Are There Any NHL Hockey Fans Here?

[PoP]

[SIZE=+3]STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 1st ROUND[/SIZE]

(All times ET, home team listed second)

[SIZE=+1]EASTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto)

(1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (8) Montreal Canadiens

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Canadiens 1 vs. Flyers 2
Friday, Aug. 14: Canadiens 5 vs. Flyers 0
Sunday, Aug. 16: Flyers 1 vs. Canadiens 0
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Flyers 2 vs. Canadiens 0
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Canadiens 5 vs. Flyers 3
Friday, Aug. 21: Flyers 3 vs Canadiens 2

Flyers wins series 4-2

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (7) Columbus Blue Jackets

Tuesday, Aug. 11: Blue Jackets 2 vs. Lightning 3 (5OT)
Thursday, Aug. 13: Blue Jackets 3 vs. Lightning 1
Saturday, Aug. 15: Lightning 3 vs. Blue Jackets 2
Monday, Aug. 17: Lightning 2 vs. Blue Jackets 1
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Blue Jackets 4 vs. Lightning 5 (OT)

Lightning wins series 4-1

(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Islanders

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Islanders 4 vs. Capitals 2
Friday, Aug. 14: Islanders 5 vs. Capitals 2
Sunday, Aug. 16: Capitals 1 vs. Islanders 2 (OT)
Tuesday, Aug. 18: Capitals 3 vs. Islanders 2
Wednesday, Aug. 20: Islanders 4 vs. Capitals 0

Islanders wins series 4-1

(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Carolina Hurricanes

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Hurricanes 3 vs. Bruins 4 (2OT)
Thursday, Aug. 13: Hurricanes 3 vs. Bruins 2
Saturday, Aug. 15: Bruins 3 vs. Hurricanes 1
Monday, Aug. 17: Bruins 4 vs. Hurricanes 3
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Hurricanes 1 vs. Bruins 2

Bruins wins series 4-1


[SIZE=+1]WESTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Rogers Place, Edmonton)

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (8) Chicago Blackhawks

Tuesday, Aug. 11: Blackhawks 1 vs. Golden Knights 4
Thursday, Aug. 13: Blackhawks 3 vs. Golden Knights 4 (OT)
Saturday, Aug. 15: Golden Knights 2 vs. Blackhawks 1
Sunday, Aug. 16: Golden Knights 1 vs. Blackhawks 3
Wednesday, Aug. 18: Blackhawks 3 vs. Golden Knights 4

Golden Knights wins series 4-1

(2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (7) Arizona Coyotes

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Coyotes 0 vs. Avalanche 3
Friday, Aug. 14: Coyotes 2 vs. Avalanche 3
Saturday, Aug. 15: Avalanche 2 vs. Coyotes 4
Monday, Aug. 17: Avalanche 7 vs. Coyotes 1
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Coyotes 1 vs. Avalanche 7

Avalanche wins series 4-1

(3) Dallas Stars vs. (6) Calgary Flames

Tuesday, Aug. 11: Flames 3 vs. Stars 2
Thursday, Aug. 13: Flames 4 vs. Stars 5
Friday, Aug. 14: Stars 0 vs. Flames 2
Sunday, Aug. 16: Stars 5 vs. Flames 4 (OT)
Wednesday, Aug. 18: Flames 1 vs. Stars 2
Thursday, Aug. 20: Stars 7 vs Flames 3

Stars wins series 4-2

(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Vancouver Canucks

Wednesday, Aug. 12: Canucks 5 vs. Blues 2
Friday, Aug. 14: Canucks 4 vs. Blues 3 (OT)
Sunday, Aug. 16: Blues 3 vs. Canucks 2 (OT)
Monday, Aug. 17: Blues 3 vs. Canucks 1
Wednesday, Aug. 19: Canucks 4 vs. Blues 3
Friday, Aug. 21: Blues 2 vs Canucks 6

Canucks wins series 4-2​

 

[PoP]

[SIZE=+3]STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2nd ROUND SCHEDULE[/SIZE]

(All times ET, home team listed second)

[SIZE=+1]EASTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto)

(1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (6) New York Islanders

Monday, Aug. 24: Islanders vs. Flyers 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Islanders vs. Flyers 3 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Thursday, Aug. 27: Flyers vs. Islanders 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Saturday, Aug. 29: Flyers vs. Islanders 12 p.m (US- NBC / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Monday, Aug. 31: Islanders vs. Flyers* TBD
Wednesday, Sept. 2 : Flyers vs Islanders* TBD
Thursday, Sept. 3: Islanders vs Flyers* TBD

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (4) Boston Bruins

Sunday, Aug. 23: Bruins vs. Lightning 8 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Bruins vs. Lightning 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Lightning vs. Bruins 8 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Friday, Aug. 28: Lightning vs. Bruins 7:30 p.m (US- USA / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Sunday, Aug. 30: Bruins vs. Lightning* TBD
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Lightning vs Bruins* TBD
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Bruins vs Lightning* TBD



[SIZE=+1]WESTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Rogers Place, Edmonton)

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (5) Vancouver Canucks

Sunday, Aug. 23: Canucks vs. Golden Knights 10:30 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Tuesday, Aug. 25: Canucks vs. Golden Knights 9:45 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Thursday, Aug. 27: Golden Knights vs. Canucks 9:45 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Saturday, Aug. 29: Golden Knights vs. Canucks 8 p.m (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Monday, Aug. 31: Canucks vs. Golden Knights* TBD
Tuesday, Sept. 1: Golden Knights vs Canucks* TBD
Thursday, Sept. 3: Canucks vs Golden Knights* TBD

(2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Dallas Stars

Saturday, Aug. 22: Stars vs. Avalanche 8 p.m. (US- NBC / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Monday, Aug. 24: Stars vs. Avalanche 9:45 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Wednesday, Aug. 26: Avalanche vs. Stars 10:30 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Friday, Aug. 28: Avalanche vs. Stars 10 p.m (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Sunday, Aug. 30: Stars vs. Avalanche* TBD
Monday, Aug. 31: Avalanche vs Stars* TBD
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Stars vs Avalanche* TBD

* - if necessary​

 

[PoP]

Playoff games postponed until Saturday

[SIZE=+3]NHL playoff games postponed for Thursday, Friday to protest racism[/SIZE]
[SIZE=+1]Players from all eight remaining teams decide not to play; schedule will resume Saturday [/SIZE]

The NHL announced its four Stanley Cup Playoff games scheduled for Thursday and Friday have been postponed after the players on all eight remaining teams decided not to play as a form of protest against systemic racism and police brutality.

"After much discussion, NHL players believe that the best course of action would be to take a step back and not play tonight's and tomorrow's games as scheduled," the NHL and NHL Players' Association said in a statement. "The NHL supports the players' decision and will reschedule those four games beginning Saturday and adjust the remainder of the Second Round schedule accordingly."

The two games Thursday were Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Second Round between the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders, scheduled for 7 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, and Game 3 of the Western Conference Second Round between the Vegas Golden Knights and Vancouver Canucks, scheduled for 9:45 p.m. ET at Rogers Place in Edmonton.

The two games Friday were Game 4 of the East Second Round between the Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET in Toronto, the East hub city, and Game 4 of the West Second Round between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche, scheduled for 10 p.m. ET in Edmonton, the West hub city.

Players from each of four remaining Eastern Conference teams in the playoffs held a joint video news conference in Toronto, and players from the four remaining Western Conference teams did the same in Edmonton, with all the other players from Golden Knights, Canucks, Stars and Avalanche standing behind them.

"I think this is a big enough statement just all these guys sticking together," Avalanche forward Nazem Kadri said. "I've got so much more respect for every single player in this league by doing something like this, and obviously systemic racism, we can use these next couple days to further educate ourselves for the betterment of society. It's something that needed to be done, and I think hockey is a team sport and team game and every single one of these guys are on the same page and stand with each other."

The NHL postponements came after all three NBA playoff games scheduled to be played near Orlando, Florida, on Wednesday were postponed, a decision spurred by the police shooting Sunday of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The WNBA also postponed its three scheduled games Wednesday and Thursday in Bradenton, Florida. There were postponements in Major League Baseball each day and in Major League Soccer on Wednesday. Several NFL teams canceled practice Thursday.

The NBA announced Thursday it is hoping to resume its playoffs either Friday or Saturday.

Golden Knights forward Ryan Reaves, who played an integral role in the conversations among the players in both hub cities, noted an important difference between the NHL players and those in the other sports.

"I think if you look around this room, there's a lot of white athletes in here, and I think that's the statement that's being made right now," Reaves said. "It's great that the NBA did this and the MLB and the WNBA. They have a lot of Black players in those leagues. But for all these athletes in here just to take a stand and say, 'You know what? We see the problem too and we stand behind you,' I'd go to war with these guys. I hate their guts on the ice, but I couldn't be more proud of these guys. This statement that they've made today is something that's going to last."

Reaves, Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner and Stars forwards Tyler Seguin and Jason Dickinson lined up next to each other and knelt during the U.S. and Canadian national anthems prior to the Stanley Cup Qualifier round-robin game between Vegas and Dallas in Edmonton on Aug. 3 as a show of support for the fight against racism and for social justice.

Dickinson viewed the players deciding not to play Thursday and Friday as another important step in that process.

"We can keep using our words, keep trying to get the message, but it comes down to action," Dickinson said. "We have to start doing more."

The NHL players said they hope taking two days off from playing can show that they are united against racism and also spark further conversations among fans on the subject.

"You know, these days need to be used in the right manner," Bruins captain Zdeno Chara said. "Obviously, we need to step back, reflect a little bit, just to take a little moment to realize what's going on. Obviously, there is a problem in the States and there is obviously the right reason to kind of why all the major sports are doing what they're doing right now, to kind of make sure that we all realize that there needs to be change. And obviously it starts with the conversations and acts, that are going to be very important to follow."

The NHL played its three games scheduled for Wednesday: a 3 p.m. ET game between the Islanders and Flyers; an 8 p.m. ET game between the Bruins and the Lightning; and a 10:30 p.m. ET game between the Avalanche and the Stars.

"Black and Brown communities continue to face real, painful experiences. The NHL and NHLPA recognize that much work remains to be done before we can play an appropriate role in a discussion centered on diversity, inclusion and social justice," the NHL and NHLPA said. "We understand that the tragedies involving Jacob Blake, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others require us to recognize this moment. We pledge to work to use our sport to influence positive change in society.

"In this moment, the NHLPA and NHL are committed to working to foster more inclusive and welcoming environments within our arenas, offices and beyond."

Though there was some brief discussion among players who played in the evening games Wednesday about whether to postpone those games, they decided to play and had a broader discussion Thursday among all the players still participating in the playoffs.

"As we discussed today with other teams, there are many more guys who could be sitting up here and delivering this message who were in the conversation today," Lightning defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk said. "By no means do we view ourselves as a face of this. We want every NHLer to become the face of this movement. That's the most important thing. This isn't just one guy, this is everyone getting behind this and everyone knowing it's a full, 100 percent commitment."

Forward JT Brown, the first NHL player to engage in a social justice protest at a game when he raised his first in the air during the U.S. national anthem as a member of the Lightning three years ago, said the postponement of these games shows that players are unified in combating inequality and racism.

"Personally, I think it's a good sign to see the players coming together and show unity to fight for social justice," said Brown, who played for the Minnesota Wild's American Hockey League affiliate in Iowa in 2019-20. "I'm sure teams had to talk to each other to come to this conclusion, and it wasn't just one person on each team deciding this. I think, as a whole, it's a good step going forward that they were able to come to one decision and unify as the rest of the teams that are still there (in the hub cities)."

Source: NHL.com

 

[PoP]

Rescheduled Playoff Games

[SIZE=+3]STANLEY CUP PLAYOFFS 2nd ROUND SCHEDULE[/SIZE]

(All times ET, home team listed second)

These games are rescheduled due to racism protest

[SIZE=+1]EASTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Scotiabank Arena, Toronto)

(1) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (6) New York Islanders

Saturday, Aug. 29: Flyers vs. Islanders 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Sunday, Aug. 30: Flyers vs. Islanders 8 p.m (US- NBC / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Thursday, Sept. 1: Islanders vs. Flyers 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Thursday, Sept. 3 : Flyers vs Islanders* TBD
Saturday, Sept. 5: Islanders vs Flyers* TBD

(2) Tampa Bay Lightning vs. (4) Boston Bruins

Saturday, Aug. 29: Lightning vs. Bruins 12 p.m (US- NBC / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Monday, Aug. 31: Bruins vs. Lightning 7 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Lightning vs Bruins* TBD
Friday, Sept. 3: Bruins vs Lightning* TBD



[SIZE=+1]WESTERN CONFERENCE[/SIZE]
(all games at Rogers Place, Edmonton)

(1) Vegas Golden Knights vs. (5) Vancouver Canucks

Saturday, Aug. 29: Golden Knights vs. Canucks 9:45 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Sunday, Aug. 30: Golden Knights vs. Canucks 10:30 p.m (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Monday, Sept. 1: Canucks vs. Golden Knights 9:45 p.m. (US- NBCSN / Canada- CBC, SN, TVAS)
Tuesday, Sept. 3: Golden Knights vs Canucks* TBD
Thursday, Sept. 4: Canucks vs Golden Knights* TBD

(2) Colorado Avalanche vs. (3) Dallas Stars

Sunday, Aug. 30: Avalanche vs. Stars 6 p.m (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN1, SN360, TVAS)
Monday, Aug. 31: Stars vs. Avalanche 9:45 pm (US- NBCSN / Canada- SN, TVAS)
Wednesday, Sept. 2: Avalanche vs Stars* TBD
Friday, Sept. 4: Stars vs Avalanche* TBD

* - if necessary​

 

[PoP]

My chance for a hockey comeback is wearing thin if the Bruins don’t survive. If they lose the gone the game and gets eliminated, then hockey is officially dead to me.

 

[PoP]

Hockey’s officially dead to me. F NHL and f every Boston haters!

 

[PoP]

[SIZE=+3]R.I.P. TONY ESPOSITO
1943-2021[/SIZE]

[SIZE=+2]Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., the Chicago legend passes away following battle with pancreatic cancer[/SIZE]

Tony Esposito — the pioneering Hall of Famer who spent almost his entire 16-year NHL career with Chicago — has died following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer, the team announced Tuesday. He was 78.

Esposito made an immediate mark on Chicago and a lasting impression on the NHL.

Esposito debuted with Montreal during the 1968-69 season and appeared in 13 games. He was then left unprotected, with the Canadiens deep in goalies, and taken by Chicago in an intraleague draft for $25,000 US. It was an investment that paid immediate dividends for a team that was coming off a last-place finish in its division.

Esposito helped lead Chicago to first place, showcasing his butterfly style to post a 2.17 goals-against average and 15 shutouts, still a modern record for an NHL goalie. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's rookie of the year, as well as the Vezina Trophy given to the top goaltender. He also won the Vezina in 1972 and 1974.

"Tony was one of the most important and popular figures in the history of the franchise as we near its 100th anniversary," Chicago chairman Rocky Wirtz said.

"Four generations of our family — my grandfather Arthur, my father Bill, my son Danny and I — were blessed by his work ethic as a Hall of Fame goalie, but more importantly, by his mere presence and spirit."

The Esposito family called him a "Hall of Fame husband, father, and grandfather."

"Chicago felt like home from the time Tony first arrived in 1969, thanks to the Wirtz family and those 18,000 Chicago fans who treated him like family every night at the Stadium, win or lose or tie," the family said in a statement.

Esposito was from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., just across the St. Mary's River from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and he helped Michigan Tech to an NCAA championship in 1965. His older brother, Phil, was a star in his own right, a Hall of Fame centre who played 18 seasons in the NHL.

The younger Esposito's first NHL start was Dec. 5, 1968, against Boston — and his brother. Phil Esposito scored twice on his younger brother, but Tony made 33 saves and the game ended 2-2.

In a statement, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman extended his condolences to the Esposito family.

"The National Hockey League … and the city of Chicago lost a beloved member of the hockey family earlier today with the passing of Tony Esposito," Bettman said.

"From his arrival in the Windy City in the late 1960s through an illustrious playing career and decades as a franchise icon, Tony left an indelible mark — both on the ice and in the community — over the next 52 years.

"Beyond the individual awards — and there were many, including a Calder Trophy, numerous All-Star and Vezina Trophy recognitions, and ultimately election to the Hockey Hall of Fame — it was Esposito's style, charisma and heart that endeared him most to hockey fans not only in Chicago but across the NHL. 'Tony O' was a fierce competitor who also took great pride in being an entertainer, whether it was with his pioneering butterfly style during his playing days or interacting with fans across the League as one of this game's great ambassadors.

"The hockey world will miss him greatly."

Esposito helped lead Chicago to the playoffs in 14 seasons. Chicago reached the Stanley Cup Final in 1971 and 1973, losing each time to his former team, Montreal.

He is Chicago's career leader with 418 wins and 74 shutouts. His overall record of 423-306-151 ranks 10th in league history. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988, joining his brother. And in 2017, he was selected by the league as one of the "100 Greatest Players in NHL History."

Chicago retired Esposito's No. 35 on Nov. 20, 1988, and paid tribute to him again on March 19, 2008. He was named a team ambassador in a pre-game ceremony attended by franchise icons and former teammates Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Denis Savard as well as his brother.

"It's a great feeling to be on this ice again — really miss it, I'll tell you that," Esposito said at the time, as the crowd chanted his name. "It's a pleasure and an honour to be back [with Chicago]."

Esposito also served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins and as chief scout in Tampa Bay, where he was hired by his brother. Phil is 79 and does radio work for the Lightning, a team he helped found.

"Tony was a founding, cornerstone member of the Lightning family who was a fixture at games and, along with his brother Phil, played an integral role in laying the groundwork for a successful franchise in the Sunshine State when many thought it was impossible," the Lightning said in a statement. "His role cannot be understated. Tony was a true legend on the ice and off of it."

Former Chicago defenceman Doug Wilson called the news about his friend and mentor's passing "heartbreaking."

"He exuded leadership and class, while being one of the most dominant players ever seen at his position," said Wilson, who is the San Jose Sharks' general manager.

Esposito is survived by his wife Marilyn, sons Mark and Jason, Mark's wife Kim and their children Lauren and Kamryn.

SOURCE: CBC.ca