Latest news with #ConferenceFinal
Calgary Herald
6 days ago
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Zach Hyman 'likely done' for remainder of playoffs for Edmonton Oilers
Article content Knoblauch moved his forward chess pieces around the board expertly for the last two and a half periods, with players farther down the lineup like Kasperi Kapanen and Viktor Arvidsson, in for Brown, stepping up. Article content But, they are now down two of their top three right-wingers. Article content What do they do for Game 5 in Dallas? Article content They could potentially go 11 and 7, bring defenceman Mattias Ekholm back for his first game in over six weeks — they have been winning so haven't needed him even as he's gotten healthier — and go a forward short. Article content In Game 4, Leon Draisaitl played over eight minutes in the third as Knoblauch kept throwing him out there, up a goal in the nail-biter until the empty-netters by Kapanen and Adam Henrique. Article content Right now, the extra healthy forwards are left-winger Jeff Skinner, who played the first game of playoffs in Los Angeles but that's all, centre Derek Ryan and winger Max Jones, who haven't dressed in post-season. Article content Article content So, it's an issue. Article content The Oilers overcame the injury to Hyman in Game 4, shutting the door in the third period, holding the Stars to just four shots — the second straight playoff game they've done that. They got the win in the highly-entertaining game because goalie Stu Skinner saved them in the first 20 minutes with his 16 stops but the Hyman loss looms large. Article content 'Not having him? It's massive… he's a huge piece, a key piece. After every period, he's never too high, never too low. He is a cliché. He grinds, he does the little things right. He's a leader in our room,' said Skinner. Article content Nugent-Hopkins, who the first NHL player in 35 years to record multiple points in the first four games of a Conference Final, is a leader, too. But, Hyman has brought something black and blue to the playoff stage with all those hits. Article content 'You've seen his physicality, it's important to our game,' said Nugent-Hopkins Article content Article content 'We're going to need it from other people filling the gap, obviously, in however many games we have left and we'll wait to see about Zach. Everybody wants to step up, everybody's chomping at the bit to get out there. Tonight, it felt like we were doing this for Zach, getting the job done for him.' Article content Hyman is on the first line with Connor McDavid and Nugent-Hopkins, their best player in this series (nine points in four games). He also alternates net-front on the power play with Corey Perry, who scored there in Game 4 and also is on the third forward pair on the penalty kill with McDavid. Article content 'He means everything to us, he's a workhorse, a dog on a bone on the puck. The way he was forechecking and hitting and finishing like he was in Game 3, that's Zach Hyman,' said Perry. Article content So we'll see what Knoblauch's plan is for Game 5 Thursday. The Oilers defence corps have been terrific, but maybe they finally give Ekholm a seat at the table after not playing since April 11 and go with seven D and 11 forwards. Article content Or maybe they bring Jeff Skinner into the picture? He would seem to have a leg up on Ryan or Jones. Article content 'Going into the third period I had the luxury of double-shifting Leon. The conversation with him was 'get prepared to play a lot of minutes,'' said Knoblauch. Article content 'Podkolzin, Kapanen, (Mattias) Janmark picked up where they left off earlier in the playoff run. (Trent) Frederic is new to us and starting to contribute. Everybody stepped up and the defence also did a very good job moving the pucks out so we didn't have to be in the defensive zone, as much.' Article content Draisaitl came away very impressed. Article content 'I thought we dealt with it well (no Hyman). Guys farther down the lineup had elevated minutes. Arvy, Kappy they stuck out. They were really good,' he said. Article content Pivotal face-off win Article content The Oilers were badly beaten in the face-off circle (Oilers won just 39 per cent) in the game but Draisaitl won a pivotal draw in the Oilers end to help set up the Kapanen goal with two and a half minutes left. Article content Article content 'I certainly felt I was struggling a bit on the face-off dot (9-9). They're a good face-off team, they have righty-lefty everywhere and that helps a lot, but there were numerous little plays on that (empty-net) goal. It's like a domino effect,' said Draisaitl. Article content 'Nurse with a really good pick, Kulak with good patience and a high flip, a great read by Kapanen. Just a lot of smart hockey plays and a big goal for us.' Article content This 'n that Article content Oilers forward Evander Kane also missed the last five or six minutes of the second period, leaving the bench for an undisclosed reason, but the winer was back for the third, and played four minutes. Article content Bouchard gave a cheeky slash to the same left foot of Roope Hintz, the same foot that Nurse whacked in Game 2 which had Hintz in a foul verbal mood. Hintz missed Game 3 but played 17 minutes and was 10-5 on face-offs Tuesday. Article content Article content
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stars Aim To Extend Series Lead Before Heading To Edmonton
The Dallas Stars are on the verge of taking a two-game lead in the Western Conference Final over Edmonton, something they did not do in last year's Conference Final matchup. The Stars were up 2-1 in the series before Edmonton came rattled off three straight wins to punch their ticket to the Stanley Cup Final. The Stars will look to tighten their grip on the series before they hit the road to Alberta. Tyler Seguin Can Play Role Of Spark Plug To Counter Edmonton Stars The Dallas Stars currently find themselves ahead after the Western Conference Final kicked off on Wednesday night. The Stars came out of the gates of their series guns blazing as they out played the Edmonton Oilers, 6-3. Dallas not held Edmonton's stars in check, they also received help from one of their own, Tyler Seguin. Coming into Wednesday's Game 1 matchup, Seguin was riding an 11-game scoreless streak that he broke with a pair en route to victory. Dallas kicked off Game 1 of the Western Conference Final by refusing to back down despite an early setback when Leon Draisaitl ripped a far-side wrist shot to get the Oilers on the board first. Dallas would answer back five minutes later when Tyler Seguin forced a turnover and raced down the ice on the breakaway to rip one past Stuart Skinner. The Oilers would score two in the second period to carry a 3-1 lead into the third period. The Dallas offense would explode in the third period with five goals en route to a 6-3 victory. Three Special Teams Takeaways From Stars 6-3 Game One Win The Dallas Stars came roaring back from a 3-1 deficit with five third period goals en route to a 6-3 win in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final against the Edmonton Oilers. The pressure will be on the Stars on Friday to repeat their offensive outburst as they will seek to counter the potent Edmonton offense. Tyler Seguin is coming off a game in which he broke an 11-game goalless streak with a two-goal performance. The Stars will also look to continue their defensive showing of keeping Connor McDavid in check. Jake Oettinger will rely on his defense in front of him as he will attempt to weather the storm as the Oilers will fire off a flurry of shots to potentially tie up the series before it heads to Edmonton. Friday's game kicks off at 7pm CDT and can be viewed on ESPN. Follow all of Adam's work on X: denkyd8nk
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Taylor Hall refuses to sugarcoat as Hurricanes inch toward 20 year disaster
Taylor Hall refuses to sugarcoat as Hurricanes inch toward 20 year disaster (Image Source: Getty Images) The Carolina Hurricanes are in serious trouble. They've lost 14 consecutive Conference Final games since 2006, and the 2025 series against the Florida Panthers is not much different. Down 0-2, the Canes need to answer some questions fast. Left-wing Taylor Hall has answered with a strong message of belief and defiance, even as the series heads to Florida. Meanwhile, the Panthers are rolling high although a main injury to Sam Reinhart has the potential to turn everything around for the future. Taylor Hall pushes back as Canes try to stay alive Having lost both games at home, the Hurricanes are under pressure. They have not won a game in the Conference Final in close to 20 years, and it is going the wrong way again. But Taylor Hall is not about to wave the white flag. He made some comments after the Game 2 loss, an attempt to fire up his team and caution the Panthers against getting too confident. "Meaning, they just played seven games against the Leafs, right? They're not a flawless hockey team," Hall said following the defeat. "There are things to take advantage of, like any team." His message was clear Carolina still feels they have what it takes. Head coach Rod Brind'Amour concurred the Hurricanes must elevate their play. The team was flat on home ice and surrendered early opportunities. If they wish to take this series into another game, they'll have to play with a better start and sense of urgency in Game 3. Brind'Amour termed it as a "must-win," with the Canes attempting not to fall behind 3-0. Also Read: Florida Panthers' Sam Reinhart Injury Sparks Concern Amid 2-0 Eastern Conference Final Lead Over Hurricanes Panthers take control but Sam Reinhart's injury looms large Florida has made the most out of their opportunities. Led by Brad Marchand, the Panthers are a team on a mission. Everything is not all sunshine and rainbows, though. In Game 2, star forward Sam Reinhart went down early due to a lower-body injury. He didn't come back and could miss the remainder of the series. That's a major blow for Florida. Reinhart has been a consistent scoring threat and a leader on the ice. His absence could weaken the Panthers' attack and give Carolina a chance to rally. As the series moves to Sunrise, one team is fighting history, and the other is battling health. Game 3 could change everything. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"An absolute dog": Pat McAfee hypes Brad Marchand as Panthers' secret weapon in Stanley Cup push
Pat McAfee is all praises about Brad Marchand (Image via Brad Marchand has made his presence felt in Florida — and quickly. Since being traded from the Boston Bruins just two months ago, the veteran forward has transformed into a playoff wrecking ball for the Panthers. His Game 7 heroics against the Toronto Maple Leafs not only helped seal the series win but also reignited the Hall of Fame conversation around the 37-year-old. Brad Marchand turns up the heat at the perfect time for Florida Panthers The Panthers already looked solid as defending Stanley Cup champions, but Marchand's addition might be what takes them over the top again. After a quiet start in the regular season with just 4 points in his first 10 games, he has exploded in the postseason with 3 goals and 9 assists in 12 games. As Pat McAfee said on his show, 'At 37 years old or whatever, Marshy's an absolute dog. I enjoy him, I enjoy him a lot.' And it's hard not to — his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. The fight for the Stanley Cup 🏆 Pat Maroon breaks down remaining title hopes | The Pat McAfee Show Known for his grit, hockey IQ, and leadership, Marchand's transition into the Panthers' locker room has been seamless. NHL analyst Pat Maroon praised him not just as a player but as a presence: someone who elevates those around him. That's echoed by Panthers head coach Paul Maurice, who said, 'Two playoff series, I started to appreciate just his game, just the hockey… To play the number of games that he's played, as hard as he's played, at his size, there's a compete in that guy. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1천만 탈모시대, 하루만에 해결 할 수 있는 길 열려. 메디케어플래닛 더 알아보기 Undo ' His latest achievement? Becoming the first NHL player ever to win five Game 7s against a single franchise — the Maple Leafs. In the latest showdown, he racked up a goal and two assists, helping the Panthers dominate the series finale. Marchand now trails only Gordie Howe in all-time playoff points against Toronto, with 36 to Howe's 53. Also Read: 'Don't think it's justified': Brad Marchand slams Leafs fans, says Toronto backlash is 'crucifixion' not criticism The Panthers are surging into the Conference Final, and with Marchand's intensity and playoff pedigree, the rest of the league should be on high alert. Hall of Famer or not — and Pat McAfee thinks he already should be — Brad Marchand is writing one unforgettable chapter in NHL playoff history. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hurricanes Drop Series Opener To Panthers In Frustrating 5-2 Loss
The Carolina Hurricanes dropped the opening game of the Eastern Conference Final, losing 5-2 to the Florida Panthers Tuesday night at Lenovo Center. The Hurricanes, who are now 0-13 over the course of their last four Conference Final appearances, just didn't look prepared for the Panthers. The overall team defense was lacking and there just wasn't the same edge that they had had in prior rounds. Sure they brought some physicality, but the full-team effort in defending and forechecking was just nowhere to be seen. Florida on the other hand looked just like they were just continuing on from their dominant Game 7 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs just 48 hours earlier. The Panthers just did everything the Canes want to do, but better. They scored on the power play (twice), they had a perfect penalty kill until the Canes scored a meaningless PPG in garbage time, they capitalized on their chances, their goaltending was better, they protected the front of the net better, they completed passes better, escaped pressure better, and I could go on. The Panthers looked the composed, veteran team, and I mean, they should. They're the defending Cup champions. But Carolina is a veteran heavy group too. They're a team that hardly ever gets rattled, but tonight was a different story. Cumulative mistakes just burned them time and time again and now, they're staring up at a series deficit against an opponent that seemingly just has their number. The Panthers opened up the scoring on the power play, following a soft call on Sebastian Aho. Carter Verhaeghe found the soft spot in the Canes' trapezoid and roofed a backhand top shelf over Frederik Andersen's shoulder. The Hurricanes almost tied it not long after after Shayne Gostisbehere broke Tomas Nosek's ankles and found Logan Stankoven backdoor for an easy tap-in, but Seth Jones got enough of the rookie to prevent the chance. Immediately after, Jordan Staal turns over a puck deep in the defensive zone and Evan Rodrigues fed Aaron Ekblad for the score. Carolina found some life at the end of the first period, as Aho redirected a shot off of his skates and through Sergei Bobrovsky's five-hole, but Florida pounced right back to start the second with A.J. Greer finishing off a feed by Niko Mikkola on a 3-on-2. Then nearly halfway through the third period, the Panthers pushed the lead to three with another power play goal as Sam Bennett put one in through traffic, and then Eetu Luostarinen added another, burying a no-look feed from Nosek. At the very least, Jackson Blake put home a Seth Jarvis feed from in front on a late power play to make it look a little less embarrassing. The Hurricanes had a chance to really battle back in the third period, only trailing by two, but it was just a disappointing and lackluster effort from them. Now, they have to hope that A) Jalen Chatfield is healthy enough to go because Scott Morrow did not have a playoff debut to remember and B) they get their act together or this series may get very familiar, very fast now that they've lost home-ice advantage. Be sure to check out the Carolina Hurricanes 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Hub for all postseason stories! Stay updated with the most interesting Carolina Hurricanes stories, analysis, breaking news and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.
