
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins a game-time decision for Oilers with undisclosed injury
SUNRISE – Oilers forward Ryan Nugent-Hopkins remains a question mark for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final.
The versatile forward missed Sunday's practice with an undisclosed injury.
Nugent-Hopkins came on late for the team's optional morning skate Monday at Amerant Bank Arena.
Edmonton head coach Kris Knoblauch said Nugent-Hopkins will take warm-ups and be a game-time decision with the title series against the Florida Panthers tied 1-1.
Veteran winger Jeff Skinner looks set to draw into the lineup if Nugent-Hopkins, who has five goals and 13 assists in 18 games in these playoffs, is unable to go.
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Florida winger A.J. Greer will return from injury in place of Jesper Boqvist after missing the first two games of the final.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 9, 2025.

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Vancouver Sun
an hour ago
- Vancouver Sun
How much will the World Cup cost Vancouver? We still don't know, one year out
The countdown is on for both the World Cup, and the release of the final financial projections of just how much it will cost. Wednesday afternoon at Terry Fox Plaza outside of B.C. Place , Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani and a host of other dignitaries took part in the unveiling of a giant digital clock that is ticking down to the start of the 2026 World Cup. An energetic, upbeat event where local youth teams playing a seven-a-side game — while being coached by Canada soccer veterans Tosaint Ricketts and Christine Sinclair — set what the organizers hoped was an energetic and positive tone. But the clock is also ticking on the region's patience to find out just how much taxpayers will be paying to host the massive sporting event, one that is on par with the Olympic Games in terms of global reach and prestige. Mayor Sim called it the 'equivalent of 30 to 40 Super Bowls.' Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. The cost of the event has doubled from the initial numbers; the last report had the price tag for the province between $483 million and $581 million, with the City of Vancouver expected to pay at least $230M. 'We'll have a full costing of where we're at in terms of cost, in terms of revenue, closer to the end of June, and we'll share it publicly at that point. We're just finishing up a couple of the accounting things,' said Spencer Chandra Herbert, B.C.'s Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. Toronto has been more forthcoming with their numbers, saying it will fall $40M short in its already ballooning $380M budget for their portion of the event. Vancouver has yet to address the updated financials publicly. 'Look, we're bound by confidentiality agreements,' said Mayor Sim. 'That's just part of the process. What I can tell you is, we've had great lenses on it. This is actually a great event where the city, the residents of the City of Vancouver and the region and the province and the country will benefit. 'Let's put this in perspective. There are cities around the planet that would absolutely love this opportunity. We have this opportunity in the City of Vancouver. We're making sure it's held from a fiscally responsible perspective. And we're super excited to have this opportunity.' Vancouver will host seven games of the 2026 World Cup at B.C. Place , with Toronto getting six. Canada will play two games in Vancouver, and should Les Rouges advance out of their round robin group, would potentially play in the two knockout round games at B.C. Place. The event has some massive logistical challenges to overcome. With more than 350,000 fans projected to come — maybe more, should the travel issues facing soccer fans who might decline to risk travel to the U.S. — there is a distinct lack of rooming space for them. The bridges into the downtown core are already a bottleneck, and with heightened security protocols in place, it will be an immense task to handle efficiently. 'We're working with our hotel partners across the province. We think there's opportunity for people to stay further afield. We know Hullo and the B.C. Ferries. We're looking at them as an opportunity for overflow, even all the way to Nanaimo, (and) of course, out in the (Fraser) Valley,' said Chandra Herbert, adding he expects locals to also rent out their homes as a way to make some extra money. 'It's a good problem to have a whole bunch of people want to come and be with us in B.C., and we can't wait to welcome them.' 'We'll definitely work with local businesses as part of the planning process to make sure that we host a pretty successful game. We've done it in the past with the Olympics, and we'll do it again with FIFA World Cup 2026,' he added, referring to what will be a huge swath of road closures. Sim addressed the security issue, which has come to the forefront in the wake of the Lapu Lapu Day festival tragedy. 'I have all the confidence in the world in the VPD and our security infrastructure. We've been working on it for quite a while,' he said, adding the process began in the bid process. 'I was actually in Boston (in April), touring with Boston PD and their infrastructure. Local, state and federal agencies, to see how they handle the Boston Marathon. So these are things that we've been working on. If anything, we've augmented our planning, and we are going to carry off a … very safe FIFA World Cup.'


CTV News
2 hours ago
- CTV News
Stanley Cup game control: A question of style, puck possession and exploiting mistakes
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Obviously, we didn't do it (Monday night).' Yes, the Oilers feature two of the National Hockey League's best players in McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. But the Panthers are considered the NHL's fiercest and finest forechecking team. They feature the likes of Sasha Barkov, arguably the best two-way player in the game and this year's Selke Trophy winner as the league's top defensive forward, and Gustav Forsling, among the best defensively on the blueline. Tenacity is in great supply on south Florida ice, too, with the likes of Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Bennett, Sam Reinhart, Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen in the Panthers' forward ranks, and Aaron Ekblad and Seth Jones on the back end. Did I mention they're the defending Stanley Cup champions? Panthers vs. Oilers Florida Panthers' Sam Bennett (9) celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers with Eetu Luostarinen (27) during the second period in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final in Sunrise, Fla., on Monday, June 9, 2025. (Nathan Denette/THE CANADIAN PRESS) While the first two games of this year's Cup final are arguably among the best ever played – close, blow-for-blow battles between two of the NHL's titans ending in overtime, with each side claiming victory once – Game 3 was much different. The Oilers couldn't catch up to the Panthers this time for all the aforementioned reasons, but partly because Florida could play to their strengths and clamp down on Edmonton's attack while protecting – and adding to – their lead. Case in point: Reinhart's goal for the Panthers a minute and 20 seconds after Corey Perry got the Oilers' first, and ultimately only, lamp-lighter of the game. The Panthers pressed the Oilers immediately after Perry's marker and capitalized on mistakes and misplays to gain the puck and score. 'I don't think we have gotten up to standard where we want to be yet. I think it's coming." — Mattias Ekholm Oilers defenceman Mattias Ekholm said after Tuesday's practice 'it's pretty clear' to him that whoever 'manages to play their game' more than the other side is the one that wins. But while the Panthers have gotten the better of the Oilers so far, he says his team's best 'is coming.' 'I think they've managed to (dictate their style of play) better in two games, and we did it better in Game 1,' Ekholm told media. 'In that regard, I don't think we have gotten up to standard where we want to be yet. I think it's coming ... It's a 2-1 series, so we're in a good spot, but we need to raise our game.' Stanley Cup Oilers Panthers Hockey Florida Panthers left wing Matthew Tkachuk (19) trips over Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (Lynne Sladky/AP) The Oilers' Trent Frederic said maintaining control of the puck more often – and staying out of the penalty box; Florida scored on three of 11 power-play chances in Game 3 – helps keep the Panthers in check. 'When they have a lot of power plays, even if they're not scoring, their star players are getting touches on the puck and feeling good about themselves,' the forward acquired from the Boston Bruins in late January said Tuesday. 'You never really want that to start. They're good at playing that game, and I've played them in multiple series ... It feels like they're doing more but (they're) getting more penalties (to go on the power play), so they're good at that.' Also handcuffing the Oilers to a degree is a hesitancy because of depth concerns on the part of head coach Kris Knoblauch and his staff to go to their nuclear option: Activating the dynamic duo of McDavid and Draisaitl by putting them on an even-strength line together, something Knoblauch and every coach before him have relied on to kick-start the team's offence. 'With what we have right now, to run those two together for long periods of time makes it more difficult for our depth on our team,' Knoblauch told reporters on Wednesday. 'At points, it's very beneficial to have them playing together, but especially with the absence of Zach Hyman, it makes it a little more difficult putting those two together.' Stanley Cup Oilers Panthers Hockey Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) watches as a shot by center Carter Verhaeghe enters the goal against Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the first period of Game 3 of the NHL Stanley Cup final Monday, June 9, 2025, in Sunrise, Fla. (Lynne Sladky/AP) If there's any solace in Monday's loss for the Oilers, it's that they've experienced such a low before. Just last year against the very same team in the very same high-stakes final series, never mind in other series leading up to the Final both this year and last. Face it, the Oilers faced even longer odds last June while staring down the barrel of a three-games-to-none gun held by these very same opponents. Ekholm said his team has 'played better this year to start the first three than we did last year.' 'Obviously, the result shows that, but also, we have a better understanding of what needs to be done out there,' he said. 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Vancouver Sun
3 hours ago
- Vancouver Sun
What you need to know about the Abbotsford Canucks' Calder Cup chase
Here's your Calder Cup cheat sheet. The Abbotsford Canucks and the Charlotte Checkers square off in the AHL's version of the Stanley Cup Finals starting Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. The best-of-seven set shifts to the Abbotsford Centre on Tuesday, starting with Game 3. Here's all you need to know about the match-up between the top farm teams of the Vancouver Canucks and Florida Panthers. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Game 1 goes Friday at Bojangles (affectionately known as The BOplex) with a 4 p.m. Pacific time start. Game 2 is there Sunday (1 p.m.), before the series moves to Abbotsford for Game 3 on Tuesday (7 p.m.), Game 4 on Thursday (7 p.m.), and then, if necessary, Game 5 on Saturday (6 p.m.). If required, Games 6 and 7 would be June 23 (4 p.m.) and June 25 (4 p.m.) back in North Carolina. The Checkers' announced attendance average in the regular season was 6,964. Abbotsford was 4,152. The Canucks had an announced crowd of 6,983 for the 4-2 win over the visiting Texas Stars on Sunday that advanced Abbotsford to the final. How we're stacking up against the Checkers in the Finals ⬇️ The trophy was first handed out at the end of the AHL's inaugural season in 1936-37, and went to the Syracuse Stars after they beat the Philadelphia Ramblers in four games in a best-of-five finals. The league was eight teams back then. It's 32 now. The trophy is named after Frank Calder. He's best known as the first president of the NHL — the league's Calder Memorial Trophy for top rookie is named in his honour — but he was also instrumental in the formation of the AHL. The Hershey Bears have won 13 Calder Cups, including claiming top spot the past two seasons prior to this one. They've been to 25 finals, with the first coming in 1941. The Bears are in the midst of their second stint as a Washington Capitals' affiliate. It began in 2005-06. For those scoring at home, the Stanley Cup was first presented in 1893. Florida and Charlotte advancing to their respective league championship series marks the first time since 2008 that a single organization played it out for both trophies. That year, the Pittsburgh Penguins lost in six games to the Detroit Red Wings for the Stanley Cup and the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins fell in six games to the Chicago Wolves in for the Calder Cup. Fun fact? Canucks skills coach Jason Krog led the way for those Wolves, and was voted the playoff's most valuable player. He had 12 goals and 38 points in just 24 postseason games. The Panthers and Checkers are trying to make Florida the first franchise to be double champions since 1995, when the New Jersey Devils and Albany River Rats were both successful. Another fun fact? Charlotte coach Geordie Kinnear was a defenceman on that Albany team. Calder Cup Finals Game 1 Friday 7 PM ET @CheckersHockey vs @abbycanucks Watch for FREE on Facebook, X and YouTube! DETAILS: @FlaPanthers | @Canucks #AHL #CalderCup #TimeToHunt #ProudlyAbbotsford #Canucks The Checkers feature one-time Edmonton Oilers top prospect Jesse Puljujärvi, former Canuck Will Lockwood and Vancouver Giants alum Justin Sourdif. Charlotte (44-22-3-3) finished second in the Atlantic Division and fourth in the league overall in the regular season. Abbotsford (44-24-2-2) was second in the Pacific Division and fifth in the league overall, two points behind Charlotte. Charlotte and Abbotsford never met in the regular season. Charlotte had a bye in the opening round and they have had back-to-back sweeps. With that, Charlotte has played 12 games (10-2) in these playoffs while Abbotsford is at 18 (12-6). CHECK OUT THIS SCHEDULE ⬇️ The Abbotsford Canucks will host the Charlotte Checkers at home on June 17, 19 and 21 if necessary in their battle for the Calder Cup! LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE | On Wednesday morning, Ticketmaster had a handful of seats available for Game 3. It had Game 4 as sold out, and the if-necessary Game 5 with just two single seats available. StubHub had a handful of tickets for Game 3 available, with $123 per ticket as the lowest price. If you can't get there live, games are streamed on FloHockey. FloHockey announced Wednesday morning that they are streaming Game 1 on Friday for free on YouTube, as well as Facebook and X. You'll need to subscribe to FloHockey to stream the reminder of the series . They list a monthly subscription for $39.99. Check out their website for more details, though. Sportsnet 650 has also been carrying the series on the radio. The Canadian Brewhouse in Abbotsford (3122 Mount Lehman ) hosted watch parties in the last round for the away games and plans to do the same again. There is bound to be other spots willing to put the game on the big screen. Check with your favourite establishment. The AHL Store online has a full selection of Western Conference and Calder Cup. There's also a team store at the Abbotsford Centre . @SteveEwen sewen@