NHL – Winnipeg Free Press

Whitecloud’s success an inspiration to First Nation’s youth, says chief

Mike McIntyre 6 minute read Yesterday at 7:18 PM CDT

It is approximately 2,500 km from the Sin City Strip to Sioux Valley Dakota Nation. Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Zach Whitecloud managed to bridge that sizeable gap with one wicked wrist shot heard ‘round the hockey world on Saturday night.

Whitecloud, 26, brought scores of fans in both locales out of their seats as he broke a third period deadlock and scored the winning goal in an eventual 5-2 triumph over the Florida Panthers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final.

“It was amazing,” his father, Tim Whitecloud, told me Monday afternoon. The longtime councillor at SVDN had a somewhat obstructed view at a raucous, sold-out T-Mobile Arena.

“It happened so quick. I saw him shoot and then people jumped up. I heard them cheering and looked up at the Jumbotron and saw the puck hit the back of the net and then come out,” he said.

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Golden Knights won’t be denied

Stephen Hawkins 4 minute read Preview

Golden Knights won’t be denied

Stephen Hawkins 4 minute read Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

DALLAS — William Karlsson scored two goals and had an assist as the Vegas Golden Knights advanced to their second Stanley Cup final with a 6-0 rout Monday night over the Dallas Stars, who had extended the Western Conference final to six games after losing the first three.

William Carrier, Keegan Kolesar and Michael Amadio each had a goal and an assist for the Knights, and Jonathan Marchessault had a goal. Carrier, Marschessault and Karlsson were all part of the inaugural 2017-18 Knights season that ended in their Cup final appearance.

Adin Hill stopped 23 shots for his second career playoff shutout — both against the Stars. The other was 4-0 in Game 3 last Tuesday, when the Knights were already within one win of clinching the series before Dallas overcame 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in both Games 4 and 5.

Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final against Florida will be Saturday night in Las Vegas.

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Tuesday, May. 30, 2023

Suddenly potent power play powering Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Suddenly potent power play powering Golden Knights in Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:26 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Bruce Cassidy acknowledged between Games 1 and 2 of the Stanley Cup Final that his Vegas Golden Knights' power play has been hit or miss all season.

It's hitting now like players in a high-stakes game of blackjack — and has Vegas two wins from the Stanley Cup.

The Golden Knights got two more power-play goals Monday in their 7-2 rout of the Florida Panthers in Game 2, with Jonathan Marchessault cashing in for his team-record 11th goal of the playoffs and Brett Howden adding another in the final minutes. Marchessault also scored on the power play in the series-opening win Saturday.

“Marchy’s pretty hot — he seems to be shooting the puck well,” said Jack Eichel, who assisted on Marchessault's power-play goal. “We’re just trying to communicate and move the puck. When things break down, try to make plays and support each other. Obviously, I think that’s what happened.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:26 PM CDT

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Jonathan Marchessault celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Golden Knights take 2-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final with 7-2 win over Panthers

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Golden Knights take 2-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final with 7-2 win over Panthers

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: 12:32 AM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — No team in over 25 years has been more dominant than the Vegas Golden Knights through the first two games of a Stanley Cup Final.

They have outscored the Florida Panthers by eight goals, including Monday night’s 7-2 victory in Game 2 that put the Knights two wins from the first championship in the franchise's short six-year history.

It will take a rare rally for the Panthers to come back as the series shifts to Florida for Game 3 on Thursday. Teams that took a 2-0 series lead in the Stanley Cup Final are 31-3 in the expansion era, but the Panthers opened the playoffs by storming back from 3-1 down to beat the heavily favored Boston Bruins.

Florida will have to significantly up its level of play to beat a Vegas team that won by three goals on Saturday and then five in this game. The last team to win the first two games of a Cup Final by more than eight combined goals was the 1996 Colorado Avalanche — who outscored the Panthers by nine.

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Updated: 12:32 AM CDT

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) stops a shot by Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) during the second period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Bobrovsky pulled, other stars struggle as Panthers fall behind 2-0 in Stanley Cup Final

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Bobrovsky pulled, other stars struggle as Panthers fall behind 2-0 in Stanley Cup Final

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:43 PM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Two games into the Stanley Cup Final, the Florida Panthers look like an 8 seed for the first time all playoffs.

Florida was torched for a second consecutive game, losing 7-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights on Monday to fall into a 2-0 deficit in the best-of-seven series.

And while the series may be far from over as the scene shifts to Florida for Games 3 and 4, the Panthers will need a much better effort from their contingent of stars that led them past three of the top four seeds in the Eastern Conference and into the Cup Final.

“The parts of our game that we know that we can improve, we’re going to have to get to real fast. There’s no doubt about that,” Florida coach Paul Maurice said. “We’ll have a pretty simple game plan. I don’t think it’s about scoring goals in this series because I think it’s about defending the rush, and we weren’t great at that tonight.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:43 PM CDT

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone (61) celebrates a goal by teammate Jonathan Marchessault as Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) can't make the stop during the first period of Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Monday, June 5, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Arena deal includes long-term commitment: city

Colette Derworiz, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Arena deal includes long-term commitment: city

Colette Derworiz, The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

CALGARY - A $1.2-billion deal to replace Calgary's aging Saddledome with a new National Hockey League arena would come with a 35-year lease that includes a commitment from the owners of the Calgary Flames to stay in the city, says a city official.

The City of Calgary, Alberta government, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. and Calgary Stampede reached an agreement in principle in late April.

The $1.2-billion price tag for the event centre project includes $800 million for the new arena in addition to parking, transit improvements, a new community rink and an enclosed plaza.

Council's event centre committee met Monday to get a public presentation from city administration on the project and ask some of the questions that have come up since it was announced.

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:18 PM CDT

CALGARY - A $1.2-billion deal to replace Calgary's aging Saddledome with a new National Hockey League arena would come with a 35-year lease that includes a commitment from the owners of the Calgary Flames to stay in the city, says a city official.

The City of Calgary, Alberta government, Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corp. and Calgary Stampede reached an agreement in principle in late April.

The $1.2-billion price tag for the event centre project includes $800 million for the new arena in addition to parking, transit improvements, a new community rink and an enclosed plaza.

Council's event centre committee met Monday to get a public presentation from city administration on the project and ask some of the questions that have come up since it was announced.

Ducks hire former Leafs, Islanders assistant Greg Cronin as head coach

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Ducks hire former Leafs, Islanders assistant Greg Cronin as head coach

Greg Beacham, The Associated Press 5 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:13 PM CDT

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) — Greg Cronin spent 36 years coaching at nearly every level of hockey before he finally got his first chance to be an NHL head coach.

He believes the struggling but talented Anaheim Ducks will be worth that extraordinary wait.

General manager Pat Verbeek hired the 60-year-old Cronin on Monday to lead the Ducks' rebuilding effort out of the worst five-year stretch in franchise history. Cronin is a former NHL assistant and a former head coach in both the AHL and at Northeastern, earning widespread praise for teaching strong principles and leading young players.

For Cronin, who spent the past five seasons leading the Colorado Avalanche's successful AHL affiliate, the Ducks' combination of bountiful young talent and a patient organization are ideal — and as a surfer and long-distance runner, he should fit into Orange County's lifestyle as well.

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:13 PM CDT

FILE - New York Islanders assistant coach Greg Cronin is shown during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014. The Anaheim Ducks have hired veteran NHL assistant and AHL head coach Greg Cronin to be their new head coach. Ducks general manager Pat Verbeek announced the decision Monday to hire the 60-year-old Cronin, who will be a first-time NHL head coach. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Canadiens sign Cole Caufield to 8-year, $62.8 million extension

The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Canadiens sign Cole Caufield to 8-year, $62.8 million extension

The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 5:04 PM CDT

MONTREAL (AP) — Cole Caufield picked up the phone and called his mother after agreeing to a lucrative extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

She couldn’t answer because she was busy at work, teaching. But once she called him back, the two shared a moment over the amount of money that’s not just life-changing for Caufield, but for his family, too.

“She was excited, started crying on the phone. It’s really so special for me and my family,” he said during a video call with reporters. “They couldn’t be more proud, and I couldn’t be more thankful for what they’ve done.

“I’m just … I’m at a loss for words sometimes just thinking about it.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 5:04 PM CDT

FILE - Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield reacts after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, in New York. The Canadiens have signed Caufield to eight-year contract extension on Monday, June 5, 2023. The deal, which will pay the 22-year-old winger an average annual salary of $7.85 million, runs through the 2030-31 season.(AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Canadiens sign Caufield to eight-year extension

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Preview

Canadiens sign Caufield to eight-year extension

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 3:50 PM CDT

MONTREAL - Cole Caufield picked up the phone and called his mother after agreeing to a lucrative extension with the Montreal Canadiens.

She couldn’t answer because she was busy at work, teaching. But once she called him back, the two shared a moment over the amount of money that’s not just life-changing for Caufield, but for his family, too.

“She was excited, started crying on the phone. It's really so special for me and my family,” he said during a video call with reporters. “They couldn't be more proud, and I couldn't be more thankful for what they've done.

“I'm just… I'm at a loss for words sometimes just thinking about it.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 3:50 PM CDT

Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield reacts after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers in the third period of an NHL hockey game Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, in New York. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Adam Hunger

Golden Knights’ Alex Pietrangelo gives new meaning to sacrifice, on and off the ice

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Golden Knights’ Alex Pietrangelo gives new meaning to sacrifice, on and off the ice

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 11:33 AM CDT

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Alex Pietrangelo spoke of sacrifice Sunday, and what it takes for a hockey player to continue his journey this far into an NHL season.

With the Vegas Golden Knights up 1-0 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Florida Panthers, all the players’ personal lives are put on hold for the moment. Summer vacation can wait.

For Pietrangelo, sacrifice is nothing new. In November, it was his career that came to a brief halt.

During Thanksgiving, one of his triplets, 5-year-old daughter Evelyn, came down with the flu. It developed into encephalitis, an inflammation of tissues of the brain, and she lost control of her motor skills.

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Updated: Yesterday at 11:33 AM CDT

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo speaks to the media during an NHL hockey news conference, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Golden Knights know Panthers won’t quit despite Game 1 loss

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Golden Knights know Panthers won’t quit despite Game 1 loss

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The Vegas Golden Knights were flying high after Game 1 in the 2018 Stanley Cup final, having just beaten Washington and believing they were en route to a miracle championship for the first-year franchise.

Then reality hit in a big way, the Capitals winning the next four games and celebrating on the Knights' home ice and later on Las Vegas' famed Strip after Game 5.

It's a memory that has stuck with seven current Vegas players — the six original Knights and Chandler Stephenson, who was on the Capitals at the time. That experience could be vital after the Knights opened this year's Stanley Cup final with a 5-2 Game 1 victory on Saturday over the Florida Panthers.

“I think we're a little bit more humble to the situation now,” said Jonathan Marchessault, who also played for Vegas in its first Cup final. “We know that it doesn't mean anything winning one game in one series. For us, the focus is on next game, and that's how we're going to approach every game.”

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, left, and left wing William Carrier speak to the media during an NHL hockey news conference, Sunday, June 4, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Paul Maurice and Bruce Cassidy coaching in Stanley Cup Final shows value of experience

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Paul Maurice and Bruce Cassidy coaching in Stanley Cup Final shows value of experience

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — The joy Paul Maurice felt on the morning of the start of the Stanley Cup Final was also tinged with sadness. The veteran coach knew there were only at most seven more games left to play.

He had developed a greater appreciation for this moment with the Florida Panthers, 21 removed from his first trip to the final. Bruce Cassidy felt the same way being back as coach of the Vegas Golden Knights three years after falling one win short with Boston.

One of them will hoist the Cup for the first time, and their presence in the final is evidence of why NHL teams looking to win put a priority on experienced coaches. Often derided as “recycled” or “retreads,” coaches like Maurice and Cassidy provide tangible value navigating crucial situations.

“Depending on where your team’s at likely dictates to some extent the decisions that you’re going to make with respect to that position,” said Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon, who fired Peter DeBoer after his team missed the playoffs last year and turned to Cassidy, who was fresh off being dismissed by the Bruins. “We felt for our organization, a successful, experienced coach was the right coach for our team.”

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice speaks with members of the media during a media day ahead of the Stanley Cup hockey finals Friday, June 2, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore finds rhythm at right time to start Stanley Cup Final

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore finds rhythm at right time to start Stanley Cup Final

W.g. Ramirez, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Without a goal all playoffs, Shea Theodore found the net just when the Vegas Golden Knights needed it.

With Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final tied at 1 midway through the second period, Theodore took a pass at one side of the blue line, skated to the other side, circled back to dangle Florida Panthers forward Anthony Duclair and move into the slot before firing a wrist shot past Sergei Bobrovsky.

It was vintage Theodore. And it came at a critical juncture.

Theodore's goal ignited the crowd and, more importantly, his team. He also had an assist in Vegas' series-opening 5-2 victory Saturday night, which was something of a show of redemption for the 27-year-old defenseman.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers during the second period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Golden Knights take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Panthers

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Golden Knights take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Panthers

The Associated Press 2 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Florida Panthers (42-32-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9, first in the Pacific Division)

Paradise, Nevada; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Golden Knights -139, Panthers +118; over/under is 5.5

STANLEY CUP FINAL: Golden Knights lead series 1-0

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Florida Panthers (42-32-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9, first in the Pacific Division)

Paradise, Nevada; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Golden Knights -139, Panthers +118; over/under is 5.5

STANLEY CUP FINAL: Golden Knights lead series 1-0

Panthers not about to panic over Game 1 loss to Golden Knights

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Panthers not about to panic over Game 1 loss to Golden Knights

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 3 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice might have been channelling his inner Aaron Rodgers when he told the assembled media Saturday night to “breathe.”

The Panthers had minutes earlier lost Game 1 of the Stanley Cup final 5-2 to the Vegas Golden Knights, giving up three goals in the third period.

Maurice, whose Florida team rallied from a 3-1 series deficit in the first round to beat the Presidents' Trophy-winning Boston Bruins, knows it's way too early to hand the Stanley Cup to the Knights. And like when Rodgers told Green Bay Packers fans after a 1-2 start in 2014 to “R-E-L-A-X,” Maurice wasn't about to hit the panic button.

Game 2 is Monday in Las Vegas.

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) and Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb battle for the puck during the third period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Vegas Golden Knights come back to beat Florida Panthers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Vegas Golden Knights come back to beat Florida Panthers in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Back in the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in five years and trailing the Florida Panthers less than 10 minutes into Game 1, the Vegas Golden Knights sent a very clear message.

“We were ready,” Jonathan Marchessault said.

Ready and relentless. Vegas rallied from an early deficit, got the go-ahead goal from Zach Whitecloud with just over 13 minutes left and arguably the best save of the playoffs from Adin Hill and beat Florida 5-2 Saturday night to take the lead in the best-of-seven series.

"We kept our composure, and it was good," said Marchessault, one of six original Knights players left from the start of the franchise in 2017 who scored the tying goal in the first period. “We just wanted to play the right way and be disciplined, and tonight we were able to be the better team."

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Sunday, Jun. 4, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone, left, celebrates his goal against the Florida Panthers with Brett Howden (21), defenseman Zach Whitecloud (2) and center Chandler Stephenson during the third period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Vegas goalie Adin Hill makes highlight-reel stick save in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Vegas goalie Adin Hill makes highlight-reel stick save in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Adin Hill made the save of the playoffs — maybe of his life — in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final on Saturday night.

If the Vegas Golden Knights go on to win their first championship in franchise history, it will go down as one of the biggest moments of their run.

Hill wrenched back in the crease and extended his stick to keep Florida’s Nick Cousin from scoring what would have been a surefire goal early in the second period. Hill got his blade in front of the puck just in time to keep the score tied, setting the table for his team to beat the Panthers 5-2 and take the series lead.

“I reached out my stick and was able to get a piece of it with my paddle,” Hill said. “Felt good.”

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Adin Hill (33) stops a shot on goal against the Florida Panthers during the first period of Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Finals, Saturday, June 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Bettman: NHL still committed to keeping Coyotes in Arizona after arena referendum failed

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Bettman: NHL still committed to keeping Coyotes in Arizona after arena referendum failed

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Commissioner Gary Bettman says the NHL is still committed to Arizona after Tempe voters rejected a referendum for a Coyotes arena.

Bettman said the team is looking at other areas around Phoenix for a long-term home.

“It’s a good market, and if we can make it work, we’ll make it work,” Bettman said. “We've had our challenges."

Bettman, who held his annual state of the league news conference Saturday before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Vegas Golden Knights and Florida Panthers, said he was surprised and disappointed but not shocked by the result of the vote last month.

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

Gary Bettman attends the 16th annual Sports Business Awards, presented by Sports Business Journal, at the New York Marriott Marquis on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)

Russians in Stanley Cup Final trying to focus on hockey amid country’s war in Ukraine

W.g. Ramirez And Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Russians in Stanley Cup Final trying to focus on hockey amid country’s war in Ukraine

W.g. Ramirez And Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky insists he has not thought about where he would take the Stanley Cup if he and the Florida Panthers win it. He hasn't been this close before.

Countryman Ivan Barbashev has, celebrating in Moscow with the trophy in 2019. After the Cup was banned from going to Russia last year after the nation's invasion of Ukraine, he figures it might be the same if he and the Vegas Golden Knights beat Bobrovsky and the Panthers in the final.

Bobrovsky and Barbashev are the only Russian players left in the NHL playoffs, and they go into the final that begins Saturday in Las Vegas with their focus on hockey and not the war now in its 15th month.

“I think it’s not the spot, it’s not the good point to talk about right now," Bobrovsky said at media day Friday. "Right now we (are) focusing on hockey. It’s not about politics or what’s going on anywhere. It’s a big hockey celebration, Stanley Cup Final. I’ve never been in that spot before, and I want to enjoy this opportunity and enjoy this atmosphere.”

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Saturday, Jun. 3, 2023

CORRECTS TO RIGHT WING JONATHAN MARCHESSAULT SCORED NOT BARBASHEV - Vegas Golden Knight center Ivan Barbashev celebrates after right wing Jonathan Marchessault scored during the second period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals against the Dallas Stars, Monday, May 29, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)

Vegas-Florida Stanley Cup Final pits top team in West against upstart in East

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Preview

Vegas-Florida Stanley Cup Final pits top team in West against upstart in East

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 5 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Few expected the Florida Panthers to be playing for the Stanley Cup. Not with two weeks left in the regular season and certainly not when they trailed the NHL-best Boston Bruins 3-1 in the first round.

The Vegas Golden Knights expected to be playing for the Stanley Cup. It was ownership's plan from Day One of the franchise, to win it within six years, and a trip to the final in its inaugural season only shifted the hockey team in the desert into perennial contender mode.

Taking opposite roads to this point, Florida and Vegas now collide in the Cup Final with one team set to win the title for the first time. The Panthers are the upstarts out of the Eastern Conference and the last team to make the playoffs, and the Golden Knights are the powerhouse champions of the West.

Only one can finish this story on a winning note.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Vegas Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy listens during a news conference ahead of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final Friday, June 2, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Eichel making most of 1st postseason as Golden Knights prepare for Panthers in Cup final

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Eichel making most of 1st postseason as Golden Knights prepare for Panthers in Cup final

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Jack Eichel didn't know what to expect when the NHL playoffs began in April.

He just knew he was eager to experience the postseason for the first time in his eight-year career — and what a time it's been for him. Eichel is a major reason why the Vegas Golden Knights are in the Stanley Cup Final.

“It’s where you want to be as a player and (it's) been taking a few years for me to get here,” Eichel said. “It’s been a great experience. It’s been a lot of fun sharing with the guys in the room, the emotions, winning and moving on.

"Having your family around, getting (to) experience with them, they’ve been with you your whole life.”

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) deflects a shot from Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9), while Stars defenseman Ryan Suter (20) watches during the second period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup Western Conference finals Thursday, May 25, 2023, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

TNT readies for first Stanley Cup Final; first one exclusively on cable since 1994

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

TNT readies for first Stanley Cup Final; first one exclusively on cable since 1994

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 4 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Turner Sports has had its share of significant sports events. The Stanley Cup Final, though, will be the first time a champion from one of North America's four major pro sports will air on TNT.

Saturday’s Game 1 between the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights also marks the first time since 1994 the final will be entirely on cable.

TNT, which now falls under the Warner Brothers Discovery Sports umbrella, is in its second season covering the NHL. It also has the Stanley Cup Final in 2025 and 2027 under a seven-year rights agreement that began last season.

“We’re excited, humbled and honored. We’re really interested in bringing our hockey lens to the finals and creating something special for the fans,” said Craig Barry, the chief content officer for WBD Sports.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Members of the media interview players on the Vegas Golden Knights during media day ahead of the NHL Stanley Cup hockey final Friday, June 2, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Habs re-sign Pezzetta to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Habs re-sign Pezzetta to two-year extension

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

MONTREAL - The Montreal Canadiens have signed winger Michael Pezzetta to a two-year, $1.625-million contract extension, the club announced Friday.

The Toronto native had seven goals and 15 points in 63 games with the team in 2022-23 — his first full NHL season.

Pezzetta, 25, led Montreal in hits with 239, while his 77 penalty minutes topped all Canadiens forwards.

Selected with the 160th pick at the 2016 draft, the six-foot-one, 210-pound winger has 12 goals and 26 points in 112 career NHL games.

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Montreal Canadiens' Michael Pezzetta (55) reacts after scoring against Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen as Hurricanes' Shayne Gostisbehere (41) looks on during second period NHL hockey action in Montreal, Tuesday, March 7, 2023. The Canadiens signed Pezzetta to a two-year, $1.625-million contract extension, the club announced Friday.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Golden Knights host the Panthers to open the Stanley Cup Final

The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Golden Knights host the Panthers to open the Stanley Cup Final

The Associated Press 2 minute read Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Florida Panthers (42-32-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9, first in the Pacific Division)

Paradise, Nevada; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Golden Knights -130, Panthers +110; over/under is 5.5

STANLEY CUP FINAL: Golden Knights host series opener

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Friday, Jun. 2, 2023

Florida Panthers (42-32-8, fourth in the Atlantic Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (51-22-9, first in the Pacific Division)

Paradise, Nevada; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NHL LINE: Golden Knights -130, Panthers +110; over/under is 5.5

STANLEY CUP FINAL: Golden Knights host series opener

Golden Knights out to fulfill owner’s quest to win Stanley Cup in 6th year

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Golden Knights out to fulfill owner’s quest to win Stanley Cup in 6th year

Mark Anderson, The Associated Press 4 minute read Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Drivers were directed to the overflow parking lot Thursday morning, and a line at least 30 deep waited and hoped to get into the Vegas Golden Knights' practice.

It was like 2018 all over again.

Except this Knights team is no longer the unexpected first-year expansion club making a shocking run to the Stanley Cup Final. Expectations are considerably higher as Vegas prepares to open its best-of-seven series Saturday against the Florida Panthers — this year's version of the 2018 Knights — and the only team goal it hasn't reached is lifting the Cup.

“We’ve got, I think, a way better team overall," said William Carrier, one of the six original players still on the team. "The first year, everyone was on a contract year. Everyone was overplaying what they really are. We overachieved. It was a bit more of an emotional year that year. I think this year, we deserve to be here. We’ve played well all year and we’ve got some great guys and we’ve got some depth, so it’s a little different than the first year.”

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Thursday, Jun. 1, 2023

June 6, 2023

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