FINAL SCORE: TORONTO RAPTORS 109, BROOKLYN NETS 108
DATE: TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2022
FINAL SCORE
RECORD
HIGH POINTS
HIGH REBOUNDS
HIGH ASSISTS
Brooklyn
108
32-31
Johnson – 19
Aldridge – 9
Curry – 6
Toronto
109
34-27
Trent Jr. – 24
Barnes – 10
Flynn – 8
KEY RUN
Trailing by six points at the 5:25 mark in the fourth quarter, the Raptors went on a 13-2 run to take a five-point lead, their largest of the second half (103-98) with 1:50 remaining in the frame … Toronto led for the rest of the game.
KEY STAT
Toronto overcame an eight-point deficit (89-81) in the final frame, marking the Raptors’ largest fourth quarter comeback this season … Gary Trent Jr. led all scorers with 12 points in the fourth quarter and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line.
RAPTORS NOTES:
With the win, Toronto improves to 34-27 this season and 17-13 at home … The Raptors are now 9-4 on the second half of a back-to-back set … Toronto will continue a three-game homestand (Mar. 1-4) Thursday night against Detroit.
Gary Trent Jr. scored a team-high 24 points and matched a career best with seven assists … Trent Jr. has scored 20+ points in 21 of 52 games this season, something he did 15 times in 58 contests last year … He has also dished out 5+ assists in consecutive games (Feb. 28 – Mar. 1) for the first time in his career.
Scottie Barnes recorded 18 points (8-13 FG, 2-2 FT), a team-high 10 rebounds and four assists in 41 minutes … Barnes has now tallied seven double-doubles this season – the most by a Raptors rookie since Jonas Valanciunas (8) during the 2012-13 season … In four games since the All-star break, Barnes is averaging 20.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and shooting .720 (36-50) from the field.
Malachi Flynn made his second consecutive start (Feb. 28 – Mar. 1) and tallied 15 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in a season-high 43 minutes … Tonight marks the first time this season, and fifth in Flynn’s career, that he has recorded 15+ points, 5+ rebounds and 5+ assists.
NETS NOTES:
With the loss, Brooklyn falls to 32-31, including 19-14 on the road … The Nets drop to 2-9 on the second half of a back-to-back … Brooklyn will return home to play the Miami Heat Thursday night.
Seth Curry recorded 18 points and a team-high six assists in 37 minutes … Curry is averaging 17.9 points, 4.0 assists and shooting .490 (47-96) from the field in seven games since being traded to Brooklyn.
James Johnson tallied a season-high 19 points (7-11 FG, 3-5 3PT, 2-3 FT) and added three assists and two rebounds in 31 minutes … Johnson has scored in double-figures 10 times this season, most recently Feb. 16 at New York.
Brooklyn’s reserves outscored Toronto’s 38-to-23, led by Cam Thomas (11) and Goran Dragic (10).
2021-22 Matchups vs. Buffalo: Second of Four 2021-22 Record vs. Buffalo: 1-0-0 Toronto Season Record: 35-14-4 Toronto Home Record: 19-5-1
RECENT TRANSACTIONS TV: Sportsnet RADIO: Sportsnet 590 February 25, 2022 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Nick Robertson from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). February 24, 2022 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Kyle Clifford from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
LAST GAME Score: Toronto 5 at Washington 3 Date: Monday, February 28, 2022 TOR Goals: Bunting, Nylander, Holl, Sandin, Engvall WSH Goals: Sheary, Wilson (2x) TOR Goaltender: Mrazek, 30/33, .909 SV% WSH Goaltender: Samsonov, 7/10, .700 SV% – Vanecek, 16/17, 941 SV% TOR Power Play: 0-for-4 TOR Penalty Kill: 2-for-3 Team Notes:
With his ninth goal of the season scored on Monday, Pierre Engvall recorded an NHL career-high.
Mitch Marner recorded his 11th multi-assist game of the season.
Michael Bunting has scored in three-straight road games (3G). Bunting is ranked first in the league among rookie point leaders on the road with 30 (15G, 15A).
NEXT GAME Date: Saturday, March 5, 2022 Opponent: vs. Vancouver Canucks Time: 7:00 pm ET Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio)
INJURY REPORT Ondrej Kase Day-to-Day Jake Muzzin Concussion
ALL-TIME VS. BUFFALO SABRES:
First Matchup between Clubs: November 18, 1970 (Toronto 2 vs. Buffalo 7) All-Time Record: 84-106-18-11 (219 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 51-40-12-5 (108 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 33-66-6-6 (111 Games) Last Home Win vs. Opponent: December 17, 2019 (Toronto 5 vs. Buffalo 3) Record in Last Five Games: 3-2-0 Record in Last 10 Games: 8-2-0
ACTIVE LEADERS VS. BUFFALO SABRES: Games Played: Jason Spezza (67), John Tavares (35), Wayne Simmonds (30) Goals: Jason Spezza (23), John Tavares (22), Auston Matthews (11) Assists: Jason Spezza (50), John Tavares (20), Morgan Rielly (14) Points: Jason Spezza (73), John Tavares (42), Auston Matthews (18) Penalty Minutes: Jason Spezza (44), Wayne Simmonds (27), John Tavares (18)
THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2021-22 Power Play: 42/144 (29.2%) Power Play Goal Leader: 12 – Matthews Power Play Point Leader: 22 – Matthews (12G, 10A) 2020-21 Power Play: 31/155 (20.0%)
ON THE PK IN 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 127/150 (84.7%) Shorthanded Goal Leader: 2 – Kämpf, Marner, Mikheyev Shorthanded Point Leader: 4 – Kämpf (2G, 2A) 2020-21 Penalty Kill: 113/144 (78.5%) FAST FACTS
Wednesday games 10th of 11 (6 home, 5 road) Back-to-Backs played 8 of 13 Record in first game of back-to-back 4-3-1 Record in second game of back-to-back 3-4-1 March games 1st of 14 (9 home, 5 road)
UPCOMING MILESTONES TJ Brodie Six points away from 300 career NHL points Mitch Marner One game away from 400 career NHL games played Mitch Marner 10 assists away from his 300th career NHL assist Wayne Simmonds Two games away from 1,000 career NHL games played
2021-22 MILESTONES TJ Brodie Appeared in his 700th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK TJ Brodie Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 14, 2021 at EDM Jack Campbell Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 16, 2021 vs. NSH Pierre Engvall Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK Ondrej Kaše Recorded his 100th career NHL point, Nov. 10, 2021 at PHI Ondrej Kaše Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL Alexander Kerfoot Appeared in his 300th career NHL game, Nov. 26, 2021 at SJS Alexander Kerfoot Recorded his 100th career NHL assist, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT Timothy Liljegren Scored his first career NHL goal, Jan. 15, 2022 at STL Auston Matthews Recorded his 400th career NHL point, Jan. 31, 2022 vs. NJD Auston Matthews Recorded his 200th career NHL goal, Oct. 25, 2021 at CAR Mitch Marner Recorded his 400th career NHL point, Feb. 14, 2022 at SEA Ilya Mikheyev Skated in his 100th career NHL game, Jan. 15, 2022 at STL William Nylander Skated in his 400th career NHL game, Feb. 1, 2022 at NJD William Nylander Recorded his 300th career NHL point, Jan. 19, 2022 at NYR Morgan Rielly Recorded his 250th career NHL assist, Oct. 27, 2021 at CHI Morgan Rielly Skated in his 600th career NHL game, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL Wayne Simmonds Skated in his 950th career NHL game, Oct. 16, 2021 vs. OTT Jason Spezza Skated in his 1,200th career NHL game, Nov. 28, 2021 at ANA John Tavares Recorded his 200th point with the Maple Leafs, Oct. 18, 2021 vs. NYR John Tavares Scored his 100th goal with the Maple Leafs, Nov. 13, 2021 at BUF John Tavares Skated in his 900th career NHL game, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT
SABRES
LAST GAME Sunday, Feb. 27 Buffalo 2 at Dallas 4 Goals: Thompson, Eakin Goalie: Anderson (27 saves/31 shots) PP: 0/1; PK: 2/3; Shots: Buffalo 40 – Dallas 31 CURRENT INJURIES – (Man Games Lost: 373) Player (injury, first game missed) – total games missed Drake Caggiula (upper body, Nov. 26; IR) – 35 games Malcolm Subban (upper body, Jan. 13; IR) – 19 games Colin Miller (upper body, Jan. 17; IR) – 17 games Vinnie Hinostroza (lower body, Jan. 18; IR) – 16 games Zemgus Girgensons (undisclosed, Jan. 29; IR) – 12 games Will Butcher (lower body, Jan. 30; IR) – 11 games Henri Jokiharju (lower body, Feb. 25) – 2 games TRANSACTIONS IN PAST 7 DAYS 2/22: Recalled F Brandon Biro from Rochester (AHL) 2/25: Reassigned F Brandon Biro to Rochester (AHL) 3/1: Reassigned F Jack Quinn to Rochester (AHL) UPCOMING GAMES Friday, March 4: Minnesota at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 6: Los Angeles at Buffalo, 1 p.m. Monday, March 7: Florida at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 10: Vegas at Buffalo, 7 p.m. Sunday, March 13: Toronto at Buffalo, 4 p.m. (2022 NHL Heritage Classic – Tim Hortons Field – Hamilton, ON) TODAY’S GAME SABRES at MAPLE LEAFS This is the second of four meetings between the Sabres and Maple Leafs this season. Last meeting: Toronto defeated Buffalo 5-4 in Buffalo on Nov. 13, 2021. Next meeting: Sunday, Mar. 13, 2022 in Hamilton. The Sabres are 2-6-2 in their last 10 games against the Maple Leafs; 3-6-1 on the road. This is the 220th game all-time between Buffalo and Toronto; Buffalo has a 117-74-28 series record. The Sabres are 45-44-19 on the road against the Maple Leafs all-time. THIS DATE IN SABRES HISTORY The Sabres are 10-7-3 all-time on March 2. March 2, 1998: Alexei Zhitnik scores the game’s only goal and Dominik Hasek gets his second shutout in as many nights as the Sabres top the New York Rangers 1-0 at Madison Square Garden. March 2, 2007: The Sabres score eight goals, including the first two of Mike Ryan’s career, to top the Montreal Canadiens 8-5 and improve to first place in the NHL. THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW Tonight’s contest marks the Sabres’ first game in Toronto since Dec. 17, 2019. Buffalo has successfully killed off 16 of its last 18 penalties (88.9 percent). Buffalo Sabres: Media Notes Tage Thompson has 24 points (12+12) in his last 23 games played, including 15 points (10+5) in his last 13 contests. Thompson’s eight goals during the month of February tied him for sixth in the NHL during that span. Thompson has tallied eight shots on goal in each of his last two games. Since making his Sabres debut on Dec. 29, Sabres forward Alex Tuch has recorded 22 points (7+15) in 22 games. Tuch currently ranks seventh among all Sabres players in points this season despite playing less than half as many games as five of the six players ahead of him (Thompson, Skinner, Dahlin, Okposo, and Cozens) and half as many games as the sixth player (Olofsson). Kyle Okposo has three points (2+1) in his last three contests. TAKIN’ IT TO TORONTO Rasmus Dahlin has seven points (2+5) in seven career games against the Maple Leafs and currently holds a four-game point streak against Toronto, registering five points (2+3) in the four contests. Dahlin has registered a plus-2 rating in each of his last two games against Toronto. In three career games at Toronto, Dahlin has tallied four points (1+3). Kyle Okposo has five points (2+3) in his last five games against Toronto, including at least a point in each of the last three meetings, tallying four points (2+2) during that span. Okposo tallied two assists and registered a plus-2 rating against Toronto on Nov. 13, 2021 in Buffalo. Okposo has recorded 11 points (3+8) in 14 games against Toronto as a member of the Sabres. In the first matchup with Toronto this season on Nov. 13, 2021, Jeff Skinner recorded three points (2+1). Tage Thompson tallied two points (1+1) against Toronto on Nov. 13, 2021. In 32 career starts against Toronto, Craig Anderson holds a record of 17-9-4, along with a .917 save percentage and 2.91 goals against average. WHAT’S THE SKINNY? Jeff Skinner has already recorded 20 goals this season, marking the eighth 20-goal season of his 12-year NHL career. Since entering the league in 2010-11, Skinner ranked 15th among all NHL skaters with 285 goals and was seventh in the league during that span with 228 even-strength tallies before Tuesday’s games. Among all players to have played at least 25 career games for the Sabres, Skinner ranks ninth with .280 even-strength goals per game (69 EVG in 246 GP). CHASING 300 Craig Anderson is three wins away from the 300th victory of his NHL career. 38 goaltenders in NHL history have won 300 games in their career, including six active netminders. With three more wins, Anderson would become the sixth American-born goaltender to reach the 300-win plateau. Anderson won his 297th career game at Montreal on Feb. 13 to move into 40th all-time in wins by an NHL goaltender. SETTING THE PACE A number of Sabres players are on pace for or have already established new career highs in goals, assists and points this season. With two goals on Nov. 26 in Buffalo’s 20th game of the season, Tage Thompson set a new single-season career high in goals (10) and points (15). His previous career highs of eight goals and 14 points came in 38 games during the 2020-21 season. Dylan Cozens has already eclipsed his 2020-21 totals in goals (4), assists (9) and points (13). Cozens established new career highs in goals (5 goals in 21 GP), assists (10 assists in 38 GP) and points (14 points in 23 GP) in fewer games than the 41 contests he played in as a rookie. Rasmus Asplund has already set a new single-season career high in assists and points and is on pace to establish a new career high in goals. Asplund reached 12 points (5+7) in 19 games this season. He recorded 11 points (7+4) in 2020-21 over 28 games played. Despite missing 10 games this season, Victor Olofsson is on pace for 28 assists, which would establish a new career high. Kyle Okposo is on pace for 21 goals and 48 points this season, which would be Okposo’s highest totals since he registered 22 goals and 64 points in his last season as a member of the New York Islanders in 2015-16. Rasmus Dahlin is on pace for 12 goals, 40 assists and 52 points, all of which would surpass his previous career-high marks. Despite playing in just 22 of Buffalo’s 54 games this season, Alex Tuch is on pace to record 34 assists, which would eclipse his career-high total of 32 assists from the 2018-19 season in which he played 74 games. Despite missing 18 games this season, Henri Jokiharju is on pace for five goals, 16 assists and 21 points, all of which would be new career highs. HEY NOW, YOU’RE A DAHL-STAR Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was selected to represent Buffalo on the Atlantic Division team at the 2022 All-Star Game on Feb. 5. It’s Dahlin’s first career All-Star Game selection. Dahlin tallied two points (1+1) and led the Atlantic Division team in ice time (7:41) and shots on goal (4) on Feb. 5 at the 2022 All-Star Game. Dahlin currently leads the Sabres in assists (26) and is third on the team in points (34). Dahlin’s 13 power-play points are also good for the team lead. Dahlin’s eight goals this season tied him for 12th in the NHL among defensemen entering play Tuesday. Since Nov. 21, 2021, Dahlin was tied for 11th among NHL defensemen in scoring entering play Tuesday, tallying 26 points (6+20) during that span. In less than four full seasons, Dahlin is already climbing up Buffalo’s record books. Among all Sabres defensemen in franchise history, Dahlin ranks… 17th in goals (26), one away from matching Richie Dunn for 16th all-time 14th in assists (115) 16th in points (141), four away from tying Dmitri Kalinin for 15th all-time 14th in power-play goals (10), two shy of moving into a five-way tie for 10th all-time 10th in power-play points (63), one away from tying Mike Ramsey and Brian Campbell for eighth all- time Among Sabres defensemen to play at least 82 games for the franchise, Dahlin ranks fifth in both assists per game (0.46) and points per game (0.57) and 11th in goals per game (0.10). Including this season, Dahlin owns two of the three most productive seasons by a Sabres defenseman in the last 25 years (dating back to 1996-97). Brian Campbell, .683 P/GP (2008-09) Rasmus Dahlin, .678 P/GP (2019-20) Rasmus Dahlin, .654 P/GP (2021-22) SABRES REAL-TIME STATS LEADERS Hits: Hayden (87), Hagg (75), Dahlin (67) Blocked Shots: Hagg (77), Pysyk (75), Dahlin (61) Shots: Skinner (164), Thompson (164), Okposo (121) SABRES’ RECORD IN 10 GAME SEGMENTS [W-L-OTL (PTS), GF/GA, PP, PK] 1-10: 5-4-1 (11), 29/27, 7/27, 25/28 11-20: 3-6-1: (7), 28/40, 4/26, 17/26 21-30: 2-5-3: (7), 24/36, 3/23, 18/21 31-40: 2-6-2 (6), 23/35, 6/30, 20/31 41-50: 4-5-1 (9), 30/36, 7/31, 24/30 51-60: 0-4-0 (0), 8/20, 1/9, 7/9 OVERTIME RESULTS (1-7; 127-145 all-time) Oct. 23 at NJD: L, 2-1 (GWG-Zacha) Oct. 28 at ANA: W, 4-3 (GWG-Asplund) Nov. 6 vs. DET: L, 4-3 (GWG-Seider) Nov. 27 at DET: L, 3-2 (GWG-Raymond) Dec. 17 at PIT: L, 3-2 (GWG-Carter) Jan. 1 at BOS: L, 4-3 (GWG-Coyle) Jan. 17 vs. DET, L, 3-2 (GWG-Larkin) Feb. 10 vs. CBJ, L, 4-3 (GWG-Voracek) SHOOTOUT RESULTS (2-1; 83-75 all-time) Oct. 16 vs. ARI: W, 2-1 (GDG-Ruotsalainen) Dec. 11 vs. WSH: L, 3-2 (GDG-Oshie) Dec. 16 at MIN: W, 3-2 (GDG-Thompson) MILESTONES APPROACHING (Player … Needs … Milestone) Games Played Tage Thompson … 5 games … 200 career games Dylan Cozens … 8 games … 100 career games Henri Jokiharju … 11 games … 200 career games Assists Alex Tuch … 7 assists … 100 career assists Wins Craig Anderson … 3 wins … 300 career win
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Durant, Kevin Out Injury/Illness – Left Knee; MCL Sprain Harris, Joe Out Injury/Illness – Left Ankle; Surgery Irving, Kyrie Out Ineligible To Play Simmons, Ben Out Return to Competition Reconditioning
Toronto Raptors
Anunoby, OG Out Injury/Illness – Right Hand; Ring Finger – Fracture Bonga, Isaac Out G League – On Assignment Johnson, David Out G League – Two-Way VanVleet, Fred Questionable Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Soreness
GAME #60 – TORONTO RAPTORS (32-27) at BROOKLYN NETS (32-29) MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022 – 7:30 P.M. (ET) – BARCLAYS CENTER TV: TSN – RADIO: TSN 1050 TORONTO
• The Toronto Raptors (32-27) complete a three-game road trip Monday night with the first game of a back-to-back set both against the Brooklyn Nets (32-29). Tonight marks the third of four meetings between the two teams this season, with Brooklyn winning the first two. Fred VanVleet is averaging a team-high 26.0 points in two games against the Nets this season. The Raptors are currently in the middle of a stretch that will see the team play six games in eight days (Feb. 25 – Mar. 4) for the first time since March 10-17, 2012. • The Raptors fell 127-100 to Atlanta on Saturday night and have now lost four of their last five games (Feb. 12-26), after a season-long eight game winning streak (Jan. 29 – Feb. 10). Toronto outrebounded the Hawks 11-to-5 on the offensive glass, leading to a 23-4 advantage in second chance points. The Raptors currently ranks second in the NBA in both offensive rebounds (13.1) and second chance points (16.2). Toronto is a +31 (140-109) on the offensive glass through 11 games in February. • Precious Achiuwa scored a season-high 21 points (8-12 FG, 2-3 3PT, 3-3 FT) and grabbed nine rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench Saturday in Atlanta. Achiuwa is the second reserve to score 20+ points for Toronto this season. Chris Boucher had 23 points Jan. 17 at Miami. Achiuwa has now led the bench in scoring 10 times this year, including each of the last three games (Feb. 16-25). Reserve Thaddeus Young also scored in double digits Saturday adding 10 points. The Raptors dropped to 7-2 this season when two or more players scored 10+ points off the bench. • Pascal Siakam recorded his team-leading 19th double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds Feb. 26 vs. Atlanta. Siakam passed his previous single-season career high of 18 double-doubles set during in 2018-2019 season. He is currently averaging 21.4 points, and career bests of 8.6 rebounds and 5.1 assists, in 46 games. Siakam is one of just seven players in the NBA averaging 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, James Harden, LeBron James, Nikola Jokic and Dejounte Murray. No Raptor has averaged 20-8-5 for an entire season. • Fred VanVleet has scored 20+ points in eight of nine games played during the month of February, averaging 20.7 points and shooting .429 (39-91) from three-point range during this span. He sat out Feb. 10 at Houston with left groin soreness and Feb. 16 at Minnesota with a right knee contusion. VanVleet has made 208 threes this season – third most in a season in Raptors history; behind only Kyle Lowry (238 in 2017-18 & 212 in 2015-16). VanVleet has connected on 5+ threes in a franchise record 19 games this season. • Scottie Barnes leads the Raptors – and all rookies – with 122 offensive boards this season. Barnes currently ranks fifth all-time among Raptors rookies in offensive rebounds – behind Chris Bosh (191), Charlie Villanueva (181), Ed Davis (168) and Marcus Camby (131). PROBABLE STARTERS F – SCOTTIE BARNES #4
MIN: 35.1 REB: 7.3 AST: 3.2 STL: 1.0 TO: 1.9 BLK: 0.8 PTS: 14.5 • Tallied six points, four rebounds and one block in 21 minutes Feb. 26 at Atlanta. • Leads all rookies in minutes (35.1), ranks third in rebounds (7.3), and fifth in both points (14.5) and assists (3.2). • Has scored 20+ points 11 times – the most by a Raptors rookie since Charlie Villanueva (12) in 2005-06. F – PASCAL SIAKAM #43
MIN: 37.6 REB: 8.6 AST: 5.1 STL: 1.2 TO: 2.7 BLK: 0.7 PTS: 21.4 • Recorded 14 points and 10 rebounds for his team-leading 19th double-double Feb. 26 at Atlanta. • Averaging 22.5 points, 9.4 rebounds and is shooting .524 (100-191) from the field in 11 games this month. • The Raptors are 6-1 this season when Siakam scores 30+ points this season. C – KHEM BIRCH #24
MIN: 18.5 REB: 4.4 AST: 1.2 STL: 0.7 TO: 0.6 BLK: 0.5 PTS: 4.7 • Contributed two rebounds and one assist in 13 minutes Feb. 26 at Atlanta. • Averaging 5.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 19.0 minutes in 10 games as a starter. • Has scored in double figures three times this season (Last: 10 – Nov. 19 at Sacramento). G – GARY TRENT JR. #33
• Finished with nine points, three rebounds, one assist and one steal in 31 minutes Feb. 26 at Atlanta. • Ranks third in the NBA in steals per game (1.84) and fourth in total deflections (171). • Averaging 20.8 points and shooting .413 (90-218) from beyond the arc in 25 games on the road this season. G – FRED VANVLEET #23
MIN: 38.2 REB: 4.5 AST: 6.9 STL: 1.6 TO: 2.7 BLK: 0.5 PTS: 21.4 • Scored a team-high 24 points in 35 minutes Feb. 26 at Atlanta; added nine assists and three rebounds. • Leads NBA in minutes (38.2), and ranks second in total deflections (200) and three-point field goals made (208). • Has logged 40+ minutes in 17 games – the most by a Raptor since Kyle Lowry (19) in the 2016-17 season.
2021-22 RECORDS W-L EAST WEST OVERALL 32-27 21-16 11-11 HOME 16-13 10-7 6-6 AWAY 16-14 11-9 5-5 OVERTIME 2-1 2-1 0-0
INJURY REPORT OG Anunoby (Right Hand; Ring Finger – Fracture) – Out Isaac Bonga (G League – On Assignment) – Out David Johnson (G League – Two-Way) – Out Fred VanVleet (Right Knee; Soreness) – Questionable UPDATED: Feb. 27, 2022 NEXT GAME DETAILS Opponent: Brooklyn Nets Date: Tuesday, March 1 Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. (ET) Venue: Scotiabank Arena Television: TSN Radio: Sportsnet 590 The FAN SERIES RECAP VS. BROOKLYN OVERALL HOME ROAD 2021-22 0-2 0-1 0-1 ALL-TIME 58-44 34-17 24-27 STREAKS Lost 3 Lost 2 Lost 1 LAST WIN: Apr. 21, 2021 (114-103) LAST HOME WIN: Apr. 21, 2021 (114-103) LARGEST MARGIN OF VICTORY: +37 (Nov 2, 2007) LARGEST MARGIN OF DEFEAT: -25 (Jan. 15, 1996) LAST TIME VS. BROOKLYN GAME 28 – DECEMBER 14, 2021 BROOKLYN 131, TORONTO 129 (OT) NEW YORK — Patty Mills made a 3 to force overtime, Kevin Durant had 34 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, and the Brooklyn Nets beat the Toronto Raptors 131-129 … Durant was upgraded from questionable just before the game because Brooklyn has seven players in the NBA’s health and safety protocol … He responded with his 14th triple-double of his career … Brooklyn won its third straight, with Mills adding 30 points … The Nets also got 17 from Kessler Edwards, 16 from Nic Claxton and 13 from Blake Griffin … The loss snapped a two-game winning streak for Toronto (13-15) … Fred VanVleet led the Raptors with 31 … Gary Trent Jr. and Pascal Siakam each finished with 25 … Scottie Barnes had 23, but missed what would have been a game-winning, buzzer-beating 3 in overtime … Trailing by 10 entering the third quarter, Toronto outscored Brooklyn 44- 25 to take a 100-91 advantage going into the fourth … But Brooklyn outscored Toronto 26-11 over the first 7:18 of the fourth quarter, regaining the lead … It didn’t last. Barnes knocked down two 3s to tie the game, and Trent made a 3 with 1:21 left to give the Raptors a 120-117 lead … That held until Mills’ 3 with 13 seconds left forced overtime. 1 2 3 4 OT TOT TORONTO 32 24 44 20 9 129 BROOKLYN 33 33 25 29 11 131
BROOKLYN NETS
LAST GAME STARTERS
[ F ] B R U C E B R O W N
1 • MIAMI (4th Season) • 6-4 • 202
2021-22 Averages Notables Last Game 6.8 ppg 4.4 rpg 1.4 apg 21.7 mpg • Acquired by Brooklyn from Detroit in a three-team trade with the Clippers on 11/19/20; re-signed with the Nets on 8/8/21. • Posted career highs in FG % (.556), rpg (5.4), offensive rating (115.9), net rating (3.5), effective FG % (.576) and double-doubles (six) in 2020-21. 15 pts, 7 rebs, 2 asts 32 mins 2/26 at MIL
[ F ] J AME S J O H N S O N
16 • WAKE FOREST (13th Season) • 6-7 • 235
2021-22 Averages Notables Last Game 6.0 ppg 3.6 rpg 2.1 apg 19.8 mpg • Is in his first season with the Nets after signing with Brooklyn as a free agent on 8/6/21. • Made his seventh start of the season for Brooklyn on Thursday night versus Boston at Barclays Center. 7 pts, 6 rebs, 2 asts 35 mins 2/26 at MIL
[C ] A N D R E D R UM M O N D
0 • CONNECTICUT (10th Season) • 6-10 • 280
2021-22 Averages Notables Last Game 6.6 ppg 9.0 rpg 2.0 apg 18.8 mpg • Is in his first season with Brooklyn after being acquired via trade with Philadelphia on 2/10/22. • Is a two-time All-Star (2016, 2018), a 2016 All-NBA Third Team selection and has led the NBA in rebounds four times (2016, 2018-20). 17 pts, 12 rebs, 5 asts 29 mins 2/26 at MIL
[ G ] S E T H C U R R Y
30 • DUKE (8th Season) • 6-1 • 192
2021-22 Averages Notables Last Game 15.4 ppg 3.4 rpg 4.0 apg 34.5 mpg • Is in his first season with Brooklyn after being acquired via trade with Philadelphia on 2/10/22. • Ranks fourth all-time in NBA history in 3-point percentage (.438) and second among active players, trailing only Joe Harris (.439). 19 pts, 1 reb, 3 asts 29 mins 2/26 at MIL
[ G ] K Y R I E I R V I N G
11 • DUKE (11th Season) • 6-2 • 195
2021-22 Averages Notables Last Game 25.1 ppg 4.8 rpg 5.3 apg 36.4 mpg • Signed as a free agent with the Nets on 7/7/19. • Is a seven-time All-Star (2013-15, 2017-19, 2021), two-time All-NBA honoree (second team in 2019 and third team in 2015), All-Star Game MVP (2014), Rookie of the Year (2012) and an NBA champion (2016). 38 pts, 5 rebs, 5 asts 39 mins 2/26 at MIL
2021-22 BROOKLYN NETS RECORDS RECORD HOME ROAD OVERTIME OVERALL 32-29 13-16 19-13 2-0 DIVISION 7-3 3-3 4-0 1-0 WESTERN CONF. 10-15 4-7 6-8 1-0 EASTERN CONF. 22-14 9-9 13-5 1-0
IF THE NETS WIN ➢ It would extend the Nets’ win streak vs. Toronto to four games, which would match the Nets’ longest win streak vs. Toronto all-time (the Nets topped the Raptors in four straight games from 1/10/03 – 4/12/03). ▪ The Nets have won three straight games against Toronto (entering tonight’s game) for the first time since 11/3/12 – 1/15/13. ➢ It would improve Brooklyn’s record vs. Atlantic Division opponents this season to 8-3.
2021-22 Matchups vs. Washington: First of Three Toronto Season Record: 34-14-4 Toronto Road Record: 15-9-3 TV: Sportsnet RADIO: Sportsnet 590
RECENT TRANSACTIONS February 25, 2022 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Nick Robertson from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). February 24, 2022 The Maple Leafs have recalled forward Kyle Clifford from the Toronto Marlies (AHL).
LAST GAME Score: Toronto 10 at Detroit 7 Date: Saturday, February 26, 2022 TOR Goals: Nylander, Bunting, Kämpf, Marner (4x), Matthews, Mikheyev, Kaše DET Goals: Raymond (2x), Gagner, Hronek, Rowney, Veleno, Rasmussen TOR Goaltender: Campbell, 20/25 .800 SV% – Mrazek, 6/8, .750 SV% DET Goaltender: Nedeljkovic, 19/25, .760 SV%, Greiss, 10/14, .714 SV% TOR Power Play: – TOR Penalty Kill: 3-for-3 Team Notes:
Mitch Marner posted his first career NHL hat trick and added another goal for a single-game NHL career-high of four goals. Marner also recorded a single-game NHL career-high with six points (4G, 2A).
Michael Bunting posted a single-game NHL career-high in assists with four. Bunting also posted a single-game NHL career-high in points with five (1G, 4A).
Auston Matthews posted a single-game NHL career-high four points during Thursday’s game (1G, 3A). He has recorded a four-point game on 10 occasions during his NHL career. With his 37th goal of the season, Matthews leads the league in goals.
Ondrej Kaše posted the second shorthanded goal of his NHL career. With Kaše’s shorthanded goal, the Maple Leafs are tied for second in the league among shorthanded goal leaders only trailing the Vegas Golden Knights (9). The Maple Leafs are also the only team in the NHL to have not allowed a shorthanded goal against.
With three assists on Thursday, Justin Holl posted a single-game NHL career-high in both assists and points.
With his ninth goal of the season posted on Thursday, Ilya Mikheyev recorded an NHL career season-high in goals.
With his eighth goal of the season posted on Thursday, David Kämpf tied an NHL career season-high in goals. NEXT GAME
Date: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Opponent: vs. Buffalo Sabres Time: 7:30 pm ET Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), Sportsnet 590 (Radio)
INJURY REPORT Jake Muzzin Concussion
ALL-TIME VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS: First Matchup between Clubs: October 27, 1974 (Toronto 4 at Washington 3) All-Time Record: 63-71-10-5 (149 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 38-27-6-2 (73 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 25-44-4-3 (76 Games) Last Road Win vs. Opponent: October 13, 2018 (Toronto 4 at Washington 2) Record in Last Five Games: 2-2-1 Record in Last 10 Games: 3-5-2
ACTIVE LEADERS VS. WASHINGTON CAPITALS: Games Played: Jason Spezza (41), Wayne Simmonds (38), John Tavares (38) Goals: John Tavares (17), Jason Spezza (14), Wayne Simmonds (11) Assists: Jason Spezza (24), John Tavares (16), Wayne Simmonds (11), Morgan Rielly (11) Points: Jason Spezza (38), John Tavares (33), Wayne Simmonds (22) Penalty Minutes: Wayne Simmonds (40), Kyle Clifford (20), Jason Spezza (16)
THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2021-22 Power Play: 42/140 (30.0%) Power Play Goal Leader: 12 – Matthews Power Play Point Leader: 22 – Matthews (12G, 10A) 2020-21 Power Play: 31/155 (20.0%)
ON THE PK IN 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 125/147 (85.0%) Shorthanded Goal Leader: 2 – Kämpf, Marner, Mikheyev Shorthanded Point Leader: 4 – Kämpf (2G, 2A) 2020-21 Penalty Kill: 113/144 (78.5%) FAST FACTS
Monday games 8th of 10 (3 home, 7 road) Back-to-Backs played 8 of 13 Record in first game of back-to-back 4-3-1 Record in second game of back-to-back 3-4-1 February games 12th of 12 (4 home, 8 road)
UPCOMING MILESTONES TJ Brodie Six points away from 300 career NHL points Mitch Marner Two games away from 400 career NHL games played Jake Muzzin Nine points away from 300 career NHL points
2021-22 MILESTONES Wayne Simmonds Three games away from 1,000 career NHL games played TJ Brodie Appeared in his 700th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK TJ Brodie Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 14, 2021 at EDM Jack Campbell Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 16, 2021 vs. NSH Pierre Engvall Appeared in his 100th career NHL game, Nov. 2, 2021 vs. VGK Ondrej Kaše Recorded his 100th career NHL point, Nov. 10, 2021 at PHI Ondrej Kaše Scored his 50th career NHL goal, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL Alexander Kerfoot Appeared in his 300th career NHL game, Nov. 26, 2021 at SJS Alexander Kerfoot Recorded his 100th career NHL assist, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT Timothy Liljegren Scored his first career NHL goal, Jan. 15, 2022 at STL Auston Matthews Recorded his 400th career NHL point, Jan. 31, 2022 vs. NJD Auston Matthews Recorded his 200th career NHL goal, Oct. 25, 2021 at CAR Mitch Marner Recorded his 400th career NHL point, Feb. 14, 2022 at SEA Ilya Mikheyev Skated in his 100th career NHL game, Jan. 15, 2022 at STL William Nylander Skated in his 400th career NHL game, Feb. 1, 2022 at NJD William Nylander Recorded his 300th career NHL point, Jan. 19, 2022 at NYR Morgan Rielly Recorded his 250th career NHL assist, Oct. 27, 2021 at CHI Morgan Rielly Skated in his 600th career NHL game, Dec. 9, 2021 vs. TBL Wayne Simmonds Skated in his 950th career NHL game, Oct. 16, 2021 vs. OTT Jason Spezza Skated in his 1,200th career NHL game, Nov. 28, 2021 at ANA John Tavares Recorded his 200th point with the Maple Leafs, Oct. 18, 2021 vs. NYR John Tavares Scored his 100th goal with the Maple Leafs, Nov. 13, 2021 at BUF John Tavares Skated in his 900th career NHL game, Jan. 1, 2022 vs. OTT
2021-22 TEAM LEADERS
CATEGORY LEADER CATEGORY LEADER GOALS 37 – Matthews HITS 87 – Simmonds ASSISTS 37 – Rielly BLOCKED SHOTS 71 – Brodie POINTS 68 – Matthews (37G, 31A) TAKEAWAYS 59 – Matthews POWER PLAY POINTS 22 – Matthews (12G, 10A) TOI PER GAME 24:13 – Rielly SHORTHANDED POINTS 4 – Kämpf (2G, 2A) PP TOI PER GAME 2:58 – Marner PIMs 47 – Simmonds SH TOI PER GAME 2:41 – Muzzin SHOTS 221 – Matthews WINS 23 – Campbell FACEOFF% 61.5% – Tavares GOALS-AGAINST AVERAGE 2.55 – Campbell SHOT ATTEMPTS% 60.00% – Robertson SAVE PERCENTAGE .917 – Campbell
WASHINGTON CAPITALS
LAST GAME Washington 1, Philadelphia 2 February 26, 2022 Wells Fargo Center Philadelphia, PA Shots: WSH: 28; PHI: 22 Power Plays: WSH: 1/3; PHI: 0/2 Three Stars: 1. Atkinson (PHI), 2. Giroux (PHI), 3. Oshie (WSH) RECENT TRANSACTIONS Re-assigned Vitek Vanecek and Pheonix Copley to AHL Hershey, 2/27 Re-assigned Brett Leason to AHL Hershey, 2/24 CAPITALS MILESTONES WITHIN REACH Alex Ovechkin – Three game-winning goals shy of passing Gordie Howe (121) for the second most in NHL history, five goals shy of passing Jaromir Jagr (766g) for the third most goals in NHL history, one game shy of passing Sergei Fedorov (1,248) for third among Russian players Nicklas Backstrom – Five points shy of 1,000 career points, two assists shy of passing Bernie Nicholis (734a) for the 47th most assists in NHL history Ovechkin and Backstrom – Four games shy of playing 1,000 career games together Justin Schultz – One assist shy of 200 career assists Carl Hagelin – Four points shy of 300 career points Conor Sheary – Five points shy of 200 career points, two assists shy of 100 career assists, three goals shy of 100 career goals CAPITALS MILESTONES RECENTLY ACHIEVED Nicklas Backstrom – Passed Rod Brind’Amour (732) for the 48th most assists in NHL history, 2/26 at PHI CURRENT INJURIES/ILLNESSES Anthony Mantha: 11/6-2/26 (44 games) Vitek Vanecek: 12/29-1/8, 2/2-2/26 (13 games) Justin Schultz: 11/26-11/30, 2/17, 2/26 (5 games) Man Games Lost: 203 (For a full season injury report, please check the Supplemental Stats package available in Caps Today) UPCOMING SCHEDULE March 3, 7 p.m. (ET) vs. Carolina (ESPN+, Hulu, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7) March 5, 7 p.m. (ET) vs. Seattle (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7) March 8, 9 p.m. (ET) at Calgary (NBCSW, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7) March 9, 8 p.m. (ET) at Edmonton (TNT, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7) March 11, 10 p.m. (ET) at Vancouver (NBCSW+, 106.7 The Fan/Caps Radio 24/7) Tonight’s Game The Capitals face the Toronto Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena for the first time this season. This marks the first time the Capitals have played the Maple Leafs since Oct. 29, 2019, a 4-3 overtime win at Scotiabank Arena. Washington has won three straight games against Toronto, a streak that began on Feb. 21, 2019, and each of the last three games have been one-goal games. Among active players in the NHL, Alex Ovechkin ranks first in goals (41g) and points (73) against the Maple Leafs, despite never playing in the same division as Toronto. Ovechkin’s 0.82 goals per game rate against the Maple Leafs is the highest rate he has against any Eastern Conference team. Washington Capitals: Media Notes HOME vs. TORONTO Record Goals For Goals Against Current Streak 47-23-4-2 272 207 1 WSH win (10/16/19) IN THE ZONE Evgeny Kuznetsov – Two game point streak (2a), two game assist streak (2a) John Carlson – Points in five of his last seven games (1g, 5a) Carl Hagelin – Seven points (1g, 6a) in his last nine games CAPS AMONG LEAGUE LEADERS (through games played Feb. 26)
Alex Ovechkin is tied for eighth in the NHL in points (63) and fourth in goals (32)
John Carlson is tied for ninth among defensemen in points (40) NOTE OF THE NIGHT Osh Babe
T.J. Oshie returned to the lineup on Feb. 24 against the New York Rangers after missing the previous 14 games due to injury and has a goal in his last two games.
With Oshie in the lineup this season, the Capitals are 12-4-4 this season, good for a .800 points percentage, which equates to 131-points over an 82- game season. Additionally, the Capitals hold a record of 6-2-2 when Oshie records a point.
With 14 points (6g, 8a) in 20 games, Oshie is averaging 0.70 points per game. Should he maintain that pace, it will mark the fourth consecutive season with Washington Oshie has recorded a points per game rate of 0.70 or higher.
Oshie is scoring at a 24-goal pace over an 82-game season.
Oshie has additionally scored on 18.2% of the shots he’s taken this season (six goals on 33 shots). Over the last four seasons, Oshie ranks third in the NHL in shooting percentage (19.0%) among players with 150 games played, only behind Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl (20.1%) and Tampa Bay’s Brayden Point (19.1%). TOP CAPS FACTS Celebrating Black History
The Capitals will celebrate Black History Night Monday night when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs at Capital One Arena. The evening will honor the organization’s history, celebrate Black achievement in hockey and highlight how the Capitals are working to further grow the game in the region.
Capitals alumnus Bill Riley and his granddaughter Kryshanda Green will participate in a ceremonial puck drop. Riley made his NHL debut with the Capitals in 1974, becoming the first Black Nova Scotian to play in the NHL and the third Black player to play in the League. In 125 games with the Capitals, Riley recorded 28 goals and 28 assists.
Green is the former and first Black captain of the Ryerson University Rams women’s hockey team. While at Ryerson, Green broke the all-time points and assists records, graduating from Ryerson with a B.A. in politics and governance and currently serves on the NHL’s Youth Hockey Inclusion Council.
During warmups, Capitals players will wear special black warmup jerseys with a Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club shoulder patch in honor of the Fort Dupont Cannons. The jerseys will be signed and auctioned off along with signed pucks commemorating Black History Month and other items to benefit the Capital Impact Fund.
Additionally, during the game, players will wear special helmet decals featuring Neal Henderson’s likeness in honor of his contributions to hockey. In 2019, Henderson became the first Black individual to be inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame. Great 8
Alex Ovechkin ranks fourth in the NHL with 32 goals this season and tied for eighth in points (63).
Ovechkin’s most recent goal on Feb. 24 against the New York Rangers pulled him within four goals of matching Jaromir Jagr (766g) for third place on the NHL’s all-time goals list.
With his game on Saturday against the Flyers, Ovechkin passed Sergei Fedorov (1,248) for the third-most games played by a Russian player in NHL history. Next on the list is Sergei Gonchar with 1,301 games played.
The Capitals hold a record of 17-3-4 when Ovechkin scores a goal this season and a 23-8-6 record when he records a point.
Ovechkin is on pace to record 48 goals this season. If he’s able to reach the 50-goal mark, he will tie Mike Bossy and Wayne Gretzky for the most such instances in NHL history (9x). Ovechkin would additionally tie Gretzky for the most 40-goal seasons in NHL history (12). CAPITALS vs. MAPLE LEAFS ALL-TIME (CAREER TOTALS) Games Goals Assists Points Ovechkin (50) Ovechkin (41) Backstrom (36) Ovechkin (73) Backstrom (41) Backstrom (9) Ovechkin (32) Backstrom (45) Eller (39) Eller (7) Carlson (19) Carlson (24) Nice and Kuzy
Evgeny Kuznetsov has recorded an assist in two-straight games and leads the Capitals with 35 assists.
This could mark the third time in his career Kuznetsov has led the Capitals in assists in a season (also 2015-16 and 2017-18).
Kuznetsov is on pace for 53 assists this year, which would be the third-most in a season in his career, the most since his 56 in 2017-18 and the fourth time in his career he’d reach the 50-assist mark.
Since his first time reaching the mark in 2015-16 (career high 57 assists), Kuznetsov’s 292 assists in that span rank 16th among forwards.
Kuznetsov is one of just 14 players in the NHL with three 50-assists seasons since 2015-16.
Sweet Nicky
Nicklas Backstrom recorded an assist on Saturday against the Philadelphia Flyers, marking his 15th point of the season (4g, 11a) and the 995th of his career (262g, 733a).
Backstrom is now five points shy of becoming the second player in franchise history to reach the 1,000 point mark, where he would join Alex Ovechkin (1,383).
Since his NHL debut on Oct. 5, 2007, Backstrom would become the fifth player to record 1,000 points during that span, where he will join Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane and Evgeni Malkin.
With 733 career assists, Backstrom will have the sixth-most assists by any player who reached the 1,000 point mark in NHL history and will be the only active player with at least 733 assists at the milestone.
Super Carly
John Carlson has recorded points in five of his last seven games (1g, 5a) and is currently tied for ninth in the NHL in points (40) among defensemen.
Carlson’s five game assist streak came to an end on Thursday against the New York Rangers. He is one of 17 defensemen this season with an assist streak of at least five games.
Among active defensemen, Carlson’s 562 career points are the 11th most. Additionally, his 0.66 points per game rate is tied for fourth among the top20 defensemen in points, only trailing Erik Karlsson (0.79), Kris Letang (0.69), Roman Josi (0.68) and tied with Victor Hedman (0.66). Did you Know?
The Capitals have allowed 28.8 shots per game this season, the third-lowest per game total in the NHL (Los Angeles: 28.3 shots against per game; Carolina: 28.7). Real Time Leaders Goals: Alex Ovechkin, 32 Assists: Evgeny Kuznetsov, 35 Points: Alex Ovechkin, 63 Shots: Alex Ovechkin, 232 Hits: Garnet Hathaway, 165 Blocked Shots: Trevor van Riemsdyk,
The view from left field 