NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Ovechkin close to winning Hart Trophy; Wild’s Kaprizov out for tonight vs. Washington; plus more

The Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin a three time MVP winner is up for the Hart Trophy Award (NHL.com file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The Washington Capitals Alexander Ovechkin who has won the MVP three times is up for the Hart Trophy so far with 24 goals, 50 points, and has helped the Capitals to get to first place in the Metropolitan Division.

#2 The Boston Bruins Trent Fredric hit the Minnesota Wild’s Kirill Kaprizov hitting him into the boards and Kaprizov’s skates got caught up with his teammate Matt Grzelcyk receiving an upper body injury at 10:09 of the second period in the 3-2 Wild win on Thursday night. Kaprizov will not play against the Washington Capitals tonight.

#3 The St Louis Blues dropped their odds a bit losing right winger Vladimir Tarasenko, defensemen Scott Perunovich, and Jake Walman to Coronavirus protocols. Each will miss two games after testing positive for Coronavirus.

#4 The Vegas Golden Knights know how to spoil a reunion as they defeated the New York Rangers 5-1 in the return of former Knights head coach Gerrard Gallant. Gallant was the Knights first coach in their franchise history before being replace by Peter DeBoer on Jan 15, 2020.

#5 Three games were canceled in Canadian cities due to attendance restrictions New Jersey had two games postponed @ Montreal Jan 15 and at Toronto Jan 17th. The Chicago Blackhawks at Edmonton Oilers were postponed for Jan 18. The Ottawa Senators had three games postponed.

#6 The San Jose Sharks gave Evander Kane his unconditional release today because of a fake Covid 19 card and he will no longer be skating for the Sharks minor league team the San Jose Barracuda. Kane has ability but because of off ice issues is no longer with San Jose.

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

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Covid outbreaks effects numerous NHL teams; Jets Lowry takes over as interim coach; plus more

Nashville Predators left wing Tanner Jeannot (84) watches as teammate left wing Filip Forsberg scores on Colorado Avalanche goaltender Pavel Francouz (39) Thu Dec 16, 2021 in Nashville (AP News photo)

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Not since the beginning of the Covid 19 pandemic in March 2020 has the NHL seen so many games postponed. The NHL has postponed two more teams all games for the Colorado Avalanche (17-8-2) and Florida Panthers (18-7-4).

#2 The Calgary Flames (15-7-6) have shutdown their operations extending it from Dec 24-26. The Flames announced that they have had no further positive tests today. The Flames next scheduled game is against the Edmonton Oilers (17-11-0) on Dec 27th.

#3 Winnipeg Jets (13-11-5) head coach Paul Maurice resigned on Friday saying the team needs a new voice. That new voice was found when Jet’s general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff called new interim head coach Dave Lowry to take over on Thursday. Lowry is the father of Jets forward Adam Lowry.

#4 The Vegas Golden Knights (19-11-0) Jonathan Marchessault got the game winner in round three of a shootout against the New York Rangers (19-7-4) at Madison Square Garden for a 3-2 win. The win was the Knights third straight win.

#5 The St Louis Blues (17-8-5) picked up a home and home sweep against the Dallas Stars (13-12-2) 4-1 on Friday night in St Louis. The Blues Vladimir Tarasenko scored two goals and goaltender Charlie Lindgren stopped 26 shots.

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

Audio clears up at 0:22

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Jets score lots beat Devils 8-4; Ranger goalies combine for shutout over Sharks; plus more

Winnipeg Jets’ Mark Scheifele (55) and Kyle Connor (81) celebrate Scheifele’s first period goal at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg on Fri Dec 3, 2021 (Canadian Press via AP photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 Huge night for the Winnipeg Jets (11-8-4) Mark Schiefele who scored a hat trick against the visiting New Jersey Devils (9-9-4) on Friday night at Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg in a 8-4 win. The Jets never let up on the Devils scoring three goals in the first and second periods and two in the thrid.

#2 The New York Rangers (15-4-3) goaltenders Igor Shesterkin and Alexander Georgiev combined for 28 saved goals. Shesterkin had to leave after injuring his right leg in the third period and was replace by Georgiev as the Rangers ended up getting a 1-0 shutout against the San Jose Sharks (13-10-1) .

#3 Max Pacioretty of the Vegas Golden Knights (13-10-0) scored two goals in the second period and the Knights scored four goals in the second stanza which led to a crushing 7-1 win over the Arizona Coyotes (5-17-2).

#4 The Calgary Flames (15-4-5) just got by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks (13-8-4) in a 4-3 shootout. The Flames scored two unanswered shootout goals scored by Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk for the win.

#5 The Seattle Kraken’s (9-13-2) early goals two in each of the first and second periods were just enough to get by the Edmonton Oilers (16-6-0) 4-3. Kraken goals by Alex Wennberg, Yanni Gourde, Colin Blackwell, and Adam Larsson.

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

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Eichel expected back from surgery by Feb; Blackhawks win 3 in a row under new coach

Vegas Golden Knight Jack Eichel underwent successful disk surgery the Knights announced everything went as planned and expect Eichel to make his Knights debut by Feb 2022 (photo from nhl.com)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 The Vegas Golden Knights announced that Jack Eichel to make his Vegas debut by mid Feb 2022 Eichel wanted to have disk surgery when played for the Buffalo Sabers but the Sabers wanted Eichel have a fusion procedure. Eichel elected to come to Vegas and get the surgery he was requesting the disk surgery that turned out to be a success.

#2 The Chicago Blackhawks (4-9-2) who had their share of problems with the David Aldrich sex scandal and the team had previously lost 11 out of 12 games now have won three straight games under new head coach Derek King. The Blackhawks since King has taken over are feeling good and much better about themselves and hoping their situation since the scandal can improve.

#3 Washington Capitals (8-2-4) star Alexander Ovechkin continues to set records scoring his 742nd goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets (8-4-0) on Friday night in the first period at 10:19 passing Brett Hull on the all time goals list moving into third place.

#4 Jarome Iginla of the Calgary Flames had doubts that he would be a stand out All Star hockey player when he first join the NHL back in 1999-98 but Iginla who won two Olympic medals will be inducted with five other NHL players into the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto on Monday. Iginla scored 625 goals and has 675 assists during his career.

#5 Matt, Brandon Coburn has announced his retirement after 16 NHL seasons. Coburn last played for the Ottawa Senators and New York Islanders this season. Coburn played for the Tampa Bay Lightning and was the third person to lift the Stanley Cup after the Bolts won the Finals. Coburn started with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2003 and finishes with 49 goals and 185 assists.

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

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Lightning’s Sergachev suspended two games for illegal check; Eichel to rehab from disk; plus more

The Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner (left) goes airborne after getting checked in the head by the Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Mikhail Sergachev (right) on Thu Nov 4, 2021 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Len Shapiro:

#1 The Tampa Bay Lightning’s defenceman Mikhail Sergachev who illegally checked the Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner in the head in the first period at 17:47 on Thu Nov 4 in Toronto. Sergachev was suspended for two games. Sergachev was also fined $48,000 which go to the NHL players fund.

#2 Matt, talk about the value of the Vegas Golden Knights acquiring center Jack Eichel who has to have a artificial disk replacement that will take three months for Eichel to come back and play again.

#3 The Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price will return between the pipes after entering a players’ assistance program back on Oct 7th. Carey is expected to be back with the team on Monday but will not play right away and the team plans to have Price see a therapist and to later draw up plans.

#4 Former 2010 Chicago Blackhawks video goal coach and sexual abuser Brad Aldrich had his name scratched off the Stanley Cup Trophy with X’s this week for abusing former Blackhawk Kyle Beach back in 2010.

#5 The San Jose Sharks ended up reassigning rookie forward William Eklund to his former team in Sweden. Eklund is expected to be the future center piece for the Sharks.

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

NHL Podcast with Matt Harrington: Pens Crosby trying to make comeback after wrist surgery; Knights Martinez out with undisclosed injury; plus more news

The Pittsburgh Penguins Sid Crosby is trying to make a come back after having wrist surgery on Sep 8, 2021. He’s trying to return to morning skates and practices. (NHL.com file photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt Harrington:

#1 Matt talk about how hampered the Pittsburgh Penguins are without someone like Sid Crosby in the line up. Crosby said he’s trying to come back from wrist surgery and has missed two morning skates and practices. Crosby had the surgery on Sep 8th from an injury that he got back on Mar 23, 2014.

#2 Matt talk about the Vegas Golden Knights Alec Martinez who is out with undisclosed injury. Martinez did not play on Friday against the Edmonton Oilers and got the injury during the third period against the St Louis Blues on Wednesday. The Knights did not disclose how long Martinez will be out. Also the Knights forward Mattias Janmark played his first game after coming off Covid 19 protocols.

#3 The Anaheim Ducks Max Jones is out from four to six months with a pectoral muscle injury. Jones who played in two games this season has no points in two games this season and Ducks general manager Bob Murray says it’s a tough blow for the team.

#4 The arena formerly known as the Key Arena now Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle will be open for business on Saturday night for the inaugural season for the Seattle Kraken as they host what could be their rivals the Vancouver Canucks. Matt, amongst the amenities a spacious dressing room, hanging scoreboards, and luxury suites. Should be a great venue for the new NHL team.

#5 The Edmonton Oilers have got off to a great start winning their first four games of the season and having the top three players in categories to lead the league, Conner McDavid with six goals and 11 points and Leon Draisaitl with six assists which explains why their off to such a great start.

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

https://soundcloud.com/sports-radio-service/nhl-podcast-with-matt-harrington-sat-oct-23-2021

Sharks Preseason: Sharks Shut Out Golden Knights 4-0

The Vegas Golden Knights and the San Jose Sharks faced off for the final pre season game Sat Oct 9, 2021 at SAP Center in San Jose (photo from fearofthefin.com)

By Mary Walsh

SAN JOSE– The San Jose Sharks (3-2) defeated the Vegas Golden Knights (3-4) by a score of 4-0. In their final pre-season game, the Sharks got goals from Jonathan Dahlen, Keving Labanc, Willim Eklund and Brent Burns. Adin Hill made 25 saves for the shut-out win. Robin Lehner made 30 saves for the Golden Knights.

Timo Meier sent the puck across the crease to where Jonathan Dahlen was lurking to tap the puck in behind the goalie. Assists went to Meier and Erik Karlsson.

Kevin Labanc made it 2-0 with a power play goal at 6:37. Labanc found the puck as it emerged from traffic in front of the net. He sent it back down the slot and past Robin Lehner on the glove side. Assists went to Jasper Weatherby and Tomas Hertl.

The teams were tied on the shot clock, 6-6, at the end of the first. Each team had a power play chance. The Sharks penalty kill gave up two shots and their power play needed just the one to score. The Sharks won 75% of the first period face-offs.

William Eklund made it 3-0 at 3:32 of the second. He carried the puck through the neutral zone and passed to Balcers, low in the slot. Balcers passed it right back and Eklund took the shot. Assists went to Balcers and Karlsson.

The Sharks out-shot the Golden Knights in the second, 16-9. The Sharks had the only second period power play. They got five shots in that one. The Golden Knights improved in the face-off circle, so the Sharks won only 56% of those.

Brent Burns made it 4-0 with a shot from the blue line at 9:36 of the third. The puck zipped through traffic and Lehner did not see it coming. Assists went to Kevin Labanc and Matt Nieto.

The teams each had a power play in the third period. Neither penalty kill gave up a shot. The shot count was very close in the third, 12-10 Sharks. The Golden Knights won 60% of the face-offs.

The Sharks will play their season opener at home on Saturday the 17th at 7:00 PM PT against the Winnipeg Jets.

San Jose Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa Walsh: Kane being investigated by league for alleged assault allegations by wife and Covid 19 protocols; plus more Sharks news

San Jose Sharks Evander Kane with wife Anna at the Espys during happier times both have filed counter restraining orders against each other siting domestic violence allegations (Press Democrat file photo)

On the Sharks podcast with Mary Lisa:

#1 Mary Lisa, the NHL came out with a statement on Tuesday saying they are investigating San Jose Sharks Evander Kane for two separate issues the first for last week’s domestic violence and sexual assault allegations made against Kane by Kane’s wife Anna. Kane has said that Anna had been violent against him and he had filed a restraining order against Anna in Santa Clara Family Court.

#2 The second allegation that the league is looking is Kane had violated Covid 19 protocols the NHL was not forthcoming with details about how, when or what happened but a second investigation against Kane is coming.

#3 Mary Lisa the whole Kane situation has been taking up a lot of headline space how does that translate to the dressing room. The Sharks had split squad games on Sunday in Anaheim and Las Vegas and a game in San Jose against the Los Angeles Kings. We know head coach Bob Boughner had to handle some questions regarding Kane.

#4 Kane was coming off gambling allegations made by Anna who said that he bet on the Sharks and threw games. After an investigation by the NHL the league that started on Jul 31 the league could not find any documentation or witnesses that Kane had bet on hockey.

#5 In pre season action the Sharks played the Kings on Tuesday night the Sharks also got a win over the Vegas Golden Knights and a loss against the Anaheim Ducks last Sunday. After following their last two games in Vegas and in LA who are some of the players that stand out so far?

Join Mary Lisa for the Sharks podcasts each Wednesday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sharks Preseason: Sharks Win in Vegas 4-2

The Vegas Golden Knights right wing Evgenii Dadonov (63) moves the puck against the San Jose Sharks Gannon Laroque (28) at the T Mobile Center in Las Vegas on Sun Sep 26, 2021 (AP News photo)

By Mary Walsh

The San Jose Sharks won 4-2 in a preseason match against the Vegas Golden Knights. The split squad that went to Vegas on Sunday was led by Logan Couture. Sharks goals were scored by Alexander Chmelevski, Jasper Weatherby, Adam Raska and Logan Couture. Sharks goalie Adin Hill made 21 saves for the win. Vegas goals were scored by Paul Cotter and Max Pacioretty. Vegas goalie Logan Thompson made 24 saves for Vegas. More than 17,000 people came to watch the game at T-Mobile Arena.

Alexander Chmelevski scored the only goal in the first period, on the power play at 15:29. Scott Reedy’s pass from the corner found Chmelevski right as he arrved in front of the net. Assists went to Reedy and William Eklund.

The Sharks out-shot the Golden Knights 9-6 in the first period. They had two power plays but scored on just one. They took no penalties. Vegas captain Mark Stone took a puck to the ear in the first and did not return.

Just over a minute into the second period, Vegas’ Peyton Krebs misjudged the situation along the boards and swept the puck into the slot where San Jose’s Jasper Weatherby was ready to take a quick shot. 2-0 Sharks.

At the three-minute mark, Vegas scored with a goal from Paul Cotter. He and Jack Dugan rushed into the zone two-on-one against Santeri Hatakka. Dugan and Brett Howden got assists.

The Sharks extended their lead at 7:31 with a goal from Adam Raska. Jeffrey Viel intercepted a pass off the wall and found Raska with a quick pass. Raska carried the puck to the net and snapped it past the goalie.

The Sharks out-shot the Golden Knights 11-6 in the second period. They took one penalty but killed it.

The Golden Knights closed the gap again, 34 seconds into the third period, on the power play. Max Pacioretty found the puck in a scrum at the net and shot it over the Sharks’ prone goaltender. Assists went to Nolan Patrick and Chandler Stephenson.

Logan Couture padded the Sharks lead with a power play goal at 15:56. Six seconds into the power play, Couture caught a rebound from a Burns shot and slipped the puck behind the Vegas goalie. Assists went to Weatherby and Burns.

In the third period, the Sharks took two penalties and killed just one. They had one power play and scored on that. The third period shots were even at eight each.

In the post-game shoot-out, Thompson stopped William Eklund’s shot but Jonathan Dahlen and Timo Meier both scored. Hill stopped Evgenii Dadonov’s shot, Noel Patrick hit the post, and Chandler Stephenson scored.

The Sharks play again on Tuesday, against the Kings at 7:00 PM PT in San Jose.

NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt Harrington: Habs and Bolts drop the puck Monday night in Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Lightning pose for a post game photo with the Prince of Wales Trophy for winning the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Islanders in game 7 on Fri Jun 25, 2021 in Tampa Bay (AP News photo)

On the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast with Matt:

#1 Matt, let’s take you through the game sevens before we talk about the big match up on Monday night between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night. The Lightning coming off a 3-2 overtime loss against the New York Islanders in game 6 with the series tied got a narrow win over the Isles 1-0 on Friday night.

#2 Tampa Bay goaltender Andre Vasilevskiy stopped all 18 shots by the Islanders for the shutout 1-0. The shutout marked his fourth shutout in these playoffs.

#3 The Lightning are starting to look like a dynasty of sorts this is their second straight trip to the finals in two seasons and you can just look at the job they did not only in the regular season but post season that this is a team on a mission.

#4 The Lightning will be hosting the first game of the Finals on Monday night against the visiting the Montreal Canadiens tell us about some of the players to look for on both sides.

#5 The goaltenders for this series is brining lots a thrills into these finals for the Canadiens Carey Price he’s been key to saving a lot of games for the Habs especially during the Vegas Golden Knights series and for the Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Andre Vasilevskiy.

Join Matt during the NHL Stanley Cup Finals podcast on Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com