After four games in this NBA playoff series between Denver and Portland, absolutely nothing has been decided. And it just might come down to whose supertstar is better at winning time.
Kiz vs. Singer: Is Damian Lillard or Nikola Jokic better in the clutch? — Sterling Journal-Advocate
Klay Thompson’s 11 3-pointers in Game 6 of the 2016 Western Conference Final vs. Oklahoma City Thunder remains an NBA playoff record
Remembering Klay Thompson’s historic night in OKC, and its role in the Warriors’ dynasty — Santa Cruz Sentinel
Kyrie Irving wasn’t the only one reportedly attacked inside the TD Garden during Sunday night’s Celtics-Nets game. Related Articles Fan arrested for throwing water bottle at Irving after Nets win, suspect identified … 420 more words
Boston police officer assaulted, suspect arrested during Celtics game — Boston Herald
From a tire store to the NBA record book, the prolific shot-blocker had a legendary story that ended too early at the age of 64 after a bicycle accident Friday
Whicker: The tireless, triumphant story of Mark Eaton — Press Telegram
The Lakers lost Anthony Davis to a second-quarter groin injury then Game 4 to the Suns yesterday.
Report: Anthony Davis likely to miss Lakers-Suns Game 5 — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports
Leonard has been efficient and effective in leading the Clippers to tie their first-round series at 2-2 with the Dallas Mavericks
Clippers’ stone-cold superstar Kawhi Leonard leading the charge — Orange County Register
Former Celtics great and Celtics radio analyst Cedric Maxwell said there are no excuses for a fan who is accused of throwing an empty water bottle at Nets guard Kyrie Irving.
Cedric Maxwell: ‘No Excuses’ For Celtics Fan Throwing Water Bottle At Kyrie Irving Following Game 4 — CBS Boston
MONTREAL CANADIENS (3-3) vs.
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (3-3)
MAY 31, 2021 ▪ 7:00 PM EST
SCOTIABANK ARENA (TORONTO, ON) ▪
TV: SPORTSNET ▪ RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
MAPLE LEAFS HISTORY versus MONTREAL
ALL-TIME RECORD: 307-344-88-18
ALL-TIME at HOME: 194-129-45-10
ALL-TIME on the ROAD: 113-215-43-8
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF SERIES RECORD: 7-8
ALL-TIME PLAYOFF RECORD: 32-45
2020-21: 7-2-1
THE SERIES SO FAR
GAME SIX – MAY 29, 2021: Montreal 3 vs. Toronto 2 OT
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Spezza, Brodie
Montreal Goals: Perry, Toffoli, Kotkaniemi
TOR PP: 0/4; MTL PP: 2/4
Shots: 43-31 Toronto; Hits: 44-27 Montreal; Faceoff %: 52% Toronto
GAME FIVE – MAY 27, 2021: Montreal 4 vs. Toronto 3 OT
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Hyman, Muzzin (2)
Montreal Goals: Armia (2), Kotkaniemi, Suzuki
TOR PP: 0/1; MTL PP: 0/1
Shots: 35-30 Toronto; Hits: 44-38 Montreal; Faceoff %: 52% Montreal
GAME FOUR – MAY 25, 2021: Toronto 4 vs. Montreal 0
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Nylander, Spezza, Thornton, Galchenyuk
Montreal Goals: N/A
TOR PP: 1/2; MTL PP: 0/4
Shots: 32-28 Montreal; Hits: 40-16 Montreal; Faceoff %: 56% Montreal
GAME THREE – MAY 24, 2021: Toronto 2 vs. Montreal 1
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Nylander, Rielly
Montreal Goals: Suzuki
TOR PP: 0/4; MTL PP: 0/3
Shots: 29-29 Tied; Hits: 37-28 Montreal; Faceoff %: 50% Tied
GAME TWO – MAY 22, 2021: Toronto 5 vs. Montreal 1
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Spezza, Matthews, Sandin,Nylander, Kerfoot
Montreal Goals: Kotkaniemi
TOR PP: 2/6; MTL PP: 0/1
Shots: 34-23 Toronto; Hits: 44-36 Montreal; Faceoff %: 66% Toronto
GAME ONE – MAY 20, 2021: Montreal 2 vs. Toronto 1
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
Toronto Goals: Nylander
Montreal Goals: Anderson, Byron
TOR PP: 0/4; MTL PP: 0/5
Shots: 36-30 Toronto; Hits: 55-27 Montreal; Faceoff %: 56% Montreal
MAPLE LEAFS SERIES LEADERS
| CATEGORY | LEADER | CATEGORY | LEADER |
| GOALS | 4 (Nylander) | BLOCKED SHOTS | 13 (Rielly) |
| ASSISTS | 5 (Kerfoot) | TAKEAWAYS | 13 (Matthews) |
| POINTS | 7 (Nylander) | HITS | 22 (Matthews) |
| SHOTS | 32 (Matthews) | TOI PER GAME | 25:44 (Rielly) |
| FACEOFF WIN% | 68.8% (Foligno) | PP TOI PER GAME | 4:45 (Matthews) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % | 66.3% (Engvall) | SH TOI PER GAME | 2:58 (Muzzin) |
MAPLE LEAFS CAREER LEADERS versus MONTREAL
GAMES: Jason Spezza (76), Joe Thornton (62), Nick Foligno (47)
POINTS: Jason Spezza (75), Joe Thornton (47), John Tavares (40)
GOALS: Jason Spezza (32), Auston Matthews (19), John Tavares (17)
ASSISTS: Jason Spezza (43), Joe Thornton (32), John Tavares (23)
PENALTY MINUTES: Zach Bogosian (59), Nick Foligno (58), Wayne Simmonds (54)
CANADIENS CAREER LEADERS versus TORONTO
GAMES: Eric Staal (55), Brendan Gallagher (35), Jeff Petry (34), Tomas Tatar (34)
POINTS: Eric Staal (52), Jeff Petry (21), Brendan Gallagher (19), Corey Perry (19)
GOALS: Eric Staal (24), Tomas Tatar (10), Brendan Gallagher (10)
ASSISTS: Eric Staal (28), Jeff Petry (16), Shea Weber (14)
PENALTY MINUTES: Eric Staal (37), Corey Perry (26), Shea Weber (20)
MAPLE LEAFS ACTIVE PLAYOFF LEADERS
GAMES: Joe Thornton (184), Jason Spezza (90), Jake Muzzin (64)
POINTS: Joe Thornton (134), Jason Spezza (73), John Tavares (30)
GOALS: Joe Thornton (32), Jason Spezza (27), John Tavares (15)
ASSISTS: Joe Thornton (102), Jason Spezza (47), Mitch Marner (20)
PENALTY MINUTES: Joe Thornton (134), Wayne Simmonds (108), Nick Foligno (45)
| Postseason Appearances | – The 2021 postseason marks the Maple Leafs’ 70th appearance in the Stanley Cup playoffs. |
| Series History | – The Maple Leafs have played a total of 115 series in their previous 69 playoff appearances, winning 58 of them. |
| Playoff Record | – Toronto has a record of 261-287-4 in 552 franchise playoff games. |
| Game Sevens | – The Maple Leafs have an all-time record of 12-12 in game sevens.- Toronto is 7-1 on home ice when playing in a game seven. |
| Toronto vs. Montreal | – This is the 16th time the Maple Leafs and Canadiens have met in the postseason.- Toronto has only faced Boston (16) and Detroit (23) as many times or more than the Canadiens in a playoff series.- This series marks the first meeting between the Maple Leafs and Canadiens in the Stanley Cup playoffs since 1979. |
| Up North | – Toronto finished first in the North Division and tied for fifth in the NHL with a 35-14-7 record (77 points)- The Maple Leafs captured their first division title since 1999-00. |
| Team Discipline | – The Maple Leafs took were assessed 165 penalties this season, which was tied for the fifth-fewest penalties taken in the NHL. – Toronto averaged 4:21 per game in time on the penalty kill, which was the fourth lowest total in the League. |
| Faceoffs | – The Maple Leafs finished 10th among NHL teams and second among North Division clubs in faceoff win percentage (51.1%).- Toronto won 53 percent of their offensive zone faceoffs, which was the ninth-highest percentage among NHL clubs. |
| Goals by Strength | – The Maple Leafs were second in the NHL in goals scored at 5-on-5 (132), while allowing the eighth-fewest goals at 5-on-5 (96). |
| Starting Strong | – Toronto scored 61 times in the first period, which was the highest mark in the NHL, while allowing 38 first period goals, the fifth-fewest in the League. |
| Power Play | – The Maple Leafs allowed the fifth-fewest power play opportunities (155) among NHL teams that scored at least 30 power play goals (31). |
| Penalty Kill | – Toronto was shorthanded 144 times this season, which was the tied for the fourth-fewest times shorthanded in the NHL. |
| Scoring First | – Toronto won 25 games after scoring the first goal of the game, which ranked third among NHL clubs. |
| Team Goal-Games | – The Maple Leafs were tied for the 11th highest win percentage in one-goal games (.560), tied for the sixth-highest win percentage in two-goal games (.615) and had the fourth-highest win percentage in three-goal games (.733). |
| Back in the Postseason | – Per NHL Stats, Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner have reached the postseason in each of their first five NHL campaigns, a feat achieved by only four other Maple Leafs in the expansion era (since 1967-68): Tomas Kaberle (1998-99 to 2003-04), Dave Williams (1974-75 to 1978-79), Borje Salming (1973-74 to 1980-81) and Ian Turnbull (1973-74 to 1980-81). |
| Frederik Andersen | – Since joining the Maple Leafs in 2016-17, Andersen is 10-14 in 24 Stanley Cup Playoffs appearances. Only seven goaltenders have recorded more postseason wins in a Toronto uniform.- Had a 13-8-3 record with a 2.96 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage in 23 games played this season. |
| Zach Bogosian | – Averaging 2:12 per game in shorthanded ice time through six games this series.- Has recorded five assists in 26 playoff games.- Captured the Stanley Cup in 2020 with the Lightning. |
| TJ Brodie | – Averaging 20:23 in even-strength ice time per game through six games, which ranks second among Toronto skaters. – Scored his first playoff goal as a Maple Leaf on May 29 at Montreal.- Recorded his first postseason point as a Maple Leaf with an assist on May 24 at Montreal.- Has appeared in 35 career Stanley Cup playoff games and recorded 16 points (4-12-16). |
| Jack Campbell | – Is 3-3 with a 1.77 goals-against average and a .937 save percentage in the postseason. – Had his first playoff shutout on May 25 at Montreal.- Earned his first career win in the Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 22 vs. Montreal.- Was 17-3-2 with a 2.15 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage this season. |
| Pierre Engvall | – Leads the Maple Leafs in 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage (63.3%) through three appearances in the postseason.- Recorded his first postseason point with an assist on May 29 at Montreal.- Has recorded an assist in nine career Stanley Cup playoff games for the Maple Leafs. |
| Nick Foligno | – Averaging 15:00 per game in ice time and 1:59 in shorthanded ice time through three appearances in the postseason.- Has recorded 23 points (9-14-23) in 54 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Alex Galchenyuk | – Tied for third among Toronto skaters in points with four (1-3-4) in five games played.- Established a new postseason single-game career-high for points with a goal and two assists on May 25 at Montreal.- Has registered 17 points (5-12-17) in 37 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Justin Holl | – Third among Maple Leafs in blocked shots (10) through six games of the series.- Has started 48.6 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone through six games, the second lowest mark among Toronto defencemen.- Recorded his first career playoff point with an assist on May 22 vs. Montreal.- Has recorded an assist in 11 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Zach Hyman | – Ranks fourth among Maple Leafs in time on ice per game (23:12) through six games of the series.- Ranks second among Maple Leafs in hits (21) this postseason.- Has recorded 13 points (5-8-13) in 31 career playoff games with the Maple Leafs. |
| Alex Kerfoot | – Leads the Maple Leafs in assists (5) and is second among Maple Leafs in points (1-5-6) through six postseason games.- Averaging 2:10 per game in shorthanded ice time, which is second among Toronto forwards.- Scored his first playoff goal as a Maple Leaf on May 22 vs. Montreal.- Has recorded 14 points (3-11-14) in 29 career playoff games. |
| Mitch Marner | – Has four assists through six games of the series.- Leads Maple Leafs forwards in average time on ice (24:52) through six games in this series. – Fourth among Toronto skaters in shots on goal (17) this series.- Has recorded 25 points (5-20-25) in 31 career Stanley Cup playoff games with the Maple Leafs. |
| Auston Matthews | – Leads Maple Leafs forwards in even-strength ice time per game (18:58) through six games.- Third among postseason skaters in shots per game (5.3).- Leads postseason skaters in takeaways (13).- Leads Toronto skaters in hits (22).- Has recorded 23 points (13 goals, 10 assists) in 31 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Ilya Mikheyev | – Averaging 13:38 per game in ice time and 1:28 per game in shorthanded ice time through six games.- Has started 37.5 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, the second lowest mark among Maple Leafs skaters.- Has skated in 11 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Jake Muzzin | – Leads the Maple Leafs in shorthanded time on ice per game through five games (2:58). – Had his first career postseason multi-goal game on May 27 vs. Montreal.- Has recorded 25 points (9-16-25) in 65 career Stanley Cup playoff games.- Captured the Stanley Cup in 2014 with the Kings. |
| Riley Nash | – Has started 11.1 percent of his 5-on-5 shifts in the offensive zone, the lowest mark among Toronto skaters.- Averaging 2:39 per game in shorthanded ice time per game, the highest mark among Maple Leafs forwards. – Skated in his first game as a Maple Leaf in Game One of the series on May 20 vs. Montreal.- Has registered eight points (2-6-8) in 33 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| William Nylander | – Leads the Maple Leafs in goals (4) and points (4-3-7) through six games of the series.- Averaging 17:43 per game in ice time, including 3:27 per game in power play ice time.- Tied for second among Toronto skaters in shots on goal (19).- Has recorded 22 points (9-13-22) in 31 career Stanley Cup playoff games with the Maple Leafs. |
| Morgan Rielly | – Tied for seventh among Maple Leafs in points (1-2-3) through six games of the postseason.- Leads Maple Leafs skaters in average time on ice (25:44) through six games.- Scored his first career game-winning goal in the postseason on May 24 at Montreal.- Has recorded 19 points (4-15-19) in 31 career Stanley Cup playoff games with the Maple Leafs. |
| Rasmus Sandin | – Averaging 11:59 per game in ice time and 3:26 per game on the power play. – Scored his first career goal in the Stanley Cup playoffs on May 22 vs. Montreal.- Has recorded a goal in four career Stanley Cup playoff games with the Maple Leafs. |
| Wayne Simmonds | – Has a 5-on-5 shot attempt percentage of 58.4 percent through six games of the series, which ranks third among Toronto skaters. – Has nine shots through six games of the series.- Registered his first postseason point as a Maple Leaf on May 27 vs. Montreal.- Has recorded 22 points (8-14-22) in 50 career playoff appearances. |
| Jason Spezza | – Second among Maple Leafs in goals (3) and tied for third among Maple Leafs in points (3-1-4).- Has won 58.3 percent of his offensive zone faceoffs through six games.- Has recorded 74 points (28 goals, 46 assists) in 91 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
| Joe Thornton | – Became the oldest player in franchise history to record a goal and a point in the postseason with his goal on May 25 at Montreal.- Has recorded 134 points (32 goals, 102 assists) in 185 career Stanley Cup playoff games. |
INJURY REPORT
| Jake Muzzin (Lower Body) | Left Toronto’s game on May 29 at Montreal and did not return. |
| John Tavares (Concussion) | Out indefinitely. |
MAPLE LEAFS – CANADIENS FINAL 2020-21 TEAM STATS
| TORONTO | MONTREAL | |
| GOALS FOR (Rank): | 186 (6th) | 158 (17th) |
| GOALS AGAINST (Rank): | 148 (t-7th) | 165 (18th) |
| POWER PLAY [%] (Rank): | 31/155 [20.0%] (16th) | 29/151 [19.2%] (17th) |
| PENALTY KILL [%] (Rank): | 113/144 [78.5%] (t-23rd) | 135/172 [78.5%] (t-23rd) |
| SHOTS (Rank): | 1751 (6th) | 1746 (7th) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPTS FOR (Rank): | 2455 (8th) | 2704 (3rd) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % (Rank): | 51.0% (11th) | 54.5% (2nd) |
| FACEOFF % (Rank): | 51.1% (10th) | 48.4% (t-24th) |
| CATEGORY | LEADER |
| GOALS | 41 (Matthews) |
| ASSISTS | 47 (Marner) |
| POINTS | 67 (Marner) |
| POWER PLAY POINTS | 14 (Marner) |
| SHORTHANDED POINTS | 2 (Marner) |
| PIMs | 49 (Bogosian) |
| SHOTS | 220 (Matthews) |
| FACEOFF WIN% | 56.7% (Spezza) |
| 5-on-5 SHOT ATTEMPT % | 55.2% (Thornton) |
| BLOCKED SHOTS | 94 (Muzzin) |
| TAKEAWAYS | 53 (Marner) |
| HITS | 100 (Muzzin) |
| TOI PER GAME | 23:38 (Rielly) |
| PP TOI PER GAME | 3:14 (Matthews) |
| SH TOI PER GAME | 2:35 (Muzzin) |
Nicolas Batum, at your service. The Clippers’ self-proclaimed glue guy and overall right-time, right-place handyman has no qualms coming off the bench – or starting. And in Game 4 of the first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks – his 43rd career playoff game – the 6-foot-8 wing got the call to start, replacing 7-foot…
Clippers add Nicolas Batum to starting lineup for Game 4 — Daily Breeze
Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon had two goals and an assist, and the Golden Knights had no answer for the Avalanche’s top line in a lopsided loss in the West Division final.
Golden Knights buried by Avalanche in series opener — Las Vegas Review-Journal
TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS (3-3) vs.
MONTREAL CANADIENS (3-3)
SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2021
| 1 | 2 | 3 | OT | FINAL | |
| TORONTO | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| MONTREAL | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 |
GAME SUMMARY | EVENT SUMMARY | FACEOFF SUMMARY
ON THE SCORESHEET
SHOTS ON GOAL (5-on-5 in brackets)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | TOTAL | |
| TORONTO | 9 (9) | 6 (6) | 15 (11) | 13 (13) | 43 (39) |
| MONTREAL | 15 (12) | 6 (6) | 8 (3) | 2 (2) | 31 (23) |
SHOT ATTEMPTS (5-on-5 in brackets)
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | OT | TOTAL | |
| TORONTO | 20 (15) | 10 (9) | 23 (19) | 23 (23) | 76 (66) |
| MONTREAL | 26 (23) | 19 (19) | 15 (10) | 7 (7) | 67 (59) |
OF NOTE…
MAPLE LEAFS LEADERS
| Shots | 7 (Matthews) |
| Shot Attempts | 15 (Matthews) |
| Faceoff Wins | 14 (Matthews) |
| Faceoff Win Percentage | 100% (Marner, Nylander) |
| Hits | 5 (Galchenyuk) |
| Blocked Shots | 5 (Rielly) |
| Takeaways | 4 (Matthews) |
| TOI | 34:43 (Rielly) |
| Power Play TOI | 6:06 (Matthews) |
| Shorthanded TOI | 2:51 (Holl) |
| Shifts | 42 (Brodie) |
| 5-on-5 Shot Attempt Percentage | 80.0% (Engvall – 16 for, 4 against) |
UPCOMING GAMES:
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.
Fenway Park wasn’t quite full on Saturday, but for the first time in exactly 20 months, it felt normal at the ballpark again. The roars of the crowd were noticeably louder with each Red Sox strikeout and hit, and the playing of “Sweet Caroline” during the eighth-inning stretch was sung with more energy than ever…
Red Sox win bench coach Will Venable’s managerial debut as electric Fenway Park returns to full capacity — Boston Herald
The view from left field 