SABRES-MAPLE LEAFS PREGAME NOTES


RECENT TRANSACTIONS


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)
  • 2021-22 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS
    Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO%
    Toronto .698 3.68 2.85 29.2% 84.7% 34.6 30.7 56.1%
    Buffalo .370 2.61 3.59 19.2% 76.6% 29.7 34.3 46.3%
  • 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

James Harden: ‘I’m one of the best teammates that the NBA’s seen’ — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

James Harden clashed with star teammates Dwight Howard and Chris Paul on the Rockets.

James Harden: ‘I’m one of the best teammates that the NBA’s seen’ — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

Will Celtics Add To Roster In Buyout Market? Ime Udoka Gives Update — NESN.com

The Boston Celtics arguably have been the best team in the NBA since Jan. 1, but will there be any changes to the roster in the near future? It doesn’t sound like it. The Celtics certainly were busy ahead of the NBA trade deadline and there has been plenty of chatter of whether or not […]

Will Celtics Add To Roster In Buyout Market? Ime Udoka Gives Update — NESN.com

Bruins notebook: Jeremy Swayman making Calder rumblings — Boston Herald

Jeremy Swayman may not have taken the NHL by storm at the start of the season as some Bruins’ fans had hoped, but make not mistake. He has nudged his way into the Calder Award race as rookie of the year. Swayman on Tuesday was named the NHL’s Rookie of the Month for February after…

Bruins notebook: Jeremy Swayman making Calder rumblings — Boston Herald

NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Says Without Lebron James, the Lakers Will Never Win Again — NBC Los Angeles

Some have suggested that trading James may be the quickest and easiest way to fix the team’s disconnect.

NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Says Without Lebron James, the Lakers Will Never Win Again — NBC Los Angeles

At a moment when the Lakers need to fight, they are showing signs of quitting — San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Editor’s note: This is the Monday, Feb. 28 edition of the Purple & Bold Lakers newsletter from reporter Kyle Goon. To receive the newsletter in your inbox, … 1,316 more words

At a moment when the Lakers need to fight, they are showing signs of quitting — San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Kurtenbach: Warriors losing the benefit of the doubt in title push — East Bay Times

After the worst fourth-quarter collapse in the NBA this season and the first 20-plus point lead blown by the Warriors in a regular-season game since 2007, Golden State is heading on the road for a brutal stretch of games to start off what appears to be a ruthless March. 1,133 more words

Kurtenbach: Warriors losing the benefit of the doubt in title push — East Bay Times

RAPTORS-NETS PREGAME NOTES

INJURY REPORT AT 5:30 P.M.

Brooklyn Nets

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

MIN: 34.7 REB: 2.7 AST: 1.9 STL: 1.8 TO: 1.0 BLK: 0.3 PTS: 18.2


• 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 2
5 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.

Westbrook shrugs off boos from Lakers crowd, “If they boo, they can take their a** home” — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

“If they boo, they can take their a** home. I ain’t worried about that. It doesn’t bother me none.”

Westbrook shrugs off boos from Lakers crowd, “If they boo, they can take their a** home” — ProBasketballTalk | NBC Sports

MAPLE LEAFS-CAPITALS PREGAME NOTES




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)
  • 2021-22 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS
    Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO%
    Toronto .692 3.65 2.85 30.0% 85.0% 34.8 30.7 56.3%
    Washington .602 3.17 2.76 16.1% 79.6% 31.3 28.8 46.9%
  • 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,

Kiz vs. Singer: How would Michael Porter Jr.’s return impact the Nuggets’ stretch run? — The Denver Post

How big of a push could Michael Porter Jr. give to the Nuggets’ late-season surge? The Denver Post’s Mark Kiszla and Mike Singer debate.

Kiz vs. Singer: How would Michael Porter Jr.’s return impact the Nuggets’ stretch run? — The Denver Post