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Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Best of the 21st Century Sports Teams: The best Philadelphia 76ers of the quarter century
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Dallas Mavericks in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center. The past quarter-century has been quite the roller coaster for the Philadelphia 76ers. Beginning with the highs of the team's last finals appearance, and finishing with the lows of this past season's catastrophic failures, being a 76ers fan hasn't been easy over the time period. However, some of the franchise's best have stemmed from it, hall-of-famers and key role players alike. Advertisement To commemorate the past 25 years of 76ers basketball, we put together an all-quarter-century team. Guard: Allen Iverson Allen Iverson #3 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during a game against the New Jersey Nets at Continental Airlines Arena on December 10, 2005 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Career highlights: Hall of Famer 2000-01 MVP 11x All-Star 7x All-NBA 4x Scoring Champ NBA 75th Anniversary Team Perhaps no player across 76ers history has been embraced like Allen Iverson. The roars of the First Union Center as the "six foot guard from Georgetown" was announced were unlike any other, and for good reason. In 2001, Iverson took the Sixers to their first NBA Finals since 1983, bringing hope to the franchise with his toughness and competitive spirit. His statue lies outside of the team's training complex, a reminder of his contributions to one of the most exciting eras of basketball in franchise history. Advertisement Guard: Tyrese Maxey Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) shoots against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Career highlights: 2023-24 Most Improved Player 1x NBA All-Star The freshest face on this list, Maxey has already made a name for himself in the City of Brotherly Love. The star has been a consistent offensive presence for the 76ers throughout his career, playing with a unique speed and craftiness. He took a slight step back last season amid injuries and the team's overall struggles, but continues to be one of the best scorers in the league today. It will be fun to watch him grow and develop as the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future. Forward: Andre Igoudala Andre Iguodala #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 26, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Career highlights: 1x All-Star 04-05 All-Rookie Team 2x All-Defensive Team 2014-15 Finals MVP The man 76ers fans affectionately refer to as "Iggy" makes the team with ease, a bright spot in a strange era for the team. Iguodala was a consistent two-way weapon, a great defender who could make his mark driving towards the rim as well. Iggy left the team unceremoniously, traded to the Denver Nuggets to begin the Sixers' "Process" era. But his impact was felt, the star of a forgotten time. Advertisement Forward: Ben Simmons Ben Simmons #25 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on in the second quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Career highlights: 3x All-Star 2019-20 NBA Steals Champion 2017-18 Rookie of the Year 2019-20 All-NBA 2017-18 All-Rookie 2x All-Defensive Team This won't be a popular selection. We aren't too far removed from Simmons' ugly exit, holding out and forcing a trade to Brooklyn after an embarrassing playoff showing. It's easy to forget that Simmons was once Philly's "Fresh Prince", a swarming defensive presence whose skills on offense were compared to LeBron James. His versatility and athleticism make him a key part of Sixers history, even if his tenure fell short of expectations. Note: Yes, Simmons played point guard during most of his 76ers tenure. For more information on why he's not starting at point guard, see: 76ers vs Hawks Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 7, 2021. Advertisement Center: Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) holds his arm after falling against the Toronto Raptors in the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Career highlights: 2022-23 MVP 5x All-NBA 7x All-Star 2x Scoring Champ 3x All-Defensive Team Similar to Simmons, the city of Philadelphia has soured on Embiid, after his season was plagued by injury woes. Unlike Simmons, Embiid has more than lived up to his draft expectations, becoming one of the top players in the league for multiple years. His lack of playoff success is documented, but it can be argued that this isn't totally on him, forced to deal with dysfunctional teammates and coaches throughout his tenure. If he can recover from his offseason surgery and become even close to the player he once was, he has a chance to solidify himself as a true icon in the footsteps of Iverson. Advertisement Bench: Guard: Jrue Holiday Philadelphia 76ers guard Jrue Holiday (11) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Career highlights: 2x NBA Champion 2x All-Star 6x All-Defensive Team Before Holiday became one of the NBA's most feared defenders, he got his start in Philadelphia, the team's first round pick in 2009. The guard blossomed into an All-Star in Philadelphia, one of the team's last stars before "The Process" era began. With multiple playoff appearances as a Sixers star, he's earned a spot on this team. Guard: Lou Williams Philadelphia 76ers guard Lou Williams (23) brings he ball up court during game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. Career highlights: 3x Sixth Man of the Year 'Lou-Will', as he's affectionately called by basketball fans everywhere, is better known for his late-career renaissance with the Los Angeles Clippers. But the sixth man was an essential piece of the Sixers' post-Iverson years. He would provide a key burst to this team off the bench, giving them twenty minutes of fast-paced offense and competitiveness. Advertisement Forward: Tobias Harris Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Yet another player from an era 76ers fans might like to forget, Harris will forever be remembered as 'the guy they picked over Jimmy Butler.' His failure to live up to expectations based on his huge contract didn't help. But Harris provided the Sixers with multiple serviceable seasons, a consistent finisher around the rim and locker room leader. Even if he won't necessarily be remembered well, he deserves a spot here. Forward: Thaddeus Young Thaddeus Young #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers controls the ball against the Orlando Magic during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2009 NBA Playoffs at the Wachovia Center on April 26, 2009 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Career highlights: 2007-08 All-Rookie Team Young was probably the closest to being chosen as a starter for this team amongst all the players coming off the bench. For his seven years in Philly, he was the perfect role player, a great defender and scorer around the basket. He might not be the flashiest player on this list, but through fulfilling his role well during his tenure, he proved to be an effective contributor. Advertisement Center: Elton Brand Philadelphia 76ers forward Elton Brand (42) defendsNew Jersey Nets center Mehmet Okur (13) during the third quarter at the Wells Fargo Center. The Nets defeated the Sixers 97-90 in overtime. Career highlights: 2x All-Star 2005-06 All-NBA 1999-00 Rookie of the Year These days, Brand is better recognized for his poor business decisions. Brand serves as the team's current general manager, blamed for moves like the Jimmy Butler trade and the Joel Embiid extension. Before his front office days, however, Brand was a force on the court. Signing with Philadelphia in 2008, Brand's plethora of post moves and great rim protection gave the Sixers stability in the front court for multiple playoff runs. Overshadowed by a generational talent like Embiid, Brand still should be recognized as one of the best Sixers centers of all time. Advertisement Center: Dikembe Mutumbo New Jersey Nets center Dikembe Mutumbo (L) finds himself under heavy defensive pressure from Boston Celtics forward Eric Williams (C-Rear) and Celtics forward Antoine Walker (R) in the first quarter of their NBA game in Boston, November 20, 2002. Career highlights: Hall of Famer 8x All-Star 2x Rebounding Champ 3x Blocks Champ Mutumbo's Sixers tenure was short and certainly less memorable than his stints with Denver and Atlanta. He'll always be remembered as the Big Man in the middle for the 00-01 team, though, his defensive presence at the rim terrorizing the Eastern Conference. Fans also forget Mutumbo turned in a great season in 01-02, the player's last year as a full-time NBA starter. "Mount Mutumbo" sadly passed this year, but his legacy will live on as one of the game's premier shot blockers. Guard: Aaron McKie Career highlights: 2000-01 Sixth Man of the Year McKie's appearance might be somewhat controversial. His tenure as a 76er had its ups and downs, from winning Sixth Man of the Year to his tenure being derailed by injuries. But his contribution to the franchise's greatest team of the quarter-century has to be honored, giving him the team's last spot. Advertisement Honorable Mentions James Harden, Guard: Harden's tenure didn't even come close to reaching Sixers' fans hopes, as his reputation for floundering in the playoffs continued in Philadelphia. But the star handed in a season and a half of all-star level basketball, as well as one of the franchise's defining playoff performances with game one of the 2022-23 Eastern Conference Semifinals in Boston. With less than two seasons in Philadelphia, and a reputation for not showing up when it mattered most, he can't make this list though. Eric Snow, Guard: One of the biggest contributors to the 00-01 team, it's very hard to leave Snow off this list. He brought a needed steadiness to the 76ers' offense when Allen Iverson was off the floor, a great leader on and off the floor for the team for seven seasons. Snow just barely misses the list due to his prime not reaching the heights of his peers, but his contributions were much appreciated by 76ers fans everywhere. Robert Covington, Forward: A survivor of "The Process", Covington's consistency stood out during his Sixers tenure. The wing player provided fantastic defense and stellar shooting every time he stepped on the floor, instantly becoming a fan favorite. He misses the list slightly due to never truly developing into a top-end talent, but his effort and tenacity are missed. Advertisement Kyle Korver, Forward: Korver began his career as one of the NBA's best shooters in Philadelphia, a key bench player for the team. The marksman received sixth man of the year votes for multiple seasons, due to his ability to stretch the floor and defend. But, similarly to Covington, his skill set doesn't quite reach a lot of the great players on this list. Samuel Dalembert, Center: Dalembert may be one of the most underrated 76ers of all time. Although his numbers wouldn't show up on a stat sheet, his presence was certainly felt on the defensive end of the floor, one of the best rim protectors in team history. His lack of tangible production makes it hard to put him on this list, but he certainly deserves a mention. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: All-Quarter Century Team: The best Philadelphia 76ers of 2000s
Indianapolis Star
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Indiana Pacers top players from 2000-25 photos
PACERS Paul George (from left), Reggie Miller, Tyrese Haliburton, Jermaine O'Neal USA TODAY Network Photos Matt Dial/IndyStar Paul George of the Indiana Pacers celebrates after making a shot against the Utah Jazz at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 20, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andy Lyons, Getty Images Tyrese Haliburton had a lot to say about his injury. Maddie Meyer, Getty Images 25 Nov 2001: Guard Reggie Miller of the Indiana Pacers passes the ball while Seattle point guard Gary Payton #20 attempts to block during the game against the Seattle Sonics at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Sonics defeated the Pacers 99 - Credit: Otto Greule/ Getty Images/ Allsport Getty Images Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) goes up for a shot Sunday, June 22, 2025, against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar 19 Jun 2000: Jalen Rose #5 of the Indiana Pacers with the ball as Glen Rice #41 of the Los Angeles Lakers gaurds him during the NBA Finals Game 6 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers defeated the Pacers in 116-111. Getty Images NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 20: David West #21 of the Indiana Pacers waits for play to begin against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on November 20, 2013 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Pacers defeated the Knicks 103-96 in overtime. (Photo by) Getty Images Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots a three point basket Thursday, June 19, 2025, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Feb 11, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Domantas Sabonis (11) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Hoops Hype Danny Granger (All-Star in 2008-09) is fouled by Paul Pierce. The Pacers hosted the Celtics in an NBA game Sunday 12/7/08 at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Rob Goebel Mar 11, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Indiana Pacers guard George Hill (7) dribbles the ball against Detroit Pistons guard R.J. Hampton (14) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports Hoops Hype Ron Artest #23 of the Indiana Pacers drives around Mark Blount #30 of the Boston Celtics in Game five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at Conseco Fieldhouse on April 29, 2003 in Indianapolis, Indiana Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar Jan 22, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon (7) drives the basketball while Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) defends in the fourth quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Hoops Hype Bojan Bogdanovic of the Indiana Pacers works a fast break during action against the Brooklyn Nets, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018. Indiana won 132-112. Robert Scheer/IndyStar Dec 14, 2018; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Thaddeus Young (21) drives against the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Bill Streicher, Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports Indy's Jermaine O'Neal and Stephen Jackson hug on the bench late in the game. The Indiana Pacers host the New Jersey Nets at Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, IN Thursday night, April 27, 2006 for game three in the Pacers' playoff series with the Nets. The series is tied at one game apiece. The Pacers won the game 107-95. (Sam Riche / The Indianapolis Star) Sam Riche, Indianapolis Star Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) reacts to a late second quarter three point basket Sunday, June 22, 2025, during Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) reacts to a made basket Sunday, June 22, 2025, against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game 7 of the NBA Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Pacers guard Darren Collison (2) drives on Chicago Bulls forward Chandler Hutchison (15) in the first half of their game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018. Matt Kryger/IndyStar Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) fight for a loose ball Thursday, June 19, 2025, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Grace Hollars/IndyStar Jan 12, 2018; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) celebrates a go ahead basket by playing the air guitar in the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin (00) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during Game 6 of the NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Christine Tannous/IndyStar Troy Murphy fires a jumper in the second half. The Pacers hosted Detroit in NBA action at Conseco Fieldhouse Friday 3/19/10. Rob Goebel/Indianapolis Star. 04/14/2010 - B01 - MAIN - 2ND - THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR Rob Goebel
Indianapolis Star
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Indianapolis Star
Jermaine O'Neal and his family through the years
Jermaine O'Neal Jr., son of former Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal Provided By O'Neal Family Jermaine O'Neal Jr., son of former Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal Provided By O'Neal Family Former Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal and his son Jermaine O'Neal Jr. Provided By O'Neal Family Former Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal and his son, Jermaine O'Neal Jr. Provided By O'Neal Family Former Pacers star Jermaine O'Neal and his son Jermaine O'Neal Jr. Provided By O'Neal Family Matt Dial/IndyStar Jermaine O'Neal sits courtside during the second quarter of game four of the eastern conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski, Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images Ron Artest, 91, of the Indiana Pacers started a brawl that involved Ben Wallace, 3, of the Detroit Pistons, Stephen Jackson, 1, of Indiana Pacers and Jermaine O'Neal, 7, of the Indiana Pacers plus fans in and out of the stands on Nov. 19, 2024. Martin Ellis, Special To The Detroit Free Press Detroit Pistons (8) Darvin Ham and (41) Elden Campbell try to stop the Indiana Pacers (7) Jermaine O'Neal in the 1st Half at The Palace in Auburn Hills, on Friday Nov. 19, 2004. JULIAN H. GONZALEZ, Detroit Free Press PORTLAND, OR - 1997: Jermaine O'Neal #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers defends against the Dallas Mavericks circa 1997 at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1997 NBAE (Photo by Steve DiPaola/NBAE via Getty Images) Getty Images Dynamic Prep guard Jermaine O'Neal Jr. (7) makes a windmill lay up during the third quarter of a City of Palms Classic signature series game DME Academy at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Detroit Pistons vs Indiana Pacers vs Fans at the Palace of Auburn Hills, Michigan on Friday, November 19, 2004 - the night Ron Artest, #91 of the Indiana Pacers started a brawl that involved Ben Wallace #3 of the Detroit Pistons, Stephen Jackson #1 of Indiana Pacers and Jermaine O'Neal # 7 of the Indiana Pacers plus fans in and out of the stands. Indiana players headed to tunnel after fighting. MARTIN ELLIS/Special to the Detroit Free Press MARTIN ELLIS EAST RUTHERFORD - APRIL 22: Forward Jermaine O'Neal #7 of the Indiana Pacers shoots over forward Kenyon Martin #6 of the New Jersey Nets during game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2002 NBA Playoffs at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey on April 22, 2002. The Nets won 95-79. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2002 NBAE (Photo by) Getty Images Dynamic Prep guard Jermaine O'Neal Jr. (7) goes for a lay up during the second quarter of the City of Palms Classic signature series championship game against the Bullis Bulldogs at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024. Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida Dynamic Prep guard Jermaine O'Neal Jr. (7) shoots the ball during the fourth quarter of a City of Palms Classic signature series game DME Academy at Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Fla., on Friday, Dec. 20, 2024. Indiana Pacers Jermaine O'Neal (R) tries a mid-court shot to the amusement of his teammates during a practice 18 February 2006 for the 2006 NBA All-Star game in Houston. The game will be played 19 February. ROBERT SULLIVAN, AFP Via Getty Images Apr 12, 2018; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jermaine O'Neal during the BIG3 League draft at the Fox Sports Studio. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jun 29, 2018; Chicago, IL, USA; Tri State Jermaine O'Neal dunks during a BIG3 3-on-3 basketball league game against the Ball Hogs at the United Center. Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports BROOKLYN, NY - AUGUST 24: Jermain O'Neal #7 of Tri State dunks in the third place game against the 3 Headed Monsters during the BIG3 Championship at the Barclays Center on August 24, 2018 in Brooklyn, New York. Al Bello, BIG3/Getty Images CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 29: Jermaine O'Neal and Mesha O’Neal came to watch the 45th Annual McDonald's All American Games at Wintrust Arena on March 29, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. Jeff Schear, Getty Images For McDonald's
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'They're shooting rats as hard as they can': Paul Maurice cracks up over Panthers aiming rats at Brad Marchand
The ice crew collects hundreds of plastic rats after the Florida Panthers defeated the New Jersey Devils in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2012 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the BankAtlantic Center on April 15, 2012 in Sunrise, Florida. Photo byIf you thought the Florida Panthers' rat-throwing tradition was just some quirky playoff ritual, think again. This postseason, the Panthers have turned their famous plastic rats into weapons literally launching them at their rivals, especially Bruins' agitator Brad Marchand. And the best part? Their head coach Paul Maurice is not only on board, he's cracking up over the chaos. The Panthers are literally launching plastic rats at Brad Marchand and it's become a full-blown thing It's not just tradition anymore. Florida's playoff celebrations have taken on a whole new level of chaos and the Bruins' Brad Marchand is right in the splash zone. After every win, Panthers players have been tossing (read: sniping) plastic rats in his direction during the postgame scene. And they're not doing it gently either. 'They're shooting them as hard as they can,' head coach Paul Maurice told reporters. 'They're not flipping them... it's funny as hell.' That's not just approval, that's encouragement. And in a series that's already dripping with tension, it's the perfect sprinkle of petty that fans are eating up. From locker room legend to playoff weapon, the rats are having a moment The Panthers' rat obsession isn't just some weird playoff gimmick, it's NHL history. It all started during the 1995–96 season when Panthers forward Scott Mellanby killed a rat in the locker room before a game, literally slapped it with his stick. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Own A Barrel of Whisky With Average Annual Returns of 10.15%* Whisky Investors Download Undo That same night, he scored two goals using the 'rat stick,' and teammates started calling it a 'Rat Trick.' The story took off like wildfire. Fans went all in. They started bringing rubber rats to home games, chucking them onto the ice after every goal. It became Florida's signature move, a chaotic, rodent-filled celebration that defined their Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup Final that year. The NHL eventually had to tweak the rules to prevent delays (rats are only allowed after wins now), but the tradition stuck. And in the 2024–25 playoffs? It's made a full-blown comeback with a spicy twist. Also read - Brendan Shanahan steps down after 11 seasons with the Maple Leafs: What's next for the franchise legend? 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
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Henrique's heroics among key takeaways in Oilers' 3-0 win over Golden Knights in Game 4
Adam Henrique is often overlooked on the Edmonton Oilers, a team that relies on superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl for much of its offense. But the 35-year-old center was the biggest reason the Oilers moved within one win of returning to the Western Conference Final with a 3-0 win over the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 4 of their Second Round series at Rogers Place on Monday night. Henrique had scored just once in Edmonton's first nine postseason games before beating Adin Hill twice in the first 13:03, giving the Oilers a lead they never relinquished. Advertisement The 35-year-old center converted a passout from Connor Brown after a turnover by Vegas defenseman Zach Whitecloud into the game's first goal 1:27 into the opening period. He followed that with a nifty shot in traffic from in close at 13:03 for a 2-0 lead. It was Henrique's second career two-goal game in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The last one came on April 26, 2012, in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, when he scored twice and had the series-winning goal in double overtime for the New Jersey Devils in a 3-2 win against the Florida Panthers. Evander Kane added a second-period goal for the Oilers, who lead the best-of-7 series 3-1 and can end the Golden Knights' season Wednesday night by winning Game 5 in Las Vegas. The early cushion was more than enough for goaltender Stuart Skinner, who made 24 saves to earn his first win in four starts this spring. He got plenty of help from his teammates, who limited Vegas to five shots in the first period, blocked 20 shots and controlled the tempo for most of the game. The Golden Knights managed just eight high-danger chances all night, according to Natural Stat Trick. Advertisement 'The way that we played tonight was phenomenal, right from puck drop,' Skinner told Sportsnet. 'We were stifling defensively. The way we responded after the last game showed a lot of maturity. The guys played so hard tonight, and they deserved it.' The Golden Knights, who got 29 saves by a combative Adin Hill, face a win-or-go-home game Wednesday night at home. The Oilers have lost just once in their history when they win three of the first four games in a series; the Golden Knights, who entered the NHL in 2017, are 0-2 when trailing 3-1 in a series. Related: Panthers even series with 2-0 win against Maple Leafs in Game 4: takeaways 3 takeaways after Edmonton's 3-0 win against Vegas in Game 4 1. Henrique helps Oilers win without McDavid and Draisaitl Shutting down the Oilers' top guns is usually a formula for success. That wasn't the case on Monday. Advertisement Draisaitl, who led the NHL in the regular season with 51 goals, was held without a point. McDavid had an assist on Kane's goal but otherwise wasn't much of an offensive factor, though he did have two blocked shots, two takeaways and won 11 of 18 face-offs. Henrique, who finished the regular season with 12 goals and 27 points in a bottom-six role, more than picked up the slack. Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images He showed the hands that have produced 275 NHL goals on his two first-period tallies. Henrique was alone between the circles when he zipped Brown's pass over Hill's glove before the goaltender could react. The second goal came when he pulled the puck between his legs and flipped it over Hill's right pad and under his armpit. Advertisement Related: NHL Power Rankings 2024-25: Updated For Round 2 of Stanley Cup Playoffs 2. Skinner steps up Skinner lost the starter's job after poor showings in Games 1 and 2 of Edmonton's first-round series against the Los Angeles Kings. Calvin Pickard stepped in and won six straight games, four against the Kings and the first two against Vegas. But Pickard was injured late in Game 2, giving Skinner the starter's job again. He wasn't good enough in Game 3, allowing four goals on 24 shots and coughing up the game-winner in the final second. Game 4 was a different story. Skinner entered the game with a save percentage of .817 but looked like the goalie who carried the Oilers within one win of the Stanley Cup last spring. His positioning was solid, he didn't overplay shots and played with the kind of confidence he hadn't shown thus far in the playoffs. Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images 'Definitely less nerves. I definitely felt more grounded,' Skinner said. 'I just have to keep that going.' He didn't have to make a lot of saves but came through when he had to. His two biggest saves might have been on Ivan Barbashev and Brayden McNabb from in close before Henrique scored to make it 2-0. He also made a big stop on Tomas Hertl midway through the third. Advertisement It was the second postseason shutout of Skinner career and improved his career record in Game 4s to 4-0. 3. Golden Knights come up small in big spot Vegas figured to come into Monday's game riding the momentum of their stunning Game 3 victory, when Reilly Smith scored with :00.4 remaining in the third period. Instead, the Golden Knights were dominated for most of the night. Henrique's first goal, the ninth by a team in the first two minutes of a game in this year's playoffs, meant that the Golden Knights were chasing the game before some of their players had even stepped on the ice. And unlike Game 3, when the Oilers led 2-0 before the game was 12 minutes old only to see Vegas get even before the end of the first period, there was little sign of a spark from the Golden Knights after they fell behind by two goals. Credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images This time, Edmonton was quicker to the puck, won the majority of battles in the corners and was clearly the better team. Vegas was a step slow for most of the game, not as physical as the Oilers and generated little offense. That was especially true in the first period, when the Golden Knights managed just five shots on goal despite getting six minutes of power-play time. They had 12 shots in the third but rarely tested Skinner. Advertisement Vegas will have to come up with some answers pretty quickly. Even going home for Game 5 might not be much help; Edmonton won Games 1 and 2 at T-Mobile Arena. Related Headlines
