NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Is it late early for Stars and Hurricanes as games 3 &4 loom this week

Vegas Golden Knights celebrate after Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson (20) scored against the Dallas Stars during overtime of Game 2 at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Sun May 21, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Marko:

#1 The Vegas Golden Knights Chandler Stephenson scored at 1:12 in the overtime stanza on Sunday against the Dallas Stars in a 3-2 win. The Knights picked up their second win for a 2-0 series lead over Dallas.

#2 Stephenson said it was his first overtime goal in post season and said that being the game winner was something special.

#3 Marko, talk about the advantage of having home ice at the T Mobile Center for the Knights and quickly jumping to a two game lead going back to Dallas.

#4 Taking a look at game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Florida Panthers and the Carolina Hurricanes. The Panthers were neither intimidated or feeling under pressure opening up their series in Carolina in taking the first two games.

#5 Both wins for the Hurricanes were one goal wins and on the road now they open the next two games, games three and four on Sunrise Florida ice can the Panthers wrap this series up or can the Hurricanes turn things around and take one or maybe two games or is that a stretch and would you assume based on what’s in front of you the next two games it’s gonna take a miracle for the Hurricanes to get back into this?

Marko does the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs post season podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast with Len Shapiro: Panthers defeat Hurricanes 3-2 in 4 OTs; Sixth longest game in history

On the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast with Len:

#1 The Florida Panthers and Carolina Hurricanes battled to well past 2:00 AM ET this morning in Raleigh in the NHL’s sixth longest game as the Panthers Matthew Tkachuk scored the game winner in the fourth overtime at 12.7 seconds left for the 3-2 win. 139 minutes 47 seconds of hockey.

#2 Len you got a look at this one and the players were just exhausted after two overtimes.

#3 It had to be a tough ending for Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Anderson when Tkachuk beat him within the final seconds of the fourth and final overtime. Anderson stood on his head during the four overtime periods stopping 57 out of 60 shots by the Panthers.

#4 Florida goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky stopped 63 shots out of 65. Bobrovsky did just enough in seven periods to keep the Hurricanes at bay in their own rink.

#5 This turned out to be a tooth and nail battle neither side giving an inch and playin for their lives all game long do you see game 2 coming up pretty much being that kind of a war and possibly going overtime again?

Join Len Shapiro does the NHL Stanley Cup playoff podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Len Shapiro: Hurricane win in OT to put away New Jersey 3-2

Carolina Hurricanes’ Jack Drury (18) and New Jersey Devils’ Ondrej Palat (18) work along the boards during the first period of Game 5 at Carolina on Thu May 11, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast with Len:

#1 Len, the Carolina Hurricanes clinch for the third round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs with a win over the New Jersey Devils in Carolina Thursday 3-2 in overtime.

#2 Jasper Fast scored on a deflected pass from by Jesperi Kotkaniemi at 7:09 on a power play in the overtime stanza to help the Hurricanes to advance to the third round of the playoffs.

#3 This game was for the ages, New Jersey were fighting for their lives to try and stay in the playoffs down 1-3 and the Hurricanes needed this game to put away New Jersey to advance. It was a battle though all three periods with New Jersey scoring a goal in each of the first and second periods and the Hurricanes scoring twice in the second period and none in the third period for a 2-2 tie.

#4 The Devils and Hurricanes neither scored in the third period and had to play the overtime stanza to decide the game. Both goalies New Jersey goalie Akira Schmid stopped 36 of 39 shots and Frederik Anderson stopped 27 of 29 shots for the Hurricane.

#5 Len, it was a hard fought game between the two teams despite New Jersey being down to an elimination game 1-3 they fought for their lives but the Hurricanes had some good defense from the third period and Fast put the game away with his deflected goal in overtime to advance Carolina. No doubt about it New Jersey knew the pressure was on.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL Stanley Cup playoff podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Marko Ukalovic: NJ gets big win over Carolina; Panthers could finish off Leafs Wed; plus more

New Jersey Devils center Jack Hughes (86) fights with Carolina Hurricanes center Sebastian Aho during the second period of Game 3 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 7, 2023, in Newark, N.J (AP News photo)

On NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast:

#1 The New Jersey Devils avoided going down 0-3 with a four goal win over the Carolina Hurricanes 8-4 to cut the Hurricanes lead to 1-2. New Jersey’s Jack Hughes scored twice and scored three goals in the first period in the second round of the NHL Stanley Cup.

#2 The Florida Panthers Sam Reinhart scored at 3:02 in overtime to give the Panthers a 3-2 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs to put the Leafs on the brink of elimination 3-0. The Panthers can advance to the third round for the first time since 1996 for the Eastern Conference Finals.

#3 Seattle Kraken scored five goals in the second period of game 3 to go up 2-1. The Kraken blew away the Dallas Stars 7-2. Game 4 is scheduled to face off Tuesday. The Kraken’s Matty Beniers, Eeli Tolvanen, Alex Wennberg, and Justin Schultz all scored and had assist in the second period.

#4 The Edmonton Oilers Leon Draisatl has scored 13 goals the most goals through eight games, the second place holder with the most goals goes back to 1985 who was an Oiler Jan Kurri who had 13 as well. The record holder is Newsy Lalonde of the 1919 Montreal Canadiens with 15.

#5 Marko, the series between the Vegas Golden Knights and Oilers is tied 1-1. The Oilers got a four goal win over the Knights 5-1. The Oilers opened up with four goals in the first period. The Oilers top scorers Connor McDavid and Leon Draisatl scored two goals each in the win.

Join Marko for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcasts on Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup playoffs podcast with Matt Harrington: Leafs Knies listed out for games 3 and 4; Carolina goes up 2-0 on New Jersey; plus more

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies will be out for games 3 and 4 of the playoffs after getting hit by the Florida Panthers Sam Bennett. Knies was knocked to the ice and suffered a concussion. (file photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL Stanley Cup playoff podcast with Matt:

#1 The Toronto Maple Leafs forward Matthew Knies will have to sit out the next two games due to a concussion. Knies left during a 3-2 loss to the Florida Panthers when the Panthers Sam Bennett hit Knies and knocked him to the ice for concussion.

#2 The Panther’s Bennett has kept himself busy not only did he knock the Leafs Knies to the ice to give Knies a concussion but Bennett also cross checked the Leafs Michael Bunting and picked a $5,000 fine and a minor at 15:00 of the second period during Thursday’s game.

#3 The Carolina Hurricanes won game two with authority on Friday night 6-1 to go up 2-0 in the second round of the playoffs to the New Jersey Devils.

#4 The Hurricanes Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored twice for the Canes in just a two and half minute span. The Hurricanes were lighting up the lamp scoring four times in the second period and putting a lot of distance between them and the Devils.

#5 Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Anderson was sharp all night stopping 28 out of 29 shots and was able to stop some close shots by New Jersey. Anderson’s save percentage for game two was .966 and he was defending like the Devils had no chance to put the puck in the net.

Join Matt for the NHL Stanley Cup playoff podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Matt Harrington: New Jersey to start Schmid in game 3; Kings play catch up on Oilers; plus more

New Jersey Devils goaltender Akira Schmid is most likely to get the call for game 3 against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sat 22, 2023 (photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The New Jersey Devils are contemplating starting Akira Schmid in goal for game 3 against the New York Rangers. An indication that Scmid might get the call first string goaltender Vitek Vanecek and second stringer MacKenzie Blackwood were on the other end of the ice during Saturday’s morning skate with Schmid defending by himself on the opposite end. Another indication Schmid led the players out on the ice for practice.

#2 The Los Angeles Kings certainly have not given in one bit they went up two games to one against the powerful Edmonton Oilers. The Kings broke a 1-1 deadlock after the Oilers were hit with a penalty which were defined as undisciplined penalties. The Kings capitalized scoring two goals on power plays at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Kings overtake the Oilers for a 2-1 series lead.

#3 The Minnesota Wild came right back after getting beat by the Dallas Stars 7-3 in game 2 on Wednesday. On Friday in game 3 the series tied at 1-1 the Wild came back with a convincing 5-1 win to take a 2-1 series lead. The Wild scored twice in each of the second and third periods and got good goaltending from Filip Gustavsson who stopped 23 out of 24 shots.

#4 The Carolina Hurricanes Teuvo Teravainen will be out for the rest of the playoffs due to a broken left hand during the Hurricanes 4-3 win against the New York Islanders. Teravainen’s hand hit the stick of Isle forward Jean-Gabriel Pageau at 4:24 in the third period. Carolina head coach Ron Brind’Amour said that Pageau tomahawked Teravainen’s hand and broke his hand.

#5 Matt, taking a look at game to be played later tonight the Seattle Kraken and the Colorado Avalanche with the series tied 1-1 this one is at Climate Pledge Arena. The Avalanche just got by the Kraken in game 2, 3-2 to even the series. Aves goaltender Alexander Georgiev allowed only two Kraken goals in the first period and shut them out the rest of the way for the one goal win.

Join Matt for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs podcast with Matt Harrington: Rangers-Devils in Hudson Valley Rivalry; Pens fire top brass after missing playoffs; plus more

The New York Rangers and the New Jersey Devils faceoff for round 1 of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 11 years in the “Hudson Valley Rivalry” the puck drops at the Prudential Center in New Jersey on Tue Apr 18, 2023 (AP News file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The “Hudson Valley Rivalry” the New York Rangers and New Jersey Devils meet up for the first time in 11 years and it’s their seventh meeting in playoff history.

#2 The Pittsburgh Penguins missed the playoffs for the first time in 16 years the Penguins missed the Stanley Cup. As a consequence the Pens fired their team president Brian Burke, general manager Ron Hextall, assistant general manager Chris Taylor all dismissed on Friday.

#3 Another team who didn’t reach the post season were the Washington Capitals who parted ways with head coach Peter Laviolette who finished over three season with a 115-78-27 record.

#4 Matthew Barzal is expected back with the New York Islanders after missing the last 23 games of the regular season. Barzal will be in the line up in game 1 this coming Monday in Carolina against the Hurricanes.

#5 Talk about the Edmonton Oilers Connor McDavid who were the Art Ross and Rocket Richard Trophies. McDavid led the NHL in points (153) and goals (64).

Join Matt for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoff podcast with Matt Harrington at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Len Shapiro: Flyers DeAngelo suspended two games for spearing; Oilers Kane back tonight in Boston; plus more news

Edmonton Oilers Evander Kane returned to the Oilers line up tonight against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden in Boston. Kane is made his first appearance after missing nine games. (file photo from nhl.com

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Tony DeAngelo was hit with a two game suspension for spearing Tampa Bay Lightning Corey Perry in Tampa Bay on Tue Mar 7. The penalty was assessed at 17:20 of the third period a major penalty and a misconduct for spearing.

#2 Edmonton Oilers star Evander Kane has finally returned to the line up after missing nine games he played in tonight’s game against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Kane had got his wrist cut by a skate on Feb 17th returned on line changes with Connor McDavid and Zach Hyman.

#3 Len, the Carolina Hurricanes recalled goaltender Pyotr Kochetkov AHL affiliate Chicago on Wednesday. Kochetkov will replace Antti Raanta who suffered a groin injury on Tuesday in a Hurricanes 4-3 overtime shootout win against the Montreal Canadiens. Hurricanes coach Rod Brind’Amour said that Raanta tweeted his groin and hoped that it’s not too serious.

#4 The Oilers and Bruins game was nationally televised in order to highlight Oilers superstar Connor McDavid and the Boston Bruins David Pastrnak. The Oilers and Bruins are favorites to represent in the NHL Finals for the post season.

#5 San Jose Sharks head coach David Quinn has been fined $25,000 for demeaning officials on Sat Mar 4th at SAP Center in San Jose in a game against the Washington Capitals. Quinn blew his top after on ice official Gord Dwyer had called Kevin LaBanc for hooking in the third period. Quinn was seen using colorful language and got the boot for a game misconduct abuse on an official.

Join Len Shapiro for the NHL podcasts Thursday nights on http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Stadium Series with Hurricanes and Capitals tonight; McDavid, Oilers battled Rangers at MSG; plus more

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 Stunned By Late Canes Rally, Lose 5-4 OT Decision

San Jose Sharks Nick Bonino (13) brings up the ice shavings in front of Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Annri Raanta (32) at PNC Arena in Raleigh NC on Fri Jan 27, 2023 (@SanJoseSharks photo)

By Matthew Harrington

In a season where the San Jose Sharks have found creative and painful ways to lose games Friday night proved to be a season-low. The Sharks had a 4-2 lead after scoring an empty net goal with 1:52 left in regulation, but surrendered two goals to the Carolina Hurricanes in the waning moments of regulation before Martin Necas netted the overtime winner 5-4.

Michael Eyssimont had a three-point night in the loss, Mario Ferraro had a goal and an assist and Nick Bonino and Oskar Lindblom lit the lamp in defeat. James Reimer made 31 saves for the Sharks (14-25-11), but Necas and Sebastian Aho scored a pair each and Calvin De Haan pitched in with a goal for the host Hurricanes (31-9-8).

The third period proved wild Friday night, as both teams were tied 1-1 entering the frame thanks to a goal by Lindblom and De Haan’s response both occurring in the final five minutes of the first period. Aho gave the Hurricanes the lead 17 seconds into the final frame with a power play goal.

Eyssimont picked off a Aho dump in, feeding Nick Bonino on a drive towards the Canes net for a breakway. Bonino beat Antti Raanta for his ninth goal of the season to tie the game at the 6:50 mark.

Eyssimont’s strong game continued after Nico Sturm kept a Mario Ferraro pass from jumping out of the offensive zone. He passed the puck to Eyssimont on the wall and drove the net, creating a screen for Eyssimont’s shot to sneak through to give San Jose a 3-2 lead with 8:45 left in regulation.

Ferraro picked up the empty netter at the 18:08 mark, but Sebastian Aho was able to slip behind the Sharks defense and take a pass from Teuvo Teravainen that Aho was able to easily shoot past Reimer just 15 seconds later to make it 4-3.

Canes coach Rod Brind’Amour pulled the goalie yet again, and this time it paid off after Aho’s near goalline fling on net rebounded in the slot to Necas with 12 seconds left. Necas was able to slide the rebound home for his 20^th goal of the year and force overtime.

Necas played the hero in overtime after the Canes found themselves on a 3-on-1 breakaway after Eyssimont’s attempt to break up the rush failed. Andrei Svechnikov went down the left side and hit the cross-crease pass to Necas who buried the one-timer 55 seconds into the extra frame.

The Sharks have now lost four consecutive games, all on the road and have lost the last two in overtime. They won’t have long to scratch their heads over the loss as they head north to face the Pittsburgh Penguins at PNC Arena Saturday night. After that, they head to All-Star break before continuing the tough roadie with games against the Lightning, Panthers and Capitals before returning home to face the Penguins again on Valentine’s Day.