Toronto: A. Steeves (12) PP (B. Seney, J. Duszak), F. Král (3) (C. Douglas, J. Blandisi), S. Der-Arguchintsev (7) PP (J. Blandisi, M. Abrmaov), A. Suomela (8) (A. Steeves, F. Král) Goaltender: E. Källgren (21/24) W
Grand Rapids:J. Martin (2) (T. Hirose, W. Newpower), R. Murphy (7) (B. Lashoff, T. Spezia), B. McKenzie (2) (M. Berry) Goaltender:C. Pickard (28/32) L
ON THE SCORESHEET
Alex Steeves put the Marlies on the board 27 seconds into the second period and later added the primary assist on Suomela’s third period goal.This was his second power play goal.He has 23 points (12 goals, 11 assists) in 24 games this season.
Filip Král scored at 1:22 of the second period and later added the secondary assist on Suomela’s third period goal. He has 17 points (3 goals, 14 assists) in 33 games this season.
Semyon Der-Arguchintsev scored on the power play at 6:18 of the third period.
Antti Suomela scored the game-winning goal at 15:33 of the third period. He has goals (3) in three consecutive games. Suomela has 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) in 18 games this season.
Brett Seney recorded the primary assist on Steeves’ second period goal. He has points (1-4-5) in three consecutive games.
Joseph Duszak registered the secondary assist on Steeves’ second period goal. This was his 13th power play assist.
Curtis Douglas picked up the primary assist on Král’s second period goal. He has 15 points (4 goals, 11 assists) in 33 games this season.
Joseph Blandisi had the secondary assist on Král’s second period goal and the primary assist on Der-Arguchintsev’s third period goal. He has points (2-6-8) in five consecutive games. Blandisi has 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists) in 13 games with the Marlies this season.
Mikhail Abramov recorded the secondary assist on Der-Arguchintsev’s third period goal. He has 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists) through 35 games this season.
Erik Källgren stopped 21 of 24 shots he faced. He is 12-6-0 with a 0.912 save percentage. Källgren has won three consecutive games, making 76 saves.
OF NOTE
Toronto finished their eight-game road trip 5-2-1-0. The road trip included four overtime games (3-1).
Toronto went 3-for-3 on the penalty kill and 2-for-6 on the power play. This is the sixth game where Toronto has recorded two power play goals. Toronto is 13-7-1-0 when scoring on the power play and 12-6-0-0 when not allowing a goal on the penalty kill.
Toronto had a 32-24 edge in shots in all situations. Joseph Duszak and Alex Steeves led the Marlies with five shots on goal. Toronto is 7-3-0-0 when outshooting their opponent.
The Marlies are 5-1-0-0 against Central Division opponents and 2-0-0-0 against the Griffins.
RECORD WHEN
Opponent scores first 6-11-1-0 Trailing after 1 6-9-0-0 Trailing after 2 2-9-0-0 On the road 11-7-1-0 February 1-0-0-0 Wednesday 3-3-1-0 1 goal game 9-2-2-1
As of late when we found ourselves down whether it’s the second or third period, the group’s starting to find confidence in their ability to come back and what it takes to win and find their game in those moments. It’s good to see. We have some guys who have stepped up in big way.
NICK ROBERTSON
On his first game since returning from injury:
It was a lot of fun. I’ve been away for a long time and it was the first injury I’ve had where I was off for three months. Today, I just had no expectations. Really just tried to play well and get the rust off and go from there.
ALEX STEEVES (1 GOAL, 1 ASSIST)
On tonight’s game: It’s just a greasy road win. They feel amazing. It makes the bus ride home much more of a good time. Special teams were huge. Goaltending was huge. You get those two, you do it on the road and you give yourself a chance which is what we got tonight.
On special teams: We talk with our special teams coaches and when you know you’re doing good things you just have to refocus in a different way and get a little extra effort. It’s huge for both units to get in on it tonight on the man advantage and the huge 5-on-3 penalty kill, a couple of huge blocks and big saves, those are momentum builders on the road and when you get that you give yourself a chance.
UPCOMING GAMES: *All times Eastern Standard Time
February 5 vs. Rochester – 4:00 p.m. February 16 vs. Belleville – 7:00 p.m. February 18 at Belleville – 7:00 p.m. February 19 vs. Belleville – 4:00 p.m. February 21 vs. Laval – 3:00 p.m. (Scotiabank Arena)
The last month has been terribly tumultuous for the Golden State Warriors. Klay Thompson’s return and Draymond Green’s injury coincided on Jan. 9. Steph Curry’s shooting slump never seemed to break. 605 more words
Trailing 93-92 with 6:46 left in the fourth quarter, Gary Trent Jr. scored eight straight points, including back-to-back threes to give Toronto the lead (100-93) … The Raptors led the rest of the way … Miami pulled within two just under 10 seconds left but Toronto held on for the victory.
KEY STAT
The Raptors shot .462 (12-26) from three-point range, while holding Miami to .267 (8-30) from beyond the arc … The Heat entered tonight having made 15+ three-pointers in a franchise record six straight games (Jan. 21-31) … Toronto has now shot 45 percent or better from beyond the arc in consecutive contests, after shooting a season-best 50 percent (18-36) Monday night in Atlanta.
RAPTORS NOTES:
With the win, Toronto improves to 26-23 this season and 14-12 at home … The Raptors have won four of their last five games (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1) … Toronto continues a three-game homestand (Feb. 1-4) Thursday night against Chicago.
Gary Trent Jr. finished with a season high-tying 33 points (11-20 FG, 6-10 3PT, 5-8 FT) in 41 minutes … Trent Jr. has now scored 30+ points in a career-best five consecutive games (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1) matching the franchise record set by DeMar DeRozan (Oct. 26 – Nov. 4, 2016) … During this stretch Trent Jr. is averaging 32.2 points and shooting .496 (56-113) from the field and .517 (31-60) from beyond the arc.
Gary Trent Jr. has also set the franchise record after making five or more three-point field goals in five consecutive games (Jan. 25 – Feb. 1) … Kyle Lowry held the previous record with four straight games (Mar. 18-23, 2018) … Trent Jr. has made 31 three-pointers over the last five games, tying the franchise record for the most three-pointers over a five-game span set by Fred VanVleet earlier this year (Jan. 2-9).
Pascal Siakam recorded 16 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and three steals in 35 minutes … Siakam has recorded a team-high 13 double-doubles this season – Toronto is 9-5 in these games … With seven offensive rebounds tonight, Siakam reached 500 career offensive boards, becoming just the eighth player in franchise history to achieve this milestone.
HEAT NOTES:
With the loss, Miami is now 32-20, including 14-14 on the road … The Heat will continue a six-game road trip (Jan. 31 – Feb. 10), Thursday night in San Antonio.
Bam Adebayo recorded a season-high 32 points and 11 rebounds in 35 minutes for his 13th double-double of the season … Adebayo leads the Heat with 13 double-doubles despite missing 24 games this season … Tonight marks just the third time in his career that Adebayo has recorded 30+ points and 10+ rebounds.
Jimmy Butler finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in 40 minutes … Butler has recorded 10 double-doubles this season, and the Heat drop to 8-2 when he records a double-double … In three games vs. Toronto this season, Butler is averaging 24.0 points, 10.3 rebounds and 10.7 assists.
2021-22 Matchups vs. New Jersey: Second of Three Next Game vs. New Jersey: Wednesday, March 23 vs. New Jersey Toronto Season Record: 28-10-3 Toronto Road Record: 12-6-2 TV: TSN4 RADIO: Sportsnet 590
RECENT TRANSACTIONS January 28, 2022 Defenceman Carl Dahlstrom has been assigned to the Maple Leafs taxi squad from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). January 28, 2022 Defenceman Alex Biega has been reassigned to the Marlies from the Maple Leafs taxi squad. January 24, 2022 Forward Joey Anderson, defenceman Carl Dahlstrom and goaltender Erik Kallgren have be reassigned to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) from the Maple Leafs taxi squad. January 22, 2022 Goaltender Erik Kallgren has been reassigned to the Maple Leafs taxi squad from the Toronto Marlies (AHL). Score: Toronto 6 vs. New Jersey 4
LAST GAME Date: Monday, January 31, 2022 TOR Goals: Matthews (3x), Spezza, Marner, Mikheyev NJD Goals: Zacha, Boqvist, Johnsson, Bastian TOR Goaltender: Campbell, 6/9, .667 SV% – Mrazek, 19/20, .950 SV% NJD Goaltender: Schmid, 27/32, .844 SV% TOR Power Play: 1-for-3 TOR Penalty Kill: 3-for-3
NEXT GAME Date: Monday, February 7, 2022 Opponent: vs. Carolina Hurricanes Time: 7:00 pm ET Broadcast Information: Sportsnet (TV), TSN 1050 (Radio)
INJURY REPORT Jake Muzzin Concussion
ALL-TIME VS. NEW JERSEY DEVILS: First Matchup between Clubs: October 9, 1974 (Toronto 6 vs. Kansas City 2) All-Time Record: 76-41-20-9 (146 Games) All-Time Record at Home: 49-17-5-4 (75 Games) All-Time Record on the Road: 27-24-15-5 (71 Games) Last Road Win vs. Opponent: December 27, 2019 (Toronto 5 at New Jersey 4 – OTW) Record in Last Five Games: 5-0-0
ACTIVE LEADERS VS. NEW JERSEY DEVILS: Games Played: Jason Spezza (43), John Tavares (43), Wayne Simmonds (40) Goals: John Tavares (19), Wayne Simmonds (13), Auston Matthews (11) Assists: Jason Spezza (28), John Tavares (18), Wayne Simmonds (8) Points: John Tavares (37), Jason Spezza (37), Wayne Simmonds (21) Penalty Minutes: Wayne Simmonds (101), Jason Spezza (20), John Tavares (16)
2021-22 AVERAGES AND RANKINGS Points % GF/Game GA/Game PP% PK% SF/G SA/G FO% Toronto .720 3.51 2.68 31.0% 83.9% 34.2 30.7 55.9% New Jersey .398 2.82 3.46 16.7% 81.7% 31.6 30.5 47.3%
THE MAN ADVANTAGE IN 2021-22 Power Play: 36/116 (31.0%) Power Play Goal Leader: 10 – Matthews Power Play Point Leader: 19 – Matthews (10G, 9A) 2020-21 Power Play: 31/155 (20.0%)
ON THE PK IN 2021-22 Penalty Kill: 94/112 (83.9%) Shorthanded Goal Leader: 2 – Marner, Mikheyev Shorthanded Point Leader: 2 – Marner (2G), Mikheyev (2G), Brodie (2A), Kerfoot (2A) 2020-21 Penalty Kill: 113/144 (78.5%)
FAST FACTS Tuesday games 6th of 14 (8 home, 6 road) Back-to-Backs played 6 of 13 Record in first game of back-to-back 4-2-1 Record in second game of back-to-back 2-4-0 February games 1st of 12 (4 home, 8 road) UPCOMING MILESTONES
TJ Brodie Nine points away from 300 career NHL points Jake Muzzin 10 points away from 300 career NHL points William Nylander One game away from 400 career NHL games played
RECENT 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 Ilya Mikheyev Skated in his 100th career NHL game, Jan. 15, 2022 at STL 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
Jan. 17: Janne Kuokkanen, Mason Geertsen & Mackenzie Blackwood removed from COVID protocol
Jan. 19:Colton White placed on waivers – intent for Taxi Squad (AHL)
Jan. 20:Colton White cleared waivers
Jan. 22: Ty Smith placed on Injured Reserve (upper-body Inj.)
Colton White recalled from Taxi Squad
Jan. 24: A.J. Greer activated off I.R. & reassigned to Utica (AHL)
Jan. 25: Mackenzie Blackwood placed on I.R.
Akira Schmid recalled from Utica (AHL)
Jan. 27: Ty Smith activated off I.R.
Michael McLeod placed on I.R. (Upper-body Inj.)
TONIGHT’S GAME VS TORONTO
The Devils host Toronto for the first time this season, which also marks the second game of a home-at-home, back-to-back set against the Leafs for 2021-22.
Tonight’s Eastern Conference affair marks the first time that the Devils experience a home-at-home, back-to-back set this season.
New Jersey & Columbus played a home-at-home set on Jan. 6th & Jan. 8th, but it was not a back-to-back set with games played on consecutive days.
The last time that the Devils defeated Toronto was Apr. 5th, 2018, in a 2-1 win at Prudential Center. Jersey’s team is 2-5-2 vs the Leafs since the start of the 2017-18 season.
Jersey’s team suffered its second loss (11-2-0) when scoring four-or-more goals in a game for 2021-22, after Monday’s defeat (last: Dec. 3rd at WPG, 8-4, L).
The Devils logged a 3-9-0 record for January.
Season-series record: 0-1-0…Tonight’s game marks the second of three matchups vs the Leafs.
The Devils’ record on Tuesdays: 2-6-0…2-3-0 at home
Record vs Eastern Conference: 11-13-3 & Record vs Atlantic Division: 4-6-1
Next game vs TOR: Mar. 23, NJD at TOR, 7:00 P.M. E.T.
New Jersey will face-off with all 31 NHL teams for the 2021-22 campaign and its regular season concludes on Apr. 29 at Prudential Center vs Detroit.
The Devils netted a goal less than 1:00 into a contest for the fourth time this season, after Pavel Zacha opened the scoring 0:47 into Monday night’s game.
Zacha’s 11th tally marked the team’s third fastest goal to start a game this season, while the fastest was Dougie Hamilton’s season-opening goal at 0:17. (Oct. 15th, vs CHI, 4-2 OT-W).
New Jersey surrendered its eighth shorthanded goal for the season on Monday, which is the most allowed in the NHL (Los Angeles, 7).
On Thursday, Jan. 27th, the Devils faced their second penalty shot for 2021-22 & Jersey’s second penalty shot faced at Tampa for the season. The Devils’ first penalty shot against this season was on Nov. 20th, 2021, at Tampa.
Mackenzie Blackwood denied Brayden Point on Nov. 20th, & Jon Gillies turned away Anthony Cirelli’s penalty shot attempt on Thursday.
It marked the first time in franchise history that the Devils witnessed multiple penalty shots against (them) at the same visiting arena in a single season.
Only one other team has earned more than one penalty shot against the Devils in the same season, which was Columbus on March 19th, 2017, at Prudential Center.
The Blue Jackets earned two penalty shots in that game and converted on both vs Cory Schneider (B. Dubinsky & L. Sedlak).
All-time record vs TOR: 50-64-20-12
All-time home record vs TOR: 29-22-15-5
Patrik Elias is New Jersey’s all-time leading scorer vs Toronto (17g-22a-39 PTS).
Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur (22-20-7-3) is New Jersey’s all-time wins leader vs the Leafs.
*After the passing of Devils Head Coach Lindy Ruff’s father, Leeson Ruff, on Jan. 28th, New Jersey’s Assistant coach Alain Nasreddine manned the team’s bench for the fourth time on Monday & will again on Tuesday.
* On Tuesday, the Devils announced a multi-year partnership with Jackpocket, the leading lottery app in the U.S. to provide a secure way to order official state lottery tickets. With this partnership, the company becomes the Devils Official Lottery Courier Partner (see more details at devils.nhl.com).
*The NHL announced “a comprehensive update to the 2021-22 regular-season schedule, one that will enable all 32 teams to complete their respective 82-game slates by the regular season’s original closing date of Friday, April 29.”
The Devils have eight contests re-scheduled overall – involving postponements, flipping of games and date changes of future matchups (See Devils.nhl.com for more details).
*Jack Hughes was named New Jersey’s 2022 NHL All-Star. The game is in Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 5th. He’ll become the fourth player in franchise history who earned the honor before turning 21-years-old (Kirk Muller, Joe Cirella & Scott Gomez), per NHL Pr.
*Defenseman Dougie Hamilton received surgery on his jaw on Jan. 5th, & there is no official timetable on his return, but he did practice on Wednesday & traveled with the team.
* NHL Pr announced that Devils forward Jack Hughes was named one of the league’s “Three Stars” of the week (second star) for the week ending Jan. 2.
MUTUAL CONNECTIONS
Toronto’s President & Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan was New Jersey’s 2nd-overall draft-pick in the 1987 NHL Draft. Shanahan spent his first four NHL seasons with the Devils from 1987-88 to 1990-91 (94g-134a-228 PTS, 315 GP).
Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds skated in 61 games with the Devils in 2019-20 prior being traded to Buffalo.
New Jersey forward Andreas Johnsson was Toronto’s 7th-round draft-pick, 202nd overall, in the 2013 NHL Draft. Johnsson spent parts of three seasons with the Leafs from 2017-18 to 2019-20, while collecting 67 PTS (30g-37a) in 125 GP.
LAST TRADE
The last time the Devils and Toronto executed a trade was Oct. 10th, 2020, when the Devils acquired Andreas Johnsson in exchange for Joey Anderson.
DID YOU KNOW
The Devils eliminated the Maple Leafs in consecutive postseasons in 1999-00 & 2000-01. New Jersey eliminated the Leafs in six games in 2000 & then seven games in 2001 – both matchups were in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
Jesper Boqvist earned his second goal for the 2021-22 campaign and in consecutive games, after Monday’s contest vs Toronto.
While the Swedish native earned his first-career multi-point effort (1g-1a), it was also the fourth time in his career that Boqvist logged points in consecutive games played (last: Apr. 8th to Apr. 9th, 2021, 2g-0a-2 PTS, 2 GP).
Boqvist’s multi-point outing also tied a career-high for points in a season 7 PTS (2g-5a), which was prior earned in 2020-21 (4g-3a-7 PTS).
Andreas Johnsson netted his first goal against his former team since the forward was acquired via trade from Toronto on Oct. 10th, 2020.
Nate Bastian earned a career-high with 11 PTS (9g-2a) in a season on Monday. Bastian’s prior career-high for points in a season was 10 PTS (3g-7a) in 2020-21.
Janne Kuokkanen earned an assist on Boqvist’s goal, which marked the second time this season that the winger recorded at least one point in consecutive games (last: Dec. 31st, 2021 to Jan. 2nd, 2022, 1g-1a-2 PTS).
On Monday, blueliner Ryan Graves earned his first point since logging a career-high three assists in a game vs Carolina on Jan. 22nd, which snapped a four-game drought without recording a point.
Damon Severson logged over 29:00 of TOI for the fourth time in his career (29:12), & led the Devils for TOI in seven consecutive games. Severson’s career-high for TOI in a game is 29:52 which was logged on Jan. 2nd, 2022, vs Washington – the last time the Devils earned a road victory.
COACH’S CORNER
“Every team that’s down two goals is going to come at you, so it was more about us & doing the little things you need to do to win games…right now we’re finding ways to lose games, as oppose to putting teams away & finding ways to win games.”
– Assistant coach Alain Nasreddine via Monday’s postgame
Akira Schmid recorded his fourth-career NHL start & with Jersey, but logged his fourth loss for the season.
TONIGHT’S PLAYER TO WATCH
Jesper Boqvist aims for a career-high three-game point streak, after New Jersey’s 2nd-round draft-pick, 36th overall selection, recorded goals in consecutive games.
Tonight’s loss marked the second time this season that Jersey’s team suffered five consecutive regulation losses (last: Dec. 10th to Dec. 19th, 2021, 6 GP).
The Devils witnessed their fifth consecutive loss, after Toronto defeated New Jersey by a score of 6-4 at Scotiabank Arena.
Entering tonight’s contest, the Devils were 11-1-0 when scoring four-or-more goals in a game this season, but are now 11-2-0 (last lost: Dec. 3rd at WPG, 8-4, L).
The Devils netted a goal less than 1:00 into a contest for the fourth time this season, after Pavel Zacha opened the scoring 0:47 into the game.
Zacha’s 11th tally marked the team’s third-fastest goal to start a game this season, while the fastest was Dougie Hamilton’s season-opening goal at 0:17. (Oct. 15th, vs CHI, 4-2 OT-W).
New Jersey surrendered its eighth shorthanded goal for the season, which is the most allowed in the NHL (Los Angeles, 7).
The Devils allowed their fourth hat-trick for 2021-22 (last: Dec. 14th, 2021, at DET, D. Larkin), after Auston Matthews logged his fifth-career hat-trick & second-career vs New Jersey. Matthews logged hat-tricks in his last two games played against the Devils (last: Jan. 14th, 2020).
Tonight’s game marked the first time this season that the Devils allowed four goals in the third period of play (last: Mar. 4th, 2021, vs NYR, 6-1, L).
The Devils were 0/3 on the power play, & 2/3 on the penalty kill, but the power-play goal allowed was an empty net goal which marked Matthews third on the night.
The Devils were 36% on face-offs (21/58). The team’s season-low for face-offs is 32.2% on Dec. 8th, 2021, vs PHI (3-0, W).
The Devils were outshot, 33-29.
Skaters in COVID protocol: None
Pavel Zacha (as noted above) opened the scoring for Jersey 0:47 into the contest & marked his second goal over his last six games played (2g-1a-3 PTS).
The tally also marked the Czech Republic native’s only goal for this season that was recorded in the first period of play.
Jesper Boqvist earned his second goal for the 2021-22 campaign and in consecutive games.
While the Swedish native earned his first-career multi-point effort (1g-1a), it was also the fourth time in his career that Boqvist logged points in consecutive games played (last: Apr. 8th to Apr. 9th, 2021, 2g-0a-2 PTS, 2 GP).
Boqvist’s multi-point outing also tied a career-high for points in a season 7 PTS (2g-5a), which was prior earned in 2020-21 (4g-3a-7 PTS).
Tonight’s contest marked the first time that Andreas Johnsson played against his former team since the forward was acquired via trade from Toronto on Oct. 10th, 2020, in exchange for Joey Anderson.
Johnsson earned his 11th goal for the campaign 9:10 into the first period. The left-handed shot beat Toronto’s Jack Campbell, short-side, via a two-on-one from the left left-side of the ice.
Nate Bastian earned the Devils’ fourth goal for the contest 7:33 into the second period. The point set a new career-high for Bastian with 11 PTS (9g-2a). Bastian’s prior career-high for points in a season was 10 PTS (3g-7a) in 2020-21.
Janne Kuokkanen earned an assist on Boqvist’s goal, which marked the second time this season that the winger recorded at least one point in consecutive games (last: Dec. 31st, 2021 to Jan. 2nd, 2022, 1g-1a-2 PTS).
Blueliner Ryan Graves earned his first point since logging a career-high three assists in a game vs Carolina on Jan. 22nd, which snapped a four-game drought without recording a point.
Damon Severson logged over 29:00 of TOI for the fourth time in his career (29:12), & led the Devils for TOI in seven consecutive games. Severson’s career-high for TOI in a game is 29:52 which was logged on Jan. 2nd, 2022, vs Washington – the last time the Devils earned a road victory.
Akira Schmid logged his fourth-career NHL start & with Jersey, but earned his fourth loss for the season.
Jan. 17: Janne Kuokkanen, Mason Geertsen & Mackenzie Blackwood removed from COVID protocol
Jan. 19:Colton White placed on waivers – intent for Taxi Squad (AHL)
Jan. 20:Colton White cleared waivers
Jan. 22: Ty Smith placed on Injured Reserve (upper-body Inj.)
Colton White recalled from Taxi Squad
Jan. 24: A.J. Greer activated off I.R. & reassigned to Utica (AHL)
Jan. 25: Mackenzie Blackwood placed on I.R.
Akira Schmid recalled from Utica (AHL)
Jan. 27: Ty Smith activated off I.R.
Michael McLeod placed on I.R. (Upper-body Inj.)
TONIGHT’S GAME VS TORONTO
The Devils visit Toronto for the first time since Feb. 14th, 2020, which resulted in a 7-4 loss. The contest also marked the last meeting between the two Eastern Conference foes.
The last time that the Devils defeated Toronto was Apr. 5th, 2018, in a 2-1 win at Prudential Center. Jersey’s team is 2-4-2 vs the Leafs since the start of the 2017-18 season.
Tonight’s contest marks the final outing of a three-game road trip for Jersey (0-2-0), while the Devils also suffered consecutive one-goal losses.
The outing also marks the first game of a home-at-home, back-to-back set vs Toronto. The Devils are 2-4-1 in first games played in back-to-back sets for 2021-22.
The Devils recorded a power-play goal in six consecutive games which marked a season-high, but that streak ended on Saturday in Carolina (0/2).
Since Jan. 1st, New Jersey’s penalty-kill ranks fifth in the NHL at 87.0% (20/23), per Jan. 30th.
The Devils haven’t recorded more than two goals in a contest (0-4-0) since Jersey played the Hurricanes on Jan. 22nd (7-4, W).
Jersey’s team aims to win its first road victory since Jan. 2nd , at Washington, which was a 4-3 overtime win (0-5-0).
Entering tonight’s contest, the Devils logged a 3-8-0 record for January, & five of the eight losses were decided by one goal.
Season-series record: Tonight’s game marks the first of three matchups vs the Leafs.
The Devils’ record on Mondays: 0-0-1…0-0-0 via road. Last Monday game: Dec. 6th, vs OTT, 3-2 shootout loss.
Record vs Eastern Conference: 11-12-3 & Record vs Atlantic Division: 4-5-1
Next game vs TOR: Feb. 1, TOR at NJD, 7:00 P.M. E.T.
New Jersey will face-off with all 31 NHL teams for the 2021-22 campaign and its regular season concludes on Apr. 29 at Prudential Center vs Detroit.
Tonight’s contest was rescheduled circa Jan. 17th.
The Devils enter tonight’s contest hoping to end a four-game losing streak, which were all logged in regulation. It’s the second time that Jersey’s team suffered four consecutive regulations losses this season (Dec. 10th to Dec. 19th, 2021, 0-6-0).
The Devils entail the most Switzerland-born players for any NHL active roster: N. Hischier, J. Siegenthaler & A. Schmid.
On Thursday, Jan. 27th, the Devils faced their second penalty shot for 2021-22 & Jersey’s second penalty shot faced at Tampa for the season. The Devils’ first penalty shot against this season was on Nov. 20th, 2021, at Tampa.
Mackenzie Blackwood denied Brayden Point on Nov. 20th, & Jon Gillies turned away Anthony Cirelli’s penalty shot attempt on Thursday.
It marked the first time in franchise history that the Devils witnessed multiple penalty shots against (them) at the same visiting arena in a single season.
Only one other team has earned more than one penalty shot against the Devils in the same season, which was Columbus on March 19th, 2017, at Prudential Center.
The Blue Jackets earned two penalty shots in that game and converted on both vs Cory Schneider (B. Dubinsky & L. Sedlak).
All-time record vs TOR: 50-63-20-12
All-time road record vs TOR: 21-41-5-7
Patrik Elias is New Jersey’s all-time leading scorer vs Toronto (17g-22a-39 PTS).
Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur (22-20-7-3) is New Jersey’s all-time wins leader vs the Leafs.
* On Tuesday, the Devils announced a multi-year partnership with Jackpocket, the leading lottery app in the U.S. to provide a secure way to order official state lottery tickets. With this partnership, the company becomes the Devils Official Lottery Courier Partner (see more details at devils.nhl.com).
*The NHL announced “a comprehensive update to the 2021-22 regular-season schedule, one that will enable all 32 teams to complete their respective 82-game slates by the regular season’s original closing date of Friday, April 29.”
The Devils have eight contests re-scheduled overall – involving postponements, flipping of games and date changes of future matchups (See Devils.nhl.com for more details).
*Jack Hughes was named New Jersey’s 2022 NHL All-Star. The game is in Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 5th. He’ll become the fourth player in franchise history who earned the honor before turning 21-years-old (Kirk Muller, Joe Cirella & Scott Gomez), per NHL Pr.
*Defenseman Dougie Hamilton received surgery on his jaw on Jan. 5th, & there is no official timetable on his return, but he did practice on Wednesday & traveled with the team.
* NHL Pr announced that Devils forward Jack Hughes was named one of the league’s “Three Stars” of the week (second star) for the week ending Jan. 2.
MUTUAL CONNECTIONS
Toronto’s President & Alternate Governor Brendan Shanahan was New Jersey’s 2nd-overall draft-pick in the 1987 NHL Draft. Shanahan spent his first four NHL seasons with the Devils from 1987-88 to 1990-91 (94g-134a-228 PTS, 315 GP).
Maple Leafs forward Wayne Simmonds skated in 61 games with the Devils in 2019-20 prior being traded to Buffalo.
LAST TRADE
The last time the Devils and Toronto executed a trade was Feb. 28th, 2017, when the Devils acquired Viktor Loov in exchange for Sergey Kalinin.
DID YOU KNOW
The Devils eliminated the Maple Leafs in six games in the 2000 Eastern Conference Semi-Finals, and allowed just six shots on goal in Game 6, after a 3-0 victory at Continental Airlines Arena.
DHN TRIVIA
Patrik Elias is tied with one other skater for the most postseason points in franchise history (5g-7a-12 PTS) vs Toronto. Who is the other skater?
Jesper Boqvist inked his name onto the scoresheet on Saturday & for the first time this season.
The Swedish native also tied a season-high three shots on goal (last: Nov 9th, 2021, vs FLA).
Forward Jimmy Vesey snapped a six-game skid without recording a point, after earning an assist on Saturday.
Blueliner Damon Severson has led the Devils in TOI in six consecutive games dating to Jan. 19th vs Arizona. Severson ranks second on New Jersey with 6 PTS (1g-5a) over that span, while Jesper Bratt ranks first (4g-3a-7 PTS).
Jesper Bratt logged his 11th game with two-or-more points in a game this season, after Thursday’s contest vs Tampa on Jan. 27th (0g-2a-2 PTS). That extended a career-high, while Bratt’s prior career-high for two-or-more points in a game for a single season was eight games (2017-18).
Bratt needs one more PPG to tie his career-high (4), which was earned in the Swedish native’s rookie campaign (2017-18).
New Jersey’s 2019, No. 1-overall-selection in Jack Hughes tied his career-high 11 goals in a season on Thursday, Jan. 27th.
No. 86’s next power-play assist will also tie a career-high (6), which was earned last season.
COACH’S CORNER
“Even in the first (period) we passed (on) some opportunities to get the puck to the net, maybe (could have) look for a little bit of an uglier play, or an ugly goal. It’s hard.
We played as well as we’ve played defensively. I just thought we passed up some offensive-zone plays where we had lanes to get it to the net & we chose to pass, & that’s probably the one area we have to improve.”
– Head coach Lindy Ruff via Saturday’s postgame on the team’s offensive production
Jon Gillies has appeared in five consecutive games for Jersey, after Saturday’s affair in Carolina, & arguably played his best game since joining the Devils.
Gillies turned away all 17 shots that he faced after the first period of play vs Carolina.
TONIGHT’S PLAYER TO WATCH
With the absence of Michael McLeod & his strong face-off presence, Yegor Sharangovich not only helps to boost the team’s offensive production but also contribute in the face-off circle.
Sharangovich finished Saturday’s contest 5/7 on face-offs (66.7%) overall & 3/4 on F/O in the offensive zone (75%).
New Jersey’s AHL affiliate, Utica Comets, sit in 1st place for the AHL’s North Division (24-5-5), & are fresh off a 4-2 vs Rochester on Saturday, but played at Cleveland on Sunday.
Jersey’s team suffered its fourth consecutive loss, after the Hurricanes defeated New Jersey by a score of 2-1 at PNC Arena.
The Devils fell to 3-8-2 when allowing two-or-more goals in the first period of play this season.
Tonight’s loss marked the second time this season that Jersey’s team suffered four consecutive regulation losses (last: Dec. 10th to Dec. 19th, 2021, 6 GP).
The Devils are now 6-7-5 in games decided by one goal. Three of those seven losses were logged over the team’s last four games dating to Jan. 23rd (vs LAK, 3-2, L).
Jersey’s team has recorded two-or-fewer goals in its last four games.
The Devils were 0/2 on the power play, but 2/2 on the penalty kill. Entering tonight’s contest, the Devils recorded at least one power-play goal in six consecutive games which marked a season-high.
Tonight’s effort marked the fourth time that the Devils earned one-or-fewer goals in a road contest (last: Dec. 14th, at PHI, 6-1, L).
The Devils were 53% on face-offs (28/25).
The Devils outshot Carolina, 25-23. The fewest shots allowed in a game this season for Jersey is 17, which was logged on Jan. 19th vs ARI (4-1, L).
Skaters in COVID protocol: None
Jesper Boqvist opened the scoring for Jersey & tallied his first goal for 2021-22. Boqvist beat Carolina’s Antti Raanta with a one-timer from the right hashmark & five-hole.
Boqvist tied a season-high three shots on goal (last: Nov 9th, 2021, vs FLA).
Jimmy Vesey collected the primary assist on Boqvist’s tally & snapped a six-game skid without recording a point in a game dating to Jan. 8th (1g-1a-2 PTS).
Janne Kuokkanen logged his fifth assist for the 2021-22 campaign. The helper also marked Kuokkanen’s second career point (0g-2a-2 PTS) vs the team that drafted him in the 2nd-round at the 2016 NHL Draft (last: Jan. 22nd, 0g-1a-1 PTS).
Defenseman Damon Severson led the Devils in TOI for the sixth consecutive game dating to Jan. 19th vs Arizona.
Nico Hischier earned a career-high five blocked shots (prior: 4, Oct. 19th, vs SEA).
Jon Gillies logged his sixth start for New Jersey in 2021-22 & was stellar all night in the net. Gillies turned away all 17 shots that he faced after the first period.
Jan. 17: Janne Kuokkanen, Mason Geertsen & Mackenzie Blackwood removed from COVID protocol
Jan. 19:Colton White placed on waivers – intent for Taxi Squad (AHL)
Jan. 20:Colton White cleared waivers
Jan. 22: Ty Smith placed on Injured Reserve (upper-body Inj.)
Colton White recalled from Taxi Squad
Jan. 24: A.J. Greer activated off I.R. & reassigned to Utica (AHL)
Jan. 25: Mackenzie Blackwood placed on I.R.
Akira Schmid recalled from Utica (AHL)
Jan. 27: Ty Smith activated off I.R.
Michael McLeod placed on I.R. (Upper-body Inj.)
TONIGHT’S GAME VS CAROLINA
Jersey’s team visits Carolina for the first time this season, & first time since Feb. 14th, 2020, which resulted in a 5-2 loss.
The last time the Devils defeated Carolina in Raleigh was Nov. 2nd, 2019, after a 5-3 victory.
Tonight’s contest marks the second of a three-game road trip for Jersey (0-1-0).
The Devils recorded a power-play goal in six consecutive games, after Thursday’s contest which extended a season-high. It’s the first time since Oct. 17th to Nov. 2nd, 2019, Jersey recorded a PPG in six consecutive games.
Since Jan. 1st, New Jesey’s power-play ranks 9th in the NHL at 26.9% (7/26), per Jan. 28th.
The Devils haven’t recorded more than two goals in a contest (0-3-0) since Jersey last played the Hurricanes on Jan. 22nd (7-4, W).
Jersey’s team aims to win its first road victory since Jan. 2nd , at Washington, which was a 4-3 overtime win (0-4-0).
The last meeting: New Jersey last played the Hurricanes on Jan. 22nd, (7-4, W) at the Rock.
Season-series record: 1-0-0…Tonight’s game marks the second of four matchups vs the ‘Canes.
The Devils’ record on Saturdays: 5-4-0…3-3-0 via road, but the team dropped its last three road games played on a Saturday (last: Jan. 8th at CBJ, 4-3, L).
Record vs Eastern Conference: 11-11-3 & Record vs Metropolitan Division: 7-6-2.
Next game vs CAR: Apr. 23rd, CAR at NJD, 12:30 P.M. E.T.
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Monday, Jan. 31: at TOR, 7:30 P.M. E.T.
Tuesday, Feb. 1: vs TOR, 7:00 P.M. E.T.
All-Star Break
Monday, Feb. 7: at OTT, 7:00 P.M. E.T.
Tuesday, Feb. 8: at MTL, 7:00 P.M. E.T.
Thursday, Feb. 10: at STL, 8:00 P.M. E.T
New Jersey will face-off with all 31 NHL teams for the 2021-22 campaign and its regular season concludes on Apr. 29 at Prudential Center vs Detroit.
The Devils entail the most Switzerland players for any NHL active roster: N. Hischier, J. Siegenthaler & A. Schmid.
On Thursday, the Devils faced their second penalty shot for 2021-22 & Jersey’s second penalty shot faced at Tampa for the season. The Devils’ first penalty shot against this season was on Nov. 20th, 2021, at Tampa.
Mackenzie Blackwood denied Brayden Point on Nov. 20th, & Jon Gillies turned away Anthony Cirelli’s penalty shot attempt on Thursday.
It marked the first time in franchise history that the Devils witnessed multiple penalty shots against (them) at the same visiting arena in a single season.
Only one other team has earned more than one penalty shot against the Devils in the same season, which was Columbus on March 19th, 2017, at Prudential Center.
The Blue Jackets earned two penalty shots in that game and converted on both vs Cory Schneider (B. Dubinsky & L. Sedlak).
All-time record vs CAR/HFW: 79-54-12-3
All-time road record vs CAR/HFW: 34-31-8-2
Patrik Elias is New Jersey’s all-time leading scorer vs Carolina (22g-35a-57 PTS).
Hockey Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur (39-16-5-1) is New Jersey’s all-time wins leader vs Carolina/Hartford. Brodeur is the NHL’s all-time wins leader against Carolina, while Patrick Roy is second with 35 career wins.
* On Tuesday, the Devils announced a multi-year partnership with Jackpocket, the leading lottery app in the U.S. to provide a secure way to order official state lottery tickets. With this partnership, the company becomes the Devils Official Lottery Courier Partner (see more details at devils.nhl.com).
*The NHL announced “a comprehensive update to the 2021-22 regular-season schedule, one that will enable all 32 teams to complete their respective 82-game slates by the regular season’s original closing date of Friday, April 29.”
The Devils have eight contests re-scheduled overall – involving postponements, flipping of games and date changes of future matchups (See Devils.nhl.com for more details).
*Jack Hughes was named New Jersey’s 2022 NHL All-Star. The game is in Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 5th. He’ll become the fourth player in franchise history who earned the honor before turning 21-years-old (Kirk Muller, Joe Cirella & Scott Gomez), per NHL Pr.
*Defenseman Dougie Hamilton received surgery on his jaw on Jan. 5th, & there is no official timetable on his return, but he did practice on Wednesday & traveled with the team.
* NHL Pr announced that Devils forward Jack Hughes was named one of the league’s “Three Stars” of the week (second star) for the week ending Jan. 2.
MUTUAL CONNECTIONS
Devils’ defenseman Dougie Hamilton spent three seasons with Carolina from 2018-19 to 2020-21. Hamilton tallied 121 PTS (42g-79a) in 184 regular-season games for the Hurricanes.
New Jersey forward Janne Kuokkanen was drafted by Carolina in the 2nd round of the 2016 NHL Draft, 43rd overall. Kuokkanen skated in 11 career regular-season games for the ‘Canes in parts of two seasons (2017-18 to 2018-19).
LAST TRADE
The last time the Devils and Carolina executed a trade was Feb. 24th, 2020, when the Devils acquired Janne Kuokkanen, Fredrik Claesson & a 2020 conditional 4th-round pick in exchange for Sami Vatanen.
DID YOU KNOW
One of Martin Brodeur’s three career goals earned (includes regular-season & playoffs) was vs Carolina on Mar. 21st, 2013 at Raleigh.
NON-STOP
Jesper Bratt logged his 11th game with two-or-more points in a game this season, after Thursday’s contest vs Tampa (0g-2a-2 PTS). That extended a career-high, while Bratt’s prior career-high for two-or-more points in a game for a single season was eight games (2017-18).
Bratt needs one more PPG to tie his career-high (4), which was earned in the Swedish native’s rookie campaign (2017-18).
The 5-foot-10 forward has recorded power-play points (2g-1a- 3 PP-PTS) in three consecutive games, which tied a career-best (last: Feb. 14th to Feb. 17, 2019, 1g-2a-3 PP-PTS).
The winger has recorded points in his last seven GP (5g-5a-10 PTS), but did miss two games over that span on Jan. 8th & Jan. 13 due to COVID.
Bratt can tie a career-high six-game point streak with one point tonight (Mar. 16th to Mar. 25th, 2021, 2g-4a-6 PTS).
New Jersey’s 2019, No. 1-overall-selection in Jack Hughes tied his career-high 11 goals in a season on Thursday. The youngster also extended his point streak to five games (2g-3a-5 PTS), which tied Hughes’ career-high (last: Dec. 29th 2021, to Jan. 6th 2022, 4g-8a-12 PTS).
No. 86’s next power-play assist will also tie a career-high (6), which was earned last season.
THIS IS THE WAY
The longest tenured Devil in Damon Severson extended his point streak to four games (1g-5a-6 PTS), after recording his fourth multi-point game for 2021-22 (1g-1a-2 PTS).
Additionally, Severson earned a power-play point in four consecutive games, which extended a career-best (prior 3 games, 6 times).
Severson ranks seventh all-time in franchise history with 63-career power-play points (8g-55a), & is seven points behind Paul Martin (11g-59a-70 PTS) & Rob Ramage (22g-48a-70 PTS) for sixth all-time.
COACH’S CORNER
“We’ve gone into the zone numerous times where we’ve executed there, we just didn’t execute ‘right.’ And when you don’t execute right, you’re going to give some up.”
– Head coach Lindy Ruff via Thursday’s postgame on executing & finishing on offensive opportunities
Jon Gillies has appeared in four consecutive games for Jersey, but seeks his second win with the Devils for the 2021-22 campaign.
TONIGHT’S PLAYER TO WATCH
New Jersey has earned a point in the standings in seven out of nine games when Pavel Zacha scores a goal this season. However, the Czech native has 3 PTS (1g-2a) over his last ten games dating to Dec. 19th.
New Jersey’s AHL affiliate, Utica Comets, sit in 1st place for the AHL’s North Division (23-5-4), & are fresh off a 4-0 win vs Providence on Tues. Utica hosted Charolette on Friday night.
Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen has a strong chance of being added to the All-Star roster, and not just because the showcase game will be played Feb. 20 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
1hMiami HEAT@MiamiHEAT·#MIAvsTOR INJURY UPDATE: Jimmy Butler (ankle) will be available to play in tonight’s game vs the Raptors. P.J. Tucker (knee) is listed as questionable.
GAME #49 – TORONTO RAPTORS (25-23) vs. MIAMI HEAT (32-19) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022 – 7:30 P.M. (ET) – SCOTIABANK ARENA TV: SPORTSNET – RADIO: SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN
• The Toronto Raptors begin a three-game homestand (Feb. 1-4) with the second game of a back-to-back set Tuesday night when they host the Miami Heat. The Raptors have won three of their last four games after overcoming an 11-point second-half deficit to snap Atlanta’ seven-game winning streak yesterday. Tonight is the third of four contests between Toronto and Miami this season – the two teams have split the first two games. The Raptors outlasted Miami 124-120 on Saturday to defeat the Heat in triple overtime. Toronto is 5-3 (.625) in the second game of a back-to-back this season after going 3-13 (.188) last year. • Gary Trent Jr. scored a team-high 31 points (10-22 FG, 9-15 3PT, 2-4 FT) in Monday’s win at Atlanta. Trent Jr. has now scored 30+ points in a career-high four straight games (Jan. 25-31) – he is just the fifth player in franchise history, and first since Kawhi Leonard (Jan. 13-27, 2019), to record 30+ points in four consecutive contests. DeMar DeRozan holds the franchise record with five straight 30+ points games (Oct. 26 – Nov. 4, 2016). Trent Jr. is averaging 32.0 points and shooting .484 (45-93) from the field, including .500 (25-50) from beyond the arc, over the last four. • The Raptors shot a season-best 50 percent (18-36) from three-point range in Monday’s victory against the Hawks. Gary Trent Jr. made a career-high nine three-point field goals and has now tied Kyle Lowry’s (Mar. 18-23, 2018) franchise record with four consecutive games converting five-or-more three-pointers. Trent Jr. also became just the fifth Raptor to make nine threes in a game, along with Dee Brown (9), Donyell Marshall (12), Terrence Ross (10) and Fred VanVleet (11). • Pascal Siakam is currently averaging 21.1 points, and career highs of 8.3 rebounds and 5.1 assists. He is one of just five players in the NBA averaging 20.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists this season, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, James Harden, and Nikola Jokic. • Fred VanVleet is averaging career highs of 21.5 points, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds this season. He leads the NBA in minutes per game (38.6) and has logged 40+ minutes 16 times this season – the most by a Raptor since Kyle Lowry (19) in 2016-17. VanVleet also ranks second in the NBA in total deflections (169). He has led the league in deflections per game each of the past two seasons. • The Raptors rank second in the NBA in both offensive rebounds per game (13.1) and second-chance points (16.3). Through 16 games in January, Toronto has outrebounded opponents 215-to-163 (+52) on the offensive end. Chris Boucher has grabbed a team-high 41 offensive boards this month. • Fred VanVleet has made 3+ three-pointers in a franchise record 17 consecutive games (Dec. 14 – Jan. 31). During this stretch he is shooting .398 (86-216) from beyond the arc. Only Stephen Curry (24) and James Harden (18) have longer streaks in league his tory. VanVleet’s 17-straight games with 3+ three-point field goals is the longest active streak in the NBA. PROBABLE STARTERS F – SCOTTIE BARNES #4
MIN: 36.0 REB: 7.7 AST: 3.5 STL: 1.0 TO: 1.9 BLK: 0.9 PTS: 14.7 • Contributed seven points, six rebounds and three blocks in 36 minutes Jan. 31 at Atlanta. • Ranks second among rookies in rebounds (7.7), and fourth in both points (14.7) and assists (3.5). • Has scored 20+ points in nine games – the most by a Raptors rookie since Charlie Villanueva (12) in 2005-06. F – OG ANUNOBY #3
MIN: 37.1 REB: 5.6 AST: 2.5 STL: 1.7 TO: 1.7 BLK: 0.6 PTS: 18.8 • Tallied 15 points, five rebounds and two assists in 36 minutes Monday in Atlanta. • Has scored 20+ points in 16-of-33 games this season, something he did 13 times in 43 contests last year. • Averaging 20.5 points and shooting .524 (33-63) from the floor over the last four games (Jan. 25-31). C – PASCAL SIAKAM #43
MIN: 37.6 REB: 8.3 AST: 5.1 STL: 1.3 TO: 2.7 BLK: 0.8 PTS: 21.1 • Finished with 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and two blocks in 41 minutes Jan. 31 at Atlanta. • Leads the team with 13 double-doubles, despite missing 13 games this season. • Averaged 22.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 2.0 steals and 40.4 minutes in 16 games in January. G – GARY TRENT JR. #33
MIN: 34.6 REB: 2.8 AST: 2.0 STL: 1.9 TO: 0.9 BLK: 0.3 PTS: 17.8 • Scored a game-high 31 points in 41 minutes Jan. 31 at Atlanta; made a career-high nine three-pointers. • Ranks fourth in the NBA in both steals (1.87) and deflections per game (3.4). • Averaging a team-high 25.7 points in six games (Jan. 21-31) since returning to the lineup Jan. 21 at Washington. G – FRED VANVLEET #23
MIN: 38.6 REB: 4.7 AST: 7.1 STL: 1.7 TO: 2.6 BLK: 0.6 PTS: 21.5 • Recorded 16 points and 11 assists in 39 minutes for his ninth double-double of the season Jan. 31 at Atlanta. • Ranks second in the NBA in total deflections (169) and seventh in steals per game (1.67). • The Raptors are 15-8, including 6-3 this season, when VanVleet records a double-double.
INJURY REPORT Khem Birch (Nose; Fracture) – Out Isaac Bonga (G League – On Assignment) Out Goran Dragic (NWT) – Out David Johnson (G League – Two Way) – Out
LAST GAME MIAMI STARTERS
POS PLAYER HT WT PPG RPG AST MISC. NOTES F
31
MAX STRUS (DePaul) 6-5 220 11.5 3.4 1.3 Connected on a career-high nine three-point field goals on 1/31 at BOS, the fourth-most in team history. F
16
CALEB MARTIN (Nevada) 6-5 205 9.4 4.0 1.0 Has shot 55.6 percent (10-18) over his last two games, including 50 percent (2-4) from downtown and a perfect 3-of-3 from the foul line. C
13
BAM ADEBAYO (Kentucky) 6-9 255 17.6 9.9 3.6 Grabbed the 2,500th rebound of his career on 1/23 vs. LAL. G
55
DUNCAN ROBINSON (Michigan) 6-7 215 11.8 3.1 1.4 Has connected on a team-leading 148 made three-point field goals this season. G
2
GABE VINCENT (UC Santa Barbara) 6-3 195 9.5 2.0 3.3 Has scored in double-figures in seven of his last eight games.
HOT TAKES: • Miami’s 137 points in the season opener vs. MIL on 10/21 marked as the most for an opener in franchise history. • Four different HEAT players scored at least 22 points on 11/2 at DAL, the first time it has happened in the same game in team history (Herro-25, Butler-23, Adebayo-22 & Lowry-22). • The HEAT connected on a franchise-tying 22 made three-point field goals on 1/8 at PHO, for the third time this season (12/21 & 12/8). • Miami dished out 37 assists on 12/11 vs. CHI, tying the fourth-most for a single game in team history. • Miami is holding teams to 104.9 points this season, the sixth-lowest in the NBA, and is 16-1 when holding teams under 100. • The HEAT lead the league in charges drawn this season at 77 with Kyle Lowry taking 22, tying the most in the NBA. • Miami is 19-1 when shooting at least 40 percent from three-point range and a perfect 11-0 when shooting at least 50 percent from the field. • The HEAT have currently connected on at least 15 three-point field goals in a franchise record six-straight games. • Tonight is the second of a season-long six-game, 11-day road trip. MAD MAX: Max Strus connected on a career-high nine three-point field goals at BOS on 1/31, also tying the fourth-most during a single game in HEAT history. Only Duncan Robinson (12/10/19 vs. ATL), Mario Chalmers (1/12/13 at SAC) and Brian Shaw (4/8/93 at MIL) have hit more with 10
JIMMY BUTLER FORWARD 6’ 7” 230 LBS 9/14/89 MARQUETTE 10 YRS Playing in 3rd season with the HEAT, and 11th in the NBA. PERSONAL: Full name is Jimmy Butler III…was born in Tomball, TX…attended Tomball High School where his number 1 jersey is retired…also had his number 33 retired at Tyler Junior College…wears size 14 sneakers…twitter account is @JimmyButler. STEALS: Led the NBA in steals per game last season, becoming the first player in HEAT history to be the league’s steals leader. 100: Has recorded at least 100 steals in eight-straight seasons, tying the longest active streak. TRIPLE-DOUBLE: Posted a 37-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist triple-double on 1/29 vs. TOR, his 11th as a member of the HEAT, the most in team history. JIMMY BUTLER RECENT GAMES DATE OPP. MIN FG FGA 3FG 3FGA FT FTA OR DR TOT A PF ST TO BS +/- PTS 01/23/22 vs. LAL 38:36 7 18 1 4 5 5 0 10 10 12 1 2 1 1 -6 20 01/26/22 vs. NY 29:15 7 8 0 1 8 9 2 4 6 5 4 2 4 0 +26 22 01/28/22 vs. LAC 37:19 5 12 0 1 16 16 2 4 6 9 2 3 1 1 +12 26 01/29/22 vs. TOR 52:28 15 25 1 5 8 11 4 9 13 10 3 3 5 2 +1 37 01/31/22 at BOS Inactive
SAN ANTONIO — With the majority of starters sitting out, a skeleton crew of Golden State Warriors will face the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday. On the back-end of a back-to-back, Steph Curry (toe), Klay Thompson (knee, achilles management), Andrew Wiggins (knee), Otto Porter Jr. (foot) and Nemanja Bjelica (back) join Draymond Green, Andre Iguodala…
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The view from left field 