TV: TNT, truTV TNT, truTV Streaming: Max, Sling TV Not only is he playing, he's in the starting lineup. His line, centered by Connor McDavid, will go against the Aleksander Barkov line. Of note, the Oilers appear to be going with their Game 2 defense pairings. They had switched up the pairings during their June 8 practice. The early roster report lists Edmonton's Jeff Skinner as a scratch, which would indicate that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is playing. Skinner would have been his replacement. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is on the ice, as coach Kris Knoblauch said he would be. He's a game-time decision. Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky (13-6, 2.21 goals-against average, .912 save percentage) vs. Oilers' Stuart Skinner (7-5, 2.61, .901). The Oilers have four of the top five scorers in the series: Connor McDavid has a league-best 31 points, followed by Leon Draisaitl (29). Evan Bouchard (21) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (18). Draisaitl has a team-high nine goals. McDavid has five assists in the final and has three goals and 11 assists during a seven-game point streak. The Panthers have 11 players with double-digit points, led by Sam Bennett (19) and Brad Marchand, Aleksander Barkov, Carter Verhaeghe and Matthew Tkachuk (17 each). Bennett is the playoffs' leading goal scorer with 13. The 16 goals through two games are tied with 2023 for the most of a final over the past 42 seasons. But Panthers coach Paul Maurice said despite the high number of goals, the defense and goaltending have been strong. "Everything is contested all over the ice," Maurice said. "So … it's more intense. What a wonderful thing to see in the final instead of the first round. These men are going that hard. It's awesome." The Oilers changed their defense pairings during practice on June 8. Per Darnell Nurse moved up with Evan Bouchard, Mattias Ekholm was with John Klingberg and Jake Walman was with Brett Kulak. For Game 2, their pairings were Bouchard-Ekholm, Nurse-Kulak and Walman-Klingberg. Coach Kris Knoblauch didn't make a big deal about the change. "Throughout Games 1 and 2, we had some changes and throughout the rest of the series, there will be some more," Knoblauch said. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins missed practice June 8 with an undisclosed injury but did take part in the optional skate on the morning of June 9. Oilers coach Kris Knoblauch says he will be a game-time decision. "He'll take warmup and we'll decide from there," he said. Jeff Skinner would return to the lineup if Nugent-Hopkins can't go. He has a goal and an assist in two playoff games. "He's been a true professional and when we've needed him, he's been ready to play," Knoblauch said. He'll return to the Panthers' lineup in Game 3 and Jesper Boqvist will come out. Greer, who plays on the fourth line with Tomas Nosek and Jonah Gadjovich, missed Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals, was limited in Game 5 and missed the first two games of the Stanley Cup Final. All times Eastern; (x-if necessary) Game 1: Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (OT) | Story Oilers 4, Panthers 3 (OT) | Story Game 2: Panthers 5, Oilers 4 (2OT) | Story Panthers 5, Oilers 4 (2OT) | Story Game 3: Monday, June 9, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Monday, June 9, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Game 4: Thursday, June 12, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Thursday, June 12, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Game 5: Saturday, June 14, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Saturday, June 14, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV x-Game 6: Tuesday, June 17, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV Tuesday, June 17, Edmonton at Florida | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV x-Game 7: Friday, June 20, Florida at Edmonton | 8 p.m. | TNT, truTV All odds via BetMGM (as of Monday, June 9, 4 p.m. ET Spread: Panthers (-1.5) Panthers (-1.5) Moneyline: Panthers (-140); Oilers (+120) Panthers (-140); Oilers (+120) Over/Under: 6.5
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Browns, Joe Milton III Paired in Wacky Trade Proposal
Browns, Joe Milton III Paired in Wacky Trade Proposal originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cleveland Browns have had enough conversations about the quarterback position for one offseason. Between signing Joe Flacco, trading for Kenny Pickett, and drafting two rookies, Cleveland has added more volume than talent to the quarterback room. The Browns left the 2024 season with the conference's worst quarterback play and will enter 2025 in a similar spot. Advertisement The best path forward is unclear, but it is likely to reveal itself in the coming months. Flacco, with over a decade of starting experience, makes sense as the frontrunner. Dillon Gabriel, the first of two quarterbacks drafted by the Browns, may have the backing of the coaching staff. Shedeur Sanders, who's more talented but slipped due to pre-draft concerns, could make the case for playing time, too. The answer to Cleveland's long-term quarterback issue might not be on the roster, but it is abundantly clear that there is little use in adding another passer to this mess. Yet, the Browns were paired with freakish quarterback Joe Milton III in a wacky trade proposal that sent Sanders to the Dallas Cowboys. The proposal coincided with speculation about acquiring Anthony Richardson as he stumbled his way into his third season with the Indianapolis Colts. 'But rather than take on the remaining two years of Richardson's four-year, $34 million contract, for a player who has played just 15 games in two seasons, winning eight, it may make more sense to flip Sanders for the high-upside Milton whose contract pays him just $3.2 million over the next three years,' Jonathan Vankin wrote. Advertisement 'Or — make another trade with Sanders and give up a Day Three draft asset for Milton.' Simply put, adding another unproven starter to the gaggle Cleveland has amassed already doesn't solve the issue. Milton spent his college career as a non-prospect, flashed just enough to be a sixth-round pick, and played meaningful snaps in a single game against the Buffalo Bills' B-Team. He'd be the most-talented passer in the room, sure, but if the Browns were looking for an unpolished gunslinger, they could have drafted one. Instead, they passed on the opportunity to trade for Milton and took two passers with more valuable picks. For better or worse, Cleveland is set to sleep in the bed it made earlier in the offseason. Further, there's little evidence to suggest that the Cowboys want to deal Milton. If his mobility creates a path for him to see sporadic time in a one-off package, he'd be a priority over Sanders. Dallas passed on Sanders – and the attention he'd bring – three times. Advertisement The Browns aren't in a position to waste draft capital on another backup-level quarterback, and the Cowboys can't afford to go into the season with a backup they don't trust. As uninspiring as it may be, Cleveland's quarterback room is probably set. Related: Browns Depth Chart Revealed for Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel Related: Flacco Responds to Browns' Mentor Headlines This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
