NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Briere named interim GM for Flyers; Taveras back in line up tonight for Leafs after undisclosed illness; plus more news

The Philadelphia Flyers interim general manager seen in this Tue Aug 18, 2015 photo was named as interim general manager replacing Chuck Fletcher on Fri Mar 10, 2023 (AP News file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Philadelphia Flyers fired general manager Chuck Fletcher Friday. Flyers Chairman Dave Scott the Flyers have not lived up to the expected standard. The Flyers have been to the post season only once since 2018. Scott announced Daniel Briere has been named the Flyers interim general manager.

#2 The Toronto Maple Leafs John Taveras will be in the line up tonight, Taveras did not play Tuesday night against the New Jersey Devils because of a undisclosed illness. Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said that Taveras had not felt like himself. Taveras said that he’s looking forward to getting back on the ice for tonight’s game.

#3 The Minnesota Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov has been listed out with a lower body injury and will miss three to four weeks in a 4-2 win against the Winnipeg Jets Kaprizov was taken down by the Jets Logan Stanley in the third period and was assisted off the ice favoring his left leg.

#4 Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar said that he’s not quite sure how long it will take for forward Gabriel Landeskog will be able to return to his top form after having knee surgery. Bednar said that he was concerned for Landeskog as he hasn’t played all season.

#5 The Ottawa Senators announced that goaltender Cam Talbot will miss up to three to four weeks due to a lower body injury. Talbot sat out on Monday against the Chicago Blackhawks resulting in a 5-0 loss. Mads Sogaard will be working between the pipes for Ottawa tonight in Calgary.

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Leafs Samsonov stops 30 CBJ shots for shutout; Rangers Tarasenko breaks in with game’s first goal vs. Kraken

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov, left, makes a stop in front of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Boone Jenner, right, and Maple leafs defenseman TJ Brodie during the second period at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Fri Feb 10, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Toronto Maple Leafs (32-13-8) goaltender Ilya Samsonov stopped 30 Columbus Blue Jacket (15-33-4) shots in the Leafs win over the Jackets 3-0 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. The Leafs John Taveras scored two goals in the win.

#2 What a little inspiration will do as the New York Rangers (30-14-8) Vladimir Tarasenko on the first night on the job for the Rangers scored the Rangers first goal of the night at 2:49 in the first period vs. the Seattle Kraken (29-18-5). Tarasenko who was dealt to the Rangers from the St Louis Blues is enjoying his new environment.

#3 Matt, the Los Angeles Kings Dustin Brown is having his sweater number retired #23. Brown also had his statue unveiled at Crypto.com Arena, Brown’s statue also joins former Kings greats Wayne Gretzky and Luc Robitaille statues outside of the arena.

#4 The Dallas Stars Jason Robertson is grabbing all publicity that he can he is fifth among US born players in points with 193 goals in 178 games. Robertson is fourth of US born players with 91 since joining the NHL in 2020-21. His teammate Joe Pavelski who is second of US born players has 435 goals.

#5 While the Chicago Blackhawks Patrick Kane says he’s intrigued about going to the New York Rangers. Kane feels that Tarsenko filled that void going from the Blues to the Rangers. How true is that and could Kane help fill a void in Madison Square Garden?

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com on Saturdays

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Sharks Karlsson open to trade to a contender; Canucks coach Boudreau could be gone at anytime; plus more NHL news

San Jose Sharks defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) works for the puck against Dallas Stars center Tyler Seguin (91) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023 at SAP Center in San Jose (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The San Jose Sharks defenceman Erik Karlsson says while he likes playing in San Jose he would consider a trade to a team that is going to go deep in the post season. Karlsson came to San Jose from Ottawa back on Sep 13, 2018 and hasn’t played more than 56 games since he was acquired. That said this season Karlsson leads NHL defencemen with 15 goals, 47 assists and 62 points.

#2 Things have not gone so well for the Vancouver Canucks (18-23-3) the Canucks have lost four of their last ten games are sixth place in the Pacific Division. Canucks head coach Bruce Boudreau knows all too well that the Canucks have had a rough season and that his time at head coach could be ending soon as saying he doesn’t know what is going on and also saying how great the game is.

#3 Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Ivan Provorov who said he could not wear the Pride themed sweater designed for the pre game skate on Tuesday night. Provorov said that he couldn’t wear it for religious reason being a Russian Orthodox. Provorov’s number 9 sweater became the hot seller after the story went viral. Critics of Provorov’s decision not to wear pride sweater said he had no problem wearing a military sweater he wore 2021.

#4 The Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry made his return as netminder on Friday night after missing seven games and stopping 46 shots in the Penguins win over the Ottawa Senators 4-1. Jarry suffered a lower body injury. The Pens have been struggling a bit lately especially after losing defensemen Jeff Petry and Kris Letang who are on the injured list as well.

#5 Max Pacioretty of the Carolina Hurricanes who tore his Achilles tendon last Thursday night had to helped off the ice when he was skating near Minnesota Wild’s end of the ice almost behind the net when he tore the tendon for the second time since he had surgery for it back on Aug 9th. Pacioretty will have a second surgery for it. Pacioretty teammate Brady Skjei said “It definitely put a damper on the win a little bit,”

Join Matt for the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: NJ’s Severson goal come up big against Rangers; Jackets Marchenko’s hat trick does the trick against Canes; plus much more

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) celebrates after scoring the game-winning goal in overtime of an NHL hockey game against the New York Rangers at Prudential Center in Newark New Jersey on Sat Jan 7, 2023 (AP News photo)

#1 Damon Severson of the New Jersey Devils scored at 2:17 in overtime to help New Jersey get a 4-3 win in overtime against the New York Rangers at the Prudential Center in Newark. Severson stole the puck away from the Rangers Alex Lafreniere and went two on one with it against Nico Heschier to score the gamer.

#2 Columbus Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko picked up his first NHL hat trick that help defeat the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in a shootout at Nationwide Arena in Columbus on Saturday. Kent Johnson contributed with the game winning goal in the fifth round of the shootout stanza for the win.

#3 On Friday night the Nashville Predators Ryan McDonagh got a first goal of the season after playing in 31 games. McDonagh got a pass from Ryan Johansen and avoided the Washington Capitals goaltender Charlie Lingren’s left pad with a back handed goal to beat the Caps 4-3.

#4 The Florida Panthers Aaron Ekblad scored two power play goals as the Carolina Panthers defeated the Detroit Red Wings at Little Casers Pizza Arena on Friday 3-2.

#5 In a game that’s coming up on Saturday night at SAP in San Jose the Boston Bruins who are 30-4-4 face off with the San Jose Sharks 12-20-8. The Bruins always show up but can the Sharks play up to the level tonight?

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Forsberg and Sissons lead Nashville to 6-1 win in Anaheim; Canes Raanta shutsout Panthers 4-0; plus more NHL news

Nashville Predators center Juuso Parssinen, center, misses the puck on a rebound with Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, left, and right wing Troy Terry defending during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Nashville Predators Filip Forsberg had a goal and two assists, Colton Sissons scored a goal and an assist as the Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center in Anaheim 6-1.

#2 Matt the Predators also got scoring help from Yokov Trenin, Thomas Novak, Roman Josi, and Nino Niederreiter the win ended Nashville’s two game loss streak.

#3 Jesperi Kokaniemi supplied the offense for the the Carolina Hurricanes in a 4-0 defeat over the Florida Panthers. Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta saved 19 shots on goal by the Panthers and picked up his first shoutout for the 2022-23 campaign.

#4 The New Jersey Devils got a two goal win over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2. The Pens Jack Hughes scored two goals and teammate Nico Hischier scored a shorthanded goal as the Devils (13-2-1) are one of the hottest road teams in the NHL.

#5 Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon skated for the first time since his Dec 5 upper body injury. MacKinnon practiced at the morning skate on Friday and might get into Saturday’s line up against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Ovechkin is #2 on all time NHL goals list; Pastrnak scores twice in 4-3 Bruins win; plus much more

Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin reacts in the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Winnipeg Jets in Washington DC on Thu Dec 22, 2022 (AP News photo)

On NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin scored career goals 801 and 802 to tie and pass Gordie Howe for second on the all time NHL list. Ovechkin scored at 18:22 in the first period and at 19:22 in third period Ovechkin scored goal number 802. The Caps defeated the Winnipeg Jets 4-1.

#2 The Boston Bruins David Pastrnak scored twice for the Bruins 4-3 win over the New Jersey Devils for their fourth straight win. Pastrnak extends his point streak to 11 games.

#3 Good things are happening for the Carolina Hurricanes they defeated the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday 6-5. The Hurricanes hit a point streak of 14 consecutive games. Hurricanes have now won eight straight games and The Flyers lost goaltender Carter Hart who stopped six out seven shots after suffering an upper body injury.

#4 The Colorado Avalanche’s Samuel Girard scored at 4:17 in the overtime stanza to help defeat the Nashville Predators on Friday at Bridgestone Arena. The Aves Evan Rodrigues said “We’ve been fighting, grinding out wins, low-scoring games,” Rodrigues said. “Even when we’re down, guys believe we can come back.”

#5 The Las Vegas Knights Chandler Stephenson picked up four points and scored in the shootout stanza to defeat the St Louis Blues 5-4. Stephenson scored a goal and had three assists.

Join Matt for the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Kyrou’s two goals puts Blues past Flames; Zuccarello’s hat trick helps Wild defeat Hawks; plus more NHL news

St. Louis Blues goalie Thomas Greiss, is congratulated by Pavel Buchnevich after defeating the Calgary Flames at the Saddledome in Calgary on Fri Dec 16, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Jordan Kyrou scored two goals for the St Louis Blues enough to wind up getting a three goal 5-3 win over the Calgary Flames on Friday night at the Saddledome in Calgary.

#2 Matt, Nats Zuccarello scored a hat trick for the Minnesota Wild to help beat the Chicago Blackhawks. Zuccarello also picked up an assist. Wild left winger Kirill Kaprizov scored a goal and two assists for three points to hand the Hawks their fourth straight loss in St Paul.

#3 At the Capital One Center in Washington the Capitals Alex Ovechkin will face off against fellow Russian and Toronto Maple Leaf goaltender Ilya Samsonov tonight who said he’s proud that Ovechkin and wishes him well on his way to tying Gordie Howe’s career goal record at 801 goals which would put Ovechkin in second place on the all time list but Samsonov said but not against the Maple Leafs.

#4 Michael, the NHL is considering increasing the amount of the regular season schedule from 82 to 84 games. The reason would be travel demands of the NHL schedule but mainly it’ll bring more revenue for teams and the league.

#5 The Arizona Coyotes (10-14-4) hung on to beat the New York Islanders (17-13-1) in a see saw game 5-4. The Islanders Mathew Barzal provided a key goal that help defeat the Coyotes as the Islanders improve to 17 season wins. The Coyotes goaltender Karel Vejmelka allowed four goals and stopped 30 shots.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcasts each Saturday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Letang expected to return to Pens in ten days; Leafs Engvall suspended for one game; plus more news

 Pittsburgh Penguins’ Kris Letang plays during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Boston Bruins Saturday, April 16, 2022, in Boston. It was reported that Letang could return in ten days after suffering a stroke back on Nov 28, 2022 (AP News file)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang was told that he could go back to a normal life Thursday after ten days. LeTang had a stroke back on Nov 28th. Letang 35, was back at practice this week after missing four games and is on a day to day stick tap.

#2 The Toronto Blue Maples Leafs forward Pierre Engvall was suspended for one game for high sticking the Los Angeles Kings defenseman Sean Durzi at 1:02 in the third period Thursday night it was assessed as a match penalty.

#3 Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored an empty netter against the Seattle Kraken on Friday night it was goal number 796 making Ovechkin four goals shy of 800. Ovechkin is now five goals short of reaching Gordie Howe who is second on the all time list with 801. Wayne Gretzky is number one with 894 goals.

#4 Matt, how bad does it have to get for the Colorado Avalanche as Nathan MacKinnon will miss four weeks of action due to a upper body injury. MacKinnon left in first period against the Philadelphia Flyers. MacKinnon winced and favored his left side before leaving the ice.

#5 The Edmonton Oilers Jesse Puljujarvi has doubts about his ability to play in the NHL so far this season Puljujarvi has one goal, five assists in 26 games this season. Puljujarvi feels he’s gone down hill he had double hip surgery four years ago. Puljujarvi has ability if last season was any indication with 14 goals and 22 assists, and 36 points but this season has fallen off.

Matt Harrington does the NHL podcast Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Colorado’s Manson is week to week with lower body injury; Bertuzzi out six weeks with upper body for Red Wings; plus more

The Colorado Avalanche’s Josh Manson is out week to week due to a lower body injury (photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The Colorado Avalanche’s Josh Manson is out week to week due to a lower body injury. Manson was injured while playing against the Buffalo Sabers on Thursday. The Aves defeated the Sabers 6-4 and Manson has six points, two goals and four assists.

#2 The Detroit Red Wings Tyler Bertuzzi is out six weeks with an upper body injury Bertuzzi left Wednesday night’s game with a left hand injury after getting hit with a puck shot.

#3 Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko will miss six weeks of action as he suffered a lower body injury. Demko left in the late first period during a 5-1 loss to the Florida Panthers. Demko couldn’t put any weight on his right leg and had to be assisted off the ice after Ryan Lomberg with 47 seconds left in the first period.

#4 The Pittsburgh Penguins Kris Letang has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a stroke. Letang was not suffering any post effects but will be test this upcoming week and his stroke is not considered career threatening according to Penguins general manager Ron Hextall.

#5 Matt the NHL did announce make up dates for the postponed game due to a water main break at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on back on Nov 26th when the Columbus Blue Jackets were to face the Nashville Predators which was rescheduled Tue Jan 17th.

Join Matt for the NHL podcasts Saturday nights at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: CBJs-Predators game postponed in Nashville; Leafs extend point streak to seven; plus more

Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) go after the puck during the first period at the Excel Energy Center in St Paul on Fri Nov 25, 2022 (AP News photo)

On NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 A very unusual NHL occurrence as today’s game between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Nashville Predators has been postponed due to a water main break at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The report says the break had significantly impacted the building and can’t service fans or even the players at the Nashville rink. The Jackets, Predators, or the NHL have not announced a make up date yet.

#2 The Toronto Maple Leafs have extended their point streak to seven games with a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild at the Excel Energy Center in St Paul. The Leafs Mitchell Marner extended his point streak to 15 games with a goal. The Leafs have now won two straight games and got 25 saves from goaltender Matt Murray.

#3 The Montreal Canadiens Kirby Dach has an eye for the backend of the net during shootouts. Dach scored his second consecutive game winning shootout goal getting the Habs a 3-2 win over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center in Chicago.

#4 Can’t hold a good team down as the Boston Bruins won their 12th consecutive game which is a NHL record for home victories getting the win over the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2. The Bruins David Pastrnak scored on a power play goal at 3:19 in the overtime stanza for a one timer after a pass from Brad Marchand.

#5 The Pittsburgh Penguins Ryan Poehling scored scored two goals which help contribute to a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Flyers at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. The Pens Teddy Blueger had three assists, Josh Archibald got a goal and an assist, good enough for their fifth straight win.

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