Day: February 16, 2021

RAPTORS-BUCKS PREGAME NOTES

INJURY REPORT AT 1:30 P.M. TUESDAY

TOR@MIL Milwaukee Bucks Diakite, Mamadi Out G League – Two-Way
Holiday, Jrue Out Health and Safety Protocols
Merrill, Sam Out G League – On Assignment
Nwora, Jordan Out Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Sprain
Toronto Raptors Anunoby, OG Doubtful Injury/Illness – Left Calf; Strained
Flynn, Malachi Out G League – On Assignment
Harris, Jalen Out G League – On Assignment
McCaw, Patrick Out Injury/Illness – Left Knee; Surgery – Rehabilitation
Watanabe, Yuta Doubtful Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Sprained.

RAPTORS NOTES
• The Toronto Raptors begin a three-game road trip (Feb. 16-19) Tuesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. The Raptors will face the Bucks in Milwaukee again Thursday, before visiting Minnesota on Friday. This marks Toronto’s fourth ‘series’ of the season where a team scheduled to play twice
in one market, has those games scheduled to be played consecutively. The Raptors are 4-2 in ‘series’ games, which includes a two-game sweep over Charlotte (H) and splits with both Miami (H) and Indiana (A). Toronto also swept consecutive games with Orlando, however it was a home-and-away set.
• Kyle Lowry led all scorers with 24 points (6-12 FG, 2-4 3PT, 10-12 FT) in a season-high 40 minutes Feb. 14 vs. Minnesota. Lowry has now scored 21+ points in three straight games (Feb. 10-14). He is averaging 23.0 points, shooting .585 (24-41) from the field and 50 percent (8-16) from three-point distance, during this stretch. Lowry also set highs in free throws made and attempted against the Timberwolves.
• Kyle Lowry is tied with Amir Johnson (2,836) for fourth on the franchise’s career rebounds list and is four away from passing Antonio Davis (2,839) for third. Lowry ranks first in Raptors history in assists (4,094) and third in scoring (10,174). Only three active players are inside the top-three all-time for a team in scoring, rebounds and assists, but none of those players are currently with that team; LeBron James (Cleveland), Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City) and Marc Gasol (Memphis).
• Fred VanVleet (19.9) and Chris Boucher (13.6) rank second and third, respectively, in scoring among Undrafted players this season – behind only Christian Wood (22.2). VanVleet’s franchise record 54 points
Feb. 2 at Orlando was the most points scored by an undrafted player in NBA history, while Boucher leads all reserves in the NBA this season with seven double-doubles off the bench.
• The Raptors rank second in the NBA averaging 20.5 points off turnovers and are tied for third in fast-break points per game (15.6). Kyle Lowry is averaging 3.8 fast-break points this season (seventh in the NBA).
• Fred VanVleet is shooting .906 (87-96) at the free throw line. The only player in franchise history to shoot 90 percent from the foul line in a season (min. 100 FTA) is Jose Calderon who shot .908 (109-120) at the stripe in 2007-08 and set the NBA single-season record shooting .981 (151-154) in 2008-09.
• OG Anunoby has missed the last 10 games (Jan. 27 – Feb. 14) due to a strained left calf. Prior to the injury, Anunoby had scored 10+ points in a career-high nine straight games (Jan. 10-25). He averaged 16.8 points, shooting .577 (30-52) from three-point range, during this streak.
• The Raptors have announced they will finish the 2020-21 season in Tampa, Florida. Because of ongoing border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mindful of public safety measures in Canada, the team has decided they will continue to play their home games at Amalie Arena. Toronto will play 19 games
at home in the second half of the season.

BUCK SHOTS

• After a season-long six-game road trip, the Bucks return to Fiserv Forum for a season-long eight game homestand that spans 15 days and starts with two games against the Raptors tonight and Thursday. This is tied of the second-longest homestand in Bucks history and is the longest since the 2002-03 season (also 8 games).
• The Bucks defeated the Raptors, 115-108, in their first meeting of the season back on Jan. 27 in Tampa. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 24 points, a season-high-tying 18 rebounds and nine assists. Milwaukee has now won seven of its last nine regular season games over Toronto and would clinch its third consecutive season series victory with a win tonight or Thursday.
• In the Bucks final game of their road trip on Sunday against the Thunder, Antetokounmpo tallied his fourth triple-double of the season with 24 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, three steals and three blocks. Across the NBA, this was the first time a player’s had a triple-double with at least three blocks and three steals since Jan. 3 of last season (B. Simmons, 29 pts/13 rebs/11 asts/4 blks/3 stls).
• On the six-game road trip, Antetokounmpo averaged 31.2 points, which included scoring a season-high 47 points at Phoenix last Wednesday, 12.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He’s now 7th in the NBA in scoring (28.0 ppg) and tied for 5th in rebounding (11.5 rpg) this season.
• Bobby Portis added a season-high-tying 21 points (9-14, 2-3 3FG) off the bench for the Bucks on Sunday, marking his fourth 20-point game of the season (had 6 in 2019-20). Portis, who is averaging 11.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, is now shooting a career-high 55.2% from the field this season and a career-high 47.5% from three (7th in the NBA).


MARLIES 3, MANITOBA 2

TORONTO MARLIES (0-0-0-0 – 0 Points) vs.
MANITOBA MOOSE (0-0-0-0 – 0 Points)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

 123OTFINAL
TORONTO111–3
MANITOBA200–2

GAME SUMMARY    |    GAME SHEET |    PHOTOS    |      SCRUMS

SCORING SUMMARY

Toronto: J. Anderson (1) (T. Gaudet, N. Robertson), T. Gaudet (T. Liljegren, H. Elynuik), T. Gaudet (2) (J. Duszak, R. Chartier)
Goaltender: A. D’Agostini (25/27)

Manitoba: D. Chisholm (1) (J. Kovacevic, J. Luoto), C. Perfetti (1) (B. Lynch)
Goaltender: M. Berdin (32/35)

ON THE SCORESHEET

  • Joey Anderson opened the scoring at 5:05 of the first period. Anderson recorded 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists) through 44 games last season with the Binghamton Devils.
  • Tyler Gaudet scored at 2:51 of the second period and 11:44 of the third period. He earlierrecorded the primary assist on Anderson’s first period goal. This is Gaudet third career three-point game. Gaudet collected 21 points (4 goals, 17 assists) through 58 games with the Marlies last season.
  • Nick Robertson registered the secondary assist on Anderson’s first period goal. This is Robertson’s first career AHL point in his first AHL game.
  • Timothy Liljegren picked up the primary assist on Gaudet’s second period goal. Through 40 games last season, Liljegren had 30 points (5 goals, 25 assists).
  • Hudson Elynuik collected the secondary assist on Gaudet’s second period goal. Elynuik had 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) through 53 games in 2020-21.
  • Joseph Duszak had the primary assist on Gaudet’s third period goal. In 23 games with Toronto last season, Duszak registered 18 points (3 goals, 15 assists).
  • Rourke Chartier recorded the secondary assist on Gaudet’s third period goal. This is Chartier’s first point with the Marlies.
  • Andrew D’Agostini stopped 25 of 27 shots he faced. This was D’Agostini’s first AHL game. D’Agostini is now 1-0-0-0 on the season with a .926 save percentage and a 2.00 goals against average.

OF NOTE…

  • The Marlies are 12-4-0-0 in their season openers overall. Toronto is 3-1 when opening their season on the road.
  • Toronto previously opened their season against Manitoba at home, winning 5-3 on Oct. 9, 2015.
  • Toronto went 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and 0-for-3 on the power play.
  • Toronto had a 35-27 edge in shots in all situations. Tyler Gaudet led the Marlies with six shots on goal.
  • The Marlies are 1-0-0-0 against Canadian Division opponents and 1-0-0-0 against the Manitoba Moose.

RECORD WHEN…

  • Toronto is 1-0-0-0 when scoring first.
  • The Marlies are 1-0-0-0 when trailing after the first period and 1-0-0-0 when tied after the second period.
  • Toronto is 1-0-0 when outshooting their opponent.
  • Toronto is 1-0-0-0 when not scoring a power play goal and 1-0-0-0 when not allowing a power play goal.
  • The Marlies are 1-0-0-0 in Monday games and are 1-0-0-0 in February.

MARLIES LEADERS

  • Goals: T. Gaudet (2)
  • Assists: Multiple players (1)
  • Points:  T. Gaudet (3)
  • PPG: N/A
  • Shots: T. Gaudet (6)
  • +/-:  T. Gaudet (+3)
  • PIMS: K. Agostino, R. Clune, H. Elynuik (2)

POSTGAME QUOTES

HEAD COACH GREG MOORE

On what he liked about his team’s effort tonight:
Our staff really liked that we built and got better as the game went on. Obviously for both teams and for everyone involved, it’s been a long time since we played a game, knocked off some of the rust in the first period but the group stayed really positive, stayed with the game plan and built on it from period to period and got stronger as we went on.

On getting a rounded opinion of his team after 60 minutes of play:
It’s definitely nice. To the players in some different spots and get them some reps that they haven’t seen in a while. Early on, I didn’t know if there was ever going to be a special teams or power play involved in the game but as the second half went on, some calls were made and it was good to get those reps and get those looks.

On forward Tyler Gaudet (2 goals, 1 assist):
I was really impressed with Tyler tonight. He’s put in a lot of preparation in the offseason. He’s come in this year with a lot of expectations for himself to contribute more offensively as he was disappointed with last year. It’s just really nice to see a person who comes to work every day, does things the right way. He’s put a process in for himself, has some goals for this season and to be rewarded tonight was nice to see.

On goaltender Andrew D’Agostini’s first AHL win:
The guys are really excited for him. His compete level is really high. Any team that see a goalie battling that hard in the net, they want to play hard for him. He did a great job, stayed within his game, made some key saves for us. The team is really happy for him and it was fun to watch him get his first win.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS

February 15:    Signed goaltender Jeremy Link to an ATO
February 13:    Loaned forward Adam Brooks from Toronto (NHL)
                        Returned defenceman Timothy Liljegren on loan from Toronto (NHL)
                        Reassigned defenceman Martin Marincin by Toronto (NHL) to Toronto (Taxi)
                        Loaned forward Nick Robertson from Toronto (NHL)
                        Reassigned forward Scott Sabourin by Toronto (NHL) to Toronto (Taxi)
                        Loaned defenceman Rasmus Sandin from Toronto (NHL)


UPCOMING GAMES:
*All times Eastern Standard Time

February 16 at Manitoba – 8:00 p.m.
February 18 at Manitoba – 7:00 p.m.
February 19 at Manitoba – 5:00 p.m.
February 21 at Stockton – 4:00 p.m. 
February 23 at Stockton – 8:00 p.m.

Beal Outduels Ex-Teammate Wall, Wizards Top Rockets 131-119 — CBS Baltimore

Bradley Beal scored 37 points in an entertaining duel with ex-teammate John Wall, and the Wizards beat the undermanned Houston Rockets 131-119 on Monday night in Wall’s return to Washington.

Beal Outduels Ex-Teammate Wall, Wizards Top Rockets 131-119 — CBS Baltimore

Steph Curry, Draymond Green roll in Warriors win over Cavaliers — Monterey Herald

In the midst of playing their best basketball of the season, Stephen Curry and Draymond Green extended personal streaks and the Warriors blew out the Cleveland Cavaliers, 129-98, Monday night at Chase Center. With 36 points on 13-of-19 shooting (7-of-11 from 3-point range), Curry has scored at least 25 points and shot 50% or better…

Steph Curry, Draymond Green roll in Warriors win over Cavaliers — Monterey Herald

How Celtics’ Recent Struggles Have Impacted Division, NBA Finals Odds — NESN.com

Boston Celtics fans are not the only ones taking notice of Boston’s recent struggles. Oddsmakers are right there with them. The Celtics, as you may have heard, find themselves in a losing skid. Boston has lost four of its last five games and 10 of its last 15. It comes after the Celtics got off […]

How Celtics’ Recent Struggles Have Impacted Division, NBA Finals Odds — NESN.com

Poole, Mannion, Jeremy Lin impress, but Santa Cruz still outclassed — Chico Enterprise-Record

Jordan Poole scored a pro career-high 32 points, Nico Mannion added a season-high 24 points and Jeremy Lin was impressive again, but the Santa Cruz Warriors’ defense couldn’t stop Raptors 905 from running away with a 135-125 victory Monday night in G League action. Malachi Flynn, the Raptors’ first-round pick from Washington State, erupted for…

Poole, Mannion, Jeremy Lin impress, but Santa Cruz still outclassed — Chico Enterprise-Record

SENATORS 6, LEAFS 5 (OT) POSTGAME NOTES

OTTAWA SENATORS (4-12-1 – 8 Points) vs.

TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (11-3-2 – 24 Points)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2021

 123OTFINAL
OTTAWA11316
TORONTO23005

GAME SUMMARY         |           EVENT SUMMARY        |           FACEOFF SUMMARY

ON THE SCORESHEET

  • Auston Matthews opened the scoring for the Maple Leafs at 6:32 of the first period and later had the lone assist on Thornton’s second period goal before scoring the fifth Maple Leafs goal of the night at 19:01 of the second period. Tonight’s game is Matthews’ third multi-goal and fifth multi-point game of 2020-21. Matthews has points (11-4-14) in 10 consecutive games. He leads the NHL in goals (13). He has 27 points (16 goals, 11 assists) in 18 career games against the Senators, his most against a single opponent.
  • Travis Boyd scored the second Toronto goal of the game at 10:29 of the first period. Boyd has registered five points (2-3-5) in eight games played this season. His goal tonight is his first as a Maple Leaf at Scotiabank Arena.
  • Pierre Engvall scored the third Maple Leafs goal of the night at 1:49 of the second period. Engvall’s goal is his first of the 2020-21 season. He has a goal and an assist in seven games played this season. He had eight goals and seven assists in 48 games as a rookie in 2019-20.
  • Joe Thornton registered the primary assist on Matthews’ first period goal and later scored the fourth Toronto goal of the game at 9:51 of the second period. Tonight’s game is Thornton’s second multi-point game of the season. His goal is his first at Scotiabank Arena as a member of the Maple Leafs. Tonight’s game is Thornton’s first appearance for the Maple Leafs since January 20 vs. Edmonton. He has four points (2-2-4) in three games against the Senators in 2020-21. 
  • Mitch Marner picked up the secondary assist on Matthews’ first period goal. Marner has points (1-1-2) in two consecutive games. He has registered six points (1-5-6) over his last five games played. In nine games played on home ice this season, Marner has recorded 14 points (5-9-14).
  • Jason Spezza registered the primary assist on Boyd’s first period goal. Spezza has six points (3-3-6) in nine games at Scotiabank Arena this season. The Maple Leafs are 5-0-1 when Spezza records a point this season.
  • Zach Bogosian had the secondary assist on Boyd’s first period goal. Bogosian has two assists through 16 games this season. Both of his points have come on home ice.
  • Alex Kerfoot recorded the primary assist on Engvall’s second period goal. Kerfoot has three points (1-2-3) over his last four games played. He has a goal and an assist in three games against the Senators this season.
  • TJ Brodie collected the secondary assist on Engvall’s second period goal. Brodie has five assists in 16 games this season. He has a pair of assists in three games against Ottawa in 2020-21.
  • Morgan Rielly registered the primary assist on Matthews’ second period goal. Rielly has three points (1-2-3) over his last five games played. He has six points (2-4-6) in nine games on home ice in 2020-21.
  • John Tavares picked up the secondary assist on Matthews’ second period goal. He has three assists over his last three games. In three games against the Senators this season, he has three points (1-2-3). He has eight points (4-4-8) in nine games on home ice in 2020-21.
  • Frederik Andersen stopped 25 of the 31 shots he faced in the loss.

SHOTS ON GOAL

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
OTTAWA41510231
TORONTO131112238
      

SHOT ATTEMPTS

 1st2nd3rdOTTOTAL
OTTAWA162420262
TORONTO221920263

NO PLACE LIKE HOME

Record at Home6-2-1 (9 Games)
All-Time Record vs. Ottawa  57-54-3-12 (126 Games)
All-Time Record vs. Ottawa at Home31-22-2-8 (63 Games)

MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS

Shots5 (Hyman, Matthews)
Shot Attempts8 (Marner)
Faceoff Wins13 (Matthews)
Faceoff Win Percentage100% (Engvall, Nylander)
Hits3 (Holl, Hyman, Muzzin)
Blocked Shots3 (Holl, Kerfoot)
Takeaways3 (Marner, Mikheyev)
TOI25:24 (Rielly)
Power Play TOI2:20 (Rielly)
Shorthanded TOI3:20 (Holl)
Shifts29 (Rielly)
  

RECORD WHEN…

Scoring first7-2-1
Lead after 16-1-1
Lead after 28-1-1
Score 1 power play goal6-0-2
Do not allow a power play goal4-1-1
Outshot by opponent5-1-1
Monday2-0-1

OF NOTE…

  • The Maple Leafs went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and 1-for-2 on the power play tonight.
  • Auston Matthews was 4-for-5 (80%) in the faceoff circle against Ottawa centres Nick Paul and Derek Stepan, respectively.

UPCOMING GAMES:

  • Wednesday, February 17, 7:00 p.m. vs. Ottawa Senators (Sportsnet, FAN 590)
  • Thursday, February 18, 7:00 p.m. vs. Ottawa Senators (Sportsnet Ontario, FAN 590)
  • Saturday, February 20, 7:00 p.m. at Montreal Canadiens (Sportsnet, TSN 1050)
  • Monday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. vs. Calgary Flames (TSN4, TSN 1050)
  • Wednesday, February 24, 7:00 p.m. vs. Calgary Flames (Sportsnet, FAN 590)

Stats reflect official NHL stats at the time of distribution. Please consult official NHL game sheets (links above) to confirm no statistical changes were made.